The Daniels of 4D Farm usher in pumpkin season together PAGE 20
is PAGE 19
Tricks or treats? Spooky or sweet? No matter what piques your autumn enthusiasm, we have you covered this season!
Earring Entrepreneur 7-year-old artist takes her creations to Etsy PAGE 30
EDITOR’S NOTE
“I’m so glad I live in a world where there are Octobers.” –Anne of Green Gables
At some point, I’m sure you’ve heard this quote, and there’s a reason it’s so well-known (and wellloved): October is the start of so many good things. From crisp autumn weather to pumpkin patch visits with the family and cozy fires to s’mores season, this month is the unofficial start to the holiday season.
As such, we have an entire section devoted to fall fun in Birmingham. Starting on page 19, find the perfect pumpkin patch to visit this year, along with a profile on family-owned 4D Farm in Cullman (page 20) and tips for a safe, not-too-spooky Halloween (page 26).
Comfort food is a go-to during autumn especially, and my family feels most loved when we’re eating Italian. So, I was super-excited to hear that famed
Brooklyn pizza restaurant Grimaldi’s recently opened in Hoover. We can confirm that it is cozy and as delicious as the original. Read more on page 16.
There’s lots more to discover in this issue of Bham Family, including a Samford grad who is using her disability to minister to others (page 12) and a sweet 7-year-old who is taking her earring hobby to Etsy (page 30).
Enjoy the fall, friends!
Stephanie Gibson Lepore, Content Director and Mom, stephanie@jbmcmedia.com
ON THE COVER
To view this and previous issues in a digital flip version, scan the QR code with your phone’s camera.
ABOUT US
Bham Family is published monthly by JBMC Media, LLC, P.O. Box 26432, Birmingham AL 35260. 10,000 copies are printed and distributed at more than 650 locations throughout Jefferson and Shelby Counties.
DISTRIBUTION
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The Daniel family welcomes thousands of guests to their 4D Family Farm in Cullman, Alabama, each fall. Read more about their family-run business on page 20.
Cover photograph by April Warhurst (@bluebirdredbirds)
OUR PEOPLE
Matthew Allen Publisher (205) 617-9609 matthew@jbmcmedia.com
Stephanie Gibson Lepore Content Director stephanie@jbmcmedia.com
News from local schools and college students p. 29
Kids Who Shine
Jewelry-maker launches Etsy shop p. 30
FEATURE STORIES
Fall Family Fun
From festivals and pumpkin patches to Halloween safety we have autumn covered! p. 19
ALABAMA SCHOOL OF FINE ARTS
OPEN HOUSE
SATURDAY, OCT. 19, 2024
9 AM, 10 AM, & 11 AM TOURS
REGISTER HERE
Come take a tour, meet our award-winning faculty, and learn how you can apply. ASFA is a tuition-free, public school for grades 7-12, located in Birmingham with a boarding option for grades 9-12. At ASFA, you get a deep-dive education in your area of talent and passion—creative writing, dance, mathscience, music, theatre arts, or visual arts—while earning an advanced high school diploma.
Trick or Treat!
Gosh, Halloween was so much fun as a kid. Dressing up, eating too much candy, and staying up way past your bedtime always made for the best night.
We had a good trick-ortreating neighborhood, too— flat roads, lots of kids, and not too much traffic. My brother and I would get dressed in our costumes and wait for the dark. We’d sit out on our porch, holding our empty Halloween bags, waiting on our friends across the street so we could all head down the road together. Those minutes would pass so slowly, and I can still feel the anticipation.
When everyone was finally ready, we’d take off at a sprint to the first house with its porch lights on. Our parents trailed way behind yelling, “Make sure to say thank you!” and “Let your brother go first!” We were thrilled when the owners of the house opened the door in costume with a good “BOO!” or exclaimed, “Aren’t you the best witch I’ve ever seen!” Good neighbors made all the difference.
When we had more candy than we could carry—or when our parents were tired of walking—we’d head on back home. We had already eaten several of our favorites (Reese’s Cups and KitKats) as we walked, but we would dump our haul of candy in the middle of the living room floor to count and sort and generally be in awe over. My dad would always say, “Give me a Snickers. Gotta make sure it’s safe, you know,” and he would confiscate one from each of us. We’d pile up all the chocolate and Skittles and Smarties and then push aside the Twizzlers and Bottle Caps and strawberry-wrapped hard candy for someone who didn’t like the good stuff. And then we ate. We ate and ate and didn’t care if we ended up with a stomachache. My mom would say, “That’s enough,” and we’d say, “But it’s Halloween!” and then we’d eat some more. I think I even slept in my costume once.
So, now, as a parent, Halloween is really special to me. I think it’s more fun now watching it
through my children’s eyes than it was as a kid, honestly. My husband doesn’t love the Halloween tradition, but I think it’s because his memories of it aren’t as comforting as mine. So, I do my best to make it memorable for my boys. We go all out on costumes and decorations. We carve the pumpkin even though I hate the insides. We eat all the candy. We stay up late watching Hocus Pocus. We leave the porch light on and trick-or-treat ’til the bags are full or someone’s too tired to walk. And I can’t wait to do it again this year.
So, here’s to trick-or-treating ’til you drop and having the best Halloween with your family! Happy October, y’all.
Alana Smith is a boy mom (ages 9 and 4), nurse anesthetist, and writer in Birmingham. She shares her writing at Holy Moly Motherhood (on Facebook and Instagram), where she tackles all things motherhood and marriage.
PHOTOGRAPH BY MEDIA PHOTOS ON i STOCK
Alana Smith
The Good Old Days
I come from a generation whose ketchup came in glass bottles. And therein lies the fundamental difference between my generation and the current one.
Glass bottles. They were everywhere. They were the essence of life.
You walked into a restaurant, and there were glass condiment bottles sitting on tables. Usually, Heinz Ketchup. You had to bruise your palm to get the stuff out.
And when you couldn’t get the ketchup to move, you handed the bottle to your daddy and watched him invent new cuss words. This is what kept families together.
Glass packaging was the norm. We had no space-age plastic polymers. We had glass, that was all.
And glass, somehow, just made us happier. It unified us. It made us American. Glass bottles kept crime rates down, literacy rates up, and it made everyone sing the national anthem at ball games.
Which reminds me, I was at a ball game the other day when the national anthem was played. Everyone stood. Many placed hands over their hearts. But do you know what? Very few people sang.
Actually, almost nobody sang.
All 42,000 silently listened to the singer on the field without opening their mouths. The singer was a recording artist from Nashville with three Grammys, two ESPYs, one Pulitzer, and whatever else.
The singer performed two minutes of vocal gymnastics so that it sounded like he was having a febrile seizure. And the boy in the seat next to me leaned over to his mom and said, “Which song is this again?”
You see, when I was a kid, everyone sang the “Star Spangled Banner.” That’s just how it was. We learned it in school. We SANG it in school. We knew all the words.
So, you sang the anthem at games. You didn’t let anyone else sing it for you. Before ball games, my grandfather would carefully balance his cigar on his beer, my father would remove his seed cap, and tens of thousands would sing Francis Scott Key in unison.
And when the song ended, everyone applauded, and the Braves, inspired by fervent singing, dashed onto the field and ceremoniously got massacred.
Something else about my generation. We were not required to leave tips for every single financial transaction completed.
Sure, we tipped people. We tipped restaurant servers, barbers, bartenders, and professional dancers. But we did not tip at the supermarket self-checkout.
Know what else? There were no video ads at our gas stations. Yesterday I was pumping gas. There was a television in the pump, blaring
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Sean Dietrich
ILLUSTRATION BY SEAN DIETRICH
24-hour headline news at a volume loud enough to make your gums bleed. These videos were interspersed with noisy ads for everything from potato chips to marital aids.
Not just that, but other things were different, too. People still held the doors for each other. Children were actually pretty good conversationalists.
And we all focused better. Probably because we didn’t have cell phones competing for our attention every couple of nanoseconds. Without cell phones, we were able to perform unthinkable feats of concentration, such as—to pick an unthinkable feat at random—driving.
Music and movies were not streamed, they were shared, communal experiences. If you wanted to see a popular movie, such as, for example, The Muppet Movie, you attended a theater and sat in a roomful of B.O.
Likewise, nobody knew, or cared about gluten. We left our eggs sitting on the counter. Also, butter. And there was a working spittoon at the
local hardware store. And nobody looked down on those who smoked.
Yes, we were ignorant about safety, I’ll admit it. We never wore bike helmets. Seatbelts were optional. Every boy above age 3 owned a pocketknife. There were ashtrays in our airplanes and hospital waiting rooms. Parents bought their children woodburning kits. Or worse: lawn darts.
But truthfully, I miss those days. I miss being told to go outside and play instead of being shoved in a corner and handed an iPad.
Our neighborhood streets were overrun with tiny bicycles. We had Saturday morning cartoons, typewriters, tin Folgers cans, and every child was familiar with BBs. Our churches didn’t use projection screens. And most males held the doors for anyone named Ma’am, Miss, or Mama.
The truth is, I miss a lot about the way things used to be. I miss dressing up when you caught an airline flight. I miss the days when Boy Scouts weren’t in the headlines, and a guy could still work on his car if he had a ratchet set. I miss a lot.
But mainly, I miss glass ketchup bottles.
Finding Her Voice
Beeson graduate tells the story of God’s faithfulness in her life.
BY NEAL EMBRY
Morgan Champion thought she knew where she was headed when she first came to Samford University in 2018. Starting her collegiate career as a triple major in pre-law, Spanish, and journalism, while also being part of the University Fellows program, Morgan learned to live with cerebral palsy and navigated being on her own for the first time while using a wheelchair.
A few months into her time at Samford, Morgan realized she wasn’t doing what the Lord had called her to do. She had a conversation with her parents in December 2018 and told them she felt called to ministry. Then, she changed her major to religious studies, still believing that law school would be in her future. But God had other plans.
Through a relationship with Jim Barnette, a professor in the Department of Biblical and Religious Studies and a campus minister, Morgan learned she had a platform because of her disability. Barnette, struck by Morgan’s evident giftedness in preaching and teaching, encouraged her to pursue seminary, recommending Samford’s Beeson Divinity School. While she was never part of the Preministerial Scholars program Barnette directed, Morgan said Barnette called her an honorary member and continued to push her to follow God’s will.
“He was the most amazing, incredible person,” Morgan says. “I wouldn’t be where I am without Dr. Barnette. The whole Barnette family has come
PHOTOGRAPHS COURTESY OF SAMFORD UNIVERSITY
alongside me in some awesome and incredible ways throughout my time in seminary.”
Before coming to Samford, Morgan had never spent more than two weeks away from her family in Georgia. The first semester was a challenge, she says, as cerebral palsy forces the body to use about five times more energy to accomplish tasks than those without the disability. But, over time, she became more confident, helped by a university that “became home, a safe place, and a respite.”
“Samford really gave me the confidence to say, “This is who I am; this is what I’m good at; this is what the Lord has called me to do,” ” Morgan says. “It really gave me the confidence to say, “I’m going to throw away this perfectly curated and crafted plan that I’ve had for so many years, and I’m going to obey Him and go to seminary.” ” As she prepared for Beeson, Morgan admits she didn’t know what she was getting into, not knowing anything about what seminary would be like. “It was something that could only happen by the Lord’s grace,” she says.
Professors at Samford advocated for her, putting in a good word with Beeson leadership about her and encouraging her as she applied. Barnette planned to write a recommendation for her but was diagnosed in late 2020 with Creutzfeldt-Jakob disease, an untreatable degenerative brain disorder. He died in February 2021. “It was really hard when he passed away,” Morgan says. “I had to figure out who I am in ministry without him.”
Morgan was the inaugural recipient of the James Barnette Award for Excellence in Preaching. She also completed her supervised ministry at Brookwood Baptist Church in Mountain Brook, where Barnette served in various leadership roles, including as senior pastor.
Studies at Beeson represented a new challenge for Morgan. One of the setbacks caused by cerebral palsy is a lack of depth perception and other issues related to vision, which was a problem when it came time to learn the Biblical languages of Greek and Hebrew. Morgan’s eyes struggled to read the Greek alphabet. “Dr. (Randy) Todd pulled me through that first semester of Greek kicking and screaming,” she says. “I wouldn’t have made it through without Dr. Todd.” Morgan also credits Beeson professor Mark Gignilliat with helping her through Hebrew when the time came.
Despite the challenges, Morgan never considered changing her degree path to one which would not require learning the Biblical languages, knowing she was called to earn a Master of Divinity. “I knew that’s what the Lord was wanting me to do, even though it was really hard,” she says. “I knew I would not be being faithful if I was not getting through that season. The blessing is that I had so many people that first year come alongside me as I was learning the languages and helping me.” As she conquered Greek and Hebrew, Morgan also continued to grow more and more independent, moving to an off-campus apartment. She also built relationships as she trusted the Lord to provide transportation to and from school each day.
Through May 2023, she rode in the mornings with a bus driver, “Ms. Janice,” who retired last year at the age of 80. In order to catch her bus, Morgan
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had to leave her apartment each day at 5:30 a.m. and would get rides back to her apartment with friends from Beeson. This past year, she carpooled with friends both ways. Friends have also provided meals over the years, making sure she’s taken care of, even as she’s learned to cook and become more independent. “It’s been really hard, but it’s been a blessing to see how the Beeson community has come around me and poured into me in this season when I didn’t know how the Lord was going to provide even basic things like transportation and meals,” Morgan says. “Some of my favorite friendships at Beeson, I’ve built inside people’s cars, which is just crazy to me. It’s a living, breathing testament of God’s grace and God’s provision.”
Coming to Beeson offered Morgan a chance to study preaching under the renowned Robert Smith, Jr., who retired earlier this year after more than 25 years at the school. “I would follow
Dr. Smith blindfolded anywhere,” Morgan says. Being at Beeson has confirmed her calling, and the Lord has used her time here to push her in ways she says she is so grateful for. When graduation came in April, Morgan says she felt as if she was “stepping into an unknown abyss,” as Samford’s campus had been home for six years.
“It’s weird to be gone. I’m waiting for the Lord to open the right door. The Lord has brought me this far. I believe He’ll do it now,” she says. Currently back at home in Georgia, Morgan is praying about where the Lord may have her do full-time ministry, applying for PhD programs, and participating in community service and disability advocacy work in her hometown.
Wherever she ends up, Morgan plans to be an advocate for those with disabilities inside the church. Not many people have the background and perspective she does, and she often thinks about how what she’s learned in seminary could be used to help those with disabilities better follow Christ and be active members of a church.
Grimaldi’s Pizzeria
This new Hoover spot specializes in the traditional coal-fired brick-oven pizza of the original restaurant in Brooklyn, New York.
If you’re looking for a fun place to grab a slice with the family—and let’s be honest, that’s what Friday nights are made for—then Grimaldi’s in Hoover is the place! From the moment you walk in, the cozy atmosphere and delicious aromas from the coal-fired brick pizza ovens will warm you right up. You’ll hear Frank Sinatra and the like playing through the speakers and see New York photos plastered on the walls, a nod to the original Grimaldi’s in Brooklyn. And you’ll taste NYC in every slice—literally. Grimaldi’s makes their dough fresh daily using a water filtration system that re-creates the water in New York. They also burn anthracite coal in their brick ovens and import tomatoes from Italy.
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PHOTOGRAPHS COURTESY OF GRIMALDI’S PIZZERIA
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Grimaldi’s Pizzeria originated under the Brooklyn Bridge in the DUMBO neighborhood more than 100 years ago, with a commitment to traditional coal-fired brick-oven pizza made with fresh ingredients and a hand-tossed “secret recipe” dough. The restaurant is now franchised on those same principles, and Power Brands Hospitality Group opened Grimaldi’s Pizzeria in Stadium Trace this past August after noting the success of the Huntsville location. The Hoover Grimaldi’s is just the second one in Alabama. Lead operator Joshua Sullivan previously worked at Taziki’s, Mediterranean Café, and Taco Mama in Gardendale.
The menu is packed with delicious options, but the star of the show is definitely pizza. We opted for the Brooklyn Bridge, which includes roasted red peppers, creamy ricotta, and hand-pinched Italian sausage, and a Quattro Formaggi with mozzarella, Asiago, Parmesan, Pecorino-Romano, Gorgonzola, and fresh basil. Both arrived with perfectly crisp-chewy crust and plenty of quality toppings. I didn’t have to cut my daughter’s slice— it was easy to fold and eat! Joshua notes that Grimaldi’s brick ovens, with temperatures from 600 to 650 degrees, make the pizzas perfectly crispy in less than 10 minutes.
In addition to pizzas, Grimaldi’s offers calzones, a variety of salads—the Caprese and Grimaldi’s House Salad with its red onion, roasted sweet peppers, and house vinaigrette were hits with our crew— and desserts that include housemade cheesecake and New York-style cannolis. Fall offerings include the seasonal Bridge Board (Italian meats and cheeses, antipasto peppers, olives, apples, and walnuts), Italian Blu Salad, Buffalo Chicken Pizza, Caramel Apple Cheesecake, and Pumpkin Cheesecake. The full bar serves cocktails, local beers, and Grimaldi’s proprietary Mille Gradi wine brand. There’s plenty of room for large and small parties at tables topped with red-checkered tablecloths and lit by wine bottle chandeliers, a Grimaldi’s signature.
Of note: Grimaldi’s generosity. Since 2020, the business has donated more than $20,000 in gift cards and food to the communities it serves. Under its Grimaldi’s Pizzeria in the Community program, the company contributes to a variety of nonprofits, including No Kid Hungry, an organization that helps fight childhood hunger, and Childhelp, which helps eradicate child abuse and neglect.
Grimaldi’s is a fantastic choice for a family meal, with great food and a relaxed vibe, and we can’t wait to go back for more!
Grimaldi’s Pizzeria is located at 5225 Peridot Place, Suite 121 in Hoover. Hours are Sunday-Thursday 11 a.m.-9 p.m. and Friday-Saturday 11 a.m.-10 p.m. For more information, visit grimaldispizzeria.com/location/hoover.
for
FALL Family Fun Follow us
We have the ultimate patch guide, the sweet story of a family-run pumpkin farm, and simple tips for Halloween safety.
PHOTOGRAPH BY CRYSTAL BOLIN PHOTOGRAPHY
Building Farm and Family
A couple and their four kids worked hard—together—to create their dream-come-true business and life.
BY STEPHANIE GIBSON LEPORE
Situated just 45 minutes north of Birmingham in Cullman, Alabama, 4D Family Farm stands as a testament to the vision and hard work of Cullman natives Beth and Rusty Daniel, who began this venture 12 years ago with little more than a dream and a metal building. As they celebrate more than two decades of family and farming, their dream has blossomed into a beloved local destination.
A Dream Realized
Beth, a former kindergarten teacher, and Rusty, who worked as a field man in the poultry industry on his way to becoming a poultry farmer, were inspired to create 4D Farm after starting their family. “After having our first child, I knew I wanted to be at home,” says Beth. “I took maternity leave for our third son that ended up lasting two years. I loved teaching, but every single day of those two years I prayed for a way to be able to financially stay home
and homeschool. So that’s how this all started, just a prayer to be a stay-at-home mom.” That prayer marked the beginning of their farming journey, which now includes the couple plus their kids— three boys and a girl—and the chickens they raise for Pilgrim’s Pride, based in Guntersville.
Growing Together
Over the years, 4D Family Farm has expanded significantly, offering a variety of attractions each season so there’s something for everyone. Come autumn, the pumpkin patch and all its offerings are a huge hit for visitors. “The farm has grown so much! We add activities each year, and we have no plans of stopping,” says Beth. “There is a corn maze, tubing slide, swing ride, barrel train, obstacle course, jumping pillow, jump pad, kiddie ziplines, slides, play areas, and a huge corn barn. This year,
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PHOTOGRAPHS COURTESY OF 4D FAMILY FARM
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we added apple cannons, paintball, and a new ride, and we’ve also added more lights to our Goblin Glow. We already have our list ready for next year!” The farm’s seasonal offerings also include delicious fall treats and even a diving dog show. This year, they’re excited to present fireworks shows the last three Fridays of October.
Family First
The farm’s success is intertwined with the family’s commitment to working together. While running a seasonal business presents challenges—particularly during the hectic fall months—Beth emphasizes the return. “Fall is hard because we work very long hours. There have been times where our kids have even been out working, helping to put the finishing touches on a new attraction into the morning. It’s hard and tiring, but it’s also very rewarding. This is our life, and we love it,” she says. Their children, who have grown up helping on the farm, have developed a strong work ethic and a sense of pride in what they’ve built. “It’s created so many memories for our children. They love opening the farm and all have plans to continue long after we retire,” Beth continues. “Spending so much time together is definitely a highlight. I’m not going to lie and say it’s always smiles, but the memories, they do always bring smiles. Our family is everything to us, and we’re so thankful for the time we get working alongside our children.”
Beth acknowledges the bittersweet part of working together is how quickly the years have flown by. “Our oldest was only 7 the first year we opened. I can remember him being up before field trips to clean the gem mine sluice, and then working well after dark getting ready
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for the next day,” she says. “He always had so much pride in the farm. We had less help in those early years, and he was a trooper! This will be our first year opening without Lane here to help us, because it’s his first year of college and he is on the school’s rodeo team. We’re excited for him, but we miss him a great deal.”
Balancing Act
Finding balance between family and business can be tricky. The farm is busiest this time of year, but the off months allow for more family time. “I’m not sure we [balance it] very well,” Beth admits. “This is seasonal, and we are all in from August through November. Luckily, the rest of the year we have lots of family time. All our children rodeo, so we enjoy that aspect of our lives while we continue to work on the farm, just at a slower pace.” Still, she acknowledges the fruits far outweigh any drawbacks. “I love homeschooling our kids and the flexibility that it offers,” she says. “The time we get to spend working together really is priceless. I can’t imagine any other life for our family.”
Looking Ahead
The future holds endless possibilities for 4D Family Farm. With so many ideas in the pipeline,
the family is committed to continuously enhancing the farm for visitors. “We probably have 10 years’ worth of plans and love making the farm better for our customers!” says Beth. They take pride in being recognized as Cullman County Farm Family of the Year, a testament to their hard work and dedication. “That was an honor for our family. We love this town and the people who live here.”
Join the Fun
As the fall season approaches, excitement builds for another year of hosting families. Guests can expect pumpkins, of course, along with all the seasonal activities in a warm, family-friendly atmosphere that has become a hallmark of 4D Family Farm. In an era where quality family time can feel fleeting, the Daniel family exemplifies how passion, hard work, and commitment to each other can lead to a thriving business that brings joy to many. “Fall is so fun here,” says Beth. “We’ll have the pumpkins, photo ops, and the maze, but also yummy treats like apple cider slushies, apple cider donuts, and caramel apples!” Plus, you’ll experience the heart and soul that Beth, Rusty, and their children pour into every aspect of their farm.
4D Family Farm is located at 7066 Country Road 703 in Cullman. For more information about hours, tickets, and activities, visit 4dfamilyfarm.com.
Pick a Patch of PUMPKINS
The Birmingham area plays hosts to all kinds of fall farms, 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: Cow train, new swing ride, zip line, apple cannons, singing chicken show, pumpkin patch, and more
When: Thursdays-Sundays through October and November 2
How Much: Day passes start at $16.95; purchase online to save off gate prices
Don’t Miss: The 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, sunflowers, corn cribs, duck race, and hayrides; the Country Store sells handmade soaps, pottery, and more
When: Tuesdays, Thursdays and Saturdays-Sundays through October
How Much: $14 admission plus extra for pumpkins and activities
Don’t Miss: Scarecrow decorating and live music every Saturday in October
CAMP WINNATASKA
winnataska.org
Where: 260 Winnataska Dr. in Pell City
What: Annual Pumpkin Patch with games and hayrides
When: October 19-20
How Much: $15 includes a pumpkin, wagon ride, inflatables; bring money for extras like gem mining and horseback rides
Don’t Miss: Face-painting at The Craft Hut
GRACE HOUSE PUMPKIN FESTIVAL grace-house.org
Where: Homewood Central Park
What: 11th Annual Pumpkin Festival benefitting Grace House Ministries
When: October 14, 10 a.m.-1 p.m.
How Much: $10 for children (includes a pumpkin, goodie bag, and inflatables), adults are free
Don’t Miss: Old-school fun with balloon animals and face-painting
COURTESY OF HELENA HOLLOW
GRIFFIN FARM OF WEST BLOCTON
griffinfarmal.com
Where: 826 Griffin Rd. in West Blocton
What: Animal barn, barrel train, hamster wheel, zipline, pumpkin patch, and king-size corn bed
When: Saturdays-Sundays in October
How Much: $10 admission for ages 2 and up
Don’t Miss: Charlotte’s Web and the bison enclosure
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 26; 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 the annual festival T-shirt
Don’t Miss: Creative campsite decorations and lights
HOOVER SPOOKFEST 2024
hoovermetcomplex.com
Where: The Hoover Met
What: Family friendly trick-or-treating
When: October 31 from 4:30-7:30 p.m.
How Much: Free
Don’t Miss: Food trucks, music, giveaways, and more! There’s also a movie night at the Met on October 20.
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, crafts, and inflatables
When: Saturdays-Sundays October 5-20
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, corn barn, and Silo City
When: Fridays-Sundays in October and Columbus Day
How Much: $13 (Fridays and Columbus Day); $15.95 (Saturdays and Sundays); some activities are extra Don’t Miss: The gigantic pipeslides
MISS SIMS’ GARDEN
cityofhomewood.com/sims-garden
Where: 913 Irving Rd. in Homewood
What: Pumpkin and mum sale at the only Over-theMountain 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
How Much: $13 (includes a pumpkin); $1 cash discount
Don’t Miss: Cowboy Day October 12-13, with live-action shootouts and a bluegrass band; Festival Weekend October 26-27, featuring vendors, live music, and an 1800s-style carnival
PENTON FARMS
pentonfarms.com
Where: 3595 County Rd. 59 in Verbena
What: Patch, hay mountain, corn maze, human hamster wheels, super slide, and wagon rides
When: Daily except Sundays through November 2
How Much: $14 (includes most activities and a pumpkin)
Don’t Miss: The cow train ($3 per person); bring cash for the Snack Shack and shopping the more than 50 varieties of pumpkins
THE GREAT PUMPKIN PATCH
greatpumpkinpatch.com
Where: 288 Hwy. 45 in Hayden
What: hayride to the pumpkin patch, hay pyramid, country store, petting zoo, and more. Also enjoy costume contests, live entertainment, and goodies from the Pie House.
When: Daily through November 3
How Much: $10 adults; $13 kids (weekdays) and $20 (weekends)
Don’t Miss: Bungee jumping ($10) on weekends and $5 pony rides
Take the Fear Out of Fun
Protect young trick-or-treaters by following these guidelines on October 31st.
Everyone loves a good treat on Halloween, but when it comes to child safety, there’s no room for tricks. According to Safe Kids Worldwide, on average, children are more than twice as likely to be hit by a car on Halloween than on any other day of the year. However, there are several easy, effective ways parents and kids can help reduce their risk of injury, making Halloween 2024 one to remember for all the right reasons.
TOP TIPS FOR SAFE TRICK-OR-TREATING
• Carry glow sticks or flashlights, use reflective tape or stickers on costumes and bags, and wear light colors to help kids be seen by drivers.
• Make sure costumes are flame-resistant and the right size to prevent trips and falls. Choose face paint over masks, when possible, as masks can limit vision.
• Join kids under age 12 for trick-or-treating. If kids are mature enough to go without supervision, tell them to stick to familiar areas that are well lit and trick-or-treat in groups. Never approach a car or accept a ride from a stranger.
• If you’re concerned about high traffic in your neighborhood, consider organized events as a door-to-door alternative.
• Remind trick-or-treaters to never enter a home; stay on the porch at every house at all times. Only knock on the doors of homes with their outside lights on.
• Put down the phones. Keep your head up and walk, don’t run. (This goes for kids and adults!)
• Don’t let kids eat any candy before you have a chance to inspect it.
• Remind kids to cross the street at corners or crosswalks only.
• Always walk on sidewalks or paths. If there are no sidewalks, walk facing traffic as far to the left as possible.
• Be mindful when driving on Halloween: Kids are excited and may dart into the street. Turn on headlights early in the day to spot them from farther away. Be especially alert in residential neighborhoods.
• Take extra time to look for kids at intersections and on medians and curbs.
• Enter and exit driveways and alleys slowly and carefully.
• Popular trick-or-treating hours are 5:30 to 9:30 p.m. Be especially alert for kids during those hours.
• If you notice anything suspicious in your neighborhood, be sure to call the Birmingham (or your local suburb) police immediately.
PHOTOGRAPH BY KALI9 ON iSTOCK
Spain Park students recognized
James Spann visits Deer Valley
James Spann, the chief meteorologist at ABC 33/40, visited Deer Valley Elementary School 3rd graders on September 16. The students learned some of the basics of predicting weather and what a meteorologist’s job is like. They presented him with custom made cookies by Greenside Sweets (Facebook: @greensidesweets).
Several Spain Park students were recognized for their academic achievements. National Merit semi-finalists include Michael Allen, Carmen Britt, Xuyang Chen, Julia Daigle, David Johnson, Tracy Li, Noah Smith, and Rebecca Stafford. College Board national recognitions include Sofia Contreras, Trevor Gakunga, and Emily Njau.
Former MLB Player Named Athletics Head
Briarwood Christian School announced that former Major League Baseball All-Star David Nilsson will now lead its athletic department as the new Head of Athletics. Chris Heaps will continue in his role as Athletics Director. “I am excited to have the opportunity to be the Head of Athletics and oversee the athletics program at Briarwood Christian School,” said Nilsson. “Building a sustainable, successful program for the glory of God is something I am passionate about. I look forward to working with all the coaches in implementing a structure that will both educate and develop all athletes from K-12 and beyond.”
New Hires from Birmingham-Southern College
The Altamont School welcomed 372 students to its Red Mountain campus for the start of the new academic year. That group includes 73 new students from 26 schools and 20 zip codes. Altamont also welcomed new faculty and staff this fall, including several from Birmingham-Southern College (BSC), which closed in May.
• Anna Darden joined Altamont’s Latin program after serving as Visiting Assistant Professor of Classics at BSC.
• Amanda Hardie is Assistant Director of College Counseling after serving BSC as Director of Admission and Interim Vice President of Enrollment Management.
• BSC Sports Hall of Fame athlete Sheri Salmon is Altamont’s new Director of Athletics after four decades of service to her alma mater, most recently as Associate Athletic Director for Academic Services.
• Former BSC Chemistry Department chair Scott Dorman is serving as a long-term chemistry substitute teacher this fall.
• Other new hires include Learning Specialist Katherine Mehaffey, Front Office Administrator Louise “Lulu” Null and School Resource Officer Paul Campbell.
The Altamont community’s work begins with reflection on the academic, athletic, and arts honors of 2023-24, which included two National Merit Scholarships, regional and national writing awards, state math and chess titles, national debate invitations, theatre Best In Show honors, a state title in Outdoor Track, section championships in Cross Country, and undefeated seasons in Basketball and Golf. The 54 graduates in the class of 2024 earned $8.3 million in merit aid scholarships to attend 30 colleges and universities in 14 states.
Contributed
by Sean Flynt
PHOTOGRAPH COURTESY OF THE ALTAMONT SCHOOL
PHOTOGRAPH COURTESY OF BRIARWOOD CHRISTIAN SCHOOL
KIDS WHO SHINE
MADISON BRYANT AGE 7
Seven-year-old Madison Bryant is on the quieter side until she’s asked about her earrings. Then her big brown eyes shine as she opens up about working with her more than 20,000 perler beads.
Last November, on her seventh birthday, Madison received a perler bead kit, complete with pegboards, tweezers, and a couple patterns. After the holidays, she crafted a pair of earrings for her mom, Courtney, from the perlers, freehanding a pineapple pattern. “She had the earrings on a little piece of cardboard, and said, “Merry late Christmas!” ” says Courtney.
TEXT BY STEPHANIE GIBSON LEPORE; PHOTOGRAPHS
BY
PAUL BRYANT
Courtney, one of James Spann’s trained Skywatchers, is wearing a pair of “storm” earrings Madison made.
From there, Madison continued making earrings, topping out at around 20 different designs she comes up with all on her own. Courtney says Madison gets an idea, then sits down to make the vision come to life. It’s Madison’s favorite part of the process: “I think of the design first and then the colors,” she says. “I love that you don’t have to be told what designs to do. I just get to be free
Early in her earring journey, Madison also gifted flower earrings to her teacher and her grandma, noting each pair takes her about 10 minutes to put together. She sets her designs on a pegboard, then ensures each pair is even. After she’s finished, she goes over them with a small craft iron twice. Dad Paul finishes them with a regular iron and then helps Madison with the finishing touches, like earring hooks.
Once word got around to Madison’s family, Courtney’s sister wanted to buy a pair of watermelon earrings. “My sister was the first person to pay her for a pair,” says Courtney. Madison notes she sold the watermelons on a Wednesday. “I usually go to Michael’s on Saturdays,” she says, “so it was perfect timing.” She purchased an item she’d been eyeing for awhile. “That was the first time I think she really thought, “Can I make money doing this?” ” says Courtney.
It was Courtney’s idea to take Madison’s earrings to the internet. “I told her about Etsy and how people sell crafty things,” she says. After that trip to Michael’s with her first profits, Madison’s excitement about the Etsy shop grew. “I did some research and we realized we could do it with mine and Paul’s help.” (Both Courtney and Paul are talented photographers/videographers and creatives)
This month, Madison, along with her parents’ help, is launching her Etsy shop, Colorpops Design Co., as well as her own Instagram account, @colorpops_design. Initially, Madison set a goal of $1,000, though over the summer she asked how many pairs she’d have to sell to make a million dollars. When Courtney told her more than 60,000, Madison shrugged and said, “no problem!”
Madison is working on new designs, including candy corn, pumpkins, and black cats, as well as prototypes in collegiate colors. She has big plans with her money: purchasing tickets to a UAB football game. “I really want a hotdog from there!” Madison says of her favorite food. “And they have really good bands.” Courtney and Paul are committed to teaching Madison smart money principles. “She gives to church with the first money,” Courtney says. “And then we save some.” Madison also pays her mom a dollar from each sale to offset marketing and photography and teach her budgeting. A loose rule is that she can order one extra toy a month from her favorite online store, Lakeshore Learning. She’s currently eyeing a $40 butterfly nursery kit. Madison also asked if she could “pay” little sister Emmy so that she wasn’t left out of the family business.
As director of marketing and advertising and, most importantly, proud mom, Courtney often wears Madison’s creations, noting that people ask about them often, including a clerk at Dollar Tree and an employee at Continental Bakery. “She gave me her number,” says Courtney of the latter. “I have a note in my phone of people to contact once the Etsy shop opens.”
You can see Madison’s earrings on Etsy (Colorpops Design Co.) and Instagram (@colorpops_design).
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.
