Birmingham Parent Magazine | The Guide - January 2024

THE

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MAGAZINE

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ALABAMA

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Family Guidebook 2024 JANUARY 2024

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Birmingham’s Favorite Parenting Resource Celebrating 20 Years in Publishing 844-367-0045 844-367-0045

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Make it a year of fun at OWA! Check out our line-up of can’t-miss performances at OWA Theater—like tributes to The Beatles (1/6), The Bee Gees (1/12-13) and our Songwriter Showcase (1/19) with Open Mic Night (1/20). Enjoy Friday Deal Days all month long with great special offers on food, drink, shopping and entertainment throughout Downtown OWA! For all the details on these events and January’s Arts & Crafts Festival, go to VisitOWA.com!

2 | Birmingham Parent | January 2024

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ed note

Welcome to Our...

Family Guidebook 2024

By Carol Muse Evans Publisher/Editor

703 Logan Rd., Suite 150 Clanton, AL 35045 205-624-2405 205-624-2515 FAX www.birminghamparent.com

editorial publishers

David & Carol Evans

Thank you for picking up our annual Birmingham Parent’s Family Guidebook 2024! We hope it will be an excellent resource for you this year. Please know it is also available online all year at www.birminghamparent.com.

editor

Carol Muse Evans

staff writer

Paige Townley

For many, it’s been a tough year due to the economy, and we are all waiting and wondering what to expect from 2024. Planning is key during tough times, and we hope this resource can be a part of your planning.

contributors

This issue is full of important information, access to important numbers and websites and great feature stories. If you've ever considered having your groceries delivered, check out Paige Townley's article on some options. Again, planning is key. For me, working with a plan keeps me from spending too much! We've got great information on possible day trips – an affordable way to take a mini vacation – that are easily a day's drive from our area, as well as opportunities and reasons to volunteer.

sales

2024 is our 20th year of publishing Birmingham Parent. We are excited about bringing our in-person events, like Camp Expo (March 2, 2024) at our NEW location, the Vestavia Hills Civic Center, Special Needs Expo (March 16, 2023) at the Exceptional Foundation, and Happy Healthy Kids Fair (date TBD in August) to you again. You’ll see more online and social media promotions from us in 2024 and our great contests and giveaways! Be sure your children are entered in our Birthday Club, and if you have a business or service, you need to be a part of this great way to reach families of children having birthdays.

Be sure to follow us on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram, as well as log on to www.birminghamparent. com where you can sign up for our free weekly e-blast, The Buzz, Home Edition, from Birmingham Parent, and all our online communications. This eblast was a product of the first year of Covid, one of the "good things" that came out of a terrible time.

Don’t miss a thing with Birmingham Parent. We are the only 7-times-a-year local, free parenting magazine in our area, and one of the most trusted resources for all things Birmingham for families! We'd love to hear more about what you'd like to read in BP this year. Send us a message on social media or email me.

And cheers to 2024 – I wish you all good things in the new year!

Thanks for reading,

Carol Muse Evans Publisher/Editor

business development Tom Gonzales

sr marketing consultant Kayla Fricks

marketing consultantspecial events Amy Phillips

marketing consultantdigial sales Loren Levan

print & web production Digtial Doo-Wop

distribution

T&P Deliveries

Celebrating Years!

carol@birminghamparent.com

ABOUT THE EDITOR: 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 Clanton. She/Birmingham Parent are members of the Alabama Press Association.

4 | Birmingham Parent | January 2024

June Mathews Pam Molnar Aaron Mills

BIRMINGHAM PARENT IS A PUBLICATION OF EVANS PUBLISHING, LLC. Publishers: Carol Muse Evans, David K. Evans Sr. Birmingham Parent (EIN20-0694149) is published monthly by Evans Publishing LLC. www.birminghamparent.com or editor@ birminghamparent.com. Birmingham Parent is © 2024 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.

In the little moments and major milestones of childhood, we are here for our patients and their families – helping, healing, teaching and discovering.

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BirminghamParent.com | 5

ting a r eb Cel

Family Guidebook

rs!

Yea

2024

BY BIRMINGHAM PARENT

4

EDITOR’S NOTE

7

IN CASE OF EMERGENCY

8

WHAT KIDS CAN LEARN FROM VOLUNTEERING

12

AREA HEALTH DEPARTMENTS

14

AREA HOSPITALS

16

GET YOUR GROCERIES

18

MEET THE COVER SPONSORS

22

MEET THE BACK COVER SPONSORS

24

10 DAY TRIPS FROM BIRMINGHAM

28

AREA LIBRARIES

30

AREA PUBLIC SCHOOL SYSTEMS

32

DRIVER’S LICENSE OFFICES IN OUR AREA

34

AREA ATTRACTIONS

36

BIRTHDAY CLUB: SIX EPIC SWEET 16 PARTY THEMES

8

16

24

36

WWW.BIRMINGHAMPARENT.COM 6 | Birmingham Parent | January 2024

In Case of...

Emergency

Local emergency authorities in any area 911 Suicide Prevention 988 205-323-7777 www.alabamapublichealth.gov/suicide/crisis-numbers.html National Line – 800-273-TALK American Association of Poison Control Centers www.poison.org 800-222-1222 Parenting Assistance Line – PAL – parenting support, etc. www.pal.ua.edu Call 866-962-3030 or chat online The Crisis Center Serving the Counties of Central Alabama Crisis/Suicide Line 24 hours/7 days 205-323-7777 www.crisiscenterbham.org UTalk Youth Line for Teens Call or text about anything www.crisiscenterbham.org 205-328-5465 UTalk Youth Line Call or text about anything www.crisiscenterbham.org 205-328-5465

Senior Talk Line Free, confidential telephone reassurance service for senior citizens, caregivers, retirees, widowed persons, grandparents and others. www.crisiscenterbham.org 205-328-8255 Rape Response Available 24/7 www.crisiscenterbham.org 205-323-7273 Veterans Crisis Line Free, confidential support for veterans, service members, National Guard and Reserve and family members/friends. Services for deaf and hard of hearing individuals offered.

Available 24/7 Dial 988 then press 1; text 838255; chat online at www.veteranscrisisline.net Jefferson County Recovery Resource Center The program provides information about drug and alcohol abuse, as well as details on how to obtain help for yourself or a loved one. A list of various treatment options and available resources are also provided to callers.

Available 8:30am-5pm https://recoveryresourcejeffco.com/ 205-458-3377

BirminghamParent.com | 7

What Kids Can Learn from Volunteering: Five Reasons Parents Should Encourage It

By June Mathews

A

re you looking for a great activity for the kids? How about one that lasts a lifetime, inspires kids to make good choices, instills confidence and builds character?

trained them to be selfless without them knowing they’d gained a valuable lesson. So when confronted with a situation that involves choosing to act selflessly instead of selfishly, they know the right thing to do.”

Except for an investment of time on a parent’s part, the cost is low.

But the return on investment is beyond measure. This incredible gift is the opportunity to volunteer. And the holiday season is the ideal time for kids to get started.

Robyn, mom to a 28-year-old physician, says, “Volunteering helps kids understand ‘It's not about you.’ My husband and I used that phrase quite a bit in teaching our son selflessness. Part of life is learning to put others first, and the earlier you begin teaching that to kids, the sooner they’ll learn it, and the better they’ll retain it.”

Studies show that kids who volunteer are happier, more productive, more successful in school and more mentally well-adjusted than those who don’t.

But while the kids may be willing, parents are the key.

And the key to parents learning the value of kids volunteering is often found in the parents of children who grew up volunteering.

Here are five reasons for parents to encourage their kids to volunteer, along with advice from three moms (Andrea, Robyn and Elna) who exemplified serving others for their now grown-up kids.

VOLUNTEERING TEACHES KIDS SELFLESSNESS

Now, more than ever, raising selfless kids is a struggle for parents, and as kids grow older, the pressures they face academically, socially, and globally can be isolating. But one of the best ways for parents to help their kids develop selfless traits, say experts, is to make it possible for them to volunteer.

Andrea, whose two 20-something sons have volunteered at church and in the community since elementary school, says her kids acquired selflessness by serving others.

“They learned it almost without realizing it,” she says. “Doing for others 8 | Birmingham Parent | January 2024

VOLUNTEERING TEACHES KIDS COMPASSION

The word compassion originated with the Latin word compati, which means "to suffer with." So compassion, according to author Fredrick Buechner, is “feeling what it is like to live inside somebody else’s skin. It is the knowledge that there can never really be any peace and joy for me until there is peace and joy finally for you, too.”

Compassion encourages kids to be kind, patient, and accepting of themselves and others. It helps them build relationships with other kids, lowering the bullying risk. On a larger scale, compassion promotes the kind of social harmony so badly needed in our world today.

“Compassion teaches kids to be perceptive to the needs around them and to be responsive to those needs,” Andrea says. “That’s how we want them to be when they grow up. My kids aren’t perfect, but they’re generous, they’re helpful, they love people, and they care.

“In fact, I once asked my older son if he had gained anything from me dragging him around to different places to volunteer, and he says, ‘I’m probably a more compassionate person because of it.’ That was a proud mom moment for me.”

VOLUNTEERING TEACHES KIDS RESPONSIBILITY

Robyn recalled a conversation with her then college-age son. “He had gotten involved with a cause that needed somebody to keep things organized. True to form, he had jumped right in. As we talked, he listed several things he was doing to help. I became concerned that he was taking on too much and says so. He replied, ‘Somebody has to do it, Mom, and it might as well be me."

She immediately shifted from a concerned mom to one bursting with pride. “He was following a lesson in taking responsibility that his dad and I had been teaching him all his life,” she says. “It made me feel like we had done something right as parents.”

But, Robyn says, making it possible for a kid to volunteer imposes a responsibility on the parent to help kids understand the “whys” of what they’re doing.

“We would always talk about what we were doing while we were doing it,” she says. “For example, ‘We are taking this food to these people because they don't have enough to eat.’ Exposing kids to volunteer work prompts feelings of responsibility for helping people less fortunate than they are.”

VOLUNTEERING TEACHES KIDS TEAMWORK

Mother Teresa defined teamwork this way: “I can do things you cannot, you can do things I cannot; together we can do great things.”

And that’s how volunteerism – or any team effort, for that matter – ideally works: a group of diverse individuals combine their varying strengths and talents to create a successful outcome.

Elna, mom to two daughters, ages 28 and 33, sees volunteering as an avenue for kids to discover their own strengths while serving others. In the process, she says, they learn to use those strengths to become effective members of a team. At the same time, they learn how to serve.

“At the same time, they learn how to serve,” she says. “And I think it’s important to reinforce those lessons at home. For example, don’t just put dinner on the table. Ask the kids to grate the cheese, set the table or whatever. That way, they’re working as a team but serving each other, too.”

While Elna noted that each team member playing to one's strengths forms a stronger team, Robyn took that thought a step further. “Knowing that they can feed on and feed into others’ strengths gives kids more confidence in what they can do, not just together but on their own,” she says.

VOLUNTEERING TEACHES KIDS INDEPENDENCE

If nothing else, says Robyn, volunteering can give kids a dose of reality by teaching them that life isn’t always easy. But through those lessons, they begin to develop their own thoughts about the direction they want to go in life and how to get there.

“I deal with young people in my business, and I see many of them unable to face life’s challenges because their parents have always taken care of everything, seen to their every comfort, and catered to their every whim.”

That type of person, she says, has never been taught to contribute to society and are either unaware of problems outside of their own world or just aren’t capable of caring for others. When life is made too easy for kids, they become too dependent on others. Unable to develop the strength of character and skills for handling life's inevitable challenges, like the death of a loved one, financial troubles, or broken relationships, they flounder.

On the other hand, says Robyn, “Kids who volunteer have seen people suffering through tough challenges like hunger or homelessness. Through those experiences, they gain an understanding of what life can bring and what it takes to push through. It’s empowering for kids to know that life isn’t always perfect or always comfortable but that it’s possible to survive.

That’s where independence begins.”

June Mathews is a freelance writer living and working in Trussville, Alabama.

BirminghamParent.com | 9

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Get Vaccinated • Protect Against Covid & Flu The COVID-19 Vaccine is currently available to anyone 6 months of age and older.

The vaccine is safe and effective. Don't wait, get vaccinated today to help stop the spread and keep our community safe.

BirminghamParent.com | 11

Area Health Departments Alabama Department of Public Health The RSA Tower 201 Monroe St. Montgomery, AL 36104 800-252-1818 www.alabamapublichealth.gov Chilton County Health Department 301 Health Center Dr. Clanton, AL 35046 205-755-1287 www.alabamapublichealth.gov/chilton Cullman County Health Department 601 Logan Ave. S.W. Cullman, AL 35055 256-734-1030 www.alabamapublichealth.gov/cullman Jefferson County Department of Health Central Health Center 1400 Sixth Ave. S. Birmingham, AL 35233 205-933-9110 205-588-5234 (clinics) www.jcdh.org Eastern Health Center 601 West Blvd. Roebuck Birmingham, AL 35206 205-591-6180 Western Health Center 631 Bessemer Super Hwy. Midfield, AL 35228 205-715-6121

12 | Birmingham Parent | THE FAMILY GUIDEOOK JANUARY 2024

Shelby County Health Department 2000 County Services Dr. Pelham, AL 35124 205-664-2470 www.alabamapublichealth.gov/shelby St. Clair County Health Department 1175 23rd St. N. Pell City, AL 35125 205-338-3357 www.alabamapublichealth.gov/stclair Tuscaloosa County Health Department 2350 Hargrove Road E. Tuscaloosa, AL 35405 205-562-6900 www.alabamapublichealth.gov/tuscaloosa

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DENTISTRY FOR

CHILDREN & SPECIAL NEEDS PERSONS

Dr. Tabitha Jarman Gatrey, DMD

4823 Promenade 5910 Lane Pkwy.,Harris Suite 101 Bessemer, AL 35022

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AREA HOSPITALS Children’s of Alabama 1600 Seventh Ave. S. Birmingham, AL 35233 205-638-9100 www.childrensal.org

Ascension St. Vincent’s East 50 Medical Park Dr. E. Birmingham, AL 35235 205-838-3000 https://healthcare.ascension.org

Shelby Baptist Medical Center 1000 First St. N. Alabaster, AL 35007 205-620-8100 www.brookwoodbaptisthealth.com

Children’s South Pediatric Outpatient Center 1940 Elmer J. Bissell Rd. Birmingham, AL 35243 205-638-4800 www.childrensal.org

Ascension St. Vincent’s Blount 150 Gilbreath Dr. Oneonta, AL 35121 205-274-3000 https://healthcare.ascension.org

Princeton Baptist Medical Center 701 Princeton Ave. S.W. Birmingham, AL 35211 205-783-3000 www.brookwoodbaptisthealth.com

Ascension St. Vincent’s Chilton 2030 Lay Dam Road Clanton, AL 35045 205-258-4400 https://healthcare.ascension.org

Walker Baptist Medical Center 3400 Hwy. 78 E. Jasper, AL 35501 205-387-4000 www.brookwoodbaptisthealth.com

Encompass Health Lakeshore Rehabilitation Hospital 3800 Ridgeway Dr. Birmingham, AL 35209 205-868-2000 www.encompasshealth.com

Citizens Baptist Medical Center 604 Stone Ave. Talladega, AL 35160 256-362-8111 www.brookwoodbaptisthealth.com

UAB Hospital 1802 Sixth Ave. S. Birmingham, AL 35233 205-934-3411 www.uabmedicine.org UAB Women & Infants Center 1700 Sixth Ave. S. Birmingham, AL 35233 205-934-3411 www.uabmedicine.org UAB Medical West 995 Ninth Ave. S.W. Bessemer, AL 35022 205-481-7000 www.medicalwesthospital.org UAB Highlands 1201 11th Ave. S. Birmingham, AL 35205 205-939-4939 www.uabmedicine.org UAB Callahan Eye Hospital 1720 University Blvd.

Birmingham, AL 35233 205-325-8254 www.uabmedicine.org Ascension St. Vincent’s Birmingham 810 St. Vincent’s Dr. Birmingham, AL 35205 205-939-7000 https://healthcare.ascension.org Ascension St. Vincent’s St. Clair 7063 Veterans Pkwy.

Pell City, AL 35125 205-338-3301 https://healthcare.ascension.org 14 | Birmingham Parent | January 2024

Encompass Health Rehabilitation Hospital of Shelby County 900 Oak Mountain Commons Lane Pelham, AL 35124 205-216-7600 www.encompasshealth.com Brookwood Baptist Medical Center 2010 Brookwood Medical Center Dr. Birmingham, AL 35209 205-877-1000 www.brookwoodbaptisthealth.com Birmingham VA Medical Center 700 S. 19th St. S. Birmingham, AL 35233 205-933-8101 www.va.gov Cooper Green Mercy Health Services 1515 Sixth Ave. S. Birmingham, AL 35233 205-930-3200 www.coopergreen.org Grandview Medical Center 3690 Grandview Pkwy.

Birmingham, AL 35243 205-971-1000 www.grandviewhealth.com

Cullman Regional Medical Center 1912 AL Hwy. 157 Cullman, AL 35058 256-737-2000 www.cullmanregional.com DCH Regional Medical Center 809 University Blvd. E. Tuscaloosa, AL 35401 205-759-7111 www.dchsystem.com Northport Medical Center 2700 Hospital Dr. Northport, AL 35476 205-333-4500 www.dchsystem.com Tuscaloosa VA Medical Center 3701 Loop Rd. E. Tuscaloosa, AL 35404 205-554-2000 www.va.gov

Camp Juliette Low Cloudland, GA www.cjl.org @campjuliettelow

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Speech-to-Speech (STS) service allows people with a speech disability to make and receive phone calls.

The STS operators are specially trained to understand speech patterns to ensure you are understood.

Dial 711 or 800-548-2928 For more information or to request training, workshop, or presentations, contact: – alabamarelay.com/outreach-request – teresa.burns@t-mobile.com – 601-936-5012

alabamarelay.com/sts BirminghamParent.com | 15

Get Your

Groceries:

Numerous local delivery services make grocery shopping easy

By Paige Townley

W

hen you have children, the pace of everyday life never seems to slow.

It doesn't always leave time for much else, from school events to sports games, recitals to after-school activities. Luckily, multiple delivery services across Birmingham make feeding the whole family a bit easier.

Kats Delivery

accommodate customers who need someone to pick up their groceries at the store along with picking up dinner and then delivering."

till

https://usetill.com

https://www.katsdelivery.com Since 2014, Kat’s Delivery has been a locally-owned and operated delivery service focusing on the Over the Mountain areas of Birmingham. The company focuses heavily on grocery delivery from Walmart and Publix, but is often willing to accommodate other stories, such as Target or Piggly Wiggly, notes Maurice Mercer, owner of Kats Delivery. “If someone has a preference on the store, we do our very best to accommodate that,” Mercer says. “Customer satisfaction is very important to us—it has been since we started nine years ago. We know people have options, and we appreciate customers giving us the opportunity to serve them.”

Customers can place orders through the company’s website, and there are a few convenient options. Customers can select Kats Delivery to do the traditional shopping for them, providing a list of what should be purchased, including a minimum of $30 for the shopping and delivery fee. If a customer would like to place their own order for pickup—for example, place their own Walmart pickup order—Kats Delivery will pick it up for them and deliver for a $4 fee. Though Kats Delivery can handle same-day orders, being a smaller organization, it does prefer advanced notice, Mercer adds.

A benefit of Kats Delivery is that customers can often have dedicated drivers. “We have a number of clients, particularly our senior citizens, that prefer to have dedicated drivers, so typically once we assign a driver to a client, that’s normally going to be their driver moving forward,” Mercer explains. “That means you aren’t having to worry about someone learning how ripe you like your tomatoes or if you’re ok with substituting a certain brand. We also will put groceries up for you if you choose. You can gain some comfort in having that same person assigned to you, when possible obviously.”

Kats Delivery has also branched out to deliver restaurant orders and can deliver practically anywhere within its delivery zones. "We can do dorm deliveries or office deliveries, too," Mercer adds. "We can even 16 | Birmingham Parent | January 2024 16 | Birmingham Parent | THE FAMILY GUIDEOOK JANUARY 2022

Birmingham’s grocery delivery services even include the option of enjoying locally grown produce, at least now that till is on the scene.

Four years ago, Will and Hayley deShazo saw the need for an option for grocery delivery that didn't mean shopping from big box stores only. "We thought it was sad that you couldn't conveniently shop and support local farmers like you could the big box stores," Hayley explains. "That's when we got to work. We did the research to find that others were interested in it too, so we started till." till has a weekly fresh list from which customers can log on and shop.

It's mostly organic produce and always depends on what's in season. "We typically have between 15 to 20 farmers featured in the peak summer season, but for fall and winter it does slow down a bit," Hayley says. "Right now we have about a dozen farmers on the site right now."

Through till, customers can make their purchases between Sunday and Wednesday. Farmers harvest the items on Thursday, and then the items are delivered to the customers’ doors on Saturday. “It may not be as quick as other options, but it’s extremely fresh,” Hayley adds.

Currently, till is open to Over the Mountain residents, and all orders have a flat rate delivery fee of $4.99. “It’s a more meaningful experience when you know where your food comes from, exactly what you’re putting in your body and how the food was raised,” Hayley says. “We can provide that, which we love.”

Shipt

https://www.shipt.com

Shipt started in Birmingham, and it's practically impossible to go in a grocery store around the city and not see one of its shoppers fulfilling orders. Customers can ship via the website or the app at various local stores, from Target and Winn Dixie to even Petco and Sephora. In addition to the opportunity for getting same-day delivery, depending on shopper availability, customers can also take advantage of the preferred shopper program, which allows them the chance to have the same person shop for them each time they order. "It's called the preferred shopper," explains Erin Slay-Wilson, corporate communications associate manager at Shipt.

“If you love the shopper that completed your order, you can rate them five star and then you’ll be prompted to add them to your preferred shopper list.

From there, they will get priority on your future orders. It creates a great relationship and adds that personal touch to a technology that can feel a little disconnected at times. We want our customers to feel they are getting that personalized delightful experience each time they use shipped.”

That personalized experience goes beyond the preferred shopper program at Shipt. The company is always looking for ways to improve upon its services, such as a recent product update known as Hosting Hub, which pulls décor, supplies food, and other commonly purchased items needed for birthday parties and seasonal events to store in one easy location to help customers shop faster and easier.

Customers can enjoy it all with a monthly price of $10.99 or an annual membership of $99, which offers unlimited free delivery on all orders over $35. "That also gets you access to preferred shopper, the member dashboard, sales, and other specials we have for members," Slay-Wilson adds. “But of course first you can take advantage of the 14-day free trial to check it out first.”

Another Shipt bonus: students can take advantage of the monthly student rate of $4.99. "This is a great option for parents or caregivers who want to set their students up for success with easy access to groceries, personal essentials, school supplies, and more,” says Slay-Wilson.

Kroger

https://www.kroger.com Kroger Delivery expanded into Birmingham in September 2022, and with its 50,000-square-foot facility in Jefferson County, the company is able to serve numerous communities across the Magic City, including Hoover, Highland Park, Vestavia Hills, Oxmoor, Woodland Park, Center Point and Grayson Valley. “Kroger Delivery is your go-to source for every day, as well as life’s special celebrations,” says April Martin, head of e-commerce corporate affairs and communications for Kroger. “We are passionate about delivering a fresh, convenient customer shopping experience with zero compromise on quality, selection and affordability.”

Customers can shop online or on the Kroger app for more than 30,000 items, from fresh produce, meat and seafood to pantry items, frozen foods, cleaning products and other household items. After selecting

their items, customers can select a one-hour time slot to receive groceries the next day or later in the week. Eligible customers can try the membership with a free 30-day trial and subscribe for as little as $7.99 per month or $59 per year, which waives delivery fees on orders of $35 or more. Without the membership, Boost by Kroger Plus, the delivery fee is $6.95. “Once the order is placed, and ready for delivery, customers will experience a trained, friendly and uniformed Kroger Delivery associate who will arrive in a refrigerated van,” Martin explained. “This unique delivery van is customized as part of Kroger’s end-to-end cold solutions which keeps groceries fresh. This means, if you ordered ice cream, your ice cream will arrive at your door; freezer-cold and solid.”

Instacart

https://www.instacart.com Dozens of stores across Birmingham offer delivery via Instacart. Customers can shop major grocery store retailers such as Publix, ALDI, and Sprouts Farmers Market, along with other big brands such as Walgreens, Lowe’s, DICK’s Sporting Goods, and even Costco.

According to Instacart, the company has a membership program, Instacart+, for $99 per year or $9.99 per month provides customers with unlimited free grocery delivery on orders of $35 or more (per retailer), lower service fees and other exclusive benefits. Other benefits of membership include credit back on eligible pickup orders and even a family account so that the entire can enjoy and share the benefits of shopping.

To make shopping as simple as possible, through the Instacart app customers can personalize their grocery selections, specify preferences, and even leave comments on items in their cart, whether it be suggesting a replacement if something is out of stock.

DoorDash

https://www.doordash.com DoorDash has long been known for its prepared food delivery, but the service also provides delivery of items from grocery stores, convenience stores, drugstores, and even pet supply stores and retail shops. With DashPass, members receive $0 delivery fees, reduced service fees on eligible orders, members-only exclusives, and even 5$ back in DoorDash credits on eligible orders. Membership for DashPass is $9.99 per month.

An added benefit of DoorDash is their Package Pickup option. Customers can request for DoorDash to pick up a prepaid package from their home and deliver to the post office, UPS or FedEx.

Whole Foods Market/Prime https://ww.wholefoodsmarket.com

If you're an Amazon Prime member, you have exclusive options at Whole Foods Market. Through Prime, customers can shop for all their favorite items online or through the app at Whole Foods Market and select either curbside pickup or have them all delivered to their door via prime. And, of course, a delivery window can be chosen so that it's not delivered until you're ready.

Paige Townley is a Birmingham Parent staff writer and area freelance writer.

BirminghamParent.com | 17

MEET THE COVER SPONSORS THE DAUPHIN ISLAND SEA LAB The Dauphin Island Sea Lab is a centerpiece in the state of Alabama’s marine research and education programs and a center for transformative oceanic and coastal research. DISL programs reach all corners of the state and beyond to research and educate about the changes in the marine environments. Located on the eastern tip of Dauphin Island, a barrier island in the northern Gulf of Mexico, DISL is surrounded by Mobile Bay, the Mississippi Sound, and the waters of the Gulf, making it a perfect location to

conduct a wide range of marine science activity.

DISL’s Discovery Hall Programs include academic year classes for K-12 students, summer overnight and day camps, professional development workshops, and public outreach. The BayMobile, DISL’s traveling science classroom, visits underserved schools throughout the state of Alabama which do not have the opportunity or the means to visit the DISL on a field trip.

The Alabama Aquarium at the Dauphin Island Sea Lab highlights the

four key habitats of coastal Alabama: the Mobile Tensaw River Delta, Mobile Bay, the Barrier Islands, and the Northern Gulf of Mexico.

DISL’s University Programs consists of two parts: summer undergraduate and graduate courses and year-round graduate programs. The summer program consists of three summer sessions with about two dozen courses offered. The graduate program offers a variety of disciplines for Ph.D. and master students to choose from as they continue their studies.

www.disl.org

251-861-2141 101 Bienville Boulevard, Dauphin Island, Alabama 36528

ACTON ROAD PEDIATRICS Acton Road Pediatrics is where Birmingham children come first, and where pediatricians and patients work together to provide exceptional medical care for kids in the area. We know how hectic life can be and are committed to making our practice convenient and accessible for your family.

We want you to feel confident that when you choose us as your child's primary physician, you're working with professionals who

are qualified, experienced and caring.

Our goal is to provide routine care starting at the newborn visit all the way through age 18 (or graduation from high school whichever comes first). We also aim to take care of any medical issues that may arise outside of the routine checkup. These issues may range from medical problems, including special needs, to social, developmental,

behavioral, nutritional, or school problems.

Acton Road Pediatrics has been a staple in the metro Birmingham area for 14 years. It has been and continues to be our privilege to care for the children in our community and to be a part of their journey to adulthood.

Office Hours: Monday-Friday 8:00am-5:00pm

Where We Know Your Child By Name

Dr. Sheridyn Breedlove | Dr. Alison McAfee Dr. Tiffany Moore | Dr. Lisa Frees 2409 Acton Road Suite 171 Birmingham, AL, 35243 (205) 978-8245

www.actonrdpeds.com

MCCALLA ORTHODONTICS & PEDIATRIC DENTISTRY At McCalla Orthodontics and Pediatric Dentistry, Dr. Olga Sanchez Hernandez and staff, provide dental care for patients from the ages of 1 to 18 years of age, and handicapped patients. Our services include preventive, restorative, and emergency treatment. Dr. Sanchez Hernandez also provides orthodontic treatment for children and adults.

We combine pediatric dentistry

and orthodontics to allow for all the dental needs of our patients to be met under one roof. The dental services needed are provided, while at the same time the development of an adequate occlusion is monitored closely. This allows for orthodontic treatment to be provided in a timely manner increasing the quality of service. Our staff operates as a team and is committed to high quality service with emphasis

on individual needs in a comfortable environment.

Our hygienists are especially qualified to deal with children and adolescent specific needs. All of our personnel are kept abreast of the latest developments through continuing education courses.

Come visit our website at www.mccallasmiles.com and take a virtual tour of our office.

Dr Olga Sanchez Hernandez 205-477-8004 www.mccallasmiles.com

ALABAMA FAMILY TRUST Providing for the future needs of a loved one who lives with a disability can be complicated if they qualify for government benefits. Alabama Family Trust can help.

Created by the Alabama Legislature in 1994, Alabama Family Trust helps families shelter and protect assets for persons with disabilities so that the loved one can qualify to receive SSI or Medicaid.

These benefits can be life changing for those seeking a source of funds

to help supplement the cost of longterm care in a skilled care facility and/or to provide health insurance.

small as $1,500. Setting up a trust through Alabama Family Trust can be completed in a matter of days.

AFT’s experienced staff will ensure that trust funds are used solely for your loved one’s benefit for goods and services that government benefits do not cover. You can be confident that the trust is managed to maintain benefits eligibility.

You can contact us directly, or ask your attorney, accountant, or financial advisor to contact Alabama Family Trust. To learn more, go to www.AlabamaFamilyTrust.com.

AFT serves beneficiaries of any age and accepts initial deposits as

18 | Birmingham Parent | January 2024

2057 Valleydale Road, Suite 111 Birmingham, AL 35244

205-883-8333 alabamafamilytrust.com

MEET THE COVER SPONSORS CENTRAL ALABAMA LACTION SERVICES In 2018 Central Alabama Lactation Services began serving families in the Birmingham area. We now see families in multiple counties in Alabama: Jefferson, Blount, Cullman, Walker, Shelby, Cleburne, St. Clair, Calhoun, Etowah, Cherokee, Talladega, Clay, Randolph, Lee, Macon, Chambers, Russell, Coosa, Chilton and Bibb counties.

Assisting families in their home is truly a rewarding experience. We have the time to get to know the family’s

rhythms, and work with them in the space that they feel most comfortable.

Each mother, baby, and family has uniques strengths, challenges, and visions for what their breastfeeding journey will look like. It’s more than breastfeeding 101. It’s meeting a mother and baby in a time of great need and coming along side them to develop a plan to ensure nourishment, wellness, and bonding occur in a way that is doable for them.

All of our lactation consultants are

registered nurses and international board certified lactation consultants with an average of more than 10 years in the field. Many insurance companies now fully cover our services and families can learn of this coverage prior to booking their appointment.

Families and healthcare providers can contact us at 205-543-0529 or go to our website: CentralAlabamaLactationServices.com

Central Alabama Lactation Services

centralalabamalactationservices.com

205-543-0529

CHILDREN’S OF ALABAMA Since 1911, Children’s of Alabama has provided specialized medical care for ill and injured children.

Ranked among the best children’s hospitals in the nation by U.S. News & World Report, Children’s serves patients from every county in Alabama and nearly every state. With more than 3.5 million square feet, it is one of the largest pediatric medical facilities in the United States.

Children’s offers inpatient and

outpatient services at its Russell Campus on Birmingham’s historic Southside with additional specialty services provided at Children’s South, Children’s on 3rd and in Huntsville and Montgomery. Primary medical care is provided in more than a dozen communities across central Alabama.

Children’s is the only health system in Alabama dedicated solely to the care and treatment of children. It is a private, not-for-

profit medical center that serves as the teaching hospital for the University of Alabama at Birmingham (UAB) pediatric medicine, surgery, psychiatry, research and residency programs. The medical staff consists of UAB faculty and Children’s full-time physicians as well as private practicing community physicians.

KUMON OF HOOVER — REAL & VIRTUAL CLASS OPTIONS Kumon of Hoover is a well-established after-school math and reading enrichment center located across the street from Best Buy near the Galleria mall.

Kumon creates confident students by starting with comfortable work and motivating them to excel to grade level and beyond. Instructors cultivate work skills, focus, stamina, and speed to achieve academic success while promoting self-learning. We offer an enjoyable environment where every student can reach their maximum potential.

Kumon accelerates your child’s learning – from as young as three years through high school. Kumon goes beyond tutoring, by actively developing critical thinking skills as children progress independently through a carefully crafted math and reading curriculum. Kumon’s timetested self-learning program uses engaging worksheets and guidance from an on-site instructor to present new concepts and materials, giving children an academic advantage in

the classroom – and throughout life.

As a result, many Kumon students’ study above grade level. Parents are encouraged to attend a free orientation at the Kumon Math & Reading Center of Hoover to find out more about enrolling their children in the Kumon Program. Enroll now and save up to $50! Call for details: 205- 444-9485, visit our website, www.kumon.com/ hoover-al or www.kumon.com or email hoover_al@ikumon.com.

pleted her residency in Pediatric Dentistry at the University of Alabama at Birmingham School of Dentistry. During residency Dr. Gatrey completed training with special needs persons and medically compromised children at the Sparks Dental Clinic. Visiting the dentist at Pediatric Smiles is a fun adventure. We like dental visits to be a positive experience for future visits that last through

adulthood. Feel free to contact

1600 7th Ave. South, Birmingham, AL 35233 205-638-9100 www.ChildrensAL.org

Math and Reading Program

Enroll Now and Save up to $50!* Schedule a FREE orientation today!

Kumon Math and Reading Center of Hoover kumon.com/hoover-al 205.444.9485 *Enroll between 1-28,2023, 2024totowaive waive Registration Fee to $50. *Enroll between February February 1-28, thethe Registration Fee of up of to up $50.

Additional fees may KumonNorth North America, All rights reserved.

Additional fees mayapply. apply. ©2024 ©2023 Kumon America Inc. Inc. All rights reserved.

PEDIATRIC SMILES Dr. Tabitha J. Gatrey, a native of Muscle Shoals, Alabama, is a board-certified pediatric dentist. She is a graduate of Xavier University in New Orleans cum laude with a Bachelor of Science in Biology. She went on to receive her Doctorate of Dental Medicine from the University of Alabama at Birmingham School of Dentistry with Research Honors. While serving as Chief Resident, Dr. Gatrey also com-

us with any questions you may have.

5910 Harris Lane Bessemer, AL 35022 205-230-9000

205-230-9000 info@psmilesal.com www.psmiles.com BirminghamParent.com | 19

MEET THE COVER SPONSORS

COOK MUSEUM OF NATURAL SCIENCE COOK MUSEUM OF NATURAL SCIENCE®

The Cook Cook Museum of Natural Natural Science Science is aa state-of-the-art state-of-the-art natural The science museum museum inindowntown downtownDecatur, Decatur,Al.AL. It provides a handsscience It provides a hands-on, on, immersive experience where kids can caninteract explore,with interact with, immersive experience where families and learn about nature by enjoying live animals, the topfeeling of Big and learn about nature. Families leave climbing the Cook to Museum Tree, exploring a life-like cave, a diver's -eye view fulfilled by their time together andgetting inspired by the things they of sawa coral reef, making their ownamazing eruptingexperience volcano, and and learned.

It truly is an for more. families and children of all ages! » » » » »

Field Trips & Group Visits Membership Benefits Homeschool Classes for K-12 (including dissections) Summer camps and Aquarist for a Day camps Open 7 Days a Week during the summer

133 4th Ave. NE | Decatur, AL 13335601 4th Ave. NE | Decatur, AL | 256.351.4505 35601 | 256.351.4505

www.cookmuseum.org cookmuseum.org

HIGH POINT CLIMBING AND FITNESS From our Kid Zone and 25,000 square feet of indoor climbing surface to our weight, aerobic, and yoga classes, we have something fun for everyone at High Point Climbing and Fitness.

Social Sports: Our clubs and teams are a fun way for young climbers to learn climbing and build community.

Instruction is personalized to each person. Climbing is naturally a social sport that offers something for each athlete.

Kids Zone: High Point now offers the new Kid Zone specifically for young rock climbers looking to challenge themselves. The new 3,000 Sq. Ft. area offers 15 more auto belays and a 10 ft. tall kid’s boulder. Kids as young as 3 years old can enjoy climbing in the Kid Zone.

Come celebrate climbing!: Book your child's next birthday party or group event with us for a unique, fantastic experience! Our MultiPurpose Room can accommodate

up to 30 guests. Our staff will accompany your group and direct climbing activities around the gym and in the Kid Zone!

Seasonal Camps: Our camps will encourage kids to find new ways of approaching climbing through age-appropriate group instruction.

Everyone will finish with a sense of self-confidence & accomplishment.

THE SOUTH'S PREMIER SOURCE FOR WORLD CLASS ROCK CLIMBING

BOOST KIDS PEDIATRIC THERAPY Exciting news for current and future BOOST Kids Families! Our growing therapy practice is thrilled to announce our relocation to a new, larger, and more modern facility – designed with your child's growth and happiness in mind.

The new location, which is just down the road in Homewood, will provide an enhanced therapeutic experience for your little ones!

Features include: a much larger gym space, with improved sensory integration equipment to stimulate

physical development and arousal levels; a calming sensory room, with light features, soft seating, and more, offering a serene space for children to explore and discover at their own pace; and a dedicated outdoor therapy space to enjoy fresh air while promoting strength, coordination, and motor planning.

Our team of expert practitioners continue to learn best practices for feeding therapy, sensory integration, developmental delays, communication

20 | Birmingham Parent | January 2024

and language delays - and more! to provide excellent care and progress toward treatment goals. We believe that a nurturing setting contributes significantly to progress, and our new location is a testament to that belief.

Join us as we take this leap forward together! Your child's well-being is our top priority, and we can't wait to continue making a positive impact in their lives and the lives of their loved ones.

NEW LOCATION IN HOMEWOOD!

Occupational & Speech Therapy for children 6 months to 16 years! www.boostbirmingham.com

MEET THE FRONT SPONSORS RONALD McDONALD HOUSE CHARITIES OF ALABAMA Ronald McDonald House Charities of Alabama (RMHCA) is celebrating 45 years of keeping families together when they need it most. The organization operates two programs, the Ronald McDonald House in Birmingham and the Ronald McDonald Family Room located in UAB Women & Infants Center.

The 73-room Ronald McDonald House provides families with a “homeaway-from-home”. In addition to providing a comfortable bedroom with a private bathroom, families are surrounded with love and support from volunteers,

staff and other guest families who share the same hopes and fears.

Some amenities provided include hot meals, family activities, play areas, laundry facilities, and WiFi. The Ronald McDonald Family Room located within the Regional NICU, includes a kitchen, sitting area, and tables where parents can share a meal or enjoy family activities. There are also three private sleeping rooms and private showers where parents can rest and recharge.

We may not be able to make the

medicine taste better or take away painful treatments. But by keeping families together and close to their child’s medical team, RMHCA and its supporters can help lessen the burden and ensure families have the stability and resources to support their sick or injured child. Learn more at RMHCA.org

The Learning Tree is a 501(c)3 nonprofit organization that aims to provide a warm, caring, and nurturing, environment with individualized, empirically validated services and support for children with significant educational, medical, and behavioral challenges.

clinical setting. Services are available for preschool and school-age children with a diagnosis of autism spectrum disorder (ASD). ABA is a scientifically based process for teaching and changing behavior, proven effective for children with autism. Licensed Behavior Analysts and Registered Behavior Therapists conduct assessments and manage all aspects of behavioral programming. Clinics are located in Anniston, Birmingham, Montgomery, and Mobile.

THE LEARNING TREE ADVERTISER

The Learning Tree's outpatient clinics, Growing Independence Growing Independence Behavioral Behavioral Services Services (or G.I.B.S.), offer applied behavior analysis (ABA) therapy in a

URGENT CARE FOR CHILDREN When your child Is sick, you don't want to spend hours in a waiting room. At Urgent Care for Children, we understand this and are committed to serving every patent with compassionate, quality care that Is affordable and accessible.

Urgent Care for Children (UC4C) was founded by a group of pediatricians who saw a need to support parents when their child’s pediatrician was not available. As parents themselves, they understood that children’s Illnesses or Injuries don't follow normal business hours. They created a model built

on partnering with local pediatricians while offering an affordable alternative to the emergency room.

We are proud to provide care for patients ages 0-21 with non-lifethreatening needs during the day, after-hours and on weekends, 365 days a year.

• Fever, allergies, sore throat, coughs, colds, asthma • Sprains, strains, earaches, bruises & lacerations • Minor burns, rashes, insect bites, stings

• Vomiting, upset stomach, diarrhea • COVID, strep, and flu tests • Sports physicals Urgent Care for Children offers a one-stop-shop with on-site laboratory and x-ray services, as well as an In-house pharmacy. Our expert team is all pediatric trained, so you can rest easy knowing your child is in good hands.

Birmingham, Trussvllle, Hoover, Tuscaloosa, Huntsville, Madison, Mobile, Daphne

www.childrensurgent.com

HIGHLANDS SCHOOL SUMMER CAMP

Highlands School’s Higher Degree of Learning does not end when the school year is over. We

offer a quality summer program as well. Highlands summer camp offers challenging activities, talented teachers and the great variety that you have come to expect from Highlands School.

• Online registration starting in early February • Half days or full days available (Enrichment and Traditional) • Come for just one week or all seven!

• Early drop-off and late pick up available

Our Enrichment camps include active, artistic, academic and just plain fun choices. Be sure to note that we offer morning sessions, some afternoon sessions and some full day camps! We also offer full day Traditional Day Camp which includes weekly themes and trips to the pool.

Open to Kindergarten through 8th grade from June 3- July 26, 2024 and closed June 19 and July 1-5.

HIGHLANDS SCHOOL S U M M E R

C A M P

4901 Old Leeds Road Birmingham, AL 35213 Summer Director, Lisa Camp, lcamp@highlandsschool.org (205) 956-9731 ext. 606 www.highlandsschool.org BirminghamParent.com | 21

MEET THE BACK COVER SPONSORS KROGER DELIVERY Kroger Delivery is a grocery delivery service that combines the efficiency of technology with experienced associates to deliver fresh, affordable food and a consistent, rewarding customer experience. We provide the highest-quality fresh produce and food, adult beverage, personal care products and more at an affordable price conveniently to your door.

The process is simple, visit Kroger. com or download the app, create a profile and start shopping. Be sure to clip digital coupons to save! Select the one-hour time slot that fits your schedule (we deliver from 5 a.m. to 10 p.m.) and our professionally trained associates will deliver your order from a refrigerated truck to your door.

Try BOOST, our annual membership program, to enjoy FREE next-day grocery delivery with a cart of $35 or more. Additionally for every dollar spent, you earn one Fuel Point with every 100 Fuel Points equaling ten cents OFF per gallon of fuel, up to $1 OFF per gallon at participating gas stations.

Visit Kroger.com or the Kroger app to shop and save today!

Order online at Kroger.com

BLUECROSS BLUESHIELD OF ALABAMA Since 1936, Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Alabama has provided peace of mind to our members by delivering access to quality, affordable healthcare in a caring manner. As an independent licensee of the Blue Cross and Blue Shield Association, we are a trusted name in the healthcare industry. We are proud to be the number one provider of healthcare benefits in Alabama, covering over 2.8 million members.

We are one of the most efficient health insurers providing the best value for ourmember’s healthcare dollar. We are proud of the fact that Alabama was recently recognized by the federal government’s 2022 Medical Expenditure Panel Survey conducted by the Department of Health and Human Services for having the fourth lowest average annual family premium among employers nationwide.

Blue Cross is dedicated to giving back to the community by investing incharitable organizations across the state that focus on health, wellness andeducation initiatives.

We have served Alabamians for 87 years. While we are proud of this history, we are focused on the future. We look forward to further meeting the healthcare needs of our members today and for many years to come. Contact Us today, https:// www.bcbsal.org/web/

BIRMINGHAM SQUADRON The Birmingham Squadron serve as a development ground for NBA talent as the Pelicans one-on-one affiliate in the NBA G League. Led by David Griffin, Executive Vice President of Basketball Operations, and General Manager Trajan Langdon, the Pelicans have full control of the Squadron roster and have the ability to move players between Pelicans and Squadron rosters when needed.

“The Squadron provides us with an invaluable opportunity to develop players close to home,” said Griffin. “It

gives us the ability to get our younger guys important in-game reps and gives us access to a full roster of players with knowledge of our system to pull from when we need to.”

In its inaugural season, the Squadron reached the first-round of the NBA G League Playoffs before falling at home to the Texas Legends.

The 2023-24 team is led by secondyear head coach T.J. Saint, who has served as an assistant coach and associate head coach for the Pelicans’ G League affiliate teams since 2019.

The Belmont graduate worked as the director of basketball strategy for the University of Georgia during the 2018-19 season. Prior to that, Saint was a member of the Detroit Pistons organization as the video coordinator from 2014-18. After graduating from Belmont, he served as a graduate assistant, and later director of basketball operations, for the Butler University men’s basketball program from 2011-14.

KATS DELIVERY THE TAKEOUT BIRMINGHAM Kats is an 9-year veteran delivery service inspired by the namesake Kathryn aka Kat and run by husband and wife Maurice and Amanda Mercer. They acquired TakeOut Bham in late 2021.

and white- label meal prep delivery.

Kats is the 2019 Shelby County Small Business of the year. In 2021, Mercer was nominated for the CEO of the award

by Birmingham Business Journal.

Kats serves I-65 South Hoover- Shelby County,while TakeOut Bham serves downtown Birmingham, Jefferson County and Hwy. 280 south into Shelby.

The company’s core values are Consistency , Commitment , Integrity and Attention to detail. “We appreciate and encourage people to shop local.

When you shop with our competitors the profits go to wall-street. However, when you shop with us, it's not the CEO getting rich; it's helping the local ball

Kats started out as a grocery delivery company, but now offers On-demand restaurant delivery, catering delivery,

22 | Birmingham Parent | January 2024

clubs, helping non-profits. The money stays in ALABAMA and the Birmingham Metro Community,” Mercer says.

Kats Delivery Inc. operates under trade names KATS and The Take Out Bham and is Birmingham’s locally-owned delivery service.

205-823-7524 thetakeoutbham.com

REFRIGERATED TRUCKS KEEP FOOD FRESHER

Shop Online for your Grocery Needs at

Kroger.com Sign Up for Boost Enjoy FREE* grocery delivery.

2X Fuel Points and $100s in savings.**

AFT serves as trustee of special needs trusts for children living with disabilities with the goal of enhancing the quality of their lives while maintaining eligibility for government benefits.

alabamafamilytrust.com info@alabamafamilytrust.com 205-883- 8333

More savings. More benefits.

A new level of membership.

Breastfeeding help in your home

CENTRAL ALABAMA LACTATION SERVICES

Experienced RN, IBCLCs serving 20 counties 205-543-0529 CENTRALALABAMALACTATIONSERVICES.COM

? ??

Need help finding information for a child diagnosed with autism?

QR codes  Scan for Resources Or visit the ASA website at

www. autism-alabama.org

Preschool – High School Math and Reading Program Imagine what your child can accomplish with practice in math and reading.

Enroll Now and Save up to $50!* Schedule a FREE orientation today!

Kumon Math and Reading Center of Hoover River Oaks Village 3744 Lorna Road, Hoover, AL 35216 205.444.9485 *Enrollbetween betweenFebruary February1-28, 1-28,2024 2023, waive Registration of up to $50. *Enroll toto waive thethe Registration FeeFee of up to $50.

Additional fees may apply. ©2023 Kumon North America rights reserved.

Additional fees may apply. ©2024 Kumon North America, Inc.Inc. All All rights reserved.

BirminghamParent.com | 23

By Paige Townley

A new year means new opportunities for making memories and having fun with the family. Best of all, you don't have to travel far from Birmingham to do it, and there are so many opportunities within the Magic City, as well. Here are 10 destinations you might not have thought of, but the whole family will enjoy, so be sure to get them into your calendar in 2024.

Alabama Museum of Natural History Tuscaloosa, Alabama almnh.museums.ua.edu

USS Alabama Battleship Memorial Park

Mobile, Alabama www.ussalabama.com/explore/uss-alabama-battleship/ The USS Alabama has a storied and well-documented past. The battleship started in 1940 and began its adventure just three years later in World War II. Once serving as home to a crew of 2,500, USS Alabama earned nine Battle Stars and received the nickname the "Mighty A" for its service during World War II. In 1965 the ship opened as part of USS Alabama Battleship Memorial Park. Since then, more than 15 million visitors have trek to Mobile to tour the famous battleship and check out the Park's many artifacts, exhibits, and displays that celebrate and honor the United States Armed Forces

College Football Hall of Fame Atlanta, Georgia www.cfbhall.com

Photo courtesy of Alabama Museum of Natural History The University of Alabama may be known for its athletic and educational history, but it has been home to the Alabama Museum of Natural History for decades. The museum includes exhibits that speak to the state's natural history, including exhibits of the first fossils found in Alabama. Of the thousands of specimens that can be found in the museum, some of the most notable include the Hodges Meteorite, Coal Age Alabama, and a 60-foot skeleton of an ancient toothed whale, which has served as the state fossil of Alabama since 1984.

24 | Birmingham Parent | January 2024

The mecca for all things college football sits in the heart of downtown Atlanta, an easy drive from the Magic City: the Chick-fil-A College Football Hall of Fame. Along with a 45-yard indoor football field, the 95,000-square-foot venue features more than 50 exhibits that speak to the greatest game ever played. The sport’s 150-year-plus history can easily be explored within these walls, which includes three floors and five themed galleries.

Barber Vintage Motorsports Museum Birmingham, Alabama www.barbermuseum.org

Nestled right in Birmingham is the world’s largest motorcycle museum at Barber Vintage Motorsports Museum. Officially recognized by Guinness World Records for its vast collection, Barber boasts more than 1,800

Photo courtesy of .the Peadoy Hotel Memphis

10 Day Trips from Birmingham

motorcycles, including motorcycles from 22 countries and from 220 different manufacturers. In addition to the world’s best collection of motorcycles, visitors can check out a significant collection of Lotus cars and rare racecars at the museum or the property’s 880-acre park, which houses a 16-turn, 2.38-mile racetrack.

Lake Guntersville State Park

Guntersville, Alabama www.alapark.com/parks/lake-guntersville-state-park Beautiful Lake Guntersville State Park sits along the banks of the Tennessee River in northeast Alabama. The largest lake in the state, Lake Guntersville encompasses approximately 69,000 acres and more than 900 miles of shoreline and is a top destination for fishing, boating, and other water sports. In addition, Lake Guntersville State Park offers 6,000 acres of woodlands and 36 miles of hiking and biking trails, making it a popular spot for camping and outdoor adventure.

Lookout Mountain

Chattanooga, Tennessee www.visitchattanooga.com/things-to-do/outdoors/ lookout-mountain/

Photo courtesy of Barber Vintage Motorsports Museum

Elvis Presley Birthplace Museum Tupelo, Mississippi https://elvispresleybirthplace.com

It’s only fitting that the King of Rock ‘n’ Roll has a dedicated museum to celebrate his life and accomplishments, and that’s the Elvis Presley Birthplace Museum in his hometown of Tupelo, Mississippi. Located on the property is the two-room home in which Elvis was born, his childhood church, a life-size status of Elvis at the age of 13, and a status of him with a guitar. Visitors can walk the grounds to experience it all.

Photo by Sarah Joyner_Chattanooga Tourism Co Situated high above the city of Chattanooga, Tennessee, at 2,000 feet above sea level is Lookout Mountain. Lookout Mountain provides the very best views of the city below, and while you can travel up the mountain by car, the most adventurous option is the Incline Railway, a one-mile , 125-year-old climb known as the world's steepest incline railway. An entire day can be enjoyed at Lookout Mountain thanks to its other attractions, including Ruby Falls, the tallest and deepest underground waterfall open to the public in the United States, and Rock City, which sits atop Lookout Mountain and offers up incredible views of seven states. Also on site is Point Park, the site of a Civil War battle, and Cravens House, a home that sat nearby the battle of Lookout Mountain.

Montgomery Zoo Photo courtesy of Elvis Presley Birthplace Museum

Heart of Dixie Railroad Museum Calera, Alabama www.hodrrm.org

The Heart of Dixie Railroad Museum is heavily visited during the holiday season thanks to its ever-popular North Pole Express, but the Calera staple is open for fun all year long. Its museum houses quite the collection of railroad history, with pieces on display that date back to the late 1800s.

From steam locomotives and freight equipment to passenger cars, specialty equipment and even an old depot, the Heart of Dixie Railroad Museum is the destination for learning all about railroad history.

Photo courtesy of Heart of Dixie Railroad Museum

Montgomery, Alabama www.montgomeryzoo.com Visitors feel like they have traveled the world after a visit to the Montgomery Zoo. Home to more than 500 animals from five different continents, the Zoo features everything from African elephants and Komodo dragons to snow leopards and Bengal tigers. While checking out the 40 acres of landscaped acres, visitors can enjoy much of it with a train ride, stroll through an aviary to spot birds native to the South American Tropics, walk through a reptile house, and even see the Mann Museum, which has more than 275 exhibits of wildlife and 70 exhibits mounted in life size.

Peabody Hotel

Memphis, Tennessee www.peabodymemphis.com The Historic Peabody Memphis is home to one of the most unique traditions of the South: the march of the Peabody Ducks. The tradition dates back to the 1930s, when then general manager of the property and a friend thought it would be funny to place some live duck decoys in the hotel’s fountain. The reaction was overwhelmingly positive, and soon after a former circus animal trainer offered to bring ducks to the fountain each day. The trainer taught the ducks the now famous Peabody Duck March, and the rest is history. Now decades later, the ducks continue to visit the hotel’s lobby fountain each and every day with the march at 11am and 5 pm.

Paige Townley is a Birmingham freelance writer.

BirminghamParent.com | 25

FAMILY FUN

So families can stay close when it matters most.

Become a House Hero Round-Up for RMHC rmhca.org/donate Red Shoe Run @rmhcalabama

26 | Birmingham Parent | January 2024

ALL N

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BirminghamParent.com | 27

AREA LIBRARIES

The Birmingham metro area is rich with many libraries that offer a multitude of books, movies and online resources for people of all ages and stages. Be sure to check on the extensive digital libraries several of these have, as well as all the great classes, workshops and other events the libraries offer to enrich the lives of each person in the community.

Library branches are listed below with a main website that allows you to find the nearest library in your area. Be sure to check ahead for days and hours of operation for each individual library.

Birmingham Public Library branches: Jefferson County Library branches: www.cobpl.org

Avondale Central (downtown Birmingham) East Ensley Eastlake (temporarily closed) Ensley Five Points West Inglenook North Avondale North Birmingham Powderly Pratt City Smithfield Southside Springville Road Titusville West End Woodlawn Wylam

28 | Birmingham Parent | January 2024

www.jclc.org

Adamsville Bessemer Botanical Gardens Center Point Clay Fultondale Gardendale Graysville Homewood Hoover Hueytown Irondale Leeds Midfield O’Neal (Mountain Brook) Pinson Pleasant Grove Tarrant Trussville Vestavia Hills Walter J. Hanna (Fairfield) Warrior

Shelby County Libraries branches: www.shelbycounty-al.org Albert L. Scott (Alabaster) Chelsea Columbiana Harpersville Jane B. Holmes (Helena) Mildred B. Harrison Regional Library (headquarters) Mt Laurel North Shelby Library Parnell Memorial Library (Montevallo) Pelham Roy Downs Memorial Library (Calera) Vincent McGraw (Vincent) Vernice Stoudemire (Wilsonville) Westover

St. Clair County Library branches: www.stclairco.com Ashville Doris Stanley Memorial Library (Moody) Odenville Pell City Springville Ragland Steele

Chilton County Public Library: www.chiltonclantonlibrary.org Chilton/Clanton Jemison Maplesville

ADVERTISE HERE! Reach 60,000 parents in Central Alabama about your product or service!

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Area Public School Systems

Jefferson County

Jefferson County Board of Education 2100 18th St. S. Birmingham, AL 35209 205-379-2000 www.jefcoed.com Bessemer City Schools 1621 Fifth Ave. N. Bessemer, AL 35020 205-432-3000 www.bessk12.org Birmingham City Schools 2015 Park Place N. Birmingham, AL 35203 205-231-4600 www.bhamcityschools.org Fairfield City Schools 6405 Avenue D Fairfield, AL 35064 205-783-6850 www.fairfieldschoolsystem.com Homewood City Schools 450 Dale Ave. Homewood, AL 35209 205-870-4203 www.homewood.k12.al.us Hoover City Schools 2810 Metropolitan Way Hoover, AL 35243 205-439-1000 www.hoovercityschools.net

30 | Birmingham Parent | January 2024

Leeds City Schools 1517 Hurst Ave. Leeds, AL 35094 205-699-5437 www.leedsk12.org

Pelham City Schools 3160 Pelham Pky. Pelham, AL 35124 205-624-3700 www.pelhamcityschools.org

Midfield City Schools 417 Parkwood St. Midfield, AL 35228 205-923-2262 www.midfield.k12.al.us

Chilton County

Mountain Brook City Schools 32 Vine St. Birmingham, AL 35213 205-871-4608 www.mtnbrook.k12.al.us Tarrant City Schools 1318 Alabama St. Tarrant, AL 35217 205-849-3700 www.tarrant.k12.al.us Trussville City Schools 113 N. Chalkville Rd. Trussville, AL 35173 205-228-3000 www.trussvillecityschools.com Vestavia Hills City Schools 1204 Montgomery Hwy. Vestavia Hills, AL 35216 205-402-5100 www.vhcs.us

Shelby County

Shelby County Board of Education 410 E. College St. Columbiana, AL 35051 205-682-7000 www.shelbyed.k12.al.us Alabaster City Schools 10111 Highway 119 Alabaster, AL 35007 205-663-8400 www.acsboe.org

Chilton County Schools 1705 Lay Dam Rd. Clanton, AL 35045 205-280-3000 www.chiltoncsal.schoolinsites.com

Cullman County

Cullman County Schools 402 Arnold St. N.E. Cullman, AL 35055 256-734-2933 www.ccboe.org Cullman City Schools 301 First St. N.E. Cullman, AL 35055 256-734-2233 www.cullmancats.net

St. Clair County

St. Clair County Schools 410 Roy Dr. Ashville, AL 35953 205-594-7131 www.sccboe.org Pell City School System 3105 15th Ave. N. Pell City, AL 35125 205-884-4440 www.pellcityschools.net

Tuscaloosa County

Tuscaloosa County Schools 1118 Greensboro Ave. Tuscaloosa, AL 35401 205-758-0411 www.tcss.net Tuscaloosa City Board of Education 1210 21st Ave. Tuscaloosa, AL 35401 205-759-3700 www.tuscaloosacityschools.com

S P ON SOR E D Dear Mamas, We get questions all the time asking what we do. I think now is the best time ever to break down what we do and our mission for the state of Alabama.

Mills Perinatal Wellness Group is a counseling center that offers muchneeded perinatal mental health support to moms and families in the Birmingham area as well as the entire state of Alabama. Mills Perinatal Wellness Group specializes in perinatal and maternal mental health. This includes couples struggling with fertility, anxiety and depression issues during pregnancy, as well as postpartum, perinatal loss and grief, birthing traumas and PTSD, families needing extra support with the transition to the parental role or parenting multiples, individuals who are dealing with parenting alone, NICU families and much, much more.

Did you know that one of the most common complications of pregnancy is postpartum anxiety and depression? One in five mothers experience a mood or anxiety disorder postpartum. It is more common than preeclampsia and gestational diabetes diagnoses put together. Our hope is to bring awareness to our communities by providing education around perinatal mental health and why supporting moms and families is important. We also hope to provide support to anyone in need and are willing to get help. If you know of anyone who could benefit from talking to someone about their experience, give them our information. We would be happy to talk with them to see if this is the right step for them.

We offer in-person and telehealth services and support groups both virtually and in person in Birmingham, Alabama. If you are interested in our services, please do not hesitate to give us a call or email us! You are not alone. You are not to blame. With help, you will be well.

-Sincerely, Your Friendly Neighborhood Therapist Aaron Mills, LMFT, ATR, PH-C

If you are interested in submitting a question or topic for discussion please email aaron@millsperinatalwellnessgroup.com. No personal replies sent, and we can only use your first name in print.

BirminghamParent.com | 31

Driver’s License Offices in Our Area

Every county in the state has its own office that issues tags for vehicles, boats, trailers and other vehicles that are required to be registered. Go to the office in the county where you live to buy tags, or renew tags online through your county’s website. For more information, go to https://revenue.alabama.gov/motor-vehicle/. We have also included the online link for tag renewals.

Jefferson County

Shelby County

Cullman County

Tag renewals at shelbyal.com/588/ Tag-Renewals-and-VehicleRegistration

Tag renewals at cullmanrevenue.us/ tagrenewal

Tag renewals at jccal.org

Jefferson County Courthouse (A-100 North Annex) 716 Richard Arrington Jr. Blvd. N. Birmingham, AL 205-325-5171

Bessemer Courthouse (Room 109) 1801 Third Ave. North Bessemer, AL 35020 205-481-4110

Center Point Satellite 2651 Center Point Pkwy.

Centerpoint, AL 35215 205-714-7175

Hoover Satellite 1901 Hoover Court Hoover, AL 35226 205-714-7175

Northern Satellite (Gardendale)

651 Main Street Gardendale, AL 35071 205-909-3610

The following is a list of locations in Birmingham Parent’s circulation area. Some give the written and road test for a driver’s license; others also have driver license division offices, but they are for license renewals or replacements only. Some are only open certain days of the week. Some offices have Saturday hours as well. We have listed days and times at publication, but please check first for possible changes.

Please note that a first-time Alabama driver’s license has to be obtained at an Alabama Law Enforcement Agency location. Contact your county’s driver license office for further information. Information also may be obtained at https://www.alea.gov/dps/driver-license.

Email: tags@shelbyal.com

Shelby County Courthouse Annex 1022 County Services Dr. Pelham, AL 35124

Columbiana Office

104 Depot St. Columbiana, AL 35186

Inverness Office

Cullman County Courthouse 500 Second Ave. S.W. Cullman, AL 35055 256-775-4822

St. Clair County Tag renewals at stclairco.com/234/ online-renewal-system

St. Clair County Courthouse 1815 Cogswell Ave. Pell City, AL 35125

280 County Services Building 19220 Hwy 280 Suite 100 Birmingham, AL 35242

Ashville

Chilton County

Tuscaloosa County

Tag renewals at cullmanrevenue.us/ tagrenewal

https://www.tuscco.com/2018/01/04/ tag-renewal-online/

Chilton County Courthouse

Trooper Post

500 Second Ave. N. Clanton, AL 35045 205-280-7207

48 Court St. Ashville, AL 35953

2645 Skyland Blvd. E. Tuscaloosa, AL 35405 205-553-0729

Online Services:

https://alabamadl.alea.gov/_/

All Counties:

https://www.alea.gov/dps/driverlicense/driver-license-offices 32 | Birmingham Parent | January 2024

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This FREE event is where families can learn about summer camps & programs, travel, volunteer opportunities and more.

MARK YOUR CALENDAR! And join us for our 31st year of helping parents find summer fun and learning options for their kids!

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1090 Montgomery Hwy. Vestavia, AL 35216 Booths and sponsorships available. For more information call (205) 624-2405 or email us at info@birminghamparent.com

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Renewal by Andersen Booths and sponsorships available. For more information call (205) 624-2405 or email us at info@birminghamparent.com www.BirminghamParent.com/directory/speical-needs-expo/ BirminghamParent.com | 33

Vulcan Park

As always check ahead for hours and dates of operation, ticket pricing and more.

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 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 Dr., Pelham.

205-663-7930 www.awrc.org

Birmingham Children’s Theatre 1001 19th St. N., Birmingham, AL, 35203.

205-458-8181 www.bct123.org Birmingham Civil Rights Institute 16th St. N., Birmingham.

205-328-9696 www.bcri.org Birmingham Museum of Art 2000 Rev. Abraham Woods Jr. Blvd., Birmingham.

205-254-2565 www.artsbma.org Birmingham Public Libraries Find a library near you for fun events and enrichment. www.bplonline.org Birmingham Zoo

McWane Science Center/IMAX Theater

200 19th St. N., Birmingham.

205-714-8300 www.mcwane.org Moss Rock Preserve Preserve Pkwy., Hoover.

205-739-7141 www.hooveral.org Oak Mountain State Park 200 Terrace Dr., Pelham.

205-620-2520 www.alapark.com Ruffner Mountain Nature Center 1214 81st St. S., Birmingham.

205-833-8264 www.ruffnermountain.org

American Village Highway 119, Montevallo 205-665-3535 www.americanvillage.org

Shelby County Public Libraries Find a library near you for all kinds of fun events and enrichment. www.shelbycounty-al.org

Barber Motorsports Park

Southern Museum of Flight 4343 73rd St. N., Birmingham.

205-833-8226 www.southernmuseumofflight.org

2630 Cahaba Rd., Birmingham.

205-879-0409 www.birminghamzoo.com 6040 Barber Motorsports Pkwy., Leeds.

205-298-9040 www.barbermotorsports.com Birmingham Botanical Gardens www.bbgardens.org/documents/treasuremapforweb.pdf 2612 Lane Park Rd., Birmingham.

205-414-3900 www.bbgardens.org 34 | Birmingham Parent | January 2024

Heart of Dixie Railroad Museum 1919 Ninth St., Calera.

205-668-3435 www.hodrrm.org Jefferson County Library Cooperative Find a library close to you for fun events and enrichment. www.jclc.org

Tannehill Ironworks Historical State Park 12632 Confederate Pkwy., McCalla.

205-477-5711 www.tannehill.org Vulcan Park 1701 Valley View Dr., Birmingham.

205-933-1409 www.vulcanpark.org

BirminghamParent.com | 35

6

Epic Sweet 16 Party Themes

By Pam Molnar

T

urning 16 is a rite of passage and the first milestone towards adulthood.

It is the year most teens get their license and, with it, the opportunity for a little more freedom. Turning 16 calls for a celebration that fits your teen's style, while offering entertainment, food and fun that the guests will never forget. Check out some of these sweet sixteen party themes.

Boho

Boho is an eclectic and artistic style with an emphasis on nature and organic elements. It is one of the big themes this year and is perfect for your free-spirited teen. Decorate the space with soft flowing cloth, bright designs of warm colors and dried flowers. Charcuterie served on decorative wood slices or in individual mini glass jars would be an ideal choice for food. For entertainment, consider hiring a Henna artist or a macramé instructor. Henna artists create beautiful designs on your hands or feet with henna paste that stains the skin. Beware, the henna design will remain for 1-5 weeks.

Glamping

Glamping is the personified version of a sleepover party, taking place in a glamorous setting. You can set up your own indoor gathering space with mini tents, fluffy pillows and soft lighting. If you would rather not host in your home, consider booking a stay at a treehouse or boutique hotel.

Foil packet recipes would pair beautifully with a campfire setting as do community pots of hot soups, chilis or seafood chowder. For entertainment, try a boujeer version of camp crafts like tie-die blankets for the partygoers to take home with them. You can also set up camping related games like scavenger hunts or play Telestrations around the campfire.

Stranger Things

If your teen is a fan of Stranger Things on Netflix, consider this as a theme for their Sweet Sixteen party. Have all the guests come dressed in 80s clothes and accessories. Food ideas include a waffle bar (character Eleven’s obsession) with fun toppings like chocolate chips, fruit and whipped cream.

You can also add a little protein with chicken and waffle sliders. There are dozens of 80’s game options like Name that 80’s tune, 80’s version of Family Feud or Jeopardy or a challenge like Name 11 Things (colors, car models, dog breeds, etc.).

36 | Birmingham Parent | January 2024

A Night in Paris

Paris gives off a glamorous chic vibe, even for people who have never been.

Ask your guests to come dressed in black, white or pink. Serve Parisian café style croissants and different cheeses with a glass of non-alcoholic bubbly. Want to try to learn a little French? Stream a popular movie in French with English subtitles. France is well known for its artists, so hire a painting instructor and let the guests replicate a famous French painting like Water Lilies by Claude Monet.

Amazing Race

If your teen is a fan of The Amazing Race, this is a fun Sweet Sixteen theme. Break the group up into teams of two. You can find printables for the game online to set up pit stops, challenges, detours and roadblocks.

Rope in some of your neighbors to host challenges, so the players must travel on foot and find a specific house. You can use some of the food challenges from past seasons to feed your guests. Cheese fondue (Season 18) and sushi (Season 15) were used in previous TV show seasons.

The Roaring 20s

We only get to use this Prohibition theme for a few more years, so why not try it for a Sweet Sixteen? Tell everyone to put on their favorite flapper dress, Panama hat and suspenders and get ready to party like it’s 1923! Set up Black Jack tables in your Speakeasy, and give everyone the secret code word to get in. Hire someone to teach your guests the Charleston or the Fox Trot. Serve shrimp cocktail, deviled eggs, stuffed mushrooms and finger sandwiches. Don't forget the mocktails – they are prohibition after all.

Pam Molnar is the mother of three and an avid party planner. She believes the best parties include a theme, good food and fun games.

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