Bham Family - August 2020 by JBMC Media

AUGUST 2020

for SUCCESS Dressed

THE SHOW MUST GO ON

Theater groups adapt to social distancing PAGE 28

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o phot featur

Fall Fashion is Here

Vineyard Family Services Feeding Kids in Need, Promoting Responsible Fatherhood, and Helping Families in Crisis Donations help us: Feed children in need and provide other essential items Deliver family emergency food boxes Aid fathers and mothers with parenting programs Support incarcerated families and children Provide at-risk teens important life skills

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Bham Family August 2020 3

EDITOR’S NOTE

his issue of Bham Family would usually highlight back-to-school stories, but this issue—just like this year—is much different than in the past. With school plans in flux as of press time, we decided to take a different approach. It’s August, and that means soaking up the last bit of summer before school (however that looks for your family) gears up again. In that spirit, we took a look at some family outings close to home for making the most of summer’s end. Find out about recreational options on the Cahaba River and how to enjoy them responsibility (“A River Runs Through It,” p. 16). In “Restoring the Past to Look to the Future,” we highlight renovations at the Birmingham Civil Rights National Monument and sites your family can visit. Don’t miss Lauren Dowdle’s story

about local children’s theatres opening again, with innovative options and adaptive seating to offer a safe experience (“The Show Must Go On,” p. 28). If it’s a socially-distanced trip out of the house you are seeking, learn about options such as Trussville’s entertainment district expansions or Hoover Restaurant Alliance happenings. For sweet treats, check out Julia Sayer’s six picks for ice cream outings. We’re excited that she will be sharing her take on the city’s best eats with Bham Family. What other topics would you like to read about? Drop us a line at jeana@jbmcmedia.com.

Jeana Durst Content Director and Mom

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LOCATIONS BIRMINGHAM 500 Cahaba Park Circle, Suite 100 MADISON 8490 Highway 72 W, Suite 100 TRUSSVILLE 117 North Chalkville Road TUSCALOOSA 4700 Rice Mine Road NE VESTAVIA HILLS 520 Montgomery Highway Bham Family August 2020 5

MADISON and VESTAVIA locations now open!

ABOUT US

Bham Family is published monthly by JBMC Media, LLC, P.O. Box 26432, Birmingham AL 35260. 14,000 copies are printed and distributed at more than 530 locations throughout 650 Jefferson and Shelby Counties. DISTRIBUTION

If your business would like to make copies available to customers, please email matthew@jbmcmedia.com with your business name, address, point of contact, and number of copies you would like. ADVERTISING

To reach the largest audience of parents in Birmingham each month, partner with us. Email matthew@jbmcmedia.com to get started with a partnership that will be a key part of your plan.

O U R A DV E RT I S I N G PA RT N E R S These folks are the ones to thank for our magazine’s success — spend your money with them, and tell them you saw them in Bham Family! ACE Cheer Company BHM

Applause Dancewear

Shelby County Arts Council

Sike’s Children’s Shoes / Jack n Jill

Single Barrel Barber Shop

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Children’s of Alabama

The Whole Scoop Ice Cream Shop

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Then Again Consignment

Eyes on Chelsea Vision Care

Urgent Care for Children

Free Friday Flicks

Vineyard Family Services

Hoover Met Complex

Virginia Samford Theatre

Kasey Davis Dentistry

Vulcan Termite & Pest Control

McWane Science Center

WAY-FM

Painted Personalities

Wee-Peat Boutique / LuLu’s Loft

Pediatric Smiles

Wrapsody

Brookwood Baptist Health

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@BhamFamilyMag @BhamFamilyMag

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RECYCLE RECYCLE ME! ME!

LESSONS FOR ALL AGES

Shelby County Arts Council

To enroll, call (205) 669-0044 or visit shelbycountyartscouncil.com 6 Bham Family August 2020

INSIDE THIS ISSUE FEATURE STORIES

IN EVERY ISSUE

A River Runs Through It

Food Review

Our city is home to one of the most biodiverse rivers in the U.S.—learn how you can enjoy it responsibly this summer. p.16

Restoring the Past to Look to the Future

Learn more about our city’s civil rights history by visiting the national park that’s in our own backyard. p.26

The Show Must Go On

Theatres find new ways to entertain audiences. p.28

Chill out at six of the city’s best places to enjoy ice cream with your family. p.10

Education

Individualized instruction in a Christian environment at Cornerstone. p.11

Just for Dads

Ward Williams shares thoughts on how we can help our kids adapt to change. p.12

Schoolhouse

Updates from The Hoover City School District. p.14

Business Profile

Hoover Restaurant Alliance creates sense of community for residents and owners. p.20

City Spotlight

Trussville stays true to its roots while opening entertainment district, businesses. p.21

Healthy Living

This Indian Springs School farm stand provides valuable lessons—and delicious produce. p.22

Family Finance

It’s never too early for parents to educate their children about financial matters. p.28

Kids Who Shine

An eight-year-old Alabaster boy launched “Masks for Medical Workers” and raised thousands for animal welfare. p.30

ABOUT THE COVER Fancy is our featured cover model this month. Her photo was taken by The Baehive Agency. She is wearing a handmade dress by Treasured Memories, available at Jack n’ Jill Shop in downtown Homewood. Learn more about them at jacknjillshop.com or (205) 879-7681. They offer curbside service for minimal contact.

Bham Family August 2020 7

GLAMP AND GET OUTDOORS AT

Big Cypress Lodge

Make the short drive to Memphis, and discover a place the whole family will love As the pandemic puts a pause on big summer vacation plans, many parents are seeking out easy drive trips that are fun for the whole family. While heading for the beach surely tops our lists, how about opting for a nearby city escape that’s a bit less expected? Think a wilderness-inspired hotel and great outdoors playground in a 32-story Pyramid in downtown Memphis, Tenn. Yes, you read correctly.

TEXT WITH QR CODE Scan here to win a FREE one-night stay (scroll to the bottom of the link to enter)

We recently discovered Big Cypress Lodge and think this rustic retreat tucked inside the iconic Memphis Pyramid is a wildly fun getaway for Birmingham families. The hotel is located on the second and third floors of the 535,000-square-foot Pyramid which was originally built in 1991 as a sports and entertainment arena. After remaining vacant for some years, the Pyramid reopened in 2015 as a 32-story celebration of the great outdoors under the creative vision of new owner Johnny Morris who founded Bass Pro Shops. As with Morris’ world-famous stores, no stone or alligator pond has been left unturned at the Pyramid – which is now called Bass Pro Shops at the Pyramid. We think you’ll LOVE this family-friendly destination. To read more about it (and to enter for a FREE one-night stay with some extras thrown in), scan the code to the left.

8 Bham Family August 2020

Tin Vuong, DO Precision Sports Medicine and Orthopedics

Tin Vuong, DO is board certified in family medicine, board eligible in sports medicine and is fellowship-trained in primary care sports medicine. Dr. Vuong attended medical school at A.T. Still University School of Osteopathic Medicine in Mesa, Arizona. He completed his family medicine internship and residency at Palmetto General Hospital in Hialeah, Florida. Dr. Vuong specializes in: Sports Medicine including all bone and joint problems Fracture care

To schedule an appointment, call 205-264-2816 or visit PrecisionSportsOrtho.com 200 Montgomery Hwy., Suite #225 Birmingham, AL 35216

Concussion management Diagnostic and therapeutic musculoskeletal ultrasound Team, sideline and event coverage Pre-participation physical exams

Bham Family August 2020 9

FOOD REVIEW

ICE CREAM, YOU SCREAM Chill out at six of the city’s best places to enjoy a frozen sweet treat with your family.

BY JULIA SAYERS Summer in Birmingham is hot, but there’s nothing like a cold treat to make the heat slightly more tolerable. Here are our recommendations for six places that will satisfy your ice cream cravings. Bendy’s Cookies and Cream: Originally an ice cream truck, Bendy’s became known for offering homemade ice cream paired with fresh-baked cookies. At their storefront in Cahaba Heights, which opened last summer, you’ll be able to mix and match cookie and ice cream flavors to customize your sandwich (and yes, you can choose two different cookie flavors!). Our favorite combination? Ooey Gooey Cake ice cream with Pretzel Toffee cookies. 3029 Pump House Road | eatbendys.com Mountain Brook Creamery/Edgewood Creamery: These two sister shops have been family favorites in Birmingham for decades. In fact, Mountain Brook Creamery has been open since 1957 ( it was originally Baskin Robbins). Edgewood followed later in 2008 after the success of the Mountain Brook location. The creameries are reminiscent of traditional ice cream parlors, known for their classic flavor offerings. The most popular is mint chocolate chip. 2715 Cahaba Road (Mountain Brook location) | 936 Oxmoor Road (Homewood location) Big Spoon Creamery: Big Spoon was the first to pioneer artisan ice cream in town, but that doesn’t mean it’s not family friendly. The shop uses only the finest ingredients in their ice cream, and tries to incorporate locally sourced items (like Chilton County peaches and Hero Doughnuts) wherever possible. You can opt for the ice cream flight to try several flavors. 4000 3rd Avenue South (Avondale location) | 927 Oxmoor Road (Homewood location) | bigspooncreamery.com Bluff Park Ice Cream Shoppe: This little shop in Bluff Park offers more than 100 ice cream flavors in a fun, retro atmosphere. They sell super-premium ice cream shipped in from the 10 Bham Family August 2020

Jeni’s Splendid Ice Creams opened in Pepper Place in June.

award-winning The Chocolate Shoppe Ice Cream Company in Madison, Wisconsin. The ice cream uses only all-natural ingredients and is creamier than most due to their method of making it. Try unique flavors with fun names like “Heaps of Love,” “Munchie Madness,” and “Exhausted Parent,” in a milkshake or float, as well. 815 Shades Crest Road | bluffparkicecreamshop.com Jeni’s Splendid Ice Creams: The new kid on the block, Jeni’s Splendid Ice Creams opened in Pepper Place in June. The fast-growing company started in Ohio and now has locations in 12 states. Founder Jeni Britton Bauer was ahead of the game by using whole ingredients and dairy from grass-pastured cows instead of ice cream mix for her artisan ice cream. You’ll find some of the most unique flavors at Jeni’s, including Goat Cheese with Red Cherries, Savannah Buttermint, and Caramel Pecan Sticky Buns. 219 29th Street South | jenis.com The Whole Scoop: This ice cream shop in Hoover was designed with families in mind. On the walls, you’ll find pictures of kiddie customers, friends, and families. With 32 flavors of ice cream to choose from, including favorites like Krazy Kookie Dough and Butter Finger, customers are encouraged to sample as many as they’d like. You also can try a Moon Pie Sundae or design your own sundae with more than 20 topping choices. The shop also has customer-decorated spoons, enhancing The Whole Scoop’s dedication to their patrons.

EDUCATION

Academic Matters

Individualized instruction in a Christian environment

From left to right: Dressed for the Medieval Festival; Students contribute to the Shoebox Ministry in Atlanta; Elementary students show off their art projects.

BY JEANA DURST Cornerstone is a private Christian school serving students from K3 to 12th grade located outside Columbiana on Highway 25. Students come from the local area, as well as from Alabaster, Calera, Chelsea, and beyond. Established in 1997 when Pastor Allen Dennis and Bethel Baptist Church decided to create a new ministry so that families in central Shelby County could have a Christian alternative for school, Cornerstone offers a college-preparatory curriculum in a Christ-centered environment. Their goal is to equip students so that they can thrive in their communities and live out the word of God in their lives. Cornerstone’s small size enables teachers to meet the needs of the individual students. Because the staff knows the students so well they can help them find the path that will lead them to the success they desire in life. Many of the 10th through 12th grade students participate in dual enrollment courses with Central Alabama Community College. STUDENT HIGHLIGHTS At CCS, students are encouraged to be involved in service projects. One group of young men have created their own ministry team that seeks to welcome new students and to help students who are struggling in academic or personal areas of their lives. These young men also help to support and increase attendance at FCA meetings. Every year members of the senior class support Backpack Buddies, a ministry that helps local students who are struggling with food

insecurity. K3 through 12th-grade students enjoy supporting Operation Christmas Child and the Shelby Baptist Association’s toy drive at Christmas as well. Each year they hold chapel and invite representatives from the Shoebox Ministry and the Baptist Association to attend. The students present their gifts and pray for the children who will receive them. They follow up the Christmas chapel by taking Beta Club members to Atlanta to help pack the shoeboxes for shipping. Every other year their students put on a Medieval Festival celebration for the high school Christmas party. Everyone dresses up and plays a role—from singing to acting to serving the food. (It’s the one tradition that students will not let them skip!) Each year seniors spend two to three days in a retreat where they discuss what they want to accomplish as a class and how to handle their last year as the school’s academic and spiritual leaders. ON THE HORIZON With new technology additions, Cornerstone will be able to offer many more devices and new learning opportunities for students in the coming year. They’ve been working hard this summer to create an online learning tradition that will enhance in-class instruction as well as provide continuous online learning should students be unable to attend. At press time the school plans to do temperature checks, keep classes and gatherings small, and perform regular cleaning of the facilities during the 2020 school year. For information and updates, visit cornerstonechargers.com. Bham Family August 2020 11

JUST FOR DADS In the summer of 1992, Shania Twain released a music video that would change my life. The #1 video “What Made You Say That” featured a young Shania Twain and was viewed daily by my friends and me at the Ward condominium on the Texas Williams coast where we worked. We had a master key, a list of unrented condominiums, and a daily 9:30 a.m. appointment with Country Music Television countdown. The other day a moment occurred when I had the shocking realization that I had grown much older and was not as young as I use to be. While watching the movie “I Still Believe,” I saw a different vision of the Shania Twain I remembered. She was playing the character of a mom to an adult child, which to me was incomprehensible. I realized reality does not always match the story in your memories. Change is continually happening around us, but we sometimes need help to recognize it. Sometimes we are slow to recognize that change is happening and are worse at adapting to it. I had a moment

recently that reminded me how important it is to adapt to change. At the swimming pool, my wife, out of concern, pointed out that my shoulder, which has undergone multiple surgeries, was atrophying. (In my mind, I am still the young man who could win bench press competitions at the gym, but the truth is it has been over twenty years and five surgeries since I was that guy.) Some of us are still remembering and living through the “good ole’ days,” as represented in our Facebook posts. The past several months our children have had to adapt to countless changes, unforeseen scenarios, national crises, and more bad news. How do we measure or know if our kids are able to adapt? As we help our kids adjust to change, remember they can feel our stress. We should remove unneeded distractions when possible and promote healthy relationships that include play, exercise, spiritual, and mental refreshing. It’s also good to listen to our kids’ conversations with other kids to pick up cues on how they are feeling. Keeping the perspective that God is in control and that others have been through difficult situations and thrived through change is a great practice for us dads—not to mention a great example for our kids.

McWane Science Center is now open. During these uncertain times, we’ve addressed all safety concerns. Now, we have protocols in place for the health and well-being of our visitors and staff. Don’t forget to wear your mask, you’ll need it to get in! Welcome back to Science! Welcome Back to Learning! Welcome back to fun! For more information visit mcwane.org/welcomeback

12 Bham Family August 2020

Grab a blanket, your family and friends and head on out to Veterans Park in Hoover for a free, family-friendly film this summer! July 31 August 7 August 14 August 21

Toy Story 4 Frozen 2 Aladdin Sonic the Hedgehog

Park opens at 6:30 pm each week - Movies start at dusk. FREE! Park will be marked with seating areas for family groups. Social distancing guidelines required to attend! Masks required when not at seat at all times. Free Friday Flicks will respect all social distancing measures in place by the CDC. Please DO NOT come to the park if you or someone in your family group is not feeling well.

Bham Family August 2020 13

S C H O O L H O U S E NEWS FROM HOOVER CITY SCHOOLS

Students receive scholarships Destination Hoover International, a nonprofit that promotes international investment and cooperation within the city of Hoover, has awarded two $2,000 scholarships. From Hoover High School, Adelle Knight will be attending UAB in the fall where she will study Environmental Science. From Spain Park High School, Juan Luis Contreras will head to Auburn where he will study Biology with a long term goal of medical school. Proceeds towards the scholarships are raised in part by Jubilee Joeâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s yearly contribution to Destination Hoover International via their yearly Crawfish Fest.

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S C H O O L H O U S E NEWS FROM HOOVER CITY SCHOOLS

Bio Bucs win national competition Hoover High School’s biological science STEM team, consisting of 6 students, won their division at the national level for the Lexus Eco Challenge competition, securing $17,000 in college scholarships and $8,000 in grant money for the HHS STEM program. They created a system to measure how much carbon dioxide is emitted into the atmosphere organically from bodies of water and from under the soil.

BGIS garden produces food for local charities The community garden at Brock’s Gap Intermediate School, a Katie’s Krops partnership, has produced over 120 pounds of produce this year [as of late July]. The garden, tended to by students at the school, produces vegetables that are donated to local shelters. Mr. Robert Estes assisted with the garden this summer.

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A RIVER RUNS THROUGH IT Learn how to responsibly enjoy The Cahaba, one of the most biodiverse rivers in the U.S.

PHOTOS COURTESY OF THE CAHABA RIVERKEEPER

BY JEANA DURST One of our nation’s most biodiverse waterways happens to be located right in our backyard. The Nature Conservancy noted The Cahaba River as one of only eight “hotspots of biodiversity” out of 2,111 watersheds in the contiguous United States. The 194-mile long river is home to numerous plants, including the iconic Cahaba Lily, an aquatic flowering plant that grows only in Alabama, Georgia, and South Carolina. It’s the longest free-flowing river in Alabama. It’s also the habitat of 131 species of fish, 28 species of freshwater snails, and 34 kinds of mussels, among many other wildlife varieties. And lucky for us, public access to the Cahaba River has been greatly expanded over the past eight years. But we have no guarantees that this biodiverse ecosystem will remain healthy. We caught up with David Butler, riverkeeper and staff attorney at Cahaba Riverkeeper, to find out more about how families can enjoy the river responsibly this summer. Founded in 2009 to defend the ecological integrity of the river and its watershed, the organization works “to ensure clean water and a healthy aquatic environment, and to preserve the recreational and aesthetic 16 Bham Family August 2020

values of the river basin.” Cahaba Riverkeeper is also dedicated to the scientific study of the Cahaba and its tributaries, while keeping the public informed about their discoveries. KNOW BEFORE YOU GO The Cahaba is generally a very safe river. However, water levels can change the environment significantly. “I don’t know if all people actually recognize how powerful water is,” Butler says. In addition to following standard safety practices, it’s always necessary to let someone know when and where you are going before setting out on the water. “In the summertime, a five-mile innertube trip can last 10 hours, and people aren’t prepared for the reality,” Butler says. The flip side of this scenario happens when it rains and people are unable to maneuver high waters. Swiftwater rescue teams in several municipalities rescue people off the river routinely, and it is not uncommon for someone to get stuck out after dark. Other precautions include wearing appropriate clothing, taking plenty of water, and being mindful of wildlife. To understand more about water levels and other safety considerations, consult cahabablueway.org. It’s also a great resource for

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a complete listing of access points, whether you want to fly fish for red eye bass on the Little Cahaba or mountain bike along the trail in Helena. This site also provides helpful maps and even photo galleries. It will tell you where the closest river gauge is and what the current water levels are. It even helps you plan for the weather. Another tool to help with planning is in the works. Once Cahaba Riverkeeper launches Cahabapedia, we will all be able to take a virtual float down the river. With this tool, paddlers and other recreational users will be able to proactively tour sections of the river before setting out. Plus, it will offer a centralized platform for area agencies to share information about the river with other agencies and academic researchers. SWIM GUIDE Anyone wishing to swim in the Cahaba can be updated on the water conditions every Friday. “Waterkeepers are citizen scientists at heart. And one of our core missions is to answer questions that people have,” Butler says. It’s with this in mind that Cahaba Riverkeeper began its Swim Guide program in 2013. Each week, Butler measures the quality of the water at all locations and posts them online to the Swim Guide each Friday in the summer. Levels of E. coli and other bacteria measurements are monitored to alert swimmers and other recreational users. You can even sign up to get a text message or email alerts for specific locations. Butler, who began as a volunteer and Board Member for Cahaba Riverkeeper also owns a canoe and kayak rental business serving the Cahaba. He says families who come out ask about the pollution of the river, wondering if it is safe to swim. “We’ve been able to educate people on when its most likely to be unsafe to swim, and what we’ve seen is that people appreciate having the ability to make plans

18 Bham Family August 2020

based on this guide,” Butler says. RESPONSIBLE RECREATION This “social distancing summer” is a perfect time to head to the river for recreation; in fact, Cahaba Riverkeeper encourages you to take photos and share your experience with them. Though they are currently unable to host regular large group cleanups due to coronavirus precautions, every family can still do their part. In some ways, clean up is even more essential than ever when you consider that the river is experiencing more traffic, yet fewer organized trash pick-up days. “If everyone just picked up a little, it doesn’t create a burden,” Butler says. Plus, it’s a great way to teach your kids about preserving nature. Join in Cahaba Riverkeeper’s virtual clean ups, whereby families can submit photos and descriptions of their clean-up efforts online to share with the larger community. And there are other ways to help, too. One of the greatest threats to the health of the Cahaba is development pressure. “We’ve built so fast in Birmingham that we are pushing stormwater into the river, causing erosion and bank collapses,” Butler says. He explains that one danger of this is that mud pushed into the river then smothers the riverbed and insects living there, depriving fish of their natural food source. “We haven’t adopted low-impact development like some states have,” Butler explains. This kind of responsible development is not something that people will naturally choose, so it has to be actively encouraged. “We aren’t against development—we are for responsible development,” Butler says. However, individuals can do a lot on to aid conservation on their personal property. “Our property drains somewhere, and what we do on our personal watershed has a big impact on the larger watershed,” Butler says. For instance, he recommends removing invasive plants like privet from our properties so they don’t re-seed along waterways and minimizing fertilizer usage. Butler reminds us that we can all be good stewards of the river, even from our own homes: “Whatever you do upstream has an impact downstream.” To learn more about Cahaba Riverkeeper and support this nonprofit’s important mission, visit cahabariverkeeper.org.

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BUSINESS PROFILE

EAT LOCAL

Hoover Restaurant Alliance creates sense of community for residents and owners BY LAUREN DOWDLE

and communicate a cohesive message to help a lot of us,” Cohen said. “None of the restaurants in our Curbside Edition closed down.” Greeting a customer by name after scooping Some restaurants, like Cajun Steamer Bar their sundae, asking how their son’s game went, & Grill and Tre Luna Bar & Kitchen, did an and waving when they see them again at the especially good job with their curbside services. grocery store are comforts people can only enjoy Cajun Steamer even took a catering truck to from shopping with locally owned businesses. neighborhoods to deliver meals, and Tre Luna “I hear people say, ‘I can’t wait until you offered growlers to go. recognize me and call out my name.’ It’s like The HRA may hold a Restaurant Week in the the old ‘Cheers’ feeling. I think Hoover, even at fall if things improve, and nearly 90,000 people, still Cohen says they would craves that local, smallalso like to do something town feeling,” says David during the holidays to Cohen, owner of The give away gift cards from Whole Scoop. “That’s what local businesses. He posts our shopping center is like. updates from restaurants on Owners will stand outside the HRA Facebook page, of their shops and say, giving locals a one-stop ‘Hello.’” shop for information, as Helping to build that well. sense of community for The HRA has helped both residents and business restaurant owners owners is the Hoover connect with contacts Restaurant Alliance (HRA), at the Jefferson County which Cohen organized. He Department of Health and says the HRA is a loosely the state legislature, holding knit group of independent Zoom calls with them to restaurant owners. answer questions and get “They’re your neighbor. guidance for restaurants Their kids go to school with during this unprecedented your kids,” he says of local time. business owners. “Our goal David Cohen, the organizer of the While it’s been difficult Hoover Restaurant Alliance is to be a unified restaurant for all of them to operate community.” at 50-percent capacity, the upcoming cooler Originally planning to hold a Hoover temperatures should help make outdoor seating a Restaurant Week similar to what Birmingham more practical and comfortable option for guests. has done, the HRA had to change their plans due Restaurants like LaBrisa, Jubilee Joe’s, and Johnny to COVID-19. Instead, they created a Curbside Brusco’s have already created good outdoor Edition where people got a game card stamped seating areas in their shopping center, he adds. whenever they ordered curbside from one of But no matter the weather or changing times, the 33 participating restaurants. The Top 6 Cohen hopes residents will continue to be participants who earned the most stamps won gift supportive of local businesses because they are the ones investing back into the city. cards from local businesses. “We believe in our community,” he says. “The Curbside Edition is a unified effort to try 20 Bham Family August 2020

CITY SPOTLIGHT

MIXING NEW, OLD Trussville stays true to its roots while opening entertainment district, businesses

BY LAUREN DOWDLE Instead of figuring out what’s new in Trussville, it might be easier to ask how Trussville has not grown or changed. One of the most visible additions is Trussville’s Downtown Entertainment District, which is set to open at the end of the summer. The family-friendly location will bring a different dimension to the city’s downtown area with new restaurants, green space, sidewalks, benches, and more, says June Mathews, executive director at the Trussville Area Chamber of Commerce. With a stage and pavilion area that will have room for up to 2,500 people nearly complete, the new entertainment area is creating a buzz. The stage features a 27-foot-wide LED video wall that can be used for watching movies, sporting events, or other simulcasts. “We are looking forward to getting the entertainment district going and bringing more family friendly entertainment options to this part of the metro-Birmingham area,” she says. Outside of the new district, the city has seen other openings, including restaurants like Half Shell Oyster House, Rodney Scott’s BBQ, and Hero Doughnuts. Several boutiques have also come to the city: Junky 2 Funky, Wrapsody, and the Olive Tree Boutique, to name a few. The new additions have brought in more people, which is good for business — but not so much for the roadways. To ease some of their growing pains, the city is working to address the traffic situation. That includes a major re-do of the main downtown intersection. While many plans were able to move forward during the pandemic, other events had to be cancelled or postponed. But with the chamber working to find safe, socially distanced ways to move forward with some of the annual

happenings, residents now have several to look forward to in the coming months. City Fest, which is scheduled for Sept. 26, won’t be held as one big festival this year. Instead, organizers are recruiting groups to set up minievents across the city. Another local favorite event, Taste of Trussville, is set for October as the city works to find the best way to ensure the safety of vendors and attendees. It’s just one way the city is trying to give people a sense of normal again. At the heart of these projects and changes is Mathews’s favorite part of the city: the people. “I think what makes living here so great is that no matter how many people or businesses make their homes in Trussville, we’ve managed to retain that Mayberry-like small town atmosphere. We still sit on the porch or visit with the neighbors after supper. We can’t go to the grocery store without seeing a dozen people we know.” While Trussville is constantly growing and looking to improve, several of the reasons families fell in love with the city have remained the same, like the variety of churches available and school system. Their library, which was renovated and expanded in 2018, first-rate community theater in Arts Council of the Trussville Alabama (ACTA), parks and rec programs, walking trails, play areas, and senior centers also top the list. “We don’t want to be like anywhere else in the world. We just want to be the best Trussville we can be,” Mathews says. Bham Family August 2020 21

A Rich

HEALTHY LIVING

Harvest

This Indian Springs School farm stand provides valuable lessons—and delicious produce.

BY JEANA DURST We are fortunate to have many farmer’s markets in the Birmingham area. But how many of them also support children’s education? That’s what’s been happening at The Fertile Minds Learning Garden at Indian Springs School for over a decade now. And this summer, the yield is as abundant as ever. However, it’s been a challenging year with COVID-19 limiting the number of visitors to the school and changing the way the garden is cultivated. We caught up with Margaret Blackerby, a 2014 graduate of Indian Springs and the admissions and communications coordinator, to find out what’s happening at this Shelby County garden this year and how we can support their ongoing effort to inspire young minds by enjoying delicious organic food at home. Blackerby explains that students cultivate more than 30 varieties of organic fruits and vegetables that are used in meals prepared by the school’s dining hall and sold to the public at the Summer Farm Stand. It’s all made possible because of the efforts of biology instructor Bob Pollard, who has spent countless hours mentoring his ninth-grade students who tend the garden as part of their biology curriculum. “We pride ourselves on the opportunity to learn outside of the classroom and apply knowledge to real-world experience,” Blackerby says. (She was once a student of Pollard’s and enjoyed her time working the garden.) Here students are getting to see on a macro level what they would have learned in the classroom, like how photosynthesis works. “It’s learning through living at its best,” Pollard says. Not only do students get a firsthand look at where their food comes from, they also learn how chemical-free solutions address agricultural issues 22 Bham Family August 2020

Customers can order produce from the The Fertile Minds Learning Garden at Indian Springs School from Monday through Thursday for pickup on Friday.

such as soil health and pest control. And they discover the value of composting to reduce waste and enrich the soil. We’ve heard the saying, “many hands make light work.” It’s a concept that has kept this garden thriving; however, with COVID-19 and the adaptations it demands, Pollard has been spearheading this effort without the usual help. That’s why it’s more important than ever to support his hard work. The best way to do so is to purchase produce—or organic eggs—from the farm stand this summer, and now is a perfect time when squash and kale are flourishing. Though visits to the campus are limited, you can order online from Monday through Thursday and pick up your produce on Friday from campus. All excess produce is donated to local food banks. For more information or to place an order, visit indiansprings.org/student-life/garden.

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FINANCE

DOLLARS & SENSE Teach children the basics about money BY LAUREN DOWDLE

It’s never too early for parents to start educating their children about financial matters, as Kyle McDougal with America’s First Federal Credit Union explains. Q: What strategies can parents use to teach their children about becoming financially fit? A: First, make sure your children understand where money comes from and that it must be earned. It’s vital for kids to understand money is not just a magic resource that appears out of thin air, but rather, it requires work to obtain. Give your child the ability to earn their allowance. Next, have your child set an attainable savings goal for something he or she wants, such as a $30 toy. Encourage your children to avoid impulse buying. When your child does make a purchase, help them withdraw the money from their savings jar or account, then go to the store and physically hand over their money for the item. Once your child has a grasp on saving and spending, encourage them to start setting some of their money aside for giving or sharing. For older kids, let them participate in family budget talks. Help them understand why you buy one brand over another or why you’re making a big financial decision. Teach them how compound interest works and encourage them to set longer term goals. Show them how to invest and encourage them to start as soon as possible. Additionally, let your teenager manage his or her own budget and bank account. Make sure they understand how both credit and debt work. Q: Why is it important for children to learn about finances?

Kyle McDougal, America’s First Federal Credit Union

ACCOUNT PERKS

The AmFirst Kids First Club savings account is for children 13 and younger and comes with a membership card, brand goodies, birthday surprise each year, and $5 deposit when they present a report card with all As and Bs. Teens ages 14 to 18 can join their AmFirst LevelUp checking and savings accounts, both of which help teach teens how to manage their money. Kyle McDougal is the brand management officer at America’s First Federal Credit Union. He is a marketing leader and brand manager with 18 years of experience in a variety of marketing and advertising roles.

A: We all want our children to have the best lives possible, and building smart money habits is a stable foundation that will benefit your children throughout their lives. When it comes to money, always remember what your child doesn’t know can hurt him or her in the long run. Like any other skill, the sooner your child learns and begins practicing good money habits, the better off he or she will be moving forward. Q: What would you say to parents who are considering opening an account for their children?

A: In short: do it. The benefits for your child’s future are tremendous. Teach them that although money doesn’t buy happiness, not knowing how to properly handle finances can cause unwanted stress—and sometimes major life setbacks. For children, a practical financial education is a powerful tool to equip them, and an account can help set the course for a strong financial sense moving forward. 24 Bham Family August 2020

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PHOTO COURTESY OF THE NATIONAL PARK SERVICE

Birmingham celebrates the dedication of the Civil Rights National Monument in 2017.

Restoring the past to look to

THE FUTURE Learn more about our city’s civil rights history by visiting the national park that’s in our own backyard.

BY JEANA DURST Martin Luther King Jr. once said, “We are not makers of history, we are made by history.” No matter how you interpret this quote, there’s no denying that history influences who we are today. That’s one reason why it’s important to understand it—even the hard chapters, or more accurately, especially the hard chapters. The Birmingham Civil Rights National Monument is a place where we can take our children and “travel back in time” to gain a better understanding of our collective past and, hopefully, use that insight to inform our future. When you hear the words “national park,” perhaps it conjures images of Yellowstone or Yosemite. But did you know that a very important national monument run by the National Park Service (NPS) was established in downtown Birmingham only three years ago? In fact, the NPS manages more than 400 sites in the country, many of them in urban environments. Former President Barack Obama established the Birmingham Civil Rights National Monument by presidential proclamation on January 12, 2017 in recognition of the nationally significant events that took place in Birmingham in 1963 26 Bham Family August 2020

during the modern civil rights movement. That spring, police dogs were unleashed against nonviolent protesters and children were sprayed with high-pressure hoses. These scenes, which were broadcasted across the world, highlighted aggression against civil rights protesters, providing vivid examples of segregation and racial injustice in America. Recently, I caught up with the monument’s superintendent Kris Butcher to learn more about what’s in the works for this historic site and to find out how families can access the monument sites to engage in important dialogue about the topic of racial injustice. The national monument is actually managed through a unique partnership of many stakeholders, including the city of Birmingham, the National Park Service, the Birmingham Civil Rights Institute, 16th Street Baptist Church, Bethel Baptist Church, and St. Paul United Methodist Church. “All of these organizations were telling these stories long before the NPS showed up—the idea is that we can bring more resources and engage the public to teach those lessons to inspire future generations of leaders and civil rights advocates worldwide,” Butcher says. The historical sites, which encompass

roughly four square blocks downtown (with the exception of Bethel Baptist Church which is farther), includes all of the aforementioned stakeholders and the A.G. Gaston Motel. All of the sites manage their own tours independently right now; however, Butcher explains that the goal is to move toward a consolidated option to visit all the sites in the future. As the headquarters for this NPS site, the A. G. Gaston Motel is currently undergoing some important restorations. Its historical significance is rich: In April through May of 1963 leaders of the civil rights movement, including Reverend Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., took up residence at the motel where they strategized and made critical decisions about the non-violent campaign that targeted Birmingham’s segregation laws and practices. Butcher explains that plans are underway to restore the motel to the way it looked during that era. “One half was built in 1954, and the other in 1968,” he says. Mr. Gaston built it as the premier place for African-American acts to stay while in Birmingham. In fact, the motel is featured in “The Negro Motorist Green Book,” which was in publication from mid-’30s to mid-’60s to highlight businesses open to black people in the segregated South. If you’ve seen the 2018 film “The Green Book,” inspired by the true story of a tour of the deep South by African American classical and jazz pianist Don Shirley and Italian American bouncer Frank “Tony Lip” Vallelonga, then you understand. “It’s really fascinating because the movie did a good job of bringing a lot more exposure to the book,” Butcher says. In later years, the motel would become an assisted living facility before falling into disrepair. Now the A. G. Gaston Motel is finally receiving the attention it deserves. After renovations are complete, the hope is that visitors will have an experience to go back in time to a place that was so influential to where we are today. “Right now we are mainly doing cosmetic work: the bricks look better, and we’ve installed a new roof, as well as a lot of foundation work and drainage work things that are so important to the overall structure,” Butcher says. Plans are to restore Room 30, or the “war room,” where King and Shuttlesworth worked together. And because it’s being implemented by the NPS, visitors can eventually expect to have guided tours and other normal park features, such as display panels that tell the story. Until then, families wishing to educate their children about the civil right movement in

KNOW BEFORE YOU GO As of press time, the Birmingham Civil Rights Institute was closed because of COVID-19; however, they are offering a variety of virtual events in the meantime. We recommend that you call each site before you make plans to visit. (Even if you can’t go inside, you are still standing in a place where history was made.)

MUST-SEE SITES ON THE CIVIL RIGHTS TRAIL The Birmingham Civil Rights Institute 520 16th Street North, 35203 bcri.org, 866-328-9696 The A.G. Gaston Motel 1510 5th Ave N, 35203 nps.gov/articles/gaston-motel-partnershipbirmingham-nps.htm Kelly Ingram Park 5th Avenue N & 16th Street, https://civilrightstrail.com/attraction/kelly-ingrampark/ 16th Street Baptist Church 1530 6th Ave N, 35203 16thstreetbaptist.org, 205-251-9402 St. Paul’s United Methodist Church 1500 6th Ave N, 35203 stpaulbham.org 205-252-3236 Bethel Baptist Church 3233 28th Avenue North, 35207

Birmingham can visit many sites to be informed. Butcher recommends checking out the book “The Watsons Go to Birmingham” by Paul Curtis in advance of a visit. This 1963 Newberry Award winning novel about a black family from Michigan that decides to spend the summer in Alabama during 1963 when racism and civil rights tensions are high is a great read for children ages 10 to 16. “My hope is that our National Monument is a place where you can have tough conversations and be rightly challenged to look in the mirror and assess yourself,” Butcher says. “I think all of us have biases that we may not be aware of so it’s important to be educated and challenge ourselves to be better citizens, better people and better leaders in our world.” Bham Family August 2020 27

From left, performances by the Birmingham Children’s Theatre and Virgina Samford Theatre.

The Show Must Go On Theatres find new ways to entertain audiences

BY LAUREN DOWDLE If anyone can come up with creative solutions during these unique times, it’s the imaginative minds behind the local theatres. And the pandemic has definitely put them to the test. ONLINE SHOWS When schools moved to distance learning back in March, the Birmingham Children’s Theatre shut down all of its shows. Two of those shows, “The Sword in the Stone” and “The True Story of the 3 Little Pigs,” have been moved to spring 2021. Though they couldn’t open their doors, they still wanted to produce theatre. So, they started creating videos families could watch for free on their website, Facebook page, and YouTube channel, says Ashley Woods, managing director at the Birmingham Children’s Theatre. “We knew parents would have kids at home needing things to do,” Woods says. One video series has been their cardboard puppet theater, which both entertains and helps children process some of what’s been going on in the world. They have also started offering online master classes with Broadway artists on Saturdays that are geared toward older students. Their summer camps moved online, which allowed them to deliver camp in a box to students’ doors. Children received all of the supplies, activity sheets, and instructions for camp, and the teachers held Zoom calls to interact and share what they would be doing. 28 Bham Family August 2020

“We’re really enjoying doing those,” Woods says. While times have been challenging, Woods says that’s forced them to change how they do things — which hasn’t been all bad. “We’re having to dig deep and come up with really creative ideas that probably wouldn’t have come to the table if not for this time and COVID-19,” Woods says. “The only thing preventing us from finding them before was that we didn’t have to.” For example, they will be taking their shows on the road this fall, only performing in schools. That keeps students from traveling in buses and being exposed to other students in their theatres. But beyond the safety element, this change also allows schools to see their shows that might not have been able to afford sending students before. “Once they’re at school, their risk stays normal at that point,” Woods says. “We can bring in a four- to six-person, small cast and perform a show with at least 20 feet of distance to the front row.” Looking forward, they hope to work with outdoor venues to provide performances for the general public, as well as homeschoolers. “Interactions with the arts help promote empathy and the ability to deal with your own feelings. You can see a way of life that looks different from yours,” Woods says. “It just promotes understanding and also brings joy. We’re all looking for moments of joy.” TRANSFORMING THEATRE Red Mountain Theatre Company (RMTC) also cancelled their summer productions and went

UPCOMING SHOWS Virginia Samford Theatre Aug. 6-16: Love, Linda Sept. 17-27: 1776 Oct. 15-25: Fantasticks Nov. 12-22: Disney’s Frozen Junior

BCT PHOTOS COURTESY OF TAMMY STRINGFELLOW Birmingham Children’s Theatre’s created a video cardboard puppet series in response to the pandemic.

to an all-virtual format for their summer camp. Though online this year, youth still had a chance to learn the theatrical craft, from vocal and dance to drama training. To further engage with their younger audience, the theatre has created programs on social media, including playmaking live, actor spotlights, and 60-second videos from the RMTC archives, says Drew Francis, creative and marketing director at RMTC. “We are developing more ways to interact with our audience that we will release in the coming months,” he says. While the online interaction has been fun, Francis says the thing he’s most excited about with the theatre is seeing their patrons again. They are holding off on ticketing until closer to the show dates, which are scheduled to start in October. “We are living in a tough moment right now, and we believe in the transformation of theatre,” Francis says. “We want to be able to help people cope in these times.” CREATE CONNECTIONS The Virginia Samford Theatre (VST) has made its fair share of changes, as well, cancelling the last few weeks of its STARS program’s afterschool classes and the final showcase. They also pushed back show dates and moved their in-person summer camp, Camp VST, from June to July, says Jennifer Spiegelman, education director at the VST. Though it’s been different, there already have been some high points. “Our first day of camp, the teachers asked the students what they were excited about for the week, and one girl said, ‘I’ve been in my house for so long. I’m so excited to be around other kids and to make theatre,’” Spiegelman says.

Birmingham Children’s Theatre (Performing in schools only in the fall) Sept. 14-Dec. 11: The Gingerbread Boy (Ages 2-8) Sept. 14-Dec. 11: Cinderella (Ages 2-8) Sept. 28-Dec. 11: School House Rock (Ages 6+) Red Mountain Theatre Company Oct. 2-11: You’re a Good Man, Charlie Brown Feb. 5-21, 2021: Bright Star Summer 2021: Rodgers and Hammerstein’s Cinderella

“I’m so glad we can provide that welcoming and comforting space for them again.” Going forward, all of their shows will be at a 50-percent seating capacity with general admission social-distance seating, and they will do temperature checks and require masks. Because of the current uncertainty, they are no longer selling season tickets. “Theatre is so incredibly important during times like this,” she says. “The beauty of live theatre is the connection and dynamic relationship it creates between the audience, the actors, and the crew. There’s nothing quite like it. It reminds us that we aren’t alone. We know people need that kinship and magic now more than ever.” As more people are stuck at home and in front of their screens, Spiegelman says it’s important for them to step away and experience human connections, like what they will find at the theatre. “Every audience is different; every performance is different,” she says. “You’re a part of creating the story with the actors.” The pandemic has created a scary time for theatres, considering its livelihood is built on bringing people together. However, this problem has also brought about many creative solutions. “I’m excited to see how the theatre community adapts and innovates,” Spiegelman says. “The people you create theatre with become your family, and we can’t wait to be with them again.” Bham Family August 2020 29

KIDS WHO SHINE

LANDO ALDRIDGE, 8

BY JEANA DURST Lando Aldridge is not like most eight-yearolds. Since he was six, this Alabaster boy has been putting his sewing skills to work to help aid animals in need through his Hats for Cats project, in which he sews colorful fleece hats to raise money for cat rescue missions and sanctuaries. One Halloween, he observed his mother handsewing his mask and took an interest in learning the craft. Soon he connected the dots of how to use his skills to support his love of animals. That love, which started with the family’s rescue kitty Flower, has been nurtured ever since, extending to their Border Collie Storm and host of “pet” chickens. They’ve even been known to invite the chickens for a “dinner at the table” in the backyard. The chickens are so much like family now that Lando has sworn off chicken nuggets or any other chicken dishes, his mom explains. Most recently, Lando has been in the maskmaking business with the help of his mother, Francie Ann Vono-Aldridge. (She presses and pins the masks as he sews them.) The “Masks for Medical Workers” project launched when Lando and his mom were watching press conferences about COVID-19 together and he heard that the Jefferson County Department of Health was 30 Bham Family August 2020

requesting mask donations on March 27. This was the spark. From there, it just took off. Soon, they were donating masks to area veterinarians, dentists, pharmacies, and other essential workers. The idea quickly grew to incorporate selling masks as well as donating them. And, true to his heart, Lando decided to use proceeds to help at-risk animals. Using the business acumen he had developed through Cats for Hats (he was accustomed to selling his hats at adoption events), Lando has been able to donate more than $2,000 to the Sanctuary Animal Rescue in Alabaster from the sales of masks at press time. In order to accomplish this, he has sewn close to 500 masks since late March, and he says he’s only going to stop when the need stops. When I asked Lando about how his experience could relate to a future career, he said, “One word—vet.” It’s clear this inspired young boy knows what he wants. He’s learned a thing or two about being in the sewing business. “You should never go too fast on a machine because you can break the needle,” Lando says. He’s also learned just how hard work and determination make dreams happen. Now, he’s even taking orders from all over the nation. If you’d like to support his projects, please visit https://francesvono.wixsite.com/hatsforcats.

ChildrensAL.org

(Still) Serving Children Safely It has always been our priority to ensure the safety and well-being of each child in our care â&#x20AC;&#x201D; and that remains our commitment as we continue our mission during the Covid-19 pandemic. Hereâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s how we have redesigned our operations to keep our patients and their families as safe as possible: q All visitors are screened immediately for signs of illness and fever. q We follow Centers for Disease Control (CDC) guidelines for cleaning and disinfecting our facilities. q Our staff practices safe hand hygiene. q We are wearing masks for your safety. Thank you for wearing your face covering. q All visitors to campus are required to wear masks. q Waiting rooms have been reconfigured to accommodate social distancing guidelines.

Bham Family August 2020 31

TEEN TALK LINE (205) 605-1830

PARENT TALK LINE compact2020.com (205) 605-1827

TEENS — Have questions? Concerned about things? Just need someone to listen? Talking helps. Whether you are having a great day or a tough day, give us a call. We are here to listen. PARENTS — Think your teen might be involved with substance abuse?Have questions? Concerned about your teen? Wondering how to handle your teen’s choices? Just need someone to listen to you? Talking helps.

32 Bham Family August 2020