For the active person in your family, Trak Shak has you covered. Find a wide selection of winter apparel for both men and women including styles from Nike, Brooks, and CEP. And of course, Trak Shak’s specialty is shoes. To ensure you get the right size shoe gift, Trak Shak keeps a purchase history on file. First time purchasing? Take a picture of the shoe you will be replacing- an outside picture and an inside picture of the shoe size, and the Trak Shak team will help you make the right selection.
Another great option is a gift card. Trak Shak will be running an Instant Gift, Cyber Monday Gift Card Deal from November 23-December 3. Buy $100 in Trak Shak gift card(s) and you receive $30 more in a gift card. The cards can be used online or at any of Trak Shak’s Birmingham area locations- Homewood, Highway 280, and Hoover, www.trakshak.com. †
We are often asked, “Where do you find your rescues?” Well, the short answer is, everywhere! We find strays, we get phone calls from concerned citizens, we take in owner surrenders from families who’ve run out of options, we answer requests from overcrowded shelters, and we assist law enforcement when they call. Just yesterday I walked into a vet clinic to get my personal dog checked out and ended up leaving with a new name and number in my phone for a man who saved a dog and was desperate for help placing him with a family.
BooBoogieBones
How we received our most recent litter was a tad unusual. One of our fosters got a call from a doctor’s office that knew she volunteered with us. A mama dog made the trek back and forth to their office from who knows where. Each time she came back, she carried a puppy with her. Before it was all said and done, the exhausted mom had left three six-week-old puppies in the care of the doctor before leaving. Mom has not been seen since. That is the origin story of Boo, Boogie and Bones.
These siblings had a rough start, battling worms and (in the case of Bones) a hernia, but we were able to get them the help they needed and bring them up to perfect health! Now the siblings are thriving and keeping their foster entertained with their puppy antics! They love toys and are super cuddlers like most puppies, but they also set themselves apart with their unique sleeping postures (on their backs) and hilarious howls (they must be part hound). They are crowd-stoppers no matter where they go and bask in the attention of onlookers. Now that they have a clean bill of health, they are patiently waiting for their forever homes. Could it be you? Apply at www.twobytworescue.com.
Two by Two is a faith based, no kill rescue whose mission is to give life to abandoned, abused, stray, and distressed animals. Saving animal lives for more than 20 years, Two by Two operates out of Birmingham, Ala., and has coordinated the rescue and adoption of cats, dogs, horses, and even a few pot-bellied pigs. Two by Two has placed dogs in almost forty states and even a few abroad! To learn more about Two by Two visit www.twobytworescue.com.
At VIPcare, patients receive specialized care built just for them. With two locations in the Birmingham area located in Center Point and 5 Points West, the VIPcare team specializes in primary care for Medicare Advantage members. Comprehensive in-house services include routine physicals and checkups, care coordination, lab work and diagnostics, diabetes management, wellness and nutrition, depression and anxiety, osteoporosis and arthritis, chronic disease management, and more. Robyn Stiff, MD, Board Certified Family Medicine, serves patients at the VIPcare Center Point location. She explains that VIPcare started in Florida with the goal of providing geriatric care and now has locations across six states. “We’ve seen that there’s a bigger need with our baby boomers being in that age group,” says Dr. Stiff.
Dr. Stiff grew up in the Magic City, graduated from the University of Alabama School of Medicine and completed her residency at the UAB Family Medicine Residency Program in Huntsville, Ala.
VIPcare is a senior-focused primary care that goes above and beyond. Patients enjoy more time with the doctor every appointment as well as same-day appointments and urgent walk-ins. Dr. Stiff shares that they put a strong emphasis on preventative care. “The biggest thing is to go see your doctor more often for preventative measures. Let’s catch it before it’s a problem,” she says, adding, “I think the biggest monitor is to see your doctor routinely to prevent the unnecessary. So, we focus on healthy patients to prevent sick patients.” Urgent care is also available at VIPcare. “We want to be your number one option. Of course, there are special cases where if you need to go to the E.R., please go to the E.R., but a lot of our patients get surprised when they find out we could manage this in the office.”
VIPcare’s Center Point office is located at 2525 Center Point Parkway. Office hours are Monday-Thursday from 8 a.m.- 5 p.m. and Friday from 8 a.m.- 12 p.m.
Dr. Stiff grew up in Birmingham and at a young age had a passion for caring for others- even her Barbie dolls. “It started from childhood where I always just said, ‘I want to be a doctor.’” Her faith impacts the way she practices medicine and engages with her patients. “I like to say I grew up in a faith-built household,” Dr. Stiff shares, adding that she says a silent prayer before she walks into an exam room to meet with a patient and sometimes prays with her patient if they allow it. “I give them a prayer because I do feel like God is medicine. And if anything, He’s the first medicine. The other stuff is supplementary, but He comes first.”
Meet Dr. Stiff at VIPcare’s Center Point location or Dr. Sounick Haldar at the 5 Points West location to receive specialized care. To learn more, visit www.getvipcare.com or call the Center Point location at 659-209-5918 or the 5 Points West location at 659-221-7661. Dr. Stiff is also available to serve as a speaker on preventative medicine, especially for the “seasoned” community. To schedule, call 205-445-9904 and ask for office manager, Monique Herrod.
Watch the video below to learn more about Dr. Stiff and VIPcare. †
As we celebrate the 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 or through your social media.
The fun started in November and continues with 2 More Weeks of Great Give-A-Ways valued at $250 or more!
Week 3: $250 Trak Shak Gift Card to use at any area Track Shak- Homewood, Highway 280 or Hoover, www.trakshak.com.
To be entered to receive the Trak Shak $250 Gift Card,
LIKE and COMMENT on the Giveaway Post on @cfpbirmingham.
Post to your story on Instagram for an extra entry.
Enter starting Friday November 29 through Thursday December 5. Winner announced on Instagram Friday morning December 6. So be sure to follow our page, @cfpbirmingham.
Week 4: Eight tickets to see Comedian Jeff Allen at the Stardome Comedy Club in Hoover on December 21, 2024, www.stardome.com.
To be entered to receive the 8 Tickets,
LIKE and SHARE the giveaway post on Birmingham Christian Family’s Facebook page, @BirminghamChristianFamily.
and TAG 3 friends in the comments.
Enter starting Friday December 6 through Thursday December 12. Winner announced on Facebook Friday morning December 13 so be sure to FOLLOW our Facebook page, @BirminghamChristianFamily. Learn more about Jeff Allen and read his faith story on page 16.
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 Father, full of grace and truth.” John 1:14
Struggling with what to buy for your friend or family member that loves the outdoors? The staff at Mark’s Outdoors is ready to help! Here’s a look at items on their Top Ten List, specially priced for the Christmas season.
1. Survival Backpack $40
2. Fenix Flashlight $90
3. Tactacam Security Camera $150
Find all these great gifts and more at Mark’s Outdoors in Vestavia. As always, the staff is ready to help you make the most of God’s great outdoors.
4. Benchmade Bugout Knife $160
5. Warthog Knife Sharpener $90
6. Orca Cup $30
7. Filson Briefcase $240
8. Costa Sunglasses $180+
9. Shimano Curado DC Reel $270
10. Marks Gift Certificate $20-$5,000
As a thank you to the readers of Birmingham Christian Family, Mark’s Outdoors invites you to clip or screen shot this article and bring it into the store for $10 off of a purchase of $20 or more. Valid December 1-31, 2024. Limit one per customer, one time use only.
What is mental health? Mental health refers to a wide variety of mental health conditions or disorders that affect your mood, thinking and behavior. Some examples of mental illness include depression, anxiety disorders and addictive behaviors. Many people have mental health concerns from time to time, but a mental health concern becomes a mental illness when ongoing signs and symptoms cause frequent stress and affect your ability to function. When it comes to teenagers, the National Alliance on Mental Illness states that one in five children ages 13-18 have or will have a mental health condition. 70% of youth in the Juvenile Justice System have a mental illness. 90% of those who died by suicide- which is the third leading cause of death in youth ages 10-24- had an underlying mental illness.
Signs and symptoms of mental illness. These can vary depending on the disorder, circumstances, and other factors. Mental illness symptoms can affect emotions, thoughts, and behaviors. Signs and symptoms include feeling sad, reduced ability to concentrate, excessive fears or worries, extreme feeling of guilt, and extreme mood changes. Symptoms can also include withdrawal from friends and activities, significant tiredness, low energy, detachment from reality, inability to cope with daily problems, major changes in eating habits and more.
Stigma around mental health issues. Some people suffer in silence because they fear the label that may be put on them. Unfortunately, this can be reality. We believe stigma stems from a lack of education and awareness. Poor mental health is not a visible illness, so people sometimes dismiss it. We shouldn’t be judgmental when a person with mental illness is reluctant to get help, has low self-esteem or acts out through bad behavior. These are all harmful effects directly associated with the stigma around mental health. Let’s do better. Learn about mental illness and stop putting labels on those in need of help.
As a parent, what can you do? If your loved one is showing symptoms of a mental health disorder, sit them down and have an open and honest conversation with them about your concerns and refer them to a professional. We may not be able to make them go to a professional, but we can be there for them to give them the support they need. Reach out to your health insurance provider, primary care doctor or local mental health authority such as Central Alabama Wellness. Don’t be ashamed to ask for help. You are not alone. We are here to help you at Compact. For more information on this topic, visit us on Facebook @Compact or call 205-605-1824. Visit www.BirminghamChristian.com/COMPACT to read other articles like this one. †
Did you know COMPACT offers free prevention, intervention, and education for Shelby County students and parents on difficult topics and issues like substance misuse, truancy, behavioral issues, and more? Click to fill out a referral form.
Immerse yourself in a German winter wonderland at Cullman’s Christkindlmarkt. Every Thursday to Sunday, from November 21 to December 23, 2024 indulge in rich flavors of traditional German Christkindlmarkt Cuisine. Experience ice skating, carousel rides, cherished moments with Santa and more.
Visit Cullman’s Christkindlmarkt and find an abundance of activities for children including train rides.
The beloved Christmas market, with origins tracing back to late medieval Germany, is a vibrant and festive tradition that comes alive during the four weeks of Advent. These markets, typically nestled in the bustling heart of town squares, are a picturesque scene of quaint wooden huts. Originating as gatherings to provide locals with essential winter goods, they have evolved into a celebration of Christmas, offering an array of culinary treats, heartwarming beverages, and an assortment of festive gifts and handcrafted items. The market’s enchanting ambiance, adorned with holiday decorations, creates a magical experience that delights and captivates visitors of all ages, making it an essential and cherished part of the holiday season.
Find unique gifts, enjoy delicious food and fun activities and more at Cullman’s Christkindlmarkt. The Market will be open seven days a week beginning December 12.
In addition to shopping a variety of unique vendors, there will be boundless fun awaiting the entire family. Experience a lineup of exciting activities including ice skating, the enchanting Santa’s Workshop, delightful train rides, and the sheer joy of the carousel, there’s boundless fun awaiting the entire family. Be sure to come hungry and enjoy a culinary journey to Germany. Authentic German flavors, from traditional sausages to sweet chimney cakes, bring the homeland’s essence to every bite. These treats pay homage to Germany’s age-old markets, infusing the Cullman Christkindlmarkt with timeless appeal. Sweet enthusiasts find joy in imported German chocolates, cookies, and candies, treasured across generations. As you explore the market, the scents and flavors foster a sense of togetherness, making the Cullman Christkindlmarkt an exceptional experience that captures the holiday spirit. Market hours are Thursday from 4 p.m. – 9 p.m.; Friday and Saturday 11 a.m. – 9 p.m.; and Sunday 12 p.m. – 8 p.m. Find more details to plan your visit to Cullman during Christkindlmarkt at www.cullmanchristkindlmarkt.com. †
Looking for that special dish or main dish for your next holiday gathering? Our Birmingham Christian Family (BCF) recipe contributors have you covered from side dish to main dish to dessert!
DESSERT
When it comes to dessert, a fan favorite for any family gathering is the tried and true banana pudding recipe from Adelaide Cason, the mother of Bud’s Best Cookies founder, Bud Cason. A key ingredient of course is Bud’s Best Vanilla wafers.
Find Brenda Gantt’s Chocolate Chip Oatmeal Cookies recipe here.
And what would the table be without sweet potatoes? Dress yours up this year with Kathleen Phillips of Grits and Gouda’s recipe for Roasted Candied Sweet Potatoes.
Coach Fred Yancey’s win percentage as a high school head coach was an exceptional 74.5%. Yancey coached the Lions at Briarwood Christian High School for twenty-nine seasons and his record ranks fourth in the state for wins at a single school. In September, I sat down with the Coach at his home in Dunnavant Valley for a discussion about sportsmanship.
Coach Fred Yancey led the Briarwood football team to win three state titles during his coaching tenure before he retired in 2019. Photos courtesy: Matthew Forester.
We started with Coach Yancey’s experience as a team captain in high school- Messick in Memphis. “At Messick, I was taught to be competitive- to care deeply about winning- balanced with an emphasis on playing with class.” This philosophy was the frame for his years of coaching. According to Coach Yancey, sportsmanship begins with respect for the other team: both teams need to be able to hold their heads up. He explained that the coach sets the tone. “In a way, the coach walks a tightrope- he trains his players to be the most competitive team the opposition will ever see, yet, at the same time, to do it in a way respected by all. We knock ‘em down, and then help ‘em up.” The players must execute good, tough football but never rub it in. After a score or a good play, his players were trained to celebrate on the sidelines, not “showboat.” But principles taught must also be enforced. “Some boys come into the program thinking the coach expects them to be the meanest player on the field. And even great kids can get out of line.” Yancey explained that the coaching staff used practice sessions to convince players that bad behavior was “not worth it.” Coach Yancey gave an example of how he tried to demonstrate good sportsmanship. By halftime in a certain game, it was clear the score was insurmountable by the opposing team. So, Briarwood put in its younger players to give them experience. The final score was the same as it was at halftime and still a convincing win. At the end of the game, the opposing team’s coach sprinted across the field to shake Yancey’s hand. He said, “That was the classiest thing I have ever seen.” The two coaches developed a lasting friendship.
Coach Yancey coached the Briarwood Lions for 29 seasons.
As for fans, Yancey noted it is human nature to like attention, that is, to make our mark in front of people. “When the fans are vocal, the boys love it,” he said, “and they also notice when the fans are not into the game.” Fans should always be enthusiastic and supportive particularly when the team is struggling. During the heat of summer practice in an empty stadium, Yancey motivated players by helping them look ahead to the full stands of fall. He told them they wanted to be ready. Coach Yancey pointed out a key difference in fan dynamics between high school and college. In college stadiums, the fans make generic noise because of their distance from the field. But in high school, the fans are much closer- individual voices can be heard on the field. He encourages fans to “watch your language and your temper. You will be heard in a high school stadium. Don’t have regrets.”
Coach Yancey’s approach to sportsmanship has roots in his Christian faith. He views how the game is played as both an obligation to the God he serves and as an opportunity to express his spiritual life to others. This positive message impacted the thousands of individuals he coached in football and track. During his tenure, Briarwood won three state titles- 1998, 1999, and 2003- and played in the state championship game in three additional seasons- 2007, 2010, and 2017. Numerous Briarwood Lions played at the college level. Three of his players competed professionally: Tim and Simeon Castille (NFL) and Michael Hires (CFL). Former Briarwood quarterback Barrett Trotter was an NFL offensive coach. Coach Yancey retired in 2019 and was inducted into the Alabama High School Sports Hall of Fame in 2020. His winning legacy validates that sportsmanship is not some add-on, not some afterthought to getting the job done. Sportsmanship is the opening kick-off for success on the playing field. And throughout life.
Do you think you have a foundation issue? As a homeowner, this can be very alarming. You may ask yourself, “What should I do?” or “What could be causing this?” Read on for answers to these questions.
3 Common Causes of Foundation Issues
1. Settling. Houses settle naturally with the weight of the house and the ground underneath shifting. There may be hairline cracks which are a common result of normal settlement. Look for large cracks that suddenly appear. If a crack is wider than an eighth of an inch, you may have a foundation problem.
These signs include cracks in exterior and interior walls and poor drainage.Here are some photos of common signs that a home has foundation problems.
2. Soil erosion. This can cause the foundation to shift which in turn causes cracks in your walls. This could be caused by flooding, drought, and extreme amounts of rain.
3. Poor drainage. This will sneak up on you since it happens over time. Be sure your drainage is 10-12 feet away from your foundation.
Some signs you can look for include separation around windows and/or walls, cracked bricks, broken or cracked foundations, cracked sheetrock, cracks in the floor, and uneven floors. If you find any of the above in your interior and/or exterior walls, act quickly.
Here are some concerns resulting from foundation settlement:
Damage to the structure
Loss of real estate value
Tripping hazards
Unsightly cracks
Our team at Parrot Structural Services will be glad to come out at no charge to you, assess your problem, and give you our professional opinion. You will then be able to make any necessary repairs and address the underlying cause. Visit www.parrotstructural.com or call us at 205-668-2626.
-Joan Maas
Owner of Parrot Structural Services, LLC
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For the active person in your family, Trak Shak has you covered. Find a wide selection of winter apparel for both men and women including styles from Nike, Brooks, and CEP. And of course, Trak Shak’s specialty is shoes. To ensure you get the right size shoe gift, Trak Shak keeps a purchase history on file. First time purchasing? Take a picture of the shoe you will be replacing- an outside picture and an inside picture of the shoe size, and the Trak Shak team will help you make the right selection. 
Another great option is a gift card. Trak Shak will be running an Instant Gift, Cyber Monday Gift Card Deal from November 23-December 3. Buy $100 in Trak Shak gift card(s) and you receive $30 more in a gift card. The cards can be used online or at any of Trak Shak’s Birmingham area locations- Homewood, Highway 280, and Hoover, www.trakshak.com. †
