🌱 New Local Businesses + Two County Crashes + Hoover Networking Event

Hello, Hoover! I'm here in your inbox per usual to tell you everything you need to know about what's going on around town.

But first, today's weather:

Mostly sunny. High: 62 Low: 46.

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Here are the top three stories in Hoover today:

1. Five new businesses have opened up in the Hoover area — including a new spot perfect for those with a sweet tooth. Kristal Bryant's new, second K&J’s Elegant Pastries location features cupcakes, shakes, cakes, and more. The store, which is open Tuesday through Saturday from 10:00 a.m. until 6:00 p.m., is located at 3601 Market St., Ste 101 in Hoover. The link provides a list of all the new store openings in the area. (Bham Now)
2. Two crashes over the weekend in Jefferson County claimed the life of two individuals — Jose Rodolfo Cruz Vargas, 25, of Pelham, and Procha Patrice Williams, 34, of Birmingham. Vargas was involved in a single-vehicle crash on Saturday night on Interstate 459 South, mile marker 11 in Hoover, and died at the scene. Williams was struck by a motor vehicle on Sunday morning after she exited her disabled vehicle on U.S. Highway 31 North at the Carraway Boulevard exit ramp in Birmingham. (Trussvilletribune)
3. The Hoover Area Chamber of Commerce will be hosting a Coffee & Contacts event this week. The networking event will take place on Thursday, Jan. 12, from 7:30-9:00 a.m. at the Parent-Teacher Store, located at 1615 Montgomery Hwy., #112, and is a great way to establish connections. Admission is free for members and $10 for non-members. (Hoover Area Chamber of Commerce via Facebook)

Today in Hoover:

• Together With Tots At Hoover Public Library (9:30 AM)
• Ribbon-Cutting For Capella Pizzeria At Hoover Chamber of Commerce (11:00 AM)
• Happy Hour At Front Porch (3:00 PM)

From my notebook:

• The Hoover Fire Department would like to recognize firefighter Fabian Quintero-Aguirre, who received his U.S. citizenship last week! Congratulations! (Hoover Fire Department via Facebook)
• Every Tuesday and Friday in January, the Jefferson County Department of Health is hosting free COVID-19 Vaccination Clinics from 10:00 a.m. until 5:00 p.m. No need for ID, legal status, or insurance. Click the link for more information. (Birmingham City Schools via Facebook)
• Mark your calendars for the City of Hoover's Blood Drive at the Hoover Recreation Center. The event will take place on Jan. 16 from 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. (City of Hoover via Facebook)

Now you're in the loop and ready to start this Tuesday off right. I'll be in your inbox tomorrow morning with another update!

— 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.