52nd Annual Gem Show, hosted by the Alabama Mineral & Lapidary Society
Featured – Family
Alabama Mineral & Lapidary Society invites you to experience its stunning, annual gem show on September 6-7 from 10am-6pm and September 8 from 10 am-4pm at the Irondale Civic Center (former Zamora Temple). Serious collectors will find prime specimens of minerals and fossils; lapidarists will find stone beads, slabs, and cabochons; jewelry admirers will find beautiful, natural adornments. Families will find fun and educational activities, with an expanded children’s section this year. The popular geode cracker will again be featured: Choose your own geode for purchase, then witness what timeless treasure hides inside as it is opened for you. There will be door prizes and demos on lapidary equipment. Follow for more information, visit www.lapidaryclub.com.
Join Sozo Children for a family-friendly adventure on the African Trails at the Birmingham Zoo. Sozo Safari will feature dinner, a DJ, games and up close and personal encounters with elephants, giraffes, and other exotic animals. There will also be a live performance from the Sozo Children’s Choir. This group of 13 energetic kids from Uganda, Africa is the 5th Sozo Choir to tour America since 2016. We invite you come out for an exciting evening to help reach our goal of raising $75,000 that will go directly to efforts of continuing to rescue and restore vulnerable children in Uganda.
Parenting Points
As the calendar turns to January, Christians worldwide celebrate Epiphany, a festival that marks the manifestation of Jesus Christ to the Gentiles. Traditionally observed on January 6, Epiphany is a time of reflection and rejoicing as we commemorate the visit of the wise men to the baby Jesus, signifying the revelation of Christ’s light to the world.
Epiphany symbolizes the extension of God’s salvation to the Gentiles, emphasizing the truth seen throughout the Scriptures that Jesus came not only for a particular group but for all people. Guided by a star, the wise men from the East journeyed to find the newborn King. The star led them to Bethlehem, where they encountered the child Jesus and presented him with gifts of gold, frankincense, and myrrh. Epiphany allows our families to reflect on the story of the wise men and the guiding light of the star, pointing them to Jesus. In this season, your family can use the story of the wise men to reflect how we can also be lights pointing people to Jesus. Here are four ideas.
1. Star Gazing. Spend an evening stargazing with your family. Reflect on the star that guided the wise men and discuss how Christ’s light guides your lives.
2. Gift of Light. Light candles as a family, symbolizing the light of Christ. Discuss how this light dispels darkness and represents the presence of Jesus in your home.
3. Gifts of Service: Encourage family members to give the gift of service. Discuss ways you can extend kindness and help to others, mirroring the generosity of the wise men.
4. Sharing the Light. Brainstorm some people you know who do not yet have a relationship with Jesus. Spend some time praying for an opportunity for you to point your light on Jesus by sharing about Him.
Epiphany not only looks back at the historical event but also invites us to look forward. It prompts us to consider how we, like the wise men, can seek and recognize the presence of Christ in our lives in the coming year and share the light of Jesus with others. As we begin a new year, Epiphany reminds us that the light of Christ continues to guide us. The wise men’s journey reminds us of the joy of discovering and worshiping the Savior. We are also reminded how God calls us to be the light pointing all peoples from all places to the hope we have in Jesus.
“But the plans of the Lord stand firm forever, the purposes of His heart through all generations.”Psalm 33:11
My dad was always in and out of prison. My stepmom ended up taking my brother and me, but she didn’t plan on keeping us. It wasn’t long until she learned about Big Oak Ranch.Â
Julian considers the boys he lived with during his time at Big Oak as his brothers then and now.
It was summer and we were 11 years old. I could clearly see that our new home at Big Oak was safe and that I didn’t have to look over my shoulder anymore, and that was a huge relief. There were clothes for me at the Ranch, and I felt confident that I was going to get three meals a day. I could tell it had a completely different atmosphere than any place I had been. It was comfortable and positive. Upon meeting with John and Tee Croyle at Big Oak, they made me four promises: They would love me. They would never lie to me. They would stick with me until I was grown. And there would be boundaries.Â
Julian pours the valuable lessons he learned during his time at Big Oak Ranch into his family.
The boys I lived with at the Ranch were my brothers, not just guys that lived with me. They knew I loved and cared for them. They were and still are my family. Through life, it has stayed constant. I carry all these things with me and implement it with my family. Responsibility, hard work, and learning to navigate life in a Christ-like manner. My wife, Katie, and I met through mutual friends, dated for two years and married in 2017. I’m thankful Christ brought her into my life. She is a committed Christian, caring, smart, responsible and has always been my greatest gift. We are blessed with three children: Monte (15), Harrison (5) and Emerson (1). I took Katie to the Ranch while we were dating as it was important that her and her family see how much my home means to me. My brother, Jim, and I have been able to take what the Ranch taught us and pour it into our families, careers and serving others. From owning our own companies to being in upper management positions with multi-million-dollar companies, we’ve worked hard to provide for our families and maintain successful careers. Both my brother and me, and our families, are still very involved with the Ranch. We both have a close relationship with John Croyle, and we each regularly share about life with him. The Ranch is my home and my family, and it always will be!
-Julian Meloni
Ho Ho Hoover-Randle Open House is a holiday extravaganza with Heart! Experience the magic as Hoover nonprofits, organizations and entities “Deck the Halls of Hoover-Randle House” with over a dozen beautifully decorated trees, each telling a unique story of love and support for our community. Hoover Helps is having its annual Ho Ho Hoover-Randle fundraiser at the Hoover-Randle Home & Gardens (2255 Tyler Rd, Birmingham, AL 35226) on Sunday, Dec. 3, 2023 from 2 to 5 p.m. There will be over a dozen trees decorated by local organizations and nonprofits, pictures with Santa Claus and performances by local community members and children under 12 are admitted free! Hoover restaurants will provide refreshments and Hoover community members will provide the entertainment. Join the fun and help your community, too!
One ticket gets you Pictures with Santa Claus, Local Community Performances and Appearances by the Spain Park Dazzlers, Hoover High Buccannettes, Hoover and Spain Park choirs and special guests, including Miss Hoover Abbie Stockard, Miss Hoover Teen Ali Mims, Mrs. Senior Alabama Kathy Paiml. It’s a day filled with talent, warmth and the spirit of the season.
Local Hoover restaurants will tickle your taste buds with delicious bites, homemade hot chocolate from Grace Klein, homemade chocolate goodies from Michelle’s Chocolate Lab and other treats, adding to the festive atmosphere. Don’t miss the exciting moment when City of Hoover Mayor Frank Brocato announces the winners of “Deck the Halls of Hoover-Randle House” tree competition. It’s a competitive and festive showdown of creativity!
Tickets for this family-friendly affair are just $15, and every purchase helps Hoover Helps in its mission to provide food and clothing to needy children in Hoover. Join the festivities, make a meaningful impact and celebrate the spirit of giving during this holiday season. Your presence can change lives and make the holiday season brighter for children in our community.
Hoover Helps is a nonprofit organization dedicated to meeting the basic needs of students in the Hoover area. Founded on the principles of compassion and community, the nonprofit works tirelessly to ensure that no child in Hoover goes without the essentials they require to thrive. Through partnerships, initiatives and the unwavering support of the community, Hoover Helps continues to make a meaningful impact on the lives of children. For more information and to purchase tickets, visit www.hooverhelps.org.Â
After the loss of a loved one, the first holiday season can bring on a great deal of stress, anxiety, depression, anger, and sadness. Community Grief Support is offering 3 free “Hope for the Holidays” workshops to help those who are facing their first holidays as a loss survivor. The workshops are offered in two different locations and virtually. Learn more here.
After the loss of a loved one, the first holiday season can bring on a great deal of stress, anxiety, depression, anger, and sadness. Community Grief Support is offering 3 free “Hope for the Holidays” workshops to help those who are facing their first holidays as a loss survivor. The workshops are offered in two different locations and virtually. Learn more here.
After the loss of a loved one, the first holiday season can bring on a great deal of stress, anxiety, depression, anger, and sadness. Community Grief Support is offering 3 free “Hope for the Holidays” workshops to help those who are facing their first holidays as a loss survivor. The workshops are offered in two different locations and virtually. Learn more here.
3rd Annual DTO Kickball Tournament Fundraiser to benefit local foster children and international orphans sponsored by Hamner Construction, LLC. Everyone can participate, have fun and help meet the needs of orphans and foster children at the same time.
Teams: Build your team and register for the double elimination kickball tournament. $125 team registration or $15 per pick-up player includes 2 opportunities to play and trophies. Pay at the church office, mail a check to CBC P.O. Box 697, Coaling, AL 35449, or pay online here. Build your teams, name your team and register by contacting Cherryn Murphy at 205-556-2775 or Travis Seagle at 205-394-2858 or email [email protected] by September 30, 2023.
Concessions will be available featuring Perfectly Blended BB1. Â DTO t-shirts for sale and foster care and adoption information available. Monetary gifts are welcomed. All proceeds go to Defend the Orphans Ministry to help local foster children and international orphans. To make a tax deductible monetary donation mail a check to the church, drop off a check in the church office or follow this link to give then select the Defend the Orphans fund.
Join the Alzheimer’s Association: Alabama Chapter for the 2023 Heart of Alabama Walk to End Alzheimer’s in Birmingham! Held annually in more than 600 communities nationwide, the Alzheimer’s Association Walk to End Alzheimer’s® is the world’s largest fundraiser for Alzheimer’s care, support and research. This inspiring event calls on participants of all ages and abilities to join the fight against the disease.
While there is no fee to register for Walk, all participants are encouraged to raise critical funds that allow the Alzheimer’s Association to provide 24/7 care and support and advance research toward methods of prevention, treatment and, ultimately, a cure. Register at act.alz.org/HeartOfAlabama.
