Pregnant In Middle School, She’s Now A Valedictorian

May 27, 2015

It’s a sad but all-too common story – a promising teenager’s life is derailed by a teen pregnancy. With the grim statistics on teen single mothers and how many of them are mired in poverty, it might be hard to see anything positive in the situation.

But Chicago teenager Trameka Pope decided she was not going to be a tragic statistic. Now a high-school senior, Pope has been admitted to 26 colleges and his her high school’s valedictorian, receiving over $80,000 in scholarships.

MyFoxChicago reports:

“I was told that God don’t make mistakes and he wouldn’t give anyone a child who wasn’t ready for one,” Pope said.

In two weeks, she will graduate from Chicago’s Wendell Phillips High School in the Bronzeville neighborhood.

But Chicago teenager Trameka Pope decided she was not going to be a tragic statistic. Now a high-school senior, Pope has been admitted to 26 colleges and his her high school’s valedictorian, receiving over $80,000 in scholarships.

MyFoxChicago reports:

“I was told that God don’t make mistakes and he wouldn’t give anyone a child who wasn’t ready for one,” Pope said.

In two weeks, she will graduate from Chicago’s Wendell Phillips High School in the Bronzeville neighborhood.

Pope delivered her baby girl the summer after her 8th grade year.

She and her family have been homeless, but she’s never lost hope or her drive to become great.

“I always said that I wanted to make change and I wanted to be in the history books, and I started with myself,” she told FOX 32.

Pope starts her school day by taking college prep courses at Kennedy-King College. She is taking four classes at Phillips High School, including AP Calculus.

After school, when Pope isn’t cheerleading at a basketball or football game, she works at a local grocery store. She is also a member of the National Honor Society and several other extra curricular groups.

They say it takes a village to raise a child. In this case, it was Chicago Public Schools’ staff who took Pope on college tours.

School counselors also helped her apply for scholarships, as well as a unique non-profit called ‘SGA Youth and Family Services.’ The organization prepares teens to be parents.

Dawn Jackson is Pope’s social worker.

“Everyone loves her. She’s a people person. She has a sweet heart and kind spirit,” Jackson said.

One in four CPS students drop out of high school.

But not Pope.

“I didn’t give up. I pushed myself hard. And my baby motivated me every day because I wanted to provide for her and I also didn’t want to be a statistic,” she said.

Pope is heading to Western Illinois University this fall on her way to eventually earning a Ph.D. in Social Work.

Coast Guard suspends search for missing teen off of Ship Island

Birmingham Times

May 27, 2015

Coast Guard suspends search for missing teen off of Ship Island

MOBILE, Ala. — The Coast Guard suspended its search Tuesday for a 15-year old boy who went missing off Ship Island.

“Our thoughts and prayers go out to the missing boater’s family and friends,” said Cmdr. Christopher Cederholm. “We have exhausted all available resources in our efforts, but pending further developments, we have decided to suspend the active search.”

The Coast Guard conducted an extensive search of the area, conducting 29 sorties, totaling 45 mission hours and covering approximately 1,184 square miles.

The following assets aided in the search:

The Coast Guard Cutter Coho;

An MH-65 Dolphin helicopter crew from Coast Guard Air Station New Orleans;

A MH-60 Jayhawk helicopter crew from Coast Guard Aviation Traininng center Mobile;

A 45-foot Response Boat – Medium crew from Coast Guard Station Gulfport.

The following agencies aided in the search: Harrison County Sheriff’s Department, U.S. Customs and Border Protection, Mississippi Department of Marine Resources, the National Park Service, and the U.S. Army.

Watchstanders at Coast Guard Sector Mobile were notified at approximately 5:15 p.m., Sunday that the teenager was missing. The boy was last seen drifting northwest from Buoy 26 in the Gulfport ship Channel.

###

AG ANNOUNCES ARREST OF MOBILE DENTIST FOR MEDICAID FRAUD

Birmingham Times

May 26, 2015

AG ANNOUNCES ARREST OF MOBILE DENTIST FOR MEDICAID FRAUD

(MONTGOMERY)— Attorney General Luther Strange announced the arrest of a Mobile dentist, William Gerard Eastburn, on one count of filing false claims with the Alabama Medicaid Agency and one count of first-degree theft of property.

The Attorney General’s Medicaid Fraud Control Unit presented evidence to the May 2015 term of the Montgomery County grand jury, resulting in an indictment* dated May 15 charging Eastburn with Medicaid fraud and theft of property. The allegations stem from a series of procedures that Eastburn either did not perform or performed under false pretenses.

The procedure at issue, an indirect pulp cap, requires certain prerequisites in order to be covered by the Alabama Medicaid Agency. It is alleged that on numerous occasions East burn performed these procedures without the required prerequisites being present and that he fabricated the need for such procedures. It also is alleged that on numerous occasions the procedure was not performed at all, but that the Medicaid Agency still was billed. Medicaid fraud is an unclassified felony with a maximum possible prison sentence of five years. Theft of property in the first degree is a class B felony, which carries a possible prison sentence of two to 20 years imprisonment.

Attorney General Strange commended his Medicaid Fraud Control Unit for its steadfast investigation of this case, as well as the Alabama Medicaid Agency’s Program Integrity Unit, which referred the case for investigation and prosecution.

*An indictment is merely an accusation. The defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.

–30–

Suicide: The Only Question That Matters

Birmingham Times

May 26, 2015

Suicide: The Only Question That Matters

by Thomas L. Knapp

A Dakota County, Minnesota jury voted on May 14 to convict Final Exit Network of helping Doreen Dunn take her own life in 2007.

If the prosecution’s claims are true, Dunn, who suffered from chronic pain, sought Final Exit’s assistance in ending her life; two of the group’s members sat with her as she killed herself by inhaling helium; they then removed the equipment from the scene so that it would look like she died of natural causes (presumably so that they would not be charged with the crime of “assisting a suicide”).

One of those who sat with Dunn was granted immunity to testify against Final Exit Network. The other has since died, leaving the organization as sole defendant, subject to fines of $33,000.

The conviction reaffirms a disturbing implicit property claim: The claim that the state owned Doreen Dunn’s life, and that it owns yours as well. It would have been more honest to charge Final Exit with “stealing government property.”

Do you own yourself, or does the state own you? With respect to suicide, this is the only question that matters.

To continue living, or not to do so, is the most basic, primal decision each of us makes every minute of every day of our lives.

If you own yourself, then by definition the decision to continue living or to end your life — for any reason, at any time, with or without the assistance of others, in any manner that doesn’t violate others’ rights — is yours alone to make.

Anyone claiming a right to take that decision out of your hands is by definition claiming ownership of your life. But that would amount to slavery, an institution formally abolished in 1865 with the 13th Amendment.

Some try to dodge the baldness of their ownership claim by imputing it to God, with themselves as mere enforcers. But in America, it’s not the state’s job to inflict the religious beliefs of some on unconsenting others.

Some argue a “slippery slope”: Legal assisted suicide, they say, will be faked to conceal murders. But that gets it exactly backward. If suicide is legal it can be chosen openly in advance (perhaps with sworn affidavits), making it harder rather than easier to fake.

It’s time and past time we required legislators, and implored juries, to recognize the ownership of each individual over his or her life — and death.

Eternal Questions

Birmingham Times

May 26, 2015

Eternal Questions

Bobby E. Mills, PhD

Since time immemorial human beings have asked certain eternal questions; especially questions concerning the existence of God, and what is ultimately expected of human being sin life. That is, every individual must draw a circle around self in order to understand life,because every individual must come to know God for himself.

As a flawed “graveyard traveling” human being with many fallibilities, I was born in the South to a family with meager economic resources. Yet, by the grace of almighty God, I was the second “Black” individual to obtain a “PhD” degree in the field of sociology from Syracuse University. In my parents’ home and my grandparents’ homes it was always taught: “In this family, we will serve the LORD”. And, of course, I was glad when they said unto me “let us go into the House of the Lord”. For without a doubt, my life experiences have unequivocally taught me to know that: there is a God!

Listed below are some eternal questions that human beings have asked from the beginning of time:

 Is there a God?

 What is the meaning of life?

 Is there predestination?

 Is there life-after-death?

Even with my limited spiritual knowledge, and understanding of God, these are eternal questions that no individual can absolutely ever know, and of course, we do not need to absolutely know. If an individual did know the absolute answer to these questions then he/she would be as “GOD”. If we did, we would be God. Individuals can only know in part,because faith must be the cornerstone of our knowing and understanding. “But without faith it is impossible to please him: for he that cometh to God must believe that he is a rewarder of them that diligently seek him.” (Hebrews 11:6). The earthly connection between our faith and spiritual understanding is through “reading” the Holy Bible: “But grow in grace, and in the knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. To him be glory both now and forever. Amen.”(2 Peter3:18).

Human social behavioral patterns are conditioned by family structures, institutional churches,and educational institutions with many “strange and secular contestable variables” in-between. Of course, the unpredictable circumstances of human nature make life no crystal-stair; there are thorns and thistles everywhere.

Our educational and religious institutions ought to work together reinforcing; enhancing and edifying human thought processes that is “go together like hand and glove.” In too many instances pastoral leaders declare that an educated individual and spirituality do not integrate well in “any” social-spiritual-institutional-environments. (Reason being many pastoral leaders themselves are not educated in the Biblical procedures of church polity). “So then faith cometh by hearing, and hearing by the word of God.” (Romans 10:17). This scripture is precisely why education and Christianity go hand and hand: “Blessed is he that readeth…”(Revelation 1: 3). Allow me to paraphrase: “Hide God’s word in the heart of your mind in order that you might not sin against God.” (Psalms 119: 11).

Question: how do we achieve Jesus’ declaration that earth and heaven can be on one accord,when we do the “Will of God”. Obviously, the only way earth and heaven can become one is by “hearing the Word of God, reading the Bible with spiritual clarity, and growing in grace and the knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ”. And, of course, individuals must spiritually desire understanding of this scripture: “Sanctify them through thy truth: thy word is truth.” (John 17:17).

God says he knew you before you were conceived in your mother’s womb (your Garden of Eden), but that’s God. With human beings, life begins in the family structure between a man and a woman (married or un-married), not same-sex. Society begins in the family context.

All Americans must clearly understand this scripture. “For God is not the author of confusion,but of peace, as in all churches of the saints.” (1 Corinthians 14:33). Therefore, our earthly question is: how do we live in peace and harmony both spiritually and materially within our three basic institutions: family, church and education?

What will help Americans learn how to effectively deal with eternal questions is enumerated below:

 American family units must re-orient themselves toward spiritualism rather than materialism, because family is a spiritual unit, not an economic unit. Money and income does not satisfy “lovers of money”, but there is great gain in godliness with spiritual contentment. Individuals who love money will never be satisfied with money.Individuals come into the world with nothing, and your “family” will not allow you to take anything out.

 Institutional Christianity (local-churches) must foster stewardship (train and develop)godly pastoral leaders rather than promote celebrity-style-worldly-preacher-vanity.

 Educational institutions must foster creative learning processes by teaching individual show to spiritually think, not how to obtain a degree without having spiritual-common-sense.

God desires that all individuals come to a spiritual understanding in life; whereby they can say unequivocally: yes LORD, “not my will, but thine will be done.” I have not “thoroughly”answered these eternal questions; not even for myself, but I trust that I have shed some spiritual light on these eternal questions in the context of being an earthly dweller with a heavenly mind. Lest we forget: “God judgeth the righteous, and God is angry with the wicked every day.” (Psalms 7:11). To be sure, individuals cannot throw bricks and at the same time hide their hands, because your sins will find you out. Selah!

Homicide Investigation

Birmingham Times

May 26, 2015

Homicide Investigation

The Birmingham Police Department reports that detectives are conducting a homicide investigation. The initial incident occurred Wednesday, May 13, 2015 in the 3500 block of Carver Avenue.

The victim has been identified as:Charlie Fuller, W/M, 86, of Birmingham, Alabama

On Wednesday, May 13, 2015 around 9:00 a.m. West Precinct officers responded to the listed location on a robbery call. Upon arrival, the victim was in the process of being transported to UAB hospital by Birmingham Fire and Rescue. It appeared the victim was suffering from blunt force trauma to the head area. The victim later died from his injuries on Monday, May 25, 2015 around 7:00pm at UAB Hospital.

Our preliminary investigation revealed that the victim went outside to feed his dogs but never returned back to his residence. A neighbor stated, he noticed one of the dogs had run off and was returning home and out of concern the neighbor went to investigate. The neighbor found the victim lying on the ground in the garage suffering from a head injury. This is an ongoing homicide investigation and additional information will be released as it becomes available.

If there is anyone who has information pertaining to the case, they are encouraged to contact the B.P.D. Homicide Unit @ 254-1764 or Crime Stoppers @ 254-7777.

Children’s Organ Transplant Association®

Birmingham Times

May 26, 2015

Children’s Organ Transplant Association®

Giving Hope … Making Miracles______________________

Birmingham Teen In Need of Life-Saving Transplant

Birmingham, Alabama — With the cost of a transplant often exceeding $500,000, many transplant families are unable to shoulder the financial burden of such a procedure. The Children’s Organ Transplant Association (COTA) is a national charity dedicated to organizing and guiding communities in raising funds for transplant-related expenses. In Birmingham, volunteers are raising funds for COTA in honor of transplant patients like local teen, Sadie Chapman.

Sadie is the daughter of Bernadette and Gary Chapman. Born on May 29, 1996, Sadie was diagnosed with Hypoplastic Left Ventricle. The doctors at Children’s Hospital of Alabama in Birmingham have recommended a life-saving heart transplant. An estimated $100,000 is being raised by Birmingham volunteers.

Volunteers are needed to assist with fundraising activities that will help with transplant-related expenses. Individuals and groups interested in more information can contact Community Coordinator Jay McKinney at 205.531.6132 or jmckinney@baysidebiz.com. Media representatives may contact the campaign Public Relations Coordinator Sue Johnson at 205.482.0119 orsjohnson@bbbsbhm.org for more information about the family or the COTA community fundraising campaign.

Donations may be mailed to the Children’s Organ Transplant Association, 2501 West COTA Drive, Bloomington, Indiana, 47403. Checks or money orders should be made payable to COTA, with “In Honor of Sadie C.” written on the memo line of the check. Secure credit card donations are also accepted online at www.COTAforSadieC.com.

Sadie’s family has asked for assistance from the Children’s Organ Transplant Association. The organization’s priority is to assure that no child or young adult is denied a transplant or excluded from a transplant waiting list due to lack of funds. One hundred percent of all funds raised are used for patients’ transplant-related expenses.

Vendor Who Bribed Two-Year College Chancellor Resentenced to Three Years in Prison

Birmingham Times

May 21, 2015

Vendor Who Bribed Two-Year College Chancellor Resentenced to Three Years in Prison

BIRMINGHAM — A federal judge today sentenced a computer software vendor to three years in prison for paying more than $600,000 in bribes between 2002 and 2006 to the then chancellor of Alabama’s two-year college system, announced U.S. Attorney Joyce White Vance and Internal Revenue Service-Criminal Investigation Special Agent in Charge Veronica Hyman-Pillot.

U.S. District Judge Virginia Emerson Hopkins sentenced JAMES WINSTON HAYES, 71, to prison and again ordered he pay $628,454 in restitution and forfeit $5 million. The judge originally sentenced Hayes to probation in 2011. Today’s resentencing was the result of a November ruling by the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Eleventh Circuit, which vacated the judge’s earlier sentence. The government challenged the probationary sentence on appeal and the 11th Circuit ruled that a sentence of probation was unreasonable for Hayes’ crime.

“Mr. Hayes received millions of taxpayer dollars by bribing the chancellor of Alabama’s two-year college system to ensure the defendant’s company received contracts from colleges within the system,” Vance said. “Through fraudulent contracts and fake invoices, he even had taxpayers financing his bribe payments,” she said. “Imprisonment is a necessary and just punishment for his crimes.”

“Today’s sentence of James Hayes emphasizes the government’s relentless effort to hold an individual accountable for his criminal behavior,” Hyman-Pillot said. “Mr. Hayes used financial bribes to influence contracts with the Alabama Department of Postsecondary Education. The overall conspiracy was fueled by greed and deceit. I hope this sends a clear message that Internal Revenue Service-Criminal Investigation will continue to trace every penny used in kickback schemes to expose all individuals who engage in bribery and corruption,” she said.

Hayes formerly owned ACCESS Group Software, a Walker County company that sold educational computer software to the Alabama Department of Postsecondary Education. ACCESS did business with more than 25 two-year colleges and technical schools in Alabama. Hayes pleaded guilty in 2008 to bribing Roy Johnson, then chancellor of the two-year college system, and to conspiring to commit money laundering.

Over four years, Hayes paid Johnson more than $600,000 in bribes, and in return, Hayes’ software company obtained lucrative government contracts that earned his company more than $14 million in revenue and about $5 million in profit.

Johnson pleaded guilty in the case to charges of bribery, conspiracy to commit bribery, conspiracy to commit money laundering, obstruction of justice and tampering with a witness. Johnson was sentenced to six years and six months in prison. Both Hayes and Johnson assisted the government in its investigation of corruption in the two-year college system after they were charged. Including Hayes and Johnson, the investigation resulted in 17 convictions.

Assistant U.S. Attorney George Martin prosecuted the case and Assistant U.S. Attorney Praveen Krishna handled the case on appeal.

###

Birmingham Times

May 21, 2015

HAPPY BIRTHDAY LEBOISE DERU!! HAPPY BIRTHDAY TAMIA BRYANT-DERU!!

HERE’S WISHING EVERYONE A GREAT SUMMERTIME!!!!
………. FROM ALL OF US …..TO ALL OF YOU!!

HAPPY MEMORIAL DAY WEEKEND!!

HOLIDAYS AND MUSIC ALL OVER THE PLACE!! The Essence Festival and the Fourth of July are right around the corner!!

Enjoy the Weather! Remember…. BE SAFE!!

There are always plenty of things to do around the southeast. Here are a few things going on….. in town and around the country….

Bringing out the fun everyone is looking for starts with Memorial Day weekend with music of all kinds, BBQ, picnics, outdoor events and more.

Let’s get started with……JAZZ IN THE PARK – Each summer Magic City Smooth presents JAZZ IN THE PARK, a series of FREE performances in various parks. Local Alabama jazz musicians open for headlining acts providing a platform for them to showcase their talents and artistry. Bring your lawn chair and enjoy the smooth sounds of jazz in the great outdoors.
This Memorial Day weekend, ….SUNDAY – IN JASPER at the Bankhead House and Center performing are VANN BURCHFIELD AND THE ROBBER BAND EFFECT will perform. MONDAY – IN BIRMINGHAM at Huffman High School are JASMIN GHENT and GENERATION NEXT. Then, in JUNE – June 7 at Legion Field – Mariea Antionette and Keith “Cashmere” Williams, June 14 at Avondale Park – Paula Atherton and Magic City Jazz Orchestra, June 21 at Ensley Park – Gabbie McGee and T.A.D. of Jazz, June 28 at East Lake Park – Daniel “Jose” Carr, On Purpose and F. Dwight Houston. Each show is 6 – 9 p.m. Look for more through the entire summer.

BIRMINGHAM MUSIC CLUB SPRING CONCERT – The Birmingham Music Club and Patty McDonald present the DESERT SONG, a light opera with a thrilling musical score and English lyrics on Saturday at the Dorothy Jemison Day Theatre, 800 19th Street North in Birmingham, Saturday, 7:30 p.m. and Monday, 2:30 p.m., The Desert Song features JOE HOPKINS and JENNIFER BRYANT. It is directed by KRISTIN KENNING, Samford’s own National Award Winner in the field of directing Light Operas. The performance includes a Special Tribute to Mr. and Mrs. Robert Bauman who met at a production of The Desert Song over 50 years ago. The Birmingham Music Club is the oldest “arts presenter” in the Southeast, dating from 1905. Join others as the Red Shadow and his fearless men sweep across the desert sands. Call (205) 726-2853 or visit BirminghamMusicClub.org for more.

ATLANTA JAZZ FESTIVAL – The Atlanta Jazz Festival is this weekend. Check it out.

6th ANNUAL BOB SYKES BBQ AND BLUES FESTIVAL – Enjoy blues and BBQ, May 30, Noon- 8 p.m. at the DeBardeleben Park in Bessemer.

Then, there is always more….
IN NEW ORLEANS…
ESSENCE JAZZ FESTIVAL – The Essence Festival is June 2-5 in New Orlenas Louisiana. There will be great food, fashion, freebies and fun with all the music you could ask for. There are the Vendors of the Month – MaMOMMA’s House with soulful eating, Wilbourn Sisters Designs, Inc. with sisters Janice and Carolyn showing their talents and Louisiana Organ Procurement Agency a nonprofit organ and tissue recovery agency, all at Community Corner. Check out the shops at Essence for all kinds of things. From art, jewelry, food and fashion on the main floor. The Essence Empower U is on the second floor of the Ernest M. Morial Convention Center where the festival will be held. There will be workshops about money and power, love and relationships and health happy hosted by editors, experts and transformative life coaches to help transform your life. Some of the talent include India.Arie, Deepak Chopra, Iyanla Vanzant, Dr. Steve Perry, Kim Burrell, Bishop Lester Love & The City of Love, Dorinda Clark-Cole, Maze featuring Frankie Beverly, Charlie Wilson, Nephew Tommy, REM, Nico & Vino, Doug E. Fresh, Slick Rick, Kelly Price, Usher, Missy Eliott, Common, Erykah Badud, Kool Moe Dee, Mystikal, Bilal, Tank and the Bangas, Mary J. Blige, Trombone Shorty & Orleans Avenue, Floretry, plus many more. There is the Kevin Hart What Now tour on Thursday and so much more during this fun packed four days. There is the Essence Day Party daily with Spinderella, Biz Markie, DJ Drama, Funkmaster Flex and more.

POWERMOVES.NOLA – The Second Annual PowerMoves.NOLA is a national initiative to create power through opportunity, through pitch competitions, boot camps, networking events and fellowships. It showcases and supports talented entrepreneurs of color by connecting them to capital, advisors and operational support. For more visit www.powermovesnola.org.

FOR CHILDREN AND FAMILIES…..
HIKES FOR TYKES – Join Fresh Air Family at the Birmingham Botanical Gardens 10 a.m. for a Big Nature! and “I Spy” hike with learning for preschool children and families FREE.
FREE FRIDAY FLICKS – Starting May 29th Free Friday Flicks give families a time to share movies, fun and family at the Veterans Park in Hoover. Take your blanket and enjoy a family friendly movie with family and friends. FREE!
BABY BIRD SHOWER – The Alabama Wildlife Center is having a baby bird shower, May 30, 11 a.m. – 2 p.m. at Oak Mountain Park. Tour the bird nursery and aviaries, enjoy refreshments and children’s activities FREE. (Call (205) 663-7930 X 8 for more.
CELEBRATE VULCAN’S BIRTHDAY – Every June Vulcan Park and Museum commemorates the creation of the world’s largest cast iron statue and one of the most memorable pieces of civic art in the United States at Vulcan’s annual Birthday Bash. This year Vulcan turns 111. Join the celebrations on June 7, Noon – 4 p.m. Join Mayor William Bell and others at the fun-filled, family celebration with birthday refreshments and exciting activities for all ages.

Don’t Miss…
ZOO, BREWS and FULL MOON BAR-B-Q., June 20, 5 – 8 p.m. at the Birmingham Zoo.
SERENITY ON THE LAKE – Gather your friends or associates and enjoy a private excursion on the lake with your personal cruise. You are provided with everything you will need for a memorable time. Call (205) 572-1295. Tell them Gwen sent you.

COMING…
FOR WOMEN….
MAY 30 – Power In Heels, a Women’s Leadership development
JUNE 5 – WNBA Basketall Summer SEASON BEGINS.
JUNE 12-13 – Menopause the Musical, the international hit show is a groundbreaking celebration of women who are on the brink of, in the middle of, or have survived “The Change”. It comes to the BJCC Theatre Friday 8 p.m .and Saturday 2 and 8 p.m. It is a grassroots movement of women who deal with life adjustments after 40 by embracing each other and the road ahead.
JUNE 27 – Single Women Empowerment Conference at the McWane Science Center’s Drayton Nabors Event Center
OCTOBER 13-18 – 36th Annual Clearwater Jazz Holiday, …Thursday GLADYS KNIGHT & THE O’JAYS, Friday – BUDDY GUY, Saturday – SHERYL CROW and Sunday – THE AVETT BROTHERS

NOW…on to the rest of the happenings….
FOR LOVERS OF ART, MUSIC, FOOD AND MORE…
It’s Springtime…. Get out and enjoy what you can!
AT THE BIRMINGHAM CIVIL RIGHTS INSTITUTE…
**20th ANNUAL BCRI JUNETEENTH – The Birmingham Civil Rights Institute will host its annual Juneteenth Celebration on Saturday, June 6, 11 a.m. – 8 p.m. at Kelly Ingram Park. FREE. It is a family festival with food vendors, children’s activities, music and contests. For more, call (205) 328-9696 x234. This is a Celebration of 150 Years of Freedom 1865-2015.

FOR MUSIC LOVERS…
CHECK OUT….the TIDE AND TIGER every Tuesday, Thursday, Friday and Saturday on Graymont Avenue.

HERE ARE A FEW MORE THINGS GOING ON…THIS WEEKEND…
TODAYKELLEY…
**TIDE AND TIGER LOUNGE, 8 p.m. on Graymont Avenue across the street from Legion Field. Open Tuesday through Sunday.
**MID WEEK MUSICAL EXPERIENCE with JOSE’CARR at Ona’s Music Room.
FRIDAY…
** ONEAL and the KAYOBAND at Ona’s Music Room.
**VIP FRIDAYS every Friday at Merienda Lounge.
SATURDAY…
**ON PURPOSE with DWIGHT HOUSTON at Ona’s Music Room.
**TIDE AND TIGER LOUNGE, 8 p.m. on Graymont Avenue across the street from Legion Field. Open Tuesday through Sunday.
SUNDAY…
FOR COMEDY LOVERS…

(Photo Credit: ticketmaster.com)
**AT THE STARDOME…, this weekend…
ARIES SPEARS… Actor and comedian Aries Spears was born in Chicago, Illinois on April 3, 1975. A child comedic prodigy, Spears started doing his own routine when he was 14. His television debut was in Def Comedy Jam. He relocated to Los Angeles in 1992 and snagged a role on A Different World, which starred Tim Werner and Debbie Allen. His movie credits include Malcolm X, The Pest and Jerry Maguire. Spears became famous for his impersonation of Black celebrities in the show MADtv.

COMING SOON…, STEVE BROWN – June 2-7, JON REEP – June 12-13. (Tell Bruce that Gwen sent you.) Enjoy some good laughter and fun times while you eat some great food with your friends. For more, call (205) 444-0008.

NOW…. BIRTHDAY SHOUT OUTS!
HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO YOU…. LEBOISE DERU, TAMIA BRYANT DERU….AND TO ALL CELEBRATING!! HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO ALL YOU BIRTHDAY BALLERS…MANY, MANY MORE HAPPY BIRTHDAYS!! ENJOY!! Celebrate ‘your’ month…I do…all 30 days ‘and’ some!
Well, that’s it. Tell you more ‘next’ time.
(People, Places and Things by Gwen DeRu is a weekly column. Send comments to my emails: thelewisgroup@birminghamtimes.com or gwenderu@yahoo.com.

Classified

Birmingham Times

May 21, 2015

**Employment

**CATERING SERVICE
*Rae Rae’s Catering
All Events – Weddings –
Family Reunions – Etc.
*205-266-0831or 205-587-7503
BT05/21/15
(HZline)
________________
*Legals

*PUBLIC NOTICE
*Budget Hearing
*City of Birmingham, Alabama
*For
*Fiscal Year July 1, 2014 through June 30, 2015

This is to give formal notice of a public hearing to be held by the Council of the City of Birmingham, Alabama on Thursday, May 28, 2015 at 5:30 p.m., in the Council Chambers on the third floor of City Hall in the City of Birmingham.

*OPERATING BUDGET

The first hearing will concern the Mayor’s Proposed General Fund Budget in the amount of *$403,510,542.00.

The Operating Budget contains other funds in the amount of $50,386,255; total operating budget is in the amount of * $453,896,797.

*TOTAL PROPOSED OPERATING BUDGET

Operating Budget:
Personnel Services         $280,606,850
Expenses                    122,781,424
Debt Services              50,508,523
*TOTALS           $453,896,797

Note: Included in the Total proposed Operating Budgets are the General Fund, General Bond Debt Reserve Fund, Tax Increment Financing, Neighborhood Allocations Fund, Highway Improvement Fund, Fuel Tax Fund, Storm Water Management Fund, Corrections Fund, Fair Trial Tax Fund, Community Development Block Grant, Birmingham Fund and the Alabama Trust Fund. At the above referenced hearings, the Council of the City of Birmingham will receive any written or oral questions or comments concerning the expenditure of said funds. Copies of the proposed Operating Budget are available for public inspection during normal business hours, 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., in the Office of the Director of Finance, (Room A-100) and the City Clerk’s Office (third floor) in the City Hall of Birmingham, Alabama. The Director of Finance Office and the City Clerk’s Office are accessible to the handicapped by way of an ADA entrance to City Hall on 20th Street North. The City of Birmingham does not discriminate against the handicapped in its practices and employment and does not discriminate against anyone because of race, creed, color or national origin.

Lee Frazier
City Clerk
BT05/21/15
(HZline)
________________
*INVITATION TO BID

The Water Works Board of the City of Birmingham will be accepting bids covering the installation of water mains and appurtenances connected thereto and 22 water services along F.L. Shuttlesworth Drive, 29th Avenue North, 30th Court North and 31st Avenue North located in the City of Birmingham, Alabama. Plans and specifications may be examined and obtained in the office of the Manager – System Development at 3600 First Avenue, North. Bids must be received for public opening at 10:00 a.m. local time in said office. A Mandatory Pre-Bid Conference will be held on *Wednesday, May 27, 2015 at 10:00 a.m. local time in the System Development Conference Room located on the Second Floor of the Main *Campus Building located at the above-stated address. Bids will not be accepted from Contractors who do not attend the Pre-Bid Conference. *Bids must be received for public opening on Wednesday, June 24, 2015 at 10:00 a.m. local time in the System Development Conference Room *located as stated above.
BT05/21/15
(HZline)
________________
*INVITATION TO BID

The Water Works Board of the City of Birmingham will be accepting bids covering the installation of water mains and appurtenances connected thereto and 70 water services along Morrow Street; Thomas Street; Circle Street; Circle Drive; and Hudson Street located in the Dolomite Community of the City of Birmingham, Alabama. Plans and specifications may be examined and obtained in the office of the Manager – System Development at 3600 First Avenue, North. Bids must be received for public opening at 10:00 a.m. local time in said office. * A Mandatory Pre-Bid Conference will be held *on Wednesday, May 27, 2015 at 10:00 a.m. local time in the System Development Conference Room located on the Second Floor of the Main *Campus Building located at the above-stated address. Bids will not be accepted from Contractors who do not attend the Pre-Bid Conference. *Bids must be received for public opening on Wednesday, June 24, 2015 at 10:00 a.m. local time in the System Development Conference Room *located as stated above.
BT05/21/15
(HZline)
________________
*TO:
Prospective Bidders

*INVITATION FOR BID NUMBER:
*15-06

*SEPARATE SEALED BIDS FOR:
Landscaping and Grounds Maintenance Services

*BID OPENING:
*May 29, 2015

*TIME:
*10:00 a.m. CST

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

*PRE-BID CONFERENCE:
*May 15, 2015

*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 within ten days prior to the date and time set for the bid opening. Questions received after the deadline will not be answered.

Contracting Officer:
*Naomi H. Truman, Executive Director
BT05/21/15
(HZline)
________________
*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 oBT05/21/15ained 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
BT05/21/15
(HZline)
________________
*INVITATION TO BID

Sealed proposals will be received by *Birmingham City Schools at the office of Mr. Edward McMullen, Purchasing Department, 2015 Park Place North, Birmingham, Alabama 35203, until *10:00 a.m. CST Friday, May 29, 2015 for *Arrington Middle School Cooling Tower *Replacement and until *10:30 a.m. CST Friday, May 29, 2015 for Sun Valley Elementary *School Cooling Tower Replacement at which time and place they will be publicly opened and read.

The project scope is as indicated in the contract documents, which includes: Replacement of the existing Cooling Tower and associated work located at Arrington Middle School, 2101 Jefferson Ave. SW Birmingham, AL 35211 and Sun Valley Elementary School located at 1010 18th Ave. NW Birmingham, AL 35215.

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, must accompany the bidder’s proposal. Performance and Payment Bonds and evidence of insurance required as indicated in the bid documents will be required at the signing of the Contract.

Bid Documents may be obtained at the office of Mr. Edward McMullen, Purchasing Department, 2015 Park Place North, Birmingham, Alabama 35203, requested by email in digital format at the office of BCS Department of Capital Projects: Mr. Bob Morgan at 205-231-2082, email:*rmorgan@bhm.k12.al.us., offices of MW/Davis Dumas & Associates, Inc. 2720 Third Ave South, Birmingham, AL 35233, and the offices of the Birmingham Construction Industry Authority (BCIA).

Bids must be submitted on proposal forms furnished in the Bid Package 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 Architect/Engineer/Consultant; 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. The Owner reserves the right to reject any or all proposals and to waive technical errors if, in the Owner’s judgment, the best interests of the Owner will thereby be promoted.

A Mandatory Pre-Bid Conference will be held at Arrington Middle School, 2101 Jefferson Ave. SW Birmingham, AL 35211 at 9:00 am, CST, May 26, 2015.*Attendance at Pre-Bid Conference by *Bidders is Mandatory.

A Mandatory Pre-Bid Conference will be held at Sun Valley Elementary School located at 1010 18th Ave. NW Birmingham, AL 35215 at 11:00 am, CST, May 26, 2015. *Attendance at Pre-Bid *Conference by Bidders is Mandatory.

Awarding Authority:
Birmingham Board of Education
Dr. Spencer Horn, Superintendent

Owner Consultant:
MW/Davis Dumas & Associates, Inc.
BT05/21/15
(HZline)
________________
*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.
BT05/21/15
(HZline)
_______________

1...1,2671,2681,269...1,743 Page 1,268 of 1,743