Youth/Kids
Vestavia Teen Lives Active Life Despite Severe Blood Disorder
Healthy Living 19-year-old Arielle McFarland enjoys painting, attends Lawson State Community College and is a Mary Kay Beauty Consultant. She lives a very active life despite having a severe blood disorder called sickle cell anemia hemoglobin SS. Sickle cell anemia is an inherited gene from both parents. Sickle cells are abnormally-shaped red blood cells that …
Helping Grandkids Head Back to School
Senior Scene As a child I loved the start of a new school year. Fresh notebooks, clean paper, the skill of sharpening your pencil to a perfect point! However, what may be exciting for some children may be upsetting to others facing new teachers, classmates, bus drivers, and schedules. One thing of which we can …
Honoring Old Glory
Youth News Fifty frayed and faded U.S. flags were recently properly retired thanks to the patriotism and partnership of two groups at Our Lady of Sorrows Catholic Church (OLS) in Homewood. Boy Scouts of America Troop 237 with the help of Knights of Columbus conducted a retirement ceremony for the worn flags. Following the Pledge …
Wise Advisors: Empowering Kids One Child at a Time
Mission Makers When a young person is mentored, the positive impact is substantial, and Vineyard Family Services(VFS) ministry is doing all it can to make sure our area youth have this life changing advantage. Thanks to a federal grant from the Office of Juvenile Justice for Detention Prevention, VFS is implementing Wise Advisors, a mentor/mentee …
Volunteer to E-Mentor & Give Area Children the Boost They Need
Special Feature Big Brothers Big Sisters of Greater Birmingham(BBBS) is now offering virtual mentoring through its new e-mentoring program. The program launched last March during the pandemic and gave BBBS a way to continue its mission of creating and supporting one-to-one mentoring relationships that ignite the power and promise of youth. The initiatives of BBBS bolster …
Children & Fevers: When to Seek Medical Attention
Healthy Living Parents can understandably be concerned when their child doesn’t feel well and has a fever. But how high is too high? When should a parent treat a fever at home and when should they seek medical help? Dr. Mark Baker is an Associate Professor of Pediatrics at Children’s of Alabama and works in …
Enriching the Lives of Area Children: ZeroZero Foundation
Education Extra Focused on improving children’s lives across the Birmingham area, the ZeroZero Foundation will provide children with sports-related enrichment and educational opportunities through several key programs and events. Rooted in the Birmingham community, ZeroZero believes every child’s potential extends beyond their athletic ability. The foundation aims to broaden a child’s perspective and identify their …
Missional Living as a Family
Parenting Points When we typically think about missions, we think of teams and missionaries going to take the Gospel to the world. In today’s world of COVID, quarantines, and lockdowns, the opportunity to do a family mission trip this year may not be an option. However, God still reigns and His work in the world …
Hope When It’s Hard
Best Books Hope When It’s Hard: A 30-Day Devotional For Adoptive Parents is more than encouragement for adoptive parents. It’s a lifeline. You finally surrendered. You opened your heart when you said, “Yes, God, I’ll adopt.” But now you’ve discovered that opening your heart to the idea of adoption is the easiest part of the journey. …
Cotton Pickin’ Kids Perform at Magnolia Festival
Music Notes The 20th Annual Gardendale Magnolia Festival is set for April 16-17, 2021! The festival team is excited to welcome visitors safely back for the fun, family friendly event that includes live performances by Cotton Pickin’ Kids- a gospel and bluegrass group from Cullman. The Cotton Pickin’ Kids is a group of siblings that …
