Enjoy Hoover - March/April 2026

MAR/APR 2026

MAHJONG

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

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ITALY IN ALABAMA

VECCHIA’S AUTHENTIC NEW ADDITION

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CELEBRATE HOOVER DAY: A FREE, FAMILY EVENT

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EDITOR’S NOTE

Dear Friends,

Spring is (almost) in the air!

And I have a feeling that the country’s most popular tile game isn’t changing with the seasons.

Yes, you’ve heard of March Madness. But in this issue, we’re exploring Mahjong Maddness and the renewed interest in this centuriesold tile game. While there are no brackets, there are games and tournaments happening regularly throughout Hoover. Thankfully, unlike basketball, it’s fairly easy to learn and can be enjoyed by all ages. As luck would have it, Hoover boasts several other can’t-miss opportunities for friends and family to connect over in March and April. Commemorate St. Patty’s Day with Hooley, a Celtic band with local roots, grab a taste of Italy right here in Alabama at the new Vecchia Gelato & Cafe, and enjoy the best our city has to offer at Celebrate Hoover Day, which has expanded to two days of (nearly) free family fun!

After a winter of unseasonably cold temperatures, I’m ready for the warmer weather that encourages us all to get out and about. I hope you’ll join me in enjoying all that Hoover has to offer. Maybe I’ll even see you at a local Mahjong game.

Happy Reading!

Kim Cripps Editor ABOUT

THE COVER

Mahjong, a Chinese tile game that has been around for centuries, is experiencing a massive resurgence. The tiles pictured are available at the Pants Store in Knox Square and can be purchased locally.

Cover photo by Allison Carpenter

Enjoy Hoover is your guide to dining, entertainment, and shopping in Hoover, Alabama’s sixth largest city. From major events like the SEC Baseball Tournament, the World Games, and the Regions Tradition, to local live music, to hidden gems in local shopping, to the world-class lineup of restaurants, Hoover has tons to offer to residents, guests, and visitors alike.

Enjoy Hoover is published six times a year, a joint venture between David Cohen of the Hoover Restaurant Alliance, Matthew Allen of JBMC Media, and Mitzi Eaker of Mitzi Jane Media. These three longtime Hoover residents blend a passion for their community with years of experience in communication, publishing, marketing, and hospitality.

Copies of this magazine are available at more than 100 locations throughout Hoover. Connect with us through our social media channels: Instagram (@EnjoyHoover) and Facebook (@EnjoyHoover). Visit us online at EnjoyHoover.com.

We hope you Enjoy Hoover!

KIM CRIPPS, editor kimcripps@gmail.com

DAVID COHEN, co-publisher (205) 213-3617/enjoyhoover@gmail.com

MATTHEW ALLEN, co-publisher (205) 883-1877/matthew@jbmcmedia.com

MITZI EAKER, co-publisher (205) 862-0629/mitzijanemedia@gmail.com

HOLLIE BROWN, Community Events Editor hollie@jbmcmedia.com

MICHELLE SALEM HAYNES, marketing consultant (205) 381-1311/michelle@jbmcmedia.com

EMILY VANDERMEY LISTO, operations & project manager, graphic designer emily@emilylisto.com

ALLISON CARPENTER, staff photographer allisoncarpenterphotography@gmail.com

BRITTANY R. KENNY, graphic designer

Celebrate

Mahjong Madness

The tile game that has taken over — again!

BY KIM CRIPPS

Players gather at Hoover Steaks & Wine for Level 1 and Level 2 classes led by local instructor Robyn Henderon of Magic City Mahjong.

BAMS, DOTS AND CRAKS. To those unfamiliar with the centuries-old tile game, it sounds like speaking in code, or perhaps even nonsense. But both new and seasoned Mahjong players will tell you these clever nicknames refer to the three suits included in a standard American game set. Well, those and winds, flowers, jokers and dragons… however, let’s not overcomplicate it just yet. We’ll save that for your local instructor.

While the game does require learning some jargon, strategy, skill, and a fair amount of luck, its biggest draw is the easy way it brings people together. This is precisely why Katy Houston, education and volunteer coordinator for the City of Hoover, is introducing the game to the greater community.

Katy, whose role focuses on adult and

children’s programming for Aldridge Gardens, said the idea for hosting Mahjong came from one of the women in a nature journaling class. “She asked if we had ever considered Mahjong,” shared Katy. “While it’s not a traditional education class for us, it has been a great way to bring people into the gardens and build community.”

Sammi Thrasher, a local middle school teacher and owner of Oak Mt. Mahj, has seen similar experiences unfold for her players. “It’s a safe, low-pressure way to make new friends, without having a worry about small talk and navigating conversation,” she said. “I’ve had so many women who have signed up for a class by themselves, and by the time they leave, they are getting all the phone numbers of the ladies at the table.”

While Sammi has played Mahjong with her family since childhood—she was taught by her grandmother—she enjoys helping new people learn the ins and outs of the game. “The more people who play, the more people I get to play with too,” she shared.

CONTINUED FROM PAGE 8

Learning new skills, like Mahjong, also helps build confidence and keeps the mind engaged and active, said Robyn Henderson, who started the Hooverbased Magic City Mahj as a way to teach friends the game in a fun, approachable setting. The shared experience of trying something new naturally builds camaraderie and encourages conversation, even across generations.

“My favorite part of playing Mahjong is the time around the table with friends,” said Robyn. “It’s the conversation, laughter, and shared focus on the game that make it special—Mahjong gives us a reason to slow down, connect, and enjoy being together while doing something we all love.”

WHERE TO PLAY

WHAT YOU NEED

TO PLAY MAHJONG, you’ll need:

• One set of American Mahjong Tiles

• One Set Four (4) Tile Racks with Hinged or Magnetic Pushers

• Four Game Cards Some tile sets include game cards. New cards are issued annually by the National Mahjong League.

And these completely optional, but very fun, accessories:

• One Mahjong Mat

• Tile Shufflers

• Line Finder for Game Card

• Small Storage Bag for Tiles

• Speciality Bag for Racks and Pushers

• Larger Duffle Bag for Tiles, Mat, and Racks and Pushers

Mahjong tiles, like the ones pictured on this issue’s cover, can be purchased locally at the Pants Store or online through many specialty vendors.

Where can I play in Hoover? New and seasoned Mahjong players have an abundance of options when it comes to playing right here in Hoover. Of course, you can gather and play with a group of women from your neighborhood, place of worship, or even your child’s soccer team. But, chances are, you all will want to learn the rules of the game first. Or maybe you just need help finding the right group to play with. Either way, you’re more than welcome to join instructors and players for the following:

Aldridge Gardens This spring, Aldridge Gardens is hosting a series of free Mahjong classes for beginners and open play for experienced players. Classes and open play are scheduled from 2-4 pm on the following days: March 1 and 15; April 19; May 17, and June 7 and 2. Led by local Mahjong teacher Cynde Morgan, the classes are free, but registration is required because spots are limited. Go to aldridgegardens.com and scroll toward the bottom of the page to find “Mahjongg with Cynde Morgan.” Note that registration is not required for open play.

Magic City Mahj Based in Hoover, Magic City Mahj is owned and operated by Robyn Henderson. She offers small-group classes, private in-home lessons, and regular Level 1 and Level 2 Mahjong classes at Hoover Steaks & Wines in Knox Square across from the Hoover Metropolitan Complex. For updates, follow Magic City Mahj on Facebook and Instagram @ MagicCityMahj. To register for Level 1 and Level 2 classes, go to hooversteaksandwines.com/ events.

Oak Mtn. Mahj Led by local middle school teacher Sammi Thrasher, Oak Mountain Mahj hosts classes, open play and tournaments. You can primarily find her near Hwy. 280 with regular appearances at Board in Birmingham, and specialty events at Misc. Lou’s Boutique, North Shelby County Library, and Brock’s Gap Brewery off of Hwy. 150. Follow @Oak Mtn. Mahj on Facebook for event dates and times, and to register.

Scoops of the largest apple pie in Alabama history are served, a la mode, to thousands of Celebrate Hoover Day attendees.

“As American as Apple Pie”

Celebrate Hoover Day set for April 25

BY JUNE MATHEWS

CELEBRATE HOOVER DAY, an annual, fun-filled, family-friendly event that culminates in the cutting of a gigantic apple pie, is set for April 25, 11 am to 3 pm, at Veterans Park on Valleydale Road. Judging from past Celebrate Hoover events, an estimated 10,000 to 15,000 people are expected to attend. The event is free to the public.

“As always, we’ll have kids’ activities, live entertainment, business exhibitors, document shredding for anyone who needs that service, and – of course –the pie,” said Erin Colbaugh, Hoover’s Director of Parks & Recreation. “It’s just

basically a great day to come out to one of our most popular parks, meet up with friends, gather with your family, and just enjoy the day and being together.”

The history of the pie goes back to 2010, when organizers were seeking a way to add a memorable twist to Celebrate Hoover Day. When someone came up with the idea of baking the largest pie in Alabama history, everyone agreed that a record-breaking project that people could eat would leave a lasting impression. The idea became a reality, and the famous apple pie has now attained the status of a Hoover tradition.

Prepared by students of the Jefferson State Culinary & Hospitality Institute, assisted by the City of Hoover’s Building Services staff, and baked in a massive oven built especially for the yearly festivities, the pie requires not only a massive effort but a truckload of ingredients as well.

“The pie is baked in a 10-foot by 11 inches pan, which goes into a 12 by 12 feet oven that we constructed years ago for this very thing,” said Colbaugh.

Each helping of the pie (topped with ice cream, of course) is a piece of Americana, a sweet, memory-making dessert that’s been one of the country’s favorite desserts since the 1700s.

“We do this every year to celebrate all the good things about our community,” said Colbaugh. “Hopefully, we’ll have a nice weather day, which will encourage everybody to come out for some free activities and entertainment.”

In addition to the pie, food and beverage offerings will be available for purchase on-site from food trucks and other vendors. Convenient parking is available at the park and at Spain Park High School.

Celebrate Hoover Day is sponsored by the City of Hoover.

HOW TO BAKE A 2,000-POUND APPLE PIE

Gather your ingredients

Pull out your favorite apple pie recipe, multiply the ingredients by a LOT, and create a grocery list accordingly. If you don’t have a heavy-duty pickup truck, you should probably borrow one. Call a few strong friends and ask them to meet you at the grocery store.

Prepare the filling

Peel and slice 600 to 700 lbs. of apples. Combine the apples with lots of sugar, cinnamon, other spices, and thickener until the mixture weighs over 1,000 lbs. (Oops! Did we not tell you you’re going to need an industrial scale?)

Prepare the crust

Create a standard 400-lb. top crust by mixing lots of flour, shortening, sugar, and salt. (NOTE: You’ll only need a top crust; you’ll still be waiting next year for a bottom crust to get done with this method of baking.)

Assemble the pie

Hopefully, you’ve arranged ahead of time for a forklift to place your 2,000-lb. pie in a suitably sized oven. (Sorry. We forgot to tell you about the forklift, too, didn’t we?) If not, you’d better do that next. Once the pan is situated, put your apple filling in it and put the crust on top.

Bake for 6 hours

Remove the pie from the oven with the forklift. Let it cool for a while before digging in. Top with ice cream and enjoy!

This recipe is very loosely based on information provided by the Jefferson State Culinary & Hospitality Institute. Shhh! We promised to keep their exact recipe top secret!

‘It’s a Hooley

Kind of Thing’

Keeping the Spirit of St. Patrick's Day Alive All Year

BY CARMEN SHEA BROWN

It's a "lively gathering" whenever Hooley takes the stage with their unique blend of Uilleann pipes, bodhrán fiddle and bouzouki.

“HAND CLAPPING, feet stomping up and people getting up to try an Irish dance. It's a lot of fun to see people try to get up and do their version of Riverdance.”

That’s how Trent Bradford, leader of Hoover’s very own Celtic band Hooley, describes the atmosphere when an audience gathers before his band of four: Bradford on Uillean & Highland Pipes, guitar and whistle; Darci Jones on fiddle, Paul Merryman on guitar and banjo; and Mickey Hicks, who plays the bodhran (hand drum) and the bouzouki, a string instrument.

“I've lived in Hoover for 30 years, so anytime we get to play for a Hoover audience, it's very well received,” he said.

At a young age, Bradford learned to play the saxophone and got into jazz while at the University of Montevallo. But his musical path took a turn when he learned about his Scottish ancestry from his grandfather.

“He had fought in World War Two and had seen the Highland regiments, and he ended up going to a Highland festival in Montgomery later that year, and pretty much after seeing the bagpipes and the Highland dancers and Highland athletes, I put my saxophone away and started learning the bagpipes, and within six months, I was playing the bagpipes and doing small professional things like doing funerals and little parties.”

They first formed the band in 1997 under the name Craicers (from the Irish term “craic,” meaning “fun”). The band broke up in 1999 and soon reformed under the new name Hooley, an Irish term for “a lively gathering.” Hicks joined the band in 2016. The band draws creative ideas from contemporary Celtic musicians, arranging new tunes for their performances.

“We tend to play the traditional stuff and sometimes we'll hear something off an album and go, oh yeah, let's play that one too. And then we usually try to do different arrangements to make them more of our own tune,” he said. “It’s more of a Hooley kind of thing.”

Having taught music in the Birmingham City Schools for 30 years, Bradford has a little advice for young musicians interested in keeping the spirit of Celtic music alive.

“Practice, practice your craft. Just listening to music is not going to make you better. There's all kinds of Irish music and Scottish music workshops all over. You can find somewhere to go and learn your craft more if you can't find the teacher in your area. There's things to do out of state, and can bring that knowledge back to the state.”

For more info on upcoming events, go to www. hooley.online or visit their Facebook page.

The Hoover-based ensemble specializes in traditional arrangements with a unique "Hooley kind of thing" twist.

The Riverchase Galleria Turns 40

BY KIM CRIPPS

MY FIRST TRIP My first trip to the Riverchase Galleria was a flurry of excitement. It was the early 2000s. I was in college and certainly more than familiar with my fair share of shopping malls. But the Galleria was different.

A sprawling two stories of shopping, with a dedicated food court. Both of these were brand-new concepts to this coastal Southern girl, born and raised in a town much smaller than the Birmingham metro area. Food courts and multi-floor shopping aside, what really caught my attention was that it had a dELiA*s.

dELiA*s. A brand I never purchased from, but whose magazine regularly appeared in my mailbox throughout my

tween and early teen years. And here it was, an actual storefront, a magazine come to life right before my eyes.

As life went on, I found myself living in the area and taking my daughter back to the Galleria for ice cream and carousel rides. Showing up at midnight on Black Friday to catch the sales. Visiting my husband for his lunch and dinner breaks during his retail career.

I’ve had a lot of meaningful little moments at the Galleria. And, I am sure you have too.

But this year is a big moment for a big year for the Riverchase Galleria, as Alabama’s largest enclosed shopping center turns forty. While other malls across the country have closed their doors, the Galleria is still here.

Over the years, the shopping center has seen many changes in retailers, renovations, and traffic as more shopping moved online. But, honestly, you just can’t beat trying something on before buying, getting a feel for the fit and fabric, and knowing you’ll be happy with your purchase before the transaction is complete.

Today, the Galleria remains a shopping destination, with more than 150 shops and restaurants, from nationwide brands like Von Maur and Chick-fil-A to locally owned small businesses, like Fun Box and Sweet E’s Delectables.

As the 40th anniversary of the Riverchase Galleria continues, I encourage each of us to remember our own meaningful moments and look to create new ones at this significant Hoover landmark as it moves toward what could be a very bright future.

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.

Childrens AL •org

We are here in your neighborhood at Greenvale PediatricsHoover and Greenvale Pediatrics - Brook Highland.

It’s All About the Guests

Embassy Suites renovation emphasizes customer comfort

BY JUNE MATHEWS

BEHIND every satisfactory hotel stay is a dedicated staff of people in varying roles but with a common focus on the comfort of each guest. For Wesley Shoultz, general manager of the Embassy Suites by Hilton Birmingham Hoover, that focus has meant spending much of the past year overseeing

the renovation of the hotel’s 208 guest rooms, as well as an overhaul of the hotel’s massive ballroom, all while continuing to conduct business as usual.

And we’re not talking about a splash of paint and new rugs here. This is about gutting bathrooms, replacing tile, painting all the

rooms and hallways, replacing carpet and furniture, and spiffing up whatever else it takes to make guests feel welcome, relaxed, and comfortable in their surroundings.

“It’s been quite a bit,” Shoultz said. But a mere 11 months after the project began in March 2025, the finishing touches, including a facelift to the lobby, were in progress, proving that he and his staff were up to the challenge. The key, he explained, was a matter of eating the proverbial elephant one bite at a time.

“We tried to limit the work to one floor,” he said. “We started on the top floor, which is the ninth floor, and put that one out of order. Then we worked through the renovations on that floor until we got to the inspection part. That’s when the construction guys would move on to the next floor, so they weren’t just waiting around.”

Though the system didn’t always go exactly

as planned – an inspection might be delayed, for example, which would put two floors out of order for a while. But the floor-by-floor method was generally the most efficient way to avoid interruptions of business.

There was one exception to the “no closures” mandate, however: the ballroom.

“When we did the ballroom, we had to close the meeting space for about a month and a half, which was bad because we always have a lot of meetings there,” Shoultz said. “But that’s our biggest space. When it’s open completely, it’s between 9,000 and 10,000 square feet, and we have some smaller meeting rooms in addition to that. Embassy Suites hotels often have meeting space, but they don’t usually have as much as we do.”

Now with new chandeliers, wall vinyl,

The 11-month renovation included gutting bathrooms, replacing tile, painting rooms and hallways and replacing carpet and furniture.

CONTINUED FROM PAGE 19

carpet, and furniture, the ballroom is ready to host almost any occasion in style. The space can still be divided into different sizes, depending on the size of a meeting, and multiple meetings can take place at a time. The ballroom without dividers has a seating capacity of around 800 people.

The renovation, said Shoultz, came about in compliance with Hilton’s renovation cycle for its franchise hotels.

“Every seven years, we change out things that can be easily replaced like furniture, mattresses, things like that,” he said. Then every 15 years, we do a full renovation, like the one we’ve done over the past year. We opened in March of 2010, so it was time.”

But a project of this magnitude didn’t happen without careful planning.

“Our owner and our management group had the foresight to do what they call a PIP, or a property improvement planner, where someone with Hilton comes out, walks the property and looks at what needs to be changed or updated,” Shoultz explained.

Once a report is generated from that visit, the planning team reviews it and determines exactly what needs to be done. After that, the work begins.

“It’s nice to have it done because it’s great for the employees to have a product that fits the amount of effort that they put into their jobs,” said Shoultz. “Our employees are so good

at making guests feel comfortable during their stays, but it also helps to have a nice new product to work with.

“At the end of the day,” he said, “it’s all about taking care of our guests and hoping they feel that what they’re paying to stay with us is worth it.”

Embassy Suites Hilton Birmingham Hoover is conveniently located at 2960 John Hawkins Pkwy., across from the Riverchase Galleria. Rates include free cooked-to-order breakfast and a complimentary evening reception.

The More the Merrier: Vecchia’s Newest Addition

BY TALLY DETTLING

AFTER ALMOST 25 YEARS together (11 married), Benard and Brianna Tamburello, the husband and wife team that created Vecchia Pizzeria & Mercato, know a thing or two about food and what brings a family together. They’re not just creating a place to eat, but an entire experience stemming from Benard’s rich Italian-American heritage with strong Sicilian roots. With that knowledge and love, they’ve recently added to the Vecchia brand with the opening of Vecchia Gelato & Café in November 2025.

“While Benard had always dreamed of opening a pizza restaurant, I loved the

idea of expanding that vision into a true mercato,” adds Brianna. “From imported pastas and specialty flours to house-made dressings, sauces, ready-to-heat meals, and our Vecchia Italian Sausage products, the market side allows guests to bring the Vecchia experience home. We even added a retail wine and craft beer shop to complete it.”

With the opening of their newest addition, Enjoy Hoover was curious to learn more about this spirited couple and any additional future plans they have for the Hoover culinary scene.

CONTINUED FROM PAGE 22

EH: Why pizza & gelato?

Brianna: We wanted to bring the feeling of Italy to Alabama—no plane ticket required. What started as a pizza obsession evolved into a full Italian lifestyle experience. At the café, that means espresso, gelato, Sicilian street food, and pastries imported from Milan alongside favorites from incredible local bakeries, like Tina’s Market and Nasoloda.

EH: How did you first become involved in the restaurant world?

Benard: Food has always been my life. I started young, experimenting in my own kitchen — frozen pizzas, fresh toppings, anything I could get my hands on. My father was a private-label food buyer for the Bruno’s grocery family, so our house was always filled with new foods to try. After my father’s tragic passing in 1986, I found myself working at my uncle’s restaurant, Gus’s Hot Dogs. Within a year, I bought it from him — and I’ve never looked back. Over the past 30+ years, I’ve owned and operated several restaurants in the Birmingham area, beginning with Gus’s Hot Dogs in 1992, followed by Bernie’s Grill in Chelsea and Bernie’s on Main in Columbiana. I was also a founding chef partner in La Dolce Vita and Bellini’s in Hoover.

EH: Did you attend culinary school?

Benard: I didn’t take a traditional culinary school path. I learned in real kitchens, from real people, over decades of hands-on work—from hot dogs and breakfast counters to Southern meatand-three cooking and Tuscan-style fine dining. Travel has also been one of my greatest teachers, especially throughout Italy. Spending time with millers, cheesemakers, bakers, and pizzaiolos completely shaped how I cook and how I think about food.

EH: Is the restaurant life generational?

Brianna: My family has deep roots in food and beverage as well. My grandparents opened the Daylight Café in the 1960s and Banks Lounge in the 1970s. Vecchia is built on that same foundation — a place for gathering, celebrating milestones, and creating memories around the table.

EH: What is it like living and working together daily?

Brianna: It’s intense—but incredibly rewarding. We’re very different thinkers, and that’s our secret. We let each other operate in our strengths. Benard shines in creativity, recipes, and kitchen leadership. I handle the structure, branding, frontof-house, and business side. Every major decision is still made together.

Benard: We trust each other. We know when to step in and when to step back. I oversee menu development, recipes, sourcing, gelato direction, VPN pizza standards, and kitchen leadership. We also teach our Vecchia cooking classes together—which guests love because it’s part cooking demo, part life stories. At the end of the day, we are building something for our family and our community.

EH: What made you choose the Preserve?

Brianna: It felt like a true community hub—a place we would personally spend time, raise our kids around, and build something meaningful. The best part is the people. Watching kids grow up. Hosting birthdays. Seeing neighbors meet for coffee and couples on date night.

Benard: The Preserve has heart. People walk, gather, linger. It reminded us of Italian neighborhoods where cafés and pizzerias are part of daily life. Being across from Moss Rock Preserve also created a destination feel—dinner, coffee, nature, all in one experience. It truly feels like an extension of our home.

EH: Why did you decide to open Vecchia Gelato & Café?

Benard: Every time we traveled through Italy, we found ourselves in small cafés and gelato shops. It was always part of the Vecchia vision. In Italy, gelato isn’t dessert—it’s daily life. We wanted to recreate that feeling.

Brianna: The café lets us connect with guests differently—morning espresso, after-school gelato, evening treats. We proudly serve Kimbo Coffee, imported from Naples, for our espresso program, along with locally roasted DaySol Coffee for drip coffee. Supporting small businesses—both Italian and local—is very important to us.

EH: Do you make your gelato and pastries fresh in store?

Benard: Our gelato is crafted in small batches using traditional Italian methods and premium ingredients. Many of the recipes I’ve collected over the years appear not only in our pastry case, but also on our Sicilian street-food menu. We constantly rotate flavors and offerings seasonally.

Brianna: We also import select pastries directly from Italy and partner with talented local bakers. That balance allows us to offer authenticity, variety, and the highest quality.

EH: Are there plans for future development?

Brianna: We’re always dreaming— more experiences, more classes, more community connections. Stay tuned! Benard: But we’re intentional…growth for us is about quality, not quantity! Maybe one day we complete our Italian block with a true Italian market.

The Mind Behind Great Minds

Geri Evans on 12 Years of Hoover Girls in Science

BY KIM CRIPPS

STATISTICS SHOW girls start losing interest in math and science once they enter middle school. But this didn’t make sense with what Geri Evans was seeing in her own students.

“The girls crave it,” she said. “And it’s good for them to be able to explore something that interests them in a way they couldn’t necessarily do in the classroom. This means interest led, hands-on, in depth, just with other girls, and without competition from the boys.”

In 2014, when Geri was a teacher at Bluff Park Elementary School, she and a group of students applied for the GEMS (Girls Engaged in Math and Science) Expo hosted in partnership with the Alabama Department of Education. She was thrilled when her team was accepted and invited to attend. But, she says she was sick to learn that a fellow Bluff Park team was not selected to attend.

Geri knew Hoover was a big enough school district to be able to support its own GEMS program, so she set to work contacting the school district’s curriculum director and advocating for starting a local program. When Geri needed someone to take the lead, her principal at the time, Dil Uswatte,

gave Geri her full support. Dil had participated in GEMS at the state level and knew how valuable the program is for Alabama’s girls. And Hoover’s own GEMS program was born.

The first year, Geri hosted 65 girls from across Hoover. Now, more than 600 girls are attending each year, including at the most recent expo in February 2026 at Spain Park High School.

February’s event drew teams from nearly every one of Hoover’s 13 elementary and middle schools. The half-day event featured an expo of science projects that were fully developed by the girls, in part with oversight from their teachers. Next the girls heard from keynote speaker, Major Chelsea R. Hatch, and concluded their day with science and math themed breakout sessions. The Huntsville Space and Rocket Center was also on sight with their planetarium.

For Geri, who is recently retired, but serves as a part-time interventionist

at Greystone Elementary in addition to their work with GEMS, the best part is knowing the program is making a difference.

“We have a former GEMS student who went to college to study marketing, but it wasn’t fulfilling for her. She remembered how much she enjoyed GEMS, and that experience led her to change her major to science,” recalled Geri. “Now, she is a scientist studying cancer research.”

To learn more about how to get your student involved in the GEMS 2027 program, reach out to her teacher for more information. GEMS is currently provided at no cost to its participants thanks to the generosity of community partners US Steel and the Hoover City Schools Foundation.

Around Hoover

BY KIM CRIPPS PHOTOS BY LANCE SHORES

ON JANUARY 22, Mayor Nick Derzis delivered his first State of the City address to a sold-out crowd at the Renaissance Birmingham Ross Bridge Resort and Spa. The event was hosted by the Hoover Chamber of Commerce.

MARCH

March 1: Arbor Day Celebration, Aldridge Gardens. 8:00 - 11:00am. The free, familyfriendly event The Hoover Beautification Board highlights the importance of trees and environmental stewardship presented by while offering fun and educational activities for residents of all ages. Featuring a tree giveaway (one tree per household, while supplies last), hands-on activities, and various educational vendors focused on conservation, gardening, and sustainable practices. Children can enjoy crafts and interactive experiences. Attendees can also visit a food truck and the Hoover

Public Library’s bookmobile will be on site throughout the morning. At approximately 8:15 a.m., Hoover Mayor Nick Derzis will issue an official Arbor Day proclamation and cut a ribbon to formally open the event.

March 7: Alabama Swat Foundation 5.56K Run, 5pm, Brock’s Gap Brewing Company. Everyone is welcome to come out and walk, run or ruck this race to fundraise to send first responders to high-level training specifically for critical incidents. This is a family-friendly event with live music and room for kids to play.

Runners must be at least 10 years old to participate. This race starts at sunset and is a particle trail course, so a headlamp/ flashlight is required. All runners will receive a finisher's medal, shirt and a koozie. This year‘s registration cost is $35, but you can run for free by committing to our new tag.

March 9: Kindness Summit Nonprofit Volunteer Fair, 3 - 6:30pm, Hoover Public Library. If you find yourself seeking opportunities to give of your time, listen to a panel of experts from local nonprofits that depend on volunteers like you. Potential volunteers can learn about local organizations in a low-pressure, casual environment and organizations can increase public awareness about their missions and find much-needed volunteers. This year's Kindness Summit is brought to you by a partnership with JustServe.

March 13: Steven Lane and the Yellowhammers, 7pm, Brock’s Gap Brewing Company. Celebrate and enjoy the music from his new album “Hell or High Water”.

March 14-15: Birmingham Spring Craft and Vendor Market, Riverchase Galleria. Saturday, March 14, from 11am - 8pm and Sunday, March 15 from 12- 6pm. Featuring local vendors, seasonal treats, and finds for every occasion, shoppers can look for handmade gifts, specialty items, and fresh, seasonal treasures. Spots are limited and filling up quickly! Don’t wait—secure your spot now by visiting hometownvendormarket.com

March 17: Building Visitorship in your Community, 1-2pm, Hoover Library Meeting Rooms. Presented by the Hoover Historical Society meet with Nathan Anderson, Executive Director of Cullman Parks, Recreation and Sports Tourism.

March 24: Cocktail Class at Sticks ‘N Stones, 3 - 5pm, Knox Square . Celebrate National Cocktail Day by participating in a cocktailmaking class hosted by Sticks ‘N Stones! The class will feature 2-3 cocktails and light bites, while mingling among friends. Call (205) 564-9064 to RSVP.

APRIL

April 11-12: Patton Creek Fine Arts and Crafts Festival, 10am - 5pm, Patton Creek Mall. The venue is indoors at Patton Creek in Hoover, next to Dick’s Sporting Goods. Accepting vendors in these categories: crafters, candle makers, jewelry designers, signs & home decor, food trucks, artisans, crochet & handmade items, baked goods, face painting, non-profit organizations, and more. To apply, go to the Central Alabama Artist Guild’s website caag.site

April 15: The Peking Acrobats, 7 - 9pm, The Library Theater at the Hoover Public Library. The Peking Acrobats® are rooted in time-honored and ancient history and accompanied by live musicians who skillfully play traditional Chinese instruments. Tickets are $40 and can be purchased on the Facebook event page or by visiting thelibrarytheatre.com

April 25: Celebrate Hoover Day, 11am3pm, Veterans Park on Valleydale Road. An annual, fun-filled, family-friendly event that culminates in the cutting of a gigantic apple pie. This free event open to the public includes: kids’ activities, live entertainment, business exhibitors, document shredding for anyone who needs that service and the cutting of the apple pie.

April 26: Hoover Historical Society Membership Open House, 2-4pm, Hale Joseph House. The Stinson Log Cabin will also be open to tour.