SEPTEMBER 2020
ALL THE
Notes RIGHT
THE MUSIC ROOM’S SPECIAL MISSION PAGE 26
HELP YOUR KIDS
ADAPT TO BIG CHANGES
PAGE 22
DENTISTRY FOR INFANTS, CHILDREN, TEENS, AND THOSE WITH SPECIAL NEEDS
Meet the team keeping Birmingham looking good!
Tabitha Jarman Gatrey, DMD
4823 Promenade Pkwy Suite 101 | McCalla 205/230-9000
psmilesal.com
2 Bham Family September 2020
1830 29th Ave S, Ste 140 | SoHo in Homewood (205) 582-2999 | singlebarrelbarbershop.com
Specializing in children’s wear gifts & accessories
Offering shoe fitting appointments and curbside service Keeping you safe with CURBSIDE PICKUP! Downtown Homewood on 18th Street Sikes - (205) 879-3433 Jack N Jill - (205) 879-7681
Bham Family September 2020 3
EDITOR’S NOTE
W
e have a saying around here: We are for Birmingham, and we are for families. This month we are excited to bring you stories highlighting how families are making our town better for others. At The Music Room in Leeds, the Lucas family is sharing the joy of music to help kids who have special needs realize the healing power of playing music in community. They also take a unique approach to teaching neuro-typical kids and continue to grow their programs to include opportunities for parents (“All the Right Notes, p. 26). The Hardy Family delivers families highend services at Switch Audio and Video, located in Homewood, and now they are planning to open the Switch Building to
provide other entrepreneurs a business incubator (“Staying Connected,” p. 8). Another family is busy helping their daughter to develop her own mission. Don’t miss the story of Ruby Ann Stapleton, the seventh grader who is singlehandedly providing socks for our city’s homeless population (“Kids Who Shine, p. 30). We’d love to hear about your family projects and endeavors—drop us a line at jeana@jbmcmedia.com.
Jeana Durst Content Director and Mom
!
ept. 8
gin S ses be
Clas
Join us for our 74th year of dancing at Register now for fall
We are following strict safety measures for all our dancers!
3336 Rocky Ridge Plaza | Vestavia Hills (205) 822-6212 | jackieoneal.com 4 Bham Family September 2020
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 September 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
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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! 11
Aldridge Gardens Applause Dancewear
2
Backyard Adventures
25
Brookwood Baptist Health Bundles of Hope Diaper Bank
9,29 21 6
CakEffect Children’s of Alabama
31
Compact2020
32
Epilepsy Foundation of Alabama
13
Hoover Met Complex
14
Jackie O’Neal School of Dance
4
Kasey Davis Dentistry
25
McWane Science Center
11
Birmingham BirminghamFamily FamilyMagazine Magazine
@BhamFamilyMag @BhamFamilyMag
28
Painted Personalities
2
Pediatric Smiles
12
Shelby County Arts Council
3
Sike’s Children’s Shoes / Jack n Jill
2
Single Barrel Barber Shop Southlake Orthopaedics
15
The Whole Scoop Ice Cream Shop
14
Urgent Care for Children
5
Vineyard Family Services
19 3
Virginia Samford Theatre Vulcan Termite & Pest Control
28
WAY-FM
29
Wee-Peat Boutique / LuLu’s Loft
17 7
Wrapsody
bhamfunandfamily.com bhamfamily.com
RECYCLE RECYCLE ME! ME!
The little shop with the GRAND effect!
Haven’t been by yet? Find out what makes them SO GOOD! • Custom cakes and cupcakes • Cinnamon rolls and gourmet popcorn • Fresh breweed coffee and pound cake! 1021 Brock’s Gap Pkwy, Ste 109 Hoover, AL (205) 803-5669 | cakeffect.com 6 Bham Family September 2020
Komeh Davis, owner “Bakers vs. Fakers” star on
INSIDE THIS ISSUE IN EVERY ISSUE
28 FEATURE STORIES Day at the Park Vestavia adds pools, baseball fields, and more at Wald Park. p.16 Staying Well in Uncertain Times Strategies for mental health hygiene that the whole family can use right now. p.22 All the Right Notes The Music Room in Leeds is on a special mission. p.26
LOLLY CRAYONS
SCOUT BAGS
Business Profile Switch delivers the latest technology and opens an incubator for businesses. p.8
Medical Spotlight Dr. Kasey Davis shares how parents can help kids to have great dental hygiene. p.26
Food Review Trattoria ZaZa adapts their concept to deliver at-home and pop-up service. p.10
City Spotlight What’s happening in the growing city of Leeds. p.20
Just for Dads Ward Williams discusses ways to encourage your children’s unique purpose. p.12
Education St. Rose Academy gives students a solid foundation. p.24
Schoolhouse Updates from The Hoover City School District. p.14
Kids Who Shine Thompson Middle School student is on a mission to bring hope to the homeless. p.30
8
20
24
A gift & clothing boutique specializing in home decor, seasonal giving, and jewelry. 1028 Marble Terrace, Suite 116 Hoover, AL 35244 205-989-7277 We’re hiring! wrapsodyonline.com @shopwrapsody Bham Family September 2020 7
FAMILIES IN BUSINESS
STAYING CONNECTED
Switch works to improve lives one install at a time
Switch, started 12 years ago by Justin Hardy, offers residential and commercial technology installation and solutions.
BY LAUREN DOWDLE A home theater, video conference center at work, and security system all sound amazing. But, figuring out how to install them is anything but. That’s where Switch Audio Video comes into play. The company helps customers integrate different technologies into their lifestyles, allowing them to enjoy the benefits and none of the hassles. Justin Hardy, owner of Switch, left his job as a structural engineer and started Switch 12 years ago because he wanted to make money to buy his girlfriend an engagement ring. Luckily, both endeavors worked out, as his business has grown, and he and his now-wife, Whitney, have three children. “I just love this business,” he says. “I was imagining what I wanted to do when I retired when I started Switch, so I’m living the dream.” Switch offers high-quality design, installation, and service for security, surveillance, AV automation, conference rooms, music systems, home theaters, and more. They have both residential and commercial customers and often will work on someone’s house and later their business, or vice versa. They don’t bid on projects, but instead, they talk with clients about their specific needs and then come up with a solution to help make their lives better. Improving customers’ lives with their services has become their mission. “We want to make it simple for people because there’s a lot of complexity behind what Justin and his team do,” says Whitney, who also works with the business part time. “At the end of the day, you want to sit down and enjoy watching TV with your family or have peace of mind that your 8 Bham Family September 2020
home is safe when you’re away.” And they’ve continued to provide that level of satisfaction to customers, even during these changing times. Justin and his team were ahead of the game with video conferences when the pandemic hit, allowing them to offer virtual consultations for customers. They’re also receiving more calls from companies looking to add video conferencing abilities. “We’re trying to do everything as virtual as we can,” Justin said. “I designed an entire audiovisual system over FaceTime.” Beyond their customers, Justin is also looking to have an impact on local entrepreneurs. They purchased a building, now called the Switch building, in Homewood to provide office space for business incubators. The hope for the invitation-only facility is to give small businesses an inexpensive place to collaborate. Rent will range from $250 to $500 a month and is set to open in October. “Iron sharpens iron,” he says of having a place for them to come together. “It helps us be better business owners and people.” Encouraging others is nothing new for him, according to Whitney. He’s also involved with the Birmingham chapter of the Entrepreneurs’ Organization (EO), having served as its president and now as a board member. “He has a passion for entrepreneurship and helping people succeed in business,” she says. So whether someone is looking to improve their technology or even their own business, Switch has them covered. The Switch building is located at 297 W. Valley Ave. in Homewood. For more information, visit switchaudiovideo.com.
Your Heart Health Can’t Wait Your safe care is our #1 priority. At the CVA, we’re here to serve our community with advanced heart care, close to home. If you experience chest pain, chest pressure, shortness of breath or other signs of a heart disease, do not ignore your symptoms or downplay your pain. We go above and beyond to help ensure the safety of our patients and staff. For you and your loved ones, this is your community built on care.
Social Distancing
Wear a Mask
Clean Environment
Telehealth
To make an appointment, call 1-855-93-HEART or visit CVAPC.com
Bham Family September 2020 9
FOOD REVIEW
TRATTORIA AT HOME
Restaurant changes business model to cope with pandemic BY JULIA SAYERS GOKHALE Trattoria ZaZa has always fed the downtown crowd—professionals grabbing a coffee and scone before work, clients on a lingering lunch meeting, or families having a leisurely weekend brunch. But when the COVID-19 pandemic began, and crowds disappeared from downtown as more people began to work remotely, ZaZa knew they needed to pivot their model to adapt to the changing landscape. “Back in early March, we started discussing how the potential of the virus spreading would affect our business,” says ZaZa owner Bryan Stanfield. “We anticipated a potential quarantine looking at how the Pacific Northwest was handling the spread. After discussing it with the staff and seeing how other small restaurants in affected areas were able to adapt, we decided we needed to get ahead of it.” ZaZa quickly transitioned their social media accounts and website to “ZaZa a casa,” a to-go and delivery “pop-up” that would take the spot of Trattoria ZaZa until it could resume normal operations. “It was a way to embrace the coming changes with some fun and energy,” Stanfield says. “The goal was to safely provide jobs to my entire staff who still wanted to work—shifting my servers to delivery drivers—and to encourage people to stay home by providing quick, exciting, affordable meals for families and individuals at their home table.” Part of the rebrand included the addition of family meals, which are pans of ZaZa’s house pastas or salads that feed four to six people. Options for those include their popular Baked Mac and Cheese, Penne All’Arrabbiata, and Caesar Salad. “Knowing people were home with their families and stressed about everything going on in the world, we hoped to take the stress of what to put on the table for everyone every night out of the conversation,” Stanfield says. In addition to the family meals, you can still order all the dishes ZaZa is known for, including their Roman-style pizzas. Slice options change 10 Bham Family September 2020
PHOTO COURTESY OF TRATTORIA ZAZA
daily; two slices and a salad is $9. Daily entree and pasta specials vary by season and can include items such as seasonal pastas, panzanella, and a Saturday “date-night” meal. For breakfast and brunch, you’ll find chocolate-orange scones, breakfast pasta (with bacon and a fried egg), and honey-mascarpone-stuffed French toast. When things began reopening this summer, ZaZa opted to stay ZaZa a casa. Stanfield says the problems that were around when they initially made the switch are still very prevalent. Thankfully for ZaZa, customers have easily adapted to and embraced the new model. “When we first announced, the support was overwhelming. With stopping all dine-in service we only saw a small dip in sales at first,” Stanfield says. “Generally everyone was extremely thankful for the service. There were definitely some hiccups when figuring out new methods of interacting with guests but everyone was very patient. We are very fortunate that our cuisine and model was already so friendly for to-go. The transition was easier for us than most. I’m very grateful to our community in supporting us and this new model.”
McWane Science Center is OPEN. Come and experience a place, where you and your family, can learn about science and have a lot fun doing it. During these uncertain times, we’ve addressed all safety concerns. 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. We look forward to seeing you soon at McWane Science Center!
For more information visit mcwane.org/welcomeback
9th Annual
Thursday, October 8 th
5:00 pm to 8:00 pm
$50 Non-members $45 (Members of
The Taste of Hoover celebrates the variety of culinary styles found throughout our city. Enjoy an autumn evening strolling through Aldridge Gardens, listening to live entertainment, and of course, sampling delicious dishes from some of Hoover’s best restaurants and Aldridge Gardens’ preferred caterers.
Aldridge Gardens)
Rain Date Thursday, October 15 th.
3530 Lorna Road | Hoover, AL 35216 aldridgegardens.com
Bham Family September 2020 11
JUST FOR DADS In the nearly twenty years I’ve spent working with children and youth, I’ve loved sharing David’s triumph. As a young man, David goes to visit his brothers at the battlefront. He hears the giant’s taunts and Ward Williams challenges, humiliating the entire army, including the King and David’s older brothers. A key part of the story comes as David refuses to use the King’s oversized equipment. David understands that stepping into someone else’s armor and fighting the giant the way someone else would do is not going to work. He knows he must use his own skills and experiences. The Bible teaches us that each of our children are uniquely and wonderfully made for a purpose. I believe that were it not for adults encouraging children to conform, kids would naturally behave different from one another and establish themselves as unique individuals. A common attribute among many leadership books and biographies is self-awareness. Consider
the circumstances of Robert Iger, who has led the Disney Corporation through fifteen of its most successful years. Iger oversaw Disney mergers with Pixar, Marvel, Lucas Films, and 21st Century Fox. Prior to becoming CEO, Mr. Iger was the Chief Operations Officer of Disney during some of the leaner years. As COO, he believed he had a duty to support the CEO. When it came time for Iger to assume the lead, he had to convince the Board of Directors that he would perform differently than the previous leader. I believe it is important to give our kids opportunities to experience different roles in our families. For years, my two sons, who are close in age, liked the same activities and played with the same toys. It has been a joy to see my younger son’s personality shine after discovering his own gifts, talents, and love of music. I have seen reward that comes from having the freedom to approach life from his unique perspective, not enduring the burden of someone else’s armor. I encourage you to look for courageous ways to support your children’s unique purpose.
LESSONS FOR ALL AGES
Painting | Sewing | Music | Pottery | Drawing | and more!
Shelby County Arts Council
To enroll, call (205) 669-0044 or visit shelbycountyartscouncil.com 12 Bham Family September 2020
Join us Virtually as we take action for 54,000 people with epilepsy in our state November 7, 2020 Register. Donate. Take Action.
WalktoEndEpilepsy.org/Birmingham Bham Family September 2020 13
S C H O O L H O U S E NEWS FROM HOOVER CITY SCHOOLS
AAGC donates technology to RC3 Alabama Associated General Contractors donated two high tech VR simulators to the Riverchase Career Connection Center. One of the simulators, which help teach students to use construction equipment, was purchased by AAGC, and the second one was secured through a grant from the Alabama Craft Training Board. AAGC was a key partner with the formation of RC3 and has committed to providing $100,000 worth of equipment to the school.
Craig Thompson recognized as ‘Teacher of the Month’ Craig Thompson, a social studies teacher at Spain Park High School, was recognized as a “teacher of the month” by Alexander Shunnarah Personal Injury Attorneys. The program allows nominations for any Birmingham area teacher, and a panel of attorneys from the practice select the winner each month. The winner receives a $200 gift card and their photo on one of the practice’s digital billboards for a day.
THE FINLEY CENTER, SEPT. 4-6
OUR VISIT
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Ice cream so good, you’ll scream!
CAPITAL COOL CLASSIC
FOR UPCOMING EVENTS VISIT HOOVERMETCOMPLEX.COM/EVENTS 14 Bham Family September 2020
1021 brock’s gap parkway | hoover (205) 444-8000 find us on
S C H O O L H O U S E NEWS FROM HOOVER CITY SCHOOLS
Hind named national coach of the year
Spain Park science teacher recognized by White House
Devon Hind, Hoover High School’s boys track and field coach, was named the 2020 National Coach of the Year by the U.S. Track & Field and Cross Country Coaches Association. Dating back to 2013, Hinds’ Hoover teams have topped the podium 11 times between indoor and outdoor track and field, including each of the past four indoor seasons in Class 7A. Hinds has taught and coached for 18 years at Hoover.
Dr. Pamela Hamilton, a science teacher at Spain Park High School, was selected as an awardee of the Presidential Awards for Excellence in Mathematics and Science Teaching, one of two teachers from Alabama selected. Dr. Hamilton said, “The Presidential Award is an affirmation that I am providing a rigorous science education to students who have diverse learning needs. Many of my students have not always experienced academic success; therefore, I work hard to provide a learning environment that is challenging yet supportive of their learning needs.”
Less pain. More living. Now offering
Urgent Care Orthopaedic Services at our Hoover-MedPlex location
Walk-Ins after 5pm
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(205) 985-4220 | SouthlakeOrthopaedics.com Bham Family September 2020 15
DAY AT THE PARK
Vestavia adds pools, baseball fields, and more at Wald Park BY LAUREN DOWDLE Whether families are searching for a place to cool off or simply play outside, the expanded Wald Park in Vestavia Hills will soon have it all. Part of the city-wide Community Spaces Plan, the renovations at Wald Park will include an aquatic complex, baseball complex, Miracle League field, inclusive playgrounds, grand lawn with an event pavilion, tennis courts and pavilion, dog park, and walking trails. And residents won’t have to wait much longer to start enjoying all of the new areas. The need for an expanded park comes, in part, because of the city’s own expansion. Constructed in the early 1960s, Wald Park has seen Vestavia grow from around 4,000 residents to nearly 35,000. Now, the park is experiencing its own growth and updates to meet the community’s needs for quality, capacity, usefulness, and inclusiveness, says Cinnamon McCulley, communications specialist for the City of Vestavia Hills. “Various surveys and studies of recreation and athletic facilities have been conducted in recent years, and the results always included an overwhelming request for greenspaces, walking trails, inclusive playgrounds, and overall improved parks and athletic facilities,” she says. The city has worked to deliver all of those features and more in this $24.3 million, threephase project. The first two projects are nearing completion, and the last phase isn’t underway yet. There will be plenty of space for families and friends to meet, play, exercise, and relax outside. MAKING A SPLASH One new addition that’s sure to bring a refreshing splash of fun is the aquatic complex. The complex is set to open Labor Day weekend and will have two pools (50M competition and zero-entry leisure), a pool deck, pool house, entry pavilion, and storage space. A membership will be required to use the pools, and they will be open to residents only. However, residents can pay a small fee to bring a non-resident as a guest. (Before the new aquatic complex was created, there was only one pool at the park, which opened in 1963.) “Having grown to a population of approximately 35,000 residents, that single pool was no longer able to meet the needs of 16 Bham Family September 2020
our community,” McCulley says. “Having two pools—recreation and leisure—will accommodate more users and benefit residents of all ages and abilities.” READY TO PLAY For those ready to play ball, the baseball complex will include four fields (including the Miracle League), a field house, batting cages, accessible restrooms, concessions, and storage. They plan for the complex to be complete by late summer, though the Miracle League field will be delayed because of delivery issues due to the pandemic. All children will be able to enjoy the park’s two inclusive playgrounds, which will also be used by Vestavia Hills Elementary West during the academic year. One of the play areas will open during late summer, while the other will be completed by the fall. A grand lawn and even pavilion are also set to come in the fall. There will be eight tennis courts and a pavilion included in Phase 3 of the project, which does not have a complete date set yet. The expansion project won’t only be for families to enjoy, though. Wald Park also included four-legged family members in its plans, though they will have to wait a little longer to enjoy the dog park and walking trails since these are also included in Phase 3 of the project. SOMETHING FOR EVERYONE While some people have started spending more time outside because of the pandemic, outdoor spaces have long been an important amenity for residents. “We are confident that the newly renovated, vastly improved Wald Park will serve as a destination for families and individuals to enjoy for many, many years,” McCulley says. There really is something for everyone who visits CONTINUED ON PAGE 17
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the updated park. “Wald Park has been designed and constructed so that everyone, regardless of stage of life or ability, will be able to use the park in some capacity,” McCulley says. “We are beyond pleased to be able to provide these options and amenities for all of our residents.” Other projects in the Community Spaces Plan include the Sicard Hollow Athletic Complex, Cahaba Heights Park, Community Building, New Merkel House, and various infrastructure projects, such as road paving, sidewalk installation, drainage projects.
DOG PARK
TENNIS FACILITY
PLAY
FIELD 4 EVENT PAVILION
SCHOOL GRAND LAWN MIRACLE FIELD FIELD 3 AQUATIC CENTER
HWY 31
BOE
ENTRY PAVILION
DEVELOPMENT
WILLIAMS BLACKSTOCK ARCHITECTS
MERR YVAL E
ROAD
FIELD 2
Sept. 1-20 Looking for more ways to get some fresh air, while also giving back to the community? The Vestavia Hills Rotary will hold Hike the Hill starting Sept. 1 to support Vestavia schools and their PTO programs. Families and individuals can make the hike anytime during this nearly three-week span, giving them the chance to participate at their own pace and also respect social distancing. The hike starts at Little Shades Creek Bridge on Morgan Road, goes to the crest past Vestavia Hills High School, and ends at the corner of Lime Rock Road and Panorama Drive. The path covers about 1.5 miles and ascends more than 250 feet. Participants can select their school’s PTO team when they sign up for the event, and a portion of the $35 individual or $70 family entry fee will go toward their PTO team’s mission.
EAGLE SCOUT PAVILION
MAINTENANCE
HIKE THE HILL
MASTER SITE PLAN
For more information or to sign up, visit Vestaviarotary.org.
10 JUNE 2019
Maternity | Furniture | Accessories Specializing in new and gently used clothing for newborns to pre-teens
Mon-Sat, 10-6 Sun, 11-3
5479 Hwy 280, Ste 124 | 205.874.6655 Bham Family September 2020 17
MEDICAL SPOTLIGHT
ASK A DENTIST BY JEANA DURST Recently, Kasey Davis Dentistry in Bluff Park celebrate their six-year anniversary. Voted as the “Best of Hoover” this year by their patients, this practice offers the services of a large dental practice with the dedicated time and attention that a smaller group can give each patient. “We are like a family, and when people come in the door, they can sense that,” Dr. Davis says. Luckily for families, they also treat patients of all ages—from age two to senior citizens. And for busy parents on the go, nothing beats consolidating your appointment with your child’s. We talked to Dr. Davis to brush up on ways that all parents can encourage good dental health practices. Here are some basic guidelines that you may not have considered in a while:
DON’T WAIT TOO LONG
The ADA recommends that children see a dentist every six months for regular checkups and that a child see the dentist by the time they are one year old—which can be hard to do. “Just get them to see a dentist as soon as they feel comfortable. We know that kids that young won’t sit still for long,” Dr. Davis says. The whole point of getting them in early is to make sure there aren’t any major issues and to educate the parents. Another reason to bring your kids in early: building a comfort-level. “Just getting the child used to the chair and letting them know ‘we are not going to hurt you and we just want to take a look at your teeth’—that is so valuable,” Dr. Davis says. She says that by the third visit, most children are excited to be there. ROUTINES MATTER Parents should be brushing baby teeth even if there are only two of them. “Don’t brush their teeth and then put them to bed with a sippy cup—they should only be going to bed with water,” Dr. Davis says. For the slightly older kids, routines matter just as much. For example, she recommends thinking carefully about the 18 Bham Family September 2020
Dr. Kasey Davis The owner of Kasey Davis Dentistry, Dr. Davis attended the University of Montevallo on the Academic Leadership Scholarship, where she received her Bachelor of Science in Biology and graduated summa cum laude in 2004. She then went on to receive her Doctorate of Dental Medicine from the UAB School of Dentistry, where she received the Henry Clay Hassell Scholarship, the Alabama Board of Dental Scholars Grant, and was inducted into Omicron Kappa Upsilon, the National Dental Honor Society. Outside of her practice, Dr. Davis spends most of her time with her amazing husband, BJ, their five beautiful children, and two dogs.
frequency and timing of when kids are eating. “If they brush when they get up and eat breakfast and then they don’t brush again until bedtime, their teeth only were clean for about 30 minutes that day,” Dr. Davis points out. At nighttime, you have to make sure they’ve eaten and drunk everything before they brush that last time. GO THE DISTANCE Permanent teeth can come in as early as fiveyears-old. This means you need to be sure you are supervising your child’s brushing habits. Make an extra effort to stress that the kids are brushing all the way back to the back molars. “We tend to see cavities come first in the far CONTINUED ON PAGE 17
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“If [children] brush when they get up and eat breakfast and then they don’t brush back and at the gum line. Those are the areas that bedtime, their teeth only were Maternity | Furniture | until Accessories can be most uncomfortable to brush, and kids are again clean for about 30 minutes that day.” missing them,” Dr. Davis says. Specializing in new and gently used clothing for newborns to pre-teens Kasey Davis
INSPECT OFTEN “You are with your child more than anyone else,” Dr. Davis says. Taking 30 to 60 seconds to pull up the gums and look in their mouth to take a quick visual assessment can be the difference between a major dental catastrophe and something treatable. Bottom line, says Dr. Davis, If something is visible, they need to go see a dentist right away.
DO A PRODUCT CHECK Using a fluoridated toothpaste is of utmost importance. “It’s just proven that fluoride makes teeth stronger,” Dr. Davis says. Other products to scrutinize include what kind of food and drinks you have on hand most often. As a mom of five, Dr. Davis acknowledges that none of us working parents have time feed our children perfectly at every meal because of the convenience factor. She suggests trying to get kids to make nonMon-Sat, 10-6
Sun, 11-3
sugary drink choices at least 80 to 90 percent of the time, for example. MAKE IT ENJOYABLE So many parents struggle to get their kids to brush. When you make it fun, you are more likely to get cooperation. Dr. Davis suggests doing things like buying and electric toothbrush or setting a timer to play a song for the duration of the brushing time. She says you must be willing to monitor their habits until you know they are doing a good job with it—even if that means watching over your 9-year-old. “Give yourself grace when they are not enjoying it. Just know you are doing your best for them,” Dr. Davis says. To learn more about this Bluff Park dentistry, visit kaseydavisdentistry.com.
5479 Hwy 280, Ste 124 | 205.874.6655
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
www.vfsdads.com
Bham Family September 2020 19
CITY SPOTLIGHT
KEEPING ITS CHARM What’s happening in the growing city of Leeds
BY LAUREN DOWDLE With new shops and events at a place the whole family can safely enjoy, Leeds is quickly becoming the place to be. Minutes from downtown Birmingham and convenient to I-20 and I-59, the city is right in the middle of it all, says Sandra McGuire, executive director of the Leeds Area Chamber of Commerce. “Leeds is a friendly small town with the modern amenities of a big city, like abundant shopping, great entertainment, and convenient interstate access,” McGuire says. As a tri-county city straddling the borders of Jefferson, Shelby, and St. Clair counties, Leeds has become a popular place to visit and live, says Dona Bonnett, president of the Leeds Area Chamber of Commerce executive board of directors. “In recent years, Leeds has rated in most popular Alabama mid-size cities to relocate to, best suburbs to live in Alabama, best suburbs for millennials in the Birmingham area, top suburbs for young professionals, and one of the best places to live in Alabama,” Bonnett says. FAMILY DESTINATIONS People can enjoy stores like Bass Pro Shops and also ones in the historic downtown area like Earthborn Pottery, Mum & Me Mercantile,
Mum’s Unique Consignment Boutique, L.A. Salon Flowers & Boutique, Pioneer General Store, and Bama Flea Mall & Antique Center. “There’s no shortage of shopping opportunities in this historic little town,” McGuire says. Another major draw is The Outlet Shops of Grand River, which includes dozens of retail stores and eateries. And more stores continue to open there, says property manager Jeannie Cole. Kate Spade New York opened in June and offers trendy accessories from the signature Kate Spade line. Campus Spirit will open in the fall with logoed sports apparel for the whole family. The Pixel Room, which is Birmingham’s first “selfie museum,” also opened at Grand River. Cole says they are excited to add the unique attraction. “It is a fun way to get great pictures of yourself, family, and friends,” Cole says of The Pixel Room. “They also offer private events like birthday parties—perfect for preteen and teen birthdays.” Shopping isn’t the only thing families can do at there. The Grand River Drive-In, Snack Shack, and The Backyard have also become a big hit. The drive-in shows double-feature movies every night, and The Backyard includes a mini golf course, children’s playground, and dog walk. IN THE WORKS Another business that has created a lot of buzz is Buc-ee’s, which will open at Exit 140 later this year or the first quarter of 2021. The opening was CONTINUED ON PAGE 21
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delayed a few months due to weather. This will be the second Alabama location for the convenience store, which is known for its wide variety of food, snacks, and travel-related merchandise—not to mention more than 100 gas pumps. The Southern Museum of Flight’s relocation is another destination under construction at the same exit, Bonnett says. The city’s events are also popular with residents and visitors alike. While many have been put on hold this year due to COVID-19, there are still some coming up. On Sept. 19 from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m., the Drive Out ALS Cruise-In will be hosted by Miss Leeds Area’s Outstanding Teen Emma Terry at the Shops of Grand River. It’s $10 to enter a vehicle, and all of the funds raised will go to the Alabama ALS Association to assist families living with this disease and to help with research. In addition to supporting the association, the car event is also a tribute to Terry’s grandfather, who had ALS. “Before his ALS diagnosis, Emma’s grandfather enjoyed restoring antique cars and then showing off his hard work at car shows and cruise-ins,” McGuire says. “He won numerous
awards over the years at car shows like The World of Wheels.” The first Grand River Art Walk will be Sept. 26 from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. throughout the common areas of the shopping center. There will be paintings, pottery, jewelry, wood works, and more. “These are all local artists, but many show their works and win awards in large shows across the country,” Cole says. “Come out and enjoy this opportunity to see some great art and to support your local art community.” The Monster Mash Dash 5K and Fun Run will be Oct. 31 at the Shops of Grand River and will benefit Leeds Elementary School. The city also holds a tree lighting downtown, as well as an annual Christmas parade. And in 2021, the Creek Bank Festival will celebrate its 26th year on May 15. While it’s an exciting time of growth, the city has kept its welcoming charm that never fails to attract people and businesses. “Leeds is continuing to grow, and the city is actually on the verge of explosion,” McGuire says. “The hometown feel and historic charm—along with the excellent city school system—make Leeds an excellent place for families.”
Bham Family September 2020 21
HEALTHY LIVING
Staying well in
UNCERTAIN TIMES
BY JEANA DURST
To say that the COVID-19 pandemic has been a challenge to personal mental health is a flimsy understatement. Never before have our lives been so upended, uncertain, and quickly rearranged. For parents looking to shepherd their children through this, another challenge exists: we have no template for this. That’s why modeling healthy coping habits for our children is paramount. Bham Family talked to local counselor and therapist Rhonna W. Phillips to learn how to be intentional in weathering these uncertain times. Phillips is in private practice in Hoover, where she works with almost all ages, from school-age kids to senior adults. “I work with all kinds of social problems and mental health issues—it’s a wide range, from what we call the worried well (people with everyday life challenges) all the way to people with severe mental illnesses, like bipolar with psychosis or schizophrenia,” Phillips says. She enjoys the variety and prefers counseling using a family systems approach. “I see people from the context of how they grew up, how they were raised, and the environment they live in,” Phillips says. Beyond the tragedy of ones who’ve had to grapple with the disease itself and loss of loved ones, the striking impact of COVID-19 is how pervasive the effects have been. “Many people are really stressed by the lack of predictability, the isolation, the changes to their jobs, the changes to their home front and children’s schedules—even finances may be a big unknown,” Phillips says. Prior to the pandemic, there were so many things we could predict. That has all gone out the window. But not all the news is bad. As Phillips points out, for some parents, the extra time at home has provided more quality time with their kids. (We can finally get around to showing Ella how to ride that bike.) Other benefits of the additional time include the chance to re-evaluate priorities. For instance, maybe being at home has made you miss your church and realize you should have been more active there all CONTINUED ON PAGE 23
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Rhonna W. Phillips is a Connecticut native who has resided in Birmingham for 28 years. Married for 25 years, Phillips loves her two cats and traveling, especially if it is somewhere near the water. Her first job in North Carolina put her in contact with kids who had violent-level behavior and emotional problems. After that, she worked as an executive director of a small nonprofit. In that role, she advised municipalities on implementing ADA legislative requirements and assisted parents of children with cognitive and developmental impairments. After attending UAB for her master’s degree in counseling, she worked at Gateway as a team leader, helping with family preservation in high-risk situations and provided counseling for therapeutic foster care programs. Later her career led her to work with a private psychiatric group, where she mostly focused on adult outpatient counseling. In 2010, she branched out to open her private practice. As of October, she will have been in business for ten years counseling individuals from all walks of life with a wide range of challenges. Currently, Phillips sees clients remotely using video-conferencing software that is encrypted and HIPAA compliant. To learn more information, visit birminghamcounselor.com.
CONTINUED FROM PAGE 16
along. “Recommit to things that match your real values,” Phillips says. “I think life has a way of taking charge of us before we realize it, and this might be an opportunity for us to take charge of our lives a little better, within the box of the pandemic and its restrictions.” As encouraging as this is, let’s face it, many aspects of this pandemic feel like climbing a mountain—with no map, no destination, no water, and bears lurking in the woods. The effects of isolation, loneliness and prolonged stress on mental health are well-documented. Isolation, for example, has the dangerous effect of potentially limiting our perspectives, including the ability to think critically about information received. “As humans, we can tend to be prone to tunnel vision if we are only selecting one source, and then we are really limiting our perspective and can become biased by our own perspective without even realizing that we have limited ourselves,” Phillips cautions. Loneliness, too, is an issue. Phillips explains that, combined with the barrage of daily virus-related news, loneliness can move into hopelessness that could then give way to depression. Even if we are not facing these problems, it’s a sure bet that we are all dealing with prolonged distress. “Prolonged stress or worry can affect our fight or flight system and our brain’s functioning—it can turn into diagnosable anxiety,” Phillips says. And once we start having anxiety about our anxiety, that’s a clear sign that it’s become entrenched and it’s time to seek the help of a physician. So what are some healthy habits that we can build and model for our children? Phillips offers these tips: Put structure in place wherever possible – So much has been turned upside down, it’s taxing our minds. Consider this example: “If we report to the same office every day, we may park in the same place every day. Since our brain gets filled up with so many moving parts, we grab hold of routine because it saves hard drive in our brain,” Phillips says. In other words, now that routines are disrupted, we have less mental bandwidth. Creating new habits can help. Try establishing a regular night to hold family meetings or a ritual of taking a walk together on nights after dinner.
Create virtual experiences that mimic real ones – By now we all know that exercise is great for our mental health and that outdoor adventure with social distancing is a relatively safe option. But what you may not have considered is that with a little innovation, you can expand your experiences to include pre-pandemic life enjoyments. Phillips shares an example: “A friend of mine gave her husband virtual experiences through Airbnb, and they had a person from a family in Italy provide an online tour, explaining how their family had been making olive oil for years.” Other experiences that can be organized with friends over Zoom include private concerts or wine tastings, for example. Talk things out – Never have our communication skills been so vital. For example, just ask people: “Mask on or mask off ?” Phillips points out that people in our circle not only have different views but some have different medical needs you might not know about. And the importance of talking goes for kids too. “I believe in talking to kids about things before they stumble upon them,” Phillips says. There’s tremendous opportunity here—depending on the child’s age and development stage— to turn talk about the pandemic into an educational conversation. “Arm them with information and facts,” Phillips says. Give kids control over choices regarding their lives – “When something as abstract as a pandemic is going on, the kids are sensitive to feeling a loss of control in their life,” Phillips says. (Consider that they already don’t have a lot of control over their lives anyway.) “For example, every Tuesday, let Johnny choose what the family will eat for dinner,” Phillips says. Be patient with one another – “Disruption of routine can cause stress, forgetfulness, disorganization, and irritability,” Phillips says. This especially applies to kids. “They have their own set of stress, but they also are very tuned in to their parents or caregiver’s stress—even if they don’t verbalize it or act it out,” Phillips explains. A little bit of patience and compassion can go a long way. “It’s about all about adapting right now,” Phillips says. And that is a full-time project. Getting intentional can help. Bham Family September 2020 23
EDUCATION
FEELS LIKE FAMILY St. Rose Academy gives students a solid foundation
BY LAUREN DOWDLE Birmingham’s St. Rose Academy focuses on three things: faith, family, and the fundamentals. If their alumni are any indication, it’s clear the school has found a winning combination. They have 190 students in K3 through eighth grade, however, some of them will be homeschooling or taking virtual classes this year, says Christine Salberg, director of institutional advancement at St. Rose Academy. “It’s a home with an exceptional intellectual and spiritual foundation,” she says of St. Rose. “We’ve created a faith-filled environment to nurture the academic excellence of students.” A LONG TRADITION Many say attending the academy feels like home—and that’s exactly what the building was originally. The building was once a house that was given to the Dominican Sisters of the Saint Cecilia Congregation by the Mackin family more than 60 years ago. “It’s because of a generous family that we have been able to educate children and their families in Birmingham since 1956,” Salberg says. LOOKING AHEAD The home-turned-school has undergone major changes through the years, though this year might prove to be the most different due to COVID-19. “We want to make our families feel safe, and we are doing everything in our power to make that happen,” she says. Some of the ways they’re keeping everyone safe is by staggering drop-off times, taking temperatures, keeping students from passing in the hallway, and creating more outdoor spaces they can enjoy. One of their donors helped create a covered outdoor classroom that has stadium seating and a wall for white boards. They have another outdoor area where students can sit, as well as a pavilion in the parking lot and a tent in the courtyard. 24 Bham Family September 2020
Another aspect that’s had to change is their fundraising efforts. With tuition covering only 70 percent of the academy’s costs, they normally hold in-person events to raise money. However, they have had to get creative in this time of social distancing. They hosted an online caring campaign, and they plan to hold a virtual gala and golf tournament for the first time. ACADEMIC RIGOR One thing that has stayed the same is their dedication to highquality teaching. “We have some amazing teachers,” Salberg says. “Our students all go on to do amazing things.” That includes excelling in the arts, being inducted into the honor society, becoming valedictorians, and thriving in high school and beyond. Earlier this year, St. Rose Academy held its Festival of Fine Arts, which featured some of their professional alumni singers, musicians, and dancers. “It was phenomenal,” Salberg says. Something that’s unique for an elementary and middle school is that St. Rose Academy continues to have lasting support from alumni, even ones from as far back as the ’60s. While the school has grown and changed through the years, it hasn’t lost the family connection that makes it so special. And that closeness and support won’t change, as they are excited and ready to have students back. “We’re all looking forward to seeing those beautiful faces, even with masks,” she says. St. Rose Academy is located at 1401 22nd St. S. in Birmingham. For more information, visit strosebhm.org.
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All the
RIGHT NOTES The Music Room in Leeds is on a mission to bring the joy and healing power of musical collaboration to children and families.
BY JEANA DURST When Mark and Alaina Lucas founded The Music Room in Leeds in 2012, they had a vision. Eight years later, they are making that dream come true, spreading the pure joy of music and healing power that only music can bring to individuals in a neuro-inclusive environment. In addition to the programs they offer kids and adults with special needs, The Music Room serves many kids who are “neurotypical” through private piano, percussion, guitar, ukulele, and voice lessons. They’ve been able to spread the healing power and joy of playing music to over 100 kids and adults each year. The inspiration for the nonprofit was born out of a very personal journey. “I grew up with epilepsy and cortical dysplasia, and it was a real big struggle in my teenage years and growing up,” Mark says. He remembers dreading school as a child, never knowing when he might have a seizure. For Mark, music was a refuge and a joy. “I was always very dedicated to music and that was one thing that I could really look forward to,” Mark says. Having first picked up the guitar for lessons with his father when he was eight, he went on to study percussive performance at Jacksonville State University. It was a natural progression for the young child who from the start loved banging on pots and pans and grew up in bands and church music groups. If Mark’s background was the inspiration for starting the nonprofit, then his experience after undergoing surgery was what really cemented his path. “My epilepsy was so severe when I was graduating high school that I knew I had one of two choices: I could stay where I was and deal 26 Bham Family September 2020
with it or take a chance and have a frontal lobe resection, which is a very invasive brain surgery,” he says. It was a very risky procedure but, fortunately, it was also successful. What happened next as he rehabilitated from the surgery made an impact on Mark. “I was fortunate to get through with therapies—and mainly music,” he says. It’s the therapeutic power of music and play that he and his wife Alaina now bring to their programs and lessons at The Music Room, where they serve all kinds of children and adults, including those with autism or other challenges. “I really wanted to use my own experience and what I went through to work with a group of people who deal with similar things on a daily basis—to work with them through a vehicle that’s fun, constructive, creative and low pressure, because it’s so different than most of the therapies they are already in,” Mark says. With an approach that’s centered on learning through play, Alaina, Mark, and their instructors focus on collaboration. They work closely with partners such as Ady’s Army, whose mission is to help families overcome some of the challenges of autism so that they can focus on their family. “They find families who would like their kids to do music and we take about six to ten families at a time, and for a whole month we provide free music instruction for the whole family,” Mark says. They also host Ady’s Symphony four times a year. Other partner organizations include The Arc of Alabama, The Exceptional Foundation, and Hope Haven, among others. “I love working with people in general but have a special place in my heart for the special needs CONTINUED ON PAGE 27
PHOTO COURTESY OF THE MUSIC ROOM IN LEEDS
Mark and Alaina Lucas center learning through play at The Music Room in Leeds. CONTINUED FROM PAGE 26
community because they deal with problems not many people understand, and I get that,” Mark says. Plus, the Lucas family’s shared love for percussion means that many programs are percussionor piano-based, offering lots of opportunities for kids to practice motor and coordination skills. Alaina, who has extensive experience in voice and piano, explains that the majority of their instruction occurs with neurotypical kids starting at age six. “We take a holistic hands-on approach— eliminating elitism that some music educators bring into music lessons,” she says. In all of their lessons they focus on the individual, and find out where he or she wants to take the music. In the same way that most people learn language best by
being immersed in the culture where the language is spoken, at The Music Room, they believe immersing the students in music collaboration is most effective too. The joy of music really comes alive when the kids get to share it. And soon that sharing will be expanded to the parents too. Alaina and Mark are developing a support group for the parents of kids who are neurodiverse that will operate in tandem with their children’s music programs. “They give so much that they need someone to listen to them—the caretakers need a place to go too,” Alaina says. For more information or to donate to support this special mission, visit themusicroomleeds. com and be sure to check out their activities on Facebook at @TheMusicRoomLeeds or Instagram at @themusicroomleeds. Bham Family September 2020 27
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KIDS WHO SHINE
RUBY ANN STAPLETON, 12
“She is one determined young lady.” Robin Hussey, Ruby Ann’s mother BY JEANA DURST There are moments in life that leave imprints on our hearts. For Ruby Ann Stapleton this moment came when she was in the fourth grade while visiting Atlantic City with her family. “I saw a homeless man, and I gave him some food,” she says. “It brought him joy.” Her mother, Robin Hussey, says that this experience was the spark—after that, Ruby Ann began to look for more chances to help. In 2018, she organized a sock swap to round up donated socks for homeless men at The Jimmie Hale Mission. (Socks are the number one requested item from the homeless population, Robin says.) Ruby Ann invited her friends to attend a party to exchange fun socks among the group and also bring donated socks. Soon members of their community heard of this effort and pitched in as well. That year she delivered more than 200 socks to men in need. Two years and more than 800 socks later, Ruby Ann’s original mission has grown to serve women and children as well. “I was so surprised,” Ruby Ann says. In 2019, she stepped it up, providing more than 550 pairs of socks to The Firehouse Shelter, along with goodie bags stuffed with stress balls, toothbrushes, and cards. Robin, who owns Corky Bell School of Dance in Alabaster, says many of her students’ families pitched in, as well as anonymous donors. “We had them shipped from all over the country—we would just come home and there would be a big box of socks from Amazon on our porch,” Robin says. Last year on Christmas Day, Ruby Ann and her mother hand-delivered the sock to The Firehouse Shelter. They had time to visit with the men, and Ruby Ann even participated in a Christmas play with them. It was another “imprint moment.” “Everyone has hard times, and you shouldn’t judge people just because they are homeless,” Ruby Ann says. The rest of the socks were given to the foster care system and to local church ministries. Given the scale of the operation, it’s definitely a team effort. A rising 7th-grader at Thompson 30 Bham Family September 2020
Middle School, Ruby Ann knows something about working as a team: she is the youngest in a family of six kids. “We sat down in December as a family and everybody stuffed the goody bags,” Robin says. This year, Ruby Ann is planning to hold her sock drive again and aims to get more Alabaster schools involved this year. (Last year kids from Creek View Elementary chipped in to aid the cause.) With the needs being even greater during the era of COVID-19, she also hopes to gain support from corporations who manufacture socks. Their goal is to deliver 1,000 pairs of socks in 2020 to homeless men, women and children. One thing is certain, Ruby Ann will make it happen. “She is one determined young lady,” Robin says. To help the cause, visit Sock it to Birmingham on Facebook.
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