Speaking of Soaps

December 11, 2014

BY MEREDITH COOPER

THE BOLD AND THE BEAUTIFUL
Even after Wyatt explains why he feels the need to serve Quinn with a restraining order, Deacon does his best to talk him out of it. Knowing what Quinn is capable of, but unsure of her intention, Liam frantically searches for Hope anticipating that he will find her first. Unaware of what is in store for her, Quinn has a difficult time telling Wyatt about her most recent interaction with Hope. When Deacon pays a visit to Bill to tell him about Wyatt’s restraining order against Quinn, he learns whose idea it was to take legal action. Hope makes an emotional apology to Liam about the many unfortunate incidences in their relationship throughout the years which she could have prevented. Quinn becomes emotional when Wyatt gives her the restraining order and tells her that he is doing this to protect his wife and baby. When Hope tells him about her recent altercation with Quinn, Wyatt feels confident that serving his mother with a restraining order was the right thing to do. Deacon and Quinn’s relationship becomes strained when he learns about her not adhering to his request of leaving Hope alone. Ivy gushes to Katie about the happiness that she has found in her relationship with Liam. Wyatt and Liam set aside their differences for Hope’s sake. Despite her loving feelings for Liam, Ivy contemplates whether or not she sees a future for herself in Los Angeles. Fearing that her only friend may move back to Australia, Aly gives Ivy advice. Liam runs into Quinn and gloats about her being the reason why Hope and Wyatt’s marriage may not last. Hope makes a brutally honest confession to Wyatt about her feelings towards him, their marriage, and Quinn. Knowing that his marriage is hanging by a thread, Wyatt blames Quinn for her intrusions and himself for not setting boundaries with her.
THIS WEEK: Aly makes an emotional confession to Ivy about the difficulties that she faced as a child. Bill displays an unusually vulnerable side of himself when he voices his past regrets to Katie. Hope and Liam’s relived memories about their years of being star-crossed lovers lead to a revealing admission.

DAYS OF OUR LIVES
Brady comes to Melanie’s rescue, and her secret is revealed! Eric gets a surprise visit from his past. Sonny hits a roadblock in trying to open a second location for his club. Abigail gives Chad a stern warning about Jordan. Sonny accuses Chad of stabbing him in the back! Eric catches up with Serena, who makes it clear why she came to Salem. Theresa has an unpleasant realization about her potential new friend. Melanie makes amends for the trouble she caused. Theresa and Melanie get into a major catfight. Sonny receives a tempting offer. Eric and Serena revisit their romantic history. Rafe confronts Clyde about his lies. Will returns home to Sonny – but harbors a secret which he keeps from his husband. Rafe asks for Victor’s help regarding Clyde. Chad and Jordan make love for the first time. Abigail and Ben share a romantic evening while getting into the holiday spirit. Hope receives a disturbing phone call from Bree. Kate warns Chad that Rafe is gunning for him. Clyde makes a sneaky move when he offers to help out Abigail. JJ has a breakthrough during a therapy session.
THIS WEEK: Hope is unnerved by a warning she gets. Abigail is swept away by her emotions.

GENERAL HOSPITAL
Sonny crosses path with an old enemy who he learns is now the powerhouse in prison. Patrick reveals a truth to Carly. Sam is in jeopardy, and in the interim someone gets shot. Britt shares some news with Spencer and gives him a special gift. Obrecht makes a difficult choice. Nikolas questions Elizabeth about her involvement with Jake. Lulu supports Maxie as she prepares for her custody hearing. Both Anna and Jordan find themselves in trouble at work. Maxie makes a risky choice that could hinder the judge’s decision in regards to Georgie. Patrick tries to make amends with Sam, while Sam is determined to uncover who was responsible for putting her in danger. Jake feels a little sick after he returns from his job search. Elizabeth and Alexis both have a revelation about Ric. Olivia helps Ned get over his argument with Alexis. Molly and TJ bond when they realize they cannot forgive their mothers just yet. Carly is taken aback when she discovers Sonny’s condition in prison. She tells Sonny some information and assures him she will try to track down Ava’s baby. Franco and Nina receive a surprise visitor, while Morgan, Kiki, Silas and Dante continue to search for more leads about Franco’s whereabouts. Luke and Michael have a discussion. Sonny chats with Carly about the future of their relationship. As Sam continues to investigate her recent incident, she has a suspicious gut feeling about Jake. Franco does all he can to cover his and Nina’s tracks. Rosalie has a very random connection to someone in Port Charles. Franco and Nina’s escape plan is tested. After hearing some shocking Intel, Sonny is determined to protect his crime organization. Carly bonds with Jake at the Metro Court, and he later comes to her defense. Sam shares her hunch about Jake with Elizabeth.
THIS WEEK: Alexis questions Julian about what he knows about Ric. A woman from Franco’s past appears.

THE YOUNG AND THE RESTLESS
Sage threatens to turn Adam in to the police if he leaves, but will he call that bluff. Joe and Avery reach a truce as Dylan comes in, witnessing their connection. Dylan is conflicted about what he sees. Stitch tells Ashley and Abby that he has made a breakthrough with the love potion fragrance. The implications for the business if this potion works are enormous. Jack picks out a Christmas tree, but Victor tells him that it’s already taken. They squabble over the trees and Nikki arrives and tells them to stop it. She can’t believe that these two men can’t seem to stop fighting with each other – even over the most trivial matters. Phyllis flips out when she learns Jack was the one who sold her penthouse. She storms off to confront him about it. Meanwhile, Neil tells Jack that he has no choice but to tell Phyllis the truth about him and Kelly. Lily overhears Joe try to get Cane to work with him. Billy and Chelsea find themselves in conflict over Adam. Meanwhile, Adam isn’t going anywhere and then has a nightmare about Delia’s accident.
THIS WEEK: Nikki lays down the law with Victor and Jack. Lily questions Cane’s career direction.

Birmingham Civil Rights Institute’s Community of Readers Literacy Program to Highlight Peaceful Protest and Community Dialogue

Birmingham Times

December 11, 2014

Local Police Officers to be featured as guest readers and speakers

In the wake of the Ferguson and Eric Garner events, the Birmingham Civil Rights Institute’s (BCRI) Community of Readers program for December will feature book readings and dialogue about peaceful protest and human rights. Officer Eric Myers, Officer Denise Bone and Officer Demarius Jackson of the Birmingham Police Department will be guest readers. The program will be held on Friday, December 12, at 6 p.m. in BCRI’s rotunda.
“This month’s theme is how to peacefully resolve issues,” stated Yvette Chatman, Community of Readers Coordinator, “and the books we are featuring reflect that.” The books featured for the program include “Wangari’s Trees of Peace” by Jeanette Winter, ”a true story of Wangari Maathai, environmentalist and winner of the Nobel Peace Prize, and “Abby Takes a Stand,” by Patricia McKissack, which helps young readers understand that freedom is about having choices. Both books, which demonstrate how ordinary people can inspire change through extraordinary courage, will be distributed free to local families at the event. After the readings, families will have the opportunity to speak to police officers. Refreshments will also be served. Although the program is free, reservations are encouraged at 328-9696 x 246 or x 249.

Hard Decision by UAB

Birmingham Times

December 11, 2014

by Jesse J. Lewis, Sr.

When you think about the decision UAB made to discontinue their football program, it affects UAB, the City of Birmingham, all students and their families. Unquestionably, this was a difficult decision.
Did the administration handle the process properly? The answer is yes and no. Did UAB contact the City to discuss the contributions they could make? Did UAB have a conversation with the coaches and players prior to closing the program down? Did UAB have a serious conversation with the alumni who has historically given to the institution for various reasons? If the answer to these basic, simple questions is no, then the University made a terrible decision because they did not follow a process of informing all parties concerned regarding the decision they made or planned to make. They did not consider how this decision would affect the coaches, players, students and parents.
Down through the years I have written many articles regarding UAB’s football. Part of that story was this program would be successful if they would meet with the City and the Birmingham-Jefferson Civic Center, business leaders, the builders of Region’s Park, to build a multipurpose facility where they could play soccer, basketball, football and all other activities relating to sports. I do believe if this had happened its program could have been successful.
It’s humanly impossible to compare UAB football with the University of Alabama’s football program. The University of Alabama’s television revenue is $100 million or more each year, attracting a crowd of at least 100,000 people. Revenue to the City of Tuscaloosa is $10 million or more. Revenue to the merchants is $5 million each game.
When you consider that every time UAB plays at Legion Field on Saturday, the media starts making statements like “chain your car to a tree, your tires will be slashed, or there’s a strong possibility that you will be robbed.” All of this is far from the truth. The same people criticizing UAB for closing the program are the same group of people who criticized UAB for playing at Legion Field.
It is too late for UAB to rescind their decision. It will be very difficult to get a competent coach, and equally difficult to recruit good players. UAB was in the process of increasing their student enrollment to 25,000; with the decision to cancel the football program, it will be a certainty that student enrollment will decrease. The President of UAB, Dr. Watts, tenure may not survive

Alabama No.1

Whatever the decision the committee makes in choosing the Top Four teams in the country, one of these teams will be the National Champions. Their decision will ignite serious conversation and come under serious scrutiny. Half the people will agree they got the first four teams right: Alabama No. 1, Oregon No. 2, Florida No. 3, and Ohio State No. 4. The other half will disagree. I am one who disagrees. I happen to think that Baylor should have been chosen instead of Ohio State for No. 4.
Alabama got a good break. There are three teams they do not want to play at this time: Oregon, TCU and Baylor. I predict that Alabama will beat Ohio State, Oregon will beat Florida, and Alabama will play Oregon for the National Championship. I hope I’m wrong.

Birmingham City Councilor Kim Rafferty Inviting the Public to Participate in Fourth Annual Wacky Tacky Christmas Light Tour

Birmingham Times

December 11, 2014

BIRMINGHAM, Ala. – Thousands of lights and gravity defying displays! That’s what you can expect at the fourth annual Fresh Air Family’s Wacky Tacky Christmas Light Tour! The tour will take place Tuesday, December 16, from 5:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m., and will include bus tours of holiday light displays across the Eastern and Southern areas of Birmingham, Mountain Brook, and Homewood. The tour will dispatch from the Avondale Brewing Company, located at 201 41st St. South in Birmingham. All proceeds will go to scholarships for students in our award-winning science camp, Gross Out Camp.
Verna Gates, a representative of the Fresh Air Family, is expecting a large turnout at the tour.
“We are delighted to partner with Councilor Rafferty for one of the most exciting events of the year,” Gates said. “This year is going to be better than ever, and participants can expect a real treat.”
This year, Birmingham City Councilor Kim Rafferty will lead a city bus with the goal of judging the first Wacky Tacky Home Awards. Councilor Rafferty is challenging neighbors and neighborhoods to decorate and alert the Wacky Tacky team of spectacular decorative sites, so those sites can be added to the tour. Sites can be submitted for consideration by visiting www.FreshAirFamily.org, the Fresh Air Family Facebook page or by emailing Verna@FreshAirfamily.org directly.
Qualified sites must be within five miles of Avondale Brewing Company. Applicants must submit their entries by Friday, December 12. Councilor Kim Rafferty will announce the award for “Wackiest Home” during presentations at the December 23rd Birmingham City Council meeting.
“I can’t tell you how much I enjoy events like this, they really allow us to mix and mingle with our constituents,” Councilor Rafferty said.
“Residents go all out to decorate their homes, and I’m looking forward to seeing who walks away with the reward.”
In addition to the Wacky Tacky tour participants will have the opportunity to hear Councilor Rafferty recite the Night Before Christmas at 6 p.m.
Wacky Tacky Light Tour participants will meet in the Avondale Brewing Company upstairs party room. Then hop on the bus for the Wacky Tacky Light Tour! See the Chanukah House, Santa’s Trailer Park, the Leg Lamp House and more! Wear holiday attire – the wackier the better! There will be a mid-route snack/drink break at La Paz Restaurant in Crestline Village.
Seating is limited, so reserve your tickets now! Email Events@FreshAirFamily.org to reserve your spot on the bus.
Sponsored by City Councilor Kim Rafferty, Hoover Tactical Firearms, Avondale Brewing Company, La Paz Restaurant and Lindsey Office Furnishings. See www.FreshAirFamily.org for more details.

Fresh Air Family, Inc. offers more than 400 outdoor educational activities for families throughout Alabama. Signature events include award-winning Gross Out Camp (It’s science but please don’t tell the kids), Prepared, Not Scared survival camp, Hikes for Tykes and Scale Back Alabama, which works with 35,000 people across the state enrolled in the weight loss program. For more information: www.FreshAirFamily.org. Fresh Air Family is a 501c3 nonprofit.
For more information please contact the Office of Councilor Kim Rafferty at 205.254.2348.

Veterans in Alabama Find Permanent Homes

Birmingham Times

December 11, 2014

HUD-VASH vouchers to build on national effort to end Veteran homelessness
BIRMINGHAM, Ala. – The U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) and the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) has announced $232,334 in rental vouchers to local public housing agencies in Alabama to help 50 homeless Veterans find permanent supportive housing. These vouchers are provided through the HUD-Veterans Affairs Supportive Housing (HUD-VASH) program which combines rental assistance from HUD with case management and clinical services provided by VA. Last October, the two agencies awarded $62 million in HUD-VASH vouchers to assist more than 9,000 homeless veterans.
With HUD approaching its 50th anniversary next year, Secretary Julián Castro is focused on advancing policies that create opportunities for all Americans, including the broader Administration goal of ending homelessness among veterans.
“It is unacceptable that after their service and sacrifice, too many of our veterans find themselves living on our streets and in our shelters,” said Secretary Castro. “We’ve made significant progress reducing homelessness among veterans by a third in just four years, and these vouchers will continue to help communities build on these gains, providing targeted assistance to those in need to ensure that every veteran has a home.”
“Welcoming the progress made with HUD and local partners under the leadership of President Obama, VA Secretary Robert McDonald added, “As long as there remains a single veteran living on our streets, there is more work to be done. HUD-VASH vouchers are a vital tool in our efforts to reduce veteran homelessness.”
“Through the HUD-VASH program, communities are making historic progress toward ending homelessness by connecting Veterans who have the most intensive service needs to the foundation of a home with supportive services,” said Laura Green Zeilinger, USICH Executive Director. “The grant awards announced today add crucial resources to this effort, helping to deliver on the promise that every Veteran who has served America has a home in America.”
Since 2008, more than 68,000 vouchers have been awarded and over 74,000 homeless Veterans have been served through the HUD-VASH program. Rental assistance and support services provided through HUD-VASH are a critical resource for local communities in ending homelessness among our nation’s Veterans.
Additionally, Opening Doors: Federal Strategic Plan to Prevent and End Homelessness serves as a roadmap for how the federal government will work with state and local communities to confront the root causes of homelessness, especially among former servicemen and women. As evidence of that commitment, President Obama has asked for an additional $75 million for HUD-VASH vouchers to serve veterans experiencing homelessness in his fiscal year 2015 budget request to Congress.
In the HUD-VASH program, VA Medical Centers (VAMCs) assess veterans experiencing homelessness before referring them to local housing agencies for these vouchers. Decisions are based on a variety of factors, most importantly the duration of homelessness and the need for longer term, more intensive support in obtaining and maintaining permanent housing. The HUD-VASH program includes both the rental assistance the voucher provides and the comprehensive case management that VAMC staff offers.
Veterans participating in the HUD-VASH program rent privately owned housing and generally contribute no more than 30 percent of their income toward rent. VA offers eligible homeless veterans clinical and supportive services through its medical centers across the U.S., Guam and Puerto Rico.

Parking Fines

Birmingham Times

December 11, 2014

Don’t Underestimate Your Life Expectancy

Birmingham Times

December 11, 2014

Are you putting your retirement finances at risk by underestimating your life expectancy? If so, you are in good company. According to a report by the Society of Actuaries, more than half of retirees and pre-retirees are in this category. And, significantly, 40 percent underestimate their life expectancies by five or more years.
Underestimating your life expectancy can result in inadequate resources for your retirement needs. You may run out of money before you run out of life and spend your last years without adequate funds to live as you would like.
Much of the problem lies in the increased life expectancy among Americans. Advances in medicine, better nutrition, and healthy lifestyles have caused people to live considerably longer than their parents and grandparents. To illustrate, look at how life expectancies have changed over the past half century.
In 1960, when Dwight Eisenhower was president, the life expectancy for a newborn male was 66.6 years. By 2012, the latest year for which complete actuarial data are available, this had jumped to 78.8 years. Female life expectancy rose from 73.1 years in 1960 to 81.2years in 2012.
Of greater importance for retirement planning, even if you correctly determine your life expectancy, chances are you have not provided sufficient funds for the possibility of exceeding it. The recently-updated Society of Actuaries 2014 mortality table estimates that a male who reaches 65 years of age in 2014 has a life expectancy of 21.6 years. A female who reaches age 65 has a life expectancy of 23.8 years.
The implication of the findings is that all citizens should be more aware of their longevity and what it means for financial planning. Information on life expectancies can be gleaned from one of numerous readily available mortality tables from the Internet, libraries, and insurance companies.
Various studies underscore the fact that many people have little or no retirement savings. If you are in this category, it is imperative that you start investing funds for retirement. You should also put aside an extra amount in the likely event – given the advances in medicine and science you will live beyond your normal life expectancy.
As a side note, the best way to invest is to pay yourself first by having funds automatically deducted from your paycheck.

Wayne Curtis, former superintendent of Alabama banks, is a retired Troy University business school dean. Email him at wccurtis39@gmail.com.

New App Helps Students Prep for AP Tests

Birmingham Times

December 11, 2014

(NAPSI)—There’s good news for students preparing for Advanced Placement (AP) exams. One of the most popular study systems now lets students create their own customized study plans—and get daily assignments delivered right to their mobile device.
The last decade has seen significant changes in the way high school students study and prepare for exams, particularly in the technology they use. Increasingly, tablets and other mobile digital devices are what students use to access information, so it makes sense that a study program designed to meet students’ needs would use the technology they prefer.
That is why McGraw-Hill Education has introduced the unique new AP Planner app. This digital tool enables students to decide what study topics to focus on, and then create their own personal day-by-day study plan. The app helps students structure their study, organize their time (particularly important if they’re taking multiple AP tests) – and it even delivers daily assignments on their mobile devices. This ground-breaking app is being introduced for all of the best-selling guides in the publisher’s signature AP study series: 5 Steps to a 5 on the Advanced Placement Examinations. It works on iPhone, iPad and Android™ devices.
Each subject-specific course guide in the 5 Steps to a 5 series is structured around a five-step success plan that differentiates the system from other guides. In the first step, students are encouraged to develop a study plan, using either the AP Planner app or one of three ready-made plans designed for students with varying study styles. The second step is concerned with building knowledge, the third and fourth steps focus on honing test-taking skills and strategies, and the fifth step is designed to foster the confidence that students need to ace the tests.
To make sure the study system stays current when it comes to curriculum and test information, all guides in the series are updated yearly. The latest versions with the AP Planner app are available for AP courses that started in fall 2014.
To access the app, search for McGraw-Hill Education AP Planner App in the iTunes App Store or Google Play for Android™.

Panthers’ Newton Suffers Back Fractures In Crash

Birmingham Times

December 11, 2014

By Associated Press

CHARLOTTE, N.C. — Cam Newton’s frustrating season has taken another unfortunate turn after a horrific-looking traffic accident left the Carolina Panthers quarterback’s playing status unclear.
Newton escaped life-threatening injuries Tuesday when his truck crashed and overturned following a two-vehicle accident. But he did suffer two fractures in his lower back, leaving his return to the field in question coming off his best game of the season.
Newton was expected to be released from a Charlotte hospital on Wednesday after an overnight stay and undergoing tests. But team spokesman Charlie Dayton couldn’t say when the two-time Pro Bowler would return to practice or if he’ll play Sunday against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers.
“Right now we have thought about Cam’s well-being and we understand there was someone else in the other car who was injured,” Dayton said. “We just hope that they’re all OK.”
Dayton said Newton sustained two transverse process fractures but will not need surgery.
Dallas Cowboys quarterback Tony Romo suffered the same injury description earlier this year against Washington — albeit on the field — and sat out one game before returning to action the following week.
Dr. Andrew Hecht, chief of spine surgery at the Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai in New York, said the transverse process is the small bone that sticks out of either side of the vertebrae.
Hecht said while the injury can be painful, the bones are “of no significance in terms of the overall structural stability of the spine.”
He said Newton’s return to football will largely depend on how the quarterback feels, adding that Newton could have additional soft tissue damage.
“It would be hard to speculate on when he’d be able to play football,” Hecht said.
Dayton said Newton was listed in fair condition. That’s good news for the Panthers, but the bad back is Newton’s latest injury setback — he has had surgery on his ankle and suffered fractured ribs.
Newton missed Carolina’s first game against Tampa Bay in Week 1 due to other injuries.
He had ankle surgery in March that sidelined him for all but one of the team’s spring practices. He returned for the start of the training camp, but suffered another setback when he fractured his ribs during a preseason game against the New England Patriots.
Coach Ron Rivera held Newton out of the season opener, but veteran backup Derek Anderson led the Panthers to a victory. Now Anderson might be asked to do the same on Sunday.
Anderson took to Twitter on Tuesday night: “My thoughts and prayers are with my brother @CameronNewton and his family. Positive thoughts sent ur way on such a scary day!#Wolfpack”
Carolina’s quarterbacks collectively call themselves the “wolfpack.”
The timing couldn’t be worse for Newton.
He is having a roller-coaster season, but put it all together Sunday against New Orleans. The Panthers (4-8-1) catapulted themselves back in the NFC South playoff hunt with a 41-10 rout of the Saints.
Newton threw three touchdown passes and led five TD drives, his best game in nearly a month-and-a-half. He also broke a string of eight straight games with an interception.
The win put the Panthers one-half game behind the Atlanta Falcons and New Orleans Saints (both 5-8) and set up an important matchup this Sunday with the 2-11 Buccaneers.
If Newton does return this week, how effective he could be also is unclear.
Dayton said he hadn’t spoken directly to Newton on Tuesday. The accident happened within a few hundred yards of the team’s stadium. Dayton said he believes Newton was on his way to the facility, though he wasn’t certain. Players had the day off Tuesday, but it’s fairly common for them to go to the team facility and study game film.
Panthers owner Jerry Richardson stopped to visit Newton at the hospital, but was unable to see the quarterback because he was undergoing tests, Dayton said. Richardson left Tuesday to attend league meetings in Dallas.
Television footage showed Newton on a stretcher being placed in an ambulance after the crash. Photos from The Charlotte Observer showed the 25-year-old smiling as an officer attended to him on the ground.
A black pickup truck that Charlotte-Mecklenburg police spokesman Robert Tufano said Newton was driving was overturned on the roadway with debris scattered all over the street. The roof was caved in and a tow truck later was hauling it away. Another car that appeared to be involved in the crash had front end damage.
Police were investigating how the crash happened on a bridge that crosses busy I-277 in the shadow of Bank of America Stadium, where the Panthers play.
Charlotte-Mecklenburg police did not release an accident report, but did release four 911 calls.
“I just noticed a car flipping,” one person said.
Another driver said she saw a truck rolling over above the Interstate-277 bypass and a third called frantically and said “he needs an ambulance.”
An Atlanta native, Newton led the Auburn Tigers to a national championship in 2010.
The No. 1 overall pick in the 2011 NFL draft, Newton has started 60 of 61 games for the Panthers.
Newton has one year left on his rookie contract after the Panthers picked up an option worth approximately $15 million for 2015. The Panthers have repeatedly said Newton is a player they view as their franchise quarterback moving forward.

Birmingham City Council Highlights

Birmingham Times

December 11, 2014

During the Birmingham City Council meeting on December 9, 2014 Council:

Approved a Resolution relative to the application of Reginald E. Towns and Norman B. Williams for a Lounge Retail Liquor Class I License to be used at Paradise on the Parkway Bar and Grill, 9500 Parkway East, Birmingham, and the hearing of all interested parties. For more information please contact the Office of Councilor Steven Hoyt at 205.254.2304.

Other items approved by the Council at today’s meeting include the following:

1. Approved an Ordinance authorizing the issuance and sale of Tax Increment Financing District I Revenue Warrant, Series 2014, and the execution and delivery of related financing documents. [First Reading] For more information please contact the Office of the Mayor at 205.254.2771.

2. Approved a Resolution approving the agreements with PMWeb, Inc., Wakefield, Massachusetts, in an amount not to exceed $135,650.00, to provide specialized software to manage and track construction projects for the Planning, Engineering, & Permits Department , this being the only source of supply and authorizing the Mayor to execute the agreements on behalf of the City. [Appropriated for in FY2014-2015 Budget; G/L Account: 001_037_99999.600-011] For more information please contact the Office of the Mayor at 205.254.2771.

3. Approved a Resolution determining that the D2 Line Dancing Class to be held December 18, 2014 at the Fountain Heights Recreation Center, serves a public purpose that promotes goodwill and serves a public interest, and requesting that City funds be administered to pay for this event in accordance with Section 3-1-7 of the General Code of the City of Birmingham. For more information please contact the Office of Council President Johnathan Austin at 205.254.2679.

4. Approved a Resolution approving payment to Birmingham Realty Company, Inc. dba The Barber Companies, Inc., Birmingham, in the amount of $35,855.46, for lease payment of storage building located at 2817 3rd Avenue South, Birmingham, AL, for storage of art and non-art items, for a six (6) month term, January 2015 through June 2015 ($5,975.91/month) for the Birmingham Museum of Art, this being the only source of supply. [Appropriated for in FY2014-2015 Budget; G/L Account: 001_080_03535.534-008] For more information please contact the Office of the Mayor at 205.254.2771.

Announcements and Reminders

1. The Planning and Zoning Committee Meeting will be held Tuesday December 9, 2014 at 4:00 p.m. in the 5th Floor Engineering Conference Room.

2. The Public Improvement Committee Meeting scheduled for Wednesday December 10, 2014 at 4:00 p.m. in Conference Rooms D&E is CANCELLED.

3. Councilor William Parker will host the Annual District 4 Holiday Festival will be held Thursday December 11, 2014 from 5:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. at Shields Conference Center, 3969 14th Avenue North.

4. 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.

5. 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.

6. 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.

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