🌱 Alabama Natives Representing USFL Teams + All-State Teams Announced

Hi all! I'm back in your inbox this morning with everything you need to know about what's happening in town.

Also, FYI: I wanted to let you know that Patch is looking for a local writer and entrepreneur to take the helm of the Hoover Patch newsletter and make it their own. We want to pass the torch to someone truly local and in-the-know to write about Hoover long term. So if you’re interested in earning extra income while making this newsletter a more valuable resource for your neighbors, learn more and apply here.

But first, your local weather:

• Tuesday: Partly sunny. High: 64 Low: 43.
• Wednesday: Mostly sunny and warmer. High: 74 Low: 49.

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Here are the top three stories today in Hoover:

1. USFL football teams opened up training camp yesterday in preparation for their second season. The Birmingham Stallions are looking to continue success after winning the championship last summer, returning 35 players from that roster. This year, the Stallions will be sharing their stadium with the New Orleans Breakers, who also feature an abundance of Alabama natives. Between the two teams, there will be 18 players from Alabama schools — including tight-end Justin Alexander-Johnson, who is a Hoover High School graduate. (AL.com)
2. UAB student Cameron Rodgers-Johnson has been recognized for his musical talent by being named a finalist in the Alabama Music Educators Association's Young Composers Competition for the second year in a row. The UAB junior first began his musical journey as a fifth grader picking up a trumpet at Bumpus Middle School in Hoover. Rodgers-Johnson will be performing at the National Conference for Undergraduate Research in April performing "An American Outcry." (Birmingham Times)
3. The 2023 ASWA All-State Alabama basketball teams were announced this past week, and the final lineup includes several Hoover student-athletes. The list is compiled of first-team, second-team, third-team, and honorable mentions, as well as coaches who have been recognized for their excellence and being the best in the state. Representing Hoover for the girls includes Reniya Kelly named first-team, Layla Etchison named second-team, and Alanah Pooler as an honorable mention. For the boys, Hoover includes DeWayne Brown named first-team, Salim London named second-team, and their coach Scott Ware named the boy's coach of the year. (Montgomery Advertiser)

Today and tomorrow in Hoover:

Tuesday, March 21

• Together With Tots - Hoover Public Library (10:30 AM)
• Grand Opening and Ribbon-Cutting Camp Bow Wow - Hoover Chamber Of Commerce (2:00 PM)
• Hoover Public Library Board Of Trustees Meeting - Hoover Public Library (5:00 PM)

Wednesday, March 22

• Wine Down Wednesday - 4700 Colonnade (4:30 PM)
• Music At The Museum - Birmingham Museum Of Arts (5:00 PM)

From my notebook:

• A true blast from the past as you look at the changes a couple of years bring: here is a side-by-side of the Hoover High School Band from 2001 to 2023 in New York City. (Hoover High School Band via Facebook)
• Spring is officially here and School Resource Officer Pugh is ready for anything through any weather! Along with the pic of Officer Pugh, the Hoover Police Department shared a friendly reminder to take all valuables out of your car and lock your vehicles. (Hoover (AL) Police Department via Facebook)
• REMINDER: The basketball court at Hoover Recreation Center will be closed through Wednesday for construction and painting. (Hoover, Alabama - Parks & Recreation via Facebook

Thanks for following along and staying informed! I'll see you around.

— Miranda Fraraccio

About me: Miranda Fraraccio is a staff writer for content creation agency Lightning Media Partners. She is a graduate of the University of Rhode Island, where she earned degrees in Writing & Rhetoric and Communication Studies. In her free time, you can find her traveling, drinking tea, or practicing film photography.