OCTOBER 2023
Patches, pumpkins, candy, and more! Everything you need to make this season the best yet. PAGE 21
Over the Mountain Mud
Anita Miles hand-crafts whimsical treasures
PAGE 17
Piano prodigy heads to Interlochen Sean of the South’s ode to Oak Mountain
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EDITOR’S NOTE I am so excited to finally start thinking about all the fall things—from crisp-weather field trips to costumes and all the seasonal treats. (Are you Team Pumpkin Spice? I’m more of a cinnamon spice kinda girl!) October is the best time to savor the treats and the surroundings—the chilly air, colorful leaves—and appreciate all Birmingham has for families. I’m excited to present our fall family fun section, starting on page 21. It’s here that you’ll find all things autumn, from local patches to preserving your pumpkin porch decor and ways to put your kids’ Halloween candy to delicious use. (Speaking of preserving those pricey pumpkins, be sure to read Holy Moly Motherhood on page 10—I’m sure you’ll be able to relate!) On page 17, I had the opportunity to chat with Anita Miles, who hand-crafts clay through her Over the Mountain Mud. Her adorable ghosts are gone for the season, but make a mental note for next year,
and go ahead and shop her holiday wares. You will treasure these pieces for years! It was so inspiring to learn about Samford’s Allison Frederick, who is majoring in piano performance and pedagogy, and her experience at the prestigious Interlochen Art Camp this past summer. Check out the story on page 30. Be sure to head over to our Instagram and Facebook pages for other happenings as well. Birmingham offers endless stories to tell, so if you know of a person, event, or business we should feature, we’d love to hear from you!
Stephanie Gibson Lepore, Content Director and Mom, stephanie@jbmcmedia.com
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ON THE COVER Photograph by Steven Aguilar Tricks or treats? Spooky or sweet? Jack-o’-lantern or a porch full of pretty pumpkins? Whatever your fall fancy, we have you covered this season! Read more starting on page 21.
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How Chamber membership works for me. “I made a decision to invest in the Shelby County Chamber a few years ago because of the networking and business services for small businesses. As a new business owner, the Chamber was a vital part in my growth as a leader. I felt fortunate when KATs Delivery was nominated to be Small Business of the Year in 2018 by my peers and then successful in clinching the award in 2019. I have continued to stay involved and support other small businesses as well.”
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INSIDE THIS ISSUE
17
21
Just for Dads Ward Williams gives advice p. 8 Holy Moly Motherhood The fancy pumpkins p. 10 Sean of the South Oak Mountain p. 12 Schoolhouse Update from the Hoover School District p. 14 Education News from local schools and college students p. 15
30
Kids Who Shine Piano student selected for Interlochen p. 30 FEATURE STORIES From Mud to Mementos Artist molds clay treasures that become prized pieces p. 17 Fall Family Fun From festivals to long-lasting pumpkins and ways to use up all the Halloween candy, we have you covered! p. 21 Bham Family October 2023 7
JUST FOR DADS
PHOTOGRAPH BY ANDERSON SCHMIG ON UNSPLASH
Volunteer “Just Say No” and “Just Do It” were very popular slogans in the culture of the 1980s and 1990s. My mom had a slogan, Ward too: “Just Say Yes” (when you Williams can). She would encourage us to be the kind of friend, child, student, athlete, or sibling who would try new things and volunteer when given the opportunity. My sophomore year of high school, I was a tall and lanky fellow on the outside, but in my head, I looked like Arnold Schwarzenegger or Sylvester Stallone. I went to a citywide party where there was a mud wrestling pit. The first person in the ring was a senior all-star offensive lineman who was daring anyone in the crowd to accept his challenge to a match. My inflated views of my own strength, desire for attention, and lifelong philosophy of volunteering led me to believe I could be like David and conquer the cocky Goliath. The match started, and the big man came running at me. I used some quickness or luck to get away from him, and he tripped and face-planted in the mud. The crowd cheered me on while laughing at him. In my imagination, I pinned him. The referee counted the match over, and the high school girls swooned around me and 8 Bham Family October 2023
declared me their hero. In reality, my opponent did not like that he was being laughed at by a huge crowd of his peers, and he later proceeded to give me a thorough mud wrestling beating that I remember vividly to this day. Volunteering is definitely an activity that has enhanced my life. Some of my volunteering has led to losing fights, money, relationships, pride, and time, as well as negatively affected the way some people see me. But I do not regret in any way that my mom encouraged me to take chances and put myself out there, even when there were negative consequences. Raising my hand, starting a nonprofit, entering a contested election, and following a girl to Birmingham has led to deeply rewarding relationships, adventures, and achievements. One of my favorite stories in the Old Testament book of Isaiah is when Isaiah sees the Lord, is terrified, and immediately answers, “yes, I will go,” when God asks who He can send. I pray you help your child keep their spirit of wonder and adventure and that you teach them to say yes to risks. Teaching your kids to hear God’s voice and say yes to the spirit’s prompting will lead them to a life full of purpose. Ward Williams is the founder and executive director of Vineyard Family Services. Contact him at ward@ vfsdads.com.
Bham Family October 2023 9
HOLY MOLY MOTHERHOOD
Fancy Pumpkins You know what I love? Fancy pumpkins. But you know what I also love? Having enough money to keep the lights on at my house. So why on earth did it just cost me $147 to beautify my porch Alana for fall? And that was just the Smith pumpkins! That didn’t count any cornstalks or scarecrows or hay or mums or blow-up spiders. We know that we can’t just buy one orange pumpkin for $4.99 like we did back in 2005. Oh no. We need stacks of pumpkins. And pumpkins leaning on pumpkins. And pumpkins rolling down your steps like your front door just coughed them up. And bumpy pumpkins, green pumpkins, and tiny and ginormous ones. Some of those pumpkins are so big that you couldn’t even roll them to the car—you’d literally pee your pants just lifting that bad boy into your trunk. You for sure wouldn’t carve it, because it would take until Thanksgiving to get all the seeds out. Forget Charlie Brown—these pumpkins are straight up bibbidi-bobbidi-boo carriage material. Look out Cinderella, here we come. On my porch there are white round pumpkins and white flat pumpkins and pretty pumpkins named “Fairytale,” which are apparently the most fancy pumpkins of all. One of my small pumpkin stacks could have bought me some brand-new shoes. But oh no—I’ll go wearing my old shoes and that fancy pumpkin stack will sit there until it melts into goo one day before Halloween. It’s a real wise investment, I tell you. I’m definitely in the wrong profession if a pack of pumpkin seeds is five dollars and it will grow a whole patch of fancy pumpkins! I don’t know what that math is, but you’ll probably make a million dollars being 10 Bham Family October 2023
PHOTOGRAPH COURTESY OF ALANA SMITH
a pumpkin farmer in Alabama. Nevertheless, I love fall and I love a fancy pumpkin, so the cost just is what it is. There’s no eating out this week, kids, just take your PB&J outside and admire the pumpkins! Happy fall and I hope y’all can get both pumpkins and gas in your car this week! Xoxo, Holy Moly Motherhood Alana Smith is a boy mom (ages 8 and 3), 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.
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SEAN OF THE SOUTH
Oak Mountain State Park Pelham, Alabama. The year was 1927. Coolidge was president. Gas was 21 cents per gallon. Beer was illegal. It was a pivotal year in this country. Maybe the most pivotal ever. Charles Lindberg crossed Atlantic. A guy named Philo T. Farnsworth transmitted the first electronic TV image. Henry Ford unveiled the Model A. The first “Talkie” motion picture was released. Work began on Mount Rushmore. The Babe was setting world records up the wazooty. And way down in Alabama, the Twenty-Second state bought 940 acres and transformed the land into a state park. It was virginal country which included Double Oak Mountain and parts of Little Oak Ridge. The foothills of the Appalachians themselves. These were pristine mountainsides. Some of the most incorrupt acreage in the United States. One reporter called it “Zion.” This was such magnificent country that a few years later, the National Park Service got involved with its development. The NPS acquired 8,000 acres of additional land. The federal government was so psyched about this place, they were going to turn it all into a national park, on par with Yellowstone and Yosemite. They were going to call the park “Little Smoky Mountain National Park.” Dear old Uncle Sam bussed down shiploads of Civilian Conservation Corps men. Machines began hewing through stone and granite. The population of Pelham swelled with workers. But then some guy named Hitler screwed up the world, started a war, and every able-bodied male was sent overseas. Work ceased on the park. The national big-wigs forgot about this place. Today, what remains is Oak Mountain State Park. The greatest state park in the country. Hands down. I’ve been to a lot of state parks and national parks on the North American Continent. Oak Mountain is among the best. 12 Bham Family October 2023
I hike Oak Mountain a lot because it isn’t far from my back door. I like it here. Whenever I visit, I feel my heart begin to beat in a normalized rhythm again. I feel my shoulders lower from my ears. This morning, I hiked in Oak Mountain with my dog, Otis (alleged Labrador). We hiked for several hours. He sprinted ahead, while I struggled to stay oxygenated. “Slow down, dangit!” is what I was saying for most of the day. He traipsed up mountainsides, while I wheezed and coughed and saw purple spots in my vision. And I met a colorful mosaic of human beings on the mountain. I passed three older women who were hiking together, using walking sticks, singing hymns aloud. They were from Alabaster. They sang “Great is Thy Faithfulness,” “No Not One,” and “Reach Out To Jesus.” The woods came alive with their harmonies. “We’re Church of Christers,” they told me. “But we drink a little.” I passed a young man who was hiking with a newborn baby strapped to his chest. He said he was a CONTINUED ON PAGE 13
ILLUSTRATION COURTESY OF SEAN DIETRICH
SEAN OF THE SOUTH CONTINUED FROM PAGE 12
single dad. His wife died in a car accident a few months ago. He is raising his infant daughter alone. He comes here because this is where he can feel peace. I met a woman hiking with her teenage daughter. The daughter just graduated college and is joining the military. She is about to ship out for training soon. The mother began to cry when she spoke of it. “I am so proud of my daughter,” Mama said. “But my heart will be empty when she leaves.” I passed a family from Denmark. They are visiting America and trying to see every state. A mother, father, and two boys. So far they have seen 13 states. Alabama is their 14th. I asked how they liked it. “Alabama has the best Mexican food,” said the Danish family. “Our digestives are still suffering from all these little, how you say, jalapeño peppers.” How nice. On my way to the top of the mountain, my dog
greeted a man who is a car salesman in Birmingham. He was hiking because his doctor told him he needed to take care of his cholesterol. I also met a woman who was training for her upcoming thru-hike on the Appalachian Trail. I asked why she was going to hike the AT. She answered, “Because my mom always wanted to hike the AT, and she can’t hike anymore.” There was an elderly man plodding toward the top of the mountain. He pet Otis’s head and gave him a piece of beef jerky. Otis was eternally grateful. “My wife has Alzheimer’s,” he said. “We have been hiking Oak Mountain since the 1950s, but she doesn’t remember any of that now. So sometimes I come out here to hike, and just remember her.” I asked him what this place was like in the ’50s. He said, “Oh, it was just like it is now. Same beautiful mountains. Same beautiful people.” And try as I have for the last 15 minutes, I can’t come up with a better closing line than that.
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Bham Family October 2023 13
NEWS FROM HOOVER CITY SCHOOLS
Maddox named Superintendent The Hoover City Schools District announced the Hoover Board of Education’s unanimous appointment of Dr. Kevin Maddox as the new superintendent of education. Dr. Maddox is the former assistant superintendent of Homewood City Schools with 29 years of experience as an educator, 20 of those years as an administrator. Dr. Maddox said, “Hoover City Schools is an amazing school system with high academic expectations, extracurricular successes, and dedicated employees. I am extremely humbled and excited to serve the Hoover community, and I look forward to working alongside the administrators, teachers, staff, and families of Hoover.” Dr. Maddox brings extensive experience in human resources, capital improvement projects, budget management, and organizational climate improvement. Board President Kermit Kendrick said, “Our task is not simply to select a well-qualified leader but one whose educational philosophy, experience, and temperament will further elevate the already high standard of educational achievement that has been the hallmark of Hoover City Schools.” HBOE Vice President Alan J. Paquette says he saw lots of energy in Dr. Maddox and was pleased with the exciting vision he shared for the District. Paquette believes the Board will see Dr. Maddox build on Dr. Fowler’s successes.
14 Bham Family October 2023
EDUCATION
Samford Announces Record Enrollment Samford University total enrollment is the largest in the school’s history at 5,791 students. The institution also set new records for the largest class of first-year students and the largest number of undergraduate students. For the fall semester, 1,081 first-year students enrolled at Samford, which is an increase from last year’s record number of 972. The total number of PHOTOGRAPH COURTESY OF SAMFORD UNIVERSITY undergraduate students is 3,832. The students represent 49 states, including Alaska and Hawaii, Puerto Rico, and 16 countries. “We are thrilled to report our largest total enrollment in university history. This is a testament to the hard work of our entire campus and the strong desire our students have for a Samford education,” says Jason Black, vice president for enrollment management at Samford. The university also set a record for the total number of new students, with 1,164 matriculating this fall. Samford has seen 15 years of consecutive enrollment records, continuing to grow while many universities across the nation are experiencing enrollment declines.
Altamont Seniors Named National Merit Semifinalists Altamont seniors Riley Pierce and Claudia Williams are among 263 Alabama students named semifinalists in the prestigious National Merit Scholarship Program. The pair will continue in national competition through this academic year for approximately 7,140 National Merit PHOTOGRAPH COURTESY OF THE ALTAMONT SCHOOL Scholarships worth nearly $28 million. The national pool of semifinalists, representing less than one percent of U.S. high school seniors, includes the highest-scoring entrants on the Preliminary SAT/National Merit Scholarship Qualifying test in each state. To become finalists, Riley and Claudia must now submit detailed scholarship applications that demonstrate their academic achievements, school and community activities, demonstrated leadership abilities, employment, honors, and awards. They also must be endorsed by school officials, write an essay, and earn SAT or ACT scores that confirm their performance on the qualifying test. If selected as finalists in February 2024, Riley and Claudia will compete for three types of scholarships next spring. Bham Family October 2023 15
EDUCATION
Alabama Districts Named Best in State Seven local school districts were recently named among the top schools in the state. The rankings are from the Niche list of the 2023 Best School Districts in Alabama. Pelham City Schools were ranked number 13; Alabaster City Schools were ranked number 12; Trussville City Schools were ranked number 8; Mountain Brook Schools were ranked number six; Hoover City Schools were ranked number five; Vestavia Hills City Schools were named number four; and Homewood City Schools were ranked number two.
Mountain Brook High School Girls Tennis Team
PHOTOGRAPH COURTESY OF MOUNTAIN BROOK SCHOOLS
Mountain Brook Athletics Honored For the third straight year, the Mountain Brook High School athletic department has been ranked as the number one athletic program in the state of Alabama by MaxPreps. The MaxPreps Cup is a formula designed to recognize the top overall high school athletic programs in the country. Points are awarded for state championships, runnerup finishes, and placement in national rankings. Point totals awarded are based on size of state, popularity of sport, size of enrollment division, and number of schools in the enrollment division. During the last school year, Mountain Brook won state championships in boys cross country, girls cross country, girls indoor track, boys tennis, girls tennis, and girls outdoor track. The Spartans also finished as state runners-up in football and boys basketball. The total number of points also places the Spartan athletic department as the number 19 program in the country and the number 10 program nationally among public schools. 16 Bham Family October 2023
FEATURE
From Mud to Mementos
PHOTOGRAPHS COURTESY OF ANITA MILES
Local artist Anita Miles molds clay treasures that become prized pieces for friends and family.
BY STEPHANIE GIBSON LEPORE There’s no lack of creativity in Anita Miles’s family; her sister, Piper Worthington, started Elf Magic years ago. Long before other elves hit the shelves, Elf Magic delighted children with whimsy and the true meaning of Christmas. “It grew into a worldwide Christmas business,” says Anita. “[Piper] once asked me if I would sculpt a nativity and have the elves kneeling as if to worship Jesus. That was my first intro to actually trying my hand at pottery, and I loved it!” Though she’s always loved the
medium, noting that her aunt’s best friend was an amazing potter and some of those pieces are her “greatest treasures,” Anita had not previously made anything herself. “Fast-forward to my son getting married,” says Anita, “and I wanted a special gift for everyone at the rehearsal dinner. I decided to make vases that guests could take home as a token of thanks for coming. Not knowing where to start, I took lessons at Earthborn Pottery in Leeds, and that was it. I was hooked!” The creative outlet spurred her on. CONTINUED ON PAGE 18
Bham Family October 2023 17
FEATURE
CONTINUED FROM PAGE 17
“I fell in love with handbuilding over the wheel. For me, I feel I can be more original. I always have new ideas; always thinking what to make next,” she says. “I especially love getting together on a regular basis with my childhood friend from Atlanta, where I am from, who has also taken up pottery. We get together often for a long weekend and spend all our waking hours creating and sharing ideas and learning from each other.” Last fall, Anita’s miniature ghosts, which sit over a battery-operated candle and offer a sophisticated touch of spook, sold out quickly. This year’s collection is already gone, too. “Last year was the first time I made the ghosts. They take on their 18 Bham Family October 2023
own personality, don’t they?!” she says. Though the ghosts—and everything else—go as fast as she can fire them, Anita notes that, for her, pottery isn’t really a business. “I love to make wedding gifts and Christmas gifts for family and friends more than anything,” she says. “People just found me through word of mouth.” Anita draws inspiration from her own imagination and also from her children—in addition to a married son, she also has twin daughters—who bring ideas of things they’d like Anita to make for them, a perk of having such a talented mom! “But my most favorite thing to make are nativities,” she says. “They take a lot of time, and there’s just no CONTINUED ON PAGE 19
CONTINUED FROM PAGE 18
way to make one without giving deep thought to what I am making and thinking of what a difference Christ has made in my own life. What an honor to make the Baby Jesus. During Covid, with so much time on my hands, I taught myself to sculpt animals for the crèche. That opened up a whole new world! Right now I am getting ready to take lessons from an amazing sculptor I found on Instagram. I reached out to her, and she has offered to help teach me.” Along with the ghosts and nativities, Anita really loves making vases, and she also counts pumpkins, plates, bowls, mugs, and Christmas trees and ornaments among her collection—“a little of everything and anything,” she says. Of the name
for her wares, she explains, “I was trying to think of something that represented where I lived. However, I have moved my studio to our lake house (where she has a kiln and a slab roller that are both in constant use!) because I have so much more room there. I’m not changing the name though!” Despite her reluctance to view Over the Mountain Mud as a business, growth seems inevitable. But Anita’s heart remains at the center of her talent: “I have a lot of dear friends and family who have been so encouraging, so when they request something, I love to make them what they want!” See Anita’s work on Instagram @overthemountainmud, and message or email her to purchase. Bham Family October 2023 19
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This Way for
FALL Family Fun Flip the page for the ultimate festival and patch guide, an easy how-to for perfect porch pumpkins, and ideas for sharing (and eating!) the mounds of Halloween candy!
PHOTOGRAPH BY TIM MOSSHOLDER ON UNSPLASH
Bham Family October 2023 21
FALL FUN
PICK A PATCH The Birmingham area plays hosts to all kinds of pumpkin patches, hayrides, corn mazes, and much more.
BY STEPHANIE GIBSON LEPORE From Homewood to Hoover, Cullman to Calera, and many points in between, there’s likely a pumpkin patch within a half-hour road trip from your driveway. Most spots offer activities to entertain toddlers all the way up to the older kiddos (corn maze confusion, anyone?), so don’t get tricked into thinking these destinations are just for the littles. Pumpkin patches are basically a one-day mini theme park visit, with all the food, fun, and family memories you can make! Bonus: Your kids won’t have any trouble falling asleep after a day at the farm. 4D FARM 4dfamilyfarm.com Where: 7182 County Rd. 703 in Cullman What: Barnyard coaster, duck races, hayrides, corn maze, farm animals, pumpkin patch, and more When: Thursdays-Sundays through October How Much: Day passes start at $15.95; purchase online to save off gate prices 22 Bham Family October 2023
Don’t Miss: The all-new Goblin Glow beginning at dusk on Friday and Saturday nights BENNETT FARMS bennettfarms.com Where: 1073 County Rd. 13 in Heflin What: The annual Pumpkin Patch with farm animals, a hay maze, wildflower field, pipe slides, concessions, and a wagon train; the Country Store sells handmade soaps, pottery, and more When: Wednesdays and Fridays-Sundays through October How Much: $12 admission plus extra for pumpkins and activities Don’t Miss: The two-mile corn maze CAMP WINNATASKA winnataska.org Where: 260 Winnataska Dr. in Pell City What: Pumpkin Patch with games and hayrides CONTINUED ON PAGE 23
FALL FUN CONTINUED FROM PAGE 22
When: October 14-15 How Much: $15 includes a pumpkin, wagon ride, inflatables; bring money for extras Don’t Miss: Roasting marshmallows with chocolate and graham crackers…need we say s’more? GRACE HOUSE PUMPKIN FESTIVAL grace-house.org Where: Homewood Central Park What: 10th Annual Pumpkin Festival benefitting Grace House Ministries When: October 14, 10 a.m.-1 p.m. How Much: $10 for children (includes a pumpkin and goodie bag); adults are free Don’t Miss: The inflatable spider climb GRIFFIN FARM OF WEST BLOCTON griffinfarmal.com Where: 826 Griffin Rd. in West Blocton What: Corn maze, hayride, hamster wheel, bouncy barn, pumpkin patch, and tractor trikes When: Saturdays-Sundays in October How Much: $10 admission for ages 2 and up Don’t Miss: King-size corn bed and food trucks for a family picnic HALLOWEEN FAIRYLAND tannehillstatepark.org/events Where: Tannehill State Park in McCalla What: 200 campsites with trick-or-treating, moonwalks, face painting, and a bungee jump When: October 28; festival (11 a.m.-4 p.m.) and trick-or-treating (5-9 p.m.) How Much: Gate admission is $3 kids 6-11, $5 ages 12-adult (some attractions cost extra); bring money for a festival T-shirt Don’t Miss: Extensive campsite decorations and lights PUGS & PUMPKINS Where: Oak Mountain State Park Fishing Center What: A fundraiser for Alabama Pug Rescue and Adoption Inc., all well-behaved dogs of any breed and owners welcome for a silent auction, lunch, games, and pie-eating and costume contests When: October 28, 11 a.m.-3 p.m. How Much: Oak Mountain entrance fee and money for the bake sale Don’t Miss: Pug pictures with Santa!
PUMPKIN JUNCTION hodrrm.org Where: Heart of Dixie Railroad Museum in Calera What: A short train ride through the woods to the patch for pumpkins, hayrides, and a pallet maze When: Saturdays-Sundays October 7-22 How Much: Tickets start at $18 for children and adults Don’t Miss: The train whistle! Listen out for the boarding signal about 45 minutes after you arrive. THE PATCH AT HELENA HOLLOW helenahollow.com Where: 6027 Hwy. 17 in Helena What: More than 25 activities on 10 acres, including a hay run, tire climb, and pipe slides When: Fridays-Sundays through October 31 How Much: $10.95 (Fridays); $12.95 (Saturdays and Sundays); some activities are extra Don’t Miss: Any of it! Helena Hollow was named best patch in the state; also try your luck on the mechanical bull. HAY HOOVER hooveral.org Where: Veterans Park on Valleydale Rd. in Hoover What: Hayrides, pony rides, petting zoo, and more (costumes encouraged!) When: October 14, 11 a.m.-3 p.m. How Much: Free Don’t Miss: Shuttle service from Spain Park High School! MISS SIMS’ GARDEN cityofhomewood.com/sims-garden Where: 913 Irving Rd. in Homewood What: Pumpkin and mum sale at the only Overthe-Mountain pumpkin patch, family photo ops, scavenger hunt, and arts and crafts When: Daily through October How Much: Free admission plus the cost of pumpkins and mums Don’t Miss: The scarecrow contest! Email simsgarden@homewoodal.org OLD BAKER FARM oldbakerfarm.com Where: 184 Furrow Ln. in Harpersville What: U-pick pumpkin farm, corn maze, petting farm, and train rides When: Daily through October CONTINUED ON PAGE 29
Bham Family October 2023 23
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FALL FUN
Preserving
PUMPKINS
Put these tips to the test to keep your seasonal decor fresh STORY AND PHOTOS BY CARMEN JOHNSTON
This is my favorite time of year: Fall is in full swing, and all the pumpkins are out! I am so ready to decorate, and—of course—a key element in fall decor is pumpkins. They make the perfect addition to any front porch and are so much fun to carve with your children. I have some great tips to share that will help you preserve your pumpkins and keep them looking good long past Halloween.
First, make the right selection. Be sure to pick out the best pumpkin possible by looking for one that’s firm and free of bruises and other blemishes. Next, decide if you are going to carve your pumpkin or leave it whole for a fabulous fall accent. If you choose to carve your pumpkin, make sure you remove all the insides and clean it throughout, getting out every strand. (Save CONTINUED ON PAGE 27
Bham Family October 2023 25
FEB 3, 2024
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FALL FUN CONTINUED FROM PAGE 25
those seeds! See sidebar for a delicious roasted pumpkin seeds recipe.) Whether you carve your pumpkin or not, you will want to soak it in a bleach/water mixture (1-2 teaspoons of bleach per gallon of water). Leave your pumpkin to soak overnight, then rinse. Another great soaking mixture is bleach, water, dish soap, and petroleum jelly or matte sealer: 1. Prepare 10 parts water, 1 part bleach, and one squirt of dish soap in a bathtub, large bucket, or the kitchen sink. 2. Roll pumpkins around in the mixture to coat all sides. Then, arrange pumpkins with stems facing down into the mixture. Make sure you wear gloves. 3. Let the pumpkins soak for 20 to 30 minutes. 4. Remove the pumpkins and dry them with a cloth. 5. Dip another cloth into the petroleum jelly, and wipe on all areas of each pumpkin. As an alternative to petroleum jelly, you can spray pumpkins with a coat of matte sealer. 6. To maintain fresh pumpkins, prepare a spray bottle with 10 parts water and 1 part bleach. Spray pumpkins all over every two to three days. One of my favorite products to use on pumpkins is Wet and Forget: Moss, Mold, Mildew, and Algae Stain Remover. 1. Prepare 5 parts water to 1 part Wet and Forget in a bathtub, large bucket, or the kitchen sink. 2. Roll the pumpkins around to coat all sides. Then, arrange pumpkins with stems facing down into the mixture. Make sure you wear gloves! 3. Let the pumpkins soak for 20 to 30 minutes. 4. Remove the pumpkins and dry them with a cloth.
ROASTED PUMPKIN SEEDS ¾ - 1 cup pumpkin seeds 1 tablespoon olive oil ½ teaspoon sea salt ¼ teaspoon garlic powder Pinch of black pepper
Preheat oven to 350°. Rinse pumpkin seeds and allow to dry completely. Combine pumpkin seeds, oil, and all seasonings in a bowl, stirring to combine. Transfer mixture to a lightly greased rimmed baking sheet, spreading evenly. Bake seeds until toasted and crunchy, about 15 minutes, stirring every few minutes to ensure even cooking. Allow seeds to cool, transfer to an airtight container, and store up to 2 weeks. 5. Spray pumpkins all over with Wet and Forget every two to three days. (You can purchase Wet and Forget on Amazon.) Hydration is key. Make sure your pumpkins do not dry out by keeping them moisturized. You can use vegetable oil, petroleum jelly, or even WD-40. If you choose to use WD-40, do not illuminate your pumpkin with a real candle or open flame; use a battery-operated light instead. Be sure to coat carved pumpkins throughout and very thoroughly. Do not display them on concrete, as this pulls extra moisture out of your pumpkins. If your pumpkin starts to look dry, give it a dunk in cool water overnight! Temperature matters, so keep your pumpkins cool. Do not set them in a spot that gets full, intense sunlight all day long. For the longest lifespan, choose a cool, shady, covered spot. I hope these tips help to preserve your pumpkins and keep them looking fabulous all season long. Happy Fall and Happy Decorating! Carmen Johnston is a lifestyle gardening and entertaining expert. Find her @carmenjohnstongardens on social media, or visit carmenjohnstongardens.com. Bham Family October 2023 27
FALL FUN
PHOTOGRAPH BY RAWPIXEL.COM ON FREEPIK
Sweet Ways to Make Use of Halloween Candy No tricks! Try these ideas with your extra treats.
BY STEPHANIE GIBSON LEPORE October 31: It’s a day for costumes, sugar highs, class parties, trick-or-treating. But by November 1, you’re probably scheming up ways to toss all the candy out the door. Check out these not-so-scary ideas instead! DONATE The national Halloween Candy Buy Back began to get excess candy “off the streets” and help reduce overconsumption. Many dentists participate, “buying” candy from kids in exchange for money, nonedible treats, or new toothbrushes! You can find a buyback location at halloweencandybuyback. com. Ronald McDonald House locations will accept 28 Bham Family October 2023
unopened Halloween candy to distribute to sick children and their families. Search for your local chapter at rmhc.org/find-a-chapter. Operation Shoebox volunteers pack practical items into care packages for soldiers, and they love including candy—especially around the holidays. Mail candy donations to Operation Shoebox, 8360 East Highway 25, Belleview, FL 34420. For more information and other ways to help, visit operationshoebox.com. If you need a clever way to convince younger kids to let go of some loot, introduce them to the Switch Witch! She flies in for a visit when children leave out candy on the porch, exchanging it for a small goodie bag or toy. CONTINUED ON PAGE 29
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EXPERIMENT In this case, it’s okay to play with your food! Visit candyexperiments.com for wild and wacky ways to learn science. Test candy for carbon dioxide (Pop Rocks), acid (Nerds), or color separation (M&Ms). For younger kids, experiment with different treats to see what sinks or floats. FREEZE Did you know you can store unopened candy in the freezer for up to a year? Simply store like pieces together in a zip-top plastic bag. Thaw out a few pieces for road trip snacks or movie night when you need them. You can also “recycle” non-themed candy in Christmas stockings or a birthday piñata. Set aside any brightly colored selections to use on gingerbread houses during the holidays. MAKE (OR BAKE) Add M&Ms and pretzels to popcorn, toss in melted white chocolate, and allow to cool slightly before digging in. Use up leftover cereal, nuts, candy, and dried fruit in a tasty trail mix. Leftover candy will instantly jazz up plain ice cream. Allow ice cream to thaw until soft enough to stir, 10 to 30 minutes. Stir in chopped candy, and return to the freezer until ready to eat.. Change up a classic chocolate chip cookie recipe by replacing the signature ingredient with chopped mini candy bars or M&Ms. If you’re a fan of chocolate-caramel apples, you have to try this fave “salad,” passed down from a Midwestern friend years ago. The ingredients sound a bit bizarre, but it’s a delicious crowd-pleaser—promise! CONTINUED FROM PAGE 23
How Much: $13 (includes a pumpkin); $1 cash discount Don’t Miss: Cowboy Day October 14-15, with live-action shootouts and a bluegrass band; Festival Weekend October 27-28, featuring vendors, live music, and an 1800s-style carnival PENTON FARMS pentonfarms.com Where: 3595 County Rd. 59 in Verbena What: Patch, corn pit, corn maze, hay mountain, slides, and wagon rides When: Daily except Sundays through October 31 How Much: $12 (includes most activities and a pumpkin)
APPLE-SNICKER SALAD 5-6 Granny Smith apples 6 Full-size Snickers 1 small package vanilla pudding mix 1 8-ounce container Cool Whip Chop apples and Snickers and mix together. Sprinkle with dry pudding mix and stir to combine. Fold in Cool Whip. Refrigerate until time to serve. CRAFT A candy wreath is a creative way to make use of leftover candy. Display and store in a cool, dry place, and it can last for years. It’s the perfect decor for Halloween and birthdays! All you need is a wreath form, hot-glue gun, candy, a bow, and a ribbon for hanging. Carefully glue candy on to wreath form with hot-glue, overlapping and stacking as you go. Be careful with chocolate candy; it’s best to apply the glue to the wreath form, let cool for a few seconds, and then secure candy. Once wreath is full to your liking, glue bow to the top center. Attach a ribbon loop to the back for hanging. Don’t Miss: The cow train ($3 per person); bring cash for the Snack Shack THE GREAT PUMPKIN PATCH greatpumpkinpatch.com Where: 288 Hwy. 45 in Hayden What: The renovated patch includes a new inflatable park and slides, The Great Pumpkin Patch Train, wagons, and petting zoo. Also enjoy costume contests, live entertainment, and goodies from the Pie House. When: Daily through November 5 How Much: $10 adults; $13 kids (weekdays) and $20 (weekends) Don’t Miss: Bungee jumping ($10) on weekends and $5 pony rides Bham Family October 2023 29
KIDS WHO SHINE
ALLISON FREDERICK
BY ANNE MADISON ADCOCK Allison Frederick, a junior in piano performance and pedagogy at Samford, was nationally selected as one of six teaching assistants at Interlochen Arts Camp, one of the most prestigious music camps in the world. Sitting between two beautiful lakes in northwest Michigan, the camp serves as a hub of creative energy where more than 3,000 artists gather to find inspiration and connection each year. Interlochen offers students the opportunity to develop their performance abilities while receiving professional instruction from leading artist-instructors from all over. “Interlochen was incredible,” says Allison. “My favorite part was getting hands-on experience and being able to apply the skills I’ve learned in the real world.” Dr. Gayle Kowalchyk, legendary piano pedagogue and co-author of over 300 books, including the Alfred piano series, and Maria Grant were Allison’s supervising instructors. Together they expressed Allison’s lasting impression as a natural leader as she ran practice hour for the young campers. “She is always encouraging and comes up with creative ideas to make learning fun,” says Dr. Kowalchyk and Grant. “She has a quiet calmness about her and shows empathy for the students in any situation. Recently, she taught one of our keyboard musicianship classes and came up with a great mirroring activity, which helped the students play together better as an ensemble. We see a bright future for her!” Allison also made connections with her fellow teaching assistants, all of whom were graduate students representing Ivy League schools, including one from the top piano pedagogy university program in the country. “It’s amazing connecting with the other TAs who are doing what I want to do after I graduate,” says Allison. “I wouldn’t have gotten this experience if I didn’t come to Interlochen, and I’m just so grateful.” During her time at Interlochen Arts Camp, Allison was able to immerse herself in the holistic community of artists from around the world, while also forming friendships and connections with others in her field. “As Allison’s teacher, I am so very proud of her accomplishments and her acceptance into this extremely competitive position,” says Jason Terry, Associate Professor of Piano at Samford. “I know she’s going to take these experiences and use them to shape her into an amazing artist-teacher who is sought after by many, many individuals.” 30 Bham Family October 2023
PHOTOGRAPHS COURTESY OF SAMFORD UNIVERSITY
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Parent Talk Line: 205-605-1827 • Teen Talk Line: 205-605-1830