May 2018 Birmingham Parent by Birmingham Parent

THE PREMIER PARENTING MAGAZINE FOR CENTRAL ALABAMA â&#x20AC;&#x201D; NOW IN OUR 15TH YEAR OF PUBLISHING

MAY 2018

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12 FACTS ABOUT

MOTHERHOOD

AVOIDING ADULTING:

THE SLOW ROAD TO ADULTHOOD

8 GREAT GIFTS

FOR THE GRAD

How to Pay for College WITHOUT THE LOANS

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ed note HAPPY SUMMER! I always look forward to the stories in the May issue of Birmingham Parent, because I’m a mom with “kids this age” now, planning for college and career. Actually I had a child graduate from college recently, so this issue is particularly timely for my family now. Whatever age your child is, at some stage, you are looking at planning for college or career. Whether they want to attend a 2-year or 4-year college, a career technical school or are even looking at an advanced degree, there is so much to consider, and it seems education is more expensive than ever. This month, Pam Molnar looks at “12 Tips to Pay for College Without Taking Out Loans” starting on page 12. While some may seem obvious, these are really good things to think about and consider with your child. Both my kids have had college jobs and benefitted from employer reimbursement. There are some great suggestions here! One of my particular favorite stories this month is Paige Townley’s “Avoiding Adulting,” starting on page 18. This generation is different, and many parents are doing too much for their children (I’ve been guilty from time to time!), and making growing up harder. This is definitely a story for PARENTS that is a must read. We’ve got other great stories this month, including “Fascinating Facts about Motherhood” (page 24) and “Service Dog or Therapy Dog” (page 26), to name a few. And with warmer days ahead, don’t forget our popular calendar of events for May. Don’t miss our first ever Sunsational Summer Expo to kick off kids getting out of school. It is on opening day at our own Alabama Splash Adventure, May 19, from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Sponsored by Urgent Care for Kids, WDJC and Alabama Cable Network, the expo is free, but admission is required to get into the park. We’ll have some amazing giveaways that day, so don’t miss it! Watch Birmingham Parent’s social media for some great opportunities to win FREE tickets! And booths and sponsorships are still available.

P.O. Box 326 (add 800 Hwy. 52 E. for pkg) Helena, AL 35080 205-987-7700 205-987-7600 FAX www.birminghamparent.com

editorial PUBLISHERS David & Carol Evans EDITOR Carol Muse Evans ASSOCIATE EDITOR Lori Chandler Pruitt CALENDAR Lori Chandler Pruitt E-BLASTS Lacey Updegraff CONTRIBUTORS Dr. Vivian Friedman, Verna Gates, Pam Molnar, Paige Townley, Frances McGowin, Dr. Michael Patterson, Charles Ghigna, Rachel Moshman

sales SR. MARKETING CONSULTANT Kayla Fricks MARKETING & SPECIAL EVENTS CONSULTANT Amy Phillips WEB & SOCIAL MEDIA EDITOR Bethany Adams Hunley

art & production ART DIRECTOR Hilary Moreno DISTRIBUTION T&P Deliveries

Happy Summer and Happy Mother's Day! Carol Muse Evans publisher/editor carol@birminghamparent.com

ABOUT THE EDITORS: Carol Muse Evans is the publisher/editor/owner of Birmingham Parent magazine, a publication she and her husband David began in 2004. The Birmingham, Alabama-based parenting publication attracts more than 60,000 readers monthly in a four-county area and receives 10,000 hits per month on its website. The magazine has a 20,000+ print circulation, plus several thousand in readership of the digital edition online. It is the only independently audited free publication in our area. Evans is an award-winning writer and editor who has also has written for several other publications as a freelance writer since the late 80s. She is a graduate of Auburn University in journalism and is a graduate of Scottsboro High School. She is married with two grown children and lives in Alabaster. She is a member of the National Federation of Press Women, Alabama Media Professionals and Southeastern Advertisers and Publishers Association (SAPA). Evans also serves on the board of directors of Childcare Resources. Lori Chandler Pruitt is associate editor of Birmingham Parent, where she is responsible for the calendar and editorial editing. She also is a freelancer for Business Alabama magazine and has written/edited for several other publications. This award-winning writer and editor is a graduate of the University of Alabama in news/editorial and Hueytown High School. She is married with two children. 4 | birminghamparent | may 2018

LEGAL COUNSEL Balch & Bingham LLP

BIRMINGHAM PARENT IS A PUBLICATION OF EVANS PUBLISHING, LLC. Publishers: Carol Muse Evans, David K. Evans Sr. Birmingham Parent (EIN200694149) is published monthly by Evans Publishing LLC. www.birminghamparent.com or editor@birminghamparent. com. Birmingham Parent is © 2018 by Evans Publishing LLC. Family Connections Media ©2018 by Evans Publishing LLC. All rights reserved. Reproduction in whole or part without written permission is prohibited. Editorial submissions are welcome. For back issues, please send a self-addressed 10” x 13” envelope with $4 for postage and handling.

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contents 12 TIPS: HOW TO PAY FOR COLLEGE WITHOUT TAKING OUT LOANS Get a summer and on-campus job.

12 our focus COLLEGE & CAREER PLANNING GUIDE How to Pay for College Without Taking Out Loans.............12

per hour, they will gross $145 a week. Even after minimal taxes, that is more than $5,000 per year.

our features

our regulars EDITOR’S NOTE Happy Summer!..................................4 PARENTING with Dr. Friedman...............................7

Eight Great Gifts for Your High School Graduate............................................ 14

SHORT STUFF.................................. 8 DINING WITHOUT WHINING Spinach Lasagna Skillet Dinner....................................30

Avoiding “Adulting”.......................18 A Dozen Fascinating Facts About Motherhood............ 24

If a student works 20 hours at $7.25

Service Dog or Therapy Dog? What's the Difference?..................26 Keeping Kids Safe: Operation Kidsafe...........................28

ASK THE SPECIALIST Stay Alert to Sports Safety for Children.........................38 CALENDAR OF EVENTS............... 41 POETRY PARTY I Am Art..............................................46

DESTINATION GUIDE: Visit Centennial Park District in Atlanta This Summer ....................32 SUMMER CAMP: 10 Items to Pack in Your Child’s Day Camp Lunchbox .....................36

ON OUR COVER: Meredith of Colorado, formerly of Birmingham, was a happy graduate of University of Alabama in Birmingham. Photo by His Hands Photographs, Samantha Ferguson, www.hishandsphotographs.com, 205-862-3374. 6 | birminghamparent | may 2018

PAR E N TI N G

Parenting with Dr. Friedman

My 8-year old son seems to have an excessive amount of fear. He is clingy and does not like to be

out of my presence. He is afraid of bugs, thunderstorms and darkness at night in his room. At what point does a fear b ecome a phobia? A fear become a phobia when it takes over the child’s life. If he worries about the feared thing even when it is not present, it has moved from fear to phobia. For example, if your child is worried that it might thunder when the sky is bright and sunny and he refuses to go outside to play because the weather might change from sunny to stormy, then he has become phobic. Most children go through a stage when they are fearful. The age of fear is from about 1 1/2 to three years of age. The newborn infant has no fear because he does not understand enough about the world to know that he might be in danger. The toddler knows that he is dependent upon his parents and that he can be harmed but he does not yet have enough knowledge of science to understand, for example, that he cannot fit down the bathtub drain. He worries that the receding water might carry him off – a fear that he won’t have when he is seven or eight and has more understanding of how things work. Some degree of fear however, is not only normal, it is protective. When a baby recognizes his parents but howls at a stranger, he is assuring that the people who know him and love him best will be his caretakers. In essence, he is instinctively protecting himself from abduction long before he knows that concept. Of course, the innate fear goes too far and he may howl at his doting aunt or grandparent. Fear is both innate, like stranger anxiety, and learned. Parents can transmit fears through their actions. A mother that is terrified of dogs, might teach her child to be fearful through the child’s observation of her behavior. Yet most lessons taught are not lessons about fear but about discriminating dangerous situations from non-dangerous ones. Parents teach their children to come inside when it is storming, to avoid bugs

that might sting them and to refrain from talking to strangers. Most children can learn these lessons without becoming overly fearful when no danger exists. They learn to discriminate dangerous situations from harmless ones. They can come inside from a storm but not worry about thunder when the sun is out. A few children generalize the fears, worrying when there is no actual danger. These children require treatment to overcome excessive and incapacitating fear. Your 8-year-old son is beyond the typical stage of fears and so his fears are noteworthy. Extreme fears are quite stressful for a child and should not be dismissed as just “cute.” A child who is tormented by fears is not free to grow and to learn. In place of mingling socially with his peers, he is reduced to clinging to his parents and retreating to his home in the manner of a younger child. A combination of medication and psychotherapy can help your son to return to activities that are typical for his age.

Vivian K. Friedman Ph. D. is a child and family psychologist at UAB, Department of Psychiatry. Send questions for response in this column to Viviankf@gmail.com. No personal replies are sent.

SEEING CLEARLY STARTS HERE Call and schedule an appointment today. Now accepting Blue Cross, Davis, Superior, Spectera, Met Life, All Kids, Cigna, Tri Care, Avesis and many other insurance plans.

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100 Things to Do in Birmingham Before You Die: Book offers a variety of exciting and entertaining springtime activities Are you looking for new ways to enjoy Birmingham? Or perhaps you are hosting visitors to The Magic City? 100 Things to Do in Birmingham Before You Die, a guidebook that locals and tourists alike find invaluable, have some suggested spring activities straight from the book itself: • Did you know that Vulcan Park just added a new trail? Take a walk all the way to George Ward Park on Green Springs Highway and experience the original plan made by the Olmsted Brothers nearly 100 years ago. Enjoy great views along the way! • The Birmingham Barons are getting ready to play ball! Don’t miss the action at Regions Field when the first pitch flies out to the batter. • The Birmingham Botanical Gardens Wildflower Garden is alive with spring blossoms. Walk the trail to see all the colorful blooms. Ruffner Mountain, Red Mountain, Moss Rock and Oak Mountain State parks are also in bloom! • Time to canoe the Cahaba! The famed Cahaba lilies are in bloom! Grab a canoe, find a canoe company, or just walk out into the shoals to see the huge, white blossoms in the middle of the river. • Soon the famous Aldridge Gardens hydrangeas will be in bloom! Walk around the mirrored lake in Hoover to see the Snowflake hydrangeas first cultivated here, loved around the world. Lots of colors and shapes to dazzle the eye. • Time to take those café tables outdoors at Chez FonFon, Ovenbird, Chez Lulu, Pizitz Food Hall, Nabeel’s and Feast and Forest. Dine on Birmingham’s best food while enjoying spring sunshine and fresh air.

Bicentennial Traveling Exhibit Begins Tour Across the State “Making Alabama. A Bicentennial Traveling Exhibit” made its debut in Montgomery in March, displaying 200 years of Alabama history and beyond. The exhibit is in the Old Supreme Court Library room of the state Capitol and will be on display through August. Beginning this month, this and other versions of the exhibit will be on tour for 19 months, traveling to all 67 of Alabama’s counties. Four exhibits have been built, and they will travel the state concurrently so that all counties will be able to experience this exhibit. This extensive exhibit by the Alabama Humanities Foundation blends artistic collages, interactive computer tablets and an audio medley of song and spoken word to tell the story of Alabama – from becoming a territory to achieving statehood. It also conveys a message of hope in its presentation about the future. Organizers say AHF was a natural choice for coordinating the traveling exhibit because of its decades of experience through its partnering with the Smithsonian Institution’s Museum on Main Street traveling exhibits. In addition, host communities are assembling their own historical exhibits and activities to showcase their own history and put their signature on this event. To learn more about the exhibit and scheduling, see www.MakingAlabama.org. 8 | birminghamparent | may 2018

Photo by Jamie Martin, Alabama Tourism Department

Congratulations to

Haedyn Kerrigan Leverette Benn winners of the first annual “Share Your Smile Alabama Department of Public photo Health Oral Health Office with Alabama”contest

To have a winning smile like Haedyn and Kerrigan,

start out young. Have your child’s first dental visit by age one. Tooth decay is the most common chronic disease among children in the United States. Since the mouth is the “gateway” to the body, oral health affects overall health. Schedule a preventive dental visit for children ages 1 to 17 years to help insure: • a healthy mouth • a healthy child • a healthy adult • a healthy life

alabamapublichealth.gov/oralhealth

birminghamparent.com | 9

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7 Wallet-Friendly Ways to Eat Healthy Think eating healthy is too expensive? A recent Harvard School of Public Health study shows that a healthy diet costs only about $1.50 more per day per person than its less healthy counterpart. “You can enjoy nutritious foods without breaking the bank – and there are more benefits than just saving money,” says Anna Threadcraft, director of UAB Employee Wellness. Here are 7 tips to save money and eat healthy: 1. Create a shopping list. Use a weekly meal plan and create a master grocery list. Purchase vegetables, fruits, low-fat dairy, lean protein and whole grains; prepare meals that include similar ingredients to reduce the amount of food purchased. Skip highly processed items. 2. Plan around sales. Look for fresh produce, lean meats and low-fat dairy items on sale, and check fliers and coupons. Compare national brands with store labels for the lowest prices. 3. Buy seasonal produce. Shop local farmers markets. If the item you want isn’t in season, consider frozen fruits and vegetables without added sugar or salt. 4. Buy your favorite meat when you see it on sale. You can prepare two or more meals at one time and enjoy the leftovers later. Planning a meatless meal several times each week saves money.

5. Stock up on discounted grains and dry goods. Protein-rich whole grains and dried beans are inexpensive. Prepare them ahead of time and freeze portions for later. 6. Reduce food waste. Use highly perishable foods such as fish, greens, berries and fresh herbs first. 7. Consider local organic foods. The Environmental Working Group publishes lists of foods with the highest and lowest levels of pesticide residues. —Haley Herfurth

New Guidelines Means More People Classified with High Blood Pressure

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An additional 31 million people are now classified as hypertensive, or having high blood pressure, according to a study that looks at the impact of the new American College of Cardiology and American Heart Association hypertension guideline. The guideline, released by the American College of Cardiology and the American Heart Association in November, lowered the blood pressure levels used to define hypertension from 140/90 mm Hg to 130/80 mm Hg. The study, led by Paul Muntner, Ph.D., professor of epidemiology in the School of Public Health at UAB, found that under the new guideline, approximately 103.3 million people in the United States will be categorized as having high blood pressure. Muntner says the increase isn’t meant to scare people, but make people aware of the risks. “The guideline represents a fundamental shift in treating high blood pressure,” Muntner says. “High blood pressure is not a disease, but rather a risk factor for heart disease, stroke and kidney disease that can be managed through lifestyle and medication.” The guideline also changes the number of people who will be on blood-pressure lowering medication. Out of the 31 million adults who will be newly diagnosed with hypertension under the new definition, only 4 million people will be recommended drug treatment. “The big focus on this guideline is non-drug treatment,” Muntner says. “The majority of people who are newly diagnosed as having high blood pressure won’t be recommended medication. Instead, we recommend lifestyle changes such as weight loss if the patient is overweight, improving one’s diet and physical activity.” Before the new guideline was released, approximately 79 million Americans were recommended medication to treat high blood pressure.

A N A L A B A M A G U L F C O A S T VA C AT I O N R E V E L AT I O N

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COLLEGE & CAREER PLANNING GUIDE

12 Tips: How to Pay for College without Taking Out Loans By Pam Molnar

1. Start by getting good grades in high school. Your GPA and ACT/SAT scores will award you merit scholarships without even having to apply for them. Many schools have charts and scholarship calculators where prospective students can plug in their scores to reveal their automatic breaks. 2. Take AP courses or college credit courses. Many high schools offer dual enrollment college credit courses through a local community college. In addition, students taking AP classes in high school can test at the end of the school year and those who receive a C or higher on the test will get college credit for the class. The AP test is about $100 – much less than the cost of a college class and corresponding books. 3. Apply for national scholarships. Before you apply, make a list of all your associations as well as those of your

12 | birminghamparent | may 2018

immediate family. There are scholarships available for left-handers, children and grandchildren of war veterans and family of members of groups such as the Lions Club. Check out websites like collegescholarships.com or books like “The Ultimate Scholarship Book” by Gen and Kelly Tanabe for an unbelievable list of scholarships available to you. 4. Local scholarships. Check out your high school’s website for information on local businesses, churches and sports organizations offering scholarships. While none of them offer full rides, the generous $500 to $1000 scholarships add up quickly and cover things like books, housing and travel expenses that merit scholarships don’t cover. 5. Sport scholarships. Only 2 percent of high school athletes are offered some form of athletic scholarship and the

opportunity to compete in college. Some athletes seek less popular sports such as bowling or rugby, hoping for a smaller pool of scholarship contenders. Be aware that some small, private colleges do not offer athletic scholarships at all. 6. Get a summer and on-campus job. If a student works 20 hours at $7.25 per hour, they will gross $145 a week. Even after minimal taxes, that is more than $5,000 per year. 7. Consider joining a public service program. AmeriCorps, Peace Corps, National Health Service Corps or ROTC often offer college scholarships, reduced loans or deferred loans in exchange for service. 8. Consider community colleges. They offer a lot of great college savings. Classes are available during the day or evening, so you can work full or

part time. Because the school is local, students can live at home to save on room and board. The cost of classes, many of which transfer to a four-year school, are much less per credit hour.

and their children are usually offered a discount for tuition only, but since you most likely live within driving distance, you will also save on room and board.

9. Employer reimbursement programs. If you are going to work while in college, consider working for a company who offers a tuition reimbursement program. UPS, Starbucks and Verizon are just a few of the companies that offer tuition reimbursement to full and part-time employees. The average assistance is $5,250 per year.

11. Try to graduate sooner. Take summer and online classes at your community college. You can also take an extra class or two each semester to boost your credits and complete your requirements early. By graduating early, you will save on room and board – an average of $10,000.

10. College employees and their children get discounts on their college education. Please note, this is not available for a part-time student position in the book store. This is for regular staff such as professors, the bursar office team and maintenance crew members. Full-time employees

12. Book options. Books are crazy expensive. Don’t fall for the convenience of the college book store. Get your class syllabus and determine the best option for buying books. Look online at Amazon, consider used books, share with a roommate or rent the books for half the price. Try looking at local used book stores and eBay to get the most bang for your buck.

Get a summer and on-campus job. If a student works 20 hours at $7.25 per hour, they will gross $145 a week. Even after minimal taxes, that is more than $5,000 per year.

Pam Molnar is a freelance writer and mother of three.

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COLLEGE & CAREER PLANNING GUIDE

Gift cards – Gift cards are a one-size-fits-all type of gift. New college students might appreciate a gas card or a gift card to Walmart, where they can pick up food, toiletries or household items. IKEA sells inexpensive furniture for small spaces – perfect for a dorm setting. A Basket of Goodies – Whether your grad is starting out in his first apartment or headed to the dorm, he will appreciate a basket full of essentials. Fill a laundry basket with snack foods, toiletries, a sewing kit, and a roll of quarters for the Laundromat.

Eight

Books – A classic graduation book is Dr. Seuss’ “Oh, the Places You’ll Go!” which is an inspirational graduation sendoff for all ages. For practical college advice, try “The Secrets of College Success” by Lynn F. Jacobs. To record their college experiences, consider buying a 5-year journal.

Gifts

Money – The most popular gift for grads is cash. The question is always, “How much should I spend?” Check out Simchabucks.com for a cash gift calculator. Fill in your relationship to the grad, state the event takes place, who the gift is from and your household income to receive a dollar amount suggestion.

Great for your High School

Graduate

By Pam Molnar

The sounds of “Pomp and Circumstance” fill the

Homemade gift – If you have the time to make it, a homemade gift is a heartfelt one. Make a pillow or quilt out of high school and sports t-shirts. Put together a scrap book of high school memories and include theatre programs, sports medals and football programs. Create a photo montage of pictures from kindergarten to graduation and present it at her party.

air as graduation season approaches. When your graduate closes the door to childhood, you want to give him a gift that reflects that milestone. Stuck for ideas? No matter what your budget, you are sure to find a great gift for your graduate here: Spirit wear – Help your recent grad blend in at their new school by getting them some college spirit wear. Contact the school directly or go online to PrepSportsWear.com. They have an amazing database of colleges in the U.S and Canada. Luggage – Maybe your grad is taking a year off and plans to travel. Whether they are traveling first class or backpacking across the country, they need something to hold their things. For daily use, consider purchasing a book bag for walking around campus or a duffle bag for the gym. Toolkit – If your grad is planning to move out of Mom and Dad’s house, they won’t have access to Dad’s toolbox. A basic toolkit includes screwdrivers, pliers, a hammer, measuring tape and other handy tools. You can find a readymade toolkit at your local hardware store.

14 | birminghamparent | may 2018

Pam Molnar is a freelance writer and mother of three.

College & Career Directory COLLEGES & SCHOOLS Auburn University at Montgomery 7400 East Drive Montgomery, AL 36117 334-244-3000 admissions@aum.edu / www.aum.edu Auburn University at Montgomery was founded in 1967. The nationally accredited university offers more than 90 degree programs to more than 5,000 undergraduate and graduate student. Birmingham Southern College 900 Arkadelphia Rd. Birmingham, AL 35254 800-523-5793 www.bsc.edu Founded in 1856, BSC, a liberal arts school, is affiliated with the United Methodist Church and is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools.

OPPORTUNITY

STARTS HERE

Holy Family Cristo Rey Catholic High School 2001 19th Street Ensley Birmingham, AL 35218 205-263-0133 admissions@hfcristorey.org / www.hfcristorey.org Combining academic rigor and a corporate work-study program to empower students from economically challenged families to graduate high school prepared to persist in college and flourish in life. Transforming Birmingham, One Student At A Time. Joseph Bruno Montessori Academy 5509 Timber Hill Rd. Birmingham, AL 35242 205-995-8709 / 205-995-0517(fax) www.jbma.org For over 30 years, JBMA has equipped children with the essential skills and knowledge they need to thrive as a successful adult. Enrolling toddlers - 8th grade.

Ranked Among Best in the South by U.S. News & World Report

TUTORING PROGRAMS The Tutoring Center 2804 John Hawkins Pkwy., Suite 100 Hoover, AL 35244 (near Academy Sports) 205-987-9577 isaaczeiden@tutoringcenter.com www.hoover.tutoringcenter.com One-to-one tutoring designed to help your child develop stronger academic skills, earn better grades, score higher on standardized tests, while gaining confidence, motivation and focus.

Scholarships start at 18 ACT | 2.5 GPA Military & Dependent Scholarships Available

AUM.EDU/OPPORTUNITY birminghamparent.com | 15

BIRMINGHAM-SOUTHERN COLLEGE

Auburn University at Montgomery

MISSED THIS ISSUE WITH YOUR AD?

At Birmingham-Southern College, we’re committed to offering you the hands-on experiences you’ll need to succeed, no matter what field you choose. Internships, research, and service-learning are built into the curriculum. Our unique January term gives you four weeks of flexibility to pursue your dreams, and our small classes and intensive advising mean your professors will get to know you.

Find your opportunity for new and exciting careers and advancement with any of Auburn University at Montgomery’s 90+ undergraduate and graduate degrees. Small class sizes with caring and highly qualified faculty — distinguished academics and practitioners in their fields — means you’ll gain detailed knowledge and hands-on experience. From cutting-edge learning experiences like our one-of-a-kindin-the-state Virtual Avatar Lab to original research initiatives like our NSF-funded Logan Project, opportunity abounds at AUM.

Advertise here for Back-toSchool in August 2018, Private School Guide in November 2018 and May 2019 for your educational institution. Call us at 205-987-7700 or email info@birminghamparent.com for more information.

At BSC, you’ll find your own path, all while building the skills today’s employers want. You'll experience learning in a new way, tackle challenges you never imagined, then take what you learn beyond the classroom. Our students are among the very best, and our alumni exceed all expectations. U.S. senators, museum directors, prize-winning authors, NASA scientists, attorneys, entrepreneurs, physicians, and more credit BSC for their success. They’re also eager to help you meet your goals. With more than 50 areas of study – and new programs being added each semester — we have countless routes to your future. Come see why Forbes magazine puts BSC on its list of the top 100 colleges nationally for return on investment, and the book “Colleges That Change Lives” lists BSC among just 40 schools honored, calling it “what college ought to be.”

Whether you live on or off campus, you’ll build strong academic and social connections in AUM’s collegiate environment that includes our University Honors Program, 8 honor societies, and our Living and Learning Communities. Stay involved with more than 60 student clubs and organizations, including Greek Life, academic and special interest clubs, intramural sports, and Study Abroad. We’ve got spirit, too! The AUM Warhawks hold more than 25 national championships across the university’s 11 sports. AUM Athletics now offers the excitement of NCAA Division II play. Ranked among the South’s top universities by U.S. News and World Report and recognized as one of the best colleges in the Southeast by The Princeton Review, AUM is recognized among the Best Online Colleges in Alabama, and is consistently chosen as the best university in the area. Schedule your Campus Tour or register for one of our Admissions Events today. Call 334-244-3615 or visit aum.edu.

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900 Arkadelphia Rd, Birmingham, AL 35254 www.bsc.edu (205) 226-4600

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7400 East Dr., Montgomery, AL 334-244-3000 www.aum.edu

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BSC DELIVERS

OTHERS TAKE NOTICE. ONE OF FORBESâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; TOP 100 SCHOOLS WITH A GREAT RETURN ON INVESTMENT bsc.edu/lowertuition birminghamparent.com | 17

COLLEGE & CAREER PLANNING GUIDE

Avoiding “Adulting”

Today’s Teens and the Long, Slow Road to Adulthood Today’s teens aren’t like those of previous generations. Unlike many previous generations that were anxious to grow up, teens today are having none of it. In fact, they are putting off adulthood completely, delaying everything from getting a job and driving to drinking and sex. One recent study noted that today’s 18 year olds are living more like 15 year olds. Among 12th grade students surveyed from 2010-2016, the study revealed that compared to previous decades, only 73 percent had a driver’s license (down from 88 percent), 55 percent worked for pay (down from 76 percent), 67 percent drank (down from 93 percent) and 63 percent dated (down from 86 percent). In addition, today’s teens are sending an average of 60 texts a day and are looking at a screen roughly 7.5 hours a day. So why are today’s teens refusing to grow up? Psychologists and therapists offer many various reasons, one being the fact that today’s

18 | birminghamparent | may 2018

By Paige Townley

teens deal with more on a daily basis than previous generations. “Teens legitimately have more to process and navigate than any generation before,” says Dr. Tim Thayne, a marriage and family therapist and author. “They have more distractions and quagmires – addictive substances and processes like gaming and social media – than we can imagine.” Another reason kids today are avoiding adulting is rather simple: they don’t have to. Parents are doing everything for them, adds Dr. Vivian Friedman, a child and family psychologist at UAB. “Parents enable their children to choose not to work and protect them from consequences,” she says. “The amount of allowance given to children in many families takes away the need to earn money on their own.” Angela Camp, national coordinator of adolescent and emerging adult marketing for Bradford Health Services, echoes the issue of many parents today not requiring kids to grow up. “I think a lot of it today comes from a place where you want your kids to have it better than

you did,” Camp says. “When you operate from that place, it’s very easy to slip into the place of doing everything for your child and giving them everything. It feels good to the parent – it fulfills their need to be needed – and to the child’s perspective it feels good being taken care of, at least for a while.” Though eventually, Camp adds, the child’s appreciation of having things done for them turns into negative consequences. “Over time the child can internalize that as they are still a baby, the world is scary, and their parents wouldn’t be doing so much for them if they were capable of doing it on their own, so I must not be capable of doing things myself,” she says. “That’s not the message the parent is trying to send, but over time that’s how a kid perceives it.” Parents also tend to sometimes “run interference” for their kids, Camp adds, which provides a second message to their child: nothing is ever their fault. “When I was growing up, if I failed a test, I was in trouble when I got home because I should have known to study and be prepared,” she explains. “Nowadays when that happens, many parents send an email or make a phone call or go up to the school to talk to the teacher about why he or she is picking on their child – even asking if their child can retake the test. You don’t get do-overs in the world. That’s not how it works. So kids don’t have to experience the fallout from bad behavior or lack of action. It’s telling the child that nothing is their fault and if something happens, their parents will get them out of trouble.” These scenarios are contributing to the issue of teens not growing up, and they are also setting up situations that can make being an adult even harder for them. When kids aren’t prepared to be out in the real world and interact with others as healthy, functional, and capable people, they oftentimes get to college and struggle. “If they haven’t learned resiliency or the coping skills needed to deal with the bumps in the road life throws at you, that can send them into a tailspin,” Camp says. “That leads to either dropping out of school and going on or finding ways to get rid of their anxiety to go away, and that’s where substance abuse can sneak in.” Bradford Health Services has created a new age group to help those in this particular adolescent group to deal with substance abuse when it arises and brought in a licensed marriage and family therapist, Dr. Adams Downs, to work specifically with these young and emerging adults. But before an adolescent potentially needs professional help, there is a lot parents can do to help their children avoid falling into the “never grow up” state of mind. Parents can start by treating their children the age they are. When parents don’t see their young adults for the age they are, parents are handicapping them, Camp says. “Many parents of adolescents who are 18 to 20 years old are still looking at their child like they are nine or 10 years old,” she says. “That means they treat them as a kid instead of as the young adult they are.” Another pitfall many parents need to avoid is not letting teens do things for themselves that they are fully capable of doing. That can mean doing schoolwork or simple tasks around the house like washing clothes, cooking, budgeting,

One recent study noted that today’s 18 year olds are living more like 15 year olds. Among 12th grade students surveyed from 20102016, the study revealed that compared to previous decades, only 73 percent had a driver’s license (down from 88 percent), 55 percent worked for pay (down from 76 percent), 67 percent drank (down from 93 percent) and 63 percent dated (down from 86 percent).

Today’s teens are sending an average of 60 texts a day and are looking at a screen roughly 7.5 hours a day.

continued on page 19 birminghamparent.com | 19

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or simple tasks around the house like washing clothes, cooking, budgeting, or even making a bed. “Parents should consider a task they do for their child and ask themselves: what level of functioning are you keeping the child in because you haven’t asked them to step up?”

or even making a bed. “Parents should consider a task they do for their child and ask themselves: what level of functioning are you keeping the child in because you haven’t asked them to step up?” Thayne explains. “Remember that a core principle of development is exposure to different situations that may tax the cognitive, social, and physical abilities of the person. What activities, situations, or scenarios are there that we tend to think are over the head of our teen but we’ve never even allowed them to attempt to try?” Parents can proactively help their teens more smoothly transition into adulthood by helping them build resiliency while they are still at home, Camp adds. That means allowing the child to suffer the consequences of their own actions. “It’s one of the most difficult things to do as parents, but that will help them build coping skills to deal with life’s bumps in the road,” she says. “That also means giving them a little bit of freedom to experience life and make some decisions for themselves before they leave home.” A beneficial method parents can utilize to help their child build resiliency and prepare for adulthood is to consider the skills needed for independent living and create a plan with their child that includes a schedule for training them on those things. And just as significant is encouraging them to succeed and grow, notes Friedman. “Parents should assess their child realistically and steer them toward achievable goals,” she says. “Be proud of any level of achievement they make. Don’t knock down goals that are realistic and honorable.”

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New Medicare Cards Arriving Summer 2018 7 things to know about your new Medicare card: • Your Medicare Number is unique: Your card has a new number instead of your Social Security Number. • Your new card is paper: Paper cards are easier for many providers to use and copy, and they save taxpayers a lot of money. • Destroy your old Medicare card: Do not discard the old card until you have used the new one, to ensure it works with healthcare providers. • Keep your new card with you: Carry your new card and show it to your healthcare providers when you need care. • You can find your number: If you forget your new card, you, your doctor or other healthcare provider may be able to look up your Medicare Number online. • Keep your Medicare Advantage Card: If you’re in a Medicare Advantage Plan (like an HMO or PPO), your Medicare Advantage Plan ID card is your main card for Medicare – you should still keep and use it whenever you need care. However, you also may be asked to show your new Medicare card, so you should carry this card, too. • Help is available: If you don’t get your new Medicare card by April 2019, call 1-800-MEDICARE (1-800-633-4227). TTY users can call 1-877-486-2048.

Be on the lookout for SCAMS with the new Medicare card. Don’t give personal information to get your card. Medicare will never call you uninvited and ask you to give personal information over the phone. Scam artists may try to get personal information (like your current Medicare Number) by contacting you about your new card. Medicare will also never make a home visit. Don’t pay for your new card. If someone asks you for your information, for money, or threatens to cancel your health benefits if you don’t share your personal information, hang up and call us at 1-800-MEDICARE (1-800-633-4227) or your Senior Medicare Patrol at your local Area Agency on Aging at 1-800-243-5463. Guard your card: Only give your new Medicare Number to doctors, pharmacists, other healthcare providers, your insurers, or people you trust to work with Medicare on your behalf. 22 | birminghamparent | may 2018

This project was supported, in part by grant number 90MP0238 from the U.S. Administration for Community Living, Department of Health and Human Services, Washington, D.C. 20201 and the Alabama Department of Senior Services.

birminghamparent.com | 23

PARE N T I N G

A Dozen Fascinating Facts about

Motherhood By Pam Molnar

MOTHER’S DAY IS SUNDAY, MAY 13!

Mothers, a tireless beacon of love and support, were given the second Sunday in May as a special day of recognition by Congress in 1914. This year, it falls on May 13. Since then, we have celebrated mothers for their strength, persistence and unconditional love. Families have different needs, challenges and circumstances and without a guidebook, a mother has to adapt as her family grows. Mothers are fascinating creatures. She sculpts the world in the way she raises her children.

Did you know…

Of the 3.9 million moms giving birth in the U.S. in 2014, 135,336 gave birth to twins – a birth rate of 33.9 per 1,000 live births. Triplets or higher multiples make up one in every 880 births, a decrease of 41 percent since its peak in 1998.

There are 85 million mothers in the world, according to a U.S. Census report. More than 43 million mothers live in the United States alone. The latest numbers show that 3.9 million women between the ages of 15 and 50 gave birth in 2015.

The average age of a first-time mom in 2014 was 26.3. That is up from 24.9 just 15 years ago. The trend of older first-time mothers is expected to climb due to a decline in teen pregnancies which has fallen from 23 percent in 1999 to 13 percent in 2014. Experts believe that sex education and teen use of birth control is behind the decline.

The great debate in recent years has been whether a mother should stay at home to raise her children or continue to work while her children are with another caregiver during the day. According to a Pew Research analysis, 29 percent of mothers stay home with their children, a number that is based on demographic, economic and societal factors. Since 1967 the number of stay-at-home mothers has steadily decreased from 49 percent to its low of 23 percent in 1999.

The majority of mothers, roughly 70 percent, work part or full time outside of the house. And while that number has increased by 20 percent over the past 50 years, women’s contribution to their household income has only increased by 11 percent. The average daycare cost for a baby is $3,582 to $18,773 per year, according to the National Association for Child Care Resource & Referral Agencies. Those costs have gone up a drastic 70 percent since 1985.

Single mothers make up 9.9 million women living with at least one child under 18 in the U.S. That number is up 2.2 million from a study done in 1985. Single mothers are included in both the stay-at-home and working mother groups due to unemployment and cohabitating.

24 | birminghamparent | may 2018

The cost of the hospital stay for delivering a baby, including prenatal and postnatal care is $8,802, according to a March of Dimes study. A domestic adoption in the United States costs between $34,093 and $39,966. While infertility has many variables, the average price of an in vitro fertilization (IVF) cycle is $12,400.

No matter how your baby arrives, the costs don’t end there. According to CNN Money in January 2017, the average middle income family will spend $233,610 to raise a child born in 2015. This number does not include a college education or a child that might have special needs.

According to Baby Center, the five most popular girl’s names in 2018 are Emma, Olivia, Isabella, Ava and Sophia. For boys, the names are Liam, Noah, Mason, Ethan and Lucas.

10.

Speaking of popularity, did you know that September is the most popular month to give birth? A study from 2014 shows September 12, 18, 25 and 26 as the most popular birthdates. Most newborns are born on a Tuesday, while Sunday has the least amount of births.

11.

World Bank data from 2014 shows the global sex ratio is 107 boys born for every 100 girls. In the United States, the average birth weight is 7¼ pounds with a height of 19.5 inches long, according to the National Center for Health Statistics.

12.

So how do we celebrate our moms on Mother’s Day? According to Statistic Brain, Americans spend $20.7 billion dollars on Mother’s Day - $1.9 billion of that is just for flowers. The average consumer spends $168.94, with homemade gifts topping the list followed by dinner, greeting cards, gift cards and flowers. Pam Molnar is a freelance writer and mother of three.

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Service Dog or Therapy Dog? What is the Difference?

By Frances McGowin

I’m sure you have seen dogs wearing vests in places you would not expect to see dogs. If it was in a nursing home or a hospital, the dog could have been a therapy dog, just there to visit residents and patients for a few hours. However, if you see a dog with a vest on in places like grocery stores, Walmart, or restaurants, that dog is a service dog, and, according to the American Disabilities Act (ADA), has been specifically trained to be a service dog and perform tasks that are specifically related to that person’s medical disability. Therapy dogs are someone’s pet who is trained to provide comfort to many people. A service dog is a medical tool to help one person with a disability live an independent life. Both dogs have important jobs, but their job descriptions and training are quite different. A service dog is trained to focus solely on one person. He is trained in public

access commands and behaviors as well as task training and home behaviors. A service dog trained by a professional service dog organization will have more than 2,000 hours of fulltime training. The dog must pass numerous tests and evaluations prior to his placement to a person with a disabilities. A service dog that is owner trained should also go through rigorous training and socialization to ensure that the dog will behave in all public settings, can tolerate long and intense working hours, will perform his tasks regardless of his surroundings, and is comfortable, calm, and relaxed in all settings.

Therapy dogs are trained by their owner at their owner’s own pace and will usually pass a temperament and simple obedience evaluation for certification. Therapy dogs should like visiting with all kinds of people in all kinds of settings. Frances McGowin is founder and executive director of Service Dogs Alabama, based in Hope Hull.

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CH ILD SA F E T Y

Keeping Kids Safe:

Operation Kidsafe has dedicated itself to child safety for nearly 20 years By Paige Townley

For almost 20 years now, Operation Kidsafe has worked to prepare families for this type of emergency and provide them with a plan. Developed with the help of consultants from the FBI, police and fingerprinting experts, the Operation Kidsafe system provides parents with a printed copy of the digital fingerprints of their child, along with a full digital head and shoulder photograph and space to fill in necessary personal information

It’s every parent’s worst nightmare: their child gets separated from them, or even worse, the fear their child has been kidnapped. According to the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children, roughly 2,000 children are reported missing every day. For almost 20 years now, Operation Kidsafe has worked to prepare families for this type of emergency and provide them with a plan. Developed with the help of consultants from the FBI, police and fingerprinting experts, the Operation Kidsafe system provides parents with a printed copy of the digital fingerprints of their child, along with a full digital head and shoulder photograph and space to fill in necessary personal information at home. The system is completely private, as no information is required from parents to get the document, and the only record of the document goes home with the family. Then should the child ever become lost or kidnapped, parents can quickly and easily provide law enforcement with the document. Operation Kidsafe is the brainchild of Mark Bott, who one day experienced a child emergency scare with his own family. “When that happened, I realized I had no plan,” he explains. “That was a really scary realization.” From that one instance, Bott decided to learn more about child safety, and when he sold his businesses, he decided to take some time to volunteer before delving into another company. He met John Walsh (of America’s Most Wanted) and worked with him for a few years on child safety initiatives and traveling around the country to help start the Amber Alert program. “I got into focusing on child safety, and I just never looked back,” Bott says. “Parents aren’t always an arm’s length away from their children, so they must have the tools to help them and protect them.” Also included in the Operation Kidsafe system is safety tips for parents to create a family safety action plan, whether their child is a year old or an older teen. “That way parents can hopefully avoid ever having to use the form,” Bott adds. “It’s the last form you ever want to use, but if it’s ever needed, law enforcement can scan it and have it in squad cars in less than 10 minutes and have an Amber Alert going.” Now in its 17th year, Operation Kidsafe has made its way across the United States and Canada and has protected more than one million children – and it’s done so completely free of charge to families. “My wife, Patty, and I wanted to establish a brand parents could trust, and we wanted to do that with two core principles: it would always be private and it would always be free. And we’ve never charged a family anything. We’ve stuck with those principles, and we always will.” And now, the free and completely private child safety kit is available in Birmingham, as Adamson Ford has partnered with Operation Kidsafe to bring the first Operation Kidsafe Child Safety Center to Alabama. After having the program available as part of its 100-year celebration and getting incredible feedback from parents, the dealership has a year-round Operation Kidsafe system set up in its showroom. Parents can visit the Adamson Ford Showroom with their child and get the vital safety form, no cost and no strings attached. “It’s amazing to see a company giving back to the community that has made them successful,” Bott says. “We are so blessed to be doing this and having sponsors like this helping get the system into the hands of parents. It’s a privilege to be able to give this to parents. I don’t know how many kids’ lives we’ve saved, but we will keep doing this to help everyone we can.”

at home. And now, the free and completely private child safety kit is available in Birmingham, as Adamson Ford

28 | birminghamparent | may 2018

For more information about Operation Kidsafe, visit operationkidsafe.org.

make a good choice:

get moving alabama! get goINg

Getting started with physical activity can be challenging but is possible. If you’re not used to being active, talk with your doctor first. • Find where physical activity fits into your daily routine and make time for it. • Take small steps towards increasing activity. • Start slowly. Change one habit at a time. • Get up and move every hour.

• Physical activity is for everybody!

get eNough

Any amount of physical activity is a good start! As your activity increases, remember:

• Aerobic activity increases your heart rate and gets you breathing harder like brisk walking or rolling, dancing, and swimming. • Adults need 30 minutes of aerobic activity every day. 10 minutes at a time is fine.

• Work all major muscle groups at least 2 times a week. This includes using a stretch band, weight lifting, push ups, and yoga.

get together

Increasing physical activity is easier and more enjoyable when you’re not alone.

• Find a partner! Whether it’s a friend, co-worker, family member, or someone with similar goals.

• Work with your partner to motivate and cheer each other on.

• Find an activity that you want to do, not have to do. Choose an activity that’s fun!

get results

Physical activity improves your health by increasing energy, relieving stress, controlling your weight, building strength, and reducing your risk of heart disease, cancer, and other chronic conditions. • Track your progress. Log what works best for you using tools like a journal, pedometer, calendar, or phone app. • Expect slip ups or setbacks and don’t give up! • Celebrate successes, no matter how small!

• Household chores, gardening, walking your pet, and taking the stairs all count as physical activity too.

What are you waiting for? www.getmovingalabama.org

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HOU

IT W W

N NI G H I NI

5 DOLLAR DINNERS WITH ERIN CHASE SPINACH LASAGNA SKILLET DINNER Yield: 4 servings Prep Time: 20 minutes Cook Time: 20 minutes INGREDIENTS: 1 lb. ground beef

●

1 Tbsp. minced onion

●

1 tsp garlic powder

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8 oz. fresh spinach

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15 oz. can diced tomatoes

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15 oz. can tomato sauce

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1 Tbsp. Italian seasoning

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Salt and pepper

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2 cups chicken broth

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8 lasagna noodles, broken

●

about 1 cup cottage cheese, in dollops

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about 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese

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Side salad

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DIRECTIONS: Brown the ground beef with the minced onion and garlic powder in a large skillet with tight fitting lid. Drain and return to the skillet. Add the fresh spinach over top of the browned ground beef and let cook over medium heat for a few minutes, stirring a few times while the spinach ‘melts.’ Once the spinach is all melted in, stir in the undrained diced tomatoes and tomato sauce with the Italian seasoning and some salt and pepper. Bring to bubbling and then stir in the chicken broth and bring to bubbling again.

Once the broth-sauce is bubbling, add the broken lasagna noodles and float them deep into the sauce, as well as on the surface. Be sure that as much of the lasagna noodle is covered by the sauce so that it cooks evenly. A tight-fitting lid will help the steam ‘baste’ the noodles on the top too. Let cook over medium heat for 8 to 10 minutes, or until noodles are cooked al dente. Remove from the heat and add the dollops of cottage cheese and sprinkle the Parmesan cheese and parsley over the top. Serve with a side salad.

Erin Chase is the home chef behind of 5DollarDinners.com and author of The $5 Dinner Mom Cookbook series. She’s on a mission to help busy, overwhelmed home chefs learn to spend less money on groceries and get organized in the kitchen. Beyond the money savings, she’s helped many people come to enjoy cooking again and help them stop feeling stressed and overwhelmed with feeding their families every single night. She lives with her husband, four boys and one furry boy in San Antonio, TX.

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D E ST I NAT I O N GUI DE

Think McWane Science Center meets Itty Bitty Magic City for the whole museum, and you’ve got the fun and educational aspects of the CHILDREN’S MUSEUM OF ATLANTA.

Photo by Carol Evans

Visit Centennial Park District in Atlanta This Summer

By Carol Muse Evans

A family trip to Atlanta brings to mind the thrill rides of Six Flags over Georgia, the splash fun of Six Flags White Water, the zoo and other great attractions. But there’s a whole “new” world of fun in the Centennial Park District of Atlanta (www. centennialparkdistrict.com) you may not know about. And it’s not just the Georgia Aquarium. There’s so much to do here – and you can stay and play and park yourself and your automobile for the whole weekend. If it’s hot, you can get indoors for much of the fun. Centennial Olympic Park (www.atlanta.net/things-to-do/outdoors/centennial-park) is 21 acres of land developed in 1996 for the Summer Olympics, and the leftover park is something for Atlanta and its visitors to enjoy. It is the centerpiece to this area of town, and features a large green space, water features, outdoor concerts and music, special events and more. You can even ride the permanent Skyview Ferris Wheel for a bird’s eye view of this part of the city (www. skyviewatlanta.com). If you have a child approximately age 8 or younger, you will want to visit the Children’s Museum of Atlanta (www.childrensmuseumatlanta.org). Think McWane Science Center meets Itty Bitty Magic City for the whole museum, and you’ve got the fun and educational aspects of the Children’s Museum of Atlanta. You can spend a couple of hours or more here. From the power of play – the foundation of the museum – you will see plenty of fun things to do through the museum’s learning zones, programs and outreach efforts. You’ll see zones for building, with giant blocks, the build-it lab and move balls through the museum’s giant ball machine. Climb on the John Deere Tractor, milk a cow and gather eggs on the “farm,” and even load the delivery truck and ship the

food to their grocery store. Visit six continents here, launch a rock and climb through the layers of the earth at the large globe and climbing place in the center of the museum. Just across the street from the Children’s Museum is the World of Coca-Cola (www. worldofcoca-cola.com). Take a self-guided tour about the history of Coca-Cola, enjoy a free sample of the beverage and taste Coca-Cola products from around the world. See the giant safe where the world’s only handwritten copy of the recipe for Coca-Cola is stored, unopened since 2011. Have a little spare time to unwind? Enjoy some fun video games at Game-X on Baker Street (https://gamexatl.com/). You can enjoy a beverage here while you play, or even some “pub style” food including salads and sandwiches. Buy a card to play games with, and play individual games or fun family games till your card runs out. And of course, right in the heart of it all is the Georgia Aquarium (www.georgiaaquarium.org), housing more than a hundred thousand animals and representing several thousand species, all of which reside in 10 million gallons of marine and salt water. One of our favorite parts of the trip was a guided tour on the Peachtree Trolley (http:// thepeachtreetrolley.com). While it might not be the best for very young kids (could be a napping opportunity), older ones may find the history of Atlanta very fascinating, as we did. This 90-minute narrated tour is lively and brings history to life. You’ll want to call ahead to schedule your tour. Learn about Atlanta from its inception, through the Civil War to today. Get the low-down on the Mercedes Benz NFL stadium, Phillips Arena where NBA games are played, and the state capitol building, as well as the former “underground Atlanta.” Atlanta also is the birthplace of Martin Luther King Jr., and you can see his childhood home, the MLK History Site and the Center for Civil and Human Rights, along with the Jimmy Carter Presidential Library. Looking for good food? A MUST visit is dinner at Ted’s Montana Grill (www.tedsmontanagrill.com). Owner Ted Turner, former owner of CNN, has a penthouse on top of continued on page 34

32 | birminghamparent | may 2018

Get Your Hands on Marine Science at the Dauphin Island Sea Lab

Summer Excursions * University Programs Educator Workshops Day Camps

www.disl.org 251-861-2141

101 Bienville Blvd. Dauphin Island, Alabama 36528

Southern Breeze Travel

256-513-9874 . Sandra@SouthernBreeze.Vacations

www.SouthernBreeze.Vacations

birminghamparent.com | 33

DESTI NAT ION G U ID E WORLD OF COCA-COLA Take a self-guided tour about the history of CocaCola, enjoy a free sample of the beverage and taste Coca-Cola products from around the world.

the

TRAVEL

VOICE

BY BECKY The only voice in travel that MATTERS! Catch The Travel Voice by Becky on Saturday’s in Shelby County on FM 99.9 APH Radio at 11 a.m. and anytime on iHeart Radio! Great travel information, special deals, awesome guests, spectacular on location LIVE events and amazing giveaways!

For more information, visit thetravelvoicebybecky.com 34 | birminghamparent | may 2018

the building and a special curtained dining room at the restaurant for times when he is in town, but one of the most interesting things about Ted’s Montana Grill is that their specialty is bison, a protein-rich, nutrient-dense meat. Turner is often credited as being one of the major players in keeping bison from becoming extinct, and he serves bison in all his restaurants. Much like a steak, it is amazingly good and lean. Sample the bison with a filet or even the bison pot roast, and there’s a great kids’ menu in this very nice but family-friendly eatery. For our visit, we stayed two days and one night, but you could easily make an entire weekend or long weekend out of the trip. Nearby is the CNN Headquarters, where you can take a tour, and you are blocks from the former Atlanta Braves stadium. Carol Muse Evans is publisher/editor of Birmingham Parent.

WHERE TO STAY Home2Suites by Hilton Atlanta Downtown 87 Walton St. Atlanta, GA 30303 404-965-7992 www.guestreservations.com/home2-suites-by-hilton-atlanta-downtown/ We cannot say enough great things about this hotel! New rooms with “hardwood” floors are spacious and feature all the luxuries such as a comfy bed and bedding, wifi, big-screen television, and almost a full kitchen with dishwasher, microwave, cooktop and mini fridge, with dishes, too. A family could easily stay here and eat in the room, but the hotel also offers a free breakfast that is “continental,” but includes things like fruit, yogurt, waffles and more. Park your car here and walk to all the Centennial Park attractions. You’re in the middle of it all. Families with young children note: Ask about rooms with a tub if you must have one. Our room only had a shower, but it was huge and luxurious. Expect to spend approximately $250 a night.

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S U M M E R CAMP

10 Items to Pack in Your Child’s Day Camp Lunchbox By Rachel Moshman

My daughter plays hard at day camp and spends long hours in the heat. She comes home filthy and exhausted. She also was coming home absolutely starving until I figured out what to pack in her lunchbox to keep her fueled all day. The standard lunch I’d been sending to school just wasn’t cutting it for camp. Here are some suggestions for items to pack in your camper’s lunchbox to keep them satisfied all day.

Two sandwiches. One isn’t enough! She has light bologna with mustard and 2 percent American cheese one week, and for another week, it is ham, cucumber, avocado and carrots rolled up in a tortilla.

A breakfast bar or muffin. My daughter is usually too sleepy or rushed to sit down for breakfast in the morning. Throwing something she can easily munch on once she gets to camp has worked out well. It’s also a good mid-morning snack on days that she does eat breakfast at home. I have a big batch of homemade carrot/zucchini muffins in the freezer and either toss one of those or an oats and fiber bar in her lunchbox.

Protein rich snacks. Peanut butter on whole grain crackers, slices of lunch meat, turkey jerky and pistachios are commonly found in my daughter’s lunchbox. Yogurt, hardboiled eggs and string cheese are also good options. Fresh veggies. My daughter is so hungry at camp that she’ll even eat whatever vegetables I throw in there! I have given her celery, baby carrots, bell pepper slices and grape tomatoes. The baggie almost always comes home empty!

Frozen grapes. They help keep the lunch cool and are defrosted when it’s time to eat. I throw in other fresh fruit as well.

A treat or money for the concession stand. Sometimes I’ll give her a brownie or small bag of chips. Other days, I toss in a dollar and let her choose something from the concession stand. She’s active and burning off the calories, so I don’t worry about her enjoying a treat.

Extra ice packs. Most camps don’t have refrigerators available and the lunches are sometimes outside for a long time before it is time to eat. No one wants to eat a warm lunch in the heat of summer. Invest in a good quality insulated lunchbox and ice packs.

Sunscreen. Putting it in the lunchbox helps remind kids to reapply it. It also keeps it cool, which feels refreshing on hot, sweaty skin.

Love notes or mementos from home. My daughter loves camp, but she misses home more than she does during a school day. Little notes or trinkets help her get through the day without too much homesickness.

10. A refillable water bottle and flavor packets. Fill the bottle

with ice and water. Throw in some single serving pack drink mixes (lemonade, fruit punch, etc.) This will encourage your child to stay hydrated throughout the day.

Rachael Moshman has been published in parenting magazines on four continents as well as on many prominent websites. Find her on Twitter @ rachaelmoshman.

SummeR June 4-Aug 4

Classes for ages 1 and up; camps for 4K-6th grade

2018-2019 season begins Sept 4

Ages 1 and up Live music through first grade Two-way mirrors for parent observation

JUNE 4-JULY 27

No camp the week of July 4th.

ENTERING 4K THROUGH 8TH GRADE

Check out our CIT (Counselor-in-Training) Program

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Contact Gabe McCool at gmccool@highlandsschool.org or (205) 956-9731 ext 105 Located on Old Leeds Rd. (I-459 exit at Grants Mill Rd) 36 | birminghamparent | may 2018

205 870 0073

a place of discovery.

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RIVERVIEW CAMP FOR GIRLS.

Just off DeSoto Parkway on top of Lookout Mountain in Mentone, Alabama…nestled in a bend of Little River. Adventure, inspiration, character & conﬁdence-building are just a few of the beneﬁts that go hand-in-hand with the activity choices. Riverview’s Christian emphasis & exciting programs are appreciated by both parents & campers! Call 800-882-0722 or visit www.riverviewcamp.com for a FREE DVD & Information packet

Only 2 short hours from Birmingham 1 & 2 week sessions! Mother-Daughter Weekends also Available

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Exciting Traditional Camp for girls ages 6 to 16!

Martial Arts Summer Camp June, July, August $189 - unlimited class access + Uniform *Spaces limited

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Pre-School Dance • Ballet • Pointe • Jazz • Lyrical • Contemporary • Hip Hop • Tap • Clogging • Acrobatics • Voice

Come Dance with Birmingham Dance Theater During

OUR SUMMER CAMP SEASON 2018! Hip Hop Camp MAY 30TH - JUNE 1ST 10:00 - 11:00 AM or 5:15 - 6:15 PM (age 5-11) 11:00 - 12:00 PM or 6:15 - 7:15 PM (ages 12-18) Tots In Motion Camp JUNE 18TH - 21ST 10:30 - 11:15 AM (ages 2-4)

B I R M I N G H A M PA R E N T ’ S

VIRTUAL

2018 View our Camp Expo camps online, see photos & videos and visit their sites!

www.birminghamparent.com/camp

Under the Sea Camp JULY 9TH - 12TH 10:15 - 11:30 AM (ages 3-4) Tiny Tumblers Camp JULY 9TH - 12TH 5:00 - 5:30 PM (ages 2-3) 5:30 - 6:00 PM (ages 3-4) Twilight Tots Camp JULY 16TH - 19TH 5:15 - 5:45 PM (ages 2-3) 5:45 - 6:30 PM (ages 4-6)

Cheer Camp JUNE 18TH - 21ST OR JULY 9TH - 12TH 5:30 - 6:30 PM (ages 5-11) 6:30 - 7:30 PM (ages 12-18)

Acro Camp JULY 16TH - 19TH 5:30 - 6:30 PM (ages 5-8)

Pop Star Camp JUNE 25TH - 28TH 10:00 - 12:00 PM (ages 4-6)

Unicorn Magic Camp JULY 23RD - 26TH 10:15 - 11:45 AM (ages 5-6)

All Boys Hip Hop Camp JUNE 25TH - JUNE 28TH 5:45 - 6:30 PM (ages 4-10)

Summer Jamm for Tots Camp JULY 23RD - 26TH 2:00 - 3:30 PM (ages 3-5)

822-3012 | M-Th 11-8 & F 12-5 | www.bdtdance.com birminghamparent.com | 37

SUMMER CAMP 2018

cheerleading • ropes course • ARTS & CRAFTS • soccer • sports • nature • drama

ALL DAY. ALL FUN. ALL SUMMER.

chorus • gymnastics • Dance • canoeing • tennis • GOLF

swimming • beach volleyball • archery • riding • basketball • golf • much more!

JUNE 4 – JULY 27

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calendar highlights

The month of May is full of remembrance – Memorial Day, where we honor the fallen who served in the Armed Forces, and Mother’s Day, where we

MAY 2018

honor our moms. There’s also a lot to do. Make sure your kids join your local library’s summer reading program to keep up their reading skills. Take a

19th

hike, run for charity, and don’t forget to attend Birmingham Parent’s first ever summer expo May 19 at Alabama Splash Adventure!

MEMORIAL DAY AT THE AMERICAN VILLAGE Monday, May 28 is Memorial Day. The American Village in Montevallo holds its annual Memorial Day at the American Village from 11am-4pm to remember the fallen, and salute veterans and those currently serving in the Armed Forces. Musical tributes, historical reenactments, wreath laying ceremonies and special tours. Experience the National Veterans Shrine and Register of Honor. www.americanvillage.org. FREE.

Photo courtesy American Village

38TH ANNUAL TRUSSVILLE CITY FEST

5th

On May 5, the 38th Annual Trussville City Fest will be held from 1-9pm at The Mall in Trussville. Presented by the Trussville Area Chamber of Commerce, the festival features live entertainment headlined by Sweet Tea Trio, Jackson Capps and more. Free kids activities, food for purchase and more! $5 per person; children 2-under admitted free. Once inside the gate, all activities are free! www.trussvillechamber.com.

SUNSATIONAL SUMMER EXPO Join Birmingham Parent for its first-ever Sunsational Summer Expo! From 10am-3pm May 19 at Alabama Splash Adventure, kick off summer at the park’s opening day for the 2018 season! Lots of fun for all! www.birminghamparent.com. Admission charge to Alabama Splash Adventure.

at the Birmingham Museum of Art

calendar

Sponsored by

06 SUNDAY Southeastern Outings Dayhike 12:30pm, Cahaba Environmental Center at Living River. A threemile moderate hike led by a staff member of the center. Bring $2 per person exact change Living River fee to participate. Children age 7-up welcome. Depart 12:30pm from McDonald’s Galleria. Dan Frederick, 205-6314680, seoutings@bellsouth.net.

26th

ALABAMA WILDLIFE CENTER’S BABY BIRD SHOWER— 11AM-2PM, ALABAMA WILDLIFE CENTER.

03 THURSDAY UAB Faculty Brass Quintet Noon, UAB Hospital North Pavilion atrium. “First Thursday Pops” concert. FREE.

04 FRIDAY May the Fourth Be With You! 4-5pm, Albert L. Scott Library, Alabaster. A special Star Wars program for families, with a Lego station, a creation station, light refreshments and more. Wear a costume if you like! All children must be with an adult. Sign up suggested. 205-664-6822. Library Cooperative 40th Birthday Bash 6-8pm, Homewood Library parking lot. Bring the family and celebrate all 40 local libraries with food, activities and fun! Birthday cake, bounce house, face painting, balloon making, crafts and a fun photo booth. Sign up for a library card, get information about the summer reading program and more!

05 SATURDAY Cinco de Mayo Pepper Place Outdoor Market 7am-noon, Pepper Place, 29th St. S. Celebrate Alabama’s best! www.pepperplacemarket.com. 13th Annual Zoo Run 5K and Kids Fun Runs 7:30am 5K; 8am children’s races, Birmingham Zoo. www. birminghamzoo.com. 42 | birminghamparent | may 2018

Southeastern Outings Dayhike 9am, Paul Grist State Park, Selma. Moderately easy hike approximately four miles. Children age 10-up welcome. Bring a drink and wear sturdy footwear. Depart promptly at 9am from the McDonald’s Galleria. Acyenith Alexander, 205-529-2253. Children’s Crusade 10am, Birmingham Civil Rights Institute. To honor the 55th anniversary of the Birmingham Children’s Crusade, BCRI, the community and students throughout the city will recreate the Children’s March of 1963. Schedule: 10am: mock “Project C” mass meeting at St. Paul United Methodist Church; noon: foot soldiers, choirs, colleges, church groups and students will meet in front of BCRI to march. Activities in Kelly Ingram Park. 205328-9696 x222, www.BCRI.org. 38th Annual Trussville City Fest 1-9pm, The Mall in Trussville. Presented by the Trussville Area Chamber of Commerce. Live entertainment headlined by Sweet Tea Trio. Free kids activities, food for purchase and more! $5 per person; children 2-under admitted free. Once inside the gate, all activities are free! www. trussvillechamber.com. We Love Homewood Day Parade 6pm, Homewood Library. The parade leaves the library and travels west on Oxmoor Road to the Edgewood Business District. Awards will be given to the Best of Show, Most Homewood Spirit and Best Float.

Amazing Fish of Alabama 1:30-4pm, Alabama Wildlife Center. Mike Howell, guest speaker. Alabama is blessed with an abundance of waterways, from mountain streams to blackwater sloughs to coastal bays, with a multitude of fish species. Weather permitting, an informal nature walk follows the program; bring your camera, binoculars and field guides. Free after paid admission to Oak Mountain State Park. 205-663-7930, x4, www.awrc.org.

07 MONDAY Star Wars Team Trivia 6:30-7:45pm, Homewood Library. In a galaxy far, far away there was a trivia competition so fierce that only the truest fans knew the answers! Assemble your team (up to 7 people) and compete for the titles of the ultimate Star Wars fan! Prizes will be awarded to the trivia winners, best team name, and best costume design. All ages welcome. Online registration required. jrwright@bham.lib.al.us. Birmingham Barons vs. Pensacola Blue Wahoos 7:05pm, Regions Park. www.barons.com.

08 TUESDAY Birmingham Barons vs. Pensacola Blue Wahoos 7:05pm, Regions Park. www.barons.com. UAB Rock Ensemble in Concert 7:30pm, Alys Stephens Center. Gene Fambrough, director. FREE.

09 WEDNESDAY Southeastern Outings Dayhike 9am, Veterans Park, Hoover. Easy three-mile hike on trails. Bring water and wear good

walking shoes. Dress appropriately for the weather. Depart 9am from the Veterans Park parking lot at the building with restrooms. Optional lunch afterward at Mikey’s Grill. Randall Adkins, 205-317-6969. Birmingham Barons vs. Pensacola Blue Wahoos 11:30am, Regions Park. www.barons.com.

10 THURSDAY Birmingham Barons vs. Pensacola Blue Wahoos 7:05pm, Regions Park. www.barons.com.

11 FRIDAY Birmingham Barons vs. Pensacola Blue Wahoos 7:05pm, Regions Park. www.barons.com.

12 SATURDAY Pepper Place Outdoor Market 7am-noon, Pepper Place, 29th St. S. Celebrate Alabama’s best! www.pepperplacemarket.com. Southeastern Outings Cahaba Lily Walk 10am, Hargrove Shoals, Bibb County. Come see the largest display of blooming Cahaba lilies in the world. Five miles round trip. Children 7-up able to complete the walk welcome; wear sturdy footwear that can get wet and dirty. Bring picnic lunch and drink. Optional dinner afterward. Depart 10am from McDonald’s Galleria. Dan Frederick, 205-631-4680, seoutings@bellsouth.net. Birmingham Barons vs. Pensacola Blue Wahoos 6:30pm, Regions Park. www.barons.com.

13 SUNDAY

Mother’s Day Mother’s Day at McWane McWane Science Center. All day, honor moms with free admission to McWane. www. mcwane.org.

15 TUESDAY Birmingham Sci Café 6-8pm, John’s City Diner. Enjoy an exciting presentation, lively

Sponsored by

discussion and a little science trivia. Free to the public. www. mcwane.org.

17 THURSDAY Birmingham Barons vs. Montgomery Biscuits 7:05pm, Regions Field. www.barons.com.

18 FRIDAY Birmingham Barons vs. Montgomery Biscuits 7:05pm, Regions Field. www.barons.com.

19 SATURDAY Armed Forces Day Pepper Place Outdoor Market 7am-noon, Pepper Place, 29th St. S. Celebrate Alabama’s best! www.pepperplacemarket.com. Sunsational Summer Expo! 10am-3pm, Alabama Splash Adventure. Birmingham Parent presents its first ever summer expo to kick off summer on Alabama Splash Adventure’s opening day for the 2018 season! Lots of fun for all! www.birminghamparent.com. Sponsored by Alabama Cable Network and WDJC. Admission charge to Alabama Splash Adventure. UAB Piano Day 10am master class with Yakov Kasman; 2:30pm, Polyphonic Music Festival “Bach and Friends,” UAB Alys Stephens Center. tatianakasman@yahoo.com. Birmingham Barons vs. Montgomery Biscuits 6:30pm, Regions Field. www.barons.com.

20 SUNDAY Memorial Day Remembrance The Alabama Veterans Memorial Park, 100 Overton Access Road, Birmingham. Information, schedule, www.alabamaveterans.org. Birmingham Barons vs. Montgomery Biscuits 3pm, Regions Field. www.barons.com.

21 MONDAY Birmingham Barons vs. Montgomery Biscuits 7:05pm, Regions Field. www.barons.com.

26 SATURDAY Pepper Place Outdoor Market 7am-noon, Pepper Place, 29th St. S. Celebrate Alabama’s best! www.pepperplacemarket.com. National Paper Airplane Day McWane Science Center. Put the engineer design process to the test and build the best paper airplane! www.mcwane.org. Southeastern Outings Dayhike, Millbrook 10am, Alabama Nature Center, Millbrook. Enjoy hands-on, outdoor-based educational programs and activities. Bring $5 per person nature center admission. Children 7-up welcome. Depart 10am from McDonald’s Galleria. Dexter Duren, 205-393-0927.

Presented by:

VULCAN’S th

BIRTHDAY June 3, 2018 | Noon - 4:00 pm Vulcan Park & Museum visitvulcan.com/bdaybash114 $8 Adult | $6 Children | FREE 4 yrs & under

Alabama Wildlife Center’s Baby Bird Shower 11am-2pm, Alabama Wildlife Center. Approximately 1,000 baby birds will arrive at the Alabama Wildlife Center this year. Come join in the fun and help AWC prepare for baby bird season. Meet live raptors, enjoy cake & refreshments, baby bird videos, fun children’s activities, tour bird nursery & aviaries, and bring a gift for the babies. See AWC website & Facebook page for the wish list, updates and details. Free after paid admission to Oak Mountain State Park. 205-6637930, x8, www.awrc.org.

28 MONDAY

Memorial Day Memorial Day at the American Village 11am-4pm, American Village, Montevallo. Remember the fallen, and salute veterans and those currently serving in the Armed Forces. Musical tributes, historical reenactments, wreath laying ceremonies and special tours. Experience the National Veterans Shrine and Register of Honor. www.americanvillage.org. FREE.

29 TUESDAY Libraryflix-Wonder 3:30-5:30pm, Homewood Library. Based on the New York Times bestseller, this movie

W W W.T H O M A S P E D I AT R I C D E N T I S T R Y. C O M 721 MONTCLAIR RD . BIRMINGHAM, AL 35213

2 0 5 - 8 79 - 6 15 0

birminghamparent.com | 43

calendar tells the incredibly inspiring and heartwarming story of August Pullman, a boy with facial difference who enters fifth grade, attending a mainstream elementary school for the first time.

Lookouts in this classic stadium. Presented by Levy’s Fine Jewelry. The Barons will play homage to the “Fabulous Fifties.”

Birmingham Barons vs. Chattanooga Lookouts 7:05pm, Regions Field. www.barons.com.

Summer Reading Kick-off with Musician Zak Morgan 10:30am-12pm, Vestavia Hills Library in the Forest. Grammy Nominee Zak Morgan kicks off Libraries Rock Summer Reading with his witty songs that entertain all ages. Kona Ice will give out sweet and icy treats after the performance. www.vestavialibrary.org. FREE.

30 WEDNESDAY Libraries Rock Summer Challenge Kickoff! 10:30am, 2pm, Albert L. Scott Library, Alabaster. All ages welcome to meet Belle from Disney’s Beauty and the Beast produced by the Red Mountain Theatre Company and register for the eight week reading challenge! Rickwood Classic 12:30pm, Rickwood Field. www. barons.com. It’s the Birmingham Barons vs. Chattanooga

31 THURSDAY

Tweens and Teens Rock Summer Challenge Kickoff Party 6-7:30pm, Albert L. Scott Library, Alabaster. Kids 11-18 years old can launch their summer reading by snacking on fun desserts and candies, socializing, looking at books and winning door prizes.

Sponsored by

Rockstar Summer Reading Kick-Off 6:30-7:30pm, Homewood Library. Gutsy the Flying Fox is getting us pumped up for reading with his amazing acrobatic tricks! Sign up for summer reading, decorate your own pet rock and eat a poppin’ good snack! Summer Reading Kick-off: Global Movement 6-7:30pm, Vestavia Hills Library in the Forest. Enjoy a circus-style performance in the amphitheater with acrobats, jugglers and silk performers. A free hot dog dinner served before the show and popsicles afterwards. www.vestavialibrary.org. FREE. Birmingham Barons vs. Chattanooga Lookouts 7:05pm, Regions Field. www.barons.com.

PLEASE NOTE: Events may change after publication deadline; please phone ahead to confirm important information. The deadline for submitting calendar items for the June 2018 print issue is May 6. Mail calendar items to: Calendar, Birmingham Parent, P.O. Box 326, Helena, AL 35080; fax to 987-7600; e-mail to calendar@BirminghamParent.com; or enter directly to the online calendar at www. birminghamparent.com. Entries added online after the print deadline will not appear in the print version. Information cannot be accepted over the phone. Birmingham Parent publishes a calendar 11 times a year. January events are included in the December issue. Guidelines: Birmingham Parent’s calendar is intended to be a resource and service to the community and our readers. Events which are open to the public, fundraisers, free classes, etc., are events that may be included in our monthly calendar. We reserve the right to reject any event or listing due to rules or space restrictions. For questions regarding calendar entries, call 987-7700 or e-mail calendar@ birminghamparent.com.

Largest expansion in park history! ■ Splash Island kids slides and play area ■ High Dive Show with pirates theme

AY 1 9 T H ! M , Y A D R U O P E N S S AT SE S NOW ! S A P N O S SE A GE T YOU R

■ 5 new amusement attractions (Scrambler, Tilt-AWhirl, Yo-Yo, Rockin Tug, and kids train) ■ Named one of the top 5 friendliest parks in the world ■ Named one of the best theme park values in the USA

alabamasplash.com

4599 Splash Adventure Parkway | Bessemer, AL 35022 | (205) 481-4750 44 | birminghamparent | may 2018

One of the top 5 friendliest parks!

events & attractions

Sponsored by

n Alabama School of Fine Arts 1800 Rev. Abraham Woods, Jr. Blvd., www.asfa.k12.al.us

n Barber Motorsports Park 6040 Barber Motorsports Parkway, Leeds. 205-298-9040, www.barbermotorsports.com

n Birmingham Botanical Gardens When visiting the Gardens, be sure to download the treasure map to take with you! www. bbgardens.org/documents/ treasuremapforweb.pdf 2612 Lane Park Rd, Birmingham. 205-414-3900, www.bbgardens.org

n Birmingham Children’s Theatre 1001 19th St. North, Birmingham, AL, 35203, 205-458-8181, www.bct123.org

n Birmingham Civil Rights Institute 16th St. N., Birmingham. 205-328-9696, www.bcri.org

n Birmingham Museum of Art • Magic City Realism: Richard

Coe’s Birmingham. In the wake of the Great Depression, Birmingham experienced a remarkable transformation that helped shape the city as we know it today. Artist Richard Coe, an Alabama native, documented the city’s rapidly changing urban fabric in his prints and paintings. This exhibit brings together over 60 of Coe’s images of the city from this decade for the first time. Through June 17. • Bart’s Art Cart! Free drop-in art program for kids and families features a different theme from galleries and art activity each month. Saturdays from 11am-1pm. • Bart’s Books. A storytelling program for children ages 4-7. 2000 Rev. Abraham Woods Jr. Blvd., Birmingham. 205-2542565, www.artsbma.org

n Birmingham Zoo • In-park Special Attractions: Special Saturdays. On the second Saturday of each month from 10-11am for ages 8-up, the Birmingham Zoo and KultureCity

will present a series of zoobased learning experiences for children and adolescents with cognitive or physical disabilities. Caregivers must attend all classes. FREE; space is limited to 10 students per class. Information, Roger Torbert, rtorbert@ birminghamzoo.com. 2630 Cahaba Road, Birmingham. 205-879-0409, www.birminghamzoo.com

n Heart of Dixie Railroad Museum 1919 Ninth St., Calera. 205-668-3435, www.hodrrm.org

n McWane Science Center • Dino Days! Celebrate dinosaurs! Visit the Dinosaurs in Motion exhibit, see rare specimens in the museum’s collections, look for fossils and dig into hands-on activities and special programs. May 19-20. • Going Places. Planes! Trains! Rockets! Cars! Explore this exhibition and discover the technology of transportation. Fly a

Join the Party TODAY! DON’T FORGET!

June 2018 Birthday BIRMINGHAM PARENT’S

Party issue

A U T R I V BIRM

PA R E N M A H G IN

EXPO

The party continues all year online at www.birminghamparent.com

plane, ride a hovercraft, learn to fly an airship! • Member Mondays. Every Monday, McWane Science Center members receive extra perks while visiting! Includes a special gift for kids when checking in, 30 percent discount on gift shop purchases, $1 small popcorn at IMAX concession stand and a free members-only evening event each month. Also, on the second Monday of each month, McWane opens its doors from 5-8pm for its members. IMAX Movies: • Pandas. This film follows a researcher at Chengdu Panda Base in China, where scientists are dedicated to protecting the species by breeding adult Giant Pandas in order to introduce cubs into the wild. 200 19th St. N., Birmingham. 205-714-8300, www.mcwane.org.

n Vulcan Park 1701 Valley View Drive, Birmingham. 205-933-1409, www.vulcanpark.org

You’re invited to Birmingham Parent’s Virtual Celebrations Expo online, beginning May 1! Showcase listings with photos, video, maps, links to your website, registration form downloads and more. VENDORS: Packages for our celebration page, regular display ads and the Virtual Celebration Expo. FREE to you with any display ad in June, our BIG Birthday Party Issue.

Eat, Drink & Ride with Comedienne Joy, the Queen of Clean, and Birmingham Parent for Mother’s Day Enjoy one of two events: Saturday, May 5 12-4 pm Friday, May 18 6-10 pm

Ride the party bus with Joy and Birmingham Parent, enjoy food from some of Birmingham’s best eateries, win great prizes during the trip in our stop giveaways, and get a fun goody bag just for coming along. Give your mom or the woman in your life a fun gift just for her! Buy your tickets now, as space is limited!

Visit www.diningoutwithcomediennejoy.com and put in code: BHAM PARENT to get $10 OFF your ticket! birminghamparent.com | 45

PO ET RY PARTY

i am art I AM ART I am Music. I am Song. Follow me. Sing along. I am Theatre. I am Dance. Follow me. Take a chance.

The merry month of May! The perfect time to play! The perfect time to start Making some new art!

I am Story. I am Rhyme. Follow me To another time.

Do you like to sing and dance and act? Do you like to read and write and draw?

I am Poetry. I am Art. Follow me With all your heart.

Is there a musician, dancer, actor, author or artist in you? Maybe you are Art!

Send us your poems and we will publish them here! Parents and teachers! Send us poems written by your children ages 4-14. Include the poet’s name & age and the name of person submitting the poem. Please include your relationship to the poet (parent, teacher, etc.). Send original poems to Father Goose at PaGoose@aol.com. For information on “How to Write a Poem,” visit the Father Goose® website at FatherGoose.com. 46 | birminghamparent | may 2018

Watch Alabama Cable Network programming on Spectrum Channel 80 STATEWIDE, online at www.alabamacablenetwork.com and even on your smart phone. We are your home for local programming, since 1981! Check our website for dates and times for programming. ACN SHOWS Legal Speak with Thomas Carmichael and Kim Davidson Scott Beason’s Reality Check The Joe Lockett Show The Voice of Alabama Politics with host Bill Britt Coosa Valley Magazine with host Jim Green Daybreak Live 5:30 a.m. daily from Sylacauga with Jimmy Dale Abrams The Rick and Bubba Television Show

Special People and Places with Margaret Lee The Time of Your Life with Bob and Janie Mosca Forgotten Treasures with Kendall Benson

RELIGIOUS

Church of the Air with Bobbie Gurley The Cullman First Baptist Church Dillworth Church of God with Pastor Nelson Kimberly God’s House of Prayer with Bishop Frank McCloud Good News with Pastor Ruel Phillips

Valley Happenings daily at 9 a.m. with Susie Wiley

Gospel Jubilee with Al and Sandy Jerkins

Alabama Car Show featuring clubs from all over Alabama

Gospel Music Southern Style from TV24 Anniston

Greater Visions Baptist Church with Pastor Wayne Ferguson Manna Fest with Perry Stone Pulpit LIVE with Apostle Willie Simmons Seeking the Lost with Earl Barnette Southern Gospel Show with Tommy Johnson and Kendall Benson Victory LIVE with Pastor Jim McCann

SPORTS Simply Fishing Tide TV Coach Avery Johnson Show Coach Bruce Pearl Show Jax State Coach Show

birminghamparent.com | 47

JOIN THE FUN! Sat., May 19th 10am-3pm at

Find fantastic things to do with your children this summer like summer camps, tutoring programs, travel opportunities, entertainment, church programs, health care, day care and so much more! SPONSORED BY

Donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t miss all the FUN and the opportunity to present your products and services at Alabamaâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s greatest water adventure! Booths and sponsorships are now available call 205-987-7700.