Birmingham Parent February 2021

THE

PREMIER

PARENTING

MAGAZINE

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CENTRAL

ALABAMA

FEBRUARY 2021

CHOOSING THE RIGHT CAMP FOR YOUR CHILD HOW TO GET YOUR PRESCHOOLER EXCITED FOR DAY CAMP PREPARING YOUR TODDLER FOR THE FIRST DENTAL VISIT GREAT BOOKS FOR

BLACK HISTORY MONTH

OUR

CAMP ISSUE!

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ed note A NEW CAMP ISSUE AND VIRTUAL CAMP EXPO Little did I know when I wrote my editor’s note in February 2020 that it would be the last one that I’d write while we still had some normalcy in our lives.

I know we all kept hoping this pandemic would be “over in a few months,” and we all thought it would. Who knew we’d still be here almost a year later?

But life goes on, doesn’t it? We’ve learned to live more isolated, homeschool for the first time ever, isolate repeatedly when necessary, wear gloves and use hand sanitizer, and give up a lot of our activities from the daily to the fun things.

2020 was when we learned to adapt. And we find ourselves planning a summer that may look different from summers past, but one in which our kids can still have fun explore and be with friends – safely. We are finding the “new normal.”

Birmingham Parent is presenting our annual Camp Expo issue with many camps and summer programs that have learned how to adapt. We’ve also adapted by making our popular Birmingham Parent’s Camp Expo 2021 virtual – a totally online event. (See page 10 and 14-15 for details.

You can also learn more at https://birminghamparent.com/directory/kids-camps/.) You can pre-register for the event at www.birminghamparent.com/directory/vce2021.

You’ll also find we are taking our popular Special Needs Expo virtual in March, due to the pandemic. Learn more on page 8 and you can visit https://birminghamparent.com/directory/ special_needs_resources/. We will be publishing instructions later to pre-register for this virtual event. As always, it is FREE. There are other great stories in this issue, and don’t forget you can also read this issue online any time. We appreciate you sticking with us! We are adapting as you do. If you have trouble finding a copy of the magazine, please let us know.

Sincerely,

P.O. Box 326 (add 800 Hwy. 52 E. for pkg) Helena, AL 35080 205-624-2405 205-624-2515 FAX www.birminghamparent.com

editorial PUBLISHERS David & Carol Evans EDITOR Carol Muse Evans ASSOCIATE EDITOR Lori Chandler Pruitt CONTRIBUTORS Sarah Lyons Paige Townley Cheryl Maguire Dr. Megan Bullard Carol Muse Evans

sales

BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT Tom Gonzales SR. MARKETING CONSULTANT Kayla Fricks MARKETING CONSULTANT Stacey Spence

art & production ART DIRECTOR Keith Dunn DISTRIBUTION T&P Deliveries

Carol Muse Evans publisher/editor carol@birminghmparent.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).

Lori Chandler Pruitt is associate editor of Birmingham Parent. 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 | february 2021

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 ©2021 by Evans Publishing LLC. Family Connections Media ©2021

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.

birminghamparent.com | 5

contents HAPPY CAMPERS: CHOOSING THE RIGHT CAMP FOR YOUR CHILD SUMMER CAMP 2021

For many children, going off to camp is a rite of passage.

It’s something they look forward to, and it’s (hopefully) somewhere they make incredible memories that will last a lifetime.

11

our focus

our features

our regulars

CHOOSING THE RIGHT CAMP FOR YOUR CHILD............................11

EDITOR’S NOTE................................4

HOW TO GET YOUR PRESCHOOLER EXCITED FOR DAY CAMP – 7 GREAT TIPS........16

ASK THE SPECIALIST: Using “My Plate” to Plan Healthy Meals...................................21

9

FEBRUARY 2021 CALENDAR OF EVENTS..............25

7 VALENTINE TRADITIONS TO START WITH YOUR KIDS.............. 9 NATIONAL CHILDREN'S DENTAL HEALTH MONTH How to Prepare Your Toddler or Young Child for a First Dental Visit...............................18

22

16

FEBRUARY IS BLACK HISTORY MONTH: Great Books for All Ages ............22 ON THE COVER: August, age 3, of Fultondale, is ready to go to toddler day camp and explore the outdoors!

Photo by Christy Pierce Photography, www.christypiercephotographyllc.com, 205-902-0385.

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Dr. Manci Balas is now

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Call Today To Schedule An Appointment!

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www.libertypeds.com

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7 Valentine Traditions to Start with Your Kids

By Sarah Lyons

Valentine’s Day is traditionally a time for couples to express their love for one another, but it is also a great chance to show your children how much you love them too. While children typically exchange cards and small gifts on Valentine's Day, this year try starting some fun new traditions for your family.

Dessert First Just once a year it can’t hurt to have your sweets before your meal. Offer cake or ice cream first and let the kids enjoy their dessert without having to eat their veggies first.

Make it Heart-Shaped After your dessert-first dinner, serve up some fun Valentine’s Day themed meals. Heart-shaped pancakes or heart-shaped pizza are both fun and easy. Get the kids involved in the kitchen and you will have more time to make special memories of your Valentine’s Day dinner.

Go on a “Date” Many people go on a date with their significant other to celebrate Valentine’s Day but consider taking your child on a “date” to a place of their choice. If you have more than one child, each parent can pair off or take turns so all kids get to participate.

Spending quality time together is a great way to show your kids you care and get the conversation flowing.

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Cuddle Up If going out isn’t for your family, set aside time to cuddle up on the couch with those you love. Make popcorn, put on some pajamas, rent some movies, and spend some time together relaxing and cuddling in the comfort of your living room. To make it extra special for Valentine’s Day, add red sprinkles to the popcorn and choose movies that have a love theme.

Bake and Share Bake some Valentine’s Day themed cookies to share with someone you love. While you are at it, double the batch and share them with someone who may be spending Valentine’s Day alone this year. Cookies are a great way to bring some cheer.

Hide the Hearts Hide paper hearts around the house and have the kids go on a search for them. Whoever finds the most wins a prize such as a small toy or a book. You might want to have prizes on hand so that everyone gets a turn being the winner. You can enlist the winners to be their sibling’s assistant as a way of demonstrating their love for each other too.

Declare your Love The simplest way to show others you care is to tell them. Have each family member state one reason why they love the others.

You can also write these on scraps of paper and read them as a group. Tuck them away in a special envelope and pull them out year after year to reread them.

Sarah Lyons is a freelance writer.

birminghamparent.com | 9

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Happy Campers:

SUMMER CAMP 2021

Choosing the Right Camp for Your Child

By Paige Townley

There are many significant milestones in the life of a child, and one of those is attending camp. For many children, going off to camp is a rite of passage. It’s something they look forward to, and it’s (hopefully) somewhere they make incredible memories that will last a lifetime.

According to the American Camp Association (ACA), the largest association serving in the organized camp industry, more than 14 million children and adults attend camp in the United States each year. The ACA’s Youth Outcomes Study reveals that 96 percent of those campers reported that camp helped them make new friends, while nearly three-fourths of parents said that camp helped their child gain self-confidence.

“Camps are so important for kids in their development,” says Elizabeth Klespies, Camp Juliette Low recruiter. “For many kids, camp is the first place that’s their own because everything else up until that point they have typically done with their family or parents.

Camp is 100 percent theirs, and it’s where they develop so many skills.”

Here’s an explanation of two different kinds of camps:

Resident (Sleepaway) Camp Camp Juliette Low is a private, nonprofit summer camp for girls (age eight and up) founded by Juliette Gordon Low, who also founded the Girl Scouts. Camp Juliette Low is located on Lookout Mountain in Cloudland, GA, and campers can choose between one-week or two-week sessions. “Our camp is really focused on giving girls independence and teaching them how to live on their own, make friends, and do it outdoors,” Klespies explains. “We’re very authentically an outdoor camp as campers have no electricity in tents and learn things like archery, how to build fires, chop wood with axes, and tie knots.”

Day Camp For those campers not quite ready for overnight camp or roughing it in the wilderness, there are day camp options, such as the summer day camps offered by the YMCA of Greater Birmingham. Open to any child that has completed kindergarten through rising eight graders, the YMCA summer camps offer flexibility as parents can choose the week (or weeks) that work best for their family. “Parents can choose the weeks they need,

but typically they sign kids up for the entire summer,” says Rhonda Elmore, YMCA of Greater Birmingham executive director of youth development. “But if a family doesn’t want the entire summer, our program does have flexibility so they can do what works best for them.”

While daily activities of the summer camp have changed thanks to COVID-19 – camp is modified to ensure safety and social distancing and plans will feature STEM activities, arts and crafts, virtual guest speakers, and virtual field trips – the YMCA summer camps focus on three distinct areas: building health relationships, achievement, and belonging. “We’re very intentional about focusing on these three factors,” Elmore says.

“If kids can benefit from those three things at camp, it impacts other skills that are needed for them to grow into successful adults.”

From day camps to resident camps to religious camps to all-girl or all-boy options, there are a plethora of camp options available, each offering its own benefits and challenges. But with so many to choose from, selecting the right camp isn’t always the easiest of tasks. How do parents go about identifying the right type of camp for their

birminghamparent.com birminghamparent.com | 11 | 11

SUMMER CAMP 2021 child? And just as importantly, how do parents know when their child is even ready?

Start With Your Child According to the ACA, it all starts with your child, considering their interests and personality. Do the child’s interests jive with the offerings of the camp? Beyond understanding the interests and personality of the child, it also means understanding the child’s maturity level. It’s extremely beneficial if a child has been in a structured environment, such as kindergarten, before ever attending a day camp, Elmore says. For resident camps, it’s also critical for kids to be able to handle basic hygiene by themselves, Klespies adds. “Kids need to be able to take basic care of themselves, like fixing their hair and taking a shower,” Klespies says. “[For a resident camp], it’s important to make sure the child is a little more self-sufficient.”

Include Your Child in the Conversation The decision-making process, notes the ACA, should include a conversation with your child. As you explore the camp offerings, include your child. That provides an opportunity for your child to express interest, what they don’t like, and become better acquainted with the camp eventually selected.

Understand the Emotions For many kids, being away from home at resident camp for the first time can be too much. Klespies recommends that if considering a sleepaway camp, the child should have spent the night away from home without their parents prior to camp to ensure they can handle it. “If they’ve spent the night at a friend’s house before, then they are a little more comfortable with being away from their parents,” she says. “That’s good practice and preparation for camp.”

Parents should also remember to show excitement in front of children about going to camp, since children will play off of the emotions being exhibited to them – and prep their child about how to handle emotions. “It’s so beneficial to talk with the child ahead of time about being away from home,” Klespies adds. “Also talk about ways to handle being homesick.

Prep them on how to handle those emotions when you’re not there to help them.”

Try a Practice Run If you’re thinking about a resident camp but just not quite sure, try a practice run with a parent/child weekend. Camp Juliette Low offers a parent/ daughter weekend each spring, which allows parents and child an opportunity to check out how it works and the types of activities available.

Be Open Once a camp is selected, be open and honest with the camp staff. The more information they know about a child, the better, Elmore says. “The more a parent can tell a provider about their child, such as what might scare them, the best way to console the child if he or she gets upset, what makes them happy, and what they dislike, the better,” she says. “The more that we can know ahead of time before camp even starts, the better our team is equipped to help.”

Paige Townley is a freelance writer.

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Going Virtual: Benefits of a Virtual Camp Expo With so many unknowns due to the COVID-19 pandemic, online options for most everything are now available, and that doesn’t exclude camp.

Many may ask if online camp expos are worth it, and thanks to today’s technology, the answer is a definite yes. Here are a few of the reasons why: Adds Value By continuing to offer services, even in the midst of a pandemic – a company or organization can add serious value to its brand. And with so many events being canceled, interested participants will see a lot of value in still being able to attend the virtual event.

Increases Potential Attendees There’s no better way to potentially expand the audience of your event than creating a virtual option. Oftentimes traveling time or budgeting may prevent interested parties from attending an in-person event. However, a virtual option makes it easier for anyone interested to attend no matter where they live.

More Flexibility It’s common for there to be conflicts that would prevent even those that desperately want to attend from actually attending a one time, in-person event. A virtual event is not only easier for attendees to fit into their schedule, but also something that can be livestreamed and then posted online for others to view later, potentially doubling the viewership.

Cost Effective Planning and paying for an in-person event can get expensive. Logistics of laying out the venue space are typically a nightmare, and food and beverage prices can break the budget. That’s not even mentioning the cost to rent the space and hiring staff. With a virtual event, those problems disappear.

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SUMMER CAMP 2021 Camp Juliette Low

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Pre-register for the February 27, 2021 Virtual Camp Expo here: https://birminghamparent.com/directory/vce2021 — FREE SPONSOR ED BY

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SUMMER CAMP 2021

How To Get Your Preschooler Excited For Day Camp —7 Great Tips

By Cheryl Maguire

“Who’s excited for camp?”

My twin toddlers looked up at me with a perplexed expression on their face.

They had no idea what I was talking about. Since they were already signed up, I wanted to make sure they had fun. Here’s how I got them excited about their first day at camp: 1. GO TO THE LIBRARY. Go to the local library with your aspiring camper and check out every video and picture book regarding the topic. You can also look on YouTube for camp videos or songs or stream the video’s online through your library. The idea behind this is to create excitement and help them to understand what to expect. You can also talk about your own camp experiences.

2. HIT THE STORES. With the camp list in hand, we went to the local mall and shopped for the items. They loved picking out their favorite towel, bathing suit and sunglasses.

I even let them buy a new backpack just for camp. While we shopped, we discussed the different activities they will participate in at camp like swimming and sports.

3. LEARNING ABOUT FRIENDSHIP. When you are at home playing games like Candyland with your kid, talk about things like taking turns and how to have conservations with new kids. You can ask your kid questions like, “What are some things you can talk about with kids your age?” Or ask them, “What are some ways to make new friends?” You can also read books or watch movies about friendship.

4. PLAY CAMP GAMES. You can play some camp games at home to get them excited and prepared. One common camp game is miniOlympics. You can set up some different types

16 | birminghamparent | february 2020 2021

of races like relay races. Another suggestion is to create a scavenger hunt with camp-related items like a backpack and sunglasses. After you are done you can cook up some s’mores.

5. GO SWIMMING. Most camps offer swimming lessons and free swim. You will want to take your child swimming beforehand to discuss water safety and to help reinforce that swimming is fun. A lot of kids fear going into the water when they first take swimming lessons, especially when there are tons of kids splashing around. By taking your child swimming before camp starts you will ease some of these anxieties.

6. SCHEDULE A VISIT. Most camps will offer an open house or orientation to help your child understand what camp will be like. This is a perfect time for your kid to ask questions and meet counselors or other campers. If possible before camp starts, set up a play date with some kids that are going to be at the camp. It will make it easier during drop off if they recognize some familiar faces.

7. CREATE A COUNTDOWN. My kids love countdowns for holidays like Christmas and vacations. You can keep track of the number of days until camp starts by using a countdown calendar, countdown app or create paper chain links for the number of days until camp starts that you tear off every day. This helps to build excitement and prepare them for when the big day will occur.

After I did all the above suggestions with my twins, when I asked the question again, they both jumped up and down with excitement. And when they attended camp, they loved it.

Cheryl Maguire holds a master of counseling psychology degree. She is married and is the mother of twins and a daughter. Her writing has been published in The New York Times, Parents Magazine, AARP, Chicken Soup for the Soul: Count Your Blessings and Your Teen Magazine. You can find her at Twitter @CherylMaguire05.

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Registration opens Feb. 1 Learn more: www.summerataltamont.org jbarnard@altamontschool.org Photo taken prior to COVID-19

birminghamparent.com | 17

how to prepare your toddler or young child f0r a first dental visit

By Carol Muse Evans

18 | birminghamparent | february 2021

February is National Children’s Dental Health Month, and it is a good time for parents of young children to consider the right time to introduce their child to professional dental care.

“According to the American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry, children should see a dentist at age one,” says Dr. Lauren Dean, a board-certified pediatric dentist at Red Mountain Pediatric Dentistry. “It’s so important to establish a dental home early for many reasons. A pediatric dentist will assess the child’s teeth for proper eruption and review diet and brushing techniques. The early visits get the child acquainted with dental visits which reduces denial anxiety. It’s also important to have an established dentist in case your child has trauma to their teeth or mount.

It may seem early, says Dr. Olga M. Sanchez-Hernandez, D.M.D., M.S., M.S., of McCalla Orthodontics & Pediatric Dentistry.

“However, starting early is the key to a lifetime of good dental health. This dental visit should be thought of as a well-baby check up with the child’s physician,” Sanchez-Hernandez says.

Sanchez-Hernandez says the first dental visit includes several important things such as: • Review medical and dental histories.

• Perform a complete oral examination to check growth and development, oral hygiene, pathology, injuries, cavities or other problems.

• Review feeding practices that might lead to tooth decay.

• Discuss teething, pacifier use, or finger/ thumb sucking habits.

• Talk about common dental injuries and what to do if it happens.

• Clean existing teeth and provide suggestions for dental daily care.

• Evaluate the child’s fluoride needs to optimize the preventive benefits.

• Discuss treatment if needed and schedule the next checkup visit.

Family Dentist or Pediatric Dentist? “I always recommend a pediatric dentist,” Dean

says, “especially for younger kids. It’s similar to taking your child to a pediatrician versus a general practitioner. Pediatric dentists go through an additional two to three years of training after dental school, and during that residency, we are further trained in many areas such as child psychology, behavior management techniques, specialized treatment planning for baby teeth (they are actually different than adult teeth) and growth and development of the teeth and jaws.”

What to Say Before the Visit? Reactions vary greatly from child to child, SanchezHernandez says, and they can be a combination of the child’s personality, parental attitude towards treatment and child rearing practices.

“You would be amazed to know most children are naturally curious and welcome new experiences with a positive attitude!” SanchezHernandez says. “Most of our patients actually have a lot of fun when they come to the dentist, and parents generally are very surprised about it. The best thing to do is not to overreact when expectations about behavior are not met., she says. “We have to very patiently teach them what is appropriate behavioral reaction to what we are doing, and that takes time.”

Dean adds that parents should talk positively about the visit. “Also, there are great books and TV shows about going to the dentist. I always recommend the Daniel Tiger episode and/or book to help prepare a young child.”

What NOT to Say. “Don’t mention anything about it hurting!” Dean stresses. “Even telling them it won’t hurt puts the idea in their heads that it could potential hurt. And don’t talk about the dentist in any negative way, even if you have dental anxiety.”

Should I Join My Child in the Exam Room?

As a general rule, every pediatric dental office establishes procedures about parental presence during dental visits, Sanchez-Hernandez says.

Those procedures are not standardized, though, she says. “In some children parental presence

FEBRUARY IS NATIONAL CHILDREN’S DENTAL HEALTH MONTH influences behavior positively, whereas in others it might be detrimental. Infants, young children and some children with disabilities may feel more confident when parents stay close during treatment. With older children, doctor-child communication is often enhanced if parents stay in the reception room,” she adds.

For Dean, she believes the parents should be there. “It makes them feel safe,” Dean says.

“Sometimes I even have the nervous kids sit in mom’s lap for the whole cleaning and that can be really helpful. For older kids, it’s up to them and the parent if they want to come back.”

Expectations. “For home care, make sure you are brushing your child’s teeth before bed and offering water throughout the day (avoid juice as much as possible),” Dean says.

“Children who learn to conquer their fears and enjoy dental visits grow up to be adults that see dental treatment regularly, “SanchezHernandez says. “We can equip them to have a lifetime of good dental health by having a positive attitude towards dentistry.

“Keep an open mind and be patient,” Sanchez-Hernandez says. “Most behavioral changes take time and effort. Rest assured that most pediatric dentists have your child’s best interest at heart.”

Carol Muse Evans is publisher and editor of Birmingham Parent.

birminghamparent.com | 19

Where all the dental needs of your child can be met under one roof!

Dr. Olga Sanchez Hernandez is dual trained and board certified as a pediatric dentist and orthodontist.

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Using “My Plate” to Plan Healthy Meals

By Dr. Megan Bullard

Some children like to pick foods based on color. If orange is the color of choice, a plate of macaroni and cheese, carrots and chicken nuggets would fit that requirement quite nicely. But a healthy diet doesn’t focus on the color of the food. Rather, it should incorporate a variety of foods – of different colors – that includes more fruits and vegetables and smaller portions of protein and grains.

The food plate by the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) is intended to help Americans eat a healthier, balanced diet.

The visual nutrition guide, which replaces the food pyramid, uses color-coded, easy-to-read graphics with proportionate sections for fruits (red), vegetables (green), protein (purple), grains (orange), and a separate segment for dairy (blue). The plate is designed to encourage people to balance calories while increasing some foods and decreasing others.

Here are a few ways to use the food plate to plan your own meals that can be both colorful and healthy:

Pick purple.

Most people should eat five to six ounces of protein foods daily. Choose lean or low-fat cuts of meat and avoid deli meats. It’s okay to have one egg a day and opt for seafood twice a week. Try beans, peas, soy products, nuts and seeds that are good sources of protein and also naturally low in saturated fat and high in fiber.

Go green.

Vegetables are not only full of vitamins and minerals, but they also can brighten your plate. Try broccoli, cherry tomatoes, acorn squash and sweet potatoes that taste great and are good for you. Remember to keep frozen and canned vegetables on hand for a quick-and-easy dish to add to any meal.

Be blue.

Dairy products such as milk, yogurt, cheese and fortified soymilk provide calcium, vitamin D, potassium, protein and other nutrients. Choose fat-free or low-fat milk and look for reduced-fat or low-fat cheeses. Avoid regular cream cheese, cream and butter that are high in saturated fat. People who are lactose-intolerant can try lactose-free milk or soy milk for calcium.

Think red.

Dried, frozen, fresh or canned fruits provide nutrients that are important for health, including potassium, dietary fiber, vitamin C, and folic acid. Try adding fruits such as bananas or blueberries in your breakfast cereal, pick up a tangerine or some grapes to go with lunch, snack on some raisins, and add dried cranberries or orange sections to a salad at dinner.

Try orange.

Whole grains as part of a healthy diet can help reduce the risk of some chronic diseases. Choose foods that list a whole-grain ingredient first, such as brown or wild rice, bulgur, buckwheat, oatmeal, whole-grain cornmeal, and whole wheat, oats or rye.

Try eating whole-wheat pasta, using barley in vegetable soup, or substituting millet or oat flour in muffin mixes.

A healthy diet for a healthy lifestyle starts with balancing portions so you get enough of what you need without too many calories. For more information about making healthier food choices, talk with your doctor or visit the USDA My Plate website www.choosemyplate.gov.

A healthy diet for a healthy lifestyle starts with balancing portions so you get enough of what you need without too many calories.

Dr. Megan Bullard is affiliated with Shelby Baptist Medical Center, and part of the Columbiana Clinic in Columbiana.

birminghamparent.com | 21

February is Black History Month: Great Books for All Ages Black History Month is a great time to stock up on lots of great books for little ones all the way to young adults. This selection includes books on a variety of subjects that help teach the stories of Black people who molded history and culture, from athletes to scientists to activists.

PICTURE BOOKS A Place Inside of Me by Zetta Elliott, illustrated by Noa Denmon. A TODAY.com Best Book for the Holidays, NCTE Notable Poetry Book, and Evanston Public Library’s Great Book for Kids, A Place Inside of Me by award-winning author Zetta Elliot explores the nuances of a Black child’s experiences following a police shooting – through grief and protests, healing and community.

Baseball’s Leading Lady by Andrea Williams. For fans of Hidden Figures and Steve Sheinkin’s Undefeated, this is the powerful true story of Effa Manley, the first and only woman inducted into the Baseball Hall of Fame.

Stella’s Stellar Hair by Yesenia Moises.

Black girl magic takes the solar system in 22 | birminghamparent | february 2021

this celebration of hair, family, and self-love in this debut book.

Watch Me by Doyin Richards, illustrated by Joe Cepeda. A picture book about immigration, based on the author’s father’s own story of coming to America from Africa.

Runaway by Ray Anthony Shepard; illustrated by Keith Mallett. Runaway is a powerful, lyrical OwnVoices picture book about the enslavement of Ona Judge and her self-emancipation from George Washington’s household.

Flying High: The Story of Gymnastics Champion Simone Biles by Michelle Meadows, illustrated by Ebony Glenn. From her early competitions to the height of her success as an Olympic champion, this is the

story of the world’s greatest gymnast. For fans of She’s Got This by Laurie Hernandez and Nadia: The Girl Who Couldn’t Sit Still.

I Want to Ride the Tap Tap by Danielle Joseph, illustrated by Olivier Ganthier. A day-of-the-week picture book about a young boy and his parents who ride the taxi-bus service – called a tap tap – in Haiti, and the fascinating people they meet along the way.

My Friend! by Taye Diggs, illustrated by Shane W. Evans. With rhythm kids will relate to, Taye's text and Shane's art offer a feast of emotions and joy, and aren't didactic or message-heavy – the perfect book to celebrate Black joy!

MIDDLE GRADES Mighty Justice (Young Readers Edition)

by Dovey Johnson Roundtree and Katie McCabe; adapted by Jabari Asim. A young reader’s adaptation of Mighty Justice: My Life in Civil Rights, the memoir of activist and trailblazer Dovey Johnson Roundtree The Burning (Young Readers Edition) by Tim Madigan. A hundred years after the event, this is a powerful middle-grade adaptation of the true story of Black Wall Street and the Tulsa Race Massacre.

YOUNG ADULT The Awakening of Malcolm X by Ilyasah Shabazz and Tiffany D. Jackson. A powerful narrative account of the activist's adolescent years in jail, written by his daughter Ilyasah Shabazz along with YA powerhouse Tiffany D. Jackson.

Angel of Greenwood by Randi Pink. A historical YA novel that follows two Black teens in the days leading up, during, and after the Tulsa Race Massacre, one of the most violent racist acts of our history recently brought into the spotlight. 2021 marks the 100-year anniversary.

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calendar highlights FEBRUARY 2021

February is a shorter month with a lot of impact! It is our Camp Issue, it is Black History Month, and it is National Children’s Dental Health Month, just to name a few. February has always been a jam-packed issue for Birmingham Parent but due to the ongoing pandemic we are still seeing fewer actual events planned and more virtual events. So, in this issue once again you’ll find a calendar that is heavy on virtual events. We’ve highlighted a few events for you, some that have a charity or fund-raising component. Be sure to check our online calendar for constantly-changing opportunities. Please note that you should check ahead for ANY event to be certain that times and locations have not changed, and check out our most up-to-date calendar online at https://birminghamparent.com/directory/ events for current and new events that have recently been added.

HIGHLIGHTS

Photo courtesy of Black Heritage Fair.

Feb. 6

Virtual 21st Annual Black Heritage Fair 2021

10:30am-3pm. This event celebrates Black achievement and Black ancestry and is held during February, Black History Month. www. eventbrite.com/e/black-heritage-fairtickets-136219872305.

Feb. 27

Birmingham Parent’s Annual Camp Expo 2021 VIRTUAL

10am-2pm. Despite the pandemic, Birmingham Parent’s 2021 Camp Expo will go on. On Feb. 27, log in to www.birminghamparent.com and register to visit with all the camps and summer activities, register for prizes, download a virtual swag bag and see Facebook Lives with some of the camps you may be interested in. Don’t miss it. It is FREE. birminghamparent.com birminghamparent.com | 25 | 25

february

Birmingham Museum of Art

2 Tuesday

3 Wednesday

Alcoholics Anonymous Meeting 5:30-6:30pm, Online, Alcoholics Anonymous is hosting online meetings, open to anyone seeking recovery.

Zoom meeting ID: 869-4566003, calendar.uab.edu.

Samford Bulldogs Basketball 7pm, Samford University.

The Bulldogs host Furman.

Admission charged. www. samford.edu.

Jacob Lawrence 10am, Birmingham Museum of Art. “The American Struggle” features the series of paintings from the “History of the American People” (1954-56) by the iconic American modernist.

Also includes the work of contemporary artists Hank Willis Thomas, Derrick Adams and Bethany Collins. www.artsbma.org.

Alabama School of Fine Arts Student Recital 3pm, ASFA Recital Hall, www. asfa.k12.al.us.

West African Drumming Class 7:30pm, The Dance Foundation. Come learn the language of the Djembe in a relaxed, creative and supportive environment.

We practice safe distancing and we mask up! www. thedancefoundation.org.

Yoga at the Gardens: Ashtanga 8:30am, Birmingham Botanical Gardens. Registrants required to bring their own yoga mats and props. Please note that face masks are required when interacting with others outside of your family group in the Gardens and for entering the Garden Center. Face masks are not required while taking part in outdoor yoga classes.

Friends: $8, non-members $10. Learn more and register at https://bbgardens\.org/ ashtanga\-yoga\-2020\.php.

Dates and times subject to change. 205-414-3950.

4 Thursday Creative Writing Grade Level Reading 3:30pm, Alabama School of Fine Arts Lecture Hall, www. asfa.k12.al.us.

Live From My Living Room 7pm, Hoover Public Library.

Connect with your favorite musicians while remaining socially distant. Available on YouTube and Facebook. www. hooveral.org/calendar, 205444-7800, www.hooveral.org.

5 Friday Adoption Clinic Conversations Noon. Virtual event. Topic: Development and Sensory Challenges in Adopted/ Fostered Children. The Adoption Clinic at Children’s

PLEASE NOTE: Calendar information should be uploaded to our website at https://portal.cityspark.com/EventEntry/EventEntry/BirminghamParent and may appear in print if uploaded by deadline. You may also go to www.birminghamparent.com and simply click on the calendar icon. 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 6 times a year. January events are included in the November/December issue. Deadline for the March/ April 2021 issue is February 8, 2021.

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 205-624-2405 or e-mail calendar@birminghamparent.com.

Due to the pandemic, all events may not be up to date nor have accurate times. Some events may even be canceled. Note, many events currently are VIRTUAL. Be sure to check ahead with the actual venue.

26 | birminghamparent | february 2021

of Alabama presents this virtual series, Adoption Clinic Conversations, which brings education regarding common concerns in children who have been adopted/fostered to primary care offices. To register, email adoption@peds. uab.edu or call 205-638-6964, www.calendar.uab.edu.

ArtBLINK Gala 2021 6:30pm, Virtual event. The O’Neal Comprehensive Cancer Center at UAB will host its 36th annual ArtBLINK Gala. This year, the event program will be available to watch free on the O’Neal Cancer Center’s YouTube channel and will feature an online art auction of original pieces from 20 local artists in order to support top-priority projects in cancer research and care through the O'Neal Cancer Center’s Fund for Excellence. Every ticket buyer, corporate sponsor and Director’s Circle member will also be given the option to reserve a special ArtBLINK dinner from Iz Catering to enjoy at home, packaged and insulated in a free O'Neal Cancer Center-branded bag.

Tickets not required to watch the video program or to bid in the auction. Visit artblink.org.

Asbury University Baseball Series Noon, Hoover Met Complex, http://www.hooveral.org/ calendar.

Creative Writing Senior Reading with Reception 5:30pm, Alabama School of Fine Arts Lecture Hall, www. asfa.k12.al.us.

6 Saturday Virtual 21st Annual Black Heritage Fair 2021 10:30am-3pm. This event celebrates Black achievement and Black ancestry. The featured event will host a panel discussion on the fair's theme: The Black Family:

Representation, Identify and Diversity. Sharon Gillins, noted genealogist and researcher will speak on developing ancestor profiles. Along with these events, BAAGG members will present videos of their research and family lines.

Requests to attend the Zoom Fair will be through Eventbrite.

Membership not required. www.birmingham365.org.

Southeastern Outings Dayhike 8:45am, Bankhead National Forest. Hike to view multiple waterfalls in the forest. High falls, cascading falls, split falls and views of more than one waterfall at a time. This hike is for experienced hikers. Meet at Hayden/Corner Park and Ride.

Trip leader, Doris Hatch, 205901-8367. You do not have to be a member to participate in one or two SEO activities; to join SEO for $10, contact Dan Frederick, president, 205-6314680, or seoutings@bellsouth. net. FREE event.

8 Monday Music Department Faculty Recital & Reception 5pm, Alabama School of Fine Arts Recital Hall, www.asfa. k12.al.us.

9 Tuesday Weight Loss Surgery Support Group 10am, Grandview Medical Center virtual support group via Google Meet, Whether you have had bariatric surgery or just want more information on weight loss surgery, our support group is here for you. www.eventbrite.com. FREE

shaped seed paper. Pickup: Wednesday, February 10 through Friday, February 12. Friends of Birmingham Botanical Gardens: $20, nonmembers, $25.

Purchase a kit at https:// bbgardens.org/valentinegarden-kit, 205-414-3950.

11 Thursday American Red Cross Blood Drive 9am-2pm, Hoover Met. http:// www.hooveral.org/calendar.

Music Department - Senior Recital with Reception 3pm, Alabama School of Fine Arts Lecture Hall & ASFA Lobby, www.asfa.k12.al.us.

12 Friday ASFA Blood Drive 8am-3pm, Alabama School of Fine Arts Health & Wellness, www.asfa.k12.al.us.

GBAHB Home Building & Remodeling Showcase 10am-5pm, Hoover Met Complex. Presented

by Greater Birmingham Association of Home Builders.

The showcase features home services and products for those in the market to build or remodel a home. www. hooveral.org/calendar.

More Fire Crossfit: Fabulous Fit Fierce Women's Fitness/Self Defense 2021 5:30pm, More Fire CrossFit, www.eventbrite.com. $5-$50.

10 Wednesday Children's Valentine Garden Kit 8:30am-5pm, Birmingham Botanical Gardens. Kit has everything your child needs to have fun planting a flowering bulb to grow indoors and design cards using heart-

14 Sunday 2020 UNBLURRED: Chamber Music Soirées 6pm, St. Francis of Assisi Episcopal Church, Indian Springs. Part of a six-part series scheduled through May 2021. This event features violinist Daniel Szasz & Friends, presented by St. Francis Music Academy.

Limited seating, masks required, social distancing.

Live streaming available.

Tickets for individual livestreamed concerts are $20.

Passes covering all of the remaining live concerts are $90 and can be purchased at https://st-francis-musicacademy.ticketleap.com/2020unblurred-streamed/.

Information, Dr. Alina Voicu, avoicu@saintfrancismusic.org.

Southeastern Outings Dayhike 12:45pm, Oak Mountain State Park. Meet in park office parking lot. Enjoy a moderate 4-mile walk in the woodlands near Birmingham. Wellbehaved, properly supervised children age eight and up able to walk the distance of about 4 miles and complete the hike are welcome. Optional dinner after the hike. $5/person, $2 seniors for park admission fee. Bring a drink. No dogs or smoking allowed on any SEO events. Randall Adkins, 205-317-6969.

19 Friday UAB Women's Basketball vs Louisiana Tech 2pm., Bartow Arena, www. uab.edu.

Creative Writing Senior Reading with Reception 3pm, Alabama School of Fine Arts Lecture Hall & ASFA Lobby, www.asfa.k12.al.us.

birminghamparent.com | 27

repotting our orchid collection.

Novice and seasoned gardeners are welcome.

Register at https://bbgardens. org/repot-rejuvenate-orchids, 205-414-3950. Cost: $10.

Botanical Gardens

20 Saturday Saturdays in the Gardens: Re-pot & Rejuvenate Orchids Noon, Birmingham Botanical Gardens (Online Zoom event). Repotting an orchid is required every few years to maintain optimal orchid health and encourage reblooming.

An expert instructor will discuss this topic, followed by a webinar program will be followed with opportunities to assist Gardens' staff in

Southeastern Outings Dayhike 10:15am, Smith Mountain Fire Tower. Meet at Publix in The Village at Lee Branch in Greystone. Recently the tower has been restored and upgraded with new safety features and is now open to the public. Visiting time is daylight until 30 minutes after sunset. Well-behaved, properly supervised children age 8 and over welcome. No dogs or smoking allowed on any SEO event. Doris Hatch, 205-901-8367.

23 Tuesday Music Department - Junior Recital 3pm, Alabama School of Fine

Arts Recital Hall, www.asfa. k12.al.us.

27 Saturday Birmingham Parent’s 27th Annual Camp Expo, VIRTUAL 10am- 2pm, online. This year’s annual Camp Expo is totally virtual. Register and then meet and greet with camps and summer programs online, visit Facebook Live with individual programs, enter to

win great prizes, download a virtual “swag bag” and much more! Sponsored by Odyssey Early Schools, 106.9 FM the Eagle, 97.3 FM PLAY and NBC 13. www.birminghamparent. com. FREE, but must register to participate. The Camp Directory will be online thereafter the rest of the year.

FREE pre-registration online at www.birminghamparent. com/directory/vce2021.

Southeastern Outings Dayhike on the Piper InterpretiveTrail in the Cahaba National Wildlife Refuge 9:45am, Piper Interpretative Trail, Cahaba National Wildlife Refuge. Meet at McDonald's Galleria. Children age 9 and older welcome. Trip leader, Dan Frederick, seoutings@ bellsouth.net, 205-631-4680.

All events and activities of the group are open to the public.

No dogs or smoking allowed on any SEO events. FREE.

Mending kids’

HEARTS It’s what we do best.

Our team of more than 325 healthcare professionals is recognized for its excellence in providing world-class cardiac care in an environment best suited to the needs of our patients. From tiny babies to teens, we care for Gabby Bolden and every child like our own.

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For Children’s Financial Assistance information, call 1.844.750.8950 or visit www.childrensal.org/financial-assistance

28 | birminghamparent | february 2021

area events & attractions event each month. Also, on the second Monday of each month, McWane opens its doors from 5-8pm for its members.

Due to the pandemic, many attractions may not be open or may have abbreviated times. Some may be closed. Be sure to check ahead.

Blue Star Museums Military Discount. Blue Star Museums offers FREE admission to active-duty military, including Army, Navy, Air Force, Coast Guard, Marines, National Guard and Reserve members, with up to five family members. To learn more visit bluestarfam.org.

Offer does not include IMAX movies or parking.

Aldridge Botanical Gardens 3530 Lorna Road, Hoover.

205-682-8019, www.aldridgegardens.com

Alabama Jazz Hall of Fame 1631 Fourth Ave. N., Birmingham. 205-254-2731, www.jazzhall.com

Moss Rock Preserve Preserve Parkway, Hoover.

205-739-7141, www.hooveral. org.

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

Alabama Sports Hall of Fame 2150 Richard Arrington Blvd. N., Birmingham. 323-6665, www.ashof.org

Alabama Wildlife Center 100 Terrace Drive, Pelham.

205-663-7930. www.awrc.org

American Village Highway 119, Montevallo.

205-665-3535, www. americanvillage.org

Barber Motorsports Park 6040 Barber Motorsports Parkway, Leeds.

205-298-9040, www. barbermotorsports.com

Birmingham Botanical Gardens www.bbgardens. org/documents/ treasuremapforweb.pdf 2612 Lane Park Road, Birmingham. 205-414-3900, www.bbgardens.org

Birmingham Children’s Theatre 1001 19th St. North, Birmingham, AL, 35203, 205458-8181, www.bct123.org

Birmingham Civil Rights Institute

Oak Mountain State Park 200 Terrace Drive, Pelham.

205-620-2520, www.alapark. com.

McWane Science Center

Birmingham Museum of Art 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.

Birmingham. 205-879-0409, www.birminghamzoo.com Heart of Dixie Railroad Museum 1919 Ninth St., Calera. 205-6683435, www.hodrrm.org

Bart’s Books. A storytelling program for children ages 4-7.

2000 Rev. Abraham Woods Jr. Blvd., Birmingham. 205-2542565, www.artsbma.org

Jefferson County Library Cooperative Find a library close to you for all kinds of fun events and enrichment! www.jclc.org

Birmingham Public Libraries Find a library near you for fun events and enrichment! www.bplonline.org

McWane Science Center Home School Day! On the first Monday of each month, home school students and their families can come for special programs, live science demonstrations, giveaways and a discounted ticket price.

FREE for home school parents, $7 kids, $6 for accompanying adults.

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

Birmingham Zoo Special Saturdays. On the second Saturday of each month from 10-11am for ages 8-up, the Birmingham Zoo and KultureCity presents a series of zoo-based 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,

Ruffner Mountain Nature Center 1214 81st St. S., Birmingham.

205-833-8264, www. ruffnermountain.org.

Shelby County Public Libraries Find a library near you for all kinds of fun events and enrichment! shelbycounty-al.org Southern Museum of Flight 4343 73rd St. N., Birmingham.

205-833-8226, www. southernmuseumofflight.org Tannehill Ironworks Historical State Park 12632 Confederate Parkway, McCalla. 205-477-5711, www.tannehill.org Vulcan Park 1701 Valley View Drive, Birmingham. 205-933-1409, www.vulcanpark.org

16th St. N., Birmingham.

205-328-9696, www.bcri.org birminghamparent.com | 29

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