Calendar of events School is out and summer is in full swing. The SEC Baseball Tournament just wrapped up, setting an attendance record with more than 180,000 fans and, amazingly, not a single drop of rain fell during the 17 games at the Hoover Met. The local events calendar slows down a bit in the summer, but there is plenty to do around Hoover in June! June 1: First Saturday Cruise In at Hoover Tactical Fire ArmsHosted 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.June 4-5: Koo Koo at the Hoover Public Library TheatreExperience the dancing, comedy and singing of this popular high-energy duo. For times, go to events.hooverlibrary.org.June 11-12: Roger Day at Hoover Public Library TheatreSing, dance, jump and dream big with award-winning children's musician – and local elementary school favorite - Roger Day. For times, go to events.hooverlibrary.org. June 14: Peach Day Farmer's Market at Ross Bridge from 4-8 p.m.Enjoy a special peach-themed treat at Ross Bridge's farmer's market on Peach Day. Shop local vendors, including farm fresh produce, food, and handmade goods. Then, grab dinner from one of several food trucks and listen to live music on the green space.June 15-16: Summertime Bham Craft & Vendor Fair at Riverchase Galleria Support local vendors and escape the summer heat at this indoor craft and vendor fair. Shoppers will find handmade crafts, home décor, clothing, art and more. The fair is open during the Galleria's regular business hours. June 21: Hydrangeas Under the Starts at Aldridge Gardens at 6:00 p.m. Come to the gardens for a summer evening filled with starlight and gorgeous hydrangeas. An indoor reception and silent auction will begin at 6:00 p.m., followed by dinner under the pavilion at 7:00 p.m. For more information about this premier fundraising event, go to aldridgegardens.com.June 21: Berry Day at Ross Bridge from 4:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m.Enjoy a special berry-themed treat at Ross Bridge's farmer's market on Berry Day. Shop local vendors, including farm fresh produce, food, and handmade goods. Then, grab dinner from one of several food trucks and listen to live music on the green space. Maker feature For small business owner Jen Batson, celebrating alongside those she loves is one of the best things about being part of the Hoover community. “Clients will send me pictures or post them on social media, and I love knowing I was able to be part of the beauty of celebrating,” she said. Jen, who is 55, opened her home-based floral business, Garage Corsage, on January 1, 2024, after a conversation with a close friend about how they would spend the second half of their lives. “We spent a lot of time talking about how people act like life is for those who are young, like those are the best years of your life,” Jen said. “But we fully believe that the best is yet to be, and God will still use us until the very end to bring Him glory!” From there, Jen’s lifelong love of fresh flowers began to blossom into a way for her to spread joy to friends and neighbors. She recalled a floral arranging workshop she attended a couple of years prior, where she learned new skills and “had an absolute blast.” Jen enjoyed keeping fresh flowers in her Hoover home and quickly incorporated the tips and tricks she learned into her own personal bouquets. She began making floral arrangements more often, giving them away to friends and neighbors and creating them for her parties and friend’s celebrations. Soon, she realized her way of spreading joy, the beauty of the flowers, and the special moments she was able to be part of were her life’s new calling. As Garage Corsage grows in popularity, Jen’s business goals are growing, too. She says, “My first goal is to get a refrigerator for my garage so that I have a place this summer to keep my floral arrangements cooler! Every time I have a big order, I have to clean out our refrigerator in the kitchen!” She would also like to be able to hire a part-time assistant to help with large orders around holidays. Right now, she doesn’t mind the busyness because “friends are lending a hand, which is also fun!” To order an arrangement for Mother’s Day, dance recitals, birthdays, school dances and other occasions, follow Garage Corsage on Instagram @Garage_Corsage and click the link in the profile to view options and prices and to order. AD SPOT: Bluff Park Community Reader The second issue of the Bluff Park Neighborhood Reader is here, and people all over Bluff Park are talking about it! Maybe it was the interview with Bluff Park artist and Zentangle master Darla Williamson; the chat with Rev. Marge Doyle of St. Alban’s Episcopal Church; Kevin Russell’s top 5 gardening tips; or the dozens of photos of people from around the community. Want...
