THE PRE MIE R PARE NTING MAGA ZINE FOR CE NTR AL AL ABAMA
Birmingham SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER 2021
NEUROFIBROMATOSIS:
LIVING WITH AN INCURABLE DISEASE CLASSROOM OPPORTUNITIES FOR
STUTTERERS
COPING WITH CRYING BUDGETING AFTER BABY
PUMPKIN PATCH GUIDE PAGES 34-35
WHAT BRACES ARE RIGHT
FOR MY CHILD?
Busy fall schedules mean family time can be hard to come by. Gaylord Opryland makes quality time
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birminghamparent.com | 3
ed note
WELCOME TO FALL IN ALABAMA! By the time you read this, we will be knocking on the door of fall in Alabama. Some days will still be steamy and warm, but on other days you may feel the crisp hint of cooler weather and changing leaves in the air. Covid certainly has mixed things up for family events and many organizations who offer family activities around fall festivals, pumpkin patches and Halloween. Be sure to check out the locales that are still planning events on pages 34-35, but be sure to access their website and find out about days and hours open. And check out our calendar of events, starting on page 43, for even more great activities for families, both inside and outside, during September and October. This issue is chock full of great information, from a guide to the types of braces you can get for your child (October is National Orthodontic Health Month), several great articles on special needs and our fall installment of our Baby Book. If you came to the Happy Healthy Kids Fair Aug. 7 at the Outlet Shops of Grand River, your child may have been entered in our Cover Kids Search. Everyone, please go vote in our Cover Kids Search (see page 14)! Two of these cuties will each have their own cover in 2022. It’s been a tough year for everyone! Hope your family is healthy, and thanks for sticking with us! There is more good stuff to come! And remember, you can always access our magazine online at www. birminghamparent.com. Happy Fall,
P.O. Box 326 (add 800 Hwy. 52 E. for pkg) Helena, AL 35080 205-624-2405 205-624-2415 FAX www.birminghamparent.com
editorial PUBLISHERS David & Carol Evans EDITOR Carol Muse Evans ASSOCIATE EDITOR Lori Chandler Pruitt CONTRIBUTORS Paige Townley Sarah Lyons Dr. Mackenzie Rodgers Richard Rice Malia Jacobson Kimberly Blaker Cheryl Maguire Elena Epstein The Stuttering Foundation www.elivingtoday.com
sales BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT Tom Gonzales SR. MARKETING CONSULTANT Kayla Fricks
Carol Muse Evans publisher/Editor carol@birminghamparent.com CORRECTION: In The July/August issue we incorrectly listed the practice for Dr. William T. Hudson, the Family Favorite OB/GYN for 2021. It should have been listed as: After Ours OB/GYN William T. Hudson, MD We have three locations to serve YOU, at times that work for YOU. Providing you the absolute highest quality in Women's Health Care. Make your appointment today at 205-598-6800 or visit www.afteroursobgyn.com.
ABOUT THE EDITORS: Carol Muse Evans is the publisher/editor/owner of Birmingham Parent magazine, a publication she and her husband David began in 2004. The Birmingham, Alabama-based parenting publication attracts more than 60,000 readers monthly in a four-county area and receives 10,000 hits per month on its website. The magazine has a 20,000+ print circulation, plus several thousand in readership of the digital edition online. It is the only independently audited free publication in our area. Evans is an award-winning writer and editor who has also has written for several other publications as a freelance writer since the late 80s. She is a graduate of Auburn University in journalism and is a graduate of Scottsboro High School. She is married with two grown children and lives in Alabaster. She is a member of Alabama Press Association and Southeastern Advertisers and Publishers Association (SAPA). Evans also serves as vice president of business development for the Southern Regional Magazine Association (SRMA), www.magazineswork.com. Lori Chandler Pruitt is associate editor of Birmingham Parent. She also is a freelancer for Business Alabama magazine and has written/edited for several other publications. This award-winning writer and editor is a graduate of the University of Alabama in news/editorial and Hueytown High School. She is married with two children.
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MARKETING CONSULTANT & SPECIAL EVENTS COORDINATOR Stacey Spence
art & production ART DIRECTOR Keith Dunn 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 (EIN200694149) is published monthly by Evans Publishing LLC. www.birminghamparent.com or editor@birminghamparent.com. Birmingham Parent is © 2021 by Evans Publishing LLC. Family Connections Media ©2021 by Evans Publishing LLC. All rights reserved. Reproduction in whole or part without written permission is prohibited. Editorial submissions are welcome. For back issues, please send a self-addressed 10” x 13” envelope with $4 for postage and handling.
Sept. 30, 2021
HIGHWAY YARD SALE
For maps, shopping, lodging, dining & local attraction info, visit GreaterGadsden.com or call 888-565-0411
birminghamparent.com | 5
contents
26
Babies cost a lot of money! Diapers, formula, clothes, and baby gear can take a huge chunk out of your monthly budget...Learn some tips on how to cut down on spending.
our focus
our features
babybook
our regulars EDITOR’S NOTE: Welcome to Fall in Alabama..........................................4 PRODUCTS WE LOVE ...........................7 SHORT STUFF...........................................8
16
24 COPING WITH CRYING.................24 BUDGETING AFTER BABY..............26 ASK THE SPECIALIST: PARENT’S GUIDE TO CIRCUMCISION.........27 DO AWAY WITH DIAPER RASH..28 MAKING YOUR HOME SAFE FOR BABY.................................................30
WHAT BRACES ARE RIGHT FOR MY CHILD? .....................................10 FALL FUN – OUTDOORSY FAMILY ADVENTURES........................32
SCHOOL DOGS CHANGE STUDENT DYNAMICS...........................16
PUMPKIN PATCHES & FALL FESTIVALS GUIDE.................................34
THE NEUROFIBROMATOSIS NORMAL: LIVING WITH AN INCURABLE DISEASE....................................................18
YWCA of Central Alabama .................36 SEPTEMBER & OCTOBER 2021 Calendar of Events.................................43
MISOPHONIA: HOW SOUNDS CAN CAUSE ANGER IN TEENS AND TWEENS .................................................20 HELPING KIDS FACE THEIR FEARS........................................................22
28
RETURN TO THE CLASSROOM OFFERS GREAT OPPORTUNITIES FOR THE CHILD WHO STUTTERS ...........23
10
ON THE COVER: ON THE FRONT COVER: John, age 8, of Vestavia welcomes fall in Alabama with a horseback ride from Daisy at Hubbard Pony Rides, www.facebook.com/hubbardponyrides. Photos by Christy Pierce Photography, 205-902-0385; www.christypiercephotographyllc.com. 6 | birminghamparent | SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER 2021
PROD U CTS W E LOV E
BIRMINGHAM PARENT GOES BACK TO SCHOOL By Elena Epstein, Director of the National Parenting Product Awards
Preschool Label Pack
Perfect for kids heading to school. These personalized and ultra-durable labels help stop the spread of germs by ensuring your little one’s things do not get misplaced. $26.50, ages birth-4 years, www.mabelslabels.com
Bulkie® Sleep Mat
(Photo: Mike Calabro) All rolled into a convenient backpack, the Bulkie® sleeping mats are perfect for any home hang out adventure or nap at school. Thick, comfy, cozy, and cushy with a 100% cotton flannel lined blanket. $55.00, ages 2-7 years, www.urbaninfant.com
Think Tank Scholar
600 Pocket-Size Math Flash Cards: Addition, Subtraction, Multiplication & Division Everything you need to enhance your child’s math skills. Features 600 flash cards for kindergarten through sixth grade. Includes 33 bonus facts and eight word problems. $44.99, ages 3-12 years, www.thinktankscholar.com
Science Stumpers
A fun-filled collection of bite-sized science mysteries. Each brain teaser provides a mini story with fictional characters to describe events that have counterintuitive results. The goal is to solve the puzzle using new concepts. $16.95, ages 7 years-adult, https://missing-piece-press.square.site
Sago Mini School
A learning platform created with child development experts that builds early reading, math, sciences and problem solving through child-led activities. $7.99, ages 2-5, www.sagomini.com
Math Wizard and the Magical Workshop
An addition & subtraction adventure. Brew potions with dragon claws and magic sparkles to master place value on a magical quest. Then, add and subtract balloons to help dragons fly! Part of the Osmo Math Series for first and second grade math curriculum learning. $59.00, ages 6-8, www.playosmo.com
Early Math 101 To Go
Contains everything you need to create a fun and handson experience for your child to learn geometry and problem-solving skills through play. Includes activity booklet and cards, pattern blocks, small pegs, lacing beads and more. $39.99, ages 4+, www. edxeducation.com
For more product reviews, please visit nappaawards.com
DIVE INTO THE ARTS, MATH, AND SCIENCE
birminghamparent.com | 7
S H O RT STU FF 39TH ANNUAL
New book series Young Change Makers shares stories of youngsters who are making a difference Young Change Makers is a seven-book series featuring more than 80 trailblazing youth from around the world who are taking action to change their communities in positive ways. Author and educator Stacy Bauer wanted others to know the stories of ordinary kids who were doing extraordinary things, which was her inspiration for writing the series. “These are some absolutely incredible kids. From raising money to help the sick, to planting over a billion trees worldwide, these kids are so caring, inspiring, selfless, and kind,” Bauer says. “They are taking action to spread joy and love, and I am so excited to share their stories.” The youngsters showcased in the first book of the series – Young Change Makers: Making a Difference – range from a girl who collects donations for animals each year on her birthday to a boy who invented a device to alert parents if their children are left in a hot car. SAVE THE DATE! SEPTEMBER 23-25 Free admission • Delicious food • Drive-thru Lunch orders are $100.00 minimum.
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Bauer is a second-grade teacher who lives in a suburb of Minneapolis with her husband and two children. She has taught for 17 years, from kindergarten to eighth grade. She is the creator of the bestselling children’s book series Cami Kangaroo and Wyatt Too. There are currently eight picture and activity books in the series. In 2020, Bauer started her own publishing company, Hop Off the Press. Connect with Bauer on Facebook and Instagram, and visit her website, https://stacycbauer.com. Young Change Makers: Making a Difference is published through Hop Off the Press LLC and is available for order, along with the rest of the books in the series, at https://stacycbauer.com/ young-change-makers-29/.
Hibbett partners with United Ability for Summer Jobs Program Program benefits high school students with disabilities Hibbett, the leading Birmingham-based premium footwear and athleisure retailer, announced a partnership with United Ability of Alabama to host a worksite for its six-week long, summer Job Exploration Training Services (JETS) program. The JETS summer program enabled 10 high school students with varying abilities to receive on-the-job training, mentoring and work experience, side-by-side with other Hibbett employees at the company’s distribution center in Birmingham. “We are so appreciative of the support Hibbett has shown United Ability’s Summer JETS Program,” says Katie Dumais, United Ability director of employment services. “Hibbett has proven itself to be a true leader in the community and we look forward to growing this partnership for years to come.” Harvey Knighten, Hibbett vice president of human resources, says the program allows a unique opportunity to students as they prepare to enter a competitive workforce “and in fact, we are hiring a couple of the students who were interested in permanent positions.” The company plans to participate again in summer 2022 and continues to strengthen the partnership. The United Ability JETS program, developed five years ago, is open to students at least 16 years old who are enrolled in a a greater Birmingham area high school and enrolled with the Alabama Department of Rehabilitation Services.
8 | birminghamparent | SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER 2021
SH ORT STU FF
Students in the program receive a combination of work-based learning and on the job support as they receive mentoring and learn the skills needed to perform a variety of different jobs. All program participants are paid to work four hours per day, five days a week for the 6-week duration of the program. Photos courtesy of United Ability. Hibbett also will participate in the first DisABILITY Hiring Expo, hosted by United Ability and the Alabama Department of Rehabilitation Services (ADRS), from 2-4 p.m. on September 23 at United Ability’s LINCPoint Adult Program Building, \101 Oslo Circle, Birmingham.
Two Great New Books About Special Needs Born to Sparkle: A Story About Achieving Your Dreams Author Megan Bomgaars, who has Down syndrome, is an activist, TV personality and entrepreneur. Her debut book arrives this fall. Inspired by her moving “Don’t Limit Me” speech, Born to Sparkle encourages young readers to dream big and work hard to make those big dreams come true. Her story reveals there are no limits and anything is possible if one follows their dreams and works hard. It’s about doing your very best to make dreams happen. Be brave. Study. Learn. Practice. Ask questions. Educators and parents will revel in this uplifting, inspiring picture book with a cast of stuffed animals leading by example at each turn of the page. Illustrated by Peter John Olczyk. Hardcover, $12.99; ISBN: 978-1-4867-2100-8/ Book of Hugs: A Story About Achieving Your Dreams Motivational speaker, disability advocate and restaurateur Tim Harris’ debut picture book, Book of Hugs, publishes this September. Inspired by Tim’s love of giving big bear hugs and his restaurant that offered up hugs on the menu, this charming how-to guide inspires readers with plenty of reasons to give someone a big hug! Colorful characters Teddy Bear Tim and his trio of energetic monkey friends share tips on delivering the very best hugs – no matter whether they are happy hugs, sad hugs, fast or slow hugs. Every type of hug is about sharing love. As the book says, “Love is the most important part!” Illustrated by Charlie Astrella. Hardcover $12.99; ISBN: 978-1486721047. On the weekend of January 21-23, Tim Harris and his family are relaunching the Hug-a-thon. The goal is to get a million hugs and one million dollars in donations, all to benefit the Hearts of Joy International charity. Details to follow. This non-profit provides life-saving heart surgery for children born with Down syndrome. Learn more at Hearts of Joy International.
Birthdays in Birmingham Your local birthday party resource Loved by Parents since 1997
birthdaysinbirmingham.com Places to Go Entertainment Party Supplies & Rentals Facilities Coupons
SEEING CLEARLY STARTS HERE Call and schedule an appointment today. Now accepting Blue Cross, Davis, Superior, Spectera, Met Life, All Kids, Cigna, Tri Care, Avesis and many other insurance plans.
205-987-2308 | www.dayeyecenter.com 2122 Old Montgomery Hwy. | Pelham, AL 35124 birminghamparent.com | 9
OC TOB E R I S O RTHO DO NTI C HEALTH MON T H
WHAT BRACES ARE RIGHT FOR MY CHILD? By Carol Muse Evans
You see them on children and adults of all ages. They’ve been around since your parents were young. Your dentist can guide you to whether you need braces, but what are the types of braces to consider? Dr. John Phillips of PT Orthodontics says there are several options, from metal braces, clear braces and Invisalign, all of which are great for children or adults. The American Association of Orthodontics (www.aaoinfo. org) recommends children get their first check-up with an AAO
10 | birminghamparent | SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER 2021
orthodontist at the first recognition of an orthodontic problem, but no later than age 7, as children have a mix of baby and permanent teeth at 7. Your dentist will likely direct you. But when does a child typically get braces? Dr. Angelica Rohner of Angelica Rohner Pediatric Dentistry says the age varies because every child is different, but also cites the American Academy of Orthodontics’ age 7 recommendation. “For my patients, I recommend an orthodontic evaluation around the 2nd or 3rd grade, depending on each patient’s needs,” Rohner
October is National Orthodontic Health Month
9 YEARS IN A ROW!
adds. “Most children get braces when they are between 9 and 14 years old.” Whatever braces you get, there are also emotional factors around it to consider. According to http://ebraces.org, nearly one fourth of the U.S. population has or will have braces at some point. The choices are up to you and your orthodontist. There are different factors to take into consideration when choosing between braces and Invisalign. Your doctor will go over the benefits of each and help you choose what is best for you, Phillips points out. Phillips offers this list explaining the braces choices you may have:
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Traditional Metal Braces Traditional metal braces are probably what you think of when you picture someone wearing braces: small metal brackets bonded to the front of the teeth. A thin wire runs through the brackets and is attached on either end to metal bands that go around a back molar. There are still some situations for which traditional braces are a better choice and only an orthodontist can determine the best course of action, Phillips says. Benefits of Dental Braces • Produces effective results quickly • Durable and reliable • Require less discipline
Why Choose PT Orthodontics? Free Initial Exam Choose Your Own Payment Plan Same Day Braces Lifetime Smile Guarantee
Check us out at PTortho.com or call 205.979.9480 for more details.
11 LOCATIONS TO SERVE YOU! birminghamparent.com | 11
O C TOBE R IS ORT H OD ON T IC H E ALT H MON T H
DENTISTRY FOR
CHILDREN & SPECIAL NEEDS PERSONS
Dr. Tabitha Jarman Gatrey, DMD
4823 Promenade Pkwy., Suite 101 Bessemer, AL 35022 p 205-230-9000 f 205-230-0188
www.psmilesal.com
farmers market
FIND EVENTS
that didn’t make our print issue online at BirminghamParent.com
Clear Braces Instead of highly noticeable metal brackets, you can have clear ones made of ceramic. They are hardly visible, except for the thin wire running through. Many adults choose clear braces. Invisalign Clear Aligners As the name implies, Invisalign clear aligners are made of virtually invisible polyurethane plastic, instead of metal-like traditional braces.
12 | birminghamparent | SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER 2021
Rather than being cemented or bonded to the teeth, these clear aligners are completely removable for eating, and more importantly, brushing and flossing. You must, however, resist the temptation to take your aligners out more than is recommended to ensure that your smile stays on course, Phillips says. Here are some other advantages of the Invisalign system, Phillips says: • Cleaner Teeth & Gums. With a removable orthodontic appliance, you will be able to clean your mouth much more easily when compared to metal braces. • Discreet Looks. If you consider your orthodontic treatment to be a private matter, or simply feel that metal braces don’t fit with your self-image, this practically invisible form of orthodontic treatment might suit you. • Fewer Dietary Limitations. To protect metal wires and braces, some diet modifications are necessary. With clear aligners, you can still bite into an apple or enjoy a crispy pizza crust. • Comfort. The soft, flexible material of which Invisalign is made is less likely to irritate the soft tissues of the mouth than metal wires and brackets. • Protection Against Teeth Grinding. If you have a teeth-grinding or clenching habit, clear aligners can function as thin nightguards that will help protect your teeth from excessive wear. Carol Muse Evans is editor and publisher of Birmingham Parent.
PT ORTHODONTICS
www.PTortho.com 205-979-9480
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ORDER TICKETS! OPERABIRMINGHAM.ORG
205-322-6737
At PT Orthodontics we know that a smile can change a life! We have been providing affordable, state-of-the-art orthodontic care since 1990. We have eleven convenient locations in Hoover, Homewood/Mountain Brook, Cahaba Heights, Greystone, Leeds, Pell City, Oxford, Hueytown, Gardendale, Jasper and Tuscaloosa. Because we want to make braces easy and affordable, we offer: Free Initial Consultations, Choose Your Own Payment Plan, Same Day Braces, Before & After School Appointments, Friends Referral Program, Lifetime Smile Guarantee, and a Smile Savings Program. We accept a wide
range of orthodontic and dental insurance plans. No Hidden Fees – all records & first set of retainers are INCLUDED! Free retainer checkup appointments for one year. We provide a full range of braces to meet your individual needs and desires, including metal braces and clear ceramic braces. We also offer Invisalign® clear aligners and are an Invisalign® Diamond Provider! We would love to help you achieve a beautiful PT Ortho Smile!
Call us today at 205- 979-9480 to schedule a free consultation or visit www.PTortho.com to learn more.
Where all the dental needs of your child can be met under one roof! Dr. Olga Sanchez Hernandez is dual trained and board certified as a pediatric dentist and orthodontist.
4814 Bell Hill Road, Bessemer, AL 35022 205-477-8004 like us on facebook Follow us on
Instagram @mopdsmiles
WE FILE ALL INSURANCE AS A COURTESY. WE ARE PROVIDERS FOR MOST INSURANCE COMPANIES. birminghamparent.com | 13
BIRMINGHAM PARENT’S The search is on to find fresh faces and smiles to light up Birmingham Parent magazine covers in 2022!
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Go Vote for Your Favorite Cover Kids from the 2021 Happy Healthy Kids Fair at The Outlet Shops of Grand River on August 7, 2021! At our recent event Christy Pierce Photography took head shots of children at the event, and we will select winners from among these terrific kids. Thanks to all who came out to this event! (Only single head shots are included here.) Vote from now until Midnight on Dec. 15, 2021 for ONE boy and ONE girl – only one vote per person per day! (Must vote for one boy and one girl for your vote to count.”) The boySEE and YOU the girlAUGUST with the most 24,votes 2019!will each appear on a Birmingham Parent cover in 2022. https://birminghamparent.com/directory/cover-kids-voting/ 14 | birminghamparent | SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER 2021
Takes On Life.
THERE IS STILL TIME TO REGISTER FOR FALL CLASSES AT THE
Samford University Academy of the Arts!
Session A ESL Beginning & Professional French & Italian Calligraphy Creative Art Photography
Session B classes start week of October 18
Art for Children/Teens/High School Painting / Drawing Understanding Your Canon Architectural Photography Photography I
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Lilianna is a three-time bone marrow transplant survivor
Briarwood Ballet
who inspires us and gives hope to families affected by childhood cancer. The Taking on Life after Cancer (TLC) Clinic at Children’s of Alabama focuses on improving the health and well-being of childhood cancer survivors and is the only clinic of its kind in Alabama. We provide care tailored to the long-term survivors of pediatric cancer, looking at patients holistically, seeing how they’re doing physically, emotionally and mentally – and giving them the tools they need to succeed in life.
Now enrolling for 2021-22 Classes ages 3 - high school and Mommy & Me briarwoodballet.com 205-776-5284
To learn about Lilianna’s story and how you can help, visit ChildrensAL.org/committedtoacure
birminghamparent.com | 15
School Dogs Change Student Dynamics By Richard Rice, Media Manager, Service Dogs Alabama
Many Alabama schools have already returned to in-class learning this fall, and some students may notice a four-legged classmate. Currently, 26 schools have Facility Intervention Dogs provided by Service Dogs Alabama (SDA) through an exclusive partnership with the Alabama State Department of Education (ALSDE). The Facility Intervention Dogs your child encounters in the classroom provide students with cognitive, physiological, social and emotional support. Having a residential Facility Intervention Dog present in the classroom promotes a positive mood and provides significant anti-stress effects on the body. SDA Facility Intervention Dogs are trained for specific needs of the facility and handler to defuse disruptive behaviors with intervention tasks that effectively minimize or eliminate trauma episodes and emotional confrontations. The calming presence of a trained intervention dog will provide motivation to participate, relieve test anxiety, increase focus, create an inclusive and safe space and can calm a potentially explosive situation. “Having Popcorn in the classroom helps students cope with almost anything. To them, if Popcorn can handle something, so can they,” says Brandi Reiske from Wetumpka Elementary School. “She gives the children added confidence, and she pays special attention to the ones who may need her a little more.” “One of my students that Cassie has helped so much has trichotillomania, a hair pulling disorder, said Kimberly Henderson from Ozark City Schools. Since Cassie has been in school with him, all his hair and eyebrows have grown back!” Professionally trained Facility Intervention Dogs who work full-time in schools are quite different from Therapy Dogs who visit schools on occasion. School Dogs work off-leash in the classrooms. They are trained to detect elevated levels of stress and know a wide range of tasks to intervene. School educators, counselors, and even principals are selected as handlers in the schools. The dogs can interact with hundreds of students daily. Frances McGowin, executive director of SDA, says, “Having a trained Facility Intervention Dog as a consistent presence in a school can change the whole dynamic of the school.” Maggie’s handler Joshua McCullers, from Pine Level Elementary says, “When she’s at the house, she’s just a dog. You take care of her, love her, spoil her, and when you put that vest on them, their whole demeanor just changes. They know it’s time to go to work and it’s time to help people.” The dogs everyone knows to be lovable, gentle and faithful companions have a new profession: therapist, motivator and interventionist, and so much more. These dogs change the dynamics of classrooms by intercepting the stress and anxiety that can cause disruptive and explosive behaviors, thus creating drama free classrooms where children can participate and learn. Service Dogs Alabama is the oldest and largest non-profit organization in Alabama that serves both children and veterans and has placed over 104 dogs with qualified individuals or facilities. SDA provides medical and psychological assistance dogs to children, adults, and veterans with disabilities and Facility Intervention Dogs for schools and courtrooms. SDA has developed a 43-acre state-of-the-art training complex in Hope Hull, AL (Guice Slawson Training Complex); built an additional kennel facility in North Alabama, created a prison-based dog training initiative and has implemented unparalleled School Dog and Courtroom Dog programs. For more information about Service Dogs Alabama visit www.servicedogsalabama.org. 16 | birminghamparent | SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER 2021
Service dog, Bullet, in class. Photo courtesy of Service Dogs Alabama
birminghamparent.com | 17
Philip Moss celebrating his 16th birthday with his family.
The Neurofibromatosis Normal:
Living with an Incurable Disease By Paige Townley
For 16-year-old Philip Moss, living with a rare, incurable disease is just normal. It’s life as he has practically always known it. But for his parents, Renie and Philip Moss, Sr., finding out their son has neurofibromatosis was quite a shock – one they still vividly remember 10 years after diagnosis. “It was completely unexpected,” Renie says. “We knew that it thankfully wasn’t cancer because that had been ruled out by bloodwork. We honestly thought it was just a scarred lymph node, so it was a complete shock when we got the phone call that it was neurofibromatosis.” Neurofibromatosis (NF) is a rare, genetic disorder that causes tumors to form on nerve tissue. It can happen anywhere in the nervous system, and while they are usually benign, the tumors can become malignant. There are three types of NF: NF1, NF2, and schwannomatosis. Philip has NF1, which, according to the Neurofibromatosis Clinics Association, is the most common neurological disorder caused by a single gene and occurs in one in every 3,000 children. Overall, NF affects approximately two million people worldwide, and each type has its own signs and symptoms. For Philip, it started with a swollen area on his neck. “We went to the pediatrician, and they treated it with antibiotics but nothing changed,” Renie says. 18 | birminghamparent | SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER 2021
“Six months later, after testing at Children’s of Alabama, we found out it was actually a tumor that signified NF1.” Philip was six years old when diagnosed, though many children are diagnosed as babies. Within a week of diagnosis, the family was meeting with geneticists at UAB. “There were so many emotions,” Renie says. “We didn’t want to create fear, but we wanted to maintain his trust. Philip was smart and he wanted answers. We had to talk to a family counselor to figure out age-appropriate ways to share with him what was going on medically but let him know we were going to take care of it.” At that time, Philip was just starting kindergarten while also undergoing MRIs for doctors to best understand how to create a care plan. With NF, it can be quite difficult to treat as the tumors grow slowly, so chemotherapy won’t work, and with the tumor being on a nerve, surgery can cause significant, irreparable damage. For Philip, because the tumor in his neck was not causing him any pain and sitting on critical nerves, doctors knew surgery wasn’t an option. “We knew it would create more problems to remove it, even though it was going to create serious issues as it grew,” Renie says. “It was growing, and we couldn’t stop it. That was an issue.” So, the family had to live with NF1 and watch the tumor grow and tried not to not let the disease define their family. “We wanted to focus
Neurofibromatosis (NF) is a rare, genetic disorder that causes tumors to form on nerve tissue. It can happen anywhere in the nervous system, and while they are usually benign, the tumors can become malignant. on the good things and live life as normally as possible, even though NF was lurking in the shadows,” Renie says. But the family also knew what the growth of the tumor meant: the tumor could encircle his windpipe and suffocate him. If surgery became the only option, it could mean damaging nerves that meant he could never swallow or speak again or lose shoulder movement. “We were just watching and waiting,” Renie says. “Every six months he’d have an MRI, and concerns would start to creep up.” After a few years, as the tumor continued to grow and encircle his windpipe, the family and the doctors continued to search for possibilities as there was still no approved treatment. They did try an oral chemotherapy drug to try to slow it down and buy some time. At first, there was hope: the tumor’s growth decreased to just 12 percent over a four month period. “But then it took off again,” Renie says. “After eight months of trying, it was deemed unsuccessful. I remember walking out of the hospital with nothing left to try.” The last glimmer of hope for treatment came when the geneticist asked if they could submit Philip’s file to the National Institute of Health as a candidate for an upcoming trial drug that they learned about. “It was experimental, but we said sure,” Renie adds. “So we went on living life and tried to wrap our minds around other things.” But then, thankfully, and unexpectedly, the email came: Philip had a spot in the trial. Three weeks later, and they were on a plane to the National Cancer Institute in Bethesda, Maryland, to qualify for the experimental drug. “He had to go through so many safety tests, but he qualified,” Renie says. “He took his first pill of the drug trial in September 2015.” Philip was traveling back and forth to Bethesda every couple of months for the first six months of the trial while also trying to pass fourth grade. Unfortunately, the first six months of taking the drug made him incredibly sick. “It was awful, but we didn’t have a choice,” Renie shares. “This was it. This was our Hail Mary.” After six months of sickness finally came relief. “He just woke up one day and felt better,” Renie says. Even more important was that an MRI revealed the experimental drug was working: the tumor shrunk by 14 percent. Since then, the tumor continued to shrink and is now almost 60 percent smaller than it was originally. “The tumor is still there, but you can’t really see it like you could before,” Renie says. “You would never really know he has NF by looking at him.” Since Philip started the clinical trial, the drug has actually been approved in the United States in 2020 and in Europe earlier this year. Philip still gets MRIs to monitor the tumor every six months, and he still makes those frequent trips to Bethesda. “We’re so very fortunate,” Renie says. “We call our life living between the scans. We try to live a normal life, then the tension and anxiety build up when you know a scan is coming up. We’re just trying to live life the best we can.”
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MISOPHONIA:
How Sounds Can Cause Anger in Teens and Tweens By Cheryl Maguire
“Your chewing is hurting me.” My 12-year-old daughter covered her ears with her hands and closed her eyes as if in pain. I sat at the kitchen table, nibbling on a ham and cheese sandwich, feeling confused. I know that we have been spending a lot of time together thanks to the pandemic, but her reaction seemed a little extreme. Did the sounds of me munching on a sandwich really cause her physical pain? It turns out my daughter has a recently identified disorder known as misophonia – a neurological condition that causes an aversion to specific sounds. The onset of the disorder often begins in childhood or adolescence and can cause feelings of annoyance or anger. It isn’t known yet how many people have misophonia, but a 2017 study published in Current Biology found identifiable differences in the brains of misophonic individuals. People who have this disorder are often sensitive to the sounds of chewing, crunching, or other similar human noises. Typically, they react to the sounds of people they are closest to, like family members. My daughter’s aversion to sound is mostly related to the noises of her family members chewing during meals – and the pandemic is causing her misophonic symptoms to worsen. “Previously people with misophonia could escape their triggers by leaving the house,” says Dr. Eric Storch, a clinical psychologist and professor at the Baylor College of Medicine. “But now they are side by side with family members or roommates who are triggering them.” Storch thinks that tweens and teens living with the condition are more likely to be triggered by family than friends. “You can be honest with your family, maybe more honest than you should be,” he says. “I also think the frequency and proximity to your family members impact the reaction.” The cause of misophonia is unknown, but Storch explains that there is a high co-occurrence with other psychological disorders, such as anxiety, obsessive-compulsive disorder, and Tourette syndrome.
20 | birminghamparent | SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER 2021
“Clinically I have seen high rates of people with misophonia and conditions that are associated with emotional dysregulation like depression,” Storch says. Storch explains that people who have this disorder are always anticipating the next trigger, living their life waiting for the next sound that will make them uncomfortable. There are several strategies that are proving to be helpful in treating misophonia, including cognitive-behavioral therapy and visual imagery. The focus of CBT treatment is on teaching the misophonic person ways they can regulate the effects of their misophonia and how to relax rather than anticipate triggers. “Therapy that focuses on thinking things through objectively can be helpful, as can learning how to deal with things in a more direct fashion since you can’t leave your family,” says Storch. Visual imagery, which involves visualizing a different association with a distressing sound, can also be effective. “When you hear a chewing sound you can imagine a different visual and unpair the sound from where it is coming from,” explains Storch. Other forms of treatment may include tinnitus retraining therapy (TRT), music therapy, and occupational therapy. “This is still something we are trying to investigate and understand,” Storch says. While researchers work on developing a better understanding of this condition, my daughter has found a new strategy that is not only effective, it’s simple: she wears noise cancelling headphones when the sounds are bothering her. Cheryl Maguire holds a Master of Counseling Psychology degree. She is married and is the mother of twins and a daughter. Her writing has been published in The New York Times, Parents Magazine, AARP, Healthline, Grown and Flown, Your Teen Magazine, and many other publications. She is a professional member of ASJA. You can find her at Twitter @CherylMaguire05.
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HELPING KIDS FACE THEIR FEARS By Sarah Lyons
As a child, I assumed my parents weren’t afraid of anything. I would call on their help when I felt scared or nervous and they were always there to check under the bed for monsters and assure me that all was safe. One day I found a wasp flying around in my room and I called my dad to help. When he saw what the problem was, he ran back out of the room in terror. My dad is terrified of wasps. At that moment, I realized that adults have fears too. It’s normal for children to have fears. Kids may have bad dreams, be frightened of the dark, or find certain movie scenes scary. However, kids can develop fears that interrupt their everyday life such as a fear of speaking in front of others, fear of being dropped off at school, or fear of trying new things. Here are some tips to help kids face their fears. Give permission. Parents can let kids know that it is perfectly normal and acceptable to be scared. When you give a child permission to feel afraid, they can begin to acknowledge what is frightening them and face it head on. Parents can give tips on how to deal with different situations and work through the situation together. Problem solve. Try to pinpoint exactly what your child is afraid of and discuss ways that it can be handled. For example, when Jane Hammond’s nine-year-old daughter was afraid of falling during an
22 | birminghamparent | SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER 2021
ice-skating competition, they discussed what would be the result of her fall – just get back up. “She did fall once in a competition, then got back up and finished. She was glad for the experience,” says Hammond. Teach coping skills. Each time your child is afraid, give them tools they can use to overcome their fears. A child may be able to calm down by singing a song, hugging a stuffed animal, telling a joke, or declaring that monsters aren’t real. Reassure them you are always there to help them when they are afraid. Reward for bravery. As you see your child overcome fears or at least make efforts to face the things that scare them, reward them for their bravery. Giving positive feedback and acknowledging their efforts will encourage your child to keep trying to confront the things that cause them fear and anxiety. Continue to be patient and supportive. It is normal to have fears and it is appropriate to explain this to your child. As scary situations arise, encourage your child to share her feelings with you so that you can deal with them together. Sarah Lyons is a mother of six and a freelance writer.
Return to the Classroom Offers Great Opportunities for the Child Who Stutters Getting back to the classroom and moving away from remote learning offers an excellent opportunity for children who stutter, says Jane Fraser, president of the Stuttering Foundation. “Talking in person with their school speechlanguage pathologists, teachers and friends, is so important for all children, but even more so for kids who stutter.” During a recent Stuttering Foundation workshop for speech-language pathologists focused specifically on working with children who stutter, participants felt there had been an increase in stuttering among their patients.
“More than a year of remote instruction, in many cases, has left the child who stutters talking less, engaging classmates and teachers less, with fewer opportunities to raise their hand and share their voice,” added Fraser. “Fears may increase over time if difficult situations – like answering questions or making a presentation – are not faced each day. It’s time to break that cycle.” Conquering fears at a young age is critical for adolescents facing adversity. “When we talk to adults about how they have managed personal or professional success despite a lifetime of stuttering, the common thread is their ability to confront the fears early on, in grade school, often times with the help of a caring teacher or therapist,” Fraser says. The nonprofit Stuttering Foundation was founded in 1947 by Malcolm Fraser, a successful businessman who struggled with stuttering. It provides free online resources at StutteringHelp.org for people who stutter and their families, as well as support for research into the causes of stuttering. Courtesy of the Stuttering Foundation
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babybook
Coping with Crying: Tips from a parent educator on soothing your baby (and yourself) By Malia Jacobson
Caring for a wailing newborn who seems inconsolable is exhausting, frustrating, and isolating. With fewer opportunities for social and emotional support or outside help with childcare and household chores, frustration may give way to anger and increase the likelihood of shaking a crying baby. Research shows that rates of child abuse and abusive head trauma – the type of brain injury that happens when an infant is shaken – escalate during economic recessions and natural disasters. For example, during the national recession that began in 2008, Seattle Children’s Hospital and Harborview Medical Center saw such cases more than double, mirroring a trend occurring nationwide. Seattle Children’s established its Period of PURPLE Crying caregiver education program in response to the increase in abusive head trauma cases locally and nationwide. When COVID-19 began impacting access to social support and childcare resources for new parents last year, Period of PURPLE Crying Program Coordinator Christine Baker says child abuse researchers feared the worst. “Last year, at the beginning of the pandemic we were fearing that there would be a similar effect with rates of child abuse, but it was hard to predict,” she notes. “There’s research showing these effects after recessions and natural disasters, but there wasn’t data on the effects of a global pandemic like this one.” Now more than a year into the COVID pandemic, research has shown a similar spike in cases of child abuse. Per the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, the percentage of emergency department visits and hospitalizations related to child abuse and neglect for children and adolescents increased significantly from 2019 to 2020. 24 | birminghamparent | SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER 2020
“At this moment we have a combination of isolation and virtual connection fatigue, particularly for new parents who may be literally stuck at home with an infant,” says Baker. “People are tired of connecting online and they aren’t leaning into the virtual parties and gatherings the way they were a year ago. The supportive ‘we’re all in this together’ messaging is just not there anymore, because people are just over it.” Reaching caregivers about PURPLE crying COVID has complicated efforts to educate caregivers about the dangers of abusive head trauma (sometimes called shaken baby syndrome). With more families delaying well-child checkups and community events temporarily curtailed, program leaders have fewer opportunities to help new parents learn ways to cope with crying. Getting information to caregivers in the early weeks of parenthood is critical, because it only takes one shaking incident to permanently alter a child’s brain function, says Baker. “A shaken brain will never be the same brain again.” Shaking causes injury instantly, with effects that can compound over time with repeated episodes. Shaking any part of a baby, even the arms or legs, can cause learning disabilities, behavior disorders, problems with hearing, vision, and speech, seizures, cerebral palsy, permanent disability, or death. Using the acronym PURPLE (Peak of crying, Unexpected, Resists soothing, Pain-like face, Long-lasting, and Evening), the program helps spread the message that a phase of intense crying is developmentally normal, temporary, and not the result of genetics, parenting, or your child’s personality.
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WWW.ODYSSEYEARLYSCHOOL.COM While not all babies go through such a phase, many do, crying up to five hours in the afternoon or evening during their second and third months. Crying generally tapers off around months four and five, but not before the caregiver’s nerves are thoroughly frayed. Coping tips for caregivers Knowing that this phase is normal and doesn’t reflect poorly on their child or their parenting, can help parents cope, says Baker. “We tell parents to “take five,” because taking a pause or a break is so important to keep frustration with crying from escalating. We tell parents to just pause, take a minute, set your baby down gently someplace safe, and walk away for a few minutes.” Parenting isn’t about perfection, notes Baker. “It’s about doing what you need to do in the moment and handling a situation in a way that you’ll feel good about tomorrow.” Caregiver should know that periods of intense, “purple” crying are normal for babies, and so are feelings of anger, even fury, for parents. During tough moments, calling or texting a trusted friend or family member, listening to music, or taking a few deep breaths can keep frustration from escalating to rage – and keep babies safe from unintended outcomes. “A lot of parents don’t feel prepared to deal with the anger they feel, because it’s so unexpected,” she says. “They love their baby, they wanted and planned for this baby, and then they feel this anger that can be very isolating. Those are really normal feelings. So, we help parents expect and plan for that, so when those feelings show up, they know what to do.” For more information, go to www.purplecrying.info.
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Malia Jacobson is a health and family journalist.
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babybook
Budgeting After Baby
By Sarah Lyons
Babies cost a lot of money! Diapers, formula, clothes, and baby gear can take a huge chunk out of your monthly budget. Some families find that with the cost of child care or reducing to a single income makes the adjustment even more difficult than expected. Here are some tips to cut down on spending. Diapers. To save on diapers, consider switching to cloth. Modern cloth diapers are easy to use and come in cute designs. The initial cost is typically $10-20 per diaper, but they can be reused for years. If cloth diapers aren’t for your family, there are still ways to save money on disposable diapers. Check manufacturer websites for high dollar coupons and combine with store sales. Generic diapers are another great way to save and they are typically comparable to name brand. Formula. Breastfeeding is not always an option for families for a variety of reasons and formula is pricey. Coupons and rebates are readily available from the manufacturer. Go to the manufacturer's website and sign up for additional coupons and have friends and family do the same. You can also ask your obstetrician and pediatrician for free formula samples. Baby gear. Car seat, stroller, high chair, bouncer, swing and more. There sure is a lot of gear for someone so small and it seems each item costs $100, often more. It’s wise to buy a new car seat that meets current safety standards, but all the other items can be purchased gently used and later sold again when your family no longer needs them. Baby clothes. Babies grow fast! It doesn’t make sense to spend a lot on several cute baby outfits when your child outgrows them only a few weeks later. Consider buying gently used clothing and/or asking friends for hand me downs. If you want new items, buy less than you think you will need because they are used for only a short time. Child care. To save money on child care, you have to get creative. Ideas include having a family or friend watch the baby at a lower rate, trading babysitting with another family, or alternating shifts with your partner to reduce time in child care. Some companies offer flexible spending plans to pay for child care with pre-tax money. Wardrobe. The key to saving money on adult clothing is to shop for versatile pieces that can be worn many different ways. A solid color top can be worn with jeans, slacks, or a skirt and paired with a scarf, necklace, jacket or worn alone for a variety of looks. Once you have your key pieces, only buy clothing when you really need them. Food. Purchasing groceries with coupons, on sale, or generic brands can save money. Also, consider making items from scratch and eating 26 | birminghamparent | SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER 2021
out less to help trim your food budget. A quick google search will provide you with several $5 meals ideas. Entertainment. Just because a new baby is in the house doesn’t mean that you have to stop enjoying entertainment, but you might need to approach a night out in a new way. You do not have to go without movies, concerts, or area attractions but you should check deal sites to see if there are any options available to you. This will require planning ahead to make sure it fits into the budget and that you have child care covered, if necessary. Also consider if items like cable or streaming subscriptions are necessary. Choose to pay for the entertainment you use and enjoy. Reduce. Our homes are filled with items we rarely use. Consider selling these items to put extra cash in your hand that can be used for all those new baby expenses. Have a garage sale, utilize consignment sales, or sell items in online marketplaces. Trim expenses. Do you belong to a gym, have club memberships, subscriptions, or other monthly bills that you do not use enough to justify the expense? Discuss with your partner whether some of these items can be cut to free up the money for other expenses. DIY. A simple way to save money is to do things yourself. Cleaning and lawn services are nice but expensive. Taking care of it yourself is free. Instead of paying someone to repair or remodel things around the house, try it yourself first and save the money you would have spent on labor. Bringing a new baby home is an adjustment in many ways, and financial priorities may have shifted in your family. In time, you will adjust to your new lifestyle and budget and you will feel comfortable with budgeting after baby. Sarah Lyons is a stay-at-home mom of six children, including two-year-old triplets. She has learned to cut costs and save money in a variety of ways over the years as they added to their family.
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Parents’ Guide to Circumcision By Heather Deisher, MD
the procedure, which takes about five to 10 minutes, the penis is covered with ointment and wrapped loosely with gauze to protect it from rubbing against
Removal of the skin that covers the tip of the penis is called circumcision. It is a minor surgical procedure often performed in the hospital nursery on newborn boys within one to 10 days after birth. Circumcision is an elective procedure that is typically chosen by parents based on religious, cultural or traditional reasons. Circumcision is performed on approximately 55 to 65 percent of all newborn boys in the United States each year. It is more common in the United States, Canada, and the Middle East, than in Asia, South America, Central America and most of Europe. Once the procedure has been performed, it usually is not possible to re-create the appearance of a penis that has not been circumcised. The procedure may not be recommended if the infant has certain blood-clotting disorders or penis abnormalities, or is premature and still needs medical care in the hospital nursery. Circumcision begins with cleaning the penis and surrounding area. An anesthetic is then injected into the base of the penis or applied as a cream. Then a special clamp is placed on the penis and the foreskin is removed. After
the diaper. The recovery period following circumcision is about seven to 10 days. During this time, it is important to keep the penis as clean as possible. The diaper should be changed often to minimize contact with urine and stool, and the penis should be washed gently with soap and water daily. Petroleum jelly can be applied to the penis to keep the bandage from sticking to the penis. A small amount of blood may appear on the baby’s diaper, but there should be no active bleeding from the penis. If a plastic ring was placed on the penis during the procedure, it will drop off on its own, typically in about a week. Circumcision is not endorsed by the American Academy of Pediatrics or American Academy of Family Physicians as a way to prevent medical conditions. However, it may provide several health benefits, including: • Being easier to wash the penis. • Having a decreased risk of urinary tract nfections. • Preventing penile problems, such as difficulty retracting the foreskin. • Lowering the risk of penile cancer and sexually transmitted infections.
Circumcision is performed on approximately 55 to 65 percent of all newborn boys in the United States each year. Because circumcision is a surgical procedure there are associated risks, including surgical pain, side effects related to anesthesia, excessive bleeding, infection and foreskin problems. The procedure also can be done for an older boy, but it tends to be a more complicated procedure that may require general anesthesia. Circumcision does not affect fertility. It is important to remember that circumcision is not required by law or hospital policy. It is the parents’ choice whether to have it done. Parents should discuss any questions or concerns about having their son circumcised with their doctor. For more information about circumcision, talk with your pediatrician or visit the American Academy of Pediatrics website at www.healthychildren.org. Heather Deisher, MD is an OB/GYN physician at Brookwood Women’s Health.
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babybook
Do Away with Diaper Rash By Sarah Lyons
As parents we do everything in our power to avoid an uncomfortable and painful rash for our little ones, but realistically, even the most diligent parent has to deal with diaper rash in the first few years of parenthood. Knowing the common culprits of diaper rash and how to treat it will help keep baby happy and rash free. Common diaper rash causes include: Infrequent diaper changes. We have the best intentions when it comes to changing our babies but sometimes things happen and that wet diaper stays on a little too long causing red, sore, irritated skin. Even the most absorbent diaper can allow wetness to touch the skin, which can leave the baby's bottom red and irritated. Yeast infection. The diaper area is warm and moist, making it easy for bacterial infections, like yeast, to grow and flourish. Yeast passes through the child’s digestive system and eventually lands in the diaper next to the warm damp skin. This can result in a rash in the folds of the skin (see www.babycenter. com). Most diaper creams won’t improve this type of rash. It’s best to speak to your doctor
about treatment, which may include an antifungal cream. Allergies or sensitivities. It is possible your baby is sensitive to the brand of diapers or wipes you are using. Your child could also have an allergy to a new food that is causing loose stools, which in turn cause added irritation and wetness in the diaper area. With some trial and error, you may be able to narrow down the cause of the rash and help your child’s rash improve greatly with a few small changes. Here are some ways to help treat and prevent diaper rash: • Make sure the baby is clean and dry before putting on a new diaper. Remember to pat baby dry rather than rub which will further irritate skin • Let the baby go diaper free. When weather allows, spend some time outside sans diaper. The fresh air will help the baby heal faster. • Use mild, alcohol-free wipes or try using a squirt bottle of water to gently clean the baby. • Use a diaper cream with Zinc Oxide or
28 | birminghamparent | SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER 2021
Petroleum Jelly on the ingredient list (see www.webmd.com). Apply a protective layer of cream to help prevent future rash. Cloth diapers made with natural fabrics are gentler than disposable diapers which may contain chemicals that can irritate babies. • Making homemade wipes or diaper cream allows you to decide what ingredients touch your baby's skin and therefore avoid any harsh ingredients store bought products may contain. • Probiotics can help prevent yeast infections. Check with your pediatrician to see if he can recommend a probiotic that is safe for your child. According to some research, consuming probiotics can positively affect your child’s balance of bacteria. • Experiment with a new brand of diaper or wipes, change your cloth diaper detergent, make sure your baby has a proper fitting diaper, take note of any reactions to new foods, and remember every baby is different, so what works for one child may not be a good fit for another child. Sarah Lyons is a mother of six who has a lot of experience in changing diapers.
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babybook
Making Your Home Safe for Baby Courtesy of eLivingToday.com
Your little one’s on-the-go adventures mark a huge milestone for his or her development and your family. Before you allow your baby to trek freely from room to room, get your home ready for a child on the move with these safety steps and precautions: Prepare before the birth First-time parents are likely to embark upon a new life filled with late nights, sleep deprivation and a world of stresses they’ve never experienced or considered. Prepare your home before the baby is born to avoid the panic of waiting until the last minute. Tour like your tot The first step toward ensuring your home is ready for a mobile child is to see the world from the same level. Take a crawling tour around your home to see things that may be in the way or discover hazardous items that are within easy reach. Use all of your senses to assess any potential dangers. Latch it up Protect your little one from sharp objects and heavy items by installing child protection latches on all cabinets and drawers. For an added layer of protection, keep any sharp objects and harmful chemicals in high places only adults can reach. 30 | birminghamparent | SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER 2021
Evaluate leaning objects Bookshelves, bedside tables and the items placed on them, such as television sets and other large appliances, can be a threat to the safety of a small child trying to pull him or herself up and balance on two feet. Ensure these items are properly secured or keep them put away unless in use to avoid them being pulled on top of your child. Other safety measures To properly prepare your home for a mobile child, don’t forget to take steps such as: • Covering electrical outlets with safety plugs • Placing safety gates at the top and bottom of staircases • Installing fireplace screens • Adding foam padding to sharp furniture corners and edges • Placing a soft cover over the bathtub waterspout • Removing blinds with looped cords or installing safety tassels and cord stops • Stocking your first aid kit • Putting non-slip pads under rugs Find more tips to child-proof your home at www.eLivingtoday.com.
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birminghamparent.com | 31
Fall Fun – Outdoorsy Family Adventures By Kimberly Blaker
Summer may be seen as the outdoor season, but autumn also offers lots of opportunities for outdoor fun. Try some of these family activities, and fill yours and your kids' senses with delight. Enjoy a color tour. National parks and forests are the places to be in the fall. Contact your nearest National Park, and find out when fall colors will be at their peak and recommended routes for picturesque views. Host a campfire cookout. If outdoor fires are permitted in your area, have the kids round up neighborhood friends for a cookout. Hot dogs, hot chocolate, marshmallows, and s'mores are a traditional way to top off the season. Have everyone take turns telling stories around the fire. If you have little ones, check-out library books with autumn themes to read to the youngsters. Attend a football game. Gather your blankets and head to the stadium. High school, college, and pro football games are great fun for kids and parents alike. Visit an apple orchard. Take your kids apple picking, and top off the day with cider and doughnuts, a hayride, and end-of-theyear picnic. Make a scarecrow. What’s fall without a scarecrow on your porch? It is easy to make. Just buy a couple of bales of straw, then have each family member gather some old clothes and hats. Stuff it using string to tie off the hands, feet, and head. Walk in the woods. As flies and mosquitoes retreat, it's the perfect time of year for a walk in the woods. Look for animals scurrying about gathering for the long, cold months ahead, and
don't forget your binoculars. Contact state and local parks for wooded trails near you.
the garden. A hand-painted rock or two adds color until the spring blossoms bloom.
Leaf fun. Do you remember diving into the crisp fall leaves when you were a kid? Grab some rakes, and have your youngsters pitch in. Pile up the leaves to jump in, build a fort, and even have a leaf fight.
Take a railroad excursion. With the colors of fall blazing under bright blue skies, a scenic railroad excursion is a sure bet. Check your local travel agency for tours in nearby.
Find a festival. Apple, pumpkin, fall harvest, and many more festivals are found this time of year featuring food, arts and crafts, kids' games, pony and wagon rides, and more. Visit your local event's website online to see what's coming up. Visit a pumpkin patch. Begin a family tradition of picking your pumpkins from a patch. After cleaning out the pumpkins, make roasted pumpkin seeds, a yummy treat that kids love. Rinse the seeds, pat them dry, and coat with melted butter. Spread the seeds on a cookie sheet, sprinkle with salt, and bake at 350 until golden brown. Be sure and stir them occasionally. Bird migration watch. As fall fills the air, many birds begin to head south. Contact state and national parks or your Department of Natural Resources for recommended birding locations as well as bird festivals. Shift through a cornfield maze. Kids delight in finding their way through cornfield mazes. To find a maze near you, visit www.cornmazesamerica.com/. Plant perennials and bulbs. Let your kids try out their green thumbs. After all, fall is the time of year to plant perennials and flower bulbs. Let your kids choose some plants from the gardening store, and allow them to help design
32 | birminghamparent | SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER 2021
Hold a pumpkin sale. If you have little entrepreneurs, have them set up a pumpkin stand in your front yard. Find an orchard where pumpkins are cheap, then have your kids purchase a small stock to sell for a higher price. Hot cocoa, baked pumpkin seeds, or doughnuts are profitable additions. Horseback rides. Head to the stables and enjoy the fall colors on horseback. For horse rental listings by state visit http://www.horserentals. com/index.html, or look in the yellow pages under stables. Make a bird feeder or house. Kids will enjoy the carpentry experience and marvel at watching birds make use of the kids' creations. Kits are available in hobby stores and online for making bird feeders. To make one from scratch, visit your library and check out a book on how to build a birdhouse, or find free instructions on the Internet. Parades and marching bands. Find out when your local college or high school will hold its homecoming parade. Be sure to take a blanket and snacks, and enjoy the colorful floats, majorettes, cheerleaders, and marching band. Also, don’t forget the spectacular Thanksgiving Day parades. Kimberly Blaker is a freelance family writer. She's also founder and director of KB Creative Digital Services, specializing in SEO content, at kbcreativedigital.com
PUMPKIN PATCHES & FALL EVENTS GUIDE Hartselle
BACK TO SCHO O L
3
BIRMINGHAM PARENT’S 2018
happyhealthykidsfair 2 4 Hayden
Heflin 1 6
Calera 7
Verbena
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5
season starts with a U Pick Farm in April and ends with our Pumpkin Patch! We have a variety of activities for the whole family to enjoy including wagon rides, corn mazes, concessions, a human hamster wheel, and super slides! Our admission is $10 and includes the price of the pumpkin!
1 BENNETT FARMS Open the month of October * Check us out on FB and Instagram for more info Wed. & Fri: 2-5 p.m., Sat: 9 a.m. – 5 p.m., Sun: 1-5 p.m. 1073 County Rd. 13 Heflin, AL 36264 256-302-1896 (cell) 256-463-3344 (farm) lexi@bennettfarms.com www.bennettfarms.com The greatest rewards are the smiling faces, and the sound of laughter as new and old friends visit the pumpkin patch. Enjoy hayrides, farm animals, pipe slide, country cooking, live entertainment and more! You can buy a pumpkin anywhere and we realize that, but it is about the family experience and memories that are made at Bennett Farms.
6 HOOTS & HOWLS AT THE BIRMINGHAM ZOO
2 4D FARM Open Sept. 25 – Nov. 6 Check our website for hours 7066 County Road 703 Cullman, AL 256-775-2924 www.4dfamilyfarm.com Join us on the farm to pick the perfect pumpkin and get lost in the corn maze! Spend the day making memories and playing on all the fun farm attractions. Your children will love the Barnyard Roller Coaster, mechanical swings, pony carts, tubing slide as well as the Cow Train, Barnyard Bounce, hayrides, mechanical bull, farm animals, 200 ft. zip lines and so much more. Don't forget to squeal at the pig races and grab some delicious farm made donuts while you're here. All activities are included in general admission (EXCEPT the mechanical bull, corn cannons, gem mine and bungee jump). Weekday general admission is $14.95 Weekend general admission is $19.95+tax, Seniors 65+ are $14.95+tax. 2 and under are free. Visit 4dfamilyfarm. com for early bird discounts and up-to-date information.
3 HIDDEN RIVERS FARM Open Sept. 17 - Oct. 31 Fri: 3- 7 p.m., Sat. & Sun: 10 a.m.- 7 p.m. 295 Goose Pond Rd. Hartselle, AL 35640 hiddenriversfarm@gmail.com Facebook.com/HiddenRiversFarm www.hiddenriversfarm.com Escape from the hustle and bustle of everyday life to enjoy sunshine, fresh air, and activities for the whole family. Run, play, explore, picnic, and relax in the shade. Attractions include animal encounters, pumpkin patch, Alabama-themed maze, nature trails, tailgating/private event tents, corn pit, food truck, multiple playground areas & more. Make memories here!
4 THE GREAT PUMPKIN PATCH Open Sept. 25 - Nov. 7 Thurs: 8 a.m. – 6 p.m., Fri & Sat: 8 a.m.– 6 p.m., Sun: 1-6 p.m.
288 County Hwy. 45 Hayden, AL 35079 205-616-6431 www.greatpumpkinpatch. com FREE admission! You pay for each activity or just enjoy sitting in the shade listening to music, watching kids play or tasting the wonderful food from the Red Barn Kitchen or famous Pie House. Activities include hayride to the pumpkin patch, inflatables, petting zoo, pony rides, extreme bungee, hay pyramid, country store, live entertainment, arts & crafts.
5 PENTON FARMS September 25- October 30 Monday-Friday 1-6 p.m. Saturday 9 a.m. - 6 p.m. Closed on Sundays 3595 County Road 59 Verbena, Alabama 36091 205-351-1480 PentonFarms@gmail.com www.pentonfarms.com We plant the seeds, you harvest the memories! We are a family owned farm in Verbena! Our
October 16-17, 23-24, & 30-31 Daytime Event 2630 Cahaba Rd. Birmingham, AL 35223 205-879-0409 www.birminghamzoo.com The Birmingham Zoo is inviting the community to join us on weekends during the month of October for our daytime Halloween event, Hoots & Howls! Fun for the entire family, this re-imagined holiday event is the perfect place to wear your favorite costume. Enjoy trick-or-treating in the Candy Trail, take a wild ride around the Zoo on our Haunted Red Diamond Express Train and go for a spin on the Protective Life Cobweb Carousel.
7 PUMPKIN JUNCTION AT THE HEART OF DIXIE RAILROAD MUSEUM Oct. 2 – 30 Saturday & Sundays Only *Visit our website for departure times and ticket information 1919 Ninth St. Calera, AL 35040 www.hodrrm.org Gather up the family and board the Calera and Shelby Railroad for a short ride to Pumpkin Junction. More than just a place to purchase a pumpkin, it’s a destination for family fun, food vendors and more. Ride the train to the Junction to purchase your favorite pumpkins, hop aboard a hayride, play a variety of family games and more!
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O UR C OM M U N I TY
YWCA OF CENTRAL ALABAMA:
EMPOWERING THE WORLD, ONE FAMILY AT A TIME By Paige Townley
Photos courtesy of the YWCA
Since its inception more than 100 years ago, the YWCA of Central Alabama has been about action. It all started with the action of Maybelle Sloss, the organization’s founder, who recognized the need to help local women and children. After persuading her Bible class at church to help, she established the YWCA of Central Alabama in 1903, and the organization has been living out her mission ever since. “It all started with providing affordable housing for women,” says YWCA of Central Alabama CEO Dr. LaRhonda Magras. “Our services have evolved through the years, but it’s always about providing opportunities for individuals and families to help them reach their full potential.” To accomplish that goal, the organization offers a variety of programs with a multitude of services that are targeted toward almost every aspect of someone’s life. They provide domestic violence services to help survivors get out of harmful relationships and back on their feet, as well as provide counseling and support groups to help process the trauma. Along with that, the YWCA provides housing for survivors and families experiencing homelessness and then works to help them receive affordable housing. “We really look at the entire family and see what all is needed,” says Magras. “Some families need a little, and some need a lot. So we as an organization invest in that part of the continuum because that’s what’s going to help set them up for success.” Besides housing and counseling, the YWCA also provides women with workforce
development skills training and even clothing through its retail boutique, My Sister’s Closet, to help them find employment. “We want someone that needs help to come in and be supported, but the ultimate goal is to help them transition out of our services, so we reshaped the way we look at success,” Magras says. “Success isn’t just being supported by programs. It’s how we set them up for long-term success.” While helping women transition out of homelessness or violent situations, receive affordable housing, and even gain employment is certainly setting them up for success, the YWCA knows there is another critical aspect into making that long term: childcare. “If you don’t have access to quality childcare, how can you break the cycle of poverty?” asks Magras. “You can’t find a job that’s going to allow you to pick up your baby every time he or she is sick, and you can’t always keep enough sick or vacation days for that.” That’s one of the reasons behind the organization’s Child Development Center, a nationally accredited early learning center that serves homeless, low income, and working-class families. Opened in 1984, the center is open to babies as young as six weeks old to five years old, and just as importantly, it’s affordable. For families that also have children older than five that are in traditional school, those siblings can attend the Child Development Center after school too. “Because of the Child Development Center, now mom has the ability to go find a job and keep that job,” Magras adds. “Managing life is difficult, even. More so when you are
36 | birminghamparent | SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER 2021
living in poverty because you have to make decisions many of us don’t have to make.” In addition to helping parents keep their employment, the Child Development Center also helps break the cycle of poverty by providing a quality education. The center provides children with important early learning and literacy skills, as well as social and emotional skills. “Early education helps break the cycle of poverty because it opens up opportunities for young people and those we serve after school,” says Magras. “The children are taken on field trips where they get to see things outside of their communities. If you can see it, you can dream it. They learn to work toward that dream.” Whatever route the students decide to go, whether it’s college or career, the organization does its best to continue supporting them as well. They offer a summer workforce program for teens and try to connect students to others within the community. Because as the YWCA has believed for the past 118 years, helping families with basic needs can lead to success and ending the cycle of poverty. “Our programs provide the stability people need to get their foundation going,” Magras says. “When we provide these programs – whether it’s affordable housing or quality childcare or safety from harm – it provides that foundation for people to build upon. These basics are the things so many of us take for granted. But those are the things that can make or break a family.” Paige Townley is a Birmingham freelance writer.
National Lead Poisoning Prevention Week 2021 October 24-30, 2021
Get the Facts Get Your Home Get Your About Lead Tested if Built Child Tested Poisoning Before 1978 for Lead
• Most children get lead poisoning from paint in homes built before 1978. • Lead poisoning can cause permanent learning and behavior problems.
• Contractors must be certified to perform lead testing and renovations in pre-1978 homes; it’s the law.
• A blood test is the only way to know if your child has lead poisoning. • It is recommended all children be tested at ages 1 and 2.
Visit our website to learn more about lead poisoning. ADPH Environmental Alabama Childhood Lead Services Lead Branch Poisoning Prevention Program 1-800-819-7644 1-833-667-1495 alabamapublichealth.gov/lead alabamapublichealth.gov/aclppp This ad is 100% funded with federal dollars through a cooperative agreement with the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
Are Your Children Protected?
VS
38 | birminghamparent | SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER 2021
September/October 2021
CALENDAR OF EVENTS Fall is already knocking on the door, and this issue shows a number of great events on the horizon, many outdoors, including a lot of pumpkin patches/and fall festivals that will be open this year! (See the map on page 34.) Many restrictions are still in place due to Covid, so be sure to check ahead before you go. And don’t miss out on some of these selected events!
HIGHLIGHTS September 4 VIRTUAL ZooRendevous Presented by IBERIABANK September 23-25 Saint George Middle Eastern Food Festival
October 1 Songs of the South: A Tribute to Alabama October 31 1925 Silent Film Classic The Phantom of the Opera
(See daily listings for more info.) birminghamparent.com | 39
September/October Calendar
September 2021 1 Wednesday UAB Football vs Jacksonville State Noon, Cramton Bowl, calendar.uab. edu.
2 Thursday Alcoholics Anonymous Meeting
5:30-6:30pm, online. Open to anyone seeking recovery. calendar. uab.edu. RN to BSN Virtual Information Session 3-4pm, online. Informational, interactive information session on the UAB School of Nursing’s RN to BSN Pathway. calendar. uab.edu.
Unity Market 4-7pm, Unity of Birmingham, Highland Park neighborhood. Weekly market hosting several vendors. The market also will offer a web-based format where shoppers can pre-order their goods for curbside pickup on market day via their web store at unitybham.org/unity-market. Updates, Instagram @unitymarketbham, www.birmingham365. org.
4 Saturday Pepper Place Market 7am-noon. Rain or shine! https:// pepperplacemarket.com. Blue Chips – The Main Event Basketball Tournament Noon, The Finley Center at The Hoover Met, www.hooveral.org
Dinner Detective Interactive Murder Mystery Dinner Show 6-9pm, DoubleTree Birmingham Perimeter Park. The action happens all around you, and any person in the audience can end up being a part of the show! The Dinner Detective has quickly become the largest murder mystery dinner show in the U.S. Tickets, $59.99, www.birmingham365.org.
the most beautiful but little-known landscapes of North America. 205-714-8300, www.mcwane.org
6 Monday Labor Day
5 Sunday IMAX Film: Antarctica Noon, McWane Science Center. With never-before seen footage, this story brings audiences to the farthest reaches of this wild and majestic continent. 205-714-8300, www.mcwane.org. IMAX Film: Into America's Wild Noon, McWane Science Center. Step off the beaten path and connect to your inner trailblazer in this cross-country journey to some of
7 Tuesday Mindful Walk & Yoga in the Gardens
8:30-9:45am, Birmingham Botanical Gardens Japanese Pavilion. A 75-minute class that includes mindful walking and group interaction and a 45-minute yoga practice. All levels welcome. BBG friends, $12, non-members $15. www.bbgardens. org.
PLEASE NOTE: Calendar information should be uploaded to our website at https://portal.cityspark.com/EventEntry/EventEntry/BirminghamParent and may appear in print if uploaded by deadline. You may also go to www.birminghamparent.com and simply click on the calendar icon. Entries added online after the print deadline will not appear in the print version. Information cannot be accepted over the phone. Birmingham Parent publishes a calendar 6 times a year. January events are included in the November/December issue. Deadline for the November/December issue is Friday, October 8, 2021. Guidelines: Birmingham Parent’s calendar is intended to be a resource and service to the community and our readers. Events which are open to the public, fundraisers, free classes, etc., are events that may be included in our monthly calendar. We reserve the right to reject any event or listing due to rules or space restrictions. For questions regarding calendar entries, call 205-624-2405 or e-mail calendar@birminghamparent.com. Due to the pandemic, events may not be up to date nor have accurate times. Some events are online, or some may be canceled. Be sure to check ahead with the actual venue. 40 | birminghamparent | SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER 2021
UAB Connections Support Group 10:30am-noon, Callahan Eye Hospital. UAB Connections provides a combination of educational, social, and recreational/leisure activities for adults with various eye disorders as well as their family and close friends. 205-488-0778, calendar. uab.edu.
9 Thursday Part Time Job Fair 11am-2pm, Hill Student Center. Career event for all UAB students and alumni seeking part time employment opportunities. calendar. uab.edu. VIRTUAL ZooRendezvous Presented By IBERIABANK 6:30pm, Birmingham Zoo. Auction bid on items online and on your phone! All proceeds benefit the zoo’s emergency animal fund. This wildly virtual event is free to watch and open to everyone. Information, 205-879-0409, www.birminghamzoo.com.
11 Saturday Pepper Place Market 7am-noon. Rain or shine! https://pepperplacemarket.com. 9/11 Remembrance Ceremony & Patriot Day Celebration 8:30am, City of Mountain Brook. All are invited to attend the annual 9/11 Remembrance Ceremony & Patriot Day Celebration. vhal.org.
12 Sunday Career Event -Miles College Students & 2020 Grads 7am-7pm, online. www.eventbrite. com. Free
13 Monday Yoga in the Gardens: Ashtanga 8:30-9:30am, Birmingham Botanical Gardens Japanese Pavilion. BBG friends, $12, non-members, $15. www.bbgardens.org.
14 Tuesday Smart Money Habits - Banking for Students presented by Regions 4-5pm, online. GirlSpring's corporate partner, Regions, will present this detailed program for middle and high school students and parents. www.girlspring.com. Free
y l l a c i l o b m Sy
n a t p o ad
l a m i n a am Zoo!
h at the Birming
Weight Loss Support Group 10-11am, online. Grandview Medical Center via Google Meet. For those who have had bariatric surgery or just want more information on weight loss surgery. www.eventbrite.com. Free The Nutcracker Community Cast Auditions Noon, www.alabamaballet.org.
birminghamzoo.com/adopt-an-animal/
23 Thursday
Perfect Game Deep South Baseball Tournament Noon, Hoover Met. www.hooveral.org. The Price Is Right Live - Stage Show 8pm, Birmingham-Jefferson Convention Complex. The Price Is Right Live™ is the hit interactive stage show that gives eligible individuals the chance to "Come on Down" and play classic games from television's longest running and most popular game show. The Price Is Right Live™ has given away over $12 million in cash and prizes to lucky audience members all across North America. Information, www. birmingham365.org. Trussville City Fest 8am-11pm, Trussville Veterans Memorial Park. A fun, family event in historic downtown Trussville. Food vendors, booth vendors, kids’ area, music and lots of fun activities. Free admission into the festival. Information, 205-655-7535, trussvillechamber.com.
Saint George Middle Eastern Food Festival 10:30am-9pm, Saint George Melkite Catholic Church, 425 16th Ave. S. A three-day festival of food and fun. Convenient drive through service between the hours of 11am and 7pm. Lunch orders of $75 or more can be delivered to the downtown area on Thursday and Friday; for takeout and delivery orders, 205-492-9621 or email foodorders@saintgeorgeonline.org. Festival information, www.saintgeorgeonline.org or on Facebook. UAB Fall Career Fair 10am-3pm, Hill Student Center. A career event for all UAB students and alumni seeking employment opportunities. calendar.uab.edu birminghamparent.com | 41
24 Friday
2 Saturday
6 Wednesday
10 Sunday
Perfect Game Youth Baseball Tournament Noon, Hoover Met. www.hooveral.org.
Pepper Place Market 7am-noon. Rain or shine! https://pepperplacemarket.com.
An Evening with The Monkees 8-11pm, Iron City. Tickets purchased for April 22 show date will be honored on October 6, 2021. All tickets are nonrefundable. www.eventbrite. com. $74.75 - $275.
Eagle Sunrise: The Eagles Tribute Experience 7pm, The Alabama Theatre. Fans of their classic American Rock sound can reminisce with every note of each song as The Eagle Sunrise Band pays tribute to their music with the most authentic Eagles sound being played today. 205-252-2262, www.facebook.com.
Sloss Metal Arts Workshop Weekend Sloss Furnaces National Historic Landmark. Event features casting, blacksmithing and welding. Information, tickets, www.slossmetalarts. com; www.slossfurnaces.com.
25 Saturday Pepper Place Market 7am-noon. Rain or shine! https://pepperplacemarket.com. Head Over Teal 5K/10K and Family Fun Day 8-11am, Hoover Preserve Town Hall. Keep the tradition and join Laura Crandall Brown Foundation (LCBF) as we host our 12th annual Head Over Teal 5K/10K and Family Fun Day and raise funds for GYN cancer patients and their families. 251-802-2668, www.ThinkofLaura.org. BUSA Birmingham Bash Soccer Tournament Noon, Hoover Met. www.hooveral.org.
Bluff Park Art Show 9am-5pm, Bluff Park. Artists from across the country submit their work months in advance hoping to be juried into the show. With an eclectic mix of media, the show provides visitors with a fresh experience each year. www.hooveral.org. Oktoberfest 9am-3pm, Moody City Park. Arts, crafts, games, rides, live entertainment, food and more. Information, Oktoberfest Moody Facebook page, business.moodyalchamber.com. UAB Blazers Football vs. Liberty University Flames Football 9am, Protective Stadium. calendar.uab.edu. $20-$80.
5 Tuesday PAW Patrol Live! The Great Pirate Adventure 6pm, BJCC Concert Hall.
8 Friday Barber Vintage Festival 8 a.m.-5 p.m., Barber Vintage Motorsports Museum. Back and better than ever! Vintage road facing, swap meet off-road trials, cross-country/motocross, fan zone, stunt shows, motorcycles and much more! See Facebook page.
9 Saturday Pepper Place Market 7am-noon. Rain or shine! https://pepperplacemarket.com. Michael W Smith 7:30-9:30pm, Lyric Theatre. Grammy and Dove Award winner Michael W. Smith brings his critically acclaimed “Worship” album to life on the Worship Forever Tour. See Facebook page.
12 Tuesday Hoover City Schools Middle School XC Championships 3-6pm, Veterans Park. www.hooveral.org. Protecting Yourself from Identity Theft - Banking for Students presented by Regions 4-5pm, online. GirlSpring's corporate partner, Regions, will present this program for middle and high school students and their parents. www.girlspring.com. Free
15 Friday Gulf South Volleyball Crossover Noon, The Finley Center at The Hoover Met Complex, www.hooveral.org.
Fiesta 2021 Noon-8pm, Linn Park. Alabama’s largest celebration of Hispanic culture and heritage. Information, tickets, https://fiestabham.com.
Jeanne Robertson 7pm, The Alabama Theatre. At 77 years young, Robertson continues to charm audiences with her humorous observations about life around her. 205-252-2262, alabamatheatre.com. $29-$99.
28 Tuesday
16 Saturday
Hoover Two-Mile Tune-Up 2:30-6:30pm, Veterans Park. Middle School Cross Country Meet. www. hooveral.org.
Pepper Place Market 7am-noon. Rain or shine! https://pepperplacemarket.com.
October 2021
Hoover High School Band Festival Noon, Hoover Met. Hosted by Hoover High School. www.hooveral.org.
1 Friday
Songs of the South: A Tribute to Alabama 8pm, The Alabama Theatre. This five-member group has played together for more than 20 years and more than 1,500 shows. Includes many number one hits with a touch of comedy. Tickets, information, (205) 252-2262, www.facebook.com.
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Mt Laurel Fall Festival 10am-3pm, Town of Mt Laurel. Celebrate the best fall has to offer! https:// mtlaurel.com.
20 Wednesday Fight Song Competition 6-7pm, Hill Student Center. Come "raise up the banner for Blazer Victory" at the annual Fight Song Competition. Groups will perform their best rendition of the UAB Fight Song and/or Blazer Victory. calendar. uab.edu. Gurney Derby Noon-1pm. UAB’s most unique tradition! Dress up in your best costume, grab your team and race a gurney down 13th Street. calendar.uab.edu.
Metro South Middle School Cross Country Championships 11am-2pm, Veterans Park, Hoover. www.hooveral.org.
22 Friday Homecoming Parade Noon-1pm. Celebrate UAB Homecoming as campus departments, student organizations, and community members display their Blazer pride around campus., calendar.uab.edu.
23 Saturday Pepper Place Market 7am-noon. Rain or shine! https://pepperplacemarket.com. UAB Blazers Football vs. Rice University Owls Football Protective Stadium. $20-$80. calendar.uab.edu.
30 Saturday Pepper Place Market 7am-noon. Rain or shine! https://pepperplacemarket.com. Alabama Wildlife Center’s Owl-O-Ween 11am-2pm, Alabama Wildlife Center. Free educational program for children! Free after paid admission to Oak Mountain State Park. See Facebook page. Alton Brown 7:30pm, BJCC Concert Hall. $28-$123.
31 Sunday Halloween
28 Thursday Hoover Hayride & Family Night 5-8pm, Veterans Park. www.hooveral. org. NEEDTOBR EATHE: Into the Mystery Tour 7pm, Oak Mountain Amphitheatre. $25-$79.50.
29 Friday Magic City Music Fest 7:30pm, BJCC Concert Hall. $55-$75.
1925 Silent Film Classic The Phantom of the Opera 2pm, The Alabama Theatre. The 1925 classic silent film will be played on the big screen featuring Tom Helms playing his original score on Big Bertha, the Alabama Theatre’s Mighty Wurlitzer organ. This event raises funds for Alabama Chapter of the American Theatre Organ Society (ATOS). 205-252-2262, www.alabamatheatre.com. $14.
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Events & Attractions Due to the pandemic, many attractions may not be open or may have abbreviated times. Be sure to check ahead. nAldridge Botanical Gardens 3530 Lorna Road, Hoover. 205682-8019, www.aldridgegardens. com nAlabama Jazz Hall of Fame 1631 Fourth Ave. N., Birmingham. 205-254-2731, www. jazzhall.com
nAlabama Sports Hall of Fame 2150 Richard Arrington Blvd. N., Birmingham. 323-6665, www.ashof.org nAlabama Wildlife Center 100 Terrace Dr., Pelham. 205663-7930. www.awrc.org nAmerican Village Highway 119, Montevallo. 205-665-3535, www.americanvillage.org
Photo by Christy Pierce Photography
nAlabama School of Fine Arts 1800 Rev. Abraham Woods, Jr. Blvd., www.asfa.k12.al.us
nBarber Motorsports Park 6040 Barber Motorsports Pkwy., Leeds. 205-298-9040, www.barbermotorsports.com nBirmingham Botanical Gardens www.bbgardens.org/documents/ treasuremapforweb.pdf 2612 Lane Park Rd., Birmingham. 205-414-3900, www. bbgardens.org nBirmingham Children’s Theatre 1001 19th St. N., Birmingham, AL, 35203, 205-458-8181, www.bct123.org nBirmingham Civil Rights Institute 16th St. N., Birmingham. 205328-9696, www.bcri.org
nBirmingham Museum of Art Bart’s Art Cart! Free drop-in art program for kids and families features a different theme from galleries and art activity each month. Saturdays from 11am1pm. Bart’s Books. A storytelling program for children ages 4-7. 2000 Rev. Abraham Woods Jr. Blvd., Birmingham. 205-2542565, www.artsbma.org nBirmingham Public Libraries Find a library near you for fun events and enrichment! www.bplonline.org nBirmingham Zoo 2630 Cahaba Rd., Birmingham. 205-879-0409, www.birminghamzoo.com
44 | birminghamparent | SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER 2021
nHeart of Dixie Railroad Museum 1919 Ninth St., Calera. 205-6683435, www.hodrrm.org nJefferson County Library Cooperative Find a library close to you for all kinds of fun events and enrichment. www.jclc.org nMcWane Science Center/ IMAX Theater 200 19th St. N., Birmingham. 205-714-8300, www.mcwane. org. nMoss Rock Preserve Preserve Pkwy., Hoover. 205739-7141, www.hooveral.org. nOak Mountain State Park 200 Terrace Dr., Pelham. 205620-2520, www.alapark.com.
nRuffner Mountain Nature Center 1214 81st St. S., Birmingham. 205-833-8264, www.ruffnermountain.org. nShelby County Public Libraries Find a library near you for all kinds of fun events and enrichment. www.shelbycounty-al.org nSouthern Museum of Flight 4343 73rd St. N., Birmingham. 205-833-8226, www.southernmuseumofflight.org nTannehill Ironworks Historical State Park 12632 Confederate Pkwy., McCalla. 205-477-5711, www. tannehill.org nVulcan Park 1701 Valley View Dr., Birmingham. 205-933-1409, www.vulcanpark.org
COMING JAN. 1, 2022!
The New & Improved Birmingham Parent’s Family Guidebook 2022
is the active parent’s resource for community information, family activities, events, support groups, special needs, shopping and more. Parents keep it on hand and use as a reference throughout the year.
20,000 + circulation and online for two years! Additional distribution throughout the year including summer events, expos and school orientations. New and Improved Content
• Healthy in 2022 • Shop Till You Drop • Fun in the City – food, fun
activities and more!
• Special Kids in Birmingham • Family Travel and Day Tripping • The Family Home
Editorial will be about these topics and include advertisers’ comments, when appropriate! There will be some of the old favorites, as well, creating a reference book you can keep all year round.
SPACE IS LIMITED, SO ACT FAST!
Deadlines Reservation deadline.........................December 10 Camera-Ready deadline...................December 10 Distribution begins..............................Jan. 2, 2022
meetMeet our back cover sponsors our Page 3 Sponsors ANGELICA ROHNER PEDIATRIC DENTISTRY Dr. Angelica Rohner is a specialist in the field of Pediatric and Adolescent Dentistry. What’s so special? Pediatric dentists are the pediatricians of dentistry, dedicated to the oral health of children, ranging from infants to teens. Dr. Rohner and her highly trained staff work hard to make each child’s dental visit fun and exciting, resulting in a great attitude toward dentistry and,
ultimately, oral health. On a daily basis we hear our patients say, “I love the dentist!” We take pride in great clinical and conversational experiences with our patients. We realize that taking care of our patient’s guardian is equally important. Our office works with you to schedule appointments that work best for your child and their schedule. Our convenient location makes a trip to the
dentist easy. We also supply text, email and/or phone confirmations and communication pathways. It is an honor for our patient’s parents to trust us with the well being of their children. This is never taken lightly and is evident in the time that the doctor takes to speak with each parent at every dental visit. Let Dr. Rohner and her dental team take care of you and your child.
Since then, Vulcan Park and Museum has welcomed thousands of visitors from Alabama, the country, and across the world. Guests enjoy the lush grounds of the park, the iconic statue and its observation tower, and the only museum referencing Birmingham’s history making it an ideal initial stop for anyone visiting the area for the first time. Vulcan Park and Museum is home to fun family events such as Vulcan’s Birthday Bash, Thunder
on the Mountain, Vulcan AfterTunes, and many educational programs designed to carry out the mission of Vulcan Park Foundation: To preserve and promote Vulcan as the symbol for the Birmingham region, to advance knowledge and understanding of Birmingham’s history and culture, and to encourage exploration of the region. Come meet the “Original Iron Man” and have fun learning about how he has stood for Birmingham for more than 113 years.
(205) 933-1409 www.visitvulcan.com
child’s specific needs. Advancements in dental technology and techniques, combined with Dr. Johnson’s gentle touch, ensure that your child will receive the safest, most comfortable experience achievable. Entrust your child to a dental team that is specially trained to educate your child about his or her dental health, while helping to alleviate any fear or anxiety your child may
Dr. Lauten Johnson www.alpediatricdentistry.com 205.982.0112 1015 Brocks Gap Parkway Hoover, AL 35244
sible. A board certified allergist’s extensive and specialized training allows them to find the cause of your child’s symptoms through their medical history, a physical exam, and accurate testing. Based on their specific diagnosis they will make an individualized treatment plan for your child. No other physician is as qualified to treat your family’s allergy, asthma, and immunologic diseases as a Board-Certified Allergist and Immunologist.
Homewood | Hoover | Chelsea Alabaster | Trussville | Cullman One easy number: 205.871.9661 alabamaallergy.com
205-870-0892 www.drrohner.com
VULCAN PARK AND MUSEUM Vulcan, Birmingham’s colossal icon, is the world’s largest cast iron statue and one of the most memorable works of civic art in the United States. Designed by Italian sculptor Giuseppi Moretti in 1904, Vulcan has overlooked Birmingham from atop Red Mountain since the 1930’s. After the statue’s massive restoration at the turn of the century, Vulcan Park Foundation reopened Vulcan Park and the new museum in 2004.
PEDIATRIC & ADOLESCENT DENTISTRY
KIDS LOVE US… PARENTS TRUST US. Experience a fun, supportive, non-fearful, and caring environ-
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ALABAMA ALLERGY AND ASTHMA CENTER Alabama Allergy & Asthma Center has been a leading caregiver in the state for pediatric and adult allergy, asthma, and immunologic disorders for over 50 years. Home to seven board certified allergists and with six convenient locations, we provide specialized diagnosis and treatment for food, environmental, drug, and insect allergies, asthma, chronic infections, and skin conditions like eczema and hives. An allergy is when their im-
mune system mistakenly reacts to things that are usually harmless. An allergic reaction may cause a child’s body to respond with health problems such as asthma, hay fever, hives, eczema (a rash), or a very severe reaction called Allergies and asthma are the number one reason for missed school days, and can have a dramatic impact on your child’s quality of life. Our allergist’s goal is to give them a life that is as normal and symptom-free as pos-
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ASMS ASMS is the state’s only fully public and totally residential high school for academically talented sophomores, juniors, and seniors seeking advanced studies in mathematics, science, computer science, and humanities. Find out how the Alabama School of Mathematics and Science can lead you on a path to success. Just like its tuition, meals, room, and board, applying to ASMS is FREE! If you are a current Alabama 9th or 10th grader, start your online application at www.asms.net
• Early College Experience • Dedicated Instructors • Diverse Community • Leadership Opportunities • Experiential Learning • Advanced Research
ASMS is Alabama’s only STEM Legacy School, meaning it has been leading in and advancing STEM education for a long time — over 30 years! Students accepted into ASMS have access to hands-on, experiential learning, focused on research and collaboration. Whether it’s Physics, Biology, Computer Science, Math, and Chemistry, or History, English, Communications, Foreign Languages, and the Fine Arts, college-level courses delivered by college-credentialed instructors provide an unmatched educational experience!
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OFFICE OF ADMISSIONS AND OUTREACH 1255 DAUPHIN STREET • MOBILE, AL 36604 • 251.441.2110 • ADMISSIONS@ASMS.NET • WWW.ASMS.NET
48 | birminghamparent | SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER 2021
