Service Care Blog

From the Shelby County Reporter:

HELENA — Helena's Jane B. Holmes Public Library will take a historical turn starting Oct. 6, when the library will begin showing an exhibit of 10 iconic Abraham Lincoln portraits.

The free exhibit, which came courtesy of the National Portrait Gallery and the Smithsonian Institution, is intended to mark the 200th anniversary of Abraham Lincoln's birth in 1809.

Library director Daniel Dearing said the Jane B. Holmes Library is one of only 10 in the state to receive these exhibits.

Read the whole article here.

Labels: Helena, Shelby County, things to do

From the Shelby County Reporter:

A Shelby County organization is partnering with county schools and law enforcement officials to crack down on teen drinking and drug abuse.

The Shelby County Drug Free Coalition is seeking to publicize existing county drug and alcohol tip lines to combat illegal teen behavior and adults who sanction it.

“Many people within the coalition didn’t realize that there were already tip lines available through the sheriff’s office and schools,” said Carol Williams, the coalition’s project coordinator. “The coalition then partnered (with the schools and sheriff’s office) to promote those available resources more thoroughly.”

Read the rest of the article.

Labels: Shelby County, things to do

Yep, it's the "Taste of Shelby County" event raising money for schools by feeding you delicious foods. Actually, it sounds really good. Mmmmm.

Read more here: Get a taste of county, support schools

Labels: charity, events, Shelby County, things to do

I've never been a huge fan of roasts, but I'm sure this will be a fun evening.

Read more here: Hoover mayor to be roasted

Labels: charity, fun, Hoover, things to do

Read about their efforts, and how you can help here:

Local club offers hospital support

Labels: charity, Inverness, things to do

Thought this might be of interest to some of you.

SMALL GARDENS 1/24 10 a.m.-NOON. $20. Emmet O'Neal Library, 50 Oak St., Mountain Brook. Learn design techniques to bring out the best in your small garden. For more information, contact June Mays at 541-3740 or junemays@bellsouth.net. You can also guarantee a seat at this lecture by mailing a check for a ticket to June Mays, 3514 Country Club Road, AL 35213.

THE DECORATIVE VEGETABLE GARDEN 1/31 10 a.m.-NOON. $20. Emmet O'Neal Library, 50 Oak St., Mountain Brook. Learn how to grow your own vegetables in an attractive way. For more information, contact June Mays at 541-3740 or junemays@bellsouth.net. You can also guarantee a seat at this lecture by mailing a check for a ticket to June Mays, 3514 Country Club Road, AL 35213. 879-0459.

Labels: Alabama, Crestline Village, events, Mountain Brook, things to do

I'm embarrassed, a little bit.

I've lived in Alabama my whole life, and been in and out of Homewood a couple of kazillion times, and I've never been to, or up in, the Vulcan monument. (I've driven by it, practically under it, thousands of times).

Seriously, it's really close to me, and it's a least worth a trip, but it's never happened.

I should take a break some weekend, stop thinking about television repairs and whatnot, and schedule a trip to Homewood and visit ol' Vulcan and see what it's all about.

I found this info, which brought it into my mind, so I'm sharing it here:

Vulcan Park and Museum
(205)933-1409

Vulcan Park and Museum
1701 Valley View Dr
Birmingham, AL 35209

Visit the Vulcan website, too.

Labels: Alabama, Homewood, repairs, televisions, things to do

CERT Leadership Training

This program educates willing citizens about disaster preparedness for hazards that could affect our area and trains volunteers in basic disaster response skills, such as fire safety, light search and rescue, team organization and disaster medical operations. Participants must be at least 18. The next training class in Vestavia Hills starts March 3. Space is limited. Information: 978-0225.

Labels: Alabama, things to do, Vestavia Hills

Looking for traditional New Year's Day eating in Birmingham? Want corn bread, black-eyed peas and (shiver) turnip greens for superstitious fun and supposedly luck?

I'm going to post a few places to eat as I find them, hope you have a safe and fun New Year's in Alabama. Be careful out there!

Cahaba Heights: http://www.bhamdining.com/bhamdining-home/2008/12/29/new-years-brunch.html?lastPage=true&postSubmitted=true

If you know any more, comment here!

Labels: Alabama, Birmingham, Cahaba Heights, things to do

On Friday, December 12th, eight Alabama authors will read their submissions to Christmas is a Season! 2008. This is a collection of stories about Christmas, most of which are from Alabama authors. I believe it's also printed in Alabama.

The Dec. 12th reading (and signing) will be at Jonathan Benton Booksellers in Mountain Brook Village. There's also another session scheduled from noon-1 p.m. at Little Professor bookstore in Homewood.

Labels: Alabama, events, Homewood, Mountain Brook, things to do

This Sunday, December 14t at 2:30 pm, there will be a production of "The Best Christmas Pageant Ever" by Barbara Robinson at Vestavia Hills United Methodist Church. It's said to be a "humorous and heartwarming production that shows how the true meaning of Christmas can come through the unlikeliest of sources." The production is directed by Martha Summey.

The doors will open at 2:00 pm for open seating, with the performance beginning at 2:30.

This is a FREE event, offered "as a gift to the community," but donations will be accepted at the door to provide Christmas dinners for clients of the Oak Mountain Missions Ministries.

For info, call 205-822-9631. The Vestavia Hills United Methodist Church Sanctuary is located at 2061 Kentucky Avenue in Vestavia Hills.

Labels: Alabama, events, things to do, Vestavia Hills

Enjoy this free Holiday music program from the Alabama School of Fine Arts, this Saturday (December 13th, at 11:00 AM).

It's at the Whole Foods Market at 3100 Cahaba Village Plaza, Mountain Brook 35243. Kids are welcome, and it's handicap accessible.

Call (205) 252-9241 or go to http://www.asfa.k12.al.us for more info.

Did I mention it's free? C'mon, what else are you doing? Support these talented students, and enjoy yourself.

Labels: Alabama, events, Mountain Brook, things to do

On December 7, 2008 (Sunday) enjoy a free tour of the historic Alabama Theatre, the new Hill Arts Center Ballroom, and the 1914 Lyric Theatre with Christmas music and holiday decor.

It's promoted as "kid friendly" and handicap accessible, and it'll probably be a fun activity for a Sunday afternoon from 2pm - 4pm.

Call 205-252-2262 for info or go to the Alabama Theatre website.

Labels: Alabama, events, things to do

This sounds like fun!

" HUNTSVILLE, Ala., Dec 02, 2008 /PRNewswire-USNewswire via COMTEX/ -- NASA has invited 14 groups of ambitious young rocketeers from 11 middle schools, high schools and youth organizations around the country to light up the sky over North Alabama during NASA's 2008-2009 Student Launch Initiative rocketry challenge.

The rocketeering challenge will be held April 15-20, 2009, when student teams will converge on NASA's Marshall Space Flight Center in Huntsville, Ala., for a professional review of their rockets by NASA engineers. Day-long launch activities will take place at nearby Bragg Farms in Toney, Ala.
The annual event, which Marshall manages, is designed to inspire young people to pursue careers in science, technology, engineering and mathematics -- fields important to NASA's exploration mission. "

More here:

http://www.marketwatch.com/news/story/NASA-Invites-Young-Engineers-Alabama/story.aspx?guid={0720A059-8A70-4671-A23C-47F49EBC2268}

Labels: Alabama, things to do

Things to do around Jefferson county and nearby areas in the next week:

All Week Long - Nov 17-21

• 10 AM - 5 PM - Shoefly Shoe Boutique will give 20% discount for customers bringing in "gently worn shoes" for Soles4Souls campaign (an international footwear charity). They're also requesting a $1 donation to defray shipping costs. - Homewood, 35209 - 870-7131
• Tuesday - Saturday, 11am - 5pm - Gallerie Alegria's holiday show and gifts - specializes in contemporary glass art sculpture and lighting - in English Village 600 Olde English Lane, 35223 - 205.868.9320 - The website doesn't really showcase anything, but the front page gives a glimpse into some beautiful and interesting decorative glasswork.
  

Nov. 18, 2008 - (Tuesday)

• 6-8 PM - Wine Tasting in Crestline Village - Harvest Glen Market - 100 Euclid Ave. Crestline, 35213 - $5 admission
  
• 7:00 PM - Kung Fu... yes, I said Kung Fu - Vestavia Hills, 35216 - $15 at the Vestavia Hills Civic Center Lodge - 1973 Merryvale Road, Vestavia Hills, AL 35216 (Actually, I saw Tai Chi and some other stuff I can't fathom... but seriously, Kung Fu is the most awesome choice. Just don't make Billy Jack get upset.)
• 7-9 PM - Belly Dance class - Homewood Community Center - 1631 Oxmoor Road, Homewood, 35209 - For beginners through advanced. Call Aziza, 879-0701 - $50 for five weeks.

Nov. 20, 2008 - (Thursday)

• 7:30 PM - Why not see the UAB Chamber Ensembles, they're giving a free concert at UAB Hulsey Recital Hall, that's in Birmingham 35203 UAB area. Go to http://www.music.uab.edu or call 205-934-7376. - IT'S FREE

Nov. 21, 2008 - (Friday)

• 12:30 PM - Mid-Day Musical Menu - Birmingham, 35203 - Cathedral Church of the Advent having a free 30 minute concert by Samford University faculty members Jeff Flaniken, violin; Angela Flaniken, viola; and Donald C. Sanders, piano. - IT'S FREE - 205-226-3505, http://www.adventbirmingham.org
• 5-6:30 PM - Wine Tasting in Hoover - at Winestyles, 300 Doug Baker Blvd, Hoover 35242 - 205-995-3623 for admission info
• 6:30 PM - Santa turns on the lights at The Summit's Saks Plaza - Birmingham 35243 - Fireworks & holiday music - IT'S FREE - contact 205-967-0111

Nov. 22, 2008 (Saturday)

• 12:00 PM - "La Damnation de Faust" live broadcast - @ the Regal Trussville 16 - 5895 Trussville Crossings Parkway, Trussville, AL 35235 - HD Broadcast from the Metropolitan Opera - tickets available through Opera Birmingham - 322-6737 or www.operabirmingham.org - $20 Tickets
• 7:30 PM - Live From The Living Room - "Kathryn Tucker Windham joins The Dill Pickers for a gathering full of music and storytelling. Kathryn is nationally known for her homespun style of storytelling and is considered to be one of Alabama’s greatest treasures. The Dill Pickers have put on several musical shows in recent years, including last season’s Sand Mountain Saturday Nite. This family show is one you don’t want to miss!" - $18 admission, not sold out as of this second - Birmingham, 35205 - http://www.virginiasamfordtheatre.org or 205-251-1206

Nov. 23, 2008 (Sunday)

• 3 & 6 PM - Two performances of Handel's Messiah, the 61st presentation at Riverchase United Methodist Church - Birmingham, 35244 - 100 voice chorus, sounds amazing - 205-663-9046 - FREE?
  
• 7:00 PM - The Smothers Brothers (with special guest star & jazz entertainer John Pizzarelli) - Alys Robinson Stephens Performing Arts Center - Birmingham, 35203 - 205-975-9540 - Admission charged, but I'm sure it's worth it.

That's a fair amount of stuff to do this week. Frankly, I didn't know there was that much to do in town, just goes to show what I know.

Labels: Alabama, events, things to do