Hoover's Magazine September 2014

Hoover’s Magazine Hooversmagazine.com

Personal Touches Couple’s keepsakes add to house’s unique charm

Girls on the Run

Southern Comfort

Preppy Needlepoint

School Spirit

Program teaches more than just healthy living

September 2014

Asher Riley takes unique twist on classic accessories

Merk’s Tavern & Kitchen serves a taste of home

SEC Media Days attracts journalists and football fans

September 2014 Hooversmagazine.com $4.95

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Season

of Change As the warmer weather gives way to colorful leaves for the first day of fall this month, you’ll also notice some changes with the magazine – starting on this page.

My name may look familiar, since I’ve been writing for the magazine for about two years. But get ready to see my face around town a lot more as I delve in even deeper as the new editor of Hoover’s Magazine.

Before moving to Hoover in 2011, I lived in Tuscaloosa where I attended the University of Alabama and played in the Million Dollar Band.

I have also called several places in southern Alabama and the Washington, D.C., area home. But no matter where I lived, visiting Hoover remained a constant.

When coming to see family in

September 2014 Issue Copyright 2014 Shelby County Newspapers, Inc. Questions or comments?

Call 669-3131 or email info@hooversmagazine.com

Jasper and later moving there, I spent many nights and weekends at the Galleria or enjoying one of my favorite restaurants: Hoover definitely was the place to shop and eat.

The only difference now is that I have the opportunity to write about the people and places I have come to love in this constantly growing community.

From Southern cooking, like Merk’s Tavern & Kitchen featured on page 50, to local businesses like Asher Riley on page 16, Hoover has a lot to offer – and I’m excited to have a larger role in telling those types of stories.

But the magazine isn’t about the editor: It’s about and for all of the Hoover residents. So, continue to

email, call or message me on social media with your ideas and photos.

You may just see them featured in the magazine.

And look for me – the one shooting photos and asking questions – at future Hoover events.

I’d love to hear your story. n

Lauren Heartsill Dowdle lauren.dowdle@hooversmagazine.com Twitter: @HooversMag Facebook.com/HooversMagazine

EDITORIAL

ADMINISTRATIVE

DESIGN

MARKETING

Molly Davidson

Tim Prince

Jamie Dawkins

Ashley Duckett

Ginny McCarley

Katie McDowell

Ashley Logan

Drew Granthum

Mary Jo Eskridge

Amanda Porter

Mary Catherine Goodwin

Neal Wagner

Kristy Brown

Jonathan Wise

Jon Goering

Laurel Cousins

Lauren Dowdle

Hailey Dolbare Christine Roberts

Daniel Holmes Nicole Loggins Kim McCulla Rhett McCreight Meagan Mims Kari Yoder

Hoover’s Magazine is published monthly by Shelby County Newspapers Inc., P.O. Box 947, Columbiana, AL 35051. Hoover’s Magazine is a registered trademark. All contents herein are the sole property of Shelby County Newspapers Inc. [the Publisher]. No part of this periodical may be reproduced without written permission from the Publisher. Please address all correspondence (including but not limited to letters, story ideas and requests to reprint materials) to: Editor, Hoover’s Magazine, P.O. Box 947, Columbiana, AL 35051. Hoover’s Magazine is mailed to select households throughout Hoover, and a limited number of free copies are available at local businesses. Please visit Hooversmagazine.com for a list of those locations. Subscriptions are available at a rate of $20.41 for one year by emailing subscribe@hooversmagazine.com, or calling (205) 669-3131, ext. 532. Advertising inquiries may be made by emailing advertise@hooversmagazine.com, or by calling (205) 669-3131, ext. 520.

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Hoover’s Magazine | September 2014

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FEATURES 8

School Spirit Media and fans come to Hoover for SEC Media Days

16

Buckle Up Asher Riley turns a classic accessory into a fashion statement

42

Personal Touches Mementos add charm to Chrane home

inside

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inside

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50 RECREATION 8 School Spirit:

Media and fans come to Hoover for SEC Media Days

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Girls on the Run: Program teaches more than just healthy living

ARTS & CULTURE 16 Buckle Up:

HEALTH & BEAUTY 35 Renew & Refresh:

IN EVERY ISSUE 4 Editor’s Note 6

Aldridge Gardens newsletter

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EDUCATION 38 Snippets: What’s

33

The Book Nook

55

Hoover Area Chamber Connection

61

Spotted

77

Calendar

80

Classifieds

82

Why I Love Hoover

Asher Riley turns a classic accessory into a fashion statement

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34

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Strokes of Love: Birmingham artists share their passion for painting and community Whimsical Disguises: Kelli Hovanes’s masks gain popularity on TV, stage and around the world Community Support: Shades Mountain Woman’s Club takes home awards

How to recharge throughout the year

happening in Hoover education and beyond

AT HOME 42 Personal Touches:

Mementos add charm to Chrane home

FOOD & DRINK 50 Southern Comfort: Merk’s Tavern & Kitchen highlights Alabama food

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recreation

School

Spirit

Media and fans come to Hoover for SEC Media Days WRITTEN BY CARMEN SHEA BROWN PHOTOS BY LAUREN HEARTSILL DOWDLE AND CONTRIBUTED

football in Alabama.

“I went to the Iron Bowl when I first moved here, and that’s when I got my first taste of it,” he says. “People kept telling me, ominic Buompastore moved to ‘Pick your team,’ and I said, ‘The Philadelphia Hoover last November to take Eagles.’” over as general manager of the Not long after his arrival, Buompastore and Hyatt Regency Birmingham, his staff began preparing for the annual SEC otherwise known as the Wynfrey Hotel. He Media Days, which was held July 14 to 17. previously worked at the Hyatt Regency in “We’ve been doing it so long now we Dallas and came to replace longtime manager pretty much have it down to a science,” Andy Peters, who retired last year.

Buompastore says. “Every year, we have the Although he had prepared for Superbowls same contacts with the SEC and the same and NFL games in the past, nothing quite contacts with ESPN. We’ve already been prepared him for the passion people have for working on it for four or five months. Right

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ABOVE: ESPN aired the SEC Media days live on ESPN 3, and the press conferences can still be viewed online. RIGHT: One loyal Alabama fan flew from Australia to see Coach Nick Saban.

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“I went to the Iron Bowl when I first moved here, and

that’s when I got my first taste of it.”

— Dominic Buompastore

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after the bowl games ended, we started getting to work on it.”

Buompastore says the event is invitation-only, but many people will try to come and catch a glimpse of some of the high-profile players and coaches.

“We have Hoover police officers, SEC security and hotel security,” he says.

Buompastore says each SEC school brings three players – typically one offensive player, one defensive player and the coach. Each day features two coaches in the morning and two coaches in the evening.

He says visitors not affiliated with the event can still rent a room, but availability is limited. “You can basically go from your room down to the lobby. No one can come to the SEC Media Days area that’s not credentialed,” he says.

The first SEC Media Days event in Birmingham was held in 1985 at the Holiday Inn Medical Center. In 1986 and 1987, it was held at the Birmingham Hilton.

The event took place at the Wynfrey from 1988 to 1991 and then moved back to the Birmingham Sheraton Hotel for eight years, from 1992 to 2000. In 2001, SEC Media Days again returned to Hoover. In 2009, an alltime high of 923 individuals attended media days.

“I’m not stressed by it,” Buompastore says. “I love it. I wouldn’t be able to do it without my other team members. I have 150 other team members who collectively make a difference.” n

SHE HOLDS THE HOUSE RECORD FOR “MOST STATE CAPITALS RECALLED IN FIVE MINUTES” AND “BIGGEST HOLE DUG IN THE BACKYARD FOR NO APPARENT REASON.” 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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CLOCKWISE FROM TOP LEFT: Alabama fans packed the hotel lobby. TV, print and radio media members, including Paul Finebaum, broadcasted live from the four-day event. Media members came from across the country to cover the event. A few lucky fans got their favorite players’ autographs as they headed up to meet with the media.

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recreation

Girls J Run

WRITTEN BY LAUREN HEARTSILL DOWDLE PHOTOS CONTRIBUTED

on the

Program teaches more than healthy living

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ust like a good runner needs to practice to be successful, young girls also need to condition themselves to build self-esteem and community awareness. Third through fifth grade girls can do exactly that by joining Girls on the Run. This national organization was created in 1996 in Charlotte, North Carolina, and it made its way to Birmingham three years ago.

At first, the local program only had one group of girls, and now it’s grown to include 500 girls in the Birmingham metro area, says Mary Virginia Mandell, program director of Girls on the Run Birmingham.

Each team has about 15 girls in third through fifth grade and at least three coaches.

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If the girls meet at a school, two of the coaches are school employees, and the other is a community volunteer.

In Hoover, there are two teams: Brock’s Gap and Riverchase. Fall registration runs from Aug. 18 to 29, and the season is Sept.

15 to Nov. 25. The spring season starts in February.

Twice a week, the teams meet for 1 1/2 hours to play games, learn and, of course, run. “We want to make healthy choices an appealing thing,” Mandell says. “All we ask is that they bring their best and keep going forward.”

While the girls are running laps, the coaches give them fun motivation. The girls might get a fingernail painted after each lap or receive beads they can use to make a bracelet at the end.

They also discuss topics like how to get

CLOCKWISE FROM TOP LEFT: All of the Birmingham metro Girls on the Run groups come together for the 5K run, which is at the end of the program. The Brock’s Gap girls run the 5K alongside their running partners. The fall and spring groups each participate in a 5K after they finish the program.

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along with others.

“It’s a way to plug in and be involved with a team,” says Mandell, whose daughter participated in the group twice. “It’s a fun, engaging activity. You’re active, but you’re also learning things.”

They follow a curriculum – which is different in the fall and spring – that focuses on the girl as an individual, what it means to be part of a team and what they see as their community.

“Once they define their community, they actually get to plan their own community service project,” Mandell says.

One year, the Brocks Gap group decorated their school nurse’s door to show they appreciated her for all she had done for them. The group in Vestavia expanded their definition of community to include the world, so when the Philippines experienced a disaster, the girls wanted to help. With their principal’s permission, they held a Wacky Hair Day and charged students $1 to fix their hair, raising $1,000.

“It’s important they know they can make a difference in their community,” Mandell says.

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“Many of them have never been in charge of something before.”

At the end of the 10- to 12-week fall program, the girls will come together on Nov. 23 to run the Magic City 5K, which will finish on the warning track of Regions Field just behind home plate. In spring, the 5K will be in May at Marconi Park in downtown Birmingham.

“This is something they’ve worked on for about 11 weeks,” Mandell says. “They slowly train their bodies to run, and it’s a big accomplishment to make it those 3 miles. It’s neat to see the community come out to watch them.“Running is the tool we get to use to talk about these topics,” Mandell continues.

“We hope they leave with self confidence, a healthy body image and that they feel good about themselves just the way they are.”

The program uses a lottery process to accept girls for the teams, but they try to make spaces for everyone who signs up. The participation fee is based on household income.

To register girls or to start a team, visit Girlsontherunbham.org. Registration closes at noon on Aug. 29. n

CLOCKWISE FROM ABOVE LEFT: The Riverchase team sports capes and has some fun during the 5K run event.

The Birmingham metro girls celebrate their physical, character and community achievements at the 5K run.

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Winning isn’t everything.

Saving hundreds on car insurance is.

Rhonda Evans 3301 Lorna Rd, Birmingham 205-824-4449 Some discounts, coverages, payment plans and features are not available in all states or all GEICO companies. GEICO is a registered service mark of Government Employees Insurance Company, Washington, D.C. 20076; a Berkshire Hathaway Inc. subsidiary. GEICO Gecko image © 1999-2014. © 2014 GEICO.

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arts & culture

Asher Riley creates needlepoint belts, dog collars, coasters, wallets, key fobs and flasks.

Available in a variety of designs, the key fobs are $25.

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Buckle Up Asher Riley turns a classic clothing accessory into a one-of-a-kind fashion statement.

WRITTEN BY LAUREN HEARTSILL DOWDLE PHOTOS BY JON GOERING

M

Belts range from $65 to $130 ($10 extra for custom orders).

ost men are taught to match their belts to their shoes and wear one to keep their pants up. But what if belts could go from necessities to being accessories?

They can be, thanks to the needlepoint, silk and twill belts from Asher Riley.

Virden Hargrove started Asher Riley in 2012, and the idea for the business kind of found him.

“I was researching stuff online one night, and I came across it and thought it was a cool idea,” Hargrove says about needlepoint belts. “I thought, ‘It’s something I would wear.’”

After learning more about this niche market, Hargrove’s interest continued to grow. He started creating designs, found a manufacturer to help him make some prototypes and the business was underway.

His wife, Elle, joined with him and handles all of the company’s marketing efforts.

“If I see certain patterns I like, I try to draw them out,” says Hargrove, who has lived in Hoover with his wife for 10 years.

The company name comes in part from their son, Jackson Asher, and what they would have named their daughter if they had one, Riley. As for the lobster logo, Hargrove and his brother came across the image and thought it was something September 2014 | Hoover’s Magazine •

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CLOCKWISE FROM ABOVE LEFT: Virden Hargrove came up with the idea for the business while searching online, and his wife, Elle, handles the company’s marketing.

Customers can work with Virden to create custom designs, either by sending photos or sharing their ideas. Asher Riley’s designs include flags, animals, sports gear, fish, nautical themes and other classic images.

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different and neat.

“The style is preppy, high-end,” Hargrove says. “It has a Martha’s Vineyard look.”

Now, wearing belts isn’t just a daily habit, but instead it’s become a way for someone to show their personality with simple, classic designs.

“Everyone wants something a little different,” he says. “They’re willing to pay a little more for something someone else doesn’t have. If everyone wore the same thing, it would be boring.”

Some of his favorite designs include the — Virden Hargrove sailboat and racecar.

“I ordered myself the first racecar one before putting it out there to make sure I liked it,” says Hargrove, who has more than 12 belts of his own.

Hargrove comes out with a new design each month.

The twill belts are $65, silk $75 and needlepoint $130.

But there’s more to this company than belts. Asher

“Everyone

wants something a little different.”

The Whole Scoop 1/4

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Trimmed in full-grain leather, the 6-ounce flasks are made with stainless steel.

The colors and designs are endless.

The solid wood coasters are 4 inches in diameter, come in sets of four and cost $70.

Riley also sells dog collars, flasks, wallets, key fobs, coasters and shirts with the needlepoint designs.

“We’re a growing company,” Hargrove says. “The best compliment we hear from people is that we have quality products that last.”

Their more than 50 designs include flags, baseballs, dogs, fish, footballs, sailboats, tennis rackets and more. The elephant and cotton boll designs are especially popular.

And the possibilities are endless.

Asher Riley also offers custom creations, which cost $10 more. Customers can send Hargrove a photo or talk to him about what 20 •

they want. Some custom projects include belts for groomsmen with their initials, sports teams, someone running and an ore for rowing. “It’s really fun to do custom work,” he says.

Asher Riley merchandise is sold in about 20 stores nationwide, including two in the Birmingham area: Hollywood Feed and The Pants Store in Mountain Brook. The items are also available online at asherriley.com.

“I’ve been surprised how well things went over,” Hargrove says. “There really is a market for it, and we have customers all over the country - from the Northeast to California.” n

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Greater Shelby County Chamber of Commerce C o m m u n i t y • C o m m e rc e • C o l l a b o r a t i o n

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arts & culture

Strokes of

Love

Birmingham artists share their passion for painting and community

B

etween each brushstroke is a laugh, a story or maybe an encouraging pointer on how to make the painting even more captivating.

This shared enjoyment of the arts is evident WRITTEN BY LAUREN HEARTSILL DOWDLE when members of Southern Decorative Artists (SDA) PHOTOS CONTRIBUTED come together.

The about 100 members meet at Bluff Park United Methodist Church at 10 a.m. the fourth Saturday of each month – except for March, May, November and December. In March, the group spends the weekend at Shocco Springs for a paint-in event where they enjoy seminars and spending time together. In May, they meet the third Saturday of the month, in November they participate in the Christmas Village at the BJCC to sell their projects and then have a Christmas luncheon in December.

Their monthly meetings include a show-and-tell table, educational seminars where renowned artists share their craft and a time to fellowship with the others.

Carolyn Goodall, who is in her second year as president of SDA and was one of the club’s founders,

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says the group members come together to share their craft and learn from others with a similar artistic interest.

“It’s a good, close-knit group,” Goodall says. “I think of all of them as family.”

During the meetings, they try different paint mediums, such as oil, watercolor and acrylic paintings.

“We paint anything that’s not moving,” Goodall jokes.

Their more creative canvases include soda bottles, cans and light bulbs.

“Our main goal is to spread knowledge of tole painting,” Goodall says. This type of art is the folk art of decorative painting on wooden and tin utensils, objects and furniture.

“There’s not a lot of people who still do decorative paint,” says Cindy Carson, who was also one of SDA’s founding members. “It’s an art form that was once dying out.”

Throughout the month, the members also get together to paint at each other’s houses. “It’s such a great outlet to make friends for forever,” Carson says.

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“It’s a kind of therapy.”

Many of the SDA members, including Goodall and Carson, were formerly part of the Alabama Guild of Decorative Artists before forming the local group in 2011.

But the club isn’t reserved for women – there are also a few men who attend and love to paint. They welcome people who are of legal age, with the oldest member being 94. The club includes members from Alabama, Mississippi, Louisiana, Tennessee, Georgia and Florida.

“If you’re interested in art and want to paint and be with people who have the same desire, come join the group,” Goodall says.

“We have a great time – we’re motivated by each other.” Non-members can attend once annually as a guest, and membership are $20.

But as their motto – “Making the world a more beautiful place, one brushstroke at a 24 •

time” – suggests, the club focuses on more than just their meetings.

They paint wagons for Children’s Hospital, so children don’t have to ride in gurneys; decorate memory boxes for parents who lose their babies to keep their bracelets and footprints; and knit hats for premature babies. “We focus a lot on community service projects,” Goodall says.

The group also paints crosses with teens in rehab, decorates T-shirts and pillowcases with foster children, teach patients with Alzheimer’s Disease how to paint and other service projects throughout the year.

“It helps the nursing-home patients feel worthy and to have dignity to work with their hands,” says Carson, who formerly was in the nursing field.

For more information on the Southern Decorative Artists, visit southerndecorativeartists.org. n

PAGES 22-23: Sandy Johnson teaches a class on using pastel chalks to draw an image of the Alabama Theatre.

Each class member left with her drawing of the theatre. The pastel project portrays a street view of the Alabama Theatre showing “Gone With the Wind.”

CLOCKWISE FROM ABOVE LEFT: Masumi Fuller paints a flower from looking at a photo during a watercolor class at the group’s annual Paint-In. Cheryl Cain teaches an oil class to members.

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In addition to our gorgeous gardens, visitors to Aldridge Gardens will enjoy many water features, including a beautiful woodland stream that flows through a serene shade garden into our five-acre lake. Near the entrance to the Gardens is another water feature that is the result of a wetlands project that turned a drainage ditch into a lovely stream. Sixty-four varieties of wetland plants were planted here, most of which are native to our area. You will see ducks, turtles and other forms of wildlife that thrive around our water features.

Conservationist Pratik Patel to Speak at Aldridge Gardens Thursday, September 18 Program at 6:00 - 7:30 p.m. free and open to the public 5:00 - 6:00 p.m. Aldridge Gardens Propagators only reception with Mr. Patel

Education Docents Needed Each fall and spring Aldridge Gardens offers curriculum based field trips for children. These fun programs offer hands-on, outdoor learning experiences to cultivate children’s natural curiosity and to empower them with understanding and decision making to preserve the delicate balance of nature.

You can be a part of this exciting program by becoming a volunteer education docent. Workshops for new education docents will be held Tuesday, September 16 and Thursday, September 18, both from 9:00 a.m. – noon. Sessions are identical. Choose whichever day is convenient. You will receive a field trip manual and learn all you need to become a volunteer docent.

Prerequisites: A commitment to conduct two curriculum-based field trips per month for March, April and May 2015. Prior to that you may shadow more experienced docents. You will need enthusiasm, energy, a love of children, an appreciation for nature and a desire to make a difference in a child’s life. For more information contact Audrey Ann Wilson at aawilson@aldridgegardens.com

The elephant serves an important role in the ecology of many African nations, but due to poaching these iconic animals could be extinct in less than a decade.

Come hear internationallyknown Tanzanian conservationist Pratik Patel, founder of the African Wildlife Trust, tell us what must be done to prevent the elephant’s demise.

ALDRIDGE GARDENS Plan your Christmas party now! We have both indoor and outdoor venues for parties, weddings, and corporate events. For more information, call 205.682.8019 or visit aldridgegardens.com.

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

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MARK YOUR CALENDARS Bees Up Close

Tuesday, September 16, 5:30 – 7:00 p.m.

Rain date: Tuesday, September 23, 5:30 – 7:00 p.m.

Members: Adult $10 child $5 Family maximum $20 Non-Members: Adult $13 Child $7 Family maximum $26

Did you know that Aldridge Gardens has 3 beehives? Beekeepers maintain the hives for us, and in July we harvested 6.5 gallons of honey!

You may find some of this honey for sale at Roots. Come to this Family Nature Program to see a hive up close via a webcam. Sit comfortably inside Aldridge House while experienced beekeepers take you through a hive inspection, showing what a worker’s daily chores are, what’s up with the drones and what it takes to be “queen.”

For more information or to register visit aldridgegardens.com.

Members-only Guided Bird Walk Saturday, September 20, 8:00 to 10:00 a.m.

Meet at the Entrance Plaza Become a member today to participate in this two hour guided bird walk led by Dr. Richard and Patricia Ryel. Identify birds of Aldridge Gardens in their native habitat. Join us and bring binoculars so you don’t miss a thing! This free bird walk is limited to 15 participants, so please pre-register at aldridgegardens.com.

Inside the Museum Wildlife Artist Larry K. Martin continues his exhibit in the gallery this month.

Also, be sure to see our Frank Fleming sculptures inside the Museum. The Eddie and Kay Aldridge Art and Historical Collections Museum is open Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. except when there is a private event inside the house.

Aldridge Gardens Sustaining Sponsors for 2014: • Blue Cross Blue Shield of Alabama • Energen Corporation • International Expeditions • Ed and Barbara Randle • Renasant Bank • Councilman Gene Smith and Pam Smith For information about our different levels of giving, including Sustainers, Legacy Builders, Propagators or basic membership, visit aldridgegardens.com.

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arts & culture

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Whimsical Disguises Kelli Hovanes’s masks gain popularity on TV, stage and around the world WRITTEN BY LAUREN HEARTSILL DOWDLE PHOTOS BY JON GOERING

A

mask can transform a person into their favorite mystical creature, hide his or her identity or create a new character altogether. One of the artists leading the way in creating unique leather masks is Kelli Hovanes with her Silver Cicada Designs.

“There are so many different cultures that haven’t even touched, and they all have a form of masks,” she says. “They can be used for story telling, religious purposes, rights of passage or armor for the not fully formed self.”

A Bluff Park resident, Hovanes has constantly surrounded herself with art and costumes. “I’ve always been driven to create, even as a kid,” she says. Hovanes took art classes throughout school, and she also took theater and costuming classes in college.

About four years ago, Hovanes saw a simple, well-made leather mask, and she

thought she could easily create one, as well, given her arts background. “But it was a lot more difficult that I expected,” she says.

She gradually improved her skills, learning how to work with leather. “After two or three months, I stopped throwing the pieces away or giving them to the dogs as chew toys,” Hovanes says with a laugh.

She has come a long way since those days, now selling her masks across the world. “It was absolutely phenomenal,” Hovanes says about selling her first piece. “I was surprised and excited someone wanted to buy it.”

Her style is inspired by fairytales, folk talks, nature and even different religions, she says. Some of her most popular designs are foxes and Egyptian styles. Her masks ship nationwide, and she also has customers in Germany and Australia.

But two of her most famous purchases to date came from a television show and theatrical production.

The ABC show “Once Upon A Time” and Cirque de Soleil found her projects through

LEFT: Kelli Hovanes’s fox masks have caught the attention of TV shows, customers and shops.

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her Etsy page.

The TV show featured one of her fox masks with stich scars in Season 3, Episode 4. The scene featured a variety of fox masks from different artists, but Hovanes’s work was front and center. “One of the masks was mine, and it was on the main character,” she says.

In Cirque du Soleil, they used two of her Anubis masks in March for “One Night for One Drop.” This production raised money for One Drop, which works to provide fresh water around the world.

“I love seeing my masks on stage,” Hovanes says. “I have a weak heart for theater because of my background.”

She’s also gained notice in a town known for masks: New Orleans, Louisiana. After her father-in-law insisted she bring several of her masks on their family trip to the Big Easy, Hovanes tried taking her pieces to a shop in the city.

The first store she visited said they wanted all of her projects and for the deal to be exclusive. The store, Mask Gallery in the French Quarter on Royal Street, now sells

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CLOCKWISE FROM TOP LEFT: The fox masks are one of the most popular designs. “Once Upon A Time” featured one of her fox masks on the show. Kelli Hovanes started transforming leather into mask masterpieces about four years ago. Hovanes’s designs include leaves, flowers and other nature-inspired pieces. Silver Cicada Designs offers several butterfly masks in a variety of designs.

Depending on the level of intricacy, a mask can take Hovanes six to 24 hours from start to finish. To give each mask character, Hovanes adds lines and presses them into 3D shapes.

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several of her designs, including her dragon and fox masks. She continues to ship more as they run out. “I never would have expected that,” she says.

The masks range from $30 to $300 or more, depending on how elaborate the design is. Interested buyers can look at Hovanes’s designs online or talk with her about creating one. “I start with ideas in sketches and build up the base,” Hovanes says. “I have a good pile of sketches.”

To create a mask, she uses a template to see where to put the eyes so they fit comfortably.

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Next, she transfers the design to film, puts that on the leather, traces it and cuts it out.

Once she has the shape, she adds lines, tooling, impressions and pushes it down to make it 3D. Finally, she soaks it in water, heats it to hold its shape, adds dye and paint, connects a ribbon and it’s ready to go.

The entire process takes two to three hours for a basic mask, six hours for an average one like Anubis and 24 hours for the most elaborate designs.

To see more of Hovanes work or to order a mask, visit silvercicada.net. n

CLOCKWISE FROM TOP: Hovanes turned a spare bedroom into her studio space. Once Hovanes cuts out the shape, she uses tools to add impressions and texture to the masks, like her dragon design.

To finish the project, Hovanes uses her art background and skills to paint the masks.

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the book nook

Hoover Library . . .

Now at Your Fingertips Everyone is on the go these days, but thanks to the Hoover Library App, you can use the library wherever you are, whenever you need it. Can’t remember when a book is due?

Want to renew a movie afterhours? The library’s app lets you do all of this and more from the convenience of your smartphone or tablet.

Stephanie Beaver Download the free app from Library Specialist our website or from online Hoover Public Library marketplaces like the App Store or Google Play. Use your library card number to log in, and access a host of features that bring the library to you.

In addition to searching the catalog and placing holds on items, you can log in to your library account to see what you have checked out, renew items you’d like to keep a little longer and see the status of items you’ve requested.

The “Book Look” function allows you to scan the ISBN barcode on the back of any book and quickly determine whether or not the library owns a copy.

The app offers links to online services as well, including our downloadable eBook and audiobook catalog from Overdrive, Mango Languages, EBSCOhost research databases and Tutor.com. To view the content from these services, download the free apps for each.

You can also download free apps from hoopla (downloadable music, movies and TV) and Zinio (downloadable magazines) to access the library’s full range of online content. While the app gives you access to almost everything, we still hope you’ll stop by to browse our physical collection, check out a NOOK e-reader or enjoy one of the many exciting programs happening daily, such as book groups, story times, craft projects, computer classes and live theater. The app also lists our contact information, including maps, directions, hours, events calendar and links to our Facebook and Twitter pages. n Stephanie Beaver is a library specialist in the fiction department at the Hoover Public Library. Visit HooverLibrary. org for more information.

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arts & culture

Supporting the Community Shades Mountain Woman’s Club takes home awards WRITTEN BY ROBERTA ATKINSON PHOTOS CONTRIBUTED

as Decorating City Hall at Christmas, the Annual Tree Lighting Ceremony, Arbor Day Celebrations at the various schools in eneral Federation of Women’s Hoover, Hazardous Waste Day, The Moss Clubs (GFWC) Shades Rock Festival, Celebrate Hoover Day, the Mountain Woman’s Club Commercial Awards and the Mayor’s Prayer members attended the 119th Breakfast.

Annual Alabama Federation of Women’s Shades Mountain club member Roberta Club (AFWC) Convention at the Huntsville Atkinson, AFWC president, raised $10,696.35 Marriott Space Center. GFWC Shades for her president’s project: Breast Cancer Mountain won awards in Conservation, Public Awareness. The money will go the Alabama Issues, International Outreach Partnerships, Department of Human Resources Early AFWC President’s Project, Leadership, Intervention Center to pay for mammograms Membership, Communication & Public for women with no insurance or way to pay for Relations, Legislation and Public Policy and the them.

Junior Special Project-Advocates for Children.

Shades Mountain Woman’s Club also won a They also won the Suellen Brazil Outstanding $900 scholarship to The University of Alabama Club Award. for their yearbook. It will go to one of their Diane Ray, Shades Mountain Club member, former Juniorettes from Hoover or Pelham high received the Louise Wilson Outstanding school who are attending Alabama. GFWC Clubwoman award. She is a member of Shades Mountain sponsors three Juniorette the Symphony Volunteer Council Board of clubs, one at Hoover High School, Pelham Directors and is the volunteer coordinator High School and the new Helena High School. this year. Ray is on the Board of Directors for They are open to women ages 18 and older the Jefferson County Distinguished Young and meet the second Thursday of each month Women. Ray’s special interest is sewing no-no at Prince of Peace Church at 6:45 pm. For more armbands and little dresses for Third World information, contact Roberta at 822-5622. countries made out of pillowcases.

There currently are 13 District III clubs in the She joined the Hoover Beautification Jefferson and Shelby County area. For more Board this year and helps with events such information, visit gfwcalabama.org. n

G

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CLOCKWISE FROM ABOVE LEFT: AFWC President Roberta Atkinson with Miss Alabama Chandler Champion. Jane Ray-Louise Wilson, Outstanding Club Member; co-winner AFWC President Roberta Atkinson; and Dot Wilkinson-Louise Wilson, Outstanding Clubwoman co-winner.

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Renew, Refresh

health & beauty

How to recharge throughout the year

WRITTEN BY STEPHANIE HOLDERBY PHOTO CONTRIBUTED

S

eptember seems to be a month for renewal. At St. Vincent’s One Nineteen (onenineteen.com), our exercise enthusiasts will enjoy cooler morning runs on our outdoor track.

Each autumn, mothers completing their spa treatments seem even more rejuvenated after picking up their preschoolers from our childcare center.

This post-vacation season energizes our diagnostics area and physicians’ offices, as health-conscious folks fulfill summer promises to pursue a physician, nutrition or physical therapy consult.

Although September activities attract many, St. Vincent’s One Nineteen is an engaging place year-round, welcoming locals for everything from cooking classes to Healthy Chef-to-go meals, Breakfast with the Doc seminars and sports performance tutorials.

Here’s an abbreviated list of what to expect.

WELLNESS Many come to One Nineteen to visit one of our multi-specialty physicians’ offices. Others come for physical therapy, nutrition counseling, wellness seminars or executive health consults.

SPA The St. Vincent’s body-mind-spirit emphasis makes our upscale spa a tranquil place for every season. Some visitors frequent the boutique, while others see medically trained massage therapists. Whether clients seek a facial, cosmetic consult, nail treatment or medi-spa service, Spa One Nineteen is a year-round destination.

ABOVE: St. Vincent’s One Nineteen offers fitness, spa and wellness events and programs throughout the year.

FITNESS Fitness members access our fully equipped exercise floor, indoor/outdoor tracks, basketball court, six-lane saline pool, therapy pool and whirlpool. Some come to our spinning, yoga, Pilates, sauna and steam rooms and resort-level member lounges.

Members consult with personal trainers, seek health assessments or participate in varied classes for beginning-to-elite athletes, from Mommy and Me Swim to High Intensity Interval Training. Whether it’s our Sports Performance Program, Kid Fit or cardiac rehab, this is the getting-healthier place for every age/ stage.

Stephanie Holderby is St. Vincent’s One Nineteen executive director. n September 2014 | Hoover’s Magazine •

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happening in hoover

John Hayden earns leadership award

Heatherwood Garden Club hosts last meeting of season The Heatherwood Garden Club hosted its last meeting of the season at the home of Mary Claire Cowen in May. Guest speaker David Doggett did a presentation on propagation of Hydrangeas.

All of the members had a handson demonstration and propagated a Hydrangea and will get to keep it to plant in their own garden.

Installation of new officers was

performed by Cowen, the outgoing president.

Cowen presented each officer with a candy bar that represented the responsibility of the office in which they will hold.

The new club officers, pictured from left to right, are Janice Rhodes, secretary; Gail Greene, treasurer; Sue Richards, president; and Christine Gibbons, vice president.

Greystone Golf & Country Club’s own John Hayden was named the male recipient of the 2014 USGA-AJGA Presidents’ Leadership Award, the United States Golf Association John Hayden and American Junior Golf Association announced in June.

Hayden and female recipient Dree Fausnaugh of Maitland, Florida, were honored in June in Nashville, Tennessee, during the Rolex Tournament of Champions.

They each received tickets to a future U.S. Open and an automatic entry into the 2014 Rolex Tournament of Champions, one of the world’s most prestigious junior golf events.

School board welcomes Kelley as new member The Hoover City Council has named former Hoover Parks and Recreation board member Craig Kelley as its newest school board member.

Kelley, 59, served on the parks and recreation board for eight years. He replaced

former school board President Paulette Pearson, who left the post in May. Kelley began his five-year term in June.

“It’s a huge responsibility. I’ll take it very, very seriously. It will only come second place to my family and my faith,” Kelley said.

Craig Kelley 38 •

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Hoover Arts Alliance honors scholarship winners The Hoover Arts Alliance recognized its 2014 scholarship winners at awards assemblies at Hoover and Spain Park high schools earlier this year. The Signature Homes winners of a $1,000 scholarship were Alexandra Tippins of Hoover High School, who will study fashion design and textiles at the Savannah College of Art and Design in Atlanta; and Maggie McPheeters of Spain Park High School, who will study animation and mass communication at East Tennessee State University.

Steven Finley Jr. of Hoover High School won the Barbara Lyons Memorial Scholarship. Finley will study visual and performing arts and retail merchandising at the University of Montevallo. The Hoover Arts Alliance has provided more than $18,000 to local high schools in scholarships and grants in the past seven years. Pictured are scholarship recipients Steven Finley and Alexandra Tippins.

Teacher is ‘Google certified’ Hoover City Schools technology integration coach Cameron McKinley attended the Google Teacher Academy in Atlanta in June.

The Google Teacher Academy is a two-day intensive program that recognizes educators who are doing innovating and exciting things in their classrooms with technology.

McKinley has been with Hoover City Schools the past 12 years, assisting classroom teachers with technology integration.

Cameron McKinley McKinley joined 35 other participants who received hands-on experience with Google products and technologies, learned about innovative instructional strategies and received resources to share with colleagues.

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happening in hoover

Hoover City Schools attendance coordinator wins Sue Adams award Hoover City Schools Coordinator of Attendance Wayne Smith was honored with the Sue Adams Award at the annual Alabama Association of Prevention and Support Services Conference in Mobile in April.

The award’s namesake, Sue Adams, is a beloved advocate and longtime director of prevention and support services for the Alabama Department of Education.

The award is voted on by members of the AAPASS and honors the recipient’s passion, knowledge and contributions to the field of prevention and support services.

Smith, who has worked for Hoover City Schools since its inception, has served in various capacities over the years, including teacher, assistant principal and principal.

Ward selected for prestigious tennis camp Brock’s Gap Intermediate School sixth grader Kennedy Ward received an invitation to play the 2014 Nick Bollettieri Discovery Tennis Open May 30 to June 2.

Ward was the only tennis player from Alabama invited to play in this exclusive event. The Nick Bollettieri Discovery Open, in Bradenton, Florida, is an exciting international event limited to boys and girls looking to take their tennis skill development to the next level.

The Nick Bollettieri alumni and touring roster is impressive and includes Andre Agassi, Boris Becker, Venus Williams, Serena Williams and Pete Sampras, among others.

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HHS student places in art competition John Michael Alfano, a rising junior at Hoover High School, recently won first place in the 2014 State Superintendent’s Visual Arts Exhibit.

Alfano finished first in Division 9-10, Category II for an unnamed photograph, which was part of a “Reflections” project in his digital photography class taught by Ben Rigsby. The photograph was taken with a Canon PowerShot and was edited in Photoshop CS5. Following a successful run at the district level, the piece went on to state level for competition. Alfano has always enjoyed photography. His mother, Amy Alfano, is an art teacher at Gwin Elementary School.

“I definitely like to do it as a hobby and for expressing myself, but I am not sure I want this to be the way I earn money,” Alfano said.

Kimes wins scholarship The Good South, a Jackson, Mississippi-based clothing company, awarded its first scholarship to recent Spain Park High School graduate Jacob Kimes.

Kimes was a honor roll student, president of the National Honor Society, Youth Legislature Senator and a founding member of the Spain Park Fishing Team. Kimes will pursue a degree in economics at Case Western Reserve University this fall.

“This scholarship represents recognition for an accumulation of Jacob Kimes hard work for the past four years in academics and community involvement,” Kimes said. “I am honored and humbled.”

To find out more about The Good South scholarship, visit thegoodsouth.com.

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at home

Personal

Touches

Unique mementos add charm to the Chrane home WRITTEN BY CASSANDRA MICKENS PHOTOS BY JON GOERING

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xxxx

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Janis showcases her vintage Bauer Pottery dinnerware, which she acquired before they became sought-after collectibles, in the dining room.

The Chranes transformed their yard with plants like hydrangeas, sunflowers, roses, caladiums and spider flowers.

I

t’s often said every house has a story.

That story becomes whole with photographs mounted on the wall, family relics displayed on tables and shelves and random finds from travels near and far sprinkled in every room.

Janis and Rory Chrane get that.

The Chranes’ two-story Riverchase home is a nod to their past, present and future, with storytelling keepsakes that lend immense personality and warmth to the five-bedroom space nestled in a quiet cul-de-sac.

“Everything in this house means something to me,” says Janis, a Southern California native who moved to Birmingham by way of Houston, Texas, more than 20 years ago.

The Chranes’ story begins in their front yard, a gardener’s garden of hydrangeas, sunflowers, roses, caladiums and spider 44 •

flowers. Bird feeders filled with sunflower seeds attract a host of species, and the Chranes enjoy the view from two Adirondack chairs with footrests on their front porch, complete with a porch swing. When the Chranes moved into their home in 2002, there wasn’t much plant life on the land, but that changed quickly.

“I grew up with a mother who always had a garden with beautiful roses, and I love being outside,” Janis says. “We leave the door open way too much for the weather, but I like leaving things open. That’s probably why Alabama Power loves us.”

Stepping inside the Chrane home, the eye automatically goes to the gallery wall of eight framed black and white photographs in the foyer, taken by the couple’s daughter when she was 12 years old. Along the stairway wall

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The Chranes like to relax in their chairs on the porch year round.

Janis and Rory Chrane’s house tells their story through relics and keepsakes.

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CLOCKWISE FROM TOP LEFT: Photos and artwork line the walls. The plaster walls of the kitchen are a shade of burnt sienna, giving the space a warm glow. Keepsakes are nestled throughout the house, adding charm and creating a unique style. Next to two Chinese figurines from the early 1900s that belonged to Janis’s aunt, a photograph of Janis’s great grandfather on Catalina Island in California also rests on top of the wood credenza.

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are framed photos of Janis’s parents when they were in high school, with keepsakes from their student-athlete days. A painting on a linen cloth hangs framed on an adjacent wall, a gift from a family friend’s trip to Africa.

In the adjoining dining room, furnished with Janis’s parents’ wooden table (topped with white hydrangeas from the garden), chairs and china cabinet, Janis stores her vintage Bauer Pottery dinnerware. During the first half of the 20th century, Los Angeles, California-based Bauer Pottery became a forerunner in the industry for its affordable mix-and-match dinnerware, serving pieces and accessories, many of which were created by well-known designers like Matt Carlton, Louis Ispen and Tracy Irvin. The pieces have since become much sought after collectibles.

Fortunately for Janis, she collected Bauer pieces before vintage was cool.

The dining room gives way to the kitchen, where a vase filled with fragrant rosemary, also from Janis’s garden, sits on the island.

The plaster walls are a shade of burnt sienna, giving the space a warm glow. The kitchen table, a repurposed chemistry lab table, was saved from a junior high school in Pasadena, California, where Janis’ father served as principal.

“They were tearing the school down to make it earthquake proof, and they were going to trash the tables,” Janis says. “My dad ended up with two tables. We sanded them down and found solid maple underneath.”

The table, its legs built with timber from

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The couple’s favorite room, the covered screened porch has views of a small pond in their backyard. A light fixture made with driftwood and cone-shaped lights catches visitors’ attention.

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the lumber yard, also bears some interesting markings.

“The burns on the table are from failed lab experiments,” Janis says, laughing.

The living room, with dominant shades of brown, features a leather couch, chair, ottoman and a cow hide rug. It’s a “masculine” room, Janis says, though that wasn’t her intention with the decor. Rory, however, appreciates the unintentional decor decisions.

“He loves it in here,” Janis says.

Nearby, Janis’s mother’s photograph book from the 1930s sits on a corner table the Chranes picked up at an art show. Next to the photo book is a miniature deck of cards bound in an aged leather cover – a souvenir from a family trip to Yosemite National Park in the 1920s.

Photographs, too, pepper the space. Atop a dark wood credenza sits a framed photograph of Janis’s great grandfather on Catalina Island in California in 1930.

Two early-1900s Chinese figurines also sit atop the credenza, both of which belonged to Janis’s aunt, who was born to missionaries in China, as well as an antique washboard from Ghana.

Two sets of double doors lead to the Chranes’ favorite room, the covered screened porch that overlooks a small pond in the backyard. The Chranes get a lot of use out of their porch, which the couple had built on to the house. It is here where they entertain guests and enjoy weeknight meals through — Janis Chrane the summer season.

“This is where we live during the summer,” Janis says. “Most of the house orients to the outside because we enjoy being outdoors.

You can feel like you’re outside in any room, and I love that.”

A dramatic light fixture from South Carolina, featuring two large pieces of driftwood and cone-shaped lights, sets the tone for the space. The fixture hangs over a rustic wooden table and chairs with additional seating on each side of the porch. Tall, green bamboo shoots fill two large pots, a decorating idea Janis borrowed from Charlie Thigpen’s Garden Gallery at Pepper Place in downtown Birmingham. An antique arch mirror hangs on the wall below a large iron lone star, representing Rory’s home state of Texas.

The Chranes also have a downstairs porch, furnished with two chairs, where the Chranes enjoy their morning coffee and a little birdwatching.

“It’s so peaceful; you can’t believe we’re 10 minutes from the Galleria,” Janis says. n

“You can

feel like you’re outside in any room, and I love that.”

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food & drink

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Southern Comfort

Merk’s Tavern & Kitchen highlights Alabama food WRITTEN BY CASSANDRA MICKENS PHOTOS BY JON GOERING

Y

ou never know who you might spot at Merk’s Tavern & Kitchen, the casual dining restaurant located inside the Hyatt Regency Birmingham-The Wynfrey Hotel.

One Sunday night, the band Journey enjoyed a Southern cooked meal before giving an impromptu performance of the song “Open Arms” at the piano in the hotel lobby, making for an unforgettable evening.

But Merk’s is so much more than the possibility of celebrity sightings. It’s also about food, thoughtfully sourced and carefully served. Merk’s celebrated its oneyear anniversary in July. Its grand opening

coincided with the hotel’s renovations and rebranding as a Hyatt property, says hotel manager Todd Hagerty.

The restaurant decor is modern casual with rich, warm colors and wood tones. Colorful abstract paintings dot the walls, adding a fun twist to the space. An 80-inch plasma television is mounted on the wall next to the bar, perfect for college football viewing. One of the bar’s standout features is its swivel wall. One side of the wall is shelving for the bar’s spirit selection, while the other side of the wall is a chalkboard surface featuring the restaurant’s breakfast and coffee menu, easing the transition from day to night service.

“We wanted to have a nice place to gather,” Hagerty says.

Merk’s prides itself on serving food that is “good for your health, good for the

LEFT: Merk’s Tavern serves a variety of burgers and sandwiches, including the Hoover Turkey Club, which has bacon, sliced turkey and a cage-free egg on toasted potato bread.

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community and good for the planet.” Because the hotel is also home to fine dining restaurant Shula’s Steakhouse, Merk’s is an alternative option for diners seeking classic comfort food for breakfast, lunch and dinner. What’s more, Merk’s partners with local farmers and uses fresh in-season ingredients.

“Our offerings are locally sourced and are treated with integrity from preparation to the plate,” Hagerty says.

“We wanted to feature the foods Alabama has to offer.”

Breakfast, served from 6 to 10 a.m. Monday through Friday and 6 a.m. to noon Saturday, includes a Harvest Buffet of omelets, waffles, hot and cold offerings, pastries, coffee and juice. The menu is divided into comfort, regional and responsible or StayFit selections, among them McEwen & Sons steel cut oatmeal, classic or whole grain Alabama pecan pancakes and an asparagus omelet made with egg whites, low fat mozzarella, asparagus spears and served with fresh fruit.

“We try to have a good variety of healthconscious items, but we also want to favor the South,” Hagerty says, laughing, citing the generous use of bacon, cheese and butter in Merk’s Loaded Grits (There also are low-fat grits, of course).

Lunch, served from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Monday through Sunday, includes a Pasta & Wedge Bar — Todd Hagerty that is served from 11:30 a.m. to 2 p.m.

Monday through Friday. Diners can create their own fresh salads and enjoy pastas and soups of the day prepared by Chef Anthony Harris.

Sandwich options include the Angus Hyatt Burger, a half-pound blend of natural angus chuck, sirloin and short rib topped with aged white cheddar, horseradish onion jam, lettuce and tomato on a brioche bun. Also a hit with the lunch crowd is the Hoover Turkey Club, consisting of natural cured bacon, sliced turkey, lettuce, tomato, a fried cage-free egg and mayonnaise wedged between slices of toasted potato bread. Another popular

“We try

to have a good variety of healthconscious items, but we also want to favor the South.”

CLOCKWISE FROM TOP LEFT: Merk’s has a Happy Hour from 4 to 7 p.m. during the week, 2 to 6 p.m. on Saturdays and 4 to 8 p.m. on Sundays, along with a late one from 10 p.m. to close every day.

On the lunch and dinner menu, the shrimp and grits are a popular dish. Located inside the Hyatt Regency Birmingham-The Wynfrey Hotel, the restaurant serves a variety of tavern-style food, including savory burgers.

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option is the Fish & Chips Basket served with house-made tartar sauce with Wickles Wickedly Delicious Relish.

As for dinner, Hagerty says diners can’t go wrong with Merk’s Shrimp & Grits (also on the lunch menu), made with bacon & cheddar McEwen & Sons grits topped with large sauteed shrimp and scallions. Braised Short Ribs served with mashed potatoes, market veggies and “good gravy” also is an excellent choice. Dinner is served from 4 to 10 p.m. Monday through Friday and noon to 10 p.m. Saturday and Sunday.

“It’s all amazing,” Hagerty says.

With Merk’s grand opening also came the resurgence of Sunday Brunch at the hotel, Hagerty says. Brunch is served from 11 a.m.

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to 2 p.m. and features a Bloody Mary Bar with all the trimmings. And let’s not forget Happy Hour, which is from 4 to 7 p.m.

Monday through Friday, 2 to 6 p.m. Saturday and 4 to 8 p.m. Sunday. Late Night Happy Hour is from 10 p.m. to close seven days a week.

Merk’s has two national and six regional draft beers on tap from brewers like Avondale Brewing Company, Back Forty Beer Company and Good People Brewing Company, as well as a selection of bottled and canned beers, pale lagers, American pilsners, ales, stouts and wines.

For more information about Merk’s, call 444-7495 or visit HyattRegencyWynfrey. com. n

CLOCKWISE FROM LEFT: The restaurant has several local beers on tap, including Good People Brewing Company, Avondale Brewing Company and Back Forty Beer Company. Guests can enjoy half of a Hoover Turkey Club with a half salad or cup of “Good Soup.”

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N C T

E ON C ION Hooverchamber.org

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

Jimmie Hale Mission to Sponsor September 18 Luncheon The Jimmie Hale Mission will sponsor the September 18 luncheon, and has asked Gene Hallman of the Bruno Event Team to speak. Gene is also the Executive Director of the Alabama Sports Foundation, and President of ZOOM Motorsports.

He earned a Masters Degree in Business in 1985 (MBA) from the University of South Carolina (Magna Cum Laude) and received the Outstanding Student Award.

The Bruno Event Team, a Birmingham-based sports event management company, founded with Ronald Bruno in 1995, employs more than seventy teammates in ten offices throughout North America, and is the nation’s largest such company. The company manages a wide variety of major sporting events in professional golf, Indy Car racing, Professional Tennis, NCAA athletics including the SEC Baseball tournament and the Magic City Classic, and High School State Championships.

Since their beginning, they have managed over forty Champions

Gene Hallman to Speak at September 18 luncheon.

Tour golf events, over twenty LPGA events, and more than 15 Nationwide Tour tournaments. As ZOOM Motorsports, they are the exclusive promoter for the world-renowned Barber Motorsports Park here in Birmingham, with the Honda Indy Grand Prix of Alabama, the Grand American Sports Car Road Racing

Series, Triumph AMA Superbike Classic Motorcycle Races, and the Barber Vintage Festival.

To hear more of Gene Hallman’s and the Bruno Event Team’s plans for the Birmingham-Hoover Market as well as their national plans, make your reservations to attend the September 18 Chamber Luncheon, no later than Monday, September 15, by calling 988-5672, or emailing Lisa Dunbar at the Chamber at lisa@hooverchamber. org.

Networking begins at 11:15 a.m., with the meeting starting sharply at noon. The Luncheon is $20.00, payable at the door, or $22.00 for those without reservations. Those who make reservations and simply do not show will be invoiced for the luncheon, as the chamber makes guarantees to Hoover Country Club based on the number of reservations. Cancellations are accepted until the morning of the luncheon with almost any reason accepted. Hoover Country Club is located at 3140 Club Drive, Hoover 35226.

2014 | Hoover’s Magazine • 55 Hoover Area Chamber September Connection Newsletter

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Access to Capital One of the most frequently asked questions by people starting a business or expanding an existing small business is, “Where can I find money to help me?”

There’s no easy answer. However, there are steps to Bryce Thornton, make the process Hoover Public Library Business Department easier.

On Monday, October 27 at 7:00 p.m. Hoover Library is hosting a program entitled “Access to Capital for Start-Ups and Existing Small Businesses.”

The program will address four topics: credit history and its impact on borrowing; bookkeeping and its effect on the financial health of a small business; financing options from lenders; and disaster financial preparedness and recovery.

This program will be presented by Operation HOPE: HOPE Coalition America and ACCION. It is free and open to the public.

For more information, please call 4447816.

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

Coffee & Contacts Schedule Second Thursday of each month September 11, 2014 - National Bank of Commerce-Inverness October 9, 2014 - GradePower Learning November 13, 2014 - Charter Media

February 12, 2015 - Easter Seals March 12, 2015 - Hyatt RegencyThe Wynfrey Hotel April 9, 2015 - Birmingham Allergy & Asthma May 14, 2015 - Available

December 11, 2014 - Homewood Suites-Riverchase June 11, 2015 - Available January 8, 2015 - Regus Perimeter Park

Luncheon Sponsorships Third Thursday of each month September 18, 2014 - Jimmie Hale Mission

October 16, 2014 - St. Vincent’s Health System

Business After Hours Schedule Fourth Thursday of each month August 28, 2014 - Schaeffer Eye Center-Hoover

January 22, 2015 - Holiday Inn Express-Inverness/280

September 25, 2014 - Homewood Suites-Riverchase

February 26, 2015 - Residence Inn

by Marriott-Birmingham/Hoover

October 23, 2014 - Morningside of Riverchase

March 26, 2015 - Tom Williams BMW

November - none held

April, 2015 - Vecchia Pizza & Mercato

December - none held May, 2015 - Available

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A Ribbon Cutting Ceremony was held Thursday, July 10, 2014 at the new Tower Loan of Hoover, at 3150 Lorna Road. Shown cutting the ribbon is Manager Kieran Edwards, as Supervisor Joel Ray holds the bow. They are joined on the front row by several Tower Loan associates, and by several Hoover Area Chamber Ambassadors. This office can be reached at (205) 380-6291, or Kieran can be reached at mgr909@towerloan.com. www.towerloan. com

A Ribbon Cutting Ceremony was held Thursday, June 26, 2014 at the offices of SharpUSA in Vestavia Hills at their Liberty Park office at 1400 Urban Center Drive during their Open House. Shown cutting the ribbon is Jim McCarter, President of Sharp Business Systems from their Alpharetta, Georgia Office, as Vestavia Hills Chamber of Commerce Board Chair Linda Parker and President Karen Odle (to his left) join in. They are joined by several SharpUSA associates, friends, special guests, and ambassadors from both the Vestavia Hills and Hoover Area Chambers of Commerce. This SharpUSA office can be reached by calling Janine Stolte at (205) 572-4569 or Janine.stolte@sharpusa.com, or go to www.sharpusa.com

Steve Hart, left, of AFLAC Insurance was recognized at the July 17, 2014 Chamber Luncheon as the Ambassador of the Quarter for the Second Quarter of 2014 by Chamber President Jason Cobb. Steve earned more points during the second quarter than any other chamber ambassador by attending and participating in more chamber events, including a record seven ribbon cutting events in June. Steve only started as a Chamber Ambassador in February of 2014, but has been extremely active in the chamber and has taken a leadership role. He can be reached at (407) 970-3853 or hartmyinsurance@gmail.com

A Ribbon Cutting Ceremony was held Tuesday, July 15, 2014 at Morningside of Riverchase Retirement Community at 2184 Parkway Lake Drive in Hoover. Shown cutting the ribbon is Executive Director Melanie Goggins, as Sales Director Diana Kodadek holds the bow. To the right of Diana is Dannie Williamson, Regional Director of Operations for Five Star Quality Care. They are joined by dozens of Morningside associates, friends, family, vendors, and Hoover Chamber ambassadors who were all treated to an awesome array of food prepared by the in-house chef. Morningside can be reached at (205) 4037400 mgoggins@5sqc.com, or dkodadek@5sqc.com. www.fivestarseniorliving.com

Representatives of Sam’s Club on John Hawkins Parkway in Hoover presented a $1,000.00 check as a grant from the Walmart Foundation to the Hoover Area Chamber of Commerce to Immediate Past Chamber President Kathleen Spencer (center) July 21, 2014 at their Sam’s Club. Shown left to right are Assistant Club Manager John Posey, Kathleen Spencer, and Sam’s Club Manager Leanne Graham. Graham also serves the Hoover Chamber as a member of the Board of Directors and as a member of the Board of Trustees.

This Sam’s Club can be reached at (205) 982-0596 or www.sams.com. This makes all three of the Hoover Walmart locations plus the Sam’s Club that have presented $1,000.00 grant checks to the Hoover Chamber within the last two months.

U.S. Army Lt. Colonel Damon Holditch, left, was recognized by the Hoover Veterans Committee as the recipient of the 2014 Freedom Award at the July 17 Hoover Chamber Luncheon for his outstanding contributions to the Ideals of Freedom, including his military service and his service to the community. Shown left-to-right are, Lt. Colonel Holditch, his son, Justin, daughter Sarah Corrine, wife Leslie, and Hoover Veterans Committee Chairman, U.S. Navy Captain Robert (Bob) Beaty (Ret). Lt. Colonel Holditch is the twelfth recipient of the Hoover Chamber Freedom Award, and a perpetual plaque naming all twelve recipients was later presented to Hoover City Council President Jack Wright by Executive Director Bill Powell for display at Hoover City Hall.

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Thank You, Board of Trustees The Presidents Circle of the Board of Trustees Jerry Cross, Chairman, Jefferson County EIDA Terri Q. Williams, AT&T Alabama Lisa Worley, Anchor Insurance Agency Robert Linthout, Arrell Internet Services John Lyda, Blue Cross and Blue Shield A.W. Bolt, Bolt Law Office Stephen Preston, Brookwood Medical Center Gary Wright, Cadence Bank Lori D. Moler, Childrenís of Alabama Gregg Maercker, First Commercial Bank David Bradley, Health 1 Consulting Mark Garnett, HealthSpring of Alabama, Inc. Joel Smith, Hendrick Chrysler-DodgeJeep-Ram Dominic Buompastore, Hyatt Regency Birmingham-The Wynfrey Hotel Henry King, King Acura Joe McGee, Legacy Community Federal Credit Union Leigh Ellen Brummerhoff, Marriott International, Inc. Keith Pennington, Medical West Dan Mikos, Mikos-Kampakis Insurance Edward Mikos, Mikos-Kampakis Insurance Richard Head, RE/MAX Advantage Chris Leech, Regions Financial Charlie Conklin, Sentry Heating, Air Conditioning & Plumbing Tim Prince, Shelby County Reporter Kathleen Spencer, Spencer Consulting Group Bill Stoeffhaas, Style Advertising Dan Ellis, TASC Chris Moore, Virginia College at Birmingham

The Board of Trustees Mike Murphy, ABC 33/40 Television Pete Gagliano, ADT Security Systems Carol Adkins, Adkins OnTime Electric Steve Swofford, Alabama Credit Union Kelvin Johnson, Alabama Gas Corporation Jane Katona, Alabama Media Group Ashley Robinett, Alabama Power Company Jabo Waggoner, Alabama Senate Majority Leader, District Sixteen Jack Williams, Alabama State Representative Linda Cencula, Alabama Telco Credit Union Steve Nix, AlaTrust Credit Union Jimese Harkley, America’s First Federal Credit Union Felicia Fortune, American Family Care Randy Johansen, American Family Care Rihan Jamil, BB&T Bank Robert P. (Rob) Fowler, Balch & Bingham LLP Deborah Stephens, Behavioral Health Systems, Inc. Ken Crow, Belk Patty Barron, P.E., Birmingham Water Works Board Ken Leatherwood, Bright House Networks Leanne Messer, Brookdale Place University Park Evelyn Phillips, Bryant Bank Bud Cason, Bud’s Best Cookies Ryan Blackenburg, C B & S Bank Morris Jackson, Chick-Fil-A Mike Warren, Children’s of Alabama

Bobby Haynes, Costco Wholesale Chris Schmidt, J.D., Daniel Corporation David Roberson, Drummond Company Ricky Brooks, Express Oil Robert W. Noah, Fortis Institute Cody Burns, FOX 6 WBRC Debbie Hultquist, Fresenius Medical Care Terry Turner, J. D. Gentle, Turner & Sexton Sandy King, Gold’s Gym Tom Kent, Golden Living Center Hal Humphrey, P.E., Gresham, Smith and Partners Charles “Mac” McPherson, Greystone Shell Wes Teague, Hargrove Engineers + Constructors Neil Thakor, Holiday Inn - Hoover Neal Harris, The Home DepotInverness Fawn Ozug, The Home DepotRiverchase Teressa Eades, Homewood SuitesRiverchase Beverly Meadors, IberiaBank Sean Hart, ITT Technical Institute Buddy Sutter, Jefferson Credit Union Tony Cooper, Jimmie Hale Mission P J Kimball, La Petite Academy Callie Simmons, Lakeview Estates Assisted Living Dr. Lawrence Lemak, Lemak Sports Medicine Dwight Burrell, Long-Lewis Ford Lincoln Bridget Baughan, McDonald’s David W. Cowan, DMD, North Shelby Dental Studio

Lee Collins, Office Depot Jose’ Rivera-Crespo, Outback Steakhouse James Jerome, PNC Bank Valeta Neal, Princeton Hoover Baptist Medical Center Rick Smith, Renaissance Ross Bridge Golf Resort & Spa Thomas A. Martin, Riverchase Galleria Phil Holmes, St. Vincent’s Health System Leanne Graham, Sam’s Club Dr. Jack Schaeffer, Schaeffer Eye Centers Steve Guice, Servpro of Birmingham Khristi Doss Driver, Southern Company Clarence “Brother” Moss, Steak ‘N Shake Danny Braden, Tameron Automotive Alain Gallet, Terracon Alice Johnson, Trinity Medical Center Chris Breeding, The University of Phoenix Dave Wilson, UPS Stan Banks, Virginia College Online Melissa Patton, Von Maur Mike Chandler, Walmart Neighborhood Market-Lorna Road Jamie Lipscomb, Walmart SuperCenter, Highway 150 Glenn Smith, Walmart SuperCenter, Highway 280 Charles Waldrep, Waldrep Stewart & Kendrick, LLC Alison Lindsay, WIAT-42 News Russell Pate, Zaxby’s

Joel Smith Hendrick Chevrolet Hendrick Chrysler-DodgeJeep-Ram www.hooverautomall.com www.hendrickchevrolet.com

Richard Head, CRS, GRI RE/MAX Advantage www.richardhead.com

Roberto Rodriguez Trash Taxi www.trashtaxi.com

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

New Members September 2014 Benton Nissan Dale Benton - 979-5120

Mary Kay Cosmetics Jenni Dempsey - 497-4373

Nerium Christensen Financial Sam Lochamy, President - 585-0173 Kristy Liverett - 256-616-4721 Clark Properties Dr. Doug Clark, President - 6641575

The Pandora Store at the Riverchase Vecchia Pizza Bernard Tambarello, Owner - 637Galleria Kari Cotney, Store Manager - 985- 3036 2191 Walmart Neighborhood Market Lorna Road - Trustee Upgrade tw telecom Mike Chandler, Store Manager Jeremy Spain - 263-2272 909-4306

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.

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.

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Upcoming Events

August, September & October 2014 AUGUST August 25: 19th Annual Hoover Chamber Golf Tournament at Riverchase Country Club. 7:00 a.m. registration, 8:30 a.m.

Shotgun Start. Bill@hooverchamber.org or 988-5672.

August 26: 12:00 Noon — Minority Business Council Meeting Brown Bag Luncheon Meeting at Chamber Office.

Visitors Welcome.

August 28: 5:30 to 7:00 p.m.

Business after Hours at Schaeffer Eye Center, 1686 Montgomery Highway, Hoover 35216. 9792020. Contact Joy Myers at joym@schaeffereyecenter.com for information. www.schaeffereyecenter. com.

SEPTEMBER September 1: Closed for Labor Day September 4 : 8:30 a.m. Economic Development Committee at Chamber Office. Visitors Welcome!

September 11: 7:30-9:00 a.m.

Coffee & Contacts at National Bank of Commerce, Inverness, 5 Inverness Center Parkway, Hoover, 35242. Contact Lauren Dobson at 313-2100 or ldobson@ nationalbankofcommerce.com or www.nationalbankofcommerce.com

September 15: 4:30 Chamber Board Meeting.

September 17: 4:30 Ambassador Meeting at Chamber Office. Visitors Welcome!

September 18: Hoover Chamber Luncheon at Hoover Country Club. 11:15 a.m. Networking, Noon Luncheon. Please make reservations

by Monday, September 15. Those who make reservations requesting a meal be prepared for them, and do not attend will be invoiced, unless canceled prior to the event. $20.00 or $22.00 without reservations.

September 23: 12:00 Noon — Minority Business Council Meeting Brown Bag Luncheon Meeting at Chamber Office.

Visitors Welcome.

September 25: 5:30 to 7:00 p.m. Business after Hours at Homewood Suites-Riverchase, 121 Riverchase Parkway East, Hoover 35244. (205) 637-2900. Contact Teressa.eades@hilton.com or www. birminghamswriverchasegalleria. homewoodsuites.com for information.

OCTOBER October 2: 8:30 a.m. Economic Development Committee at Chamber Office. Visitors Welcome!

October 9: 7:30-9:00 a.m. Coffee & Contacts GradePower Learning, 1401 Doug Baker Boulevard, Suite 105, Hoover (Lee Branch Shopping Center). Contact Tony Mauro at 980-5745 or tmauro@ gradepowerlearning.com or www. gradepowerlearning.com for information.

October 11: Saturday, 7:00-11:00 p.m. Inaugural Forks & Corks Gala at Aveda Institute, a Chamber fundraiser for scholarships, presented

by Hendrick Auto Mall. 3200 Riverchase Galleria, Hoover 35244.

Contact Verona Petite at the Hoover Chamber at 988-5672 or Verona@ hooverchamber.org Limited number of tickets available, Live Band, Silent & Live Auction, with items still needed!

October 13: 4:30 Chamber Board Meeting.

October 15: 4:30 Ambassador Meeting at Chamber Office. Visitors Welcome!

October 16: Hoover Chamber Luncheon at Hoover Country Club. 11:15 a.m. Networking, Noon Luncheon. Please make reservations

by Monday, October 13. Those who make reservations requesting a meal be prepared for them, and do not attend will be invoiced, unless canceled prior to the event. $20.00 or $22.00 without reservations.

October 21: 12:00 Noon — Minority Business Council Meeting Brown Bag Luncheon Meeting at Chamber Office.

Visitors Welcome.

October 23: 11:00 a.m. Ribbon Cutting at AT HOME, (new store), 5501 Grove Boulevard, Hoover 35226 (The Grove Shopping Center). Contact Alexis Gillette at agillette@gardenridge.com or the Chamber office at 988-5672 for information.

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Hoover Chamber Officers and Board of Directors

Jason Cobb, Cadence Bank, 2014 President

Patty Barron, Birmingham Water Works Board

Joe Thomas, Capstone Financial Services, First Vice President

Khristi Doss Driver, J.D., Southern Company

Chris Schmidt, J.D., Daniel Corporation, Second Vice President

Leanne Graham, Sam’s Club

Dennis Cameron, C.P.A., Cooke, Cameron, Travis, Treasurer

Phil Holmes, St. Vincent’s Health System

Debbie Rockwell, Iberia Bank Mortgage, Secretary

Kathleen Spencer, Spencer Consulting Group, Immediate Past President

Reginald Jeter, Gregg Maercker, J.D. First Nationwide Commercial Mutual Insurance Bank

Jerome Morgan, Jr., Oncort Services

Lori Schommer, City of Hoover, City Liaison

Ira Levine, CCIM, Levine & Associates

Terry Turner, J.D., Gentle, Turner & Sexton, Legal Counsel

Joel Smith, Hendrick Automotive

Hoover Plays Host to Annual Football Conference of varying distances that Hoover, Ala. — SEC all ended in the lobby Media Days is the hub of the Hyatt Regency of preseason football Wynfrey Hotel hoping talk in the Southeastern to get autographs from Conference. The hustle coaches and players of their and bustle of the week favorite schools. In fact, is broadcast on ESPN’s one Alabama fan brought a family of networks across sign that read, “I flew from the nation, with the city Australia to meet Nick of Hoover playing the Saban.” All this furthers the main backdrop to the Griffin Hamstead event. With 1,267 media Hoover Area Chamber of fact that SEC pride is alive Commerce Intern and well across the United members attending (an States and beyond.

SEC Media Days record), The oil that makes the gears of these Hoover attracted journalists, TV media and fans turn is the talk about stations, radio hosts, bloggers, and many more from across the Southeast to football that the conference is centered around. From these talks there were listen to coaches and players talk about seven major themes: the upcoming season.

1. SEC Pride is very real, and very Media members weren’t the only ones prevalent. to travel long journeys over the course 2. Auburn’s miracle run last season of the week. Fans from all fourteen proves anyone can win the conference SEC schools embarked on journeys

this season.

3. A lack of superstars doesn’t mean a lack of talent.

4. Coaches are embracing the College Football Playoff.

5. The SEC Network will be awesome.

6. This will be a season of change.

With the SEC Network and the College Football Playoff, as well as turnover across the conference, there will be change in college football this season.

7. College football is here!

SEC Media Days means the start to another exciting college football season, especially in the SEC, is right around the corner. There is no doubt that the media, fans, coaches, and players that embarked on a journey to Hoover are excited, as well they should be. Football fans cannot wait to see how it all unfolds this year. Let the games begin!

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SPOTTED

ICC Member-Guest Tournament The 2014 Inverness Country Club Member-Guest Tournament was July 17. ICC member Joe Rueschenberg and his guest, Bobby McClung, won the tournament. (Photos by Tori May)

Carl Brunsting, Trey Brunsting, Eugene Szymborski and Chris Meyer

Brady Dubberly and Robbie Harris

Alan Smith and John Brennecke

Scott Byler, Eric Mosley, Joey Marquez and Robert Regard

Danny Stevens and Charlie Stevens

Rick Herring and Kevin Serra

Scot Crosswhite and Jim Gorman

Josh Petty, Larry Lyda and Scott Goedecke September 2014 | Hoover’s Magazine •

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Monte D’Oro 50th Anniversary The Monte D’Oro Neighborhood Association celebrated its 50th anniversary at Aldridge Gardens on July 27.

(Photos by Cara Dawn Jones)

Sandy and Glen Brothers

Izzie, Connie and Don Hampton

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Todd and Kim True

Shirley and Charles Morris

George and Mayre Parr

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Sen. Jabo and Marily Waggoner, Dan and Polly Ireland

Glen Houlditch, Larry and Susanne Wright and Teresa Houlditch

GETTING YOU BACK

in the Game

Sports Medicine

Spine Center

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

Evan, Rachel, Isaac, Josh and Kailyn Steed

“Less pain. More living.”

Medplex Medical Building 4517 Southlake Parkway • Hoover, Alabama 35244 • (205) 985–4111 Brookwood Medical Plaza 513 Brookwood Blvd., Suite 402 • Birmingham, Alabama 35209 • (205) 802–6898

Michael F. Blum, M.D. C.J. Talbert, M.D. Ekkehard Bonatz, M.D. Michael T. Ellerbusch, M.D.

William D. Krauss, D.O. William S. Craig, M.D. William D. Sudduth, M.D. George Robert Booker, M.D.

www.SouthlakeOrthopaedics.com Chris Wood, Barbra Straker, Anna Lu Hemphill, Susanne Wright and Frances Thompson

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SPOTTED

Monte D’Oro 50th Anniversary The Monte D’Oro Neighborhood Association celebrated its 50th anniversary at Aldridge Gardens on July 27.

(Photos by Cara Dawn Jones)

Ken and Susan Berg

Pat Bendall and Lynn McCain

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Mickey Lewis, Walt Stricklin and Eileen Lewis

Alice and Butch Hope

Tom and Lynn Pike

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2014 SEC Media Days Fans and media members attended SEC Media Day July 14 to 17 at the Hyatt Regency Birmingham – The Wynfrey Hotel.

(Photos by Lauren Heartsill Dowdle) Samantha Carley and Hope Martin

Katherine Davison, Ronald Underwood and Franky Davison

Laura Sauerman and Jeanne Fowler

Randy Hodges and Jackson Godwyn

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Business After Hours The Hoover Chamber of Commerce held its Business After Hours event July 24 at Outback Steakhouse. (Photos by Lauren Heartsill Dowdle)

Linda Nation and Dr. Laura Young

Brian Baulch and Jeff Kaufman

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Troy Perry and James Warren

Harry Horner and Cassandra Grey

Jose Rivera and Gabby Garcia

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Arlene Hicks Collins, Tim Meehan and Joe Namath

Rick Spikes and Joe Thomas

Austin Davis, Herb Keefer, Fred Hughes and Steve Hart

Lance Tarrant and Scott Shinbaum September 2014 | Hoover’s Magazine •

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SPOTTED

Hoover Art Gallery Reception The Hoover Art Gallery reception spotlighted art from the Hoover High and Spain Park High schools art teachers on July 21. (Contributed Photos)

James Knowles, Bob Kolar and Carolyn Kolar

Carl West, John Greene, Pat Bendall, Gene Smith and Rip Weaver

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Gene Smith, Cindy Childers and Paul DeMarco

Gene Smith, Susan Fuqua, Paul DeMarco and Jack Wright

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Coosa Valley Academy Champions in Academics & Athletics • AISA Blue Ribbon School • Advanced Honors Academic Program • Dual Enrollment to Troy University • College Scholarship Counseling • Class of 2013 earned more than $600,000 in scholarships • 14 Athletic State Championships • AISA Award Winning Art Program • Athletics: Varsity & JV-Baseball, Football, Softball, Basketball, Cheerleading, Dance Team, Pep Squad, Volleyball, Tennis, Fishing • Drug Free Environment-testing required

Applications accepted year round Now Enrolling for the Fall 2014 Semester

Harpersville • 205.672.7326

Colette Scott, Jim Atkinson, Roberta Atkinson and Jodi Weston

www.coosavalleyacademy.org

James Knowles

Sharon and Shane Cooley

Carolyn Warren and John Lyda

Denise Hughes, Paul DeMarco, Lynne Cooper and Colette Scott September 2014 | Hoover’s Magazine •

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SPOTTED

July 4th at Greystone Greystone Country Club members celebrated America’s birthday on July 4th at Greystone. (Contributed Photos)

Doug and Corinne Sweet

Janice Folmar and Richard Hayes

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Julie Kim

Chris Kendall and Scott Ferguson

Michelle Harper and Joni Wheelern

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Lisa, Jeff, Emily and Olivia Clifton

Kyle, Megan and Ron Ten Berge

Melissa and Chris Kendall

J. Wes Wildmon and Mary Annakin September 2014 | Hoover’s Magazine •

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SPOTTED

Hunter Street Family Night Hunter Street Baptist Church held a Family Night, which included movies, food, games and inflatables, on July 30.(Photos by Lauren Heartsill Dowdle)

Stephanie Brizendine and Allison Brown

Tracy True Dismukes and Dalton Dismukes

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Cass and Audrey Tinsley

Karen and Mark Clark

Wendy, Brian and Barbara Koon

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Sophie Gebreselassie and Suzy Michael

John and Kelsey Thomas with sons William and James

280 Medical Supply 1/6

Chandler Cahoon, Cassidy Niblett, Katelyn Lane and Catherine Rush

Brittany Headley and her children Bryson and Brooklyn with Alison Wilks

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SPOTTED

2014 Freedom Fest The Hoover Met held its second annual Freedom Fest on July 4, which included a car show, concerts, children’s activities and a fireworks show. (Photos

by Lauren Heartsill Dowdle)

Linda and Mike Drennen

Duke and Teresa Moore

Josh Termini and Tyler Wilson

Christy Smith and Heather Waltres

Lisa and Logan Coffey

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74 •

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Olivia and Monica Gallops

Pete Quaglia and Pam Russell

Jared, Patricia, Dawson and Hailey Richey

Alana Goodwin and Myra Garrison

Tracy and Jimmy Hamkins

Shawn O’Brien and Elisabeth Owen

Jaxon Ledbetter, Becca Feather, Rachel Martin, Houston Foreman, Corey Broadhead and Cameron Mitchell

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SPOTTED

Valleydale Farmers’ Market Faith Presbyterian Church hosted the Valleydale Farmers’ Market on Aug. 2.

(Photos by Lauren Heartsill Dowdle)

Stacey, Rachel and Matthew White

Mike, Sandra, Michael and Sam Latham

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Felder Davis and Chuck White

Judy Hale, Michaela Bailey and Christine Begg

Allison Reid, Jake Wilson and Emily Reid

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Sept. 4 First Thursday Fiction Book Group • Hoover Public Library•

The First Thursday book discussion group will meet Sept. 4 at 10 a.m. in the Library meeting room to discuss “The Cutting Season” by Attica Locke.

Visit Hooverlibrary.org for more information.

Are You Ready For Some “College” Football?

• Hoover Public Library•

Mark Meadows, Executive Director of the Birmingham Bowl, will discuss changes in the collegiate bowl system in the Library meeting room on Sept. 4 at 7 p.m.

Sept. 5 “Know Your Rights” presentation • Hoover Crescent Islamic Center•

The Hoover Crescent Islamic Center will host a “Know Your Rights” presentation by the Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR) on Sept. 5.

CALENDAR

For more information, visit Bisweb.org.

Sept. 6 Ross Bridge 8K and Health Expo • Ross Bridge•

The Ross Bridge 8K and Health Expo will be Sept. 6 in Ross Bridge. Packet pickup will be the Friday prior at the TrakShak in Homewood or at Ross Bridge on race day at 7 a.m. For more information, visit Active. com.

Woofstock • Veterans Park•

WOOFstock is a free event to the public on Sept. 6 from 10 a.m.–2 p.m. at Veterans Park on Valleydale. Parking available at Spain Park High School with complimentary shuttles to the park. For more information, visit Hooveral. org.

Sept. 7 Global Cuisine at the Plaza • Hoover Public Library•

Coffee-ol-ogy Café will host a program about Greek foods and coffees

Sept. 7 at 2:30 p.m. at the Hoover Library Plaza. Free samples will be provided.

For more information, visit Hooverlibrary.org.

Sept. 8 Read Your Own Adventure Book Club: Southern Fiction • Hoover Public Library•

Share your favorite Southern Fiction book and learn about other great reads on Sept. 8 at 7 p.m. in the Plaza Reading Room.

For more information, visit Hooverlibrary.org.

Sept. 9 Daytime Nonfiction Book Group • Hoover Public Library•

Join the Hoover Public Library to discuss the month’s nonfiction selection, “The Lost City of Z” by David Grann at 10:30 a.m. on Sept. 9.

For more information, visit Hooverlibrary.org.

New Member Social • Hoover Senior Center•

The Hoover Senior Center will host a new member social on Sept. 9 at 1 p.m.

For more information, call 739-6700.

Spanish Conversation Club • Hoover Public Library•

Woofstock

Spanish speakers of all levels are invited to practice the language and learn about the culture at the Hoover Library Plaza on Sept. 9 at 7 p.m.

Sept. 11 Coffee and Contacts

• National Bank of Commerce•

The Hoover Area Chamber of Commerce will hold Coffee and Contacts at the National Bank of Commerce, Inverness, 5 Inverness Center Parkway, on Sept. 11 from 7:30-9 a.m. Call 313-2100 for more information.

Second Thursday Fiction Book Group • Hoover Public Library•

The Hoover Public Library will host a Second Thursday Fiction Book Group to discuss “House Girl” by Tara Conklin on Sept. 11 at 10 a.m. For more information, visit Hooverlibrary.org.

Sept. 13 Spain Park Cross Country Invitational • Veterans Park•

The Spain Park Cross Country Invitational will be Sept. 13 at Veterans Park.

Visit Hooveral.org for more information.

Purl @ the Plaza • Hoover Public Library•

Join old friends and make new ones at this crafty meeting of all fiber enthusiasts on Sept. 13 at 3 p.m. Bring your yarn and knit, crochet or embroider.

For more information, visit Hooverlibrary.org.

Sept. 14 Chambless & Muse • Hoover Public Library•

Hear Chambless & Muse, guitar and flute duo, perform

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the music of Scotland and Ireland in the Hoover Library Plaza on Sept. 14 at 2:30 p.m. Visit Hooverlibrary.org for more information.

CALENDAR Sept. 20 Paws for a Cause 5K

Chili Cook Off

• Veterans Park•

Paws for a Cause 5K will be Sept. 20 from 8 a.m.-noon at Veterans Park. For more information, call 444-7500.

Sept. 15 Neuroscience Cafe: Multiple Sclerosis

Frugalistics

• Hoover Public Library•

A clinician and/or researcher from UAB’s Comprehensive Neuroscience Center will present a program on “Multiple Sclerosis: How Does Your Immune System Talk to Your Brain?” on Sept. 15 at 6:30 p.m. For more information, visit Hooverlibrary.org.

Sept. 16 Glue Gun Gang: Craft Supplies Swap • Hoover Public Library•

Are you ready to clean out your craft closet? Bring your odds and ends on Sept. 16 at 6:30 p.m. to share and swap. Adults only. Free event. Call 444-7840. Visit Hooverlibrary.org for more information.

Sept. 17 No Jacket Required Nonfiction Book Group • Hoover Public Library•

The Hoover Public Library will host the No Jacket Required nonfiction book group Sept. 17 at 10:30 a.m. Attendees can discuss their nonfiction books of choice in this month’s genre: pop culture. Visit Hooverlibrary.org for more information.

78 •

• Hoover Public Library•

Sept. 18 Author Time: David Gillham • Hoover Public Library•

Skype with David Gillham, the author of “City of Women” in the Library meeting room on Sept. 18 at 10 a.m. For reservations, visit Hooverlibrary.org/ authortime or call 4447820. Visit Hooverlibrary. org for more information.

Glue Gun Gang: Craft Supplies Swap • Hoover Public Library•

Are you ready to clean out your craft closet? Bring your odds and ends on Sept.

18 at 10:30 a.m. to share and swap. Adults only. Free event. Call 444-7840. Visit Hooverlibrary.org for more information.

Hoover Chamber Luncheon • Hoover Country Club•

The Hoover Area Chamber of Commerce will host the Hoover Chamber Luncheon at noon Sept. 12 at the Hoover Country Club.

Networking begins at

11:15 a.m. Cost is $20 with reservations, $22 without.

Visit Hooverchamber.org for more information.

Sept. 19 Nine & Dine • Hoover Country Club•

The Hoover Country Club will host a Nine & Dine Gold event for couples on Sept.

19. Call 822-0647 for more information.

Chili Cook Off • Hoover Senior Center•

The Hoover Senior Center will hold a Chili Cook Off on Sept. 19 at 12:30 p.m.

Visit Hooveral.org for more information.

Music Under the Stars • St. Mark’s Episcopal Church•

Enjoy an evening of music with local jazz greats at St. Mark’s Episcopal Church, 228 Dennison Avenue SW. Tickets are $27 in advance and $32 at the door. VIP tickets must be purchased in advance and are $40. For tickets and more info, visit Stmarks.dioala.org.

Take part in a coupon swap at the Hoover Public Library at 11 a.m. on Sept. 20. Visit Hooverlibrary.org for more information.

Phil Vassar • The Library Theatre•

With eight albums and three Songwriter of the Year awards to his credit, Vassar hit the Top Five seven times with his own recordings and is also known as one of Nashville’s best songwriters.

Hear Phil Vassar at the Library Theatre Sept. 20 at 4 p.m. and again at 8 p.m. Tickets are $25. Visit Hooverlibrary.org for more information.

Sept. 21 Blood Drive • Hoover Crescent Islamic Center•

The Hoover Crescent Islamic Center will host a blood drive from 10 a.m.-3 p.m. on Sept. 21. For more information, visit Bisweb. org.

Sept. 22 Monday at the Movies • Hoover Library Theatre•

Come out for “Yours, Mine, and Ours” during Monday at the Movies on Sept. 22 at 2 p.m. and again at 6:30

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p.m. For more information, visit Hooverlibrary.org.

The Ukrainian Revolution • Hoover Public Library•

on Sept. 23 at noon.

Then you can check them out from the library! For more information, visit Hooverlibrary.org.

Teen Library Board

Come participate as UAB’s Dr. George Liber leads a discussion of how the events in Ukraine from November 2013 to the present triggered the increased tensions between Russia, the United States and the European Union on Sept. 22 at 7 p.m.

For more information, visit Hooverlibrary.org.

Want to get volunteer credit for helping plan library programs? Join us in the Children’s Programming Room on Sept. 23 at 6:30 p.m. for the Teen Library Board’s first meeting. Snacks served! For Hoover students grades 7-12.

Sept. 23 Horizons Luncheon

Sept. 25 Two-Mile Tune-Up

• Hoover Public Library•

Call 988-5672 for more information.

Allen Tolbert Unit • Hoover Public Library•

The Allen Tolbert Unit is an acoustic trio featuring guitar, mandolin and bass that plays predominantly bluegrass, but also has jazz elements. Hear them at this free event in the Hoover Library Plaza on Sept. 25 at 6:30 p.m.

Nighttime Nonfiction Book Group • Hoover Library•

The Hoover Senior Center will host a Horizons luncheon at 11 a.m. on Sept. 23. For more information, call 7396700.

The Two-Mile Tune-Up Cross Country Meet will be Sept.

25 at Veterans Park. Visit Hooveral.org for more information.

Join us for a discussion of the book “Brave Companions”

by David McCullough at the Nighttime Nonfiction Book Group on Sept. 25 at 7 p.m.

For more information, visit Hooverlibrary.org.

The Most Famous Challenged and Banned Books

Business After Hours

Sept. 26 Game Nite

• Hoover Senior Center•

• Hoover Public Library•

Dr. William Hutchings from the UAB Department of English will talk about the most famous banned and challenged books

The Most Famous Challenged and Banned Books

• Veterans Park•

• Homewood Suites Riverchase•

The Hoover Area Chamber of Commerce will host Business After Hours at Homewood Suites Riverchase at 121 Riverchase Parkway from 5:30-7 p.m. on Sept. 25.

• Hoover Public Library•

Enjoy video games, Apples to Apples, Scrabble, Munchkin, Fluxx and more.

Have a game you’d like to share? Bring it with you on Sept. 26 from 7-10 p.m.

Visit Hooverlibrary.org for more information.

Sept. 27 Head Over Teal 5K • The Hoover Preserve•

The Head Over Teal 5K is Sept. 27 from 8 a.m.-noon at The Hoover Preserve, 601 Preserve Way. Park at Prince of Peace Catholic Church to take advantage of shuttle service. Shuttle begins at 6:45 a.m. and

runs every 10-15 minutes.

For more information, visit Thinkoflaura.org.

National Friends of the Poor® Walk/ Run • Veterans Park•

National Friends of the Poor® Walk/Run is Sept. 27 at Veterans Park. Registration is at 7 a.m. with run beginning at 8:30 a.m. and walk at 9 a.m. Awards, door prizes, and refreshments to follow. T-shirts will be given, while supplies last, to those donating $20 or more.

For more information, visit Svdpusa.net/fop/index. php.

Write Club • Hoover Public Library•

Tony Crunk, national recognized poet and children’s book author, will speak about the influence of poetry on the creation of art. Write Club, the library’s monthly forum for amateur writers, will encourage literary aspirations by providing an environment to network, share writing, receive support and offer constructive criticism at 10:30 a.m. on Sept. 27.

For more information, visit Hooverlibrary.org.

Sept. 28 Walk to Cure Diabetes • Veterans Park•

The JDRF Walk to Cure Diabetes will be held at Hoover’s Veterans Park on Sept. 28 from 1-5 p.m.

For more information, visit www2.jdrf.org. n

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classifieds Classifieds To place an ad in Hoover’s Magazine, call 205.669.3131 ACCEPTANCE LOAN COMPANY Looking to finance a mobile home, vehicle or maybe you just need a personal loan? Come by Acceptance Loan and apply for a loan today.

2834 H Pelham Pkwy Pelham, AL 35124 205-663-5821

Alacare Home Health & Hospice Now Hiring!

RNs Registered Nurses (RNs) needed for the Clanton area.

Excellent pay and benefits available with Alabama’s largest and oldest privately-owned home health agency. EOE Apply at www.alacare.com

Drivers: Don’t get hypnotized by the highway, come to a place where there’s a higher standard!

Up to $2K sign on, Avg $65K/yr +bonuses! CDL-A, 1 yr exp. A&R Transport. 888-202-0004

Amsted Rail: Industrial Maintenance Mechanics, Machinists & Electricians. $23hr starting pay with opportunity for additional $. EOE. Send resumes to: amstedrailrecruiting@gmail.com

$2,500 SIGN - ON LOCAL CDL-A DRIVERS Florida Rock & Tank Lines, Inc. Is hiring DRIVERS to haul locally for our Birmingham and Montgomery terminals!

Great Benefits Include: * Home Daily *Health/Dental/Vision * 401K w/co match *Safety Bonuses * Paid Training Applicants Must Have: * Class A CDL * Ability to obtain Hazmat & Tanker endorsements * 2 Yrs T/T exp. Or 1 Yr T/T w/ CDL School Cert. * 25 Yrs or Older Apply Online at www.floridarockandtanklines. comor call 1-866-FLA ROCK

Clanton Area!!Automation Personnel Services - Production and Quality employeesneeded ASAP!!! Taking applications M-F 8:30-11:00 and 1:00-3:00. Come prepared tointerview. Required: High School Diploma or GED, Background, and Drug Screen.

Must bring in proper ID for I9 everify process. For more info call 205-280-0002 or205-444-9774

WANT TO LEARN A TRADE? Start today as an Electrician’s Helper! Advantage Electric Call 205-876-4269.

JOBS IN ALABAMA!!

AIDT assists employers throughout AL by identifying qualified applicants by recruitment, screening & training services. Visit www.aidt.edu/jobs for latest jobs & training!

AL PICK N’ TRADE 3985 Hwy 25 NEW VENDOR PROMOTION! First 3 months 1/2 off!!!

205-672-2022 (formerly Dixieland) LPN/CMA Busy Shelby County Pediatric office seeking a full time LPNor CMA. Please sendresume and salaryrequirements to:frontofficeassociate@gmail.com.

Always There, In-Home Care Seeks CAREGIVERS In Shelby County - Pelham, Alabaster & Montevallo areas.

Flexible schedules, Benefits & training available. Call for more information. (205) 824-0224

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20% Off Carpet Cleaning & Pressure Washing Bailey’s Cleaning Service ”Quality Cleaning. Old-Fashioned Service.”

BaileysCleaningService.com 205-834-0919 BAMA Concrete Finishing.

Driveways, Patios, Floors, Driveway Repair, Sidewalks, Concrete Walls, and Stamping. Call Jeremy.

Free Est. 205-901-4112 HIRING Drivers Today!

Beelman Truck Co. is hiring Company Drivers, Owner Operators, End Dump & Pneumatic Tanks for Montevallo, AL Terminal.

Competitive Pay/Benefits.

Call: 618-646-5384 WWW.BEELMAN.COM MOVING? You rent the truck we do everything else! $18/hr per man.

General manual labor available at the same rate. FREE ESTIMATES (205) 873-8021 DELIVERY DRIVERS Local Grocery Distributor seeking qualified drivers. Delivery/unloading tomultiple locations. Valid DL and clean drivingrecord req’d.

Mon-Fri work week, competitive wages, bonuses, benefits, opp. for advancement.Call: 205-397-1782 BurtonCampers.com.

Over 100 new and used in stock!

“Be certain with Burton” 800-226-1822

Toyota, Lexus, Scion.

Complete Service. Now servicing most Japanese models.

Towing. Detailing.

205-668-0105 billystoyotaparts.com Established business franchise that provides birthday parties, summer camps, after school classes, preschool classes, and field trips for school age students, ages 4 and up, using LEGO(R) bricks. We work with area schools, Ys, recreation centers, etc. Please contact jehwade@hotmail.com if you are interested.

Need Hair & Makeup? $5 off for new clients. Hoover’s Newest Salon. Camisha Rivers Studios. 3720 Lorna Road 205-290-5541 CDL Skills And Test Training, LLC. Day & Evening Classes.

Hoover/Pelham Area.

205-253-5960 FREE GED SUMMER SCHOOL

by Central Alabama Community College. Now meeting in Calera: 205-668-4398 Columbiana: 670-9219 256-378-2017 to Enroll SERVICE Tech w/ HVAC exp.

Energetic, outgoing, hardworking, career oriented person to be part of team. Min 3 yrs experience. w/ EPA certification. Negotiable Salary between $15 to $30 hrly.

Call 205-755-2209 or apply at 816 7th Street. N., Clanton Electrical Helpers Needed. No experience required, but beneficial.

Apply in person Mon-Fri, 7:30 AM. 5920 Smokey Road, Calera AL 35040 New 2014 16x76 3 bedroom and 2 bath home with many upgrades! Cheaper than most repos! Just $32,798 delivered.

Call Now! Clayton Homes of Pelham (205) 663-3730 Clinical Research Center of AL is seeking Asthma, HAE, COPD, & Allergy Participants. Compensation & Medical Care provided.

Call 205-209-4100. www.alclinicalresearch.com HVAC, Refrigeration, Building Maintenance (carpentry skills), & restaurant equipment techs.

Drug free, great work ethics, & good MVR. coldworksmechanical@gmail.com or 777-7429

$300-$1000 WEEKLY! Established company needs 8 reps to market sports merchandise, NASCAR, etc.

• Paid Weekly: hourly + commission & bonuses • No nights or weekends Now Hiring Call 969-1797 PRN LPN 12 Hour ShiftsContact Lisa Roberson at Columbiana Health and Rehabilitation at 205669-1712 or apply in person: 22969 Hwy 25 Columbiana, AL. TARGET AUCTION. Advanced Real Estate Marketing.

800-476-3939 www.targetauction.com GUTTER INSTALLER needed.

Pelham. Must have good work ethic, experience in gutter installation/construction, Drivers License, good MVR & be able to pass background check/drug test.

Year round work, great pay.

Call 664-9828.

Life & Health Insurance AgentsLocal company seeking seasonal licensed & exp agents Call 205.397.2800 $3000 SIGN ON BONUS NEW PAY SCALE TO QUALIFYING DRIVERS EVERGREEN TRANSPORT, is accepting applications for local drivers in the Calera and Leeds, AL, area. Must have class A CDL, good driving record, 1 yr verifiable tractor trailer experience. Good pay and benefits. Apply in person at 8278 Hwy 25 South, Calera, AL, or call for info 205-668-3316.

Sales Consultant @ Farmers Furniture in Clanton.

Dynamic person who enjoys working w/ the public, energetic, good communication and organization skills, HS diploma or equiv. w/ some sales experience.

To apply, visit our store @ 302 Park Plaza, Clanton.

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

Jack F. Granger #873 DRIVERS Hanna Truck Lines is hiring OTR Drivers for our Northport & Fairfield AL Terminals.

Minimum weekly pay & benefits.

Willing to Train. Prefer Flatbed Exp. Veterans Welcome Contact Dwayne 800-634-7315 E.O.E.

Great Clips Hiring Stylists Chelsea and Calera 205-966-7254 Ask about our Pine Straw & Mulch SPECIAL! Sod * Mulch * Pine Straw Landscaping & Lawn Maintenance.

Free Estimates!

Greenworks Landscaping 205-966-3305 The HomeCare Connection.

Licensed, bonded & insured home care. Companions, meal prep, housecleaning, ADL’s, transportation. $12.00/hr.

205-453-4285 hcneeds.com CNA’s, LPN’s, RN’s. FT and PT positions available for 2nd & 3rd Shift. New pay scale. Please apply in person at Hatley Health Care, Inc. 300 Medical Center Dr. Clanton, AL 35045 J & M TANK LINES CALERA TERMINAL OTR POSITIONS OR DEDICATED SLIP SEAT Is Home Time Important to You? Tired of Being Gone?

Come Home!!!

Excellent opportunity $2,000 Sign On Bonus.

CDL Class A Drivers Wanted.

Tanker Experience NOT Required.

Full Medical & Dental Benefits.

Company Paid $50,000 Life Insurance. 401K with Company % Match. Paid Weekly. Layover and Detention Pay. Safety Bonus Program.

We are your Company!!!

J & M Tank Lines Apply @JMTANK.COM OR CALL 256-245-3933 BIRMINGHAM WEST TERMINAL Is Home Time Important To You? Tired of Being Gone?

HOME NIGHTLY! Excellent Opportunity $2,000 SIGN ON BONUS CDL Class A Drivers Wanted Tanker Experience NOT Required Full Medical & Dental Benefits, Company Paid $50,000 Life Insurance, 401K with Company % Match, Paid Weekly, Layover and Detention Pay, Safety Bonus.

We are your Company!!!

J & M TANK LINES Apply @ JMTANK.COM or Call 256-245-3933 2010 Kabco - Secluded, private property near Chelsea. Off 280 and close to shopping. Home is 32X62.

Spacious with 3 BR 2 BA, many features. Lot rent $250.

Please call: 205-664-2412

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J & W Professional Painting Interior and Exterior 205-788-2907 KINGWOOD CHRISTIAN SCHOOL NEEDS SUBSTITUTE TEACHERS & BUS DRIVERS! Email rgray@ kingwoodchristianschool.com WE HAVE FREIGHT!!!

James R. Smith Trucking of Cullman, AL is currently seeking drivers and Owner -Operators.

Benefits include daily settlements; direct Deposit or express cash; Transflo; 100% of fuel surcharge, stop & drop pay; discounts on fuel, cell Phones & tires; pre-pass furnished; excellent home/family time and a payroll deducted truck purchase plan. Contact Greg Quick at 256.338.5168 or 800.633.3252 Bucket Truck / Tree Climber.

3 yrs exp. CDL required.

Top pay guaranteed.

205-836-2038 or 205-229-7144.

Joy’s Barber Shop, Pelham.

NOW HIRING Call 663-5830. Mon-Fri, 8am-5pm Owner Operators Wanting Dedicated Year Round Anniston, AL www.pull4klb.com Others buy Gold, We buy Jewelry! 251-3381 Downtown Birmingham www.levysfinejewelry.com Forklift Operators & Production Workers Needed!

Alabaster/McCalla Areas 2 years prior exp req’d.

Apply at: Lyons HR 490 Wildwood Circle N., Ste. 150 Birmingham, AL 35209 M & M Boats Boating Starts Here 55 Co Rd 935, Jemison (205) 688-9180 FT Drivers Needed.

Must be willing to work days, nights or weekends. Wages begin at $10/hr. www.MacsDelivers.com 866-217-1928 or email amy@macsdelivers.com MACS Courier Service Service Technician. Top Pay. Benefits & Commission! Apply in person: Mainline Heating & Air. 400 Hillwood Park S, Alabaster, AL. A Drug Free Company (205) 664-4751 Attention: CLASS-A DRIVERS Local Driving Positions in the Calera area! We offer a $750 MINIMUM Weekly Pay Assurance Program!

Stable & Steady Work. Great Home Time! CDL-A, 1-yr. exp. req.

Call MDS Today! 866-693-1267 or email: canderson@schillicorp.com www.schillicorp.com Midsouth Paving, Inc. is seeking qualified Dump Truck Drivers for our Birmingham location.To apply visit: www.oldcastle.com Midsouth Paving, Inc AA/EOE/E-verify participant

1 Call Does it All! Pressure wash, paint, carpentry: www.ShelbyPainter.com Stone, brick, concrete: www.ShelbyHardscape.com Gardening, landscaping: www.ShelbyLawn.com 205-530-3830 Montgomery Stockyard Drop Station at Gray & Son’s in Clanton. Call Lane at 205-389-4530. For other hauling arrangements, contact Wes in Harpersville 205-965-8657 Monya’s In-Home Care 1 Perimeter Park South, Ste 100N, Birmingham, AL 35243 Tel: (205) 234-5843 www.monyashomecare.com Morrison Healthcare Food Service Currently Taking applications for all postitions, all shifts available.

Contact Tabitha Tennant: tabithatennant@ iammorrison.com or put in application at 1000 1st St. N, Alabaster, 35007 NEW Discounted Rates @ Montevallo Golf Club • 665-8057 • Public Par 71 18-hole • Memberships available • Twilight and Senior Rate • Full length Driving Range $21 Mon-Fri, $26 Sat-Sun. Now Hiring! Full time positions!

Setup/Assembly/C.S.R. We train all positions. $2400/mo per co. policy.

Dress Professional. Start this week!

Call Matt @ 205-206-7902 Immediate Hire for Project in Birmingham • Millwrights • Welders • Ironworkers • Electricians. Apply online at mwservicesinc.com EOE Experienced appliance tech. Will train qualified individual. Pay starts at $10/hr for trainees, up to $20/hr depending on experience.

Contact Woody (205)603-6288 Manufacturing/Assembly positions available in Calera area.

Full time hours, all shifts available.

Call today 205-267-3910 Exterior Painting and Drywall.

Make your house look new again.

Over 20 years experience, quality and craftsmanship. Satisfaction Guaranteed. Call 205.966.6230 Class A CDL Drivers Needed Immediately 3 Yrs Min Driving History With Dump Trailer Experience * $1000 Retention Bonus * Local Hauling * Home Nights APPLY ONLINE: www.perdidotrucking.com Perdido Trucking Service, LLC 251.470.0355 Professional Dog Training Any Age. Any Breed. 205-664-6910

Looking for an hvac service tech/duct installer/installer asap. Small company looking for someone to be able to install heating and a.c. systems, as well as handle service calls and duct installation. Must be knowledgeable in all above areas, pass a background check and a drug test. Need to be able to work on own. Please contact at 205-669-9187 for further information and to apply.

LAY LAKE! $419,000 Gorgeous 3BR/2BA w/ main channel views from sunroom and master suite. Large kitchen, great room, and full basement. New dual-slip dock w/ electric lifts!

MLS# 588793 Brian Thomas 205-369-2278 Re/Max Southern Homes 280 Right at Home Homecare services available in your area. Please call 205-460-1062 Immediate Job Openings for Caregiver/CNAs in Shelby County. Apply at www.rahbhm.com.

START TODAY! Diesel Mechanic in Pelham/ Birmingham area. Must have experience, valid AL DL and own tools. Call 205-685-8859.

Free removal and pick up of unwanted items, appliances, water heaters, furniture, leftover yard sale items, etc. We also clean out garages and basements.

Call Kenneth for more info (205) 540-7023 The Salvation Army Adult Rehabilitation Center is now hiring managers and drivers/ loaders. Apply at: 1401 FL Shuttlesworth Dr. Birmingham, AL. 35234 Monday-Friday 9am-4pm School Bus Drivers For CDL and non CDL drivers. Clean Drug & Criminal background. Only Serious Inq. For immediate employment, apply: School Transportation Solutions 1301 F L Shuttlesworth Dr. 205-324-4024 Comptroller needed: Supervise business office, Medicare billing, payroll and patient trust fund.Process Medicaid apps and Medicaid billing.Work with managed care contract companies,prepare monthly financial statements, responsible for accts payable and accts receivable; at least 1-2 years exp, 4 yrdegree, experience in Long Term Care Rehab facility preferred. Please email resume to: HR@rehabselect.net.

MANUFACTURED HOMES MOBILE HOMES with land. Ready to move in. Owner financing with approved credit. 3 bdrm., 2 bath. No renters.

1-205-289-8899 VMFhomes.com

SERVERS NEEDED Premier golf club in North Shelby County seeking motivated individuals for full and part time server positions. Must be available to work some nights and weekends. $10 - 12 per hour.

Immediate openings. Interested candidates please reply to shoal@bellsouth.net.

Immediate Openings For Full Time Positions ** Comprehensive ** ** Benefits Package ** Machine Operators Must have 2 plus years of experience as a manufacturing Machine Operator. Machine set-up experience is a major plus! Pay DOE. Industrial Maintenance Minimum of 2 yrs. exp.

Must be able to weld.

Apply in person: Smith Companies 100 Pardue Road Pelham, AL 35124 205-620-4455 WE WANT TO HIRE YOU TO RETIRE YOU Work for a strong stable company.

Southern Haulers LLC in Calera.

Hiring CDL-A Drivers for new accounts. Must have good CDL-A. Exc pay / benefits. George or James 800.537.4621 EOE www.southernhaulersllc.com Roofs, Gutters, Chimney.

Repair & Remodel, Baths & Kitchen our Specialty! Free Estimates!

Southern Home Remodeling 205-624-3144 PLUMBERS NEEDED Call 682-2828, fax resume to 682-2827 or email to resume@sps9.com Electricians Needed Birmingham & Tuscaloosa Call 682-2828, fax resume to 682-2827 or email to resume@sps9.com IMMEDIATE POSITIONS!!!!!

Need 5 motivated workers to replace 5 lazy ones! Loaders, assistant manager, customer service positions, sales reps. Need valid DL. No experience neccesary. Long hours, but very competitive pay.

Call Drew (205) 490-1003 or (404) 723-1322 CLOCK REPAIR SVS. * Setup * Repair * Maintenance I can fix your Mother’s clock.

Alabaster/ Pelham Call Stephen (205) 663-2822 Steel Building. Allocated Bargains.

40x60 on up. We do deals. gosteelbuildings.com Source# 18X 251-241-4250 Supreme Beverage Co is looking for delivery drivers with valid Class A driver’s license, clear MVR, DOT cert, ability to repetitively lift, pull and push 50+ lbs.

Apply @supremebeverage.com

Certified Lifeguard Positions Available Immediately.

Call Mr. Calvin (205) 563-1888 OTR Flatbed Driver Needed.

Flatbed experience. Hazmat required. Must have good driving record. For more information call: 256-225-8351 The View Apartments Alabaster 1, 2, & 3 BRs Good Credit Required 205-663-6650 Landscape Position. North Shelby County. Apply Mon-Fri, 8am-2pm.

Call 296-2329 or 991-4653 for directions & info.

Stable Hand Position.

Part-time. North Shelby County.

To apply, call 205-991-9720 or 205-531-1355.

RECEPTIONIST FT/PT. GREAT 1st Job! Great work environment. Benefits available. www.tcac.org/employment.html Ask about our Above Ground Pool Special!

Specializing in Liner Replacement!

Yearly pool cleaning service.

30 yrs going strong!

Tubbs Pools 256-267-7584 or 256-267-5824 Make a Difference!

Vapor Thrift Store hiring PT & FT Apply at 5443 Hwy 280, Birmingham www.vaporthrift.com Become a Dental Asst. in ONLY 8 WEEKS! Please visit our website www. capstonedentalassisting.com or call (205) 561-8118 and get your career started!

Veterans Moving Services Residential & Commercial Moving.

Let us handle all your moving needs!

Free estimates: 334-322-6462.

Villa Maria Apartments Affordable Housing for Ages 62 & above or Mobility Impaired • Income Based Rent • Gated Community 205-836-7839 205-833-0532 Call today for an application and/or appt.

CNC Machinist voestalpine Nortrak, Inc. has immediate openings for CNC Machinists for our Birmingham facility. This position is for CNC Machinists who can develop fixturing and can manipulate M&G code.

Requirements: High school diploma or GED with 2-4 yrs of documented experience, ability to read blueprints, use of measuring devices & ability to program M&G code “A” plus. ALL POSITIONS ARE SUBJECT TO SHIFT ROTATION. Please send resumes to: clay.johnston@voestalpine.com

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why I love Hoover

‘I love Hoover simply because of the growth of the city.’

B

orn and raised in Kentucky, Mike McCowan moved to Birmingham in 1976 and opened and ran the Ramada Inn Airport. Now the owner of The Boot restaurant, a casual hangout spot in Preserve Village, McCowan can be seen throughout the week greeting and chatting with patrons. He has two children from a previous marriage, five grandsons and two stepsons with his wife of 10 years, Leanne.

Q: How did you get into the restaurant business?

A: I worked for my Uncle Handy at his hotel as a bellman at age 11, and I’ve been in the hospitality industry ever since. In 1986, I was the opening food and beverage director of the Wynfrey Hotel located at the Riverchase Galleria. I served as general manager for three years. After the Wynfrey, I began a consulting company where I consulted in overall business operations for golf, country clubs, restaurants, hotels and casinos.

Q: Why did you decide to open The Boot?

A: I began to consult for U.S. Steel to help locate a national chain or an independent to open a food concept in The Preserve. This is how The 82 •

Boot was conceived, which opened in September 2011.

Q: Why do you love Hoover?

A: I have so enjoyed getting to know and support the great community of Hoover. I love Hoover simply because of the growth of the city. It’s unlike other cities in Alabama. It has a corporate transit market, which constantly brings new people to the area. Hoover has supported The Boot in a tremendous way, along with the wonderful schools in the community and their staffs.

Q: What is your favorite food?

A: My favorite foods are simple: a good steak, potato dish and my wife’s pound cake!

Q: What do you like to do in your free time?

A: I enjoy spending time with my wife and grandchildren. With five boys, there are plenty of sporting activities to watch.

Q: Who is your role model, and why?

A: My role model would have to be my older brother. I lost him at a young age. However, the life lessons he taught me will be with me forever.

Q: What is your favorite movie?

A: My favorite movie is “Sleepless in Seattle.” I love a good romance!

Q: What’s something not many people know about you?

A: What people do not know about me is that I am a sensitive man.n

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FREE NO

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