People, Places and Things

by Gwen DeRu

HAPPY HOLIDAYS! LET’S CONTINUE TO CELEBRATE NATIVE AMERICAN MONTH!!

Enjoy the Holiday Season with family and friends!

TSU SCHOLARSHIP BRUNCH – The New Year is right around the corner and so is TSU Scholarship Brunch.  Let’s bring the New Year in and help students that attend TSU by attending the TSU brunch. Tennessee State University National Alumni Association, Birmingham Chapter is hosting its Annual Scholarship Brunch January 3, 2015, 11 a.m., at the Harbert Center. Mr. Dwayne H. Tucker is a TSU graduate, the Tennessee State University Foundation Board Chairman, Lead Academy Board Chairman, Dallas County Community College District Foundation member, and Gleneagles County Club Board of Governors among many other affiliations.  He is a True Tennessee State University graduate and dedicated alumnus. Join other TSU alumni on the first Saturday of the year and attend the scholarship brunch. Call Angela Day at (205) 601-0801 or email angelalbday@aol.com or Jacquelyn A. Fail (205) 566-3746 or email tsujf8@gmail.com.

NATIVE AMERICAN HERITAGE MONTH – Native American Heritage Month was November, but there is still time to celebrate the heritage throughout the year.  Here is a little information about the month and how it was started…
What started at the turn of the century as an effort to gain a day of recognition for the significant contributions the first Americans made to the establishment and growth of the U.S. has resulted in a whole month being designated for that purpose.
One of the very first proponents of an American Indian Day was Dr. Arthur C. Parker, a Seneca Indian, who was the director of the Museum of Arts and Science in Rochester, N.Y. He persuaded the Boy Scouts of America to set aside a day for the “First Americans” and for three years they adopted such a day. In 1915, the annual Congress of the American Indian Association meeting in Lawrence, Kan., formally approved a plan concerning American Indian Day. It directed its president, Rev. Sherman Coolidge, an Arapahoe, to call upon the country to observe such a day. Coolidge issued a proclamation on Sept. 28, 1915, which declared the second Saturday of each May as an American Indian Day and contained the first formal appeal for recognition of Indians as citizens.
The year before this proclamation was issued, Red Fox James, a Blackfoot Indian, rode horseback from state to state seeking approval for a day to honor Indians. On December 14, 1915, he presented the endorsements of 24 state governments at the White House. There is no record, however, of such a national day being proclaimed.
The first American Indian Day in a state was declared on the second Saturday in May, 1916 by the governor of New York. Several states celebrate the fourth Friday in September. In Illinois, for example, legislators enacted such a day in 1919. Presently, several states have designated Columbus Day as Native American Day, but it continues to be a day we observe without any recognition as a national legal holiday.
In 1990 President George H. W. Bush approved a joint resolution designating November 1990 “National American Indian Heritage Month.” Similar proclamations, under variants on the name (including “Native American Heritage Month” and “National American Indian and Alaska Native Heritage Month”) have been issued each year since 1994.
There are Indians all over the country.  Four of the five civilized tribes are in Alabama:  Cherokee, Chickasaw, Choctaw and Creek. (Some taken from Bureau of Indian Affairs, U.S. Department of the Interior)

TODAY… LET’S LAUGH A LITTLE!  Head to the New Tide and Tiger Lounge, tonight for LAUGHTER IN THE HOOD, 7 p.m. showtime with Happy Hour drinks, food and prices, 6-8 p.m.  Comedian host is CHARLES WINSTON.  For more call (205) 503-3880.
FIRST THURSDAYS AT THE BIRMINGHAM MUSEUM OF ART – This is the last event for 2014 for the Birmingham Museum of Art (BMA) FREE.  There will be  Holiday Printmaking, 5:30 p.m., Gallery Talk, 6 p.m. with Chief Curator and Curator of American Art Graham C. Boettcher, Ph.D for a talk about the ‘rockstar’ of the American art collection, Albert Bierstadt’s Looking Down Yosemite Valley, California, Film Screening, 7 p.m. with the film Art and Craft where you can learn about Mark Landis 30-year ruse and see some of his forgeries on display.  AND, you can enjoy the Open Galleries, Tapas and Cocktails with a sample of Oscar’s Cafe Tapas for a small cost and Live Music by local jazz quartet, Chansonnier.
FRIDAY…
GET MONEY STOP HATING TOUR IN BIRMINGHAM – The Sixth Annual Get Money Stop Hating (G$SH) TOUR stops in Birmingham tomorrow night at The High Note, 8 p.m. – 2 a.m. starring JESS J with DJ Host JAYALI and featuring TEAGUE, AVI-OFFYI, KINGS OF DIXIE, PIERRE AND MORE.  The High Note is located at 414 Richard Arrington Jr., Blvd, S. 35233.
FRIDAY AND SATURDAY…
TANNEHILL CHRISTMAS CANDLELIGHT TOUR – The Christmas Candlelight Tour offers a holiday presentation of historical events based during the Civil War Era at Tannehill Ironworks Historical State Park.
SATURDAY AND SUNDAY…
CHRISTMAS AT ARLINGTON – Celebrate with Arlington’s as they commemorate the mansion’s 56th Anniversary as Birmingham’s historic house museum.  See local floral designers transform the interior into replications of Christmas past, Saturday, 10 a.m. – 4 p.m. and Sunday 1-4 p.m. at Arlington Antebellum Home and Gardens.
SUNDAY…
78th ANNUAL SERVICE OF LESSONS AND CAROLS – The Birmingham-Southern Concert Choir, Southern Chorale and Alumni Choir will ring in the season in the college’s annual service featuring the music of the holiday season at Birmingham-Southern College.  Childcare is available by reservation.

EVERY WEEKEND IN DECEMBER…
ZOOLIGHT SAFARI – See the million plus lights. Enjoy the holiday music and plenty of festive activities as the Zoo comes alive for 18 nights of holiday fun, 5- 9 p.m. during December for the entire family.
FOR CHILDREN…
AN ELF TALE – It’s the day when job assignments are handed out at the North Pole.  Gobo the elf has worked hard all year and is in the running for Head Elf.  Will he help Santa keep Christmas on track, or will his efforts be stopped by a naughty elf?  This is children ages 2 – 6 at the Birmingham Children’s Theatre, Wee Folks Production, on December 4 – 14.
BABES IN TOYLAND – Widow Piper’s husband has passed away and left her alone with 14 children working in a toy factory for mean Barnaby.  Three of her children have disappeared and now it seems like Barnaby is plotting to get rid of three more.  Can the children in Toyland escape his evil plot, find the other missing children, and be home in time to spend Christmas together as a family?  This is full of adventure, hope and is good for the family but most of all for children ages 6 – 12  at the Birmingham Children’s Theatre Mainstage Production on December 6, 13 and 14.
CHRISTMAS AT THE LIBRARY…
HOLIDAYS AND HOT COCOA – Join others as the public library starts the holiday season in style!  Write letters to Santa and drink hot cocoa while listening to favorite holiday tunes.  There will even be Wii Ski for gaming enthusiasts that can practice before you hit the slopes at the Smithfield Branch Library Friday at 4 p.m.
NO ROOM AT THE INN – For an evening of Christmas music with songs from the Birmingham Heritage Jazz Band; recording artist Denita Gibbs, ; Lawson College Choir and Cleo Kennedy head to the West End Branch Library on December 9 at 6 p.m.

FOR OUT DOOR LOVERS…
DECEMBER 10, Wednesday, 9 a.m. – Southeastern Outings Weekday Dayhike on Montevallo Parks Trail.  This is a newly established weekday hike for those that can make it.  Enjoy an easy three or so mile hike on a trail in Montevallo.  The main trail is probably less than a mile one way and goes through parks, by two picturesque, flowing streams, and around a beautiful University-owned lake in a wooded park.  Total hiking distance may be about three miles. If you are retired or not working on this particular Wednesday, you are urged to participate in the group hike on the trail and get a feel for the location and scale of the land. Bring plenty of water and wear good walking shoes or boots for this guided tour of a walkable train. Dress appropriately for the weather. Depart 9 a.m. from the McDonald’s Galleria or meet the group at 9:50 a.m. at the parking lot beside the larger bridge over Shoal Creek which is the wide creek that flows through Orr Park between the ball fields and the open recreational area in the park in Montevallo.  The bridge is right beside the parking lot along the creek at the back of the ball fields. Optional lunch after the hike will be at the eclectic Eclipse Café in Montevallo. Admission to Park: Free. For driving  directions from Hoover to Orr Park or more information, contact Dan Frederick at seoutings@bellsouth.net or 205/631-4680.
OAK MOUNTAIN FESTIVAL OF LIGHTS – The Oak Mountain Festival of Lights open now through December 28.  The nights are December 4-6, December 11-14 and December 18-28.  Experience a true Winter Wonderland with a Trail of Lights over a mile long featuring millions of twinkling lights in dazzling holiday displays featuring a Live Nativity and Real Snow that you can enjoy from the comfort of your own car.  At the end of the Trail of Lights, families can enjoy Bud’s Best Cookies Holiday Village with free samples of cookies and milk, with complimentary popcorn, hot cocoa, arts and crafts, vendors, train rides, live entertainment and more.  Take the entire family and get into the holiday spirit while indulging your inner Clark Griswold.  Special priced advance tickets on sale at participating Walgreens for $15 per car through December 18.   For more go to: www.Oakmountainfestivaloflights.com.
LAUGHTER IN DA HOOD EVERY THURSDAY – Comedians from all walks of life will be at TIDE AND TIGER for ‘Laugher in Da Hood’ every Thursday, 7 p.m. drinks, food and more.  Call (205) 503-3880 for more.
COMEDIANS INTERESTED IN BEING DISCOVERED… AND SEEN….Email me at thelewisgroup@birminghamtimes.com and also gwenderu@yahoo.com.
CHRISTMAS CAROL SERVICE – Join others at the 79th annual BSC Carol Service to help ring in the Christmas season.  One of Birmingham-Southern College’s oldest traditions, the Service of Lessons and Carols, will be held Friday, 7:30 p.m. and Sunday, 4:30 p.m., by the Concert Choir, Southern Chorale, and BSC Alumni Choir. Profs. Jeff Kensmoe and Lester Seigel are leading the choirs, Rev. Jack Hinnen is serving as liturgist, and Prof. Leon Couch is organist. Child care is available by advance reservation for the Sunday service by calling 874-1546 by Dec. 5 at noon. The 90-minute services will be held at Canterbury United Methodist Church, located at 350 Overbrook Road in Mountain Brook. The event is free and open to the public. For more information, call (205) 226-4957.
Don’t Forget….WATCH AND FEEL THE FIGHT WITH THE EA SPORTS™ UFC® COLLEGE TOUR – The EA SPORTS™ UFC College Tour in Tuscaloosa, Ala. at Buffalo Wild Wings for UFC Pay-Per-View event, Saturday, 10 p.m. ET /7 p.m. PT: UFC 181 Hendricks vs. Lawler. Compete against other students for awesome prizes and merchandise.  Win Bragging Rights with EA SPORTS™ UFC! Come out early to get in the game and feel the fight with EA SPORTS™ UFC.  For more visit the official EA SPORTS UFC website.  WATCH AND FEEL THE FIGHT for yourself.

FOR LOVE OF LAUGHTER…THIS WEEKEND… Or coming soon…Don’t miss any of the LAUGHTER AT THE STARDOME COMEDY CLUB…  Check out, JOHN MORGAN this weekend and December 9-14.  The Holiday Season is just merrier at the StarDome when John Morgan is there. The original Ragin’ Cajun comes to us from Louisiana. With more energy than he knows what to do with, John customizes his show with the audience to create a show you will never forget. Perfect for any age and any walk of life.

FOR MORE LAUGHTER…NEXT WEEK, check out, December 18-20 – HENRY CHO, December 26-31 – HEATH HYCHE, January 2-4 – GARY OWEN, January 22 – StarDome Concert Series, and February 7 – MIRANDA SINGS.  (Tell Bruce that Gwen sent you!)  Call (205) 444-0008 for more.
ENJOY THE WEEKEND…and ‘every’ day as much as you can!!     I WILL!!
NOW…. a BIRTHDAY SHOUT OUT FOR DECEMBER! HAPPY BIRTHDAY HERSHEL HAMILTON.  HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO ALL CELEBRATING!!  THIS MEANS YOU… HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO ALL YOU BIRTHDAY BALLERS…MANY, MANY MORE HAPPY BIRTHDAYS!!  ENJOY!!

Get outdoors, laugh and enjoy the time with family and friends! Check out our ‘What’s Happening Travel and Tourism Guide’… whenever you can.

Well, that’s it.  Tell you more ‘next’ time.

(People, Places and Things by Gwen DeRu is a weekly column. Send comments to my emails: thelewisgroup@birminghamtimes.com or gwenderu@yahoo.com)