Standout Carver High School student recognized as a ‘Shining Star’

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Birmingham Times

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February 25, 2016

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unspecified — 'Science is more reasonable to me,' Jamerial Gardner says. 'I understand it better than anything else.' (Chanda Temple photo.)

By Chanda Temple

Special to The Times

Carver High School senior Jamerial Gardner has been busy the last few weeks.

In between class work and applying for college scholarships, she’s looking for summer engineering internships.

“I email (companies) regularly, telling them that I want experience or a job shadowing opportunity,’’ said Jamerial, 18.

While she waits to hear what will come for her this summer, she continues to line up networking opportunities in the engineering field and beyond.

On Friday, Feb. 26, she will be recognized as one of two Birmingham “Shining Star’’ students during a VIP reception at the UNCF gala at the Sheraton hotel in downtown Birmingham.

And in March, she will be one of six Birmingham City Schools students to attend an all-day STEM workshop at the U.S. Space and Rocket Center in Huntsville.

“I believe in making connections and learning all I can,’’ said Jamerial. After graduation in May, she wants to study to become a chemical engineer. Already, she’s been accepted to Tuskegee University and Alabama A&M University.

“I’m still working on scholarships. I have 19 in my phone. I’ve applied for six so far,’’ she said.

She’s focused on college because she wants to develop an app to determine the safety of drinking water.

“In certain countries, I’ve heard that their water is not where it should be. I want to eliminate that so everyone has clean water,’’ she said. “I want to create an app that will allow you to use your phone and scan the water to see if there are any impurities in it.’’

“People want clean water, which is why they buy bottled water. We need good water to keep us hydrated.’’

Caring about others is just one of Jamerial’s concerns. Making good grades and pushing herself for excellence are two others.

She is part of the Academy of Engineering at Carver. She has a 4.2 GPA and is tied for valedictorian of her school with best friend Ariana Robinson.

In March 2015, she was named the 2015 “Birmingham Student of the Year” during the Best in Minority Business Awards dinner. She was selected the Academy of Engineering student of the month in September 2014.

She visited Costa Rica in the summer of 2015 through Carver High’s Cultural Ambassadors program. While in Costa Rica, she studied the Spanish culture and explored their ecosystem and water purification system. She has also traveled to China twice through the Birmingham to Beijing project. She speaks Mandarin-Chinese and Spanish.

The school system’s academy coordinators selected students to attend the STEM workshop in Huntsville in March.

Kristie Williams, academy coordinator at Carver High, selected Jamerial because of her strong interest in chemical engineering.

“Jamerial is a member of the JROTC, loves labs, science and engineering, so I thought this workshop would be a perfect fit for her,” Williams said.

“This trip will be a great opportunity for her to meet and talk to some NASA engineers and gain hands-on experience,” Williams added. “Right now she is working on her senior project with a UAB professor. And when she’s finished, she’ll earn one college credit at UAB. This trip could provide her network opportunities and expand her research for her project.”

“I think this trip will enhance her experiences in the Academy of Engineering at Carver. She may come out of this and decide she wants to work for NASA,” Williams said.

Said Jamerial: “I’m excited to see the NASA scientists and learn about their background and how they became the people they are today. Last year was my first time visiting the Space and Rocket Center. I loved it. It’s important to keep going there. I learn so much.’’

Non-whites got just 2 percent of contracts awarded by Democratic Party, analysis shows

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Birmingham Times

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February 25, 2016

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By Richard Dickerson

Special to The Times

Of the $500 million spent on consultants by the national Democratic Party over a three-year period, 98 percent of those contracts were awarded to white consultants, according to an analysis of Democratic Party spending.

Of the $514 million spent by three national Democratic Party committees from 2009 to 2012, 98 percent went to white political consultants, according to figures released in 2014 by PowerPac+, a political fundraising group focused on multiracial and progressive donors and leaders.

Over 94% of blacks who vote in the Presidential election will vote for the democratic candidate.

That raises a question: Are democratic candidates respecting the black vote?

Vermont Senator Bernie Sanders and former U.S. Secretary of State Hillary Clinton will soon be traveling south for the Democratic primaries on March 1 including in Alabama.

What does this mean for black voters?

The suggestion by many of the pundits is that black voters will favor Clinton and will be the key to her winning the majority of the SEC primary states and thus the election. Sanders is trying to show that his record of service is worthy of black voter support.

Other questions need to be asked: Will there be discussions of the issues facing the black community and solutions offered, for example, increased hopelessness, generational poverty, failing schools, high unemployment rates, high drop-out rates and high incarceration rates? How much money will the democratic candidates and democratic organizations spend with blacks?

Should we also ask whether candidates will put a chicken box in every house or will there be opportunities to take photos with the candidates?

A vote is an investment and should not be traded for a chicken box or a photo opportunity.

Supreme Court appointments are very important, public policy positions are likewise enormously important, and money is important. Black consultants possess the talent, skills, and experience however they are rarely chosen.

Do white consultants have a unique talent or skill that their black counterparts are lacking?

Have the white consultants demonstrated a substantially high rate of success that would warrant their receipt of 98% of the contracts?

What is the message which the Democratic Party is sending to the black community and black consultants?

To be clear, the Democratic Party which relies on and receives overwhelming support from black voters awarded just 2 percent of its contracts during President Barack Obama’s first term to nonwhites, according to the analysis.

Steve Phillips co-founder of Power PAC, a social justice organization, who ran the independent voter turnout for President Obama in 2008 has said that for the party to hold onto and grow its multiracial voting bloc it needs to include political consultants who have the experience of living in minority communities and of sharing their culture.

Maybe it’s time African-Americans deliver a message to Democrats: Leave chicken boxes, bring contracts.

Behind the rift over the city’s minimum wage

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Birmingham Times

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February 25, 2016

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The rift between state lawmakers and the city of Birmingham over who has the power to set the minimum wage in the city is about more than politics, according to some residents and city leaders.

Some believe it has to do with quality of life.

“Families are suffering and the current minimum wage keeps many of them poverty stricken,” said City Council President Johnathan Austin.

Danny Winter, owner of Crestwood Coffee Company and Buck Mulligan’s Irish pub, said he already pays his workers more than the minimum wage.

“It’s better for my staff. I’m able to retain staff and able to make people happier,” said Winter, in a video on the city’s website. “They stay longer and it saves money on training and turnover . . . obviously the minimum wage is outdated and way too low for people to live on.”

The Birmingham City Council voted Tuesday to raise the minimum wage to $10.10 an hour effective Wednesday, Feb. 24. It still must be signed by Mayor William Bell and advertised – or published publicly — before it goes into effect.

A spokesman said Wednesday the mayor plans to sign the resolution increasing the wage.

Alabama does not have its own minimum wage, so employers are governed by the federal minimum of $7.25 an hour, which was last raised in 2009.

Keith McKerall, a Birmingham resident, said the city benefits from the wage increase.

The money will be spent “in the local grocery stores, with our mechanics, with our contractors,” he said. “They’re (workers are) going to buy gas, they’re going to buy clothing and they are going to contribute to the tax base. And those businesses that get the extra money will reinvest in our own community . . . increasing a tax base and generally contributing greater quality of life to the members of the community.”

State Rep. David L. Faulkner Jr., (R-Mountain Brook), is sponsor of a bill that would prevent cities and counties from establishing their own minimum wage standards. It passed the House and was taken up by the Senate on Wednesday.

“I want people in this state to make as high a wage as they possibly can,” Faulkner has said. “All we’re talking about here is not having a patchwork of minimum wages across this state.”

Austin reacted angrily saying, “it is downright disingenuous that the same Legislature that will gleefully give millions of dollars in tax breaks and incentives to big business would not support or even demand a living wage for the employees these same businesses depend on to make their big profits.”

Protest songs that have left a mark on music history

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Birmingham Times

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February 25, 2016

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Beyonce´and Kendrick Lamar are among hundreds of artists throughout the years who have penned songs focusing on social issues from war to poverty to racism. Here are a few influential songs that have left an indelible mark on music history.

“A Change is Gonna Come,” Sam Cooke (1963)

Upon hearing Bob Dylan’s “Blowin’ in the Wind” in 1963, Cooke was greatly moved that such a poignant song about racism in America could come from someone who was not black, according to Rolling Stone magazine. This was an era of segregation, and Cooke, very popular at the time with white audiences due to his hit “Twistin’ the Night Away,” performed this song before the Civil Rights movement had really begun.

“Mississippi Goddam,” Nina Simone (1964)

Simone opens the song with the couplet “Alabama’s gotten me so upset, Tennessee’s made me lose my rest.” Less than a year earlier, members of the Ku Klux Klan had bombed the Sixteenth Street Baptist Church in Birmingham, Ala., killing four young girls. After naming Alabama and Tennessee, Simone turns to Mississippi, where activists had been abused, tortured, and killed—“And everybody knows about Mississippi Goddam.”

“The Times They Are A Changin’,” Bob Dylan (1964)

In 1985, Dylan told Rolling Stone magazine, “This was definitely a song with a purpose … I wanted to write a big song with short, concise verses that piled up on each other in a hypnotic way. The Civil Rights movement and the folk music movement were pretty close for a while and allied together at that time.” The song was released less than two months after the assassination of President John F. Kennedy.

“Say it Loud—I’m Black and I’m Proud,” James Brown (1968)

Brown addresses the prejudice toward blacks in America and the need for black empowerment. He proclaims, “We demand a chance to do things for ourselves/we’re tired of beating our head against the wall/and workin’ for someone else.” The song was recorded in a Los Angeles, Calif., suburb with about 30 young people from the Watts and Compton areas.

“The Revolution Will Not Be Televised,” Gil Scott Heron (1970)

This song had a huge influence on the hip-hop movement. Conceived during the presidency of Richard M. Nixon, this track is one of Heron’s most important and influential poetic pieces—as well as one of the top political protest songs of all time.

“What’s Going On,” Marvin Gaye (1971)

“In 1969 or 1970, I began to re-evaluate my whole concept of what I wanted my music to say,” Gaye said in an interview with Rolling Stone. “I was very much affected by letters my brother was sending me from Vietnam, as well as the social situation here at home. I wanted to write songs that would reach the souls of people. I wanted them to take a look at what was happening in the world.” The album—with compositions on war, racial strife, and ecology—revolutionized black music and ushered in a new era of pressing social issues.

“Get Up, Stand Up,” Bob Marley & Peter Tosh (1973)

Bob Marley and the Wailers are best known for being the most prominent reggae group of all time. This track, written by Marley and his longtime partner Tosh, includes some of the best lines in political protest music history: “You can fool some people sometimes, but you can’t fool all the people all the time. So now we see the light! We gonna stand up for our rights!”

“Born in the USA,” Bruce Springsteen (1984)

Lyrically, the song takes a realistic approach the effects of the Vietnam War on those drafted to fight in Southeast Asia. While this may be Springsteen’s most popular protest tune, he also wrote “American Skin (41 Shots),” a song inspired by the police shooting death of Amadou Diallo, a 23-year-old immigrant from Guinea, who was unarmed and shot and killed in 1999 by four New York City Police Department officers.

“Fight The Power,” Public Enemy (1989)

“Fight the Power,” featured in filmmaker Spike Lee’s “Do The Right Thing,” incorporates references to several aspects of African American culture via sounds and music from the Civil Rights era, black church services, and the legendary James Brown. In it, Chuck D raps: “Elvis was a hero to most/But he never meant s— to me you see/Straight up racist that sucker was/Simple and plain/Mother f— him and John Wayne.” For those who believe the group and their lyrics were too harsh, consider this: Public Enemy was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 2013.

“Glory,” Common & John Legend (2013)

Part Negro spiritual yet all hip-hop, “Glory” is a bridge between Rosa Parks defiantly sitting on a Montgomery, Ala., bus and protesters holding their hands up on Ferguson, Mo., streets. While the Selma-to-Montgomery March took place more than 50 years ago, some of the issues never changed for many blacks in America—“because the war is not over, and victory isn’t won.” The piece won the Academy Award for Best Original Song in 2015.

TORNADOES RAVAGE SOUTH, THREAT REMAINS FOR MORE TWISTER

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Birmingham Times

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February 24, 2016

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BY MAX BECHERER AND MELISSA NELSON

CONVENT, La. (AP) — Tornadoes ripped through an RV park in Louisiana and significantly damaged nearly 100 homes and apartments in Florida, and forecasters warned that more twisters were possible Wednesday as the deadly storm system moved to the East Coast.

At least three people were killed and dozens of people were injured, some critically.

One of the hardest-hit areas along the Gulf Coast on Tuesday was a recreational vehicle park in the town of Convent, in southern Louisiana. RVs were tossed about and lay on top of wrecked cars and pickup trucks.

Two people were killed there, and 31 injured people were taken to area hospitals, said St. James Parish Sheriff Will Martin. Seven of them were in critical condition, he said.

An all-night search of the RV park found no additional injuries or fatalities, the sheriff said. Three people were still missing and Martin said he hoped to locate them Wednesday.

Briaxton Lott, 23, was in the trailer park when the tornado hit. The pad where his trailer once sat was empty and he pointed to the remnants of his trailer about 100 feet away.

“The whole front end came up and slammed back down, and I grabbed up the baby and the next thing I know we just went rolling end over end,” Lott said.

His destroyed trailer ended up right next to three trailers that appeared untouched. Children’s toys were scattered in the mud, and an alarm could be heard going off in the morning, likely alerting a long-gone resident it was time to go to work. Remains of the jumbled and mashed trailers and vehicles were scattered across the park.

Lott, who was in the trailer with his wife, two kids and their dog, didn’t even know where the top of his trailer was. He came back in the morning to dig out some possessions, including family Bibles and items inherited from an uncle who passed away.

When asked his plans for the future Lott said: “Just keep moving forward. We’ll definitely be going to church Sunday, definitely.”

Thousands of people across the Gulf Coast region were without power and the threat of more tornadoes remained. At least 88 million people along the East Coast were at some sort of risk of severe weather Wednesday, the Storm Prediction Center said.

Some of the larger metro areas included the North Carolina cities of Raleigh and Wake Forest. Straight-line wind gusts may be particularly strong, reaching 70 mph or greater.

Forecasters with the National Weather Service had to take cover Tuesday in a shelter in Slidell, Louisiana, because a tornado was nearby. Lightning took out the office’s radar, forcing them to use backups.

“We felt the shockwave go through the building,” said Ken Graham of the National Weather Service.

The storms dumped several inches of rain in Alabama, Georgia and elsewhere, causing flash flood watches.

By 7 a.m. Wednesday, Albany, Georgia, had recorded 3.58 inches of rain in a 24-hour period. In Atlanta, the two-day total was approaching 3 inches before dawn Wednesday.

Schools were closed in parts of Georgia, Florida and South Carolina ahead of the storms.

At least seven tornadoes hit Louisiana and Mississippi.

In Mississippi, one person, 73-year-old Dale Purvis, died of blunt-force trauma in a mobile home west of Purvis, Lamar County Coroner Cody Creel said.

Florida Gov. Rick Scott said an apparent tornado in the Pensacola area significantly damaged more than 70 homes and 24 apartments, leaving three people with minor injuries.

He stopped at The Moorings apartment complex, where winds whipped the roof off of at least two buildings. A tangled wall of tree limbs and power lines partially blocked the entrance to the apartment complex. A large oak tree fell on the side of one building and dozens of cars in the parking lot were smashed under a layer of wood, twisted metal, insulation and other debris.

“I was on the phone with my sister. I heard the trees flying through the air and hitting things,” said resident Sherman Matthews. “We are fortunate no one was killed.”

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Nelson reported from Pensacola, Florida. Associated Press writers Bill Fuller and Rebecca Santana in New Orleans; Freida Frisaro in Miami and Jeff Martin in Atlanta contributed to this report.

A Young Filmmaker Pursues His Dream With an Assist From Viola Davis

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Birmingham Times

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February 19, 2016

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Kaylon Hunt gets inside our heads with his short film, The Brink.

by Martin Johnson

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Editor’s note: This short-film series is a collaboration between The Root and El Rey Network to support, elevate and promote African-American filmmakers throughout Black History Month via on-air, digital and editorial platforms. Filmmakers were contacted and recruited through film festivals and industry partnerships in December, with finalists selected by both El Rey Network and The Root based on quality, subject matter, and suitability for broadcast and digital exhibition. These talented filmmakers represent the front line in improving diversity of participation and cultural representation in entertainment. Both The Root and El Rey Network are honored to showcase their works and stories.

Kaylon Hunt’s The Brink is an archetypal great short film. In it, Hunt takes a universal subject—in this case, self-doubt—and boils it down to a compact, abstract rendering. It is accessible and yet full of discreet references that science fiction fans will appreciate.

Hunt, a native of Port Arthur, Texas, grew up with a professional interest in math, but theater and cinema soon overtook it and he attended the University of Southern California. Through family friends, he met Viola Davis and Julius Tennon, who have assisted his ambitions through their artist-focused company, JuVee Productions.

Hunt, who wrote and starred in The Brink, spoke with The Root about the creation of his movie.

The Root: What inspired The Brink? Is this a metaphor that you work with often?

Kaylon Hunt: I wanted to tell a story that was very personal, yet relatable and entertaining, and I wanted to do it in less than five pages. Thinking about how often I’ve personally felt like the main character, Rian, at times in my life—stuck, not good enough, anxious about a new endeavor, etc.—I wanted to focus more on what the experience of that feeling was like than plot. The experiences we talk ourselves out of because of fear or doubt, or because of what we think others might think … that internal battle was a fascinating thing [The Brink director] Ben Jendras and I thought would be cool to explore on-screen. I’m a fan of films that are character-focused and delve into duality and psychological themes.

TR: Your initial collegiate interest was math; what led you to turn to film?

KH: I was always drawn to the craft of acting, but I liked math, too, perhaps because of the challenge and it felt more practical. I tended to lose interest once I got into higher-level theoretical courses, and I found myself acting on set more and more and meeting directors, writers and other artists. What drew me specifically to film was the potential to have a bigger voice in my work.

TR: How did Viola Davis and Julius Tennon take an interest in your work, and how have they assisted your ambitions?

KH: I met Viola and Julius through a family connection while I was finishing USC, and we stayed in touch. I think we just connected on a personal level, and I started working with them when they started JuVee Productions. They’ve always been supportive of my goals and given me the creative space to pursue them, whether I’m carving out time to act in a play or write. I presented The Brink to them, and they really dug the concept. And now we’re proud to share it with audiences.

TR: What’s the future for The Brink? What else are you working on?

KH: I have a few feature scripts I’m developing, so whatever free time I have, that’s what I’m working on.

The Brink will also air on El Rey Network immediately following the listed features: Avalanche Sharks,Tuesday, Feb. 23, 2 p.m. EST; The Dragon Missile, Sunday, Feb. 28, 8:30 p.m. EST.

Editor’s note: Other films in the series also on The Root:

Hott Damned

TroubleMan

Martin Johnson writes about music for the Wall Street Journal, basketball for Slate and beer for Eater, and he blogs at both the Joy of Cheese and Rotations. Follow him on Twitter.

.: post orginally seen at www.theroot.com :.

HARPER LEE, ‘TO KILL A MOCKINGBIRD’ AUTHOR, HAS DIED AT 89

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Birmingham Times

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February 19, 2016

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BY KENDAL WEAVER AND HILLEL ITALIE

NEW YORK (AP) — Harper Lee, the elusive novelist whose child’s-eye view of racial injustice in a small Southern town, “To Kill a Mockingbird,” became standard reading for millions of young people and an Oscar-winning film, has died. She was 89.

Lee died peacefully Friday, publisher HarperCollins said in a statement. It did not give any other details about how she died.

“The world knows Harper Lee was a brilliant writer but what many don’t know is that she was an extraordinary woman of great joyfulness, humility and kindness. She lived her life the way she wanted to – in private – surrounded by books and the people who loved her,” Michael Morrison, head of HarperCollins U.S. general books group, said in the statement.

For most of her life, Lee divided her time between New York City, where she wrote the novel in the 1950s, and her hometown of Monroeville, which inspired the book’s fictional Maycomb.

“To Kill a Mockingbird,” published in 1960, is the story of a girl nicknamed Scout growing up in a Depression-era Southern town. A black man has been wrongly accused of raping a white woman, and Scout’s father, the resolute lawyer Atticus Finch, defends him despite threats and the scorn of many.

The book quickly became a best-seller, won the Pulitzer Prize and was made into a memorable movie in 1962, with Gregory Peck winning an Oscar for his portrayal of Atticus. As the civil rights movement grew, the novel inspired a generation of young lawyers, was assigned in high schools all over the country and was a popular choice for citywide, or nationwide, reading programs.

By 2015, its sales were reported by HarperCollins to be more than 40 million worldwide, making it one of the most widely read American novels of the 20th century. When the Library of Congress did a survey in 1991 on books that have affected people’s lives, “To Kill a Mockingbird” was second only to the Bible.

Lee herself became more mysterious as her book became more famous. At first, she dutifully promoted her work. She spoke frequently to the press, wrote about herself and gave speeches, once to a class of cadets at West Point.

But she began declining interviews in the late 1960s and, until late in her life, firmly avoided making any public comment at all about her novel or her career. Other than a few magazine pieces for Vogue and McCall’s in the 1960s and a review of a 19th-century Alabama history book in 1983, she published no other book until stunning the world in 2015 by permitting “Go Set a Watchman” to be released.

“Watchman” was written before “Mockingbird” but was set 20 years later, using the same location and many of the same characters. Readers and reviewers were disheartened to find an Atticus who seemed nothing like the hero of the earlier book. The man who defied the status quo in “Mockingbird” was now part of the mob in “Watchman,” denouncing the Supreme Court’s ruling that school segregation was unconstitutional and denouncing blacks as unfit to enjoy full equality.

But despite unenthusiastic reviews and questions about whether Lee was well enough to approve the publication, “Watchman” jumped to the top of best-seller lists within a day of its announcement and remained there for months.

Much of Lee’s story is the story of “Mockingbird,” and how she responded to it. She wasn’t a bragger, like Norman Mailer, or a drinker, like William Faulkner, or a recluse or eccentric. By the accounts of friends and Monroeville townsfolk, she was a warm, vibrant and witty woman who enjoyed life, played golf, read voraciously and got about to plays and concerts. She just didn’t want to talk about it before an audience.

Claudia Durst Johnson, author of a book-length critical analysis of Lee’s novel, described her as preferring to guard her privacy “like others in an older generation, who didn’t go out and talk about themselves on Oprah or the Letterman show at the drop of a hat.” According to Johnson, Lee also complained that the news media invariably misquoted her.

Lee emerged more often over the past few years, although not always in ways she preferred. She was involved in numerous legal disputes over the rights to her book and denied she had cooperated with the biography “The Mockingbird Next Door: Life With Harper Lee,” by Marja Mills.

Other occasions were happier. She wrote a letter of thanks in 2001 when the Chicago Public Library chose “Mockingbird” for its first One Book, One Chicago program. In 2007, she agreed to attend a White House ceremony at which she received a Presidential Medal of Freedom. Around the same time, she wrote a rare published item – for O, The Oprah Magazine – about how she became a reader as a child in a rural, Depression-era Alabama town, and remained one.

“Now, 75 years later in an abundant society where people have laptops, cellphones, iPods, and minds like empty rooms, I still plod along with books,” she wrote.

By 2014, she had given in to the digital age and allowed her novel to come out as an e-book, calling it “‘Mockingbird’ for a new generation.”

A new play adaptation of “To Kill a Mockingbird” will land on Broadway during the 2017-18 season under the direction of Tony Award winner Bartlett Sher, written by Oscar-winner written by Aaron Sorkin.

Born in Monroeville, Alabama, Nelle Harper Lee was known to family and friends as Nelle (pronounced Nell) – the name of a relative, Ellen, spelled backward. Like Atticus Finch, her father was a lawyer and state legislator. One of her childhood friends was Truman Capote, who lived with relatives next door to the Lees for several years. (A book about Lee in 2006 and two films about Capote brought fresh attention to their friendship, including her contributions to Capote’s “In Cold Blood,” the classic “nonfiction novel” about the murder of a Kansas farm family.

Capote became the model for Scout’s creative, impish and loving friend Dill. In the novel, Dill is described as “a pocket Merlin, whose head teemed with eccentric plans, strange longings, and quaint fancies.”

Lee’s friendship with Capote was evident later when she traveled frequently with him to Kansas, beginning in 1959, to help him do research for what became his own best-seller, “In Cold Blood.” He dedicated the book to her and his longtime companion, Jack Dunphy, but never acknowledged how vital a role she played in its creation.

Charles J. Shields, in the first book-length attempt at a biography of Lee, “Mockingbird: A Portrait of Harper Lee,” showed how Lee helped Capote gain entrance to key figures in the murder investigation and provided keen observations and myriad notes that Capote wove into his book. (He also debunked a long-standing rumor that Capote had actually written much of “Mockingbird.”)

In the 2005 film “Capote,” Philip Seymour Hoffman won the best actor Academy Award for his portrayal of Capote struggling with his demons as he works on the book. Catherine Keener was nominated for an Oscar for her portrayal of Lee. The next year, Sandra Bullock took the role of Lee in “Infamous,” with Toby Jones as Capote.

Lee said in the 1960s that she was working on a second novel, but over time it dropped from view and never reached a publisher.

Lee researched another book, a non-fiction account of a bizarre murder case in rural east Alabama, but abandoned the project in the 1980s.

Lee, who attended Huntingdon College in Montgomery as a freshman, transferred the next year to the University of Alabama, where she wrote and became editor of the campus literary magazine. After studying to be a lawyer like her father and older sister, Lee left the university before graduating, heading to New York to become a writer, as Capote already had done.

Lee worked as an airlines reservation clerk in New York City during the early 1950s, writing on the side. Finally, with a Christmas loan from friends, she quit to write full time, and the first draft of “To Kill a Mockingbird” reached its publisher, J.B. Lippincott, in 1957.

The manuscript, according to the publishing house, arrived under the title “Atticus.” The title later became “To Kill a Mockingbird,” referring to an old saying that it was all right to kill a blue jay but a sin to kill a mockingbird, which gives the world its music.

Lee worked with the editor Tay Hohoff in bringing the book to its final form, a period when Lee was scrimping financially and dealing with the difficulties of rewriting.

“Though Miss Lee then had never published even an essay or a short story, this was clearly not the work of an amateur or tyro,” the editor wrote in an account published by Lippincott in 1967. “… She had learned the essential part of her craft, with no so-called professional help, simply by working at it and working at it, endlessly.”

Capote, in a letter to an aunt in July 1959, said that a year earlier Lee “showed me as much of the book as she’d written, and I liked it very much. She has real talent.”

Her novel, while hugely popular, was not ranked by many scholars in the same category as the work of other Southern authors such as Eudora Welty or Flannery O’Connor. Decades after its publication, little was written about it in scholarly journals. Some critics have called the book naive and sentimental, whether dismissing the Ku Klux Klan as a minor nuisance in Maycomb or advocating change through personal persuasion rather than collective action. The novel was also considered patronizing for highlighting the bravery of a white man on behalf of blacks.

O’Connor, in an October 1960 letter, said, “I think I see what it really is – a child’s book. … I think for a child’s book, it does all right.”

Parallels were drawn between Lee and Margaret Mitchell, another Southern woman whose only novel, “Gone With the Wind,” became a phenomenon and was made into a beloved movie. But Mitchell’s book romanticized the black-white divide; Lee’s work confronted it, although more gently than novels before and since.

Lee’s book features Scout’s often meandering recollection of the people – some eccentric, such as the reclusive Boo Radley – in rural Maycomb County, during the years when her brother Jem reaches adolescence and she enters school. Some critics said it relied at times on stereotypes, such as the mean, trashy whites making false charges against a virtuous black. But the tomboy Scout and the quietly courageous Atticus Finch drew praise as memorable, singular creations.

The book’s tension is built around the lynching atmosphere in Maycomb as the black man goes on trial, a scenario reminiscent of the Scottsboro Boys rape case of the same period. Scout, Dill and Jem, whose playful curiosity takes scary turns, witness the drama of an adult world with its own frightening lessons.

“Surely it is plain to the simplest intelligence that ‘To Kill a Mockingbird’ spells out in words of seldom more than two syllables a code of honor and conduct,” Lee wrote to an editor in the 1960s. “Christian in its ethic, that is the heritage of all Southerners.”

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Weaver reported from Montgomery, Alabama.

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This story has been corrected to give the proper spelling of William Faulkner’s last name and to correct the name of the Presidential Medal of Freedom.

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This story has been updated with publisher now saying Lee died Friday morning.

Screening For The Breast Cancer Gene: Who Is At Risk?

By

Birmingham Times

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February 18, 2016

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From wire reports

(NAPS) — If you’re like many Americans, you may have heard about the BRCA gene and wondered what it is and whether it is something that could affect you and your family. Here are a few facts.

BRCA is short for “BReast CAncer susceptibility gene.” There are two main types of BRCA gene, BRCA1 and BRCA2. When these changes are present, a woman’s risk of developing breast and ovarian cancers, as well as some other types of cancer, is greatly increased. However, mutations in the BRCA genes are rare, and occur in less than 1 percent of women. A BRCA test is a blood test that looks for mutations, or changes that might be harmful, in these genes.

Who is at risk?

Mutations in the BRCA gene are hereditary, so they run in families. Most women — more than 90 percent — do not have a family history that puts them at increased risk of having a BRCA mutation.

You are at increased risk of having a BRCA mutation if you are of Ashkenazi Jewish descent or if there is a history of certain types of cancer in your family. For example, you are at increased risk if there have been multiple cases of breast cancer in your family, you have a male relative with breast cancer or you have a family member who has had any of the following: a breast cancer diagnosis before age 50, breast cancer in both breasts or two types of BRCA-related cancer — such as both breast and ovarian cancer.

Who should be tested?

According to the U.S. Preventive Services Task Force, a woman with a family history of BRCA-related cancer should be screened by her primary care doctor or nurse to determine if she is at increased risk of having a BRCA mutation. During this screening, the doctor or nurse will ask questions about the history of BRCA-related cancer in a woman’s family. After screening, women who are found to be at increased risk should see a genetic counselor, a type of health care professional who specializes in genes and disease. A genetic counselor may recommend BRCA testing based on that counseling. Before this type of screening, most doctors will first test a family member with known breast or ovarian cancer for a BRCA mutation, if possible.

The BRCA test is not a test for cancer itself, but rather a test for the gene mutation and a positive test does not mean that a woman will definitely get cancer. For women who are at increased risk of having a BRCA mutation, genetic counseling and genetic testing can help them determine their best course of action based on their risk.

The BRCA test is only recommended for women who are at increased risk for certain types of cancers. This is because the test does not always provide a clear answer — results are often inconclusive, which can lead to increased anxiety.

All women can reduce
their cancer risk

While a BRCA gene mutation can be frightening, it is not something that most women need to worry about. All women can reduce their risk of cancer by adopting healthy lifestyle habits, such as limiting alcohol, not smoking, being physically active and maintaining a healthy weight. Receiving regular mammograms is also an important tool to help identify breast cancer early. The U.S. Preventive Services Task Force recommends mammograms every other year for women aged 50 to 74 and for some women in their 40s based on their values about the benefits and harms of screening.

Recommendations
to protect your health

The U.S. Preventive Services Task Force is an independent group of national experts in primary care, prevention, and evidence-based medicine. The aim of the Task Force’s work is to evaluate and identify critical preventive health services that a primary care professional can perform.

For more information on the Task Force and to read its full report on risk assessment, genetic counseling and genetic testing for BRCA-related cancer in women, visit www.uspreventiveservicestaskforce.org.

If you have a history of breast or ovarian cancer in your family, talk to your doctor about genetic screening.

Classifieds 2/18/16

By

Birmingham Times

-

February 18, 2016

0

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Employment

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Drivers Wanted

Drivers: Class A&B with X. end. Nationwide Opportunities. Candidates with oil field experience urged to apply. Excellent wages/benefits. 855-677-5016

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Legal

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Notice of Public Involvement Meeting

Purpose: This meeting is part of a review that will assess compliance with Federal regulations pertaining to the transportation planning process conducted by the Birmingham Metropolitan Planning Organization (MPO), Alabama Department of Transportation, Birmingham / Jefferson County Transit Authority, and units of local government in the Birmingham area.

Hosted By: Representatives of the Federal Highway Administration, Federal Transit Administration, Alabama Department of Transportation, Birmingham MPO and the Regional Planning Commission of Greater Birmingham.

The meeting is Tuesday, February 23, 2016, 5:00 p.m. – 6:00 p.m., Regional Planning Commission of Greater Birmingham, 2 North 20th Street, Suite 310, Birmingham, Alabama 35203. If you are not able to attend the meeting, please address your comments to: Federal Highway Administration, Alabama Division, 9500 Wynlakes Place,Montgomery, AL 36117-8515. Anyone requiring special accommodations should advise Cissy Edwards Crowe (205-251-8139) at least one week in advance. For additional information concerning the Birmingham MPO visit www.rpcgb.org

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ADVERTISEMENT for BIDDER PRE-QUALIFICATION

And NOTICE of INTENT to RECEIVE BIDS

from PREQUALIFIED BIDDERS

Pre-qualification submittals will be received by the Owner’s Representative/Project Manager, Mike Burgess on behalf of Office of the Associate Vice President, Facilities & Capital Projects, University of Alabama at Birmingham, and the University of Alabama Board of Trustees at UAB Hospital Planning, 2020 University Blvd., Birmingham, AL 35294 until 4:00 PM Central Time March 1, 2016. The original and two (2) duplicates of submittals are required for pre-qualification approval; however, facsimile transmission copies may be transmitted to the Project Manager at (205) 975-7000 to expedite the review process with hard-copies of the submittals to be delivered within 24 hours.

UAB HIGHLANDS THIRD FLOOR

RADIOLOGY ROOM 2 RENOVATION

FOR THE UAB HEALTH SYSTEM

AT The

University of Alabama at Birmingham

Birmingham, Alabama

Project No.: UH160331

A. SCOPE OF WORK:

The project scope generally consists of replacement of the existing x-ray equipment with new similar equipment, along with associated electrical, plumbing, and fire protection system upgrades, and associated replacement of floor, wall, and ceiling finishes.

B. PRIME CONTRACTOR BIDDER PRE-QUALIFICATIONS:

Prime contractor bidders interested in submitting a proposal must apply for pre-qualification and must be licensed under the Provision of Title 34, Chapter 8, and Code of Alabama, 1975. A copy of current Alabama Contractors license is to be included in pre-qualification submittal.

Only prime contractor bidders who have completed the pre-qualification process and that have been approved will be eligible to submit a bid for the Project. Prospective Bidder’s Pre-qualification Package must be received by the Owner’s Project Manager no later than 4:00 PM Central Time, March 1, 2016 after which no further requests will be considered.

Pre-qualification Requirements Information Package may be obtained from the Architect upon letterhead request.

The pre-qualification procedure is intended to identify responsible and competent prime contractor bidders relative to the requirements of the Project. Each prospective prime contractor bidder will be notified of the results of the pre-qualification, no later than March 4, 2016 by 5:00 PM Central Time.

The Owner reserves the right to waive technical errors in applications, or abandon the pre-qualification process, should the interests of the Owner appear to be promoted thereby.

Progress Design and Construction Documents:

Prior to the pre-qualification deadline, project progress plans and specifications may be examined at the following location:

Architect:

Birchfield Penuel & Associates

2805 Crescent Avenue, Suite 200

Birmingham, Alabama 35209

Mr. Clay Birchfield

205-870-1876

205-870-3058

clayb@bpa.net

C. BIDS BY PRE-QUALIFIED PRIME GENERAL CONTRACTOR BIDDERS

Documents:

After notice to pre-qualified bidders is given, the pre-qualified prime contractor bidders may obtain bid documents from the Architect (see address above) upon deposit of $100.00 per set. The deposit is refundable in full on the first two (2) sets issued to each prime general contractor bidder upon return of documents in reusable condition within ten (10) days after bid opening. Additional sets for pre-qualified prime contractor bidders, subcontractors, vendors, or dealers may be obtained upon payment of the same deposit. The deposit for additional sets shall be refunded less the cost of printing, reproduction, handling and distribution, upon return of the documents in reusable condition within ten (10) days after bid opening.

Bid documents will be available at the following locations after notice to pre-qualified bidders is given. Drawings and specifications may be examined at the Office of the Architect; at the AGC Internet Plan Room, 5000 Grantswood Road, Irondale, AL 35210; at the Birmingham Construction Industry Authority, 601 37th Street South, Birmingham, AL 35222; and at the Construction Market Data, 30 Technology Pkwy, South, Suite 500, Norcross, GA 30092-2912; and electronically through McGraw-Hill Construction Dodge.

Bonds:

A certified check or bid bond payable to the University of Alabama at Birmingham in an amount not less than five percent (5%) of the amount of the bid, but in no event more than $10,000 must accompany the bidder’s proposal. Performance and Statutory Labor and Material Payment Bonds will be required at the signing of the Contract.

Bids:

Bids must be submitted on proposal forms or copies thereof furnished by the Architect. No bid may be withdrawn after the scheduled closing time for receipt of bids for a period of ninety (90) days. The Owner reserves the right to reject bids if such action is determined to be in the best interest of the Owner. The Owner reserves the right to revoke pre-qualification of any bidder in accordance with Section 39-2-12, Code of Alabama, 1975, as amended in 1997 (by Act 97-225). The Bid Date is March 22, 2016 at 2:00 PM Central Time at the University of Alabama at Birmingham, UAB Hospital Planning, 2020 University Blvd., Birmingham, Alabama 35294.

Proposals may be hand delivered or received by mail on the date of the bid opening at the Office of Juan DeOnis, Director of Program Planning Facilities and Capital Projects, 2020 Building, 2020 8th Avenue south, Birmingham, Alabama 35233, until 12:00 noon. After 12:00 noon of the date of the bid opening, proposals must be hand delivered and presented at the bid opening. Sealed proposals shall be submitted in triplicate and shall be properly identified. All proposals received after 2:00 p.m. on March 22, 2016 be returned unopened.

Fire Alarm Work

In accordance with Title 34, Chapter 33A, of the Code of Alabama 1975, bidders for fire alarm work of this project, if any, must include with their bid, evidence of licensure as required by the act, by including with the bid submittal, a valid State Fire Marshal’s permit.

D. PRE-BID CONFERENCE

A mandatory Pre-Bid Conference will be held on March 7, 2016 at 2:00 p.m. at the site of the work. Meet at the UAB Highlands Hospital Main Lobby. It is mandatory that all pre-qualified prime contractor bidders attend the Pre-Bid Conference.

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INVITATION FOR BID

DATE: February 1, 2016

TO: Prospective Bidders

INVITATION FOR BID NUMBER: 16-01

SEPARATE SEALED BIDS FOR: Repair of Three (3) Fire Damaged Units at Various Housing Communities

PRE-BID CONFERENCE DATE/TIME: February 12, 2016 / 10:00 A.M. CST

LOCATION: HABD Central Office

1826 Third Avenue South

Birmingham, AL 35233-1905

BID OPENING:

DATE: February 29, 2016

TIME: 10:00 a.m. CST

LOCATION: HABD Central Office

1826 Third Avenue South

Birmingham, AL 35233-1905

By submission of a bid, the bidder agrees, that if the bid is accepted, to enter into a contract with the Housing Authority of the Birmingham District (HABD), to complete all work as specified or indicated in the bid documents, for the contract price and within the contract time indicated in the attached IFB. The bidder further accepts all of the terms and conditions of the IFB.

The bid will remain open for the period specified in the IFB, must be independently arrived at, and be prepared in accordance with the instructions to bidders (form HUD-5369). In addition, the HUD-required certifications must be completed and submitted as part of the bid (see form HUD-5369).

A pre-bid conference will be held in accordance with the terms listed above. All bidders are encouraged to attend the pre-bid conference.

The bid price(s) will be included as provided in the attached IFB. Unless otherwise specified in the IFB, all prices will be on a firm-fixed-price basis and are not subject to adjustments based on costs incurred.

Bidders should be advised that, prior to award of any contract, the Housing Authority of the Birmingham District reserves the right to conduct a pre-award survey for the purpose of determining the bidder’s responsibility and capacity to perform the contract. This survey may include review of subcontracting agreements, financial capacity, and the quality of work performed on other contracts.

All bids must be signed and dated. If a joint venture is submitting the bid, each joint venture must sign the bid. Late bids will be handled in accordance with the form HUD-5369.

A copy of this solicitation is available at www.habd.org under the Purchasing and Procurement Section. Questions regarding the attached IFB should be directed to the Procurement Administrator, in writing ten (10) days prior to the closing date and time set forth in the bid documents. Questions received after the deadline will not be answered.

Contracting Officer: Dontrelle Y. Foster, Interim Executive Director

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PUBLIC NOTICE

Jefferson County, Alabama

Office of Community & Economic Development

Amended Final Statement of Community Development Objectives and Projected Use of Funds

Program Years 2011 through 2015

Jefferson County, Alabama, and a consortium of municipalities located within the County (excluding Birmingham, Bessemer, Hoover, County Line, Sumiton, Argo, and Helena), received from the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development annual grants for the 2011 through 2015 Program Years from the Consolidated Plan Annual Action Plans. These are the 37th through the 41st years of the Consolidated Plan Annual Action Plans that may include the Community Development Block Grant Program (CDBG), The Emergency Shelter Grant Program (ESG), Community Development Block Grant – Disaster Recovery (CDBG-DR), The Emergency Solutions Grant (ESG) and the HOME Program (HOME).

Pursuant to the requirements of the Housing and Community Development Act of 1974, as amended, Jefferson County, Alabama is hereby publishing the Final Amended Statement of Objectives and Projected Use of Funds for the 2010 Five-Year Consolidated Plan and the 2015 Five-Year Consolidated Plan and these years of the Program (October 1, 2011 to September 30, 2016). This Final Amended Statement will be developed after receiving citizen comments and views at a public hearing to be held on March 8, 2016 at 2:00 p.m. at the Jefferson County Office of Community & Economic Development 716 Richard Arrington Jr. Blvd. North, Suite A-420, Birmingham, Alabama.

Special accommodations are available, upon request, for those with disabilities and for those with limited English proficiency. Those requiring special accommodations or questions regarding the Plan, should call 325-5761 in advance for assistance.

AVAILABILITY OF THE PROPOSED AMENDMENTS

Copies of amendments and summaries may be reviewed at the Jefferson County Office of Community & Economic Development, 716 Richard Arrington Jr. Blvd. North – Suite A430, Birmingham, AL 35203, by calling 325-5761, or online at http://jeffconline.jccal.org/comdev/main/non-housing.html. Arrangements can also be made to meet the Special Needs Requirements of those with disabilities. Those in this category should contact the Office of Community Development at the above address and telephone number. Copies may also be viewed at the following Public Libraries:

Adamsville Public LibraryFairfield Public Library

1984 Forestdale Blvd. 4615 Gary Avenue

Adamsville, AL 35214 Fairfield, AL 35064

Fultondale Public Library Homewood Public Library

1015 Walker Chapel Road 1721 Oxmoor Road

Fultondale, AL 35071 Homewood, AL 35209

Irondale Public Library Leeds Public Library

105 20th Street, South 802 Parkway Dr., SE

Irondale, AL 35210 Leeds, AL 35094

Midfield Public Library Trussville Public Library

400 Breland Drive 201 Parkway

Midfield, AL 35228 Trussville, AL 35173

Tarrant Public Library Warrior Public Library

1143 Ford Avenue 10 First Street

Tarrant, AL 35217 Warrior, AL 35180

Hueytown Public Library

1372 Hueytown Road

Hueytown, AL 35023

Comments must be submitted prior to 5:00 p.m. on March 21, 2016. Written comments must be submitted to the following:

Jefferson County Office of Community & Economic Development

716 Richard Arrington Jr Blvd N, Ste. A-430

Birmingham, AL 35203

Attn: Amendment Comments

a) The Final Amended Use of Funds stated herein has been developed so as to give maximum feasible priority to activities which will principally benefit low and moderate income persons and families.

The purpose of these Amendments is to delete several activities and to reprogram unexpended funds to other activities in these program years.

James A. “Jimmie” Stephens, President

Jefferson County Commission

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NOTICE OF COMPLETION

In accordance with Section 39-1 as amended by H275 Code of Alabama, 1997, notice is hereby given that Tim Allen Paints, Inc., 1141 Pratt Hwy, Birmingham, Alabama-Subcontractor, has completed painting at the Birmingham Museum Of Art Jemison Gallery l, ll IKAT Plan B for the City of Birmingham and has made request for final statement of said contract.

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PUBLIC NOTICE

NOTICE OF FINDING OF NO SIGNIFICANT IMPACT AND NOTICE OF INTENT TO REQUEST RELEASE OF FUNDS

Thursday, February 18, 2016

Jefferson County Office of Community & Economic Development

716 Richard Arrington Jr. Blvd. North, Room A-430

Birmingham, AL 35203

(205) 325-5761

These notices shall satisfy two separate but related procedural requirements for activities to be undertaken by the Jefferson County Office of Community& Economic Development.

REQUEST FOR RELEASE OF FUNDS

On or about Friday, March 3, 2016, the Jefferson County Commission, acting as Community Development agent for Jefferson County and Consortium municipalities, will submit a request to the U.S. Department of Housing & Urban Development for the release of Federal Community Development Block Grant funds under Title I of the Housing and Community Development Act of 1974 (PL93-383) to undertake the following projects:

Rosedale Sidewalk Improvements IV (CD14-03L-M-RS4)

FINDING OF NO SIGNIFICANT IMPACT

The Jefferson County Commission through its Office of Community & Economic Development has determined that the project will have no significant impact on the human environment. Therefore, an Environmental Impact Statement under the National Environmental Policy Act of 1969 (NEPA) is not required. Additional project information is contained in the Environmental Review Record (ERR) on file at the Jefferson County Office of Community & Economic Development, 716 Richard Arrington Jr. Blvd. North – Room A-430, Birmingham, AL 35203 where the record is available for review and may be examined or copied weekdays 8:00 A.M. to 4:00 P.M.

PUBLIC COMMENTS

Any individual, group, or agency disagreeing with this determination or wishing to comment on the project may submit written comments to the Jefferson County Office of Community & Economic Development. All comments received by Friday, February 3, 2016, will be considered by the Jefferson County Office of Community & Economic Development prior to authorizing submission of a request for release of funds. Comments should specify which Notice they are addressing.

RELEASE OF FUNDS

The Jefferson County Commission through its Office of Community & Economic Development certifies to HUD that the President of the Jefferson County Commission consents to accept the jurisdiction of the Federal Courts if an action is brought to enforce responsibilities in relation to the environmental review process and that these responsibilities have been satisfied. HUD’s approval of the certification satisfies its responsibilities under NEPA and related laws and authorities, and allows the Jefferson County Commission to use Program funds.

OBJECTIONS TO RELEASE OF FUNDS

HUD will accept objections to its release of funds and the Jefferson County Commission’s certification for a period of fifteen days following the anticipated submission date or its actual receipt of the request (whichever is later) only if they are on one of the following basis: (a) the certification was not executed by the Certifying Officer of the Jefferson County Commission; (b) the Jefferson County Commission has omitted a step or failed to make a decision or finding required by HUD regulations at 24 CFR Part 58; (c) the grant recipient has committed funds or incurred costs not authorized by 24 CFR Part 58 before approval of release of funds by HUD; or (d) another Federal agency acting pursuant to 40 CFR Part 1504 has submitted a written finding that the project is unsatisfactory from the standpoint of environmental quality. Objections must be prepared and submitted in accordance with the required procedures (24 CFR Part 58) and shall be addressed to: Environmental Clearance, Mr. Charles Franklin, CPD Director, U.S. Department of HUD, Birmingham Office, Region IV, Medical Forum Building, Suite 900, 950 22nd Street North, Birmingham, AL 35203. Potential objectors should contact HUD to verify the actual last date of the objection period.

James A. Stephens, President

Jefferson County Commission

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Request for Proposals (RFP)

Homeowner Housing Development

The Jefferson County Commission receives funds from the United States Department of Housing & Urban Development (HUD) to address the housing needs of lower income residents of the Jefferson County Community Development Consortium. Per its Consolidated Plan, Jefferson County, through its Office of Human-Community Services & Economic Development is soliciting Non-Profit (501 (c) (3)) and For-Profit Housing Developers with a strong history of successfully developing and marketing affordable single-family housing to submit proposals for the development and/or acquisition/rehabilitation of affordable single-family housing specifically designed to address the needs of lower income home buyers within the Jefferson County Community Development Consortium (all of Jefferson County outside of the cities of Birmingham, Bessemer and Hoover and the towns of County Line, Sumiton, Helena and Argo). Community Housing Development Organization (CHDO) designation may also be requested under this RFP if in conjunction with a housing proposal.

Sealed proposals must be submitted to the Office of Human-Community Services & Economic Development (in-hand) at the below address by no later than 5:00 P.M. on March 21, 2016.

Suite A-430

716 Richard Arrington, Jr. Blvd. N.

Birmingham, Al. 35203

The complete RFP may be viewed on the Jefferson County Office of Human-Community Services & Economic Development website at http://jeffconline.jccal.org/comdev/home/Home.html. Copies of the RFP can be picked up at the above-address or requested via e-mail to Cheryl Collier at collierc@jccal.org. All requests by means other than by in-person visits to the above noted Office will be responded to via e-mail or United States Postal Service. All questions should be addressed to Lynn McKinley Smith or Cheryl Collier at (205) 325-5761.

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INVITATION FOR BIDS

The Jefferson County Commission will receive bids for Martintown Senior Center Improvements at Room 270 of the Jefferson County Courthouse until 9:00 a.m. local time on the 15th day of March, 2016, at which time and place all bids will be publicly opened and read aloud.

Any bid to be delivered by hand or mail prior to the above time or at a different place shall be at the full risk of the bidder. Such bids may be delivered or mailed to the Jefferson County Office of Community and Economic Development, at 716 Richard Arrington Jr. Blvd N, Suite A-430, Birmingham, Alabama 35203.If for any reason such bid does not reach Room 270 of the Jefferson County Courthouse prior to the opening, it may be rejected. No bids shall be accepted after the time stated for receipt of bids. This requirement shall not be waived.

All bids must be submitted on bid forms furnished, or copy thereof, and must be in a sealed envelope. The outside of the envelope should contain the following:

(1) “SEALED BID”; (2) “DO NOT OPEN”; (3) PROJECT NAME AND NUMBER; (4) PROJECT OFFICER: “Felicia Smith”; (5) CONTRACTOR’S NAME AND ADDRESS

(6) ALABAMA LICENSE NUMBER; (7) CONTRACTOR’S DUNS NUMBER.

Bids are invited upon the work as follows:

Renovations of existing Senior Center in the unincorporated community of Martintown, Jefferson County. Work will include a new metal roof, repair wood siding, new exterior/interior paint, new flooring, replace HVAC, renovate restrooms to make them ADA compliant, replace plumbing and other related improvements.

Bids must be accompanied by a certified check payable to the order of Jefferson County, Alabama negotiable U.S. Government Bonds (at par value) or a satisfactory Bid Bond executed by the bidder and an acceptable surety, in the amount equal to five percent (5%) of the total of the bid amount but not to exceed $10,000.00, for the Martintown Senior Center Improvements.

The bid security is to become the property of the owner in the event that: (1) the bidder fails to meet any of the qualifications required in the bid specifications stated herein; (2) the bidder misrepresents or falsifies any information required to be provided by the owner; (3) for any reason that the bidder fails to qualify, causing his bid to be withdrawn or rejected and such withdrawal or rejection results in delay or substantial additional expense to the owner; (4) the contract and bond are not executed within the time set forth, as liquidated damages for the delay and additional expense of the owner caused thereby.

Bid documents are on file and will be available for examination at the JEFFERSON COUNTY OFFICE OF COMMUNITY & ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT, 716 Richard Arrington Jr. Blvd N, Suite A-430, Birmingham, Alabama 35203; and at the BIRMINGHAM CONSTRUCTION INDUSTRY AUTHORITY, 601 37th Avenue South, Birmingham, Alabama 35222.

The bid package may be obtained by depositing $ 100.00 with Thompson Architecture, Inc., 2913 Cahaba Road, Birmingham, AL 35223, ph: 205-414-1272, e-mail: rthompson@thompsonarchitecture.com for each set of documents so obtained. Such deposit will be refunded in full on the first set issued to each general contract bidder submitting a bonafide bid, upon return of documents in good condition within ten days of bid date. Other sets for general contractors, and sets for subcontractors and dealers, may be obtained with the same deposit, which will be refunded as above, less cost of printing, reproduction, handling and distribution of the contract documents. As an option, bidders may request electronic copies of the bid documents, and the Architect will provide these via e-mail, with no deposit required.

Bidders are advised that submitted bids bind the bidders to the “Bid Conditions Setting Forth Affirmative Action Requirements for all Non‑Exempt Federal and Federally‑assisted Construction Contracts to be awarded in Jefferson, Shelby and Walker Counties, Alabama, “also known as the Birmingham Hometown Plan.

Attention is called to the fact that not less than the minimum salaries and wages as set forth in the contract documents must be paid on this project, and that the contractor must ensure that employees and applicants for employment are not discriminated against because of their race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability or veteran status.

All bidders be advised that this contract is subject to Section 3 of the Housing and Urban Development act of 1968, as amended, (12 USC l701U) which if it is in excess of $100,000, requires that to the “greatest extent feasible”, opportunities for training and employment be given lower income residents of the project area and contracts for work in connection with the project be awarded to business concerns which are: (1) 51 percent or more owned by section 3 residents; or (2) Whose permanent, full-time employees include persons, at least 30 percent of whom are currently section 3 residents, or within three years of the date of first employment with the business concern were section 3 residents; or (3) That provides evidence of commitment to subcontract in excess of 25 percent of the dollar award of all subcontracts to be awarded to business concerns that meet the qualifications set forth in paragraphs (1) or (2) in this definition of “section 3 business concern.”

All bidders must be licensed by the State of Alabama Licensing Board of General Contractors, as required by Chapter 8 of Title 34 of the Code of Alabama 1975 as amended.

The Jefferson County Commission reserves the right to reject any or all bids or to waive any informalities in the bidding.

This project will be funded in its entirety (100%) with Federal Community Development Block Grant Disaster Recovery Funds.

No Bid may be withdrawn for a period of Sixty (60) days from the date of the opening of bids to allow the Jefferson County Commission to review the bids and investigate the qualifications of bidders, prior to awarding the contract.

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INVITATION FOR BIDS

The Jefferson County Commission will receive bids for the MCADORY COMMUNITY STORM SHELTER (CDBG-DR13-03-US-MSS) at the Commission Chambers, Room 270 of the Jefferson County Courthouse until 10:00 a.m. local time on the 15th day of March, 2016 at which time and place all bids will be publicly opened and read aloud.

Any bid to be delivered by hand or mail prior to the above time or at a different place shall be at the full risk of the bidder. Such bids may be delivered or mailed to the Jefferson County Office of Community and Economic Development, at 716 Richard Arrington Jr. Blvd N, Suite A-430, Birmingham, Alabama 35203. If for any reason such bid does not reach Room 270 of the Jefferson County Courthouse prior to the opening, it may be rejected. No bids shall be accepted after the time stated for receipt of bids. This requirement shall not be waived.

All bids must be submitted on bid forms furnished, or copy thereof, and must be in a sealed envelope. The outside of the envelope should contain the following:

(1) “SEALED BID”; (2) “DO NOT OPEN”; (3) PROJECT NAME AND NUMBER; 4) PROJECT OFFICER: “Felicia Smith”; (5) CONTRACTOR’S NAME AND ADDRESS; (6) ALABAMA LICENSE NUMBER; (7) CONTRACTOR’S DUNS #.

Bids are invited upon the work generally described as follows:

The work includes, but is not limited to providing all necessary materials, labor, equipment, tools, transportation and services to construct a dual purpose community center and storm shelter, including: CDBG project sign, erosion control measures; clearing, grubbing, tree removal, and disposal of all debris; approximately 600 C.Y. of unsuitable material excavation and removal; providing and installing approximately 1,000 C.Y. of engineered fill from off-site; storm piping, rip-rap, stormwater retention pond; water line, backflow preventer, sanitary lateral and stub out, septic tank/individual WWTP/dosing pump station/field lines (installed by Jefferson County Public Health Department approved installer); an approximately 1,938 S.F. FEMA 361 storm shelter facility (2,200 S.F. building total) ; concrete sidewalk; one (1) asphalt parking lot with geogrid and crushed stone base, painted striping, one (1) reinforced concrete emergency vehicle parking space; one (1) natural gas driven emergency generator with vandal & storm resistant cage, gas service line & meter (installed by Alagasco Certified Installer); site restoration; and other minor miscellaneous site work in accordance with the plans and specifications.

Bids must be accompanied by a certified check or bank draft payable to the order of Jefferson County, Alabama, negotiable U.S. Government Bonds (at par value), or a satisfactory Bid Bond executed by the bidder and an acceptable surety, in the amount equal to five percent (5%) of the total of the bid amount but not to exceed $10,000.00, for the MCADORY COMMUNITY STORM SHELTER PROJECT.

The bid security is to become the property of the owner in the event that: (1) the bidder fails to meet any of the qualifications required in the bid specifications stated herein; (2) the bidder misrepresents or falsifies any information required to be provided by the owner; (3) for any reason that the bidder fails to qualify, causing his bid to be withdrawn or rejected and such withdrawal or rejection results in delay or substantial additional expense to the owner; (4) the contract and bond are not executed within the time set forth, as liquidated damages for the delay and additional expense of the owner caused thereby.

Bid documents are on file and will be available for examination at the JEFFERSON COUNTY OFFICE OF COMMUNITY AND ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT, 716 Richard Arrington Jr. Blvd N, Suite A-430, Birmingham, Alabama 35203; the BIRMINGHAM CONSTRUCTION INDUSTRY AUTHORITY, 3600 4th Avenue South, Birmingham, Alabama 35222, and through ALABAMA AGC – ISQFT PLAN ROOM, 2801 5th Avenue South, Birmingham, AL 35233.

The bid package may be obtained by depositing $150.00 with ENGINEERING SERVICE ASSOCIATES, INC., 5300 Cahaba River Road, Suite 250, Birmingham, AL 35243 (205-970-0772) for each set of documents so obtained. Such deposit will be refunded in full on the first set issued to each general contract bidder submitting a bonafide bid, upon return of documents in good condition within ten days of bid date. Other sets for general contractors, and sets for subcontractors and dealers, may be obtained with the same deposit, which will be refunded as above, less cost of printing, reproduction, handling and distribution of the contract documents.

Bidders are advised that submitted bids bind the bidders to the “Bid Conditions Setting Forth Affirmative Action Requirements for all Non‑Exempt Federal and Federally‑assisted Construction Contracts to be awarded in Jefferson, Shelby and Walker Counties, Alabama, “also known as the Birmingham Hometown Plan.

Attention is called to the fact that not less than the minimum salaries and wages as set forth in the contract documents must be paid on this project, and that the contractor must ensure that employees and applicants for employment are not discriminated against because of their race, color, sex, age, religion, national origin, disability, or veteran status.

All bidders be advised that this contract is subject to Section 3 of the Housing and Urban Development act of 1968, as amended, (12 USC l701U) which if it is in excess of $100,000, requires that to the “greatest extent feasible”, opportunities for training and employment be given lower income residents of the project area and contracts for work in connection with the project be awarded to business concerns which are: (1) 51 percent or more owned by section 3 residents; or (2) Whose permanent, full-time employees include persons, at least 30 percent of whom are currently section 3 residents, or within three years of the date of first employment with the business concern were section 3 residents; or (3) That provides evidence of commitment to subcontract in excess of 25 percent of the dollar award of all subcontracts to be awarded to business concerns that meet the qualifications set forth in paragraphs (1) or (2) in this definition of “section 3 business concern.”

All bidders must be properly licensed by the Alabama Licensing Board for General Contractors, as required by Chapter 8 of Title 34 of the Code of Alabama 1975 as amended. General Contractors with a classification of BC or BCU4 should be able to bid this project. If a Contractor has any questions regarding his classification or eligibility to bid this project, those questions should be directed to the State Licensing Board.

The Jefferson County Commission reserves the right to reject any or all bids or to waive any informalities in the bidding.

This project will be funded in its entirety (100%) with Federal Community Development Block Grant Disaster Recovery Funds.

No Bid may be withdrawn for a period of Sixty (60) days from the date of the opening of bids to allow the Jefferson County Commission to review the bids and investigate the qualifications of bidders, prior to awarding the contract.

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INVITATION TO BID

DATE: February 8, 2016

TO: Prospective Bidders

INVITATION FOR BID NUMBER: 16-02

SEPARATE SEALED BIDS FOR: HABD Central and Site Extermination Services

PRE-BID CONFERENCE DATE/TIME: February 22, 2016 / 10:00 A.M. CST

LOCATION: HABD Central Office

1826 Third Avenue South

Birmingham, AL 35233-1905

BID OPENING:

DATE: March 8, 2016

TIME: 2:00 p.m. CST

LOCATION: HABD Central Office

1826 Third Avenue South

Birmingham, AL 35233-1905

By submission of a bid, the bidder agrees, that if the bid is accepted, to enter into a contract with the Housing Authority of the Birmingham District (HABD), to complete all work as specified or indicated in the bid documents, for the contract price and within the contract time indicated in the attached IFB. The bidder further accepts all of the terms and conditions of the IFB.

The bid will remain open for the period specified in the IFB, must be independently arrived at, and be prepared in accordance with the instructions to bidders (form HUD-5369). In addition, the HUD-required certifications must be completed and submitted as part of the bid (see form HUD-5369).

A pre-bid conference will be held in accordance with the terms listed above. All bidders are encouraged to attend the pre-bid conference.

The bid price(s) will be included as provided in the attached IFB. Unless otherwise specified in the IFB, all prices will be on a firm-fixed-price basis and are not subject to adjustments based on costs incurred.

Bidders should be advised that, prior to award of any contract, the Housing Authority of the Birmingham District reserves the right to conduct a pre-award survey for the purpose of determining the bidder’s responsibility and capacity to perform the contract. This survey may include review of subcontracting agreements, financial capacity, and the quality of work performed on other contracts.

All bids must be signed and dated. If a joint venture is submitting the bid, each joint venture must sign the bid. Late bids will be handled in accordance with the form HUD-5369.

A copy of this solicitation is available at www.habd.org under the Purchasing and Procurement Section. Questions regarding the attached IFB should be directed to the Procurement Administrator, in writing ten (10) days prior to the closing date and time set forth in the bid documents. Questions received after the deadline will not be answered.

Contracting Officer: Michael O. Lundy, Executive Director/CEO

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(Needs Logo)

PUBLIC HOUSING APPLICATIONS

SUSPENDED

JEFFERSON COUNTY HOUSING AUTHORITY

2100 STONEY BROOK LANE

FULTONDALE, ALABAMA 35068

(205) 841-2595 /841-4573

Effective Monday, February 15, 2016, the Jefferson County Housing Authority’s (JCHA) Fultondale Office will no longer be accepting applications for Public Housing until further notice.

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MISC.

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57 Stone Gravel for Sale

Located in Midfield, Alabama

Please contact: Luke Sims – 770-295-8129 or James Morehead -770-757-7149

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Fire Your Power Company ! ! !

You could never pay an Electrical Bill again

Claim up to 1/3 of your cost on your taxes

Also

Installing Solar Power Gate Entry Systems

( No Meter Needed )

Call C.E.S. ( 205) 384-1222

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Grooming Kinky Hair Requires Understanding

By

Birmingham Times

-

February 18, 2016

0

Health and Beauty

by

Pete Stone

To perceive and comprehend the nature and significance of healthy kinky hair one must destigmatize our hair.

The history of kinky hair in America started with the African slave in the year 1619 at that time in America grooming kinky hair was unheard of by White colonist. The Africans were taken captive by white slave traders without their grooming or cosmetics to beautify themselves. The book, “Two Hundred Years Without a Comb” dramatizes the lack of understanding given to grooming kinky hair and brown skin, to this day in many black and white people. At this point in the article I am going to take you back to the auction blocks of the 1600’s where the African slaves stood with no grooming of the hair or skin this was the perception given to white America, one of the mis-understanding and ignorance of a different culture.

The slave and the horse were used as supportive animals to white man but he groomed the horse and didn’t groom the slave. The African slave was told that his hair and skin were ugly and unpleasant to look at. The terms nappy hair and ash skin which is a whitish gray tone on dry brown skin these terms were used to cause low self worth in the slaves. Today in black America there are many African Americans that are still stigmatic in their thinking when it comes to grooming kinky hair, above all things I wish them a good understanding of kinky hair culture. Now I am not asking you to believe this because I said it, I am asking you to study to show your own self approval.

Contact me at 205)243-8644