THE PREMIER PARENTING MAGAZINE FOR CENTRAL ALABAMA
FREE
MAY 2015
MAKING COLLEGE DECISIONS: What Parents Should Consider
MIKE ROWE Talks Tech and Trade Careers
DO YOU VOLUNTEER? Do College Admission Boards Care?
College & Career Planning Guide INSIDE
WHAT BEING A MOM MEANS: Area Celebrity Moms Weigh In PRENATAL NUTRITION & YOU
2 | birminghamparent | may 2015
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editor’s note 3590-B Hwy. 31 S. #289 Pelham, AL 35124 205-987-7700 205-987-7600 FAX www.birminghamparent.com
editorial Publishers David & Carol Evans Editor Carol Muse Evans Associate Editor Lori Chandler Pruitt Office Assistant Bethany Adams Calendar Lori Chandler Pruitt Contributors Charles Ghigna, Dr. Vivian Friedman, Gerry P. Smith, Ginny Cooper McCarley, Cameron Askew MD, Carol Brzozowski, Paige Townley, Mandee Heller Adler
SAVE THE DATE! August 8, 2015 will be our 2nd annual HAPPY HEALTHY KIDS FAIR, this year at Riverchase Galleria, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. While you’re out doing your back-toschool shopping on this tax-free shopping weekend in Alabama, be sure to drop by and see what all our vendors and sponsors have to offer for the coming school year.
Welcome to the May issue of Birmingham Parent
Y
ou’ll find the copy you have in your hands is slightly larger than our issues used to be. With a printer change, we had the opportunity to increase our size – and we did. Now you have a little more of Birmingham Parent to read and love. And you’ll see a few other tweaks and changes such as print and other little things. Never wanting to become stale, Birmingham Parent is trying to be better and better. Now in our 12th year of publishing, there have been lots of changes through the years, but we hope we’re not just getting older, we’re getting better. You may have noticed a few new columns. Let us know what you think. Please share your likes and things you’d like to see with us, too. We’ve added “Poetry Party” each month for fun with poems with local author Charles Ghigna, and “Party Perfect” with Sharp Soirees to give you great ideas for hosting your own perfect party. THIS MONTH We hope you enjoy this special issue with highlights from area mothers about what being a mother means to them (see page). We also have our focus on “planning for college & career” this month – check out the stories and directory listings beginning on page 11, from alternatives to traditional college to the college resume. Of course, our monthly calendar of events is here to help you with your daily and weekend planning for your family. Expecting your first or next child? We’ve got a great “Baby & Me” story this month on prenatal nutrition, too. Happy May! Summer is right around the corner.
Carol Muse Evans, Publisher/Editor carol@birminghamparent.com 4 | birminghamparent | may 2015
sales Account Executive Kayla Fricks Webmaster Digital Doo-Wop
art & production Art Director Hilary Moreno Distribution T&P Deliveries Legal Counsel Balch & Bingham LLP BIRMINGHAM PARENT IS A PUBLICATION OF EVANS PUBLISHING, LLC. Publishers: Carol Muse Evans, David K. Evans Sr. Birmingham Parent (EIN20-0694149) is published monthly by Evans Publishing LLC. www.birminghamparent.com or editor@birminghamparent.com. Birmingham Parent is © 2013 by Evans Publishing LLC. Family Connections Media ©2011 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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birminghamparent.com | 5
table of contents THE PREMIER PARENTING MAGAZINE FOR CENTRAL ALABAMA
FREE
COLLEGE & CAREER PLANNING GUIDE 16
MAKING COLLEGE DECISIONS: What Parents Should Consider
MIKE ROWE Talks Tech and Trade Careers
DO YOU VOLUNTEER? Do College Admission Boards Care?
9
WHAT BEING A MOM MEANS: Area Celebrity Moms Weigh In
College & Career Planning Guide
PRENATAL NUTRITION & YOU
INSIDE
14 20 30 24
departments Note 04 Editor’s Welcome to the May Issue of Birmingham Parent
07
Parenting with Dr. Friedman
8 Short Stuff 0 09 School News 26 A Page in a Book: the Specialist: 28 Ask Is It Time to Consider Surgical Weight-Loss? Perfect: 38 Party A Party to Celebrate
9
Adoption
41
May 2015 Calendar of Events
Party: 46 Poetry I Like Poems!
features BOOK 24 BABY Prenatal Health
14
20
Mike Rowe Talks Technical and Trade Careers
Volunteering in High School: Do College Admissions Boards Really Care?
16 Making College Decisions: What Parents Should Consider
BEING 30 WHAT A MOTHER MEANS: Local Celebrity Moms Weigh In GUIDE: 34 DESTINATION The Beach Club, Orange Beach, Pensacola
TO GO OR NOT TO GO: A Look at Four-Year College Alternatives PAGE 18
ON THE COVER: Breanna, age 16, of Birmingham, is making graduation and college decisions during her junior year of high school. PHOTO BY KIM BRANTLEY PHOTOGRAPHY, www.kimbrantleyphotography.com.
6 | birminghamparent | may 2015
34
parenting
Parenting with Dr. Friedman
Q:
A classmate of mine in high school is eating a half gallon of ice cream and then making herself vomit. She doesn’t do this every day but about once per week. She also thinks that she is ugly and fat in spite of her being normal weight and attractive. She thinks her nose is too big and is crooked and her thighs are too fat. Her friends know about her purging but she doesn’t want them to tell her parents. Is this behavior dangerous even though she does not do it often? Should we tell her parents? Your friend has an emotional disorder called bulimia nervosa. It is a serious eating disorder that is associated with increased rates of suicide and accidental death. Do not assume that she is safe because she tells you that she is not doing it often. You do not really know the truth about the frequency of her bingeing. While it sometimes feels good to be on the inside of a secret that a friend has shared, some secrets are dangerous to keep. Your friend needs help and may in fact, be telling you that she does, by confiding in you. She may be secretly hoping that you will go to her parents or to the guidance counselor at school. You need to tell a responsible adult and not bear the news alone. You need to do this soon. Bulimia is a disorder that involves bingeing and purging. The person binge eats and vomits or misuses laxatives to get rid of the calories. The person usually has a distorted self-image and feels unattractive when not thin. Unlike another eating
disorder – anorexia nervosa – bulimics typically have normal weight. Bulimics are often depressed, lonely (even when they appear to have friends), ashamed and feel empty. Friends may describe this person as fun to be with but inside the bulimic feels defective. Because impulse control is a part of bulimia, some bulimics may have other symptoms of impulse control such as shoplifting, alcohol and drug abuse, and sexual acting out. Many young alcohol abusers also have eating disorders of one type or another. Both are attempts to deal with depression and emotional emptiness. Some eating disorders reflect ambivalence about growing up and assuming an independent adult or a sexual role. Some bulimics are overly dependent upon their parents or paradoxically, have not had enough attention from their families so they are not ready to move on to the next stage of life. Ninety percent of patients with eating disorders are female and 10
percent are male. Most often, the problem starts in the teenage years or the early twenties. In addition to your friend’s bulimia, she has some traits of “body dysmorphic disorder.” Persons with BDD are excessively concerned with appearance and are not reassured by admiring friends or family. In some cases, they may undergo unnecessary plastic surgery but they are rarely satisfied with the results. They are at an elevated risk for suicide and nearly always suffer from depression. You must tell either the girl’s parents or another adult who is responsible and involved with your friend. If that person doesn’t take action, keep on telling until someone does. The school guidance counselor might be a good place to start. Your friend is emotionally troubled and you cannot help her alone. Despite her request for secrecy, she is asking for your help in letting an adult know. She told you because she is scared about her secret.
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.
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415 West Oxmoor Road Birmingham 5751 Pocahontas Road Bessemer 3045 Independence Dr. Homewood birminghamparent.com | 7
short stuff SHERIFF’S CORNER Be Safe Around the Pool this Summer
Keep Kids Safe When Spring Cleaning Your Home
Now is the perfect time to clean out your home and get a fresh, organized start to the spring and summer season. There is nothing like that first warm day where you can open all of the windows and let fresh air into the house while you clean. While chores like vacuuming and storing winter clothes are on most people’s minds, child safety checks may not be. The Window Covering Safety Council (WCSC) is reminding parents and caregivers that the home may contain potential safety hazards for children. The organization, dedicated to informing consumers about window cord safety, is urging all parents and caregivers to be conscious of child safety this spring. The tips below can be used during any cleaning routine to help keep your home safe for loved ones. ● Check that your window coverings are safe for children. Only cordless window coverings should be installed in homes with young children, because cords may pose a strangulation hazard. Replace corded blinds, shades and draperies with today’s safer cordless products. ● If you cannot immediately replace older corded window treatments, be sure to keep all window pull cords and inner lift cords out of the reach of children. Make sure that tasseled pull cords are short and continuous-loop cords are permanently anchored to the floor or wall. You can order free repair kits available through the WCSC at 800-506-4636 or visit windowcoverings.org.
By Sheriff Mike Hale Drowning is a preventable cause of death and injury for children. By putting proven safety behaviors and systems into practice, you and your family will be much more secure in and around public and residential pools. If you own a pool, I recommend that you create a pool safety toolkit to have near your pool or spa to ensure that if the worst happens, you are ready to respond. What should be in a pool safety toolkit for your home pool or spa? — A first aid kit — A pair of scissors to cut hair, clothing or a pool cover, if needed ● Check that all furniture, cribs, beds and climbable surfaces are located away from windows. ● Clean out your medicine cabinet and throw away any expired over-the-counter medicines. Make sure that all medicines have child-proof containers or are located in a locked cabinet. ● Test all smoke alarms and carbon monoxide detectors and replace the batteries. ● Inspect any childproofing devices for signs that they may be worn out. Cabinet latches, child safety gates and furniture covers can become less effective after extended use and may need to be replaced.
— A flotation device Following these simple steps can save valuable time in the event of an emergency. It is also important that children NEVER be left alone in a pool. A child can drown in less than a minute. They require constant supervision to ensure a safe environment.
● Make sure all outlets have covers that cannot be easily removed and that are large enough to prevent a choking hazard. For more information on window cord safety in the home, visit www.windowcoverings.org. Connect with WCSC on Facebook and Twitter for more home safety ideas, and to help pass safety on.
Magic City Face Art 205-613-0443 www.magiccityfaceart.com
FACE PAINTING AT ITS FINES T 8 | birminghamparent | may 2015
— A charged portable telephone to call 911
Learn about the weather with Charles Ghigna’s new board books!
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www.capstoneyoungreaders.com
COLLEGE & CAREER PLANNING GUIDE
MAY 2015 COLLEGE AND CAREER DIRECTORY
Photo courtesy Indian Springs
Brown Mackie College – Birmingham 105 Vulcan Rd. Birmingham, AL 35209 205-909-1697 www.brownmackie.edu The Brown Mackie College system of schools provides higher education to traditional and nontraditional students through bachelor’s degree, associate degree and diploma programs.
COLLEGES & SCHOOLS Auburn University at Montgomery 7400 East Dr. Montgomery, AL 36117 334-244-3000 admissions@aum.edu www.aum.edu Auburn University at Montgomery was founded in 1967. The nationally accredited university offers more than 90 degree programs to more than 5,000 undergraduate and graduate student. Birmingham Southern College 900 Arkadelphia Rd. Birmingham, AL 35254 800-523-5793 www.bsc.edu Founded in 1856, BSC, a liberal arts school, is affiliated with the United Methodist Church and is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools.
Central Alabama Community College • Alexander City Campus 1675 Cherokee Rd Alexander City, AL 35010 256-234-6346 • Childersburg Campus 34091 US Highway 280 Childersburg, AL 35044 256-378-5576 • Talladega Center 1009 South Street East Talladega, AL 35160 256-480-2066 www.cacc.edu Central Alabama Community College is a multi-campus community college providing quality, customer-driven educational opportunities to enhance the lives of those we serve. Indian Springs School 190 Woodward Dr. Indian Springs, AL 35124 205-988-3350 admission@indiansprings.org ExperienceSprings.org Inspired by the motto “Learning through Living,” Indian Springs School helps students reach their full potential by encouraging them to challenge themselves and to engage in their community and world.
Joseph Bruno Montessori Academy 5509 Timber Hill Rd. Birmingham, AL 35242 205-995-8709 For 30 years JBMA has equipped children with the essential skills and knowledge they need to thrive as a successful adult. Enrolling toddlers - 8th grade. UAB | University of Alabama at Birmingham 1701 11th Ave. S. Bingham, AL 35294 205-934-8221 chooseuab@uab.edu uab.edu/apply At UAB, students receive the benefit of expert instruction, exciting academic challenges, and experiences that will prepare them for a future in the job market, the lab, or the classroom. TUTORING & ENRICHMENT PROGRAMS The Academy of the Arts at Samford University South Lakeshore Dr. Birmingham, AL 35229 205-726-4049 205-726-2810 chmacon@samford.edu www.samford.edu/academy-ofthe-arts Music for children & adults at Samford University in Homewood. Preschool piano; Kindermusik; private & group piano, voice, and strings lessons. Mathnasium The Math Learning Center 410 Inverness Corners Birmingham, Alabama 35242
(205) 437 3322 invernesscorners@mathnasium.com www.mathnasium.com/ invernesscorners Our goal is to significantly increase your child’s math skills and overall school performance, while building confidence and a positive attitude towards math. Kumon of Hoover 3744 Lorna Rd. Hoover, AL 35216 205-444-9485 mikecobb@ikumon.com Kumon of Greystone 270 Doug Baker Blvd. #400 Birmingham, AL 35242 205-994-7200 animeetapatel@ikumon.com www.kumon.com The Kumon Method was created to help children of all ages and academic levels succeed—in the classroom and in life. Spirit of Math Vestavia Hills Campus Now Open! Campus at Birmingham International Church Directly across from Piztiz Middle School 1380 Montgomery Hwy. Vestavia Hills, AL 35216 205-460-3907 Birmingham@spiritofmath.com www.spiritofmath.com Grades 1 to 8. Exciting, fastpaced after school math classes for high-performing students. Children with above average grades are considered for acceptance. Classes filling quickly, register now!
a ladies boutique with stylish and affordable fashion
Come see the latest in trendy clothing including Piko tops, tunics and other fashion must-haves, as well as fun jewelry and other accessories. Becky’s at Brookwood Village. Find Becky’s on Facebook at www.facebook.com/BeckysGiftsAL $10 OFF a purchase of $50 or more.
One coupon/person. Does not apply to previous purchases, sale or clearance items. Expires 5.31.15.
birminghamparent.com | 9
COLLEGE & CAREER PLANNING GUIDE
BIRMINGHAM SOUTHERN COLLEGE BSC: Preparing the professionals of tomorrow You can go anywhere for a college degree. At Birmingham-Southern College, we’re committed to offering you the hands-on experiences you’ll need to succeed—no matter what field you choose. Our unique January term gives you four weeks of flexibility to pursue your dreams, and our top-notch academic programs will give you the skills to succeed. At BSC, you’ll: EXPLORE the world and discover your own passions. You’ll find your own path, all while building the skills today’s employers want. EXPERIENCE learning in a new way. Tackle challenges you never imagined, then take what you learn beyond the classroom. Whatever you choose—an internship, research with a professor, a one-on-one mentorship, a service project, or your own invention— you’ll get the tools you need. EXCEL before graduation and beyond. Our students are among the very best, and our alumni exceed all expectations. U.S. senators, museum directors, prize-winning authors, NASA scientists, attorneys, entrepreneurs, physicians, and more credit BSC for their success. They’re also eager to help you meet your goals. With more than 50 areas of study, we have countless routes to your future. Come see why Forbes magazine so often ranks BSC No. 1 in the state, and the book “Colleges That Change Lives” lists BSC among just 40 schools honored, calling it “what college ought to be.” ARE YOU READY?
university of alabama at birmigham Your world will never be the same. At UAB, voices from across the globe come together on a campus ranked among the most diverse campuses in the nation. Students share cultures and unique interests for an enriched education that surpasses the standard curriculum. Bringing the world to UAB students offers a wealth of experiences during college, preparing them to create experiences of their own after graduation. Birmingham offers opportunities to learn from top scholars, performers, and experts. Programs from the sciences to the arts and humanities, and exclusive internship opportunities, give students the benefit of expert instruction and exciting challenges that will prepare them for any future they can imagine. UAB’s 147 degrees include courses of study that can’t be found anywhere else in the state or even in the Southeast. Placing unique curricula in real-life context leads to a life-changing education. Waiting until graduate school to begin research means waiting for a chance to make world-changing discoveries. Every year, more than 3,500 undergraduates work with the nation’s top scholars, making breakthroughs in the lab, classroom, studio, and community. How can our knowledge change your world? Learn more at uab.edu. KNOW MORE 11,679 undergraduates on campus 529,000 square feet of lab space 400 Study Away programs across 40 different countries 250+ student organizations 9 pre-professional programs offered
900 Arkadelphia Rd, Birmingham, AL 35254 www.bsc.edu (205) 226-4600 10 | birminghamparent | april 2014 10 | birminghamparent | may 2015
205.934.8221 uab.edu/apply
COLLEGE & CAREER PLANNING GUIDE
central alabama community college
BROWN MACKIE COLLEGE
auburn montgomery
Central Alabama Community College has a strong history as one of Alabama’s five original community colleges. With four locations now in Alexander City, Childersburg, Talladega and Millbrook, Central Alabama offers a wonderful higher education opportunity truly in the CENTRAL part of Alabama. In keeping with that tradition, we at CACC understand how valuable the first two years of college are to laying a solid foundation for your future. Our classes are accessible and accommodating to fit the busiest of schedules, with day, evening, hybrid, and on-line courses.
Are you still looking for the right school?
AUM offers a small campus vibe with big school opportunities. Located in Montgomery’s trendy east side, Auburn Montgomery offers a top-notch education in a caring, personalized environment. The university is consistently named the area’s best college by readers of the Montgomery Advertiser and ranked as one of the Southeast’s top universities by U.S. News and World Report.
The focus of your college experience will revolve around strong academics and the unparalleled access to state-of-the-art technology, highly qualified faculty and the personal attention afforded by CACC’s intimate class sizes. Whether your aim is certification, a two-year degree, a jump start on a four-year degree or simply continuing your education, you can feel confident that you will leave CACC with a sharper focus on life. High school students can even get a jump start on their college career by enrolling in CACC’s dual-enrollment program, which allows high school sophomores, juniors, and seniors to earn college credits while still enrolled in high school. In addition to strong academics, CACC offers a vast array of clubs and organizations, performing arts, and state & national championship athletic teams in baseball, softball, and golf.
Central Alabama... Central to YOU... Central to YOUR Success
Central A labama Community College www.CACC.edu
You want to weigh your options before choosing a school – and you should. It’s a big decision. But at Brown Mackie College – Birmingham, we’re here to help make that decision easier. For years, we’ve helped students change their lives through careerfocused education by offering a variety of bachelor degree, associate degree and diploma programs in popular fields like healthcare and wellness, business and technology, and legal studies. As a student at Brown Mackie College, you’ll have our full support from enrollment through graduation. We offer academic advisement, tutoring, career guidance and financial aid for students who qualify. In addition, each new student receives tablet technology upon enrollment, giving you the opportunity to connect with instructors and share the latest course information. What else sets Brown Mackie College apart? It’s simple: Our One Course A Month® schedule. One Course A Month® allows you to focus on just one subject each month before moving on to the next – and you’ll still graduate on time. It’s great for balancing work, life and school. Located in southwest Birmingham, Brown Mackie College gives you the opportunity to pursue a new career in a city with much to offer. Birmingham is known for its big-city sophistication and small-town hospitality, making it the perfect place to continue your education.
Finding an area of study that fits your unique interests is an easy task at AUM. The university boasts more than 90 academic programs at the undergraduate and graduate levels, including distinct programs in Geographic Information Systems, Hospitality and Tourism, Justice and Public Safety and Cybersystems and Information Security. With a student/teacher ratio of 15:1, dedicated faculty and staff committed to helping you reach your goals, and the Warhawk Academic Success Center – you will get the individualized help you need to succeed in college and in life. College is about more than academics. Outside the classroom, AUM student life offers something to suit all interests, with 10 Greek organizations, 20 curriculum-related clubs, numerous honor societies, religious groups, special interest organizations, 10 competitive varsity sports, and a state-of-the art Wellness Center. Come see for yourself why AUM is the place for you. Schedule a campus tour today at 334-244-3615.
To learn more about Brown Mackie College – Birmingham, visit JustOneCourse.com.
Brown Mackie College - Birmingham 105 Vulcan Road, Suite 100 Birmingham, AL, 35209 205.909.1500
7400 East Drive Montgomery, AL 334-244-3000 www.aum.edu birminghamparent.com | 11
MAKING A HABIT OF CHALLENGING THE STATUS QUO
uab.edu/apply
ACADEMY OF THE ARTS AT SAMFORD UNIVERSITY presents
SUMMER MUS C AND ART CAMPS taught by experienced faculty and staff
ART
June 8–12 (grades 6–8) June 22–26 (grades 1–5)
Adventures in Music
June 15–19 (piano only) July 6–10 (piano and voice)
All Aboard for Music July 13–17
726-4049 or 726-2739 www.samford.edu/academy-of-the-arts
12 | birminghamparent | may 2015
Math Help
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Birmingham-Southern College birminghamparent.com | 13
COLLEGE & CAREER PLANNING GUIDE
Mike Rowe Talks Technical and Trade Careers By Carol Brzozowski Despite the drum-beating in high school over college preparations, not every student desires to go to college. The United States has a “dysfunctional relationship” with work, says Mike Rowe, who has attained success and recognition in promoting work that doesn’t necessarily require a college degree. “There’s a trillion dollars of student loans on the books, the lowest level of workforce participation in decades, and hundreds of thousands of skilled positions that no one seems to want,” he says. “And still we tell our kids that a four-year degree is their best hope of success? We’re lending money we don’t have to kids who can’t pay it back so they can pursue jobs that no longer exist. That’s dysfunctional.” One of the biggest laments in
“The definition of a ‘good’ job has become very narrow and current expectations are completely out of whack with available opportunities.”
14 | birminghamparent | may 2015
many industries where jobs don’t necessarily require college degrees is finding people who want to do the work, and to do it well. Students whose hearts are set on the trades have a champion for the cause in Rowe. After spending nearly a decade on the road where he took part in 300 various “dirty jobs” for his former television series of the same name, Rowe is tackling what is arguably the “dirtiest” task of all: changing the American perception toward the hard work of skilled labor. His mikeroweWORKS Foundation, founded in 2008, is an intense campaign designed to reinvigorate the trades and bolster alternative education options. Through his foundation, Rowe is raising money for scholarships for young men and women demonstrating an aptitude and interest in mastering a skilled trade. Qualified candidates are students partway through an accredited trade school or apprenticeship program and in need of financial assistance.
COLLEGE & CAREER PLANNING GUIDE
mikeroweWORKS has partnered with companies of all sizes, as well as the Boy Scouts of America (which honored him as a Distinguished Eagle Scout), Skills USA, and Future Farmers of America, in an effort to promote the trades. This year, Rowe’s foundation will award $2 million in trade school scholarships based on work ethic. In his advocacy role for the trades, Rowe has testified before both houses of Congress. He speaks regularly about the widening skills gap, apprenticeship programs, and the dangers of college debt. Rowe continues his work as a narrator, public speaker, writer and his television work. He recently launched a new program, “Somebody’s Gotta Do It,” which debuted this fall on CNN. He meets with top-level officials of companies such as Bechtel, a construction company that has expressed an interest in supporting the foundation and with the Caterpillar company, which he says has been a “great partner around the whole area of tech recruitment.”
Rowe is profoundly connected to his cause: he is working on assembling an association of trade schools. He avails himself of any opportunity he can to raise money for his foundation, including selling on eBay items he’s accumulated while filming his ‘Dirty Jobs’ television program. Although Rowe is one of the most visible advocates for skilled labor in the country, by his own admission, he wasn’t given the “handy” gene. His hit show, Dirty Jobs, changed his life, not only professionally, but personally. “The thing I heard most often on Dirty Jobs was the challenge of finding people who were willing to learn a new skill, get their hands dirty, and work their butts off,” Rowe says. “The definition of a ‘good’ job has become very narrow and current expectations are completely out of whack with available opportunities.” Rowe testified to Congress that the skills gap is “not a mystery, but a reflection of what we value.” Rowe says he doesn’t believe he can ultimately
change the negative mentality some people possess regarding hard labor. “But I can make a case, and I can make some noise,” he points out. “I can shine a light on the opportunities that are available and introduce the country to people who have turned a useful skill into a great living. I can get others involved.” And he can reward the kind of behavior he wants to encourage, he adds. “Scholarships based on things like academic achievement, athletic prowess, and musical talent are everywhere. So are need-based stipends,” he says. “I’m more interested in rewarding a specific kind of work ethic, and the willingness to learn a trade.” For more information, visit http:// profoundlydisconnected.com/foundation/.
Carol Brzozowski is a freelance writer.
birminghamparent.com | 15
COLLEGE & CAREER PLANNING GUIDE
MAKING COLLEGE DECISIONS:
What Parents Should Consider Getting kids ready for college and helping in the decisionmaking process is something every parent is involved in, and it is happening in many households right now. But, many parents are making mistakes when it comes to their children’s future (and their own wallet) and may not even know it. Making the wrong decision about what to study or where to go to school can have costly and time-consuming consequences. Switching majors or schools or even going back to school after you start working can all jack up the cost of obtaining a higher education and subsequent student loan debt. More than half of college students will change their field of study, and a third will transfer to a different college before graduating. And about seven in 10 students today will graduate with debt. Parents often fail to ask their children the right questions. Joe Schmoke, a former university professor and founder of University Research and Review (www.urandr.org ), a free college selection service, offers these key mistakes parents should avoid:
Not questioning their child’s decision When your child is applying to schools, it’s natural to want to let them make their own decisions as they are about to head out into the world on their own. But it’s still your job to help guide them in the right direction. Ignoring the numbers A college education is one of the most expensive purchases many people will ever make, but too often people don’t pay attention to the price. Consider whether the schools you’re looking at fit your budget and what options are available to pay for them so your child is not drowning in debt when they graduate. Basing their decision on the wrong reasons Ask your child why they want to focus on that specific major or school. If it’s just because a friend is doing the same, or you want them to go there because you or a relative did, that may not make the most financial or practical sense. An objective test can help guide them in the right direction if they’re not sure. Assuming college is right for everyone Just because you want your child to go to college doesn’t mean it’s always the best decision for them. Everyone’s circumstances are different – some people may benefit from working for a year or two before going to school, or they may decide college is not for them.
Courtesy of University Research and Review, www.urandr.org, a free college selection service. 16 | birminghamparent | may 2015
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COLLEGE & CAREER PLANNING GUIDE
TO GO OR NOT TO GO: A Look at Four-Year College Alternatives By Paige Townley
For most students, attending a four-year university is an automatic decision when graduating from high school. But for some students, a four-year collegiate career is just not desirable. Some students don’t want to spend four more years in the classroom. Others really want to pursue a career quicker instead of waiting four years to enter the “real world.” And for some students, a four-year college may not even be an option financially. According to the National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), a bachelor’s degree (including tuition, room and board) costs more than $14,000 annually at a public institution and $23,000 annually at a private institution. Approximately 70 percent of college graduates—said the U.S. News & World Report—leave college with an average of $28,400 in debt. Some students leaving college with debt are doing so without a degree. The NCES also noted that about 40 percent of four-year college attendees drop out before completing their degree. For those that do complete their degree, many take longer than four years to graduate, which means added costs. In fact, the U.S. News & World Report reported that graduating one year late can cost students nearly $70,000 in lost wages and school expenses. “Four-year colleges are not for every student,” says Oliver Aaron, college counselor at Vestavia Hills High School. “Typically a large percentage of students do go on to attend a four-year institution, but it’s definitely not for every student that graduates high school. Some students have specific fields they want to pursue and a trade or technical school is a much better fit for them.” There are numerous trade and technical schools that focus on developing a specific skillset – all at a much faster pace than a four-year university – and lead to excellent career opportunities. COSMETOLOGY For any student interested in hair, makeup or skincare, cosmetology school may be the way to go. To be a licensed cosmetologist in the state of Alabama, 1,500 training hours are required, which typically takes just about a year to complete.
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“After that year, students are eligible to take the state board test,” says Adam Adkins, educator coach for AVEDA Institute. “Once that is completed and passed, a student is licensed and can start working. Students can have a pretty quick turnaround from being in the cosmetology program to being in the workforce. “I see so many students come in right out of high school and they have their careers going and are getting established by the time they are just a year out of high school. By the time their friends are getting out of college three or four years later, our graduates already have a clientele and are managing successful careers.” In addition to cosmetology, AVEDA Institute offers esthiology, a program focused on the study of skin and skin care that requires just seven months to complete. The school is also in the process of starting a massage therapy program. In each program, students have scheduled class time as well as floor time where they work with real clients. “We slowly move students onto the floor where they work with real guests,” Adkins says. “By the end of the program they are on the floor a lot, getting real-world practice so that they will really understand what it’s like working in a salon.” At Paul Mitchell The School Birmingham, approximately 1,100 guests are served through its clinic every month, giving students an opportunity to get plenty of hands-on experience. In addition to the ample floor time, students spend time in the classroom learning about the profession, preparing for the state’s licensing exam and also basic skills needed to find a job and build a business. “We strive to provide students with the education and skill set they need to be successful in a salon,” says Erin Greggs, the school’s director. “We teach business skills, money management skills, how to grow their business and how to market themselves. We also offer career development classes where students can learn how to build a portfolio and format a resume and cover letter.”
CAREER FOCUSED LEARNING For students interested in a career in technology, health care, business or public safety, there are many more options for a degree than a four-year college. Herzing University offers programs in each of these areas. With year-around class options, Herzing allows students to graduate faster and attend when it best fits their schedules, which is especially helpful if school has to be planned around family or work obligations. The school also offers the flexibility of learning via online classes instead of the classroom. “Many are turning to online education for its flexibility and convenience, while others still prefer a more traditional classroom environment,” says Tommy Dennis, Herzing University’s president. “Herzing University-Birmingham offers both options. Because we are a smaller private college, Herzing University also has the ability to restructure educational programs and classes very quickly in response to an ever-changing job market.” Whether students enroll in Herzing’s Licensed Practical Nursing program or RN Mobility Program (which can both be completed in just three semesters), EMT Basic Certification or EMT Advanced Certification (which can both be completed in one semester), Emergency Medical Technician (a program that can be completed in four semesters) or Informational Technology (multiple options can be completed in as little as one semester), the result is an education that meets the needs of employers and leads to fruitful careers. “Our hands-on programs prepare students for today’s job opportunities,” says Dennis. “Our goal is to help students achieve their full potential and prepare them to work in their chosen field as soon as possible.” CULINARY SCHOOL For students who are creative and enjoy fast-paced atmospheres – and prefer learning mostly outside a classroom – culinary school could be a great fit. Virginia College’s Culinard is a fast-track program that lasts just nine months. Students choose between a culinary program and a pastry program and spend around an hour every day in the classroom and the rest of the time in the kitchen. “It’s a very intense program,” says
Jared Danks, Culinard’s program director. “Students have to be committed for a program like this, but if they are committed, in less than a year they receive the skills needed to join the workforce in one of the fastest growing fields in the country.” Whether a student chooses culinary or pastry, they learn the skills needed to succeed in the kitchen, how to prepare for finding a job and even complete internships, which take many students into the kitchens of major culinary chefs around Birmingham and beyond. “We have great relationships with employers, and we know the great opportunities that are out there,” Danks says. “We have had some quarters where there were more opportunities available than students. That’s a good situation to have.” After the nine-month program is completed, students can also choose to pursue a two-year associate degree, which further teaches business management skills specifically for the hospitality field. “At Culinard, we are all about giving students the skills needed to navigate a professional kitchen,” Danks says. “And we have so many success stories that come out of here. Most of our students already have jobs lined up by the time they start the last quarter of class.” PLAN AHEAD If a student is even thinking about a career in a field such as these that don’t require a degree from a four-year institution, they should take advantage of their high school’s class offerings if possible. For example, Jefferson County public schools offer career tech classes at many of its 13 high schools, including welding, law and public safety, health science, culinary, cosmetology, HVAC, automotive technology, collision repair and electronics. “Career tech is a great option for students because they are all in school to prepare for their careers,” says Kay Harris, director of career tech for the Jefferson County School System. “These classes give them some early exposure to possible careers.” In the next year, Jefferson County schools hope to start more career tech programs in more schools. Plans already call for new building science programs for construction, industrial systems programs, health sciences programs and culinary programs, Harris says. “So many of these industries have great growth opportunities,” she says. “If students get experience in these areas at an earlier age it might help them figure out early on what they want to do. It could certainly help make the decision a little easier about pursuing a career in one of these fields.” But just like in planning to attend a four-year university, a trade school or career-focused institution requires some advance planning as well. Students still must apply to the school and be admitted, so they should start the process as soon as reasonably possible, Aaron adds. “Students shouldn’t be hesitant about talking with their school counselor about not wanting to go the traditional route,” Aaron says. “If they had rather do a certificate program or trade school, students should still talk to the school counselor about which school they could attend that would best help them achieve their goals and get them into the career field of their choice. Don’t wait until graduation. Be proactive.”
Our 2015 summer camp is July 27-31
Paige Townley is a local freelance writer.
birminghamparent.com | 19
COLLEGE & CAREER PLANNING GUIDE TIPS AND TACTICS FOR VOLUNTEERING Start as a freshman or sophomore. The more time a student dedicates to community service, the better it looks on college applications. Find activities within the volunteer work to demonstrate organizational, leadership, and teamwork skills. Find community service opportunities that build on these skills. Find something that aligns with a potential chosen major. Colleges like to see volunteer work that aligns with a student’s major. This will also make the work both more enjoyable and interesting. And if a student does not find it to be enjoyable and interesting, it may be a sign that a student may want to look at other majors. Ask around for excellent volunteering opportunities. Counselors, family members, and community leaders may have good ideas for a student on what they can do for their neighborhood. Commit to a few activities over time. Colleges are looking for quality, not quantity. Sticking with a few causes demonstrates commitment and interest. Consider starting your own charity or volunteer project. Do not just seek to join an already established volunteering project, be proactive to identify a need, and fulfill it. SHOWCASE COMMUNITY SERVICE PROJECTS IN THE BEST WAY POSSIBLE Students need to make sure they position their volunteer activities to their greatest advantage. Show WHY a particular issue was chosen, WHAT goals were trying to be achieved and describe HOW those goals were achieved. Have a long list of causes? Consider dedicating one essay to explaining how all those issues actually fit together under one larger theme like “poverty” or “human rights.”
VOLUNTEERING IN HIGH SCHOOL: Do College Admissions Boards Really Care? By Mandee Heller Adler Although grades and test scores are what colleges look at first, volunteer work is important because it shows a college that a student is compassionate, involved, and well-rounded. Community service is also said to be growing importance among admissions officers. A 2011 survey conducted by DoSomething.org ranked it number four in importance of factors considered for admission, above reference letters, interviews, and legacy. To really impress admissions officers, students need to show dedication to a cause. Rising to a position of leadership is important. Wanting a significant role in an organization shows that the student cares and that their colleagues trust them enough to either elect them or promote them to such a position.
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Get personal and focus on how the student changed as a result of their experience(s), rather than just outlining what was done, how many hours, etc. For example, did a student experience a change in world view as a result of their community service? Use specific language that can be more effective: Words like “commitment,” “leadership,” “initiative,” and “passion” should be used instead of “required,” “mandatory” and “brief.” Also good words: “engaged,” “meaningful” and “transform.” The right match of volunteer work can help a student meet new friends, get involved in the community, learn new skills, explore careers, expand their network, and give them an advantage on their college application. Mandee Heller Adler is the founder and CEO of International College Counselors, one of the world’s largest college admission counseling companies, and author of From Public School to the Ivy League: How to get into a top school without top dollar resources.
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baby book
HEALTHY & HAPPY:
expert tips for staying fit during your pregnancy By Ginny Cooper McCarley For many mothers-to-be, the joy of seeing those two little pink lines is quickly followed by anxiety over how to get the best start for their child. But it can be difficult to decide what is best to do during pregnancy. Is it safe to drink coffee? Can you give into all of your cravings? Should you start running daily or give up exercise altogether? The questions are endless and the information is varied, but all doctors agree that proper exercise and nutrition is vital for a healthy pregnancy. “Research has shown us that healthy diets during pregnancy will improve infant outcomes. Strong evidence indicates that a high quality diet during pregnancy – one that contains the correct balance of nutrients and calories – result in infants with the most optimal physical condition at birth,” says Donna Seibels, licensed dietitian and assistant professor at Samford University.
Don’t Eat for Two Though it is very tempting to believe that you are “eating for two” and can give into every craving, most doctors warn against adding too many calories to your diet and tout the dangers of gaining excessive weight. “Not only is (eating for two) a myth, it’s a real problem. If you gain too much weight, it puts you at an increased risk for a C-section and for having gestational diabetes,” warns Dr. Charles E. Sharp, founding partner of Sharp and Stone OB/GYN. A healthy amount of weight gain varies depending on a variety of factors such as a woman’s weight pre-pregnancy, but on average a woman should gain approximately 20 pounds more than her ideal body weight, Sharp says. However, women do need to add a few additional calories to their diet in order to feed the growing baby. “The need for additional calories increases gradually during the course of the pregnancy,” Seibels says, noting women should consume about 200 extra calories during the first trimester (about ¼ cup of almonds) and about 500 extra calories during the third trimester (a little more than two servings of trail mix).
“A little bit of everything and not too much of anything is the way to go.” — Dr. Charles E. Sharp Elizabeth Edgar, mother of two, who gained 55 pounds with her first child, but only 23 pounds with her second born, said gaining less weight had positive effects both during and after pregnancy. “I remember with my son, I thought I could eat anything. I once ate nine ears of corn in one sitting! I was shocked when I gave birth and still looked pregnant for months,” Edgar says. “With my second I felt much healthier and energetic.”
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Eat your Fruits and Veggies Eating double the amount of calories is harmful for mother and baby, but Dr. Jesanna Cooper, OB/GYN at Princeton Baptist Medical Center, said moms-to-be should also keep in mind that everything they eat goes to the baby. “Eat what you want your child to eat,” Cooper says, citing theories that infants can develop taste buds in the womb. “A lot of times I think adults make poor choices for themselves that they wouldn’t for their children, but make sure you know everything your child is eating.”
A diet heavy with a large variety of vegetables and high in protein, with a minimum of fried food and dishes heavy in calories and low in nutrients is the best for both mother and baby. “Really the most important thing is to make sure you’re eating plenty of fresh vegetables, because they have folic acid in them,” Sharp says. “A little bit of everything and not too much of anything is the way to go.” Dark leafy greens, lentils, avocado and asparagus are just a few vegetables high in folic acid and nutrients that are essential for a growing baby. Have a Cup of Coffee Many new moms worry about the effect their daily cup of joe is having on their baby, but the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists released a study in 2010, which showed that a moderate amount (less than 200 milligrams a day) of caffeine is perfectly safe to consume throughout pregnancy. Cooper says she continued to drink a cup of coffee throughout her own pregnancy and does not discourage her patients from consuming a moderate amount. “I have no concerns (with the recommended amount),” Cooper said. “I usually say one cup of coffee or two cups of tea.” Lindsey Motlow, mother of 13-monthold Elijah, says she continued to consume moderate amounts of caffeine throughout her pregnancy. “I needed coffee,” Motlow laughs. “I just couldn’t give that up.” Be Aware of Dangerous Habits Though some doctors say one drink is not harmful, most doctors in the United States caution against any alcohol consumption, says Dr. Margot Gathings, OB/GYN with Brookwood Women’s Care. High alcohol can cause a number of issues such as developmental delay and behavioral problems. “Will one drink do that? Probably not, but it’s best not to (drink),” Gathings says.
blood flow to the cervix during pregnancy, some spotting can occur. In fact, sexual intercourse has been known to jump-start labor in pregnancies that are full-term. “It has been told and passed on that (sex) will jump start labor,” Gathings said, noting that sex releases prostaglandins, which can help stimulate active labor.
For mothers-to-be who smoke, Gathings warns that the habit can cause growth-restricted babies and premature birth and encourages women to give up smoking when pregnant or switch to a safer nicotine source such as a nicotine patch or an e-cigarette if the addiction is hard to kick. “With that, you’re getting the nicotine, but not getting all the other horrible chemicals,” Gathings says. Ask What Medicine You Can Take For women who took prescription medications before getting pregnant, it is important to check with your doctor to see if the medication is safe during pregnancy, but some over-the-counter medications can be taken to relieve the normal aches and pains of pregnancy. Aspirin, ibuprofen and Motrin all can be dangerous during the first trimester of pregnancy, so Gathings recommends Tylenol to her patients for normal achiness and Mucinex, Sudafed or Robitussin for cold symptoms. “Just check with your doctor to be sure before you try anything,” Gathings warns. Keep the Spark Alive Keeping the spark alive between the mom and dad-to-be is vital during a pregnancy, and intimacy is a great way to foster that relationship. “Intercourse is absolutely okay for general, low-risk patients,” Gathings says, but warned that due to an increased
Go for a Walk Maintaining an exercise routine throughout pregnancy can combat many side effects of pregnancy such as backaches, fatigue and sluggishness. There is even evidence that exercise can help you sleep better, prepare for childbirth and reduce stress. “Exercise is extremely beneficial for the baby and the mother,” Sharp says, citing three studies that compared a group of women who exercised throughout their pregnancy with a group of women who did not exercise. “The exercising group did better than the group that didn’t exercise for both the mom and the baby.” Walking, swimming, running, low impact aerobics classes and prenatal yoga are all excellent ways to stay fit throughout your pregnancy. “Really, it’s kind of what you enjoy and what you’re comfortable with,” Sharp says. Relax and Enjoy Your Pregnancy Though it is easy to become inundated with the plethora of information available on what not to do while expecting, mothers-tobe should remember that pregnancy is both special and fleeting. “Don’t over think it,” Cooper advises. “If you’re eating a large variety of food and not too much of one thing or another, you’re probably going to be okay. Everything in moderation.” Ginny Cooper McCarley is a freelance writer.
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A Page in a Book
©
RECOMMENDING
THE BEST BOOKS FOR CHILDREN & TEENS
By Gerry P. Smith
As they discuss ways to make the bear happy, each friend offers his best attributes as possible olive branches.
The Grudge Keeper By Mara Rockliff, Illustrated by Eliza Wheeler (Peachtree)
The Very Cranky Bear
At first glance, everything in the town of Bonnyripple seems bright and idyllic. But beneath the sunny exterior, an understory of old harms, grudges and noses out of joint is building to capacity. The source of the buildup is in the house of the Grudge Keeper who collects the notes and letters in which townsfolk outline their grudges against friends and neighbors. But when a windy storm blows through the Grudge Keeper’s house and airs all the townsfolks’ grievances, the people of Bonnyripple get a chance to mend fences and put their grudges behind them. Lively illustrations and clever wordplay support the positive effects of communication and forgiveness in a thought-provoking exposition of the harm caused by holding a grudge.
By Nick Bland (Orchard/Scholastic)
It’s a rainy day in the jungle when the lion, moose, zebra and sheep settle into a dry cave for a friendly game of cards. But they quickly learn they are not alone as a very cranky bear, roused from his sleep, chases them back into the rain. As they discuss ways to make the bear happy, each friend offers his best attributes as possible olive branches. The lion is convinced the bear just needs a glorious mane. Splendid antlers and lovely stripes are recommended as offerings from the moose and zebra respectively. Only the plain sheep seems to have nothing fancy to contribute. But when the elegant gifts are angrily rejected by the bear, only the sheep takes time to inquire about what the bear wants most, paving the way for everyone to share the shelter during the rain. Gently suggesting that communication is a good first step toward solving a case of the grumpy, this title shares a soft solution for a very cranky bear! 26 | birminghamparent | may 2015
Pardon Me! By Daniel Miyares (Simon & Schuster)
Enjoying the solitude of a lonely island in the middle of the swamp, one yellow bird’s peaceful repose quickly evaporates as other residents discover his patch of dry land. The bird’s expression becomes more soured as his personal space is invaded by an egret, a frog and then a turtle, who all offer a “Pardon Me!’ as they jostle for room. The bird’s protests escalate until a final interloper triggers a rude outburst from the bird, who starts shouting at them all to leave. But he’s so busy scolding the others away that he fails to hear an important warning about his treasured perch. Despite the “final” outcome for the crabby bird, there’s a toothsome bit of schadenfreude in the last “Pardon Me!”
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ealth and wellness should be the heart of every family, but often get pushed to the bottom of the priority list. Between school, work, activities, and meetings, we are left with little time to plan for healthy meals and active living. In many families, this responsibility falls on the shoulders of mom. While juggling all her other daily activities, she is supposed to stay up to date with nutrition, make healthy but delicious meals, plan activities and exercise for all, and figure out how to make it work in the budget. For many moms this is an exhausting task, and even moms who succeed in accomplishing this goal often do so at the expense of their own health. How do we stop this cycle and get the whole family healthy and happy? The answer, while difficult to implement, is quite simple. Mom has to prioritize her health. When mom makes healthy choices the rest of the family follows. The right place to start is always dietary changes (increased protein, vegetables, healthy fats), increased activity (running, walking the dog, yoga) and behavioral modifications (no smoking, no binge eating, minimal alcohol intake). Unfortunately these changes alone are not enough for everyone and are also very hard to do long term because of cost and time. If you have tried diets and weight loss programs with little
or no sustained success, then weight loss surgery may be the answer for you. The hard truth is that patients with a BMI > 35 only have a 5 percent chance of successful sustained weight loss with diet and behavioral modification alone. Surgery is not an easy way out or a “quick-fix,” but it absolutely is a kick-start to weight loss that is actually sustainable long-term. Laparoscopic gastric bypass, sleeve gastrectomy and adjustable gastric banding are appropriate
The answer, while difficult to implement, is quite simple. Mom has to prioritize her health. When mom makes healthy choices the rest of the family follows.
for patients with a BMI > 35 with comorbidity, such as type II diabetes, hypertension, high cholesterol, or obstructive sleep apnea, or patients with a BMI > 40. The lap band surgery is also available for patients with a BMI > 30 with comorbidity. If you are interested in learning more about your options, please attend one of our surgical weight loss classes. Visit Brookwood’s website to register for a free, upcoming seminar at bwmc.com/surgicalweightloss.
Summer Break Ice Skating Camp Pelham Skate School
LEARN TO SKATE / LEARN TO PLAY HOCKEY CAMP JUNE 15 • JULY 610 • JULY 2024 8:00am—4:00pm
Cost: $250.00 per week • 10 Hours of skating time • 3 hours of off-ice workout 3 hours of Arts & Crafts • 1 Pizza Party and Tons of Fun! • 1 On Ice Exhibition of tricks learned for Mom & Dad
Please register in advance by calling 205-620-6448 ext.261 Pelham Civic Complex & Ice Arena 500 Amphitheater Rd Pelham, AL 35124
THIS SUMMER,
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parenting
What Being a Mother Means: Local Celebrity Moms Weigh In By Ginny Cooper McCarley
George Washington said it best when touting the importance of a mother’s job: “All I am I owe to my mother. I attribute my success in life to the moral, intellectual and physical education I received from her.” Successful people from all centuries – George Eliot, George Washington Carver, Edgar Allen Poe, Booker T. Washington – all credit their accomplishments to their mothers. “Motherhood: All love begins and ends there,” Robert Browning famously wrote. From fixing boo-boos and quelling tantrums to tackling endless loads of laundry and driving kids to gymnastics, being a mother is a monumental task. The idiom rings true: mother’s work is truly never done. For Birmingham mothers across the city, motherhood is an exceptional gift and honor that comes with challenges and difficulty.
Ashley Seligson (bottom left), former 2011 Mrs. Alabama winner and Pearly White Dentistry office manager, says “being a mom is a huge blessing and responsibility I would not trade for anything in the world.” ABC 33/40 anchor and single mom Linda Mays (top above) is encouraging other single mothers like her with the single Mothers Empowerment Conference in June. Local author Anne Riley (bottom above) says the daily hugs and kisses from her children are one of the best parts of being “mom.”
The Best and the Worst of Motherhood For Anne Riley of Birmingham, author of a number of books including Shadows of the Hidden and her forthcoming novel, Pull, the best part of being a mom is in the special, little moments she shares with her daughters Maggie, 4, and Jenna, 2. “Hearing them giggle in the bathtub, snuggling with them early (and I mean early) in the morning when they sneak into our bed, attempting to answer questions like ‘Mama, what would happen if a tiger lost its stripes?;’watching them squeal over a particularly fuzzy caterpillar….the big milestones are great too, but somehow, I appreciate these little everyday joys the most,” Riley says. “All the daily hugs and kisses I receive from my children (are the best part),” says Ashley Seligson, 2011 Mrs. Alabama America Pageant winner and office manager of Pearly White Dentistry in Vestavia Hills. For Seligson’s sister and dentist at Pearly White Dentistry, Dr. Haleigh Stidham Blackwell, former 2006 Miss Alabama USA, knowing her sons Ben, 2, and Reece, 10 months, are entrusted 30 | birminghamparent | may 2015
to her is an honor. “For me, (the best part is) knowing that God specifically chose and trusted me to be Ben and Reece’s mama. I am forever thankful and grateful for these two perfect miracles,” Blackwell says. However, being a mother is not always a simple task, and for award-winning journalist and ABC 33/40 anchor Linda Mays, bearing all of the weight as a single parent is an especially overwhelming responsibility. “The most difficult thing about being a mother is trying to raise children single-handedly, so to speak. That is impossible! Working single mothers must reserve energy and their health, be consistent, and create extended family you trust will support you and stand by you as you are the solo primary parent,” says Mays, single mother of twins Brien and Lorien, 20. In order to encourage other women who are also single parents, Mays became involved with the annual Single Mothers Empowerment Conference, which will take place on June 27 at the McWane Science Center’s Drayton Nabors Event Center. “My experience and heart for other single mothers and their children is what led me to say ‘yes’ to a God-given mission to help renew the lives of single-parent women and their children through and annual single mothers’ empowerment conferences,” Mays adds.
Local dentist and former 2006 Miss Alabama USA, Haleigh Blackwell, says she hopes to teach her sons “that there is no substitute for hard work.”
“Hearing them giggle in the bathtub, snuggling with them early (and I mean early) in the morning when they sneak into our bed, attempting to answer questions like ‘Mama, what would hap-
Striking the Balance Many mothers cite balance as the most challenging aspect of motherhood. And for the 71 percent of women in the United States working outside of the home as well as corralling kids, the pressure to juggle various aspects of life can be even more difficult. For Blackwell, balancing her roles as wife, mother and dentist is a challenge. “It is a constant struggle and I am still searching for the perfect equation. If you find it, let me know!” Blackwell jokes. Her sister, Seligson, noted that women often have a plethora of roles to fill in addition to being a mom, and finding a way to balance the various titles can be tough. The most challenging part of motherhood is “finding balance while juggling all the responsibilities that come with being a working mother, wife, friend, nurse, cook, domestic engineer, chauffeur, daughter, sister and all the other ‘titles’ a mom holds,” she says. Despite the difficulty, the job is one of the most rewarding in the world. “It’s a huge blessing and responsibility I would not trade for anything in the world,” Seligson adds. “I believe that being a mother is one of the greatest God-given honors that a woman
pen if a tiger lost its stripes?;’watching them squeal over a particularly fuzzy caterpillar….the big milestones are great too, but somehow, I appreciate these little everyday joys the most.” — Anne Riley can embrace. Being a single mother is no less than a high honor; however, it comes with demanding tasks as a primary parent and family leader,” Mays says. Teaching Lessons for Life “Mother knows best” is more than just a long-standing idiom: It is a nod to the responsibility parents have to pass on wisdom to their children. For Mays, instilling values and teaching priorities are two lessons she hopes to pass on to her children. “If I can teach my children only one thing after instilling values, it is…to choose good over bad, right over wrong, and love over hate,” Mays says. Blackwell hopes to teach her children
about hard work, and the hours of labor that lead to success. “Working hard is the single greatest competitive advantage to bring success,” Blackwell says. “That determination and persistence lays the foundation for personal happiness. I hope to teach my sons that there is no substitute for hard work.” Riley stresses the value of repentance to her children, as well as the inevitability of mistakes. “My husband and I feel that it is vital to repent of your wrongdoing,” Riley explains. “We are intentional to apologize to our children and ask for their forgiveness when we fail them. The truth we want them to learn is that mistakes are a part of life, but how you respond to your (and others’) mistakes is your choice. The appropriate response is humility, love, and respect, and when we repent to others, or when we forgive others, we are practicing all three of these things.” And for Blackwell, her sons taught her an important lesson as well: love. “I thought I knew what love was until I had my first son. And then, I thought I could never love another baby as much as my firstborn, until I had my second son,” Blackwell says. “The love in my heart for Ben didn’t change once Reece was born, it doubled in size. Sound cheesy? Yes, but it’s the truth. Trust me.” Ginny Cooper McCarley is a Birmingham-based freelance writer and mother. birminghamparent.com | 31
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Did you know that Vulcan, Roman god of forge and metal works, was chosen to symbolize Birmingham and the state of Alabama because of his figurative representation of the iron and steel industry? Sculptor Giuseppi Moretti was commissioned by city leaders to design and build this 50-ton statue, which was completed in only a matter of eight short months. Vulcan was “birthed” in June of 1904, just in time for his debut at the St. Louis World’s Fair. There, he was placed on display inside the Palace of Mines and Metallurgy and Moretti won a prize for his work of art. Following his reveal, Vulcan returned to Birmingham in pieces. It was not until 1939 that the big guy was perched atop Red Mountain, where he still stands today. Every June, Vulcan Park and Museum commemorates the creation of the world’s largest cast iron statue and one of the most memorable pieces of civic art in the United States at Vulcan’s annual Birthday Bash. This year, Vulcan will turn 111, and we invite you to join us as we celebrate him in style on Sunday, June 7, from 12 – 4 p.m.! Sing “Happy Birthday” alongside Mayor William Bell and other partiers during a fun-filled, family celebration held at Vulcan Park and Museum. Admission is $5 and includes birthday refreshments as well as a wide variety of exciting activities for guests of all ages. See visitvulcan.com for full details!
32 | birminghamparent | may 2015
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birminghamparent.com | 33
Photos courtesy of the Beach Club
destination guide
GREAT DEALS ABOUND
THIS SPRING & SUMMER
The Beach Club Remains a Premium Family Destination on Alabama’s Gulf Coast By Carol Muse Evans Many years ago we visited The Beach Club in Gulf Shores when our children were young. At the time, it was a beautiful resort that was isolated from the hubbub of commercial beach destination, and my family loved it. Fast forward 15 years, and though Fort Morgan Road is a bit more populated than before, The Beach Club remains a lovely, private, secluded family resort with so much to offer for a long weekend or a week-long family vacation. I recently visited with my cousin and now-adult daughter, and we had a blast. It made for a great “girls getaway” weekend as well. Everything is at your fingertips when you check in – a secluded stretch of that beautiful beach with sugar white sand, beach service, five swimming pools, private cabanas, several on-site dining options, kids’ activities, a spa, nature trails and more. And all the restaurants, activities, attractions and night life of Gulf Shores/Orange Beach are just a short drive away. 34 | birminghamparent | may 2015
the
The fully-furnished condominiums (not hotel rooms) have everything a family might need during their stay –a full service, fully-equipped luxury kitchen, washer and dryer in many, televisions, comfortable beds, luxury baths and gulf front view. Most of all, for a family with children, plenty of space to spread out and relax! In fact, The Beach Club resort spans nearly five football fields on 86 acres of natural beauty. Kids love The Beach Club – there are daily kids’ activities at the clubhouse. Drive-in movies, tie-dye t-shirt making and crafts are just some of the activities, and you can visit the website for a list of activities during your stay (thebeachclub.spectrumresorts.com). Most activities are complimentary to Spectrum/Beach Club guests. There’s also the Clubhouse Arcade that is perfect for children of ALL ages and includes air hockey, foosball, basketball, Xbox 360 games and other arcade games, and they also are complimentary for Spectrum/Beach Club guests. For dining on site, there’s the Coast Restaurant, the signature restaurant of the Beach Club, but very family friendly; the more casual Village Hideaway; The Gulfside Grill, a seasonal restaurant that is poolside and convenient; and the Village Creamery, a fun ice cream shop. For more information about The Beach Club on the Fort Morgan Peninsula, visit www.spectrumresports. com, www.facebook.com/beachclubgulfshores and www.facebook.com/ spectrumresorts.
TRAVEL
VOICE
If You Go: For general information about the area, visit www. gulfshores.com and thebeachclub.spectrumresorts.com. For a fun venture away from the beach, ride the Mobile Bay Ferry to Fort Morgan and/or Dauphin Island and back. www.gulf-shores-alabama.net/gulf-mexico-mobile-ferry-dauphin-island.html See the Estuarium at the Dauphin Island Sea Lab, www.disl.org/the_estuarium Cool off at Waterville USA, www.watervilleusa.com Stop by Adventure Island at Orange Beach for all sorts of rides and attractions, www.adventure-island.com Don’t miss the “Little Zoo that Could,” the Alabama Gulf Coast Zoo, www.alabamagulfcoastzoo.org, a really fun zoo for children with lots of opportunities for animal encounters. For more information on many dining options, including the Beach Club restaurants, visit www.gulfshoresrestaurant.com.
BY BECKY The only voice in travel that MATTERS! Catch The Travel Voice by Becky on Saturday’s in Shelby County on FM 99.9 APH Radio at 11 a.m. and anytime on iHeart Radio! Great travel information, special deals, awesome guests, spectacular on location LIVE events and amazing giveaways!
For more information, visit thetravelvoicebybecky.com birminghamparent.com | 35
destination guide
Sunset Festival brings a part of Key West to The Wharf in Orange Beach
The local restaurateurs and tenants at The Wharf in Orange Beach have created a weekly Sunset Festival that will cater to crowds of all ages. Every Thursday night since April 9, the Wharf, along with Aloha Hospitality and other sponsors have partnered to create an atmosphere of fun and entertainment with live music, street performers, drink specials and games for the whole family. Top regional bands such as SugarCane Jane, the Modern Eldorados, Vibe Irie and many other popular acts are scheduled to highlight this year’s Sunset Festival. Professional street performers straight out of Key West, South Beach and New Orleans will also be on site entertaining folks with their tight roping dog acts, fire breathers, jugglers, magicians, face painting clowns, sword swallowers and more. The Wharf also features a SPECTRA Sound & Light Show that fills the sky with vibrant colors and sounds every night. The Hot Spot, Toby Keith’s I Love This Bar & Grill, Ginny Lane, The Cigar Bar, Compleat Angler, Bimini Bob’s and Baumhower’s at the Beach are just a few of the contributing partners to offer Sunset Festival food and drink specials as well as hosting their own live music acts. Bimini Bob’s Raw and Rum Bar will be the focal point for the Sunset Festival. Located directly behind the Marlin Circle on Main Street at The Wharf, this dockside oneof-a-kind outdoor Boat Bar features tropical drinks, raw oysters and local peel and eat shrimp. The Amphitheater at The Wharf will also showcase some of the top musical acts this summer including Jimmy Buffett, Dave Matthews, Boston, Eric Church and The Steve Miller Band. 36 | birminghamparent | may 2015
Pensacola’s Gulf Islands National Seashore named “Best Florida Beach”
The Pensacola Bay Area just added one more prestigious award to a long list of accolades. USA TODAY recently announced that the Gulf Islands National Seashore won the title of Best Florida Beach in its 10Best Readers’ Choice poll. Online votes from the public determined the outcome of the award. Visit Pensacola launched an aggressive social media campaign to showcase the Gulf Islands National Seashore’s beautiful soft-white sands and emerald-green waters, an effort spearheaded by Brooke Fleming, communications manager. “I’m so grateful for the incredibly supportive community we have here in the Pensacola Bay Area,” says Fleming. “Not only have our locals been voting, but we also have very loyal visitors who were taking the time out of their day to vote, as well.” USA TODAY launched the campaign to select the Best Florida Beach February 19. A panel of Florida travel experts scoured the Sunshine State›s 663 miles of beach to narrow their top 20 choices for the contest. The public was encouraged to vote daily until the campaign ended March 16. This award continues the area’s string of national recognition. Pensacola Beach ranked No. 5 out of the top 25 best beaches this year in TripAdvisor’s annual Travelers’ Choice Awards for best beaches in the U.S. The American Planning Association named downtown Pensacola’s Palafox Street one of the “10 Great Streets in America.” For more information call 800-874-1234 or visit VisitPensacola.com.
Suddenly, you’re in a whole different state of “Wonder Women!” “Can’t catch us!” “Follow that dolphin!”
The magic truly begins the moment you mix uncrowded, sugar-white beaches and turquoise water with a variety of family-friendly attractions and accommodations. Come be transformed. GulfShoresOrangeBeach
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birminghamparent.com | 37
Photos courtesy of Sharp Soirees
party perfect
A Party to Celebrate Adoption “Step right and join the fun, this JOYous Carnival will be the best one!” That was the message that greeted guests as family and friends came together to celebrate the adoption of a precious little girl! Using a fun and friendly theme the atmosphere was set for a memorable afternoon for all to enjoy. While the décor set the tone for the event, it was the guest of honor, Joy, who made everyone feel right at home. Her name describes the exact effect that she had on all the guests. “Is all this for me?” were the words that Joy, daughter of FOX6 Good Day Alabama anchor Sarah Verser said as she looked at all the décor that was set up for her celebration. The idea was to really make her feel like she was at a carnival, and the spread of treats definitely accomplished that task. Using an assortment of goods bought at local bakeries, and those baked at home, the display of desserts included a fun three-tiered cake, cinnamon sugar donut holes, pretzel cones, soda pop cupcakes, cotton candy, candied apples and popcorn. “When I think of my memories from going to the carnival as a kid, the first thing that comes to mind is all of the good food that I got to take part in, so I really wanted to highlight the food for this party,” says Brittany Sharp, owner of Sharp Soirées. “Another element about carnivals that I always loved was all of the prizes that you got to take home, so I knew that I had to create a unique prize for Joy and all of her friends to walk away with.” Using flowerpots, candleholders, wooden knobs and spray paint, Sharp created homemade gumball machines for all of the little ones to enjoy. This was a simple project that had a huge impact as all the little girls giggled with excitement at the thought of being able to take their own gumball machine home. This celebration definitely lived up to its name, and made guests feel like they were indeed at a JOYous carnival. For more information on this soiree and other events, please visit www.sharpsoirees.com. For details on how to make the gumball machines, check out this link: http://www.tammymitchellphotography. com/2011/07/29/make-this-tutorial-how-to-make-individual-gumball-machines-and-the-new-gumballparty-printable-collection/. 38 | birminghamparent | may 2015
Fun is in the air for this JOYous carnival party celebrating the adoption of Joy, daughter of FOX6 Good Day Alabama anchor Sarah Verser. Treats, decorations and party favors followed the same fun carnival theme and delighted the guests.
Courtesy of Sharp Soirees.
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VETERAN’S PARK VETERANS PARK — HOOVER
Grab a blanket, your family and friends and head on out to Veteran’s Park for a Grab a blanket, your family and friends and head on out to Veterans Park for a free, family-friendly film every Friday night starting May 29th. free, family-friendly film every Friday night starting May 29th. Comeout outearly earlyand andenjoy enjoyaafamily familypicnic picnic with with Papa Come Papa John’s John’s for for pizzas, pizzas,snacks snacks&&cold colddrinks. drinks. Movies start at dusk. FREE! Movies start at dusk. FREE! For complete movie line line up For complete movie up visit visitMyFoxAL.com. MyFoxAL.com. Visit Algasco’s Facebook page for weekly chances Visit Alagasco’s Facebook page for weekly chancesto towin winThe TheGood GoodHeat HeatVIP VIPseat seatpackage! package! Follow us on Twitter for any weather updates affecting a movie @BYMovieParties Follow us on Twitter for any weather updates affecting a movie @BYMovieParties or Raindate: date:August August31st 31st orfriend friendus usat atwww.facebook.com/freefridayflicks. www.facebook.com/freefridayflicks. Rain
may highlights
Calendar sponsored by
2
ON MAY 2, come to The Mall in Trussville for the TRUSSVILLE CITY FEST from 11am-9pm. This event, presented by the Trussville Area Chamber of Commerce, features live music, food, arts and crafts, vendor booths and more. Admission is $5; once inside, all activities free. At 8pm, American Idol Winner Season 8 KRIS ALLEN performs, followed by fireworks at 9pm. www.trussvillecityfest.com.
Star Wars fans can celebrate the “May the Fourth Be with You” at Albert L. Scott Library in Alabaster from 4-5:30pm on May 4, of course. This special Star Wars program blasts off for families with children 6 and older. All children must be with an adult. Activities include show and tell, Lego, creation station, light refreshments and more. Sign up suggested; wear Star Wars costumes! Guests receive a Star Wars mask while supplies last if they do not have a costume. 205-664-6822.
4
Take Mom out to lunch on her special day, and then head out to Buck Creek in Helena to walk with Southeastern Outings. The hike is less than 4 miles on a lovely creekside trail. Well-behaved, properly supervised children age 7 and up welcome. Walkers will depart at 2pm May 10 from the parking lot at Helena City Park on Highway 261. For information contact Teresa Smotherman, 205-337-5878.
10
Baby bird season is approaching, and you can help! The Alabama Wildlife Center is having a baby bird shower from 11am-2pm on May 30 at the center, located at Oak Mountain State Park. About 1,000 baby birds will arrive at the center this year. Bring a gift (see www.awrc.org for gift ideas) tour bird nursery and bird aviaries, enjoy free refreshments and children’s activities. FREE after admission to Oak Mountain State Park. 205-663-7930, x8, www.awrc.org.
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calendar
Calendar sponsored by
Dan Frederick, 205-631-4680, seoutings@bellsouth.net.
Trussville City Fest 11am-9pm SATURDAY, MAY 2
Mother’s Day Craft 10am-noon, Michael’s locations. Kids can create a picture frame that mom will treasure. $2 per child includes supplies for 30 minutes of creative craft fun. Ages 3-up. Hikes for Tykes with Fresh Air Family 10am, Birmingham Botanical Gardens. Join Anwen as she explores the gardens from a toddler’s point of view. Fun and learning for preschool children and their families. www. freshairfamily.org. FREE. Academy of the Arts Music Recital 10-11am, Samford University Brock Recital Hall. Featuring students in grades 1-12. 205-7262011. FREE.
1 FRIDAY Blackwater book signing with Allen Johnson, Jr. Noon-2pm, Little Professor Book Center, Homewood. The author will sign his “Blackwater” series of books that target ages 9-13. Public invited. http://www. premiumpressamerica.com. Cirque Alys II featuring Australia’s Sway Poles 6:30-8pm, Alys Stephens Center, UAB. Celebrate spring with free event for families and the community. Sway Poles is a company whose work fuses theater, dance and circus while elevated on poles 16 feet tall. Food trucks, live music, cash bar. Times, information, 205-9752787, www.AlysStephens.org. FREE admission.
Celebrating Spring with Dance 7:30-9:30pm, Dorothy Jemison Day Theater, Alabama School of Fine Arts. A blend of choreographic dance styles performed by ASFA’s talented dancers. Tickets $10 adults, $5 students. 205-458-0360.
2 SATURDAY Tumor Trooper Run/Walk 6:15-7:15am check-in/registration; 8am 5K begins; 8:15am 1-mile walk, Tannehill Ironworks Historical State Park, McCalla. Benefits the Pediatric Brain Tumor Foundation. Register, www.curethekids.org/ga, www. active.com (ID 2135705). Pepper Place Market 7am-noon, 1130 22nd St. South. Rain or shine. Fresh produce and much more.
42nd Annual Southern Appalachian Dulcimer Festival 9am-5pm, Tannehill Ironworks Historical State Park, Bessemer. Features dulcimer craftsmen and musicians from across the country. Dulcimer making and playing classes, live music and more. Fun for everyone. Park admission, $4 adults, $3 seniors, $2 children (5-under, free). 205477-5711, www.tannehill.org. Southeastern Outings Wildflower Walk 9am, Bucks Pocket State Park. Trail walk. Includes drive and walk at High Falls. Well-behaved, properly supervised children 7 and up welcome. Rated moderate. After hike, optional restaurant dinner. Depart at 9am from the Food Giant parking lot in Pinson. Information, details,
Canyon Fiesta 11am-2pm, Little River Canyon Center, Fort Payne, AL. Games, arts & crafts, music, door prizes, nature education programs and more! www.canyoncenter.org. FREE. Trussville City Fest 11am-9pm, The Mall, Trussville. Trussville Area Chamber of Commerce presents this festival with live music, food, arts and crafts, vendor booths and more. $5 admission; once inside, all activities free. Headliner performance at 8pm with American Idol Winner Season 8, Kris Allen. Fireworks at 9pm. www.trussvillecityfest.com. Zombie Apocalypse Survival Day Noon-4pm, Little River Canyon Center, Fort Payne. This popular JSU Field School field trip is now offered to the public! Learn water filtration, basic first aid, shelter building, how not to be found, primitive skills and more. $15 per
PLEASE NOTE: Events may change after publication deadline; please phone ahead to confirm important information. The deadline for submitting calendar items for the June 2015 issue is May 5. Mail calendar items to: Calendar, Birmingham Parent, 3590B Hwy 31 S #289, Pelham, AL 35124; fax to 987-7600; e-mail to calendar@ BirminghamParent.com; or enter directly to the online calendar at www.birminghamparent.com. Entries added online after the print deadline will not appear in the print version. Information cannot be accepted over the phone. Birmingham Parent publishes a calendar 11 times a year. January events are included in the December issue. Guidelines: Birmingham Parent’s calendar is intended to be a resource and service to the community and our readers. Events which are open to the public, fund-raisers, free classes, etc., are events that may be included in our monthly calendar. We reserve the right to reject any event or listing due to rules or space restrictions. For questions regarding calendar entries, call 987-7700 or e-mail calendar@birminghamparent.com. 42 | birminghamparent | may 2015
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participant; children under 18 must be accompanied by a parent/guardian. Register, fieldschool@jsu.edu.
costumes! Guests receive a Star Wars mask while supplies last if they do not have a costume. 205-664-6822.
Depart 9am from Kmart Green Springs. Information, Dan Frederick, 205-631-4680, seoutings@bellsouth.net.
Celebrating Spring with Dance 7:30-9:30pm, Dorothy Jemison Day Theater, Alabama School of Fine Arts, see May 1.
6 WEDNESDAY
Hikes for Tykes with Fresh Air Family 10am, Birmingham Botanical Gardens. What would a Dr. Seuss garden look like? Join us as we read Oh the Places You’ll Go! while walking and looking at the gardens. Fun and learning for preschool children and their families. www.freshairfamily.org. FREE.
3 SUNDAY Autism Awareness Day 3pm, Regions Field. A limited number of FREE Birmingham Barons tickets are available for families affected by ASD. Additional tickets can be purchased for $5. To register, contact the Autism Society of Alabama, Triumph Services, The Arc of Jefferson County, The Learning Tree, Kulture City, Studio by The Tracks, Mitchell’s Place, UAB Civitan International Research Center, Glenwood, Horizons School, The Riley Behavioral and Educational Center, the Alabama Interagency Autism Coordinating Council, or call 877-428-8476. Southeastern Outings Sunday Stroll 1:30pm, Dunnavant Valley Greenway Walking Trail. Two trails to choose from. Wellbehaved, carefully supervised children age 7 and over able to walk 4½ miles welcome. Meet 1:30pm at the trailhead on Shelby County Highway 41. Information, details, Edd Spencer, 205-317-5868. Celebrating Spring with Dance 2:30-4:30pm, Dorothy Jemison Day Theater, Alabama School of Fine Arts, see May 1.
4 MONDAY May the Fourth Be with You! 4-5:30pm, Albert L. Scott Library, Alabaster. This special Star Wars program blasts off for families with children 6 and older. All children must be with an adult. Activities include show and tell, Lego, creation station, light refreshments and more. Sign up suggested; wear Star Wars
History of Southern Flight 11:30am, Hoover Public Library. Bring your lunch and listen to local historian Jim Phillips present interesting facts, stories and amusements about the region’s flight history. Drinks and sweets provided. 205444-7840. FREE.
7 THURSDAY ArtPlay Parlor presents Julia Bullock 7pm, ArtPlay, 1006 19 th St. S. Young concert series features Bullock, winner of the 2014 Naumberg International Vocal Competition and the 2012 Young Concert Artists International Auditions. Tickets $37.50 includes beverages and hors d’ oeuvres. 205-975-2787, www. alysstephenscenter.org.
9 SATURDAY Pepper Place Market 7am-noon, 1130 22nd St. South. Rain or shine. Fresh produce and much more. 12th Annual Motherwalk 5K and 1 Mile Fun Run 8am 5K start; 9am 1 mile run start, Homewood Central Park. Benefits the Norma Livingston Ovarian Cancer Foundation. This event is a celebration of ovarian cancer survivors and a way to honor the memory of the many women lost to ovarian cancer. Come dressed in teal for this community event. Live music, food, kid’s zone. Register, motherwalk. com or day of the race. Southeastern Outings Dayhike 9am, Clear Creek National Recreation Area, Walker County. Easy hiking not far from Birmingham. Bring hiking boots, picnic lunch. Day use charge is $4 per vehicle. Optional dinner afterward. Well-behaved, parent supervised children welcome.
Alabama Symphony Youth Orchestra 3pm, Alys Stephens Center, UAB. Triumphant last hurrah of the regular season! 205975-2787.
10 SUNDAY
MOTHER’S DAY Southeastern Outings Dayhike 2pm, Buck Creek, Helena. Hike less than 4 miles on a lovely creekside trail. Moderately easy. Wellbehaved, properly supervised children age 7 and up welcome. Depart 2pm from parking lot at Helena City Park on Highway 261. Information, Teresa Smotherman, 205337-5878.
DENTISTRY FOR
CHILDREN & SPECIAL NEEDS PERSONS
Dr. Tabitha Jarman Gatrey, DMD
5751 Pocahontas Rd. Suite B Bessemer, AL 35022 p 205-230-9000 f 205-230-0188
www.psmilesal.com
13 WEDNESDAY Regions Tradition (PGA Champions Golf Tournament) May 13-17, Shoal Creek. See celebrities and golf stars! Tickets start at $20. Children 18 and under are admitted FREE with a ticketed adult. Information, www. regionstradition.com. Flicks Among the Flowers 6pm gates open, 8pm movie, Birmingham Botanical Gardens. Adult couples and friends are invited to the gardens for summer movies. May movie: Jurassic Park. Cash bar, movie-themed menu. Bring your blanket for a spot on the lawn. No pets or outside alcoholic beverages. FREE admission. birminghamparent.com | 43
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27 WEDNESDAY Summer Break Story Time! 10:15am, Albert L. Scott Library, Alabaster. Start the summer off right with stories, songs and silliness with Miss Jane. 20th Annual Rickwood Classic 12:30pm, Rickwood Field, Birmingham. Since 1996, the Birmingham Barons have traveled back to historic Rickwood Field once a year to celebrate Birmingham’s rich baseball past. Rickwood is America’s oldest inuse ballpark. Tickets $10 general admission. 205-988-3200, www. barons.com.
Do Dah Day 11am-5pm SATURDAY, MAY 16
16 SATURDAY Pepper Place Market 7am-noon, 1130 22nd St. South. Rain or shine. Fresh produce and much more. 10th Annual Zoo Run 5K 7:30am 5K, 8:30am, children’s races, Birmingham Zoo. Run wild through the zoo to benefit the Marine Mammal Center! Begins in zoo parking lot and finishes in Trails of Africa. Children’s races begin in the Junior League of Birmingham/Hugh Kaul Children’s Zoo barn. Registration open until day of race. All runners get free admission to the zoo. https://runsignup.com/ Race/AL/ Birmingham/ 10thAnnualZooRun5K. Itty Bitty Magic City McWane Science Center. Join McWane for the special grand opening of the Birmingham Children’s Museum Itty Bitty Magic City. This exciting new space caters to kindergarten kids and younger. Featuring Main Street, Tot Spot, Ball Zone, Water Play and a climbing structure. www.mcwane.org. Cahaba Lily Festival 9am-5pm, Main Street, West Blocton. This annual festival
includes indoor presentations, canoe rentals for canoeing among the lilies and more. T-shirts, caps, artwork and nature-related crafts available for sale. Information, 205-938-7304, 205-938-2479. Hikes for Tykes with Fresh Air Family 10am, Birmingham Botanical Gardens. Look for fairies and dragons with storyteller Verna Gates. Fun and learning for preschool children and their families. www.freshairfamily.org. FREE. Do Dah Day 11am-5pm, Caldwell Park, Birmingham. Since its beginning in 1979, the South’s craziest parade event has raised almost $1.5 million for local animal charities. Bring your four-legged friends and sign up for prizes! Food, beverages, T-shirts and more. Parade begins at 11:01am.
17 SUNDAY Itty Bitty Magic City McWane Science Center, see May 16. Southeastern Outings Dayhike 1:30pm, Living River camp property, Shelby-Bibb county line. Hike on the trails on the retreat the Presbyterian church is developing on the Cahaba
44 | birminghamparent | may 2015
River. The 3-mile hike is rated moderate. Well-behaved, carefully supervised children age 7 and older able to walk 3 miles welcome. Depart 1:30pm from McDonald’s Galleria. Information, Dan Frederick, 205-631-4680, seoutings@bellsouth.net.
19 TUESDAY Birmingham Science Café 6-8pm, John’s City Diner. This event brings the public faceto-face with scientists in a laid-back atmosphere. Science trivia and guest speaker. Topic: Constructed wetlands for wastewater treatment in Alabama by speaker James Lowery. www.mcwane.org.
23 SATURDAY Pepper Place Market 7am-noon, 1130 22nd St. South. Rain or shine. Fresh produce and much more. Hikes for Tykes with Fresh Air Family 10am, Birmingham Botanical Gardens. Big Nature! An “I Spy” hike. Fun and learning for preschool children and their families. www.freshairfamily.org. FREE.
25 MONDAY
MEMORIAL DAY
30 SATURDAY Pepper Place Market 7am-noon, 1130 22nd St. South. Rain or shine. Fresh produce and much more. Alabama Wildlife Center Baby Bird Shower 11am-2pm, Alabama Wildlife Center, Oak Mountain State Park. About 1,000 baby birds will arrive at the center this year. Help AWC prepare for baby bird season. Bring a gift (see our website for gift ideas!) tour bird nursery and aviaries, free refreshments and children’s activities. FREE after admission to Oak Mountain State Park. 205-663-7930, x8, www. awrc.org. 6th Annual Bob Sykes BBQ and Blues Festival Noon-8pm, DeBardeleben Park, Bessemer. Relaxing and fun atmosphere for the entire family. Live music, large kid’s corner, free activities and games, arts and crafts and more. Barbecue, desserts and more! Tickets $15 before event; $20 at gate; children 12 and under admitted free. Tickets, information, 205426-1400, www.bobsykesblues. com or at restaurant. Hikes for Tykes with Fresh Air Family 10am, Birmingham Botanical Gardens. “A Hike to Remember.” Memory games to learn more about nature. Fun and learning for preschool children and their families. www.freshairfamily.org. FREE.
evets & attraction
Calendar sponsored by
Aldridge Botanical Gardens 3530 Lorna Road, Hoover. 205-682-8019, www.aldridgegardens.com
100 9th Street NW, Alabaster, AL, 35007. 205-664-6822, www.cityofalabaster.com/ departments/library
Alabama Jazz Hall of Fame 1631 Fourth Ave. N., Birmingham. 205-254-2731, www.jazzhall.com
Birmingham Botanical Gardens Be sure to download the treasure map to take with you! www.bbgardens.org/documents/ treasuremapforweb.pdf 2612 Lane Park Road, Birmingham. 205-414-3900, www.bbgardens.org
Alabama Sports Hall of Fame 2150 Richard Arrington Blvd. N., Birmingham. 323-6665, www. ashof.org Alabama Wildlife Center Wings over Oak Mountain. Alabama Wildlife Center, Oak Mountain State Park, May 1-3. This three-day event includes LIVE bird of prey programs, guided field trips and education programs led by the AWC, Birmingham Audubon Society, Callaway Gardens, Rise Raptor Project and experienced naturalists. The weekend also features the release of a rehabilitated raptor and a wine tasting reception featuring Vizzini Winery. Tickets: $75 per person, $125 per couple; breakfast and lunch on Saturday and breakfast on Sunday included. Begins at 4pm Friday and ends noon Sunday. 100 Terrace Drive, Pelham. 205-663-7930. www.awrc.org Albert L Scott Alabaster Public Library Story Times: Tunes & Tales: Wednesdays at 3:30pm in Library Meeting Room, all ages Toddler Tales: Fridays at 10:30am in the Library Meeting Room, 2 and 3 year olds
Birmingham Children’s Theatre 1001 19th St. North, Birmingham, AL, 35203, 205-458-8181, www. bct123.org ● Birmingham Civil Rights Institute They Dared: An Art Exhibition by Yvette Quarles Chatman. The 14 paintings in the exhibition are featured in Chatman’s book, “They Dared,” a children’s book that highlights contemporary African Americans who are change-makers in art, science, politics, music and sports. Through May 17. Selma to Montgomery: A March for the Right to Vote – Photographs by Spider Martin. This collection chronicles the 1965 march which brought about the passage of the Voting Rights Act in August of that year. Woolfolk Gallery. Through June 28. 16th St. N., Birmingham. 205-328-9696, www.bcri.org Birmingham Museum of Art Family Tours: Kids at Play! Every Tuesday, 10:30am. FREE. Spring Break at the BMA, March 31-April 2. FREE. 2000 Rev. Abraham Woods Jr.
Visit us in our new, more convenient location, at the intersection of Hwy 31 & Old Montgomery Highway!
Blvd., Birmingham. 205-2542565, www.artsbma.org Birmingham Zoo In-park Special Attractions Giraffe Feeding & Keeper Chat, Saturday & Sunday 11am-12pm & 2-3pm, $3. See Griffin, the first giraffe born in a North American accredited Zoo in 2014! Sea Lion Training, Daily 10am & 2pm Predator Zone, Saturday & Sunday 11:30am & 3:30pm 2630 Cahaba Road, Birmingham. 205-879-0409, www.birminghamzoo.com Heart of Dixie Railroad Museum 1919 Ninth St., Calera. 205-668-3435, www.hodrrm.org McWane Science Center Mindbender Mansion. Mister E. and the Mindbender Society invite you to enter the wonderfully puzzling world of Mindbender Mansion, full of puzzles, brainteasers and interactive challenges. Adults and children will enjoy exercising their minds! TOYTOPIA. Stage Nine Exhibit Design presents this highly acclaimed exhibition. TOYTOPIA is an immersive and interactive exhibition focusing on the various histories and legacies of toy makers throughout the past century of toymaking. Learn about the origins of toys, who made them and why they are fun and dear to us. www.mcwane.org. IMAX Movies: • Mysteries of the Unseen
World. High-speed and time-lapse photography, electron microscopy and nanotechnology are just a few of the advancements in science that allow us to see a whole new universe of things, events, creatures and processes. See places on Earth that are beyond normal vision. • Island of Lemurs: Madagascar. Morgan Freeman narrates this true story of nature’s greatest explorers – lemurs. It’s a spectacular journey to the remote and wondrous world of Madagascar. 200 19th St. N., Birmingham. 205-714-8300, www.mcwane.org. Oak Mountain State Park 200 Terrace Drive, Pelham. 205-620-2520, www.alapark.com. Ruffner Mountain Nature Center 1214 81st St. S., Birmingham. 205-833-8264, www.ruffnermountain.org. Southern Museum of Flight 4343 73rd St. N., Birmingham. 205-833-8226, www.southernmuseumofflight.org Tannehill Ironworks Historical State Park 12632 Confederate Parkway, McCalla. 205-477-5711, www.tannehill.org Vulcan Park 1701 Valley View Drive, Birmingham. 205-933-1409, www.vulcanpark.org
Fun-filled summers start here. We have something for everyone from Fishing and Chess to Art and Sports.
Camp Dates: June 1st-July 31st. Entering Kindergarten through 8th Grade
Dr. Michelle Bajjalieh 3500 Independence Drive, Homewood alabamapediatricdentistry.com 802-7277
Contact Gabe McCool at gmccool@highlandsschool.org or (205) 956-9731 ext 105 . Located on Old Leeds Rd. (I-459 exit at Grants Mill Rd) birminghamparent.com | 45
poetry party
I Like Poems! Read, Write and Share!
What are some of your favorite things? Here are a couple of poems about things that I like.
I Like Sunshine I like sunshine. I like snow. I like brown leaves When they blow. I like summer. I like spring. I like bluebirds When they sing. I like cookies. I like cake. I like waffles When I wake. I like collies. I like cats. I like clowns In funny hats. I like baseball. I like trains. I like sleeping When it rains. I like stories At bedtime. I like poems When they rhyme.
46 | birminghamparent | may 2015
I Like Words I like words like Savoir faire That sound like Whispers in the air. I like words like Hacienda That twirl the tongue Just like a blender. I like words like Frosty icing Because they make Me say that I sing. I like words like All day sucker Because they make My taste buds pucker!
NOW YOU TRY IT! Think of all the things you like. Make a list of those things — and write them in rhyme! For more poetry activities, visit the Father Goose website at FatherGoose.com Want to submit YOUR poems for publication? Parents, here are some magazines that publish poems written by children: http://www.ckmagazine.org • http://www.magicdragonmagazine.com http://www.cricketmag.com
s n e Op 16 y a M
Join us for the opening of our newest addition, specially designed for our littlest visitors ages K and younger.
OPENING MAY 16
Learn about the origins of toys, who made them & why we love them. birminghamparent.com | 47
200 19th STREET NORTH • BIRMINGHAM, AL • (205) 714-8300 • WWW.MCWANE.ORG
It’s all about happy, healthy kids! BIRMINGHAM PARENT’S
2015 happyhealthykidsfair2014 Presented by RIVERCHASE GALLERIA, Birmingham
8.8.15
SATURDAY
10-4
GREAT GIVEAWAYS, FACE PAINTING WITH FACE PAINTING FAIRY ALL DAY AND MAGI CITY FACE & BODY ART FROM 10AM-2PM. GREAT VENDORS WITH HEALTH, EXERCISE, EDUCATION, SPORTS, EXTRA-CURRICULAR ACTIVITIES INFO. AND MORE CHILDREN’S OF ALABAMA
I F Y O U A R E I N T E R S T E D I N B E I N G PA R T O F H A P P Y H E A LT H Y K I D S F A I R 2 0 15 C O N TA C T 2 0 5 - 9 8 7- 7 7 0 0 O R I N F O @ B I R M I N G H A M PA R E N T. C O M