On April 23, the Vestavia Hills Sunrise Rotary is sponsoring a shrimp boil festival to honor Vestavia Hills police officers and firefighters. This annual event was designed six years ago as “an opportunity to give our first responders recognition,” said Rotary event coordinator Margaret Cook. This year’s event includes a live band and the skydiving team The Casters. Members … [Read more...]
Autism: A Grandmother Speaks
By Donna Cornelius At first glance, you wouldn’t have noticed anything unusual about a Birmingham school’s Christmas program. The children were dressed in hand-painted holiday T-shirts and sang songs like “Jingle Bell Rock.” Teachers hovered nearby to prompt forgetful singers. In the audience, parents and grandparents craned their necks, snapped photos and applauded … [Read more...]
Solving the Puzzle: Special Events Highlight Autism Awareness Month
By Donna Cornelius Those who want to support Autism Awareness Month can do so by walking, running – and even eating. On April 16, the Autism Society of Alabama will host its Walk for Autism and 5K Race to Solve the Puzzle at Veterans Park in Hoover. The Birmingham event is one of 16 that will be held around the state in April. Early registration is now available at … [Read more...]
Bean Bags for a Cause: The Bell Center Junior Board Hosts Cornhole Classic
By Sarah Kuper The junior board of the Bell Center is hosting the 4th annual Bell Center Cornhole Classic on April 16 at Good People Brewing Company. Teams will toss bean bags to compete for the $300 first prize. One hundred percent of the money raised from registrations will go to support the Bell Center. Junior board President Lindsay Luketic said she expects this year's … [Read more...]
The Firehouse Shelter Provides Hope for the Homeless
By Lee Davis For much of the past century, an old firehouse on Birmingham's north side housed firemen who regularly saved lives. The aging structure continues to save lives, but now in a different way. Since 1983, it has been the home of the Firehouse Shelter, a safe haven for homeless men. While the original purpose was to meet their immediate food, shelter and clothing … [Read more...]