Ever wanted to compete in a dragon boat race? Registration is now open for teams hoping to compete in the second annual Dragon Boat Race in Tuscaloosa.

The event is set for April 27 at Cypress Inn on the Black Warrior River and benefits the community programs supported by the Junior League of Tuscaloosa. Last year, the event raised more than $20,000 for organizations including Adopt-A-School Partner Holt Elementary, Kids in the Kitchen and The Literacy Council, according to the Junior League.

Each team will have 20 paddlers, a drummer and a steersperson working together in the 46-foot-long dragon boat. Participants must be at least 15 years old, but the Junior League says “all levels and physiques” can join in the competition.

Prior to the race, each team will have the chance to practice on the water with a trained coach and compete in at least two heats the day of the race.

BIRMINGHAM, AL (WBRC)- LifeSouth Community Blood Centers says their blood suppy for the 22 hospitals they serve in central Alabama are at an emergency low level. Cold weather and snow often lead to blood drives getting canceled during the winter months, when blood donations are typically already at a lower level.

Below is a list of the LifeSouth Blood Donation Center locations where you can donate blood during the next three weeks:

Monday, Jan. 21

16th Street Baptist Church

Wal-Mart Super Center - Promenade Pkwy - Alabaster

Wal-Mart - Trussville Crossing Parkway - Trussville

Tuesday, Jan. 22

St. Vincents One Nineteen Health & Wellness Festival

Walgreens - Ashville Rd - Leeds

Theta Chi - PO BOX 11041 - Tuscaloosa

Friday, Jan. 25

Title Bucks -2101 Quintard Ave- Anniston

Miles College

The holidays are also not a good time to bring a puppy into your home. In fact, many responsible breeders do not breed litters with a Christmas delivery date, according to one expert.

"Bringing a puppy into your life in the 'off-season' is a safer alternative than exposing a new puppy to holiday dangers in the home. Consider gift wrapping dog toys or supplies such as a leash or food bowl to symbolize the gift of a puppy to come," AKC spokesperson Lisa Peterson said in a club news release.

She noted that puppies are a full-time responsibility and they require a great deal of time, attention and love during their first few weeks in their new home. People have disrupted and hectic schedules during the holidays, making it extremely difficult to set aside the time needed to properly care for a puppy.