Hoover Sun September 2025

Growing west

Hoover annexes 169 acres for Collier Valley development with homes, commercial space, new road connections

By JON ANDERSON

The city of Hoover is continuing its expansion to the west with a recent annexation of 169 acres between Blackridge, Trace Crossings and South Shades Crest Road, owned by Signature Homes.

The plan is to add 162 acres from Blackridge to the 169 acres and build 331 homes and as much as 150,000 square feet of commercial space in a development to be called Collier Valley.

Some residents bemoan further expansion of the city, saying it will strain Hoover schools and city services already under pressure. But proponents of the annexation say there are several benefits.

For one, the annexed property includes land that formerly was home to the Brock’s Gap Training Center shooting range, which had been troublesome for numerous nearby Hoover residents for years, Council President John Lyda said.

“The neighborhood had encroached on the gun club for years,” Lyda said. “It was important to bring that property into the city to give residents around that gun club an opportunity to really get some relief from it, and Signature did a fantastic job of helping find property and relocating them to a new location.

ANNEXATION | page A24

The Hoover City Council has annexed 169 acres between Trace Crossings and Blackridge and South Shades Crest Road (shown in brown) and will be combining it with 162 acres from Blackridge to create a new development called Collier Valley with 331 homes and 150,000 square feet of commercial space. Map courtesy of Nequette Architecture & Design with adjustment by Hoover Sun.

By TIM STEPHENS

When it comes to your care, connection matters. Baptist Health Medical Group is a comprehensive network of primary and specialty care providers — part of the broader Baptist Health system advancing care across Central Alabama. With more than 60 locations, our physicians deliver complete, coordinated care close to home. From annual checkups to women’s health and heart care, we bring everything together with you at the center. One for you. One for all. BaptistHealthAL.com/MedicalGroup

ABOUT US

Editor’s Note By Jon Anderson

“Go west, young man.”

It was a phrase that gained popularity in the mid-1800s as Americans spread westward into the undeveloped frontier and often was looked upon as advice for people to make a new life for themselves through relocation.

Today, in Hoover, the city’s borders continue migrating westward — the most recent example being the City Council’s decision in July to annex 169 acres between Trace Crossings and South Shades Crest Road. One of our cover stories examines what is planned for that land, including more homes and businesses and a much-talked about western bypass road that is supposed to relieve some of the

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P.O. Box 530341 Birmingham, AL 35253 (205) 313-1780 hooversun.com

traffic congestion in Trace Crossings and on South Shades Crest by giving people a new way to get to Interstate 459.

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Our other cover story this month takes a look at the rising country music career of Myles Morgan, a former Spain Park High School student who finds himself this fall opening for Miranda Lambert and Muscadine Bloodline. We’re giving you a mix of hard news and a fun feature. Happy reading! Legals:

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Aqua Systems of Birmingham (A15)

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CITY

Stadium Trace Village phase two returns for consideration

By JON ANDERSON

The second phase of the Stadium Trace Village development drew significant attention in 2024 due to debate over requested tax incentives. Talks eventually stalled — but the project is now under reconsideration.

The Broad Metro development company, led by Will Kadish, has submitted a revised request scheduled for review by the Hoover Planning and Zoning Commission on Sept. 1, but as of press time, limited details were available about what is proposed for the 82-acre property near the intersection of Interstate 459 and John Hawkins Parkway.

The primary confirmed element of the project is an 80,000-square-foot medical office building slated to include a multi-specialty outpatient surgery center known as the South Haven Surgical Plaza on 15 acres in phase two. That request is being made by developer Loree Skelton and partner Medistar Corp., with Medical Properties Trust serving as a capital advisor. Skelton is planning for the South Haven Surgical Plaza to have a surgery center with six operating rooms, two procedure rooms, advanced imaging and diagnostic suites and Class A clinical office space, all in a fourstory building with 377 parking spaces. There is additional development space within the same parcel. The type of surgery specialties to be included was not disclosed.

A brochure from Skelton’s company outlines a timeline with construction expected to begin in December, tenant improvements ready by December 2026 and final occupancy projected for spring 2027.

Efforts to reach Skelton for additional comment by press time were unsuccessful.

The brochure also includes a map of phase two showing a proposed 200-room hotel on seven acres, two retail buildings with more than 97,000 square feet of space on 16 acres, several smaller buildings on smaller lots and a 12-acre parcel previously designated as space for a city arts center but currently left undefined in the document.

It remains unclear whether Broad Metro is still considering a land offer to the city for the arts center or if tax incentives are again part of the proposal.

Jim Masingill, a project manager for Broad Metro, asked for questions to be submitted in writing but had not responded as of press time the following day.

Hoover Councilwoman Khristi Driver, who represents the council on the zoning board, said she met with the Stadium Trace Village developer in July. At that time, she said, no specific site plans were reviewed, but the developer expressed interest in presenting a revised plan.

Driver said a large furniture store that was previously planned for the site is no longer part of the proposal. Broad Metro also initially included a Golf Suites entertainment center in the second phase of the development, but that agreement was terminated in December due to a lack of necessary incentives, the company said. Broad Metro may propose a similar entertainment concept, Driver said.

Driver said she and the developer did not discuss an arts center as an option for phase two, “but I wouldn’t foreclose any option until we see what he proposes and we have an

Developer Loree Skelton of the South Haven Corp. is proposing to build an 80,000-squarefoot medical office building called the South Haven Surgical Plaza with a multi-specialty surgery center, advanced imaging and diagnostic suites and Class A medical clinic space. Images from South Haven Corp. website.

opportunity to consider it,” she said.

Driver said she is encouraged by the progress of the outpatient surgery center at Stadium Trace Village.

“Any opportunity to broaden medical options for the people of Hoover is a positive for our community,” she said.

Above: This map shows a conceptual plan for the second phase of Stadium Trace Village in Hoover. It includes an 80,000-square-foot medical office building with an outpatient surgery center, two retail sites with more than 97,000 square feet of retail space, some smaller lots and a 12-acre parcel with no description.

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SCHOOLHOUSE

In the Classroom

By MALIA RIGGS

Q: Tell us about your job and why you enjoy it?

A: Oh golly, I just kind of started. I worked for parks and recreation in Helena, where we did youth football, and I just stumbled into it. My director asked me to fill in one day, and I said, “I don’t want to do that.” Now, I do it full time here. I also work for the Birmingham Squadron, Samford football and UAB football, so I’m busy.

Q: You announce a lot of football, is that your favorite sport?

A: Basketball, actually. My dad used to work here, my wife works here, and I’ve been a basketball guy my whole life. I love doing basketball, but football is fun too — nothing beats a Friday night.

Q: You are such an instrumental part of these kids and their sporting journey. What is the most rewarding part of your announcing job?

A: It’s honestly just enhancing the atmosphere. The students and coaches here work tirelessly to create a great environment on Friday nights. These kids remember it. In any sport that I do here, I just try to help make it as memorable as possible and create a better

atmosphere every time.

Q: I’m sure there’s countless hands and hours that go into putting on a game under the Friday night lights. Tell us about some of the behind-the-scenes work to make it happen?

A: There’s a lot to it. Obviously, the roster and pronunciation are a big part, and then we’re fortunate to have a big Jumbotron out there. There’s a game day script, and we work with cheer, band and our sponsors on anything I and the rest of the team have to do. It takes a little bit of work, but once you get to game two or three, it’s pretty smooth sailing.

ACCOLADES

Spain Park percussion ensemble chosen for conference

By JON ANDERSON

The Spain Park High School percussion ensemble has been selected to perform at the 2026 Alabama Music Educators Association professional development conference in January at the Birmingham-Jefferson Convention Complex.

Only one high school percussion ensemble from across the state is selected to perform each year, making this a true honor for Spain Park’s musicians. Under the direction of Richard Adams, the ensemble will present a 50-minute concert on Jan. 22 at 9:15 a.m. in the Sheraton Birmingham Ballroom.

“This is a tremendous accomplishment for our students and a reflection of the dedication, talent and hard work they bring to our program,” Adams said. “We are honored to represent Spain Park High School and the Hoover community on such an important stage.”

Spain Park’s percussion ensemble has 22 members, and they will perform as one big group as well as in various ensembles ranging in size from four students to eight or nine, Adams said.

This is Adams’ 19th year of teaching music. He spent his first year at the K-12 Maplesville School in Chilton County, then 11 years at Oak Grove High School and now is in his seventh year as an assistant band director at Spain Park. He also teaches at Berry Middle School.

“I’m just really proud of the hard work over the last several years to kind of build up to this,” Adams said. “It’s a big deal to be selected by your peers to be able to perform at this.”

The AMEA professional development conference is one of the largest gatherings of music educators in the state. It provides professional learning, performances and networking opportunities for music professionals.

2025 Education Guide

special advertising section

Alabama School of Fine Arts offers a tuition-free pathway to excellence in arts, math and science

The Alabama School of Fine Arts is where talent meets opportunity. ASFA offers a tuition-free (yes, free!), state-funded public education for Alabama’s most driven students in grades 7–12 who want to pursue excellence in the arts, math, and science. Located in downtown Birmingham, ASFA combines robust academics with intensive specialty study in six disciplines: Creative Writing, Dance, Music, Theatre Arts, Visual Arts, or MathScience.

In the morning, students take academic coursework that surpasses state diploma standards. Students spend the afternoon in their selected specialty with focused hours of study under the guidance of accomplished teaching artists and experts in their fields. This deep-dive approach fosters creative growth, discipline, and readiness for advanced study and leadership.

ASFA students benefit from a comprehensive school structure that includes AP and honors courses, expert faculty, a full-time college counselor, and boarding facilities for non-local students — ensuring every student has the support and resources they need to thrive.

The 64 members of ASFA’s Class of 2025 continued the legacy of excellence

ALABAMA SCHOOL OF FINE ARTS

► Grades: 7-12

► Where: 1800 Reverend Abraham Woods Jr. Blvd.

► Call: 205-252-9241

► Web: asfaschool.org

with an impressive $19.1 million in merit scholarship offers, the majority of which are renewable. Three 2025 graduates began their careers with professional dance companies. Four of the 2025 graduates received offers at early medical school acceptance programs. There were 10 National Merit Scholars. Over the past five years, ASFA students have collectively earned $48.57 million in merit scholarships, a testament to sustained achievement and the school’s success in preparing students for competitive collegiate opportunities.

Prospective students and families are invited to learn more at ASFA’s Open House on Sat., Oct. 18 (sessions at 9 AM, 10 AM, or 11 AM) or visit the school’s website to explore admissions, tour the campus, and see firsthand how ASFA blends rigorous study with creative passion.

OPEN HOUSE

SATURDAY, OCT. 18, 2025

SESSIONS BEGIN AT 9 AM, 10 AM, & 11 AM NO REGISTRATION NECESSARY

Come take a tour, meet our awardwinning faculty, and learn how you can apply! ASFA is a 7-12th grade public, tuition-free school for talented and passionate students. Located in Birmingham, AL with boarding available for grades 9-12.

Countless studies have shown that arts education enhances children’s development and academic success — and it’s not just about singing or dancing.

The arts help teach teamwork, focus, discipline, creativity, and collaboration.

At Red Mountain Theatre, our afterschool classes are a great way for kids to try out a new skill or dive deeper into their love of theatre. In the fall session beginning Sept. 30, Red Mountain Theatre will offer acting and dance classes for ages 7–18.

“We work to make the classes fun and inclusive for everyone — whether they’re serious theatre kids or just trying something new. And some of those first-timers fall in love with the stage after just a few classes,” says Daley Dressler, Academy Director at Red Mountain Theatre.

Most classes are just $10 per hour when purchased as a bundle, and financial aid is available for any child who qualifies.

Dressler has introduced a new Teen Master Class Series this year, featuring seminars with industry professionals on topics like stage combat and playwriting.

Adults can join the fun too! Fall classes for adults begin Sept. 8. These classes are also $10 per hour when bundled, and drop-ins are welcome for those who can’t commit to the full session.

“It’s a low-cost way to try something fun,” Dressler says. “We get people calling all the time saying, ‘I’ve never done this before — do you think I’ll be able to keep up?’ I always tell them, all you need is enthusiasm and good shoes, and you’ll have a blast!”

See all the options online at redmountaintheatre.org/education.

205-324-2424 ► Web: redmountaintheatre.org/ education

Scholars shine and faith leads at Prince of Peace Catholic School

Welcome to award-winning Prince of Peace Catholic School, where children receive a world-class education from dedicated, highly qualified, and supportive teachers in a dynamic, faith-filled environment. We instill a love of learning through a rigorous, Catholic, faithbased curriculum that engages students through interdisciplinary lessons in science, technology, religion, engineering, the arts, and math.

Our faculty are known for their excellence, integrity, and compassion. Students consistently excel on standardized tests and go on to thrive in high school Advanced Placement and International Baccalaureate (IB) programs. In 2025, three local high school valedictorians received their elementary education at Prince of Peace!

In June 2025, Prince of Peace Catholic School was once again named “Best School in Hoover” by Hoover’s Magazine readers — a distinction it has earned eight of the past ten years.

Service is a key component of a Prince of Peace education, beginning in pre-K. In middle school, students are inducted into a service “house” where they engage in meaningful service activities and develop leadership skills. This program also cultivates a caring and supportive community of learners.

Extracurricular activities—including music, art, robotics, and sports—abound at Prince of Peace. Before and after-

PRINCE OF PEACE

CATHOLIC SCHOOL

► Grades: pre-k through 8th grade

► Where: 4650 Preserve Parkway

► Call: 205-824-7886

► Web: popcatholic.net

school care is available. Parents are encouraged to become partners in their child’s education through classroom involvement, volunteering, and participation in the parent-teacher organization.

Prince of Peace is a National Blue Ribbon School of Excellence, accredited by Cognia and the National Catholic Educational Association, and is a member of the Association for Supervision and Curriculum Development.

Come visit us by scheduling a personalized tour with the school office!

Honors College ignites potential with unique programs, small classes and big opportunities

The UAB Honors College believes that students who seek out an honors experience already have a passion to explore human life, solve problems and create a better future — even before they arrive on campus.

The Honors College seeks to provide the right atmosphere to nurture that fire — then step back and watch students “set their world on fire.”

Students at the UAB Honors College enjoy small class sizes, personal attention and trailblazing coursework.

Innovative Honors seminars feature unique topics with outstanding faculty — including Safety & Sustainability: The Eco-Soap Making Project, Authentic Leadership and Comedy, Health and Wellbeing.

There are experiences you can’t get anywhere else, offered in a tight-knit community of students, scholars and advisors who learn together, and the beautiful Honors College facilities serve as a home base for exploration and discovery.

The Honors College offers two distinct education paths:

► Personalized Path: Students select from an array of classes to craft their own honors academic experience.

► Specialized Programs: Students apply to one of three programs with a unique structured curriculum — Global and Community Leadership Honors Program, Science and Technology

UAB HONORS COLLEGE

► Where: UAB Honors Hall, 1321 10th Ave. S., Birmingham

► Call: 205-996-7190

► Web: uab.edu/honors

Honors Program, or University Honors Program.

Additionally, Honors students who complete required coursework through the Honors Leadership Development Academy will graduate with an undergraduate certificate in leadership.

The Honors College seeks to help our honors students become not just the best they can be, but all they are meant to be.

Students admitted to UAB with at least a 3.5 GPA and a 28 ACT or 1300 SAT score will be invited to join the Honors College.

Students who do not receive an invitation but wish to be considered for the Honors College, can apply at uab.edu/honors.

Business Buzz

BUSINESS HAPPENINGS

Tiara Brumberg, an attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder and executive functioning coach, has started a business called The Middle Coaching and Consulting She works with children ages 10 and older as well as with adults. Typical areas of focus include helping people with organization, planning, time management, emotional regulation, goal-directed persistence, impulse control and metacognition. She helps children create systems for how to keep their room clean, organize school materials and study. Brumberg has a bachelor’s degree in psychology and an associate’s degree in occupational therapy. She holds an associated certified coach credential from the International Coaching Federation and has completed an ADHD and executive functioning coaching program with JST Training. themiddlecoaching.net

Abby Allen on Aug. 4 opened a new gym called Soli Deo Gloria Fitness & Health at 767 Shades Mountain Plaza in a 2,500-square-foot spot between Benchmark Physical Therapy and Sampson Dentistry. For the past two years, Allen has been leading cardio, strength and high-intensity interval training at the Shades Crest Baptist Church Family Life Center, but she has outgrown the space available there. She plans to offer classes Monday-Saturday and has memberships for 2-3 days a week or 4-6 days a week.

205-617-9609, solideogloriafitness.com

OsteoStrong, a health and wellness center that aims to help people improve their overall health by caring for and strengthening their skeletal system, has opened a location at 5884 Elsie Road in the Knox Square shopping center in Trace Crossings. Goals include lessening joint and back pain and improving bone density, posture, balance and athletic performance. A ribbon cutting was held with the Hoover Area Chamber of Commerce on July 29. The business, which is owned by Hoover residents Ashley and Matt Laird, also has a location at 4851 Cahaba River Road, Suite 121. 205-771-0889, osteostrongbirmingham.com and OsteoStrong Hoover on Facebook

The Joint Chiropractic has opened a new location at 5854 Elsie Road in the Knox Square shopping center in Trace Crossings, across from Hoover Metropolitan Stadium. The chiropractic clinic has evening and weekend hours in addition to daytime service, and no appointments are necessary. There are more than 950 locations of The Joint Chiropractic across the country. 425-475-2041, thejoint.com

COMING SOON

Urban Cookhouse plans to open a fifth Birmingham

area location at Stadium Trace Village in Hoover. The restaurant chain was started by David and Andrea Synder in Homewood in 2010 and since has expanded with three more locations in downtown Birmingham, in Crestline and at The Summit. There also are locations in Cullman, Tuscaloosa, Huntsville and Nashville. The Hoover restaurant will be in the 3,200-square-foot spot in Stadium Trace Village originally slated to have a Rodney Scott’s BBQ restaurant, next to Hero Doughnuts. It will share an outdoor patio with Hero Doughnuts. The target opening date is December, Andrea Snyder said. Urban Cookhouse offers entrees that include grilled chicken, steak and rice, shrimp kabobs, veggie quesadillas, chipotle-braised pork, turkey and pineapple ham, as well as a wide variety of sandwiches, salads and wraps. Sides include hot cheddar pasta, roasted vegetables, rice pilafs, broccoli salad, garden salad and fresh fruit. urbancookhouse.com

Brian Mooney, the owner and executive chef at Tre Luna Bar & Kitchen in The Village at Brock’s Gap, plans to open a new restaurant in the 2,800-square-foot former Glass Panda restaurant spot at 1031 Brock’s Gap Parkway, Suite 151. He plans for it to be more upscale than Tre Luna and is toying with the idea of reservations only, he said. Mooney in late June said he did not have a name finalized but hoped to be open by late September.

Habaneros Mexican Grill, which closed at 1601 Montgomery Highway earlier this year, is reopening in The Centre at Riverchase in the former location of Baja California Cantina and Grill at 1694 Montgomery Highway. 205-979-7772, myfood2u.com; Habaneros on Facebook

Sweet Roll, a rolled ice cream shop, is opening at 3421 South Shades Crest Road, Suite 113, near John Hawkins Parkway. The shop will be open 8 a.m.-8 p.m. Monday-Friday; 9 a.m.-7 p.m. Saturday and 9 a.m.-8 p.m. Sunday. sweetrollhoover.com

BP Baker’s Pizza Wings and Grill plans to open soon at Shades Mountain Plaza.

NEWS AND ACCOMPLISHMENTS

Broad Metro is asking the city of Hoover to approve preliminary plans for a second phase of the Stadium Trace Village development with nine lots and four common areas. The property is zoned for a community business district and agricultural use. The Hoover Planning and Zoning Commission is scheduled to consider the request at its Sept. 2 meeting.

Medistar Corp., acting on behalf of South Haven Corp., is asking the city of Hoover for permission to put a medical office building in the second phase of the Stadium Trace Village development off Peridot Place. The Hoover Planning and Zoning Commission is scheduled to consider the request at its Sept. 2 meeting. The State Health Planning and Development Agency has given permission for the Forest Park Group to build an orthopedic-focused multi-specialty ambulatory surgery center called South Haven Surgical Plaza. The proposal was to have six operating rooms and two procedure rooms. The primary focus for the surgery center was proposed to be orthopedics, pain, plastics and general surgery, with an anticipation to expand to other specialties.

Ivan Blackmon is asking the city of Hoover for permission to put a Foosackly’s restaurant with a drivethrough on a vacant lot at 5552 Grove Blvd. in The

Grove shopping center. Foosackly’s is a chicken finger restaurant that started in Mobile in 2000. The Hoover Planning and Zoning Commission is set to consider the request at its Sept. 2 meeting.

Chorus, a home services company, is expanding beyond its home security, automation and audio-visual services to offer termite protection, pest control and mosquito management under the name Chorus Pest.

Chorus Pest is led by a team with a proven track record in the pest industry across multiple markets, including Steven Splawn and Eric Frye, the former owners of Wayne’s Pest Control. Wayne’s was acquired by the Sweden-based Anticimex in 2019. Initially, Chorus Pest will serve six markets, including Birmingham, Huntsville, Auburn/ Montgomery, the Alabama Gulf Coast, the Florida Emerald Coast and the Nashville metro area.

Chorus is headquartered at 100 Concourse Parkway in Riverchase.

205-978-1234, callchorus.com

Nathan Click and Steve Foster of TherapySouth Jegil Dugger of Pye POS and Dr. Madhav Devani of Ross Bridge Medical Center were among the UAB alumni recently honored with Blazer Fast 40 Awards by the University of Alabama at Birmingham’s National Alumni Society. The awards recognize the fastest-growing businesses led by UAB alumni, based on verified revenue growth, and were presented during a ceremony at UAB’s Hill Student Center. Click and Foster lead TherapySouth, a therapist-owned outpatient physical therapy practice with multiple clinics across the metro area, including locations in north Hoover, the South Shades Crest Road area, Riverchase and Greystone. TherapySouth provides hands-on, personalized care to help patients recover from injury and improve mobility. Dugger is the founder and CEO of Pye POS, a Hoover-based technology company specializing in automated payment solutions for restaurants and retailers. Dugger, a former UAB football player, has grown Pye POS into one of the fastest-growing businesses in its category. Devani serves as medical director of the Ross Bridge Medical Center, which provides family medicine services.

Capstone Building Corp., based at 1200 Corporate Drive, Suite 350 in Meadow Brook Corporate Park, has completed construction on a $40 million single-family rental cottage development in Calabash, North Carolina,

Diversicare of Riverchase Healthcare & Rehabilitation Center at 2500 River Haven Drive has been honored with Diversicare’s 2024 Award of Excellence, the company’s highest recognition for outstanding performance in clinical care, operations, and overall excellence. Diversicare provides post-acute care services to skilled nursing center patients and residents in six states, primarily in the Southeast, Midwest and Southwest. Diversicare operates 51 locations, including skilled nursing, long-term care facilities and one behavioral health facility. 205-987-0901, dvcr.com

Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Alabama was recognized by USA Today as one of America’s best customer service providers for 2025. The recognition is based on public data and a survey conducted by Plant A Insights Group that reviewed topics such as friendliness and appreciation of customers, professional competence, customer service effectiveness, availability and accessibility, speed of solutions, solution-oriented approaches, and transparency and reliability.

855-890-7416, bcbsal.org

called Heartsease at Calabash and a $78 million rental cottage development in Greer, South Carolina, called LEO Jamestown. Heartsease at Calabash, a development by EYC Companies, features 158 craftsman-style cottages across nearly 40 acres, maintain a density of four units per acre. It includes single-level floor plans, duplexes with one and two bedrooms and stand-alone cottages with one, two or three bedrooms ranging from 1,067 to 1,588 square feet. It also has a clubhouse, saltwater pool, fitness center, pickleball courts, poolside fire pits and park swings, walking trails, open green space, picnic areas and a pond. LEO Jamestown, developed by Advenir Oakley Capital, includes 296 cottages with one to three bedrooms and covers a total of 345,000 square feet. It also has a resort-style pool, pool house, clubhouse, fitness center and outdoor green spaces. 205-803-5226, capstonebuilding.com

Steve Swofford, the CEO of Alabama Credit Union which has a branch at 1604 Montgomery Highway in Hoover, recently received a Distinguished Service Award from The League of Credit Unions and Affiliates for demonstrating a lifetime of commitment, leadership and impact on the credit union movement. He began his career at Alabama Credit Union in 1998. 888-817-2002, alabamacu.com

PERSONNEL MOVES

David Wells, president and CEO of Alabama Goodwill Industries, which has a donation center at 6215 Tattersall Blvd., Suite 105, in Tattersall Park and a store and donation center at 5287 U.S. 280 in Brook Highland, recently announced he will retire effective Oct. 31. Wells had led the organization through a 325% increase in revenue since 2018, the expansion of its workforce from 110 to 520 employees and a significant rise in donations, mission services and job placements. Donations increased 762% from $58,000 to more than $500,000 in 2024, and job placements rose to 798 in 2024, while the pounds of donations recycled grew from 2.2 million to 19 million. Wells also spearheaded the creation of Alabama Goodwill Contract Services in 2023, expanding opportunities for individuals with significant disabilities through the federal AbilityOne Program. The Alabama Goodwill Board has formed a succession committee and initiated a national search for its next CEO.

205-438-6010 and 205-775-0288, alabamagoodwill.org

Southern Energy Credit Union which has locations in Hoover at 4725 Chace Circle and 6400

Tattersall Park Drive, recently announced that President and CEO Derrick Ragland Jr. is retiring Sept. 30 after 43 years of service. Andy Rush, who currently serves as vice president and chief operating officer, will become the next president and CEO. During his 23-year tenure with the credit union, Rush has worked in accounting and operations, developing expertise in strategic planning, operational excellence and member-focused innovation. Ragland became president and CEO in 2016, and under his leadership,

the credit union was recognized for operational excellence and a commitment to credit union values, completed two strategic mergers which led to a subsequent rebrand in the last two years, and established the SouthernEnergy Credit Union Foundation to support longterm charitable giving. Southern Energy Credit Union, formerly APCO Employees Credit Union, is a nonprofit full-service financial institution that serves employees, retirees and families of Southern Company and its affiliates. It now has more than 90,000 members, 30 credit union branches across Alabama, Georgia and Mississippi and more than 5,000 credit union service centers across the nation. 205-824-7403 and 205-547-9400, southernenergycu.org

Felicia Mason is retiring as executive director of the Alabama Press Association on Sept. 1 after 38 years with the organization. Brad English, the APA’s advertising manager, will become the new executive director, and Leigh Leigh Tortorici, the senior marketing representative, will move up to the advertising director position. Both English and Tortorici have worked alongside Mason at the APA for 24 years. Mason began her newspaper career as a sales representative and later as retail sales manager for The Crimson White student newspaper at the University of Alabama. After graduating with a degree in marketing, she joined APA as a sales/marketing representative in 1987. She was promoted to advertising manager at APA in 1991 and associate executive director in 1998. Following Bill Keller’s retirement in 2000, she became APA’s 11th executive director and the first woman to hold the position in APA’s 154-year history. English joined APA in 1991 as a sales rep for the Alabama Newspaper Advertising Service. Since 2000, he has served as advertising director, leading all revenue-generating activities for ANAS. In 2010, English took over the lobbying efforts of APA, serving as the governmental affairs director. Tortorici, who also joined APA in 1991, initially worked part-time and became the full-time assistant to Executive Director Mike Ryland before his passing. Tortorici moved over to sales for the advertising service not long after that. Since 2000, she has served as the senior sales representative for ANAS. The APA is based at 2180 Parkway Lake Drive in Hoover.

205-871-7737, alabamapress.org

ANNIVERSARIES

D.F Hughes Design Build at 4958 Valleydale Road, Suite 102, this year is celebrating its 30th anniversary. The business, led by owner Darrell Hughes and principal designer Nicole Shultz, offers residential remodeling and interior design services, including kitchen and bath renovations, basement and attic finishing and full home remodels. The company has earned dozens of Alabama Remodeling Excellence Awards over the years.

205-635-4390, dfhughes.com

CLOSINGS

The Glass Panda Asian food restaurant at 1031 Brock’s Gap Parkway, Suite 151, restaurant in The Village at Brock’s Gap, has closed.

According to the Alabama Administrative Code r.290-080-090-10(2)(g), an education agency must retain a copy of education records for five (5) years after a student with disabilities graduates with a diploma, reaches age 21, or exits high school. At the end on the five (5) year retention period, the education agency shall provide written notice to parents to inform them that the special education records are no longer needed and will be destroyed. This serves as notice that special education records for students who graduated with a diploma, reached age 21, or exited high school on or before May 2020, will be destroyed after October 2, 2025, unless the parents pick up the records or notify the Director of Instructional Support Services at the following address prior to that date to arrange a time to receive the records: Claire Jones-Moore - Executive Director of Exceptional Education Hoover City Schools 2810 Metropolitan Way Hoover, Alabama 35243 205-439-1070

Greg Manning, The Sewing Room

By MALIA RIGGS

Q:Tell us about your business and how long you’ve been open?

A: The store has been open since 2010, 2011. I had a career change in 2015 and bought the store, so I've been here about 10 years.

Q: Tell us about some of the sewing products that you have in store?

Manning

A: So we're a sewing store and we also sell sewing machines, embroidery machines, quilting machines, and pretty much everything that someone would need or use or want in the sewing hobby. Fabrics, pins, needles, threads, all of those things. So we pretty much sell everything for somebody who is in the hobby or we also sell to people who are in business. They may make heirloom garments that they sell or for hire that they custom make and also folks in the embroidery business. We sell to a lot of people who do monogramming and various types of embroidery for people for hire.

Q: Was sewing a hobby of yours?

A: My wife was sort of an amateur seamstress when we bought the store. I am not, but I certainly know how to service the machines, which is what I do.

Q: Tell us about the machines you service and you carry in the store?

A: We sell two brands of machines called Brother and Baby Lock, and certainly we offer warranty service repair on those brands. We also now have someone that will service pretty

much any brand of machine.

Q: What has been the most rewarding part of being an owner and operator here at The Sewing Room?

A: That depends on what day you ask. Sometimes it's not rewarding, but just meeting people. I'm a people person, so I love all of our customers and love meeting new customers. I like when somebody who is here shopping and find something they really like or want and they're able to walk out with it, because this is a happy place for people who are shopping here. This is their hobby. … This is something they want to do and something that brings them a lot of happiness. And so that's probably the most rewarding thing, is just seeing that we've made somebody else happy in their hobby.

Q: What is something that others would find surprising about this industry?

A: If somebody who has no familiarity at all with sewing, I think they would be shocked to learn that we have some automated quilting machines that cost over $20,000. I think most people would say, wow, I had no idea. Any kind of sewing machine could be priced that way. But at the same time, you have people who buy those, and they start bringing in an income of $2,000 to $3,000 a month just quilting for people. So maybe even more. So anyway, I think somebody on the outside looking in would say, well, mom's old Singer didn't cost that much. But that would probably be shocking.

By STAFF

Whether you’re an experienced aquarist or buying your child’s first goldfish, Reef Life Aquariums offers a wide range of freshwater and saltwater livestock, equipment and tank supplies from its storefront in the Greystone Park Shopping Center.

Open daily from noon to 6 p.m., Reef Life Aquariums has become a go-to stop for aquarium hobbyists across the Birmingham metro area. The store occupies suites 309 and 310 off U.S. 280, behind The Humidor Room and Bloom & Petal Florist.

While larger national chains often dominate the pet store market, Reef Life Aquariums has carved out a niche by focusing exclusively on aquatics. Customers will find weekly shipments of freshwater and saltwater fish, live aquatic plants and corals. Inventory updates are posted regularly online, including a “just out of holding” category that alerts customers when new arrivals are ready for purchase.

The store also carries a range of aquarium sizes and accessories including lighting systems, water testing supplies and filtration equipment. A recent tank clearance promotion featured steep discounts on brands such as Aqueon, with options ranging from 15-65

gallon tanks and matching cabinetry. Reef Life Aquariums also serves as a source of advice and supplies for water chemistry, tank cycling and equipment setup — common stumbling blocks for new aquarium owners. Located in Shelby County, the business draws a steady stream of visitors from nearby neighborhoods like Greystone, Inverness and Highland Lakes. In addition to its retail services, Reef Life Aquariums offers gift cards and a subscription system for email updates on fish availability.

For more information or to browse current inventory, visit reeflifeaquariums.com, 205-874-9526.

SPONSORED CONTENT

Oak Mountain Hearing offers personalized solutions for better hearing and quality of life

Having trouble with your hearing? Is it hard for you to enjoy conversations with your family, talk to your kids on the phone or catch the punchline of a joke at the dinner table?

If so, call Oak Mountain Hearing Associates, which opened recently in Pelham. Experienced audiologist Dr. Leigh L. Burnett will discover the causes of your hearing loss and offer you comprehensive services using the latest technology.

Dr. Burnett is passionate about helping her patients find personalized solutions to hear better and experience a better quality of life. “I want to be sensitive to their budget, their needs and what they’re trying to achieve,” she says. “We offer patient-centered care. We look at all their needs.”

A hearing-impaired audiologist who’s worn hearing aids since she was four years old, Dr. Burnett understands what it’s like to live with hearing loss. “I don’t necessarily understand everybody’s unique situation, but I have empathy,” she says.

A long-time Pelham resident, Dr. Burnett worked as an audiologist at a clinic in Hoover for 35 years before starting her own practice.

Oak Mountain Hearing held its grand opening in August. The practice has a “wonderful” patient care coordinator, Angela Mathews, Dr. Burnett says. “We work as a team.”

Dr. Leigh L. Burnett

As she did in Hoover, Dr. Burnett takes a caring approach to her patients in Pelham. “I get to know them and connect with them,” she says. “I truly love my patients. They come to me because they need something, and I want to help. I love what I do.”

She believes her passion for getting involved in the community and educating people about hearing loss will set Oak Mountain Hearing apart. “I can’t stress it enough – get a hearing test,” she said.

Ignoring hearing loss can have a serious effect on your overall health, and hearing loss has been linked

to fatigue, headaches, depression and social isolation. “I preach to my patients, if you think you’re having trouble hearing, don’t assume it’s just a simple hearing loss,” Dr. Burnett says. “Get tested. I’ve had so many people come to me with what they thought was simple hearing loss and it was a medical issue they needed to be seen for.”

Hearing loss even has a negative effect on cognitive functioning and dementia, according to a recent Johns Hopkins University study, Dr. Burnett says.

Oak Mountain Hearing offers

389 Huntley Parkway, Pelham 205-728-1690 oakmountainhearing.com

numerous services, including earwax removal and the treatment of tinnitus, a malady where people hear a ringing or buzzing in their ears. “Every tinnitus patient is different,” Dr. Burnett says. “It’s a very general symptom, and it can mean a lot of different things. You need a comprehensive hearing test.”

Dr. Burnett finds her work with patients to be very gratifying. “I see the difference it makes in their lives,” she says. “Treating hearing loss allows people to engage with their family and do things that are important to them. That’s big for me.”

Dr. Burnett has a message for her old Hoover patients. “I want them to know where I am, and I’m here if you need me,” she says.

To make an appointment with Oak Mountain Hearing, call 205-728-1690 or go to oakmountainhearing.com.

Ask about our ‘Forever

Sips and Bites

SPOTLIGHT GET TO KNOW

Nazleen Walji, owner

of Knox Grocery and Deli

By JORDYN DAVIS

Nazleen Walji is the owner of Knox Grocery and Deli, located in Knox Square in Hoover.

Q: Tell me a little bit about your grocery store. In what foods do you specialize?

A: Initially, I had to open a liquor store, but I didn’t realize I could do more with a storefront. I was not very experienced, but I did have a lot of experience with food. So I decided to add a kitchen to the shop and create a fusion of American and Indian food. That was my plan. Some parts of our food are fusion, and others are just American. I didn’t know that all of a sudden, the Philly cheesesteak would be at the top. It surprised me how much people love the cheesesteak. We also sell quesadillas, chicken wraps and a chicken egg biscuit.

Q: How did you come up with the name “Knox Grocery”?

A: Mainly because it’s in Knox Square. My kids wanted to make the name “Knock-Knocks.”

Q: When did you guys have your grand opening?

A: We had it on Friday, July 18, at 10 in the morning. The mayor of Hoover attended the grand opening. It was a good event, and my family was here as well.

Q: Why did you choose to open up this store in Hoover?

A: I live across, right in Knox Square. It took about three years to get everything together and open up with all the construction, but I’m here now and ready to grow.

Q: What has been something that has been extremely rewarding upon opening this store?

A: The best part of having this store is the community — good neighbors. I enjoy talking

with them — all of them are nice. It’s totally different from what I’ve done in the past. The clientele is totally different here, and I just love talking to people. We get to know each other more closely because we have that time to talk to other customers in between. Sometimes it gets busy, and I have a lot of repeat customers.

Q: What is something that everyone looks forward to when they come to the deli?

A: I never knew that Americans would love my fusion Indian food. In the very beginning, people were asking for butter chicken, and it really took me by surprise. I thought butter chicken was only meant for our Indian community. Now, the majority of our customers are American — and they love the Indian dishes. We sell butter chicken, butter chicken pizza, chicken tikka masala, chicken tikka masala pizza, and then we have a biryani. We also have Indian burgers as well as steak sandwiches.

Q: What gave you the idea to own your own business?

A: I’ve been a business owner for 24 years. I wanted to use that experience again, to get things working, especially in a neighborhood that’s nice and peaceful. I like it. Our mornings and evenings are busy, but I love it.

Q: Has owning a business always been a passion for you?

A: Yes, especially back home where my dad was a businessman. Since then, I’ve always had the ‘I’m going to become a business owner’ mentality. That really pushed me. I’ve worked in a bank; I’ve worked at Sam’s Club, and that really gave me a push. My husband opened a convenience store, and I helped him out quite a bit. After my husband passed away in 2008, I had to take over everything, and so I learned very quickly.

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

“Pits never cool down”: How Full Moon Bar-B-Que fed Alabama on Labor Day weekend

By DIANE POOLE

In Alabama, it doesn’t get much bigger — college football kickoff collides with Labor Day weekend, and the state’s appetite for barbecue goes into overdrive. UAB played Aug. 28, Auburn on Aug. 29, Alabama on Aug. 30 — and by Monday, it was wall-to-wall cookouts, tailgates and family feasts.

For Full Moon Bar-B-Que, the four-day stretch was the ultimate test. Across its 16 locations — including 2000 Patton Chapel Road in Hoover — volume jumped by about 30% compared to a normal weekend, with about 280 to 300 employees on deck to meet demand. “Labor Day is one of those weekends where our pits never cool down,” said co-owner David Maluff. “It brings people together — whether it’s family cookouts, football tailgates or community gatherings — and Full Moon Bar-B-Que is at the center of all of it.”

The combination of football’s opening week and a major holiday made for a perfect storm of orders — ranging from small family gatherings to large corporate events and stadium-size tailgates. “On Labor Day weekend, we sell enough ribs to fill about four to five pickup truck beds,” Maluff said.

National trends underscored the demand. According to the National Barbecue & Grilling Association, 63% of Americans celebrating Labor Day planned to grill or barbecue, and 47% of U.S. grill owners fired up their grills on Labor Day — making it the second most popular grilling holiday after the Fourth of July.

Preparation for the big weekend began

about a week in advance. “We make prep about a week ahead of time — making sure all our stores have placed orders for extra ingredients, confirming inventory meets customer demands, ensuring all staff is in place and scheduling food prep accordingly,” said co-owner Joe Maluff.

From there, it was an all-hands-on-deck operation. Pit masters arrived before sunrise — sometimes as early as midnight — to get the hickory wood pits smoking. Kitchen staff prepped sides, trimmings and desserts. “For those who don’t understand the life of a pit master or line cook on Labor Day weekend, just watch the smoke billow from the chimneys,” David Maluff said. “As long as that smoke is rising, the meat is being smoked, the ingredients are being prepped and the trimmings and desserts are in and out of the ovens.”

One of the keys to managing the rush was Full Moon’s point-of-sale (POS) system, which tracks ordering patterns year-round. “Our POS system gives us the data throughout the year on everything ordered, so we know what a regular day looks like versus a major holiday weekend like Labor Day,” Maluff said. “We apply those numbers to staffing and preparation, taking into account catering orders scheduled ahead of time so we have the right number of staff on-site and delivering.” Though the company plays it modest when asked about the biggest single order ever fulfilled, they handled everything from corporate luncheons to stadium-size tailgates. As for logistical challenges, David Maluff summed it up simply: “Having enough room in the dining room for everyone who wants to be there.”

Southlake Orthopaedics helps

Southlake Orthopaedics, with two Birminghamarea locations, is a great place for athletes to get world-class treatment for injuries, seek rehabilitation or learn about conditioning. But you don’t have to be an athlete to take advantage of Southlake’s dedicated doctors, including our sports medicine specialists.

“Athletes come in all ages, shapes and forms,” Dr. Jonathan Isbell says. “Some of my patients are in their 60s or 70s and can’t play golf or pickleball or play with their grandkids.”

An orthopaedic surgeon, Dr. Isbell specializes in sports medicine, arthroscopy and joint replacement, and he treats acute and overuse injuries.

“Sports medicine is really about the treatment of active people who have some sort of injury or a chronic, functional limitation that causes pain or keeps them from doing the things they enjoy,” Dr. Isbell says.

Musculoskeletal issues like joint and back pain are almost universal, due in part to aging, according to Dr. Isbell. “Almost everybody at some point in their lives is going to experience musculoskeletal pain, whether it’s from aging, overuse or an injury,” he says. At Southlake, patients can learn about proper conditioning and how to prevent injuries. “It’s very important to be conditioned appropriately for any sport or activity,” Dr. Isbell says. Patients can also get treated for repetitive-use injuries, such as carpal tunnel or tennis elbow, and learn from therapists how to avoid such injuries in the future.

Southlake is a great choice for patients because Dr. Isbell and his colleagues practice “big-tent orthopedics,” he says. “We’re a tight-knit group, work closely together and share lots of patients,” he says. “We have no hesitation getting people to the

doctors that will serve them best.”

Dr. Isbell takes a holistic approach to his patients.

“Even if a patient comes in for one issue — a joint, for example — we look at them as a whole person,” he says.

He tries other treatments before doing surgery. “I try to use things that are more natural,” he says. “The body has amazing healing capacity, but sometimes there are things we need to do to initiate that.” He cites medications, injections, biologics and physical therapy.

“Even if they ultimately need a surgical procedure, that’s just so the body can ultimately do

• HOOVER: 4517 Southlake Parkway

• BIRMINGHAM: 3686 Grandview Parkway, Suite 430

• WEB: southlakeorthopaedics.com CALL: 205-985-4111

the healing,” Dr. Isbell says. “Surgery doesn’t heal you. It puts you in a position to heal.”

Dr. Isbell says his work with patients is very rewarding. “My job is to help people do the things they want or need to do — in life, in sports, in their career — and take them from a point where they can’t do those things to a point where they’re able to do those things without pain,” he says. “I’m not curing cancer but I’m making a difference in their lives.”

Watching patients along their “whole journey” from injury to recovery is “so gratifying,” he says.

Whether a patient presents with arthritis, osteoporosis, a sports injury or an orthopedic condition, the physicians at Southlake can help. Our many services include rehabilitation, orthotics, injections, testing and surgery. We offer personalized care using the latest technology. To learn more, call 205-985-4111 or go online to southlakeorthopaedics.com.

BUSINESS

Anders prepares for life after MMA with new Vestavia Hills fitness academy

By SOLOMON CRENSHAW JR.

Eryk “Ya Boi” Anders is ready to pivot.

The former University of Alabama football star went on to a 15-year career in mixed martial arts, competing in the octagon. Now, with his final professional bout on the horizon, the Hoover resident is preparing for a new phase of life, one in which he will own and operate Ya Boi Fitness Academy in Vestavia Hills.

“Whenever I got done playing football, I realized that you can't be, you can't compete competitively forever, especially in this (MMA) sport,” he said. “Guys are getting younger. They're getting a lot better, younger than they were when I first started. Yeah, every athlete has a shelf life.”

The academy will offer jui-jitsu, boxing, kickboxing, Muay Thai, wrestling, weightlifting, self-defense and conditioning programs, along with kids classes.

The academy takes its name from Anders’ fighting moniker.

“It's my fight name,” he said. “It's kind of what I talk like. 'Help your boy out. Let your boy borrow $5.' My old roommate, Matt Elkins, just kind of started addressing me as such. It just kind of stuck.”

A decade and a half into his career in mixed martial arts and the Ultimate Fighting Championship, Anders said it doesn’t feel as though much time has passed.

“It feels like just yesterday that I started,” he said.

Anders’ most recent fight didn’t turn out the way he wanted. He faced Christian Duncan in a middleweight bout in UFC Vegas 109 in early August.

Although Anders used a wrestling move to hold his opponent in the first round, he lost his grip and ultimately the fight. Duncan landed a couple of kicks to Anders’ shin before connecting with a spinning left elbow followed by a flurry of punches.

The fight ended as a technical knockout at 3:53 of the first round. His final fight will likely be in November.

The 38-year-old recalls having had his share of tussles as he grew up. He was born on a U.S. Air Force base in the Philippines, where his mother was serving.

“I definitely fought quite a bit growing up,” said Anders, who went on to compete in mixed martial arts. “But I think that's just like a 90s kid thing. I was born in '87, so I think the world was just different back then.

“The kids were outside playing a lot more and hanging out in groups and doing things like that,” he said. “As you get older, that testosterone starts surging, or whatnot. I think that's just kind of the way of things back then.”

Anders has come a long way since his childhood scuffles. He shifted his energy to the gridiron, playing football in high school before taking his talents to the University of Alabama.

As a sophomore in high school, Anders moved to San Antonio, Texas, where he played football for Smithson Valley High School. He

up taking his football talents to Tuscaloosa and the Crimson Tide.

From 2006 to 2009, Anders played linebacker for the Crimson Tide, starting 14 games in his senior season. His college career concluded with a victory in the 2009 BCS National Championship against Texas, a game in

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► BED/BATH: 3/2.5

► SQUARE FOOTAGE: 1,944 sq. ft.

► NEIGHBORHOOD: Primrose

► LIST PRICE: $517,000

► SALE PRICE: $530,416

► ADDRESS: 5912 Waterscape Pass

► BED/BATH: 3/2.5

► SQUARE FOOTAGE: 2,536 sq. ft.

► NEIGHBORHOOD: Lake Cyrus

► LIST PRICE: $425,000

► SALE PRICE: $430,000

► ADDRESS: 2137 Arbor Hill Parkway

► BED/BATH: 4/2.5

► SQUARE FOOTAGE: 2,548 sq. ft.

► NEIGHBORHOOD: Arbor Hill

► LIST PRICE: $459,900 ► SALE PRICE: $467,400

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► NEIGHBORHOOD: Lake Crest

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► ADDRESS: 2912 Monte Deste Drive

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► NEIGHBORHOOD: Monte D’Oro

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► NEIGHBORHOOD: Camelot Woods

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SOURCE: GREATER ALABAMA MULTIPLE LISTING SERVICE

EVENTS

Library Theatre 2025-26 season includes Sister Hazel duo, 3 Grammy winners

By JON ANDERSON

Tickets go on sale in mid-September for the Hoover Library Theatre’s 2025-26 season.

This year’s lineup includes two members of the Southern rock and country band Sister Hazel and three Grammy Award winners, but there’s a lot more than musicians in store for the Library Theatre stage.

Sister Hazel’s Ken Block and Drew Copeland, who will be performing at the Library Theatre in May, could be considered headliners for the season, but Grammy Award winners Marty Raybon and Linda Davis are teaming up with newer voice Mitch Rossell for a “Heart Behind the Music” country songwriters’ showcase in February.

Raybon is the lead singer of Shenandoah, and Davis, who has three Grammys, is perhaps best known for her No. 1 “Does He Love You?” duet with Reba McEntire. Rossell opened for Garth Brooks on his 2022 stadium tour and placed third in season 18 of “America’s Got Talent” in 2023.

The third Grammy Award winner coming to the Hoover Library Theatre this year is jazz guitarist John Scofield, who will be performing in a trio with Vicente Archer on bass and Bill Stewart on drums in March.

Also in the musical vein will be the New Directions Veterans Choir in November and a “Christmas in Killarney” show in December that combines traditional Irish dance with classic holiday tunes.

The 2025-26 season also will feature magician and illusionist Jason Bishop in October, the national tour of The Acting Company’s adaptation of Charles Dickens’ “Great Expectations” in January and The Peking Acrobats in April.

Tickets cost $40 per show. Tickets for last year’s full-season subscribers go on sale at 10 a.m. on Tuesday, Sept. 16, through the Hoover Library Theatre website — thelibrarytheatre.com — or at the Library Theatre box office at 205-4447888 or 200 Municipal Drive.

New full-season subscribers can begin buying full-season tickets at 10 a.m. on Thursday, Sept. 18, and individual show tickets go on sale at 10 a.m. on Friday, Sept. 19.

Attendees will experience a newly remodeled

Hoover Library Theatre, including 250 new seats and new carpet, said Matina Johnson, the library’s fine arts manager.

Here’s a bit more about each act coming to the Hoover Library Theatre stage this season, based on information provided by the Library Theatre and the acts’ websites:

JASON BISHOP

► When: Oct. 23-24, 7 p.m.

► Details: Magician/illusionist Jason Bishop will be performing a fast-paced evening of magic, including comedy, audience participation, sleight of hand tricks, grand illusions and dexterous close-up magic projected onto a large screen. Bishop has stared in two of his own shows on Broadway and has been featured on NBC’s “Today” show, CW’s “Masters of Illusion” and CBS’ “Sunday Morning.” His performances have led him to more than 40 countries on six continents.

NEW DIRECTIONS VETERANS CHOIR

► When: Nov. 20-21, 7 p.m.

► Details: This choir consists of current and former residents of the New Directions

transitional facility, which serves U.S. military veterans who became homeless after their military service. The a capella group sings renditions of pop, doo-wop, soul, gospel and “Great American songbook” standards. The choir landed its big break on NBC’s “America’s Got Talent” and has since performed on “The Tonight Show” and for members of Congress. The choir was founded by George Hill, a former homeless Marine, and also includes vocalist Michelle Graves, a nurse who has cared for this community of veterans for years.

CHRISTMAS IN KILLARNEY

► When: Dec. 9-10, 7 p.m.

► Details: This holiday show was created in 2009 by the 2009 world champion of Irish dance, Scott Doherty, and worldwide touring Irish musician Chris Smith. It combines traditional Irish dancing with classic Christmas tunes. The show is set in the old village of Killarney, Ireland in the late 1920s and showcases what it means to celebrate some of the most iconic holiday traditions the Irish way.

GREAT EXPECTATIONS

► When: Jan. 27-28, 2026, 7 p.m.

► Details: This is part of the national tour of The Acting Company’s adaptation of Charles Dickens’ classic book, “Great Expectations.” This adaptation by Nikki Massoud, directed by Devin Brain, follows the journey of Pip, the narrator and protagonist of the novel, from his time as a working-class orphan to a life of privilege and power. The story includes tales of escaped prisoners, wealthy and terrifying eccentrics, decaying mansions and a young heiress with ruthless intelligence. The story of reinvention includes both comedy and romance.

THE HEART BEHIND THE MUSIC, FEATURING MARTY RAYBON, LINDA DAVIS & MITCH ROSSELL

► When: Feb. 25-26, 7 p.m.

► Details: Raybon was the founding lead singer of the country music band Shenandoah from Muscle Shoals. The band was known for No. 1 hits such as “Two Dozen Roses,” “Church on Cumberland Road” and “Next to You, Next to Me” and the Grammy-winning “Somewhere in the Vicinity of the Heart” duet with Alison Kraus. The band split up in 1997 after Raybon left, but it was reformed in 2000, and Raybon returned to the band in 2014. Davis, a member of the Texas Country Music Hall of Fame and mother of Lady A frontwoman Hillary Scott, has three Grammys and is best known for her duet “Does He Love You?” with Reba McEntire. She, her husband and two daughters also put out the two-time Grammy-winning album “Hillary Scott & The Scott Family — Love Remains,” which topped the Billboard top Christian albums chart and debuted at No. 2 on the Billboard top country albums chart. Rossell, a prolific songwriter, caught the attention of Garth Brooks and wrote four songs for Brooks and opened for the star with an acoustic guitar on Brooks’ 2022 stadium tour. Brooks also introduced Rossell when Rossell debuted at the Grand Ole Opry.

JOHN SCOFIELD TRIO, FEATURING VICENTE ARCHER AND BILL STEWART

► When: March 25-26, 7 p.m.

► Details: Scofield, a three-time

Grammy-winning jazz artist, has recorded nearly 50 albums and toured with Miles Davis. His latest release, “Uncle John’s Band,” features Scofield on guitar, Vicente Archer on bass and Bill Stewart on drums. Scofield is considered a master composer and jazz improviser whose music generally falls somewhere between post-bop, funk-edged jazz and R&B.

THE PEKING ACROBATS

► When: April 15-16, 7 p.m.

► Details: This show is rooted in time-honored and ancient history and accompanied by live musicians playing traditional Chinese instruments. Each generation of acrobats adds its own improvements and embellishments to the show, which includes balancing, trick cycling, precision tumbling, juggling and somersaulting while integrating 21st century technology. The Peking Acrobats have been featured on numerous television shows and TV specials, including HDNet TV’s “In Focus” series and NBC/Comcast’s new 3D Channel.

KEN BLOCK AND DREW COPELAND OF SISTER HAZEL

► When: May 7-8, 7 p.m.

► Details: Block and Copeland, two of the five members of Sister Hazel, plan to take the audience on a journey through recognizable Sister Hazel favorites such as “All For You,” “Change Your Mind,” “Happy,” and “Champagne High,” plus a few B side deep cuts, some new material, storytelling and laughs. The performance is designed to be reminiscent of their earlier performance days as an acoustic duo from Gainesville, Florida. Sister Hazel became firmly established in rock and alternative music after their song “All for You” topped the adult alternative charts during the summer of 1997 and propelled their album to platinum status. More recently, the band, which has more than a million social media followers, has had four back-to-back Billboard top country albums and landed on stage at the Grand Ole Opry.

EVENTS

Save the Date

9/11 MEMORIAL STAIR CLIMB

► Where: Riverchase Galleria, 3000 Galleria Circle

► When: Saturday, Sept. 6; ceremony begins at 9 a.m.

► Cost: $30 for stair climb registration; ceremony is free to attend

► Website: eventbrite.com/e/911-memorial-stair-climb-hoover-tickets

Details: The City of Hoover will host a remembrance ceremony and stair climb to mark the 24th anniversary of 9/11. The ceremony begins at 9 a.m. in the Galleria Food Court, followed by a 110-story “Climb to Remember” in the Galleria Towers. Proceeds benefit the Hoover Public Safety Charity Foundation. T-shirts are included with registration and available for purchase on-site.

HEAD OVER TEAL 5K & 10K

► Where: The Preserve, 616 Preserve Parkway

► When: Saturday, Sept. 20; races begin at 8 a.m.

► Cost: $30-$40 depending on race and signup date; free for GYN cancer survivors

► Website: thinkoflaura.org/headoverteal or runsignup.com/Race/AL/ Hoover/HeadOverTeal

► Details: The 16th annual Head Over Teal 5K & 10K returns during GYN Cancer Awareness Month, hosted by the Laura Crandall Brown Foundation. Runners can choose from 5K, 10K, team or sleep-in options. Proceeds support early detection research, education and support services for GYN cancer patients and their families. Shuttle service begins at 6:30 a.m. from Prince of Peace Catholic Church. The event includes post-race fall-themed activities, food and family fun. Leashed pets and strollers are welcome.

BARGAINS ON THE BLUFF FALL CONSIGNMENT SALE

► Where: Bluff Park United Methodist Church, 733 Valley Street

► When: Sept. 11-13; Thursday preview, Friday 9 a.m.-6 p.m., Saturday 9 a.m.-2 p.m.

► Cost: Free to attend

► Website: bargainsonthebluff.com

Details: Bluff Park United Methodist Church hosts its seasonal consignment sale featuring gently used women’s and children’s clothing, shoes, toys, baby gear and more. The gym is filled wall-to-wall with items from local consignors, including play equipment and furniture. The sale also features non-maternity women’s apparel, offering something for moms shopping for themselves and their children. Proceeds benefit the church’s preschool and children’s ministry programs.

VINTAGE MARKET DAYS

► Where: Finley Center, 5508 Stadium Trace Parkway

► When: Sept. 25-27; Thursday 3-8 p.m., Friday-Saturday 9 a.m.-4 p.m.

► Cost: Ticket required for entry; children under 12 free

► Website: vintagemarketdays.com/ market/birmingham

► Details: Vintage Market Days returns to the Finley Center with a three-day indoor and outdoor shopping experience featuring original art, antiques, handmade goods, home décor, clothing, jewelry, seasonal plants and more. The event kicks off with an early buying event Thursday evening, followed by two full days of general admission shopping. Tickets are valid for the entire weekend and may be purchased at the gate with cash or credit.

► 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.

CELEBRATE THE FAMILY EXPO 2025

► Where: Finley Center, Hoover Met Complex, 100 Ben Chapman Drive

► When: Saturday, Sept. 13, 10 a.m.-2 p.m.

► Cost: Free

► Website: birminghamchristian.com/ expo2025

► Details: Birmingham Christian Family magazine invites the community to its 6th annual Celebrate the Family Expo — a free, family-friendly event celebrating 25 years of publishing. Enjoy activities including face painting, giveaways, Birthday Bingo, live music by Kevin Derryberry, and adoptable pets from Two by Two Rescue. The ALFA Farmers Celebrity Chef Stage will feature cooking demos every 30 minutes. Early arrivals will receive swag bags from event sponsors, and food will be available from Lil Bougie Foodie and Southern Coffee and Waffles food trucks. Free document shredding and donation drop-off for Vapor Ministries will also be offered.

STARDOME COMEDY CLUB

Sept. 4: Gary Owen (ages 18 and older), 7:30 p.m.

Sept. 5: Gary Owen (ages 18 and older), 7 and 9:45 p.m.

TOGETHER IN TEAL BUTTERFLY RELEASE

► Where: Aldridge Gardens, 3530 Lorna Road

► When: Saturday, Sept. 14, 2:30-4:30 p.m.

► Cost: Free to attend; butterfly purchases optional

► Website: cureovariancancer.org Details: Hosted by the Norma Livingston Ovarian Cancer Foundation, this annual event raises awareness about the silent symptoms of ovarian cancer while honoring survivors and remembering those lost. The program includes live music, educational displays, guest speakers, merchandise vendors and a ceremonial release of 400-600 butterflies. The event is open to the public and welcomes all who wish to support the cause.

Sept. 6: Gary Owen (ages 18 and older), 6:30 and 9:15 p.m.

Sept. 7: Carolanne Miljavac (ages 18 and older), 6:30 p.m.

Sept. 17: Zoltan Kaszas (ages 18 and older), 7:30 p.m.

Sept. 26: Brad Upton (ages 18 and older), 7 p.m.

Sept. 27: Brad Upton (ages 18 and older), 6:30 and 9:15 p.m.

GOVERNMENT MEETINGS

Sept. 1: Hoover Planning and Zoning Commission, 5:30 p.m., Hoover City Hall

Sept. 4: Hoover City Council work session, 5:30 p.m., Hoover City Hall

Sept. 8: Hoover City Council action meeting, 6 p.m., Hoover City Hall

Sept. 9: Hoover Parks and Recreation Board, 5:30 p.m., Hoover Recreation Center

Sept. 9: Hoover Board of Education, 4:30 p.m., Farr Administration Building

Sept. 10: Hoover Arts Council, 5 p.m., Hoover City Hall

Sept. 16: Hoover Library Board, 5 p.m., Hoover Public Library

Sept. 18: Hoover City Council work session, 5:30 p.m., Hoover City Hall

Sept. 22: Hoover City Council action meeting, 6 p.m., Hoover City Hall

By MALIA RIGGS

Shelby County’s favorite night of food and fellowship returns Thursday, Sept. 11 with the annual Taste of Shelby County event, hosted by the Shelby County Schools Education Foundation. Held at the Inverness Country Club from 6 to 8 p.m., this event brings together restaurants, caterers, and community members for a delicious evening with a powerful purpose, supporting all 32 Shelby County schools.

Taste of Shelby County returns with flavor, fellowship and fundraising this September “ ”

For more than a decade, Taste of Shelby County has drawn hundreds of attendees eager to sample dishes from top local eateries while giving back to classrooms across the district.

“Schools are such a vital part of any community,” Shelby County Education Foundation executive director Bethany Ivey said. “It’s a place where our future leaders are nurtured, shaped and encouraged to grow and become their best selves. In Shelby County, we hope to build relationships with parents, stakeholders and friends, and the Foundation helps to connect our partners in education with opportunities to serve our schools.”

This year, guests can expect an impressive lineup of more than 20 vendors offering tastings of their signature menu items, along with an exciting online auction featuring items from community partners and businesses.

I have been coming to this event for over 10 years ... It’s a fantastic evening of food, fun, fellowship and fundraising.

BETHANY IVEY

for these programs. This year, organizers are hoping to top that amount and reach the $45,000 mark, Ivey stated.

These grants, which can be up to $1,000, are awarded throughout the Shelby County School District, where all Shelby County Schools employees are eligible to apply, Ivey confirmed. The grants empower teachers to dream big and bring innovative learning opportunities to life in their classrooms, ultimately enriching

The funds raised during the event go directly toward the Shelby County Schools Education Foundation and its mission to enhance educational opportunities across the district. One of the cornerstone initiatives supported by the Foundation is the “Inspire the Journey” grant program.

the educational experience for students and boosting academic achievement.

Beyond grants, the Foundation supports a wide range of programs, including professional development for teachers, assistance for those pursuing National Board Certification, support for county-wide events like Scholars Bowl, Career and Technical Education, and the district’s annual Teacher of the Year celebration.

Last year, the event raised nearly $35,000

When people with extraordinary talent and passion are given the technology, the facilities, and the support, they achieve great things. The discoveries and innovations happening today will help shape the future of treatments and lead to cures. And it benefits not only the patients and families who come to Children’s of Alabama, but people across the country and around the world for years to come.

We are here in your neighborhood at

Pediatrics - Hoover. Call 205-987-4444 to schedule an appointment.

While the format of the event will remain largely the same as in years past, a testament to the event’s ongoing success, attendees can expect an evening full of familiar faces, great food and friendly competition in the auction. Additional vendors are still being confirmed, with several more expected to join the lineup ahead of the event, Ivey confirmed.

“I have been coming to this event for over 10 years. Before I was with the Foundation, I was a vendor, and it’s always been a favorite of mine. I love seeing the community engaging not only with each other but with the restaurant representatives there. It’s a fantastic evening of food, fun, fellowship and fundraising,” Ivey said. Tickets for Taste of Shelby County are available online at tasteofshelbycounty.com.

ANNEXATION

CONTINUED from page A1

… It was really a win-win-win — a win for the gun club, a win for Signature and a win for the city.”

School system leaders told city officials that schools in that area have capacity for any students that would be generated from Collier Valley, and the city has shown its ability to change and adapt city services as the city grows, Lyda said.

Additionally, city leaders for years have been trying to find an alternative route for traffic to get from the back side of Trace Crossings and Blackridge other than Stadium Trace Parkway, and this plan provides that route, Lyda said.

“The fact that Signature Homes is willing to construct that and give both the county and the city residents access to it is a huge win for the city and our residents and those who travel through the city,” he said.

Signature bought the 102 acres that housed the gun club in October 2023 for $6.5 million, Signature CEO Jonathan Belcher said.

Signature is agreeing to build most of the western bypass road that eventually will stretch from Morgan Road, also known as Shelby County 52, to South Shades Crest Road near Brock’s Gap Parkway. The bypass road would hook into the new Interstate 459 Exit 9 that is in advanced planning stages, providing another way for traffic to get from Morgan Road to I-459 other than South Shades Crest Road and Morgan Road.

Signature Homes also has agreed to build a stub road that connects to Blackridge Parkway, providing another way for people who live in Blackridge and Lake Wilborn to get to I-459 other than Stadium Trace Parkway.

The total cost of this portion of the bypass road and connector road is expected to cost

Collier Valley

► Developer: Signature Homes

► Land annexed: 169 acres

► Land pulled from Blackridge: 162 acres

► Total acres: 331

► Number of homes: 331

► Commercial property: 150,000 sq. ft.

► New western bypass road: northern sector is 2 miles, plus 1/3-mile connector to Stadium Trace Parkway “

more than $20 million, and Signature Homes is seeking a mine reclamation grant through the Alabama Department of Labor to help pay for it, Belcher said.

Signature already has received “level one” approval from the state for the grant, but not final approval, he said. If Signature cannot get that grant, the company won’t be able to build the bypass road by itself and will return to the city of Hoover for assistance in paying for it, he said. But he remains hopeful, he said.

Belcher said he was told by the state in January it normally takes nine to 18 months to get through the second phase of approval, so he hopes to get an answer sometime between October 2025 and July 2026.

As soon as he gets approval for the mine reclamation grant, he will be ready to begin building the bypass and connector road, he said. The road will have two lanes, but there will be enough right of way reserved to expand to four lanes if ever deemed necessary, Belcher said.

The section of the bypass road that

The fact that Signature Homes is willing to construct that and give both the county and the city residents access to it is a huge win for the city and our residents and those who travel through the city.

JOHN LYDA

Signature so far has agreed to build will end just north of the railroad tracks that separate Blackridge from the “South Blackridge” property, said Ken Grimes, Hoover's city administrator. A condition in the annexation agreement approved by the City Council is that Signature will not be required to build another bridge over railroad tracks. The company already has built two railroad crossings for Blackridge.

The 331 homes planned for Collier Valley are expected to include a mixture of single-family detached homes, townhomes and up to 40 multi-family units in a mixeduse area, but it could be two years before Signature Homes is ready to come forward with a zoning plan for consideration by the Hoover Planning and Zoning Commission, Belcher said.

Signature Homes would contribute a $3,000 “special school fee” to the city for each home, according to the agreement.

The commercial space (up to 150,000 square feet) is expected to include “planned office,” “planned commercial” and mixeduse zoning, much like is in Knox Square and will be in Everlee, Belcher said.

When city officials in late 2020 unveiled plans for the western bypass road, it included plans for an “innovation employment center” for science, technology, engineering and math-related companies along the road. Belcher said his plan still fits within that concept as far as the commercial part of Collier Valley is concerned.

Signature Homes’ plan also would take the existing emergency road, formerly known as the Brock’s Gap gun club road, and turn it into a paved pedestrian and bike trail, Belcher said.

The new bypass road also would cross the historic “Brock’s Gap cut” railbed, considered by history buffs to be a treasure worth saving, but Belcher said the plan is to make the bypass road cross the cut at a point that minimizes the impact and saves the vast majority of the cut.

If Signature Homes within three years does not get a zoning plan approved similar in nature to the design concept currently proposed, the annexation of the 169 acres would be declared null and void.

Also, after the 162 acres is removed from Blackridge and added to Collier Valley, there still will be 1,400 total acres in Blackridge, and the number of homes approved for Blackridge would remain at 854, Belcher said.

The annexation of the 169 acres was approved in a 6-0 vote of the Hoover City Council. Approving it were council members Lyda, Curt Posey, Sam Swiney, Casey Middlebrooks, Derrick Murphy and Khristi Driver.

Councilman Steve McClinton was the only councilman not in attendance.

Jefferson County hosts free Household Hazardous Waste Drop-Off

Many people do not know how to safely dispose of household hazardous waste (HHW) — including paint, automotive products, and household or outdoor chemicals — leading to serious safety and environmental issues.

“HHW should never be emptied into sinks or drains, flushed down toilets, poured onto the ground, discarded in storm drains, or placed in regular trash for pickup,” said Hana Berres, Stormwater Education Training Manager for the Jefferson County Roads and Transportation Department.

That’s why Jefferson County is sponsoring a free, public Household Hazardous Waste Drop-Off Day on Oct. 18, from 8-11:30 a.m., at two locations:

• Camp Bessemer: 3295 King Street

• Camp Ketona: 121 County Shop Road

There is no fee to attend, but participants must be

WHY HHW SHOULD NOT GO IN THE TRASH

Improperly disposing of HHW in household garbage sends it to residential landfills not designed to handle hazardous materials — unlike specialized hazardous waste facilities.

“Residential landfills aren’t equipped to manage items like cleaning chemicals, oil-based paints, batteries, fire extinguishers, or mercury-containing items such as thermometers and old thermostats,” Berres said.

She added that HHW in residential landfills poses a risk to waste workers and can leach harmful chemicals into the environment.

When chemicals are tossed into trash cans, they may be compressed together by trash compactors, producing dangerous vapors.

“For example, mixing bleach and ammonia from

ACCEPTED HHW ITEMS INCLUDE (BUT ARE NOT LIMITED TO):

• Automotive products: such as oil, gas, tires with no rims, batteries, cleaners, degreasers and filters.

• Household products: including aerosols, chemicals, cleaners, batteries, and light bulbs and tubes

• Outdoor products: including insecticides, pool chemicals, yard chemicals, and septic tank additives.

• Paint products: such as paints, resins, sealants, stains, solvents, adhesives, thinners, turpentine, varnishes, and wallpaper cement.

• Miscellaneous items: including fire extinguishers, smoke alarms, mercury, and household cooking oil and grease.

THE COUNTY WILL ALSO ACCEPT SPECIAL RECYCLABLES, INCLUDING:

• No. 1 and 2 plastic bottles

• Aluminum cans

• Glass bottles (any color)

WANT MORE INFORMATION? See a full list of accepted items and event details online or in the app.

MORGAN CONTINUED from page A1

Backstage, Myles Morgan moved from wellwisher to well-wisher, taking time with every handshake, every hug. He was calm. Focused. His first hometown headlining show — one of the biggest moments of his life, and it didn’t show on his face.

He glanced out at the room, then back at his dad, Steve.

“I’m headlining my own show now at the same place where it all got started,” he said.

Just a year earlier, he’d stood on this same floor as a fan, holding a cardboard sign in the crowd, hoping to get noticed by singer Larry Fleet. That night set everything in motion. Now Myles’ name was on the ticket.

What nobody knew then was how ready he was for this moment. What nobody saw was everything it took to get here — the late nights, the packed barstool gigs, the songs that came out of nowhere.

This wasn’t a miracle. This was a grind.

BORN FOR THE SPOTLIGHT

In Hoover and along the U.S. 280 corridor, everyone knew Myles Morgan as a baseball kid. Only child, Spain Park standout, smooth swing, a glove at every position. He grew up on the ballfields, playing T-ball at 4, competitive travel ball by 7, and all the way through high school.

But his father Steve remembered something else. Something most people had forgotten.

“When he had just turned 4 years old,” Steve said, “he was in preschool at Pioneer Playschool, and they had a little recital thing. And he … he performed. He did two songs. One of them was ‘When I’m 64,’ the Beatles song. He dressed up as a 64-year-old man. He was 4, walking slow, limping, playing the part, eating it up. You could tell: this kid loved the spotlight.”

There’s even video of it now — little Myles in suspenders and a cap, cane in hand, shuffling to the mic and belting the Beatles tune as the room laughed and cheered.

But after that? He left the spotlight alone for years. Music wasn’t even on the radar.

“Nobody in Hoover ever saw this coming,” Steve said. “To everybody there, he was just Myles the baseball player. That’s all anybody knew him as.”

GUITAR IN THE CORNER

It started late in his junior year.

Steve, on a whim, bought himself a guitar. Just to mess around with it.

“It sat in the corner for weeks,” Steve said. “Then one day Myles picked it up. Fumbled with it. Put it down. Next day he asked me to drive him to buy his own.”

From then on, he was hooked.

By the time that year ended, the Morgans moved to Orange Beach for his senior year. He still played baseball, and he was even homecoming king, and of course graduated like everyone expected. But that summer, Steve told him he needed to get a summer job before heading off to college at the University of Alabama. Myles just shrugged and said he’d play in restaurants.

That was May 2023.

Myles walked into Ginny Lane Bar & Grill at The Wharf on a Wednesday afternoon and asked if they’d let him play. The owner said they’d had a cancellation and told him he could go on Friday night.

Myles got in the car and called his dad.

“He said, ‘Dad, good news is they’re letting me play Friday night. Bad news is I don’t know three hours of music,’” Steve said, laughing.

Myles stayed up two straight nights learning songs — mostly Riley Green and Morgan Wallen, his favorites.

When Friday came, a storm rolled in and delayed the Whiskey Myers concert across the street. Hundreds of fans ducked into the steakhouse to stay dry.

That night the place was packed to its 350person capacity. Myles sat on a barstool wearing a baseball cap and an Orange Beach High shirt, guitar in his lap, and just started playing.

It was then that Steve knew his son might be onto something more than just a hobby and a side gig.

“When he’s able to sit down wherever it

is … and people are engaged and people are mesmerized and people are attracted to it and want more of it — that’s a gift,” he said. “And I knew that… he had something special. And I knew that he was probably going to go further than just, you know, ‘I’m a guy with a guitar in a restaurant.’”

THE CARDBOARD SIGN

By early 2024, Myles was grinding every weekend, playing gigs in Tuscaloosa and at the beach, but still just another young guy with a guitar. Then came the night he bought a ticket to see Larry Fleet at Iron City.

He stood in the crowd holding a cardboard sign that read: “Can I play ‘Where I Find God’ with you?”

Fleet noticed. After the show, Fleet’s photographer brought him backstage. That connection led to introductions in Nashville.

By May, Myles was cutting his first single, “Nobody’s Fault But Yours,” with Morgan Wallen’s guitarist Dominic Frost playing on the track.

That song now has more than 1 million streams on Spotify, and Myles’ singles are starting to stack up. He recently signed a management deal with WME, the famed talent agency based in Nashville. His next single, “Thought You Were Leaving,” was to drop in August, and

a full extended project is expected to be completed before the end of the year.

HOW THE SONGS CAME

Myles has a little section of his Notes app filled with ideas. Lines, phrases, images. A lyric that comes to him at a stoplight. A title that pops in his head at 2 a.m.

“You have to put yourself in a songwriting state all the time,” he said. “You’re driving or walking somewhere and you see something, and you think, oh — that’s a song right there. That’s going to be my next song, I just have to figure it out.”

That’s how “Is This Seat Taken” came to him — a memory of how he met his girlfriend at an Alabama game. And “Nobody’s Fault But Yours” — his first song, written before he even thought it was good enough to record.

“I took it to my producers and said, be honest,” he said. “And they said, dude… this isn’t bad. That’s when I thought, OK. Maybe I can really do this.”

He doesn’t force it, though.

“You can get stuck in a rut if you sit down and say, ‘let’s write a song’ and you don’t know what you’re writing about,” he said. “I wait for the light bulb to go off. And it usually does.”

One such moment came in a way that so many young men can relate to – football brought them together.

“When I went to Alabama, I met my girlfriend … and that song … is quite literally how we met,” Myles said. “I went up to her in the stands at a football game, said ‘Hey, can I sit here?’ and we’ve been dating for a year and a half.”

That meeting became the inspiration for his third song, “Is This Seat Taken?” She was by his side at that fateful Larry Fleet concert.

And she’s now in the music video.

STILL CLIMBING

These days, his name appears on the same lineups as the guys he used to cover. He’s playing venues like the Flora-Bama, a launching pad for many country stars. At June’s Barefoot Country Music Festival, he was backstage with Jelly Roll, Jason Aldean and Jon Pardi.

This fall, he’ll open for Miranda Lambert and Muscadine Bloodline.

That night at Iron City, his father stood upstairs and watched his son work the stage.

“You know, anytime he’s performing and the fans enjoy it,” Steve said, “that’s just a super cool feeling.”

And then he thought back — to the baseball fields, to the preschool recital, to that kid on a barstool playing Riley Green covers two years earlier while rain poured outside.

From that to this.

And still

Brian R. Smith, a Certified Financial Planner and Hoover resident, is a donor who enjoys being in charge of how and when his giving is deployed. That’s why he established a Donor Advised Fund (DAF) at the Community Foundation of Greater Birmingham. “You can make grants from your DAF whenever you want to,” he said.

The Community Foundation, founded in 1959, pools financial contributions from individuals, families and businesses to support nonprofits and improve the quality of life in Blount, Jefferson, St. Clair, Shelby and Walker counties. Some of its donors set up their own DAFs, allowing them to target their contributions to specific causes they care about while drawing on the expertise and local knowledge of Community Foundation staff.

Smith likes the way the DAFs are structured. When you make a contribution to your fund, you receive an immediate tax deduction. “Then you can use the Community Foundation’s online portal to watch how the funds are doing and to submit your grant requests, and in the meantime the money is sitting there growing,” Smith said. The portal is “very efficient” and offers “a nice platform to manage your charitable contributions,” he said.

In deciding how to allocate the money in their DAFs, donors can rely on the Community Foundation staff. “As a financial advisor, I have several outlets available where I could do a DAF, but the Community Foundation is active in our community and knows what the needs are,” said Smith, who noted that the staff is “very easy to work with.” Donors interested in particular causes — such as fighting trafficking,

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Offering local families flexible, impactful giving through Donor Advised Funds

Brian R. Smith likes the way Donor Advised Funds are structured.

“... you can use the Community Foundation’s online portal to watch how the funds are doing and to submit your grant requests, and in the meantime the money is sitting there growing.”

addressing food scarcity, or supporting the arts — can ask the Community Foundation to recommend organizations that are working on those issues, Smith said. “Then they’ll arrange for site visits and interviews.”

Donors can use their DAFs to offer grants to nonprofits anywhere in the country, not just in Alabama. “The DAF gives you the flexibility to make a contribution to any non-profit,” Smith said.

Smith’s DAF is called the Smith Family Legacy Fund. “I’ve got my children as advisors on the fund, and they can make contributions to it,” he said. “It’s a good way for families to open up a fund they can use for their family giving.”

The causes Smith and his family support include ROAR (Radiation Oncology Accelerated Research) Foundation at UAB; Ady’s Big Army, which helps people with disabilities; Hope Haven Kids, which helps children in need; and Vapor Ministries in Sylacauga.

“It feels good to be able to give back and use your success as a way to help the community,” Smith said. “DAFs are easy to set up,” Smith said. “It’s just a couple of pieces of paperwork.” The minimum amount to start a DAF is only $15,000. The Community Foundation handles all of the paperwork and administration. DAFs also allow contributors to remain anonymous.

• To learn more about starting a Donor Advised Fund (DAF), contact Liz Edwards at 205-327-3808 or ledwards@cfbham.org.

• For more about the Community Foundation of Greater Birmingham, call 205-327-3800 or go to cfbham.org.

OrthoAlabama Spine & Sports: Getting you back in action with expert care

For over three decades, OrthoAlabama Spine & Sports has been a trusted provider of orthopedic care for communities throughout Birmingham, Hoover, Pell City, Vestavia Hills and beyond. This leading practice offers a full spectrum of services addressing conditions of the elbow; foot and ankle; hip; knee; shoulder; spine; and hand and wrist. While their services have grown and evolved over the decades, the practice has remained committed to the health and well-being of every patient who walks through its doors.

With a long-standing commitment to patient care, OrthoAlabama Spine & Sports provides expert spine treatment led by board-certified, fellowship-trained surgeons Dr. Gregory Gullung and Dr. Lauren Savage. They know the spine is the body’s foundation, and when it’s compromised, it can greatly limit work, exercise and daily activities.

Symptoms like radiating leg pain, neck stiffness, numbness, swelling or sleep disturbances may signal conditions such as degenerative disc disease, herniated discs or pinched nerves, often caused by trauma, repetitive motion or wear over time. At OrthoAlabama Spine & Sports, patients receive thorough evaluations and personalized plans focused on relief, prevention and long-term wellness.

Dr. Gullung specializes in minimally invasive spine treatments and is known for his patientfirst approach, focusing on treatment methods that are both efficient and aligned with each patient’s personal goals. His expertise includes many advanced procedures, including cervical artificial disc replacement, anterior cervical decompression, lumbar disc replacement, microdiscectomy, endoscopic spinal decompression/discectomy, laminectomy and both anterior and lateral lumbar interbody fusion. He also offers minimally invasive transforaminal lumbar interbody fusion, helping reduce recovery time and preserve function. Dr. Gullung is deeply

ORTHOALABAMA SPINE & SPORTS

CONTACT:

► 205-228-7600

► orthoalabama.com

LOCATIONS:

► BIRMINGHAM: 1801 Gadsden Highway

► HOOVER: 118 Mars Hill Road

► PELL CITY: 41 Eminence Way, Suite A

► VESTAVIA HILLS: 1021 Montgomery Highway, Suite 203

committed to helping patients understand every aspect of their treatment journey, from risks to treatment expectations.

Dr. Savage also specializes in minimally invasive procedures and takes a compassionate, patient-focused approach to care. With advanced expertise in surgical and nonsurgical spine treatment, Dr. Savage treats conditions across the cervical, thoracic and lumbar spine. His procedural offerings include anterior cervical discectomy and fusion, lumbar microdiscectomy, kyphoplasty for spinal fractures, endoscopic spine surgery, minimally invasive spine fusions and sacroiliac joint and intradiscal injections. He also performs targeted nerve blocks to relieve pain and improve function in affected areas. With every patient, Dr. Savage focuses on restoring movement and quality of life through safe, effective and modern care.

Just as essential to daily living as your spine, the hands and wrists are complex anatomical systems critical to your daily functions, whether you're working, preparing meals, typing or pursuing hobbies. Even minor conditions can lead to significant discomfort and functional limitations. Pain while rotating the wrist, finger

stiffness, tingling, numbness or difficulty gripping objects are all signs that something deeper may be wrong. Early intervention can help prevent complications and speed up recovery.

At OrthoAlabama Spine & Sports, fellowshiptrained orthopedic hand and wrist surgeon Dr. Joseph Ingram provides specialized care for the hand and wrist. With deep expertise in both traumatic and chronic conditions affecting the upper extremity, Dr. Ingram takes a personalized, results-driven approach to treatment. He addresses a wide range of issues, including arthritis, fractures, ligament and tendon injuries, nerve compression (such as carpal tunnel syndrome), Dupuytren’s contracture, ganglion cysts and de Quervain’s tenosynovitis. His surgical expertise spans digital nerve repair, joint replacement, surgical interventions for peripheral nerve conditions and complex reconstructive procedures for the hand, wrist and elbow.

Whether you’re dealing with a sudden sports injury, chronic pain or a condition that has developed over time, Dr. Gullung, Dr. Savage and Dr. Ingram are committed to restoring your comfort, mobility and quality of life. From advanced spine procedures to specialized hand, wrist and upper extremity care, each doctor tailors treatment plans to fit every patient’s unique needs, goals and lifestyle. Combining the latest orthopedic techniques with a focus on long-term wellness, they ensure patients receive comprehensive and compassionate care from diagnosis all the way through recovery.

At OrthoAlabama Spine & Sports, the mission remains clear: to provide expert, dedicated orthopedic care that gets patients back to the lives they love. If you're living with pain related to the spine, hand or wrist or simply want answers from a trusted expert, now is the time to take the next step. To learn more or schedule your appointment, visit orthoalabama.com or call 205-228-7600.

FOCUSED ON YOU

Here for you in Birmingham, Hoover, Pell City, Vestavia Hills, and the surrounding communities, we are committed to providing excellence in patient-centered bone, joint, and muscle care.

TherapySouth: a company based on faith

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

RYAN RICHARDSON, PT, DPT CLINIC DIRECTOR – HOOVER

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.

RYAN KAILEY, PT, DPT

CLINIC DIRECTOR – HOOVER –HWY 31/I65

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

CHRIS ALLISON, PT, DPT

CLINIC DIRECTOR - RIVERCHASE

THERAPYSOUTH ► therapysouth.com

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.

LOCATIONS

HOOVER: ► 1280 Columbiana Road ► 205-968-1283

HOOVER – HWY 31/I-65: ► 2610 19th St. S. ► 205-558-6400

RIVERCHASE/VALLEYDALE: ► 2610 19th St. S. ► 205-558-6400

Confused about Medicare? Local expert

Eric Smith helps you navigate with confidence

Navigating Medicare can feel overwhelming, but it doesn’t have to be. Eric Smith, a licensed insurance broker and owner of Medicare Advisors of Alabama, shares practical insights and reassuring advice for anyone trying to make sense of their Medicare options. With a no-pressure approach and a focus on education over sales, the Medicare Advisors of Alabama team helps clients understand their choices and make confident decisions about their coverage.

Q: Why does Medicare feel so confusing?

A: For most of our lives, health insurance is provided by our employer, and we’re rarely involved in the decision-making process. Then suddenly, we reach the “magical” age of 65 and are told to make a major decision — or face penalties. The lack of experience, pressure to choose the right option, and the overwhelming number of choices can create a tremendous amount of stress.

Q: How can Medicare Advisors of Alabama help?

A: We’re a group of local insurance brokers licensed to represent most of the available plans in Alabama. But before we start talking about insurance options, we begin by helping you understand the basics of Medicare. We take time to listen and get to know you and your unique situation. Then we provide the information you need to make an informed, pressure-free decision.

Q: Why does someone need a broker/ adviser?

A: With so many advertisements and plans available, it’s almost impossible to sort everything out on your own. A good broker will help you understand the pros and cons of each insurance product and work to find the best

ADVISORS OF ALABAMA ► 2116 Columbiana Road ► 205-704-9020 ► medicareadvice.org

solution for your needs.

Q: What is AEP?

A: AEP, or the Annual Enrollment Period, runs from Oct. 15 through Dec. 7. If you’re already enrolled in Medicare, this is the time each year when you can make changes to your plan for the upcoming year.

Q: How do you get paid?

A: We receive commissions from insurance companies when we complete an enrollment. Almost every Medicare plan we represent pays the same commission, so there’s no financial incentive for us to recommend one plan over another. Our mission is to offer helpful advice — not to sell you a plan.

Q: What other insurance do you help with besides Medicare?

A: In addition to Medicare, we help with individual health insurance — commonly referred to as “Obamacare” or “Marketplace Insurance.” We also represent a variety of supplemental insurance products such as dental, vision, life, travel, cancer, and hospital indemnity plans.

Q: How does your service work?

A: It’s simple. Call our office at 205-704-9020 and tell us a little about your situation. We’ll recommend either a one-on-one in-person meeting, a phone call, a Zoom meeting, or one of our “Prepare for Medicare” classes.

It can be overwhelming to sift through ALL the Medicare plan options and decide which one to choose. Who can you trust to show you the options that are best for you? All the advertisers offer to give you advice, but they’re just trying to sell

LifeCare for Seniors joins Medicare GUIDE Model to enhance dementia care

LifeCare for Seniors has been chosen by the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) to participate in the innovative Guiding an Improved Dementia Experience (GUIDE) Model, a new Medicare benefit that improves care and support for people with dementia and their caregivers. The initiative is part of efforts by CMS to allow more of these patients to remain in their homes.

The GUIDE Model, which launched July 1, is a transformative approach to payment for dementia-related services. This includes comprehensive assessments and care plans, care coordination, 24/7 access to a care-team member or help line and respite services for caregivers. People with dementia and their caregivers will have a care manager to help them access such services as meals and transportation.

“We’re thrilled to be part of the new GUIDE program,” said Christy Baynes, founder and CEO. “Our goal is to expand our services, improve care coordination and provide essential support to Alabamians living with dementia and their families.”

LifeCare for Seniors has helped Alabamians navigate complex health needs with personalized, hands-on care since 2012 and is excited to extend that high-quality care to people with dementia and their caregivers at no

LifeCare for Seniors

► 205-848-8400

► lifecareforseniors.com/guide

charge through the GUIDE Model.

New team members have joined LifeCare for Seniors recently to help implement this innovative program, including Medical Director Dr. Andrew Duxbury and Chief Clinical Officer Chaeli Lawson.

LifeCare for Seniors will offer extensive training and support for caregivers to help them manage the challenges of dementia care. The company is also building partnerships with various organizations to deliver respite care and resources.

For more information about the CMS GUIDE Model, call us at 205-848-8400 or go to lifecareforseniors.com/guide.

THE GUIDE MODEL

Keep young eyes healthy this school year

The back-to-school season is upon us. And that means it’s time to prioritize your children’s eye health. From fall sports to time spent in the classroom, UAB Callahan Eye is committed to ensuring young eyes are healthy and ready for the school year ahead. Children participating in sports and outdoor activities should protect their eyes to prevent injury. Wearing polarized sunglasses, sport goggles or wide-brimmed hats are good ways to shield eyes from the sun’s harmful rays. Taking protective measures during learning hours is also important. When looking at digital screens, children should take frequent breaks to rest and prevent dry or tired eyes. While reducing screen time can be challenging, it is important to protect children’s eyes.

There’s also no better time to schedule an eye checkup than at the beginning of the school year. UAB Callahan Eye’s seven pediatric-focused clinicians are committed to providing

UAB

► 1720 University Blvd. ► 844-UAB-EYES ► uabcallahaneye.org

the best care for your children’s eyes. With multiple locations across central Alabama, it’s easy to get a check-up and then get back to life.

At UAB Callahan Eye, worldclass pediatric optometrists and ophthalmologists are ready to treat your entire family. And if emergencies arise, there’s care available at the nation’s only 24/7 freestanding eye emergency department. It’s no wonder Alabama parents have trusted their families with Callahan for the past 60 years.

Making an appointment today is so simple. Find a location near you and start protecting your child’s vision at uabcallahaneye.org.

Bucs continue to knock on door of state finals

By KYLE PARMLEY

The 2024 season ended in the state semifinals for the Hoover High School volleyball team. The Bucs had made it back to the Class 7A final four, only to fall to eventual state champion McGill-Toolen.

The Bucs have taken steps forward but still have a few more to go as a program. The state championship match is not far from reach. This year’s roster has a different look, but head coach Amanda Wood believes it can achieve great things.

“We graduated nine, so there are new people filling in new roles and learning to play together,” Wood said. “There have been days [in the summer] we look like a contender.”

Despite the turnover, Wood isn’t lowering her expectations.

“It’s the same expectation every year,” she said. “I expect us to be competing at the end of October. At Hoover, every sport’s theme is to win a title. That’s always my goal. I haven’t gotten to do that with a team as a coach yet. We’ve been really close every year.”

Hoover returns some experience in key areas. One of the team’s setters, Addison Jenkins, is back, and two others are competing for the second setting spot. The Bucs also feature size and versatility across the front row, though most of their current hitters are adapting to new positions.

“All of my biggest hitters, the six that are in the lineup, they all have experience playing middle,” Wood said. “Aliyah Pooler is the most veteran outside, but she’s only played outside for a year and a half.”

The roster’s greatest strength is its versatility. Pooler is a veteran presence and will be

a force. Abby Tingle has moved to the outside. Sydnie Broom is set for a standout senior season in the middle, while fellow senior Eden Rainbolt is also in the middle but can play multiple spots. Freshman Kendall Wilkins,

THE MARKET LEADER!

along with Natalie Caine and Emory Congleton, add to that versatility.

Defensively, Hoover is working to replace Sydney Durban and Olivia Guenster, but talent is ready to step up.

I’m proud of the work ethic this summer. No quit in them.

AMANDA WOOD

“Cheyenne Conner and Maria Binder are waiting to step in and have their chance,” Wood said. “They’re getting better every single day.”

Conner and Binder are two of the six seniors on this year’s team, with Conner currently committed to play volleyball at Bevill State Community College. She’s the only senior currently committed to play in college, but Wood anticipates that number growing soon.

The Bucs’ schedule is as ambitious as ever. They’ll host the Juanita Boddie Tournament the opening weekend of the season, then head to Gainesville, Florida, for the Nike Tournament of Champions the following week. Trips to Missouri and Gulf Shores are also planned before postseason play begins.

Hoover competes in Class 7A, Area 6 with Thompson, Oak Mountain, Hillcrest-Tuscaloosa and Tuscaloosa County. The Bucs also have regular season matches slated against the likes of Homewood, Spain Park, Hewitt-Trussville, Bob Jones, McGill-Toolen and Auburn.

Wood is proud of what she’s seen so far.

“I’m proud of the work ethic this summer. No quit in them,” she said. “I’m really excited that it’s not necessarily a rebuilding year. We’re reloading.”

Jags eager for another shot in challenging area

By KYLE PARMLEY

Spain Park High School’s volleyball team is no longer in transition. After a full year under head coach Justin Kisor, the Jaguars enter 2025 with a stronger identity and clearer direction.

“The biggest difference this year is that the kids know what to expect,” Kisor said. “Last year, I stepped in and had to install how I want things done. Now they know what that looks like, and they’ve responded really well.”

The Jaguars bring back a strong core and have added depth across the board. The senior trio of Cailyn Kyes, Bea Wiggins and Ja’Niyah Mosley will be counted on to lead the way. Kyes and Wiggins recently played in the AHSAA North-South All-Star Game, while all three are team captains and future college players.

Wiggins will play at Sewanee, Kyes at Trevecca Nazarene and Mosley at Bevill State.

“Blessed to have all three of those seniors committed to play at the next level,” Kisor said. “They’ve worked their butts off to get to that point.”

Kyes returns as the team’s setter, providing leadership and stability. Wiggins will line up on the outside, while Mosley holds down the middle.

Freshman libero Camdyn Kyes returns after finishing her eighth-grade season strong.

“By the end of the year, she had turned the corner confidence-wise,” Kisor said. “The last four or five games, she was phenomenal. She’s kept that up in the summer and has been really good for us to have her back there.”

Madden Scott, who was the junior varsity libero last summer, is another key piece in

the back row.

“She’s getting confidence back there,” Kisor said. “The more reps she’s gotten, the more confident she’s become.”

Up front, Peyton Harrington steps into a bigger role as an outside hitter after gaining experience as a freshman. Chloe Shumate, a 6-foot sophomore middle blocker, is also expected to contribute.

“She moves well, she’s coachable and plays really hard,” Kisor said.

On the right side, Ayu Sudarsana has emerged as a strong option.

“The last two weeks, she’s been really, really good,” Kisor said. “She’s getting better every day.”

Mary Payton Dees, a transfer from Beauregard, adds more depth on defense.

“She’s such a smart volleyball player,” Kisor said. “She’s got a high IQ and does everything the right way.”

Spain Park competes in Class 6A, Area 8 alongside Chelsea, Pelham and Helena. Chelsea and Pelham were state final four teams a season ago, with Pelham reaching the state championship match. The Jaguars are hoping to make a run through the postseason after gaining valuable experience a season ago.

“We’re still building, but we’re close,” Kisor said. “The girls have put in a lot of work. They’ve bought in, and I’m proud of what they’ve done.”

The Jags will play in the Juanita Boddie Tournament the first weekend of the season, compete in a tournament in Chattanooga, host the HeffStrong Tournament and take part in the Shrimp Fest tournament in Gulf Shores. They will also face McGill-Toolen, Homewood, Bob Jones, Hewitt-Trussville, Hoover and Mountain Brook in regular season play.

Prepare For The Holidays

SPORTS

Bucs, Jags begin region play with high hopes

By KYLE PARMLEY

High school football hits its stride in September as region play begins for Hoover and Spain Park. Here’s a look at what the Bucs and Jags have ahead of them this month.

HOOVER

► Sept. 5 vs. Hillcrest-Tuscaloosa: Hoover opens Class 7A, Region 3 play at home against Hillcrest. The Bucs had no trouble with the Patriots last year, winning 35-6. Hillcrest is looking for a bounceback year after missing the playoffs for only the second time since 2006.

► Sept. 12 vs. Hewitt-Trussville: The Bucs remain home for a highly anticipated region

matchup with Hewitt-Trussville. The two teams went to the wire last fall, with Hoover scoring late to earn an 8-7 win over the Huskies. Hewitt-Trussville is expected to be one of the top teams in the region and the state this year.

► Sept. 19 at Prattville: Hoover hits the road to play at Prattville, a team under new head coach Bobby Carr, as the Lions aim to return to prominence in the state. The Bucs dominated the Lions last year, 40-6. Prattville has not made the playoffs since 2021.

► Sept. 26 at Parker: Hoover closes the month with a game that has no bearing on the standings, but will capture attention statewide as the Bucs take on the defending Class 6A state champions. Parker edged Hoover 14-10 last fall

and was the top-rated team in 6A in the preseason by the Alabama Sports Writers Association.

SPAIN PARK

► Sept. 5 – Open: Spain Park has an early open date, bridging the gap between two non-region contests and the start of the Class 6A, Region 3 schedule.

► Sept. 12 vs. Helena: Spain Park’s first region game is a home matchup against perennial contender Helena. Spain Park held on to beat Helena 28-26 last fall, before winning its final seven regular season games by double digits. Helena has been a playoff team in five of the last six years.

► Sept. 19 at Benjamin Russell: The Jags

head to Alexander City to take on a Benjamin Russell program under new leadership, as state champion coach Kirk Johnson takes the reins this year. Benjamin Russell has had success in recent years — making the playoffs the last three seasons — and boasts one of the nation’s top recruits, receiver Cederian Morgan.

► Sept. 26 vs. James Clemens: Spain Park wraps up the month by welcoming 7A foe James Clemens for a non-region contest. James Clemens is one of three 7A teams the Jags will take on during the regular season. Last fall, the Jags earned an impressive 34-24 road win. James Clemens has a new coach this year in former Hewitt-Trussville offensive coordinator Juan Johnson.

BACK WHEN

Jaguars roar to their first varsity football win in 2002

By TIM STEPHENS

On Aug. 30, 2002, a brand-new team with no seniors, a hall of fame coach and plenty of questions stepped onto the field for the first time — and made history. That night, the Spain Park Jaguars introduced themselves to Alabama high school football with a convincing 35-6 win over Gadsden in the program’s varsity debut.

The matchup carried extra meaning for Jaguars head coach Vince DiLorenzo, who returned to Gadsden — where he had won two state championships — to lead Spain Park in its inaugural game. After a scoreless first quarter, the Jaguars took control behind the steady play of freshman quarterback Neil Caudle and

a stingy defense that held Gadsden scoreless until late in the fourth.

Tyler Grisham put Spain Park on the board with a 12-yard touchdown run early in the second quarter. Caudle, just 14 years old in his first varsity start, added two touchdown passes before halftime, and the Jaguars never looked back. The defense, though bending for 234 total yards, denied Gadsden on the scoreboard for most of the game.

DiLorenzo called it “a great job” by his young team, noting how quickly the offense found its rhythm and the defense held firm. Spain Park would go on to finish 3-7 that season, but their opening night left no doubt — the Jaguars were here to compete.

COMMUNITY

A new crown and a joyful calling

Ali Mims begins her reign as Miss Hoover

By MALIA RIGGS

In the world of Alabama pageantry, the Miss Hoover crown has become a stepping stone to greatness on the Miss Alabama and Miss America stage. The last two titleholders each went on to claim the Miss Alabama crown, setting a powerful precedent for those who follow. Now, Ali Mims, a recent Chelsea High School graduate, steps into that legacy as the newly crowned Miss Hoover, embracing both the weight of expectation and the excitement of opportunity.

“This is something that I've wanted to do since I was two years old. My mom competed in Miss Alabama and growing up my sister and I would always go with her to Samford University and we would watch her compete. I think that's really what struck a passion within me and that's what lit the fire within me to want to compete and perform,” Mims said.

Mims is an incoming freshman at Samford University and the first woman within the Miss Alabama Teen Organization to receive a full ride scholarship, Mims confirmed. Mims previously held the title of Miss Alabama’s Teen 2024 and was first runner-up to Miss America’s Teen 2025.

The Miss Hoover crown has earned a reputation for producing standout titleholders, with Emma Terry and Abbi Stockard both going on to win Miss Alabama in back-to-back years and Stockard winning Miss America last year. Their success has elevated the local title into one of the most closely watched in the state.

“I believe Ali has all the qualities that would make her an amazing titleholder on every level of the Miss America Organization,” Miss

Hoover Organization director Julie Bentley said. “She proved that by placing first alt in the 2025 Miss America’s Teen competition. The beauty of her being Miss Hoover is that she gets to serve in that capacity for almost a whole year before she competes in Miss Alabama. So we get to enjoy her in Hoover for a full year’s reign.”

Mims has stepped into the role of Miss Hoover with a clear sense of purpose and a strong foundation shaped by her long-standing involvement with the Miss America

organization. Known for her incredible singing, kind heart and mission to expand her nonprofit, Joyful Noise, she brings a distinct energy and joy to the crown.

“It sounds so cliche, but I really believe that it was so God-given that my middle name is Joy because that's literally who I am. Every time I come in contact with someone, I want them to walk away feeling the overwhelming abundance of joy. I want them to walk away saying, wow, that girl genuinely is so fulfilled with what she's doing in this world, and that girl genuinely

“

” Every time I come in contact with someone, I want them to walk away feeling the overwhelming abundance of joy.

ALI MIMS

is filled with so much joy and purpose. And so that's always been my goal,” Mims said of her previous titleholder experiences.

Mims’ platform, Joyful Noise, has raised more than $160,000 through global sales of coloring books, ornaments and music boxes, bringing music and joy to classrooms around the world. Spreading joy where it matters most, in education.

It’s full steam ahead for Mims as she prepares for the Miss Alabama stage while beginning her first year of college, focusing on her singing talent, fitness and other areas of competition. Mims also plans to host her biggest Joyful Noise fundraiser yet in 2026, connecting with local organizations and sharing her message throughout the region.

With strong support from the Miss Hoover Organization and the local community, Mims is stepping forward with confidence and determination. She honors the legacy of those who came before her while bringing her own voice and vision to the crown.

As Mims embraces this new journey, she carries her message of joy, her dedication to service, and her dreams for the future, all while looking ahead to the Miss Alabama stage.

“Ali is a beautiful young lady and is extremely talented,” Bentley said. “She is so well rounded and truly has a heart for serving others through her Joyful Noise Foundation. She just does everything with intensity and love.”

Faces of Hoover

Youth football heats up

By TIM STEPHENS

In the late summer heat, Spain Park’s first- and second-grade Jaguars ran through plays without pads, their focus sharp as they prepared for the upcoming youth football season. Later that day, the boys and girls joined Spain Park’s community pep rally, sharing the spotlight with the state-ranked varsity Jaguars, the marching band and cheerleaders.

It’s all part of the excitement surrounding the Jefferson-Shelby Youth Football League (JSYFL), which includes teams from 12 area parks — Spain Park, Hoover, Oak Mountain, Chelsea, Cahaba Valley (Briarwood), Homewood, Helena, Gardendale, Pelham, Thompson, Trussville and Vestavia Hills. The league features football players and cheerleaders in divisions from first through sixth grade.

Operating under 2025 bylaws and governed by a Board of Directors with each park holding a vote, the JSYF season offers regular games, playoffs and a championship to crown grade-level winners in each division.

The league represents more than competition — it’s a community tradition that builds skills, friendships and school pride. Across the region, youth teams of all ages were putting in the work to be ready for a fall filled with touchdowns, teamwork and hometown spirit.

• 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

Diana S. Knight, CPA, CVA

Jeff W. Maze, CPA, MA

Dr. William J. “Jake” Livingston has practiced the full range of general adult and pediatric Otolaryngology in the Alabaster area since 2010, first with Shelby Ear, Nose, and Throat before joining ENT Associates in 2025.

He was raised in Tupelo, MS and then majored in English at Birmingham-Southern College, graduating in 2001. After finishing Medical School at UAB, he completed his Otolaryngology training at the University of Rochester Medical Center in New York.

Dr. Livingston enjoys treating the wide variety of problems encountered in general ENT practice, including those of the chronic ear, voice and swallowing, and benign and malignant tumors of the head and neck. He helps work through chronic sinus problems, and offers in-office balloon sinuplasty when appropriate. He also works closely with area Dermatologists in plastic reconstruction after removal of facial skin cancers.

He tries to stay active by playing golf and tennis, and is a member in the Methodist church with his wife and four children.

By MALIA RIGGS

If you live near U.S. 280, you’ve probably heard of Grey Bar. A longtime local staple with a fresh new energy, Grey Bar isn’t just another bar on the strip, it’s a community favorite where Thursdays and Fridays mean spirited karaoke. Where you’re guaranteed to hear “Sweet Home Alabama” at least once, and Saturdays are all about live music, cocktails from your favorite bartenders and laid-back good vibes.

Grey Bar: Where the drinks are cold and karaoke always hot “ ”

Grey Bar, owned by Greg Ganser, is located in The Terrace at Greystone at 5426 US-280, and is where good vibes come together and all walks of life are welcomed with open arms according to Grey Bar’s favorite bartender extraordinaire, Edwina Jonas, or lovingly referred to as Ed by regulars.

“Grey Bar has been around for years. It's been established. It's gone through COVID, gone through its ups and downs, and we managed to survive,”

Jonas said. “Greg Ganser has done a fantastic job keeping the momentum going. It has been such a privilege to work on 280 and to get to know everybody. You create relationships with your regulars, you know their family, their birthdays and what’s going on in their lives.”

Jonas has been on the Grey Bar team for over four years now, just when the karaoke scene started for the local watering hole. Jonas has lived off of 280 for more than 13 years, and confirmed that Grey Bar’s success would not be where it is today without

It’s

rewarding. I love what I do. It’s a passion of mine and my love language is making everybody happy.

EDWINA JONAS

the regulars that she now considers family.

Whether you’re belting out a karaoke classic, catching a live set on Saturday night or just unwinding with a perfectly mixed cocktail made by Edwina or Greg, Grey Bar offers a welcoming spot for locals to relax, connect and have a little fun.

“It's rewarding. I love what I do. It's a passion of mine and my love language is making everybody happy,” she said.

“This place just brings everybody together. Karaoke is a whole different animal within itself. Everybody cheers for everybody and it’s just a great vibe. Creating a fun and safe atmosphere for everyone 21 to 81.”

Grey Bar is open Tuesday through Thursday from 3 to 10 p.m., Friday from 3 p.m. to 2 a.m., and Saturday from 5 p.m. to 2 a.m., and is closed on Sundays and Mondays.

Delivering babies and quality care.

Welcoming Dr. Erin Hall-Minnie Obstetrics & Gynecology

UAB Medical West is thrilled to welcome Dr. Erin Hall-Minnie to our team of Obstetrics & Gynecology physicians. Dr. Hall-Minnie received her undergraduate degree from Baylor University and her medical degree from the University of Arkansas. She completed her residency at Texas A&M. Dr. Hall-Minnie is board-certified in Obstetrics & Gynecology. To schedule an appointment with Dr. Hall-Minnie or any of the UAB Medical West Obstetrics & Gynecology physicians, call (205) 481-7750 or visit us online at medicalwesthospital.org.

UAB MEDICAL WEST OB/GYN (205) 481-7750

Main Hospital Location: 5000 Medical West Way • Suite 310 • Bessemer, AL 35022 Hoover Location: 5310 Medford Drive • Hoover, AL 35244

Dr. Richard Stephen • Dr. Cynthia Brown • Dr. Jessica Gill • Dr. Erin Hall-Minnie