As we usher in the final month of the year, Birmingham is bustling with holiday cheer and a spirit of family togetherness. December in our city is a time to celebrate traditions and create new memories, all while embracing the warmth of our community. Whether you’re gathering around a festive table, enjoying the twinkling lights of local displays, or attending a special holiday performance, there’s no shortage of opportunities to make memories.
This month’s issue is full of ideas to help you make the most of this magical season, starting with the perfect Santa events on page 12. Birmingham’s commitment to generosity is evident in the many local organizations and initiatives that
rely on volunteers and donations to bring joy to those in need, and it’s our pleasure to highlight The Bell Center this month. Read all about their 40 years of work and find out how to get involved on page 14.
Another big milestone to celebrate: Bluff Park Elementary’s 100th anniversary. I loved learning about the school’s history and its vision for the future (page 22).
Enjoy this issue, the holiday
Stephanie Gibson Lepore, Content Director and Mom, stephanie@jbmcmedia.com
I’d love to know your favorite family holiday tradition! Taking pictures at every seasonal scene is one of mine. How long do we think Harper (age 8) will go along with it?
ON THE COVER
OUR PEOPLE
Matthew Allen, Publisher (205) 617-9609 | matthew@jbmcmedia.com
Stephanie Gibson Lepore, Content Director stephanie@jbmcmedia.com
Leah Ingram Eagle, Copy Editor leah@jbmcmedia.com
Michelle Salem Haynes, Marketing Consultant (205) 381-1311 | michelle@jbmcmedia.com
Twins Emmie and Maddie O’Brien share their Christmas wish lists with Santa at the Summit. Find out where to see the jolly guy around Birmingham on page 12.
Photographs by Snaptastic Holiday Photos and courtesy of Blair O’Brien
To view this and previous issues in a digital flip version, scan the QR code with your phone’s camera.
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Holy Moly Motherhood
Christmas Morning p. 8
Sean of the South
Merry Christmas to All p. 10
Jolly Holiday
Where to See Santa p. 12
Nonprofit
The Bell Center p. 14
Food Review
Joyland p. 20
Schoolhouse
Update from the Hoover School District p. 28
Education
News from local schools p. 29
Kids Who Shine
Help us find incredible kids! p. 30
FEATURE STORIES
Celebrating the Centennial
Bluff Park Elementary reaches milestone anniversary p. 22
Fresh Made by Misty
This mom uses her salad skills to nourish others p. 25
Christmas Morning
I like to do Christmas morning big. Nothing extravagant, but usually a fun, large gift and several smaller toys, books, and candy. I really want the excitement and the
“Look at this! Oh wait, look at this!” reaction from my boys. Some mommas like to gift three presents, just like Jesus. That’s probably the most practical and humble way to celebrate, and I think that’s wonderful.
Some moms are just doing their best to get one thing for each kid this year. And momma, if this is you, they will love whatever you have under the tree.
I think the way we celebrate Christmas is a reflection of our childhoods—either you yearn for the nostalgia and to do it the way your family did, or you want a totally different experience.
Some of us wrap nothing. Some wrap everything. Gifts may be under the tree or laid out on the couch or floor.
Some have everyone in matching family pajamas on Christmas morning, and some are lucky to get anyone in their pajamas at all.
Some of us want a fancy meal on Christmas night, and some want to eat breakfast food and Reese’s Cups all day long.
I imagine there are spousal disputes on which way is right. However you choose to celebrate, I hope it brings you joy. If it doesn’t, change it. If traveling on Christmas Day is stressing you out, well, don’t travel. Feel free to just lounge in the afterglow of your morning festivities.
If you like to do it up on Christmas with lots of gifts, don’t feel bad about it. There are only a few short years where your children will be old enough to remember believing in Santa, so gift whatever amount works for your family. They have their
entire lives to be practical.
And, if you crave a simpler Christmas, then simplify away. Don’t let anyone make you feel like you aren’t doing enough. Christmas morning is a feeling, one that you create with excitement and love, and the joy of Christ. There’s no right or wrong way.
We are stretched so thin around the holidays that it’s easy to let the magic pass us by. So, this Christmas Eve, when you finally hit your pillow, close your eyes, and remember that childhood excitement—searching the sky for a sleigh, listening for Santa, and thinking to yourself that there’s only one more sleep ’til Christmas! And know that joy is coming in the morning.
Merry Christmas to you and yours!
With love, Holy Moly Motherhood
Alana Smith is a boy mom (ages 9 and 4), nurse anesthetist, and writer in Birmingham. She shares her writing at Holy Moly Motherhood (on Facebook and Instagram), where she tackles all things motherhood and marriage.
Alana Smith
PHOTOGRAPH BY JILL WELLINGTON
Merry Christmas to All
We used to circle things in the Sears catalog at Christmas. Things we wanted. In red Sharpie. There was a KitchenAid mixer circled in our catalog. My wife had circled it. I looked at the mixer and felt depressed.
Namely, because I was 24 years old, newly married, and Christmas was not shaping up to be a good one.
I’d just been fired. I had been working on a construction crew, hanging drywall. It was a crap job. Crappy pay. Lots of dust.
Someone on the crew had been stealing expensive power tools. And rather than locate the culprit, our boss fired everyone. Every worker. Young and old. We were all jobless in a matter of minutes. Game over.
So, there I was. No money or prospects. I wasn’t even a high school grad. And worse, we were out of beer.
Moreover, my wife had already erected our plastic Christmas tree in our one-bedroom apartment. There were already gifts beneath the tree. With my name written on the labels. She had been taking extra jobs, babysitting. Moonlighting with a temp service. She had been working overtime.
But I had no gifts for her. And my wallet was light.
So, the next morning, I looked in the newspaper. There weren’t many help wanted ads. Prison guard openings available. Sanitation workers, now hiring. Electrician assistants—must be certified. Exotic dancers—no pole experience needed!
Then I came across an ad for UPS driver helpers. “Santa’s Helpers” they called them. It was temp work. Pay wasn’t bad.
I didn’t even call. I just showed up. I figured initiative is what the top brass was looking for. I stood in the office. The lady handed me an application. She had a pack of Virginia Slims in her breast pocket. Her voice was like a tuba.
She said, “Can you carry 65 pounds?”
“Ma’am,” I said, “you give me a paycheck and
I’ll have your baby.”
I got a brown uniform. I was on the truck the next morning. The job was uncomplicated. The driver drove; I carried packages to doorsteps.
I met a lot of people. I wished a lot of merry Christmases. And on my first day, I realized a very important lesson about this world:
UPS guys are invisible. These men and women perform a vital human service. In many ways, they keep the world spinning. Christmas without them would be a paltry affair. And yet they are seldom acknowledged. Let alone thanked.
I met some interesting UPS employees. My supervisor paired me with many different drivers. I rode shotgun with a semi-pro bodybuilder, an ex-philosophy professor, a Nashville songwriter, a Gulf War vet, a Hooters waitress, a Church of God preacher.
I ran packages. I rang thousands—no—millions of doorbells. I trotted up enough apartment building stairwells to qualify for the US Olympic track team.
By the end of the season, I had lost 13 pounds. And beneath our personal tree were six gifts with my wife’s name on them.
On Christmas morning, she opened her gifts one by one. One of the tags, on a very special gift, read: “To Jamie—From the UPS Man.”
When she opened it, her face turned three shades brighter. She cried. So did I.
And we still use that mixer today.
Sean Dietrich
ILLUSTRATION BY SEAN DIETRICH
PHOTOGRAPH COURTESY OF LAUREN LAWRENCE
CELEBRATE
THE SEASON
Naughty or nice? Find out where to check St. Nick’s list (twice!).
It’s one of the happiest holiday traditions: taking the kids to visit Santa! Dress up in your festive attire and go see the jolly guy at one of these spots around town. Don’t forget your wish lists!
SANTA AT RIVERCHASE GALLERIA
Through December 24 near Von Maur and the food court Don’t miss St. Nick at the mall—a classic! Reservations and walk-ups welcome every day till closing. Pet Nights 12/2-3 and 12/9-10 riverchasegalleria.com
SANTA AT THE SUMMIT
Through December 24 near Saks Fifth Avenue
Santa sits at The Summit to spread holiday cheer all season long. Visits may be booked ahead of time, but walk-ins are welcome. Sensory Santa hours are available 12/1-15. thesummitbirmingham.com/play
PHOTOGRAPH COURTESY OF LEANNE CHRISTIAN
SANTA’S WONDERLAND AT BASS PRO SHOPS
Through December 24
Book your spot to see St. Nick, and also enjoy free weekday giveaways, Christmas Tales with Santa and Mrs. Claus on Tuesdays, and Yuletide Breakfast (12/7). Reservations required for all events.
basspro.com/shop/en/santas-wonderland
SUPPER WITH SANTA AT HELENA HOLLOW
December 1, 6-8 & 20 at 6 p.m.
Enjoy a hayride, crafts, s’mores, live nativity, visits with Santa, Mrs. Claus, and the elves, and more at this beloved event. helenahollow.com
HOOVER CHRISTMAS TREE LIGHTING
December 3 at 6 p.m.
Kick off the holiday season with Santa pics and treats at Hoover City Hall (park at the library and take the golf cart shuttle). Enjoy Hoover City School band choir performances and see the official Christmas tree lighting by a Hoover student.
hooveral.org
ALL IS BRIGHT – VESTAVIA CITY CENTER
December 5 at 6 p.m.
Enjoy a festive evening featuring a showing of The Grinch plus free hot chocolate and popcorn. Santa and The Grinch will be there for photos, as well as a bounce house, balloon animals, and more. vestaviahills.org
PHOTOGRAPH COURTESY OF JAMIE HIEBERT
ALABASTER CHRISTMAS PARADE
December 7 at 10 a.m.
Check out the themed floats for this year’s parade—An Old-Fashioned Christmas—and don’t miss Santa riding in on an Alabaster firetruck.
cityofalabaster.com
BREAKFAST WITH SANTA AT DAVE & BUSTER’S
December 7 at 9 a.m.
Meet Santa, enjoy a breakfast buffet, and get early admission to play games. Tickets include food, game card, and photo. prekindle.com/event/38275-breakfast-with-santabirmingham
PICTURES WITH SANTA AT ALABAMA WILDLIFE CENTER
December 7 at 10 a.m.
At this two-hour event in Pelham, you can get a festive photo with Santa and one of the center’s glove-trained birds of prey. Free with paid admission to Oak Mountain State Park. alabamawildlifecenter.org/event
MOUNTAIN BROOK HOLIDAY PARADE
December 8 at 3 p.m.
The annual parade will come through the heart of Mountain Brook Village and include a children’s village with activities, crafts, and photos with Santa. mtnbrookchamber.org/holidays
Making a Way
Four decades after its start, The Bell Center is still providing early intervention services for children and helping them maximize their potential.
BY STEPHANIE GIBSON LEPORE
For 40 years, staff and volunteers at The Bell Center for Early Intervention Programs have dedicated countless hours to maximizing the potential of children who are at risk for developmental delay. “We provide vital early intervention services for ages birth to 3 years old, including physical, occupational, and speech/ language therapies; special education services; and nutritional counseling,” says Mabry Craddock, Marketing & Development Coordinator. “The Bell
Center serves children with diagnoses ranging from Down syndrome and cerebral palsy to rare genetic disorders and undiagnosed developmental delays.”
The Bell Center was founded as a partnership between The Service Guild of Birmingham and Founding Director Betty Bell as the only center-based, transdisciplinary early-intervention therapy program in Alabama. What started with its namesake and a single part-time therapist has grown into a massive nonprofit operation, with
PHOTOGRAPHS COURTESY OF THE BELL CENTER
FROM PAGE 14
16 therapists and special education teachers and 13 administrative and support staff. “Since our inception, we have served more than 2,500 children with 130-plus diagnoses from 24 Alabama counties,” says Mabry.
“The Bell Center’s rich 40-year history is filled with love, care, commitment, and service. From The Service Guild members who brought this amazing program to life alongside Betty Bell to the staff and volunteers who now serve the children, this one-of-a-kind program has been a lifeline to thousands of infants and toddlers with special needs and their families,” says Executive Director Jeannie Colquett.
Services are offered after a developmental evaluation, often given a few days or weeks after birth; however, children exhibiting delays can be evaluated up until their third birthday. Children are not required to have a diagnosis or a qualifying delay to attend, therefore The Bell Center also serves many who were born prematurely or do not have a specific diagnosis. Programs vary and are designed to promote gross and fine motor skills, language, cognition, self-help, and social skills. Infants and toddlers receive services from transdisciplinary teams, which include physical and occupational therapists, a speech-language pathologist, and an early-childhood special education teacher. Each child works toward individual developmental goals in various therapy programs, including: Bright Beginnings, where infants receive one-on-one services; Little Leaps, where participants meet in groups of four to learn with and from each other; Infant Massage, designed for NICU babies; All About Me, two-hour group classes CONTINUED ON PAGE 18
for toddlers; My Friends, designed for children with sensory, social, and communication challenges; Explore Every Day, with center-based activities designed to teach toddlers independence; Munch Bunch, a peer group focused on self-feeding skills; and Peer Models, for children to serve as social language role models in a preschool setting. The center takes a holistic approach to therapy, providing extensive resources and support for parents.
For more information, visit thebellcenter.org. If you think your child would benefit from services at The Bell Center, email Family Services Director Ann Claire Bailey at abailey@thebellcenter.org, or call (205) 203-9539. CONTINUED FROM PAGE 16
Program funding is partially provided by the Alabama Department of Child Abuse and Neglect Prevention and the Children’s Trust Fund of Alabama, though Mabry notes that financial aid is available, and—in 40 years—no family has ever been turned away for their inability to pay. “We’re experiencing exponential growth,” says Mabry. “We started this year with 116 children enrolled, a 20 percent increase from where we started the previous program year. To meet the demand for services, we have expanded in nearly every area of our organization, from new and innovative programming to staff building, including a new senior staff position, Family Services Director, as well as a fifth therapy team.” She notes that community support is important all the time, but it’s critical during growth years like this one. In addition to their annual poinsettia sale—a huge success in 2024, raising more than $65,000—funds raised from the Bell Center 5K & Children’s Run (March 15, 2025) will go toward operating costs as well.
“The 2025 Bell Center 5K is a community-oriented race. This family-friendly event is not just about the thrill of crossing the finish line; it’s about creating lasting impacts and fostering a more inclusive and supportive community.” Participants can register as a BellRunner to raise funds in honor of a child who attends therapy at the center, or sign up to run/walk the Homewood-area race with friends or family.
“The Bell Center benefits from a wide range of consistent supporters, from foundations and corporations to individuals who join our Circle of Friends annual giving campaign,” says Mabry. “Importantly, The Service Guild of Birmingham is solely dedicated to providing financial and volunteer support to ensure our success.” Volunteers also provide one-on-one assistance to children in the All About Me program. After a training program, these individuals come to The Bell Center once a week during a spring, summer, or fall session to assist the therapy team.
It’s because of this support and community dedication that The Bell Center remains an important staple in Birmingham, and—though the 40th year is a noteworthy milestone—the focus is on the center’s main purpose, says Jeannie: “We’re excited to celebrate and remain dedicated to creating a brighter future for children for many years to come.”
JOYLAND
This delightful diner puts a fresh spin on “fast food.”
If you’re on the hunt for a spot in Birmingham where you can grab a delicious meal with the whole family, then Joyland in Avondale is about to become your new favorite go-to. With a menu that’s as fun as the atmosphere, this retro-inspired eatery delivers comfort food with a twist.
The moment you walk through the door, you’re transported to a whimsical world of old school diner-meets-classic-soda shop, with bright, happy decor, including a disco ball for good measure. It’s a lively, cheerful spot for lunch, dinner, or a casual afternoon snack with quick and friendly service. Billed as Sean Brock’s “ode to fast food,” Joyland is a partnership between the James Beard Award-winning chef, restauranteur Nick Pihakis,
Local artist Marcus Fetch painted the upbeat mural on the exterior of Joyland.
owner of local Pihakis Restaurant Group, and Southall Farm & Inn founder Paul Mishkin.
The menu at Joyland offers simple, tasty options, from the perfectly crisp Joystick (“a cross between Japanese kushikatsu and Mississippi chicken-on-a-stick”) to delicious “crust” burgers and a Chicagostyle hot dog. Sides include fries (crinkle cut, gluten-free, or curly) and waffle hash browns. You can finish off your meal with a seasonal hand pie or one of their thick, rich milkshakes (optional booze, bourbon or rum, available for the big kids).
Joyland also serves biscuits and breakfast every day until 2:30 p.m. Keep it classic with a buttermilk biscuit slathered in “good butter” and jam, or branch out with a burrito or meat (sausage, bacon, or chicken), cheese, and egg sandwich.
Kids’ palates are easy to please: burger, hot dog, or chicken. My daughter found the sauces to be a little elevated for her taste, but she loved the Joystick plain with the occasional dip in ketchup. The casual, open-space setting, and a patio when the weather is nice, makes it easy for kids to move around a bit—perfect for letting out some energy while waiting for food to arrive. We loved the star of the menu: the thin, crispy Crustburger—a griddled burger served with melty cheese on a potato bun that’s been smashed flat. Joyland’s sauces are fun to try, too. The mayo-and-ketchupbased Fancy Sauce is amped up with a hit of fish sauce, while the Joysauce is perked up with pickles, jalapeños, and seasonings. With its comfort food, laid-back vibe, and family-friendly atmosphere, it’s no wonder Joyland is quickly becoming one of Birmingham’s best places for an easygoing dining experience. Whether you’re grabbing a bite on a busy Saturday, brunching on Sunday, or stopping in for an early weeknight dinner, Joyland is a spot you don’t want to skip.
Joyland is located at 3719 3rd Avenue South in Avondale. Hours are 8 a.m. - 9 p.m. SundayThursday and 8 a.m. - 10 p.m. Friday-Saturday. For more information, visit eatjoyland.com.
of Educational Success One Century
Bluff Park Elementary celebrates milestone anniversary
BY ASHLEY ROGERS
One hundred years is a long time, and one century marks quite a milestone. The days and minutes passing in that period are hard to fathom. For Bluff Park Elementary School, the time hasn’t been measured as noticeably in the ticking of the hands on a classroom clock, but in the lives of the students and faculty that have walked the halls since 1898.
PHOTOGRAPHS COURTESY OF AMI WEEMS/ BLUFF PARK ELEMENTARY SCHOOL
Beginning as a one-room building donated to the Bluff Park Community at the corner of Valley Street and Tyler Road, the school was also used as a church and community center. At that time, it was called the Summit School. In 1912, a room was added to the building to accommodate the growth in number of students. By 1924, the school moved to the address it would keep until now, 569 Park Avenue, which was still a dirt road at the time. The Summit School was then renamed Bluff Park School.
Through the 1940s and 50s, the school gained a playground and a small library. A cafeteria was eventually added as well. By 1974, there was a rapid influx of new students, while the community continued to support the school’s growth. Local community groups provided funding for additions to the school, and parents hosted special events for the students.
In 1985 the school joined the newly formed Hoover City School System. By 1988, a new school building was being constructed next to the current school to provide more space for students and faculty that continued to grow. All the changes to the physical structure of the school still have
not changed what continues to grow inside: a community committed to the success of the school and the desire to give every child within those walls an excellent education.
Ami Weems has been the principal of Bluff Park Elementary School since 2018. She recently shared the historical journey of the school, from its humble beginning to the educational powerhouse that it is today. When asked what her favorite thing is about BPES, she says, “Bluff Park Elementary is truly a community school. There are rich roots here, and our students and families love our school BIG! We have students that are 4th generation Bluff Park Elementary. The support from our community is the foundation that has made BPES what it is today. Students and staff love to be here every single day. There is an unspoken spirit that is hard to put into words. It is truly a special place to be.”
In addition to the unrivaled community spirit, “The expectation of excellence can be seen in all facets of the school,” she says. “Bluff Park is consistently recognized as a high-performing
CONTINUED FROM PAGE 23
school in the area of academics. Our staff members desire to grow professionally can be noted in the number of teachers who hold a National Board Certification. Students see themselves as leaders, and they take the initiative to seek opportunities to showcase the pride they have in being a student at BPES. Bluff Park Elementary continues to be a school filled with trailblazers.”
This commitment to excellence and community remains the vision moving forward into the next century of Bluff Park Elementary. To celebrate the 100-year milestone, former staff members, students, and community leaders gathered for a ceremony in late October. There was a reception in the cafeteria after the ceremony, and the school’s PTA hosted an outdoor community social later that evening. Following what Ami calls a “night to remember,” the cafeteria staff baked more than 30
birthday cakes that next day to share throughout the school.
That isn’t the end of the festivities though. Ami says that the celebration will continue throughout the school year, as the faculty, staff, and community are committed to ensuring that this “100th year is extra-special.”
The original two-room section of the old school was left standing for historical purposes after the remainder of the building was demolished in 2017. It now holds artifacts from the last 100 years of the history of Bluff Park Elementary School. Aside from the photos and memories of the past that are being shared, the legacy of the school is shared among many who invested time, energy, and a whole lot of love into the students. This is one thing that the Bluff Park Elementary School administration and faculty plan to continue—for at least the next 100 years.
Fresh Made for You A side business making salads turns a
Vestavia mom’s passion into purpose.
BY STEPHANIE GIBSON LEPORE
You might think that living around the country—Nashville, Seattle, Atlanta, and even an international stint in Geneva, Switzerland—is what encouraged Misty Abston’s adventurous palate, but the truth is, growing up in the small town of Vinemont, Alabama, she tried her very first raw oysters at the age of five during a trip to Gulf Shores. “I have always loved food. I grew up working in a garden and having a love for all types of vegetables,” says Misty. “Traveling around the
country and the world really opened my eyes to different foods and allowed me the opportunity to fall in love with things I didn’t grow up eating.”
In 2022, having left behind an accounting career in favor of settling in the Liberty Park area of Vestavia with husband Trey and their children Magnolia (8) and Gus (5), Misty says she began searching for greater fulfillment. “I thought about about what I enjoyed doing and how I could tie that into my purpose to glorify God,” she says. “I
PHOTOGRAPHS COURTESY OF MISTY ABSTON
CONTINUED FROM PAGE 25
found that my joy came from taking a meal to someone or cooking for others and hearing how much they loved it.”
That’s when Misty seriously considered starting a food delivery service in her neighborhood. “We don’t have a lot of options close by, and I saw the opportunity to provide a great meal with the convenience of delivery. I pitched the idea to a close group of friends whom I’m in a supper club with, and they, along with my husband, encouraged me to pursue it.” In January 2023, she started Fresh.Made by Misty with an Instagram account that highlights her inventive salads.
“Word spread of my little business and the orders quickly grew,” Misty says. “While I make other foods, salads are my primary offering. I make ones that are loaded with fruits, veggies, protein, cheese, nuts, and so much flavor—and they fill you up! Prepping a salad like I make can be time consuming and overwhelming for some people, and I love that I can offer a unique and healthy meal that others may not make on their own. I want to give customers the opportunity to enjoy a nutritious and delicious meal that will give them the time and energy to accomplish what they need to do that day.”
Misty draws inspiration from in-season produce and then brainstorms flavor combinations to go along with it. The result is a medley of tastes and textures that form a delicious base for her homemade dressings.
“When I find a food I love, I try to turn that into a salad. I’ve always enjoyed roasted veggies and would make a large sheet pan of them on Sundays to incorporate into my meals throughout the week,” she says. “Last year, I decided salads can have roasted veggies, too! I also went back to France this past summer with my supper club crew, and one of my favorite salads while there was a prosciutto-melon dish. When we returned, I re-created my own version for Fresh. I really love a great mix of texture in my salads, so I use a variety of nuts and almost always toast them to add another layer of flavor. When it comes to dressing, I just prefer homemade. It’s like the bow on a gift—it absolutely brings it all together!”
Misty has gained a large following, even expanding outside Liberty Park (she offers
front porch pickup), and her fans definitely play favorites. “My best seller has to be my Mediterranean hummus salad. I serve the hummus on the bottom then layer so many fresh crunchy veggies, along with salty Feta and homemade pickled red onions to top it. Placing the hummus on bottom keeps the ingredients fresh until you’re ready to eat it. That was the first salad I ever sold, and it is still my most popular! It’s hard to pick a favorite because I only make salads I love to eat, but I really enjoy my blueberry-goat cheese salad. The blueberry vinaigrette dressing, herb-toasted almonds, and pickled red onions, along with blueberries, goat cheese, and cucumbers make for the loveliest combination.”
Typically, Misty offers one salad order per week. She posts the option on Instagram (@fresh.madebymisty) with a Google order form. Depending on when the salad delivers, she’ll likely shop for pantry ingredients on Tuesday, then fresh produce on Wednesday. By that evening, she’ll begin prepping. Thursday is an all-day prep day.
“’I’m pretty meticulous about all the little details in my salads, including how things are cut, so I spend a lot of time ensuring ingredients are how I would want them in a salad,” she says. “One important ingredient that I don’t have much to do with is grilled chicken. Customers have the option to add it to their salad, and most choose to. My husband seasons and grills the chicken on his Big Green Egg, and it has an amazing flavor that receives great reviews. I know so many people appreciate the added lean protein to their meal!” Misty finishes by boxing each salad on Friday morning before delivering orders.
In addition to her weekly salad, she also makes larger servings for dinners and events. “I often have orders for Bunco night and book club get-
togethers, hosting out of town guests, or just a sweet meal with friends. I feel so grateful when I’m contacted by someone who wants to treat a teacher, neighbor, or new mom with a meal. Our precious community blows me away with how they love on others. We can’t imagine living anywhere else!”
Last year, Misty made a groupsize fall salad for Thanksgiving and another for New Year’s, and she plans to accept holiday orders again this year, too. “I take group orders for any day based on my availability and really enjoy making something special to go with the planned meal or theme of the event,” she says. “For these group salad orders, and my individual salad orders, customers have the option to pick up rather than deliver if that’s more convenient. And for those outside of my delivery range of Liberty Park, pickup is a great option!”
“While I started Fresh as a creative outlet, it has given me so much more,” she continues. “I keep doing it week after week because I truly love feeding others and helping them enjoy a healthy and delicious meal. I also include a Bible verse with each salad. When I started Fresh, I knew I wanted to find a way to share God’s Word with others, and hopefully I encourage others this way. I have had so much positive feedback on my verses—how they have touched others or been just the verse they needed that day. I even have people who tell me they display their verses in their home or office as reminders. That’s really special to me and a small way I can serve God. I’m just so grateful to be able to share my love for food with others.”
For more information and to order salads, follow Fresh.Made by Misty on Instagram @fresh.madebymisty.
SPHS retreat for elementary student leaders
Student leaders from Hoover elementary schools enjoyed a retreat on November 6 to Spain Park High School. Hosted by Spain Park’s SGA, this first-ever elementary leadership retreat gave young students a chance to dive into hands-on activities focused on honesty, responsibility, kindness, confidence, and communication.
Inaugural Potluck & Community Celebration a success
Families, students, and staff at Hoover High came together to share delicious dishes from around the world. From traditional dishes shared by our multilingual families to the friendly chili showdown between school resource officers and the Hoover Fire Department, it was a celebration of culture, food, and connection. The HHS courtyard was alive with traditional music and dance performances led by HCS families and community members, while fall festival activities brought fun for all ages. Attendees connected with local organizations, including Jefferson State, Montevallo MADE, HICA, Compact, UAB, and La Casita.
Alabaster Schools Trade Programs
The school system recently purchased a former Winn-Dixie building on Highway to house the ACS Champions Craft Academy. Currently, the school system transports workforce development students to Birmingham’s Academy for Craft Training (a 45-minute bus trip), but the new location will place the academy within a five-minute drive. The space will allow student participants to increase from 15 to approximately 200. The academy will host building construction, electrical, and welding courses for high school students.
Pelham’s Outside-In Day
Pelham High School Peer Helpers collaborated with BridgeWays Alabama and Pelham Park Middle School counselors to host Outside-In Day. During this annual event, Peer Helpers lead groups of middle school students through activities and conversations that encourage them to work together, communicate, be considerate, and connect with others.
Homewood Students Recognized
Four Homewood High School students earned academic recognition through the College Board National Recognition Programs:
• Calista Armstead: National African American Recognition Award
• Keon Davis: National African American Recognition Award
• Emmanuella Erhumwunsee: National African American Recognition Award
• Leonardo Hernandez: National Hispanic Recognition Award
These programs celebrate students’ hard work in high school and showcase their strong academic performances. Students who take eligible administrations of the PSAT/NMSQT, PSAT 10, or AP Exams and meet the score requirements are considered for awards. The five national recognition programs include the National African American Recognition Program, National FirstGeneration Recognition Program (beginning in 2024), National Hispanic Recognition Program, National Indigenous Recognition Program, and National Rural and Small Town Recognition Program.
Student Earns Recognition Award
Altamont School junior Aubrey Sanders earned a National African American Recognition Award (NAARA) from the College Board National Recognition Programs. Recipients of the academic honor have a cumulative GPA of at least 3.3 and either score in the top 10% of PSAT test takers in their state or earn a 3+ on two or more distinct AP exams in the 9th and/or 10th grade. The College Board honors are timed specifically to help students as they apply for higher education admission. Colleges and organizations using College Board’s Student Search Service can connect directly with awardees during the recruitment process.
MBH Students Host Sports Show
The Mountain Brook High School broadcast department recently launched its first-ever live show, highlighting the fall sports season, at Otey’s Tavern. Like a “Hey Coach” show often seen in college athletics, the MBHS broadcast crew teamed up with the athletic department to interview coaches and student athletes in front of a live audience and streamed the event on their network, Spartan TV. Live interviews featured guests from the football, volleyball and cross-country programs, while the cheer and swim/dive teams were featured in video stories on the live steam.
Coca-Cola Scholar Announced
Sophia Self of Mountain Brook High School has been named a semifinalist in the 2025 Coca-Cola Scholars Program, moving to the next round of the selection process to become a Coca-Cola Scholar and receive a $20,000 college scholarship. A joint effort of Coca-Cola bottlers across the country and The Coca-Cola Company, the CocaCola Scholars Program is the largest corporatesponsored, achievement-based scholarship program in the United States. Semifinalists are now asked to complete phase 2 applications, which include essays, a recommendation, and a transcript. An independent selection committee will review the applications and recommend 250 regional finalists in early January to take part in online interviews. Then, 150 Coke Scholars will be named in late February to receive a $20,000 college scholarship and attend Coca-Cola Scholars Weekend in Atlanta in April 2025.
Do You Know a Kid Who Shines?
In every community, there are children who shine brightly, their accomplishments and talents bettering the lives of those around them. These young stars, whether excelling academically, artistically, athletically, or through acts of kindness and leadership, are the heart of what makes a community vibrant and hopeful for the future. Recognizing and celebrating these children not only honors their achievements, but it also inspires others to reach for their own dreams and make a positive impact.
We’ve featured so many incredible kids this year, from those who are sharing their talents and hobbies with the community to those who use their time to lend a hand to other people and causes.
Finding these exceptional kids begins with keen observation and engagement within the community. Teachers, coaches, parents, and neighbors often have firsthand knowledge of
children who are doing remarkable things, as do you, our readers! You may notice a student who consistently goes above and beyond in academics, demonstrating a love for learning and a curiosity that drives them to explore new ideas, or you might see a budding artist whose creativity knows no bounds and, when combined with an entrepreneurial spirit, uses these skills to positively impact those around him or her.
Bham Family is committed to sharing about the amazing kids in our community! From special awards recognizing extra-hard work to highlighting achievements and service, we know there are tons of young people making a difference in the Birmingham area, and we want to celebrate them in our Kids Who Shine column.
If you know someone we need to know about, please share! You can send details to stephanie@jbmcmedia.com. We can’t wait to hear from you!
For kids like Gwen •
Because Gwen came to Children’s for the diagnosis and treatment of her blood disorder, she received the best care available thanks to ground-breaking research made possible by clinical trials for cancers and blood disorders. The research happening today will help lead to future cures, and it is happening here at Children’s of Alabama
