Hoover's Magazine, June 2017

Cooking at the club

Inverness Country Club Executive Chef Ben Vaughn gets creative

City Bowls Couple’s new food truck offers healthy treats

Revealing a deeper truth Artist’s paintings to be featured at Gardens

Sealed in history Time capsule placed at Hoover City Hall June 2017 Hooversmagazine.com $4.95 June 2017 | Hoover’s Magazine •

1

2

• Hoover’s Magazine | June 2017

Listening to you helps us see your whole picture.

To get great care for your everyday life, you need more than an everyday doctor. Ascension® care teams at St. Vincent’s Primary Care-Hoover take the time to listen so we can understand all aspects of you and your life.

With a convenient location in Hoover, our skilled doctors and staff provide the care you need, where you need it.

Schedule an appointment at stvprimarycare.com.

June 2017 | Hoover’s Magazine •

1

Time for a summer treat Summer is here, and for my family, that means life slows down a bit.

My husband is a teacher, so he has a summer break. Naturally, his daily pace slows down (albeit not by much) in June and July.

My work schedule doesn’t change during the summer, but I can tell a difference in some people I talk to – they are less rushed, more relaxed and often thinking about an upcoming trip to the lake or the beach.

Chances are, they’re also thinking about how hot it is outside. (We live in Alabama, after all.) But what better excuse is there than a sweltering summer day to find a cool treat to temper the heat?

Allow me to introduce you to a new treat in town: City Bowls.

Helena’s Cory and Erin Dill opened City Bowls, an acai food truck, in mid-April and have served hundreds of acai bowls and smoothies since then.

For each bowl, the couple blends acai (a berry packed with antioxidants, with fruit) and top it with freshly cut fruit, granola, honey and other healthy ingredients.

June 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 Clarke Stackhouse

Their smoothies follow the same nutritious concept.

I bought an Island Bowl from City Bowls at Green Valley’s Food Truck Thursday event in April. It was delicious, and the best part was I didn’t have to feel guilty about indulging since it was healthy.

If you’re looking for a cool, refreshing snack that won’t ruin your diet, I suggest trying a City Bowls or smoothie. For updates on acai bowl where the truck will be in the coming days, visit City Bowls on Instagram and Facebook.

Don’t miss the other stories in this issue, including the latest installment in the city of Hoover’s 50th anniversary festivities; a feature on artist Amy R. Peterson and her upcoming solo exhibit at Aldridge Gardens; and much more.

You can contact me with ideas, comments and suggestions at Emily.

Sparacino@Hooversmagazine.com.

Happy summer to 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

Kari George

Katie McDowell

Steven Calhoun

Jamie Dawkins

Rachel Henderson

Mary Jo Eskridge

Stephen Dawkins

Clarke Stackhouse Daniel Holmes

Kristy Brown

Alec Etheredge

Hagan Joiner

Hailey Dolbare

Briana Harris

Donna Knott

Stacey Meadows

Amalia Kortright

Kim McCulla

Keith McCoy

Rhett McCreight

Emily Sparacino

Ashley Murphy

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.

2

• Hoover’s Magazine | June 2017

FOOD & ENTERTAINMENT 14

Clean palate Inverness Country Club Executive Chef Ben Vaughn infuses new flavor into club dining

25

Having a bowl Helena’s Cory and Erin Dill sell acai bowls, smoothies at City Bowls food truck June 2017 | Hoover’s Magazine • 3

inside

40

48

ARTS & CULTURE 5 A good impression

Works by local painter Amy R. Peterson to be exhibited at Aldridge Gardens

FOOD & ENTERTAINMENT 14 Clean palate

At Inverness Country Club, Executive Chef Ben Vaughn infuses new flavor into club dining

25

4

Having a bowl Helena’s Cory and Erin Dill sell acai bowls, smoothies at City Bowls food truck

54

32

25

FEATURES 32 Preserving yesterday and today City fills time capsule with items from schools for 50th anniversary

40

48

52

• Hoover’s Magazine | June 2017

Building memories Burtons’ foresight nearly 50 years ago lands them in home overlooking Star Lake Serving up togetherness Family offers Middle Eastern, American eats at Wings Plus V & Grill HooverPaloosa Hoover Soccer Club hosts first fundraiser event

14

FEATURES 54 Baking the best

Bud’s Best Cookies founder inducted into Baking Hall of Fame

HEALTH & BEAUTY 56 Top 10 tips

An anesthesiologist addresses chronic spinal pain

IN EVERY ISSUE 2 Editor’s Note 11

The Book Nook

12

Aldridge Gardens newsletter

22

Snippets

57

Hoover Area Chamber Connection

63

Spotted

75

Marketplace

78

Calendar

80

Why I Love Hoover

arts & culture

A GOOD IMPRESSION Works by local painter Amy R. Peterson to be exhibited at Aldridge Gardens

WRITTEN BY EMILY SPARACINO PHOTOS BY DAWN HARRISON AND CONTRIBUTED

B

irmingham native and artist Amy R. Peterson has shown her work at numerous venues and made lasting connections in the local art community over the last 10 years.

In June and July, Peterson’s paintings will

be featured in a solo exhibit at Aldridge Gardens in Hoover.

“In this show, you’ll find my Alabama landscapes, Birmingham city scenes, floral still lifes, interiors, animals and more,” Peterson said. “I paint from my own life experience, and literally from life as much as possible, whether that means setting up my easel in the countryside, or

Amy R. Peterson paints a scene at Aldridge Gardens, where her work will be displayed in a solo exhibit in June and July.

June 2017 | Hoover’s Magazine •

5

6

• Hoover’s Magazine | June 2017

in a dining room, in a garden, or on a city block.”

Every two months, Aldridge Gardens brings award-winning local and regional artists to Hoover with a featured show at the Aldridge Gardens Gallery.

“These featured artist shows at Aldridge Gardens bring exceptional and diverse artists and their work to the Hoover community, in a beautiful home and garden setting, where you can take time to enjoy and experience the art,” Peterson said. “I’m honored to be among these artists. Art has a wonderful way of making things (and us!) slow down. That’s ever important today, for people of all ages.”

Dozens of Peterson’s original paintings will be displayed in the exhibit.

Peterson serves on the Arts and Sculpture Committee at Aldridge Gardens.

She has met new friends and clients through art associations, art shows and galleries including Artists Incorporated in Vestavia, the Beverly McNeil Gallery in Lakeview and Stonehenge Gallery in Montgomery.

“These featured artist shows at

Aldridge Gardens bring exceptional and diverse artists and their work to the Hoover community, in a beautiful home and garden setting, where you can take time to enjoy and experience the art.”

— Amy R. Peterson Peterson is a member of the Oil Painters of America, the American Impressionist Society, the Alabama Plein Air Artists and the Mountain Brook Art Association.

Her impressionistic oil paintings – a collection of landscapes, still life, Birmingham city scenes, interior scenes and plein air – have won awards at the Bluff Park Art Association, the Gadsden Museum of Art’s Spring Plein Air Invitational, the 2016 Alabama Plein Air Artists’ Juried Show and the Mountain

Peterson serves on the Arts and Sculpture Committee at Aldridge Gardens. She is a member of the Oil Painters of America, the American Impressionist Society, the Alabama Plein Air Artists and the Mountain Brook Art Association.

June 2017 | Hoover’s Magazine •

7

CLOCKWISE FROM FAR LEFT: Peterson paints “en plein air” in Gadsden.

Outdoor scenes like this one, “Cahaba River Symphony,” appear often in Peterson’s paintings.

This outdoor scene is title “View from the Dunes.”

8

Brook Art Association.

More recently, her work reached the national arena through acceptance into the 2016 Oil Painters of America Salon Exhibition.

“I’ve been told by many people, when they see one of my paintings of a familiar place, that I made it look better than it actually does,” Peterson said. “Through my art, I am trying to reveal something of the essence of a place, a deeper truth beyond the superficial, rather than replicating the image in front of me. If I can come close

• Hoover’s Magazine | June 2017

to that, it is, indeed, a beautiful thing. But the real beauty happens in the process of creating the art. When you take time to appreciate a work of art, that process can begin to reveal itself to you. And that’s why there is simply no substitute for original art.”

Also in 2016, her Birmingham city paintings were highlighted in the “StyleBlueprint Birmingham” FACES edition.

This year, her work is to be featured in an upcoming issue of “Art Galleries and

Artists of the South.”

In Birmingham, Peterson is exclusively represented by the Beverly McNeil Gallery.

Peterson’s exhibit at Aldridge Gardens includes large studio paintings, along with smaller studies and plein air works.

An opening reception for the exhibit will be held Monday, June 12, from 6-7 p.m. The exhibit will continue through Aug. 5.

“Art is for everyone,” Peterson said. “And thanks to members and community support, Aldridge Gardens is open to everyone. Collecting original art may not be everyone’s passion, but for those who do value it June 2017 | Hoover’s Magazine •

9

CLOCKWISE FROM TOP LEFT: Peterson also paints indoor scenes like this one, titled "Letting in the Breeze." Peterson's work reached national recognition through acceptance into the 2016 Oil Painters of America Salon Exhibition. Peterson paints another scene at a different spot in Aldridge Gardens.

10

greatly, they can tell you there is simply no substitute for original art.”

All sales from the exhibit benefit Aldridge Gardens, a 30-acre spread of property formerly belonging to horticulturist Eddie Aldridge and his wife, Kay, that opened to the public in 2002.

“June is a particularly gorgeous time to visit Aldridge Gardens, where you’ll find hydrangea varietals in bloom,” Peterson said. “Enjoy the walking trails that wind around the picturesque lake and through native Alabama botanicals and wildlife, outdoor sculptures and the latest installation, the Veterans Memorial Arbor.”

Residents of Hoover and surrounding areas may become members of Aldridge

• Hoover’s Magazine | June 2017

Gardens to receive special access and discounts.

Member support keeps the Gardens open to the public and ensures the venue’s future as a treasured gem in Hoover, and, as the motto reads, to keep “nature and art in balance.”

Aldridge Gardens is located at 3530 Lorna Road and is open from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. daily. An additional members-only hour is offered from 6-7 p.m.

For more information and to confirm the Gardens are open before a visit, call (205) 682-8019.

For more information about Peterson and her art, visit her website, AmyRPeterson. com. n

the book nook

Summer fun for everyone at library Reflecting on childhood memories brings a sense of contentment. Watching children enjoy the same events we remember, and actively helping make the same lasting memories, provides joy and an enhanced connection between generations. The chance to take part and relive experiences as an adult is a rare and wonderful Steve Knutson opportunity. All of this is Circulation Librarian available to you at the Hoover Public Library this summer. Our Summer Reading Program, “Build a Better World,” is for patrons of any age.

Times change and there are aspects of our Summer Reading Program that have been modernized since your childhood, but you can rest assured that the basic notion remains the same: read books and get prizes. Naturally there are separate rules and prizes for children and adults. One of the new twists is the ability to sign up online using this web site: https://hooverlibrary.beanstack.org/reader365.

We still provide paper logs.

Our Nonfiction Department will once again provide a chance to be a winner with the Stump the Librarian program, which lets you pick a trivia question to test the smarts of your friendly neighborhood librarian. If you stump them, your name is entered into a prize drawing.

If your children are like mine, you will hear, “What are we going to do now?” or “I’m so bored” after about week two of the summer. Bring your child to the Hoover Public Library as our Children’s Department will provide numerous programs (over 60 programs) that will entertain children of all ages and interests!

You can also come by the library and pick up an events calendar to keep up-to-date with activities. Summer is the perfect time to get in touch with your inner child and lead a young person down a familiar path to the Hoover Public Library. n

Patton Chapel ANIMAL

CLINIC

2016

Steve Knutson is the Circulation Librarian at the Hoover Public Library.

June 2017 | Hoover’s Magazine •

11

In the Gallery

There is something for everyone at Aldridge Gardens! We offer tours, plants for sale, and classes about plants and other topics to meet your interest. Nature lovers can enjoy walks through gardens featuring hydrangeas, camellias, native azaleas, and other Alabama plants. Stroll around our lake and experience the sights and sounds of an urban forest.

Along the way, pause for reflection at the Veterans Memorial Arbor, which spans the 125-foot dam.

Art lovers will appreciate outdoor sculptures in the Gardens. Inside the gallery, see works of Alabama artists, as well as our special Frank Fleming bronze sculpture display, donated by Hoover resident Ken Jackson. Our unique bonsai collection, located on the patio behind the house, showcases the ancient art of growing dwarfed ornamental trees or shrubs in shallow pots.

This month you will hear the happy voices of children participating in our summer camps; there is always something going on at Aldridge Gardens! Go to aldridgegardens.com and check out the events calendar for upcoming classes and other special events.

Meet the Artist Reception: Monday, June 12, 6-7 p.m.

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

Impressionistic oil paintings of award winning Birmingham artist Amy R. Peterson will be on display and available for sale during June and July. This show will include her local landscapes (“plein air” and studio works); Birmingham city scenes; florals and still life; and historic Alabama interior scenes.

Members-Only Guided Bird Walk!

Saturday, June 17, 8-10 a.m.

What a great way to spend a morning! Join Richard and Patricia Ryel on a guided tour to view the many species of birds in the Gardens.

Experience nature, meet new friends, and enjoy fresh air and a little exercise in beautiful Aldridge Gardens. Be sure to bring your binoculars! This monthly members-only event is free, but please RSVP at aldridgegardens.com.

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

Mark Your Calendars!

It’s not too early to put the following popular events on your fall calendar! Art in the Gardens is your chance to enjoy the works of Alabama artisans and to shop for great gifts for others and yourself. Whispers from the Past will immerse you in Native American culture and crafts. Then, spend an evening under the stars sampling delicious food and drinks from local restaurants at Taste of Hoover.

Note: If your restaurant is interested in participating in Taste of Hoover, please contact Tynette Lynch at tlynch@ aldridgegardens.com or call Aldridge Gardens at 205682-8019.

Art in the Gardens: Saturday, September 23 Whispers From the Past: Sunday, October 8 (Rain date October 15) Taste of Hoover: Thursday, October 12 (Rain date October 19)

Go OUTSIDE & PLAY

Mention this ad & get a

Free Bath

with a 3 night stay!

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

Are you looking for the perfect setting for your special event? Aldridge Gardens offers a variety of beautiful venues for parties, corporate meetings, weddings, and retreats. Let our professional event planners help make your day perfect!

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

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

June 2017 | Hoover’s Magazine •

13

food & entertainment

14

• Hoover’s Magazine | June 2017

CLEAN PALATE At Inverness Country Club, Executive Chef Ben Vaughn infuses new flavor into club dining WRITTEN BY EMILY SPARACINO PHOTOS BY DAWN HARRISON

mystery basket, if you will.”

After working in several restaurants in Florida, Vaughn moved to Indiana to hen he was about 13 years attend Indiana University. He worked in old, Ben Vaughn took a different restaurants through college. job at a Greek diner in “It was an experience, being from the Florida and noticed what he South,” he said. “Working through school, I described as an “electric vibe” among staff can totally tell the restaurant was calling me members in the kitchen. more than the school was calling me.”

The brand of excitement that affected Vaughn moved back to Miami and a young Vaughn in that diner is the same enrolled in culinary school at the Art brand he has pursued for the last 22 years Institute of Fort Lauderdale. as a chef.

Although he had already gained practical “I just kind of fell in love with that whole skills from working in restaurants, Vaughn fast-paced lifestyle,” Vaughn, 40, said. said he wanted to expand his knowledge of As Inverness Country Club’s executive the craft. chef, Vaughn reflected on his career and “It was helpful to have that foundation of the lessons he has learned from years of already working,” he said. “It helped (me) working in the restaurant industry, an kind of figure out what was realistic and industry not designed for the faint-hearted. what was textbook.”

Vaughn is originally from Miami, While in school, Vaughn apprenticed Florida, where Caribbean, Cuban and with several chefs in Miami and started to Floridian styles of food meet in the kitchen. appreciate the farm-to-table movement and He learned at a young age how to be sourcing fresh ingredients locally. creative in cooking with an unpredictable “It was a great experience,” he said. set of ingredients from one day to the next.

Then, he left Florida to pursue an “I grew up with a single mom and opportunity to apprentice with chef Charlie sister, so we fended for ourselves while she Trotter in Chicago.

LEFT: Ben Vaughn worked two jobs,” Vaughn said. “Every “It was a non-paying job, so that was is executive chef at night was an episode of ‘Chopped’ … a difficult, but completely worth it,” Vaughn Inverness Country Club.

W

June 2017 | Hoover’s Magazine •

15

CLOCKWISE FROM ABOVE: The dining room at Inverness Country Club is the site where various meals prepared

by Vaughn and his staff are served. Vaughn chops ingredients for a dish.

16

said, adding he also worked with Homaro Cantu, Trotter’s then sous-chef. “It was a really intense experience. It’s like I almost had everything to lose and everything to gain. It was a lifestyle choice.”

Vaughn went on to apprentice with Cantu, who had opened a restaurant called Moto in Chicago.

“The experience of building something from scratch, you have a completely different set of eyes on that,” Vaughn said.

“Developing systems and ingredients and menus … it was quite the experience to be a part of that team.”

After that, Vaughn left to pursue an opportunity in Memphis, Tennessee, to open a restaurant inside of a Hilton hotel.

“I didn’t know what I was getting myself into,” he said, adding the move – a significant change both geographically and professionally for Vaughn – introduced him to a different pace and style of food.

And, as a father, Vaughn was working to support more than just himself.

“The grounding of having a family in Memphis is what kept me in Memphis,” he said. “It became my own little food town.”

• Hoover’s Magazine | June 2017

Several years later, Vaughn welcomed a son, along with an opportunity to run a restaurant called River Oaks.

In 2007, the restaurant received a regional nomination for a James Beard Foundation award.

JBF is a non-profit organization whose mission is to “celebrate, nurture and honor chefs and other leaders making America’s food culture more delicious, diverse and sustainable for everyone,” according to its website. In addition, the Foundation operates the James Beard House in New York City’s Greenwich Village and invites chefs to “perform” there by preparing meals for different groups of people.

Vaughn was invited to cook three dinners at the Beard House, an honor he likened to a musician being chosen to perform at Carnegie Hall.

After leaving River Oaks, Vaughn opened a restaurant – a “tiny eatery” in Memphis’s Midtown area – and named it after his daughter, Grace.

“It was a great experience to be able to, ground up, build my vision from farm to plate (and) develop my own staff,” Vaughn

said.

Although he had developed a positive reputation as a chef, Vaughn said opening his own restaurant was “one of the scariest and most exciting things ever.”

“It was flooded,” he said of the restaurant. “It was exhausting.”

Then, he took a risk and used revenue from Grace to open Au Fond, a breakfast and lunch, farm-totable cheese shop that was “a little ahead of its time in Memphis,” Vaughn said.

“We were doing things in there I learned from a large market,” he said. “We were doing things outside of the box.”

The restaurant built a solid following, but in 2008, the economy crashed.

Vaughn and his wife didn’t have business partners, and they had a little girl and a second child on the way.

They sold one of the restaurants and closed the other.

Six months later, Vaughn received an offer to open a restaurant in Atlanta called White Oak. And then, another surprise came calling.

“We were packing, and someone called me from a casting company for Food Network,” he said.

“I thought it was a joke, maybe one of my old employees.”

June 2017 | Hoover’s Magazine •

17

Line cooks Gary Jones, left, and Dustin Allin.

18

It wasn’t a joke.

“They wanted me to host the show called ‘Health Inspectors,’” Vaughn said. “We took that opportunity with Food Network, all while moving to Atlanta and opening a restaurant.”

The restaurant was a hit, but the show, despite a healthy following in Canada and the U.S., wasn’t renewed for a second season.

Vaughn also realized his divided attention and temporary absences weren’t good for White Oaks.

“Shooting a TV show all over the country and running a restaurant is almost impossible,” he said.

“Health Inspectors” led Vaughn to other opportunities, including co-hosting a show on A&E’s FYI Network, working with the Travel Channel on a show called “Buffet Buddies” and writing.

Vaughn started writing regular columns for Las Vegas Sun and The Daily Meal.

• Hoover’s Magazine | June 2017

“I really enjoyed it because it was another version of being able to creatively express myself,” he said. “My wife is a really great writer. She was able to help me find my voice on paper, which was really difficult to do. She was my in-house editor.”

A book deal was the next step for Vaughn.

Vaughn’s first book, “Southern Routes: Secret Recipes from the Best DownHome Joints in the South,” published in September 2015.

“My intentions for the book were to travel to 10 Southern states and go to meat-and-three restaurants, which seem to best represent Southern food,” Vaughn said.

“I was just in love with that philosophy of utilizing ingredients that were only available for hundreds of years. People romanticize Southern food, but it’s actually a food that grew through a lot of sadness, a lot of turmoil in our country and where we came from.”

He said some of the restaurant owners wouldn’t share their recipes. In those cases, he recreated the dishes to the best of his ability and asked the owners to give the dishes a thumbs up or a thumbs down.

The book was picked up immediately by QVC, and sales jumped from 0 to 10,000 copies in eight minutes one day, according to Vaughn.

“I started my own consulting firm during the writing process because I was unavailable to anyone to sit in a restaurant 80 hours a week,” he said.

He also started speaking to students at culinary schools, including Penn State University, Johnson & Wales University and smaller schools like Culinard and Le Cordon Bleu.

In one-hour lectures, Vaughn sought to mentor students in a candid way, shedding light on the hard knocks of the industry and the value of hard work and persistence.

“I was grounded at that point,” Vaughn said. “I’d already put my time in. Speaking to students was super liberating.

“It was a healing process for me of

“I cook real food, no bells and

whistles, no smoke and mirrors, not an episode of Fear Factor. It’s just real food done well, sourced as close as humanly possible. I think that speaks volumes of the club.”

— Ben Vaughn having ups and downs in the industry,” he added. “It was like therapy. Coming out of my mouth and saying it made it real.

Mentoring those students was a blast.”

Vaughn said he tried to give students a realistic picture of a typical career in the food industry.

“You don’t walk around in your whites and get pictures taken of you. You work like a dog, manage people, counsel people, talk people through addiction,” Vaughn said.

“The schools were really teaching the real

Don’t let pain or injury keep you from doing what you love!

Visit your local BenchMark Physical Therapy.

Our licensed physical therapists are trained to get you moving and feeling better—faster! Let us focus on your full recovery while you focus on what matters to you.

ALTADENA SQUARE • (205) 298-8711 CHELSEA (THE NARROWS) • (205) 981-4534 CRESTLINE • (205) 957-0870 HELENA • (205) 621-8822 HOOVER • (205) 403-8701 MOODY • (205) 640-0257 NEW CLINIC • SPRINGVILLE • (205) 467-0110

June 2017 | Hoover’s Magazine •

19

CLOCKWISE FROM ABOVE: Vaughn, right, talks to Jones and Allin in the kitchen. Pictured is the foyer inside the club, and the Inverness Country Club logo.

20

guts of what the industry’s like.”

When Vaughn was approached by Inverness Country Club for its executive chef position, he didn’t take the charge lightly.

“I saw it as my largest challenge of my career,” he said. “Country clubs … it’s a member-driven business. You have to have the ability to meet everyone’s taste buds, which can be difficult.”

Vaughn praised ICC General Manager Steve Korson for his extensive knowledge and approach to management.

“He is probably the nicest guy in entire world,” Vaughn said. “He’s a really great individual, and he’s been great to work for the last four months, and super supportive.

I was given a blank slate, like a clean palate, and that was exciting.”

Vaughn and his team cook everything from scratch; they make the bread, smoke the meats, grind the burgers and everything in between.

• Hoover’s Magazine | June 2017

They source all of their ingredients from a 400-mile radius, and an in-house garden is under construction.

“This is a marathon, not a race. It’s about consistency which builds credibility,” Vaughn said. “I can’t just say we’re the best; I have to prove it, day in and day out.”

From his place in the ICC kitchen, Vaughn plans to help take the club to “a phenomenal level,” where there is no question a better club exists for dining.

“Our goal for the club is to be cutting edge without being unfamiliar,” he said. “I cook real food, no bells and whistles, no smoke and mirrors, not an episode of Fear Factor. It’s just real food done well, sourced as close as humanly possible. I think that speaks volumes of the club.”

Vaughn’s second book is slated to be released in April 2018.

Another project Vaughn has devoted time to lately is “The Breakfast Show,” a digital series he hosts on Small Screen Network.

In an independent project not in conjunction with ICC, Vaughn is planning a series of pop-up dinners in Birmingham that will feature only ingredients from Alabama.

“It will be a true experience, something that Birmingham has never seen,” Vaughn said. “We are currently building out the location, and tickets will go on sale this summer. I’m proud and excited to bring such an event to Birmingham, my new home. I credit chefs like Frank Stitt and Chris Hastings for forging the path, but these dinners will be a game changer for the way Birmingham dines out, sensory overload.”

Tickets will be pre-sold and offered online at Vaughn’s web store at BVate.com.

Aside from the books and television shows and digital

projects––and even the cooking–– Vaughn said he enjoys the less publicized parts of being a chef, including writing menus and experimenting with new uses of common ingredients.

“You can work with very reasonable ingredients and still make them shine,” he said.

“Food doesn’t have to have that sensational thing happening. It can be a form of entertainment, but in moderation. It really is the sustainability of life.”

A busy 20 years, a whirlwind, a blast. Whatever descriptions Vaughn uses for his time as a chef thus far are balanced with his focus on the future.

“It’s going to be an exciting few years in Inverness,” Vaughn said.

To follow Vaughn’s culinary adventures, visit BVate.com. n June 2017 | Hoover’s Magazine •

21

happening in hoover

SMS honors unsung AfricanAmerican heroes In celebration of African-American History Month, students in Tamera Carter’s seventh grade Language Arts class at Simmons Middle School in Hoover created a Living Wax Museum honoring unsung heroes in African-American culture.

A list of African-Americans, who are not usually profiled, but have contributed to the fabric of America, was created. Individuals included Doris Miller, the first AfricanAmerican to be awarded the Navy Cross for his bravery during the Pearl Harbor attack; Baseball Hall of Famer Josh Gibson, considered to be one of the greatest players in all of baseball; Carter G. Woodson, the father of Black History Month; and Bessie Coleman, the first AfricanAmerican female to hold a pilot’s license.

Students elected a person from the list and esearched his or her life.

Students then wrote and memorized speeches. Students then “became” their famous person, embodying a characterization of that person, including utilizing costumes and props.

22

• Hoover’s Magazine | June 2017

Schools advance to scholastic competitions Spain Park High School and Indian Springs School were two of the teams that qualified for national scholastic competition tournaments based on their performance at the state tournament on April 7.

Spain Park High School and coach Tiffany Hamilton finished in second place overall one year after winning the state championship.

SPHS will receive a $500 prize.

Indian Springs School, with coaches William Blackerby and Cal Woodruff, was the Class 3A champion.

Eight teams from a field of 24 qualified for national tournaments.

The event was held at Jefferson State Community College’s ShelbyHoover Campus, as is usually the case, though last year’s competition was held at the old Berry High School because of a conflict, according to Sharon Daily, tournament coordinator for the Alabama Scholastic Competition Association.

Teams begin with district competitions, then four regional competitions, with the top four teams from each regional advancing to the state competition.

About 100 schools across the state compete in the program.

Each team is made up of six students from grades 9-12.

The teams compete in a series of head-to-head matches.

Each match begins with a period of 10 open questions, with each student having the chance to buzz in first and present an answer.

During the second period, the students are given a worksheet with 20 questions and two minutes to answer correctly as many of the questions as possible.

The third period includes 10 more open questions.

After the three periods, the team with the most points, earned through providing correct answers, is the winner.

Students honored with Finley Award Simmons Middle School recently announced this year’s Finley Award winners.

These 12 individuals were chosen from the school’s 875 students to receive this honor based on overall positive behavior and outstanding character.

The 2016-2017 SMS Finley Award winners include sixth graders Tyler Black, Audrey Hankins, Dylan Lunsford and Haley Rich; seventh graders Andrew Childs, Claire Manering, Phedra Peter and Fernanda Valdez Padilla; and eighth graders Corinne Crawford, Bobby Mosely, Caroline Schock and Blake White.

The students were honored at the Finley Awards Ceremony on March 23.

The criteria for the individuals receiving the Finley Award are: Sets high standards for himself or herself; assumes responsibilities over those normally expected of his or her position; exemplifies quiet leadership; encourages the best in others; possesses an outstanding work ethic; has genuine concern for others; is respected by others and respects others; has a humble manner; is honest in all his or her dealings with others; is committed to his or her organization; sets a positive example for both young people and adults; and is considerate of others.

In making the selection, other personal attributes and achievements may be considered; however, the recognition of outstanding character is the primary purpose of these awards.

www.SouthlakeOrthopaedics.com

Sports Medicine

Spine Center

Testing, Surgery & Rehabilitation all conveniently located in your neighborhood.

“Less pain. More living.”

Michael F. Blum, M.D. | Ekkehard Bonatz, M.D. | George Robert Booker, M.D. William S. Craig, M.D. | Donald A. Deinlein, M.D. | Michael T. Ellerbusch, M.D. John S. Kirchner, M.D. | William D. Krauss, D.O. | Michael D. Smith, M.D. William D. Sudduth, M.D. | C.J. Talbert, M.D. Medplex Medical Building 4517 Southlake Parkway Hoover, Alabama 35244

Grandview Physicians Plaza 3686 Grandview Parkway, Suite 430 Birmingham, Alabama 35243

For an appointment, call 205-985-4111

On-site MRI and Physical Therapy

June 2017 | Hoover’s Magazine •

23

happening in hoover

Military items displayed at middle school

Simmons Middle School students and the community were given the opportunity to view vintage and historical military artifacts last month as Military Collectibles, a traveling exhibit, made a stop at the school.

Marine veterans Lamar Scott and Buddy Simpson provide this opportunity to schools around the Southeast, free of charge, as a way to teach military history and to preserve the legacy of the men and women who have served in the Armed Forces.

Scott and Simpson have uniforms from all branches of the service, and the uniforms date from the SpanishAmerican War to the present.

The two gentlemen, along with Air Force veteran Marty Potash, provided examples of how the weapons of war have changed throughout the various conflicts, while answering questions, re-telling stories, and providing first-hand accounts of America’s military involvement around the world.

Visitors saw such items as flasks, medical supplies, war medals, money, cavalry items and photographs.

24

• Hoover’s Magazine | June 2017

Greystone to host Regions Tradition through 2023 PGA TOUR Champions and Regions Bank announced a title sponsorship extension of the Regions Tradition through 2023.

The current agreement runs through 2018, with the April 10 announcement extending an additional five years for one of the tour’s five major championships.

Greystone Golf and Country Club, which debuted as the tournament venue in 2016, will remain as host through the 2023 event.

“Regions’ commitment to the tournament continues more than one tradition,” said Scott Peters, head of Regions Consumer Banking. “It helps ensure that both a PGA TOUR Champions major championship and a more than 25-year legacy of support for local charities and businesses are sustained in the Birmingham area for many years to come. Regions is proud to work with the PGA TOUR and present this exceptional event in the community.”

Since 2011, Regions has been title sponsor of the Tradition, a major championship introduced in 1989.

Prior to sponsoring the Tradition, Regions and the PGA TOUR presented the Regions Charity Classic from 2006-2010.

“We are pleased to announce the extension for the Regions Tradition, which has created a wealth of excitement for PGA TOUR Champions golf in the greater Birmingham area,” PGA TOUR Champions President Greg McLaughlin said. “Through the efforts and engagement of Regions Bank, this tournament has created a significant charitable impact in the community while also spearheading the launch of our five major championships each season.”

The Regions Tradition has raised more than $4.5 million for area charities since 2011, with Children’s of Alabama serving as the primary beneficiary of the tournament.

food & entertainment

Having a bowl Helena’s Cory and Erin Dill serve fruit-filled acai bowls, smoothies at City Bowls food truck WRITTEN BY EMILY SPARACINO PHOTOS BY DAWN HARRISON

The OG Bowl at City Bowls features a base of acai, strawberries, bananas and apple juice, topped with strawberries, bananas, granola and honey.

June 2017 | Hoover’s Magazine •

25

C

ory and Erin Dill thought they were busy with two full-time jobs. Then, they opened a food truck.

Since the soft opening of City Bowls on April 14, 27-year-olds Cory and Erin have received a positive response from customers about the made-to-order acai bowls they CLOCKWISE FROM serve from their brightly colored truck.

ABOVE: The City Bowls food truck is brightly And they’re just rolling with it. colored and shows the “So far, everything’s been great,” Cory said. different ingredients “We’re really enjoying it.” people can get in their bowls and smoothies.

City Bowls marks the Helena couple’s City Bowls co-owner Cory first foray into the food industry, and, more Dill prepares a bowl. A customer smiles after she specifically, the Birmingham food truck scene. receives her bowl at a “I’ve always liked food truck concepts and Green Valley Food Truck wanted to open one,” Cory said.

Thursdays event featuring He and Erin just needed to decide what City Bowls.

26

• Hoover’s Magazine | June 2017

their food truck would offer.

While visiting south Florida, they discovered acai bowls. Acai berries, which come from a type of South American palm tree, are blackish-purple in color and are touted as a “super fruit” because of they are packed with antioxidants, Cory said.

“Acai is a super fruit,” Cory said. “We blend it into a thick sorbet with another frozen fruit in the bottom of the bowl.”

The health benefits of incorporating acai berries and other fruits into their food truck fare were a priority for Cory and Erin, whose healthy lifestyles were established long before they started City Bowls.

Cory owns a gym called CrossFit McCalla, and Erin is a nurse at Village Dermatology.

When Cory started playing with the idea

of opening a food truck, serving healthy food – like the acai bowls he found in Florida – was important to him and Erin.

“That’s why we’ve gone a healthy route with the food trucks,” said Cory, who opened his gym in 2012 after becoming a personal trainer at 18 years old. “My mom was always real big into exercise. It’s always been in my blood to do that.”

According to Cory, City Bowls is in a category of its own among food trucks in the area. No fried foods come out of the City Bowls truck.

Instead, customers will find acai bowls and smoothies packed with fresh fruit and other nutritious commodities, like bee pollen.

Acai is not only the foundation of the Dills’ business concept, but it is also the base of most of their bowls.

“The majority of our bowls are acai,” Erin said, adding one bowl has a base of pitaya, or dragon fruit. “Our main June 2017 | Hoover’s Magazine •

27

28

• Hoover’s Magazine | June 2017

push is acai.”

They start with a layer of acai or pitaya blended with fruit on the bottom. Then, they top it with different combinations of fruits, such as strawberries, blueberries, kiwi, pineapple and banana, plus granola, coconut flakes, peanut butter, Nutella, honey or bee pollen.

“The hardest part is just getting the blend right at the bottom,” Cory said. “It’s all made fresh on the spot.”

Cory and Erin buy their acai and pitaya from a distributor in Florida.

Before opening City Bowls, Cory and Erin experimented at home with different mixtures

of ingredients for their bowls and smoothies, some of which include acai and pitaya.

“We really just had to play around with it,” Erin said.

The couple stands by their bowls and smoothies. They are the same bowls and smoothies they make for themselves at home.

“We do enjoy them,” Cory said. “If you don’t like it, you don’t need to be doing it.”

They plan to expand their bowl offerings.

Bowls include the following: •OG Bowl (base: acai, strawberries, bananas and apple juice; toppings: strawberries, bananas, granola and honey).

•Island Bowl (base: pitaya, bananas,

CLOCKWISE FROM LEFT: Erin and Cory Dill of Helena opened City Bowls in mid-April. They blend acai with fruit to form the bases of their bowls. The Island Bowl features a base of pitaya, bananas, strawberries and apple juice, topped with coconut flakes, granola, pineapple, kiwi, strawberries, bee pollen and honey.

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

OAK MOUNTAIN PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH

5080 Cahaba Valley Trace • Birmingham, AL 35242

#wheregraceabounds

June 2017 | Hoover’s Magazine •

29

CLOCKWISE FROM ABOVE: The Powerhouse Bowl features a base of acai, almond milk, bananas, peanut butter and vanilla protein, topped with peanut butter, Nutella, bananas, strawberries, blueberries and granola. A couple enjoys their bowls at the Green Valley food truck event.

30

strawberries and apple juice; toppings: coconut flakes, granola, pineapple, kiwi, strawberries, bee pollen and honey).

•Powerhouse Bowl (base: acai, almond milk, bananas, peanut butter and vanilla protein – 40 grams; toppings: peanut butter, Nutella, bananas, strawberries, blueberries and granola).

•City Bowl (base: acai, bananas and apple juice; toppings: strawberries, pineapple, bee pollen, honey and granola).

•Iron Bowl (base: acai, bananas and apple juice; toppings: blueberries, strawberries, granola and coconut flakes).

•AH-SIGH-Ee Bowl (base: strawberries, bananas, acai and apple juice; toppings: granola, peanut butter, bananas and blueberries).

•Build Your Own (choose a base: acai or pitaya and two fruits; extras: chocolate chips, bee pollen, honey, Nutella, peanut butter and coconut flakes).

Bowls are available in 12-ounce and 16-ounce sizes, and all smoothies are 16 ounces.

Smoothies include the following: •Pump Me Up (acai, banana, peanut butter,

• Hoover’s Magazine | June 2017

vanilla protein and almond milk).

•Purple Drank (acai, blueberries and strawberries).

•Green Machine (spinach, apple juice, banana and pineapple).

•Tropical Sunrise (apple juice, pineapple, kiwi and strawberries).

•Magic Dragon (pitaya, pineapple, banana and apple juice).

Cory, Erin and two of their family members run the food truck at events.

So far, they have set up mostly at Hoover events and locales, but they welcome requests outside Hoover city limits.

The truck is easy to spot. Custom-built in Miami, it is a bright pinkish-purple color, similar to the color of the acai blend in the bowls.

Cory and Erin designed the inside of the truck and the outside wrap, which features a word collage of their ingredients at the bottom.

While researching food trucks on social media––particularly those with a focus on healthy foods––the couple found a food truck in San Francisco with a similar business model.

2016

Although opening a juice bar was an idea they considered, Cory and Erin decided the fruit-focused food truck concept was likely a less competitive market.

And opting for a truck instead of a storefront gave them more flexibility.

“With brick and mortar, you have to bring people to you,” Cory said. “But with food trucks, this is mobile.

You can take it to them. It’s a different atmosphere every day.”

They average about 45-50 orders a day, and have served an estimated 400-500 bowls since they opened in April.

Their busiest outing was a day at The Summit, and they sold out.

In addition to public events, City Bowls offers private event catering.

For more information about catering and special event services, call Cory at 337-7228.

To view updates and schedules for the food truck, follow City Bowls on Facebook and Instagram.

As they settle into a rhythm with the food truck, Cory and Erin are looking at where it could go in the future.

They plan to build City Bowls into a franchise.

Cory said he would like to open another food truck in the next year.

“You just try your best to stay ahead,” Cory said.

“We’re still learning as we go, but so far, so good.” n

HOMES & LAND

June 2017 | Hoover’s Magazine •

31

32

• Hoover’s Magazine | June 2017

features

Preserving yesterday and today City fills time capsule with items from Hoover City Schools for 50th anniversary WRITTEN BY HEATHER JONES SKAGGS PHOTOS BY DAWN HARRISON

T

he City of Hoover kicked off its yearlong 50th anniversary celebration at Celebrate Hoover Day on April 30 at Veterans Park. Throughout the year, the city will be featuring videos across its social media platforms from longtime residents,

new residents and others from the city showcasing how the city is “Building Community Together,” the slogan for the 50th anniversary. Along with other events, the city is also using the anniversary to leave a legacy for future residents of Hoover.

Celebrating the city’s 50th anniversary is a significant opportunity to preserve

LEFT: Greystone Elementary School Child Nutrition Program Manager Liz Whidden stands with Hoover Mayor Frank Brocato during his visit to collect items from the school for the city’s time capsule. ABOVE: GES students display the signed banner they gave to the time capsule.

June 2017 | Hoover’s Magazine •

33

Sealed for the next 50 years Leaving a legacy for future residents of Hoover is part of the city's 50th anniversary celebration this year. On May 18, city officials placed a time capsule filled with items from Hoover City Schools into the wall at Hoover City Hall. The capsule, which was filled with T-shirts, yearbooks, photographs, a banner and other memorabilia, will not be opened until Hoover's 100th anniversary. Those who open it will learn more about their predecessors and their place in the growing city's rich history.

CITY OF HOOVER & HOOVER BROCK’S GAP INTERMEDIATE SCHOOL HISTORICAL SOCIETY uSchool T-shirt u50th anniversary magnets and decals Celebrate Hoover Day – 50th uTwo framed photographs of school name being installed on building uAnniversary Celebration poster and bookmark BUMPUS MIDDLE SCHOOL uItem created on 3D printer uLaser engraved cube with school uTop 30 magnet logos ROCKY RIDGE ELEMENTARY SCHOOL uSchool T-shirt uPhotograph of William Hoover uSchool quick fact cards uSchool photograph uHoover Historical Society notecard set DEER VALLEY ELEMENTARY SCHOOL uSchool T-shirt uSchool vision, belief and mission uHoover Historical Society Spring statements 2017 newsletter uYearbook SHADES MOUNTAIN uHistory of Hoover book – first 25 GREEN VALLEY ELEMENTARY SCHOOL ELEMENTARY SCHOOL years “A History of Hoover, Alabama uVintage school pennant flag uHistory of school and Its People” by Marilyn Davis Barefield uSchool T-shirt uRendering of remodeled school uHoover Sun newspaper – May 2017

uGreen school shaker

uHoover Sun 50th anniversary special edition magazine

uOctober 12 event program

uVarious photographs uCopies of the books “Images of America Hoover” and Images of “Modern America Riverchase” by Heather Jones Skaggs BERRY MIDDLE SCHOOL uCommissioned artwork by 7th grade student – Lydia Faris uShow Your Berry P.R.I.D.E. listing PRIDE lapel pin BLUFF PARK ELEMENTARY SCHOOL uSchool magnet

GREYSTONE ELEMENTARY SCHOOL uLarge banner signed by all students and teachers GWIN ELEMENTARY SCHOOL uYearbook

SOUTH SHADES CREST ELEMENTARY SCHOOL uSchool magnet uSchool newsletter – Feb. 28, 2017 uPhotograph of entire student body

uFigurine of school mascot

SPAIN PARK HIGH SCHOOL uYearbook

HOOVER HIGH SCHOOL uYearbook uLogoed Yeti cup RIVERCHASE ELEMENTARY SCHOOL uSchool T-shirt

uStudent listing • Hoover’s Magazine | June 2017

uYearbook

uFramed school mission statement

uCopy of the book “Images of America uStaff listing Bluff Park” by Heather Jones Skaggs

34

SIMMONS MIDDLE SCHOOL uSchool T-shirt

uBaseball cap TRACE CROSSINGS ELEMENTARY SCHOOL uYearbook uSchool T-shirt uSchool fact sheet

memories from today for future residents of Hoover tomorrow with this time capsule.

“On the day of the city’s incorporation, May 18, we placed a time capsule at City Hall that contains items contributed by students from each of the Hoover City Schools,” says Hoover Mayor Frank V. Brocato. “This will preserve the history of this special anniversary for years to come.”

To prepare for the ceremony, Brocato traveled to each school in Hoover

throughout February, collecting items to be placed in the capsule. Many students selected T-shirts with their school’s mascot or logo, yearbooks and photographs.

Greystone Elementary School included a banner signed by all the students, faculty and staff, and Riverchase Elementary donated an item made on a 3D printer.

Several donations caught the mayor’s attention.

“It was exciting to visit each of the

FROM LEFT: An eagle mascot figurine was added to the time capsule. Brocato looks at a piece of artwork during one of his school visits for time capsule items.

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.

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

at Shelby Ridge

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

35

Summer Season June 6 through July 29

Fam TUESDAY-SATURDAY , Spies ates Ride! & P ily Fu10am to 4pm r i n with P ght aul $ RevSummer 5 dni ere’s MiAdmission Throughout our community the things we build best are

relationships.

Call (205) 986-9846 today to schedule your personal visit.

A Life Care* Community 3850 Galleria Woods Birmingham, Alabama 35244 brookdale.com *Life Care plan/guarantee is subject to the terms of the Residency Contract.

47226-Galleria WoodsMagazines 1 SW

©2017 Brookdale Senior Living Inc. All rights reserved. BROOKDALE SENIOR LIVING and BRINGING NEW LIFE TO SENIOR LIVING are the registered trademarks of Brookdale Senior Living Inc.

Bringing New Life to Senior Living® 36

• Hoover’s Magazine | June 2017

schools and receive the items they collected to include in the time capsule,” Brocato says. “A couple of unique items we received are a commissioned art piece from Berry Middle School and a wooden cube with laser graphics from Bumpus Middle School. The artwork is a pencil sketch by Lydia Faris, a seventh grader at Berry. The wooden cube from Bumpus included school and city logos, mottos and images. Both were very creative.”

Items being preserved in the capsule are primarily from the city schools. Schools play an integral part in any city, especially a city as dynamic as Hoover says Jason Gaston, coordinator of public relations for Hoover City Schools.

“We are very proud to be a part of our city’s history

CLOCKWISE FROM TOP LEFT: Schools' memorabilia placed in the time capsule included T-shirts, photographs, yearbooks and much more. A newsletter from South Shades Crest Elementary School was included. A wooden block bearing the city's logo was included, too.

June 2017 | Hoover’s Magazine •

37

38

• Hoover’s Magazine | June 2017

through the time capsule project and hope the artifacts that our students provided will be viewed with great interest when unearthed in 50 years,” Gaston says.

Other items included in the capsule were donated by the Hoover Historical Society, Hoover Chamber of Commerce and the City of Hoover. The items include an 8-by10 photograph of city founder William Hoover, a copy of the Hoover Historical Society newsletter, a package of notecard drawings by the late founder of the Hoover Historical Society, Vadie Honea, and other various photos, anniversary magnets and decals.

“All the items will be placed in the capsule with an ample supply of acid-free envelopes and plastic bags suitable for preserving the items,” says Pam Thompson, vice president of membership for the Hoover Historical Society.

The Society helped sort and organize the items collected and donated more items to go into the capsule.

The capsule project is unique for Hoover.

No time capsule from the early days of l

Hoover could be confirmed or found, so the 50th anniversary capsule preserves the past and the present for the future residents of Hoover.

The stainless steel capsule will rest in the wall at City Hall until a time when future citizens will be celebrating Hoover’s 100th anniversary.

What will they learn and discover from their predecessors?

“When the time capsule is opened in 50 years and the items are viewed, I hope the citizens will see that Hoover was a diverse city with a rich history that began with only 406 brave individuals in 1967 and grew to the sixth largest city in Alabama with 90,000 residents in just 50 years,” Brocato says. “As we celebrate 50 years and where we are today, I hope over the next 50 years people will see that we continue to build on what makes our city great today – which includes: outstanding city services, an excellent school system, low crime rates, affordable housing and a variety of activities and programs that enhances the quality of life here.” n

U.S. News & World Report

This icon is not the official U.S. News & World Report best hospitals emblem.

2016-17

BEST CHILDREN’S HOSPITALS

LEFT: Volunteers sort through items to place into the city’s time capsule.

Children’s of Alabama is ... l The

third largest pediatric hospital in the United States

l Licensed l The

for 332 beds & 48 NICU bassinets

first LEED-certified hospital building in Alabama

l One

of the Top 20 employers in Alabama with more than 4,700 employees across the state

l The

pediatric teaching hospital for the School of Medicine at UAB

l Home

to the Pediatric & Congenital Heart Center of Alabama, where more than 450 cardiac surgeries are performed annually

l Site

Russell Campus

of the only pediatric kidney dialysis program in the state — one of the largest in the country

1600 7th Avenue South, Birmingham, AL 35233

Benjamin Russell Hospital for Children Lowder Building McWane Building Children’s on Third Outpatient Center Children’s Park Place

Children’s South

205.638.9100

1601 5th Avenue South 1600 7th Avenue South 1600 7th Avenue South 1208 3rd Avenue South 1600 5th Avenue South

1940 Elmer J. Bissell Road, Birmingham, AL 35243 205.638.4800

Outpatient surgery services, Pediatric Imaging Center, laboratory services, specialty care clinics and After Hours care

l Home

to one of the largest burn units in the Southeast

l One

of the largest pediatric rheumatology programs in the nation and the only one in Alabama

l Provides

care for more than 90 percent of Alabama children with cancer and blood disorders

Pediatric Practice Solutions Primary Care Locations Alabaster (Greenvale Pediatrics) Bessemer (Pediatrics West) Birmingham (Midtown Pediatrics) Brook Highland (Greenvale Pediatrics) Clay/Chalkville (Pediatrics East-Deerfoot) Homewood (Mayfair Medical Group) Hoover (Greenvale Pediatrics)

McAdory (Pediatrics West) Montgomery (Physicians to Children /Central Alabama Children’s Specialists) Mountain Brook (Over the Mountain Pediatrics) Pell City (Pell City Pediatrics) Trussville (Pediatrics East) Vestavia (Vestavia Pediatrics)

www.ChildrensAL.org

June 2017 | Hoover’s Magazine •

39

40

• Hoover’s Magazine | June 2017

features

BUILDING MEMORIES

Burtons’ foresight nearly 50 years ago lands them in home overlooking Star Lake WRITTEN BY HEATHER JONES SKAGGS PHOTOS BY DAWN HARRISON

but quickly changed their minds after property around what is now Club Drive went up for sale. Louise’s late husband, ouise Burton and her husband Dan, a homebuilder and developer, built watched the city of Hoover houses in several areas of Hoover around develop and grow around them Star Lake and the country club and saw after building their family home potential for the property. in Green Valley, 1968.

“Dan felt it was perfect for a home, our “Hoover was just a small town with only home,” Louise remembers. “Many of the a volunteer fire department, two trailer parks, one gas station, one policeman and a other builders in the area had looked at small shopping area,” Louise recalls. Today, the property and felt it would be hard to develop, but he saw what ‘could’ be, and Hoover has grown into one of the largest bought it.” cities in the state of Alabama.

The Burtons’ 7-acre property with its The Burtons originally had plans to build colonial-style home overlooks Star Lake on property they owned in Rocky Ridge,

L

The Burtons' 16-foot tall sunroom's balcony doubles as a track for a miniature electric train as it chugs around the perimeter.

June 2017 | Hoover’s Magazine •

41

The colonial-style home overlooks Star Lake and Hoover Country Club.

42

and Hoover Country Club.

The home is not only filled with family memories from the years the Burtons have spent there, but also unique finds and collections.

The chandelier in the foyer once hung in the old Tutwiler Hotel.

“There was a public sale where people could come to go through the hotel and some of the contents were for sale. We went, saw the chandeliers and knew we wanted one,” she says.

• Hoover’s Magazine | June 2017

Interestingly when the house was built, lingering fear of nuclear bombs being dropped on the United States was still prevalent.

Dan built a bomb shelter in the basement with a concrete ceiling and walls with a steel door. Today, it makes the perfect storm shelter.

Over the years, Louise says they have made a few changes from the original design, but have completed some additions and updates.

In 1982, the existing carport was remodeled and designed as an apartment for Louise’s father-in-law.

The apartment has also been used as a guest house and private quarters for family members to stay in while visiting.

A 16-foot tall sunroom that was once a patio was added in 1992, and became a focal point for the home.

The sunroom’s balcony doubles as a track for a miniature electric train as it chugs around the perimeter.

The train itself holds fond memories for Louise.

Dan and the Burtons’ son picked out the train and June 2017 | Hoover’s Magazine •

43

CLOCKWISE FROM TOP LEFT: Louise Burton updated her kitchen in 2010 with the design help of her son, Taylor Burton. Displayed throughout the home is Louise's extensive elephant collection. The living room features a grand piano and beautiful fireplace. A crystal chandelier that once hung in the Tutwiler Hotel hangs in the foyer. The dining room offers plenty of room for Louise's family to gather for a meal.

44

• Hoover’s Magazine | June 2017

brought it home.

“They had it all over the floor when I came home,” Louise says.

Dan later added a glass display to display other model cars and trains.

The sunroom, one of her favorite areas because of its large windows that allow in natural light, is the place for many family gatherings.

At Christmastime, the sunroom twinkles and shines with a 12-foot tall Christmas tree while the grandchildren open presents underneath it.

Placed throughout the home is the extensive June 2017 | Hoover’s Magazine •

45

CLOCKWISE FROM TOP LEFT: Louise says her home has always been a place for family and friends. Elephants of varying colors, shapes and sizes can be found throughout the home. A look over the sunroom balcony affords guests a bird’s-eye view of the train. The kitchen updates included new cabinets, granite countertops and new appliances. A framed vintage bathing suit and photo hang on the wall in Louise’s home.

elephant collection Louise says was started many years ago when the couple exchanged elephant figurines for a Christmas gift beginning the collection.

“I love my elephants, they come in all shapes and sizes,” Louise says. “Family and friends have also added to it over the years, and my grandchildren went around the house one time and counted them – over 100, they said.”

In 2010, Louise updated her kitchen, laundry room and back entrance hallway.

46

• Hoover’s Magazine | June 2017

The kitchen was taken down to the studs and given a new look designed by her son, Taylor Burton. “We decided on new cabinets, granite tops and new appliances.

It was a complete change,” Louise said.

Louise says she loves where she lives and can’t see herself living anywhere else.

“This has always been a place for family and friends,” she said. “We have enjoyed the house, and my children and grandchildren have all had good times and good memories here.” n

June 2017 | Hoover’s Magazine •

47

features

Serving up togetherness Family offers Middle Eastern, American eats at Wings Plus V & Grill WRITTEN BY HEATHER JONES SKAGGS PHOTOS BY DAWN HARRISON

ABOVE: Wings Plus V & Grill Hoover is a family business owned by Ammar and Cameron Shaqar.

48

A

mmar and Cameron Shaqar say they bring togetherness through the meals they serve in their restaurant, Wings Plus V & Grill Hoover located in Bluff Park.

Ammar bought the Bluff Park location in 2011 to bring his own dishes and culinary

• Hoover’s Magazine | June 2017

background to the eatery. Ammar’s best friend, Riyad Awwad, started all of the Wings Plus restaurants, and the Shaqar family continues the tradition of freshly prepared foods at their location.

Ammar, born in Jordan, grew up helping his mother cook and learning the culinary arts.

He began cooking for his little sister and

CLOCKWISE FROM TOP: Wings Plus V & Grill Hoover is located in Bluff Park. Faith is an important factor in how the Shaqar family does business and is represented in artwork at the restaurant. Wings Plus V & Grill Hoover’s extensive menu includes wings, salads, seafood, wraps and much more.

The restaurant’s chicken and other items are infused with Middle Eastern flavors.

June 2017 | Hoover’s Magazine •

49

CLOCKWISE FROM TOP LEFT: The Fish & Shrimp includes two pieces of fish, six shrimp, fries and a drink. Patrons can dine in at Wings Plus V & Grill Hoover. The restaurant’s staple is fresh wings. Two more paintings in the restaurant represent the family’s faith.

50

brother after their mother passed away, and it was at this time he says he knew cooking was something he wanted to do with his life.

Ammar came to the United States by playing soccer and, after leaving the Jordanian soccer team, Ammar worked in the restaurant business and purchased his first restaurant, Aladdin’s, in 1998.

At the Wings Plus Bluff Park location, Ammar serves Middle Eastern and American dishes that uniquely set this location apart from other establishments that serve wings as a primary dish.

“At Wings Plus V & Grill, we add a more Middle Eastern infusion of flavors into the wings and dishes,” Cameron says.

“We like to offer something different.”

• Hoover’s Magazine | June 2017

The staple at Wings Plus, of course, is their signature fresh wings. Everything is made to order and never precooked. In the kitchen, Ammar hand-makes all the wings sauces and tzatziki sauces served at the restaurant, and Cameron says their loyal customers have their favorites.

“Our most popular dish is the 10-piece wing combo in flavors of lemon pepper, hot or honey BBQ,” Cameron says.

The combo also comes with Cajun or ranch French fries. Combos are available in quantities from six wings to 50 wings. Cameron also notes that for their customers, it is a tie for the second most popular item on their menu between the Philly Steak or Gyro Combo.

Also on the menu are choices of salads,

sandwiches, chicken tenders and fish. Cameron also has her own personal favorites dishes.

“I love our homemade marinade we use with the chicken for the Greek grilled chicken salad with the homemade Greek dressing,” she says. “My other choice would be our Gyro because it is fresh and the homemade tzatziki sauce and fresh pita bread really brings the dish together. I would have to say the most interesting item on our menu is the Keeke Pooh Juice.

It is well known and is synonymous with Wings Plus.”

Ultimately, the Shaqar family works to provide a great gathering place with wonderful food for the community, while being a positive influence and bringing diversity to the community.

“The best thing about having a restaurant is meeting a need for people,” Cameron says. “We enjoy meeting new people that come into our restaurant for a meal.” n June 2017 | Hoover’s Magazine •

51

features

HooverPaloosa

Hoover Soccer Club hosts first fundraiser event STORY AND PHOTO CONTRIBUTED

into the HSC programs and into the club’s financial assistance program. oover Soccer Club held The daytime event for all Hoover Soccer the organization’s first Club family members HooverPaloosa on Saturday, and friends offered a March 18. variety of activities: This event, which included activities Families enjoy activities bounce houses, a for families during the day and an evening at Hoover Soccer Club's first HooverPaloosa event event for adults, was created to help further dunking booth, March 18. The event a fun run for the initiatives of the Hoover Soccer Club was created to help the five age groups and to benefit players and families in need club benefit players and families in need of of financial assistance in order to participate with prizes, a financial assistance to 5v5 soccer game in all Hoover Soccer Club programs. participate in all HSC of coaches versus All proceeds are being invested back programs. players, music, food

H

52

• Hoover’s Magazine | June 2017

About the organization: Hoover Soccer Club Hoover Soccer Club, which hosted the first HooverPaloosa March 18, is affiliated with the Alabama Youth Soccer Association, Central Alabama Soccer League and U.S. Club Soccer.

HSC can be reached at Hooversoccerclub.com, by phone at (205) 402-7330 or followed on Facebook at Hoover Soccer Club, on Twitter @ Hoover_Phantoms and on Instagram at hoover_ phantoms.

by Taqueria Garibaldi’s Mexican Restaurant and Urban Pops, and beverages from Pepsi and Milos.

The evening event for adults included a catered dinner and silent auction with over 30 items ranging from vacations, spa packages, CONCACAF Gold Cup soccer tickets, Birmingham Hammers soccer team package, one-on-one personalized training with a HSC coach and gift certificates to such places as Max Motorsports, Ross Bridge, movie theaters, restaurants, bowling, photography sessions and more.

The HooverPaloosa planning committee included Hoover Soccer Club Marketing Director Trey Knox, who was the event coordinator.

Committee members included HSC Board Member Geoff Houldich and wife, Holley; and HSC Board Member Frank Touchstone and wife, Jennifer.

Additional help was provided by the HSC Board of Directors: President Casey Crook; Vice President Ernie Zavaleta; Secretary Lyric Crook; Treasurer Eric Berg; Members-at-Large Barry Adams, John Cargill, Joe Cousineau, Gary Eisworth, Bryan Laney and Tad Nall; and Director of Coaching Tomas Fox. With the success of the first HooverPaloosa, this will be an annual event.

Hoover Soccer Club is a non-profit organization that was established to provide an environment for youth players to develop their skills as soccer players and compete in a club atmosphere.

The Hoover Soccer Club offers players, ranging in ages from Under 4 to Under 18, the opportunity to play soccer at a variety of competition levels.

HSC is affiliated with the Alabama Youth Soccer Association, Central Alabama Soccer League and US Club Soccer.

They can be reached at Hooversoccerclub.com, by phone at (205) 402-7330 or followed on Facebook at Hoover Soccer Club, on Twitter @Hoover_Phantoms and on Instagram at hoover_phantoms. n

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 June 2017 | Hoover’s Magazine •

53

features

Baking the best Bud’s Best founder inducted into Baking Hall of Fame WRITTEN BY STEPHEN DAWKINS PHOTO CONTRIBUTED

all of my dreams have come to fruition.”

Cason’s career in cookie baking began at Greg’s Cookies in Birmingham at a time ud’s Best Cookies have long been when almost all sales were from 1-cent favorites locally and across the country, and the company’s founder cookies purchased out of a jar.

After graduating from college and and chairman, Albert L. “Bud” serving in the U.S. Army, and continuing Cason, was recently recognized by his peers to work with his aunt at Greg’s Cookies, in the baking industry.

Cason eventually purchased the company Cason was inducted into the Baking in 1970 with a vision for expanding sales Hall of Fame by the American Society of Baking during the BakingTech 2017 event in into more populous areas of the country and implementing tray packaging and other Chicago from Feb. 26-28.

Bud Cason, founder advancements.

“Since I was 12 years old working in my and chairman of Bud’s A national conglomerate approached aunt’s bakery, I always knew that I wanted Best Cookies, gives an Cason about purchasing Greg’s Cookies acceptance speech at to own my own cookie factory,” Cason said. the Chicago Hilton for his and Bishop Baking Company in Cleveland, induction into the Baking “Being inducted into the Baking Hall of Fame is such an honor and makes me realize Tennessee, which Cason had acquired.

Hall of Fame.

B

54

• Hoover’s Magazine | June 2017

Though Cason insisted he was not interested in selling, an offer was made that he could not refuse and he sold the companies in 1986.

Cason signed a five-year non-compete clause but always planned to return to the industry. During this time away, Cason took a nutrition class at the University of Alabama at Birmingham, where the instructor said two bites satisfies a person’s craving for something sweet—and anything past that is eating just for the sake of eating.

“That’s where I got the idea about bite-sized cookies,” Cason said.

Friends doubted bite-sized cookies would be popular, and Cason’s wife had reservations about him investing much of the funds from the sale of his previous operations into a new company, which launched in 1991.

“The first year I started off with Bud’s Best, I had no customers, no sales and I had invested $25 million in equipment and everything getting it started,” Cason said.

Bud’s Best now contract manufactures for a national baking company, has added on to its Riverchase facility three times to a total size of about 130,000 square feet, has an output of more than 1 million cookies per hour, employs about 175 people and produces several varieties and product lines, including Uncle Al’s standard-sized cookies.

Sales increased from about $1.8 million in 1993 to more than $33 million in 2011, and more than 25,000 people a year take a tour through the factory on the “Cookie Train.”

Vanilla wafers is the company’s top variety, though Cason said his favorite is chocolate chip.

“People ask why I love the cookie business,” Cason said. “It’s the people you get to meet. You meet some of the nicest people in this business. Even our competitors are some of the nicest people in the world.”

Cason said he is also asked why his cookies are the best.

“It’s because of the water that we use,” he said. “We’re in Shelby County, and we have some of the best water.”

More information about Bud’s Best Cookies, including how to schedule a tour, can be found at BudsBestCookies.com.

The Hall of Fame award was created to recognize industry innovation and entrepreneurial spirit. Those inducted are selected for their achievements in organizational growth and development, equipment design and innovation, advancements in ingredient technology and processing or related service to the commercial baking industry.

Learn more at ASBE.org/hall-of-fame/baking-hallfame-inductees-year. n June 2017 | Hoover’s Magazine •

55

health & beauty

TOP 10 TIPS

An anesthesiologist addresses chronic spinal pain WRITTEN BY DR. JEREMY C. BARLOW

It’s June, the time of year everyone wants to be active. But that makes this month particularly challenging for people with chronic back pain – from weekend warriors to older adults who have been hurting for years.

What some of those folks might not know is that anesthesiologists specializing in spinal pain management can often help. We treat patients with recent injuries. We treat patients who have tried multiple therapies and are seeking other non-surgical solutions.

We also treat patients who have had multiple surgeries and are not candidates for more. The good news is that there is hope for the hurting.

Here are my Top 10 Tips for back pain that won’t go away: 1. Get your evaluation. Most of our patients are referred by physicians. But patients can also make direct contact.

Don’t wait for months or years to feel better.

2. Check your expectations. It’s best to start conservatively. Not everyone needs surgery or even an anesthesiologist’s intervention. There may be multiple therapies to consider.

3. Maximize your resources. We refer patients to St. Vincent’s One Nineteen physical therapy before, after or instead of an intervention, to maximize their chances of excellent outcomes.

4. Explore your options. A spinal “block” is a general term for the tools we use to relieve pain. Blocks can include epidurals or other injections.

5. Ask your questions. Make sure 56

• Hoover’s Magazine | June 2017

you understand all options. Some patients benefit from ablations that target nerves for pain control. We also provide implantable therapy, including spinal cord stimulators.

6. Choose your team. I’m just one member of a highly-qualified anesthesiology team. Choose a physician who works closely with other highly credentialed specialists.

7. Choose your place. Although some doctors do these procedures in their offices to reduce costs, we choose St. Vincent’s One Nineteen’s Outpatient Surgery Center because it’s a state-of-the-art facility. There we have a wide range of tools to handle any complications that might arise.

That’s especially important for older patients with undetected risks.

8. Make your plans. To assure comfort during the procedure, I recommend patients receive blocks under sedation. For best results, I also recommend they rest for 24-48 hours

afterwards.

9. Discard your discouragement.

Long-term sufferers may feel there is no hope. However, the applications of these interventions are changing.

Advanced technologies are improving the outcomes of even long-established therapies.

10. Pursue your education. Part of addressing pain is preventing future injury. One Nineteen physical therapists also serve our post-treatment patients, teaching correct body mechanics for everyday movement.

As those patients transition to One Nineteen’s regular fitness floor they are ready to enjoy the activities everyone wants to pursue in June.

To learn more about the full range of services at St. Vincent’s One Nineteen, visit onenineteen.com.n Dr. Jeremy Barlow is an anesthesiologist at St. Vincent’s One Nineteen.

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

Medical West to Sponsor June 15 Luncheon Shelby County Assistant DA Alan Miller to Speak Medical West, an affiliate of UAB Hospital, will sponsor the June 18 Luncheon, and has invited Alan Miller of the Shelby County District Attorney’s office as the speaker. Alan Miller currently serves as the Chief Assistant District Attorney for Shelby County, and has been appointed as the Director of COMPACT 2020, a collaborative drug enforcement and prevention effort aimed at combining the efforts of law enforcement, the courts, and the Shelby County Drug Free Coalition in order to enhance prevention efforts in the county.

Miller is a graduate of Tulane University, and completed law school at The University of Alabama School of Law. He has been employed with the Shelby County District Attorney’s Office since 2003.

Alan also serves as a Lieutenant Colonel in the United States Marine Corps Reserve, and was twice

2003 when he joined the DA’s office.

Don’t miss this opportunity to hear Shelby County District Attorney Alan Miller share his information at the June 15 Luncheon, to be held at the Hoover Country Club, Hoover, Alabama, 35226. Networking begins at 11:15 a.m., with the program starting at noon. Reservations can be made by calling 988-5672, or emailing admin@hooverchamber.org The luncheon is $20.00, payable at the door, or $25.00 without reservations, if space is available. Payment may be made by cash, check, or major credit deployed in support of Operation Iraqi card.

Freedom, in 2004 and again in 2008.

You may also make reservations In the spring of 2017 he was deployed online at www.hooverchamber.org/ to Jordan, also in the Middle East, and lunch.html. Cancellations are accepted at the time of this writing, he is still until the morning of the luncheon. there. He plans to return home by the Please notify the Chamber if you end of May. need to cancel, otherwise, those with He and his family reside in Chelsea, reservations who do not attend will be Alabama, where they have lived since invoiced.

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

‘Celebrities and Brand Entrepreneurship’ at Hoover Library Kim Kardashian, Oprah Winfrey, David Beckham Would you buy a product from one of these celebrities?

If you would, you are not alone. 85 percent of people are influenced Bryce Thornton, by these kinds of Hoover Public Library endorsements. In Business Department today’s world, people listen to celebrities, not experts.

How does this affect how we make buying decisions? And more importantly, what does this say about our society overall?

Join the new “No Reading Required” group at Hoover Library on Tuesday, July 11 at 6:30 pm as we discuss these topics and more.

Bryce Thornton is the Business Librarian at Hoover Library. You can reach him at 4447816 or brycet@bham.lib.al.us.

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

June 8, 2017 - Ridge Crossing Apartments

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 - Faulkner University

October 12, 2017 - Brook Highland Place

March 8, 2018 - Breakout Birmingham

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

April, 2018 - Available

Luncheon Sponsorships Normally held the 3rd Thursday of each month, 11:15 a.m. Networking, Noon Luncheon — NOW Meeting at Hoover Country Club June 15, 2017 - Medical West July 20, 2017 - Regions Bank Freedom Award

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

August 17, 2017 - Chick-fil-A

November 16, 2017 - American Family Care

September 21, 2017 - Greystone Country Club

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

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

June 22, 2017 - River Highlands of Birmingham

September 28, 2017 - 100 Inverness Apartments

June 29, 2017 - Open House - Oasis Car Wash

October 26, 2017 - Orange Theory Fitness

July 27, 2017 - Galleria Woods Retirement Community

November & December - None Held

August 24, 2017 - Expedia CruiseShipCenters

January 25, 2018 - Morningside of Vestavia (formerly Chateau Vestavia) February 2018 - Available

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

58

A Ribbon Cutting was held Thursday, April 6, 2017 at the newly renamed and renovated apartment homes, The Trails at Cahaba River, located at 801 Cahaba Forest Cove, Birmingham 35242, off Highway 280 in Shelby County. Shown cutting the ribbon is Jason Lamb as Property Manager Bethany Bell holds the bow. They are joined by several Hoover Chamber ambassadors, staff, and their contractors. They can be reached at (205) 991-9884 or bbell@merionresidential.com. www.riversideparc.com The management also made a significant contribution to the Cahaba River Society at the event, to assist the Society in maintaining and preserving the Cahaba River. This property backs up to the Little Cahaba River.

A Ribbon Cutting Ceremony was held Tuesday, April 18, 2017 at the new OFC Workscapes office in Inverness, located at 5033 Highway 280, Suite 109, Hoover 35242.

This was a joint event hosted by the Greater Shelby County Chamber of Commerce.

Show cutting the ribbon are owners Steve Gathings (left) and Frank Mitchell, as Hoover Mayor Frank Brocato (next on the line) joins dozens of their associates, suppliers, and ambassadors from both the Hoover and Greater Shelby Chambers of Commerce. OFC Workscapes can be reached at (205) 730-1190 or sgathings@ofcworkscapes.com. www. ofcworkscapes.com

A Ribbon Cutting was held Monday, May 01, 2017 at the new O Sushi Express Restaurant, located at 3076 John Hawkins Parkway, Hoover 35244 (next to Verizon).

Shown cutting the ribbon is Owner Leo Lin, as his wife, Jenny Pan holds the bow.

They are joined by the rest of their staff, several chamber ambassadors, Hoover City Councilman Mike Shaw (back right), and former Alabama Representative Paul DeMarco (back left). O Sushi Express can be reached at (205) 502-7221 or osushiexpressinc@ gmail.com. www.osushiexpress.com

A Ribbon Cutting and Open House was held Tuesday, May 2, 2017 at the newly renovated Galleria Woods Retirement Community. Shown cutting the ribbon are Dining Services Director DeMaurius Garrett and Executive Director Lynda Sullivan, as Business Development Director Lisa McClung holds the bow. Resident Programs Director Saralyn Millwee is between them. They were joined by several additional staff members and Hoover Chamber ambassadors. Galleria Woods and Lisa McClung can be reached at (205) 985-7537 or bmcclung@brookdale.com. www.brookdaleliving.com/galleriawoods.aspx

Jeff Brown, of Brownstone Marketing Solutions, presented the 2017-18 Proud Member Banner that he provided. Participating chamber members were able to have their logo displayed on the banner for a low cost of $200.00. The Proud Member Banner is to be displayed at each major chamber function throughout the year, including chamber luncheons, coffee & contact events, and business after hours events. This is the third annual Proud Member Banner provided by Brownstone Marketing Solutions. For information on similar banners or other marketing needs, contact Jeff at (205) 789-3600 or brown@bmsllc.biz.

Jay Clyce of Weber Mortgage was recognized at the April 2017 Chamber Luncheon by Chamber President Jerome Morgan, Jr., as the Ambassador of the First Quarter. Jay earned over 300 points during the first three months of 2017 with his participation in chamber activities, as well as his contacting almost all of the new members during the quarter.

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

Thank You, Board of Trustees

Hugh Morrow RE/MAX Preferred www. birminghampreferred.com

Brad Ledbetter Servpro of Birmingham www.servproofbirmingham.com

Mark Garnett Cigna-HealthSpring www.healthspring.com

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, Children’s of Alabama* Chris Schmidt, J.D., Daniel Corporation* Jennifer Strickland, First Commercial Bank Mark Garnett, HealthSpring of Alabama, Inc. Joel Smith, Hendrick Hoover Auto Mall Paul Dangel, Hyatt Regency Birmingham-The Wynfrey Hotel Jerry Cross, Jefferson County EIDA* Henry King, King Acura Dan Mikos, Mikos-Kampakis Insurance* Richard Head, RE/MAX Advantage* 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 Jose’ 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 — April 2017 3Way Cleaning Company Teco Stephens, Owner 888-794-0001 Abstract Dr. Kristie Rankin - 999-2257 Alabama Wildlife Center Doug Adair - 663-7030

Barrington on the Green Apartment Homes Jamie Schollian, Property Manager - 988-8880 Bradford Health Services Page Rubin, Clinical Coordinator - 547-2727 CIS Home Loans Matt Taul or Jason Cooke 443-7290

Collateral Properties, LLC Tom Coggin - 951-1015 Colon & Rectal Surgical Associates, PC B J Latsis, Office Manager 933-1199

Heatherwood Hills Country Club Louis McHughes - 502-4441

eCo Credit Union Georgia Hux, Marketing Coordinator - 226-3938

O Sushi Express Xiong ‘Leo’ Lin, President 502-7221

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

60

Edge Realty Group Mike Hawthorne, Realtor 582-2818

See MEMBERS on page 6

Upcoming Events

June and July 2017 MAY 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 23-28: Southeastern Conference Baseball Tournament at Hoover Met. www.sec.com for tickets!

JUNE June 1: 8:30 a.m. Economic Development Committee Meeting. Visitors Welcome!

June 1: 4:00-7:00 p.m. Open House at Birmingham Physicians’ Imaging, 1550 Montgomery Highway, Suite L, Hoover 35216. Contact Mildred Waldrop at (205) 823-3366 or mwaldrop@rwbrad.com. www.southerrediologyspecialists.com June 6: 8:30 a.m. Minority Business Council at Chamber Office. Visitors Welcome!

June 6: 5:30 p.m. Ribbon Cutting and Grand Opening until 8:00 p.m. at The Point at Oak Mountain Apartment Homes, 1 Stonecrest Drive, Birmingham 35242. Contact Kat Wilkes at kwilkes@ waypointms.com or (205) 981-3005 for information.

June 8: 7:30 - 9:00 a.m. Coffee & Contacts at Ridge Crossings Apartments, 100 Tree Crossings Parkway, Hoover 35244. Contact Marsha Robinson at (205) 733-9711 or ridge crossings@steadfastliving.com. www.ridgecrossings-living.com

June 13: 11:00 a.m. Ribbon Cutting at CIS Home Loans, 4256 Cahaba Heights Court, Birmingham 35243.

Contact Matt Taul at (205) 443-7290 or mtaul@cishomeloans.com for information. www.cishomeloans.com June 15: Hoover Chamber Luncheon at Hoover Country Club. 11:15 a.m.

Networking, Noon Luncheon. Please make reservations by Monday, June 13. 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

June 22: 5:30-7:00 p.m. Business after Hours at River Highlands of Birmingham, 1851 Data Drive, Hoover 35244.

Contact Erin Helton at (205) 982-7000 or ehelton@riverhighlands.com. www.

RiverHighlands.com June 29: 5:30-7:00 p.m. Open House at Auto Oasis Express Wash, 3631 Lorna Road, Hoover 35244. Contact Kathy & Truitt Luckie at (205) 637-0508 or gtluckie@yahoo.com. www.aoexpresswash. com

July 13: 7:30 - 9:00 a.m. Coffee & Contacts CB&S Bank, 1301 Doug Baker Boulevard, The Village at Lee Branch, Hoover 35242. Contact Paul Huckeba at (205) 408-5560 or paul.

Huckeba@cbsbank.com. www.cbsbank. com

July 20: Hoover Chamber Luncheon at Hoover Country Club. 11:15 a.m.

Networking, Noon Luncheon. Please make reservations by Monday, July 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

July 27: 5:30-7:00 p.m. Business after Hours at Galleria Woods Retirement Community, 3850 Galleria Woods Drive, Hoover 35244. Contact Lisa McClung at (205) 985-7537 or bmcclung@brookdale.com for information.

JULY July 4: Independence Day - No Minority Business Council July 6: 8:30 a.m. Economic Development Committee Meeting.

Visitors Welcome!

June 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 The Pampered Pet Resort Stephanie Clayton, Owner 397-3196

Pearle Vision Gene Denny, Owner - 985-0971

RE/MAX Preferred Hugh Morrow, Broker - Board of Trustees Upgrade 879-7665

Plantation Prestige Furniture John Hoyt, President - 593-4978

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

62

Riverchase Center Katy Lincoln or Philip Yost 262-4703 WAITR App Kayley Chancellor - 331-0636

SPOTTED Bluff Park Art Association’s annual meeting

The Bluff Park Art Association held its annual meeting Feb. 26 at its headquarters at Artists on the Bluff in Hoover.

Robin Horner Gerstenberg, Wells Shelton and Paula Garman

Tommy Sanderson, James Phillips and Julie Preskitt

Tommy and Amanda Hutton Sanderson

Pamela Plyler and Carol Campbell

Jeff Pierson

Paula Garman and Debbie Ballogg

Cathy Wheeler and Jeff Pierson

Sara Perry

Linda Chastain and Trish Hoover June 2017 | Hoover’s Magazine •

63

SPOTTED

ExploraStory: All About Me Children listened to “Stand Tall, Molly Lou Melon” by Patty Lovell before activities in which they learned about themselves at the ExploraStory: All About Me program at the Hoover Public Library on April 6.

Kay and Sam Allen

Jack Shoultz and Suzan Megerdigian

Ellie and Sarah Hufnagel

George Shahid and Faye Samander

64

• Hoover’s Magazine | June 2017

Amelia, Luke and Sam Teslich

Terri, Brinlee and Baleigh Emerson

Ryce Sparks and Emily Jackson

Bethany, Caleb and Connor Beck

Sarah and David Akers and Keaton Glover

Britni and Riley Trimble

Aubrea McGee

Zoey and Justyce Rivers June 2017 | Hoover’s Magazine •

65

SPOTTED

Club donates to Green Valley Baptist Food Bank The GFWC Shades Mountain Woman’s Club members donated items from “Not Yo Mamas” Soup Drive” to Green Valley Baptist Food Bank.

Jennifer Mize, Kirsten Means, Jan Greer, Diane Ray, Pam Thompson and Roberta Atkinson

Ashley Davidson and Jan Greer

Marjorie Bachorak and Alice Singleton

Eloise Martens and Theresa Reed

66

• Hoover’s Magazine | June 2017

Glenny Brock and Carolyn Kolar

Jan Greer, Diane Ray and Pam Thompson

Stephanie Landry

Senior Health Fair On April 18, the Hoover Senior Center hosted a Senior Health Fair.

Dozens of area health representatives were present to speak to seniors and disperse information.

Harriet McQueen, Erin Helton and Janice Hannon

Rachel Edmondson and Sue Cole

Lois Burns, Anthony Coppola and Betty Franklin

Kimberly Wedgeworth and Linda Bates

Venda Terry and Tillie Powers

Penny Witcher and Ginger Schweitzer

Margene Gore, Marshall Walker, Carolyn Barton and Betty Isaac

Lemeshia Agee-Chambers and Tonya Watts

Isabell Wayner and Tillie Powers June 2017 | Hoover’s Magazine •

67

SPOTTED

King’s Home Shelby Auxiliary Tablescapes Luncheon King’s Home Shelby Auxiliary held its 2017 Tablescapes fundraiser at Metro Church of God in Hoover on April 19.

Maureen Bunn and B. Suttle

Susan Smith, Ann Horne and Hope Skoney

Leslie Hackbardt and Patti Stahlhut

Shannon Moore and Connie Crowe

68

• Hoover’s Magazine | June 2017

Janet Perry and Beth Hamer

Mary Cole and Susan Jones

Joice Watts, Kathryn Watts and Cindy Burell

Mona Trawick and Carolyn Goslin

Tricia Schencker and Tina Douglass

Marcia Miller, Julie Narz and Barbara Snook

Julia Brackeen and Cindy Meil

Breanna Sexton, Alicia Cuevas and Karen Spann

Phyllis Davis and Cheree Carlton

Marita Rodriguez and Wendy Howell

Amy Reese and Valerie Goodman

Pam Bradford and Karen Spann

Susan DuBose and Shelayne Thompson June 2017 | Hoover’s Magazine •

69

SPOTTED

King’s Home Shelby Auxiliary Tablescapes Luncheon King’s Home Shelby Auxiliary held its 2017 Tablescapes fundraiser at Metro Church of God in Hoover on April 19.

Cathy Rutledge and Tammy Lamle

Eva Frederick and Mebra Kirby

Breanna and Barbara Brickner

Linda Joseph, Paula Carlile and Renée Kennedy

70

• Hoover’s Magazine | June 2017

Sylvia Ricker and Ann Capps

Jenice Prather-Kinsey, Hiltrud Hollibaugh and Myrtis Horton

Sherry Parker and Mary Jensen

Sarah Jane Thielman and Tosha Lyles

City Bowls visits Star Lake The new City Bowls food truck visited Star Lake in the Green Valley community on Thursday, April 27 for Food Truck Thursdays.

Jacob Doak and Caroline Franklin

Kristen and Claire Hardy

Luke and Charlene McNeill

Kinslee Vann, Ashlee Boren, Jennifer Vann and Brady Vann

GREYSTONE • INVERNESS • CHELSEA THE NARROWS • CAHABA HEIGHTS

Let our family care for yours.

PRIMARY CARE, CLOSE TO HOME ON HWY 280.

We’re your neighbors and your friends, and more than just a network of doctors’ offices. Brookwood Baptist Health Primary Care is an extension of our physician family, with five convenient options off Hwy 280. With all the resources of Brookwood Baptist Health, we’re ready to serve you.

Book online at bbhcarenetwork.com or call (205) 967-1772.

June 2017 | Hoover’s Magazine •

71

SPOTTED

Celebrate Hoover Day – Hoover’s 50th Anniversary Hundreds of people flocked to Veterans Park off Valleydale Road for Celebrate Hoover Day on Saturday, April 29.

Emma, Henry, Rose and Patrick Li

Kassie Campbell, Kaelyn Campbell and Kayla Tucker

Vicki Pilgreen

Tiffany Davis and Ericka Harville

72

• Hoover’s Magazine | June 2017

Tiffany Kemp

Stratton Dolatabadi, Lea Davis, Deni Owens and Patricia Guarino

Sara Santoro

Martin Jaramillo and Maria Sisco

Kalli Jones and Mark Killebrew

Jinni Dempsey.

Bill and Susan Rawls

Melanie and Juda Grace Posey

Dr. Sherri Clark, Alli Pilkington and Darcy Porter

JonDavid Gilbert and Daniel Robinson, front, with Donna Robinson and Dr. Bruce Bizzoco

Allyson Harris

Dedra Miele and Arnold Soni

Peggy Huckabaa and Rachel Brunswick June 2017 | Hoover’s Magazine •

73

SPOTTED

Celebrate Hoover Day – Hoover’s 50th Anniversary Hundreds of people flocked to Veterans Park off Valleydale Road for Celebrate Hoover Day on Saturday, April 29.

Roy Brook and Ronald Conn

Melissa Bratton and Morgan Grimmer

Jim Long

Jeffrey Jones and William Irish

74

• Hoover’s Magazine | June 2017

Caroline Dahlen and Christina Bunn

Cameron Moss, Amanda Helton and Allison Krafft

Greg and Heather Skaggs

Inman Polk and Elaine Turnbo

Larry and Susanne Wright

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 Welder Training Short Term Licensing Call for Details 866-432-0430 ESDschool.com Eastern Tree Service 24 Hour Storm Service www.ETSTree.org Experienced Professionals 205-856-2078 Quick Response Free Estimates J & W Professional Painting Interior • Exterior 205-788-2907 31 Years Experience!

Montgomery Stockyard Drop Station at Gray & Son’s in Clanton.

Call Lane at 205-389-4530.

For other hauling

arrangements, contact Wes in Harpersville 205-965-8657 AFFORDABLE HIGH-SPEED INTERNET Available where you live!

Call Today for this Limited Time Offer! www.pbsinternet.com 800-266-4409 FREON 12 WANTED: R12 collecting dust in your garage?

We pay CA$H for R12 EPA cert, We pick up Call now for April pickup: (312)291-9169 sell@refrigerant finders.com CLOCK REPAIR SVS. * Setup * Repair * Maintenance I can fix your Mother’s clock. Alabaster/Pelham Call Stephen (205)663-2822 Become a Dental Asst. in ONLY 8 WEEKS! Please visit our website capstonedental assisting.com or call (205) 561-8118 and get your career started!

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

HooversMagazine.com

ONLINE AUCTIONS www.GTAOnlineAuctions. com 205-326-0833 Granger, Thagard & Assoc.

Jack F. Granger #873 Looking for a wonderful place to live? NEW Meadow View Village Apartments. Columbiana, AL. Now Pre-leasing 2&3 Bedrooms.

Great Amenities Provided.

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

Equal Housing Opportunity.

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 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 205-721-3670 metcalfrealtycoinc.com 3/2 Garden Home Calera Schools Easy access to HWY 31 & I-65 W/D hook-ups, Dishwasher Fenced backyard.

No Pets. Rent $1250 (205)433-9811 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 & 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

LOOKING FOR HARD WORKING DRIVERS TO JOIN OUR TEAM. CLEAN MVR/BG CHECK REQUIRED. COMPETITIVE PAY & BENEFITS: BCBC, 401K, PAID HOLIDAYS/VACATION, COMPANY FURNISHED UNIFORMS. CALL 205-425-1711 OR EMAIL: adria.lupien@ bhtonline.com Maintenance Worker for Pinelawn Gardens, in Columbiana Weekdays & Weekends Must be able to perform physical labor & operate small machinery & equipment. Apply at Bolton Funeral Home.

DELIVERY DRIVERS Local Grocery Distributor in Alabaster seeking qualified drivers.

Delivery/unloading to multiple locations.

Mon-Fri work week.

Requirements: Valid DL, clean driving record.

Benefits: Competitive wages, bonuses, benefits, opportunity for advancement.

Call 205-397-1782.

BTC Wholesale Distributors PAINT CREWS Nationally branded painting company for subcontractor work in the Birmingham area.

Must have own insurance, equipment & vehicle.

205-277-9999

Beelman Truck Hiring Experienced Mechanics and Drivers.

Great pay.

Great benefits.

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

Birmingham Hide & Tallow Immediate position for CLASS-B ROUTE DRIVERS FOR LOCAL ROUTE. WELL-ESTABLISHED 100+ YEAR COMPANY NOW HIRING ROUTE DRIVERS. HOME NIGHTS/WEEKENDS.

PT/FT Farm Equipment Operator, Lawn Maintenance and Fork Lift Driver Needed Drug and Background Check Required.

Apply In Person: 150 Princeton Lane Jemison, AL 35085 FT Presser for Dry Cleaner.

Salary, vacation, holidays, health & life insurance.

Must have reliable transportation.

Call Debbie: 205-588-6521

June 2017 | Hoover’s Magazine •

75

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

•No nights, weekends, holidays or travel!

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

Call 205-969-1797 Serious inquiries only!

Ready to Work for the #1 Brand in the World?

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

Coosa Valley Medical Center NOW HIRING! •LPNs: Post Acute Care •Respiratory Therapist: Sign on Bonus Email resume to: Blaine.Green @cvhealth.net or to apply, go to www.cvhealth.net 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 Homewood Area Package Store Day Shift Clerk/Stocker Must be 21, have retail experience, able to work any shift, holidays & weekends.

Good pay. Call M-F, 9-5 (205)585-8900 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

76

•Clean MVR/background/ drug test Email resume: john@jeffcoat.us 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 $2000 SIGN ON BONUS NEW PAY SCALE TO QUALIFYING DRIVERS EVERGREEN TRANSPORT, is accepting applications for local drivers in the Calera and Leeds, AL, area.

Must have Class A CDL, good driving record,1 yr verifiable tractor trailer experience. Good pay and benefits. Apply in person at 8278 Hwy 25 South, Calera, AL, or call for info 205-668-3316.

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

205-755-4949 or 334-235-0228 PELHAM LOCATION NOW OPEN: Monday-Saturday, 11am8pm Sunday, 11am-2pm Try our ribs!

Ask about our daily specials.

309 Huntley Parkway 624-4461 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

• Hoover’s Magazine | June 2017

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 Operator- Moody · Packers- Moody/ Hoover · Paint Line- Moody · Pickers/PackersAlabaster Lyons HR www.lyonshr.com/ career-search (205)943-4820 Service Technician Top Pay, Benefits & Commission!

Mainline Heating & Air 400 Hillwood Park S, Alabaster, AL Or email resume to: ashley@mainlineheating.com (205)664-4751 Are you a motivated professional?

Are you looking for a dynamic career?

Are you ready to control your own level of success? See why McKinnons’ is an exciting place to work and grow.

Now accepting applications for Sales, Service, and Detail Shop.

Apply with the receptionist.

205-755-3430 Hiring CDL-A Drivers Sign-on Bonus Great Benefits Local Domicile Work Apply online at: MerchantsFood Service.com/Careers Shake up your career!!!

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

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

Must have own transportation and flexible schedule.

Apply at recruiting.talentreef.com/ momma-goldbergs-deli (205)503-6190 Ignite Your Career with Mspark!

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

Mspark offers competitive compensation, benefits and a team-oriented work environment. EOE.

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

• Have 2 years+ Production/Manufacturing experience.

• Have Recently Lived in Alabama at least 2 years.

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

Complete your application on line at www.naonsite.com Odyssey Early Schools Birmingham’s Best Daycare/Preschool is Seeking Experienced Teachers.

4 Year Degree Preferred.

Full-Time.

BEST Pay. FULL Benefits (Insurance, Leave, Holidays).

Call Annie Fine 205-991-0039.

LPNs NEEDED Oxford Healthcare seeking LPNs, RNs, and CNAs to provide patients with in-home care in Pelham, Hoover, Alabaster, Montevallo Call (205)608-1612 or visit us at helpathome.com 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 HIRING Afternoon Teachers for Christian Early Learning Center, 6wks to 4k in Helena.

2pm-6pm, Mon-Fri.

Call 205-426-1910 or email resume to queenmoore1956@ gmail.com Saiia Construction Co. ISO: CDL Long-Haul Drivers.

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

Competitive compensation/ benefit package.

Email: DVeigl@saiia.com or fax: 205-943-2258 Saiia Construction Company seeks equipment operators in the Alabaster area with the ability to operate various types of equipment including: dozers, excavators, rock trucks, and motor graders.

2+ yrs. operating exp. MSHA training a plus. Must have dependable transportation, able to work in outside environments, safety oriented, and team player.

We have day and night shift work, overtime is available.

Great opportunity.

Competitive compensation and benefit package. If you are interested contact Johnny Pipp 205.943.2214 or email jpipp@saiia.com 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 ServiceMaster is Hiring Part-time Fire Cleaning Techs WILL TRAIN! Must pass background check/drug test, have reliable transportation & good driving record.

Serious Inquiries Call (205)424-4211

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

Salary: $16-20/hr after training.

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

Requirements: •Reading & math skills •Lift 40 lbs. repetitively •Work in -10 Temperature Apply in person: 8:30AM-5:00PM Southeastern Food 201 Parker Drive Pelham, Alabama 35124 resume@ southeasternfood.com MASTER MECHANIC 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 Electrician - FT Supreme Electric, local-based company in Pelham. Must be willing to learn & work hard. Go to: supremeelectric-al.com Print employment application under Contact Us. Mail to: Supreme Electric 231 Commerce Pkwy Pelham, AL 35124 or call 205-453-9327.

TaylorMade Transportation Hiring CDL Drivers for Flatbed Regional Division!

BCBS Insurance After 30 Days. To apply call: (334)366-2269 or email: s.smith@taylormadeinc.com

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 HIRING EXPERIENCED CDL-A COMPANY TANKER DRIVERS IN YOUR AREA! Regional runs-Chemical hauls *Get Home Weekly!* **Earn $60K+ Per Year** Average 2,000-2,500 miles/ week.

Paid product training-$800/week.

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

Call 888-572-3662! www.trimac.com OTR Drivers Wanted 24 Years or Older Hazmat preferred but not required. Full benefit Package available.

Pneumatic tank equipment.

Dry bulk hauling. $500 SIGN ON BONUS Home every other weekend. Apply online: Vernonmilling.com 800-753-1993

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) Tree Nursery Worker Needed Responsible w/mechanical skills.

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

Maintain safe/clean area. Requires valid-DL/reliable transportation.

334-365-2488 Wiley Sanders Truck Lines Inc $1,000 SIGN-ON-BONUS Longevity-Bonus.

Quarterly Safe-Driving AWARD. Competitive Pay Package.

PAID Orientation.

NEW Fleet of Trucks.

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

Nights/weekends, call Jeffrey: 334-372-5049 Ron: 1-850-454-4276 Richard: 334-492-0803 Experienced Automotive Tech Duties: Engine diagnostics brakes/ac work/etc Auto-Lube Tech Duties: oil changes/mount & balance tire/light maintenance work.

Competitive pay/benefits (205)995-5520 or (205)688-3333

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

205-592-3422 www.watkinstrucking.com

Wiregrass Construction Company is seeking experienced asphalt CDL TRUCK DRIVERS. Must be dependable.

Excellent benefits.

Interested applicants may apply: 951 Dow Street Pelham, AL 35124 (205)620-4132 or 151 Piper Lane Alabaster, AL 35007 (205)605-0753.

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

NOW HIRING CDL-A DRIVERS w/Haz. $5000 SignOn Bonus. Apply online:

YARD SPOTTER Immediate Opening-F/T or P/T

Caregivers Needed ASAP! Competitive hourly pay.

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

Class-A-CDL required to shuttle trailers from truck-yard to loading area. Benefits available for F/T positions.

Apply In Person: Woodgrain Distribution(EOE) 80 So. Shelby St., Montevallo 205-665-2546(Ext.207) ksenecal@woodgrain.com Experienced Asphalt Equipment Operators Dunn Construction is now hiring for the following positions: Backhoe Operator: Must be able to demonstrate use of equipment.

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

CDL Driver Class A or B: Must have at least 18 mos. experience operating a dump truck.

Milling Machine Groundman: Must be able to run milling machine boxes.

Asphalt Laborers: Looking to hire in Saginaw & Birmingham areas.

In search of anyone with previous asphalt operations experience.

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

Drug-free workplace.

To Apply: Stop by our office for employment application.

3905 Messer Airport Hwy. Birmingham, AL 35222 or send your resume/ request for application to careers@ dunnconstruction.com EOE/Minorities/Females/ Veterans/Disabled HIRING IMMEDIATELY! Groundsmen, Equipment Operators, and Laborers.

Requirements: Drug Free, Clean Driving Record, Self Self-Motivated. Opportunity For Advancement. Company Will Train. Shop Located in Irondale.

Call: 205-8362038 or 205-229-7144.

FULL TIME & PART TIME COUNSELORS For Christian Summer Camp 30 May - 4 Aug (10 weeks) Children: K-thru-8th Grade in Helena. Email Resume to bill@rbchelena.org or call 205-426-1910

June 2017 | Hoover’s Magazine •

77

CALENDAR

June 1 First Thursday Fiction Book Group

event is free.

Summer STEAM: Recycle-o-rama

•Hoover Public Library•

•Hoover Public Library•

The First Thursday Fiction Book Group for adults will be held June 1 at 10 a.m. at the Hoover Public Library.

Learn about recycling and create upcycled crafts June 8 at 4 p.m. and 6:30 p.m. The event is for kids ages 8-12.

Register through June 7.

Koo Koo Kanga Roo

Elnora Spencer

•Hoover Public Library•

Singing and dancing from an unforgettable duo will commence June 1 at 10:30 a.m. and 2 p.m. at the Hoover Public Library.

Whoopty Whoop!

June 2 Movers and Groovers: Construction Zone •Hoover Public Library•

Movement and music for ages 2 and up will be held June 2 at 11 a.m. at the Hoover Public Library.

June 3 Coffee and Espresso 101: Discussion and Tasting

•Hoover Public Library•

Coffee and Espresso 101: Discussion and Tasting

Hoover •Hoover Public Library•

Join the library staff June 3 at 10:30 a.m. as everyone wishes Hoover a fantastic birthday. The celebration will include cake, games and crafts.

June 4 Sunday NovelTea •Hoover Public Library•

Sunday NovelTea, a new fiction book group, will meet Sunday, June 4, at 3 p.m. at the Hoover Public Library.

For more information, call 444-7820.

June 5 Story Builders: Under the Trees

•East 59 Café on the Plaza•

Learn about coffee, espresso, different methods of brewing, coffee sustainability practices and more June 3 at 10 a.m. The class is $10 and includes light snacks and drink tastings. Limited seating. Reserve a spot at (205) 518-6264. The event will take place at 10 a.m., noon and 2 p.m. at East 59 Café on the Plaza at the Hoover Public Library.

Happy Birthday 78

•Hoover Public Library•

Storytime for children under 4 will be held June 5 at 9:30 a.m. and 10:30 a.m.

June 6 TomFoolery Juggling Extravaganza •Hoover Public Library•

Juggling, unicycle, stilt walking and balancing acts

• Hoover’s Magazine | June 2017

will be held June 6 at 10:30 a.m., 2 p.m. and 6:30 p.m. at the Hoover Public Library.

Sky Zone Hoover Trampoline Park

Teens are invited to jump and kick off summer at Sky Zone on June 6 at 3:30 p.m.

Space is limited, and those interested must register to attend. Register through June 5, grades 7-12.

June 7 Where the Miracle Continues •Hoover Public Library•

“Where the Miracle Continues: Therapeutic Horses at the Alabama Institute for the Deaf and Blind” with author Carolyn Roberson will be held June 7 at 10:30 a.m. For more information, call 444-7840.

June 8 Second Thursday Fiction Book Group •Hoover Public Library•

The Second Thursday Fiction Book Group will meet June 8 at 10 a.m. in the theatre level meeting room. The

Legendary Birmingham singer Elnora Spencer will lead her band in a night of fiery blues June 8 at 6:30 p.m. The event is free and will be held at the Library Plaza.

June 9 Family Movie Friday: Moana •Hoover Public Library•

Bring the family and watch an animated flick on the Library Theatre big screen on June 9 at 10:30 a.m.

June 10 Basic Crochet Class •Hoover Public Library•

A basic crochet class and a basic knit class for Knit in Public Day will be held June 10 at 11 a.m.

World Wide Knit in Public Day •Hoover Public Library•

Join old friends and make new ones at this crafty meeting of all fiber enthusiasts June 10 at 1 p.m.

Bring yarn and knit, crochet or embroider with the group.

The event is free and will be held at the Library Plaza.

June 11

Baird, Deering, McGinnis Trio •Hoover Public Library•

Two flautists and a euphonium player will present an afternoon of chamber music June 11 at 2:30 p.m. The event is free and will be held at the Library Plaza.

Young Artist Reception •Hoover Public Library•

Celebrate the featured children’s gallery artists June 11 at 3 p.m. Refreshments will be served. The event will take place in the Hoover Public Library’s Children’s Programming Room A.

Frank Lloyd Wright: A Film by Ken Burns •Hoover Public Library•

Although he is known as America’s greatest architect, designing over 800 buildings during his long career, Frank Lloyd Wright’s achievements were often overshadowed by his turbulent personal life. In 92 years, he fathered seven children, was married three times, and was almost constantly embroiled in scandal. With exquisite live cinematography, fascinating interviews and rare archival footage, this riveting film brings Wright’s unforgettable story to life (2004, 153 minutes). Free admission and refreshments. The film will be shown June 12 at 2 p.m. and 6:30 p.m. For more information, call 444-7840.

June 13 Glue Gun Gang: Rustic, Folk-Style

American Flag •Hoover Public Library•

On June 13 at 6:30 p.m., use ribbons, fabric scraps, lace and other crafty bits to create an American flag wall hanging to help you celebrate July 4th. Adults only.

Reservations are required. Call 444-7840 to register beginning June 1.

The event is free.

June 16 After Hours @ the Plaza: Library Bingo •Hoover Public Library•

Round up family and friends to compete for prizes while playing a classic game with a library twist June 16 at 7 p.m. Refreshments will be provided. For more information, call the Circulation Department at 444-7800.

June 17 Calling All Cars •Hoover Public Library•

Lightning McQueen invites everyone to the library to start their engines June 17 at 10:30 a.m. Crafts, games and snacks will be provided.

The event will take place in the Children’s Department.

June 19 Mr. P Just Art •Hoover Public Library•

Mr. P will lead teens in creating their own art June 19 at 6:30 p.m. Space is limited, and participants must register to attend.

Register June 5-18.

Community Farms •Hoover Public Library•

Mt Laurel Farm’s manager will discuss growing healthy communities through convenient, fresh produce June 19 at 6:30 p.m. For more information, call 4447840.

June 23 Bring Your Own Baby: All About Baby •Hoover Public Library•

Music, movement and interactive stories for little ones, ages birth-24 months, will be held June 23 at 9:30 a.m. Space is limited.

Participants must register June 16-22.

Friday Night at the Movies – Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them •Hoover Public Library•

Free admission and refreshments will be provided at this movie event June 23 at 6:30 p.m. (PG, 133 minutes). The showing will be at the Library Theatre.

June 25 Kid Lit Coffee Break •Hoover Public Library•

Adults who love children’s literature get a chance to relax and talk about books June 25 at 3 p.m. The event is open to parents, teachers, librarians and the young at heart.

June 26 Cupcake Wars •Hoover Public Library•

Compete in a timed cupcake decorating competition.

The library will provide the supplies to bring participants’ book-themed cupcake designs to life June 26 at 6:30 p.m. Register June 12-25.

June 30 Magic City Con •Hyatt Regency Birmingham-The Wynfrey Hotel•

Cupcake Wars

Magic City Con will be held June 30-July 2.

Convention hours are noon to midnight Friday, 9 a.m. to midnight Saturday and 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Sunday.

The event includes cosplay, gaming, sci-fi, pop culture, KidCon and more. For more information, visit Magiccitycon.com.

June 2017 | Hoover’s Magazine •

79

why I love Hoover

“Great things are happening in Hoover because leaders are pulling together”

J

anet Turner and her family moved to Birmingham in 2007, and over the last 10 years, she has become a well-known face around the Hoover community and in her neighborhood, Ross Bridge.

“We love the strong community feel in the neighborhood and all the neighborhood activities,” Turner said.

Turner grew up in Mobile and went to college at the University of South Alabama. She and her husband married in 2000 and have three girls, twins Sarah and Abby, and Mollie.

Q: What do you love about Hoover?

A:There are so many things I love about Hoover. I’ve lived in several big cities, so I love that Hoover is a small city with big city people. Because Hoover is so transient, we have people here from all over the world, and they bring their diverse backgrounds and experiences to our community.

I also love that there is a new attitude of communication in Hoover. The leaders in our city, people like John Lyda, Derrick Murphy, Frank Brocato and Kathy Murphy, just to name a few, have really opened up the lines of communication and led to 80

• Hoover’s Magazine | June 2017

the Hoover Parent Teacher Council.

Those organizations sparked my desire to give back even more to the schools, so I joined the Board of the Hoover City Schools Foundation. All of this work has been focused on making our schools the best they can be. The goal is always to move from “good” to “great!”

At the Foundation, we decided to help educate the community in the local elections last year. transformative conversations. Great things are happening in Hoover because leaders are pulling together, and it’s exciting to see the changes that are taking place as the result of this collaboration.

Q: How long have you served as executive director of the Hoover City Schools Foundation?

A: I was hired as the executive director in July 2015, after serving on the Board for several years. My background was corporate lending and finance, and I had been trained extensively as a relationship manager. I’ve found that my background makes me uniquely suited to be the executive director and sole employee (i.e. “jack of all trades”) of the Foundation.

Q: You’ve been described as a “strong advocate” of Hoover City Schools.

What work have you done in an effort to move the school system forward?

A: I’ve been involved with Hoover schools since my twins started kindergarten. I was a room mom and served on the PTO Board at Deer Valley for many years. That led to my involvement and role as president of

Q: Are there any school-related issues you’re particularly passionate about?

What are they, and why?

A: One of my main focuses is drug awareness and prevention. This is such an important issue for our children, so the Foundation has developed programs to educate parents about the dangers of prescription drugs and illegal substances. We also helped secure funding for PRIDE surveys which will help the district and the School Resource Officers assess the specific issues facing our students.

I’m also passionate about special education. We adopted our daughter Mollie from China, and she has a mild form of cerebral palsy. I have been so impressed by the quality of education she receives in Hoover, and I’ve been inspired to help other parents of special needs students understand the variety of services available to them in our schools.

Q: What are your hobbies?

A: Crossfit! I also love to travel, hike and be adventurous. Last year I went skydiving for a cause, and this year I’m going to hike the Grand Canyon with a good friend. Life is not a dress rehearsal – live it! n

2016

June 2017 | Hoover’s Magazine •

81

82

• Hoover’s Magazine | June 2017