Birmingham Parent Magazine October 2016 Issue by Birmingham Parent

THE PREMIER PARENTING MAGAZINE FOR CENTRAL ALABAMA

FREE

OCTOBER 2016

WHAT TO DO WHEN YOU DON’T DO HALLOWEEN

PUMPKIN PATCH & FALL EVENT GUIDE PAGE 20

CELEBRATING 50 YEARS OF “It’s the Great Pumpkin, Charlie Brown” MYTHS & FACTS of Wearing Braces TIPS FOR NICU PARENTS

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editor’s note

Happy Fall! I have fond memories of trick-or-treating as a child, growing up in North Alabama. Back then, our parents didn’t worry about turning us loose to go it alone, nor the individualized, homemade treats I’d get at Miss Olive’s and Miss Nell’s, Mrs. Boggus’s house or anywhere else down my street. I have special memories of popcorn balls, fudge and homemade candy. They were our dear neighbors. We knew them, and we were safe. Today’s world is a much different place. If your children trick-or-treat on Halloween, chances are you only let them go where you know the neighbors, or you punt the doorto-door activities all together in favor of fall festivals, trunk-or-treats or even malls and stores that offer candy that night. But the fun is still there. Dressing up and getting candy is still an age-old activity that children love. And if you’re one of the families who choose not to celebrate Halloween, there are plenty of fun fall things to do! Kids can still dress up for fun of the non-spooky variety, like our cover child this month, and there are great fall activities for the whole family. See page 12 for a great story on “When You Don’t Do Halloween,” and be sure and check out pages 20-21 for many great fall festivals, pumpkin patches and more for the family to enjoy this fall season. Be sure to check out our busy October calendar of events this month, starting on page 41. There are even more fun fall activities for families you will find there. And watch Birmingham Parent’s Facebook page all this month at www.facebook.com/BirminghamParentmagazine/. We’ll be giving away LOTS of pumpkin patch and fall event tickets from many of our advertisers, so be watching for prompts to enter to win. We had to highlight the 50th anniversary of “It’s the Great Pumpkin Patch, Charlie Brown,” where several corn mazes around the country are paying homage to the story this season (see pages 14-16). Cullman’s own 4-D Farm is just one of the mazes celebrating with a screen from the fun story and television special that still brings joy to children, 50 years after its inception. As a child I always looked forward to any of the Peanuts specials, and my children did, and now the tradition continues to delight children of this generation. Coming next month – our Private School Guide. Don’t miss it! Carol Muse Evans, Publisher/Editor carol@birminghamparent.com

ABOUT THE EDITORS: Carol Muse Evans is the publisher/editor/owner of Birmingham Parent magazine, a publication she and her husband David began in 2004. The Birmingham, Alabama-based parenting publication attracts more than 60,000 readers monthly in a four-county area and receives 10,000 hits per month on its website. The magazine has a 20,000+ print circulation, plus several thousand in readership of the digital edition online. It is the only independently audited free publication in our area. Evans is an award-winning writer and editor who has also has written for several other publications as a freelance writer since the late 80s. She is a graduate of Auburn University in journalism and is a graduate of Scottsboro High School. She is married with two grown children and lives in Alabaster. She is a member of the National Federation of Press Women, Alabama Media Professionals and Southeastern Advertisers and Publishers Association (SAPA). Lori Chandler Pruitt is associate editor of Birmingham Parent, where she is responsible for the calendar and editorial editing. She also is a freelancer for Business Alabama magazine and has written/edited for several other publications. This award-winning writer and editor is a graduate of the University of Alabama in news/editorial and Hueytown High School. She is married with two children.

4 | birminghamparent | october 2016

P.O. Box 326 (add 800 Hwy. 52 E. for pkg) Helena, AL 35080 205-987-7700 205-987-7600 FAX www.birminghamparent.com

editorial Publishers David & Carol Evans Editor Carol Muse Evans Associate Editor Lori Chandler Pruitt Office Assistant Bethany Adams Hunley Calendar Lori Chandler Pruitt Contributors Carol J. Alexander, Becky J. Beall, Dr. Mia Cowan, Dr. Vivian Friedman, Charles Ghigna, Sarah Lyons, Emily Reed, Gerry P. Smith, Denise Yearian

sales Account Executives Kayla Fricks, Brittani Ellison, Wendy Stewart, Jason Watson Webmaster Digital Doo-Wop

art & production Art Director Hilary Moreno Distribution T&P Deliveries E-blasts Simple Southern Lace Designs Legal Counsel Balch & Bingham LLP

BIRMINGHAM PARENT IS A PUBLICATION OF EVANS PUBLISHING, LLC. Publishers: Carol Muse Evans, David K. Evans Sr. Birmingham Parent (EIN20-0694149) is published monthly by Evans Publishing LLC. www.birminghamparent. com or editor@birminghamparent.com. Birmingham Parent is © 2016 by Evans Publishing LLC. Family Connections Media ©2016 by Evans Publishing LLC. All rights reserved. Reproduction in whole or part without written permission is prohibited. Editorial submissions are welcome. For back issues, please send a self-addressed 10” x 13” envelope with $4 for postage and handling.

PEDIATRICS WEST HAS TWO CONVENIENT LOCATIONS, TWO GREAT PHYSICIAN STAFFS AND ONE OUTSTANDING NEW DOCTOR. The physician staff of Pediatrics West-Bessemer includes:Dr. Tom Smith, Dr. Janet Harris, Dr. MeKeisha Pickens and Dr. Hugh Cheek (our newest physician, shown at right). The physician staff of Pediatrics West-McAdory includes: Dr. Charlotte Prejean, Dr. Tracy Brookings, Dr. Abby Allen and Dr. Liz Lewis. NOW ACCEPTING NEW PATIENTS AT BOTH LOCATIONS

P E D I AT R I C S W E S T www.childrensal.org/pediatricswest

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table of contents THE PREMIER PARENTING MAGAZINE FOR CENTRAL ALABAMA

FREE

OCTOBER 2016

12 When You Don’t

WHAT TO DO WHEN YOU DON’T DO HALLOWEEN

Do Halloween

Local Corn Maze Celebrates 50 Years of “It’s the Great Pumpkin, Charlie Brown"

18 20

PUMPKIN PATCH & FALL EVENT GUIDE

Pumpkin Fun!

CELEBRATING 50 YEARS OF “It’s the Great Pumpkin, Charlie Brown”

PAGE 20

MYTHS & FACTS of Wearing Braces TIPS FOR NICU PARENTS

departments

Pumpkin Patch & Fall Event Guide

Note 04 Editor’s Happy Fall!

07 8 0 10 38

Parenting with Dr. Friedman Short Stuff School News A Page in a Book: Pencil in Picture Books

41 October Calendar of Events 46

Poetry Party: Dog Poems

24 Myths and Truths About Caring for Your Braces

Non-profit Seeks to Provide Scholarships for Children of Terminally Ill Parents

34 Ronald McDonald House Charities of Alabama Expands to Meet Growing Needs

ON THE COVER: Cyrus, our Special Needs Cover Kid Winner from the March 2016 Special Needs Expo Search, doesn’t “do Halloween,” but loves pretending to be Superman. He is four years old and from Moody AL. Photo by Visual Arts By Jessica, www.visualartsbyjessica.com.

6 | birminghamparent | october 2016

Heart to Heart: Choose Healthier Lifestyles

Living with Neurofibromatosis

Family Travel: Grapevine, Texas

Baby and Me: Seven Priceless Tips for NICU Parents

12 14 24 36

parenting

Parenting with Dr. Friedman

We are two emotionally and financially stable parents in a good marriage. We love our three children and provide for them. We are both

employed long hours in professional careers. We carefully selected a stimulating, academic day care program which our children attended as toddlers. Now, while we work, they get to play with friends in after-school care. Our 10-year-old daughter (the oldest) is a spoiled child who seems never to get enough to make her happy. If we buy her something, she is happy only for the moment and then wants more. If she has a birthday party, she enjoys the attention she gets as birthday girl but wants to be special the next day as well. How can we change her demanding behavior? Your child might be emotionally deprived and needy rather than spoiled and demanding. Children with professionally successful parents, who see little of their parents, are often empty or even depressed children. Empty children sometimes try to fill up with material things when what they really want is loving attention. Many children of busy professional parents can seem well adjusted because they typically do well in school. They do so because they are usually bright and can get the attention they need from teachers by excelling. Often they describe school as the place where they are the happiest. Yet these children who see little of their parents feel empty on the inside much of the time

aspire to

and often lack self-esteem. This leads to a downward spiral of experience because, lacking a stable internal sense of self-esteem, they are unable to shrug off the inevitable teasing or name calling by peers that the more secure child can handle. So not only are they hurt by their parents’ absence, they can sometimes be targets for peers as well. Busy working parents sometimes give material gifts in place of time and attention. This can contribute to the child’s seeming materialistic. He or she has simply learned to label the empty feelings as needing things, when in fact the child needs hugs, affection and time. Sometimes a child realizes that she wants mom or dad and

not gifts. Yet she might feel that she cannot ask for time from parents who have made it clear that work comes first. Instead the child tries to fill the emptiness inside with things that come from parents, and therefore represent the parents, when she can’t have the parent herself. The parent then sees the child as being materialistic. Of course, after years of this, the materialism becomes part of the child’s personality and coping style. It is important to spend time with your child at age 10, because later she will not readily accept your attention. By adolescence, the child will feel the same emptiness but she will no longer be at a stage of development where a parent can directly fill that need.

Peers become the focus for teens and the empty teen is vulnerable to choosing the wrong crowd. Working parents are often puzzled by the child’s seeming unawareness of the parent’s love for the child. “She should know that we love her,” they say. While your child may know in her head that you love her, she often does not feel it in her heart. Actions, in the form of time spent together, speak louder than words.

Vivian K. Friedman Ph. D. is a child and family psychologist at UAB, Department of Psychiatry. Send questions for response in this column to Viviankf@gmail.com. No personal replies are sent.

Open house for prospective students

Saturday, October 22

• Public education for students entering grades 7-11 • Attend a session at 9 am, 10 am or 11 am • Learn about ASFA, its curriculum and special programs in Creative Writing, Dance, Math/Science, Music, Theatre Arts and Visual Arts • Admission by audition only for the 2017-2018 school year • Questions? Email Jaronda Little at jlittle@asfa.k12.al.us or call 205.252.9241

ALABAMA SCHOOL OF FINE ARTS 1800 Rev. Abraham Woods, Jr. Blvd. Birmingham, AL 35203 205.252.9241 www.asfaschool.org birminghamparent.com | 7

short stuff

the

TRAVEL

VOICE

BY BECKY The only voice in travel that MATTERS! Catch The Travel Voice by Becky on Saturday’s in Shelby County on FM 99.9 APH Radio at 11 a.m. and anytime on iHeart Radio! Great travel information, special deals, awesome guests, spectacular on location LIVE events and amazing giveaways!

For more information, visit thetravelvoicebybecky.com 8 | birminghamparent | october 2016

PHOTO COURTESY OF EXCEPTIONAL FOUNDATION

Exceptional Foundation Entertains more than 400 Supporters Recently, The Exceptional Foundation participants – individuals of all ages who have special needs, entertained patrons at its third annual Dinnertainment. More than 400 Exceptional Foundation supporters attended the evening of singing, dancing, poetry and crowd participation, and raised nearly $175,000 in total donations to fund the non-profit’s year-round programs. Proceeds from this fundraiser are a significant source of funding for the programs at The Exceptional Foundation, where individuals of all ages who are mentally challenged enjoy social and recreational activities daily while fostering friendships. Singing, dancing, jokes, and art are a regular part of daily life at the Foundation. For more information, visit www.exceptionalfoundation.org

AZA Grants Accreditation to the Birmingham Zoo The Birmingham Zoo has been granted accreditation by the Association of Zoos & Aquariums (AZA) independent accreditation commission. To be accredited, the zoo underwent a thorough investigation to ensure it has and will continue to meet ever-rising standards, which include animal care, veterinary programs, conservation, education and safety. AZA requires zoos and aquariums to successfully complete this rigorous accreditation process every five years in order to be accredited members of the Association. Approximately 900 animals of 230 species call the Birmingham Zoo home, including sea lions, zebras, rhinos and endangered species from six continents. For more information about the Birmingham Zoo, please visit the Zoo on Facebook, Instagram, Pinterest and Twitter, or at birminghamzoo.com.

short stuff

Preparing for Surgery Surgery is never fun, but it’s even more intimidating when it involves your child. So how can you prepare your child when they are about to have surgery? Good preparation can actually help children feel less anxious about the procedure and get through recovery faster. Danelle Paz, a nurse anesthetist at Children’s South, says first and foremost it’s important for parents to be honest with their children. “They’re not going to Disney World,” Paz says. “That’s the most important thing, is to help them understand they’re having surgery and to be honest when questions are asked.” The key is to provide information at your child’s level of understanding, correct any misunderstandings and help eliminate any fears. Help your child understand why surgery is needed. To prepare, Paz says it’s very important that parents follow instructions given by their doctor. This may involve taking a bath the night before as well as special instructions about when to cease food and drink. “When it’s your child, you want your child to be taken care of like it’s their child and that’s what we do here,” Paz says. “We’re all pediatric trained physicians, nurses and child life specialists and your child and family are truly our focus.” Special attention is given at a pediatric facility to take a “pain free” approach prior to surgery. At Children’s no shots are given while the child is awake. Instead, the child is put to sleep with a mask. After surgery, the doctors will be very attentive to care for the child and give pain medicine as needed. During recovery, there may be times of discomfort for your child. Parents should explain that even if this happens they will get better. Parents can do their part to make recovery more pleasant with a new book, toy, or a visit from a friend or relative. Make sure the child gets plenty of rest to recuperate.

New Website Profiles Beloved Alabama Storyteller Alabama’s well-loved storyteller, the late Kathryn Tucker Windham, wasn’t big on new technology. But her children, Dilcy Windham Hilley and Ben Windham, are modernizing her legacy by way of a new website, www.kathryntuckerwindham.com. Through audio and video clips, the site includes their mother’s stories of the past as well as her famous ghost tales. It also features a biography of the author, storyteller and photographer and a blog, called “Our Stories,” written by her friends, acquaintances and family. Windham was born in Selma in 1918, and spent her youth in Thomasville. After she graduated from Huntingdon College in Montgomery, she began an extensive career as a newspaperwoman. She became a published author in the late 1960s and was best known for her writings about Southern ghosts. Many of her books, including 13 Alabama Ghosts and Jeffrey, are popular in school libraries as well. In later life, she became a nationally-known storyteller who was a pioneer in the art of childhood and family stories. Windham died in 2011 at her home in Selma.

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Birmingham’s Ghigna publishes new Animal Planet Book Charles Ghigna of Homewood, award-winning poet, children’s author, speaker and nationally-syndicated feature writer, has written a new Animal Planet book, Strange, Unusual, Gross & Cool Animals. Animal Planet’s fascinating exploration of animal oddities introduces young animal lovers to some of the most astonishing, gorgeous, and obscure animals in the world, including some brand new discoveries. Packed with more than 200 vibrant photographs and fun facts about animals with unusual behaviors, strange appearances, and remarkable stats, this deluxe gift book is perfect for reluctant readers or anyone who loves totally gross and amazing animals. A portion of the proceeds from the sale of books in the Animal Bites series benefits the principal partners of R.O.A.R. (Reach Out. Act. Respond.), Animal Planet’s initiative dedicated to improving the lives of animals in our communities and in the wild. Ghigna, also known as Father Goose, has written more than 5,000 poems and 100 books for children. Animal Planet Strange, Unusual, Gross & Cool Animals By Charles Ghigna | Hardcover 9781618931665 | $18.95; 128 pps | Ages 8-12

Bundles of Hope, the local diaper bank non-profit for those in need, needs YOU to donate storage/warehouse space and/or host diaper drives. Businesses, local organizations & individuals all welcome!

205-607-2112 www.bundlesdiaperbank.org bundlesofhope@hotmail.com sponsored by

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school news

Estes Earns Gold Award from Girl Scouts

PHOTO COURTESY OF GIRLS SCOUTS OF NORTH-CENTRAL ALABAMA

Isabel Estes, a junior at Homewood High School, recently earned the Girl Scout Gold Award for her project, “Vamos a la Escuela” which addressed the lack of readiness that Hispanic children often experience when entering kindergarten. The Gold Award is the highest award a Girl Scout can earn. Estes worked with HICA, the Hispanic Interest Coalition, to create a camp to teach children skills such as using scissors, identifying colors or simply being away from their family, that are often missed when children don’t attend a preschool. “As I continued both in Girl Scouts and observing community issues, I heard a conversation that piqued my interest about how some children who head to kindergarten have never been in any type of school setting,” Estes says. “I wondered how they knew how to “get in line” or “be a scissors monitor” since those aren’t things you would hear in a home setting.” Estes plans to share her lesson plans with her church, school and other places in her community to hopefully be an inspiration to continue. She plans to continue the project in Homewood in 2017.

Covenant Classical School Announces the Construction of a New Campus Covenant Classical Schools & Daycare (CCS) announces the construction of a new campus in Trussville. The new campus is set to open at the end of this year. Situated just off I-59’s Deerfoot Parkway exit on Husky Parkway, the new 15,000 square foot facility has 12 classrooms and serves children ages 6 weeks through kindergarten. Additionally, the campus will include a soccer field, infant patio, multiple playgrounds and a splash pad for water play in the summer. Covenant Classical Schools & Daycare has been open for over 16 years and will now have seven schools located in the Birming-

PHOTOS COURTESY OF CCS

10 | birminghamparent | october 2016

ham and Huntsville areas. For many consecutive years, CCS has been voted the best daycare by parents in Birmingham according to area publications. CCS provides quality Christian childcare and strives to maximize each child’s infant and preschool experience, developing well-rounded individuals who are equipped to succeed at the next level. The company’s mission is to “transform the world one child at a time by instilling a love for Christ, a love for each other and a love for learning.” For more information about Covenant Classical Schools & Daycare, please visit www.ccslion.com or email Trussville@ccslion.com.

FAYE WHITTEMORE FARMS

N E W F R O M AWA R D -W I N N I N G A U T H O R

Charles Ghigna

PUMPKIN PATCH IN JASPER, AL OPENING DAY SATURDAY, OCT. 1ST

Blobfish, thorny dragons and rosy wolfsnails, oh my!

Open to the Public all 5 weekends in October Saturdays 10a.m.–5 p.m. & Sundays 1 p.m.–5 p.m. $12.00 per person kiddie train • petting zoo • hay maze wagon rides to pumpkin patch • moonwalk inflatable slide • obstacle course • fishing playground • face painting & concession stand

OVER 200 INCREDIBLE PHOTOS

HOPE TO SEE YOU THIS YEAR AT THE PUMPKIN PATCH!

For school reservations, contact Ricky at 205.522.4137 or email janetwhittemore@yahoo.com.

PICK A PERFECT PUMPKIN!

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When You Don’t “Do Halloween:” FUN FALL HARVEST CELEBRATIONS By Denise Morrison Yearian

Perhaps you are one of the families who choose not to celebrate Halloween. What are some good ways to celebrate fall, let the kids in on the fun and ignore the scary stuff altogether? Here’s some craft, game and food suggestions: A CROP OF CRAFTS

Plan a main craft with a short, second activity – coloring pages or stringing popcorn – for early finishers. Pick crafts that are easy to clean up so you can move on to the next activity. PAPER STRIP PUMPKIN: Measure and cut an orange rectangle from construction paper to fit around a toilet paper tube. Glue in place to create the pumpkin’s center base. Measure and cut 11, 1x12-inch strips from orange paper. Glue one strip to the upper inside end of the toilet paper tube. Let dry. Repeat this step with remaining 10 strips. Place the detached end of each strip down and glue to the bottom, inside end of the tube. (Strips should bow out to create a rounded pumpkin.) Let dry. Draw and cut out a large leaf shape from green construction paper. Tape leaf to the top, inside section of the tube. 12 | birminghamparent | october 2016

BEAU THE SCARECROW: Draw and cut an 8-inch triangle from a paper bag to create the scarecrow’s hat. Fold one piece of yellow construction paper accordion style into half-inch folds. Open paper flat and cut along the folds to create strips for straw hair. Place a paper plate bottom side up. Glue hair randomly to one edge of the plate. Glue hat over the hay hair, allowing some hay to show around the lower, outer edges of the hat. Draw and cut a 1-inch triangle then glue to the center of the plate to create a nose. Draw and cut two 1-inch circles from pink paper then glue onto the face to create the cheeks. Use black marker to create eyes, eyebrows and a mouth. Draw and cut a 3-inch sunflower shape from yellow paper then glue to one side of the hat. Draw and cut a 1-inch brown circle and glue to the center of the sunflower. Cut ribbon into an 18-inch strip. Tie into a bow and attach with a glue gun to the lower edge of the paper plate for the bow tie. SPECKLED LEAF SUN CATCHER: Measure and cut two 6-inch squares from black construction paper. Temporarily paper clip the two squares together then place paper on the table. Center a large maple leaf over the top black square and trace around it with a pencil. Use scissors to cut out the leaf pattern you drew, making sure you cut through both sheets of construction paper to form a hollowed-out leaf frame. Remove paper clips and set aside. Place crayon shavings between two sheets of waxed paper and iron until the shavings melt. Measure and cut the waxed paper design to a 5½-inch square. Place the multicolored design between the two black squares to create a stainedglass leaf picture and frame. Glue design in place. Punch a hole at the top of the frame, loop yarn through the hole and tie in a knot. Hang picture in a sunny window.

GATHERING FOR GAMES

Choose games that every child can participate in, where no one is eliminated. With a little forethought and creativity, any game can be adapted to fit the fall theme. BROOM BALL: Purchase half-sized brooms for each party guest and two different colors of seasonal garland. Decorate half of the brooms with one color of garland and the remaining half with the other garland to specify teams. Establish goals at opposite ends of the yard, and divide the children into teams. Place a kickball in the center of the yard then give each child a broom to sweep the ball to his team’s goal. The first team to score five goals wins. RING AROUND THE PUMPKIN: Place three large pumpkins with stems in a line several feet apart. Gather four hula hoops. To play, children should take turn standing behind the designated tossing line and try to ring the pumpkins with the hula hoop. The child with the most rings wins. SCARECROW RELAY: Separate children into two teams. Choose one child from each team to be the scarecrow. Place scarecrows at one end of the room, along with hay and oversized scarecrow-type clothing items. Teammates line up at the other end of the room. To play, teammates take turns running to the scarecrow and dressing him with one clothing item, then tag the next player who does the same. When the scarecrow is completely dressed, each teammate returns a second time to stuff straw in his clothing. The first team to finish making their scarecrow wins.

SEASONAL SNACKS

Food is more fun when kids are involved in the preparation process. Stick with things children like to eat and add a seasonal twist to it. POPCORN PUMPKINS: Pop 2 quarts of popcorn. Set aside. In a medium saucepan, combine 1 cup of sugar, 1/3 cup of light corn syrup, 1/3 cup of water, ¼ cup of butter and ½ teaspoon of salt. Bring to a boil, stirring until sugar dissolves. Reduce heat and cook until the mixture reaches approximately 270

HALLOWEEN

N D Y BUYBACK

Children consume thousands of pounds of candy each year at Halloween. Sugar is the number one cause of tooth decay. So, what did we decide to do about it? We are paying CA$H for candy! When? 8:00am-5:00pm Tues. Nov. 1st Wed. Nov. 2nd Thur. Nov. 3rd Where? 2045 Brookwood Medical Ctr. Dr.

degrees. Remove from heat and stir in 1 teaspoon of vanilla and orange food coloring. Pour mixture over popcorn and stir until thoroughly coated. Grease hands and form popcorn into pumpkin-shaped balls. Break a few thin twisted pretzels to form an arch and push them into the top center for the stem. Makes approximately 12 pumpkins. ITSY-BITSY CARAMEL APPLES: Cut lollipop sticks in half. Use a melon baller to scoop little balls out of medium-sized apples, making sure each ball has a section of the apple peel. Push a lollipop stick into the peel of each apple ball. Blot apples dry with a paper towel. Melt a 14-ounce package of caramel candies with 2 tablespoons of water. Have children dip and swirl their apple balls in caramel then roll in crushed Oreo cookies, nuts, sprinkles, nonpareils or mini-chocolate chips. Place on waxed paper to cool for 15 minutes. PUMPKIN PANCAKES: Mix dry ingredients: 1 cup flour, 1 tablespoon sugar, 2 teaspoons baking soda, ¼ teaspoon salt and ½ teaspoon cinnamon. Set aside. Separate two eggs. Mix yolks with ½ cup of plain pumpkin puree, 1 cup milk and 2 tablespoons canola oil. Add dry ingredients. Beat egg whites until fluffy then fold into the batter. Pour ¼ cup of batter onto a greased griddle; flip when bubbles form on top. Kids can make jack-o-lantern faces using raisins, dried fruit, nuts, chocolate chips and whipped cream. Denise Morrison Yearian is a former educator and editor of two parenting magazines, and the mother of three children and four grandchildren.

OktoberfestTrussville.com

Great Food, Entertainment Pumpkin Patch, Games & Rides Arts/Crafts, Prizes, FUN! Saturday, Oct 8 9AM to 3PM

birminghamparent.com | 13

“I was robbed! I spent the whole night waiting for the Great Pumpkin, when I could have been out for tricks or treats.”

— Sally

50 years

Local Corn Maze Celebrates

of “It’s the Great Pumpkin, Charlie Brown”

By Carol Muse Evans

In honor of the 50th anniversary of Charles Schulz’s “It’s the Great Pumpkin, Charlie Brown” story and television special, pumpkin patches and corn mazes across the country are presenting special Peanuts-themed designs to honor the Peanuts Gang, including 4D Farm in Cullman. 14 | birminghamparent | october 2016

“The Great Pumpkin and cornfield mazes are two of the world’s greatest fall traditions, eagerly anticipated by fans every single year,” says Jill Schulz, daughter of the late Peanuts creator, “and we’re so excited to bring them together for this landmark anniversary. It’s only fitting that we should find a tribute that’s both joyful and visually compelling, just as my father’s characters have been for more than 65 years.” “We’ve had a corn maze since opening the farm to the public,” says Beth Daniel, owner of 4D Farm in Cullman. The Charles Schulz folks reached out to farms across the United States to join them in celebrating their 50th anniversary. We are proud to partner with the Charles Schulz Company. Who doesn’t love Charlie Brown?” The 4D Farm maze is somewhere between 4 and 5 acres, and just a part of what visitors can experience there this year. There are cartoon-styled buildings housing the friendly farm animals, an 80-foot slide, pillow bounce, live pig racing, a 200-foot zip line, Goats on the Barn, great food and other activities. For more information, visit www.4dfamilyfarm.com.

continued on page 16

“It’s the Great Pumpkin, Charlie Brown” originally aired in October 1966. It was the third Peanuts television special to be created by Schulz, a father of five himself, Jill Schulz, the youngest, explains. Music was again by Vince Guaraldi, whose famous “Linus and Lucy Theme” is heard at the beginning. After the special first aired, Schulz reported that distressed fans around the world sent packages of candy “just for Charlie Brown.” “Our family couldn’t be more excited and proud of Dad’s legacy,” Jill Schulz says, and these milestones and anniversaries that are still celebrated. Newspapers still carry his comic strip and the people around the country that feature Peanuts in their theme parks, the licensing for all sorts of products – my family are thrilled that people continue to support our Dad’s dream.” Schulz, who died in 2000, always said he was “just a cartoonist,” his daughter says. He was always surprised and humbled by the response he got to the characters.

15th ANNUAL

FALL KIDS’ FESTIVAL (FOR 5TH GRADE AND UNDER)

CHILDREN’S CARNIVAL Mini Race Car Ride 22’ Double Slide Football Toss Fire Trucks Police Cars Carousel Moonwalk Kiddie Bell Striker Ring Toss Duck Pond Game Face Painting Hawaiian Shaved Ice Go Fish Pond Moonwalk Castle (5 yrs & younger)

“Little” Cake Walk

SUNDAY, OCT. 9th, 1-3PM MOUNTAIN CHAPEL UNITED METHODIST CHURCH 2541 Rocky Ridge Road, Vestavia 205-822-0020

Special Guests

• MICKEY & MINNIE • TWO BY TWO ANIMAL RESCUE RAIN OR SHINE

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Jill Schulz says Snoopy was mostly modeled from their beagle, Spike, who used to carry his bowl around, just like Snoopy. If there was one character that was her dad, it was Charlie Brown, she says. Many of the characters came from kids he knew growing up in St. Paul, Minnesota, and then from his own children and their friends – the crabby brother or sister, feeling left out, being bullied, the little red-haired girl that Charlie had a crush on – all themes that are still pertinent today. And the “Great Pumpkin” was similar to the theme and hope of Santa Claus: “Tonight The Great Pumpkin will rise out of the pumpkin patch. He flies through the air and brings toy to all the children of the world.” – Linus For more information on mazes across the country, visit www.themaize.com. Carol Muse Evans is publisher of Birmingham Parent.

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Pumpkin Fun!

Creative and Fun Things to Do With Pumpkins By Carol J. Alexander

It’s that time of year when pumpkins reign. If you want to get past the usual jack-o-lantern carving and tackle some other pumpkin activities, read on for art, cooking, and learning activities your kids will enjoy:

Different sized bits will create smaller or larger holes. Insert a candle or battery operated light inside. Put the top back on and use to decorate your porch for the season.

2. Use pipe cleaners, paint or markers, and felt eyes to create insects out of your miniature pumpkins.

8. To create a pumpkin topiary, gather three pumpkins—small, medium, and large. Paint them different colors or decorate in some way. Stack them in a planter filled with dried greenery. Place the largest on the bottom, medium-sized one in the middle, and the smallest on the top. Insert more greenery between them and top with a bow.

3. Create a funny Mr. Pumpkin Head using Mr. Potato Head pieces.

9. Monogram your largest pumpkin using thumb tacks. Set next to your front door.

4. Use miniature pumpkins to create a centerpiece or other decorations for the season. Paint guests names on them and use as place cards for a dinner party.

10. Process your own pumpkin meat for pies, cakes, or muffins. This is enough fun that the kids will want to help you. Save the seeds.

5. Carve out miniature pumpkins and fill the center with a votive candle or tea light. Line the walkway or porch rail with them for Halloween or another evening occasion.

11. Make your favorite pumpkin recipes together and package them to give as gifts.

1. If you want your pumpkins to last longer than carved jack-o-lanterns, draw the faces on them with permanent markers.

6. Having guests? Carve out a very large pumpkin and use it as a punch bowl. 7. Carve out the inside of a pumpkin. Use a drill to create a pattern of holes in the sides.

18 | birminghamparent | october 2016

12. Wash, dry, and roast your pumpkin seeds. Sprinkle on your favorite popcorn seasoning and enjoy. If you don’t enjoy eating pumpkin seeds, put them in a quart jar and have each family member guess how many seeds are in the jar. If you are having a fall harvest party, have this as a game for the kids. 13. Enjoy a game of pumpkin bowling. Cut the stem off a medium-sized pumpkin. Carve out three holes to resemble a bowling ball. Set up rolls of paper towels or empty pop bottles as pins and have at it. 14. Look up the formula for volume of an ellipsoid. Take the proper measurements for your pumpkin to estimate how much liquid your pumpkin will hold. Then carve it out and see if you got it right. 15. Hide miniature pumpkins around your yard and have the kids hunt for them like an Easter egg hunt. 16. Color your seeds different colors with permanent markers. Then use them to create a mosaic. If you know what you want to create before you start, it will help you to decide what colors to color the seeds. You can use this technique to make a picture for the refrigerator or to make holiday cards to send to friends and family. Carol J. Alexander is a freelance writer.

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1 4D FARM CORN MAZE & PUMPKIN PATCH

4 FALL KIDS’ FESTIVAL

Open Sept. 24 thru Oct. 30 Thursday & Fridays: 2pm-6pm Saturdays: 10am-6pm Sundays: 1pm-6pm 7066 County Road 703, Cullman, AL 256-775-2924 www.4dfamilyfarm.com New this year: Landslide and Gemstone mining! Ride on our cow train, zoom down an 80ft slide or our 200 ft. zipline, pick a pumpkin, get lost in our corn maze, squeal at the pig races, jump on Johnny Jumper, see the Goats on the Barn and MUCH MORE! Admission $11.95 + tax ,includes most activities. Thursdays & Fridays are $9.95 + tax. 65 and over- $7.95 + tax. Under 2 free.

2 BENNETT FARMS

Open in October! Fridays 2-5pm, Saturdays 9am-5pm Sundays 1-5pm FIELD TRIP HOURS: Tues-Fri. 8am-2pm 1073 County Road 13, H eflin, AL 36264 256-302-1896 (cell) 256-463-3344 (farm) asbennett2@gmail.com www.bennettfarms.com The greatest rewards are the smiling faces and the sound of laughter as new and old friends visit the pumpkin patch. Enjoy Hayrides, Farm animals, Pipe Slide, Country Cooking , Live Entertainment and more! We love sharing our farm with you!

3 BOO AT THE ZOO BIRMINGHAM ZOO

(for 5th grade and under) Sunday, October 9, 1-3pm Mount Chapel United Methodist Church 2541 Rocky Ridge Road, Vestavia, AL 205-822-0020 Rain or shine, with special guests Mickey & Minnie and Two by Two Animal Rescue. Featuring a children’s carnival…enjoy Mini Race Car rides, 22’ super slide, lots of games, moonwalk castle and face painting. FREE ADMISSION includes all games and rides(unlimited). Please bring cash for food and drinks.

5 FAYE WHITTEMORE FARMS, INC. PUMPKIN PATCH AND TRAIL RIDES

Open the Month of October! (All 5 weekends) beginning Sat., Oct. 1st Saturdays: 10am-5pm Sundays: 1pm-5pm Forrester Road Jasper, Alabama 35504 Mobile: Ricky 205.522.4137 Email: janetwhittemore@yahoo.com w ww.fayewhittemorefarms.com Our Pumpkin Patch is the best fun family farm trip in Jasper! Activities include petting zoo, hay maze, moonwalk, inflatable slide, obstacle course, fishing, playground & face painting. Trail Rides available and pick your favorite pumpkin on our wagon rides!

6 THE GREAT PUMPKIN PATCH

Oct. 8-9, 14-16, 21-31, 5-9pm 2630 Cahaba Road Birmingham, AL 35223 www.birminghamzoo.com 205-879-0409 Make plans to head to the Birmingham Zoo for Boo at the Zoo, presented by Wells Fargo! Dress in your favorite family-friendly costume as the Zoo transforms into a destination of spooky attractions for 16 nights of Boo at the Zoo. New this year, experience the thrill of Bug-A-BOO, larger than life animatronic bugs! Also new, buy 1 ticket to cover admission and all of the night’s activities! For more info, visit www.birminghamzoo.com.

Open Sept. 24-Oct. 31 Mon-Thurs. 8am to 4pm Fri.-Sat. 8am-6pm, Sun. 1pm-6pm 288 County Hwy 45, Hayden, AL 35079 205-616-6431 greatpumpkinpatch.com FREE Admission! You pay for each activity or just enjoy sitting in the shade listening to music, watching kids play or tasting the wonderful food from the Red Barn Kitchen or famous Pie House.

7 OKTOBERFEST

Saturday October 8, 9am-3pm 8090 Gadsden Hwy. Trussville, AL 35173

205-655-2541 www.oktoberfesttrussville.com Traditional German food plus kid-friendly fun foods, music, arts & crafts, raffles, pumpkin patch, vendors, rides, gently-used treasures, bungee jumps, face painting and kid games. This is a jam-packed day of fun and festivities for the whole family!

8 PENTON FARMS

Open to the public Monday-Friday 1pm-5pm and Saturday 8am-5pm 3595 County Road 59 Verbena, Alabama 36091 October 1st-31st. 205-351-1480 for more information and group rates. Bring the whole family and spend the day! Take a wagon ride to the pumpkin patch, visit our corn maze, animal barn, cotton picker playground and much more. $10 per person 2 years old and older.

9 PUMPKIN PATCH EXPRESS AT HEART OF DIXIE RAILROAD MUSEUM

Saturdays (Oct) 10am, 1pm and 3pm Sundays (Oct) 1pm and 3pm 1919 Ninth St., Calera, AL 35040 www.hodrm.org 205-668-3435 Enjoy an autumn ride aboard the Pumpkin Patch Express. Hayride, jump station, cornstalk maze and good ol’ fashioned boiled peanuts! Pick your favorite pumpkin from the patch for an additional charge.

10 STONE MOUNTAIN PARK'S PUMPKIN FESTIVAL

Fri.-Sun., Sept. 30-Oct. 30 Friday & Sunday: 10:30am-5pm Saturday: 10:30am-7pm with Lasershow at 8 PM (No Lasershow on Saturday, October 29) 1000 Robert E. Lee Blvd. Stone Mountain, GA 30083 www.stonemountainpark.com Don't miss Stone Mountain Park's Pumpkin Festival, Open weekends in October. Fall decor, crafts for the kids, trick-or-treating, inflatables, great picture opportunities and more. Save on tickets at stonemountainpark.com.

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Visit stonemountainpark.com for a complete list of activities and attractions.

Heart to Heart

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As we recognize Childhood Obesity Awareness Month, I encourage you to implement healthier lifestyles in your home. When you as parents and caretakers can model healthy behavior, your children will follow. Here are some tips to get you started in the fight against childhood obesity: k Encourage healthier eating habits. Provide plenty of fruits, vegetables and whole grains. Serve reasonably-sized portions. Small changes can lead to a recipe for success. k Cut out all sugary drinks. Do you know sugary drinks are the number one source from which kids get their calories? We have to cut these empty calories from their diet to reduce childhood obesity risks. The easiest way? Serve only water and milk. It’s time to #RethinkYourDrinkAL. k Remove calorie-rich temptations. Treats are okay in moderation, but limiting high-fat and high-sugar and salty snacks can develop healthy eating habits. Don’t use these snacks as incentive treats either; it creates the idea that these foods are more desirable and they’ll want them more and more.

Choose Healthier Lifestyles TO FIGHT CHILDHOOD OBESITY By Dr. Mia Cowan

One in 3 American kids and teens is overweight or obese. The prevalence of obesity in children more than tripled from 1971 to 2011. Among children today, obesity is causing a broad range of health problems that previously weren’t seen until adulthood. In my work as an OBGYN, comprehensive weight loss clinician, and American Heart Association volunteer, I’m seeing kids with high blood pressure, type 2 diabetes, and elevated cholesterol levels. For young women, I’m seeing girls that are hitting puberty at ages 6-8, and that’s becoming the norm, not the exception. And that’s just the beginning. Excess weight for kids is also associated with earlier risk of heart disease and even stroke in adulthood. In fact, the CDC has estimated that this will be the first generation that may not outlive their parents. That scares me as a mother and as a doctor. Something must be done.

22 | birminghamparent | october 2016

k Help kids stay active. Children and teens need at least 60 minutes of moderate-intensity physical activity every day. Start adding in exercise to your routine and have the kids join you. Take a walk before dinner or turn the living room into a dance party. Make it fun but easy. k Encourage your children to participate in sports. Sports are a great way to help your kids meet the recommended physical activity levels each day. There are also benefits besides the exercise – they can make new friends, have fun, learn to be a team member, understand fair play and improve self-esteem. Sports are a great way for your kids to focus on their health – both physically and mentally. k Reduce sedentary time. Limit screen time (TV, video games, Internet) to no more than two hours a day. Substitute excess screen time with more activity. k Help educate your children on the importance of nutrition and exercise. Talk to them about their health and visit your pediatrician or family practitioner for more advice. Knowledge is key! Childhood obesity is slowly killing our future. Find more tips on heart.org and follow the American Heart Association on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram on the handle @heartalabama. Join me and the American Heart Association in the fight against childhood obesity and take control of your child’s health now! Dr. Mia Cowan is the Medical Director and Founder of MiBella Wellness Center.

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MYTHS AND TRUTHS ABOUT CARING FOR YOUR BRACES By Carol Muse Evans

Many of us have worn braces, and adults, teens and children alike are wearing them now. Sure, a lot has changed in the last 20 years in braces, and luckily, most of the changes are improvements. The old myths about braces are still around, but what do local orthodontists have to say about caring for your braces? What advice can they give us on getting the maximum benefit for the beautiful smile of tomorrow? 24 | birminghamparent | october 2016

MYTH OR TRUTH: BRACES ARE CLUNKY AND UNATTRACTIVE.

While many braces options are visible when you smile, it is a dated myth that they are clunky or unaesthetically pleasing, says Dr. David Hufham DMD, PC, in Birmingham. “Options range from clear, invisible aligners that are discreet and can be removed during meals or while brushing, to ceramic clear braces when more force is needed to correct the bite,” he says. “Braces are most definitely not just for teenagers any more, as these advances have opened doors for many adults to enjoy an enhanced smile.”

There are more options than ever before in braces, so orthodontists recommend exploring your options and what your dental/ orthodontic insurance may cover, as well.

MYTH OR TRUTH: YOU SHOULD WATCH WHAT YOU EAT WHEN YOU HAVE BRACES. “I am not nearly as concerned about what you eat, but how you eat,” says Dr. Brandon Boggan of Ortho South in Pelham and Calera. “If you are careful, you can eat almost anything without a bracket coming loose. But in general, you want to avoid foods that continued on page 26

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MYTH OR TRUTH: BRACES REQUIRE A LOT OF CARE.

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“A smile can change a life,” says Dr. Erin Bilbo of PT Orthodontics.

COMING NEXT MONTH OUR PRIVATE SCHOOL DIRECTORY AND PRIVATE SCHOOL GUIDE 26 | birminghamparent | october 2016

And all the orthodontists agree that if patients do their part to take care of their braces while wearing them, they will get the best result possible —a beautiful smile to last a lifetime. are really hard or really chewy and drinks that are acidic and/or sugary.” Dr. Ronald Philipp of Vital Smiles in Center Point and Midfield, says the biggest things to avoid are hard and sticky foods, such as ice, raw carrots, whole apples and hard or sticky candies. Rather, chew sugar-free gum that does not stick to dental appliances or is not harmful to braces, he says. “Patients with braces should also avoid chewing on foreign objects such as pens and plastic bottle caps, which may cause braces to come loose,” Philipp says. Dr. Stephanie Whitehead of Whitehead Orthodontics in Hoover, advises braces wearers to drink through a straw. “A straw prevents the drink from bathing the teeth with sugar and acid when drinking juice or any sugary drink,” she says.

“Taking care of your braces is really pretty simple,” says Dr. Erin Bilbo of PT Orthodontics in Hoover, Mountain Brook/ Homewood, Vestavia Hills/Cahaba Heights, Greystone, Leeds, Pell City, Hueytown, Gardendale, Jasper and Tuscaloosa. “You just need to brush around each bracket and floss between your teeth. Also make sure to wear your rubber bands as instructed to help treatment go quickly.” Bilbo adds. “Brush often with braces, preferably after every meal or snack, and floss a least once a day,” advises Olga Sanchez-Hernandez, DMD, MS, MS, of McCalla Orthodontics and Pediatric Dentistry in Bessemer. While you must have regular check-ins and adjustments with your orthodontist as well as cleanings every three to six months with your dentist, most parents and children do not consider the extra attention exhaustive. “Braces do have a lot of hiding places,” Whitehead says, “So it is important to brush after each time you eat and to floss before you go to bed. Brush in small, circular motions around the braces to ensure the removal of all the plaque and food left behind and to massage the gingival tissues.” Doctors often hear, “I’ll have to miss a lot of work or school [to go to appointments].” However, Drs. Danielle Gilbert and Glen Brawley of Brawley and Gilbert Orthodontics in Birmingham say this is a myth as well. “We offer early morning and late afternoon appointments so that time away from school and work is minimized,” they say. Gilbert and Brawley add that some products can make brushing with braces easier and more effective, such as a small brush for cleaning under the wires, and special floss (such as Plackers) can aid in flossing. “Brushing in a vertical up-and-down position to get up under the braces is important,” Philipp adds. “Interproximal brushes are great for removing food particles missed by brushing and flossing.” And when you cannot brush, rinsing can help, Philipp adds. A water flosser such as Waterpik® and an electric toothbrush can be really helpful tools for keeping braces clean, says Bilbo. Fluoride-containing mouthwash is also beneficial, and dentists can prescribe toothpastes with a higher content of fluoride for patients who need it, adds Sanchez-Hernandez. “The most common orthodontic problem IS dental hygiene,” Boggan says. “Our newest and favorite product I recommend to our patients is Plaque HD® toothpaste. It identifies plaque and helps the patient see any places that they may have missed after brushing.”

MYTH OR TRUTH: YOU CAN DOUBLE YOUR RUBBER BANDS AND WEAR THEM HALF THE TIME, AND YOUR TEETH WILL MOVE THE SAME.

michael s. anglin, d.d.s pediatric & adolescent dentistry

Myth, says Sanchez-Hernandez. Rubber bands must be on for a certain number of hours before they even start to move the teeth. Doubling the bands will not make the teeth move any faster.

erin nelson, d.m.d

family & cosmetic dentistry

MYTH OR TRUTH: BRACES ARE PAINFUL. “While minimal discomfort is normal, at Ortho South we provide every patient with a therabite, a bite wafer that our patients report significantly reduces discomfort,” Boggan says. “Due to advances in technology, we are able to use more gentle forces than in the past,” says Gilbert and Brawley. This means only mild soreness in many cases. “Your braces are not ever ‘tightened,’” says Bilbo. “We just progress through a series of wires that makes your teeth feel a little sore, but no tightening is actually ever done.”

MYTH OR TRUTH: BRACES ARE EXPENSIVE.

DENTISTRY FOR CHILDREN & ADULTS

Braces are not as inexpensive as a new toothbrush or even a water flosser, but almost every orthodontic office will offer payment plans to make paying for a permanently beautiful smile possible. Be sure to ask what your options are when choosing an orthodontist and pick the right doctor and payment plan for you. “Orthodontics is an investment in your or your child’s future,” says Hufham. “The possible benefits are increased self-esteem, more efficient chewing and improved tooth/ jaw function, and a gift that can last a lifetime!” “A smile can change a life,” adds Bilbo. And all the orthodontists agree that if patients do their part to take care of their braces while wearing them, they will get the best result possible – a beautiful smile to last a lifetime.

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PHOTO COURTESY OF JULIE CAMP

LIVING WITH NEUROFIBROMATOSIS By Paige Townley

For eight-year-old Izzy Camp, the outward signs aren’t very obvious. Upon first glance, most would never know she’s living with neurofibromatosis, an incurable set of genetic disorders that cause tumors to grow in the nervous system. “Physically, there really isn’t anything wrong with her,” says her mother, Julie. “But the signs are there. She recently had an eye exam and it revealed that she has nodules on her eyes. They are small, but it’s a sign of her condition.” In February 2016, Izzy was officially diagnosed with neurofibromatosis. The only outward sign: dozens of light spots on her skin. “It was an immediate diagnosis,” Julie adds. “We went to the UAB Neurofibromatosis Clinic and no blood test was even needed because she had close to 100 spots on her body.” 28 | birminghamparent | october 2016

Neurofibromatosis is classified into three different types, which are all caused by different genes. NF1 is the most common, affecting one in every 3,000 children. The disorders affect both sexes and all races equally. For 11-year-old Philip Moss, the signs were much more obvious. In 2011, when he was getting ready to start kindergarten, a checkup with his pediatrician revealed a swollen area on his neck. After consulting with the doctor, Philip’s parents made the decision for it to be removed. “We thought it was a lymph node,” says his mother, Renie. “But three weeks after the surgery we got a call that said it was a tumor. And that began our journey.” While the tumor wasn’t cancerous, it did indicate that Philip suffered from neurofibro-

2016 Alabama NF Walk October 16, 2016 at 1pm Veterans Park 4800 Valleydale Road Hoover, AL 35216 jbeckerman@ctf.org Benefiting: Children’s Tumor Foundation Hosted by: Children’s Tumor Foundation

matosis (NF1). A few months later, in January 2012, an MRI revealed the tumor had grown back. “We knew it was there because we could see it, and in fact it had grown back to be bigger than it was originally,” Renie says. “It was concerning because it was near his airway.” While the tumor was causing Philip no pain, the tumor’s growth was outpacing his growth. Because doctors already removed the tumor once, surgery was no longer an option. The family’s only option was to watch and wait, knowing that there was a 10 to 15 percent chance the tumor could become malignant. “We monitored it and hoped it would it would stop growing,” Renie says. “There’s really nothing you can do. We had to learn to live with the anxiety and fears since there was no cure.” By 2014, the tumor was very large and quite visible. It was also starting to push on his airway. Philip’s doctor at the UAB Neurofibromatosis Clinic said the “wait and see” approach was over. “We had to figure out a game plan, and doctors were even looking at a potential tracheotomy,” Renie says. “But the decision was made to try chemotherapy first.” Philip was referred to an oncologist at Children’s of Alabama and began oral chemotherapy. He received the treatment for eight weeks, and in April 2015, they found out the treatment was unsuccessful. “I remember walking out of that last appointment and remember being told that if that particular chemo didn’t work, others wouldn’t work either,” Renie adds. “It was heartbreaking to walk out with nothing.” Philip was waitlisted for an upcoming drug trial through the National Institutes of Health (NIH). The family was waiting to see if he would get one of only 50 slots available for the trial. In August, the family got the call he was in. Two weeks later, they were on a plane to Bethesda, Maryland. By late September Philip began an oral chemotherapy that was being tested for his particular pediatric need. “There were a lot of emotions because he was really sick those first four months and missed a lot of school, we missed a lot of work, but we had lots of prayers and support,” Renie says. “And, thankfully, he seemed to turn the corner.” After a few months he began to feel better physically, and after eight months on the drug, tests revealed in April 2016 that the tumor shrunk approximately 23 percent. After 12 months on the trial, the tumor had decreased by 36 percent. “It’s dramatic,” Renie says. “You can see such a dramatic difference in his neck. It’s a miracle drug. We feel very fortunate and privileged to be a part of the first group of children to be on this drug. We hope and pray that it will be on the market as soon as possible for all of the other families waiting for it.” In Birmingham alone, there is a community of families living with neurofibromatosis. For the past two years, they have held the Walk to End NF. The third annual event will be held October 16 at Veterans Park in Hoover. The goal is to raise $75,000 for research and provide support for individuals with neurofibromatosis and their families. “Last year we exceeded our goal and had the fourth highest neurofibromatosis fundraising walk in the country and highest number of participants,” Renie says. “We hope to beat that this year. And we feel very fortunate that we raise money and know exactly where it’s going. Eighty percent of every dollar raised goes straight to research. We’ll keep doing this walk until there is a cure.”

For more information about neurofibromatosis, visit www.ctf. org. For more information about Walk to End NF, visit www. nfwalk.org/alabama.

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NON-PROFIT SEEKS TO PROVIDE SCHOLARSHIPS FOR

Children of Terminally Ill Parents By Emily Reed

Oftentimes when a parent is struggling with a terminal illness, the worry, stress and fear of leaving a child can be overwhelming. “When a parent finds out the devastating news that they have a terminal illness, it is not always death they are afraid of, but leaving their children to deal with things throughout life,” Blue Phoenix Village Inc. founder Billie Glazier says. “I didn’t believe the cliche that it ‘takes a village to raise a child,’ but then I started realizing there are families with extreme needs and learned that it really does take a village.” In April, Glazier helped organize Blue 30 | birminghamparent | october 2016

Phoenix Village Inc., a nonprofit scholarship foundation that intends to bridge students of medically challenged families with academic and professional resources. The Pinson resident said the idea for the scholarship came about when she started meeting families dealing with terminal illnesses through her homeschool group at Bethany Learning Academy. Glazier has been the administrator for the homeschooling group since 2006. “I started seeing that families who were struggling with illness or death were worrying about what would happen to their kids or

how they would pay for their kids’ futures,” Glazier says. “When you are battling a disease such as cancer, the last thing you want to have to do is worry about if your child will be able to go to college.” Another inspiration for one of the scholarships was Jennifer Malone, a homeschooling mom through Bethany Learning Academy who worked to teach her daughter at home while she battled cancer. “I saw the struggle that Jennifer had of not only dealing with a horrible disease, but also making sure her daughter was taken care of,” Glazier says. “Jennifer was very determined

to continue taking care of her daughter even throughout her illness. I saw in Jennifer’s eyes the pain she felt at the thought of the future for her daughter. She didn’t verbalize it, but I knew she was worried. That is when I decided I wanted to do my part in helping to provide a sense of hope.” Malone passed away in May and is the namesake for one of the scholarships available through Blue Phoenix Village to financially assist college-bound students who have a parent with a terminal illness, a recently deceased family member, or individuals who are severely disabled. “We know we will never replace the loss of a parent, but if we work together, we can prevent additional losses in the lives of children with terminally ill parents,” Glazier says. “If a mom or dad is terminally ill, then the other parent is probably missing a lot of work which makes the children suffer. We hope to be able to prevent the feeling of another loss within the child’s life and keep that child pointed toward the future. We hope to be able to provide a small amount of hope.” There have been no recipients of the scholarships as of yet. Glazier and a host of volunteers with Blue Phoenix Village are working on fundraising efforts. A “Cookin With Compassion” fundraising dinner has been planned for Oct. 14 from

5:30 to 8:30 p.m. at Boutwell Auditorium in Birmingham. Proceeds from the tickets sold will go toward the scholarship funds, Glazier says. The event will feature a buffet dinner, performances by the Ben Guthrie Band and American Idol contestant Jess Meuse, door prizes, guest speaker Luke Milam of Apologia Outdoors and Randa Simpson, who will be the emcee of the event. Tickets for the event are $30 each and available for purchase at www.bpvscholarships.org. Glazier said local businesses are invited to participate in the event with opportunities for sponsorship. “We would love to have a business sponsor a table at the event,” Glazier says. “Our goal is to raise $10,000. Every little bit counts and all of the money for the scholarships comes from our fundraising efforts.” Applications for the scholarships are being accepted. Glazier said specific criteria for scholarship eligibility is available on the group’s website at www.bpvscholarships.org. “Whenever you meet someone, you never know what needs they might be facing at that time,” Glazier says. “We believe people matter and whatever people’s needs are, we hope to be able to help.”

Jennifer Malone with daughter Alex and husband Mark.

“Whenever you meet someone, you never know what needs they might be facing at that time. We believe people matter and whatever people’s needs are, we hope to be able to help.”

Emily Reed is a freelance writer and stay-athome mom to her son, Tobias.

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FAMILY TRAVEL

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Folks often plan for vacations in the summertime when kids are out of school, but a great alternate or additional idea for families to consider, however, is holiday travel offering a nice retreat before the busyness of the winter season steals away their time and energy. Booking in advance, a spectacular trip to Grapevine, Texas could be just the ticket for putting the dazzle back in your December! At this point, you might be asking, “Where in the world is Grapevine?” I asked that question once upon a time as well. A trip a little far by car, choosing to fly may be the way to go. Many airlines have direct flights from Birmingham to Grapevine, making for a fantastic “first time to fly” for many small travelers. Second question: why Grapevine for holiday travel? Grapevine is the Christmas Capital of Texas and they really know how to get people in the holiday spirit! A small town of only 48,000 folks, Grapevine thrives on the tourism industry giving many options for family fun! Stroll the streets of the quaint downtown, check out the unique boutiques, sip the local flavors and enjoy the town square Christmas carolers. And, whatever you do, take some time for a special stop at Dr. Sue’s Chocolate (www.drsueschocolate.com) where you’ll find daily hot chocolate tastings not to be missed!

PHOTO BY BECKY J. BEALL

WHERE TO STAY…

There are two fabulous accommodations that I highly recommend in Grapevine and honestly, both are so family-friendly and chock-full of amenities that there is no bad choice! Let’s start with the Gaylord Texan Resort (http://www.marriott.com/hotels/ travel/dalgt-gaylord-texan-resort-and-convention-center/) which feels like a city within a city. Paths and walkways meander through the lush property leading to restaurants, gift shops and other super cool places like the pool, fitness center, jogging track and much more! There are decorations on every corner displaying elaborate colors and lights that represent the season. Rooms are comfy with down bedding and modern conveniences. The adjacent convention center is perfect for meetings and events such as the annual ICE!® exhibit! This year’s ICE!® exhibit features Santa Claus is Comin’ To Town from November 10 of this year to January 1, 2017 and is the epitome of family wholesome fun and entertainment. Learn how Santa Claus started giving toys to good girls and boys in the retelling of the classic television special by the same 32 | birminghamparent | october 2016

name. Two-story tall ice slides are always a hit with the young and old alike, and don’t forget your coat and gloves – you’ll need them for the chilly walk-thru at 9 degrees. Your family will love every minute of this wildly popular holiday attraction and indoor winter wonderland that’s part of Lone Star Christmas at Gaylord Texan Resort. For tickets and information, phone 817-778-1000. Another family lodging option is Great Wolf Lodge (http://www.greatwolflodge. com) offering a magical twist to the busy holiday scene in Grapevine! Children will not find much more excitement than popular Snowland featuring Santa visits, North Pole University activities, holiday carol singalongs, a life-size Gingerbread House, Santa’s letter-writing Depot, holiday shows, the Polar Wolf Walk, Snowland-themed Story Time in the evenings and more! My favorite part of a winter stay at Great Wolf Lodge is that it snows…right in the lobby! Does your family need to run off some energy and have a little fun? Mine always seem to! Great Wolf Lodge is the perfect venue to transition kids from bundles of energy to enjoying visions of sugar plums.

By Becky J. Beall

How is that? This family-friendly resort has an 84-degree indoor waterpark with tons of adventure and splash!

MY FAVORITE GRAPEVINE ACTIVITIES…

Vetro Glassblowing Studio & Gallery is a state-of-the-art studio specializing in handblown and lamp-worked art glass, and has created a wonderful little hands-on holiday activity where guests make their own ornaments! Choose your colors and get a lesson in glassblowing! Not only is it a great experience, but it is also a fabulous keepsake. Find out more at http://www.vetroartglass.com. Texas Star Dinner Theater is a fun way to laugh the night away solving a murder mystery! Dismay in the Manger was the adequately-named holiday dinner theater production that I saw, and it was packed with holiday havoc and Texas pageantry. For 2016, the holiday show that is sure to be over-the-top fun is Unseasonable Greedings. Enjoy a better-than-average dinner theater-type meal (mine was a lovely tilapia with veggies, asparagus and rice…and strawberry cheesecake to top it off) coupled with your favorite beverage and a setting just large enough to allow everyone to feel involved. Characters roam the room and interact with guests. You can find out more by visiting http://www.texasstardinnertheater.com. LEGOLAND Discovery Center is such a hit with families! The 35,000-squarefoot attraction known as LEGOLAND is a child’s dream! Interactive, educational and just plain fun…your kid’s will have a blast exploring all things LEGO (www.legolanddiscoverycenter.com)! SEA LIFE Grapevine Aquarium is yet another fun attraction in a two-story, 45,000-square-foot aquarium housing more than 30 displays of marine life! From shrimp and starfish to seahorses, sharks and rays, enjoy this fabulous look at marine life, and its stunning centerpiece – the tropical ocean tank with walk-through underwater tunnel! Check out all the details at www.visitsealife. com/grapevine. I think it would be difficult to visit the Christmas Capital of Texas without seeing the Main Street Live Christmas Show at the Palace Theatre. High-energy performances of your favorite holiday songs help folks celebrate the season or you might take in a classic holiday movie. To stay up on showtimes, visit www.palace-theatre.com.

CULINARY TREATS…

Main Street Bistro and Bakery is the perfect way to start a day with breakfast or come in for a lunch treat! This lovely restaurant specializes in hand-crafted breads, pastries and gourmet cuisine using traditional methods from France and Europe. If you want the “Best Croissant in Dallas Fort Worth” as chosen by Dallas Morning News, then you must visit Main Street (www.themainbakery.com)! Chill (www.chillgrapevine.com) is a super place to grab some appetizers or, well, just chill with your favorite beverage. It’s a sports bar atmosphere so watching sporting events here is an option. For true Texas cuisine, visit Tolbert’s Restaurant on Main Street. You’ll make plenty of walking trips down Main Street anyway to see all the sights and sounds of Christmas, so plan on stopping in for Tolbert’s Bowl of Red (chili) or a chargrilled steak or burger. Plan on a casual atmosphere and good food. One more Grapevine eatery that you’ll want to taste is Love & War in Texas. Dubbed an epic name for an epic restaurant, Love & War’s concept is to promote Texas, Texans, Texas food and Texas Heritage. Fresh Texas Gulf seafood is on the menu, as well as other authentic Texas recipes. You’ll find Texas singers and songwriters and a wine list that, you guessed it, all Texas. Find out more about this classic restaurant at http://www.loveandwarintexas.com. So, there you have it! Grapevine offers a myriad of attractions and activities designed to promote family togetherness and maybe even the first opportunity for your family to fly to a destination. Plan now to celebrate later and enjoy your travels! Becky J. Beall is a freelance travel journalist, blogger, speaker and radio show host. Follow her at www.thetravelvoicebybecky.com.

PHOTO BY BECKY J. BEALL

Family amenities with you in mind birminghamparent.com | 33

Art courtesy of Ronald McDonald House

Media Contact: Stephanie Langford Phone: (205) 638-7261 Fax: (205) 638-7256 Email: stephanie.langford@RMHCA.org

Ronald McDonald House CHARITIES of Alabama Expands to Meet Growing Needs Ronald McDonald House Charities of Alabama has announced a $7.5 million campaign which will add a new 28,543-square-foot wing to almost double occupancy for more families to heal together. “With $6,025,000 raised to date, we are confident that the public will rally to help RMHCA reach our goal,” says campaign co-chair Jeff Logan of the Birmingham Barons. Pediatric patients and families are drawn to Birmingham regionally and nationally for destination medical treatment programs. The current 41 guest suite Ronald McDonald House in Birmingham opened debt-free in 2007 one block from Children’s of Alabama and UAB, but it is not able to meet the demand for their services. On average, there are 12 families on the waiting list each night for a room. The waiting list skyrocketed to as many as 55 families during the summer of 2015. This expansion will almost double the occupancy of the House and reduce the number of families on the waiting list. 34 | birminghamparent | october 2016

Wil Puckett, campaign co-chair and treasurer of RMHCA explains, “Our 26-member Campaign Steering Committee and 20-member Major Gifts Committee led by major gifts co-chairs Emmett McLean and Eva Robertson have generated support for more than 130 donors including a $500,000 challenge gift from co-founder Max Cooper to help match gifts and pledges as we raise the last $1.5 million.” “Ronald McDonald House Charities of Alabama is so much more than a place to sleep. We are a support center where families find comfort, encouragement and hope among each other,” says Katherine Estes Billmeier, CEO of Ronald McDonald House Charities of Alabama. “Keeping families close is so important to healing.” The new three story wing will add 28 guest suites, family living rooms and laundries on the second and third f loors, and also include five extended stay apartments. In addition to the new guest rooms, a family

center will be added on the first f loor with a new main resident dining room, a volunteer kitchen, a game room and two cozier family living rooms. The renovations of the existing first f loor will also repurpose space to provide a second resident kitchen, expanded resident lockers, a meditation room, fitness room, toy store and meeting room. Ronald McDonald House Charities of Alabama is working with Williams Blackstock Architects to design the improvements, and Brasfield & Gorrie has been named as the project’s construction general contractor. Groundbreaking is expected in early 2017 and the project should take 10 months to complete. Those who wish to donate toward the Healing Together campaign can contact Kathy Robson, RMHCA’s director of development at kathy.robson@rmhca.org or 205-638-7258. You can also learn more at www.RMHCA.org/expand.

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SEVEN PRICELESS TIPS FOR NICU PARENTS By Sarah Lyons

arents do many things to prepare for the arrival of a new baby – decorating the nursery, buying a car seat and stroller, selecting a name and so much more. But no matter how much preparation you do, the unexpected can happen. For a variety of reasons, you could find yourself in the hospital’s Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU) sitting by your newborn baby. When I found out I was expecting triplets, I was told it was highly likely they would spend time in the NICU due to premature birth. I had absolutely no idea how to prepare; the information was overwhelming and the uncertainty was frightening. I found that the true experts are parents who have been through the experience. The information they share gives you a glimpse into what you can really expect during the NICU experience. Here are some of their most valuable tips:

1. GET INVOLVED When you visit your child in the NICU for the first time it can be very intimidating. Your baby will be covered with wires and may look tiny and fragile. It is normal to feel nervous about caring for your child. Ask the NICU nurses how you can get involved in your child’s care. They are usually more than willing to teach you how to work around their medical equipment. “Once I began taking my son’s temps, changing diapers and assisting with bathing, I felt so much more comfortable and less intimidated by the experience.” Rachel Watts says. 2. BABIES PROGRESS AT THEIR OWN PACE “Don’t put a time frame on how long you expect them to be there,” says Nikki Rhyme, mother of triplets born last year. The rule of thumb is that babies born prematurely will typically go home around their due date; however, this is not always the case. Jessica Craine, mom of twins, says, “Anytime I was frustrated I had to sit back and realize that my boys have learned to breathe, suck, and swallow all before most kids are born.” 3. TAKE CARE OF YOURSELF When your child is in the NICU it is easy to be focused on their health above all else, Amidst all the struggles we must not forget Mom just gave birth, often by emergency C-section and sometimes after weeks of bed rest. Take care of yourself during this time. Eat healthy meals, drink water, take breaks, spend time with your significant other and older children and ask for help. “Tell your friends and family you’re struggling and you 36 | birminghamparent | october 2016

need support.” Watts says. Many times people want to help but they won’t know what to do unless you ask. Give them specific tasks that will make your life easier, like preparing a meal for your family or doing a load of laundry. 4. DOCUMENT THIS SPECIAL TIME The NICU is a stressful place, which makes it easy to forget to document the milestones your baby meets. “Record the true day of their first bath, when they wore clothes the first time, when they moved from an incubator to a crib...these are memories I will cherish forever!” says Craine.

child will receive. “Try to be present during rounds to get updates on the baby’s status and care.” says mom Courtney Harreld. 6. SOME OF THE THINGS YOU SEE WILL BE HEARTBREAKING “I wasn’t prepared for some of the things we saw and neither was my husband. We could see the doctors working on babies to save their lives. Incredibly heartbreaking.” says Jenna Mrnak, mother of triplets. It will be difficult to witness some of the things that go on in the NICU as babies struggle to grow and thrive. It is best to take comfort in the knowledge that miracles happen there. 7. IT WILL END Eve Bernfeld, mother of three, says, “A great piece of advice I got from my best friend who had also had a NICU baby told me to picture yourself and your baby a couple seasons in the future when you are doing something totally normal. This helped to remind me that things would be normal…someday. Each day in the NICU seems like an eternity, but when your child comes home and the years go by,

“Remember they are your babies, and you have a voice in how things go. Don’t be afraid to ask questions.” says triplet mom Michelle Glasser. “I wish I had more photos of this time.” says mother of triplets, Alex Tichet. Although it is hard to see your tiny baby fighting in the NICU, many parents cherish those photos because they are proof of how far their amazing and strong child has come. 5. BE YOUR CHILD’S ADVOCATE “Remember they are your babies, and you have a voice in how things go. Don’t be afraid to ask questions.” says triplet mom Michelle Glasser. The doctors and nurses work hard to give your child the best possible care but the parent plays a big part in the care their

that time becomes a distant memory.” “It seems like it is a never ending experience regardless of if it’s five days or five months but it will be a thing of the past before you know it,” says Jennifer Pena. Our NICU experiences were one of the most difficult seasons my family has walked through. Even so, I find myself looking back on it fondly because I am more aware of how miraculous life is. It is a stressful place to be, but the NICU staff is there to do everything possible to get your baby well and home with their family.

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book review

A Page in a Book

Pencil in Picture Books In a picture book landscape largely populated with bright

RECOMMENDING THE BEST BOOKS FOR CHILDREN AND TEENS

colors, bold shapes and a wilderness of creative fonts,

By Gerry P. Smith

there are marvelously stark standout titles that use the suggestive subtleties of pencil illustrations to carry the weight of a tale. With few or no words, the following masterpieces wield the power of pencil art to drive the story in absence of color and words. Young readers are freed from neon distractions to really delve into the imagery, to let their own dialogue and imaginings inform the story along the way. The following titles are recommended for their distinct voice and brilliant storytelling rendered in shade and silence.

The Whale

By Ethan Murrow and Vita Murros (Templar / Candlewick) When a local paper revisits a 50-year-old news event about two youngsters who claimed to have seen an enormous spotted whale off shore, the hook is set for another couple of kids who want to find proof the behemoth exists. Working independently, a girl equips her small boat with improvised video devices while a boy loads his dinghy with tools to capture audio evidence of the elusive spotted whale. But after their boats collide and wreck during the search, teamwork becomes their only option to salvage their mission and prove the mysterious monster exists. Brilliantly executed pencil illustration reveals a wordless journey that is rich with atmosphere, intrigue and excitement in this whale of a tale!

The Mysteries of Harris Burdick

By Chris Van Allsburg (Houghton Mifflin Harcourt) First published in 1984, this revolutionary picture book continues to attract new readers while remaining a touchstone pleasure for its first generation of fans. A fictional editor’s note introduces the collection of images as material left behind by a writer who never returned with the complete stories. Only a title and tantalizing caption for each drawing hint at what the story might have been. Adding to the mystery, each magnificent penciled illustration features some startling surreal element at its center. These bizarre elements transform every reader into an original storyteller as their minds reach to fill in the blank spaces, to craft their own stories for the orphaned artwork. Pencil in time to revisit this masterpiece! 38 | birminghamparent | october 2016

The Only Child

By Guojing (Schwartz & Wade / Random House) Sneaking out of the house to visit her grandmother, a young child’s wandering evolves from misadventure into a magical tale of wordless wonder. Accidentally stranded in the woods, the little girl encounters a stag who introduces her to paths through forest and sky, ocean and snow. Pencil illustrations soften the edges of the lonely landscapes while sharpening the focus on brighter elements in the story; a child’s beaming face, light pouring from an open front door, a full winter moon. Drawing from her childhood during China’s “one child” policy and her own experience of getting lost, Guojing’s stunning story finds the perfect balance between the beauty of solitude and the comfort of companionship.

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40 | birminghamparent | october 2016

OCTOBER

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calendar highlights

The leaves are turning, the air is crisp and cool. Itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s the fall season, and that means lots of fun things to do! This month is full of fall festivals, outdoor running/ walking events to raise funds for great causes, hikes, bake sales, book sales, farmers markets, pumpkin patches and other traditional great experiences that come with this time of year. Also, get in touch with your local libraries for special story times, trick-or-treat fun, pumpkin painting and more.

The Fresh Air Family Fall Fossil Hunt on October 8 is sure to be amazing! Register for one of two sessions (9am-noon or 1-5pm) and hunt for fossils in a world-class fossil site led by Carl Sloan, biologist and secretary of the Alabama Paleontological Society. Spots fill quickly! Participants will meet at Wal-Mart Sumiton parking lot to go to the site. Cost: $10 Fresh Air Family members, $20 non-members. Information, register at 205-540-6642, events@freshairfamily.org. Go to www.freshairfamily. org for more details on the hunt.

PHOTO COURTESY OF ALDRIDGE GARDENS

Whispers from the Past â&#x20AC;&#x201C; A Native American Experience is a favorite annual event in Aldridge Gardens in Hoover. From 10am to 5:30pm on October 2, take a trip back in time to rediscover the culture and contributions of native Alabamians. Demonstrations, activities, games, food for purchase, handmade items, artifacts and more. Information, 205-682-8019, www.aldridgegardens.com.

birminghamparent.com | 41

calendar

1 SATURDAY Pepper Place Market 7am-noon, 2829 2nd Ave. South. Fresh produce, vendors and more. Rain or shine. www.pepperplacemarket.com. Mt Laurel Market and Craft Fair 8am-noon, Manning Place, Hwy. 41, Mt Laurel. Local fresh eggs, cheeses, honey, fresh fruits and vegetables, plants, crafts. 205408-2717. Fall Book and Bake Sale 9am-3pm, Albert L. Scott Library, Alabaster. Southern Women’s Show 10am-7pm, Birmingham-Jefferson Convention Center. Celebrity guests, exciting new features, exclusive offers, entertainment and shopping! Advance discount tickets at Walgreens. Tickets, 800-849-0248, www.southernshows.com. Hikes for Tykes 10am, Birmingham Botanical Gardens. A hands-on program for preschool children and their families. Join Miss Anwen on a magical walk! www.freshairfamily. org. FREE. Southeastern Outings Dayhike 10am, Ruffner Mountain Nature Preserve. Moderate 4-mile hike. Bring picnic lunch and drink. Well-behaved, carefully supervised children 8 and up welcome. No dogs or smoking allowed. Depart 10am from the Ruffner Nature Center pavilion. Dan Frederick, 205-631-4680, seoutings@ bellsouth.net. Parade of Puppies with Charles Ghigna 10:30am, Homewood Library. Storytelling fun with poet and author Charles Ghigna. Release of his new board book, “Parade of Puppies.” The Greater Birmingham Humane Society will have adoptable dogs on site, and a portion of the proceeds from book sales will go to Children’s Hospital.

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14th Annual Fiesta Birmingham Noon-8pm, Linn Park. Alabama’s largest celebration of Hispanic culture and heritage. Art, music, food, dance, children’s activities and more. Donations to scholarship program encouraged. Admission $8 per person in advance, $10 at gate; children 12-under admitted free. www. fiestabirmingham.com. Alabama Ballet “At Home” 7:30pm, Alabama Ballet Center for Dance. Selected highlights from the ballet’s repertory including classical and contemporary pieces. With complimentary drinks, intimate atmosphere, affordable tickets, it’s a great way to introduce friends and family to the excitement of live performance. www.alabamaballet.org.

2 SUNDAY Whispers from the Past – A Native American Experience 10am-5:30pm, Aldridge Gardens, Hoover. Take a trip back in time to rediscover the culture and contributions of native Alabamians. Demonstrations, activities, games, food for purchase, handmade items, artifacts and more. Information, 205-682-8019, www. aldridgegardens.com. Southern Women’s Show 11am-5pm, Birmingham-Jefferson Convention Center, see Oct. 1. Fall Book and Bake Sale 1-3pm, Albert L. Scott Library, Alabaster. Today, customers can fill up a bag of books for $6. Southeastern Outings Dayhike 1pm, Hargis YMCA Retreat, Chelsea. Easy 4-mile hike on trails. Bring water and wear good walking shoes or boots. Well-behaved, carefully supervised children 7 and up welcome. No dogs or smoking. Depart 1pm from parking lot beside the retreat chapel. Edd Spencer, 205-317-5868. Alabama Ballet “At Home” 7:30pm, Alabama Ballet Center for Dance, see Oct. 1.

3 MONDAY Lego Club 10-11am, North Shelby Library. Families are welcome to drop in to build Lego creations, which will go on display in the Children’s Department. All ages. FREE. Family Campout Storytime 6:30pm, Homewood Library. Put on your PJs and get out your sleeping bag for fun camping stories and songs!

4 TUESDAY Trussville Chamber of Commerce Golf Tournament 8am, Pine Tree Country Club. Shotgun scramble format tournament. A portion of the proceeds helps fund the chamber’s scholarship program, which in the past eight years has awarded more than $27,000 in scholarship money. Prizes, promotions and lunch. Information, register, 205655-7535, www.trussvillechamber.com. Lego League 4-4:45pm, Albert L. Scott Library, Alabaster. Kids of all ages can come play with bricks of all sizes. Kids age 6-younger must be with an adult.

6 THURSDAY Taste of Hoover 5-8pm, Aldridge Gardens. Enjoy an autumn evening strolling through the gardens and sampling delicious dishes from some of Hoover’s best restaurants, caterers and more. Taste international wines and local beers. Live entertainment. Tickets $30 gardens members, $40 non-members. www.aldridgegardens.com.

7 FRIDAY Rocky Ridge First Fridays 5-8:30pm, Rocky Ridge Square/ Rocky Ridge Plaza, Vestavia Hills. Arts and crafts, bands, demonstrations, games, kid zone, outdoor family movies, specialty foods and more. Parking available at Vestavia Hills High School with shuttle service.

12th Annual Barber Vintage Fest 8am, Barber Motorsports Park. Three-day event features seminars, swap meets, stunt shows, demo rides, racing, vintage motorcycles and more. Tickets, information, www.barbermuseum.org.

8 SATURDAY Oktoberfest Trussville 9am-3pm, 8090 Gadsden Highway, Trussville. Family Fun for all ages! Traditional German food, music, desserts, arts and crafts, door prizes, bargains, pumpkin patch, kid games, paint ball, bingo and much more! www. OktoberfestTrussville.com. 12th Annual Barber Vintage Fest 7am, Barber Motorsports Park, see Oct. 7. Mt Laurel Market and Craft Fair 8am-noon, Manning Place, Hwy. 41, Mt Laurel. Local fresh eggs, cheeses, honey, fresh fruits and vegetables, plants, crafts. 205408-2717. Shelby Humane Society Paws for the Cause 5K 8:30am, 5K; 9:30am, 1 mile fun run/walk, Veterans Park, Hoover. Support the only open-admission shelter in Shelby County. The shelter cares for more than 5,000 lost, homeless and unwanted pets each year. Registration, information, www.shelbyhumane.org. Hearts and Hands Orphan Craft Fair 9am-2pm, McAdory Elementary School. Fun-filled family day with lots of vendors selling women’s boutique clothing, children’s clothing, handmade jewelry, wreaths, wood items and much more. Supports the Grace for Orphans ministry at Grace Life Baptist Church, which focuses on meeting the needs of adoptive and foster families. FREE. Fresh Air Family Fall Fossil Hunt 9am-noon, 1-5pm. Meet at WalMart Sumiton parking lot to go to site. $10 Fresh Air Family mem-

PLEASE NOTE: Events may change after publication deadline; please phone ahead to confirm important information. The deadline for submitting calendar items for the November 2016 print issue is October 5. Mail calendar items to: Calendar, Birmingham Parent, P.O. Box 326, Helena, AL 35080; fax to 987-7600; e-mail to calendar@ BirminghamParent.com; or enter directly to the online calendar at www.birminghamparent.com. Entries added online after the print deadline will not appear in the print version. Information cannot be accepted over the phone. Guidelines: Birmingham Parent’s calendar is intended to be a resource and service to the community and our readers. Events which are open to the public, fundraisers, free classes, etc., are events that may be included in our monthly calendar. We reserve the right to reject any event or listing due to rules or space restrictions. For questions regarding calendar entries, call 987-7700 or e-mail calendar@birminghamparent.com. 42 | birminghamparent | october 2016

calendar

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bers, $20 non-members. Pick one of two sessions and hunt for fossils in a world-class fossil site! Led by Carl Sloan, biologist and secretary of the Alabama Paleontological Society. Sign up quickly, as spots fill! Information, register at 205-540-6642, events@ freshairfamily.org. Go to www. freshairfamily.org for more details on the hunt.

The Alabama School of Fine Arts is hosting an open house for prospective students on October 22 at 9am, 10am and 11am. Attend one of the sessions to learn about the school and its admission process, meet the faculty and tour the campus. Admission to ASFA, a tuition-free public school, is by audition only.

Boo at the Zoo! 5-9pm, Birmingham Zoo. Sixteen nights of fun! October 8-9, 14-16, 21-31. Wells Fargo presents this transformation of zoo into spooky attractions! New this year, experience Bug-A-BOO, larger-than-life animatronic bugs! Come dressed in your favorite family-friendly costume to ride the Spider Slide, jump on the train, see a wildlife show, ride the ghost rollers, trick or treat and much more! One ticket gets you into the event PLUS unlimited rides all night! Tickets, information, www. birminghamzoo.com.

9 SUNDAY 12th Annual Barber Vintage Fest 7am, Barber Motorsports Park, see Oct. 7. Southeastern Outings Dayhike 1pm, Oak Mountain State Park. Moderate 4-mile walk. Well-behaved, properly supervised children age 8 and up able to complete the hike welcome. No dogs or smoking. Depart 1pm from the park office parking lot. Bring a drink. Park admission is $5/person for adults; $2/person for seniors over 62 and children 4-11. Edd Spencer, 205-317-5868. Southern Breeze Author Book Signing 2-6pm, Homewood Library. Bruce Coville, the author of more than 100 children’s and young adult books such as My Teacher is an Alien will be available for book signings. Books available for purchase at Little Professor in Homewood.

10 MONDAY

COLUMBUS DAY Homeschool Happening: Finding Your Family Tree 10-11am, Albert L. Scott Library, Alabaster. Students grades 1-12 can sign up to learn how to use the library’s newest online genealogical tool, Ancestry Library Edition. 205-664-6822.

12 WEDNESDAY Grammy Award Winner Marc Cohn 7:30pm, Hoover Library Theatre. Cohn burst onto the music scene with his hit “Walking in Memphis,” Cohn has released two new albums, and is performing a 25th anniversary concert tour where he will perform his debut record in its entirety from start to finish, with photos and videos from his personal archives. Tickets $25+processing fees. 205-4447888.

13 THURSDAY American Girl: Monarch Butterfly Journey with Lanie 3:30-5pm, Birmingham Botanical Gardens. For children age 5 and up, learn about the amazing migration of Monarch butterflies and their journey south through the gardens. Bake and decorate a Monarch butterfly cookie! Inspired by the story of American Girl garden enthusiast, Lanie. $20 members, $25 non-members. 205-414-3950, www.bbgardens. org.

14 FRIDAY Pumpkin Painting Workshop 4-5pm, North Shelby Library. BYOP (Bring Your Own Pumpkin) party! The library will provide the paint. All ages welcome. Registration required; 205-439-5504, www.northshelbylibrary. FREE.

Grammy Award Winner Marc Cohn 7:30pm, Hoover Library Theatre, see Oct. 13. Cookin With Compassion 5:30-8:30pm, Boutwell Auditorium. Fundraiser for Blue Phoenix Village Inc., a nonprofit scholarship foundation that helps give medically challenged students and their families academic and professional resources. Buffet dinner, performances by the Ben Guthrie Band and American Idol contestant Jess Meuse, door prizes, guest speaker Luke Milam of Apologia Outdoors and Randa Simpson, emcee. Tickets, $30. www.bpvscholarships.org.

15 SATURDAY Pepper Place Market 7am-noon, 2829 2nd Ave. South. Fresh produce, vendors and more. Rain or shine. www.pepperplacemarket.com. Race for the Cure 7am registration, Linn Park. This annual event raises funds for the Susan G. Komen Breast Cancer Foundation. Information, registration, ncalabama.info-komen.org. Hikes for Tykes 10am, Birmingham Botanical Gardens. A hands-on program for preschool children and their families. Join storyteller Verna

Gates for a magical story-filled hike, build fairy houses and forts! www.freshairfamily.org. FREE. Falling for Fun Fall Festival 5-8pm, Anniston Museum of Natural History. Come dressed in your Halloween costume and hop on a tractor hayride, learn about the changing of the leaves and how animals prepare for winter. Lights are out in the exhibit halls so bring a flashlight! Outdoor games, costume contest and Creepy Critters LIVE animal show! Food vendor onsite. Tickets, information, 256-237-6766 x302, www.annistonmuseum.org.

16 SUNDAY 2016 Alabama NF Walk 1pm, Veterans Park, Hoover. Benefitting the Children’s Tumor Foundation. Information, www.nfwalk.org/alabama. American Girl: Monarch Butterfly Journey with Lanie 2-4pm, Birmingham Botanical Gardens, see October 13.

17 MONDAY Neuroscience Café 6:30pm, Hoover Library. Topic: “Autism: The Road from the Brain to Clinic. Rajesh Kana, PhD, associate professor of psychology and Sarah O’Kelley, PhD, assistant professor of psychology, will present. 205-444-7840. FREE. birminghamparent.com | 43

calendar 20 THURSDAY Homeschool Hour: Frog Dissection 1:30pm, Homewood Library. Students will have the opportunity to learn firsthand the anatomy of a frog. Suggested for 4th gradeup. Space limited; registration required at www.homewoodpubliclibrary.org. Tween Halloween Party 6-7pm, North Shelby Library. Spooktacularly creepy campfire stories just for kids 8-13! Spooky stories, fun and food! Registration required; 205-439-5504, www. northshelbylibrary.org. FREE.

21 FRIDAY American Girls Club 4pm, Albert L. Scott Library. Girls 7 and older can model in a costume fashion show! Dress like an American Girl character or wear another costume, and come with or without a doll, which can be in a costume also. Girls who do not wish to model can be in the audience. Sign up for the fun! 205-664-6822. “The Penny Dreadfuls” 7:30pm, Dorothy Jemison Day Theater, 800 19th St. N., Birmingham. This dark comedy play by Ray Sheers centers on a group of orphans and runaways who spend their time working for the dastardly professor as pickpockets and thieves. Tickets $5 student, $10 adults. 205-4580360, www.djdtheater.org.

22 SATURDAY Pepper Place Market 7am-noon, 2829 2nd Ave. South. Fresh produce, vendors and more. Rain or shine. www.pepperplacemarket.com. ASFA Open House for Prospective Students 9am, 10am, 11am, Alabama School of Fine Arts, 1800 Rev. Abraham Woods Jr. Blvd. Birmingham. Interested students and parents may attend one of three sessions. Reservations not necessary. Learn about the school and its admission process, meet the faculty and tour the campus. Admission to ASFA, a tuition-free public school, is by audition only. Fall Plant Sale 9am-5pm, Birmingham Botanical Gardens. Purchase herbs, sustainable trees, fall annuals, shrubs, natives, perennials and more! Two-day sale. www.bbgardens.org.

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Walk with Compassion 9:30am-noon, Railroad Park, Birmingham. A walk to help end child poverty. Leading up to the walk, Birmingham is working together to raise life-changing funds benefitting children in the developing world suffering from extreme poverty. At the walk, participants will journey through a true story of hope and redemption, learning about the real-life obstacles children in poverty face every day. Short, family-friendly walk for all ages. 800-336-7676, www.walkwithcompassion.com. FREE. Jefferson Christian Academy Heritage Festival 10am-3pm, JCA campus, Irondale. Carnival rides, huge inflatables, live music, arts and crafts vendors, information booths, pony rides, games and more! Several food choices available, silent auction. Information, Bill Brown, 205-956-9111, bbrown@ jcaweb.net. “The Penny Dreadfuls” 7:30pm, Dorothy Jemison Day Theater, 800 19th St. N., Birmingham, see Oct. 21.

23 SUNDAY Fall Plant Sale 11am-3pm, Birmingham Botanical Gardens, see Oct. 22. Southeastern Outings Dayhike 2pm, Moss Rock Preserve, Hoover. Two to four-mile moderate hike with some climbing up and down Shades Mountain. Well-behaved, properly supervised children 7 and up able to complete the hike welcome. No dogs or smoking. Bring water. Depart 2pm from the dirt parking lot off Preserve Parkway. David Shepherd, 205-240-4681, davidshep2@yahoo.com. “The Penny Dreadfuls” 2:30pm, Dorothy Jemison Day Theater, 800 19th St. N., Birmingham, see Oct. 21.

26 WEDNESDAY Unlocking the Mystery of Developmental Disorders Conference 8am-3:15pm, Canaan Baptist Church, 2543 Morgan Road. Down Syndrome Alabama, Alabama Autism Society and Special Education Consultants/ Conference Organizers (SECCO) present this event. The conference will provide much needed information to parents, general and special educators, speech

44 | birminghamparent | october 2016

therapists, paraprofessionals, college students, medical professionals and others. Speakers will present at breakout sessions on several topics. Information, fee, www.specialconferences.com. Southeastern Outings Dayhike 8:30am, Tannehill Ironworks Historical State Park. Easy three-mile hike on trails. Bring water and good walking boots or shoes. Dress for the weather. Depart 8:30am from the parking lot behind the McDonald’s Galleria, Hoover. Optional lunch afterward. Park admission, $5 adults 12 and older; $4 seniors 62-older; $3 children 6-11; 5-under, free. Christine Heckemeyer, 205-979-5730.

27 THURSDAY Throwback Thursday: Spooky Supersize Candy Land 4:15pm, Albert L. Scott Library. Tweens and teens age 11 to 18 can trick or treat through the supersize Candy Land game that will be made a little spooky for big kids. No younger children, please. Sign up at 205-664-6822.

28 FRIDAY Cirque de la Symphonie Spooktacular 7pm, Wright Center, Samford University. Performers dazzle the audience set to a backdrop of haunting orchestral favorites! Tickets, 205-975-2787, www. alabamasymphony.org.

29 SATURDAY Pepper Place Market 7am-noon, 2829 2nd Ave. South. Fresh produce, vendors and more. Rain or shine. www.pepperplacemarket.com. Maple Leaf Run 8-11am, Trussville Mall. Starting on the Mall in the heart of Trussville and winding through the city streets, runners pass the new Cahaba School, Chalkville Mountain Road and end up back at the Mall near Parkway Drive. The adult 5K begins at 8am and a Kids’ Run follows at 9am. The Maple Leaf Run is an official run of the Cahaba Race Series. 205-655-7535, http://www.trussvillechamber. com/events/maple-leaf-run. Dirt Dash 5K Fun Run/Walk 8:30am 5K fun run, 9am 1 mile family walk, Birmingham Botanical Gardens. Help raise funds for the gardens’ educational programs! Register, www.bbgardens.org.

Southern Christmas Bazaar 9am-6pm, Pelham Civic Complex and Ice Arena. More than 50 merchants from Alabama and surrounding states will participate in this premier shopping event. Shoppers will enjoy a wide variety of unique Christmas-themed items. Clothing, food, collectibles, decorations and much more. The bazaar raises funds to benefit the projects of the Alabaster-Pelham Rotary Club. 205-414-3672, www.rotarysouthernchristmas.com. Hikes for Tykes 10am, Birmingham Botanical Gardens. A hands-on program for preschool children and their families. www.freshairfamily.org. FREE. Boo at Bellingrath 11am-3pm, Bellingrath Gardens, Mobile. Dress up and enjoy inflatables, treat stations, hands on crafts and more. Information, 251973-2217, www.bellingrath.org. Owl-O-Ween 11am-2pm, Alabama Wildlife Center. An annual education event where families can enjoy games, crafts, storytime, meet Alabama’s owls up close, see a release of a rehabilitated bird back into the wild and more! Free with Oak Mountain State Park admission (adults $5, children 6-11 and seniors 62+, $2). www.awrc.org. Tannehill Halloween Fairyland Festival Tannehill Historical Ironworks Park, McCalla. A non-scary, funfilled event! Begun in 1992, the event features park-sponsored programs during the afternoon and traditional Halloween trick or treat stops at more than 200 campsites. Moonwalks, face painting, balloon animals, bungee jump, train rides, lights and decorations. Information, www.tannehill.org.

31 MONDAY

HALLOWEEN Family Flix: Halloween Movie Marathon 2:30-8:30pm, Homewood Library. Wear your costume and trick or treat at the library while watching family-friendly Halloween flicks! Costume Capers Party 4:15pm, Albert L. Scott Library. Young children can trick or treat through the supersize Candy Lane game from 4:15-4:45pm, then enjoy the comical and magical antics of magician Russell Davis.

events & attractions Aldridge Botanical Gardens 3530 Lorna Road, Hoover. 205-682-8019, www.aldridgegardens.com

Alabama School of Fine Arts 1800 Rev. Abraham Woods, Jr. Blvd.

Albert L Scott Alabaster Public Library STORY TIMES: Tunes & Tales: Wednesdays at 3:30pm in Library Meeting Room, all ages Toddler Tales: Fridays at 10:30am in the Library Meeting Room, 2 and 3 year olds. 100 9th Street NW, Alabaster, AL, 35007. 205-664-6822, www.cityofalabaster.com/departments/library

Birmingham Botanical Gardens When visiting the Gardens, be sure to download the treasure map to take with you. www. bbgardens.org/documents/treasuremapforweb.pdf 2612 Lane Park Road, Birmingham. 205-414-3900, www. bbgardens.org

Birmingham Children’s Theatre 1001 19th St. North, Birmingham, AL, 35203, 205-458-8181, www.bct123.org

Birmingham Civil Rights Institute Hope in Motion: The Alabama Christian Movement for Human Rights. ACMHR was founded in 1956 by Rev. Fred Shuttlesworth and other Birmingham ministers after Alabama banned the NAACP from operating in the

Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. & the Chicago Freedom Movement: Photographs by Bernard J. Kleina. BCRI will display its collection of rare color photos in this exhibition marking the 50th anniversary of the Chicago Freedom Movement. Through December 31. 6th St. N., Birmingham. 205-328-9696, www.bcri.org

Birmingham Museum of Art Bart’s Art Cart! Free drop-in art program for kids and families features a different theme from galleries and art activity each month. Saturdays from 11am-1pm. 2000 Rev. Abraham Woods Jr. Blvd., Birmingham. 205-2542565, www.artsbma.org

Birmingham Zoo Boo at the Zoo! 5-9pm, October 8-9, 14-16, 21-31. Wells Fargo presents this transformation of zoo into spooky attractions for 16 nights! New this year, experience Bug-ABOO, larger-than-life animatronic bugs! Come dressed in your favorite family-friendly costume to ride the Spider Slide, jump on the train, see a wildlife show, ride the ghost rollers, trick or treat and much more! One ticket gets you into the event PLUS unlimited rides all night! Tickets, information, www.birminghamzoo.com.

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Your 5th annual guide to all things for families in Birmingham. 205-987-7700

info@birminghamparent.com

IN-PARK SPECIAL ATTRACTIONS INCLUDE: Giraffe Feedings, 9:30-11:30am; 1-3pm, daily. $3. Train Rides, 9am-5pm Monday-Sunday, $3. Children’s Zoo Fountains daily. Carousel Rides, 9am-5pm daily. Sea Lion Training, Daily 10am & 2pm Lorikeet Feedings, 10am-4pm, daily. $1.50. Predator Zone, Saturday & Sunday 11:30am & 3:30pm. Children’s Zoo Goat Show, 2pm daily. 2630 Cahaba Road, Birmingham. 205-879-0409, www.birminghamzoo.com

Member Mondays. Every Monday, McWane Science Center members receive extra perks while visiting! Includes a special gift for kids when checking in, 30 percent discount on gift shop purchases, $1 small popcorn at IMAX concession stand and a free members-only evening event each month. Also, on the second Monday of each month, McWane opens its doors from 5-8pm for its members. IMAX MOVIES: National Parks Adventure. A trio of adventurers’ quest to experience America’s wildest, most historic and most naturally beautiful places becomes the ultimate off-trail adventure. Narrated by Robert Redford. Through October 20.

Heart of Dixie Railroad Museum Ride the Pumpkin Patch Express! Ride the train to the pumpkin patch and pick your perfect pumpkin! Beautiful autumn rides through the scenic forests of Shelby County. Visit the Great Pumpkin, hayrides, inflatables and more! Every Saturday (10am, 1pm, 3pm) and Sunday (1pm, 3pm) in October. Information, tickets, www.hodrrm.org. 1919 Ninth St., Calera. 205-668-3435, www.hodrrm.org

Wild Africa. Come on a spectacular ride across, over and through the magical realms of the most dramatic continent on earth. Through January 31, 2017. 200 19th St. N., Birmingham. 205-714-8300, www.mcwane.org.

Roy Downs Calera Library Story Times: *Family Story Time: Tuesdays at 10am *Sweet Pea (0-2 years old): Thursdays at 9am *Calera Kids (3 and up): Thursdays at 10am Summer Reading Program: Tuesdays at 5:30pm 9700 Highway 25, Calera. 205-668-7200. www.cityofcalera.org.

McWane Science Center Fall Into Science. The seasons are changing, and so are the exhibits! Three popular exhibits are returning to the third floor. Build a castle with the Imagination Playground blocks, explore the miniscule world of atoms, molecules and nanoscale forces in the Nano exhibit and get lost inside the zig-zag corridors of The Maze! Through October 31.

Vulcan Park 1701 Valley View Drive, Birmingham. 205-933-1409, www.vulcanpark.org

PREPARE FOR YOUR FUTURE... LEARN THE SKILLS YOU WILL NEED TODAY!

ACT/SAT TEST PREP • Better Colleges • More Financial Aid • Potential Scholarships • Build a Better Future!

ENROLL TODAY!

Individualized Instruction matched with Time-tested learning materials will help you rapidly develop the skills you need to score higher on the SAT and ACT exam. No contracts and proven results!

THE TUTORING CENTER, HOOVER, AL • (205) 987-9577 2804 John Hawkins Pkwy St. 100, Hoover, AL 35244 birminghamparent.com | 45

poetry party

by Charles Ghigna

Dog Poems

Cool autumn evenings are the perfect time to snuggle in and read poetry. It’s also the perfect time to read some poetry to your pup! Here’s a poem you and your pup might enjoy together!

What Does A Hound Dog Do All Day? He sleeps. He eats. He chases flies. He looks for pheasant in the skies. He barks. He growls. And then he snores. He wakes and begs for out-of-doors. He hunts. He howls. He loves kind words. (He won’t admit he’s scared of birds.) He runs. He jumps. He fetches sticks. He finds your face and then he licks. He gets his pets. He gets his pats. He gets his kicks from chasing cats. He sniffs. He tracks. He likes to roam. He finds your lap when you are home.

NOW YOU TRY IT!

For more poetry activities, visit the Father Goose website at FatherGoose.com. Want to submit YOUR poems for publication? Parents, here are some magazines

Write a poem about your favorite dog.

that publish poems written by children: http://www.ckmagazine.org • http://www. magicdragonmagazine.com, http://www.cricketmag.com

46 | birminghamparent | october 2016

November 11, 2016 – January 1, 2017 • More than 2 million lights and 9 acres of stunning décor

• NEW – Breakfast with the Grinch

• NEW – ICE! featuring Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer in 2 million pounds of colorful, hand-carved ice sculptures and slides

• Gingerbread Decorating Corner

• Dr. Seuss’ How the Grinch Stole Christmas! The Musical

• The Elf on the Shelf® Scavenger Hunt • Build-A-Bear Workshop® • Carriage rides, snow tubing, outdoor ice skating and more!

Tickets and Packages on Sale Now!

ChristmasAtGaylordOpryland.com

NASHVILLE, TN | (888) 677-9872

PEPSI, PEPSI-COLA and the Pepsi Globe are registered trademarks of PepsiCo, Inc. FUJIFILM and INSTAX are trademarks of FUJIFILM Corporation and its affiliates. © 2016 FUJIFILM North America Corporation. All rights reserved. TM & © 1957, 2016 Dr. Seuss Enterprises, L.P. The Elf on the Shelf® and © CCA and B, LLC. All rights reserved. Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer and all related elements © & TM under license to Character Arts, LLC. All rights reserved. © & ® Build-A-Bear Workshop, Inc. Used with permission. All rights reserved.

ICE! PRESENTED BY

PRESENTED BY

ASMS

The Alabama School of Mathematics and Science Come find out if ASMS is right for you by attending a statewide info meeting (see dates below) and visiting our campus for Preview Day on November 12 or December 3. Register for the meeting you plan to attend as well as for Preview Day at www. asms.net. ASMS is our state’s only fully public, residential high school for sophomores, juniors, and seniors seeking advanced studies in math, science, and the humanities. Applying to ASMS is FREE

ANNISTON

Wednesday, Oct. 12, 6:00 PM Gadsden State Ayers Campus Learning Resource Center Auditorium 1801 Coleman Rd

AUBURN

Thursday, Oct. 13, 5:30 PM (Central) Auburn University Ross Hall Auditorium, RM 136

BIRMINGHAM

Thursday, Oct. 20, 6:00 PM University of Alabama at Birmingham Heritage Hall, RM 104 1401 University Blvd

ENTERPRISE

Thursday, Oct. 27, 6:00 PM Dauphin Jr. High School Library 425 Dauphin Street

HUNTSVILLE

Wednesday, Oct. 19, 6:00 PM University of Alabama in Huntsville Louis Salmon Library, RM 111 301 Sparkman Drive NW

– and so are tuition, room, and board if you are admitted! Start your application today at www.asms.net. Current Alabama 9th or 10th graders can apply. Many people ask, “Do I have to be a ‘genius’ to be accepted to ASMS?” Answer: Absolutely NOT! ASMS is made up of students who are intelligent and work hard for academic success. All ASMS students go to college and most receive merit-based scholarships. Questions? Email admissions@asms.net or call 251.441.3250.

LIVINGSTON

MONTGOMERY

Thursday, Oct. 13, 6:00 PM University of West Alabama Student Union Small Conf. Room Student Union Drive

Thursday, Oct. 27, 6:00 PM Montgomery Main Library 245 High Street

MOBILE (OPTION 1)

Wednesday, Oct. 26, 6:00 PM Wallace Community College Hank Sanders Tech. Bldg., Conf. Room 3000 Earl Goodwin Pkwy

Thursday, Oct. 6, 6:00 PM ASMS Campus Media Center 1255 Dauphin Street

MOBILE (OPTION 2)

Thursday, Oct. 27, 6:00 PM ASMS Campus Media Center 1255 Dauphin Street

MONROEVILLE

Thursday, Oct. 13, 6:00 PM Alabama Southern Community College Library, RM 101 2800 South Alabama Avex

Alabama School of Mathematics and Science 1255 Dauphin St., Mobile, AL 36604 251.441.2100 - www.asms.net admissions@asms.net

SELMA

THOMASVILLE

Thursday, Oct. 20, 6:00 PM Alabama Southern Community College Library Building 3000, RM 107 30755 Hwy 43 South

TROY

Thursday, Oct. 20, 6:00 PM Troy University Trojan Center Room 212 231 Adams Center

TUSCALOOSA

Tuesday, Oct. 18, 6:00 PM University of Alabama South Engineering Research Center RM 1059