As the leaves begin their slow transformation into a symphony of autumnal hues, this month ushers in a time of renewal and transitions into the fall routine. The kids are settled back into a new school year, and we’re—hopefully—settled into new routines after the carefree, schedule-free days of summer. Here at Bham Family, we’re embracing this shift with stories and ideas to help you make the most of the season.
In this issue, we explore the joys of giving and being together, from a family business that builds “cheer” boxes for hospitalized children and vets (page 17) to a new board game café in Pelham where you can pull up a chair for a family date night (page 22). We’re sensible around here, too: It’s autumn in Birmingham, Alabama, so it’s still the perfect time to swing by the new Milky Way
Ice Cream Bar for an after-school treat (page 20). Additionally, this issue includes practical advice for avoiding those icky back-to-school germs (page 14).
Our goal is always to spotlight inspiring local families and kids who are making a difference in our community. Their stories serve as a reminder of the care and creativity we have right here in our community, so I’d love to hear from you if you know someone we need to meet.
Thank you for reading. You fuel our passion for bringing content that celebrates Birmingham and its families.
Stephanie Gibson Lepore, Content Director and Mom, stephanie@jbmcmedia.com
ON THE COVER
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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.
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What began as a plan to send reading material to a relative who was in the hospital led Gary and Mary Martha Parisher to leave their corporate jobs behind to pursue Cheeriodicals, the magazine-based gift service the duo runs together. Read more on page 22.
Photograph courtesy of Gary and Mary Martha Parisher, Cheeriodicals
OUR PEOPLE
Matthew Allen Publisher (205) 617-9609 matthew@jbmcmedia.com
Stephanie Gibson Lepore Content Director stephanie@jbmcmedia.com
Michelle Salem Haynes Marketing Consultant (205) 381-1311 michelle@jbmcmedia.com
News from local schools and college students p. 28
Kids Who Shine
Extra-special kids in the community p. 30
FEATURE STORIES
Your Move
Valhalla Board Game Café offers families a place to connect p. 22
Just for Dads
Ward Williams
“I’m just a common man, drive a common van. My dog ain’t got a pedigree.”
This is a line from a hit country song, “Common Man,” from the 1980s by John Conlee. Listening to that song, I had a clear picture in my mind of what he was trying to convey. He wore jeans and boots, worked hard, and drove a Ford or Chevy pickup truck because that’s what a common country music man did. The definition of a common man would be different today, brushed off as “without influence or power.” Common car brands today include many foreign models that were considered exotic in the 1980s. We use the word “common” to describe may words: common good, common practice, common ground, common knowledge, common law, common prayer, common sense, and—I think most importantly—common courtesy.
coaches all discouraged me from selfish acts by real and unspoken consequences, and they helped me to learn the definition of common courtesy. Traveling during the past months, I’ve noticed that people seem to have difficulty waiting for others to exit elevators, waiting for the rows in front to exit before they deplane, holding off on having personal conversations in private, and other behaviors that would not be considered courteous to others. It seems there is a plea to be kind every day, but I don’t think there is a consensus of what kindness means.
Merriam-Webster describes the word “common” as “widespread, general common knowledge.” How did common sense and common courtesy become widely accepted knowledge, and who is teaching it today? We are continuing to find ways to isolate ourselves and have fewer face-to-face interactions with others. The vitriol that is spread from friends, acquaintances, and strangers on keyboards—a safe distance from fists—is desensitizing us to consequences of discourteous behavior.
I was at Walmart recently, and two men cut in front of me in line as I was standing six feet away from the cashier, waiting to be called upon. Growing up in South Texas, cutting line in front of another man would have been grounds for a serious butt-whooping, and I would have deserved it. My childhood peers, mom, teachers, and
As parents, we must understand that creating well-adjusted adults means we must prioritize the social and emotional well-being of our kids. It seems adults have not fully learned how, or are just plain uninterested in, playing nice with one another. One of my mentors continually talks about the “village mentality,” where neighbors looked out for the well-being of the community. We must realize we are connected to others, find things in common with our community, and we must teach our children to be empathetic. Let’s hope “common” actually becomes common again.
Ward Williams is the founder and executive director of Vineyard Family Services. Contact him at ward@vfsdads.com.
PHOTOGRAPH BY VILIN VISUALS ON iSTOCK
Reserve your seats at alabamasymphony.org/fieldtrips
Setting the Bar
I was seven when I started gymnastics. Ballet just wasn’t for me. I had too much energy for slow and steady and graceful. I needed to run and bounce. And to flip and bend. So, gymnastics was perfect.
I remember the distinct smell of the gym. Chalk and sweat and equipment— specifically, the floor. We’d sit and stretch toward our bare toes, not being able to reach far at first, but the longer you held that painful position, the tiniest bit further you could reach. The splits were the ever-elusive goal.
As we stretched, I’d watch the girls who were older and much more advanced than I, one-on-one with their coach, as they would perform a “giant” on the bars. This move was perfectly named, because only a real giant would have the courage to attempt one. You’d start with your body mounted up on the top bar—almost eight feet from the very hard ground—and swing your legs down and then, with the building momentum, you’d launch yourself into a handstand. As if that weren’t
enough, you’d then swing your body completely around the bars and land, miraculously, back in your same handstand. Like a human windmill.
I never tried one of these. I know you probably thought that was where I was headed, but it’s not. I never made it that far. But the bar exercise, or just “the bars,” were my jam. Out of the four events—bars, beam, floor, and vault—I excelled most at bars. Mostly because that was where I felt most confident and consistent. Bars were much less scary than the beam and required less flexibility than the floor exercise. And this is where I would score the highest, leading to blue ribbons or the occasional medal being sent my way. So, this event took a lot of my focus because, even if I fell off the beam or landed on my rear on the floor exercise, well, bars were my constant—and that’s pretty big when you are 11.
Well, until they weren’t. I can remember this moment like it was yesterday and not 27 years ago. It was the State Championships for youth gymnastics in Alabama. I had trained all year as a level 4 gymnast, which isn’t very high in the skill ranking overall but still took me a few years to get to. I had actually spent two long years training at
PHOTOGRAPH BY SSJ414 ON iSTOCK
Alana Smith
this level because, when it was time to “move up,” my coaches decided I just wasn’t ready, so I had to stay behind as my peers and buddies moved up to level 5. Talk about embarrassing, but that story is for another day. So I was pretty good at this bar routine by the time the State Championship came around the second time. I knew I could win bars.
There’s a lot of pressure on you, at 11 or any age, when you are expected to do well at something. I was so nauseated as we moved to the bar exercise. It was the third event, with bars and beam left for me. I was doing well. My coach told me to eat some chalk to settle my stomach, but the thought of that was worse than my nausea. I saluted the judges and stepped up to the bars. I did the beginning of my routine—so ingrained in my muscles and brain from repetition—and as I was thinking of the landing and “sticking it” so as not to lose any points, I completely choked and fell backwards out of a routine move. I couldn’t believe
it. I was so shocked because I had done that simple move so many times, and it wasn’t something I should have messed up. I regrouped, finished the routine, and did stick the landing. But I was devastated. That fall backwards was a half-point deduction. I was so incredibly angry at myself for choking when this was supposed to be my year. I got second place and missed the 1996 State Champion title by two-tenths of a point. Sheesh. By the time 1997 rolled around, I was doing regular 12-year-old things and not thinking about eating chalk and spending three hours in the gym. And, as an adult, watching the summer Olympics leaves me in awe of the tenacity of these athletes.
So, here’s to all the 2024 Olympic athletes— the ones returning with medals and the ones without. Your grit and focus are inspiring, and we’ve all enjoyed watching. Way to go, Team USA!
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. CONTINUED FROM PAGE 10
Small Town Newspapers
SPRINGVILLE, ALABAMA (pop. 5,043). I am downtown with a few minutes to kill. I pick up a copy of the Trussville Tribune, sit on a bench by the antique store and count cars.
I count four.
I shake open the newspaper beneath an angry noontime sun. The Tribune is a slender paper. Not much to it. You’d need at least three to line a litter box.
The Tribune is your typical small-town paper. Just like small-town papers used to be. The paper is not loaded with reports of stabbings, shootings, and senseless acts of politics. Just local stuff. It reminds you of a bygone age.
The front page, for example, features important breaking news from nearby Argo (pop. 4,364). The headline reads: “Ann ‘Granny’ Grimes celebrates 100th birthday at Fox’s Pizza Den.”
“God has just been good to me!” Granny is quoted as saying.
Granny has nine grandchildren, 23 great grandchildren, and six greatgreat grandchildren. She also ties down a full-time job at Fox’s Pizza.
people attended the rodeo. More on Page 5.
There’s the classified section. The first three forsale ads are advertising adjoining funeral plots. Get ’em while they’re hot.
The community calendar of events is slamming. Visit the Trussville Public Library for summertime stories, read by Ms. Alicia. And don’t forget, ladies, the “Yarn Manglers” knitting club meets on Thursday for “fellowship and creativity!” Be prepared to get a little crazy. Bring your own needles.
Football season updates. The Huskies are looking good. The Blue Devils are struggling, but Coach Ganus is working on it, so get off his back.
And the obituaries.
Jerry Cross, 80, of Northport. Passed away in Fayett. “He served the Mountain Brook Police Department… and retired after 27 years of service.”
Jackie Dewayne “Wayne” Frederick, 55. “Wayne was an avid wrestling enthusiast, and a particular fan of Hulk Hogan.” “To our brother Wayne, your laughter, love, and kindness will be greatly missed, but never forgotten.”
ILLUSTRATION COURTESY OF SEAN DIETRICH
Betty Carol Goss, 76. “Betty worked as a hairdresser and later moved into working retail.” “She loved the Lord with all her heart.”
And my favorite line: “Betty loved her family more than she loved herself.”
America is losing two newspapers per week. At this rate, experts predict we will have lost a third of U.S. newspapers by next year.
She works in the kitchen, preparing her special spaghetti sauce, prepping food, and washing the dishes in the three-compartment sink.
The article goes on to say that if you should ever visit Fox’s Pizza, you should ask Granny for proof that she’s 100 and “she will gladly show you her current driver’s license!”
That’s what you’ll find in a small-town paper.
There’s also the weather forecast, sponsored by Trussville Water and Gas. This week’s forecast: you’re going to die of heat stroke.
In other news, the Winn-Dixie in Pinson is remodeling. And, in case you were wondering, 2,000
In another 20 years, experts don’t think there will be newspapers. Most local papers have either vanished or reduced operations, publishing weekly or bi-weekly.
But for today—just for today—I was caught up in the olden charms of newsprint. Just for today, I touched soy-based ink and recycled paper. And I miss it all.
So, I’m going to hope the experts are wrong about newspapers. I’m going to pray the huge media outlets don’t win. And most importantly, I’m going down the street to ask to see Granny’s driver’s license.
Sean Dietrich
Back-to-School Health
Top strategies to keep your family germ-free
BY HANNAH ECHOLS
Back-to-school time brings an excitement for new classes, a new year, and new opportunities. However, it can also bring an increase in illnesses for kids, teachers, and parents. “When kids return to school, they are suddenly in close contact with many students who are outside their summer social circle and could be exposed to new germs, which can lead to an increase in illnesses like the common cold,” says Suzanne Judd, Ph.D., chair of the University of Alabama at Birmingham Department of Health Behavior. “Kids can then bring germs home to their parents and family, who can inadvertently take those germs to the workplace.” This time of year makes homes, classrooms, and workplaces breeding grounds for germs and bacteria. Judd discusses ways to limit the spread in these places to protect your friends, family, and coworkers.
Start at Home
“You cannot germ-proof your home, but you can clean and disinfect things to improve chances
of preventing the spread of illnesses,” Judd says. Cleaning commonly touched surfaces with soap and water and disinfectant sprays can kill germs and lower chances of becoming infected. The biggest germ sources in the home are surfaces such as countertops, doorknobs, computer keyboards, toys, phones, and faucet handles.
If someone is sick, Judd advises to avoid sharing items such as cups and glasses, silverware, and towels with them. “If it is possible, choose a bathroom for the sick person to use and their own bedroom to sleep in, and plan to clean these rooms daily,” she says. “Frequently washing your hands and having disposable facemasks, especially for house members with medical conditions, are also good preventive measures.”
Educate Children in the Classroom
Teaching children about germs, bacteria, and other contagious diseases starts at home but should continue at school, as well. Children spend most of
PHOTOGRAPH BY KRISTIAN SEKULIC PHOTOGRAPHY
FROM PAGE 14
their days at school or daycare, and they need to be healthy and present to succeed in the classroom. In classrooms, educators should take charge of teaching cleanliness and disinfecting techniques. Some activities include:
• Singing “If You’re Happy and You Know It, Scrub Your Hands” while washing your hands to ensure that students wash for the appropriate amount of time.
• Modeling how to wash your hands with the appropriate amount of soap.
• Coughing or sneezing into elbows/sleeves if tissues are not available.
• Simulating how germs spread by using a drop of unscented lotion and a pinch of glitter. Make a fist with the glitter in it, then open the hand to show how glitter spreads. The teacher touches another child’s hand to show how the glitter spreads easily. Use a paper towel to wipe off the glitter. The glitter is hard to get off, showing how easily germs spread from person to person.
Parents can also contribute to promoting keeping germs out of the classrooms by:
• Sending hand sanitizer, paper towels, tissues, and disinfectants to help keep the classroom clean.
Singing “If You’re Happy and You Know It, Scrub Your Hands” while washing hands ensures that students wash for the appropriate amount of time.
• Keeping the child at home if they are running a fever, coughing, or sneezing excessively or if they are lethargic. If symptoms persist, call your pediatrician.
• Teaching children proper handwashing techniques by supervising them for the first few times.
• Exemplifying cleaning behaviors by keeping your home organized and disinfected.
Cleaning commonly touched surfaces with soap, water, and disinfectant sprays can kill germs and lower chances of becoming infected.
Keep it Clean at Work
Like infection prevention at home, Judd says following simple hygiene rules in the workplace can keep you and your coworkers safe:
• Stay home if you are not feeling well.
• Wash hands frequently.
• Sanitize hands often.
• Reconsider eating together if you or one of your colleagues has cold symptoms.
• Minimize close contact such as shaking hands and giving hugs.
• Have cleaning supplies such as disinfectant wipes and sanitizers readily available.
PHOTOGRAPH BY MANON ALLARD
PHOTOGRAPH BY CASARSA GURU
New teachers at Greystone
The 2024-25 school year is underway, and many new teachers had their first day in the classroom at schools across Hoover. Two teachers, Betsy Walker and Audrey Colabrese, started their teaching careers last month in the classroom at Greystone Elementary School.
HCS Yearbook now available
Enjoy Hoover, a sister publication of Bham Family, collaborated with Hoover City Schools to publish the first-ever system-wide “Yearbook,” a magazine full of photos and memories from all 17 schools in Hoover. Copies are available at locations throughout Hoover, including The Whole Scoop Ice Cream, East 59 Café, the Hoover Public Library, Piggly Wiggly in Bluff Park, and Whiskey Foxtrot. A percentage of advertising sales were donated to the Hoover City Schools Foundation as well.
LEFT: Gary and Mary Martha Parisher both left their corporate jobs to pursue Cheeriodicals as their full time career. BELOW: Two Men and A Truck partners with Cheeriodicals to deliver boxes at no charge.
Bringing the “Cheer”
A couple leaves the corporate
world
to pursue a new purpose together.
BY LEAH INGRAM EAGLE
What began as a plan to send magazines to her uncle while in the hospital at MD Anderson Cancer Center in Houston evolved into a much bigger idea and a company now in its fourteenth year.
Cheeriodicals was created by Gary and Mary Martha Parisher, residents of North Shelby County. “I wanted to send a gift, fishing magazines, and couldn’t find a service that did that,” Mary Martha says. At the time, she was an in-house attorney in pharmaceuticals and her husband, Gary, worked for a biotech in Massachusetts but was based in Birmingham.
A few hours later, the couple was doing internet research for magazine gift delivery but came up empty. “I can remember how it felt that day calling MD Anderson and asking if they could deliver these hunting and fishing magazines,” Gary says. “Mary
Martha walked into my [home] office and said, “Wouldn’t it be a good idea if we had a magazinebased gift service in the hospital?” ”
Although neither of them had any experience in anything like this, they both left their jobs to pursue the idea. Gary says part of the reason they started Cheeriodicals was because it was a unique idea and something no one had done before. “We worked in the corporate world and thought maybe this was our chance,” he says. “God gave us the idea, and if no one’s done this before, let’s dig in and get some details and see where it goes.”
After speaking with a consultant in the magazine publishing industry, who confirmed such a service
CONTINUED ON PAGE 18
PHOTOGRAPH BY LEAH INGRAM EAGLE
PHOTOGRAPH COURTESY OF CHEERIODICALS
CONTINUED FROM PAGE 17
TOP: A military veteran receives a Cheeriodicals box. LEFT: A volunteer with Mastercard delivers a box to a children’s hospital. RIGHT: Cheeriodicals hosts packing parties for companies who want to donate boxes.
didn’t exist, the couple decided to take the idea and run with it: a way for people to visit a website, choose magazines and snacks, and have them delivered to hospital patients. The concept quickly evolved into gifts for a wide variety of occasions.
As the demand for children’s Cheeriodicals grew, the Parishers realized that too many children wouldn’t receive a Cheeriodical due to the financial constraints of their families. So, instead, they built a business model where every child in a children’s hospital could get their own Cheeriodical.
Out of that idea came the next phase of the company: corporate team building. This would allow companies the opportunity to bring their employees together and construct hundreds of Cheeriodicals under the supervision of Cheeriodicals. Companies both large and small began participating in the process, and thousands of boxes began making their way to children in hospitals.
“Within our first year, we switched over almost completely to corporate team building,” Mary Martha says. “We were no longer doing individual gifting at all.”
“Bigger companies are more driven to be socially responsible and are looked at by consumers and investors as to what they are doing to give back,” Gary says. “Marrying the thought of corporate social responsibility and team building was where they met us. Our tagline is “Team Building That Matters.” It’s fun and it makes a difference.”
Companies pull together groups for a one- to two-hour team building event session where they pack the boxes. Once finished, the boxes are delivered by Two Men and a Truck (free of charge) to hospitals. The second aspect is walking a subset of the team into the hospital to deliver boxes and meet the patients.
Following children’s hospitals, the next groups to receive deliveries were veterans then Ronald McDonald House charity families. The Hospital Hero program really took off during the Covid pandemic. Cheeriodicals tote bags were packed safely in the company’s corporate office warehouse (which was originally in Mt Laurel but has been in Chelsea for the past eight years), full of items chosen to provide comfort and relaxation to frontline healthcare workers.
Cheeriodicals team building options now include boxes for Dialysis and Cancer Patients, Assisted Living Residents, Backpacks for Kids in
PHOTOGRAPHS COURTESY OF CHEERIODICALS
under-resourced schools, and most recently, Pet Adoption Kits for new pet owners at humane shelters. Gary says Cheeriodicals has established relationships with companies and hospitals all over the country.
Their first client was Northwestern Mutual, and their boxes were delivered to Children’s of Alabama. Gary began calling Northwestern Mutual offices around the country, and soon deliveries were being made to St. Jude Hospital, Children’s of Atlanta, and New Orleans Children’s Hospital.
“I made a lot of phone calls and sent a lot of emails,” Gary says. “In the early years, it was really difficult. But we put in the time and effort, and things began to snowball.” In 2014, Cheeriodicals got involved with Alabama Launchpad and won funding to assist in growing the company.
Helping the Parishers is a staff of five full-time employees, along with three warehouse workers who pack the boxes. “We get so much done with a small group,” Mary Martha says. “We like being a niche company and wouldn’t anticipate having more than 10 employees. Right now, we are having so much fun with it. It’s making a really big difference, and we’re going to keep going.”
“We want to be the right size to be the business we need to execute. We don’t want to make it so big we lose the personal service,” Gary adds.
The company has around 250 clients that include Wells Fargo, Pfizer, Mastercard, Amazon, Coca-Cola, and Sonic Automotive, which owns 160 dealerships.
Ole Miss, and their son, Jake (16), is a junior at Briarwood Christian. Leaving both of their careers to pursue Cheeriodicals, Mary Martha says it was nice to have each other, especially as they needed encouragement at different times. “What I’ve learned is that you really can run a business that does social good,” she says. “There’s a whole space where you can earn a living doing good things for society, and I don’t think we had a concept [at the beginning] of it all.”
Gary says he is most proud of the companies that trust Cheeriodicals, the customers who choose them, and the hospitals that allow partnerships with them. “It’s hard to put into words what can happen in 13 years,” he says. “What I want people to understand is that anyone who starts anything, if you’re not getting discouraged, you’re not trying hard enough. If it’s easy, then it’s probably not worth it. It’s supposed to be hard. You’ll fail and make mistakes. Just move on and realize it’s part of the process. If I could do it over again, I wouldn’t have put pressure in the early days to make it perfect.”
The Parishers make their home on the 280 corridor. Their daughter, Grace (20), attends
For more information, visit cheeriodicals.com. CONTINUED FROM PAGE 18
MILKY WAY Ice Cream Bar
Birmingham’s sweet family destination
Fall may be right around the corner, but we know that—at least here in Alabama—ice cream weather is still in season. So, for an out-of-thisworld after-school treat, head to the newly opened Milky Way Ice Cream Bar.
Located in the Glen Iris neighborhood of Southside and adjacent to Dreamland BBQ, Milky Way offers more than 20 ice cream flavors—like Oreo, Playdoh, and owner Ali Mithani’s favorite, Banana Pudding—as well as snow cones, milkshakes, sundaes, and more. The waffle cones are served fresh straight from
the griddle, and homemade brownies and cookies are baked daily. Noting his proximity to UAB and the large international student population, Ali also included a sprinkling of desserts to remind them of home: lassi (a popular Indian Punjabi yogurt–based drink), falooda (a refreshing dessert originating from South Asia/India), and kulfis (traditional Indian ice cream).
The vibrant interior is cute and clean, with a pair of telescopes positioned at the front window to play into the galaxy theme. Speaking of the
CONTINUED ON PAGE 21
PHOTOGRAPHS COURTESY OFMILKY WAY ICE CREAM BAR
stars, make sure to try the Majestic Milky Way ice cream. The flavor, by Ashby’s Sterling Ice Cream (Ali also serves Blue Bell), is a milk chocolate ice cream base blended with chocolate malt flakes and a ribbon of caramel fudge. Consider it (or any other flavor) over a brownie or topped with one of the offerings like chocolate-covered pretzels, Pop-Tart pieces, or jammed cherries. We were partial to the classic sundae—two scoops plus whipped cream and (extra!) chocolate sauce, hold the sprinkles—and Ali’s homemade brownies.
Prices are reasonable, with a single scoop costing $2.95, a small shake or float $4.50, snow cones $4, and cookies and brownies ranging $3.50 to $4. Waffle cones are just $1. Milky Way Ice Cream Bar doesn’t stop at serving exceptional ice cream treats;
the shop is a family-friendly hub, with Ali’s gracious personality making it an experience to remember. He’s helpful, kind, and excited to serve his customers—and he didn’t mind giving us a taste of nearly every flavor in the cases. He’s genuinely thrilled to be open, giving his shop the feel of a neighborhood soda fountain from simpler times.
Milky Way Ice Cream Bar is more than just a place to grab a scoop; it’s a destination where families can create memories. Whether you’re looking to celebrate a special occasion or simply enjoy a sweet escape, Milky Way Ice Cream Bar promises a galaxy of joy for everyone.
Milky Way Ice Cream Bar is open daily noon-10 p.m. It’s located at 1405 15th Street South.
Salted caramel ice cream
Come to Play
This game-themed café and gathering space in Pelham offers a wide selection of tabletop games, coffee, food, and drinks in a lively, family-friendly atmosphere.
BY STEPHANIE GIBSON LEPORE
LEFT: Café guests can set up at one of the many tables and start a competition with their favorite board game. BELOW: You won’t go hungry at Valhalla. The menu offers a range of options from sandwiches and salads to specialty coffee and sweet treats.
After a couple years hosting pop-up events, Valhalla Board Game Café opened a permanent location in Pelham recently, becoming one of the most intriguing additions to the entertainment scene. Drawing inspiration from Norse mythology and designed to cater to board game enthusiasts of all ages, the themed café offers a family-friendly blend of gaming, eats and drinks—including sandwiches, small bites, salads, and gourmet java from Adventurer’s Coffee Company—and an engaging social atmosphere. Whether you’re an avid strategist or simply seeking a cozy place to unwind with friends and family, Valhalla has something to offer.
Their start as pop-up board game gatherings allowed Valhalla to refine their concept and build
CONTINUED ON PAGE 24
a loyal community of gamers. Now, with a brick-and-mortar location off Pelham Parkway, the café is poised to become a fixture in the Magic City’s social landscape. Stepping inside Valhalla is transporting yourself into a Viking-inspired “tavern,” with Norse decor, wood tables for playing, and ambient lighting. This thematic tone sets the stage for an immersive atmosphere, whether you’re delving into an epic strategy game or simply enjoying coffee with a friend.
ABOVE: The café is modeled after Norse mythology and is a cozy spot to hang out with friends and fellow gamers.
RIGHT: You’ll find a variety of game offerings for play and purchase.
One of the highlights of Valhalla is its extensive selection of tabletop games. The café boasts a diverse library, catering to both seasoned gamers and newcomers alike. It doesn’t matter if you’re into complex strategy games like Alchemists or Dungeons & Dragons, or kid-friendly classics like Monopoly, Connect 4, Plate it Up, and Skip-Bo, you’re sure to find something that piques your interest. The café’s friendly staff is always on hand to offer recommendations and explain rules, ensuring that everyone can dive right into the fun, regardless of their level of experience.
For those who prefer a more private gaming experience, Valhalla offers rentable rooms that are ideal for group gatherings, game nights, or corporate
events, providing a dedicated area where you can play uninterrupted. Valhalla also hosts planned special events, such as date nights, tournaments, and beginner Dungeons & Dragons lessons for ages 8 and up. These events are a great way to meet
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Shop Valhalla’s game shelves and take home a new family favorite or two.
Cozy seating areas, specialty drinks featuring Adventurer’s Coffee, and a lively atmosphere make Valhalla a spirited space for get-togethers.
CONTINUED FROM PAGE 24
fellow gamers, test your skills, and experience the café’s community spirit. Games are also available for purchase from the fully stocked shelves, so you can take home any new favorites you discover. While Valhalla caters to gamers, it’s also a great
spot to grab a morning coffee or meet up with coworkers or friends for lunch (the café’s London broil roast beef on brioche is one of the most popular items on the menu!), dinner, or drinks. Enjoying the café and patio doesn’t require a game fee; WiFi, a community puzzle, and a free-toplay game shelf are also available at no charge. This flexibility makes Valhalla ideal for planned gatherings and casual, nocommitment drop-ins to check things out.
More than just a place to play, Valhalla Board Game Café is a unique destination where a passion for gaming and a love for great food and drinks come together in a cozy setting. For a night out with family or friends, Valhalla promises a memorable experience filled with fun and a spirit of fellowship.
Valhalla Board Game Café is located at 2408 Pelham Parkway, Suite 400. They are open Monday-Tuesday 7 a.m.-2 p.m. and Wednesday-Sunday 7 a.m.-11 p.m. For more information, visit valhallaboardgames.com, or follow them on Facebook and Instagram: @valhallaboardgamecafe.
Student Affairs Employee of the Month
Every month, the Division of Student Affairs at UAB recognizes an employee who stands out for their commitment, compassion, and integrity, chosen from a pool of nominations reviewed by the Professional Development Committee. Recent Employee of the Month Ella Portwood is the UAB Career Center Coordinator of Alumni and Employer Relations. What nominators said about Ella Portwood: Ella has been instrumental in forging new strategic partnerships with some of Birmingham’s top employers, specifically highlighting companies that are of top interest to students. Her diligent and innovative efforts have opened new avenues for students, providing increased access to internships, career opportunities, work-based learning, and professional development. Ella’s commitment to collaboration and inclusivity has created a talent pipeline that makes these opportunities accessible to all students. Her dedication and hard work have made a lasting impact, further positioning the UAB Career Center as a pivotal link between students and employers.
Theater Teacher Makes Hall of Fame
Jamie Stephenson, theater director at Vestavia Hills High School, was recently selected for induction into the national Educational Theatre Association Hall of Fame. She will receive the award this month at the Theatre Education
Conference in Minneapolis. She is one of two teachers being inducted and the third from Alabama since the beginning of the Hall of Fame in 1990.
Stephenson has taught at Vestavia Hills High School seven years. Prior to VHHS,
she taught at Pelham High School a Catholic school in Charlotte, North Carolina. She has been a theater educator for more than 20 years. She is a part of the Alabama Educational Theatre Association, where she currently serves as director.
PHOTOGRAPH COURTESY OF UNIVERSITY OF ALABAMA AT BIRMINGHAM
New Teacher Institute
Over a four-day stretch in late July, Mountain Brook Schools welcomed 48 new teachers to the district with the annual New Teacher Institute. The institute allows all new teachers to come together and learn about the district’s purpose statement, “providing an effective, challenging, and engaging education for every one of our students.”
Beyond just the purpose statement, school Assistant Principals lead new teachers in discussion and activities to take a deeper dive into the meaning of effective, challenging and engaging plus studying the importance of every one of our students.
“The experience has been absolutely phenomenal,” said
Tommy Guinn, an incoming coach at Mountain Brook Junior High. “This has been by far the best (professional development) I have ever attended in my 18 years of education.” While lots of the time is spent in the district’s Professional Learning Center in the Charles Mason Board of Education, one of the highlights new teachers experienced was the ‘Amazing Race’ themed scavenger hunt, where groups of teachers visited every school campus and completed tasks that covered everything from calculating stocks to reciting the purpose statement while keeping a pickleball rally alive. The week came to a close with the annual New Teacher Breakfast at the Country Club of Birmingham. Just like the week began, it closed
with a message from the school district’s Superintendent, Dr. Dicky Barlow.
“We emphasize to each of our new employees that they were chosen to be here,” Barlow said. “They did not get here by accident, and we have high expectations for them. We know they each bring something unique to our district and their school, and we are eager to see how they use their gifts to positively impact the lives of our students and our community.”
“I’m feeling really loved leaving at the end of the week,” Gracee Mae Carroll, a third-grade teacher at Crestline Elementary said. “I’m really excited to learn from the people around me and I know that I’m surrounded by the best.”
Senior Receives Global Scholarship
CONTRIBUTED BY MORGAN BLACK
Katie Carlton, a rising senior at Samford University’s Brock School of Business, has been selected as a scholarship recipient from the Commercial Real Estate Women (CREW) Network Foundation, a global organization that promotes business networking, industry research, leadership development and career outreach initiatives among women in commercial real estate. Katie is among only 40 women in the United States and Canada to be awarded this scholarship.
In addition to receiving scholarship dollars, Katie will benefit from CREW’s professional network and career-building opportunities. She will partner with a CREW Visionary mentor, receive a two-year CREW Network student membership, and have the chance to attend the fall 2024 CREW Network Convention in Vancouver, British Columbia. She also will be guaranteed a paid summer internship opportunity.
“I am honored to be a recipient of the 2024-25 CREW Network Foundation Scholarship,” Katie said. “This scholarship will provide connections to real estate professionals globally, leadership opportunities, and access to potential mentors, and I’m excited for the opportunity to attend the CREW Network Convention this fall. I am looking forward to diving into all the unique opportunities CREW has to offer and expanding my knowledge in the commercial real estate field.”
PHOTOGRAPH COURTESY OF SAMFORD UNIVERSITY
In every community, there are children who shine brightly, their accomplishments and talents bettering the lives of those around them. These young stars, whether excelling academically, artistically, athletically, or through acts of kindness and leadership, are the heart of what makes a community vibrant and hopeful for the future. Recognizing and celebrating these children not only honors their achievements, but it also inspires others to reach for their own dreams and make a positive impact.
Finding these exceptional kids begins with keen observation and engagement within the community. Teachers, coaches, parents, and neighbors often have firsthand knowledge of children who are doing remarkable things, as do you, our readers! You may notice a student who consistently goes above and beyond in academics, demonstrating a love for learning and a curiosity that drives them to explore new ideas, or you might see a budding artist whose creativity knows no bounds and, when combined with an entrepreneurial spirit, uses these skills to positively impact those around him or her.
Sports fields and playgrounds are fertile grounds for discovering young athletes who demonstrate exceptional skill, dedication, sportsmanship, and character. These children not only excel in their chosen sport but also exhibit leadership qualities, encouraging their teammates and showing resilience in the face of challenges. Beyond academic and athletic prowess, there are children whose compassion and empathy set them apart. They initiate fundraisers for local causes, organize community clean-up events,
or simply lend a helping hand to those in need. Their selflessness and generosity create ripples of kindness that spread throughout the community, fostering a sense of unity and support among neighbors.
Once these shining stars are identified, we can begin the process of showcasing them in Bham Family. Understanding their perspectives provides depth to their stories, highlighting not just their achievements, but also the challenges they’ve overcome and the lessons they’ve learned along the way. Learning about the impact these children make within their communities allows us to highlight their perseverance, creativity, leadership, and compassion. We love celebrating their achievements and providing them with well-deserved recognition and encouragement to continue pursuing their passions. It also inspires other young readers, showing them that with dedication and determination, they too can make a difference in their communities and achieve their dreams. Our Kids Who Shine column also fosters a sense of pride and unity within the community. This column serves as a reminder of the potential that resides within every child and the importance of nurturing and supporting their growth.
Finding and showcasing kids who shine in the community is not just about highlighting individual achievements—it’s about celebrating the spirit of resilience, creativity, and compassion that defines the future generation—and we need your help! If you know a Birmingham-area kid who shines, we’d love to hear about them! Please email stephanie@jbmcmedia.com.
PHOTOGRAPH COURTESY OF FAT CAMERA
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.
