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May 22, 2014

**Employment

Royal Cup Coffee, the leading coffee roaster and nationwide provider of gourmet coffees, teas and allied products offers an excellent opportunity for highly motivated and skilled individuals. We are currently accepting applications for an immediate opening for a full time 2nd Shift Order Selector.

This is a level 1 Warehouser Position. The primary duties are to select sales orders, maintain housekeeping/sanitation and other assigned duties such as loading, unloading, receiving, and product rotation.
Royal Cup offers competitive wages and an opportunity to grow your career. Royal Cup Coffee is an Equal Opportunity Employer M/F/D/V. To apply please visit online at www.royalcupcoffee.com/.
BT05/22/14
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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 al 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.
BT05/22/14
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*DRIVERS

*Drivers: Averitt Has Exciting Opportunities
for Local Dedicated Drivers! Monday-Friday,
PM Shift. Starting Pay $15.64/hr. Home Every
Day! CSA Friendly Equipment. Benefits Pkg &
Much More! 1yr Verifiable T/T exp. Within the
past 3 years & apply for Hazmat within 30 days
of Hire. 888-WORK-4-US *AverittCareers.com.
Averitt is an Equal Opportunity Employer;
females, minorities, protected veterans,
and individuals with disabilities are encouraged to apply.
BT05/22/14
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*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.
BT05/22/14
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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
BT05/22/14
_________________________________
**LEGALS

*EPA Announces the Availability of the Administrative Record for the 35th Avenue Site, Birmingham, Jefferson County, Alabama

The United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) announces that the Administrative Record for the 35th Avenue Site located in Birmingham, Jefferson County, Alabama, is available for public review.

The Administrative Record file includes documents that form the basis for selection of the removal action. A removal action is a short-term cleanup intended to stabilize a site that poses an imminent and substantial threat to human health or the environment. Documents in the record may include, but are not limited to, preliminary assessment and inspection report, test results, and the Action Memorandum. All interested persons are encouraged to review the documents.

The documents will be available for public review during normal business hours at the following locations:

US EPA
61 Forsyth Street, SW
Atlanta, GA 30303
Attn: Anita Davis

North Birmingham Branch Library
2501 31st Ave. North
Birmingham, AL 35207

EPA will accept comments regarding the Administrative Record during the public comment period which will begin May 22, 2014 and ends on June 21, 2014. Comments should be addressed to Greg Harper and Rick Jardine, Federal On-Scene Coordinators, US EPA Region 4 – ERRB 11th Floor, 61 Forsyth Street, SW, Atlanta, Georgia 30303. At the end of the 30-day comment period, a written response to all pertinent comments will be prepared in a responsiveness summary and placed in the file.

The land use for this Site is mostly residential and is located among several communities. The primary contaminants of concern were benzo[a]pyrene (BaP), a polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbon (P AH) and arsenic.
BT05/22/14
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*ADVERTISEMENT FOR BIDS

The Birmingham-Jefferson Civic Center Authority will receive sealed bids for:
*Photoluminescent Egress Path Markings and Signage

This will be for the use of the Birmingham-Jefferson Civic Center Authority, Birmingham, Alabama.* General *Contractors will be required to make a good faith effort to include MBE and DBE companies in the execution of this *project.

*The Birmingham-Jefferson Civic Center, 2100 Richard Arrington Jr. Blvd. North, Birmingham, Alabama will receive *bids, up to the hour of 1:30 p.m. on Thursday, June 26, 2014, and will thereafter be publicly opened and read aloud at the BJCC Executive Board Room 4th Floor, North Exhibition Hall in Birmingham, AL. Bids must be submitted on bid forms furnished by the Authority. Bids shall be clearly identified on the exterior of the package with bidder’s name, address, *STATE CONTRACTOR LICENSE NUMBER, the name of the project being bid, and time and place of bid opening. Sealed bids shall be properly identified.

Construction contracts shall be awarded only to qualified Contractors, licensed by the State Licensing Board for General Contractors, as required by Title 34, Chapter 8, and Code of Alabama. Contracts in excess of $50,000 shall be awarded only to Contractors licensed as required by the 1978 Code of Alabama, Title 34, and Chapter 8 as amended. Bidders must be “responsible” in accordance with criteria in the bid and as stipulated by Title 30-2-3-(e) of the code of Alabama.

A copy of this bid package is available at the above address or on our website: *www.bjcc.org (under Jobs & Vendor Opportunities – Open Bids section). There is no charge for downloading bid documents. Documents will also be available at the pre-bid meeting and in the BCIA Plan Room.

Bids may be sent to *BJCC Purchasing Department, Attn: Purchasing Coordinator, 2100 Richard Arrington Jr. Blvd. N, *Birmingham, AL 35203. Any bid not received by 4:00 p.m. on Wednesday, June 25, 2014, *must be hand delivered and presented at the bid opening. Sealed bids shall be submitted in triplicate and shall be properly identified. *All bids received after 1:30 p.m. on the bid date will be returned unopened.

A Cashier’s Check drawn on an Alabama Bank or bid bond, executed by a Surety company duly authorized and qualified to make such bonds in Alabama, payable to the Birmingham-Jefferson Civic Center Authority in the amount of 5% of the amount of bid, but in no event more than $10,000 must accompany the bidder’s bid. Performance and Labor and Material Payment Bonds in the amount of 100% of the contract price will be required when the Contract is presented by the Contractor to the Authority.

*A pre-bid meeting will be conducted Thursday, June 5, 2014 at 10:00 a.m. in The Forum Building, located at 950 *22nd Street N 2nd Floor Lobby, Birmingham, AL 35203.

*Questions concerning the specifications should be directed to Jerry Nelms, Facility Engineer, at (205) 458-8409 or *email Jerry.Nelms@bjcc.org.

Sharon Proctor
Purchasing Coordinator
Birmingham-Jefferson Civic Center Authority
BT05/22/14
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*ADVERTISEMENT FOR BIDS

*The Birmingham-Jefferson Civic Center Authority will receive sealed bids for:
*Sheraton Birmingham – Banquet Kitchen Remodel

This will be for the use of the Birmingham-Jefferson Civic Center Authority, Birmingham, Alabama. *General Contractors will be required to make a good faith effort to include MBE *and DBE companies in the execution of this project.

*The Birmingham-Jefferson Civic Center, 2100 Richard Arrington Jr. Blvd. North, *Birmingham, Alabama will receive bids, up to the hour of 1:30 p.m. on Tuesday, June 10, *2014, and will thereafter be publicly opened and read aloud at the BJCC Executive Board Room 4th Floor, North Exhibition Hall in Birmingham, AL. Bids must be submitted on bid forms furnished by the Authority. Bids shall be clearly identified on the exterior of the package with bidder’s name, address, STATE CONTRACTOR LICENSE NUMBER, the name of the project being bid, and time and place of bid opening. Sealed bids shall be properly identified.

Construction contracts shall be awarded only to qualified Contractors, licensed by the State Licensing Board for General Contractors, as required by Title 34, Chapter 8, and Code of Alabama. Contracts in excess of $50,000 shall be awarded only to Contractors licensed as required by the 1978 Code of Alabama, Title 34, and Chapter 8 as amended. Bidders must be “responsible” in accordance with criteria in the bid and as stipulated by Title 30-2-3-(e) of the code of Alabama.

A copy of this bid package is available at the above address or on our website: *www.bjcc.org (under Jobs & Vendor Opportunities – Open Bids section). There is no charge for downloading bid documents. Documents will also be available at the pre-bid meeting and in the BCIA Plan Room.

Bids may be sent to *BJCC Purchasing Department, Attn: Purchasing Coordinator, 2100 *Richard Arrington Jr. Blvd. N, Birmingham, AL 35203. Any bid not received by 8:00 a.m. on Tuesday, June 10, 2014, *must be hand delivered and presented at the bid opening. Sealed bids shall be submitted in triplicate and shall be properly identified. *All bids received after 1:30 p.m. on the bid date will be returned unopened.

A Cashier’s Check drawn on an Alabama Bank or bid bond, executed by a Surety company duly authorized and qualified to make such bonds in Alabama, payable to the Birmingham-Jefferson Civic Center Authority in the amount of 5% of the amount of bid, but in no event more than $10,000 must accompany the bidder’s bid. Performance and Labor and Material Payment Bonds in the amount of 100% of the contract price will be required when the Contract is presented by the Contractor to the Authority.

*A pre-bid meeting will be conducted Wednesday, May 28, 2014 at 1:30 p.m. in the Sheraton *Birmingham Lobby located at 2101 Richard Arrington Jr. Blvd N, Birmingham, AL 35203.

*Questions concerning the specifications should be directed to Jerry Nelms, Facility Engineer, *at (205) 458-8409 or email Jerry.Nelms@bjcc.org. Sharon Proctor Purchasing Coordinator
Birmingham-Jefferson Civic Center Authority
BT05/22/14
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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.
BT05/22/14
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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
BT05/22/14
__________________
*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

By submission of a bid, the bidder agrees, that if the bid is accepted, to enter into a contract with the Housing Authority of the Birmingham District (HABD), to complete all work as specified or indicated in the bid documents, for the contract price and within the contract time indicated in the attached IFB. The bidder further accepts all of the terms and conditions of the IFB.

The bid will remain open for the period specified in the IFB, must be independently arrived at, and be prepared in accordance with the instructions to bidders (form HUD-5369). In addition, the HUD-required certifications must be completed and submitted as part of the bid (see form HUD-5369).

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

The bid price(s) will be included as provided in the attached IFB. Unless otherwise specified in the IFB, all prices will be on a firm-fixed-price basis and are not subject to adjustments based on costs incurred.

Bidders should be advised that, prior to award of any contract, the Housing Authority of the Birmingham District reserves the right to conduct a pre-award survey for the purpose of determining the bidder’s responsibility and capacity to perform the contract. This survey may include review of subcontracting agreements, financial capacity, and the quality of work performed on other contracts.

All bids must be signed and dated. If a joint venture is submitting the bid, each joint venture must sign the bid. Late bids will be handled in accordance with the form HUD-5369.

A copy of this solicitation is available at *www.habd.org under the Purchasing and Procurement Section. Questions regarding the attached IFB should be directed to the Procurement Administrator, in writing within ten days prior to the date and time set for the bid opening. Questions received after the deadline will not be answered.

Contracting Officer:
Naomi H. Truman, Executive Director
BT05/22/14
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*INVITATION TO BID

*Birmingham-Shuttlesworth International Airport

*FOR

*Taxiway Safety Area Improvements – Taxiway H
BAA Project Number: AF022.000.000-2014

Sealed Bids will be received on behalf of the Birmingham Airport Authority (BAA) at the BAA Office located at the Medical Forum Building 950 22nd Street North, Suite 750, Birmingham, AL 35203, until 10:00 a.m. local time on Tuesday, June 10, 2014. Bids shall be opened and read aloud at 11:30 a.m. local time the same day at the Southern Museum of Flight located at 4343 73rd Street North, Birmingham, Alabama 35206.

The bids shall be submitted in a sealed envelope and/or container plainly marked on the outside with the name, address, and license number of the bidder; the name of the project (Taxiway Safety Area Improvements – Taxiway H) and the time and date due (10:00 a.m. local time, Tuesday, June 10, 2014). Submitted Bids are to be addressed to the attention of Mr. Lowrenzo Taylor, Project Manager, Birmingham Airport Authority, Birmingham, Alabama 35212.

The scope of work consists principally of the following approximate quantities:

690
CY
UNCLASSIFIED EXCAVATION
1690
CY
BORROW EXCAVATION
108
LF
18″ SPAN, 11″ RISE REINFORCED CONCRETE ARCH PIPE, CLASS III
140
LF
18″ REINFORCED CONCRETE PIPE, CLASS III
52
LF
30″ REINFORCED CONCRETE PIPE, CLASS III
420
LF
18″ REINFORCED CONCRETE PIPE, CLASS IV
4
EA
INLET, DOUBLE GRATE
18318
SY
SODDING (BERMUDA)
1040
CY
TOPSOILING (FURNISHED FROM OFF THE SITE)
13
EA
MEDIUM INTENSITY TAXIWAY EDGE LIGHT (L-861T), OMNI-DIRECTIONAL WITH BLUE QUARTZ LENS L-867 BASE MOUNTED, IN PLACE
1
EA
JUNCTION BOX
2
EA
GRATE INLET, TYPE PR
140
LF
REMOVING CURB
860
SY
REMOVING RIPRAP

A Pre-Bid conference will be held on Tuesday, May 27, 2014 starting at 3:00 p.m. local time at the Southern Museum of Flight located at 4343 73rd Street N., Birmingham, Alabama 35206. All Invitation to Bid participants are strongly encouraged to attend this conference.

Beginning Tuesday, May 20, 2014, Invitation to Bid Packages containing specifications and other contract documents may be purchased from Volkert, Inc., located at 2 20th Street North, Suite 300, Birmingham, AL 35203, phone number (205) 214-5500, upon payment of One Hundred-Fifty and No/100 dollars ($150.00) to Volkert, Inc. for each set of contract documents (This fee will be refunded by Volkert, Inc. for contract documents that are returned in reusable condition within 10 days of bid opening).

All bidders bidding in amounts exceeding $50,000.00 must be licensed under the provisions of Title 34, Chapter 8, Code of Alabama, 1975, as amended.

Each Seal Bid shall be accompanied by a Bid Bond, in an amount equal to five (5%) percent of the bid price, made payable to the Birmingham Airport Authority. Bid Bond shall be submitted in accordance with the requirements established in the Invitation to Bid documents. No personal or company checks, money order, or cash will be accepted as a form of Bid Security. All participants submitting a bid in amounts exceeding $50,000.00 must be licensed under provisions of Title 34, Chapter 8, Code of Alabama, 1975, as amended.

DBE Policy: It is the policy of the Birmingham Airport Authority (Authority) that DBEs as defined in 49 CFR Part 26, will have maximum opportunity to participate in the performance of all Authority projects and the bidders will take all necessary and reasonable steps to ensure that DBEs have the maximum opportunity to compete for and perform subcontracts. Additional DBE information is contained in the full Invitation to Bid package.

Requests for information or clarifications regarding this Invitation to Bid may be submitted, via email, to the BAA Project Manager, Mr. Lowrenzo Taylor, ltaylor@flybirmingham.com, Birmingham Airport Authority. All such request must be submitted no later than Tuesday, June 3, 2014. Additionally, all interested Participants must notify the BAA of their intent to submit a Bid no later than 5:00 p.m. local time on June 3, 2014.
BT05/22/14
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*INVITATION TO BID

*Birmingham-Shuttlesworth International Airport

*FOR

*Runway Safety Area Improvements – Runway 18
*BAA Project Number: AF024.000.000-2014

Sealed Bids will be received on behalf of the Birmingham Airport Authority (BAA) at the BAA Office located at the Medical Forum Building 950 22nd Street North, Suite 750, Birmingham, Al. 35203, until 10:00 a.m. local time on Tuesday, June 10, 2014. Bids shall be opened and read aloud at 11:00 a.m. local time the same day at the Southern Museum of Flight located at 4343 73rd Street North, Birmingham, Alabama 35206.

The bids shall be submitted in a sealed envelope and/or container plainly marked on the outside with the name, address, and license number of the bidder; the name of the project (Runway Safety Area Improvements – Runway 18) and the time and date due (10:00 a.m. local time, Tuesday, June 10, 2014). Submitted Bids are to be addressed to the attention of Mr. Lowrenzo Taylor, Project Manager, Birmingham Airport Authority, Birmingham, Alabama 35212.

The scope of work consists principally of the following approximate quantities:

38560     CY            UNCLASS EXCAVATION
160       CY          CONTROLLED LOW-STRENGTH MATERIAL
72       LF           30” REINFORCED CONCRETE PIPE, CLASS III
184       LF           22” SPAN, 14” RISE REINFORCED CONCRETE ARCH PIPE, CLASS III
456        LF           66” REINFORCED CONCRETE PIPE, CLASS III
3       EA           INLET, GRATE   47850       SQ YD       SODDING (BERMUDA)

A Pre-Bid conference will be held on Tuesday, May 27, 2014 starting at 2:00 p.m. local time at the Southern Museum of Flight located at 4343 73rd Street N., Birmingham, Alabama 35206. All Invitation to Bid participants are strongly encouraged to attend this conference.

Beginning Tuesday, May 20, 2014, Invitation to Bid Packages containing specifications and other contract documents may be purchased from Volkert, Inc., located at 2 20th Street North, Suite 300, Birmingham, Al. 35203, phone number (205) 214-5500, upon payment of One Hundred-Fifty and No/100 dollars ($150.00) to Volkert, Inc. for each set of contract documents (This fee will be refunded by Volkert, Inc. for contract documents that are returned in reusable condition within 10 days of bid opening).

All bidders bidding in amounts exceeding $50,000.00 must be licensed under the provisions of Title 34, Chapter 8, Code of Alabama, 1975, as amended.

Each Seal Bid shall be accompanied by a Bid Bond, in an amount equal to five (5%) percent of the bid price, made payable to the Birmingham Airport Authority. Bid Bond shall be submitted in accordance with the requirements established in the Invitation to Bid documents. No personal or company checks, money order, or cash will be accepted as a form of Bid Security. All participants submitting a bid in amounts exceeding $50,000.00 must be licensed under provisions of Title 34, Chapter 8, Code of Alabama, 1975, as amended.

DBE Policy: It is the policy of the Birmingham Airport Authority (Authority) that DBEs as defined in 49 CFR Part 26, will have maximum opportunity to participate in the performance of all Authority projects and the bidders will take all necessary and reasonable steps to ensure that DBEs have the maximum opportunity to compete for and perform subcontracts. Additional DBE information is contained in the full Invitation to Bid package.

Requests for information or clarifications regarding this Invitation to Bid may be submitted, via email, to the BAA Project Manager, Mr. Lowrenzo Taylor, ltaylor@flybirmingham.com, Birmingham Airport Authority. All such request must be submitted no later than Tuesday, June 3, 2014. Additionally, all interested Participants must notify the BAA of their intent to submit a Bid no later than 5:00 p.m. local time on June 3, 2014.
BT05/22/14
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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 by the *Owner’s Representative/Project *Manager, Juan DeOnis on behalf of Office of the Associate Vice President, Facilities & *Capital Projects, University of Alabama at Birmingham, and the University of Alabama Board of Trustees at (*UAB Hospital Planning, 2020 University Blvd., Birmingham, AL *35294 until 4:00 PM Central Time May 27, 2014. 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.

*RELOCATION OF THE TAUB GYM AND OUTPATIENT OT GYM
*For The
*University of Alabama at Birmingham
*Birmingham, Alabama
*Project No.: H145002A

*A. SCOPE OF WORK:

The scope of work generally includes demolition of an area of approximately 4,400 s.f. of interior partitions; finishes and systems back to the building shell and rebuilding a portion of the interior area configured for the new functions. New work includes metal studs and drywall, architectural finishes, plumbing, fire protection, HVAC, and electrical work. Work will be performed within the operating hospital facility using high levels of infection control measures and the contractor should have experience with the implementation and maintenance of infection control measures and interim life safety measures in a hospital environment as well as experience in performing construction in an operating hospital.

*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 4:00 PM Central Time, May 27, 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 *May 30, 2014 by 5:00 PM Central Time.

*Bidders previously prequalified for this project remain prequalified and no *further submittal from those bidders is required.

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:
Birchfield Penuel & Associates
2805 Crescent Avenue, Suite 200
Birmingham, Alabama 35209
Mr. Clay Birchfield
205-870-1876
205-870-3058
clayb@bpa.net

*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 from the Architect (see address above) upon deposit of *$100.00 per set. The deposit is refundable in full on the first two (2) sets issued to each prime general contractor bidder upon return of documents in reusable condition within ten (10) days after bid opening. Additional sets for pre-qualified prime contractor bidders, subcontractors, vendors, or dealers may be obtained upon payment of the same deposit. The deposit for additional sets shall be refunded less the cost of printing, reproduction, handling and distribution, upon return of the documents in reusable condition within ten (10) days after bid opening.

Bid documents will be available at the following locations after notice to pre-qualified bidders is given. Drawings and specifications may be examined at the Office of the Architect; at the AGC Internet Plan Room, 5000 Grantswood Road, Irondale, AL 35210; at the Birmingham Construction Industry Authority, 601 37th Street South, Birmingham, AL 35222; and at the Reed Construction Data Office, 30 Technology Pkwy, South, Suite 500, Norcross, GA 30092-2912; and electronically through McGraw-Hill Construction Dodge.

*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). *The Bid Date is June 19, 2014 at 2:00 PM Central Time at the *University of Alabama at Birmingham, UAB Hospital Planning, 2020 *University Blvd., Birmingham, Alabama 35294.

*Proposals may be hand delivered or received by mail on the date of the bid *opening at the Office of Juan DeOnis, Director of Program Planning *Facilities and Capital Projects, 2020 Building, 2020 8th Avenue South, *Birmingham, Alabama 35233, until 12:00 noon. After 12:00 noon of the *date of the bid opening, proposals must be hand delivered and presented at *the bid opening. Sealed proposals shall be submitted in triplicate and shall be *properly identified. All proposals received after 2:00 p.m. on June 19, 2014 *will be returned unopened.

*Nonresident Prime Contractor Bidders:
Under Section 39-3-5, Code of Alabama, 1975, nonresident prime contractor bidders must accompany any written bid documents with a written opinion of an attorney licensed to practice law in such nonresident prime contractor bidder’s state of domicile as to the preferences, if any or none, granted by the law of the state to its own business entities whose principal place of business are in that state in the letting of any or all public contracts. Resident prime contractors in Alabama, as defined in Section 39-2-12, are granted preference over nonresident prime contractors in awarding of contracts in the same manner and to the same extent as provided by the laws of the state of domicile of the nonresident.

*Fire Alarm Work
In accordance with Title 34, Chapter 33A, of the Code of Alabama 1975, bidders for fire alarm work of this project, if any, must include with their bid, evidence of licensure as required by the act, by including with the bid submittal, a valid State Fire Marshal’s permit.

*D. PRE-BID CONFERENCE
*A mandatory Pre-Bid Conference will be held on June 2, 2014 at 2:00 p.m. *at the site of the work. Meet at the main first floor lobby of the Spain *Rehabilitation Center. It is mandatory that all pre-qualified prime contractor bidders attend the Pre-Bid Conference.

BT05/22/14
___________________

2014 Toyota Tacoma

By

Birmingham Times

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May 22, 2014

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by Cheryl Eldridge

The Toyota Tacoma has come a long way. Not only does it bring sexy back to the Toyota family, it has everything that a driver needs at the touch of a button. The touchscreen infotainment offerings have been enhanced, and the available rearview camera now broadcasts to the touchscreen display on all eligible models (the Access Cab previously used a small screen on the rearview mirror).
My family is definitely a part of the Toyota family, thanks to the Camry XLE, Tundra and Yaris, which are all dependable automobiles. You won’t go wrong if you purchase one.
The big news two years ago was the introduction of Toyota’s touchscreen interface with “Entune” mobile apps and navigation, but availability was limited to the pricey Double Cab V6. Last year, a basic 6.1-inch touchscreen (sans mobile apps and navigation) became standard on all Tacoma models, even the stripped-down 4×2 Regular Cab. For 2014, the standard touchscreen is joined by an optional enhanced version for both Access and Double Cabs, and these models also offer mobile apps and navigation. The only bummer is that the Regular Cab’s touchscreen can’t be upgraded from the standard, no-frills specification.
The 2014 Toyota Tacoma is a midsize pickup truck offered in three cab configurations: Regular Cab, Access Cab (an extended cab with small rear-hinged doors) and Double Cab (crew cab). Regular and Access Cabs feature a standard 6-foot, 1-inch bed, while Double Cab models offer either a 5-foot short bed or the standard bed.
Standard features on the rear-drive (2WD) Tacoma Regular Cab include 15-inch steel wheels, a limited-slip rear differential, air-conditioning, a composite bedliner, a bed utility rail system, a cloth bench seat, a tilt-and-telescoping steering wheel, Bluetooth phone and audio connectivity, a 6.1-inch touchscreen display and a four-speaker CD audio system with iPod/USB connectivity and an auxiliary audio jack. A sliding rear window is optional.
The 2WD Access Cab adds upgraded cloth upholstery, full carpeting, power locks and windows, front bucket seats, a center console, an overhead console, fold-up rear seats with under-seat storage, and dual rear cupholders.
My tester, the 2WD Double Cab adds black fenders, power mirrors, adjustable driver lumbar, a 60/40-split rear bench seat with adjustable headrests, rear bulkhead storage and rear climate vents.
Specifying four-wheel drive on any base Tacoma brings an increased ride height, 16-inch steel wheels, black fenders (already standard on Double Cab), an engine skid plate and front mud guards.
The PreRunner, offered in both Access and Double Cab configurations, is a rear-wheel-drive Tacoma that otherwise shares the standard features found on the 4WD Tacoma.
All Access and Double Cab models are eligible for two packages. The Convenience package adds power mirrors (Access Cab only), keyless entry, cruise control, a tinted sliding rear window and steering-wheel audio controls. The SR5 package includes those items plus chrome grille and rear bumper trim, color-keyed front bumper and fenders, fog lights (V6 only), adjustable driver lumbar support (already standard on Double Cab), unique seat fabric, variable intermittent wipers, metallic-look instrument panel trim, a leather-wrapped steering wheel and (automatic-only) shift knob, dual sun visors with mirrors and extenders, an auto-dimming rearview mirror and a rearview camera.
The SR package (PreRunner, 4WD Access Cab and 4WD Double Cab only) adds extended color-keyed exterior trim, exclusive black 16-inch alloy wheels, mirror-mounted turn signals, smoked headlights and (on V6 models) fog lights.
V6-powered PreRunners and 4WD Tacomas are additionally eligible for the TRD Off-Road package, which includes the SR5 package plus a heavy-duty suspension with Bilstein shocks, a locking rear differential, Hill-Start Assist and Downhill Assist (4WD automatic models only), 16-inch alloy wheels, TRD graphics, a 115-volt power point in the bed and sport seats. Alternatively, these models can be equipped with the TRD Sport package, which features a sport-tuned suspension (also with Bilsteins), 17-inch alloy wheels, a hood scoop, extended color-keyed exterior trim, the bed-mounted power outlet and essentially the same interior features at the TRD Off-Road package.
Finally, the Limited package (V6 Double Cabs only) includes the SR5 package’s items plus 18-inch chrome wheels, extended chrome exterior trim, an auto-dimming rearview mirror with an outside temperature gauge and Homelink, heated front seats, synthetic leather upholstery and a higher-resolution touchscreen with HD radio, satellite radio, a navigation system and the Entune mobile-app suite.
V6 Double Cabs can also be equipped with a premium JBL audio system that includes a subwoofer. The upgraded touchscreen is available separately on both Access and Double Cabs, with or without navigation and Entune mobile apps.
My tester was equipped with with rear-or four-wheel drive and a choice of two engines: a 2.7-liter four-cylinder or 4.0-liter V6.
All Tacomas except 4WD Double Cab models come standard with the four-cylinder engine, which is rated at 159 horsepower and 180 pound-feet of torque. A five-speed manual transmission is standard on Regular and Access Cab models, while the rear-drive-only PreRunner Access and Double Cabs get a standard four-speed automatic that’s optional on the others.
A Tacoma with the four-cylinder and five-speed manual returns an EPA-estimated 23 mpg combined (21 city/25 highway) with rear-wheel drive, dropping to 21 mpg combined (19/24) with the automatic. Adding four-wheel drive yields 19 mpg combined (18/21) with either transmission.
The V6 is rated at 236 hp and 266 lb-ft of torque. It isn’t offered on Regular Cab models, but it comes standard with the 4WD Double Cab, and it’s optional on the 4WD Access Cab and both PreRunner configurations (Access and Double Cab). The PreRunner V6 models come only with a five-speed automatic transmission, but the V6-powered 4WD Access Cab and Double Cab come standard with a six-speed manual (the five-speed automatic is optional).
My tester, the V6/automatic team yields 18 mpg combined (16/21) with four-wheel drive. The V6/manual tandem (a 4WD-only proposition now that the X-Runner is gone) returns 17 mpg combined (16/19).
On the safety side, standard safety equipment on the 2014 Toyota Tacoma includes antilock brakes (front disc, rear drum) with brake assist, stability control, front-seat side-impact airbags, full-length side curtain airbags and front active head restraints. A rearview camera is optional.
According to Edmunds, in government crash testing, the 2014 Toyota Tacoma Access Cab received an overall rating of four stars out of five, with four stars for frontal impacts and five stars for side impacts. The Regular Cab scored the same except for side impacts (four stars).
The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety gave the Tacoma its top rating of “Good” in the moderate-overlap front and side crash tests, but its second-to-worst rating of “Marginal” in the roof strength test. Its seat/head restraint design was rated “Good” for whiplash protection in rear impacts.
The 2014 Toyota Tacoma has a straightforward dashboard layout that puts practicality first, including simple three-dial climate knobs that are easily turned by gloved hands. Most panels are made of hard plastic, but build quality is perennially strong. Feature content is generally impressive, headlined by the standard touchscreen display with iPod/USB and Bluetooth connectivity, which makes the Regular Cab’s crank windows and manual locks seem highly out of place.
The front bucket seats offer firm support, though some drivers may find that their low mounting points relative to the floor hampers comfort. While the Access Cab’s rear jump seats are only fit for small children or cargo, the Double Cab’s backseat is surprisingly adult-friendly, especially compared with the cramped crew-cab Nissan Frontier. In both cases, the rear seats flip up or fold down to provide an enclosed storage space.
The Tacoma’s utility is enhanced by the standard composite bedliner, which guards against the dents and dings that typically accumulate in a truck bed. The optional bed-mounted 115-volt power outlet can be a real asset when you’re on the job, and it’ll also win you friends and admirers when camping or tailgating.
The cost of my tester, $32,768.
Until next week, drive safe, buckle up, and don’t text and drive, it’s the law.

Southwestern Athletic Conference Announces Postseason Baseball Honors

By

Birmingham Times

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May 22, 2014

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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

Southwestern Athletic Conference Issues Statement in Response to NCAA APR

By

Birmingham Times

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May 22, 2014

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BIRMINGHAM, Ala. – The Southwestern Athletic Conference has issued an official response to the latest NCAA Academic Progress Rates.
“In comparison to last year’s report, with the teams that have submitted adaptable data, the Southwestern Athletic Conference applaud the improvements by our member institutions and the standards they have implemented to solve the academic concerns,” said SWAC Commissioner Duer Sharp. “As we support success on the field, we will continue to emphasize the importance of improving academic scores and APR measures.”
Seven teams within six member schools, with accurate and applicable data submitted, suffered penalties based on the APR data from 2012-2013. The NCAA released the list through an online post on NCAA.org. All teams at Southern are currently ineligible for post-season competition due to unusable data which moves the league’s count to 22 teams.
Last year, 15 programs among seven institutions were penalized due to APR.
SWAC member institutions and programs penalized with postseason ineligibility include: Alabama A&M (Men’s Golf), Alabama State (Men’s Basketball and Football) – Mississippi Valley State (Baseball and Football) – Southern (All sports based on unusable data) – Prairie View A&M (Football) – Arkansas at Pine Bluff (Football).
Alcorn State women’s volleyball was handed a level-one penalty but maintained its postseason eligibility.
Texas Southern University president Dr. John Rudley, Chairman of the SWAC Council of Presidents and Chancellors, added, “The average graduation rate for all students at Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs) is 36 percent. The NCAA’s APR requiring a graduation rate for student athletes of 50 percent or better is set so high that most HBCU’s and other limited resource institutions cannot meet that standard.”
Rudley also explained, “The large, well-funded universities have hired large compliance staffs who literally escort athletes to class each day to meet the increased requirements. Our smaller institutions are severely handicapped without budgets to hire personnel for compliance and academic support. These increased regulations make it almost impossible for small schools with specialized missions to compete.”
“We are proud of what our Historically Black Colleges and Universities have achieved over the years, before and after segregation, with respect to transforming the lives of people of color and providing access to a college degree for under served students when others have not had such a mission,” said Rudley. “This is a case of one size cannot fit all, and the NCAA needs to continue to look for ways to ensure that the needs of all its member universities and our student athletes can be met.”

Valentin Earns SWAC Baseball Honor

By

Birmingham Times

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May 22, 2014

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MONTGOMERY – Alabama State pitcher Normando Valentin was named Southwestern Athletic Conference Co-Pitcher of the Week, announced by the conference office.
Valentin (RHP, 6-1, 200, Jr., Vega Baja, PR / Puerto Rico Baseball Academy & HS) earned the win in relief in Alabama State’s 6-5 win last Saturday at then #4-ranked Miami. He pitched the final 2 2/3 innings, allowing one hit, no runs, no walks and three strikeouts as the Hornets beat the highest ranked baseball opponent in the programs’ history. Valentin has a 4-0 record with a 3.65 ERA in 12 appearances with five starts this season.
The 2014 SWAC Eastern Division champion Hornets (34-19 overall, 21-3 SWAC), who have posted school records for regular season wins and conference wins, will open play in the SWAC Baseball Tournament Wednesday in New Orleans, La.

Get Your Kids Vaccinated Over The Summer

By

Birmingham Times

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May 22, 2014

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NAPSI—School will be out soon, and many families will be getting ready for summer vacations, camps and other fun activities. Before you start your summer, make an appointment for your preteen’s vaccinations. Making these appointments now will allow you to beat the back-to-school rush at the end of the summer vacation before school starts.
Vaccines help your kids stay healthy, and many states require certain vaccinations before school starts in the fall. While your kids should get a flu vaccine every year, there are three other vaccines for preteens that should be given when kids are 11-12 years old. All these vaccines are recommended by the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP), the American Academy of Family Physicians (AAFP), the Society for Adolescent Health and Medicine (SAHM), and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).
The vaccines for preteens and teens are:
• HPV vaccine for both boys and girls, which protects against the types of HPV that can cause cancer. HPV, short for human papillomavirus, affects over 79 million people in the U.S. and can cause several types of cancers and genital warts. The HPV vaccine is safe and effective.
• Tdap vaccine, which protects against tetanus, diphtheria and pertussis. Pertussis, or whooping cough, can keep kids out of school and activities for weeks. It can also be spread to babies; pertussis is especially serious and sometimes deadly for young children.
• Meningococcal vaccine, which protects against meningococcal disease. Meningococcal disease is caused by bacteria and is a leading cause of bacterial meningitis—a serious infection around the brain and spinal cord.
• Influenza (flu) vaccine, because even healthy kids can get the flu, and it can be serious. All kids, including your preteens and teens, should get the flu vaccine every year.
Dr. Anne Schuchat, Director, National Center for Immunization and Respiratory Diseases, wants parents to know that “The vaccines for preteens and teens help protect your kids, as well as their friends, community and other family members, from preventable diseases that could make them seriously ill. There are several opportunities when you can make sure your child gets the vaccines he or she needs – at any health care visit, including ones for sports or camp physicals.”
So get a head start on your child’s health this summer, and get your boys and girls vaccinated soon. To learn more about the vaccines for preteens and teens, visit www.cdc.gov/vaccines/TeenVaxInfo.

Designer drugs that mimic marijuana remain a public health concern

By

Birmingham Times

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May 22, 2014

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Alabama emergency departments are treating patients for physical and psychological symptoms after they have smoked synthetic mixtures that they may have thought were harmless. Users
experience symptoms that include rapid heart rate, nausea and vomiting, agitation, confusion, lethargy, hallucinations, kidney and respiratory problems. Deaths have also resulted after
people have ingested or smoked these substances.
The designer-drug substances consist of dried plant material sprayed with synthetic cannabinoids. The chemical compounds reportedly stimulate the same brain areas affected by
marijuana, and they have a high potential for abuse. Users may opt for these marijuana alternatives because they believe they cannot be detected by a standard drug screen.
Hundreds of different variants are commonly marketed under names such as “Spice,” “K2,” “Spice Gold,” “Sence,” “Genie,” “Zohai,” “Yucatan Fire,” “Smoke,” “Sexy Monkey,” “Black Mamba” and “Skunk.”
Since October 2010, the Regional Poison Control Center at Children’s of Alabama has received 173 calls about synthetic cannabinoids.
· 160 of those calls were exposures
· The majority of callers were males
· 67 of the calls were in people age 13-19 years
· 52 of the calls were in people age 20-29 years
· 95 of the callers were treated for a toxic exposure in a hospital emergency department; 26 of those were admitted; approximately 13 of those 26 were admitted to critical care
units
After a peak number of cases in 2011, the numbers declined in 2012 and 2013, but cases have increased in 2014 with 20 calls handled thus far.
The possession or sale of chemical compounds typically found in these synthetic substances is unlawful; however, new chemical variations are created in illicit laboratories each month.
State Pharmacist Charles Thomas said, “Although regulatory agencies constantly update their databases, new drug entities are being compounded regularly. Some of the substances act like
stimulants and others like depressants.”
The Alabama Department of Public Health warns that synthetic drugs are toxic to users and pose risks to the public. Furthermore, the long-term health effects are unknown since the
substances are not in mainstream medicine.

Stroke Risk

By

Birmingham Times

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May 22, 2014

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NAPSI —Sebastian Baker felt funny. He looked in the mirror and his reflection was off. Suddenly, he crashed to the floor and realized his left side was numb.
Baker, 46, had suffered a stroke. Like many of the 795,000 Americans who have a stroke each year, high blood pressure was the culprit.
“Uncontrolled blood pressure is the No. 1 reason people have strokes,” said Jeffrey L. Saver, M.D., professor of Neurology and director of the Comprehensive Stroke Center at the University of California, Los Angeles. “It’s important to check your blood pressure regularly and talk to your doctor about your numbers.”
While up to 80 percent of strokes may be prevented, everyone needs to learn the stroke signs and what to do during a stroke emergency. Bystanders are often the ones who need to call for help.
Through the Together to End Stroke initiative, sponsored by Covidien, the American Heart Association/American Stroke Association teaches the acronym F.A.S.T. for stroke recognition:

• F—Face Drooping
• A—Arm Weakness
• S—Speech Difficulty
• T—Time to call 9-1-1
Additional stroke signs include: sudden severe headache with no known cause; sudden trouble walking, dizziness, loss of balance or coordination; sudden trouble seeing in one or both eyes; or sudden confusion or trouble understanding. If someone experiences any of these symptoms, 9-1-1 should be called immediately.
“Prevention is the best cure, but in the event of a stroke, quick recognition and treatment may have a dramatic impact on the outcome,” said Mark A. Turco, M.D., chief medical officer, Covidien Vascular Therapies.
For Baker, treatment combined with therapy and hard work paid off. He’s made a joyous return to a fulfilling life.
For more information, visit www.StrokeAssociation.org.

The Value of a Golf Instructor

By

Birmingham Times

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May 22, 2014

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by Glennon E. Bazzle, “The King of Swing”

Did you know that curiosity is the number one reason why people want to learn to play golf? And even though they may have great intentions when starting out they still run into many difficulties. Some may look to friends or relatives for advice and some even think they can teach themselves. But the values a knowledgeable golf instructor offers are usually the safest, surest, quickest and most economical way to learn.
As a certified golf instructor with the United States Golf Teachers Federation since 1995, I have found that essential golf instruction should include the basics of the swing mechanics as well as the intrinsic aspects of the game, such as emotional balance and mental toughness.
To understand what is happening in the golf swing, you must know the proper parts of the body and the proper sequence in which they move. You must find the right instructor who will teach you this, how to practice golf and how to play the game with a purpose. You must learn and understand that it takes discipline to play well and that discipline is a skill in itself. By setting your sights on a certified golf instructor who teaches those essentials you will meet your goals, and with a little willingness to succeed, you will be able to keep your enthusiasm high and your scores low.

Learn To Swim, Save Your Life

By

Birmingham Times

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May 22, 2014

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NAPSI—You can help to reduce the number of adult drownings in your community this summer by learning to swim and encouraging others to join you.
That’s the word from the experts at the Swimming Saves Lives Foundation. It has launched a nationwide campaign to reduce the number of adult drownings, declaring the month of April “Adult Learn-to-Swim Month.” So far the governors of Nebraska, Indiana and Washington have issued declarations in support.
Alarmingly, 37 percent of American adults cannot swim the length of a 25-yard pool, according to the Centers for Disease Control. This puts them at risk for becoming one of the 10 people who drown every day in the U.S.
“If we can convince water-shy adults to learn to swim we hope to save lives when people gather at pools and beaches for summer recreation,” says Rob Butcher, executive director of U.S. Masters Swimming.
He adds that once adults learn the lifesaving skill of swimming, 1,500 programs are available nationwide to encourage adults to keep swimming and enjoy the lifetime health, fitness and social benefits of swimming.
To learn more or find an adult learn-to-swim program, go to www.usms.org/learntoswim.