the hoover sun january 2013

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Neighborly news & entertainment for Hoover Volume 1 | Issue 4 | January 2013

Sponsors .............. 2City ........................ 5Celebrations ........ 6Community .......... 7

Sports ................... 13School House ...... 14Business ............... 16Calendar .............. 18

INSIDE

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By REBECCA WALDEN

It’s no surprise tickets to the Southern Voices Festival traditionally sell out fast. Previous lineups included names like Rosalynn Carter, Harlan Coben, Pat Conroy, Carl Hiaasen, Frank McCourt, Ann Patchett and Ann Rivers Siddons. For readers and writers, this event at the Hoover Public Library provides an intimate accessibility to the literary world.

In fact, it’s not at all uncommon to see other author guests in the audience as they listen to one of their peers give a keynote address. During last year’s Friday night event, author Scott Turow fi elded questions about the creative process from more than one commercially successful writer in the audience. And exchanges like this happen often, for both the budding writers and musicians

Lisa See, others to headline Southern Voices Festival

By NATHAN KELLY

The smell of tailgating and carnival food along with cars decorated in window paint can only mean one thing; the Super 6 State Football Championships were

back. And to no one’s surprise, undefeated Hoover High School was there.

It was old hat for Hoover at Jordan-Hare Stadium for the Super 6 on Friday night. The Buccaneers made its 12 appearance to the 6A state championship

in the last 13 years and played like it.Hoover (15-0) faced the Opelika High

School Bulldogs (10-5) in a rematch from the last game of the regular season which

Hoover stomps Bulldogs to claim 2012 6A state title

Tickets go on sale this month

See VOICES | page 15

See HHS | page 13

STATE CHAMPS, 15-0

Members of the 2012 undefeated Hoover High School Buccaneer football team pose with the AHSAA State Championship trophy at Beef O’Brady’s on Dec. 8. From left are Chandler Co-skery, Chris Fort, Brooks Bennett, Vince Brown, and Carter Allums. Photo by Jeff Thompson.

The perfect season

Left, Southern Voices Co-Chair Carrie Stein-mehl with author Vanessa Diffenbaugh (The Language of Flowers) in 2012. Above, Hoover Public Library Director Linda Andrews with Alabama author Mark Childress (Crazy in Ala-bama). Photos courtesy Hoover Public Library.

Happenings Hoover Sun

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appeningsFrom Ross Bridge to Riverchase and from Spain Park to Shades Crest, the Hoover Sun covers it all in our weekly newsletter, Hoover Happenings. Sign up today and see what’s in store for this week!

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January 2013 Hoover Sun

Legals: The Hoover Sun is published monthly. Reproduction or use of editorial or graphic content without prior permission is prohibited. The Hoover Sun is designed to inform the Hoover community of area school, family and community events. Information in the Hoover Sun is gathered from sources considered reliable but the accuracy cannot be guaranteed. All articles/photos submitted become the property of the Hoover Sun. We reserve the right to edit articles/photos as deemed necessary and are under no obligation to publish or return photos submitted. Inaccuracies or errors should be brought to the attention of the publisher at (205) 313-1780 or by email.

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Bluff Park Elementary School teachers Beth Uhlman and Christy Selman challenged the students at the school to sign up for the Mercedes Kids Marathon. If there were 150 children who signed up, they said they would dress up as Tinker Bell and a chicken. When the count reached 179 students, they wore their costumes all day. Photo by Matthew Allen.

When the New Year rolls around, three topics always spring to my mind:

1. How long will it take me before I quit writing 2012 on my checks?

2. How much stuff will Rett and the kids let me donate without uttering respective cries of “I still wear that!” (false) or “I play with that all the time, Mom!” (really false)?

3. What will I do with the promise of a New Year (completely free of screw-ups and woulda shoulda couldas)?

After two decades of check writing and 10 years of marriage, I can defini-tively say that item three is the only goal with any real potential.

As you’ve likely gathered from my previous columns, I’m textbook Type A. This is actually kind of great come resolution time because we over achiev-ing types are in a state of perpetual com-petition (with ourselves). Thus, the pro-verbial clean sheet of paper that comes with a new calendar year is basically like any day of the week to us.

Not that 2012 was pitch perfect. In fact, there are a few things I’d rather forget. Like most recently, when I fool-ishly decided to participate in a “well-

ness” checkup 16 days before Thanksgiving. The result? A chiding nurse practitioner warning me to purchase a scale, weigh myself every morning, and (wait for it), lose 23 pounds.

Or the time I was con-sulting with a client over the phone and failed to notice my alarming inter-state speed until a kindly

officer from the Tuscaloosa Police De-partment illuminated me. You haven’t experienced awkward until you’ve end-ed a new business call with the words, “Please excuse me. I’m being pulled over.”

On the flipside, 2012 is filled with moments that made my cup runneth over. The first time my toddlers said “I love you” to each other. A conversa-tion with my father I’d wanted to have for years. The genuine affection I felt toward our new Sunday School class, who assuaged my mommy fears when I learned a surgical visit at Children’s was in our future.

But, as I reflected on the memories of 2012 (those above and those not suit-able for print), taking stock of the things I’m proud of, and the things I’d like to

do over, a peaceful thought came to me. For me, resolutions have no purpose.

The fact is, every year I am getting better at enjoying the good moments, whenever and however they present themselves. And I don’t mean the manu-factured kind where everyone is dressed “right” and posing for the perfect picture even if, at that given moment, they’re miserable. I’m talking about the real moments – the ones you can’t design. Like the time my son overheard me use the expression “peace out” while telling a story to my husband, and then said it on repeat for like a week. Or the time my daughter matter-of-factly informed me that if I didn’t sleep in her room that night, Jesus would put me in time out.

In this issue of the Hoover Sun, we celebrate the moments that make our community so vibrant. From family members whose dreams for their chil-dren have opened unbelievable doors of opportunity, to arts and culture events that will enrich your winter soul, Janu-ary is ripe with ingredients to make this New Year your best one yet.

Let the meaningful moments of 2013 commence.

Cheers,

CorrectionThe article on Joe and Marie Bianchi’s 65th wedding anniversary in our December issue mistakenly listed Joe as an

executive. Joe was a member of management with US Steel for many years.

Warren CaldwellWarren Caldwell grew up in Birmingham, attended W.A. Berry High

School and Jacksonville State University. After earning his BA in Mass Com-munications, he started a career in television as Director of Creative Services, creating and producing promotional campaigns for entertainment program-ming, news programs, and civic organizations as well as commercials for local clients in several markets.

Later, he worked on the advertising agency side, managing broadcast and print media buys, coordinating special events, promotions and community relations projects for a variety of retail and business to business clients. Over the years, Warren has enjoyed relationships with clients of all types, rang-ing from multi-offices agencies to one person retail shops. Although Warren loves to shop, eat, spend time in Hoover and would love to live here, his 14-year-old dog George would never allow him to leave Highland Park.

Alabama Allergy & Asthma Center (5, 11)Alabama Dance Academy (12)Case Remodeling (6)Child’s Play Therapy Center (10)Creekside Tavern (15)Davis Likis Fniancial (15)EyeCare Associates of Hoover (9)Geico Insurance (16)Greystone Antiques & Marketplace (18)Homewood Music (6)Hoover Fitness (8)Hoover Self Storage (7)Iberiabank (11)Inverness Dermatology (10)La Paz (20)Lazenby’s Decorative Arts Studio (19)Lulie’s on Cahaba (12)More Than a Maid, LLC (12)Mountain Brook Chamber of Commerce (14)Planet Fitness (5)RealtySouth Marketing (13)Renaissance Consignment and Marketplace (3)SecondHand Rose (17)Silver Lining Consignment Boutique (6, 11)South Trace Pediatrics (15)Sumo Japanese Steakhouse (19)Susette Clark-Walker / RealtySouth (17)The Cook Store (16)The Maids (1)Unlimited Property, LLC (9)Wanda Turner / Re/MAX (10, 17)Whitehead Orthodontics (9)Zounds (16)

2

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FOOD & DRINKMost Friendly Serviceq Jim N Nick’sq Riff Burgerq Taziki’sq The Whole Scoop

Most Kid Friendly Restaurantq Chick-Fil-Aq Jim N Nick’sq Stixq The Egg & Iq The Whole Scoopq Taziki’s

Best Happy Hourq Firebirdsq On Tap Sports Café q Riff Burgersq Stix

Best Breakfast/Brunchq Green Valley Drugs q The Egg & Iq Clubhouse at Ross Bridgeq Creekside Tavern

Best Ladies Lunch Spotq Taziki’sq The Bootq Edgar’s q The Egg & Iq Zoe’s Kitchen

Best Date Nightq Bonefish Grill q Brock’s at Ross Bridgeq Firebirdsq J Alexander’sq La Dolce Vita

Best Casual Diningq The Boot at The Preserveq Fresh Art Caféq Costa’sq Creekside Tavernq The Egg & Iq Green Valley Drugsq Jubilee Joe’sq Riff Burger

Best Asian Foodq Hunan Gardenq Mandarin Houseq New Chinaq Pacific Rimq Stixq Sumo

Best Italian Foodq Bellini’sq Costa’sq Formaggio’sq In-N-Out Grillq La Dolce Vitaq Olive Gardenq Salvatore’s

Best Mediterranean Foodq Costa’sq Pita Caféq Purple Onionq Taziki’sq Zoe’s Kitchen

Best Mexican Foodq Habeñerosq Iguana Grillq La Fiestaq La Pazq Pablo’s

Best Pizzaq Baker’s Famous Pizzaq Café Lazioq California Pizza Kitchenq Salvatore’sq Sanpeggio’sq Tortuga’s

Best New Restaurantq Creekside Tavernq La Pazq Riff Burgerq The Boot at The Preserve

Best Coffeeq Earth Fareq Panera Breadq Starbuck’s q The Egg & I

Best Bakeryq Ashley Mac’s q Earthfareq Edgar’sq Gigi’s Cupcakes q Louise’s Cakes and Things

COMMUNITYBest Outdoor Spaceq Aldridge gardensq Moss Rock Preserveq The Preserveq Veteran’s Park

Best Community Eventq Bluff Park Art Show q Celebrate Hoover Dayq Hoover Tree Lighting Ceremonyq Moss Rock Festivalq Southern Voicesq Taste of Hooverq Uncorked on the Green

Best Neighborhoodq Bluff Parkq Chace Lakeq Green Valleyq Country Club Highlandsq Lake Cyrusq The Preserveq Riverchaseq Ross Bridgeq Russett Woodsq Trace Crossings

Best Church Choirq Hoover Church of Christ q Hunter Street Baptistq Riverchase United Methodist

Best Charity Event q Bradley Johnson Golf Tournamentq Grace’s Kitchenq Heart Ballq Jazz Festival at the Preserveq Regions Classicq Toys for Totsq Walk Me Home 5K

Best Local Band/Musician q Eric Essexq Mile Marker 7q Hoover High School Jazz Band

Best Hometown Hero q Brenda Ladun q Damon Johnsonq Rhonda Dialq Scout Campbell

Best Local Personality q “Dollar” Bill Lawsonq James Spannq Micky Ferguson

Best Place for A Family Outingq Aldridge Gardensq Hoover Football Gamesq Hoover Public Libraryq Hoover Rec Centerq The Whole Scoopq Carmike Cinemas (formerly The Rave)

HEALTH & WELLNESSBest Work Our Facilityq 24E Fitnessq Fitness 4U 24/7q Hoover Fitnessq Hoover Recq Hoover YMCAq Planet Fitness

Best Dentistq Michael S. Anglin Pediatric and Adolescent Dentistryq Moulton Dentistryq Hoover Family Dentistryq M. James Dobbs, DMD Cosmetic & Family Dentistryq Dr. Paul Barganierq Dr. Louten Johnson Adolescent & Pediatric Dentistryq Dr. Preston Reynolds

Best Orthodontistq Backus Orthodonticsq PT Orthodonticsq Whitehead Orthodontics

Best Pediatricianq Dr. Alice Hardy, South Trace Pediatricsq Brian Dudgeon, Greenvale Pediatricsq Dr. Andrew McCown, Southlake Pediatricsq Dr. John Cortopassi, Greenvale Pediatricsq Dr. Jeff Malone, South Trace Pediatrics

Best Family Practitioner q Dr. Carrie Huner, Brookwood Primary Careq Dr. James Marshall, Medical Center West, Trace Crossings Health Centerq Dr. Jody Gilstrap, Baptist Health Cente,r Hoover

BUSINESS & SERVICESBest New Businessq Christmas Tree Shoppe q Earth Fareq Fitness 4U 24/7q The Urban Barn q The Whole Scoop

Best Children’s Storeq Crazy 8q Kick’s Shoes for Kidsq Mustard Seedz Sew Preciousq Toys R Us

Best Women’s Clothing Storeq Belkq Plato’s Closetq Silver Lining Boutiqueq The Urban Barnq Turquoise

Best Place to Buy Home Décorq Home Goodsq Pier Oneq Southern Wicker q World Marketq Wrapsody

Best Customer Serviceq Plato’s Closetq The Whole Scoopq Wrapsody

Best Veterinarian q Alford Avenue Vet Clinicq Caldwell Mill Animal Clinicq Galleria Animal Clinicq Patton Chapel Animal Clinicq Southlake Animal clinic

Best Mechanic Shopq Cahaba Custom Carsq Christian Brothersq Estes Tireq Long Lewis Fordq NTB

Best Salonq Bluff Park Barberq J. Scott Salonq Salon 150q Stone Salonq Tranquility Salonq Yenger’s Hair Studio

Best Store for Your Hobbyq Hobby Lobbyq Robin’s Sewingq The Model Boxq Thimbles

Best Financial Plannerq Ashford Advisorsq Brooks Clarkq Davis Likis Finacialq Mickey Parhamq Regions – Michael Johnsonq Prudential – Terry Bagwell

Best Golf Courseq Hoover Country Clubq Inverness Country Clubq Riverchase Country Clubq Ross Bridge

BEST OFHOOVER

2013

Vote online through Jan. 25 at

hooversun.com/best-of

4


Mayor’s Minute By Gary Ivey

What positive community outcomes should we expect to see in the first quarter as a result of issues before the Council?

Since there are no pivotal issues right now, any community outcomes are truly speculative. That being said, there is a need in Hoover for additional fields for various athletic use, which is being addressed in the embryonic stage at this time. Also, the various volunteer committees within the city continually bring viable ideas to the mayor and Council for consideration and implementation.

What might readers be surprised to learn about you?

A few years ago, my wife Nancy, who has a very green thumb, encouraged me to grow my own lemon trees and make my own Limoncello, which is an Italian after-dinner liqueur. This endeavor has been a great success with Meyer lemons. Presently, I have about 40 lemons on one of the trees.

What is your favorite “within the city” escape (other than home, since Dr. Lott mentioned that in our last issue!)?

Any golf course and the SEC tournament.

City Council Q&AAdm. Jack Natter (Ret.) City Councilman, Place No. 4

I hope you had a wonderful holiday season and a happy New Year. Thanks to the Hoover Police Department, holiday shopping and maneuvering our busy roadways at Christmas ran smoothly. 2012 was a great year, and I am looking forward to many exciting things for our city in 2013.

Congratulations to our Hoover Bucs on winning the 6A High School Football State Championship. We are very proud of them!

In other sports news, the City hosted the NCAA Soccer Tournament at Regions Park in December and had a record crowd of 11,000 attendees. We are looking forward to many more events and concerts at Regions Park this year.

Many people make New Year’s resolutions to get in shape, so if you are looking for a place to do that, visit the Hoover Recreation Center today. It’s a great family facility with plenty of state-of-the art equipment and exercise classes. The center has something to offer every age group.

We have had a very successful year in bringing new businesses to fill our large empty retail

buildings. We are very happy that Schaeffer Eye Center has chosen to move their business to the old Mark’s Fitzgerald building on Highway 31. The building has been vacant for several years, and I am pleased it will now bring new life to the Highway 31 corridor. The old Just for Feet building was torn down, and the new Jared Jewelers building is complete. It opened its doors in mid-December, just in time for the holiday rush. The

new Von Maur will open in fall of 2013. Hoover is a vibrant and growing community.

Let’s all be mindful of our many blessings and how fortunate we are to live in a City that we are proud to call home. We will continue to try to exceed your expectations.

Please don’t hesitate to contact my office if we can assist you in any way. You can also visit our website at hooveral.org.

Gary IveyMayor

Gary Ivey

Natter

5


CelebrationsTommy J. Zito Sr.,

a hoover resident, hit a hole-in-one at the Robert Trent Jones Golf Trail at Oxmoor Valley on Nov. 26. Zito hit the hole-in-one using a Cleveland Golf 8-iron on Hole 16 of the Valley course, which is a 138-yard par-3 hole. Joe Pierce, Dale Mitchell and Alvin Washington, also Hoover residents, witnessed the shot.

Carroll-Shipp

Mr. and Mrs. William Mark Carroll of Hoover announce the engagement of their daughter, Cathryn Deanna Carroll, to Garrett Colin Shipp.

DeDe is a December 2012 summa cum laude graduate of Auburn University with a major in elementary education. She was administrative vice president of Pi Beta Phi sorority and a member of The Order of Omega and Kappa Delta Pi education honor society. She is a 2009 honor graduate of Hoover High School. DeDe is the granddaughter of Mrs. Brenda C. Kunze, Mrs. Charles Donald Pierce and the late Mr. Pierce of Hoover.

Garrett is the son of Ms. Sheri Brown Shipp and Mr. Stanley Byron Shipp of Birmingham; grandson of Mr. and Mrs. Byron Shipp of Rainsville and Mr. and Mrs. Milton Brown of Fort Payne. He is a 2007 graduate of Hoover High School, 2011 graduate of Auburn University with a major in marketing, and member of Sigma Phi Epsilon fraternity.

The wedding is planned for March 2013.

Zito hits hole-in-one

Tommy Zito

Have an engagement, wedding or anniversary announcement?

Email [email protected]

to have it included in an upcoming issue!

HOMEWOOD MUSIC

82 YEARS BEHIND THE TIMES

Inventory updated Daily|205.879.4868|[email protected]

Musical Instruments in great variety

BUY-SELL-TRADE-REPAIR

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By KELLY MILES

Riverchase Elementary School fi fth graders embarked on an outdoor classroom experience at the Environmental Learning Center at Camp McDowell this fall. The goal of this trip was to go beyond basic curriculum in order to bring classroom learning alive through real life experiences – all while having a great time.

The three-day camping trip was fi lled with rich educational experiences. Students were able to explore life in a pond where they learned about

animal adaptations, food chains and ecosystems. In an effort to better understand the rock cycle,

students took long hikes through the forest to see examples in a natural habitat. They went canoeing and learned survival skills from their favorite naturalist “Big Dave.”

Nighttime activities included sessions for students to get up close and personal with wildlife native to Alabama forests. Students were also able to participate in a Night Hike. Not only did they learn about night vision, but they also learned to appreciate nature from a new perspective.

Fifth graders experience outdoors at Camp McDowell

Riverchase Elementary fi fth graders prepare to embark on a canoeing trip.

Happy 35th, Hoover Rotary!The Hoover Rotary Club celebrated its 35th

anniversary in the fall of 2012, and longtime Rotary member Charles “Larry” Sparks said the chapter is in a class by itself.

“Our club has always been one of the leaders in our district for clubs our size, and it offers many different ways for members to be involved in service. From ringing the bell for the

Salvation Army, collecting and buying toys for Toys for Tots, to support for Children’s Hospital, Ronald McDonald House and much more, our club thrives on helping others,” Sparks said.

Join the chapter for lunch any Wednesday at noon at Hoover Country Club for more information on joining, or contact Sparks at [email protected].

6


Community

The Hoover High School Drum Line was undefeated during the 2012 fall marching contest season.

The ensemble was the highest scoring drum line and won “Best In Class” at the Spain Park Sparks in the Park Marching Contest on Sept. 29.

The drum line also won “Best In Class” at the Peach State Marching Contest on Oct. 27 in Rome, Ga., and received 97 out of 100, which was the highest scoring drum line out of 23 participating groups from Tennessee, Georgia and Alabama.

The competition show was based on original music by wind composer Sean O. Laughlin from San Francisco, along with additional arranging David England and Jeff Fondren. The drum line is directed by Jeff Fondren and assisted by Hoover drum line alumni Jordan Berry and Griffi n Hood, both 2009 graduates.

Hoover Drum Line undefeated in 2012

HHS Drum Line

By BEVERLY BATES Have you driven around the Birmingham area and

noticed ugly knotted, gnarled, pitiful scars and wounds on a once-lovely crape myrtle? Because many butcher these ornamental trees, many homeowners think they also must top these once beautiful plants.

Join Rip Weaver on Jan. 19 as he teaches how to correctly prune crape myrtles and other ornamentals and, weather permitting, he will also demonstrate in the Gardens the pruning of several of our favorite shrubs and specifi c landscape plants. Bring your own hand pruners if you wish to prune.

Come witness the reasons for and steps to pruning

ornamentals in your landscape and how to eliminate “crape murder.”

For more information or to make reservations, call 682-8019 or visit aldridgegardens.com.

Pruning for form and how to avoid ‘Crape Murder’

Saturday, January 199:30-11:30 a.m.

Aldridge Gardens3530 Lorna Road

$12 Members/$15 Non-MembersClass size limited.

Pre-registration suggested.

The Hoover Service Club has scheduled its Hearts and Harmony Gala for Friday, Feb. 15 at Embassy Suites on Highway 150.

The event will feature dinner and dancing with music by the Hoover High School Jazz Band, along with a special “Dancing with the Stars” demo.

A live and silent auction will include items such as a vacation in Highlands, N.C., fi shing trip to Lake Charles, La., diamonds from Steeds

Jewelers, a weekend at Barnsley Gardens Resort and Spa and ladies jewelry from James Avery.

Tickets are $100, $50 of which is tax deductible. Funds raised will fund scholarships for Hoover and Spain Park High School students as well as charities that support the Hoover community.

For tickets, contact Frances Wheeler at 978-2350 or [email protected].

Service Club to hold Hearts and Harmony GalaEvent set for Feb. 15 at Embassy Suites

Expires 2-28-2013

MAKE ROOM FOR THE NEW YEAR!!

Fifth graders experience outdoors at Camp McDowell

Happy 35th, Hoover Rotary!

7


By JEFF THOMPSON

For the better part of the 20th century, the intersection of Shades Crest and Farley Roads in Bluff Park was marked with the Crawford Fire Tower, its skeleton metal frame stretching high above the pines as a monument to methods of the past. The tower isn’t there anymore, torn down and misplaced in 1992 after 63 years on the job, but the cab was removed and hidden on city property.

Hidden until last year, that is.On Oct. 31, the Hoover Historical

Society dedicated the restored Crawford Fire Tower Cab at its new location on Patton Chapel Road across from Hoover Fire Station No. 2. The ceremony marked the conclusion to a project that began in May 2011, completed by a partnership between the Historical Society and the City of Hoover.

“The wonderful city of Hoover – and let me say I love Hoover and our wonderful elected officials – they too have an interest in our interests,” Society President Delores Wilkinson said.

The project began last year, Wilkinson said, when a member of the Hoover Fire Department found the tower cab on the lot at Fire Station No. 4 on Municipal Drive. He encouraged the Society to restore it and, from there, the Project Fire Tower Committee was formed. It was chaired by Jim Lyons.

Lyons said while the committee delved into the tower’s history, more than 20 Hoover Public Works employees took the lead on reconditioning the cab and preparing the site, doing much of the work in

(Above) Hoover Historical Society President Delores Wilkinson, joined by Hoover Mayor Gary Ivey, cuts the ribbon dedicating the restored Crawford Fire Tower Cab on Patton Chapel Road. The cab has been restored through a partnership between the City of Hoover and the Hoover Historical Society. Photo by Matthew Allen.

(Left) The Crawford Fire Tower, erected in 1939, sat atop Bluff Park until 1992. Photo courtesy of Hoover Historical Society.

(Right) The Crawford Fire Tower Cab as it was discovered by a member of the Hoover Fire Department. Photo courtesy of Hoover Historical Society.

Partnership leads to preservation of Bluff Park icon

their time off.“It was a heck of a job,” he said.

“The city has some real experts on reconditioning stuff. It took skilled people because parts had to be welded back together, and it’s quite an ordeal to do that. But I think the thing looks better now than when it was new.”

Before the information age, fire towers were a vital part of the emergency service information chain.

Workers, or “lookouts,” would spend long hours in the cab waiting for traces of smoke to appear, then relay the location of the fire to suppression personnel on the ground.

So, after completing its research, the committee stocked the Crawford cab with historically accurate items like a kerosene heater, a circular map, a crank telephone and a wooden stool – which was used by lookouts to

protect them from lightning strikes.“If you get out of car and walk up

to the cab, you’ll see its history in there,” Wilkinson said. “Ours is one of only a few in the United States that has been totally and historically done correctly.”

The site on Patton Chapel Road also includes a historic marker for those interested in learning more about the tower.

“I think it was a great project that let us restore piece of history from the Bluff Park area,” Lyons said. “There was good teamwork between the City of Hoover and the Historical Society to make this happen for future generations that may never even hear of a fire tower.”

To learn more about the tower, visit hooverhistoricalsociety.org.

8


Each January, the Hoover Sun will recognize businesswomen

dedicated to our community. We applaud them for their creative, enthusiastic and entrepreneurial spirit and appreciate their efforts to make the place we call home

the best it can be. Through their businesses, these women

represent our area to all who stop through, and for that

we are grateful.Articles featured in this section are paid advertisements

HooverWomenof

Savvy • energetic • Creative • Smart • Strong • Brave

2013

1809 Data Drive • (205) 982-5000 • www.webeca.com

Dr. Catherine S. Amos will celebrate 35 years this month in private practice of optometry. She was the first female graduate from the

UAB School of Optometry and opened her practice in Hoover at the Diamond Head Building. Dr. Lynn S. Hammonds joined her in 1992. They merged their practice with Eye Care Associates in 1996, a team of experienced and competent optometrists located in Alabama. In 2003, she and Dr. Hammonds moved their practice to 2100 Data Park Drive. In 2007, Dr. M. Rob Pate joined the practice, and they relocated in December 2012 to 1809 Data Drive.

The doctors and staff provide the absolute best quality eye health and vision care to their patients. They provide the community with outstanding service and superior eye care products. Their goal is to

serve patients with utmost quality, care and sin-cerity.

New patients are welcome, and office hours have been extended on Thursdays until 7pm to further accommodate patients. Saturday appoint-ments are also available.

Dr. Lynn S. Hammonds, Dr. M. Rob Pate , Dr. Catherine S. Amos

5336 Stadium Trace Pkwy • Ste 112(205) 988-9678 • www.whiteheadorthodontics.com

Dr. Stephanie Whitehead

Dr. Stephanie Whitehead knew in high school that she wanted to help create new smiles, and to this day, she considers that a

privilege. Dr. Whitehead began practicing orthodontics in 1988, and after 24 years in Riverchase, she recently moved her practice to Trace Crossings. She graduated from Berry High School, went to the Uni-versity of Alabama, UAB School of Dentistry and finished her resi-dency at the Baylor College of Dentistry. She is married, and she and her husband have raised four children in Hoover.

Like anyone with four children and a full time job, “free time” is elusive, but she does enjoy baking cookies, and she brings them to her office to share! “We have fun in our office, and I love the opportunity we have to develop relationships,” she says. “I feel blessed to work in a job that I love and with a great group of people.”

Rolanda Eldridge spent many years in the financial services industry, but when she started a family, she desired a work-life balance that

gave her flexibility. Her experience in finance gave her the opportunity to go into business on her own. In 2005, she started Unlimited Proper-ty, LLC, and began purchasing and renovating affordable single-family homes for leasing and purchasing with owner financing.

Rolanda lives in Hoover with her husband — whom she says is her biggest supporter — and her two sons, both students at Hoover High School. She counts tennis, reading, traveling and time with family among her favorite ways to invest her free time.

When asked about future plans, she says she would like to continue adjusting her business model, diversifying into multi-unit apartments, senior and veterans’ housing. “Investing in people is my #1 priority, and I am committed to providing a quality product,” she says.

P.O. Box 36233 • (205) 267-8256

Unlimited Property, LLC

Rolanda Eldridge

9


3057 Lorna Road, Suite 220(205) 978-9939

www.childsplaytherapycenter.com

When Deborah Boswell and Kerri Bailey opened Child’s Play Therapy Center five years ago, they dreamed of a place where

children could receive the highest quality therapy services, including speech therapy, occupational therapy, physical therapy, and academic services. Their respective career paths led them together five years ago, and they decided to open their business together.

“After 14 years of school-based occupational therapy, I was ready to take my career to the next level,” said Kerri. “I wanted the autonomy and flexibility of private practice.”

Deborah’s experience in school- and hospital-based settings gave her the desire to do more as well. “Helping children become effective, confident communicators was extremely gratifying,” she said. “I began to realize I would enjoy starting my own business and providing the highest level of service to my clients.”

Five years later, the two are excited about where they’ve been and where the company is headed. Located in a professional building on Lorna Road, the practice is currently expanding and will soon occupy twice the amount of space it currently does. The center’s mantra of “MOVE…TALK…PLAY…LEARN” is evident throughout the prac-tice, as children feel free to do all that and more in their colorful set-ting, and especially in their sensory-motor gym equipped with therapy

devices, toys and more.Both women are involved in the Hoover community

as well. Deborah manages a corporate communications coaching business in Hoover. She is married and a mother to three boys [as well as three dogs!], and enjoys jogging, reading and traveling. She also facilitates a stuttering sup-port group for adults and teenagers. Kerri is married with two adult children, two mini dachshunds, and is involved with the Hoover Area Cham-ber of Commerce and Hunter Street Baptist Church.

Deborah Boswell and Kerri Bailey

250 Inverness Center Drive • (205) 995-5575www.invernessderm.com

When Dr. Elizabeth Jacobson opened Inverness Dermatology and Laser, she set out to establish a practice that offered more

than the traditional dermatology office. Four years later, she is real-izing her dream of providing optimal care to thousands of patients. Dr. Jacobson is a resident of Hoover, and she, her husband and three children are active members of Hunter Street Baptist Church. She is a graduate of Auburn University, studied medicine at the University of Alabama School of Medicine, and is board certified in dermatolo-gy. And, to top it all off, she stays busy with her children’s schedules, enjoys traveling and reading, and she even tries to fit in boot camp several times a week! Dr. Jacobson invites you to visit their office, and experience the best in dermatological patient care.

Dr. Elizabeth Jacobson

HooverWomen of

[email protected] • (205) 999-8551 • www.wandaturner.netBuyer & Seller Specialist • Short Sale Specialist

Wanda Turner, GRI, SFR

As an Internet-savvy real estate professional, Wanda Turner has helped many home buyers find their new homes, and many sellers

obtain top dollar for theirs.“My goal is to make every buying or selling experience as easy and en-

joyable as possible,” she says. “Trust and honesty are the basis of any rela-tionship for me, and it’s the foundation of my real estate services.”

Wanda is a member of the RE/MAX Executive Club, and is a member of the Oak Mountain Real Estate Network [OREN]. Prior to real estate, she worked at Simmons Middle School and at the Hoover Crossroads School, and she owned a consignment store in Hoover for five years.

Wanda has been married for 32 years, with two grown sons and a Yor-kie named Chloe. A native of Memphis, TN, she has lived in Hoover for more than 16 years.

10


2341 John Hawkins Pkwy • Ste 129 • (205) 987-4403www.mysilverliningboutique.com • www.devonboutique.com

Sonja DeVon Pettus isn’t one to sit around idly. The full-time in-ternal medicine physician, wife, and mother of three is an avid

consignment shopper, so in 2009, she decided to open Silver Lining Consignment Boutique in Hoover.

“I believed that other women also love finding great deals in cloth-ing and accessories without compromising image or style,” she said.

Sonja lives in Dora and operates medical clinics in Walker County, so she relies on “the world’s greatest employees” to bring her vision to life in day-to-day operations.

Earlier this year, after sensing a demand for new, boutique cloth-ing, she opened DeVon Designer Fashions within Silver Lining. “Our customers love the brands and styles we carry, and sales have been amazing,” she said.

Sonja Pettus

Silver LiningCONSIGNMENT BOUTIQUE

HooverWomen of

2765 John Hawkins Parkway • (205) 803-5949 • www.iberiabank.com

Local IBERIABANK Branch Manager, Beverly Meadors, is committed vto serving and investing in her community. With over 35 years of

experience in banking in Hoover, many of you may know Beverly as your local banker. You may also know that she is passionate about giving back to her community and gives her time to many local organizations including Moss Rock Festival – Board of Directors, Shades Crest Baptist Church – Stewardship Committee, American Cancer Society Relay for Life–Co-Chairman Team Development, Hoover Chamber of Commerce, Aldridge Gardens, and the Hoover-Metro Kiwanis Club. Beverly’s goal is to help clients and her community, reach their individual and business financial goals. Beverly’s specialty is private and small business banking. Her tremendous level of banking experience serving the Hoover community made Beverly the perfect fit as IBERIABANK opened the new branch. Beverly chose IBERIABANK because of the solid financial performance and ability to expand during turbulent economic times. With a rich history and over 125 years in business, IBERIABANK has continued to stay well capitalized in large part due to growth achieved through mergers and acquisitions of both failed and under-capitalized smaller banks. IBERIABANK’s comprehensive approach to business allowed the bank to expand to better serve the Birmingham community. The Hoover branch has a dynamic team of banking professionals. In addition to Beverly, the IBERIABANK Hoover branch team includes our Assistant Vice President/Assistant Branch Manager, Carmen Cruz, with 32 years in banking, Bank Officer/Senior Relationship Manager, Ada Dailey, with 22 years of experience and Lead Teller, Jeanene Roy, with 26 years in banking. Combined, the IBERIABANK Hoover branch brings over 115 years of banking experience to our clients. We are empowered to provide local decision-making and we are dedicated to having a personal relationship with each of our clients.

Beverly Meadors

Homewood • Hoover Hwy 280 • Cullman

(205) 871-9661www.alabamaallergy.com

Dr. Maxcie Sikora is a Board Certified Allergist. She trained at Tulane University and the University of South Florida. She attended medi-

cal school at The University of South Alabama. She is also Board Certi-fied in Pediatrics. As a lifelong allergy sufferer, Dr. Sikora understands the importance of appropriate medications and procedures in treatment. Food allergy is one of her many interests because it affects every aspect of a patient’s life as well as family life. Assisting families with the diagnosis, avoidance measures, lifestyle changes, and treatment of allergies is very rewarding. With appropriate management, Dr. Sikora’ patients are able to lead healthy and productive lives. As an allergist, she strives to always provide up-to-date patient care with kindness, humility, and respect. She treats pediatric and adult patients, and physician referral is not required. To schedule an appointment, please call (205) 871-9661 or visit. alabam-aallergy.com

Dr. Maxcie SikoraBoard Certified Allergy & Asthma Specialist

11

January 2013 Hoover SunHooverWomen of

Residential & Commercial Cleaning(205) 426-5987

[email protected]

Kim Hendon Williams

Although she has spent most of her career in the IT world, Kim Wil-liams had a vision about two years ago to start a residential and com-

mercial cleaning. With a leap of faith in October, she started her com-pany, More Than a Maid.

Williams is very involved in her community as well. She is Adminis-trator for The Word Unlimited International Ministries, a Hoover-based ministry where her husband pastors; serves on the Corporate Advisory Board for the Career Services Department with Alabama A&M Univer-sity; is Technology Director with Jack & Jill of America, Inc., Birmingham chapter; is active in the Birmingham Alumnae Chapter of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority; and is active in the Greater Birmingham Area Alumni Chapter of Alabama A&M University.

She and her husband live in Hoover and have three beautiful children.

3221 Old Columbiana Road • (205) 978-6830 • www.aladance.com

Pamela Merkel-Sayle

Even as a child, Pamela Merkel-Sayle knew that she wanted a perform-ing career and to ultimately own a studio and teach her passion to

others. When her passion for teaching surpassed her passion for being on stage, she knew the time was right to open her own studio. She opened Alabama Dance Academy in Hoover in 1995, and the past 18 years have seen lots of growth and success.

� e studio o� ers more than 3,400 square feet of space for students to learn ballet, pointe, jazz, tap, and lyrical/contemporary.

Pamela, her husband and three children are active members of River-chase United Methodist Church. In rare free time, she enjoys working out and traveling to New York City.

In January, the academy is starting new classes for younger children. Visit them at aladance.com, � nd them on Facebook or call for more in-formation.

12


Sports

HHSCONTINUED from page 1

The 2012 Simmons Middle School eighth grade team ended its season with an overall record of 39-5 and a Metro South record of 10-1. The team won first place at the Huntsville Panther Smash, first place at the Huntsville Bash, first place at the Madison Academy Tournament and second place at the Oak

Mountain Screaming Eagles Tournament and Metro South Tournament.

All Metro Players for the tournament were Olivia Portera and Nora Webster. All Metro South players were Annie Medders and Olivia Portera. The team was coached by Jo Ann Hollis and George Murphy.

Simmons Volleyball wraps up season

Simmons Middle School Eighth Grade Volleyball Team

In late fall, Hoover High School hosted an early signing day. Various seniors were recognized for their athletic and academic achievement and signed to receive athletic scholarships in their sport.

Recognized were: Taylor McCullum - golf at UAB Avery Hoven - volleyball at Mercer University Kara Rawls - basketball at the University of Alabama Courtney Hunter - basketball at the University of Alabama Marqu’es Webb - basketball at Vanderbilt University Breigha Wilder-Cochran - basketball at South Alabama University Connor Short - baseball at Auburn University.

HHS holds early signing day

From left are Taylor McCullum, Avery Hoven, Kara Rawls, Courtney Hunter, Marqu’es Webb, Breigha Wilder-Cochran and Connor Short.

Hoover won. Both games went Hoover’s way as they defeated the Bulldogs 31-0 Friday night.

The seats were full of proud parents, football scouts and crazed, painted-up students showing support for their schools. The seats filled early to see “Nova,” one of Auburn University’s golden eagles take flight around the stadium.

The Friday night lights were on, the crowd was amped and after the coin toss, Hoover never looked back.

The first quarter looked like Hoover would win in a blowout after the Buccaneers put up 14 points in three plays. Running back Calen Campbell took a routine handoff that went 60 yards for the first score of the night.

Campbell scored 32 seconds later on a three-yard run after Hoover defensive back Marlon Humphrey intercepted a pass on Opelika’s first play of the drive.

Campbell finished his outstanding night with 191 yards rushing and three of the Buccaneers’ four touchdowns. The performance won him MVP honors for the game as well as a ring.

The second and third quarters shifted the game into a defensive struggle. Both the Buccaneers and the Bulldogs were putting together drives, but a field goal by Hoover in the third was the only scoring drive of the two quarters.

The closest Opelika came to scoring all game was a drive in the second that led to a missed 23-yard field goal.

Hoover proved to be too much for the Bulldogs in the fourth quarter when the Buccaneer added two more touchdowns to their 17-point lead.

After the players doused Head Coach Josh Niblett with Gatorade, the game was all but over for Hoover’s undefeated season. The Buccaneer crowd was chanting, singing and dancing along with Hoover’s players as the clock ran out.

The shutout was Hoover’s third of the season.

A soaked Niblett accepted the state championship trophy with his team after a convincing win and a seventh state championship for the school in 13 years.

13


School House

Cory Cheung, a sophomore at Hoover High School, was recently selected for the Atlanta Symphony youth orchestra. He was chosen after auditioning against other musicians from around the Southeast and was one of only two tuba players selected.

The orchestra is comprised of students 14-18 years of age. Cory will perform throughout the 2012-13 season at Atlanta Symphony Hall in the Woodruff Arts Center in Atlanta.

Cory is a member of the Hoover High School symphonic winds concert band, marching band and First Edition jazz band.

HHS student to play in Atlanta Symphony youth orchestra

Cory Cheung

By ASHLEY CACIOPPO

Shades Mountain Christian School recently renamed one of its major annual basketball tournaments to honor the memory of beloved coach John Edward Allen, who passed away last summer after a battle with cancer. The Thanksgiving Tournament will now be known as the John Allen Memorial Tournament.

In the brief fi ve years he served as the school’s basketball

coach, Allen had a record of 60-53, which included an Area Championship in 2009-10 and a trip to the AHSAA State Sweet 16 in 2011-12.

The school has hired Chris Monroe as the new head coach for the boys. Monroe is the Assistant State Director of Youth Basketball of America in Alabama and has coached basketball for the past 10 years. In addition, Blake Laney has been named the head coach of the SMCS girls’ basketball team.

Shades Mountain Christian honors late coach

Members of the Allen family participate in a dedication ceremony formally honoring the legacy of Coach John Edward Allen Jr.: niece Heather and her daughter, Leighton; brother Michael Allen his wife, Traci, and their daughters Kaitlyn and Mary Ashley; wife, Karri, son Jonathan; and the school’s athletic director Mike Crawford.

Robotics team makes strong showing at South RegionalsBy SCOTTIE WILSON, Engineering Teacher, Spain Park High School

Through Spain Park’s robotics program, comprised of 122 Engineering Academy students, participants compete in the BEST (Boosting Engineering Science and Technology) robotics program, a six week long competition in which they have to design and build a robot from a given set of materials. It’s a time-intensive commitment, requiring students to meet after school three to four days each week.

During the competition, held recently at Auburn University, competition was fi erce amongst the top 56 schools from 18 different BEST hubs from

the Eastern portion of the United States.

Spain Park’s BEST robotics team came home with the following awards: • First Place, Most Elegant Robot• Third Place, Most Robust Robot• First Place, Formal Marketing Presentation• Third Place, Team Exhibit and Interview• Third Place, Robotics

The goal of the Engineering Program is to expose students to the fi eld of engineering as well as to introduce them to some of the material they will be exposed to in a four-year undergraduate engineering curriculum.

Spain Park junior Andrew Forsyth, left, pilots the team’s model on a test run. Following the BEST Competition, students took the robot to different elementary schools in the system to encourage interest in engineering. Photo by Jeff Thompson.

VILLAGE TO VILLAGE 10K+1 MI RUNREGISTER AT WELCOMETOMOUNTAINBROOK.COM

1.26.13

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Village LivingBronze Sponsors: Kevin J. Alexander DMD, PC. • Business Electronics • Evson, Inc.

The Fitness Center • The Birmingham Zoo • Mafiaozas

14


Brocks Gap students take on Project Planet contest

Students from Brock’s Gap Earthsavers/Science Club pictured with Mayor Gary Ivey accepting a plaque for participation in the Planet Projects: Jonathan Dinkel, Tyler Kaiser with Sara the Beagle, Abby Richardson, Lauren Hines and Emma Hines.

Members of the Brocks Gap Intermediate School’s Earthsavers/Science Club turned out in strong numbers at the annual Moss Rock Festival this past fall. According to club sponsor Jana

Maynard, the objective for the festival’s Project Planet contest this year was to research and make a seed. Her students researched and made both a sweet gum seed and a whirlybird seed.

as well as those established in their field.Reputation of the event’s success has gotten

around, and helped planners recruit top talent for this year’s event, scheduled for Feb. 19-23.

“We met one of this year’s guests, Michel Stone, at the South Carolina book conference,” said Assistant Library Director Amanda Bonner Borden. “Her novel The Iguana Tree explores love and the trials of immigration to the U.S. She has been compared to Steinbeck. When we asked her to come, she said her friend A.J. Mayhew had told her that if she ever got invited to Southern Voices in Hoover that she better say yes.”

Joining Stone for this year’s lineup are other distinguished guests, including Lisa See, who came to the Festival by way of Twitter.

“We’d been hoping to have Lisa for years for the exquisite beauty of her writing,” said Borden, who recruited the author after See contacted her when she saw through Twitter that one of her novels would be discussed at one of the Library’s monthly Book Club meetings. “We watched her interact with the

crowd and she was just as charming as her writing indicates.”

Another author and Library staff favorite participating this year is Tayari Jones. Library Director Linda Andrews added that her favorite first line ever written comes from Jones’ novel, Sliver Sparrow.

This year will be the second for author Ron Rash, who first attended Southern Voices in 2002 as a new novelist who at that time was known for his poetry. Library staffers are especially excited to welcome Dorothea Benton-Frank.

“Our patrons have been asking about her for years,” said Borden. “I went to her book signing on a Friday night and begged her to join us. I even name dropped! Friend of the conference, writer and now Birmingham resident Patti Callahan Henry talked her in to joining us.”

Tickets for Southern Voices go on sale Friday, Jan. 11 from 9-11 a.m. by phone (444-7888) and online (southernvoices.info) only. Tickets available after the first two hours will be available at the Box Office, but the Library anticipates a sell-out. Tickets for Friday’s Evening with Lisa See are $35, and for Saturday’s Conference are $40.

VOICESCONTINUED from page 1

15


HappeningsPatton Creek Rave sold to Carmike

In 2012, Carmike Cinemas Inc. agreed to purchase 16 movie theaters operated by Rave Cinemas LLC, including the theater at Patton Creek. According to a Carmike release, the purchase price for the theaters is $19 million in cash and $100.4 million of assumed lease obligations. The purchase was expected to close before the end of the year, and included Rave’s theaters in Lee Branch and Vestavia Hills as well.

Carmike Cinemas President and Chief Executive Officer David Passman indicated in the release that Carmike would not be slashing staff, saying he looks “forward to enthusiastically welcoming the Rave associates at these theatres to the growing Carmike family.”

Pure Dermatology holding open houseMartin-Bentley Dermatology & Skin Wellness

has relocated and changed its name to Pure Dermatology & Aesthetics. Previously located at the Baptist Health Center building on Preserve Parkway, the new office is now open at 5346 Stadium Trace Parkway, Suite 100.

The office has an Open House scheduled for Jan. 31, which will feature special discounts, free sample products, door prizes and more. For more, visit puredermalabama.com or call 682-8022.

Jefferson Credit to open in May Jefferson Credit Union celebrated a

groundbreaking for its first Hoover branch location on Nov. 28. The new site, expected to open May 1, is located on Ross Bridge Parkway behind Walgreen’s and near the intersection with Highway 150. According to a release from Jefferson CEO Charles Faulkner, the location will be a full-service branch featuring modern design and technology.

“We are excited to be offering the Hoover area a wide array of financial products at extremely competitive rates,” Communications Officer Glenn “Buddy” Sutter said.

For more, call 325-5683 or visit jeffersoncreditunion.org.

EyeCare Associates relocatesEyeCare Associates Inc. in Hoover has

relocated from its 2100 Data Park Drive office to the office next door at 1809 Data Park Drive in the building formerly occupied by Greenvale Pediatrics. The office is open Monday-Wednesday and Friday from 9 a.m.-5 p.m., Thursday from 9 a.m.-7 p.m. and Saturday by appointment. For more, visit webeca.com or call 982-5000.

Dental surgeons now on ValleydaleHoover is the new home to Alabama

Oral and Facial Surgery. Located at 2290 Valleydale Road, Suite 100, the clinic specializes in oral and maxillofacial procedures with expertise ranging from wisdom teeth removal to corrective jaw surgery. It also diagnoses and treats facial injuries and performs a full range of dental implant and bone grafting procedures. For more, call 682-1099 or (866) 652-4447 or visit alabamaoralsurgery.com.

Iron Tribe to open two Hoover locationsBirmingham-based fitness company Iron

Tribe, which operates four stores in the metro area, plans to soon open two new fitness centers in Hoover.

Iron Tribe spokesperson Daniel Walters said construction is underway on a nearly 7,000-square-foot space located at 2942 Highway 150. The center, located on John Hawkins Parkway across from Applebees, is projected to open in February 2012.

Iron Tribe Hoover, located at 1581 Montgomery Highway, Suite 115, is a 5,000-square-foot space in a strip center near the intersection of U.S. 31 and Lorna Road. Walters said construction is almost complete on the facility and classes are slated to begin on Monday, Jan. 14.

For more, visit irontribefitness.com.

SALEJan 11th-19th

20% OFF

2841 Cahaba Road • 879-5277www.thecookstoremtnbrook.com

Mon-Fri 10a.m.- 5p.m. • Sat 10a.m.- 4p.m.

(some exclusions apply - see store for details)No gift wrap, no exchanges, no returns!!

16


Business SpotlightRead all the past Business Spotlights at HooverSun.com

Planet Fitness1839 Montgomery Highway, Suite 40

444-2282Monday-Friday, 5 a.m.-9 p.m.

Saturday-Sunday, 7 a.m.-7 p.m.PlanetFitness.comBy MADOLINE MARKHAM

Scott Lyons is about making fitness realistic. His gyms offer fitness equipment appropriate for first time gym users — and for only $10 a month.

“We don’t cater to body builders,” said the Planet Fitness owner and franchisee, “but are geared toward regular folks who want to get in shape. Anyone can come in and feel comfortable in our gym.”

The Hoover Planet Fitness, located off Highway 31 in Riverchase, hosts 85 pieces of Life Fitness and Cybex cardio equipment: treadmills, elliptical machines and bicycles. Even with close to 6,000 members at the Hoover location, there is a machine for everyone. The machines do not have time limits or sign-up sheets.

“That’s why we put 80-100 pieces in each location, so that there is no waiting,” Lyons said.

Twenty-two 60-inch TVs hang alongside the cardio equipment to keep members entertained while they work out, and a giant fan above each area ensures the air is cool and circulating.

In addition to use of cardio equipment, members have access to prefitness training in small groups of no more than five people. Twice a day members can meet with a fitness instructor to design an individual program based on their needs. There are also 30-minute sessions each day that target individual muscle

groups: chest, back, abs, arms, legs or shoulders.

In back left of the 18,500-square-foot Planet Fitness space is a 30-minute workout area. There, members can engage in a circuit workout rotating between different resistance machines and steps on a bench to raise heart rate. A special red light/green light switches regularly to keep the time for each station.

“You burn more calories doing circuit than regular resistance because you are keeping your heart

rate elevated the whole time,” Lyons said.

The gym also features tanning beds, locker rooms and areas for stretching and ab work.

The Hoover Planet Fitness is one of 600 locations; the chain is the fastest growing franchisor of full-size fitness clubs in the country. Another 120 are scheduled to open in 2013. But Lyons didn’t just acquire the business because of its success.

“I got in it because I was working out a lot and wanted a certain type of

place to work out,” he said. Tuscaloosa, where Lyons lived

at the time, didn’t have that type of place. That’s when he opened his first facility.

“I have stayed in this business because it is a positive atmosphere. People come in and they feel better.”

Lyons’ tip for getting in shape for the New Year is in keeping with the philosophy of Planet Fitness.

“Start slow and build on that,” he said. “I’d rather someone workout two days a week the first month, then

three days a week the next, and four days a week the next. It’s better than if you say you will come four days a week at first and then are not able to do it.”

Memberships are $10 per month. The enrollment fee is $10 for the start of the year but varies by time of year. A $19.99 Black Card membership includes unlimited guest privileges, reciprocal use at other Planet Fitness locations, unlimited tanning, use of the massage chairs and half price on cooler drinks.

Planet Fitness

Planet Fitness Owner Scott Lyons is committed to making his gym approachable and to training members how to use the equipment. Photos by Madoline Markham.

OFF

17


COMMUNITY EVENTSJan. 9 – First Financial Peace University Meeting. Personal class facilitated by Dan Little. Meets Wednesdays through March 26. Bluff Park United Methodist. Call 822-0910 or email [email protected].

Jan. 12 – Bama Shootout. 8 a.m.-10 p.m. BJCC. 18 of Alabama’s best high school boy’s and girl’s basketball teams will play. Ticket prices vary by school. Call 502-435-3255.

Jan. 13 – Southern Bridal Show. Noon-5 p.m. BJCC. Call 800-523-8917 or visit eliteevents.com.

Jan. 15 – Hoover Historical Society. 1:30 p.m. Artists on the Bluff Cafetorium. Program by Staci Glover, UAB Department of Anthropology, on the History of Coal Mining in Jefferson County. Call Tom Laggy at 663-6370.

Jan. 20 – Reflect & Rejoice: A Tribute to MLK Jr. 3 p.m. Alys Robinson Stephens Performing Arts Center. Birmingham Civil Rights Institute and Alabama Symphony Orchestra collaborate to present program including Beethoven’s No. 5 and conducted by Roderick Cox. Tickets range from $9 to $24. Call 975-2787.

Jan. 21 – Martin Luther King Jr. Unity Breakfast. 7 a.m. BJCC. Call 324-8796.

Jan. 24-27 – Birmingham Boat Show. BJCC. Tickets are $10. Children are free. Visit birminghamboatshow.com.

Jan. 26 – Krispy Kreme Donut Dash. 8:30 a.m. Children’s Hospital. Participants must complete a four-mile run and eat a dozen donuts in one hour or less. Runners who don’t want to eat a dozen donuts may register as a casual runner. Benefits Children’s Hospital of Alabama. Visit k2d2fun.com.

Community Calendar

Iron Horse Cafeironhorsecafe.net978-5599

January :Jan. 2 – Acoustic NightJan. 3 – Mike and ImranJan. 4 – Violent StupidityJan. 5 – Imran Jerry birthday bashJan. 6 – Johnny DJan. 8 – Johnny DJan. 9 – Acoustic NightJan. 10 – Danny and RandayJan. 11 – Deputy 5Jan. 12 – DownstokeJan. 13 – Johnny DJan. 15 – Johnny dJan. 16 – Acoustic NightJan. 17 – Mike and ImranJan. 18 – Splendid ChaosJan. 19 – LongreefJan. 20 – Johnny DJan. 22 – Johnny DJan. 23 – Acoustic NightJan. 24 – Danny and RandyJan. 25 – Tragikly WhiteJan. 26 – Dirty PopJan. 27 – Johnny DJan. 29 – Johnny DJan. 30 – Acoustic NightJan. 31 – Mike and Imran

LiveEntertainment

Calligraphy classes. Beginning copperplate, taught by Deb Warnat. Thursdays, Jan. 3, 10, 17, 24 and 31, 6:30-8:30 p.m. Visit debwarnat.com or email [email protected].

Beginning pastel class, taught by Cynthia Cox. Classes begin Jan. 22 and meets each Tuesday for six weeks from 10 a.m.-noon. Call (803) 761-3358.

Basic Photography Class. Perfect for those who just bought their first “good” camera. Cost is $45 for two nights, Jan. 29 and Jan. 31, 6-8 p.m. both nights. Taught by Butch and Joy Oglesby of Blue Moon

Studios. Call 995-3791.

Communicating Through Photography, taught by Corey Nolen. Held on Saturday, Jan. 5 from noon-2 p.m. Call 919-1904 or email [email protected].

Understanding Your Camera, taught by Corey Nolen. Held on Saturday, Jan. 5 from 2:30-4:30 p.m. Call 919-1904 or email [email protected].

Painting/Mixed Media Classes. Classes taught by Rik Lazenby, director of Artists on the Bluff. Adults meet Tuesday/Thursday, and children ages 13-high school meet on Wednesdays. Cost is $120 for four

sessions, all in January. Call 281-5273 to register.

Zentangle® classes. Beginner classes on Jan. 15, 2 p.m. or Jan. 17, 6 p.m. Zentangle® for kids on Jan. 21, 1-4 p.m. Six-week series begins Jan. 24. Valentine’s card workshop on Jan. 26, 1-6 p.m. Email [email protected] or call 305-2082 for more.

Acrylic Painting Classes. Taught by Jayne Morgan. No painting experience necessary. $40 per two-hour class, price includes all supplies. Classes held Tuesday and Thursday, 3:15 p.m. for third-fifth

grades and 5:30 p.m. for sixth-12th grades. Adult classes Thursday, 6 p.m. Space is limited. Please sign up by calling 902-5226 or emailing [email protected].

Ceramics Workshops. Taught by John Rodgers. Intro course Tuesday-Friday by appointment. Workshops: Jan. 5, Intro to Moldmaking for Slip Ceramics. Jan. 12, Minigama Kiln Building - Part I. Jan 19, Minigama Kiln Building - Part II. Jan 26, Handbuilding with Slab and Extrusions. For more, call 862-2025 or email [email protected]

ARTISTS ON THE BLUFF - 571 Park Avenue

After the whirlwind holiday season, Hoover Public Library is an ideal spot for respite – not to mention a warm one, of particular value when cabin fever sets in and the dreary frozenness of January has just begun.

The library has lined up three major new initiatives kicking off this month:

New Offerings @ the Plaza

Purling @ the Plaza After Hours Game Nite @ the Plaza You Can Do It @ the Plaza.

For more, contact Assistant Library Director Patricia Guarino at 444-7828.

Hoover Library launches app. The Hoover Public Library has launched a mobile app that enables patrons

to instantly tap into library resources anytime and from anywhere. You can search the library catalog, check your account, find events and more.

To access the library’s mobile app, search Hoover Public Library in your phone’s market and download the app. For more information on the library’s new mobile app, visit hooverlibrary.org/apps or call 444-7747.

– Submitted by Hoover Public Library Staff

NEW YEAR, NEW LIBRARY SERVICES

18


Moonlight on the Mountainmoonlightonthemtn.comJan. 5 – The HollowsJan. 10 – Korby Lenker and Brooke Annibale Jan. 11 – Wilder Adkins, David Story and Erin Rae McCaskle Jan. 14 – Open Mic Grand Playoff Jan. 18 – Malcolm Holcombe, Shannon Labrie opensJan. 19 – Stacey Earle and Mark Stuart Jan. 21 – Open Mic NightJan. 24 – The Honey Dewdrops Jan. 25 – Ellis PaulJan. 27 – Michael Reno Harrell Jan. 31 – Branden Reeves and Lauren St. JamesFeb. 1 – Herb Trotman Band Feb. 4 – Open Mic Night

All shows are at 7:30 p.m. and have a $12 admission. Open Mic Night is $5.

Comedy Club Stardomestardome.com444-0008

HOOVER PUBLIC LIBRARY EVENTS

Jan. 5 – Spark PlugJan. 3-6 – April MacieJan. 11-12 – Tim WilsonJan. 15 – Tyler CraigJan. 18-20 – Sun DeRayJan. 22-27 – Marc RyanJan. 29 – Tim Statum

Jan. 6- Coffee Tastings @ the Plaza. 2:30 p.m. Taste the world! Coffee-ol-ogy Coffee Café presents fun and interactive programs on food and coffees from around the globe. Complimentary samples provided. Experience Cuban food and coffees.

Jan. 12– Llama, Llama Pajama Party. 10:30 a.m. Join us for crafts, activities and snacks from the popular book series. Registration begins Dec. 28.

Jan. 12- Purl @ the Plaza. 3–5 p.m. Join old friends and make new ones at this crafty meeting of all fiber enthusiasts! Bring your yarn and knit, crochet or embroider.

Jan. 8- Trash to Treasures. 6:30 p.m. Learn to make “upcycled” craft projects.

Jan. 13- Instrumentalists @ the Plaza. 2:30 p.m. Pianist Katherine Taylor.

Jan. 14- Learn to Use Your NOOK. 6:30 p.m. NOOK Simple Touch Class, 7:30 p.m. NOOK Color/Tablet Class. – Barnes & Noble provides training. Call 444-7820 for information. Theatre Level Meeting Rooms.

Jan. 14- Book Buzz. 6:30 p.m. A book club for grades 2-3! We choose the subject. You choose the book you want to read. Share it with other readers, then get busy with a fun activity. Space is limited. Register soon by calling 444-7833.

Jan. 15- Tween Scene: Make Cute-as-a-Button Rings. 6:30 p.m. Learn how to turn discarded buttons into fun and colorful jewelry. Grades 3-6. Reservations begin Jan. 2.

Jan. 15- After Appomattox. 7 p.m. Join us for the follow-up to last year’s popular Civil War program series. Dr. John Mayfield will be discussing Reconstruction using the book A Year in the South: 1865 as a guide. Reservations required. Call 444-7816. Theatre Level Meeting Rooms.

Jan. 22- European Travel Tips (focusing on Italy). 1:30 p.m. Come hear travel experts Bill and Judy Lewis present three exciting programs on how to have a true European travel experience as you enjoy tastings from each country. For information, call 444-7840.

Jan. 22- Teen Spot – Mystery Food Tasting. 6:30 p.m. Think you know your favorite food on sight? Come test your skills, at our mystery tasting. Registration begins Jan. 2.

Jan. 24- Playing @ the Plaza. 6:30 p.m. The Onlys. Classic rock & roll hits from the 50s through today will have you up and dancing.

Jan. 25- After Hours @ the Plaza, Game Nite. 7–10 p.m. Bring your friends and relax by playing Wii and XBox games, Trivial Pursuit, cards and more. Beer tastings provided by Good People Brewing Company. ID required.

Jan. 26- Write Club. 10:30 a.m. Meet fellow writers, flesh out your characters and tie up those dangling plot threads! Theatre Level Meeting Rooms.

Jan. 26- You Can Do It @ The Plaza. 10:30 a.m. Jones-Warren Construction and Home Depot show that “you can do

it” when it comes to home remodeling and repair.

Jan. 28- Monday at the Movies. 2 p.m. and 6:30 p.m. Call 444-7820 for titles. Free admission and refreshments! Located in the Library Theatre.

Jan. 28- This Just In! A book club for grades 4-6, 6:30 p.m. Which of the latest are really the greatest? Read a book published in the last six months. Make a commercial to spread the word. Space is limited. Register soon by calling 444-7833.

Jan. 29– After Appomattox. 7 p.m. Join us for the follow-up to last year’s popular Civil War program series. Dr. John Mayfield will be discussing Reconstruction using the book A Year in the South: 1865 as a guide. Reservations required. Call 444-7816. Theatre Level Meeting Rooms.

Feb. 1-11- Valentines for Children’s Hospital. We’re collecting homemade and store-bought valentines (NO CANDY) for the patients at Children’s Hospital. Bring signed valentines to the preschool desk and receive a holiday prize.

Feb. 1- Library Skills 101. 10:30 a.m. Learn your way around the Hoover Public Library! Includes a scavenger hunt and a session on navigating the online catalog. Perfect for homeschool families, grades 3-8.

Feb. 2 – Celebrate Groundhog Day in the Kidzone!

Feb. 5- Who Loves Captain Underpants? Tra-la-la! 6:30 p.m. Prepare yourself for action and laughs

with your favorite principal turned superhero. Grades 2-5. Reservations begin Jan. 22.

Ongoing Book ClubsFiction Book Club. First and second Thurs. of each month, 10 a.m. Theatre Level Meeting Rooms. Call 444-7820 for titles.

Nonfiction Book Discussion Group. Fourth Thursday of each month, 7 p.m. Allen Board Room. Call 444-7816 for titles.

Ongoing Storytimes• Early Birds (up to 12 months)Tuesdays, 10 & 11 a.m.

• Mother Goose (1-year-olds)Tuesdays, 9:30 & 10:30 a.m.

• Together with Twos (2-year-olds)Mondays, 9:30 & 10:30 a.m.

• Tiny Tot Tales (under 4 years)Wednesdays, 9:30 & 10:30 a.m.

• After Lunch Bunch (3 and up)Wednesdays, 1:30 p.m.

• Storytime Live (3 and up)Thursdays, 10:30 a.m.Groups must call 444-7833 to register.

• PJ StorytimeWear your pajamas to the library for a bedtime story and snack.Thursdays, 6:30 p.m.Please call 444-7833 to register for the above storytimes.

• TeleTaleCan’t come by for storytime? Call 444-7838 to hear a new story each week.

Community Calendar19


3340 Galleria Circle, Hooverr AL 35244Phone: 205-444-2035

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the hoover sun january 2013

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