Birmingham Parent | September-October 2023

WHO IS MISS FANCY OF AVONDALE PARK?

10 WAYS TO SUPPORT FAMILIES WITH SPECIAL NEEDS KIDS

BRACES MYTHS DEBUNKED

ESSENTIAL SELF-CARE TIPS FOR PARENTS OF NEWBORNS

ALL ABOUT AFE FUN FALL EVENTS & ACTIVITIES

BENNETT FARMS

PUMPKIN PATCH

OCTOBER 2022

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For field trip appointments, call 256-302-1896 or email lexi@bennettfarms.com

1073 County Road 13, Heflin, AL • Located between Birmingham & Atlanta on I-20, exit 199

ed note

HAPPY FALL!

When you pick up this issue of Birmingham Parent, we are either knee-deep in Fall activities or knocking on the door of them.

Fall in Alabama is funny. You have days still hot as summertime, and then those crisp days that let you know that Fall is on its way, along with the cooler nights that scream Fall football, bonfires, hayrides and all the sweet stuff that Fall brings. And sometimes, it's a yo-yo. We joke that you can experience all four seasons in one week if you live in Alabama!

This issue will help you find some great things to do and offer some suggestions for fun as a family for September and October. Visit a pumpkin patch (see page 35 for ideas)! Get some ideas on Fun Fall Activities on page 7 from writer Sandi Schwartz. And of course, our Calendar of Events Highlights on pages 36-38 will give you many more specific ideas. Remember to check our online calendar at https:// birminghamparent.com/directory/events for the many items that didn’t make the print calendar. And with any attraction, check ahead for days and times open.

But there’s more in this issue. We look at baby-related stories and information, as well as National Orthodontic Health Month in October with our story about “Braces Myths Debunked.” I wore braces, my children wore braces, and braces have improved and advanced more than ever before; still, some crazy myths exist. We're taking a look a what is truth and what is fiction.

Thanks for picking up this copy of Birmingham Parent. Our totally-free publication is due to our great advertisers here, so be sure to thank and support them. Let them know you appreciate them supporting our magazine! And you can read back issues, current stories and more at www.birminghamparent.com.

Birmingham Parent now publishes seven times a year: September/October, November/December, January, February, March/April, May/June and July/August. However, you can stay in touch weekly with THE BUZZ: If you aren't getting our weekly newsletter, sign up today for FREE at https://birminghamparent.com/directory/subscribe-to-birminghamparent-com.

Carol Muse Evans publisher/editor carol@birminghmparent.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. Birmingham Parent is a member of the Alabama Press Association.

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Great Halloween Apps To Add Fun to the Holiday

What’s more fun than carving pumpkins, wearing costumes and going trick-or-treating with your friends? Here are some great Halloween apps for the whole family. The best part is that they’re all free, so download an app – or three!

Carve-a-Pumpkin

(Available online: Apple App Store)

Step one: Download Carve-a-Pumpkin. You can choose pumpkins of different shapes and sizes and then create your own designs or select from a host of decorating options that include eyes, noses and mouths. You can even decorate your pumpkins with stickers. The best part is that you won’t cut yourselves, there’s no mess to clean up, and you can experiment with different designs until you find the one that’s just right.

Monsterfy

(Available online: Apple App Store; Google Play)

Another fun activity is changing your face into frightening creatures like ghosts, ghouls, vampires or werewolves. Monsterfy lets you swap your face with ghastly monsters and brings you to life with crazy animations. You can growl, howl, snap, and snarl, and flick your fangs while sharing images and videos with family and friends.

Halloween Games for Kids

(Available at: Apple App Store)

Dressing up like scary monsters may be a bit much for the family's youngest members of the family but that doesn't mean they should be left out of all the fun. Halloween Games for Kids has lots of Halloween-themed games that toddlers will enjoy, including matching funny pumpkins, tracing letters accompanied by Halloween-related images, and spelling various Halloween-themed words. The app also has a coloring book that younger ones can enjoy.

Tanni Haas, Ph.D. is a Professor in the Department of Communication Arts, Sciences and Disorders at The City University of New York – Brooklyn College.

THE COVER: Sophie, age 2, and brother Wells, age 6, of Cullman, visit Miss Fancy’s statue at Avondale Park.

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

Fun Fall Activities To Connect To Nature

By Sandi Schwartz

We are anticipating the crisper, cooler air here in Alabama soon. This is also a lovely time to take a relaxing break and connect to nature as a family. Here are some fun fall activities to help you and your kids connect to nature.

U-pick Farm

This time of year is the perfect opportunity to head to a local farm to pick your produce of the season, whether it be apples, pears, raspberries, squash or others available where you live. It is a beautiful chance for the entire family to enjoy a few hours strolling around an orchard or farm, taking in nature's sights, fragrances and miracles. Taking your children on a u-pick adventure will teach them a lot about healthy food and the environment, and you will support your local community. Plus, locally grown food tastes better, is more nutritious and stays fresh longer.

And, of course, your children will have a blast carving the pumpkins and displaying their works of art. Even if you can’t visit a pumpkin patch by you, you can still grab a few pumpkins at a local store and carve them outside in your yard to get some relaxing outdoor time together.

Fall Foliage

One of the most incredible aspects of nature is all the colors we can find. During autumn, colors pop out all over as the leaves begin to change. When we experience the vivid natural colors during this season, we are filled with awe. This particular emotion helps us feel happier and calmer and is worth seeking out. One way to fill your kids with awe this time of year is to go for a hike or family road trip to observe the gorgeous hues of changing leaves.

Volunteering

Now is also a great time of year to get outdoors and give back to others. When we spread kindness throughout our community, we experience a physiological change called a helper's high. These positive feelings are heightened even more if we volunteer outside and connect with nature.

There are numerous ways to volunteer outside in your community. Contact a local farm to see if they need help with weeding, planting seeds, sifting compost, digging, or watering. You can also ask about or

Pumpkin Patch

Nothing feels more like fall time than pumpkin patches, hay rides and corn mazes! Your kids will love running outside in a corn maze and searching for the biggest, brightest pumpkin to take home. No matter where you live, you should be able to find a place in your area that offers these fun autumn seasonal treats for your family to enjoy. (Check out Birmingham Parent’s Guide on page 35.)

Open House Saturday, Nov. 4 9 AM, 10 AM, & 11 AM

Alabama School of Fine Arts is a 7th-12th grade state-funded public school that provides an intensive specialty-focused education in the arts, math, and science. Come and learn more about us!

15th Annual Baby Steps Memorial 5K and Fun Run Slated for September

Families who have lost loved ones will come together to remember them in a supportive, caring environment. The 15th annual Baby Steps Memorial 5K and Fun Run will be Saturday, September 9 at Homestead Hollow, 1161 Murphees Valley Road in Springville.

Registration is now open at https://runsignup.com/Race/AL/Springville/ babystepsal. All participants who pre-register online by August 9, 2023, will have their loved one's name included on the race shirt design and any memorial pieces for the event. Registration fees are $25 for the 5K and $20 for the fun run. On the race day (September 9), same-day registration and packet pickup will begin at 7 a.m. The 5K will begin at 8 a.m., and the fun run will start at 8:30 a.m. Refreshments, door prizes and awards will follow the race. Registration fees will increase on August 10 and on race day.

Proceeds from this race will benefit the Amelia Center at Children's of Alabama. The Amelia Center is a non-profit program that provides hope for grieving children, parents and families. The center offers free grief counseling to parents and grandparents who have suffered the loss of a child and children who have lost loved ones. It has provided services for more than 25 years and operates by donations and continued support from community members.

You can find more information on the run by visiting https://babystepsal.com.

Cedric the Edu-Tainer Publishes New Book

Cedric Threatt of Odenville is a highly sought-after author, poet, veteran and public speaker. For almost two decades, he has traveled throughout the southeastern United States educating and entertaining audiences of all ages at various conferences and educational facilities, which is why many call him Cedric “The Edu-Tainer.”

“Because of You: A Collection of Heartfelt Tributes to Teachers,” Threat’s newest book, honors teachers. Over the past year or so Threat asked people from different demographics to write a paragraph or two about the teacher who impacted their life and helped them become the person they are today. He then compiled their stories and placed them in this book as a small way of saying thank you to teachers. An excellent gift for parents to give to their child's teacher or for principals to give to their staff, it could be a great gift during the 2023-2024 school year.

Threat has written and published 19 books and featured on numerous TV and radio shows, newspapers, magazines and even a short film. He developed a passion for writing and speaking early after his 7th grade Literature teacher entered him in a poetry reading contest. Cedric earnestly desires to inspire everyone through his writing and speaking talents by helping them realize their potential within and by encouraging them to follow their dreams.

Purchase his book, learn about speaking engagements and more at www.cedricthreatt.com.

10 Ways to SUPPORT Families with Special Needs Kids

By Rebecca Hastings

Idon’t know how you do it!”

It was a simple statement. There was no ill will behind it, just an honest thought from one mom to another. Something I've thought a thousand times about other parents. But this was directed at a mom gathering her five kids, most with special needs, into the car after a trip to the store.

The mom smiled and replied, “You just do.”

Every parent has been there, walked through something challenging and kept going. It's what we do as parents. When you have a child with special needs, there’s more.

Sometimes it feels like the challenges never end. And the stakes feel high. Parents of kids with special needs often have to push through really hard things, often alone, because people don't know how to help.

Here are 10 ways you can help support families with special needs:

1. Keep showing up: More than anything, they need people in their life that are not afraid to show up, even when they don't know what to do. You don't have to have the answers; you just need to be present.

2. Invite the kids: Kids with special needs are often left out of fun activities like playdates and birthday parties. Have a quick conversation with the parent or send a text asking what you can do to help their child enjoy the activity. You can invite the child for a one-on-one playdate instead of a group playtime, welcome the parent to stay, and ask if they need any accommodations. Ask how you can meet the family where they are and welcome them.

3. Don't gossip: This should go without saying, but it's easy to forget. Don't talk about the family or the child's needs with other people. If you have a question, ask the parent. This is enough of a struggle for the kids they encounter. They don't need adults making it more challenging.

4. Get practical: Special needs often require special care and appointments. This can mean multiple doctors, therapists, and specialists within one week or even one day. Bring coffee to school drop-off. Offer to babysit their other kids. Leave a meal on their porch or send delivery. It can go a long way for a tired mama. And don’t forget the paper plates!

5. Ask kindly: Most families are familiar with people wondering about their children with special needs. Instead of steering clear and avoiding the subject, ask thoughtful and kind questions. It is far better than staring. Special needs are nothing to be ashamed of. We can talk about them in ways that we are all comfortable with.

6. Respect privacy: Everyone has a story. It's natural to be curious about someone's situation but giving people the privacy they deserve is important. Just because you can see someone's special needs doesn't mean they want to share every detail about it. Honor what they are comfortable discussing and what they want to keep private.

7. Invite the parents: We all need friendship and community, which can be hard to come by when caring for a child with special needs. Invite the parents out to dinner or the barbecue. They may not be able to come as often as they would like (or ever), but being invited reminds them that they are seen and valued. Keep asking them, reminding them there is no pressure.

8. Accept quiet: If you text or call and you don’t hear back, try not to be offended. Think of how much you are juggling daily and throw a dozen more things in the mix (some of them life and death.) This is what parents with a child with special needs handle regularly. There may be a reason if they don't get to text or call back. Don’t write them off. A simple I’m thinking of you to follow up reminds parents you care.

9. Interact with the child: Sometimes people don't know what to say when they see a child with special needs, so they say nothing. Make an effort to interact with the child. Ask them what their favorite color or want to be when they grow up. Value the child and show the family they matter.

10. Do more than smile: Families with special needs have a lot of people who smile and say a quick hello but never engage. It may feel new and unfamiliar for you, but engaging in genuine friendship with families makes a big difference for them and for you. Try it and see!

Rebecca Hastings is a freelance writer.

Alabama Institute for Deaf and Blind is part of Alabama’s Early Intervention System, providing services free of charge to children age birth to 3 years with a developmental delay or eligible diagnosis. Babies and toddlers in AIDB’s Early Intervention program are getting the bright beginning they deserve. Through our statewide network of regional centers, services are available in natural learning settings like inside the home, or at daycare, parks or other areas in your community.

Visit www.aidb.org/regionalcenters to find a regional center near you.

TACKLING AUTISM: One Local Mom Creates an Autism Community

By Paige Townley

Autism, or autism spectrum disorder (ASD), is a developmental disability that, in some form or another, impacts millions of Americans every day. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), approximately 1 in 36 children in the United States is diagnosed with ASD. It occurs across all racial, ethnic, and socioeconomic groups, but boys are four times more likely than girls to be diagnosed with Autism.

As a spectrum disorder, Autism includes a broad range of conditions, but across the board, according to Autism Speaks, upwards of 30 percent of people with Autism are nonverbal, 31 percent have an intellectual disability, and nearly half wander away from safety. Furthermore, as reported by Autism Speaks, Autism costs families and caregivers an average of $60,000 a year through childhood.

Krissy Harmon and her family know the story well. Her son, Jayce, was diagnosed with Autism very early – in the womb. The diagnosis required Harmon quit her full-time job in the medical field and instead work just part-time. “I would work two days a week and then spend the other days taking Jayce to his appointments,” she says.

Harmon spends much of her time talking with other autism families online, finding ways to help out wherever she can. She’s watched as so many other families struggle to get help. “I was talking to another woman recently whose brother is autistic and desperately needed a place to live,” she says. “I was calling around trying to help find a place, and the wait list for residential placement is incredibly long. There are approximately 2,500 people on the waitlist, so it's estimated to be 50 years of waiting."

Other common issues include simply taking a special needs individual out in public for basic everyday things like getting a haircut, Harmon adds. “We’re always outsiders taking them into public,” she says. “We need a safe space for these individuals and their families. After trying to help the woman with her brother and I got deeper into it, I realized there is nothing for people that need it. How did we get to a place where we have no services?”

Today, the family has a caregiver to help care for Jayce—"He's 14 and about six-foot tall but mentally is like a two-year-old," Harmon explains—but that's not the case for every family. And even with the help of a caregiver, it doesn't remove the many stresses they face daily. "A constant thought is what happens to Jayce when something happens to us?" Harmon explains. "I have no brothers or sisters. It's hard to think about stuff like that, but you have to think about it. And unfortunately, we aren't the only ones."

When talking with their caregiver about it, it clicked for Harmon. There needs to be a master-planned community for anyone diagnosed with intellectual disabilities that includes everything from residential care to day camps, on-site job opportunities, or after-school care so that parents can work. That's when The Infinity Puzzle Project was born. The Infinity Puzzle Project is a nonprofit organization that is seeking to design and build this autistic community, which would be for those with an intellectual disability who needs care beyond the scope of what is provided by private, in-home care. "There is nothing like this in Alabama," Harmon says. "There are a few residential facilities and some places that accept only mid-to-high functioning adults. Our organization is different in that way."

While seeking to help every individual with intellectual disabilities, the Infinity Puzzle Project is also focused on helping the entire family. "There is so much involved in taking care of a disabled child or adult," Harmon adds. "We want to offer peer and parent counseling and respite too."

The nonprofit continues pursuing grants and other fundraising opportunities to build the campus. In the meantime, the organization continues to help others in the special needs community however possible, whether it be continuing to assist other families in online autism groups, connecting families with caregivers, or organizing local events. Recently, the organization partnered with local hair salons to set up at-home haircuts for autistic children. "It doesn't seem like much, but at-home haircuts are a huge deal for both the children and the parents," Harmon says. “Sometimes the best help we can give is just counseling or listening as a peer. We’re just trying to meet the needs where we can right now. But we’re continuing to move forward to try to get this campus built and help this underserved community that truly needs it.”

To learn more about The Infinity Puzzle Project, visit www. infinitypuzzle.org.

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

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Need help finding information for a child diagnosed with autism?

Scan QR codes for Resources 

For information, please visit autism-alabama.org

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For any child or young adult that is a struggling reader, we can provide assessment, diagnostic, and treatment services including those with the following concerns:

• Specific Learning Disorders (reading, writing and math)

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• Coexisting Anxiety and Depression – medication management

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HANDMADE FROM THE HEART:

Reignbows Celebrates Children with Special Needs

By Paige Townley

for years, so designing and making hair bows was a natural extension for her. Through Reignbows, Gillard offers a wide variety of hair bows in many materials and styles, from denim, gingham and fabric to linen, burlap, felt and knitted yarn bows. “All of the bows, just like all children with special needs, are unique and different," Gillard says. "Different types are available throughout the year, depending on the season."

Taneka

Gillard has always been a knitter. So when her daughter, Reign, was born, it was only natural for her to plan on knitting hair bows for her only daughter. What she didn’t expect, however, was for the hair bows to become a way to celebrate and support children with special needs and their families, too.

Reign was born with Dandy-Walker syndrome, a rare congenital neurological disorder that happens when there is an unusual formation between the cerebellum and the fluid-filled spaces around it, causing fluid around the brain not to drain correctly. "I worked as a nurse before Reign was born, which I feel God specifically put me into in preparation for her," Gillard says. "While Dandy-Walker is her main diagnosis, she also has cerebral palsy, epilepsy, visual impairment and quadriplegia, along with being non-verbal."

When Reign was born, Gillard began knitting her hair bows. She was constantly asked where the bows were from. "That's how I got started," Gillard adds. "After people continued to ask about them, I decided I could do something with that."

What she decided to do was well more than sell her unique and fun fashions. Gillard started Reignbows, which offers handmade hair bows centered around celebrating children with special needs, starting with her daughter, hence the company's name. "When I found out she had special needs, I knew she would reign over her circumstances, so that is how her name came to be," Gillard explains. "Her name had purpose, and it only made sense to carry that into the hair bows because it started all for her."

Further differentiating her bows is that each hair bow color is associated with a different childhood disability. For instance, juvenile diabetes is represented with royal blue and silver. Preemies are represented by pink and blue. Lime green is the color that represents muscular dystrophy. “The bows don’t have to be purchased for those particular reasons—they can be purchased just because they are cute or you like the color—but I like to include the significance of those colors within the special needs community,” Gillard adds. “It’s just another way Reignbows have meaning and are different and unique. There’s a purpose and significance behind each and every one of them.”

Gillard has expanded her offerings through Reingbows to include various other items, including barefoot sandals and blankets. Through the brand, Gillard also strives to give back and help NICUs in Birmingham and across the country. She frequently donates hair bows, blankets, booties, and other items to places like Children’s Harbor at Children’s of Alabama, and she recently donated to the NICU at Ascension St. Vincent’s Birmingham, where Reign was born. “We did the donation at St. Vincent’s specifically for Mother’s Day,” Gillard says. “I know what it’s like to be in the NICU on Mother’s Day. It’s isolating and scary, so it was important to me to provide something special for those special babies and their families.”

Through Reingbows, Gillard continues to pursue new ways to help others within the special needs community. “I’m also blending my background as a nurse into it as well,” she adds. “I was a school nurse for children with special needs for years, and now I work with adults with special needs. I think that’s my life’s mission now: working with the special needs community.”

The hair bow brand also made sense thanks to Gillard’s other occupation and first love: hair. She had been running her own salon, Naturally Yours,

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

Party ‘Til the Cows Come Home: A Farm Party Plan

By Pam Molnar

Every kid gets excited by the thought of visiting a farm, whether petting the animals, picking a pumpkin from the field or taking a ride on a tractor. A farm-themed birthday party is one of the classics, especially this time of year.

Check out these fun ideas for celebrating your little farmer's birthday.

FOOD

Pigs in a Blanket – Wrap mini hot dogs in refrigerated crescent rolls and bake per instructions on the package. Offer classic dippers like ketchup and mustard.

• Wagon Wheel Mac and Cheese – Make your own with wheelshaped pasta or buy a boxed version for an easy lunch.

• Corn on the Cob – Grilled or boiled corn can be snapped in half for little eaters. Dip in butter and serve with corn skewers on each end for easy handling.

• Dessert – Rice Krispie treats cut to look like hay bales are a simple alternative to cupcakes and go great with a box of chocolate milk.

GAMES

Herd the Sheep – Purchase white balloons and draw a sheep face on one side. You will also need a fly swatter for each player. Have the kids race to get the sheep from Point A to Point B by moving them with only the fly swatter.

• Pick a Duck – Mark the bottom of plastic ducks with numbers, letters, or colors and have the players look for pairs. This is cute if set up in a kiddie pool or works well on the grass or a table. Give a prize for each match.

• Build a Tractor – Like the Cootie game, players roll dice to get all the tractor parts before they can put it together. Find a tractor coloring page online. Print out and cut into six pieces – body, windows, two tires, exhaust and steering wheel. Assign each part a number, and as each player rolls that number, they get a part of the tractor.

CRAFTS

Farm Animal Birthday Crowns – Find printable crowns online on Etsy or Amazon. Let the kids decorate with crayons or markers.

• Plant Seeds – Purchase small clay or plastic pots that the kids can personalize. Assist the kids to fill the dirt, adding their seeds and watering their crops.

• Paint a Piggy Bank – Ceramic piggy banks are available for purchase in bulk at craft stores, dollar stores or online. Kids can decorate with paint markers or any other type of bling. Include a few pennies for each bank to get the kids started.

• Farm Animal Sock Puppets – Purchase colored socks for each animal – pink for pigs, red for hens, etc. Cut a piece of cardboard in a long oval and fold in half. When inserted into the sock with the rounded end pushed into the toe, this will form the animal's mouth. Adjust the material so it moves up and down with the cardboard. Complete the puppets by gluing felt, yarn or googley eyes.

GOODY BAGS

Fill a cone-shaped plastic bag with orange snacks (Reese's Pieces, Cheetos, Goldfish crackers, etc.) to resemble a carrot, and tie it with a green ribbon to close. Other options to include in the goody bags are farm-themed stickers, mini books, plastic or plush farm animals or seed packets.

ENTERTAINMENT

Check out your area for real farmers who bring their animals to your home for a party. These mobile petting zoos include rabbits, guinea pigs, piglets, chickens or ducks. Some offer larger animals like goats, alpacas and mini horses. If you would rather not have farm animals in your yard, many local farms offer tours.

Pam Molnar is a freelance writer, mother of three and an avid party planner. She enjoys writing about having fun and making memories together.

BY SEAN DIETRICH

Who is Miss Fancy of Avondale Park?

Avondale Park. Birmingham, Alabama. The town is decorated for Christmas. Garland everywhere. Wreaths aplenty. Visions of reindeer tinkling in the snow.

There is an old man in the park, talking to a giant bronze elephant statue. His adult children are nearby, snapping photos. A small crowd is gathered around him because he is in love with this inanimate object.

I ask the man why he is passionately stroking a statue.

“Ain’t a statue,” the old man explains. “This is Miss Fancy. She’s an old friend of mine.”

Then he tells a story.

The real Miss Fancy was born in 1871, in the wilds of India. She was a puny elephant, purchased by the Hagenbeck-Wallace Circus for a pittance.

In circus world, Hagenbeck-Wallace was big potatoes. Second largest circus in America. Founder, Carl Hagenbeck, was a pioneer who believed in reward-based animal training instead of fear-based training, so he never hurt animals like other circuses. As a result Miss Fancy was cheerful and good-natured.

Miss Fancy was likely trained to ride bikes, play musical instruments, play baseball, sing Schubert, and of course, wear wedding dresses. In the late 1800s, Miss Fancy toured the United States, and entertained audiences from California to Maine. She was seen on posters and handbills from coast to coast.

But in 1913, her career ended. The circus made headlines when a Hagenbeck-Wallace train wrecked. It was a disaster. Hundreds of animals were badly maimed or wounded. Fancy was among the injured.

So the circus sold her. Fancy was 41 years old when she was sold to Avondale Park, in Birmingham.

“She was sent here to retire,” said the old man, affectionately stroking the statue. “She became the lifeblood of our town.”

Avondale Park was a glorified zoo. A rest home for animals. There wasn’t much going on in Avondale. People paid a few pennies to see Miss Fancy eat hay and make poop.

Things were pretty loose at the zoo. And by “loose,” I mean that Miss Fancy was rarely in her cage. Sometimes Fancy could be seen wandering city streets. She used to visit elementary schools or wander into open-air restaurants and eat from plates.

Other times, Birmingham police would receive reports of an elephant striding through neighborhoods, eating potted flowers. Fancy would often have “movements” in various backyards, leaving parting gifts that were roughly the size of the Lincoln Memorial.

Miss Fancy’s trainer was John Todd. He was a man who became Fancy’s closest friend. Fancy wouldn’t do anything without John.

When World War I broke out, for example, John was called away to France. Fancy went into mourning without him. The 8,000-pound pachyderm refused to eat and wasted away to 4,800 pounds. The elephant cried herself to sleep sometimes.

After the war, John returned home. The first friend he visited was Fancy. He was still in uniform. Fancy greeted him with a series of trumpet blasts. The animal was so excited to see John that she almost “tore the damn zoo down.”

Over the following years, John would take Fancy out for daily exercise. He would ride on Fancy’s back, taking 10-mile excursions through the city.

Photo by Christy Pierce Photography, LLC

Photo courtesy of Jerry Siegel

He’d ride Fancy into impoverished neighborhoods, introducing her to local children. He let kids take free rides. Miss Fancy ate peanuts out of toddlers’ hands. She sniffed children’s faces with her trunk.

“She was the most beloved thing in Birmingham.”

Miss Fancy, was also a “medicinal drinker.” Because of her trainwreck injuries, John fed her corn liquor to ease her pain. He fed her a quart of whiskey, diluted with gallons of water. This became a lifelong habit for Fancy. She was, as far as historians know, the only documented elephant alcoholic ever recorded.

Of course, Fancy always shared her medicine with her friend, John. In fact, one afternoon in 1934, John was arrested for being under the influence while operating an elephant. A major offense in Jefferson County.

But there are still some alive in Birmingham who remember her.

“I remember Miss Fancy,” says the old man. “I rode her one time with my little brother. And the whole time, I was screaming and laughing, and it was the greatest day of my life. And you never forget the greatest day of your life, do you?”

No, I don’t guess you do.

Sean Dietrich is a columnist, novelist and podcast host, known for his commentary on life in the American South.

Editor’s Note: Don’t Miss This Icon This Fall

You can see Miss Fancy in bronze today at 4101 5th Ave. S. at Avondale Park, https://www.birminghamal.gov/parks-and-recreation/parks/

The statue was built by artist Nelson Grice. There was a small stature in 2021 of Miss Fancy that was damaged and disappeared. Community leaders made it a mission to bring back Miss Fancy, this time, life-size version. You can read much more about her history and her impact on Avondale at https://bhamnow.com/2022/12/11/miss-fancy-statue-revealedat-entrance-to-birminghams-historic-avondale-park-photos

Look around Avondale and surrounding communities, and you’ll notice Miss Fancy everywhere in paintings, murals and pictures. She is the icon for Avondale Brewery.

Someone called the police to report that an inebriated elephant was blocking traffic near 47th Street. They said Fancy’s trainer was so hammered you could have blindfolded him with dental floss.

Officers responded to the call and determined that John was “too high” to be piloting an elephant.

Police attempted to carry John away in their patrol car, but Fancy pitched a conniption fit, bringing to mind King Kong.

So officers changed their approach and allowed Todd to ride Miss Fancy’s back.

But, since all stories must come to an end, in 1934, Avondale Park sold Miss Fancy for a grand total of $710. John was heartbroken. The zoo was losing money. Residents didn’t want to visit animals anymore. So the park folded.

The day the crews arrived to carry the elephant to her new home, John almost couldn’t breathe he was sobbing so hard. John rode in the boxcar with Fancy all the way to Indiana, and wept bitterly when he left her.

She was 83 years old when she died.

Photo courtesy of Nelson Grice

Photo courtesy of Nelson Grice

There’s Even More to See at the Alabama Aquarium At Dauphin Island Sea Lab

By Carol Muse Evans

If you haven’t visited Alabama’s own Dauphin Island Sea Lab (DISL) and its Alabama Aquarium (formerly known as the Estuarium), or you’ve never been before, now is the time to make a special visit or incorporate it into your next Alabama beach trip.

Recent renovations are complete, and doors opened to the new and improved facility earlier this summer. Spend the day or a few hours here and get a natural feel for the marine life of Mobile Bay.

The original Alabama Aquarium at DISL first opened in March 1998. It has been a popular attraction for residents and tourists. This renovation delivers an improved visitor experience, a refreshed interior and a deeper connection to the research led by DISL faculty and students.

The Alabama Aquarium is a nearly 12,000-square-foot facility that houses more than 100 species of marine life common to the northern Gulf of Mexico and Alabama’s Watershed. The mission is to educate visitors about the importance of ocean conservation and Alabama’s Watershed.

"We are thrilled to reopen our doors and welcome visitors back to the Alabama Aquarium," says DISL Executive Director Dr. John Valentine. "Our goal has always been to provide an unparalleled experience that inspires visitors to care for and protect the ocean and its creatures, and we believe that the improvements we've made will help us achieve that goal."

Whether you are a serious student or have an interest in marine life in Alabama and the Gulf of Mexico, the Alabama Aquarium is a great educational facility and great fun for families. Expect many of the types of exhibits you would in any other world-class aquarium – but on a slightly smaller scale, specific to the Gulf of Mexico and right ON the beautiful Gulf of Mexico. And it's an excellent place for families who just want to see sea life, and kids who love the creatures of the ocean.

The exhibits at the Aquarium are more attractive than ever, engaging and interactive, and on any given day, they have a lot of "touch and feel" opportunities for younger children and old alike. The "story" is all about the interactions of marine life in Mobile Bay, the fourth-largest estuary system in the United States.

Photos courtesy of Dauphin Island Sea Lab

Step outside to the Gulf of Mexico and see a few exhibits here and some fun climb-on creatives like the big turtle for little children to spend some energy here. Don’t miss the living marsh boardwalk.

See stingrays up close in a 7,000-gallon touch pool right outside. Touch a ray and watch their activity. Rays here include the Atlantic Stingray, Bluntnose Stingray and Cownose Stingray. A few fish share the tank!

The Aquarium’s Mobile Bay camera gives you a live look at the Mobile Bay exhibit right inside the Aquarium. It features drum, pipefish, the diamond back terrapin and even more species that all call Mobile Bay home.

Does your child love sea horses? Be sure to check out their updated exhibit. Beautiful but somewhat dangerous jellyfish? You can see these lovelies in the new exhibit. Large skeletons of some of the great fish from the gulf still hang in the lobby, and every exhibit has educational information about both the creatures and their habitats.

The DISL is on the eastern end of Dauphin Island, a 17-mile-long barrier island about 3 miles from the mainline and 35 miles south of Mobile. Mobile Bay, Mississippi Sound and the Gulf of Mexico surround it. DISL is a 35-acre campus that is both for research and education and offers the Alabama Aquarium to visitors of all ages who want to know more about the marine life remarkable to Alabama. You can even take the Mobile Bay Ferry over from Gulf Shores or Mobile if you are on vacation there!

The Aquarium will be open daily from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., and visitors are encouraged to book their tickets in advance to avoid waiting in line. However, check online for any changes, seasonal and holiday. For more information about the Alabama Aquarium and to purchase tickets, please visit www.disl.edu/aquarium.

Carol Muse Evans is publisher and editor of Birmingham Parent.

***Much of this piece is dedicated to the Alabama Aquarium; however, there is a wealth of information about classes, camps and all the research at the heart of DISL, which is first and foremost a research and education facility. You can learn much more at www.disl.edu.

"Celebrating 30 years of developing Alabama's STEM and Industry leaders!"

As Alabama's only STEM Legacy School, the Alabama School of Math and Science in Mobile has been leading in and advancing STEM education in the state for three decades! Whether it's Physics, Computer Science, Biology, Math, and Chemistry, or History, English, Communications, Foreign Languages, and even the Fine Arts, ASMS provides a - FREE - unmatched, research-focused, hands-on, and collaborative advanced college-preparatory experience! Are you a current 9th or 10th grader? Start your free application today at www.asms.net!

Experience the Excellence

Find out if ASMS is right for you by attending the Informational Meeting near you listed below on Monday, October 23 @ 6:00pm!

Vestavia Hills Library Community Room 1221 Montgomery Hwy Vestavia Hills, AL 35216

Also, plan to visit our campus during one of our ASMS Preview Days held on Saturday, November 4, or on Saturday, December 2 Register for an Informational Meeting and a ASMS Preview Day now at www asms net, or email admissions@asms net, or call 251-441-2140

BRACES MYTHS DEBUNKED

By Carol Muse Evans

Can you receive radio signals on your metal braces? Can you eat sweets when wearing braces? Will a metal detector at the airport go off when you wear braces? We talked to reputable area orthodontists to get the myths and facts about braces.

According to Dr. John Phillips of PT Orthodontics, you cannot receive radio signals on your braces. You CAN eat sweets (But Phillips says popcorn, on the other hand, is not a good idea), and you will not set off a metal detector at the airport.

Yes, some of the claims about braces are false, but some may be true.

When it comes to foods, Phillips says that “No one has ever starved from wearing braces.” However, there are foods that can be problematic and should be either avoided or eaten carefully.

Dr. Olga M. Sanchez-Hernandez says that when it comes to food, to have an excellent result, “it is important that the orthodontist and the patient work as a team. It is extremely important that the appliances and teeth are cleaned as instructed by your orthodontist.

She points out that many foods can cause stains, can cause wires to bend to detach braces and appliances, and much of this can delay treatment. “You can discuss specifics about your diet with your orthodontist,” Sanchez-Hernandez says.

Can you play a horn or other similar musical instrument with braces? All the orthodontists here say “yes.” It may require an adjustment, but you can continue to play your wind instrument once you get braces.

In fact, Phillips says both braces and Invisalign may make you a better horn player. “[Braces] force you to breathe right,” Phillips points out. What about two people with braces kissing? We’ve all heard that if two people with braces kiss, they can get stuck. “No,” says Dr. Ben Samuelson of Samuelson Orthodontics,” But if you are a teen in our practice, will we tell you ‘yes.’ (You are welcome, parents.)”

“Today’s smaller, sleeker braces make it extremely difficult and almost impossible to lock braces while kissing,” Sanchez-Hernandez says. “Also, braces are not magnetic, which means any ‘attraction’ felt is on the part of the wears, so pucker up!”

“Am I more likely to be struck by lightning when wearing braces?” All the doctors say a resounding “no.”

Now to the serious part. There are some important “truths” in wearing braces.

Samuelson says one of the biggest myths about braces is that once you have completed treatment, your teeth will stay perfectly straight the rest of your life with no effort on the patient’s part. This isn’t true. “Retention is important,” Samuelson adds.

Phillips adds that long ago they thought might have been true, but orthodontists came to realize that just like the rest of your body, over time, teeth CAN change, and that’s why the retainer becomes so important. “Think of the retainer as insurance,” Phillips points out.

“Teeth are embedded in live tissue and because of that, they move throughout your lifetime,” Sanchez-Hernandez explains. “That is why it is extremely important to wear your retainers as prescribed by your

orthodontist. If you do your teeth will remain straight forever. If you do not, your teeth may relapse,” she adds.

When it comes to age for braces, Phillips says there is no one that is too old for braces. “From age 7 – 80, you are never too old for braces. There are a lot of things you cannot change as you age, but we can help with restorative care,” Phillips adds.

October is National Orthodontic Health Month

“Braces can help you have a healthy, beautiful smile at any age,” Sanchez-Hernandez adds. “…Teeth continue to shift throughout life… fortunately advances in orthodontics have created less noticeable, more comfortable treatment options, as well.”

“Does my child have to have all of her permanent teeth before getting her braces?” Dr. Michael McCarthy of Birmingham Orthodontics says ‘no,’ but the typical practice is to wait until she has lost the majority of her baby teeth. “We recommend most patients come in for consultation between the ages of 10 and 13 – unless your dentist recommends seeing an orthodontist sooner, McCarthy says.

“Orthodontic treatment is an investment in your child’s future, according to McCarthy.

And, orthodontic treatments are more convenient than ever before, Phillips adds. “Children used to come in once a month for adjustments. Now improvements and advancements mean this is more like every 8 weeks, which is more convenient for the parent and patient, and with Invisalign, it is more like every 10 weeks,” Phillips says.

“Braces can help you have a healthy beautiful smile at any age,” SanchezHernandez adds.

www.PTortho.com

205-979-9480

At PT Orthodontics we know that a smile can change a life! We have been providing affordable, state-of-the-art orthodontic care since 1990. We have 13 convenient locations in Hoover, Homewood/Mountain Brook, Cahaba Heights, Leeds, Trussville, Pell City, Oxford, Hueytown, Gardendale, Jasper, Tuscaloosa, Gadsden, and Adamsville.

Because we want to make braces easy and affordable, our services include: Free Initial Consultations, Choose Your Own Payment Plan, Same Day Braces, Before & After School Appointments, Friends Referral Program, Lifetime Smile Guarantee, and Smile Savings

Program. We file your insurance, and there are No Hidden Fees! All records & first set of retainers are INCLUDED! Free retainer check up appointments for one year.

We offer a full range of braces to meet your individual needs and desires, including metal braces and clear ceramic braces. We also offer Invisalign® clear aligners and are an Invisalign® Diamond Provider! We would love to help you achieve a beautiful PT Ortho Smile!

Call us today at 205-979-9480 to schedule a free consultation or visit www.PTortho.com to learn more.

Essential Self-Care Tips for Parents of Newborns

By Sarah Lyons

Becoming a parent is one of the most transformative experiences in a person's life. From sleepless nights to endless diaper changes, the journey of parenthood is exciting and sometimes overwhelming. While caring for a newborn, it can be easy to forget about one's health and wellbeing. However, taking care of yourself is crucial to be the best caregiver possible for your little one. Here are a few essential tips for newborn parents to remember while they juggle bottles and diapers while managing sleepless nights.

Self-Care

It is easy to get caught up in the endless responsibilities of caring for a newborn and forget about one's health. However, making time for self-care is essential for both physical and mental well-being. This can include simple activities such as taking a walk, practicing yoga or meditation, or even just relaxing with a cup of coffee. Prioritizing self-care can help parents feel more energized and better equipped to handle the demands of caring for a newborn.

Healthy Diet

It can be easy to skip meals or grab something quick and unhealthy when you are busy caring for an infant. However, it is important for nursing and recovering moms to eat regular, healthy meals to maintain their health and provide proper nutrition for their babies. Planning healthy meals and high-protein snacks in advance and keeping healthy options on hand can make it easier to stick to a healthy diet.

Adequate Rest

While it may be challenging to get a whole night's sleep with a newborn, taking time to rest and recuperate is still essential. This can mean taking a nap during the day when the baby is sleeping or delegating some of the household responsibilities to a partner or family member so that you can have some downtime. Prioritizing rest and recovery can help parents feel more energized and better equipped to handle the demands of caring for a newborn.

Bonding with Baby

Caring for a newborn can be exhausting, but it is important to savor the moments and milestones as they come. Babies grow up fast, and taking time to enjoy these precious moments can help create lasting memories and foster a strong bond between parent and child. The laundry and dishes can wait; the days and months of holding your sleeping baby are fleeting. Take time to enjoy time with your newborn.

Caring for a newborn can be a demanding and exhausting experience, but it is crucial for new parents to prioritize their health and well-being to be the best caregiver possible for their little one. The health and happiness of both parent and baby are equally important, and by taking care of themselves, parents can create a healthy and nurturing environment for their little one to thrive.

Sarah Lyons is a freelance writer.

All About AFE –Amniotic Fluid Embolism:

One Woman’s Story

By Paige Townley

An amniotic fluid embolism is extremely rare, but the sudden and unpredictable nature of them make them incredibly challenging to treat. According to the Cleveland Clinic, amniotic fluid embolism affects one in every 40,000 deliveries in the United States each year. “I’ve only met one other person that has had an amniotic fluid embolism, though I have spoken with one or two that have,” Dawson says.

WhenKatie Dawson was preparing to be induced with her second child, there was seemingly no reason to worry. She had already safely delivered her first child, and there were no issues whatsoever throughout her pregnancy. “I went in totally calm and ready for it,” she says. “I never would have expected what came next.”

After being induced, Dawson began to experience extreme nausea and shortness of breath. Her vitals began to drop, as did the baby’s. Doctors soon had to rush her into the operating room and prep her for an emergency C-section. “We didn’t know at the time what was going on,” Dawson adds. “At that point my doctor was just doing what had to be done to save me and the baby.”

During the C-section, Dawson experienced more bleeding than normal. Doctors administered every option possible trying to slow the bleeding, though it wasn’t stopping. She ended up having to go back into emergency surgery for a hysterectomy as her body went into disseminated intravascular coagulation (DIC), a serious blood clotting disorder that disrupts the blood flow. At that point, they had to start giving Dawson blood transfusions, plasma, platelets and cryoprecipitate, also called cryo, a frozen blood product that’s prepared from blood plasma. Once she began receiving it all—she received six units of them in total—Dawson finally became stable enough to move to the ICU, where she spent the night and entire next day before she was able to move back into the birthing suite to hold her newborn baby for the very first time. “As scary as it was, I know the end of my story could have been a lot different, because of what we found out I had experienced,” she says.

What happened to Dawson during childbirth was an amniotic fluid embolism, an extremely dangerous and life-threatening complication that happens when amniotic fluid enters the blood stream of the mother before, during, or right after childbirth. An amniotic fluid embolism is incredibly difficult to diagnose because its symptoms imitate other complications that can happen during childbirth, such as eclampsia and uterine rupture, but it can lead to serious issues such as brain damage, lung failure, heart failure and cardiac arrest. “The fast reaction of the doctor and nurses is the life-saving part of my story,” Dawson says. “It all happened so fast. Many women have seizures or slip into comas and are in the hospital for months after having one. I know how incredibly fortunate I am.”

While on maternity leave, Dawson found the Amniotic Fluid Embolism Foundation, a nonprofit organization that was established in 2008 by an amniotic fluid embolism survivor. “You can have post traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) after this, so having people who could relate and have been there before was incredibly helpful,” Dawson says. “That was one of the darkest times in my life, and they were such a light. They have been a big part of my healing process.”

Appreciative of the help and support she received through the Amniotic Fluid Embolism Foundation, Dawson knew she wanted to do what she could to help others. Each year, on the anniversary of the day she experienced her amniotic fluid embolism, she hosts a blood drive to not only raise awareness of the problem but also help keep the supply of blood readily available. “Had the blood bank been empty that day, my story would have been different,” she says. “Getting all of those transfusions is critical.”

The blood drive, which is hosted in Dawson’s hometown of Moody each July, has grown each year. The first year had 60 donors and this year nearly doubled with 105 donors. “It means so much to me to not only raise awareness about amniotic fluid embolism, which so many people have never heard of, but to also help fill the blood banks,” Dawson says. “It’s my small way of giving back.”

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

Dear Therapist,

Mom guilt sucks. It’s never-ending. You can do a million things for your child. You can function on little to no sleep, fuel yourself up with caffeine and leftovers from their rejected meals. You can hold in your pee or forget to shower for three days and still feel like you're not doing enough. Why are we so hard on ourselves? Why can’t we forgive ourselves? If you have any advice, I’m all ears. I hope I’m not alone in feeling like this.

-One Guilty Mama

Dear Mama,

Let me first start by saying, I HEAR YOU. I think every mom reading this hears you. “Mom Guilt” is real and relentless. It comes at all hours of the day or night and especially likes to kick you when you are already down. Here’s the thing; society tells us we should be able to leave the hospital, take on a brand new baby, manage healing and your new role as caregiver all while the second parent goes back to work leaving you alone with a new sweet little sleepless baby. There are pressures to breastfeed effortlessly, and when it doesn’t go as planned you can feel the judgment. The list of expectations goes on. Blanket expectation for moms is unrealistic yet we still try to hold ourselves accountable to societal expectations. The message that society has been telling mothers for decades has set us up for feeling guilty. How are we able to forgive ourselves if our society shows no mercy? This is where we must take it upon ourselves to recognize we are enough. So, I leave you with this, how can you practice self-compassion? Maybe it looks like giving yourself permission to leave clothes unfolded or dishes in the sink. Maybe it looks like reading a book that has been collecting dust on your nightstand or even asking for help on difficult days.

Mama, you are doing enough, and we are always here to support you.

-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.

Getting to Know Your Baby

By Brandy Patterson, M.D.

Golden Hour is a bonding time for you and your baby. It is a once-in-alifetime event and needs to be celebrated!

It is the first time that mommy and baby meet, full of laughter and tears, "oohs and ahs," and counting fingers and toes. It is crucial for you to have this Golden Hour with your baby to bond. We encourage you to wait until after this time to introduce your baby to family and friends.

During the Golden Hour, your nurse will hang a sign outside your door to encourage visitors to allow private bonding and feeding time for you and your baby. They will be asked to return later.

Skin-to-Skin

We promote skin-to-skin in the first hours and days of your baby's life to help you get to know each other better. Studies show that the mother-child bond is critical for your baby's ongoing growth and development. Skinto-skin can have the following benefits:

• Regulates temperature.

• Reduces stress for mom and baby.

• Improves relaxation.

• Teaches recognition of cues.

This bonding time is one of the best ways to learn about your baby and begin connecting with your newborn.

Infant Massage

Parents have always loved touching and stroking their babies, and babies love to be soothed and cuddled. Part of a baby's emotional and neurologic development comes from the interactions of touch and the feelings of security it offers. Other cultures have long practiced infant massage— stroking and gently rubbing the baby's limbs. Proponents of infant massage believe it:

• Relieves stress for parents and babies, which can help with sleep.

• Provides one-on-one time for bonding and communication.

• Increases parent confidence and sensitivity to a baby's signals/cues.

• Stimulates growth and development.

• Helps with symptoms of colic.

Getting to know your new baby is part of a fascinating but relatively simple process called bonding, in which you essentially “fall in love” with each other. Although bonding is a natural process, it sometimes takes effort. Some ways to help make this process easier include “rooming in” at the hospital with your baby and techniques such as infant massage.

Some evidence shows that massage of premature infants may increase weight gain and help with neurological development. Certified infant massage therapists often offer classes to teach techniques in infant massage.

Bonding

When they learn they are expecting a baby, many parents bond. This on going process of intimacy, understanding and nurturing is part of falling in love with their baby.

It was once thought that bonding occurred as a distinct time frame immediately after birth when the baby was held in the mother's arms and eye contact was established. However, bonding has been identified more as a process than an event.

Parents see their babies earlier than ever before with more frequent ultrasound examinations. This seems to enhance bonding during pregnancy. The kicks and movements of the baby during pregnancy are also ways that a mother and father bond with the baby. Bonding continues when the baby is born, and the parents and baby spend time getting to know each other.

As a process, bonding is not “missed out on” if a baby needs to leave the mother’s side for special care. Bonding may be different for mothers than for fathers. And some mothers may react differently than other mothers. Some mothers feel an immediate deep emotional bond at first sight, while others find their feelings develop more slowly as they spend time with the baby. Babies do not "forget" their parents if separated from them at first. They show a unique preference for a mother's smell and voice.

Bonding at Home

There are several ways to help you and your baby continue the process of bonding and falling in love with each other.

Breastfeeding is one of the best ways to bond with your baby. In addition to the nourishment it provides, breastfeeding gives mother and baby closeness and skin-to-skin contact consistently. This helps both get to know each other more intimately.

Carrying a baby in a sling is another method of continuing to bond. This is often a helpful technique for fussy or high-need babies. However, follow the manufacturer's instructions and keep the baby's mouth and nose clear to prevent suffocation. The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission recommends extreme caution when using a sling for a baby under four months of age. Keep the baby's face visible and frequently check on the baby while using the device.

Women’s Care. Better Together.

PUMPKIN PATCHES & FALL EVENTS GUIDE

1 Bennett Farms

Open the month of October

Wed. & Fri: 2–5 p.m., Sat: 9 a.m.–5 p.m., Sun: 1–5 p.m.

*Check us out on FB & Instagram for more info

1073 County Rd. 13, Heflin, AL 36264

256-302-1896 (cell)  256-463-3344 (farm) lexi@bennettfarms.com   www.bennettfarms.com

The greatest rewards are the smiling faces and the sound of laughter as new and old friends visit the pumpkin patch. Enjoy hayrides, farm animals, pipe slide, country cooking, live entertainment and more! You can buy a pumpkin anywhere and we realize that, but it is about the family experience and memories that are made at Bennett Farms.

Birmingham Zoo Hoots and Howls Daytime Halloween Event

Last 3 weekends in October

10/14, 10/15, 10/21, 10/22, 10/28, and 10/29

Saturdays & Sundays

2630 Cahaba Rd., Birmingham, AL 35223

205-879-0409

www.birminghamzoo.com

Calling all ghouls and goblins…wear your costumes and come trick-or-treat! Tickets include Candy Trail ONLY. Wristbands include the Candy Trail and rides on the Haunted Red Diamond Express Train or Spider Climber Full Moon BBQ Adventure Tower. Candy Trail is open from 10 a.m. until 4 p.m. Admission into the Zoo is NOT included and must be purchased separately.

Pumpkin Junction at The Heart of Dixie Railroad Museum

Oct. 7 – 22

Saturday & Sundays Only

*Visit our website for departure times & ticket information 1919 Ninth St., Calera, AL 35040 205-616-6431

www.hodrrm.org

Gather up the family and board the Calera and Shelby Railroad for a short ride to Pumpkin Junction. More than just a place to purchase a pumpkin, it’s a destination for outdoor family fun, food, a hayride, and a variety of free, family-friendly activities, games, and seasonal crafts. Enjoy a delicious lunch and snacks from the food truck and sweets vendors.

Cook Museum of Natural Science

133 4th Ave. NE, Decatur, AL 35601 256-351-4505

www.cookmuseum.org

A state-of-the-art natural science museum in Decatur, AL that provides a hands-on, immersive experience with nature for all ages. Now offering classes, camps, birthday parties, programs, event rentals, and more. See live animals, climb to the top of Big Tree, touch a meteorite from outer space, and get a diver’s eye view of a live coral reef!

Calendar - Sept.-Oct. 2023

Welcome to the September/October 2023 Highlights Calendar! This issue is a jam-packed two months with lots of fun for fall activities, pumpkin patches, fall festivals, trunk or treats and more. There was so much, we couldn’t include it all so, digital readers, be sure to check out the MORE INFO links to view the listings in our online calendar at www.birminghamparent.com. Have a great Fall!

September

01 FRIDAY

51st Annual Gem Show, hosted by the Alabama Mineral & Lapidary Society

10am-6pm, Irondale Civic Center (former Zamora Shrine Temple), This family-friendly show will delight everyone from seasoned rockhounds to casual collectors and curiosity seekers. Browse through the fascinating gem, mineral, and fossil specimens, handcrafted jewelry, and decorative items.

$3 - $12

MORE INFO

02 SATURDAY

Labor Day FEST!

3:30-7:30pm, Southern Museum of Flight. Two incredible concerts for the price of one. There will be food trucks, vendors and a fun Kid's Zone. Children 12 and under are FREE. Tickets $25.

MORE INFO

The Market at Pepper Place

vendors, live music and chef Demos at 9am. As a state certified farmers market, you'll find only Alabama grown, raised & made items. FREE

MORE INFO

08 FRIDAY

Birmingham Artwalk

5-10pm, downtown. This much-anticipated fall event draws more than 8,000+ people to the streets of downtown in the past. Through the goodwill of area businesses and the work of a dedicated staff of volunteers, Artwalk hosts established and emerging regional artists in the unique and architecturally rich setting of downtown Birmingham. Art lovers will see original work in all mediums priced from the affordable to the extravagant. FREE

MORE INFO

Birmingham Zoo Snooze

7pm, Birmingham Zoo. Zoo Snoozes include a tour, education activity and games before bed. Rise with the call of the wild to enjoy breakfast and a special morning experience before the Zoo opens. This overnight program allows all types of groups to experience the excitement of the Birmingham Zoo after dark. 205-879-0409

MORE INFO

09 SATURDAY

7am-Noon, Pepper Place, downtown Birmingham. The outdoor market has three areas of tents with farmers, makers and food

Water Lantern Festival Birmingham, AL 4:30-8:30pm, Railroad Park. Experience the magic of the Water Lantern Festival where you will enjoy food trucks, music and an incredible sight as thousands of floating lanterns reflect unique messages of love, hope and happiness. $25.99 - $55.99

MORE INFO

12 TUESDAY

American Red Cross Blood Drive

9am-1pm, Homewood Public Library. Most donations take about an hour, so book your appointment, roll up your sleeve and become a part of the lifesaving mission of the Red Cross. There will also be an option for Power Red donations. To Sign up, Donors Can: Call 1-800-RED-CROS(S) that's 1-800733-2767.

MORE INFO

16 SATURDAY

City Walk Bham Art Market

1-7pm, City Walk Birmingham, Located on Block C, between 18th St N and 19th St N next to the skatepark. Monthly celebration of local art, music and food. Inclusive familyfriendly fun with activities for the kids. FREE

MORE INFO

23 SATURDAY

14th Annual Head Over Teal 5K/10K/Family Fun Day

8-11am, Hoover Preserve Town Hall. Keep the tradition and join Laura Crandall Brown Foundation (LCBF) for the 14th annual Head Over Teal 5K/10K and Family Fun Day. 251802-2668, www.thinkoflaura.org.

MORE INFO

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. Information cannot be accepted over the phone, by mail or fax. Birmingham Parent publishes a calendar 6 times a year. January events are included in the November/December issue. Deadline for the Nov./Dec. 2023 PRINT calendar is Oct. 10, 2023. . 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 info@birminghamparent.com Be sure to check ahead with the actual venue as events are subject to change.

SCAN CODE TO VIEW MORE EVENTS ONLINE

City of Irondale - 2023 Music Festival

3-6pm, Beacon Park, Irondale.

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October

01 SUNDAY

BHM26.2 Kids Fun Run

OKTOBERFEST

10am, Sloss Furnaces National Historic Landmark, Join us for the BHM26.2 Kids Fun Run 2023. Participants will receive a t-shirt, medal, meal from Jim ‘N Nick’s Community Bar- B-Q and access to our kids zone. Must pre-register on run sign up to participate. Limited spots available! Click here to register: https://bit.ly/BHM262KidsFunRunBrailyn, www.bhm262.com. $20

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05 THURSDAY

Community Night Out

5-8pm, Vestavia Hills City Hall. Rain date is Thursday, October 26. vhal.org.

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Greek Festival

Opa!

10:30am-9:30pm, Holy Trinity-Holy Cross

Greek Orthodox Cathedral. 50th Annual

Greek Food Festival is Birmingham's oldest and most anticipated cultural event that offers an abundance of delicious Greek cuisine.

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07 SATURDAY

Bone Bash

6-10pm, Regions Field. The Pearl River Club will transform into a Halloween spectacle as money is raised to fight arthritis. Guests will enjoy gourmet food, silent auction, live music and popular games including the Wicked Wine Dig. A "spooktacular" live auction will also be held and so much more. Costumes are encouraged, and a costume contest will complete the evening.

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9am-3pm, Moody City Park. Arts, crafts, games, rides, live entertainment, food and more. business.moodyalchamber.com.

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20 FRIDAY

Halloween Murder Mystery Dinner Theater 6-10pm, Arlington House.

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29 SUNDAY

The Phantom Of The Opera - 1925 Silent Film Classic

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2pm, The Alabama Theatre. This is NOT a play. Please note that this is the 1925 Silent Film Classic version of Phantom of the Opera accompanied by Tom Helms on Big Bertha, the Alabama Theatre Mighty Wurlitzer organ. $14.

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30 TUESDAY - HALLOWEEN

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Area Attractions/Events

Check out Birmingham’s Area Attractions For Fun Around the City

n Aldridge Botanical Gardens 3530 Lorna Road, Hoover. 205-682-8019. www.aldridgegardens.com

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

n Alabama Wildlife Center 100 Terrace Dr., Pelham. 205-663-7930. www.awrc.org

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

n Barber Motorsports Park

n Birmingham Museum of Art (205) 254-2565, www.artsbma.org

n Birmingham Public Libraries

Find a library near you for fun events and enrichment. www.bplonline.org

n Birmingham Zoo 2630 Cahaba Rd., Birmingham. 205-8790409. www.birminghamzoo.com

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

n Southern Museum of Flight 4343 73rd St. N., Birmingham. 205-833-8226.

www.southernmuseumofflight.org

n Tannehill Ironworks Historical State Park 12632 Confederate Parkway, McCalla. 205477-5711. www.tannehill.org

n Vulcan Park

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

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

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

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

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

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

n McWane Science Center • IMAX Films 200 19th St. N., Birmingham. 205-714-8300, www.mcwane.org.

n Moss Rock Preserve Preserve Parkway, Hoover. 205-739-7141. www.hooveral.org

n Oak Mountain State Park 200 Terrace Drive, Pelham. 205-620-2520. www.alapark.com

n Ruffner Mountain Nature Center 1214 81st St. S., Birmingham. 205-833-8264, www.ruffnermountain.org.

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

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

Photo by Christy Pierce Photography, LLC

Who wants to go to camp?

www.BirminghamParent.com/directory/2024-camp-expo/

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!

Saturday, February 17, 2024 10 a.m. - 2 p.m. Location to be determined

Booths and sponsorships available. For more information call (205) 624-2405 or email us at info@birminghamparent.com

Our 13th Annual Event!

Sponsored by...

Voted 2022 WINNER BEST COMMUNITY EVENT by the Alabama Press Association. This FREE event is where families can learn about products, support groups, recreational activities, healthcare, therapy and many other services for children and adults with special needs.

Sponsored by...

Saturday, March 16, 2024 10 a.m. - 2 p.m. At the Exceptional Foundation 1616 Oxmoor Road, Birmingham, AL www.BirminghamParent.com/directory/speical-needs-expo/

Booths and sponsorships available. For more information call (205) 624-2405 or email us at info@birminghamparent.com