Hoover Sun February 2026

On the right track

By EMILY REED

she was very young, but now as an eighth grader at Bumpus Middle School, the 13-year-old is making a solid mark in the running community in Hoover and across the state. Because of her talent, Reese was bumped up from middle school to run with the Hoover High School cross-country team this year.

By JON ANDERSON

The Hoover Metropolitan Complex continues to pay off great dividends, with a record 785,000 visitors in fiscal 2025 and record $101 million economic impact, General Manager Shannon Ealy said. That means the number of visitors at the complex was 10% higher than it has ever been, and the economic impact was 11% higher, Ealy said. These numbers represent the period from Oct. 1, 2024, to Sept. 30, 2025.

The main reason for the growth was about a dozen new events at the complex, including several large basketball tournaments at the Finley Center, Ealy said. Attendance at events and tournaments with groups coming from outside Hoover was just under 500,000 people, including:

► 245,000 people at baseball events

► 95,000 at soccer events

► 45,000 at special events, trade shows and meetings ► 32,000 at volleyball events

27,000 at basketball events

18,000 at softball events

16,000 at football events

14,000 at mat sports such as cheerleading and wrestling ► 6,000 at lacrosse events

2,000 at tennis events

page 14

When a person dies without a last will and testament — we call this “intestate” — Alabama imposes requirements on the administration of their estate that create extra hassle and expense.

By preparing your will, you avoid the following requirements and make it easier and cheaper to administer your estate.

1. ONLY AN ALABAMA RESIDENT CAN PROBATE

Only an Alabama resident can probate an intestate estate. Typically, the surviving spouse or adult child serves as administrator. However, if they’re not an Alabama resident, they must find a family member or friend who lives in Alabama who’s willing to shoulder the burden of opening and managing the estate. If they can’t find a volunteer, they’ll have to ask the County Administrator to manage it.

2. LIMITED TIME TO PETITION

If surviving family members don’t move quickly and file a petition to open probate within the first 40 days, the County Administrator may administer the estate. The administrator has a statutory right to open the estate in order to assure the estate’s creditors are

paid and the statutory heirs receive their inheritance.

3. YOU MUST POST A BOND

Since the probate court is responsible for the distribution of an intestate estate, Alabama law requires the personal representative to obtain a bond to protect the court, creditors and heirs against misuse or theft of the estate’s cash and personal property by the personal administrator. However, most wills waive the bond requirement.

4. DOCUMENT ESTATE ASSETS

The personal representative must file a detailed list, or “inventory,” of

the estate’s assets, identifying the value of each item. This list must be filed at probate court and becomes public record.

5. YOU MUST GET COURT PERMISSION TO DO ALMOST ANYTHING

Since there’s no will giving the personal representative directions on how to distribute the estate, the probate court has the authority and obligation to oversee the distribution, and the court must authorize almost every transaction. Before the personal representative can sell the decedent’s home, pay creditors or distribute assets to heirs, the court must approve.

• Where: 300 Richard Arrington Jr Blvd N Ste. 503, Birmingham

• Call: 205-593-4881

• Web: higeylaw.com

6. IT COSTS MORE IN FEES

Since court approval must be sought for every significant transaction during the estate’s administration, it costs the personal representative –and the estate – more in attorney’s fees, court fees and accounting fees. With a will, this money would go to the heirs or beneficiaries. Even the personal representative is entitled to a fee for managing the estate. Under a will, many personal representatives waive this fee.

No representation is made that the quality of the legal services to be performed is greater than the quality of legal services performed by other lawyers.

Editor’s Note By Jon Anderson

As someone who ran track and cross-country in high school, I have a great appreciation for the sport of running.

I know the commitment and drive it takes to be successful at it. For some people, success may be using running simply as a way to be healthy — consistently getting out there on the road or on the treadmill to get in better shape and live a healthy lifestyle. It may mean completing their first 5K, first 10K, first half marathon or first marathon.

Others, like Bumpus Middle School’s Reese Gonzalez, take it to another level and are thriving at the top levels of competition. In our February cover story, Emily Reed introduces us to Gonzalez

and her extraordinary feat of winning a high school cross-country championship as a middle schooler.

Gonzalez appears to be a natural at the sport, but as her coach, Ben Vick, points out, it’s a beautiful thing when you find someone who has both talent and drive. That’s what makes champions. I look forward to seeing Gonzalez make the most of her opportunities in the years ahead.

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Hoover hires Promer as new city engineer

By JON ANDERSON

The city of Hoover has hired a private engineering consultant as the new city engineer to replace Chris Reeves.

Hoover Mayor Nick Derzis selected Scott Promer for the job. Promer, whose first day was Jan. 12, was the chairman of the water and transportation infrastructure subcommittee of Derzis’ transition team following last year’s city election.

Promer, a licensed professional engineer, most recently has been a director at Waggoner Engineering and has more than 27 years of experience leading infrastructure and industrial projects across the Southeast. He also has been a member of the Alabama Environmental Management Commission since 2017.

Promer grew up in Alabaster, went to John Carroll Catholic High School, and has degrees in bioscience and engineering from Auburn University, as well as a master’s in business administration from the University of Alabama at Birmingham. In addition to working for Waggoner Engineering, he also has spent time working for BE&K and AECOM.

Zoning board to consider request for Dutch Bros. Coffee in Riverchase

By JON ANDERSON

On Feb. 2, the Hoover Planning and Zoning Commission is slated to consider a request to allow a Dutch Bros. Coffee drive-through franchise to locate as a new outparcel in The Plaza at Riverchase shopping center.

Hendon Urban Riverchase in Atlanta, originally had its request set to be heard by the Hoover Planning and Zoning Commission on Jan. 5. However, there still were some issues to be resolved with the request, so the case was continued until Feb. 2.

He currently lives in Vestavia Hills, but his parents live in Riverchase, and his daughter lives in the Green Valley community, he said.

He’s excited about the new position and looking forward to working with Chief Operations Officer Blake Miller, Assistant City Engineer Rosemary Ginn and others in the city, he said.

The coffee shop would be located at 1855 Montgomery Highway in an area just to the south of the former Hunan Garden Chinese restaurant, which recently closed. It would take up about 142 parking spaces in the shopping center, but even after being built as currently proposed, the shopping center as a whole would still have 80 more parking spaces than required for the building square footage in the center, Hoover City Planner Mac Martin said.

The shopping center could also still meet the landscaping requirements for the center with the coffee shop in place as proposed, Martin said.

The owner of The Plaza at Riverchase,

Dutch Bros. Coffee serves a variety of drinks, including various flavors of coffee, lattes, mochas, hot cocoa, shakes, energy drinks, tea, frozen treats, smoothies and sparkling sodas, according to the company’s website. The shop also sells a limited number of snacks.

Dutch Bros. Coffee was started in 1992 by brothers Dane and Travis Boersma as a pushcart by railroad tracks in downtown Grants Pass, Oregon. The first Dutch Bros. Coffee franchise opened in 2000 and quickly spread across the Northwest, according to the website.

As of the end of September, Dutch Bros. had 1,081 locations across 24 states and had plans to reach 2,029 shops by 2029.

Nick’s Notes

By Nick Derzis

As February arrives, I want to wish all Hoover residents a very happy Valentine’s Day. This season reminds us to appreciate the people we love and care for most — our families, friends and neighbors — and the connections that give our lives meaning. At its core, Valentine’s Day is about kindness, gratitude and the bonds that bring us together.

Those same values are reflected throughout our community. Hoover is a city filled with compassion and civic pride, and few examples illustrate that better than the Sandlin Foundation for Kids in Kindness. The foundation has raised approximately $1.5 million and has distributed or committed more than $725,000 to local charities serving children and families. Its partners include Hoover Helps, the Hoover City Schools Foundation, the Hoover YMCA, Family Connection, the Joyful Noise Foundation, Libby’s Friends and Ady’s Big Army — supporting programs ranging from weekly backpack food distributions to communication devices for nonverbal children and support for terminally ill children through Magic Moments. I am also proud to announce a new

Nick Derzis

city partnership with the Sandlin Foundation and Aldridge Gardens to establish an annual award recognizing local volunteers and civic contributors, further celebrating the spirit of kindness that defines Hoover.

Our love for community is also reflected in how we invest in shared spaces. We recently opened a new nature trail at the Cahaba Riverchase Greenway along the Cahaba River just off Old Montgomery Highway. This easy, natural-surface trail follows the river to a scenic bluff overlook, crossing small tributaries and winding through forested acres with mature oaks and sycamores. The positive community response has encouraged us to plan future connections, including a potential link to the Arbor Hills neighborhood.

Additionally, we are currently in discussion on the redevelopment of the former cement plant site on Old Montgomery Highway, which represents another exciting chapter for Hoover’s future.

This Valentine’s season, let us celebrate not only the people we love but the community we are proud to call home.

SCHOOLHOUSE

ACCOLADES

By APRIL COFFEY And JON AndERSOn

Band students from Hoover schools picked for honor bands, shows

Cameron Gordon, a senior at Hoover High School, was selected by the Music for All organization to be a member of the Bands of America Honor Band in the 2026 Rose Parade in Pasadena, California, on New Year’s Day. Gordon, a member of the Hoover High School band under the direction of Ryan Fitchpatrick, joined hundreds of performers from across the nation in the national honor band. Gordon is the son of Melissa and Jeffrey Gordon.

In other Hoover school music news: ► Bumpus Middle School had students selected to fill 14 of the 21 spots in the 2026

Alabama All-State Middle School Jazz Band this year. Those students were: Luke Burleson, alto sax; Michael Webb, tenor sax; Lily Awtrey, trumpet; Levi Batchelor, trumpet; Jake Wendling, trumpet; Erin Aroke, trombone; Caitlyn Maina, trombone; Mia Warren, trombone; Henny Fosu, trombone; Anna Maple, guitar; Ansley Davis, bass guitar; Madelyn Posey, piano; S.J. Fasinu, drum set; and Michaela Kilungu, vibraphone. Seven of the 10 alternate places in the Alabama All-State Middle School Jazz Band were also filled by Bumpus students. They were: Caleb Riley, alto sax; Elliot Cantrell, bari sax; Brannon Brooks, trumpet; Miles Begecki, trombone; Ella Prevatte, guitar; Jackson Clark, auxiliary percussion; and Yawen Li, vibraphone.

► Hoover High School’s First Edition jazz ensemble was the featured performance at the Jazz Education Network conference in New Orleans in early January, and two other bands from Hoover performed there, as well.

► Both Hoover High’s First Edition jazz ensemble and Spain Park High School’s percussion ensemble were selected to perform at the Alabama Music Educators Association conference in Birmingham in January.

► Hoover High School music teacher Matthew Cicero, Shades Mountain Elementary music teacher Meredith Devore and Trace Crossings Elementary music teacher Lisa Latham were selected to be presenters at the Alabama Music Educators Association conference.

Hoover Air Force JROTC program seeks to build leaders

By APRIL COFFEY

At Hoover High School, the Air Force Junior Reserve Officer Training Corps (AFJROTC) program is shaping students into confident leaders through hands-on experiences, competitions and a focus on character.

Nationally, the JROTC’s mission is “to develop citizens of character dedicated to serving their nation and community,” and according to Maj. Chip Parker, one of Hoover High School’s two AFJROTC instructors, that mission aligns seamlessly with the school’s own values.

“Hoover High’s core values are respect, responsibility and integrity,” Parker said. “It’s interesting that there was already a strong link between the school and the program values, even though they were developed independently.”

Parker, a Hoover native and graduate of Berry High School, retired from the U.S. Air Force in 2010 after a 20-year career as a weather officer. Now in his 16th year as an AFJROTC instructor — and his second year at Hoover — he teaches alongside fellow instructor Grant Gibson, who opened the Hoover unit during the 2018-19 school year.

Each day in the classroom, leadership is not theoretical but practiced. Students rotate leadership roles, with one cadet responsible for opening class with the Pledge of Allegiance, taking roll and managing daily administrative tasks.

“AFJROTC gives students opportunities to practice peer leadership in a safe environment,” teaching them how to lead, as well as follow, Parker said.

nationally in armed

was

That leadership extends beyond the classroom. Cadets help plan weekly operations orders, manage logistics and oversee extracurricular teams, applying the Air Force core values of “integrity first, service before self and excellence in all we do.”

One of the program’s most visible achievements is its nationally competitive drill team.

The Hoover High School AFJROTC competition drill team is considered one of the strongest in Alabama and a national contender.

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In March 2024, the team traveled to Dayton, Ohio, to compete at the Air Force JROTC Open Drill Championships against top teams from across the country.

Hoover earned third place nationally in armed inspection and fifth place in armed regulation. Cadet Commander Lucas Petersen was named first in the nation in the armed commander category, marking the corps’ first national championship.

“These competitions emphasize teamwork,

precision and following the process,” Parker said.

Beyond competition, cadets participate in enrichment activities such as drone flying, archery, orienteering and aviation experiences.

Through partnerships like the Experimental Aircraft Association’s Young Eagles initiative, Hoover cadets have had opportunities to fly with volunteer pilots — some even briefly taking the controls during flight.

Service to the community is another cornerstone of the program. Cadets regularly present the national colors at athletic events and ceremonies, volunteer at veterans fairs and assist with community events.

“One of our core values is service,” Parker said. “We want to build character that positively impacts athletic fields, fine arts organizations, jobs, families and the community.”

Importantly, participation in AFJROTC does not require any commitment to military service. While cadets who enlist may receive advanced pay grade benefits and others pursue service academies or scholarships, the program’s broader impact reaches far beyond military pathways.

“Employers are looking for workers who are reliable, follow the rules, work as a team, can problem solve, can communicate verbally and written, [can] be a manager, [can] be a leader and [can] be a follower at times, too,” Parker said.

As Hoover High School’s AFJROTC program continues to grow, its mission remains clear: providing students with opportunities to lead, serve and succeed — both in high school and beyond.

Dr. Abbey Duhaime joins dental team at Healthy Smiles of Birmingham

Dr. Paige Lester and the team at Healthy Smiles of Birmingham is pleased to announce the addition of Dr. Abbey Duhaime to our dental practice! Dr. Duhaime will be working alongside us to continue the mission of delivering exceptional service to every patient while maintaining our core values of honesty, integrity, and compassion. Healthy Smiles is a privately-owned, family practice, and Dr. Duhaime shares Dr. Lester’s goal of keeping this tradition alive in the growing Birmingham area.

Dr. Abbey (Deffenbaugh) Duhaime is a native of Hoover, Alabama. She earned her Bachelor of Science in Psychology from the University of Alabama (Roll Tide!) and went on to complete her dental education at the University of Michigan School of Dentistry (Go Blue!), consistently ranked

• 100 Heatherbrooke Park

• Drive, Suite A

• 205-991-9535

• www.healthysmiles

• ofbirmingham.com

among the top dental schools in the world.

Dr. Duhaime believes in providing gentle, thorough care with a strong focus on patient education, comfort, and long-term oral health. Outside of the office, she enjoys traveling, reading, and spending time with her husband, Blake, and their pets. She is excited to join the Healthy Smiles of Birmingham team and serve the community she grew up in.

BUSINESS

Business Buzz

BUSINESS HAPPENINGS

NOW OPEN

Le Esthetique, a new spa that opened Dec. 14 at 5876 Elsie Road in the Knox Square shopping center across from Hoover Metropolitan Stadium, held a grand opening and ribbon cutting on Jan. 16. Services include eyebrows, lashes, facials and other skin care, head spa treatments and more.

Le Esthetique — Knox Square on Facebook, 205-821-1182

Hydralive Therapy has opened at 5220 Peridot Place in the Stadium Trace Village development and held a ribbon cutting on Dec. 19. The business offers vitamin infusions through IVs, infusions of a coenzyme called nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide, intramuscular injections, cryotherapy, compression therapy, weight loss therapy and hormone replacement therapy. hydralivetherapy.com, 205-407-4533

Nop Sac-Uang has opened Senlek Thai Rice & Noodles, a new Thai street food restaurant, in The Plaza at Riverchase shopping center at 1843 Montgomery Highway, Suite 107, the former location of Shono’s Hibachi and Sushi. This is Sac-Uang’s first restaurant to operate himself. He previously worked as a server at the Saigon Noodle House on U.S. 280 for three years and the Ginza Sushi & Korean BBQ on Valleydale Road for five years. Senlek Thai specializes in seafood and noodle soups. Sac-Uang makes a lot of the sauces, broths and salad dressings himself.

Senlek Thai Rice & Noodles on Facebook, 205-937-8099

Elon Elezra has opened Near Me Smoothies & Ice Cream at 5882 Elsie Road in the Knox Square development across from Hoover Metropolitan Stadium. The shop offers smoothies and ice cream with 18 options of healthy frozen fruits and more than 20 mix-in ingredients. Other offerings include specialty chocolates and fruit fizz drinks. fruitnearme.com, 205-378-7731

COMING SOON

MicroFlex, a provider of flexible workspace solutions, plans to open its newest location in February at 3890 Douglas Way, off Old Columbiana Road behind Vulcan Tire & Automotive. The new facility will offer 30 flexible workspaces totaling 37,500 square feet and ranging in size from 1,250 to 1,550 square feet each. Multiple units can be combined to accommodate larger users. The facility is designed to meet an unmet demand for smaller, multifunctional office-warehouse spaces with shorter, more flexible lease terms than usually available, cofounder Andy Sink said. Microflex spaces can be used for everything from offices for creatives to contractor spaces, light assembly and warehouse spaces, fulfillment hubs for e-commerce businesses, showrooms and sports training. They can also be used to store car collections or recreational vehicles or as other hobby spaces. The spaces have high ceilings, grade-level roll-up doors, restrooms and parking. They are fully air conditioned and can be customized with additional improvements, such as small enclosed offices and mezzanine spaces. This will be Microflex’s fourth location in Alabama, with others already open in Auburn/Opelika and Irondale and another set to open in Huntsville in February. microflexspace.com, 205-443-2348

NEWS AND ACCOMPLISHMENTS

The Hoover Health Care Authority has selected Solara Surgical Partners as the operator for the outpatient surgery center in the Riverwalk Village development in Riverchase and has been granted final approval for the facility from the state. Solara Surgical Partners is a private company that manages multiple surgery centers in Alabama, Florida, Mississippi, Oklahoma and Texas, including the Alabama Digestive Health and Endoscopy Center at Baptist Health Brookwood Hospital and the Medplex Outpatient Surgery Center in the Southlake area of Hoover. By spring, the Riverwalk Health and Wellness Center should be under construction inside the former Regions Bank South Tower along Riverchase Parkway, Health Care Authority Chairman Alan Paquette said. It could take up to 18 months to finish construction, he said. solarasurgical.com

Hoover Sun is spotlighting local businesses in print and online. Submit your business for consideration here: go.starnesmedia.com/business-spotlight

Do you have news to share about a business in Hoover or the greater Birmingham area? Let us know at starnesmedia.com/business-happenings

In 2025, AmFirst and its employees contributed nearly $388,000 to United Way agencies across five Alabama regions, supporting services in central Alabama, Cullman County, north Talladega County, east central Alabama and southwest Alabama. Beyond financial contributions, AmFirst employees dedicated more than 1,800 volunteer hours to local nonprofits, participated in more than 1,000 community events and led several initiatives in 2025, including collecting more than 1,500 books for children, providing more than 55,000 meals to people in need, donating $1,000 to combat food insecurity in Mobile, awarding six $5,000 scholarships for students and raising $40,000 for each of four nonprofits (The WellHouse, Garrett’s Place, United Way Priority Veteran and Better Basics).

amfirst.org, 205-823-3985 or 205-995-0001

The foundation for Southern Energy Credit Union which has locations in Hoover at 4725 Chace Circle and 6400 Tattersall Park Drive, recently delivered $15,000 donations to six charitable organizations for a total of $90,000 in donations. The recipient organizations included the Children’s Policy Council of Shelby County, Christ Health Center, Family Connection, Habitat for Humanity of Greater Birmingham, United Ability and Ronald McDonald House of Atlanta. Organizations interested in applying for consideration for future giving can find more information and apply online at southernenergycu.org/our-foundation. southernenergycu.org, 205-823-7403 or 205-547-9400

AmFirst, which has credit union locations at 3312 Old Columbiana Road and #2 Inverness Center Parkway, has two people nominated to serve on the board of directors for the next three years. Ross Mitchell, the current chairman of the board, is up for reappointment. Mitchell is the senior director of government affairs and public policy for Baptist Health. He served on AmFirst’s board from 2015 to 2021 and has served again since 2023. Mitchell previously served with Tenet Healthcare as vice president of external and governmental affairs for Brookwood Baptist Health in Alabama and as director of governmental relations in Tennessee. Prior to joining Brookwood Baptist in 2004, he led UAB’s marketing group and worked for several local advertising and public relations agencies after spending five years in Chicago at the Illinois Institute of Technology. Also, Diana Knight has been nominated to fill a board seat currently occupied by Katie Voss, whose term is expiring after two consecutive three-year terms. Knight is a founding and managing member of Sovereign CPA Group in Hoover. Prior to the founding of Sovereign, she was a partner at a Birmingham public accounting firm, which she joined in 1986 after four years with the examination division of the Internal Revenue Service. She is currently chairwoman of AmFirst’s supervisory committee and has served on the committee since 2023. In addition, she previously served as an associate member of the board of directors. Credit union members will vote on appointments to the board of directors at AmFirst’s annual meeting on April 21. AmFirst was also named the 2025 Wells Fargo Outstanding Corporate Citizen by the Alabama chapter of the Association of Fundraising Professionals. The credit union was nominated by United Way of Central Alabama.

LCS, the management company for the Galleria Woods senior living community at 3850 Galleria Woods Drive, has been recognized for the seventh consecutive year by J.D. Power as No. 1 in resident satisfaction among independent senior living communities, according to J.D. Power’s 2025 senior living satisfaction study. LCS was recognized for excellence in independent living with No. 1 rankings in all six factors of resident satisfaction: dining, community building/grounds, resident apartment/living units, price paid for services received, community staff and resident activities. galleriawoodsseniorliving.com, 205-277-6915

PERSONNEL

Dr. Jonathon Whitehead has joined Southlake Orthopaedics at 4517 Southlake Parkway. Whitehead is a fellowship-trained orthopaedic surgeon who specializes in hand and upper extremity, including the shoulder, elbow and wrist. A native of Hoover and a graduate of Hoover High School, he attended Auburn University and graduated summa cum laude with a bachelor’s degree in biomedical sciences. He earned his medical degree from the University of South Alabama College of Medicine, where he was inducted into the Arnold P. Gold Humanism in Medicine Honor Society. Following medical school, Whitehead completed his residency training in orthopaedic surgery at the Medical College of Georgia. Following residency, he received additional specialized training by completing a hand and upper extremity fellowship at the University of Alabama at Birmingham. southlakeorthopaedics.com, 205-518-8948

ANNIVERSARIES

The Whole Scoop ice cream shop will celebrate its 15th anniversary in February. The shop opened in Hoover in February 2011 at 3421 South Shades Crest Road, across from the Hoover YMCA. In 2019, owner David Cohen moved it to the current location at 1021 Brock’s Gap Parkway in The Village at Brock’s Gap. The Whole Scoop serves hand-dipped ice cream from 44 tubs, as well as shakes, banana splits, sundaes and ice cream cakes. Kids’ cups start at $3. Current hours are noon to 9 p.m. Monday-Thursday, noon to 10 p.m. Friday-Saturday and 1-9 p.m. Sunday. Summer hours will begin in May. thewholescoopicecream.com, 205-444-8000

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Living with a chronic health condition doesn’t mean childhood has to stop. At Children’s of Alabama, we make sure kids can keep doing what they do best—laughing, playing, and simply being kids. With expert care, advanced treatments, and a team that never stops believing in brighter days, we help families navigate their healthcare journey with confidence, strength, and hope.

From Hoover garage hobby to international buzz

By KELLI S. HEWETT

In 2012, Adam Hickman wasn’t thinking about storefronts or shipping orders worldwide. He was in his Star Lake neighborhood garage, tending a single beehive.

What began as a quiet hobby — and later a side hustle to pay off student loans — has grown into Foxhound Bee Co., an Irondale-based storefront serving bee enthusiasts across the globe.

From beginner beekeepers to seasoned apiarists, the Irondale storefront and online operation supply equipment, guidance and a passion-driven approach that reflects Hickman’s hands-on path from hobbyist to exacting entrepreneur. It’s a small business rooted in education, craftsmanship and community.

“It’s still shocking to see people I don’t know walk in and give us money,” said Hickman, a culinary school graduate who created test kitchen recipes for magazines such as “Food & Wine” and “Cooking Light” before making Foxhound his full-time pursuit in early 2020. “We actually have a reputation around the world.”

As his hobby developed, Hickman noticed a gap: area beekeepers struggled to find

high-quality supplies and helpful education. Armed with inspiration and determination for quality, he began crafting hives and tools in his garage, first selling to friends and neighbors.

“I had a lot of difficulty finding equipment then,” Hickman said. “Beekeeping is confusing. If you’re a beginner, you don’t know exactly what you’re asking for, so it’s intimidating trying to call somebody you don’t know

and order stuff. You don’t know what you’re ordering, and you don’t know what you need, so often you don’t get the right things. I just found that process challenging, and I thought, ‘Maybe I could do this a little bit better.’”

Early sales were modest — mostly neighbors and local hobbyists, but the attention to detail and quality craftsmanship made his products stand out. His garage, cluttered with tools and wooden frames — his loyal foxhound Finn always close by — became a tiny workshop where ideas took shape and every mistake was a lesson.

Word of mouth spread. Within a few years, Hickman had outgrown his garage workspace. He added a storage unit near U.S. 31, not far from his Star Lake home. That became two storage units. He then moved into the

Hardware Park innovation incubator in downtown Birmingham. That eventually led to the new storefront, warehouse and education facility in Irondale, which opened in November.

“It was a no-brainer,” Hickman said.

He has also been building a practical, high - quality line of beekeeping supplies focused on real-world performance over bargain pricing.

He designed a Foxhound Bee Co. smoker inspired by his great-grandfather’s old U.S.made model, prioritizing stronger bellows and better airflow and materials so it’s a tool beekeepers actually want to use. In the same spirit, he develops and curates protective gear like suits with durability and usability in mind, favoring better materials and construction over the cheapest option. He aims for dependable, long-lasting equipment that delivers value in

the yard rather than just a low sticker price.

“If I’m going to have a smoker, I’m going to have a really good one,” Hickman said. “It’s not the cheapest, but it’s going to be the type of smoker beekeepers want to use.”

Now his staff assembles online orders for customers around the world — from Hawaii to Sweden.

So what is the appeal of all those bees?

“I ship every day, but it’s always something different — there is something new to learn every day,” said Foxhound employee Tristan Carlee of Hoover, who is new to the bee world. “Bees are really interesting creatures — how they work, learning about drones and the queens. It can be therapeutic — something people can fall into as a hobby or make it something where they’re making money.”

Hickman says he likes bees and beekeeping

2x Certified Property Manager of the Year in the State of Alabama

because it’s a unique, challenging hobby that “checks a lot of boxes” for him. It’s slow and difficult. It involves hands - on skills like animal husbandry and woodworking. It rewards problem solving and ingenuity.

He appreciates the beekeeping culture in which individuals tinker and invent tools to solve their own problems.

“Usually, when you’re a beekeeper, you go out and you work for the bees by yourself, and people leave you alone,” Hickman said with a laugh. “There’s not any book in beekeeping that says, ‘If you do XYZ, you will be successful,’ because it is as much a science as it is an art.”

Beekeeping isn’t just a hobby; it’s essential for the environment. Foxhound Bee Co. helps both local and international beekeepers maintain healthy hives, supporting pollination and

agriculture around the world. By providing reliable, quality supplies and expertise, Foxhound strengthens a global network of passionate beekeepers.

Beekeeping draws an unusually broad community of people who might never cross paths otherwise — but who come together with equal curiosity and care.

At local beekeeper meetings in Jefferson and Shelby counties, Ph.D. holders and surgeons chat alongside farmers and pipe fitters.

“Priuses sit beside diesel rigs,” Hickman said. “You find very diverse people from a variety of backgrounds and ages and political viewpoints. In a society that is pretty divisive about a lot of things, beekeeping is something that brings all these groups together. They just get together and talk about bugs. It’s refreshing.”

Each Year, The Finley Awards celebrate character education by honoring one senior from each high school and one Hoover City Schools employee as examples of outstanding character.

Scan code to learn more about The Finley Awards.

Spring Medical Guide

It’s easy to take your feet for granted, but healthy feet are critically important in maintaining your independence and quality of life as you age.

Routine foot care is especially important for seniors, because even minor issues — wounds and ingrown toenails, for example — can lead to serious complications, including infections, if left untreated.

Alabama Foot Care at Home provides quality, in-home foot care for seniors and the homebound.

Jason Patterson, who founded Alabama Foot Care at Home in 2023, is an Adult Gerontology Nurse Practitioner and Certified Foot Care Specialist.

He has a team of four nurses seeing patients in their homes in Birmingham, Mountain Brook, Vestavia Hills, Hoover and Helena.

Alabama Foot Care at Home offers skin and nail assessments; nail trimming; treatment of fungal nails, corns and calluses; neurological and diabetic foot examinations; and massage for the feet and lower legs to stimulate blood flow and prevent swelling.

“It is preventive care to save limbs,”

Patterson says. The work he does with patients is “incredibly gratifying,” Patterson says. “We provide the best quality routine foot care.”

Alabama Foot Care at Home doesn’t accept insurance and Medicare, and all visits are private pay. By avoiding insurance red tape, Patterson can give his patients “more immediate access to care,” he says. For more information, call or text 205-739-4581 or go online to alabamafootcareathome.com.

TherapySouth providing ‘Hands On Care, Close to Home — and Work!’

Q: What makes TherapySouth stand out in the physical therapy industry?

A: TherapySouth is a private, physical therapist-owned practice that has been serving the greater Birmingham communities for over 15 years. Our numerous convenient locations across the metro area allows us to live out our message of providing “Hands On Care, Close to Home — and Work!” Our staff develop relationships with each patient and truly make the clinic environment feel like a family. With access to quality physical therapy care, we believe we can help our community live better, healthier lives!

Q: Why should someone see a physical therapist?

A: Most often, patients are referred to one of our clinics by their orthopedic surgeon or primary care physician to assist with recovery from an injury or procedure. But, physical therapy is beneficial to anyone seeking pain relief and improved function. The physical therapy approach is to evaluate the neuromuscular and musculoskeletal systems and address movement limitations or malalignments that are affecting mobility and causing pain. When patients come to physical therapy first, they can often avoid unnecessary surgery and medication. Through intentional exercises and hands-on

treatment, patients can get back to their hobbies, everyday tasks and more.

Q: Do I need a doctor’s referral to schedule an appointment at TherapySouth?

A: Patients are able to schedule an appointment without a physician’s referral. Your therapist will perform an initial evaluation to determine if therapy is appropriate for you. They will work with your primary care physician, or physician specialist to create your best care plan. To schedule an appointment, patients can call the clinic directly or visit our website to check appointment availability and set up an initial visit.

Q: What would you like potential

patients to know about your practice?

A: We take our core values very seriously. We are a company based on faith that believes in family, integrity, service, compassion, fitness, perseverance, and giving. We try to instill these values in all our employees and encourage them to live them out not only at work as professionals, but also in their personal lives.

Q: What does a first visit look like at TherapySouth?

A: During the initial evaluation, your therapist will take a thorough history of your condition or injury and review past medical history that may influence your

case. Appropriate baseline objective measures will be recorded to evaluate throughout your treatment, such as range of motion and strength. Together, you and your therapist will discuss and set goals to help you achieve maximum function. Your therapist will determine a treatment plan and prescribe a home exercise program for you to perform at home to compliment therapeutic activities performed in the clinic. In addition, skilled manual techniques are utilized to further enhance recovery. Your therapist will communicate and coordinate with other health care professionals as needed to provide optimal care.

MEDICAL GUIDE

Catalyst empowers Alabamians to help prevent and manage chronic disease with free genetic testing

Catalyst, a research program created by Southern Research, a Birmingham-based nonprofit, is on a mission to provide free genetic testing — and the invaluable health insights it provides — to communities across Alabama.

Catalyst offers genetic testing that individuals can access by registering online and ordering a free athome test kit. Participants complete a simple cheek swab at home and return it by mail. Test results can then be shared with healthcare providers and used to support informed medical decisions.

Catalyst helps families “catch it early,” said Dr. Khalilah Brown, the Chief Medical Officer at Southern Research, meaning that participants can better understand their family health histories and gain insights into their genetic risks for conditions such as diabetes, cancer, stroke, heart disease and high blood pressure.

For Birmingham resident Sam Cargo, participating in Catalyst was an exciting opportunity to learn more about his own health and future risks.

“I was excited to take part in the program and see what I can learn,” Cargo said.

Participants in Catalyst can also learn more about how their bodies may respond to certain medications — something Cargo found especially valuable.

“I was able to see how different medications work or don’t work as well with me,” Cargo said. “And then also, the risk percentages on inherited diseases that I would not be aware of.”

With their results, participants can take proactive steps in consultation with their doctors before a condition develops or worsens. Cargo says the information he received helped him think more intentionally about his personal health plan.

“It just allowed me to learn more about what works best for me and helps you set up an individual plan for your health,” he said.

By participating, Alabamians also contribute to a research effort that could change how chronic diseases are managed in the state and improve health outcomes for decades to come.

“For decades, much of our work in drug discovery benefited people outside our state before it ever reached Alabama,” Dr. Brown said. “Catalyst flips that script. This program was designed to give Alabamians access first, and to make sure patients and their providers can actually use the results in real healthcare decisions.”

Catalyst is particularly critical in Alabama, where chronic conditions like heart disease are widespread. In addition, half the state is rural, where access to specialized care can often be limited.

Participants receive genetic insights into health

risk, pharmacogenomic results that show which medications may work best for them or should be avoided, and information that they can share with their healthcare providers. Participants also have access to a genetic counselor at no cost.

“This program guarantees patients results that are clinically actionable — meaning you can actually use the information in your healthcare,” Dr. Brown said.

For many Alabamians, another major benefit is how easy — and accessible — the entire process is.

“It was extremely easy to work with the people there,” Cargo said. “It was really cool to do the cheek swab instead of giving blood. That was very quick and painless.”

He also said the follow-up process was simple: “Setting up an account and being able to get emails was very easy.”

Importantly, only de-identified data — with no personal information attached — is used in research.

“I don’t see why you wouldn’t want to do this. It can help you learn more about yourself and then help Alabama as a whole.”

Sam Cargo Catalyst participant

Participants may share test results directly with their healthcare provider, just like any other lab test.

Cargo said Catalyst is especially appealing because it provides real value at no cost to the participants.

“The fact that it’s free and then also just the fact that everybody wants to know what they’re putting in their body… it can help you,” he said.

He also appreciates that the program helps the larger community.

“Being from Birmingham, I love Birmingham,” Cargo said. “I just think it’s a cool opportunity that anybody can do because of the fact that it’s free. They can learn a lot about themselves, but they can also help people in Birmingham learn more about what’s going on.”

Cargo encourages others to look into the program for themselves.

“I don’t see why you wouldn’t want to do this,” he said. “It can help you learn more about yourself and then help Alabama as a whole.”

EVENTS

Save the Date

DEMENTIA CONVERSATIONS

► Where: Hoover Public Library, 200 Municipal Drive

► When: Tuesday, Feb. 3, 4-5 p.m.

► Details: The Alzheimer’s Association offers caregivers for senior citizens advice on having difficult conversations with their loved ones about dementia. This includes tips and strategies for conversations about driving, visiting the doctor, legal issues and financial planning. The workshop will be in the Friends of the Library meeting room.

► Cost: Free

► More info: events.hooverlibrary.org/ event/14606476

VINTAGE MARKET DAYS

► Where: Finley Center, 5508 Stadium

Trace Parkway

► When: Feb. 12-14 (3-8 p.m. Thursday; 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Friday-Saturday)

► Details: This market will feature interior designers, decorators and more than 125 dealers with unique vintage and antique goods, handmade treasures, clothing, jewelry, architectural salvage, spring gifts, spring decor and more. Gourmet fudge and chocolates, gourmet olive oils, other treats and food trucks will also be available. It will also include do-it-yourself clinics and giveaways.

► Cost: Advance online tickets are $17.84 Thursday (with 25% off goods) and $14.47 Friday-Saturday. Door prices are $20 Thursday and $15 Friday-Saturday. Children 12 and younger get in free. Parking is free.

► More info: vintagemarketdays.com/ market/birmingham

► For more events news, connect with the Hoover Sun online by scanning the QR code.

► Have an upcoming event to share? Email Jon Anderson at janderson@starnesmedia.com.

BARGAINS ON THE BLUFF

► Where: Bluff Park United Methodist Church, 733 Valley St.

► When: Thursday-Saturday, Feb. 19-21

► Details: This consignment sale will feature gently used women’s and children’s clothes, shoes, toys, books and more. Consignors and volunteers can shop the pre-sale on Thursday, Feb. 19, 1-7 p.m. The public sale is Feb. 20-21 (9 a.m. to 6 p.m. Friday and 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday). Select items will be 50% off on Saturday. Half of the event proceeds will help make summer Vacation Bible School free for the community. The other half will help meet needs in the Bluff Park Preschool.

► Cost: Admission is free

► More info: bargainsonthebluff.com

SOUTHERN VOICES

► Where: The Hoover Public Library Theatre, 200 Municipal Drive

► When: Feb. 19-28

► Details: An artist talk and reception with Tennessee painter Christina Renfer Vogel will be at 6 p.m. on Feb. 19. A “Heart Behind the Music” country songwriters showcase with Marty Raybon, Linda Davis and Mitch Rossell will be at 7 p.m. on Feb. 25-26. Pulitzer Prize-winning political historian Jon Meacham will be the headline speaker at 7 p.m. on Feb. 27. An author conference with Hank Phillippi Ryan, Megan Abbott, Ariel Lawhon, Rickey Fayne, Robert Gwaltney, Lindy Ryan and Katherine Center will take place from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m on Feb. 28.

► Cost: Artist talk is free; $40 for songwriters showcase; $40 for Meacham talk; $45 for author conference. The Meacham talk and author conference are sold out, but a second speaking venue for the author conference may open with enough demand.

► More info: southernvoices.info

Valentine’s Day in Hoover: Dining spots and couple-friendly activities

By JORDYN DAVIS

Treat your special someone to an elegant dinner this Valentine’s Day season. From opulent eateries to cozy events couples can check out, you won’t want to miss your chance to show your date how much you care.

DATE-NIGHT DINING

► Jubilee Joe’s Cajun Seafood Restaurant: Located at 5190 Medford Drive, Suite 114, this lively spot brings bold flavors and a beachy vibe to the heart of Alabama. You’ll find everything from char-grilled oysters and seafood boils to po’ boys and gumbo, with plenty of options that keep the average meal under $30 per person.

► Nori Hibachi Ramen Sushi Bar: Grab your loved one and bring them on a ramen date at Nori Hibachi Ramen Sushi bar at 2760 John Hawkins Parkway, Suite 108. Guests can enjoy everything from shareable appetizers to flavorful mains and optional dessert. It’s ideal if you’re looking for something eat-out worthy without breaking the bank.

► Baha Burger: Located at 4745 Chace Circle, this laid back yet inventive burger joint delivers big on flavor and fun. With gourmet

burgers crafted from fresh, never-frozen patties, house-made sauces, hand-cut fries and an ambiance that mixes surf-shack charm with casual comfort, it’s a spot where indulgence meets approachability.

► Farrelly’s Southern Bar & Kitchen: Located at 5532 Grove Blvd., Farrelly’s brings modern Southern fare to a sophisticated yet comfortable setting. The menu features standout entrees like blackened laguna salmon and grilled beef tenderloin, paired with polished sides and a full craft cocktail and wine list.

► J. Alexander’s: Located at 3320 Galleria Circle, J. Alexander’s offers a polished, upscale

dining experience centered around wood-fired steaks, fresh seafood and American dishes. The atmosphere feels refined yet comfortable, making it perfect for a date night or special occasion. With attentive service, a full cocktail and wine selection and beautifully plated entrees, it’s a spot where you can slow down and enjoy an elevated meal.

THINGS TO DO TOGETHER

► Take a hike in the Moss Rock Preserve: The 350-acre nature preserve offers a beautiful escape right in Hoover — trails, streams and a boulder field make it more than just a

“walk in the park.”

► Hit the lanes: Try mini bowling at the Tap-Ins golf simulator in Knox Square or visit one of the full bowling alleys just outside of Hoover (Vestavia Bowl, Oak Mountain Lanes or Bowlero Riverview). This gives you a playful, competitive date without the pressure of a fancy setting. You can add arcade games between frames to keep the energy fun and casual. It’s great for a first date or a relaxed night out.

► Grab a scoop: Grab some cold treats at one of the city’s ice cream shops, such as Bluff Park Ice Cream Shoppe, The Whole Scoop, Near Me, Baskin-Robbins or Kilwins.

SPORTS

Bucs, Jags preview soccer season at media day

By AMASICO RAINER

The 2026 high school soccer season is right around the corner, and many teams took to the podium in early January to give their thoughts on what to expect.

Carver High School in Birmingham hosted a preseason media day, and several local teams used the opportunity to offer a glimpse into what’s ahead. Hoover’s and Spain Park’s boys and girls teams bring unique strengths and emerging talent into the new season.

The Spain Park boys are entering the 2026 season with renewed determination and a hunger to return to championship form. After a difficult 4-15-2 campaign last year that included an 0-6 area record, head coach Matt Hall sees a transformed team ready to compete in the challenging Class 6A landscape.

The path hasn’t been easy for a program that captured a state championship in 2021. Recent seasons have tested the Jaguars’ resolve, with close losses and an inability to finish games defining their struggles. However, Hall believes this year’s squad has what it takes to turn things around.

“The work ethic of these guys has been phenomenal,” Hall said. “From summer team camp to our weight sessions, I see the hunger and leadership of our seniors. Our upperclassmen do a great job of getting everyone involved.”

The Jaguars return several key players who have been in the system for three years and are eager to lead Spain Park back to prominence. Hall is particularly excited about offensive improvements that should help his team control possession and create more scoring opportunities.

“This year we have guys that will help us hold onto the ball more and help us build an

attack while getting into the final third with numbers,” Hall said.

The challenge will be integrating a completely rebuilt backline, which Hall acknowledges will face growing pains early in the season. Finding ways to support that inexperienced defensive unit will be crucial as Spain Park aims to be more physical and difficult to play against.

The Hoover boys have high expectations

Through 02/28/26

and unfinished business. After an impressive 18-3-1 overall record last year that saw them ranked third in Alabama and 42nd nationally, head coach Rusty Cowley’s squad is hungry for more in his third season at the helm.

Last year’s dominant regular season included a 4-2 area record and multiple victories over ranked opponents, showcasing the Bucs’ offensive firepower and balanced scoring attack. However, an early playoff exit left a bitter taste

HEAD COACH MATT HALL

that has lit a fire.

“The early exit in the playoffs has fueled this team in the offseason,” Cowley said. “This year, they know they can go further. They have that built-up aggression. We’re concentrating on doing the simple things time and time again so there’s no regret when this upcoming season ends.”

The Bucs face a significant challenge after losing 12 seniors from last year’s roster, leaving just nine seniors to lead this year’s squad. Cowley acknowledges the transition ahead as the team works to find the right pieces for their system.

“We may have a learning curve losing so many seniors,” Cowley said. “As we came into this offseason, we had questions with a lot of players, trying to get the right pieces into the right places. Regardless of wins and losses, we want to control what we can control and play to our standards.”

Spain Park’s girls have been one of the top teams in Class 6A over the last several years and are looking to maintain that standing among the state’s best teams this season. Hoover’s girls finished with a 13-8 record last spring and are eager to get back to the playoffs again in 2026.

Metro South middle school football

By KYLE PARMLEY

The

Players include:

► Quadir Peoples, Berry, 7th grade

► Taylor Southerland, Berry, 7th grade

► Hollis Bennett, Berry, 7th grade

► Reese Aldred, Berry, 7th grade

► Benton Tate, Berry, 8th grade

► Tye Price, Berry, 8th grade

► Zion Evans, Berry, 8th grade

► Lofton Sensabaugh, Berry, 8th grade

► Blake Adams, Bumpus, 7th grade

► Caleb Glenn, Bumpus, 7th grade

► TJ Richardson, Bumpus, 7th grade

► Kenneth Walker Jr., Bumpus, 7th grade

► Tyler Boggan, Bumpus, 8th grade

► Mason Harris, Bumpus, 8th grade

► Wyatt Noble, Bumpus, 8th grade

► Josh Whitlock, Bumpus, 8th grade

► Kendall Young, Hewitt-Trussville, 7th grade

► Banks Dahlke, Hewitt-Trussville, 7th grade

► Ander Woodley, Hewitt-Trussville, 7th grade

► Max Jones, Hewitt-Trussville, 7th grade

► Graham Jackson, Hewitt-Trussville, 8th grade

► Landon Donner, Hewitt-Trussville, 8th grade

► Jackson Wideman, Hewitt-Trussville, 8th grade

► Jace Kidd, Hewitt-Trussville, 8th grade

► William Roshell, Homewood, 7th grade

► Paxton Junkin, Homewood, 7th grade

► Asaph Martin, Homewood, 7th grade

► Jace Turner, Homewood, 7th grade

► Luke Perlis, Homewood, 8th grade

► DeMartez Jones, Homewood, 8th grade

► Sawyer Smith, Homewood, 8th grade

► Eliot Thomas, Homewood, 8th grade

► Charlie Anderson, Mountain Brook, 7th grade

► Mac Bibb, Mountain Brook, 7th grade

► Tinnon Russell, Mountain Brook, 7th grade

► John Stuermann, Mountain Brook, 7th grade

► Walker Buck, Mountain Brook, 8th grade

► Blake Dickerson, Mountain Brook, 8th grade

► Jackson James, Mountain Brook, 8th grade

► Jackson McMakin, Mountain Brook, 8th grade

► Tyler Akins, Oak Mountain, 7th grade

► Brody Carter, Oak Mountain, 7th grade

► Jase Childress, Oak Mountain, 7th grade

► Anthony Bowie, Oak Mountain, 7th grade

► Hudson Brewer, Oak Mountain, 8th grade

► Joseph Burton, Oak Mountain, 8th grade

► Clayton Wolf, Oak Mountain, 8th grade

► Levi Ross, Oak Mountain, 8th grade

► Khamari Williams, Simmons, 7th grade

► Gavin Register, Simmons, 7th grade

► Kyle Sanders, Simmons, 7th grade

► Robert Olvey, Simmons, 7th grade

► Tre’Veon Alexander, Simmons, 8th grade

► La’Carlos Ardis, Simmons, 8th grade

► Luke Collins, Simmons, 8th grade

► Emmanuel Kihanya, Simmons, 8th grade

For the complete roster, visit us online at hooversun.com.

- Jason Watson and Barry Stephenson contributed to this report.

SPOTLIGHT GET TO KNOW

Artist Sherri Springer

By JORDYN DAVIS

Q: How did you first get into creating art for homes?

A: I began by doing a few commissions here and there for friends. While living at the beach during COVID, I received numerous commission requests for coastal pieces. I love contributing to someone’s design look.

Q: What made you want to focus your specialty in Birmingham/Hoover?

A: I always loved visiting Birmingham. Born and raised in nearby Montgomery, it still seems like the coolest “big Southern city” to me … with so much to do and many opportunities to grow and promote artwork, including my Auburn- and Alabama-themed artwork. With some family remaining in Montgomery, it’s nice to be back to “sweet home Alabama.”

Birmingham Boys Choir Executive Director Jeff Caulk

By APRIL COFFEY

Q: Please tell our readers about the Birmingham Boys Choir. When and how was it founded?

A: The Birmingham Boys Choir trains young men for life through the power of choral music. We are a nonprofit civic organization founded in 1973 by a small group of parents through a local church. The BBC serves 150 choristers annually, ages 8-18, from across the greater Birmingham area.

Q: What is your favorite thing about being the director of the Birmingham Boys Choir?

A: My favorite part of leading the Birmingham Boys Choir is the people! I get to see the transformation that takes place in our choristers, volunteers, concert goers and donors.

Q: Who can be a member of the choir? What schools are represented among your singers? How are they selected for the choir?

Q: What has been one of the proudest moments of your art career?

A: One of the proudest moments, and definitely the most special, was being able to share the budding interest of painting with my mom before she passed. Since she was an incredibly talented oil painter, it was a very special time between us. I hold those memories close.

Q: What are some future events you have planned?

A: I’m really having fun being involved in some local events — Ross Bridge Farmers Market, occasional pop ups (including Aloft in Homewood) and exhibiting with Grand Bohemian Gallery Mountain Brook. [I] hope to explore more opportunities in 2026. Also, my new shop space “Just A Love Gift” is keeping me pretty busy, where I offer affordable art products — reproductions of my original paintings. [It’s] located in Painted Tree Boutiques on U.S. 280. I also have an upcoming spring exhibit with gallery representation in New York. They discovered my abstract work in 2021.

A: We welcome boys from all public, private and homeschool backgrounds and take auditions from second to eighth grade. Auditions are designed to be welcoming and exploratory, focusing on each boy’s potential and passion for music. Our ideal chorister is not defined by musical talent alone but by a willingness to learn, be challenged and belong.

Q: What is the mission of the Birmingham Boys Choir?

A: The Birmingham Boys Choir trains young men for life through the power of choral music.

Q: I know that the choir is a nonprofit. How can the community support the Birmingham Boys choir?

A: Community support is vital to our mission. Attending concerts, sharing our story and

Income tax planning and compliance • Audit, compilation and review services

• Estate tax planning and compliance

• Business valuations

• Tax compliance–non-profit organizations

• Trustee and elder care services

• Employee benefit plan audits

partnering with us through donations or sponsorships all make a difference. This year, we are especially grateful for the support of our proud partner, Piddlin Art and Antique, whose generosity helps us offer the gift of music to Birmingham.

Q: What accomplishments with the choir are you most proud of?

A: Recently we toured through America’s founding cities. Our boys sing the national anthem beautifully, and one particular recording quickly reached over 150,000 views on social media. I’m proud of that achievement, but I’m most proud of the work done that led to that accomplishment in every rehearsal and day in the office. I love working for these boys and families!

Read the complete Q and A online at hooversun.com.

Faces of Hoover

Telling yourself the truth: How writing became healing for Levi Stowe

By TOSHA GAINES

Writing has been many things in Levi Stowe’s life, but he never expected it to become a place of healing. As a kid, writing was a punishment — something handed out whenever he got into mischief. That changed in high school when a teacher reframed it as a gift instead of a consequence. Through foster care, heartbreak and the sharp lessons of early adulthood, writing slowly became the one space where he could speak honestly to himself. In college, when life felt unbearably heavy, Stowe wrote simply to survive the weight of his own emotions. It helped, and the more it helped, the more he returned to the page.

Writing lets him make sense of the things that feel too heavy to say out loud. It gives shape to the mess, the trauma and the moments that leave him speechless. He leans on satire, honesty, and the tug of heart and mind to understand the world and his place in it. The most healing moments have always come when he committed to writing every day, no matter the mood or outcome. Finishing a piece feels like watching something bloom after nurturing it from a tiny seed.

To anyone afraid to start, Stowe says this: writing is simply telling yourself a secret. And sometimes that small act is the beginning of healing.

A fresh year starts with a confident smile.

Post-holiday budgeting doesn’t have to hold you back. Take advantage of flexible payment options, year-round HSA dollars, and newly reset insurance benefits to start the year smiling.

GONZALEZ

CONTINUED from page 1

At the state cross-country championship in November, she ran an impressive sub-18-minute time over the 5K (3.1-mile) course, upsetting three-time defending state champion Sarah Tole, a senior at Auburn High School.

Reese clocked 17:57.58, giving her the fastest time among all 992 girls competing in all classes at the state championship.

She also broke the record for fastest time ever for Hoover High School and is the first female cross-country state champion for Hoover High — as a middle schooler.

“I was definitely surprised at my time,” she said. “I just showed up to run that day and had it in my mind I was just going to do the best I could. I was a little nervous because I was running against athletes that are older than I am, but I had no expectations prior to the race, so it was all really cool in the end.”

Hoover High School cross-country and track coach Devon Hind, who retired in 2021 after coaching his 42nd state championship team but returned to Hoover High for the 2025-2026 school year, said Reese is pure talent.

“I can’t take a lot of credit for her because she hasn’t run a lot for me, but she is a very smart and natural runner,” Hind said. “I say a smart runner because of the way she thinks when she races. It is a bit unusual for someone of her age to think that way. When she was racing in her state competition, the girl she ended up beating initially caught back up to her at one point, and sometimes that can freak out a younger runner to have someone catch up and pass them. Reese maintained her composure throughout the race and ended up beating the girl who passed her by about 15 seconds. She is clearly a really great competitor.”

Hind has coached thousands of runners since he first began coaching the sport in 1978.

“You have a lot of runners who will start out really young and tire out early on,” he said. “We always want to be cautious about that because you don’t want to burn out a young runner. I think Reese seems really dedicated to the sport and seems to really be very natural at what she does.”

Hind does not plan to return to Hoover next year to coach but said he has enjoyed getting to know Reese and watch her develop into a very strong athlete who garners attention from across the state.

“She is becoming known as a really strong athlete, and she continues to prove herself as someone to watch out for in terms of a competitor,” Hind said.

Reese said running has always been a part of who she is. “But I come from a family of runners, so it was very easy to enter the world of running,” she said.

When she was little, she would run one-mile fun runs. She didn’t start running cross-country until the seventh grade, when she decided to try out the sport for fun.

A competitive female soccer player since the age of 3, Reese thought cross-country running would be similar to soccer because soccer also involves a lot of running, and she said she has enjoyed it so far.

David Gonzalez, Reese’s dad, said watching his daughter enjoy a sport he has also enjoyed for many years is pure fun.

“When Joy and I had kids, we were always curious to see if any of them would have a natural inclination to run,” he said. “You kind of let your kids pick what they want to do naturally. I ran at the collegiate level at Ohio State, and Joy ran at the University of Illinois, so running is definitely in Reese’s blood.”

David Gonzalez said Reese is a tough competitor and has taken to the sport of running quickly.

“We did not expect her to win state, and it has been great to see her smile and grow and learn to love the joy of running,” he said.

Joy Gonzalez said she loves seeing her daughter run because running teaches her about life.

“She challenges herself, is courageous and disciplined, and this is about her learning to be successful — not just athletics,” Joy Gonzalez said. “She is pretty self-motivated. We just stress hard work, and it is OK to fail, but it is not OK to not try.”

Reese gathers with teammates the night before a competition for what they call a “pasta party” to fuel up on carbs for running. She particularly likes spaghetti with meat sauce.

Bumpus Middle School Coach Ben Vick said it has been a lot of fun watching Reese

develop as a runner.

“You come across a lot of kids that have a lot of talent, but they maybe don’t have a ton of drive,” Vick said. “Or, you have a kid who has a lot of drive but maybe not a ton of talent. When you happen to come across someone that has both the talent and drive, it is a really beautiful thing, and Reese has that. She is someone who is very easy to work with, and she has this wonderful, quiet spirit that allows her to do things really well.”

Vick said Reese is also very talented

Reese Gonzalez, an eighth grader at Bumpus Middle School, clocked a time of 17 minutes, 57.58 seconds on the 5K course at the Alabama High School Athletic Association 7A high school state championship race in November, giving her the fastest time among all 992 girls in all the classes.

“You come across a lot of kids that have a lot of talent, but they maybe don’t have a ton of drive. Or, you have a kid who has a lot of drive but maybe not a ton of talent. When you happen to come across someone that has both the talent and drive, it is a really beautiful thing, and Reese has that.

”at soccer, so he anticipates she will be a successful athlete with whatever venture she chooses down the road.

“She has a mental toughness that allows her to be successful at whatever she puts her mind to,” Vick said. “She also has a support system around her that really propels her to be a great athlete. If she wants to continue pursuing running in the future, I think she will have great success with it.”

Reese will continue running indoor track through March, something she is excited about pursuing.

“I am really just enjoying it at this stage, and look forward to seeing my times at future races,” she said. “I am just thankful I get to do it right now.”

HOOVER MET

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The number of people at events and tournaments with groups coming from outside Hoover was about 40,000 more than in fiscal 2024, Ealy said.

In addition to the 500,000 at those events, about 285,000 “local” people and groups used the Hoover Met Complex, including 46,000 for basketball; 42,000 for special events, trade shows and meetings; 40,000 at the Explore Playground and Splash Pad; 35,000 for football; 33,000 for soccer; 19,000 for lacrosse; 16,000 for baseball and softball; 15,000 at the walking track; 11,000 for tennis; 8,000 for pickleball; 5,000 for volleyball; 5,000 at the Hoover Heights Climbing Center; 2,000 for band; 1,000 for open gym activities; 700 for the summer camp program; and 6,000 for other activities.

The Finley Center and multipurpose fields were used 45 of the 52 weekends in the year, while the turf baseball fields were used 43 of the 52 weekends, Ealy said.

The Perfect Game baseball organization had the largest economic impact, with Perfect Game events happening on 30 weekends and generating $25 million in economic impact, Ealy said.

The net operating income for the Met Complex was a record $1.3 million, up from between $1 million and $1.1 million the past three years, he said. Rental revenue was a record $1.9 million, while food and beverage income climbed to a record $1.4 million. Revenues from the RV Park (after 14% taxes were paid) rose to a record $1 million, and sponsorship sales revenue was a record $225,000, Ealy said.

Revenues from the Hoover RV Park should rise this year because rental rates for the SEC baseball tournament will be rising from $50 a day to $75 a day, Ealy said. That hopefully will bring in another $30,000 to $40,000, he said. The increase will bring rates at the Hoover RV Park more in line with rates at other facilities in the area and better reflect the demand for the spaces, he said.

The Hoover Met Complex doesn’t actually turn a profit for the city because the city puts several million dollars a year into the facility to help with operations, in addition to annual debt payments. But the big gain is in overall economic impact with people staying in Hoover hotels, eating in Hoover restaurants, buying gas at Hoover gas stations and shopping at Hoover stores.

Usage of the Hoover Met Stadium for revenue-generating activities is only about 12 weekends a year, Ealy said. That’s because usage is limited in the fall due to Hoover High football being there from August to November, as well as limited usage in the spring to make sure the baseball field is in prime condition for the SEC baseball tournament in May, Ealy said.

FUTURE OUTLOOK

The outlook for fiscal 2026 is good, Ealy said.

“Our goal at the Hoover Metropolitan Complex is to try to grow every single year, bringing in more visitors and generating more economic impact and more revenue for the city,” he said.

Most of the events that were new in 2025 are coming back in 2026, and there are several new events scheduled for 2026, he said.

The Alabama High School Athletic Association is bringing its summer basketball showcase back to the Finley Center after having it elsewhere last year, he said. That will include both boys and girls showcases on two separate weekends in June, each as a two-day event, he said.

An organization called Prep Redzone brought its “Battle in Bama” 7-on-7 football tournament to the Hoover Met Complex’s multipurpose fields on Jan. 31 and Feb. 1, and a group called NXT is bringing a twoday basketball tournament to the Finley Center in April.

The Scott Dawson Evangelistic Association is planning an event at the Hoover Met Stadium for two days in early June, and then in August, a “Flip Hoover” sports cards and collectibles show is coming to the Finley Center.

The Flip Hoover show will have more than 500 tables and take up 60,000 square feet, according to the event Facebook page. In addition to sports cards and sports memorabilia, it will include nonsports trading cards, comics, video games, anime, Funko Pops, currency and coins, and pop culture autographs.

Council President Casey Middlebrooks thanked Sports Facilities Management, the company that manages the Met Complex for

the city, for the job it does each year. Ealy said it’s a joint effort.

“It is really one of the top-producing venues in the country, not just here locally,” Ealy said.

“We’re sitting on unprecedented success. I think that has a lot to do with the progressive mindset of the city and the infrastructure we have to offer. I really feel like we’re just scratching the surface and have a lot of potential to go yet.”

Fiscal 2025 Event Highlights

The Hoover Metropolitan Complex delivered a standout fiscal 2025, helping drive a record 785,000 visitors and a record $101 million in economic impact from Oct. 1, 2024, to Sept. 30, 2025. Much of that momentum came from a strong mix of races, tournaments and championship events that drew thousands of athletes, families and fans to Hoover throughout the year.

New events for the Met Complex in fiscal 2025 included:

► BHM 26.2 Race Series (marathon, half marathon, 10K, 5K and fun run that typically draw more than 2,000 runners)

► DC Elite softball tournament (two-day showcase that drew 20 local teams and 22 traveling teams — about 1,400 people)

► Alabama High School Athletic Association North Regional Volleyball Championship (included 104 teams and close to 20,000 people over three days)

► Hoover High School football playoff games versus Fairhope and Opelika (drew about 6,200 people combined)

► Deep South Cheer competition (two-day regional tournament that drew 91 teams and about 4,200 people)

► Perfect Game spring break baseball tournament (drew 32 teams and about 1,500 people)

► RYZE Hoops basketball tournament (drew 50 teams and about 2,000 people over two days)

► MADE Hoops basketball tournament (drew 64 teams and about 1,700 people over three days)

► Magic City Rumble basketball tournament (drew 115 teams and about 2,600 people over three days

► Victory Event Series lacrosse tournament (drew 43 teams and about 2,400 people over two days, including 27 traveling teams)

► World Police and Fire Games (drew about 10,500 people to events at the Hoover Met Complex over seven days)

► Hoover High School volleyball tournament (drew 142 teams and about 4,500 people)

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