BIRMINGHAM, Ala. – Girl Scout Troop 33590 members Ella Harris, a student at Chelsea Middle School, and Olivia Trout, Brooke Jones and Isabella Roshaven, students at Forest Oaks Elementary School, recently earned the Girl Scout Bronze Award for their project “Letterboxing”. They designed and planted a letterbox with a hornet theme in the Chelsea Public Library. The girls donated an informational children’s book about hornets that sits next to the letterbox. The clues to the ‘Girl Scout Hornet’ letterbox can be found at letterboxing.org.
The girls also planned and led a letterboxing workshop at their Girl Scout Service Unit campout. The girls helped the Brownies earn the letterboxing Brownie badge and hid two additional boxes at Kanawahala Program Center for other troops to find.
The Girl Scout Bronze Award is the highest award a Girl Scout Junior (fourth and fifth grades) can earn. This award recognizes that a Girl Scout Junior has gained the leadership and planning skills required to follow through with a project that makes a positive difference in her community.
During the Birmingham City Council meeting on December 16, 2014 Council:
Approved an Ordinance “TO FURTHER AMEND THE ZONING DISTRICT MAP OF THE CITY OF BIRMINGHAM” (Case No. ZAC2014-00016) to change zone district boundaries from R-3, Single Family District to R-5, Multiple Dwelling District, filed by Clarence Ball, Jr., representing the owner, Baptist Health Systems, Inc., for properties located at 701, 705, 709, 713, 717, 721, 725, 729, 735 and 737 Cotton Avenue and at 812 7th Street S.W.; and situated in the SW ¼ of Section 3, Township 18-S, Range 3-West, and the hearing of all interested parties. [Second Reading] For more information please contact the Office of Council President Pro Tempore Jay Roberson at 205.254.2418.
Other items approved by the Council at today’s meeting include the following:
1. Approved an Ordinance “TO FURTHER AMEND THE GRANTS FUND BUDGET” for the fiscal year ending June 30, 2015, by appropriating $55,176.00 to Municipal Court, Court Referral Officer (CRO) Grant per grant award. For more information please contact the Office of the Mayor at 205.254.2771.
2. Approved a resolution authorizing the Mayor to execute a Utility Agreement with the State of Alabama Department of Transportation for Project No. STPBH-7173 Reference No. 100059888 Finley Boulevard Extension from 26th Street (US-31) to SR-79 in the vicinity of East Lake Boulevard in the City of Birmingham. For more information please contact the Office of the Mayor at 205.254.2771.
3. Approved an Ordinance “TO FURTHER AMEND THE GENERAL FUND BUDGET” for the fiscal year ending June 30, 2015, by transferring $22,500.00 from Non Departmental, Animal Control and appropriating $22,500.00 to Public Works for $22,500.00 to Public Works for expense related to Animal Control. For more information please contact the Office of the Mayor at 205.254.2771.
4. Approved a Resolution authorizing the Mayor to execute a Redevelopment Agreement with Clint Simpson, Jr. and Derek Simpson d/b/a New Breed Barber and Style Shop under which Clint Simpson, Jr. and Derek Simpson will purchase City owned property located at 1713 4th Avenue North, a vacant building formerly used as a police substation, at a redevelopment use value of $52,500.00 and will relocate and expand their business, which is currently located at 216 18th Street North, Birmingham. For more information please contact the Office of the Mayor at 205.254.2771.
Announcements and Reminders
1. Councilor Kim Rafferty, along with Fresh Air Family, is excited to announce the fourth annual Wacky Tacky Christmas Light Tour, scheduled for Tuesday December 16, 2014 at 5:30 p.m. at the Avondale Brewing Company. Proceeds will go to scholarships for students in our award-winning science camp, Gross Out Camp.
2. There will be a Special Called Committee of the Whole Meeting on Wednesday December 17, 2014 at 4:00 p.m. in the Council Chambers.
3. There are two vacancies on the City of Birmingham Zoning Board of Adjustments. For more information please contact the Office of Council President Pro Tempore Jay Roberson at 205.254.2418.
Are you unable to attend the Birmingham City Council meetings? Watch Council Meetings on demand. From anywhere in the world you can log on to www.birminghamalcitycouncil.org and click on the tab Watch Council Meetings; or from the comfort of your home, tune to Bright House Cable Channel 340. The Birmingham City Council meetings are free and on demand.
The City of Birmingham will make reasonable accommodations to ensure that people with disabilities have equal opportunity to enjoy all city services, programs and activities. If accommodations are required for public meetings, please contact Chiara Morrow, Public Information Officer, with reasonable advance notice by emailing chiara.morrow@birminghamal.gov or by calling 205-254-2055.
Patricia Ann Swyne McGee, former Birmingham resident, died at her home in Killen, Texas, Friday, December 12, 2014. Memorial services will be held at 6th Avenue Baptist Church. Friday, December 19, 2014 @ noon. Her cousin, John L. Cantelow, III officiating.
New York, NY (BlackNews.com) — Some would say that there are no secrets to growing hair, but is this true or false? In terms of science, could there be non-medicated natural substances and practices that really influence long hair growth? Fortunately for those that are trying to naturally grow their hair long, scientific research proves that there are methods and substances that can assist in the growth of hair.
In M. Feaster-Evers new book African Hair Growth Secrets, she focuses on Black haircare and addresses the hair deficiencies of textured hair. In her book, she writes, The hairstylists inform that many times the request for weaves are by those with shorter lengths of hair which usually are the textured Black hair clients. She presents reasoning and remedy for the short hair issues, of textured women, with actual hair growth studies. She points out effective substances and practices that promote growth and retain textured hair. Most importantly, she provides readers with step-by-step how to instructions on applying natural growth substances on the hair. This book is guaranteed to present new discoveries that have been proven to benefit natural kinky hair.
The author explains that she wrote African Hair Growth Secrets to promote awareness of what causes damage and promotes strength in Black hair. She informs that there are so many false claims about what makes Black hair strong without any supportive studies. In hopes of bringing the truth to light and demolishing myths, the author provides over 100 references including studies and testing in support of the haircare recommendations as written in the book.
African Hair Growth Secrets is a do-it-yourself textured haircare guide and a must have for Black women. The book presents practices that involve ancient African hair care secrets, scientific discoveries and contemporary hair care methods for naturally textured hair. The haircare practices are discussed with suggestions on how to resolve African hair issues towards long hair growth.
The book is endorsed by FashionHairExpo.com and is now available in paperback and digital form online. African Hair Growth Secrets can be found online at Amazon.com as a paperback and e-book. For in-person purchase, the book will be available in stores by February 1, 2015.
As most readers are aware, we are all affected by economic and financial trends occurring in other parts of the world. Advances in technology, transportation, and communications have caused the globe to shrink, leading to a truly international economy. Occurrences in London, Berlin, Tokyo, Beijing, New Delhi, Riyadh, Ankara, Buenos Aries, and other distant locales have an impact on our daily lives in Alabama.
This is underscored by recent global happenings that create a cause for concern in this nation. That is, they collectively could impact each of us in the prices we pay for goods and services.
Japan, a major trading partner, officially is in a recession. GDP shrank by 1.6 percent for the July-September quarter. This occurred despite massive stimulus programs by its central bank, the Bank of Japan. And the downturn will affect that nation’s ability to produce goods and services as well as purchase various items.
As noted in a recent column, the Eurozone is struggling, hovering on the edge of recession. Unemployment is high (11.5 percent), GDP is creeping along at a glacial pace (0.2 percent), and investment continues to stagnate. The drop-off has greatly reduced demand throughout the region, and production is at a virtual standstill. The European Central Bank has announced that it is poised to take steps to further stimulate the economy.
China, the world’s second largest economy, has experienced an unexpected slowdown in economic activity during the most recent quarter. It expanded at a five-year low (7.4 percent). This led to a November 21 surprise lowering of the one-year benchmark lending rate by China’s central bank. Peoples Bank of China dropped the rate charged to financial institutions from 6.0 percent to 5.4 percent, the first reduction since 2012.
Geopolitical risks play a significant role in the international arena. Lingering uncertainty continues regarding the “hot spots” currently the headlines – ongoing war in Syria and Iraq, clashes in Ukraine, and the escalating tension between Russia and the West. How these will play out is a key unknown. They have potential ramifications for the rest of world.
Globalization is a two-sided coin. Everybody benefits when world economies are humming. But the reverse occurs when activity slows and, in the case of Japan’s, halts. And this has implications for all of us.
Wayne Curtis, former superintendent of Alabama banks, is a retired Troy University business school dean. Email him at wccurtis39@gmail.com.
NATIONWIDE – People tend to view reality through the lens of their personal experience or biases, even when completely irrelevant to a particular issue or incident. Yet, sometimes one’s personal experience and knowledge – with investigation – can bring relevant insight or contemplation to a given situation. I raise this inspired by increasingly disturbing developments in the Bill Cosby rape scandal. Particularly since Black former model Beverly Johnson darkened (with her complexion) the bevy of still mostly white female Cosby rape accusers. After watching Johnson’s recent interview about an alleged drugging and attempted rape by Cosby, something about it appeared contrived and opportunistic to me. It was difficult for me to believe her. Concerned about my reaction, amidst an accusation as horrible as attempted rape, I was led to evaluate myself and check what my reaction might be about.
At 17 years old, during my first venture onto a college campus – Cal State Long Beach, to be exact – I heard about the Men Against Rape movement. I resonated with its mission to raise awareness among males about the problem of rape, in an effort to reduce incidences and potential rape tendencies in men. And, to influence more respect and protection of women and girls at-risk. For reasons relevant to my personal development and related horrors witness as a child, I have been actively against rape, and concerned about the lack of focus on this epidemic in media and society at-large. Rape, including recent acknowledgements of that boys and young men also face high levels of rape and molestation, is a frequent and still relatively under-addressed societal scourge.
While still in my teens, I began a stint in the entertainment business, witnessing first-hand how powerful and manipulative celebrities can be over an often naive, gullible and unfortunately star-struck society. I thought about this when Cosby accusers explained their alleged initial silence. I would also learn and experience (as I still do) how effortlessly simple it can be to defame a Black man’s reputation. We live in a society that makes it extremely easy for Black men to endure what I call Guilty Until Proven Guilty’ syndrome. The killings of Tamir Rice, Eric Garner, Trayvon Martin, Amadou Diallo, Michael Brown and so many Black males, undeniably indicates how deadly and pervasive that syndrome is. The top five accusations that stick to Black males like glue, without interrogation or proof needed, are, “He raped, robbed, physically assaulted or lied to someone and generally cannot be trusted.” After a Black male, especially dark-skinned, is accused of one of these, a response of “It figures” can be much more rampant than, “Let me check this out for myself.”
I personally have been successfully accused of all five, when all five were completely untrue. In most cases, like with Bill Cosby, more than one person was willing to repeat the same accusation. That’s the power of rumor, racism, including internalized racism, in the U.S. After the accusation was made, almost no one cared to look into it, or address me directly. The die was simply cast. I am still shaking off damaging misinformation and lies. Finally, I have also directly witnessed people among Black people whose life experiences and influences resulted in them having great contempt for Black people, and being ambitiously opportunistic – to points of being diabolical – to receive white favor and attention. This came to mind regarding Beverly Johnson. I’m not saying it’s true. Again, that it came to mind.
These experiences and phenomena emerged as I reviewed what was possibly informing my reactions to Beverly Johnson, and other Bill Cosby accusers.
The “Guilty Until Proven Guilty” killings of a slew of Black males has moved millions of U.S. citizens into the streets to protest. But, has this taught us the importance of not judging a book by its cover, even if it has multiple accusers? Of course people do commit crimes, including Black males. Yet, most others get to be innocent until proven guilty. Comparatively, most whites, Asians and others get to walk away from an accusation, reportedly, even when there is probable guilt. Darren Wilson, George Zimmerman and Daniel Pantaleo did. Another example, and this one involves Beverly Johnson, is Peter Nygard, a white, billionaire fashion designer who lives in the Bahamas. Nygard has been implicated in rape, harassment, conspiracy, human trafficking, human rights abuses, unlawful confinement and essentially “slavery”. The same Beverly Johnson who just accused Bill Cosby of drugging and attempting to rape her, dates Nygard. Nygard is still free, lives basically lawlessly, with a devil may care” reputation, his image unflawed.
The next frontier against racism that should result in protest even larger than today’s, is the media. The all-white run, popular media canvas, world-wide, has created mind-sets, leading to the destruction of more Black people than officers Darren Wilson or Daniel Pantaleo could ever compare. More importantly, U.S. citizens must self-evaluate to recognize within us, if our judgments about people, even after being accused, are based on what we feel, think or know. If you don’t know, you really don’t know. No one should be “Guilty Until Proven Guilty.” More often than not, it is racist, destructive and has proven to be deadly.
Cleo Manago is a political consultant, behaviorist, and film documentarian. Currently, a regular commentator on TVOne’s NewsOne Now with Roland Martin, Manago is community faculty at Charles Drew University of Science and Medicine in Los Angeles and a former doctoral student at the California Institute for Integral Studies in San Francisco. Contact him at cleomanago2.0@gmail.com or 202-695-0636
HAVE A MERRY XMAS!!!! Good Times! Gift Giving and More!!
NOW…
Here are a few things to consider for the season and coming year. First, if you know anything about Martin Luther King then you know you should get your business ad in the Birmingham Times MLK Special Edition. This special tabloid is a KEEP SAKE for one full year. The Birmingham Times is working on the Martin Luther King and Black History Month Tabloid. Deadline is December 30, if you are interested in this Special Tabloid. Publication date is January 15th, 2015. It will be a coffee table piece kept there all year long. You want to be included. Call (205) 251-5158 for Gwen DeRu or email me at thelewisgroup@birminghamtimes.com or gwenderu@yahoo.com.
TWELVE DAYS OF HOLIDAY MUSIC – There will be twelve days of holiday music at the Birmingham-Shuttlesworth International Airport starting today, in the airport terminal. Patrons of the Birmingham-Shuttlesworth International Airport will be able to enjoy live holiday music by local professional and community groups during the lunch and evening periods each day through New Year’s Day. All performances will be in the public, pre-security areas of the terminal so that both passengers and greeters can enjoy. Scheduled entertainment includes the following performers plus many more: The Connection Trio, Harp Instrumentals by Marsha Gunter, Mark Custer, Rob and Brant, Hammered Dulcimer & Guitar, The Red Brick Collective of the Etowah Youth Orchestra, Standard Time Jazz Combo, Good Fellas Smooth Jazz, Maxx Groove Trio, Marian McKay and Her Mood Swings, Cleve Eaton & the Alabama All-Stars, Hewitt Trussville HS Chamber Choir, Ray Reach Music and others.
(Photo Credit: 32Advisors.com) GLOBAL VISION WITH BARRY JOHNSON – The Ballard House will host a holiday fund-raiser “Gratitude, Prosperity & Dreams Realized: Begin It Now!” today, 6 – 8 p.m. at the Ballard House, 1420 Seventh Avenue North. Barry Johnson, a Birmingham native, businessman, social entrepreneur and economic diplomat will be guest speaker. Johnson heads BJ Affirms, co-founded Global Act, Inc. served as Senior Advisor with the U.S. Department of Commerce in the Obama Administration and serves on the Board of Directors of the Foreign Direct Investment Association and its World Forum on Foreign Investments. Johnson also worked in management with private sectors Disney, BET Networks, Microsoft Corporation to name a few. Johnson attended Altamont School, Yale University and Harvard Business School. Call (205) 731-2000 for more.
BJCC ARENA BECOMES LEGACY ARENA AT BJCC – In 2015, the Birmingham-Jefferson Convention Complex Arena will change its name to the Legacy Arena at BJCC as part of a deal made recently with a sponsorship agreement. The arena will be branded with a new logo and host a range of sports and entertainment events. The deal will run through 2019. Legacy is the fourth largest credit union in Birmingham and was opened for the community at the University at Alabama at Birmingham and presently serves the metro area. (Some taken from BBJ)
TRAMPLED BY TURTLES PERFORMS IN BIRMINGHAM – Trampled by Turtles will continue their U.S. tour with a stop at Iron City, this Friday. The band is currently touring the U.S. and Europe to celebrate their critically acclaimed new record Wild Animals. The band performed on “CBS This Morning: Saturday.” The band also performed, recently on “The Late Show With David Letterman.” They never set out to be a bluegrass band but Trampled by Turtles employs many of the same traditional techniques of the genre. Members of the band did their own time in punk and rock bands brandishing their electricity proudly before switching to acoustic instruments. Their differences in influences and attack make for their unique sound. Coming from Birmingham, England just one month ago, they will perform for Birmingham bringing their beautiful, heartfelt folk-pop songs to the Ham.
BIRMINGHAM CREATES THE FIRST NEW AMERICANS CHAMBER OF COMMERCE (ANACC) IN THE COUNTRY– Leaders representing the Asian, Caribbean, European, African and Latin American communities have come together to create the first New Americans Chamber of Commerce (ANACC) in America, right here in Birmingham. Sharing a vision, they created an organization focused primarily on working together to advance underserved businesses in the region. The mission of ANACC is to facilitate the development and success of new American businesses. To achieve this objective, the Chamber will be active in promoting business expansion and development through a number of strategic collaborations and partnerships, focused on three pillars of prosperity: Advocacy, business growth and economic development. Created to help Alabama New Americans business members to flourish, grow and succeed, ANACC will be leading the way towards long-term business prosperity.
IN THE HOLIDAY SPIRIT… RED AND WHITE CARIBBEAN CHRISTMAS PARTY – Join the Caribbean Community for music and food, Friday, 9 p.m. – 2 a.m. at the Boss Ultra Lounge. Music will be provided by DJ CALLY BOO with Soca, Reggae, Dancehall and Merengue music and free food. Listen to the caribbeansearadio.com or Call (205) 704-5296 for more. Wear Red and white…. but come anyway. Boxx Ultra Lounge is located at 312 20th Street South.
CHRISTMAS AT RUCKER PLACE – Join the festive spirit with southern cuisine and hospitality at Rucker Place.
TSU SCHOLARSHIP BRUNCH – The New Year is right around the corner and so is TSU Scholarship Brunch. Let’s bring the New Year in and help students that attend TSU by attending the TSU brunch. Tennessee State University National Alumni Association, Birmingham Chapter is hosting its Annual Scholarship Brunch January 3, 2015, 11 a.m., at the Harbert Center. Mr. Dwayne H. Tucker is a TSU graduate, the Tennessee State University Foundation Board Chairman, Lead Academy Board Chairman, Dallas County Community College District Foundation member, and Gleneagles County Club Board of Governors among many other affiliations. He is a True Tennessee State University graduate and dedicated alumnus. Join other TSU alumni on the first Saturday of the year and attend the scholarship brunch. Call Angela Day at (205) 601-0801 or email angelalbday@aol.com or Jacquelyn A. Fail (205) 566-3746 or email tsujf8@gmail.com.
FOR OUTDOORS LOVERS…
SUNDAY, 2 p.m. – Southeastern Outings Moderate Dayhike (along Buck Creek in Helena, AL.) Explore the wilder side of Helena. Hike on a lovely creekside trail in Helena in Shelby County. See some spring wildflowers on this trip. Total hiking distance is less than four miles. Hike rated moderately easy. Walk briefly off trail and walk up some hills when the trail routes away from the creek. Well-behaved, properly supervised children age eight and up welcome. Depart 2 p.m. from the parking lot for the Helena City Park on AL Highway 261 in Helena. Take I-65 to Exit #247, the Shelby County Route 17, Valleydale Road exit. Go to end of ramp and turn right regardless of whether you come from the south or the north. Take Co. 17, which changes from Co. Route 17 to AL 261, all the way into Helena. Cross one railroad and then drive over a bridge with a dam and waterfall on the left. Immediately past the bridge, turn sharply back to the right just before you cross a second railroad and then drive into the parking lot for a city park right on the shore of the creek. For more info: Teresa Smotherman, (205)337-5878.
HERE ARE A FEW MORE THINGS GOING ON… THIS WEEKEND…. Friday…
**Sensual and Seductive Friday, 6 p.m. until at the LeVi’an Grill and Bar at Magnolia Avenue and 23rd Street South.
**Debbie Bond and Radiator Rick will perform at Druid City Brewing Company, Tuscaloosa’s first craft brewery, 7 – 9 p.m.
Saturday…
**Christmas is in the Air TIDE AND TIGER LOUNGE, 8 p.m. on Graymont Avenue across the street from Legion Field. FREE.
THEN, AT THE STARDOME… HENRY CHO at the StarDome Comedy Club…this weekend. Comedy Central Special “What’s That Clickin Noise” Making the most of who Henry is has not been a problem. “I’m an Asian with a southern accent,” remarks Cho. “To a lot of people, that right there is funny!” Cho’s many other comedy credits include NBC’s “Bob Hope’s Young Comedians Special,” MTV’s “1/2 Hour Comedy Hour” and VH-1’s “Stand-up Spotlight.”
DON’T MISS… Coming soon…, HEATH HYCHE – December 26-27, GARY OWEN – January 2-4, COWBOY BILL and MEDIUM CINDY KAZA – January 10, COREY HOLCOMB, January 17-19 and HENRY CHO, January 30-February 2. (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. MORE LAUGHTER….COMEDY IN DA HOOD at the New Tide and Tiger on Graymont Avenue. Comedians are invited! Call (205) 503-3880 for more.
NOW…. a BIRTHDAY SHOUT OUT! HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO YOU …ASHLEY ENGLISH AND TO ALL CELEBRATING!! HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO ALL YOU BIRTHDAY BALLERS…MANY, MANY MORE HAPPY BIRTHDAYS!! ENJOY!!
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.)
Holiday shopping is a fun activity we enjoy doing alone, with family and/or with friends. Cruising the stores within the many malls located in and around Birmingham looking for those special gifts for our little ones and big ones gives us, as Americans, usually a great deal of joy. We leave the mall stores walking to our vehicles with our hands filled with all types of packages, both big and small, and stuff them into our vehicles regardless of trunk size or passenger space. Yes, holiday shopping is a fun sport but, where and how we park are a concern and the topic for this week’s column.
Parking Tip One – Avoid Large Vehicles: It is important for visibility purposes that you try to avoid parking between too many SUVs and trucks. This tip applies regardless of the type of vehicle you drive. Large vehicles like SUVs and trucks make easy hiding spaces for potential thieves and assailants especially when they are all lined up in a row.
Parking Tip Two – Look before You Leap: Look underneath your vehicle while approaching to make sure no one is underneath. This will prevent them from being able to attack you as you attempt to enter your vehicle. If you spot someone, immediately go back into the store and report this to the store or mall security. Under no circumstances should you attempt to handle the matter yourself.
Parking Tip Three – Lights are Your Friend: We all know that usually robbers and assailants prefer not to commit crimes in well-lighted areas where they can easily be seen by others as well as their victim. With this in mind, always try to park your vehicle in areas which are well-lighted especially if you’re shopping alone. Just ride around until you can find the perfect space potentially safe for you.
Parking Tip Four – Out of Sight, Out of Mind: Before going shopping make sure you clear ample space in your trunk to store your packages. You want to store all or as many packages as possible in your trunk to prevent anyone from breaking into your car. You don’t want your car to become the shopping mall for someone else’s gift giving.
If you follow these simple holiday tips about parking, I am confident you will continue to keep an eye on safety. Happy shopping!
