Christmas Parade & Jingle Mingle Hosted by City of Chelsea

November 18, 2021November 18, 2021 by Laurie Stroud

Are We There Yet?

“Classic small-town America” is how the City of Chelsea Mayor Tony Picklesimer describes the annual Chelsea Christmas Parade happening on December 18. With festive floats, arts and music, balloons, food trucks, and an abundance of Santa hats it is the perfect event to welcome Christmas with your family!

The entertainment begins with the Christmas Parade starting at the Grandstand, located behind the Winn Dixie, at 10 a.m. Mayor Picklesimer explains “It’s an opportunity for all of our citizens to get together and be neighbors.” The parade is a major event for Chelsea and planning takes place all year long. Mayor Picklesimer adds that the parade is full of local people and businesses. “The City Council takes part in it, the Chelsea High School band plays in it, the library staff is involved. All of our city entities and local business owners get involved.”

Chelsea Parade Carriage — The 22nd Annual Chelsea Christmas Parade kicks off at 10 a.m. near the Winn Dixie, 150 Chelsea Corners Way, 35043. Learn more at www.cityofchelsea.com.

The fun doesn’t end with the parade! Immediately following the parade, from Noon to 3 p.m., everyone is invited to a “Jingle Mingle.” The Mayor describes it as the “First Lady of Chelsea’s Christmas party.” Mayor Picklesimer’s wife, Cindy, is the official host of the event which includes lots of family fun- face painting, balloons, live characters including Anna and Elsa, and of course, pictures with Santa. The Mayor credits his wife Cindy, Gerri Roberts, and countless others for planning this fun event.

Mayor Picklesimer invites you to kick off the Christmas season with the City of Chelsea. Make plans to welcome the Christmas season at the 22nd Annual Chelsea Christmas Parade on December 18 and enjoy a day of free fun the whole family will enjoy!

-Melissa Armstrong

November 22, 2021November 17, 2021 by Laurie Stroud

Healthy Living

“Listening to people discussing their health issues and problems with my father inspired me to become a doctor,” explains Elizabeth Snowden, M.D. with Birmingham’s Henderson and Walton Women’s Center. Dr. Snowden grew up in a medical family. Her father was a pharmacist, and her mother was a medical technologist. “My father had an independent drug store where I hung out and worked as a child.”

A native of Abingdon, Va., Dr. Snowden graduated Magna Cum Laude from Emory & Henry College. She went on and received her medical degree from the Medical College of Virginia and completed her residency at the University of Mississippi Medical Center.

Dr. Elizabeth Snowden has been married to her husband Charlie for 34 years. They have two daughters. Dr. Snowden sees patients at HWWC’s Birmingham location and more.

What brought Dr. Snowden to Birmingham and Henderson & Walton Women’s Center, P.C. (HWWC)? Fellow HWWC physician Dr. Cynthia Lassiter was a year ahead of Dr. Snowden at the University of Mississippi Medical Center and Rhonda Henderson, daughter of HWWC founder Ron Henderson, was two years behind her in school. “They both encouraged me to look at HWWC,” Dr. Snowden explains. She came to HWWC straight out of residency and just celebrated her 30^th year with the office!

Dr. Snowden is passionate about her career as an Obstetrician and Gynecologist and strives to meaningfully connect with each of her patients. “I love that I get to be a part of the most special parts of my patients’ lives,” Dr. Snowden reflects. “To be involved in the joyous miracle of birth never gets old.” One of her favorite aspects of being a doctor is that she can be a part of multiple generations of families. “I have patients that I took care of as teenagers, delivered their babies and am now delivering their grandbabies,” she says.

Dr. Snowden shares how these patient relationships have impacted her faith. “My patients inspire my faith. Every day I see God’s hand in how He turns tragic situations into good things,” she says.

For more than 40 years, Henderson & Walton Women’s Center has been specializing in women’s health care. All the OB/GYN physicians, including Dr. Snowden, are board certified by the American Board of Obstetrics and Gynecology. For patient convenience, HWWC sees patients in Birmingham, Alabaster, Chelsea, Cullman, Rainbow City/Gadsden, Jasper and Tuscaloosa. To learn more about Dr. Snowden and the team of physicians and staff at Henderson & Walton Women’s Center, P.C., visit www.hwwc.net or call 205-930-1800.

-Melissa Armstrong

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

Inside Beyond Van Gogh: The Immersive Experience

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.

November 16, 2021November 4, 2021 by Laurie Stroud

Special Feature

Tree of Lights Community Grief Support Tree Image — Tree of Lights in Homewood

This holiday season, Homewood’s Community Grief Support (CGS) is celebrating the lives of those we’ve lost in our community. At a time when there has been so much grief due to the COVID-19 pandemic, and other losses, the Homewood community as well as all of Birmingham needs a positive way to find hope and healing.

The ‘Tree of Lights’ memorial, taking place this November and December, will honor our late loved ones with the lighting of a 12-foot holiday tree in Homewood’s Central Park, at the corner of Oxmoor Road and Central Ave., in one of the most visible locations in the city. Like the tradition of Homewood residential streets lined with miniature holiday trees, our large “Tree of Lights” in Central Park will mimic the twinkling lights–not just bringing cheer to residents and those who pass by–but honoring those who have passed on.

“This has been an idea that we’ve been thinking about for a long time, and this holiday season, all the pieces came together perfectly for us to place the first tree in Central Park. In the future, we hope to spread out to other communities in the Birmingham area. We believe that the ‘Tree of Lights’ will bring the community of Homewood and Birmingham together to provide a much needed memorial and balm for our losses,” said Lisa Sims Harrison, administrative director of Community Grief Support.

Donors and passersby can sponsor a light and receive gifts in memory of their loved one(s) through various donation opportunities:

$25 donation receives memorial card sent to up to three addresses of your choice in the name of a lost loved one and sponsorship of a light on the tree.
$75 donation receives handmade pottery luminary by Alabama artist Lisa Howard with candle to light your own home and sponsorship of a light on the tree.
$100 donation receives beautiful, antique gold personalized ornament with velvet ribbon for your tree, a permanent holiday reminder of this special memorial, and sponsorship of a light on the tree.

All proceeds go to provide completely free: individual, couples and family grief counseling; loss-specific grief support groups; and community grief education programs such as “Hope for the Holidays” sessions for those who are facing their first holiday after a loss. For more information about the Tree of Lights please call CGS at 205-870-8667 or click here. †

October 27, 2021 by Laurie Stroud

bigstock Young Depressed Woman Domesti 422607917

Special Feature

Freezing rain had been falling for over an hour; Jodi started her engine one more time praying they could make it through the night with little or no heat. They couldn’t hang on much longer like this. She noted half a tank of gas. Stuffing her arms up in both sleeves of her hoodie to rub her arms for warmth she watched her three-year-old twins sleeping quietly under two blankets she had slipped into the trunk a week before. Scraps of candy and crackers littered the back seat and a milk container she purchased at a nearby grocery store was almost empty. Jodi checked her purse, $25.00 and some change. Three days on the road now.

Fear gripped her when she thought of their narrow escape. Her husband had once again beaten her after an argument but then he slept hard. She had a window of time. Leaving was not an easy choice. She kept hoping. For years she suffered conflicting emotions, good days, bad days, but the continued verbal, psychological, and physical abuse was unbearable. No more! She and the twins would get out of that environment. In a blur of emotion, she grabbed the keys, a diaper bag for the boys plus the two sleepy eyed babies and left. “Lord, what am I doing, Christmas is next week?! Please,” she cried out. “I do not want to take my boys into a shelter at Christmas.” She did not want to spend the holidays around strangers trying to make her happy when she was so crushed and broken. Would she ever have a warm holiday in a quiet, safe home? Being in a shelter seemed so horribly wrong at Christmas.

There are hundreds of Jodi’s out there experiencing pain on pain during the holiday season. Thankfully, shelters do offer a short-term solution, but the dream of having a home is often never realized. When women leave shelters, they may not be able to secure and maintain independent living. We would like to offer a longer-term solution to finding that “place of my own.” It is a project entitled “Housing Hope” utilizing renovated campers for women in need. Donated campers can make this a reality. For more information, email [email protected], call 205-677-3041 or visit www.hopes-door.org.

-Liz Sherrell, Michelle Sylestine

Mother, daughter team: Founder and Exec. Dir. of Hope’s Door

October 27, 2021 by Laurie Stroud

Healthy Living

Don’t forget to pamper yourself and those you love during the holiday season! The team at T. Fox SalonSpa is ready to help you do just that. Here’s three great ways to enjoy a healthier you!

1. Hydrate Dry Skin!

Cooler temps drying out your skin? T. Fox SalonSpa’s Mary Kathryn recommends you treat yourself to Aveda Botanical Kinetics Instant Hydrator Serum.

Benefits:

Strengthens moisture barrier
Anti- aging
Instantly hydrates dry skin
Infused with plant stem cells

2. Treat Yourself to an AVEDA Hot Stone Massage Pedicure! When the stressors of the holidays start to get to you, take a time out and give your feet a treat.

Benefits:

Promotes blood circulation
Improved nail health
Decrease stress

3. Define Your Eyes with Lash and Brow Tinting! Have holiday events coming up on your calendar? Give your face a little extra touch of glamour before you step out and attend.

Benefits:

Results last up to 4 weeks
Thicker looking lashes and brows
Takes 10 minutes

Struggling for a gift idea for someone on your Christmas list? Let T. Fox SalonSpa pamper your loved one with the best in skin and hair regimens. For more ideas on how to best care for your hair and skin visit the T. Fox SalonSpa Facebook page where every Tuesday the team posts a Tuesday Care Tip www.facebook.com/TFoxSalonspa. The team also invites you to stop by the SalonSpa on Valleydale Road in Hoover to learn more.

– Brought to you by T. Fox SALONSPA, Top 200 Salon in North America by Salon Today

2080 Valleydale Road, Hoover, AL 35244

205-403-8369

www.tfoxsalon.com

T- Fox SalonSpa is offering a READERS’ REWARDS COUPON FOR THE MONTH OF NOVEMBER!

October 27, 2021 by Laurie Stroud

Special Feature

Congratulations to our Readers’ Choice Winners for Fall Family Fun!

Entertainment Spot: Dollywood’s Harvest Festival
Recreation Spot: Aldridge Gardens
After-School Activity: Vestavia Dance
Dining Spot: Birmingham Greek Festival

Thank you to all of our readers who participated in our Readers’ Choice Survey! As a thank you for taking the survey, reader Nancy Hawk won four tickets to Dollywood!

Congratulations to Dollywood’s Harvest Festival for being the Readers’ Choice for Favorite Fall Entertainment Spot! Dollywood guests enjoy the spectacular artistry of visiting crafters from across the country or sample the special harvest-themed food items from Dollywood’s award-winning foods team. Plus great roller coasters in the crisp autumn air and into the night!

Aldridge Gardens is our Readers’ Choice for Favorite Fall Recreation Spot! Aldridge Gardens features a 5-acre lake and over ½ mile of walking paths and trails, with a vast majority being accessible, that winds past an open-air pavilion, a boathouse with an accessible floating dock where you can feed our fish and turtles, sculptures and numerous picnic tables, benches and patios.

Congratulations to Vestavia Dance for being the Readers’ Choice for Favorite Fall After-School Activity! The mission of Vestavia Dance is to experience dance in a caring, compassionate, and creative environment by contributing beauty in movement. Fostering students with the love and discipline of the art through the expression and development of their God given gifts and talents.

The Annual Birmingham Greek Festival is our Readers’ Choice for Favorite Fall Dining Spot! During the three-day festival, guests experienced the Greeks’ legendary zest for life and delicious authentic Greek cuisine. In addition, guests enjoyed Greek music, dancing and a warm spirited atmosphere that embraces everyone as family. †

October 27, 2021 by Laurie Stroud

bigstock Home For Sale Real Estate Sign 394057424

Home for the Holidays

Thinking about selling? Call your realtor before any repairs or renovations.

As realtors, we want to ensure that whatever changes are made appeal to the largest audience possible. The larger the buyer audience, the more money you can get for your home. We also need to zero in on which repairs or upgrades will appeal to the most people. A perfect example would be having new carpet installed when the buyer plans to put in hardwoods. This buyer would take into consideration the cost to replace the carpet while you are considering the cost of the carpet in your sales price.

We also need to check comps in your neighborhood. We may be able to get top dollar without any painting, repairs, or upgrades. Sometimes, a good cleaning is all you need and there are times where it is more beneficial to just pack up and move selling your home “as-is.” What we want to avoid is putting $20,000 into upgrades when you only get an additional $10,000 for your home. Talk to us and together, let’s determine what your net profit could be.

-Harold L Collins II

205.919.1861

The Collins Group

eXp Realty

October 26, 2021 by Laurie Stroud

Healthy Living

The Walk to END EPILEPSY® is set for November 6 at Railroad Park in downtown Birmingham. The annual event brings the community together to affect change through care, advocacy, research and education. This family-friendly walk will help create awareness, share stories, help educate others, and raise funds to support people living with epilepsy. “The pandemic has changed many things, but one thing that hasn’t changed is our commitment to our epilepsy community,” said Sara Franklin, Executive Director of Community Engagement and Partnerships, Epilepsy Foundation. “With each step and fundraising dollar, we’re closer to helping people with epilepsy be free from epilepsy and free from fear of the next seizure.”

Walk to End Epilepsy Group shot — November is National Epilepsy Awareness month! Help the Epilepsy Foundation raise awareness and funds to END EPILEPSY on November 6 starting at 10 a.m. at Railroad Park, 1600 1st Ave S, 35233.

Epilepsy can affect anyone. Over a lifetime, one in 10 people will have a seizure, and one in 26 will be diagnosed with epilepsy. Despite its prevalence, epilepsy receives ten times less the funding than other brain disorders. The 2021 Walk to END EPILEPSY in Birmingham has a goal of raising $100,000. Funds raised from the walk event will go toward supporting Epilepsy Foundation Alabama efforts which include seizure first aid virtual trainings and certifications, monthly support groups, state legislation efforts surrounding seizure safe schools, information and referral services, research and more.

Individuals or small teams of family and friends can register prior to or at 10 a.m. at Railroad Park the day of the walk. There are no mandatory fees to register, and those with epilepsy will receive a free t-shirt. Others that raise $50 or more for the event will also qualify for an event t-shirt. The outdoor event will be held in accordance with CDC, state and local health guidance and regulations. To sign up or for more information about the Walk to END EPILEPSY in Birmingham, visit www.WalktoEndEpilepsy.org/Birmingham. †

Christmas Parade & Jingle Mingle Hosted by City of Chelsea

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