Birmingham Parent Magazine December 2018 Issue by Birmingham Parent

THE PREMIER PARENTING MAGAZINE FOR CENTRAL ALABAMA — NOW IN OUR 15TH YEAR OF PUBLISHING

FREE

DECEMBER 2018

OUR ANNUAL

GIFT GUIDE BIRMINGHAM PARENT ANNOUNCES OUR

FAVORITE KIDS’ DOCS 2018 CHILDHOOD GRIEF: WAYS TO HELP

FOR EVERYONE ON YOUR LIST

HOLIDAY SURVIVAL GUIDE FOR BUSY FAMILIES

CHRISTMAS UNDERGROUND AT RUBY FALLS

TENNESSEE VALLEY RAILROAD’S NORTH POLE LIMITED ADVENTURES

TENNESSEE AQUARIUM’S HOLIDAYS UNDER THE PEAKS

ROCK CITY’S ENCHANTED GARDEN OF LIGHTS

CHATTANOOGAFUN.COM/WINTER 2 | birminghamparent | december 2018

ed note Merry Christmas, Happy Holidays & Happy New Year from the staff of Birmingham Parent:

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

editorial PUBLISHERS David & Carol Evans EDITOR Carol Muse Evans ASSOCIATE EDITOR Lori Chandler Pruitt CALENDAR Lori Chandler Pruitt

Carol Muse Evans Publisher/Editor

David Evans Publisher

Lori Pruitt Associate Editor

CONTRIBUTORS Dr. Vivian Friedman, Denise Yearian, Stephanie Rodda, Dr. Jamie Routman, Charles Ghigna, Melanie B. Holliman

sales SR. MARKETING CONSULTANT Kayla Fricks MARKETING CONSULTANT Natalie Julian WEB & SOCIAL MEDIA EDITOR Bethany Adams Hunley

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

Kayla Fricks Senior Marketing Consultant

Bethany Adams Hunley Web & Social Media

Natalie Julian Marketing Consultant

Carol Muse Evans Publisher/Editor carol@birminghamparent.com

Hilary Moreno Art Director

2019 4 | birminghamparent | december 2018

Don't miss THE GUIDE in January 2019, your one-stop resource for everything in central Alabama!

LEGAL COUNSEL Balch & Bingham LLP

BIRMINGHAM PARENT IS A PUBLICATION OF EVANS PUBLISHING, LLC. Publishers: Carol Muse Evans, David K. Evans Sr. Birmingham Parent (EIN200694149) is published monthly by Evans Publishing LLC. www.birminghamparent.com or editor@birminghamparent.com. Birmingham Parent i s © 2018 by Evans Publishing LLC. Family Connections Media ©2018/2019 by Evans Publishing LLC. All rights reserved. Reproduction in whole or part without written permission is prohibited. Editorial submissions are welcome. For back issues, please send a self-addressed 10” x 13” envelope with $4 for postage and handling.

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contents ANNOUNCING YOUR 2018 FAVORITE KIDS’ DOCS PAGE 10

There’s nothing better than a personal referral for a great doctor for you or your child. Imagine a big notebook full of great names for all types of doctors in our area from friends who have used these doctors. This list even includes a nurse practitioner and orthodontists and dentists.

our focus BIRMINGHAM PARENT’S FAVORITE KIDS’ DOCS 2018......10 CHILDHOOD GRIEF: Ways to Help.................................... 24

our features

Gift Guide

our regulars EDITOR’S NOTE Merry Christmas!................................4 PARENTING with Dr. Friedman...............................7 SHORT STUFF.................................. 8 PARENTING PEOPLE: Doug Marshall Leads with Heart and Experience..........28 ASK THE ATTORNEY Can My Parents Give Me $15,000 this year?..........................29 ASK THE SPECIALIST Prematurity Awareness.................30

BIRMINGHAM PARENT’S

FAVORITE

KIDS’DOCS 2018

DECEMBER 2018 CALENDAR OF EVENTS.............. 33 BIRMINGHAM PARENT’S GIFT GUIDE......................................16

JANUARY 2019 CALENDAR OF EVENTS..............36

HOLIDAY SURVIVAL GUIDE for Busy Families.............................20

POETRY PARTY Winter.................................................38

ON THE COVER: Aarav of Tuscaloosa, age 2 1/2, one of our Camp Expo 2018 Cover Kids Search winners, is trying out the reindeer on the carousel at Riverchase Galleria in Birmingham in anticipation of Christmas. PHOTO BY CHRISTY PIERCE PHOTOGRAPHY, https://www.christypiercephotographyllc.com, 205-902-0385. For your chance to be on a cover, enter our 2019 COVER KIDS SEARCH at http://birminghamparent.com/directory/enter-birmingham-parents-cover-kids-search. 6 | birminghamparent | december 2018

PAR E N TI N G

Parenting with Dr. Friedman

I have a problem that I have never heard anyone discuss before. My older child, who is 9 years old, is in the fourth grade. His younger brother, age 5,

started kindergarten this year. The older son seems resentful that his brother attends HIS school. As this is a public school, we cannot send our second child to another school out of the school district we are zoned for. How should we handle this issue with our sons? It appears that your older son has a significant problem with jealousy. The school issue is just one expression of what I would suspect is a much larger problem. This appears to be a situation in which the older child is jealous of the younger one. To correct the problem, you will have to look at what is fueling the jealousy. While there is temperamental predisposition to jealous and competitive feelings, most jealousy is stimulated by the way parents handle their children. Nothing fuels jealousy more effectively than parental favoritism. If you protect your younger son each time your older one tries to one-up him, you will make the problem worse. While there is a natural tendency for parents to protect the weaker child over the stronger one, when the cause of the emotional or physical attack on the younger child is the older child’s anger about parents taking sides, it only makes the problem worse when you do so. To break this cycle, you will need to take actions that are neutral. “If you fight, you will not be allowed to play together. Both of you go to your rooms until you feel calm enough to work out your differences” is an example of a neutral parental response. Parents often think that they promote fairness by emphasizing that everything will

always be equal. Surprisingly, this creates the opposite effect. If a parent emphasizes that each child will get the same size piece of cake, it causes the children to measure the piece they get, and in particular, to measure it against the size of his brother’s piece. If instead the parent says, “I won’t make everything equal because what you each need might not be the same. I will, however, make sure all your needs are met,” this makes the child think about what he really needs, rather than what his brother has or gets. When a child says, “He got the bigger piece,” the correct response is, “Do you need more?” rather than “No he didn’t. They are the same size.” Acknowledge your older son’s feelings about his brother attending “his” school. Grant him in fantasy what he can’t have in reality, such as saying, “You have really had fun and learned a lot at YOUR school.” Give the older child an important role in his brother’s adjustment. Enlist his help in showing his brother around special parts of the school that a child in kindergarten might not see. Allow it to be “his” school and tell him how proud you are of how well he has done there. Don’t worry about your younger son in this context, beyond making sure that the older son is not verbally

DEC 14, 15, 21, & 22 A WINTER UNDERLAND TRADITION FOR EVERYONE

abusive. Your younger child will soon make his own connections to the school. He will have little contact with his brother during the school day. Kindergarten students have little contact with the fourth graders. The younger child will soon feel that it is “his” school too, and your older child might just grow to like having a sibling in school with him. Vivian K. Friedman, Ph.D. is a child and family psychologist at UAB, Department of Psychiatry. Send questions for response in this column to Viviankf@gmail.com. No personal replies are sent.

New Patients Welcome! (205)870-0892

birminghamparent.com | 7

SH O RT STU FF Photos provided courtesy of the Milken Education Award

SHERIFF’S CORNER: Situational Awareness During the Holidays By JEFFCO Sheriff Mike Hale

As we enter into the holiday season, I would remind everyone that thieves are actively looking for ways to separate you from your valuables. Here are some suggestions to help you stay safe and reduce the change of theft: • When possible, shop with a friend. There is safety in numbers. • Try to park in lighted areas and never leave packages in plain sight. Lock your gifts in the trunk of your car. • When exiting where you are the place you are shopping, be aware of your surroundings. Stop and take a quick scan of the area and know where your car is parked. Keep your car keys in your hand as you return to your vehicle. Get into your car as quickly as possible and lock the doors. Our goal at the Sheriff’s Office is to keep you safe and protect your property. If you see anything suspicious, call 205-325-1450 immediately. Visit our web site at www.jeffcosheriff.net or see us on Facebook for more information.

Hurt Wins Milken Educator Award Heather Hurt, a fifth-grade teacher at Vestavia Hills Elementary School Central, recently was presented with a $25,000 Milken Educator Award. The award was presented by Lowell Milken, Milken Family Foundation cofounder, and Dr. Eric Mackey, Alabama Superintendent of Education. She is the only Milken Educator Award winner from Alabama this year. The awards are hailed as the “Oscars of Teaching” by Teacher magazine and has been in existence for more than 30 years. The initiative awards great teachers and celebrates, elevates and activates innovators in the classroom. Hurt is a graduate of Vestavia Hills High School and spent more than a decade as a realtor before entering the classroom. She holds a bachelor’s degree in business management from the University of Alabama and a master’s degree in education from Samford University.

New Spanish Concentration Preps Students for Popular Professions

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2019

The University of Alabama at Birmingham has launched a new concentration in applied professional Spanish, which focuses on providing students a higher level of language proficiency for business and health care related fields. Approximately 55 million Hispanic people live in the United States, and the U.S. Census Bureau projects that Hispanic people will make up more than 28 percent of the total population by 2060. “There are more Spanish-speaking people in the United States than there are in Spain itself or in all seven countries in Central America combined,” says Lourdes Sánchez-López, professor in the UAB Department of Foreign Languages and Literatures. “If students want to be proactive and competitive, they should learn Spanish.” The College of Arts and Sciences launched the concentration as an expansion on the department’s Spanish for Specific Purposes certificate, launched in 2008, and its Spanish for business minor, which it began offering in 2010.

PRESENTED BY BIRMINGHAM PARENT

A LIST OF ALL THINGS

BIRMINGHAM! OUR JANUARY 2019 ISSUE Advertisers, contact us at 205-624-2405 about being part of THE GUIDE 2019!

Teen Drivers at Risk Six teens ages 16 to 19 are killed every day from motor vehicle injuries, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. “Teens are the most at-risk population on the road,” says Despina Stavrinos, Ph.D., associate professor in the UAB Department of Psychology and director of the UAB Translational Research for Injury Prevention. “We need to prepare them for each circumstance that could arise, while providing them with practical knowledge and tools to safely navigate the roads.” Passenger distractions Driving with same-aged passengers can increase teen drivers’ risk for a fatal crash through distraction and intentional risk-taking. However, teen passengers can also be helpful by keeping the driver focused on the road. “Parents should have conversations with their teens on the risks and benefits of having friends in the car,” says Jessica Mirman, Ph.D., assistant professor in the UAB College of Arts and Sciences. Passengers can respond to text messages, take charge of the music, notice speed limit changes, and limit talking and distractions to help drivers concentrate. Check the law: several states, including Alabama, have passenger restrictions for the first six months that the teen driver is licensed. Also, never let a friend drive or ride impaired, and do not get in a car with an impaired driver, Mirman adds. “Parents should make sure their teen knows it is always OK for the teen to call or text a parent or another trusted adult for a safe ride home.” Texting while driving Each day in the United States, approximately nine people are killed and more than 1,000 are injured in crashes that are reported to involve a distracted driver, according to the U.S.

Department of Transportation National Center for Statistics and Analytics. While driving, Stavrinos advises putting the phone far enough away to not be tempted to pick it up at the first ding. “These are very valuable tools, and we’re not going to give them up,” she adds. “But we have to balance the benefits of staying connected while mitigating the impact of the distractions.” Drowsy driving At least seven hours of sleep is recommended for safe driving, with the odds of a motor vehicle crash increasing for every hour under seven hours of sleep, according to the AAA Foundation for Traffic Safety. “Many teens are unable to obtain the proper amount of sleep due to combinations of extracurricular activities, homework and school start times,” says Benjamin McManus, Ph.D., assistant director of the UAB TRIPLab. “This is compounded by a natural shift in biological sleep patterns that occurs in the teen years and leads to naturally falling asleep later, yet still needing to wake early.” Caffeine may improve one’s perception of alertness, but if someone is already sleep-deprived, caffeine may only make things worse, McManus explains. “If you’re driving drowsy, the best solution is to stop driving and take a nap if possible. Even short, 20-minute naps have shown to have restorative qualities.” The only real, effective countermeasure to sleepiness is to achieve at least seven hours of good, quality sleep. Avoid electronics near bedtime or use “night shift” modes that reduce or eliminate the blue spectrum light waves that the brain associates with daytime. Courtesy of UAB

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BIRMINGHAM PARENT’S

FAVORITE

KIDS’DOCS 2018

Here are this year’s nominations: Dr. Abby Allen, Pediatrics West McAdory Dr. Toren Anderson, Greenvale Pediatrics, Hoover Dr. Allury Arora, Urgent Care For Children Dr. Jason Ayres, Gadsden Physician Clinics Dr. Bassam Babi, Babi Pediatrics Dr. Courtney Baxley, Over The Mountain Pediatrics Dr. Sheridyn Breedlove, Action Road Pediatrics Dr. Anne Byars, Liberty Mountain Pediatrics Dr. Will Chapman, Chapman Orthodontics Dr. John Cortopassi, Greenvale Pediatrics Dr. Jonathan Curtis, Cahaba Valley Pediatric Dentistry Dr. Rebecca Doss, Visionfirst Eye Center Dr. Patrick Farr, Birmingham Pediatrics Dr. Stacy Gilbert, Mayfair Medical Group Dr. Theresa Goldsmith, Birmingham Pediatric Associates Dr. Max Hale, Birmingham Pediatric Associates Dr David Hardy, Sylacauga Pediatrics Dr. Phillip Harmon, Pediatrics East in Deerfoot Dr. Corey Hartman, Skin Wellness Center Dr. Lillian Israel, Acton Road Pediatrics Dr. William Johnston, Birmingham Pediatrics Dr. Joseph Jolly, Greenvale Pediatrics Dr. Lauree Jones, Midtown Pediatrics

Birmingham Parent Announces Your Favorite Kids’ Docs for 2018 It’s been a few years since we ran this promotion, but back by popular request is our Favorite Kids’ Docs list for 2018. There’s nothing better than a personal referral for a great doctor for you or your child. Imagine a big notebook full of great names for all types of doctors in our area from friends who have used these doctors. This list even includes a nurse practitioner and orthodontists and dentists. Now you have the idea behind the Birmingham Parent’s Favorite Kids’ Docs campaign. It’s a great list for parents, and a way to honor and credit the faithful, caring and professional doctors and medical professionals who serve our children every day in our community. The process is totally reader driven – we call for nominations, and moms, dads, and grandparents and other caregivers go online and nominate a favorite kids’ doctor and tell us why. There’s no prize for nominating – just the opportunity to tell folks why you love your child’s doctor and afford them an honor in our magazine. While we did skip a few years, this is our fifth year to honor area doctors, and offer you, the reader, a little parent-to-parent advice. And know when you see our logo in your doctor’s office, that your doctor is a “Birmingham Parent Favorite Kids’ Doc!” Read more comments online at www.BirminghamParent.com 10 | birminghamparent | december 2018

Dr. Snehal Khatri, UAB Sparks Pediatrics Dr. Scott Koplon, Koplon Implant & Family Dentistry Dr. Robert Levin, Alabama Pediatrics Dr. Elizabeth Lewis, Pediatrics West McAdory Dr. John Mark Lytle, Pediatrics East in Deerfoot Dr. Alison McAfee, Acton Road Pediatrics Dr. Virginia Menendez, Over The Mountain Pediatrics Dr. Maria Meyers, Western Health Center Dr. Calah Ray, Vestavia Eye Care Dr. Angela Redmond, Pediatrics East in Trussville Dr. David Sarver, Sarver Orthodonics Dr. Justin Schwartz, Developmental Medicine Clinic Dr. Jeffrey Stone, Greenvale Pediatrics Hoover Chase Thomas, CRNP (Nurse Practitioner), Pediatrics Plus, Anniston Dr. Ryan Walley, Redmont Pediatrics Dr. James Wamack, Birmingham Pediatrics Dr. Breezy Wilson, Medical West Family Medicine Dr. Garland “Gigi” Youngblood, Pediatrics East in Trussville

Here’s what you had to say about some of this year’s Favorite Kids’ Docs: ✚ DR. JOSEPH JOLLY, GREENVALE PEDIATRICS “He is awesome with his patients. He spends time with them and genuinely cares about them. He asks about their interests and hobbies and remembers each time we visit. He doesn’t rush and makes each child feel special. We love Dr. Jolly!” – Christy Garrison

WHEN SEC NDS COUNT

✚ DR. REBECCA DOSS, VISIONFIRST EYE CENTER “Dr. Doss is so amazing with children. She is patient and so sweet. We love her.” – Courtnee Spain ✚ DR. JOHN CORTOPASSI, GREENVALE PEDIATRICS “Dr. Cortopassi is a wonderful doctor and has many patients that were children that now bring their children, no higher praise or level of trust can be given.” – Teresa Horton ✚ DR. ALLURY ARORA, URGENT CARE FOR CHILDREN ” Excellent bedside manner. Excellent skills.” – Vik Lal ✚ DR. JOHN MARK LYTLE, PEDIATRICS EAST IN DEERFOOT “He is great. He cares about his patients and every time I bring one of my children in there he always asks about the other. My boys are adults now and when I bring my girls he always asks about the boys. We have been seeing him for about 20 years.” – Patty Jones ✚ DR. BASSAM BABI, BABI PEDIATRICS “He is an absolutely amazing doctor, cares about all of his children sincerely and goes out of his way to help them! We love this man to pieces!” – Christy Pierce ✚ DR DAVID HARDY, SYLACAUGA PEDIATRICS “In a team full of great doctors, he had been our go-to for all things for my son, who has ADHD and ASD, which can be a lot. We go first thing in the morning and get out super-fast, without feeling like we’ve had to rush. He is amazing!” – Melanie Allen ✚ DR. COREY HARTMAN, SKIN WELLNESS CENTER “Can’t say enough about this practice or Dr. Hartman-they are amazing!” – Katie Marshell ✚ DR. ABBY ALLEN, PEDIATRICS WEST MCADORY “She’s been our pediatrician through multiple children for the past (almost) seven years! I would drive hours to see her if she ever moved practices. She’s fantastic.” – Christy Jeffries ✚ DR. STACY GILBERT, MAYFAIR MEDICAL GROUP “Dr. Gilbert makes my little girl feel safe and comfortable and is always positive, attentive and interactive with my child. We never have to wait no more than 5 to 10 minutes on any visit. Dr. Gilbert makes my child feel good about herself and seeing the doctor.” – Pamela Brandon

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BIRMINGHAM PARENT’S

FAVORITE

KIDS’DOCS 2018

✚ DR. COURTNEY BAXLEY, OVER THE MOUNTAIN PEDIATRICS “Dr. Baxley is a wonderful doctor. She is very thorough and patient with my daughter. Anytime I need an appointment the same day she is very flexible in fitting us in. The wait time is not long, and the staff is very friendly. I would recommend Dr. Baxley to anyone!” – Sadie Walters ✚ DR. ANNE BYARS, LIBERTY MOUNTAIN PEDIATRICS “Phenomenal doctor.” – Megan Allen ✚ DR. JONATHAN CURTIS, CAHABA VALLEY PEDIATRIC DENTISTRY “Dr. Curtis and his staff are awesome. Great with kids from babies to teenagers. Very friendly, caring, clean office, quick and convenient appointments. They go out of their way to make you & child feel comfortable. We drive over an hour just to see them. Best!” – Danielle Caudle ✚ DR. PATRICK FARR, BIRMINGHAM PEDIATRICS “Dr. Farr has been my daughter’s pediatrician since she was a newborn. She loves his calming nature and his bow ties!” – Allison Brown

✚ DR. LILLIAN ISRAEL, ACTON ROAD PEDIATRICS “Very professional office. Things are handled timely and they always have appointments available for sick kids. Dr. Israel makes my children feel at ease. They actually enjoy going to the doctor and seeing her! She’s always fun and engaging. She’s also a talented and thorough doctor.” – Leslie Mayo ✚ DR. WILLIAM JOHNSTON, BIRMINGHAM PEDIATRICS “We’ve been using Dr. Bill for 20 years. He’s so kind, loving and attentive toward our kids. He’s the best! We love Dr. Bill!!” – Kendra Richardson ✚ DR. LAUREE JONES, MIDTOWN PEDIATRICS “Dr. Jones has been our pediatrician for almost nine years. She definitely goes above and beyond for her patients. When my daughter came home from the NICU on oxygen from being born at 29 weeks, she made sure she was accessible and was there for all of my concerns.” – Melodie Wright ✚ DR. SNEHAL KHATRI, UAB SPARKS PEDIATRICS “I don’t have kids, but as a foster

parent Dr. Khatri is hands down the best, from the research she does to finding out any background information she can about to her thorough assessments. Aside from dealing with her own family medical issue, her office never skipped a beat.” – Courtney Clark ✚ DR. ELIZABETH LEWIS, PEDIATRICS WEST MCADORY “Dr. Lewis is so patient with my children. She makes sure to answer any questions or concerns that I have. She is a wonderfully kind doctor.” – Amanda Blair ✚ DR. ALISON MCAFEE, ACTON ROAD PEDIATRICS “Dr. McAfee is an awesome doctor who takes her time to talk with us and really help us with our concerns. She never rushes through our visit and is very patient with my children. We really appreciate Dr. McAfee!” – Deveney Johnson Cooper ✚ DR. VIRGINIA MENENDEZ, OVER THE MOUNTAIN PEDIATRICS “We have enjoyed Dr. Menendez for years. She is patient with my girls and always in a great sweet mood. She goes over everything and doesn’t leave any questions unanswered. She is awesome!” – Susan Gill

VISIONFIRST EYE CENTER CONGRATULATIONS DR. DOSS!! WE LOVE OUR VISIONFIRST KIDS! JUST ASK OUR PATIENTS:

"We absolutely love Dr. Doss! My 3-year-old gets so excited going to the eye doctor!" DR. DOSS TRUSSVILLE 3240 Edwards Lake Pkwy, Suite 100 Birmingham, AL 35235 LAKESHORE 1 West Lakeshore Drive, Suite 220 Birmingham, AL 35209 205.949.2020 VisionFirstEyeCenter.com

12 | birminghamparent | december 2018

"Dr. Doss is simply the best with pediatric eye exams. Kids love her!" __________________________________

• Pediatric Eye Exams • Infantsee Program • Myopia Control • Amblyopia Treatment • Vision Therapy

BIRMINGHAM PARENT’S

FAVORITE

KIDS’DOCS 2018

GROWNUPS WERE STUNNED AS HE CHARMED THE SERVER INTO GIVING HIM ICE CREAM WITH SPRINKLES AND HOT FUDGE, ON THE HOUSE!

C H I L D R E N A M A Z E U S E V E R Y D AY

and at Children’s of Alabama we want to see every child grow up and live to their fullest potential. That’s why we recruit, train and retain the most inquiring minds, the most skilled hands and the most compassionate hearts in pediatric medicine. 1 6 0 0 7 T H AV E N U E S O U T H B I R M I N G H A M , A L 3 5 2 3 3 ( 2 0 5 ) 6 3 8 - 9 1 0 0

Congratulations to all our Favorite Kids' Docs!

ChildrensAL.org

BIRMINGHAM PARENT’S

FAVORITE

KIDS’DOCS 2018

✚ DR. CALAH RAY, VESTAVIA EYE CARE “Dr. Ray goes above and beyond to make my daughter comfortable during her eye exams. She takes time to explain treatment options and is easily available if a problem arises. I wish all doctors had the caring manner Dr. Ray has.” – Jessica Loggins ✚ DR. ANGELA REDMOND, PEDIATRICS EAST TRUSSVILLE “She is the pediatrician to our son since he was born. You can tell she definitely has a heart for her career, my son always lights up when he sees her. She is very informative to parents & is very professional. – Olivia Delgado ✚ DR. RYAN WALLEY, REDMONT PEDIATRICS “Dr. Walley has been my son’s doctor since the day he was born, twelve and a half years ago. He is so caring and funny! My son gets excited about going to the doctor because he loves his pal Dr. Walley; they talk comics, Legos, and video games.” – Buffy Hosey

✚ DR. DAVID SARVER, SARVER ORTHODONICS “Dr. Sarver is an amazing orthodontist. Both of my children had severe orthodontic issues. He patiently explained the problem and the solution. My children always feel comfortable in his office. Dr. Sarver remembers their names and important details about their lives which makes them feel important. He is the best!” – Tiffany Webb ✚ DR. JEFFREY STONE, GREENVALE PEDIATRICS HOOVER “Dr. Stone has the most excellent bedside manner and listens extremely well, carefully and with exquisite listening skills. We continue to know that my children are the most important when in his care. Our son is always in impeccable care... a doctor we trust genuinely!” – Gwendolyn Brown ✚ CHASE THOMAS, CRNP (NURSE PRACTITIONER), PEDIATRICS PLUS, ANNISTON “Chase always goes above and beyond his duties when caring for

his kids. If anything is wrong with the child, he tests thoroughly to make sure he has covered all possibilities. He makes the parents feel at ease after every visit.” – Charity Beecham ✚ DR. JAMES WAMACK, BIRMINGHAM PEDIATRICS “Dr. Wamack is a very caring and knowledgeable doctor. He doesn’t rush through appointments and will stay with you until all of your questions have been answered.” – Jennifer Mamucud ✚ DR. BREEZY WILSON, MEDICAL WEST FAMILY MEDICINE “Dr. Wilson has a wonderful bedside manner and listens to her patients’ needs. She is very friendly and her staff is also kind.” – Amanda Ruffner ✚ DR. JUSTIN SCHWARTZ, DEVELOPMENTAL MEDICINE CLINIC “He is patient, detailed, listens and is comforting. You never feel rushed and he patiently attends to all of your concerns.” – Cassidy Nelson

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Gift Guide BIRMINGHAM PARENT'S

Gifts Galore for Everyone on Your List Whether you’re looking for a gift for the person who has everything or the newest gadget for your adult or child techie, these gifts are sure to please. The following are great suggestions for adults and kids! Compiled by Bethany Adams Hunley

Little Cruisers Build & Spin (MSRP $19.99) The big, chunky pieces of Little Cruisers Build & Spin make it easy for small hands to create their own cruisers, while exercising their fine motor skills. These colorful mix-and-match pieces lock securely in place and provide endless opportunities for color combinations, all while spinning securely in place. This is the perfect on-the-go toy to keep your child entertained in a compact and educational way. Available for purchase on Amazon.com. The Ultimate Kids Cookbook by chef and mom Tiffany Dahl (MSRP $15.99) The Ultimate Kids Cookbook is a collection of flavorful dishes that both parents and kids will enjoy eating and cooking. Dahl’s recipes include ways to get the kids involved in the kitchen by using simple ingredients and easy-to-follow directions, while teaching them important skills like how to cut foods with or without a knife, how to cook noodles for pasta dinners and how to use an oven safely. Plus, a variety of festive fall dishes will get kids off their screens and into the kitchen for family bonding, with recipes such as: Pumpkin Patch Waffles, School Night Chicken Fajitas and Zucchini Apple Bread. Available for purchase on Amazon.com.

16 | birminghamparent | december 2018

Oliver the Ornament (MSRP $29.95) This new Christmas tradition inspires love, forgiveness and kindness. Including a storybook detailing the tale of Oliver, an ornament who strives to keep the magic of Christmas alive in the hearts of his family and friends, and a keepsake Oliver ornament, this is the perfect new addition to your family’s holiday season. Oliver the Ornament is partnering with a number of children’s hospitals to donate new books to their patients, as well as donating a portion of all proceeds from the sale of each book to various children’s charities, nationwide. Available for purchase on Amazon.com, OlivertheOrnament. com and specialty retailers across the country.

Cry Babies Doll (MSRP $29.99) Ranking as the No. 2 doll in the nurturing doll category across Europe in 2016 and 2017, the Cry Babies doll launched in the U.S. this summer. These adorable and interactive baby dolls cry real tears while sounding like a real-life baby! Whenever they start crying, all your little one needs to do to calm them down is rock them, or give them their pacifier. Available for purchase at Target and on Amazon.com.

Beaker Creaturesâ&#x201E;˘ (MSRP $24.99) Beaker Creatures is the new line of science-themed collectibles from Learning Resources that combines the thrill of collecting with handson science experiments that build skills and spark curiosity. Providing 35 Beaker Creatures from five different families, and including limited edition 24-carat creatures for children to discover, classify and explore, this Beaker Creatures set also doubles as a working lab set, complete with included science experiments that encourage more hands-on learning. Available for purchase on Amazon.com.

Teen Entrepreneur Toolbox by Ramsey Personality Anthony ONeal (MSRP $49.99) The Teen Entrepreneur Toolbox is the perfect gift for teens wanting to start their own business. The Toolbox includes a Teen Portfolio that walks them through the eight, simple steps, a Parent Guide, a free Teen Entrepreneur Toolbox App, a 20-minute DVD featuring Anthony Oâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;Neal and much more! Available for purchase on DaveRamsey.com and Amazon.com.

Elephant Baby Shower (MSRP $24.99) This battery operated, compact & portable baby shower is designed for ease of use by parents and gentle comfort for babies. The Elephant Baby Shower includes features such as: an easy activation shower head with on/off knobs allowing users to easily pause or continue water flow, a gentle stream enabling easy reach and wash of hair neck and baby folds and a soft design for enhanced baby safety. This product is also suitable for all types of baths, and children aged from birth to toddler. Available for purchase at Buy Buy Baby. birminghamparent.com | 17

Gift Guide Ezra Arthur Leathery Accessory Products Ezra Arthur has recently released leather accessories that are perfect for both men and women. These premium leather products are all handcrafted in America, built to last and of high quality. Just a small sampling of these accessories includes: the iPhone 8/X Wallet (MSRP $85.00), the Double Wrap Bracelet (MSRP $40.00) and the No. 1 Belt (MSRP $100.00). Available for purchase on http://ezraarthur.com/.

Military Match Variety Blends Set (MSRP $25.96) Show support for the brave men and women of our military this Christmas season by purchasing this coffee set. For each set purchased, Community Coffee Company will double the order for free, and send the set to any military address in the world. The Military Match Variety Blends Set includes: one Military Match mug and two tasty 12-ounce bags of the Signature Blend Dark Roast, Cafe Special®, Breakfast Blend and 100 percent Colombia Altura coffees. Available for purchase on www.communitycoffee.com/products/ coffee/military-match-12-oz-variety-blends

Joseph Joseph Cut&Carve™ Bamboo (MSRP $40.00) This multi-function chopping board features a central food grip for holding food while cutting, an angled cutting surface that will catch juice and crumbs, easy-pour corners to drain juices and crumbs, a tough bamboo cutting surface, convenient side handles and non-slip feet. This is the perfect gift for anyone with a passion for all things culinary! Available for purchase on www.josephjoseph.com. 18 | birminghamparent | december 2018

ECOVACS DEEBOT OZMO 930 (MSRP $599.99) Including an intelligent navigation system, a vacuum/mop combo and the ability to recognize the type of surface it is operating on to maximize efficiency and visual mapping, this robot simply takes the work out of cleaning. Download the ECOVACS App to effortlessly schedule cleaning times, set cleaning modes, monitor cleaning status and enjoy all the convenience of automated housework! Available for purchase on www.ecovacs.com/us/deebot-robotic-vacuumcleaner/DEEBOT-OZMO-930.

Meguiar’s Complete Car Care Gift Kit (MSRP $65.99) Shopping for the men in your life has never been easier! Meguiar’s Complete Car Care Gift Kit includes: a 16-ounce Gold Class™ Car Wash Shampoo & Conditioner, the 15.2-ounce Ultimate Quik Wax®, the 15-oz Hot Shine Tire Foam, the 24-ounce Perfect Clarity™ Glass Cleaner, the 16-ounce Quik Interior Detailer Cleaner, the 2.5-ounce Whole Car Air ReFresher Odor Eliminator – Spiced Wood and the 16-ounce All Purpose Cleaner Spray and Car Wash Sponge with Microfiber Towel. Available for purchase on Amazon.com.

SilkSound Wireless Headphones (MSRP $59.99) Listen to your favorite music in style with the stunning Paww SilkSound wireless headphones. Beautifully designed to be lightweight and compact, with Bluetooth wireless connectivity, hands-free calling and more than eight hours of playtime, the Paww SilkSound headphones are the ultimate fashion accessory for anyone who doesn’t want to compromise sound or style. SilkSound Wireless Headphones are available in four colors and come with a carrying case. Available for purchase on www.mypaww.com.

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The Holidays 4. Think outside the gift box. If your holiday budget

is tight, talk with those you normally exchange gifts with and offer low-cost or no-cost suggestions: handmade novelties, service coupons or a meaningful note. Host a game night or just get together for a bottle of wine.

5. Expedite shopping. Save time and energy by

shopping online or through catalogs. Websites such as www.findgifts.com or www.gifts.com tailor gift ideas by narrowing selections based on the recipient’s age, gender, interests and personality. Save store shopping for Tuesdays and Wednesdays when weekend-diminished stock has been replenished, retailers are fully staffed and fewer people are shopping. While you’re out, splurge on a gourmet coffee to stay revved up for the rest of your trip. When you get home, ease those aching feet with a good soak.

6. Wrap it up. Designate a specific holiday wrapping

station in your home and keep the area stocked with supplies so you can wrap gifts without having to retrieve paper goods. Choose a specific paper print for each child so you don’t have to attach tags.

7. Stock up and save time. Purchase baking supplies

Holiday Survival Guide for Busy Families 15 tips for the season By Denise Morrison Yearian

If December seems like a month-long marathon of activities that leave you feeling frazzled and fatigued, restore the season’s peace, hope and joy with these 15 holiday survival suggestions.

1. Pencil in and prioritize. With calendar in hand, write in regularly scheduled activities – haircuts, housework, sports practices, etc. Then pencil in specific days for holiday to-dos. If you see a steady stream of busy days, replace low-priority items with rest and relaxation. Make popcorn and watch White Christmas with the kids, take the family for a post-dinner drive to see holiday lights or have a date night with your significant other.

2. Sweet options to social events. If you don’t

in advance, so the ingredients are on hand when you’re ready to bake. Rather than set aside a whole day for baking, break it into stages. One night after your child goes to bed make a double batch of sugar cookie dough and put it in the refrigerator or freezer. Then when you and your child have time, break off a chunk of dough, roll it out and then cut and decorate the cookies. This eliminates a big kitchen mess and allows you to bake small batches on short notice.

8. No-fuss food. Make a list of quick-fix meals,

post it in a visible location and keep ingredients on hand. Double or triple soups and casseroles then freeze portions so you have something to draw from when you don’t have time to cook. Or flip menus and make breakfast for dinner; pancakes, waffles and scrambled egg wraps can be prepared in a snap.

9. Ease up expectations. Rather than slaving over

the stove on Christmas Eve, simplify the meal and create great memories. If you have a fireplace or an outdoor fire pit, roast hot dogs and marshmallows on a stick. Or pick up individual pizza shells and let everyone make their own pie. Dinner will be easy to make and clean up, and the kids will think it’s special.

want to attend a social event but fear you may offend the host, drop off a box of chocolates to say, “I appreciate the invite, but…” When you purchase the candy, pick up an extra box for days you need a little personal appreciation.

10. Lighten the load. When you travel, mail gifts in advance. With the space you save create a personal survival tote. Include hand lotion, a holiday joke book, deck of cards, small notebook and sweet treats.

3. Consolidate holiday obligations. Host a cookie

11. Create continuity. Avoid pint-sized meltdowns

exchange so you can visit with friends and avoid baking multiple batches of goodies. As you plan the event, reward yourself for this time-saving endeavor by indulging in a cup of hot cocoa with a peppermint candy cane stir and a dollop of whipped cream. 20 | birminghamparent | december 2018

by making sure your children maintain routines and eat right. If they will be out past bedtime, set aside a quiet time during the day. Seize this opportunity to paint your nails or curl up with a good book and a cup of hot tea.

GIVE JOY 12. Snuggle up. When the children are in bed, enjoy time alone

with your partner. Place a large pillow in front of the fireplace, dim the lights and enjoy a cup of eggnog.

13. Manage your weight. To prevent sabotaging your diet,

scout out holiday buffet lines before going through with your plate so you know what is being served. Sample seasonal offerings in small quantities.

14. Maintain exercise. If you’re tight on exercise time, park further from public buildings, walk briskly around the mall once before you begin to shop or get up 30 minutes early to take a run. This will help you control weight and manage stress. 15. Rest and relaxation. Get the recommended seven hours of

sleep each night. Once a week pamper yourself. Light candles, put on relaxing music and revel in an in-home spa treatment before going to bed.

FROM ONE GIFT COMES SO MANY MORE.

Denise Morrison Yearian is the former editor of two parenting magazines and the mother of three children and four grandchildren.

Your donation helps Ronald McDonald House Charities of Alabama keep families with sick children together and close to the medical care they need, when they need it most.

GIVE THE GIFT OF TOGETHERNESS To survive the holidays, carve out time for yourself to indulge in these in-home spa treatments. Java brew body scrub Mix 2 cups of coarsely ground coffee, ½ cup of raw sugar and 3 tablespoons of essential oil. Moisten skin in a hot shower to open the pores. Rub coffee exfoliant onto your body using a wide, circular motion. Rinse off, dab skin, dry then apply body lotion. Oh-my-aching-feet oil Mix together 1 tablespoon of olive oil, 1 teaspoon of aloe vera, 1 teaspoon of wheat germ oil, 20 drops of peppermint essential oil and 20 drops of eucalyptus essential oil. Gently massage on feet or add to warm water and soak for 10 minutes. Pat feet dry then lightly dust with corn starch. Thick and sweet cocoa facial Mix together 1/3 cup of cocoa powder, 3 tablespoons of heavy cream, 2 teaspoons of cottage cheese, ¼ cup of honey and 3 teaspoons of oatmeal. Smooth it onto your face, relax for 10 minutes, then rinse it off. Sleep tight milky-white body soak Mix 1 tablespoon almond oil, 4 drops lavender essential oil, 3 drops marjoram essential oil, 2 drops benzoin essential oil and 1 cup powdered milk. Add to warm bath water and soak for 20 minutes to calm down and prepare for rest.

Donate or learn more about volunteering at RMHCA.org.

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Gift Guide

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YO UR C HI L D' S HEALTH

Grief is an individualized process; no two people grieve the same way or in the same time frame. You may see improvement and then some regression; that is normal and okay. Be present with the child, check in with the child, validate and emphasize with the child, spend time with the child.

Childhood Grief: Ways to Help By Stephanie Rodda

While no one would likely minimize the importance and necessity of going through the process of grief, it may be easy to assume that a child’s grief cannot be as intense as that of an adult. As adults, as parents, we may feel unsure of what to do when our child is grieving. Whether it is the loss of a beloved pet or a family member, grief is real. As a foster mother for 15 years, I became well acquainted with childhood grief. No child enters into foster care without experiencing loss to some degree. One of the most poignant of memories is that of my youngest adopted son who is now a joyful, well-adjusted, kind-hearted 14-year-old. We had been contacted about the placement of a sibling group of three. The girls were 6 and 7 years old. The boy was a little over 3 years old. When we accepted the placement, we did so with the intent of adopting although we already had four adopted sons. J had been in foster care since birth. He was in the same loving and safe foster home for all of that time. His sisters had only recently been removed from the home of his birth family. When they arrived, the girls had a better sense of understanding at ages 6 and 7 of what was 24 | birminghamparent | december 2018

happening. It was indeed traumatic for them all, but in their case, they were escaping the dangers of the life they lived. In his case, he was taken from the loving arms of an elderly foster mother who doted on him. At three years old, J couldn’t comprehend decisions of judges and roles of social workers and ISPs (Individualized Service Plans). He could only grieve. I knew to give him time. I knew that he was hurting. I knew he was confused. He cried often, too often. He rarely smiled. He clung to me like glue. He slept tucked under one of my arms at night while my other three-year-old claimed his spot on the other side. I was so sorry for him. I grieved his grief. I did everything that I knew to do from my experience of caring dozens of foster children. I prayed. One day I knew what must be done. He needed to say goodbye to his foster mother. He needed closure. I was convinced a meeting to say goodbye would promote healing. Finally, the day came when we would meet. I brought all seven of my children so she could see the whole family. I walked in with J and he proudly presented her with the dozen brown

eggs he had collected that morning from the nesting boxes in the hen house. I had suggested he do so, believing it would bring him joy to gift them to the woman who had cared for him since birth. She drew him onto her lap and wrapped her arms around his little body. She smiled although I know she wanted to cry. She asked questions. She exclaimed over the eggs. She began to take comfort in the fact that he was safe and loved and cared for. He told her stories of catching catfish, collecting chicken eggs, jumping on a trampoline and riding bikes outside. He shared his new life with her and healing began. After a while, it was time to go and I dreaded the upset that was sure to follow. But when the moment came, he hugged her hard, ran to take my hand and walked out with us, his new family, into his future, his forever. He had needed closure. He could now move on. Grief comes in many forms, and it often looks different depending on the age of the child. Jill Sexton, LPC (licensed professional counselor), the APAC (Alabama Pre/Post Adoption Connections) Southern Region Team Leader/Statewide Clinical Coordinator and a Certified Child and Adolescent Trauma Professional, shared some insight into this difficult parenting issue. At what age can a child experience grief? Babies can experience grief such as losses and separation but because they can’t communicate verbally or understand cognitively why they are sad, they will express the loss by their behavior. A baby that is normally not fussy may become fussy. They may cry for what may seem like no reason.

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continued

Children up till around 7 to 9 don’t have the cognitive ability to understand the grief they are experiencing. It is confusing to them, but they still will use their behavior to express how they are feeling. They will also look to adults for understanding and the way the adult grieves can have impact on how the child grieves. John Bowlby and Colin Murray Parkes, bereavement experts, came up with four stages of grief for children. They are shock and numbness, yearning and searching, disorientation/disorganization, and reorganization/resolution. The best advice is not to think about the age of the child, but look at the behaviors following an event that causes grief in order to meet the child where he is to help him process the loss. How effective are creative outlets such as art or journaling for grief recovery? Each child responds differently to what helps them. Creative outlets are great if that is how the child wishes to process the loss. Being present for the child and available to talk, play a game, watch TV, etc. are helpful as well for those that don’t do well with the creative process. The biggest thing is to validate, emphasize, and be present with the child in however way she wishes to process the grief. At what point would counseling or therapy be indicated? Again, the child’s behaviors will dictate the need for additional services as well as the type of loss they are experiencing. If the child starts losing interest in things they once enjoyed doing, sleeping more, crying a lot for months after the event occurs, it may be wise to talk to someone. What would you tell a parent whose child is grieving how to listen to their children and help promote healing? Grief is an individualized process; no two people grieve the same way or in the same time frame. You may see improvement and then some regression; that is normal and okay. Be present with the child, check in with the child, validate and emphasize with the child, spend time with the child. I think this quote by beloved child TV star, Fred Rogers, reminds us that allowing our children to talk about what they feel is vital: “Anything that’s human is mentionable, and anything that is mentionable can be more manageable. When we can talk about our feelings, they become less overwhelming, less upsetting, and less scary. The people we trust with that important talk can help us know that we are not alone.”

Stephanie Rodda is a freelance writer, author, blogger and inspirational speaker who lives in the Birmingham area with her extra-large, ever-growing family.

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PA R E NTI NG P E O P L E

Doug Marshall Leads with Heart and Experience at Presbyterian Home for Children By Carol Muse Evans

Doug Marshall, president and CEO of the Presbyterian Home for Children in Talladega, says he’ll never forget a 14-year-old girl who had been brought into their care. It seems so simple, but when they learned she had never had a birthday party, they decided to throw a huge party for her. It broke his heart, the abuse and neglect she had experienced. It seemed like a small thing to do for her, but it was big to her. “Everything we do, we wrap up in love,” Marshall recalls. “When she came to us, there was not a sparkle in her eyes. Eyes never lie. It was not long before we did see a sparkle. She knew that she was at a home of healing on a path of hope.” Marshall became the president and CEO of the PHFC one year ago, an organization serving at risk and homeless children across Alabama for 150 years. “The average age of a homeless child in Alabama is six,” Marshall says. “In my “Everything we job, I’m like a mirror reflecting the incredible Photo by His Hands Photographs do, we wrap up in love. love that my staff has for children and families. An important part of the hope is education.” When she came to us, there Marshall came to the home with more than a was not a sparkle in her eyes. Marshall is a CPA who 30-year career in a variety of positions in Birmingham, including Ernst Eyes never lie. It was not long holds a minister of theology and Young, Energen, Alagasco, United Ability and Alabama Family degree, as well. He also before we did see a sparkle. She Trust. He served as a CPA, CFO and director of community relations, serves as a life and career knew that she was at a home of to name just a few titles he has worn. He brings his leadership, finance coach at Grace Ministries healing on a path of hope.” and organizational skills to the job, as well as a big heart for people, in Birmingham, and was especially children. “As I look back, the Lord’s hand has been in my —Doug Marshall recently named to the life, directing me to this place where I am now,” Marshall says. “Top 50 over 50 in central George A. Fritsma, immediate past moderator of the Presbyterian Alabama” and the “20 Home for Children Board of Trustees, echoed this sentiment in his Making a Difference” by the announcement of Marshall’s hire in late 2018. “…We felt led by the Daily Home newspaper in Talladega. He also serves as an advisory board Holy Spirit to Doug, who tells us that he believes his whole life has member for Easter Seals of Birmingham, and as treasurer-elect and board stood as God’s preparation for this important mission.” member for the Alabama Gerontological Society. Now Marshall takes his long-acquired skill set to serve in a less He says the mentors in his life include: Brian Bateh, partner at Warren corporate way, moving from the corporate world to working with those Averett and former chair of United Ability, Mike Warren, president and with disabilities, and now working with at-risk and homeless children. CEO of Children’s of Alabama, Dr. Gary Edwards, CEO of United Ability All along the way, his life has touched children and their families in and Tricia Kirk, president and CEO of The Exceptional Foundation. so many meaningful ways. Today, Marshall continues to promote and support the PCFH, asking “Doug is a caring and compassionate professional who always looks those who can and desire to consider them for your holiday giving, as for ways to improve the lives of others. He is open about his faith the work there is so important, including providing a Christmas to their and is inspiring to those who encounter him. We need more people families and children. like Doug Marshall in this world,” says Brian Bateh, partner, Warren For more information, visit www.phfc.org or call 256-362-2114. You Averett and former chair at United Ability, formerly United Cerebral can read more about the home itself in our profile in the August 2018 Palsy of Birmingham. issue of Birmingham Parent at issuu.com/birminghamparent/docs/ This married father of three grown children grew up in Meridian, bhamparent_0818/1?e=13526515/63523525. Mississippi, the child of schoolteacher parents, who says they instilled a love of education and impacting the lives of children. Today he says his goal is to see the organization remain strong and to continue to serve the children and families in need of hope. Carol Muse Evans is publisher of Birmingham Parent. 28 | birminghamparent | december 2018

ASK TH E AT TO R N E Y

Sponsored by

It’s the most wonderful time of the year! Take a break from all the preparations and take in a concert, go hiking with the family, or start a new Christmas tradition. There are several

DEC & JAN

wonderful events that are sure to help you get into the spirit of the holiday season. Also, as our calendar this month also includes January 2019, be sure to start the New Year off right PHOTO COURTESY BIRMINGHAM ZOO

by serving others in honor of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Day, Monday, January 21.

20 PHOTO COURTESY BIRMINGHAM BOYS CHOIR

ZOOLIGHT SAFARI — DEC. 7-9, 14-23, 26-31

41ST ANNUAL BIRMINGHAM BOYS CHOIR CHRISTMAS CONCERT 7-8:30pm, Briarwood Presbyterian Church. This concert is the choir’s gift to the community and a great holiday tradition. Enjoy traditional carols and more. Seating is open and no ticket is required. www.birminghamboyschoir.com. FREE.

June 16– Dec 30 · 2018

5pm, Birmingham Zoo. The zoo comes alive for 19 nights of holiday fun! More than one million lights, holiday music, festive snowfalls! Rides, slides, train and more! Visit Singing Santa through Dec. 23. Admission, information, www.birminghamzoo.com.

PHOTO COURTESY MOUNTAIN BROOK CHAMBER OF COMMERCE

2 MOUNTAIN BROOK CHRISTMAS PARADE 3-4pm, Mountain Brook Village. Santa is coming!

Folk Art from the Cargo Collection

Birmingham Museum of Art The Original Makers: Folk Art from the Cargo Collection has been made possible by grants from the Henry Luce Foundation, Alabama State Council on the Arts, the National Endowment for the Arts, the Alabama Power Foundation, and The Lydia Eustis Rogers Fund. We also extend our gratitude to the City of Birmingham for their sustained support for the Museum and its mission. Angel Choir with Director (detail), 1983–1987, painted wood; Collection of the Art Fund, Inc. at the Birmingham Museum of Art; Robert Cargo Folk Art Collection; Gift of Caroline Cargo, AFI.239.2013.1–.3a–g

birminghamparent.com | 33

december calendar 1 Saturday

4 Tuesday

Pepper Place Saturday Market 7am-noon, Pepper Place, 2829 2nd Ave. S. Shop local for the holiday season! Rain or shine. www.pepperplacemarket.com.

Gingerbread Workshop 6:15pm, Albert L. Scott Library, Alabaster. Sign up in advance and pre-pay $2 per house. Sign up by Monday, Dec. 3. All materials provided. All children must be with an adult. 205-664-6822.

Candyland Breakfasts/Brunch 8am, 10am, noon, Children’s Hands-On Museum, Tuscaloosa. Enjoy a visit from Santa and Mrs. Claus, music and more! Reservations, tickets, www.chomonline.org. Magic Christmas in Lights 5-9pm, Bellingrath Gardens and Home, Mobile. 23rd annual event. Through December 31. www.bellingrath.org. Alabaster Christmas Parade 10am, Highway 31 S. (Ernest McCarty Ford). Theme: “A Storybook Christmas.” www.cityofalabaster.com. UAB High School Honor Bands Concert 2pm, Alys Stephens Center. FREE. The Nutcracker presented by Birmingham Ballet 2pm, 7:30pm, Alabama Theatre. A Magic City tradition! Tickets, information, 800-745-3000, www.birminghamballet.com.

2 Sunday A Service of Advent Lessons and Carols 9-10am, 11-noon, Cathedral Church of the Advent, 2017 Sixth Ave. N., Birmingham. Birmingham Youth Wind Symphony Concert 2pm, Alys Stephens Center. FREE. The Nutcracker presented by Birmingham Ballet 2pm, Alabama Theatre, see December 1. Mountain Brook Christmas Parade 3-4pm, Mountain Brook Village. Santa is coming! UAB Piano Studio and Piano Ensembles Recital 7pm, Mary Culp Hulsey Recital Hall. FREE.

3 Monday Knight Chess Tournament 5:30-7pm, Homewood Library. K-12 graders welcome to learn strategy and have fun! FREE.

UAB Commercial Music Ensemble Concert 7pm, Mary Culp Hulsey Recital Hall. Led by Craig Brandwein. FREE.

5 Wednesday Sensory Storytime 10:30am, Homewood Library. Preschool age. FREE. Lego Club 3:30pm, Homewood Library. K-5th grade can come build! FREE.

6 Thursday Southeastern Outings Hike 8:15am, Tannehill Ironworks Historical State Park. Easy 3-mile hike on trails. Bring water. Meet 8:15am in parking lot behind McDonald’s Galleria to depart at 8:30am. Optional lunch afterward. Park admission required. Christine Heckemeyer, 2015-979-5730. ‘Tis the Season 7pm, DJD Theater, Alabama School of Fine Arts. The school’s music department presents a holiday concert perfect for the whole family. $10 adults, $5 students. www.asfaschool.org/ the-season.

7 Friday American Girls Club Holiday Concert & Cookies 4pm, Albert L. Scott Library, Alabaster. Families invited! Teen singer-pianist Mabrey Millard along with Charity Waldrep of Shelby County 4-H. Sing songs of the season! Children 7-younger must be with an adult. Zoolight Safari 5pm, Dec. 7-9, 14-23, 26-31, Birmingham Zoo. The zoo comes alive for 19 nights of holiday fun! More than one million lights, holiday music, festive snowfalls! Rides, slides, train and more! Visit Singing Santa through Dec. 23. Admission, information, www. birminghamzoo.com. Christmas at Arlington Hanging of the Green 6-9pm, Arlington Historic Home and Gardens. Candlelight tour and reception. $20 at the door. 205-780-5656, www.arlingtonantebellumhomeandgardens.com.

34 | birminghamparent | december 2018

Sponsored by

Trussville Caroling and Tree Lighting 6-7pm, The Mall in Trussville. Gather at the Christmas tree for caroling, dancing and other activities. Santa will be there! 205-655-7535, www.trussvillechamber.com. FREE.

UAB High School Honor Bands Concert 3pm, Alys Stephens Center. FREE.

Jingle All the Way: Songs and Stories of the Season 6:30-9pm, Homewood Library Auditorium. Storyteller Dolores Hydock and the music of Bobby Horton. Light hors d’oeuvres buffet. Advance reservations urged. Tickets $25; purchase at www. homewoodpubliclibrary.org or at the adult services desk.

Springville Christmas Parade 6pm, Highway 11 South to Springville Middle School. “Christmas in Whoville.” www.springvillealabama.org.

‘Tis the Season 7pm, DJD Theater, Alabama School of Fine Arts, see December 6. Home for the Holidays 7-9pm, Samford University Wright Center. Celebrate the season with the Alabama Symphony Orchestra. Red Diamond SuperPOPS! Series. Tickets, www.alabamasymphony.org.

8 Saturday Pepper Place Saturday Market 7am-noon, Pepper Place, 2829 2nd Ave. S. Shop local for the holidays! Rain or shine. www. pepperplacemarket.com. Alabama Wildlife Center Holiday Craft/Bake Sale 9am-3pm, Veterans Park, Hoover. Crafts, ornaments, handmade jewelry, food and more. Visit with Santa! FREE admission. 205-6637930, www.awrc.org Christmas at Arlington Open House 10am-4pm, Arlington Historic Home and Gardens. Refreshments, entertainment, music, photos and cookies with Santa, children’s activities and more. 205-780-5656, www.arlingtonantebellumhomeandgardens.com. FREE; donations accepted. Santa’s Gingerbread Workshop 10am-noon, 2-4pm, McWane Science Center. Build a new holiday tradition at this brandnew McWane event! Engineer your own edible masterpiece with fresh baked gingerbread and decorations from the candy buffet. Visit Santa, have cocoa and cookies, and ride the holiday train! Tickets, information, www. mcwane.org.

Trussville Christmas Parade 3-4pm, Parkway Drive to The Mall, Trussville. 205-655-7535, www. trussvillechamber.com. FREE.

A Visit with Santa! 8am-6pm, The Foundry Thrift Store locations. Free event! Guests will receive a free photo with Santa and a small keepsake from Santa’s elves. Visit one of the Foundry’s store locations, 3592 Pelham Parkway, Pelham; 6550 Aaron Aronov Drive, Fairfield; or 1636 2nd SW #B, Cullman. Information, foundryministries.com.

9 Sunday Christmas at Arlington 1-4pm, Arlington Historic Home and Gardens, see December 8. Southeastern Outings Hike 1:45pm, Oak Mountain State Park. A moderate 4-mile walk with some ups and downs. Well-behaved, properly supervised children 8-up welcome. Optional dinner afterward. Meet 1:45pm in park office parking lot to depart at 2pm. Bring park admission plus a drink. Doris Hatch, 205901-8367. Glory to the Newborn King 6pm, Briarwood Presbyterian Church. Performed by the Briarwood Ballet. FREE.

11 Tuesday Wacky Tacky Christmas Light Tour Bus tours leave from Avondale Brewing Company every 20 minutes from 6-7:30pm. Private bus tours available. Come see the best, worst and wackiest light displays in town, all on a two-hour bus ride. All proceeds go to scholarships for Fresh Air Family’s science camp, Gross Out Camp! Seating limited; email events@freshairfamily. org to reserve your spot on the bus. Tickets, information, www. freshairfamily.org, www.WackyTacky.org.

12 Wednesday Kids Holiday Party 10am-noon, Albert L. Scott Library, Alabaster. Children and their caregivers invited to a funfilled morning featuring Santa Claus and Mrs. Santa Claus, gingerbread man decorating in the meeting room, and a trackless train ride around the library parking lot. Free tickets available in the lobby for the train ride. All children must be with an adult. Sensory Storytime 10:30am, Homewood Library. Preschool age. FREE. Wacky Tacky Christmas Light Tour Bus tours leave from Avondale Brewing Company every 20 minutes from 6-7:30pm, see December 11.

13 Thursday Wacky Tacky Christmas Light Tour Bus tours leave from Avondale Brewing Company every 20 minutes from 6-7:30pm, see December 11. Evening with Santa 6:15-7pm, Albert L. Scott Library, Alabaster. Santa Claus and Mrs. Santa Claus will greet families and listen to children’s Christmas wishes in the meeting room. All children must be with an adult.

14 Friday The Cathedral Ringers Handbell Ensemble 12:30-1pm, Cathedral Church of the Advent, Birmingham. Seasonal music. FREE. Handel’s Messiah 7pm, Alys Stephens Center. The Alabama Symphony Orchestra performs the world’s most popular choral work of the season. Tickets, information, www. alabamasymphony.org. Alabama Ballet presents George Balanchine’s The Nutcracker® Dec. 14-23, Samford University Wright Center. Alabama Ballet is one of only eight companies in the world licensed by The Balanchine Trust to perform this masterpiece. Tickets, more information, www.alabamaballet.org.

15 Saturday Breakfast with Santa 8am, 9:30am, Birmingham Zoo. Make reservations for this pop-

ular holiday event! Enjoy a great breakfast followed by a visit from Saint Nick! All children receive a special treat upon arrival. Event price includes zoo admission for the day, an unlimited ride wristband, breakfast, activities and Santa visit. Tickets, www. birminghamzoo.com. Santa’s Gingerbread Workshop 10am-noon, 2-4pm, McWane Science Center, see December 8. 19th Annual Chelsea Christmas Parade 10am, Chelsea Middle School. Family event begins at the school and ends at Winn-Dixie. 9am entertainment at grandstand. To enter, information, www.cityofchelsea.com/christmas-parade-info.html.

16 Sunday Special Siblings 3:30-4:30pm, Homewood Library. K-12 grades. Support group for siblings of special needs children. Share ideas, experiences and the ever-changing needs of having a sibling with special needs. FREE.

17 Monday The Snow Queen 10:30am, Homewood Library. Celebrate classic tales with craft and activity stations. All ages. FREE.

29 CELEBRATE HEALTH IN THE NEW YEAR! Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Alabama hosts this fun event at Red Mountain Park, with 5K, 10K, 20K and one-mile options! Bring the family! Details, www.redmountainpark.org/resolutionrun.

20 Thursday 41st Annual Birmingham Boys Choir Christmas Concert 7-8:30pm, Briarwood Presbyterian Church. This concert is the choir’s gift to the community and a great holiday tradition. Seating is open and no ticket is required. www.birminghamboyschoir.com. FREE.

The Muppet Christmas Carol Movie 2-4:30pm, Hoover Library. The classic Dickens holiday tale! Refreshments provided. FREE.

21 Friday

Teen Ugly Sweater Design Party 3:30-4:30pm, Homewood Library. All supplies provided, including sweaters. If you have your own sweater, bring it! Register online if you need a sweater. FREE. www.homewoodpubliclibrary.org.

Southeastern Outings Hike 9:45am, Shoal Creek Park, Montevallo. Easy hike. Bring picnic lunch and water. Meet 9:45am in the McDonald’s Galleria parking lot, or 10:30am at the American Village parking lot in Montevallo. Well-behaved, properly-supervised children 7-up welcome. FREE park admission. Bill Ennis, 205-405-4636, billennis47@ gmail.com.

18 Tuesday A Very Electric Christmas 6:30pm, Alys Stephens Center. Lightwire Theater was featured as a semi-finalist on America’s Got Talent! A show of theater and technology. $15 adult, $10 child. 205-975-2787, www.alysstephens.org. Santa’s Stories from the North Pole 6pm dinner, 6:30pm Santa’s program, Vestavia Hills Library in the Forest. Children invited to visit with Santa after program. Family fun! 205-978-0155. FREE.

FIRST DAY OF WINTER 22 Saturday

24 Monday

CHRISTMAS EVE 25 Tuesday

CHRISTMAS DAY 29 Saturday Resolution Run Red Mountain Park. Presented by Blue Cross and Blue Shield

of Alabama. Celebrate health in the New Year! 5K, 10K, 20K and a one-mile family-friendly fun run. Times, information, www.redmountainpark.org/resolutionrun. Southeastern Outings Hike DeSoto State Park 8:45am, DeSoto State Park and Lost Falls. Five-mile hike. Well-behaved, carefully-supervised children 9-up welcome. No dogs or smoking allowed. Optional dinner afterward. Meet 8:45am at Applebee’s Trussville to depart at 9am. Dan Frederick, 205-631-4680, seoutings@ bellsouth.net.

31 Monday

NEW YEAR’S EVE Noon Year’s Eve 9am-5pm, McWane Science Center. Celebrate the New Year a few hours early! Science, dance the afternoon away with a sparkling juice toast and a special surprise to welcome in the “noon” year! Information, www.mcwane.org. Cheers! The New Year’s Eve Concert 6pm, Alys Stephens Center. Presented by the Alabama Symphony Orchestra, dance into the New Year with waltzes, polkas and marches by Johann Strauss II, alongside dance-inspired music from around the world. www.alabamasymphony.org. birminghamparent.com | 35

january calendar 1 Tuesday

NEW YEAR’S DAY 2 Wednesday Alabama, My Home Sweet Home Book Party 10:30am, Homewood Library. A special Alabama Bicentennial celebration! Author Charles Ghigna and illustrator Michelle Hazelwood Hyde will present a special reading and activities based on their book!

3 Thursday Handel’s Water Music 6pm, Alys Stephens Center. This concert pairs the Alabama Symphony Orchestra with the Cahaba River Society, bringing people together for a healthier Cahaba River. Information, www. alabamasymphony.org.

6 Sunday Special Siblings 3:30-4:30pm, Homewood Library. K-12 grades. Support group for siblings of special needs children. Share ideas, experiences and the ever-changing needs of having a sibling with special needs. FREE.

7 Monday Knight Chess Tournament 5:30-7pm, Homewood Library. K-12 graders welcome to learn strategy and have fun! FREE.

9 Wednesday Sensory Story Time 3:30pm, Albert L. Scott Library, Alabaster. An interactive and educational program mainly designed for children with sensory integration challenges. Books, songs, movement and more.

The Beginning: Beethoven’s First Symphony 7pm, Alys Stephens Center. A journey through all nine Beethoven symphonies! Tickets, information, www.alabamasymphony.org.

12 Saturday The Beginning: Beethoven’s First Symphony 7pm, Alys Stephens Center, see December 11.

13 Sunday Southeastern Outings Hike 1:45pm, Oak Mountain State Park. Moderate 4-mile walk. Well-behaved, properly supervised children age 8-up welcome. Meet 1:45 pm in park office lot, depart at 2pm. Bring $5/person ($2 seniors) park admission plus a drink. Doris Hatch, 205-901-8367.

14 Monday

event for people to give back to their community. Projects begin January 13 and are held all week. For more information or to register as an individual or group for a service project, go to www. handsonbirmingham.org/MLK.

21 Monday

DR. MARTIN LUTHER KING, JR. DAY Birmingham Civil Rights Institute 9am-5pm. BCRI is open and free to the public to observe Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Day.

23 Wednesday Sensory Story Time 3:30pm, Albert L. Scott Library, Alabaster. An interactive and educational program mainly designed for children with sensory integration challenges. Books, songs, movement and more.

18 Friday

25 Friday

Carmina Burana & The Rite of Spring 7pm, Alys Stephens Center. The Alabama Symphony Orchestra performs. www.alabamasymphony.org.

American Girls Club 4pm, Albert L. Scott Library, Alabaster. Girls age 7-older can sign up and come with or without a doll to explore Josefina’s world.

11 Friday

MLK Day 5K Drum Run 7am-11am, 12th St. S. and 1st Ave. S. Celebrate Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Day in the spirit of sisterhood and brotherhood with fellowship and fitness! Information, registration, www. mlkday5kbham.com.

Sensory Play Day 10:30am, Homewood Library. Multiple stations and activities in a sensory-inclusive atmosphere. Preschool age. FREE.

MLK Jr. Day of Service Hands On Birmingham, a program of United Way of Central Alabama, sponsors this annual

Carmina Burana & The Rite of Spring 7pm, Alys Stephens Center. The Alabama Symphony Orchestra performs. www.alabamasymphony.org.

Homeschool Happening 10-11am, Albert L. Scott Library, Alabaster. Students grades 1-12 can sign up for stretch, strengthen and snack with 4-H. Six-yearolds must be with an adult.

19 Saturday

Sponsored by

BIRMINGHAM CIVIL RIGHTS INSTITUTE CELEBRATES DR. MARTIN LUTHER KING, JR. DAY 9am-5pm. BCRI is open and free to the public to observe Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Day.

26 Saturday Alabama Symphony Orchestra presents The Mambo Kings 7-9pm, Samford University Wright Center. Enjoy New York’s foremost Latin jazz ensemble in concert with the ASO! Tickets, information, www.alabamasymphony.org.

27 Sunday Our Lady of Sorrows Catholic School Open House 2-4pm, 1720 Oxmoor Road, Homewood. Empower your

child’s future with an affordable Christ-centered education. 205879-3237, www.olsschool.com.

28 Monday NASA Night 6:30pm, Homewood Library. All ages. Astronaut Dr. Lawrence DeLucas shares his space story. See lunar and meteorite samples loaned from the Johnson Space Center and NASA. www.homewoodpubliclibrary.org.

PLEASE NOTE: Events may change after publication deadline; please phone ahead to confirm important information. The deadline for submitting calendar items for the February 2019 print issue is January 7. Mail calendar items to: Calendar, Birmingham Parent, P.O. Box 326, Helena, AL 35080; fax to 624-2515; e-mail to calendar@BirminghamParent.com; or enter directly to the online calendar at www.birminghamparent.com. Entries added online after the print deadline will not appear in the print version. Information cannot be accepted over the phone. Birmingham Parent publishes a calendar 11 times a year. January events are included in the December issue. Guidelines: Birmingham Parent’s calendar is intended to be a resource and service to the community and our readers. Events which are open to the public, fundraisers, free classes, etc., are events that may be included in our monthly calendar. We reserve the right to reject any event or listing due to rules or space restrictions. For questions regarding calendar entries, call 624-2405 or e-mail calendar@birminghamparent.com.

36 | birminghamparent | december 2018

Sponsored by

events & attractions n Aldridge Botanical Gardens • Mad Hatter Fairy Garden Tea Party! 11am-1pm, Monday, January 21, Aldridge Gardens. Decorate a small garden container, have tea, play games and more! Wear your fanciest hat! Register online at www.aldridgegardens.com. 3530 Lorna Road, Hoover. 205-682-8019

n American Village • Colonial Christmas Lunches and Tours. 10:30am-noon (tour, lunch); noon-2:30pm (lunch, tour), Monday through Friday, from December 3-7. Pre-reservations required; 205-665-3535, x1031, www. americanvillage.org. Highway 119, Montevallo. 205-665-3535, www. americanvillage.org

n Birmingham Botanical Gardens www.bbgardens.org/documents/ treasuremapforweb.pdf 2612 Lane Park Road, 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 BCRI is open and free to the public from 9am-5pm on Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Day, Monday, January 21. 16th St. N., Birmingham. 205-328-9696, www.bcri.org

n Birmingham Museum of Art • Bart’s Art Cart! Free drop-in art program for kids and families features a different theme from galleries and art activity each month. Saturdays from 11am-1pm. • Bart’s Books. A storytelling program for children ages 4-7. 2000 Rev. Abraham Woods Jr. Blvd., Birmingham. 205-254-2565, www. artsbma.org

n Birmingham Zoo • Zoolight Safari Presented by Wells Fargo! The zoo comes alive for 19 nights of holiday fun! More than one million lights, holiday music, festive snowfalls! Rides, slides, train and more! Begins at 5pm each night! Dates: December 7-9, 14-23, 26-31. Visit the Singing Santa through Dec. 23. Admission, information, www.birminghamzoo.com. • Breakfast with Santa! 8am, 9:30am, December 15, Birmingham Zoo. Make reservations for this popular holiday event! All children receive a special treat upon arrival. Event price includes zoo admission for the day, an unlimited ride wristband, breakfast, activities and Santa visit. Tickets, www.birminghamzoo.com.

• Special Saturdays. On the second Saturday of each month from 10-11am for ages 8-up, the Birmingham Zoo and KultureCity presents a series of zoo-based learning experiences for children and adolescents with cognitive or physical disabilities. Caregivers must attend all classes. FREE; space is limited to 10 students per class. Information, Roger Torbert, rtorbert@birminghamzoo.com. 2630 Cahaba Road, Birmingham. 205-879-0409, www.birminghamzoo.com

n Heart of Dixie Railroad Museum • Ride the Santa Special! Train rides and more! December 1, 8, 15. • Ride the North Pole Express! Train rides and more! December 2, 9. Tickets, information, www. hodrrm.org. 1919 Ninth St., Calera. 205-668-3435, www.hodrrm.org

n McWane Science Center • The Magic of Model Trains! This annual favorite is back! Ride the holiday train and check out the train exhibit! Through January 6, 2019. • Throwback Prices! On the 20th of every month this year, McWane will offer admission at the same price as it was when it opened 20 years ago! • Member Mondays. Every Monday, McWane Science Center members receive lots of extra perks while visiting! Includes a special gift for kids when checking in, 30 percent discount on gift shop purchases, $1 small popcorn at IMAX concession stand and a free members-only evening event each month. Also, on the second Monday of each month, McWane opens its doors from 5-8pm for its members. • Blue Star Museums Military Discount. Blue Star Museums offers FREE admission to active duty military with up to five family members. To learn more visit bluestarfam. org. Offer does not include IMAX movies or parking. IMAX Movies: • Oceans. New ocean science and technology has allowed us to go further into the unknown than we ever thought possible. Discover a spectacular world of life beneath the waves. • Pandas. This film follows a researcher at Chengdu Panda Base in China, where scientists are dedicated to protecting the species by breeding adult Giant Pandas in order to introduce cubs into the wild. 200 19th St. N., Birmingham. 205714-8300, www.mcwane.org.

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