Hoover's Magazine, June/July 2018

COMIC RELIEF AT EXCELSIOR • MANAGING THE HOOVER MET • JAYNE MORGAN’S HONEY BEARS

CAN COLLECTOR COMMENTARY A HOME’S VIEW FROM THE RIDGE JUNE/JULY 2018 HooversMagazine.com Vol. 7 Issue 3 $4.95

A COOKIE STORY

DOROTHY EWING’S FOREST BEAR BAKERY

FEATURES

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THE SODA CAN MAN Thousands of cans line a basement in Rick Halbrooks’ old Bluff Park house—and he knows the story behind each one.

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CLEARING THE CLUTTER As a self-proclaimed “recovering messy,” Kim McBrayer is on a mission to help people reclaim their space through organization.

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MOTIVATED TO DO MORE

PHOTO BY DAWN HARRISON

Leading a non-profit corporation is one of several priorities for Spain Park senior Tanya Gupta.

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33 PHOTO BY DAWN HARRISON

arts

& culture

13 Jayne Morgan: Honey Bear Artist Featured at Aldridge Gardens 18 Five Questions for: Excelsior Enterprises Owner Ken Oswald 19 Book Nook: Rock ‘n’ Read at the Hoover Library 22 Book Picks: Fun Summer Reading

food & drink

23 Forest Bear Bakery: Dorothy Ewing’s Exceptional Cookies 30 Five Questions For: Greystone’s John Onsa 31 Cocktail Recipe: Perry’s Mai Tai

school & sports

in every issue 6 Contributors 7 From the Editor 8 #HooversMag 9 The Guide 20 Aldridge Gardens Newsletter 75 Out & About 86 Marketplace 88 Why I Love Hoover

33 Grace Varner: 2018 Congressional Art Winner

home

& style

37 Sleek + Scenic: A Contemporary Home with a Spectacular View

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contributors EDITORIAL

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

CONTRIBUTORS Lauren Dowdle Sarah Gilliland Dawn Harrison Heather Skaggs Nancy Wilstach Lauren Winter

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

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

When she is not researching her latest book, Heather digs for the untold stories in Hoover and brings them to the pages of magazines and

DESIGN

Connor Bucy Jamie Dawkins Kate Sullivan

MARKETING

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

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

newspapers – including this publication.

Nancy Wilstach, Writer Nancy lives in Montevallo with her husband, Bill Plott; her 7-year-old grandson, Atticus Plott; and her rescue terrier, Barney.Nancy spent 40 years as a daily newspaper journalist, the last 25 of those years with The Birmingham News covering Shelby County. Retired since 2008, she is enjoying writing about Montevallo when she is not traveling with her family in her RV.

Lauren Winter, Photographer Southern to the core, Lauren Winter grew up in Birmingham and now lives in Bluff Park. She is mama to two little girls, and owner of Fresh Grace Photography, which specializes in lifestyle family photography and weddings. In addition to her girls, Lauren’s favorites include sweet tea, camping, football, bluebirds, thunderstorms and puppy breath.

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

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

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

Advertising inquiries may be made by emailing advertise@hooversmagazine.com, or by calling (205) 669-3131, ext. 536.

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I

from the editor

ON THE COVER

I was in elementary school during the Beanie Babies craze of the 1990s, and amassed a huge collection of the small, bean-filled creatures before they diminished in popularity. My sister and I lined them up in our rooms and kept track of which ones we wanted that we didn’t have, particularly any of the “retired” Beanie Babies, or the ones with discrepancies in coloring or design, which were rare and sometimes worth hundreds of dollars. That’s probably the largest collection I have of anything, and it pales in comparison to Rick Halbrooks’s collection of soda cans.

When my colleague Madoline Markham first told me what she’d heard about Rick’s extensive collection from one of his sons, I was intrigued. I’ve known of people who collected coins, postage stamps, sports trading cards and celebrity memorabilia, but I’ve never met someone who collects cans as a hobby, and not just to recycle them.

But to say Rick’s collection is merely “extensive” is an understatement.

His more than 14,000 cans line the walls of the basement of his family’s old house in Bluff Park. Rows and rows of colorful cans compete for your eyes’ attention. Unless you’re as well-versed in can culture and history as Rick is, you’ll see brands and logos you’ve never seen before. Perhaps more fascinating than studying the labels of so many cans is hearing Rick talk about where they came from, how he acquired them and what makes them special. In some cases, he has two seemingly identical cans, but if you look closely, the labels are one word or color marking apart. Even now, Rick can’t pick up a soda can without studying it and taking it to the basement if it’s one he doesn’t have yet.

Check out the story and photos, and hey – you’ll probably recognize at least a few of Rick’s cans! Let me know what you think about this and other stories. And, as always, if you know of someone we ought to consider for a future issue, don’t hesitate to contact me.

Happy summer to you,

emily.sparacino@hooversmagazine.com

Forest Bear Bakery

Forest Bear Bakery owner Dorothy Ewing spends her days baking and delivering cookies.

Photo by Lauren Winter Design by Connor Bucy

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#HooversMag

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

@jeffstatecollege It was a great 25th Anniversary Celebration for the Jefferson State Shelby-Hoover Campus! The Shelby-Hoover Campus has served more than 77,900 students and awarded 10,011 associate degrees. Jefferson State greatly appreciates the partnerships and collaboration that has made this campus such a vital part of the community.

@simmonsladybucs girls after a little indoor practice:)

@bpal_heathers_corner Honored beyond words to be presented with a proclamation from the @cityofhoover. Thank you to the city for your support. Thank you to my husband @greg_skaggs, family, neighbors and friends for coming to share this with me.

Thank you to my Monte D’Oro friends and Riverchase friends for coming out to be with me. #hooverhistory @arcadia_publishing @historypress

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@jlbbargaincarousel @oluwafunmifly is on FIYAH in this denim jumpsuit. It will be on sale tonight at Bash!

It’s not too late to get your ticket!!!

THE GUIDE

BREAKOUT OF THE HOOVER LIBRARY JUNE 18 6:30 P.M. HOOVER PUBLIC LIBRARY Teens, think you and your friends can escape from the library? Teams will have 45 minutes to solve a series of riddles, decipher the clues and find the key to escaping. Registration opens on June 11 at 9 a.m. Call 444-7800.

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THE GUIDE WHAT TO DO IN HOOVER JUNE 3 Kid Lit Coffee Break Hoover Public Library 3-4 p.m.

JUNE 4 Storytime Dance Party Hoover Public Library 9:30+10:30 a.m.

JUNE 5 Page Turner Adventures Hoover Public Library 10:30 a.m.+2 p.m.+6:30 p.m.

JUNE 7 Opening Reception and Lecture – Bob Shelton Hoover Public Library 5:30-9 p.m.

JUNE 11

HOT ROD Power Tour HOOVER METROPOLITAN STADIUM

Car enthusiasts will want to save the date for this high-end hot rod tour’s stop in Hoover. The seven-day, seven-city journey is

JUNE 1

Friday Night Flicks – Star Wars 7 P.M.

VETERANS PARK, VALLEYDALE ROAD Grab a blanket and bring your family to a galaxy not-so-far away. Friday Night Flicks featuring Star Wars: The Last Jedi will be held at dusk in the park. This movie event, which will continue on Fridays throughout June and July, is free and open to the public.

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expected to bring together more than 6,000 vehicles and 100,000-plus spectators.

Car enthusiasts can register their cars to be a part of the event, and spectators can enjoy all the sights and action for free.

JUNE 8 Friday Night Flicks – Wonder Veterans Park 7-9 p.m.

JUNE 10 Young Artist Reception Hoover Public Library 3-4 p.m.

JUNE 11 2000s Trivia Hoover Public Library 6:30-7:30 p.m.

JUNE 12 Lee Bryan – That Puppet Guy Hoover Public Library 10:30 a.m.+2 p.m.+6:30 p.m.

JUNE 14 George Griffin & the Firebirds Hoover Public Library 7-8:30 p.m.

JUNE 21 Pop Culture Trivia Night Hoover Public Library 7-8:30 p.m.

JUNE 22 Friday Night Flicks – Peter Rabbit Veterans Park 7-9 p.m.

THE GUIDE JUNE 25 The Science Lady presents: Hogwarts Academy Hoover Public Library 6:30-7:30 p.m.

JUNE 29 Friday Night Flicks – Despicable Me 3 Veterans Park 7-9 p.m.

JULY 3 My Little Pony Movie Hoover Public Library 10:30 a.m.

JULY 5 Children’s Movie – Wonder Hoover Public Library 10:30 a.m.

JULY 13 Friday Night Flicks – Ferdinand Veterans Park 7-9 p.m.

JULY 15 Mark Schantz Hoover Public Library 2:30-3:30 p.m.

JULY 17 Koo Koo Kanga Roo Hoover Public Library 10:30 a.m.+2 p.m.+6:30 p.m.

JULY 19 Opening Reception for Merrilee Challis Hoover Public Library 5:30-7:30 p.m.

JULY 20 Friday Night Flicks – Coco Veterans Park 7-9 p.m.

JULY 27 SciFi/Fantasy Fest Hoover Public Library All Day JULY 31 American Girl Hoover Public Library 2 p.m.+6:30 p.m.

JUNE 23

2018 APSO Power Run 5K 8 A.M.

VETERANS PARK, VALLEYDALE ROAD Lace up your running shoes for the Power

Run, presented by the Alabama Power Service Organization. The run helps generate support and funds to benefit the YMCA’s Youth Development Program.

Race schedule and event details are available at Powerrun.org.

JUNE 14

JUNE 10

1 P.M.

Lucky Diaz & the Family Jam Band

Supporting Diabetes Research VETERANS PARK, VALLEYDALE ROAD The Diabetes Walk for Camp Seale Harris is a family-friendly walk and run supporting diabetes awareness, the diabetes community and an opportunity to make it possible for kids to attend Camp Seale Harris – Alabama’s only diabetes camp.

2 P.M.

HOOVER PUBLIC LIBRARY THEATRE These three-time Emmy nominees and the first Americans ever to win a Latin Grammy for a children’s album will bring their unique sound to the library on multiple dates: June 10-12.

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

HooversMagazine.com 11

THE GUIDE AROUND TOWN

Education

SETTING THE BAR HIGH Danielle Alexandra Phillips is setting historic milestones as a second-year law student at Washington & Lee Law School in Lexington, Virginia. She has obtained the highest score in her constitutional law school class and was recently the first African-American student honored in Washington, D.C., by the Baronial Order of the Magna Carta who are descendants of 24 Barons of England connected to the original Magna Carta of 1215. Recipients of this prestigious scholarship are chosen annually based on achieving the highest academic scores in constitutional law as a student of a top American law school. Danielle is a graduate of Mississippi State University and Spain Park High School. She credits Oliver Parker, her high school debate coach, with starting her on the path to success – she was selected as the first YMCA Youth Judge from SPHS, and the first African-American Student Government President. She is the daughter of Lt. Col. Kenneth Phillips and Mrs. Daphne Pace Phillips of Greystone.

Philanthropy

SUPPORT BY THE SLICE The inaugural Reach For The Pie Pizza Cook-Off to benefit Special Olympics Alabama unfolded at Soiree Event Gallery on March 17. Organized by Hoover Police Department in conjunction with Law Enforcement Torch Run, the event brings local pizza companies together to raise funds for the Special Olympic athletes of Alabama.

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JUNE 1+2 Birmingham Barons vs.

Chattanooga Lookouts Regions Field

JUNE FRIDAYS & SUNDAYS Various Movies Alabama Theatre alabamatheatre.com for listings

SATURDAYS The Market at Pepper Place 8 a.m.-noon

JUNE 4-7 Birmingham Barons vs. Jackson Generals Regions Field

JUNE 8-JULY 1 Beauty & The Beast Presented by Red Mountain Theatre Company Dorothy Day Jemison Theatre Alabama School of Fine Arts

JUNE 9 American Heart Association Heart Walk Railroad Park 8 a.m.

JUNE 13-17 Birmingham Barons vs.

Chattanooga Lookouts Regions Field

JUNE 15-24 Sand Mountain Saturday Nite Virginia Samford Theatre

JUNE 26 David Lee: The Ultimate Elvis BJCC

JUNE 26 Block Party Albert L. Scott Library 3:30 p.m.

JUNE 28 Mt Laurel Tween Card Embroidery Mt Laurel Library 4 p.m.

THE GUIDE JUNE 28-JULY 3 Birmingham Barons vs. Jackson Generals Regions Field JUNE 30 Introduction to Wine North Shelby Library 6 p.m.

JUNE 30-JULY 1 Great Southern Gun & Knife Expo BJCC Exhibition Hall

JULY 4 Thunder on the Mountain Fireworks Show Vulcan Park & Museum 9 p.m.

JULY 6-29 Mamma Mia! Red Mountain Theatre Company Dorothy Day Jemison Theatre Alabama School of Fine Arts

JULY 8-11 Birmingham Barons vs. Mississippi Braves Regions Field

JULY 13-15 World Deer Expo BJCC Exhibition Halls

JULY 14-15 Sloss Music & Arts Festival Sloss Furnaces

JULY 18 Flicks Among the Flowers Jaws Birmingham Botanical Gardens 6 p.m. Gates, 8 p.m. Film

JULY 18-22 Birmingham Barons vs. Jackson Generals Regions Field

JULY 24-27 Birmingham Barons vs. Tennessee Smokies Regions Field

JULY 26-AUG. 5 Hairspray Jr. Virginia Samford Theatre

Education

CONTRIBUTING TO SOCIETY Prince of Peace Catholic School inducted 33 middle school students into National Junior Honor Society on April 6, bringing the total membership to 68 in grades 6-8.

This outstanding group of students all maintain a GPA of 3.5 or above; demonstrate leadership in the school and community; provide service to others; and possess excellent character and strong citizenship. Examples of the students’ service include a school-wide recycling initiative, tutoring early elementary school students and assisting with Catholic Schools Week.

Awards

SQUAD COMMANDER STATUS Former cadet First Lieutenant Timothy Blake has assumed command of the Bessemer Composite Squadron, the largest squadron in the state, becoming the youngest Squadron Commander in the Alabama Wing at 23 years old.

Lt. Blake has been a member of the Civil Air Patrol since he was 14. A Civil Air Patrol Drug Demand Reduction presentation at Robert F. Bumpus Middle School attracted Blake to the cadet programs, and his love of aviation led him to become a member. Lt. Blake earned his Earhart Award and used the Aviation Initiative for Cadets to earn his private pilot’s license at a fraction of the cost.

Submitted by Lt. Candous Langston, CAP, Alabama Wing Director of Public Affairs.

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THE GUIDE DAR

PATRIOTS HONORED BY STATE DAR

Hoover resident Mark Davis was recognized as Alabama’s Outstanding Veteran Volunteer by the Alabama Society Daughters of the American Revolution (ASDAR).

The Lily of the Cahaba Chapter sponsored Davis for the award based on his work in support of veterans with Vettes-4Vets, the Alabama Fallen Warrior Project, Veterans Memorial Arbor and other activities.

The Lily of the Cahaba Chapter, based in Hoover, was also recognized with first place awards in the state for Outstanding Literacy Promotion, Constitution Week events and Veteran Support.

ASDAR State Regent Nancy Folk of Hoover presented the award at the recent 120th ASDAR State Conference in Auburn, which included special guests President General Ann Dillon of the National Society and Gov. Kay Ivey.

New ASDAR officers elected at the State Conference for 2018-2021 are State Regent Tammy Clemons, Grant; 1st Vice Regent Patrice Donnelly, Birmingham; 2nd Vice Regent Clariece Lilly, Loxley; Chaplain Tad Douglas, Hoover; Recording Secretary Anne Parramore, Montgomery; Corresponding Secretary Janice Jennings, Huntsville; Organizing Secretary Mary Lewey, Trussville; Treasurer Athelia Gibbs, Eva; Registrar Judith Arthur, Alabaster; Historian Terri Dean, Hampton Cove; and Librarian Sandra Rackard, Mobile.

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City

FUNDING A WORTHY CAUSE

The Hoover Public Safety Foundation made a $10,000 contribution to Children’s Harbor in April. Members of the Foundation gathered at the Children’s Harbor Family Center at Children’s Hospital with staff and patients to provide funds that were raised from the Foundation’s annual Night of Laughter event. Funds will allow thousands of children to attend camp this summer at Children’s Harbor’s retreat facility located at Lake Martin. The 66-acre facility features extensive water frontage, zero-entry swimming pools, handicap accessible tree house, miniature golf, basketball and volleyball courts, canoeing, activity rooms and more.

City

ACTS OF SERVICE The Hoover Service Club donated non-perishable items to Support Our Soldiers, a non-profit organization that backs and honors former and current service members. The donation included: protein bars, gum, mints, hand sanitizer, deodorant, shaving cream, ChapStick, Little Debbie Snacks, tissues, game books and money to help with shipping charges. Support Our Soldiers was started by the Rivers family after their son, Thomas Edward Rivers Jr., died in Afghanistan in April 2010. They remembered how much Thomas enjoyed receiving boxes from home, so they started sending care packages to his friends still deployed and to other troops that would soon follow.

&CULTURE

ARTS

REFLECTIONS CAPTURED Jayne Morgan’s famous honey bear paintings and her latest inspiration – her shiny silver Airstream – will be featured in the Aldridge Gardens gallery this summer.

BY EMILY SPARACINO PHOTOS BY KENWYN ALEXANDER AND CONTRIBUTED HooversMagazine.com 15

M

Many people in Bluff Park know Jayne Morgan as the artist who paints honey bear bottles. It’s time to add jars of flowers and silver Airstream travel trailers to the list. These seemingly unconnected items are prominent in her life and appear in many of her latest works, which will be on display in the gallery of Aldridge Gardens this summer.

“The thing that ties all three (together) is the reflective quality,” Jayne, 31, says. “The shine on the honey bears, the Airstream and the flowers in a jar.

That’s what I’m really interested in painting: reflection. I’m inspired by things that are in my life.”

Jayne owns an Airstream and paints it when she travels to art shows. She takes pictures of flowers everywhere she goes. But her main subject remains the famous honey bears.

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“We always had the honey bear on the table,” Jayne recalls, and says her favorite thing to put honey on was the rectangular rolls that come in tin containers. “That’s a vivid memory I have from my childhood. I definitely have honey bears on everything.”

In addition to paintings, honey bears adorn pottery and ornaments Jayne makes when she’s not painting. She plans to paint right up until her gallery opens at Aldridge Gardens, just in case she decides to add any last-minute pieces to it. “Some things may be wet,” she says, laughing. “I’m bad for giving paintings away when they’re wet. I’m never not painting.”

Jayne uses acrylics and oils on canvas. Her studio is in the red caboose at On A Shoestring Antiques, and she teaches classes at Moonlight on the

HE HAS THE ABILITY TO KNOW EXACTLY WHEN HIS MOM NEEDS A REALLY BIG HUG— RIGHT DOWN TO THE SECOND.

Jayne Morgan holds one of her Airstream paintings at an event.

Mountain next door.

Jayne’s studio was located in the former Artists on the Bluff facility for five years. Bluff Park’s vibrant artist community fueled her decision to move to the area after she graduated from Savannah College of Art and Design in 2010. Jayne and her family had attended the Bluff Park Art Show regularly in the past, and her dad was convinced “the artists are in Bluff Park.”

So, Jayne bought a house near the facility and started her fulltime art career.

“I think definitely being in Bluff Park was very helpful,” she says. “I loved Artists on the Bluff. I met a ton of people that came through there. It was just really cool.”

Bluff Park Elementary School students would come to her studio next door after school for art classes a couple days a week.

Jayne held several summer camps with potter and fellow Artists on the Bluff artist Lana Hobbs. Jayne’s new studio and teaching spaces are also close enough to her house that she can walk. She walks with her art students from the school to Moonlight on the Mountain, too.

Teaching children is a passion of hers. Doing things for Camp Smile-A-Mile, a Birmingham-based program serving children battling cancer, led to her volunteering more at Children’s of Alabama, where she leads paint sessions for patients every couple of months.

CHILDREN A M A Z E U S E V E R Y D AY

and at Children’s of Alabama, we want to see every child grow up and live to their fullest potential.

That’s why we recruit, train and retain the most inquiring minds, the most skilled hands and the most compassionate hearts in pediatric medicine.

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HooversMagazine.com 17 Hug- Simon 3.5 x 9.75 - HooverMag.indd 1

4/30/18 9:12 AM

Jayne is best-known for her honey bear paintings, but her work incorporates other household items.

Jayne also does commissioned paintings. She recently finished a painting a Connecticut couple ordered as a graduation gift for their daughter. They found her work online and reached out to her about the project.

Artist Janet Fish is an inspiration to Jayne.

“When I saw her work, it changed my style of painting when I was in college,” she says. Lila Graves is another inspiration to her. She met Lila at the Kentuck Festival of the Arts when she was in the sixth grade.

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Jayne’s work will hang in the Aldridge Gardens gallery June-August. The opening reception is set for Tuesday, June 12 from 5-7 p.m. Pieces will be available for purchase.

“I’m excited for the show,” she says. “Aldridge Gardens was my very first art show that I did.”

Follow Jayne Morgan and her work at Jayne Morgan Art on Facebook and Jaynemorgan.com.

Moonlight on the Mountain, where Jayne teaches classes, is located at 585 Shades Crest Road.

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ARTS & CULTURE

5

FIVE QUESTIONS FOR

Ken Oswald

Excelsior Enterprises, Inc. President

BY HEATHER JONES SKAGGS PHOTO BY EMILY SPARACINO

With a growing business that he started in 2011, Ken Oswald, owner of Excelsior, Hoover’s only comic book and gaming store, says they were ready to expand to a larger location to accommodate their customers. In January, Excelsior reopened with a game night open house at their new location, 3412 Lorna Lane.

The spacious venue gives the comic king the space to implement many ideas that really required a larger space. Ken says as they made their journey through the years in the comic and gaming business, these ideas kept coming and evolving.

What does your new location offer customers that your previous location did not?

Our new location is testing a whole new market idea for this area: Game Space Rental. You can now game at Excelsior 24/7 by subscribing to our Private Game Area or just by coming in and purchasing time. We are also building a “Check Out” library of gaming goods allowing folk to take accessories, or even entire games, into our gaming area. In addition, we are trying out secondary market retail items, buying used games and accessories from the public to offer our customers these at a great price.

Marvel’s titles come out every two weeks now instead of every month. Some titles even run weekly for a couple months at a time. Science fiction and fantasy themes, even fable or fairy tale kinds of motifs, are growing in popularity, but superheroes aren’t going anywhere. Their popularity in television in movies make these some of the strongest titles out there.

Pen and Paper Role-Playing Games, also called just RPGs, are going through the strongest changes since their inception some 44 years ago. The variety of RPGs is the strongest it’s ever been, offering a game experience to fit nearly any taste. From classic fantasy dungeon crawls like Dungeons What are the current trends in comics and & Dragons, to genre-bending, protagonist gaming, and what are the staple classics altering options like Blades in the Dark, where you play as a member of a roguish that you see at your store?

Our industry is constantly changing, but it gang running a street racket in a ghost makes it kind of fun. Comics now come out haunted urban city. You can be the hero in more frequently with a number of low cost the new Star Wars movies, or a housewife in variant cover options. Most of DC and suburban California looking to bring down a corrupt lawyer. You think it, you can do it in 20 HooversMagazine.com

modern RPGs. Board games are still evolving too, with premium, high quality offerings still reaching for new heights. But even with all the excitement of high-end board gaming, longtime best sellers like Munchkin (technically a card game, but often thought of as in the board game family), Settlers of Catan, 7 Wonders, Ticket to Ride and Pandemic are still going strong and are often recommended to introduce new people into the board gaming hobby.

How do you hope your shop benefits the city of Hoover?

There are some amazing movements going on in “geekdome” right now. Being a comic or gaming fan is more mainstream today. The people of Hoover and surrounding areas are really engaging this culture, but it’s hard to just walk in a traditional retail establishment and talk to people that understand this movement. People want to know everything there is to these passionate pursuits. Traditional retail still isn’t quite there yet. This is where Excelsior steps in.

We know this culture and can direct and inform the community how to get more involved in it.

What is one thing the city could do to help small business owners such as yourself?

Don’t lose touch with us. Small business is such a challenge with more and more consideration and policy favoring bigger and bigger business. Know what small business really is and know our struggles. Don’t let bigger businesses and political special interest tell you what we are or should be.

The price of small business is not small.

How will your new location help to bring in new customers?

Excelsior’s new location will provide its customers with 5,000 square feet of space, compared to just 3,100 square feet at our old location, making a it a more enjoyable place to partake in their favorite hobbies. It is filled with a mix of the newest games and comics as well as the classics people love. We also regularly host meet-ups and events to introduce the latest and greatest games.

BOOK NOOK

Rock ‘n’ Read While we at the Hoover Library think libraries rock all year long, “Libraries Rock” is also our summer reading theme this year. We are lucky to be a library that quite literally rocks in that we host a lot of music events for both adults and children on a year-round basis.

Having just come off of a successful winter/spring season of events with the likes of internationally renowned classical guitarist Gyan Riley, jazz violinist Regina Carter and folk-rock act The Roosevelts, we’re excited to get into our slate of summer events: May 20: Local singer/songwriter Philos Moore brings his unique blend of Americana, folk and alt-country. (Library Plaza) May 29-31: Roger Day performs kids rock songs full of wit, whimsy and wordplay that encourage future generations to sing loud, jump high and dream big. (Library Theatre) June 14: Local blues and Southern rock band George Griffin & the Firebirds, (Library Plaza) June 26-28: Rolie Polie Guacamole visits us from Brooklyn with their patented “kindie rock.”

(Library Theatre) July 10-12: Lucky Diaz and the Fiction Librarian Family Jam Band bring smart, crafty lyrics and irresistible pop beats the whole family will enjoy.

(Library Theatre) July 15: Birmingham-Southern professor Mark Schantz presents an afternoon of jazz, classical and folk music. (Library Plaza) July 17-19: GoNoodle and YouTube Hip Hop music sensation Koo Koo Kangaroo finish up our kids’ music programming for the summer. (Library Theatre) Aug. 23: Nashville singer/songwriter Sally Barris and her backing band, the Birmingham Boys, bring their special brand of folk-country to town. Barris is a Grammy-nominated songwriter who’s written big hits for a lot of country’s brightest stars. (Library Plaza) We’re committed to bringing a little bit of everything for fans of all types of music to enjoy – jazz, rock, classical, country, folk, blues, kids music and more. We invite you to attend a performance this summer and think you’ll certainly come away with the feeling that your local library rocks.

Joel Gamble

when you present this offer Hoover 3780 Riverchase Village Suite 600 Hoover, AL 35244

Birmingham 310 Summit Blvd Suite 100 Birmingham, AL 35243

(205) 538-7602

(205) 972-9222

NothingBundtCakes.com Expires 7/31/18. Limit one (1) coupon per guest. Coupon must be presented at time of purchase. Valid only at the bakeries listed. No cash value. Coupon may not be reproduced, transferred or sold. Internet distribution strictly prohibited. Must be claimed in bakery during normal business hours. Not valid for online orders. Not valid with any other offer.

18-ANR-0215-0430

HooversMagazine.com 21

Bakery No. 215

In the Gallery: Artist Jayne Morgan

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

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

There is so much to see and do at Aldridge Gardens during the months of June and July!

There are summer camps for children and tours and interesting classes for adults. There are weddings, picnics and parties going on, and lots of people out to enjoy Hoover’s most beautiful retreat, only moments from shopping malls and busy offices. There are many birds and beautiful blooms, a walking trail around our scenic lake, and a floating dock to take it all in. Leave the stress at home, and come visit!

Don’t forget to come inside the house while visiting Aldridge Gardens! The works of artist Jayne Morgan will be on display and available for purchase in the gallery during June and July. Jayne Morgan is known for her honey bear paintings, inspired by childhood memories of the honey bear that was always on the dinner table.

Also, see our display of sculptures by the late Frank Fleming, on permanent display inside the gallery. Hoover resident Ken Jackson donated this very special collection.

2018 Sustaining Sponsors We at Aldridge Gardens extend our sincere thanks to our Sustaining Sponsors, whose generous sponsorships enable us to maintain and sustain the grounds, and to provide activities and events.

u Agricultural Services u Alabama Power Foundation u Eddie and Kay Aldridge u Dr. Jim and Mrs. Diane Boogaerts u Blue Cross Blue Shield of Alabama

u Ken Jackson u Jim McLane u Councilman Gene Smith and Pam Smith

Let our professional event coordinator help you plan your special social or business affair at Aldridge Gardens! We have a variety of indoor and outdoor venues, and we can provide you with all the information and inspiration you need to host the perfect party, wedding, conference or meeting. Contact Amanda Baker, Director of Sales and Catering (205) 682-8019 ext. 103 or abaker@aldridgegardens.com.

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

Barrels of Fun… & Whiskey!

Thursday, July 26, 6-7:30 p.m. in the Pavilion $20 members/ $25 nonmembers For adults only (21 and up)

Bonsai specialist John Walker recently presented a bonsai class at Aldridge Gardens. Mr. Walker maintains the bonsai specimens on the back patio by the house. Mr. Jim McLane of Hoover graciously donated this incredible, must-see collection to Aldridge Gardens.

Join Aldridge Gardens to learn about Bonsai!

Bonsai is the traditional Japanese art form that creates tiny shrubs and trees that resemble their full size counterparts in shape and style. It is a fascinating hobby that can become addictive! Now Aldridge Gardens is offering a new level of membership to the Gardens, the Bonsai Society of Aldridge Gardens membership. This membership level has new, exciting benefits for people who want to learn more about bonsai.

Membership at the Bonsai level includes quarterly bonsai education seminars and quarterly hands-on bonsai workshops, as well as additional “pop-up” bonsai classes. You also receive all the Harmony level (our basic family membership) benefits, including 10% discounts at our plant sales and at Roots gift shop. You receive discounts on many events and summer camps, and you may enjoy expanded “members only” hours with dog walking and lake fishing days. In addition, all members receive reciprocal admission to over 300 participant gardens across the country. Go to aldridgegardens.com for more information and to join.

Monthly Bird Walks for Members Saturday, June 16, 8-10 a.m.

Saturday, July 21, 8-10 a.m.

105 different species of birds have been identified during bird walks at Aldridge Gardens.

Members are invited to attend our monthly bird walks with Dr. Richard and Patricia Ryel. Be sure to bring your binoculars! Our bird walks are free, but please register at aldridgegardens. com, as attendance is limited.

Enjoy an evening with bartender and author Clair McLafferty, and learn about whiskey as she discusses the history and mixology of this traditional alcoholic beverage. Her book, Classic and Craft Cocktail Recipe Book, will be available for purchase and signing. Tickets include two adult whiskey beverages and light refreshments. Register at aldridgegardens.com.

Enchanted Ethiopian Eating Thursday, August 2, 6-8 p.m. $30 members/ $35 nonmembers Limited to 20 participants Join Gini Mohamad from Red Sea Ethiopian & Mediterranean Restaurant for a real taste treat!

Learn how to make Injera (Ethiopian flatbread), as well as an appetizer, an entrée, a side dish and a dessert.

Even tea! Register at aldridgegardens.com.

READ THIS BOOK

5 Book Picks for Fun Summer Reading Recommendations from

Katie Jane Morris

Outreach Librarian at the Hoover Public Library

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

Staff members like Outreach Librarian Katie Jane Morris work hard to make sure the months between the end of one school year and the beginning of a new one are filled with fun educational programs that will keep young minds sharp during the summer break. Here are several of Katie Jane’s top picks for books that will keep young minds active and engaged while they’re out of school.

Dude!

By Aaron Reynolds & Dan Santat | Children’s Fiction Aaron Reynolds, the author of Creepy Carrots!, teams up with Dan Santat, the Caldecott–winning illustrator behind The Adventures of Beekle: The Unimaginary Friend, to create this gnarly summer adventure. Dude!

You have to read this book. It’s totally about this platypus and this beaver who are friends. They want to go surfing but dude, there’s this shark who’s in the ocean, too. But don’t worry. This shark approaches and you’ll never guess what happens. Written entirely in dude!

Short

By Holly Goldberg Sloan | Children’s Fiction New to paperback and a perfect match for our music-themed summer reading program! Julia is very short for her age, but by the end of the summer run of The Wizard of Oz, she’ll realize how big she is inside, where it counts. She hasn’t ever thought of herself as a performer, but when the wonderful director of Oz casts her as a Munchkin, she begins to see herself in a new way. As Julia becomes friendly with the poised and wise Olive—one of the adults with dwarfism who’ve joined the production’s motley crew of Munchkins—and with her deeply artistic neighbor, Mrs. Chang, Julia’s own sense of self as an artist grows.

Rebound

By Kwame Alexander | Children’s Fiction This prequel to Alexander’s Newbery Medal winner, The Crossover, provides the backstory of twins Josh and Jordan Bell’s basketball star father, Chuck “Da Man” Bell. Set in 1988, this novel-in-verse follows Charlie, who is acting out as he mourns the premature death of his own father. His mother’s solution is to send him to spend the summer at his paternal grandparents’ home, where he endures his grandfather’s tough love and his cousin Roxie’s skills as a baller.

All Summer Long

By Hope Larson | Children’s Fiction Add a graphic novel to this year’s summer reading list! Thirteen-year-old Bina has a long summer ahead of her. She and her best friend, Austin, usually do everything together, but he’s off to soccer camp for a month, and he’s been acting kind of weird lately anyway. So it’s up to Bina to see how much fun she can have on her own. How Bina and Austin rise above their growing pains and reestablish their friendship and respect for their differences makes for a touching and funny coming-of-age story.

Stay Sweet

By Siobhan Vivian | Teen Fiction From the author of The Last Boy and Girl in the World and The List comes a bold and sweet summer read about first love, feminism, and ice cream. Summer in Sand Lake isn’t complete without a trip to Meade Creamery—the local ice cream stand founded in 1944 by Molly Meade who started making ice cream to cheer up her lovesick girlfriends while all the boys were away at war. Since then, the stand has been owned and managed exclusively by local girls, who inevitably become the best for friends.

24 HooversMagazine.com

&DRINK

FOOD

A BEAR AND A BAKERY

Dorothy Ewing’s exceptional cookies and her son’s stuffed bear are ingredients in her baking business.

BY EMILY SPARACINO PHOTOS BY LAUREN WINTER HooversMagazine.com 25

S

She still remembers the taste of her grandmother’s Christmas sugar cookies and how they melted in her mouth, leaving behind a sweet aftertaste and sweeter memories of those days in the kitchen together. For her grandmother – her namesake – Dorothy Ewing was a second set of hands, a shadow silently taking note of the special way the elder Dorothy made her cookies and other treats in her kitchen.

“She’s the one who really got me into cooking,” the younger Dorothy says.

Her grandmother has been gone for five years now, but her legacy of baking is as prominent in Dorothy’s life now as it’s ever been. It played a major role in Dorothy’s decision to start Forest Bear Bakery.

Not too long ago, she was at a crossroads in her

26 HooversMagazine.com

work. She had been working in restaurants since 1999 and loved it. She loved the restaurant environment and excelled in customer service. But after she and her husband, Blake, had their son, the long hours at the restaurant overwhelmed her, and she considered her options.

“I kind of had a dream of having a bakery for a little while,” she says. “My husband and I love sweets. We wanted to have a place to go to eat dessert. I would test out recipes before our son was born, and my husband would try them.”

Her mother-in-law pointed out that everyone was always requesting Dorothy’s cookies at gettogethers and posed the question: “Why don’t you make cookies?”

Baking combines two of Dorothy’s loves: baking and doing for others. And she contends that

“

I don’t get tired of making cookies. I love to do it, and I think everybody should have that smell like your grandmother’s house.

- Dorothy Ewing

”

“everybody likes cookies.”

“They’re portable, you don’t need a fork, they’re not messy,” she adds. “It’s hard to beat.”

With this bakery concept came a personal mission for Dorothy, too. She wanted to offer people a chewy oatmeal cookie – an anomaly in the world of store-bought cookies. Nothing complicated; just a soft, simple, oatmeal cookie that even the most sensitive palates could appreciate. “I am a huge fan of the oatmeal cookie. It’s my number one. I make oatmeal cream pies for market sometimes.”

She started Forest Bear Bakery in February 2017 with three cookie flavors: oatmeal, snickerdoodle and chocolate chip caramel pretzel. She launched a Facebook page and began selling and delivering cookies the next day. Within a few months, she sold more than 500 dozen cookies.

These days, she’s constantly trying new recipes for her menu.

One of her experiments involved adding lavender to one of her grandmother’s cookie recipes. “I decided to make them lavender lemon cookies, and everybody just went nuts,” she says. “It’s

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kind of my way of remembering her and bringing her into it. Family recipes mean a lot to me.”

Her love of family shows in every part of the bakery, right down to the name. Forest Bear is one of Dorothy’s son’s beloved stuffed bears. Her son is her cookie delivery buddy, often riding with her in the car to deliver batches of cookies to customers in the area. “The bulk of what I do is delivery. I still like to get out in front of people and talk to people because I have a good time with it.”

She also sells her baked goods at markets. She’ll 28 HooversMagazine.com

have a booth at Ross Bridge Market every Friday this summer through Aug. 24. But don’t assume she’ll have cookies only; she also sells her “Favorite Cake,” an orange-flavored pound cake her other grandmother makes, by the slice.

Other specialty items she makes include a gluten-free, flourless almond chocolate torte; mini loaves of zucchini bread; gluten-free, dairyfree vegan paleo pecan pie cookies; and peanut butter chocolate chip oatmeal lactation cookies for new moms.

Dorothy has become somewhat of a celebrity

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among the kids in her neighborhood. When she tries out new cookie flavors for the first time, she needs taste-testers. “I’m constantly experimenting with different flavors. My neighbors love it. They’ll send their kids over.”

She has contemplated doing cooking demonstrations with Forest Bear on TV. A cookbook is also in the back of her mind.

“I would give anybody my recipes,” she says. “I would make a cookbook. It’s so intimidating for someone who didn’t grow up with a grandmother showing them how to do everything. I love to do it, and I think that everybody should have that smell like your grandmother’s house.”

A bakery storefront could be in her future, too. But for now, HooversMagazine.com 29

she’s relishing the success of an idea that, a year ago, seemed closer to an experiment in the kitchen than a long-term business venture. The baking part is enjoyable, but the deliveries to the mother whose little girl is about to have her 6th birthday party or to the family whose relative is sick are Dorothy’s biggest motivation.

Oh, and the aroma of freshly baked cookies filling

30 HooversMagazine.com

her home every day isn’t the worst thing, either.

“I don’t get tired of making the same cookies,” she says. “I want people to have that same kind of joy.

For me, I really love it.”

Orders for Forest Bear Bakery items can be placed online at Forestbearbakery.com or on Facebook or Instagram @forestbearbakery.

Forest Bear Bakery’s

Oatmeal Cookies

These soft, cinnamon-tinged cookies were the impetus for the bakery. The progression of her oatmeal cookie recipe plays out on index cards. She wanted it to be just right, especially for the cookie’s biggest fan, Dorothy’s dad.

WHAT’S IN IT DIRECTIONS •1 cup butter, softened •1 cup brown sugar, packed •1 egg •2 ½ teaspoons cinnamon •1/2 teaspoon baking soda •1/4 teaspoon salt •2 ½ cup uncooked quick cooking oats •1 ¼ cup flour •1 teaspoon vanilla •1/8 cup white sugar

Preheat oven to 350 degrees.

Combine butter and sugar in a mixer. Beat at medium speed until creamy. Add remaining ingredients. Shape dough into 1 ½ inch balls.

(Dough will be sticky.) Place 2 inches apart onto ungreased cookie sheets. Flatten with a spoon or bottom of a glass.

Bake for 12-15 minutes or until lightly browned.

HooversMagazine.com 31

FOOD & DRINK

5

FIVE QUESTIONS FOR

John Onsa

Director of Food and Beverage Greystone Golf & Country Club PHOTO CONTRIBUTED

A self-proclaimed “proponent of people and places,” 32-year-old John Onsa knows a thing or two about hospitality. A graduate of Temple University in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, John worked for seven years with Marriott Hotels, six with the Resort Brand and one with Autograph Collection. He has spent two years in luxury private clubs and one year with Omni Hotels. He loves record collecting, men’s fashion, Jazz, R&B, boxing, Jujitsu and working with local radio.

How long have you served as the food and beverage director at Greystone Golf and Country Club?

I have been in this position for four months. My responsibilities are to oversee all the food and beverage operations for our two clubhouses. This includes all restaurants and the catering department.

What brought you to Greystone?

The GM, Dave Porter. His vision for leadership and the club business made me want to work with him and build the Greystone brand. I want to work with great leaders, and he is one. Birmingham was attractive to me as well. It’s a city that is transforming itself, and I wanted to be a part of that.

How did you get into this particular industry?

I was a young college student who traded the sidewalks of Philadelphia for the warm sandy beaches of Marco Island, Florida.

32 HooversMagazine.com

The Marriott has a flagship hotel there staff gets better due to leadership, not my called the Marco Island Marriott which is management, then I know I’m on the right now a JW. I originally started working at track. This is a 24/7, 365 business, the local Starbucks in Marco Island. I was although sometimes the club hours don’t recruited by an employee from the hotel to reflect that. Club management is for those are committed to come work in the banquets department. I who worked over 80 hours a week between the excellence. Excellence is something I strive two jobs and was successful. When it was for in my work, but you have to be prepared time to go back for another semester, I to work for it every day.

asked the food and beverage department for a leadership opportunity and they What are your goals for the coming made me a restaurant supervisor. I gladly months at Greystone?

Our members have their work, their accepted. I went back to school, finished my semester, bid my friends farewell and home and that third place. Our goal is to started the next day. I’ve been working make Greystone that third place. Work, home, Greystone. We can achieve that ever since. through consistent seasonal menus,

What’s your favorite part about your excellence in service, and a professional and welcoming team. My father once told current position?

Leadership. Leadership. Leadership. me, “John, be nice, at all costs.” I think There are so many managers in this world, about that every morning I get up. How but we all deserve more leaders. I work at can I make someone’s life better my leadership every day. Critiquing, today? This has helped me in the growth of improving, questioning. If someone on my my career.

PERRY’S

MAI TAI

FOOD & DRINK

PERRY’S STEAKHOUSE & GRILLE

BY SUSI ZIVANOVIC, PERRY’S STEAKHOUSE & GRILLE CORPORATE SOMMELIER AND BEVERAGE DIRECTOR PHOTO BY DAWN HARRISON

WHAT’S IN IT

HOW TO MAKE IT

• 1 ½ ounces Cruzan Light Rum • ½ ounces Pyrat XO Rum • ½ ounce DeKuyper O3 Orange Liqueur • 1 ounce Natural Brands Lime Juice • ½ ounce Simple Syrup • ½ ounce Monin Almond Syrup (Orgeat) • 3 dashes Angostura Bitters

Add all ingredients except bitters into a cocktail shaker. Add ice and shake for 20 seconds. Strain the contents into an ice-filled Collins glass rimmed with hibiscus sugar. Top with bitters. Garnish with an edible orchid.

The Mai Tai was first concocted in the 1940s at Trader Vic’s, the original Polynesian-inspired Tiki lounge. This Tiki bar favorite started out with fresh ingredients, but over the decades to follow, prepackaged mixes with added rum became commonplace and the true taste of the original cocktail was lost.

Perry’s has brought back the spirit of the original Mai Tai with a contemporary twist.

HooversMagazine.com 33

Twenty-eight beautiful, wooded homesites have just been released in Willow Glynn, situated on the northern shoreline of Pitchford Hollow. Choose from a portfolio of thoughtfully-designed house plans from Russell Lands approved architects, designers and builders or bring your dream plans with you.

To

visit

or find out more, call 256.215.7011 or RussellLandsOnLakeMartin.com

34 HooversMagazine.com

SCHOOL

&SPORTS

DRAW OUT TALENT

Hoover High School senior Grace Varner is headed to D.C. after winning a well-known art competition.

BY LAUREN DOWDLE PHOTOS BY DAWN HARRISON HooversMagazine.com 35

Grace Varner won the Sixth District’s 2018 Congressional Art Competition for her “Brother” piece.

M

Most parents don’t imagine going from hanging their child’s artwork on the fridge to one day seeing their work displayed in the U.S. Capitol. But Hoover High School senior Grace Varner proved that’s possible when she won the Sixth District’s 2018 Congressional Art Competition for her “Brother” piece.

Drawing has always been something she enjoyed, but she says she didn’t start seriously pursuing it until she was in the sixth grade. “I had a really good art teacher, and she really inspired me to go for it,” she says.

Her love for art only grew as she went into high school. As a senior, Varner was looking for something to draw for her AP art portfolio, which is what led to her creating her “Brother” graphite piece.

The inspiration for her award-winning artwork came from a photo her brother Cole took in his college photography class. “Throughout this year, I

36 HooversMagazine.com

had been looking for interesting pieces that involve lighting,” Varner says. “My brother took this picture of himself that was perfect in terms of lighting, and he had laid mapping over his face in the photo.”

Varner’s interpretation of the photo caught the attention of her art teacher, Marla Kenney, who entered the drawing into the competition.

“I chose Grace’s portrait of her brother because of the uniqueness of the handling of the subject, as well as the skill in which it was rendered,” Kenney explains. “The use of the projected overlay of the map gave more interest to the image and made the viewer wonder where that person had traveled or where they were from. Giving the viewer more to think about in an art piece always captures the attention and makes the viewer see that there may be more depth in the artwork than just a portrait of an unknown person.”

And it was also Kenney who called to give Varner the big news that her artwork had won the

competition.

“My art teacher called me when I was at work, and I saw I had a lot of missed calls and texts,” Varner recalls. “I finally picked up, and when she told me, I was very surprised. I was just in awe and didn’t know how to process it really. I immediately called my parents screaming.”

That excitement was contagious for everyone around her. “Grace is an exceptionally talented young woman. Her skills in art have astounded us all, and her graciousness just makes her that much more of a joy to teach,” Kenney says.

There were 64 students from 17 area high schools who participated in this year’s Congressional Art Competition. Since winning, her artwork has been

displayed in the Riverchase Galleria and will now be showcased in the U.S. Capitol for a year. Varner was also recognized by Congressman Gary Palmer as the Sixth District’s 2018 Congressional Art Competition winner.

“Each year, I am impressed by the creative talents of the young people in Alabama’s Sixth District. I would like to congratulate Grace Varner on winning the competition this year, and I look forward to seeing her in D.C. this June for the National Art Reception,” said Palmer in a press release.

One of the most exciting parts about winning is that she gets to travel to the awards reception with her parents, Nathan and Liesl Varner, this summer in Washington D.C., which is one of her favorite HooversMagazine.com 37

“ Grace and her art teacher, Marla Kenney.

It has been a joy to have Grace as a student. She is humble and kind and well spoken. She is a good student all around, and her parents and I are very proud of her

places.

“I’m just really thankful for the opportunity. My art teacher has been a blessing, and my parents and friends have also been supportive,” Varner says.

“It’s just more confirmation that I’m supposed to be doing this.”

She plans to major in art at the University of Montevallo this fall and go on to earn a master’s degree in education to become an art teacher. While Varner doesn’t consider herself to have an art style just yet, she says her teacher says it’s distinct.

“Grace is a traditionalist at this point. She draws what she sees,” Kenney says. “She renders images in a lifelike style, but in her concentration for AP 38 HooversMagazine.com

- Marla Kenney

”

Studio, she decided to study the light on the subject in alternative ways — using unusual colors that slightly distort the coloration of the skin.”

As she continues to hone her skills and move on to the next academic level, Varner still has her family, friends and teachers cheering her on.

“It has been a joy to have Grace as a student. She is humble and kind and well spoken. She is a good student all around, and her parents and I are very proud of her,” Kenney says. “It has been my great pleasure to teach her the past couple years, and I have nothing but good thoughts about how she will approach her future as an artist and an adult leaping onto the world stage.”

&STYLE

HOME

SLEEK + SCENIC

Step inside – and outside – a Hoover couple’s contemporarystyle home to see a breathtaking view of the city.

BY EMILY SPARACINO PHOTOS BY DAWN HARRISON HooversMagazine.com 39

A

A panoramic view of Hoover greets Ken GuardinoLucatero and Joseph Lucatero-Guardino every time they walk into their backyard. The view is what initially sparked their interest in The Ridge when it was just cleared land designated for the new residential development two years ago.

The couple lived in Homewood and decided to enter a lottery for The Ridge’s homesites. They won, and as an added bonus, were second in line to choose their lot. Their choice of a lot with an unobstructed view of the city was a foregone conclusion.

“We wanted to pick a floor design with windows on the back of the house,” Ken says.

They selected a floorplan from builder Signature

40 HooversMagazine.com

Homes with large back windows and an open concept. “We entertain a lot, so we wanted that open feel.”

Ken and Joseph worked with decorator Tiffany Bullard with Scandinavian Design Gallery in Hoover on filling the 2,900-square-foot home with furniture and décor that reflected their contemporary style. They showed her the floorplan, and she helped them coordinate color schemes and measure pieces against each room’s dimensions to make sure everything would fit. The final product was a sleek, comfortable living space as special as the view out their back windows.

“We love it,” Ken says. “I just see us being here for a long time.”

Living Room “Ken loves color,” Tiffany says, noting the pops of purple and green against neutrals like the creamcolored sofa, the off white walls and the rug. A producer’s light stands in one corner of the room and can be positioned to shine directly on the “Green Lady” art piece above the mantel.

HooversMagazine.com 41

Kitchen Ken likes to cook and knew exactly what he wanted in the kitchen. He chose KitchenAid appliances, including a double oven for when he’s cooking for a large group. “I do a lot of cooking, especially at Thanksgiving,” he says. A light-colored subway tile backsplash, farmhouse sink and granite countertops keep the space bright and airy.

Hand-blown glass, gold pendant lights from Italy suspended over the island are as functional as they are beautiful.

Dining Room Most of the furniture in the cozy dining room off the kitchen came from Scandinavian Design Gallery, including the crackled glass table and shag-style rug. The art came from Ken and Joseph’s travels.

42 HooversMagazine.com

Back Patio They have everything they need for a relaxing day in their backyard. They can grill out or just recline on a lounge chair and take in the view.

The outdoor space is also great for when they’re entertaining a crowd. “We spend a lot of time outside,” Ken says.

HooversMagazine.com 43

Foyer The reclaimed wood wall in the foyer coordinates with the one in Ken’s office. Set against the wall is a furniture piece from Restoration Hardware called a wallpaper cart.

Ken’s Office The office’s modern desk by Elite is tempered with a reclaimed wood wall, an upgrade Ken chose for the room during construction.

44 HooversMagazine.com

Deo-G relaxes on the sofa.

HooversMagazine.com 45

Hallway The hallway from the living room to the master bedroom isn’t extraordinary, but the art that fills it is. Two paintings, “Reality of a Dreamer” and “Cruising Radius,” are one-of-a-kind works Ken purchased in Provincetown, Massachusetts. On another wall hangs a charcoal sketch from Lake Tahoe. Lining a table in the hallway are glass faces in different colors from Puerto Rico.

BEHIND THE SCENES Builder: Signature Homes Kitchen Appliances: KitchenAid Decorator: Tiffany Bullard Furnishings and Décor: Scandinavian Design Gallery and Restoration Hardware Landscaping: Andrew McCurry, Father Nature

46 HooversMagazine.com

Master Bedroom Ken wanted “something with character” in the room, so he chose connected beams for the ceiling. The dresser-chest combination piece came from New York.

French doors on the back side of the room open onto the back patio.

Guest Room The guest room, also called “Mom’s room” for Ken’s mother, is located on the second floor.

HooversMagazine.com 47

The Soda Can Man Thousands of cans line a basement in Rick Halbrooks’s old Bluff Park house—and he knows the story behind each one.

By Emily Sparacino Photos by Dawn Harrison When most people buy a canned soda, they buy it with the intent to pop the top and drink the fizzy, sweet liquid sloshing around inside. When Rick Halbrooks buys a canned soda, he’s more interested in the can itself. Why? The short answer to the question is any can he picks up could be the newest addition to his can collection – an extensive assortment of more than 14,000 cans, some of which are so rare they garner interest from can collectors across the country. But more impressive than the collection is Rick’s knowledge of each cluster of cans he owns.

The story of how this serial collector, or “collectomaniac” as he calls himself, got into collecting cans doesn’t even start with cans or soda or beer or anything else related to the advent of selling drinks in metal containers. It all started with a young Rick 48 HooversMagazine.com

collecting postage stamps.

“When I was a kid, I was a Scout,” he says. “I started collecting stamps to get a merit badge.”

Stamp collecting was a gateway to collecting other objects, like coins, comic books and record albums. The coin collecting sprang from Rick’s grass-cutting route in his Southside neighborhood.

“I cut my grandparents’ yard. My grandfather ran a car wash, and he would take out the silver dimes and quarters in change he would get. That’s what he would pay me when I cut his grass,” Rick says.

His father would drive him to the Thomas Jefferson Hotel every Tuesday night for a coin auction, where Rick would sell and buy coins, sometimes bidding against older men when he was just 11 years old.

“My mom taught me a long time ago to look for

the extraordinary in the ordinary,” he says. “Look for things most people don’t see. That always kept me interested in life; like always looking for good coins, and finding 75-year-old nickels in your pocket change.”

While in grade school, Rick also started collecting comic books. He had first editions of Spiderman and Avengers comic books. He would go to a local used bookstore to swap and trade with other guys to build his collection. “By the time I was 14, I wanted a motorcycle. I sold my entire collection of several hundred comic books for 3 cents apiece. Those are worth thousands of dollars now, but I really wanted that motorcycle.”

Rick graduated from Berry High School and worked his way through school at Auburn University as a disc jockey and advertising sales representative at a radio station in West Point, Georgia, in the 1970s. As the afternoon DJ with the moniker “Rick Rock ‘n’ Roll Rogers,” Rick played music from 4-8 p.m. The constant exposure to old and new tunes

was likely the impetus for his collecting vinyl record albums. Special edition promotional records were often given to radio stations as an incentive to get airplay. For example, “I have a platinum (silver vinyl) album from the Commodores. The band members came to the station to promote a new song and all signed my album. That got my album collection going.”

After graduation from college, Rick moved back to Birmingham, where he continued his education in medicine at UAB. But he soon realized actually being a doctor wasn’t what he wanted to do longterm, so he dropped out of school and worked with a friend starting a copier company. He had a knack for sales and greatly enjoyed it. The job involved traveling, and Rick found himself in places all over the country.

“I’d stop at convenience stores out in the middle of nowhere and look through the beer and soda cans there because they’d always have some weird brands you’ve never heard of before,” he says. “I

Rick Halbrooks’s can collection includes commemorative cans like these for Royal Crown Cola.

HooversMagazine.com 49

started collecting beer cans just to bring them home to show people what these odd brands are.”

His three children were 10 years old and under, and Rick was still an avid collector, always on the hunt for something special. He wanted to get his kids excited about collecting something, but stamps and coins didn’t pique their interest.

“I wanted my kids to also appreciate the extraordinary things and look for unusual things in their mundane world. My oldest son, Andy, started collecting sports trading cards. The other two boys, Ben and Alan, got interested in getting the cards. They amassed a huge collection.”

Rick’s middle son showed interest in his can collection, which at the time was primarily beer cans.

Rick’s wife, Deborah, had her reservations.

“At one point, Ben’s walls were covered with beer cans in his room,” he says, chuckling. “My wife said, ‘We’ve got to do something about these beer cans.

He’s 8.’”

But some good came out of the situation. Rick and his son built special galvanized tin shelves that fit into 50 HooversMagazine.com

frames that allowed them to slide the shelves up and down with ease as they rearranged the lines of cans.

“We worked on those for a number of years,” Rick says of the shelves, which he still uses in the basement of his old Bluff Park home for his ever-growing collection. Rick decided to buy the beer cans from his son and let him collect soda cans instead. Once again, Rick incorporated can hunts into his travels and brought home any cans of interest he found. “We’d always open them from the bottom. More than half of my cans are opened from the bottom, even the old ones. That’s the birth of the soda can collection. That would have been 1994.”

When his son, Ben, graduated from high school, his assortment of soda cans was massive. “I agreed to buy his collection because he wanted spending money for college,” Rick says. “Soda cans have been a phenomenal investment. Cans I bought 10 years ago for a dollar are selling on Ebay now for $25 to $50 each.”

According to Rick, the first soda can came out in 1938. The main reason Rick got excited about

HooversMagazine.com 51

collecting cans is that he’s always been fascinated with marketing and limitless advertising options available on the colorful surfaces. Soda companies have huge advertising budgets, he points out, and they use them well.

Rick is a member of the National Pop Can Collector’s Club, an organization for collectors of vintage cans, national-only brands, cartoon cans, sport cans and “just about any group you can think about,” according to the NPCC website. Friends, co-workers and acquaintances bring cans they find to Rick in case they are new or pertinent to his collection. He has amassed about 14,000 different U.S. soda cans, about 6,000 duplicates, nearly 2,000 beer cans and 2,000 foreign cans, plus a few bottles thrown into the mix. Some of the cans are misprints or slight variations of the original – rare because their labels are wrong or contain minor details that vary from the original. Not 52 HooversMagazine.com

all of the cans are in what Rick classifies as “perfect shape,” but the basement in which Rick stores and displays them is climate-controlled to preserve them all.

“If you want to do it right, you’ve got to be a little obsessive and always be looking.”

Rick is Vice President of Sales for McLeod Software, a successful and fast-growing tech company, soon to move their headquarters to Shelby County. He credits his wife with being a good sport about his hobbies.

One thing’s for sure: Rick hasn’t wasted his time on items without value. He is adamant that he’s not a hoarder, but a meticulous collector.

“If you’re going to have a hobby, have a hobby that’s esthetically pleasing to you, educational or a great investment...and do it right,” he says. “The difference between a hoarder and a collector is all about organization.”

Clearing the

Clutter As a self-proclaimed “recovering messy,” Kim McBrayer is on a mission to help people reclaim their space through organization.

K

By Emily Sparacino Photos by Dawn Harrison

Kim McBrayer is honest about her past struggles with organization.

“I was a very messy person. I just felt like I was a terrible failure at all that, and I was the only one with that problem.”

Kim, 47, remembers waiting in the car line at her son’s school, looking at the other moms balancing their checkbooks or arriving from the gym to pick up their children, and thinking, “What’s wrong with me? Why can’t I do this?”

“I just felt like this big fumbling mess,” she says. “I saw my son struggling because of it, and it

impacting him.”

Kim’s feelings of inadequacy and shame came to a head one day when she sent Carson to school in a tie-dyed shirt instead of the green shirt he was supposed to wear for a field trip.

“I looked at him and thought, ‘What kind of mother am I?’ I felt like I was failing my son. It bothered him. It was a turning point for me that I’ve got to do something better.”

Kim started to read books about how to be organized. The Messies Manual by Sandra Felton was transformative. Sandra’s explanations helped HooversMagazine.com 53

organizing our house.’ They would ask me about it, and I began to realize I’m not the only one that suffers from this. I started taking off my mask and being real with people. Maybe I could help other people with my own struggles.”

The years leading up to Kim’s turning point were filled with emotional highs and lows that ultimately were connected to her difficulties with organization. She got married between her junior and senior years at the University of Alabama. She Kim understand what she needed and her then-husband moved to do to overcome her challenges, to Birmingham and had two starting with keeping her house children, Carson and Cassidy. clean.

Kim says she supported him “I did everything she said. “I in his career and taught piano lessons on the side of broke apart my house, analyzed everything, developed a lot of systems that work and I began her duties as a stay-at-home mom.

“As much as I enjoyed it, staying home is not sharing those with other people. They worked for them, too. It’s really about behavior modification what I planned to do forever,” she says. She had majored in advertising and marketing at UA and for me.

“My husband started telling people, ‘Kim’s been knew she would own a business someday. Once her

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54 HooversMagazine.com

husband was established in his career, Kim felt it was her turn to pursue her goals. In 2001, she opened an organization business in Pelham called All Spaced Out. It was a new industry concept in Alabama, and Kim saw it take hold quickly. She collaborated with others to develop one of the first organizing firms in the country.

“We expanded and began offering closet design and installation as a component,” she says. “At that point, we went big. I had a full staff. We were running multiple teams on jobs. It blew my mind how quickly it grew.”

Then, a “crazy season of life” unfolded. Almost as quickly as the business had flourished, its foundation began to crumble, and Kim had to close.

Around the same time, she and her husband divorced, and her 17-year-old son was diagnosed with bone cancer.

“He battled one week shy of a year,” Kim says of Carson, who had stage 4 osteosarcoma. “It had spread. We just began to look at treasuring every moment and trying to pursue pain relief.” Carson

died in 2011.

As she processed her grief, Kim wrestled with whether she wanted to get back to the business. She had shut down All Spaced Out, but she still helped clients who called on her. She went into isolation to “deal with myself and find God and make sense of it all.”

Kim’s daughter, Cassidy, was a light in the darkness after Carson’s death. “She is my smiley face on the darkest of days. She can brighten any room,” Kim says of Cassidy, now 13 years old.

Another bright spot in Kim’s life was reuniting with and marrying Brett, her high school sweetheart.

“I felt like there was this incredible sadness in my life, and then I was blessed with some happiness,” she says. “After that season, I realized (the organization business) is my passion, and I couldn’t imagine my life without it.”

In 2013, Kim launched Space Cadets. “I just played with it for a little while. In 2016, I decided this is really what I want to do, so I began pursuing it eagerly and aggressively to regrow the business.”

Kim McBrayer’s Space Cadets office serves as a showroom for organizational systems and tools clients can look at and purchase.

HooversMagazine.com 55

She operated from a space in Birmingham’s Pepper Place district, but Inverness’s retail area off Valleydale Road, near U.S. 280, was closer to home.

“I drive by this place every day, and it just kept calling my name. It’s right here in my community.”

Space Cadets’ grand opening at 5291 Valleydale Road took place on Dec. 5, 2017. Having a retail shop allows Kim to have a showroom and space for client meetings, and to sell organizational components to clients who want to handle a project themselves.

Helping people pinpoint what’s causing their disorganization, and then working through it to reverse it and put a permanent system in place, is at the core of Kim’s mission. In the years since she first read The Messies Manual and started sharing her personal success with other people, Kim has realized how many people—even those who are hesitant to admit it—experience some degree of difficulty with organization as emotional issues manifest themselves in physical clutter and disarray at home. “As I was authentic with people and shared 56 HooversMagazine.com

my struggles, people were looking for that, too. Life is really, really messy, and we all deal with obstacles we have to overcome. It takes a toll on our homes.”

According to Kim’s research, the top five stressors in life are divorce, death of a loved one, moving, job changes and health issues. As a result, disorganization and clutter happen. Kim describes these events as train wrecks that halt forward progress and throw people off their tracks. “I never anticipated in 2010 I would have a train wreck of massive proportions. All five of those (stressors) hit me in one year, and my life fell apart. It gave me new appreciation for my clients. My job is to come in as the cleanup crew would and pick up the cars, put them back on the tracks, turn the power back over to them and they can start chugging along again. To me, it’s about getting people back on track.”

That’s what Kim did in her own life. It took awhile, she admits, but she is back on track now and moving forward again. On the other side of her train wreck, she can better relate to what her clients are

going through and help them restore order. And for Kim, her faith also strengthened.

“I’ve got a completely different perspective,” she says. “I survived by the grace of God. Through that process of losing my son and marriage and business and home and community and health, all of that brought me closer to God. There was beauty in the brokenness. It’s brought a new awareness that’s made me better at what I do – purpose in the pain.”

Kim keeps her colleague Barbara Hemphill’s summation of disorganization close for reference: “Clutter is nothing more than procrastinated decisions.”

Another quote that guides her is from Tony Robbins: “Change happens when the pain of staying the same is greater than the pain of change.”

“I look at that process of making decisions,” Kim says. “If something attaches emotionally for us, we don’t want to deal with it.”

Enter Kim and her Space Cadets crew. They try to make the process more efficient and enjoyable for clients by handling all the physical labor so people can focus on the mental part of the decision-making. What might be a three-month process may only take three days.

“We have such a great team. I’m blessed by amazing ‘Cadets’ that make this a beautiful process.

Our clients become friends. They’re honoring us with their trust, with spaces of their home they would typically close off. We hold that in high regard and confidentiality.”

Space Cadets can work with clients during new construction, remodeling or moving, as remotely or as hands-on as a client prefers. Kim emphasizes her judgment-free approach to all of her clients’ situations with the paradox of someone tidying up before their housekeeper arrives to clean their home. “I’m going to show up looking for someone who needs help. I’m a recovering messy as well. That’s my passion: to help them overcome that shame, step out of the isolation and set them free from the bondage of clutter.”

Kim is planning to do more speaking engagements to share her message in hopes of inspiring others.

She wants people to know they’re not alone or without resolution.

“We all live with clutter at some level. When it becomes so painful of staying that way, that’s when we look around and say, ‘What can I do differently?’

That’s when they call us. Help is available. You don’t have to live like this.”

HooversMagazine.com 57

Motivated to Do More

Leading a non-profit corporation is one of several priorities for Spain Park senior Tanya Gupta.

By Nancy Wilstach Photos contributed 58 HooversMagazine.com

T

Tanya Gupta stands out even among a Spain Park High School student body that exceeds the size of many towns. The key to her stunning academic success is: “Prioritize day to day.”

“My thing with time is to set priorities, and then what I am passionate about manages to work.”

This comes from a young woman who ran a nonprofit to help other students get scholarships, worked on a state finalist robotics team and is first of her 1,750-student school’s valedictorians for the Class of 2018.

What fell out along the way? She was on the varsity golf team her freshman year, but … “I realized that, because of tournaments, we had to miss a month of school.”

Because her priority was making excellent grades which would lead her to a top-notch college for her undergraduate work, golf is now a weekend activity with her family—her father, her sister and Tanya

play. “My mom likes to drive the golf cart.”

One of her high priorities is paying it forward.

Right after an infant Tanya and her parents came to this country from India, the family wound up in a tough spot because a “furnished” apartment turned out not even to have a single lightbulb.

“My dad’s boss heard him explaining what had happened,” she said, “and he took my whole family furniture shopping. Of course, I don’t remember anything about it.”

However, the experience became part of family lore, and, when the opportunity arose to be part of Students for Students, Tanya put the non-profit right up there with making top grades, writing financial software, launching a startup and working on Wall Street.

The organization, started three years ago by three then-seniors, has so far awarded $27,000 in scholarships, starting with a golf tournament as a HooversMagazine.com 59

“

My thing with time is to set priorities, and then what I am passionate about manages to work.

- Tanya Gupta

fundraiser and adding other events since.

Tanya, current SFS president, explained that she never has had any question that she will be able to go to college, but she is aware that all her classmates are not that lucky. These students have gone through the application process and been accepted to college, but they just missed on

60 HooversMagazine.com

”

eligibility for financial aid, she said.

Although Students for Students’ $5,000 awards aren’t going to finance a four-year degree, Tanya acknowledges, “It can make it all more doable.” The ceremony in which SFS scholarships are awarded, she said, is a total surprise to the recipients.

“Everyone is so excited. We get their parents here, too, and everyone starts crying.” Tanya has followed up on previous recipients and proudly announces that one of the first students is in her school’s honors college.

Although she was “priority wait”-listed for her top choice school, Carnegie Mellon, Tanya has been accepted for Johns-Hopkins, Georgia Tech, New York University and UNC-Chapel Hill.

HOOVER’S BEST WINNERS 2018 The votes have been tallied for Hoover’s Magazine’s eighth annual contest – formerly called Best of the Best. Read on to find out which restaurants, salons, shops and other businesses were readers’ favorites.

Photos by Dawn Harrison and Contributed

HooversMagazine.com 61

BEST BARBECUE Jim ‘N Nick’s Bar-B-Q

FOOD AND DRINK MOST FRIENDLY SERVICE Chick-fil-A at The Grove 5658 Grove Boulevard 205-989-1701 // 1609 Montgomery Highway 205-979-9990 // 3020 John Hawkins Parkway 205-987-7568 chick-fil-a.com Finalists: Baha Burger, Tortugas Pizza, The Whole

Scoop, Vecchia Pizzeria and Mercato MOST KID FRIENDLY

Ashley Mac’s, Baha Burger BEST ETHNIC/REGIONAL

DINING Jim ‘N Nick’s Bar-B-Q 1810 Montgomery Highway 205-733-1300 // 2831 Greystone Commercial Boulevard 205-991-1306 jimnnicks.com

CUISINE Taziki’s Mediterranean Café 4745 Chace Circle 205-682-6999 // 601 Doug Baker Boulevard #108 205-980-6063 tazikiscafe.com

Finalists: Moss Rock Tacos & Tequila, The Boot at the Grove,

Finalists: The Fish Market Restaurant, Zoës Kitchen,

BEST DRINKS/ COCKTAILS Moss Rock Tacos & Tequila

BEST COFFEE Starbucks 62 HooversMagazine.com

Wasabi Juan’s, Taste of Thailand BEST DATE NIGHT Firebirds Wood Fired Grill 191 Main St. 205-733-2002 firebirdsrestaurants.com Finalists: Bellinis Ristorante & Bar, Bonefish Grill, Amore Ristorante Italiano, Cajun Steamer BEST COFFEE

BEST PIZZA Tortugas Pizza

BEST MILKSHAKE Bluff Park Ice Cream Shoppe

Starbucks 1584 Montgomery Highway 205-822-3848 // 3032 John Hawkins Parkway 205-985-0622 // 5180 Medford Drive 205-504-4196 // 5561 Grove Boulevard 205-747-1654 // 3000 Riverchase Galleria 205-987-4867 // 4616 U.S. 280 205-408-7687 // 4710 U.S. 280 205-980-2359 starbucks.com Finalists: The Neighborhood Brew, Shipley Do-Nuts, Panera Bread, East 59 Vintage & Café BEST BAKERY Edgar’s Bakery 180 Main St. 205-444-1220 // 6801 Cahaba Valley Road 205-408-0897

edgarsbakery.com Finalists: Nothing Bundt Cakes, Pastry Art, Gigi’s Cupcakes, Shipley Do-Nuts

BEST BARBECUE Jim ‘N Nick’s Bar-B-Q 1810 Montgomery Highway 205-733-1300 //

2831 Greystone Commercial Boulevard 205-991-1306 jimnnicks.com

BEST MILKSHAKE Bluff Park Ice Cream Shoppe 815 Shades Crest Road 205-423-5055 bluffparkicecreamshop.com Finalists: Chick-fil-A, Green Valley Drug, Steak ‘n Shake, The Whole Scoop Ice Cream Shop BEST PIZZA Tortugas Pizza 2801 John Hawkins Parkway 205-403-9800 tortugaspizza.com Finalists: Vecchia Pizzeria & Mercato, Brixx Wood Fired Pizza, Mellow Mushroom, Salvatore’s

BEST BAKERY Edgar’s Bakery HooversMagazine.com 63

BEST COMMUNITY EVENT Moss Rock Festival

Finalists: Full Moon Bar-BQue, Moe’s Original Bar B Que, Dreamland BBQ, Golden Rule Barbeque BEST DRINKS/COCKTAILS Moss Rock Tacos & Tequila 616 Preserve Parkway 205-783-1130 mossrocktacos.com

BEST LOCAL PERSONALITY James Spann

64 HooversMagazine.com

Finalists: Superior Grill, J. Alexander’s, Little Donkey, Bonefish Grill

businesses, schools, churches and a healthy housing market. bluffparkal.org

COMMUNITY

Finalists: The Preserve, Green Valley, Riverchase, Ross Bridge

BEST NEIGHBORHOOD Bluff Park Situated atop the summit of Shades Mountain, Bluff Park retains a distinctive feel of community with thriving

BEST COMMUNITY EVENT Moss Rock Festival This eco-creative, outdoor fall festival draws 10,000 visitors annual to explore Nature, Art+Design and SmartLIVING themes. mossrockfestival.com

9013 Helena Road (Riverchase) 205-980-5577 churchofthehighlands.com Finalists: Riverchase United Methodist Church, Prince of Peace Catholic Church, Hunter Street Baptist Church, Bluff Park United Methodist Church

BEST LOCAL CAUSE Hope for Autumn Foundation This organization provides financial assistance for families Finalists: Bluff Park Art Show, of Alabama battling childhood cancer, supports innovative Celebrate Hoover Day, Star childhood cancer research Lake Street Fair through the Developmental Therapeutics Program at BEST PLACE TO WORSHIP Children’s of Alabama, Church of the Highlands research and treatment 1700 Lee Branch Lane program for children with (Greystone) incurable cancers, and 205-980-5577

increases community awareness of childhood cancer through the #givehope program in schools and businesses. hopeforautumnfoundation.org BEST OUTDOOR SPOT Moss Rock Preserve A perfect balance of nature and community, this beautiful, 349-acre nature preserve is abundant with forest systems, large rock outcroppings, streams, waterfalls, wildlife and other natural features. hooveral.org/214/Moss-RockPreserve BEST LOCAL PERSONALITY James Spann When severe weather threatens Alabama, this man

rolls up his sleeves and gets to work. He is the chief meteorologist for ABC 33/40. alabamawx.com BEST PUBLIC/PRIVATE SCHOOL Hoover High School 1000 Buccaneer Drive 205-439-1200 hooverhigh.al.hch. schoolinsites.com Finalists: Bluff Park Elementary, Deer Valley Elementary, Prince of Peace Catholic School, Spain Park High School

HEALTH AND BEAUTY

BEST DERMATOLOGY PRACTICE Inverness Dermatology & Laser BEST MEDICAL PRACTICE Greenvale Pediatrics 5295 Preserve Parkway 205-987-4444 childrensal.org/hoover-office

Health – Hoover, Inverness Dermatology & Laser, Birmingham Internal Medicine Associates, UAB Medicine Inverness

Finalists: Brookwood Baptist

BEST DENTAL PRACTICE

BEST NEIGHBORHOOD Bluff Park HooversMagazine.com 65

BEST STORE FOR GIFTS Wrapsody

Hoover Family Dentistry 425 Emery Drive 205-989-8480 hooverfamilydentistry.com Finalists: Inverness Family Dentistry, Pediatric and Adolescent Dentistry, Dr. Annamarie DiChiara Cosmetic and Family Dentistry, Chace Lake Family Dentistry BEST ORTHODONTICS PRACTICE Backus Orthodontics 425 Emery Drive 205-987-0040 backusorthodontics.com Finalists: Birmingham Orthodontics – Hoover, PT Orthodontics, Samuelson Orthodontics

66 HooversMagazine.com

BEST DERMATOLOGY

BEST CHIROPRACTIC CARE

PRACTICE Inverness Dermatology & Laser 250 Inverness Center Drive 205-995-5575 invernessderm.com

PRACTICE My Chiropractor Hoover 2801 Alabama 150 205-444-0727 mychiropractorhoover.com

Finalists: Pure Dermatology and Aesthetics, Greystone Dermatology BEST EYE CARE PRACTICE Schaeffer Eye Center 1686 Montgomery Highway 205-979-2020 schaeffereyecenter.com Finalists: EyeCare Associates, Alabama Family Eye Care, Inverness Eye Care, Hoover Vision Center

Finalists: LakeCrest Chiropractic & Wellness, Birmingham Health BEST PHARMACY Walgreens 1801 Montgomery Highway 205-988-9118 // 2505 John Hawkins Parkway 205-982-9696 // 5271 Ross Bridge Parkway 205-988-9013 walgreens.com Finalists: CVS, Hoover Hometown Pharmacy, Publix, Green Valley Drug

BEST HAIR SALON Stone Salon 616 Preserve Parkway 205-824-7773 thestonesalon.com Finalists: Salon 150, Aveda Institute, Great Clips, O’Hair BEST NAIL SALON Sapphire Nail Spa 5569 Grove Boulevard 205-988-0080 sapphirenailsandspahoover. com Finalists: The Spa at Ross Bridge, Riviera Nails & Spa, Foxy Nails & Spa, Aveda Institute BEST SPA The Spa at Ross Bridge 4000 Grand Ave. 205-949-3041

marriott.com/spas/bhmhvrenaissance-birmingham-rossbridge-golf-resort-and-spa/ the-spa-at-ross-bridge,-anaveda-spa-andsalon/5013296/about.mi

BEST STORE FOR HOME FURNISHINGS/ DÉCOR Scandinavian Design & Leather Gallery

Finalists: Spa One Nineteen, Massage Envy, Aveda Institute, Santa Fe Day Spa BEST FITNESS CENTER Hoover YMCA 2250 Alabama 150 205-682-1399 ymcabham.org/hoover Finalists: Hoover Recreation Center, Pure Barre Riverchase, St. Vincent’s One Nineteen, Greystone YMCA

SHOPPING AND SERVICES BEST NEW BUSINESS The Nail Bar 1913 Hoover Court 205-848-2211 Facebook: thenailbarbhm Finalists: Moriah Apparel BEST CUSTOMER SERVICE Von Maur 2400 Riverchase Galleria

205-982-4337 vonmaur.com Finalists: Hoover Hometown Pharmacy, Publix BEST BOUTIQUE/ CLOTHING: Von Maur 2400 Riverchase Galleria 205-982-4337 vonmaur.com Finalists: Wrapsody, The Pink Tulip, Lou Lou’s, Moriah

Apparel BEST STORE FOR GIFTS Wrapsody 161 Main St. 205-989-7277 wrapsodyonline.com Finalists: Hoover Hometown Pharmacy, Lou Lou’s BEST STORE FOR HOME FURNISHINGS/DÉCOR Scandinavian Design & Leather Gallery

3075 John Hawkins Parkway 205-985-4507 scandesigngallery.com Finalists: At Home, Urban Home Market, Hoover Antique Gallery BEST FLORIST/NURSERY Andy’s Market & Nursery 124 Mars Hill Road 205-402-2639 andysgardencenter.com Finalists: Hoover Florist,

BEST LOCAL CAUSE Hope for Autumn Foundation

BEST SPA The Spa at Ross Bridge HooversMagazine.com 67

BEST CAR WASH Anthony’s Car Wash DEALER Hoover Toyota 2686 John Hawkins Parkway 205-978-2600 hoovertoyota.com

Lindsay Kessler Designs, Hanna’s Garden Shop, Sweetspire Gardens BEST HARDWARE STORE Bluff Park Hardware 597 Shades Crest Road 205-823-1953 Facebook: Bluff Park Hardware

Finalists: Mercedes-Benz of Birmingham, Tameron Honda, CarMax, Long-Lewis Ford Lincoln

Finalists: The Home Depot, Lowe’s, Rocky Ridge Hardware BEST CHILDCARE Covenant Classical School & Daycare – Trace Crossings 5390 Magnolia Trace 205-733-5437 covenantclassical.com Finalists: Pioneer Day School, Hunter Street Weekday, Odyssey Early School, Le Petite Academy BEST ANIMAL CLINIC Caldwell Mill Animal Clinic 5196 Caldwell Mill Road 205-991-7986 cmacvet.com

HOME, FINANCE & AUTO 68 HooversMagazine.com

BEST REAL ESTATE AGENT Donna Gaskins BEST REAL ESTATE AGENT Donna Gaskins The Pinnacle Group ARC Realty 205-441-0333 donnagaskins.com Finalists: Joey Brown, Thad Lowery, Gwen Vinzant BEST INSURANCE AGENT Jana McGee 801 Shades Crest Road Suite C 205-783-5433 agents.farmers.com/al/ birmingham/jana-mcgee

Finalists: Chris Dorris, Ryan Goolsby, Sam Compton

BEST AUTO SERVICE Express Oil Change & Tire Engineers 1554 Montgomery Highway 205-823-3932 // 2325 John Hawkins Parkway 205-987-7750 // 3635 Lorna Road 205-985-0770 expressoil.com

BEST BANK Regions Bank 1849 Montgomery Highway 800-734-4667 // 2531 John Hawkins Parkway 800-734-4667 // 1592 Montgomery Highway 800-734-4667 regions.com

Finalists: Estes Warehouse Tires, Christian Brothers Automotive, NTB, Firestone

Finalists: Wells Fargo Bank, First Commercial Bank, IberiaBank, BBVA Compass

Finalists: Riverchase Car Wash, MaxxClean Car Wash, Marc-1 Car Wash, Auto Oasis Express Wash

BEST NEW/USED CAR

BEST CAR WASH Anthony’s Car Wash 3037 Alabama 150 205-987-7878 anthonyscarwash.com

N C T ON

EC ON I

Hooverchamber.org

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

John Oros to Speak at the June 21st Luncheon Medical Center West will sponsor the June 21st Luncheon this month and we have invited John Oros, President & CEO of the Greater Birmingham Convention & Visitors Bureau to speak.

He came to Birmingham in August 2015 from the Memphis Convention & Visitors Bureau where he was Executive Vice President & COO. John served on the Foundation Board of Directors of Destination Marketing Association International, the global trade association for official destination marketing organizations from 2014 2016. He served as a member of DMAI’s Board of Directors from 2004 - 2007.

John currently serves on the Birmingham Civil Rights Institute Board of Directors,

Memphis Restaurant Association.

In addition, John was a member of the Board of Commissioners for the Memphis Cook Convention Center and the Memphis Hotel & Lodging Associationís Board of Directors.

John has an extensive background in strategic planning and creative marketing, as well as in the hotel industry. He developed and implemented the Memphis Convention Center’s John Oros marketing plan to promote President & CEO at Greater Birmingham Convention & the building’s $105 million Visitors Bureau expansion and renovation.

Alabama Tourism Department His background includes Advisory Board, Alabama management of the Sports Council Board of Washington, DC national Directors and the 2021 World sales office for the world’s Games Board of Directors. largest hotel brand, Holiday While in Memphis, John Inn & Crowne Plaza Hotels. served on the Tennessee John is a graduate of the Hospitality Association Board University of Maryland where and on the Board of the he majored in American

Government and received minors in Business Management and U.S. History.

To attend the June 21st Chamber Luncheon, please make your reservation no later than Monday, June 18th by calling (205) 988-5672 or emailing lisa@ hooverchamber.org.

Networking begins at 11:15 am and the meeting will begin at 12:00 pm.

The Luncheon is $20.00 with reservations in advance, or $25.00 for non-members and for walk-ins without reservations.

Cancellations are accepted until the morning of the luncheon, but those that make reservations and do not attend will be charged.

Our luncheons are held at the Hoover Country Club, 3140 Club Dr, Birmingham, AL 35226.

HooversMagazine.com 69 Hoover Area Chamber Connection Newsletter

Letter from the Executive Director It’s been three months and I am just getting to know all of you. Now, I am asking you and myself, “where do we go from here?” This chamber is 40 years old. It’s time for a Mid-Life Check Up! We have fantastic networking events but I think there is more to this Chamber.

For 2019, we are considering adding a Workforce Development initative; looking at a Young Professionals group and adding a Sponsorship Program that will give all of our members a chance to be involved beyond their membership dues!

And we will be reviewing all of our events-making sure they are adding value and relevance to your membership and this community.

In May we sent out a membership survey asking you to share your thoughts and opinions with us.

The response was tremendous but there is still an opportunity to share any good ideas that you might have with us.

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

June 14, 2018 — Heatherwood Hills Country Club July 12, 2018 — Soiree Event Galleria August 9, 2018 — Aveda Institute September 13, 2018 — Skyline Village Retirement October 11, 2018 — Brook

Highland Place November 8, 2018 — OFC Workscapes, Inc. December 13, 2018 — Space Cadets January 10, 2019 — McCorquodale Transfer, Inc. February 14, 2019 — Brookdale University Park

Luncheon Sponsorships Normally held the 3rd Thursday of each month, 11:15 a.m. Networking, Noon Luncheon — NOW Meeting at Hoover Country Club June 21, 2018 — Medical Center West - John Oros

Heating & Air - Troy University Chancellor

July 19, 2018 — Regions Bank Freedom Award

October 18, 2018 — St. Vincent’s - Zeke Smith

August 16, 2018 — Costco - Greg Knighton, Economic Developer, City of Hoover and Yvonne Murray, Executive Director of 58 Inc.

November 15, 2018 — American Family Care - Dr. Murphy - Education Awards

September 20, 2018 — Sentry

December 20, 2018 — America’s First - To Be Announced

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

Have you seen our New Website?

June 28 — Galleria Woods Retirement Community

Birmingham August 30 — Customs Café

Take a moment and check out our NEW website at www.hooverchamber.org. We have a new look and new features designed to only enhance your membership experience with us!

Now, you can update your own information; post your own events and even offer a HOT DEAL to your fellow chamber members!

July 26 — Hoover Hometown Pharmacy

September 27 - My Chiropractor

August 23 — River Highlands of

October 25 — Iron Stone Pizza

Hoover Area Chamber Connection Newsletter 70 HooversMagazine.com

Owners Rick & Kathy Claypoole was joined by friends and members of the Hoover Area Chamber of Commerce to celebrate the Grand Opening of their new restaurant located at 100 Concourse Pkwy suite 145, Hoover, AL 35244. Along with Chef Wendy, they offer fresh and delicious breakfast and lunch fare. And, they also cater! You can order Eat Right meals every week! These are fresh and well balanced meals designed to add the best nutrients to your body! Call them at (205) 381-7698 and place your order today!

Owner Logan Green was joined by family, friends, Hoover Mayor Frank Brocato and members of the Hoover Area Chamber of Commerce as they celebrated the Grand Opening of the Jake’s Soul Food Express! Now you can stop by and grab a quick bite to eat or have a sit down lunch! Stop by and visit them at 3075 John Hawkins Pkwy, Hoover, AL 35244 or call them at (205) 438-6340 and ask them to cater your next event!

Hyatt Place Birmingham/Hoover leadership was joined by fellow Hoover Area Chamber of Commerce members as well as Hoover Mayor Frank Brocato and other City officials as they celebrated the recent renovations at their property! Attendees were treated to tours, a great lunch and even treats! Be sure and visit Cassandra Gray, Marketing Director for all of your overnight needs!

Owners, Sue Matthews, Linda Ford, and Iris Jacobsen were joined by fellow Hoover Area Chamber of Commerce members as they celebrated the Grand Opening with a Ribbon Cutting Ceremony!

These ladies have over 36 years of interior design experience, and over 30 years of combined retail/real estate experience.

It was a great day to celebrate the newly renovated offices of America’s First Federal Credit Union in Hoover! Originally built in the 1970’s-this branch recently went through a total update! Located at 3312 Old Columbiana Road, Birmingham, AL 35226

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New Members — March-May 2018

Four Foods Group d/b/a Little CeasarĂ­s Pizza - 3/07 Paige Matthews 100 Concourse Parkway Hoover, AL 35244 801-642-3839 pmatthews@fourfoodsgroup.com www.fourfoodsgroup.com HWY 55 Burgers & Shakes 3/07 Derrick Maddox 3230 Galleria Circle Suite 101 Hoover, AL 35244 205-502-7433 derrick_maddox@yahoo.com www.hwy55.com McLeod Software - 3/09 PRESIDENTS CIRCLE Meribeth Gilbert 2550 Acton Road Birmingham, AL 35243 205-823-5100 meribeth.gilbert@ mcleodsoftware.com www.mcleodsoftware.com Net-Fit Solutions - 3/07 Frederic H. Therrien 5308 Broken Bow Drive Birmingham, AL 35242 205-423-5962 fredt@net-fitsolutions.com www.net-fitsolutions.com

Quest for Health Chiropractic - 3/06 Keith Hallingquest & Miracle Pitts 6013 Hidden Way Lane Trussville, AL 35173 205-643-7734 goquestforhealth chiropractic@gmail.com R&S Food Service, LLC - 3/05 Richard Wilkins 1561 Montgomery Highway Birmingham, AL 35216 205-294-1406 rsfoodservicellc@gmail.com www.chefwilkins.com Shaklee - 3/09 Elise Hearn 205-821-2270 elise@elisahearn.com www.elise.myshaklee.com SouthPoint Bank - 3/02 Debbie Rockwell

3501 Grandview Parkway Birmingham, AL 35243 205-503-5473 drockwell@southpoint.bank www.southpointbanking.com

205-380-9920 ksullivan@ workplaceconductsolutions.com www.workplaceconductsolutions. com

Birmingham EATS - 4/10 Rick Claypoole, Co-Owner 100 Concourse Parkway, Suite 145 Hoover, AL 35244 205-381-7698 birminghamEATS@gmail.com www.bhameats.biz

Great Smile Orthodontics 3/20 Dr. Sherri Weissman, President 202 Inverness Center Drive, Suite 201 Birmingham, AL 35242 205-991-9292 financial@bracesbygreatsmiles. com www.bracesbygreatsmiles.com

Brooks Shelby Campaign 4/16 Dr. Lewis Brook, Asst.

Superintendent 105 Indian Lake Cove Pelham, AL 35124 205-746-4089 brooks577@gmail.com www.drlewisbrooks.com Cahaba Lily South - 3/23 Iris Jacobsen, Sue Matthews, Linda Ford, Partners 5479 Highway 280 Suite 117 Birmingham, AL 35242 205-490-6210 cahabalilyllc@gmail.com www.cahabalilysouth.com Cajun Boys & Our PoBoys 3/16 Jack Donovan, Owner 3120 Highway 52 W Pelham, AL 35124 205-624-4612 donovanbuildersllc@bellsouth.net www.cajunboysandourpoboys.com Chain Link Solutions - 3/16 Michael Staley, Principal 205-907-2239 michael@chainlinksolutions.com www.chainlinksolutions.com Edible Arrangements - 4/12 Hunter Vining, Manager 4941 Creekside Avenue Suite 145 Hoover, AL 35244 205-987-1700 AL871@dofruit.com www.ediblearrangements.com First Reponse - 4/02 Terry Gray, President 2224 Cahaba Valley Drive Birmingham, AL 35242

Insurance Facilities - 3/19 Anna Price, Risk Consultant 205-276-3868 aprice@askif.com www.askif.com Julie A. Palmer - 3/20 Julie Palmer, Judge/Mediator 101 Riverchase Parkway E Hoover, AL 35244 205-616-2275 judgejuliepalmer@gmail.com Mary Kay Cosmetics - 3/22 Jenni Dempsey, Sales Director 205-901-4196 jinnidempsey@bellsouth.net www.marykay.com/jdempsey4 Mitzi Jane Media - 4/16 Mitzi Jane Eaker, Owner 205-862-0629 mitzijanemedia@gmail.com www.mitzijanemedia.com My Chiropractor - 4/04 Dr. Craig Catalfu, B.S., D.C., Owner 2801 Highway 150, Suite 129-H Hoover, AL 35244 205-444-0727 drcraig@my-chiropracor.net www.mychiropractorhoover.com Nelson Trucking, Inc - 3/26 W. Keith Nelson, President 205-438-4959 knelson@nelsontruckinginc.com Sleep Number - 4/01 Brenda Blanton, Store Manager 4618 Highway 280 Birmingham, AL 35242 205-981-3006 10692.birminghamhwy280@

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selectcomfort.com www.selectcomfort.com Sleep Number - 4/01 Cruz Blanton, Store Manager 3000 Riverchase Galleria Birmingham, AL 35244 205-989-6652 10391.RiverchaseGalleria@ sleepnumber.com www.selectcomfort.com Team Insight Plus -3/23 Johnny Carcioppolo, Owner 205-436-6500 johnny@teaminsightplus.com www.teaminsightplus.com The Park at Wakefield & Wellington - 3/16 Danielle McClain, Manager Koty Ray, Asst. Manager 861 Tyler Circle Hoover, AL 35226 205-823-9778 dmcclain@arlingtonproperties.net kray@arlingtonproperties.net www.theparkatwakefield.com www.theparkatwellington.com Transit Management Oversight & Solutions - 3/29 Brenda J. Perryman, President/ CEO 103 Singapore Circle Birmingham, AL 35211 888-397-8111 TMOS731@gmail.com www.transitMOS.com Two Men and A Truck - 4/16 Kelly Atchinson, Marketing 4851 Cahaba River Road Suite 137 Hoover, AL 35243 205-970-2272 kelly.atchinson@twomen.com www.twomenbirmingham.com West Alabama Bank - 3/16 Joshua Thaggard, Bham, Regional Exec.

236 Woodbridge Lane Birmingham, AL 35242 205-938-0314 jthaggard@wabt.com www.wabt.com

Thank you to our 2018 Board of Trustees The Presidents Circle of the Board of Trustees 1. Joe Thomas, Chairman, Capstone Financial Group* 2. Terri Q. Williams, AT&T Alabama* 3. Jason Cobb, Americaís First Federal Credit Union* 4. Antonio D. Sankey, Antonio D. Sankey & Assoc., LLC 5. John Lyda, Blue Cross and Blue Shield 6. Stephen Preston, Brookwood Baptist Medical Center 7. Lori D. Moler, Childrenís of Alabama* 8. Chris Schmidt, J.D., Daniel Corporation* 9. Jennifer Strickland, First Commercial Bank 10. Mark Garnett, HealthSpring of Alabama, Inc. 11. Joel Smith, Hendrick Hoover Auto Mall 12. Paul Dangel, Hyatt Regency Birmingham-The Wynfrey Hotel 13. Jerry Cross, Jefferson County EIDA* 14. Henry King, King Acura 15. Dan Mikos, MikosKampakis Insurance* 16. Jerome Morgan, Jr., Oncort Professional Services 17. Richard Head, RE/MAX Advantage* 18. Karen Waldrop, Regions Financial 19. Charlie Conklin, Sentry Heating, Air Conditioning & Plumbing 20. Tim Prince, Hooverís Magazine, Shelby County Reporter 21. Kathleen Spencer, Spencer Consulting Group* 22. Dan Ellis, TASC* 23. Sam Hess, Jet’s Pizza 24. Sam Hess, Tropical Smoothie *Designates a Past President of the Hoover Area Chamber

of Commerce The Board of Trustees 1. Eric Land, ABC 33/40 Television 2. Pete Gagliano, ADT Security Services 3. Steve Swofford, Alabama Credit Union 4. Timothy C. Lee, M.D., MPH, Alabama Heart & Vascular, P.C. 5. Alison Howell, Alabama Power Company 6. Jabo Waggoner, Alabama Senate, District Sixteen 7. Steve Nix, AlaTrust Credit Union 8. Britten Blackburn, American Cheerleading Centers 9. Randy Johansen, American Family Care 10. Linda Cencula, Avadian Credit Union 11. Nate Wood, BB&T Bank 12. Robert P. (Rob) Fowler, Balch & Bingham LLP 13. Heather McInnish, BancorpSouth 14. Deborah Stephens, Behavioral Health Systems, Inc. 15. Ken Crow, Belk 16. Ashfaq Taufique, Birmingham Islamic Society 17. Leanne Messer, Brookdale Place University Park 18. Jamie White, Brown Heating & Cooling 19. Bud Cason, Budís Best Cookies 20. Paul Huckeba, C B & S Bank 21. David Jackson, Chick-Fil-A 22. Ashley Daniels, Chick Salad Chick 23. Mike Warren, Childrenís of Alabama 24. Bobby Haynes, Costco Wholesale 25. Randolph Pickell, Diversicare of Riverchase 26. Mike Hawthorne, Edge

Realty Group 27. Ricky Brooks, Express Oil/ Tire Engineers 28. Cody Burns, FOX 6 WBRC 29. Debbie Hultquist, Fresenius Medical Care 30. Lisa McClung, Galleria Woods Retirement Community 31. Alice Johnson, Grandview Medical Center 32. Hal Humphrey, P.E., Gresham, Smith and Partners 33. Neil Thakor, Holiday Inn Hoover 34. Bredella Taylor, Homewood Suites Riverchase 35. Kerry Bradley, Hoover Tactical Firearms 36. Charlie Faulkner, Jefferson Credit Union 37. Tony Cooper, Jimmie Hale Mission 38. Sungho Sim, Kobe Japanese Restaurant 39. Joe McGee, Legacy Community Federal Credit Union 40. Dwight Burrell, LongLewis Ford Lincoln 41. Leigh Ellen Brummerhoff, Marriott International, Inc. 42. Bridget Baughan, McDonaldís 43. Keith Pennington, Medical West 44. David Brown, Office Depot 45. Todd Beegle, On Tap Sports Café 46. José Rivera-Crespo, Outback Steakhouse 47. David Yirkovisky, Papa Murphyís Pizza 48. Chuck Herndon, Peoples Bank of Alabama 49. Charles Kramer, III, Progress Bank 50. Dr. John R. Phillips, III, PT Orthodontics 51. Hugh Morrow, Broker, RE/ MAX Preferred

52. Rick Smith, Renaissance Ross Bridge Golf Resort & Spa 53. Mike White, Riverchase Galleria 54. Andy Davis, St. Vincent’s Health System 55. Kyle Hogan, Sam’s Club 56. Sam Dillender, Santek Waste Services 57. Brad Ledbetter, ServPro of Birmingham 58. Dr. Jack Schaeffer, Schaeffer Eye Centers 59. Sarah Turner, Signature Homes 60. Kelvin Johnson, Spire 61. Alain Gallet, Terracon 62. Monique Holiness, The Home Depot-Inverness 63. Mark Hamilton, The Home Depot-Riverchase 64. Bethany Bell, The Trails at Cahaba River 65. Tara J. Elliott, Troy University 66. Alison Lindsay, WIAT-42 News 67. Phillip Corley, Wallace, Jordan, Ratliff & Brandt, LLC 68. Darin Boykin, Walmart SuperCenter, Highway 150 69. Devin Errett, Webb Payroll Service, Inc. 70. Russell Pate, Zaxby’s 71. Birmingham Airport Authority 72. Lynn Mauldin, Ridge Crossings Apartment Homes

Are you Ready to Take Your Membership to the Next Level? Then Contact our Membership Directors for more information about how the Board of Trustees or the President’s Circle can work for your business!

See Sylinda Daniel or Andy Tatum for all the details!

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

HooversMagazine.com 73 Hoover Area Chamber Connection Newsletter

Regions Bank to Sponsor July 19th Luncheon

16th Annual Chamber Freedom Award to be Presented At the July 2018 Chamber Luncheon, Regions Bank will sponsor the July 19th luncheon, and will sponsor the prestigious Freedom Award, started in 2003, with the intention of recognizing some of Hoover’s most outstanding public servants who have dedicated themselves to the ideals of freedom.

Winners of this outstanding award since its inception include Art Headley, Bob Mosca, Bill Natter, John O’Malley, A. C. Roper, General Robert Lott (Ret.), Al Awtrey, Hollis Hayes, Hoover Police Lt. Trey Bass, Rear Admiral John T. (Jack) Natter (Ret.), Dan Mikos, Lt. Col. Damon Holditch. and last year’s winner, Mark Davis.

2018 winner will be announced at the July 19th Hoover Chamber Luncheon at Hoover Country Club.

Applicants for this award:

uMust be a role model in the Hoover community - of good character and reputation in the community; uMust have shown support for local, state, and federal government; uMust have promoted the ideals of freedom through this support; uMust have given long-term service to these ideals, not just a one-time effort;

uMust have supported the U.S. military through either support to, or service in the military; uMust be a Hoover resident, an employee of the City of Hoover, or employee of a Hoover Chamber of Commerce member.

The presentation of the award will be by

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Hoover Mayor Frank Brocato.

The winner will be pre-determined by the City of Hoover Veterans Committee and will be recognized at the July 19th Chamber Luncheon at Hoover Country Club.

To attend the July 19th Chamber Luncheon, please make your reservations no later than Monday, July 16th, by calling 988-5672, oremailing Lisa Rollins at admin@ hooverchamber.org. Networkingbegins at 11:15 a.m., with the meeting starting sharply at noon. The Luncheon is $20.00 with advance reservations or $25.00 at the door. Reservations may be cancelled the morning of the luncheon, but an invoice will be sent for those who make reservations and simply do not attend.

Location: The Hoover Country Club, 3140 Club Dr, Birmingham, AL 35226.

Upcoming Events

June and July 2018 JUNE Tuesday, April 2, 2018: Minority Business Council Meeting 8:30 am until 9:30 am Hoover Area Chamber of Commerce office 1694 Montgomery Highway, Suite 108 Visitors Are Welcome!

Wednesday, April 4, 2018: Eggs & Issues Breakfast to Feature Washington Update with Congressman Gary Palmer 7:30 am -9:00 am Birmingham Marriott 3590 Grandview Parkway Birmingham, 35243 June 5, 2018: Minority Business Council 8:30 am -9:30 am Hoover Area Chamber of Commerce offices 1694 Montgomery Highway, Suite 108 Hoover, AL 35216 Visitors are Welcome!

June 7th: Economic Development Committee is on summer hiatus!

These meeting will resume in October 2018

Thursday, June 14, 2018-Coffee & Contacts 7:30 am -9:00 am Heatherwood Hills Country Club 400 St Annes Dr, Birmingham, AL 35244

4:00 pm Hoover Area Chamber of Commerce offices 1694 Montgomery Highway, Suite 108 Hoover, AL 35216 Visitors are Welcome!

Thursday, June 21, 2018 Hoover Chamber Monthly Membership Luncheon 11:15 am-1:00 pm Speaker: John Oros, President & CEO of the Greater Birmingham Convention & Visitors Bureau Sponsor: Medical Center West Hoover Country Club 3140 Club Dr, Birmingham, AL 35226.

The cost is $20.00 for those with reservations.

Those without reservations for the luncheon will be charged $25.00 (if space permits) payable at the door.

Contact Lisa Rollins Call (205) 9885672 or email lisa@hooverchamber.org for reservations.

Thursday, June 28, 2018 Business After Hours 5:30 pm-7:00 pm Galleria Woods Retirement Community 3850 Galleria Woods Drive Birmingham, AL 35244

Wednesday, July 18, 2018: Ambassador Meeting 4:00 pm Hoover Area Chamber of Commerce offices 1694 Montgomery Highway, Suite 108 Hoover, AL 35216 Visitors are Welcome!

Thursday, July 19, 2018 11:15 am -1:00 pm Speaker: 2018 Freedom Award Recognition Sponsor: Regions Bank Hoover Country Club 3140 Club Dr, Birmingham, AL 35226.

The cost is $20.00 for those with reservations.

Those without reservations for the luncheon will be charged $25.00 (if space permits) payable at the door.

Contact Lisa Rollins Call (205) 988-5672 or email lisa@hooverchamber.org for reservations.

Thursday, July 26, 2018 5:30 pm-7:00 pm Hoover Hometown Pharmacy 2801 John Hawkins Pkwy #101a, Hoover, AL 35244

JULY Tuesday, June 19, 2018: Grand Opening 5:30 pm SouthPoint Bank Corporate Offices 3501 Grandview Parkway Birmingham, AL 35243 Wednesday, June 20, 2018: Ambassador Meeting

Thursday, July 12, 2018 Coffee & Contacts 7:30 am -9:00 am Soiree Events-Galleria 2132 Lornaridge Lane Birmingham, AL 35216

HooversMagazine.com 75 Hoover Area Chamber Connection Newsletter

Hoover Chamber Officers and Board of Directors

Jerome Morgan, Jr., Oncort Professional Services 2018 President

Matthew Allen, Discover Hoover Magazine Starnes Publishing

Terry Turner Gentle, Turner & Sexton 1st Vice President

Alison Howell, Alabama Power Company

Paul Dangel Hyatt Regency Wynfrey Hotel 2nd Vice President

Paul Huckeba C B & S Bank

Ira Levine, CCIM, Levine & Associates

Kathleen Spencer, Hyatt PlaceInverness, Secretary

Tynette Lynch Aldridge Gardens

Adam West, CPA Warren, Averett CPAs and Advisors Treasurer

Jeff McDowell McDowell Security Services, LLC

Lori Schommer, City of Hoover, City Liaison

Lynn Ray Business Telephones, Inc.

April DeLuca Magic City Law Legal Advisor

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

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.

Hoover Area Chamber Connection Newsletter 76 HooversMagazine.com

OUT & ABOUT

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SHOWCASE OF SCHOOLS PHOTOS BY STEPHEN DAWKINS

Shelby County Schools held its annual Showcase of Schools on Thursday, Aprill 19, at Valleydale Church. Students, teachers and administrators demonstrated programs and talked about how the system works to educate children.

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1. Barbara Snyder, Kerry Rush, Patsy Casella, Stacy Aderholt and Melody Byrne 2. Mandy Roberts and Jared Roberts 3. Andrew Gunn, April Brand, Kathy Paiml, Kara Burleson and Jeff Norris 4. Allison Campbell, Liam Mitchell and Shannon Montgomery 5. Caroline Obert and Brandon Vincent

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6. Tonya Borden-Hudson, Starla Lollar, Josh Thomas and Matthew Edwards

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JUDY M. MERRITT MEMORIAL 5K

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PHOTOS BY EMILY SPARACINO

The fourth annual Judy M. Merritt Memorial 5K, One-Mile Fun Run/ Walk and Family Day was held March 3 at Veterans Park.

1. Meredith Bailey and Emily Montgomery 2. Zared Klinner 3. Mandel Hill, Mark Bailey and Pete Norris

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4. Cristina Almanza and Sebastian Hudd 5. Jenneth Lardner 6. Genia Cobb, Kasim Alzoubi and Anne Sherman 7. Emma Cleckler, Georgina Price, Raechel Sims, Perla Pichardo, Brookanne Anderson and Anna Squires 8. Lindsey Williams 9. Theresa Mays and Toneka Armstrong 10. Christopher Mendez, Carly Niswander, Brooke 11. Kansas Kirk 12. Emmanuel McKinney and Eva Rodriguez 13. Reagan Wyatt and Mallory Gilbreath 14. Ali and Roya Yazdi 15. Alvin Richardson, Vinson Bradley and Lakeshia Ball

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OUT & ABOUT

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ARBOR DAY IN HOOVER

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PHOTOS BY RHONDA GEHMAN, DON’T BLINK PHOTOGRAPHY

Hoover’s annual Arbor Day celebration at Aldridge Gardens was held on Saturday, March 3.

1. Donna Spencer, Rebecca Hassee, Ann McAdams, Mary Ross Search and Susan Sheedy 2. Eddie Aldridge and Ava Christiansen

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3. Mayor Frank Brocato with Arbor Day Essay Contest winners 4. Sarah Johnson, Daniel Hassee and Rebecca Hassee 5. Susan Sheedy and Joann Powell 6. Lynn Cooper, Jennifer Gregory, Roberta Atkinson and Ann McAdams 7. Susan Sheedy and Joann Powell 8. Leah Varnell 9. Sharon Nelson 10. Caroline Adams, Peggy Patton and Sara Perry 11. Eddie and Kay Aldridge

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OUT & ABOUT

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KHSA TABLESCAPES

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PHOTOS BY EMILY SPARACINO

Beautiful table decorations were on display once again at the King’s Home Shelby Auxiliary’s annual Tablescapes fundraiser on Wednesday, April 18 at Metro Church of God in Hoover.

1. Renèe Kennedy and Paula Carlile 2. Rita Wilson and Hiltrud Hollibaugh

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3. Diana McMichen, Karen Liles, Bonnie Goetz, Katy Maddox and Lin Berry 4. Janice Chancey and Evelyn Criswell 5. Phyllis Tinsley, Callie Hines and Joyce Largin 6. Deeondra Johnson, Tosha Lyles, Temika Henley and Jamie Ankenbrandt 7. Susan Groves, Pep Johnson and Pat Coshatt 8. LaVerne Reese and Gloria Hall 9. Suzy Sanders and Patti Stahlhut 10. Cameron Schenker and Tricia Schenker 11. Janice Shows and Jeannie Green 12. Connie Ponder and Sandy Fuqua 13. Jena Forehand 14. Joyce Watts and Julie Schweer 15. Allison Oswald and Susie Gaston 82 HooversMagazine.com

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OUT & ABOUT

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SQUARE DANCE SHOW

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PHOTOS BY KIMBERLY WEDGEWORTH

The Shelby Shufflers Square Dance Club entertained seniors at the New Horizons March luncheon on March 27.

1. Paul Brown, Bob Wiltsey, Donna Wiltsey, Mae Lynn Hardy and Suzanne Challiss 2. Phil Adams and Margarita Adams 3. Tillie Powers, Ethel Taff and Kimberly Wedgeworth 4. Tillie Powers and Ethel Taff 5. Donna Wiltsey and Kimberly Wedgeworth

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HOOVER AREA CHAMBER OF COMMERCE LUNCHEON PHOTOS BY STEPHEN DAWKINS

The Hoover Area Chamber of Commerce held its monthly luncheon on Thursday, Jan. 18, at the Hoover Country Club.

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1. David Wilson, Brady Tarr and Paul Huckeba.

2. Rusty Nichols and John Turner.

3. Amber Mauldin, Alysia Gates and Joyce E. Brooks.

4. Laney Yarchak and Cindy Edmunds.

5. Rachael Meigs and Blake Stringer.

6. Jared Yarchak, Heather McInnish and Charles Echols.

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CELEBRATE HOOVER DAY

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PHOTOS BY SARAH GILLILAND

Hoover’s annual city-wide celebration took place on April 28 at Veterans Park on Valleydale Road and featured food vendors, carnival rides, a car show, a kids’ zone and live entertainment.

1. Kathy Levine, Braedon Hall, Tami Hall

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2. Hamid, Jayme, Grayson, Rylie Mashayekh 3. Demontae Means, Arianna Thomas, Dereyon Williams, Donell Williams 4. Sheldon and Layja Scott 5. Ray and Jane Kinsaul 6. Kelly Cloud, Leland Elrod, Emmett Elrod 7. Charlotte Randle, Christina Randle 8. Andy, Amanda, and Grey Rains 9. Melissa, Derrick, and Meredith Weems 10. Jian Feng, Lisa Feng, Abbey Smith, Ellie Reynolds

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MARKETPLACE

Marketplace Shelby Living Magazine • 205.669.3131

LAWN CARE •Large Properties •Lake Properties •Property Cleanups - Great Rates! Free Estimates! -Shelby and Chilton Counties- 10% DISCOUNT for Military & Senior Citizens. Call Alex 205955-3439 INDUSTRIAL ATHLETES $17.68 hour + production & safety $$$ incentives.

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

PART-TIME TRUCK DRIVERCLASS A Average $0.53 per mile deliver palletized loads to grocery stores within 300 mile radius. Work available 7 days/week. Can lead to full-time employment. Clean MVR and 2 years minimum tractor-trailer experience required. Paid vacation & holidays. Blue Cross health & dental insurance. Matching 401k plan. Apply online at AGSOUTH.COM or call Charlie Seagle at (205) 8084833 Pre-employment drug test required.

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)2800002. Pelham (205)444-9774.

B & J Metal Fabricators Offering more than roofing!

•Metal roofing •Portable metal buildings •Custom sizes available Customize your own!! Montevallo (205)6654687 (205)296-9988 Bama Concrete Now Hiring: Diesel Mechanic 4 Years Minimum Experience.

CDL Preferred. Competitive Pay. Great Benefits. Apply in person: 2180 Hwy 87 Alabaster, 35007 Bent Creek Apartments.

Affordable 1 and 2 Bedroom.

On-site Manager. On-site Maintenance. 3001 7th Street.

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North Clanton, AL 35045.

TDD#s: 800-548-2547(V) 800548-2546(T/A) bentcreek@ morrowapts.com Office Hours: Mon-Fri, 8am-4pm.

Equal Opportunity Provider/ Employer BEST CARS, INC in Clanton, AL. Double your Tax Refund • Up to $1,000 on purchase of select vehicles. Offer good through February 28, 2018. 1674 7th Street South, Clanton AL 35045 205-7553737 **Bring in this ad to qualify for Tax Refund offer!** Class-A CDL Truck Driver needed. Great pay with health benefits, holiday and vacation pay. Home every night. Contact Cahaba Veneer office at 205-926-9797.

Birmingham Hide & Tallow Immediate position for CLASS-B ROUTE DRIVERS FOR LOCAL ROUTE. WELLESTABLISHED 100+ YEAR COMPANY NOW HIRING ROUTE DRIVERS. HOME NIGHTS/WEEKENDS. LOOKING FOR HARD WORKING DRIVERS TO JOIN OUR TEAM. CLEAN MVR/BG CHECK REQUIRED. COMPETITIVE PAY & BENEFITS: BCBC, 401K, PAID HOLIDAYS/VACATION, COMPANY FURNISHED UNIFORMS. CALL 205425-1711 OR EMAIL: adria. lupien@bhtonline.com Boise Cascade Now Hiring for Utility Positions. Starting pay $13/hour. Must be able to pass background screen.

Please apply at www.bc.com BRIARWOOD APARTMENTS Now Leasing! Beautiful 1 and 2 Bedroom Apartments. Mon & Wed 8:30am-4pm. 535-A Hicks St. Montevallo • 205665-2257 • TDD #’s: (V)1800-548-2547 • (T/A)1-800548-2546. This institution is an equal opportunity provider and employer.

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

ShelbyLiving.com

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

Experience and a clean MVR. Competitive pay and bonus package. Good home time.

Call 800-633-9710 ext. 2 Chase Learning Center & Day Care is Pelham is Now Hiring • PT Nursery • PT After-school. $8/hr. 5 days/ week. Great for college students! 205-620-1616 EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITY Seeking two qualified individuals to fill two part time driver vacancies for Chilton County Transit.

Applicants must meet the following qualifications: must possess a valid Alabama driver’s license, a high school diploma, extensive knowledge of Chilton County Roads, clean driving record, and good math skills.

No phone calls, please.

Applications are available at the Transit office at 508 Enterprise Road, Clanton between the hours of 8:00 am and 4:00 pm. Applicants should send application or resume to: Employment Opportunity P. O. Box 1245 Clanton, AL 35046 Coosa Valley Medical Center NOW HIRING! •RN Med/Surg, 7am-7pm •RN Labor & Delivery, 11pm-7am 7-on/7-off •LPN CVMC Nursing Home, 3pm-11pm, 11pm-7am •RN ICU, 7am-7pm 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 (10am-6pm) Clerk/Stocker. Must be 21, have retail experience, be able to multi-task, able to work any shift. Good pay. Call (205)585-8900 Edgar’s Bakery Interviewing candidates for cake decorators, front counter associates, bakery production workers, packagers, and drivers. Apply online: edgarsbakery.com or at your nearest Edgar’s location.

Job Posting: Human Resource Manager FullTime File Clerk/Data Entry Clerk Part-Time Please email resume: Oacinc5@yahoo.com Or mail to: Post Office Drawer 559 Clanton, Alabama 35045 Certified Welders & Tank Fitters needed for field erected tanks. Work done in Southeast. Good pay and benefits. Call 800-728-8265 ext 224 Email resume to c.bradley@esptank.com ERP Compliant Coke is now accepting applications for experienced BOILER / POWER PLANT OPERATOR $20.56/hr +excellent benefits Apply at local Career Center or email resume to pmay@ erpcoke.com EOE/M/F/VET/ DIS Welder Training. Short Term Licensing . Call for Details .

866-432-0430 ESDschool. 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 205-6683316.

Evergreen Transport, LLC has immediate openings in the Maintenance Department at its Calera Terminal for the following positions: Diesel Mechanics (Both day and night shifts): Repairing, maintaining, overhauling of heavy duty fleet trucks and any other duties as requested.

Tire Technician: Repairing/ replacing flat, leaking, mismatched or damaged tires. Finding and replacing missing lugs and damaged rims and any other duties requested. If interested, please call Jason Bentley @ 205-668-3316 or apply in person at 8278 Hwy 25, Calera, AL 35040.

Taking applications for experienced part-time bartender for growing business in Clanton. Call Teresa: 334-235-0228 or call the restaurant between 4-10pm: 205-280-4949 ONLINE AUCTIONS www.GTAOnlineAuctions.com 205-326-0833 Granger, Thagard & Assoc.

Jack F. Granger #873 DRIVERS Hanna Truck Lines is seeking Professional Flatbed Drivers. 53 cpm No surprises: Starting pay (all miles): 51 cpm, 52 cpm at 6 months, 53 cpm at 1 year.

100% Outbounds loads Pre-loaded & Tarped. 75% Inbound No Tarp. Late Model Peterbilt Trucks. Air Ride Trailers. Home weekends.

Low cost BCBS Health & Dental Ins. Matching 401K. Qualifications: 18 months Class A CDL driving experience with 6 months flatbed; Applicants must meet all D.O.T. requirements.

Contact recruiting at 1-800634-7315 or come by HTL office at 1700 Boone Blvd, Northport. EOE

MARKETPLACE LPN’s, RN’s, CNA’s Full-time & part-time • 2nd & 3rd Shift Apply in person: Hatley Health Care 300 Medical Ctr Dr Clanton, AL 35045 Looking for a wonderful place to live? NEW Meadow View Village Apartments.

Columbiana, AL. Now Preleasing 2&3 Bedrooms. Great Amenities Provided. Call 256-560-0821. 99 Eagle Lane. info@hollyhand.com. Equal Housing Opportunity.

CDL TRUCK DRIVER For Tree Service. Also hiring for other full-time and part-time jobs. Drug Test Required.

205-836-2038 or 205-2297144 Kelly Educational Staffing® We’re hiring! •Substitute teachers •Aides •Cafeteria •Clerical •Custodial positions Shelby County School District & Alabaster City Schools.

Please call 205-870-7154 -Equal Opportunity EmployerOwner Operators Wanting Dedicated Year Round Anniston, AL www.pull4klb.com Service Technician. Top Pay, Benefits & Commission!

Mainline Heating & Air. 400 Hillwood Park S, Alabaster, AL. Or email resume to: ashley@mainlineheating.com (205)664-4751 Marble Valley Manor.

Affordable 1 and 2 Bedroom Apartments for Elderly & Disabled. Many on-site services! 2115 Motes Rd, Sylacauga. 256-245-6500 •TDD#s: 800-548-2547(V) •800-548-2546(T/A). Office Hours: Mon-Fri, 8am-4pm.

Equal Opportunity Provider/ Employer Are you a motivated professional? Are you looking for a dynamic career?

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

Now accepting applications for Sales, Service, and Detail Shop. Apply with the receptionist. 205-755-3430 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/mommagoldbergs-deli (205)503-6190 Montgomery Stockyard Drop Station at Gray & Son’s in Clanton. Call Lane at 205389-4530. For other hauling arrangements, contact Wes in Harpersville 205-965-8657 Production Jobs. Willing to Train. AAM in Columbiana is HIRING for multiple shifts.

Email resume to dcurtis@ grede.com or apply in person: 130 Industrial Pkwy, Columbiana, AL 35051 NOW HIRING Class-A CDL Driver Must have clean driving record, two years experience Will train drivers on tank Drivers home nightly Contact Keith at: 205-438-4959 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 205-9910039.

Oxford Healthcare in Montgomery currently hiring certified CNA’s and/or Home Health aides in the Clanton, Marbury and Maplesville areas. Must be able to pass complete background check, have reliable transportation and have a strong work ethic.

Serious inquires only. Call 334-409-0035 or apply on-line at www.Oxfordhealthcare.com Class A CDL Drivers Needed Immediately for Dump Trailer Hauling • $2000 Retention Bonus • Local Hauling • Home Nights APPLY ONLINE: www.perdidotrucking.com Perdido Trucking Service, LLC 251-470-0355

CLOCK REPAIR SVS. * Setup * Repair * Maintenance. I can fix your Mother’s clock.

Alabaster/Pelham. Call Stephen (205)663-2822 Electrician - FT Supreme Electric, local-based company in Pelham. Must be willing to learn & work hard. Go to: supremeelectric-al.com Print employment application under Contact Us. Mail to: Supreme Electric 231 Commerce Pkwy Pelham, AL 35124 or call 205-453-9327.

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

Move in Special! 3/2 Garden Home w/garage. Dishwasher, Fenced backyard, Great Room w/vaulted Ceiling.

Calera Schools. Rent $1150.

FLAT SCREEN TV!! (205)4339811

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 Salvation Army, Alabaster, is hiring (Seasonal) Angel Tree Coordinator • Kettle Coordinator • Required Skills: Driver, databases, computer, physical abilities.

Email resumes to: Rufus.

McDowell@uss.salvationarmy. org 205-663-7105

Learn a Skill & Begin your Career! Earn $50,000 & More First Year. Hiring Hard Working Insulation & Afterpaint Installers!

•Immediate Openings •We Train you to Succeed.

Requirements: •Valid DL •Drug Test •MVR •Background Check. www. truteam.com/careers or 205.428.9381

Soon the Mark of the Beast Will Be Enforced. Free Book & Bible Study. PO Box 171 • Samantha, AL 35482 205339-4837 Order Selectors Food Dist.

Center in Pelham Day-Shift: Mon-Fri. 40+ hours/week 10:00AM until finished (varies). Salary: $16-20/hr after training. Benefits: Medical, vision, dental, vacation & 401k. Requirements: •Reading & math skills •Lift 40 lbs. repetitively •Work in -10 Temperature Apply in person: 8:30AM-5:00PM Southeastern Food 201 Parker Drive Pelham, Alabama 35124 resume@southeasternfood. com Immediate Positions!!!!

Positions needed: Warehouse • Sales Reps • Assistant Manager • Delivery Drivers • Customer Service. Laid back atmosphere, good pay, plenty of hours available!

Company vehicles to qualified individuals! Call Andrew 9am7pm • Mon-Sat at (205)4901003 or (205)243-6337

The Painting Company of Birmingham Immediate openings for professional residential and commercial painters. Must be able to speak English. Call 205-995-5559 Become a Dental Assistant in ONLY 8 WEEKS! Please visit our website capstonedentalassisting.com or call (205)561-8118 and get your career started!

WCA • Roll Off Drivers needed for our Alpine, AL location. Class A or B CDL is required along with one (1) year of verifiable equivalent commercial truck driving experience. Must have a valid and safe driving record. We offer competitive wages & a comprehensive benefits package which includes: Medical, Dental, Vision, 401k, Life Insurance, Short & Long Term Disability, Paid Holidays and PTO. Please apply through our website at www.wcawaste.com EOE M/F/D/V WARRIOR MET COAL NOW HIRING Located in Brookwood, AL Immediate need for experienced: •Underground Miners •Electricians •Maintenance Foreman •Supervisors Apply online: www.warriormetcoal.com NOW HIRING: •Master Plumber •Experienced Plumber’s Helper •Experienced Plumber Call 205-755-8555 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. 334365-2488 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)6204132 or 151 Piper Lane.

Alabaster, AL 35007 (205)6050753. 8AM to 5PM, M-F. WCC is an Equal Opportunity Employer.

Opies Transport, Inc. NOW HIRING Class A Truck Drivers.

Needing to find a home? We are it. Apply today! 800-3419963 or opiestransport.com

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WHY I LOVE HOOVER

Monty Jones Jr.

Hoover Met Complex GM

BY HEATHER JONES SKAGGS PHOTO BY LAUREN WINTER

When Monty Jones, Jr. became the general manager of the Hoover Metropolitan Complex in December 2016, he brought a wealth of knowledge to a city with a new worldclass facility, The Finley Center, that has the attention of many on a national level. Monty has worked with a long list of sports and entertainment venues including the Arizona Coyotes of the NHL and Super Bowl XLIX. He was recently named one of the leaders to watch in 2018

by SportsEvents Magazine Reader’s Choice Awards and shares a little about himself, why he loves Hoover and what he sees for the future of the Hoover Met.

What is something that people might not know about you?

I was born in Guam which is where America’s day begins. I was born in Guam as my father was in the Marines as MP for Naval Base Guam. We lived in Guam for almost three years before moving to Princeville, North Carolina, where I was raised. So we moved from a small island in the western Pacific Ocean to the first town in the U.S. incorporated by freed slaves. I didn’t remember much of my time in Guam, so my wife and I visited Guam on our five-year anniversary. I don’t have any family there, but we were able to explore the Chamorro culture on our visit. We ventured throughout the entire island while there. I actually met a family here that I work with at the HMC that is from Guam as well.

sports but other areas in which facilities like the Hoover Metropolitan Complex can be utilized?

I think Hoover is a great destination for any activity. It is centrally located for the southern United States along with having access to great lodging, 170 site RV Park on the grounds of the HMC and the hospitality that Hoover is known for.

Why is the Hoover Metropolitan Complex important to Hoover’s future?

The HMC is important because it adds to the great quality of life for current or new residents. It is also important to the economic impact for the city and the exploration of new businesses.

What does it mean to you to be named to SportsEvents Magazine Readers’ How did you find yourself in the parks Choice Award for Park and Recreation and recreation/sports facility Leaders to Watch in 2018?

It’s a great honor being named one of management world?

I have been in this parks and recreation/ the Leaders to Watch in 2018. Being facility management industry since selected by your peers in the industry is summer of 2000, and my degree from always huge, but it’s just a testament of the North Carolina State University is in dedication the staff of the Hoover Met Parks, Recreation and Tourism Complex have in order to make it a mustManagement with a concentration in see destination in Hoover.

Sports Management.

What would you tell someone from outWhat are your favorite places in What is Hoover’s best asset that makes of-state, like a friend or family member looking to move to Hoover? What your job easier?

Hoover?

The best asset that Hoover has outside would you say to bring them here?

Some of my favorite places in Hoover Hoover is a great city that is progressive are the Hoover Met Complex, Jake’s Soul of the great facilities that makes my job Food Café, Aldridge Gardens and the easier is the leadership. From Mayor and looking to improve the quality of life (Frank) Brocato, Allan Rice, City Council, for its citizen. If you want a close-knit Comedy Club Stardome. to department heads, they have been community with a nice size city, then On a national stage, how do you see wonderful in order to make the Hoover Hoover is your place.

Hoover as a destination for not only Met Complex the gem of the South.

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

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