The Hoover Climbing & Adventures Center is a part of The Hoover Metropolitan Complex, a world class, multi-sport and event facility located in Hoover, Ala.
Looking for a great way to be active and spend time with the kids? Check out the new, “Hoover Climbing & Adventure” at The Hoover Metropolitan Complex. The adventure center boasts 12 unique climbing elements including a “leap of faith,” skyscraper walk, Rocktopia volcano, and multiple race obstacles and is available for birthday parties, group, or corporate events and daily passes are available for purchase. “This new addition to The Finley Center is the perfect place for a family outing, group event with friends or team building with a company,” said Hoover Met Complex’s General Manager, John Sparks. “We look forward to welcoming visitors to Hoover Climbing & Adventure!” The minimum age for Hoover Climbing & Adventure is five years, and climbing harnesses are provided for each guest. Age-appropriate modifications for younger groups will be made by limiting group size and duration of events or admissions. Visit hoovermetcomplex.com/climb for more info about the adventure center. To reserve a spot call 205-739-7364 or email [email protected]. â€
The Annual Chelsea Christmas Parade on Saturday December 15, 2018 offers young and old a great way to celebrate the season and experience Chelsea’s “All About Family” atmosphere.
Nothing will get you more into the Christmas spirit than the 19thAnnual Chelsea Christmas Parade on Saturday December 15, 2018. “It is a tremendous family event,” explains Chelsea Mayor Tony Picklesimer. “It’s a symbol of small town America that is unfortunately going away in many parts of the country but remains an integral part of our town.” The festivities start at 9 a.m. with local entertainment at the parade grandstand positioned at the Winn Dixie/150 Chelsea Corners Way. The parade begins at 10 a.m. at Chelsea Middle School and will include music from the Chelsea High School Band, Mr. and Mrs. Claus, a showcase of students from local dance studios, area boy scouts and girl scouts, and of course professional and homemade floats with riders throwing candy to bystanders all along the route. Over 70 groups, businesses and civic organizations will participate in the parade which will conclude at the Winn Dixie where a Christmas Village will offer refreshments and other items for purchase. The parade will be followed by an open house from Noon-3pm at the Chelsea Community Center, 11101 Hwy 47, where children will have the opportunity to have their picture made with Santa and Mrs. Clause as well as the famous characters from Frozen, Anna, Elsa and Olaf. The open house will also offer face painting, bouncy houses and games.
The Annual Christmas Parade is the largest Chelsea community event of the year drawing between 2000 and 3000 people. “It gives us a chance to get our citizens together but it also gives people outside of Chelsea an opportunity to come and see what Chelsea is all about,” says Mayor Picklesimer adding that the family event fits perfectly with the city’s long-time slogan, “Chelsea is all about family.” For more details visit www.cityofchelsea.com/christmas-parade-info â€
Clearbranch member take time to thank Pastor Jerre Rhoades for his 14 years of service at the church.
Rev. Jerre Rhoades came to Clearbranch United Methodist Church (UMC) in Trussville in 2004 and has seen four lead pastors come and go. In that time, he has helped people in all manner of ways. From helping families through tough losses to overseeing the missions at Clearbranch, Rhoades has always been seen as someone that cares about helping other people. He is one of those people that always seems to find God’s hand in every situation.
Rhoades worked in manufacturing before answering the call into ministry 18 years ago. He began his role as a pastor in Arab and moved to Albertville a year later. In the years since then he has realized that being an associate pastor was a better fit for him because he liked having a more personal touch with the congregation during challenging times. As part of his role at Clearbranch, he has visited many members in hospitals and nursing homes and has been someone members could always turn to for prayer and comfort. “I have a passion for one on one ministry,” says Rhoades.
Pastor Jerre Rhoades, wife Letha and Clearbranch Lead Pastor Vaughn Stafford at reception honoring Rhoades for his service.
In October, Rhoades announced he and his wife Letha were leaving Clearbranch and moving to North Alabama to live with family. Members recently honored them at a churchwide reception November 25. This does not mean that Rhoades is done with ministry. As they settle into their new home, the Rhoades plan to continue to spread God’s Word and use their gifts to help others. “If Jesus isn’t going to retire on me, I won’t retire on Him,” says Rhoades.
Mothers from Prince of Peace Catholic Church MOMs ministry collected and packed diaper bags filled with newborn care items valued at over $2700 and donated them to the Alabama Prison Birth Project. These bags will go home with the caregivers of the babies from Tutwiler, giving them a less overwhelming start in caring for a newborn. Seen here is Chauntel Norris of Alabama Prison Birth Project and Maureen McDermott Williams of Prince of Peace MOMs ministry.
More than 200 Girl Scouts of North-Central Alabama recently attended STEM Fest at Camp Coleman in Trussville. Â Girls experienced hands-on learning about STEM through interactive exhibits provided by organizations around the state.
Leigh Anne Tuohy, whose life was portrayed by Sandra Bullock in the movie Blind Side, visited Birmingham to support Alabama CASA (Court Appointed Special Advocates). She shared with the audience, “CASA changes lives. It is a difference maker for children like my son,” referring to adopted son Michael Oher. Learn more at www.alabamacasa.org.
Proactive parenting can be learned. Over the last few months in Birmingham Christian Family magazine, STEPS Proactive Parenting has outlined:
Why teenagers choose to use drugs and alcohol.
10 mistakes parents make and how not to.
Ways that parents can help their kids. Â
Protect your kids against addiction! To receive free material showing you how, send an email to [email protected] and ask for the “Prevention Tool Kit.”
The risks facing youth today from drugs and alcohol are affecting millions of families, and few parents have effective training on how to deal with those types of terrible problems.
Don’t wait to take action. A parent feels strong emotions when their son or daughter is struggling with addiction. The fear, hurt, confusion, and guilt can be overwhelming. But it’s important that you do something to help protect your kids. It’s up to you to become proactive, and the well-being of your son or daughter may depend on it.
Get more information. STEPS Proactive Parenting provides tools, training, and coaching for parents to protect their kids from addictions. Visit www.StepsProactiveParenting.com or contact Steve Ward at [email protected]. Â
Support the cause. You can help other parents protect their kids from addiction. Visit www.StepsProactiveParenting.com and choose “DONATE” on the top menu. Â
-Steve C. WardÂ
Executive Director, STEPS Ministries
Author of STEPS: A Daily Journey to a Better Life
Choirs from seven area schools performed at the recent 22nd Annual R.E.S.P.E.C.T. Benefit Concert at Birmingham’s More Than Conquerors Faith Church. R.E.S.P.E.C.T. (Respect Every Single Person Ever Created Today) featured choirs from W.J. Christian K-8 School, Hudson K-8 School, Pinson Valley High School, Ramsay High School, Jackson Olin High School, A.H. Parker High School and G.W. Carver High School along with the Alabama State University Gospel Choir. Proceeds from the musical are being used to provide meals for underserved families as well as support for the participating choirs. Birmingham City and Jefferson County School Resource Officers were also recognized at the event for “working tirelessly to keep our schools safe.” Learn more at www.mtcfc.org. â€
All choirs unite for a finale at the recent R.E.S.P.E.C.T. Benefit Concert at More Than Conquerors Faith Church.Birmingham area resources officers are thanked for their service and receive Honey Baked Ham gift cards.
Required minimum distributions, often referred to as RMDs or minimum required distributions, are amounts that the federal government requires you to withdraw annually from traditional IRA and employed-sponsored retirement plans after you reach age 70 ½.
You can always withdraw more than you are required to from your IRAs and retirement plans. However, if you fail to take at least the RMD for any year (or if you take it too late), you will be subject to a federal penalty. The penalty is a 50% excise tax on the amount by which the RMD exceeds the distributions made to you during the taxable year.
Example:Â Â You own one traditional IRA and compute your RMD for year one to be $7,000. You take only $2,000 as a year-one distribution from the IRA by the date required. Since you are required to take at least $7,000 as a distribution but have only taken $2,000, your RMD exceeds the amount of your actual distribution by $5,000 ($7,000 minus $2,000). You are therefore subject to an excise tax of $2,500 (50% of $5,000).
Technical Note:  You report and pay the 50% tax on your federal income tax return for the calendar year in which the distribution shortfall occurs. You should complete and attach IRS Form 5329, “Additional Taxes on Qualified Plans (Including IRAs) and Other Tax-Favored Accounts.” The tax can be waived if you can demonstrate that your failure to take adequate distributions was due to “reasonable error” and that steps have been taken to correct the insufficient distribution. You must file Form 5329 with your individual income tax return and attach a letter of explanation. The IRS will review the information you provide and decide whether to grant your request for a waiver.
Hal B. Holland, Jr., RFC®Investment Advisor Representative of Investment Advisors, a Registered Investment Advisor and a division of ProEquities, Inc. Securities offered through ProEquities, Inc., a Registered Broker-Dealer, Member FINRA & SIPC. Vision Financial Group, Inc. is Independent of ProEquities, Inc.
Nearly 2000 people came to shop and support Just Keep Smiling Foundation at the recent Merry Market 2018. The Foundation will use the event proceeds to assist area families with children in medical crisis. The ministry is already preparing for its next event, “Live with the Characters Dance Party” February 23, 2019 at Gardendale First Baptist North Campus. There will be two “Live with the Characters” shows, 10 a.m. and 2 p.m., each followed by a meet and greet, autograph signings and pictures with the stars of the show. Learn more and get tickets ($10) by visiting www.justkeepsmiling.org.
Nay Nay’s Creations, Renee Martin (far right), sells all kinds of homemade canned and baked goods and is a Merry Market vendor that shoppers ask for every year.My Brother’s Cup is a loyal Merry Market vendor who makes their own coffees. Profits from their sales fund mission trips to spread the Gospel.“Cookies with the Characters” is always a popular part of Merry Market. Minnie and Mickey will also be a part of Just Keep Smiling’s next event, “Live with the Characters Dancy Party” February 23, 2019. Tickets go on sale soon, www.justkeepsmiling.org
