Bham Family - June 2024

Order Painted

Artist brings personalities to life PAGE 20

Major League Baseball back at Rickwood PAGE 23 BATTER UP!

HOLY MOLY MOTHERHOOD

On summer time PAGE 10

JUNE 2024 SERVING THOSE WHO SERVED

Law students aid Alabama veterans PAGE 18

EDITOR’S NOTE

Happy Summer!

By now, all schools are out for the next two months, and I hope you have lots to look forward to with your families. We’re filling the days with summer reading, pool time, vacation, and lax bedtimes. Hopefully you’re finding time to say “yes” to things you normally wouldn’t. I love a routine—and I’ll be ready for some structure again come August—but I also love the Fun Mom status that comes with the lazy days of summer.

In this first-of-summer issue, our regular columnists continue to humor and teach me. Find Just for Dads on page 8; Holy Moly Motherhood on page 10, with a salute to those summertime feels; and Sean of the South on page 12. I am always grateful to learn about our community stepping in to help others, so I was drawn to the story about C-VETS on page 18, which highlights legal aid provided by Cumberland law students to Alabama veterans. On page 23, we

have a great spotlight on the MLB games that will be played at our very own historic Rickwood Field this month—it’s such a cool opportunity for our city! And, finally, check out our colorful feature on Elaine Tindill-Rohr on page 20 to learn all about her business, Painted Personalities. You may find she’s perfect for your child’s next birthday party! I am also so proud to feature local students achieving great success; you can read about them on pages 26 and 30.

We love hearing from you—in fact, several of the articles in this month’s issue were reader-generated— so please reach out if you know of a Birmingham business, event, or person we should feature.

Stay cool!

Stephanie Gibson Lepore, Content Director and Mom, stephanie@jbmcmedia.com

To view this and previous issues in a digital flip version, scan the QR code with your phone’s camera.

ABOUT US

Bham Family is published monthly by JBMC Media, LLC, P.O. Box 26432, Birmingham AL 35260. 10,000 copies are printed and distributed at more than 650 locations throughout Jefferson and Shelby Counties.

DISTRIBUTION

If your business would like to make copies available to customers, please email matthew@jbmcmedia.com with your business name, address, point of contact, and number of copies you would like.

ADVERTISING

To reach the largest audience of parents in Birmingham each month, partner with us. Email advertise@jbmcmedia.com to get started with a partnership that will be a key part of your plan.

Artist-entertainer Elaine TindillRohr has been transforming faces through her business, Painted Personalities, for 20 years. Read more about her work on page 20.

Cover photograph courtesy of Elaine Tindill-Rohr

OUR PEOPLE

Matthew Allen Publisher (205) 617-9609

matthew@jbmcmedia.com

Stephanie Gibson Lepore Content Director stephanie@jbmcmedia.com

Michelle Salem Haynes Marketing Consultant (205) 381-1311 michelle@jbmcmedia.com

Tony and Shweta Bratina Graphic Designers

Emily Listo Operations, Project Management & Graphic Designer

Ward

Holy Moly Motherhood

Summertime p. 10

Sean of the South

Senior Citizens p. 12

Q&A

Summer Reading p. 14

Schoolhouse

Update from the Hoover School District p. 16

Nonprofit

Law clinic aids veterans p. 18

Education

News from local schools and college students p. 28

Something to Say

The leaders of First Baptist Church of Corpus Christi changed multiple rules upon my entrance into the youth group when I started seventh grade. Members of the youth group had for many years sat on the left balcony side of the worship center, but once I joined, we were forced to sit on the first two rows closest to the pulpit. Adults seemed to want me close by in hopes that would keep me somewhat still and quiet. It was an admirable task that never seemed to work well.

My interest in attending church in my junior high years was centered on the brand-new, state-of-the-art gymnasium and rec center, their discounted cafeteria, and maybe a couple of cute girls. The senior pastor and my youth pastor were always encouraging us to bring friends to church. If getting people to church meant God was happy, He was certainly smiling down on me, but it never seemed the adults in the place were happy that unruly teenagers used the church and its facilities as their personal unsupervised hang-out club. New rules on the number of guests who could be at the rec center were established. I am very thankful for the adults who showed patience and grace to me and my friends during those years, and I got deeply involved with church throughout my high school years.

One of the biggest benefits of being involved in my youth group was the model of happy and healthy families and finding a group of teenagers who were committed to seeking God’s truth for our lives. One of my closest youth group friends recently passed

away from cancer, and a flood of memories from many years ago were vivid and transported me back in time. I was so fortunate to have friends to go to the beach, lake, concerts, camps, retreats, and other fun, meaningful events. According to an extensive national survey by Springtide Research Institute titled “The State of Religion & Young People 2020: Relational Authority,” today’s teenagers don’t trust church. Statistics show:

52% of affiliated young people have little to no trust in organized religion.

Nearly 3 out of 4 young people are religious; only 16% see their faith community as a place they can turn to in times of uncertainty.

1 in 3 young people feel completely alone much of the time.

If you want to help your kid plug into a church group, you must be deliberate and partner in navigating that relationship. There is a hunger by our kids and teenagers to be connected to something deeper and make a difference. There is a recognition by many churches that what has worked in the past won’t work with today’s teenagers. Getting kids plugged into church starts with the parents’ view of church. In today’s busy world, make it a family priority to put God and church first, which could mean that you have to say no to some of the activities that keep us so busy. The impact of your kids’ involvement in church will influence all areas of their lives and have a direct impact on the quality and direction of their lives.

Ward Williams is the founder and executive director of Vineyard Family Services. Contact him at ward@vfsdads.com.

Ward Williams

PHOTOGRAPH BY ISMAEL PARAMO ON UNSPLASH

Summer Feels

Alana Smith

All at once, it’s summer. It seems like it was just March, and now, everything is green and alive again. Birds chirping, lawnmowers mowing, and American flags flying—it’s such a good feeling.

My kids are nine and four, and we are constantly on the go, just like everyone else. So, this year, I want to really embrace these few weeks of summertime. I’m craving simple and slow-moving days.

When I think back on my own childhood, I have such vivid memories of being barefoot in the grass, chasing lightning bugs in the dark, playing in the sprinkler, and riding bikes all day. Freedom, right?

I’m sure I had a schedule to stick to and activities to attend, but what I remember most are all the feelings. Summer feels. Sunburns and Popsicles. Baseball in the front yard. Knocking on our neighbor’s door and running to hide in the bushes. Slip ’n Slides and water guns.

I have to work during the week, and it’s easy for me to want to get everyone in the tub and in bed on

time. I love a good schedule. But I also want to create space for my kids to make memories and experience all the summer feels. So, I’ll have to let them stay out until dark some nights. Have dinner picnics in the grass. Let them spend the night with friends, even when it means they are cranky the next day. Stay up late with them watching The Sandlot. Give them time and space to explore. I’ll have to schedule less, so we can do more.

And scheduling less is hard for me because I want to do all the things and go all the places. Sometimes I feel like I’m doing my best work when I’m taking my kids to some new and exciting place. “We are making memories!” I’ll think. Which, we are. But, if you think back to what makes you the most nostalgic about summer, it’s probably not that trip to Disney. It’s likely your old backyard, or the neighborhood pool, or just sitting in the driveway with friends.

It’s the simple stuff. The easygoing, summer feels.

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.

PHOTOGRAPH BY FRANCI LEONCIO ON iStock

SEAN OF THE SOUTH

The Senior Citizens of Shelby County

It was 7:34 a.m. when I arrived in Alabaster for the annual Shelby County Senior Adults Picnic. The parking lot of Thompson High School was already swarmed with cars.

“Why are all these people here so early?” I asked one of the volunteers at the check-in booth, who was holding back the throngs of senior citizens. The volunteer looked at me and said flatly, “You know how punctual senior citizens can be.”

It’s true. I don’t mean to generalize here, but the older generations are far more punctual than the younger ones.

Take my mother. Whenever we schedule lunch at a restaurant, I choose a reasonable time. Say, noon. I usually arrive a little early and tell the hostess I’m meeting someone. The hostess will inevitably point to a lone older woman in the corner. My mother will already be sitting there, finishing her lunch alone.

“How long has she been here?” I’ll ask the hostess.

“Since we opened,” she will reply.

So, the picnic-going seniors were raring to go. They were ravenously ready for lunch, even though—technically—it wasn’t yet breakfast.

“We woulda been here earlier,” said one senior woman in line, who was carrying a lawn chair. “But Harold wanted to change the oil in the truck.”

When the gates opened, it was like one of those old Beatles movies. The people flooded the

CONTINUED ON PAGE 13

grounds of the high school in a frenzy.

The entertainment was soon underway. Onstage, a local country band named Rose Colored Glasses played classic country from the golden era. Patsy Cline, Kitty Wells, Hank Senior, Don Gibson. The whole place turned into the 1950s. The only thing missing were the “I Like Ike” stickers.

ILLUSTRATION BY SEAN DIETRICH

CONTINUED FROM PAGE 12

Nearly 1,000 elderly picnic goers meandered to and fro, laughing and carrying on. I mingled among them and made lots of friends.

Sometimes I’m afraid that our younger generations have forgotten our elders. I’m on a mission to change all that today.

I met a 97-year-old man, waiting in the food line. He used a walker and wore Velcro shoes.

“I’m NOT a senior citizen,” he said. “I refuse to call myself one. I don’t want the dang discount. I still swim every day for an hour, I still read the newspaper from front to back, and I play Wordle.”

“I don’t call myself a senior citizen, either,” added an elderly woman. “That’s why I signed up for aerobics class. You shoulda seen me, I bent and twisted, strained and gyrated, I jumped up and down, I sweated for a whole hour. And that was just while getting my leotard on.”

I met an 84-year-old man with a Santa beard. His leather vest was adorned with patches. His ballcap read: “VIETNAM.”

“Yes, I have pain just like anyone else. I’ve survived

cancer twice, and I’ve lost my wife to cancer. But I still ride my motorcycle, I still drink my beer, and I still hang out with my friends. You don’t quit because you get old. You get old because you quit.”

Next, I meet a woman named Grace. She was bent at the waist, clutching an aluminum roller-walker. Her hair was cotton-white, her frame was frail. She had a feisty look in her eyes, you could tell she was a firecracker back in her day.

“Yeah, it’s tough getting older,” she said, taking my hand in hers. Her frail hand was like a little bird. “Getting old is the hardest thing I’ve ever done, actually, watching myself age in the mirror. I look at myself, and I still expect to see that 19-year-old girl looking at me. I don’t know when this old woman took over my life. Every day is a struggle. I can’t see my own coffee because of cataracts, I can’t turn my head because of arthritis in my neck, my blood pressure meds make me dizzy and I can’t stand up without falling, I forget my own name, I fall asleep unexpectedly, and I can’t hear anything. But you know what? I count my blessings, because at least I can still drive.”

A good time was had by all.

Summer Fun?

Summer Reading Why this

activity is beneficial for your kids and where to participate locally

Summer reading for kids is more than just a seasonal activity; it’s a gateway to a world of imagination, knowledge, and lifelong learning. We polled several Birmingham-area children’s librarians for their input about this seasonal program, and we combined their responses below. We combined their responses below. The consensus: Summer reading is a valuable opportunity for children to explore, learn, and grow intellectually. By encouraging and supporting summer reading habits, parents, educators, and communities can empower children to become lifelong learners and avid readers.

1. Preventing the “summer slide”: Research has consistently shown that students can lose months of academic progress during summer if they don’t engage in educational activities. Summer reading helps prevent this regression by keeping their minds active and engaged.

2. Building vocabulary and comprehension skills: Reading regularly exposes children to new words, phrases, and sentence structures, expanding their vocabulary and improving their reading comprehension skills. The more they read, the better they become at understanding and interpreting written material.

3. Fostering a love for reading: Summer break provides kids with the freedom to choose what they want to read without the pressure of assigned texts or curriculum requirements. This freedom allows them to explore different genres, authors, and topics, helping them discover what they enjoy and fostering a lifelong love for reading.

4. Stimulating imagination and creativity: Books have the power to transport readers to different worlds, spark their imaginations, and ignite their creativity. Whether it’s through fantastical adventures, historical narratives, or imaginative storytelling, summer reading encourages children to think beyond the confines of their everyday lives.

5. Developing critical thinking skills: Reading requires readers to analyze, evaluate, and interpret information, which in turn strengthens their critical thinking skills. By engaging with various texts, children learn to question, analyze, and form their own

opinions, enhancing their ability to think critically and independently.

6. Expanding cultural awareness: Reading exposes children to diverse perspectives, cultures, and experiences, fostering empathy, understanding, and appreciation for the world around them. Through literature, kids can explore different cultures, traditions, and historical events, broadening their worldview and promoting cultural awareness.

7. Preparing for academic success: Strong reading skills are fundamental to academic success across all subjects. By reading regularly during the summer, children can improve their reading fluency, comprehension, and literacy skills, laying a solid foundation for success in school and beyond.

PHOTOGRAPH BY IRINA VELICHKINA ON iStock

Children’s librarians offer wonderful book recommendations for all school-age kids. Their knowledge is rooted in a deep understanding of literature and child development, and their roles are invaluable. Librarians who specialize in children’s literature possess a wealth of information about age-appropriate books, diverse genres, and engaging storytelling techniques. They stay updated on the latest releases and classic favorites, enabling them to make personalized recommendations tailored to each child’s interests and reading level. Through listening and thoughtful questioning, librarians can uncover a child’s interests, hobbies, and reading preferences. Whether a child is fascinated by dinosaurs, intrigued by mysteries, or passionate about fantasy worlds, librarians can suggest books that align with their unique interests, sparking excitement and enthusiasm for reading.

Librarians play a crucial role in promoting diversity and inclusion by recommending books that feature characters from various backgrounds, cultures, and identities. By offering a diverse selection of books, librarians help children see themselves reflected in literature and expose them to perspectives different from their own, fostering empathy, understanding, and appreciation for diversity. They also encourage children to explore beyond their comfort zones and discover new genres, authors, and topics they may not have considered before. By introducing children to a wide range of literature, librarians expand their literary horizons and inspire a lifelong love for reading. Librarians understand the importance of literacy development and actively promote reading as a fundamental skill. By recommending books that align with children’s reading abilities and interests, librarians help nurture their literacy skills, vocabulary, comprehension, and fluency.

We are so fortunate to have so many wonderful local libraries in our area, and children’s librarians, especially, often develop personal connections with children and families, creating a supportive and welcoming environment where children feel comfortable seeking book recommendations and sharing their reading experiences. These personal connections foster a sense of belonging and community within the library, encouraging children to return and continue their reading journey. Librarians recommending books for kids are more than just literary guides; they are passionate advocates for literacy, diversity, and lifelong learning. Through their expertise, empathy, and dedication, librarians inspire children to embark on transformative reading journeys that shape their lives and enrich their minds.

*Next month, we’ll feature our chat with Trussville children’s librarian Megan McQueen and include a few of her top book recs.

FIND A LIBRARY

Summer Reading kick-offs typically take place in early June. Though some may have already started, it’s not too late for your kiddos to participate. Adults can join, as well! Our local libraries put a lot of effort into their summer reading programs, and most feature prizes or drawings at the end. Many include extra summertime programming and even decorate the children’s area for summer reading. Find a library close to you from the list below. Visit each library’s website for more information.

JEFFERSON COUNTY: Birmingham Public Library cobpl.org

Center Point Public Library centerpointlibrary.org

Clay Public Library claylibrary.com

Homewood Public Library homewoodpubliclibrary.org

Hoover Public Library hooverlibrary.org

Irondale Public Library irondalelibrary.org

Leeds Jane Culbreth Library leedslibrary.com

O’Neal Public Library (Mountain Brook) oneallibrary. org

Pinson Public Library pinsonlibrary.com

Pleasant Grove Public Library pleasantgrove.lib.al.us

Trussville Public Library trussvillelibrary.com

Vestavia Hills Public Library in the Forest vestavialibrary.org

SHELBY COUNTY:

Albert L. Scott Library (Alabaster) cityofalabaster. com/610/library

Columbiana Public Library cityofcolumbiana.com/library

North Shelby Library (Pelham) northshelbylibrary.org

Parnell Memorial Library (Montevallo) parnellmemoriallibrary.org

Hoover High opens new performing arts center

City and school system leaders cut the ribbon on Thursday, April 25 for the new performing arts center at Hoover High School. The $15.4 million, 36,000 square foot facility marks a significant milestone for the district.

The facility addresses the longstanding need for a dedicated space to accommodate the remarkable talents of HHS’s performing arts students.

HCS Superintendent Dr. Kevin Maddox said, “Investment in the new Performing Arts Center underscores the district’s commitment to providing our students with the best resources. We look forward to witnessing the countless performances and experiences that will enrich the lives of our students and community members alike.”

Zeigler named Substitute Educator of the Year

Berry Middle School’s Lucille “Mrs. Z” Zeigler was selected as a 2024 Substitute Educator of the Year by Kelly Education in the Paraeducator category. This honor recognizes Zeigler’s exceptional contributions to student achievement and her dedication to fostering a supportive learning environment at BMS.

Zeigler’s exceptional qualities shone through more than 300 nominees across the nation, earning her a place among the four winners.

“We are thrilled to see Mrs. Zeigler recognized as a 2024 Substitute Educator of the Year,” said Melissa Hadder, Berry principal. “Her passion for teaching and dedication to our students’ success truly set her apart. Our faculty, staff, and students adore her, and we are grateful for her outstanding contributions to our school community.”

Lucille Zeigler

Helping Heroes

The C-VETS clinic has served more than 600 veterans since its start in 2020.

BY SOFIA BAILEY

Cumberland School of Law’s Veterans Legal Assistance Clinic (C-VETS), founded in fall 2020, provides free legal assistance to veterans and their families across the state of Alabama. Since its inception, 62 volunteer law students have served more than 600 veterans, including 239 in the 202324 year alone.

Through the clinic, students not only get to assist veterans with various legal needs, but they also get to hear veterans’ incredible stories. Tamar Dennis, a third-year law student, has felt the impact of this clinic in her own life. “I had a fantastic opportunity to meet one remarkable man, a brave Vietnam veteran who gave so much to this nation,” says Tamar. “While serving, he sustained severe injuries when his aircraft was hit by enemy fire and

crashed. It was an honor to serve him. Drafting his will to ensure that his property is distributed to his adult children, per his wishes, was one of the highlights of this semester. I am grateful for the opportunity to serve our veteran community through Cumberland’s C-VETS clinic. They are our ultimate heroes.”

The clinic allows students to practice their interpersonal communication skills while forging long-lasting connections with the veterans they assist. Katie Philyaw, a third-year student volunteer, recently formed a friendship with a veteran she helped. “This semester, I was able to help a veteran prepare for a court hearing. At the hearing, her case was resolved, and she was so thankful for the clinic that she wanted an invite to my graduation,”

PHOTOGRAPH COURTESY OF SAMFORD UNIVERSITY

says Katie. “The C-VETS clinic gives us the opportunity to build trust with our clients and help them with their real-life issues.”

Kevin Patton, a U.S. Naval Academy graduate, former A-6 pilot, and shareholder at Maynard Nexsen, succeeded the late Judge John Carroll, JD ’74, founder of the clinic, as the clinic’s supervising attorney. Emphasizing the impact of this clinic, he says, “I learned of the tremendous impact that C-VETS was making in the lives of veterans and their families who could not afford an attorney. For these veterans, even a minor legal issue could be insurmountable without assistance and trigger a cascading series of problems. I’ve seen the timely intervention of the clinic’s bright, creative, and compassionate student advocates clear a path for countless veterans, allowing them and their families

to prosper. Judge Carroll’s passing in August 2023 marked the end of an era, but his spirit of service continues to guide C-VETS student advocates as they impact the lives of our veterans and their families.”

In April, Patton hosted a recognition ceremony in appreciation of the students’ hard work and dedication. Each student received a personalized flag and eagle sculpture sponsored by the Central Alabama Veterans Collaborative (CAVC).

Additionally, representatives from CAVC presented Patton and the students an American flag to display at the law school, with an official certificate verifying the flag had previously flown over the U.S. Capitol.

For more information, visit samford.edu/law/c-vets.

C-VETS Clinic is a program of Samford University’s Cumberland School of Law. Samford University is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit institution.

PHOTOGRAPH BY JACOB LUND ON iStock

Trading Faces

Elaine Tindill-Rohr transforms people into magical personalities through her face-painting artistry

BY STEPHANIE GIBSON LEPORE

Face painters are the magicians of festivities, wielding brushes and paints to transform ordinary faces into fantastical creations. With a palette of vibrant hues and boundless imagination, they breathe life into children’s parties, festivals, and even corporate events, turning giggles into gasps of delight. Each color is a brushstroke of whimsy, whether crafting intricate designs or simple motifs. Beyond mere decoration, face painters unleash a realm of make-believe, where a tiger prowls cheekbones and a fairy’s wings flutter across foreheads. Their artistry knows no bounds, transcending age to unite smiles in a kaleidoscope of color. Face painters are the architects of joy, painting not just faces, but also memories that linger long after the last brush has been swirled clean.

Of course, that’s how the story ends. For Elaine Tindill-Rohr, the journey into face-painting began CONTINUED ON PAGE 21

nearly four decades ago in college. “I actually clowned in college through the Wesley Foundation,” she says. “And my senior year, we performed at a retail establishment where someone else was painting faces. She needed a break from doing hearts, stars, and balloons, and I said, ‘I can do that!’ So, I stepped in to help, and let me tell you— when you’re not used to it, it will kick your behind,” Elaine shares with her signature hearty laugh.

After stumbling into facepainting during that event, Elaine’s paint passion guided her to haunt makeup. “After college, I joined the Jaycees,” she says. “This was back when they did their big haunted house. I had

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done clown makeup for years, and I found that if I took those principles and turned them upside down, I got haunt makeup. Where for clowning you want [makeup that’s] soft, rounded, bright, and not muddy, for haunt you want dark and angular. So, I did the haunted house makeup, and it worked out pretty well!”

Years later, Elaine rediscovered her love for clowning, finding that, along the way, face-painting had “evolved leaps and bounds from the hearts and stars on cheeks that I was familiar with. I realized that’s really where I wanted to be, so I went on to start my business in 2004-2005,” she says. She embraced her new calling—computer programmer by day, artist by weekend—becoming a maestro of color and imagination with her business, Painted Personalities. “I wanted something that would allow me to do more than just children’s events,” says Elaine of choosing her business name. “I was talking with friends, tossing around ideas, and Painted Personalities allowed me the freedom to do other work in the same genre and not necessarily just face-painting for kids’ birthday parties—which I love to do, but I also like the freedom to expand beyond that.”

(Day of the Dead) festival. “That’s a really big, nice festival,” Elaine notes. She’s painted many sugar skull faces for the event.

Though her designs have most definitely evolved since her start, the classics remain a favorite. “I always love doing tigers. Those are a big request. I do a ton of butterflies and Spider-Man. It always comes back to those. But about 10 years ago, someone did ask for a llama riding a bicycle. I’ve never forgotten that one!” Elaine says, laughing.

“I love the kids’ imaginations.” Another thing she really loves? The “mirror moment.” “When I show the child the mirror for the first time—that transformation is the important part. I always tell the parents, ‘Pull out your camera and get a picture right when I show them the mirror.’ ”

Her journey embodies the spirit of creativity and adaptation, turning an accidental encounter into a purposeful pursuit. In addition to birthday parties, of which she works many, Elaine attends area festivals and events, most recently Taco Fest at Sloss Furnaces and Do Dah Day, benefitting the Greater Birmingham Humane Society. She genuinely loves what she does. “It’s too much fun!” she says. “Every single child’s face is a different canvas, so no matter how many times I’ve painted Batman or kitty cats or tigers, there’s always a unique face in front of me. A lot of kids ask for exactly what their friend gets, but hairlines, jawlines, cheekbones, and skin tone all affect the way the design looks. So, it’s exactly the same and completely different from your best friend.”

Elaine has also done several Birmingham Museum of Art events (such as the annual Holi Festival, the traditional Indian celebration marking the arrival of spring), Ronald McDonald House Red Shoe Run, McWane Center events, Halloween parties, and Birmingham’s Día de los Muertos

Noting there is “no straight shot” to facepainting, Elaine says, “Most entertainers will tell you they fell into this work.” To keep herself up-to-date on new designs, products, and techniques, Elaine attends conventions across the globe, including FABAIC (Face and BodyArt International Convention), the world’s largest face painting and body art convention, and the Midwest Artists Xtravaganza. Come fall, she’ll go to Texas for the Austin Convention for Entertainers, which covers a range of topics like face-painting, balloon twisting and decor, airbrushing, henna, and more. “I could do the same thing over and over again, but honestly that’s not best for my clients or me, so additional training or learning new ways of presenting old ideas is a good thing.” She reminisces about a time a decade ago when she tried something new by competing at the World Bodypainting Festival in Austria: “The theme was Art of Popular Culture, and I had five hours and 45 minutes to do a full body painting—80% of the skin had to be covered,” she says. “I did a riff on the Warhol Marilyn Monroe portrait with Grumpy Cat. Crazy, terrifying, but an incredible experience. And I didn’t come in last!” No doubt Elaine has more awaiting her future. After all, “I’m approaching retirement,” she says. “And I need something to do after I say adios!”

For more information about Painted Personalities, visit facebook.com/paintedpersonalities, or follow Elaine on Instagram @paintedpersonalities_al.

A

Batter Up!

lineup featuring MLB teams, as well as the Birmingham Barons and Montgomery Biscuits, plays at historic Rickwood Field.

Major League Baseball comes to Rickwood Field, the oldest professional ballpark in the United States and former home of the Birmingham Black Barons of the Negro Leagues, this month. The special regular season contest between the St. Louis Cardinals and San Francisco Giants takes place June 20, scheduled around Juneteenth. As a part of the tribute to the Negro Leagues, there will also be special recognition of former Giants and Hall of Famer Willie Mays, a Birmingham native who also played for the Birmingham Black Barons.

“I can’t believe it. I never thought I’d see in my lifetime a Major League Baseball game being played on the very field where I played baseball as a teenager,” says Willie Mays. He began professional play with the Black Barons in 1948, staying with them for several seasons before starting his MLB career as a New York Giant in 1951. Rickwood Field was the site

PHOTOGRAPH BY STEPHEN REEVES ON iStock

of the final Negro League World Series game in October 1948, where the Black Barons lost to the Homestead Grays in five games. “It has been 75 years since I played for the Birmingham Black Barons at Rickwood Field, and to learn that my Giants and the Cardinals will play a game there and honor the legacy of the Negro Leagues and all those who came before them is really emotional for me.” Both teams will wear period uniforms highlighting the Negro Leagues histories of St. Louis and San Francisco.

“We are proud to bring Major League Baseball to historic Rickwood Field,” says Commissioner of Baseball Robert D. Manfred, Jr. “This opportunity to pay tribute to the Negro Leagues as the Giants and Cardinals play a regular season game at this iconic location is a great honor. The legacy of the Negro Leagues and its greatest living player, Willie Mays, is one of excellence and perseverance. We look forward to sharing the stories of the Negro Leagues throughout this event.”

Rickwood Field will also host a Minor League game between the Birmingham Barons and the Montgomery Biscuits on June 18. The teams will honor the Negro Leagues legacy by playing as the Montgomery Grey Sox and Birmingham Black Barons. This “Rickwood Classic” tradition dates to 1996, as the Birmingham Barons return to Rickwood Field once per season to play a game honoring Birmingham’s baseball history. The

THE GAMES

Montgomery Biscuits vs. Birmingham Barons

June 18

First pitch: 6:15 p.m. San Francisco Giants vs. St. Louis Cardinals

June 20

First pitch: 6:15 p.m. (broadcast on Fox)

Major League Baseball and the City of Birmingham made more than 26% of the approximately 8,100 seated tickets at Rickwood Field available to local community and youthbased organizations at no cost.

ALL ABOUT RICKWOOD FIELD

• Modeled after Forbes Field in Pittsburgh

• Opened August 18, 1910

• Construction cost: $75,000

• Capacity: 10,800

• First Minor League ballpark constructed from concrete and steel

• Spring Training home of the Philadelphia Phillies (1911, 1920) and the Pittsburgh Pirates (1919)

• Added to National Register of Historic Places February 1, 1993

• Filming location for Cobb, Soul of the Game, and 42

contest holds historic significance, as semi-pro teams from Birmingham and Montgomery were the first to play at Rickwood Field when it opened in 1910. The annual induction class of the Barons Hall of Fame is also announced during this game.

Rickwood Field is listed on the National Register of Historic Places, and the Birmingham Black Barons of the Negro Leagues called it home from 1924-1960. It was also home of the Barons during three time periods: 1910-1961, 1964-1965, and 1981-1987. Many baseball greats have played at the historic field over the years, including Hank Aaron, Ernie Banks, Cool Papa Bell, Yogi Berra, Roy Campanella, Oscar Charleston, Roberto Clemente, Joe DiMaggio, Larry Doby, Rube Foster, Lou Gehrig, Josh Gibson, Monte Irvin, Reggie Jackson, Buck Leonard, Biz Mackey, Mickey Mantle, Connie Morgan, Stan Musial, Satchel Paige, Frank Robinson, Jackie Robinson, Babe Ruth, Duke Snider, Toni Stone, Cristobal Torriente, Honus Wagner, and Willie Wells.

Rickwood Field, America’s oldest ballpark, began in 1910 when millionaire Birmingham

industrialist A.H. “Rick” Woodward bought a controlling interest in the city’s professional baseball team, originally named the Coal Barons. Up until then, the Birmingham Barons had played all their games at the Slag Pile, which seated 600 and was leased 60 days at a time. Woodward announced his plans to build the first concrete-and-steel ballpark in the minor leagues (only the fifth in all of baseball at the time).

Woodward consulted with Connie Mack of the Philadelphia Athletics during an A’s exhibition game in Birmingham, and Mack helped lay out the site, suggesting the installation of wooden louvers between the top row of the grandstand and the roof. The original layout of Rickwood Field mirrored Shibe Park in Philadelphia. The Birmingham News held a contest to name the park. After the White Sox announced plans to demolish Comiskey Park in 1991, Rickwood was named to the National Register of Historic Places. Of the 351 members who have been elected to the National Baseball Hall of Fame, 181 have played, managed, umpired, or led a baseball team at Rickwood Field since 1910.

A Message of Resilience

Irondale schools alum and Tulane graduate delivers commencement speech

PHOTOGRAPH BY VINCENT

Commencement student speaker Tamunoboma Dominion Fenny hopes her message of resilience resonates with Tulane graduates.

BY BARRI BRONSTON

When Tamunoboma Dominion Fenny thinks about her first few months at Tulane University Law School, she never could have imagined standing before thousands of Tulane graduates and delivering a message of perseverance, bravery, and hope.

But last month, at Yulman Stadium, she did just that, drawing from her own experiences to let graduates know they can do anything they set their minds to—that nothing is insurmountable, even when life’s challenges present one roadblock after the other. Fenny, 24, president of the Graduate and Professional Student Association (GAPSA), was selected among dozens of applicants to serve as this year’s student commencement speaker.

POSTLE

“Sometimes we give up because things aren’t working out right away. But nothing is unobtainable if you’re willing to work for it.”

CONTINUED FROM PAGE 26

“It will be a message of resilience,” says Fenny, a native of Nigeria who grew up the daughter of two lawyers in Birmingham. “Sometimes we give up because things aren’t working out right away. But nothing is unobtainable if you’re willing to work for it.” She admits that those first few weeks of law school came with hurdles. The curriculum was academically challenging, she says, and she struggled to find a support network to help her navigate her new school and city. She also had to quickly plan her move to New Orleans as she was accepted off the wait list one week ahead of orientation, which led to her living with family friends temporarily. Still, she was thrilled with the news, as Tulane Law was her top choice out of 14 schools to which she applied.

Then Hurricane Ida struck, sending students home to work remotely while Tulane recovered from the storm’s impact. During that time, Fenny said she questioned what her next step should look like. “But one of the things that stuck out to me was the fact that this school has such a huge commitment to service. I thought, ‘Where will I find another place that is so integrated into the community and has such a pulse on the needs of the community?’” It was during her time at home that she made it her mission to get involved in all things Tulane once she returned to campus to pursue her Juris Doctor degree.

In addition to finding a roommate and an apartment, she joined the Sports Law Society and became a TEDx speaker in her first year of law school. In her second year, she served as secretary of the Black Law Students Association and a legal intern for the Louisiana Fourth Circuit Court of Appeal. This year, she served as a graduate assistant in Tulane’s Title IX Office and a law clerk with Southeast Louisiana Legal Services. “I work with the Veterans Unit to provide state and federal healthcare benefits to one of our most vulnerable populations,” she says.

The military is close to Fenny’s heart. She joined the Air Force ROTC at Auburn University, where she earned a bachelor’s degree in political science and committed to a military career after law school. As a Second Lieutenant, she has spent the past two summers as a JAG (Judge Advocate General) intern at Eglin Air Force Base in Florida and Joint Base Langley-Eustis in Virginia. She will soon embark on her Air Force career after taking the bar exam. Fenny says she feels strongly that her message of resilience will resonate with Tulane graduates. As she shared in her TEDx Tulane talk two years ago, it’s all about trusting the process and having faith, even when times are so tough that you just want to quit.

“Everyone was so receptive to what I had to say,” she says. “I heard from people all over the country telling me how impactful it was. It was then that I realized I had something to say that mattered to people.”

Altamont Girls Repeat as Track Champions

The Altamont School’s Girls Varsity Outdoor Track Team has retained its crown as Alabama 3A champion. The Knights edged out a strong Houston Academy team 85–80 at the state championship last month to take their second title in a row and third title in the last four years. “It was a full-team effort to bring home the blue map, with points coming from many events, athletes and relays,” said coach Jamie Rediker. Altamont’s boys did well, too, meeting their goal of a top-10 finish, with Raju Sudarshan’s distance running powering the boys to 9th place in the state.

HOSA Students

Volunteer at Fire Station

Students from the Shades Valley High School Health Occupation Students of America (HOSA) club recently spent several hours at Fire Administration in Irondale cleaning and organizing the facility. HOSA is a group of future health professionals that is open to students who may be interested in a health care-related career. HOSA gives students the opportunity to attend field trips and compete on the local, state, and national level against other health science students. Participants must complete community service hours to be a part of the organization.

U.S. Presidential Scholar from Trussville

U.S. Secretary of Education Miguel Cardona announced the 2024 U.S. Presidential Scholars, recognizing 161 high school seniors for their accomplishments in academics, the arts, and career and technical education fields. One of those students is from Trussville.

Nalin J. Reed attends the Alabama School of Fine Arts and is recognized as a Presidential Scholar in the Arts. “The 161 high school seniors selected for the 60th anniversary of the U.S. Presidential Scholars represent the best of our nation’s schools and inspire hope in the bright future of this country,” said U.S. Secretary of Education Miguel Cardona. “On behalf of President Biden, I am delighted to celebrate their accomplishments, and encourage these scholars to continue to aim high, lift up others, and embrace opportunities to lead.”

The White House Commission on Presidential Scholars selects scholars annually based on academic success, excellence in the arts and in technical education, through essays, school evaluations and transcripts, as well as a demonstrated commitment to community service and leadership.

PHOTOGRAPH COURTESY OF THE ALTAMONT SCHOOL

Teacher of the Year Alternate Named

State education leaders held an event in Montgomery at the Alabama Shakespeare Festival to announce the 2024-2025 Alabama Teacher of the Year. Four teachers were in the finals after being selected from a group of more than 150 skilled educators. A judging committee held extensive interviews with all four finalists, and Gov. Kay Ivey announced on social media that fourth-grade teacher Deborah Stringfellow of Elmore County Schools is the 2024-2025 Alabama Teacher of the Year. Closer to home, Vestavia Hills High School Freshman Campus Teacher Kira Aaron was named the Alabama Alternate Teacher of the Year.

Kira is a longtime teacher in Vestavia Hills City Schools and was named the VHCS 2023-24 Secondary Teacher of the Year. She is the daughter of teachers and always knew she wanted to enter the “family business.” Kira believes everyone is made to have rewarding personal relationships throughout life. She appreciates participating in great conversations regarding literature and the self-expression brought through the English Language Arts classroom. She earned a Secondary English Language Arts degree from Auburn University, a Master of Science from Troy University, and an Education Specialist degree in Leadership from The University of Alabama. She earned National Board Certification and is currently a doctoral candidate.

“Our state’s educators are top-notch, and I’m proud of their work in leading the way for our students,” Gov. Ivey said.

Mountain Brook Presents Seal of Biliteracy Awards

The Department of World Languages of Mountain Brook High School hosted its first annual Seal of Biliteracy Awards Ceremony last month. Seniors were recognized for various levels of proficiency in two or more languages. Sixty-four students achieved the State Seal of Biliteracy in Spanish, French, or Latin. Students earning the State Seal of Biliteracy have successfully completed four years of language study, have earned an Intermediate-3 or on their proficiency exams, have maintained a 2.5 English Language Arts GPA since 9th grade, and have scored an 18 on English or a 20 on the Reading ACT.

Two levels of distinction are awarded to high school students who achieve the Global Seal of Biliteracy: Functional and Working. Seniors earning the Functional Level Global Seal successfully completed four years of their language, scored at least 18 on the English ACT, and scored an Intermediate-4 or higher on all parts of their world language proficiency exams. Fifty-nine seniors who achieved the Functional proficiency of the Global Seal of Biliteracy were recognized. The highest level of achievement available to high school students for the Global Seal of Biliteracy is Working proficiency. These students successfully completed four years of language study, earned an Advanced-1 on their proficiency exams, and scored at least a 21 on the English ACT. Two students achieved this level of proficiency. Additionally, two students earned both the State Seal of Biliteracy and the Functional Level of the Global Seal of Biliteracy, attesting to their high level of proficiency in English, French, and Spanish.

“Our students have worked hard to develop their language skills, and we are thrilled to see their efforts recognized with both Seals of Biliteracy,” said Heather Fitch, Mountain Brook High School World Languages Department Chair. Senior Mari Miller said, “The Seal of Biliteracy is a great way to round out your years as a language student. You can track your progress and growth, and it’s very fulfilling to have proof of your hard work. And it looks great on a resume.”

KIDS WHO SHINE JACARI DILLARD

TEXT AND PHOTOGRAPH COURTESY OF BIRMINGHAM CITY SCHOOLS

While it has become customary for star scholarathletes to schedule press events to announce their college destinations, Ramsay IB High School senior Jacari Dillard is not an ordinary case.

The valedictorian for the Class of 2024 has earned admission to more than 25 colleges, including three prestigious Ivy League universities, namely Harvard, Yale, and Princeton. He has four full rides and more than $2.5 million in scholarship monies on the table. If the media covered academics in the same manner as athletics, Jacari would be rated a five-star scholar.

“I am humbled and beyond thankful for the amount of support I have received across my high school journey,” says Jacari. “The past four years have been a life changing experience, and the college admissions process has been nothing short of a whirlwind.

In addition to valedictorian, Jacari earned the title of Mr. Ramsay and served as Class President on the Student Council. He became the youngest STEM Ambassador at Southern Research, a role

usually reserved for college students. And he’s an award-winning filmmaker! Jacari and Erial Malone placed second in the High School Central Region category of the 2024 CSPAN StudentCam Documentary Competition earlier this spring. They were the only students from Alabama to place in the competition.

In their submission “The Trillion Dollar Crisis,” the duo addressed student debt, interviewing numerous Ramsay faculty and staff in the process. Their work was broadcast nationally on CSPAN in April.

According to his mentor, Carl J. Thomas, MPA, retired college admissions director and current board member of the College Choice Foundation, Jacari is among the top one percent of students he has evaluated.

After “much thought and prayer,” Jacari made his official decision regarding his post-secondary destination, announcing that he’ll be taking his home from Birmingham to Boston, where he’ll attend Harvard University in the fall.

If you know a Birmingham-area kid who shines, tell us about them! Email stephanie@jbmcmedia.com.

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