DECEMBER 2021
Shop
Local Ideas for gift-giving from Birmingham’s small businesses
PAGE 24
CHALLAH
SHOPPE
Easy Christmas Treats to Make with Kids PAGE 28
SOLVING SPACES
VISIT THE
House Peace simplifies home organization PAGE 8
The not-sosecret source for this special Jewish bread
PAGE 26
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Bham Family December 2021 3
EDITOR’S NOTE ’Tis the season for giving—and, of course, receiving—twinkling lights, jolly ole St. Nick, and festivities for the whole family. You’ll find all of that and more within these pages, so grab a cozy blanket, and let’s start reading. You’re making your lists and checking them twice! I’ll bet everyone on the nice list will love a gift from one of Birmingham’s amazing local shops, from gift stores to toy stores to book stores. Turn to page 24 and let us help you mark off a few folks. Speaking of local businesses, bringing home more stuff (like gifts!)— we’re looking at you, grandparents—can certainly feel overwhelming during the holiday season. Birmingham-based House Peace is here to help bring order to your chaos. On page 8, owner Tara Bremer details some simple ways to bring organization to your closets. Peace can be yours outside the home, too. In our Active Living column on page 12, Brooke Smith details how her yoga classes are a great fit for anyone seeking body and mind alignment—including special classes just for kids. We have lots more great stories in this issue, from a mom who “sprinkles joy” to her twins with creative theme days to a profile on The Altamont School’s fall project week, easy treats to make with your kids this season, and a special peek inside The Challah Shoppe, where Chabad of Alabama weekly bakes this special Jewish bread for devoted customers. I hope this issue brings you a little extra cheer during this crazy-busy, super-fun month. Merry Christmas and Happy New Year! Stephanie Gibson Lepore, Content Director and Mom, stephanie@jbmcmedia.com
4 Bham Family December 2021
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Bham Family December 2021 5
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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! Aldridge Gardens
20
Applause Dancewear
2
Backyard Adventures
21
McWane Science Center
11
Painted Personalities
15 19
Children’s of Alabama
31
Pediatric Smiles Sike’s Children’s Shoes / Jack n Jill Single Barrel Barber Shop
Compact
32
Urgent Care for Children
5
Deo Gloria Wood Works
17
Vineyard Family Services
3
Eyes on Chelsea Vision Care
21
Vulcan Termite & Pest Control
Hoover Met Complex
15
Wrapsody
Kasey Davis Dentistry
2
Brookwood Baptist Health
Birmingham BirminghamFamily FamilyMagazine Magazine
6 Bham Family December 2021
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bhamfunandfamily.com bhamfamily.com
3 7
15 6
RECYCLE RECYCLE ME! ME!
INSIDE THIS ISSUE
8
12
INSIDE EVERY ISSUE
Organization House Peace simplifies order at home. p.8 Essay Good things at Christmas with Sean of the South. p.10 Active Living Brooke Smith makes yoga accessible for everyone. p.12
18
Faith See what The Challah Shoppe Is baking. p.26 Food Treats to make and share this season. p.28 Kids Who Shine Makenzie Currie partners with Red Mountain Grace. p.30 FEATURE STORIES
Just for Dads Ward Williams gives advice. p.16
Plan a Theme Day Local mom and former teacher shares her creative ideas. p.18
Education The Altamont School celebrates Fall Project Week. p.22
Shop Local for Christmas Support Birmingham businesses this season. p.24
ON THE COVER Cover photo by Allie Nichols, Birmingham Children’s Theatre The Birmingham Children’s Theatre performed a variety show, “Santa’s Letters,” at the Riverchase Galleria’s annual tree lighting ceremony. Pictures with Santa are happening now through December 24. Bring your furry friends to Pet Nights with Santa Mondays through December 20 to get photos with Fido, too. Visit riverchasegalleria. com/events to book reservations for either event. The Birmingham Children’s Theatre presents E.L.V.E.S. 2.0, a virtual tour of the North Pole, select December dates via Zoom. A Christmas Carol in-person shows are December 11, 18, and 22. Visit bct123.org for more information. Bham Family December 2021 7
ORGANIZATION
A Simple Formula for the Closet How not to overthink organization
BY TARA BREMER Many of our clients and friends often say something like, “I just stare at my closet with rage and don’t know how to fix it.” I hear a thousand variations of this. I think something happens to our brains when we look at our own chaos and disorganization. Logic goes out the window, and any hope of getting from A to B to C is gone. It’s like our thinking completely halts. Then we shut the door and move on with our day. But there really is a formula for the average closet. I want to use my recent job at a home to illustrate this. The client, Jessica, was Miss Alabama 2017 and, though she has beautiful clothing, it’s really a manageable amount— especially considering all the events she did and still does through her work and hobbies. Her closet only has a set amount of space, and she needs to be able to see everything, including sweaters and sweatshirts.
Ultimately, the closet formula is this: matching hangers + shoe storage + shelf storage = Closet Peace. In nearly all our home organization jobs, we put pretty baskets or bins on closet shelves to hold things like scarves, swimwear, winter accessories, hats, etc. In Jessica’s case, she didn’t want bins or baskets because it was important for her to be able to see her sweaters, sweatpants, jeans, and sweatshirts. She knew if she couldn’t see them, they might get forgotten and go unworn. So, if you take our formula and apply it to Jessica’s closet, this is how it breaks down: • Slimline velvet or plastic hangers • Shoe storage • Shelf storage (in this case, clear dividers) I hope this empowers you to take charge of your own closet. If you need help, House Peace would love to come organize for you! Visit housepeace.net for more information.
BEFORE
PHOTOGRAPHS COURTESY OF TARA BREMER, HOUSE PEACE
AFTER
8 Bham Family December 2021
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GOOD
ESSAY
BY SEAN OF THE SOUTH (SEAN DIETRICH) Maybe this will be the year. Maybe this will be the Christmas that erases all the bad stuff that’s happened. Maybe the old year will disappear once the holiday arrives, and all our troubles will be out of sight. You never know. Perhaps some wonderful thing you’ve been waiting for is going to spontaneously occur this year. Maybe you’re about to be happier than you’ve ever been. Maybe a surprise will come out of nowhere. Perhaps you’ll make a new best friend. Or you might get a new job that will put money in your pocket. Maybe the handsome guy in third period English will ask you on a date. Maybe your cancer will respond to treatment. Maybe for once you will stand up for yourself. Maybe you’ll finally be pregnant. Maybe your father, who abandoned you when you were a kid, will call after 30 years and apologize. Maybe you will fall in love. Maybe this will be the year. I know you think I’m full of it, but what if I’m not? After all, this kind of stuff happens every day. So why couldn’t it happen to you? Tell me, why not? I am being serious. I would like you to explain why something wonderful can’t happen to you personally. Go ahead, I’m waiting. See? You can’t do it. You can’t name one valid reason why an event that is life-changingly, unexpectedly awesome can’t take place in your life. Because the one thing we all know about this universe is this: Anything can happen. So, not to point out the obvious, but this means that on a deep level, you are aware that these miracles are always behind the gate. They can take shape as easily as clouds materialize in minutes. They can grow as simply as a sapling becomes a sycamore. As surely as a Buick burns oil. Good things can happen as effortlessly as tragedies. And these marvelous joys can befall entire civilizations at once. Which leads me back to my opening sentence, which was… Hold on, let me look. Ah, yes. Maybe this will be the year. Now, I know that this is all starting to sound pretty far-fetched, but I promise, I’m not a 10 Bham Family December 2021
complete weirdo. I don’t organize my furniture according to feng shui, and I’m not selling an infomercial book series on how to get rich, cut carbs, and get a firm butt in 30 days or less. I am talking to you in solid, feasible, logical terms. Good stuff can happen in your life. It can happen to the entire human race, too. It happens the same way a virus spreads. And we’ve learned a lot about viral things this year, haven’t we? When goodness multiplies it becomes an unseen whitewater flood that even the strongest civil engineers could not dam. Like a torrent that smooths jagged boulders, cuts through mountains, and carves brand-new Grand Canyons into the heart of man. And even though you might not physically see all these good vibes swimming around, believe me, they’re out there. A few days ago, at Dairy Queen, something good happened. It took place about 100 miles north of Minneapolis, in the wintry town of Brainerd. An ordinary guy pulled up to the driveCONTINUED ON PAGE 11
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thru window and told the cashier he wanted to pay for the order of the car behind him. It was a nice gesture. The store manager, Tina Jensen, has seen this happen before. This sort of thing isn’t unheard of during the holidays. Usually the next person in line realizes they’re getting a free meal and ends up doing the same thing for the car behind them. On and on it goes. Tina Jensen says a chain reaction like this can sometimes last for up to 10 or 15 cars before it peters out. But in the little town of Brainerd, on one chilly Thursday, a $10 gesture of goodwill did not peter out. In fact, it spread like heat rash. After one man paid for the car behind him, it just kept going. Pretty soon every single customer in the drive-thru line was doing the same. This kept up all morning. Then all afternoon. All night. And it carried over into the next morning. And the next afternoon. And the next evening. And the next day. This domino-effect took place for two-and-a-half days, each person doing their part, each person adding to the chain of Christmas glee. And after 900 vehicles, it was still happening.
Nine hundred. Stop and think about that. That’s a rural school district. That’s 100 baseball teams. That’s… It doesn’t matter how many that is. What matters is that these 900 people are your fellow human beings. Within that drive-thru line was your boss, your landlord, your neighbor, your mother, your babysitter, your cousin, probably not your ex, but give it time. That’s a lot of good out there. Maybe somebody who gave money at that drive-thru will even be reading these words. Or better yet, maybe somebody reading this will end up starting the same thing at their drive-thru. Maybe people will be doing unsolicited charitable deeds in Cleveland, Atlanta, Sacramento, South Padre Island, Washington D.C., Pensacola, Eugene, Los Alamos, or Topeka. Maybe, just maybe, this wasn’t a rare act that happened in a fairytale-like distant land, but something that happens every moment of every day. All the time. Around the world. In every dark corner. Maybe simply knowing how much unrestrained beauty is out there will help you realize that it’s not a matter of whether this unseen goodness can alter the world, but it’s just a matter of when. Maybe this will be the year.
November 20 - January 2
Holiday season presented by
Bham Family December 2021 11
ACTIVE LIVING
PHOTOGRAPH COURTESY OF BROOKE SMITH
Brooke Smith spent more than 13 years in TV news media and has been practicing yoga for the past 7 years.
Finding Sanctuary Brooke Smith found yoga when she needed it most. Along the way, her faith and fitness collided—now it’s her passion and her purpose. BY STEPHANIE GIBSON LEPORE You are probably familiar with the name Brooke Smith—after all, she spent many years on-air, brightening mornings with her cheerful personality and reporting. And though she says she’ll always be a journalist, lately it’s something else that drives her days—which no longer begin in the wee hours of the morning. Q: Tell us a little bit about yourself. A: I am from Albertville, and I graduated from the University of Alabama. In 2002, I was runnerup on “The Bachelor.” My mom watched the first season and loved it. Back then, the show was different—a lot more innocent. My mom watched the first season—it aired on Wednesday nights after church! I was single, 22, and my sweet mom 12 Bham Family December 2021
thought it looked like so much fun and a chance for her baby girl to see the world and possibly fall in love, so she dared me to submit a video. Back then it was a VHS recorder; I had to prop it up on stacks of college books to the perfect height, hit play, and run to my seat. My mom was right (as moms usually are), and it was an amazing experience. Season 2 of “The Bachelor” was the highest rated in the show’s history. The director called me to come back and do another show, but it was too late—I had already met the love of my life. He said, “Are you sure? Do you know what you are missing?” Actually, I knew what I’d be missing if I said yes to another show: Scott Weaver. We have been married for 14 years and have two beautiful daughters: Gracie (12) and Gwen (9). Gwen is actually named after my friend CONTINUED ON PAGE 13
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who was on the show with me. I keep in touch with several of the girls from my season. I joined NBC13 in early 2013 and spent more than 16 years in TV news. I woke up at 2 a.m., but I loved what I did. I loved waking up with my TV sisters and enjoyed telling the stories of people in my community. But over time, it changed. I was a journalist who believed in telling the story accurately, instead of sensationally. I believed there should be a work-life balance, but family was always the priority. I was devastated when I was shown the door, because I absolutely loved journalism and the ladies I worked with in the mornings. But sometimes God takes you out of a situation that is not good for you when you won’t leave yourself. During the past two years, I’ve seen God reveal His plan for my life, and it’s been so humbling. I’ve been able to focus on my health, faith, and family. And I get to sleep much later than 2 a.m.! Even before the pandemic hit, we made the decision to homeschool, so I am now in my second year as a teacher, plus I own my own business and started a ministry. Q: How did you get interested in yoga? A: I started training with Danny Haralson with Run University back in 2005. I want to run a marathon in every state, plus D.C., before I turn 50. I only have 14 states left! I also did my first 100-miler this year and plan to do it again in 2022. I know it sounds crazy, but I loved it. However, I was a distance runner who stayed injured because I never stretched. I had tried yoga many years before; I wandered into a class and left feeling like yoga was just not for me. I had no idea that there were several different styles. One year, I ran Mercedes and felt so tight and sore afterward. I saw a local athletic retailer was offering a free “Yoga for Runners” class, and I was so tight that I gave it one more try. Well, it was amazing! It helped my muscles, and it also helped me relax—and it was fun. I was hooked. I was a running coach and thought it would be beneficial for me to get my teaching certification so I could help other runners. Q: How long have you been practicing? A: I’ve been practicing almost 7 years. I’ve been a certified yoga instructor for more than 6 years. I am a 500-hour E-RYT. Q: When did you start teaching classes,
and what classes do you offer? A: More than 6 years ago. I teach Flow and Restore, Beginner’s Yoga, Parent-Child Yoga, Fun Flow, and Yoga Burn. Q: How is your approach to yoga different? A: I teach Christian yoga. You can teach/take Christian yoga anywhere, but my classes are in a sanctuary with Christ’s cross directly in front of you, reminding you of His love for you. The music is hymns, contemporary worship songs, and clean secular music. Q: Tell us more about the parent-child classes. A: My daughters lead the parent-child class with me on Thursdays at 3:30 p.m. Sometimes I’ll incorporate a fun Bible story in class and design the movement around telling the story. We’ve done the Creation Story, Noah’s Ark, and David and Goliath. During the holidays, classes are themed—we had some fun dressing up for Halloween. I have kids ages 5 through 12 in class but would welcome older and younger participants. During the pandemic, the girls helped me lead a Zoom kids’ class to help parents with a PE option, and it was great! It is so important for our children to see us make health and fitness a priority. Plus, it’s fun to do together, which is why it’s a parent-child class, not just a kids’ class. Q: How did you end up teaching at St. Stephen’s? A: It was totally God! My friend Annie Damsky decided that she was going to close the physical studio for Villager Yoga, so the teachers would need to find new homes for classes. There was not going to be a yoga studio in the area, and it had always been my dream to open a Christian yoga studio. After Covid, I decided it may not make sense for me to have a brick-and-mortar space, but rather let my studio be me and wherever God led me to teach. I was discussing this with a friend of mine during a long run on a Saturday morning last winter, and Father John of St. Stephen’s Episcopal happened to be running in the same group and overheard us. He said, “I may have a space for you!” Talk about God putting you in the right place at the right time! From the moment I saw the church, I felt God’s hand in this, and it was clear that I wanted to not just have a small business but—even CONTINUED ON PAGE 14
Bham Family December 2021 13
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better—a ministry. Q: What sets your classes apart? A: Before class, I pray for you. I pray God will send through the church doors the people who need to be there. Sometimes that’s 10 people. Sometimes it’s one—or even none. In those times, I look at it as a chance for God to have a conversation with just me. Participants have the opportunity to worship with their bodies, move in a healthy way in a safe, beautiful space, and draw closer to Him. During Savasana, the final resting pose, you are being prayed for. I don’t preach. I’m not a preacher. But I will remind you how strong, beautiful, smart, wonderfully made, and loved you are by the One who made you. It’s my hope to create an environment that will allow you to draw closer to Him. Q: What can participants expect? A: God’s love and acceptance. I pray they feel safe and that they leave feeling better physically, emotionally, and spiritually than they did when they walked in the doors. And if they can’t afford the suggested donation, they don’t have to pay. I
don’t ever want money to be a reason someone can’t come to yoga. I even have extra mats and props available. Q: Do you have to be a Christian to attend? A: Absolutely not. God loves us all. All are welcome. Namaste means “the light in me sees the light in you.” As Christians, we know Who that light is. Thank you, God, for the opportunity to help others grow stronger, draw closer to You, and worship with our bodies. Q: How do you hope your ministry grows? A: Right now, I only teach a few classes, but I pray that I can add more at the church and also continue to teach in other locations. Q: What are some of your favorite songs off your yoga playlist? A: “Church Clap” by KB and Lecrae and “You Say” by Lauren Daigle For more information about Brooke Smith Yoga, visit facebook.com/brookesmithyoga. Email Brooke at brookesmith80@yahoo.com to subscribe to her mailing list.
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JUST FOR DADS At the beginning of each year, new personal improvement resolutions are taking shape in the minds of many Americans. There seems to be a self-help/ self-care section in every bookstore, from the big chains to local mom-andpop stores. Almost every nonprofit ministry conference I have attended during the past 20 years offered self-care Ward breakout sessions or general Williams sessions addressing this topic. My wife recently attended a continuing education seminar for teachers via Zoom, where I happened to overhear a session speaker discussing self-care. Teachers have a very difficult job and face pressures every day that can lead to burnout as they serve kids and families. Staying emotionally and mentally healthy is necessary. During the two minutes I listened, the presenter told attendees that if the only time you can get a pedicure is during a kid’s sporting event, it is okay to skip your child’s sporting event and get the pedicure. Admittedly, I only heard a snippet of the speech and don’t know the context, but I think that is terrible advice. The reason there are so many self-help/selfcare books is that we have not figured out how to
take care of ourselves, and the advice we get on this topic is often not very helpful. There is a fine line between taking care of self and being selfabsorbed, entitled, or selfish. There are no classes to teach preschool children how to think about themselves, but we are born with a certain degree of selfishness. It would not surprise me if this generation is described as the selfie generation by future generations. We must be extremely selective about who we take advice from and who we let speak into our lives. As parents, it is important to teach our children to think of others above themselves. At 14, I was hired as a bus boy, and since then I have worked in the service, ministry, nonprofit fields. I know that balancing service and taking care of oneself is important. There is a motto that was popular in my teen and college years that proclaimed, “I am third.” The order is: Christ, others, me. In the Bible, the third chapter of John speaks about the necessity of God becoming more while we become less. We will never live in a world without trials and troubles, and the selfutopia, self-actualization promoted by self-care/ self-help books is a fantasy. Don’t believe the lie that it will ever make you happy. Serving God, family, and others in a reciprocal, healthy way is a worthwhile goal. PHOTOGRAPHBY SHIROMANI KANT ON UNSPLASH
16 Bham Family December 2021
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FEATURE
Next-Level
Learning Twin mom and former teacher creates theme days for memory-making fun at home
PHOTOGRAPHS COURTESY OF LIBBA LAMBERT
BY STEPHANIE GIBSON LEPORE Celebrating the little things is in Libba Lambert’s lineage. “Throughout my childhood, my mom strived to make holidays and ordinary days so special. She decorated her house for every occasion, and her table was always beautifully set. My mom has always been such an inspiration to me, and her creativity and love for making every day special carried over into my teaching career,” says Libba, who taught kindergarten for 12 years. “As a teacher, I wanted each one of my students to love kindergarten. I have precious memories of crafting with them and using some of my themes in the classroom. I also knew I wanted my kids’ childhoods to be as magical as my own.” Even though the dream of a magical childhood was always there, the start of theme days for 18 Bham Family December 2021
her twins was actually born out of necessity. “I made the decision to stay at home after my twins, Hazel Elizabeth and Sullivan, were born at only 29 weeks,” she explains. “As a result of their prematurity, they both were diagnosed with chronic lung disease and compromised immune systems, which initially made it difficult for them to be around other children until they were older and their immune systems were better able to fight germs. As their mother, it saddened me to see them miss out on birthday parties and fun social events due to their underlying health conditions. That’s what prompted me to start doing fun, themed craft days at home with them.” “I thoroughly enjoy creating and coming up with new ways to make an ordinary day extraspecial for my twins. Some days are packed with an amazing theme and activity, and other days, a
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simple book and cookie from the local bakery is just as exciting to them,” says Libba, explaining that the idea is to celebrate each day, big or small. On bigger theme days, she includes a craft, matching clothes, kid-friendly snacks to make, new books, and small toys. “No matter what you plan for your children, you’re guaranteed to make wonderful memories, and that’s the ultimate goal.” The Lambert twins love theme days and all that comes with them: baking, crafting, reading books, wearing coordinating outfits or pajamas, and eating off matching plates. “They cherish the memories we make on these special days and so do I. The days are passing too quickly and I’m trying to soak up each moment with them,” says Libba. Libba’s mom, “Queenie,” also a talented seamstress, shares her talents for the twins’ theme days, too. “One of my all-time favorite theme days was our Polar Express Theme Day,” says Libba. “My precious mom made us (including Libba’s husband, Greg) matching pajamas and she made coordinating robes for the twins, just like the ones in the movie. I surprised Hazel Elizabeth and Sullivan with an electric Polar Express Train and tickets to ride “the real” Polar Express Train in Calera. We made train cookies, read the Polar Express book, watched the movie, and made a train craft. It was such a special time together as a family.” An annual twin-pleaser is National Ice Cream Day. “This one has proven time and time again to be one of their favorites. One year, I surprised them with a toy ice cream truck they could both fit in, and we made pretend and real ice cream cones. We played in that truck for hours and made more ice cream cones than I can count. They still talk about the fun we had that day and sure love that ice cream truck!” says Libba. When asked their favorite things about theme days, Hazel Elizabeth and Sullivan both answered, “Everything!” Pressed for details, Hazel Elizabeth says she loves to create snacks, while Sullivan enjoys making biscuits from scratch, often with a themed cookie cutter. “I remember so many days of baking with my mom as a child, and I hope my twins will remember our time together in the kitchen as well,” says Libba. “They also love to paint, so any of our theme days that include painting have always been a winner in their books. They still talk about our Mickey and Minnie, beachbound, and gingerbread themes.”
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The idea of a theme day need not be overwhelming, nor should the actual day cost a ton of money. Libba’s best advice: Don’t sweat the small stuff. “As a teacher and now a mom, I know things don’t always go as planned. Theme days should always be laid-back, not complicated.” She says that, by buying one or two new things each holiday season, your collection will build quickly over the years. As word of Libba’s theme days spread to other moms and neighbors through social media and chit-chat, a few friends reached out to her for ideas they could incorporate at home. “My friends would often tell me that I needed to share my theme day ideas with others. During quarantine, a few close friends finally convinced me to give it a whirl, and that is when I created Sprinkle Joy Everyday,” says Libba, who post details of her theme days on Instagram (@SprinkleJoyEveryday). She lists ideas and where to find the parts and pieces so other moms can easily plan a similar day with their own children. In addition, she also creates and sells theme day sets, making it super-easy and accessible for busy moms.
“One of the main reasons I created my Instagram account was to share my love for theme days, snacks, and crafts with other moms. I always felt so honored when friends would ask me for ideas for their children, and I wanted them to realize it doesn’t have to be over the top to be special.” “I truly believe children love an opportunity to learn through creative play. Theme days offer great ways to celebrate ordinary days as well as big holidays. When you plan a theme day at home, you’re sure to have a day full of joy!” says Libba. “Your children will look back on these days with full hearts and maybe even carry on some of the same traditions to their children.”
Coming soon to Ald ridge Gardens
Gif ts of A rt
Thursday, December 2, 9am-6pm Gifts of Art returns after a COVID break in 2020. This year promises some of the things you have enjoyed the past five years plus some new items from new artists. Gifts of Art is not a craft fair, but a one-stop Christmas shopping event with unique, one-of-a-kind art items from 13 local artists. Items are reasonably priced, averaging around $50-75, and our artists are chosen for their truly unique items—items not found at regular retail stores. From textiles to glass to pottery to jewelry to metal works, there is literally something for everyone on your Christmas gift list.
(205) 682-8019 | aldridgegardens.com 3530 Lorna Road, Hoover 20 Bham Family December 2021
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EDUCATION
PHOTOGRAPH COURTESY OF THE ALTAMONT SCHOOL
At West End Community Garden, students learned about the need for available and nutritious food to be provided for all people. They also helped weed and clean up the garden.
Exploring Birmingham Altamont students take on the city during Fall Project Week
BY LAINE WILLIAMS, ED.D. For one week in October, Altamont’s doors swing open, and the world becomes our classroom. A beloved tradition since the 1990s, pre-COVID Fall Project Week trips included such places as Chicago, Sweden, Rome, and Washington, D.C. This year, because of the pandemic, we pivoted to an experiential learning week in our hometown utilizing partnerships with local organizations to teach our students what makes Birmingham unique. While we have had local trips previously, this was the first year all grades were focused on creating experiences that highlighted Birmingham’s past, present, and future. “There is something special about this city,” said Beth Dille, director of the C. Kyser Miree Center for Ethical Leadership. “Students need to understand the role they play within Birmingham. It’s our job as educators to teach students about the value and significance of their hometown with the purpose of making their city even better in the future.” BIRMINGHAM’S PAST The first step was acknowledging Birmingham’s history. Altamont’s ninth graders visited the Birmingham Civil Rights Institute, the 22 Bham Family December 2021
16th Street Baptist Church, and Kelly Ingram Park on an educational tour created by Lisa Daniels, a history teacher at the school. The Birmingham Civil Rights Institute is a cultural and educational research center that promotes a comprehensive understanding for the significance of Civil Rights developments in Birmingham. Part of the U.S. Civil Rights Trail, the 16th Street Baptist Church—an active church today— served as a meeting place for the organization of marches and other Civil Rights activities. In 1963, a bombing at the church resulted in the death of four young black girls: Addie Mae Collins, Cynthia Wesley, Denise McNair, and Carole Robertson. This devastating event led the federal government to take action on Civil Rights legislation. In conjunction with the 16th Street Baptist Church visit, Altamont had the honor of hosting Carolyn McKinstry, an eyewitness and friend to the young ladies who died during the bombing. A survivor of the Civil Rights struggle, she is a national author and speaker on the topic of racial reconciliation. Her message encouraged and challenged our high school students to make Birmingham’s future one of peace and understanding. After her visit, McKinstry shared CONTINUED ON PAGE 23
these words: “I enjoyed the young people more than you could ever know. My hope is in the youth of tomorrow. I believe that they will soar far beyond where we are today.” Altamont’s 11th- and 12th-graders participated in a Southern Stories tour created by JP Hemingway, Joni Wiley, and Andrew Nelson, three faculty members. Prior to the trip, the students participated in two lessons asking, “What is our community?” and “Who tells our stories?” This trip began at the Birmingham Public Library archives where Jim Baggett, archivist of the city of Birmingham, showed students artifacts such as redline city maps and the Birmingham jail docket that included Dr. Martin Luther King’s name. The students then toured Lynn Park and Kelly Ingram Park to see the Civil Rights monuments. Finally, they ended at the Birmingham Museum of Art, where the All Things Bright and Beautiful exhibit showed people using artwork to tell their stories. “My favorite part of the trip was realizing that there is no singular story of Birmingham,” said eleventh-grader Margaret Schedler. “The multitude of stories we encountered cemented Birmingham as the city that it is, neither good nor bad, just a reflection of the people that call it home.” BIRMINGHAM’S PRESENT Students also learned about how to serve Birmingham through local partnerships with Jones Valley Teaching Farm, West End Community Garden, Black Warrior Riverkeepers, and Rise Against Hunger. Tenth and eleventh grade students worked with Jones Valley Teaching Farm and ninth graders worked with West End Community Garden to weed and clean up local gardens. Jones Valley Teaching Farm creates opportunities for academic exploration, environmental stewardship, personal growth and leadership, and pathways to employment. At the West End Community Garden, the students learned what it means to build community partnerships and affirmed the need for available and nutritious food to be provided for all people. Seventh- and 10th-grade students worked with Black Warrior Riverkeepers to pick up 643 pounds of trash at East Lake Park and near Valley Creek. Students also discussed the vital need for the next generation to be involved with restoring Alabama’s waterways. Altamont’s seventh- and eighth-graders packaged over 10,000 meals for Rise Against Hunger, a global movement to end hunger by empowering communities, nourishing lives, and
responding to emergencies. These meals will be distributed worldwide to those in need through a network of community partners. “My favorite activity during Fall Project Week was packing rice for the Rise Against Hunger. One thing I learned is that helping others makes me happy,” said seventh-grader Tylan Floyd. Finally, students participated in a service day in the areas directly around Altamont, clearing overgrown vegetation on the city roads and the community trails behind the school. Seventh and eighth grade students learned that as part of a city, Altamont has a responsibility to contribute and help out wherever we can. BIRMINGHAM’S FUTURE The culmination of the week was educating Altamont students to become compassionate leaders, creating a better Birmingham and world. Partnerships with Alaquest Collaborative for Education (ACE), NewGen Peacebuilders, Red Mountain Theatre, and McDowell Environmental Center focused on Birmingham’s future. Seventh- and eighth-grade students participated in ACE’s leadership, empathy, inclusion, and trust workshops. Students practiced these skills through group interactive discussions and activities. With NewGen Peacebuilders, an award-winning peace education, training, and mentoring program that equips young people to build and repeat peace, students learned how to actively resolve conflict, build bridges, and create innovative solutions for change. At Red Mountain Theatre, students sharpened their ability to create and to collaborate. The theatre’s mission is to create powerful experiences that enrich, educate, and engage audiences—nourishing the human spirit, fostering valuable life skills, and cultivating a deeper sense of community. Fifth- and sixth-graders participated in McDowell Environmental Center programing that increased awareness and understanding while encouraging a sense of responsibility for the environment. With the goal of connecting people to the natural world, this hands-on science program focused on topics such as Plant It Earth, Forest Connections, Farm Fauna, Radical Raptors, Art in Nature, Geology, Survival Skills, and Team Building. “My favorite part of Camp McDowell was constantly learning and having fun. We also got to participate in a lot of handson activities,” said fifth-grader Caroline Perkins. “My favorite thing was learning about all of the different adaptations that animals have.” Bham Family December 2021 23
FEATURE
SHOP LOCAL for the Holidays
Birmingham is home to many great small businesses. Check our list (twice!), and pick up a few of your presents from a mom-and-pop this season. We’re lucky to have a small army of local-based businesses to support around town, and it’s more important than ever to show them some love. That’s why we’ve compiled a short list of Birmingham faves to drop in on this holiday season. Get ready to shop ‘til you drop! Smith’s Variety 45 Church St., Mountain Brook “Smith’s has been serving the community since our founding in 1950,” says owner Brad Simpson. “We are an old-school variety store, where you can find anything from toys, candy, and gourmet foods to party supplies, ribbon, and gifts for everyone in the home. My wife, 24 Bham Family December 2021
Amy, and I are blessed to be a small part of the Smith’s tradition.” Along with always-popular LEGOs, Brad notes that two of their hottest toys this season are the Water Bomber Drift remote control car and Perfect Petzzz stuffed animals. “The Water Bomber Drift is a true CONTINUED ON PAGE 25
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off-road RC car that can handle steep inclines and can even drive sideways. Its best feature is a unique built-in water bullet shooter that will provide hours and hours of entertainment.” Perfect Petzzz actually “breathe.” “They are a great way to give a child a sense of pet ownership without all the accompanying responsibilities.” The Alabama Booksmith 2626 19th Place S., Homewood Buying for a bookworm? This gem of a shop in Homewood only sells signed books, almost all at regular retail price. Bookseller Mary Wilson Molen notes two current favorites: For kids, “The Cat Man of Aleppo.” (“Both of the authors are Alabama residents, and it won a 2021 Caldecott Honor.”) For the history buff, “The Official United States Civil Rights Trail” by Alabama Tourism Director Lee Sentell. “It won the World Travel and Tourism Award at the World Travel Market in London,” says Mary, “becoming the first U.S. State Tourism Agency to be honored.” FarmStand by Stone Hollow Farmstead 2825 2nd Ave. S., Birmingham Stone Hollow Farmstead—the Stone family farm that started small in Shelby County—has grown to include botanical skincare, a creamery, a storefront, and much more. FarmStand by Stone Hollow Farmstead, located at Pepper Place, offers thoughtful gifts for anyone on your list with impeccable taste: beautiful kitchenware, gourmet jams, oils, and condiments, and even gorgeous French scarves. Homewood Toy & Hobby 2830 18th St. S., Homewood Visit the oldest toy store in the Birmingham area—still owned by the same Homewood family who started the business in 1950—for musthaves like the Water Bomber Drift Car and Calico Critters playsets. M.P. Dawson Mercantile 183B Main St., Trussville This general store opened just before Covid hit. The husband-and-wife team wanted a place that reminded them of their parents, for whom the store is named. Curated stock includes hostess gifts like baking and cocktail mixes and candles,
plus kitschy items like “Go to Church or the Devil Will Get You” ornaments and vintage-style glass mixing bowls and pink hobnail salt-andpepper shakers. Learning Express 3132 Heights Village, Cahaba Heights Baby dolls to plasma cars, Squishmallows to Buildzi Games, this locally owned franchise has it all and everything in between. They bill themselves as “Your Neighborhood Toy Store” for their focus on personalized service and unique toys that span from infants to tweens. Bonus: free gift wrapping! Magnolias Gift Shop 150 Chelsea Corners Way, Chelsea Open since 1992 in Sylacauga, 2014 in Pell City, and 2017 in Chelsea, Magnolias is packed full of gifts for girlfriends, babies, and home. The store hosts shopping events for a night out with specialized service, and they are stocked with stuffers for the littlest people on your list. The Cottage Basket 2901 18th St. S., Homewood Owner Shelli Morrow opened her happy little gift shop in a small corner of Homewood in 2018, but business grew so quickly that she expanded into a much larger space next to O’Carr’s this year. Shelli stocks budget-friendly happies for girlfriends, teachers, and stocking stuffers, as well as items you can’t find anywhere else—like the brightly colored vintage fabric handbags by designer Glenda Gies, a fun splurge gift for moms. Snoozy’s Kids 228 Country Club Park, Mountain Brook If you haven’t seen owner George Jones’s video demos of all Snoozy’s has to offer, head to Instagram or Facebook right now. His on-camera personality is infectious, and he has a firm grasp on the best gifts for kids of all ages. You can find the rage-of-the-season Toniebox at Snoozy’s, as well as the brand-new U-Bot camera device that allows 360-degree rotation for filming—perfect for an influencer in training. Did we miss one of your favorites? Email stephanie@ jbmcmedia.com, and let us know! Happy shopping!
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FAITH
Breaking Bread One of Birmingham’s best-kept secrets, Chabad of Alabama makes fresh challah every Friday to serve the community
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PHOTOGRAPHGRAPHS COURTESY OF MUSHKA WEINBAUM
You can pick up freshly baked challah every Friday at Chabad of Alabama.
BY STEPHANIE GIBSON LEPORE Mushka Weinbaum has been around Chabad of Alabama for more than three decades. Her parents started the organization 34 years ago, and though she left Birmingham for a bit, she came back—with a husband and a baby—and now works there. On Fridays, you can find Mushka at Chabad of Alabama, passing out orders of challah to customers—both Jewish and non—who have come to count on this weekly treat. Challah is the traditional egg bread that is served on Shabbat, the Jewish Sabbath, which starts at sunset Friday and goes through sunset on Saturday. “When we were kids, my parents would make challah out of our home kitchen and give it out as gifts as well as sell some,” says Mushka. “Each loaf of bread is filled with tradition and symbolism.” 26 Bham Family December 2021
Mushka explains that two loaves of challah are traditionally put on the Shabbat table to symbolize the two portions of manna that God gave to the Children of Israel during their Exodus from Egypt. “On Rosh Hashanah, the Jewish New Year, it is customary to eat round challahs to symbolize the cyclical nature of the year. Before Rosh Hashanah, we make more than 600 challahs!” she says. Mushka is referring to The Challah Shoppe, a part of Chabad of Alabama, where she helps to coordinate the challah sales each week. “I can’t tell you when it happened, but at a certain point, we saw that there was a need for challah on a bigger scale,” she explains. “We started off with 30 loaves, and every week we were making more and more. We decided to brand [the breadmaking business] The Challah Shoppe, and with CONTINUED ON PAGE 27
GET YOUR FRIDAY CHALLAH To order fresh challah from The Challah Shoppe at Chabad of Alabama, visit chabadofalabama. com, and click on “The Challah Shoppe.” Curbside pickup is available from noon until 3 p.m. every Friday. Prices start at $5 for traditional challah. Specialty flavors must be ordered, but one or two challahs can usually be picked up without an order. “We do run out sometimes, so if you want to make sure we have enough, it’s always a good idea to order,” says Mushka. Mushka Weinbaum, shown here with her family, offers baked products like this CinnamonRaisin Challah.
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word of mouth, we were making more than 250 loaves weekly.” Several years ago, The Challah Shoppe began to offer specialty flavors in addition to traditional challah. Each week is a different option. “Some of our best sellers are chocolate, cinnamon, Funfetti, garlic-herb, and everything spice,” says Mushka. “While I prefer the savory flavors, our community loves the sweet ones!” While the majority of The Challah Shoppe customers are Jewish, Mushka says they have a pretty big non-Jewish following, as well. “For us, the most special part about The Challah Shoppe is getting to see our community on a weekly basis and knowing that people are celebrating Shabbat with challah.” For more information, visit chabadofalabama.com.
If you’re not eating challah as a part of Shabbat, it is a great base for bread pudding or French toast, or use it to make homemade croutons, grilled cheese, or other sandwiches. Other items, such as Chanukah candles, oil cups, salami rolls, and more can also be ordered online. To find out the specialty challah of the week, you can subscribe to the email list on the order page. Chabad of Alabama and The Challah Shoppe are located beside Overton Park at 3040 Overton Road in Mountain Brook.
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FOOD
Baking
Spirits Bright
SHORTCUT CHRISTMAS TOFFEE 50 saltine crackers 1 cup salted butter, cut into cubes 1 cup light brown sugar 2 cups chocolate chips 1 cup red, green, and white M&Ms Preheat oven to 325°F. Line a large jelly-roll pan with foil, and spray with cooking spray. Line pan with saltine crackers, breaking some in half to fill pan, if necessary. Combine cubed butter and brown sugar in a medium-sized saucepan over medium-low heat, stirring until butter melts and mixture is wellcombined. Bring to a boil for 3 minutes, stirring constantly. Once bubbling and caramel-colored, remove saucepan from heat, and pour butterbrown sugar mixture evenly over crackers. Spread mixture evenly with a rubber spatula. Bake crackers 7 to 9 minutes. Remove crackers from oven and sprinkle evenly with chocolate chips. Allow to soften and spread evenly. Sprinkle M&Ms on top of chocolate, and place pan in freezer 10 to 15 minutes or until chocolate hardens. Break crackers into pieces. Package individual amounts in clear cellophane bags for gifting, or store in an airtight container up to 2 weeks. FESTIVE MUG CAKES ½ cup cake mix (Tip: Be extra-festive with a Funfetti Holiday Cake Mix) 1 egg 1 tablespoon oil 3 tablespoons cold milk Vanilla frosting Chocolate candies or crushed peppermint Spray the inside of a microwave-safe mug with cooking spray. In a small bowl, combine cake mix, egg, oil, 28 Bham Family December 2021
PHOTOGRAPH BY MATHILDE LANGEVIN FOR
and milk, stirring until combined. (Mixture will be a little lumpy.) Pour cake mixture into mug, filling about onethird full. Microwave on HIGH for 1 minute and 30 seconds. Let sit for 1 minute; microwave an additional 30 seconds if necessary. Allow cake to cool for 5 minutes. Place frosting in a zip-top plastic bag, and snip off end of one corner. Pipe frosting onto cooled cake. Sprinkle with candies or peppermint. CHRISTMAS TREE BROWNIES Brownies Peppermint sticks, if desired Green frosting Sprinkles Prepare your favorite brownie recipe, and cut cooled brownies into triangles. If you want to add tree trunks, push a peppermint sticks into bottom of each triangle, like you would a lollipop. Place frosting in a zip-top plastic bag, and snip off end of one corner. Pipe frosting onto brownie triangles, starting at top of each triangle and going down in a zigzag shape. Sprinkle frosting with your favorite sprinkles. Place a star sprinkle at top of each “tree.” CONTINUED ON PAGE 29
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RUDOLPH NOSES Mini pretzels Rolos Red M&Ms Preheat oven to 300°F. Place pretzels on a parchment paper-lined baking sheet. Top each pretzel with 1 Rolo. Bake pretzels 2 to 3 minutes, or until Rolos are softened. Remove from oven and immediately place 1 M&M on top of each softened Rolo, pressing down slightly. Allow chocolate to cool, and package in cellophane bags for gift-giving. SEASONAL SPICED TEA This makes a great teacher or neighbor gift! Place some mix in a pretty glass jar and tie on a tag with directions. 1 cup instant tea 2 cups sugar 9 ounces orange-flavored instant drink powder (such as Tang) 1 package lemonade Kool-Aid 1 teaspoon ground cloves 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon Mix all ingredients together in a large bowl. To make tea, stir 3 teaspoons spice mix into 1 cup hot water. GRINCH COOKIES ½ cup powdered sugar ½ cup cornstarch 1 box white or vanilla cake mix 1 stick butter, softened 1 tablespoon oil 2 eggs Green food coloring R ed candy hearts or sprinkles or 1 tube red icing Preheat oven to 375°. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper. Mix together powdered sugar and corn starch in a shallow dish or pan. Set aside. Combine cake mix, butter, oil, and eggs. Add a couple drops of green food coloring to get desired color. Using a cookie scoop, gently drop balls of dough into powdered sugar mixture. Roll dough balls to coat. Place 2 inches apart on baking sheet. Bake 8 to 10 minutes. Allow cookies to cool 1 minute. Place a candy heart in center of each cookie. Alternatively, use
red icing to draw a small heart on each cookie. Best served with a showing of “How The Grinch Stole Christmas.” HOLIDAY SNACK MIX 10 ounces mini pretzels 5 cups Cheerios (plain or Honey Nut) 5 cups Corn Chex 2 cups salted peanuts 14 ounces red, green, and white M&Ms 2 11-ounce packages white chocolate chips 3 tablespoons oil Line several baking sheets with parchment paper. Set aside. Combine pretzels, Cheerios, Chex, peanuts, and M&Ms in a large bowl. Set aside. Melt white chocolate chips and oil together on low heat or in microwave, stirring until glossy and smooth. Pour over cereal mixture in bowl, stirring to combine well. Spread mixture onto baking sheets and let cool. Break into pieces and package in cellophane bags for gift-giving, or store in an airtight container up to 2 weeks.
PEANUT BUTTER REINDEER These treats are perfect for classroom parties. If there is a nut allergy, substitute a different nut butter, chocolate frosting, or just use icing to attach pretzels, chocolate chips, and candies. Peanut butter Graham crackers, broken into squares Mini pretzel twists Chocolate chips or raisins M&Ms or Skittles Spread peanut butter or desired topping over graham cracker squares. Press two mini pretzels into top corners of graham cracker to make antlers. Press two chocolate chips or raisins into graham cracker to make eyes. Press a red or green M&M or Skittle into graham cracker to make nose. Bham Family December 2021 29
KIDS WHO SHINE
MAKENZIE CURRIE, 10
BY STEPHANIE GIBSON LEPORE When Vestavia Hills Elementary East student Makenzie Currie was challenged with choosing a Passion Project as part of the gifted program, she quickly decided she wanted to do a service project. Through her parents’ small group at The Church at Brook Hills, the family partners with Red Mountain Grace (RMG). The nonprofit dedicates its resources to providing “gracious housing” to patients and caregivers during extended medical stays in Birmingham. Occupants are provided with a basket of essentials at check-in. That’s where Makenzie’s story picks up again. As part of their small group’s partnership, the Curries were paired with other families to help make their stays in town more comfortable. “These are families whose loved ones are sometimes here for [major medical procedures like] lung or heart transplants,” explains Makenzie’s mom, Lindsay Currie. “We’ve been paired with multiple families the past couple of years.” Lindsay says one family in particular stuck out to Makenzie. In summer 2020, they did a driveby birthday party for a 6-year-old boy who was undergoing a lung transplant. “I liked it because when we did the birthday party for Timmy, he was really happy afterward and seeing his face was so fun,” says Makenzie. “Makenzie’s interest was already piqued,” says Lindsay. “Then that fall, the gifted program at her school started the Passion Project, and she had to choose something to research and implement.” The class received a list of options and examples, and Makenzie noticed “service projects.” “That looked fun because someone at school had done a fundraiser recently,” she says. When her gifted teacher, Amy Abbott, asked who she wanted to work with, she chose RMG. “I had this dream that we could provide baskets of games and other fun things for the kids when they check in,” says Makenzie, who was then in fourth grade. Makenzie’s dream took many steps to bring to life, including meeting with the principal, creating advertising for her school, and working with the team at RMG to coordinate the project. “They didn’t let her off the hook easily,” says Lindsay. “They made her work!” Makenzie asked all of the fourth-grade students and their families to participate by 30 Bham Family December 2021
PHOTOGRAPH COURTESY OF THE CURRIE FAMILY
Makenzie presented RMG Executive Director Austin Hardison with items collected during her gifted class Passion Project.
donating crayons, coloring books, games, and “welcome to Birmingham” books, such as “Night, Night Birmingham.” “I really wanted to help by giving [the kids] stuff to do,” she says. Students in the fourth- and fifth-grade gifted classes made cards with Bible verses and encouraging notes to include in the baskets, too. Also on the cards were suggestions for favorite spots like Martin’s Barbecue, and Crumbl. “People were so generous,” says Lindsay. “We got a lot of things and to see it come to fruition was really fun.” Makenzie collected enough items to fill 20 baskets. “I thought it was really neat because we got to write the notes and then one day our class got to put the baskets together,” says Makenzie. “And then we got to line them up in the hallway and saw them all go on the cart.” RMG Executive Director Austin Hardison came to the school, where Makenzie presented him with the cart of packed baskets for prospective families. Mom Lindsay notes that Makenzie learned a lot from the project. “Of course there is the heart side, the spiritual side, as well as logistics and planning.” Since then, the Currie family—in addition to Makenzie and Lindsay, there is dad Kendall, Makenzie’s twin Maddie Grace, and younger sister Ashton Kate (8)—has gotten even more involved. The girls hosted a lemonade stand to raise money for the organization, and RMG invited them to their banquet fundraiser, where they all learned more about the ministry and shared stories and a slideshow. “That was really fun,” says Makenzie. “And I loved getting to work with my sisters.” Visit redmountaingrace.com for more information.
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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.
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