Faith and Culture — Page 21

With Christmas just two days away, it’s an appropriate time to take note of Alabama’s historical role in the national holiday. For decades, historians have speculated that the Yellowhammer State was the first in the country to officially celebrate the religious holiday in 1836. If accurate, it would mean that Alabama preceded the federal government […]

RAINSVILLE, ALA. – On Saturday, December 2nd, the Glow Foundation orchestrated a truly memorable Serve event in honor of the ladies from The Father’s House, a faith-based, 12-month residential rehabilitation and discipleship program for women facing life-controlling challenges. Numerous community members, businesses, and volunteers collaborated on the event, which culminated in a banquet at The […]

Adventure enthusiasts across Alabama are invited to lace up their hiking boots and make a difference by participating in the 2025 Make-A-Wish Alabama Trailblaze Challenge. This one-of-a-kind endurance hiking event, presented by America’s Thrift Stores, offers an incredible opportunity to test your limits while helping grant life-changing wishes for children with critical illnesses. Registration for […]

Sylacauga’s own “Santa Claus” made a special emergency landing via LifeSaver helicopter on Tuesday to pick up letters addressed to Santa from students at Indian Valley Elementary School. However, Bryan Taunton, known across central Alabama for dressing as Santa, isn’t just any Santa Claus. He’s also recently announced his intentions to go from running the […]

No greater gift can be imagined by those who are confined to a care facility than the option to be home for the holidays with their loved ones. But that’s not always easy. Often, a person who is in a nursing home is no longer ambulatory.  That makes it difficult for family members to transport […]

The Alabama Law Enforcement Agency (ALEA) honored six officers for their remarkable acts of bravery and decisive action at a Lifesaving Awards ceremony held on December 10. The event highlighted the critical role of law enforcement in emergencies, as well as the profound impact of their dedication and training. One of the most moving moments […]

Faith, family guide ALFA's oldest living member

The Alabama Farmers Federation’s most senior member has two years more maturity than the 103-year-old organization. That’s Mildred Lewis Cook, a Montgomery County Farmers Federation member who celebrated her 105th birthday in October. Mildred’s son, Bill Cook, said his mother has lived her life on the foundation of faith, family and farming. “She loves her […]

New year, clean home: Tips from Alabama Realtors

As the new year approaches, it’s time to refresh your home for the year ahead. Deep cleaning isn’t just about aesthetics; it’s also about creating a happier, healthier environment. Focus on key areas like the living room, kitchen, bedroom, bathroom, and exterior to set the stage for a fulfilling year. Here, the Alabama Association of […]

On Wednesday, Children’s of Alabama patients and their families participated in a long-standing holiday tradition. They picked out a holiday tree from the annual Tree Farm, presented by Ace Hardware. For the sixth consecutive year, the hospital’s patio was transformed into a magical winter wonderland. The children and their families were filled with joy as […]

Speaker of the House Nathaniel Ledbetter, State Rep. Rex Reynolds, and National Children’s Advocacy Center (NCAC) founder, Bud Cramer, along with several other legislators and NCAC associates, toured the NCAC headquarters in Huntsville yesterday. NCAC was founded on May 1, 1985, and was the first Children’s Advocacy Center (CAC) in the world. It was created to provide […]

Dr. Joseph Lucas, President of and Psychiatrist with Grayson & Associates, sits down with Laurie Dhue to discuss what we are calling the new “F Word.” Everyone has heard about the Fentanyl epidemic but many don’t understand it fully. Learn more about Fentanyl and medical intervention for mental health disorders and substance abuse in this […]

The best-laid plans often crumble. But it’s okay. Sometimes, the deck is stacked against you; the stars are misaligned; the recipe is just wrong. So it was for me the Christmas that I decided to build a gingerbread house. Note, I did not write decorate. I was above buying one of the already put-together gingerbread […]

State Sen. Garlan Gudger (R-Cullman) is sticking up against claims on social media that Cullman is a “sundown town” that isn’t safe for minorities. In response to the city being No. 9 on Southern Living’s list of cutest southern Christmas towns, some social media influencers started claiming that Cullman is still a racist place. TikTok […]

Nationally-renowned construction company, Brasfield & Gorrie has a legacy of success in both Alabama and throughout the country. The firm recently celebrated its 60th anniversary in business and released a short holiday-themed video celebrating its lasting impact on customers and employees. The spot, entitled ‘It’s a Wonderful Company’, featured Miller Gorrie, the company’s founder. In […]

Regions Bank is working to make a difference in the lives of children in foster care throughout North Alabama during the holiday season. The Birmingham-based institution announced on Thursday that over a dozen branch managers from the area will volunteer at Kids To Love, a Madison-based nonprofit that assists with foster care. The group will […]

The Defense POW/MIA Accounting Agency (DPAA) announced the identification of U.S. Army Corporal Waymon Slaten, more than seven decades after he died in the Korean War. Slaten, who was just 18 years old when he went missing in action on September 1, 1950, was accounted for on August 14, 2024. His remains will be laid […]

Philip Morris International’s U.S. affiliates, including Swedish Match (PMI U.S.), have announced their GivingTuesday Community Leadership initiative to support the communities where they operate, with a special focus on the Wiregrass region in Alabama. As part of its philanthropic commitments, the company will also honor military veterans and foster small business development. PMI U.S. is […]

The Regions Center in Birmingham is once again bringing holiday cheer to The Magic City on a grand scale. Each year, the 30-story tower features designs of Christmas trees, a giant wreath, and a huge stocking that illuminates the building’s glass “curtain wall.” The display can be seen for miles including on Red Mountain, driving […]

Birmingham-headquartered roofing contractor, Apex Roofing & Restoration, has announced a charitable donation of $75,000 to the Jimmie Hale Mission. This contribution underscores Apex’s commitment to supporting its community and will provide vital resources to help the Jimmie Hale Mission continue its work offering shelter, food, and recovery services to individuals and families in need across […]

Okaloosa MedFlight’s emergency air medical crew was thrilled to reunite with former patient Lulu Gribbin, a 15-year-old shark attack survivor who has defied the odds with her remarkable recovery. Okaloosa MedFlight transported Gribbin from Seacrest Beach to Ascension Sacred Heart Hospital in Pensacola on June 7, 2024, after she was attacked by a shark in […]

Alabama’s small business community is continuing its trend of massive growth with over 449,000 small businesses now calling the state home. That number represents 99.4% of all businesses in the entire state currently. According to the U.S. Small Business Administration’s (SBA) 2024 Small Business Profile, these businesses employ 802,607 Alabamians, representing 46.7% of Alabama’s workforce. […]

‘Tis the season for glittering lights, festive melodies and sugar plum fairies. Huntsville offers a celebration for every tradition— from watching ballerinas in The Nutcracker to listening to a chorus give new life Christmas classics to enjoying festive fairs at new Huntsville landmarks. Here is a list of just a few of the Huntsville holiday […]

The Operations organization at Alabama Power includes all the people responsible for moving electricity from the generation plants to homes and businesses, and today we celebrate them for what they do behind the scenes to keep the lights on. “It’s recognition of the hard work that our Operations team does day in and day out,” […]

With Thanksgiving upon us, Alabamians may be interested to know when the holiday was first officially celebrated in the Yellowhammer State and its history here. According to Alabama Pioneers, Thanksgiving wasn’t observed by the State of Alabama until 1858 when its governor along with the governors of Mississippi, Georgia, North  Carolina, and South Carolina proclaimed […]