Birmingham Fun and Family - Juy 2019

JULY 2019 | BHAMFUNANDFAMILY.COM | LITTLE BOOK, BIG RESOURCES!

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REDGLARE July 4 events across Bham PAGES 22-23

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Ride Gabe

Cycling from Bham to Pike’s Peak

PAGE 14

Maternity Furniture Accessories Specializing in new and gently used clothing for newborns to pre-teens

Mon-Sat, 10-6 Sun, 11-3

5479 Hwy 280, Ste 124 | 205.874.6655

2 Reach your market with us — (205) 617-9609 or info@bhamfunfamily.com

Specializing in Children’s Wear Gifts & Accessories

Shop local and support our advertisers! 3

PUBLISHER’S

NOTE

The traffic around town has been light this past month, which is a sure sign that summer is in full swing. We’ve been busy working on our July issue, so take a look inside!

Gabe Griffin has been living with Duchenne muscular dystrophy, something no child should have to fight. Read about the 4th “Ride4Gabe,” taking place later this month, on page 14. Looking for pools and splash pads? Check out our area-wide list on page 12. Our first in a series of Q&A’s with local medical experts is on page 9, as we talk with Dr. Tabitha Jarman Gatrey of Pediatric Smiles in McCalla about dental emergencies with kids.

Several local businesses that cater to families have news to share, and you can find those items on page 10. And, Compact2020 in Shelby County has launched its new Family Vendor Program. Learn what this is on page 20.

These first six months publishing Birmingham Fun and Family have been an incredible experience; I’ve met and spoken with so many incredible people, and hearing from you makes my day. Allow me to take a moment and say a tremendous THANK YOU to those businesses who support us by advertising. We love local businesses, and the biggest compliment you can give us is to support them on our behalf.

I’m always open to ideas or suggestions from our readers. Drop me a line at matthew@bhamfunandfamily.com. Thanks for reading, and for sharing some of your time with us.

See you in the pool!

Matthew Allen Publisher and Dad

4 Reach your market with us — (205) 617-9609 or info@bhamfunfamily.com

ABOUT US

Birmingham Fun and 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 350 locations throughout Jefferson and Shelby Counties.

DISTRIBUTION

If your business would like to make copies available to customers, please email info@bhamfunfamily.com with your business name, address, point of contact, and number of copies you would like.

ADVERTISING

To reach the largest audience of parents in Birmingham each month, partner with us. Email info @bhamfunfamily.com to get started with a partnership that will be a key part of your marketing plan.

O U R A DV E RT I S I N G PA RT N E R S Some great local businesses partner with us each month to keep Birmingham Fun and Family FREE for you! All we ask is that you take every chance to support them, and keep your money local! As always, let them know you saw them in BFFM! Alabama Dept.of Public Health

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NewWay Speech and Occupational Therapy 1, 8

Aldridge Gardens

11

Painted Personalities

21

Applause Dancewear

2

Pediatric Smiles

8

Backyard Adventures

24

Samford University Academy of the Arts

19

Birmingham Children’s Theatre

15

Sike’s Children’s Shoes / Jack n Jill

3

Birmingham Wellness Massage

25

Sweeple

7

BSC Conservatory of Fine Arts

19

The Crafters House

9

Children’s of Alabama

31

The Red Barn

29

Compact2020

32

The Shelby County Chamber of Commerce

19

GradePower Learning, Pelham

19

The Tutoring Center

29

Hoover City Schools Foundation

27

Then Again Children’s Consignment

11

Hoover Public Library

7

Vineyard Family Services

15

Kasey Davis Dentistry

5

Virginia Samford Theatre

25

Korduroy Krocodile

27

Vulcan Termite & Pest Control

21

McWane Science Center

3

WAY-FM

30

Mickey Travels/Ashley Grissom

6

Wee-Peat Boutique / LuLu’s Loft

2

Neighborhood Bridges Hoover

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Birmingham Fun and Family Magazine

bhamfunandfamily.com

RECYCLE ME!

We aren’t just your dental team...we’re family.

589A Shades Crest Rd • Hoover • (205) 822-7277 • kaseydavisdentistry.com Shop local and support our advertisers! 5

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America Old Glory Barbecue Beach Beach Constitution Patriotic

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Page

Ashley Grissom Authorized Disney Vacation Planner agrissom@mickeytravels.com or 205-283-7550

Free Quotes, Custom Planning, Itineraries & So Much More!

FREE

Disney Vacation Planning

Walt Disney World | Disneyland | Disney Cruise Line | Disney's Aulani Hawaii | Adventures by Disney

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STUDENTS WHO CLEAN

Too much on your plate?

Let our trusted, purpose-driven students from colleges like UAB, Samford University, and Auburn University take cleaning off your plate.

Visit sweeple.co/getstarted for a free quote.

KIDCON! Sat July 27 27 10:30 - 12 pm Hoover Library

hplscifi.com Shop local and support our advertisers! 7

Just for Dads DTA, Tate!

“Don’t touch anything” was one of the most common expressions I used with my oldest son Tate when he was younger. Tate recently sat for his senior pictures, and this experience has me reminiscing on some fond memories WARD of my unique, quirky and WILLIAMS wonderfully made son. From early childhood, Tate had his own way of thinking and doing things. One unique characteristic of Tate as a child is that he wanted to touch everything and everyone when it was appropriate and when it was not. He wanted to touch people on their face, hair, and rub their bald heads.

He would draw on himself, draw on things, and draw on other people. At one time it was given a name of Sensory Integration Disorder. I called it “we are about to be kicked out of places.” One summer on the way to the Smithsonian, we stopped at the National Art Museum. We gave Tate the don’t touch anything (DTA) speech. Tate violated the rule multiple times in the first 50 steps. His curiosity led him to touch priceless

SPEECH AND OCCUPATIONAL THERAPY: BUILDING SKILLS FOR SUCCESS

One unique characteristic of Tate as a child is that he wanted to touch everything and everyone when it was appropriate and when it was not. sculptures and put his hand on a Picasso painting. We left in a hurry. We were at a White House event, and Tate turned the power off in a room that caused a secret service agent to spring into action.

Most teachers and adults have loved the creativity of my son who looks at the world in an original way, while some have encouraged Tate to try to conform.

As parents, we set goals and pray that our kids would be followers of Christ, people of Integrity, thankful, and resilient when they leave our house. My advice to those who want Tate and other kids to follow God’s unique plan for their lives is let them be their own unique selves. As parents, our job is to guide them, correct them, and help instill the values that we think are important to be successful as they go about the world exploring, interacting, and learning from everything around them.

Ward Williams is the founder and executive director of Vineyard Family Services. Contact him at ward@vfsdads.com.

DENTISTRY FOR INFANTS, CHILDREN, TEENS, AND THOSE WITH SPECIAL NEEDS

We want children to successfully participate in everyday activities — in home, school and community settings.

We provide services in a home setting [or we can come to you] to build skills for children and adolescents, so they can do just that.

Tabitha Jarman Gatrey, DMD

4823 Promenade Pkwy Suite 101 | McCalla To schedule your child's appointment, call (205) 335-1615 or visit newwayinterventions.com

205/230-9000

psmilesal.com

8 Reach your market with us — (205) 617-9609 or info@bhamfunfamily.com

MEDICAL SPOTLIGHT

Healthcare

expertise FOR FAMILIES

Pediatric Smiles: 4823 Promenade Pkwy, Ste 101 McCalla AL 35022, (205) 230-9000, psmilesal.com DR. TABITHA JARMAN GATREY

Q: What are the most common types of dental trauma that you see?

A: The most common type I see is a tooth fracture. Fractures are usually the result of a fall or hit by an object. Other types of traumas are soft tissue (lips) lacerations, tooth loss (avulsion), and mobile teeth. It is important to be evaluated by a dentist, but injuries involving the mouth can impact the head/brain. If there are signs of a concussion, they need to be seen in the emergency room.

Q: If a child has an accident and a tooth appears to be loose, what should a parent do?

A: After a trauma I suggest that a parent call their pediatric or general dentist as soon as possible. A loose tooth could be associated with a tooth/root fracture. If a

baby tooth has moved from its natural position, it could damage the permanent tooth. Seeing a dentist early can prevent infection or other problems.

Q: What advice do you have for helping to avoid dental trauma?

A: The best prevention is to limit reckless play; allowing one child to jump on a trampoline at a time, not allowing your child to run with objects in their hands, and removing things that can cause trips/falls are good examples. When playing a sport, your child should use a mouth guard to decrease trauma to the mouth. It is impossible to totally prevent dental trauma, but actively watching your child and directing safe play are important.

Q: If a child’s tooth falls out as a result of an accident, what should a parent do?

A: Put it in milk and call their dentist as soon as possible.

Time is critical. Sometimes a permanent tooth can be saved and placed back in the socket. Baby teeth are usually not reimplanted due to risk of infection and damage to the developing permanent tooth.

Ceramics • Graphic Design • Jewelry Making • Needle Arts • Painting Paper Crafts • Woodworking • Children’s Studio • & More!

You are Invited to Our

4:00 p.m. on August 9, 2019 Join us for food, drinks, giveaways, and fun activities!

To R.S.V.P. visit us at TheCraftersHouse.com/BhamFam

(205) 383-1905 info@TheCraftersHouse.com 3417A Old Columbiana Rd • Hoover, AL 35226

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Local business news HOOVER

HIGHWAY 280

Stars and Strikes Family Entertainment Centers has announced plans for its first Birmingham area location in Hoover at 5201 Princeton Way, on the southeast corner of the I-459/Hwy 150 intersection.

The new location is scheduled to open in summer 2020. Amenities will include a full menu of appetizers, entrees, and desserts; free kids bowling; bowling leagues; birthday party options; and much more.

Pennant Sports has relocated to Walt Drive, off Highway 280 in the Greystone area. The store, previously located in the Inverness Heights Market shopping center, is a full service equipment and apparel provider for baseball, softball, football, basketball, volleyball, cheerleading, and coach’s gear.

starsandstrikes.com | (678) 965-5707

VESTAVIA HILLS NS Dance Studio has announced the opening of their second studio at 3242A Cahaba Heights Road.

Their first location at 1819 Grants Mill Road in Irondale will remain open as well. The studio offers ballet, jazz, tap, hip hop, contemporary, clogging, acrobatic arts, and aerobic arts for students age 2 through high school. nsdancestudio.com | NSDanceStudioBirmingham | NSDanceStudio | 3242A Cahaba Heights Road, Vestavia Hills | (205) 637-7675

MONTEVALLO The Art Studio, previously located in downtown Calera, has moved to 730 Middle Street in downtown Montevallo. They celebrated with a ribbon cutting on June 6. The studio, owned by Alison Baggett, offers weekly classes and workshops, summer camps for kids and adults, hosts birthday parties and private events, and even offers online classes. artstudiomontevallo.com | ArtStudioMontevallo | 730 Middle Street, Montevallo | (205) 369-2195

PELHAM Husband and wife team Jay and Jennifer Taylor have opened Alpha Extreme Cheer in Pelham. Jennifer has extensive experience in gymnastics, and Jay has a background in competitive cheerleading. The gym offers classes in tumbling and cheerleading, open gym time, and private instruction. alphaextremecheer.com | AlphaExtremeCheer | 147 Corporate Way, Pelham | (205) 725-0215

pennantsports.com | Pennant Sports | 6601 Walt Drive, Suite C, Birmingham | (205) 536-7000

ALABASTER Tiger Rock Martial Arts has opened a new location in Alabaster. They offer courses in martial arts for youth and adults alike, including taekwondo, hanmudo, aggression training, and other programs. tigerrockalabaster.com | AlabasterTigerRockMartialArts 136 Market Center Drive, Alabaster | (205) 624-3429

HOOVER Tiger Rock Martial Arts has moved to a new location in the Hoover Court shopping center. They offer courses in martial arts for youth and adults alike, including taekwondo, hanmudo, aggression training, and other programs. tigerrockmartialarts.com/hoover | HooverTRMA | BhamTigerRock | 1923 Hoover Court, Hoover | (205) 823-1999

HOOVER Master Scarsella’s World Class Tae Kwon Do has opened a second location in Hoover, near the intersection of Patton Chapel Road and Highway 31. Led by Justin Scarsella, they offer a full line of martial arts programs for children and adults. alabamatkd.com | MSWCTKD | 3417 Old Columbiana Road, Suite B | (205) 438-6244

HOOVER Shawn Hicks has announced that she will open The Crafters House in late summer. Unwind and rediscover your love of creating at their location in Hoover or online. Crafts include everything from painting to woodworking, jewelry to paper crafts, and much more. Classes will be available for children as well. thecraftershouse.com | TheCraftersHouse | 3417 Old Columbiana Road, Suite A | (205) 383-1905

Have some business news you want to share? Submit it to matthew@bhamfunandfamily.com.

10 Reach your market with us — (205) 617-9609 or info@bhamfunfamily.com

3659 Lorna Road #121 Hoover, AL 35216 (205) 987-3640

T H E N A G A I N C O N S I G N M E N T. C O M

Voted Hoover’s

BEST

consignment store!

T H E N A G A I N C O N S I G N M E N T. C O M

ONE MONTH. TWO EVENTS.

FUN FOR THE WHOLE FAMILY. Mad Hatter’s Fairy Garden Tea Party JULY 23, 10AM-NOON

Parents and grandparents bring your child or grandchild to this fun event! Decorate a small garden container, then have “tea” (finger sandwiches and desserts) while the container dries. We’ll play games, and don’t forget your hat! $35 for Aldridge Gardens members; $40 for non-members Registration includes one adult and one child [4-12 years] Spots are limited.

Mad Scientist Party JULY 25, 10AM-NOON Concoct fizzy drinks, get scientific, play outside, and go a little weird! Enjoy a picnic lunch with hot dogs.

$25 for Aldridge Gardens members, $30 for non-members Registration includes one adult and one child [4-8 years] Spots are limited.

3530 Lorna Road, Hoover (205) 682-8019 | aldridgegardens.com

Shop local and support our advertisers! 11

SPLASH

OF FUN When the heat is just too much, it’s time to find the closest pool or splash pad, and let the water cool you off. We’ve put together a list of public pools and splash pads around the Birmingham area just for you and your little ones. Have fun, and don’t forget your sunscreen!

Teenagers enjoy football in a Birmingham city pool.

POOLS BESSEMER: Enjoy a state of the art pool and swim center at the Bessemer Recreation Center, located at 100 14th Street South. Memberships are available for individuals, families, senior citizens, and more.

Individual swim sessions available for $5. Call 4250655 for more information.

BIRMINGHAM: Admission to swim is $1 per visit to any pool in Birmingham. Hours are noon-6pm. Water aerobics available at select sites. Swim lessons available for $5 per person for a 2-week session. All lifeguards are certified by the American Red Cross.

Cooper Green, 111 Dorothy Drive SW, 925-5497 Crestwood, 5400 Crestwood Blvd, 595-8523 E.O. Jackson, 601 15th Avenue North, 323-8382 East Lake, 116 84th Street North, 836-5312 East Pinson Valley, 3000 Jefferson State Pkwy, 297-8178 [indoor pool; open year round] East Thomas, 700 13th Avenue West, 251-1964 Grayson, 1101 Five Mile Road, 853-0533 Lewis, 7500 66th Street South, 595-5267 M.L. King Jr., 529 43rd Street North, 591-2033 MacMahon (Harris), 2720 Avenue W, Ensley, 787-0771 Maclin, 2701 F.L. Shuttlesworth Drive, 251-2278

McAlpine, 1115 Avenue F, Ensley, 788-3021 Memorial, 524 6th Avenue South, 252-0135 Norwood, 2700 15th Avenue North, 252-4943 Roosevelt City, 5904 Higan Avenue, 424-2751 Underwood, 1021 26th Street South, 930-0821 Wiggins, 3301 Jefferson Avenue SW, 923-8977 Woodward, 1220 McMillian Avenue SW, 7814965 GARDENDALE: Mountainview Aquatic Club is a private facility. Call 631-8635 for details.

HELENA: Gobblers Knob Swim and Tennis is a private facility. Call 663-9836 for details.

HOOVER Hoover Recreation Center, Located at 600 Municipal Drive, the rec center is available to residents of Hoover. Full memberships are available, which include us of the pool and all other facilities. However, a program pass is available for $5 per person, per day. Call 4447703 for more information.

Birchtree Swim and Tennis, This facility, 3583 Burtleaf Circle, is owned by the City of Hoover and leased by the Birchtree Swim and Tennis Club.

For membership questions, call 527-1606.

Shades Cliff Pool, This is a private facility. Call 822-9906 for details.

12 Reach your market with us — (205) 617-9609 or info@bhamfunfamily.com

A child enjoys the splash pad in Gardendale.

SPLASH PADS ASHVILLE: Inside the Ashville Community Park, on the corner of 3rd Avenue and 7th Street. It is open from noon-6pm, 7 days a week, and will close for the season the day after Labor Day. Call 594-4151 for more information.

BIRMINGHAM ZOO: Located inside the Children’s Zoo. Access is included in the cost of admission. Call 879-0409 for more information.

GARDENDALE: 2191 Fieldstown Road in the Clemons Recreational Complex. Hours are 10amdusk, Tuesday-Sunday, through September 30.

The facility is closed on Mondays for cleaning and maintenance. Call 631-6580 for more information.

HOMEWOOD: 710 Oak Grove Road. Hours are 9am-7pm Monday-Thursday, 9am-6pm FridaySaturday, and 1-6pm Sunday. The splash pad is located inside the aquatic center and is open to residents of Homewood who are members.

HOOVER: 100 Ben Chapman Drive, located behind the Hoover Met Complex and Hoover RV Park. Open Tuesday-Sunday, 10am-7pm. This 7,000 square foot splash pad is adjacent to a 15,000 square feet.

Explore Playground, a fully inclusive facility. Call 7397364 for more information.

LEEDS: 804 Park Drive. Free for Leeds residents and their guests as well as Leeds city employees,

including Leeds City Schools employees [residents must provide proof of residence to gain admission].

Open Tuesday-Sunday, 10am-6pm, and Sunday, 1-6pm. Call 699-0910 for more information.

MIDFIELD: 410 Grant Street. Call 923-2455 for hours and information.

MOODY: 100 Civic Center Drive. Open TuesdaySaturday, 9am-6pm, and Sunday, 1-5pm, through the end of September. Admission is $2 per person; children 2 and under are free. No outside food or drinks allowed.

SPRINGVILLE: 75 Old Talladega Road. Open Tuesday-Saturday, 10am-7pm, and Sunday, 1-5pm, through September 1. $2 per person; groups of 15 or more require must reserve the pavilion. Call 4670625 for more information.

TRUSSVILLE: 219 Parkway Drive. Open to Trussville residents and their guests only. Admission is free for members of Trussville Parks. Non-park members are $5 each. Call 655-2503 for hours and more information.

VESTAVIA HILLS: 4851 Sicard Hollow Road. Open 9am-dusk 7 days a week through September 30.

Water is controlled by a button on the black stand adjacent to the pad. Water will run for 15 minutes and will turn off automatically. Press button again to continue playing.

Shop local and support our advertisers! 13

Gabe Griffin stands in Monument Valley near the Arizona-Utah border during the 2017 Ride 4 Gabe event.

PHOTO | GARRETT COYTE, HOPE FOR GABE FOUNDATION.

REACHING NEW HEIGHTS IN

awareness for Duchenne

By Matthew Allen Michael Staley had no knowledge of Duchenne muscular dystrophy prior to a chance meeting in 2013. Scott and Traci Griffin had traveled from Chelsea, AL to Washington, DC to meet with and educate members of Congress about this genetic disorder, one that their son,

Gabe, was living with. Staley, then chief of staff to Rep. Spencer Bacchus, was asked to meet with the family.

“Gabe sparked something in me,” Staley says. “I would think about him in the coming weeks and the fight he was forced to take up.

I called his dad a few months later and shared the idea of Ride4Gabe (RFG) with him. 77 CONTINUED ON PAGE 18

14 Reach your market with us — (205) 617-9609 or info@bhamfunfamily.com

THE LITTLE RED HEN Written by

Jean Jean Pierce Pierce Music Music by by

Jay Jay Tumminello Tumminello July 9th - 20th, 2019 at the

Charlotte Lane Dominick Theatre in the BJCC

Great for ages 3 - 7!

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

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Product Recalls Few things are more frustrating than researching and shopping for items that we need for our children -- cribs, strollers, clothes, shoes, baby monitors...the list goes on and on -- and finally making the purchase, only to find out later that the item is being recalled.

Product recalls can be mildly inconvenient, but they serve a good purpose by informing us of potential issues with the products that we have purchased.

BFFM wants to keep you in the loop about products that have been recalled that you might have purchased for your family. The list below is up to date as of April 20. For more recent recalls, visit recalls.gov.

Cat and Jack “Lilia” Rain Boots POTENTIAL HAZARD: The unicorn horn on the rain boot can detach, posing a choking hazard to young children.

REMEDY: Full refund CONSUMER CONTACT: Call Target at (800) 440-0680 from 7am to 8pm, or visit online at www.target.com, and click on “Recalls” at the bottom of the page, then on “Shoes” for more information. Consumers can also click the “Product Recalls” tab on Target’s Facebook page.

Aegean children’s sleepwear POTENTIAL HAZARD: The children’s sleepwear garments fail to meet the flammability standard for children’s sleepwear, posing a risk of burn injuries to children.

REMEDY: Full refund CONSUMER CONTACT: Call Aegean Apparel at (800) 864-9403 from 8am to 5pm Monday through Friday, email at contactus@aegeanapparel.com, or visit online at www.aegeanapparel.com and click on “Product Safety Recall” for more information.

Beaba baby food steam cookers and blenders POTENTIAL HAZARD: The glass bowl can break, posing a laceration hazard.

REMEDY: Replace CONSUMER CONTACT: Call Beaba tollfree at (855) 602-3222 from 8am to 4pm Monday through Friday, email contact@ beabausa.com, or visit online at www.

BeabaUSA.com/recall and submit a request.

16 Reach your market with us — (205) 617-9609 or info@bhamfunfamily.com

Product Recalls Tween Brands Light Up Canopies POTENTIAL HAZARD: The canopy lights can overheat, posing fire and burn hazards.

REMEDY: Refund CONSUMER CONTACT: Call Justice at (800) 241-7011 from 8am to 4pm Monday through Friday, or visit online at www.shopjustice.com and click on “Recalls” at the bottom of the page for more information.

Kids II Rocking Sleepers POTENTIAL HAZARD: Infant fatalities have occurred in the Rocking Sleepers, after the infants rolled from their back to their stomach while unrestrained, or under other circumstances.

REMEDY: Refund CONSUMER CONTACT: Call Kids II at (866) 869-7954 7am to 4pm Monday through Friday, or visit www.kids2.com and click on “IMPORTANT RECALL INFORMATION.”

Bullseye’s Playground wooden toy vehicles, sold at Target POTENTIAL HAZARD: The wheels on the vehicles can detach, posing a choking hazard to children

Remedy: Refund CONSUMER CONTACT: Call Target at (800) 440-0680 from 7am to 8pm, or visit online at www.target.com, and click on “Recalls” at the bottom of the page, then on “Shoes” for more information. Consumers can also click the “Product Recalls” tab on Target’s Facebook page.

For more product recalls, visit recalls.gov.

Shop local and support our advertisers! 17

CONTINUED FROM PAGE 14

days later, Wes Bates and I were pedaling bicycles from Astoria, OR to Mobile, AL.” The fourth iteration of R4G will take place July 28-August 3. Staley, along with Brian Toone and Demetrious White, will pedal 1,500 miles, starting in Birmingham and culminating with a 100 mile ascent to the top of Pike’s Peak near Cascade, CO. “Our first ride in 2014 took us 3,400 miles through 11 states,” Staley says. “It was a rush, seeing some incredible parts of our country, but there were challenges in what we did. It’s a huge logistical challenge to put it together.”

Staley pauses a moment. “But it’s nothing compared to the fight Gabe takes up every day just to see the next day.”

Duchenne muscular dystrophy, or DMD, affects approximately 15,000 people in the United States. DMD is a genetic disorder characterized by progressive muscle degeneration and weakness. It is a hereditary disorder, and while it can occur in females, males are much more likely to be affected.

Symptoms typically appear around 3-5 years of age, and they can include muscle weakness, enlarged calves, and by the early teenage years, heart and respiratory muscles can be affected.

Research has improved the outlook for those with DMD, but it remains underfunded. R4G raises not only awareness of the condition,

but also money for research into treatment for DMD. Gabe’s father, Scott, says the need for funding can’t be stressed enough. “The Hope for Gabe Foundation has helped fund research at Nationwide Children’s Hospital for a drug called Follistatin,” he explains. “We’ve partnered with other foundations to fund microdystrophin and CRISPR trials and to explore other gene therapies like GALGT2 as well as funding research for VECTTOR technology in the past.”

But for Gabe, the connection to Michael and other cyclists resonates with Scott.

“The cyclists and Gabe have become like family,” says Scott. “Everyone is all in and they fight for Gabe as if he was directly related to them. We joke that Michael is another father to Gabe, and the cyclists are his siblings.

“It is amazing what can be accomplished when people come together and fight for a little boy that many did not know until a few years ago. To say this group is close is a major understatement. We are so blessed to have these people in our lives, and as long as they continue to ride for Gabe we will win this fight!”

To make a financial contribution to R4G and details on how to follow the cyclists on their journey, visit hope4gabe.org, or follow them on Facebook or Instagram @ride4gabe.

A sign atop Pikes Peak in Colorado welcomes those who reach the summit, 14,115 feet above sea level.

MICHAEL STALEY | HOPE FOR GABE FOUNDATION

18 Reach your market with us — (205) 617-9609 or info@bhamfunfamily.com

How Chamber membership works for me.

When I became a business owner in Shelby County, I decided to join The Shelby County Chamber to meet and get to know other business people. That has certainly been the case, as the Chamber is active in a number of areas that impact our communities, including education.

I’ve taken the opportunity to participate in numerous school events, and while it doesn’t present me with immediate “selling” opportunities, it does allow me the chance to meet and motivate students – whom in the future could be potential future employees or other business owners.

As long as I own a business, I will be an investor with The Shelby County Chamber!

Brittani Morris, owner Brittani Morris State Farm Insurance Agency, (205) 988-4526

To learn how your business can benefit as a member, contact Chris Williams at (205) 6634542, ext. 103, or chris@shelbychamber.org.

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A safer retail environment for families in Shelby County Partnerships between local governments aren’t always successful. Compact 2020 is not one of those partnerships. Formed in 2016, the collaborative effort has successfully identified more than 500 teenagers in Shelby County who were engaging in risky drug behavior; notified more than 230 parents of such behavior; and made more than 140 interventions, resulting in drug/mental health screenings.

Compact 2020 is not a law enforcement program. According to executive director Clay Hammac, the program is a community initiative, bringing together resources from the Shelby County Sheriff ’s Office, Shelby County District Attorney, four local school systems, the county commission, and six local municipalities [Alabaster, Chelsea, Helena, Hoover, Montevallo, and Pelham].

We visited with Hammac and asked some questions about the new Family Friendly Vendor program.

has stated they want their local merchants to pledge to partner with the community to provide a safe and healthy environment for children and young families.

Where did this idea come from?

The concept was created from our community prevention teams. Our prevention teams represent 12 sectors of the community, and each community’s team is uniquely different. Collectively, the teams identified this as an opportunity to celebrate vendors who pledge to be responsive to community concerns.

Isn’t it against the law for stores to sell these items?

Not always. However, the Family Friendly Vendor program is NOT a law enforcement program. This is an initiative created by our community prevention teams.

What are some of the items that have been problematic for your communities?

Each community has a unique response to this concern, so there is not an exhaustive list of specific items. In short, most prevention teams agree items that are traditionally used as drug paraphernalia, and items that promote unsafe behavior for our students, are among those requested to either not be sold in the store, or moved behind the counter.

To learn more about Compact 2020, follow them on Facebook, Instagram, YouTube, or Twitter, or visit them at compact2020.com.

What is required to be a Family Friendly Vendor?

Each prevention team has created a pledge specific to their community. Some have requested their Family Friendly Vendors not sell items such as marijuana pipes or grinders.

Others have specifically asked them not to sell products such as synthetic urine intended to defeat a drug test. Collectively, each team

What if a store does not want to sign a pledge?

This is voluntary. Merchants who sign the pledge will be given a decal to display in their window to let customers know they are a Family Friendly Vendor.

How is the pledge enforced?

There is no enforcement. As members of the community prevention teams patronize these vendors, they notify the Compact 2020 team of anything they believe to be a violation of their pledge. If a merchant chooses to no longer be a part of the program, there are no consequences, except they no longer display the decal.

20 Reach your market with us — (205) 617-9609 or info@bhamfunfamily.com

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Red, white and festive 11 local Independence Day celebrations that are ready-made for the whole family Independence Day means celebrating the freedoms of our nation, and there are plenty of ways to have fun for our 243rd birthday in the Birmingham area. From fireworks to street festivals, make plans to attend one of these community events!

Bessemer July 4 Celebration

Liberty Day

What: Free public festival with food vendors, kids’ activities, fireworks, and more.

Where: Bessemer City High School, 4950 Premiere Parkway, Bessemer AL 35020 When: July 4, 6:30-9pm; fireworks begin at 8:45.

More: Bring chairs, blankets, and the whole family

What: 2-day event in downtown Columbiana with street vendors, food, activities, and more.

Where: Downtown Columbiana, 100 North Main Street, Columbiana AL 35051 When: June 28-29, with fireworks on the evening of June 29 More: Parking available at Shelby County Courthouse and surrounding government buildings.

Chelsea Fest and The Big Kaboom

Fire on the Water

What: Free family event featuring music, food vendors, and fireworks in the heart of Chelsea Where: 100 Chelsea Corners Way, Chelsea AL 35043 When: June 29, 5-9pm More: Bring lawn chairs and a blanket and enjoy live music, headlined by Trotline, a kids’ play area, and plenty of food vendors on site Homewood 4th of July Festival

What: Day of fun capped off by fireworks at Alabama’s largest state park Where: Oak Mountain State Park, 200 Terrace Drive, Pelham AL 35124 When: July 3; fireworks at 9pm More: Bring your tent, chairs, and towels and enjoy a day of fun; food and other vendors will be on site.

I Love America Day What: Free community celebration featuring music, kids’ activities, and fireworks at dusk Where: Vestavia Hills High School, 2235 Lime Rock Road, Vestavia Hills AL 35216 When: June 27, 6-9pm; kids’ area open 6-8pm; Pops in the Park concert by Shades Mountain Baptist Orchestra, 7pm.

What: Rides, games, and fun in one of the best spots for “Thunder on the Mountain” fireworks Where: Two blocks of 18th Street South & One block of 29th Ave South in downtown Homewood When: July 4, 5-9pm. Festivities end with beginning of “Thunder on the Mountain” fireworks More: Admission is free, but to ride and play on attractions a $10 wristband must be purchased on site. A DJ will be on site playing as well.

22 Reachmusic your market with us — (205) 617-9609 or info@bhamfunfamily.com

Music and Fireworks in the Vineyard

Trussville Freedom Celebration

What: Live music by country music star Glen Templeton, wine tastings, winery tours, BBQ, and fireworks Where: Morgan Creek Winery, 181 Morgan Creek Lane, Harpersville AL 35078 When: July 4, 5-9:30pm More: Arrive early with a blanket to pick out a spot by the vineyard.

Reserved tables available for $50 that seat 8 people and include chairs and tablecloth, or $30 for a table for 4.

Admission at the gate is $20 per person, and $5 for those 12 and under.

What: Free family event hosted by First Baptist Church with music, food, kids’ activities, and fireworks Where: First Baptist Church, 128 North Chalkville Road, Trussville AL 35173 When: July 4, 5:30-9pm. Food vendors open at 5:30; rides and local music at 6; Deputy 5 concert at 7; Act of Congress concert at 8; fireworks at 9.

More: Parking available in surrounding neighborhood; patrons are allowed to bring their own food; alcohol free event; rain or shine, but in event of torrential downpour of lightning, event will be canceled.

Independence Day 1776

UAB Summer Band Concert

What: Re-enactments of revolutionary events, colonial games, kids’ activities, a salute to US veterans, patriotic music, and fireworks Where: The American Village, 3727 Highway 119, Montevallo AL 35115 When: July 4, gates open at 11am, Independence Day activities start at 7:30pm, fireworks at dusk.

More: Admission is $5 per person, but children 4 and under, military veterans, and active military personnel may enter free of charge.

What: A free concert by a UAB concert band consisting of students, faculty, and alumni playing patriotic tunes.

Where: UAB green adjacent to Bartow Arena, 617 19th Street South, Birmingham AL 35233 When: July 4, 7-8pm More: Bring lawn chairs, blankets, and picnic food. Also, bring money to enter a raffle to be the guest conductor for “Stars and Stripes Forever.”

Thunder on the Mountain What: One of Birmingham’s largest and longest-running July 4 fireworks shows.

Rain or shine, a 20-minute display of fireworks will light up the sky above Vulcan atop Red Mountain.

Where: Fireworks launched from Vulcan Park, which is closed at 6pm for safety reasons. Viewing areas all around downtown Birmingham, Homewood, Southside, Forest Park and other areas.

When: July 4, 9pm More: Tune in to 103.7FM, 102.5FM, 96.5FM, or 98.3FM for music choreographed to the fireworks.

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Alley Oop Sports

Commercial Playground Portable Buildings Equipment

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24 Reach your market with us — (205) 617-9609 or info@bhamfunfamily.com

TO THOSE WHO SERVE,

thank you.

From July 1-15, enjoy $10 off any massage for military personnel and first responders and their families May not be combined with other offers.

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A food tasting event just for families!

Saturday, August 17 | 11am-3pm Jefferson State Community College | 4600 Valleydale Rd, Hoover

$20

for a family of up to FIVE people!

Food samples from local restaurants | Face painting | Fire trucks Shelby County Sheriff’s Office helicopter on site Heavy equipment from HERC Rentals | Hoover Police K-9 Unit Cornhole and other games

Scan here to buy tickets, or visit famjamfoodfest.com 26 Reach your market with us — (205) 617-9609 or info@bhamfunfamily.com

why it matters..

To allow children to explore their individual gifts, interests and skills.

Donate now at hoovercsf.org/donate-today.

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Therapeutic riding lessons for children with disabilities.

Visit TheRedBarn.org for more information and to see tour dates.

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30 Reach your market with us — (205) 617-9609 or info@bhamfunfamily.com

Imaging that’s just right The Pediatric Imaging Center (PIC) at Children’s South is just right for children – with doctors and staff who are pediatric-trained, and with the latest equipment to help you and your doctor make the best decisions for your child.

Why you should choose PIC: •Pediatric trained doctors and staff •Low dose radiation •Latest technology •Same day results for most exams •Sedation available •Convenient location •Free parking •Kid friendly environment

Pediatric Imaging Center (PIC) Located at Children’s South (Acton Road at I-459)

1940 Elmer J. Bissell Road Birmingham, AL 35243 childrensal.org/imaging

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Engaging the full spectrum of substance abuse in Shelby County

Submit an Anonymous Tip

www.compact2020.com 32 Reach your market with us — (205) 617-9609 or info@bhamfunfamily.com