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Ruffner Mountain is a gem in Birmingham’s landscape. Located east of downtown, near Irondale, this urban nature preserve feels hidden in plain sight. Plan an outing soon to explore its trails. Read more starting on page 14.
Cherith Glover Fluker
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Dear Readers,
EDITOR’S NOTE
February may be the shortest month of the year, but it’s packed with opportunities to slow down, connect, and lean into family, community, and a little extra love.
We’re usually blessed with a mild winter, so this month is a wonderful time to explore Birmingham’s natural beauty without the heat and bugs. Ruffner Mountain offers family-friendly trails, breathtaking views, and a reminder that adventure doesn’t have to mean a long drive—sometimes it’s right in our backyard. Read more starting on page 14.
It’s also National Library Lovers Month, and we’re shining a light on why libraries remain one of the best free resources for families (page 18). From story times and study spaces to digital tools and community programs, our local libraries have so much to offer. Make a date to explore yours soon!
This month’s focus on love goes beyond
INSIDE THE ISSUE
Sean of the South
Be My Valentine p. 8
Nonprofit
Grace Klein Community p. 10
Food
Easy snack mixes p. 12
Travel
Ruffner Mountain p. 14
Home Improvement
Winter tips for a cozy home p. 22
Schoolhouse
Update from the Hoover School District p. 24
Education Update
News from local schools p. 26
Happenings
February Events Calendar p. 28
Valentine’s Day. We’re highlighting meaningful ways families can give back through organizations like Grace Klein Community, teaching kids compassion while meeting real needs close to home (page 10). In this issue, you’ll also find a kid-friendly Valentine’s Day Chex mix (page 12) that’s perfect for little helpers in the kitchen; practical winter home improvement tips (page 22); and fun, lesserknown “holidays” to celebrate (page 28).
However you spend February, we hope this issue inspires you to savor the season with the people you love most.
Stephanie Gibson Lepore, Content Director and Mom, stephanie@jbmcmedia.com
18
FEATURE
STORY
National Library Lovers Month
February is the perfect time for families to rediscover their local libraries, from cozy story hours and hidden resources to the magic that lives on every shelf. p. 16
Be My Valentine
The original holiday was called Lupercalia. An ancient Roman festival. A real scream.
Picture this. The Roman town square was crowded. Everyone was buck naked. Even the old people, whose bodies were ravaged by gravity.
Sean Dietrich
Young women would line up, men would swat them with the hides of sacrificed animals. This supposedly made them fertile. It goes without saying that beer was involved.
Women then put their names into a big jar. Whereupon each guy would select a name. Then, everyone would go off together and, um, read the Bible.
No. Wait. The Bible hadn’t been invented yet. So, I’m sure they were all doing something else. Maybe playing Twister.
Fast-forward about 300 years after the death of Jesus. Rome was a cesspool. If you were a Christian, you were—how do I put it?—screwed. Christians were mass hated. Why were they hated? Politics, baby. Nothing arouses hate like politics.
So, you basically had two different groups in Rome. You had those who thought the emperor was a spiritual genius, sent by God—actually, they thought HE WAS A GOD. And you had the other crowd who listened to talk radio.
Christians didn’t fit into either group. They simply wouldn’t play the game. They met underground. They refused to worship Caesar. Not only because he was a tyrant, but because he made a crappy salad.
Why was this such a big deal? Because to Romans, religion was a social and public thing. Refusing to sacrifice a goat to a Roman god was like disrespecting the flag. The role of a priest was a public office. Not playing the
politics game meant you were unpatriotic.
And this is why they started killing Christians. They had all kinds of ways to kill you.
They would wrap you in the carcass of an animal and let dogs attack you. They’d put you into barrels with protruding spikes and roll you down hills. They dipped you in tar and lit you on fire as a human torch. They crucified you upside down. And worse, they forced you to watch Live with Kelly and Mark.
Meantime, Rome was involved in a lot of war campaigns. Their military was running thin, so the emperor banned marriages. He couldn’t have young men choosing to stay home with their families when they needed to be in the army.
Which leads us to Saint Valentine.
An underground Christian priest named Valentine was marrying young lovers illegally. He conducted a lot of weddings. Even after they imprisoned him, he kept officiating mass weddings, right there in the jail.
This was EXTREMELY unpatriotic, converting soldiers into enemies of the state. So, they dragged Reverend Valentine before the prefect of Rome. Publicly, they beat Valentine to death with wooden bats. They cut off his head and held it up for the crowd. Rome cheered. But before he died, the priest wrote a letter to a young Christian. It was the correspondence of an old man. A dying man. He signed his final letter, “Your Valentine.”
So anyway, I just wanted you to know that today isn’t only about chocolate.
Your Valentine, Sean Dietrich
ILLUSTRATION BY SEAN DIETRICH
Grace Klein Community
BY STEPHANIE GIBSON LEPORE
Grace Klein Community (GKC) is a Birmingham-area nonprofit that brings people together to meet physical and spiritual needs with compassion and kindness. Since 2010, the organization has worked to create community by uniting individuals, churches, and local partners to share resources and serve others. One of its signature efforts, FeedBHM, rescues good food that might otherwise go to waste and redirects it to families in need through volunteer food pickups, drive-thru distributions, and partnerships. GKC also supports basic necessity distributions, such as diapers, hygiene products, and clothing, and encourages community through shared service and relationship building.
Recently, Lilee Richards, a junior at Hewitt-Trussville High School, took thoughtful initiative through her volunteer project, creating a mini-house stocked with essential feminine products that members of the community can access with dignity. It’s located at Huffman Methodist Church, where Lilee’s heart for service is supported by her family: Her mother, Tanya, serves at the church, and her father, Donald, was appointed as Head of the Trustee Board last month. You can help stock Lilee’s essentials pantry by dropping off supplies at FeedBHM or by
PHOTOGRAPHS COURTESY OF GRACE KLEIN COMMUNITY
shopping the Lilee’s Amazon list available through GKC.
Volunteers are what make GKC work. Every day, people of all ages and backgrounds serve together—sorting and distributing rescued food, staffing drive-thru food sites, organizing supplies like clothing and hygiene items, preparing meals, creating comfort kits, and offering encouragement to neighbors in need. From Food Rescue Heroes who use Grace Klein’s app to gather safe, surplus food to Garden Club members transforming local green spaces, volunteers consistently bring compassion to life across Jefferson and Shelby counties.
In the past few months, an 8-yearold hosted a Love Does event for her birthday. Starting with a “Kindness is Cool” theme, kids wrote encouraging messages on rocks and placed them on the walking trail at Lee Springs Park. Then, partygoers made bouquets with flowers provided by GKC and were encouraged to give the bouquets to someone they love. Others collected donations for Love Does hygiene bags that are shared with street friends and friends in recovery and shelters. Orange Theory in Vestavia Hills hosted a shoe drive with GKC, filling up a donation barrel more than three times. And the Hueytown Library knitting group is already looking toward Christmas 2026 and their Papa J’s Workshop, as they collect supplies to knit scarves, gloves, and stockings.
GKC’s 2025 internship program saw 252 interns representing five universities, two middle schools, and five high schools, including Samford, UAB, Auburn, and the University of Montevallo; Louis Pizitz Middle School, Helena Middle School; and Fultondale and Oak Mountain high schools. (For 2026 internship opportunities, visit intern.gkcbhm.org.)
If you’d like to join this compassionate community in serving your neighbors, Grace Klein Community offers many ways to help. To sign up or learn more, visit gracekleincommunity.com/ volunteer. Volunteers of all ages and skill sets are welcome.
EASY SNACK TIME MIXES
Try these simple, sweet-and-salty Chex mixes to keep the afternoon munchies at bay.
Sweet-and-Simple Valentine’s Chex Mix
BY JESSICA HAMBY
Every day, without fail, I hear: “Mom, what do we have for a snack?” Or the neighborhood kids are over and they’re asking, “Mrs. Jessica, can I have a snack?” It’s usually in the afternoon on weekends or after school on weekdays when I’m the snack lady. I guess that’s how I arrived at making a new Chex mix each month. It started in October. For some reason we had candy corn in the house, and my child and the neighborhood kids saw it. In a very dramatic, Oliver Twist sort of way, they asked for some: “We’re huuuunnngry! Pleeeease can we have some?” Of course, I didn’t want to give them a handful of candy corn for a snack, because I knew they would be hungry again fairly quickly and—cover your ears to avoid the sound—asking for another snack. So, I decided to combine the candy corn with peanuts. I saw a box of Honey Nut Chex in my pantry and added that, thinking the flavor combo would be good. Wanting to stretch the candy corn even further, I added some mini pretzels. I put all the items in a gallon-size Ziploc bag and shook it up. Then I got out snack-size Ziploc bags and portioned out some for everyone.
There was quite a bit of the mix leftover, so I dumped it into a beautiful glass jar on my kitchen countertop. My husband came home from work, tried a handful, and was in heaven. (I think he’s the culprit for the candy corn being in the house in the first place!) I had to admit, the mix was good. Salty, sweet, crunchy, chewy—it was the perfect snack. However, when October ended, that was
PHOTOGRAPH COURTESY OF JESSICA HAMBY, ITTY BITTY BAKERS
also, in my opinion, the end of the countertop Chex mix. Frankly, we were all a little sad to see it go.
My son and my husband begged me to make more, and I told them sorry, but candy corn season was over. The beautiful glass jar sat empty, and there was no longer a quick-and-easy snack for kids or adults.
I started brainstorming how I could fill the jar for with the colors and flavors of Thanksgiving for November. Reese’s Pieces (orange, brown,
yellow), Bugles (which look like a cornucopia), pecans (pecan pie is a Thanksgiving dessert)—and, well, you see how a new mix was formed. It was such a hit (again!) that I thought I’d try to make a new mix each month until I had one for every month of the year. The key was keeping each mix just a mix.
Most Chex mixes require a little bit of labor. Even standard Chex mix has to be baked. But I didn’t want to fool with all that. If I was going to do this every month, there had to be no measuring, no melting, no microwaving, no baking. I wanted to mix it up one time, with premade products, and be done. I started calling these my “just-mix Chex mixes.”
When I began this endeavor, my goal was that each mix would be theme-based and have the following elements:
• Chex cereal
• Something sweet
• Something salty
• Something with protein or nutrients I couldn’t always make that happen, so a few months ended up being less healthy than I wanted, but still a delicious treat. If you’re tired of brainstorming snacks for your kids all.year.long., then this is for you. These mixes are great for after-school snacks, awesome for parties, perfect for weekend treats, help reduce daily snack stress, and fun for kids to help make. Whether you try one month or all 12, these mixes are guaranteed to bring more joy—and a lot less drama— to snack time.
For the complete list of monthly Chex mixes, visit ittybittybakers.com/ blogpost/12-month-chex-mix-calendar.
DISCOVERING
Ruffner Mountain
Check out this Birmingham gem, one trail at a time.
BY CHERITH GLOVER FLUKER
A few weeks ago, I surprised myself. I drove up to Ruffner Mountain, sneakers tied tight, ready to hit the trails. Hiking had always felt out of reach for me. It seemed like something reserved for people with the right boots, the right backpacks, and an affection for steep inclines. I had none of those things, and—for a long time—that was enough to keep me from trying. But after deciding to step outside my comfort zone and do something new, I made a plan and showed up. And I’m so glad I did. That willingness to try a new thing opened the door to an adventurous side of myself, and I’m excited to keep discovering it. Birmingham is home to some remarkable
outdoor spaces. People travel from all over to experience our trails, waterfalls, and preserves. Even so, Ruffner Mountain remains one of the city’s most overlooked spaces. Located just east of downtown, near Irondale, the preserve feels hidden in plain sight. One moment you’re driving city streets, and the next you’re stepping into one of the largest urban nature preserves in the country.
As I began my hike, I chose the Trillium Trail, one of the more introductory trails. It was wide and full of natural beauty. Almost immediately, the sounds of traffic faded, replaced by birdsong and the crunch of leaves, roots and rocks beneath my
PHOTOGRAPHS BY CHERITH GLOVER FLUKER
feet. Sunlight filtered through the trees, and I felt a surprising sense of calm settle in. I was intentional about being present and moving my body in a space that felt both grounding and expansive.
One of the most impressive features of Ruffner Mountain is the variety of trails available. Whether you’re new to hiking or someone seeking a challenge, the park offers paths for you. There are gentle trails perfect for families, more moderate routes with elevation changes, and rugged paths for seasoned hikers who crave a workout and sweeping views.
As I walked, I thought about how often we overlook what’s right in our own backyard. Birmingham’s natural beauty rivals destinations people travel hours—sometimes states—away to experience. And yet, here it is, accessible, affordable, and waiting to be explored.
The experience showed me that travel doesn’t
always require a plane ticket or a carefully planned itinerary. Sometimes it’s as simple as veering from your usual route and exploring a place you’ve passed countless times without stopping. Ruffner Mountain gave me a meaningful experience just minutes from home.
By the time I completed the trail, I felt proud and empowered. I had chosen movement over hesitation and curiosity over comfort. Standing there, slightly winded but smiling, I knew this wouldn’t be my last hike. Ruffner Mountain had shifted something in me, opening the door to trying new trails and discovering more of the outdoor spaces Birmingham has to offer.
Thank you, Ruffner Mountain, for reminding me that there are adventures in our own backyard quietly waiting to be explored. I’m ready to find my next one.
Fall in Love with the Library
From story times and S.T.E.A.M. activities to cozy reading nooks and community events, local libraries are vibrant hubs to learn, play, and connect.
BY STEPHANIE GIBSON LEPORE
February is National Library Lovers Month, a special time to recognize the many ways local libraries enrich our families and communities. Libraries are more than just places to borrow books; they are welcoming spaces where children and adults alike can explore new ideas, discover favorite authors, join programs and clubs, access free resources, and build lifelong learning habits. Whether you’re attending a story time, checking out a new book, using library technology, or simply finding a quiet corner to read together, Birmingham’s local libraries offer something for every age and interest.
According to the Homewood Public Library’s year-end wrap-up, 245,873 patrons visited the library in 2025—checking out a whopping 538,033
materials—291,786 accessed the website, and there were 41,533 mobile app users. The library offered 1,452 programs, with participants nearing 90,000. These are strong stats that provide a small glimpse into the impact of public libraries on our community. Overall, Americans see libraries as essential, as nearly 95 % of adults say libraries are important for promoting literacy and providing materials that give everyone a chance to succeed; 94% say having a local public library improves community quality of life; and 81% say their library offers services hard to find elsewhere.
While we believe every day is a great day to support our local libraries, this month gives you an extra-special reason to check out the one nearest you. And if you need another nudge, Take Your Child to the Library Day is February 7.
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PHOTOGRAPH BY STEPHANIE GIBSON LEPORE
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Homewood Public Library
Kids can enjoy story time or bring the whole family for special themed crafts and other events: Teen Sewing Class, where students will learn how to sew and complete a fun project; Music and Movement with Mr. Michael, a preschool storytime that incorporates musical instruments and movement; Barks and Books incorporates an afternoon of reading for elementary kids with friends from Hand in Paw; The Baby Bunch for babies and caregivers, including stories, songs, and bubbles; Homeschool Hour, with various activities like art, movement, and basket-weaving; Tumble Tots for ages 3-6, with a balance beam, bars, and vault; and this month’s Love Your Library contest. Simply tell staff why you love your library any day this month, and be entered to win a $50 Homewood Instagift Card. Our pick of the month is Gilmore Girls Galentines’ Night (February 3 at 6:30 p.m.). For more events and registration information, visit homewoodpubliclibrary.org.
Hoover Public Library
There’s something for all ages, from play-based learning to social time: Baby Playdate, short story time and open-ended play for 0 to 18-month-olds; Read with Libby for young readers to read to the library’s facility dog while building confidence and strengthening skills; chair yoga for adults; Together with Tots stories and songs for 18- to 36-month-
olds; Valentine’s Day snack boards for teens; Story Sprouts interactive movement story time for children 4 and under; Story Lab, with story prompts lots and hands-on S.T.E.A.M. activities for 3- to 8-year-olds; Gaming Club, board games for grades 3-6; and Wiggles & Waves Breathe, a smaller story time designed for children of all ages with sensory needs. Our pick of the month is PJ Storytime, a comfy evening of songs and stories for the whole family (February 19 at 6:30 p.m.). For more events and registration information, visit hooverlibrary.org.
Emmet O’Neal Library
Mahjong Meet Up for adults; Tinker Lab is intended for kindergarten through second grade and an accompanying adult, with crafts and various art methods; Patty Cake lap-sit storytime is designed to boost development for infants to 18 months; ASL Lessons for teens and adults is a free eight-week introductory course to American Sign Language; LOL Story Adventure is.a drop-off program that promises lots of laughs for kindergarten through second grade; Sensory Play, Explore & More for early learners provides sensory stations and free play; Beginner Sewing Lessons teaches basics during a four-week course; and SNaP for thirdsixth grade, where kids make a variety of crafts like zipper pulls and keychains. Our pick of the month is Family Night, which includes a light dinner and a show (February 3 at 5:15 p.m.). For more events and registration information, visit oneallibrary.org.
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PHOTOGRAPH COURTESY OF HOOVER PUBLIC LIBRARY
PHOTOGRAPH BY STEPHANIE GIBSON LEPORE
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North Shelby Library and Mt. Laurel Library
Pre-K Craft Time is a monthly meetup for 2to 5-year-olds to explore arts and crafts; older kids can come to Crafternoon for creative time; Storytime with Miss Kat is ideal for the younger crowd and their caregivers with songs, finger plays, and reading; Makers Club on Monday afternoons is an hour of hands-on creating that incorporates tactile learning, tinkering, and self-expression; Teen Dungeons and Dragons allows friends to play through an epic game together; PJ Storytime with your favorite stuffie; and Color Therapy for adults, which includes snacks! Our pick of the month is Ukulele Storytime at Mt. Laurel, a program for ages 5 and under and a caregiver with stories, songs, and bubbles (February 6 and 20 at 10 a.m.). For more events and registration information, visit northshelbylibrary.org.
Vestavia Hills Library in the Forest
Vestavia Hills Library in the Forest offers Book Babies, a lap-sit storytime, free tech and computer classes, and creative tween programming: Toddler A-Go-Go is perfect for little ones on the go, with singing, dancing, music, and stories; Book Babies Storytime in the Treehouse introduces babies birth to 18 months to the joys of storytime; After-School Adventures, a special program for kindergarten through second grade and includes art with rainbow tissue paper this month; Curiosity Club, the weekly after-school club for tweens, is creative programming for grades three through sixth; at Ms. Courtney’s Library Stop, all ages will find stories, songs, dancing, and playing; Wiggles & Wellness blends story time with bending, stretching, and dancing (healthy snack included!); at Monday Breakfast club, enjoy cereal, calm cartoons, and caregiver playtime, with coffee provided for adults; and the library’s ACT Saturday Workshops include information on how the exam works, subject-specific tips, and resources to improve scores. Our pick of the month is the perfect way to honor National Bird Feeding Month: DIY Bird Feeders during After-School Adventures (February 24 at 3:30 p.m.). For more events and registration information, visit vestavialibrary.org.
PHOTOGRAPHS BY STEPHANIE GIBSON LEPORE
Home Improvement with Matt Weber
Matt Weber is editor of Home Improvement & Repairs magazine based in Birmingham, Alabama. Find more at www.homeimprovementandrepairs.com.
Alabama Home Tips for a Cozy Winter
Winter can get chilly in Alabama, but a few simple DIY solutions
can help keep your home cozy and your power bills reasonable.
Program your thermostat. Upgrading your HVAC (heating-ventilation-air-conditioning) thermostat to a programmable model is good advice, yet many homeowners forget to set the thermostat’s schedule. Life can get busy during the holidays, and it can be easy to forget to make manual adjustments. A thermostat programmed to adjust the temperature when you’re at home, when you’re away, and when you’re sleeping will increase the system’s efficiency and lower energy bills.
Replacing your HVAC filter is common advice, but do you understand why it’s so important? When a dirty filter gets blanketed with dust and debris, the accumulation restricts airflow through the system. Have you ever tried to breathe through a blanket? Just as your lungs must work harder to get adequate air, a dirty filter causes your HVAC system to work harder to warm the house to the temperature you have set. When the system works harder, it puts extra wear on the components and uses more energy, which raises your energy bill.
Seal all the gaps. Warm air leaking out around poorly sealed window frames, power outlets, recessed lights, and other gaps can be a big source of heat loss. Use caulk or expanding foam to seal up unwanted holes in your home. These adhesive products work well around non-moving areas such as pipe intrusions and window frames. For the parts that move, such as doors and windowpanes, seal gaps at the edges with weatherstripping, such as foam tape for windows or
aluminum strips which include a linear bulb that compresses against a closed door. Here’s a DIY tip: Move a lit candle around the edges of closed doors and windows, and if you see the flame flicker, this might indicate that a draft needs to be sealed.
Consider adding insulation. The U.S. Department of Energy recommends that homes in central Alabama have an insulation “R-value” of R-30 to R-60, based on the climate and type of HVAC system installed. “R-value” refers to the insulation’s ability to prevent heat from escaping. Different types
“Warm air leaking out around poorly sealed window frames, power outlets, recessed lights, and other gaps can be a big source of heat loss.”
of insulation have different R-values. The higher the R-value, the greater the insulation power. For example, 1 inch of fiberglass batt has an R-value of approximately R-3, whereas 1 inch of spray foam may have an R-value of 5.5. Measure your insulation, calculate it by type, and you may find that you need more. You can hire a contractor or add extra layers yourself. Home centers sometimes rent blowing machines, which homeowners can use to add loose-fill insulation to attics. If you add extra layers of rolls or batts over existing attic insulation, be sure to use “unfaced” rolls or batts. You can install an additional layer of unfaced insulation over the ceiling joists to reduce heat loss through the wood.
A few more simple tips: Thick curtains help to insulate windows at night, and the sun’s energy can heat your home during the day. Open your curtains at sunrise to make best use of “passive solar gain.” This works particularly well if your home has stone or concrete floors which have a large thermal mass, meaning they soak up heat and release it slowly. Close your curtains at dusk to trap the heat. You can also force heat downward with a ceiling fan. Cooler air stays closer to the ground, and warmer air rises, so reverse your ceiling fan’s setting to send the warm air downward into the room, raising the ambient temperature.
Celebrating Students, Teams, and Educators
Hoover City Schools is celebrating its incredible students, teams, and educators for their recent recognitions and accomplishments.
Hoover High School Boys Cross Country finished as the AHSAA 7A State RunnerUp. Hoover City Schools is proud of their hard work, determination, and the way they represented HCS at the state meet.
Reese Gonzalez, AHSAA 7A Girls State Champion Girls Cross Country State Champion: An eighth-grader at Bumpus Middle School, Reese delivered a phenomenal performance and finished at the top of the podium.
Hoover High School Cheer earned the title of AHSAA 7A State Runner-Up. Their spirit, teamwork, and energy continue to represent HCS well.
Spain Park High School Swim & Dive delivered an outstanding performance at the state meet.
The Women’s 200 Yard Freestyle Relay earned the AHSAA State Championship (6A–7A) and set a new school record with a time of 1:38.53. The Jaguars also earned additional podium finishes, including a third-place finish and a school record in the Women’s 400 Yard Freestyle Relay.
National Recognition for HCS Schools: Hoover City Schools K–5, intermediate, and middle schools were named among the Best Schools in the Nation by U.S. News & World Report, recognizing highachieving schools that excel at educating all students.
PHOTOGRAPHS COURTESY OF HOOVER CITY SCHOOLS
Chelsea High Surgical Tech Program
Thirty-five Surgical Tech Program students in the Chelsea High School Healthcare Academy recently passed the National Healthcareer Association Certified Patient Care Technician exam, achieving an impressive 100% pass rate and earning their first set of healthcare credentials. They are now certified PCTs and are prepared to start hands-on patient care clinical internship rotations at Shelby Baptist Medical Center and Heart South Cardiovascular Group. Their post-secondary educational interests include neonatal nursing, physical therapy, midwifery, pediatric physician, clinical psychology, nurse anesthesia, nurse practitioner, physician assistant, and Army nursing.
Vestavia Student Athletes Serve Community
Members of the VHHS bowling and golf teams recently spent an afternoon raking leaves for elderly residents in the Vestavia community. The school is so proud of the way these students displayed their Core Value of Service through this act of kindness and care for others.
Third Time is a Charm for Spelling Bee Champ
Mountain Brook Elementary student Grace Thomas is a c-h-a-m-p-i-o-n once again. For the third straight year, Grace won the Mountain Brook Schools District Spelling Bee. She correctly spelled “coercive” in the ninth round to win the bee. This year’s bee featured five students who won their individual school and recently competed for the opportunity to represent Mountain Brook at the Jefferson County Spelling Bee, which will take place later this semester. Other school winners and
spelling bee participants included: Jonathan Humphreys (Brookwood Forest Elementary); Daniel Dowdle (Cherokee Bend Elementary); Brooks Averitt (Crestline Elementary); and Addy Meadows (Mountain Brook Junior High).
New Assistant Principal for Helena
Kelsy Collum will serve as the new Assistant Principal of Helena Middle School. She is in her tenth year in education. She began her career with Shelby County Schools, teaching special education at Columbiana Middle School and later at Linda Nolen Learning Center. Most recently, Collum served as assistant principal at Calera High School. She earned her B.S. in Communication Disorders, M.Ed. in Collaborative Education, and Certificate in Instructional Leadership from the University of Montevallo.
Vestavia Student Demonstrates Core Values
Cooper Cook shared a special moment with one of VHHS’s substitutes, Mr. Peterson, after writing him a shoutout for living out the school’s Core Values. Mr. Peterson is a wonderful influence on students, and the VHHS community is grateful to have him at the school. The school has implemented student and staff shoutouts to recognize the great things we see in each other.
PHOTOGRAPH COURTESY OF CHELSEA HIGH SCHOOL
PHOTOGRAPH COURTESY OF VESTAVIA HILLS HIGH SCHOOL
Altamont Theatre Earns Best in Show Honor
Altamont School Theatre students earned their fourth consecutive Best in Show honor at the 2025 state Walter Trumbauer High School Theatre Festival. The recognition for the school’s production of The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee followed the same honor at the festival’s district level. The Knights will perform the show in competition again at the Southeastern Theatre Conference (SETC) in Chattanooga, Tennessee, March 4-7. Individual and group state Trumbauer honors included:
All Star Cast
Braxton Quinney, Eden Stephens, Cecily Denson, Esme Brouwer, and Baylor Robbins.
1st Place, Costume
Baylor Robbins
2nd Place, Readers Theatre
Syriana Johnson and Paine Gray.
Individual and group honors at the district Trumbauer competition included:
Best Leading Performer
Eden Stephens
Best Performance by a Supporting Actor
Baylor Robbins
All Star Cast
Braxton Quinney and Cecily Denson
Sound Design
Gavin Vanlandingham
Stage Management
Emma McLain
Duet Reader’s Theatre
Paine Gray, Syriana Johnson – Blithe Spirit
Esme Brouwer, Lottie Kanter – Annabel Drudge
Elizabeth Taylor, June Heine – 13
Gavin Vanlandingham, Henry Short – Life Sucks
Acting Comedic 1975-2004
Syriana Johnson – Laughing Wild
Musical pre-1980
Eden Stephens – “Don’t Cry for Me, Argentina”
Musical Dramatic 1980-2015
Eden Stephens – “Quiet”
Musical Dramatic 1980-2015
Elizabeth Taylor – “No One Else”
Musical Comedic 1980-2015
Braxton Quinney – “Dentist”
Musical Dramatic 2016-present
Lottie Kanter – “Times Are Hard for Dreamers”
Musical Dramatic 2016-present
Cecily Denson – “Hopeless War”
Musical Comedic 2016-present
June Heine – “Sister’s Pickle”
Varsity Duet Musical Comedic
Baylor Robbins, Sanjana Gaddamanugu – “Fine”
Costume Design
Baylor Robbins – Into the Woods
Varsity Costume Design
Cece Richmond – Mean Girls
Group Acting
Baylor Robbins, Braxton Quinney, Gavin Vanlandingham, Lottie Kanter, Paine Gray, Sanjana Gaddamanugu – The Play that Goes Wrong
Varsity Duet Musical Comedic
Braxton Quinney, Cecily Denson – “Travelin’ Song —contributed by Sean Flynt
Spain Park Thespians Win
Theater students at Spain Park High School brought home honors from the recent statewide Trumbauer competition.
KB C.: 1st Place – Playwriting; Superior – Classical Dramatic Monologue
Alexis C.: Superior – Contemporary Dramatic Monologue
Molly W.: Superior – Playwriting; Superior –Contemporary Dramatic Monologue
Lilly F.: Superior – Contemporary Comedic Monologue
Marion P.: Excellent – Original Works Performance
Mackenzie G.: Excellent – Solo Musical Performance
Alyx B.: Superior – Solo Musical Performance
PHOTOGRAPH COURTESY OF THE ALTAMONT SCHOOL
Fun February Days to Celebrate
From Ice Cream for Breakfast Day to Groundhog Day, this month is packed with quirky “holidays.”
February may be the shortest month of the year, but the calendar is sprinkled with feelgood “national days” that are perfectly playful and easy to celebrate. Whether it’s a double scoop of rocky road for breakfast or finding a way to make someone else’s day, these cheerful commemorations are a great excuse to have some festive family fun.
February 1
Start the month off with Decorate with Candy Day! Maybe chocolate chips and M&Ms on pancakes for breakfast or make mini winter houses out of graham crackers and adorn them with Valentine’s candy.
February 2
We look forward to Groundhog Day every year! Pinterest has super-easy ideas for themed treats, and we love to read The Night Before Groundhog Day, then pull up the video of Punxsutawney Phil to see if we’re in for six more weeks of winter.
February 3
All you need is an empty toilet paper roll, seed butter, and birdseed to celebrate Feed the Birds Day. If you want to take it a step farther, queue up Migration for movie night.
February 4
This one couldn’t be easier, and it’ll take care of dinner, too. Celebrate National Homemade Soup Day with a warm, cozy bowl. Be sure to get the kids in on prep. Our house favorite is lasagna soup!
February 6
The first Friday of the month is a big one. Give Kids a Smile Day when you observe National Bubble Gum Day while dressed up for National Wear Red Day. Then, order takeout for National Chopsticks Day, and keep the party going with dessert because it’s also National Frozen Yogurt Day.
February 7
The first Saturday of every month is National Play Outside Day. Head to Oak Mountain for a family hike, take a stroll around your neighborhood, hit some tennis balls, or ride bikes—just enjoy being together…and burning off the sugar from Ice Cream for Breakfast Day.
February 8
Pull out the paper party plates—it’s Super Bowl Sunday and Super Chicken Wing Day! Genius. Pick a team to cheer for as a family.
February 9
National Pizza Day is self-explanatory. Make your own or pick a local joint to visit.
February 15-20
Hold a door, share a snack, or send a card to someone during Random Acts of Kindness Week.
February 17
Indulge in Fat Tuesday—hey, it’s better than celebrating National Cabbage Day—with king cake donuts from The Heavenly Donut Company.
February 20
Another fun Friday: National Comfy Day! Sounds like the perfect night for pjs and popcorn together.
February 24
What better way to observe Taco Tuesday than National Tortilla Chip Day? Sounds like queso for dinner!
February 26
It’s International Tongue Twister Contest Day. Say “a happy hippo hopped and hiccuped” five times!
FEBRUARY EVENTS CALENDAR
The Wood Brothers
February 1
In partnership with American Friends of Canadian Conservation, $1 per ticket will support The Nature Trust of British Columbia (NTBC), and every $1 donated will be matched by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service with a $2 donation. NTBC aims to conserve ecologically-rich wetlands and protect irreplaceable land from development. Tickets can be purchased at lyricbham.com
The Phoenix Ball
February 6
The Phoenix Ball returns to B&A Warehouse for an evening of live entertainment, food, and drinks—benefiting the Boys & Girls Clubs of Central Alabama. Park Band will headline the main stage. For more information and tickets, visit eventbrite.com
Valentine’s Cards at the Library for Homewood Fire and Police Departments
February 6
Head to the Homewood Public Library to make Valentine’s Day cards for the Homewood Fire and Police Departments. Let’s show our love for these community helpers by making their day sweeter. Supplies provided. Visit homewoodpubliclibrary.org for more information.
Children’s Shows at BCT
February 7, 14, 21, 27, 28
Visit the Birmingham Children’s Theatre at the BJCC for stage productions of Blue and Catching the Moon. In the Wee Folks Theatre, Blue (recommended for ages 3 and up) is about Inky Blue and Pale Blue, who live happily in their perfectly blue launderette, keeping the world tidy and totally color-coordinated. When a red sock suddenly appears in a pile of laundry, chaos ensues! This imaginative, music-filled performance playfully explores themes of difference, tolerance, and acceptance. On the main stage, Catching the Moon tells the powerful, true story of the Black girl who defied expectations and became Toni Stone—the first woman to play for an all-male professional baseball team (recommended for ages 6 and older). For more information and tickets, visit bct123.org.
Valentine with Vulcan
February 14
Celebrate Valentine’s Day and enjoy a romantic night with food, drinks, and a breathtaking view. Vulcan Park & Museum Members $70 per couple, Non-members $85 per couple. Tickets can be purchased at visitvulcan.com/events.
Winter Jam
February 15
Winter Jam 2026 returns to Legacy Arena with featuring: Chris Tomlin, Matthew West, Katy Nichole, Hulvey, Disciple, Emerson Day, Newsong, and speaker Zane Black, with a Pre-Jam Party featuring Jeremy Rosado, Heath Brothers, and Cliff Preston. No tickets required; $15 donation at the door. For more information, visit bjcc.org/upcoming-events/ winter-jam-2026.
Birmingham Princess Day
February 21
Join the princesses at the BJCC East Ballroom for stories, songs, dances, crafts, sing-a-long, photos, and more. Make wishes, join our princess dance lesson, and get photos with every princess, too! Available times include 10 a.m., noon, and 2:30 p.m. For more information and tickets, visit eventbrite.com.
Birmingham Home Show
February 20-22
The Birmingham Home Show features top local and national experts, informative presentations, and stunning displays to spark your next project. 200-plus booths and unique feature exhibits at the BJCC for Birmingham homeowners planning a renovation and gathering ideas. Located in the North Exhibition Hall at the BJCC. For more information, visit birminghamhomeshow.com.
2026 Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Alabama
Kids Marathon
February 21
An exciting day of fun and fitness at this event designed for children kindergarten through 5th grade, encouraging them to embark on a five-month endurance journey that culminates in a marathon experience. During the time leading up to race day, participants will run a total of 25.2 miles in manageable increments, building up to completing the final mile of the full marathon distance on the big day. There is still time to get those miles in! For more information, visit bcbsalkidsmarathon.com.
Totally Rad Vintage Fest
February 22
Step into a time warp of style and nostalgia at Totally Rad Vintage Fest in the BJCC East Exhibit Halls 2 and 3. Vendors specialize in clothing and accessories from the 80s, 90s, and Y2K eras, while also offering a selection of toys, homegoods, and more to complete your nostalgic shopping experience. For tickets, visit bjcc.org/upcoming-events/ totally-rad-vintage-fest-feb-2026.
For kids like Gwen •
Because Gwen came to Children’s for the diagnosis and treatment of her blood disorder, she received the best care available thanks to ground-breaking research made possible by clinical trials for cancers and blood disorders. The research happening today will help lead to future cures, and it is happening here at Children’s of Alabama
WHAT WE DO:
Identify juveniles who are either at high risk for or already involved in substance misuse and provide them resources to make better choices for a healthy lifestyle while promoting mental wellness.
PREVENTION:
Compact’s Community Coalitions educate, engage, and empower their communities at the local level to prevent substance misuse and provide resources to those impacted.
INTERVENTION:
Our Intervention Team works to educate parents and students as well as locate youth who are at risk of, or involved in substance misuse or addiction, and provide them help and resources.
