Bham Family - April 2021

APRIL 2021

Camps

SUMMER Something for all ages and interests

PAGE 10

Mentors impact youth’s lives, community PAGE 26

Vineyard Family Services Feeding Kids in Need, Promoting Responsible Fatherhood, and Helping Families in Crisis Donations help us: Feed children in need and provide other essential items Deliver family emergency food boxes Aid fathers and mothers with parenting programs Support incarcerated families and children Provide at-risk teens important life skills

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NOW OPEN IN OUR NEW LOCATION 2719 19th Place South in downtown Homewood

www.sikesshoes.com Sikes - (205) 879-3433

Jack N Jill - (205) 879-7681

Ap ril events at Ald ridge Gardens

Sp ring Plant Sale

Thursday, April 29 and Friday, April 30, 9am-5pm both days You’ll find Snowflake Hydrangeas, patented by Eddie Aldridge, along with Oakleaf Hydrangeas, Annabelle and her offspring, Hydrangea paniculata varieties, and beautiful French Hydrangeas, native azaleas, herbs, wildflowers, pass-along plants, native trees and bushes, and more, all hand-picked to succeed in this area.

Visit aldridgegardens.com for more information!

(205) 682-8019 | aldridgegardens.com 3530 Lorna Road, Hoover Bham Family April 2021 3

EDITOR’S NOTE Warmer weather means swapping out jackets for shorts, going for walks as a family, and counting down the days until it’s acceptable to jump in the pool. After the spring we had last year, I think we are all ready to enjoy this new season of change.

One activity many children had to miss out on last year is back even stronger, with several summer camp options to choose from. And now is the time to sign them up. There are camps for nearly every age and interest — from outdoor activities to learning all about the theater. Be sure to check out the summer camp guide starting on page 10.

You’ll also find an article about a program called Wise Advisors where adults can mentor at-risk youth on page 26. That allows these mentors to show the young people they care and are invested in making a difference in their

lives. They’re always looking for more adults to volunteer, so check out the story to see if you’re a good fit.

With April being National Child Abuse Prevention Month, we’ve also featured two child advocacy centers starting on page 28. Read about how these local centers are shining a light on how the community can become advocates for these children.

If you know of a person, business, or event we should feature in an upcoming issue, we’d love to hear about it! Send us an email, or connect with us on social media.

Lauren H. Dowdle Content Director and Mom contentdirector@jbmcmedia.com

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ABOUT US

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

14,000 copies are printed and distributed at more than 530 locations throughout 650 Jefferson and Shelby Counties.

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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!

A Well Behaved Dog

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Alabama Auto Show

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Aldridge Gardens

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Pediatric Smiles

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Backyard Adventures

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INSIDE THIS ISSUE INSIDE EVERY ISSUE

FEATURE STORIES

Pets and Family What to know for dogs, babies, and expectant mothers. p. 8

Summer Camps Check out the different camp options for children and teens. p. 10

Just for Dads Ward Williams shares how to help children develop a strong work ethic. p. 22 Schoolhouse Updates from the Hoover School District. p. 24 Families in Business Backyard Solutions offers ultimate outdoor playsets. p. 32

Positive Influence Wise Advisors program pairs adult mentors with youth. p. 26

Arts & Entertainment Check out the upcoming local events. p. 36

Homes of Healing Child advocacy centers help children of abuse and their families. p. 28

Kids Who Shine How students can stay mentally healthy on social media. p. 38

Cake of Art Little bakery has big effect. p. 34

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PETS AND FAMILY

Dogs, Babies, and Expectant Mothers

BY AMANDA SELF, CPDT-KA

Are you expecting, or have you recently had a baby? Have you given much thought about your dog’s new role as a furry sibling? Keeping them on as close to their normal routine is best and that will take some planning and preparation.

So much time and preparedness are of course given to the baby. There’s not as much time now for walks, exercise, or play with Fido. Yes, you will see a change in him, just as there are many changes in all aspects of your life now.

Has the dog had prior training? What are the new rules in the household concerning dog and baby? Will they still be allowed on the couch or your bed? Have they ever been around children or babies before? How should you introduce them?

Have they walked with a baby in a stroller beside them? What will be their place in the car when there is someone new in there? Will they be fed the same?

There are many pros and cons to consider.

There are many possibilities that lie ahead, and

with planning for the changes beforehand, it will greatly make the transition much smoother. Call Amanda at A Well Behaved Dog today, and get some plans in place so nothing is left to chance with your dog and baby!

Are you ready to have a WELL BEHAVED DOG? The journey starts here!

• In-home lessons • Basic obedience group classes • Puppy socialization classes

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SUMMER CAMP GUIDE

Aldridge Gardens June will be a full month long of excitement, entertainment and, of course, education at Aldridge Gardens! Your child will love learning with our expert instructors and teachers. We have plenty of camps to choose from for boys and girls entering Kindergarten through 5th grades.

Whether your little campers like American Girls, art, music, cooking, or building and engineering, we’ve have something they’re sure to enjoy!

Registration is now open for everyone.

Day camps run from 9am-noon, MondayFriday. Mid-morning snacks and drinks are provided, and all teachers are Alabama educators.

Register early, as camp enrollment is limited!

Family Level Members of Aldridge Gardens are $120 per camp, and non-members are $140 per camp.

If you have questions or need more information, please contact Debbie McDonald, Education Director, at dmcdonald@ aldridgegardens.com or call 205.739.6555.

Entering 5K – 5th Grades All camps start May 31st. and each lasts 1 week. 9 a.m. – N00N

Complete summer camp descriptions, details and All teachers are Alabama Educators. fees are available at

aldridgegardens.com.

Bham Family April 2021 11

SUMMER CAMP GUIDE

Birmingham’s Childrens Theatre Birmingham Children’s Theatre, one of the nation’s oldest and largest professional theatre companies for young audiences, offers performing arts camps for children of all ages.

BCT’s Summer Camps are an excellent way for youth ages 4 to 18 to collaborate with other campers and learn skills that will benefit them in the classroom and beyond.

BCT’s Imagination Party offers one-week half-day camps for children ages four to seven. Using a variety of titled themes as springboards, campers explore story-telling, art, song, instrument play, and imagination. Through these various drama, music, movement, and visual art activities, these classes promote confidence, selfesteem, and creative expression while working on developmental skills such as active listening and sharing.

BCT’s Players Studio camps are two-week, full-

12 Bham Family April 2021

day immersive experiences in a wide variety of performance areas, such as scene study, musical theatre (acting, voice and movement), physical comedy, stage combat, and devised theatre.

Designed for ages 8 and older, the Players Studio offers the opportunity to engage with many facets of the theatrical process, giving campers an opportunity to learn, grow, and discover new interests and talents as they work with their castmates on a one-act show to be performed at the end of each session.

Camps are offered throughout June and July. With limited attendance numbers, face mask requirements, and health and safety protocols with proven success, BCT is excited to spend the summer with your kid, and for your kid to spend the summer interacting with their friends and peers!

Information and registration can be found at www.bct123.org/summer-camps.

SUMMER CAMP GUIDE

Hoover Met Complex The Hoover Met Complex is excited to announce that we have restructured our Summer Camps for the 2021 season! Our new Summer Day Camps will allow all campers to participate in sports, arts, and water play activities every day.

Campers will learn sport fundamentals and sportspecific skills, participate in fun recreational games, and enjoy art activities and access to our Splash Pad to cool off. Counselors will focus on skill instruction, sportsmanship, teamwork, creativity, and most importantly, making sure camp is nonstop fun for everyone!

This summer we’ll continue to offer our All Sports Camp, with both indoor and outdoor options. These camps will feature sports such as basketball, volleyball, futsal, tennis, soccer,

and flag football. Additionally, we have added Olympic Sports Camp. This camp, inspired by the Olympic Games, will include familiar summer sports as well as things like team handball and sand volleyball. World Sports Camp, inspired by the World Games, will feature sports such as floorball, flying disk, and lacrosse. Each camp will also include time in Hoover Climbing & Adventure and at our Splash Pad, as well as arts and crafts activities.

Our Summer Day Camps run June 7 through August 6, and are open to boys and girls aged 6-12. For additional information and to register your child for HMC Summer Day Camp, please visit www.hoovermetcomplex. com/camps. A t-shirt is included with registration, and daily lunch is available for an additional charge.

Registration now OPEN!

HOOVERMETCOMPLEX.COM/CAMPS camps@hoovermetcomplex.com (205) 739-7364 Bham Family April 2021 13

SUMMER CAMP GUIDE

Red Mountain Theatre Children and youth will find a fun and safe environment where they can fall in love with the art theatre at Red Mountain Theatre’s summer camps. There are options for all ages and experience levels, from little ones ready to explore their theatrical side all of the way up to more seasoned students.

Their Broadway Boot Camp, which requires an audition to register for, starts June 21, and their nonaudition camps begin July 5.

The curriculum covers vocal, dance, and drama training for children 4 and older, teaching them the theatrical craft while providing performance opportunities. It’s easy to see how the long-time camp continues to instill a love for the stage in its students.

Red Mountain Theatre camps include Play Making for ages 4 to 6, Summer Sprouts for ages 7 to 8, themed camps (like Camp Half-Blood and

Hogwarts) for ages 7 to 12, Blast for ages 9 to 14, and more. Following the week-long camps, parents will have the chance to see their children’s progress and transformation as they watch what they’ve been working on.

All of the camps’ teachers have experience in the fields and courses they’ll be instructing, and parents can view some of the current teaching artists on Red Mountain Theatre’s site.

Camps are quickly filling up and will follow COVID protocol for class sizes. The camps will be held at the new RMT Arts Campus located at 1600 3rd Ave. S. in Birmingham — allowing students to learn in the same spaces the professionals rehearse and perform.

For more information or to register for a camp, visit Redmountaintheatre.org. Financial aid is available.

RE D MOUNTAIN THEATRE SUMMER

THEATRE CAMP 2021 Be among the first to experience Summer 2021 at our NEW Arts Campus!

Located in the heart of Parkside near Railroad Park and easily accessible to I-65, the campus sits on one art-filled city block. Register for camp today! You don’t want to miss the first summer in our new home.

RMT Arts Campus 1600 3rd Ave S, Birmingham, AL 35233

SUMMERTHEATRECAMP.COM 14 Bham Family April 2021

All Skill Levels, Ages 4-18 Financial Aid Available

SUMMER CAMP GUIDE

The Altamont School With Summer at Altamont, your next adventure is on top of the hill. Whether you’re looking to get ahead, sharpen your skills, or have fun with your friends at camp, we have everything you need to make this a summer you’ll never forget.

Whether it’s exploring the world of robotics, sharpening math and writing skills, or getting ready to perform at the highest levels on the field and court, we have everything your child needs to make this an unforgettable summer. We approach our program with a formula for success: Summer at Altamont groups grade levels together. We offer summer weeks in cohorts that reflect grade level and age. We have two sets of camps that are designed to appeal to the interests of every child! Weeks 1-3 are structured in a more

typical academic setting. Weeks 4 and 5 are built to get kids exploring and pushing their limits.

Engagement Our curriculum is designed to keep your child on track for the best future possible, while keeping them engaged! We provide students with the best possible setting to interest them in new material and sharpen their existing skills.

Everyone needs a break!

We have ample opportunities throughout the day for your child to let loose some energy and enjoy the time with their friends. While we value the opportunity summer provides to get ahead, it’s important to remember that childhood is a time for fun.

Register your child online at summerataltamong.org. For more information, call (205) 879-2006 or email jbarnard@ altamontschool.org.

Summer at Altamont 2021 Day Camps | Credit Courses Grades 3-12 | June & July

Photo taken prior to COVID-19

Registration & Information: summerataltamont.org Bham Family April 2021 15

Y E N R U O J P AM

C

A FREE camp for rising 6th graders in Shelby County

t a e n i l n o r e t s i ey Reg mp-journ 7/ca

/17 m o c . o s y b shel

16 Bham Family April 2021

SUMMER CAMP GUIDE

Camp Journey

Navigating the waters from elementary school to middle school can be quite challenging. In Shelby County, the Shelby County Sheriff ’s Office offers a unique camp experience for students moving from fifth to sixth grades. The program, known as Camp Journey, is a partnership between SCSO, Shelby County Schools, Compact 2020, and the Montevallo Police Department.

Camps will be held June 14-18 at Oak Mountain Elementary, June 21-25 at Montevallo High, and June 19-23 at Chelsea Middle. All camps are 8am-3:30pm, and the cost is FREE. Camp Journey supports the work of Compact 2020 by involving young kids in drug prevention conversations. The camp provides chances to build relationships with school resource officers during the summer.

“No matter how young your child is, it’s never too early to start having conversations about

drugs and pressure. The stress still affects them,” Lt. Nathan Kendrick of Compact 2020 says.

Designed to be one more vehicle for reaching children early, this program specifically serves rising 6th graders, when they are most receptive to this type of experience and before they are bombarded with middle school challenges. Plus, they have a lot of fun in the process, playing games and getting to know one another.

This camp, which is an example of one of the many partnerships between agencies and municipalities in Shelby County, brings together education and leadership and values training in an environment where games and adventure activities facilitate learning. It’s hosted at various Shelby County schools and is free of charge.

For more information, visit www.shelbyso. com/177/camp-journey, or call (205) 669-4181.

Bham Family April 2021 17

SUMMER CAMP GUIDE

Boo Mason Tennis / Hoover Country Club In the South, we love our sports, and our children start young playing them. Team sports are important and teach our children great lessons, but what about a sport that they can play their entire life? Tennis is that sport.

“Tennis changed my life,” says Boo Mason, who has been coaching for 44 yrs. “I was an avid baseball player but when I learned to play tennis, I was smitten with it.” Mason has been the Tennis Director at the Hoover Country Club for 30 yrs., where he operates his tennis camps, lessons, and ongoing academies.

Having been active in Birmingham’s tennis community for more than 50 years, there is no one more qualified than him to teach your child the love of tennis than Boo Mason.

This summer, he and his staff will offer a

lineup of seven different camps for children ages 6 and up. Each camp is held at the Hoover Country Club from 8am-12pm, Monday-Friday.

The dates are June 7-11, June 14-18, June 21-25, June 28-July 2, July 12-16, July 19-23, and July 26-30.

To participate in the entire week, the cost is $115 for HCC members or $165 for non-members. Or you child can participate daily for $40 for members or $55 for non-members.

10% discounts are available for siblings, referrals, and multiple weeks. Must have a minimum of 8 kids in the camp for it to be held.

Spots are limited so register early.

Contact Felicia Brewer for more info and registration form (205) 637-3703 or email fbrewer@hoovercc.com to reserve your child’s spot!

Boo Mason Summer Tennis Camps at Hoover Country Club

$115 member / $165 non-member Daily: $40/ $55 10% discounts available for siblings, referrals, and multiple weeks

7 WEEKS TO CHOOSE FROM

June 7-11 • June 14-18 June 21-25 • June 28-July2 July 12-16 • July 19-23 • July 26-30 (Mon-Fri, 8am-noon)

Email fbrewer@hoovercc.com or call (205) 637-3703 for registration or questions

18 Bham Family April 2021

Bham Family April 2021 19

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The future is here—ready to roll?

DRIVING CHANGE FOR THE BETTER The Birmingham Automobile Dealers Association is proud to supercharge Central Alabama charities making our home a better place for young people. The Alabama Auto Show and associated BADA events support the work of grassroots organizations making a difference for children in need in Jefferson and Shelby counties.

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Bham Family April 2021 21

JUST FOR DADS I started my first official job as busboy at a condominium restaurant on Padre Island in the spring of my eighth-grade school year.

After receiving my first paycheck, I went directly to Ward Sunrise Mall and bought a $52 Williams pair of Girbaud jeans and got a fancy mall haircut at Regis Salon, which I believed would automatically elevate me to big man on campus.

It was so rewarding to splurge on myself after some hard work, even if the new haircut and fancy jeans did not change my social standing. When asked what my greatest accomplishment in the workplace would be, I always share I sold $2,500 worth of Kinney Shoes and accessories in a single shift when I was 18, which is an amazing feat.

For those of you who don’t remember Kinney Shoes, they sold generic Keds, generic Eastlands, generic Nike, and paint-them-yourself wedding shoes. My mom, through hard work and determination, provided for her five children without financial support from others. The value of hard work was demonstrated to me my entire life.

My wife is an amazingly talented and hardworking individual, and hard work is a trait and value we desired to pass along to our children.

I am very grateful for the many examples of hardworking men and women in my life and firmly believe hard work is a determining factor in upward financial mobility.

There are a couple of ways that we can help

our children develop a strong work ethic. The first is to surround them and let them see people who work hard. Up until the early 1900s, children usually observed and participated in hard work with their parents. Children worked on farms, helped around the house, learned a trade, and watched day-to-day problem solving.

Today, our hard work is done outside of our kids’ view. We spend hours at the office and get home exhausted with leftovers to give them. Take time to accomplish tasks or projects with your family.

The second way to give them opportunities to reach goals is to be good at something. Help your children to find their passion and become passionate about doing it. In our family, our kids love dance, band, and theatre. They all have learned to work hard to become better in their trade. When you are passionate about something, you are often self-motivated, and you seek ways to become better.

The third way is to be part of a team, group, or organization where they compete or work toward a common cause. Working on a team toward a common cause, you learn through observing others, by doing work alongside others, and from others’ victories and mistakes. There is a motivation that comes from having others depend on you and you depending on others that often pushes us beyond what we can do by ourselves.

Think about one of my favorite Proverbs. In Proverbs 14:23, it says, “All hard work brings a profit, but mere talk leads only to poverty.” Work to build a profit in your life, not only a financial profit, but in your relationships and all areas of your life.

Hard work is a value and trait parents can work to pass down to their children.

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

RRES Assistant Principal earns award Ms. Aqila Malpass, assistant principal at Rocky Ridge Elementary, was recognized by the Alabama Association of Elementary School Administrators as their “Alabama Assistant Principal of the Year.” Before coming to RRES, she was the math coach at Shades Mountain Elementary. Malpass is a Howard University graduate and is currently working on her doctorate in Educational Leadership at the UAB. RRES Principal, Dr. Dilhani Uswatte, describes Malpass as a “beacon of inspiration.”

High school students accepted to medical program Arya Tamhane, Karim Mikhail, Krishin Yerabolu, and Phaedra Manuel from Hoover High School, along with Amy Yang from Spain Park High School, were recently accepted into UAB’s Early Medical School Acceptance Program. “I have been working for this honor for the past four years through medical research, medical volunteering, community service and many other things,” Yerabolu said. “I was very happy to see that I would go into the healthcare field to help people and also to see the face on my parents, knowing that there would be someone to take care of them.”

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

April is “School Library Month” Around the country, April is recognized as “School Library Month.” Ms. Jennifer Northrup, the librarian at Gwin Elementary, says, “I have been asking kids what their favorite thing is about the library in passing, and a lot of them have said the books, how many books we have and that I can help them find books they want to read. Library is all about free choice. They get to pick what they are interested in and what they want to read.”

Denim & Dining fundraiser returns in April The Hoover City Schools Foundation will hold its annual fundraiser, Denim & Dining, on Friday, April 30, from 6-10pm at Aldridge Gardens. The event returns after being canceled in 2020 due to COVID. The event has been held indoors in the past, but to ensure guests’ safety and ability to socially distance, it will be held outdoors at Aldridge Gardens. The event is the Foundation’s premier fundraiser each year, and proceeds fund classroom grants for teachers from all Hoover schools.

New Summer Day Camps Registration NOW OPEN!

DENTISTRY FOR INFANTS, CHILDREN, TEENS, AND THOSE WITH SPECIAL NEEDS

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FEATURE

Positive Influence Wise Advisors program pairs adult mentors with youth

PHOTOS COURTESY OF VINEYARD FAMILY SERVICES

Wise Advisors works to address personal, academic, and professional aspects of the youths’ lives.

BY LAUREN H. DOWDLE Having adults volunteer their time to make a difference in a young person’s life can have a lasting effect for both the youth and surrounding community— which is exactly what the Wise Advisors program hopes to achieve.

Vineyard Family Services (VFS) started the Wise Advisors program last October, pairing mentors with youth ages 12 to 17. They built the program strictly going off what research tells them about developing relationships with young people, says Derick Williams, family service and recruitment director at VFS. Through the mentor program, they work to address the personal, academic, and professional aspects of the youths’ lives, helping them find a sense of identity as they look toward their futures.

26 Bham Family April 2021

“When you look at the statistics of what’s going on in the community with at-risk teenagers, there had to be something done,” Williams says.

“There are some good programs and facilities that are trying to help, but we felt that this would be a better opportunity for the mentee in the long term.”

Williams visits the juvenile detention centers each week, and he’s watched students who leave but end up coming back, time after time.

“That shows me that what they’re going back to isn’t changing. They’re still making the same decisions that are leading them back into detention,” Williams says. “The program helps them deal with day-to-day challenges and CONTINUED ON PAGE 27

CONTINUED FROM PAGE 26

makes them feel like they matter. It also reduces depression, increases social acceptance, and helps improve their academic performance. That’s just a small circle of what we try to do. I’m excited to be a part of it.”

Many of these young people don’t have father or mother figures, so the Wise Advisors program can help step in to make a positive impact in their lives.

“Mentoring helps build their social and economic opportunities. We’re trying to direct young people to a positive future,” Williams says.

“We want the program to not only have an impact on them, but also allow them to have an impact in the community.”

Not only does Williams hope the program transforms the lives of the young people involved, but he also wants it to make a difference in the community as a whole. They have seen an increase in drug use, teenage pregnancy, and youth in juvenile detention centers, which are all things they hope the program will reduce.

Those interested in becoming a mentor must go through a mandatory six-hour training, interview, strategic background check, and home visit so the team can get a better sense of who they are and if they are the right fit for the program. Once that’s complete, they will be matched with a mentee, who is chosen from the

juvenile probation system.

The mentor also signs a contract, committing to working with the mentee for nine to 12 months.

“We believe doing the contract makes a huge difference,” Williams says. “It shows the mentee they aren’t just saying verbally they’ll spend time with them. They see the mentor sign a contract that shows they are obligating their time and energy to make a difference in their lives.”

Mentors are required to spend four hours a month with their mentee, preferably two hours bi-weekly. VFS also sets up events for them to get together, including rope climbing and arts and crafts.

They currently have 12 mentors and five mentees in the program and plan to reach 10 mentees by the end of the year. Next year, they hope to reach 20 mentors and 20 mentees. The team has found creative ways to get the word out about the program, including delivering information materials to businesses across Shelby County.

“We want to continually grow, making it a city, county, and statewide program,” Williams says.

“We want to make it as big as we possibly can.”

Anyone interested in becoming a mentor or learning more about Wise Advisors can contact Derick Williams at derickwillvfs@gmail.com or 205-704-0594.

Mentors work with their student for at least nine months, helping to make a positive impact in their lives.

Bham Family April 2021 27

FEATURE

PHOTOS COURTESY OF PRESCOTT HOUSE

Prescott House has been helping children of abuse for more than three decades.

Homes of healing Child advocacy centers help children of abuse and their families

BY LAUREN H. DOWDLE Imagine someone having to retell the worst experience of his or her life to the police, social workers, lawyers, doctors, judges, mental health professionals, teachers, and principals. Now, imagine that person is a child who must share their story of abuse in these often-intimidating environments, causing more trauma to them and their family. It can feel like a losing situation, which is exactly what child advocacy centers work to prevent.

These centers provide children with a homelike setting where they can come and share their stories with only one professional — while investigators watch the forensic interview on a closed-circuit television. After that, the children can begin to work toward the healing process.

With April being National Child Abuse Prevention Month, local centers are shining 28 Bham Family April 2021

the light on how the community can become advocates for these children.

PRESCOTT HOUSE One place that works with children who are victims of abuse or witnesses of violence is Prescott House Child Advocacy Center in Birmingham. Founded by Jefferson County District Attorney David Barber in 1987, Prescott House welcomes children ages 2 to 18 and their families into a welcoming setting.

In addition to providing forensic interviews, they also offer therapy, advocacy, and prevention programs to help children both now and in the future, says Mary Melton, development coordinator at Prescott House.

“My favorite part is making a difference in CONTINUED ON PAGE 30

For Birmingham.

For families.

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children’s lives and being an advocate for them to raise money and awareness for the need we unfortunately see,” Melton says.

Last year, Prescott House conducted 308 forensic interviews, 607 counseling sessions, and had 1,641 receive community awareness and education.

Child abuse might not be the easiest topic to discuss, but that doesn’t make it any less prevalent.

“People put it in the back of their heads because they think it would never happen to them,” Melton says.

“Sadly, it’s not going away. We need to bring awareness to the Birmingham community to bring the problem to light to try to prevent it so kids don’t have to go through it.”

One way Prescott House is reminding the community about this reality is through their 47 seconds challenge.

The number comes from the staggering statistic that a child is abused or neglected every 47 seconds in the United States.

People can donate $47 (or another amount) as part of the challenge to help these young victims by texting “Prescott” to 41411. Prescott House will host a cornhole tournament April 18 at Back Forty to raise money and awareness, as well.

Community members can also support the advocacy center by donating items like snacks, drinks, cleaning supplies, and arts and crafts supplies. For more information, visit Prescotthouse.org.

OWENS HOUSE Another local child advocacy center that welcomes children and their families is Owens House. Located in Columbiana, Owens House works with about 400 new children in Shelby County each year, says Cindy Greer, executive director.

“There are a lot of kids who still need advocates and people to stand up for them, especially after the last year of isolation,” Greer says.

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Children will find toys, books, snacks, and more to help them feel comfortable at the child advocacy center.

BECOME AN ADVOCATE Here are a few simple ways community members can get involved with these centers and become advocates for children of abuse.

• Organize drives for paper products, snacks, and other items on the centers’ wish lists.

• Talk with children they know to keep communication open, in case they have uncomfortable topics they need to discuss.

• Sponsor a child’s forensic interview, or sponsor a family to provide items like school supplies.

• Participate in and support advocacy events.

For more information on each center’s specific needs, visit their websites.

PHOTOS COURTESY OF PRESCOTT HOUSE

The experience at the centers focuses on helping children feel comfortable and safe.

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They have seen a 25-percent increase in cases since the pandemic began, making it as important as ever for the community to come together to support and protect children of abuse.

When children visit the house, they’ll find books, train sets, snacks, drinks, and an overall inviting space where they can feel comfortable and safe. Dogs from Alabama’s courthouse facility dog program, known as the HERO program, also come to visit to provide support for the children as they go through this process.

“We provide a place for them to come and talk,” Greer says. “We coordinate the response in a child-friendly environment.”

Seeing the children transition from being apprehensive at the start of their interviews to being happy to be there is Greer’s favorite part of the job.

“They come back, and you can see that weight lifted off of them after they’ve gone to counseling for a while. They’re a kid again,” she says. “They aren’t carrying around that weight of abuse and uncertainty.”

Community members will be able to place pinwheels around town in honor or memory of a child to show these children they are cared about and valued. The center will also hold other events this month to discuss how to recognize and prevent child abuse.

“Kids are being abused in their communities every day, and there’s something they can do to become an advocate,” Greer says. “We need to all make childhood joyful for kids.”

They always accept monetary and supply donations, including juice, cookies, craft supplies, and other items. For more information, visit Owenshousecac.com.

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FAMILIES IN BUSINESS

ULTIMATE PLAYSETS

Backyard Solutions helps families create the perfect outdoor play areas

PHOTOS COURTESY OF BACKYARD SOLUTIONS

Families can check out all of Backyard Solutions’ playground equipment and sets in their expansive display yard.

BY LAUREN H. DOWDLE Mention a swing, slide, trampoline, basketball goal, or play set to any child, and their eyes are sure to light up — and all of that can be found at Backyard Solutions.

Backyard Solutions, which some might know as Backyard Adventures, offers everything families need to transform their outdoor spaces into kid-approved play areas. Owner Jeff Beabout purchased the business more than 15 years ago, though working in the backyard play industry happened kind of by accident, he says.

He graduated from UAB and wanted to go 32 Bham Family April 2021

into teaching, while building things on the side.

But when the opportunity to acquire Backyard Solutions arose, he decided to take the leap and has loved it ever since.

“My favorite part is just meeting all of the families and seeing the kids coming to play,” Beabout says. “We’ve sold thousands of playground sets, so I’ve made a lot of friends because of those interactions.”

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They also carry items like trampolines and basketball goals.

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they plan to open two satellite locations in South Georgia this year, and possibly one in Mississippi.

He encourages families to come in-person to their large display yard to check out the play sets, trampolines, and other products. While they might see something that looks similar to their products online, they’ll really be able to feel the difference in the quality of their products.

“It makes a huge difference to be able to go out there and shake the playgrounds and see how strong they are,” Beabout says. “All of the stuff we sell is different than what you could buy online because we use thicker lumber, so more materials go into ours.”

Backyard Solutions tries to be a one-stop shop, working with customers all the way through the process. They can come to a customer’s house to work with them on a custom design that meets their specific needs — whether that’s a unique space or a large tree the set needs to fit around.

“We can start with the fort and ladder and customize everything from there,” he says. “There are all kinds of creative things we can do.”

But the team doesn’t stop working with a customer after they choose a custom playset or one off of their lot. They also offer install services, both for their products and ones purchased elsewhere — something not many people realize.

Once it’s installed, the team offers ongoing maintenance services like pressure washing, tightening of bolts, and repairs to ensure the set 33 Bham Family April 2021

stays in good shape for years to come.

“We try to be there from start to finish until their kids are done with it,” says Beabout, who has a 5- and 6-year-old himself.

Something new Beabout is excited about with Backyard Solutions is hosting birthday parties at their private, fenced-in display yard. Children will have free rein of the space, which includes about 15 to 20 structures and activities for them to play on at all times.

A party coordinator will be provided to help with last-minute details and clean up. The cost for a two-hour party will be $250 and include the use of their playgrounds and two covered pavilion areas with picnic tables.

Families can either bring their own food and drinks, or they can have them available through the party coordinator. Food includes Domino’s pizza and cakes or cupcakes from K&J Elegant Pastries. They also offer the option to have special themed parties, including Marvel, princess, space, Lego, and more.

Whether looking for a fun addition to their backyard to keep the kids playing outside or the perfect place to host their child’s next birthday party, Backyard Solutions offers it all and more.

Visiting their massive display yard is sure to bring out the inner child in everyone who sees their impressive sets.

Backyard Solutions is located at 3165 Cahaba Valley Road (Hwy. 119) in Birmingham. They are open 8:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. Monday through Saturday. For more information or to book a party, visit backyardalabama.com.

FOOD

CAKES OF ART Little cake shop with a grand effect

BY LAUREN H. DOWDLE The cake is her canvas, the icing her paint, making each confection Komeh O. Davis creates truly a masterpiece. Not only do the desserts she makes at her shop, CakEffect, look impressive, but they also have heavenly tastes to match.

It’s no surprise her cakes look more like artwork than bakery items, considering Davis has a background in visual arts. The art aspect is actually what drew her to cake decorating — that, and her mother.

After completing law school, Davis remembers studying for the bar while her mother watched the television show “Cake Boss.”

“I started watching the show with her while I was studying, and that’s when it was all over,” Davis says. “I literally put the book down.”

While pursuing a career in law might have ended, her ambition to master the craft of cake baking and decorating had only begun. She pulled on her experience cooking with her mother and grandmother and also took a cake decorating class.

Her passion for cakes continued to grow, opening her first CakEffect storefront in Homewood a decade ago. The shop later moved to its current location in The Village at Brock’s Gap in Hoover in 2019, and they also opened a new location in Tuscaloosa last year.

Besides the tastes, what really makes her baked goods so special is her ability to transform the ingredients into lifelike creations. One of her cakes featured a fork wrapped in noodles that was suspended in air, while another brought the clown from the movie “It” to life. Davis also creates wedding cakes and other designs for special occasions.

“Whatever you can think of, we can come up with it,” she says. “I love seeing the reaction of a customer when they come in to get a custom cake and see how excited they are.”

One day, she might be crafting a cake to look like a piece of steak for a groom’s cake, and the next, she could be designing one to resemble a zombie head.

“I don’t do anything the same,” she says.

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PHOTOS COURTESY OF CAKEFFECT

CakEffect designs stunning cakes for any occasion.

In addition to custom cakes, CakEffect also offers a variety of sweets available in the shop.

Some of their most popular items include strawberry cupcakes, warm cookies, cinnamon rolls, red velvet muffins, and kozies — which is a cookie sandwich with icing in the middle.

Another new favorite has been their cake bowls, CONTINUED ON PAGE 35

What looks like a plate of noodles and chicken is a gravity-defying cake.

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available in flavors like strawberry shortcake, s’mores, lemon curd, and Italian cream. Each bowl contains cake, filling, and house-made buttercream.

Not only has she garnered local support, but Davis has also earned national attention.

She appeared on Food Network’s “Bakers vs. Fakers.” Her customers include stars like Stephen A. Smith from ESPN, athletes Marcel Dareus and Quincy Williams, and Sir Charles Jones.

Whether someone needs a custom cake or wants to pick up a treat to satisfy their sweet tooth, she encourages people to check out the shop and everything they offer.

“Come taste what we can do,” Davis says.

“The smells are always free.”

CakEffect is located at 1021 Brocks Gap Parkway in Hoover. The shop is open Tuesday through Friday from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. and 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Saturdays. For more information, visit Cakeffect.com.

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ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT

FAMILY FUN Communities’ favorite events make a big return

PHOTOS COURTESY OF THE CITY OF HOOVER

From a car show to pony rides, there will be plenty of things to do and see at Celebrate Hoover Day.

BY LAUREN H. DOWDLE With many events cancelled last spring due to the pandemic, most were left finding creative ways to keep themselves and their children busy at home. While that might have brought them closer, many are ready to get back out and enjoy everything Birmingham and the surrounding cities have to offer. And they’re in luck!

Families can now add many of their favorite events back to their calendars, giving them something safe and fun to do outside. Of course, these events might look a little different than in years past, with most requiring some form of social distancing and other COVID precautions. But people throughout the community are excited to have them back. Check out just a few of the events going on during the next month around town.

ZOO BREWS & FARM DAY APRIL 16, APRIL 17 The Birmingham Zoo has several exciting events coming up this month. On April 16 from 5 to 8 p.m., they’re bringing back their Zoo Brews: Drafts at a Distance. Craft beer lovers will enjoy a great selection of specialty brews and wines from breweries across the state and southeast — all while traveling through the zoo. Attendees will also enjoy tasty selections from local food trucks and the zoo’s Wild Burger restaurant for an additional charge. The event is for adults only and will be rain or shine.

The next morning, April 17 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., the zoo will hold its annual Farm Day. Festivities will be in the children’s zoo and feature activities and booths to educate the public about Alabama’s rural and agricultural heritage. Tractors, weaving, and horseshoe-making demonstrations are just a few of the activities they’ll have around the Alabama Barn. The festivities are included in the price of a general admission ticket.

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OAK MOUNTAIN STATE FAIR APRIL 23-MAY 9 Families will find rides, attractions, food, and more at the Oak Mountain State Fair in Pelham.

The fair will run April 23-25, April 28-May 2, and May 5-9, and the parking will be free this year.

There will be something for kids — and kids at heart — from the world’s tallest traveling giant Ferris wheel to an assortment of mouth-watering fried foods. Tickets can be purchased online and at the gate. Children 35 inches tall and shorter get in free.

CELEBRATE HOOVER DAY APRIL 24 The annual event held at Veterans Park will be April 24 from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. There will be social distancing and other precautions put in place to ensure everyone’s safety. However, there will still be plenty of fun activities for the whole family, like in the past.

The children’s area will include pony rides, carnival rides, and a farm animal viewing area.

There will also be a car show, a ceremony to honor veterans, and exhibition booths for businesses and organizations. While the famous 10-foot-wide apple pie won’t be there this year, organizers plan to hand out individually packaged treats to attendees.

STRAWBERRY FESTIVAL APRIL 24 The City of Calera will host its 10th annual Strawberry Festival April 24 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at Oliver Park. Besides plenty of the sweet fruit the event is named for, attendees can also enjoy live music, vendors, food trucks, and more.

It’s a great time to take the family out and enjoy the beautiful city of Calera.

REGIONS TRADITION MAY 5-9 Looking ahead to next month, the Regions Tradition will be held May 5-9 at Greystone Golf & Country Club. Celebrities like Condoleezza Rice, Bo Jackson, Coach Nate Oats, Coach Bruce Pearl, Paul Finebaum, Mike Mills, Greg McElroy, and more are set to tee off for the event, which benefits Childrens of Alabama. Enjoy a fun, safe, outdoor experience on the greens. There will also be a fan experience zone with extra activities.

37 Bham Family April 2021

Above: Families can enjoy rides, tasty treats, games, and more at the Oak Mountain State Fair.

Below: There will be rides and activities for children at Celebrate Hoover Day.

KIDS WHO SHINE

EMMA LEMBKE, 18

“We can’t rewind back to a time where social media doesn’t exist. We have to learn how to use it in a healthy manner.”

BY LAUREN H. DOWDLE Spending five hours a day on social media, constantly scrolling the feed to make sure she didn’t miss a new post took a toll on Emma Lembke’s mental health. Unfortunately, what this senior at The Altamont School experienced isn’t unique, especially for teenagers.

“I had a horrific self-image of myself and a compulsive need to stay on that kept me on there,” she says. “I started thinking, ‘How do I use this tool without letting it use me?’”

Lembke realized her usage of social media was triggering her OCD and anxiety disorders, so she began looking for answers about why these apps had so much control over her — and her generation.

“We can’t rewind back to a time where social media doesn’t exist,” she says. “We have to learn how to use it in a healthy manner.”

When she couldn’t find a space for kids to come together to discuss social media and find ways to lower its impact on their mental health, she decided to create one — and the idea for Log Off was born.

She originally pursued the idea of Log Off for her school Miree project, which is meant to combine the student’s interests and a way to serve a need in the community. However, Lembke soon recognized her project extended well beyond the city of Birmingham. After launching the program in June 2020, she received its first application from Texas and the second came from the Philippines.

“It blew my mind,” she said. “Now, it’s blossomed into this community of 60 teens from 16 countries.”

The Log Off movement is dedicated to rethinking social media by teens for teens.

Whether teens decide to use or take a break from social media, the goal is for them to find a way to exist on social media in a healthy way. Log Off offers a website, podcast, blog, character education curriculum, and an online community to raise awareness and share findings on navigating these apps.

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Senior Emma Lembke created Log Off to help herself and other teens navigate social media in a healthy manner.

Lembke would love to see the movement hold a joint digital conference with digital wellness companies in the future, as well as become more involved with advocacy and legislative efforts to protect children online.

No matter how this movement grows next, Lembke is proud of the change and progress Log Off has made so far.

“It was just me in my kitchen with an idea in ninth grade,” she says. “Now, it’s grown into this movement where teens can feel impowered to use their voices. It’s been a whirlwind.”

For more information about Log Off, visit Logoffmovement.org.

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TEEN TALK LINE (205) 605-1830

PARENT TALK LINE compact2020.com (205) 605-1827

TEENS — Have questions? Concerned about things? Just need someone to listen? Talking helps. Whether you are having a great day or a tough day, give us a call. We are here to listen.

PARENTS — Think your teen might be involved with substance abuse?Have questions? Concerned about your teen? Wondering how to handle your teen’s choices? Just need someone to listen to you? Talking helps.

40 Bham Family April 2021