By JEANNE CHAMPION FISCH / Community Columnist

Recently, I had the opportunity to enjoy a late summer cool breeze sitting on the front porch of the White House located in Westover, in Shelby County, on U.S. 280. The White House, owned by Jim and Penny Kovakas, reflects the true meaning of Southern charm and hospitality with warm, sweet and welcoming gestures to guests as they enter this elegant house.

The White House is located at the intersection of U.S. 280 and Highway 55 in Westover. Huge oak trees surround the house, located on 1.65 acres with sufficient parking. Originally, the White House was built in the mid-1800s as a Southern plantation. It was formally known as the Archer House and is listed on Alabama’s Register of Landmarks and Heritage. The Kovakases recently renovated the complete outside of the building.

The Kovakas Food Pantry has held two fundraising events (May and July) at the White House to ensure that area children would not go hungry during the school’s summer months while they are out of school. These two fundraisers had complimentary lunches for the guests, and the guests were asked to make a monetary donation to the pantry for the worthy cause of providing lunch boxes for the students who are in need. These events were quite successful, and people are looking forward to the next one.

The White House is available for major events such as birthday parties, showers, teas, reunions, weddings, receptions and rehearsal dinners. Within its 5,000 square feet, it has large front and back porches, a kitchen area and beautiful historic rooms with tall ceilings. Bedrooms on the upper level can be used as changing rooms for a wedding or any other type of event. The White House can accommodate 350-400 guests for any type of event. For outside events, the White House has a fire pit in the back with an open porch as well as a covered deck for entertainment.

For more information about the White House, contact Penny Kovakas at (205) 365-6001. For additional information pertaining the Food Program or to donate, contact Penny Kovakas at the Kovakas Pantry, (205) 365-6001.