Issuu

SEPTEMBER 2026

AXOLOTLS HAVE ARRIVED Meet the zoo’s newest, cutest critters! PAGE 16

TAKE A HIKE

Enjoy fall at Cheaha State Park PAGE 20

HOME HELP

Exterior paint prep PAGE 22

Fresh Approach to

Homeschooling Inside Christian Foundations Academy PAGE 10

Bham Family September 2026 1

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ON THE COVER Christian Foundation Academy is a private hybrid school that offers shorter hours, smaller classes, and homeschool curriculum. They focus on academics, art, music, and play in an encouraging, faith-filled environment. Read more starting on page 10. Photograph courtesy of Amy Alford

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OUR PEOPLE Matthew Allen, Publisher matthew@jbmcmedia.com Stephanie Gibson Lepore, Content Director stephanie@jbmcmedia.com Michelle Salem Haynes, Media Sales Consultant (205) 381-1311 | michelle@jbmcmedia.com Kevin Lester, Media Sales Consultant (646) 956-6388 | kevin@jbmcmedia.com Hollie Brown, Community Events Editor hollie@jbmcmedia.com Tony Bratina, Cover Designer Shweta Bratina, Graphic Designer Emily VanderMey Listo, Project Management & Graphic Designer To view this and previous issues in a digital flip version, scan the QR code with your phone’s camera.

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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. Email advertise@jbmcmedia.com to get started with a partnership that will be a key part of your plan.

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EDITOR’S NOTE September always feels a little like a reset, but there’s still plenty of time to squeeze in an adventure or simply enjoy being together as a family. In this issue, we’re celebrating some of the places, people, and possibilities that make life here so much fun. First up, there’s a new reason to visit the Birmingham Zoo: axolotls! These fascinating little creatures look like they’ve wandered straight out of a cartoon, but their unusual biology makes them much more than cute faces. We’ll introduce you to the zoo’s newest residents (page 16) and give you a reason to add the new exhibit to your family’s fall must-do list. For families considering an alternative to traditional school, we’re also taking a closer look at Christian Foundation Academy and the homeschool community it serves (page 10). Whether you’re a longtime homeschool family, or simply curious about what the experience looks like, it’s a chance to learn more about an educational option available right here in our community. If your family is craving a little escape, pack the car

and head for the mountains—Alabama’s mountains, that is. Our travel feature takes us to Cheaha State Park (page 20), where spectacular views, outdoor adventures and plenty of opportunities to unplug make it an ideal destination for a family getaway. Back at home, our home-improvement column on page 22, tackles a project many homeowners eventually face: getting your house ready for an exterior paint job. We’ll help you know what to tackle before the first brush hits the siding. As we settle into a new season, I hope this issue inspires your family to try something new, explore somewhere nearby, tackle a project you’ve been putting off and, most importantly, look for opportunities to make your corner of Birmingham a little brighter. Happy September!

Stephanie Gibson Lepore, Content Director and Mom, stephanie@jbmcmedia.com

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INSIDE THE ISSUE Sean of the South

Eating Chinese Food with Jamie p. 8 Food

Pack a veggie-filled lunch p. 14 Around Town

The Birmingham Zoo’s new axolotls p. 16 Travel

Cheaha State Park p. 20 Home Improvement

Exterior painting prep p. 22 Education Update

News from local schools p. 24 Schoolhouse

Update from the Hoover School District p. 27 Food

PopUp Bagels p. 28

6 Bham Family September 2026

FEATURE STORY A Different Approach to School

All about Christian Foundation Academy’s shorter, smaller, supportive education environment p. 10

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SEAN OF THE SOUTH

Eating Chinese Food with Jamie My wife and I are eating at a the corners of her mouth. And Chinese restaurant. I couldn’t help but remember We’ve been driving those younger kids who used to for hours through South eat Chinese food a lot. Carolina. We pulled over to Me with my long hair. Her refuel and address pressing with her bangs. We were poor. bladder issues. We had one window unit A/C And we found this place. in our apartment, which only The waitress asked what worked on days of the week we wanted. We ordered beginning with L. The world still Sean Dietrich a seaweed salad. This had Kmarts back then. particular salad was colored The Chinese restaurant in Disney-World green and tasted like our hometown was cheap. Duct tape on eating bait. the cushions. There weren’t many places to go for My wife took a bite and said, “Remember when dates. So that’s where we went. we first got married?” The food at the old Chinese restaurant was “I do,” I said. stellar. And food has always been so important “Remember when we used to get takeout from to the woman I married. Some people eat to live. that Chinese place over by the Kmart?” Jamie lives to eat. “Yes.” I met Jamie after she graduated culinary school. “Remember how we’d always get the seaweed She wore chef ’s whites for a living. She bossed salad?” people around in a kitchen while stirring steel “I do.” pots, angrily shouting French words, using strange She took a bite. Green earthworms hung from phrases like, “This béarnaise has broken, dangit!”

8 Bham Family September 2026

To call her job a high-stress job would be like calling a Carnival cruise ship a “dinghy.” Food service is one of the hardest jobs known to man. Being a female chef is even harder. You constantly have male staffers with “tiny spoon syndrome,” trying to prove how macho they are. Some guys don’t like having a female boss. Food service also features a high burnout rate. And drug usage within the food service industry is off the charts. It’s a difficult job. And it’s unforgiving. So Jamie finally got out of the food service game and, just to show you how insane she truly is, she became a math teacher. But she never quit adoring food, or using French words during pivotal culinary moments. Food is her life. Every vacation we take is based on food. Every day centers around meals. Every morning, when she first wakes up

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she asks, “What do you want for supper?” And even though we travel for a living, she still manages to find time to make food from scratch. She still finds time to try and teach me French words. Sitting here in this Chinese restaurant, I realize how much this lovely woman has changed me. Inside and out. When I first met her, my idea of good food was Vienna sausage and a loaf of Wonderbread. Today, just look at me, I’m eating bright, green worm-like oceanic foliage. That’s not to mention all the other ways she’s changed my life. She has changed me spiritually. Emotionally. Deeply. She leans over and pecks me on the cheek. “Do you still love me?” she says. “With all my heart,” says I. She smiles. “Say that in French.” I take her hand and gaze deepward into her eyes. “That in French,” I say.

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COVER

PHOTOGRAPHS COURTESY OF AMY ALFORD

Small by Design

Christian Foundation Academy founder Amy Alford believes fewer students, shorter days, and individualized attention can make a big difference. BY STEPHANIE GIBSON LEPORE When Amy Alford began teaching third grade at Southminster Day School, she had no plans to one day start a school of her own. But after several years in the classroom, she found herself being approached by parents whose children were finishing up their time at Southminster, which ends after fifth grade. “They kind of disperse into other schools beginning with sixth grade,” Amy explains. “I had some parents ask if I would homeschool their kids. At first, there were four or five [parents], and then it kept growing.” That’s how Christian Foundation Academy (CFA) began. Three years later, the small school is growing and giving families a different way to approach education. Rather than traditional homeschooling, Amy created what she calls a “homeschool hybrid”—a Christian school that uses homeschool curriculum but operates five days a week, with shorter school days and a shorter school year. The first year, 11 children from Southminster joined her, including her son. Each year, she has added another grade. 10 Bham Family September 2026

This fall, CFA welcomes students in sixth, seventh, and eighth grades. The school meets at Oakmont Presbyterian Church, and CFA has developed a close relationship with the church community. The school limits enrollment to no more than 15 students per grade, and keeping tuition low is a top priority (it’s currently $600 per month). The school’s small size also allows Amy and her teachers to tailor instruction to individual students. Academic classes include math, science, history, and English, along with a “learning lab” Amy created to focus on practical life skills. Last year, students learned how to create

budgets, write checks, and use a debit card. They also planned meals, shopped for groceries within a budget, and cooked their own food. “Those kids rocked it,” Amy says. “Every single thing was delicious.” CFA takes a decidedly low-tech approach. The school is electronic-free and teaches cursive handwriting. Students read books and complete book reports, including during summer, and Amy says the school’s small size makes it possible to accommodate individual needs. For example, some students take spelling tests verbally rather than writing the words. “That’s the beauty of being so small,” she says. “We cater to what each student needs.” In addition, students are placed in the classes they need, rather than according to grade level. “We’ve had some seventh-graders in sixthgrade math, and it’s never caused an issue. The kids don’t think anything of it; we just don’t deal with bullying.” Academics, however, are only part of the CFA experience. Amy describes the school as a family, with students who have known each other since kindergarten forming close friendships. The

community extends beyond the school day, too. Students participate in Bible studies and church activities together, and the entire school—including parents—takes an annual end-of-year trip where they stay in one accommodation. For the past two years, that trip has been to Gatlinburg, where the kids “love visiting Dollywood” and the Comedy Barn before spending most of the weekend together at a rented cabin that Amy ensures has a pool and game room. “This is not an educational trip,” says Amy. “It’s a “we survived the school year, let’s have fun” trip.” Last year, 32 people attended, with Amy doing the planning and cooking of almost every meal. “I think my love language is cooking and taking care of people. That’s just what I’ve decided. I do breakfast, lunch, and dinner—we go out to dinner maybe once—and we just spend the whole weekend together, all sleeping under the same roof.” Perhaps the clearest sign of the school’s close-knit culture is Friday half-days. When Amy considered dropping Fridays altogether, as it’s more of a “catch-up day” with no regular instruction, Bham Family September 2026 11

COVER

CFA students voted to keep it. She continued the “Fun Friday” tradition she started at Southminster, and students enjoy activities like water balloon fights, Nerf gun days, and movies, complete with pajamas, sleeping bags, and popcorn. “The students choose and vote on each week’s activity,” says Amy. “You name it, we’ve done it.” And, apparently, even that isn’t enough time together. Amy says students regularly choose to arrive at school around 7:30 or 7:45 a.m., even though they aren’t required to be there until 8:30. “I ask why they want to be here all the time,” she says. “And they tell me because it’s fun.” For Amy, that enthusiasm is the heart of what CFA has become. She remembers one student who had struggled academically before coming to the school. After receiving individualized attention and encouragement, the student’s confidence began to grow. “She would run down the hall and say, ‘Mrs. 12 Bham Family September 2026

Alford, I made a 100 on my test,’ ” Amy says. “She knows that we care about her and that we want good for her and she has just soared.” This year, CFA expects to have 20 students. Amy says she still doesn’t know whether the school will eventually expand into high school, but for now, she is focused on continuing to grow one grade at a time. When she started CFA, Amy admits she had no idea what she was getting into. But the families who trusted her from the beginning have stayed alongside her, and their children have continued to thrive. “One of the parents told me, ‘For my child to be excited to be at school and jump out of the car and come in every day is worth more than you’ll ever know,’ ” Amy says. “Most teenagers in middle school don’t want to go to school. But these kids do.”

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FOOD

Back-to-School Lunches Follow these tips and ideas to add more veggies to your child’s midday meal.

BY HOLLEY GRAINGER, MS, RD If you’ve found yourself asking what are the best vegetables for a lunchbox or how can I add more vegetables to my child’s lunchbox, these 10 practical veggie lunchbox tips are fun, delicious, easy to prepare, and add an extra boost of nutrition. I’ve been packing lunchboxes for a long time and the number one question parents ask me is how to add more vegetables that their child will actually eat. Whether your children are eating lunch at school or at home, snag a few of these new ideas to help boost the nutrition in their lunchbox. All

of the recipes I mention below are available on my website, holleygrainger.com. 1. SERVE DIP WITH VEGETABLES Don’t get discouraged if the raw baby carrots you pack for lunch day-in and day-out continue to be sent home untouched. Studies have found that children are more likely to eat their vegetables when offered with a dip. I think of dip as a “vehicle food” to help my girls eat more vegetables. Next time you pack a lunchbox (or serve lunch at home), try pairing with dippable vegetables such as carrot sticks, celery sticks, grape tomatoes, broccoli florets, or cucumber rounds with dip. Try my PHOTOGRAPHS COURTESY OF DANIELLE GAMBINO

14 Bham Family September 2026

to a lunchbox! For more fruit and vegetable ideas, download my Easy Lunchbox Guide at holleygrainger.com.

Creamy Homemade Ranch Dip, or use individually sized containers of ranch, salsa, guacamole, or hummus. 2. CREATE VEGGIE- OR GRAIN-BASED SALADS The options are endless when it comes to “salads.” They’re a fun way to add color, flavor, and a variety of ingredients. From traditional green salads to chopped veggie salads and grain-based salads, the options are endless. Make a grain salad with a base of rice, quinoa, or couscous, and stir in cooked or raw vegetables, along with your choice of protein and sauce. 3. INCORPORATE CANNED FRUITS, VEGETABLES, AND BEANS Whipping up a quick Black Bean and Corn Salsa to add to a lunch takes no time when the ingredients are in the pantry and ready to go. Serve with tortilla chips for a yummy side dish or snack. The same goes for canned green beans—a staple in our lunchboxes. Because the girls eat them straight from the can, I can add them to a lunchbox for quick packing the night before. 4. ADD VEGGIES TO SANDWICHES OR WRAPS Go beyond traditional iceberg or Romaine lettuce, and give some other vegetables a try. Layer sandwiches and wraps with spinach, tomato slices, thinly sliced cucumber, grated carrots, or roasted vegetables for added crunch and flavor. And if you’re worried that your child is going to pick off/out the veggies, that’s okay. Remember that studies have found it may take up to 15 times of exposing a child to a new food for them to be willing to give it a try. Keep going! 5. USE A BENTO BOX TO ADD FRUITS AND VEGGIES When prepping a Bento box, designate a fruit compartment and a vegetable compartment. Fill those each time you pack a lunch to ensure at least one to two servings of produce at each meal. It’s an easy way to remember how to add vegetables

6. PUT IT ON A SKEWER We love sandwiches, and it is easy to get creative stacking sandwiches with veggies beyond the traditional lettuce (such as cucumbers, peppers, alfalfa sprouts, etc). However, I’ve found that skewers are a favorite of my girls. BLT Skewers always go over well and of course Pancake Skewers, Peanut butter and Jelly Skewers, and Pineapple Teriyaki Chicken Skewers are favorites. 7. ADD VEGGIES AND BEANS TO SWEETS Don’t “hide” vegetables in food, but find creative ways to add it. Have you ever thought about adding canned pumpkin to Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Muffins, using lentils in banana muffins, or adding beets to pancakes? Get creative! 8. CHANGE IT UP Have you ever sent corn on the cob to school? What about a baked sweet potato sprinkled with cinnamon? Oven-baked potato chips? Or Crispy Chickpeas instead of chips? Continue to keep your kids guessing or bring them with you to the grocery store to select a new fruit or vegetable to try. 9. PACK A VEGGIE-FILLED MAIN DISH If you’re already adding veggies to family favorites like Meatloaf Muffins shredded carrots!) then you never know what else your child may be willing to try. Cauliflower Fried Rice, Beefy Burrito Bowls, Black Bean Empanadas, or Homemade Hot Pockets may just become a new favorite! For a delicious make-ahead option, Beans and Greens Veggie Quesadillas can’t be beat! 10. PREP FRUITS AND VEGETABLES AHEAD Take some time at the beginning of the week to plan your lunches. This allows you to think about which vegetables you want to include and ensures you have them on hand. Families are more likely to eat fresh produce when it is washed and prepped. Designate a certain day (or days) to prep produce and store in the fridge in airtight containers. Make sure the containers can easily be reached by the kids so they can access them when they want a snack or when they’re helping prep lunchboxes. *Exception: Refrain from washing berries more than a few hours ahead, as this will cause them to go bad faster. Bham September 2026 15 For more recipes and ideas, visitFamily holleygrainger.com.

AROUND TOWN

Get to Know the

AXOLOTL BY BILL LANG The Birmingham Zoo’s newest animal habitat—featuring one of the world’s most fascinating amphibians, the axolotl— opened late summer. Graceful, mysterious, and unlike any other creature on Earth, the axolotl is one of nature’s most extraordinary wonders. Native to the ancient waterways of Mexico, this rare amphibian spends its entire life underwater, distinguished by its delicate, feathery gills and remarkable ability to regenerate limbs, organs, and even parts of its brain. A symbol of resilience and renewal, the axolotl continues to captivate scientists and nature lovers alike. Though celebrated around the world, the axolotl is critically endangered in the wild. Its story is a powerful reminder that even the most extraordinary species depend on our care and commitment to thrive. Your Birmingham Zoo’s new habitat honors this remarkable animal while inspiring guests to discover its beauty, appreciate its rarity, and help ensure its future for generations to come. “We are thrilled to welcome guests to this incredible new habitat and introduce them to a species that is as unique as it is inspiring,” PHOTOGRAPHS COURTESY OF THE BIRMINGHAM ZOO

16 Bham Family September 2026

Bham Family September 2026 17

AROUND TOWN

says Chris Pfefferkorn, President and CEO of the Birmingham Zoo. “The axolotl’s story of resilience, adaptation, and conservation reflects the mission of the Birmingham Zoo—to connect people with wildlife and inspire action to protect our natural world. We are deeply grateful to our friend Ann Katholi for her vision and making this habitat possible.” The new habitat was brought to life through the generous support of Zoo donor Ann Katholi, whose passion for wildlife conservation inspired her investment in the project. “Axolotls have always fascinated me because they represent both the incredible diversity of life on our planet and the urgent need to protect species before they disappear,” says Ann. “Their resilience and uniqueness make them unforgettable, and I hope 18 Bham Family September 2026

every guest who visits this habitat leaves with a greater appreciation for wildlife and conservation.” She adds, “Seeing this habitat come to life is incredibly meaningful. It’s rewarding to know that families, children, and future generations will have the opportunity to discover these amazing animals up close while learning why protecting endangered species matters. I’m honored to support a project that will inspire curiosity and conservation for years to come.” The axolotl habitat is open to the public during regular Zoo operating hours—Wednesday to Sunday 9 a.m.-5 p.m. The Birmingham Zoo was recently named Alabama’s Attraction of the Year by the Alabama Department of Tourism. It is the only zoo in Alabama accredited by the Association of Zoos & Aquariums (AZA).

Bham Family September 2026 19

TRAVEL

SEEING ALABAMA

From Its Highest Point STORY AND PHOTOS BY CHERITH GLOVER FLUKER

PHOTO BY JACKIENIX STOCK.ADOBE.COM

20 Bham Family September 2026

My husband and I went for an afternoon drive with no real destination in mind, and somehow we ended up at the highest point in Alabama. That’s the thing about living in Central Alabama — you can drive an hour and a half from Birmingham and stumble onto Cheaha Mountain, 2,407 feet above sea level. It’s easy to take for granted that we have something this grand right in our own backyard. Once we got there, we decided to take a walk on the Bald Rock Trail, an elevated boardwalk that winds through the woods and ends with a sweeping, 180-degree view of the Talladega Mountains. Standing on that overlook, looking down at ridge after ridge of green, I understood immediately that this view was too good not to share with everybody. And that’s really what makes this trail so special. It’s built for everybody. The boardwalk is just over a quarter mile one way, with the full loop coming in around six-tenths of a mile. The walk is short enough that you’re not committing to a grueling afternoon hike. But don’t let the length fool you into thinking it’s not worth your time. Along the way, there are covered alcoves with benches built right into the boardwalk where you can stop, catch your breath, and just sit with the quiet for a minute. And for most of the walk, you’re shaded by a canopy of hardwoods and pines that keep things cool even on a warm afternoon. I also enjoyed that this wasn’t a trail full of serious hikers in gear. It was families pushing strollers, grandparents moving slow and steady with walking sticks, little kids running ahead and doubling back. The path is wide, mostly flat, and gentle enough that it welcomed every single one of them. That’s rare for a trail that ends at the literal highest point in the state. If you go, don’t feel like Bald Rock has to be the whole trip. There’s Bunker Tower, an old stone tower that climbs to an even higher vantage point. Down at Cheaha Lake, folks were wading in off the little sandy beach, enjoying the afternoon. And if you’ve got a hiker in your group who wants more than a stroll, the Pinhoti Trail picks up right there and will happily take them as far and as rough as they want to go. We didn’t plan this trip. We just drove and Alabama handed us its highest view. Some of the best things in this state are just a turn off the highway.

KNOW BEFORE YOU GO Address: 19644 Highway 281, Delta, AL 36258

way on the boardwalk, with a full loop option around 0.6 miles.

Getting there from Birmingham: Take I-20 East to Exit 191, then follow Highway 281 South about 18 miles to the park entrance.

Accessibility: The boardwalk is ADA accessible and stroller-friendly.

Park admission (day use): Ages 0–3 free, ages 4–11 $2, 12 and older $5, seniors 62+ $2, veterans and active military free with ID. Check the website as prices may change. Trail length: Just over a quarter mile one-

Dogs: Welcome on a leash. Good to know: There’s no restaurant inside the park, but the Mountain Store has snacks and quick meal options, and several historic downtowns (Oxford, Anniston, Talladega) are about 30 minutes away for a full meal. Bham Family September 2026 21

Home Improvement with Matt Weber Matt Weber is editor of Home Improvement & Repairs magazine based in Birmingham, Alabama. Find more at www.homeimprovementandrepairs.com.

Prepare Like a Pro for Exterior Painting Working on outdoor home projects is more enjoyable in mild weather, and fall is a prime time in Alabama to apply a new coat of paint where needed around the home. Fresh paint can be among the most striking improvements you can make to your home’s curb appeal. However, the various materials of a home’s construction 22 Bham Family September 2026

often require different preparation techniques to ensure a new longlasting topcoat. PREP FOR WOOD SURFACES From trim, casings and handrails to staircases, decks and fences, wood is one of the most common materials to require repainting. If the existing house paint has no

lead content, remove any loose paint from the wood surface by scraping or by wirebrushing, working in the same direction as the grain of the wood. (Note: When using a steel brush on cedar, remove all bits of steel wire to avoid discoloration.) Feathersand the rough edges of the remaining paint. Refresh the surface of any exposed wood by sanding with medium-grit (#120) paper. If gloss or semigloss paint will be used, follow by sanding with fine-grit (#220). Dull any existing glossy paint by sanding with a fine abrasive sanding pad. Use detergent and water to remove any loose dirt or sand. Treat any mildew with 3:1 water-bleach mixture and then rinse thoroughly. Prime all areas where the old paint has come off. For best results, prime the entire job using quality exterior stain-blocking latex or oil-based wood primer before painting.. PREP FOR BRICK If a white powdery substance (called “efflorescence”) is present on the brick surface, scrub it off with a wire brush. To remove heavy staining, mix a heavily diluted solution of water and muriatic acid (while wearing goggles and gloves), mop it onto the wall, and scrub thoroughly with a stiff-bristled brush. Rinse with plenty of clean water. Pro tip: Eliminate or seal off any source of water from behind the brick, because moisture contributes to efflorescence. Treat any mildew with a household bleach mixture, leaving it on for 20 minutes and adding more as it dries. Scrub away dirt with detergent and water. Rinse thoroughly. Scrape out and widen any cracks, brush out the dust, then seal with 100-percent acrylic or siliconized acrylic caulk. Check the mortar joints carefully and repair or repoint them as needed before painting. Priming brick is not essential but will maximize sheen uniformity and minimize

efflorescence and mildew. PREP FOR ALUMINUM SURFACES Treat any mildew with bleach then remove dirt, chalk, treated mildew, etc. by scrubbing with detergent and water, and rinse thoroughly. Chalking on weathered aluminum siding can be a problem with paint adhesion and may even linger on the surface after pressure-washing. Priming is generally not necessary if chalk can be removed. For areas where chalk is stubborn and cannot all be removed, apply a solvent-based exterior primer recommended for aluminum siding. Pro tip: For excessively chalky surfaces, consider using a paint additive such as EmulsaBond. This is a stir-in acrylic bonding additive which improves adhesion of water-based paints and stains to chalky, dusty, or hard-to-coat surfaces like masonry, wood, and aluminum siding. PREP FOR VINYL SURFACES For vinyl siding or PVC trim, treat any mildew with a bleach solution. Clean off any dirt or chalk with detergent and water, or power-wash, then rinse thoroughly. Priming generally is not necessary if mildew, dirt and chalk are all removed. Choose a top-of-the-line exterior 100-percent acrylic latex house paint in a flat or satin finish. Important note: For vinyl siding, apply only very light color paint, such as white, off-white or a light pastel. A good rule of thumb is to not paint the vinyl siding any darker than its original color. A darker color may cause irreversible warping of the vinyl siding due to heat retention from the sunlight. Remember to always wear gloves and eye protection when prepping the surface for any paint job. Bham Family September 2026 23

EDUCATION UPDATE

Prepared for the Journey Shelby County Schools administrators gathered during late summer for a new year kickoff focused on collaboration, preparation, and the continued commitment to serving students, staff, and families throughout the district. The event provided an opportunity for leaders to connect, share ideas, and prepare for the year ahead.

ACS at 2026 Visible Learning Conference Alabaster City Schools shared its commitment to evidence-based instruction at the 2026 Visible Learning Conference in Nashville. The ACS Curriculum and Instruction team presented “Leadership in Sync: Using Evidence to Guide Instructional Improvement,” highlighting how collaboration, data, and research-based practices are helping improve student outcomes across the district.The presentation followed a week of national recognition for Thompson Middle School and Thompson High School, which were named Corwin Visible Learning Associate Schools for their successful implementation of the School Impact Process and dedication to research-based teaching and learning. ACS celebrates Assistant Superintendent of Curriculum and Instruction Dr. Amanda Wilbanks and her team for representing the district and sharing their work on a national stage.

PHOTOGRAPH COURTESY OF ALABASTER CITY SCHOOLS FACEBOOK

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PHOTOGRAPH COURTESY OF SHELBY COUNTY SCHOOLS FACEBOOK

Free Breakfast for Alabaster City Schools Beginning with this school year, all students in ACS schools will have access to free breakfast every school day. Breakfast service will begin around 7 a.m., providing students with a nutritious start to their day and helping ensure they are ready to learn, PHOTOGRAPH COURTESY OF ALABASTER CITY SCHOOLS FACEBOOK focus, and succeed in the classroom. Families are encouraged to take advantage of this new opportunity as ACS continues its commitment to supporting student health and academic success.

New District Supervisor of Athletics Shelby County Schools has named Michael Stallings as its new District Supervisor of Athletics. Stallings brings 24 years of experience in education, leadership, and athletic administration, including 17 seasons as head baseball coach at Chelsea High School and 13 years as the school’s athletic director. Throughout his career, he has been recognized for his commitment to student development, athletic excellence, and community engagement. Stallings earned both his Bachelor of Science and Master of Arts in Education degrees from the University of Alabama at Birmingham and will now help oversee and support athletic programs across the district.

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EDUCATION UPDATE

Alabama All-Stars Head Coach Helena High School Head Football Coach Richie Busby has been selected to serve as head coach of the Alabama All-Stars for the 40th Annual Alabama-Mississippi All-Star Football Classic, scheduled for December 12 in Mobile. Busby, who has compiled a 95-49 career record and guided his teams to the state playoffs 11 times during his 13 seasons as a head coach, will lead a distinguished coaching staff featuring some of Alabama’s top football minds. His staff includes former NFL quarterback and St. Michael Catholic Head Coach Philip Rivers as offensive coordinator, along with respected coaches Josh Floyd, Bart Sessions, Aryvia Holmes, Brett Mask, Greg Patterson, J.B. Wallace, and Minor High School’s Rico Jackson. The selection is a significant honor for Busby and Helena High School, recognizing his success and leadership within Alabama high school football.

Boys Golf Ranked 2nd Nationally The 2026 Mountain Brook boys golf team earned national recognition from the PGA’s National High School Golf Association, which recently ranked the Spartans No. 2 in the country. The team captured the 2026 Alabama 6A state championship with a score of -32, highlighted by an opening-round performance of -25. Throughout the season, the Spartans posted an average team score of 272, with a -14.61 average differential. The championship team included SJ Thomas, Denton Brooks, Fletcher Finch, Ryan Pugh, Ford Birchall, and Head Coach Jack Letson.

PHOTOGRAPH COURTESY OF HELENA FOOTBALL FACEBOOK

New Helena Principal Named Natalie Landrum has been named principal of Helena Elementary School, bringing more than 24 years of experience in elementary education Natalie and a strong connection to the Helena Landrum community. Landrum spent 21 years as a classroom teacher, including 17 years at Helena Intermediate School, before serving as Assistant Principal, where she worked alongside students, teachers, and families to promote academic success and a positive school culture. Landrum holds a bachelor’s degree in Human Development and Family Studies from Auburn University, a master’s degree in Early Childhood and Elementary Education from the University of Alabama at Birmingham, and an Educational Leadership certification from the University of Montevallo. A National Board Certified Teacher, she has been recognized twice as Helena Intermediate’s Teacher of the Year and was named Shelby County Chamber Elementary Educator of the Year.

Vestavia Assistant Principal named

PHOTOGRAPH COURTESY OF MOUNTAIN BROOK SCHOOLS ATHLETICS FACEBOOK

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Vestavia Hills High School Assistant Principal Jennifer Bailey recently achieved a significant professional milestone by earning her doctorate degree. Dr. Bailey successfully defended her dissertation, completing years Jennifer of advanced study and research in educaBailey tional leadership. Known for her dedication to students, faculty, and the Vestavia Hills community, she now adds the title of “Doctor” to her impressive list of accomplishments. Her achievement reflects a continued commitment to excellence in education and lifelong learning.

NEWS FROM HOOVER CITY SCHOOLS

Robert E. Wright Jr. Award for Exceptional Service Shades Mountain Elementary School music teacher Meredith DeVore has been honored with the 2025 Robert E. Wright, Jr. Award for Exceptional Service, one of the Alabama chapters of the American Choral Directors Association’s highest recognitions. The award honors educators who have made a lasting impact on choral music through outstanding service, leadership, and dedication to the profession. DeVore received the award during the Alabama ACDA Summer Conference at the University of Alabama. Her achievement reflects a continued commitment to excellence in music education and brings statewide recognition to both her work and the Shades Mountain Elementary School community.

PHOTOGRAPH COURTESY OF ALABAMA ACDA FACEBOOK

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FOOD

PopUp Bagels Lands at The Summit PHOTOGRAPHS COURTESY OF POPUP BAGELS

BY STEPHANIE GIBSON LEPORE PopUp Bagels, the buzzy bagel brand known for its hot, whole bagels and generous schmears, opened its first Alabama location at The Summit in late summer, bringing its simple-but-fun approach to breakfast to Birmingham. The brand’s signature “Grip, Rip, and Dip” approach is exactly what it sounds like: Bagels arrive hot and whole, ready to be torn into pieces and dunked into a cup of schmear. No knife required. It’s a setup that feels particularly well-suited to families, where everyone can grab a bagel, share a few spreads, and sample a little bit of everything. The menu keeps it simple. Bagels come in five varieties: plain, everything, poppy seed, salt and sesame. Rather than ordering individual bagels, customers choose from bundles such as three bagels with one schmear, six bagels with one schmear, or a dozen bagels with two schmears. Larger quantities are available, too, making the format convenient for feeding a crowd. The schmears invite a little experimentation. Classic choices include plain and scallion cream cheese, along with salted butter and brown sugar-cinnamon butter. PopUp Bagels also rotates limited-time flavors, so there is often something new to try. Recent offerings like jalapeño popper cream cheese and Mike’s Hot Honey Butter keep the taste-testing exciting. Smoked salmon is available as an add-on, and the drink menu includes hot drip coffee, La Colombe cold brew, Natalie’s orange juice and lemonade, Saint James iced teas, and PopUp Bagels water. The concept grew

out of a local bagel operation founded by Adam Goldberg in Westport, Connecticut, and has since expanded into locations across the country. The brand says its focus is on the basics: crisp exteriors, soft centers, carefully made dough, and fresh baking throughout the day. There are no breakfast sandwiches on the menu—the bagel itself is the star. PopUp Bagels gives Birmingham families another easy option for a weekend

breakfast, a grab-and-go treat before shopping, or a box of bagels to bring home and share. And with the brand’s emphasis on hot bagels, communal boxes and dipworthy schmears, breakfast just got a little more hands-on and a lot more fun. PopUp Bagels is located at 329 Summit Boulevard. Hours are Monday-Thursday 7 a.m.3 p.m. and Friday-Sunday 7 a.m.-4 p.m. Preordering is available at popupbagels.com.

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SEPTEMBER EVENTS CALENDAR Birmingham Art Walk September 11-12 Birmingham Artwalk is a free two-day festival that transforms downtown Birmingham into a vibrant arts district featuring more than 100 visual artists, live music, street performers, food vendors, and family-friendly activities. Original artwork is available at a variety of price points. Families can enjoy the Artwalk KidZone on Saturday, offering handson arts and crafts activities for children. info@ birminghamartwalk.org

Banana Ball September 19-20 Banana Ball returns to Birmingham as the Loco Beach Coconuts take on the Indianapolis Clowns. Combining baseball with music, dancing, trick plays and fan participation, the family-friendly event brings one of the country’s fastest-growing sports entertainment experiences to America’s oldest professional baseball park. Game times Saturday at 7 p.m. and Sunday at 1 p.m. Purchase tickets at thebananaball.com. Rickwood Field, 1137 Second Ave. W., Birmingham.

Vintage Car Cruise In September 12 Classic-car enthusiasts can admire a variety of antique, classic and specialty vehicles. Part of a monthly cruise-in series, the event brings together local car owners and enthusiasts for an afternoon of vintage automobiles and community fellowship. Admission free. thefillingstationbham.com 11 a.m.-3 p.m. The Filling Station, 5524 Crestwood Blvd, Birmingham.

Fiesta 2026 September 26 Fiesta Birmingham, Alabama’s largest Hispanic celebration, returns with live music, cultural performances, delicious food, art, vendors and family-friendly fun. The event also supports student educational opportunities through scholarships, with applications currently open. Go to fiestabham.com for information. Linn Park, Fifth Ave. N., Birmingham.

Birmingham Fit Fest September 13 Birmingham Fit Fest combines fitness, wellness, shopping, food, and community into a day-long festival experience at City Walk BHAM and BJCC. Attendees can participate in workout classes, explore wellness and recovery activities, visit local vendors, and enjoy live entertainment.

Pancakes and Princesses September 26 The Royal Pancakes and Princesses Breakfast invites families to take part in a magical morning with beloved royal characters. Guests will enjoy breakfast, photo opportunities with princes and princesses, special animal encounters, ride wristbands and a full day at the zoo. Children and adults are encouraged to dress in their favorite royal attire for this familyfriendly event. Tickets for purchase at bhamzoo. ticketapp.org/portal/product/146. Birmingham Zoo. 8:30 a.m., 10:30 a.m. and 12:30 p.m.

Zoo Gala 2026: Axolotl Adventures September 18 Zoo Gala ’26: Axolotl Adventures invites guests to an elegant underwater-themed evening celebrating the Birmingham Zoo’s new axolotl habitat. The black-tie optional fundraiser features cuisine from Hot & Hot Fish Club, premium beverages, animal encounters, auctions, live entertainment and dancing, all in support of zoo animal care and wildlife conservation. Tickets for purchase at bhamzoo.ticketapp.org/portal/product/144 6-10 p.m. Birmingham Zoo, Trails of Africa. Alabama State Fair September 18-27 10 days of rides, games, food, and family entertainment at the Birmingham Race Course. Visitors can enjoy attractions ranging from pig races and circus performances to dinosaur exhibits, petting zoos, thrill shows, and midway rides. With activities for all ages, the annual event offers one of the area’s largest celebrations of fall fun. Hours vary depending on the day. Visit alabamastatefair.com. 30 Bham Family September 2026

Southern Living Food & Fire September 26 Part of the Southbound Food Festival, Food & Fire brings together acclaimed chefs and pitmasters for a live-fire tasting experience celebrating Southern barbecue and tailgate culture. The event also features live music, cooking demonstrations, and regional food and beverage tastings. 12:00-4:00 p.m at Sloss Furnaces.

Anders found his match

Anders was diagnosed with a rare genetic condition that was affecting his immune health and significantly impacting his overall development. His doctors determined his best treatment option was a bone marrow transplant, and luckily Anders found his match and received his transplant. Now Anders is reaching new developmental milestones and is starting to get back to being a normal kid.

Learn more at ChildrensAL.org Bham Family September 2026 31

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