Bham Family - August 2021

AUGUST 2021

Fishing

HEAL

Family

United Six-time world champion jet ski racer and founder Christy Swaid has a heart for children and transforming Alabama’s health culture

PAGE 12

Buddy Vines carries on his family’s 106-year-old camp business

PAGE 24

Come Home to Gardendale A small town is drawing families by the droves

PAGE 18

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EDITOR’S NOTE I can’t believe we have reached the month of August. In May, it felt like the lazy months of summer stretched out long and humid ahead, lazy days of lax schedules, extra dessert, and extended bedtimes. But here we are again already, back to school and football and band practice and, for some, bedtimes before the sky fully darkens into night. I hope you all had a wonderful summer and are ready to jump back into the swing of things. If you, like me, prefer to ease in a little at a time, then hopefully this issue, highlighting back-to-school tips and community education, will inspire you to look forward to the grind, er, fall.

With a focus on transforming the health mindset of families in Alabama, Christy Swaid’s HEAL United program teaches kids the importance of good habits to last a lifetime. Christy, a jet-ski racing champ with an enthusiastic and educated approach, is making a difference through her education programs. You can find the story on page 12.

All the typical back-to-school prep is probably front of mind right now—new backpacks, extra bottles of hand sanitizer, a big grocery run in anticipation of all the school lunches you’ll be packing—but don’t leave out the check-ups as you get ready to send your littles (or bigs!) off to the classroom. On page 26, pediatrician Dr. Lisa Frees, who practices at Acton Road Pediatrics, offers parents some tips for a successful, germ(ish)-free fall.

Maybe you’re thinking about going back to school yourself. Check out Samford’s Academy of the Arts on page 22, and learn about the various programs—photography, language, art, music—they offer for both adults and kids. Options for days and times abound, so you’re sure to find something that fits your family’s schedule.

Of course, for many, all that comes with preparing for a new season also comes with financial and other need-based stressors. To combat these disparities—not just during the schoolyear, but all the time, advocate Tamika D. Holmes started Community Care Development Network, of which she is also Director. This faith-based nonprofit anchored in the East Lake area helps bridge the gap for underserved communities in the metro area. Learn more on page 28.

Birmingham is constantly growing—that’s really no secret—and neither is the expansion of Gardendale, at least not anymore. This little city in North Jefferson County has awakened in recent years, with both people and businesses flocking to the area. Heather Lebischak, Executive Director of the Gardendale Chamber of Commerce, shared lots of details with me about what’s next for this city on page 18.

You’ll also find a review of a neighborhood pizza joint for Friday night family dinners (page 11); read about a family who has been running a successful fishing camp in Alabama for more than 100 years (page 24); and a lemons-to-actual-lemonade story about 8-year-old Liza Scott, who sells cups of lemonade to help offset the costs of her brain surgeries in Boston (page 8).

I also want to call your attention to recent grad Jared Henderson in our Kids Who Shine column on page 30. Jared excelled first as a trumpet player in the Hewitt-Trussville band from sixth through twelfth grades. But that wasn’t enough to satisfy his drive, or talents, and a picked-up-after-school disc golf hobby turned into much more for him. He’s played—and placed!—in numerous tournaments and competes in his first professional event next month in Nashville. I’m pleased to share his story with you all.

There’s still more I haven’t mentioned inside this issue, and we always invite you over to our website and Facebook page to check out other happenings. Birmingham offers endless stories to tell, and we want to share them all. If you know of a person, event, or business we should feature, we’d love to hear from you!

Stephanie Gibson Lepore, Content Director and Mom, contentdirector@jbmcmedia.com 4 Bham Family August 2021

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ABOUT US

Bham Family is published monthly by JBMC Media, LLC, P.O. Box 26432, Birmingham AL 35260.

10,000 copies are printed and distributed at more than 500 locations throughout Jefferson and Shelby Counties.

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

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

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

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INSIDE THIS ISSUE INSIDE EVERY ISSUE

Food Review Troup’s Pizza in Cahaba Heights is the perfect neighborhood hangout for food and fun. p. 11 Active Living Jet ski racing champion educates children as she seeks to transform Alabama health. p. 12

Families in Business Guests have been traveling to Buddy Vines Fish Camp for more than 100 years. p. 24 Medical Q&A Dr. Lisa Frees of Acton Road Pediatrics gives tips for getting kids back-to-school ready. p. 26

Just for Dads Ward Williams shares the importance of teaching kids why we work. p. 15

Faith Community Care Development Network connects underserved areas with resources to succeed. p. 28

Schoolhouse Update from the Hoover School District . p. 16

Kids Who Shine Recent grad excels in the disc golf world. p. 30

City Spotlight What’s happening in the growing North Jefferson County city of Gardendale . p. 18 Arts & Entertainment Samford Academy of the Arts offers language, art, photography, and music classes. p. 22

FEATURE STORIES

Liza’s Lemonade Eight-year-old Liza Scott sells cups of refreshment to offset her brain surgery expenses— and sweeten the days of customers. p. 8

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ON THE COVER: Cover photo by Wynter Byrd, Inset photo courtesy of Christy Swaid Bham Family August 2021 7

FEATURE

PHOTO COURTESY OF ELIZABETH SCOTT

Liza sells lemonade at her family’s bakery, Savage’s in Homewood.

Liza’s Lemonade Eight-year-old sells cups of refreshment to offset her brain surgery expenses—and sweeten the days of customers

BY STEPHANIE GIBSON LEPORE During the early-morning hours of January 30, while most people in Birmingham were fast asleep, Elizabeth Scott’s daughter, Liza—then 7 years old—experienced a Grand Mal seizure.

Delivered by ambulance to Children’s of Alabama, she was evaluated and released, only to suffer another seizure later that day. A return to the hospital yielded a weeklong stay, plus multiple MRIs, MRAs, EEGs, and a cerebral angiogram.

“We learned that her abnormal brain activity was predominately while she was sleeping, and she would have convulsive seizures,” says Elizabeth. “The types she was having during the day weren’t as noticeable. She would zone out or maybe her writing would get messy. It was easy to 8 Bham Family August 2021

think she didn’t want to do her homework, or she was not listening to me. But she wasn’t in control.

She didn’t even hear me.”

Eventually, Liza received a diagnosis. To state it very simply: Doctors discovered a rare congenital brain malformation they believed to be causing Liza’s seizures, plus a Right Parietal Arteriovenous Malformation (AVM)—a tangle of blood vessels that affects blood flow and can cause hemorrhaging—and a Dural Arteriovenous Fistula (DAVM), which, in her case, caused pressure on the veins in the brain. Because of Liza’s complex, high-risk diagnosis, a search ensued for specialized surgeons who better understood unique malformations such as Liza’s.

CONTINUED ON PAGE 10

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To make an appointment, call 855-219-6200 or visit PrecisionSportsOrtho.com for a full list of providers.

Bham Family August 2021 9

CONTINUED FROM PAGE 8

Two doctors in Boston filled the bill.

“A friend of a friend introduced us to the team at Boston Children’s Hospital,” says Elizabeth.

“One specialized in cerebral malformations, the other in cerebral vascular malformations. It’s all they research and study.”

For her part, Liza—astute, articulate, and smart as a whip—took the news matter-of-factly.

“She didn’t feel good, but she wasn’t upset,” says Elizabeth. “She just said, ‘Okay, we have to do this,’” of her upcoming treatment and surgeries in Boston. Liza’s far-beyond-her-years awareness also clued her in to something else: sky-high medical costs.

“We were sitting in the hospital room in Boston, and the conversation turned to how expensive it was going to be,” says Elizabeth.

“Liza is aware of life’s challenges. I’m a single mom running a business, so there’s no pretending, which I think is healthy.” So, Liza piped up with an idea. “She said, ‘I can put my lemonade stand out and it’ll help pay for Boston and for when you can’t work.’” The stand is a bright yellow wood crate structure Elizabeth built for Liza back in early spring 2020, to help Liza earn money for extra things she wanted, like Barbies and sparkly shoes. They set up the stand at Savage’s Bakery in Homewood, Elizabeth’s family’s business, which she runs with her father.

“This was before Covid restrictions really kicked in. She would sell lemonade outside the bakery on Saturdays. It was something fun for her to do while she was hanging out with me at work.

She had her own little business while we ran our business.”

Liza resumed sales—not to save toward a new toy or anything glittery, but to contribute to her medical costs. Then, one day, a reporter from CBS 42 at the time (she recently moved to a station in Tampa) wandered in for some sweet treats from Savage’s. “Malique [Rankin] saw the lemonade stand and wanted to know more,” says Elizabeth. “She ended up doing a segment on Liza, and it kind of exploded from there.”

And explode it did. Since she started, Liza has raised over $400,000 toward her medical expenses, though it’s important to note that the cost of her Boston surgeries—of which there have been two major ones and several more to check on her progression—exceeds $300,000. And though the family does have health insurance, Elizabeth notes that travel expenses 10 Bham Family August 2021

and accommodations for the two-week stays in Boston total well over $20,000 and probably closer to $30,000.

Recovery is intense. After her most recent surgery in June, to remove the AVM, Liza didn’t walk for three weeks. “Not because she couldn’t,” says Elizabeth, “but because she was too dizzy.”

Light sensitivity and crushing headaches followed.

“I pulled her everywhere in a wagon.” The Scotts aren’t done with New England just yet. There will be a follow-up surgery next year and multiple MRIs and EEGs to ensure the AVM hasn’t come back, as it can reoccur. There will be testing to determine the genetic component of Liza’s malformations, which will help doctors know where the gene could mutate in other parts of her body. She’ll be monitored through adulthood. All of the ensuing travel will put Liza’s hard-earned lemonade money to use.

“She’s very proud of what she’s accomplished,” says Elizabeth. “It was tragic to find out she has complex medical issues that will be with her the rest of her life, and the lemonade stand gives her a sense of her life having purpose.”

The duo plan to pay it forward, already working on care packages to send to other hospital kids with similar experiences in Birmingham and Boston. “Child Life Specialists bring in toys, stuffed animals, crafts—things to make the hospital feel more like home,” says Elizabeth. “All the items are donated. That kind of love is so important for a child’s well-being and healing process.” Funds from lemonade sales will eventually be used to purchase such items so that Elizabeth and Liza can send care packages to other patients. They’ve already boxed and shipped some. Down the road, they plan to let customers donate toward or purchase a care package for another child.

“As a mom, I want to raise awareness,” says Elizabeth. “Just the other day, an AVM survivor reached out to me. She was coming through Birmingham and wanted to stop and share her story and hear Liza’s, too.” She pauses before adding, “We want to show that in the midst of hardship and tragedy, we couldn’t do this without our community and the help of perfect strangers.”

Asked if she’s eager to get back to selling lemonade, Liza nods yes, then shrugs her shoulders and says with all the confidence of a successful entrepreneur: “Well, it really sells itself.”

Visit Liza’s Lemonade Stand at Savage’s Bakery, 2916 18th Street South, Homewood, 35209.

FOOD REVIEW

The meatball appetizer is large enough to share.

Neighborhood Hangout Troup’s dishes out cheesy, meaty pizzas, scrumptious salads, specialty sandwiches, and even a Sunday brunch

BY STEPHANIE GIBSON LEPORE It’s really no wonder that Troup’s Pizza in Cahaba Heights hashtags their motto: #GetFullOnPizza. It’s impossible not to leave full. With specialty pies like Old Cahawba—red sauce, house cheese blend, Arnone Italian sausage, pepperoni, caramelized onions, mushrooms, and pepper rings—and Hogthrob—red sauce, house cheese blend, Arnone Italian sausage, bacon, speck ham, capicola, pepperoni, smoked tomatoes, shaved red onions—there’s no creativity missing from the pizza offerings. Meatless choices include the Woodstock (truffled whitesauce, a variety of mushrooms, spinach, roasted garlic, caramelized onions, goat cheese) and the Happy Hippie (pesto, spinach, mushrooms, Roma tomatoes, artichoke hearts, shaved red onions, blue cheese crumbles).

On a recent visit, my husband and I opted for a BYOPizza: house-made crust, red sauce, and our topping choices of pepperoni and mushroom. It came out quickly, perfectly cooked, with plenty of ooey-gooey cheese, just the way we like it. The

crust was tender in the middle, with a tangy sauce, and crispy and slightly charred in the best way on the edges.

We also tried the meatball, which came out piping hot in a cast-iron skillet. There was a friendly fork competition for the last bite, even though it was generously sized and we were already full. Our Italian family motto is Never Leave a Meatball on the Plate. The rest of the appetizer choices are classic—cheese bread, mozzarella bites—and unexpected, like the hummus trio with a black bean flavor.

To cover lunch the next day, we ordered Nana’s Meatball to go. The large sandwich comes topped with marinara, provolone, and pepper rings on house bread and a choice of sweet potato chips or house-made pork skins. Other choices include the Hot Cahaba, a twist on an Italian beef sandwich, and a muffuletta. If you’re able to swing by any Tuesday through Saturday between 11 a.m. and 4 p.m., take advantage of the $10 lunch special: a slice of cheese or pepperoni pizza, a drink, and a CONTINUED ON PAGE 27

Bham Family August 2021 11

ACTIVE LIVING

PHOTOGRAPH BY WYNTER BYRD

Christy Swaid’s health education program is making a positive impact on the entire state.

Hope, Health, and

HEAL

HEAL United pairs education and practical tools to offer a healthier future for Alabama schoolchildren and their families

BY STEPHANIE GIBSON LEPORE “The HEAL United story is one anchored in faith, family, and community, as well as overcoming setbacks and forging new beginnings,” says founder and CEO Christy Swaid, who is also a six-time jet ski racing champion. It begins in the 1970s, when Christy’s dad managed jet ski rentals at a South Florida resort. Christy and her two older brothers kept busy riding themselves. “My brothers were older,” she says. “The rule was to keep up or be left alone. I was always over my head riding full throttle so they would include me.”

In the early 1980s, jet ski racing was rising to prominence. “ESPN covered the tour, and the ratings competed with summer baseball ratings,” says Christy. “At age 13, I begged my dad to sign me up for one of the national races in our 12 Bham Family August 2021

hometown of Ft. Myers. We picked out the best jet ski among our rental fleet, borrowed a helmet, and I signed up to race in the beginners-novice class.”

That race began Christy’s successful run. Just a couple years after the first race, at age 15, Christy was offered a full sponsorship to race the national tour and world finals in the amateur division. Even better, it was for the world’s top race team.

“Accepting required me to travel from Chicago—where I lived with my mother and grandfather during the school year—to practice in California on weekends, as well as take a week off school for the finals,” says Christy. “My mother embraced my passion but set a rule that if my grades slipped, jet ski racing ends. I ended up winning the amateur championship the summer CONTINUED ON PAGE 13

before my junior year of high school, and I maintained my GPA plus first chair of the second violins in the symphony.”

The win brought more opportunity, with a full sponsorship offer for the following racing season— but there was a caveat: she must turn pro to earn a paycheck. “My mom and I prayed fervently for God’s guidance,” says Christy. “We trusted that the Lord would open and close doors to guide my path according to His will.” After applying to various colleges in California but not qualifying for scholarships or financial aid, Christy’s sponsors mentioned that winning jet ski races could pay for college, so, “the decision was made.”

Over the next 15 years, racing became Christy’s life—and business. “It required every bit of education I could glean to support money management, science-based fitness and nutrition, contract negotiations, journalism, public speaking, and boating safety advocacy through the US Coast Guard Auxiliary,” she said. She also won six professional world and national championships and did stunt work for film and TV. After two years of over-training led to injuries, Christy turned to a top sports performance center that helped her recover and reach peak fitness conditioning through heart-rate conditioning and nutrient density. “The physical demand of a jet ski race is extreme. Every muscle is engaged, from constant deep knee bends through the choppy water, to pushing and pulling with the arms in and out of turns and leaning forward over the handlebars supporting a wet helmet with the neck and back,” she says. “During a 20-minute moto, a racer’s heart rate never drops below 80% of max.

Racers are mostly anaerobic during a moto (80% to 100% of maximum heart rate). The most fit racers can still think and apply strategy toward the end of a race. This newly discovered, evidence-based, measurable fitness conditioning saved my career and led to more championships and endorsements in the health and fitness industry.”

The new endorsements also led Christy to her now-husband, Dr. Swaid N. Swaid, an Alabama neurosurgeon. When they married, Christy retired and moved across the country from Los Angeles.

“Alabama became my “sweet home” in 2002,” she says. “My life’s experiences in racing and marine rescue, both good and bad, led to the development of the HEAL—Healthy Eating Active Living— mission. This new season—marriage, children— inspired me to shift my attention toward children’s

health and wellness. Just as accidents on the waterway threaten innocent people trying to have a good time, poor health behaviors threaten the quality of life of everyone, especially children. I feel HEAL is a rescue mission no less critical than a Coast Guard search-and-rescue.”

Even before childhood obesity was a pressing issue, Christy was concerned at the rising percentage of young people showing early signs of chronic diseases. “Many of these health consequences were simply due to a lack of adequate nutrition and effective exercise. I also noticed it was a multigenerational problem.” She wanted to improve children’s health while also transforming Alabama’s health culture. The way to do it: Teach both kids and their families healthy lifestyle behaviors through the education system.

“My husband is a world-renowned neurosurgeon, and he helped me pull together a brilliant advisory board of doctors, state leaders, and educators to discuss a strategy. The idea of transforming physical education into a measurable health experience using heart-rate monitor technology and teaching nutrient density with custom, active games was cutting-edge.”

Christy recognized that she needed an education ally, and she found him in one of her husband’s patients, Dr. Jack Farr—superintendent of education for Hoover City Schools. “He loved the HEAL idea and gave me full authority to test it in a Hoover elementary school. It proved to be a winning solution for the teacher and the students,” she says. Though Dr. Farr passed away from a malignant brain tumor, before he died, he made his wife, Janice, and Christy promise not to give up on HEAL. “Janice, a retired teacher, has served on the HEAL executive board of directors since inception, and we named our “Innovation” room at the HEAL headquarters after Dr. Farr. He had the courage to launch a program that was ahead of its time, and his final words kept me from giving up.”

Over the years, Christy and Swaid combined their experiences in medicine, education, and fitness to create HEAL. “We represent the bookends of health: he on the treatment side, me on the preventive side.” The two recently opened a hospital—Swaid Vestavia Medical Center—where they provide diagnostics, clinical offices, lab work, outpatient surgery, physical therapy, and pain management. “Every day we see the need for the HEAL program more than ever,” says Christy.

“The best treatment for managing preexisting Bham Family August 2021 13

conditions is what we teach through HEAL. It’s for everyone. Science tells us the potential consequences of poor health and obesity, including heart disease, hypertension, diabetes, anxiety, and depression, become most prevalent in children by age 10, and are most easily reversible in children who have not yet gone through puberty. Because of that, HEAL for elementary students has always been our bedrock program, but we continue to add programs to support those students through high school and into adulthood.”

HEAL supports schools across Alabama, but Jefferson County represents their largest service area, with 47 participating schools as of fall 2021 and eight more in Shelby County. The program is provided at no cost to schools. “We include teacher training and ongoing support, student health assessments, curriculum, supplies, and family education,” says Christy. “We even provide a stipend for schools to hire a substitute teacher on training days. We are especially proud that 98% of schools that implement HEAL stay with the program long-term.”

She also notes that more than 70% of the schools implementing HEAL are Title I, and the program’s model ensures that schools with few resources—even those without a gym or PE equipment—can be just as measurably successful as those with full facilities.

The curriculum not only teaches these behavior modifications, but it also offers strategic application. “The methods address age-relevant health and wellness needs,” says Christy. “K-12 lessons are taught in the context of PE, career tech classes, health classes, and more. HEAL bolsters Strong Start, Strong Finish (SSSF) education initiative goals by integrating emergent reading skills with health and wellness behaviors for earlychildhood developmental stages. There is ongoing support for each grade, reinforcing grade-level reading markers and health-promoting behaviors that the whole family is encouraged to practice. The “strong finish” circle is completed by introducing middle and high school students to career readiness skills that emphasize health, academic performance, and financial fitness; these three pillars are intrinsically linked to support health by overcoming poverty. HEAL provides high school and college students opportunities to acquire quality community service hours, job referrals and placements, opportunities for higher education, and internship rotations.”

As a motivational tool, “HEAL Heroes”—a 14 Bham Family August 2021

student, teacher, or community member who embraces the HEAL lifestyle and actively helps others succeed in it—are recognized each year at assemblies, conferences, and in other public spaces. “Teachers report that the HEAL Hero component has reduced bullying and mean-spirited competitiveness in many classrooms by promoting and rewarding self-respect and respect for others,” says Christy.

To reinforce the newly learned practices outside school, HEAL incorporates “HEAL at Home,” with materials that equip children to become health leaders in their homes. “Students are provided take-home materials with exercise tips, meal plans, and other healthy habits. Providing families with education and practical application promotes healthy lifestyle changes for multiple generations,” says Christy.

Christy notes that the program is obviously working: “During control intervention research efforts in 2006, statisticians from UAB and Samford confirmed that HEAL students improve their cardiovascular fitness scores, knowledge of nutrition and disease prevention, and the health behaviors of their household members in statistically significant margins.” HEAL United remains steadfast in its commitment to participants.

“It’s a source of encouragement for thousands of family members,” Christy says. “The need for HEAL is multiplying by the day.”

When it comes to resources to face the need, HEAL partners with the Alabama State Department of Education, which provides some funding. The nonprofit is also supported by grants, sponsorships, and donations. But Christy has something bigger planned for this year. “The jet ski racing industry is celebrating its 40th anniversary in October. I plan to put some of my racing paraphernalia up for auction,” says Christy.

“An online silent auction will open on our website in September, leading up to the world finals in October. All bids and donations will be directed to HEAL Inc. to help implement underserved schools.

A common racing tagline is “Go Big or Go Home,” and this fundraising effort will be referred to as “reckless generosity.” We are asking everyone to capture the extreme sport spirit by digging deep and giving big! Great things happen when we unite as a family.”

For more information about HEAL United, visit healunited.org.

JUST FOR DADS Why do you work? At some point in your life, you may have been asked this question or even questioned it yourself. It is one of the most important questions an adult will answer. This question is also one that parents should discuss with their children.

industries and ways for people to earn a living.

Ward Williams

Most adults, for most of history, worked to survive. Their work provided food, security, shelter, and other essentials needed to stay alive.

There is a country song by Jamey Johnson I really like that tells a story about a family as they look through old black-and-white photographs about growing up in the Depression, surviving war, and getting married young and poor. The chorus goes, “If it looks like we were scared to death, like a couple of kids just tryin’ to save each other, you should’ve seen it in color.” There has been a desperation surrounding our work for most of our history. The “why” behind our work says a lot about our morals, values, and beliefs. If your biggest goal in your employment is making money, going on a vacation, saving up to retire, finding yourself, finding enjoyment, then the “why” is going to be a relatively new reason to work compared to historical norms. The rise in technology, medical advances, and increase in standard of living have spawned numerous new

Our kids are continuously receiving messages that their lives are all about them. The average teenager in the United States owns more technology, more stuff, and has a higher disposable income than any other time in our history. It is easy for teenagers today to be selffocused with a high emphasis on social media, including TikTok and Instagram. As parents, we have to realize that our kids are never going to be happy or find their purpose when they are focused on themselves and living for a world that exists to build social influence. We have to have strategic talks about the one thing that is going to take up the majority of their adult life: their jobs.

We have to talk about how to work hard, the benefits of working well, and the difference they can make. Based on personal experience, I believe that our kids want to be involved in missions, organizations, and activities that make a difference. We are created to be relational difference-makers. We must work to model and teach our kids how to use our work to make a difference. Colossians 3:23 says, “Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not for human masters.” Having small daily conversations with your kids about why and who they are working for can make all the difference in the world.

Bham Family August 2021 15

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

Foundation welcomes new board members The Hoover City Schools Foundation, an independent nonprofit that raises money for classroom grants in all HCS schools, has announced the addition of four new board members recently. T.K. Wood, Dianne Gilmer, Leroy Banks, and Bevin Tomlin (pictured below, L-R) have all been approved by the board and have begun three year terms.

Key named SPHS assistant principal Brandon Key has been named as a new Assistant Principal at Spain Park High School.

Mr. Key is a native of Montgomery, Alabama, and a graduate of Sidney Lanier High School.

He has studied education, music, and leadership at Alabama State University, the University of Alabama, Highlands College, the University of Alabama at Birmingham, and the University of Montevallo.

Prior to joining the Jaguar family, Mr. Key served as a band director at Simmons Middle School.

16 Bham Family August 2021

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

Bus driver remembered Kathy Milliron, who served as a bus driver for Hoover City Schools, passed away in June. She was a driver for HCS for many years, driving a bus in the Russet Woods community from South Shades Crest Elementary and Brock’s Gap Intermediate.

She was an active member of Christ Church United Methodist Church, as well as Big Brothers/Big Sisters. She was recognized as a “Big Sister of the Year” at one point as well.

She will be fondly remembered by many teachers, students, and parents in Hoover.

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CITY SPOTLIGHT

PHOTOS COURTESY OF DOTEDISON MARKETING

Located at Celebration Park, the splash pad is a great spot for kids to cool off from May 1 – September 30. It’s open Tuesday – Sunday, 10 a.m. till dusk.

Small City, Big Living Gardendale’s community boom has people talking—and moving

BY STEPHANIE GIBSON LEPORE The city of Gardendale may need to add an agenda item to its next city council meeting: Change the town motto. The current one— Gardendale. The best kept secret in Jefferson County—doesn’t really apply anymore.

“The secret has finally gotten out,” says Heather Lebischak, Executive Director of the Gardendale Chamber of Commerce. A mere 15 minutes from Birmingham and minus the traffic of the city limits, Gardendale is drawing new residents eager to raise families in a smalltown atmosphere with the benefits of a big city close by. There are a multitude of other reasons, too, says Heather. “New subdivisions continue to surface, and more are planned.

The business community has taken notice, and during the last few years we have seen significant growth, especially in the medical arena. We have established Gardendale as the medical hub of north Jefferson County, playing off the largest industry in Birmingham, and the largest employer 18 Bham Family August 2021

in the state, which is UAB.” The once-sleepy enclave began nearly 200 years ago, by veterans of the War of 1812.

“They recognized the beautiful woodlands as a productive area,” says Heather. “And the first homesteader, Otis Dyer, settled here in 1825.” The town was first named “Jugtown,” because of a local jug and churn factory. The population doubled after coal mines opened in the area during the 1870s. In 1906, teacher Hettie Thomason Cargo, embarrassed by the town’s name, led a drive to rename it to Gardendale. The city was incorporated in 1955.

Today, Gardendale totals 57 square miles and is home to about 470 businesses, four public schools, two private schools, and more than 25 churches—and nearly 15,000 people. “When Interstate 65 on the western edge of the city was completed in 1985, it stimulated commercial growth along Fieldstown Road,” says Heather.

“The Chamber of Commerce was organized in CONTINUED ON PAGE 19

The civic center includes six meeting rooms and a 6,000-square-foot exhibition space, as well as fitness rooms, an indoor track, and basketball and racquetball courts.

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1987 and has influenced the city’s development as its membership has grown.” Coming soon to town are a new Taziki’s Mediterranean Café and Kemp’s Kitchen. “Taziki’s will be in the middle of our Gardendale Medical Mile, sharing a building with Brookwood Baptist Health at the intersection of Fieldstown Road and Mount Olive Road. Kemp’s Kitchen will be located on Odum Road right beside Walmart.” The Gardendale Redevelopment Authority recently purchased approximately 26 acres along I-65.

Excavation is expected to start in the fall, with new establishments to follow.

Mayor Stan Hogeland has his sights set on all that’s ahead, too. “As mayor, I have never been more excited about the future of our city,” he says. “When the pandemic hit our region, we didn’t know what to expect in regards to our retail tax base. But, to the credit of our citizens and the residents of North Jefferson County, our revenue has increased. In 2020, our sales tax revenue was up 3.59%, and for the first four months of 2021, revenue is up 10.72%. Our community realized the importance of shopping local. The new development along I-65 at Fieldstown Road will bring us new restaurants and retail that have been missing in our community. It’s all about location and visibility, and this site has it all! I have tremendous confidence in our developer, Preferred Growth Properties, who has an established track record in Gardendale, recently bringing us Publix, T.J. Maxx, Starbucks, and Moe’s Southwest Grill.”

Of course, great businesses are key to every

successful city, but there is more that contributes to the quality of life it offers. Gardendale retains a strong sense of community, despite its major growth. “We are both family-friendly and familyoriented, where “family” is not strictly defined by bloodline” says Heather. “We have numerous conveniently located parks and playgrounds; a splash pad; the GUTS mountain biking trail with options for amateur and experienced riders; a dog park; a civic center with an indoor and outdoor track, weight room, cardio room, group fitness classes, and rooms available for rent; and a disc golf course.” In addition, she notes that the 25-plus churches in the area serve families with weekly meetings, VBS, small groups, serve events, and strong, active children’s and youth programs. “From flag football, soccer, baseball, and tackle football to cheerleading, gymnastics, dance, baton, tennis, and basketball, there are options for all ages and levels in the area. The city is committed to and heavily invested in future generations.”

Part of that commitment entails a new, stateof-the-art sports complex, with construction starting later this year. On top of that, Heather says plans are currently being drawn for a new recreational complex at Bill Noble Park on Moncrief Road. “The current park will be completely demoed, and the new facility will have nine baseball/softball fields, a football field, eight tennis courts, 11 pickleball courts, a playground, pavilions, and much more. All of the playing fields will be synthetic turf. Upon completion, this park will be the nicest one along I-65 in CONTINUED ON PAGE 20

Bham Family August 2021 19

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the entire state,” she says. While the park will serve the play needs of the city’s children, it will also become an economic development engine to increase revenue across Gardendale and the whole county. “The new park will be marketed across the southeastern United States as a premier destination for baseball and softball tournament play,” says Heather. The park’s projected finish date is March 2023. Circling back to Birmingham’s active medical community, Heather says Gardendale is most proud of its Medical Mile, made up of more than 100 care providers in its own backyard, so residents don’t have to venture far for their medical needs.

In addition to sports and health, the community boasts an active arts and entertainment scene, with both the public library and civic center hosting events for seniors, adults, families, and kids, like book clubs, drive-in movies, movies in the park, food truck festivals, and craft days. “We also have an active Senior Center that brings in luncheon speakers and holds game nights, Bingo, Bunko, and other special programs,” says Heather.

Coming up soon is Gardendale Elementary’s

Meet the team keeping Birmingham looking good!

annual mid-October Friday night fundraiser, with food, rides, and games. Past years’ events have garnered over $30,000. “It promises to be bigger and better than ever this year,” says Heather.

“On October 15-16, Merry Market comes to town with one of the largest arts and crafts shows in the state,” says Heather. “This is one of the biggest fundraisers for Just Keep Smiling, a charity whose mission is financial assistance for families with critically ill children.”

The Chamber of Commerce sponsors the annual Christmas Parade, held the first Thursday of December (December 2 this year). Attendees can look forward to a parade theme, embellished floats, bands, local sports teams, pageant winners, new and old fire trucks, and—most importantly—Santa Claus.

The biggest event in the area is Gardendale’s annual Magnolia Festival. Families from all over converge to enjoy live music, great food, arts vendors, a carnival, inflatables, and live demos.

Held every spring, the event also includes a pageant and a scholarship presentation for high school festival volunteers. Next year’s dates are April 22-23, 2022.

Visit mygardendale.com for more upcoming events.

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Bham Family August 2021 21

ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT CITY SPOTLIGHT

Channel Your Inner Creative Samford Academy of the Arts offers classes for all ages, from preschool to 80-something

BY STEPHANIE GIBSON LEPORE No matter your interest—drawing, pottery, stained glass, music, photography—Samford Academy of the Arts probably has a class for it.

The Samford Academy of the Arts is the combination of two long-existing programs: the hugely popular Samford After Sundown, which offered adults not-for-credit courses in a variety of interests, and the Preparatory Music Department in the School of Music, which provides instruction in voice, piano, violin, and cello.

“I started as the Director of Samford Preparatory Music Department in 1989,” says Connie Macon, Coordinator of Academy Arts. She remained there until 2014, when the university combined its noncredit options into one entity under the School of the Arts and Dean Joseph Hopkins.

Academy of the Arts courses encompass a wide range of interests. For example, pottery is popular.

“We have some who take pottery again and again because they want to try different projects each time,” says Connie. “We have a kiln, so the instructor fires pieces on-site. We’re also getting six new pottery wheels and are so excited. We’ll be revamping the art studio big-time!” There are day and night classes, and the first session of daytime courses is already halffull. Most classes are split into Session A (August– October) and Session B (October–December), so there’s still time to secure something.

Coming off a successful summer of kids’ camps, the fall looks equally promising. Divided by age, and even including a class just for homeschoolers, art class students work with mediums like graphite, clay, glass, and paper. “We have incredible art teachers,” says Connie. “Nicki Masterson is just a pottery guru.

Her classes fill up because it’s so much individual attention. And we’re so thankful to have Margaret Winchester back for painting and drawing. She’s a Samford graduate who taught in Bolivia for two years, and she’s returned to get her master’s.” Arts choices for adults include calligraphy, stained glass, fused glass jewelry, painting, and more.

22 Bham Family August 2021

PHOTO COURTESY OF SAMFORD ACADEMY OF THE ARTS

It’s never too late to pick up a new skill. Many adults take music classes at Samford’s Academy of the Arts.

Another big draw for the Academy is its language program, including French, Italian, Spanish, and ESL. “Our ESL instructors are degreed and have extensive training,” says Connie. “The beginner’s class gives 40 hours of teaching in 10 weeks. We have lots of students from Central and South America but some from as far away as Spain, too.”

Though none of the classes qualify for university course credit, some do offer certificates, like photography. Requirements for the Photography Certificate Program are rigorous. “The classes are substantial, and you do finish the program with a large portfolio,” says Connie. “It’s a super popular course, and we have a great group of instructors who excel in their particular niches.” With subjects such as architectural photography, creative fine art, essential color printing, and landscape photography, there’s truly something for everyone.

Connie’s teaching focus is piano lessons, where

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students range in age from 4 to retirement. She’s modest—“All of our music teachers are amazing”— but she is accomplished herself, with

and physical coordination. Music students participate in competitions and festivals, perform for nursing home residents, and can share what they’ve learned with family. “I don’t know many people who don’t want to sit and listen to the piano.”

more than 40 years of experience teaching lessons, as well as classroom instruction. She is a member and past president of the Birmingham Music Teachers Association; a nationally certified member of the Music Teachers National Association; and a member of the American Music Therapy Association and Music Managers Forum, where she also served as president. In addition, Connie has been co-chair of Hymn and Piano Solo Festivals at Samford and the Sonata/Sonatina Competition and served on the AMTA state board.

The benefits of arts education are myriad for all ages. “Some schools have had to cut music and art classes, especially with virtual learning,” says Connie.

The Academy’s classes are a great way to keep this education integrated into children’s lives. “Plus, it’s a different group of friends than at school, and it can be really fun to get to know others who share your same passion.” Even for adults, classes have amazing health and social benefits. “It’s therapeutic and, of course, they make new friends while trying something new,” she says.

“Music is a really successful part of our program,” she says. “Students can start piano as young as age 4, violin around 5 or 6, and cello at age 8 because their hands need to grow.” In addition to learning music and honing a talent, Connie says, “Music students enjoy the benefit of disciplined learning and being away from a computer screen. It uses different brain processes because you have to force both hands to work in tandem.” Additionally, there is visual and aural (hearing, listening, pitch) learning

Mostly, though, Connie is just excited to be back to semi-normal this fall: “We have a lot of options, more than we’ve ever had,” she says. “Day, night— there is something to fit all schedules, and I’m just really thrilled about what’s to come.”

To view course offerings and register for classes, visit samford.edu/academy-of-the-arts.

The best way to contact the school is via email at academyofthearts@samford.edu.

Aldridge Gardens is OPEN ~ 8am-7pm daily ~ FREE admission Please practice safe social distancing!

(205) 682-8019 | aldridgegardens.com 3530 Lorna Road, Hoover Bham Family August 2021 23

FAMILIES CITY IN SPOTLIGHT BUSINESS

All in the Family

Since 1915, Buddy Vines Fish Camp gives families a place to reconnect along the Black Warrior River

It’s hard to beat a sunset on the Black Warrior River.

BY STEPHANIE GIBSON LEPORE With more than 100 years in business—106 to be precise—sixth-generation owner John C. “Buddy” Vines says, “It’s our turn to take care of the property, and we are humbled by the responsibility.” “Our” is Buddy and his wife, Maria, who run Buddy Vines Fish Camp with occasional help from their daughters, Chelsea Lee and Tila. Buddy took over the family business more than 15 years ago. Here, about 25 minutes west of downtown Birmingham, the Vines family tends to an idyllic spread of riverfront punctuated with charming cottages, spaces for campers, and a 1,200-square-foot Camp House that’s perfect for gatherings large and small.

If the scene sounds Mayberry-like, that’s because it is. Since 1915, people have traveled to Buddy Vines Fish Camp for peaceful time on the water—swimming, fishing, boating—and relaxing with family and friends who, over the years, became family. That’s fitting for one of the oldest 24 Bham Family August 2021

PHOTOS COURTESY OF JOHN C. “BUDDY” VINES

family businesses in the state, because guests have become family to the Vineses, too. “This business is our passion,” says Buddy. “We were raised right here along the river bank and maintain the property to a standard rarely seen today. Because our business is also our home, the integrity of our camp is never compromised, and the wholesome environment we’ve created for our children is the one we share with yours.”

The camp was founded by Buddy’s grandfather, John Aaron “Buddy” Vines, in 1915.

According to the camp’s history, that same year the creation of Bankhead Lock and Dam made the Locust Fork branch of the Warrior River into the waterway it is today. Buddy’s grandfather, Papa Buddy, “thought a fishing camp would prosper on the new Bankhead Lake, and he was right,” says Buddy. His father, Charles Chelsea “Charlie,” was born later that year, “and so began our camp’s family legacy.”

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Soon, cabin construction began on the property. “By 1916, three two-room cabins were nestled along the river’s banks, and the cost to rent a cabin during the camp’s first year of operation was simply the price to construct it. My father told me it cost around $15 to build a cabin at that time,” says Buddy.

Back then, Papa Buddy and Daisy, his wife, lived on-site in a two-story heart-pine house that Buddy remembers as “The Big House.” Upstairs were living spaces and a wrap-around porch that looked out over the camp. Downstairs, a store was set up to sell tackle, soft drinks, candy, crackers, and those classic camp staples: Vienna sausages and sardines. “The top-selling beverages were Grapico, Upper Ten, and RC Cola,” says Buddy.

After the passing of Buddy’s grandparents, his father, Charlie, and Uncle Marlin took over until Marlin pursued other aspirations, leaving the camp solely in Charlie’s hands. He and wife Kathryn converted part of The Big House into a restaurant, which, sadly, burned to the ground the night before opening. Buddy credits locals and guests with helping the family to rebuild: “In the spring of 1970, we officially opened our doors again, serving fresh catfish dinners, steak, chicken, and hamburgers. We gained a renewed sense of community that is still felt in our camp today.”

Buddy shares this restaurant story on the camp’s website: On one occasion, when the week’s fishing had been slow and the restaurant had been booming, we completely ran out of catfish. Only one table was left in the restaurant, and, of course, they ordered catfish. After our guests finished their salads, I heard my dad’s boat coming up the river as he was returning from running his trot lines. I raced down to meet him at the pier, and we hurriedly dressed several nice blue cats. My mother selected just enough for our guest’s meals, breaded them, and quickly dropped them into the hot peanut oil. After tasting their fish, one of the guests remarked, “Mr. Vines, these fish are delicious! Are they fresh?” My father, who’d just come in the door and hung up his hat, replied, “You have no idea, lady!”

Charlie later closed the restaurant, turning the building into a store and camp gathering space where the Vines family held Sunday morning Bible study on the porch for four decades.

“Hearing the word of God while looking out

Live music brings guests out to mingle on the lawn around the camp.

over His creation is a memory I will always cherish,” says Buddy. The building now serves as the property’s Camp House, which plays host to parties, weddings, and other functions.

Though Charlie passed away in 1995 and Kathryn in 2014, today Buddy and Maria honor their legacy by giving the camp the same care and attention as their predecessors. Buddy spends most of his time maintaining the property to the Vines family standard, as well as keeping up the waterfront and upland areas. This fall, he plans to add more dry storage for boats. Guests come for one-month minimum stays in 12 cottages or at one of 17 mobile home rental spaces, and they mostly stay full. “Most of our tenants have had their cottages or camper sites for many years,” says Buddy. “We have very little turnover. The summers will always be our busiest times on the water, but fall gatherings centered around Alabama and Auburn games have become very popular as well.”

The guests come for the wholesome atmosphere the Vines family works hard to cultivate. They come for fellowship, like that at the camp’s covered-dish and live music Fourth of July celebration. They come to chill out, ride golf carts, and grill. “Children can play safely, and parents can relax,” says Buddy. “The environment here harkens back to the days of kids on bicycles, catching fireflies, listening to croaking frogs, and roasting marshmallows.”

They also come with their jet skis and boats to enjoy the water: “I bet I’ve had 100 folks tell me our boat ramp is the best one on the river!” says Buddy.

For more information, visit buddyvinescamp.com.

Bham Family August 2021 25

MEDICAL CITY SPOTLIGHT SPOTLIGHT

ASK A PHYSICIAN GETTING KIDS BACK-TO-SCHOOL READY Q: Do children need a physical before starting the school year?

A: Children need an annual well child check-up with their pediatrician, and this is frequently done before going back to school. Oftentimes, if a child is involved in sports, he or she will also need a sports physical to participate.

Q: What steps can parents take to keep new school year germs at bay?

A: It’s important to encourage frequent handwashing to minimize the spread of germs.

I would encourage families to get their flu shots and COVID-19 vaccines if they meet the current age group of approval (12 years or older for Pfizer COVID-19 vaccine). If your child is unvaccinated, encourage he or she to continue wearing a mask to minimize getting themselves or others sick from airborne illnesses.

Dr. Lisa Frees is board-certified in Pediatrics by the American Board of Pediatrics and a Fellow in the American Academy of Pediatrics. She practices at Acton Road Pediatrics.

Dr. Frees attended Our Lady of the Lake College, where she graduated summa cum laude with a B.S. in Biology, and Louisiana State University Shreveport School of Medicine, where she also graduated summa cum laude. She completed her Pediatric Residency at UAB and Children’s Hospital of Alabama. She is currently accepting new patients. Visit actonrdpeds.com to make an appointment online.

PHOTO COURTESY OF ACTON ROAD PEDIATRICS

Q: What types of vitamins or supplements do you recommend for school-age children?

A: Most children who eat a varied diet do not need vitamins or supplements, as we get these from our regular diet and fortified foods. However, discuss this with your pediatrician if you have a concern about your child’s nutrition.

Q: What should parents do to determine extracurricular sports readiness?

A: It’s really up to the parent and the child to decide when they would like to get involved in extracurricular sports. If a child is interested, it’s a great time! Sports can be excellent for team building and making friends, as well as a great source of exercise.

Q: What are some practical ways to encourage good health at home?

A: Eat a nutritious, varied diet with plenty of fruits and vegetables. Drink mostly water and avoid sugary drinks. Remember, we have more control at the grocery store than at the pantry or fridge. Minimize screen time to less than two hours per day. Get at least one hour of physical activity per day. Encourage regular bedtimes and proper sleep hygiene (no electronic devices at bedtime). Kids tend to have more success at adapting these healthy lifestyle changes if the whole family does it together.

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26 Bham Family August 2021

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side salad.

Speaking of salads, don’t sleep on the entrée ones at Troup’s. I’m a big fan of the House, add grilled chicken. With mixed greens, spiced pecans, cherry tomatoes, goat cheese, and balsamic-fig vinaigrette, it tastes special enough to make me forget I ordered a salad at a pizza restaurant. All salads except the Wedge come small or large. My suggestion: Order a small to enjoy alongside your slice (or slices).

Sunday brunch is served weekly, featuring innovative dishes such as Khachapuri—cheesefilled bread and pesto topped with a runny egg— CONTINUED FROM PAGE 26

Q: What signs or symptoms warrant parent concern or a trip to the doctor?

A: Pediatricians are always willing to see a child who is ill, especially if a parent is concerned.

If your child has a fever, seems dehydrated, is having any difficulty breathing, or has been sick for several days and is not improving, then it’s worth a visit to your pediatrician. If you aren’t sure if you should bring your child in, you can always call your pediatrician for advice.

Q: What’s the best way to treat the common back-to-school cold?

A: Common colds are viral illnesses that resolve on their own over time without any specific treatment. Antibiotics do nothing to treat a viral illness. Common colds generally get better in about seven to ten days. It’s important to treat the symptoms to help the child feel better, including staying hydrated, giving Tylenol (or Motrin if over six months of age) as needed for fever or discomfort, suctioning frequently with a nasal bulb for infants, and using a humidifier if necessary.

Q: Is there anything preemptive parents can do to avoid stomach viruses?

A: Stomach viruses are very contagious, so it is important to frequently wash your hands and avoid being around anyone sick with a stomach bug to avoid catching it. It is a viral illness, so it typically lasts several days and will improve on its own without any treatment. However, if you

shrimp and Creole grits, and a sausage, bacon, egg, and cheese pizza. Don’t skip the beignets.

Chef/owner Terrill Brazelton—already known for his “chef-inspired pizza,” focuses on fresh, local ingredients, and it shows in the freshness of the food at Troup’s. He is often around, bussing tables, chatting with customers, and generally adding to the cozy, comfortable, family-friendly neighborhood vibe. I’ve been when the restaurant was crowded and on less busy nights, as well, but the takeout line is always hopping.

Troup’s Pizza is located at 3144 Heights Village in Vestavia. They’re open Monday 4 to 9 p.m., Tuesday through Saturday 11 a.m. to 9 p.m., and Sunday 10:30 a.m. to 8 p.m. with brunch until 3 p.m.

get a stomach bug, the most important thing is to stay hydrated through it. Parents can monitor their child’s urine output to ensure they are staying hydrated. If they are urinating at least once every eight to twelve hours, then they are hydrated enough and will improve with time. Sometimes, your pediatrician may prescribe an anti-nausea medication such as Zofran for nausea/vomiting.

Q: What are some signs of stress or school jitters parents should look for in school-age children, and when should they be concerned?

A: Grades are often a good indicator of how a child is doing. But, sometimes, when children are dealing with stress or anxiety, the signs can be subtle. Signs of anxiety can include the following: being unable to stop or control worrying, having difficulty relaxing, being restless, becoming easily annoyed or irritable, or feeling afraid as if something awful might happen. Signs of depression can include the following: having little interest or less pleasure in activities they used to enjoy, feeling down/sad/hopeless, having trouble sleeping or sleeping too much, feeling fatigued, experiencing changes in appetite, having difficulty concentrating, or having thoughts of self-harm.

Speak to your pediatrician if you think your child may have anxiety or depression.

Your pediatrician is here to support you and answer any questions you may have. It is very important to keep up with your child’s routine well check-ups. These are great times to address any concerns, keep your child’s vaccinations up to date, closely monitor their development and psychosocial health, and screen for any serious illnesses.

Bham Family August 2021 27

FAITH

Bridging the Gap The Community Care Development Network connects underserved areas with resources to succeed

PHOTO COURTESY OF TAMIKA HOLMES

Students from the Inspire Program.

BY STEPHANIE GIBSON LEPORE After years spent doing community volunteer work, Tamika Holmes founded a youth mentoring program—Precious Pearls of Promise—in 2014 for girls between the ages of 11 and 18. During the natural course of developing those relationships, she and others learned of pressing physical, environmental, and emotional needs impacting the homes where these girls lived: financial stress over rent and utility bills, unemployment concerns, and lack of food and clothing. The preteen and teen girls were stressed, helping to raise younger siblings because single moms were working two or three jobs. After much listening to these families’ voices, Precious Pearls of Promise knew they needed to do more, and they expanded to include mentoring, education, and life services, thus forming the Community Care Development Network (CCDN).

“During 2019 alone,” says Tamika, founder and director, “CCDN served approximately 2,400 individuals ranging in age from newborn to 95.”

Q: Tell us about CCDN’s mission and purpose.

TH: Community Care Development Network (CCDN) is a faith-based 501c3 community development organization located in the East Lake community engaging underserved areas in metro Birmingham by meeting individuals’ immediate 28 Bham Family August 2021

basic needs, mentoring (youth, adult, and family), connecting to resources—including stable housing and affordable health care, education (financial literacy, math, and reading tutoring), and workforce development courses.

Q: What programs do you offer and to whom?

TH: Our Life Services Program includes: Community Food Hubs—Providing emergency food to community members in need. CCDN operates four community food hubs for convenience. Families may pick up at any location two times per month and can receive 40 to 80 pounds of food. The four locations are: • Monthly on 1st Thursdays at 139 54th Street N., 35212 (in partnership with Woodlawn UMC) • Monthly on 2nd & 4th Thursdays at 1920 Old Springville Rd., 35215 • Monthly on 3rd Thursdays at 7753 1st Avenue S., 35206 (in partnership with East Lake UMC) • Monthly on 3rd Thursdays at 2600 Fairfax Avenue, 35020 (in partnership with Shady Grove Missionary Baptist Church) Life Services Resource Assistance—Providing resources for emergency needs such as financial, clothing, housing, job loss, medication assistance, CONTINUED ON PAGE 29

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and household supplies (diapers, wipes, baby formula, Ensure, adult diapers, detergent).

Our Family and Youth Support Programs includes two Youth Mentoring groups. Precious Pearls of Promise (young ladies ages 11 to 18) and Diamonds in the Rough (young men ages 11 to 18). Last month, we began working on a hybrid schedule: two Saturdays per month are in person (8 a.m. until 2 p.m.) and two are virtual (noon – 1:30 p.m.). Parents Helping Parents is mentoring for biological parents, guardians, grandparents, etc. We meet virtually on the second Tuesday evening of each month at 6 p.m. and on the fourth Saturday of each month at 2 p.m.

CCDN Education Programs help to increase skills and knowledge for youth and adults in key areas, like youth reading and math enrichment, GED tutoring, trade school resources, and career readiness classes.

LearnWorks Reading and Math EnrichmentThis program is for middle school and high school-aged youth who have a challenge with reading and math.

GED Tutoring is available for youth ages 16 through 19 and adults age 20 and up. It’s designed to assist with preparation for the GED exam, and assessments determine the level of learning. This program prepares learners for job market success, college, and life through building confidence and skills needed to flourish.

Inspire Education Program and Services were developed to equip youth and adults with the essential work skills needed to secure employment and develop a life development plan. Career readiness materials are supported by Alabama Ready to Work through Lawson State Community College, WorkFaith Birmingham, and Inspire Education Program.

Healthy Tuesdays is health-focused and designed to help families. The program involves educating families by collaborating with health care facilities, clinics, doctors, nutritionists, counselors, and insurance agencies. It engages families in the community to live and maintain healthy lifestyles through four key areas: mental health, fitness, family and nutrition, and spiritual health.

Our Community Outreach Projects develop partnerships that will increase community cohesiveness, effectiveness, and growth. Projects may include civic engagement, solutions to education and food insecurity, and family unification. We have ongoing projects with Birmingham Coalition for Student Mental Health, Children’s Policy Cooperative of Jefferson County, E.L.E.C.T. Teen Summits, Financial

Literacy, Voter’s Registration, Christmas at CCDN, Woodlawn Area Food Insecurity Project, Food Insecurity Challenges Greater Birmingham, Birmingham Lift Project, and Back to School!

Past projects include Restoration Families First and Second Chance Hiring Fair.

Q: How does faith play a role in the organization?

TH: During our family and youth mentoring programs, we work with families on building a foundation using faith-based principles. In our emergency food boxes, we incorporate prayer booklets to help families and individuals who are struggling. We also partner with several churches throughout Jefferson County and metro Birmingham.

Q: What do you hope the programs accomplish?

TH: UNITY! We want our community to bring families together, school environments together, work environments together, churches together, and the community as a whole together. In fact, one of our mottos is “Be the change you want to see in your home, church, school, and community.” We desire to be a beacon of hope in a world of darkness.

Q: Who is your target demographic?

TH: We help anyone who comes through our doors. While most of our clients are low to moderate income, we do not turn anyone away. We have working-class families who do not fit into the low- or moderate-income box, but they still need some assistance. When Covid-19 hit, we were serving 400 families monthly in our Life Services Program. We believe help is help!

It’s important to note that our organization also includes a network of partners and churches that help us to be successful. Organizations like Community Foundation of Greater Birmingham, The City of Birmingham’s Department of Innovation and Economic Opportunity (IEO), United Way of Central Alabama, Restorative Strategies, LLC, WorkFaith Birmingham, Birmingham Ed Foundation, Woodlawn Foundation, Mike & Gillian Goodrich Foundation, JCCEO, Woodlawn UMC, East Lake UMC, Shady Grove Missionary Baptist Church, Guiding Light Church, The Church at Brook Hills, UAB, Jefferson County Family Court, Emotions Counseling Service, and more. These partners are an example of what we want to build—unity.

For more information about the CCDN, its programs, or to volunteer or donate, visit ccommunitycaredn.org.

Bham Family August 2021 29

KIDS WHO SHINE

JARED HENDERSON, 18

BY STEPHANIE GIBSON LEPORE It seems talent follows recent Hewitt-Trussville High School graduate Jared Henderson in whatever he endeavors. First, he took after his older brother, and picked up a trumpet in the sixth grade. “I wanted to be like him,” says Jared.

“He’s my big brother, and he played trumpet, so I decided I wanted to play, too.”

Jared stuck with band, playing all the way through high school as trumpet section leader.

“When he was a sophomore, he and a few friends were looking for something fun to do after school,” says Hewitt-Trussville Assistant Band Director Stephanie Ezell. “So, they went to Trussville’s Civitan Park to play disc golf.”

“Football season had ended, so there was no more marching band,” says Jared, “and some friends and I had a few old discs leftover, so we said, ‘Hey, want to go try this out?’” One round turned into another the next day and again the day after that. “I was hooked immediately. I started playing every day after school and working to improve my skills.”

It wasn’t long before he recognized something: He was naturally talented with a Frisbee. “Two of my friends and I really fell in love with disc golf,” he says. “I realized I had gotten pretty good and thought, ‘I should enter a tournament.’”

Jared won the first local tournament he entered. His response? “Heck yeah! I liked the competitiveness and the community,” he says. He also came to appreciate that the sport draws in a lot of people from all different backgrounds and lifestyles. “It’s easy to stick to your own clique [in school] and not get out of your comfort zone.

Playing disc golf, I met some really cool people I probably wouldn’t have met otherwise. I enjoyed getting to hang out with older, wiser guys and interact with people who weren’t just like me.”

Bitten by the tournament bug, Jared continued to enter, even traveling as far as Las Vegas to play in one. “I’ve played in a ton of tournaments in Alabama and Georgia,” says Jared. “Last October I traveled to Rock Hill, South Carolina, because I qualified for the US Disc Golf doubles championship.” Jared and his teammate, Sullivan Tipton, won the doubles competition.

So far in 2021, Jared has played in 13 tournaments, placing in the top 10 in all of them.

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PHOTO COURTESY OF JARED HENDERSON

Jared Henderson picked up disc golf for something fun to do with friends, but his natural talent for the game spurred him on from playing for hobby to dominating tournaments.

Of those 13, he’s finished third place or better in nine. In September, he’ll travel to Nashville for his first event on the Disc Golf Pro Tour, the Music City Open. “The sport is growing—which is great—and this will give me a taste of the tour life, if you want to call it that. It could definitely be an option in the future.”

For now, though, Jared’s future includes attending Auburn University in the fall on the All Auburn Scholarship—a four-year renewable scholarship given to Alabama residents based on academics—because he excels there, too.

He plans to major in wildlife ecology and management. “I really like being outdoors and I like animals, and I’d like to mix in conservation. I could move out west or stay here in Alabama and work on the Cahaba restoration,” he says.

This month, he’ll also stay true to his musical roots, auditioning for the band at Auburn, where he hopes to continue playing the trumpet. And there might be a little collegiate disc golf as well.

“I’d like to play in college if that’s an option,” says Jared “I’m not sure if they have a rec team or not, but I would absolutely start one.”

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32 Bham Family August 2021