Bham Family - June 2021

JUNE 2021

Family SHOPPING Gigi’s Tween, Lili Pad offer boutique clothing PAGE 18

What to see and do in

Chelsea PAGE 14

Grad inspires with rare condition

PAGE 24

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EDITOR’S NOTE I don’t consider myself old, that is, until I talk with a child or teenager — especially ones who refer to me as ma’am. Anytime I’m going to interview a student for an article, I joke with my husband that I’m about to feel completely inadequate about the little I’ve accomplished in my 33 years compared to them.

When I was in school in the 2000s, my main concerns were my grades, friends, church, work, and band. Making time for all of those kept me plenty busy. So, I’m not quite sure how today’s youth seem to manage those basic things, while also being involved with a range of impressive programs, sports, and organizations.

You’ll see what I mean after reading Noah Knight’s story on page 24. Not only was this recent Hewitt-Trussville graduate taking AP classes, working 30 hours a week, and in the EMT program through Jeff State, but he also does all of that while managing his own medical condition. It’s clear to see why his teachers, friends, and family are so impressed and proud of him — and he’s only 18.

Another student you’ll want to read about on page 30 is Jadeyn Bice. She realized her love for working with students with special needs after interning with her school’s adaptive PE class. Now, she hopes to one day teach the life skills program at her school after college.

Those aren’t the only stories you’ll enjoy reading in this month’s issue.

Be sure to check out our feature on The Lili Pad, which carries clothes for infants, toddlers, and children — as well as precious gifts families will love.

The boutique was started by two sisters, so it’s easy to see why customers immediately feel like family when they walk through the doors. Their large selection of adorable clothes doesn’t hurt either!

Families will also get an up-close look at Chelsea and all of the exciting projects and events going on in this growing city starting on page 12. From multiple new businesses, a playground, and splashpad to their large Fourth of July event coming up next month, there’s plenty to do and see there.

This issue also includes a food review on a restaurant in the heart of Bluff Park with tasty wings, tips for keeping children safe around water this summer, what parents need to know about cleaning their children’s teeth, and more.

We hope you’ll enjoy this issue, as well as the beginning of summer break.

Stay safe, and have a great time with your friends and family!

Lauren H. Dowdle Content Director and Mom contentdirector@jbmcmedia.com 4 Bham Family June 2021

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RECYCLE RECYCLE ME! ME!

INSIDE THIS ISSUE FEATURE STORIES

Overcoming the Odds Recent grad Noah Knight continues to inspire despite medical setbacks. p. 24

18

22

24

INSIDE EVERY ISSUE

Family Finance How kids and teens can focus on investing now. p. 8

Families in Business Find the perfect outfit for gift for babies, toddlers, and children at The Lili Pad. p. 18

Active Living How to ensure your family stays safe in and around water this summer. p. 10

Medical Spotlight What parents need to do and know about children’s dental health. p. 22

City Spotlight What to see and do around the growing city of Chelsea. p. 12 Just for Dads Ward Williams talks about how involved parents should be in children’s lives. p. 15 Schoolhouse Updates from the Hoover School District. p. 16

Food Review Wings Plus V & Grill serves up southern, seafood, and savory dishes p. 26 Faith Radio host finds joy after struggling with postpartum depression. p. 28 Kids Who Shine Senior finds calling after interning with special needs class. p. 30 Bham Family June 2021 7

FAMILY FINANCE

Common CENTS Why and what to teach children and teens about investing

To set up children for a financially healthy future, teach them about investing early on.

BY LAUREN H. DOWDLE

Ask a child if they care about investing, and they will probably shake their head, “no.” But, ask that same child if they want to earn enough money to buy ice cream or another special treat, and their response will change pretty quickly.

While children and teenagers might not understand or value the importance of investing now, it’s important for parents to start teaching them about it so they instill skills they can use the rest of their lives. Sure, they might not be ready to track company profiles, but that doesn’t mean they aren’t prepared to learn about some of the key concepts involved with investing. Explaining what all is involved with investing now will make it something they’re comfortable doing as they get older. Investing is quickly becoming a necessity for adults, so it’s important to put your children in the best position for success.

Don’t worry if investing isn’t your area of expertise. Teaching your children about it can also serve as a refresher for you, as well.

START WITH THE BASICS Teach them the basic concepts and terms, including stocks, bonds, profits, losses, and risk 8 Bham Family June 2021

vs. reward. For example, explain that stocks and bonds differ from the savings account they already have (and if they don’t, take them to open one) because they involve risk — meaning the value can go up or down.

There are always companies making the news for their stock prices (ie GameStop), so let your children hear about them. You can also show them the stock you own, putting a real company name to the term. They might know what “stock” means, but they will understand hearing about brands like Amazon or Microsoft.

Show them the companies’ investor pages to learn more about how much the stocks earned, how they changed through the year, and other company variables.

GET THEM INVOLVED Let do research and pick a company they want to invest in. Then, have them use their own money to purchase stocks — or give them chores they can do to earn enough money. Having them invest their own money gives them a better sense of ownership.

Have them check the stocks weekly to see how they are performing — though in our experience, they will probably want to track them a lot more often.

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Bham Family June 2021 9

Water Safety What to know before heading to the pool or open water this summer

BY LAUREN H. DOWDLE

Warmer weather means putting on a swimsuit, lathering up with sunscreen, and headed to the pool, beach, or lake. But before families have a splashing good time, they need to make sure they make water safety a priority, especially if there are younger children.

Because after birth defects, drowning is the No. 1 cause of death for children ages 1 to 4. Here are some recommendations from the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) to keep your children safe as they cool off this summer.

Take swim lessons No one said learning about water safety has to be boring, so make swimming a family affair with lessons for both children and their parents.

Studies have shown swim lessons can reduce the risk of drowning for all children, including those ages 1 to 4.

As for when is the best age to start lessons, 10 Bham Family June 2021

ACTIVE LIVING

Taking swim lessons can be a fun activity for the whole family.

that depends on the child. Parents can talk with their pediatrician to discuss factors like how often the child will be around water, their emotional maturity, physical and developmental abilities, limitations, and how interested they are in swimming.

STAY ALERT IN POOL Maintaining no more than an arm’s reach away from little ones allows you to immediately reach them if they were to go under in a swimming pool. Parents should never leave a young child unattended near or in water — or trust the child’s safety to another child.

They should also swim with a buddy and never swim alone. Children should be taught to ask permission to go near water. Make sure everyone drinks plenty of water, and avoid drinks with caffeine or alcohol. That ensures everyone stays CONTINUED ON PAGE 11

Whether children are at home in a pool or at the beach, it’s important to keep water safety a priority.

CONTINUED FROM PAGE 10

hydrated, which helps them to stay more alert and focused on safety. Snacks and drinks should be readily available in case anyone feels weak or lightheaded.

DESIGNATE A WATCHER It’s easy to get distracted at parties or gatherings at the pool or lake, thinking someone else is watching the child when in fact they aren’t.

Assigning a water watcher ensures that an adult is constantly monitoring the children as they swim.

Some toy pools even come with a wristband that is to be worn by the water watcher to serve as a reminder of who is currently handling it.

WEAR LIFE JACKETS Whether the family is going out on a boat ride or playing by the lake, they need to wear life jackets. Even if they aren’t going to get in the water, it’s important they wear the jacket in case they were to fall in. More children and teens drown in open water (43 percent) than in pools (38 percent) or bathtubs (9 percent).

Parents should ensure the life jacket fits the child properly and is approved by the U.S. Coast Guard. Others who lack strong swim skills should also wear a life jacket when around water.

ADD LAYERS OF PROTECTION With drownings among children ages 4 and

younger, 69 percent of those happen during non-swim times. So, to keep them from finding their way into unsupervised water, the AAP recommends using layers of protection.

That puts barriers in place to help prevent them from getting into water when there’s a brief lapse in supervision, which is a normal occurrence. That includes enclosing pools and hot tubs with fencing. The fence should be at least 4 feet high, completely surround the pool, and be separate from the house and the rest of the yard.

Parents should also ensure the fence can’t be climbed and that a child couldn’t squeeze through the fence’s slats. The gate should be kept locked when not in use. Parents can also use safety gates, door locks, and doorknob covers to keep younger children from going outside unnoticed.

PREVENT SLIPPING ON COVERS Pool covers should cover the entire pool enough that a child can’t slip under them. Also, be sure there’s no standing water on top of them, since children can drown in less than 2 inches of water. Often, the power-operated covers are the safest and easiest to use.

STAY SAFE THIS SUMMER A day at the pool, lake, or beach can be a lot of fun for the whole family.

Bham Family June 2021 11

CITY SPOTLIGHT

PHOTOS COURTESY OF CITY OF CHELSEA

ChelseaFest and the Big Kaboom will bring bands, food, activities, and families together for a Fourth of July celebration.

ALL ABOUT

FAMILY

City of Chelsea focuses on residents as it continues to grow

BY LAUREN H. DOWDLE

With the motto, “It’s all about family,” the city of Chelsea attracts both residents and visitors as it continues to grow. After travelling down Double Oak Mountain, people will be greeted with sights, businesses, and events for all ages.

Originally known as the community of Melrose, the Chelsea area was settled in the mid1800s. The name was changed in the early 1900s after the railroad was established because there was another Melrose on its route.

When Chelsea was incorporated in 1996, there were less than 1,000 residents. Now, Chelsea 12 Bham Family June 2021

Mayor Tony Picklesimer says they are expecting the latest survey to show there are more than 15,000 residents that call the city home.

The city doesn’t only have a motto that everything revolves around families, but it also puts those words into action by building attractions they’re sure to enjoy.

Behind the Chelsea Community Center, located at 11101 Shelby County 47, are the new playground and splashpad at Melrose Park — a fitting name. They are also in Phase 2 of construction with the athletic complex on CONTINUED ON PAGE 14

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Road construction will be underway in front of Chelsea City Hall to realign the highways.

CONTINUED FROM PAGE 12

Highway 11.

One of the biggest projects coming up will be the realignment where highways 47 and 39 meet in front of city hall, which has an estimated completion of Oct. 31.

The city also hosts a variety of events throughout the year that people won’t want to miss. Their Fire at the Foothills BBQ and dessert cook-off, which was held in April, included live music, a children’s play area, and, of course, plenty of BBQ and chili to sample.

“There were 25 cook teams in the BBQ cookoff and a few thousand people came through.

It was very successful,” Picklesimer says. “It was just a friendly place to get out and visit with your neighbors and make new friends. It had such a family-friendly atmosphere.”

The city has another large event coming up next month. ChelseaFest and the Big Kaboom is the city’s annual Fourth of July celebration and will be held Saturday, July 3. There will be food trucks, vendors, three bands — including a local act — bike parade for children, and, of course, a large firework show to cap it all off.

“We’re anticipating this to be the biggest Big Kaboom ever,” Picklesimer says. “People are ready to get out and get back to some sort of normalcy.”

The first band will take the stage at 5 p.m., and fireworks will begin at 9 p.m. The event will be held across from Winn Dixie at 100 Chelsea Corners Way. After the Fourth of July celebration, the next city event will be their Christmas parade, which is held the third Saturday of December. The parade begins at Chelsea Middle School and ends at Winn Dixie.

Beyond popular happenings, there are also 14 Bham Family June 2021

new places beginning to open up around town.

Like most cities across the country, there weren’t many new shops or stores opening during the pandemic. However, now that things are starting to improve, so has the amount of commercial construction in the city.

They currently have five new businesses in the works — Arby’s, Buffalo Wild Wings, AutoZone, RaceTrac, and a Mexican restaurant — and continue to receive interest from other companies who are interested in relocating to Chelsea.

“It’s a great place to live. Chelsea seems to be on top of its game,” he says. “There are lots of things to do and be a part of in the community.”

Picklesimer attributes the city’s growth and family atmosphere to several factors including their school system, public library, active parks and rec department, playground, splash pad, ball parks, and beautiful community center with sports activities and meeting spaces.

“When you take all of those things, you’ll see it’s just our quality of life that draws families to Chelsea,” he says. “We’re a family-oriented city.”

The average age of residents has remained in the 30s as the city grows. Picklesimer says they plan to build more than 600 houses in the next five years. They also recently opened a third fire station off of Highway 51 behind the Chelsea Park subdivision.

“We’re trying to grow our infrastructure to take care of everything a population explosion causes,” he says. “The government’s primary responsibility is to keep residents safe.”

Whether families are looking for somewhere to visit or live, they are sure to find a welcoming and growing city if they turn to Chelsea.

“For someone who hasn’t been to one of our events or spent a day touring the city in the past few years,” Picklesimer says, “they need to see all of the things our city has to offer.”

JUST FOR DADS Early in my marriage, I remember regularly watching two television shows. The first was “Ally McBeal,” which left me wondering and confused if I knew anything about how 20-year-old women Ward dressed, thought, and pursued Williams relationships. The other show was “7th Heaven,” a show about the perfect family, which left me questioning if there really were families and homes that were that loving.

On one episode of 7th Heaven, there was conflict between the parents and their middle child. The middle child, Simon, told his parents he knew they loved him, but they could love him a lot less. As a young married man, the thought that parents could be overly involved really confused me and left me unsure if it was something I believed.

This blog is being written around Father’s Day and just after celebrating Mother’s Day. After many years working with men and fathers, I have come to the conclusion that loving too much or more specifically overinvolvement from parents, specifically moms, can wound children, especially boys.

I would never say anything negative about moms, and most boys and men will fight you if you say anything negative about their moms.

There has been a great deal of research, which shows that uninvolved or under involved of

fathers leaves a wound on both genders of children. There is lesson in Authentic Manhood’s “33 the Series” that discusses a man’s relationship with his mother.

Henry Cloud argues that the way a man’s mother handled his needs as a child shapes his worldview, relationships, marriage, career, and self-image. There is an argument that men with overinvolved moms or men who are overly connected to their moms can become males who are sometimes too controlling in relationships with women or too passive.

There was a popular John Mayer song, “Daughters,” that talked about how the daughter’s relationship with her father impacted all her relationships with other men. I am convinced that the opposite is true and there could be a song called “Sons” written by women trying to figure out why her relationships with men keep failing — and implore mothers to help raise healthy boys who will become healthy men.

The ability to identify overinvolvement is not nearly as easy to identify as lack of involvement.

If you have a high level of self-awareness, some good questions to ask yourself might be, “Am I helping my son build skills in resiliency, compassion, masculinity, and spiritual leadership?”

“Am I preparing my son to be able to have meaningful healthy emotional connections as an adult?” “Am I preparing myself for healthy emotional breaks?”

If you know a good, healthy father, he was most likely influenced by a fantastic mom. Happy Father’s Day!

Mothers who are overinvolved in their sons’ lives might actually have negative effects on them in the future.

Bham Family June 2021 15

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

RC3 teacher is finalist for Alabama “Teacher of the Year” The Alabama State Department of Education recently announced the 16 finalists for the 2021-2022 Alabama Teacher of the Year.

District III Secondary Teacher of the Year, Pamela McClendon of the Riverchase Career Connection Center, was named one of the 16 finalists.

These 16 finalists will be narrowed down to the final four, and the 2021-2022 Alabama Teacher of the Year will be announced in August. whose lives stopped as they knew it when their grandfather became ill.

“Writing Press On gave our students an outlet to express their feelings and provided a positive way for them to remember this historic, life-changing time in history,” Berryhill and Dark said.

“We could not be more proud of the hard work our students put into this project to create such an exceptional novel.”

Gwin students pen novel It all started as an idea for fifth-grade Gwin Elementary teachers Ashley Dark and Dani Berryhill. They had talked before about their classes writing a novel.

When the COVID-19 pandemic started, they found their storyline.

When the school year started, so did the writing process. Their classes started interviewing people from Hoover Mayor Frank Brocato, an infectious disease specialist, those who experienced COVID, and many others.

From there, the storyline and character development process took to flight; some students even taking part in this from home during staggered scheduling. As the storyline began to take shape, students started working in groups to write the book’s chapters.

Fast forward to May of 2021, and the realistic fiction novel Press On is done and set to go on sale at the school on May 10th.

The novel focuses on a family with a high school senior and two elementary school students whose lives stopped as they knew it when their grandfather became ill.

“Writing Press On gave our students an outlet to express their feelings and provided a positive way for them to remember this historic, life-changing time in history,” Berryhill and Dark said.

“We could not be more proud of the hard work our students put into this project to create such an exceptional novel.”

16 Bham Family June 2021

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

TCES earns national recognition Out of all the schools across the country, only 139 received a “Recognized American School Counselor Association Model Program (RAMP) Designation.

Trace Crossings Elementary was one of them.

The RAMP Designation is given to schools that align with the criteria in the ASCA National Model. It recognizes schools that show a commitment to providing a data-informed school counseling program and an exceptional educational environment.

Free breakfast and lunch available for 2021-22 school year Hoover City Schools is pleased to announce that the USDA has extended free breakfast and lunch to all students during the 2021-2022 school year.

As always, our Child Nutrition Program staff will continue to offer a variety of entrée options, featuring a wide array of fresh fruit and vegetables.

“The Child Nutrition Program of Hoover City Schools is pleased to provide all students breakfast and lunch at no cost for the 2021-2022 school year,” Child Nutrition Program Director Melinda Bonner said. “CNP is committed to nurturing the physical and scholastic development of our students by providing high-quality, nutritious meals and motivating healthy food choices.”

While breakfast and lunch will be free, à la carte items such as extra snacks and beverages must be purchased.

Bham Family June 2021 17

FAMILIES IN BUSINESS

KID APPROVED The Lili Pad children’s boutique makes shopping fun for the whole family

BY LAUREN H. DOWDLE

Shopping with young ones can sometimes feel more stressful than it’s worth, but that’s not the case when mothers bring their children to The Lili Pad. From a play area to a welcoming staff, the boutique offers an inviting environment and adorable outfits.

Sisters Katherine McRee and Susan Day opened The Lili Pad in Vestavia Hills near The Summit. Their mother was one of the owners of Town and Country Clothes in the Crestline Village section of Mountain Brook, so it’s safe to say the love for the retail industry was in their blood. When their mother passed away from pancreatic cancer in 2002, the sisters decided to act on their dream to own a children’s store, opening The Lili Pad two years later.

The boutique carries clothes for boys and girls with more than 75 lines including Kissy Kissy, Magnolia Baby, Southern Point, Aftco, Properly Tied, Bella Bliss, and Little English. Parents will find smocking, bubbles, bathing suits, and outfits for every occasion — both formal and play.

Voted Best Children’s Store in Birmingham and Alabama’s Retailer of the Year, The Lili Pad staff focuses on building connections with the people who come in their store and throughout the community.

“Our variety plays a huge part, as well as the ease of shopping,” McRee says. “Our motto at The Lili Pad is, ‘Where being a mom just got a little bit easier.’ Everything we try to do revolves around that motto.”

That covers everything from the children’s play area inside the store and the easy parking lot layout to free gift wrapping and discounts on multiples. The items within the store are grouped by size, as well.

In 2008, they expanded to offer girls sizes from 7 to 16 and juniors in their connecting store, Gigi’s Tween. Each store has its own entrance, but they open up together in the back.

“We have a lot of stuff that’s age-appropriate that the daughter finds fashionable and the 18 Bham Family June 2021

PHOTOS COURTESY OF THE LILI PAD

There are clothes and gifts for babies, toddlers, and children at The Lili Pad.

mother finds acceptable,” McRee says.

The sisters continue to show they not only care about their customers, but that they also enjoy giving back to the community. They started the Cahaba Heights Merchants Association three years ago in an effort to help bring businesses together — as well as hosting annual events for the community. Through a partnership with Grace Klein Community, they donate their leftover clothes to get them into the hands of children who really need them.

“We just believe in giving back,” McRee says.

When the pandemic began, they knew they would need to find innovative ways for their family-owned business to survive. They continued coming to the store every day and began posting live videos on Facebook and Instagram. The CONTINUED ON PAGE 20

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Katherine McRee and Susan Day opened The Lili Pad 17 years ago.

CONTINUED FROM PAGE 18

videos consisted of them reading from the book Jesus Calling, which includes a different message each day of the year. They then turned the topic back to what mothers and customers were going through during that time.

“It really hit my sister and I during the pandemic when we were shut down just how much we missed that connection with people who come in the store,” McRee says. “That’s what got us through. We still have people coming to the store saying they loved watching our messages.”

The sisters are five years apart in age — and complete opposites, bringing a good balance to the store. During the pandemic, they’ve become even closer, being reminded about the importance of family.

“We got closer than we had ever been before. We were able to lean on each other. The pandemic made us better family members,” McRee says. “It also made us better business 20 Bham Family June 2021

women, and it taught us a lot about people.”

They each have two children (in addition to Day’s two step children), with their oldest ones being four years old when they opened the shop.

Though the clothing that lines the walls and racks continue to evolve, the store and its atmosphere haven’t changed that much in the 17 years The Lili Pad has been open.

“Just come in and experience who we are and what we are,” McRee says. “It’s not just the variety we offer. Our shop is much more than just a shop. The vibe in the store is incredible. We get to know our customers and tell stories. It feels like a family.”

Whether someone is looking for the perfect outfit for their child or a thoughtful baby gift parents are sure to adore, they can find it all and more at The Lili Pad and Gigi’s Tween.

The Lili Pad and Gigi’s Tween are located at 3138 Heights Village in Vestavia Hills. The stores are open 9:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday and 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Saturday.

Bham Family June 2021 21

MEDICAL SPOTLIGHT

ASK A PHYSICIAN PRIORITIZING CHILDREN’S DENTAL HEALTH Q: What are good dental habits parents should teach their children?

A: Good dental habits would include brushing twice daily and flossing at least once a day. I would also like for parents to teach their children to limit candies, sodas, and foods/beverages with lots of sugar. Lastly, making dental health a family affair. If the parents have a healthy smile, then the children will value it as well.

Making a habit of going to the dentist twice a year, returning for treatment, and referring to dentistry as something positive helps to develop long-lasting habits.

Q: What food and drinks can cause cavities?

Tabitha JarmanGatrey, DMD Dr. Tabita JarmanGatrey at Pediatric Smiles is board certified by the American Board of Dentistry. She maintains memberships in professional organizations including Birmingham Pediatric Dentistry Society, American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry, American Dental Association, and Southeastern Society of Pediatric Dentistry. In addition to treating children at Pediatric Smiles, she is also a member of the adjunct faculty at Children’s of Alabama.

Pediatric Smiles is a pediatric dentistry that A: To prevent cavities in children’s teeth, we serves infants, children, and teens. The office definitely want to avoid lots of candy, juice, is located at 4823 Promenade Parkway, Suite soda, and foods with lots of sugar. Candies that 101, in Bessemer. are sticky and gummy treats are more likely to cause cavities because they have a tendency to stick to the teeth. It is very important, as well, to make sure to brush before bed. Brushing before bed removes all the food debris from your entire day.

Taking bottles or cups to bed bathes the teeth with cavity-causing liquids all night when saliva flow is low.

Saliva helps to wash the mouth.

Q: About what age should children be able to brush their teeth by themselves?

A: Every child is different. Some children can start brushing without supervision as early as seven, but some teenagers need supervision. I recommend supervising your children’s dental care until the age of 10. If your child is brushing by themselves, then I do recommend a spot check.

Q: How much fluoride should children be using?

A: If you live in an area with fluoridated water supply, then toothpaste with fluoride twice daily is enough.

Children will get fluoride in their water consumption, as well.

Q: Are there any misconceptions you see parents or children having about either dental care or dental visits?

A: One misconception we see is that baby teeth don’t hurt. Baby teeth can hurt, become infected, and 22 Bham Family June 2021

can cause health problems. Baby teeth are very important.

They help with chewing, speaking, guiding permanent teeth, and confidence.

Q: Do you have any suggestions on how parents can make caring for their children’s teeth more fun or enjoyable?

A: I would recommend playing music during oral care times. Music makes things better. Also, parents can make it fun by pretending to brush out the superheroes or princesses.

Q: What are ways your office caters to children?

A: We believe children are the reason why we exist at Pediatric Smiles. Our passion is to make every child love dentistry. That drives how we treat children. We cater to each child differently. Some children need extra time, distraction, songs, or encouragement. We attempt to make every child comfortable by whatever works.

Dental checkups every six months help ensure toddlers’ and children’s teeth remain healthy.

Q: What’s your favorite part about working with children?

A: My favorite part about working with children is the joy that they bring. I love hearing their thoughts, opinions and stories.

I laugh and smile every day. That makes my job so rewarding.

He has no idea what she is pointing at. Because for the 115th time, he left his glasses at home.

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Overcoming

FEATURE

the odds

Trussville senior turns diagnosis into passion for helping others

BY LAUREN H. DOWDLE Having been in and out of the hospital and doctors’ offices since before he could walk, Noah Knight has every reason to want to steer clear of the medical field.

Instead, he plans to head straight toward it, using his experiences and passion for helping others to make a difference.

A 2021 graduate of HewittTrussville High School, Noah experienced his first anaphylaxis reaction when he was four months old. However, it took doctors more than a year to provide the final diagnosis. Noah had eosinophilic esophagitis (EoE), making him the first child in his age group to be diagnosed in the state of Alabama.

EoE is a chronic immune system disease that occurs when white blood cells build up in the esophagus. His mother, Paula, recalls when his doctor told them the diagnosis.

“He said, ‘I’m so sorry to tell you this. It’s not curable, but it is manageable.’ They had never seen a kid like that,” she says. “There’s a lot I’m glad Noah doesn’t remember.”

Noah has undergone multiple procedures, biopsies, hospitalizations, failure to thrive, CONTINUED ON PAGE 25

24 Bham Family June 2021

Noah Knight is a 2021 graduate of Hewitt-Trussville High School

CONTINUED FROM PAGE 24

tests, and other setbacks through the years.

Yet, Noah continues to show perseverance and maintain his humor through it all.

“He shows love despite what he’s going through,” Paula says. “He’s always been a trooper.”

Due to the food allergies associated with his EoE, Noah was only able to eat formula and white potatoes. However, one of his doctors kept looking for answers, finding a study that helped safely expand his diet. Now, he’s also able to eat chicken, shrimp, and white meat fish, as well.

“Because he couldn’t eat what other kids did, he might have pushed himself a little more where studies are concerned,” Paula says. “He just goes for it. He is somebody that when he gets knocked down, he gets right back up.”

Outside of the AP classes he took in high school, another major part of his studies included being in Jefferson State Community College’s dual-enrollment EMT program. In the EMT classes, he learned and practiced skills like wound dressing, patient assessment, transporting, and CPR on both dummies and volunteers.

“I like how hands-on it is and that I actually get to practice stuff,” Noah says.

Both of Noah’s older sisters went through the EMT program, and Paula says he’s always wanted to be a doctor.

“I’ve been involved with medical stuff throughout my life because of my medical issues,” he says. “I want to become a doctor, and this program is a good way to do it.”

He plans to attend the University of Alabama at Birmingham (UAB) in the fall — where he’s received a full scholarship, except for room and board — in the neuroscience program. Then, he wants to pursue medical school at UAB to become either a neurosurgeon or surgeon.

Both in and out of school, Noah has left a lasting impression on his classmates, friends, and teachers, including Coach Jamey Curlee, who teaches part of the Biomedical Academy classes and coaches cross country and lacrosse.

“Noah is such a great kid,” Curlee says. “I have been teaching for 30 years, and he is one of my favorite students. He has such a great personality and is so smart. He’s years beyond his time.”

Recently, he’s faced other medical issues, as well. In January of 2020, Noah went mountain biking on the trails at school, but he didn’t realize they had been changed. When he hit a bump, he

Noah Knight is a 2021 graduate of Hewitt-Trussville High School

flew off his bike into the side of a hill, leaving him with a bad concussion and dislocating his shoulder, which required surgery.

He’s faced more medical hurdles in his 18 years than most do in a lifetime, but anyone who talks to Noah would have a hard time finding an ounce of negativity or frustration about his medical condition.

“It’s not a reason to give up,” he says. “My life, from where I’ve stood, is all I’ve ever known. A lot of people have it worse. God has helped me through, and my family has always been with me.

It’s nothing to have a bad attitude about.”

Not only has he continued to stay positive, but he also remains busy. He works close to 30 hours a week, in addition to school. He also enjoys playing games like disc golf and pickleball, as well as spending time with his friends.

“He’s naturally a funny kid,” Paula says. “God’s been with us and truly blessed him with a great personality.”

Noah continues to inspire everyone he meets and who hears his story, though his humble nature would never see things that way. One person who is especially proud of the man he has become is his mother.

“His name means long-lived,” Paula said. “God has protected him, and it’s been a joy to be his mother and just to be around him.”

Bham Family June 2021 25

FILL UP

FOOD REVIEW

THE FAMILY Wings Plus V & Grill serves up southern, seafood, and savory dishes

The menu features family favorites like fried catfish, gyros and wings.

BY LAUREN H. DOWDLE

Some might call Wings Plus V & Grill a holein-the-wall restaurant, nestled in the shopping center with Bluff Park’s Piggly Wiggly. If by that they mean the eatery has a wide variety of affordable, savory, mouthwatering dishes the whole family will enjoy, then I’d have to agree.

As the restaurant says, they’re “passionate about what we do and put love in every dish we create.” That love can be tasted in dishes like wings, burgers, sandwiches, wraps, and more. My personal favorite is the gyro.

With the dish in their name, they offer a variety of wing flavors: lava, hot, mild, plain, BBQ, lemon pepper, oriental, garlic pepper, sweet and sour, honey BBQ, honey mustard, and Jamaican jerk. You can also combine flavors like BBQ and lemon, hot lemon pepper, and hot honey mustard for a few cents more.

Their sandwiches range from cheeseburgers and grilled/fried chicken to po-boys and grilled cheese. They also serve catch of the day meals — including whiting, catfish, and tilapia — as either sandwiches, dinners, or by the pound. If you’re more into subs or wraps, they have a variety of those, like philly steak, club, and BBQ chicken.

26 Bham Family June 2021

For those looking for a lighter dish, they have a dozen salads, like Greek shrimp, gyro, grilled chicken, chef, and more.

Children will find meals including grilled cheese, chicken fingers, and wings, which come with a drink and fries. Their southern side items are the perfect complement to any meal and include fries (regular, Cajun, ranch, and cheese), coleslaw, side salad, potato salad, okra, onion rings, and baked beans.

Something I wasn’t quite prepared for — but was pleasantly surprised about — the first time I ate there was the size of the meals. I ended up having enough for two meals, which was more than fine with me, considering how great everything tasted.

Whether you’re looking for somewhere to eat out on the patio, inside, delivery, or to pick up and take home, you’ll find it all at this restaurant.

The next night you don’t feel like cooking or want something filling over the weekend, here’s your new go-to spot.

Wings Plus V & Grill is located at 755 Shades Mountain Plaza in Hoover. They’re open Monday through Saturday from 11 a.m. and Sunday from noon to 8 p.m.

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FAITH

Joy in Motherhood Radio host shares about her experience with postpartum depression PHOTO COURTESY OF WAYFM

Joy Summers is the host of “Afternoons with Joy” on WayFM. She’s a pastor’s wife and boy mom from the wood of West Virginia. She believes faith is a constant journey and never pretends to have it figured out — speaking honestly about her own struggles with anxiety and depression.

28 Bham Family June 2021

Motherhood is hard. Most have heard that before, but as Joy Summers, host of “Afternoons with Joy” on WayFM, discovered, no one can prepare themselves for postpartum depression.

It’s the topic most moms only whisper about under their breath, and hardly anyone wants to admit to dealing with postpartum depression.

Somehow, it makes them feel like a bad mom — and no one needs to add to the mom guilt most already feel. The taboo around this topic is what made Summers want to open up and share her own experience.

While postpartum depression can look different for so many women, this is her story.

FINDING JOY I was in such a dark place that I started to think, “Why would God love me if I’m this bad of a mom or if I’m this much of a mess?”

I’m one of those people who has a lot of struggles with anxiety. Seven years ago, I had a bout of depression for a year, and I thought, “I never want to have to go back to that.”

Our birth was traumatic, and it wasn’t how we thought it was going to be. We had challenge after challenge, so it felt like we weren’t able to catch our breath for months. One night, I was in the nursery holding my son, Judah, and he was just fighting me, and I broke down and started crying as well. I remember yelling, “Hunter, you need to come get the baby!” When he came in, he could tell something was off as I said, “I don’t want to see the baby!” I just needed a break.

I felt like the baby hated me. Every interaction I had with my son was me trying to give him what he needed and him rejecting it. It felt like he was rejecting me.

I felt isolated and alone, and I just heard in my mind, “They’d be better off without you.”

I didn’t know what it meant. I truly just felt like my husband had bonded with the baby more than I had. I thought maybe the baby would like someone else better. I hate that I took that thought in as truth. But I was so tired and weak that I wasn’t able to think straight.

I had a moment when I tried to get up the courage to say what I had heard in my mind out loud to my husband. In a moment when things were difficult, I just said, “Well, I think you guys would be better off without me.”

He paused, looked at me, and said, “I think

you are listening to the voice of of Satan. We will get out of this moment by running to the Lord and then cling tight to each other.”

It was hard to know who to talk to because I didn’t have any time. My neighbor who lives just down the street is a sweet friend. She had told me a long time ago that she had dealt with postpartum depression. So, I decided to share what I was feeling with her.

When I shared that I was not OK with my neighbor, she said something I will never forget.

She said when she was dealing with postpartum depression she just kept hearing in her mind “They’d be better off without you.”

That was exactly the wording that I had heard!

My neighbor saying that she had experienced the same thing and yet she had pushed through.

Seeing what a wonderful mom she is now after coming through postpartum depression was so encouraging.

I have been taking medication, talking to my counselor, talking to trusted friends and family, and I’ve been talking to God about it.

I’m not over it, but I’m doing so much better.

My bad days are fewer and far between. God is equipping me to be stronger than I thought that I was. I feel healthier every single day because I am willing to say, “I know I’m here, but I want to be there with the help of the Lord.”

The best part of the season I’m in right now is I’m able to find more joy in my little boy, and I didn’t have that in the beginning. I have those days where I feel like I am killing it as his mom, and I didn’t have those days before.

I’m grateful that working through the postpartum depression and seeking help about it is allowing me to slowly start to enjoy motherhood, which I’ve always wanted to do.

Motherhood is such a gift and that baby is such a gift.

Every time he smiles, I realize that I want to enjoy this as much as I possibly can because it’s not going to last forever. I just want to soak in the moments and that means me figuring out how to be as healthy as I can be for him.

I want to be present in every single moment.

Bham Family June 2021 29

KIDS WHO SHINE

JADEYN BICE, 18

BY LAUREN H. DOWDLE When asked what she wanted to be when she grew up, Jadeyn Bice’s answer was always the same: a psychologist. So, the Hewitt-Trussville High School student took psychology classes for three years, completing them all by the time she was a senior.

So, she began exploring other options, which is when she realized her love for working with students who had learning needs or disabilities.

She turned to her school’s career coach, Jill Prince, to see what she could do to get hands-on experience working with these types of children.

Prince normally provides internship opportunities at other schools within their system for high school students interested in the field of education. However, since the system was closed to visitors due to COVID, Prince secured her an internship in the adaptive PE class with her high school’s special education students.

That’s when Bice was introduced as a peer buddy to the life skills class, which has nine students. Bice comes in each morning and sets up the activities for the students to do after their stretches.

“I participate in the stretches and games with the students and help them play and basically give them a friend to talk to and a buddy to play with during PE,” she says.

After stretches, they play adaptive games like cornhole, nitro ball, and bochi, which is similar to yard bowling. On Fridays — their favorite day — they spread out and take turns picking music to dance to.

“Each day, we try to play a new game to help stay active,” Bice says.

She says she’s loved every part about the class, making it hard to narrow down her favorite aspect of the experience. But, if she had to pick, she said it would be the energy and encouragement the students bring into the room every day.

“The way they cheer each other on and pat each other on the back is truly inspiring,” she says. “It is the kind of sportsmanship I aspire to have. It’s like having your own personal cheer squad follow you around all day, that even goes for strangers. If you walk into our class — trust me — you will be greeted with a big, ‘Good 30 Bham Family June 2021

Jadeyn Bice interned with the adaptive PE class at Hewitt-Trussville High School.

morning,’ and a smile that will warm your heart.”

Physical education teacher Coach Tim Meacham said Bice has gone above and beyond for the students in the class, even bringing water bottles that she purchased for the students after they said they were thirsty since the water fountains are turned off. Bice also brought stickers for them to decorate their bottles.

“This class has taught me how to clap for myself even if I didn’t do a great job,” she says.

“Every day is an absolute blessing, and that is why we cheer for not only our peers, but also ourselves.”

Bice was in both the marching and concert bands for seven years before figuring out her passion for the life skills program was greater, turning her focus there. When she isn’t at school, Bice can be found working as a barista at Starbucks or going on walks with her dog.

She plans to attend an online school with Arizona State University to pursue a degree in education for children or adults with special learning needs or disabilities. After college, she says she’d love to come back to Hewitt and teach the life skills program, bringing her full circle.

“These students have taught me who I am as a person and who I want to be,” Bice says. “I can only dream of being as humble, amazing, kind, and team-playing as these sweet students.”

31 Bham Family June 2021

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 June 2021