I hope you enjoyed a relaxing and peaceful holiday break with the ones you love. Of course, if your house was anything like mine, the chaotic joy of the season probably wore you out in the best way, and you’re likely looking forward to a slower, more routine January. I loved every minute of December, but once the New Year comes, I’m ready for a fresh calendar, clean slate, regular bedtime—all the things!
To that end, make sure you check out our Soup’s On! feature this month (page 22), where we’re highlighting some nourishing one-pot meals to feed your family on these cold, dreary nights. And if you’re just not feeling the kitchen, pop over to Rocky’s Pizza (page 16) for a carryout on the way home from work.
Another January topic on my mind: winter skin care. My daughter deals with pretty severe eczema,
and it typically flares up during seasonal changes, so I’m always looking for new solutions. Turn to page 12 for some great tips from experts at UAB on caring for your skin.
Also this month, I’m pleased to focus on nonprofits that serve the children of our state, and Ronald McDonald House Alabama is a great one. I enjoyed chatting with Stephanie Langford, marketing and communications director, about the new and exciting developments happening right downtown.
There’s lots more inside, too, and I welcome your feedback about anything you read. I hope this issue brightens your month!
Stephanie Gibson Lepore, Content Director and Mom, stephanie@jbmcmedia.com
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
Ronald McDonald House Charities of Alabama comforts, cares, and supports families with critically ill children as they travel from all over Alabama for Birmingham’s world-class pediatric care. Read more about their services and programs on page 18.
Cover photographs courtesy of Ronald McDonald House Charities of Alabama
To view this and previous issues in a digital flip version, scan the QR code with your phone’s camera.
ABOUT US
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Holy Moly Motherhood
Moseying p. 8
Sean of the South
New Year’s Resolutions p. 10
Medical
Winter Skincare p. 12
Food Review
Rocky’s Pizza p. 16
Schoolhouse
Update from the Hoover School District p. 26
Education
News from local schools p. 27
Happenings
January Events Calendar p. 30
FEATURE STORIES
Hope and Healing
Ronald McDonald House gives Alabama families a home away from home p. 18
Soup’s On!
One-pot dinners for chilly winter nights p. 22
Buying Time
Alana Smith
Yesterday I was at my wits’ end with the people in my house. It was too cold to be outside and no one could agree on anything inside. My 10-year-old has all kinds of attitude right now and my five-year-old makes it his personal mission to bother his older brother…who in turn bothers him…and then, well, everybody bothers me.
So, I told my husband I was heading out for a bit, ya know, to cope. I needed a moment to myself before this crazy train left the station for good. I’m sure some people take medicine or go for a walk or entertain any number of bad habits, but when things get a little hectic in my house, I just need to go mosey—around HomeGoods.
I grab a coffee and stroll around. Then, I’ll head to my favorite thrift or antique store. Probably not the healthiest habit either, but it helps me reset. No one is yelling or testing my patience. No one is talking to me at all. I’m not expected to do anything other than push a buggy. I’ll pass moms on every aisle doing the same as me.
I just mosey around and think about baskets and
lamps and what I’d like to do to our home at some point when I have more money. Sometimes I buy something, but a lot of times I don’t.
I think my husband thinks these outings are about shopping. He never asks or cares what I buy, honestly. He probably thinks my good mood upon returning is due to something in a bag. If that was the case, I would shop with friends. But I shop alone.
Because I’m really just buying myself time. Time alone. Time to chill out and regroup and head back home as a better mom.
So, here’s to however you buy yourself time. Just take it, enjoy it, and don’t feel guilty about it. When you take care of yourself, it’s so much easier to care of everyone else.
PS: If you find yourself in HomeGoods, I’ll probably be one aisle over.
xoxo, Holy Moly Motherhood
Alana Smith is a boy mom (ages 10 and 5), 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.
A Few Resolutions
I’m making changes this year. Little changes. The big changes never last. It’s little ones that stick. So, I’m going to start by making my bed every morning.
When I was a kid, my mother believed, firmly, that making the bed set the tone for each day. So, each morning I let her make my bed.
Sean Dietrich
But now that I’m older, I’ve decided to make our bed every morning. Namely, because my mother believed that a man who makes his bed won’t ever be too disappointed in himself inasmuch as he accomplished at least one task today.
I’m also vowing to practice moderation. It will be my policy to drink only one beer at a time. Another change I’m making: I’m going to play with my phone less. Phones are time-suckers. So, I’m not going to play on my phone. Instead, I’m going to spend quality time playing on my wife’s phone.
I’m going to eat more bacon. Life is too short to deprive oneself of bacon. A woman named Susannah Mushatt Jones of Brooklyn, New York, lived until age 116. She ate a serving of bacon every day. But frankly, I don’t want to live to 116, so I will also eat queso dip to offset things.
I’m going to give to homeless people more often. Every time I drive past a homeless guy, I think to myself, “He’s just looking for drugs.” But my conscience knows better. Addicts need lunch, too.
I’m going to do more meaningful stuff this year. I don’t exactly know what that means, but I mean it.
I’m going to run some 5Ks or 10Ks, for good causes. I’m going to do this because I enjoy running, because I like meeting people, and, above all, because there is usually free beer at the finish line.
I’m going to attend more baseball games. My old man died young, and a few nights before he died, he said, “Let’s go to more ballgames next season.” I never forgot that.
I’m going to have more fun and not apologize for it. More fishing trips. More camping trips. And I’m finally going to get around to that honey-do list. In fact, I’m going to write the list right now, so my wife can get started.
I’m going to laugh more. And if I can’t laugh, I’m going to make someone else laugh. And if I can’t make someone laugh, I’m going to play on my wife’s phone.
More pizza. More pasta. Less salad. I’m going to make an effort to enjoy tiny moments in my life. Not just the big ones. I mean the happenings that I never pay attention to. The taste of chocolate. The smell of summer rain. Colonoscopies.
I’m going to tell people I love them. Not just family and friends, but anyone who crosses my path. I’m going to call old friends more often. I’m going to say yes more than I say no. I’m going to worry less. And whenever I catch myself worrying, I’m not going to worry about it.
And if I can’t do any of the above because I’m too uncommitted, too undisciplined, or just flat lazy, I’m not going to be disappointed in myself.
Because at least I made the bed this morning.
Seasonal Skincare
Here’s how to properly care for your skin in colder weather.
BY MICAH HARDGE
As winter sets in and seasons change, the body naturally reacts to the shifts in temperature and environment. Of course, the body’s largest and most external organ is impacted in some way. Lauren Kole, M.D., associate professor in the University of Alabama at Birmingham’s Department of Dermatology, offers some tips on how to properly care for your skin during colder weather and addresses some common misconceptions about year-round skin care.
Cold Weather Meets Circulated Heat
Skin naturally becomes drier during colder weather. Cooler air results in less heat and humidity, however, dry skin can be attributed to the increased time spent indoors during colder months. Circulated air and heat inside homes can be the culprit for an increase in drier skin.
“Look at increasing the moisture content or hydration of the moisturizers you use when it gets cold,” says Kole. “If someone is already using products that are heavily exfoliating, then that could also increase the probability for drier skin this time of year.”
PHOTOGRAPH BY PHOTOHOLGIC ON UNSPLASH
For those prone to drier skin naturally, Kole recommends switching from a lighter lotion in the warmer months to a thicker cream moisturizer in the colder months, whether that be for the face or body. She encourages finding products that contain lipids and/or ceramides. “Using products with lipids and ceramides can help build the natural skin barrier, and they are very helpful for holding in moisture and hydration.”
Seasons Change, These Habits Shouldn’t
Moisturizers and Cleansers
For those who utilize skincare products, Kole recommends keeping some kind of moisturizer in the cabinet. However, she says a cleanser that is tailored to your skin type is important. Individuals with more acne-prone skin may find that a cleanser with salicylic acid or benzoyl peroxide works best. Those with drier or more aged skin may want to use a cleanser specialized for hydration.
Sunscreen
While many become lax on sunscreen use in the fall and winter, sunscreen should be used year-round, no matter the season or temperature. Contrary to popular belief, says Kole, ultraviolet light exposure does not work in tandem with the fluctuations of the weather or the changing of the seasons. “People commonly believe that cooler weather presents an opportunity to skip the sunscreen,” she says. “UV rays are not mutually exclusive to the heat, but rather it is the presence of the sun that guarantees UV is being emitted into the atmosphere.” She strongly suggests using sunscreen in your daily routine, as protection from UV rays can lower the risk of skin cancer later in life and decrease signs of aging. Kole says patients who do not use sunscreen daily tend to see a loss of skin laxity, an increase in wrinkles, sunspots, and—in skin of color—a worsening of hyperpigmentation.
CONTINUED ON PAGE 14
PHOTOGRAPH BY CUROLOGY ON UNSPLASH
Tips for Managing Eczema
TEXT BY UAB MEDICINE
Atopic dermatitis—commonly known as eczema— is a chronic skin condition that causes inflammation, redness, and intense itching that can worsen during the changing of seasons. Here are a few tips for managing it.
• Keep skin moisturized, as dry, scaly skin is an invitation for a flare-up. It’s important to moisturize multiple times a day with a rich moisturizer.
• Keep your home extra-clean, starting with keeping carpet, rugs, bedding, and furniture as dust-free as possible. Allergies to pet dander, mold and mildew, pollen, and dust mites have causal links to eczema flare-ups and can make symptoms worse.
• Use mild and fragrance-free soaps and cleaners. Hand soap, dish and laundry detergent, body wash, shampoo, and antibacterial soap can irritate skin.
• Use mildly warm or cool water so that your skin is less stressed after hand-washing and showering.
• Wear gloves when using cleaning products, as many surface cleaners and disinfectants can irritate skin.
• Avoid nickel, chromium, cobalt chloride, copper, and gold. Check dinnerware, decorative objects, jewelry, and tools for these metals if it seems you are sensitive to them.
• Avoid using scented products. Chemicals in lotions, shampoo, cologne, and perfume can cause flare-ups.
• Stress hormones often cause inflammation, so try relaxation techniques that help reduce stress and anxiety.
Rocky’s Pizza & Italian Foods
In the mood for pizza and pasta? This Magic City mainstay has been resurrected in Five Points.
Long-time Magic City residents recall the legendary Rocky’s Pizza & Italian Foods. Founded in 1986, by Dennis Dunlap, the restaurant was named after professional boxer Rocky Marciano and first located on Green Springs Highway before moving to Lakeview and, finally, Richard Arrington Jr. Blvd. The original restaurant closed about eight years ago.
Recently, Dennis’s son, Joshua, partnered with René Mercado Angeles, who spent 16-plus years at Gianmarco’s, and his sister, Cynthia, to reopen Rocky’s in Five Points South. (Dennis Dunlap passed away in 2017.)
We stopped in on a recent rainy Sunday to warm up in the cozy new space and enjoy an authentic Italian meal, and we were not disappointed. The interior walls are covered in framed boxing photos and magazines, including all the old ones that hung in the original restaurant. Red-and-white checkered tablecloths, candles, and red plastic pizzeria cups add to the old-school Italian ambience. There are plenty of televisions, too, both tuned to current sports and also replaying iconic boxing matches. While there’s not an official kids’ menu, the pizzas are delicious and famiy-friendly, each named for a boxing legend (Rocky Marciano, Mike Tyson,
STOREFRONT PHOTOGRAPH COURTESY OF ROCKY’S PIZZA & ITALIAN FOODS FACEBOOK
Money Mayweather, Muhammad Ali) or boxing move (Right Cross, Left Hook, Upper Cut).
We started with an order of Garlic Cheese Bread, which came with a side of Rocky’s Sauce, a zesty and tasty marinara. The bread was gooey and crunchy all at once, and our party of three cleaned the plate within minutes. Next came our pizza and pasta. We tried the Rocky Marciano—a three-cheese blend pizza with our choice of toppings on thin crust, adding pepperoni, mushrooms, and sausage—and Spaghetti Bolognese. Both were excellent. Our pizza’s crust was the perfect blend of crispy and buttery, with fresh toppings and plenty of cheese. The spaghetti sauce was creamy and rich, a wonderful base for the al dente pasta. I took home enough leftovers for two additional meals so I had enough room to taste the homemade cheesecake— blueberry-lemon—which was delicious.
Rocky’s is a great spot for a weekend family lunch, but there’s also an extensive sandwich menu that’s perfect for weekday lunch hours. “The Famous Muffuletta” is top on my list to try next; you can order a half or whole meat- or veggie-style. Both options include Rocky’s Special Olive Salad Blend. A variety of hot and cold sandwiches fill the menu as well—Italian Sausage, Meatball, Club Deluxe, Cold Veggie—and Don King’s Buffalo Wings are favored among the after-work drink crowd. The OpenFace Pizza Jabs, a hoagie with marinara, two pizza toppings, and cheese baked like a pizza, are calling my name for a future visit.
Give Rocky’s a try the next time you find yourself near Five Points. You won’t regret it!
Rocky’s Pizza & Italian Foods is located at 1924 11th Avenue South in Birmingham. Hours are MondayWednesday 11 a.m.-midnight; Thursday-Saturday 11-2 a.m.; and Sunday 11 a.m.-10 p.m. For more information, follow them on Instagram @rockyspizzabham or visit rockyspizzabham.com.
The House of Comfort and Hope
Alabama’s Ronald McDonald House is
a respite for families dealing with illness.
The start of the New Year rings in exciting times for our local Ronald McDonald House, located downtown near Children’s Hospital and UAB. Families with critically ill children from all over the state travel here for access to Birmingham’s pediatric care. The Ronald McDonald House cares for these families—even helping with their transitions back home—as research shows that supporting the entire family results in better outcomes for everyone. “A family with a sick child is a sick family. So, you must think about everybody,” says Dr. Audrey Evans, founder of the first Ronald McDonald House.
Birmingham’s Ronald McDonald House provides shelter and comfort and practical care
for families who live at least 50 miles away, though their Ronald McDonald Family Room is available to families with NICU babies no matter their distance. A recently finished renovation to the Family Life Center, which houses the Family Life program, has allowed for an expanded offering of services. Brasfield & Gorrie completed the work, which included reconfiguring unused space, upgrading the existing kitchen to make it more efficient for the house chef, adding a storage unit for stocking wish list items, and building out the Family Life Center with a common area and office spaces with computers so families can check in at home and work.
PHOTOGRAPHS COURTESY OF RONALD MCDONALD HOUSE
“Our Family Life program meets the social and emotional needs of the families we serve,” says Stephanie Langford, marketing and communications director. “It goes above and beyond the basic needs of food and shelter.” When families check in to the house, they receive a welcome bag, which includes items like a bag to take back and forth to the hospital and a token for their child to use in the toy store (kids get to visit at various times, such as when they finish chemo, have a good therapy appointment, and on their birthday). Volunteers also prepare snack bags and personal kits that families can grab as needed.
In addition to a family life director/ coordinator and social worker interns who schedule activities and time to meet individually with families to assess their practical needs, Ronald McDonald recently hired a permanent chef for the house. “This way,” says Stephanie, “families can be sure there are nourishing meals being made, and our chef is also great about accommodating special dietary needs.” While there is still a smaller kitchen where families can cook
themselves if they prefer—“Sometimes it’s very therapeutic to moms to cook for their families,” says Stephanie—having a full-time chef frees up volunteers to focus on since added activities and other programming. Stephanie notes that corporate groups or organizations come in often, typically on a Tuesday or Thursday, to offer fun activities for the families.
Bingo is always a favorite. Kitchen helpers still come in to assist with drinks setup or, for example, the toppings bar on Taco Tuesday. There is also a volunteer section on the website, where those interested can sign up to bake cookies or other treats to leave for the families to enjoy.
“It’s important to us to offer a lot of community connection as well,” says Stephanie. “Thanks to amazing community partners, we can offer families tickets to the McWane Center, Birmingham Zoo, events at the BJCC, Barons games—anything where they can go out and be together as a family. We’re all about keeping the family unit intact.” She says the staff is most excited about the programming the expanded facility will allow them to offer, in turn extending care to their families.
“Our chapter is on the forefront of family life programming,” she says, explaining that the Alabama chapter frequently visits others to give presentations on their offerings. “Even still, we’ve barely brushed the surface of what we can do.” There are also plans to expand the services of the Happy Wheel Cart, which provides snacks and activities for children who are waiting for clinic appointments at Children’s of Alabama. “Even coloring with parents is an outlet for everyone,” says Stephanie.
“Families come in with a lot of turmoil, uncertainty, and stress. They’re in a new city, they’re learning to navigate the hospital,” says Stephanie. “There are so many little needs they’re unsure of when they come in, and we can help alleviate some of those.” The Family Life team works to ensure family needs are met during their stay and that they have the necessary resources before they go home. The team takes it another step by
checking in with the families 120 days post-hospital stay to make sure families have the services they need in their hometowns. “This isn’t about money or demographics,” she says. “No one can afford to stay in a hotel for months, plus [families] are missing out on community. So, the families support each other, too. They talk, have dinner together—there’s a lot going on inside the house.”
For more information and to find ways to volunteer with the Alabama chapter of Ronald McDonald House, visit rmhca.org.
Pop Tab Pandemonium
Ronald McDonald House Charities of Alabama has recently expanded their Pop Tab Program. The chapter partners with SA Recycling, A&S Metals, and Capital Recycling to receive funds based on the going rate recycled aluminum. The program brings in nearly $10,000 annually, which goes to support the house’s mission, purchase supplies, and pay utility bills. “Kids want to help kids, and this is a great way to introduce them to philanthropy,” says Stephanie, who says people often come in to drop off their tabs, take a tour of the house, and end up wanting to get more involved. “Pop tabs are an easy way for families to get involved.”
In addition to schools competing in Pop Tab Pandemonium, a contest to collect the most pop tabs, the community can participate as well. “We’re taking it to another level! We now have a community organization contest, and the breweries are competing in Battle of the Breweries.
To learn more about participating, visit rmhca.org/pop-tab-program.
Soup s On! ’
Pair one of these hearty one-pot meals with a family game for a warm, cozy night in.
January is the perfect month to serve soup, a soul-warming, all-in-one meal that pairs well with chilly evenings. We chose three filling soups that are quick to throw together on busy weeknights—just let the ingredients simmer on the stove until everyone is home and ready to eat. This month often gets a bad rap for its gloomy weather, so to brighten up the evening, we also picked a card game to go with each soup. Try them out—the soups and the games—and let us know what you think! Good soup and family fun may just become your new wintertime tradition.
Kid-Friendly Pepperoni Pizza Soup
Adapted from Holley Grainger (holleygrainger.com)
¼ cup pepperoni or turkey pepperoni slices, halved
1 small onion, chopped
1 small green bell pepper, chopped
1 tbsp minced garlic
1 tsp dried oregano
1 (32-ounce) container vegetable broth
1 (28-ounce) can tomato sauce
1 (14.5-ounce) can diced tomatoes with basil, garlic, and oregano
Add pepperoni to a Dutch oven and cook over medium-high heat until pepperoni renders its fat and gets crispy (about 3 to 4 minutes), stirring occasionally. Remove pepperoni and set aside on paper towels. Add onion and bell pepper to pan and sauté for 4 to 5 minutes, stirring occasionally, or until vegetables are tender. Add garlic and oregano, and cook 2 minutes more, or until garlic is golden. Stir in broth, tomato sauce, and diced tomatoes. Bring to a boil, reduce heat, add pepperoni, and simmer 10 to 12 minutes.
Remove from heat and stir in fresh basil. Add desired toppings. Serve with toasted bread, if desired.
Note: The recipe is delicious as written, but play around with the ingredients to meet your favorite pizza flavors. For example, swap the pepperoni for Italian sausage or meatballs, add mushrooms for more body (add these when you add the bell peppers), or serve with crusty sourdough versus whole wheat toast. The options are endless!
Pair this soup with: P for Pizza, a fast-paced word game where the goal is to shout a word that links the letter on one card to the category on another (a food that starts with P; a string instrument that starts with G). The first player to collect six pizza cards and build their pizza slice wins!
PHOTOGRAPH COURTESY OF HOLLEY GRAINGER
Chicken Corn Chowder
Adapted from The Peachie Spoon (thepeachiespoon.com)
Place all ingredients except toppings in a slow cooker, starting with the chicken and ending with the cream cheese. Cook on LOW 6-8 hours.
Remove chicken and chop or shred. Add back to pot.
Serve soup with desired toppings.
Pair this soup with: Hurry Up Chicken Butt! To play this silly game, shake the chicken to reveal a wacky activity, then perform it quickly before passing the Chicken Shaker off to the next player. If the timer goes off while you’re holding the chicken, you’re out!
PHOTOGRAPH BY TIM MCERSTON ON UNSPLASH
Classic Vegetable Beef Soup
1 lb ground beef or stew meat
1 onion, chopped
1 cup chopped celery
½ cup flour
2 cans crushed tomatoes
2 packs Lipton Beefy Onion Soup Mix
1 (16-ounce) package mixed vegetables (such as corn, peas, potatoes, green beans, carrots)
2 (32-ounce) cartons beef stock
Brown meat in a stock pot until no longer pink. Remove to a paper towel-lined plate to drain. Add onion and celery to pot and sauté until softened. Stir in flour. Add tomatoes, onion soup mix, mixed vegetables, and beef stock to pot. Return meat to pot. Stir well and simmer until vegetables are tender. Serve soup with cornbread.
Pair this soup with: Uno Attack, another classic with a twist! This familyfavorite card game gets an upgrade with a card shooter that spits out random extras to add to your hand. One thing that hasn’t changed: Players must still yell “UNO!” when they’re down to one card.
Bonus game pairing: Do You Really Know Your Family? We love this hilarious trivia game, which mixes questions and challenges for a fun and easy game night.
All of the recommended games can be found at local toy stores (Learning Express, Homewood Toy & Hobby, Snoozy’s, Smith’s), big-box retailers, or online.
PHOTOGRAPH BY LAURA OHLMAN ON UNSPLASH
Chamber Choir Sings For Central Office
The Hoover High School chamber choir performed holiday songs for the HCS central office on December 13. The performance was their 7th of the day.
Morris Moves In To New Role
Caroline Morris was promoted to the HCS Director of Technology Integration. Morris has been a driving force as a Technology
Integration Coach at Spain Park High School and Bumpus Middle School, leading technology-driven initiatives and empowering educators to incorporate digital tools into their classrooms.
In her new position, Morris will oversee district-wide technology integration, manage digital resources, and lead professional development, ensuring Hoover City Schools stays at the forefront of 21st-century learning.
MBHS Student-Athletes Commit on Fall Signing Day
A total of 16 student-athletes from Mountain Brook High School recently inked their letters of intent to play a total of nine different collegiate sports. Each varsity coach spoke words about their athletes and Athletic Director
Andy Urban addressed the attendees as well.
Congratulations to the following Spartans:
Lawton Emblom - Troy University - Men’s Golf
Edith Kaplan - University of Virginia - Softball
Haston Emblom - Troy University - Men’s Golf
Caleb Barnett - University of Alabama - Baseball
Jackson Skinner - Mississippi State University - Men’s Golf
Megan Donahue - Wofford College - Women’s Lacrosse
Langston Lilly - Samford University - Women’s Soccer
Laine Minich - University of Louisiana at LafayetteWomen’s Soccer
Will Weaver - Oglethorpe University - Baseball
Annie Kerr - University of North Carolina - Women’s Track
Jack Bakken - Sewanee - Men’s Basketball
Grayson Crowe - Rollins College - Women’s Lacrosse
Libby Geisler - Spring Hill College - Women’s Basketball
Mae Mae Beatty - University of Montevallo - Volleyball
Grace Stewart - Wofford College - Volleyball
Kennedy Hamilton - Auburn University - Women’s XC/ Track
Homewood Students Named National Merit Semifinalists
Thirteen Homewood High School students have been named National Merit Semifinalists after demonstrating a high level of academic achievement and representing the top one percent of high school seniors in the United States.
Congratulations to the following students: Emma Berthiaume, Luke Binet, Margo Brandrup, Alejandra Briceno, Charles Chewning, Colton Cox, Samuel Ernest, Foster Laird, Emma Levering, Ruby Reeves, Reece Teter, Oliver Trolard, and Chandler York.
“We are beyond proud of these students for achieving such a prestigious honor,” HCS Superintendent Dr. Justin Hefner says. “They have worked hard and aimed for excellence in their studies, and have set the bar high. We are excited to see what the future holds for each of them as we know they will continue to achieve great things.” These students are among the 16,000 semifinalists nationwide who now have the opportunity to compete for approximately $26 million in scholarships as part of the National Merit Scholarship Program.
Altamont Wins Cross-Country
The Altamont School’s girls and boys cross-country teams completed the 2024 season as 4A Section champions. Laura Spann and Mary Spann finished 1st and 2nd for the girls. Raju Sudarshan and William Rowland finished 1st and 2nd for the boys. Other All-Section finishers included Elle Sellers (4th,) Megan Wetta (5th,) Claire Nichols (6th,) Sarah Marshall (8th,) Sykes Carlson (7th), and Zahid Issa (9th).
The girls went on to finish 2nd in the state, and the boys finished 4th. AllState runners included Raju Sudarshan (4th), Laura Spann (11th) and Mary Spann(13th). Contributed by Sean Flynt
Altamont Theatre Program
Earns State Honors
The Altamont School’s Theatre Program earned top individual and group honors at the Walter Trumbauer High School State Theatre Festival last month, many related to the school’s production of the musical “Single Rider” in November. The program also was selected as Alabama’s inaugural entry in the new Studio category at the Southeastern Theatre Conference (SETC) in Baltimore, Maryland, in March.
“Single Rider,” by Amanda D’Archangelis (music and book) and Sami Horneff (lyrics and book) is a light comedy that follows three young Amish women at Lucky Land amusement park on the first day of their Rumspringa, the traditional year in which Amish youth explore the “English” world.
Altamont Theatre Director Reid Watson acknowledged the risk of presenting the high school premiere of a work so new that early rehearsals were essentially workshops for the musical, with additions, rewrites, and notes from the authors shaping the production on the fly. The actors, especially, bore a heavier creative burden than with the school’s recent productions of popular musicals. “They can’t get online and watch a YouTube clip of how somebody else played this role because there is no reference for them,” Watson says. Students in Altamont’s new Technical Theatre class stepped up, too, developing the in-demand professional skills required to manage costumes for 17 “Single Rider” characters and creating an amusement park onstage at the school’s Cabaniss-Kaul Center for the Arts. The show also featured live accompaniment by Altamont student musicians. Contributed by Sean Flynt
State Trumbauer Honors for The Altamont School
• Best in Show: The Altamont School’s Production of “Single Rider”
• All Star Casting: Lottie Kanter as Abigail
• All Star Casting: Kaavya Karthikeyan as Angela
• All Star Casting: Ali LeJeune as Moira
• 1st Place in the State: Andrew Herrin for Lighting Design (Novice)
• 1st Place in the State: Jimmy Sears and Mitchell Hughey for Readers Theatre (Varsity)
• 3rd Place in the State: Bea Connell for Solo Musical Dramatic (Intermediate)
• 3rd Place State Title: Braxton Quinney for Solo Musical Comedic (Varsity)
• Group Acting: Bea Connell, Mitchell Hughey, Watts Yancey, Alden DuMontier, Johnny Stumpff, Sanjana Gaddamanugu, Francie Roth, & Ali LeJeune (Superior Medal)
• Group Acting: Emma McLain, Baylor Robbins, Tylan Floyd, Charlie Denson, Valeria Blanco and Lottie Kanter (Superior Medal)
• Blakely Fry and Syriana Johnson for Novice Duet Readers Theatre (Superior Medal)
• Charlie Denson and Tylan Floyd for Intermediate Duet Readers Theatre (Superior Medal)
• McLean Pitts and Sanjana Gaddamanugu for Intermediate Duet Readers Theatre (Superior Medal)
• Emma McLain and Andrew Herrin for Intermediate Duet Readers Theatre (Superior Medal)
• Ali LeJeune for Intermediate Solo Musical Comedic (Superior Medal)
• Lottie Kanter for Novice Solo Musical Dramatic (Superior Medal)
• Ali LeJeune for Intermediate Solo Musical Dramatic (Superior Medal)
• Valeria Banco-Barajas for Varsity Solo Musical Dramatic (Superior Medal)
• Johnny Stumpff for Varsity Solo Musical Dramatic (Superior Medal)
• Blakely Fry for Novice Solo Musical Comedic (Superior Medal)
• Kaavya Karthikeyan and Braxton Quinney for Varsity Duet Musical Comedic (Superior Medal)
• Valeria Blanco-Barajas and Johnny Stumpff for Varsity Duet Musical Comedic (Superior Medal)
• Francie Roth for Costume Design (Superior Medal)
• Spencer DuMontier for Costume Design (Excellent Medal)
• Owen Herrin and Vassili Trenin for Novice Duet Pantomime (Excellent Medal)
• Baylor Robbins and Syriana Johnson Novice Duet Pantomime (Excellent Medal)
PHOTOGRAPH COURTESY OF THE ALTAMONT SCHOOL
Birmingham Bulls Hockey
January 4, 10-11, 20, 31, February 1
Catch the exciting action of a Bulls home game at the Pelham Civic Complex. The Bulls are one of five teams playing in the Southern Professional Hockey League, including the Huntsville Havoc, Knoxville Ice Bears, Macon Mayhem and Pensacola Ice Flyers. For more information and tickets, visit bullshockey.net.
Glow Wild at the Birmingham Zoo through January 20
Larger-than-life wild animal creations light up select nights from 5-9 p.m. through this month, sponsored by UAB Callahan Eye. Event includes nightly acrobatic shows, virtual reality experiences, and the Red Diamond Express train. For schedule and tickets, visit birminghamzoo.com/events.
State Ballet Theatre of Ukraine presents Sleeping Beauty
January 9
This captivating performance by the State Ballet Theatre of Ukraine tells the story of Princess Aurora, cursed to a century-long slumber by the evil fairy Carabosse. Lavish sets, hand-painted scenery, exquisite costumes designed Ukrainian artists, and Tchaikovsky’s iconic score promise an unforgettable experience. For more information and tickets, visit alabamatheatre.com.
JANUARY EVENTS CALENDAR
Mike
Super Magic and Illusion
January 10
Mike Super is the only magician to win a live magic competition on prime time network television. He is also a top finalist from America’s Got Talent. His hilarious, family-friendly show at Dorothy Jemison Day Theatre will cure the winter blues. All tickets are $35; save 20% with the purchase of four or more. For more information and tickets, visit mikesuper.com.
Annie
January 14-19
This beloved musical about little orphan Annie comes to the BJCC stage for an eight-show run. Directed by Jenn Thompson, Annie features the iconic book and score, written by Tony Award winners Thomas Meehan, Charles Strouse, and Martin Charnin. This celebration of family, optimism, and the American spirit is perfect for the whole crew. For more information and tickets, visit americantheatreguild.com/birmingham.
O’Reilly Auto Parts World of Wheels
January 31-February 2
Head to the BJCC for this indoor car show featuring hot rods, race cars, antique and classic cars, custom imports, and motorcycles. Vehicles are in competition based on condition, design, detail of finish, and workmanship. Expect celebrity appearances, characters for the kids, and more. Discounted adult tickets available at O’Reilly Auto Parts stores. For more information and tickets, visit worldofwheels.net.
Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey
January 31-February 2
“The Greatest Show on Earth” returns with 75 performers showcasing aerial, acrobatics, world dance, music, and more—including the triangular high wire, a 34-foot unicycle, stunt bikes, and the criss-cross flying trapeze. For more information and tickets, visit ringling.com.
The Biggest Little House in the Forest Saturdays in February
Head to Birmingham Children’s Theatre to see this show written by Rosanna Staff and based on the book by Djemma Bider. The play is recommended for ages 0-5 years old and runs approximately 40 minutes. For more information and tickets, visit bct123.org.
PHOTOGRAPH COURTESY OF BIRMINGHAM ZOO FACEBOOK
For kids like Gwen •
Because Gwen came to Children’s for the diagnosis and treatment of her blood disorder, she received the best care available thanks to ground-breaking research made possible by clinical trials for cancers and blood disorders. The research happening today will help lead to future cures, and it is happening here at Children’s of Alabama
WHAT WE DO:
Identify juveniles who are either at high risk for or already involved in substance misuse and provide them resources to make better choices for a healthy lifestyle while promoting mental wellness.
PREVENTION:
Compact’s Community Coalitions educate, engage, and empower their communities at the local level to prevent substance misuse and provide resources to those impacted.
INTERVENTION:
Our Intervention Team works to educate parents and students as well as locate youth who are at risk of, or involved in substance misuse or addiction, and provide them help and resources.
