BHM April 2012

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April 2012

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publishersletter

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indy and I are excited to bring you are second issue in print for Natural Awakenings in Birmingham.

On page 10, you’ll find a list of locations where you can find the magazine in print in and around the city. The list is growing all the time.

So fast, in fact, that the following are some additions that need to be added as Distribution Sites: • Botanical Gardens, 2612 Lane Park Rd • Central Library, 2100 Park Place • Emmet O’Neal, 50 Oak St, Mountain Brook

contact us Publisher Tom Maples Tom@AlabamaAwakenings.com Cell: 404-395-9634

• Hoover Library, 200 Municipal Dr. • Southside 1841, 11th Ave St South • Vestavia Hills Library in the Forest, 1221 Montgomery Highway • Gold’s Gym 2244 A, Pelham Parkway • Village Yoga, 150 Overton Rd #8 • Mill House Natural Foods, 507 11th Ave SW, Alabaster We also want to emphasize that Natural Awakenings in Birmingham is much more than merely a print magazine. Our website is now launched online at NABirmingham.com. The website is a mirror of all of the content found in the print magazine, plus a lot more. Local magazine articles, news briefs, advertising, resource guides and calendars are now just a click away. The Natural Awakenings National editorial library is also available throughout the site, offering classic interviews and timeless articles.

New Business Development Advertising Sales Cindy Wilson Cindy@AlabamaAwakenings.com Cell: 256-476-6537 Design and Production Karen Ormstedt 256-997-9165

On the website, Natural Awakenings’ local print calendar is searchable by topic, date or keyword. Online, these are dynamic and allow for much more information, including photos, web links, videos and maps. Moreover, calendar events can now be submitted online for both our print and online calendars.

Natural Awakenings Birmingham 14 Woodland Ave. Trinity, Alabama 35673 Office: 256-340-1122 Fax: 256-217-4274 NABirmingham.com

Our mission for Natural Awakenings, both in print and online, is to provide practical and exciting information that readers, businesses and customers find of ongoing usefulness in their daily lives.

© 2012 by Natural Awakenings. All rights reserved.

Although some parts of this publication may be reproduced and reprinted, we require that prior permission be obtained in writing.

We hope that you’ll find this to be the case, and we welcome your feedback and suggestions about how we can make Natural Awakenings an even better resource for your needs.

Natural Awakenings is a free publication distributed locally and is supported by our advertisers. It is available in selected stores, health and education centers, healing centers, public libraries and wherever free publications are generally seen. Please call to find a location near you or if you would like copies placed at your business.

I hope that you enjoy the April issue of Natural Awakenings, and that your month is filled with joy and abundance.

Happy Earth Day, 2012.

We do not necessarily endorse the views expressed in the articles and advertisements, nor are we responsible for the products and services advertised.

We welcome your ideas, articles and feedback.

SUBSCRIPTIONS Subscriptions are available by sending $25 (for 12 issues) to the above address.

Natural Awakenings is printed on recycled newsprint with soybased ink.

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contents 12 5 newsbriefs 12 healthbriefs 20 greenliving

Natural Awakenings is your guide to a healthier, more balanced life. In each issue readers find cutting-edge information on natural health, nutrition, fitness, personal growth, green living, creative expression and the products and services that support a healthy lifestyle.

14 YOUR HEALTH: ALLERGIES AND ASTHMA

by Dr. Elizabeth Korcz

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16 GREEN HOME CHECKLIST Room-by-Room Steps We Can Take, Starting Right Now

by Crissy Trask

advertising & submissions

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HOW TO ADVERTISE Display Ads due by the 10th of the month prior to publication.

Contact Us to advertise with Natural Awakenings or request a media kit. 256-476-6537 -or- Editor@AlabamaAwakenings.com

EDITORIAL SUBMISSIONS* Newsbriefs due by the 10th of the month. Limit 50-250 words.

Content limited to special events and other announcements.

No advertorials, please.

Articles and ideas due by the 5th of the month. Articles generally contain 250-850 words, with some exceptions. No advertorials, please.

20 EVERY DROP COUNTS Reusing Rainwater Saves Money and is Better for Plants

by Brita Belli

CALENDAR SUBMISSIONS Calendar of Events and Ongoing Calendar listings due by the 10th of the month. Limit 50 words per entry. Please follow format found in those sections.

ADVERTISE WITH US TODAY 256-476-6537 -or- Editor@AlabamaAwakenings.com *All submissions are subject to editing and will be printed at the publisher’s discretion. Article space often fills in advance. Deadline dates refer to the month prior to next publication and may change without notice due to holidays, shorter months, or printing schedules.

4 Birmingham NABirmingham.com www.NABirmingham.com

23 23 POSTURES

Legs Up The Walll Pose Pos oe

by Gatlianne

newsbriefs

coverartist

Alabama Environmental Council Annual Green Tie Affair Auction and Party

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he Alabama Environmental Council is holding its 16th Annual Green Tie Affair Auction and Party starting at 6:30pm on Saturday, April 21, 2012. More than 300 guests are anticipated at the new Good People Brewery at 114 14th Street South in Birmingham. $50 Tickets are limited before April 16th ($60 after that) and can be purchased online at AEConline.org/GreenTieAffair or by calling 205-322-3126. Green Tie Affair has historically been one of the spring social events not to miss with a robust Silent and Live Auction, great music, and fabulous food.

The AEC is a statewide, non-profit leader engaging citizens toward sustainable living and stewardship of the environment. We organize and empower Alabamians to preserve the environment in a manner that is mindful of current and future generations. We’re proud of celebrating 45 years of environmental advocacy and educational work in the state. In addition to continued operation of the Downtown Birmingham Recycling Center, AEC’s new Recycle Alabama campaign utilizes the power of branding to create a truly regional approach to recycling, building upon what has primarily been a fractured, municipality-based effort. By showing residents that the effects of recycling are bigger than a neighborhood, a community, or a city, Recycle Alabama will illustrate how individual actions can multiply into benefits that affect an entire region.

Contact the Alabama Environmental Council for tickets or more information at 205-322-3126 or purchase tickets online at AEConline.org/GreenTieAffair. Dress for the evening is creative casual. See ad on page 15.

Holistic Weight Loss & Total Wellness Program

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natural weight loss and total wellness program from Blissful Heights is a natural, but gentle, approach that teaches and empowers you to incorporate changes in your lifestyle to use food as medicine along with a daily self-healing program. The program will also include specific vitamins and supplements, yoga and exercises for your emotional and physical needs which will support your total balance of mind, body and spirit, promoting optimal health and well being last a lifetime. At Blissful Heights, we address the underlying causes of weight gain or imbalances such as low energy, chronic pain and fatigue, fibromyalgia, hormone and endocrine system, arthritis and joint pain—and especially emotional or mood imbalances. The total wellness program works on healing from the inside out, which will allow you the freedom to love yourself again. Please call for specific information.

Blissful Heights Integrative Healing, 3100 Independence Dr, Homewood.

205-639-1062. BlissfulHeights.com. See ad on page 8. Or, Beyond Wellness, 4898 Valleydale Road Suite A-3, Birmingham. 205-408-2889. BeyondWellnessToday.com.

See ad on page 7.

ValloCycle, CommuteSmart Partner to Transform How Montevallo Residents Commute and Work

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alloCycle: the Montevallo Bike Share Program and the City of Montevallo proudly announce that they are now official partners of the CommuteSmart Program.

Sanctuary Paul David Bond Paul Bond’s magical realism artworks illuminate a dreamlike world where anything is possible, as he deftly juxtaposes and rearranges common elements to convey universal spiritual or metaphysical ideas. Sometimes his paintings are simply uplifting illusions, expressing some facet of the whimsical, surreal and fantastic side of life. Always, they are soothing, visual meditations intended to delight the imagination and energize the soul.

Rearranging familiar objects gives Bond the visual symbols he uses as a language to reflect an emotion or thought he’s entertaining at the moment. “Very often, a painting is born from something randomly seen from a car window or a line in a novel or song,” he explains. “If it stirs my curiosity, it finds its way into my work.”

Of Sanctuary, Bond says, “The woman offers respite to the birds flying in mid-ocean. All of us have some place or person that serves as our personal sanctuary—a lover, child or parent, home, God or a combination of these. It is a place where we know we are safe to be our true selves without fear of judgment. In that safety we are free to grow and flower.”

View the artist’s portfolio at PaulBondArt.com.

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Montevallo community members can pay $25 for a one-year membership in the ValloCycle program, and then totally recoup their costs by enrolling in CommuteSmart’s GetGreen program if they use the bikes to travel to school or work.

CommuteSmart provides incentives for people who live or work in Jefferson/Shelby County, and take an alternative commute from home to work. Anyone who bikes, walks, carpools, or works from home is eligible to register and receive the incentives of the CommuteSmart program.

“CommuteSmart is very easy,” says Brandy Holt, a ValloCycle member and UM student who has been logging her commutes since January 9. “So far, I have reduced 64,148 grams in C02 emission simply by walking or biking to work and school.”

CommuteSmart, an initiative of the Regional Planning Commission of Greater Birmingham, works with employers and commuters to provide incentives for alternative commutes such as carpooling, vanpooling, biking, walking, teleworking and taking public transit. CommuteSmart offers free consultation to help businesses design and implement transportation solutions tailored to specific needs. The program maintains an online ridematching database, helps form and run vanpools, manages incentive programs and oversees the Emergency Ride Home program.

For more information, visit CommuteSmart.org or call 1-87-RIDEMATCH.

Be Bold: Birmingham Studio Adds Brave New Moves to Your Classical Practice

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aster Teacher Cara Reeser will host “Big and Bold”, a Pilates and Yoga inspired movement intensive in Birmingham. This Pilates/Yoga fusion class will give students an opportunity to go deep into the practice of arm standing and back bending. With an eye towards alignment, strength and flexibility students will learn new and exciting ways to enhance their practice. Boldly go where your practice has not gone before. All levels are welcome as we go “Big and Bold” in a safe, fun and supportive environment.

Don’t miss this opportunity to train with Cara Reeser, the owner of Pilates Aligned, Inc. Cara began her initial studies in the Pilates Method with first generation Master Teacher, Kathleen Stanford Grant. Now she serves as the lineage carrier of the Kathy Grant work, and is highly respected in the industry. She is an advanced teacher of the work, presenting continuing education and teacher mentoring group workshops at her studios in Denver, throughout the US, and abroad. The workshop will be held at Pilates on Highland in Birmingham on Saturday, April 14, 1-7pm ($200), and a PMA Approved, TPC Master Program on Sunday, April 15, 9am-12pm. ($50). Professionals and students welcome. Space is limited. Advance registration requested online. Pilates on Highland, 2827 Highland Ave S, Birmingham. 205-323-5961. PilatesOnHighland.com.

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Crystalline Workshop: Who Do You Think You Are? Journaling for Self-Discovery

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ave you ever taken a pen in hand, (or a computer keyboard) and poured your soul out? Taken a good look at yourself and how your life functions? Journaling is a timehonored way to discover, uncover and release.

Writing may even change your life. Treat yourself to a few minutes a day chatting with other women who may have traveled your same path.

Crystalline Workshop is an online journal-writing workshop designed to help women understand themselves just a little bit better. What are your hopes and dreams? What are your strengths and weaknesses? What do you hope to accomplish in life? What is holding you back?

You can be completely anonymous to allow yourself the freedom to share in a safe environment. Spelling and grammar are not what’s most important. What is important is that you go within to your source and find that which leads you to your true essence.

The main features of this workshop are the opportunity to have a listening ear and feedback from women who share your issues, learning the value of meditation, and practicing a tool to help release tension. Crystalline Workshop is April 1-May 26. Each workshop is limited to 15 women. Fee is $30 for the 8 weeks. For more info or to register, email workshop facilitator Nabella Shunnarah at NSWritingCoach@gmail.com. Nabella Shunnarah, MA Ed, has taught writing for over 20 years.

Heart to Heart Children’s Yoga Camp in Guntersville

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n June, Heart to Heart Children’s Yoga Camp in Guntersville will offer classes that focus on physical balance, strength and flexibility through fun yoga poses like lion, tree and downward dog as well as breathing techniques. Each day of the camp will feature a different theme, including Open Hearts, Seeds to Trees, and Taking Flight. Yoga mats will be given to each child at the first class (to take home at the end of the week). Your child’s favorite stuffed animal is invited to join us. Healthy organic snacks will be shared during our time together. Camp for 3-6 year-old children will be held June 11-15 and for 7-12 year-old children June 18-22. Camps are limited to 10 students. Cost: $70/Monday-Friday. Camps will be held at Heart to Heart Health and Wellness Studio in downtown Guntersville.

Instructor Jessica Rains is a Licensed Massage Therapist, Certified Reflexologist, and experienced children’s movement educator. Jessica received her Bachelor of Fine Arts in Dance from Wright State University in Ohio, and an Associates in Health Sciences from Swedish Institute in New York City. While living in NYC, Jessica worked at OM Yoga Center with Cyndi Lee and studied many forms of yoga throughout the city. She lives in Guntersville with her family, and enjoys

growing organic vegetables, paddling kayaks and learning about all the gifts from nature.

Register by contacting Jessica Rains at Jessica@HeartToHeartGville.com or calling 256-582-5025.

The Nature Conservancy of Alabama Celebrate Earth Day with a "Picnic for the Planet"

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n April 22, 2012, Earth Day, the Alabama Chapter C of The Nature Conservancy will invite people from across the state to get outside and celebrate the planet with a free picnic at Railroad Park from 11am-3pm. The A Alabama Chapter will also join Conservancy chapters ld worldwide in an attempt to set the world record for the most people picnicking in a 24-hour period.

The community is encouraged to bring a picnic (and blanket) or purchase picnic food at Railroad Park and join us for the world’s largest picnic celebration. There will be live music spotlighting local talent, a display of sponsored picnic tables decorated by local artists and the opportunity to participate in a Guinness world record.

Picnic for the Planet for Earth Day 2012 is a celebration of the planet we live on, the bounty it provides and the people who work to preserve it. As a fundraiser for the local chapter of The Nature Conservancy, picnic tables will be available for sponsorship. Local artists in the community will be engaged in adorning the tables for future display around the city. This event is free and open

Adopt the pace of nature: her secret is patience. ~Ralph Waldo Emerson

A Great Holiday Gift delivered right to their door, every month.

Give the Gift of Natural Health! $

just 25 for the entire year!

Make your $25 check payable to: Natural Awakenings 14 Woodland Ave Trinity, AL 35673

*Please remember to include the name and address of your gift recipient natural awakenings

April 2012

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to the public, rain or shine.

The Nature Conservancy is a leading conservation organization working around the world to protect ecologically important lands and waters for nature and people. Together with our members, donors and conservation partners, the Nature Conservancy in Alabama has protected more than 145,000 acres of critical natural lands in Alabama. To learn more, visit Nature.org/alabama. See ad on page 10.

Hoover Alt MD Celebrates Staff Additions with Special Offers on Services

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oover Alt MD has expanded its staff with the addition of Esthetician Ms. Sonia and Massage Therapist Ms. Joanna.

The Spa services at Hoover Alt MD is celebrating its new practitioners with savings for patients and customers. Ms. Sonia will be performing a variety of services in facials, microdermabrasion, waxing and chemical peels. She is an expert in skin care and knowledgeable in both the practice’s Organic Skin Care line, Eminence, and the Medicinal Line, Obagi. Patients are encouraged to call and make an appointment for skin care consults or her other services.

Ms. Joanna is an experienced massage therapist, well-versed in Swedish, Deep Tissue, and Myo-fascial Release techniques. She is also skilled in working with chronic pain and fibromyalgia patients. Services also available include

Release and resolve physical and emotional pain, anxiety, stress, depression, insomnia, and body weight imbalance. counseling and life transitions ~ yoga therapy energy medicine ~ nutrition & supplements ~ ayurveda

Blissful Heights INTEGRATIVE HEALING

{ 205-639-1062 | www. blissfulheights.com } 8

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elemental heat lamp, body scrubs, and aromatherapy with essential oils.

Current celebration offering includes a 1-hour facial plus a 1-hour massage for only $99.

Hoover Alt MD is a growing, innovative medical practice that augments Traditional Family Medicine with Complementary and Alternative medical therapies and practices, as well as a full range of Cosmetic and Spa Services. Hoover Alt MD, 3421 S. Shades Crest Rd, Suite 111, Hoover.

Call 205-733-6676 to schedule an appointment today. See ad on page 2.

"The Four Seasons of Meditation" Workshop at the Yurt Garden

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eb Paradise will be presenting a one-day workshop on The Four Seasons of Meditation on May 5, 2012.

Learn meditation and explore yourself by following the lessons of Nature.

During this workshop learn how to plant the seeds of awakenings, nurture your sprouting awareness, cultivate and weed your inner life, and reap the fruits of your harvest. The workshop will be held at The Yurt Garden located just 30 minutes from Huntsville in Gurley, AL. The workshop will run from 10am-4pm and cost $95. Lunch is included. There is a bonus Women’s Overnight Experiential with an evening class and morning session, which ends at 11:30am. The cost is $70 for the Women’s Overnight only, or $165 for both sessions.

Deb Paradise has been practicing and teaching Sum Faht Meditation for over 20 years. She follows the ancient, traditional method of teaching by sensing, feeling, and addressing the needs of those in class and during private appointments.

For more information or registration please contact Deb Paradise at 205-378-9393 or by email at DebParadisearts@gmail.com.

TREE POSE I imagine myself as a tree.

I feel the earth ground and support me.

I grow in strength and flexibility.

Peacefully I stand in balance as I practice finding the calm center of my mind.

Art and Text by Rita Loyd.

Copyright Š 2012

Rita Loyd is a professional watercolor artist and writer. The message of her work is about the healing power of unconditional self-love. Rita began painting in 1996 as a way to cope with chronic illness and depression.

Through this journey, the creative process became her teacher, healer and friend who would guide her to find the true meaning and experience of unconditional self-love. Rita writes about this experience and all that she has learned about unconditional self-love in her new book Unconditional Self-Love: What It Is, Why It's important and How to Nurture It in Your Life. You can purchase this book in Huntsville at Ruth's Nutrition, H. Raines Gifts or at www.NurturingArt.com, where you can view Rita's artwork and blog.

You’re Invited to Celebrate Earth Day! April 22 from 11 am - 3 pm Downtown Birmingham’s Railroad Park The Nature Conservancy in Alabama invites you get outside and celebrate Earth Day with good food and great company! Be a part of Picnic for the Planet in Railroad Park’s The Meadow from 11 am to 3 pm.

Everyone is encouraged to bring a picnic (& blanket) or purchase food at the park. Rock out to cool, live music; view picnic table art; enjoy family-friendly activities; plus join us and other Nature Conservancy chapters worldwide in attempting to set the world record for the most people picnicking in a 24-hour period! Free and open to everyone, rain or shine. nature.org/alabama

As a fundraiser for the Alabama chapter of The Nature Conservancy, ZRRGHQ SLFQLF WDEOHV DUH DYDLODEOH WR FRPSDQLHV QRQ SURÙWV DQG individuals for sponsorship. Local artists in the community will be engaged in adorning the tables for display at the event and around the city! For more information on the event or to volunteer, please contact Natalie Garcia at ngarcia@tnc.org or (205) 251-1155, ext. 107.

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NEW Distribution Points in Birmingham Whole Foods–3100 Cahaba Village Plaza Publix–411 Green Springs Hwy Publix–5188 Caldwell Mill Road Publix–1944 Montgomery Hwy South Publix–1325 Montclaire Rd. Publix–3014 Allison bonnet Memorial Drive Publix–9200 Highway 119 Publix–4730 Highway 17 Publix–3141 Overton Road Publix–4965 Promenade Parkway Publix–365 Huntley Parkway Publix–Gasden Highway, Trussville Bruno’s Food & Pharmacy–3780 Riverchase Village Hoover Alt MD–3421 South Shades Crest Road, Ste 111 Haynes Dermatology–3825 Lorna Road, Ste 240 Golden Temple–1901 11th Ave South Golden Temple–3309 Lorna Road, Ste 7 Golden Temple–110 North Chalkville Road, Ste 148 Organic Harvest–1580 Montgomery Highway Healthy Harveys–3183 Pelham Pkwy #A, Pelham Homewood Library–1721 Oxmoor Road LaVie MD–2737 Hwy 280, Ste 151 Honey and Spice–218 Main St #114, Trussville Purify Wellness & Spa–157 Resource Center Parkway, Ste 113 Healing Waters–720 23rd St South Planet Smoothie–State Farm Parkway Planet Smoothie–Highway 280 South Planet Smoothie–Highway 280 Healthy Foods West–1923 Bessemer Road Wellness Pharmacy–3401 Independence Drive, Homewood The Compounding Shoppe–2239 Independence Drive Blissful Heights–3100 Independence Drive, Homewood McMinn Clinic–3125 Independence Drive Unity of Birmingham–2803 Highland Avenue Pilates on Highland–2827 Highland Avenue Pharmacy Express–2910 Allison Bonnett Memorial Drive Lymphatic and Wellness Rehabilitation Center–1600 4th Ave North, Bessemer

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healthbriefs

National Start! Walking Day

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mproving overall health can be as simple as putting one foot in front of the other—and April 6, National Start!

Walking Day, is the ideal opportunity to begin a regular walking routine. American Heart Association (AHA) research shows that individuals can gain about two hours of life for every hour engaged in regular, vigorous exercise—a two-forone deal that’s hard to beat. Walking just 30 minutes per day, five days a week, can also help reduce the risk of cardiovascular disease and stroke, promote better sleep and assist in maintaining healthy body weight.

Visit StartWalkingNow.org for resources to kick-start a heart-friendly regimen.

The site offers links to local walking paths, heart-healthy recipes, an online progress tracker and an app that helps walkers find and create paths while traveling. To find walking buddies or start a walking club, visit AHA’s MyWalkingClub.org.

Unplug During Screen-Free Week

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he American Academy of Pediatrics recommends zero screen time for children under 2 and less than two hours per day for older children. Yet, the Kaiser Family Foundation reports that 40 percent of 3-month-old infants are regular viewers of television and DVDs, and school-age kids spend nearly twice as many hours with screen media such as television, video games, computers and handheld devices as they spend attending school. To help kids, families, schools and communities turn off screens and turn on healthier activities, the Campaign for a Commercial-Free Childhood (CCFC) urges everyone to participate in Screen-Free Week, April 30 through May 6.

CCFC is a national coalition of health care professionals, educators, advocacy groups, parents and individuals, with a mission to reclaim childhood from corporate marketers. “The commercialization of childhood is the link between many of the most serious problems facing children and society today,” advises CCFC Director Susan Linn. “Childhood obesity, eating disorders, youth violence, sexualization, family stress, underage alcohol and tobacco use, rampant materialism and the erosion of children’s creative play are all exacerbated by advertising and marketing.”

Learn more about the weeklong event, efforts to restrict marketers’ access to children and how to help, at CommercialFreeChildhood.org.

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DIABETES LINKED TO DIRTY AIR

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ealth wise, the air we breathe is just as important as the foods we eat, according to a recent report published in the journal Diabetes Care. The report is based on one of the first largescale, population-based studies linking diabetes prevalence with air pollution. According to researchers from Children’s Hospital Boston, a strong, consistent correlation exists between adult diabetes and particulate air pollution, an association that persists after adjustment for other risk factors such as obesity and ethnicity. The relationship was seen even at exposure levels below the current U.S. Environmental Protection Agency safety limit.

GREEN VEGGIES BOOST IMMUNITY

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esearchers reporting in the journal Cell have found another good reason to fill our plates with plenty of green vegetables like bok choy and broccoli: Tiny chemical compounds found in these healthful greens interact with the immune cells of the gut, known as intraepithelial lymphocytes (IEL), by effectively protecting them and boosting their numbers.

IELs, white blood cells that inhabit the lining of many body cavities and structures, are concentrated in the gastrointestinal tract, where their primary purpose is to destroy target cells that are infected by pathogens. Because pathogens frequently enter the body via the gastrointestinal tract, a high IEL count benefits overall health.

Source: Babraham Institute, Cambridge, UK

Are Cell Phones Safe?

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uestions about how cell phones might impact our health have sparked significant controversy. The World Health Organization International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC) has now classified radio frequency electromagnetic fields as possibly carcinogenic to humans, based on an increased risk for glioma, a malignant type of brain cancer associated with wireless phone use.

Caution was also urged in an article about cell phone safety published this past October in the journal Electromagnetic Biology and Medicine. It reported that cell phones that are switched on and carried in shirt or pants pockets can exceed U.S. Federal Communications Commission exposure guidelines, and also that adults and children absorb high levels of microwave radiation from the phones. According to the paper, children are at greater risk than adults, absorbing up to triple the amount of microwave radiation in their brain’s hypothalamus (which links the nervous and endocrine systems) and hippocampus (vital for memory and spatial navigation) compared to adults.

Absorption into their eyes was also greater, and as much as 10 times higher in their bone marrow than adults’.

The IARC concludes that these findings call for cell phone certification consistent with the “as low as reasonably achievable” approach taken in setting standards for using radiological devices. “It is important that additional research be conducted into the long-term, heavy use of mobile phones,” says IARC Director Christopher Wild. “Pending the availability of such information, it is important to take pragmatic measures to reduce exposure [directly to the head], such as handsfree devices or texting.”

Additional resource: Epidemiologist Devra Davis, Ph.D., reports on this topic in Disconnect: The Truth About Cell Phone Radiation.

Sweet Stuff Combats Infections

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oney’s use as a medicine was described on Sumerian clay tablets dating back 4,000 years, and ancient Egyptians made ointments of the sticky substance to treat wounds. Now, contemporary scientists have shown that manuka honey, which comes from New Zealand, could be an efficient way to clear chronically infected wounds and help reverse bacterial resistance to antibiotics.

Professor Rose Cooper, of the University of Wales Institute, Cardiff, in the UK, has investigated how manuka honey interacts with bacteria such as Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Group A Streptococcus and methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA). She discovered that the honey interfered with their growth, blocking the formation of biofilms that can wall off such bacteria from antibiotic remedies.

QIGONG: A BOON FOR CANCER PATIENTS

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ancer patients that regularly practiced qigong, a 5,000-yearold combination of gentle exercise and meditation, for almost three months experienced significantly higher levels of well-being, improved cognitive functioning and less inflammation, compared to a control group. Dr. Byeongsang Oh, a clinical senior lecturer at the University of Sydney Medical School, in Australia, who led the study, says the reduced inflammation in patients that practiced medical qigong, a form of Traditional Chinese Medicine, was particularly significant.

The project involved 162 patients, aged 31 to 86; those assigned to the medical qigong group undertook a 10-week program of two supervised, 90-minute sessions per week. They were also asked to practice an additional 30 minutes at home each day.

When the study began, there were no significant differences in measurements of quality of life, fatigue, mood status and inflammation between the intervention and control groups. However, “Patients that practiced medical qigong experienced significant improvements in quality of life, including greater physical, functional, social and emotional well-being, while the control group deteriorated in all of these areas,” reports Oh. He remarks that the study is the first such trial to measure the impact of medical qigong in patients with cancer. “Several studies have indicated that chronic inflammation is associated with cancer incidence, progression and even survival,” Oh explains. He presented the findings at a recent American Society of Clinical Oncology conference.

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Your Health: Allergy and Asthma

by Elizabeth Korcz, MD

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t’s a beautiful Spring Day in Alabama! Too bad all we can think about is our sinus pressure and itchy eyes. Allergies can plague our good health and happiness, and they steal from us the Joy of awakening from the Winter gray. Allergies are frequently overlooked, or thought of as a nuisance, not a “real” problem to seek help from the doctor. However, this is a mistake.

We are all familiar with the sniffle and sneeze, or the itchy nose, eyes, and ears. Allergies also bring us sore throats, raspy voices, dark circles beneath our eyes, and those annoying popping sounds in our ears. More severe allergies manifest as skin rashes and asthma or wheezing breathing.

Did you also know that chronic allergies are a major cause of chronic fatigue issues? And not just for adults, but for kids as well. Maybe Junior is falling asleep in class because his allergies are robbing him of sleep.

One of the major problems with allergies is that all that overworking of your immune system leads to irritation, along with “cracks” in your body’s natural defenses. This leaves your nose, eyes, throat and respiratory system vulnerable to attack from bacterial infections. Unchecked allergies frequently lead to sinus infections, bronchitis, and even pneumonia.

Still, despite all these issues, the worst and most insidious consequence of untreated allergies is the chronic inflammatory environment that they set up in the body.

Chronic inflammation is getting a lot of notice, lately, and with good reason. Chronic inflammation is now implicated in heart disease, atherosclerosis, and stroke. These, of course, are the leading causes of death in the country.

Asthma tends to go hand-in-hand with allergies. Asthma flairs are often being triggered by things like pollen and pet dander. Asthma, itself, is a serious condition. Many people

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believe they have “grown out” of their asthma, but this is often a fallacy. People just get so used to their breathing difficulties, they start to ignore it. I have seen patients make a statement that “My asthma doesn’t bother me…I just don’t run, or ride a bike.” When I hear that, I cringe. This kind of comment is most troubling, indicating that the patient has restructured their life to compensate for their asthma, or avoids triggering behaviors.

Similar to allergies, asthma is a chronic inflammatory condition, and the lung is delicate tissue. Too much lung inflammation leads to scarring, and that scarring leads to increased pressure for the heart to work against. Poorly treated asthma is now known to lead to certain types of heart failure and heart attacks. Asthma is a lot more than a little wheeze.

Did you know that an asthmatic should only need their inhaler a maximum of twice a week? (Better yet, that inhaler should expire in your purse or medicine cabinet.)

So, what to do with all this inflammation and sneeze-nwheeze? There are a lot of options, so don’t despair. Knowing what your allergies are, or what sets off the asthma is a good start. No, we shouldn’t avoid exercise, but maybe the brother-inlaw’s dog is better not to pet. And, an allergen-catching filter in the HVAC or vacuum cleaner is a good idea, too. There are also allergen blocking mattress and pillow covers available.

Some might choose to take “allergy shots.”

Immunotherapy is the concept that taking tiny amounts of your allergic substance will get your immune system used to it and eventually not set off your allergic reactions. This sounds almost homeopathic. Many people achieve a similar effect by eating local, raw honey, which contains pollens, too. But even if you don’t know your specific allergen, there are steps you can take. A good anti-inflammatory diet is a great start, and then add some antioxidants and herbals like turmeric and ginger.

Of course, there are medications as well (the usual players like Claritin and Zyrtec, etc.) or steroidal nasal sprays like Flonase, Nasonex and Omnaris, to name but a few.

Claritin and Zyrtec block histamine action, while the steroidal sprays block histamine release. Both types of medication are considered safe and effective. Ask your doctor about any and all these options, and what is best for your individual care. Get some relief, and enjoy the lovely Spring again!

Dr. Elizabeth Campell Korcz trained at Morehouse School of Medicine in Atlanta, Ga, graduating in 2005. She completed her intern year at Grady Memorial Hospital in Atlanta, and transferred to Birmingham in 2006 to finish her residency locally, at Carraway Methodist Hospital. Board-Certified in Family Medicine, Dr. Korcz has a growing, innovative practice in Hoover that augments Traditional Family Medicine with Complementary and Alternative medical therapies and practices. She is currently accepting new patients. Hoover Alt MD, 3421 S. Shades Crest Rd, Suite 111, Hoover. Call 205-733-6676 to schedule an appointment today. See ad on page 2.

Star Recycling, Inc., Weld Birmingham, Southeast Renewables, Coca-Cola Bottling Company United, EBSCO Industries, The Modern Brand Company, The Acoustic Cafe, American Cast Iron Pipe Company, Joseph B. Mays, Jr., River Crossing Strategies, The Dunn Companies, Trinity Design Group, ECO Three, Natural Awakenings, Pro-Tainer, USGBC of Alabama, Waste Pro natural awakenings

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GREEN HOME CHECKLIST Room-by-Room Steps We Can Take, Starting Right Now

by Crissy Trask

G

reen living is being embraced by more folks than ever, in ways both large and small, giving the Earth some much-needed kindness. If you’re interested in some good ideas that fall between a total home solar installation and basic recycling—with many delivering big impacts—check out Natural Awakenings’ room-by-room green checklist.

You’ll find inspired, practical changes that are doable starting right now.

Kitchen The kitchen can be a hot spot for waste. Eileen Green, with EcoEvaluator.com, says that

reducing waste, conserving water and increasing energy efficiency are all important considerations within an environmentally friendly kitchen.

 Eat up food. Each year, a typical household discards an estimated 474 pounds of food waste, according to University of Arizona research—at large economic and environmental cost.

Buying more fresh food than we can eat before the expiration date is up and allowing leftovers to expire in the fridge are culprits. “Drawing up menus and avoiding buying on impulse can help,” advises Green.

Compost food scraps at home or sign up for curbside composting, if it’s offered locally. Disposing of food in garbage disposals or landfills is not environmentally sound.

 Dispense with disposables. Replace disposable paper and plastic products with durable, lasting alternatives: cloth napkins instead of paper; dishwashersafe serving ware instead of single-use paper or plastic; glass or recycled food storage containers in place of throwaway plastic bags and wrap; and natural fiber dishcloths to replace paper towels and plastic sponges.

 Clean naturally. Chemical powerhouses have become the norm in household cleaning products, but they are not essential. Non-toxic cleaners are up to the task, from cleaning a sink to an oven.

 Shop for the Energy Star logo. Appliances bearing the Energy Star logo are up to 50 percent more energy efficient than standard ones. This translates to significant savings in annual operating costs.

 Filter water with less waste. Bottled water is expensive and wasteful. Instead, purchase a home-filtering system that uses recycled or reusable filters.

On the road, carry tasty filtered water in a reusable glass bottle.

 Conserve water. Run dishwashers only when fully loaded and fill the sink with water, rather than running it down the drain, when washing by hand. Use water only to wet and rinse; otherwise turn it off.

 Phase out non-stick skillets. Teflon coatings can leach toxins when damaged or overheated. Play it safe and begin assembling a set of cookware that includes properly seasoned cast iron, which is naturally non-stick.

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 Avoid cheap reusable shopping bags. Flimsy reusable bags end up as trash within a few months under normal use. Buy a set of high quality reusable bags that will give years of use.

Bedrooms “Most people spend more time in the bedroom than in any other room of the house,” remarks Huffington Post Eco Etiquette columnist Jennifer Grayson.

“So it’s important to focus on making bedrooms as green and healthy as possible.” She advocates paying special attention to sleepwear, bedding and furniture people sleep on.

 Start with a good foundation. Box springs can be constructed of plywood or particleboard, which commonly contain formaldehyde, classified as a probable human carcinogen by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and a toxic air contaminant by the state of California. Choose those that have been certified as formaldehyde-free or with low emissions. A platform bed made of Forest Stewardship Council-certified wood, sourced from sustainably managed forests, is a healthy alternative.

 Don’t sleep on a cloud of chemicals.

“If your face is pressed up against a conventional mattress for seven hours a night, then you’re going to be breathing in whatever chemicals are off-gassing from that mattress for seven hours a night,” warns Grayson.

Mattresses are commonly treated with fire-retardant chemicals to comply with U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission rules. To avoid toxic chemicals like the hydrocarbon toluene, emitted from mattresses stuffed with polyurethane foam, instead look for untreated, wool-covered mattresses (wool is a natural fire retardant)

Find more big ideas in Natural Awakenings’ article, “Spring Green Rehab,” at Tinyurl.com/3nhan6s. filled with natural latex or containing a spring system wrapped with organic cotton batting.

Non-organic cotton production relies on lots of hazardous synthetic chemicals in its production. Organic cotton, linen and wool bedding are safer bets, especially when certified to meet strict environmental standards.

 Block the afternoon sun. During the day, shut off air-conditioning vents inside bedrooms and block the afternoon sun with interior or exterior solar shades. By day’s end, even in warm climates, bedrooms should be cool enough for sleeping with the addition of a slight breeze from an open window or a slow-running floor or ceiling fan.

 Go wireless. It’s impossible to completely avoid electromagnetic radiation from today’s technologies, so lower exposure in the bedroom by removing electronic devices and placing electrical items at least five feet away from the bed.

 Forget fabric softeners. Most fabric softeners contain highly toxic chemicals that latch onto sheets and can be inhaled or absorbed directly into the bloodstream through skin.

Instead, add a quarter-cup of baking soda to the wash cycle to soften sheets and other laundry. ing nightlights save energy while allowing safe passage in the wee hours.

In a typical U.S. home, the washing

 Select cold water. On average, only 10 percent of the energy used by a clothes washer runs the machine; the other 90 percent goes to heat the water.

The typical American household does about 400 loads of laundry each year, resulting in much energy squandered on hot water. With the exception of laundering greasy spots or stubborn stains, routinely wash in cold water, using a cold-water eco-detergent.

 Install a clothesline. Running a dryer

 Leave the lights off. Motion-detect-

Laundry Room

machine accounts for 21 percent of home water use and combined, the washer and dryer comprise 5 to 8 percent of home energy demands. Diane MacEachern, founder of BigGreenPurse.com and author of Big Green Purse: Use Your Spending Power to Create a Cleaner, Greener World, explains that a good way to conserve key resources is to use these appliances less—reducing the number of loads and drying items on outdoor clotheslines or indoor racks.

MacEachern says, “You can probably wash things like sweatshirts and blue jeans less frequently without much consequence, and a clothesline requires no energy other than the sun.”

Also, make sure that whatever goes into the washer or dryer with clothes is nontoxic, or else you’ll be wearing toxic chemical residues next to your skin all day, cautions MacEachern.

for just 40 minutes can use the energy equivalent of a 15-watt, compact fluorescent bulb lit for a week. Stretch out a line and hang clothes outside to dry in the fresh air to save about $100 a year on electric bills. The sun imparts a disinfectant benefit as a bonus.

 Replace an old machine. A washer or dryer that is older than 10 years has hidden costs. EnergyStar.gov notes that an

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 Stop static cling without dryer sheets. Never over-dry clothes and always dry natural fibers separately from synthetics to prevent static cling.

MacEachern, “You’ll be washing lots of personal care and cleaning products down the drain, as well, where they could get into local natural water supplies and make life difficult for birds, frogs and fish.�

Sara Snow, television host and author of Sara Snow’s Fresh Living: The Essential Room-by-Room Guide to a Greener, Healthier Family and Home, cautions against personal skin care products with questionable chemical ingredients. “A good percentage of them are being absorbed right into our bloodstream, so focus on ingredients that do no harm; ones that help our bodies instead, such as nourishing and healing botanicals.�

Bathroom

 Slow the flow. Ultra-efficient show-

The smallest room in the house is a disproportionately large contributor to household environmental impacts. In an average non-conservation-minded American home, 38,000 gallons of water annually go down the drains and toilet. “Along with that water,� says

erheads use as little as 1 gallon per minute (gpm); aerated types that mix air into the water stream to enhance pressure provide a good soak and rinse using less than half the water than some other low-flow showerheads. At the sink, aerators should flow between

older machine uses more energy and can cost from 10 to 75 percent more to operate than a new, high-efficiency appliance.

 Choose eco-friendly laundry products. Conventional laundry soaps contain chemicals that can be problematic for us and wreak havoc on marine ecosystems. Look for cold-water brands that are fragrance- and phosphate-free.

 Switch to concentrates. Concentrated detergents translate to less energy used in shipping, less waste and more value.

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0.5 and 1 gpm—plenty of pressure for brushing teeth and washing hands.

 Flush responsibly. According to the EPA, the toilet alone can use 27 percent of household water. Replace older toilets (pre-1994) with new, higher efficiency models for savings of two to six gallons per flush.

 Heat water wisely. A tankless water heater supplies instantaneous hot water only as needed. Or, install a timer on a traditional water heater to cut warming time to a few hours a day at most.

 Shun a plastic shower curtain. Polyvinyl chloride (PVC) has been called “the poison plasticâ€? for its highly toxic lifecycle, which includes the release of dioxins into the air and water. These toxic chemicals persist in ecosystems and can cause cancer.

PVC shower curtains are also a short-life product that cannot be recycled, so switch to a PVC-free alternative. Organic hemp is the eco-shower curtain gold standard.

 Ban antibacterial products. Triclo-

GREEN UN-ROOM CHECKLIST

san is a popular antibacterial agent found in many household cleaners, hand soaps, cosmetics and even toothpaste. It’s also a registered pesticide and probable human carcinogen that’s showing up in the environment and children’s urine. The Mayo Clinic suggests that triclosan may contribute to the development of antibioticresistant germs and harm the immune system, making us more susceptible to bacteria.

Kitchens, bathrooms and laundry rooms earn the most attention in greening up our homes, but what about the miscellaneous spaces? Attics, garages, closets and entry halls can get overlooked, although they also yield benefits from some green-minded attention. Here are tips for the most common “un-rooms” to get the ball rolling.

 Install a shower filter that removes

Garage

chlorine. Chlorine, which is increasingly being linked to some cancers, is used by many municipalities to disinfect water supplies. People absorb more chlorine through the skin and by inhaling chlorine vapors when bathing and showering than from drinking it.

 Use recycled and unbleached paper products. Using recycled bath tissue helps close the recycling loop on all the paper we dutifully recycle at the curb. Unbleached varieties keep chlorine byproducts like dioxins out of the environment.

 Remove bad odors instead of covering them up. In a University of California study, chemical air fresheners were found to have higher concentrations of polluting volatile organic compounds (VOC) than any other household cleaning product. Long-term exposure to some VOCs have been linked with adverse health effects.

This Natural Awakenings checklist suggests steps that are possible in making any home healthier, safer and more enjoyable. Start checking off items today and begin shrinking the family’s ecological footprint right away.

Crissy Trask is the founder of Green Matters.com and author of the bestselling, It’s Easy Being Green: A Handbook for Earth-Friendly Living. Follow her at Twitter.com/greenmatters.

by Crissy Trask

 Empty the car of extra weight and optimally inflate tires to improve gas mileage by up to 5 percent. wiper fluid with a make-it-yourself solution that combines seven cups of distilled water, one-half-cup isopropyl alcohol and one-half-teaspoon ecodishwashing liquid. Properly dispose of old wiper fluid in a boldly labeled container at a hazardous waste center.

 Clean with a broom instead of a hose to save water.

 Leave shoes, along with allergens and dirt, at the door for a healthier home.

 Reduce unwanted mail by opting out of catalogs, credit card and insurance offers and Direct Marketing Association-member mailings at CatalogChoice.org, OptOutPrescreen. com and DMAChoice.org, respectively. plastic soda bottles keep millions of them from entering landfills.

Closets

 Get organized with bins and shelves made from recycled plastic, reclaimed wood, salvaged and repurposed items, formaldehyde-free plant-based boards or Forest Stewardship Councilcertified wood.

 Shop for local, previously owned clothes and accessories from consignment boutiques, thrift stores or a local clothing swap.

Attic

 Install a whole-house fan to pull warm air out of the attic, keeping rooms below cooler.

 Slip into some vegan or Earth-

 Blanket the attic with a reflective heat barrier to reflect heat before it has a chance to enter. insulation are visible, EnergyStar.gov recommends adding more insulation

Entry Hall

 Doormats made from recycled

 Replace poisonous windshield

 If the tops of floor joists above the

until they are no longer visible when viewed at eye level.

friendly shoes; there’s a lot more to choose from than hemp sandals.

Sources: U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, Sierra Club, Mayo Clinic, chej.org, DrClaudiaMiller.com, DrWeil.com, ftc.gov, EnergyStar.gov

GO-TO RESOURCES Urban composting solution BokashiComposting.com Toxins in consumer products Toxipedia.org Eco-water filters Brita.com/your-brita/recycle-your-filter BritishBerkefeld.com TerraFlo.com/recycle.htm

PVC fact sheet MyHouseIsYourHouse.org/pvcfacts. html Radiation exposure facts epa.gov/radtown/index.html Safe cosmetics and personal care products ewg.org/skindeep

Textile certifications Tinyurl.com/7wd9vlr natural awakenings

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greenliving

EVERY DROP COUNTS

Reusing Rainwater Saves Money and is Better for Plants

by Brita Belli

D

oug Pushard, an expert in rainwater catchment systems who shares his know-how at HarvestH2O.com, believes that homeowners capture rainfall for two reasons—either to make the most of a precious water resource in states with low seasonal precipitation or to control stormwater runoff in states with high precipitation.

It’s also an easy way to make a dent in household water and sewer bills. Capturing and managing rainwater provides an environmentally sound alternative to wasting precious tap water pulled from diminishing underground reservoirs, and can replace some or all of a home’s water needs, depending on the system. Rainwater is also better for nourishing lawns, plants and gardens. “People want to use rainwater instead of city water in their yards because they understand that city water carries chlorine, which is not great for plants,” Pushard explains.

The amount of water used by residential irrigation is significant. According to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency’s (EPA) Water Sense Program, an American family of four uses 400 gallons of water a day, including 30 percent of it outside. More than half of that outdoor water is used for lawns and gardens, with the rest sprayed on cars, in swimming pools and on sidewalks and driveways. Collectively, nationwide landscape irrigation totals more than 7 billion gallons per day.

Water Calculations In its simplest form, rainwater harvesting involves little more than placing rain barrels—with capacities from 55 gallons to several hundred gallons—under a home’s downspouts.

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Popular models can be purchased from home improvement stores, or county extension classes teach how to make one from inexpensive parts. Online research shows the various styles available; most have a spigot at the base for attaching a hose or filling a watering can.

The larger capacity, more sophisticated systems use storage cisterns than can hold thousands of gallons of water below ground. These employ pumps that move the water to sprinkler systems or other points of use.

For these more complicated setups, Pushard recommends engaging professional help, adding that below-ground systems will capture excess water year-round, even in climates where temperatures drop. “In northern New Mexico, where I live, we get almost one-third of our precipitation in the winter,” he says. “If you have a below-ground system, you can capture that; with an above-ground one, you can’t, because the tank or fittings would freeze and burst.”

The formula for determining the maximum amount of water available to capture is related to roof size. Multiply the square footage of the roof times the local annual rainfall (found at Tinyurl.com/73enzjx), and then multiply the result by .623 gallons. That .623 factor is “how many gallons are in an area of one square foot by one inch deep of rainwater,” according to one of Pushard’s online tutorials.

Not all roof materials are created equal. On the high end, tile, metal, concrete or asphalt roofs have a 95 percent runoff efficiency; gravel roofs, 70 percent; and grass roofs, 17 percent, so factor that in, too. Pushard recommends always going with a bigger tank, if possible, to avoid having to add more water storage later.

Think Big Rainwater harvesting works as an effective irrigation device, but it needn’t be limited to outdoor use. One of the easiest—and most useful—places to direct captured rainwater is toilets. Citing bathrooms as a home’s biggest water user, the EPA notes that a single toilet can use 27 percent of household water. “It’s ludicrous that we use drinking water to flush toilets,” says Pushard. To use stored rainwater instead, run a new plumbing line to the rainwater storage tank and install a pump that activates when the toilet flushes.

Rainwater can supply sink faucets, as well, but counting on rainwater to be the sole source of all household water requires a substantial investment and a filtration, purification and UV light system to make the water drinkable. When capturing rain for potable uses, roofing material becomes more important: Unpainted metal and tile are preferred, because these will not leach chemicals into the water that are difficult to remove.

In terms of overall cost, the simplest rainwater collection systems will cost a few hundred dollars (less than $100 per barrel), while a whole-house system will cost tens of thousands. However, Pushard points out, rainwater harvesting can be a lifesaver with water shortages becoming a new norm in many states.

Brita Belli is the editor of E-The Environmental Magazine and the author of The Autism Puzzle: Connecting the Dots Between Environmental Toxins and Rising Autism Rates.

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by Gatlianne

—PHOTOGRAPHY BY LEWIS METTS

Legs Up the Wall Pose

I

n today’s go-go-go society moments just for ourselves are sometimes few and far between, especially when playing roles in life like parent, spouse, sibling, child, friend, employee, or even boss. We aren’t pulled in many directions.

We stretch ourselves in many directions. We withhold our wants and wishes—our need for time alone, time for what we love, or time to just sit and be and breathe—in order to do for others and be in their best interest. When we’ve pushed ourselves to the limit, given until we believe we can’t give anymore, and are longing for one moment of peace and quiet, are we really in a space within ourselves of being for others and what we deem their best interests? The answer is no, for when we’ve pushed ourselves in our stress levels, forced a self-imposed lock down of our needs, we aren’t in a space to truly give our all for others. Because we get to a point where there’s no more to give. When we take time to sit and be with ourselves, let the stress dissolve, and breathe we recharge, regroup and get back in our bodies. When we take time to do the things we truly love to do, whether it’s a walk in the woods, a long hot bath, reading a few chapters in our favorite book or taking time out for quiet meditation, we are able to connect more with our true self, our light and spirit. When we live in our light we can be more for others. We can be with them fully with less reaction, anger, bitterness and resentment. And when we take the precious time to allow reconnection to Self, we are honoring that light and life within us. In this honoring, we can let go of any resentment of ourselves for not making time for us a priority.

A simple, effective and profound pose for a quiet, relaxing moment with Self is Legs Up the Wall Pose (Viparita Karani). This pose literally allows the stress of the day to drain away. It has been said that this pose will “cure what ails you.” It’s a pose to let go and surrender, wherein you fully release and be.

Begin this pose by first setting up the space. Fold two thick blankets and stack one on top of the other. This will support your hips. The end result of the pose is to be positioned with the legs comfortably against the wall with the hips and lower back on the blankets. Getting into this pose may not be the typical yogic flow; however. Sit on the blankets with the right side of the body facing the wall, feet on the floor. Shift your body and pivot to swing your legs slowly up the wall while bringing the back down. Use your hands for support. Position the hips on the blankets so that you are comfortable, the back is straight, shoulder blades against the floor and feet are able to fall open. Extend the arms to the side and surrender in the breath and in the pose. Breathe fully and let go. Release your tight hold on life and simply let life flow through you. Anytime you’re feeling overwhelmed, anxious, stressed, reactive, fed up, or just want to take a quiet moment for Self, give your soul Legs Up the Wall Pose—and let it cure what ails you.

M/Gatlianne is an Author, Yoga Instructor, Interfaith Minister and Holistic Health & Reiki Practitioner based in Athens, AL. For more information contact her at M@Gatlianne. com or visit Gatlianne.com, DeepRiversHealing.com, or DiscoverPath.com. natural awakenings

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calendarofevents SUNDAY, APRIL 1 Free Health Screenings – 10am-2pm daily. Protect your health with UAB HealthSmart’s free preventive health profile screenings. We check your blood pressure, cholesterol, blood sugar, body fat level, and more and then help you prevent health problems through our free health talks, nutrition and fitness counseling, and group fitness classes/programs. Preventive screenings are free and last about 30 minutes. Please call to schedule an appointment. UAB HealthSmart, 301 20th St N, Birmingham. 205-996-2304.

Free Tax Preparation Assistance at the Avondale Regional Library – 9am-2pm through April 13.

Representatives from AARP Tax Preparation will be on hand at the Avondale Regional Library to assist people with income tax preparation. Appointments must be made in advance with the library; no walkins will be assisted. All relevant information must be brought to the appointment, including a copy of last year’s return, bank information, state-issued ID, etc.

Assistance is for 2012 returns only. Returns will be filed electronically. Avondale Regional Library, 509 40th St. S, Birmingham. 205-226-4000.

Free Tax Preparation Assistance at the Five Points West Regional Branch Library – 10am2pm through April 15. The Association for the Improvement of Minorities/ Internal Revenue Service/Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (AIM/ IRS/VITA) will provide free tax preparation with no appointment necessary at the Five Points West Regional Branch Library. Five Points West Regional Library, Birmingham. 205-226-4013.

Free Tax Preparation Assistance at the Smithfield Branch Library – through April 16. Times: Jan 16-March 3: Mondays and Tuesdays from 12-8pm, Saturdays from 9am-3pm. March 5-April 16: Mondays and Thursdays from 12-5pm. Impact Alabama will provide free tax preparation services for households earning less than $50,000 a year with one or more children or $20,000 year without children. You must call 1-888-99-TAX-AL (1-888998-2925) for an appointment; no walk-ins will be assisted. Smithfield Branch Library, 1 8th Ave W, Birmingham. 205-324-8428.

April Fools’ Fiesta – 5-8pm. A fundraiser benefiting Alabama Waldorf School, which understands the connection between academics and the arts.

Events and features include Silent and Live Auctions featuring destination vacations, and unique products and services from artists and Birmingham businesses. Tickets are $40 each and include your enjoyment of the auctions, live music, food and drink. Venue: Cantina at Pepper Place, Birmingham.

205-592-0541.

UAB Spring Choral Concert – 7pm. Alys Robinson Stephens Performing Arts Center, Birmingham.

205-975-2787. Music.UAB.edu.

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Learn to use your Nook or Nook Color – 6:30pm Nook Class; 7:30pm Nook Color Class. Through April 2. Learn to use your Nook or Nook Color and how to download free ebooks from the library.

Presented in partnership with Barnes and Noble. No registration required. Free. Hoover Public Library, Theatre-Level Meeting Rooms, 200 Municipal Dr, Hoover. 205-444-7820.

MONDAY, APRIL 2 Friends of the Hoover Public Library Membership Coffee – 10am, refreshments at 9:45. Join us to mix and mingle on the Plaza and learn how easy it is to become a member of the Friends of Hoover Public Library. Hoover Public Library, 200 Municipal Dr, Hoover. 205-444-7840.

“Estate Planning Essentials” Workshop – 6-8pm.

This educational workshop will sort out the facts from fiction about estate planning. This workshop will cover frequently asked questions and misconceptions on Wills & Trusts, Asset Protection, Nursing Home Issues, and Medicaid Qualification.

Seating is limited. Reservations are required. Free.

Homewood Public Library, 1721 Oxmoor Rd, Homewood. 205-746-2465.

TUESDAY, APRIL 3 Critter Tales at the Zoo: Sea Lions – 10-11:30am, Apr 3-4. Students will explore different animal topics, enjoy story time, make a craft and go on a train ride and a carousel ride. Birmingham Zoo, 2630 Cahaba Rd, Birmingham. 205-397-3877.

Book Signing with Author and Holocaust Survivor, Ruth Siegler – 1pm. Ruth Siegler and sister Ilse Nathan were in five different concentration camps and lost the rest of their immediate family in the Holocaust. Ms. Siegler and co-author Ann. Mollegarden will discuss the memoir, and afterwards Ms. Siegler will sign copies of My Father’s Blessing, the memoir about her experiences in the Holocaust and her journey to a normal life in Alabama. Free.

Vestavia Hills Library in the Forest, 1221 Montgomery Hwy, Vestavia Hills. 205-978-0155.

Nook Classes – 5:30-6:30pm. Learn how to use your Black & White Nook and how to download free eBooks from the library. Martha Moore Public Library, 995 Mt Olive Rd, Gardendale. 205-631-6639.

Nook Color Classes – 6:30-7:30pm. Learn how to use your Nook Color and how to download free eBooks from the library. Martha Moore Public Library, 995 Mt Olive Rd, Gardendale. 205-631-6639.

Sidewalk Salon: How to Pitch Your Film – 6-8pm.

Sidewalk Salons are free networking and educational events for filmmakers and film buffs, held the first Tuesday of each month in the side room at Rojo. Networking at 6pm, Presentation at 7pm.

April’s Salon will be led by Andy Grace, filmmaker and educator (University of Alabama) and will focus on “pitching.” ROJO, 2921 Highland Ave S, Birmingham. 205-324-0888.

Civil War Series: War and Freedom – 7pm. Dr. John Mayfield of the History Department at Samford University will discuss selections from the book America’s War Anthology. Call to register. Hoover Public Library, Theatre Level Meeting Rooms, 200 Municipal Dr, Hoover. 205-444-7840.

WEDNESDAY, APRIL 4 Brown Bag Lunch Program: Historic World Landmarks – 12:30pm. First in a 10 part series which will take us to the most amazing sites around the world. We’ll travel from Machu Picchu, in Peru, to the monoliths of Easter Island, to Rio de Janerio and the statue of Christ the Redeemer. Please bring a sack lunch; drinks and dessert provided. For more information, contact Katie at KMoellering@bham.lib.al.us or 205-4451118. Emmet O’Neal Library (Mountain Brook), 50 Oak St, Mountain Brook.

THURSDAY, APRIL 5 American Kennel Club All Breed Dog Show – 9am-4pm, Apr 5-8. Four-day AKC all breed dog show featuring conformation competition all 4 days, each day ending with Best In Show. Free to spectators, open to the public. Shelby County Exhibition Center, 86 Argo Rd, Columbiana. 205-982-7552.

Beginning Zentangle Classes – 12:30-3pm or 6-8:30pm. Zentangle® is an easy to learn method of creating beautiful images from repetitive patterns.

During this two and a half hour introductory course, you will learn at least eight basic tangles and complete at least two tiles in a fun, relaxed atmosphere.

Includes a mini-kit so you can tangle at home. $35 including supplies. Artists on the Bluff, 571 Park Ave, Hoover. 205-305-2082.

First Thursdays – 5:30pm. Join us on the first Thursday of each month for a special after-hours experience. We offer curator or staff-led tours of the galleries, and feature drinks and tapas at Oscar’s.

Birmingham Museum of Art, 2000 Rev Abraham Woods, Jr. Blvd, Birmingham. 205-254-2565.

ArtsBma.org.

Smart Investing @ EOL: Saving For Retirement 6:30pm. Dr. Rauterkus will discuss the various options available for saving for your retirement as well as looking at the difference between defined benefit versus defined contribution plans. Dinner is provided.

Please call the Library to register at 205-445-1121,

or register online at EOLib.org/smart-investing.php.

Emmet O’Neal Library (Mountain Brook), 50 Oak St, Mountain Brook. 205-445-1121.

FRIDAY, APRIL 6 Shelby County’s Best BBQ Cook-Off – 7am-6pm, with BBQ tasting from 4-6pm. A day of BBQ, music and fun, with a BBQ cook-off competition and more.

Free. 104 Mildred St, Columbiana. 205-669-0044.

ShelbyCountyArtsCouncil.com.

Beyond Barbecue and Baklava: The Impact of Greek Immigrants on Birmingham’s Culture and Cuisine – 10am-6pm Mon-Sat; 1-6pm Sun through Aug 3. Explore how Greek immigrants have transformed the way people live—and eat—in the Magic City. Drawing from oral histories gathered in collaboration with the UAB Ethnographic Film Program, the exhibition weaves in stories about the journey to America and the religious practices that for over a century have sustained the Greek community. Vulcan Park and Museum, 1701 Valley View Dr, Birmingham. 205-933-1409. VisitVulcan.com.

Yard Art – Apr 6-Jun 2. 5-9pm opening reception.

“Yard Art,” functional art for the garden by various artists. Free. Naked Art Gallery, Birmingham. 205595-3553. NakedArtUsa.com.

SATURDAY, APRIL 7 Breakfast with the Easter Bunny – Make your reservations now for this popular event. Breakfast with the Easter Bunny takes place in Kudzoo Cafe and features a delicious breakfast followed by a visit from the Easter Bunny. All children will receive a special treat. Birmingham Zoo, 2630 Cahaba Rd, Birmingham. 205-879-0409.

Art on R Mountain – 9am-5pm. Juried fine art show featuring an artist bazaar with jewelry, paintings, photography, mixed media art, music, dancers, actors, bands and more. Free. Ruffner Mountain Nature Preserve, 1214 81st St S, Birmingham. 205243-9863. EastLakeArts.org.

Cottontail Express – 10am, 1 & 3pm. Welcome spring with a train ride to Peter Cottontail’s meadow.

Hunt for Easter eggs and take photos with the Easter Bunny. Coloring, temporary tattoos, jump station and other kids’ activities. Heart of Dixie Railroad Museum, Calera. 205-382-3946. HODRRM.org.

Easter Egg Hunt 10am. The Easter bunny, prizes, games and the hunt make this a very special morning for the children. Free. Orr Park, Montevallo.

205-665-1519. CityOfMontevallo.com.

5th Annual Easter Egg Hunt – 10am-2pm. Egg hunts are at 11am and 1pm. Park admission is $3

adults, $1 children (6 to 11), 5 & under are free.

Oak Mountain State Park, 200 Terrace Dr, Pelham.

“Estate Planning Essentials” Workshop – 6-8pm.

Presented by Greene Law Firm, LLC.. This educational workshop will sort out the facts from fiction about estate planning. Frequently asked questions and misconceptions on Wills & Trusts, Asset Protection, Nursing Home Issues, and Medicaid Qualification will be covered. Free. Seating is limited. Reservations are required. Homewood Public Library, 1721 Oxmoor Rd, Homewood. 205-746-2465.

MONDAY, APRIL 9 Great Books Reading Group: Margaret Atwood 6:30pm. The Great Books Discussion Group (GBDG) discusses Margaret Atwood’s “The Man from Mars.” The GBDG reads from anthologies published by the Great Books Foundation and a limited number are available for checkout from EOL’s Reference Department. Reference Staff are happy to help you find readings in other books when/if copies of the anthologies are not available.

Emmet O’Neal Library (Mountain Brook), 50 Oak St, Mountain Brook. 205-445-1121.

TUESDAY, APRIL 10

Brown Bag Lunch Program: RMS Titanic 12:30pm. Saturday, April 14, marks the 100th anniversary of the sinking of the Titanic. This new documentary is based upon the official inquiry held immediately after the event, with additional evidence that’s come to light since the wreck of the ship was discovered in 1985. Please bring a sack lunch; drinks and dessert provided. For more information, contact Katie at KMoellering@bham. lib.al.us or 205-445-1118. Emmet O’Neal Library (Mountain Brook), 50 Oak St, Mountain Brook.

THURSDAY, APRIL 12 Spring Public Plant Sale – Fri-Sat 9am-5pm; Sun 11am-3pm. The 2012 Spring Plant Sale will be held in the former Mazer’s location at 816 Green Springs Highway in Homewood. Proceeds support our mission to promote public knowledge and appreciation of plants, gardens and the environment.

For more info, contact Special Events Coordinator Shelly McCarty at 205-414-3965 or SMcCarty@ bbgardens.org. Birmingham Botanical Gardens.

BBGardens.org.

UAB Reynolds Lecture Series: Medicine and Memory in the Oral Histories of Alabama’s Black Physicians – 12-1pm. Box lunches are available on a first come, first served basis. UAB Lister Hill Library, 1530 3rd Avenue S, Birmingham. 205-934-4475.

The Bookies Book Group: A Midsummer Night’s Dream – 10am. The Bookies meet in the Library’s Conference Room to discuss A Midsummer Night’s Dream by William Shakespeare. Emmet O’Neal Library (Mountain Brook), 50 Oak St, Mountain Brook. 205-445-1118.

Ms. Olivia’s Evening Reads “Hotel at the Corner of Bitter & Sweet” – 6:30pm. Jamie Ford’s debut novel Hotel at the Corner of Bitter & Sweet swings between 1986 and the 1940s, amid the chaos of blackouts, curfews, and FBI raids, where Chinese Henry and Japanese Keiko forge a bond of friendship—and innocent love. The Evening Book Club is free and open to all adults. Meetings are 2nd Tuesdays of each month. Moderator: Olivia Wells. Vestavia Hills Library in the Forest, Tree House, 1221 Montgomery Hwy, Vestavia Hills. 205-978-0155.

WEDNESDAY, APRIL 11 Native Spring Wildflowers – 8:30am. One of the most exciting annual events in the southeast is the flowering of our native spring wildflowers, many of them ephemeral. This class will examine what makes a plant an ephemeral and some of the special characteristics they possess. The classroom portion will address numerous aspects of these special plants, as well as other spring blooming native plants, which will be followed by ample time in The Gardens to view and discuss them. $40 Members |$45 Non-Members. Birmingham Botanical Gardens, 2612 Lane Park Rd, Birmingham.

BBGardens.org.

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Let’s Talk About It: Making Sense of the American Civil War Part 3: Making Sense of Shiloh 5:30-7pm. In commemoration of the 150th anniversary of the American Civil War, the Birmingham Public Library and the Alabama Humanities Foundation are pleased to present this five-part reading and discussion series. This series of programs is open to the public, but as seating is limited, registration is required. Register online at BPLonline.org/civilwar.

Birmingham Public Library Central Branch, 2100 Park Place, Birmingham. 205-226-3604.

Southern Circuit Film Screening & Director Q&A, “World’s Largest” –7pm. Desperate for tourism, hundreds of small towns across the U.S. claim “world’s largest” things, from 15-foot fiberglass strawberries to 40-foot concrete pheasants.

“World’s Largest” visits 58 such sites and profiles one town’s five-year struggle to build the world’s largest lava lamp. By documenting these roadside attractions, “World’s Largest” captures the changing, perhaps even vanishing, culture of small-town America. Tickets are $10, $8 students. Alys Robinson Stephens Performing Arts Center, 1200 10th Ave S, Birmingham. 205-975-ARTS.

FRIDAY, APRIL 13 Relay for Life UAB – 6pm-6am, April 13-14. Overnight team event that raises awareness of cancer as well as much needed funds for the American Cancer Society’s goal to FIND A CURE. During Relay, teams of friends, families, neighbors, organizations, and co-workers pitch tents, decorate campsites, and commit to one team member walking the track at all times . . . because cancer never sleeps. UAB Mini Park, University Blvd and 14th St, Birmingham.

850-496-6877.

SATURDAY, APRIL 14 Big and Bold Moves: A Journey into Spinal Extension and Arm Standing – In this course we will work towards proper alignment, range of motion, strength building, and proper mechanics students will need for their journey into back bending and arm standing with confidence. PMA-approved course (5 CEC), with a cost of $200. Call 205-323-5961 or visit PilatesOnHighland.com to register. Pilates on Highland, 2827 Highland Ave S, Birmingham.

Birmingham Walk MS – 7:30am check-in. Birmingham Walk MS will offer both a one-mile and three-mile route options for all participants. You can join as an individual, join a team, or create a new team and help to support the fight against MS. While there is no fee to participate, we ask each participant to set a personal fundraising goal.

Participants who raise $100 or more will receive the official walk MS t-shirt. Registration is required. Homewood Central Park, 1604 Oxmoor Rd, Homewood. 205-879-8546.

Community Partner Program at the Birmingham Civil Rights Institute – 10am. Join the BMA’s Hugh Kaul Curator of Modern and Contemporary

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Art, Ron Platt and photographer Carolyn Sherer in the BCRI’s main gallery for an informal discussion about Sherer’s current exhibition, Living in Limbo: Lesbian Families in the Deep South. Free.

Birmingham Civil Rights Institute, 520 16th St N, Birmingham. 205-254-2565.

Monthly Meeting of the Early Bird African Violet Society – 10am on the 2nd Saturday of each month from Sept-June. The Early Birds have been meeting regularly in Birmingham, Alabama, since 1981 to discuss African violets, our favorite botanical addiction. Join us and learn more about these fascinating, beautiful plants. Birmingham Botanical Gardens, First Floor Meeting Room, 2612 Lane Park Rd, Birmingham. BBGardens.org.

Sheep to Shawl at Kentuck – 10am-4pm. Free demonstrations of historic fiber techniques such as shearing a sheep, carding the fleece, and weaving an original shawl by West Alabama Fiber Guild.

Kentuck Courtyard, 503 Main Ave, Northport, AL. Montevallo Art Show – 10am-5pm. The Montevallo Arts Council invites artists to submit applications for the 2012 Montevallo Art Show. The sixth annual art show, located in Orr Park along the wooded banks of Shoal Creek, will be comprised of about seventy artists. Musical groups will perform on the Square Stage. Food and refreshment vendors will be on site for the family event, which will take place rain or shine. Orr Park, 154 Vine St, Montevallo. 205-436-1555.

Slow Art Experiences – 11am and 2pm. Unlock the secrets of works in the Museum’s collection by cultivating the art of looking slowly. Our docents ask and answer questions to help guide your slow art experience and foster conversation. Leave the Museum feeling inspired, not tired. Free and open to the public. Birmingham Museum of Art, 2000 Rev Abraham Woods, Jr Blvd, Birmingham. 205254-2565. SlowArtDay.com.

SUNDAY, APRIL 15 Big and Bold: A Pilates and Yoga Inspired Movement Intensive – This three hour Pilates/ Yoga inspired movement class will give students and opportunity to go deep into the practice of arm standing and back bending. The cost of the class is $40. Please bring a yoga mat. Call 205-323-5961 or visit PilatesOnHighland.com to register. Pilates on Highland, 2827 Highland Ave S, Birmingham.

Adaptations Screening Party: Moneyball by Michael Lewis – 2:30pm. Adaptations is Avondale Library’s book-to-film group. For each title, we host a screening party (where we watch the movie) and an AfterParty (where we discuss the book and film). Patrons are invited to attend either program, and may attend both for the full experience. The programs are free and open to the public. Our April title is Moneyball: The Art of Winning an Unfair Game by Michael Lewis. Avondale Regional Library, 509 40th St S, Birmingham. 205-226-4000.

MONDAY, APRIL 16 Bluegrass & Gee’s Bend Week – 3:30-5pm checkin. The Folk School, held in the conference center facilities at Camp McDowell, brings creativity and renewal to the forefront by providing excellent instructors in a non-competitive, friendly, and relaxed environment. This April, enjoy the vocal nuances of Grammy nominated artist Claire Lynch or master other bluegrass instruments such as banjo or mandolin. Learn quilting from two Gee’s Bend quilters or discover watercolor and recycled glass mosaics. Camp McDowell, 105 Delong Rd, Nauvoo, AL. 205-387-1806.

TUESDAY, APRIL 17 Critter Tales at the Zoo: Gorillas – 10-11:30am, Apr 17-18. Students will explore different animal topics, enjoy story time, make a craft and go on a train ride and a carousel ride. Birmingham Zoo, 2630 Cahaba Rd, Birmingham. 205-397-3877.

Brown Bag Lunch Program Spring Book Preview – 12pm doors open, 12:30 program begins. EOL librarians Katie Moellering and Holley Wesley present the new hot books being published this spring. Be sure to bring your library card so you can get on the reserve lists for these must-have titles. Please bring a sack lunch; drinks and dessert provided. All programs last one hour unless otherwise noted. For more information, contact Katie at KMoellering@bham.lib.al.us or 205-445-1118. Emmet O’Neal Library (Mountain Brook), 50 Oak St, Mountain Brook.

Afternoon Book Club with Leslie West: “The Sunflower: On the Possibilities and Limits of Forgiveness” – 2pm. This important book by Simon Wiesenthal will challenge you to define your beliefs about justice, compassion, and human responsibility. The Afternoon Book Club is free and open to all adults. Meetings are every 3rd Wednesday of each month. Moderator: Leslie West. Vestavia Hills Library in the Forest, Tree House, 1221 Montgomery Hwy, Vestavia Hills.

205-978-0155.

THURSDAY, APRIL 19 Birmingham Revealed! 2012 Series: Birmingham Greek Food Traditions – 5:30-7pm. A panel discussion and cooking demonstration featuring George Sarris, Jimmy and Nicky Koikos, and Niki Sepsas, moderated by Greg Bass. $10 in advance online; $15 at the door. Vulcan Members: $7.50 online/door. Vulcan Park and Museum, 1701 Valley View Dr, Birmingham. 205-933-1409. Info@ VisitVulcan.com.

4th Annual FOTOS, FRAMES, & FUN Auction & Party benefitting Heart Gallery Alabama – 6-9:30pm. Help us celebrate another year of finding permanent, loving families for Alabama’s foster

children. Come and enjoy savory treats provided by local restaurants, beer and wine, live music, kid zone, and an auction of one-of-a kind items.

Tickets: $25 individual/$40 per couple in advance; $35 individual/$50 per couple at the door; $5 for kids. Sloss Furnaces National Historic Landmark, 20 32nd St N, Birmingham

for the Planet. Enjoy live music, view picnic table art, and join us and other Conservancy chapters worldwide in attempting to set the Guinness world record for the most people picnicking in a 24-hour period. Food and beverages available for purchase on site. Open to everyone, rain or shine. Railroad Park, 1600 1st Ave S, Birmingham. 205-251-1155.

SATURDAY, APRIL 21

Celebrate the Outdoors on Earth Day – 2pm.

Celebrate the outdoors on Earth Day with live performances by Red Mountain Theatre Company’s Youth Programs and “Singing in the Rain” cast members.

Free. Vulcan Park and Museum, 1701 Valley View Dr, Birmingham. 205-324-2424. VisitVulcan.com.

Tannehill Trade Days – 8am-4pm Sat/Sun. The third weekend of each month, from March through November, shoppers and swappers come from far and near to Tannehill Trade Days in search of tools, clothing, jewelry, knives, furniture and other treasures. Please note: no pets are allowed in the Trade Days Area. Tannehill Ironworks Historical State Park, 12632 Confederate Pkwy, McCalla, AL. 205-477-5711.

Third Friday in Forest Park – 5-8pm. Dine, Wine and Shop in Birmingham’s Hippest Neighborhoods! Restaurants will have specials, wine tastings etc. Shops and galleries will be open late (5-8pm), catch the shows you may miss during the day, shop for gifts while enjoying a refreshment.

Forest Park Village, Clairmont Ave and 39th Street S, Birmingham.

2012 Spring Walking Tour Series: Morris Avenue – 9:30am-12pm. Step into the shoes of the architects, visionaries, socialites, and entrepreneurs who sparked the magic in the Magic City. Space is limited. Pre-registration strongly suggested. $12 Non-Members; $10 Vulcan Members. Vulcan Park and Museum, 1701 Valley View Dr, Birmingham.

205-933-1409. Info@VisitVulcan.com.

TUESDAY, APRIL 24 Adaptations AfterParty: “Moneyball” by Michael Lewis – 6:30pm. Adaptations is Avondale Library’s book-to-film group. For each title, we host a screening party (where we watch the movie) and an AfterParty (where we discuss the book and film).

Patrons are invited to attend either program, and may attend both for the full experience. The programs are free and open to the public. Our April title is Moneyball: The Art of Winning an Unfair Game

by Michael Lewis. Avondale Regional Library, 509 40th St S, Birmingham. 205-226-4000.

Alabama Orchid Society Monthly Meetings – 7:15pm, every 4th Tuesday of each month. The Alabama Orchid Society welcomes all visitors and extends an invitation to attend our monthly meetings, held at Birmingham Botanical Gardens, Hodges Room, 2612 Lane Park Rd, Birmingham.

205-933-8688. BBGardens.org.

Critter Tales at the Zoo: Hippos and Rhinos 10-11:30am, Apr 24-25. Students will explore different animal topics, enjoy story time, make a craft and go on a train ride and a carousel ride.

Birmingham Zoo, 2630 Cahaba Rd, Birmingham.

205-397-3877.

Birmingham Reads & Colonial Brookwood Celebrates at Books-A-Million – 10am-3pm.

Come out for a celebration of reading with music, characters, and more on main street at Colonial Brookwood Village. Bring a book, buy a book.

Collecting new and gently used children’s books for Birmingham city school children. Books-AMillion, 757 Brookwood Village Brookwood Village, Birmingham.

WEDNESDAY, APRIL 25

One Year After: The April 27th Tornadoes – Saturdays 10am-6pm; Sundays 12-6pm; MondayFriday 9am-5pm, beginning April 21. The magnitude of the storms that occurred in our area on April 27, 2011 makes them both historically and scientifically significant. The exhibit will illustrate both the force of these storms and the impact they had on survivors, volunteers and the community.

McWane Science Center, 200 19th St N, Birmingham. 205-714-8300. McWane.org.

Brown Bag Lunch Program: Spring Book Preview – 12:30pm. A study of the popular and celebrated authors Charlotte, Emily and Anne Bronte. This absorbing film examines the women behind the famous name, the great works, the family and the locations key to lives of the Bronte sisters Please bring a sack lunch; drinks and dessert provided. For more information, contact Katie at KMoellering@bham.lib.al.us or 205-445-1118.

Emmet O’Neal Library (Mountain Brook), 50 Oak St, Mountain Brook.

SUNDAY, APRIL 22

THURSDAY, APRIL 26

Picnic for the Planet – 11am-3pm. Get outside and celebrate Earth Day with good food and great company. Be a part of The Nature Conservancy’s Picnic

Friends of Vestavia Hills Library in the Forest Presents Brant Beene – 10:30am. Refreshments

10am. In April, the Friends host Brant Beene, General Manager of Historic Alabama Theatre and Lyric Fine Arts Theatre. Mr. Beene will focus on architectural highlights and artifacts of the Alabama, along with stories of that beloved theatre. All visitors welcome. Vestavia Hills Library in the Forest, Community Meeting Room, 1221 Montgomery Hwy, Vestavia Hills. 205-978-0155.

Let’s Talk About It: Making Sense of the American Civil War Part 4: The Shape of War – 5:30-7pm.

In commemoration of the 150th anniversary of the American Civil War, the Birmingham Public Library and the Alabama Humanities Foundation are pleased to present this five-part reading and discussion series. This series of programs is open to the public, but as seating is limited, registration is required. Register online BPLonline.org/civilwar.

Birmingham Public Library Central Branch, 2100 Park Place, Birmingham. 205-226-3604.

Stormy Weather: Reception/Reading for Birmingham Arts Journal – 6-7:45pm. Authors, artists, poets and photographers gather to celebrate the newest issue of Birmingham Arts Journal, now in its 10th year of publication. On the first anniversary of Alabama’s devastating storms, the journal features works about storms. Public is invited. Admission Free. Baker Donelson, Wells Fargo Tower, Birmingham.

Nonfiction Book Group – 7-9pm, 4th Thursday of each month. Hoover Public Library’s nonfiction book discussion group. Current book: In the Heart of the Sea, by Nathaniel Philbrick. Call 444-7816 for info. Hoover Public Library, Theatre-Level Meeting Room, 200 Municipal Dr, Hoover. 205-444-7840.

Poetry Discussion Group – 6:30pm. Join other writers to discuss and improve on poetry. Receive feedback, inspiration, and support. Vestavia Hills Library in the Forest, Tree House, 1221 Montgomery Hwy, Vestavia Hills. 205-978-0155.

SATURDAY, APRIL 28 Bibb County Glades Field Trip – 8am. Called “a botanical lost world,” partly due to eight new species of plants having been discovered there, this unique relictual landscape contains a number of Alabama endemic plant species and others rare, unusual and particularly adapted to life in a limestone glade. This is a moderate walking trip on natural, uneven and rocky terrain, held outdoors regardless of temperature. Trip fee covers bus transportation; bring lunch. $40 Members |$45 Non-Members.

Birmingham Botanical Gardens, 2612 Lane Park Rd, Birmingham. BBGardens.org.

Write Club – 10:30am. Come and join us as we mingle and share with your fellow amateur writers. Hoover Public Library, Theatre level Meeting Rooms, 200 Municipal Dr, Hoover. 205-444-7820.

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ongoingevents sunday

monday

Mindfulness Meditation and Discussion Group – 9-10am. In the tradition of Thich Nhat Hanh. Chairs are provided, or bring your own cushion. Childcare available. Contact Sharron Swain at Dre@uucbham. org. Unitarian Universalist Church of Birmingham, 4300 Hampton Heights Dr. 205-945-8109.

Pilates Reformer Duet/Trio –7:45am and 4:15pm.

Genevieve Ward. Blissful Heights Integrative Healing, 3100 Independence Dr, Homewood. 205-6391062. BlissfulHeights.com.

Adult Sunday School – 10-10:30am. Facilitated by Mike Goins. Currently studying “Practical Mysticism of Joel Goldsmith.” Unity of Birmingham, 2803 Highland Ave. 205-908-2007. UnityBham.com.

Healing Ministry – 12:30-1:30pm, first and third Sunday of each month. The Unity Healing Ministry offers healing through prayer and energy balancing to individuals following Sunday service in our upstairs Healing Center. Unity of Birmingham, 2803 Highland Ave. 205-908-2007. UnityBham.com.

Power Pilates Mat – 2pm. Genevieve Ward. Blissful Heights Integrative Healing, 3100 Independence Dr, Homewood. 205-639-1062. BlissfulHeights.com.

The Appalachian Trail Club of Alabama (ATCA) 2pm, first Sunday of each month. Alabama Outdoors (downstairs), 3054 Independence Dr, Birmingham.

Pinhoti@bellsouth.net. Pinhoti.org.

Chess: Scholastic Chess Club – 2-5pm. Schoolage players of all skill levels are welcome. Chess coach Michael Ciamarra hosts. Chess, Checkers, Go. Free. Books A Million, Brookwood Village.

205-870-0213.

Course in Miracles Workshop – 5:30-7pm. Based on Kenneth Wapnick’s highly acclaimed workshop, “What It Means to Be a Teacher of God.” Facilitated

by Angela Julian. Free, open to the public, and can be attended at any time. Contact Angela at AcimJulian@gmail.com to receive study material. Unity of Birmingham, 2803 Highland Ave. 205-908-2007.

UnityBham.com.

Sunday Service – 11am-12:30pm. Unity of Birmingham, 2803 Highland Ave. 205-908-2007.

UnityBham.com.

Hatha Yoga Class – 4:30-5:30pm. The Integral Yoga approach is taught in an easeful, highly meditative manner. The student is guided to a deep level of physical and mental well-being, vitality, and relaxation, promoting flexibility, strength, and health for the entire system. Beginners always welcomed. $5.00 per class. pH Balanced Fitness, 3325 Rocky Ridge Plaza, Birmingham. 205-936-0820. pHBalancedFitness.com.

Meditation – 7pm. Birmingham Shambhala Meditation Center, 714 37th Street South. Free admission. 205-5951688. Birmingham-Shambhala-Meditation.org.

Spoken Word – 6-8pm. The Alabama Jazz Hall of Fame presents spoken word performances the third Sunday of each month. The Carver Theatre, 1631 N 4th Ave, Birmingham. 205-254-2731. JazzHall.com.

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Vinyasa Flow & Restore Yoga – 9am. Jasper Wolfe. Blissful Heights Integrative Healing, 3100 Independence Dr, Homewood. 205-639-1062.

BlissfulHeights.com.

Core Barre – 12pm and 6:45pm. This fun, fatburning format of interval training quickly and safely reshapes the entire body. It is non-impact and targets all major muscle groups while improving posture. $18. Register online. Pilates on Highland, 2827 Highland Ave S, Birmingham. 205-323-5961.

PilatesOnHighland.com.

Chair Yoga Class – 2:30-3:30pm. Chair (Seated) Yoga brings the health benefits and experience of yoga to people who are uncomfortable moving up and down from the floor or whose physical condition keeps them from a traditional yoga practice. $5.00 per class. pH Balanced Fitness, 3325 Rocky Ridge Plaza, Birmingham. 205-936-0820. pHBalanced Fitness.com.

Chair Yoga Class – 4:30-5:30pm and 6-7pm.

Chair (Seated) Yoga brings the health benefits and experience of yoga to people who are uncomfortable moving up and down from the floor or whose physical condition keeps them from a traditional yoga practice. $5.00 per class. pH Balanced Fitness, 3325 Rocky Ridge Plaza, Birmingham. 205-9360820. pHBalancedFitness.com.

Martial Arts – 5-6pm. Books, Beans & Candles Metaphysical Shoppe, 1620 Richard Arrington Jr. Blvd, Birmingham. 205-453-4636. MHagood@ gmail.com. BookBeanCandle.com.

Zumba® Fitness With Ashley – 5:20pm. Zumba® Fitness fuses hypnotic Latin rhythms and easy to follow moves to create a dynamic fitness program. The routines feature interval training sessions where fast and slow rhythms, and resistance training are combined to tone and sculpt your body while burning fat. $5 per class (cash or check only). No membership required.

Bailey Dance Studio, 1853 Montgomery Hwy, Ste 103, Hoover. 205-212-4697. BaileyDance.com.

Pilates Mat – 5:30pm. A series of floor-work exercises emphasizing core strength, breath control, flowing movement, the development of long, lean muscles and a decompressed spine. $15. No reservation needed. Pilates on Highland, 2827 Highland Ave S, Birmingham.

205-323-5961. PilatesOnHighland.com.

Introduction to Pilates Equipment – 5:30pm.

Become familiar with the equipment used in the Pilates method, including Reformer, Tower, and Chair. $30. Register online. Pilates on Highland, 2827 Highland Ave S, Birmingham. 205-323-5961.

PilatesOnHighland.com.

Chess Club – 6-7:30pm every Monday through April 30. Get a lesson from a chess coach and try your skills against other players. Ages 7 and up.

No registration required. Emmet O’Neal Library (Mountain Brook), 50 Oak Street, Mountain Brook.

205-879-0497.

Crunk Fitness – 6-7pm. A fun, high-energy, hip-hop dance workout for all levels. It involves a combination of basic aerobics movements and funky hip-hop dance moves, broken down so anyone can do it.

Free. Please arrive 15 minutes early to register. You will be required to sign-in each time you participate in this class. Railroad Park, 17th Street Section B, 1600 1st Ave S, Birmingham. 205-521-9933.

The Magic City Toastmasters Club – 6:15pm.

Trinity Medical Center, 800 Montclair Rd, the 820 Professional Building (Nursing School). ZSupport@ TheToastMastersTornado.com.

Meditation – 6:30pm. Twin Hearts meditation classes held every Monday. Free admission. Unity of Birmingham, 2803 Highland Ave. 205-908-2007.

UnityBham.com.

Circle of Champions Toastmasters Club –6:307:30pm, first and third Monday of each month (except holidays). Abundant Life Church, 1625 Kent Dairy Road, Alabaster. 205-218-8136. RCooperdtm @yahoo.com.

BAO Bingo – 6pm, doors open; 7pm game starts.

First Monday of each month. Cost to play is $15 for five games plus $1 for the bonus game and $1 for an ink dauber. You must be 19 to enter. Birmingham AIDS Outreach, 205, 32nd St S. BirminghamAIDS Outreach.org.

Board Games – The J. Simpkins Gallery hosts Classic Monday each Monday after work, featuring classic board games, classic movies, and refreshments.

1608 Floyd Bradford Rd, Trussville. Admission $5.

205-957-5448.

Afro Aerobics (African Dance Fused with Aerobics) – 6:30-7:30pm. A low impact/high energy workout designed to bring wholeness to the body, improve your fitness level, and cardiovascular system. If you want a great way to get in shape then this is the class for you. $8 per class. Bethesda Family Life Center, 1721 Dennison Ave, Birmingham. 205-218-2381.

Irish Dance – 7-8:30pm. Irish set dance classes for adults and mature teens. Beginners welcome. $5. Children’s Dance Foundation, 1715 27th Court South, Homewood. 205-678-8569.

Meditation – 7pm. Birmingham Shambhala Meditation Center, 714 37th Street South. Free admission. 205-595-1688. Birmingham-ShambhalaMeditation.org.

Swing Dance – 7pm lessons, 8-10pm social dancing. The Birmingham Lindy Dancers Association hosts “Just Gotta Swing.” $5-$7. Bella Prima Dance Studio, 3712 Lorna Rd, Birmingham. 704-533-5017.

JustGottaSwing.com.

tuesday Alzheimer’s of Central Alabama (ACA) – Support group meeting for individuals and/or families on the second and fourth Tuesdays of each month.

ACA office, call for time and details. 205-871-7970.

Alzca.org.

Pilates Reformer Duet/Trio – 8am with Genevieve Ward and 5:45pm with Virginia Rives. Blissful Heights Integrative Healing, 3100 Independence Dr, Homewood. 205-639-1062. BlissfulHeights.com.

Tuesday Tours of AWS – 9-10am, Tuesdays through May 31. Take a tour of Alabama Waldorf School and get a glimpse into the joyful learning experience of the Waldorf student. Alabama Waldorf School, 1220 50th St S, Birmingham.

Yoga for the Back and Fibromyalgia – 9-9:45am.

Iron Beach Gym, 1729 Crestwood Blvd, Irondale.

Call or email Laura Thornton at 205-854-5683, YogaByLaura@att.net for current schedule and information.

Beginning Yoga – 10-11am. Iron Beach Gym, 1729 Crestwood Blvd, Irondale. Call or email Laura Thornton at 205-854-5683, YogaByLaura@att.net for current schedule and information.

Network Birmingham – 11:30am, first Tuesday of each month. Network Birmingham promotes communication among career-oriented women.

Each meeting includes networking time, a business-related educational program, a full lunch, announcements, and door prizes. Harbert Center, 2019 4th Ave N, Birmingham. NetworkBham.net.

Hatha Yoga Class – 4:30-5:30pm. The Integral Yoga approach is taught in an easeful, highly meditative manner. The student is guided to a deep level of physical and mental well-being, vitality, and relaxation, promoting flexibility, strength, and health for the entire system. Beginners always welcomed. $5.00 per class. pH Balanced Fitness, 3325 Rocky Ridge Plaza, Birmingham. 205-936-0820. pHBalancedFitness.com.

VA Voices Toastmasters – 5-6pm. Birmingham VA Medical Center, Third Floor, 700 19th St S, Birmingham. PGresh@uab.edu.

Zumba Dance Calorie Burn-Off Sessions – 5:30pm. Zumba is a Latin inspired dance/fitness class where you can easily have fun and burn 500-1000 calories per session. Ages 12-84+ have attended. No dance experience needed. $5 per class.

Homewood Community Center, 1632 Oxmoor Rd, Homewood.

Pilates Boot Camp – 5:30pm. A great mix of cardio and core strengthening interval training. $18. Register at PilatesonHighland.com. Pilates on Highland, 2827 Highland Ave S, Birmingham. 205-323-5961.

Yoga for Beginners 6-Weeks Series – 5:30-7pm. A 6-class series beginning March 20. Instructor Adrianne Morrison. This series introduces the foundations of Hatha yoga with hands-on, “how-to” guidance. Traditional yoga poses and breathing exercises

will be explored. Great for first timers, those finding their way back to yoga, or more experienced practitioners looking to reconnect with foundations of the discipline. Requires pre-registration. Villager Yoga, 3150 Overton Rd, Birmingham. VillagerYoga.com.

Coming in May

The BE FIT Group Experience – 6-7pm. By using just your body weight, this workout routine will help tone muscles, build endurance, and boost metabolism. Free. Please arrive 15 minutes early to register. You will be required to sign-in each time you participate in this class. The Hillside at Railroad Park, 1600 1st Ave S, Birmingham. 205-521-9933.

21 Essential Lessons of Life – 6-7:30pm. Study group seeking answers to the basic questions of life. Facilitated by Pat Hahn, 205-337-6426. Unity of Birmingham, 2803 Highland Ave, Birmingham.

205-251-3713. UnityBham.com Sidewalk Salon: E.M.P.A.C.T Alabama – 6pm.

Sidewalk Salon’s are free networking and educational events for filmmakers and film buffs. March’s Salon will feature Bobby Jon Drinkard, of AIDT, who will speak about the State’s new Entertainment, Media, Production & Crew Training (EMPACT) Program. First Tuesday of each month in the side room at Rojo, 2921 Highland Ave S, Birmingham.

205-324-0888.

The Vulcan Hash House Harriers – 6:15pm.

Weekly run. Affectionately known as “A Drinking Club with a Running problem,” Vulcan H3 is a non-competitive running group for people of every athletic ability. Starting at 6:15pm with a 3–5 mile trail somewhere around Birmingham concluding with general mischief and drinking. VulcanH3.com.

Vestavia Toastmasters – 6-7pm, first and third Tuesday of each month. Vestavia Board of Education Building, 1204 Montgomery Hwy, Vestavia Hills. 205-937-4099. SpeakWithEase@gmail.com.

Restorative Yoga – 6-7pm. Restorative Yoga focuses on relaxing the body in restful postures. Restorative yoga helps to trigger the parasympathetic nervous system, which is responsible for bringing the body’s response system back into equilibrium.

Stimulating the PNS also helps to lower heart rate and blood pressure, assists in the promotion of a healthy immune system, and returns the endocrine system to a balanced condition. $5.00 per class. pH Balanced Fitness, 3325 Rocky Ridge Plaza, Birmingham. 205-936-0820. pHBalancedFitness.com.

Hatha Yoga – 6:30-7:30pm. Trussville Civic Center, 5391 Trussville Clay Road, Trussville. Call or email Laura Thornton at 205-854-5683, YogaByLaura@ att.net for current schedule and information.

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Meditation – 7pm. Free. Birmingham Shambhala Meditation Center, 714 37th Street S. 205-595-1688.

Birmingham-Shambhala-Meditation.org.

Ballroom Dance – 7pm. Ballroom dance lessons in various dance styles. $3. No partner required. South Highland Presbyterian Church, 2035 Highland Ave S, Birmingham. 205-933-0790. HPCbhm.org.

Cha-Cha Dance – 7-8pm. Beginner level cha-cha lessons. No partner required, all ages welcome. $3. South Highland Presbyterian Church fellowship hall, 2035 Highland Ave S, Birmingham.

205-933-0790.

For more information about advertising and how you can participate, call

356-340-1122

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The Society for Creative Anachronism – 7pm. A group dedicated to the sports, arts, and sciences of the Middle Ages and the Renaissance. Homewood Senior Center, 816 Oak Grove Rd, Homewood.

BaronyOfIronMountain.org.

Course in Miracles – 7-8pm. New “Text Made Simple” Book Study with commentary provided

by Pathways of Light (PathWaysOfLight.org). For more info contact Angela Julian, Facilitator at AcimJulian@blogspot.com or 205-370-5721. Unity of Birmingham, 2803 Highland Avenue, Birmingham.

UnityBham.com.

Folk Dance Classes – 7:30-9pm. Open to all. No experience necessary. $2. Levite Jewish Community Center, 3960 Montclair Road, Birmingham.

205-956-1735.

wednesday Pilates Reformer Duet/Trio –6am, 7:45am, and 4:30pm classes with Genevieve Ward; 6pm class with Virginia Rives. Blissful Heights Integrative Healing, 3100 Independence Dr, Homewood. 205639-1062. BlissfulHeights.com.

Hatha Yoga Class – 9:30-10:30am. The Integral Yoga approach is taught in an easeful, highly meditative manner. The student is guided to a deep level of physical and mental well-being, vitality, and relaxation, promoting flexibility, strength, and health for the entire system. Beginners always welcomed. $5.00 per class. pH Balanced Fitness, 3325 Rocky Ridge Plaza, Birmingham. 205-936-0820. pHBalancedFitness.com.

Lupus Outreach Group – 10am, second Wednesday of each month. Homewood Public Library, Room 116, 1721 Oxmoor Rd, Birmingham.

Kala485@yahoo.com.

Chair Yoga Class – 10:45-11:45am. Chair (Seated) Yoga brings the health benefits and experience of yoga to people who are uncomfortable moving up and down from the floor or whose physical condition keeps them from a traditional yoga practice. $5.00 per class. pH Balanced Fitness, 3325 Rocky Ridge Plaza, Birmingham. 205-936-0820. pHBalanced Fitness.com.

Noon Prayer Service – 12-12:30pm. For a midweek spiritual boost, come to the Wednesday weekly noon prayer service and meditation service at Unity of Birmingham, 2803 Highland Ave, Birmingham.

205-251-3713. UnityBham.com French Conversation: Daniel Rabourdin hosts an informal French speaking group the first and third Wednesday of each month at Barnes & Noble at the Summit. 205-370-3542. DRabourdin@ewtn.com.

Disc Golf Birmingham 2012 Spring League – 5:30pm, March 21-May 9 on Wednesday evenings.

George Ward Park. Tee Time 5:30 sharp. (Please be on-site with your bag tag turned in no later than 5:20 for the players’ meeting.) More info at DiscGolfBirmingham.com.

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Birmingham

NABirmingham.com

Pilates Mat – 5:30pm. A series of floor-work exercises emphasizing core strength, breath control, flowing movement, the development of long, lean muscles and a decompressed spine. $15. No reservation needed. Pilates on Highland, 2827 Highland Ave S, Birmingham. 205-323-5961. PilatesOn Highland.com.

Pilates Beginner Mat – 5:30pm. A series of floorwork exercises emphasizing core strength, breath control, flowing movement, the development of long, lean muscles and a decompressed spine. $15.

No reservation needed. Pilates on Highland, 2827 Highland Ave S, Birmingham. 205-323-5961.

PilatesOnHighland.com.

Martial Arts – 5-6pm. Books, Beans & Candles Metaphysical Shoppe, 1620 Richard Arrington Jr. Blvd, Birmingham. 205-453-4636. MHagood@ gmail.com. BookBeanCandle.com.

CLICK! Basic Digital Photography for Adults 6-8:30pm. Students will learn about how camera functions, how to create a correct exposure, how to get the best quality megapixels and how to change white balance and much more. Ages 18+. A new class begins the first Thursday of each month. Call today to sign up. Instructor: Paris Farzad. Shelby County Arts Council Gallery, 104 Mildred St, Columbiana. 205-669-0044.

Belly Dancing – 6-7pm. Meeting room. Books, Beans & Candles Metaphysical Shoppe, 1620 Richard Arrington Jr. Blvd, Birmingham. 205-453-4636.

MHagood@gmail.com. BookBeanCandle.com.

Zumba at Railroad Park – 6-7pm. A Latin inspired dance fitness class that blends easy Latin dance moves with aerobic steps. Free. Please arrive 15 minutes early to register. You will be required to sign-in each time you participate in this class. Railroad Park, 17th Street Section B, 1600 1st Ave S, Birmingham. 205-521-9933.

thursday Pilates Reformer Duet/Trio – 6am and 7am with Sheri Kristjansson; 4:30pm, Genevieve Ward. Blissful Heights Integrative Healing, 3100 Independence Dr, Homewood. 205-639-1062.

BlissfulHeights.com.

Genealogy Workshop – 9am-12pm. This workshop will give you the basics on finding that elusive great-great grandpa so you can take him with you to your next family reunion. Pleasant Grove Public Library, 501 Park Rd, Pleasant Grove.

Restorative Yoga – 9:30am. Blissful Heights Integrative Healing, 3100 Independence Dr, Homewood. 205-639-1062. BlissfulHeights.com.

Book Discussion Group – 10am-12pm, first Thursday of the month. Just ask at the Fiction Desk for a copy of the current month’s title. Refreshments are provided. Hoover Public Library, 200 Municipal Dr, Hoover. 205-444-7820.

CLICK! Basic Digital Photography for Youth – 4-5:30pm. Students will learn about how camera functions, how to create a correct exposure, how to get the best quality megapixels and how to change white balance and much more. Ages 12-17. A new class begins the first Thursday of each month. Call today to sign up. Instructor: Paris Farzad. Shelby County Arts Council Gallery, 104 Mildred St, Columbiana. 205-669-0044.

Hatha Yoga Class – 4:30-5:30pm and 6-7pm. The Integral Yoga approach is taught in an easeful, highly meditative manner. The student is guided to a deep level of physical and mental well-being, vitality, and relaxation, promoting flexibility, strength, and health for the entire system. Beginners always welcomed. $5.00 per class. pH Balanced Fitness, 3325 Rocky Ridge Plaza, Birmingham. 205-936-0820. pHBalancedFitness.com.

Yoga at Railroad Park – 6-7pm. For the beginning as well as advanced student. Free. Please arrive 15 minutes early to register. You will be required to sign-in each time you participate in this class. The Meadow at Railroad Park, 1600 1st Ave S, Birmingham. 205-521-9933.

The Vocalizers Toastmasters Club – 6:15pm, first and third Thursday of each month. Hoover Public Library, 200 Municipal Dr, Birmingham. 205-6784599. Vocalizers.com.

Hatha Yoga – 6:30-7:30pm. Trussville Civic Center, 5391 Trussville Clay Road Trussville. Call or email Laura Thornton at 205-854-5683, YogaByLaura@ att.net for current schedule and information.

Core Barre – 7pm. This fun, fat-burning format of interval training quickly and safely reshapes the entire body. It is non-impact and targets all major muscle groups while improving posture. $18. Register online.

Pilates on Highland, 2827 Highland Ave S, Birmingham. 205-323-5961. PilatesOnHighland.com.

German – 7pm. Stammtisch Conversation Table.

For anyone who speaks German. Giuseppe’s Cafe, 925 8th Street S, Birmingham. Agresti@uab.edu.

Meditation – 7pm. Free. Birmingham Shambhala Meditation Center, 714 37th St S, Birmingham. 205595-1688. Birmingham-Shambhala-Meditation.org

friday Core Barre – 12pm. This fun, fat-burning format of interval training quickly and safely reshapes the entire body. It is non-impact and targets all major muscle groups while improving posture. $18. Register at PilatesOnHighland.com. Pilates on Highland, 2827 Highland Ave S, Birmingham. 205-323-5961.

Chair Yoga Class – 1:30-2:30pm. Chair Yoga is a wholesome alternative to traditional yoga classes offering the health benefits of yoga to those who may not be comfortable coming up and down from the floor or whose physical condition prohibits participation in a traditional class. Villager Yoga, 3150 Overton Rd, Birmingham. 205-262-2012.

VillagerYoga.com.

Friday Night P.E. – 6-7pm. A mix of your favorite childhood games such as kickball, dodge ball,

ultimate Frisbee, and musical chairs to help you burn calories and improve your health. Perfect for groups. Railroad Park, 17th Street Plaza Section B, 1600 1st Ave S, Birmingham. 205-521-9933.

Bards & Brews: Birmingham Public Library Poetry Slam Series – 6:30-9pm, first Friday of each month. Live music and sign-up at 6:30; call time is 7pm. Check Bards & Brews on Facebook for updated schedule and location.

Alabama Mineral and Lapidary Society – 6:308pm. Meets the 2nd Friday of each month (except June). Vestavia Hills Library, 1221 Montgomery Hwy, Vestavia Hills. LapidaryClub.com.

CODA – 6:30-7:30pm. Unity of Birmingham, 2803 Highland Ave. Wrig39@bellsouth.net. Unity Bham.com.

saturday The Birmingham Genealogical Society – 2pm, fourth Saturday of each month (except November and December). Arrington Auditorium, Linn-Henley Building, Birmingham Public Library. 205-2263665. BirminghamGenealogy.org.

Zumba Dance Party – 9am. Zumba is a Latin inspired dance/fitness class where you can easily have fun and burn 500-1000 calories per session. Ages 12-84+ have attended. No dance experience needed. $5 per class. Homewood Community Center, 1632 Oxmoor Rd, Homewood.

Changing Lives One Mind At A Time Community Chess Class – 10am-12pm. Free two hour Saturday chess class taught by Charles A. Smith of Magic City Chess U. Smith is the coach of the W. J. Christian state champion chess team, the Indian Springs Chess team, and has produced 11 individual state chess championships, as well as regional and national achievements. Birmingham Public Library Central Branch, 2100 Park Place, Birmingham.

communityresourceguide Connecting you to the leaders in natural healthcare and green living in our community. To find out how you can be included in the Community Resource Guide, email Editor@AlabamaAwakenings.com to request our media kit.

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1901 11th Ave. South, Birmingham: 205-933-6333 3309 Lorna Rd, Suite 7, Hoover: 205-823-7002 110 N. Chalkville Rd, Suite 148, Trussville: 205-655-0353 Since 1973, we have been bringing you the best in healthy living. We offer a wide variety of merchandise including vitamins, herbs, supplements, natural foods, organic produce, incense, clothing, books, and gifts.

Pilates Reformer Duet/Trio –10:15am. Genevieve Ward. Blissful Heights Integrative Healing, 3100 Independence Dr, Homewood. 205-639-1062.

BlissfulHeights.com.

Belly Dance Classes – with Zivah Spahirah Troupe instructors. Meets every Saturday at Children’s Dance Foundation, 1715 27th Court South, Homewood.

Ages 16 and up. 205-978-5121. ZivahSaphirah.com.

Bagpipe Lessons – 9am. Heritage Pipes and Drums offers bagpipe and Scottish side drum lessons. Riverchase Church of Christ, 1868 Montgomery Hwy, Birmingham. 205-427-1756. HPD-Pipeband.org.

Drum Circle – 7-8:30pm. John Scalici hosts a Community Drum Circle (ages 16 and up) the third Saturday of each month. Check online at GetRhythmPrograms.com.

Dancing for Birth classes – 11am-12pm. Villager Yoga, 3150 Overton Rd, Birmingham. Email Kaleigh at Kaleigher@gmail.com to get a coupon for a free trial class and for more information.

Birds are indicators of the environment. If they are in trouble, we know we’ll soon be in trouble. ~Roger Tory Peterson

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