Welcome to the Enjoy Hoover Podcast with Melissa Carter! In this episode, we dive into the exciting wrap-up of summer in Hoover. Join us as we chat with Walter Womack, principal of Simmons Middle School, about his journey and dedication to education. Discover free 30-minute business coaching sessions offered by Brad Koch, CEO of 4 Sight Coaching, at the Hoover Area Chamber. Learn about the "Breathe" women’s event at Shades Mountain Baptist Church, and get a taste of Hoover's newest culinary addition, Boston Fish Supreme. Plus, don't miss out on details about this weekend's 3-on-3 Basketball Tournament at the Finley Center and a serene escape at Inverness Nature Park. Tune in for all this and more!

Be sure to subscribe and share your thoughts with us. Welcome y’all to enjoy Hoover!

enjoyhoover.com

Chapters

00:00 Introduction and Overview
01:37 Free Coaching Sessions for Small Businesses
02:59 Community Events and Connections
03:25 New Seafood Restaurant in Hoover
05:10 Upcoming Events in Hoover
06:19 Conclusion

Welcome to the Enjoy Hoover Podcast with Melissa Carter! In this episode, we dive into the exciting wrap-up of summer in Hoover. Join us as we chat with Walter Womack, principal of Simmons Middle School, about his journey and dedication to education. Discover free 30-minute business coaching sessions offered by Brad Koch, CEO of 4 Sight Coaching, at the Hoover Area Chamber. Learn about the "Breathe" women’s event at Shades Mountain Baptist Church, and get a taste of Hoover's newest culinary addition, Boston Fish Supreme. Plus, don't miss out on details about this weekend's 3-on-3 Basketball Tournament at the Finley Center and a serene escape at Inverness Nature Park. Tune in for all this and more!
Be sure to subscribe and share your thoughts with us. Welcome y’all to enjoy Hoover!
<a href="https://www.enjoyhoover.com/">enjoyhoover.com</a>
Chapters
00:00 Introduction and Overview 01:37 Free Coaching Sessions for Small Businesses 02:59 Community Events and Connections 03:25 New Seafood Restaurant in Hoover 05:10 Upcoming Events in Hoover 06:19 Conclusion

About Hoover

Hoover is a city more than 50 years old with more than 90,000 residents, top ranked schools both academically and athletically, and dining, entertainment, and shopping throughout its neighborhoods. The city is growing and getting better every day with “big city” dining and entertainment options, yet with a welcoming small town feel for visitors and residents to ENJOY!

Dining

200+ delicious restaurants and these annual food events:
Hoover Restaurant Week
Hoover International Restaurant Week
Taste of Hoover

Hoover has food for any taste.

Entertainment

Hoover is an outdoor and indoor “playground” for children and adults alike. Throughout the city there are parks, green spaces, sports facilities, river landings, and beautiful nature trails for walking, running, or biking; world-class shopping and entertainment; and lots of opportunities to keep children entertained. Hoover boasts of a comedy club, a jazz club, a brewery, award winning golf courses, several arcades, numerous sports bars, and a burgeoning entertainment district.

Hoover is a growing city with a thriving economy, caring people, great schools, amazing dining, and fun entertainment. These characteristics are all served up with plenty of gracious Southern hospitality.

About Enjoy Hoover

Enjoy Hoover is the result of a vision of David Cohen, owner of The Whole Scoop Ice Cream Shop and founder of the Hoover Restaurant Alliance. He works with two local residents to make the website and bi-monthly magazine come to life: Matthew Allen, owner and publisher of Bham Family magazine, and Mitzi Eaker, owner of Mitzi Jane Media. The website and coming publication (July/August 2022) is a project by three residents who love Hoover and want to see their city thrive and support our local business community and restaurant owners.

Enjoy Hoover exists to highlight all the great dining and entertainment that Hoover has to offer, and to show off our city to everyone who lives here and who visits.

David, Matthew, and Mitzi hope you will take the time to Enjoy Hoover!

Hoover…Where You Want to Be!



https://www.enjoyhoover.com/

https://www.bgpodcastnetwork.com/

About Hoover
Hoover is a city more than 50 years old with more than 90,000 residents, top ranked schools both academically and athletically, and dining, entertainment, and shopping throughout its neighborhoods. The city is growing and getting better every day with “big city” dining and entertainment options, yet with a welcoming small town feel for visitors and residents to ENJOY!
Dining
200+ delicious restaurants and these annual food events:
<ul>
<li>Hoover Restaurant Week</li>
<li>Hoover International Restaurant Week</li>
<li>Taste of Hoover</li>
</ul>
Hoover has food for any taste.
Entertainment
Hoover is an outdoor and indoor “playground” for children and adults alike. Throughout the city there are parks, green spaces, sports facilities, river landings, and beautiful nature trails for walking, running, or biking; world-class shopping and entertainment; and lots of opportunities to keep children entertained. Hoover boasts of a comedy club, a jazz club, a brewery, award winning golf courses, several arcades, numerous sports bars, and a burgeoning entertainment district.
Hoover is a growing city with a thriving economy, caring people, great schools, amazing dining, and fun entertainment. These characteristics are all served up with plenty of gracious Southern hospitality.
About Enjoy Hoover
Enjoy Hoover is the result of a vision of David Cohen, owner of <a href="https://thewholescoopicecream.com/">The Whole Scoop Ice Cream Shop</a> and founder of the <a href="https://www.facebook.com/HooverRestaurants">Hoover Restaurant Alliance</a>. He works with two local residents to make the website and bi-monthly magazine come to life: Matthew Allen, owner and publisher of <a href="http://www.bhamfamily.com/">Bham Family magazine</a>, and Mitzi Eaker, owner of <a href="https://www.mitzijanemedia.com/">Mitzi Jane Media</a>. The website and coming publication (July/August 2022) is a project by three residents who love Hoover and want to see their city thrive and support our local business community and restaurant owners.
Enjoy Hoover exists to highlight all the great dining and entertainment that Hoover has to offer, and to show off our city to everyone who lives here and who visits.
David, Matthew, and Mitzi hope you will take the time to Enjoy Hoover!
Hoover…Where You Want to Be!
 
<a href="https://www.enjoyhoover.com/">https://www.enjoyhoover.com/</a>
<a href="https://www.bgpodcastnetwork.com/">https://www.bgpodcastnetwork.com/</a>

Enjoy Hoover Podcast

Learn more at https://www.enjoyhoover.com/

About Hoover

Hoover is a city more than 50 years old with more than 90,000 residents, top ranked schools both academically and athletically, and dining, entertainment, and shopping throughout its neighborhoods. The city is growing and getting better every day with “big city” dining and entertainment options, yet with a welcoming small town feel for visitors and residents to ENJOY!

Dining

200+ delicious restaurants and these annual food events:
Hoover Restaurant Week
Hoover International Restaurant Week
Taste of Hoover

Hoover has food for any taste.

Entertainment

Hoover is an outdoor and indoor “playground” for children and adults alike. Throughout the city there are parks, green spaces, sports facilities, river landings, and beautiful nature trails for walking, running, or biking; world-class shopping and entertainment; and lots of opportunities to keep children entertained. Hoover boasts of a comedy club, a jazz club, a brewery, award winning golf courses, several arcades, numerous sports bars, and a burgeoning entertainment district.

Hoover is a growing city with a thriving economy, caring people, great schools, amazing dining, and fun entertainment. These characteristics are all served up with plenty of gracious Southern hospitality.

About Enjoy Hoover

Enjoy Hoover is the result of a vision of David Cohen, owner of The Whole Scoop Ice Cream Shop and founder of the Hoover Restaurant Alliance. He works with two local residents to make the website and bi-monthly magazine come to life: Matthew Allen, owner and publisher of Bham Family magazine, and Mitzi Eaker, owner of Mitzi Jane Media. The website and coming publication (July/August 2022) is a project by three residents who love Hoover and want to see their city thrive and support our local business community and restaurant owners.

Enjoy Hoover exists to highlight all the great dining and entertainment that Hoover has to offer, and to show off our city to everyone who lives here and who visits.

David, Matthew, and Mitzi hope you will take the time to Enjoy Hoover!

Hoover…Where You Want to Be!

Learn more at <a href="https://www.enjoyhoover.com/">https://www.enjoyhoover.com/</a>
About Hoover
Hoover is a city more than 50 years old with more than 90,000 residents, top ranked schools both academically and athletically, and dining, entertainment, and shopping throughout its neighborhoods. The city is growing and getting better every day with “big city” dining and entertainment options, yet with a welcoming small town feel for visitors and residents to ENJOY!
Dining
200+ delicious restaurants and these annual food events:
<ul>
<li>Hoover Restaurant Week</li>
<li>Hoover International Restaurant Week</li>
<li>Taste of Hoover</li>
</ul>
Hoover has food for any taste.
Entertainment
Hoover is an outdoor and indoor “playground” for children and adults alike. Throughout the city there are parks, green spaces, sports facilities, river landings, and beautiful nature trails for walking, running, or biking; world-class shopping and entertainment; and lots of opportunities to keep children entertained. Hoover boasts of a comedy club, a jazz club, a brewery, award winning golf courses, several arcades, numerous sports bars, and a burgeoning entertainment district.
Hoover is a growing city with a thriving economy, caring people, great schools, amazing dining, and fun entertainment. These characteristics are all served up with plenty of gracious Southern hospitality.
About Enjoy Hoover
Enjoy Hoover is the result of a vision of David Cohen, owner of <a href="https://thewholescoopicecream.com/">The Whole Scoop Ice Cream Shop</a> and founder of the <a href="https://www.facebook.com/HooverRestaurants">Hoover Restaurant Alliance</a>. He works with two local residents to make the website and bi-monthly magazine come to life: Matthew Allen, owner and publisher of <a href="http://www.bhamfamily.com/">Bham Family magazine</a>, and Mitzi Eaker, owner of <a href="https://www.mitzijanemedia.com/">Mitzi Jane Media</a>. The website and coming publication (July/August 2022) is a project by three residents who love Hoover and want to see their city thrive and support our local business community and restaurant owners.
Enjoy Hoover exists to highlight all the great dining and entertainment that Hoover has to offer, and to show off our city to everyone who lives here and who visits.
David, Matthew, and Mitzi hope you will take the time to Enjoy Hoover!
Hoover…Where You Want to Be!

Enjoy Hoover: School Prep, Business Coaching, and Summer Events

https://api.omny.fm/orgs/e14589b9-3ca7-47f2-b711-ac2a00ccc2a4/clips/228d316d-9a10-4d57-a697-b1bf00f381e2/transcript

Melissa carter dives into the latest Hoover, Alabama local news and events. Stay updated with the latest infrastructure projects enhancing our city, and get the scoop on the upcoming golf tournament that everyone is talking about. Explore the exciting programs at our community college, and learn about a thriving local woodworking business. Don't miss out on the upcoming events at the Hoover Metropolitan Complex, from Mathnasium tutoring sessions to diverse fitness classes. Plus, we highlight a must-see art show that showcases local talent.

Tune in for personal stories, community insights, and a celebration of local pride. Whether you're a lifelong resident or new to the area, this episode is packed with everything you love about Hoover. Welcome y’all to enjoy Hoover!

enjoyhoover.com

Chapters

00:00 Introduction and News
02:22 Education at Jefferson State Community College
03:06 Exciting Events at the Hoover Metropolitan Complex
04:05 Mathnasium: Transforming Math Learning
05:11 Bluff Park Art Show: Celebrating Creativity
05:44 Conclusion

Melissa carter dives into the latest Hoover, Alabama local news and events. Stay updated with the latest infrastructure projects enhancing our city, and get the scoop on the upcoming golf tournament that everyone is talking about. Explore the exciting programs at our community college, and learn about a thriving local woodworking business. Don't miss out on the upcoming events at the Hoover Metropolitan Complex, from Mathnasium tutoring sessions to diverse fitness classes. Plus, we highlight a must-see art show that showcases local talent.
Tune in for personal stories, community insights, and a celebration of local pride. Whether you're a lifelong resident or new to the area, this episode is packed with everything you love about Hoover. Welcome y’all to enjoy Hoover!
<a href="https://www.enjoyhoover.com/">enjoyhoover.com</a>
Chapters
00:00 Introduction and News 02:22 Education at Jefferson State Community College 03:06 Exciting Events at the Hoover Metropolitan Complex 04:05 Mathnasium: Transforming Math Learning 05:11 Bluff Park Art Show: Celebrating Creativity 05:44 Conclusion

Enjoy Hoover: Infrastructure Updates, Golf Tournaments, College Programs & More!

The Enjoy Hoover podcast dives into the heart of Hoover, Alabama, spotlighting local events, businesses, and news. In this episode:
Discover the sweetest scoop on local ice cream spots that’ll have you dreaming of your next dessert adventure.
From doorstep to hospital, learn how patient transportation services are changing lives in the heart of Hoover.
Get a glimpse of future developments at the Hoover City Council meetings.
Explore the inspiring expansion of Faith Presbyterian Church and its impact on our community.
See how Mathnasium is transforming the way our kids learn math.
Learn about the Megan Montgomery Foundation and its initiatives to make a difference in our community.
Reach new heights at the Hoover Heights climbing facility, the ultimate spot for adventure enthusiasts.

Tune in for personal stories, community insights, and a celebration of local pride. Whether you're a lifelong resident or new to the area, this episode is packed with everything you love about Hoover. Welcome y’all to enjoy Hoover!

enjoyhoover.com

Chapters

00:00 Exploring Hoover's Local Ice Cream Spots
02:07 Education Opportunities at Jefferson State Community College
03:47 Transforming Math Education with Mathnasium
04:54 Preventing Domestic Violence with the Megan Montgomery Foundation
05:06 Climbing Fun at Hoover Heights
05:36 Stay Updated with the Enjoy Hoover Podcast

The Enjoy Hoover podcast dives into the heart of Hoover, Alabama, spotlighting local events, businesses, and news. In this episode:
<ul>
<li>Discover the sweetest scoop on local ice cream spots that’ll have you dreaming of your next dessert adventure.</li>
<li>From doorstep to hospital, learn how patient transportation services are changing lives in the heart of Hoover.</li>
<li>Get a glimpse of future developments at the Hoover City Council meetings.</li>
<li>Explore the inspiring expansion of Faith Presbyterian Church and its impact on our community.</li>
<li>See how Mathnasium is transforming the way our kids learn math.</li>
<li>Learn about the Megan Montgomery Foundation and its initiatives to make a difference in our community.</li>
<li>Reach new heights at the Hoover Heights climbing facility, the ultimate spot for adventure enthusiasts.</li>
</ul>
Tune in for personal stories, community insights, and a celebration of local pride. Whether you're a lifelong resident or new to the area, this episode is packed with everything you love about Hoover. Welcome y’all to enjoy Hoover!
<a href="https://www.enjoyhoover.com/">enjoyhoover.com</a>
Chapters
00:00 Exploring Hoover's Local Ice Cream Spots 02:07 Education Opportunities at Jefferson State Community College 03:47 Transforming Math Education with Mathnasium 04:54 Preventing Domestic Violence with the Megan Montgomery Foundation 05:06 Climbing Fun at Hoover Heights 05:36 Stay Updated with the Enjoy Hoover Podcast

Enjoy Hoover

https://api.omny.fm/orgs/e14589b9-3ca7-47f2-b711-ac2a00ccc2a4/clips/58b86c6b-0c31-4a6f-8c38-b1c5010bbee3/transcript

Marker 01

Calendar of events



Summer is in full swing! From indoor sports to farmers markets, Hoover offers many ways to have fun in the sun and to beat the heat. Let’s take a look at some of the highlights around town.


July 1-27: Hoover Restaurant Week 


Explore local eateries offering deals and special menus during the annual Hoover Restaurant Week celebration (this year, it’s an entire month of food fun!). Find the latest information on participating restaurants at hooverrestaurantweek.com, and follow Hoover Restaurant Week on Instagram and Facebook.



July 6: First Saturday Cruise In at Hoover Tactical Fire Arms

Hosted by the Dixie Vintage Antique Automobile Club, the cruise in features antique and vintage cars in the Hoover Tactical Fire Arms parking lot on Highway 31. Talk with owners, listen to oldies music and sip complimentary coffee.



July 9: Great British Bake-Off Teen Edition at Hoover Public Library from 6:30 p.m. to 7:15 p.m. 



Calling all teen bakers! Show off your baking skills in this fun competition inspired by the hit TV show. Participants will be provided with all necessary ingredients and equipment. The event will conclude with judges tasting and awarding prizes to the top bakers. Register at hooverlibrary.org/events.



July 12-18: The Hartford Nationals



The Hartford Nationals is the largest and longest-standing national sports championship event for athletes with a physical, visual, and/or intellectual disability.  More than 400 athletes with disabilities and coaches are expected to participate, and the event includes competitions, clinics, education, and social opportunities. Events will take place around Hoover at the Hoover Met, the Finley Center, Spain Park High School, and other locations. Details can be found at moveunitedsport.org.



July 15: Sushi Class at Brock's Gap Brewery from 6:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. 



Learn the art of sushi making in a relaxed brewery setting. This hands-on class will teach you how to prepare and roll sushi, and you'll get to enjoy your creations with a refreshing drink from the brewery. All supplies are included. Register at sushiclass.com.



July 21: Ice Cream Eating Contest

Celebrate National Ice Cream Day with an ice cream eating contest benefitting local nonprofit Hoover Helps. All ages can participate, and winners receive free ice cream for a year and a trophy. Register at The Whole Scoop Ice Cream Shop, located at the Village at Brock’s Gap, anytime before July 21.



July 27-28: Indoor Pickleball Tournament at the Hoover Met



Get ready for an exciting weekend of pickleball, one of America’s fastest growing sports! Men's and women's doubles will play Saturday, July 27, and mixed doubles will play Sunday, July 28. The tournament will follow a round-robin format followed by medal-round playoffs. Register at hoovermetcomplex.com.





Hoover Restaurant Week returns – for a whole month!

As though we needed another reason to dine out, Hoover restaurants are giving us 27 good ones. 

From July 1-27, there are a series of events taking place that are designed to showcase the city’s culinary scene, culminating with Hoover Restaurant Week from July 19-27. David Cohen, owner of The Whole Scoop and chairman of the Hoover Restaurant Alliance, said Hoover Restaurant Week began during the pandemic to promote our local restaurants that were struggling. It started as a ‘Curbside Edition,’ but quickly turned into a whole lot more.”

This year, around 40 local restaurants are expected to participate. The most up to date list of participants can be found online at HooverRestaurantWeek.com.

With an impressive selection of more than 200 restaurants around town, Hoover offers a diverse range of options when it comes to dining out. “It’s a great opportunity to try new restaurants,” Cohen says. “We think it's a great time to try new foods and new cuisines, we all need to get out of our comfort zone and try a new BBQ joint, Mexican restaurant or new date night spot.”

The month-long culinary celebration has many events for residents and visitors alike.

The Hoover Fire Station Show Down 
It’s not uncommon for a fire house to have a great chef, as preparing nightly meals is part of daily life at the station. On July 1-14, Hoover firefighters will go head-to-head to see which local firehouse officially has the best cook.

The Bartender Challenge 
On July 15 and 16, the East and West sides of Hoover will host bartending competitions, showcasing the skills and artistry of local mixologists. The pinnacle of the challenge, the Bartender Challenge Championship, will take place on July 18 at Merk’s Tavern and Kitchen, located at the Hyatt Regency Wynfrey Hotel. The bartender with the most flair and creativity will be awarded the 2024 championship title. May the best bartender win!

A News-Worthy Kick-Off 
Mark your calendars for July 19 as Fox 6 brings the Hoover Restaurant Week Kick-Off to Bluff Park Community Park. Join the live morning broadcast with Jeh-Jeh Pruitt to meet esteemed chefs and passionate restaurant owners, gain insight into their culinary inspirations and hear the stories behind their creations.

A Week of Special Menus 
The peak of Hoover Restaurant Week is the annual week-long celebration from July 19-27 when participating restaurants offer curated menus that highlight their culinary expertise and innovative flavors. Discover which local eateries are taking part in this year’s HRW at HooverRestaurantWeek.com, where you can find a comprehensive guide to the week, including unique menus and exciting specials.

National Ice Cream Day
This year, National Ice Cream Day falls on July 21, right in the middle of Hoover Restaurant Week! Hoover has several great stops along their own “ice cream trail,” including Magic Milkshakes and More, Kilwin’s, Bluff Park Ice Cream Shoppe, La Sabrosita, and more. The Whole Scoop invites you to join its annual ice cream eating competition. With various age categories, this event benefits Hoover Helps and brings the community together to compete for a trophy and a year of free ice cream.



Standing for a good cause

The lemonade stand: a classic summer ritual upheld by smiling neighborhood kids, something that has not yet been lost through the years. Whether it is for extra pocket money or a good cause, children have been sitting behind plastic tables with a pitcher of lemonade and a jar of cash for decades. On Wednesday, June 5, Luke Dettling, age 10, and Ian Mitchell, age 9, set up their own citrus table outside their neighborhood pool to raise money for Luke’s church, Faith Presbyterian.

At Faith Presbyterian, their version of Vacation Bible School is known as Wonderlab, an art and science camp where kids can paint, learn and play. This year, Wonderlab is raising money for Sacred Road Ministries, a 10-person team of representatives from the church that will be venturing to a Native American reservation in Warm Springs, Oregon.

Luke and Ian baked cookies for the occasion and sat in the heat with Luke’s mom, Tally Dettling, wearing their blue Wonderlab t-shirts after a day at camp. Their table also was stocked with chips, water, Rice Krispies, Cheez-Its, and, of course, lemonade. This was Ian’s first time at Wonderlab camp, and Luke said it was nice to have a friend with him this year. The pair met in first grade and have continued to be friends since.

“We both like making art the most, especially drawing,” said Ian, referring to Wonderlab camp. “I like science too, but I know everything about science already.”

The funds raised at their lemonade stand will go to the mission trip team traveling to Warm Springs, Oregon. Warm Springs is home to Confederated Tribes, which, according to their website, are separate tribes that operate under one form of tribal government. The website also states that the government of Warm Springs secures the health and prosperity of the tribes and creates a community that affords every tribe member the opportunity to gain good health, self-sufficiency, pride and self-esteem.

Members of the Faith Presbyterian mission team will fund the purchase of a van to help residents on the reservation with transportation, participate in construction work and host a kid’s camp for over 200 local children. This camp will provide a safe place for children to play, sing, raft, learn, swim and hear about Jesus.

Luke and Ian raised $50 at their lemonade stand, which contributed to the more than $2,000 donated throughout Wonderlab camp.



Microgreen Farming



If you are looking for healthy (and delicious) ways to improve your diet, My Greens microfarm may have just what you need. Emily Lawrence grows fresh and organic greens in her Hoover home and sells them to those looking to improve their diets and lifestyles at farmers markets and on Etsy.

“I’ve come across a few people who have health issues and are looking to improve their diets but are unsure where to start,” said Lawrence. “I have people come to the market that are recovering from breast cancer, and I tell them which microgreens to eat and how to incorporate them into their diet. It’s just to help people feel better, more energetic, and just healthier overall.”

Microgreens are young vegetable seedlings, or baby plants, that are incredibly nutritious. They are packed with nutrients that hold up to 10-100 times higher concentrations of vigorous nutrients than fully matured plants and possibly reduce the risk of developing many diseases.

Lawrence herself has noticed a change in her health since she began growing and consuming microgreens in 2022 and has said she has much more energy, goes on walks every day, and her skin has thrived. Health is the reason she started the business in the first place.

“My boyfriend had a heart attack in 2022 at age 50,” said Lawrence. “He was looking for ways to eat healthier and found out about microgreens, and so we started growing them just for us. We grew so many that we thought we should begin selling, and it kind of took off from there.”

Lawrence says a great way to incorporate microgreens into your diet is to put them on dishes you enjoy. She says cilantro microgreens are great on tacos, pizza or really anything if you enjoy cilantro. Lawrence’s favorite salad to make with her microgreens is mixed greens with radish, broccoli, bull’s blood beet, red cabbage, chickpeas, arugula, cucumbers, tomatoes, sunflower seeds and her homemade dressing.

As her business continues to grow, Lawrence hopes to eventually move her greens from her daughter’s old nursery room to a warehouse. Though she is looking forward to expanding her business, her main goal all along has been to help people.

If you are interested in buying from My Greens or would like to know more, you can reach out to mygreens1517@gmail.com or (205)-907-1478.



INTERVIEW WITH LAUREN SISLER

Calendar of events
 
Summer is in full swing! From indoor sports to farmers markets, Hoover offers many ways to have fun in the sun and to beat the heat. Let’s take a look at some of the highlights around town.
 July 1-27: Hoover Restaurant Week 
 Explore local eateries offering deals and special menus during the annual Hoover Restaurant Week celebration (this year, it’s an entire month of food fun!). Find the latest information on participating restaurants at hooverrestaurantweek.com, and follow Hoover Restaurant Week on Instagram and Facebook. 
July 6: First Saturday Cruise In at Hoover Tactical Fire Arms Hosted by the Dixie Vintage Antique Automobile Club, the cruise in features antique and vintage cars in the Hoover Tactical Fire Arms parking lot on Highway 31. Talk with owners, listen to oldies music and sip complimentary coffee.
 
July 9: Great British Bake-Off Teen Edition at Hoover Public Library from 6:30 p.m. to 7:15 p.m. 
 
Calling all teen bakers! Show off your baking skills in this fun competition inspired by the hit TV show. Participants will be provided with all necessary ingredients and equipment. The event will conclude with judges tasting and awarding prizes to the top bakers. Register at hooverlibrary.org/events.
 
July 12-18: The Hartford Nationals 
 
The Hartford Nationals is the largest and longest-standing national sports championship event for athletes with a physical, visual, and/or intellectual disability.  More than 400 athletes with disabilities and coaches are expected to participate, and the event includes competitions, clinics, education, and social opportunities. Events will take place around Hoover at the Hoover Met, the Finley Center, Spain Park High School, and other locations. Details can be found at moveunitedsport.org.
 
July 15: Sushi Class at Brock's Gap Brewery from 6:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. 
 
Learn the art of sushi making in a relaxed brewery setting. This hands-on class will teach you how to prepare and roll sushi, and you'll get to enjoy your creations with a refreshing drink from the brewery. All supplies are included. Register at sushiclass.com.
 
July 21: Ice Cream Eating Contest
Celebrate National Ice Cream Day with an ice cream eating contest benefitting local nonprofit Hoover Helps. All ages can participate, and winners receive free ice cream for a year and a trophy. Register at The Whole Scoop Ice Cream Shop, located at the Village at Brock’s Gap, anytime before July 21.
 
July 27-28: Indoor Pickleball Tournament at the Hoover Met
 
Get ready for an exciting weekend of pickleball, one of America’s fastest growing sports! Men's and women's doubles will play Saturday, July 27, and mixed doubles will play Sunday, July 28. The tournament will follow a round-robin format followed by medal-round playoffs. Register at hoovermetcomplex.com.
 
 
Hoover Restaurant Week returns – for a whole month!
As though we needed another reason to dine out, Hoover restaurants are giving us 27 good ones. From July 1-27, there are a series of events taking place that are designed to showcase the city’s culinary scene, culminating with Hoover Restaurant Week from July 19-27. David Cohen, owner of The Whole Scoop and chairman of the Hoover Restaurant Alliance, said Hoover Restaurant Week began during the pandemic to promote our local restaurants that were struggling. It started as a ‘Curbside Edition,’ but quickly turned into a whole lot more.” This year, around 40 local restaurants are expected to participate. The most up to date list of participants can be found online at HooverRestaurantWeek.com. With an impressive selection of more than 200 restaurants around town, Hoover offers a diverse range of options when it comes to dining out. “It’s a great opportunity to try new restaurants,” Cohen says. “We think it's a great time to try new foods and new cuisines, we all need to get out of our comfort zone and try a new BBQ joint, Mexican restaurant or new date night spot.”
The month-long culinary celebration has many events for residents and visitors alike.
The Hoover Fire Station Show Down It’s not uncommon for a fire house to have a great chef, as preparing nightly meals is part of daily life at the station. On July 1-14, Hoover firefighters will go head-to-head to see which local firehouse officially has the best cook.
The Bartender Challenge On July 15 and 16, the East and West sides of Hoover will host bartending competitions, showcasing the skills and artistry of local mixologists. The pinnacle of the challenge, the Bartender Challenge Championship, will take place on July 18 at Merk’s Tavern and Kitchen, located at the Hyatt Regency Wynfrey Hotel. The bartender with the most flair and creativity will be awarded the 2024 championship title. May the best bartender win!
A News-Worthy Kick-Off Mark your calendars for July 19 as Fox 6 brings the Hoover Restaurant Week Kick-Off to Bluff Park Community Park. Join the live morning broadcast with Jeh-Jeh Pruitt to meet esteemed chefs and passionate restaurant owners, gain insight into their culinary inspirations and hear the stories behind their creations.
A Week of Special Menus The peak of Hoover Restaurant Week is the annual week-long celebration from July 19-27 when participating restaurants offer curated menus that highlight their culinary expertise and innovative flavors. Discover which local eateries are taking part in this year’s HRW at HooverRestaurantWeek.com, where you can find a comprehensive guide to the week, including unique menus and exciting specials. National Ice Cream Day This year, National Ice Cream Day falls on July 21, right in the middle of Hoover Restaurant Week! Hoover has several great stops along their own “ice cream trail,” including Magic Milkshakes and More, Kilwin’s, Bluff Park Ice Cream Shoppe, La Sabrosita, and more. The Whole Scoop invites you to join its annual ice cream eating competition. With various age categories, this event benefits Hoover Helps and brings the community together to compete for a trophy and a year of free ice cream.
 
Standing for a good cause
The lemonade stand: a classic summer ritual upheld by smiling neighborhood kids, something that has not yet been lost through the years. Whether it is for extra pocket money or a good cause, children have been sitting behind plastic tables with a pitcher of lemonade and a jar of cash for decades. On Wednesday, June 5, Luke Dettling, age 10, and Ian Mitchell, age 9, set up their own citrus table outside their neighborhood pool to raise money for Luke’s church, Faith Presbyterian.
At Faith Presbyterian, their version of Vacation Bible School is known as Wonderlab, an art and science camp where kids can paint, learn and play. This year, Wonderlab is raising money for Sacred Road Ministries, a 10-person team of representatives from the church that will be venturing to a Native American reservation in Warm Springs, Oregon.
Luke and Ian baked cookies for the occasion and sat in the heat with Luke’s mom, Tally Dettling, wearing their blue Wonderlab t-shirts after a day at camp. Their table also was stocked with chips, water, Rice Krispies, Cheez-Its, and, of course, lemonade. This was Ian’s first time at Wonderlab camp, and Luke said it was nice to have a friend with him this year. The pair met in first grade and have continued to be friends since.
“We both like making art the most, especially drawing,” said Ian, referring to Wonderlab camp. “I like science too, but I know everything about science already.”
The funds raised at their lemonade stand will go to the mission trip team traveling to Warm Springs, Oregon. Warm Springs is home to Confederated Tribes, which, according to their website, are separate tribes that operate under one form of tribal government. The website also states that the government of Warm Springs secures the health and prosperity of the tribes and creates a community that affords every tribe member the opportunity to gain good health, self-sufficiency, pride and self-esteem.
Members of the Faith Presbyterian mission team will fund the purchase of a van to help residents on the reservation with transportation, participate in construction work and host a kid’s camp for over 200 local children. This camp will provide a safe place for children to play, sing, raft, learn, swim and hear about Jesus.
Luke and Ian raised $50 at their lemonade stand, which contributed to the more than $2,000 donated throughout Wonderlab camp.
 
Microgreen Farming
 
If you are looking for healthy (and delicious) ways to improve your diet, My Greens microfarm may have just what you need. Emily Lawrence grows fresh and organic greens in her Hoover home and sells them to those looking to improve their diets and lifestyles at farmers markets and on Etsy.
“I’ve come across a few people who have health issues and are looking to improve their diets but are unsure where to start,” said Lawrence. “I have people come to the market that are recovering from breast cancer, and I tell them which microgreens to eat and how to incorporate them into their diet. It’s just to help people feel better, more energetic, and just healthier overall.”
Microgreens are young vegetable seedlings, or baby plants, that are incredibly nutritious. They are packed with nutrients that hold up to 10-100 times higher concentrations of vigorous nutrients than fully matured plants and possibly reduce the risk of developing many diseases.
Lawrence herself has noticed a change in her health since she began growing and consuming microgreens in 2022 and has said she has much more energy, goes on walks every day, and her skin has thrived. Health is the reason she started the business in the first place.
“My boyfriend had a heart attack in 2022 at age 50,” said Lawrence. “He was looking for ways to eat healthier and found out about microgreens, and so we started growing them just for us. We grew so many that we thought we should begin selling, and it kind of took off from there.”
Lawrence says a great way to incorporate microgreens into your diet is to put them on dishes you enjoy. She says cilantro microgreens are great on tacos, pizza or really anything if you enjoy cilantro. Lawrence’s favorite salad to make with her microgreens is mixed greens with radish, broccoli, bull’s blood beet, red cabbage, chickpeas, arugula, cucumbers, tomatoes, sunflower seeds and her homemade dressing.
As her business continues to grow, Lawrence hopes to eventually move her greens from her daughter’s old nursery room to a warehouse. Though she is looking forward to expanding her business, her main goal all along has been to help people.
If you are interested in buying from My Greens or would like to know more, you can reach out to mygreens1517@gmail.com or (205)-907-1478.
 
INTERVIEW WITH LAUREN SISLER

Enjoy Hoover July

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