Birmingham Parent Magazine - November 2014

THE PREMIER PARENTING MAGAZINE FOR CENTRAL ALABAMA

NOVEMBER 2014

FREE

Building a Family With the

ADOPTIONOPTION

How to Choose

THE PRIVATE SCHOOLThat's Right

for Your Child

How Donating Umbilical Cord

Blood Can

SAVE LIVES

THANKSGIVING

CREATE A FAMILY

LEGACY THIS

BEGINNING ON PAGE 10

Birmingham/Central Alabama

PRIVATE SCHOOLS

GUIDE

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4 | birminghamparent | november 2014

3590-B Hwy. 31 S. #289

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205-987-7700

205-987-7600 FAX

www.birminghamparent.com

editorial Publishers David & Carol Evans

Editor Carol Muse Evans

Associate Editor Lori Chandler Pruitt

Offi ce Assistant Bethany Adams

Calendar & Business David Evans

Contributors Dr. Vivian Friedman,

Ashley Tamucci, MD, Bull Garlington,

Carolyn Tomlin, Heidi Smith Luedtke

and Malia Jacobson

sales Account Executives Kayla Fricks, Rona Shedd

Webmaster Digital Doo-Wop

art & production Art Director Hilary Moreno

Distribution T&P Deliveries

Legal Counsel Balch & Bingham LLP

BIRMINGHAM PARENT IS A PUBLICATION OF EVANS PUBLISHING, LLC. Publish-ers: Carol Muse Evans, David K. Evans Sr. Birmingham Parent (EIN20-0694149) is published monthly by Evans Publishing LLC. www.birminghamparent.com or [email protected]. Birmingham Parent is © 2013 by Evans Publishing LLC. Family Connections Media ©2011 by Evans Publish-ing 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.

Th anks for picking up this issue!Carol Muse Evans, Publisher/[email protected]

EDITOR'S NOTE

Turkey and Dressing

It’s one of the Th anksgiving staples of the southern home – turkey and dress-ing. My northern and western neighbors may call it stuffi ng, but in the South, it’s “dressing.” Everyone has their favorite recipe – all cornbread, partial loaf bread, adding sausage or rice, lots of sage, a little sage, etc. For me, no one could make it quite like my mom. Hers was an all-cornbread

recipe – and she was generous with the sage. It was cornbread, onions, celery, salt, pepper, sage, chicken broth and hard boiled eggs. She never really could tell me exactly how much of each to use. She’d say, “Just taste it.” Or she’d just say, “Add the ingredients until you like the way it looks.”

She has been gone for more than 16 years. For so long the holidays have been bittersweet to me. I love to celebrate with my husband, children and family, but it makes me miss her so much more during those special occasions. I did have the good sense to make the dressing with her enough to be able to make her recipe now – even though there’s really no written recipe. And now, my husband and children think no one else can make it like I can. And I kind of like that.

Except for the year I added too much sage. And it was BAD. Now the joke is, “not too much sage!” Th ey are right, but it’s yet another memory that my own family has built together. Other family members have said it was dry – and they are right. Th at’s how we like it. Better dry with gravy on it.

I’m trying to write that recipe down now. I want Hillary and Keith to be able to make MY dressing someday, if they want to. Th ey can share it came from their Grandma Dot that they knew just for a little while, but still can enjoy something she started, and we passed down.

As I go through my old recipe box, I still fi nd cherished recipe cards and bits of paper in her handwriting. No one else would know, but I do. Someday these will be Hillary’s and Keith’s.

Th is month, Carolyn Tomlin presents a story about how to build family lega-cies during the holidays. We’ve done it with a simple dressing. Of course, there’s also the deviled eggs – another favorite at my house – ham, and the sweet potato casserole my son thinks we must have. I’m glad he likes mine – another special recipe to hand down to him.

Hope you enjoy this issue, and have a very happy THANKSGIVING!

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ON THE COVER: Anna Reese, age 9 months, of Birmingham is no turkey, but she’s dressed up as one for fun for Thanksgiving. PHOTO BY KIM BRANTLEY PHOTOGRAPHY, www.kimbrantleyphotography.com.


NOVEMBER 2014

FREE

Building a Family With the ADOPTION

OPTION

How to ChooseTHE PRIVATE

SCHOOLThat's Right

for Your Child

How Donating Umbilical Cord

Blood CanSAVE LIVES

THANKSGIVING

CREATE A FAMILY

LEGACY THISBEGINNING ON PAGE 10

Birmingham/Central Alabama

PRIVATE SCHOOLS

GUIDE

departments

04 Editor’s NoteTurkey and Dressing

07 Parenting with Dr. Friedman

08 Short Stuff

09 School News

19 November Pull Out Calendar

22 November ExpandedCalendar of Events

28 Ask the Specialist:Donating Umbilical Cord Blood

34 A Page in a Book:

The Best Hound in Town

38 Death by Children:Pauseaholics

NOVEMBER2014

HOW TO CHOOSE THE PRIVATE SCHOOL THAT’S RIGHT FOR YOUR CHILD

THE ADOPTION OPTION: OPENING DOORS, BUILDING A FAMILY

28

16

30

2610

30 16

Create a Family Legacy This Thanksgiving

26

10Birmingham

Parent’s 2014 Private School

Guide


A: Th ere are two diff erent issues at play here. Th e fi rst is how much is too much. Th e second issue is

whether a battery-powered car is a suitable gift at all.

Th e function of play is to develop social, fi ne motor, large motor and cognitive skills. Play should also develop creativity. A battery-powered toy requires the child only to sit on the vehicle and press a power pedal. It requires no creativity, no problem solving and fails to off er the exercise that a child-powered bicycle or scooter would of-fer. It does not exercise the fi ne motor skills that drawing, writing or a pegboard would do. It does not even develop the visual spatial skills that some computer games can facilitate. Th us it really should not command much of the child’s time. Th is is the kind of toy that is best left for the neighbor to buy, so that your child can ride it once in a while.

Th e more toys a child has, the less he appreciates any of them. If your son recently received many toys for Christmas, you will want to be creative and celebrate his birthday in a diff erent way.

To understand the need for this, you need only imagine a friend off ering to take you out to lunch aft er you have just fi nished eating. No matter how attractive the place you went for lunch or what food the friend off ered, you would be sated and bored. Aft er receiving 10 new toys for Christmas, there is no 11th toy that will delight your son.

Instead of buying more toys, celebrate his birthday with a creative party for him. Ask that friends not bring gift s, or donate the gift s to a charity. Focus on the fun of the activ-ity, rather than the gathering of more toys. Encourage the children to sing “Happy Birth-day,” making him the center of attention. Have a craft party or a skating party, where the activity itself is entertaining. Gift s are not what a child’s birthday should be about.

Th ere are other reasons to avoid excess materialism. When a child has too much, discipline becomes diffi cult. By giving him everything, you have nothing left to use to motivate desirable behavior.

In addition to discipline, you will need motivators for other kinds of events. When you child needs a painful medical treatment,

even if just an immunization shot, it will be helpful to be able to encourage cooperation with a treat. Treats aft er suff ering help the child to feel that even when something bad happens, the parent will be able to make something good happen to balance it out.

Parental attention means far more to a child than toys or goodies. If you are buying him things but spending little time with him you are creating a child who will later fi ll his emotional needs by shopping. Because the joy of acquiring never lasts long, he is doomed to repeat the pattern of feeling empty, buying, and soon feeling empty again. If instead you teach him that birthdays are about spending time with family and friends, he will have a source of good feelings that will last his lifetime.

Vivian K. Friedman Ph. D. is a child and family psychologist at UAB, Department of Psychiatry. Send questions for response in this column to [email protected]. No personal replies are sent.

Parenting with Dr. Friedman

parenting

Q: My 8-year-old son has a January birthday. Gift buying is a problem every year as his birthday follows so closely

after holiday gifts. We are thinking of getting him a powered ride-on toy. Is this too big a gift after he has just

received a lot of other toys?

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CLEAR BRACES, INVISALIGN, AND INVISALIGN TEEN


short stuff

There are so many things that parents need to protect their children from, and sometimes it comes down to

protecting children from themselves and their life choices. Between 1.6 million and 2.8 million youth run away each year. If all of these young people lived in one city, it would be the fi ft h largest city in the United States.

Despite the numbers, it remains a silent crisis, but prevention is possible and help is available for youth and children who may be considering it and their families that are going through this crisis. November is National Runaway Prevention Month, a time to raise awareness of the runaway and homeless youth crisis in America and the issues that these young people face, as well as educate communities about solutions and the role they can play in ending youth homelessness. Prevention is key. Parents can help in a number of ways:

Pay Attention: Listen when your child is talking with you. Don’t pretend while you are watching television, reading the paper or using the computer. Children know the diff erence.

Discuss Feelings: When parents share their feelings, children know it is safe to share their own. Talk about what it feels like to be a parent and encourage them to talk about their feelings.

Create Responsibility: Give your child choices, not orders. Help them understand the consequences of their actions. When punishments need to be administered, ask

what they think would be appropriate. Make sure the punishment fi ts the “crime” and it is consistent with other actions you have taken.

Understand Your Child: Try to sympa-thize with what your children are going through. Look at life – at least occasion-ally – from their point of view. Remember when you were their age your ideas seemed to make sense.

Oft en kids run away from home to remove themselves from an immediately painful situation, but with no plans for what to do next. Th e National Runaway Safeline (NRS) is a resource for these youth and they can talk about their situation confi dentially without fear of judgment. Reversely, parents or family members who recognize there is a problem that may result in their child running away can also contact NRS for help. In 2013, NRS handled 771 calls and live chats in Alabama.

Th rough its free and confi dential 1-800-RUNAWAY hotline and 1800RUN-AWAY.org online services, NRS provides support and access to resources 24 hours a day, 365 days a year. Youth can also text the short code: 66008, to receive an automatic response featuring links to the hotline or live chat. Additional Alabama resources for youth and parents include the Gateway and the Firehouse Shelter.

To learn more how you can get involved in NRPM, fi nd more tips or get help, visit 1800RUNAWAY.org.

Sheriff ’s Corner with JEFFCO Sheriff Mike Hale: Get Away from Domestic Violence

Domestic violence is not an occasional argument. It is a pattern of abusive behavior in an intimate or romantic relation-ship where one person chooses to control the relationship through

the use of force, intimidation or fear. Th e abusive behavior can be physical, verbal, emotional or sexual. Sometimes it’s subtle, and sometimes it’s extreme. Without help, the abusive behavior usually gets worse. And it is important to remember it is NEVER the victim’s fault.

Domestic violence and child abuse oft en occur in the same family. It is a fact that children who are exposed to domestic violence are at greater risk for substance abuse, juvenile pregnancy, and criminal behavior. Studies have noted that children from violent homes exhibit signs of more aggressive behavior, such as bullying, and are up to three times more likely to be involved in fi ghting.

Domestic violence can happen to adults and it can also happen to teenag-ers. Both males and females can be perpetrators or targets of abuse. Th ere is nothing that you can do or say to deserve being abused. Everyone has the right to a safe and healthy relationship.

If you are a victim, don’t hesitate to make that call.

“Piecing it all Together” During National Runaway Prevention Month

Between 1.6 million and 2.8 million youth run away each year.

If all of these young people lived in one city, it would be the fi fth largest city in the United States.


school news

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Walker County Public School System to Integrate Pioneering App Promoting Good Nutrition and Fitness

Walker County schools in Jasper announced it will integrate the groundbreaking “Kids Making Healthy Choices ” app, based on the award-winning illustrated children’s book “Making Healthy Choices--A Story to Inspire Fit, Weight-Wise Kids,” into its iPad®-enabled health and physical education curriculum at Bankhead Middle School in Cordova. The app is an effort to educate, motivate and empower students to get and stay on a healthy track through good nutrition and physical fitness.

The app, designed for both iPad® and iPhone®, serves to inform and inspire kids to make wise lifestyle choices and also better understand and empathize with peers currently struggling with a weight problem, which can lessen the all-too-common incidence of bullying in schools and elsewhere.

“It’s been reported that Alabama has the eighth highest childhood obesity rate in the United States, with 35 percent of Alabama’s youth currently overweight or obese,” says Jason Adkins, Walker County superintendent. “Walker County residents rank 66th out of 67 Alabama counties in regard to their health and well-being. As educators and residents of this community concerned about the well-being of our nation’s youth, it behooves individual schools and systems/districts at large in Alabama and beyond to capitalize on salient opportunities to promote good nutrition and fitness when they present.”

The app includes a bevy of valuable kids’ edu-tainment and educator/caregiver support resources that promote a healthy youth lifestyle. In total, the app features six distinct value-added sections – the complete digital e-book adaptation of “Making Healthy Choices – A Story toInspire Fit, Weight-Wise Kids” with story-discussion prompts that families can use; fun activities, healthy kid-friendly recipes, free online tools and resources, and research, information and news.

For more information on the app and the online book, see www.KidsMakingHealthyChoices.com/theapp.html.

McElwain Christian Academy Achieves Accredidation

McElwain Christian Academy recently received full accredita-tion by the Alabama Independent School Association (AISA) and Southern Association of Colleges & Schools (SACS).

Successful accreditation is an indicator of McElwain’s focus on quality and continuous school improvement in multiple areas, including governance, administration, faculty/personnel, instruction and curriculum, facilities, and student activities.

McElwain Christian Academy is a small, private elementary school serving kindergarten through 5th grade students, with a mission to provide quality academic instruction in a Christian environment. For more information, call 205-957-2628 or visit mcelwainchristianacademy.org.

Preschool for ages 6 weeks through 4K. We also have a 5K program using the same curriculum as Trussville City Schools.

M-F 7:30 am–4pm2-day, 3-day, 4-day, or 5-day programs available

Nurturing the Mind, Body & Spiritof Every Child

A Ministry of NorthPark Baptist Church

5700 Deerfoot Pkwy, near I-59, exit 143,

Trussville, AL

Sandy Jenkins, WEE Director 205.352.4020

[email protected]


Birmingham/Central Alabama Private School Directory November 2014

AREA PRIVATE SCHOOLS

Advent Episcopal School2019 Sixth Ave. N.Birmingham, AL 35203205-252-2535info@adventepiscopalschool.orgwww.adventepiscopalschool.orgAdvent has a 64-year reputa-tion for academic excellence that promotes lifelong learning, moral understanding and self-discipline. Faculty embraces the students in a caring, Christian environment. 4K-8.

Alabama Waldorf School1220 50th St. S. Birmingham, AL 35222 205-592-0541marketing@alabamawaldorf.orgwww.alabamawaldorf.orgThe developmentally appropri-ate, arts-integrated Waldorf curriculum empowers children to become confi dent, capable graduates who know how to think for themselves.

The Altamont School 4801 Altamont Rd. S.Birmingham, AL 35222205-879-2006tgoldsmith@altamontschool.orgwww.altamontschool.orgThe Mission of the Altamont

School is to improve the fabric of society by graduating compas-sionate, well-educated individu-als capable of independent think-ing and innovative ideas.

Covenant Classical School And Daycare3 locations, 4th coming soon• 25 Southlake Lane, Hoover, AL 35244• 5390 Magnolia Trace, Hoover, AL 35255• 450 Huntley Pkwy., Pelham, AL 35124• Homewood – coming [email protected] school with enrollment from infants through kindergarten.We maximize each child’s early school experienced to develop well-rounded individuals equipped to succeed.

Hilltop Montessori School6 Abbott SquareBirmingham, AL 35242205-437-9349admissions@hilltopmontessori.comwww.hilltopmontessori.comScholarships available.Accredit-ed by AdvanceD, Southern Asso-ciation of Colleges and Schools

(SACS), Southern Association of Independent Schools (SAIS) and the American Montessori Soceity (AMS).

Indian Springs School 190 Woodward Dr.Indian Springs, AL [email protected] recognized for its innova-tive curriculum, Indian Springs School inspires students to love learning, explore their passions, engage in community, and achieve their goals.

Integrity Christian Academy216 Roebuck Dr.Birmingham, AL 35215205-833-4416churchoffi ce@integritybible-church.orgwww.integritychristianacademy.orgPreschool, kindergarten and elementary classes. ABEKA academic, Bible curriculum and training. Character development and discipline.

Joseph Bruno Montessori Academy5509 Timber Hill Rd. Birmingham, AL 35242Phone: 205-995-8709Fax: 205-995-0517 www.jbma.orgFor 30 years JBMA has equipped children with the essential skills and knowledge they need to thrive as a successful adult. En-rolling toddlers - 8th grade.

Noah’s Park Weekday Early Education5700 Deerfoot Pkwy.Trussville, AL [email protected] world of discovery awaits your child at Noah’s Park! We provide an exceptional level of care and instruction for every child ages 6wks to grade 5K.

Odyssey Early Sch oolsINVERNESS CAMPUS104 Heatherbrooke Park Dr.Birmingham, AL 35242(205) 991-0039TRACE CROSSINGS CAMPUS401 Emery Dr.Hoover, AL 35244(205) 988-8829www.odysseyearlyschool.comCreated by educators featur-ing state-of-the-art facilities , nurturing teachers with Education degrees, and comprehensive cur-riculum that provides your child

with age appropriate exploration into the world of learning.

Spring Valley School605 Hagood St.Birmingham, AL 35213205-423-8660tyoung@springvalleyschool.orgwww.springvalleyschool.org Spring Valley School is the only school in Central Alabama serv-ing bright students (3rd grade through 12th grade) who struggle with dyslexia, ADHD and other learning diff erences.

The Discovery School2100 Highland AvenueBirmingham, AL 35205(205) [email protected]/discovery-schoolThe Discovery School is a nurtur-ing and engaging preschool for all children to learn, discover, and imagine. Full-day program, ages 15 months-5 years old.

TUTORS AND TESTING

The Tutoring Center2804 John Hawkins PkwySuite 100Hoover, AL 35244(near Academy Sports)205- 987-9577isaaczeiden@tutoringcenter.comwww.hoover.tutorcenter.comOne-to-one tutoring designed to help your child develop stronger academic skills, earn better grades, score higher on standardized tests, while gaining confi dence, motivation and focus.

MathnasiumThe Math Learning Center410 Inverness CornersBirmingham, Alabama 35242205-437 [email protected]/inverness-cornersOur goal is to signifi cantly increase your child’s math skills and overall school performance, while building confi dence and a positive attitude towards math.

ENRICHMENT PROGRAMS

Alabama Dance Academy 3221 Old Columbiana Rd.Hoover, AL 35226205-978-6820www.alabamadanceacademy.comA state-of-the-art dance instruc-tion facility in the disciplines of ballet, pointe, jazz, tap, hip hop, lyrical/contemporary and Pilates.


Founded by professional ballet dancer Pamela Merkel in 1995.

Alabama Ballet2726 1st Avenue SouthBirmingham, AL 35233205-322-4300information@alabamaballet.orgwww.alabamaballet.org Changing lives through dance since 1981 by promoting and fostering the development of classical and contemporary ballet through high-quality performances, dance education, and community outreach.

iSpeak,LLC2531 Meadowview Lane Suite C Pelham, AL [email protected]’s primary goal is to pre-pare tomorrow’s global citizens by providing Spanish classes to children & adults. Our new Spanish immer-sion preschool program opens in January for ages 4-5.

Spirit of MathComing soon to Vestavia!2110 Calhoun DriveGadsden, AL 35903256-438-4766Jdodd@spiritofmath.comwww.spiritofmath.comGrades 1 to 8. Exciting, fast-paced after school math classes for high-performing stu-dents. Children with an average of B+ or higher are considered for acceptance.

The Academy of the Arts at Samford UniversitySouth Lakeshore Drive Birmingham, AL 35229205-726-4049

205-726-2810www.samford.edu/academy-of-the-artsMusic for children & adults at Samford University in Home-wood. Preschool piano; Kinder-musik; private & group piano, voice, and strings lessons.

FIELD TRIPS AND EDUCATIONAL ACTIVITIES

Birmingham Museum of Art2000 Rev. Abraham Woods Jr. Blvd.Birmingham, Al 35203205.254.2565www.artsbma.orgBart’s ArtVenture combines high tech art-making tools with hands-on creation stations to let kids and families develop their art education in a creative, com-munal environment.

Heart of Dixie Railroad Museum1919 Ninth St.Calera, AL 35040205-668-3435www.hodrrm.orgRIDE THE TRAIN! Board at a turn-of-the-century depot and experience a ride through the scenic forests of Shelby County. Museum is a living monument to railroad history.

McWane Science Center200 19th St. N.Birmingham, AL [email protected] www.mcwane.orgFun and learning never end at McWane Science Center, a nonprofi t, hands-on museum with aquarium and IMAX® Dome Theater. Four fl oors of interac-tive exhibits celebrate science and wonder.

The Discovery School is a nurturing and engaging preschool for all children to learn, discover, and imagine. Take a tour of our beautiful facility, meet our dynamic degreed teachers, and learn about our curriculum based on best practices in early childhood education. We celebrate moments of discovery.

Full-day, year-round program for ages 15 months - 5 years old • 7:15a.m. - 6p.m.REGISTER YOUR CHILD TODAY!Conveniently located in Southside near downtown and UAB.

2100 Highland Avenue . Birmingham, AL 35205(205) 933-5907 . [email protected]

www.ourtemple.org/discoveryschool

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Three Years in a Row is something to

SMILE ABOUT!Schedule a tour to see why parents choose Covenant Classical Schools & Daycare® as Favorite Preschool and Favorite Parent’s Night Out! We’re honored to have been chosen as Family Favorite for the past 3 years!

Three Years in a Row is something to


Birmingham/Central Alabama Private Schools Guide November 2014

Indian Springs SchoolInspired by the motto "Learning through Living," Indian Springs School helps students reach their full potential by encouraging them to challenge themselves and to engage actively in their community and world. Long recognized for its rigorous and innovative curriculum, Indian Springs serves grades 8-12, off ering more than 270 day and boarding students from 12 states and 9 countries a full range of academic, artistic, athletic, and extracurricular activities.

New classrooms are being built for 2015-16! We welcomeyou to visit our incredible 350-acre campus just south of Birmingham. Know Indian Springs and know this is where you want to be.

190 Woodward DriveIndian Springs, AL 35124205.988.3350ExperienceSprings.org

Odyssey was created by educators who dreamed of opening an early learning center where children could be nurtured and taught by a highly trained and loving staff . That dream was realized when our Inverness school opened in 1995, and then again in 2001, with the opening of our second school in Trace Crossings.

Odyssey’s goal is to create a life-long love of learn-ing. We have developed our own age-appropriate curriculum, specifi cally designed to introduce each age grouping to language, reading, math, science and more, so that your child will possess a strong foundation for Kindergarten and beyond. Additionally, we guarantee teachers with four-year education degrees in all pre-school classrooms and off er exceptional child-to-teach-er ratios. At our schools, you can watch your child’s entire day in live, streaming, HD video over the Internet, through an individual, secure connection linked directly to your child’s classroom. We want our parents to know what happens during their child’s day, and Odyssey is the only Over-the-Mountain daycare to off er this service.

Our team works tirelessly to earn its reputation as the best childcare option for Birmingham parents, and we invite you to visit today to witness for yourself what so many other families have known since 1995! Visit www.odysseyearlyschool.com for more information.

Joseph S. Bruno Montessori Academy

Our educational practices are built around the belief that children are born with the need to explore and discover and with the strong desire to learn. Therefore, we treat their curi-osity and creativity with great care allowing them to explore their interests from an early age. We provide the kinds of les-sons, even the most challenging ones that make learning ex-citing and stimulate the desire to fi nd out more. Lessons are given to small groups of students or even individually, so that they can understand the concepts presented. Our students are our fi rst priority, and we have the time to listen and help them fi nd answers. Older students learn through seminars, laboratory experiments, and hands-on projects. Reading, research, and discussion are important parts of

our curriculum. At Bruno Montessori Academy,

we encourage our students to develop independence, responsi-bility, resourcefulness, and organizational skills. Even in the Lower Elementary students learn to use individual work plans listing their goals for the week. When you visit Bruno Academy, you will see students working individually and cooperatively to get their work done, enjoying the total learning experience. The enthusiasm must be seen to be believed. Children learn the im-portance of having respect for one another and for their classroom environment. We have high expectations for our students, and they learn to set higher and higher standards for themselves.

JBMA currently serves children from toddlers to the 8th grade. To tour our campus & visit our classrooms, please call: 205-995-8709 or visit www.jbma.org. 5509 Timber Hill Road, Birmingham, AL 35242.

Odyssey Early Schools



Covenant Classical Schools provides advanced education and care for children throughout Alabama, with campuses in Birmingham and Hunts-ville. At CCS, shepherding children is a focus with a Bible-centered curricu-lum taught in the Classical tradition. Development of Christ-like character is an essential focus for each child as they grow with these principles as a foundation of their values.

In the CCS approach, children learn in the Grammar stage of classical edu-cation where the core idea is for ob-taining knowledge, and young children have an incredible ability to absorb information. From their ability to recite the books of the Bible, U.S. Presidents,

to all 50 states and capitals, preschool students at CCS demonstrate how important the Grammar stage is to the development of the young mind. Their success is measured also by scores on standardized tests with most kinder-garten students ranking in the 98th percentile for SATs.

There is a great amount of struc-ture at CCS balanced with lots of fun! Most classes use learning games to reinforce the lessons. Teachers constantly use a mixture of methods to retain the interest of the students, and to avoid redundancy. Children also enjoy time outdoors on playgrounds, trike tracks and soccer fi elds.

With proven academic success and overwhelming approval from parents throughout Birmingham, CCS is proud to have been voted Best Daycare by three diff erent publications for several years running. We invite you in to experience CCS by scheduling a tour at one of our local campuses—Pelham, Trace Crossings or Valleydale Road.

Additionally, a new Homewood loca-tion will be opening in 2015! Visit us online at www.ccslion.com for more information.

Covenant Classical School

Advent Episcopal SchoolSince its establishment in 1950, Advent Episco-pal School has built a national reputation for academic excellence. No other school in Alabama can match the success of our students who have amongst the highest SAT scores in the nation. The students excel in an environment that is safe, stable, and wholesome, and are highly recruited by the most prestigious high schools in the country.

Off ering 4-year-old kindergarten through eighth grade, Advent is a diverse community of bright chil-dren who are challenged by the school’s accelerated academic program presented in a caring, Christian environment. The school also off ers before-school and after-school care from 7:15 am until 6:00 pm.

Advent’s downtown campus off ers an array of educational opportunities. Museums, theaters, libraries, cultural centers and the Civic Center are literally within walking distance. Advent is small by design. Every child is known by name. They are challenged, but they are also celebrated for who they are and what they are able to accomplish.

Spirit of MathSpirit of Math is an after-school math program for high-performing students designed to challenge and excite them. Rather than only memorizing procedures, our students learn the number theories and critical thinking skills required to truly understand and solve math problems. They learn a diff erent way of thinking that carries over to other subjects and to life.

Spirit of Math is not a tutoring or remedial pro-gram, but a proprietary program in which high-perform-ing students attend intensive weekly 1.5 hour classes for grades 1-8. Students are engaged in math educa-tion through Spirit of Math’s proprietary and innova-tive curriculum which includes a sequential, non-spiral approach to learning, and the Four Elements (drills, core, problem solving and cooperative group work). Students with an average of B+ or higher are considered for acceptance.

Spirit of Math is an education-based company that has developed a training system for teachers and ad-ministrators in mathematics. Spirit of Math also publish-es the “Release the Genius” series of drill and problem solving books, including digital applications.

Private schools and public school districts are now using Spirit of Math books to supplement their curriculums.

For more information, call Jennifer Dodd at 866-767-6284, ext. 180



Academy of the Arts at Samford UniversityWelcome to the Academy of the Arts at Samford University!

During the spring of 2014, the Preparatory Music Department and Samford After Sundown staff made the transition to our new home across from the main campus. The Academy is a beautiful new space with convenient parking and easy access, as the facility does not have steps or barriers. The location is just across Lakeshore Drive from the main campus on the road between Homewood High and Covenant Presbyterian Church (South Lakeshore Drive). Families may enjoy the generous playground while wait-ing for classes or lessons, and the large gathering room is a wonderful space for community gatherings, large classes, and intimate performances. We have something for everyone, off ering classes in piano, voice, strings, Kindermusik, photography, painting, creative writing,

drawing, ceramics and much more. Our classes begin as low as $45 and we are now registering for our Holiday workshops. If you have any questions or would like more information about our classes and programs, please call 205-726-2739 or 205-726-4049.

Spring Valley SchoolSpring Valley School was founded in 2000 by parents seeking better educational opportunities for their children.

SVS is the only school in central Alabama off ering specialized instruction for children with learning diff erences, such as Dyslexia, Dysgraphia and ADHD.

We serve students from all areas of Jeff erson County and surrounding counties. Sixty students are enrolled in grades 3 through 12 for the 2014-2015 year. Spring Valley is accredited through SACS (Southern Associa-tion of Colleges and Schools)

Karen KisorExecutive Director205-432-8660Learn more about us - visit our website at www.springvalleyschool.org

CHECKIT OUT

For a great list of

private schools all

over Alabama, check

out http://alabama.

educationbug.org/

private-schools/

For more information

about private and

public high schools in

Alabama, check out

http://high-schools.

com/alabama.html.

For an explanation of

private school associa-

tions in Alabama

(What do those

acronyms stand for

and mean?), check out

http://high-schools.

com/report/al/private-

school-associations-in-

alabama.html

The Discovery School at Temple Emanu-ElThe Discovery School is a nurturing and engaging preschool for all children to learn, discover, and imagine.

We are proud of our beautiful facility, our dynamic degreed teachers, and our curriculum based on best practices in early childhood education. We celebrate moments of discovery.

We off er a full-day, year-round program for ages 15 months - 5 years old. The Discovery School is conve-niently located in Southside near downtown and UAB.

Why choose The Discovery School? We have a low student/teacher ratio in line with licensure and accredi-tation standards. Our large classrooms are child-cen-tered spaces with large windows and natural light.

We have a newly renovated playground which resembles a park with open spaces and quality equip-ment. We off er a hands-on curriculum that develops the whole child intellectually, socially, and spiritually.

Our enrichment activities include music, dance, Hebrew, art and science, as well as educational program-ming off ered by McWane Science Center, The Birmingham Zoo, Children’s Dance Foundation, Got Rhythm, and more.

For more information, please contact us and visit our website at www.ourtemple.org/discoveryschool.


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Inquiries about tuition adjustment are welcome.

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How to Choose the Private SchoolTHAT’S RIGHT FOR YOUR CHILD AND YOUBy Heidi Smith Luedtke, Ph.D.

Comparing private schools is challenging because each institution offers unique programs in a unique environment. One may present a specialized science cur-riculum geared toward a future in engineering, while another focuses on developing cooperation and compassion through active community service. The comparisons parents must make are apples-to-oranges at best.

Faced with so much detailed information about so many exciting opportunities, it’s hard to stay focused on the end goal: finding the best educational option for your student. Approach the school selection process with this three-step strategy to make sure your child’s needs come first.

STEP 1: Assess your Values

Start your school-selection process at home. “Ask yourself what you expect of a school and what you expect of your child, in terms of attitude, behavior, motivation and achievement,” says educational psychologist Jennifer Little, Ph.D., founder of Parents Teach Kids. You may want a school that has high cultural or ethnic diversity, or whose students and staff have religious values similar to those of your family. Clarifying your values will help you put schools’ marketing materials in context.

Acknowledge practical matters as well. Determine how far you’re willing to drive and how much tuition you can afford. Be honest with yourself about the level of involvement you will have in your child’s school. Many private schools require parents to volunteer a specified number of hours. Create a personal checklist of your requirements and limitations so you don’t overlook important factors.


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STEP 2: Seek Info

For each potential school, collect information on curriculum, student-teacher ratio and academic outcomes. Study data that show how students scored on placement tests for math, English and foreign languages, and pay particular attention to how many students graduate and what schools they attend next. Also, pay attention to accreditation. Th e National Association of Inde-pendent Schools and similar state associations require member schools to uphold rigorous standards and to undergo periodic review. Th is makes school offi cials accountable to other educators who are in touch with national standards and teaching trends.

Examine course descriptions, materials and teacher prepara-tion to evaluate the quality of a school’s curriculum. Also, ask about choice. You want your child to have a fi rm foundation in primary subjects and a choice among interesting electives. Kids are motivated to learn when they can pursue subjects they select. Learn about the availability of special programs that interest your child, such as language immersion or music instruction.

Visit schools on your short list to evaluate the academic workload and environment. Ask students how much homework they do each night and attend classes to see how teachers aff ect learning. Do they use readings, lectures or group discussion? Do students do projects, community service or internships at local businesses or universities? A school’s instructional strategy should match up with its educational objectives and your child’s learning style, Little says. Highly competitive classes can under-mine learning for some students. Others might be frustrated by a collaborative approach.

Keep in mind a school is more than its academic programs. It is a community of learners. Observe social dynamics among

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students and ask how teachers encourage cooperation and man-age behavior problems. Kids can’t learn when they’re struggling with classroom chaos or feel left out of exclusive cliques.

Look at how adults are involved in the school. A strong parent-teacher association ensures that ideas and information flow both ways. Involvement from alumni suggests a strong sense of pride in the institution. Find out how long teachers have been at the school and whether they receive regular professional development. High turnover may reflect bad management. It can also create a poor climate for learning.

STEP 3: Focus on Fit“Ideally, you want to match the school to the learner,” says Faya Hoffman, founder of the Washington, D.C. learning concierge service, My Learning Springboard. “A school with a phenomenal reputation may not be the right fit for your child.” Be honest about whether an institution’s approach fits with your student’s interests and temperament.

If your child has an Individualized Educational Plan due to learning (or other) disabilities, find out what services are avail-able to meet his needs. Smaller schools may not have full-time staff to provide speech or occupational therapy or counseling services. Speak directly with staff members who provide services your child needs, so you understand how your child will get help. Knowing what to expect sets everyone up for success.

Although it may be inconvenient, Hoffman says siblings may need different educational approaches and/or different schools to learn and thrive. Focus on each student as an individual to make the best educational decisions for your family.ASK ABOUT OUR $250 Birmingham Parent referral credit

Call and schedule your onsite tour today

Inverness Campus: 205-991-0039

Trace Crossings Campus: 205-988-8829

www.OdysseyEarlySchool.com

Age appropriate curriculum with individual weekly themes.

Internet Video Monitoring provides live streaming video of your child’s classroom.

Outstanding play environment, featuring infant, toddler & preschool play structures, overhead awnings, and water features.

From our state-of-the-art facilities to our nurturing teachers (many have

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into the world of learning. Odyssey represents an exciting early childhood educational experience!

THANK YOU for voting us a 3X favorite Childcare/Preschool in Birmingham Parents’ Family Favorites!

BIRMINGHAM’S PREMIERDAYCARE AND PRESCHOOL


Web:

Choosing between public and private schools http://sitemaker.umich.edu/dickersonhouilles.356/home

School visit and observation checklist http://www.testingmom.com/wp-content/uploads/The-School-Tour-Checklist.pdf

Guides to student success www.pta.org

Books:

Picky Parent Guide: Choose Your Child’s School With Confi dence, the Elementary Years, K-6, by Bryan and Emily Hassel, Armchair Press, 2004

How To Choose The Perfect School: What 21st Century Parents Need to Know about K-12 Education by Mary Lang, Traff ord Publishing, 2006

The Educated Child: A Parent’s Guide From Preschool Through Eighth Grade by William Bennett, Chester Finn, Jr., and John Cribb, Jr., Free Press, 2000

RESOURCES

Heidi Smith Luedtke is a personality psychologist and mom of two. She is the author of Detachment Parenting.

Opening in Vestavia Hills, January 5, 2015.Pre- Registration BeginsFor Grades 1-8, November 15, 2014.

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1 Saturday Birmingham FARE Walk for Food Allergy8:30am, Railroad Park. Family-friendly event helps raise funds for food allergy education, advocacy, awareness, and research. There will be fun activities for kids, including a costume contest. www.kintera.org/faf/home/default.asp?ievent=1102655. FREE.

5K Rib Run8:30am, Brown-Mackie College. Participants stop approximately every mile to enjoy a single delicious rib from local restau-rants. The start and finish lines are at Homewood City Hall. www.ribrun.org.

2nd Annual Tailgate Festival & Turkey Toss10am-5pm, Gardendale Civic Center. Gardendale’s tailgate charity drive benefiting Christmas Visions 205-400-6595, www.gardendaletailgatefestival.com.

Free Classes from Magic City Chess U10am-12pm, Birmingham Public Library, second floor. Learn to play or improve your play in these free classes. 205-862-2018, http://magiccitychessu.wix.com/magiccitychessu. FREE.

Hikes for Tykes with Fresh Air Family10am, Birmingham Botanical Gardens. Preschool children will go on a shape hunt with Anwen. We will go through the garden hunting for shapes and discussing why plants grow that way. 205-540-6642, www.freshairfamily.org. FREE. Bart’s Art Cart11am-1pm, Birmingham Museum of Art. Drop into this art pro-gram for kids and families to make art with Bart! This month, create a flag that represents you! www.artsbma.org.

String Theory in Concert7-9pm, Leeds Theatre and Arts Center. String Theory, an instrumental pop group, plays an eclectic mix of songs from every genre and some original songs. Great for a date night or a night out with friends. 205-699-1892. Fee. 7 FridayMothers Of Preschoolers (MOPS)9:30-11:30am, Pelham First Baptist Church. Mothers Of PreSchoolers or MOPS Interna-tional exists to meet the needs of every mom. Free child care is provided. [email protected]. FREE.

Off the Charts: Music of ABBA, Motown & The Beatles7:30pm, Dorothy Jemison Day Theater. Travel through time with the sounds of the ASFA Orches-tra and Jazz Ensemble as they perform timeless classics. 205-458-0360, www.djdtheater.org.

8 SaturdayAutism Society’s 1st Annual Bowling Tournament 3-5pm, Oak Mountain Lanes. This event is benefiting Act Today-Au-tism Care & Treatment for Military Families. 205-603-5300, www.oakmountainlanes.com.

Alabama School of Fine Arts Open House for Prospective Students9am-12pm, Alabama School of Fine Arts. The Alabama School of Fine Arts will hold its annual Open House for prospective students. Information sessions about the school’s six pro-grams (creative writing, dance, music, theatre arts, visual arts and math and science) will begin promptly at 9am, 10am and 11am. No reservation is necessary. Parents of students in grades 6-10 are encouraged to attend if they would like to learn more about the school and audition requirements for the 2015-2016 school year. 205-252-9241 x 2230, www.asfa.k12.al.us. FREE.

Free Classes from Magic City Chess U10am-12pm, Birmingham Public Library. See November 1.

Hikes for Tykes with Fresh Air Family10am, Birmingham Botanical Gardens. A member of the Birmingham Botanical Gardens educational staff will take preschool children and their families on a hands-on educa-tional adventure through the gardens. 205-540-6642, www.freshairfamily.org. FREE.

Bart’s Art Cart11am-1pm, Birmingham Museum of Art. See November 1. 9 SundayThe Footprints Ministry Bowl-a-Thon Fundraiser 2-4pm, Oak Mountain Lanes. Join in on the fun and help the Footprints Ministry share the love of Christ. Registration in-

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Events may change after publication, deadline; please phone ahead to confirm important information. The deadline for submitting calendar items for the Dec. 2014 and Jan. 2015 issue is Nov. 3. Mail calendar items to: Calendar, Birmingham Parent, 3590B Hwy 31 S #289, Pelham, AL 35124; fax to 987-7600; e-mail to [email protected]; or enter directly to the online calendar at www.birminghamparent.com. Entries added online after the print deadline will not appear in the print version. Information cannot be accepted over the phone. Birming-ham Parent publishes a calendar 11 times a year. January events are included in the December issue.

Guidelines: Birmingham Parent’s calendar is designed to be a resource and service to the community and our readers. Events which are open to the public, fund-raisers, free classes, etc., are events that may be included in our monthly calendar. We reserve the right to reject any event or listing due to rules or space restrictions. For questions regarding calendar entries, call 987-7700.

november

The Alabama School of Fine Arts will hold its annual Open House for Prospective Students Saturday, November 8. PHOTO COURTESY OF ASFA



cludes 2 games, shoe rental and 2014 Footprints Bowl-a-thon T-shirt. 205-281-3946, http://footprintsministry.info/events/bowl-a-thon-fundraiser.

10 MondayMagic City Toastmasters Open House6pm, Trinity Medical Center. Are you looking to improve your communication and leadership skills? Come visit Alabama’s oldest Toastmas-ters Club. 205-913-8303, http://572.toastmastersclubs.org/. FREE.

Neurobiology of Suicide: Relevance to Diagnosis and Treatment6:30pm, Hoover Public Library. The UAB Com-prehensive Neuroscience Center presents Neurosci-ence Café: Yogesh Dwivedi, Ph.D.,professor, department of psychiatry, and director, Translational Neuroscience, and Nina Kraguljac, M.D, M.A., department of psychiatry will present this informative pro-gram. 205-444-7840, http://hooverlibrary.org. FREE.

Veterans Day at the Birmingham ZooBirmingham Zoo. In honor of this special holiday, all active and retired military person-nel and their dependents will receive FREE admission on November 11. www.birming-hamzoo.com.

11 TuesdayVETERANS DAY National Veterans Day Parade1:30 p.m. Starting at 18th Street and Eighth Avenue North. Ends at 19th Street and Eight Avenue North. Home of America’s first Veterans Day and the largest parade in the country. http://nationalveteransday.org.

Veterans Day at the Birmingham ZooBirmingham Zoo. In honor of this special holiday, all active and retired military person-nel and their dependents will receive FREE admission on November 11. www.birming-hamzoo.com.

14 FridayChristmas Arts and Crafts Show 9am-6pm, Gardendale Civic Center. The North Arts Council presents over 65 vendors with a wide variety of handmade crafts including pottery, children’s clothing, jewelry, purses, home décor and one of a kind gifts. Door prizes given away every hour. Pictures made with Santa on Saturday 9am to 3 pm for $10 www.northartscouncil.webs.com/. FREE.

15 SaturdayChristmas Arts and Crafts Show 9am-4pm, Gardendale Civic Center. See December 14.

Calera Christmas Market10am-4pm, Calera First UMC, 6107 Hwy. S. Come get your Christmas shopping done early at the Calera Christmas Market. Lots of great vendors with wonder-ful selections for all your gift giving needs. Come dressed to get your Christmas photos made. ww.facebook.com/cal-erachristmasmarket. FREE.

Free Classes from Magic City Chess U10am-12pm, Birmingham Pub-lic Library. See November 1.

Hikes for Tykes with Fresh Air Family10am, Birmingham Botanical Gardens. Go on a magical storytelling hike with Fresh Air Family’s Verna Gates. Are there fairies and dragons in the Gardens? We will be on the lookout! Fairy house building to follow. 205-540-6642, www.freshairfamily.org. FREE.

Bart’s Art Cart11am-1pm, Birmingham Muse-um of Art. See November 1. 16 SundayAudubon Teaches Nature: Bird Coloration-Understand-ing the Beauty of Birds

1:30-4pm, Alabama Wildlife Center. Guest speaker Geoff Hill’s program will address everything you ever wanted to know about coloration in

For Tickets and Information:

www.HODRRM.orgHeart of Dixie Railroad Museum

1919 9th St., Calera, AL 35040205-757-8383

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birds, adding a new dimension to your birding in the field. Be sure to bring your binoculars for a bird walk after the pro-gram. 205-663-7930, x4, www.awrc.org. FREE. 17 MondayColor in the Winter Landscape6:30pm, Hoover Library. From flowers to evergreens, fight the drab winter days with a punch of color. Presented by the Ala-bama Cooperative Extension System. 205-444-7840, FREE. 18 TuesdayScience Cafe presents: The Science of Meteorology 6-8pm, John’s City Diner. Join other science geeks (and sci-ence novices) for an exciting presentation, lively discussion and a little science trivia at the Birmingham Science Cafe every third Tuesday at John’s City Diner in downtown Bir-mingham. Speaker: J.P. Dice, meteorologist, Fox 6. 205-714-8414, http://mcwane.org. FREE.

Family Holiday Manners Mash Up6:15-7:30pm, Albert Scott (Alabaster) City Library Meet-ing Room. Get ready for the holidays with etiquette expert Kathie Martin of the Etiquette School of Birmingham. This is for the whole family to learn by enjoying a simple meal before the holidays. Find out: Ameri-can dining style vs. Continental dining style, what is accept-able to eat with your hands, appropriate conversation at the table, and more. Registration required. 205.664.6822, FREE. 20 ThursdayPete the Cat Book Club4pm, Albert Scott (Alabaster) Library Meeting Room. Boys and girls can join in the fun of cool cats, reading, and more during our meeting. Children age 6 and younger must be with an adult. 205.664.6822, www.cityofalabaster.com/de-partments/library. FREE.

Alabama Family Rights Association6pm, Hoover Public Library. Guest speaker: Family law at-torney Austin Burdick,. Topics: The difference between the

“best interest of the child” and “McLendon Rule” in family law; why the Alabama Supreme Court ruling overturning the 1989 decision requiring noncustodial parents to pay college costs for adult is signifi-cant for family law reform sup-porters; how to put parenting decisions back in the hands of parents during a custody situ-ation; and benefits of standard visitation vs. parenting plans. www.alfra.org. FREE. 21 FridayMothers of PreSchoolers (MOPS)-Pelham First Baptist 9:30-11:30am, Pelham First Bap-tist Church. See November 7.

Soul of November7:30pm, Dorothy Jemison Day Theater. Enjoy a feast of clas-sical ballet and contemporary choreography styles performed by ASFA’s talented dancers and musicians. 205-458-0360, www.djdtheater.org 22 SaturdayFree Classes from Magic City Chess U10am-12pm, Birmingham Public Library. See November 1.

22 SaturdayHikes for Tykes with Fresh Air Family 10am Birmingham Botanical Gardens. A member of the Birmingham Botanical Gardens educational staff will take pre-school children and their families on a hands-on educa-tional adventure through the gardens. 205-540-6642, www.freshairfamily.org. FREE.

Flora Pearl Foundation’s 3rd Annual Matters of the Heart10am-2pm, Faith Chapel Christian Center. Alabama’s premier event focuses on overall wellness and positive relationships between mothers and daughters. The day will include brunch, relationship-building workshops, cosmetic and apparel vendors for at-tendees, and live music/dance performances. 205-821-2474, http://mattersoftheheart2014.splashthat.com.

Bart’s Art Cart11am-1pm, Birmingham Museum of Art. See November 1.

Soul of November7:30pm Dorothy Jemison Day Theater. See November 21. 23 Sunday United Way Food Drive at the Birmingham Zoo

Birmingham Zoo. Help the Zoo give back to the community this fall with the annual United Way Food Drive. Admission half price with nonperishable or canned food donation, one per person. www.birmingham-zoo.com.

Soul of November2:30pm Dorothy Jemison Day Theater. See November 21. 24 MondayUnited Way Food Drive at the Birmingham Zoo Birmingham Zoo. See November 23.

25 TuesdayLegos 4-4:45pm, Albert Scott Ala-baster City Library. Kids of all ages are thankful for Legos of all sizes. Come for free play and make new buddies in the meeting room. Kids age 6 years old and younger must be with an adult. 205-664-6822. FREE. 29 SaturdayFree Classes from Magic City Chess U10am-12pm, Birmingham Public Library. See November 1.

Hikes for Tykes with Fresh Air Family10am Birmingham Botanical Gardens. Pre-school children will go on a shape hunt with Anwen! We will go through the garden hunting for shapes and discussing why plants grow that way. 205-540-6642, www.freshairfamily.org. FREE.

Bart’s Art Cart 11am-1pm, Birmingham Museum of Art. See November 1.w

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

Alabama Jazz Hall of Fame1631 Fourth Ave. N., Birmingham. 205-254-2731, www.jazzhall.com

Alabama School of Fine Arts1800 Rev. Abraham Woods, Jr. Blvd.

Alabama Sports Hall of Fame2150 Richard Arrington Blvd. N., Birmingham. 323-6665, www.ashof.org

Alabama Wildlife Center100 Terrace Drive, Pelham. 205-663-7930. www.awrc.org

Albert L Scott Alabaster Public LibraryTunes & Tales: Wednesdays at 3:30pm in Library Meeting Room Toddler Tales: Fridays at 10:30am in the Library Meeting Room Lego League: Tuesdays 4-4:45pm100 9th Street NW, Alabaster, AL, 35007. 205-664-6822, www.cityofalabaster.com/depart-ments/library

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

Barber Motorsports Park6040 Barber Motorsports Parkway, Leeds. 205-298-9040, www.barbermotorsports.com

Birmingham Botanical GardensBe sure to download the trea-sure map to take with you! www.bbgardens.org/documents/treasuremapforweb.pdf2612 Lane Park Road, Birming-ham. 205-414-3900, www.bbgardens.org

Birmingham Children’s Theatre1001 19th St. North, Birmingham, AL, 35203, 205-458-8181, www.bct123.org

Birmingham Civil Rights InstituteArtistic Perseverance. BCRI presents the hidden collec-tion of internationally known artist Steve R. Skipper through December 31 in BCRI’s Odessa Woolfolk Gallery.Wonders of the Universe. BCRI presents a collection which contrasts everyday living scenes with the grandeur and magnifi-cence of natural, supernatural and galactic art by James Dean, Jr., through Jan 11, 2015 in BCRI’s Vann Gallery.16th St. N., Birmingham. 205-328-9696, www.bcri.org

Birmingham Museum of Art 2000 Rev. Abraham Woods Jr. Blvd., Birmingham. 205-254-2565, www.artsbma.org

Birmingham ZooIn-park Special Attractions Giraffe Feeding & Keeper Chat, Saturday & Sunday 11am-12pm & 2-3pm, $3.00. See Griffin, the first giraffe born in a North Amer-ican accredited Zoo in 2014! Sea Lion Training, Daily 10am & 2pm Predator Zone, Saturday & Sunday 11:30am & 3:30pm 2630 Cahaba Road, Birmingham. 205-879-0409, www.birminghamzoo.com

Heart of Dixie ailroad Museum1919 Ninth St., Calera. 205-668-3435, www.hodrrm.org

McWane Science CenterFall Into Science. Fall is in the air! Get lost in our Corny Maze, complete with corn stalks and some seriously silly science jokes or take a ride down the gi-ant slide. Through November 19.The Magic of Model Trains. The holidays are picking up steam with the return of the Magic of Model Trains exhibit. Discover trains of every shape and size.. Through January 11, 2015.Winter Wonderland. Bring your family to the most magical place around this holiday season. The Zip Line will be even longer this year as visitors fly through the air. The Ice Slide allows kids and grown-ups alike to take the plunge down a 40 foot tube slide. The McWane Train will double in size this year as it takes kids on a holiday-themed ride around 200 feet of track. Through January 11, 2015.IMAX Movies:JERUSALEM. Explore for the first time in IMAX this crossroads of civilization and faith. The film conveys the story of Jerusalem in all its beauty and diversity. Through November 26.TO THE ARCTIC. An extraordi-nary journey to the top of the world, this documentary adven-ture tells the ultimate tale of survival. Through April 30, 2015. ISLAND OF LEMURS: MADA-GASCAR. Academy Award® winner Morgan Freeman (Million Dollar Baby, Dolphin Tale) nar-rates the IMAX documentary Island of Lemurs: Madagascar, the incredible true story of nature’s greatest explorers—lemurs. Through January 8, 2015. 200 19th St. N., Birmingham. 205-714-8300, www.mcwane.org.

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

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

Pepper Place Saturday Market Shop at the market for all of your holiday meal and handmade gifts from local artisans. Pepper Place Market was founded in 2000 as a way to bring the com-munity together to buy fresh, local produce and help area farmers at the same time. Every Saturday, 7am-12pm through De-cember 13. Rain or shine! http://www.pepperplacemarket.com. 2829 Second Ave. N. Birming-ham, AL 35233. 205-802-2100

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

Southern Museum of Flight4343 73rd St. N., Birmingham. 205-833-8226, www.southern-museumofflight.org

Tannehill Ironworks Historical State Park12632 Confederate Parkway, McCalla. 205-477-5711, www.tannehill.org

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

events & attractions

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sBIRMINGHAM PARENT’S

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Aft er years of prepar-ing the Th anksgiv-ing turkey, I recall with laughter my fi rst attempt at

cooking the traditional bird. As a new bride and wanting to impress my husband and our

families, I invited the relatives for dinner. Although I knew my way around the kitchen and could prepare many recipes, I had never attempted to thaw a

frozen turkey – much less cook an 18-pound monster.

As the clan gathered at the table, all eyes were on the beautiful brown fowl. Being the perfect host, my husband started carving the roasted bird. Th e fi rst thought of a problem occurred when my mother took her fi rst bite, looked at my father, and rolled her eyes. Soon, others followed. Not a word was spoken, until an honest 5-year-old nephew announced in a loud voice, “Th is turkey tastes awful! What did you do to it?”

By that time, the carving revealed the cause of the bitter taste. I didn’t know about the

paper bag of giblets inside the cavity! Th ank goodness I had prepared lots of dressing, sweet potato casserole, green beans and cranberry salad!

Each Th anksgiving, my kin reminds me of that fi rst fi asco of preparing the traditional bird. Your table may not look like the traditional Norman Rockwell painting, but today’s modern families still should create their own legacies. How do you create legacies that will be handed down to the younger generation? Perhaps some of the following will work for you. Try some of these and add your own original creations.

Creating Family Legaciesat Thanksgì ving By Carolyn Tomlin

Not a word was spoken, until an honest 5-year-old

nephew announced in a loud voice, “This turkey tastes

awful! What did you do to it?”


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MAKE A PINE CONE TURKEY Gobble, gobble – it’s turkey time! Involve the kids in this simple table decoration.

Materials: Dry pine conesOrange or brown construction paperHot glue gunBread basket filled with colored leaves

Directions:Cut a simple turkey head and wings from construction paper. Use a hot glue gun to at-tach the pieces to the pinecone (adult handles glue gun.) Place turkeys on a bed of leaves in the bread basket.

SWEET POTATO CASSEROLEIn memory of my Aunt Jessie, this dish is served at each Thanksgiving dinner.

Ingredients:8 c. sweet potatoes1 tsp. salt1½ c. sugar1 stick margarine1 teaspoon vanilla flavoring2 c. miniature marshmallows

Mash cooked potatoes until smooth. Add other ingredients. Spread evenly in baking dish and bake in oven at 350º for 30 minutes. Remove from oven and add marshmallows to top. Bake until brown. Serve warm.

Design simple invitations. Who will you invite? Provide colored paper and markers. Preschoolers can draw a table with food with an invitation to attend Thanksgiving dinner. Older children can create their own design. Assist with addressing an envelope and mailing, if needed.

Include children in menu planning. Allow each child to suggest a favorite food – even a snack for the special meal.

Grocery shop together. As you shop, identify whole foods by name and category as to fruit, vegetable, dairy, grains or meat. Mention the richness of colors and variety of shapes. For example, say, “Please put eight sweet potatoes in the buggy. Or, we need six yellow lemons.” Think of the grocery store as a place to teach as you have fun with your kids. (Sug-gestion: Shop mid-morning as stores are less crowded and children are less tired.)

Food preparation. Think about your menu and decide the areas youngsters can safely participate, such as remov-ing grapes from the stems and washing, filling celery sticks with pimento cheese spread with a plastic knife or crumbling cornbread for the

dressing. Beware of hot stoves and sharp knives.

Make simple decorations and set the table. Holidays should be for everyone! This means including children when you decorate the dining table. If you have a children’s table, include this also. Our family plans an outing to the country to gather dried ma-terials a week or so before the big day. Back roads and fences often contain dried materials appropriate for the season. Farmers markets sell apples and a variety of local nuts. Us-ing sprigs of natural greenery, dried materials, apples and nuts with a few candles make for inexpensive decorations and one in which children can participate. The main purpose is to have fun together as a family. It’s a memory children can carry over to adult years when they have youngsters of their own.

For another child-friendly decoration, insert bare branches into a flower pot and secure with pebbles. Using seasonal colored construction paper, trace around fall leaves and cut out. Ask each person who attends your meal to write their name on a leaf and one word that describes something they are

thankful for. Designate a child to be responsible for attaching the leaf to a branch with a bit of tape.

If you’re using fine china and crystal, you may want to handle this yourself. However, teach children how to place the knife, fork and spoon. Where does the napkin go? Where do you place the water or tea glass?

Share family stories for a lasting legacy. Encourage your clan to share stories, perhaps those handed down from your ancestors.

Encourage everyone to say at least one thing for which they are thankful. Start by offering your own thanksgiv-ing blessings. Go around the table and ask everyone to mention a special blessing this year. Ask someone to lead your family in a special prayer, thanking God for his goodness to your kin.

Carolyn Tomlin is the co-author of The Secret Holocaust Diaries: The Untold Story of Nonna Ban-nister. She teaches writing for the magazine market. Email: [email protected]


Sponsored byask the specialist

Ashley Tamucci, MD, is an OB/GYN with Brookwood Medical Center.

Send us your questions for "Ask the Specialist" at [email protected]. No personal replies are sent.

Several years ago one of my pregnant patients asked, “Can I donate my umbilical cord blood to a patient in need of bone marrow trans-plant?” I had no idea. As a nurse on the oncology fl oor at Children’s of Alabama, she desperately wanted to donate her umbilical cord

blood to a child fi ghting cancer. She had experienced the devastation of losing pediatric patients to lymphoma and leukemia before they were able to get their bone marrow transplants, and most of these children could not fi nd suitable donors in time.

We both knew that mothers could collect cord blood for personal use, but this collection was associated with a substantial fee and the specimen was kept frozen in case a family member was diagnosed with leukemia or lymphoma. Aft er extensive research, my patient and I identifi ed a way to donate her cord blood, but there were some limitations to this process. Since she delivered on a weekend when no couriers were available, her specimen could not be donated. Th e process was also limited to very motivated patients who had to fi ll out lots of paperwork ahead of time, and were responsible for bringing the collection kit to the hospital with them. Imagine trying to remember the collection kit when contractions are every three minutes.

I am so happy to announce that cord blood donation is now available at Brookwood Medical Center! Brookwood is the fi rst hospital in Birming-ham to partner with LifeCord, a division of LifeSouth Community Blood Centers, and off er a seamless umbilical cord blood donation process. Once a patient signs consent forms in Labor and Delivery, the doctor collects the blood from the umbilical cord aft er the baby has been delivered and the cord has been clamped. LifeCord then processes the donation and submits it into a national bone marrow registry program called Be the Match. Th e blood is matched to recipients all over the country. Th ere is no expense to

donors or recipients. Th e paper-work, consents and collection kits are available around the clock in any of our labor and delivery suites. It’s so easy!

I was initially inspired by one of my patient’s trying to save leukemia and lymphoma patients. Ironically, the same month we began meeting with LifeCord, my

best friend was diagnosed with lymphoma and underwent a bone marrow transplant. Talk about divine intervention. Now my inspiration is personal. I am more motivated than ever to make this program a success as a tribute to my very brave best friend who lost her battle to lymphoma. I’m driven by all the other patients out there fi ghting leukemia and lymphoma.

Interested in cord blood donation at Brookwood? Talk to your OB/GYN at your next visit about the opportunity to save countless lives.

How Can I Save Lives by Donating Umbilical Cord Blood? By Ashley Tamucci, MD

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If you would like your kid to be a Birthday Kids contestant, complete and send this form, along with a recent photograph of your child (photos will not be returned) to Birthday Kids, Birmingham Parent, 3590-B Hwy. 31 S., #289, Pelham, AL 35124. Child must be 13 and under to win. By entering, contestants and their parents or legal guardians release the photo to Birmingham Parent with no further obligation to Birmingham Parent, and give consent to Birmingham Parent to reproduce and publish any photographs submitted whether or not the entry is chosen as the winner. All entries must be signed by parent/guardian. Employees of Evans Publishing and contest sponsors are not eligible. Dec entries much be received by Nov 12, 2014. Entries can be sent ahead for later months.

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When it comes to adoption, there’s no such thing as “normal.” Just ask Christina and Kevin Kindt.

The couple just had their biological child in August, but they’re already parents to three other children – five-year-old Elizabeth and three-year-old Natalie, both adopted as infants from foster care, and a one-year-old boy (name withheld), whose adoption from foster care is still in progress.

Though not the typical family, the Kindts are far from alone. According to the Evan B. Donaldson Adoption Institute, two percent of American children are adopted. That means adoption touches many families, schools and communities across the country.

Modern adoptive parents and children won’t encounter many of the old stigmas and biases that used to besiege adoptions. Not long ago, “You’re adopted!” was the ultimate child-hood insult, birth mothers were shamed into hiding the pregnancy and lying about the birth, and adoptive parents kept the matter a closely guarded family secret.

After being shrouded in silence and secrecy for most of its history, adoption is coming out of the shadows, becoming more mainstream and more open, according to Adam Pertman, author of Adoption Nation: How the Adop-tion Revolution is Transforming our Families — and America.

But would-be adoptive parents still face chal-lenges, including choosing which type of adop-tion to pursue, figuring out how to pay mounting fees and navigating the exploding world of online adoption information. One thing is clear: though every adoption journey is unique, adoption as an institution is becoming less the exception, and more the norm, all the time.

OPENING DOORS: Adoption comes out of the shadows

Because states are not required to record the number of private, domestic adoptions, it’s hard to pinpoint just how many children are ad-opted each year. In 1992, the last year this type of data was compiled, the Donaldson Institute reported that nearly 127,000 children were ad-opted in the U.S., including those adopted do-mestically, internationally, out of foster care, and by step-parents (which account for 42 percent of all domestic adoptions). All told, there are more than 1.5 million adopted chil-dren in the U.S.

The Donaldson Institute’s 1997 survey (the most recent one available) found nearly 60 percent of Americans have a personal connection to adoption, by knowing someone who has been adopted, adopted a child, or has placed their child with an adoptive family. And because so many adoptions have been veiled in secrecy, the real figure is likely much higher, since many families kept adop-

tions hidden, and many adoptees didn’t know they were adopted.

Those types of secrets are dying out, though. Today, only 5 percent of modern adoptions are “closed adoptions” in which the birth parents and adoptive parents have no contact and birth records are sealed, and 95 percent of agencies offer open adoptions, which allow for ongoing contact between the adoptive family and the birth parents.

Open adoptions are associated with greater satisfaction with the adoption pro-cess for all participants, data shows. Birth mothers who have ongoing contact with their children through open adoption expe-rience less grief and greater peace of mind. And adoptees have access to their biological families and medical histories.

In international adoptions, ongoing contact between birth parents and adopt-ed children can be harder to arrange, due to logistics, language barriers, and a host of legal and other complications. But those, too, are slowly cracking open.

FAMILIES WITHOUT BORDERS: International adoptions

International adoption can be a good option for families seeking an infant (nearly half of the children adopted internationally are infants and 90 percent are under five, accord-ing to the Donaldson Institute). But those who dream of international adoption face a number of hurdles: first, choosing an adop-tion site from a dwindling list of countries open to U.S. adoptions. Under tighter regula-tions, the number of international adoptions appear to be tapering off: after reaching a historic high of 22.884 children in 2004. In 2009, the number was 12,753.

Russia, one of the top countries of origin for American parents adopting in-ternationally, is now closed to prospective parents in the U.S. Guatemala, Haiti, Rwanda, and Vietnam are also on the “closed” list, while China and Ethiopia have cut international adoptions drastically and stretched waiting times for adoptive parents, according to Lori Ingber, Ph.D., president and founder of Parent Match, a national database and intereactive search too for U.S. adoption professionals.

The waiting game adds to the mounting costs involved in adopting internationally as attorney and agency fees pile up over the course of months and years. The Donaldson Institute reports that parents adopting in-ternationally can expect costs up to $25,000 for visas, immigration documents, agency costs, and program fees charged by the home country. That does not include travel or time/wages lost from work.

By Malia Jacobson

The Adoption Option: OPENING DOORS, BUILDING A FAMILY


HOME SWEET HOME: Domestic adoptions

While wait times for some international adoptions can stretch out for years, domestic adoptions can be relatively swift. According to Adoptive Families magazine, 34 percent of U.S. parents adopting a newborn domestically were matched with a child within three months; 19 percent brought their baby home within four to six months.

Couples who choose to adopt domestically have several options: private (or “independent”) adoptions through an attorney or an adoption facilitator, adopting through an agency, or adopting through the foster-care system (some-times called “public adoption”).

How can prospective parents choose which type of domestic adoption to pursue? One factor is cost. Agency and private adoptions are the more expensive. The Donaldson Insti-tute pegs domestic adoption costs for agency and private adop-tions at $4,000 to $30,000. It’s a wide range that includes costs for home studies, post-adoption supervision, and court fees.

Another factor is the age of the prospective adoptee. The Kindt family’s experience notwithstanding, newborn adop-tions through the foster system are relatively rare. Only two percent of children adopted through the public system are newborns, according to the Donaldson Institute.

Thanks in part of federal financial incentives enacted during the Clinton administration, public sector (foster care) adoptions increased 40 percent between 1995-1998, by 2008, 55,000 children were adopted from foster care. Foster care adoptions aren’t as prohibitively expensive as other types of adoption – there are no agency fees, legal fees are often minimal and reimbursed by the state, and parents can claim the adoption tax credit (as can parents adopting inter-nationally or through an agency or attorney).

Building a familyThe first step for couples considering adoption: talk to others who have adopted, advises Lori Ingber, Ph.D., president and founder of Parent Match. “Ask them which agency they used, or which attorney. Ask them about their experience. Talk to as many people as you can.”

Choose an adoption attorney or facilitator with signifi-cant experience with adoptions, she notes – not a friend of a friend who practices law but doesn’t specialize in adoption.

Take advantage of the Internet’s expansive power for research, referrals, information, and support – many agen-cies now have Facebook pages where prospective parents can ask questions, share victories, and support each other through tough days.

Most importantly, parents should follow their heart to build a family that’s uniquely their own. The Kindts may not be a cookie-cutter clan, but that doesn’t bother their happy children in the least. Instead, Elizabeth is puzzling over her new brother’s birth. “Adoption is so normal to her, that she’s trying to figure out why this baby doesn’t need to be adopted,” says Christina. “One day, she figured it out, though, and told everyone ‘We have a new baby. And he’s already adopted!’”

Malia Jacobson is an award-winning health and parenting journalist and mom of three. Her latest book is Sleep Tight, Every Night: Helping Toddlers and Preschoolers Sleep Well Without Tears, Tricks, or Tirades.

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THE BEST HOUND IN THE HOUSESince prehistoric times, dogs have occupied an important place in the lives of humans, both as working partners and as beloved members of the family. Th is millennia-old connection continues as to-day’s children still anticipate the moment when they can fi nd the best dog com-panion to bring home. Healthy partner-ships between children and their dog(s) provide kids with a dependable partner who off ers unconditional love, active play and loyalty that lasts for the duration of their time together. For children who dream of fi nding and adopting a perfect puppy pal, the following titles address both the responsibilities and the rewards that come with canine companionship.

By Gerry P. Smith

A Page in a Book©

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A Perfect Place for TedBy Leila Rudge (Candlewick)

Ted has been overlooked for adoption in the pet store for so long that he fi nally decides he must venture out to fi nd his own place to belong – a place where he is wanted. In an eff ort to be noticed, he joins the circus and stands on popcorn boxes, but the trained trapeze dogs get all the cheers. Ted enters a pet pageant, but he can’t compete with the pampered poodles. But just when Ted is about to give up on fi nding his place to belong, he sees a young girl posting a wanted notice for a furry friend (preferably one who enjoys long walks and ball games). Delightful pencil, ink and collage illustrations will charm readers as they follow Ted’s journey to be noticed and to fi nd his forever home.

Froggy Gets a DoggyBy Jonathan London, Illustrated by Frank Rem-kiewicz (Viking/Penguin)Froggy’s mother has promised him that he can adopt a pet and he knows exactly what he wants. Mother thinks a bunny or mice are ideal because they are easier to care for. But Froggy knows with all his heart he needs a dog. His mom tries to dissuade him, explaining all the responsibilities that come with a dog. But Froggy is convinced that he’s up to the challenge if it means he can adopt the perfect pet. When Doggy comes home with Froggy, he learns that love is just one of the things that a new doggy needs to adjust to a new family. From obedience training to “scooping up aft er,” Froggy Gets a Doggy off ers a humorous insight into the real commitment needed to bring a dog into the family – and the real joy that comes with fi nding the best canine companion!

Mogie: The Heart of the HouseBy Kathi Appelt, Illustrated by Marc Rosen-thal ( Simon & Schuster)In a very special house where sick children and their families stay during treatment at the nearby hospital, there are only a few rules (healthy eating, peace and quiet, and no puppies). In a neighboring house is a family of almost-grown puppies that are all leaving the litter as service animals, search-and-rescue helpers and show dogs. All except Mogie; he isn’t suited for any of those jobs. Adventurous Mogie wanders out into the neighborhood and discovers the very special house with sick children. Mogie can’t read the rules, but he CAN fi gure out just what kind of companionship each child needs to help them get well. Adapted from the true story of Mogie, the therapy dog at the Ronald McDonald House in Houston, this gentle tale celebrates the power of companionship between child and dog to strengthen the hearts of both.


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BIRMINGHAM PARENT’S 5TH ANNUAL


I need to have an extravention. It’s like an intervention, where I gather the family together to solve an addiction. Except instead

of them reading their sad, poorly punctuated letter to me, I will pull a crumpled paper from my pocket and read this heartfelt note: Your addic-tion to pausing the DVR has aff ected my life in the following ways . . .

Because my family is addicted. Th ey can’t watch anything without a disproportionate level of pausing. Th ey pause commercials. Th ey pause movie credits. Yesterday, my son paused static. But they can’t help themselves. Th ey are affl icted with a terrible, terrible disease: I live with . . .

It’s bad enough I’m being forced to watch the very dregs of televi-sion. My daughter makes me watch “Deadly Women,” my wife forces “Teen Mom 2” down my throat, and the boy infl icts the sheer hyperki-netic terror of “Adventure Time” on my sensitive palate. I can deal with bad TV – I grew up in the ‘70s, so trust me: I’ve watched at least one episode of “Love Boat.”

It’s the pausing I can’t take.It takes my family three hours

to watch “Hoarders.” Th ey turn a 30-second commercial into a 10-hour miniseries. I swear if they hit pause again, I’m going to throw the remote into the blender. My family are pause-aholics. Th ere is no cure.

It’s not just the pausing that sends me into a conniption, it’s the implica-tions. If I walk into the living room, the girl will hit pause until I sit down. Now this might sound like a conscien-tious act, but the glare on her face and the white-knuckling of the remote tell a diff erent story. I’m a giant intrusion, a Godzilla attack on the Tokyo of her television experience.

Th e boy is worse. For him, “Supernatural” is not divided into

episodes but into lessons on the occult. His constant pausing to Google the names of demons and the titles of musty old tomes turns a 44-minute glorifi ed Scooby Doo into a decalogue only an angry Russian ex-patriate philosopher could ever hope to fi nish.

My constant gasps of incredulity get me nowhere with these people. Th ey are children of the future, and in the future, there is no such thing as continuity, and suspension of disbelief can be as fractured as the lives of the intolerable cretins they can’t get enough of on “16 and Pregnant,” “Animal Hoarders,” and “I Used to Be Fat.”

I tried to institute a no-pause clause but was met with jeers of protest. My daughter actually played-paused-played as she explained, “You’re pause-play so old-pause-you think pause play-pause only come on bears and-pause-dogs-play.” I tried to rattle off a snappy retort but she wouldn’t give me the remote and just turned the volume up until I left the room.

It’s insidious. We were driving to the store to get batteries for the remote, arguing about the fate of Egypt, when she tried to pause the radio to make a point. When it didn’t work, she rolled her eyes as if the car was at fault for not coming with a pause button. It scares me because if she’s my Star Trek Future baby, then her every complaint about my antediluvian tech is an indication of what kind of head-swiveling technol-ogy I’ll be trying to fi gure out when I’m old. I cannot imagine the sheer incalculable death stats that will rack up when they can fi nally pause radio.

I’ll just drive directly off a cliff and save myself the aggravation – although I’m sure, halfway down, the girl will pause me midair to ask me to get her a Coke on the way home.

death by children

PAUSEAHOLICSBy Bull Garlington

Christopher “Bull” Garlington is a syndicated humor writer and a Birmingham native. His fi rst book, by the same name as his column, is available at Amazon.com.

Your addiction to pausing the DVR has affected mylife in the following ways...

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Birmingham Parent Magazine - November 2014

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