Natalie Bowen of Gardendale was named Teacher of the Year at Hayden Elementary School. 

Mayor Stan Hogeland announced last week that non-perishable food items and supplies for the victims of Hurricane Michael in Panama City, FL will be collected at the Gardendale Civic Center anytime the Center is open, concluding on election day November 6th.

Items desperately needed are: canned foods with a long shelf life, crackers and peanut butter, pop tarts, granola bars, powdered milk, canned beef stew and soups. Paper towels, tissue (single rolls), diapers, baby wipes, bug repellant and citronella candles.

Tarps and nails would be a great help, as well.

Please remember this worthy cause next time you are headed to the grocery story or hardware store. You will be blessed along with those you are helping.

Congratulations to Gardendale Area Principals Shelton Duke (Gardendale High School), Brad Roberson (Bragg Middle), Chuck Yeager (Gardendale Elementary), and Tinker Rogers (Snow Rogers Elementary) for receiving checks in the amount of $1,200 each from money given through the Gardendale School Board form Legislative Appropriations Funds of Alabama State Senator Shay Shelnut. The funds will be used by each school to benefit their educational programs.

The money was presented to the Principals by Karen Malone at the Gardendale City Council meeting Monday October 15th.

The Council meets the first and third Monday of every month.

Congratulations to Natalie Bowen of Gardendale who was named Teacher of the Year at Hayden Elementary!

Mrs. Bowen has taught fourth grade for five years. She is married to John Eric Bowen and they three children, Brook, Sofie and Lola.

The North Jefferson Rotary Club will host a Hamburger and Hot Dog Special Tuesday October 23rd from 5:00pm-7:00pm for area Seniors. Live music will be provided by Brentwood Revival.

Our deepest sympathies and prayers to family and friends of Michael Moore of Gardendale who passed away this past week. Michael was a member of the Gardendale Civitan Club and will be greatly missed for the work he did in that capacity and by all who knew and loved him.

UPDATE: I spoke with the folks of Joel’s Family Restaurant about an opening date for their place in Gardendale in the old Ryan’s building on Odom Road and was told they are shooting for a December opening. No word yet on the exact date, but I will keep you posted!

Kenny Ward, formerly of Gardendale and his wife Dionesia formerly of Cebu, Philippines recently took a trip to the Philippines for their four- year old daughter, Madison to visit her grandparents, stepbrother Charles, and other family members.

The Wards toured the the Island of Bohol and spent an additional week in Bangkok, Thailand visiting friends.

Ward says he was most impressed with the beautiful white sands and beaches and the number of International Tourist, who are now making the Philippines their home.

Kenny is a 1974 graduate of Gardendale High School and he and his family now reside in Las Vegas, NV.

Happy Birthday to Brittain Mitchell of Kimberly who turned 34 on Wednesday October 17th with a celebration at Top Golf in Birmingham hosted by his sister Tiffany Mitchell Wiginton and her husband Barry and children Beckham and Emersyn Quinn of Calera. Also, in attendance were his parents David and Brenda Mitchell. On Thursday October 18th he celebrated with a dinner at Outback in Fultondale with his parents, Grandmother Bonnie Mitchell and his Aunt Deb.

Library Happenings:

Family Pumpkin Painting (Please register) Wednesday October 24 9:30 a.m. It’s Story Time Tween/Teen Film Fest 3:30

Friday October 26 10 a.m. and 10:30 a.m. Toddler Time Tween/Teen Film Fest 3:30 p.m.

Tuesday October 30 6 p.m. Family Movie Night (Goosebumps)

Wednesday October 31st 9:30 a.m. It’s Story Time

The Gardendale Public Library wishes you a Happy Halloween!!!

Mark your calendars for Warrior Day Saturday October 27th 9:00am-3:00pm!

Merry Market was held Friday October 18th and Saturday October 19th at the Gardendale Civic Center.

The Merry Market is an annual event sponsored by the Just Keep Smiling Foundation. All proceeds from the event provide financial support for families in crisis.

Stay informed regarding future events being held at the Gardendale Civic Center by reading Happening in Your Area every week!

Registration for Gardendale Youth Basketball 2018-2019 season will be held October 24th- November 3 weekdays 4-8 p.m., Saturdays 8 a.m.-3 p.m., and Sundays 1-5 p.m. at the Gardendale Civic Center.

Youth Basketball is open to girls ages 5-13 and boys 5-18. Players are required to be at registration.

Registration Fees before November 3rd are:

$105.00 1 participant

$175.00 2 participants

$225.00 3 participants

For further information or questions call or text Richard Renfro 675-4897.

The Gardendale Chamber of Commerce wishes to invite businesses in the Gardendale area with 50 or more employees to join the Chamber! Interested businesses should

contact the Chamber at 631-9195 for membership fees and other information.

Extending Happy Birthday wishes to Tucker Phillips who recently turned 21! Tucker is the son of former Gardendale Mayor Othell Phillips and Tiffany Phillips! Congratulations Tucker!

Wishing you all a Happy Halloween! Be safe and if you are out trick or treating after dark, please wear glow in the dark apparel so motorist can see you!

Remember: Stress can mimic a heart attack and cause other problems! You are too blessed to be stressed! Have a wonderful week!

Please send your social, church, school, civic club, birth announcements, showers, teas, parties, wedding announcements, and any other community event to dgmitchell329@yahoo.com or private message me @ Debbie Mitchell on Facebook. Deadlines for stories Monday afternoons before 5pm to appear in the following Wednesdays NJN edition!