Vinny Martell, guitarist for the 60s rock band Vanilla Fudge, will headline a concert to benefit the Birmingham homeless vets group Three Hots and a Cot.

The concert is Friday, May 18 at WorkPlay. Doors open at 6:30 p.m. and the concert starts at 8 p.m. Tickets are $20 and attendees can also purchase "sponsor tables" which includes a table for four and a meet and greet with Martell.

For more information about the concert, visit workplay.com or call JD Simpson with Three Hots and a Cot at 205-202-5124.

Three Hots and a Cot not only provides shelter and meals to the estimated 800 homeless vets in Birmingham, but also works with other local organizations to identify and help vets in danger of becoming homeless. Visit cotsforvets.org to learn more about the group and how you can help.

By Christina DesMarais

I don't know about you, but this year for Mother's Day, I know what I'd appreciate more than anything is a little help.

These tools can deliver just that -- though you don't need to be a mom to use them.

VolunteerSpot

VolunteerSpot is a free online coordination tool used by busy moms, teachers, or anyone who needs to coordinate participation from others for activities like help in the classroom, parent-teacher conferences, service projects, donations for silent auctions, or staffing for sporting events or races.

If you've got a green thumb, love to garden, or have a passion for pretty flowers, take note: the annual Aldridge Gardens' springtime hydrangea sale kicks off today in Hoover.

More than 40 varieties of hydrangeas will be on sale Friday and Saturday, including the snowflake hydrangea patented by Aldridge Gardens' founder Eddie Aldridge. For a list of some of the hydrangea varieties available, click here.

The sale is being held Friday, May 11 between the hours of 9 a.m. and 5 p.m. and Saturday, May 12 between 9 a.m. and noon. Cottage garden plants and perennials will also available for purchase.