The Spectacular Cirque Dreams Holidaze

December 3, 2019October 28, 2019 by Laurie Stroud

12 Gifts of Christmas

Light up the holiday season with Cirque Dreams Holidaze at the BJCC! This popular and electrifying stage spectacular is full of energy, sparkle and talent! With 300 imaginative costumes, 20 world-class astonishing acts, the finest singers, original music and seasonal favorites celebrate Christmas in a 2-hour breathtaking spectacle. Audiences of all ages will marvel at soaring acrobatics, gravity defying feats and extravagant theatrical production numbers. Broadway Director Neil Goldberg searched the world to assemble the most unique cast of incomparable cirque artists and theatrical talent to wow audiences. This critically acclaimed extravaganza is a Broadway musical and new cirque adventure wrapped into the ultimate holiday gift for the entire family! Cirque Dreams Holidaze will be in Birmingham on December 6 with a 7:30 p.m. showtime and December 7 with showtimes at 3 p.m. and 7:30 p.m. Tickets are available at the BJCC Concert Hall box office, all Ticket Master locations, www.bjcc.org or call 205-458-8400.

Like and follow Birmingham Christian Family on Facebook to learn how you can be entered to win two tickets to Cirque Dreams Holidaze!

December 12, 2019October 28, 2019 by Laurie Stroud

12 Gifts of Christmas

Visit Rickwood Caverns State Park for a truly magical experience when the cave transforms into an underground winter wonderland. The cave is around 62 degrees all year long making it the perfect temperature to enjoy even on cold days. The gift shop will be decorated for the occasion and offer unique gifts, ornaments, snacks, and hot cocoa to purchase. The nature center will have holiday movies playing, crafts, and Santa letters for the children to fill out. The 110 steps at the end of the regular tour will not be included during this time which makes the walk easier for anyone with mobility issues. There will be about 30 steps and a mile walk in the cave. Holiday hours are November 23-December 30, 2019 (closed 11/28 and 12/24-12/26), 2 p.m.-8 p.m., $10 per person ages 3 and up; 2 and under are free.

Rickwood Caverns Santa's Underground Workshop — Santa and the Grinch are waiting for you at Rickwood Caverns!

What makes Rickwood Caverns State Park unique? The massive cave that contains formations that were created by water and reveal evidence that the cave was carved from an ocean bed! The Park also offers picnicking, gemstone mining, camping, a playground area, and hiking opportunities on Fossil Mountain Hiking Trail, which is named after the leaf and seashell imprints visible in some of the rocks. And it’s not too early to start planning summer family adventures – the Park also features an Olympic-size swimming pool and kiddie pool, fed by chilly waters from the cave. Visit Rickwood Caverns year-round!

December 10, 2019October 28, 2019 by Laurie Stroud

12 Gifts of Christmas

12 Gifts Stone Mtn SnowAngel Tree — Stone Mountain Park is located just a short drive away in Atlanta, Ga.

Each day of Stone Mountain Christmas (November 16-January 5), you can enjoy park attractions including Summit Skyride, Scenic Railroad, and more! Then, immerse yourself in holiday magic with evenings full of festive music, millions of dazzling lights and visits from some of your favorite holiday characters including Rudolph, Clarice, and Bumble and our very own Snow Angel, Angelina! Also enjoy several unique, family friendly live shows full of holiday cheer that are sure to get you in the Christmas spirit! You can enjoy our all new Snow Angel’s Christmas Parade following the Enchanted Christmas Tree Lighting!

Make plans to join us even after the Christmas season comes to a close for Snow Mountain! Snow tubing in Georgia? We have it at Stone Mountain Park! Our Snow Mountain is a winter wonderland full of real snow. Come conquer our 400-foot snow-covered tubing hill and enjoy our enormous snowy play area. Get your thrills and chills on Dare Devil Plunge, our tallest, fastest slope ever, where you’ll reach speeds up to 30 mph as you zip through a 150’ tunnel of lights! Be sure to check out Galactic Snow Tubing for an out-of-this-world nighttime tubing experience featuring color-changing lights and lasers that dance along to today’s hottest music. Whatever your speed, your snow day will be packed with fun! Snow Mountain is open, with select dates, from November 16, 2019 – February 23, 2020. Operating hours vary by day, so be sure and check the calendar at www.stonemountainpark.com/Events/Snow-Mountain.

Like and follow Birmingham Christian Family on Facebook to learn how you can be entered to win one of two Family Four Packs to Stone Mountain Park!

October 28, 2019 by Laurie Stroud

Special Feature

The American Village in Montevallo is celebrating its 20^th anniversary this month. When it opened on November 30, 1999, only four buildings existed – including the original Barn that remained from the time when the campus was a working cattle farm. Today there are more than 20 buildings, inspired by some of our Nation’s most cherished historic sites. But the American Village is not about its buildings, but rather about building in the hearts and minds of young people and adults alike a sense of stewardship of what George Washington called “the sacred fire of liberty.”

The American Village Washingon Hall — Washington Hall, a replica of George Washington’s Mount Vernon home, was the first building constructed on the American Village campus.

Here, nationally-acclaimed programs engage 35,000 K-12 students annually in discovering America’s stories of independence, liberty and self-government. Since 1999 the Village has served well over 750,000 students from five Southeastern states. In addition to school programs, public programs on Memorial Day, Independence Day and Veterans Day draw large numbers of visitors. And the Festival of Tulips draws thousands from around the Southeast to enjoy the flowers each spring. The goals of the American Village today are the same as they were twenty years ago:

Teach Youth the Vital Lessons of Liberty
Remember the Price of Liberty and Honor Those Who Have Paid It
Promote Public Regard for the Constitution and America’s Charters of Freedom
Engage Citizens and Leaders in the Stewardship of Liberty
Foster renewal of the American spirit of E Pluribus Unum (from many, one)

From Concord Bridge in 1775, to Selma’s Edmund Pettus Bridge in 1965, and beyond, the American story has been the journey and struggle for liberty, independence, constitutional self-government, and the fulfillment of the promise of the ideals proclaimed in America’s Declaration of Independence.

There was a time when American students could recite the opening lines of the Declaration of Independence, and they could say the preamble to the Constitution. But today our country suffers from historical and civic illiteracy. On July 4, 2026, America will celebrate its 250th birthday. As we look forward to that milestone, the American Village is endeavoring to help prepare a new generation of citizens and leaders to lead and serve our country. American Village founder and president Tom Walker said, “I give thanks to almighty God for His providential care for our Nation and for this undertaking, and to the many men and women whose dedication and generous gifts of time, talent, and treasure have raised the American Village and sustained it in its vital work.” For more information about the American Village, visit www.americanvillage.org.†

October 28, 2019 by Laurie Stroud

Senior Scene

Brookdale University Park is so thankful to have had the opportunity to serve Birmingham area senior adults and their families for the past 20 years. From its opening in 1999 under a different name, our retirement community has added several service lines to make it a true continuum of care, including a newly constructed skilled nursing facility on campus, personalized living companion services and home health services. We have also expanded some of our services to make them available not only to Brookdale residents but also to those who still live at home.

Brookdale's Betty Johnston — Betty Johnston has been a part of the senior adult community at Brookdale University Park for the past 12 years. Join her and other residents at Brookdale’s annual holiday open house, December 5.

Over the past two decades, we have had the chance to care for many well-educated, successful, kind-hearted and interesting older adults. Operating a facility such as this that is open 24/7 can have its challenges, but we always remind ourselves that we “work” where they “live.”

In the words of resident Betty Johnston, “It is an art in itself to know how to conduct yourself around your elders. Some people have it, and some people don’t. They try to get the ones that have it!”

-Leanne Messer

Brookdale University Park

Call Leanne at 205-613-0688 to connect with an associate for more information and schedule a visit.

An Invitation to Experience Brookdale

Residents of Brookdale University Park enjoy an engaging lifestyle with a selection of care options to meet changing needs. The community conveniently located off Lakeshore Drive offers a full continuum of care, including independent living, assisted living, Alzheimer’s and dementia care and skilled nursing and rehabilitation. Call 205-870-0786 to connect with one of our team members who would be delighted to help you plan your personal visit, www.brookdale.com.

Annual Holiday Open House

Thursday December 5, 2019

5:00- 7:00 p.m., Brookdale University Park

Santa
Entertainment
Carriage Rides
Refreshments

October 28, 2019October 28, 2019 by Laurie Stroud

The Great Outdoors

<em>Big John is ready to help you pick out the reel that will make the best Christmas gift for a friend, family member or you!</em> — *Big John is ready to help you pick out the reel that will make the best Christmas gift for a friend, family member or you!*

If you’re struggling with gift ideas this holiday season, the staff at Mark’s Outdoors is ready to help. Check out these great finds in stock and waiting for you.

Bright, Clear & Crisp. When you look through a set of Zeiss binoculars, you view nature in a whole new way. Mark’s Outdoors carries a full line of Zeiss binoculars ranging in price from $300 to $2000 and Mark’s specialist Bill Oglesby can fit you with the pair best suited for you. Be sure to ask about the Victory SF 10 x 42 which offers brilliant optics and an unparalleled wide-angle field of view. Its light weight, ergonomic design and dynamic fast-focus feature also allow for hours of relaxing birding without fatigue. The Victory SF is considered the new benchmark for birding and wildlife observation in the 125 year development of Zeiss binoculars.

Thank you to all who joined us at our recent in-store Deer Show complete with a free catfish lunch from Whiskers. Like Us on <a href="https://www.facebook.com/Marksoutdoorsports/">Facebook</a> to be the first to know about future events. — Thank you to all who joined us at our recent in-store Deer Show complete with a free catfish lunch from Whiskers. Like Us on Facebook to be the first to know about future events.

Reel Them In. Mark’s Outdoor’ Big John has the perfect gift for any fisherman. In stock is the new bait casting reel from Daiwa, the Tatula 100 HS, which comes with a 7.3:1 gear ratio and 7 ball bearings. Characterized for being very smooth and light, this fresh water reel’s cast ability is superior to many higher priced models ($99). John can also show you a complete line of reels in stock and priced for any budget ($50-$500).

For great gift ideas and anything you need for your next adventure, remember to visit Mark’s Outdoors in Vestavia. We are ready to help you make the most of God’s great outdoors!

– Mark’s Outdoors

1400-B Montgomery Highway, Vestavia 35216

205-822- 2010, www.marksoutdoors.com

October 28, 2019 by Laurie Stroud

Home for the Holidays

The Giving Manger — When every Giving Manger currently sold was used by families last Christmas, it totaled five million acts of kindness!

What started as a desire to make Christmas centered around Jesus in a few homes has now become a tradition used in over 75,000 homes in just three years. A handcrafted Baby Jesus, a wooden manger, a bundle of straw, and a sweet family story introduces the idea of helping others during the holiday and helps shift the focus of Christmas back to giving.

How does it work? A piece of straw is placed in the manger for each kind deed or act of service performed. On Christmas Day, the Baby is placed in the manger filled with service and love. As families work together to give gifts of service, hearts and homes become filled with more joy during the holiday season. The Giving Manger comes in a box set with a book, manger, straw, and a Baby Jesus.

Here are the steps to complete The Giving Manger:

Step #1: Read the book as a family.

Step #2: Set up the manger somewhere everyone can see throughout the day.

Step #3: Print out the list of service ideas on www.thegivingmanger.com.

Step #4: Begin getting excited over putting a single piece of straw in the manger when a service of giving is done each day leading up to Christmas.

Step #5: Be filled with joy as kids get excited about serving others.

Step #6: Watch as the Giving Manger fills with straw leading up to Christmas.

Step #7: On Christmas Day, Baby Jesus is placed in the manger, and stories from the last day fills the hearts of all.

To learn more and purchase The Giving Manger, visit www.thegivingmanger.com.†

June 10, 2020October 28, 2019 by Laurie Stroud

Our House Roofing Scams Hinkle SCREEN SHOT of idea for image

Home for the Holidays

Brought to you by: Community Partner Hinkle Roofing, www.HinkleRoofing.com

A roofing project is an important investment, and as such, time and money are always at stake in an effort to make the home look and function better. Tackling this head-on, however, involves making critical decisions, sometimes under pressure. Unfortunately, this dynamic allows scammers to prey on unsuspecting homeowners. Protect yourself from paying a shady contractor doing shoddy repair or replacement work. Hinkle Roofing, a leading roofing contractor in the local area, shares the various roofing scams to avoid.

Storm Chasers. These shady companies appear on the doorsteps of homes damaged by a recent storm. They show up unannounced, promising top-notch service in a flash. It can be tempting to hire them, especially if the extensive roof damage requires an immediate fix. They, however, perform incomplete work for quick money, often with inferior quality. Once they’re done, they proceed to the next storm-ravaged town, with all the cash they collected and no way to follow up with them.

Avoiding Permits. Roofing projects, like other home improvements, require permits from the local building departments to ensure the changes that will be implemented are up to code. A contractor that doesn’t do this important step is likely to be unlicensed and to cut corners. Steer clear from those that try to convince you that an unpermitted roof repair or replacement saves you a few dollars.

High-Pressure Sales Tactics. Scammers often employ high-pressure sales tactics just so they can have customers shell out cash or make a quick decision regarding their roofing situations. Some ask for an excessive down payment, while others force homeowners to sign the contract. A reputable roofing contractor will understand that it’s worth taking this project a few days to think over. They will also be willing to negotiate down payments.

In your search for the best roofer in your area, don’t hesitate to look for references. Take your time to do your research and, more importantly, ask questions. Hinkle Roofing would be more than happy to answer everything that you need to know about our roof repair and replacement services. Call us at 205-324-8545 to request a free estimate.

-Bob Baker

Owner/President, Hinkle Roofing

205-324-8545

www.hinkleroofing.com

October 25, 2019 by Laurie Stroud

bigstock Old Military Combat Boots With 244522432

Legal Matters

Presented by: Bradford & Holliman, Estate Planning

This month we recognize and thank veterans for their service, but let’s also recognize the sacrifice of deceased veterans’ families. There are whole families behind the ones in uniform who continue to “serve” through their loss of a family member.

An often-overlooked VA benefit is called “D.I.C” or “Dependency and Indemnity Compensation.” D.I.C. claims may be awarded to widows, parents, unmarried children under the age of 18, disabled children, and certain school-aged children between 18 and 23 for servicemembers who:

Died from an injury or illness while on active duty or in the line of duty while on active duty for training; or
Died from an injury or certain illnesses in the line of duty while on inactive training; or
Died from a service-connected illness or injury.

A surviving spouse is eligible for a basic monthly benefit of $1,319.04 during 2019.The monthly benefit may be increased depending on factors such as:

The number of dependent children
If any children are disabled
The rank of the servicemember
The number of years the servicemember was disabled
Whether the surviving spouse is entitled to other benefits, such as Aid & Attendance.

Surviving parents of a servicemember may be entitled to benefits if:

The parent is the biological, adoptive, or foster parent of the servicemember; and
The parent’s income is below a certain threshold

These benefits may be applied for with the VA without the need for any representation. Forms are available here. Attorneys assisting with VA benefits must be accredited with the VA in order to represent a client before the VA. In our experience as VA accredited attorneys, individuals needing assistance are likely surviving spouses or parents who are trying to prove the servicemember died from a service-connected injury or illness. We look at the big picture of benefits and estates to make our recommendations. The whole team at Bradford & Holliman offer our sympathies for the losses of veterans’ families and our gratitude for your family member’s service and sacrifice in protecting America.

-Melanie B. Holliman, JD

Partner, Bradford & Holliman Estate Planning,

Trusts & Special Needs

www.bradfordholliman.com

No representation is made that the quality of the legal service to be performed is greater than the quality of service performed by other lawyers.

October 25, 2019 by Laurie Stroud

bigstock Portrait Of Happy Parents With 238646086

Parenting Points

Often, it is easy for us as people to get lost in the details of life and parenting that we don’t take the time to stop and look at the bigger picture. In his book Start with Why, Simon Sinek raises the simple idea that if we start with the “why” then move to the “how” and arrive at the “what” we make better decisions.

When it comes to parenting, it is easy to get bogged down in the details of life so that the final results are not kept in mind. As a parent, it is our job to equip our children personally, practically, relationally and spiritually to function on their own once they graduate high school. This is a lofty goal and the clock starts ticking the moment they are first placed in our loving arms. If we are going to be people who start with the end in mind when it comes to raising our kids to become successful adults who follow Jesus, here are a few questions to ask ourselves:

Personally. Am I helping my child to discover the unique person that God made him or her to be? Am I allowing him or her to develop interests and passions that might be different than my own?

Practically. Am I allowing my child to take on adult tasks and responsibilities? Am I allowing him or her to make decisions? Am I allowing my child to fail and learn in the process?

Relationally. Am I modeling healthy relationships in front of my child and helping him or her to process their own struggles with friendships, romantic relationships, and relationships with authority figures?

Spiritually. Am I teaching my child the importance of my relationship with Jesus by modeling faith, spiritual disciplines and Christian service?

Raising your kids begins with parenting toward the end. What is your plan to prepare them for that day when they leave your home and begin to do life on their own? The clock is ticking. Your influence and impact are so much greater than you or your child realize. Let us parent with the end in mind.

-Dr. Ben Birdsong

Minister of Students, Meadow Brook Baptist

www.benbirdsong.com

The Spectacular Cirque Dreams Holidaze

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