February is National Children’s Dental Health Month

Posted on Thursday, February 22, 2018 by Angie

February is National Children’s Dental Health Month! This month-long national health observance brings together thousands of dedicated dental professionals, healthcare providers, and educators to promote the benefits of good oral health to children, teachers and of course, parents.

Tooth decay (cavities) is one of the most common chronic conditions of childhood in the United States. Untreated tooth decay can cause pain and infections that may lead to problems with eating, speaking, playing, and learning.

About 1 of 5 (20%) children aged 5 to 11 years have at least one untreated decayed tooth.
1 of 7 (13%) adolescents aged 12 to 19 years have at least one untreated decayed tooth.
The percentage of children and adolescents aged 5 to 19 years with untreated tooth decay is twice as high for those from low-income families (25%) compared with children from higher-income households (11%).

The good news is that tooth decay is preventable. Starting your child off with good dental care and developing good habits at a young age along with regular dental visits will help children to have lifelong healthy teeth and gums.

Member Appreciation Morning at the Birmingham Zoo

Posted on Thursday, February 22, 2018 by Angie

As a thank you for supporting the Zoo, current Members are invited to join us for a special Member Appreciation Morning on Saturday, March 3 from 8am-9am. During this hour, Members can explore the Zoo before it opens to other guests, enjoy free rides, and special breakfast treats in the Membership Office.

To become a Zoo Member to enjoy this event, free admission daily, and a variety of other perks, click here.

2018 Spring Festivals in Birmingham

Posted on Tuesday, February 20, 2018 by Angie

Lots of food, music, dancing and just plain fun coming to the ‘ham over the next couple of months, all guaranteed to help you get out and enjoy Springtime. The only problem you’ll have is trying to figure out how to fit them all in!

Spring Festivals in Birmingham

The Exceptional Foundation Chili Cook-Off
Brookwood Village (Macy’s End)
Saturday, March 3rd 10:30 – 3pm

This is a fun, quirky, outdoor party offering good food, drink and friends at a “come as you are” event. This event has developed a loyal following across a diverse audience base. There seems to be an engaging atmosphere that you can’t quite put your finger on — a unique camaraderie exists amid the tongue in cheek, yet somehow serious, competition between teams who vie for the judges’ and public’s approval in hopes of taking home a trophy for their particular chili recipe. While the sponsors and their teams focus on winning the chili contest, the more than 10,000 attendees from across the Birmingham area wander amid decorated booths enjoying Good People beer, tasting chili and listening to live music at one of the year’s first outdoor events.

Tickets can be purchased on the website or at The Exceptional Foundation location prior to the event for a $10 donation per ticket. The day of the event, tickets can be bought at the entrance for a $15 donation per ticket. Children 12 and under are FREE.

Cherry Blossom Festival
Birmingham Botanical Gardens
Saturday, March 17th 10am – 4pm

This year’s festival will be brought to you in partnership with the Birmingham Sister Cities Commission.
Further scheduling and guests will be announced later, so stay tuned for more information! Times are currently subject to change.

Mt. Laurel Spring Festival
Town of Mt. Laurel
Saturday, April 7th 10am – 3pm

This festival offers you the opportunity to shop our vibrant street fair, listen to music, savor dishes from
the best local food trucks, and enjoy a day strolling the idyllic streets of one of Birmingham’s
best neighborhoods.

Girls Inc Cajun Cook-Off
Railroad Park
Saturday, April 7th 11am – 2pm

Enjoy live music, a kid zone, and Cajun favorites such as gumbo, jambalaya and shrimp and grits prepared by more than 20 cook-off competitors. Event benefits Girls Inc. of Central Alabama, which inspires all girls to be strong, smart, and bold!

Tickets are $25 for adults and FREE for kids 12 and under! Tickets can be purchased now at www.bhamcajuncookoff.com.

Alabama Asian Cultures and Food Festival
Zamora Shrine Temple
Saturday, April 7th 10:30am – 4pm

Come and enjoy delicious foods from different Asian countries. Shop at our Asian bazaar. Enjoy performances by fantastic Asian artists. Visit our Asian cultural heritage booths – be sure to meet the Consul General for Indonesia! Bring the children…there are fun activities for them, too!

General Admission – $10.00 for Adults at the door ($9 online); $7.00 for Others and Special Guests at the door (6$ online); Free for children ages 12 and under. NOTE: General Admission can be purchased online at these discounted prices, until the day of the festival. On the day of the festival, General Admission can only be purchased at the regular prices at the ADMISSIONS Table. General Admission for “Others and Special Guests” refers to Teenagers ages 13-17, Active military, Veterans, College students, and Irondale zip code 35210 residents with valid ID.

St. Elias Lebanese Food and Cultural Festival
Elias Maronite Church
Friday, April 13th 10am – 9pm
Saturday, April 14th 10am – 9pm

This festival provides Birmingham with delicious food and a fun, family friendly environment. Since the festival began, it has been important to us to give back to the Birmingham community. We donate a quarter of the money earned to many local charities, including Camp Smile-A-Mile, the Jimmie Hale Mission as well as many others.

Admission: FREE! Prices for food will range from $3.00 a la carte spinach pies to plates of food for $12.00 and up. Prices will range from $2.50 for most desserts to $20.00 for a dessert sampler. Debit and Credit cards Accepted!

Gardendale Magnolia Festival
Gardendale Civic Center
Friday, April 20th 5pm – 10pm
Saturday, April 21st 10am – 5pm

A Total Family Experience! Three stages free, live entertainment, 150 vendor booths, midway carnival, pooch parade, car show, free art classes, 5K run, 20+ food vendors, 5K run, free kid zone. Free parking and admission.

7th Annual Feast of Saint Mark Italian Festival
Saint Mark the Evangelist Church
Saturday, April 28th 3:30pm – 10pm

Italian food, bands, kid’s activities, fireworks finale

Adult Tickets purchased by March 15 include a $5 FOSM2018 Bonus redeemable the day of the Feast! Children Tickets (ages 6 -12) $10. Ages 5 and under FREE! Ticket price includes: Admission and Italian Food Experience

Gumbo Gala
Sloss Furnaces
Saturday, April 21st 11am – 2pm

Join Birmingham’s best Professional and Backyard Gumbo chef’s as they compete for the bragging rights to the title of Birmingham’s Best Gumbo. Enjoy great music, a kids zone, incredible gumbo and a great time all for a great cause.

Visit gumbogala.com for information about tickets and team registrations.

Magic City Art Connection
Linn Park
Friday, April 27th 10am – 6pm
Saturday, April 28th 10am – 6pm
Sunday, April 29th 10am – 5pm

The 35th annual show and Birmingham’s largest festival will transform Linn Park with its blast of fresh artistic talent, sights, sounds, tastes, and aromas. #MagicCityArt spotlights 200 artists both locally and nationally and mixes in music, dance, kids art experiences, sculpture installations, plus food, special tastings & more.

Advance Weekend (3 day) Pass $10 / Day Pass $5 – Gate Only / Kids 15 & under free

IndiaFest 2018
Alys Robinson Stephens Performing Arts Center
April 1 – April 30th
Events and Times vary visit website for more detail

The Center is proud to collaborate with our UAB campus family and art partners in the Birmingham community to bring you an entire month of events honoring the vibrant Indian culture in Birmingham. From Holi celebrations to lectures and from visual art workshops to performances, there will be so many opportunities in April to immerse yourself in Indian culture. Events will take place at UAB’s Alys Stephens Center, Abroms- Engel Institute for the Visual Arts, Department of Art and Art History, and UAB’s Campus Green, as well as non-campus locations as Taj India, the Birmingham Museum of Art and the Zamora Shrine Temple. Join us and our community partners as we celebrate this thriving community within our great city.

Southern Appalachian Dulcimer Festival
Tannehill State Park
Saturday, May 5th 9am – 4pm

The annual dulcimer festival features dulcimer craftsman and musicians from across the country. The festival features a dulcimer making class and beginning and intermediate dulcimer playing classes in the morning before the official stage festival in the afternoon. The festival is great fun for everyone, especially anyone who plays an acoustic stringed instrument and enjoys traditional music. Handcrafted dulcimers, instruction books, dulcimer CDs and cassettes are available for purchase.

Birmingham International Street Fair
Avondale Brewing
May 5th 10am – 4pm

A day to celebrate the many cultures who contribute to the vibrancy of Brmingham. We explore other cultures through food, music, dance and art. Find out more at http://www.birminghammulticultural.org/

Creek Bank Festival
Leeds Memorial Park
Saturday, May 19th 10am – 5pm

The Creek Bank Festival is held in May each year hosted by the Leeds Area Chamber of Commerce at the Leeds Memorial Park. Join us for fun and fellowship for a full day of festivities with plenty of shopping at arts and craft booths, a full schedule of entertainment, and food provided by food vendors.

Admission is Free

Do Dah Day
Caldwell Park
Saturday, May 19th 11am – 6:30pm

Do Dah Day is a annual event held along Birmingham’s Highland Avenue with all monies raised donated to charities that benefit animals in the Birmingham & Jefferson County area.

Parade starts at 11:01 AM along Highland Avenue and Festivities begin at 12:01 PM in the parks!
No admission charge for spectators and attendees. Fee to enter parade.

Our Spring Festival Guide Sponsor:

Stanley Steemer provides professional deep cleaning services including carpet, tile & grout, upholstery, hardwood and air ducts. We also provide water restoration services.

Stanley Steemer of North Central Alabama services the greater Birmingham Metro Area and surrounding counties, spanning from Cullman to Clanton and from the Mississippi state line to the Georgia state line.

Stanley Steemer is the first carpet cleaning service certified asthma & allergy friendly by the Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America, removing an average of 94% of common household allergens from carpet. 24/7 scheduling available!

Use Code: Mom30 for $30 off any service. (Minimum charges apply)

Big Machine Day at McWane Science Center

Posted on Friday, February 16, 2018 by Angie

Visitors get a chance to see big machines up close and personal as well as learn the science of simple machines and can participate in building programs during Big Machines Day.

For the ninth year in a row McWane Science Center will host Big Machines Day. Get your motors running and head on over for a truckload of fun. Spend a constructive day getting up close and personal with some big machines including backhoes, excavators, dump trucks, loaders, dozers and cranes!

Learn the science of simple machines and participate in fun building programs throughout the day. Big Machines Day is sponsored by CraneWorks, with special programming provided by Go Build Alabama.

Saturday, February 17, 10am to 4pm

The Friday Five: Top Picks for Weekend Fun Feb. 16th – Feb. 18th

Posted on Friday, February 16, 2018 by Angie

Whew, what a week! Mardi Gras and Valentine’s celebrations made for a fun but busy week, so if you still have some energy and are looking for something to do this weekend, here are our top picks!

Big Machines Day at McWane Science Center

Get your motors running and head over to McWane Science Center for a truckload of fun. Spend a constructive day getting up close and personal with some big machines.

Saturday, 9am – 5pm

Birmingham Bulls Hockey at Pelham Civic Complex

As You Walk Through the Door, Your Hearts Starts Pumping! The irresistible lure of HOCKEY and the buzz of a packed house causes your ADRENALIN to surge. The music is PUMPING, the lights fade and the smoke swirls – and that’s just the beginning. Monster hits, UNBELIEVABLE GOALS and in-your-face hockey keeps you on the edge of your seat. The action is NON-STOP! With heart pounding music, contests, and the prospect of catching a fantastic FREE SOUVENIR, what are you waiting for? Build your team’s SPIRIT by sharing in ours. It’s an EXPERIENCE to remember.

Saturday, 7pm

The Great Backyard Bird Count at the Birmingham Zoo

This annual event unites birdwatchers from across the globe as they track bird species found in their own backyards, parks and local spaces. Hear bird watching tips from Birmingham Audubon Society experts and take part in bird conservation activities in the Junior League of Birmingham – Hugh Kaul Children’s Zoo and Alabama Wilds. Participants are invited to take part in the bird walk from 8am-10am and afterwards enjoy crafts and activities from 10am-2pm.

Saturday, 8am – 2pm

Mr Mac Storytime at Emmet O’ Neal Library

Bring the entire family and join Mr. Mac for stories and music each Saturday morning.

Saturday, 10am

Hogwarts Express at Homewood Public Library

Join us as we delve into a different Harry Potter book each month through crafts, snacks, and activities. In February, we will recreate fun from Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix. K-7th grade.

Sunday, 3:30pm

Our Sponsor:

Stanley Steemer provides professional deep cleaning services including carpet, tile & grout, upholstery, hardwood and air ducts. We also provide water restoration services.

Use Code: Mom30 for $30 off any service. (Minimum charges apply)

The Exceptional Foundation Chili Cook-Off

Posted on Thursday, February 15, 2018 by Angie

The Chili Cook-Off is The Exceptional Foundation’s largest fundraiser of the year. Proceeds from this event are a significant source of funding for our programs at The Exceptional Foundation where we strive to meet the social and recreational needs of individuals of all ages that are mentally challenged.

Saturday, March 3rd 10:30am -3pm at Brookwood Village, Macy’s End.

American Village Festival Of Tulips

Posted on Wednesday, February 14, 2018 by Angie

Tulip Watch is on! Over 100,000 Tulips have been planted this year at American Village and as soon as 20% of them are in bloom, the will kick of the 2018 Festival of Tulips, expected to be Saturday, February 24th!

As the only You-Pick Tulip Field in the Region visitors can take home armfuls of beautiful blooms! The field of over 100,000 blooms with replicas of some of America’s most historic places as a backdrop, creates a one of a kind photo op, so make sure to bring your camera.

The Festival of Tulips at American Village will be open Monday – Saturday 10am – 4pm, Sunday 12pm – 4pm beginning in early spring and continuing through mid April. (dates may vary slightly based on weather and bloom time)

In addition to the tulips, guests can take part in Colonial Games, encounter Patriots from the past, experience the Continental Army Encampment, and more!

Admission for weekdays is $10 for adults, $9 for Seniors and Youth, and free to Veterans, active Military and children under the age of 4. Admission on the weekends is $5. Call for information on group discounts and catering.

To Tulip Watch and see the current field conditions and blooms, you can follow along on their site!

Women’s Strength Class with D1 Training

Posted on Friday, February 9, 2018 by Angie

Women have a dilemma. They want to get “in shape” which typically means “lean and toned” but don’t know how to get there or even what that actually means. The truth is getting “lean and toned” means gaining muscle mass and losing body fat. Fitness magazines and the Internet are filled with the newest plans and exercises that will magically make this happen. How does one choose an effective program that actually gets the desired results? The answer is barbell training.

Many women believe barbell training will make you huge and bulky. Not only is this not true, it is virtually impossible. Barbell training allows women to increase their lean body mass and reduce body fat. In addition and of utmost importance, barbell training will make you STRONG and being strong is awesome!

The Women’s Strength class at D1 Training is a comprehensive strength training program for women who want to learn how to correctly and safely lift weights. A limited class size allows each trainee, no matter her previous experience in the weight room, to receive individualized coaching and in turn maximize her results.

All participants will begin by learning how to correctly squat, deadlift, overhead press and bench press. These movements will then be utilized to increase overall strength as well as balance, coordination and lean body mass.

The class is coached by Margaret Armstrong. Margaret has a background in exercise science, nursing, and dance which give her extensive knowledge of body systems and body mechanics. Her coaching enables clients to gain results they never would have achieved on their own. Margaret is also a wife and a mom
of two young boys, so she knows what it’s like to juggle her time and responsibilities to make room for training, health and wellness.

The class is held Monday, Wednesday and Friday from 8:30-10 AM at D1 Training in Homewood. All participants are asked to commit to at least one month. The price for three weekly sessions for a whole month is only $199.

Margaret is also available for one-on- one and small group sessions.

Charlotte Donlon has been attending the class since October 2017. She recently had this to say:

“My husband and son have been members of D1 for several years, and I honestly thought I would never walk through the doors for my own training. I started working with Margaret 16 weeks ago and am thrilled to be on this new path. Margaret is a perfect trainer for women like me whose goals are to get stronger and have an enhanced sense of wellbeing. She’s super knowledgeable about body mechanics, and I love her consistent and steady approach. I’m already lifting more weight, improving my form, and sleeping better. I’m also more confident in other areas of life because of my time spent at D1.”

Contact Margaret at Margaret.Armstrong@d1training.com for more information or
call 205-588- 2734 to register.

Additionally, D1 offers opportunities for the entire family, including adult
bootcamp and strength classes as well as classes for children 7 and older.

Friday Five: Top Picks for Weekend Fun February 9th – February 11th

Posted on Friday, February 9, 2018 by Angie

Looks like a rainy weekend in the ‘Ham! For any outdoor activities make sure to check the event on their website or Facebook to make sure everything is still a go!

Backyard Adventures at McWane Science Center

From the biological interactions between plants and insects, and the zoology of nocturnal animals to the horticultural know-how that goes into growing giant vegetables, the mathematical genius needed to lay pavers and the feats of construction that can go on in the shed, the backyard is full of science.

Inside the Exhibit:
Paver Puzzle: Someone has started this DIY project and hasn’t had time to complete it. Can you help complete the path using odd shaped pavers?

Food Web Pond: Explore the intricacies of animal-insect-plant interactions at the pond. Investigate which creatures rely on other creatures to survive in this frog-eat-insect world.

Garden Golf: Try your hand at the backyard– themed mini golf. Be warned — you’ll need more than good putting skills to get around this course!

Walking Through the Seasons: Plants grow very slowly. Take a walk through our digital garden and observe plants growing in super time. Can you spot the changes that usually take months or years to happen.

Bee’s Eye View: Take a look at the garden through the eyes of a bee or a dog. Using special lenses, see how different creatures see the world around us.
Traveling exhibit running through April

Birmingham Bulls Hockey at the Pelham Civic Complex

Valentines for Children’s Hospital at Heavenly Donut Company

Join us Saturday, February 10th at The Heavenly Donut Company, where we’ll be set up and making cards for the patients at Children’s of Alabama. We’ll have all the supplies you need and maybe even a sweet treat to say thank you for helping us spread the love this Valentine’s Day!

Please take a moment and head over to our Facebook Event Page to let us know if you can make it!
10am – 12pm

Pawdi Gras Pet Parade at Ross Bridge Welcome Center

he Pawdi Gras parade runs from Ross Park (2001 Ross Avenue, Hoover AL) to the Terrace at Renaissance Ross Bridge Golf Resort & Spa (4000 Grand Avenue, Hoover AL). After the parade, there will be light refreshments and doggie treats provided by Renaissance Ross Bridge. Morning cocktails, MoonPies, and beignets will be available for purchase. Prizes will be awarded for first, second and third place for best doggie costume.

$5 – $10 donation is suggested for the Greater Birmingham Humane Society. The Greater Birmingham Humane Society will be on hand with some loveable pups that are looking for a great home.

10 a.m. – 10:15 a.m. – Meet up at Ross Park
10:15 a.m. – 10:45 a.m. – Parade from Ross Park to the Terrace at Renaissance Ross Bridge Golf Resort & Spa
10:45 a.m. – 11:45 a.m. – Activities for Kids, Dogs, and Fun for the whole family (Face Painting, Photo Booth, Make Your Own Mardi Gras Mask, etc.)
11:45 a.m. – Noon – Awards Ceremony for Best Doggie Costume and Prizes will be awarded (must be present to win).
Saturday, 10am – 12pm

Special Saturdays at the Birmingham Zoo

As part of our ongoing efforts to provide inclusive opportunities to all members of the community, the Education Department at the Birmingham Zoo and KultureCity are excited to announce our new Special Saturdays program. Special Saturdays is a series of zoo-based learning experiences for children and adolescents with cognitive or physical disabilities whose opportunities for engagement in community programs might otherwise be limited. Caregivers must attend all classes with participants to provide behavioral support and meet child-specific needs. This program is designed with the unique learning needs of this population in mind. Using evidence-based teaching and sensory strategies, we hope to provide a fun and engaging educational experience that will benefit all participants.

Classes are held the second Saturday of each month from 10am-11am for ages 8 and up.

There is no charge for the Special Saturdays program. Space is limited to 10 students per class. Caregivers must attend all classes with participants to provide behavioral support and meet child-specific needs.

Saturday, 10am – 11am

Our Sponsor:

Stanley Steemer provides professional deep cleaning services including carpet, tile & grout, upholstery, hardwood and air ducts. We also provide water restoration services.

Use Code: Mom30 for $30 off any service. (Minimum charges apply)

Family Yoga for Children with Special Needs

Posted on Thursday, February 8, 2018 by Angie

Join Katherine Bromberg of HeartShine Kids Yoga for a fun, engaging yoga class designed specifically for children with special needs and their parents. This class will incorporate yoga poses, breathing exercises, and mindfulness activities to support increased body awareness, fine and gross motor development, self-regulation, and sensory integration. Classes will also include opportunities for peer interaction through yoga games and group activities to help build confidence and support social development. Throughout class, we will move, breathe, play, and laugh as we learn ways to find and cultivate calm within. Children of all abilities are welcome, and ample modification options will be offered to meet the unique needs and strengths of each child. This class is geared towards children ages 4-11 with physical or developmental disabilities, and their parents.