Birmingham Parent Magazine March 2015 Issue

THE PREMIER PARENTING MAGAZINE FOR CENTRAL ALABAMA

FREE

MARCH 2015

THE

ABLE ACT Helps Kids with Special Needs

Alabaster's Rilee Thurber Faces

Dwarfism Head-On

SECTION PAGE 12

Kayla Perry: Girl on a

MISSION AGAINST CANCER

The Special Needs Directory

Alabama Dance Academy’s Ballet Classique, Jazz and Lyrical Ensembles present

Alice in Wonderland Oak Mountain High School Theatre

Saturday, April 18th 2:00 and 7:30 performances

All tickets $13.00, starting March 9th For tickets, call 205-978-6830 or www.alabamadanceacademy.com

Mad Hatter’s Tea Party

1:00pm - Meet and greet cast members, hear the story of the Ballet Alice in Wonderland and enjoy refreshments and photo opportunities for $5.00 per ticket.

Mention this ad to buy one ticket and get one 50% off. Enter code PROMO50 at www.alabamadanceacademy.com or call 978-6830.

SPONSORED BY

Alabama’s Premier Dance School 3221 Old Columbiana Road, Hoover, AL 35226 205-978-6830 www.alabamadanceacademy.com find us on Facebook: Alabama Dance Academy

Suddenly, you’re in a whole different state of finding real treasure. collecting memories. making impressions.

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EDITOR'S NOTE Happy Birthday to Birmingham Parent: Celebrating 12 Years

I

3590-B Hwy. 31 S. #289 Pelham, AL 35124 205-987-7700 205-987-7600 FAX www.birminghamparent.com

editorial Publishers David & Carol Evans Editor Carol Muse Evans

t’s hard to believe our baby, Birmingham Parent, is now a pre-teen. How time flies.

But it’s dear to me, and like a child, it will always be my baby.

As we have seen so many print publications cease publishing over the last five to 10 years, or decrease how often they print, we feel blessed to be among those who are still here. We believe niche publications – print – like ours are still relevant. You continue to tell us that while you like our digital edition access, you still want to hold a magazine in your hand and turn its pages. You’re not alone!

We thank you, THE READERS, for making us continue to be relevant. Thanks to our great advertisers, who make printing our free publication each month possible.

According to Alexanders.com, a communications site, “Print cuts through today’s digital clutter to make a lasting impact. Print is tangible, engaging, effective, versatile and eco-friendly.” We already knew it, and you did, too!

But print is only as good as the journalistic quality of the medium, and we remain committed to offering stories by experts and experienced journalists who offer balanced information on a variety of subjects that parents and caregivers in central Alabama are interested in. We don’t sell our stories. We want you to continue to trust us. You may see stories by experts in their fields here. But our writers are committed to telling all sides of a story.

Thanks to ALL of you for helping to make Birmingham Parent a success over the years, and we assure you we plan to remain dedicated to excellence – and staying in the market.

Happy Birthday to us!

Carol Muse Evans, Publisher/Editor carol@birminghamparent.com

CORRECTION Due to a production error, the January 2015 Birmingham Parent’s The Guide issue included outdated birthing information for Birmingham-area hospitals.

The updated information will be in the April BABY issue of Birmingham Parent’s print edition and has been corrected in the January digital version already at www.birminghamparent.com. We regret the error.

4 | birminghamparent | march 2015

Associate Editor Lori Chandler Pruitt Office Assistant Bethany Adams Calendar Lori Chandler Pruitt Contributors Dr. Vivian Friedman, Gayla Grace, Charles Ghigna, Katherine N. Barr, Esq., Paige Townley, Anita Walter Gray, M.Ed., Jamie Bell, M.D.

sales Account Executive Kayla Fricks Webmaster Digital Doo-Wop

art & production Art Director Hilary Moreno Distribution T&P Deliveries 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 © 2013 by Evans Publishing LLC. Family Connections Media ©2011 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.

OF F I M-F C E H O U R S : 8 am -5 p m

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Welcoming children 6 months & older.

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MARCH2015 FREE

THE PREMIER PARENTING MAGAZINE FOR CENTRAL ALABAMA

MARCH 2015

THE

18 ABLE ACT

SECTION

Helps Kids with Special Needs

22

12

THE SPECIAL NEEDS DIRECTORY SPRING 2015

Kayla Perry: Girl on a

MISSION AGAINST CANCER

Alabaster's Rilee Thurber Faces

Dwarfism Head-On

ISSUE PAGE 12

18

The Special Needs Directory

24 12

departments

THE ABLE ACT

Note 04 Editor’s Happy Birthday to

26

Birmingham Parent: Celebrating 12 Years

PARENTS AS TEACHERS PROGRAM AT UCP

07 08 09 10

Parenting with Dr. Friedman School News Short Stuff Ask the Specialist: An Ounce of Prevention is Better Than a Pound of Cure

38 A Page in a Book:

The Gift of Grandparents

41

March 2015 Calendar of Events

46 Poetry Party:

Poems About Bugs!

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24

20

31 34

Cover Kids Finalists 2015 Give Your Child the Gift of Summer Camp

destination guide

RILEE THURBER FACES DWARFISM HEAD-ON

FIGHTING FOR A CURE: KAYLA PERRY’S MISSION AGAINST CANCER

HOW TO MAXIMIZE THE POTENTIAL OF YOUR CHILD WITH ADHD

ON THE COVER: Louisa, age 5, is a student at Helena Elementary. She enjoys being a regular student, despite her disability. PHOTO BY MEREDITH BRIDGEWATER PHOTOGRAPHY.

6 | birminghamparent | march 2015

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Traveling with Fido Destination Guide: Deals for Spring & Summer Travel

parenting

Parenting with Dr. Friedman

I

was standing in line to pay at a selfservice shoe store when I observed the following scene. A girl, who appeared to be about 10 or 11 years old, came up to the cash register opposite mine. She slid her box of shoes onto the counter and knocked another box off the counter. About a hundred one-inch plastic tags that had been in that box scattered on the floor. The child did not apologize or make any effort to pick up the pieces. She stood there and grinned.

Her father, who had witnessed the whole incident, with a big smile said to the cashier, “Well, I guess my daughter taught you a lesson about leaving your box on the counter.”

Father and daughter walked away to another part of the store to continue shopping.

This was such a perfect example of bad parenting that I could not resist writing about it. This father taught his child negative behavior and also failed to use an opportunity to teach her pro-social action. Even a five-year-old child knows to apologize when he or she has caused someone else distress.

This father not only tolerated his child’s lack of manners, but he failed to use the “teachable moment” to correct her.

He then went on to actively instruct her on how to blame others when she was at fault. Psychologists call this projecting blame. The child who cannot own her own

mistakes will spend her life feeling that she is a victim each time she is not chosen or promoted. She will not look inside herself to see what she might do differently to cause a better outcome the next time. She will be powerless. In contrast, the child who knows when she owns the blame is empowered because she has only to behave differently the next time to get the outcome she desires.

The choice, and therefore the power, is hers.

The problem would have been resolved and the child would have felt some closure.

Instead this father left his child to bear the stares of a line of incredulous people, several of whom commented out loud on the father’s poor parenting. The father, who meant to protect his daughter, created ridicule for her.

Children who don’t behave in accordance with the basic social rules are rejected

The child who cannot own her own mistakes will spend her life feeling that she is a victim each time she is not chosen or promoted.

This child’s smile might not have been one of defiance but rather one of embarrassment. The father’s blaming the clerk did not address or relieve his daughter’s shame.

She would likely have felt more relieved had she been given the opportunity to right the wrong. Had her dad said, “Please apologize to the cashier and help her pick up the pieces,” he would have guided his child into an action that would have resolved her guilty feelings. The cashier is likely to have replied something to the effect of, “That’s OK. You didn’t mean to do it. It was just an accident.”

by those around them. If this child had done this to a peer in front of other classmates, they would have told her that she was rude.

They would most likely have sided with the wronged child against the one who behaved without remorse. She would have lost social status in her class, if not permanently, at least for the moment.

When you teach children how to behave in a way that is fair and thoughtful of others, you give them skills for life. Only part of life success is determined by what you know. The rest is about how you get along with others.

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.

F ASA 2015 Adventures in Summer Learning

June 1-19 Pre-Algebra Algebra I June 1-5 Theatre Arts Kodu: Game Programming Android App Programming Environmental Engineering Civil Engineering Hydrobotics Engineering Design

June 8-12 Creative Writing Music Hydrobotics Engineering Design Kodu: Game Programming Civil Engineering Environmental Engineering June 15-19 Theater Auditioning Tips & Techniques Visual Arts Rise of the Green Machine: Engineering

ALABAMA SCHOOL OF FINE ARTS 1800 Reverend Abraham Woods, Jr. Boulevard

June 15-19 cont.

Environmental Engineering Kodu: Game Programming Environmental Engineering July 6-17 Young Dancer Intensive See www.asfa.k12.al.us for camp descriptions, grade requirements, times, fees and online registration.

Birmingham, AL 35203 205.252.9241 www.asfa.k12.al.us birminghamparent.com | 7

school news

Gardendale Teen Selected Top Volunteer in Alabama

Photo of Corinne courtesy of Kathleen Phillips

Photo courtesy of Judson College

Corinne Phillips, 17, of Gardendale was named one of Alabama’s top two youth volunteers of 2015 by the Prudential Spirit of Community Awards recently.

This national program honors young people for outstanding acts of volunteerism and includes a $1,000 scholarship.

Also winning was Samuel Sherling, 12 of Greenville, Alabama.

Phillips, a junior at Hope Christian School, was nominated

by Hope. She has led a small army of volunteers in knitting more than 3,000 hats for premature babies and cancer patients through “Hats for Health,” an organization she founded 5 years ago.

She also began teaching friends to knit hats, then conducted free classes for nearly 300 people all over Alabama, who then went home to teach their skills to others.

Distinguished Finalists include Cameron Gallups 14, of Birmingham, a student at Hewitt-Trussville Middle School; Kerri Tang, 16, of Hoover, a junior at Hoover High School; and Morgan Whetstone, 27, of Hoover, a senior at Spain Park High School.

The Prudential Spirit of Community Awards represents the U.S.’s largest youth recogniation program based solely on volunteerism.

Judson College one of the Safest Colleges in the U.S. Judson College, a private Christian college for women in Marion, Alabama has one of the safest campuses in the U.S., according to a recent article in USA Today.

Using data from the Office of Postsecondary Education and the FBI, College Factual ranked Judson as the third safest college in America. These findings, which were based on crime reports on campus, in the surrounding town or city, as well as in the surrounding region are reported in USA Today’s “10 of the Safest College Campuses in the U.S.” Judson is the only college in the Southeast to make the article’s top 10 list.

SCHOOL

NEWS 8 | birminghamparent | march 2015

SEND US YOUR SCHOOL NEWS editor@birminghamparent.com We welcome photos, too, but be sure you have the rights to the photo before sending and include any caption or photo credit we should include. There is no guarantee about what news items we will use – we are limited by our space restrictions, but will try to include all we can! Deadline each month is the 10th prior to the month of the magazine.

short stuff

Alabama Native Writes Preteen Series The Blackwater Novels series is a new line of adventure books from Premium Press America, Nashville, Tennessee, written by Alabama native Allen Johnson Jr. and illustrated by Kelly McMorris.

The illustrated Blackwater Novels are set in the 1930s along the fictional Blackwater River and Blackwater Swamp, near the town of Turpentine, Georgia, and in the countryside near a very real Birmingham, Alabama.

My Brother’s Story tells a story of identical twins Johnny and Will who are orphaned and separated as toddlers. Johnny is adopted by an abusive aunt in Tennessee. Will is adopted by a loving, affluent couple who live in the country near Birmingham.

When he grows into boyhood, Johnny runs away and is sheltered by Linc, a reclusive black man who lives deep in the Blackwater Swamp. My Brother’s Story tells of the twins’ adventures as they struggle to reunite.

The Dead House features Rad Fox, a boy who lives with his widowed mother on the Blackwater River, and Dr. Jordan Mason, a family friend who is visiting, who discover an evil presence at the old Granger House. The twins, Will and Johnny, come to visit Linc and Johnny becomes deathly ill. In this multi-layered mystery, Linc, once again, shows the value of his skills in Blackwater Swamp.

In A Nest of Snakes, the twins, while sleeping in their treehouse, overhear a plot. Later, they return to the Blackwater River to connect with Rad Fox and help Linc and Sheriff Clyde who are in danger from the Ku Klux Klan. Once again, good people join together to confront racial hatred.

Read more at blackwaternovels.com. The Blackwater Novels are available through Amazon, Ingram Books, book chains and independent stores nationwide.

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DENTISTRY FOR

Sheriff’s Corner

By JEFFCO Sheriff Mike Hale Carbon monoxide, also known as CO, is called the “invisible killer” because it’s a colorless, odorless, poisonous gas. It kills more than 150 people every year.

Defective, incorrectly used or improperly vented appliances such as space heaters, furnaces, stoves, water heaters and fireplaces can cause CO poisoning. It is very important that annual inspections are performed to ensure proper operation and venting. Did you know that most “ventless” gas logs still require some degree of venting, such as a cracked window?

Know the initial symptoms. Symptoms are similar to the flu without a temperature. They include: Headache, fatigue, shortness of breath, nausea and dizziness. The higher the level of CO, the more severe the symptoms.

High levels of CO can also cause mental confusion, vomiting, loss of consciousness and even death.

Stay warm, but exercise caution.

I recommend that each homeowner install a CO detector to protect your family. Call a heating professional for an inspection. It can save your life.

carbon monoxid e

CHILDREN & SPECIAL NEEDS PERSONS

Dr. Tabitha Jarman Gatrey, DMD

5751 Pocahontas Rd. Suite B Bessemer, AL 35022 p 205-230-9000 f 205-230-0188

www.psmilesal.com birminghamparent.com | 9

sponsored by

ask the specialist

An Ounce of Prevention is Better Than a Pound of Cure

By Jamie Bell, MD

T Jamie Bell, MD, is a primary care physician with Brookwood Care Network in Hoover.

10 | birminghamparent | march 2015

ake a close look at your hands, a really close look.

What do you see? Are they clean? Believe it or not, your hands could be home to thousands of bacteria and viruses that can cause infections such as colds, strep throat, pneumonia, chicken pox and the flu.

Germs can be spread from person to person in various ways including touching, sneezing and coughing.

The great news is that there are things you can do to prevent the spread of germs.

Hand-washing is one of the best ways to avoid getting sick. To wash your hands thoroughly, use soap and warm water and give special attention to cleaning under your fingernails. Be sure to wash for about 20 seconds (about the time it takes to sing a round of “Happy Birthday�), and dry with a clean towel. If you are in a public restroom, use the hot-air hand dryer.

You should wash your hands several times each day, especially after using the bathroom, taking out the trash, changing a diaper, playing with a pet, visiting someone who is ill, coughing or sneezing into your hands or blowing your nose. Handwashing is also recommended before preparing or eating food, treating a wound or cut, or inserting contact lenses.

In addition, by limiting your exposure to others, you can prevent the spread of infections. Try to avoid close contact with others if you are

ill. Because coughing and sneezing can allow germs to travel three feet or more, be polite and cover your mouth and nose.

If you find yourself with a minor scrape or cut, begin by stopping the bleeding and then cleaning the wound. Apply an antibiotic ointment and cover with a dry, sterile bandage. Change the dressing if

Take a close look at your hands, a really close look.

What do you see?

Are they clean?

it gets dirty or wet. If the cut is deep, see your doctor or go to the emergency department within a few hours, because stitches may be necessary. Also contact your doctor if you notice any redness, drainage, warmth, swelling, or have pain that is difficult to control.

Most infections are caused by either a bacteria or a virus. Unlike viruses, bacteria can be treated with antibiotics, while viral infections can be prevented with available vaccines. But by practicing the simple recommendations described above, you can protect your health and fight the spread of infection.

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DIRECTORY SPRING 2015 INFORMATION Alabama Association for Parents of Children with Visual Impairments www.aapvi.org 205-422-5826 Provides educational, social and recreational opportunities for families with children who are blind or have low vision, including children with multiple disabilities.

Alabama Council for Developmental Disabilities www.acdd.org 334-242-3973 or 800-232-2158 Provides educational resources for individuals with special needs and their families.

Alabama Disabilities Advocacy Program (ADAP) www.adap.net 800-826-1675 205-348-4928 Provides free legal services for disabled individuals who qualify.

Autism Society of Alabama www.autism-alabama.org bama@autism-alabama.org 877-428-8476 or 205-383-1674 The Autism Society of Alabama strives to empower individuals impacted by autism and their families through advocacy and support.

Birmingham Collat Jewish Family Services www.cjfsbham.org 205-879-3438 Confidential counseling and social service support for individuals and families experiencing challenges in coping with some aspect or situation in their life.

Regional Poison Control Center www.childresnal.org/rpcc 800-222-1222 A fully accredited poison center by the American Association of Poison Control Centers, providing 24/7, toll-free access to life-saving information.

Disability Rights and Resources (Jefferson, Shelby, St. Clair, Walker and Blount counties) www.drradvocates.org 205-251-2223 Empower individuals with disabilities to fully participate in the community.

Parent Connection Network of Alabama www.rehab.alabama.gov/crs 800-441-7607 or 334-293-7500 A statewide network of families who have children with special health care needs or disabilities and who are willing to share their experiences with other families.

Special Knowledge www.specialknowledge.org Connects parents and caregivers of individuals with special needs to service providers who are skilled, compassionate and dedicated.

Talk About Curing Autism (TACA) www.tacanow.org/alabama National organization dedicated to education, empowering and supporting families affected by autism. Local chapter in Alabama.

United Way of Central Alabama - Information and Referral Center www.uwca.org 205-251-5131 A community resource directory of services in Shelby, Jefferson, Walker, Blount and St. Clair counties.

CHILDCARE/DAYCARE Childcare Resources, Birmingham www.ccr-bhm.org 205-945-0018 or 800-822-2734 Assists parents with children with special needs in locating childcare and information.

Purifoy Group Home rnettles_purifoyadhc@ymail.com 205-563-0988 Overnight and day camps available this summer that helps teens & adults with daily living skills.

Recreation, field trips arts & crafts and much more.

United Cerebral Palsy of Greater Birmingham - Hand in Hand Early Learning Program www.ucpbham.com/our-programs/hand-in-hand 205-944-3901 A learning program for children 6 weeks through age 4 for children with and without disabilities to maximize each child’s intellectual, physical and emotional health.

12 | birminghamparent | march 2015

Shades Mountain Baptist Church Hand in Hand Ministry www.shades.org/connect/ministries/special-needs A ministry providing assistance to special needs children, adults and the elderly.

EDUCATION Alabama Institute for the Deaf and Blind www.aidb.org 205-328-3989 Alabama Parent Education Center 334-567-2252 lbarnes@alabamaparentcenter.com www.alabamaparentcenter.com Provides services and support to families of low income, minority and those with disabilities, as well as providing parents with training, information and support.

The Literacy Council www.literacy-council.org 205-326-1925 Community Outreach Special Education PTA www.cosepta.org The Community Outreach Special Education Parent Teacher Association is a member of the Birmingham Council of PTAs. Down Syndrome Alabama downsyndromealabama@gmail.com www.downsyndromealabama.org 205-988-0810 Promotes awareness, acceptable and advocacy for individuals with Down syndrome of all ages, their families, educators, health professionals, service providers and community.

Southeastern Diabetes Education Services 205-402-0415 www.southeasterndiabetes.org VSA Arts of Alabama www.vsaalabama.org 205-307-6300 A statewide, nonprofit organization dedicated to providing opportunities in the arts for people with chronic illnesses and disabilities.

FINANCIAL/INSURANCE/ LEGAL Alabama Child Caring Foundation http://jeffersoncountychildren.org/ resourceDirectory/?companyID=4 205-222-5929 Alabama Family Trust mbradford@alabamafamilytrust.com 205-313-3915 www.alabamafamilytrust.com A nonprofit special needs trust that holds and administers money for the disabled so they are able to become eligible and maintain government benefits for which they would otherwise be financially ineligible.

AllKids www.adph.org/allkids 800-252-1818 Provides insurance for eligible children younger than 19.

Ameriprise Financial 205-242-2426 Jonathan.lowery@ampf.com www.ampf.com Bradford & Holliman, LLC melanie@melaniebradford.com john@hollimanlaw.com www.hollimanlaw.com 205-5663-0281 Estate planning, special needs trust and long-term care planning for young families, blended families, the disabled, empty nesters & the elderly.

Family Voices of Alabama 251-635-9178 lisa@familyvoicesal.org www.familyvoicesal.org The state affiliate of Family Voices, a national grassroots network of families, friends and professional partners who care about children and youth with Easter Seals - Medical Assisspecial health care needs. tance Grant

www.eastersealsbham.org The Horizons School 205-942-6277 www.horizonsschool.org Assists in paying for medical 800-822-6242 requirements of children and

adults who have disabilities and PAL – Alabama’s Parenting those unable to provide for their Assistance Line own needs. www.pal.us.edu 866-962-3030 Medicaid of Alabama Provides helpful assistance to www.medicaid.alabama.gov moms, dads, grandparents, and 800-362-1504 relatives whose children are ages

birth through adolescence.

Special Needs Alliance Katherine Barr, Sirote and Permutt Parent Advocates Down Synkbarr@sirote.com drome 205-930-45147 www.downsyndromealabama.org A nationwide educational organi205-988-0810 zation for attorneys with advanced knowledge & experience in laws Spring Valley School affecting persons with disabilities. www.springvalleyschool.org Barr is Alabama’s first attorney 205-423-8660 selected for membership.

HEALTH AND REHABILITATION 4 Paws for Ability www.4pawsforability.org 937-374-0385 Service dogs (including seizure dogs, autism dogs, hearing dogs, and others) are made available to help increase community acceptance and participation of people with disabilities.

The Adolescent Health Center at Children’s of Alabama www.childresnal.org 205-638-9231 Provides specialized medical care for teenagers. Services include primary care, nutrition, long-activing reversible contraception and eating disorder clinis.

AIDS Alabama www.mh.alabama.gov 205-324-9822 Alabama Head Injury Foundation www.ahif.org 205-328-3505 Alabama Relay Center www.alabamarelay.com 800-676-3777 Communication systems for the visually impaired and hearing impaired

ARC www.thearcofalabama.com 866-243-9557 The Arc of Alabama, Inc. is a statewide volunteer membership organization which advocates for people with cognitive, intellectual and developmental disabilities and their families.

The Arc of Jefferson County www.arcofjeff.com 205-323-6383 The Arc of Shelby County www.thearcofshelby.org 205-664-9313 The Bell Center for Early Intervention Programs www.thebellcenter.org 205-879-3417 The Bell Center is dedicated to maximizing the potential of children at risk for developmental delay.

Provides speech and audiology services to patients having or suspected of having any of the communication or hearing disorders possible in the pediatric population.

Child-Adolescent Partners, LLC 205-451-6496 www.childadolescentpartners.com Provides evidence-based professional counseling services to children, adolescents and adults throughout central Alabama.

Child’s Play Therapy Center LLC Pediatric Occupational Therapy Services www.childsplaytherapycenter.com 205-978-9939 Occupational, physical, speech and music therapy, along with academic tutoring. Experienced loving staff and facility just for kids.

Birmingham Limb & Brace www.bhamlimbandbrace.com 800-762-9850 205-595-0632 A healthcare facility providing services of orthotic and prosthetic devices.

Children’s of Alabama www.childrensal.org 205-638-9100 Children’s has provided specialized medical care for children since 1911. It’s the state’s only freestanding pediatric medical center and the third largest in the nation.

The Charity League Hearing & Speech Center www.childresnal.org/hearingandspeech 205-638-9149

Children’s of Alabama Physical Therapy & Occupational Therapy Department Hospital: 205-638-9645

Clinic: 205-638-6289 Provides hospital and outpatient therapy services for children to support development, movement, play and daily activities.

Children’s Rehabilitation Service 205-290-4550 www.rehab.alabama.gov Children’s Rehabilitation Service is a statewide organization of professionals providing quality medical, rehabilitative, coordination and support services for children with special health care needs and their families.

CHIPS Center (Children’s Hospital Intervention and Prevention Services) www.childresnal.org/CHIPS 205-638-2751 Provides free services to children and families affected by child abuse. Services include non-emergent medical examinations, counseling and prevention education.

Disability Determination Services http://ssa.gov 205-989-2100 Easter Seals Pediatric Therapy www.eastersealsbham.org 205-621-6503

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Provides physical, occupational, and speech therapy to children with special needs ages birth to 21 regardless of ability to pay for services.

Friends of Disabled Adults and Children, Too! www.fodac.org 770-491-9014 or 866-977-1204 FODAC, in Georgia but also serving Alabama, offers free durable medical equipment (including wheelchairs), installation, ramps in homes, disposable medical equipment.

Full Life Ahead www.fulllifeahead.org 205-439-6534, 866-700-2026 Empowers the person with a disability to live as independently as possible.

Glenwood, Inc. www.glenwood.org 205-969-2880 or 877-295-8425 Glenwood was created for the purpose of educating and treating individuals diagnosed with autism, emotional disturbances and mental illnesses.

Hands, LLC 205-733-0976 Services include one-on-one behavior based therapy for children 2 to 18, social skills groups, workshops and support groups.

Hanger Prosthetics and Orthotics www.hanger.com 877-442-6437 Patient care services to maximize the ability of each patient to successfully perform activities of daily living.

Jefferson County WIC www.jcdh.org/cs/wic 205-933-9110 Lakeshore Foundation www.lakeshore.org 205-313-7400 promoting independence for adults and children with physical disabPALling conditions and opportunities to pursue active healthy lifestyles.

Michelle Puckett Occupational Therapy MichelleOT@att.net www.michellepuckettot.com 205-447-9969 Offering occupational therapy in the comfort & privacy of your home. Assistance with feeding, developmental concerns, fine motor coordination, sensory processing and more.

Mitchell’s Place www.mitchells-place.com 205-957-0294 Comprehensive treatment center for children and young adults with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD).

Pediatric Therapy Associates, Inc. www.pediatricptot.com 205-823-1215 Programs focus on specialized individual physical and occupational therapy services.

Puzzle Piece www.puzzlepiecealabama.com 205-969-8080 Providing evidence-based DIR/ floor time play therapy for families touched by autism. In home, familyfocused, low cost, relation-based intervention.

Sarver Orthodontics www.sarverortho.com 205-979-7072 Thrive Behavioral Services www.thrivebehavioralservices.com 205-222-0965 Behavioral services for children diagnosed with autism and/or other developmental disabilities.

The UAB Division of Pediatric Rehabilitation Medicine at Children’s of Alabama 205-638-9790 Treats children with conditions affecting development and function, trains tomorrow’s healthcare professionals and performs research to improve the lives of children with disabilities.

University of Alabama at Birmingham - Civitan International Research Center, Sparks Clinics www.circ.uab.edu 205-934-8900 or 800-822-2472 Provides an extensive range of interdisciplinary clinics offering comprehensive diagnosis, evaluation, and treatment of the needs of children and adults.

University of Montevallo - Speech and Hearing Center 205-665-6720 Assists children with communicative problems in obtaining diagnostic and therapeutic services; training of students majoring in speech language pathology.

Vocational Rehabilitation Services www.rehab.alabama.gov 334-293-7500 or 800-441-7607

RECREATION

Adaptive Aquatics www.adaptiveaquatics.org 205-807-7519 Provides opportunities for people to learn to water ski, no matter what their limitations.

CAMP ASCCA - Easter Seals - Alabama’s Special Camp for Children and Adults www.campascca.org 256-825-9226 Easter Seals Camp for children and adults with special needs.

Camp WheezeAway brendabasnight@yahoo.com www.campchandler.org, click on Camp WheezeAway 334-799-3449 A free camp for children ages 8-12

14 | birminghamparent | march 2015

with moderate to severe asthma.

A week of learning, a lifetime of memories.

Children’s Dance Foundation www.childrensdancefoundation.org 205-870-0073 Movement to Music for school-age children with special needs is creative, includes a variety of colorful props and features live music.

The Exceptional Foundation 205-870-0776 www.exceptionalfoundation.org A non-profit organization located in Homewood that strives to meet the social and recreational activities of the mentally challenged population through an array of daily programs.

Also offered is an eight-week summer camp.

Lakeshore Foundation www.lakeshore.org 205-313-7400 Promotes independence for adults and children with physically disabling conditions and opportunities to pursue active healthy lifestyles.

Moody Miracle League www.moodymiracleleague.org 205-225-9444 A full handicapped accessible baseball field for any special need player. More than 250 players range from 4-75.

Oak Mountain Youth Baseball/ Softball Challenger League www.omybs.com 205-223-6461 Provides boys and girls with disabilities the opportunity to experience the emotional development and the fun of playing Youth League Baseball.

Purifoy Group Home rnettles_purifoyadhc@ymail.com 205-563-0988 Overnight and day camps available this summer that helps teens & adults with daily living skills. Recreation, field trips arts & crafts and much more.

RoofTop Friends Eunice@rooftopfriends.org www.rooftopfriends.org 205-542-0070 RoofTop Friends exists to love, serve, fellowship, share faith with those affected by disabilities by providing AL Family Retreat, fun activities and other respite care.

Special Equestrians www.specialequest.org 205-987-9462 Therapeutic horseback riding for those with disabilities.

RESPITE & SUPPORT Alabama Lifespan Respite Resource Network www.alabamarespite.org

256-859-4900 866-737-8252 Helps caregivers of children with disabilities find respite providers.

Saint Mark United Methodist Church Respite www.saintmarkumc.org/#/our-ministries/respite-care 205-822-1312 Socks 4 Surgery www.socks4surgery.com Dedicated to providing a keepsake of a pair of socks; a reminder of overcoming the adversity of surgery.

SUPPLIES/SPECIALTY ITEMS/ TOYS Alabama Wheelchair Specialists www.alabamawheelchair.com 205-322-3250 or 800-383-2862 BioTech Limb & Brace jhamrick@biotechlimbandbrace.com www.biotechlimbandbrace.com 205-324-7897 Biotech Limb and Brace has 6 fully certified orthotic and prosthetic practitioners serving Birmingham and Central Alabama for the last 15 years.

Hanger Prosthetic & Orthotics www.hanger.com 205-322-0384 or 877-442-6137 Mobility Central www.mobilitycentralinc.com 205-916-0670 Mobility Central employs a team of highly trained and caring medical equipment professionals dedicated to the wellbeing of our patients.

Mobility Works www.mobilityworks.com 877-275-4907 TRANSPORTATION Clastran www.clastran.com 205-325-8787 Transports persons who are elderly (60-plus), disabled or traveling to or from a rural area in Jefferson or Shelby counties.

Kid One www.kidone.org 800-543-7143, 205-978-1000 Kid One Transport provides transportation for any child in need of reaching care that will better them medically, mentally or physically when they are without means of transportation.

RESIDENTIAL SERVICES The Baddour Center 888-422-3368 www.baddour.org Provides a model residential community in Mississippi for adults with mild and moderate intellectual disability.

• Reading Intervention for bright students with DYSLEXIA – Miriam Atkinson, M. Ed., CALT • Small Class Sizes with a 8:1 Student Ratio • Lower School Through 12th Grade Karen Kisor, Executive Director

205-423-8660

https://runsignup.com/Race/AL/Birmingham/leprechaunleap

Learn more about us - visit our website

Pediatric

ENT

Associates

Our five physicians have more than 60 years of combined Pediatric ENT experience with additional fellowship training in Pediatric ENT surgery.

We provide assessment, treatment and management for children with conditions such as: o Ear infections (ear tubes) o Tonsil and adenoid problems o Sinus infections o Complex sinus problems o Hearing loss o Facial and neck masses o Airway obstruction and breathing disorders o Cosmetic issues such as prominent ears (otoplasty) and birthmarks of the face and neck

From left: Brian Kulbersh, MD; Audie L. Woolley, MD, FACS; Brian J. Wiatrak, MD, FACS, FAAP; J. Scott Hill, MD, FACS, FAAP; and Nicholas Smith, MD

Appointments 205.638.4949 FAX 205.638.4983

Two Convenient Locations CHiLDreN’S ruSSeLL CAMPuS CLiNiC 4, MCWANe BuiLDiNg 1600 7tH AveNue SoutH BirMiNgHAM, AL 35233

CHiLDreN’S SoutH CLiNiC F, 2ND FLoor 1940 eLMer J. BiSSeLL roAD BirMiNgHAM, AL 35243

Healthcare as amazing as their potential birminghamparent.com | 15

Ensuring the long-term financial security of a loved one with special needs can be difficult. We understand this is a complex process - not only as attorneys dedicated to the practice of disability law, but as parents, siblings, caregivers, and personal advocates of those with special needs.

The member attorneys in the Special Needs Alliance average more than 20 years of experience in this field.

So let us help to secure a brighter future for your loved ones, while you celebrate their accomplishments along the way.

Thank you to all our patients who have nominated us for Kids Favorite Docs and voted us as a Multiple Winner for Family Favorite Dentist!

BIRMINGHAM PARENT’S

favorite

kids’ docs

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

How Bright is His Future?

In Alabama contact:

Katherine N. Barr Attorney at Law Sirote & Permut, PC 205.930.5147 kbarr@sirote.com

WE’RE THERE. ALWAYS.

www.sirote.com The Alabama State Bar requires the following disclosure: “No representation is made that the quality of legal services to be performed is greater than the quality of legal services performed by other lawyers.”

MedCenter HOOVER

Urgent Care • Family Medicine 1575 Montgomery Hwy Hoover, AL 35216 Next to Golden Rule BBQ NO APPOINTMENT NECESSARY

Open Everyday until 7pm

www.medcenterurgentcare.com . (205) 822-1150 16 | birminghamparent | march 2015

erin nelson, d.d.s family dentistry 3825 Lorna Road, Suite 206, Hoover, Alabama 35244 205-988-9800 . www.BirminghamKidsdentist.com

ArtPlay is proud to partner with Music Therapy of Alabama to provide art classes to students of all abilities.

ArtPlay

UAB’s Alys Stephens Performing Arts Center Education & Outreach

ArtPlayASC.org » 205.975.4769

BIRMINGHAM PARENT'S

SPECIAL KIDS CLUB 2015 advertorial

CHILD'SPLAY THERAPY CENTER Child’sPlay Therapy Center provides occupational, physical, and speech therapy services, along with academic tutoring, music therapy, and psychological testing and counseling. Our experienced staff uses play and “kid approved” activities to help children reach their goals. We can help your child succeed in the areas of speech/language development, gross motor skills, fine motor skills, sensory processing, attention/concentration, feeding concerns, and academic delays. New

this spring is our Focal Point treatment program for ADD/ADHD. This summer, we are offering a variety of summer camps including handwriting clubs, early language skills, kindergarten preparedness, social skills, and sensory motor groups.

Our brightly colored, beautiful facility consists of 8000 square feet of state of the art space designed just for kids! It includes 2 sensory motor gyms, kid-friendly and adult waiting areas, feeding therapy room, multi-purpose toddler/pre-

school room, numerous private therapy rooms, and a space just for teens and pre-teens. Parents are welcome to participate in therapy.

However, they are also able to view and listen to their child’s session from the waiting areas on special tablets via webcam technology. Our special programming includes Orton Gillingham reading therapy, the “SOS” approach to feeding therapy, Handwriting Without Tears, Interactive Metronome, and Integrated Listening.

www.childsplaytherapycenter.com 205-978-9939

THE AUTISM SOCIETY OF ALABAMA The Autism Society of Alabama (ASA) is a statewide advocacy group with the mission of improving services for persons with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) and their families through education and advocacy. ASA provides: • ASA Network Support Groups in 33 Alabama cities. ASA Network Groups offer families guidance in the care of their loved one with ASD. • An Information and Referral

Line to answer family questions about ASD. • Conferences throughout the state to educate parents, therapists, teachers and individuals about ASD issues.

• A communication hub for Alabama families living with ASD through enews, website, social media and meetings.

• Consulting with legislators, the Governor’s Office and Departments of Education, Rehabilitation Services,

Medicaid and Public Health.

• Innovative programs including the 2014 Safety Net Campaign to combat injury and death as a result of ASD wandering and bolting.

Please join us in April, Autism Awareness Month, as we Light It Up Blue April 2 and Walk for Autism, April 5, 2014. The Walk for Autism is a great event and an opportunity to meet families thriving with Autism Spectrum Disorder.

www. autism-alabama.org 1-877-4AUTISM follow us

THRIVE BEHAVIORAL SERVICES, LLC At Thrive Behavioral Services we believe all children are capable of learning! Many are in need of a different form of teaching. We believe we have that to offer.

Using the principles of Applied Behavior Analysis and Verbal Behavior, we will design a program that targets your specific child’s individual needs. Most programs include targeting behaviors we want to increase such as communication, school readiness, toileting, dressing oneself, and

social skill development while at the same time targeting behaviors that we want to decrease such as biting, screaming, throwing objects, hitting, and task refusal.

At Thrive we believe in families, after all the family is the child’s primary teacher. Staying true to our vision we focus on working with the child in their most natural environment, the home. WE COME TO YOU! In addition to home-based services we offer community based services. If

your child has difficulty when visiting grocery stores, restaurants, movie theatres, parks, daycare/ school, we are here to accompany you and your child to that specific community setting to work on goals there. Services Include; IEP support, ABA/VB Therapy, NET, Discrete Trial, Assessment, Parent/Caregiver Training, Potty Training, Social Skills, Functional Assessment, Functional Analysis, School/Daycare Shadowing and Support/Training.

Behavioral Services

Chelsia Massey M.S. BCBA 205-222-0965 ThriveBehavioralServices.com

MOBILITY CENTRAL Mobility Central is a local, family-owned medical equipment provider offering state-of-theart equipment and therapies to improve the quality of life for both children and adults with special needs. We are dedicated to helping each patient regain and secure freedom and independence for daily living; as well as fostering development in our younger patients. Mobility Central employs a team of caring professionals who are thoroughly trained and highly

skilled in the services they provide. The staff works with medical personnel, the patient, the family and the caregiver to evaluate the home environment, assess equipment needs, and customize solutions that support the patient’s functional needs and therapeutic goals while addressing activities of daily living. At Mobility Central, we strive to build relationships with our customers by adhering to a “customer-centered, needs based” philosophy that ensures a

perfect equipment fit every time and exceptional customer service for the life of the equipment.

Mobility Central was founded in Birmingham, Alabama in 2004 to serve the people of Alabama with medical equipment needs while demonstrating the utmost care and professionalism. When the simple act of living becomes really complex, trust Mobility Central to help you every step of the way!

400 Old Towne Road Vestavia, Alabama 35216 205-942-2534 www.mobilitycentalinc.com birminghamparent.com | 17

Photo by Meredith Bridgewater Photography

The ABLE Act:

An Important New Tool for Special Needs Planning

By Katherine N. Barr, Esq. Special Needs Alliance, Sirote & Permutt, P.C.

After eight years of advocacy efforts, Congress passed the Achieving Better Life Experience Act, better known as the ABLE Act, and the president signed it Dec. 19, 2014. The ABLE Act gives individuals with special needs a new tool to maintain a private fund for disabilityrelated expenses, while preserving eligibility for certain government benefits that have resource eligibility restrictions.

18 | birminghamparent | march 2015

The ABLE Act, modeled after the popular Internal Revenue Code’s (IRC) Section 529 accounts for education, is found at IRC Section 529A. It allows a single income tax-free savings account to be established for an individual whose disability began before age 26.

More important than the tax-free benefit of an ABLE account is the opportunity it offers for a person with disabilities to retain Supplemental Security Income (SSI) and Medicaid eligibility while controlling excess funds above the $2,000 resource limit that applies to these important programs.

Social Security Disability Income and Medicare do not have a $2,000 resource limit.

Followers of this legislation will notice significant modifications were made to the original act each time it was submitted to Congress. The most dramatic changes occurred at a committee hearing in July 2014. The final version of the act has been described as a shell of its former self, providing significantly less benefits than originally hoped.

Nevertheless, the legislation, which was part of Congress’s end-of-session tax package, is significant for planning for eligibility and preservation of SSI and Medicaid.

How ABLE Works

Understanding what ABLE can do for a person with a disability is essential. First of all, the passage of the act alone does not allow a person to do anything right now. Each state must take action to implement legislation pending for ABLE accounts. A few states have introduced legislation already, but most (including Alabama) have not. Legislation in Alabama will likely be introduced later this year.

Once a state has established ABLE Act accounts, the following rules will apply: In order to be eligible for an ABLE account, the individual’s disability must have occurred prior to age 26. Proof of the disability, such as a determination by Social Security that the individual

is disabled or similar certification by a physician, is required to open the account.

Total annual contributions to an ABLE account are limited to the amount of the federal gift tax exclusion, presently $14,000 for 2015. The individual with a disability or another person can open the account with a cash deposit. The account will use the individual’s Social Security number for income tax reporting purposes, although the interest in the account may grow income-tax free.

While individuals may make contributions to the account up to the annual gift tax exclusion amount, contributions are not tax deductible.

An ABLE account with $100,000 or less will not affect an individual’s eligibility for SSI. If the account exceeds $100,000 then Social Security must count the excess for SSI eligibility purposes, which will likely cause SSI to be lost. A person with a disability who receives monthly SSI (which is paid on the 1st day of the month and has a maximum monthly cash benefit of $733 in 2015) automatically receives Medicaid. Losing SSI will cause loss of Medicaid if the beneficiary of the ABLE account does not live in a nursing home.

For individuals who no longer receive SSI, but have Medicaid benefits because of living in a nursing home or having a Medicaid waiver, or who retained Medicaid on the Disabled Adult Child program upon a parent’s retirement or death, the ABLE account may hold the same amount at which a state caps funds in a 529 account. This is $350,000 in Alabama.

Expenditures from an ABLE account must be used for permitted government approved disability-related items and services.

The account will remain income tax-free as long as this rule is followed. Please be aware, however, that when an individual on SSI uses the account to pay for food and shelter (rent, utilities, property tax, etc.) these payments will reduce the SSI payment in the same manner as if another person was paying those expenses.

An individual is limited to one ABLE account. Family members cannot open separate accounts for the person with a disability, and must coordinate to make sure the annual contribution limit of $14,000 is observed. For families looking for a method to accumulate funds of more than $100,000 or who anticipate receipts of funds more than $14,000 a year, a special needs trust should be used.

A surprising feature of the ABLE Act to many parents is that upon the death of the beneficiary of the account, any funds remain-

ing must first go to Medicaid to reimburse Medicaid for services and goods it provided during the beneficiary’s lifetime. This is commonly referred to as a “Medicaid Pay Back” provision. Only after Medicaid is “paid back” will any remaining funds pass to other family members. This requirement applies regardless of who contributed the funds to the account. Where an individual contributes his or her own funds to a special needs trust, the Medicaid pay back must be included.

However, if a person other the beneficiary or a spouse contributes the funds to a special needs trust, such as a parent might do, there is no Medicaid pay back, and remaining funds pass as the Grantor of the trust designates, presumably other family members.

or savings accounts or bought savings bonds in the individual’s name that have caused the $2,000 resource limit to be exceeded, opening an ABLE account for these excess resources can be a simple way to correct the problem. In addition, if an individual with a disability starts working and wants to save some of his or her earnings, an ABLE Act account is the perfect solution.

Planning for the financial and lifetime care of an individual with special needs remains complex. For most folks, because of the $14,000 per year maximum contribution and $100,000 limit for SSI eligibility, an ABLE Act account alone will not resolve all of the issues. The account is, however, a beneficial addition to the toolbox of techniques

The ABLE Act allows a single income tax-free savings account to be established for an individual whose disability began before age 26.

What ABLE Cannot Do

An ABLE account cannot accept funds over $14,000 in any one year, it cannot be named as beneficiary of life insurance, retirement accounts, or an inheritance under a will. A special needs trust is still the appropriate method to provide for the lifetime care of an individual with special needs after the parents’ deaths. Not only would a special needs trust set up by another family member avoid Medicaid pay back, it can receive unlimited funding at any time.

ABLE Act accounts cannot receive proceeds from personal injury actions if the amount exceeds the limits. Persons who require SSI or Medicaid and have a settlement from a personal injury lawsuit will continue to need a special needs trust to protect benefits eligibility.

ABLE cannot assist a person who became disabled at age 26 or later.

Going Forward

Persons receiving SSI and Medicaid must continue to be careful with financial resources to preserve eligibility. An ABLE Act account, however, can be an important tool for accomplishing that objective when funds up to $14,000 in any one year need to be handled so that these do not count as part of the $2,000 resource limit for eligibility.

Also, where a person with a disability who is turning 18 needs to qualify for SSI, but family members have opened Uniform Transfers (or Gifts) to Minors Act accounts

useful in maintaining an individual’s SSI and Medicaid eligibility. But it should not be relied upon as the sole technique of providing for lifetime care. Each family’s circumstances are different and should be evaluated by a competent professional with experience in this practice area who can offer practical solutions for a family’s needs.

Attorney Katherine N. Barr is a shareholder and member of the Estate Planning Department at the Birmingham office of Sirote & Permutt, P.C. She concentrates much of her practice in assisting individuals with special needs and their families.

She is vice president of the Special Needs Alliance (specialneedsalliance.org), a national nonprofit invitation-only organization of special needs attorneys, and is a commissioner on the American Bar Association’s Commission on Disability Rights. She may be contacted at kbarr@sirote. com or at 205-930-5147.

Hear Katherine Barr speak on this topic at the Special Needs Expo on March 14, 2015, at United Cerebral Palsy at 11:30 a.m.

birminghamparent.com | 19

How to Maximize the Potential of Your Child with ADHD

By Anita Walter Gray, M.Ed.

“He is so smart….I just don’t understand why he can’t be more responsible and get better grades.” If this thought has ever entered your mind, there is an excellent chance that your child has ADHD – whether diagnosed or undiagnosed. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, as of 2011, 11 percent of children in the United States have been diagnosed with ADHD. This percentage has increased from 7.8 percent in 2003.

Most of us are familiar with examples of brilliant individuals who have exhibited symptoms of ADHD. Among these are Albert Einstein, Leonardo da Vinci, Galileo, Mozart, John Lennon, Walt Disney, Winston Churchill, Thomas Edison, and John F. Kennedy. While conventional wisdom holds that those with ADHD tend to be creative and intelligent, this knowledge is scant comfort to a parent in the throes of assisting a child with ADHD fit into a school system that is ill-equipped to deal with this type of intelligence in a way that allows it to blossom.

The good news is that parents can have a tremendous impact on the academic success of a child with ADHD. Here are 10 ways that you can help.

Believe that your child CAN learn. It is a matter of identifying the method and pace at which he learns. Children with ADHD are especially sensitive to the moods and attitudes of the people around them. It is essential that you, as the parent, believe in the abilities of your child and continually emphasize that there is always another way to try to learn something.

Educate yourself and your child about ADHD. Read as much as you can about the condition and be truthful with your child about what you discover. Be sure to discuss the strengths of people with ADHD without downplaying the challenges she will face.

Use realistic and accurate vocabulary when discussing ADHD with your child. She will carry your explanation with her throughout her life.

Dream about the future with your child.

Help him to create goals about the future based on his talents and what he loves to do.

20 | birminghamparent | march 2015

Do not limit your child by telling him that his goals are unrealistic. The truth is, none of us knows what will be possible in the future. Slightly over 100 years ago, people believed that it was impossible for humans to fly; today one can travel across the world in a matter of hours! Children with ADHD constantly ask WHY they need to learn or do something. When your child is struggling to learn his multiplication facts, you can motivate him by finding a way to tie the task to his goals. With enough creativity, there is always a way to do this!

Advocate for your child at school. Insist that her teachers hold her to high, but achievable, standards. As previously stated, your child CAN learn what she needs to succeed, and her teachers need to understand this fact. While your child may need a different learning approach than some of her peers, it is important that the material presented not be “dumbed down” for her.

Children with ADHD are easily bored, and can exhibit behavior issues if material is not challenging enough. On the other hand, if they become overwhelmed with material that is not presented in a way in which they can feel successful, they often give up, which can also lead to behavior issues. Equip your child’s teachers with as much information as you can about how your child learns best.

Offer your child structure. Help her to set up a quiet, organized place to study and schedule daily study time as consistently as possible. Include extracurricular activities and chores on the schedule as well. Help her to create a checklist of the things she will need to remember to bring to school each day and put the checklist in a place she

will easily find (for example, taped to the bathroom mirror or front door). Because individuals with ADHD have difficulty with internal structure, external structure is very valuable to them. Having a written schedule and checklist reduces the need for verbal reminders from you, which eliminates much of the stress involved in an after school or morning routine. Spend a few days working through the schedule with your child; then allow her to follow it independently. This will offer her a wonderful sense of accomplishment and will send her the message that you believe she is capable of organizing herself.

Suggest that your child work in several 15-20 minute spurts. Many students with ADHD get overwhelmed and anxious when faced with a large stack of homework. Set a timer for 20 minutes and tell your child that he can stop working to take a break when the timer goes off. Once he has overcome his initial resistance to getting started, he may well continue working after the timer has gone off. This technique works very well with subjects your child especially dislikes.

Consider hiring a tutor. This is especially

valuable as your child enters the middle school years and naturally begins to rebel against parental guidance. A tutor can serve as a neutral source of encouragement and structure for your child, which can significantly reduce familial stress. Be sure, however, that the tutor you choose connects well with your child. It is also imperative that he or she believes that your child can learn.

Listen to your child when he tells you how he learns best. Some students with ADHD honestly work better while listening to music or doodling. Give your child the benefit of the doubt when he tells you something like this. If his claims do not prove to work well, negotiate a compromise. Perhaps he can listen to music after he has completed certain subjects.

Allow your child to learn from the natural consequences of his behavior. As a parent, it can be very difficult to watch your child make painful mistakes. It is tempting to do everything possible to save him from the consequences of his poor decisions; however, experience is often your child’s best teacher. If your child leaves his homework at home, rather than rushing to school to bring it to him, allow him to deal with the consequences. When he realizes that you will not take responsibility for his forgetfulness, chances are good that he will take steps to remember the next time.

Be vigilant about the words you use around your child. As the saying goes, children learn what they live. If you continually tell your child that she is irresponsible, messy, disorganized, or incapable, you

Albert Einstein, Leonardo da Vinci, Galileo, Mozart, John Lennon, Walt Disney, Winston Churchill, Thomas Edison, and John F. Kennedy all showed symptoms of ADHD. can be sure that these are the qualities that she will adopt. Point out what your child is doing right as often as possible, but be sincere in doing so.

While many of the characteristics of ADHD present challenges for both children and their parents, by employing these strategies, parents can help maximize their child’s potential, both in and out of school.

Anita Walter Gray, M.Ed., is the founder of Gray Matter Tutoring, which specializes in empowering students with multiple learning styles. She can be reached at 205-410-1873 or at anitawgray64@gmail.com.

Fostering independence, development, and fun...

205.916.0670 www.mobilitycentralinc.com 400 Old Towne Road, Vestavia, AL 35216 Open Monday - Friday 9 to 5 and Saturdays 10 to 2 Located o of Highway 31 in Vestavia behind the bowling alley and next to Chuck-e-cheese birminghamparent.com | 21

Photos of Rilee courtesy of Angela Thurber

Rilee Thurber Faces Dwarfism Head-On

By Carol Muse Evans

Y

ou may have seen the YouTube clip of 5-year-old Rilee Thurber of Alabaster who has Achondroplasia, a form of dwarfism. Her mom Angela posted the video in recognition of Dwarfism Awareness Month last October. It took off – so much so that they created a Facebook page for Rilee. Rilee even made the news.

With the popularity of such television shows as “The Little Couple,” “Seven Little Johnsons” and “Little People, Big World,” the fascination with little people continues, and perhaps some of the stigmas are being debunked. Yet it continues to be an uphill battle for many little people, both socially and physically.

Dwarfism is a condition of short stature. It is defined by the advocacy group Little People of America (LPA) as “an adult height of 4 feet 10 inches or under, as a result of a medical or genetic condition.”

“There are two main categories of dwarfism – disproportionate and proportionate,” says Maria Descartes, MD., professor of genetics and pediatrics in the Department of Genetics at UAB. “Causes of proportionate dwarfism include metabolic and hormonal disorders such as growth hormone deficiency.

“Disproportionate dwarfism is characterized by an average-sized torso and shorter arms and legs, or a shortened trunk with longer limbs. In proportionate dwarfism, the body parts are in proportion, but shortened,” Descartes explains. “The most common types of dwarfism, known as skeletal dysplasias, are genetic and therefore hereditary ...but dwarfism can be caused by any of more than 250 conditions.”

22 | birminghamparent | march 2015

Rilee has Achondroplasia, the most common form of dwarfism, according to Angela.

“The family in 'Little People Big World' had this kind of dwarfism,” she explains. There is no known history of dwarfism in Angela or Tim Thurber’s backgrounds, and Achondroplasia is caused by a genetic mutation, Descartes says.

Kristen and Brian Peterson of Sterrett’s son, Russell, has the same form of dwarfism as Rilee. The couple heads the local Birmingham/Alabama chapter of the Little People of America support group. Unlike the Thurbers, who found out in utero that Rilee had dwarfism, Kristen says they didn’t find out about Russell’s condition until he was 10 days old. Both sets of parents are average height.

“It was a little scary, facing the unknown,” Kristen recalls.

“Two average height parents (no history of dwarfism) have a small change for having a child with a dominant form of dwarfism (about 0.004 percent),” Descartes explains.

Though Rilee’s condition was a result of a genetic mutation, she will be able to pass it on to her children, Angela says.

Not necessarily considered a “special needs” category, the medical issues faced by many with dwarfism create a special needs category. “Those with Achondroplasia can have respiratory problems, spinal decompression and a large head…it may mean surgeries throughout their lives because of some of these issues,” Angela says. “Organs can be compressed, children like Rilee can get congested easily, and she’s had a lot of respiratory issues. These children are known to have lower immune systems and some even have to be on oxygen while sleeping.”

Descartes adds, “Many short-statured people could be considered disabled as a result of conditions, mainly orthopedic, related to their type of dwarfism. In addition, access issues and problems exist even for healthy short-statured people. Consider, for example, the simple fact that most achondroplastic adults cannot reach an ATM. Dwarfism is a recognized condition under the Americans with Disabilities Act.” From the video, you can tell Rilee takes a lot in stride, and since starting kindergarten in Alabaster this school year, she’s done great, Angela says. “They have modified a lot of things for her – there are stools everywhere,” Angela says.

As for questions and social issues, possible stares and unkindnesses, Angela says Rilee is young and really hasn’t noticed

anything yet. “There was an incident a few days ago where two little boys told her she was a baby and too small to play,” Angela explains. “This was eye-opening for Rilee, that kids were bigger than she was, but we had always told her she was special and this was how God made her, and that was how she responded.”

In public most people are nice, Angela says, but you do get the stares. Some people may say she’s cute, precious, or a “precious baby.” “I really don’t mind the questions,” Angela says, “and I would rather them ask than stare.”

Because of her video, Rilee has become something of a celebrity, and along with her Facebook page, it has opened the door for better understanding of her condition, Angela says. People will come up to her because they “know her,” and it’s turned into a positive, Angela adds.

The Thurber family of four, Mom, Dad, Tim, big brother Jacob and Rilee also are part of the local chapter of Little People of America that gives Rilee interaction with other little people. Rilee also enjoys some of the television shows with little people, Angela adds. And her form of dwarfism is the same as Bill’s on The Little Couple. While surgeries may be in her future, she should live a normal life, her mom adds.

The local support group includes anyone with dwarfism, along with family members.

Kristen says they most recent meeting had approximately 11 families represented.

She and husband Brian have tried to revive the once inactive group, and it began in December 2014.

“Research shows that little people who are part of a support group have a better outlook on life,” Kristen says. “We are excited to get the local chapter active and going.”

“I really don’t mind the questions,” Angela says, “and I would rather them ask than stare.”

MORE INFORMATION: Birmingham/Alabama chapter of Little People of America, soloks@gmail. com; closed Facebook group, must ask to join. www.lpaonline.org; District 13 chapter includes Alabama, Georgia, Mississippi and Tennessee. Director Jake Brasfield, www.lpaddistrct13.org https://www.youtube.com/ watch?v=5RMoLhfal5Y – Rilee on You Tube, dancing https://www.facebook.com/smilesfromRilee http://www.udprogram.com/ http://www.tlc.com/tv-shows/littlecouple/ http://www.oprah.com/own/7-LittleJohnstons-About-the-Show

Carol Muse Evans is publisher and editor of Birmingham Parent, and new Rilee fan.

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birminghamparent.com | 23

Fighting for a Cure Kayla Perry: Girl on a Mission Against Cancer

By Paige Townley

24 | birminghamparent | march 2015

L

ike most college students, Kayla Perry spends much of her time hanging out with friends, studying, and cheering on her school’s football team. But in addition to going to class and cramming for exams, Kayla has another serious focus: fighting neuroblastoma. Neuroblastoma is a pediatric cancer that typically shows up in babies and young children. Kayla was diagnosed when she was 18.

In January 2013, Kayla had moved to Hawaii to study with a Christian organization called Youth With A Mission. The plan was to spend three months in Hawaii preparing to travel to Kenya and Uganda to help and minister to those in need.

While in Hawaii, Kayla began experiencing random, unexplained nose bleeds. Not thinking much of it, in March she left as planned for Kenya. While there, the nose bleeds became all too frequent.

“I began visiting doctors in Nairobi hoping for a solution that would let me to continue on to Uganda as planned,” Kayla explains. “But after a week of going back and forth to the hospital every day, doctors were unable to diagnosis my problem and said I needed to get back to the U.S.” When she got home, the tests quickly began. In May, after a week of tests, scans and a lot of waiting, Kayla was diagnosed with cancer. Another week went by before doctors were able to determine the specific type: stage IV neuroblastoma.

“There are certain things you forget about that happen in life, things you just don’t remember, but I remember everything about that whole day,” says Kayla’s mother, Christen.

“It was a very defining day. We were all together as a family, and after we left the hospital we went home and just sat in the living room together. My husband, Rob, said, ‘Today we cry, but tomorrow we fight. And we fight together.’ And that’s what we’ve done.”

While obviously not fully prepared to receive a cancer diagnosis, Kayla’s determination to fight the disease never wavered. “The doctor told me it wasn’t a death sentence,” she says. “There is always the possibility that we find a cure, and that’s my goal. So in my mind, there was no other option that to do whatever I could to beat it.”

And in doing everything she could to beat it, which has included the standard weeks of inpatient chemotherapy, radiation, a bone marrow transplant, immunotherapy and now almost monthly trips to Atlanta for her new chemotherapy treatments, Kayla hasn’t lost focus of the goals she has in life.

One of those goals, attending and graduating from Auburn University, is on its way to fruition. She just finished her first semester, and despite having to miss many days of classes, she completed the semester as a straight-A student.

But in focusing on her goals, she’s also focused on using her situation to help others. “I want to be present in my life and complete the things I want to complete and experience the things I want to experience, but I also realize it’s not all about me,” Kayla says. “It’s about something much bigger than that.

And I get to be a part of it.”

In order to help others, Kayla decided to become a nurse practitioner in pediatric oncology. “I never really considered becoming a nurse before I was diagnosed,” she says. “In fact, I never would have thought I would want to do it. But after being

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TOP: Kayla traveled to Uganda with Youth With a Mission, before her diagnosis. BOTTOM: Kayla, friends and family sported bald heads to support Kayla through chemotherapy.

on the other side, being the patient, I realized how important the relationship between nurse and patient can be. I had been on the receiving side of that relationship, and I want to be on the giving side one day.”

Kayla and her family also established Open Hands Overflowing Hearts, a nonprofit organization dedicated to raising money to fund pediatric cancer research. Through various events as part of the group’s “100 Ways 100 Days” campaign, the foundation has raised approximately $325,000 so far.

“It has been really amazing to see people come together for one purpose and see that people are willing to take hold of my passions like raising money for childhood cancer research,” Kayla says. “The fact that people will sacrifice for the good of others and for the good of a particular cause is a wonderful thing. I’m blessed and thankful for all of the support.”

For more information about Kayla or to make a donation to pediatric cancer research, visit www.openhandsoverflowinghearts.org.

Paige Townley is a local freelance writer.

The Autism Society of Alabama is partnering with the Alabama Department of Public Safety to ensure that every Alabama county has a plan for children and adults who may wander or bolt. This program is made possible by the Alabama Council for Developmental Disabilities. www.autism-alabama.org

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Parents as Teachers Program at UCP Brings Added Service to Families of Children in Need

By Carol Muse Evans

A

t United Cerebral Palsy of Greater Birmingham, The Parents as Teachers program is just another way UCP promotes child development and family effectiveness.

The program is designed for children ages birth to 5 who have a disability or are at risk for developmental delay. UCP provides services to supplement what the child is already receiving through their preschool or Early Intervention, or if a child is receiving no services, the PTP can stand alone, according to UCP. Parent educators can provide home visits, assessments, training and support for a child in need and their family. The program is free and provided by parents who have been trained in the Parents as Teachers national model.

“The Parents as Teachers Program uses a national model that includes structured intervention and a standard curriculum for parent-child interaction, development-centered parent-

26 | birminghamparent | march 2015

ing and family well-being,” says Heather H. Johnson, MPH, lead parent educator for Parents as Teachers at UCP of Greater Birmingham. The national model was developed more than 25 years ago and has an evidencebased home visiting model using the best research available on child development, according to Parents as Teachers (www. parentsasteachers.org).

“The parent educators assess the home environment for ways in which to foster the child’s development, and the educator also assess each child’s development, maternal depression and screen for domestic violence,” Johnson adds.

The primary goals, according to Johnson, are:

3. Present child abuse and neglect 4. Increase the child’s school readiness and school success “Other early intervention programs for children with disability focus on the child’s specific needs as related to the disability, and on parent involvement associated with the child’s special needs,” Johnson continues.

“There is certainly overlap between the two programs, and theY complement one another, but they are each unique in what they provide.”

UCP’s Parents as Teachers program is a volunteer one, and parent educators provide two sessions a month of one to 1½ hours. There are current 96 family members participating.

1. Increase parent knowledge of early childhood development and improve parenting skills 2. Provide early detection of developmental concerns and health issues

For more information,contact Johnson at hjohnson@ucpbirmingham.com or contact UCP.

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destination guide

Traveling With Fido Want to bring your pet on your family vacation? Look no further than the Florida Panhandle Beaches

By Carol Muse Evans

28 | birminghamparent | march 2015

It used to be that taking a dog on a family trip meant only staying with relatives, if they were kind enough to let you bring the dog.

Very few hotels would take a pet, and if they did, it would cost you a paw and a paw.

Today, many resorts, hotels and rental companies are favoring the growing group of families and individuals who don’t want to leave Fido behind. And if you’re planning a beach trip this spring or summer, here are some ideas not far away from Birmingham where your precious four-legged family member can join you.

The Bay Point Golf Resort & Spa in Panama City Beach (wwwbaypointresorts. com) is just one of those four-legged friendly resorts. This upscale resort offers tennis, golf, a spa, a shuttle to Shell Island, five pools and one indoor pool. A private beach is just a short ride to the white, sandy Gulf Coast of

Panama City, and offers two-bedroom golf villas, many of which are pet friendly, with playground and grassy area right outside. Pay a small pet fee, and Fido is welcome here.

You may never want to leave the resort during your stay, but if you do, the Bay Point Lady runs seasonally daily from the dock behind the resort over to Shell Island, and the shuttle is complimentary to guests.

There are also great restaurants here, like the Kingfish Restaurant & Sushi Bar, Pelican’s and Club 19 Restaurant.

Want to take Fido to the beach?

There’s a pet beach right across from Pier Park (http://www.bringfido.com/attraction/9849), called the “best dog-friendly beach in Florida” and several area dog parks from which to choose for an additional outing. Remember, most restaurants, even outdoor ones, rarely allow pets. You may want to

Photo courtesy of Baypoint Resorts

Coming next month….The Gulf Breeze Zoo, Beach Club, Gulf Shores

return to Pier Park (www.simon.com/mall/pier-park)for the humans in the family – it’s got great restaurants, shops and a movie theatre, along with the Miracle Strip Amusement Park (www.ms-pp.com).

For a change of scenery, head over to Navarre, and Wyndham Vacation Rentals (http://www.wyndhamvacationrentals.com/vacation-rentals/florida/northwest-florida/navarre-beach/) can provide a home that is dog-friendly, right on the beach! Many of these can hold a much larger family as well. Most include private internet access, cable TV and the main attraction, beachfront access. (Remember, some areas do not allow the pets ON the beach – check before taking them out and avoid a hefty fine.)

On our visit, the Dolphin House was perfect for a large family, including four-legged members. The tile floor throughout ensured easy clean in case of any issues, the kitchen was well equipped, we had a washer and dryer, and we were right on the beach. The dogs could go out on the deck, and a great sidewalk throughout the neighborhood ensured great places to walk for them and us. And the beaches at Navarre are definitely world class, feel so private, and are beautiful and clean!

• In the Gulf Islands Seashore area, visitors may walk pets on trails, multi-use paths or on park roads as long as pets are on a leash.

Carol Muse Evans is publisher/editor of Birmingham Parent.

• Pet owners must clean up after their pets.

IF YOU GO: Additional Pet Friendly Hotels in Panama City Beach, FL www.bringfido.com/lodging/city/panama_city_beach_fl_us/ http://traveltips.usatoday.com/dogfriendly-beaches-floridapanhandle-107369.html Dog Parks in Panama City Beach, FL www.bringfido.com/attraction/parks/city/panama_city_beach_fl_us/ Navarre, FL dog park www.doggoes.com/parks/florida/pensacola/navarre-centralbark-dog-park • Florida State Law prohibits pets on regular beaches for safety reasons. Visitors may walk their pets on sidewalks if pet is on a leash.

birminghamparent.com | 29

destination guide GREAT DEALS ABOUND

THIS SPRING & SUMMER

Spectrum Resorts Offers Special “Clean Bed Guarantee” Some insiders call it the dirty little secret of the vacation rental business: while sheets and pillowcases are laundered for every arrival, comforters and bedspreads aren’t. “It’s a common practice for vacation rentals to only launder comforters once or twice a year,” says Spectrum Resorts’ David Clark. “We’re not comfortable with that.”

This March, Spectrum Resorts says it will be the only rental management company in the market to offer the same duvet service that guests receive at luxury hotels. This Clean Bed Guarantee is part of the company’s strategy to offer guests a higher level of services, with exclusive offers and amenities known as the Spectrum Advantage, at Spectrum-managed units at The Beach Club in Gulf Shores and Turquoise Place and Caribe the Resort in Orange Beach.

Clark notes that the Clean Bed Guarantee is limited to Spectrum Resorts-managed units at The Beach Club, Turquoise Place and Caribe the Resort, as some units on those properties are booked and managed by other companies. “The only way to guarantee a freshly laundered duvet for your arrival is to make your reservation through us at spectrumresorts.com,” he says.

The Beach is Calling Your Name with a FREE Night at Sandestin

Photo courtesy of Sandestin Golf and Beach Resort 30 | birminghamparent | march 2015

Sandestin Golf and Beach resort, rated the #1 resort on Florida’s Emerald Coast, is offering a free night with the purchase of three or more this spring.

The perfect destination for your 2015 spring vacation, Sandestin packs in the value with complimentary amenities, resort events, family friendly activities and more. From the Beach to the Bay, it’s all at Sandestin for your best spring vacation.

The resort features more than seven miles of beaches and pristine bay front, four immaculately manicured championship golf courses, world-class tennis courts, swimming pools, 113slip marina, fitness center, spa and the Village of Baytowne Wharf.

Book your spring vacation at Sandestin at www.sandestin.com/Bparent or call 855-635-4342 (Promo Code: FREE4).

Photo Courtesy of Calloway Gardens Photo courtesy of Spectrum Resorts

The Lodge at Calloway Gardens Offers Guests “Room to Bloom” This Spring As winter fades and flowers start to bloom, The Lodge and Spa at Callaway Gardens in Georgia offers guests “Room to Bloom” this spring season. With rates starting at $189 per night, “Room to Bloom” provides guests with spring-inspired perks, including overnight accommodations, budding breakfasts, chef ’s-choice seasonal welcome amenity, seeds to harvest and access to Callaway Gardens to savor springtime’s breathtaking blossoms.

The Room to Bloom Package rates start at $189 per night. Package includes a chef ’schoice seasonal welcome amenity, budding breakfast in Piedmont Grille, admission to Callaway Gardens and seeds for harvesting. The hotel is located in the Appalachian foothills just 80 miles southwest of Atlanta. The Lodge and Spa at Callaway Gardens is operated by Interstate Hotels & Resorts, www.interstatehotels.com.

Chattanoogan Offers Free Aquarium Tickets with Spring Break Stay

Photo courtesy of Benchmark Hotels

The Chattanoogan hotel, a Benchmark Hotel® and the city’s only AAA Four Diamond-rated full-service property, is providing complimentary tickets to the city’s most popular family attraction during Spring Break. When families stay for two or more nights over Spring Break, they will receive free tickets to the Tennessee Aquarium and IMAX Theater.

Rates start at $169 per night and are based on a two-night stay for a family of two adults and two children. The packages may be modified for additional family members. The offer is available from Friday, March 13-Sunday, April 19. For more information or reservations, 877-756-1684, or www.chattanooganhotel.com. birminghamparent.com | 31

Last month to vote for your favorites!!

VOTING ENDS AT MIDNIGHT ON MARCH 31

special needs

Tripp

special needs

Zach B.

special needs

Zack L.

special needs

Lucas K.

special needs

Lucas M.

0-2

Izabella

0-2

Henry

0-2

Josiah

0-2

Lilly

0-2

Maddox

3-5

Braylen

3-5

Adah

3-5

Amariah

3-5

Arianna

3-5

Foster

6-11

Jackson

6-11

Jeremy

6-11

Katherine

6-11

Kerragan

6-11

Micah

GO TO WWW.BIRMINGHAMPARENT.COM TO VOTE FOR YOUR FAVORITES! Only one vote per IP address, and you must choose one child in each category for your ballot to count. Voting will end at midnight MARCH 31, 2015. Winners will be announced in the MAY 2015 issue of Birmingham Parent, online and on Facebook and Twitter.

32 | birminghamparent | march 2015

BIRMINGHAM PARENT’S 5TH ANNUAL

SATURDAY, MARCH 14, 2015, 10 A.M.-3 P.M. L I N C P O I N T AT U C P, H O M E W O O D Great information for parents and caregivers of children with special needs, from the cognitive to physically challenged, meeting with providers of special products and services, speakers to educate and inform, as well as after school activities, sports, education, camps and more! All under one roof! Fun zone, too, for children to enjoy.

PRESENTED BY

COME HEAR THESE SPEAKERS: 11 A.M. “When you Have a Special Needs Child – How to Navigate the System, Handle IEP Meetings and More – a PRIMER” - Lorraine Barnes, Alabama Parent Education Center AND 11 A.M. “Your Child’s Safety When They Have Special Needs” - Corporal Kent Smith with Project Lifesaver Alabama 11:30 A.M. - “The Able Act: What It Is and What It Isn’t” - Katherine N. Barr, Attorney at Law, Sirote & Permutt, PCT 12:30 P.M. “Estate planning for parents with disabled children, including Wills, Living Trusts, the need for guardianship provisions in case the parent(s) die, and special needs trusts and why they are critical” -Melanie Bradford, Melanie Bradford, Executive Director and Attorney at Alabama Family Trust MORE BEING SCHEDULED - a complete list will be available at www.birminghamparent.com.

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Booths available for nominal registration fee for qualifying special needs providers. Sponsorships also available for any business or service. For booth information or sponsorship info call 205-987-7700, e-mail carol@ birminghamparent.com or visit www.birminghamparent.com.

birminghamparent.com | 33

5

reasons to

GIVE YOUR CHILD THE GIFT OF SUMMER CAMP

By Gayla Grace

I

treasure the stories my children tell after arriving home from summer camp. The week-long adventures include experiences sure to build character and bond relationships. Every camp has a unique way of teaching kids their value while giving them opportunities to experience all kinds of fun they would never find at home.

The spring months are the perfect time to begin exploring summer camps. To find one that fits your child's needs, seek out opinions from friends and neighbors; ask teachers and church counselors what camps they recommend. Whether day camp or overnight camp, there's sure to be one your child will love and gain valuable skills from while attending.

Camp counselor Jamie Newman, who has worked the past two summers at a children's camp for kids ages 5-16, expresses her enthusiasm for sending kids to camp. She says, "Camp encourages kids to try new things and teaches them confidence through new experiences.

They learn valuable life lessons when encouraged to work through their fears and try something even if it doesn't feel comfortable to them.

Also, when kids are thrown together in a cabin for a week, they're forced to learn how to get along with others and often build lasting relationships that can continue when they return home."

Our five kids have attended summer camps ranging from athletic camps to church camps to choir and band camps. Each camp plays a unique role in building character qualities and creating life-long memories through everyday activities and interactions with others.

If you need some encouragement to give your child the gift of summer camp, here are a few thoughts to consider:

Camp encourages independence and allows children a chance to make decisions on their own in a safe, caring environment.

Kids benefit from new relationships with camp counselors who care about them and want to help them with everyday struggles.

Camp forces kids to unplug from technology and enjoy the beauty and benefits of nature. Through outside activities, kids find new hobbies they can't experience at home, without academic pressure or expectations. Kids gain self-confidence through trying new things and discovering talents they didn't know they had.

Camp teaches good sportsmanship by encouraging each child to be fair and kind, win or lose. Team activities teach kids how to cooperate with another and the value of getting along with others through working together and supporting one another.

Camp fosters new friendships with kids who come from varying backgrounds--helping kids gain an understanding of how others live outside their community. In a relaxed atmosphere, kids easily make friends while they play, sing, work, eat, and bunk together.

Camp creates life-long memories of new adventures in places they've never experienced before. Camp offers carefree days where kids can learn how to thrive outside the structure of over-scheduled days.

So what are you waiting for? Have you signed your child up for camp yet? There's week-long adventure and character-building experiences waiting for your child this summer!

Gayla Grace sends her kids to camp every summer.

1

2

3 4 5

34 | birminghamparent | march 2015

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ing Tou 4 p.m. uided Walk G 2 o : G E & S e U m O o OPEN H , MAY 3 • C

Y L I M A F & T OVERNIGH APRIL 12

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iamson Will P

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MPS ages 5 FAMILY CA

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& up

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birminghamparent.com | 35

Birmingham’s #1 overnight camp, YMCA Camp Cosby offers a fun and safe, one-week, co-ed experience for kids ages 6-15 on the shores of Logan Martin Lake.

Summer spaces filling up fast!

Register online at campcosby.org. #campcosby

Enroll in Birmingham-Southern College’s

Conservatory of Fine and Performing Arts Lessons in piano, voice, violin, guitar, band and much more. Preschool classes also available.

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Save $25 if inquired by June 1st.

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36 | birminghamparent | march 2015

Music and Theatre Camp 2015 June 15-19 K5-5th grade

Fun-filled summers start here. We have something for everyone from Fishing and Chess to Art and Sports.

Camp Dates: June 1st-July 31st.

Entering Kindergarten through 8th Grade Contact Gabe McCool at gmccool@highlandsschool.org or (205) 956-9731 ext 105 . Located on Old Leeds Rd. (I-459 exit at Grants Mill Rd)

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RIVERVIEW CAMP FOR GIRLS.

Just off DeSoto Parkway on top of Lookout Mountain in Mentone, Alabama…nestled in a bend of Little River.

Adventure, inspiration, character & confidence-building are just a few of the benefits that go hand-in-hand with the activity choices. Riverview’s Christian emphasis & exciting programs are appreciated by both parents & campers!

Call 800-882-0722 or visit www.riverviewcamp.com for a FREE DVD & Information packet

Only 2 short hours from Birmingham 1 & 2 week sessions!

Mother-Daughter Weekends also Available

Dr. Larry and Susan Hooks, Owners/Directors Donna Bares, Assistant Director Accredited by American Camping Association Members of Christian Camping Conference Asso.

Check us out online at www.riverviewcamp.com

ACADEMY OF THE ARTS AT SAMFORD UNIVERSITY presents

swimming • beach volleyball • archery • riding • basketball • golf • much more!

chorus • gymnastics • Dance • canoeing • tennis • GOLF

SUMMER MUS C AND ART CAMPS taught by experienced faculty and staff

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Adventures in Music

June 15–19 (piano only) July 6–10 (piano and voice)

All Aboard for Music July 13–17

726-4049 or 726-2739

Exciting Traditional Camp for girls ages 6 to 16!

www.samford.edu/academy-of-the-arts

Camp Juliette Low On Lookout Mountain in Cloudland, GA Located in northwest Georgia, CJL is an independent, non-profit summer camp for girls ages 7-17. 1 & 2 week sessions available.

June 7—August 1, 2015

     

Backpacking Ropes course Climbing wall Crafts/pottery Drama Pool

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Horseback Canoeing Sailing Archery Fire-building Camp crafts

For more information or to register online:

770-428-1062 info@CJL.org

www.CJL.org …preparing girls for confident living and leadership since 1922 birminghamparent.com | 37

A Page in a Book

©

RECOMMENDING

THE BEST BOOKS FOR CHILDREN & TEENS

By Gerry P. Smith

THE GIFT OF GRANDPARENTS The unique relationships between children and their grandparents add an extra-generational dimension that kids benefit from in uncountable ways.

Drawing on their extra decades of life experience, grandparents share stories, activities and journeys that richly expand their grandchildren’s knowledge and understanding of the world. They share the gift of history, tradition and life lessons that come with the authority of their years. The following titles celebrate the warmth, wisdom and wonder that is revealed when kids and grandparents enjoy their own special together time!

A Walk in Paris

Tea Cakes for Tosh

I Wanna Go Home

By Salvatore Rubbino (Candlewick)

By Kelly Starling Lyons and E. B. Lewis (G.P Putnam’s Sons/Penguin)

A young girl’s walk through Paris with her grandpa reveals the City of Lights in a whole new way as he shares the backstories and hidden history behind the city’s famous sites. As they pass each landmark, her grandpa shares local history and traditions that have evolved over time. Their walk through the pages also features small historical trivia sidebars to accompany her grandpa’s narration. Illustrating the living history that our elders add to our landscape, A Walk in Paris is a colorful journey shared between a grandparent and grandchild that bring history to life for both.

When Grandma Honey prepares her special tea cakes for her grandson Tosh, she also shares stories of how the sweet treat played a role in the lives of their enslaved ancestors long ago. Her tea cake tales carry Tosh to another place in time, sharing a history stretching back before his own memories. But over time, Grandma Honey starts to forget things. She can’t remember where she parked her car. Her sister’s once familiar phone number is forgotten. But when it’s time for tea cakes, Tosh uses her own shared stories to bring Grandma Honey’s memories back to life with a sweetness that will charm young readers again and again.

By Karen Kaufman Orloff, Illustrated by David Catrow (G.P. Putnam’s Sons / Penguin)

38 | birminghamparent | march 2015

When his parents take a trip to Bora Bora, Alex and his siblings are sent off to spend a week with their grandparents at their retirement community. Visions of the dull time ahead loom large for Alex, who immediately begins to lament the anticipated boredom through a series of letters to his parents. What develops in epistolary fashion is the discovery that Alex’s grandparents are full of surprises and fun adventures.

His letters evolve from pleas for rescue to missives of adventure that have him begging to stay an extra week with his (definitely not boring) grandparents. Katrow’s illustrations benefit from hilarious visual perspectives that emphasize each new level of awesome the grandparents reveal. I Wanna Go Home is a laugh-out-loud primer for kids anticipating a long visit with the ‘grands’!

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VOTE NOW in the 2015 Birmingham Parent’s Family Favorites Awards!

Visit www.birminghamparent.com to vote online for your favorite party place,

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40 | birminghamparent | march 2015

HEART OF DIXIE RAILROAD MUSEUM 1919 9th St. Calera, AL 35040

April 10th-12th April 18th-19th

6-8

daily calendar of events

highlights

Calendar sponsored by

14

1 6-8

Start off the month of March with a Southeastern Outings Dayhike at 1pm at Red Mountain Park. Depart at 1pm from the cul-de-sac at the end of Frankfurt Drive off Lakeshore Parkway.

Come enjoy 25 of the top pianists from the state of Alabama and the South at Alabama Piano Gallery in Vestavia Hills March 6-8! This “largest piano marathon” is raising money for Camp Seale Harris for children with diabetes.

14

Don’t miss Birmingham Parent’s Special Needs Expo on March 14! From 10am to 3pm at LINCPoint, United Cerebral Palsy Campus, Birmingham, families can learn about products, support groups, recreational activities, healthcare, therapy and many other services for children and adults with special needs. Lots of family fun, too! www.birminghamparent.com. FREE.

28

We’re back! After a winter hiatus, Hikes for Tykes with Fresh Air Family is returning at 10am March 28 at the Birmingham Botanical Gardens. This free program is for preschool children and their families. www.freshairfamily.org.

1&28

birminghamparent.com | 41

daily calendar of events

march

Calendar sponsored by

14

Renew our Rivers: Cahaba Cleanup 8am-1pm. Meet at Helena’s Amphitheater Park for registration and assignments. Canoe the Cahaba, Cahaba Riverkeeper, The Friends of the Cahaba National Wildlife Refuge in partnership with Alabama Power Renew our Rivers program and Southern Company host this annual cleanup, picking up trash by land and by boat. Participants receive gloves, pick sticks, T-shirts and a hot dog lunch. 205-874-5623.

combines the university’s sacred spaces and Christian mission with musical ensembles.

205-726-2011. FREE. UAB Music Voice Studio Recital 7:30pm, UAB’s Mary Culp Hulsey Recital Hall. Featuring the students of Won Cho, Kristine Hurst-Wajszczuk and Paul Mosteller. 205-934-7376, www. uab.edu/cas/music. FREE.

7 Saturday

1 Sunday

6 Friday

Southeastern Outings Dayhike 1pm, Red Mountain Park. Moderately easy hike. Bring water and wear good walking shoes or boots. Well-behaved, carefully supervised children age 7 and up welcome. Depart at 1pm from the cul-de-sac at the end of Frankfurt Drive off Lakeshore Parkway. Information, Joe Myers, 205-988-0741.

Keys to a Miracle – Alabama’s Largest Piano Marathon!

5-9pm, Alabama Piano Gallery (Steinway Recital Hall), 1425 Montgomery Highway, Vestavia Hills.

This three-day event features 25 of the top pianists from the state of Alabama and the South.

They will each perform concerts every hour on the hour to raise money to benefit Camp Seale Harris for children with diabetes/ Southeastern Diabetes Education Services. Free admission; a donation to Camp Seale Harris is appreciated. http://alabamapianogallery.com/blog/2015/633/ for a schedule. 205-822-3331.

4 Wednesday UAB Music Guest Artist Recital 12:20pm, UAB’s Mary Culp Hulsey Recital Hall. Featuring Anthony Kirkland, trumpet, and Jason Baker, percussion, from Mississippi State University.

Conducted by Sue Samuels.

205-934-7376 or visit www.uab. edu/cas/music. FREE.

5 Thursday Voting Rights Conference Birmingham Civil Rights Institute.

Time to be announced; FREE to public. Registration required.

866-328-9696 x234.

Market on the Mountain Consignment Sale 9am-3pm, Mountaintop Community Church, Vestavia Hills.

Annual spring children’s and maternity sale. Two-day event.

FREE admission.

Choral Vespers Series: a Capella Choir 5:30pm, Hodges Chapel, Samford University. This series

11th Annual Brenda Ladun Conquer Cancer Run 7am packet pickup and registration, 8am 5K, 9am one-mile fun run. St. Vincent’s One Nineteen Health and Wellness. This run represents the hope that those lost to cancer will never be forgotten, that those who face cancer will be supported and that one day cancer will be eliminated. Post-race party and awards ceremony, survivor celebration and balloon release.

Register, www.acsevents.org.

7th Annual Footprints to the Finish Line 8:30am, GracePointe Church, Montgomery. 5K and one-mile fun run. Benefiting Footprints Ministry, which addresses the unique needs of families with babies in the neonatal intensive care unit. Register online at http://www.footprintsministry.info.

Market on the Mountain Consignment Sale 9-11am, Mountaintop Community Church, Vestavia Hills, see March 6.

Moundville Knap-In and Ancient Arts Gathering Moundville Archaeological Park, Tuscaloosa. Two-day event features flintknapping, an ancient technology. Native Americans made most of their weapons, and many of their tools from stone are prior to Europeans arriving in the New World. Children’s station, arts and crafts.

Admission $6 students, $8

adults. Children under 5, free. http://moundville.ua.edu.

Chili Cook-Off 10:30am-1:30pm, Brookwood Village. This 11th annual event benefits The Exceptional Foundation, which offers individuals with special needs social and recreational activities. Fun, quirky outdoor party offering good food, live music, kid zone with moonwalk, face painting, Star Wars characters and more.

Tickets: $10 in advance, $15 at the gate. Children 12 and under free. 205-870-0776.

Holi: Indian Culture Festival 11am-3pm, Birmingham Museum of Art. Holi is one of the biggest Hindu holidays. Music, dance, art activities and more. www. artsbma.org.

Magic City Chess U 10am-12pm, Birmingham Public Library, second floor. Learn to play or improve your play in these free classes. 205-8622018, http://magiccitychessu.wix. com/magiccitychessu. FREE. Keys to a Miracle – Alabama’s Largest Piano Marathon!

11am-9pm, Alabama Piano Gallery (Steinway Recital Hall), 1425 Montgomery Highway, Vestavia Hills, see March 6.

8 Sunday DAYLIGHT SAVING TIME BEGINS Southeastern Outings Second Sunday Dayhike 1pm, Oak Mountain State Park.

Moderate 4-mile walk. Parts of this hike may be off the color-coded trails. There will be some ups and downs. Wellbehaved, properly supervised children age eight and up able to complete the hike are welcome. Depart 1pm from the Oak Mountain Park office parking lot. $3 per person park admission, $1 seniors. Bring water. Edd Spencer, 205-317-5868.

Events may change after publication, deadline; please phone ahead to confirm important information. The deadline for submitting calendar items for the April 2015 issue is March 3. Mail calendar items to: Calendar, Birmingham Parent, 3590B Hwy 31 S #289, Pelham, AL 35124; 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. Birmingham Parent publishes a calendar 11 times a year. January events are included in the December issue.

Guidelines: Birmingham Parent’s calendar is designed to be a resource and service to the community and our readers. Events which are open to the public, fund-raisers, 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.

42 | birminghamparent | march 2015

Bryan Elementary 5K/1-Mile Family Fun Run 1-1:30pm registration, 2pm 5K, 2:05 fun run, 600 Kimberly Cutoff Road, Morris. Post race: live band, Goofy, Ninja Turtles and Minions. Food available for sale. FREE admission. rrecke@ jefcoed.com.

Keys to a Miracle – Alabama’s Largest Piano Marathon!

1-6pm, Alabama Piano Gallery (Steinway Recital Hall), 1425 Montgomery Highway, Vestavia Hills, see March 6.

Choral Evensong 3-4pm, Cathedral Church of the Advent. The Cathedral Choir sings the traditional Anglican service or prayers, lessons and anthems. FREE.

10 Tuesday Samford University String Quartet 7:30-8:30pm, Brock Recital Hall, Samford. 205-726-2011. FREE.

11 Wednesday Fresh Air Family – Vulcan Trail Hike Noon, Vulcan Trail parking lot.

Local author Tom Spencer is guiding walks from his new guidebook Five-Star Trails: Birmingham. Explore the museum afterward. Information, register, 205-540-6642, events@freshairfamily.org.

UAB Music Student Recital 12:20pm, Mary Culp Hulsey Recital Hall. Featuring advanced students with Chris Steele, pianist. 205-934-7376, www.uab. edu/cas/music.

12 Thursday Bring Home the Memories 2pm, Hoover Public Library.

Travel photographer Virginia Jones will give tips on how to capture the best memories of your trips. 205-444-7840. FREE.

13 Friday North Arts Council Spring Craft Show 9am-6pm, Gardendale Civic Center. Two-day festival. More than 75 vendors; handmade crafts, monogrammed items, purses, pottery, children’s clothing, jewelry, home décor and gifts. Door prizes, entertainment. FREE admission. www. northartscouncil.webs.com.

14 Saturday Birmingham Parent’s 5th Annual Special Needs Expo 10am-3pm, LINCPoint, United Cerebral Palsy Campus, Birmingham. A day-long exhibition where families can learn about products, support groups, recreational activities, healthcare, therapy and many other services for children and adults with special needs. Family fun, too! www.birminghamparent. com. Presented by UCP. FREE. Renew our Rivers: Cahaba Cleanup 8am-1pm. Meet at Helena’s Amphitheater Park for registration and assignments. Canoe the Cahaba, Cahaba Riverkeeper, The Friends of the Cahaba National Wildlife Refuge in partnership with Alabama Power Renew our Rivers program and Southern Company host this

annual cleanup, picking up trash by land and by boat. Participants receive gloves, pick sticks, T-shirts and a hot dog lunch.

205-874-5623.

these exciting programs for families and children. $5 adults, $2 children; pre-registration encouraged. 256-782-8010, www. jsu.edu/epic.

Pi Day and Einstein’s Birthday 10am-5pm, McWane Science Center. Celebrate Pi Day (3.14) and Albert Einstein’s birthday.

Fun hands-on activities will focus on the importance of Pi and other interesting applications of math in our daily lives, and help mark the 130th anniversary of Einstein’s birth. www.mcwane.org.

16 Monday

North Arts Council Spring Craft Show 9am-4pm, Gardendale Civic Center. Easter Bunny photos from 9am-3pm for $10. FREE admission, see March 13.

Magic City Chess U 10am-12pm, Birmingham Public Library, second floor, see March 7. FREE. Bart’s Art Cart 11am-1pm, Birmingham Museum of Art. Drop into this art program for kids and families. Theme: African beadwork. www.artsbma. org. FREE. Mt Laurel Library Crafty Saturday 11am-1pm, Mt Laurel Library. Make a fun craft! All ages with parent help. No registration required but supplies are limited. FREE. Second Saturday Space Safaris: Cosmic Serpents 4pm, 5pm, Jacksonville State University Planetarium, Jacksonville. Travel through space and explore planet Earth during

Minecraft @ the Library 6-7:30pm, North Shelby Library Teen Department. Show off your Minecraft skills! Bring your laptop if able. Snacks and offline activities available.

daily calendar of events

Calendar sponsored by

UAB Music Faculty Chamber Recital 7pm, Alys Stephens Center.

Recital of trios by Stravinsky, Steele, Martinu and Webster.

Performers: violinist Julianne Odahowski Steele, clarinetist Denise Gainey, flutist Lisa Wienhold, trumpeter James Zingara and pianist Chris Steele.

205-934-7376, www.uab.edu/ cas/music. FREE.

17 Tuesday St. Patrick’s Day Lego League 6-6:45pm, Albert L. Scott Library, Alabaster, Kids of all ages can play with Legos of all sizes.

Children 6 and younger must be with an adult.

UAB Jazz Ensemble in Concert 7pm, Alys Stephens Center .

Directed by Steve Roberts. 205934-7376, www.uab.edu/cas/ music. FREE.

18 Wednesday UAB Music Student Recital 7:30pm, UAB’s Mary Culp Hulsey Recital Hall. Featuring Emily Milan, flute. 205-934-7376, www.uab.edu/cas/music. FREE.

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birminghamparent.com | 43

daily calendar of events

march 19 Thursday UAB Jazz Combos in Concert 7:30pm, Mary Culp Hulsey Recital Hall. Directed by Carlos Pino and Steve Roberts. 205934-7376, www.uab.edu/cas/ music. FREE.

20 Friday SPRING BEGINS 21 Saturday Blue Cross Blue Shield Leprechaun Leap 5K 6:30am registration begins, 8am 5K run, 8:30am, family fun 5K run/walk, The Preserve, Hoover. This is the first year for this special event. All proceeds raised benefit the Easter Seals Pediatric Clinic in Pelham. After the walk, enjoy moonwalks, rock wall, drum circle, face painting, food truck, games, live music and arts and crafts. Presented

by Vecchia. www.eastersealsbham.org.

Junior League of Birmingham 5K for Kids 8-11am, Regions Field. Join the Junior League of Birmingham and the Birmingham Barons as we take Small Steps to End Childhood Obesity in the 5K for Kids and 1 Mile Fun Run (open to children 12 and under). Chip timed, well-marked course. 5K runners receive a technical T-shirt, Fun Runners receive a cotton t-shirt and finisher’s medal. Awards and post-race party. Family-friendly! 205879-9861, http://www.jlbonline. com/5kforkids.

PAWS in the Gardens 9am-4pm, Aldridge Botanical Gardens. Leashed dogs are invited to take a spring stroll with their families at the gardens.

Meet animals ready for adoption, learn about becoming a foster family and hear about other volunteer activities. Fashions, food, experts and more. $10 per dog benefits Aldridge Gardens.

Rain date: Sunday, March 22. www.aldridgegardens.com.

Free Classes from Magic City Chess U 10am-12pm, Birmingham Public Library, second floor, see March 7. FREE. 44 | birminghamparent | march 2015

Calendar sponsored by

Bart’s Art Cart 11am-1pm, Birmingham Museum of Art, see March 14.

Bart’s Books 11am, Birmingham Museum of Art. Bart chooses a kid’s book each month. March’s book: I Want My Hat Back, by Jon Klassen. FREE. UAB Piano Series featuring Nikolai Lugansky 4pm, Alys Stephens Center. Lugansky has performed to soldout audiences at UAB in 2009 and 2012. He is considered one of the world’s great interpreters of piano repertoire. He will perform works by Schubert and Tchaikovsky. Tickets: $15; $5 for UAB students.

Call 205-975-2787.

Southeastern Outings Night Walk 7pm, Hillsboro Trail, Helena.

Easy four-mile evening walk on the Hillsboro Trail, a wide, paved trail with only a few short hills. Well-behaved, carefully supervised children age 7 and up able to walk four miles welcome. After the walk, enjoy frozen yogurt at Yogurt Mountain in Hoover. Depart 7pm from Helena Middle School front parking lot. Dan Frederick, 205-631-4680, seoutings@ bellsouth.net.

22 Sunday Southeastern Outings Dayhike: Patton Track Trail 2pm, depart from parking lot in front of Riverchase Collision Repair, 3981 Lorna Road. Threemile, easy walk through the woods alongside the Cahaba River and Patton Creek in Jefferson County. Children age 7-older welcome. Information, Dan Frederick, 205-631-4680, seoutings@bellsouth.net.

Alabama Youth Symphony/ Alabama Symphony Orchestra Side by Side 3pm, Alys Stephens Center.

Catch the top-notch youth orchestra playing alongside the professional musicians of the Alabama Symphony Orchestra.

Tickets $10 adults, $7 children. www.alabamasymphony.org.

25 Wednesday Hippity-Hoppity Tales 10:15-11am, Albert L. Scott Library, Alabaster. EGG-citing!

Young children accompanied by an adult can come for fun with “Miss Spring” and the Easter Bunny! Visit with the Easter Bunny and get a goody bag.

Bring your camera. FREE.

26 Thursday Spring Carnival Magnolia Park, through April 4.

Presented by the Trussville Area Chamber of Commerce. Rides, food and more. www.trussvillechamber.com for pricing and times.

American Girls Club 4pm, Albert L. Scott Library, Alabaster. Girls age 7 and up can sign up for the fun of making friends, reading, learning history and playing with dolls. Come with or without a doll. 205-6646822. FREE. Pete the Cat Book Club 4-5pm, North Shelby Library.

Stories, games, groovy crafts and snacks. All ages welcome.

Registration required. 205-4395504, www.northshelbylibrary. org. FREE.

28 Saturday Hikes for Tykes with Fresh Air Family 10am, Birmingham Botanical Gardens. Fresh Air Family’s Hikes for Tykes is back after its winter break! Preschool children and their families. www.freshairfamily.org. FREE. Free Classes from Magic City Chess U 10am-12pm, Birmingham Public Library, second floor, see March 7. FREE. Bunny-Palooza: Spring Fest for Children 11am-3pm, Little River Canyon Center, Fort Payne, AL. Celebrate the season by visiting the Bunny Factory, where children are magically transformed into bunnies that hop, decorate eggs and more; children’s art show, storytelling, music, baby animals, bunny games, egg hunt and prizes. 256-782-5697, http://www.jsu.edu/epic/field_ schools.html. FREE.

Bart’s Art Cart 11am-1pm, Birmingham Museum of Art, see March 14. FREE.

29 Sunday Southeastern Outings/ Montevallo Parks Trail Orr Park, Montevallo. Easy three-mile hike. Bring water and wear walking shoes or boots.

Depart 1:30pm from McDonald’s, Riverchase Galleria, or meet the group at 2:20pm at Orr Park (bridge over Shoal Creek). Optional dinner afterward. Information, directions, Dan Frederick, 205-631-4680, seoutings@ bellsouth.net.

9th Annual Duck Derby 2-5pm, University of Alabama outdoor pool. Sponsored by The Children’s Hands-On Museum of Tuscaloosa. Music, prizes and family fun! Ducks are $5 each. www.duckracetuscaloosa.org, 205-349-4235, http:// www.chomonline.org. FREE. BSC Concert Choir Homecoming Performance 4pm, Hill Recital Hall, Birmingham-Southern College. The choir returns from its spring tour with a program featuring works

by Haydn, Benjamin Britten and more. www.bsc.edu.

31 Tuesday Spring Break Live Animal Program 11am, Anniston Museum Auditorium. See a fun, educational program suitable for all ages! Get to know some of the museum’s furry, feathered and funny friends. Included with museum admission. Seating limited; doors open at 10:45am. www.annistonmuseum.org.

Dye-ing to Color Eggs 6:15pm, Albert L. Scott Library.

Come dye eggs and have some EGG-straordinary fun! $3 per half-dozen eggs. Sign up and pay in advance by March 30.

Make checks out to the library.

All children must be with an adult.

n ALDRIDGE BOTANICAL GARDENS 3530 Lorna Road, Hoover.

205-682-8019, www.aldridgegardens.com n ALABAMA JAZZ HALL OF FAME 1631 Fourth Ave. N., Birmingham. 205-254-2731, www.jazzhall.com n ALABAMA SCHOOL OF FINE ARTS 1800 Rev. Abraham Woods, Jr. Blvd. n ALABAMA SPORTS HALL OF FAME 2150 Richard Arrington Blvd. N., Birmingham. 323-6665, www. ashof.org n ALABAMA WILDLIFE CENTER 100 Terrace Drive, Pelham.

205-663-7930. www.awrc.org n 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

n AMERICAN VILLAGE Highway 119, Montevallo.

205-665-3535, www.americanvillage.org n BARBER MOTORSPORTS PARK 6040 Barber Motorsports Parkway, Leeds. 205-298-9040, www.barbermotorsports.com

n BIRMINGHAM BOTANICAL 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 n BIRMINGHAM CHILDREN’S THEATRE 1001 19th St. North, Birmingham, AL, 35203, 205-458-8181, www.bct123.org n BIRMINGHAM CIVIL RIGHTS INSTITUTE Selma to Montgomery: A March for the Right to Vote – Photographs by Spider Martin.

This collection chronicles the 1965 march which brought about the passage of the Voting Rights Act in August of that year. Woolfolk Gallery. March 4-June 28.

16th St. N., Birmingham.

205-328-9696, www.bcri.org n BIRMINGHAM MUSEUM OF ART Small Treasures: Rembrandt, Vermeer, Hals, and Their Contemporaries. The exhibition, organized by the North Carolina Museum of Art and sponsored

by PNC, will feature works by the greatest masters of the Dutch and Flemish Golden Age. Small Treasures brings together 40 small-scale oil paintings, most of which are no more than ten inches in height, by 28 artists of the 17th century. Through April 26.

Family Tours: Kids at Play!

Every Tuesday, 10:30am. FREE. Spring Break at the BMA, March 31-April 2. FREE.

Birthdays in Birmingham

2000 Rev. Abraham Woods Jr. Blvd., Birmingham.

205-254-2565, www.artsbma.org n BIRMINGHAM ZOO In-park Special Attractions Giraffe Feeding & Keeper Chat, Saturday & Sunday 11am12pm & 2-3pm, $3. See Griffin, the first giraffe born in a North American accredited Zoo in 2014!

Sea Lion Training, Daily 10am & 2pm Predator Zone, Saturday & Sunday 11:30am & 3:30pm 2630 Cahaba Road, Birmingham. 205-879-0409, www.birminghamzoo.com n HEART OF DIXIE RAILROAD MUSEUM Ride the Cottontail Express!

Enjoy a ride on the train! Egg hunt and photos with Peter Cottontail! Bring your camera.

Saturday, March 28, 10am, 1pm, 3pm; Sunday, March 29, 1pm, 3pm. Tickets, www.hodrrm.org.

1919 Ninth St., Calera.

205-668-3435, www.hodrrm.org n MCWANE SCIENCE CENTER Mindbender Mansion. Mister E. and the Mindbender Society invite you to enter the wonderfully puzzling world of Mindbender Mansion, full of puzzles, brainteasers and interactive challenges. Adults and children will enjoy exercising their minds! Through June 15.

IMAX Movies: Mysteries of the Unseen World. High-speed and timelapse photography, electron microscopy and nanotechnology are just a few of the advancements in science that allow us

to see a whole new universe of things, events, creatures and processes. See places on Earth that are beyond normal vision.

Island of Lemurs: Madagascar.

Morgan Freeman narrates this true story of nature’s greatest explorers – lemurs. It’s a spectacular journey to the remote and wondrous world of Madagascar.

200 19th St. N., Birmingham.

205-714-8300, www.mcwane.org.

daily calendar of events

events & attractions

n MOSS ROCK PRESERVE Preserve Parkway, Hoover.

205-739-7141, www.hooveral.org. n OAK MOUNTAIN STATE PARK 200 Terrace Drive, Pelham.

205-620-2520, www.alapark.com. n RUFFNER MOUNTAIN NATURE CENTER 1214 81st St. S., Birmingham.

205-833-8264, www.ruffnermountain.org. n SOUTHERN MUSEUM OF FLIGHT 4343 73rd St. N., Birmingham.

205-833-8226, www.southernmuseumofflight.org n TANNEHILL IRONWORKS HISTORICAL STATE PARK 12632 Confederate Parkway, McCalla. 205-477-5711, www.tannehill.org n VULCAN PARK 1701 Valley View Drive, Birmingham. 205-933-1409, www.vulcanpark.org

Magic City Face Art

Your local birthday party resource Loved by Parents since 1997

birthdaysinbirmingham.com Places to Go  Entertainment Party Supplies & Rentals  Facilities  Coupons

205-613-0443 www.magiccityfaceart.com

FACE PAINTIN G AT ITS FINES T birminghamparent.com | 45

poetry THEparty POETRY PARTY

By Charles Ghigna

POEMS ABOUT BUGS! Bugs love springtime and I love bugs!

I love to watch bugs!

I love to write about bugs!

What is your favorite bug?

Have you ever written about bugs?

Here are some poems about bugs to help you get started on your own bug poems.

Ladybugs love gardens. I wrote this ladybug poem as an invitation to her to come visit my garden. This poem contains four stanzas.

Each stanza contains four lines. Every other line rhymes in a pattern that looks like this: ABCB. Patterns of rhymes are called “rhyme schemes.” In this rhyme scheme the B words rhyme. Can you find the rhymes? (pardon/garden, dew/you, dishes/delicious, perfume/bloom.)

LADYBUG LADYBUG Ladybug Ladybug I beg your pardon, Would you please come And play in my garden.

Come take a sip Of the sweet morning dew That sits on soft petals Just waiting for you.

For lunch there are aphids And other fine dishes, Sweet treats to please you, All so delicious!

Come smell the flowers, Such fragrant perfume!

Come take a nap In the bed of a bloom!

I like to watch bugs. I wrote this poem after watching a little daddy longlegs on my porch. This poem also contains four stanzas and each stanza contains four lines. The rhyme scheme of my little daddy longlegs poem is different than the pattern of my ladybug poem. This poem is made up of couplets, two lines that rhyme. The pattern of each stanza is: AABB. Can you find the rhymes?

LITTLE DADDY LONGLEGS

I love watching butterflies! They are so colorful -- and bashful! My butterfly poem contains three stanzas. Each stanza is a couplet. Can you find the rhymes?

Little Daddy Longlegs played in the sun Climbing up the front steps just for fun.

One leg two legs three legs four, Eight legs later he was at my door.

BUTTERFLIES ARE BASHFUL

He sat on the mat looking up at me, So I opened the door an inch or three.

I caught him in a jelly jar just for fun And put him in the window in the morning sun.

But Little Daddy Longlegs curled up small Looking like he wasn’t even there at all.

He just sat still looking up at me, So I opened the jar and set him free.

Little Daddy Longlegs played in the sun Climbing down the front steps just for fun.

One leg two legs three legs four, Eight legs later he was there no more.

Honeybees are fun to watch as they collect nectar from the flowers. This honeybee loves roses! This poem contains only one stanza of four lines, but it has three rhymes! Can you guess the rhyme scheme? Yes, the rhyme scheme is ABBB! Can you find the three rhymes?

HONEYBEE I wonder If she knows That her nose Chose a rose!

They dance about in and out All around the garden spout.

I wish that one would come and land Upon my shoulder or my hand.

Like rainbows made of little wings Butterflies are bashful things!

Soon we will be seeing fireflies fill the evening skies! Fireflies have another name. Do you know what it is? Yes, lightning bugs! My fireflies poem has only one stanza of four lines. Do you know what the rhyme scheme is? Yes, it is ABCB, just like the stanzas of my ladybug poem!

FIREFLIES Fireflies are quite a sight Upon the summer wind.

Instead of shining where they go, They light up where they’ve been!

Now you try it! Look around outside and see how many bugs you can find. Pick one and write a rhyme about it!

For more poetry activities, visit The Father Goose website at www.fathergoose.com. Want to submit YOUR poems for publication? Parents, here are some magazines that publish poems written by children: www.ckmagazine.org, www.magicdragonmagazine.com and www.cricketmag.com

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