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Rehab Reality...

by Judy Butler

Spring Has Sprung

This is the time of year for new beginnings. This is the time of year for renewal. This is the time of year for fresh starts. This is the time of year that we give away the clothes that are too worn or no longer fit us. This is the time of year that we deep clean our homes, when we finally get the cobwebs out of the corners. You see where I’m going with this… right? All of the above is great and fantastic and so refreshing, but it’s all for naught if we don’t do the same with ourselves. It’s time to throw away behavior, habits or even addictions that prematurely age us; that make us feel dead inside; that will kill us if not addressed. Let me be honest. Asking for help sucks. Trust me. Who wants to feel like a failure? No one, but when your life is spinning out of control and you can’t fix it on your own what is left? Here’s the ironic twist. You, the train wreck, are the last one to admit you need help. Your loved ones already know. They are just too scared to confront you because they know how you will react. Take the initiative. It’s time for a personal fresh start. It’s time to sweep out your mental cobwebs. It’s time to dust off your flat emotions. It’s time to throw away behaviors that are only harming you and those who love you. We can help you make a fresh start at a life you’ll love. Coming to Bayshore Retreat is a gift not a punishment. Call us today.

Double Time

Mitchell’s Place Looks Forward to Two Major Fundraisers in April

By Emily Williams-RoBERtshaW

During the pandemic, organizations such as Mitchell’s Place didn’t get a break.

According to Mitchell’s Place cofounder Nancy Meisler, the facility was closed for about a three-week period at the beginning of the pandemic to adapt to health and safety measures. It then picked back up and continued providing its essential programming and services to the autism spectrum community.

While Mitchell’s Place continued providing services, it continued generating expenses.

One of the many positive things that will happen as the pandemic nears an end is the return of fundraising events that generate much-needed funds to supplement grant money and donations.

During April, Mitchell’s Place will host two of its annual fundraising events – the Funky Fish Fry, co-hosted by the junior boards of Mitchell’s Place and the Autism Society of Alabama, and A Night at the Oscars, the organization’s largest fundraiser of the year.

Funky Fish Fry

This year marks the 11th year of the fundraiser, to be held April 10 at Avondale Brewing Company.

Autism Society of Alabama Junior Board President Olivia Gaston has worked with individuals with autism spectrum disorder for a decade through her career as a behavior analyst at Hoover City Schools. In her three years serving on the board, she has seen firsthand the impact ASA services have on students and families.

“I feel completely honored and blessed to be a part of the autism community, and I am full invested in making these individuals’ worlds as joyful as they make mine,” Gaston said.

When Mitchell’s Place Junior Board President Doug Corey first moved back to his hometown of Birmingham, he was looking for a way to give back to the community. A couple of his friends who were involved with the organization brought him on board.

“The thing that keeps me so involved is seeing how the incredible staff at Mitchell’s Place has been able to help more than 2,000 families over the last 16 years,” Corey said.

With likeminded missions to provide support services to the autism community, it was only natural that ASA and Mitchell’s Place find ways to join forces for fundraising.

“Combining forces and sourcing ideas between both organizations allows us a better chance to come up with strategies that will allow the Funky Fish Fry to be a great success each and every year and hopefully double the funds to benefit both (organizations),” Corey said.

Gaston and Corey said COVID safety is at the forefront of their minds. The event will follow not only official safety recommendations, but also the regulations put in place by Avondale Brewing Company.

That being said, there will be plenty of family-friendly fun to be

had. Catfish will be served by Ezell’s Catfish, and tickets include one beer for adults over the age of 21.

Gaston said she could not be more excited about the lineup of live musical performances, featuring The Drennen Brothers, Automatic Slim Blues Band and Livewire.

“I, for one, have not seen a live concert in over a year, and I am getting excited just thinking about seeing an actual band play,” Gaston said.

Those who do not wish to attend the in-person event still can get their catfish fix, as there will be curbside pickup.

For more information and updates, visit funkyfishfry.com.

Photo courtesy Mitchell’s Place

Mitchell’s Place co-founders Nancy and Allen Meisler with son, Mitchell, and daughter and son-in law Anna and Gaines Zarzour at A Night at the Oscars.

‘I, for one, have not seen a live concert in over a year, and I am getting excited just thinking about seeing an actual band play.’

A Night at the Oscars

Mitchell’s Place will host its 15th annual A Night at the Oscars fundraiser April 24.

Having a night to gather and see firsthand the support for Mitchell’s Place is near and dear to the hearts of co-founders Nancy and Allen Meisler.

“It’s great to see the community’s outpouring of support,” she said. “We believe it gives us a really good stage to show what we do and the difference that we make in these children’s lives.”

The first gala was hosted in 2006, conceptualized by the Meislers.

“It became apparent that we needed to raise more funds outside of what we were receiving through grants and general donations,” Meisler said.

The planning process for the first Night at the Oscars was a whirlwind. Meisler noted that they officially decided on the concept for the event in December and had the entire event planned by February.

About 300 people arrived at the event on the night of the Academy Awards dressed in black tie attire and watched the televised show at the Alabama Theatre.

“My husband had the idea that we would bring in an Oscar winner,” she said. “Most Oscar winners who are still living attend the awards.”

While Meisler had doubts that it could be done, on the date of the event, Shirley Jones was in attendance.

Jones won the Best Supporting Actress Academy Award for her role in the 1960 film “Elmer Gantry,” but she may be best known as Shirley Partridge, the widowed mother of five children in the musical comedy series “The Partridge Family.”

Over the years, the event has grown into one of the premiere galas in the area. Meisler notes that fundraising efforts quickly grew from an approximate $25,000 to $125,000 from year one to two.

The fundraiser was held at Birmingham Country Club for many years before it graduated to a larger space at The Club. Last year’s event was hosted at the Theodore the night before the Academy Awards and guests were sent home with swag bags.

“The theme of last year’s bags was an Academy Awards-viewing kit,” Meisler said. “So, we had popcorn, socks and other cute things to watch the Oscars with.”

The 2021 event will return to the Theodore, beginning at 6 p.m. It also will be scaled back to adhere to health and safety mandates.

For those who wish to celebrate at home, festivities will include virtual auctions, party-at-home packages, tickets for meals from Hasting’s Catering and a livestream of the program and live auction.

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.

Thurs., March 25

“Gather”

The Birmingham Museum of Art will host a virtual film screening for the movie “Gather,” which follows the stories of Native Americans on the frontline of a growing movement to reconnect with spiritual and cultural identities that were devastated by genocide. When: 6-7 p.m. Website: artsbma.org

March 26 - April 2

Hidden Eggs of Birmingham Scavenger Hunt

Second Shift, a non-profit supporting at-risk youth and children aging out of foster care, will host an Easter egg hunt fundraiser throughout the Greater Birmingham area, offering both a virtual format and in person hunting. Website: secondshiftalabama.org

Sat., March 27

Rumpshaker 5K

The 13th annual run will be held both in-person and virtually while raising awareness and funds to provide patient support for those affected by colorectal cancer. When: 8 a.m. - noon Where: Downtown Homewood Website: rumpshaker5k.com

Pet Photos with the Easter Bunny

Smith’s Variety in Crestline Village will be hosting a photo op for pets with the Easter Bunny, with all proceeds benefitting the Animal League of Birmingham. When: 9 a.m. - 4 p.m. Where: Smith’s Variety Website: mtnbrookchamber.org

Hop ’n Shop

The businesses of 18th Street in Homewood will host an Easterthemed shopping event where visitors can hunt for coupons, candy and more. There will also be a visit from the Easter Bunny. When: 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Where: Downtown Homewood Website: business. homewoodchamber.org

Sun., March 28

Pour Us Another: Celebrating Women and Craft Beer

This free event will feature a collaboration with Ashley Monroe of Brewed Black Girl, featuring women-owned food trucks, vendors, live music and more. When: noon - 6 p.m. Where: Cahaba Brewing Company Website: “Cahaba Brewing Company” Facebook Page

Church will host an Easter Egg Hunt on the sanctuary lawn. Participants are invited to bring a basket and there will also be pictures with the Easter Bunny. Everyone 4 years and older must wear a mask. When: 4 p.m. Where: VHUMC Website: vhumc.org

Thurs., April 1

The Spring Edit at Lane Parke

Lane Parke will close of Rele Street to host an event featuring live music, pop-ups including Doodles and more. When: 5-7:30 p.m. Where: Lane Parke in Mountain Brook Website: “The Spring Edit” Facebook Page

April 2-4

Mountain Brook Contactless Easter Egg Hunt

This year’s Easter egg hunt can be done while walking or driving through Mountain Brook’s villages. Those who spot the golden egg must email molly@mtnbrookchamber.org for the chance to win a golden prize. Where: city of Mountain Brook Website: mtnbrookchamber.org

Sat., April 3

Document Destruction and Electronic Recycling Day

The City of Mountain Brook and Gone for Good will host a recycling day to promote sustainable practices. The event will feature secure paper document destruction and electronic waste removal. When: 9 a.m.-1 p.m. Where: Mountain Brook High School Website: mtnbrook.org

Sun., April 4 HAPPY EASTER!

Easter Eggspress

The Heart of Dixie Railroad Museum will offer 75-minute train rides on the Easter Eggspress, complete with sweet Easter treats from Peter Cottontail. When: 10 a.m., 1 p.m. and 3 p.m. Where: Heart of Dixie Railroad Museum Website: hodrrm.org

SAVE THE DATE

Sat., April 10

Cornhole Classic

The Bell Center will host its ninth annual event, including a maximum of 60 teams in order to allow social distancing. Festivities will include live music and a food truck. When: 1 p.m. Where: The Bell Center Website: thebellcenter.org

April 15-25

“Plaza Suite”

Virginia Samford Theatre will present this three-act comedy by Neil Simon, set in Suite 719 of New York City’s Plaza Hotel. Each act will be played by the same two actors, husband and wife team Nick and Kelsey Crawford, playing different characters. When: Thurs.-Sat. at 7:30 p.m., Sun. at 2:30 p.m. Where: Virginia-Samford Theatre Website: virginiasamfordtheatre.org

April 17

Hand in Paw Mutt Strut

The 11th annual dog-friendly 5K and 1 mile fun run will take place virtually at any location of your choosing. Several dog-friendly race routes will be provided. Registration is required. When: all day Website: handinpaw. org

Household Hazardous Waste Day

Held each spring, the city will be collecting hazardous waste items from Hoover residents only, including items such as household chemicals, medicine, automobile fluids, batteries, paints, etc. When: 8 a.m.-2 p.m. Where: Hoover Public Safety Building Website: hooveral.org

April 18

Cornapalooza

The Homewood Athletic Foundation will host its sixth annual corn hole tournament to raise funds for student athletes in Homewood. When: 12:30 p.m. Where: Pizzeria GM Website: “Homewood Athletic Foundation” Facebook Page

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