Pelham Magazine - August 2026

YOUNG ARTISTS

START THE DAY RIGHT

YOUR NEW FAVORITE BREAKFAST SPOT

STUDENTS DECORATE HYDRANTS IN HONOR OF AMERICA A decade

PELHAM’S ELEMENTARY SCHOOLS CELEBRATE A MILESTONE

Why I Invested in

I invested in The Shelby County Chamber four months ago, and the return has been immediate. Before I even became an investor, I was invited to several events. The warmth and engagement of this community made the decision easy.

I run a digital infrastructure company serving professionals across the country. Most of my work is remote, so having a local professional home base matters more than I expected. Within my first few months I built genuine relationships, found collaborators, and helped launch a women’s entrepreneur book club through connections made right here.

What sets The Shelby County Chamber apart is the intentionality behind it. The leadership here is genuinely invested in helping members build real relationships, and good things happen quickly because of that.

or email

About Us

Matthew Allen Publisher matthew@jbmcmedia.com

Kim Cripps Content Director kim@kimcripps.com

Kevin Lester Media Sales Consultant (646) 956-6388 kevin@jbmcmedia.com

Emily VanderMey Listo Project Manager & Graphic Designer emily@emilylisto.com

Michelle Salem Haynes Media Sales Consultant (205) 381-1311

michelle@jbmcmedia.com

Brittany Kenny Graphic Designer

On

the Cover

Mr. Chase Holden, principal of Pelham Oaks Elementary School, and Mrs. Khadidr Jones, principal of Pelham Ridge Elementary School, are ready to celebrate their schools’ tenth anniversaries. While Pelham City Schools was officially established in 2014, both K-5 elementary schools opened in 2016.

Photograph by ALLISON CARPENTER

Welcome to the inaugural edition of Pelham Magazine! We are honored to be your community magazine, connecting neighbors and telling stories about the people and places that make Pelham shine.

Pelham Magazine is published and owned by JBMC Media, LLC, a locally-owned and independent media company publishing magazines in Shelby and Jefferson Counties.

Pelham Magazine - your magazine - is supported by JBMC Media’s experienced writers, photographers, and a network of sister publications that are available throughout the Birmingham-metro area.

As this publication grows, we’d love your feedback. After all, we’re here for you! Please reach out if you have an idea for a story, a neighbor or student to highlight, an event to promote, want to share general feedback, or would like to become an advertising partner. You can reach us at pelham@ jbmcmedia.com.

All content in this magazine remains the property of JBMC Media, LLC. Any requests to reprint or republish should be directed to matthew@ jbmcmedia.com.

Copyright 2026. All rights reserved.

DEAR READERS,

Thank you for opening this inaugural issue of Pelham Magazine! We’re glad you’re here! In this first issue, we’re kicking off quite a few things: a new publication, back-to-school with principal interviews, high school football season, and innovative student art that celebrates America.

Back-to-school is an exciting time of year in Pelham, filled with meeting teachers, reconnecting with friends and starting fall sports. We’re excited to be here for all of it, again! My oldest daughter was a first grader at Pelham Oaks during the school’s very first year - when its blue roof made it easy to spot from the interstate. “There’s my school! There’s my school!” she’d proudly shout every time we drove northbound on I-65.

Now, ten years since Pelham Oaks and Pelham Ridge opened their doors, they parallel what we see city-wide: a growing, vibrant community full of positive stories to tell. And that’s what we hope to do with this, and every issue of Pelham Magazine: tell the stories of people and places that make you proud to call Pelham home.

With Panther Pride,

Cripps Content Director

OF MILESTONES

For seven decades, Alabama Credit Union has been proud to stand beside members through life’s biggest moments — first cars, first homes, growing families, and everything in between.Here for every milestone, today and tomorrow.

70 Years of Service

You’ve had the moments. We’ve had the honor of helping. Proud to help members

A Tale of Two Principals

BIn the fall of 2016, Pelham City Schools opened two new elementary schools, Pelham Oaks and Pelham Ridge. The city was growing, giving Pelham the support needed to establish its own school district, Pelham City Schools, in 2014. And paving the way for two K-5 campuses to serve the community’s 1,500 elementary students.

Since their respective openings, Peham Oaks and Pelham Ridge have seen physical changes to their

REFLECTING

ON 10 YEARS OF UNITY FOR PEHAM OAKS AND PELHAM RIDGE

by

campuses. At Pelham Oaks, a new gymnasium was built, with the former gym transformed into art and music rooms, and an entire fifth-grade wing was added.

Newly built in 2016, Pelham Ridge has added playgrounds and a parking lot. This academic year, they are adding two classes of pre-K students through Alabama’s nationally recognized First Class Pre-K initiative.

But some of the most notable changes are what’s

“My favorite thing to do is to talk kids through tough situations, not just what happened, but what can they learn from it, how can they improve and grow.”

—CHASE HOLDEN

happening inside the schools - beyond structural changes, remodels and classroom additions.

Before Pelham had its own school system, Pelham students were part of the Shelby County School system. This is where our story begins.

Mr. Chase Holden, principal of Pelham Oaks, and Mrs. Khadidr Jones, principal of Pelham Ridge, first worked together as colleagues in the Shelby County School System. Jones joined the school system as a fifth-grade teacher when her oldest son started kindergarten, and Holden as the assistant principal at Valley Elementary.

“Administration wasn’t on my radar at first,” admitted Holden. Over time, he noticed more and more students needing a positive male role model, a father figure. Reconciling this with the fact that there are not a lot of males teaching at the elementary school level, he knew he could do more. “I wanted to do the same thing, to still be in education, but to have a broader impact,” he said. Jones entered education with the sole purpose of being in administration. “Teaching was my second career,” she shared. Before earning a Master’s degree in education, Jones used her bachelor’s and master’s degrees in psychology to run a mentoring program in the Jefferson County court system, where she noticed a disturbing pattern. The youth in the court system disliked school because they believed no one cared about them. “I wanted to start at the root cause,” she said. “I wanted to prevent them from getting into the court system and show them that education is their key.”

Holden, who taught in Alabaster and Hoover before joining Valley as assistant principal, remained in that role during the move to Pelham Oaks and was promoted upon the previous principal’s retirement. Jones became a reading coach soon after at Pelham Ridge after its opening. She was promoted to assistant principal and later named principal after her principal’s retirement.

While Holden and Jones took different paths into education and administration, and now serve at two separate schools, they share a common goal: for all their students to feel safe and welcome.

“Kids’ voices matter,” said Jones. “We do our best to ensure children are seen and heard. Our administration makes it a point to be very visible and present at school and at extracurricular activities so the students see us in different capacities in their lives, not just in school.”

Holden talks to his students as much as possible, especially those in upper elementary grades 3-5. He’ll meet with entire grade levels at a time for conversations about expectations and encourage them to rise to those expectations. “My favorite thing to do is to talk kids through tough situations, not just what

happened, but what can they learn from it, how can they improve and grow,” he said.

Both principals agree it’s important for parents and students to know they are cared for and loved. Once that is established, they said, academics come next.

Pelham Oaks and Pelham Ridge have seen major strides in academics over the last decade. “We have grown a lot, especially in reading,” said Holden. “We added two math coaches to each school last year and are working to see that same trend in math.”

From a leadership and life-skills standpoint, Holden and Jones are forward thinkers who introduce new ideas and capitalize on unique opportunities for students.

Two years ago, the Pelham Civic Complex reached out to the schools about an ice skating partnership. Since then, kindergartners at Oaks and Ridge can enroll in a month of ice skating lessons as part of the school curriculum. Parents volunteer to help, while the students get to experience something new. “They fall down at first,” shared Jones. “But they get right back up. It builds their confidence, and they are so proud of themselves.”

Back on their respective campuses, youth leadership programs focus on developing strong character, honesty and integrity. This may be through a student leadership team, student-driven community service projects, peer helpers, a principal’s team, Greenpower racing, and more. While the details of each program differ between Oaks and Ridge, the purpose remains the same; let students see firsthand how, at a young age, they can make a difference in the local community.

From life skills to academics and leadership, Holden and Jones say they do a good job of creating unity between their schools. “Chase and I work well together,” said Jones, “and while we have different schools, we serve the same community.”

The principals agree they are excited about where their schools have been, where they are now, and where they are going. And no matter what, they envision a future where students succeed, and goals stay true to the Pelham Way: Inspire, Empower, Achieve.

“We do our best to ensure children are seen and heard. Our administration makes it a point to be very visible and present at school and at extracurricular activities so the students see us in different capacities in their lives, not just in school.”

—KHADIDR JONES

THE MOST IMPORTANT

Meal of the Day

by KIM CRIPPS photos by ALLISON CARPENTER

YYou might say it was through a stroke of luck that Big Bad Breakfast found a home in Pelham, Alabama.

Local owner Bobby McGurk didn’t plan on following in his father’s restaurateur footsteps. But when a post-college golf outing led to a familiar job opportunity, he jumped at the chance.

Having grown up in the industry, Bobby found an ease in food service. He waited tables and worked in kitchens as a teenager, while also seeing the business side from his dad’s perspective. This sort of dual experience inspired him to take

a very hands-on approach to his restaurants, jumping in wherever support is needed so both customers and team members can have a great experience.

And, based on Pelham Magazine’s recent visit to Big Bad Breakfast, it’s working.

Starting off Strong

When it comes to breakfast, I usually opt for something simple: a toasted English muffin and home-brewed coffee with creamer. Caffeine and carbs. When we do go for breakfast, it typically isn’t on a random Thursday. But that was about to change.

We arrived at Big Bad Breakfast in Pelham, which is one of five BBB restaurants in the metro area, ready to try something savory, something sweet, and fully expecting a carafe of hours-old coffee.

Bobby greeted us at the door, showed us our table, offered menus, and spent time sharing his favorite menu items. Currently, it’s the Old School Wrap, noting that he usually doesn’t have time to sit and eat. “But with this, I can keep coming back to it because the wrap keeps the eggs warm.”

So, naturally, we had to try the wrap. We added a low-country skillet, an order of French toast, and a plate of biscuits. Plus, a vanilla latte and black coffee.

The coffees came out first. Big Bad Breakfast partners with Birmingham-based Royal Cup Coffee

Located across the street from the Pelham Civic Complex, Big Bad Breakfast offers a warm, modern atmosphere.

to create its own proprietary blend of roasted beans. As a true test, I tried the coffee black. Remember, as a general rule, I do not drink black coffee. But this was good! It was ground on-site and freshly brewed. Most definitely not from an hours-old carafe. The latte, carefully crafted by Jana, hit just right, too.

While sipping coffee and enjoying scratch-made biscuits, we learned that the biscuit recipe comes from BBB founder and original chef,

John Currence. John also happens to be the 2009 James Beard Award winner for Best Chef: South and a Michelin-recommended chef. The biscuits are served with strawberry, blackberry, and peach jam, all made in-house from fresh produce.

Just as we were getting our fill on biscuits, homemade jam and coffee, our food arrived.

Restaurant Review

The Most Important Meal

The Old School Wrap, filled with scrambled eggs, breakfast sausage, Pico de Gallo, bell peppers and cheddar cheese, was as good as promised. It was paired with a brûléed grapefruit, a first for me, that we will certainly be requesting again.

ABOVE: Our vanilla latte, one of many available flavors, was carefully handcrafted. LEFT: Big Bad Breakfast’s Old School Wrap with a side of lime crema for dipping, and bruleed grapefruit.

With family from the coast, I admit I was skeptical of the low-country skillet. It’s hard to find good seafood in Birmingham. I’m happy to report that both the shrimp and the spice profile delivered. While I prefer a milder taste first thing in the morning, if you’re looking for flavor, these scrambled eggs mixed with cheddar cheese, onion, peppers, tomatoes and potatoes, then topped with shrimp and andouille will hit the spot.

Finally, for a sweet, dessert-like finish, we wanted “just a bite” of the French toast. No one warned us this was French Bread, battered and deep-fried, then topped with fresh berries, whipped cream, powdered sugar and served with BBB House Syrup Blend. We, in fact, took many, many bites. It’s reported that the Pelham Magazine team was full until well after supper time.

Final Thoughts

Big Bad Breakfast is conveniently located near the Pelham Civic Complex, just off the interstate and behind Cahaba Valley Road. Its atmosphere is airy and welcoming, with seating options at the bar, outside, tucked in a booth, or right up front by a wall of windows.

It offers a vast array of options. As in, I could take my family of five, and we could all find something to enjoya huge win!

Definitely stop in for breakfast, starting at 7 am. Or lunch. Both options are served daily until 2:30 pm.

And, if you’re in a hurry, ask for the Old School Wrap to go. Pair with a warm cup of coffee or orange juice, fresh squeezed daily, and your morning commute will instantly be much better.

IN THE KITCHEN WITH

KATHLEEN PHILLIPS

Food Blogger GritsAndGouda.com

HOT HAM AND CHEESE CRESCENT SQUARES

When back-to-school season hits and the days get busy, my Hot Ham and Cheese Crescent Squares (also called Crescent Roll Ham and Cheese Bake) are about to become your new secret weapon. Made with two cans of refrigerated crescent roll dough and about 10 minutes of prep, these buttery, golden squares are layered with melty Swiss cheese and savory deli ham, perfect for lunchboxes, after-school snacks, or a quick weeknight dinner the whole family will love.

INGREDIENTS

2 (8 ounce) cans crescent roll dough (or crescent roll dough sheets)

1 tablespoon Dijon mustard

12 slices Swiss cheese or Mozzarella or provolone, divided

8 ounces deli ham or other deli meat slices (about 6 to 8 slices)

2 tablespoons melted butter

⅛ teaspoon garlic powder

¼ teaspoon dried Italian seasoning (optional)

Kathleen Phillips is a food blogger, food stylist, cookbook author and former Oxmoor House test kitchen director (Southern Living). On her blog, GritsAndGouda.com, she creates Southern shortcut recipes. Follow her on Facebook, Instagram, YouTube and Pinterest. She also teaches cooking classes at the Pelham Senior Center.

INSTRUCTIONS

1. Preheat oven to 375F°. Lightly coat a 12x8 baking dish or 2 ½ quart rectangle baking dish with nonstick spray.

2. Remove the crescent roll dough from one can and press it into the bottom of the dish. Spread the Dijon mustard on top of the dough.

3. Arrange 6 slices of the cheese on the dough, cutting the cheese as necessary to fit.

4. Arrange the ham or deli meat on the cheese, overlapping as necessary to fit in the dish. Arrange the remaining cheese slices on the ham, overlapping as necessary.

5. Remove the crescent roll dough from the second can. Spread it

out on a cutting board or a clean counter and smooth out the edges to about the same size as your dish.

6. Carefully place it on top of the cheese. Press the edges to the sides of the dish together with the bottom dough.

7. Combine the melted butter, garlic powder, (and if using) the Italian seasoning. Brush the tops of the dough with this butter mixture.

8. Bake for 25 to 30 minutes or until golden brown. Let stand 5 minutes before cutting.

9. For breakfast, brunch or brinner servings, cut into 8 servings. For parties, cut into little squares for appetizer servings.

New & Noteworthy in Pelham

by KIM CRIPPS

RESTAURANTS

CREEKSIDE BBQ

Creekside BBQ, located at 1020 Oak Mountain Park Road, was recently acquired by brothers Javier and RJ Jerez, who have owned Margarita Grill since 2006. The new owners plan to improve consistency and customer service

while continuing to serve up the BBQ patrons know and love.

JOSEPH’S TABLE

A popular Chelsea restaurant has relocated to Pelham. Joseph’s Table Mediterranean Bistro & Bar opened in June at 9340 Helena Road, a space once occupied by McAlister’s. The restaurant previously operated

in Chelsea for ten years. Lunch hours are 11am-2:30pm and dinner hours are 5-9pm, MondaySaturday. They are closed on Sundays.

THE OLD PLACE TAP HOUSE AND BAR

The Old Place Tap House and Bar opened in May, located at 112 Bowling Lane. Locals know it as a warm and inviting atmosphere with 32 beers on tap, a wide selection of high-end spirits, appetizers, sandwiches and desserts.

SANPEGGIO’S PIZZA

Sanpeggio’s continues its local expansion, opening a new location recently in Pelham at 1948 Montgomery Highway in the Southgate Village shopping center. Sanpeggio’s is known for its handcrafted pizza, pasta, wings, subs, and salads available for pickup and fast delivery.

WINGS R KING

Wings R King, which operates five locations throughout the metro area, has announced it will open its 6th location at 3018 Pelham Parkway, Suite 104, in the space formerly occupied by Wok On In. The restaurant is known for its chicken wings, but also serves burgers, seafood, hot dogs, and other items. No official opening date has been announced. RETAIL

PLANET FITNESS

Planet Fitness will open a new location in Pelham, located in the former Big Lots at 3550 Pelham Parkway. The gym will include more than 29,000 square feet of floor space following a $1.5 million renovation.

E-BIKE OASIS

EBike Oasis opened its first Pelham location, and third overall, recently. The store, located at 206 Oak Mountain Circle, offers a full line of e-bikes, which are similar to traditional bikes but come equipped with an electric motor and rechargeable battery. The motor makes pedaling easier, which can help with climbing steep hills and going longer distances. The store is open Tuesday-Saturday, 10am-6pm.

Around Pelham Schools

by MATTHEW ALLEN

NEW HALL OF FAME INDUCTEES

The Pelham Athletics Hall of Fame inducted several new members in March. This class marks the second installment of honorees since the Hall of Fame was formed. Inductees include Chris Adams, Justin Allison, Dr. Emily Bell Casey, Lauren D’Alessio Marsh, Coach Patrick McDonald, Michael Proctor, and Seth Torman. Each inductee is recognized with a permanent plaque on the Hall of Fame wall in the Pelham High School gym lobby.

PRE-K CLASSROOMS COMING TO PELHAM

Pelham City Schools will offer two Alabama First Class Pre-K classrooms for the 2026-27 school year. The classrooms, located at Pelham Ridge Elementary School, will serve about 32 students, providing additional early learning opportunities. The program is funded by the Alabama Department of Early Childhood Education as part of the state’s nationally recognized Alabama First Class Pre-K initiative.

RECORD SET FOR AP TEST SCORES

Pelham High School achieved an 81% Advanced Placement exam pass rate this past school year. It is the sixth straight year of schoolwide improvement, including a 5 percentage point increase year over year. 11 of Pelham High School’s AP courses outperformed both the Alabama and global AP exam pass rates.

TSA STUDENTS VISIT WASHINGTON

Students from the Technology Student Association at Pelham High visited Washington, DC, in June for the national TSA conference. They competed along with students from around the country, focusing on activities in the science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM) fields.

MAKERS: Young Artists Celebrate America

by KIM CRIPPS photos by ALLISON CARPENTER

TThis summer, art teacher Amanda Knight led a small group of students in a community art project to commemorate the 250th anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence.

In honor of this significant milestone for America, the young artists painted a fire hydrant at Pelham Oaks Elementary School. Pelham Magazine photographer, Allison Carpenter, met Mrs. Knight on site to see them in action. “This project was completely designed and painted by our awesome students!” shared Mrs. Knight on social media.

Mrs. Knight joined Pelham City Schools as a visual arts teacher in 2014. Over the years, she’s become known in the community for creating an environment where kids feel encouraged to expand their creativity, try new things and take pride in their work.

She practices this outside of the classroom, too, putting herself out there by hosting summer camps and investing in hands-on professional development with the Alabama Art Education Association. Her students see her genuine passion and curiosity for her craft; it’s why they feel comfortable stepping into a new, noteworthy, and very likely, once in a lifetime art project like this.

The fire hydrant painting project was part of a larger scale community initiative called The Great Pelham Patriotic Fire Hydrant Challenge. Mayor Rick Walsh introduced the challenge in early June as a unique way

Amanda Knight, center on page 18, leads a group of students in painting a fire hydrant at the school as part of the city-wide Great Pelham Patriotic Fire Hydrant Challenge.

for local neighborhoods to show their American spirit for our nation’s birthday.

Pelham Oaks and Pelham Ridge were the first to complete their patriotic fire hydrants, kicking off the challenge and inspiring participation from others with their designs; Oaks choose blue with white stars and Ridge featured red and white stripes, with blue accents, white stars, and of course, a nod to the official “America250” logo.

Up to 25 neighborhoods and home owners associations could register to participate in the painting project. Then, through July 12, residents voted on their favorite fire hydrant using a customized QR code located near each registered hydrant. At the time Pelham Magazine went to press, a winner had not yet been named. Check the City of Pelham’s Facebook page for the most recent updates and the winner’s announcement.

Are you a local maker, artist or creative with a special project, craft or talent to share? We’d love to hear from you! Please email us at pelham@jbmcmedia.com to be considered for an article in a future issue of Pelham Magazine.

MATT WEBER Editor, Home Improvement & Repairs Magazine

Matt Weber is editor of Home Improvement & Repairs magazine based in Birmingham, Alabama. Find more tips, how-to projects, and home advice at www.hirpub.com. Special thanks to Jonathan Robert with New American Funding for consultation on this article. Contact Jonathan Robert at Jonathan.Robert@Nafinc.com.

PAYING FOR

Remodels and Repairs

by MATT WEBER

RRemodeling a home can be expensive. Even a thrifty do-ityourselfer who owns tools and has home-improvement experience can run up a hefty bill in materials and supplies. Repairing a home can also be expensive, but making repairs should take priority over optional remodels, because damage to a house tends to exacerbate when left unaddressed. Whether you’re undertaking a remodel or a repair, costs can accrue quickly, but you have a few options to manage them.

Emergency Fund

It is wise for homeowners to establish an emergency fund to help offset the unforeseen cost of surprise repairs. As many Alabama homeowners are aware, addressing certain common emergencies simply cannot be delayed. Common culprits include a backed-up septic system stinking up the neighborhood or damage from severe storms.

Insurance Coverage

When it comes to severe weather

damage, one way to prepare is to review your homeowner’s insurance to decide if your coverage should be adjusted. This includes considering add-ons for certain types of weather damage you may not have anticipated when you first bought your home.

Cash is King

Saving money for optional remodels is not always feasible, but the more you save in advance, the more money you save in the end. When you pay directly from checking or savings, you accrue no interest, no debt, and maintain full control of the budget.

Contractor / Manufacturer Financing

Many professional remodeling contractors (especially for kitchens, baths, windows and roofing) partner with lenders and/or manufacturers, so they can offer discounts, deferred interest or low-rate promotions. However, you should always read the fine print, because rates can skyrocket after the promotional period.

Credit Cards

Although credit cards may seem quick, easy and convenient, people can get into a lot of trouble using them. Zero-percent introductory APR on cards can appear attractive, and some homeowners expect to pay off the balance quickly. However, if that $5,000 to $10,000 project remains on the balance sheet after the promo period, the interest rate can become 15 to 25 percent, and then debt can balloon fast. Know the risks.

Personal Loans

Homeowners often have the option of securing a personal bank loan. A bank, credit union, or online lender may offer loans of $5,000–$50,000+ with terms of 2 to 7 years. The rates are fixed, and no collateral is required. These loans typically have higher interest rates than home-secured loans (usually 7 to 20+ percent, depending on credit).

Home-secured Loans

Using the value of your home to secure credit may present options.

A home equity loan (second mortgage) is a lumpsum loan based on your home’s equity with a fixed interest rate and fixed monthly payments. A home equity loan typically offers lower rates than personal loans (often 7 to 10 percent), and the interest may be tax-deductible if used for home improvements.

A HELOC (Home Equity Line of Credit) is a revolving credit line you draw from as needed (like a credit card but secured by your home). It comes with variable rates, often with a draw period (5–10 years) followed by repayment.

A cash-out refinance replaces your current mortgage with a new, larger one, and you take the difference in cash. This can achieve a potentially lower overall rate. A cash-out refinance resets your mortgage term and entails closing costs of 2 to 5 percent of the loan, so this only makes sense if rates are favorable.

If you are considering taking a large loan for a major home project, always do plenty of research and consult a knowledgeable financial professional. Financing partners may be able to use alternative credit models to assess applicants with non-traditional credit histories, opening the door for homeowners who have the ability to pay over time but would not otherwise qualify for conventional credit.

BROADWAY CAN WAIT:

Nashville's Museums Are Worth the Trip

story and photos by CHERITH GLOVER FLUKER

TThe drive from Birmingham to Nashville is less than three hours. That’s close enough for a weekend trip, yet far enough to feel like a real getaway. Most Birmingham families have made the drive, done the Broadway thing, eaten the hot chicken, and checked off the experiences people typically associate with Music City. And those experiences are absolutely worth having.

But if you stop there, you're only seeing part of Nashville.

On my most recent visit, I wanted something different. I wanted to explore the quieter, deeper side of the city that exists just beyond the spotlight. What I found was a Nashville that is just as entertaining as Broadway.

START AT THE VISITOR CENTER

Before heading out, stop by the Nashville Visitor Center. The team there pointed me toward several places I probably would not have thought to visit on my own, and those recommendations became the highlights of the trip.

PRO TIP

The people at visitor centers often know things the internet doesn't — and for families trying to make the most of a short trip, that insider knowledge is invaluable.

TAKE A NARRATED TOUR

Before wandering independently, consider booking a city tour with Gray Line Tours. Narrated tours give you a great overview of the city and can change the way you experience a place. Tour guides give you context before you start exploring, so instead of simply passing buildings and landmarks, you understand the stories attached to them. For kids especially, that context makes everything that follows a bit more meaningful.

During the tour, we passed the Parthenon, a full-scale replica of the ancient Greek temple in Centennial Park. I immediately knew I needed to go back. I had visited

years ago as a field trip chaperone, but that meant my attention was divided between counting students and keeping everyone accounted for. Returning without those responsibilities let me actually slow down and see the place. For families, it's worth noting: the Parthenon is genuinely spectacular and pairs well with a picnic in Centennial Park.

AREA MUSEUMS THAT LEFT LASTING IMPRESSIONS

For visitors who prefer to remain near the heart of the city, many of Nashville's most remarkable museums are conveniently located right in the downtown area. Here are some of my favorites:

The Country Music Hall of Fame showcases a depth that goes well beyond music. It traces the cultural and social history of country music as it has shaped American identity. For a more meaningful experience, plan to spend at least two hours exploring the exhibits.

The Ryman Auditorium tour is a must. Standing on the stage where Patsy Cline, Johnny Cash, and the worldrenowned Fisk Jubilee Singers once performed, history suddenly feels close enough to touch.

Historic RCA Studio B carries that same significance. So many artists created music within those walls that eventually became part of people's lives, memories, and personal soundtracks.

Two more museums I visited were the National Museum of African American Music and the Museum of Christian & Gospel Music. Both spaces tell stories that don't always receive the same visibility, despite how profoundly they shaped American music as a whole.

At NMAAM, interactive exhibits trace the through-line from the blues to hip-hop in a way that is as engaging for teenagers as it is eye-opening for adults. The Museum of Christian & Gospel Music tells the stories of the voices and traditions that became the emotional backbone of genres extending far beyond Sunday morning.

Families coming from Birmingham will find both these spaces particularly meaningful.

Broadway absolutely deserves the attention it gets. It earns its reputation. But if you have time, venture beyond the spotlight. The Nashville waiting on the other side of Broadway might just be the part you remember most.

COACHING IS IN HIS BLOOD:

Ross Newton is Building Something Special at Pelham

by LOYD MCINTOSH

THeading into his second season as head football coach, Ross Newton believes big things are on the horizon for Pelham High School. Newton, the son of a high school football coaching legend with an impressive pedigree in his own right, led the Panthers to the Alabama High School Athletics Association (AHSAA) playoffs in 2025 following a 2024 campaign that saw Pelham notch only one W in the Win column.

With a successful year under his belt, Newton is quick to give credit to his coaching staff, administration, and

other supporting cast, almost always using “we” instead of “I” in conversation, even as he implements vision for the program. Now, as kickoff to the 2026 season draws near, Newton believes big things are on the horizon for Pelham Panthers football.

“We took over a program that was one-and-nine that had played a bunch of young players the year before and we were able to mold them into a playoff football team,” Newton said during a phone conversation in mid-June. “That was our goal last year, to make the playoffs, and we did that, so there was a lot of progress made in Pelham football last year.

“Pelham is a city that has a lot of pride,” he adds, “and they are committed to doing things the right way.”

Newton arrived in Pelham with more than two decades of experience at the high school and college level, coaching with some big names like Les Miles and Gus Malzahn at several marquee programs, including Auburn, LSU, and 14 years at his alma mater, Samford University. Once on campus, Newton began infusing Pelham football with ideas and approaches to the game learned from over 20 years on the sidelines.

Coaching is in Newton’s blood—literally. His father is legendary Homewood Head Coach Bob Newton, who spent 33 years as an assistant, head coach and athletics director, winning five state championships with the Patriots, including four titles in five years from 20002004. Following his retirement in 2008, Homewood City Schools named the playing surface in his honor to Bob Newton Field at Waldrop Stadium.

While athletics were important growing up, education was the driving force in the Newton household. Jodi Newton, the matriarch of the family, was an educator, serving as Homewood City Schools Superintendent,

among other high-profile roles, until her passing in 2022. Along with his brother Bert, the head football coach at Hartselle High School, the Newtons’ commitment to build young people into successful citizens is central to Ross Newton’s approach to coaching. "I was very, very lucky to have grown up with great parents,” Newton says. “They were both educators, and I saw the impact they had on people.

"We're winning games, but we also want to be good workers and employees and bosses and husbands and dads and those types of things one day,” he adds. “That's super, super important to us.”

Although Pelham has never won a state championship, the Panthers do have a strong football history, including the school’s first playoff win and regional championships in the late 1990s, and continued success into the early 2000s. However, demographic shifts, the siphoning off of local populations to form Oak Mountain and Helena High

one game in 2025 and threw for more than 1,700 yards and 18 touchdowns. Hampton started one game in 2025 as a freshman, coming in relief of Smith, who was injured, helping the Panthers defeat Leeds 21-14. “Dylan is a great leader and a tough kid,” Newton says. “John John’s got a really bright future, too, so we feel really good about our quarterback situation.”

Newton is also high on a talented group of wide receivers: Ethan Drawhorn, Tristan Darden, and featured receiver Marcus Arnold. At six feet, 170 pounds, Arnold hauled in 57 passes for 1,135 yards and 11 touchdowns. Also a talented basketball player, Arnold broke his leg in the Panthers’ first basketball game of the 2025-26 season. Newton has been happy with Arnold’s recovery and believes he will be back to full speed by the start of the season.

The offensive line returns four starters in Jacob Bush, Sawyer Sullivan, Elijah Gilleylen and Jonah Gee, the latter

“The players embraced a different way of doing things and we were able to hire a really good staff and some really good coaches that coached with us last year and this year,” Newton says, “We’re surrounding ourselves with people that want to try to build a program and win games but also do it the right way and influence these young men so they are successful when they leave here one day.”

Schools, and the establishment of the Pelham City Schools system have all affected the local athletic talent pool.

Newton doesn’t view these challenges as roadblocks to success. Instead, he sees them as opportunities and features that make Pelham a great place to work and live.

“There is a lot of pride in the community, but it has, over the last 25 years, undergone a lot of change. I don't know of another high school in Birmingham that can say they have been completely cut in half two times between Oak Mountain and Helena,” Newton explains.

“Pelham has been through a lot of changes, but it’s a great place. We have a lot of great kids, a lot of great families and it’s very diverse. We’ve got kids that have everything, and then we’ve got kids who don't have very much,” he adds. “As an educator, that's what you love. You get to reach all kinds of people, and our team’s that way, our school is that way, it's a great place to live.”

The Pelham Panthers have a talented core of key players returning for 2026. He’s especially optimistic about the quarterback position with two gunslingers on the roster, Dylan Smith and Jonathon “John John” Hampton.

Smith, a senior listed at 6-2, 205 pounds, started all but

a junior who is already drawing major college interest from Georgia Tech, Florida State, Georgia and Auburn.

One wildcard to watch is transfer T.J. Spell from Chelsea, an athlete versatile enough to play multiple positions on both sides of the ball; however, Newton says his role hasn’t yet been determined. Other key positions will be filled by young players without much experience on the varsity level, especially running back and almost the entire defense.

Another challenge for 2026 is the Alabama high school football realignment. With the realignment, Pelham drops from 6A to 5A and will compete in Region 4 with a handful of new schools, including Mountain Brook, and 2025 6A quarterfinalist Homewood.

Despite some challenges, Newton believes the Pelham football program is on the right track and building a foundation for a bright future. "There's no reason we can't consistently have players going to college and consistently be chasing championships at Pelham,” Newton says. “They've done it before, and it can be done again."

Pelham kicks off the 2026 season on Friday, August 21, at Oak Mountain High School.

PELHAM PARKS AND RECREATION:

Summer Recap

Nothing says summertime like enjoying a movie under the stars. And, this was just one of three events hosted by the Pelham Parks and Recreation Department this summer. On May 16, at Pelham Palooza, attendees purchased items from local vendors, enjoyed live music, and ate at different food trucks. In celebration of Family Health & Fitness Day on June 13, families at the Pelham Recreation Center learned about how to stay healthy and participated in different interactive workouts. Finally, on July 10, residents visited Park 124 to watch Captain America: The First Avenger in celebration of America’s 250th anniversary.

Behind the Scenes at Backpack Buddies

by BREANNA LASATER

VVineyard Family Services is making a big impact with their Backpack Buddies program through the simple act of giving food to local children and teenagers who lack food security.

Backpack Buddies operates in 40 public schools in Shelby County, where they hand out a bag of food to approximately 1,400 local kids every Friday during the school year to make sure that they have enough to eat on the weekend.

“Food is a simple need, and we want them to have enough,” Backpack Buddies Program Manager Sarah Babcock said. “This isn’t a program where people have to jump through hoops to get help. We have the food, and out of compassion, we will give it to them every time, no questions asked.”

Volunteers of all ages gather on the first Saturday of each month throughout the school year at the Pelham location of Vineyard Family Services. Each time, they pack around 4,000 bags of shelf-stable food for distribution

Most recipients are identified by teachers and school counselors and may experience long or short-term food insecurity, but the offer of compassion and consistency is the same regardless of why a child might need the food. Recipients, or “Buddies” as the program likes to call them, remain anonymous and receive the food directly from their school counselors, who offer a safe point of contact to make sure that the kids have what they need.

“The kids who need help could be any of our kids — they are our own kids’ classmates and friends,” Babcock said. “Backpack Buddies gives us a chance to have a real and immediate impact on real kids in our personal community.”

Backpack Buddies provides shelf-stable, kid-friendly items to make sure that kids have access not only to foods they need, but foods they like. They also equip schools with hygienic items to hand out upon request to kids and teens who receive the food bags. Backpack Buddies also gives seasonal treats like Christmas stockings, Valentine’s Day treats, and Easter bags to all recipients of food who might otherwise not experience the joy of a simple gift during the holidays.

LEFT: Backpack Buddies partnered this summer with other local efforts to relieve food insecurity, providing more than 1,000 bags of food for children in the area. They also maintain a small food pantry where emergency food boxes are available for families who unexpectedly experience crisis and need help.

BELOW: While some of the schools that receive food from Backpack Buddies have nearly 100 children who need the food, others have only one child. No matter the number, Backpack Buddies staff consistently delivers bags of food to each school according to need.

“Both consistency in having the food they need, and also receiving holiday treats and gifts can restore dignity and provide normalcy for kids who don’t have these things,” Babcock said. “They can be just like any other kid receiving a Christmas present, which they may not otherwise have.”

Volunteers gather monthly for “Community Packing Parties” during the school year, where they pack around 4,000 bags of food each month for Backpack Buddies. Families, corporate teams, church groups, and anyone who wants to be involved is welcome to join this effort to support the local community.

“There are so many different kinds of people involved, but they all share the common goal of giving these kids a better quality of life,” Babcock said. “This program brings them together for a common purpose and gives them something good that they can work toward together.”

Backpack Buddies relies on grants and donations. To learn more, donate, volunteer, or follow what they are doing, see their website vfsdads.com/backpack-buddies or find them on the Vineyard Family Services Facebook page.

JULY 31 - AUGUST 1

National Kidz Outdoors

Indoor Pro Rodeo

7:30 - 10 pm

Pelham Civic Center

Families will be able to see bareback bronc riding, saddle bronc riding, bull riding, tiedown roping and other types of rodeo activities. Plus, rodeo clowns will be present to keep everyone laughing along with vendors selling different products.

Advance tickets $10$20 (additional $5 day of show). Visit pelhamalabama.gov/ calendar for more info.

AUGUST 10

Hand-Sewing Workshop 5:30 - 6:30 pm

Pelham Public Library

If you love arts & crafts, then be sure to sign up for this free, recurring workshop. While supplies will be provided, only 10 participants are allowed to attend. This is a free workshop. Visit pelhamlibraryal.gov/ calendar to learn more.

AUGUST 13

3D Kids

4 - 5 pm

Pelham Public Library

Children aged 8-12 years old can attend this free event and learn about 3D modeling and bring their 3D creations to life. Registration is required and there’s a limit on available devices. Learn more at pelhamlibraryal. gov/calendar.

August Affairs

AUGUST 15

BASH Iron Man Tournament 8 am

Pelham Civic Complex & Ice Arena

A youth ice hockey tournament where teams compete against each other. Teams are guaranteed 4 games and a t-shirt and jersey are included in the fee. $800 Team Fee, 4 Game Guarantee, T-shirt and Jersey Included. allevents.in/ pelham/iron-man-2026/ 200030075815112

AUGUST 19

Promenaders (Square Dancing) 1:15 - 3:15 pm

Pelham Senior Center

Bi-monthly square dancing class for adults aged 65+. Free. pelhamalabama.gov/ calendar

AUGUST 1: King of the Mountain

8 am - 12 pm l Oak Mountain State Park

AUGUST 20

Putt & Bingo Night 5 - 9 pm

Putter Up, Campus 124

Grab your family and enjoy an evening full of putt putt, bingo and food. Other games and prizes will be available. Prices will vary. allevents.in/ pelham/putt-andbingo-night/ 200030297327756

AUGUST 21

Pelham Panthers vs. Oak Mountain 7 pm

Heardmont Park Stadium

Cheer on the Pelham High School football team at their season opener against the Oak Mountain Eagles. $13 for a general admission ticket. pelhamhighathletics.com

A 5k race where you can run on the Blue Trail and the Outback Highway located at Oak Mountain State Park. There are only two award categories but those who complete 40 minutes will be knighted. Cost: $30+. Visit findtherun.com and search “King of the Mountain" to sign up.

AUGUST 22:

Cars For A Cause 10 am - 1 pm Campus 124

Custom and classic cars, prizes, scavenger hunt and outdoor games all at this event. All of the proceeds will go to helping individuals with developmental disabilities. $30 registration per vehicle, FREE for spectators. allevents.in/ pelham/cars-for-acause/200030036725852

AUGUST 2

Water Painting Class 10 am - 12 pm

Pelham Senior Center

Seniors can participate in this 2-hour class and create beautiful watercolor masterpieces. Free. pelhamalrecreation.gov/ Calendar

AUGUST 26

Mahjong 101 Class for Adults

5 - 7:30 pm

Pelham Public Library

Certified Mahjong teacher, Katie Arnold will teach those interested the basics of Mahjong. Supplies provided for a FREE eight person class. Registration is required. pelhamlibraryal.gov/ calendar

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