Issuu

SEPTEMBER / OCTOBER 2026

LIFE WORTH CHASING:

Brandon Payne and the

that shaped him

PAGE 10

BASH ON THE BLUFF Event moves to Fresh Air Farms

PAGE 14

BRIDGING THE GAP with Hoover Neighborhoods 1

PAGE 28

SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER 2026 The Neighborhood Reader - Bluff Park

COMING SOON TO HOOVER! 1560 MONTGOMERY HWY

Kevin Wood – Hoover Branch Manager, Kyle Goodwin – CEO, President, and Hoover Resident, Milton Blair – Hoover/Pelham Loan Officer and Hoover Resident, Neil Walker – EVP, COO, and Chief Lender

BESSEMER • CENTREVILLE • HOOVER • HUEYTOWN

MCCALLA • PELHAM • VANCE • WEST BLOCTON • WOODSTOCK

www.ffbalabama.com

Window Treatments Designed for Your Rooms

50 years in business

BUY ONE GET ONE 40% OFF *

Schedule your FREE In-Home Design Consultation

Chase Martin Louver Shop of Birmingham Cmartin@louvershop.com | 205-482-3047

*BOGO offer only good through Louver Shop of Birmingham with free consultation scheduled through Chase Martin, Cmartin@louvershop.com, 205-482-3047. Cannot be combined with any other offers.

SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER 2026 The Neighborhood Reader - Bluff Park

Family Owned & Operated in Bluff Park area for over 55 years!

Best Roofing Company Voted

Free Estimates! Now hiring skilled roofers

in 2025 & 2026

Call to schedule 205-942-8374

License # 24288

“Change can start with a conversation.” The Mature Move is a specialized real estate service designed exclusively for clients age 55 and better who are ready for a simpler, manageable next chapter. This practice focuses on guiding

Julie White Realtor® CRS, SRES, ABR, CSHP, Probate Specialist 205-796-7843

homeowners through every stage of the downsizing journey, from evaluating possessions to selling an existing home and purchasing a smaller residence that better fits current and future needs.

www.TheMatureMove.Net

SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER 2026 The Neighborhood Reader - Bluff Park

Table of Contents 9

Around Bluff Park

Cover Story

Event Preview

Bluff Park is full of great places to relax, catch up with friends, grab a bite, or enjoy a drink.

Life Worth Chasing. Storm Chaser Brandon Payne Bash on the Bluff

Preview 22 Event Bluff Park Art Show the Gap 28 Bridging Inside the mission of Hoover

Columns

Neighborhood Bridges

& Community Briefs 38 School Back to school, awards, and accomendations

Calendar 43 Events See what’s happening

At Home with JeriKay

26 Bluff Stuff with Kyle Foshee

30 Through the Lens with George Elliott

Picturesque farm venue in the heart of Bluff Park. Weddings, Large Parties, Rehearsal Dinners, Corporate Events

Photograph by Jamison Skinner 4

613 Sanders Road, Hoover orisandoak.com SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER 2026 The Neighborhood Reader - Bluff Park

GET

DONE

Where Your Fecal Matters! If it's been a while... It's Probably Time! Full Service Septic Solutions - Trusted Local Experts - Free Estimates

Call us today to schedule!

205-608-8181 reliablesepticllc@gmail.com

Licensed, Bonded and Insured! SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER 2026 The Neighborhood Reader - Bluff Park

About Us Who We Are

Staff

The Bluff Park Neighborhood Reader is a bi-monthly magazine published by JBMC Media, a Bluff Park-based, family-owned publisher of magazines in the Birmingham metro area. The magazine is mailed to more than 4,300 homes and businesses in the Bluff Park area. Subscriptions are available to anyone outside our immediate mailing area for $30 per year. Email subscribe@jbmcmedia.com for details on how to subscribe or send a gift subscription.

Matthew Allen Publisher matthew@jbmcmedia.com

Heather Jones Skaggs Content Director bluffwriter@gmail.com

Michelle Salem Haynes Media Sales Consultant (205) 381-1311 michelle@jbmcmedia.com

Kevin Lester Media Sales Consultant (646) 956-6388 kevin@jbmcmedia.com

Email us at advertise@jbmcmedia.com, and let’s talk! All content in this magazine remains the property of JBMC Media, LLC. Any requests to reprint or republish should be directed to matthew@jbmcmedia.com. Copyright 2026. All rights reserved.

Molly Smith Photographer

On the Cover Storm Chaser Brandon Payne. PHOTO BY ALLISON CARPENTER

June Mathews Freelance Writer junebugwrites@gmail.com

Kyle Foshee Community Columnist

George Elliott Community Columnist

Ted Perry Cover Designer & Graphic Designer

Emily VanderMey Listo Operations & Project Manager Graphic Designer

Published By

Proud Member

SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER 2026 The Neighborhood Reader - Bluff Park

Enjoying this magazine?

William R. Bates, DMD, MS

BOARD-CERTIFIED ORTHODONTIC SPECIALIST Children and Adults

SCAN NOW TO SCHEDULE YOUR FIRST APPOINTMENT!

Braces or Clear Aligners

So are thousands of your neighbors in Bluff Park.

Accepts All Insurances Payment Plans No Referral Needed

Shop local. Support local. Support your premier local publication by advertising your business.

Smile local.

2826 Lakeshore PKWY

OWNED & OPERATED BY YOUR BLUFF PARK NEIGHBORS!

Bracesbybates.com

Dr. Lauren Dean DMD

Board-certified pediatric dentist edule!

sch Scan to

Specialist in kid & teen dentistry Tongue & lip tie expert Laser dentistry 10-15 minutes from Bluff Park!

2836 Lakeshore Pkwy 205.540.4970 www.redmountainsmiles.com

SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER 2026 The Neighborhood Reader - Bluff Park

Editor’s Note This issue brings readers a look at storm chaser Brandon Payne, a Bluff Park native whose life was shaped by the April 27, 2011, super outbreak. His story is one of purpose, resilience and the pull of home. Brandon talks about the moment weather became something he wanted to understand rather than fear, how the Air Force sharpened his calling and why he now chases storms with equal parts discipline and heart. It is a portrait of someone who grew up on the same streets many of us know well and carried Bluff Park with him into every mile of open sky. We also have previews of two Bluff Park events that are sure to make your fall schedule, and the Christmas parade returns with a new committee and the same great fun. Looking Forward Who’s ready for the holidays? As we look ahead to our November/December issue, we’re collecting stories that capture what makes Bluff Park special during the holidays, generosity, traditions, and the connections we share as a community. If you have a favorite tradition, a recipe, or know a neighbor who deserves a spotlight, we’d love to include them in our next issue. Have story ideas? Just send me an email.

Heather Skaggs, Content Director Instagram: @bpal_heathers_corner

SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER 2026 The Neighborhood Reader - Bluff Park

Bluff Park is full of great places to relax, catch up with friends, grab a bite, or enjoy a drink. Here are a few places you said you love spending time #AroundBluffPark.

Bluff Park Diner Although I no longer live in Bluff Park, I do get to venture up there from time to time. Nothing makes me feel more at home than stopping by Bluff Park Diner.My son and I try to make it a point to stop in whenever we can. I grew up in Bluff Park. Home is where the heart is. ~ Becky Payne Ogren

All The Things

Wiffle Sunday Sunday afternoons at the Fresh Air Farm for Wiffle Ball. ~ Rachel Baker

Watching the sunset from Tip Top Grill, getting ice cream from Bluff Park Ice Cream Shop, being a Cloudland walker from BPES, lunch at Mr P’s, Bluff Park Boo and the Trick or Treat Trail are just a few of our favorites! We love Bluff Park and are so happy we decided to move here. ~ Brandi Price Sutton

Electric Time

My favorite spot is the ball field where I play wiffle ball with my teammates each summer at the Children’s Fresh Air Farm! The Bluff Park Women’s Rec League has been the best way for me to meet new friends in the neighborhood!

We often have lunch or dinner at The Electric. Great food and great people!

~ Susan Schaum Pace

Hydration and More

With the women’s rec league! Kickball is my favorite but wiffleball and pickle ball are fun too! It’s how we’ve met so many people in the neighborhood!

I love The Park Nutrition. I take my kids up there for some hydration and a card game or book reading, or meet friends up there to catch up. I can walk there from my house!

~ Abbey Freeman

~ Michelle Romano Lee

Fitness and Coffee

Scooter to Squishies

My favorite ritual recently has been getting a good workout with superwoman Abby Allen at SDG Fitness, grabbing a coffee next door at Daysol, and then wandering through the aisles of the Shades Mountain Mercantile! Great for time with friends or a self-care solo activity!

Recently, my tween and teen daughters started taking a scooter or bike ride up to Mills Pharmacy at Bluff Park to check out what new squishies and cutesy things they have in stock.

~ Kathryn Bates

~ Rebecca R Murphy

SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER 2026 The Neighborhood Reader - Bluff Park

~Josh Voiles

Feature

LIFE WORTH CHASING:

Brandon Payne and the

that shaped him

PHOTO COURTESY OF BRANDON PAYNE

BY HEATHER JONES SKAGGS Growing up in Bluff Park, Brandon Payne, like any kid, knew the sound of tornado sirens and the fear that came with them. The big yellow siren high above Pioneer Play School was the worst; it was “apocalyptic” to elementary school kids, as he says, with its wail that could rattle windows and make kids clap their hands over their ears. On April 27, 2011, everything changed for Brandon as a Super Outbreak swept through Alabama, leaving a lasting impact on the 10-year-old. “Living through that and seeing the aftermath left a mark on me as a young kid,” he said. This historic weather event was part of a larger Super Outbreak that affected 21 states, with Alabama experiencing the most damage. Over the course of 24 hours, multiple severe weather waves, including three separate rounds of tornadic activity, moved through 43 Alabama counties. Brandon spent his childhood on Shenandoah Drive with his grandparents, Rennie and Nancy Ogren. He biked to Shades Cliff Pool, grabbed snacks at the Piggly Wiggly, wandered through Tip Top, and experienced his fair share of weather that took out power and wind that uprooted trees, but after April 27 on the bluff, and the damage not only here but across the state, tornadoes became something he wanted to understand rather than fear. PHOTO BY ALLISON CARPENTER

Payne credits local meteorologist James Spann, his knowledge of weather,

SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER 2026 The Neighborhood Reader - Bluff Park

PHOTOS COURTESY OF BRANDON PAYNE

and the way he conducted himself on air that day as an inspirational moment in his journey into the world of weather. “The passion he had for weather, both on and off air, and the way he served his community by keeping everyone informed really inspired me,” he said. “Before that day, I was always scared of tornadoes. That day helped me get over my fear of both the storms and the siren.”

Finding His Path Payne graduated from Hoover High School and enlisted in the Air Force as a meteorologist. Four years of forecasting for Air Wings and Army units in Illinois and the Middle East sharpened his instincts and confirmed his calling to pursue the chase. “It wasn’t until I joined the Air Force as a meteorologist that I realized storm chasing was exactly what I was put on this earth to do,” he said. “When my active-duty contract ended, I transitioned to the Air National Guard in Oklahoma, giving me the freedom to chase full time.” His family supported the shift, even when the hobby became a career. “They knew I loved it and that it made me happy,” he said. “Support from my mother and father was all I really needed.” His first chase came on April 12, 2020. The Storm Prediction Center had warned of a major outbreak across Mississippi and Alabama. Payne and a friend waited for hours in a Lowe’s parking lot in Jackson, convinced the day was a bust. “The day started gray and gloomy. You could tell something was afoot, but there was a steady calm most of the day,” he said. But once the Bassfield supercell rolled in, Brandon says it went from gray to black, and the air felt heavier. It was like the presence of a monster, “almost like waiting for Godzilla to emerge from the sea but here it was trees. The constant low roar through the trees let us know just how powerful the tornado was, even though we couldn’t see it.” They met the storm in Soso, Mississippi, and watched from a few miles away as the tornado tore through the trees. The Bassfield Soso tornado became the third largest ever documented. Payne walked away with a lesson he still carries. “No shot is worth your life,” he said. For a five-minute timeframe, we contemplated getting directly in the path to get a good visual. Highly risky SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER 2026 The Neighborhood Reader - Bluff Park

maneuver that might have paid off but could have very easily killed us. I ended up vetoing the decision to make the turn in front of the tornado. After the tornado, we drove down the road that we contemplated turning down, and every tree on that road was mulched to a nub and debarked. Seeing that, I knew we probably wouldn’t have made it out.”

Chasing With Purpose Payne keeps his chase setup intentionally simple. “I stream and record video on my iPhone,” he said. “I have Starlink in my car and a cell service booster on the roof. I don’t like cluttered setups, so it works well for me.” He relies on training, instinct, and awareness of the people around him. Storm chasing is physically demanding, so he treats it like a sport. He uses gym time, diet, and other measures to stay focused and ready. “Storm chasing is hard on the body,” he said. “Whenever I’m not chasing, I’m taking care of myself so I can handle the stress.”

Building a Brand Beyond Tornadoes Part of Payne’s setup also includes his YouTube channel. It began as a place to 11

Feature

post footage but has since grown, and Brandon realized viewers stayed even when the skies were quiet. “Most people who chase tornadoes focus solely on the storms,” he said. “My question was, what do you do when the storms die down or no storms form at all? I felt I had a lot to offer beyond just storms.” So, Brandon chose to focus on a few other things in his life, like fitness, the outdoors, sports, and fishing. “I’m a huge advocate for mental health and for carving out purpose in life,” he said. “So, my idea was, what if I could build a brand around those things first, and tornadoes second? I’m still figuring that part out, but I’d like to inspire people to seek out the natural beauty in the world, to better themselves, and to live a life worth living. Life is insanely short; live a life worth living. Not everyone has to be a storm chaser or a fitness influencer, but everyone can live a life they can be happy with. It’s not enough to make ends meet in a corporate job you take no satisfaction in.” His audience is growing and loyal, with over 4.36k subscribers, including residents of Bluff Park who tune in. “It’s surprising but nice to see that people are genuinely interested in the chase process and in the content I post,” he said. Storm chasing has changed him, but it is the thread he followed that taught him resilience and carried him through challenges and life. It also brought him back to the stories that shaped him. “I’m very proud to have grown up in Bluff Park,” he said. “It’s a big part of who I am, and I would love for it all to come full circle.” He still makes it back to the area to visit friends and family, and when the radar paths arc over Hoover, he still chases storms, but he is also chasing something bigger. A life built on purpose. A story that started in Bluff Park and still leads him back here. PHOTO BY ALLISON CARPENTER

SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER 2026 The Neighborhood Reader - Bluff Park

A Defining Intercept Payne takes center stage in Episode 2 of Discovery Channel’s In the Eye of the Storm: Chasers, capturing the violent tornado that struck Enderlin, North Dakota. The episode also follows Payne as he intercepts massive supercells and tornadoes with fellow chasers like Aaron Rigsby and Jordan, offering a look at the teamwork, strategy, and adrenaline that define their fieldwork. “My roommate Connor Croff contacted Discovery about my story in Enderlin, and they really liked it, so they reached out to me and asked to use my footage and interview me. I

ended up going to Ponca City to meet with the production team and did the entire interview process with them. The response to the show has been great. The clip with the dog ended up on Discovery and Animal Planet Instagram pages. I recently called the farmstead I dropped the dog off with back in October, and they said the dog was adopted by another farmer down the highway and that she’s doing great!”

read more f ro m o u r co m m u n i t y

online @bluffparkreader

Bailey Burrow Photography

@neighborhoodreader.BluffPark

custom designed wedding invitation suites, letterpress, thermography & monograms 205.910.5241 | mail@f inepaperwork.com | www.f inepaperwork.com

SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER 2026 The Neighborhood Reader - Bluff Park

Event Preview

Bash Headed to New Location

Bash on the Bluff is moving to a new home this year — and that shift may be the biggest change yet for the beloved Bluff Park tradition. The 4th annual event will take place Saturday, October 17, from 11:00am to 5:00 pm at the Children’s Fresh Air Farms, a move organizers say will improve parking, enhance walkability, and provide easier access for families and neighbors. “We felt like this was the best time to explore other options after reviewing our budget and the longevity of Bash,” Krimson Revis said. “We landed on the Children’s Fresh Air Farm because of its accessibility, parking at the church across the street, Bluff Park Elementary, and Shades Cliff Pool, all of which are within walking distance along the sidewalks on Park Avenue to access the Farm.” 14

Along with the new setting, guests can expect the event’s familiar favorites, including live music, inflatable games, face painting, a pumpkin patch and local vendors, plus a few fresh additions such as a train ride, Gaga Ball, a kid’s area and new food trucks. The move also reflects the event’s broader mission: keeping Bash on the Bluff free to attend while supporting Bash’s Blessing, an initiative funded by merchandise sales, such as hats, shirts, and pumpkins, to help neighbors in need. The annual celebration remains a community-driven effort, with organizers welcoming new committee member Logan James and crediting sponsors for helping make the free event possible. The Children’s Fresh Air Farm is located at 501 Park Avenue in Bluff Park. SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER 2026 The Neighborhood Reader - Bluff Park

Back to School Celebrations

Popsicles at the Park Rising kindergarteners and second graders gathered for a fun day at the park with popsicles to meet new friends and connect before the first day of school.

PHOTOS COURTESY OF DE DE SHIPP

Fifth graders hangout at The Park Nutrition.

PHOTO COURTESY OF THE PARK NUTRITION

Hoover PD Back To School Bash Hoover PD’s Back to School Movie Night brought Hoover students and families together for an evening of community, fun, and Zootopia 2 under the stars at the Hoover Met. With free admission, hot dogs, popcorn, a kid zone, giveaways, and a chance to meet School Resource Officers, it was a memorable kickoff to the new school year.

SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER 2026 The Neighborhood Reader - Bluff Park

At Home with JeriKay

Your Best Fall Home Inspirations

BY HEATHER JONES SKAGGS AND JERIKAY PHOTOS BY JERIKAY Her Alabama home is a reflection of what she loves most: cozy spaces, timeless design, meaningful gatherings, and making everyday life beautiful. From decorating each season and tackling DIY projects to hosting family dinners around a thoughtfully styled table, JeriKay believes your home should be a place where memories are made and everyone feels welcome. What began as a creative outlet has grown into a thriving career, allowing her to partner with hundreds of national brands while remaining grounded in her mission of putting faith and family first. Through every project, recipe, decorating idea, and homeschool moment, JeriKay hopes to inspire others to embrace the home they have, create with confidence, and find joy in the little moments that make a house a home. CONTINUED ON PAGE 18

SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER 2026 The Neighborhood Reader - Bluff Park

Be Radiant. T H A N K YO U FOR VOTING US T H E B E S T Ve i n Removal & Restoration

Charles Hunt II, MD • Sidney Goscinski, PA-C

S P E C I A L I Z I N G I N V E I N T R E AT M E N T S Varicose Veins & Spider Veins M E D S PA T R E AT M E N T S • • • •

Microneedling Laser Treatments Facials Injectables

W E L L N E S S T R E AT M E N T S • • •

Hormone Therapy Weight Loss Intimacy Treatments

Schedule Your Restorative Treatment (205) 823-0151 | alabamavein.com 4721 Chace Circle, Hoover SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER 2026 The Neighborhood Reader - Bluff Park

At Home with JeriKay CONTINUED FROM PAGE 16

Chicken Pot Pie Ingredients: 3 boneless skinless chicken breasts 1 bag of russet potatoes, diced 1 cup of chicken broth 2 cans cream of chicken condensed soup (10.5 ounces each) 1 bag of frozen mixed vegetables (peas/corn/ carrots) 1 can of refrigerated biscuits, baked Cooking spray 1 ranch packet S&P Directions: 1. In your crockpot spray well. Add cream of chicken, diced potatoes, S&P, ranch packet, chicken broth, and chicken. Mix well. Set crockpot for high 4 hours or low 8 hours. 2. 30 mins before the crockpot is ready, shred your chicken and add frozen mixed vegetables. 3. For the biscuits, cut into fourths and place on a baking sheet. Follow the directions on the back of the can. Mine was 350 for 15 mins. 4. Once crockpot is done, add chicken pot pie mixture in a bowl and add biscuits on top. Enjoy!

JeriKay shares some fall styles with us to get your home ready for the season ahead. One of my favorite ways to welcome fall into our home is by creating a tablescape full of rich textures and warm, cozy layers. Mixing natural elements like woven placemats, linen napkins, wood tones, ceramic dishes, and soft seasonal stems adds depth without making the table feel overdone.

SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER 2026 The Neighborhood Reader - Bluff Park

The beauty of a fall tablescape isn’t about filling every inch—it’s about combining different textures that complement one another and create a space that feels inviting. Whether you’re hosting Thanksgiving, gathering with friends, or simply enjoying dinner with your family, a thoughtfully layered table can make everyday moments feel a little more special. Fall is all about warmth, comfort, and slowing down, and your table can reflect that with simple, timeless pieces that you’ll enjoy all season long.

JeriKay Moujoodi is the creator behind At Home With JeriKay, where she shares affordable home décor, DIY projects, homeschooling, family life, and faith-filled encouragement with a community of hundreds of thousands. As a homeschool mom of two and entrepreneur, she is passionate about helping others create a home that feels warm, welcoming, and lived in— without spending a fortune. farmhouselove.co / @Farmhouselovehome Instagram

SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER 2026 The Neighborhood Reader - Bluff Park

Feature

BluffParkAL at 20 How a Saturday morning scare sparked a digital neighborhood Thoughts from Heather

familiar Robin grin, “I think you know who that was.”

Bluff Park’s longstanding informational hub, BluffParkAL, didn’t begin with a marketing plan, around a committee table, or with a polished plan for neighborhood outreach. It began on an ordinary Saturday morning in 2006 at Piggly Wiggly. Resident Ben Shelton was there with his son when two armed men walked into the store. The scare stayed with him. So did the realization that Bluff Park needed something more visible and immediate for public safety. Before there was a website, a slogan, or a digital neighborhood, there were flyers—simple pieces of paper asking neighbors to speak up.

Oh yes, I remember. As the substation campaign unfolded, I kept thinking BluffParkAL could become more than a place for updates. It could also help people understand the history of the place they called home—and Bluff Park has plenty of it. I had already been researching local stories out of curiosity, partly because I love history and partly because I love knowing the layers beneath familiar places. Since I was working for WBRC Fox6 at the time, I kept it simple and wrote under my first name. Robin still jokingly calls me “The” Heather.

Then one of those flyers found Robin Schultz. He was walking along Park Avenue with his 9-year-old daughter when a woman pushing a jogging stroller handed it to him. “I read it and thought, ‘this is a good idea, but there’s a better way to get the word out,’” Robin remembers. That was the pivot that changed everything: a paper campaign became the seed of a neighborhood website. Robin was a web designer, so his thought was practical: build a place where neighbors could find one another, follow updates, and know when it was time to show up. Within days, BluffParkAL.org was registered, and the mission almost wrote itself: For, About, and By - Bluff Park, Alabama. The site began posting daily neighborhood updates and soon rallied residents to a community meeting with Hoover’s mayor, City Council, police chief, and fire chief. I don’t remember exactly how I found the site. I think it was on the news, but I do remember the feeling of watching it quietly come to life behind the scenes. Back then, I say this like it was 100 years ago, Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter (now X) were not mainstream or public yet. Websites carried the traffic. So, when the first gathering was held in the old Bluff Park School cafeteria, no one really knew what to expect. “We didn’t know how many would show up,” Robin remembers. The answer came quickly: it was standing room only. Then, Mayor Tony Petelos told the crowd that public safety was a priority, but resources for a new substation weren’t immediately available. He encouraged residents to form Community Watch groups with help from Hoover Police Officer Brian Foreman. BluffParkAL stayed engaged through reports, updates, and neighbor connections, earning the nickname “digital neighborhood” from CBS42. “In November, I received a call from Mayor Petelos about an important announcement he had for the community,” Robin said. “By then, people knew Bluff Park had organized and were eager to hear what the efforts had accomplished. A local shopping center owner, Ken Harden, donated a storefront for a Bluff Park police substation, and the room erupted in cheers.” The substation officially opened on December 7, 2006, and has served the community ever since. That victory could have been the end of the story. Instead, it was the beginning. A Growing Voice “Shortly after the substation opened, a local writer reached out to me to ask if she could write history stories for the site,” Robin says. “She went by Heather, and her column, Heather’s Corner, helped grow BluffParkAL’s audience.” He adds, with that 20

By 2008, BluffParkAL had grown again, thanks to the BluffParkAL Forum, one of the first local online discussion boards in the preFacebook era. During that year’s municipal election, it became something Bluff Park had not really had before: a public forum where residents could ask every candidate questions and expect answers in view of their neighbors. That effort has since branched off and become the Hoover Candidates Forum on its own. Over time, community meetings and news, neighborhood watch organizing, a few events and parties, and a book on the history of Bluff Park became part of our rhythm. The site never charged businesses for promotion, and when others tried to copy our model, those efforts tended to fail. “We weren’t trying to make money,” Robin says. “We were building community.” I remember other websites coming and going, and I think the difference was simple: BluffParkAL was truly local. It was created by people who lived here, knew the streets and the stories, and cared about the neighbors on the other side of the screen. The others seemed to be looking for a way to “cash in” on Bluff Park, or, so to speak, to jump on the bandwagon, and people could tell. They are all defunct now. Today, we have shifted from the primary website to Facebook and Instagram because that is where people read, share, and start conversations. The platform has changed, but the purpose has not. BluffParkAL is still a place where neighbors can find out what is happening and stay informed. It is the trusted voice on the mountain. It is 20 years of trust built with the city of Hoover, the Hoover Police Department, and the Hoover Fire Department; rapport; action without activism; and neighbors helping neighbors. “That’s what makes Bluff Park special to me. We’re a generous, active neighborhood where neighbors support each other,” Robin said. BluffParkAL became another way to show that spirit. Robin and I never saw ourselves as “activists,” but rather as connectors and navigators, helping neighbors stay informed and find support. Twenty years later, the Bluff Park Police substation still stands, and our social pages continue to reflect that same mission. “Our community continues to grow closer, with others organizing events and groups that strengthen our bonds.” In 2025, Robin’s commitment led him to a seat on Hoover City Council, a continuation of his mission. And me? Well, I keep telling your stories in this format, sharing Bluff Park’s history, and hopefully navigating well. SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER 2026 The Neighborhood Reader - Bluff Park

Why Window World? ENERGY STAR®-certified efficiency

Trusted Quality. Local Expertise.

Professional installation & service Lifetime warranty for peace of mind Decades of satisfied homeowners

Window World Delivers

With Pricing Made for Your Family

0% Interest Free Financing for 36 Months * (205) 916-2189 Request a FREE Estimate Today Window World of Central Alabama WindowWorldAlabama.com 135 W Valley Ave, Birmingham, AL 35209

*With approved credit. Minimum purchase of $4,000. Must purchase multiple products (Windows/Doors/Siding). Certain restrictions may apply.

CALL PICKLE FOR... SEPTIC TANK CLEANING SEPTIC TANK REPAIRS

GREASE TRAP CLEANING

PUMPS REPLACED & REPAIRED SEWER & DRAIN CLEANING DRAIN JETTING SERVICE

DRAIN LINE CAMERA SERVICE & MORE

No Appointment Needed! 205.401.3839

thealabamacoinshop.com

SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER 2026 The Neighborhood Reader - Bluff Park

FAMILY OWNED SINCE 1967 BLAYSE PICKLE, OWNER

pickleseptic.com

CALL TODAY!

205-631-9423 21

Event Preview

New Faces, Familiar Foundations: Bluff Park Art Show Returns Oct. 3 BY HEATHER JONES SKAGGS The Bluff Park Art Show returns on October 3, bringing together over 124 artists from across the Southeast and beyond. Now in its 63rd year, the show continues to balance its deep local roots with a growing regional reach, drawing both longtime exhibitors and first-time participants eager to experience Hoover’s signature fall event. This year’s roster includes 84 Alabama artists, along with exhibitors traveling from Georgia, Tennessee, Florida, and additional states including Indiana, South Carolina, North Carolina, Texas, Mississippi, and Virginia. The mix promises a wide range of mediums, styles, and perspectives for visitors to explore. A standout theme for 2026 is the arrival of new artists. Twenty-three artists will exhibit at Bluff Park for the first time, bringing fresh perspectives and new creative energy to the show. For many, participating in Bluff Park feels like stepping into a community they’ve admired from afar. “I am excited about participating in this year’s Bluff Park Art Show for several reasons,” said Jayson Curry, a first-time exhibitor. “Every time I share with someone that I live in Bluff Park and that I’m an artist, they usually light up and share how much they love going to this show. I’ve only ever heard a buzz of joy about attending or participating. I’m really looking forward to seeing the park filled with people and energy.” For some newcomers, the show marks a return to long-held creative ambitions. Jean Campbell, who recently transitioned from her traditional career into fulltime artmaking, sees Bluff Park as a milestone. “I’m very excited about the upcoming show. I retired from my nine-to-five a couple of years ago and have relaunched the career that I started many decades ago. I’ve always enjoyed attending the show, but secretly wished I was one of the artists operating a booth,” Campbell said. “This is my first time being a part of it. My work features botanicals, wildlife, and pollinators, plus light-drenched still lifes. My paintings ask the viewer to pay attention, to disconnect from the digital world and connect with the real one.” For others, the excitement comes from sharing their work with a new audience. Lillie C. Harmon, also exhibiting for the first time, looks forward to seeing how Bluff Park responds to her style. “I am excited to share my style of art with the community of Bluff Park. I will see and experience my works in a new community of art collectors, a new setting. I’m excited and anxious to see how the Bluff Park community reacts to my art,” Harmon said. While new artists bring fresh perspectives, returning artists provide the foundation that has sustained the Bluff Park Art Show for more than six decades. Many have exhibited for ten years or more, forming relationships with collectors who return annually to see what’s new.

PAINTING BY LILLIE HARMON

“I keep returning to the Bluff Park Art Show because it brings together people who genuinely value handmade art and want to know the stories behind it,” said Chrissy Jones, a longtime exhibitor known for her natural Australian opal jewelry. “There is something special about watching someone discover that natural Australian opals aren’t dull or ordinary. They’re full of shifting color, personality, and light. This year, I’m excited to bring new one-of-a-kind pieces and help people find the opal that feels as if it was made just for them. I can’t wait to reconnect with familiar faces and meet new collectors who are ready to wear something truly unlike anyone else’s.” The show’s family-friendly atmosphere, walkable layout, and strong community support remain central to its identity. Visitors can expect a full day of fine art, conversation, and the unmistakable sense of tradition that has made Bluff Park a fall favorite for generations. With new artists stepping into the spotlight and returning artists deepening their roots, the 63rd Bluff Park Art Show promises a vibrant celebration of creativity, community, and connection. CONTINUED ON PAGE 24

SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER 2026 The Neighborhood Reader - Bluff Park

GROCERY LIST SHOP SMART AT THE PIG

Put everyday savings at the top of your grocery list.

Everyday savings Household essentials

BEST PRICES

IN TOWN

Plan the week ahead Meal ideas

ON MANY EVERYDAY HOUSEHOLD ITEMS

Practical nutrition guidance

Plan the week ahead with your neighborhood Piggly Wiggly: big savings, meal ideas, and practical nutrition guidance from our certified experts.

This week's savings

FIND THIS WEEK'S SAVINGS AT

THEPIGBHAM.COM

Building Bluff Park

Owner of Hunter Home Builders, LLC Hunter DeFalco, his wife Olivia, and daughter Reagan

(205) 747-8794 / Hunterhomebuilders@aol.com / hunterhb.com SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER 2026 The Neighborhood Reader - Bluff Park

Event Preview

CONTINUED FROM PAGE 22

2026 BLUFF PARK ART SHOW ARTISTS 2-D AND 3-D MIXED MEDIA

GLASS

• Gisselle Barnhart | Seacrest, FL • Joyce Browning | Springville, AL • John Evon | Helena, AL • Toby Klein | Hoover, AL

DRAWINGS, GRAPHITE, PASTELS, CHARCOAL, INK • Reagan Beers | Birmingham, AL • Linda Coulter | Hixson, TN • Emma Knowles | Birmingham, AL

METAL

PHOTOGRAPHY/DIGITAL ART

PAINTING

PRINTMAKING

• Steve Dunlap | Birmingham, AL • Chris Price | Tuscaloosa, AL • George Ritchey | Birmingham, AL

• Jim Brown | Homewood, AL • Michael Johnson | Helena, AL • Hannah Lewis | Montevallo, AL

SCULPTURE • James Mosley | Hoover, AL

SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER 2026 The Neighborhood Reader - Bluff Park

2026 BPAA Scholarship Winner

Parking & Transportation

The Bluff Park Art Association scholarship recipient for 2026 is Caroline Barnett. Caroline is a Hoover native and a recent graduate of Spain Park High School. This fall, she’ll begin her studies at the University of Montevallo, majoring in Visual Arts with a minor in technical theatre.

BUSES Hoover Board of Education school buses on a continuous loop from/to Shades Mountain Plaza, Bluff Park United Methodist Church & Shades Mountain Community Church. ADA compliant.

Caroline brings curiosity, talent, and a genuine love for creative expression. She’s excited to continue her art journey and share her passion with the world — and we can’t wait to see where her work takes her next. 2026 scholarship recipient Caroline Barnett

2026 Bluff Park Art Show Judge: John Fields The Bluff Park Art Association is proud to announce John Fields, Senior Director of the Abroms-Engel Institute for the Visual Arts at UAB, as the judge for the 63rd Annual Bluff Park Art Show on Saturday, October 3, 2026. Fields is a respected museum director, curator, educator, and practicing artist whose career spans more than two decades. An alumnus of the UAB Honors Program, he earned his B.A. in Studio Art from UAB and an M.F.A. in Painting and Video from John Fields the University of New Orleans. His artwork has been exhibited nationally and internationally, and his early career included winning the ArtVoices Magazine Emerging Artist Exhibition Competition and completing an artist residency at the University of Innsbruck in Austria.

SHUTTLES City of Hoover shuttles on a continuous loop from/to Shades Crest Baptist Church.

ADA compliant DOGS ARE WELCOME PARKING LOTS Show signs posted at each lot! •

Shades Mountain Plaza, 2400 Mountain Dr, Hoover, AL 35226: Show buses pick up & drop off at the far end of the lot.

•

Bluff Park United Methodist Church, 733 Valley Street, Hoover, AL 35226: Show buses pick up & drop off in the lower lot on Valley St. closest to Tyler Road.

•

Shades Crest Baptist Church, 452 Park Avenue, Hoover, AL 35226: Show shuttles pick up & drop off in the front lot off Park Ave.

•

Shades Mountain Community Church, 2281 Old Tyler Road, Hoover, AL 35226: Show buses pick up & drop off in the front lot furthest from the church.

Over the years, Fields has produced seven solo exhibitions, received nominations for the Louis Comfort Tiffany Award and the Catherine Doctorow Prize for Contemporary Painting, and taught fine arts at the university level for more than a decade. His teaching experience includes drawing, design, computer graphics, and the B.F.A. capstone course, along with developing a seminar on contemporary performance art for the UAB Honors Program. Fields’ curatorial work is equally distinguished. He began curating exhibitions in New Orleans before joining UAB, where he later served as Interim Director of the UAB Visual Arts Gallery. During that time, he produced 18 exhibitions, including Bob Adelman: The Children’s March and The Alabama Project, both of which went on to tour nationally. His exhibition Pete Schulte: A Letter Edged in Black was named one of the best exhibitions of 2013 by BURN AWAY. Since becoming the first Curator of AEIVA in 2014, Fields has curated more than a dozen major exhibitions. Highlights include WARHOL: Fabricated, Yacoov Agam: Metamorphic, Beverly Fishman: Another Day in Paradise, David Sandlin: 76 Manifestations of American Destiny, and Jessica Angel: Facing the Hyperstructure. His deep experience in contemporary art, his commitment to education, and his curatorial vision make him an exceptional choice for the 2026 Bluff Park Art Show. We are honored to welcome him to Bluff Park and look forward to the insight he will bring to this year’s jury process.

SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER 2026 The Neighborhood Reader - Bluff Park

Bluff Stuff

with Kyle Foshee

Watching Water I have an obsession with the idea of reading to my kids at night and it being a time of deep connection and memories they’ll keep forever. It isn’t. The movies lie. It isn’t magical. My kids may not forget it, but they’ll also remember Daddy angrily threatening to stop reading after two sentences. If that. Several of these fantasies exist in my head, and few of them materialize. One is the idea of walking my kids to school and having life-altering wisdom pass from me to them. It would probably help if I had the wisdom to pass down, but it turns out that they do not share these obsessions. They pretend to hate it, even when they are thrilled to walk with friends, and the school is only half a mile away. Granted, I used to make them walk in all temperatures and would only relent if it was raining. It’s possible I’ve scarred them, but really the worst part of the walk is their whining. Unless I have to talk to someone. In that case, the second worst part of the walk is their whining. As in most things, however, there’s an exception. “Weird” is a compliment. It’s best that I get that out of the way first, because I’m also fascinated by stormwater systems. The city has done some work along Craig Lane recently, and Park Terrace has a pretty good structure in place unless you take our back yards into consideration. There’s a channel that runs from just outside my yard and underneath Park Ave., but it doesn’t pull the rainwater out of my swamp. I would love for the city to be a hero there, but I’m not holding my breath. As it turns out, though, my number three child shares this interest with me. Before he was in school, I could convince him to walk anywhere by telling him it just rained a lot and the water would be fast.

PHOTO BY KYLE FOSHEE

All my kids are different from each other. I knew it immediately when they were born. But Number Three is different from… everyone. He likes to pretend he doesn’t like things just to get under my skin, and sometimes it works. But I’ve noticed that while he can speak in such a manner, his face and eyes betray him, and I can tell what he likes just by watching him think.

I spoke with an old friend’s father from back home a few weeks ago. He told me that he has plenty of close acquaintances, but he spent so much time pouring into his sons when they were growing up that they have become his best friends.

Over-thinking can do more harm than good. At least, that’s what my therapist says. But I still do it, and what my boys assist me in overthinking these days is determining what’s really important. I don’t mean as it pertains to money or things or success. But values. Relationships.

It isn’t time now to be their friends. But I’ll take on that philosophy. And while I’ve learned to enjoy a good, quiet ride in the mornings through carpool, I still long for the mornings where I can say, “Hey, Anders. It just rained a lot, man. Let’s go watch the water.”

SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER 2026 The Neighborhood Reader - Bluff Park

Feature

Bridging the Gap STORY BY HEATHER JONES SKAGGS PHOTOS COURTESY ANNA CHATTERTON On a cool morning in Hoover, before the school buses start to go through the neighborhoods and the porch lights begin to switch off one at a time, a quiet system of kindness is already at work. When a counselor records a request for a pair of shoes, a backpack, or a week’s supply of groceries, neighbors who might never meet the child promptly offer their help. As Anna Chatterton said, “Our mission is to bridge the gap between communities and schools by meeting students’ basic needs, removing obstacles, and working towards equity so they can take part in and succeed at school and in life.” In Hoover, that mission has become a lifeline of ordinary acts of generosity. For Anna, the work started off simply: she offered her help whenever she saw a need advertised, drawn by the cause and not expecting anything in return. On one occasion, she asked whether the organization required more assistance, and they said it did. This question was the starting point for her becoming an area director with Hoover Neighborhood Bridges, a position she currently holds with humility and strong dedication. Her ties to Hoover go back a long way since she was brought up in the area and her children go to three of the schools in the Hoover system. This personal background influences the way she does her job.

Donna Bishop and Anna Chatterton, coordinators for Neighborhood Bridges Hoover

“Because I have children in three different schools, I know many of the counselors,” she said. “All the requirements from Neighborhood Bridges come from the counselors, so it’s good to have a connection with them as well.” In a city where relationships usually cross neighborhoods, churches, ballfields, and classrooms, such connections are important. They enable the work to be quicker, more responsive, and more human.” Neighborhood Bridges runs on a simple yet effective model. The school counselors determine the kinds of help required—such as clothing, food, school fees, transportation assistance, and emergency aid—and post these requests on the platform. Anna then reviews each request, fills in any necessary details, and distributes them in a weekly email to subscribers. Some of the requests are minor, others are urgent, and in some cases they are life-changing.

“The whole house was furnished with almost all the things they needed because of the generosity shown by the residents of Hoover, mainly those from the Bluff Park area,” she said. Beds, clothes, kitchen supplies, and other essentials were supplied by neighbors who would not allow the family to go through the crisis alone. It was kindness on a large scale, kindness with real strength, kindness that helped to rebuild their lives.

There is one family she recalls whose house caught fire. The counselor submitted the request, and Chatterton passed it along to the various Facebook groups in the neighborhood. The reaction was immediate.

The procedure for each need met is both organized and highly personal. The counselors post the need. Chatterton looks at it. The subscribers then reply. In some cases, donors provide money and Neighborhood Bridges buys the item;

SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER 2026 The Neighborhood Reader - Bluff Park

in other cases, the donors buy the item themselves and take it to the fire station named in need. As Anna said, “The item is delivered to the fire station, which is listed in need, and that fire station then works with the schools to deliver the items.” The different needs can be quite varied: a child might need a new pair of shoes when they have outgrown the only ones they have; a family could need food in order to get through the weekend; a student might need assistance with paying a band fee or with the cost of a field trip. “Needs can be anything,” Anna said, “because when children don’t have these things they fall behind and this is a way of helping them to be their best without having to worry about things which they can’t help.” Some urgent needs may omit the weekly email routine. In the case of an emergency being flagged by a counselor, Chatterton sends out the message right away. When there is a high level of donations, Neighborhood Bridges are able to buy the items themselves. However, in most cases, the Hoover residents cover the gap. The organization’s strength is in its people—those who read the emails, share the posts, and turn up. Chatterton refers to Neighborhood Bridges as a “gateway to kindness,” an expression which the organization frequently uses. For her it means setting up links that enable people to assist each other. “We never know what our neighbors are going through,” she said, “through Neighborhood Bridges we are able to connect neighbors who are experiencing difficulties with those who are in a position to offer help. It is kindness made visible. It is kindness made actionable.” In the background, the project involves ongoing cooperation with school counselors, as they are the first to become aware of students’ needs and therefore serve as the system’s eyes and ears. Chatterton’s responsibility is to give voice to their concerns and get the wider community behind them.

Furniture donated via Neighborhood Bridges is being taken to a family who lost their home in a fire.

Her expectations for the future are straightforward. “I just hope that it spreads so that every single person in Hoover will be aware of it and be able to help if they can,” she said. “The greater the number of subscribers, the more needs will be fulfilled. The higher the level of awareness, the more families will be supported. The more kindness there is, the more students will be able to concentrate on their studies rather than being concerned about what they don’t have.” To join the Neighborhood Bridges email list, visit neighborhoodbridges.org/community/hoover-al SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER 2026 The Neighborhood Reader - Bluff Park

Through the Lens with George Elliott George Elliott is a Bluff Park-based photographer whose other careers have included being a public relations executive with BellSouth and the Executive Director of the Nonprofit Resource Center of Alabama. An accomplished photographer, you can find his work at art shows around central Alabama.

Bluegrass Man STORY BY GEORGE ELLIOTT PHOTOS COURTESY OF PATRICK REED If you hear bluegrass music coming from a house on Capri Drive, or hear a guy humming a country tune in line at the Piggly Wiggly, chances are Patrick Reed is somewhere nearby. Music just follows him around. Reed was born in Amory, Mississippi, but grew up in Winfield, AL. His father, Rickey, worked for Alabama Power, and his mother, Candy, was the City Clerk of Winfield. Music has always been a part of Patrick Reed’s life. In his early years, he sang songs a cappella three times a week at his church. Dad was also a musician…a fiddle player. He played in the Lawrence Mill Opry in Fayette, Alabama, and raised Patrick on bluegrass music. His grandfather in Hamilton gave him his first banjo. He played with his first band in the 7th grade. After graduating from high school, Patrick attended the University of North Alabama on a Drum Line scholarship. While in college, he served as a youth and campus minister. In 2006, he joined Alabama Power’s Corporate Real Estate department, where he negotiated rights-of-way for power lines. In 2024, he moved to the company’s Community Foundation, where he now oversees Alabama Power’s Energizers retiree organization and the company’s Service organization. “I have been playing music all along,” Reed said. “I started The Goat Hill Band while I was stationed in Montgomery. “Goat Hill” is what they call the Capitol, so we thought it was an appropriate name for a band from Montgomery. The group, which has been together for eighteen years, plays mainly pop songs with a bluegrass twist.” Reed says he’s learned to play a number of instruments over the years, including guitar, banjo, mandolin, piano, upright bass, and percussion.

Patrick is a player of many instruments.

“We’ve got a lot of stories to tell about our gigs over the years,” said Patrick. “I remember one time we did a wedding where the bride was from Australia. We had set up in an old farmhouse, and a huge storm

SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER 2026 The Neighborhood Reader - Bluff Park

came up, lightning and all, and blew out all our amplification equipment. So we moved to the front porch of a nearby house and played the rest of the day with no amplification, just the strength of our voices and our instruments, like musicians used to play in the olden days. The bride and groom loved it.” “Not so with another wedding story,” he said. “One time, a bride from Texas hired us to play Texas Swing music…something that wasn’t our specialty. Well, after about 30 minutes of our playing, the bride came up to me and said, “If you don’t mind, we’ll just pipe some DJ-type music in. Y’all can pack up.” “What are the problems with having a band?” I asked. “Well,” Reed said, “personalities and egos can get in the way of making good music. Some folks think they’ve gotten too good to practice, like we always had to do when we first started. An individual band member’s ambitions can also sometimes get in the way of that member being a real team player.” “Collaboration has always been one of my favorite parts of playing music. My bandmates and I have played together for so long that we can almost read each other’s minds by now. What makes it even more enjoyable is when someone requests a song we’ve never played before and we actually pull it off. It’s much better than we thought, most of the time. My sister and I also sing together regularly, and the magic of sibling harmony is really special.” Reed said, “I usually write from a place of life experience, hoping that someone else may hear my music and gain something from it. I’m not saying I’m a great lyricist, but I do hope that anything I write and record can speak to the listener and help them find some clarity in life. I really love to sing and play because it’s an easy way for me to give back and make people happy. It’s that simple.” “My advice to up-and-coming musicians is to always be on time for practice. You’re never too good to practice and try new things,” said Reed. I asked Patrick what words he would use to describe himself to others. “Well, there are about five of them,” he said. “Awkward, creative, inclusive, personable, and authentic. I hope people can see these traits in me and be drawn closer so we can engage in good conversations and storytelling.”

SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER 2026 The Neighborhood Reader - Bluff Park

The Goat Hill String Band playing at a Bash on the Bluff.

Through the Lens with George Elliott

Above: Posters from a few gigs Patrick’s played. Left: Patrick working at his Alabama Power job. Reed moved to Bluff Park in 2019. “I’m impressed by how close-knit the Bluff Park community is. Everyone is so welcoming and supportive of one another. We all know how great our community is, and we treasure it! Why, I love Bluff Park so much that if we had our own mayor, I’d run for it,” Reed said. Reed has two children, Harp, who is ten, and Lennie, who is three. He likes to take them on adventures outside and to listen to music. He also likes to camp and fly fish. Brent Warren, a talented mandolin player and friend of Patrick’s, said “Patrick plays just about every instrument, but his banjo playing impresses me the most. Some banjo players can take the enamel off your teeth, but his playing is melodic and has a great tone.” He’s an awesome dad, and good friend. Patrick works hard at everything he does... and he does it well. The Bluff Park Folk Festival was a great example of how Patrick can use his skills to bring the community together for the good.” But back to music. Reed said, “My dream is to someday have a recording studio here in Bluff Park where the Goat Hill Band and other musicians can come to make their songs and music come to life for their audiences.” “If folks would like to hear my music, just type “J. Patrick Reed” on Amazon Music, Spotify, or Apple streaming.” Music can bring a community and its residents together. It can help all of us in Bluff Park form stronger bonds. Patrick Reed will keep telling his stories through his songs and his band’s music, entertaining us and bringing us together so we can get to know each other better. Aren’t we glad he’s one of us.

SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER 2026 The Neighborhood Reader - Bluff Park

STA ND O U T

BLEND IN

| CO MP L E ME N T

CO N TR A ST

No matter your style , we ’ ve g o t yo u cove r ed.

Call us for style and service for every budget. 2130 Columbiana Rd, Vestavia Hills | budgetblinds.com SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER 2026 The Neighborhood Reader205-824-3300 - Bluff Park

Feature

Say Hello To

Bluff Park Pressure Washing BY GEORGE ELLIOTT Bryson Stanley and Foster Dedge are two 14-year old, enthusiastic, well-mannered, Bluff Park entrepreneurs who can teach us a thing or two about starting and running a small business. Needing money to fund their summer activities, they began Bluff Park Pressure Washing, and have spent their summer cleaning everything from trashcans to sidewalks and driveways. To get customers, they go door to door explaining their services and handing out flyers. “We follow up every two days on houses that we haven’t talked to. We don’t want to bother anyone, but we keep coming back until we get a yes or no.” “Cleaning trashcans isn’t easy,’’ said Stanley. ‘’First you use chemicals and chlorine and a lot of water to get the dirt and grime out, then you brush it with soap, spray it with a pressure washer inside and out and end up spraying it with Febreeze. We’ve done about 75 so far, and we charge $15 each. Cleaning sidewalks cost $45-$60, and driveways between $120-$240.” “one of our biggest problems is transportation,” Dedge said. “We have to carry everything behind our scooters and when you’re going uphill, it’s tough. When the hose on your pressure washer breaks, that’s not much fun either.” The boys have made about $3,500 this summer, and they plan to continue working their business.

PHOTO COURTESY OF MOLLY SMITH

When asked for their advice to others on starting a small business, Stanley and Dedge said “You’ve got to make an investment in good, quality cleaning products and you’ve got to always be consistent in the way you do your work, making sure you don’t skip any steps in the cleaning process. The end goal is to always ensure you have a satisfied customer who is pleased with your work, because then they’ll tell their friends we do great work.”

SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER 2026 The Neighborhood Reader - Bluff Park

JC Heating & Cooling LLC Residential & Commercial HVAC Preventative Maintenance, Repair, & Replacement for HVAC & Water Heaters Licensed, Bonded, Insured

Owner - Joseph Cummings Bluff Park Native Smart Financing

SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER 2026 The Neighborhood Reader - Bluff Park

call to schedule 205.913.0592 35

Feature

Closer Than a Brother

A Friendship on Death Row STORY BY JUNE MATHEWS / PHOTOS COURTESY OF JIM SLACK

“I was in prison and you came to visit me” (Matthew 25:36). Every other Friday, retired professor Jim Slack steers his car onto I-65 and settles in for the three-hour drive south to visit a dear friend, one he considers a brother in Christ. At the end of Slack’s journey sits Holman Correctional Facility in Atmore, where death row inmate Jimmy Davis awaits Slack’s arrival and looks forward to spending time with his longtime friend and spiritual advisor. Davis was convicted and sentenced to death in 1993 for the murder of a service station attendant in Anniston. A 22-year-old gang member, he was abused as a child, and had an IQ barely above mentally disabled, Davis had easily fallen prey to the influences around him and landed on death row. Three fellow gang members cut deals and turned state’s evidence against him at trial. Questions inevitably arose about the fairness of the trial and whether the prosecution had proven its case beyond a reasonable doubt. Thus began an appeals process that has dragged on for over 30 years. So far, each appeal has failed, and Davis is running out of options. But regardless of how his story ends, Davis is not without hope. After 10 years on death row, a decade of lashing out at the world by beating up anybody he could, Davis found Jesus. He’s been a different man ever since. A few years later, Davis found in Slack a faithful friend. The two met through Kairos, an international Christian prison ministry, during one of the organization’s weekend spiritual retreats at Holman. “Jimmy and I were assigned to be in the prayer chapel praying for the speakers,” said Slack, a member of Bluff Park United Methodist Church. “The prayer chapel at Holman was a spare cell on death row that was only about eight by five feet.” While praying together, Slack and Davis felt the Holy Spirit come into the tiny cell, and the experience became a bonding moment. In the 15 or so years since, the two have become close friends. ABOVE: Jimmy Davis in his cell. TOP: Jim Slack visits with Jimmy Davis.

“I’d say he’s more my spiritual advisor than I’m his,” said Slack. “He’s the professor, and he gives me homework. He’ll tell me,

SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER 2026 The Neighborhood Reader - Bluff Park

‘This is what I want you to read for this week.’” In a similar way, Davis ministers to the officers at the prison. He rises around 3 a.m. to pray for them then searches for a specific verse of scripture for each one to read that day. He then writes each verse on separate pieces of paper and carefully folds them. “When he hands them out, it’s almost like communion,” Slack said. “They have their hands covered as though the bread of God and the body of Christ is going to be put there, and Jimmy slips the verses he felt led to write for each person that day into their hands.” On occasion, Davis preaches at the Life Row church, established on the Holman campus by CityHope Church. He is also quick to serve his fellow inmates and generously uses his own money to buy food and snacks out of vending machines for some of their visiting family members. In terms of family visits of his own, however, Davis is not so blessed. His mother has come to see him only once in 33 years, saying she can’t stand seeing her son in prison. His father, who lived in Michigan, died when Davis was a boy. He does, however, keep in touch with his sister. Other than someone from the Billy Graham prison outreach program in North Carolina, Slack is Davis’s only regular visitor. “I used to visit twice a month for four hours, but the rules changed, and now it’s every two weeks for two hours,” said Slack. “The shorter hours make it hard on families who have to travel long distances, and two hours is not enough for Jimmy and me to get much done.” Their conversation, he said, is pretty much what other guys would

SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER 2026 The Neighborhood Reader - Bluff Park

talk about. Sometimes rival football teams or maybe the weather, “but basically, we talk about problems, and we recognize that the problems of death row are the same as the problems out here in the sense that people do things they shouldn’t be doing,” Slack said. During early visits, they would discuss Davis’s fate should the appeal process fail. But more recently, Slack shifted to a more hopeful focus to lessons in surviving the outside world. “Even in little things,” he said. “He didn’t know where to put a stamp on an envelope and address it correctly.” And somewhere along the way, Slack convinced his friend to write. Thus encouraged, Davis submitted a workplace devotion to a Regent University publication about his workplace on death row. It was so well received that for a time, he wrote weekly devotions and even developed a fan base. “He writes well,” said Slack. “And even though he’s not writing devotions anymore, he writes to about 25 people every week.” For Slack, Davis’s writing serves as further proof of what faith has done to change the angry young man who came to Holman 33 years ago into the amazing person he has become today. “This is a man I’d like to invite to my church,” Slack said. “This is a man that I would like as a neighbor. He’s a good man, and he’s got work to do.” Whether that work will be done in heaven or on Earth remains to be seen. But Slack will stand by Davis come what may. “I don’t want to see an execution,” he said, “but if that’s how it goes, I’ll be there. I’m not going to leave Jimmy at that point.”

School and Community Briefs

Church on the Bluff Annual Picnic Church on the Bluff hosted its annual church picnic and fish fry on July 11, drawing about 75 people for food, fun and fellowship. The church holds the event each year on or around the Fourth of July holiday. For more information, visit churchonthebluff.org.

Hoover music educator Meredith DeVore receives Alabama ACDA’s Robert E. Wright Jr. Award for Exceptional Service, recognizing her decades of leadership and lasting impact on choral music across the state.

Hoover Teacher Earns Top State Honor for Choral Excellence Hoover City Schools has named Meredith DeVore, music teacher at Shades Mountain Elementary School, the recipient of the 2025 Robert E. Wright Jr. Award for Exceptional Service, one of the top honors given by the Alabama chapter of the American Choral Directors Association. The Robert E. Wright Jr. Award recognizes individuals who have made a lasting impact on choral music in Alabama through service, leadership and a commitment to advancing the profession. The award also honors the legacy of Robert E. Wright Jr., a respected advocate for choral music whose influence continues to inspire educators across the state. Recipients are selected through a statewide nomination process and must have been active in Alabama choral music for at least 15 years and have demonstrated exceptional service to the association and the broader choral community.

Ellis Awarded Freedom Award Bennie Ellis, a longtime Bluff Park resident and U.S. Army veteran, was presented with the Hoover Area Chamber ‘s annual Freedom Award at a recent luncheon. Pictured (L-R) are Bennie, his wife Martha, Paul Pocopanni with the Hoover Veterans Committee, and Nan Baldwin with the chamber.

“This recognition celebrates an outstanding career in music education and the lasting impact that exceptional teachers have on students, schools and communities,” said Brian Cocke, Hoover City Schools fine arts specialist. “We are proud to have DeVore represent our school system and to see her recognized among the best in Alabama. Her love for music, commitment to her students and service to the profession have shaped the lives of many students throughout her career,” he said. The award was presented during the Alabama ACDA Summer Conference, held July 13-15 at the University of Alabama. SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER 2026 The Neighborhood Reader - Bluff Park

Krimson Revis Joins Hoover City Schools Foundation Board of Directors Revis and her family moved to the Bluff Park neighborhood six years ago, where they are raising their three children. A former middle school science teacher, she quickly sought ways to get involved and make an impact in her new community. Along with eight other women, Revis co-founded Bash on the Bluff, a local nonprofit that offers free community events designed to strengthen neighborhood ties. “I’m deeply excited for the next opportunity to serve my community in yet another way by joining the team of leaders that make up the Hoover City Schools Foundation,” Revis said. “Their work directly contributes to the standard of excellence that makes Hoover City Schools what it is today. I hope that with my teaching experience, I can bring a fresh lens to the foundation and help maintain that excellence.”

LANDSCAPING LAWN MAINTENANCE IRRIGATION LIGHTING Family owned and operated & serving the Greater Birmingham area for over 25 years SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER 2026 The Neighborhood Reader - Bluff Park

GREEN CARE landscape

Call for Your Quote 205-394-9483 | newgreencare2@aol.com greencarelawnmaintenance.com Owner: Joseph Ceravolo | Operated in Bluff Park 39

School and Community Briefs

Honoring Hoover’s Healing Heart: Nurse Goodman Named Alabama School Nurse of the Year Shades Mountain Elementary School nurse Elisabeth Goodman, BSN, RN, has been named the 2026 Alabama Registered School Nurse of the Year by the Alabama Association of School Nurses (AASN). Goodman, who joined Hoover City Schools in 2022 after working in Hematology/Oncology at UAB, was honored at the AASN Annual Conference in Fairhope and will also be recognized at the National Association of School Nurses Conference in 2027. Colleagues say her influence reaches far beyond routine medical care. “The depth of Nurse Goodman’s heart and compassion for her students is evident to all who visit her health room,” said Julie Kent, BSN, RN, NCSN, recently retired Lead Nurse for Hoover City Schools. “Her unconditional love and support, demonstrated daily, have clearly made a lasting impression on her students. She exemplifies the heart of a true servant leader.”

PHOTO COURTESY OF THE PARK NUTRITION

The Park Nutrition Brings Protein Shakes and Energy Teas to Bluff Park PHOTO COURTESY OF HOOVER CITY SCHOOLS

Since joining Hoover City Schools, Goodman has become a leader in promoting health and wellness for students, staff, and families. She created Hoover City Schools’ first school nurse–led Community Health & Wellness Fair, which has grown from a single-school event into a community-wide resource featuring more than 70 vendors and multiple school nurses. Through the event, families can access health resources, wellness information, and community services that support children and families throughout Hoover.

Bluff Park now has a chill new spot for quick, healthy drinks. The Park Nutrition shop opened on July 4 at 585 Shades Crest Road, serving up teas and shakes. The ribbon-cutting ceremony, hosted by the Hoover Area Chamber of Commerce, took place on July 14. Their menu features proteinpacked shakes and cool energy teas, making it super easy to grab a healthy meal replacement, a post-workout pick-me-up, or just hang out with friends.

In addition to caring for students’ daily health needs, Goodman has championed wellness initiatives for faculty and staff, including exercise groups and health challenges. Her efforts have helped Shades Mountain Elementary earn the America’s Healthiest School Award from the Alliance for a Healthier Generation. “School nurses play a vital role in supporting student success, and Nurse Goodman consistently goes above and beyond to care for our students, families, and community,” said Hoover City Schools Superintendent Dr. Kevin Maddox. “Her commitment to promoting health and wellness and serving others makes a difference every day.” This year’s Hoover City Schools Community Health & Wellness Fair, overseen by Goodman, will be held Oct. 3 in the Hunter Street Baptist Church parking lot from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. The free, family-friendly event will feature food trucks, games and activities, prizes, and a wide range of health resources for the community.

From left are Ashley Bahr, Ann Elise Jeffcoat, Marin Barthold, Holland Moon.

SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER 2026 The Neighborhood Reader - Bluff Park

Hoover Schools Transportation Team Earns National Honor for Second Year Hoover City Schools has been named one of the nation’s top student transportation teams for the second year in a row. The district is one of only six nationwide to receive the 2026 Top Transportation Teams Award and one of three honored in the category for departments with more than 100 employees. The award highlights transportation teams that excel in leadership, professional development, teamwork and workplace culture. Winners are chosen through anonymous employee surveys that capture staff experiences and perspectives. “This award belongs to every member of our transportation team,” said Brad Hayn, HCS director of transportation. “Our drivers, aides, mechanics, coordinators and staff work together every day to safely serve our students.” The department includes more than 190 employees who support daily student travel across the district. Hayn said relationship-building, employee support and consistent leadership presence are key to maintaining a strong team. Each winning district received a scholarship to attend the STN EXPO West

in Reno, Nevada, where Hoover transportation leaders joined a panel discussion on strategies for building and sustaining high-performing departments. “This recognition reflects the dedication of an incredible group of employees who begin and end each school day focused on the safety of our students,” Superintendent Dr. Kevin Maddox said. “We are grateful for the important role our transportation team plays in serving our schools and families.”

Shades Crest Baptist Church Arts & Crafts Fair Shades Crest Baptist Church will be hosting its annual Arts & Crafts Fair on Saturday, October 3, from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. at the church, 452 Park Avenue. A variety of artists and crafters will be selling their handmade products. Free water and coffee are available to patrons, and a $5 lunch with a sandwich, chips, and a canned drink is also available. Vendors are still being accepted, and the vendor fee is $30. Interested vendors can call the church office at (205) 822-1360. All proceeds will benefit an orphanage in South Sudan. SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER 2026 The Neighborhood Reader - Bluff Park

School and Community Briefs

Christmas Parade Registration Open The Bluff Park Christmas Parade will continue its longtime tradition on Saturday, December 5 at 10:00 am. The route will follow the same path as in previous years, and participants may begin registering now; registration closes two weeks before the event. The registration form will be available on the parade’s Facebook page, or interested participants can reach out to Katie Elsea, bpchristmasparade@gmail.com.

Young Artist Reception The Young Artist Reception at the Hoover Public Library in August was pure joy. Students from Bluff Park Elementary gathered with families and teachers to celebrate a big milestone: having their artwork selected to hang in the library’s student gallery. Each month, around a dozen pieces from all 11 elementary schools across Hoover are chosen for this rotating showcase, giving young creators a moment to shine and a space to share their work with the community. Seeing these students beam with pride as they spotted their artwork on the wall was a reminder of how powerful creativity can be at every age. Bluff Park Elementary showed up with heart, talent, and a whole lot of color. Each student received a certificate at the reception.

SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER 2026 The Neighborhood Reader - Bluff Park

Calendar and News

NEW BUSINESSES The Park Nutrition 585 Shades Crest Road theparknutrition.com Opening a business in Bluff Park? Let us know!

CHURCH EVENTS September 9: Raising Resilient Kids Bluff Park United Methodist Church, 6:30 to 7:45pm in the Chapel Join Rev. Monica Harbarger, Executive Director of United Counseling, for a special evening for parents and caregivers. Parenting is one of life’s greatest joys and one of its biggest challenges. Many parents today are helping their children navigate stress, anxiety, big emotions, social pressures, packed schedules, and a world that can feel overwhelming. Together, we’ll explore the challenges families face today and discuss meaningful ways to support children as they grow.

October 28: Fall Festival Birmingham Community Church Come for a fun evening of food, bounce houses, face painting and more. Event begins at 5:30 pm.

COMMUNITY EVENTS September 5, 12, 19, 26: The Market at Brock’s Gap The Farmers Market at Brock’s Gap is held 8:00 am - 12:00 pm at Brock’s Gap Brewing Company. As Hoover’s only certified farmers market, it features fresh, seasonal produce and locally grown and Alabama-made products, offering visitors the opportunity to support area farmers, artisans and food producers. September 5: Time to Tailgate Hoover Public Library Kick off the football season with a selection of tailgate-inspired crafts and activities hosted within the Children’s Department from 10:00 - 11:30 am.

September 18 and 19: Bargains on the Bluff Bluff Park Methodist Church Friday, 9:00am - 6:00 pm - Public Sale Saturday, 9:00am - 2:00 pm - Discount Day Children’s and women’s consignment sale. Features gently used kids’ and maternity clothing, toys, books, and a dedicated Ladies’ Shop, with proceeds supporting Bluff Park Preschool. September 22 - October 27: Jesus and the Founding Fathers Bluff Park United Methodist Church Tuesdays 6:00 to 7:00pm. Join Dr. James Slack, retired professor of political science at UAB, Rev. Stuart Parker, and Debra McCallum for a fascinating look at how Jesus and Christianity actually influenced the Founding Fathers of our country. October 3: Grace on the Bluff Church on the Bluff Grace on the Bluff is a community outreach event designed to share the love of Christ through the gift of giving. Similar to a yard sale, all items are offered free of charge, reflecting the belief that God’s grace is a gift freely given. Community members are invited to take what they need, or simply something they would enjoy—as everyone is welcome to participate and experience this expression of generosity and fellowship. October 24: Fall Festival Shades Crest Baptist Church Come enjoy the fun from 4:00-7:00 pm. October 28: Pumpkin Olympics Bluff Park United Methodist Church The annual Pumpkin Olympics will bring together the church’s children’s and youth ministries for an evening of fall-themed fun and fellowship from 5:30 - 7:30 pm. Participants will enjoy a complimentary dinner before taking part in a variety of activities. Children will compete in games such as pumpkin bowling and a seed-spitting contest, while middle and high school students will test their skills in pumpkin chucking, pumpkin carving and pumpkin pie eating challenges. SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER 2026 The Neighborhood Reader - Bluff Park

Bargains on the Bluff

September 7, 14, 21, 29: Monday Night Run Brocks’ Gap Brewing Company 5:30 - 8:30 pm Every Monday night join a friendly jog through the Trace Crossings and other neighborhoods. All paces are welcome during the 3 or 5 mile run. September 8: Kids’ Kitchen Jr. - Funky Lunch Bunch Hoover Public Library Design a creative midday meal that will be the envy of the cafeteria. This program, 4:00 - 5:00 pm, is tailored for students in first through third grade. Note that advance registration is required to participate. September 10: Homeschool Hub Picture Day Hoover Public Library Capture a professional-quality school portrait at no cost. This opportunity is open to students in kindergarten through 12th grade from 11:00 am - 12:00 pm and 1:00 - 2:00 pm. Note that advance registration is required to secure a time slot. September 14: Crafting Kindness Hoover Public Library In recognition of Suicide Prevention Month this September, we are focusing on helping those in need by constructing Worry Pets— specialized sensory companions designed to provide comfort and alleviate anxiety. 3:00 - 8:00 pm. All materials are provided. 43

Events Calendar September 19: Brain Chats Hoover Public Library The Comprehensive Neuroscience Center aims to advance interdisciplinary neuroscience research, clinical care and education at UAB. The CNC's outreach, Neuroscience for All, makes brain science accessible year-round through hands-on learning and community connection. 11:00 am - 12:00 pm. No registration required

October 3: Bluff Park Art Show Bluff Park Community Park The 63rd annual event will take place from 9:00 am - 5:00 pm. This nationally recognized juried art festival features artists from across the country, food vendors, live entertainment, children's activities and scholarship support for local student artists. Admission is free. October 3, 10, 17, 24, 31: The Market at Brock’s Gap The Farmers Market at Brock’s Gap is held 8:00 am - 12:00 pm at Brock’s Gap Brewing Company. As Hoover’s only certified farmers market, it features fresh, seasonal produce and locally grown and Alabama-made products, offering visitors the opportunity to support area farmers, artisans and food producers. October 5, 12, 19, 26: Monday Night Run Brocks’ Gap Brewing Company 5:30 - 8:30 pm Every Monday night join a friendly jog through the Trace Crossings and other neighborhoods. All paces are welcome during the 3 or 5 mile run.

September 22: Kids’ Kitchen- Salsa in September Hoover Public Library Master the art of crafting fresh, homemade salsa in this hands-on workshop. Students in fourth through sixth grade will prepare their own culinary creations to take home and share with family. The program runs from 4:00 - 5:00 pm. Note that advance registration is required to participate. September 30: Mah Jongg Meetup Hoover Public Library Gather your tiles and mats for an engaging afternoon of Mah Jongg 6:00 - 8:00 pm. Whether you are playing with long-time friends or connecting with new ones, enjoy this popular gaming trend. While a small number of sets and card tables are provided, participants are encouraged to bring their own equipment and tables to ensure everyone can join the fun.

October 6: Fright Club Jr. Hoover Public Library Gather for a collection of spine-tingling stories, unsettling literary recommendations and a macabre refreshment 4:00 - 5:00 pm. This event is designed for students in first through third grade. Note that advance registration is required to participate.

WORLD-RENOWNED ORTHOPAEDIC CARE IN HOOVER NOW ACCEPTING NEW PATIENTS Matthew B. Beidleman, MD

Non-Surgical Sports Medicine Physician Elbow, Foot & Ankle, Hand & Wrist, Hip, Knee, Shoulder

Christopher H. Garrett, MD

Spine Surgeon

SAME DAY/NEXT DAY APPOINTMENTS FOR ACUTE INJURIES

Cervical, Thoracic & Lumbar Spine

205-939-3699

Daniel C. Kim, MD

Sports Medicine Surgeon Elbow, Hip Preservation, Knee, Shoulder Alabama Crimson Tide Team Physician

CONVENIENT TO I-459 & HWY. 150

Andrews Sports Medicine Lake Crest Center | 2321 John Hawkins Parkway, Suite 113 | Hoover, AL 35244

AndrewsSportsMedicine.com

LET’S GET SOCIAL

SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER 2026 The Neighborhood Reader - Bluff Park

October 6: Oh My, Apple Pie Hoover Public Library Discover the secrets to crafting your own signature apple pie filling using the season’s freshest harvest. Participants will learn the essential techniques for preparing and canning fruit filling, ensuring a pantry staple for future occasions. Adults only. 6:30 - 8:30 pm. October 12: Crafting Kindness Hoover Public Library Contribute to the well-being of those living with Alzheimer’s and dementia by helping assemble specialized fidget mats from 3:00 8:00pm. These tactile blankets provide sensory stimulation and comfort for patients in need. Community members are encouraged to donate unused placemats, along with various small attachments such as zippers, shoelaces, and compact plush toys, to create engaging surfaces for manual exploration.

Anders found his match

October 15: Homeschool Hub - Alabama Wildlife Center Hoover Public Library The Alabama Wildlife Center will present their specialized Birds of Prey program, offering an engaging opportunity to encounter these majestic creatures up close. Participants will learn about native raptors and the center’s ongoing conservation efforts during this educational session from 11:00 am - 12:00 pm. October 23: Monster Mash Halloween Party Hoover Public Library It is time for the annual Monster Mash Halloween Party. Creatures of every variety—from the most formidable to the truly delightful—are invited to join the festivities. Attendees are encouraged to don their favorite costumes for an evening of seasonal celebration 6:30 - 8:30 pm. Families seeking a more tranquil experience are invited to participate in a sensory-friendly version of the festivities from 6:00 - 6:30pm. To secure a reservation for this early session, please contact the Children’s Department at 205-444-7830. Note that advance registration opens on October 5. October 27: Fright Club Hoover Public Library Gather for a collection of spine-tingling stories, unsettling literary recommendations and a macabre refreshment. This event is designed for students in fourth through sixth grade from 4:00 - 5:00 pm. Note that advance registration is required to participate.

Anders was diagnosed with a rare genetic condition that was affecting his immune health and significantly impacting his overall development. His doctors determined his best treatment option was a bone marrow transplant, and luckily Anders found his match and received his transplant. Now Anders is reaching new developmental milestones and is starting to get back to being a normal kid.

October 23: Mah Jongg Meetup Hoover Public Library Gather your tiles and mats for an engaging afternoon of Mah Jongg 6:00 - 8:00 pm. October 30: Hoover Horror Picture Show Hoover Public Library This Adult Halloween Party (18+) features a screening of The Rocky Horror Picture Show with interactive prop bags and live shadowcasting performances. The event also includes an unconventional costume contest, a costume-crafting station, and sweet refreshments from Columbia’s Sweet Treats on the "Charcuterie Eddie Spready". 7:00 10:00 pm. October 31: Trick or Treat Hoover Public Library Visit the Children’s Department for a festive Trick or Treat celebration from 10:00 am - 2:00 pm.

SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER 2026 The Neighborhood Reader - Bluff Park

Learn more at ChildrensAL.org

We are here in your neighborhood at Greenvale Pediatrics Hoover. Call 205-987-4444 to schedule an appointment. 45

AUGUST 2026

MAY/JUNE 2026

AUGUST 2026

Than

Store

KA-CHOW!’

AFTER 76 YEARS IN BUSINESS, Smith’s Variety is still the place where every aisle holds a surprise

Local Teen brings Lightning McQueen to Bluff Park

YOU VOTED, and now they’re winners! See the complete list

PAGE 12

PAGE 14

BACK TO SCHOOL

FRIDAY NIGHT LIGHTS RETURN

A look ahead at the new school year

PAGE 6

PAGE 22

THE MAGIC OF

WATER Beth Webb Debrecht discusses her new children’s book

PAGE 10

LEGACYOF

Summer Maintenance get your home and landscaping ready

Superintendent Lewis Brooks and his lasting impact on Shelby County Schools PAGE 8

PAGE 22

HOPE

Start Your

Engines

CARRYING THE TORCH

IN PICTURES:

STARTS HERE

Take a spin at K-1 Speed PAGE 10

PAGE 8

Hornets football season preview

PAGE 31

Rockets prepare for a new football season

Tabernacle football, cheer preview PAGE 22

Gardendale goes all out for America’s 250th PAGE 12

Blanket Fort Hope’s mission to restore young lives PAGE 16

Stories From

your com m u n it y www.JBMCmedia.com

AUGUST 2026

JULY 2026

AUGUST 2026

MAR/APR 2026

MAHJONG

Like Mother, LIKE DAUGHTER

WHERE TO LEARN AND PLAY TODAY’S “IT” GAME

Duo earns degrees at Lawson State

PAGE 8

New Dining

PAGE 16

SPOTS OPEN

Business news YOUNG ARTISTS

ITALY IN ALABAMA VECCHIA’S AUTHENTIC NEW ADDITION

Friday Night Lights

CELEBRATE HOOVER DAY: A FREE, FAMILY EVENT PAGE 12

START THE DAY RIGHT

Local football teams prepare for fall season PAGE 8

PAGE 22

OUR INAUGURAL ISSUE Get to know us

PAGE 4

WHAT’S HAPPENING

Community news

PAGE 28

PAGE 10

STUDENTS DECORATE HYDRANTS IN HONOR OF AMERICA

YOUR NEW FAVORITE BREAKFAST SPOT

A decade

of educating PELHAM’S ELEMENTARY SCHOOLS CELEBRATE A MILESTONE

Vintage BIG DAY

Wedding dress boutique opens in Hueytown PAGE 18

ON YOUR

“...workouts challenge me to be better than I was the day before.” “I appreciate the emphasis on our whole selves, not just our bodies!” “every session feels tailored to our individual needs.”

Christ-centered fitness for the community

767 Shades Mountain Plaza

between Benchmark Physical Therapy and Sampson Dentistry

Group fitness classes for men and women of all ages Strength, cardio, metabolic conditioning, athletic training, and more solideogloriafitness.com @sdgfitness_health @solideogloriafitness SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER 2026 The Neighborhood Reader - Bluff Park

Follow us on Instagram or Facebook for weekly class schedules Mon-Thurs: 5am, 6am, 8:30am, 4:30pm Fri: 5am, 6am, 8:30am Sat: 6am, 7am, 8am 47

CALL BEFORE THEY FALL! YOUR LOCAL TREE SERVICE PROFESSIONALS Serving Bluff Park & Surrounding Areas OUR SERVICES

Emergency Tree Services Tree Cutting Stump Grinding Tree Trimming Debris Removal Tree Removal

Lot/Land Clearing Demolition Services

CALL FOR YOUR FREE ESTIMATE 205-961-2777 MyersTreeService.com

MENTION BPNR FOR

10% OFF ANY OF OUR SERVICES

Myers Tree Service is Fully Licensed and Insured! 48

SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER 2026 The Neighborhood Reader - Bluff Park