Kim Kardashian, Kanye West Expecting Second Child [WATCH]

By

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June 1, 2015

LOS ANGELES (AP) — Kimye are expecting another baby.

Kim Kardashian says she is pregnant with her second child with Kanye West.

She revealed the news in a clip that appeared after Sunday’s episode of the E! reality show “Keeping Up With the Kardashians.”

The show documented her fertility struggles, and she confided that an attempt to conceive through in vitro fertilization had failed.

The clip shows Kardashian telling her sister, Khloe, that a blood test following another attempt confirmed she was pregnant.

Kardashian and West have a nearly 2-year-old daughter, North West, who was born on June 15, 2013.

They got engaged four months later in an elaborate marriage proposal in front of family and friends at San Francisco’s AT&T Park. They married in May 2014 in Florence, Italy, after hosting lavish pre-wedding festivities in France.

The much-talked about couple has been dubbed Kimye since becoming an item.

Watch below:

http://on.aol.com/video/keeping-up-with-the-kardashians-sneak-peek–518858334

Mulga Mother and Sons Indicted on Prescription Pill Distribution Charges

By

Birmingham Times

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June 1, 2015

0

Mulga Mother and Sons Indicted on Prescription Pill Distribution Charges

BIRMINGHAM — A federal grand jury on Thursday indicted a Mulga woman and her two sons in connection with the illegal distribution of prescription painkillers, announced U.S. Attorney Joyce White Vance and Drug Enforcement Administration Assistant Special Agent in Charge Clay A. Morris.

A three-count indictment filed in U.S. District Court charges SUSAN ROBERTSON HICKS, 49, JONATHAN CODY HICKS, 26, and DUSTIN WADE COX, 33, with conspiring to possess, with the intent to distribute, oxycodone between January and May in Jefferson County. The indictment also charges Susan Hicks and son, Jonathan Hicks, with possessing and distributing the opioid painkiller on March 30, and charges the mother and son, Dustin Cox, with possessing and distributing oxycodone on April 27.

The three defendants were arrested on a federal complaint May 1. According to the sworn affidavit supporting the complaint, DEA agents, using a confidential source, bought 20 oxycodone tablets from Susan and Cody Hicks at their Birmingport Road home on March 30. On April 27, the same confidential source, under DEA surveillance, went to Hicks’ home and bought 20 oxycodone pills from Dustin Cox, five of which Cox took from a prescription pill bottle bearing Susan Hicks’ name, according to the affidavit.

The maximum penalty for the distribution charges is 20 years in prison and a $5 million fine.

The DEA investigated the case, which Assistant U.S. Attorney Austin D. Shutt is prosecuting.

Federal complaints and indictments contain charges. Defendants are presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.

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Destruction in Houston

By

Birmingham Times

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May 28, 2015

0

photo:Cars remain stranded along a flooded section of Interstate 45 after heavy rains overnight in Houston, Tuesday, May 26, 2015.AP Photo/David J. Phillip)

Destruction in Houston
By The Associated Press

HOUSTON — Floodwaters deepened across much of Texas on Tuesday as storms dumped almost a foot more of rain on the Houston area, stranding hundreds of motorists and inundating the famously congested highways that serve the nation’s fourth-largest city.
Meanwhile, the search went on for about a dozen people who were still missing, including a group that disappeared after a vacation home was swept down a river and slammed into a bridge.
Several more fatalities were reported — four in Houston and four more in Central Texas. That brought to 17 the number of people killed by the holiday weekend storms in Texas and Oklahoma.
Similar search efforts unfolded just south of the Texas-Mexico border, where crews tried to track down the missing and assessed damage in the city of Ciudad Acuna after a tornado killed 13 people Monday.
In Houston, the water rose sharply overnight as about 11 more inches of rain fell, much of it in a six-hour period. By Tuesday evening, most rivers had receded back within their banks.
The floodwaters affected virtually every part of the city and paralyzed some areas. Firefighters carried out more than 500 water rescues, most involving stranded motorists. At least 2,500 vehicles were abandoned by drivers seeking higher ground, officials said.
“Given the magnitude and how quickly it happened, in such a short period of time, I’ve never seen this before,” said Rick Flanagan, Houston’s emergency management coordinator.
The drenching weather threatened to linger. Forecasts called for a 20 to 40 percent chance of thunderstorms through the rest of the week in Houston.
The flooding closed several highways, and the ones that stayed open became a gridlocked mess.
Interstate 45 near downtown was backed up for miles Tuesday morning, and a handful of motorists traveled the wrong way on the highway to retreat from high water.
Small cars weaved between massive 18-wheelers as other drivers stared at them in disbelief. With no end to the backup in sight, some drivers got off the freeway, only to be held up again by water covering nearby access roads.
In the Heights neighborhood about 5 miles from downtown, groups of people roamed the streets after escaping their stalled cars, and police cruisers blocked some dangerous roads.
Some motorists were stuck on I-45 all night, sleeping in their cars until the backup was cleared about 8 a.m.
NBA fans at the Toyota Center, where the Rockets hosted a Western Conference finals game against Golden State on Monday, were asked with about two minutes left in the game not to leave the arena because of the weather.
The game ended before 11 p.m., but about 400 people remained in their seats at 1:30 a.m., choosing to stay in the building rather than brave the flooded roads that awaited them outside. Up to 150 people stayed all right, according to arena officials.
A spokeswoman for the flood district of Harris County, which includes Houston, said up to 700 homes sustained some level of damage.
Yesenia Lopez and her husband, Armando, waded through knee-deep water, carrying bags of possessions over their heads. During the night, a nearby bayou overflowed and flooded their apartment complex.
“We tried to do as much as we could, saved the family portraits and stuff like that, but everything else is destroyed,” she said.
The two planned to stay with her mother-in-law.
Dripping with water, she said: “Everything is scary. That’s the first time I lived through something like this, so it gives you a lot to think about.”
Some of the worst flooding in Texas was in Wimberley, a popular tourist town along the Blanco River in the corridor between Austin and San Antonio. That’s where the vacation home was swept away.
The “search component” of the mission ended Monday night, meaning no more survivors were expected to be found, said Trey Hatt, a spokesman for the Hays County Emergency Operations Center.
Eight people missing from the destroyed house were friends and family who had gathered for the holiday, said Kristi Wyatt, a spokeswoman for the City of San Marcos. Three children, two age 6 and another 4, were among the missing.
The Blanco crested above 40 feet — more than triple its flood stage of 13 feet. The river swamped Interstate 35 and closed parts of the busy north-south highway. Rescuers used pontoon boats and a helicopter to pull people out.
Hundreds of trees along the Blanco were uprooted or snapped, and they collected in piles of debris up to 20 feet high.
The deaths in Texas included two men and one woman whose bodies were pulled from the Blanco; a 14-year-old who was found with his dog in a storm drain; a high school senior who died after her car was caught in high water; and a man whose mobile home was destroyed by a reported tornado.
The Oklahoma Department of Emergency Management also reported four fatalities between Saturday and Monday after severe flooding and reports of tornadoes.
In Ciudad Acuna, Mayor Evaristo Perez Rivera said 300 people were treated at local hospitals after the twister, and more than 200 homes had been completely destroyed in the city of 125,000 across from Del Rio, Texas.
Thirteen people were confirmed dead — 10 adults and three infants, including one that was ripped from its mother’s arms by the storm.

Congratulations to Isaiah Migue Hall

By

Birmingham Times

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May 28, 2015

0

Congratulations to Isaiah Migue Hall
Isaiah is a member of the 2015 Senior Class of McGill-Toolen Catholic High School, Mobile, Alabama. Isaiah is the son of Karen Watkins-Hall and Michael Hall. The commencement exercises were held Friday evening, May 15, at 7 p.m. The graduation was held at the University of South Alabama, Mitchell Center, Mobile, Ala.
Congratulations on your success in the 2015 Jack and Jill of America, Inc. / The LeBeautillion Militaire presentation. Congratulations on being presented as a 2015 Beaux.
Isaiah chose Miss Adriana Foster as his Belle escort for the ball. Being a Beaux is a once-in-a- lifetime opportunity. The formal ball was held Sunday, May 3, at the Mobile Convention Center Water Street, Mobile, Alabama 36602.

$1,000 Reward for Those Responsible for Murder of Charlie Fuller

By

Birmingham Times

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May 28, 2015

0

$1,000 Reward for Those Responsible for Murder of Charlie Fuller

Birmingham City Councilman Jay Roberson is offering a $1000 reward for information leading to the arrest of the person(s) responsible for the Murder of 86-year-old Charlie Fuller.
Below is a prepared statement by Councilman Jay Roberson:

“It is with a heavy heart and prayers for the Fuller family that I am writing you in offering support in the investigation of finding Mr. Charlie Fuller’s killer. Mr. Fuller was a well-respected man in our community and this insensible act of robbing an 86-year-old man in his own yard is uncalled for. This Councilor will not allow this type of violent act to happen to anyone, but most of all the elderly in our communities. My prayers go out to the Fuller family in the loss of their Grandfather, Father, Uncle, Brother, and Friend. I am offering a reward of $1,000 to anyone that can share any information or lead in finding the person that robbed and killed Mr. Charlie Fuller. My prayer is that this reward will speed up the investigation and bring closure for the Fuller family.”

Birmingham City Councilman Jay Roberson is offering a $1000 reward for information leading to the arrest of the person(s) responsible for the Murder of 86-year-old Charlie Fuller.
Below is a prepared statement by Councilman Jay Roberson:

“It is with a heavy heart and prayers for the Fuller family that I am writing you in offering support in the investigation of finding Mr. Charlie Fuller’s killer. Mr. Fuller was a well-respected man in our community and this insensible act of robbing an 86-year-old man in his own yard is uncalled for. This Councilor will not allow this type of violent act to happen to anyone, but most of all the elderly in our communities. My prayers go out to the Fuller family in the loss of their Grandfather, Father, Uncle, Brother, and Friend. I am offering a reward of $1,000 to anyone that can share any information or lead in finding the person that robbed and killed Mr. Charlie Fuller. My prayer is that this reward will speed up the investigation and bring closure for the Fuller family.”

I AM

By

Birmingham Times

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May 28, 2015

0

Marie Chatman Abron Bracy Poetry Award

Booker T. Washington Elementary School Honors and Award Day

On Friday May, 22, an awards program was held at Booker T. Washington K-8 School. The Marie Chatman Abron Bracy poetry award was presented to Ms. Allison Moss. On the program Ms. Moss read the poem “I AM” which she wrote. The speaker was Dr. Tommie Tonea Stewart, Dean College of Visual and Performing Arts, Alabama State University.

Principal: Ms. Damita D. Pitts
Vice Principal: Mr. Bruce Roper
Guidance Counselor: Ms. Sandra Rudolph

I AM
I am Allison.
I am intelligent, black, and glad to be me.
Bold, brave, and have a bright future you can see.
I am outspoken and kind hearted,
I am always full of excitement and uplifting.
I am curious; however, I will study to find the answers.
I am wonderful, magnificent, and great,
I am a daughter, sister, and friend
I am Allison.

19-Year Old Black Biz Expert Gets Big Buy

By

Birmingham Times

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May 28, 2015

0

LEADING CONSULTING FIRM PURCHASES MORE THAN 100 COPIES OF 19-YEAR OLD SHERRON STEVEN’S BOOK

Undercover Customer By Sherron Stevens

Bookcover and author, Sherron Stevens

Columbus, OH (BlackNews.com) — Earlier this year, while still just a freshmen in college, 19-year old Sherron A. Stevens released his first-ever book, entitled Undercover Customer: 100 Ways to Fix Your Broken Customer Service. This book provides 100 ways to deliver great customer service. Stevens, although a rookie in the industry, took his own front-line customer experiences from working at Chick-fil-a and put them into an easy-to-read guide.

The release of the book led to tons of publicity for Stevens, and even led to a major career opportunity for him. Stevens was recruited as a summer intern by Root Inc., an Ohio-based strategy execution consulting company, to work with the organization’s “Customers for Life” team. They were so impressed him and his book, that they have decided to buy more than 100 copies for each of their employees to have a personal copy.

“I am overwhelmed at the support of everyone around me including family, friends and co-workers. When you find a passion, EVERY single door will open. I never thought that Customer Service would be something I would be doing for the rest of my life,” Stevens.

Stevens, who has just completed his freshmen year of college, is working towards his Associates of Business degree from a local community college in Ohio. Upon completion, he is planning to transfer to Ohio University to get a Bachelor of Applied Human and Consumer Sciences (Customer Service).

He is a first generation college student who is letting nothing get in his way of success, and is hoping to take all of his experiences along with his college degree and start his own customer service consulting and training company. “I want to be an innovator in the Customer Service Business and connect people daily,” he says.

Here’s what others are saying about Undercover Customer:

“Sherron Stevens is passionate about everything he does including serving guests and working hard. He is always ready to laugh and brighten someones day.” — Karen Bolumen (Owner/Operator for Chick-fil-a)

“Customers and Service providers – young and old alike – will benefit from this book, and from this new author who surely will make great and welcome contributions to our world.” — Ron Kaufman (Author and Founder of UP! Your Service)

Classified

By

Birmingham Times

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May 28, 2015

0

**Employment

*University of Montevallo

We are currently accepting applications for the following positions:

•   Assistant to the Chief Information Officer
•   Grant Proposal Coordinator
•   Custodian I (Part-time)

Apply online at *https://jobs.montevallo.edu
*UM is an EO Employer
BT05/28/15
(HZline)
________________
**CATERING SERVICE
*Rae Rae’s Catering
All Events – Weddings –
Family Reunions – Etc.
*205-266-0831or 205-587-7503
BT05/28/15
(HZline)
________________
*Legals

*INVITATION TO BID

Sealed bids for *PACKAGE B—PARK SWINGSET REPLACEMENTS at Various *Locations Birmingham, AL will be received by the City Architect in Conference Room 215 Birmingham City Hall, Birmingham, Alabama until 2:00 p.m., *Thursday, *June 18, 2015 at which time and place they will be publicly opened and read aloud.

All bids must be on a lump sum basis. Bids are to be submitted in duplicate on the Proposal Form provided with specifications. No pre-qualification of bidders will be conducted prior to receiving bids.

Under the Alabama State Code, Section 39-2-4, as amended by Act #97-225, it is required for any contract exceeding $50,000 that the Bidder submit with his bid, either a cashier’s check, drawn on an Alabama bank, or a bid bond, executed by a surety authorized and qualified to make bonds in Alabama, payable to the City of Birmingham, in an amount (subject to a maximum of $10,000.00) equal to five percent (5%) of the bid. In order for a bid to be considered, it must be accompanied by an acceptable bid bond or cashier’s check.

Any bid submitted for an amount of $50,000 or more, the bidder must be a licensed general contractor in the State of Alabama in accordance with Section 34-8, of the Alabama State Code. Contractor’s license number shall appear on the outside of the envelope used to submit bid.

A Performance Bond in the amount of 100% of the contract amount and a Statutory Labor and Material Payment Bond in the amount of 100% of the contract amount will be required from the successful bidder at the signing of the contract. Also, proof of insurance will be required when the contract is signed. The City will review bonds and insurance and execute the contract within twenty (20) days unless the successful contractor agrees to an extension in writing.

A Pre-bid Conference to review and discuss the project will be held at 2:00 p.m. on *Tuesday, June 9, 2015 in Conference Room 215, Birmingham City Hall.

Bid documents are opened to public inspection at the Department of Planning, Engineering and Permits—Architectural Division, Room 220 City Hall, 710 20th Street North Birmingham, AL 35203. Electronic version of the bid documents may be viewed online at McGraw-Hill Construction Dodge, http://www.construction.com/; AGC/iSQFT Plan Room, http://www.alagc.org/resourcesServices/internetPlanRm/; Reed Construction Data, http://www.reedconstructiondata.com/; and at the Birmingham Construction Industry Authority, 3600 Fourth Avenue South, Birmingham, AL 35222.

Bid documents may be viewed and purchased through the City of Birmingham online plans room site at http://BirminghamBids.algraphics.com. Any cost for reproduction shall be the responsibility of bidders.

Since award may not be made within thirty (30) days, no bid may be withdrawn for a period of sixty (60) days after the date of the bid opening.

The City reserves the right to reject any or all bids submitted, and to waive any informalities.

*IMPORTANT BIDDER INFORMATION

Bidders are expected to prepare their bid to include all necessary material, labor, bonds, permits, overhead, profit, taxes, insurance, etc. costs. It is not the City’s obligation to bring mistakes/omissions in bid to bidder’s attention. If after bid opening, a bidder determines he has a mistake in bid, he may seek withdrawal of his bid without forfeiting his bond, if the request is in writing within three (3) work days after the bid opening, and is accompanied by clear and convincing evidence of the mistake.

All cashier’s checks or bid bonds will be returned immediately after bids are checked and tabulated to all except the three (3) lowest bona fide bidders. Bid bonds shall be returned to the three (3) lowest bona fide bidders when the contract is signed and performance and payment bonds and insurance are furnished by the successful bidder. If award is not made within fifteen (15) days after bid opening, all bid guarantees will be returned except for those of the potentially successful bidders. If after sixty (60) days, no award has been made, all bids shall be rejected and the potentially successful bidder’s guarantee will be returned unless the bidder agrees in writing to a time extension. If a time extension is effected, bidder may substitute any cashier’s check for a satisfactory bid bond.

Any contract resulting from this Invitation to Bid shall not be assignable without prior written consent of the City. Under no conditions, shall the contract be assigned to an unsuccessful bidder whose bid was rejected as non-responsive and/or non-responsible.

A Notice to Proceed will be issued by the City within fifteen (15) days after final contract execution unless both parties agree in writing to a longer period of time.

Special attention is called to the applicability of the Birmingham Plan-Construction Industry Program to the project. Under this Program, the utilization of Minority Business Enterprises and Disadvantaged Business Enterprises (MBE/DBE) is encouraged on a voluntary basis. The Construction Industry Authority established a system of floating MBD/DBE goals which may differ from year to year and project to project. Overall, these goals shall not be less than the historical participation of MBD/DBE’s in construction projects of the City and its agencies. Additional information about this Program is contained in the Project Manual and may be obtained from the Executive Director, Birmingham Construction Industry Authority at 3600 4th Avenue, South, Birmingham, Alabama 35222 (Telephone: 205-324-6202). For federally funded contracts, the provisions of the President’s Executive Order 11246 and federal agency regulations requiring affirmative action to achieve employment and utilization of minority persons and business will apply.

As a matter of public policy, the City of Birmingham agrees to make opportunities available to the maximum extent possible, to actively include Historically Underutilized Business Enterprises (HUBE’s) such as architectural firms, engineering firms, investment banking firms, other professional consultant services providers, and construction contractors as part of business, economic and community revitalization programs.

Bids must be submitted in a sealed envelope marked: *SEALED BID – PACKAGE B*PARK SWINGSET REPLACEMENTS. Bids may be *hand delivered to Conference Room 215 City Hall, Birmingham, Alabama, or mailed to: City of Birmingham Planning, Engineering and Permits Department, Architectural Division, Room 220 City Hall, 710 North 20th Street, Birmingham, Alabama 35203. Bids sent by any express carrier (Federal Express, UPS, Airborne, etc.) must specify delivery to Room 220 City Hall.

It is the bidder’s responsibility to make sure that his bid is in the possession of the City Architect on or before 2:00 p.m., Thursday, June 18, 2015. Bids received after this time will not be considered.
BT05/28/15
(HZline)
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*INVITATION TO BID

Sealed bids for *PACKAGE C—PARK POURED-IN-PLACE SOFT SURFACE *REPLACEMENTS at Various Locations Birmingham, AL will be received by the City Architect in Conference Room 215 Birmingham City Hall, Birmingham, Alabama until 3:00 p.m., *Thursday, June 18, 2015 at which time and place they will be publicly opened and read aloud.

All bids must be on a lump sum basis. Bids are to be submitted in duplicate on the Proposal Form provided with specifications. No pre-qualification of bidders will be conducted prior to receiving bids.

Under the Alabama State Code, Section 39-2-4, as amended by Act #97-225, it is required for any contract exceeding $50,000 that the Bidder submit with his bid, either a cashier’s check, drawn on an Alabama bank, or a bid bond, executed by a surety authorized and qualified to make bonds in Alabama, payable to the City of Birmingham, in an amount (subject to a maximum of $10,000.00) equal to five percent (5%) of the bid. In order for a bid to be considered, it must be accompanied by an acceptable bid bond or cashier’s check.

Any bid submitted for an amount of $50,000 or more, the bidder must be a licensed general contractor in the State of Alabama in accordance with Section 34-8, of the Alabama State Code. Contractor’s license number shall appear on the outside of the envelope used to submit bid.

A Performance Bond in the amount of 100% of the contract amount and a Statutory Labor and Material Payment Bond in the amount of 100% of the contract amount will be required from the successful bidder at the signing of the contract. Also, proof of insurance will be required when the contract is signed. The City will review bonds and insurance and execute the contract within twenty (20) days unless the successful contractor agrees to an extension in writing.

A Pre-bid Conference to review and discuss the project will be held at *3:00 p.m. on *Tuesday, June 9, 2015 in Conference Room 215, Birmingham City Hall.

Bid documents are opened to public inspection at the Department of Planning, Engineering and Permits—Architectural Division, Room 220 City Hall, 710 20th Street North Birmingham, AL 35203. Electronic version of the bid documents may be viewed online at McGraw-Hill Construction Dodge, http://www.construction.com/; AGC/iSQFT Plan Room, http://www.alagc.org/resourcesServices/internetPlanRm/; Reed Construction Data, http://www.reedconstructiondata.com/; and at the Birmingham Construction Industry Authority, 3600 Fourth Avenue South, Birmingham, AL 35222.

Bid documents may be viewed and purchased through the City of Birmingham online plans room site at http://BirminghamBids.algraphics.com. Any cost for reproduction shall be the responsibility of bidders.

Since award may not be made within thirty (30) days, no bid may be withdrawn for a period of sixty (60) days after the date of the bid opening.

The City reserves the right to reject any or all bids submitted, and to waive any informalities.

*IMPORTANT BIDDER INFORMATION

Bidders are expected to prepare their bid to include all necessary material, labor, bonds, permits, overhead, profit, taxes, insurance, etc. costs. It is not the City’s obligation to bring mistakes/omissions in bid to bidder’s attention. If after bid opening, a bidder determines he has a mistake in bid, he may seek withdrawal of his bid without forfeiting his bond, if the request is in writing within three (3) work days after the bid opening, and is accompanied by clear and convincing evidence of the mistake.

All cashier’s checks or bid bonds will be returned immediately after bids are checked and tabulated to all except the three (3) lowest bona fide bidders. Bid bonds shall be returned to the three (3) lowest bona fide bidders when the contract is signed and performance and payment bonds and insurance are furnished by the successful bidder. If award is not made within fifteen (15) days after bid opening, all bid guarantees will be returned except for those of the potentially successful bidders. If after sixty (60) days, no award has been made, all bids shall be rejected and the potentially successful bidder’s guarantee will be returned unless the bidder agrees in writing to a time extension. If a time extension is effected, bidder may substitute any cashier’s check for a satisfactory bid bond.

Any contract resulting from this Invitation to Bid shall not be assignable without prior written consent of the City. Under no conditions, shall the contract be assigned to an unsuccessful bidder whose bid was rejected as non-responsive and/or non-responsible.

A Notice to Proceed will be issued by the City within fifteen (15) days after final contract execution unless both parties agree in writing to a longer period of time.

Special attention is called to the applicability of the Birmingham Plan-Construction Industry Program to the project. Under this Program, the utilization of Minority Business Enterprises and Disadvantaged Business Enterprises (MBE/DBE) is encouraged on a voluntary basis. The Construction Industry Authority established a system of floating MBD/DBE goals which may differ from year to year and project to project. Overall, these goals shall not be less than the historical participation of MBD/DBE’s in construction projects of the City and its agencies. Additional information about this Program is contained in the Project Manual and may be obtained from the Executive Director, Birmingham Construction Industry Authority at 3600 4th Avenue, South, Birmingham, Alabama 35222 (Telephone: 205-324-6202). For federally funded contracts, the provisions of the President’s Executive Order 11246 and federal agency regulations requiring affirmative action to achieve employment and utilization of minority persons and business will apply.

As a matter of public policy, the City of Birmingham agrees to make opportunities available to the maximum extent possible, to actively include Historically Underutilized Business Enterprises (HUBE’s) such as architectural firms, engineering firms, investment banking firms, other professional consultant services providers, and construction contractors as part of business, economic and community revitalization programs.

Bids must be submitted in a sealed envelope marked: *SEALED BID – PACKAGE B—*PARK POURED-IN-PLACE SOFT SURFACE REPLACEMENTS. Bids may be *hand delivered to Conference Room 215 City Hall, Birmingham, Alabama, or mailed to: City of Birmingham Planning, Engineering and Permits Department, Architectural Division, Room 220 City Hall, 710 North 20th Street, Birmingham, Alabama 35203. Bids sent by any express carrier (Federal Express, UPS, Airborne, etc.) must specify delivery to Room 220 City Hall.

It is the bidder’s responsibility to make sure that his bid is in the possession of the City Architect on or before 3:00 p.m., *Thursday, June 18, 2015. Bids received after this time will not be considered.
BT05/28/15
(HZline)
_______________
*INVITATION TO BID

Sealed bids for *ECHO HIGHLANDS PARK RENOVATIONS at 1800 Indian *Summer Drive Birmingham, AL 35215 will be received by the City Architect in Conference Room 215 Birmingham City Hall, Birmingham, Alabama until 2:00 p.m., *Thursday, June 25, 2015 at which time and place they will be publicly opened and read aloud.

All bids must be on a lump sum basis. Bids are to be submitted in duplicate on the Proposal Form provided with specifications. No pre-qualification of bidders will be conducted prior to receiving bids.

Under the Alabama State Code, Section 39-2-4, as amended by Act #97-225, it is required for any contract exceeding $50,000 that the Bidder submit with his bid, either a cashier’s check, drawn on an Alabama bank, or a bid bond, executed by a surety authorized and qualified to make bonds in Alabama, payable to the City of Birmingham, in an amount (subject to a maximum of $10,000.00) equal to five percent (5%) of the bid. In order for a bid to be considered, it must be accompanied by an acceptable bid bond or cashier’s check.

Any bid submitted for an amount of $50,000 or more, the bidder must be a licensed general contractor in the State of Alabama in accordance with Section 34-8, of the Alabama State Code. Contractor’s license number shall appear on the outside of the envelope used to submit bid.

A Performance Bond in the amount of 100% of the contract amount and a Statutory Labor and Material Payment Bond in the amount of 100% of the contract amount will be required from the successful bidder at the signing of the contract. Also, proof of insurance will be required when the contract is signed. The City will review bonds and insurance and execute the contract within twenty (20) days unless the successful contractor agrees to an extension in writing.

A Pre-bid Conference to review and discuss the project will be held at *2:00 p.m. on *Tuesday, June 16, 2015 in Conference Room 215, Birmingham City Hall.

Bid documents are opened to public inspection at the Department of Planning, Engineering and Permits—Architectural Division, Room 220 City Hall, 710 20th Street North Birmingham, AL 35203. Electronic version of the bid documents may be viewed online at McGraw-Hill Construction Dodge, http://www.construction.com/; AGC/iSQFT Plan Room, http://www.alagc.org/resourcesServices/internetPlanRm/; Reed Construction Data, http://www.reedconstructiondata.com/; and at the Birmingham Construction Industry Authority, 3600 Fourth Avenue South, Birmingham, AL 35222.

Bid documents may be viewed and purchased through the City of Birmingham online plans room site at http://BirminghamBids.algraphics.com. Any cost for reproduction shall be the responsibility of bidders.

Since award may not be made within thirty (30) days, no bid may be withdrawn for a period of sixty (60) days after the date of the bid opening.

The City reserves the right to reject any or all bids submitted, and to waive any informalities.

*IMPORTANT BIDDER INFORMATION

Bidders are expected to prepare their bid to include all necessary material, labor, bonds, permits, overhead, profit, taxes, insurance, etc. costs. It is not the City’s obligation to bring mistakes/omissions in bid to bidder’s attention. If after bid opening, a bidder determines he has a mistake in bid, he may seek withdrawal of his bid without forfeiting his bond, if the request is in writing within three (3) work days after the bid opening, and is accompanied by clear and convincing evidence of the mistake.

All cashier’s checks or bid bonds will be returned immediately after bids are checked and tabulated to all except the three (3) lowest bona fide bidders. Bid bonds shall be returned to the three (3) lowest bona fide bidders when the contract is signed and performance and payment bonds and insurance are furnished by the successful bidder. If award is not made within fifteen (15) days after bid opening, all bid guarantees will be returned except for those of the potentially successful bidders. If after sixty (60) days, no award has been made, all bids shall be rejected and the potentially successful bidder’s guarantee will be returned unless the bidder agrees in writing to a time extension. If a time extension is effected, bidder may substitute any cashier’s check for a satisfactory bid bond.

Any contract resulting from this Invitation to Bid shall not be assignable without prior written consent of the City. Under no conditions, shall the contract be assigned to an unsuccessful bidder whose bid was rejected as non-responsive and/or non-responsible.

A Notice to Proceed will be issued by the City within fifteen (15) days after final contract execution unless both parties agree in writing to a longer period of time.

Special attention is called to the applicability of the Birmingham Plan-Construction Industry Program to the project. Under this Program, the utilization of Minority Business Enterprises and Disadvantaged Business Enterprises (MBE/DBE) is encouraged on a voluntary basis. The Construction Industry Authority established a system of floating MBD/DBE goals which may differ from year to year and project to project. Overall, these goals shall not be less than the historical participation of MBD/DBE’s in construction projects of the City and its agencies. Additional information about this Program is contained in the Project Manual and may be obtained from the Executive Director, Birmingham Construction Industry Authority at 3600 4th Avenue, South, Birmingham, Alabama 35222 (Telephone: 205-324-6202). For federally funded contracts, the provisions of the President’s Executive Order 11246 and federal agency regulations requiring affirmative action to achieve employment and utilization of minority persons and business will apply.

As a matter of public policy, the City of Birmingham agrees to make opportunities available to the maximum extent possible, to actively include Historically Underutilized Business Enterprises (HUBE’s) such as architectural firms, engineering firms, investment banking firms, other professional consultant services providers, and construction contractors as part of business, economic and community revitalization programs.

Bids must be submitted in a sealed envelope marked: *SEALED BID – ECHO *HIGHLANDS PARK RENOVATIONS. Bids may be hand delivered to Conference Room 215 City Hall, Birmingham, Alabama, or mailed to: City of Birmingham Planning, Engineering and Permits Department, Architectural Division, Room 220 City Hall, 710 North 20th Street, Birmingham, Alabama 35203. Bids sent by any express carrier (Federal Express, UPS, Airborne, etc.) must specify delivery to Room 220 City Hall.

It is the bidder’s responsibility to make sure that his bid is in the possession of the City Architect on or before 2:00 p.m., *Thursday, June 25, 2015. Bids received after this time will not be considered.
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*NOTICE TO BIDDERS: IFB #15-11 – PRE-EMPLOYMENT BACKGROUND SCREENING SERVICES
Notice is hereby given that Birmingham-Jefferson County Transit Authority is soliciting bids from a qualified person or entity to supply BJCTA with a PRE-EMPLOYMENT BACKGROUND SCREENING SERVICES. The bid document is available for download on BJCTA’s website, www.bjcta.org.
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*NOTICE TO BIDDERS: IFB #15-14 – SUPERVISOR’S UNIFORM ITEMS
Notice is hereby given that Birmingham-Jefferson County Transit Authority is soliciting bids from a qualified person or entity to supply BJCTA with SUPERVISOR’S UNIFORM ITEMS. The bid document is available for download on the BJCTA’s website, www.bjcta.org.
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*NOTICE TO BIDDERS: IFB #15-15 – MYSTERY RIDER SERVICE
Notice is hereby given that Birmingham-Jefferson County Transit Authority is soliciting bids from a qualified person or entity to supply BJCTA with a * MYSTERY RIDER SERVICE. The bid document is available for download on the BJCTA’s website, www.bjcta.org.
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*TO:
Prospective Offerors

*REQUEST FOR PROPOSALS:
*15-14

*SEPARATE SEALED PROPOSALS FOR:
Architectural/Engineering Design Services for the
Central Office HVAC System

*PROPOSALS WILL BE RECEIVED AT:
HABD Central Office
Procurement Administrator
1826 Third Avenue South
Birmingham, AL 35233-1905

*CLOSING DATE:
May 29, 2015

*TIME:
2:00 P.M. CST

*LOCATION:
HABD Central Office
Procurement Administrator
1826 Third Avenue South
Birmingham, AL 35233-1905

By submission of a proposal the offeror agrees, if the offeror’s proposal is accepted, to enter a contract with the Housing Authority of the Birmingham District (HABD), to complete all work as specified or indicated in the contract documents, for the contract price and within the contract time indicted in the RFP. The offeror further accepts the terms and conditions of the RFP.

Proposals must be prepared in accordance with the section entitled “Submittal of Proposal,” and will be evaluated by the HABD. Evaluation will be based on the criteria within this RFP.

Copies of the RFP, which includes the scope of services, conditions and requirements, may be obtained from the HABD Procurement Office located at the address listed above. Persons who require special accommodations should immediately contact the HABD Procurement Office at (205) 521-0611.

The HABD reserves the right to accept or reject any or all proposals, or any proposal, and to waive any informalities or irregularities.

The HABD in accordance with the Executive Orders 11625 and 12138 promotes participation by businesses owned and operated by disadvantaged and historically underutilized businesses. Section 3 business requirements must also be met.

A copy of this solicitation is available at *www.habd.org under the Purchasing and Procurement Section. Questions regarding the attached RFP should be directed to the Procurement Administrator, in writing ten (10) days prior to proposal due date. Questions received after the deadline will not be answered.

*Contracting Officer:
*Naomi H. Truman, Executive Director
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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 at Poole & Company Architects LLC, 2 North 20th Street, Suite 1610, Birmingham, Alabama 35203 on Thursday, June 11, 2015 by John Blocker, Project Manager. 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) 326-2201 to expedite the review process with hard-copies of the submittals to be delivered within 24 hours.
*JEFFERSON COUNTY PUBLIC SAFETY CENTER DOMESTIC HOT WATER STORAGE TANK REPLACEMENT JEFFERSON COUNTY *COMMISSION *JEFFCO PROJECT # G.15507.01
*A. SCOPE OF WORK:
Jefferson County Commission has elected to initiate a project to replace the defective hot water storage tank. The existing horizontal storage tank located in the main level mechanical room is approximately 2,000 gallons and is original to the building. The replacement project shall be designed and constructed to provide future flexibility, and minimize hot water system down time, such that the facility is never without domestic hot water. The completed project will include removal of the existing storage tank and two fractional horsepower inline hot water circulator pumps. Two – 1000 gallon storage tanks, with isolation valves, to allow parallel or independent operation, will be installed within the footprint of the demolished tank. Two inline, fractional horsepower pumps will be provided under this contract by the mechanical/plumbing contractor. The construction of the project shall be carried out to minimize down time of the system during construction to intervals of 3 – 4 hours. To achieve this, the project has been divided into four distinct phases. Each phase will be carried out to the satisfaction of the owner and design team prior to the start of a subsequent phase. The project location is the Jefferson County Public Safety Center, 809 Richard Arrington Jr. Boulevard North, Birmingham, Alabama 35263
*B. PRIME MECHANICAL/PLUMBING CONTRACT OR BIDDER PREQUALIFICATIONS:
A Mechanical/Plumbing Contractor will be the Prime Contractor. Mechanical/Plumbing 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. The mechanical/plumbing contractor must be a licensed general contractor and must also have proven experience serving as a prime contractor for this type of work. We are seeking only mechanical/plumbing contractors who are also a licensed general contractor.
Only 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 Architect’s Project Manager no later than 2:00pm local time on Thursday, June 11, 2015 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 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 *2:00pm local time on Thursday, *June 18, 2015.
*C. BIDS:
The Jefferson County Commission will receive sealed Proposals for the Jefferson County Domestic Hot Water Storage Tank Replacement until *2:00 PM Local Time on Tuesday, July 14, 2015 at the Jefferson County Courthouse, Room 1, General Services, 716 Richard Arrington Jr. Boulevard North, Birmingham, Alabama 35263, after which time they will be opened in the Commission Chamber, Second Floor, Room 270.
No Bids will be accepted after the time stated for the receipt of Bids. This requirement will not be waived. The clock in the County Commission Chamber will be used to determine the correct time as determined by the Director of General Services, or his designated representative. At the time stated above, the Proposals will be opened and publicly read aloud.
All Bids must be on a lump-sum basis. Submit two identical copies of the Bid on the Proposal Form provided, without changes, in a sealed envelope bearing the Contractor’s name and current Alabama license number. Bids that do not bear the Contractor’s current license number will be returned without being opened.
Construction Contracts shall be awarded only to Contractors, licensed by the State Licensing Board for General Contractors, as required by Title 34, Chapter 8, Code of Alabama. Construction Contracts in excess of $50,000 shall be awarded only to Contractors licensed as required by the 1978 Code of Alabama, Title 34, Chapter 8 as amended. Bidders must be “responsible” in accordance with criteria in the Bid Documents and as stipulated by Title 39-2-3-(e) of the Code of Alabama
A Bid Bond, executed by a Surety company duly authorized and qualified to make such bonds in Alabama, payable to Jefferson County in the amount of 5% of the amount of the Bid, but not more than $10,000, must accompany the Bidder’s Proposal. Performance and Labor and Material Payment Bonds in the amount of 100% of the contract price, will be required when the Contract is presented by the Contractor to the Owner.
A mandatory Pre-Bid Conference will be held at 2:00 PM Local Time on *Wednesday, July 1, 2015 in the Jefferson County Courthouse, Room 22, Ground Floor, 716 Richard Arrington Jr. Boulevard North, Birmingham, Alabama. Because
of the nature of this project, Prime Contractor bidders who have been approved must attend the Pre-bid Conference. If the number of bidders who attend the Pre-Bid Conference decreases so there is little or no competition, the Bid may be postponed at the discretion of the Owner.
Bid Documents (Drawings and Project Manual) will be open to public examination after 12:00 PM Local Time on *Friday, June 19, 2015 at the office of Poole and Company Architects, LLC, 2 20th Street North, Tel. 205-326-2206, Suite 1610; AGC Internet Plan Room; at the Birmingham Construction Industry Authority; at the F.W. Dodge Company Plan Room in Birmingham; McGraw-Hill Construction Dodge, and Construction Market Data in Birmingham.
Two sets of Bid Documents will be provided to each pre-approved Prime Contractor bidder upon receipt of a deposit check of $200.00, made payable and delivered to Poole and Company Architects, LLC. The deposit check will be refunded in full upon return of the documents in good condition within ten days of the Bid date. Good condition is defined as documents that are properly bound, fully clear, legible, without tears, without defacing marks, notes of extraneous comments or sketches on front or back of any sheet. Additional sets of Bid Documents may be obtained at Alabama Graphics for the cost of printing and handling. Bids will only be accepted from pre- approved Prime Contractor bidder who have filed a document deposit with the Architect.
No Bid may be withdrawn after the scheduled closing time for the receipt of Bids for a period of 60 days. Only Bids submitted by pre-approved Prime Contractor bidder licensed as required by applicable State and Local laws and bearing the license number of the Contractor will be considered.
The Owner reserves the right to reject any and all bids; to waive formalities and technicalities, and to proceed in its’ own best interests.
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*ADVERTISEMENT FOR BIDS

Sealed proposals will be received by Birmingham City Schools at the office of Edward McMullen, Purchasing Department, at 2015 Park Place North, Birmingham, Alabama 35203 until *10:00 AM CDT, June 23, 2015 for the Roof Replacement and *Wall Sealants of the Central Office for the Birmingham City Board of Education, at which time and place they will be publicly opened and read.

*A mandatory pre-bid conference is scheduled for 10:00 AM CDT, June 16, 2015 at *the Birmingham City Schools Central Office Auditorium, 2015 Park Place North, *Birmingham, Alabama 35203.

A cashier’s check or bid bond payable to Birmingham City Schools in an amount not less than five (5%) percent of the amount of the bid, but in no event more than $10,000.00, must accompany the bidder’s proposal. Performance and Payment Bonds and evidence of insurance required in the bid documents will be required at the signing of the Contract.

Drawings and specifications may be examined at the office of *Stephen Ward & *Associates, Inc. 300 Office Park Dr. Suite 120, Mountain Brook, Alabama 35223, *AGC Internet Plan Room, F. W. Dodge Plan Rooms, Birmingham Construction *Industry Authority Plan Room and Construction Market Data Plan Room.

Requirements for Pre-qualification: The Owner shall qualify Contractors who have successfully completed similar projects on time for satisfied Owners. Pre-Qualification forms shall be obtained from the Architect. The Pre-Qualification proposal shall consist of AIA Document A305, Workers’ Compensation Experience Modification Rate, a list of successful projects, construction costs, clients’ name, address, and telephone number.

Only General Contractors who have been approved to bid pursuant to Pre-Qualification procedures and criteria established by the Owner will be eligible to bid for the project. Pre-Qualification proposals shall be submitted to the office of *Stephen Ward & *Associates, Inc., 300 Office Park Dr. Suite 120, Birmingham, Alabama 35223, no later than *5:00 PM, June 8, 2015. General Contractors will be notified on noon on June 9, 2015 as to the status of their pre-qualification. Written Pre-Qualification procedures and criteria are available for review at the office of Stephen Ward & Associates, Inc., 300 Office Park Dr. Suite 120, Birmingham, Alabama 35223 and the Birmingham Construction Industry Authority Plan Room.

Bids must be submitted on proposal forms furnished by the Architect or copies thereof. All bidders bidding in amounts exceeding that established by the State Licensing Board for General Contractors must be licensed under the provisions of Title 34, Chapter 8, Code of Alabama 1975, and must show evidence of license before bidding or bid will not be received or considered by the Architects: the bidder shall show such evidence by clearly displaying his or her current license number on the outside of the sealed envelope in which the proposal is delivered. All times indicated are local times. The Owner reserves the right to reject any or all proposals and to waive technical errors if, in the Owner’s judgment, the best interest of the Owner will thereby be promoted.
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*ADVERTISEMENT FOR PREQUALIFICATION OF *CONTRACTORS
*AND FOR BIDS FROM BIDDERS THAT ARE PREQUALIFIED

Sealed proposals will be received by the Lawson State Community College, 3060 Wilson Rd SW, Birmingham, AL 35221 in the Facilities Building Conference Room; *UNTIL 2:00 PM *Local Time; on Thursday June 25th , 2015, for:

*ACATT PARTIAL 3rd. FLOOR FITOUT
*AND ELEVATOR ADDITION

at which time and place they will be publicly opened and read.

The project includes, but is not limited to, selective demolition, site work, the construction of a new elevator and renovations on the third floor and all related work as indicated on the Bid and Construction Documents.

A cashiers check or bid bond payable to Lawson State Community College, Birmingham, Alabama, 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, and insurance in compliance with requirements, will be required at the signing of the Contract.

Drawings and Specifications *will be available after June 1st , 2015, to Prequalified project General Contractors; and may be examined at the Office of the Architect; and digital Plan Rooms of: Dodge SCAN; Reed Construction Data, Birmingham Construction Industry Authority (BCIA), iSQFT and AGC Internet Plan Rooms in Birmingham, Alabama.

*Approved Pre-Qualified Bidders may obtain documents from Alabama Graphics, for a *non-refundable cost equal to the cost of printing (which is approximately $175.00). *Other sets for general contractors, and sets for subs and dealers, may be obtained at the *same amount. Partial sets will not be available.

Prequalification data shall be submitted *no later than June 9th, 2015, and shall include the following information and/or verification in letter or acceptable standard format of AIA or AGC: Company information, including: 1) Statutory license type, limits, type(s) of work and expiration date; 2) Bonding company and capacity; 3) Verification of minimum 5 years successful history as a General Contractor with projects of similar size and scope under the name of the firm which will be bidding and contracting for the work, and verifiable successful history of completing these and other projects in a timely manner; and 4) For compliance with the Alabama Immigration Law, Act 2011 – 535. Note that any joint venture arrangements must qualify solely on the strength of the principal firm’s prequalification information. Two hard copies of the document shall be submitted to the Architect, for Owner’s review, and a decision regarding the prospective bidder’s prequalification will be communicated to them within 5 working days.

Bids must be submitted on proposal forms furnished by the Architect or copies thereof. All bidders bidding in amounts exceeding that established by the State Licensing Board for General Contractors must be licensed under the Provision of Title 34, Chapter 8, Code of Alabama, 1975, as amended, and must show such evidence of license before bidding or bid will not be received or considered by Architect or Owner; The bidder shall show such evidence by clearly displaying their current license number on the outside of the sealed envelope in which the proposal is delivered; Bidder must also include their current license number on the Proposal Form. No bid may be withdrawn after the scheduled closing time for receipt of bids for a period of SIXTY (60) days.

A *MANDATORY PRE-BID CONFERENCE will be held at the same location where bids will be received, at 10:00 AM, on June 16th, 2015, for the purpose of reviewing the project and answering Bidder’s questions. * Attendance at the Pre-Bid Conference is required for *all General Contractor Bidders intending to submit a Proposal, and highly recommended for all Subcontractors. Bids from General Contractor Bidders who do not attend the Mandatory Pre-Bid Conference will be rejected.

*This project is being bid without sales taxes according to Act 2013-205 (of the Alabama *Legislature). However sales tax for the base bid and all other bid items must be *accounted for on the contractor’s Bid Proposal Form. ABC Form C-3A indicates how *the sales tax shall be accounted for on the bid proposal form and shall be modified by *the project architect as appropriate for bid items on each project.

*Completion Time: Work shall commence on the earlier of either the date of the owner’s written “Notice to Proceed” or the contractor’s receipt of the fully executed contract and shall be “Substantially Complete” within 180 Consecutive Calendar Days thereafter.

*Supervision: Contractor to provide Superintendent(s) to ensure proper supervision for all work.

*1.   This project may be partially funded through the Department of Education
*therefore the following Federal Regulations must be adhered to:
*a.   Davis Bacon Act
*b.   Wage Hour Act
*c.   Copeland Anti-Kick Back Act
*d.   EPA Standards

Additional qualifications and requirements for General Contractor Bidders and separate Subcontractors and Manufacturers are indicated in the Bid and Contract Documents.

The Owner reserves the right to reject any or all proposals and to waive technical errors if, in their judgment, the best interests of the Owner will thereby be promoted.

Lawson state Community College
3060 Wilson Road SW.
Birmingham, Alabama, 35221
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Yandy And Mendeecees Talks About Their Wedding Day Special (Video)

By

Birmingham Times

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May 27, 2015

0

Cast members of Love & Hip Hop New York Yandy & Mendeecees talk about their road that led them to say I do. Check out the full video below: skip to second video of the playlist.

MADAMENOIRE is a passionate, cutting-edge web publication geared towards African-American women. The publication’s mission is to unite black women at various stages of their lives, around a common aspiration for better, more fulfilling lifestyles. MADAMENOIRE provides breaking news, an open forum for discussion and cosmopolitan advice born from the lived experiences and needs of these women of color (which includes mothers, young professionals, fashionistas and intellectuals).

Mayor Bell serves up lattes as guest barista at new East Lake coffee shop

By

Birmingham Times

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May 27, 2015

0

Mayor Bell serves up lattes as guest barista at new East Lake coffee shop

BIRMINGHAM, Ala. (May 27, 2015) – Mayor William A. Bell Sr. will serve as guest barista and join the owners of East 59 Vintage and Café, REV Birmingham, and the REVIVE Street Team at the official ribbon cutting for East Lake’s new coffee house on Wednesday, June 3^rd at 4:30 p.m. (located at 7619 1st Avenue North.) The new café, which originated as a pop-up shop during REV’s REVIVE 2013, is fast-becoming a hub for East Lake community activity.

East 59 Vintage and Café was conceived by the Glenn and Bates families in late August 2013. The two neighboring families shared a dream of creating a space where diverse people could gather, collaborate, and experience community in East Lake. Just weeks before, Amber Glenn-Tolbert and Anna Bates-Brown were approved as East Lake pop-up participants for REVIVE; an opportunity the duo maximized by testing out their family’s business concept.

“That week was incredible, because it forced us to come up with a business plan and test out the temporary setup for East 59 in the space we’re in now,” said East 59 Co-Owner Anna Bates-Brown. “We initially envisioned East 59 exclusively as a coffee house, but REVIVE East Lake gave us a chance to talk to community members face-to-face. And customers said they wanted a place to meet their neighbors and enjoy healthier food options, in addition to great coffee.”

The East 59 vision evolved into a multifaceted community space where locals could enjoy a cup of coffee, savor healthier food options, peruse vintage furnishings and collectibles, attend classes, and host small events. Following their pop-up experience, the entrepreneurs – along with their families – tweaked the East 59 Vintage and Café business plan, trained staff and honed the menu.

East 59 Vintage and Café construction began June 2014 and was completed in March 2015. Owners hosted a soft opening late March starting with coffee and gradually expanded their menu options to include breakfast and lunch.

Since opening, owners note the community response has been overwhelming. They hope East 59 will play a part in the restoration of the East Lake community by providing collaborative community space.

“There’s a renewed sense of hope in East Lake,” said East 59 Co-Owner Amber Glenn-Tolbert. “People and businesses want to talk about ways we can collaborate. The community has been so receptive to East 59, and we’re excited to be here.”

The East 59 ribbon cutting featuring guest barista Mayor William A. Bell Sr. and REV Birmingham will take place June 3^rd at 4:30 p.m. at East 59, 7619 1^st Avenue North. Samples and space tours will also be available. For more information about East 59 Vintage and Café, visit their website at www.east59.net or their Facebook page.

REV Birmingham (REV) revitalizes places and energizes business to create vibrancy in the City of Birmingham. REV is an economic development organization that stimulates business growth and improves quality of life in Birmingham’s City Center and its Neighborhood Commercial Centers For more information visit www.revbirmingham.org.