As we turn 22, we would like to invite you to come and celebrate with us at our 3rd Annual Celebrate the Family Expo! May 7, 2022 at the Hoover Met Complex. Enjoy fun, free activities from 10 a.m.-3 p.m. and learn about resources right here in our community designed to help meet the spiritual, emotional and physical needs of the family. Click here for the most up to date and detailed schedule.
A BIG THANK YOU to this year’s sponsors who have made this event possible including First Priority, The Collins Group, Shades Mountain Baptist Church, Vulcan Termite and Pest Control, Alabama Credit Union, Alabama Relay, Children’s of Alabama, Faye Nichols ACT Prep, Reignite Chiropractic, Renewal by Andersen, The Onin Group, Thrivent Financial and Vulcan Termite and Pest Control along with our 45 plus exhibitors.
GIVEAWAYS for MAY. You don’t want to miss out on our Expo! Birthday Bingo- where we will give away prizes throughout the event including cases of Bud’s Best Cookies, Kenny Chesney concert tickets, Alabama Adventure and Splash Adventure tickets and so much more.
We look forward to seeing you and your family as we Celebrate the Family & 22 Years of free Good News!
To those of you who have not made a trip to a gynecologist, the very thought of it probably makes you feel uncomfortable. Most of us are not even comfortable with looking at our own bodies, so baring it all in front of a physician you just met is not the most appealing idea. However, we at Henderson & Walton cannot stress to you enough how important it is to regularly see a gynecologist. Proper gynecological care helps prevent many undesired cancers, diseases, and other illnesses through early detection. Yes, your first gynecologist visit can be scary, but knowing how to prepare and what to expect can very beneficial
When to Visit. Our doctors recommend that your first visit be at the age of 21, or when you start becoming sexually active. Additionally, women and girls of any age need to visit their gynecologist if they notice irregularities in their breasts, genitalia, menstrual cycles, or if they become pregnant. Make sure you schedule your appointment when you will not be having your period. Bleeding can affect the accuracy of the test results. To be preventative and maintain your good health, visit your gynecologist once every year unless you are having problems or your doctor has advised otherwise.
Be prepared. Before your visit, look online at the practice’s website to see if you can get your paperwork online. At Henderson & Walton all your paperwork is accessible online and just needs to be completed and printed. Have your insurance card with you when you come in for your first visit so the receptionist can scan your card into your account and your insurance can be correctly billed. Most preventative visits are covered at no cost to you. Bring a list of any medications you are taking and the dosage. Be prepared to provide a urine sample, before you see the doctor.
Meeting with the Nurse & Medical Assistant. When you are called by the nurse, she will take your height and weight, and ask questions regarding your personal, family, sexual, and medical history. She will then instruct you to go to the bathroom to give a urine sample in cups provided in the bathrooms. Once completed, you will be called to a room, or if a room is not ready yet, you will be sent to the waiting room. Once in the room, the medical assistant will take your vital signs and instruct you to remove your clothing and cover with drapes once she has left the room. When you are ready, the doctor will come in to meet you and will only uncover areas needed for the examination.
Meeting the Doctor. Your first appointment is usually very simple, and your doctor will spend time getting to know you. The doctor will ask about you and your family’s medical history and your sexual health. It is very important to be honest. This will help the physician tailor the best treatment for you. Also, do not be afraid to ask questions. Sometimes if you are nervous, you forget what you want to ask your physician. Try writing down a list of your concerns.
The Exams. Each exam depends on your age, sexual history and whether or not you have any particular symptoms. Your physician will explain each part of the exam before he/she performs it. The following is a list of exams that may be performed:
Breast examination: Your doctor will exam your breasts to detect whether there are any lumps or abnormalities. Breast exams are one of the most important early breast cancer screenings.
Pap smear: During this routine screening procedure, cells from your cervix are gently scraped away and then examined for the presence of precancerous or cancerous cells on the cervix. This test is performed on women over the age of 21.
Pelvic examination: A physical exam of your pelvic organs is performed based on your age, whether you are sexually active, and the extent of your symptoms.
Gynecological care is important, regardless of your age, marital status, or level of sexual activity. Your first appointment may be nerve-wracking, but being prepared and having the knowledge of what to expect will help. It’s important that you find a gynecologist you trust and one that you feel comfortable with. We understand the importance of having the right gynecologist and we have 12 physicians to select from.
-Henderson and Walton Women’s Center
The physicians of Henderson & Walton Women’s Center, P.C. are accepting new patients in their Birmingham, Alabaster, Chelsea, Cullman, Gadsden, Jasper and Tuscaloosa locations. Call 1-800-264-1075 to make your appointment. Visit www.hwwc.net to learn more about the practice, physicians, and services.
*This article is for educational purposes and is not intended as medical advice. If you have a medical concern, see your physician.
About 50 area pastors from all Christian denominations recently gathered to tour and pray over the new Sav-A-Life pregnancy test center opening this month in the Crestwood community. The center is housed within the Birmingham Metro Baptist Association’s(BMBA) building on the third floor with a separate entrance and parking. The center will offer a free clinic for pregnancy testing as well as STD/STI testing for both men and women, with hopes to add educational resources as well.
April 7, 2022, Sav-A-Life asked area pastors to unite with them in prayer over their new center that will begin serving families this month in Crestwood.
Dr. Chris Crain, Executive Director of BMBA had the vision for adding the center as a part of the BMBA campus on Medical Park Drive South. “I knew it needed to be done. Not how, but God did.” BMBA is a voluntary cooperative effort of 180 local churches, who lead mission and service opportunities in response to recognized needs in the community.
In 2019, Sav-A-Life, Vestavia and the North Jefferson Women’s Center (NJWC) in Fultondale joined forces to help more families. This will be their third location in Jefferson County. Sav-A-Life Executive Director, Lisa Hogan, said, “We believe this East Birmingham location will allow us to reach even more clients and provide support and show the love of Christ to women who are navigating an unplanned pregnancy.”
After the prayer breakfast, area pastors toured the new Sav-A-Life pregnancy test center in Crestwood.
Following the pastors’ prayer breakfast, Sav-A-Life launched a 21-day prayer event leading up to the center opening May 5. If you are interested in volunteering at one of the three locations, call 205-823-1846 or visit www.savalife.org. †
The Sims family of Inverness has had their share of challenges and miracles. They credit God for growing their faith in Him through both.
During his 22 years of military service, John Sims spent much of his time separated from his family fighting for our country oversees in war zones like Afghanistan where he was shot down in a deadly helicopter crash. “I struggled with my faith after spending 3.5 years in the Middle East and losing eleven friends/teammates. I was angry at God. It took years to work through that and still more years and the help of a local Pastor, Brandon Ball (Church Unlimited), to work through all the ‘religion’ that clouds what is actually the very simple message of the Gospel.”
John Sims served in the Army for 22 years. Although he survived being shot down in Afghanistan, he lost 11 teammates.
That simple message is something he and his wife CJ are passionate about sharing. “Our job is simply to believe that Jesus is the Son of God. He came to earth and was sacrificed for our sins,” Sims explains adding, “God’s requirement is perfection. We can never achieve that. However, the simple message is that He loved us so much, has so much grace, that He gave us a way to still enjoy eternity with Him. Jesus said, ‘It is finished.’ He didn’t say, ‘It’s 99% finished, the rest is on you.’” John credits his wife CJ for encouraging him in his faith by living out hers. “I don’t think CJ has ever waivered in her faith. Despite years of pain, seizures, my being gone…It’s pretty amazing.” For 20 plus years CJ battled a seizure disorder, migraines and vertigo. Finally in March of 2020 she received a clear diagnosis, underwent brain and inner ear surgery and is seizure free.
John and CJ Sims enjoy living and working close by to their grandchildren Linley and Austen plus Catherine who is not pictured.
After moving 31 times in 30 years, the couple returned to CJ’s hometown of Birmingham in 2015. John began helping a local lake real estate brokerage grow from two states to 30. “The access to those business minds and entrepreneurial spirit awakened a desire to build something of my own.” Personal experience led the Sims to choose pest control as the business to build. “We hired two companies for mosquito control and were not impressed. The service charges kept coming but so did the mosquitoes. That’s where I found both my interest and a need I could satisfy within my local community. I knew I could do better, so I went to work.” Sims completed all certification requirements for household and commercial pest control and started Steel City Mosquito.
“I built a business model around keeping prices more affordable than other companies while ensuring the effectiveness of our services are second to none. We always keep in mind this is a discretionary purchase,” says Sims. “Yes, mosquitoes, fleas, and ticks are annoying and can be dangerous; however, controlling them doesn’t occupy the same place on a family budget as food, clothing, and shelter. Oh, and we don’t do contracts. We have to earn it with every service and customer interaction.” Based on this model, Steel City Mosquito is serving hundreds of area families and the Sims can clearly see how God continues to be at work in their lives.
-Laurie Franklin
John Sims is passionate about serving families in our community. Learn more about his business at www.steelcitymosquito.com.
“The law is my life,” says attorney Donna Beaulieu of Calera, Ala. Her passion for law and defending the Constitution of the United States is why she is running for Circuit Judge of Shelby County in the May 24, 2022, Republican Primary.
Beaulieu is a conservative who has lived in Shelby County for 30 years. She is a wife, mother, and proud new grandmother. With over 24 years of experience practicing law, Beaulieu has encountered a wide variety of cases that she believes have prepared her to be Circuit Judge. “In past cases, I have fought for the 1st Amendment, 2nd Amendment, 5th Amendment and 14th Amendment,” Beaulieu says, adding, “I believe in a strict interpretation of the U.S. Constitution and the Constitution of Alabama.” If she is elected as Circuit Judge, she says “I will do my duty to uphold the Constitution. I have a lot of experience reading the Constitution, understanding it, and applying it to cases.” Beaulieu is a believer in individual freedoms and will continue to fight to protect them. One of her past cases that she won- concerning the 1st Amendment- went to the Supreme Court of the United States.
Donna Beaulieu and her family reside in Calera. She recently celebrated the arrival of her first grandson who is four months old.
Why is she running for Circuit Judge of Shelby County? “I think now more than ever, the constitution needs to be protected and I believe judges are in the best position to do that.” With her vast experience in law, Beaulieu says she is ready and excited to serve Shelby County in this new way. “If the people give me the opportunity to serve them as a judge, I will do a good job for them.”
Beaulieu is a woman of faith. She strives to live by Proverbs 3:5-6, “Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways submit to Him, and He will make your paths straight.” Beaulieu explains that this verse sums up how she aims to live her life in both professional and personal capacities.
Inspirations. “My family inspires me, and this country inspires me to run for office,” Beaulieu says, adding, “I believe people are needed to answer the call to defend what is good, right and godly about this country.” During her time on the campaign trail, she has met many people who have inspired and encouraged her in her campaign. “I hope I get to serve them in the capacity of Circuit Court Judge,” Beaulieu says. To learn more about Beaulieu, visit www.beaulieuforjudge.com.
Helping families is at the core of what Phillip Bahakel strives to do in his personal and professional life. Since 1981, he has continually served families as a divorce and family law attorney. He opened his law office in Pelham in the mid-1990s and actively helps clients today. As a proud father and grandfather, he is compelled by the fact that “children are the future.”
Pictured above is Phillip Bahakel with his grandson Robert, who has Pitt-Hopkins. “He is a blessing, and we all love him,” Bahakel says.
Bahakel is running for Shelby County District Judge in the Runoff on June 21, 2022 with Erin Bell Welborn. Bahakel says his judicial experience sets him apart. Bahakel served six years as a District Judge/Juvenile Court. A graduate of Cumberland School of Law at Samford University, Bahakel has 40 years of experience as an attorney. He is a member of the RNC President’s Club and Capitol Club.
If elected, he is excited about helping families in the courts and will strive to make the process for them as pleasant and efficient as possible. As a former family court judge in Jefferson County from 2001 to 2007, he is ready to jump back in and serve families to the best of his ability. “If elected, I am going to work hard and get things done,” Bahakel says, adding, “With 41 years of experience, I believe I can efficiently handle any case that is thrown at me. I will be there to help families; that’s what this is all about.” When he served as a judge, Bahakel would request to see the family and their support group to discuss the order before entering it.
Fighting for families. As an attorney, Bahakel advocates for family values. “I’m a big picture kind of guy. I really think about where people will go in the future. I try to help clients based on what is in the best interest for them and their children.” He has a strong work ethic. “I do my homework and I pray,” Bahakel says, adding. “It’s not unusual for me to be in the office after 6 p.m. on weekdays and also work on the weekends.”
Phillip Bahakel is the proud father of two daughters.
Many people have inspired Bahakel to serve including several of his cousins, two of which are former criminal judges. Supreme Court Justice Patricia Smith, who was the first female to serve as a Judge on the Shelby County Family Court, was a mentor to Bahakel. “She is the one that taught me the most about what I know about juvenile court,” Bahakel explains, adding, “I learned a lot from her.”
Bahakel is a man of deep faith. As an attorney and former judge, he has experience making decisions that impact the lives of others. “I always pray before making decisions,” Bahakel says, adding, “I ask the Lord for direction and guidance.” In addition to being a guiding factor in decision making, his faith in Christ encourages him to treat all people with respect and kindness. “I have devoted my life to helping families,” Bahakel says. To learn more about Bahakel, visit www.bahakel4judge.com.
Erin Welborn is a wife, mother, attorney, and woman of faith who is running for Shelby County District Judge in Runoff on June 21, 2022 with Phillip Bahakel. Welborn is currently working as a Guardian ad Litem for the state of Alabama. “I represent children that are primarily in foster care that have been alleged to be abused or neglected.”
Why is Welborn running for Shelby County District Judge? “I’ve worked in this court for about 14 years, and I know the ins and outs of it. I know where the problems are, where the good is and where the changes need to be made,” Welborn says, passionately adding, “I’m ready. I have the energy, the efficiency to make the improvements that the children and families of Shelby County deserve.”
Welborn is a lifelong resident of Shelby County. “I grew up here. I graduated from Pelham High School and went to the University of Montevallo before transferring to UAB and then attended Birmingham School of Law,” she says.
Welborn’s faith in Christ calls her to be the hands and feet of Jesus. “Being the hands and feet means that there are times you have to get a little dirty and get in the mix,” Welborn says, adding, “I have been committed in this season of life to follow where the Lord is leading.”
Welborn’s inspiration. “My father [Dick Bell] grew up in very challenging circumstances. If he had grown up in today’s times, he would’ve been in foster care.” His mother dealt with significant substance abuse. Before he passed away two years ago, while he was holding Welborn’s hand, he mentioned seeing his mother in front of him and said she was telling him it was time to come home. He told Welborn, “I’m scared.” Months later, Welborn realized that her father was dealing with unresolved trauma from his childhood. “No one should be at the end of their life still holding onto that childhood trauma,” Welborn says.
The Shelby County District Court, Place 1, is the juvenile court for Shelby County. This court deals with cases involving abused and neglected children along with children accused of committing crimes. Welborn believes this job requires someone that will show love and compassion while at the same time working to hold parents and children accountable for their actions. “I want to work to ensure children who come from difficult circumstances and have suffered trauma get the help they need to resolve their trauma,” Welborn says. For over 14 years, Welborn has represented countless families and children as an attorney in Shelby County and desires to continue to serve her community as their next District Court Judge.
Welborn and her family currently live in Unincorporated Shelby County and attend First Christian Church on Valleydale Road.
Welborn is excited about many aspects of serving as Shelby County District Judge including the fact that this judge will be over the Children’s Policy Council of Shelby County. “This is not just for kids that are involved in the court. This affects every child in Shelby County because it includes things like Summer Reading Initiatives, partnering with Backpack Buddies, and prevention programs like Compact,” Welborn says, adding, “My goal is to make sure we are setting our children and our system up for success.” If elected, Welborn hopes to create a Family Court for concerns of the family such as protections from abuse orders, divorce, and more. “Anything that would touch the family would come under the umbrella of the family court,” Welborn explains. “I want to be part of the change. I want to make the system so much better than it is.” To learn more about Welborn, visit www.welbornforjudge.com.
For Susan DuBose, serving the community is her passion. While she and her husband were raising their children in North Shelby County (Danielle age 29 and Drew age 25), DuBose began to volunteer for organizations like the American Heart Association. She eventually became involved in politics and hasn’t looked back. “Once my kids went to college, I was able to transition into politics which is my passion,” DuBose says. She is currently the President of Republican Women of North Shelby County. “I love helping women learn and grow and give them the strength to have a voice.”
Why is DuBose running for office? “I saw a real need in our district for a new kind of representative- someone very active and engaged within the district,” DuBose says. Working with the women in the group Republican Women of North Shelby County inspired her to run for office. “It gave me the avenue to learn so much about what is going on and gain an in-depth knowledge of bills that are being passed and not passed in Montgomery,” DuBose explains, adding, “Through this opportunity, I felt like we needed new representation in this district.” District 45 spans Greystone, Leeds, Highland Lakes, Mt Laurel, Shoal Creek, Chelsea, Vandiver, Sterrett and portions of Irondale.
If elected to represent State House District 45, DuBose emphasizes she will represent a Conservative point of view. “I’ve taken a pledge to not raise taxes. I would work to have a term limit bill passed, support limited government and continue to support a pro-life agenda,” DuBose says. She believes in parental rights in education and school choice. “Education would be a big focus for me,” she adds.
Susan DuBose has been married to her husband Dennis for 33 years. They have been active members at Asbury United Methodist Church for more than 20 years.
DuBose’s faith in Christ is of utmost importance to her. “My faith impacts everything in my life. It is my moral compass. It gives me the strength to make the right choices when so much of the world is pulling in the other direction.” DuBose says her Biblical worldview will guide her in decision making in Montgomery. “Every type of decision you make, you can go back to the Bible and the answer is there,” she adds.
DuBose believes that while there are problems in Montgomery, there are many people of faith in politics that inspire her. U.S. Congressman Gary Palmer is one of her greatest inspirations. “I think when he stepped into office, he set a standard and maintained a Biblical perspective,” DuBose says. Other inspirations include Kenneth Paschal, Arnold Mooney, Russell Bedsole, Jim Carnes, Dan Roberts, and Shelby County Sheriff John Samaniego. To learn more about DuBose, visit www.susandubose.com.
Birmingham, AL, May 7, 2022 – The 3rd Annual Celebrate the Family Expo! will take place Saturday, May 7, from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. at the Hoover Met Complex, 100 Ben Chapman Drive, 35244. The free day of family fun is hosted by Birmingham Christian Family Magazine and First Priority.
The event kicks off at 10 a.m. with a welcome from Hoover Mayor Frank Brocato and swag bags full of giveaways for the first 200 attendees. Entertainment includes live music performed by Kevin Derryberry of Kevin Derryberry Ministries and the Banks Academy Tension Choir and Pulse Band. The Kid’s Zone includes free inflatables, an 18-foot climbing wall courtesy Mountain High Outfitters and face painting. Nearly 50 exhibitors will be on sight with resources for families as it relates to their physical, emotional and spiritual wellbeing. Be prepared for lots of dancing and photo opportunities with costumed characters including Minions and the Chick-fil-A Herd of Cows milling through the crowd with gift cards and plush stuffed cows. The event will also recognize our 2022 Scholarship Recipients, chosen from among 110 area high school seniors who each shared in an essay about the importance of giving back to our community.
“Birmingham Christian Family Magazine was established in 2000 as a resource for families,” said publisher Laurie Franklin. “During those early years, that meant spreading Good News through our monthly print magazines. Today, we share that same Good News 24/7 through print, digital and social media platforms. We couldn’t have done this without our community, families, and advertisers who believe in our mission. We thank God for allowing us to spread Good News in Central Alabama for 22 years.” Special thanks to Expo sponsors First Priority,Shades Mountain Baptist Church and the Collins Group as well as Alabama Credit Union, Alabama Relay, Children’s of Alabama, Reignite Chiropractic, Renewal by Anderson, Thrivent, and Vulcan Termite and Pest Control. Sozo Children’sStuff the Truck will also be onsite accepting donations including used clothing, shoes, accessories, and household items.
ABOUT CHRISTIAN FAMILY. Publisher Laurie Franklin founded The Christian Family Publication, Inc. in 2000. Its first Good News publication was Birmingham Christian Family, BirminghamChristian.com followed by publications in Anniston/Gadsden, Ala. and Nashville, Tenn, ChristianFamilyPublications.com. For the most up to date Expo event schedule visit www.BirminghamChristian.com/Expo. Access Expo Tool Kit including images/graphics at www.BirminghamChristian.com/expo-tool-kit-spread-the-word. To request an interview, contact Melissa Armstrong, [email protected], or call 205-902-8632.
Special thanks to Gardendale Chamber of Commerce Executive Director Heather Lebishcak for the invitation for publisher Laurie Franklin to speak at recent chamber luncheon.
Publisher Laurie Stroud Franklin recently spoke to the Gardendale Chamber of Commerce on the topic of story telling- specifically “The Value of Knowing & Sharing Your Story.”
If you are interested in Laurie speaking at an upcoming event, email Laurie. Be sure to include a brief description of the event, date, time and location.
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-Laurie Stroud Franklin
