Chatmon Completes 2014-15 Bowling Roster

May 29, 2014

MONTGOMERY- Head Bowling Coach Andrew Chatmon has added Lindsay Paredes to the Alabama State bowling team. Paredes will complete the 2014-15 roster for the Lady Hornets.
“I am excited about the new additions that we have joining our program,” Chatmon stated. “Lindsay will complement the team that we already have in place and I feel like with the combination of who we have and the addition of Lindsay we will look to improve on our goals that we didn’t quite complete last year. Lindsay will also bring a wealth of talent and determination. We look forward to big things from her.”
Paredes will be a 2014 graduate from Richland Hill in Richland Hills, Texas, where she was the only starting female on a co-ed team. The former Rebel was the anchor for the boy’s state championship team this past season.
Growing up the young bowler was raised inside of the bowling alley with her parents being bowlers she was able to gain ample opportunities to be the bowler she is today. Lindsay won her first tournament at the Texas State tournament by having the highest average in all events and ended up winning the singles competition as well during the 2008-09 season.
Once Paredes joined the high school team she had the highest girl’s average in the district four years straight. Lindsay was a part of a team that achieved many accomplishments, such as winning the District Team Championship all four years, regional’s two years in a row (2013 & 14) and also winning the Texas State High School Championship in 2013.
During the annual Wes Mallott Tournament, Paredes had one the highest scores for a female. At the Texas State Tournament she shot a 661 (217, 223, 221) during the singles competition, later shooting a 738 (215, 244, 279) during the doubles competition. In that same season Lindsay obtained a second place finish with the highest female average in the state for high school bowlers. In 2014 she earned a third place finish for the highest average out of all the high school girls in the state. During the Texas State Pepsi Tournament Lindsay finished in second place.

Home Buyer Education Seminar

Birmingham Times

May 29, 2014

BIRMINGHAM, Ala. – The Birmingham Urban League will hold its bi-monthly homebuyer education seminar to provide homebuyer education and financial literacy training for individuals seeking to become homeowners. This FREE workshop provides participants an opportunity to address the overwhelming misconceptions surrounding the homeownership process. Participants learn how to realistically prepare to purchase a home.

Adjustable Rate vs. Fixed Rate, which is better?
Are foreclosed properties a good investment?
Why is my credit score important?

Find answers to these questions and more…
Saturday, June 14, 9 a. m. – 5 p.m. at 1229 Third Avenue North, Birmingham, Alabama 35203

Urban League housing counselors and industry professionals cover topics that include residential loan applications; closing documents; home insurance, inspections, maintenance; neighborhood safety, fair housing and CreditSmart® – a curriculum to help consumers understand, build and maintain better credit.

To reserve your seat, contact Kimberly Callines at (205) 326-0162.

Raise Up

Birmingham Times

May 29, 2014

Classifieds

Birmingham Times

May 29, 2014

Employment

Police Officer
University of Montevallo Police Department
is accepting applications for a full-time Police Officer.
Apply online at https://jobs.montevallo.edu
UM is an EO Employer
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Clinical Supervisor, SLP
The University of Montevallo is currently seeking a
Clinical Supervisor, Speech-Language Pathology.
Visit https://jobs.montevallo.edu
UM is an EO Employer
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Part Time Camera Operator

College degree in television production field preferred or relevant work experience. One to two years exp. in television production preferred but not required. Must be available to work flexible hours, weekends and holidays. Send resume to Jean Ziegert, HR Director, ABC 33/40, 800 Concourse Parkway #200, Birmingham, AL 35244 or e-mail jeanz@abc3340.com. No phone calls please. EOE.
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Position: Sales Account Manager
Resume Deadline: June 24, 2014

Department: Sales
Stations: WEZZ/WBPT/WBMR

Positions Available: Two

SummitMedia LLC Birmingham is currently looking for Account Managers who want to succeed. We are looking for marketing/digital experts who want to make a difference in their client’s business. We are looking for people who want to be successful and earn a 6 figure income. As an Account Manager you will be responsible for developing new business and helping clients grow their business. SummitMedia Birmingham the leader in the Birmingham radio market offers the best training and equips you with the tools it takes to succeed. College degree and/or prior radio selling experience helpful but not required.

If you are aggressive, hardworking and desire to be the best, please respond as outlined below:

SummitMedia LLC Birmingham
Attention Davis Hawkins
2700 Corporate Drive, Suite 115
Birmingham, AL 35242
Telephone: 205 322 2987
Fax 205 322 2390
Email davis.hawkins@summitmediacorp.com

It is the policy of SummitMedia LLC to provide equal employment opportunity to all qualified individuals without regard to their race, color, religion, national origin, age or sex in all personnel actions including recruitment, evaluation, selection, promotion, compensation, training and termination.

Discrimination because of race, color, religion, national origin, age or sex is prohibited. If you believe you have been the victim of discrimination, you may notify the Federal Communications Commission, the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission, or other appropriate agency.
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Teachers for the 2014 – 2015 School Year

Holy Family Cristo Catholic High School is seeking Teachers to join our vibrant, faith based academic community for the 2014 – 2015 School Year, to begin August 2014. Applications are being accepted in all subject areas with an emphasis on Math, Science, English, and Religion.
•   Requirements are as follows:
•   Bachelor’s degree and a valid State Certificate;
•   Relevant Teaching Experience and/or Masters Degree in the Area of Instruction preferred;
•   Technology proficiency in word processing, spreadsheets, databases, multimedia presentations, and Internet use for educational purposes;
•   Enthusiasm for challenging, mission-driven work that serves a diverse population of low-income students, who may require additional attention, patience, and support to achieve the high expectations of Cristo Rey;
•   A spirit of collaboration, respect, and a determination to make a difference in the lives of children is imperative.
•   Application, resume and letter of interest should be sent via email to dfenil@hfcristorey.org
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DRIVERS

GA based trucking company seeks
Class A CDL drivers for GA to TX lanes.
Good pay and benefits with weekly
home time. Visit our website at
www.7hillstransport.com
or call Allen at
770-382-0777 x110.
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Four universal chrome rims
with tires: $1,200.00.
Call 205/541-5607
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AUTOMOBILE

2008 Lexus ES 350
Black, Leather, Sunroof
Loaded Luxury
Call Floyd Morris
205-587-4313

2009 Chevrolet Silverado L.T.
Black 4 door 2 wheel drive
Managers special
Call Sammy 205-814-6454

2005 Dodge Dakota
Quad Cab Blue
2 wheel drive
Just arrived
Call Ivory 205-821-0491

2007 Dodge Nitro Black
4 door 2 wheel drive
Fuel efficient
Call Floyd Morris
205-587-4313

2004 Ford F-150 Red
Style side regular cab
Priced to sell
Call Ivory 205-821-0491
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LEGALS

LEGAL NOTICE
NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING

Pursuant to Alabama Code Sections 37-4-40 and 37-4-41, notice is hereby given that on July 1, 2014 at 1:00 p.m., Central Daylight Time, a public hearing will be held before the Alabama Public Service Commission respecting the joint application of Energen Corporation, Alabama Gas Corporation, and The Laclede Group, Inc. for approval to transfer ownership of 100% of the common stock of Alabama Gas Corporation from Energen Corporation to The Laclede Group, Inc. The hearing will take place in the Carl L. Evans Chief Administrative Law Judge Hearing Room, 9th floor, RSA Union Building, 100 North Union Street, Montgomery, AL 36104.
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ADVERTISEMENT FOR BIDS

Sealed Bid Proposals for Interior Improvements to Woodlawn High School, Birmingham, Alabama, will be received at the office of Mr. Edward McMullen, Purchasing Department, 2015 Park Place North, Birmingham, Alabama 35203, until 10:00 A.M., Monday, June 9, 2014, at which time and place proposals will be opened and read aloud.

A mandatory pre-bid conference will be held at Woodlawn High School, 5620 1st Avenue North, Birmingham, Alabama 35212-1697, at 10:00 A.M., on Tuesday, June 3, 2014.

Scope of work includes patching and painting all walls, repairing all damaged plaster, patching and painting areas of hard ceilings, patching, replacing and painting base molding, patching and replacing missing handrail pieces, Lunch Room renovations, interior signage package, etc. as indicated per the project specifications.

Work shall be substantially complete not later than July 31, 2014.

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

Drawings and specifications may be examined at the office of Birmingham Construction Industry Authority (BCIA), F.W. Dodge Room, office of Bob Morgan, Director of Capital Projects, Birmingham City School, 2316 7th Avenue North, Suite 211, Birmingham, Alabama. Bid Documents may be obtained at cost from Alabama Graphic & Engineering Supply located at 2801 5th Avenue South, Birmingham, Alabama. T: 205-252-8505

Subcontractors, Material Suppliers and others may obtain Drawings and Specifications at the cost of reproduction and mailing as stated above, which is not refundable.

No bidder may withdraw his bid within 30 days after the actual date of the opening thereof.

Attention of bidders is particularly called to the requirements as to conditions of employment to be observed and minimum wage rates to be paid under the contract, Section 3, Segregated Facility, Section 109 and E.O. 11246.

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

A non-resident bidder must accompany any written bid documents with a written opinion of an attorney-at law, licensed to practice law in such non-resident bidder’s state of domicile, as to the preferences, if any or none, granted by the law of that state in its own business entities, whose principal place of business is in that state in the letting of any or all public contracts, in accordance with Alabama Law (Regular Session, 1984), Act No. 84-228.
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DATE: May 5, 2014
TO: Prospective Bidders
INVITATION FOR BID NUMBER:
14-10

SEPARATE SEALED BIDS FOR:
Demolition of Multiple Buildings and Asbestos/ Lead Abatement Services

PRE-BID CONFERENCE DATE/TIME:
May 19, 2014 / 10:00 A.M. CST

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

BID OPENING:

DATE:
June 3, 2014

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
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DATE:
May 12, 2014

TO:
Prospective Bidders

INVITATION FOR BID NUMBER:
14-11

SEPARATE SEALED BIDS FOR:
Leasing of Daycare Facilities

PRE-BID CONFERENCE DATE/TIME:
May 27, 2014 / 10:00 A.M. CST

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

BID OPENING:
June 10, 2014
DATE:
10:00 a.m. CST
TIME:

LOCATION:
HABD Central Office
1826 Third Avenue South

Birmingham, AL 35233-1905

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

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.

Contracting Officer:
Naomi H. Truman, Executive Director
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INVITATION FOR BIDS

The Jefferson County Commission will receive bids for Fairfield Willie Mays Park Improvements, JCC Project #CDBG12-03F-M01-FWM at Room 270 of the Jefferson County Courthouse until 9:00 a.m. local time on the 24th day of June, 2014, at which time and place all bids will be publicly opened and read aloud.

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

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

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

Bids are invited upon the work as follows:
Construction of restroom facilities and handicap accessible parking and sidewalks at Willie Mays Park.

Bids must be accompanied by a certified check payable to the order of Jefferson County, Alabama negotiable U.S. Government Bonds (at par value) or a satisfactory Bid Bond executed by the bidder and an acceptable surety, in the amount equal to five percent (5%) of the total of the bid amount but not to exceed $10,000.00, for the Fairfield Willie Mays Park Improvements, JCC Project #CDBG12-03F-M01-FWM.
The bid security is to become the property of the owner in the event that: (1) the bidder fails to meet any of the qualifications required in the bid specifications stated herein; (2) the bidder misrepresents or falsifies any information required to be provided by the owner; (3) for any reason that the bidder fails to qualify, causing his bid to be withdrawn or rejected and such withdrawal or rejection results in delay or substantial additional expense to the owner; (4) the contract and bond are not executed within the time set forth, as liquidated damages for the delay and additional expense of the owner caused thereby.

Bid documents are on file and will be available for examination at the JEFFERSON COUNTY OFFICE OF COMMUNITY & Economic DEVELOPMENT, 716 Richard Arrington Jr. Blvd N, Suite A-430, Birmingham, Alabama 35203; and the BIRMINGHAM CONSTRUCTION INDUSTRY AUTHORITY, 601 37th Street South, Birmingham, AL 35222
The bid package may be obtained by depositing $100.00 with Thompson Architecture, Inc., 2913 Cahaba Road, Birmingham, AL 35223, ph: 205-414-1272, e-mail: rthompson@thompsonarchitecture.com
for each set of documents so obtained. Such deposit will be refunded in full on the first set issued to each general contract bidder submitting a bonafide bid, upon return of documents in good condition within ten days of bid date. Other sets for general contractors, and sets for subcontractors and dealers, may be obtained with the same deposit, which will be refunded as above, less cost of printing, reproduction, handling and distribution of the contract documents. The contractor has an option to receive electronically the bid package with no deposit required.

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

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

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

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

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

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

No Bid may be withdrawn for a period of sixty (60) days from the date of the opening of bids to allow the Jefferson County Commission to review the bids and investigate the qualifications of bidders, prior to awarding the contract.
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ADVERTISEMENT for BIDDER PRE-QUALIFICATION And NOTICE of INTENT to RECEIVE BIDS from PREQUALIFIED BIDDERS
Pre-qualification submittals will be received at the 2020 Building, 2020 8th Avenue South, Birmingham, Alabama 35233 until 2:00pm local time on Monday, June 16, 2014 by the Owner’s Representative/Project Manager, Juan de Onis, on behalf of Office of the Associate Vice President, Facilities & Capital Projects, University of Alabama at Birmingham, and the Callahan Eye Foundation Hospital Health Care Authority. The original and two (2) duplicates of submittals are required for pre-qualification approval; however, facsimile transmission copies may be transmitted to the Project Manager at (205) 975-7000 to expedite the review process with hard-copies of the submittals to be delivered within 24 hours.
CALLAHAN EYE HOSPITAL EFH INFRASTRUCTURE IMPROVEMENTS UNIVERSITY OF ALABAMA AT BIRMINGHAM UAB PROJECT # H145005A
A. SCOPE OF WORK:  The project will be constructed under a single prime contract in a single phase. Care must be taken to limit disturbances, coordinate shutdowns and follow strict ICRA requirements to protect patients, family and staff. The scope of the work is to extend chilled water lines from ground level at the northwest corner of the parking deck, up the side of the parking deck, across the roof with valved and capped taps at existing roof top equipment, and down to the existing chiller room, insulation for piping, hangers at the parking deck and roof. Work requires replacing two existing air handling units and modifying the ductwork to convert units from 100% OSA to a return system. Work includes a new steam to water heat exchanger, complete with coils, controls and two pumps. Work includes structural connections of the chilled water piping to the existing structure, horizontal and vertical penetrations through the existing structure, and patching the roof at penetrations. All work will be carefully coordinated with Hospital staff to ensure the operations of the facility are not interrupted. The Callahan Eye Hospital location is 1720 University Boulevard, Birmingham, Alabama, 35233.
B. PRIME CONTRACTOR BIDDER PRE-QUALIFICATIONS:  Prime contractor bidders interested in submitting a proposal must apply for pre- qualification and must be licensed under the Provision of Title 34, Chapter 8, and Code of Alabama, 1975. A copy of current Alabama Contractors license is to be included in pre-qualification submittal.  Only prime contractor bidders who have completed the pre-qualification process and that have been approved will be eligible to submit a bid for the Project. Prospective Bidder’s Pre-qualification Package must be received by the Owner’s Project Manager no later than 2:00pm local time on Monday, June 16, 2014 after which no further requests will be considered.
Pre-qualification Requirements Information Package may be obtained from the Architect upon letterhead request. The pre-qualification procedure is intended to identify responsible and competent prime contractor bidders relative to the requirements of the Project. Each prospective prime contractor bidder will be notified of the results of the pre-qualification, no later than 2:00pm local time on Monday, June 23, 2014.
A mandatory pre-bid conference will be held at the Callahan Eye Hospital at the First Floor Lobby, 1720 University Blvd, Birmingham, AL 35233 on Wednesday, June 25, 2014 at 10:00am local time.
The Owner reserves the right to waive technical errors in applications, or abandon the pre-qualification process, should the interests of the Owner appear to be promoted thereby.
Progress Design and Construction Documents:
Prior to the pre-qualification deadline, project progress plans and specifications may be examined at the following location:
Architect:
POOLE & COMPANY ARCHITECTS, LLC
2 NORTH 20TH STREET, SUITE 1610
BIRMINGHAM, AL 35203 (205) 326-2206 (205) 326-2201 jpoole@pooleandcompany.com

C. BIDS BY PRE-QUALIFIED PRIME GENERAL CONTRACTOR BIDDERS
Documents:
After notice to pre-qualified bidders is given, the pre-qualified prime contractor bidders may obtain bid documents for purchase through a DPR site at Alabama Graphics, 2801 Fifth Avenue South, Birmingham, Alabama 35233.
Bid documents will be available on Tuesday, June 24 at the following locations after notice to pre-qualified bidders is given. Drawings and specifications may be examined at the Office of the Architect; McGraw-Hill Construction Dodge, 3000 3rd Avenue South, Birmingham, AL 35233; at the AGC Internet Plan Room, 5000 Grantswood Road, Irondale, AL 35210; at the Birmingham Construction Industry Authority, 3600 Fourth Avenue South, Birmingham, AL 35222; and at the Reed Construction Data Office, 30 Technology Pkwy, South, Suite 500, Norcross, GA 30092-2912.
Bonds:
A certified check or bid bond payable to the University of Alabama at Birmingham in an amount not less than five percent (5%) of the amount of the bid, but in no event more than $10,000 must accompany the bidder’s proposal. Performance and Statutory Labor and Material Payment Bonds will be required at the signing of the Contract.
Bids:
Bids must be submitted on proposal forms or copies thereof furnished by the Architect. No bid may be withdrawn after the scheduled closing time for receipt of bids for a period of ninety (90) days. The Owner reserves the right to reject bids if such action is determined to be in the best interest of the Owner. The Owner reserves the right to revoke pre-qualification of any bidder in accordance with Section 39-2- 12, Code of Alabama, 1975, as amended in 1997 (by Act 97-225). Bids will be received until Tuesday, July 15, 2014 at 2:00pm local time at the 2020 Building, 2020 8th Avenue South, Birmingham, Alabama 35233.
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Southwestern Athletic Conference Announces Postseason Baseball Honors

Birmingham Times

May 29, 2014

Alabama State leads this season’s postseason honors with three individual awards and seven selections to the All-SWAC Baseball teams

BIRMINGHAM, Ala. – After winning its first Eastern Division title since 1994, Alabama State earned three individual Southwestern Athletic Conference awards, as shortstop Emmanuel Marrero was named Player of the Year, Joseph Camacho earned Pitcher of the Year, and Mervyl Melendez was voted Coach of the Year.
Alabama A&M outfielder Andrew Utterback received the conference’s Hitter of the Year, first baseman Tilur Smith becomes the league’s consecutive Newcomer of the Year from Jackson State, and Prairie View A&M outfielder Cody Den Beste was picked Freshman of the Year.
The awards and All-SWAC team selections were voted on by the league’s head coaches and sports information contacts.
Marrero helped guide ASU to one of its best seasons in program history. While hitting .327, he leads the nation in triples (10) and ranks 1oth in RBI (55). Among leading the conference in triples and RBI, he ranks first in the SWAC in hits (67), total bases (108), two-out RBI (23), and runners advanced (38). He finished the regular season second in assists (151) while leading the Hornets in all seven categories.
For a consecutive season, ASU is spotlighted by its ace earning top pitching honors. Camacho capped the regular season with a 9-1 record on the mound earning the most wins among pitchers in the SWAC. He currently sits second in the league with a 2.36 ERA with 58 strikeouts. He enters the 2014 SWAC Baseball Tournament holding opponents to a .248 batting average, which ranks among the conference’s elite. He has not surrendered a home run on the year receiving the award after current teammate T.J. Renda captured the honor in 2013.
Utterback powered AAMU to its first 20-win season since 2009. He sits atop the conference with a .406 batting average which ranks ninth in NCAA Division I. In addition to his batting average, he leads the SWAC in slugging percentage (.600) and on-base percentage (.517). With 160 at-bats on the year, he has recorded 12 doubles, two triples, five home runs, 40 RBI and 27 runs scored.
Smith ranks in the top three or leads JSU in all of the major hitting statistics. He racked up 48 hits and 32 runs scored to lead all SWAC newcomers. He ranks ninth in the conference in hitting and leads JSU with a .340 batting average, a .532 slugging percentage and a .448 on-base percentage. Smith registers a team best in triples (2) and doubles (14), while posting three home runs and 26 RBI. He follows teammate Charles Tillery; who earned the newcomer award last year.
Den Beste finished the SWAC season as PVAMU’s leader in triples (3) batting average with two outs (.385) percentage reached as a leadoff hitter (.462), percentage advancing runners (.577) and is tied atop its list in stolen bases (7).
In his third year at the helm, Melendez spearheaded Alabama State to program milestones including: overall record (34-19), conference mark (21-3) mark and back-to-back 30-win seasons. The Hornets won their entire conference series for the first time en route to its first Eastern Division championship since 1994. The Hornets historic season included wins over Auburn and No. 4 Miami.
Marrero, Camacho and Utterback land on the All-SWAC first team with Alabama State’s Einar Muniz (2B), Richard Amion (OF), Richard Gonzalez (C), and Waldyvan Estrada (DH). Also among the first team selections are Alabama A&M’s Austin Hulsey (1B), Southern’s D.J. Wallace (OF), Arkansas-Pine Bluff’s Kevin Walsh (RP), and Jackson State’s Melvin Rodriguez (3B) and Desmond Russell (SP).
Alabama State led all selections with seven overall including six on the first team. Alabama A&M posted four picks followed by Texas Southern with three. Arkansas-Pine Bluff, Jackson State, Southern, and Prairie View A&M finished with two overall. Alcorn State had one player make the all conference teams among the 24 players selected.

Player of the Year Emmanuel Marrero – Alabama State
Pitcher of the Year Joseph Camacho – Alabama State
Hitter of the Year Andrew Utterback – Alabama A&M
Newcomer of the Year Tilur Smith – Jackson State
Freshman of the Year Cody Den Beste – Prairie View A&M
Coach of the Year Mervyl Melendez – Alabama State

2014 ALL SWAC BASEBALL TEAMS
FIRST TEAM
1B    Austin Hulsey,  Alabama A&M
2B    Einar Muniz ,     Alabama State
3B    Melvin Rodriguez, Jackson State
SS    Emmanuel Marrero,  Alabama State
OF   Andrew Utterback,    Alabama A&M
OF   Richard Amion, Alabama State
OF   D.J. Wallace,  Southern
C     Richard Gonzalez, Alabama State
P     Joseph Camacho, Alabama State
P     Desmond Russell, Jackson State
RP Kevin Walsh, Arkansas-Pine Bluff
DH Waldyvan Estrada, Alabama State

SECOND TEAM
1B   Dominiq Harris, Prairie View A&M
2B   Julio Nunez, Alabama A&M
SS    Isias Alcantar, Arkansas-Pine Bluff
3B   Greg Salcido, Prairie View A&M
OF   Brandon Crutcher, Alabama A&M
OF   Zach Welz, Texas Southern
OF   Scottie Peavey, Alcorn State
C     Jose DelaTorre, Southern
P      T.J. Renda, Alabama State
P      Santos Saldivar, Southern
RP   Felix Gomez,  Texas Southern
DH Jerry Ford II, Texas Southern

Planning Party for OLS July 4th Fest

Birmingham Times

May 29, 2014

Trash ‘n’ Treasure Team Gets Together

Preparations for Birmingham’s oldest Independence Day festival is underway. The 65th Annual Our Lady of Sorrows Church Independence Day Festival will be held on Friday, July 4th from 10:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. on the church grounds at 1728 Oxmoor Road, Homewood. The Knights of Columbus #4304 coordinates the festival and welcomes everyone to the fundraiser which will include barbeque, a raffle, games for all ages, and the popular Trash ‘n’ Treasure rummage sale.
The Trash ‘n’ Treasure team members officially began their busy season on May 21. Nearly 100 volunteers enjoyed a potluck dinner that evening at the church and heard from Melanie Falconer, the rummage sale chairman. “We’re ready to take things and we need donations,” she said. “The Knights of Columbus have already been picking up some things. We have about 3 storage units full of stuff.”
Donations are being accepted now through June 30th. Falconer said all donated electronics and small appliances should be in working order and clothing should be clean, on hangers if possible, and may be gently worn but not stained. She also said they cannot take car seats and cribs that are old and without expiration dates or are past their attached expiration dates. “Car seats now have an expiration date on them. We cannot sell them if they do not have the sticker on them or if they’ve expired,” she stressed.
The shopping can begin as early as 8:00 a.m. for the first 400 people who donate $5.00 for early bird admission tickets. Otherwise, bargain hunters can enter for free at 9:00 a.m. Falconer said furniture will once again be sold under a 4800 square foot tent. It will be next to the gym which will be stuffed with other items. A shoe drive has been going on for months. Hundreds of pairs of shoes already have been repaired and rejuvenated at the Homewood Shoe Hospital.
Falconer said that soon red and white yard signs will begin popping up advertising the festival. She also encouraged volunteers and bargain hunters to keep an eye on the Trash ‘n’ Treasure Facebook page for updates and photos of interesting items.

The Birmingham Zoo Board Approves a $15 Million Capital Campaign for a New Arrival Experience

Birmingham Times

May 29, 2014

BIRMINGHAM, AL- The Birmingham Zoo Board approved a $15 million capital campaign, paving the way for a newly renovated front entrance, an Asian Forest and a new plaza, among other updates. According to Mayor William Bell, “The Zoo has been a distinguished attraction for the Birmingham community for nearly 60 years. The new renovations will be an exciting opportunity for the community to come together and watch this landmark grow and develop into an even greater institution.” The one-time, economic impact from this $15 million investment in the new entry and Asian Forest is projected at $31.5 million, including direct and indirect benefits from wages, salaries, purchase of goods and services that are re-invested in the local and regional communities.
“These forms of capital funds will help to ensure Birmingham’s thrust as a global attraction,” stated Council President Johnathan Austin. “The Zoo continues to provide numerous benefits for our city, and we are excited about what is to come.” The total ongoing and annual economic benefit of attracting 550,000 visitors to the Birmingham Zoo and the Zoo’s operational impact of its employees and goods and services within the local economy is $37.2 million.
The campaign for these significant updates follows a record setting year of attendance in 2013 and the projected increases in attendance for 2014 and beyond. The Birmingham Zoo prides itself as a municipal asset and is also noted as a Public Private Partnership since 1999. Capital improvements since 1999 have exceeded $30.5 million, which includes support of 32% from the public sector. “
The focus of the overall capital campaign has been identified as the transformation of the “arrival experience,” the dynamic educational portal, flexible public assembly space and retail spaces. The Birmingham Zoo is also excited about the new initiative program of the Kiwanis Zoo School which educates approximately 600 seventh grade Birmingham city school students annually and serves nearly 75,000 overall school children per year. Chairman of the Birmingham Zoo Board of Directors, Jesse Vogtle Jr. stated, “The Birmingham Zoo is a wonderful place for all ages to enjoy and learn about nature and conservation. This public partner investment certainly will increase Birmingham’s ability to serve more youth through our Kiwanis Zoo School and other educational opportunities. We are very excited for the future!”   Approximately 950 animals of 230 species call the Birmingham Zoo home, including sea lions, zebras, rhinos and endangered species from six continents. The Birmingham Zoo is open daily
from 9am to 5pm. Regular admission is $15* for adults and $10* for senior citizens and children ages 2-12 (*Price not including tax). All Birmingham Zoo Members and children under two-years-old receive free admission.
For more information about the Birmingham Zoo, please visit the Zoo on Facebook and Twitter or at birminghamzoo.com.

Is U.S. Attorney General Eric Holder and the White House Administration Still Upholding the Legacy of Funding Racism?

Birmingham Times

May 29, 2014

By Rev. Dr. Clenard H. Childress, Jr.

NATIONWIDE (BlackNews.com) — The words of Dr. Martin Luther King still ring true and their relevancy has not diminished, for in fact: they have never been more relevant! We are presently witnessing for the first time in our history, the church must find favor in the courts in order to remain a practicing Christian. Religious persecution is now a reality in a nation that claimed God birthed them and vowed to remain under His auspices. Still without much clamor from “we the people” this scourge promises to encroach upon everything deemed to be Christian under the legislative pretense of “Civil Rights.” Political Correctness, the subliminal term for, Anti-Christ, has subdued its victims by portraying itself as a “Human Right”, thereby ignoring completely the rights of persons who are directly or indirectly affected by the exercise of their assumed rights. I have often said, “It is intellectually dishonest to claim a right for yourself, and in so doing, take away the rights of someone else.” Ironically, the issues with government Dr. Martin Luther King faced 53 years ago, are in reality, not much different today, especially under this present administration. Consider the premise, “The President has the Power…”
Below is an excerpt from Dr. Martin Luther King’s essay – of the same name – written in February of 1961 which exenterates the core problem religious organizations are currently in opposition at the highest court of the land.
“If we examine the total of all judicial executive and legislative acts of the past three decades and balance them against the sum needed to achieve fundamental “change”, two startling conclusions are inescapable. The first is the hopeless inadequacy of measures adopted – pitifully insufficient in scope and limited in conception. The second conclusion is even more disturbing… Federal action has not been only inadequate, viewed as a whole it has been self nullifying. In 1954 the Supreme Court declared school segregation to be unconstitutional. Yet, since then federal executive agencies and vast federal legislative programs have given millions of dollars yearly to educational institutions which continue to violate the Supreme Court decision. These illustrations can be multiplied many times. The shocking fact is that while the government moves sluggishly, and in patchwork fashion, to achieve equal rights for all citizens, in the daily conduct of its own massive economic and social activities it participates directly and indirectly in the denial of these rights. We must face the tragic fact that the federal government is the nation’s highest investor in segregation.”
Can we say the same today? The first obligation of government is to protect its citizen’s lives and uphold their rights to life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness. Yet, after the empirical proof that Planned Parenthood, the largest abortion provider in America, targets African-Americans for the sole purpose of diminishing the numbers of live births of minority women, a ‘blind eye’ is turned and nothing is done to stop this segregated madness. This “Black Genocide” as documented in the documentary, “MAAFA 21” produced by Life Dynamics, has a nullifying consequence upon the rights of one segment of society in the pretense of granting a right to another, for “a person is a person no matter how small.” Not only has this created horrific psychological and physiological problems for women who undergo the abortion procedure itself, but it has denied over 20 million African-Americans – 55 million overall – the American Dream, of life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness.
“The President has the Power…” essay focused on the Brown vs. Board of Education Supreme Court case declaring school segregation unconstitutional. Dr. Martin Luther King eviscerated and exposed the hypocrisy of the Federal Government and its disregard to enforce the edict by noting the Government continued sending millions of dollars to segregated educational institutions which violated the Supreme Court decision. Today in our urban communities, the civil right of an education for African-Americans is being grossly violated in similar fashion. The Federal Government is aware of the much documented failing schools and abysmal graduation rates. In New York alone the graduation rates of African-American children are 31 percent. This is appalling and it is not made any easier for these mothers, a large percentage of whom, are the head of their households. Due to their Zip Code, and circumstances beyond their control, they must raise their children alone and then send them to a school which the state itself has determined to be a failing educational institution, segregated by its un-remediated appalling failure. Rightfully so, Dr. Alveda King, the niece of Dr. Martin Luther King, has called it “… one of the most glaring Civil Rights violations of our time.”
The Feds’ answer? Throw more of our hard-earned money to aid and abet a failing system benefiting the Teachers Union, and not the African-American children for whom they are hired to serve and educate. As well: obscure outcomes; increase the school district size adding jobs where people who are on the payroll have never been seen on the job; diminish test scores; corrupt an education system such that a billion dollars is found missing from the school construction fund in New Jersey and nobody to this date has been held accountable. But when the threat of another system which would eventually eradicate the present failing system was piloted in Washington, D.C., and was documented as working successfully in the African-American Community, it was ended due to pressure from the Teachers Union! Again, as Dr. King pointed out in 1961, the Federal Government was the highest investor in segregation or racism in America as it is now in the segregated educational outcomes for African-American children.
Obamacare, is clearly the most intrusive anti-religious legislation passed since slavery. Once again – when our government is actually supposed to secure our rights – you now have to file suit against this same government in order to keep them. Hobby Lobby, the family-owned arts and crafts business that has been the most high-profile plaintiff against Obamacare, asked the U.S. Supreme Court to protect it from being forced to violate their deeply held religious beliefs or be forced to pay severe fines. Hobby Lobby asked the U.S. Supreme Court to review its case and decide whether the Green family will be required to provide and pay for life-terminating drugs and devices in violation of their religious beliefs.
Obamacare, if enacted – completely by design – will expedite the destruction of African-American Children within the womb. It is not surprising at all that the leading killer of African-Americans is Planned Parenthood, Obamacare’s greatest supporter and advocate. Amazingly Eric Holder, the Attorney General of the United States, who had been ‘Fast and Furious’ in supplying guns to be tracked to find Drug Dealers – which wound up supplying guns to murderers who killed U.S. citizens – has been slow and silent in defending and upholding the laws of marriage. Yet, in an ‘ironic’ twist, the U.S. Department of Justice has filed a Federal Civil Rights Lawsuit against the School District of Philadelphia, claiming a rule regulating the length of employees’ beards constitutes ‘religious discrimination’. School police officer, Siddiq Abu-Bakr, maintained an untrimmed beard for the 27 years he worked at the district, the suit states. Abu-Bakr is a member of the Islamic faith, which he says requires that he not cut his beard. “No employee should be forced to violate his religious beliefs in order to earn a living,” said Spencer Lewis Jr., District Director of the EEOC’s Philadelphia District Office.
Within the Barack Obama Administration, beards are protected due to religious convictions, and ‘…we the government…’ can force you to give drugs that kill babies and also make you pay abortionists to murder them despite your religious objections… Is this madness? As you may recall, I asked the salient question in 2007: ‘can America survive an “Obamanation”?’ The definition of Segregation: “The action or state of setting someone or something apart from other people or things, or being set apart”. When a segment of our society has been denied by that society of its Civil Rights then the term ‘segregation’ is appropriately applied to that society that exercises it. It would appear to me Dr. Martin Luther King’s assessment of Government in America must also be ours today.
“We Must Face the Tragic Fact That the Federal Government is the Nation’s Highest Investor in Segregation (Racism).”
Rev. Dr. Clenard H. Childress, Jr. is the founder of www.BlackGenocide.org – a website designed to reach the Afro-American community with the truth about abortion.

Letter to the Editor

Birmingham Times

May 29, 2014

Dear Editor:
Caring people around the world applaud Mexico City officials for passing a progressive and compassionate law that requires dogs and cats to be spayed or neutered and microchipped (AP).
Spaying and neutering are the keys to curbing the animal overpopulation crisis that results in suffering, homelessness, and death.
This law will help prevent countless dogs and cats from being born only to end up on the streets, where they starve or are killed by cars (and where dogs form packs that have fatally attacked human residents); in the hands of abusive or neglectful people; or in animal shelters, where many dogs and cats must be euthanized for lack of homes. Mandatory microchipping will help reunite lost animals with their families and ensure that people who abuse or neglect their animals can be identified and held accountable.
Dogs and cats pay with their lives because there are too many animals and too few good homes. It’s only right that breeders should pay fines if they ignore the law and insist on worsening the animal overpopulation crisis.
Let’s hope many other cities follow Mexico City’s example by passing their own spay/neuter and microchipping ordinances. To learn more, visit www.PETA.org.
Sincerely,
Teresa Chagrin

Animal Care & Control Specialist

People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals (PETA)

Norfolk, VA 23510

Inside the Statehouse

Birmingham Times

May 29, 2014

by Steve Flowers

Believe it or not we are less than one week away from the 2014 Primary Elections. The Republican and Democratic primaries are next Tuesday. The turnout may be historically low. The reason is simple. There are no good statewide races on the ballot.

The Governor’s race is usually a marquee event. However, Gov. Robert Bentley is essentially running unopposed. The same is true for Agriculture Commissioner John McMillan, State Treasurer Young Boozer and Attorney General Luther Strange. Lt. Gov. Kay Ivey has a viable opponent but Stan Cooke is running a grassroots campaign with no money in a race for an office where there are no issues, only name identification.

Former Huntsville State Senator and Congressman Parker Griffith should garner the Democratic nomination for Governor. However, he will face long odds against a very popular incumbent in the fall. Even if Bentley was not unbeatable on his own, winning the GOP nomination for Governor is tantamount to election in Alabama.

The most spirited statewide races will be for the inconsequential positions of Secretary of State and State Auditor. There are also two seats on the Public Service Commission up for grabs.

The Secretary of State contest has drawn three quality opponents seeking this open position. Crenshaw County Probate Judge Jim Perdue, former Montgomery County Probate Judge Reese McKinney and Tuscaloosa State Rep. John Merrill are vying for the GOP nomination. This one will more than likely be decided in the July 15 runoff.

Merrill should lead the ticket. He has run a very formidable initial statewide race. He started two years ago and has never stopped. He picked up the endorsements of most of the business groups and raised a lot of money for this obscure office. His television ads are the best seen in the state in quite a while.

The Auditor’s race has four male GOP candidates. Republican incumbent Samantha Shaw has served two terms and cannot run again. One time PSC Commissioner and perennial candidate Jim Ziegler, former State Conservation Official Hobbie Sealy, Adam Thompson, who is a Secretary of State official and Shelby Countian Dale Peterson are running for an office that may eventually be abolished. Adam Thompson has lined up most of the business endorsements. He and Ziegler will be favored to make the July 15 runoff.

Dale Peterson’s wife, Kathy, is challenging incumbent PSC member Jeremy Oden. Gov. Bentley appointed Oden two years ago. He should be easily elected to a full term on Tuesday.

The best PSC race is for Place 2. There are four men seeking the GOP nomination. Jonathan Barbee, Phillip Brown and Chip Beeker are striving to remove first term commissioner, Terry Dunn who won the seat by accident four years ago and has had a bizarre ride. He has openly sided with Democratic anti coal groups in a pro coal state. The business groups have given tepid support to Beeker in this race.

There will be pockets of moderate turnout around the state due to hotly contested local races. The best race will be for the open 6th District Congressional seat in suburban Jefferson, Shelby, St. Clair and Blount Counties.

There are also several good state Senate races to watch. The Senate seat in St. Clair and Talladega Counties was expected to be very close. However, private polling indicates that Dr. Jim McLendon may beat incumbent Jerry Fielding by as much as 60/40.

AEA gave Garreth Moore $150,000 to run against popular incumbent Jimmy Holley in the South Alabama seat made up of Coffee, Covington, Dale and Pike Counties. Polls reveal Holley will win by 60/40 or more.

Incumbent Democrat Mark Keahey dropped out of the Southwest Alabama Senate seat 22. There are a handful of GOP aspirants. Either Greg Albriton, Danny Joyner or Stephen Sexton is favored to prevail. This will be a pickup for the GOP in the State Senate.

Todd Greeson looks to be edging out Steve Livingston in the open Northwest Alabama Senate seat made up of Jackson, DeKalb and Madison Counties.

The open Senate seat in North Jefferson and Blount Counties has six GOP aspirants. Gayle Gear, Shay Shelmutt and Jim Murphree are the favorites fighting for a runoff spot.

Most Goat Hill eyes are intensely watching East Alabama. Popular veteran lawmaker Gerald Dial is being challenged by Tim Sprayberry of Cleburne County. Polls are showing that challenger Andy Carter could beat incumbent State Senator Tom Whatley in the Lee County Senate seat. A lot of folks also will be following Speaker Mike Hubbard’s reelection contest. There has been a lot of money spent on both sides. Challenger Sandy Toomer is expected to make this race interesting.

We will see next Tuesday.

Steve Flowers is Alabama’s leading political columnist. His column appears weekly in 72 Alabama newspapers. Steve served 16 years in the state legislature. He may be reached at www.steveflowers.us.

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