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ABOUT TOWN
from 2.11.21
ABOUT TOWN The Happiest Place on Earth
Exceptional Foundation Hosts New Chili Kick-Off March 6, Postpones Cook-Off
As with many widely attended events, this year’s Chili Cook-off has been rescheduled because of COVID-19 concerns. The new Chili Kick-Off event will serve as a warm-up to the 17th annual Chili Cook-Off, to take place May 1. Above, Morgan Hall and Docker at last year’s Exceptional Foundation Chili Cook-Off.
By Emily Williams-RoBERtshaW
March is a special month for the Exceptional Foundation. The first Saturday typically is spent among a sea of tents and a crowd of people while teams cook and serve more than 20,000 gallons of chili.
As with many widely attended events, this year’s Chili Cook-off has been rescheduled because of COVID-19 concerns.
Instead, the Exceptional Foundation will host a smaller, socially distanced event, the Chili Kick-off.
The event will be held March 6 at Cahaba Brewing Company.
From noon until 6 p.m. the event will feature a variety of musical performers, including The Wooks, Schmohawks and Friends, Will Cash and Matt Carroll.
The event will serve as a warmup to the 17th annual Chili CookOff, to take place May 1.
According to foundation Executive Director Tricia Kirk, the annual Chili Cook-Off is never far from the minds of the foundation’s staff.
“The Chili Cook-Off is talked about almost year-round at the Exceptional Foundation, but we usually start to notice an increase in Chili Cook-Off excitement around the start of the New Year,” Kirk said. “During a typical February, our front office staff is moving full speed ahead getting ready for the event.”
Staff work for months to make sure the event runs smoothly, while participants eagerly await the big day that they get to spend eating chili and hanging out with their friends.
“The first weekend in March has been an important date for the Exceptional Foundation for 17 years, and we simply didn’t want to let that weekend pass without having some type of smaller-scale event,” Kirk said. “We have overcome a lot this year and believe that is something worth celebrating.”
SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 13 12:00-5:00PM
YOUR ONE-STOP VALENTINE'S SHOP! FLOWERS, VASES, CANDY, GIFTS, AND CARDS...
Reestablishing Routines
One of the biggest hurdles during the past year, according to Kirk, has been adapting to the many changes the pandemic has created. For the children and adults with special needs who attend programs at the Exceptional Foundation, a good routine is essential.
“Many of our participants have been coming to the Exceptional Foundation on the same days, at the same times, for well over a decade,” Kirk said.
After COVID-19 lockdowns, the foundation had to make changes to the routine before reopening. In accordance with health guidelines, staff began implementing mandatory masks and temperature checks, lowering group sizes and spending more time deep cleaning the building each day.
Programs were adapted to safely serve participants, and virtual programs were created to serve those who aren’t able to visit the building. Once the plan was in place and implemented, Kirk said, the fun quickly followed.
“Adapting to challenging situations is nothing new to our participants at the Exceptional Foundation,” Kirk said. “In fact, many of our participants have been
overcoming obstacles since the day they came into the world. I am amazed by the strength and resilience of the group of people we are lucky to be able to serve at the Exceptional Foundation.”
Kirk said the staff has done an “amazing” job adapting this year, creating safe options for all who attend the Exceptional Foundation – a place she likes to refer to as one of the happiest places on Earth.
“Our ‘new normal’ has really emphasized the importance of social connection for both our staff and participants,” Kirk said. “The friendships and community that the Exceptional Foundation provides is extremely special, and I am constantly reminded of how important this connection is to both the physical and mental health of our participants and staff.”
TRICIA KIRK, EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR
Editor’s note: Some of the events in our calendar may have been canceled after our press deadline. Please check organiziation websites for the latest information.
Through Feb. 14
Show Your Love for King’s Home
Showing Your Love with a beautiful mailbox spreads awareness of abuse, neglect, homelessness, and other horrific conditions impacting youth, women, and kids in our area. Website: kingshome.com
Through Feb. 27
The Salamander Festival
The annual festival, hosted by the Friends of Shades Creek has gone virtual this year, featuring a Salamander Storyboard Trail, environmental news, activities, educational videos and more. Website: shadescreek.org.
Wed., Feb. 10
Valentines-themed Murder Mystery Event
The Southern Ghost Girls Tours and Paranormal Investigations team will host this interactive event in the historic Thomas Jefferson Tower. When: 6-10 p.m. Where: Roots and Revelry Website: southernghostgirls. com
Thurs., Feb. 11
Legacy League Luncheon
The annual luncheon will feature words from bestselling author Susan Alexander Yates. A second event featuring Yates will follow at Covenant Presbyterian Church in Homewood at 7 p.m. When: 11 a.m. Where: A country club in Vestavia Website: samford.edu/legacyleague
Fri., Feb. 12
O’Reilly World of WheelsBirmingham
The Super Bowl of Car Shows, this event features vendors and a wide variety of custom cars, trucks and motorcycles as well as restored and antique vehicles. When: Feb. 12, 3 p.m.; Feb.13, 6 p.m. Where: The BJCC Website: “O’Reilly World of Wheels - Birmingham” Facebook page
AT HOME II FEB. 12 & 13
The Alabama Ballet will host a live stream production featuring “That Place In-Between,” an original contemporary work; and the single-act, lighthearted comedy “Graduation Ball.” When: 7:30 p.m. Website: alabamaballet.org
Sat., Feb. 13
Galentine’s @ The Heights Village
The Cahaba Heights Merchants will host this Galentine’s-themed shopping event, featuring giveaways, sales and pop-up shops from local vendors. When: 10 a.m. Where: The Heights Village Website: “Shopcahabaheights” Facebook Page
Galentine’s Day Balcony Brunch
Enjoy waffles, mimosas and meet animal ambassadors during this brunch hosted on the private terrace overlooking Henley Park. When: 10:30 a.m. Where: The Birmingham Zoo Website: birminghamzoo.com
Mardi Gras Market
Ross Bridge Farmers Market hosts a Mardi Gras-themed market featuring Creole food trucks, a live jazz band, and local shopping. When: 1-5 p.m. Where: 2101 Grand Avenue, Hoover Website: “Mardi Gras Market!” Facebook page
Feb. 18-20
Vintage Market Days of Birmingham - Spring 2021
This upscale vintage market will feature art, antiques, clothing, jewelry, furnishings, consumables and more. An early buying event will be held on Thursday, available for those who carry a 3-day pass. When: 10 a.m.4 p.m., daily Where: Finley Center Website: vintagemarketdays.com/ market/birmingham/
Fri., Feb 19
Mountain Brook State of the City Address
Join Mayor Welch and the Mountain Brook City Council for a virtual address. Registration is free and questions should be sent ahead of time to When: 11:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m. Where: Zoom Website: mtnbrookchamber.org
A Night Under the Big Top 2021
The Glenwood Junior Boards annual gala will go virtual this year, featuring a silent auction, door prizes and VIP packages. When: 8 p.m. Website: glenwood.org/bigtop/
SAVE THE DATE
Fri., Feb. 26
Arbor Week Celebration
The City of Mountain Brook will conclude a week-long Arbor Week with an event where the Alabama Urban Forestry Administration will present the city with the Arbor City 2021 Award. When: 10-11 a.m. Where: Mountain Brook City Hall Website: mtnbrookchamber.org
ASO Adds #TunefulTuesday to Spring Programming
The Alabama Symphony Orchestra recently announced an addition to its virtual offerings with the revival of its #TunefulTuesday series.
This weekly program, sponsored by PNC Bank, features members of the orchestra performing from their homes or together in carefully arranged and socially distanced ensembles.
In spring 2020, as patrons were unable to gather in the concert hall, ASO musicians took the music of The Beatles, Bach, John Prine, Mozart and others to homes across Alabama. A new edition of #TunefulTuesday will air each week on the organization’s social media pages, website and by email. The first new installment of #TunefulTuesday showcases 20 ASO musicians performing Tchaikovsky’s Serenade for Strings in C minor. It’s available for viewing on the website ASO website at alsymphony.org/ TunefulTuesday
Cornerstone’s First Virtual Schoolhouse Rock to Take Place March 12
“Keep Rockin’” is the motto as Cornerstone Schools of Alabama’s junior board plans its 16th annual Schoolhouse Rock, set for March 12.
Voted best charity event for five years in a row by About Town Magazine, this year’s event will look a bit different. Attendees can pick up the party and take it home.
Guests will get party packages that include a meal for four by Moe’s Original BBQ and Cornerstone gifts.
In addition, sponsors will get specialty VIP party packages complete with TrimTab craft beer, exclusive VIP gifts and a chance to find one of several golden tickets to win vacation packages, SEC sports paraphernalia and more great prizes.
All of the proceeds benefit the students at Cornerstone Schools. For more information, visit one.bidpal.net/shr #Rockin4Kids.
Thirteen Distinctive New Homes in Vestavia Hills
On the crest of Shades Mountain overlooking Oxmoor Valley, Walnut Hill epitomizes a Wedgworth community: beautiful homes, great views, and energy- smart construction. Minutes from I-65 and downtown Birmingham, these thirteen home sites surround a central park. With lots starting at $200,000, Walnut Hill provides a unique opportunity for you to create a custom home in one of Birmingham’s most desirable areas.
www.wedgworth.net
Mike Wedgworth (205) 365-4344
Studio By The Tracks to Deliver Valentine’s Day Packages
The junior leadership council for Studio By The Tracks will be celebrating the season of love with a Valentine’s Day fundraiser.
The group is delivering Valentine’s Day packages, which include a Valentine’s Day card, fresh floral arrangement and wine. There also are package options with no wine. These packages will be delivered within a 10-mile radius of the studio. There will be no pick-up or shipping Studio By The Tracks options.
Cards, created by Devote Studios, Caldwell has been an artist at SBTT will be selected at random. The front for more than 10 years, developing his will feature an original work of art by signature style of humorous artwork a Studio By The Tracks artist, and the celebrating love. back will include the studio’s mission For more information and other statement and room for a note. ways to show support to Studio By The
Floral arrangements will be created Tracks, visit studiobythetracks.com. by Gaia Floral, featuring tulips and ranunculus stems wrapped in pink, red or white tissue. Wine options include Barone Fini Pinot Grigio, Scarlet Vine Cabernet Sauvignon or two cans of Love Canned Rose.
Packages are $75, with the funds supporting the studio’s mission to provide art classes to adults with autism spectrum disorder as well as a children’s program for at-risk youth.
Valentine’s Day cards also can be purchased individually for $15.
Patrons also can check out 12 featured original works of art created by SBTT’s “King of Love” Ricky Caldwell.
Throughout February, the Hooverbased nonprofit Grace Klein Community is hosting its #LoveDoes campaign, which this year will shine a light on those who have been in the frontline of the COVID-19 pandemic.
The organization’s mission is to create a community to “show people that they are deeply valued and have something to give,” according to a statement from the group.
Grace Klein Community, in partnership with the community nonprofit Beacon People, is organizing volunteers to deliver cards, flowers and goodies to first responders, school staff, civil servants and nursing homes.
“Our goal is a minimum of 16 deliveries each week,” Grace Klein founder Jenny Waltman said. “We will be blessing community heroes with heart healthy treats, goodies, prayer cards, Valentine cards and encouraging posters the heroes can post in their facilities.”
Week one of the campaign was focused on first responders, while this week shines a light on school staff. Week three will be dedicated to civil servants and week four will focus on nursing homes.
According to event officials, the campaign’s mission is to spread love throughout the Birmingham community “through action and truth.”
Volunteers can sign up online to participate in a contact-free show of support in their neighborhoods. Participants can make Valentine’s cards or encouraging notes and drop them off at the Grace Klein offices. In addition, folks can create plastic bags of prepackaged snacks.
A limited number of volunteers will organize and assemble donations. Others can sign up to drive, pick up the donations and drop them off curbside at designated locations.
To sign up, visit gkcbhm.org. – Emily Williams-Robertshaw
Your heart health shouldn’t wait, even now
Don’t delay the important care you need, even at this time
When it comes to caring for your heart, Cardiology Specialists of Birmingham at Ascension St. Vincent’s is right here, delivering the care you need. We’re making sure our offices are safe and ready for you when you need care. And we have more appointment options — both in-person and virtual visits. Work with our team to choose the option that’s right for you, and have confidence knowing our doctors and care teams are connected to an integrated network sharing best practices and advanced treatment options. Specialized heart care near you. Appointments are now available at 205-660-4174
St. Vincent’s Birmingham 2700 10th Ave. S., POB 2, Suite 305 Birmingham, AL 35205 St. Vincent’s One Nineteen 7191 Cahaba Valley Road, Building 1, Suite 106 Birmingham, AL 35242 St. Vincent’s Primary Care – Hoover 1870 Chace Drive, Suite 160 Hoover, AL 35244 The Norwood Clinic 339 Walker Chapel Road, Building 1-A Fultondale, AL 35068
Alain Bouchard, MD David Cox, MD Munish Goyal, MD Benjamin Plaisance, MD Barry Rayburn, MD Michael Wilensky, MD
