Cover: Blue Star Garden Club spruces up veteran’s park
Business News: What’s happening in local businesses
Cheer program leans into new approach
Junior Ambassadors discuss leadership and positive experiences in program In Pictures: Bill Noble on Ice
Home Improvement: Home Tips for a Cozy Winter
Employee Profile: Bill Noble Concessions Manager Anita Hill Shortcut Recipe: Heart Shaped Caprese Skewers
School News
News from our Neighbors Happenings Calendar
Gardendale Magazine is published monthly by JBMC Media, a Birmingham-based publishing company. The magazine is available at more than 100 locations throughout Gardendale, free of charge, and is supported by the advertisers within the pages of this magazine. Subscriptions by mail area also available for $40 per year. Visit jbmcmedia.com/magazinesubscriptions to start your subscription.
Gardendale Magazine is 100% local; the stories and photos are all about the city of Gardendale, its residents, its businesses, its schools, and its cultural institutions. It’s our promise to you that we will always keep it this way, so that the content and stories are relevant to everyone who calls Gardendale home.
Matthew Allen, Publisher (205) 883-1877 | matthew@jbmcmedia.com
Rachel Davis Karr, Content Director (205) 613-7850 | rachel@jbmcmedia.com
Michelle Salem Haynes, Marketing Consultant (205) 381-1311 | michelle@jbmcmedia.com
Anthony Bratina, Cover Designer
Shweta Bratina, Graphic Designer
Emily VanderMey Listo, Operations & Project Manager, Graphic Designer emily@emilylisto.com
The Blue Star Garden Club took on the project of giving Veterans Memorial Park a facelift. Read about the work they did starting on page 9.
Our cover story, about the Blue Star Garden Club and the City of Gardendale giving the Veteran’s Memorial Park a makeover is one of my favorite stories that we’ve done. Gardendale has always been proud of its veterans and those who serve our country, and the park has always been a clean, nice place for ceremonies, but it needed additional attention. The new plantings, benches and concrete are gorgeous and, when Spring comes around, you’ll really be able to see the impact of the work they have done. For years, I covered ceremonies at the park, mostly organized by Hazel Butts and Kermit Dooley, and I can’t help but think how excited they would be to see the upgrades.
Looking over the next few months, we have so many exciting things coming, and I can’t wait to work on them with you
guys. We are already gearing up for the 25th Magnolia Festival (make sure you come see us at our booth again this year). We will once again be sponsors for the festival, and I just know they have a ton of fun activities planned for the milestone.
As we approach five years of publishing Gardendale Magazine, I continue to be amazed and appreciative that you guys are still so supportive of our efforts here. We get so many lovely compliments and still receive so many calls from you about stories you want to see in these pages. As the holidays faded behind us, my phone once again started lighting up with those calls. I am so grateful to each of you who have taken the time to give us story ideas, encouragement or even constructive criticism, because it shows us how much our work matters.
As always, thank you for reading.
Rachel Davis Karr, Content Director
STORY BY RACHEL DAVIS KARR
The Blue Star Garden Club received a Plant America Grant last year and, with the help of the city, set out to revive the Veterans’ Memorial Park located on Highway 31.
As the group focused on the work that needed to be done, they decided the most neglected area was the northern end, where the original monument is located. They created the “Blue Star Serenity and Prayer Garden” in that area.
“We had an edging block bed installed around the North Sign and planted it in red, white and blue flowers,” Libby Stephens said. “We had arborvitaes planted near two benches [which were] placed under a shady crape myrtle, and planted two trees (an oak and a fringetree) to bring shade and beauty to the park.”
The city also stepped in to help spruce up the park. The city’s Park
and Recreation department poured concrete in a circle around the original monument to make it stand out and preserve the area.
“Blue Star GC has worked with the Gardendale Historical Society since 2023 in getting the park ready for Veterans Day Programs by planting flowers in the containers around the south monument,” Stephens explained. “With the help of the Plant America Grant, the Parks and Recreation Department, the Historical Society and Mordecai Sporting Goods, Blue Star GC members have been able to accomplish our goal of making the entire park more inviting.”
The Plant America Blue and Gold Star
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Kingdom Kids Consignment Sale is a twice-yearly consignment sale hosted by Hope Church in Gardendale.
The sale started in February 2008 with 110 sellers and now averages over 400 sellers per sale featuring gently-used children’s clothing, shoes, toys, baby equipment and so much more!
Thursday, February 26, 2026 8:00 am to 7:00 pm
Hope Community Church
Offer HOPE in Christ by Loving God, Loving Others, and Serving the World
The Kingdom Kids Consignment Sale helps Hope Church fulfill our mission by...
X Helping families save money on kid’s clothing
X Provides clothing to local families struggling to clothe their kids
X Providing love and hope to our mission partners
X Bringing together many volunteers giving their time and efforts
X The arms of love from this sale touch so many
Friday, February 27, 2026 8:00 am to 6:00 pm
Saturday, February 28, 2026 7:00 am to 12:00 pm
Kingdom Kids supports numerous efforts locally, nationally, and internationally. In addition, local schools, families in need, clothing closets, foster care groups benefit from receiving donated items.
Mission Partners:
Z Bundles of Hope Diaper Bank
Z The WellHouse
Z Christian Service Mission (Birmingham)
Z Firehouse Shelter
Z Jimmie Hale Mission
Z Urban Ministries
Z First Light Women’s Shelter
Z Cornerstone Ranch
Z Three Hots and a Cot (Veterans)
Z 100 Oaks-After School Program
Z Michael Agwanda (Kenya)
Z The Guzeman’s (Mexico)
Z Alabama Teen Challenge
Z The Kipukes (Africa)
Z Royal Family Kids Camp
Z First Priority
Z The Lovelady Center
Z Lennie Allen (Israel)
Z Wiegerts (Peru)
Z Society of St. Andrew
Z New Partnerships & Special Appeals Serving You Ministries
Z ACT Affordable Counseling Therapy 8
Z Reach A Village (Asia & Eastern Europe)
Z Dr. Amanda Allredge (Nepal)
Z Community Benevolence
Come and experience this event! We cannot wait to see you!
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Memorial Beautification Program is a partnership between National Garden Clubs, Inc. and Keep America Beautiful. These funds can be used to “remove litter, plant flowers and greenery, and beautify Blue Star and Gold Star Memorials nationwide, with special emphasis on planting red, white and blue flowers in celebration of America’s 250th anniversary on July 4, 2026,” according to its website.
The Blue Star Garden Club, along with its partners, secured the funding for Gardendale’s park and then spearheaded the efforts to revitalize the space to honor local veterans.
The Blue Star Garden Club started in 1952 in Gardendale and remains active and involved. The members meet each month to discuss gardening issues and service projects. Supporting military service members, veterans and their families have always been important tenets of the garden clubs that operate across the country. Blue Star is also part of the North End Council of Garden Clubs that presents an annual flower show at the Gardendale Civic Center each Spring.
January 31 9-11:30 AM
Electronics/TVs /Paper Shredding
Birmingham Zoo 2630 Cahaba Rd, Birmingham, 35223
March 14 9-11:30 AM
Electronics/TVs /Paper Shredding
Jefferson County Village Water Reclamation Facility 1440 Pleasant Hill Rd, Birmingham, 35224
April 25 8-11:30 AM
Household Hazardous Waste/ Electronics/TVs/Paper Shredding
Site 1: City of Bessemer Laydown Yard 1205 15th Ave N, Bessemer, 35020
Site 2: First Baptist Church of GardendaleSouth Location 940 Main St, Gardendale 35071
Site 3: Classic Car Motoring 3900 Grants Mill Rd, Irondale 35210
May 9 9-11:30 AM
Electronics/TVs /Paper Shredding
Jefferson County Center Point Satellite Courthouse 2651 Center Point Pkwy, Birmingham, 35215
June 13 9-11:30 AM
Electronics/TVs /Paper Shredding
Jefferson County Valley Water Reclamation Facility 3923 Clear Water Dr, Bessemer, 35023
September 12 9-11:30 AM
Electronics/TVs /Paper Shredding
Birmingham City Hall / Linn Park 710 20th St N, Birmingham, 35203
October 17 8-11:30 AM
Household Hazardous Waste/ Electronics/TVs/Paper Shredding
Site 1: Camp Bessemer 3295 King St, Bessemer, 35023
Site 2: Camp Ketona 121 County Shop Rd, Birmingham, 35217
La Merced opened it’s medical facility on Main Street in Gardendale with a ribbon cutting.
Amalia Meadows was recently announced as the new Gardendale Chamber of Commerce Director. Look for a profile in a future issue to learn more about her.
Memberships for the Gardendale Chamber of Commerce are due in January. Join or renew here: gardendalechamber.com/become-a-member
COMPILED BY JAMIE ERWIN
PHOTOS COURTESY OF GARDENDALE CHEER
The cheerleading program at Gardendale Park and Recreation is about building confidence, teamwork and spirit—one cheer at a time!
“Our park cheer program is more than chants and routines—it’s about creating a positive space where athletes grow in confidence, learn discipline, and build lifelong friendships,” Jeslyn Sides, cocheer director, said.
Cheer program directors Sides and Jamie Erwin sat down with coaches Heather Middleton, Brittany DeArmon and Ashley Gamble to learn more about what makes this program special.
One thing the program wants everyone to know is that it is
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STEP INTO 2026 WITH STRENGTH, MOBILITY, AND A PLAN THAT SUPPORTS YOUR GOALS.
Start strong this year with support from a movement expert. Your TherapySouth PT will create a customized exercise program that helps you feel better, move better, and stay motivated. ic off the year with an Annual Movement Screening to understand your mobility and strength
GARDENDALE
1011 Main Street
Gardendale, AL (205) 651-4350
FULTONDALE
3471 Lowery Parkway, Suite 107 Fultondale, AL (205) 849-6566
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absolutely ok to sign up a child who has never cheered before. This program is tailored to be inclusive to children at all experience levels. “Many of our athletes start with no experience at all,” Sides said. “Our coaches focus on teaching fundamentals in a fun, encouraging environment so every cheerleader feels confident and included.”
“We’ve made practices more fun and interactive, added games and team bonding, refreshed our cheers and music and focused on positive coaching so every cheerleader feels confident and excited to participate,” Erwin added. “We’ve added pink Poms for Breast cancer month, Cheerleader spotlights, awards at camp, spirit buttons and sticks on game days, more interactive crowds with parents and more.”
Parents, whether they are veteran cheer parents or first timers, can expect their children to be supported and encouraged, as well as challenged to be their best. The program is designed to be much more than just a basic cheer program.
“Cheer at BNP is an energetic, opportunity-packed program that goes well beyond a standard park activity,” DeArmon said. “It helps athletes develop strong fundamentals that support long-term growth and success. Participants cheer on the sidelines, perform in showcases like Gardendale’s annual Fall Carnival, compete in local cheer events while getting a taste of the big-gym atmosphere, and proudly represent their community in the Gardendale Christmas parade. And at the heart of it all is the real highlight: sharing unforgettable moments with friends while building skills in something you genuinely love.”
“Coaching the youngest squad at Bill Noble Park has reminded me just how much confidence can grow when
girls are surrounded by encouragement and love,” Middleton said. “On the mat, they’re learning new skills, trying things that feel a little scary at first, and realizing they’re capable of so much more than they thought. Every time they hit a motion, remember a cheer, or smile through a performance, you can see their confidence bloom right before your eyes.
Off the mat, that same confidence carries over into everyday life — they start speaking up, making friends, and believing in the gifts God has placed inside them. As a mom and former Gardendale High School cheerleader, it’s such a blessing to pour back into this program and watch these sweet girls grow not just as cheerleaders, but as confident, Christcentered young ladies who lead with kindness, courage and heart.”
“To families considering signing up, we welcome all skill levels,” Gamble added. “We focus on learning basic cheers, motions, jumps, teamwork and building self-confidence. My favorite perk of cheering at Bill Noble is that we don’t have to give up our College football Saturdays, since our games are during the week. We would love to have you join us.”
We asked some of our cheerleaders a few fun questions to hear what they love most about cheer!
Q: What was your favorite part of being on the team this year?
A: Being part of a team, learning dances and winning at competition.Madeline Middleton
Q: What is your favorite part about cheerleading?
A: Cheering with my friends and winning homecoming queen - Everly Sides
Q: What’s your favorite cheer, chant or motion?
A: Fav cheer: Attack (ATTACK the rockets are back ATTACK attack attack attack) - Amelia Gamble
Q: How does cheering make you feel?
A: “Grateful that I get to perform.” - Ally Boswell
Q: what would you tell a friend that wants to join cheer?
A:“Cheer is so much fun. It’s so important to be loud, confident, sharp, and always have a smile on your face. Do it. You won’t regret it.” - Reagan DeArmon
STORY BY RACHEL DAVIS KARR
As another year of the Gardendale Chamber of Commerce’s Junior Ambassador Program begins to wrap up, and students apply to serve next year, the 20252026 ambassadors look back on what they’ve learned, accomplished and what they would tell next year’s class.
“Being a Junior Ambassador has helped me grow as a leader by teaching me responsibility, confidence, and how to work well with others,” Gardendale senior Zion Holmes said. “I’ve learned how to communicate better with students and adults, and how to represent my school in a positive way. This role pushed me to step out of my comfort zone and take initiative, whether
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it’s helping at events, guiding new students, or speaking up when something needs to be done. It also showed me the importance of serving my community and being someone others can depend on. These skills will help me in my future plans, because I’ve learned how to lead with patience, teamwork, and professionalism.”
“Being a Junior Ambassador has allowed me to know the importance of knowing your community and being a part of it,” GHS senior Surrelle Jackson said. “With that being said, being a leader, you have to know who you’re leading, what you’re part of and why you’re leading. So, having junior ambassador gives me that realization. It allows me to know the people I’m surrounded by at different times so I can show different leadership qualities that best fit the people I’m around.
“It helps you get to learn about the business around Gardendale, meet new community members, but also get to learn new things about the place you call home,” Gardendale senior Kenny Kamau added.
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“Being a Junior Ambassador instills the value of hard work and demonstrates the true meaning of community involvement,” Tabernacle sophomore Addison McBrayer said. “Being a part of a community means being willing to contribute and step up whenever possible. The Junior Ambassador program demonstrates various ways in which we can use our God-given abilities to help others. These character traits are traits that I will carry with me for the rest of my life.”
“Being a Junior Ambassador has really helped me grow as a leader,” GHS senior Brier Hight said. “I’ve gotten better at communicating with different people and working in teams, which taught me how to listen and share ideas. Organizing events and solving problems made me more confident and willing to take initiative. I also learned the importance of helping my community
and understanding others’ needs. Overall, this experience has made me more responsible and prepared for future leadership roles in school and beyond.”
“I feel that the Junior Ambassador program is a great way to learn how to serve your community, and make you more involved in the inner workings of your community,” GHS senior Jackson Attaway said.
Serving as a junior ambassador gives the students a front row seat for Gardendale businesses, events and traditions that they may have attended for years, but never realized the work that goes into them.
“What surprised me the most about Gardendale’s businesses, organizations, and local government is the amount of work and time that goes into completing even the simplest tasks,” Zion Allen, a senior at Gardendale High School, said. “When signing up to work for the Holiday Cooking show, I thought it would be an easy assignment; instead I was met with many task that strained me physically and mentally. After the event, I wasn’t just filled
with pride for completing the event, but also realized how much work and time that businesses have to put in to produce quality on a daily basis.”
“I have had the privilege of being a Junior Ambassador for three years, and my favorite thing we do is helping with the Rocket Around the Christmas Tree Trail,” GHS junior Sydney Logan said. “My first year as an ambassador I got to know Mr. Walt and Mrs. Sandy who put this event on. It is such a beautiful thing that our community does. It helps out the businesses around town and brings families closer together around the Christmas season by spending time walking the trail.”
“Being able to attend the 2025 Gardendale Chamber Awards dinner was a special experience, because I got to see behind the scenes of some of the great work that happens in our city,” GHS junior Kate Gravitt said. “That made me proud to represent Gardendale and stood out to me because I was able to be part of the awards celebration and see those who were honored.”
“One of Gardendale’s traditions that always make me think of it as ‘home’ is the Magnolia festival,” Allen added. “It has always been a fun event where people can play games, ride different rides and watch many performances. It is especially fun for me because I get to perform there with my high school’s jazz band every year.”
As the students look toward their next steps and future adventures, they will carry the lessons they learned this year with them.
“One habit I will carry with me after serving as a Junior Ambassador is reliability,” GHS junior Ainsley Howell said. “I have learned how important it is to be a person that others in your community can rely on. I see this shaping my future because always being open and willing to help others when they need it will be crucial in my future careers and it helps
me to be a better person for others!”
“It has really forced me to learn how to speak to professional adults, which is something I struggled with before,” GHS junior Baden Morton said. “Communication is key, before I struggled with being honest with teachers or professors if I needed help but now I understand that only good can come from speaking up.”
“Junior ambassador helped me be more bold and stop being so shy,” GHS senior Kenley Graves said. “It also made me more willing to help with whatever was needed.”
“If I was to encourage a student to apply the thing that I would tell them that impacted me personally is the importance of communication and work ethic,” Gardendale High School senior, Connor Ma said. “This program has taught me how crucial communication and work ethic are.”
Drain Cleaning Specialist
Clogged and Damaged Toilet Repair
Clogged Pipeline Repair
Water Line Install and Repair
Pump Repair
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.
Learn more at ChildrensAL.org
We are here in your neighborhood at Pediatrics West. To schedule an appointment at either the Hueytown or McAdory locations visit www.childrensal.org/pediatrics-west
Bill Noble Park transformed itself into an ice skating rink over the holidays. In an area that rarely sees snow or prolonged below-freezing temperatures, many Gardendale residents had never visited an ice skating rink, particularly one that was outside, but children and adults flocked to the attraction for the few weeks it was open.
Matt Weber is editor of Home Improvement & Repairs magazine based in Birmingham, Alabama. Find more at www.homeimprovementandrepairs.com.
Winter
can get chilly in Alabama, but a few simple DIY solutions
can help
keep your home cozy and your power bills reasonable.
Winter can get chilly in Alabama, but a few simple DIY solutions can help keep your home cozy and your power bills reasonable.
Program your thermostat. Upgrading your HVAC (heating-ventilationair-conditioning) thermostat to a programmable model is good advice, yet many homeowners forget to set the thermostat’s schedule. Life can get busy during the holidays, and it can be easy to forget to make manual adjustments. A thermostat programmed to adjust the temperature when you’re at home, when you’re away, and when you’re sleeping will increase the system’s efficiency and lower energy bills.
Replacing your HVAC filter is common advice, but do you understand why it’s so important? When a dirty filter gets blanketed with dust and debris, the accumulation restricts airflow through the system. Have you ever tried to breathe through a blanket? Just as your lungs must work harder to get adequate air, a dirty filter causes your HVAC system to work harder to warm the house to the temperature you have set. When the system works harder, it puts extra wear on the components and uses more energy, which raises your energy bill.
Seal all the gaps. Warm air leaking out around poorly sealed window
frames, power outlets, recessed lights and other gaps can be a big source of heat loss. Use caulk or expanding foam to seal up unwanted holes in your home. These adhesive products work well around non-moving areas such as pipe intrusions and window frames. For the parts that move, such as doors and windowpanes, seal gaps at the edges with weatherstripping, such as foam tape for windows or aluminum strips which include a linear bulb that compresses against a closed door. Here’s a DIY tip: Move a lit candle around the edges of closed doors and windows, and if you see the flame flicker, this might indicate that a draft needs to be sealed.
Consider adding insulation. The U.S. Department of Energy recommends that homes in central Alabama have an insulation R-value of R-30 to R-60, based on the climate and type of HVAC system installed. R-value refers to the insulation's ability to prevent heat from escaping. Different types of insulation have different R-values. The higher the R-value, the greater the insulation power. For example, 1 inch of fiberglass batt has an R-value of approximately R-3, whereas 1 inch of spray foam may have an R-value of 5.5. Measure your insulation, calculate it by type, and you may find that you need more. You can hire a contractor or add extra layers yourself. Home centers sometimes rent blowing machines, which homeowners can use to add loose-fill insulation to attics. If you add extra layers of rolls or batts over existing attic insulation, be sure to use “unfaced” rolls or batts. You can install an additional layer of unfaced insulation over the ceiling joists to reduce heat loss through the wood.
A few more simple tips: Thick curtains help to insulate windows at night, and the sun’s energy can heat your home during the day. Open your curtains at sunrise to make best use of passive solar gain. This works particularly well if your home has stone or concrete floors that have a large thermal mass, meaning they soak up heat and release it slowly. Close your curtains at dusk to trap the heat. You can also force heat downward with a ceiling fan. Cooler air stays closer to the ground, and warmer air rises, so reverse your ceiling fan's setting to send the warm air downward into the room, raising the ambient temperature.
Bill Noble Park has something for everyone…even in the concession stands. A large part of that responsibility falls on supervisor Anita Hill. She spends each week checking inventory, training staff and looking at what menu items are selling or what needs to be reconsidered. On event days, she makes sure the employees are there and have everything they need to serve the community.
“We have mostly high school students from around the community that work.” Hill said. “And so, I just kind of oversee and make sure everything is prepped for that day, male sure they have their uniforms on, they’re clean and whatnot.”
When both concession stands are running, Hill works to make sure that both places have what they need, employees get breaks and the customers get their food quickly and accurately.
“I make sure they’re taking care of our customers, and, you know, being good hosts,” Hill said. “I’m big on customer service.”
She worked for years in food service–first at John Carroll High School and then Samford University–before she retired. She spent some time on projects around the house she hadn’t had time for and spent time with her family, but when she saw the listing for a job in concessions at Bill Noble, she decided to apply. Getting to work with young people and nurturing their food service knowledge, as well as their work ethic, has been rewarding for Hill.
“We basically let them run it,” Hill explained. “We have our employees, then you have a shift lead on each shift. We’ll have a shift lead in the front and a shift lead in the back, where the cooking is being done. So, they would watch and see, like, if I’m somewhere else, if I’m at the other concession or I’m in between, I might be up here at the office or something. They do good. They really do. We have some good, committed young ladies and men that work here.”
When she isn’t working, she helps care for her sibling who has serious medical conditions, spends time with friends and works in her church ministry.
“I bowl a little bit, I skate a little bit, I used to play tennis, but my back won’t let me do that anymore,” Hill said. “Oh, and we like board games, play a lot of board games.
Her favorites? Skip both and phase 10.
“It’s just challenging, and it’s so relaxing to me,” Hill said. “It’s just a fun family game to play or just with friends. I have 2 other friends, and when we first started playing, we were up to, like, 3 or 4 o’clock in the morning. No joke. That’s how much fun it was.”
Kathleen Phillips is a food blogger, food stylist, cookbook author, and former Oxmoor House test kitchen director (Southern Living cookbooks). On her food blog, GritsAndGouda.com, she creates Southern shortcut recipes. Follow her on Facebook, Instagram, YouTube and Pinterest. Food Blogger, GritsAndGouda.com
I’m a sucker for any party food that’s heart-shaped and when I only need two ingredients to make it happen, BONUS! Grape tomatoes, cut on the diagonal and turned, make the perfect heart shapes. Who knew! Food Geometry: If you try to use round cherry tomatoes, well…, when you put them back together… well… they’re still circles.
Make someone feel special by sending them off to work with these colorful snacks in their lunchbox (toothpicks are not for kiddos), serve them as appetizers at a Galentines party, or share one or two alongside that romantic takeout steak dinner. They’re a fun way to add a little love to any meal.
12 grape or mini Marzano tomatoes (about 1 cup)
1 (12-ounce) container marinated mozzarella balls (bocconcini)
Fresh basil sprigs, optional
Cut each grape tomato in half diagonally.
Pat the tomatoes dry. Use a paper towel to soak up excess juice, helping the two halves stay together.
Flip one half upside down and press it together with the other half to form a heart shape.
Drain the mozzarella balls. Don’t discard the marinade—it makes a flavorful salad dressing! 5. Thread a marinated mozzarella ball onto a skewer, followed by a heartshaped tomato, then another mozzarella ball. Repeat with the remaining ingredients.
Place the skewers on a platter and add fresh basil.
Yield: 1 dozen heart caprese skewers
For step by step pictures on how to shape the grape tomatoes into hearts, visit GritsAndGouda.com and search for the recipe Heart Caprese Skewers.
• I found marinated mozzarella balls at Aldi, but you can always marinate your own in a little Italian salad dressing.
• -Want to make these skewers the whole lunch? Add folded salami or pepperoni and maybe an olive or two.
Bragg Middle School announced its December Students of the Month. These students were chosen by their teachers for their hard work, a great display of character and their willingness to go above and beyond. Students of the Month are treated to lunch, courtesy of Buffalo Wild Wings in Gardendale, and gift cards provided by Gardendale’s Sonic.
Students of the Month
6th Grade
Jase Davis & Maya Lemons
7th Grade
Madison Mack & Nathan Clark
8th Grade
Emma Goad & Bryce Berry
The GES Rocketbots recently brought home first and third place at robotics competition.
Snow Rogers Elementary School congratulated these students on being selected for the 2nd Nine Weeks Principal’s Club, Not pictured: Liam Mullins, Annmarie Rosales, Samantha Stokes, Hunter Williams, Asher Webb, Asher Anderson, Addison Cole.
Fultondale middle school boys, varsity boys and varsity girls competed in the Titan Throwdown at Gadsden City High School recently.
Standout performances:
• Kinzlee Turner had 3 pins on the day before suffering a deeply bruised tibia
• Artels James was dominating before straining his rotator cuff
Individual Placements:
• Madisyn Fuller – 1st
• Colby Thomas – 1st
• Santiago Mendoza – 2nd
• JayDen Gadson – 3rd
• Josh Henderson – 3rd
• LaQuinton Patton – 3rd
Team Finishes:
• Middle School: 6th out of 10
• Girls Varsity: 6th out of 21
• Boys Varsity: 7th out of 27
The North Jefferson Middle School 8th girls basketball team were Southern Conference basketball tournament champions. Kayden Cunningham made the all tournament team, and Caroline Cope was the tournament MVP. They finished the season with an overall record of 16-2
The Mortimer Jordan Devilettes won first place in Pom and 4th Place in Kick at NCA/NDA Regional Championships.
The Fultondale Senior Center recently hosted a dance.
Madison Myl was recently hired to join the North Jefferson Chamber of Commerce team as the Events & Member Engagement Coordinator. A key part of Madison’s role will be kicking off and leading our Ambassador Program.
The North Jefferson Chamber of Commerce hosted its Annual Gala recently.
Local, licensed estheticians offering a full lineup of
• facials, oncology facials
• waxing full body, and permanent hair removal
• Hydra facial
• VI peel
• Procell aging service
• Medical grade services
• iS Clinical and Elta MD products available
• facials, oncology facials
• waxing full body, and permanent hair removal
• Microdermabrasion
• Hydra facial
• Dermaplane
• VI peel
• Oncology, American, & Korean Facials
• Procell aging service
• Microblading
• Medical grade services
• Lash Extensions
• iS Clinical and Elta MD products available
• Plasma Lyft
• Full Body Waxing
• Procell, Vi Peel
• Cryo therapy for weight loss or pain management
• Permanent Makeup
• 4D Baby Sonars
• Free Skin Analysis Consult
• Oxygen Dome Facial great for healing
Gail Davis was recently hired as a Crossing Guard with the Gardendale Police Department. She is pictured between Dawn Burgess the Cross Guard Supervisor and Chief of Police Scott Banks.
At a recent city council meeting, Mayor Stan Hogeland presented a proclamation to Ruby Coble honoring her for her 100th birthday.
Ryan Deck was recently promoted to a Skilled Laborer position in the Parks & Recreation Department. He is pictured with Dale Hyche the Department Head for the Parks & Recreation Department.
February 6, 10 a.m.-12 p.m.at Musicality Studio, LLC. This event is a collaboration between Musicality and Our Happy Place. There will be activities available during free time, or they’re welcome to bring an activity or independent school work if needed. Send a snack or lunch as food and drinks are not provided. Bring your child for a day of fun for just $10 per child. To sign up, visit the event page on Facebook .
The February luncheon for the Gardendale Chamber of Commerce is February 12 at 11:30 a.m. at the Gardendale Civic Center. The guest speaker will be Andrew Fisher and will be catered by Taziki’s Mediterranean Cafe. Tickets are $15 for members or $20 for non-members and can be purchased online at gardendalechamber.com.
Live with the Characters, the fundraiser for Just Keep Smiling, is back again this year with the most popular characters from movies and television. The show will be presented on February 21, at 10 a.m. and 2 p.m. Tickets are found at JustKeepSmiling.org.
The annual Mayor’s Prayer Breakfast will be February 27, at 7 a.m. at the Gardendale Civic Center. Keynote speaker will be Rick Karle, who writes a weekly ‘good news’ story, is a 25-time Emmy winner. He is a 43-year veteran of broadcast news, who has lived and worked in Alabama for 35 years.
The Gardendale Golden Eagles meet on the second Friday of the month at the Gardendale Senior Center beginning at 12:15 pm and ending at 1:30 pm. The group is open to anyone 55 or older and features lunch speakers and fun day trips.
Our library food pantry always need the following items: hearty soups/stews/chili, varieties of canned chicken/tuna/ ham, single-sized and normal cereal, granola type bars, fruit cups, peanut butter, jelly, oatmeal/grits packets, pasta and Alfredo and other sauces and any toiletries. We take food only if it is not outdated and not opened.
Help us stock our Little Free Library! We are in need of children’s and young adult books in good to perfect condition to stock our Little Free Library (LFL) located by the soccer fields off of Fieldstown Road.
Donations can be placed directly in the LFL or you can bring them to the front desk at the library.
The Kermit E. Dooley Gardendale Historical Museum (170 Bell Street) will be open to the public every Thursday and Saturday from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. The museum is maintained and operated by the Gardendale Historical Society.
For a complete list of events and happenings, visit MyGardendale.com to see an interactive calendar.
To have an item added to our calendar, please send information to rachel@jbmcmedia.com.
