Pandemic winter is certainly a strange time, but here are some happenings you can attend or engage with online to brighten your days.

Valentines Not Cancelled

We might still be living in pandemic times, but the Vestavia Hills Library in the Forest is still open for check-outs and offering programs with social distance. Below we highlighted a few programs planned around Valentine’s Day for all ages, and you can find a full list of library events and more at vestavialibrary.org. It is now open Monday-Saturday 9 a.m.-2 p.m., and curbside pickup is offered Monday-Saturday 10 a.m.-6 p.m.

KIDS
Dial-A-Story Secret Message
Feb. 1, Anytime

Call our Dial-a-Story line at 205.584.0600. At the end of the stories, there is a secret word. Decipher the message, then come to the library and give us the secret message to collect your prize! The last day to collect a prize will be Feb. 13 at 2 p.m. All ages can play!

Take Home Valentine Bags
Feb. 13, Library, All Day

Come by the library and pick up your craft bag full of Valentine’s craft ideas and supplies. Bags will be on the tables in front of the library until 6pm. Fun for all ages.

 TEENS

Valentangles
Feb. 17, p.m., Zoom

Grab some paper and pens and join our zoom call to learn how to make your own zentangle crafts.

ADULTS

Tara’s Creative Corner – Heart Art on Canvas
Feb. 11, 3 p.m., YouTube

Join Tara for her unique craft for Valentines, creating art on canvas with recycled magazine pages. Free Take & Make Bags available while supplies last. Call 205-978-4678 or email terri.leslie@vestavialibrary.org to reserve your bag.

Library Libations: Shirley Temple and Dirty Shirley
Feb. 12, 6 p.m., YouTube

Whether your girls are sweet or a little on the naughty side, these festive Galentine’s Day cocktails and mocktails are perfect for your girls’ celebration.

Birmingham Bulls Hockey Games

Feb. 5, 11, 19 & 25
Pelham Civic Center

The Bulls are playing on, and fans are welcome to the games with masks and social distancing. Read more about their COVID-19 safety procedures at bullshockey.net/covid.

The Great Backyard Bird Count 2021

Feb. 14 | 1 p.m.
Oak Mountain State Park Interpretive Center

Be a citizen scientist and join in on this bird count! The event will start with a quick introduction and overview of bird count details, and then you will then count as many birds as you can around the center for an hour. Data will be used by scientists to better understand and help our avian friends. Current COVID-19 guidelines apply; please social distance from guests and staff. To register, email lauren.muncher@dcnr.alabama.gov

Sweet Repeats Consignment Sale

Feb. 19-20
Mountain Brook Community Church

Mountain Brook Community Church’s kids’ consignment sale will go this season with mask masks, social distancing and sanitation. The proceeds from the sale support the church’s short-term mission trips to places such as San Diego, Peru, Hungary, Haiti and the Dominican Republic. Visit mbcc.us/sweetrepeats/ to register and find more information.

Whale of a Sale Consignment Sale

Feb. 19-21
Virtual

This kids’ consignment sale hosted by Vestavia Hills United Methodist Church is going virtual! Registration is now open at thewhaleofasale.com, and you can find more information there as well.

Dinner and Diamonds Benefitting Vestavia Hills City School Foundation

Feb. 20
Virtual

You can bid on auction items from the comfort of your own home as this annual event goes virtual this year—all to benefit academic “extras” such as professional development, technology and classroom enhancements for Vestavia City Schools. We’re sharing a photo from last year’s in-person event too to remind you of the feels from this cause. Find more information at vestaviafoundation.org.

Columbiana Cowboy Day

Feb. 27
Downtown Columbiana

Tim to celebrate all things cowboy! This annual celebration features live music, line dancing, a chili cook off, a corn hole tournament, a wild west shoot out and lasso demonstration at high noon, and a wild west parade with horses and buggies (no motorized vehicles). The event has been an annual tradition since 2008. Find more information at facebook.com/columbianacowboyday/.

Live From My Living Room

Thursdays  | 7 p.m.
Virtually

Connect with your favorite musicians while remaining socially distant through the Hoover Public Library on YouTube or Facebook. Just one example: On Feb. 11, Sean Gaskell will play the kora, a 21-string harp-like instrument that he studied in Gambia. Find more information at hooverlibrary.org.

Annual Adult Juried Art Exhibit

Shelby County Arts Council Ebsco Fine Art Gallery
Columbiana

This annual exhibit by artists statewide is on display through March 4. The exhibit free and open to the public Monday-Thursday 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Find more information at shelbycountyartscouncil.com.

Editor’s Note: The American Red Cross Blood Drive previously scheduled for Feb. 11 at the Hoover Met has been cancelled. Please check all event websites for updates due to COVID-19 before attending.