DECEMBER 2020
ZOO LIGHTS
UP HOLIDAYS PAGE 14
Bakery brings treats to Calera PAGE 22
Decorate with
LOVE
Support orphans with handmade ornaments PAGE 10
Vineyard Family Services Feeding Kids in Need, Promoting Responsible Fatherhood, and Helping Families in Crisis Donations help us: Feed children in need and provide other essential items Deliver family emergency food boxes Aid fathers and mothers with parenting programs Support incarcerated families and children Provide at-risk teens important life skills
www.vfsdads.com
2 Bham Family December 2020
Specializing in children’s wear gifts & accessories
Offering shoe fitting appointments and curbside service Keeping you safe with CURBSIDE PICKUP! Downtown Homewood on 18th Street Sikes - (205) 879-3433 Jack N Jill - (205) 879-7681
Trampolines
Commercial Playground Equipment
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3165 Cahaba Valley Rd, Indian Springs [2 mi. from I-65] (205) 408-4FUN | backyardalabama.com Bham Family December 2020 3
EDITOR’S NOTE ‘Tis the season for giving, colorful lights, decadent desserts, festive parades, and events for the entire family — and that’s exactly what you’ll find as you flip through this month’s issue. So, grab a cookie and pour yourself a cold glass of milk as you read about these amazing people and events. Whether you’re getting ready to decorate your tree or it’s been up for weeks like at my house, you’ll want to check out the ornaments featured on page 10. Not only are they unique and beautiful, but each one purchased helps support children and their families across the globe, thanks to Ornaments 4 Orphans. Once all of the decorations are up, you’ll probably want to celebrate with a sweet treat — and Nedra Moore, owner of Creations Galore & Moore, has you covered. From her custom cakes to a homemade waffle split you’ve just got to see on page 22, she makes every day feel like a holiday
when you visit her bakery. With a December birthday and a slight obsession with all things Christmas, it’s only fitting this would be my first issue as content director, taking over for the talented Jeana Durst. I bring with me more than a decade of writing and magazine experience. But most importantly, I’m a mother and wife with a love for this community and its people. We could all use some extra holiday cheer this Christmas, and I hope you’ll find some in these stories. Merry Christmas!
Step into a spectacular world where model trains of every shape and size travel through towns and cities, chug across covered bridges, and weather a lifelike thunderstorm along the way! Hop aboard and make some holiday memories at McWane Science Center.
4 Bham Family December 2020
Lauren H. Dowdle Content Director and Mom contentdirector@jbmcmedia.com
mcwane.org
LOCATIONS BIRMINGHAM 500 Cahaba Park Circle, Suite 100 MADISON 8490 Highway 72 W, Suite 100 TRUSSVILLE 117 North Chalkville Road TUSCALOOSA 4700 Rice Mine Road NE VESTAVIA HILLS 520 Montgomery Highway Bham Family December 2020 5
MADISON and VESTAVIA locations now open!
ABOUT US
Bham Family is published monthly by JBMC Media, LLC, P.O. Box 26432, Birmingham AL 35260. 14,000 copies are printed and distributed at more than 530 locations throughout 650 Jefferson and Shelby Counties. DISTRIBUTION
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Aldridge Gardens
23
Pediatric Smiles
3
Applause Dancewear
2
Sike’s Children’s Shoes / Jack n Jill -
Backyard Adventures
3
Single Barrel Barber Shop
23
Southlake Orthopaedics
18
Brookwood Baptist Health
13
The Whole Scoop Ice Cream Shop
19
Children’s of Alabama
31
Then Again Consignment
16
Compact2020
32
Urgent Care for Children
5
Creative Dog Training
21
Vineyard Family Services
DogWatch of Central Alabama
28
Vulcan Termite & Pest Control
28
Hoover Met Complex
19
WAY-FM
29
Kasey Davis Dentistry
6
Wee-Peat Boutique
17
McWane Science Center
4
Wrapsody
17
7
CakEffect
Painted Personalities
Birmingham BirminghamFamily FamilyMagazine Magazine
2
25
@BhamFamilyMag @BhamFamilyMag
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INSIDE THIS ISSUE
8
14
City Spotlight When to spot Santa in your local parade. p.8
Family Business Bakery brings beautiful, tasty treats to Calera. p.22
Food Review Eugene’s brings hot chicken to Birmingham. p.12
Faith Buy a gift basket, support local women in need. p.24
Just for Dads Seeing the holidays through your children’s eyes. p.16
Arts & Entertainment Never too early or late to join an art class. p.26
Schoolhouse Updates from the Hoover City School District. p.18
Kids Who Shine Three Hoover students start coding program for kids. p.30
Medical Spotlight What families need to know about flu season. p.20
FEATURE STORIES
22
Spread Joy How Ornaments 4 Orphans keeps families together.p.10
Glow Wild Birmingham Zoo features animal lanterns for the first time. p.14
The little shop with the GRAND effect!
Haven’t been by yet? Find out what makes them SO GOOD! • Custom cakes and cupcakes • Cinnamon rolls and gourmet popcorn • Fresh breweed coffee and pound cake! 1021 Brock’s Gap Pkwy, Ste 109 Hoover, AL (205) 803-5669 | cakeffect.com
Komeh Davis, owner “Bakers vs. Fakers” star on
Bham Family December 2020 7
CITY SPOTLIGHT
Adamsville
Clay
Saturday, Dec. 12, 6 p.m.: Starts at City Hall and ends at Main Street Plaza.
Saturday, Dec. 5, 3 p.m.: Starts at Clay Chalkville High School parking lot, goes down Deerfoot Parkway, Old Springville Road, Trussville Clay Road, and back to high school.
Alabaster Saturday, Dec. 5, 10 a.m.: Starts at Ernest McCarty Ford on Hwy. 31, then right on 2nd Place NW at police station and ends at Southbrook Village on 1st Street SW. Theme is “Alabaster Celebrates Our 2020 Hometown Heroes.” Bluff Park (Hoover) Saturday, Dec. 12, 10 a.m.: Begins and ends at the park adjacent to Shades Cliff Pool. Calera Saturday, Dec. 5, 6 p.m.: Starts on Hwy. 31 at Calera Community Center and ends at National Guard Armory. Theme is “Santa’s Village.” Center Point Saturday, Dec. 12, 11 a.m.: Heads north from Cathedral of the Cross to Firestone on Center Point Parkway. Chelsea Saturday, Dec. 19, 10 a.m.: Starts at Chelsea Middle School and ends at Winn Dixie. 8 Bham Family December 2020
Columbiana Friday, Dec. 4, 7 p.m.: Starts at the Shelby County License Office, goes down West Sterrett Street to Main Street, continues to roundabout, and ends at Old Mill Square Park. Food trucks and carols in the park start at 5 p.m., and the tree lighting ceremony starts after the parade. Gardendale Thursday, Dec. 3, 6 p.m.: Starts on Mt. Olive Road near the library, turns right onto Fieldstown Road, left on Grubbs Road, and circles back to Main Street to Gardendale High School. Graysville Saturday, Dec. 12, 10 a.m.: Runs from North Main Street to South Main Street, ending near Dollar General. Helena Saturday, Dec. 5, 1 p.m. (or earlier if participants are ready): Follows Helena Road (Hwy. 261) and ends in Old Town Helena.
Homewood
Mountain Brook
Thursday, Dec. 3, 6:30 p.m.: Starts at the Homewood Public Library, go east on Oxmoor Road, turn left on 18th Street S., turn right on 29th Avenue, left on 19th Street, left on 28th Avenue, through intersection of 18th Street, continue to 29th Avenue, left onto Central Avenue until it ends at Central Park. It will be followed by the Christmas tree lighting on 18th Street S.
Sunday, Dec. 6, 1-4 p.m.: Instead of a traditional parade, Santa will visit neighborhoods, trading in his sleigh for a fire truck.
Hueytown
Pelham Sunday, Dec. 6, 1 p.m.: Christmas Concert in the Park will feature Act of Congress at the youth football field at Pelham City Park. Food will be available for purchase, and Pelham’s High School’s Culinary Academy will pass out cookies and cocoa.
Saturday, Dec. 12, 10 a.m.: Starts at First United Methodist Church, goes down High School Rd., to Hueytown Road, left on Dabbs Avenue, left on Forrest Road, left on AllisonBonnett Memorial Hwy., left on High School Road back to the church. Theme is “Christmas Wonderland.”
Pell City
Irondale
Friday, Dec. 4, 6:30 p.m.: The parade starts
Saturday, Dec. 5, 4-7 p.m.: Enjoy food trucks, music, and see Santa during the street festival in Downtown, next to the Caboose. Leeds Friday, Dec. 11, 7 p.m.: Parade festivities along Parkway Drive through downtown Leeds. Montevallo Thursday, Dec. 3, 6 p.m.: Follows Main Street through downtown Montevallo. Moody Saturday, Dec. 12, 5 p.m.: Starts at ADESA on Moody Parkway and ends at Moody Municipal Park near the intersection of Moody Parkway and Park Avenue. Morris
Thursday, Dec. 10, 7 p.m.: Starts at Pell City High School, then down Cogswell Avenue/Hwy. 78 and ends at Pell City Fire & Rescue Station 1. Theme is “Peace on Earth.” Pinson on Main Street off of Spring Street, and then it turns right on Pinson Boulevard, and it ends at Bicentennial Park. The parade will be followed by a tree lighting. Pleasant Grove Saturday, Dec. 5, 9 a.m.: Starts near the intersection of Park Road and Pleasant Grove Road (behind the old Jack’s) and ends near First Baptist Church. Trussville Saturday, Dec. 12, 3 p.m.: Starts on Parkway Drive, turns right onto Gadsden Hwy., right onto Chalkville Mountain Road and ends at the Mall. Theme is “Christmas Traditions.” Vestavia Hills
Sunday, Dec. 6, 10 a.m.: Stars and ends at the Burkett Center.
Sunday, Dec. 14, 2 p.m.: Starts at Liberty Park Sports Complex and ends at Alston Meadows.
Kimberly
Westover
Saturday, Dec. 5, 5 p.m.: Starts at Bryan Elementary School and ends at Memorial Park across Hwy. 31. Tree lighting will follow.
Saturday, Dec. 12, 10 a.m.: Starts at Shelby County 55, goes east on Old Hwy. 280, and ends at City Hall and Park. Bham Family December 2020 9
PHOTOS COURTESY OF SCOTT AND JAMIE LASLO
After meeting the orphans in Uganda and learning most were there because their parents couldn’t afford them, Scott and Jamie Laslo started Ornaments 4 Orphans to help them.
SPREAD
JOY
Supporting families one ornament at a time BY LAUREN H. DOWDLE Every family has a special ornament. Maybe it was handed down through the generations or symbolizes an important life event, like a marriage, birth, or move. But, when someone hangs a handmade piece from Ornaments 4 Orphans on the tree, he’s also helping children from across the world stay with their families and out of orphanages. Supporting those children and their families continues to be the mission of Scott and Jamie Laslo, founders of Ornaments 4 Orphans, who realized their calling during a mission trip. The couple visited Uganda on a college 10 Bham Family December 2020
mission trip and were struck by the poverty, lack of development, and the children and families in crisis. Many of the children who were in the orphanages there had a living parent or family member who wanted to take care of them — and Scott and Jamie wanted to figure out why the children ended up in these situations. They soon learned mothers were putting their children into orphanages because they couldn’t afford them. So, the couple’s mission became helping them in their current circumstances, as well as helping them before their families fell apart. CONTINUED ON PAGE 11
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“It’s great to support and help them, but we wanted to do something preventative, especially for moms,” Jamie says. They started connecting with artisans in Uganda and found they didn’t have a market for their goods. So, the couple began bringing back paper beads, necklaces, and ornaments to the states to sell for them, which was the start of Ornaments 4 Orphans. A fair trade, social business, Ornaments 4 Orphans sells handmade products from the different artisans. As the name suggests, their main items are ornaments. But, they also sell nativities, jewelry, home décor items, and stocking stuffers. Some popular ornament designs include embroidered wool snowflakes, unicorns, paper beads, banana fiber and sisal angels, wooden birds, wool cats and dogs, stuffed elephants, and bark cloth hut nativities. “The more ornaments we sell, the more people we help,” Jamie says. Their proceeds are invested back into the communities they serve to provide jobs, fight poverty, encourage sustainability, and keep vulnerable children with their families. In addition to the artisans in Uganda, they now also work with groups in Kenya, Napal, and Peru. “The dream is to take what we do in Africa and make it a global program,” Jamie says. The majority of ornaments in the United States are imported from China and crafted in terrible work conditions, she says. However, Ornaments 4 Orphans is a fair-trade business, meaning they ensure their artisans are paid fairly
for their goods and services. “When we’re celebrating Christmas, it should be about joy and love, and the things we use to celebrate should be about that too,” she says. “I encourage people to think about helping people through what they buy. It’s a really easy way to do something for someone else.” Scott normally travels to meet with the artisans multiple times a year to find items to bring back, but the pandemic has kept him from doing that this year. Luckily, online communication has helped keep them connected to the different groups. Their ornaments and other items are available online and in their Homewood store, Kanzi. Groups, businesses, and schools can participate in their host program to display and sell their goods. Ornaments 4 Orphans also sells to retail stores across the country. “I think people are becoming more aware about the impact of what they buy and how it’s connected to real people across the world,” Jamie says. “People are excited to buy something they know will make a difference in someone’s life.” That’s exactly what people will do if they buy the unique items from Ornaments 4 Orphans. Looking ahead, Jamie says they want to continue with their three missions: make the world a more beautiful place, improve orphans’ lives, and keep families together. And they are doing that with one ornament, one family, one child at a time. “That’s what I would want for my kids and my family,” says Jamie, who has two children. “Everyone needs some cheer.” For more information or to purchase ornaments, visit Ornaments4orphans.org. Their ornaments can also be found at their store, Kanzi, at 2817 Central Ave. in Homewood. Bham Family December 2020 11
FOOD REVIEW
PHOTO COURTESY OF EUGENE’S HOT CHICKEN
Bringing the heat
Eugene’s brings Nashville-style fried chicken to Hoover BY JULIA SAYERS GOKHALE Eugene’s Hot Chicken is bringing the heat to Hoover with the opening of its second location. Owned by Zebbie Carney, Eugene’s Hot Chicken is famous for its spicy, Nashville-style fried chicken. Carney grew up in Nashville eating at the famous Prince’s Hot Chicken and wanted to introduce Nashville-style hot chicken to Birmingham when he moved here. He initially launched Eugene’s as a food truck in 2015 before opening his first brick-and-mortar in Uptown. The second location, on Galleria Circle, opened in October. Carney says the decision to add a second location had been in the works for the past two years. He initially planned to open earlier in 2020, but with the COVID-19 pandemic, things were slowed down a bit. Luckily, he decided to push forward and was able to open just a few months after the original plan. The decision to choose Hoover for the location was an easy one. “Our food truck has always done so well in the Hoover area,” Carney says. “We would take it out to several Hoover neighborhoods, and the residents were always so excited and supportive. It just made sense to look for a space in Hoover. When we found our current location, it all started coming together.” 12 Bham Family December 2020
The thing to get at Eugene’s is, of course, hot chicken. Choose from tenders, wings, popcorn chicken, quarter white/dark, half chicken, or a whole chicken for the family. You’ll then select your heat level: southern (no heat), mild, hot, hot damn, or stupid hot. Nashville-style hot chicken varies from buffalostyle chicken in that it’s actually a spice rub that the chicken gets coated in instead of a sauce. The menu also includes items such as hot fried catfish (same choice of heat levels), po’boys, grilled cheese, and chicken and waffles. Eugene’s offers family meal deals and wing or tender buckets. Cool down your taste buds with sides including southern slaw, baked potato salad, creamy mac & cheese, and fried pickled okra. At the new location, Carney is testing out some new recipes, which he plans to reveal soon. For the holidays, he’ll be selling Cajun fried turkeys and mashed potatoes and gravy as a seasonal side on the menu. The new location already has drawn a huge following just in the short time it’s been open. But with Birmingham’s love for Eugene’s Hot Chicken, that was no surprise. “It has been so rewarding to see customers who have been with us since the beginning, as well as meeting all of the new customers who have never had Eugene’s until now,” Carney says. “We are just so overwhelmed with gratitude.”
Your Heart Health Can’t Wait Your safe care is our #1 priority. At the CVA, we’re here to serve our community with advanced heart care, close to home. If you experience chest pain, chest pressure, shortness of breath or other signs of a heart disease, do not ignore your symptoms or downplay your pain. We go above and beyond to help ensure the safety of our patients and staff. For you and your loved ones, this is your community built on care.
Social Distancing
Wear a Mask
Clean Environment
Telehealth
To make an appointment, call 1-855-93-HEART or visit CVAPC.com Bham Family December 2020 13
PHOTOS COURTESY OF THE BIRMINGHAM ZOO
GLOW WILD
Zoo lights up the holidays with animal lanterns BY LAUREN H. DOWDLE Families can enjoy an illuminating, immersive experience at the Birmingham Zoo’s Glow Wild event this holiday season. For the first time, the zoo will have about a hundred animal lanterns of various shapes and sizes across the entire park. Some of the lanterns soar up to 30 feet high, says Samil Baker, public relations and social media manager for the zoo. “As soon as visitors enter the gate, they will be greeted by the first scene of lanterns illuminating the Welcome Plaza and Lily Ponds,” Baker says. “From the entrance to exit, plaza to Trails of Africa, and as far as Alabama Wilds and Children’s Zoo, stunning lantern creations will transform every part of the zoo.” The event will be held Nov. 18 through Jan. 14 Bham Family December 2020
18 on select nights Wednesday through Sunday, except for Thanksgiving, Christmas Eve, and Christmas Day. The last night of the event will be on Martin Luther King Jr. Day. It will be a truly magnificent sight, says Chris Pfefferkorn, president and CEO of the Birmingham Zoo. “We really wanted to bring something new and spectacular to Birmingham this holiday season,” Pfefferkorn says. “Guests can look forward to a fun and safe event with their families.” Each lantern is intricately created, covered in a silk cloth and painted with vibrant, colorful dyes — with unique features that beg to be seen in person. “Glow Wild will be an incredible experience that is truly unique from anything the zoo has hosted before,” Pfefferkorn says. “Visitors will be CONTINUED ON PAGE 15
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amazed at how these spectacular lantern creations transform their zoo.” In addition to the animal lanterns, the zoo will also have tradition lights adorning the train and around the traditional loop. Guests can also see the lighting of their 30-foot-tall Christmas tree. “We encourage everyone to join us for a fun and safe night out,” Pfefferkorn says. “We hope that each guest enjoys Glow Wild, creates great lasting memories, tells their family and friends, and returns again and again.” Glow Wild is a special event that is not hosted during regular zoo hours, so visitors will need to purchase a separate admission ticket. The socially distanced event will have timed tickets, which are designed to help the zoo manage event attendance and crowd capacity.
Guests and members can purchase tickets onsite or online, and pricing varies depending on the day of the week and the purchasing method used. Children younger than 2 years old are free, tickets for children (2 to 12) range from $9.95 to $14.95 (before tax), and adult tickets range from $14.95 to $23.95 (before tax). “We are strongly encouraging guests and members to pre-purchase Glow Wild timed tickets, train, and carousel single tickets online before they visit,” Baker says. “Not only will they save money by pre-purchasing online, but they are also securing a day and time.” Glow Wild will adhere to the current elevated safety protocols and in accordance with CDC recommendations. Face coverings must be worn inside of the zoo for ages 6 and older. For more information or to purchase tickets, visit Birminghamzoo.com. Bham Family December 2020 15
JUST FOR DADS The month of December has always been a pain to me. In a matter of a 28-day span, I have two of my children’s birthdays, my anniversary, and Christmas mushed all together. We have these additional expenses Ward without additional income. It Williams hurts. My wife, on the other hand, turns on the Christmas music on 96.5 on Nov. 1 and has the Hallmark Christmas movie lineup set to remind her on her Google calendar. In my household, I thought we celebrated holidays. We had tamales for Christmas, went to church, and had cake for birthday. My wife takes it to the next level full of traditions, things we just have to do including baking cookies and fudge, visiting and writing letters to Santa, decorating the entire house, watching every sappy Christmas movie ever created, and waking up at 4 a.m. on Christmas morning. Looking back at it all with now having a kid in college, my son a senior in high school, and my daughter entering her teenage years, I already miss
all of those moments and early years of Christmas traditions. It all has gone by way too fast. I would love for my kids to still want the Diego tree house for Christmas or ask for an American Girl doll. I even enjoy the messes and destruction of our house with Christmas-cookie making with friends, opening presents, and a house filled with friends and family. It is important that you give yourself opportunities for memories and traditions. The things that seem like a hassle to you might be the things your kids remember forever and talk about when they are older. It is not about the big things like latest Xbox or coolest gifts. Those things we tend to forget. The moments that stay with us are time, laughter, and even the quiet moments when we are together. Cherish the current situation that you are in, because it seems to look different every year with the addition of new friends and family and the subtraction of old friends and family that have moved on. It is the people that are important. Merry Christmas!
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S C H O O L H O U S E NEWS FROM HOOVER CITY SCHOOLS
System returns to staggered scheduling Due to a rise in the number of COVID-19 cases in the community and the school system, Hoover City Schools announced a return to staggered scheduling following the Thanksgiving break. For the Hoover HS feeder pattern, students with last names A-L attend Monday & Thursday; Last names M-Z attend Tuesday and Friday. For the Spain Park HS feeder pattern, students with last names A-K attend Monday & Thursday; last names L-Z attend Tuesday and Friday. ALL students off campus on Wednesdays for at-home, remote learning. This schedule will remain in place until January 19, 2021.
RC3 director recognized nationally Dr. Debra Walker Smith, director of the Riverchase Career Connection Center (RC3), was named as a national finalist for EdTech Digest’s annual EdTech Awards. The EdTech Awards were established in 2010 to recognize, acknowledge, and celebrate the most exceptional innovators, leaders, and trendsetters in education technology.
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S C H O O L H O U S E NEWS FROM HOOVER CITY SCHOOLS
Greystone student inspires Bama football stars 8-year-old and Greystone Elementary student Braxton Weidman, who has been fighting a rare form of brain cancer, received a video message of encouragement from Alabama star football players Najee Harris and Jaylen Waddle. In return, Weidman sent them notes of encouragement. The story has inspired many people, and was even featured on ESPN’s College GameDay show on October 17.
HCSF receives donations The Hoover City Schools Foundation, which supports teacher grants for all Hoover schools, recently received several donations. Donors included state representative David Faulkner; Newk’s Eatery; Jefferson County Commissioner Steve Ammons; and the Hoover office of LAH Real Estate. During a year in which the HCSF lost its primary fundraiser due to COVID, these and other donations help bridge the gap to continue providing grants to teachers. ON
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MEDICAL SPOTLIGHT
WHAT TO KNOW ABOUT
FLU SEASON
Q: What are the main flu symptoms?
A: Influenza A and B in pediatric patients typically have a quick onset of moderate to high fever, body aches, and headache. That’s followed in the next day or so with a runny nose, cough, and watery, burning eyes. Some patients have nausea and vomiting, but it’s less common than with other isolated GI viruses. Q: How do these symptoms differ from COVID-19?
been proven over and over again to shorten the course and reduce symptoms due to the internal preventative immunity the vaccine develops. Beyond the flu vaccine, families can help by washing or sanitizing children’s hands, especially before eating snacks or meals and attempting to keep good sleep and eating patterns through the winter months.
Dr. Tracey Butcher, MD, is a pediatrician at Urgent Care for Children in Birmingham, rotating between their locations in Vestavia, Trussville, and on Hwy. 280. They also have locations in Tuscaloosa, Madison, and Huntsville.
A: The COVID-19 virus infection in children younger than 21 years old, as has been widely reported, is not as severe of an illness with much milder symptoms than influenza. Clinically, we have seen symptoms range from no detectable symptoms to mild symptoms to rarely as significant as influenza. Fever is usually in the lower range of 99-100 degrees, mild headache, more cough with nasal congestion, and less runny nose or watery eyes. Nausea, mild vomiting, and mild diarrhea are also more common with COVID-19 infection in children. Loss of taste or smell is harder to assess in the younger children, but older teenagers do report this. Symptoms seem to be shorter lived, like 3 to 4 days, than with influenza which ranges 7 to 10 days or more in unvaccinated children. Q: How can families try to prevent catching the flu? A: The No. 1 way to help prevent contracting Influenza A or B is through a routine influenza vaccination. It decreases chances of infection, even though it does not guarantee a patient will not become infected. The flu vaccination has 20 Bham Family December 2020
Q: What months is the flu vaccine normally offered?
A: The influenza vaccination is available typically September until April of each year, and all vaccines approved for use in children now are quadrivalent vaccines covering the four most likely circulating strains of influenza this year. The vaccine does take 7 to 14 days to become effective, so the sooner the better before influenza cases begin to rise. Preventative vaccination has become more important this year than in previous years in both children and adults. Q: What else should families know about the flu season? A: As we have become focused on COVID-19, remember to think of influenza prevention, vaccination, and infection. Influenza does pose a more serious medical threat than COVID-19 in children, especially children younger than five years old or with serious underlying medical conditions. As well, influenza early diagnosis and treatment is important, so if you suspect influenza infection in your child, have them tested by their primary care physician or at your local Urgent Care for Children facility.
Bham Family December 2020 21
Living her
DREAM
From computers to cakes, this baker does it all BY LAUREN H. DOWDLE The inviting smells of cake, ice cream, cookies, and other mouthwatering desserts bring families to Calera’s Creations Galore & Moore. But, opening a bakery wasn’t something owner Nedra Moore would have imagined as she worked behind a computer screen just a few years ago. Moore says she’s always enjoyed savory food and cooking, remembering being in the kitchen with her grandmother when she was younger. Though she didn’t know it then, her passion, talent, and dreams would lead her back to those sweet times. But before that happened, Moore earned a degree in network engineering and had a career in information technology. She was happy — but she wanted more. “You never really know where life will take you,” Moore says. “We have things planned out. But then something happens, and you have to take a detour and end up on a completely different path.” That’s when she started baking for close friends and family. But, it didn’t take long before people beyond her inner circle started asking for her to bake cakes. To meet the growing demand, Moore began juggling her full-time IT job, baking, and two young children. “Finally, it came to a point where I had to make a decision,” she says. “I can’t answer why I did that. It’s just something inside of me that wouldn’t let me give up. Sometimes, you have to do crazy things to get crazy results.” Moore decided to leave her full-time job and started baking out of her house. Then in October, she opened Creations Galore & Moore in Calera — though it wasn’t a traditional grand opening. 22 Bham Family December 2020
Nedra Moore is the owner of Calera’s Creations Galore & Moore.
She had been baking custom cakes out of the storefront for a few weeks, and people would regularly peek in to see if she was open. So one day, she decided to simply prop the door open — and that’s all it took. “I’m at a loss for words at the amount of support we received,” she says. “There are so many people coming each day. The community has been so supportive.” She encourages everyone to stop by the bakery, no matter what they’re craving. “You’re in for a treat,” Moore says. “We have something to satisfy your palate. There’s something for everyone.” Besides Moore’s beautiful and tasty cakes and cupcakes, the bakery also serves ice cream, CONTINUED ON PAGE 23
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milkshakes, chocolate chip cookies, brownies, cinnamon rolls, and their signature waffle split. That comes with three scoops of ice cream topped with caramelized bananas, strawberries, chocolate syrup, caramel syrup, and whipped cream — all served on a homemade waffle. “We’re here to satisfy that sweet tooth,” she says. In addition to the treats in the shop, Moore continues to create custom cakes, as well. She is a self-taught baker and says she tries to make each cake better than the last. Moore makes everything from whimsical children’s birthday cakes to elegant wedding cakes. One memorable project was a life-size 3D Spider-Man cake that weighed more than 200 pounds. Moore worked 16 to 18 hours a day for six days to complete it, and she said it was one of her favorites. She’s also crafted cakes that look like purses, a Jordan sneaker, unicorns, space ships, and anything else her customers can imagine. Her
Meet the team keeping Birmingham looking good!
life-like, edible flowers are also popular, especially on wedding cakes. People often ask Moore how she creates her flowers and other stunning cakes, so she decided to share her secrets. She wrote a book, “All in the Name of Cake,” that shares step-by-step tutorials for some of her famous designs and treats. Moore says she plans to release the book as soon as she gets in the swing of things with the bakery. Of course, everything she does is because of the support from her family. She says her children and husband have pushed her and kept her going through it all. The former IT worker turned bakery owner and soon-to-be author seems to do it all. “You only live once,” Moore says. “Why not live your dream?” Creations Galore & Moore is open Tuesday through Saturday from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. The bakery is located at 8261 Hwy. 31 in Calera. Custom cakes can be ordered by calling 205-690-8399 or through the bakery’s social media pages. For more information, visit Creationsgaloreandmoore.com.
DENTISTRY FOR INFANTS, CHILDREN, TEENS, AND THOSE WITH SPECIAL NEEDS
Tabitha Jarman Gatrey, DMD
4823 Promenade Pkwy Suite 101 | McCalla 205/230-9000 1830 29th Ave S, Ste 140 | SoHo in Homewood (205) 582-2999 | singlebarrelbarbershop.com
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FAITH
MADE WITH LOVE Buy a gift, support the women in need who made it
BY LAUREN H. DOWDLE What’s better than buying a basket overflowing with sweets, home-made goods, and other treats? Knowing the purchase will help support the women of first fruits ministries. Marsha Drennen, founder of first fruits ministries, has worked with women coming out of homelessness, addictions, poverty, and abuse for several years. After serving on the board for a shortterm shelter, Drennen says she realized women needed a long-term, Christian home that was large enough to accommodate them and their children. “The shelters I had seen were cramped with people on top of each other, which did not help their recovery,” Drennen says. She was able to chair the King’s Home Shelby women’s shelter capital campaign, and their efforts to create a well-equipped home for these hurting women turned into a reality. However, it became apparent they should do more. These women also needed help with getting back into the workforce. So, five years ago, first fruits ministries was established. “Women earn less than men, and many times, are the sole support for themselves and their children,” Drennen says. “For us to be able to lift their burdens and make their lives easier is truly a blessing.” This nonprofit helps provide work and support for women who are struggling with addiction, homelessness, poverty, or abuse. Through the ministry, the women are taught how to create quality, hand-made products, gift baskets, candles, and specialty food items that they sell through local markets and online. They have a workroom at Community Presbyterian Church in Moody, and their bakery is located at Christ Church United Methodist in Hoover. The group also operates an eBay business called Best Bargain Deals Now. “Our aim is to give a hand up, not a handout, to women who are doing their part for themselves and their families,” Drennen says. “We also believe in the power of work and that God has called us all to contribute, which is why we are structured as a ministry to encourage those we 24 Bham Family December 2020
serve to put forth their best efforts.” Their candles are hand-crafted and handpoured and available in 10 scents, ranging from warm, earthy scents to crisp citrus smells. They also bake six flavors of teacakes including brandied apple spice, lemon poppy seed, chocolate gingerbread, blueberry citrus, pumpkin, and cranberry orange nut. Their holiday and custom gift baskets make the perfect gifts throughout the year and are available for delivery. People can choose from baskets with goodies like toffee, peppermint bark, cookies, chocolate pecans, peanut brittle, caramel popcorn, hot cocoa, truffles, cheese, sausage, and much more. But the sweetest part of all of these items is that every purchase supports the women who help create them. In addition to purchasing items, people can also donate to the nonprofit. “The more resources we have available, the more women we can help,” Drennen says. The ministry offers life coaching, counseling, mentoring, life skills, budgeting classes, and employment readiness classes. “It reminds all of us that we are called to give and share, to reach out to the less fortunate, and to tangibly show the love of God by making someone’s life easier,” she says. To view their products or donate, visit Firstfruits-ministries.org.
For Birmingham. For families.
Face painting and more for your next party! Face painting | Temporary tattoos | Henna (205) 907-0747 paintedpersonalities.com
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ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT
Drawing on inspiration Red Dot Gallery offers classes for young and old alike
BY LAUREN H. DOWDLE Art can evoke a range of emotions and ideas, both in the creator and their audience. That inspiration is what the artists behind Red Dot Gallery hope to create through their artwork and classes. After spending two decades traveling across the United States to exhibit their artwork, Dori DeCamillis and Scott Bennett decided it was time to put down some roots. So, 16 years ago, the artists opened Red Dot Gallery. They bring a mixture of skills and styles to the gallery, with Bennett teaching pottery and DeCamillis teaching painting and drawing. Located in the Edgewood area of Homewood, the gallery showcases some of their works, along with pieces from their students. While they have been teaching art classes
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at the gallery since it opened, they just started offering online classes, as well, in response to the pandemic. They have classes for ages 12 and older, though advanced younger children are welcome. Right now, they have art students ranging in age from 10 to 80 years old. “It’s a great dynamic to have people of all ages,” DeCamillis says. “Even if you have never done drawing before, you can hop into a class.” All that’s needed to get started in her class is a pencil and piece of paper. DeCamillis covers everything from basic drawing skills to different styles and subject matters. There are one-hour online drop-in classes to get beginners started. “I have brand-new beginners and some who have come for 16 years,” she says. “It’s a nice CONTINUED ON PAGE 27
PHOTOS COURTESY OF RED DOT GALLERY
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little way for people to be encouraged and get inspiration. It’s an uplifting environment.” Assignments mainly consist of quick sketches that get students out of perfectionism and into seeing, which is a classic method for developing accuracy skills faster with more confidence, DeCamillis says. “The variety of lessons gives students something fresh and interesting to practice with each week,” she says. People often feel nervous when they first come to an art class because they’re worried they won’t be good at it. But, DeCamillis says there’s no reason to be scared. “Students are reminded constantly that they can’t get it wrong,” she says. “If you can write your name, you can draw. It’s just a matter of developing an eye for it. If you stick with it, you can do it.” She says the art classes are often a lifeline for both her and the students. “I feel like I have such a great job. Art is so therapeutic, healing, and inspiring. My lifelong love and practice with art has shown me how powerful and transformative it is for me and the thousands of people who’ve bought my paintings or taken my classes,” DeCamillis says. “I don’t take this for granted and believe that even one class is a portal into expansion and growth. Art just works miracles, and I get to be a part of that.”
She keeps her in-person classes to no more than six to seven people, but there’s no limit on how many can attend the online classes. “I just love seeing people happy and feeling better at the end of the class than they did when they came in,” she says. “Everyone has a different style. It never surprises me to see the different visual voices people speak with, even if they’re brand new. Students are encouraged to carry what they learn to their visual observations of their lives, enlivening their connection to everything they do and see.” She has an eye for recognizing where students need help and knows the path to move them forward. Her classes focus on the intuitive aspects of drawing, as well as the students’ personal styles. “The lessons have been honed over many years of teaching to be delivered with simplicity and clarity,” DeCamillis says. “Decades of experience as an artist and as a figure in the art community give me a broad spectrum of experiences that add anecdotal spice to my instruction.” Red Dot Gallery is located at 1001 Stuart St. in Homewood. For more information or to sign up for a class, visit Reddotgallery.com. Bham Family December 2020 27
Upcoming events at Ald ridge Gardens
G reenery Workshop MONDAY, DECEMBER7, 10AM-NOON
Holiday G reenery Sale FRIDAY, DEC. 4, NOON-4:30 and SATURDAY, DEC. 5, 9AM-NOON
Floral designer Beth White will lead this hands-on class. She will be sharing FRESH GREEN IDEAS to decorate your windows and doors to create a festive atmosphere for the holidays. Supplies of a fresh greenery bundle, ribbon, and wire are included. Class will be held, socially distanced, under the pavillion.
Now is the time to decorate your mantles, mailboxes, and entryways to set the mood for the holidays. So decorate with branches, garlands, and botanical materials from Aldridge Gardens. Get fresh greenery for wreaths, along with bows, mailbox cover frames, and wreath frames for holiday decorating!
$25 for members, $30 for non-members
On the patio next to ROOTS Gift Shop
(205) 682-8019 | aldridgegardens.com 3530 Lorna Road, Hoover
205-907-6262 | DogWatchOfCentralAL.com 28 Bham Family December 2020
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KIDS WHO SHINE
SHAAMS NUR, 14
LEO SONG, 15
BY LAUREN H. DOWDLE Three sophomores at Hoover High School cracked the code on how to make learning fun. Last fall, Shaams Nur and twins Leo and Victor Song were talking during lunch about how much they enjoyed using Scratch, a website for children that allows them to program their own stories, games, and animations. “All of my life, I’ve been playing video games developed by other developers,” Shaams says. “With Scratch and coding, you can create your own game, name your characters, and make your own rules. You can control everything.” Leo and Victor also enjoyed creating games and said it gave them a sense of accomplishment. However, the boys realized most of their peers weren’t using programs like that. “In our generation, there aren’t many who really care a lot about coding,” Victor says. But, they wanted to change that and help other kids have the same fun experiences that they did when they were younger. So, they created HooverCodes — with Shaams as the founder, Leo as director of marketing, and Victor as director of curriculum. The kid-friendly HooverCodes Zoom meetings include sharing case studies on the popular Minecraft and Fortnite games, teaching the basics of coding, and showing them how to create their own animations and games.“We know what kids like because we’re kids,” Victor says. They had 44 children participate in their first HooverCodes. Their camps are structured so that kids come away with not just information, but 30 Bham Family December 2020
VICTOR SONG, 15
also a full game, animation, or project. “It just feels good to see these kids happy,” Shaams says. “They made their own projects. I’ve never seen a third grader create their own Scratch project, and that’s my student.” With the success of HooverCodes, they decided to expand into HooverCamp, which also includes HooverEntrepreneurs. Students learn how to come up with business or initiative proposals in HooverEntrepreneurs, which kicks off in December. The students’ initiative ideas could range from a beach cleanup to a lemonade stand. At the end of the program, the students present how their initiative would work to a panel of judges. “We owe it to our community to create an even better community,” Leo says. “Coding and entrepreneurship are pretty much essential life skills to be successful in the real world. We like to feel like we’re helping these kids to establish the foundation for these future passions.” HooverCamp is open to third through eighth graders. Though they originally planned to hold the program in person in Hoover, being online has opened it up to all students. They’ve even had students from Maryland and California in their classes. They plan to use half of their profits to purchase laptops for libraries and schools around Birmingham. If students are worried about the program’s cost, they are encouraged to contact HooverCamp about financial aid. “Our goal is to educate as many children as possible,” Leo says. For more information or to sign up for HooverCamp, visit Hoovercamp.com.
The research we’re doing is making it possible for kids like Allie to survive, grow up and make things happen. WE DO WHAT WE DO BECAUSE CHILDREN HAVE DREAMS.
1 6 0 0 7 T H AV E N U E S O U T H B I R M I N G H A M , A L 35233 (205) 638-9100
ChildrensAL.org
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TEEN TALK LINE (205) 605-1830
PARENT TALK LINE compact2020.com (205) 605-1827
TEENS — Have questions? Concerned about things? Just need someone to listen? Talking helps. Whether you are having a great day or a tough day, give us a call. We are here to listen. PARENTS — Think your teen might be involved with substance abuse?Have questions? Concerned about your teen? Wondering how to handle your teen’s choices? Just need someone to listen to you? Talking helps.
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