Visit American Village’s Festival of Tulips!

March 22, 2022February 1, 2022 by Laurie Stroud

Are We There Yet?

The 6^th Annual American Village Festival of Tulips is officially open!

3 Girls picking tulips — You can pick your own tulips (including the bulbs). Tulips are $2 plus tax.

Stroll through a field of tens of thousands of tulips, in all the colors of the rainbow. Pick the ones you want to keep – tulips are $2.00 each plus tax, and include both flower and bulb. Bring your family and friends and don’t forget your camera. The tulips and the American Village’s beautiful campus create a one-of-a-kind backdrop for photos.

Forty different varieties and blends of tulips were planted at the American Village in early December 2021. Favorites such as Banja Luka (striped yellow/red), Gentle Giants (mixed pinks), Thanks and Praise (white and yellow mix) and Queen of Night (dark maroon) are back for the 2022 Festival. New varieties making their first appearance include Tom Pouce (fuchsia/yellow), Velvet Ondergrond (red/yellow/white Parrot tulip) and Parade Design (red with variegated foliage). There are early, mid-season and late blooming varieties, so whenever you come there will be a great selection of flowers.

Festival of Tulips 2 — The 6th Annual Festival of Tulips will have 40 varieties of tulips for you to enjoy!

The American Village will be open Monday-Saturday 10 a.m.-4 p.m., and Sunday 12 p.m.-4 p.m. once the Festival of Tulips begins (weather permitting). Admission to the Festival of Tulips will be $5 per person. If you are visiting on a weekday, you can also explore the American Village’s 188-acre campus and take a self-guided tour of the more than 20 historically inspired buildings. Additionally, there will be entertainment in the tulip field. The American Village costumed historical interpreters will have scheduled performances Monday-Sunday. Entertainment will include a puppet show, an American Revolutionary War soldier’s encampment, and encounters with patriots of the past.

When visiting the Festival of Tulips enter the front gate at the American Village and follow the signs to the parking lot directly beside the tulip field. You’ll pay admission and pay for the tulips you pick at the field. To find out more information, visit us online at www.americanvillage.org or follow the American Village Facebook page. †

January 7, 2022 by Nathan Ingram

Silent auction, live music by Just a Few Cats, event games and giveaways! Tickets include complimentary beer, wine, and heavy hors d’oeuvres. Participating in this event allows Cornerstone Schools of Alabama continue their Kingdom Purpose of Empowering Students to Glorify God. #Rockin4Kids

November 23, 2021 by Laurie Stroud

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Publisher’s Note

Merry Christmas to You- Our Readers!

As we celebrate the Christmas season, all of us at Birmingham Christian Family wanted to do something special for readers like you who read and spread Good News with your family and friends each month- either sharing a print issue or reading and sharing one of our articles on-line. So, get ready to enjoy our Jingle All the Way Reader Giveaways!

The fun starts on Black Friday, November 27 with 4 Weeks of Great Christmas Give-A-Ways all valued at $250 or more!

Week 1 Family Four Pack of Tickets to Dollywood, www.Dollywood.com

Inside Beyond Van Gogh: The Immersive Experience

Week 2 VIP Family 4 Pack to Beyond Van Gogh at the BJCC, www.vangoghbirmingham.com

Week 3 $250 Trak Shak Gift Card to use at any area Track Shak, www.trakshak.com

Week 4 Luxurious Filson Wool Blanket from Mark’s Outdoors Vestavia, www.marksoutdoors.com

To be entered to win the giveaways, LIKE and SHARE the giveaway post and TAG 3 friends in the comments.

For extra entries, FOLLOW us on Instagram @cfpbirmingham and/or SUBSCRIBE to Birmingham Christian Family’s (BCF) E-news/online subscription at www.birminghamchristian.com. If you already subscribe to our E-news, message BCF your email address on Facebook to receive the extra entry.

WINNERS for each giveaway will be announced EVERY THURSDAY on Facebook, December 2, 9, 16 and 23, 2021. So be sure to LIKE our page @Birmingham Christian Family. A NEW GIVEAWAY begins EVERY FRIDAY– November 26, December 3. 10, and 17, 2021.

A BIG THANK YOU to our advertising partners who make the gift giving possible and most importantly help us share the gift of our Savior Jesus Christ with readers and followers every day of the year!

“The Word became flesh and made His dwelling among us. We have seen His glory, the glory of the one and only Son, who came from the Faither, full of grace and truth.” John 1:14

-Laurie Stroud Franklin

Founder, The Christian Family Publication, Inc.

www.BirminghamChristian.com

Facebook: Birmingham Christian Family

Twitter: @cfpBirmingham

Instagram: @cfpbirmingham

Pinterest: @cfpbirmingham

LinkedIn: Birmingham Christian Family

Celebrating 21 Years of Good News!

“Look to the Lord & His Strength, Seek His face always.”

1 Chronicles 16:11 (Holman Standard)

November 19, 2021November 15, 2021 by Laurie Stroud

Special Feature

Alabama Cooking celebrity, Brenda Gantt came to Shelby County and wowed the crowd of 300 who came to see her all in the name of charity. The “Barbecue with Brenda” raised $33,000 for the Court Appointed Special Advocates (CASA) of Shelby County.

After a barbecue lunch at The Grande Hall at Mill Square, former news anchor and now publisher of Birmingham Christian Family Magazine, Laurie Stroud Franklin interviewed Brenda. The crowd enjoyed hearing about her newfound fame, her daily schedule, her favorite meals, her family, and her deep-rooted faith in God. Her homespun stories with her thick southern drawl lured her fans in closely as she told stories of her faith, her food, and her skillet skills.

When asked what her best meal is– one that she would serve if Jesus were coming to her house she said, “fried chicken, black-eyed peas, sliced tomatoes and fried okra.” Her favorite food to eat is chicken and dumplings. The first thing she encourages people to learn to cook is biscuits, “because then you can make so many other things like fried pies and dumplings,” Gantt said. Click here to find some of Gantt’s recipes.

Audience listening to Brenda Gantt — Brenda Gantt encouraged the audience to lift up others. She also mentioned some of her favorite recipes, including lacy cornbread.

Her daily schedule begins at 4 a.m. each day and her goal is to always to be a “lifter,” something she encouraged the audience members to be. “We need to lift each other up and be an encouragement to others,” said Gantt. Gantt’s first cookbook, It’s Gonna Be Good Ya’ll was recently released by Hoffman Media of Birmingham. Gantt said it took many hours to translate her stories and recipes.

She became a social media sensation during the pandemic when some young men in her church asked her to teach their wives to make biscuits. She made a video, posted it on Facebook and it went viral. Within two weeks, she had 1 million followers on her Facebook page – an accomplishment many national celebrities don’t have.

Carol Hill, an attendee at the event said, “Brenda Gantt was a great lunch hostess and a phenomenal speaker. She was just like I expected her to be, genuine, gracious and kind.” Hill added her deep appreciation for Gantt coming to Shelby County to help such a worthy cause.

The proceeds from the event went to the Shelby County Court Appointed Special Advocates of Shelby County (CASA). CASA’s mission is to prevent child abuse and neglect and to recruit and train volunteers to go through the court process with children who have been abused or neglected. They also offer several parenting classes throughout the year. Their goal is to ensure that every child has a safe and permanent home. CASA is funded in part by the Children’s Trust Fund, a Shelby County Community grant, local foundations, and the kindness of many individuals. To see how you can become a CASA Volunteer, visit www.casaofshelbycounty.org.

-Beth Chapman

Director, CASA of Shelby County

November 29, 2021November 15, 2021 by Laurie Stroud

Are We There Yet?

Imagine being completely immersed in more than 300 of the greatest works of post-Impressionist artist Vincent Van Gogh. Now imagine experiencing all of this art liberated from its two-dimensional limitations into a three-dimensional experience that exhilarates every sense and brings to life one of the most influential artists the world has known. It’s all part of Beyond Van Gogh: The Immersive Experience a sensory extravaganza that is open at the Birmingham-Jefferson Convention Complex, North Exhibition Hall 1 through January 2. Beyond Van Gogh: The Immersive Experience was created by French-Canadian Creative Director Mathieu St-Arnaud and his team at Montreal’s world-renowned Normal Studio.

While journeying through Beyond Van Gogh: The Immersive Experience guests witness more than 300 iconic masterpieces, including such instantly recognizable classics as “The Starry Night,” “Sunflowers,” and ‘Café Terrace at Night,” as well many revealing self-portraits. Prices start at $32.99 for adults and $21.99 for children, plus ticketing fees. This world-renowned art experience will be open for a limited-time. Tickets, which will sell out quickly, are on sale now at vangoghbirmingham.com. Masks are recommended while inside Beyond Van Gogh: The Immersive Experience.

“An imaginative and fully-immersive adventure, Beyond Van Gogh takes on the challenge of breathing new life into Van Gogh’s vast body of work. Through the use of cutting-edge 3D projection technology and music to illuminate all of his genius, guests can experience the artist with all their senses,” says Mathieu St-Arnaud, Normal Studio. Guests are transported into Van Gogh’s world through an all new, exclusively designed space comprised of three areas that segue fluidly into each other. The Education Room leads into the unique Waterfall Room which flows into the Immersive Experience Room. Freed from their frames, Van Gogh’s spectacular paintings appear on projection-swathed walls inviting guests to fully immerse themselves into the incredible detail of his work and be enveloped in his ever-shifting, swirling and colorful flowers, cafes and stunning landscapes. And, hearing the artist’s own dreams, thoughts and words set to a symphonic score drives an unmatched narrative experience.

“This distinctive and unique multimedia artistic adventure is deeply resonating with audiences. Encompassing a refreshing new twist unlike art lovers have seen before, Beyond Van Gogh gives a new appreciation of this tortured artist’s stunning work. Unsurprisingly millions of people all over the world credit Van Gogh with enhancing their relationship with art. Beyond Van Gogh will only strengthen that connection,” says Justin Paquin, co-producer, Paquin Entertainment.

Cinematic Van Gogh exhibitions have crossed the ocean from European cities to North America in recent years and met with great critical acclaim, with sold-out audiences in every market. Beyond Van Gogh: The Immersive Experience continues to amaze audiences and will stay in Birmingham for a limited engagement before moving across North America. Art lovers near and far will have the opportunity to live this truly unique and unforgettable experience. For more information, visit vangoghbirmingham.com. †

As a part of BCF’s Jingle All the Way Reader Giveaways, we are giving away VIP tickets($250 value!) to Beyond Van Gogh. Click here for details on how you can enter.

October 27, 2021October 26, 2021 by Laurie Stroud

TO SAY THANK YOU for reading and supporting the businesses and organizations that advertise with Birmingham Christian Family(BCF) and make spreading Good News possible we have TWO Great Giveaways this month!

Sound of Music at the Lyric! TWO WINNERS will receive two tickets to experience live at The Lyric Theatre this timeless classic reimagined as a ballet and performed by students of The Dance Studio on Saturday November 20, www.thedancestudio.art. In addition to tickets, the winners will receive a gift basket filled with great items! Sound of Music Gift Basket Giveaway #1 includes: OHenry’s Coffee Basket with Coffee Products, Two Tickets to the Evening Performance of the Sound of Music the Ballet (6pm), Includes Two Sound of Music Coffee Mugs, a pair of ballet pointe shoes signed by the cast of the Sound of Music and a Sound of Music Christmas Ornament. Sound of Music Gift Basket Giveaway #2 includes: OHenry’s Coffee Basket with Coffee Products, Two Tickets to the Matinee Performance of the Sound of Music the Ballet (2pm), Two Sound of Music Coffee Mugs, a pair of ballet pointe shoes signed by the cast of the Sound of Music and a Sound of Music Christmas Ornament!

To enter simply LIKE and SHARE the Giveaway Post on our Facebook Page and FOLLOW BCF. For EXTRA ENTRIES:

1. SUBSCRIBE to receive your free digital issue of BCF at www.birminghamchristian.com.
2. FOLLOW US on Instagram @cfpbirmingham
Offer ends 11/15/21. Winner announced 11/16/21 on Facebook so be sure to LIKE our page!

Christmas at the Station! Take a daytime Christmas train ride from Heart of Dixie Railroad in Calera. Includes a family four pack of tickets. Simply LIKE and SHARE the Giveaway Post on our Facebook Page and FOLLOW BCF. For EXTRA ENTRIES:
3. TAG a friend you would like to take with you!
4. SUBSCRIBE to receive your free digital issue of BCF at www.birminghamchristian.com.
5. FOLLOW US on Instagram @cfpbirmingham
Offer ends 11/23/21. Winners announced 11/24/21 on Facebook so be sure to LIKE our page!

October 18, 2021 by Nathan Ingram

Get your holiday shopping started, support local artisans, and help raise funds for some exceptional kids! Local artisans and crafters have a wide variety of beautiful works available & lots of free Fall Festival activities for the children to enjoy: balloon twisting, inflatables, games, & a crafting station. In addition, food & refreshments will be available for purchase—a Silent Auction & Door prizes throughout the day. All proceeds go to purchase canopy-enclosed safety beds and other equipment for two children with Autism in our community.

Booth space available Contact: [email protected]

September 21, 2021 by Laurie Stroud

Special Feature

American Masters: Becoming Helen Keller examines one of the 20^th century’s human rights pioneers in honor of National Disability Employment Awareness Month. The new documentary rediscovers the complex life and legacy of author and activist Helen Keller (1880-1968), who was deaf and blind since childhood, exploring how she used her celebrity and wit to advocate for social justice, particularly for women, workers, people with disabilities and people living in poverty. Closing the series’ 35^th season, American Masters: Becoming Helen Keller premieres nationwide Tuesday, October 19 at 9 p.m. on PBS (check local listings). Alabama Relay is a sponsor of the showing on Alabama Public Televison

American Masters tells Keller’s story through rarely seen photographs, archival film clips and interviews with historians, scholars and disability rights advocates. Narrated by author, psychotherapist and disability rights advocate Rebecca Alexander, the film features on-camera performances from Tony- and Emmy Award-winning actor Cherry Jones reading Keller’s writings. Actor and dancer Alexandria Wailes provides American Sign Language (ASL) interpretation of Keller’s words with all other ASL interpretation by writer and rapper Warren “WAWA” Snipe. The program also features audio description by National Captioning Institute and closed captioning by VITAC.

Keller first came into public view at a young age, soon after her teacher Anne Sullivan taught her to communicate. As she progressed through her education, graduating from Radcliffe College, Keller steadily gained international attention. Though she lived until age 87, became an accomplished writer and activist, Keller continues to be immortalized as a child, such as in the U.S. Capitol with the statue of her at a water pump. She recounted this moment from her youth in her first autobiography, “The Story of My Life,” later made famous by the book’s stage and screen adaptation, “The Miracle Worker.” American Masters: Becoming Helen Keller delves beyond the mythologized disability icon to present a critical look at her rich, decades-long career and some of its controversies, including her support of socialism and her changing positions on eugenics. The film reveals little-known details of Keller’s personal life and examines her public persona and advocacy, including the progressive reforms she helped achieve. Speaking out for civil rights at great personal cost, Keller supported women’s suffrage, the NAACP, access to health care and assistive technology as a human right, and workers’ rights as a member of the Socialist Party of America and the labor union Industrial Workers of the World.

American Masters is committed to access for the documentary. The series website will have an accessible landing page for the film, including tools for changing color contrast and text size. An additional version of the film with extended audio description will also be available to stream. Marketing efforts for Becoming Helen Keller also integrate ASL, audio description and captions. †

August 26, 2021August 23, 2021 by Laurie Stroud

Cool Stuff

Vintage Market Days Flowers — Don’t miss Vintage Market Days of Birmingham’s Annual Fall Event at the Hoover Finley Center September 30-October 2. Be sure to stop by the *Birmingham Christian Family* booth where we will have some great giveaways for you and copies of the latest issue of BCF!

Grab your best friends on September 30- October 2 and join Vintage Market Days® of Birmingham(VMD) for a special shopping experience, featuring the best small business vendors from Alabama, as well as artisans and makers from nearly 20 other states! Each vendor at the Hoover Finley Center will feature their choice of true vintage goods, antiques, original art, clothing, jewelry, handmade treasures, home décor, outdoor furnishings, consumable yummies, seasonal plantings and so much more! This is a great opportunity to get a jumpstart on your holiday shopping while supporting small business that have been so heavily affected by the pandemic.

VDM is a juried event accepting vendors based on variety, originality and quality of goods sold. Over 70 vendors will bring a shopper’s paradise to the three- day event featuring vintage, one-of-a-kind antiques, children’s items, clothing, handmade jewelry, original art, consumable yummies, seasonal plantings, handmade goods and much more. Plus live music provided by Rachel Wilson.

Pre-sale ticket holders get early entry at 9:30 a.m. each morning. Additionally, the first 25 guests with pre-sale tickets on Thursday will receive an exclusive VMD tote with market cash to spend at any vendor! Admission tickets are $11 and tickets are good for re-entry by ticket holder all weekend! Hours are 10 a.m.- 4 p.m. daily. Children 12 and under are free. The City of Hoover charges $5 parking. Tickets are also available on event days. Cash, debit and credit cards will all be accepted. For more information visit www.vintagemarketdays.com. Click here to enter our Vintage Market Days Ticket Giveaway!

July 6, 2021 by Nathan Ingram

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On Tuesday, July 13, long time radio host and Christian broadcaster Mark Harvard will be doing a rare LIVE recording of his podcast, The Mark Harvard Podcast, at Main Street Italian Bistro in Springville. The public is invited out to be a part of this event beginning at 6pm as Mark talks about pop culture, current events, uplifting stories and engages the crowd in the fun! Weather permitting, the action will be in the courtyard with fun for the entire family. Be there Tuesday, July 13 for a special LIVE recording of the Mark Harvard Podcast at Main Street Italian Bistro in Springville!

Visit American Village’s Festival of Tulips!

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