Garrett’s Place provides suitcases and essentials to kids in transition
22 PAGE 12 Lace Up for a Turkey Trot Race fun for the whole family PAGE 16
EDITOR’S NOTE
It’s the season of gratitude, and this month always shifts my perspective toward thanksgiving—both the blessings and the holiday.
In this issue, we homed in on the concept of giving back. We’re lucky to have such close community in Birmingham, and finding people and places to write about in that regard wasn’t difficult at all.
Our cover story features a roundup of local places where you and your family can serve together, from sorting diapers for parents who need them to organizing food pantries and more (page 12). It’s the perfect time to start a new tradition of counting your blessings while blessing others. If you’re one of those people who enjoys a good race before the indulgence of Turkey Day (I’m more of a leisurely breakfast-and-paradewatching type), then you’ll find several options on page 16. Participate with your kids and help raise
money for a community cause at the same time. I had the chance to chat with the founders of Garrett’s Place, a nonprofit in Bessemer that is serving the needs of children in the foster care system. I felt challenged in the best way after learning how this family turned the pain of losing a child into their purpose of helping others. Read about it on page 22.
There’s lots more to learn about in this issue, and I’d love to know if any of our content inspires you to get involved. I love hearing from y’all.
Happy Thanksgiving, and
Stephanie Gibson Lepore, Content Director and Mom, stephanie@jbmcmedia.com
ON THE COVER
OUR PEOPLE
Matthew Allen, Publisher (205) 617-9609 | matthew@jbmcmedia.com
Stephanie Gibson Lepore, Content Director stephanie@jbmcmedia.com
Leah Ingram Eagle, Copy Editor leah@jbmcmedia.com
Michelle Salem Haynes, Marketing Consultant (205) 381-1311 | michelle@jbmcmedia.com
To view this and previous issues in a digital flip version, scan the QR code with your phone’s camera.
Each month, families can volunteer together to sort diapers through Bundles of Hope. For this and other ways to give back to the community with your kids, turn to page 12.
Cover photograph courtesy of Bundles of Hope
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.
Holy Moly Motherhood
Gratitude p. 8
Sean of the South
Hurricane Helene p. 10
Nonprofit
Volunteer as a family p. 12
Active Living
Thanksgiving races p. 16
Food Review
Sunshine’s Bakery p. 18
Families in Business
Garrett’s Place p. 22
Schoolhouse
Update from the Hoover School District p. 28
Education
News from local schools and college students p. 28
Kids Who Shine
Student outreach p. 30
FEATURE STORIES
Christmas in Cullman
Celebrate German culture this holiday season.p. 25
Alana Smith
Gratitude
It’s November, y’all. One of my favorite times of year.
The leaves are changing, and the Alabama humidity is in hibernation. The mornings are cool, and the coffee is hot. College football is in full swing, and it’s finally appropriate to eat soup and build a fire. The anticipation that Christmas is right around the corner—but it’s not so close that you feel overly frantic and need to shop and wrap all in a hurry.
November is just a touch easier. Less yard work. Less pressure to exercise and diet. More time for movies and baking pies (if I baked pies). November is a month to prepare, really. And to be thankful.
And this year, I want to focus on being more thankful. Intentionally thankful. It can be a challenge when the nightly news is frustrating and sad. And when everything is so dang expensive. Or when family gatherings loom and you know the air will be a little tense. This year, I’m choosing thankfulness despite all of that.
granted. I am less bothered by daily annoyances when I remind myself of how blessed I truly am. And in return, I am more hopeful for the future. I recently read that gratitude is an “affirmation of goodness,” meaning that life isn’t perfect, but finding the good and being thankful for it shows gratitude. And I think that gratitude leads to happiness. I’m no expert, but I bet it does.
I hope your November is full of happiness, rest, and all the carbs.
Happy Thanksgiving!
I’m thankful for the breath in my lungs. For the health of my two boys. For a warm bed and lights and clean water to drink. For the Thanksgiving meal that awaits. For second chances and old friends and Starbucks.
When we are thankful for the big stuff—family, health, food—then it’s easier to see all the small things as blessings as well and to not take them for
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.
ILLUSTRATION BY ELENA EMCHUK
Hurricane Helene
Dear God, today was a tough one. If you’re listening to this prayer, Lord, we could use a little help down here. Where do I even begin?
Hurricane Helene made landfall as a category 4, with 140 mph winds. And all hell broke loose. The storm has taken at least 40 lives, across four states. That number will grow by the time this prayer reaches you, God.
The damage is unspeakable. The aftermath is shocking. It’s hard to watch the news. The images are downright—well— biblical.
Rescuers across the southeast are still rushing to free those trapped by the storm. Heaven only knows who’s still out there, waiting to be rescued. People are fighting for their lives, God. We’re talking about women and children.
Tampa is battered. Some areas of Florida are only reachable by boat. Cedar Key is beat up, with “water as high as the rooftops.” Keaton Beach. Steinhatchee. The whole Big Bend. Perry will be picking up the pieces for years to come.
And the hits keep coming, God.
Over 4.6 million without power across the southeast. In South Carolina alone, over one million customers are without power. That’s more than 40 percent of homes and businesses in the state.
There were two South Carolina firefighters killed, struck by a falling tree. They were just trying to save people, God. They were rescuing innocent victims. They lost their lives while helping others.
At least 17 people have died in South Carolina from Helene. And the number keeps climbing.
In North Carolina, it’s just as bad. Four people are badly injured after a tornado touched down in the Rocky Mount area.
There have also been mudslides, along with rivers of torrential floodwaters, washing out the interstates at the North Carolina-Tennessee state line.
The death toll in Georgia has risen to 15.
Sean Dietrich
ILLUSTRATION BY SEAN DIETRICH
The Federal Emergency Management Agency has deployed more than 1,500 workers. By late morning, emergency workers had already assisted in 400 rescues. Help them, God.
Tennessee has been suffering, too. Dozens were rescued by helicopter. Fifty-four people, staff and patients, were moved to the roof of the Unicoi County Hospital to wait for rescuers while water tore through the facility.
In Eastern Tennessee, thousands were evacuated after the failure of Waterville dam. Meantime, less than 100 miles away, the water was topping the Lake Lure dam. Water flows over the top of the Nolichucky dam near Greeneville at a rate of 30,000 cubic feet per second.
And that’s just scratching the surface, God. There are a lot of people who need your help right now. Maybe even people reading these very words on their phones.
Maybe these people are trapped in their homes, or camped out in some makeshift community shelter. Maybe they feel helpless, or alone, or lost. Maybe they’ve lost someone. Maybe they’ve lost everything.
I believe you can help them, God. I’ve seen you do it before. I know you can do it again.
You once said that whenever someone needed something, all they had to do was ask. So, this is me, asking you for help.
In your name we pray.
Amen.
&
Give Thanks Give Back
November is the perfect time to count your blessings by helping others with less.
In a world where kids have access to so much, it’s always good to remind them that needs exist in the community. Volunteering as a family creates meaningful bonds and shared experiences, and it also offers an important opportunity to teach children kindness and the importance of giving back to the community. Whether serving meals at a local shelter, participating in a community cleanup, organizing donation resources, or simply offering smiles and cards to nursing home patients, these activities foster a sense of teamwork, empathy, and purpose. Families can celebrate small victories together, such as completing a project or seeing the impact of their efforts. Additionally, volunteering exposes family members to diverse perspectives, helping them appreciate their own blessings while contributing to a greater cause. It’s a rewarding way to grow together. Following is a list of local serve opportunities that welcome volunteers of all ages.
FIREHOUSE MINISTRIES
Food insecurity impacts more than one million people in Alabama. Grace Klein Community helps alleviate this through its food programs, as well as provide practical items like diapers, wipes, and school supplies where needed. Volunteers can serve at drive-thru food support sites; sort necessities and supplies at the Community Outreach Hall; work as food rescue heroes; and more. Register at gracekleincommunity.com/volunteer.
This nonprofit offers emergency shelter programs, a clothes closet, meals, and more. Sign up for a shift at their shelter, which includes duties such as light cleaning, organizing, and kitchen help, or volunteer to bring, plan, or serve a meal. Volunteers must be at least 8 years old and anyone under 18 years of age must have a chaperone. Learn more at firehouseshelter.com.
PHOTOGRAPH COURTESY OF GRACE KLEIN COMMUNITY
GRACE KLEIN COMMUNITY
PHOTOGRAPH COURTESY OF FIREHOUSE MINISTRIES
GRACE’S KITCHEN
This food ministry started in October 2009, when volunteers began serving a hot breakfast and offering a to-go lunch once a week in Linn Park. Grace’s Kitchen continues to share the gospel of Jesus Christ by providing food to people in need in the park and through its ministry partners. Opportunities are available for weekly food prep, as well as making sandwiches and snack mix at home, writing scripture cards, assembling flatware bundles, and adding verses to takeout containers. Sign up at graceskitchen.org/volunteer-opportunities.
BUNDLES OF HOPE
Diapers are an infant and toddler necessity, and, for many families, they are cost-prohibitive. They are also not covered by any government program such as SNAP or WIC. Bundles of Hope Diaper Bank, founded in 2014 by a group of women at Mountain Chapel United Methodist Church, steps in to aid those experiencing “diaper need” due to financial hardship by providing diapers at no cost. Bundles of Hope now distributes 200,000 diapers per month month. Get involved by bundling diapers, or host a diaper drive to keep supplies stocked. To learn more or to sign up for a Saturday volunteer slot, visit bundlesdiaperbank.org.
PHOTOGRAPH COURTESY OF GRACE’S KITCHEN FACEBOOK
PHOTOGRAPH COURTESY OF BUNDLES OF HOPE
CHRISTIAN SERVICE MISSION
Christian Service Mission uses volunteers throughout Birmingham to work alongside those in need through their three major categories: Resources, Education, and Construction. Individuals can volunteer weekly, during a special event, or for various projects. They use their nearly four-acre campus to help distribute items that increase health equity, support communities through natural disasters, facilitate various initiatives, and more. For more information and to sign up to volunteer, visit csmission.org.
RONALD MCDONALD HOUSE
Ronald McDonald House Charities provides essential services to families whose children need healthcare. A nine-bedroom Ronald McDonald House in Birmingham opened in 1979, becoming the sixth Ronald McDonald House in the world and the first to open debt-free and in a non-NFL franchise city. The current house includes 73 guest suites, a toy store stocked with donated items where families can shop at no cost, an exercise room, family kitchen, volunteer kitchen, playground/patio area, and more. Volunteers assist with cleaning common areas and organizing donations. Baking groups can come during the day to make homemade treats in the kitchen. You must be 16 years old to volunteer, so RMHC is best suited for older kids and parents. Volunteers are especially needed during January and February. To learn more, visit rmhca.org/ volunteer.
PHOTOGRAPH COURTESY OF KEELY WRIGHT
PHOTOGRAPH COURTESY OF RONALD MCDONALD HOUSE CHARITIES
Lace Up for a Turkey Trot
Register your family for one of these races on or around Thanksgiving and run for a community cause together.
Crisp November air and the promise of turkey and pumpkin pie are great reasons to sign up for a family 5K. In our area, there are several great options that benefit wonderful organizations. Have some fun by dressing in matching shirts and teaching your kids about family exercise and giving back. You can compete as a family, or just savor the fall scenery during a leisurely walk/jog. There’s nothing like the spirit of gratitude and togetherness that fills the air this time of year to remind everyone that these events are as much about community and connection as they are about fitness. So, lace up, cross a finish line, and celebrate together as you also give back to others. Then enjoy a Thanksgiving feast while counting your own blessings.
Amanda Pair Foundation Legacy Run
This race, held the Saturday before Thanksgiving (November 23), is planned on behalf of the Amanda Pair Foundation, a nonprofit that honors the life and legacy of wife and mom Amanda Pair, who passed away in 2022 at the age of 40 after a courageous battle with lung cancer. The mission of the foundation is to overcome cancer by caring for families affected by cancer, funding cancer research, and investing in the next generation through a scholarship. The 3rd Annual Amanda Pair Foundation Legacy Run in the Park will be a 5K race and fun run in a loop around the Liberty Park community. For more information and to register, visit amandapair.org.
Gobble Wobble 5K
Join Cornerstone Ranch in Mt. Olive to work up an appetite and make a difference in the community through the annual Gobble Wobble 5K. There are multiple race options for everyone, from serious runners to families. Proceeds benefit area youth through Cornerstone’s camps and programs. For more information and to register, visit cornerstoneranchcamp. com/gobble.
Lake Wilborn Turkey Trot 5K and 1-Mile Fun Run
This Hoover neighborhood will host its first Turkey Day race on November 28. Runners are encouraged to wear festive Thanksgiving attire as they run or walk through the Lake Wilborn community. Race proceeds will benefit St. Jude Children’s Hospital. For more information and to register, visit runsignup.com.
PHOTOGRAPH COURTESY OF LINDSEY HULL
PHOTOGRAPH COURTESY OF UAB VETERAN SERVICES
Sam Lapidus Montclair Run (SLMR)
Join the Levite Jewish Community Center on Thanksgiving Day (November 28) for this 5K that celebrates the life of Sam Lapidus—who battled Ewing sarcoma and passed away at age 14 in 2008—and also raises funds for the LJCC and the Alabama Center for Childhood Cancer and Blood Disorders, who co-sponsors the race. The run, which began in 1976 and now includes 1,500 participants, is the LJCC’s longest-running annual fundraiser. For more information and to register, visit bhamjcc.org/sam-lapidus-montclair-run.
Turkey Trot at the Junction
Benefitting the YMCA Northeast Branch and Youth Center, this Thanksgiving Day 5K includes an automatic entry for two $250 Visa gift cards for all participants—perfect for Black Friday shopping. For more information and to register, visit facebook.com/5katthejunction.
Turkey Trot for Hunger
On Thanksgiving Day, you can participate in the sixth annual Turkey Trot for Hunger and help raise funds for St. Catherine’s Episcopal Church’s Beans and Rice Food Pantry, which serves families in the Chelsea community. (A $25 donation pays for 26 cans of vegetables, soup, and fruit, plus two 18-ounce jars of peanut butter.) The rain or shine event—a chip-timed race on a certified 5K course—begins at the Chelsea Recreational Park and ends at St. Catherine’s. For more information and to register, visit stcatherinesal.org.
UAB Veterans Day 5K
Though not technically a Thanksgiving Day race, you can honor those who have served by joining in the UAB Veterans Day 5K at Railroad Park on November 9, open to runners, walkers, ruckers, strollers, and wheelchair racers. This annual event is hosted by UAB Veteran Services, and proceeds benefit the UAB Veteran Relief Fund, which aids veteran and dependent students. For more information and to register, visit runsignup.com. To stay up to date on race information, follow @UABVeterans on Instagram.
PHOTOGRAPH COURTESY OF BECKY TOMLIN
PHOTOGRAPH COURTESY OF UAB VETERAN SERVICES
Time to Rise
Sunshine’s Bakery brightens Birmingham with fresh pastries and more.
BY STEPHANIE GIBSON LEPORE
New to Irondale, Sunshine’s Bakery is owned by Sunshine Dang and Ronald Williamson, a husband-and-wife team who opened shop in early September.
The bakery’s main focus is on pastries, breads and cookies. Sunshine began selling croissants and, later, cinnamon rolls from her front yard. After a handful of farmers markets and local events helped build a solid customer base, she seized the opportunity to take over a downtown Irondale space that had been vacated by another bakery. “I had been baking only two or three months at that time, but I took a risk to lease the property,” says Sunshine. “It was a lot of work to fix it up and ready [the space] for a storefront—the previous bakery was delivery only—but my husband supports and helps me a lot.” The couple slowly built up their shop, buying new equipment as they can. “Everyone has to start somewhere.”
Sunshine, who remembers her family picking up treats from a shop close to their Vietnam home when she was a child, says “[That bakery] felt like a family—people greeting you and making you feel very welcome,” she says. “I really want to bring that to Irondale. We need a place where you
CONTINUED ON PAGE 20
PHOTOGRAPHS COURTESY OF SUNSHINE’S BAKERY
Sunshine’s Bakery is owned by Sunshine Dang and Ronald Williamson.
CONTINUED FROM PAGE 18
can come and feel comfortable.” Her vision for Sunshine’s Bakery is a “small little place in the neighborhood where people can swing by after work or after they pick up their kid, grab some treats, have a talk, and then enjoy their evening with cinnamon rolls or croissants ready for breakfast the next day,” she says. “I like that the shop is so close to the train track because it brings back my memories in Hanoi, before moving here to study at UAB. In Hanoi, we also have the train in the middle of the city, with coffee shops and bakeries right next to [the train].”
Sunshine notes that she uses the best ingredients she can find to bake fresh each day, including high-quality unprocessed flour and European butter. There are no preservatives in her breads. “Just flour, water, and salt and inclusions like seeds or cheese,” she says. Her menu includes crowd-favorite croissants (plain and flavors like pistachio, ham and cheese, and pepperoni), cinnamon rolls, sourdough bread, cookies, and scones. Tarts and mini-pies are also in the rotation. When the weather is nice, customers can sit out front on picnic tables to enjoy Sunshine’s pastries with a cup of coffee.
“I know it’s not very profitable and it’s a lot of work,” says Sunshine. “But the shop brings me lots of joy and meaningful memories, and we met lots of nice people.
Sunshine’s Bakery is located at 2231 1st Avenue South in Irondale. Hours are 9 a.m.-5 p.m. Wednesday-Saturday. Visit sunshinebakeshop.com.
Fulfilling Their Calling A couple channels their grief into a ministry for foster kids.
BY STEPHANIE GIBSON LEPORE
Paula and David Tarwater are a classic case of turning pain into purpose. One of the couple’s sons—the middle of their three oldest—passed away in his sleep as an infant. “After losing Garrett, there was always a longing,” says Paula. “Of course, you can’t replace a child, but I just wanted to love on kids.” So, she and David signed up to foster, hoping to support kids who needed it most.
“We were told during our class that adoption was rare, and that was fine with us,” she says. “We just wanted to love on and be there for these kids who needed stability.” This was the start of Garrett’s Place, and Paula and David assumed their mission would be providing a safe place for kids in the foster care system.
The Lord, however, had bigger plans for the couple—and their organization—but that would come just a bit later. Though it had not been their
PHOTOGRAPHS COURTESY OF GARRETT’S PLACE
FAMILIES IN BUSINESS
original plan, Paula and David did adopt two more sons through foster care. After a heart-wrenching experience with a little girl in their care, David was ready to be finished with the emotional rollercoaster. But then, says Paula, they received a call to take 7-month-old twins—a boy and a girl— and she and David knew these two would be the final children for their family. “Our little cabooses,” says Paula of the now-10-year-old duo.
Paula notes how many kids came to them with little to nothing at all—not even a spare diaper in the case of one baby—and often whatever they did have would be tossed into a plastic grocery bag. “It’s just not right,” she says. “They need their own things.” In March 2017, Paula sat straight up in bed at 2:30 a.m. “I always thought fostering and adoption was the purpose of Garrett’s Place, but the Lord made it very clear that it was instead to make sure these kids have what they need—tangible items like clothing and shoes—and love from a community.” She immediately woke up David to tell him, and the very next day she received a call from a lady who owned a clothing store. “She said I have two loads of clothes, and I felt like I needed to call you because you’d know what to do with them,” Paula says. “I told her, “If [the line] goes silent, it’s because I passed out!””
With that provision confirming she was on the right path, Paula called DHR, thinking she would stock a closet of necessities in their offices. But as she pulled into the DHR parking lot, she noticed two fluorescent “for sale” signs advertising a building across the street. After a call to the real estate company yielded confusion, Paula discovered the building’s owner had slashed the price in half and posted the signs himself the night before. “David and I had been saving to travel when we retired,” she says. “And we had the exact amount to purchase the building, plus an additional $3,000 to buy all of the fixtures from a JCPenney that was going out of business.”
Now, Garrett’s Place is a respite for kids in uncertain situations, and Paula and David want them to be sure of one thing: They are cared for. They’ve set up Garrett’s Place like a store, with designated areas for infant, children, and tween clothing and shoes; toiletries and other necessities; toys; and more. Around 125 children come through each month. There, they receive “a suitcase and something to put in it.” “These kids don’t have a
CONTINUED FROM PAGE 23
lot of choices in their lives, so Garrett’s Place is all about choices,” says Paula. Each kid gets to fill their bag with 14 outfits (“Everyone needs at least two weeks’ worth of clothes,” says Paula), a couple pairs of shoes, socks and underwear, toiletries, toys, books, a stuffed animal, and a blanket. They choose it all themselves. Beyond the practical, the couple also makes sure kids get items such as keychain bling for their backpacks and locker decor for the older ones. In addition, everyone gets a Bible and an arm bracelet with the contact information for Garrett’s Place. “That’s so no matter where they go, if they can get back to us, we can help them,” says Paula. When asked if any kids do call or come back, she says, “Oh, yes.”
“We can’t change the system or what happened to them, but we can give them peace of mind that they won’t have to continue moving their stuff in garbage bags,” says Paula. “By the time they leave here, you can tell their hearts are lighter. You can see the peace on their faces.” She notes that, every single time without fail, a child will choose something—be it a toy or another item—and say, “I’ve wanted this my entire life!” Paula says that’s the “it” moment. “We know things won’t fix their situations, but it does make a difference. They don’t have to worry about going to school without shoes. Think about it, we all have bad days, but when you have a bad day and your needs are met, you are just
a bit more joyful. Scripture tells us Jesus takes care of the sparrow, and this is Him taking care of His sparrows, His babies.”
The needs have been met at Garrett’s Place as well. As word spread, businesses, churches, and community members expressed a desire to be a part of Garrett’s Place, and together Paula says they parent 6,000 children with love and support. “The provisions, it takes a community to be able to do that. It may not be their moms and dads, but it is moms and dads loving on these kids.”
Garrett’s Place also hosts events throughout the year, including The Gift of Gardens in spring, a kick-off to summer with face-painting and other fun, a back-to-school bash with supplies and backpacks, a Halloween carnival with costumes, candy, and winter coats, and—coming up soon— their annual Christmas event. “We have 300 kids come to the Bessemer Civic Center, which we set up like a village,” says Paula. “It’s all about traditions. They get pictures with Santa, an ornament with their name on it, a gingerbread kit, hot chocolate. The kids walk from store to store [set up by local businesses] and it’s just so cute. So many things have gone wrong in their lives, but this is a good night, a good memory.”
“Garrett’s Place is the Lord calling us and David and I saying yes with faith,” she says. “It’s grown and grown into exactly what He wanted it to be. We’ve never wanted for anything.”
For more information, visit garrettsplace.org.
We Wish You a Frohe Weihnachten
Take
a
short drive up I-65 to celebrate German culture and Christmas festivities in Cullman.
BY STEPHANIE GIBSON LEPORE
You can willkommen the start of the holiday season this month with German Christmas festivities at the Cullman Christkindlmarkt. What began as a tribute to the city’s rich German heritage and a desire to create a unique holiday experience for the community—with just seven huts at the Christmas Parade in 2019—has quickly grown into a beloved event for the community.
CONTINUED ON PAGE 26
CONTINUED FROM PAGE 25
“The Cullman Christkindlmarkt was inspired by the traditional German Christmas markets and launched to bring a taste of authentic European holiday charm to the heart of Alabama,” says Jordan Meggs, who handles marketing for Christkindlmarkt.
European Christmas markets are a cherished tradition that date back to medieval German, typically held during the four weeks of Advent. They usually take place in the center of charming town squares and began as gatherings to provide locals with winter essentials. Since that time, they’ve evolved into a holiday celebration, where visitors can indulge in treats and warm beverages and shop for handcrafted gifts.
The Cullman Christkindlmarkt brings a German winter wonderland to town, modeling these centuries-old traditions and celebrating a throwback to quaint community. Since its start five
years ago, additional hunts and tents have been added. “This growth reflects Cullman’s deeprooted commitment to celebrating its German heritage, providing a festive platform for the community to come together and embrace their cultural traditions during the holiday season,” says Jordan. By 2022, the market had expanded to include 20 huts and 10 tents for vendors, along with various food merchants operating from tents or trailers. (Think German pizza, crepes, baumstriezel, schnitzel, pretzel brats, gluhwein, and more.)
In 2023, attendance reached a staggering 209,000 revelers from 41 states and 700-plus cities, reinforcing the Christkindlmarkt’s appeal to guests of all ages. This year’s market is anticipated to be the biggest yet, with additions such as a larger skating rink and new attractions like an ice-tubing slide and Ferris wheel. The Depot Park area has been doubled as well, thanks in part to a federal grant. Additionally, visitors can enjoy an expanded Kinderplatz/Santa’s Village area
and more covered spaces. World-renowned glass blower Jason Mack will create a piece specifically for the Christkindlmarkt, and he will also offer glass blowing workshops during the market. It’s worth noting that approximately 75 percent of the market’s vendors are local, further enhancing the economic and community impact on Cullman.
The magic starts earlier than ever this year, as the Cullman Christkindlmarkt opens the week before Thanksgiving for a six-week run. Beginning December 16, the market will be open seven days a week. Festivities will kick off November 22 with town favorites: the Christkindlmarkt parade and tree lighting ceremony. Last year’s crowd estimate for the Christmas tree lighting was nearly 18,000, with the parade drawing close to 20,000. “Calculating parade attendance is complex, but we use a combination of geofenced attendance tracking, drone footage analysis and on-street visual estimates,” says Nathan Anderson, executive director of Cullman Parks, Recreation & Sports Tourism.
Cullman Christkindlmarkt runs November 21-December 23. You can find full event information, including directions and hours, at cullmanchristkindlmarkt.com.
www.JBMCmedia.com
Wilson Hired as PIO for Hoover Schools
Merrick Wilson, an 18-year veteran of school communications, has been hired as the next director of communications and public information for Hoover City Schools. She comes to Hoover after having served the same role for Homewood City Schools.
Students Celebrate “Walk to School” Day
Several Hoover schools participated in National Walk to School Day on October 2. Organized by the National Center for Safe Routes to School, the day promotes safe routes to school and celebrates the benefits of exercise. Pictured here are students walking to Rocky Ridge Elementary School.
Promising Practice School
Homewood Middle School earned national recognition for its character education initiatives by Character.org, a leading advocate for character education in schools. HMS is one of nine schools in Alabama to be honored as a 2024 Promising Practice School.
The school’s “Patriot to the CORE” program was recognized for its significant impact and alignment with one or more of Character.org’s principles, which emphasize the importance of embedding core values into school culture and embracing shared leadership to strengthen character initiatives. “This recognition is a reflection of the incredible work being done at Homewood Middle School,” says Justin Hefner, superintendent of Homewood City Schools. “The Patriot to the CORE program exemplifies the middle school’s commitment to character education and the development of responsible, caring citizens. Our teachers, staff, and students have truly embraced the values of the Patriot to the CORE program, and it shows in the positive impact they’re making daily.” The school’s program focuses on instilling core values such as honesty, hard work, respect, and responsibility.
National Merit Commendations
Nine students at Mountain Brook High School were recently National Merit Commended. They are: Brian Acosta, Mac Couvillion, Jane Earnhardt, Addison Hardee, Lily Lott, Caroline Odom, Sorina Shirley, Becca Stewart, and Reed Warburton.
Brookwood Teacher Honored
BWF Technology Coordinator Sharon Mumm recently received the “Making It Happen” Award from Alabama Leaders in Educational Technology (ALET). This award is an internationally recognized awards program for educators in the field of educational technology integration in K–12 schools. The program identifies and rewards educational technology leaders around the world.
Mumm has been the Technology Coordinator at BWF for 31-plus years and has helped the school and district advance in technology use and practices during her tenure. Prior to her current role, she spent five years teaching 3rd and 5th grades. She has also led the Alabama Technology Integration Coach (ALTIC) program for the past seven years. Mumm spearheaded the transition to Schoology, streamlining the ALTIC program, and utilized tools like Zoom and social media to foster collaboration.
Leadership Award Winner
Brenna Vickery, a student at Pelham High School, received the BridgeWays Kathleen P. Bruhn Memorial Leadership Award. The award and scholarship program recognizes graduating seniors who have made a positive impact on their community through volunteerism.
Impactful Educators Honoree
Abigail Hall, a teacher at Pelham High School, was named to the list of Most Inspirational Educators from High School by the Freshman Leadership Initiative (FLI) at Huntington College.
Hall of Fame Inductees
The Vestavia Hills City Schools Hall of Fame will add five new inductees. Inductees in the Hall of Fame’s class of 2024 include:
• Kim Bain, band director at Louis Pizitz Middle School (2006-2021)
• Reba Clark, director of guidance, curriculum and instruction at the Vestavia Hills Board of Education (1970-1991), inducted posthumously
• Barbara Gajewski, social studies teacher, psychology teacher, and counselor at Vestavia Hills High School (1980-2010 and 2013-2021)
• George Hatchett, physical education teacher and health teacher at Louis Pizitz Middle School and boys’ basketball head coach at Vestavia Hills High School (1977-2016)
• Melvese Mann, second grade teacher at Vestavia Hills Elementary East and West (1975-2005)
The Class of 2024 will be the fifth group of educators inducted into the VHCS Hall of Fame. This year’s inductees were chosen from a field of nominees submitted earlier this year by alumni, current and former school employees, and the community at large. “The newest inductees into the VHCS Hall of Fame continue our tradition of honoring outstanding educators who have influenced the lives of so many in our community. Each of them served the school system with distinction and a commitment that are unmatched,” says Todd Freeman, Ed.D., Vestavia Hills City Schools superintendent.
KIDS
BROOKLAND CHRISTIAN ACADEMY FIFTH AND SIXTH GRADE
Fifth- and sixth-grade students at Brookland Christian Academy recently spent a morning at Christian Service Mission (CSM) to help organize and sort supplies and donations.
A new school in its first year that includes 4K through sixth grade, Brookland’s vision is to empower God’s children by providing a quality education in a life-giving and nurturing environment. As part of the kids’ service component, Brookland parent Keely Wright took on the role of outreach director. Because the students do not attend school on Fridays, Keely plans once-a-month projects by grade level for students to serve the community and learn the importance of giving back and tangibly loving others.
“At Brookland, we are teaching the children to be more like Jesus,” says Keely. “He came to serve, not to be served, and these kids serving shows Jesus’s love for those in need.” The school’s outreach projects also give families and kids a chance to connect and build relationships outside of school, which contributes to the close, familylike atmosphere at Brookland.
Recently, Brookland’s fifth- and sixth-grade students—as well as younger siblings—met at CSM to spend a few hours learning about the organization’s work in the community and helping in its warehouse.
Christian Service Mission exists to connect
resources with needs through relational partnerships to help communities thrive. As noted on their website, CSM “believes communities can thrive through relationships, resourcesharing, healthy food access, safe homes, and spiritual guidance. This is done in partnership with churches, as well as through the creation of intentional mentoring opportunities in a variety of disciplines. Through these avenues, we desire to see growth in personal success, increased learning opportunities, safe homes in a vibrant community, and to reach all people through the telling of the Gospel and by living out Christ’s commands.”
The kids spent time organizing donated clothing that will be distributed to local churches, who will then pass them along to people in need. They also sorted food that will be distributed as part of CSM’s annual Thankserving Day, one of the largest outreaches the organization facilitates. Thanksgiving food boxes and turkeys will be given to CSM partners to share with the community.
Samuel Acton, a fifth-grader at Brookland, says, “It was better than I thought it would be! The work wasn’t hard, and I helped give food to people who needed it. The ice cream reward afterward was extra-nice!”
If you know a Birmingham-area kid who shines, tell us about them! Email stephanie@jbmcmedia.com.
PHOTOGRAPH COURTESY OF KEELY WRIGHT
For kids like Gwen •
Because Gwen came to Children’s for the diagnosis and treatment of her blood disorder, she received the best care available thanks to ground-breaking research made possible by clinical trials for cancers and blood disorders. The research happening today will help lead to future cures, and it is happening here at Children’s of Alabama
