Easter is a special time for families in Birmingham. Sikes Children’s Shoes and Jack n’ Jill Infant & Children’s Wear in Homewood is Birmingham’s premier spot for parents to outfit their young children for the holiday, as well as special clothing year round. Visit them at 2719 19th Place South in Homewood.
Cover photograph courtesy of Sike’s
To view this and previous issues in a digital flip version, scan the QR code with your phone’s camera.
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 650 locations throughout Jefferson and Shelby Counties.
DISTRIBUTION
If your business would like to make copies available to customers, please email matthew@jbmcmedia.com with your business name, address, point of contact, and number of copies you would like.
ADVERTISING
To reach the largest audience of parents in Birmingham each month, partner with us. Email advertise@jbmcmedia. com to get started with a partnership that will be a key part of your plan.
EDITOR’S NOTE
Welcome to this exciting spring issue of Bham Family! As the days grow warmer and the city blossoms with new life, we’re thrilled to share a variety of stories, tips, and inspiration to help you make the most of this season with your loved ones.
In this issue, we are spotlighting an incredible local mom and business owner, Christie Howell, who has grown Wrapsody—a gift and accessories boutique that began in Hoover—into a statewide chain that now includes five locations. Christie is also a wife, mom of three, and co-owner of baby store Once Upon a Time, with shops in Homewood and Crestline. She’s busy! You can read more about her on page 22.
Spring is a time for fresh beginnings, and Easter is a special moment to gather with family and reflect on the season. We’ve included some creative ideas for Easter food, crafts, and ways to teach your little ones the true meaning of the holiday. Plus,
don’t miss out on the kids’ devotionals available at our local bookstores—perfect for fostering faith and connection during this meaningful time— beginning on page 16. On page 14, Vestavia mom Kendall Kennedy shares a favorite DIY to do with her kids. Her resurrection garden is a beautiful and educational project that can help your family reflect on the Easter story, and it’s an activity the whole family can participate in.
As always, I hope this issue inspires you to embrace the joy of family life in Birmingham, celebrate the season, and create memories that will last a lifetime. Happy April!
Stephanie Gibson Lepore, Content Director and Mom, stephanie@jbmcmedia.com
Sean of the South
Georgia Barbecue p. 8
Organization
Spring cleaning p. 10
Crafts
Make a resurrection garden p. 14
Faith
Children’s devotionals p. 16
Celebrate
Easter fun p. 18
Food Review
Lag’s Eatery p. 20
Schoolhouse
Update from the Hoover School District p. 26
Education News from local schools p. 27
Happenings
April Events Calendar p. 30
FEATURE STORIES
Families in Business
Christie Howell manages Wrapsody and Once Upon a Time p. 22
Sweet Georgia Barbecue
Columbus, Georgia. I was eating at a barbecue joint not far from the state line.
My cousin, John, insisted that this joint serves the best barbecue in the state of Georgia. He made me promise to try it.
I ordered the ribs.
I ate them without sauce. The true test of ribs is to eat them dry. Barbecue sauce is like a beautiful woman. If she’s too sweet, she’s hiding something. If she’s too spicy, you’re going to be sorry in the morning.
Sean Dietrich
Behind me was a young couple, eating. Early 20s. Maybe late teens. I could hear their conversation.
“Has your mom texted yet?” said the young man quietly. They were eating a massive plate of smoked meat.
“No,” said the young woman.
“Not yet.”
“Do you think she’ll text you?”
“Don’t know. She’s definitely mad.”
“Bad mad?”
“Yes.”
“You think she’ll ever forgive us?”
The girl spoke with a mouthful.
“I don’t know. She doesn’t like what we did.”
“You mean that we snuck off to get married?”
“It’s called ‘eloping.’ I think that’s what they call it when you run away to get married.”
“She doesn’t like that we ’loped.”
“EE-loped.”
ILLUSTRATION BY SEAN DIETRICH
“I can’t believe we’re really married.” “I know.”
I ate my ribs and listened. I have my mother in me. I can eavesdrop with the best of them. The boy was chewing as he talked. “I think lots of people’s grandparents ee-loped. My grandparents went to Donaldsonville to get married. You could get married in Donaldsonville back then, without your parents’ permission.”
“So how can it be so wrong if our grandparents did it?”
Shrug. “I know. And my grandparents are super old, too. My grandma is almost 60.”
I turned around to sneak a glance at them. She was pretty. He was so skinny, God love him. He would’ve had to stand up five times just to make a shadow. They were sitting on the same side of the table.
“My mom will come around,” she said. “As soon as we get good jobs. Don’t worry.”
“I’ll start looking for a better job as soon as we find a place to live.”
“God. Where are we going to live?”
“Anywhere. As long as we’re together.”
I started working on my coleslaw and listened to them take inventory of their assets.
“How much do we have?” said the young woman.
“I have $329 in my checking. But I got a paycheck coming this week.”
“That’s not a lot.”
“That guy said he’ll rent us the apartment, so we’re good. We can do this.”
“Can we?”
“I’ll do whatever it takes. I won’t be a loser forever.”
“You’re not a loser.”
“Yes, I am. But I’m going to make you a good husband. I’m going to show them how much I love you. I’m going to break my back to prove it.”
“I’m going to do the same thing.”
“Maybe one day, our grandkids will be talking about how we ee-loped, the same way our grandparents did.”
Best barbecue in Georgia. SEAN
4-18
SpringCleaning
Give your home organization a refresh before the carefree days of summer settle in.
During this time of year, we begin to see a resurgence in yard sales, closet purges, and spring cleaning before the hectic pace of summer sets in. Don’t let it overwhelm you— House Peace, a Birmingham-based organization company—offers some great tips for managing the mess.
“One of our biggest passions at House Peace is teaching our clients about the practice of “chaos resilience” in their everyday lives,” says founder Tara Bremer. Chaos resilience is returning to your organization system when chaos happens.
“Because chaos continues to happen, even after we get organized. It’s a reminder not to panic, but to get back to the plan and utilize your personal magic ingredients for restoring
order,” she says. Tara notes that It’s not just about getting organized, but it’s also teaching your brain how to recall what to do when the organization falls apart.
Before you unleash the label maker on your house, take time to revisit some of the organization systems already in place. Tara suggests asking questions such as:
Is this shoe bin still meeting the needs of my family, or do we need to look for something that works better?
Why are the coats piled up in the place where we keep soccer supplies?
I can never find a phone charger in this house. Didn’t they all used to be in one spot?
“You don’t have to throw everything out and start over completely,” Tara says. “Just perform a little maintenance and return to the systems you have put in place.”
Colleen Dixon, a House Peace organizer who lives in New York City, also references chaos resilience when giving her apartment a
CONTINUED ON PAGE 12
CONTINUED FROM PAGE 10
refresh. “One thing that is certain no matter what your life is like is that there will be moments or even seasons of chaos,” she says. “Maybe your kids are in a sport that dictates your life every year for a couple of months, or maybe a loved one gets sick, and you’re focused on caring for them for a period. Maybe your daily life feels a bit chaotic on the regular, like mine does from the hours of 3-7 p.m. in the post-school, pre-bedtime survival hours. No matter how or why you experience chaos, the fact is that we all do, so it’s important that we implement systems when we have the capacity to do it so that we can go back to those systems when we feel overwhelmed with life.”
Colleen notes the most important aspect of chaos resilience is that everything must have a home. “When things don’t have a home, how do we know where to put them when we’re ready for our space to be peaceful once again? This can look different for everyone, but the goal is for you (or anyone in your home) to be able to pick up an item and know where it goes when it needs to be put away,” she says.
Next up: labeling. “Labeling is an important part of the process, because it reminds you and everyone else in your house where the designated home is for each item,” says Colleen. “So, if you’ve decided that the children’s art supplies belong in a lidded bin on a shelf in their closet, that lidded bin should be labeled “art supplies,” so that you, your spouse, your children, and any potential babysitters all know exactly where to put the crayons and
markers when it’s time to tidy.” One of the places Colleen finds labeling to be especially helpful is her kitchen “admin” drawer. “This drawer—often referred to as a “junk drawer,” but do we really want junk in our home?)—houses many items that don’t necessarily have another place to live and that we access often, such as pens and pencils, paper clips and rubber bands, scissors, etc. Because six people live in our home and not all six of us can read the labels I’ve put on the organizers in the drawer, it occasionally gets a bit disheveled. Thanks to labels, I can quickly and easily put everything back where it belongs when the drawer gets out of hand, or I can ask another person to do it, because the organizing work already happened, and we just need to get back to how it was when the work was initially done.”
“Chaos has a tendency to paralyze us,” Colleen says. “Sometimes it’s because our brains simply can’t function at full capacity because of the emotional or logistical burden we’re carrying, and sometimes it’s because we must prioritize whatever is urgent and everything else is just going to have to wait for another day. If we allow ourselves to create a space that is resilient to that chaos during a season that is calmer, when the stuff hits the fan later, we can almost brainlessly enter back into that peaceful space because we set it up in such a way that is easy to recover.”
For more information about chaos resilience, organization, or to schedule a consult with House Peace, visit housepeace.net, or follow them on Instagram @house.peace.
PHOTOGRAPH BY SARAH BROWN ON UNSPLASH
Resurrection Garden
This meaningful Easter project will last all season long.
Creating a resurrection garden is a wonderful way to celebrate Easter with your kids. Not only is it a fun craft, but it also helps teach the true meaning of the holiday in a hands-on way. This little garden tells the story of Jesus rising from the dead through simple decorations like a tomb, crosses, and beautiful plants. Plus, it’s easy to make, inexpensive, and can be enjoyed all season long as a daily reminder of the hope and joy of Easter. Pick a special spot to display your completed garden, like the kitchen countertop, where everyone can see it.
If you’re looking for a thoughtful Easter gift, consider making a resurrection garden or putting together a DIY kit for friends and family for a simple, special gift.
Below is a loose step-by-step guide to help you, but you can use whatever container, plants, flowers, and other decorations you like. Be creative—enlist your kids’ imaginations for ideas, and have fun!
Kendall notes a few of her other other favorite Easter traditions with kids are Resurrection Eggs—12 eggs each containing a symbol that
PHOTOGRAPHS COURTESY OF KENDALL KENNEDY
represents another part of the Easter story as it progresses. “They come with a read-along that helps you explain it to your children,” she says.
“For a book that beautifully explains the Gospel to children, I love The Garden, The Curtain, and the Cross by Carl Laferton.”
SUPPLIES
Shallow planter, bowl, tray, or dish
Potting soil
Small terra-cotta pot (for the tomb)
1-4 small plants (such as succulents or indoor grass)
Sticks or twigs (for the crosses)
Hot glue
Large rock or stone (to cover the tomb entrance)
Optional: Moss, grass seed, small pebbles, purple ribbon
Think of your resurrection garden like a little landscape. The tomb and three crosses should be the focus. The rest of the space will be filled with plants to make it look like a garden. Decide where everything will go before you
start planting.
1. Fill your vessel planter tray with potting soil, leaving a little space at the top so it doesn’t overflow when watered. Place a small pot in the center of the tray to represent the tomb, then mound soil around it to create a “hill.”
2. Add plants around the tomb. If using moss, gently press it into the soil, or scatter some grass seed.
3. Make three crosses by hot-gluing small sticks or twigs together. Place them around the tomb to represent the crosses from the Easter story. You can drape a small piece of purple ribbon around Jesus’s cross, if desired. Place a large rock or stone at the entrance of the tomb to represent the stone that was rolled away when Jesus rose from the dead. Add pebbles to create a path to the tomb, if desired.
4. To care for your garden, give it a light misting of water as needed. (Be careful not to overwater any succulents.) Enjoy!
Kids’ Books to Grow Their Faith
Find these reads at a local bookstore this Easter season.
It’s the perfect time to find books and devotionals for kids that help them understand the love of God. Any of these would make a great addition to an Easter basket! And, while places like Amazon can make quick delivery of most of these options, we encourage you to visit one of Birmingham’s many wonderful independent bookstores to shop instead. These local gems foster community by hosting in-store events, offer personalized service and recommendations, and stock a curated collection of titles that you won’t find in big-box stores. Plus, purchasing from these retailers ensures you’re supporting local businesses while discovering unique, hand-picked titles.
DUCK COMMANDER DEVOTIONS FOR KIDS
By Chrys Howard and Korie Robertson
Each devotion contains a short message, an anecdotal story from this favorite TV family, scripture, a prayer, and a “Duck Commander in Action.” Available at The Burrow, 8139 Parkway Drive, Leeds (theburrowbookstore.com)
EVERY DAY WITH JESUS
By Charles F. Stanley
This book coordinates with the adult devotional, Every Day in His Presence, so parents and children read the same theme and scripture each day. Entries include a message with applicable verses, prayer, and daily takeaway. Available at Church Street Coffee & Books, 81 Church Street, Mountain Brook (churchstreetshop.com)
JESUS CALLING: THE STORY OF EASTER
By Sarah Young
Vibrant illustrations, scripture, and rich reflections from the author create a beautiful Easter book for children to know more about God’s eternal love for them. Other Jesus Calling titles to consider include Jesus Calling Easter Prayers, Jesus Calling Little Book of Prayers, Jesus Calling Bible Storybook, Jesus Calling: 365 Devotions for Kids, and Jesus Always. Available at Little Professor, 2738 18th Street South, Homewood (littleprofessorbookshop.com)
MORNING DEVOTIONAL FOR TEEN GIRLS
By Meredith Barnes
This daily devotional encourages a morning quiet time ritual of learning about God’s wisdom and setting personal goals in her faith. Available at Thank You Books, 5502B Crestwood Boulevard, Birmingham (thankyoubookshop.com)
HOW MAE GOT MOXIE
By Jennifer Hallman
While not a devotional, this children’s book by a Birmingham author tells the story of a hedgehog named Mae who learns to embrace her uniqueness and inner strength. Signed copies available at The Alabama Booksmith, 2626 19th Place South, Homewood (alabamabooksmith.com)
Hop into Spring
Fun, easy Easter eats and how-tos for the whole family
Get creative with your little ones and celebrate the joys of spring! From decorating delicious Easter treats to crafting colorful egg art, it’s an opportunity to make lasting memories together. Whether you’re baking sweet, bunnythemed cupcakes or painting keepsake Easter eggs, these activities are sure to inspire a touch of seasonal magic.
Want a cute idea for littles? Have them “plant” jellybeans in a container or the front yard. Sprinkle with a little glitter for “magic.” Overnight, replace them with swirl lollipops, Blow Pops, or Tootsie Pops, and watch their eyes light up the next morning!
Easter Bunny Cupcakes
Holley Grainger, MS, RD, holleygrainger.com
Hippity-hoppity! Gather your little bunnies, along with a box of cake mix, applesauce, frosting, and adorable accompaniments, then whip up a batch of festive cupcakes.
Ingredients
1 box yellow, white, or chocolate cake mix
1 cup unsweetened applesauce
Frosting, sprinkles, marshmallows, jellybeans, shredded coconut, and candy eyes for decorating
• Preheat oven to 350°. Combine cake mix and applesauce, stirring until well incorporated. (Mixture will be crumbly, but do not add extra applesauce. It will come together as you stir.)
• Spray a muffin pan with cooking spray or add paper liners. Use an ice cream scoop to fill each muffin cup.
• Bake 14 to 16 minutes, or until cupcakes puff up, tops are golden brown, and a toothpick inserted in the center of a cupcake comes out clean. Cool cupcakes completely on a wire rack.
• Use frosting, sprinkles, marshmallows, jellybeans, shredded coconut, candy eyes, and any other desired candies to decorate cupcake bunnies. To make bunny ears, slice a large marshmallow in half on the diagonal. Flatten each piece into an ear shape and press each sticky side into sprinkles. Place in frosting on top of cupcake.
Mini Carrot Cake Pancakes with Vanilla Greek Yogurt Frosting
Holley Grainger, MS, RD, holleygrainger.com
These decadent cakes are a clever way to work in many nutritious ingredients, including carrots, walnuts, Greek yogurt, and oats.
Ingredients
½ cup old-fashioned rolled oats
½ cup sweetened shredded coconut
1½ cups matchstick carrots
½ cup walnuts (whole, halved, or pieces)
1 cup low-fat milk (or unsweetened vanilla almond milk)
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
2 tablespoons oil
3 tablespoons maple syrup
1 large egg
1 cup white whole wheat flour
2 teaspoons baking powder
½ teaspoon salt
1 teaspoon cinnamon, plus extra, for sprinkling
¼ teaspoon allspice
5.3 ounces plain full-fat Greek yogurt
2 tablespoons light brown sugar
1 teaspoon vanilla
Fingerprint Eggs
These adorable and simple-to-make Easter eggs are keepsakes you’ll enjoy for years, so skip the real deal here and use plastic or wooden craft eggs from Hobby Lobby, Walmart, Target, or Michael’s. To make, simply dip fingertips in craft paint and gently press onto eggs. Allow to dry completely. Once paint is dry, use Sharpies to add details, such as a chick face and legs, carrot tops, and egg decorations. Display in an Easter basket or egg carton.
• In the bowl of a small food processor, combine oats, coconut, and carrots. Pulse until combined and small pieces form (about ¼-inch pieces). Remove and set aside.
• Clean out the food processor bowl; add walnuts and pulse a few times to form smaller pieces. Remove and set aside.
• In a medium bowl, whisk together milk, vanilla, oil, maple syrup, and egg.
• In a large bowl, stir together flour, baking powder, salt, cinnamon, and allspice.
• Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients and stir to combine. Gently stir in carrot mixture until combined.
• Whisk together Greek yogurt, brown sugar, and vanilla in a small bowl. Set frosting aside.
• Heat a large, nonstick skillet over medium heat. Working in batches, drop mixture by tablespoonfuls into the skillet, then sprinkle each pancake with a few chopped nuts. Cook each pancake for about 1 to 2 minutes, or until edges are dry and bubbles appear; flip and cook about 1 minute more. Serve immediately, drizzling each stack with frosting and sprinkling with cinnamon.
Lag’s Eatery
A
Birmingham gem is reborn in Crestwood.
For many longtime residents, the original Lag’s Eatery holds a special place in their hearts. Originally opened in the 1970s by “Lag” Gagliano, the beloved neighborhood cafe quickly became a gathering spot for locals. It wasn’t just about food—it was about community: a place to meet friends, see friends, and be friends, all while enjoying delicious meals and great conversation. After nearly four decades of service, Lag retired in the 1990s, passing the torch to Gerard DeFrank, who carried the legacy forward until his retirement in 2008 when Lag’s Eatery closed its doors.
But the story didn’t end there. Two former employees, Eric Wallace and Justin Shubert, were inspired by the place that shaped their lives. Both lifelong Birmingham residents worked at Lag’s when they were younger, and recently they decided to bring the iconic eatery back to
PHOTOGRAPHS COURTESY OF LAG’S EATERY FACEBOOK
Lag’s wife, Jeannette Gagliano, and their kids toured the new restaurant with Eric and Justin.
The juicy Deluxe Cheeseburger comes stuffed in a soft bun with all the trimmings.
life. In doing so, they were determined to honor the community and the memories that made Lag’s so special.
Eric and Justin are now the proud co-owners of Lag’s Eatery, located in the former Lolo’s Barbecue building on 3rd Court South in Crestwood. The duo gutted and renovated the entire interior, ensuring that it was not only a nod to the past but also a space that could meet their needs today. They also revamped the exterior, replacing the old gravel lot with a paved concrete surface and even building an additional structure for restrooms. The landscaping was completely transformed to create a welcoming, family-friendly environment.
For Eric and Justin, Lag’s Eatery is more than just a restaurant—it’s a celebration of community, history, and the bonds that form when people come together over a meal. Justin notes that he and Eric dreamed about reopening for years, and they’re excited to show people how much the place meant to them. They’re also deeply grateful for the community that supported them as they grew up here and want to rekindle the magic of those early days, where regulars were family and newcomers felt immediately welcome.
Lag’s Eatery is open for breakfast, lunch, and dinner—and yes, even late-night! It’s
Left: Pair a tasty sandwich with one of Birmingham’s Easy Hemp Co. sparkling mineral waters.
Below: Sizzling burgers on the grill get a healthy shot of Lag’s Sauce.
a place where families can gather for a casual meal—burgers, patty melts, chicken or bologna sandwiches, salads—and kids will be thrilled with the chicken nuggets, grilled cheese, or burger on their own menu. The thick, creamy milkshakes will satisfy everyone, and we highly recommend trying the Nutty Buddy or Girl Scout. (You can thank us, later!) Their breakfast sandwiches include a choice of bread (bun, biscuit, Texas toast), meat (bacon, Conecuh sausage, bologna, sausage patty), and egg or no egg; the pancakes are fluffy; and the breakfast plate is filling (try the tots!).
With its welcoming atmosphere, delicious food, and rich history, Lag’s Eatery has come full circle. The neighborhood cafe that once served as the first job for countless young people—including best buds Eric and Justin—is now ready to serve a new generation of guests. So, whether you’re in the mood for a hearty breakfast, a satisfying lunch, or a late-night snack, head on over to Lag’s Eatery in Birmingham. The legacy is alive and well, and it’s waiting for you to be a part of it.
Lag’s Eatery is located at 4350 3rd Court South in Birmingham. Hours are 6-12 a.m. Wednesday, 6-2 a.m. Thursday-Saturday, and 10 a.m.-2 p.m. Sunday. For more information, visit lagseatery.com.
Building a Boutique
Christie Howell’s dedication and vision have shaped seven years of success.
BY STEPHANIE GIBSON LEPORE
What started as a small gift shop in Hoover in 2004 is now a thriving boutique chain with locations in multiple cities across Alabama. The journey from the first two stores—one here and another in Auburn that opened in 2009—to five stores across the state is a testament to the hard work, dedication, and community support that Birmingham native Christie Howell and her family have put into building this beloved business. Christie first joined Wrapsody as a student at Auburn University, working part-time at the original downtown location while going to school. Little did she know that this job would set the stage for her future as a business owner. She went on to teach elementary school for six years after graduation, but in 2017—when original owners Terry Shea and Sarah Brown decided to sell the business—Christie and her husband, Reel, were ready. “I have always had an entrepreneurial spirit, and my husband and I searched for the right opportunity for years before we purchased
Spring gift items greet customers at all Wrapsody locations.
PHOTOGRAPH COURTESY OF CHRISTIE HOWELL
Wrapsody,” she says.
Under their ownership, Wrapsody began to grow. Shortly after taking over, the Howells relocated the Hoover store from Patton Creek to its current spot in Stadium Trace Village, enjoying better exposure to more customers. They expanded with additional stores in Trussville (2020), Homewood (2023), and Madison (2024). They also grew their team significantly. “When we purchased the business, I wouldn’t say expanding was our first priority, but opportunities became available and doors opened where we didn’t expect,” says Christie. “We are now part of the five best communities across Alabama.” Christie and Reel also purchased space nearby the Homewood to serve as a central receiving spot and corporate headquarters, which allows Christie to work from one place and stay
CONTINUED ON PAGE 24
Above: All stores carry the full line of NEST fragrance. Right: In plenty of time for the holiday, pretty pastel Easter merchandise is ready for shoppers.
CONTINUED FROM PAGE 23
connected to daily operations as she also juggles life as a wife, mom (she and Reel have two boys ages 6 and 2.5 and a newborn daughter born last month), and co-owner of Once Upon a Time, a children’s boutique with shops in Homewood and Crestline that she purchased with a college friend in 2021.
One of the key aspects of Wrapsody’s success is a great team—which Christie and Reel have grown extensively since 2017— and both a physical and online presence. They maintain a commitment to great customer service, no matter how a person shops with them. “I love the connections that we get to make with customers,” says
Christie. “My time is divided so much that I don’t spend as much time doing this as I used to, but it will always be my favorite part! You do not make personal connections when you make a purchase on Amazon. It is so fulfilling to hear people’s stories and help them find the perfect gift. Our work family and our customers are my favorite thing about owning a retail store.” Christie’s dedication has paid off, and she is content for now, but her eyes are always on the future: “We don’t have anything in the works to expand Wrapsody, but we are always looking for the right opportunities for our store.”
Visit shopwrapsody.com for locations or to shop online.
The Hoover location of Wrapsody was the first store to open in 2004. Christie moved the store from Patton Creek to Stadium Trace Village several years ago.
Student Raises Money for Deer Valley
Lola-Ruth, a student at Deer Valley Elementary, and her mom raised money through World Down Syndrome Day shirt sales and generously donated the proceeds to the SPOT (Speech, Physical, and Occupational Therapy) team at Deer Valley. By working together, the school’s SPOT team maximizes the effectiveness of therapy sessions, addressing multiple needs in a single setting. This collaboration helps students thrive, thanks in part to the generosity and support of families and supporters in the community.
HHS Student Performs in DC
Hoover High senior Madeline Cagle placed third in The President’s Own United States Marine Band’s prestigious Concerto Competition in Washington, DC. She was one of just six brass and woodwind musicians selected nationwide from nearly 100 applicants, and she is only the second student from Alabama ever to be chosen as a finalist. Her outstanding performance of Richard Strauss’s Horn Concerto No. 1 earned her a $500 scholarship toward her college education. Madeline’s impressive resume includes serving as principal horn in the Alabama Symphony Youth Orchestra, winning the ASYO Concerto Competition, and being a featured finalist on NPR’s From the Top.
Bowling State Champions
The Vestavia Hills High School Men’s Bowling Team is the new Class 6A-7A Alabama State Champion. The state tournament was held at Bowlero in Mobile. The state title is the Rebels’ second in the 10 years of bowling in Alabama high school competition. Vestavia Hills coach Todd Evans said the best part of coaching the bowling program is getting to see guys grow up throughout their four years in the program.
Shades Valley Cheer Champions
The Shades Valley Mountie Cheerleaders finished in second place at the America’s Cheerleading Cup Championship in the Traditional: High School Advanced Small CoEd Division.
PHOTOGRAPH COURTESY OF SHADES VALLEY HIGH SCHOOL FACEBOOK
Dance Teams Compete at UDA
Thompson High School (THS) Dance Team, the Warriorettes, and the THS Band captured the National Championship in Universal Dance Association (UDA) GameDay Live competition. In addition to the upper school’s title, the Thompson Middle School Dance Team earned its first-ever National Championship in the Junior High Kick Division at UDA. The Mountain brook High School Dorians also repeated as national dance champions, taking home the Large Varsity Division II Kick UDA National Dance Team title. In that same category, Helena High School was the runner-up and Gardendale High School came in fourth place.
PHOTO COURTESY OF VESTAVIA HILLS HIGH SCHOOL FACEBOOK
PHOTOGRAPH COURTESY OF THOMPSON HIGH SCHOOL FACEBOOK
Altamont Track State Champions
The Altamont School Girls Indoor Track and Field team is the 1A-3A State Champion. The Altamont boys place 3rd overall in the division. The Knights’ honors at the state championship included: Talia Floyd (1st place in girls triple jump); Tricia Maddux (1st place in girls pole vault); Elle Sellers (2nd place in girls 400m dash); Raju Sudarshan (2nd place in boys 1600m run); Mary Spann (2nd place in girls 3200m run); Talia Floyd (2nd place in girls long jump); Boys 4x400m relay – 2nd place (Zahid Issa, Madison Comer, Parker Neiman, Sykes Carlson); Girls 4x400m relay – 2nd place (Abbey Sellers, Claire Nichols, Talia Floyd, Elle Sellers); Girls 4x800m relay – 2nd place (Laura Spann, Megan Wetta, Mary Spann, Elle Sellers); Boys 4x800m relay – 2nd place (Sykes Carlson, Zahid Issa, Parker Neiman, Raju Sudarshan); Girls 4x200m relay – 3rd place (Kelsei Manley, Tricia Maddux, Abbey Sellers, Berkely Owens); Raju Sudarshan (3rd place in boys 800m run); Raju Sudarshan (3rd place in boys 3200m run); Laura Spann (3rd place in girls 3200m run); and Tyler Daniels (3rd place in girls long jump).
CONTRIBUTED BY SEAN FLYNT, PHOTOGRAPH COURTESY OF THE ALTAMONT SCHOOL
Student Swimmer Commits to College
Emma Crider recently announced her commitment to Eastern Illinois University’s swim team. She is the first Shades Valley High School women’s swimmer to commit to a D1 program.
PHOTOGRAPH BY EMMA LAWLEY VIA SHADES VALLEY HIGH SCHOOL FACEBOOK
Alabama State Fair through April 6
Head to the Birmingham Race Course for fair food, carnival rides, and exciting shows and attractions, including a Benjamin Jackson Hypnotist, Lady Houdini, Dominguez Thrill Show, and Stone Age Dinosaur Show. Visit alabamastatefair.com for more information.
Oak Mountain State Fair through April 6
This family-friendly event will feature rides, attractions, food, and more, plus—new for this year—free parking every day! Take note of “Mommy Day” on April 2, when mom or a guardian receives a free ride wristband with the purchase of a child’s ride wristband. Visit oakmountainstatefair.com for more information.
Hand in Paw Mutt Strut 2025
April 5
Join other furry friends at Homewood Central Park for the 15th Annual Mutt Strut—a dog-friendly 5k and 1-Mile Fun Run—presented by Creative Dog Training. This year’s theme is “totally tubular retro vibes,” so don your leg warmers and headbands and join the fun. Strollers welcome and leashes required. For more information, visit handinpaw.org/mutt-strut.
Easter
Egg-Sperience
April 12
Hop on over to The Birmingham Zoo to look for more than 10,000 eggs in Henley Park, with agedivided hunts for all kids. Children’s hunts are free for zoo members and included in admission for non-members. For more information, visit birminghamzoo.com/events.
Homewood Easter Egg Hunt
April 12
Hurry, hurry, don’t be late to Homewood’s Patriot Park for the annual egg hunt. Toddlers and kids up to 10 years of age will hunt with their age group. There will be games and prizes and the Easter Bunny will make a visit for pictures. For more information, visit homewoodparks.com/special-events.
St. Elias Lebanese Food and Cultural Festival
April 25-26
St. Elias Maronite Catholic Church will celebrate its 27th Annual Lebanese Food and Cultural Festival this month. Try homemade Lebanese food, watch traditional Lebanese dancing demonstrations, place a bid at the silent auction, and more. Takeout orders available. For more information, visit stelias.org/festival.
PHOTOGRAPH COURTESY OF HAND IN PAW MUTT STRUT
PHOTOGRAPH COURTESY OF THE BIRMINGHAM ZOO FACEBOOK
PHOTOGRAPH COURTESY OF ST. ELIAS LEBANESE FOOD AND CULTURAL FESTIVAL FACEBOOK
For kids like Gwen •
Because Gwen came to Children’s for the diagnosis and treatment of her blood disorder, she received the best care available thanks to ground-breaking research made possible by clinical trials for cancers and blood disorders. The research happening today will help lead to future cures, and it is happening here at Children’s of Alabama
WHAT WE DO:
Identify juveniles who are either at high risk for or already involved in substance misuse and provide them resources to make better choices for a healthy lifestyle while promoting mental wellness.
PREVENTION:
Compact’s Community Coalitions educate, engage, and empower their communities at the local level to prevent substance misuse and provide resources to those impacted.
INTERVENTION:
Our Intervention Team works to educate parents and students as well as locate youth who are at risk of, or involved in substance misuse or addiction, and provide them help and resources.
