To view this and previous issues in a digital flip version, scan the QR code with your phone’s camera.
Mountain Brook Girl Scouts
Stephana Pinnick and Addie Coe collected more than 70,000 plastic bags, then set to work tying and weaving them together to create sleeping mats for the homeless community. Their efforts are part of the girls’ Silver Award Project. Read more starting on page 10.
ABOUT US
Bham Family is published monthly by JBMC Media, LLC, P.O. Box 26432, Birmingham AL 35260. 10,000 copies are printed and distributed at more than 650 locations throughout Jefferson and Shelby Counties.
DISTRIBUTION
If your business would like to make copies available to customers, please email matthew@jbmcmedia.com with your business name, address, point of contact, and number of copies you would like.
ADVERTISING
To reach the largest audience of parents in Birmingham each month, partner with us. Call or email (205) 883-1877 advertise@jbmcmedia.com to get started with a partnership that will be a key part of your plan.
Photograph courtesy of Stephana Pinnick
EDITOR’S NOTE
July feels like the peak of the season: sun-warmed evenings, popsicles melting a little too fast, fireworks bursting overhead, and there’s still almost as many summer days ahead of us as behind. This month, as we celebrate Independence Day and look ahead to America’s 250th birthday, we’re also reminded that the story of our country is really a collection of individual stories of service, compassion, curiosity, and community.
In this issue, I’m thrilled to highlight an Altamont School student whose work recently earned her a Presidential Prize in Race Relations (page 20). We’re also shining a spotlight on a group of Mountain Brook Girl Scouts and their Silver Award Project collecting plastic grocery bags and weaving them into sleeping mats for our community’s homeless population. Read more on page 8.
Need a quick getaway before school routines return? There is still plenty of time, and we invite
INSIDE THE ISSUE
Sean of the South American Mutiny p. 8
Food
Zozo’s Kitchen p. 18
Kids Who Shine
Eden Moody p. 20
Travel
Sandy Springs, Georgia p. 22
Home Improvement
Fixing Foundation Cracks p. 24
Education Update
News from local schools p. 26
Schoolhouse
Update from the Hoover School District p. 28
Happenings
July Events Calendar p. 30
you to pack your bags for Sandy Springs, Georgia. Our travel writer breaks down a fantastic family itinerary starting on page 22.
And because no July issue would be complete without a little red, white, and blue, we’re rounding up fun ways to celebrate America’s 250th birthday right here in Birmingham (page 14).
From festive fireworks to ideas for showing your Stars and Stripes pride, we have this very special Fourth covered.
Here’s to a month of sunshine and celebration.
Happy July,
Stephanie Gibson Lepore, Content Director and Mom, stephanie@jbmcmedia.com
22
FEATURE STORIES
Bags to Beds
Girl Scouts repurpose plastic bags into sleeping mats for their Silver Award Project. p. 8
Red, White, and Bham
Celebrate America’s 250th birthday with patriotic events, fireworks, and family fun. p. 14
American Mutiny
March, 1783. The Revolutionary War was not over. The throng of Continental soldiers encamped at headquarters was pissed.
And with good reason. The soldiers were bloody. Battered. They were sick. And worst of all, they were unpaid. Namely, because Congress would not get off its fat aspirations and pay its own army.
Just who did Congress think it was? These wealthy jerks, sitting in ornate boardrooms, wearing tight pants and powder wigs, making up new laws, refusing to fund their own army.
The soldiers were angry. Angry at the negligence. Angry at bloated government fatcats whose daughters mail-ordered clothes from Italy, whose sons studied Latin and ceramic pottery. This was NOT the America the soldiers signed up for. This was B.S.
General Washington’s officers began whispering behind his back. They wrote seething letters in secret.
The soldiers had been circulating petitions
suggesting large-scale mutiny. An anonymous letter was read aloud in the bunkhouses, barracks, and tents:
“Any further experiments on our patience may have fatal effects… If this then be [our] treatment, while the swords [we] wear are necessary for the defence of America, what have [we] to expect from peace…?”
So the men’s minds were made up. They decided on mutiny. Screw this. They were going to abandon the war, let the American people fend for themselves against the British. Then, the army would march on Congress and demand paychecks, with muskets drawn.
Washington caught wind that his officers had planned a secret meeting. This was serious. These were HIS officers. HIS trusted guys. And they were plotting against him.
A meeting was called in New Windsor Cantonment, New York. March 15. A nation’s entire future hung in the balance. This is what happened at that meeting:
It was a large hall, entirely made of wood.
ILLUSTRATION BY SEAN DIETRICH
Sean Dietrich
Voices reverberated off the walls. Lots of grumbling. Fraternal laughter. Meeting was about to begin.
Everyone in the crowd had two things in common. They were angry at Congress. And angry with George Washington. The gavel banged.
“Meeting will commence,” someone shouted.
The crowd fell to a hush.
That’s when everyone heard a horse come charging up outside. Someone looked out the window.
“It’s General Washington!” someone shouted. Washington climbed off his horse. In moments he was hobbling down the aisle, winded and out of breath. His hair was gray. His skin, wrinkled.
Wait a second. THIS was Washington? This looked like an old man.
The great General took the podium and read a nine-page letter in an aged voice. He pleaded with his men, begging for patience. But it was doing no good. His men were snickering bitterly. Arms crossed. Shaking heads. If anyone would’ve had rotten tomatoes, they would’ve hurled them at the General.
General Washington’s mood was falling. It was over for the Great American Experiment. He folded up his speech and prepared to read another speech to his crowd.
“What a JOKE!” the men were muttering. “Get this guy off the stage.”
And that’s when it happened.
As the General was unfolding leaflets, he patted his chest pockets. Then he removed a pair of wire spectacles.
The room collectively gasped. It was the first time anyone had seen the great and fearless General wearing eyeglasses.
They had always viewed this man as a giant. A myth. A man’s man. But this was no legend in their midst. This was a man humbled.
Washington was visibly embarrassed.
He apologized to his crowd. “Gentlemen, you will permit me to put on my spectacles, for, I have grown not only gray, but almost blind in the service of my country.”
Nobody spoke for whole minutes. Many soldiers began to weep. And, well, anyway we won the war.
Happy 250th anniversary America.
Come play at
Bags to Beds
Two Mountain Brook Girl Scouts weave sleeping mats for Birmingham’s homeless community.
BY STEPHANIE GIBSON LEPORE
What started as an idea to help our homeless population has turned into thousands of plastic grocery bags, hundreds of volunteer hours, and a powerful lesson in compassion for two local Girl Scouts. Ninth-graders Stephana Pinnick and Addie Coe of Mountain Brook Girl Scout Troop 26103 are transforming discarded plastic bags into woven sleeping mats for people experiencing homelessness as part of their Silver Award project—the second-highest honor a Girl Scout can earn. “We wanted to find a way to make life easier for people living on the street,” says Addie.
The girls, longtime troop members, are no strangers to service. Their troop previously earned Bronze Awards in fifth grade by organizing a community-wide book drive to create a lending library at a Jefferson County school. In a full-circle moment, their troop leaders are their mothers— women who were once Girl Scouts together in the very same troop.
The Silver Award challenges girls to identify a problem in
PHOTOGRAPHS COURTESY OF STEPHANA PINNICK
even rainy. These mats are easy to carry, provide protection from the weather, and provide a padded place to sleep.”
their community and create a lasting solution. Unlike previous service projects, the work must be sustainable for at least three years, require extensive hours, and involve fewer participants. For Stephana and Addie, that meant dedicating at least 50 hours each to a meaningful cause. After considering several issues facing Birmingham, the girls landed on homelessness.
“We saw that people who were homeless often didn’t have anything to sleep on,” Addie explains. “Sleeping on the ground can lead to hypothermia, pain, and soreness along with many other issues.” Stephana had noticed the same thing for years. “People without homes have to sleep on concrete, grass, or anywhere they can find,” she says. “They have to sleep out there when it is cold, hot, and
Before beginning the project, the girls contacted Don Lupo with the City of Birmingham to learn more about homelessness and identify ways to distribute the mats. Through those connections, the mats are now being shared with the community through Food for Our Journey.
The process itself is no small undertaking. First comes collecting bags—lots of them. Friends, neighbors, businesses, churches, and schools from across Central Alabama have pitched in, donating giant bags full of grocery sacks. Community partners such as Crestline Elementary, St. Francis Xavier Church, Walmart in Anniston, and Gaines Gault Hendrix have all contributed to the effort. Then comes the labor. The girls flatten each plastic bag, cut off the handles and bottoms, and tie the
Each mat that Stephana and Addie craft takes about 150 plastic bags, which the girls collected from people and businesses around the community.
remaining loops together to create long strands of “plarn”—plastic yarn. Once rolled into balls, the plarn is woven by hand on a loom the girls built themselves. Each mat requires around 700 plastic bags and about four hours of weaving. Just creating the base of a single mat takes seven balls of plarn, with each ball containing roughly 40 bags.
Their initial goal was 50 mats. By the time the project is complete, Stephana and Addie estimate they will have collected an astonishing 70,000 plastic bags and contributed more than 150 service hours each, which is well beyond the project requirement. “This project is important to me because I want to be able to help people in any way that I can and try to make their lives easier,” says
Addie. “People should always do their best to support each other, especially if others need help.”
Stephana hopes their work inspires others—especially young people—to realize they can make a difference, too. “Everyone deserves a place to sleep,” she says. “We should do our best to help our neighbors in hopes to make their lives easier.” To ensure the project continues long after their Silver Award is complete, the girls are also creating instructional videos teaching others how to make sleeping mats. In the end, what Stephana and Addie are weaving together is more than plastic bags; it’s the reminder that even small hands can make a big impact.
RED, WHITE, AND BHAM
ABOVE: PHOTOGRAPH COURTESY OF AMERICAN VILLAGE BACKGROUND: PHOTOGRAPH COURTESY OF VULCAN PARKS AND MUSEUM
Celebrate America’s 250th birthday in the Magic City
BY STEPHANIE GIBSON LEPORE
There’s something especially magical about this Fourth of July as we celebrate America’s 250th birthday, a milestone that brings even more meaning to our red, white, and blue festivities.
Whether your family loves lakeside fireworks, hometown street parades, live music, hands-on history, or simply staking out a spot to watch the sky light up, our community is pulling out all the stops for Independence Day weekend.
Kick things off early on July 3 with Fire on the Water at Oak Mountain State Park, where waterside fireworks pair perfectly with picnics, food trucks, and outdoor fun. The show begins at 9 p.m.
CONTINUED ON PAGE 16
CONTINUED FROM PAGE 14
at Double Oak Lake, but arrive early because park gates will close to the public at 7 p.m. (pelhamalabama.gov). Or step back in time at American Village’s Sweet Home 250 celebration, a two-day patriotic festival packed with historical reenactments, performances, children’s activities, fireworks, and plenty of family entertainment in honor of America’s semiquincentennial (sweethome250.com).
On July 4, Downtown Homewood will host its Fourth of July Street Party, complete with rides, inflatables, and music (homewoodparks.com/ special-events). Stick around and settle in for Vulcan’s iconic fireworks show. Thunder on the Mountain features more than 2,500 shells during its 20-minute show atop Red Mountain. Fireworks
are synced with a patriotic playlist broadcast on local stations beginning at 9 p.m. (Note that Vulcan Park & Museum will close to the public at 3 p.m. and Valley View Drive will be closed during the fireworks; visitvulcan.com.)
Prefer a smaller-town feel? The Trussville Freedom Celebration offers live music, local food vendors, and community fun before the evening ends with fireworks. Slagheap and the FBCT Worship Band will play two hours beginning at 6:30 p.m., and fireworks start at 9 p.m. (The event takes place on the Mall in the historic Cahaba Project area; set GPS to Cahaba Elementary, 301 Parkway Drive, Trussville, AL 35173; trussvillefreedomcelebration.com.)
However your family chooses to celebrate, be sure to make patriotic memories together this year, and celebrate America’s birthday Magic City-style.
Charleston-based Allegiance Flag Supply makes American flags entirely in the United States, using 100% American-sourced materials and American labor.
ONLY IN AMERICA
In recent years, interest in American-made flags has grown as families look for ways to celebrate patriotism while supporting domestic craftsmanship. Companies like Allegiance Flag Supply were founded around a simple idea: a symbol as meaningful as the American flag should be crafted in the country it represents. When Max Berry and Katie and Wes Lyon couldn’t find that, they founded Allegiance in a garage in 2018. Now, the Charleston, South Carolina-based company focuses on American-sourced materials and U.S.based manufacturing. Their motto is “American Sewn, American Flown.”
That idea has gained national attention. In fact, the federal government passed the All-American Flag Act in 2024, requiring U.S. flags purchased by the government to be made entirely in America. Allegiance flags are crafted from American-sourced, first-run 200 denier nylon using double needle lock-stitching. A moldresistant grommet strip stabilizes the left side of the flag to increase longevity. The flags are hand-sewn in Charleston, while the Vermont white ash poles are made in Ohio, flagpole spinners in Utah, and cast-aluminum brackets in Pennsylvania.
Their website, showallegiance.com, offers a “Learn” section, including information on properly folding an American flag. Allegiance also supports a Flag for Every Classroom initiative. Believing that every classroom deserves a well-made American flag, the company offers verified K-12 teachers in public, private, and private schools one free flag per classroom.
PHOTOGRAPHS COURTESY OF ALLEGIANCE FLAG SUPPLY
Zozo’s Kitchen
Fresh Flavor, Familiar Roots
STEPHANIE GIBSON LEPORE
There’s something nostalgic about walking into a restaurant that feels both familiar and brand-new, and that sweet spot is exactly where Zozo’s Kitchen lands. The Homewood restaurant is technically new, but Zozo’s Kitchen marks a return of the Cassimus family to the spot the former Zoe’s Kitchen occupied for 17 years. Having recently rebranded Marky’s Kitchen in Cahaba Heights to Zozo’s, as
IF YOU GO
Zozo’s Kitchen Homewood is located at 1830 29th Avenue South. Open seven days a week, 10 a.m. - 8 p.m. Zozoskitchen.com
PHOTOGRAPH COURTESY OF ZOZO’S KITCHEN
well as a location in Tuscaloosa, John Cassimus is bringing the focus back to his family’s original concept of hospitality and fresh ingredients that helped to shape local fast-casual dining.
Inside, you’ll find the signature Zoe’s style in bright, saturated colors and a newly designed logo. The menu features bright, fresh Mediterranean flavors long loved by fans of the original spot: grilled chicken pitas, Greek salad, satisfying sandwiches, and fresh sides, not to mention the decadent YaYa’s chocolate cake. They’ve recently brought back ribeye favorites in the form of steak roll-ups and the ribeye protein plate. In a town that loves good food, Zozo’s Kitchen fits right back in like no time has passed. A robust kids’ menu— grilled cheese, turkey pita, grilled chicken plate—and take-home meals that include whole baked chicken, Greek chicken marinara, and roll-up options add to the appeal for families. But perhaps the biggest draw is how easy Zozo’s feels. It’s the kind of place where grandparents, picky eaters, teens, and parents can all find something they’ll happily order again (and again).
PHOTOGRAPHS BY STEPHANIE GIBSON LEPORE
PHOTOGRAPH COURTESY OF ZOZO’S KITCHEN
Lifting Girls Up
Altamont Student Eden Moody Earns Princeton Prize in Race Relations
BY SEAN FLYNT
The Princeton Prize in Race Relations recently honored graduating Altamont School senior Eden Moody for her work to advance racial equity. She is among more than 2,000 U.S. high school students who, through action and service, have demonstrated leadership in advancing racial equity or promoting racial understanding in their schools and communities. “We continue to learn and gain hope from these young leaders as they advocate for and amplify the voices and lives of those who have been marginalized,” award organizers wrote in their announcement of the honors.
Eden distinguished herself in numerous community leadership positions, including
Working in Altamont’s C. Kyser Miree Ethical Leadership Center, she developed a selflove curriculum specifically tailored for young Black girls and published as Bold, Black, and Beautiful: 12-Month Guided Affirmation Journal, filled with powerful affirmations and thoughtful prompts that encourage confidence, self-love, and pride in one’s identity.
PHOTOGRAPH COURTESY OF THE ALTAMONT SCHOOL
“Eden Moody is a powerful example of what it means to lead with purpose. Through her work in the Miree Center and the publication of her book, she is reaching hearts both locally and globally.
Beth Dille, Director of Altamont’s C. Kyser Miree Ethical Leadership Center.
her tenure as president of the Youth Philanthropy Council and secretary of GirlSpring, a national platform that amplifies the voices of girls. Working in Altamont’s C. Kyser Miree Ethical Leadership Center, she developed a selflove curriculum specifically tailored for young Black girls and published as Bold, Black, and Beautiful: 12-Month Guided Affirmation Journal, filled with powerful affirmations and thoughtful prompts that encourage confidence, self-love, and pride in one’s identity.
Early in her life, Eden observed—and experienced—that young Black girls often face a lack of representation, which creates self-esteem issues. Her affirmation journal aims to raise young Black girls’ self-esteem, allowing them to say and live out affirmations that have been written by someone who looks like them. She also led a small group of girls in her community, engaging them in conversations about their lives and troubles. She plans to continue her advocacy work in college and pass on her small group to another Altamont student. She is considering creating a nonprofit organization dedicated to the cause.
The Princeton Prize is the second recent honor for Eden. The Youth Serve organization presented her with its Youth in Service Award for Advocacy after her selection by a panel of judges amongst her peers in the Birmingham metro area.
“Eden Moody is a powerful example of what it means to lead with purpose,” says Beth Dille, Director of Altamont’s C. Kyser Miree Ethical Leadership Center. “Through her work in the Miree Center and the publication of her book, she is reaching hearts both locally and globally. It is only fitting that her impact has been recognized with the prestigious honor of the 2026 Princeton Prize in Race Relations for the state of Alabama.”
The Altamont School is one of the nation’s premiere coeducational independent schools for students in grades 5-12. For 50 years, its rigorous academic requirements, leadership education, athletic opportunities and personalized college search program have given students outstanding preparation for higher education and professional leadership. Onehundred percent of graduates are accepted into four-year colleges and universities.
How I Spent Three Days in SANDY SPRINGS
BY CHERITH GLOVER FLUKER
Birmingham sits in a sweet spot. It’s close enough to several state lines that a road trip to somewhere new never requires much convincing. And while I love discovering what’s in my backyard, I also love peeking in on our neighbors from time to time. So recently, I hopped over to Sandy Springs, Georgia, to see what it’s all about.
Here’s the thing about how I travel: I’m not interested in the highlight reel. I want to know how the locals live: what they eat, where they spend their Saturdays, and what makes their city feel like home.
If you’re the same way, keep reading. I’m about to walk you through how I spent a weekend in Sandy Springs.
I arrived on a Friday evening and settled into the Aloft hotel before heading to McDaniel’s QN2 for dinner. The name tells you exactly what you’re in for: a meat and two sides, which sounds simple until you’re standing in front of the sides and realize the choice is anything but. The moment I walked through the door, I felt warmth and ease, and a sense that everyone in the room already
knew each other. It was Grandma’s kitchen energy, and I was here for it.
That same night, I walked into the Byers Theatre at City Springs for a production of Come From Away, performed by the City Springs Theatre Company. The theatre seats over a thousand people across three levels, with a full orchestra pit and acoustics that make the music feel like it’s coming from inside you. The show was about the small Canadian town that took in stranded airline passengers after 9/11. From the opening number, I was hooked. And by the last curtain, I was completely full.
Saturday morning belonged to me and nature. I set out to explore John Ripley Forbes Big Trees Forest on Roswell Road. This massive nature preserve in the middle of the city is 30 acres of white oaks that have been growing for somewhere between a century and two. A mile and a half of trails wind through the preserve, but you don’t have to hike to feel the weight of the place. I stood still for a while and enjoyed the peacefulness. For a minute, I forgot I was literally steps away from the city.
Lunch at Battle & Brew was a stark turn
from my time in nature. It was loud and full of people settling into gaming consoles between bites. My suggestion: request a couch, order the Dragon Talons, and let yourself be unproductive for a while. After that, I made my way a few doors down to Splatter Studio, where for one glorious hour I threw paint at a canvas and called it art. It was an experience I didn’t even know I needed. Saturday evening introduced me to what locals call Restaurant Row — a ten-mile stretch of Roswell Road with more than 150 eateries. I landed at Cubanos, a Cuban spot with enough flavor to make you reconsider every meal you’ve ever eaten. Then I walked next door to The Sipping Plant for a succulent terrarium class, a bottle of wine, and a slow evening that brought plenty of laughs. The perfect recipe for some me time, a girls night out, or a date.
Sandy Springs is only minutes from downtown Atlanta, but it carries a different energy. Whatever kind of trip you’re looking for, this city has a way of meeting you right where you are. For more information and to plan your visit to Sandy Springs, visit visitsandysprings.org.
Home Improvement with Matt Weber
Matt Weber is editor of Home Improvement & Repairs magazine based in Birmingham, Alabama. Find more at www.homeimprovementandrepairs.com.
Cracks in the Walls ... and What to Do Next
BY MATT WEBER
Foundation problems are common in Alabama, so homeowners should keep an eye on warning signs. Foundation problems usually develop gradually, often showing up first as small cracks in a wall, but problems that grow or persist should be handled before structural damage occurs.
At the root of most foundation problems is movement in the soil beneath or around the home, often caused by poor drainage, moisture changes, or expansive soils that swell and shrink. As the soil shifts, the foundation moves too, placing stress on the structure.
Hairline Cracks
Small cracks in the walls may be caused by the house settling into its foundation. Slight shifts can lead to minor cracks in the drywall or plaster, which can be annoying but are typically cosmetic and not structural.
Such cracks can also occur because seasonal temperature variations cause building materials to expand and contract. Changes in humidity levels can cause drywall or plaster to contract or expand.
Monitor hairline cracks weekly for growth, but these can usually be repaired with vinyl spackling or drywall compound.
Vertical Cracks
Wall cracks might travel straight up and down, following the line where the wall meets the floor, and vary in size. Caused by settling and temperature changes, these cracks generally pose minimal concern if there are no significant length or width increases. Vertical cracks need to be assessed once they are greater than 5 millimeters wide. If you detect dampness or widening cracks, then schedule a professional inspection.
Horizontal Cracks
If you see cracks running horizontal along the wall plane, this might be a sign of serious foundation issues and potential structural wall cracks. These cracks are often the result of structural movement as expansive soils build up against the foundation wall. Without proper care, the cracks will progressively widen, potentially causing complete wall failure.
Call a professional if horizontal cracks develop, regardless of width. Horizontal cracks signify movement or pressure on the foundation walls, so early detection is critical.
Diagonal Cracks
Some cracks might run diagonally on the wall between the floor and ceiling, slanted at a 45-degree angle. These cracks require immediate attention from a professional regardless of size. Diagonal cracks may indicate shifting or settling in the foundation. Stair-step cracks in brick, in particular, are often a sign of differential movement.
Early intervention is key, since diagonal cracks are a sign of foundation settlement, often the result of the earth pushing on a concrete basement wall.
When to Worry
Inspect your foundation a few times each year for wall cracks. The size and location of the cracks are key indicators of problems. Large cracks wider than 5 millimeters are a cause for concern, especially if they are diagonal, horizontal, or appear above a door frame.
Multiple cracks clustered together in a specific area also call for attention. A cluster of cracks could indicate a widespread problem that requires a professional evaluation to determine the cause and best course of action.
By addressing cracks promptly, you can help prevent foundation damage from worsening and safeguard the structural integrity of your home. When in doubt, consult a foundation specialist or structural engineer for a professional assessment.
Engineering Students Present NASA Project
Engineering students from Oak Mountain High School recently presented the details of a NASA TechRise project that will take flight this summer. OMHS was one of 60 schools nationwide selected to participate in the NASA TechRise Student Challenge. Students from Paula Hughes’ class have been working with the NASA TechRise team to design and build an experiment for a Virgin Galactic suborbital spaceship test flight, which is scheduled to fly this summer. The experiment, “Creating Gravity With Centrifugal Force,” will simulate gravity using centrifugal force in an anti-gravitational environment.
Shelby County Teachers of the Year
Grace Hemmer, a social studies teacher at Chelsea Middle School, and Molly Reynolds, a first-grade teacher at Chelsea Park Elementary School, were recently selected as Shelby County Schools’ First Year Teachers of the Year. The excited reactions from their students spoke volumes about the impact these teachers have already made in such a short time. Congratulations to Ms. Hemmer and Ms. Reynolds on this well-deserved recognition.
Trade Training Positions Students for Success
Two VHHS seniors who spent the past several years learning workforce trades now have guaranteed jobs upon graduation, thanks to their experience at the Academy of Craft Training in Birmingham. They walked across the stage gainfully employed and ready to build the future.
PHOTOGRAPHS COURTESY OF SHELBY COUNTY AL SCHOOLS FACEBOOK
PHOTOGRAPHS COURTESY OF VESTAVIA HILLS CITY SCHOOLS FACEBOOK
PHOTOGRAPH COURTESY OF SHELBY COUNTY AL SCHOOLS FACEBOOK
Ewing to Lead Altamont Admissions
Brookwood Forest Names Principal
PHOTOGRAPH COURTESY OF THE ALTAMONT SCHOOL
The Altamont School selected Hoover resident Dorothy Ewing as its new Director of Admissions and Enrollment Management. Ewing has extensive experience in independent education leadership and is well known to many Birmingham-area families for her service to local Montessori education. She served Birmingham’s Hilltop Montessori School as Admissions Director and Interim Head of School, and was Head of School for the Hillsboro School in Helena. Most recently, she has served as the innovative, data-driven Membership Development and Operations Manager for the American Montessori Society. She demonstrates exceptional skill in communicating educational value, guiding families through the admissions process, and creating experiences that drive enrollment growth and long-term retention. As an Altamont Middle School parent, Ewing is already invested in the life of the school, which celebrated its 50th anniversary in 2026. “I couldn’t be more excited to join the team at Altamont,” says Ewing. “This school has an incredible story to tell, and I look forward to sharing it with families in and around the Birmingham area. My focus will be on building authentic relationships and ensuring that every prospective family experiences the warmth and excellence that define the Altamont community.”
MBHS Names Assistant Principal
Shannon Marks was recently named an Assistant Principal at Mountain Brook High School. “I am so excited to step into this role,” says Marks. “I love this school community, our students, and my colleagues, and I couldn’t think of a better way to serve and support relationships in those three areas than to be an Assistant Principal here. I am eager to get started.” Marks has worked as an English teacher at Mountain Brook High School since 2014 and has a total of 22 years in education. She is a National Board Certified Teacher and holds her Educational Specialist degree in Curriculum and Instruction and Masters in Secondary Education from UAB. She obtained her bachelor’s degree in English from Birmingham-Southern.
Ashley Crossno has been named the next Principal at Brookwood Forest Elementary School. “I am honored to step into the role of principal at Brookwood Forest,” says Crossno. “Our faculty and staff, families, and most especially our Rangers make BWF the best place to come to work each day. It will be a privilege to continue building on the strong foundation established by Mr. Nathan Pitner and lead our “Family in the Forest” in the years to come.” Crossno has 15 years of experience in Mountain Brook as a classroom teacher (Crestline), literacy coach (Cherokee Bend), and assistant principal (Brookwood Forest). Before coming to Mountain Brook, she spent three years at Oak Mountain intermediate as a teacher.
COURTESY OF MOUNTAIN BROOK SCHOOLS FACEBOOK
PHOTOGRAPH COURTESY OF MOUNTAIN BROOK SCHOOLS FACEBOOK
Service Club Honorees
Hoover City Schools students were recognized at the 2026 Hoover Service Club Scholarship & Awards Luncheon. The Hoover Service Club honored graduating seniors from Hoover High School and Spain Park High School with scholarships recognizing their hard work, leadership, and dedication to serving others. Scholarship recipients included Jackson Hargrove, Nina Jordan, Rose Owen, Nyel Settles, Madeline Crumly, Nicolas Dominguez, Andrew Mbugua, and Kodai Nakazawa. Community Service Awards were presented to Jameson Coleman and Lexie Beard for their outstanding commitment to serving others and making a positive impact in the community. The organization also recognized outstanding 8th grade students from Berry, Bumpus, and Simmons Middle Schools as Rising Stars for their academic achievement and citizenship: Brynleigh Carns, Luke Jones, Addison Berryhill, Calton Nichols, Nora Monsma, Beckett West.
PHOTOGRAPH COURTESY OF HOOVER CITY SCHOOLS FACEBOOK
PHOTOGRAPH
RC3 Students Restore History
Ahead of America’s 250th celebration, RC3 students had the opportunity to help restore an historic cannon, combining technical skills, teamwork, and craftsmanship on a project connected to our nation’s story. Now completed, the cannon will return to American Village as part of its historical collection. Experiences like this show the power of hands-on learning and the impact students can make.
PHOTOGRAPH COURTESY OF HOOVER CITY SCHOOLS FACEBOOK
Hoover and Spain Park Celebrate Class of 2026
Hoover High School recognized 733 seniors who led with excellence, served their community, and created memories that will last a lifetime.
• 77.5% are heading to a 4-year college
• 16% are attending a 2-year college
• 6.5% are entering the workforce or military
• $47 million in scholarship offered
• HHS graduates will attend 213 colleges and universities
• 179 students earned a 4.0+ GPA
• 9 National Merit Finalists
Spain Park celebrated a class of 335 whose hard work, leadership, and talent left an impact on their community.
• 71% are heading to a 4-year college
• 12% are attending a 2-year college
• 9% are entering the workforce or military
• $17.4 million in scholarships offered
• SPHS graduates will attend 53 colleges and universities
• 87 students earned a 4.0+ GPA
• 8 National Merit Finalists and 6 Commended Students
• 3 U.S. Presidential Scholar Candidates
Congratulations to all 1,068 graduates!
PHOTOGRAPHS COURTESY OF HOOVER CITY SCHOOLS FACEBOOK
Three hundred thirty-five seniors celebrated their graduation from Spain Park
Hoover High School graduates are headed to 213 different colleges and universities.
PHOTOGRAPH COURTESY OF
Thunder on the Mountain
July 4
At approximately 9 p.m., Pyro Shows of Alabama will launch a 20-minute fireworks display featuring more than 2,500 shells and effects synchronized to patriotic music broadcast on several iHeartMedia Birmingham radio stations. The show will also air live on WBRC 6 News. Vulcan Park & Museum will close at 3 p.m. for event setup, and both the park and Valley View Drive will be closed during the show. Fireworks will be visible from multiple locations across downtown Birmingham and Homewood. For more information, go to visitvulcan.com/event/thunder-2026.
Birmingham Barons: America 250 Celebration & Fireworks
July 2-4
Join Barons fans at Regions Field for this series against the Montgomery Biscuits, with a post-game fireworks show each night. On the Fourth of July, the first 1,000 fans in the ballpark ages 13 and up will receive a USA Shoodie presented by Encompass Health. For more information and tickets, visit mlb. com/milb/birmingham.
The Filling Station Vintage Car Cruise In
July 11
Car enthusiasts and families are invited to enjoy a day of vintage vehicles, great food, and community at a classic car gathering hosted by The Filling Station Pizza Cafe & Bar and Dixie Vintage Auto Club from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. The event will feature a large collection of antique, classic, and vintage cars in a relaxed, family-friendly atmosphere. Guests can also enjoy The Filling Station’s full menu while connecting with fellow automotive enthusiasts.
Alabama’s First 205 Day Festival
July 18
Celebrate the heart and soul of the Magic City at 205
Day, a family-friendly festival all about showing love for Birmingham and the people who make it shine. Head to Sloss Furnaces National Historic Landmark from 1 to 8 p.m. for great music and hometown pride with DJs, line dancing, local vendors, food trucks, and plenty of entertainment. For more information and tickets, visit birminghamal.gov/events/2026-0718alabamas-first-205-day-festival.
Boom Ball at Regions Field
July 25
Boom Ball is baseball reimagined—a wild, fast take on America’s favorite pastime. It blends the best parts of baseball with world-class live entertainment for a great, rule-bending show. For more information and tickets, visit boomballtour.com/city/ birmingham.
MOTION Conference
July 23-25
This event at the BJCC will bring together students and young adults for a powerful three-day faith experience focused on worship, inspiration, and spiritual growth. Featuring speakers and worship leaders like Brooke Ligertwood, Elevation Rhythm, DawnCheré and Rich Wilkerson Jr., Dr. Dharius Daniels, Earl McClellan, and John Wilds, the conference encourages students to boldly live out their faith in their communities. The event is strategically scheduled at the end of summer to help students begin the new school year spiritually encouraged. For more information and tickets, visit motiongen.com.
Dude Perfect: Squad Games Tour Featuring The Harlem Globetrotters
July 29
This brand-new tour is filled with larger-than-life battles, unexpected twists and—for the first time ever—the entire floor will be the battle zone with 360° seating available! Get ready for a night of excitement, laughter, and competition. For more information and tickets, visit dudeperfect.com/tour.
PHOTOGRAPH COURTESY OF DUDE PERFECT FACEBOOK
SAMIL BAKER
PHOTOGRAPH COURTESY OF BOOM BALL FACEBOOK
Living well happens
Living with a chronic health condition doesn’t mean childhood has to stop. At Children’s of Alabama, we make sure kids can keep doing what they do best—laughing, playing, and simply being kids. With expert care, advanced treatments, and a team that never stops believing in brighter days, we help families navigate their healthcare journey with confidence, strength, and hope.
