MARCH 2021
Custom
BUILT Nonprofit designs accessible spaces for kids
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TRUE COLORS
Student’s project empowers dancers PAGE 26
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EDITOR’S NOTE The funny thing about helping someone is that, most likely, you’re going to receive much more than you give. That realization is all over the articles in this month’s issue. One example of that can be found on page 20. Christopher Kids designs accessible spaces for children with illnesses, disabilities, and other unique needs. One of their recent projects includes designing a space that will not only be safe for a boy who suffers from seizures, but it also highlights his personality and favorite things. It’s the smiles after a child and their family see the new space for the first time that make the team love what they do. For Charlie Bradford, it was the look on a little boy’s face when he brought him his repaired bike — which is what made Bradford want to start Bikes 4 Kids. Featured on page 16, this nonprofit gives children customized and refurbished bicycles who wouldn’t have one otherwise. Like the spaces Christopher Kids create, the bikes also bring all of the children’s favorite things to life — like having their names and colors on the bikes. And then there’s Quincy Wilson, who created Variation en Hue. Her project makes it possible for other dancers of color to wear tights and shoes that match their skin tones, something she hopes to normalize in the near future. You can read more about this inspiring high school student on page 26. While all of these articles feature more-than-worthy causes you can get involved with, there’s also one story found on page 8 that highlights a family that lost everything during the recent tornado that hit Fultondale — and how the community came together to support them. You’ll also find an article about a one-stop shop for cake decorating supplies, a book about a courageous dog, a young man’s project of love, and much more. And if you want to see even more, check out our website and Facebook page. We never grow tired of showcasing the amazing people and things they continue to do around the Birmingham area. If you know of a person, event, or business we should feature, we’d love to hear from you!
Lauren H. Dowdle Content Director and Mom contentdirector@jbmcmedia.com
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O U R A DV E RT I S I N G PA RT N E R S These folks are the ones to thank for our magazine’s success — spend your money with them, and tell them you saw them in Bham Family! A Well Behaved Dog
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INSIDE THIS ISSUE INSIDE EVERY ISSUE
Food Review Find great coffee, food, and atmosphere at OHenry’s Coffee. p. 12 Family Pets Socializing your puppy. p. 13 Faith Bikes 4 Kids gives children restored, and new bikes. p. 16 14
Schoolhouse Updates from the Hoover School District p. 18 Just for Dads Ward Williams shares how to help children shine and manage their environments. p. 22 Families in Business A Birthday Place carries everything for baking and parties. p. 24
20
Arts & Entertainment Student’s project helps dancers feel comfortable in their own skin. p. 26 Kids Who Shine Teen builds workout area for King’s Home in Chelsea. p. 30 FEATURE STORIES
Community Support Bluff Park Diner’s head cook loses everything in tornado. p. 8 Little Brown Hero Dog Veteran publishes picture book about man’s best friend. p. 10 Making a Difference Sheriff ’s deputy impacts the lives of everyone he meets. p. 14 26
Custom Built Christopher Kids creates accessible spaces for children. p. 20 Bham Family March 2021 7
FEATURE
TWIST OF FATE
Bluff Park Diner’s head cook has house destroyed by tornado BY LAUREN H. DOWDLE A storm might have destroyed his home and everything he owns, but it also showed him how much he and his family are loved. Late on Jan. 25, an EF-3 tornado ripped through Jefferson County, leaving destruction behind in its path. One of the families impacted by the storm was that of Rod Bonner, head cook at Bluff Park Diner. Bonner, along with his son and girlfriend, were able to escape unharmed, sheltering in their basement. However, they lost everything — their home, car, and all of their belongings. Brett Hubbard, owner of the Bluff Park Diner, was one of the first to jump into action the night of the tornado. Bonner’s girlfriend called him about 11 p.m., saying they were stuck in the basement. So, Hubbard packed a backpack with a flashlight, knife, clothes, and water and headed to their home. Calling first responders on the way to ensure they knew the family was trapped, Hubbard arrived in Fultondale to find downed power lines and the smell of natural gas. A family member had reached their house already, busting out the window to get the family out of the house. Hubbard wasn’t allowed to drive close to the damage, so he parked and walked about a third of a mile before getting stopped by the police at the end of Bonner’s street. Bonner was able to come and meet him to receive the items he had brought. “It’s a miracle his family didn’t have a scratch on them,” Hubbard says. “We’re all just thankful.” When community members found out Bonner was in need, they wanted to help, creating a GoFundMe page (link available on Bluff Park Diner’s Facebook page), and also collecting essential items. Both previous owners of the diner also reached out to Bonner to help. “He’s been lifted up so much by the generosity,” Hubbard says. “He told me he didn’t know he had so many friends. He feels very 8 Bham Family March 2021
Rod Bonner and his family lost everything in the January tornado.
loved.” Bonner has been at the diner for about 15 years, making Hubbard the third owner he’s worked with. That dedication was especially clear when Bonner returned to work two days after the tornado destroyed his home, telling Hubbard he missed being at work and wanted to get back into his routine. “He’s been through hard times in his life, but he keeps getting back up,” Hubbard says. “He’s just a genuine person and loves his job. If anyone needs help, he’s there to help. He’s never met a stranger.” In addition to GoFundMe donations, people can also call the Bluff Park Diner at 205-8244320 to arrange drop-offs of items like clothing, kitchenware, furnishings, and other necessities.
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FEATURE
MAN’S BEST FRIEND Veteran writes book about courageous dog
James Jernigan sits with his dog, Beaudreaux, who shares a name with the dog in his book.
BY LAUREN H. DOWDLE Families can enjoy a book that will not only leave them smiling, but will also help support local veterans when they read James Jernigan’s “The Little Brown Hero Dog.” Jernigan currently lives in Fultondale with his wife and two Boykin spaniels, Bella and Beaudreaux. “They’re loyal, loving, and just want to be right beside you,” he says. But it was the first dog he knew named Beaudreaux that inspired his book, “The Little Brown Hero Dog,” which is part fact and fiction. His beautifully crafted picture book shares the story of Jernigan’s childhood, why he enlisted in the Air Force during Vietnam, and how friends of his in Vietnam met a little brown dog at their base camp. The pup was a Boykin spaniel who had gotten lost from an officer, and the soldiers decided to take him in and name him Beaudreaux. This little brown dog wasn’t only fun to have around, but he also alerted them to trouble when outside forces planned to overrun their camp. Beaudreaux was wounded during the attack and later awarded the purple heart and a medal for valor and bravery by their commanding officer. The dog was allowed to come home to the states after his service. About a year later, Beaudreaux was 10 Bham Family March 2021
invited to Washington, DC, and awarded the Medal of Honor by the president. Those are only a few of the stories recounted in his book. After Jernigan let his nieces read it, one called crying, telling him he should make a movie out of the story. So, Jernigan began looking for a publisher, and now his book is printed and available for everyone to read. “The book shows loyalty, courage, and the love for animals,” Jernigan says. “It will give you a good, heartwarming feeling.” The book’s impact doesn’t stop after someone finishes reading. It also helps veterans and their families, with all of the book’s proceeds going to veterans. Jernigan donates to different veteran groups, as well as veteran families in need. His last check went to a woman raising her five grandchildren after her daughter, who served in the military, died. “I encourage everyone to get it, especially in these times of staying home, to read to their kids. It goes to a good cause,” he says. “The book is also dedicated to those who gave the ultimate sacrifice — their lives — so we have the freedom that is so dear to us all.” “The Little Brown Hero Dog” is available on Amazon, Barnes & Noble, and anywhere books are sold.
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Birmingham, AL Half-Price Sale Half-Price Sale Friday March 12, 2021 Saturday, March 13, 2021 March 13, 2021 Public Sale Saturday,
Public Sale
8:00February am to 12:00 pm am to 12:00 pm Friday 28, 2020 4:30 pm to 8:30 pm 8:00 4:30 pm to 8:30 pm
Only items marked with Discount Yes or a “Y” Only marked with Discount Yes or a “Y” next to the word discount areitems sold at half-price.
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next to the word discount are sold at half-price.
Half-Price Sale Saturday, March 13, 2021 Customer Policies Saturday, February 29, 2020 Customer 8:00 am to 12:00 pm PROPERLY-WORN FACEMASKS COVERING THE NOSE AND Policies MOUTH 8:00 am to 12:00 pm
WILL BE REQUIRED OF ALL CUSTOMERS AT ALL TIMES. PROPERLY-WORN FACEMASKS COVERING THE NOSE AND MOUTH Only items marked with Discount Yes or a “Y” CURRENT HEALTH DEPARTMENT GUIDELINES BE ENFORCED. Only items withBE Discount Yes WILL orOF a “Y” WILL REQUIRED ALL CUSTOMERS AT ALL TIMES. next to the word discount are sold at marked half-price. Nonext children under 10 and no strollers allowed on Friday. to theCURRENT word discount are sold at half-price. HEALTH DEPARTMENT GUIDELINES WILL BE ENFORCED. Babies worn in wraps or carriers will be allowed. No large bags No children under 10 and no strollers allowed on Friday. or baskets allowed. Shopping bag will be provided. ONLY Cash, worn wraps or carriers will MasterCard and Visa areBabies accepted. CCin transactions incur a 3.5 % be fee.allowed. No large bags or baskets allowed. Shopping bag will be provided. ONLY Cash, PROPERLY-WORN FACEMASKS COVERING THE NOSE ANDand MOUTH MasterCard Visa are accepted. CC transactions incur a 3.5 % fee. No children under 10 and no strollers allowed on Friday. WILL BE REQUIRED OF Babies ALL CUSTOMERS AT ALL TIMES. worn in wraps or carriers will be allowed. No large bags Bham Family March 2021 11 CURRENT HEALTH DEPARTMENT GUIDELINES WILL BE bag ENFORCED. or baskets allowed. Shopping will be provided. ONLY Cash, No children under 10MasterCard and no strollers allowed on Friday. and Visa are accepted. CC transactions incur a 3.5 % fee. Babies worn in wraps or carriers will be allowed. No large bags or baskets allowed. Shopping bag will be provided. ONLY Cash, MasterCard and Visa are accepted. CC transactions incur a 3.5 % fee.
Customer Policies Customer Policies
FOOD REVIEW
Brewed to Perfection OHenry’s Coffees provides both rich flavors and settings
BY LAUREN H. DOWDLE Notes from loyal customers hanging on the wall, a homey atmosphere, and the scent of freshly brewed coffee are only a few of the reasons to check out one of the OHenry’s Coffees locations across Birmingham. The locally owned coffee shop was started by Dr. Henry Bright in the early 1990s, now owned by former employee Blake Stevens. Rich in history and flavor, this coffee shop floods the senses from the moment you walk in. OHenry’s brews up a variety of cold, hot, and blended coffee drinks, like their snickerdoodle mocha, Americano, ice coffee royale, and mocha chip frappe. They also have daily coffee specials, like their Vulcan blend and Costa Rican dark roast. Their beans come from places like Kenya, Brazil, and Costa Rica, and they roast them in West Homewood. With more than a dozen coffee bean options, there’s bound to be something for every coffee lover. 12 Bham Family March 2021
Customers come back for not only their smooth drinks, but also for their tasty dishes — like their Conecuh cheddar biscuit for breakfast or southwest chicken wrap for lunch. They also have a case full of bakery items that are hard to resist, like scones, muffins, chocolate cookies, and other desserts. You can’t go wrong with any of them. OHenry’s opened its latest shop a year ago this month in Hoover’s Stadium Trace Village, with other locations in Homewood, Brookwood Village, and Highland Park. Each location has its own style, while keeping the cozy setting the shop is known for. All of the shops have outdoor seating as well, perfect for enjoying a drink or treat on a warmer day. If you can’t make it to one of their shops, you can also order free home delivery for orders more than $50. So, whether you’re looking for a place to meet up with a friend or you simply want a warm drink and meal to get your day started, OHenry’s Coffee has you covered.
FAMILY PETS
Socializing your puppy BY AMANDA SELF, CPDT-KA The most important role you’ll have as a new puppy parent is socializing them. Learning from their mother and littermates is just the beginning for these sweet babies. They absorb the world around them, pairing every surface, sound, object, smell, person, and environment to either a pleasant or fearful memory. The crucial socialization period is between six and 16 weeks of age. It’s best to make sure all the new things they experience leave a pleasant memory association because in a moments time, they have decided whether something is good or scary. Properly socializing them means pairing new experiences together with yummy treats, fun
toys, encouraging words, and praise to make that experience a happy one. Harsh, loud words, pain, or fearful things experienced during this time may stick with them for a lifetime and become scary triggers causing more fear and even possibly turning into phobias or aggression later on. Puppies or adult dogs should never be pulled toward or exposed all of a sudden to anything new. If they put on the brakes, we stop there and try again later, luring closer with treats in small increments. Allowing them to observe from a distance with treats, reassuring words, and being lured slowly on their terms is best. Socialization classes with a trained professional help navigate you and the pup. Proper guidance now helps puppies grow up being loving companions for years to come.
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FEATURE
Deputy Nolen loves interacting with the children when making his rounds.
PHOTOS COURTESY OF DEPUTY NOLEN
Making a Difference Deputy impacts the community he patrols by showing he cares
BY LAUREN H. DOWDLE Not everyone feels comfortable seeing a sheriff or police car driving down the street, but one deputy is working to change that perception, one patrol at a time. Deputy Nolen joined the Jefferson County Sheriff ’s Office in 2017 and currently patrols Center Point. “It’s a calling,” he says. “It’s something that has always been inside of me.” Nolen grew up overseas, which at the time he hated. But now, he looks back on the experience as one of the best things that could have happened to him. “It gave me a better understanding and appreciation for different cultures and customs,” he says. Since becoming a deputy, his favorite part of his job has been building relationships with 14 Bham Family March 2021
people by interacting with the community in a positive way. That’s something he tries to do on a regular basis, he says, though his high-call volume sometimes makes it difficult. It’s clear the people he interacts with appreciate what he’s doing. Last year, Nolen received a Christmas card and gift card from some of the residents on his beat. Knowing he was important enough to them to do that made him feel blessed. “It’s a humbling experience. It’s great to be accepted by the community I serve and especially to have earned their trust,” Nolen says. “That’s something that doesn’t come easily. They know if you are sincere.” He has countless memories of people and events that have stuck with him through the years, CONTINUED ON PAGE 15
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but one recent thing that happened was when he was doing his rounds and observed a group of kids out on the sidewalk. “When I got closer, they started to disperse, except one, and he was one of my little friends,” Nolen says. “The other children started saying things to him from the distance, and my friend said, ‘He is my friend.’ One of the children yelled back at him, ‘You can’t be friends with the police.’ Long story short, they all came back, and after about 10 or 15 minutes before they left, they said something along the lines of, ‘we like you.’” That moment really stuck with him, he says, especially as a lot of children are being taught not to like the uniform. One way he connects with the residents is by getting out of his patrol car and engaging with them. “It’s all about sincerity and consistency. I also have a bag of candy and a container of dog treats in my patrol vehicle. That is a great ice breaker,” he says. “When I tell people where I patrol, I usually hear, ‘Oh my gosh, that is a bad place.’ I can tell you that the majority of people in the community are good, hard-working individuals.
DENTISTRY FOR INFANTS, CHILDREN, TEENS, AND THOSE WITH SPECIAL NEEDS
Unfortunately, just like everywhere else, you have a few that give their community a bad name.” While he loves what he does and interactions like those, there are also difficult moments that come with the job, like when he sees bad situations that involve children. “It breaks my heart every time,” he says. “Children are supposed to be innocent and carefree — playing and just being kids. Too often, we see the opposite.” However, there are plenty of good moments to capture, as well. Nolen shares some of his community interactions by posting videos on Facebook from his patrols, and it’s hard not to smile watching them. He shows videos of him talking with the children he meets, like one young girl who tells him, “I love po-pos.” There’s even a girl who has a matching deputy uniform. “The reason I started doing that was simply because of all the negative press law enforcement was getting,” Nolen says. “I wanted to shed a positive light on my profession to show that the majority of us are good and decent men and women, out in the community every day serving and caring about people.”
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FEATURE
PHOTOS COURTESY OF BIKES 4 KIDS
Charles Bradford repaired a bike for a boy, sparking the idea for the Bikes 4 Kids nonprofit.
BIKES 4 KIDS Transforming old bicycles into customized gifts
BY LAUREN H. DOWDLE Children and bicycles just go together. Receiving their first bike is almost a rite of passage, something they’ll remember for years to come. But, not all families are able to give their children this wheeled memory. That’s something Charles Bradford wants to fix after seeing how excited a child gets when given a personalized bike. Bradford takes food to the elderly around town, and he often meets their families, as well. One little boy he met during his deliveries showed him a bike with a broken petal. Knowing that was something he could fix, Bradford offered to take his bike and repair it. After a little hesitancy to see his bike taken away, the boy agreed to let him. Bradford’s daughter had an old bike she was no longer riding, so he took the sprocket assembly off of hers and painted it to repair the boy’s bike. He can still see the boy’s reaction when he brought it back. “I told him I had something for him, and I heard him running down the hallway,” Bradford recalls. “He got the bike out of my truck, and he was already on it and gone for the field.” After that experience, Bradford said he knew he 16 Bham Family March 2021
wanted to do something for other children. So, last November, he started the Bikes 4 Kids nonprofit as a way to restore old bikes for children who normally wouldn’t get anything for Christmas. He called his friend Zac Ingram, owner of Z.I.P.P. Painting in Chelsea, to see if he wanted to get involved — and Ingram was on board. But Bradford didn’t only want to give children a regular bike. He wanted to give them a custom bike, which is where Ingram’s expertise really came into play. “I wanted to do something to keep them interested in the bike, put their own ideas, themes, personality, character, names, and colors into the bike,” says Bradford, who has two children. “When the kids get a personalized bike, it’s not a bike that the neighbors can go to Walmart and have one just like it. That will make them want to ride it more and take care of it.” Bradford originally thought they could give about a dozen bicycles to children in the community for Christmas, but he quickly saw the response was much larger than he expected. Businesses started reaching out, offering to serve as CONTINUED ON PAGE 17
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drop-off zones for bikes and parts, and donations and requests for bikes flooded his inbox. Children’s of Alabama also donated bike helmets. “After the second week, I realized this is a lot bigger than I thought it would be,” he says. “It’s bringing our community together to help kids and other people, as well.” Within four weeks, he had to announce they couldn’t take on any more custom bikes for Christmas. While there wasn’t enough time to create additional custom orders, Bradford still wanted to give as many children bikes as possible. Bikes 4 Kids ended up giving away 160 bikes to children for Christmas last year — 40 of which were custom. After the outpouring of support from the community and local businesses, Bradford said he realized this was something he needed to do year-round. “It’s working out in a way I never thought it would,” he says. “The good Lord put this in my heart, so I’m going to keep doing bikes. It’s just been a blessing.” He’s received support from not only people in the Birmingham area, but also across the world,
including another bike nonprofit in Guatemala. Even though Christmas has ended, the need for bikes hasn’t. For example, he helped customize a tricycle for a young adult who was told she would never walk. With the help of Shriners Hospital, she was able to walk. And with the help of Bikes 4 Kids, she was also given a way to ride a bike. Bradford put heavy-duty training wheels and the Shiners logo on the tricycle. “We gave her a customized tricycle so she could ride with her brothers,” Bradford says. “She loved every minute of it.” They’ve had volunteers come to the shop to help work on the bikes or sort parts, and Bradford said he never stops being amazed at all of the support. “As long as the community is involved, it can grow more than we ever imagined,” Bradford says. Bikes 4 Kids accepts donations, along with bicycles, so they can continue providing more bikes to children in need. Bradford says he expects that need to go up during the spring and summer as more children are outside. “We’ve helped a lot of kids who normally couldn’t ride a bike,” he says. For more information, visit Bikes4kids.club or their Facebook page.
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S C H O O L H O U S E NEWS FROM HOOVER CITY SCHOOLS
Superintendent interviews completed
Deadline for transfer applications approaching
The Hoover City Schools board of education has completed interviews with five finalists for its open superintendent position. The finalists are Dr. Michael Barber (most recently served as the superintendent of Pell City Schools), Dr. Bart Reeves (current superintendent of Satsuma City Schools), Dr. Holly Sutherland (current superintendent of Haleyville City Schools), Dr. Autumn Jeter (current superintendent of Bessemer City Schools), and Mr. William Randy Wilkes (current superintendent of Phenix City Schools). The board will make a decision in early March on whom they will hire.
The Desegregation Transfer Application for 2021-2022 is now available for students seeking a transfer to a school other than the school for which they are zoned. The transfer provisions in the federal court order govern all transfer types (racial desegregation; substantial hardship; employee) for the upcoming 2021-2022 school year. The transfer application deadline is on or before April 15, 2021. Eligible schools include Bluff Park, Deer Valley, Green Valley, Greystone, Gwin, and Trace Crossings Elementary Schools; and Bumpus and Simmons Middle Schools.
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S C H O O L H O U S E NEWS FROM HOOVER CITY SCHOOLS
Student receives photography award Ainsley Maryanski, a Hoover High School student, was recognized by the Region-at-Large program of the 2021 Scholastic Art & Writing Awards, presented by the Alliance for Young Artists & Writers. She received an honorable mention for her photograph, “In the Eye of the Beholder.”
COMING THIS SPRING
“Teachers in the Trenches” award winners recognized The Robert O. Finley Committee recognized their “Teachers in the Trenches” award winners at a small ceremony on February 16. One teacher is selected from elementary, middle and high schools. The winners were Russell Sirmans, Bluff Park Elementary; Kristin Snowden, Simmons Middle; and Jennifer Johnson, Spain Park High School. The Finley Awards are named for longtime Berry High School football coach Robert Finley, and they exemplify strong character for both student and teacher honorees.
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FEATURE
CUSTOM BUILT Christopher Kids serves children through design
PHOTOS COURTESY OF CHRISTOPHER KIDS
They designed a bedroom for two sisters to share in partnership with Make-A-Wish.
BY LAUREN H. DOWDLE Home is a place where families can come together to feel comfortable and safe. But for children with critical illnesses, disabilities, or other unique accessibility needs and their parents, that might not always be the case. That’s why Christopher Kids works to create spaces that are not only accessible, but also personalized to each child. Chris Reebals, president and principal architect of Christopher Architecture & Interiors, started the nonprofit last June. Reebals and his team already had the expertise and talent to design spaces — but they also wanted a way to use that passion to create designs that would improve children’s lives. And the idea for Christopher Kids was born. That’s when Caroline Shea, a Mountain Brook 20 Bham Family March 2021
native and recent Auburn University graduate, joined the firm as the philanthropy coordinator. She had experience volunteering with nonprofits, and she also interned with Make-A-Wish Metro New York. It was Make-A-Wish Alabama that contacted Christopher Kids about their first project, which included designing a space for a girl with a neurological condition and her sister to share. After that one, they took on a solo project for a boy in Trussville who recently finished his leukemia medications and treatments. Right before his diagnosis three years ago, his father was getting ready to have their family’s basement finished. But, that project was put on hold when his son became sick, leaving the space empty these past CONTINUED ON PAGE 21
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few years. The Christopher Kids team changed that by finishing the basement and adding a craft area, secret fort, and more. “It’s a fun place they can use and have people over — and the project is no longer starring them in the face,” Shea says. The team’s currently working on a seizure-safe space for a child who was recently diagnosed. That requires them to find a bed with certain dimensions, cover any sharp corners, space everything out, and take other precautions to ensure the child’s safety if they had a seizure. “I never had to think about those kinds of things when I was picking out a room growing up,” Shea says. “We’re trying to take that burden and guesswork off of these families, while creating a place the children can be a kid and play.” Christopher Kids is planning to take on one project per quarter. After that, they will see if they will do two projects a quarter or one a month, depending on the number of referrals and funding they receive. Shea’s favorite part about her time at Christopher Kids has been the install day when they see the project come together and the family’s reaction. “I’ve really loved getting to meet the families and kids and be a small part of making their lives a little easier,” she says. Christopher Kids wants to focus their efforts on helping children with accessibility issues, since most homes weren’t built to accommodate them,
Shea says. As an architecture firm, the team is able to get products most people couldn’t find in a regular store, relying on vendor relationships they’ve formed through the years. In addition to creating an accessible, safe space, the Christopher Kids team also works with the children and family to ensure the space is representative of their personalities. “It’s a way to bring accessibility, understanding, and beautiful designs to people who are having to think about 10 times more things than they should have to because of their child having an accessibility issue,” Shea says. Children under the age of 12 who live in the Southeast and face chronic or critical illness, physical or intellectual disabilities, or other life-altering changes — such as life-threatening injuries, parental loss, or foster care — are eligible to receive service from Christopher Kids. “We want to stick to younger than 12 so they can grow with the space,” she says. “We can make the biggest impact on their lives because they are probably closer to the age of their diagnosis.” Anyone can refer a child to Christopher Kids, including parents, teachers, family members, friends, and therapists. People can also support the nonprofit through donations, corporate sponsorships, in-kind donations, and getting the word out about them. “The best thing people can do is try to be involved and send good projects our way,” she says. For more information or to submit a referral, visit Christopherkid.org.
The finished basement includes a craft area, secret fort, and more space for the family. Bham Family March 2021 21
JUST FOR DADS On the occasion I have a few moments of down time, I like to surf television channels. One of the shows I have found entertaining is the “Mecum Vintage Auto Auction.” The most recent episode I viewed had a couple Ward of impactful moments that Williams sparked some reflection. The first was when I realized that the 1990 Chevy Z71, the dream vehicle for many in my high school, is now considered a vintage vehicle. My headshot picture at the top of this blog is vintage at this point. I think my kids might consider me vintage in the near future. The 1957 Corvette convertible has always sold for a premium price at the Mecum Auto Auction and has always been my idea of a classy dream car. This past episode took place in Houston, Texas, and many vintage pickup trucks — which did not seem that extraordinary to me — were outpricing the ‘57 Corvette. That led me to my second moment of reflection: What people think has value and worth is subjective and will be completely different in different environments. It makes sense to me that pickup trucks have a higher value in Texas but might not be as valuable in other parts of the country. As parents, we need to realize our kids are continually being judged, compared, and assigned value in their daily lives, even if we think it
Just like with vintage car appraisals, what people value can be subjective too. 22 Bham Family March 2021
is wrong to judge. The daily environment of friends, teachers, coaches, and acquaintances our kids interactive with will have an impact on how they see themselves and may impact their future success. All three of my children are involved in some form of arts. I have learned that the same dance, same musical performance, or the same theatrical monologue can receive drastically different scores and outcomes. An athlete at a 7A school might not make the team or earn playing time, while the same athlete in a lower division school would have an opportunity for their talent to shine. Here are a few tips to help your child develop resiliency skills: • Remind them they are unconditionally loved regardless of what they do. • Help them become lifelong learners. • Encourage them to be challenged and help them overcome disappointment. • Remind them that God created them for a purpose and that they are fearfully and wonderfully made. • Give them opportunities to be in diverse, challenging, and new environments. • Remember that you are loved unconditionally by a good God. Helping our children learn how to manage their environment and allow themselves to shine can be a complicated — but worthwhile — parenting skill.
For Birmingham. For families.
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Bham Family March 2021 23
FAMILIES IN BUSINESS
Everything But the Cake A Birthday Place offers everything needed for parties and special occasions
PHOTOS COURTESY OF A BIRTHDAY PLACE
They have thousands of edible images to choose from and can also create custom ones.
BY LAUREN H. DOWDLE For at-home bakers or families getting ready to celebrate a birthday, they’ll find everything they need for the next special occasion at Pelham’s A Birthday Place. As the staff likes to say, customers will find “everything but the cake.” Owner Patricia Papalardo opened the storefront last spring with her nieces Kathryn Esquivel and Allyson McPoland, following decades in the baking industry. Papalardo attended pastry school in the 1980s before working for large corporate companies. That’s where she realized the need at-home bakers had for cake decorating items, especially edible images. So, she decided to start an online business about 15 years ago, and it’s only grown since then. Her niece, Esquivel, began working with her in 2013 to help with the online business. She found herself meeting customers at different places — like around Helena and the Pelham Post Office — to give them their online orders. With the need for a 24 Bham Family March 2021
storefront evident, they decided to open A Birthday Place in Pelham last year. The store opened its doors the same weekend the quarantine started, so the new venture hasn’t come without a few struggles. But overall, Esquivel says they’ve loved being able to bring the store to their community. “Every single day, someone comes in and says they didn’t know we were here,” she says. “I love being able to talk to people face-to-face.” Their customers include everyone from parents looking to create a memorable party for their children to at-home bakers and small bakeries. “There are so many bakers who work from home or have a small bakery and don’t want to order bulk supplies,” Esquivel says. “We can also order for them so they don’t have to have minimum costs.” The store carries everything for cake decorating, including edible images, cake toppers, edible sugars, CONTINUED ON PAGE 25
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cake boards, cupcake stands, candles, sprinkles, frosting tips, and much more. They also have party favors, supplies, balloons, banners, themed plates, napkins, water bottle wrappers, piñatas, gift items, Pelham gear, and more. “We’re trying to be that one-stop shop,” Esquivel says. Their edible cake toppers are especially popular. With thousands of images they can pull from — and the ability to do custom images — the sky really is the limit for personalizing a cake. From a family photo to a child’s favorite cartoon character, they can print just about any edible image their customers can imagine. “We’re trying to make everyone’s party special, whether it’s small or large,” she says. “If we don’t have what they’re looking for, we’ll try to find it or send them to someone who does. We’re always striving to meet their needs.” A Birthday Place truly is a family run business, with sisters Esquivel and McPoland managing the shop. When residents purchase from this womanrun, family owned store, they can know they’re supporting local families — not large corporations.
Kathryn Esquivel, Patricia Papalardo, and Allyson McPoland love seeing all of their customers at their Pelham store.
Whether it’s a mom looking to make their child’s cake extra special or an at-home baker who needs a specific item, A Birthday Place has them all covered. In addition to making items available in the store and for curbside pickup, they also continue to sell on their website and Walmart.com. A Birthday Place is open Monday through Friday from 8:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. and on Saturdays from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. — and they may extend those hours in the future. The store is located at 2706 C Pelham Parkway in Pelham.
Vineyard Family Services Feeding Kids in Need, Promoting Responsible Fatherhood, and Helping Families in Crisis Donations help us: Feed children in need and provide other essential items Deliver family emergency food boxes Aid fathers and mothers with parenting programs Support incarcerated families and children Provide at-risk teens important life skills
www.vfsdads.com
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ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT
TRUE COLORS Variation en Hue helps dancers become comfortable in their own skin
BY LAUREN H. DOWDLE Pink shoes and suntan or pale-colored tights have become the image of a ballet dancer for many. For dancers of color, conforming to the skin tone of their white peers by wearing these accessories is often required. That mindset is something Quincy Wilson hopes to change in the dance world and beyond. “I believe black and brown dancers should be able to have equal opportunities to wear accessories and costumes that not only match, but accentuate our skin tone,” Wilson says. “I want other dancers like me to be comfortable and happy in their skin, both on and off stage.” A sophomore at Vestavia High School, Wilson started dancing ballet, jazz, and hip-hop when she was three years old. She began participating in dance competitions at age six, and these have been especially close to her heart. “My sister was a competitive dancer, so even when I was little, I wanted to go,” Wilson says. To perfect her craft, she practices about 12 to 15 hours a week, making dance — and the people she meets through it — a big part of her life. The friendships she’s formed have been invaluable, and dance has also taught her several life lessons, she says. One of those lessons came when she joined the Vestavia Rebelettes as a freshman. Wilson remembers watching other schools perform during competitions, including dancers of color. “I saw them wearing tan tights to try to blend in,” Wilson recalls. “That was an eye-opening experience.” Wilson’s coach told her she could start wearing brown tights and shoes, which was the first time she was able to wear something that matched her skin color. “It was a really good experience being allowed to do that,” she says. “I felt confident in my own skin tone.” 26 Bham Family March 2021
PHOTOS COURTESY OF VARIATION EN HUE AND ALLY PACKARD
Quincy Wilson started Variation en Hue to empower other dancers of color.
Not all of her fellow students were as supportive or understanding, saying her shoes didn’t match or looked weird. While it hurt to hear that, Wilson says she finally felt comfortable in her own skin. Wilson also dances with the Birmingham Dance Theatre, which has now changed its policy, allowing the students to wear tights and shoes that match their skin tone during rehearsals. Wilson says she wants help normalize having skin-colored tights and shoes across the dance CONTINUED ON PAGE 27
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world to empower even more girls like her. She began doing that by connecting with TaKiyah Wallace, founder of Brown Girls Do Ballet — someone she and her mother had followed for years. Last summer, Wilson reached out to the Texasbased project to see how she could collect supplies and help them. She began working with Wallace to provide support, which led to a partnership and the creation of Variation en Hue. Wilson’s project, Variation en Hue, strives to outfit dancers of color in flesh-tone tights and shoes so they can stand out, not blend in. “Over the years, it has been quite rare for black and brown dancers to wear tights and shoes that match their skin tones,” Wilson says. Since starting Variation en Hue, people in the community have donated close to 500 ballet and jazz costumes, dropping them off at participating dance stores or during costume drives. Wilson then ships those costumes to dance studios in need. The monetary donations she receives help cover the shipping costs, as well as allowing her to purchase brown and black tights and shoes. “It’s been great. I’m happy with how everyone
in the community has reacted,” she says. “I’m thankful for the support we’ve gotten.” After high school, she plans to go into commercial dancing, Broadway dancing, or a dance teacher role. Wherever she ends up, she knows she wants to keep dancing — and keep supporting other dancers. If she could say anything to other dancers of color, she would tell them not to be afraid, to embrace their skin tone, and have courage. “They shouldn’t have to conform to the skin tone of their friends,” she says. Thanks to generous donations, Variation en Hue isn’t currently looking to collect more costumes because of storage constraints. However, they welcome monetary donations that help with purchasing and shipping brown and black tights and shoes. Donations can be sent to Quincy Wilson for Variation en Hue at P.O. Box 59748 Birmingham, Ala. 35259-9748. Or, people can donate online at Browngirlsdoballet.com and specify Variation en Hue under the additional information step. To view more information on Wilson and her project, check out Variation en Hue on Instagram.
Quincy Wilson has collected nearly 500 dance costumes and ships them to dance studios in need. Bham Family March 2021 27
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Bham Family March 2021 29
KIDS WHO SHINE
JACK FABRIS, 18
BY LAUREN H. DOWDLE Children and youth at King’s Home in Chelsea now have a workout area designed just for them thanks to the work of Jack Fabris. Fabris first got involved with King’s House (formerly The King’s Ranch and Hanna Homes) with his grandfather, who took him there to help out. As he began volunteering more regularly, Fabris said he knew it was the perfect place to complete his Eagle Scout project. He just needed to figure out what type of project would benefit the charity the most. “One of the people who worked there suggested a workout area, and I thought that was a good idea,” he says. Creating the area next to their popular basketball court seemed like the perfect location, giving the kids a place to hang out and workout. So, Fabris began measuring and creating a design to see what he would include and how he would build the space. With help from some of his troop members, Fabris leveled out the space, which required a lot of digging, he says. Some of the construction for the project was done at his grandparents’ house and then transported to the site, where the components were assembled and cemented into the ground. He put the finishing touches on the workout area by covering the space in mulch. The end result was an amazing space for everyone to enjoy. It included pull-up bars of varying sizes, an incline plane, and a pushup board. A member of Troop 354, Fabris completed his Eagle Scout project when he was 17. “It feels wonderful, especially after all of the hard work I put into merit badges and everything
Jack Fabris achieved Eagle Scout rank last year.
else,” Fabris says. Fabris, who has been involved since he was a Cub Scout, reached the Eagle Scout rank last year. The homeschooled senior from Chelsea says he originally joined the Scouts because he enjoyed camping and being outdoors, and the experience has also helped him make friends. After he graduates from high school, Fabris plans to take a year off from school and eventually teach English in another country. “I’ll go anywhere I can find an opportunity,” he says, though he would be especially interested in working in Japan. He would also like to earn his certification to teach the younger Scouts in the future. Fabris created a workout area for King’s Home.
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TEEN TALK LINE (205) 605-1830
PARENT TALK LINE compact2020.com (205) 605-1827
TEENS — Have questions? Concerned about things? Just need someone to listen? Talking helps. Whether you are having a great day or a tough day, give us a call. We are here to listen. PARENTS — Think your teen might be involved with substance abuse?Have questions? Concerned about your teen? Wondering how to handle your teen’s choices? Just need someone to listen to you? Talking helps.
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