Classifieds

April 24, 2014

Employment

University of Montevallo
is currently accepting applications for
the following positions:

•   Assistant Director, Human Resources
•   Assistant Coach, Women’s Volleyball
•   Administrative Assistant I – Career Development Ctr

Visit https://jobs.montevallo.edu

UM is an EO Employer

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Position:
Sales/Digital Account Manager

Resume Deadline:
April 30th, 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 is the leader in the Birmingham radio market which offers the best training and equips you with the tools it takes to succeed. College degree and/or prior radio/digital 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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Position: Sales Professional
Resume Deadline: May 7, 2014

Department: Sales
Stations: WENN-FM 102.1 Y’all

Positions Available: Four

SummitMedia Birmingham radio station WENN-FM 102.1 Y’all is looking for a Full Time Sales Professional. This is a position that involves the sale of advertising on air, on line and on site through sponsorship opportunities offered throughout the year. The candidate will be expected to establish relationships with clients that are strong enough for the client to converse comfortably with the seller and share their most pressing challenges with the sellers so that the seller will be able to bring back a well thought out solution for the client. Other responsibilities include: finding and acquiring new business opportunities, attending networking events and generally presenting a professional and polished image of the company they represent. Candidate will also work closely with internal departments (ie: programming, promotions, business and traffic) to help fulfill the client’s expectation with regard to all areas of their business relationship with the company.

The successful candidate must be flexible, personable and able to orchestrate sales and promotional plans developed for clients successfully. The successful candidate must also be organized, dependable, self-motivated and project a professional appearance and friendly demeanor. A valid driver’s license and background check is required.

If interested in applying for this position, please forward a resume to SummitMedia Sales Department, Attention: David Walls, 2700 Corporate Drive, Suite 115,
Birmingham, Alabama 35242, or forward electronically to David.Walls@summitmediacorp.com.

It is the policy of SummitMedia, Inc. 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.

The BJCC seeks a Property Coordinator to coordinate the day-to-day matters involving Uptown Entertainment District. Performs general maintenance and upkeep of common areas, parking and any associated property. Operates and maintains mechanical equipment, makes repairs/replacements, maintains walls, structures and fixtures, and performs minor housekeeping, etc. Must have 3 – 5 yrs related experience, technical degree preferred, and ability to work irregular/flexible hours. Apply at www.bjcc.org.
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AUTOMOBILE

2011 Chevy Camaro
6 cylinder low miles
5 speed extra sharp
Call Floyd Morris at
205-587-4313

2008 G.M.C. Sierra SLE
Red extended cab
Tow package extra clean
Call Sammy at
205-814-8454

2003 blue Infinity G35
Fully loaded with Navigation
Luxury 6 speed sports car
Call Ivory at
205-821-0491

2008 G.M.C. Yukon
Black nicely equipped
3rd row seat Family fun
Call Sammy
205-814-8454

2005 Honda Element
Silver Low miles
Economy S.U.V.
Save Call Ivory
205-821-0491
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LEGALS

Request For Qualifications (RFQ)

The Birmingham Airport Authority is requesting Statements of Qualifications (SOQs) from professional planning firms (Respondents) for services pertaining to the Birmingham-Shuttlesworth International Airport Master Plan Update project (AD001.000.000). SOQs will be received until May 28, 2014 at 2:00 PM local time. Copies of the RFQ, including detailed submission instructions and requirements, can be obtained by visiting the airport’s website at http://www.flybirmingham.com/aboutbhm-business.aspx or via an email request sent to bweston@flybirmingham.com. A pre submittal conference will be held on May 8, 2014 at 2:00 p.m. at The Southern Museum of Flight located at 4343 73rd Street N, Birmingham, AL 35206.
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NOTICE

PUBLIC HOUSING APPLICATIONS
JEFFERSON COUNTY HOUSING AUTHORITY
4501 Little Drive
BESSEMER, ALABAMA 35022
(205) 426-8948

Beginning Tuesday, May 13, 2014 you may pick up a Public Housing Application, Monday thru Thursday, 8:00 a.m. – 4:30 p.m. from The Jefferson County Housing Authority’s (JCHA) Bessemer office. The applications are for the following sites:
Oak Ridge Apartments in Brighton: 1, 2, and 3 bedrooms
Terrace Manor 1: 1, 2, and 3 bedrooms
Terrace Manor 2: 3 bedrooms

YOU WILL HAVE TO MAKE AN APPOINTMENT TO BRING THE APPLICATION BACK FOR PROCESSING.

Directions
Take I-20/59 to exit 110 (Alabama Adventure Parkway) turn onto the Parkway going toward Watermark Outlet get in left lane then go to Prince Street (you will see a sign that says Designer Outlets) turn left. Go to the top of the hill to “STOP” sign and turn right onto Little Drive. Go one block turn right for office.
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NOTICE OF COMPLETION

In accordance with Chapter 1 Title 39, Code of Alabama, 1975, notice is hereby given that Bennett Building, Inc., Contractor, has completed the contract for the Gymnasium Addition and Renovations to Wilsonville Elementary School, for the State of Alabama and the Shelby County Board of Education, owners, and have made request for final settlement of said contract. All persons having any claim for labor, materials, or otherwise in connection with this project should immediately notify Lathan Associates Architects, PC located at 1550 Woods of Riverchase Dr #200 Hoover, AL 35244.
Bennett Building, Inc.
120 Shady Acres Road
Alabaster, AL 35007
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ADVERTISEMENT FOR BID
Additions to Ohatchee High School
Ohatchee, Alabama

Sealed bids from qualified General Contractors for Additions to Ohatchee High, for the Calhoun County Board of Education, will be received from qualified General Contractors only at the offices of the Calhoun County Board of Education, 4400 McClellan Boulevard, Anniston, Alabama, until 2:00 PM, May 13, 2014.
No Bids will be accepted after 2:00 PM, May 13, 2014. This requirement will not be waived. The official time will be determined by the Architect, or his designated representative. The proposals will be publicly opened May 13, 2014 at 2:00 PM at the location listed above.

All Bids must be on a lump-sum basis. Submit three copies of the Bid on the Bid Form provided, without changes, in a sealed envelope bearing the Contractor’s name and current Alabama license number. Bids that do not bear the Contractor’s current license number on the outside of the envelope will be returned without being opened.

A bid bond payable to Calhoun County Board of Education, in an amount not less than five (5) percent of the amount of the proposal, but in no event more than $10,000 must accompany the bid. Performance and Statutory Labor and Material Payment Bonds in the amount of 100% of the Contract Price will be required at the signing of the Contract.

A Pre-Bid Conference will be held on May 1, 2014 at 10:00 A.M. at Ohatchee High School, located at 100 Cherokee Trail, Ohatchee, Alabama 36271. Due to the nature of this project qualified General Contractors wishing to submit a bid must attend the pre-bid conference. It is strongly recommended that asbestos abatement contractors and other major subcontractors (HVAC, Plumbing, Electrical, Roofing and Masonry) attend the Pre-Bid Conference. If the number of bidders who attend the pre-bid conference decreases so there is little or no competition, others may be allowed to bid or the bid may be postponed at the discretion of the Owner.

Drawings and Project Manual will be open to public inspection beginning April 21, 2014 at the offices of the Calhoun Country Board of Education, CMH Architects, Inc., F.W. Dodge Company Plan Room, and Reed Construction Data. Bidders must call the Owner and Architect’s office at least 24 hrs in advance to arrange a time to review the documents. These documents cannot be removed from the Owner’s or Architect’s office nor will any copies of these documents be provided to bidders.

Bid Documents may be obtained from the Architect upon deposit of $200 per set. Said deposit is non-refundable and is for the cost of reproduction and mailing plans and bid documents. Other sets for contractors, and sets for subcontractors and dealers, may be obtained from Alabama Graphics, 2801 5th Ave. S, Birmingham, AL 35233, (205-252-8505) for the cost of printing and handling.

The Architect for this project is CMH Architects, Inc., 1800 International Park Drive, Suite 300, Birmingham, Alabama 35243, phone (205) 969-2696.

Bid Submittal: 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. The Owner reserves the right to reject any or all proposals and to waive technical errors if in the Owner’s judgment, the best interests of the Owner will thereby be promoted.

Liquidated Damages: Apply to this project in the amounts specified in the General and Supplemental Conditions.

Bids submitted may not be modified, withdrawn, or cancelled by the bidder for a period of 60 days after the bid date.

Nonresident Contractors must accompany any written proposal documents with a written opinion of any attorney at law licensed to practice law in such nonresident bidders’ state of domicile, as to the preferences,
if any or none, granted by the law of that state to its own business entities whose principal places of business are in that state in the letting of any or all public contracts.

Bonds required by the Contract Documents shall be issued by a Surety Company licensed to do business in the State of Alabama having a bond rating of at least A- according to Best’s Key Rating Guide, without reinsurance or other agreements to enhance its rating.
Joe Dyar
Superintendent
Calhoun County Board
of Education

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The Birmingham-Jefferson Civic Center Authority will receive sealed bids for:

Box Signage for Arena Upper Deck Face

This will be for the use of the Birmingham-Jefferson Civic Center Authority, Birmingham, Alabama.

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 Friday, May 9, 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.

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.

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. Thursday, May 8, 2014, must be hand delivered and presented at the bid opening. Sealed bids shall be submitted in duplicate 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 $1,000 must accompany the bidder’s bid.

A pre-bid meeting will be conducted Tuesday, April 29, 2014 at 10:00 a.m. in the BJCC Executive Board Room.

Questions 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
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ABANDONED VEHICLE

In accordance with Section 32-13-1, Code of Alabama
1975, notice is hereby given to the owner, lienholders,
and other interested parties that the following described
abandoned vehicles will be sold at public auction for
cash to the highest bidder at:

(time)_12.pm_(date)__5/15/14__at

(address) 2804 31st Street Ensley

Birmingham AL 35208

(Description) 2001 FORD ESCAPE
(VIN#)1FMCU04111KF88786

(Description) 2003 NISSAN MAXIMA
(VIN#) JN1DA31AX3T423813

(Description) 1999 SAAB 9-5
(VIN#) YS3EF48E8X3093797

(Description) 2006 HYUNDAI SONATA
(VIN#) 5NPEU46FX6H079170

(Description) 1991 HARLEY DAVIDSON FAT BOY
(VIN#) 1HD1BML15MY022639

(Description) 1999 CHEVY EXPRESS R
(VIN#) 1GBFG15R2X1136108

(Description) 2002 NISSAN ALTIMA
(VIN#) 1N4AL11D52C249212

(Description) 2007 VOLKSWAGON EOS
(VIN#) WVWBA71F27V037405

(Description) 1999 BMW 740I
(VIN#) WBAGH8335XDP02553

(Description) 2004 LINCOLN TOWN CAR
(VIN#) 1LNHM81W94Y640042

(Seller reserves the right to reject any bids and the right
to bid.

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ADVERTISEMENT FOR BIDS
Project No.: DTR-13-05
Date: 11 April, 2014
Cordova City Hall and Police Department
Cordova, Alabama
Separate sealed bids from qualified General Contractors for the new Cordova City Hall and Police, for the City of Cordova will be received at the Cordova City Hall, 3885 North Massachusetts Avenue, Cordova, Alabama 35550, until 2:00 PM, May 06, 2014.
No Bids will be accepted after 2:00 PM, May 06, 2014. This requirement will not be waived. The official time will be determined by the Architect, or his designated representative. The proposals will be publicly opened May 06, 2014 at 2:00 PM at the location listed above.
All Bids must be on a lump-sum basis. Submit three copies of the Bid on the Bid Form provided, without changes, in a sealed envelope bearing the Contractor’s name and current Alabama license number. Bids that do not bear the Contractor’s current license number on the outside of the envelope will be returned without being opened. Contractor’s shall complete the Supplemental Bid Form and submit within 24 hrs of the Public Bid Opening.
A Pre-Bid Conference will be held on April 23, 2014 at 10:00 AM. at the Cordova City Hall, located at 3885 North Massachusetts Avenue, Cordova, Alabama. Due to the nature of this project qualified General Contractors wishing to submit a bid must attend the pre-bid conference. If the number of bidders who attend the pre-bid conference decreases so there is little or no competition, others may be allowed to bid or the bid may be postponed at the discretion of the Owner.
The Information for Bidders, Form of Bid, Form of Contract, Plans, Specifications, and Form of Bid Bond, Performance and Payment Bond, and other contract documents may be examined at the following location: City of Cordova City Hall, F.W. Dodge Company Plan Room, and Reed Construction Data and offices of CMH Architects, Inc. 1800 International Park Drive, Suite 300, Birmingham, AL 35243. Bidders must call the Owner and Architect’s office at least 24 hrs in advance to arrange a time to review the documents. These documents cannot be removed from the Owner’s or Architect’s office nor will any copies of these documents be provided to bidders.
Bid Documents may be obtained at the office of CMH Architects, Inc., located at 1800 International Park Drive, Suite 300, Birmingham, Alabama 35243 upon payment of a deposit of $200.00 per set. Said deposit is non-refundable and is for the cost of reproduction and mailing plans and bid documents.
The Architect for this project is CMH Architects, Inc., Suite 300, 1800 International Park Drive, Birmingham, Alabama 35243, phone (205) 969-2696.
Each bidder must deposit with his bid security in the amount, form and subject to the conditions provided in the Information for Bidders.
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.
Bid Submittal: 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 Contractor 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.
The Owner reserves the right to waive any informality or to reject any or all bids. Liquidated Damages: Apply to this project in the amounts specified in project manual’ refer to Information for Bidders, General Conditions and Supplemental Conditions.
No bidder may withdraw his bid within 60 days after the actual date of the opening thereof.
Nonresident Contractors must accompany any written proposal documents with a written opinion of any attorney at law licensed to practice law in such nonresident bidders’ state of domicile, as to the preferences, if any or none, granted by the law of that state to its own business entities whose principal places of business are in that state in the letting of any or all public contracts.
Bonds required by the Contract Documents shall be issued by a Surety Company licensed to do business in the State of Alabama having a bond rating of at least A- according to Best’s Key Rating Guide, without reinsurance or other agreements to enhance its rating.
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REQUEST FOR BIDS HOUSING REHABILITATION BID ANNOUNCEMENT BID #82-14:

Bids will be accepted by the Jefferson County Purchasing until 5:00 p.m. on Monday, April 28, 2014, for proposed owner-occupied housing rehabilitation work at the following addresses:

4922 Yonderhill Dr, Birmingham, AL 35207
5301 6th Ave N, Lipscomb, AL 35020
4842 Marigold Ave, Birmingham, AL 35207
4013 Autumn LN, Vestavia, AL 35243
2020 Progress Street N, Birmingham, AL 35207
4312 Lloyd Noland Parkway, Fairfield, AL 35064
7321 Belgium Ave, Birmingham, AL 35224
1809 Mountain Drive, Tarrant, AL 35217
2519 17th Pl S, Homewood, AL 35209
4313 Meredith Street N, Birmingham, AL 35207

Bids will be opened at 10:00 a.m. on Tuesday, April 29, 2014 in Room 830 of the Jefferson County Courthouse. Interested parties may get a copy of the bid package at Jefferson County Purchasing: 716 Richard Arrington Jr. Blvd. N, Suite 830, Birmingham, AL 35203.
All interested contractors must meet the minimum contractor requirements for bidding on or before the date and time that bids are due. All questions must be written and faxed to (205) 214-4034 or e-mailed to Carmen Jones at jonesc@jccal.org
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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, George Griswold 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 Health System Planning, 2020 Building, 2020 University Blvd., Birmingham, AL 35233 until 4:00 PM Central Time, May 13, 2014. The original and five (5) duplicates of submittals together with a .pdf-formatted electronic version 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.

REBIDDING FOR
UAB FIRE ALARM REPLACEMENT QBT, NEW HILLMAN, AND OLD HILLMAN
For The
University of Alabama at Birmingham
Birmingham, Alabama
UAB Project No.: H135001A

A. SCOPE OF WORK:

Work consists of replacing full and partial building fire alarm systems. Work includes new fire alarm system panels, devices, conduit, wiring, programming, and certification. Work also includes associated electrical work, repair of building finishes, and removal of old system components. Work will be performed within the operating hospital facility using high levels of infection control measures. 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 AND ELECTRICAL CONTRACTOR BIDDER PRE-QUALIFICATIONS:

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. Electrical Contractor/Subcontractor bidders interested in submitting a proposal must have a State of Alabama Fire Marshal’s Certified Fire Alarm Contractor Permit which is to be included in the pre-qualification submittal.

Only bidders who have completed the pre-qualification process and 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 13, 2014, after which no further requests will be considered.

Pre-qualification Requirements Information Package may be obtained from the Engineer upon letterhead request sent by mail at the address below or scanned into an email to dhuddleston@ssoe.com.

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 16, 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:

Engineer:
SSOE Group
3504 7th Avenue South
Birmingham, Al 35222
205-323-2373
205-322-2731
David Huddleston
dhuddleston@ssoe.com

C. BIDS BY PRE-QUALIFIED PRIME GENERAL CONTRACTOR BIDDERS

Documents:
After notice to prequalified bidders is given, the prequalified General Contract bidders may obtain bid documents through the UAB Digital Plan Room at http://uab.algraphics.com/, 2801 Fifth Avenue South, Birmingham, AL 35233 (Laura Loggins, telephone 205-252-8505 or email lloggins@algraphics.com). Prequalified General Contractor bidders must submit to Alabama Graphics a refundable bid check payable to SSOE in the amount of $200.00 per set. The deposit is refundable in full on the first two sets issued to each prime General Contractor bidder upon return of documents in re-usable condition within 10 days after the bid opening. Additional document sets for prequalified General Contractor bidders, subcontractors, subcontractors, vendors, suppliers, or dealers may be obtained as a direct purchase from Alabama Graphics, non-refundable.

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 Engineer; 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.

Disclaimer: The Owner and Architect shall not be responsible for errors or erroneous information related to the Bid Documents copied and/or reproduced from sources other than previously listed. It shall be the responsibility of each pre-qualified bidder, subcontractor, vendor, supplier or other service provider to verify the correctness of Bid Document issue dates, addendums and all information related thereto, prior to preparing and submitting construction bids on the projects listed and/or described within this public advertisement.

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 Engineer. 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 3, 2014 at 2:00 PM Central Time at the University of Alabama at Birmingham, UAB System Planning, 2020 Building, 2020 University Blvd., Birmingham, Alabama 35233.

Proposals may be hand delivered or received by mail on the date of the bid opening at the Office of George Griswold, Project Manager, 2020 Building, 2020 University Blvd., 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 3, 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.

D. PRE-BID CONFERENCE
A mandatory Pre-Bid Conference will be held on May 19, 2014 at 2:00 p.m. at the site of the work. Meet at the West Pavilion ground floor atrium elevator lobby. It is mandatory that all pre-qualified prime contractor bidders attend the Pre-Bid Conference.
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NOTICE of FINDING of NO SIGNIFICANT IMPACT and NOTICE of INTENT to REQUEST RELEASE of FUNDS
April 14, 2014 City of Birmingham, Alabama
710 North 20th Street
Birmingham, AL 35203
205-254-2434
These notices shall satisfy two separate but related procedural requirements for activities to be undertaken by the City of Birmingham, Alabama.
REQUEST for RELEASE of FUNDS
On or about May 6, 2014 the City of Birmingham, Alabama (City) will submit a request to the U. S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) and to release Federal Funds under Title II Cranston-Gonzales National Affordable Housing Act of 1990, as amended, to undertake the following project:
Project Title:
Wood Station Townhomes
Project Location:
6000 Block of 1st Avenue South
Birmingham, AL 35212

Legal Description: TRACT 1
A PART OF THE SE ¼ OF THE NE 1/4 OF SECTION 21, TOWNSHIP 17 SOUTH, RANGE 2 WEST, JEFFERSON COUNTY, ALABAMA AND ALSO BEING LOTS 1, 2, AND PART OF LOT 3 OF MATTIE M. GILLESPIE ADDITION TO WOODLAWN AS RECORDED IN PLAT BOOK 3 PAGE 23 IN THE PROBATE OFFICE OF JEFFERSON COUNTY, ALABAMA BEING MORE PARTICULARLY DESCRIBED AS BEGINING AT THE NORTHEAST CORNER OF SAID LOT 1 BEING A 5/8 INCH CAPPED REBAR ON THE WEST RIGHT-OF-WAY OF 60TH STREET SOUTH. THEN FROM THE POINT OF BEGINNING AND ALONG SAID RIGHT-OF-WAY S36˚02’01”E A DISTANCE OF 372.97 FEET TO A 1 INCH DIAMETER PIPE. THEN LEAVING SAID RIGHT-OF-WAY S53˚30’09”W A DISTANCE OF 84.47 FEET TO A 1 INCH DIAMETER PIPE. THEN N37˚49’00”W A DISTANCE OF 48.32 FEET TO A ½ INCH DIAMETER CAPPED REBAR. THEN S55˚43’56”W A DISTANCE OF 44.82 FEET TO A ½ INCH DIAMETER REBAR. THEN N36˚02’29”W A DISTANCE OF 49.96 FEET TO A ½ INCH DIAMETER CAPPED REBAR. THEN S51˚50’57”W A DISTANCE OF 15.17 FEET TO A ½ INCH DIAMETER CAPPED REBAR. THEN N36˚32’08”W A DISTANCE OF 50.89 FEET TO A ½ INCH DIAMETER PIPE. THEN N36˚34’36”W A DISTANCE OF 97.79 FEET TO A 5/8 INCH DIAMETER CAPPED REBAR. THEN N35˚59’40”W A DISTANCE OF 35.20 FEET TO A ½ INCH DIAMETER CAPPED REBAR. THEN N54˚59’57”E A DISTANCE OF 49.38 FEET TO A 5/8 INCH DIAMETER CAPPED REBAR. THEN N35˚43’49”W A DISTANCE OF 81.82 FEET TO A 5/8 INCH DIAMETER CAPPED REBAR ON THE SOUTH RIGHT-OF-WAY OF 1ST AVENUE NORTH. THEN ALONG SAID RIGHT-OF-WAY N46˚26’13”E A DISTANCE OF 97.26 FEET TO THE POINT OF BEGINNING AND CONTAINING 1.05 ACRES MORE OR LESS.
TRACT 2
A PART OF THE SE ¼ OF THE NE 1/4 OF SECTION 21, TOWNSHIP 17 SOUTH, RANGE 2 WEST, JEFFERSON COUNTY, ALABAMA AND ALSO BEING LOTS 1 AND 2 OF W.L. FULTON SURVEY AS RECORDED IN PLAT BOOK 3 PAGE 46 IN THE PROBATE OFFICE OF JEFFERSON COUNTY, ALABAMA BEING MORE PARTICULARLY DESCRIBED AS BEGINNING AT THE THEN SOUTHWEST CORNER OF SAID LOT 1 BEING A ½ INCH DIAMETER PIPE ON THE EAST RIGHT-OF-WAY OF 60TH STREET SOUTH. THEN FROM THE POINT OF BEGINNING AND ALONG SAID RIGHT-OF-WAY N35˚47’42”W A DISTANCE OF 269.36 FEET TO A ½ INCH DIAMETER REBAR. THEN LEAVING SAID RIGHT-OF-WAY N46˚21’22”E A DISTANCE OF 173.43 FEET TO A ½ INCH DIAMETER CAPPED REBAR ON THE WEST RIGHT-OF-WAY OF AN ALLEY. THEN ALONG SAID RIGHT-OF-WAY S36˚03’16”E A DISTANCE OF 50.55 FEET TO A ½ INCH DIAMETER PIPE. THEN CONTINUE ALONG SAID RIGHT-OF-WAY S46˚57’23”W A DISTANCE OF 9.57 FEET TO A ½ INCH DIAMETER PIPE. THEN CONTINUE ALONG SAID RIGHT-OF-WAY S35˚56’52”E A DISTANCE OF 20.08 FEET TO A ½ INCH DIAMETER PIPE. THEN CONTINUE ALONG SAID RIGHT-OF-WAY N47˚00’34”E A DISTANCE OF 9.69 FEET TO A ½ INCH DIAMETER PIPE. THEN CONTINUE ALONG SAID RIGHT-OF-WAY S36˚06’21”E A DISTANCE OF 96.80 FEET TO A ½ INCH DIAMETER CAPPED REBAR ON THEN NORTH RIGHT-OF-WAY OF AN ALLEY. THEN ALONG SAID RIGHT-OF-WAY S45˚46’03”W A DISTANCE OF 15.15 FEET TO A ½ INCH DIAMETER CAPPED REBAR ON THE WEST RIGHT-OF-WAY OF AN ALLEY. THEN ALONG SAID RIGHT-OF-WAY S36˚06’21”E A DISTANCE OF 118.40 FEET TO A ½ INCH DIAMETER CAPPED REBAR ON THE NORTH RIGHT-OF-WAY OF 1ST AVENUE SOUTH. THEN ALONG SAID RIGHT-OF-WAY S52˚23’50”W A DISTANCE OF 158.47 FEET TO THE POINT OF BEGINNING AND CONTAINING 1.06 ACRES MORE OR LESS.
TRACT 3
LOT 2 OF WOOD STATION TOWNHOMES AS RECORDED IN PLAT BOOK 238 PAGE 37 IN THE PROBATE OFFICE OF JEFFERSON COUNTY, ALABAMA CONTAINING 3.41 ACRES.
TRACT 4
LOTS 15, 16, 17, AND 18 OF HOPSON PLACE AS RECORDED IN PLAT BOOK 5 PAGE 149 IN THE PROBATE OFFICE OF JEFFERSON COUNTY, ALABAMA CONTAINING 0.54 ACRES.
TRACT 5
A PART OF THE SE ¼ OF THE NE 1/4 OF SECTION 21, TOWNSHIP 17 SOUTH, RANGE 2 WEST, JEFFERSON COUNTY, ALABAMA AND ALSO BEING LOTS 8, 9 AND PART OF LOT 10, BLOCK 1 OF THE MAP OF THE LYNCH – KEHM – TOWNLEY & COLVIN PROPERTY AS RECORDED IN PLAT BOOK 3 PAGE 46 IN THE PROBATE OFFICE OF JEFFERSON COUNTY, ALABAMA BEING MORE PARTICUARLY DESCRIBED AS BEGINNING AT A ½ INCH DIAMETER PIPE AT THE SOUTHEAST CORNER OF SAID LOT 10 ON THE NORTH RIGHT-OF-WAY OF 1ST AVENUE SOUTH. THEN FROM THE POINT OF BEGINNING AND ALONG SAID RIGHT-OF-WAY S51˚14’34”W A DISTANCE OF 145.80 FEET TO A ½ INCH DIAMETER CAPPED REBAR ON THE EAST RIGHT-OF-WAY OF 61ST STREET SOUTH. THEN ALONG SAID RIGHT-OF-WAY N36˚32’03”W A DISTANCE OF 132.44 FEET TO A ½ INCH DIAMETER CAPPED REBAR ON THE SOUTH RIGHT-OF-WAY OF AN ALLEY. THEN ALONG SAID RIGHT-OF-WAY N46˚21’29”E A DISTANCE OF 147.55 FEET TO A ½ INCH DIAMETER PIPE. THEN LEAVING SAID RIGHT-OF-WAY S36˚14’52”E A DISTANCE OF 145.05 FEET TO THE POINT OF BEGINNING AND CONTAINING 0.47 ACRES MORE OR LESS.
TRACT 6
LOTS 1, 2, 3, AND 4 OF HOPSON PLACE AS RECORDED IN PLAT BOOK 5 PAGE 149 IN THE PROBATE OFFICE OF JEFFERSON COUNTY, ALABAMA CONTAINING 0.59 ACRES.
TRACT 7
A PART OF THE SE ¼ OF THE NE 1/4 OF SECTION 21, TOWNSHIP 17 SOUTH, RANGE 2 WEST, JEFFERSON COUNTY, ALABAMA AND ALSO BEING LOT 6 AND PART OF LOT 7 OF HOPSON PLACE AS RECORDED IN PLAT BOOK 5 PAGE 149 IN THE PROBATE OFFICE OF JEFFERSON COUNTY, ALABAMA BEING MORE PARTICULARLY DESCRIBED AS BEGINNING AT A ¾ INCH DIAMETER PIPE AT THE NORTHEAST CORNER OF SAID LOT 6 BEING ON THE WEST RIGHT-OF-WAY OF 61st STREET SOUTH. THEN FROM THE POINT OF BEGINNING ALONG SAID RIGHT-OF-WAY S37˚50’53”E A DISTANCE OF 60.34 FEET TO A ½ INCH DIAMETER REBAR. THEN LEAVING SAID RIGHT-OF-WAY S51˚11’24”W A DISTANCE OF 133.25 FEET TO A ½ INCH CAPPED REBAR ON THE EAST RIGHT-OF-WAY OF AN ALLEY. THEN ALONG SAID RIGHT-OF-WAY N36˚08’58”W A DISTANCE OF 60.00 FEET TO A ½ INCH DIAMETER CAPPED REBAR ON THE SOUTH MARGIN OF A 30 FOOT STREET DEDICATED IN VOLUME 447 PAGE 271 IN THE PROBATE OFFICE OF JEFFERSON COUNTY, ALABAMA. THEN ALONG SAID RIGHT-OF-WAY N51˚00’57”E A DISTANCE OF 131.48 FEET TO THE POINT OF BEGINNING AND CONTAINING 0.18 ACRES MORE OR LESS.
Nature & Scope of Project: New Construction of Affordable Rental Housing
Estimated Funding: $670,000.00 – HOME Investment Partnership Funds

FINDING of NO SIGNIFICANT IMPACT
The City has determined that the project will have no significant impact on the human environment. Therefore, an Environmental Impact Statement under the National Environmental Policy Act of 1969 (NEPA) is not required. Additional project information is contained in the Environmental Review Record (ERR) on file at the City’s Community Development Department, 10th Floor-City Hall, 710 North 20th Street, Birmingham, Alabama 35203-2289 where the record is available for review and may be examined or copied for cost of reproduction weekdays 8:00 A.M. to 5:00 P.M.
PUBLIC COMMENTS
Any individual, group, or agency disagreeing with this determination or wishing to comment on the project may submit written comments on or before May 5, 2014 to John Colòn, Director, Community Development Department, 10th Floor, City Hall, 710 20th Street, Birmingham, Alabama 35203-2289. All comments received by May 5, 2014 will be considered by Mr. Colòn, prior to issuing a “Notice to Proceed.”
RELEASE of FUNDS
The City certifies to HUD that the City and William A. Bell, Sr., as Mayor and certifying officer consents to accept the jurisdiction of the Federal Courts if an action is brought to enforce responsibilities in relation to the environmental review process and that these responsibilities have been satisfied. HUD’s approval of the certification satisfies its responsibilities under NEPA and related laws and authorities, and allows the City of Birmingham, AL to use Program funds.
OBJECTIONS to RELEASE of FUNDS
HUD will accept objections to its release of funds and the City’s certification for a period of fifteen days following the anticipated submission date or its actual receipt of the request (whichever is later) only if they are on one of the following bases: (a) the certification was not executed by the Certifying Officer of the City of Birmingham; (b) the City has omitted a step or failed to make a decision or finding required by HUD regulations at 24 CFR Part 58; (c) the grant recipient has committed funds or incurred costs not authorized by 24 CFR Part 58 before approval of a release of funds by HUD; or (d) another Federal agency acting pursuant to 40 CFR Part 1504 has submitted a written finding that the project is unsatisfactory from the standpoint of environmental quality. Objections must be prepared and submitted in accordance with the required procedures (24 CFR Part 58) and shall be addressed to Office of Community Planning and Development at HUD’s Birmingham Office, Medical Forum Building, Suite 900, 950 22ND Street, North, Birmingham, AL 35203-5301. Potential objectors should contact HUD to verify the actual last day of the objection period.
William A. Bell, Sr.
Mayor
City of Birmingham, AL
Third Floor, City Hall
710 North 20th Street
Birmingham, AL 35203-2289
BT04/24/14
___________________________________
CITY OF BRIGHTON
PAYROLL DEPARTMENT

POLICE
DEPARTMENT
BIWEEKLY HOURLY
POLICE OFFICERS
Anthony Farley                 14.50
Fredtonio Coleman         11.52
Ray Hubbart                     11.52
Kenneth Hooten              11.52
Elizabeth Sturdivant       11.52
Justin Williams                 9.50

POLICE DEPARTMENT
DISPATCH
BIWEEKLY HOURLY
Kizzy Horton                      8.00
Cynthia McGee                  7.72
Kenneth Sanderson          7.25
Melvenia D. Mount          7.25
Johnnie Lambert              7.25

ADMINISTRATION
DEPARTMENT
Bessie Bailey                      8.09
Albany Dunning                  12.59
Felicia Pickings                   10.09
Hazel Williams                   14.50

PUBLIC WORKS
DEPARTMENT
Wesley Clark                       10.09
Sherman Coleman           7.25
Vincent Dickinson             7.25
Darrell Hill                          10.09
Paris Watson                      10.09
Antonio White                     7.25

MAYOR AND COUNCIL
MONTHLY SALARIES
Barbara Watkins             1350.00
Joseph Edwards, Sr.          450.00
Rhonda Bean                      450.00
Annie Woods                     450.00
Lonnie Murry                    450.00
Landy Warren                   450.00

MAYOR MONTHLY
EXPENSE 200.00

FIRE DEPARTMENT
MONTHLY SALARY
SEBASTIAN CARRILLO 2416.67

VOLUNTEER FIRE FIGHTER
MONTHLY STIPEND
Per Call (an Hour) 7.00

City of Brighton
3700 Main Street
Brighton, Alabama 35020
BT04/24/14
__________________________

Attorney Willie E. Gary and Team File $150 Million Lawsuit

Birmingham Times

April 24, 2014

DURHAM, N.C. – Prominent Trial attorney Willie E. Gary and his team have filed a $150 Million lawsuit against Amusements of Rochester, Inc., d/b/a Powers Great American Midways (incorporated and doing business in North Carolina), and Family Attractions Amusement, LLC (incorporated in the state of Georgia with an ownership interest in the ride known as the Vortex).
In this case, the Plantiffs Kisha Gorham, Anthony Gorham, Justen Hunter (a minor) and Shykema Dempsey were severely injured on October 24, 2013 when they were forcefully thrown from the Vortex ride at the North Carolina State Fair, after the ride’s safety harnesses were disengaged when they were disembarking from the ride. The ride suddenly and forcefully lurched back into operation, tossing the Plaintiffs to the metal platform below the ride. The malfunction resulted in major, catastrophic, and life-changing injuries to all the Plaintiffs.
Attorney Gary contends that the owners and operators of the Vortex ride were so concerned about making money until they disregarded human life.
“They are guilty of the oldest sin known to man, and that is greed. More emphasis was placed on profits than the safety of people, and we want to make sure that this will never happen again at any amusement park, county, state or local fair anywhere in the United States,” said Attorney Gary.
Attorneys Mike Jones (NC) and Willie Gary say the family is pleased with the work of the Districts Attorney’s office and feel confident that the gross negligence of all these defendants will not go unaddressed.
Anthony Gorham, whose injuries were the most severe remains hospitalized following another surgery this week. He is blind in one eye and is in jeopardy of a possible loss of sight in the other eye, suffers from permanent brain damage, has experienced ongoing seizures, and will require medical care for the rest of his life.
His wife, Kisha Gorham, received severe neck, back and head injuries. Their son Justen Hunter was diagnosed with having a subdural hematoma of the brain. Shykema Dempsey continues to suffer from the head and spinal injuries she received in this accident.
Total punitive damages in this case are in excess of $100 million and compensatory damages combined exceed $50 million. At the time of the announced lawsuit, combined medicals for the Plaintiffs are approaching a half million dollars and could exceed $30 million over the Plaintiffs lifetime.
Attorney Willie Gary and his team contend that the Defendants were negligent in operating the Vortex ride and they failed to correct and remedy problems identified with the ride.
“The Defendants are guilty of hiring people who were clearly untrained and unqualified to provide the safety patrons deserved,” commented Willie Gary. “As a result of their gross negligence, my clients have suffered devastating injuries. No amount of money can give them back what they have lost,” stated Gary.

The Revenge of the Monster Siluriformes XVII

Birmingham Times

April 24, 2014

The 17th annual City of Birmingham Park and Recreation Family Fishing Rodeo “The largest community fishing event in the state!”
East Lake Park, 1st Avenue North and 84th Street Saturday, June 7
7 a.m. – noon.
Tons of catfish, contests, giveaways, family fun and more…
Free!
For more information, call 205-254-2391.

Black Defeats White on ASU’s Black and Gold Spring Game

Birmingham Times

April 24, 2014

MONTGOMERY, Ala. — Alabama State brought its spring football campaign to a close with the annual Black and Gold Game. It was a game which pitted the defense (Black) against the offense (White) with the black team taking advantage of several point gaining plays to defeat the white team 82-18.
“For us this spring this was our finale, the spring game,” Head Coach Reggie Barlow said. “It’s an opportunity for our fans to see where the team is and see what these guys have done and accomplished over the spring.”
“For us it was more about letting these kids get out there and playing without the coaches actually being on the field and ultimately trying to keep everybody healthy. All-in-all it was a pretty good spring and we have some things to evaluate on and go from here.”
ASU’s defense returns nine starters from last year’s team and it showed all spring as the defense turned in big play after big play. In the 81-play game ASU’s offense only managed 222 yards and scored two touchdowns, while also getting a field goal.
The scoring system which heavily favored the defense awarded five points for an interception and three points for any three-and-out, sacks and fumble recoveries. Tackles for lost yardage awarded the defense with two points.
The defense recorded eight sacks led by Chris Terry and Marcus Owens who had two each. There was a total of 18 tackles for lost yardage as Owens led the way with four and Terry and Roderick Henderson recording three each.
Kourtney Berry picked up a fumble which he returned 27 yards for a score and Justin Mitchell also fell on a loose ball. JaQuez Bowser had a first half interception for the Black team and Henderson finished off an outstanding spring game when he picked off the game’s final pass for the defense’s fourth turnover of the game.
“Obviously I went and discussed the scoring system with the defensive coaches because I wanted to make sure I was fair to them and of course they were all like yea, yea a sack should be three points and a loss of yardage should be this and it kind of got out of hand,” Barlow said jokingly.
The White team did manage a touchdown pass from Quinteris Toppings to Earl Lucas which covered 35 yards in the opening half. In the second half Andre Kincey ran in from 10 yards out for the White team’s second score and the final three points came off the foot of kicker Alex Louthan who booted a 21 yard field goal in the final quarter of play.
Toppings completed 11 of 19 passes for 82 yards and the scoring toss to Lucas who had 40 yards on two receptions. The game’s leading rusher was Kincey who finished the game with 37 yards on 11 carries including his 10 yard sprint to the endzone.
“Obviously, I was a bit disappointed in the (offensive) performance today,” Barlow said. “The game of football has to be played with emotion and energy and excitement and when you don’t have that, it shows. Even if you don’t have all the ability, if you play with energy and effort you’ll make some plays. I just didn’t think our guys displayed that from an offensive standpoint.”  “Yeah, we know our defense is good but our offense is good. We’ve got the same guys who averaged 30 points except for Crowell and Edmond. You’ve still got Damian, you’ve still got Bell, you’ve still got Cyrus. There’s no reason for us not to be able to put on a better show. They lacked energy and it showed on the field.”
The coaching staff handed out their spring awards following the game which were:
“Peter Rabbit” Award: JaQuez Bowzer

Rico Wells Award: Marcus Owens

Most Improved Defensive Player: Antonio Humphreys

Most Improved Offensive Player: Andre Hammond

Most Valuable Defensive Player: Trey Jenkins

Most Valuable Offensive Player: Damian Love
The Hornets will begin preparations for the 2014 season in August with the team’s first game against Football Championship Series (FCS) power Sam Houston State, Saturday August 30 in Huntsville, Texas.
Former Soccer Player Receives State Award

MONTGOMERY – Former Alabama State Soccer player Jordan Creel has been awarded the Bernice Finger Award.
The Bernice Finger Award is given to the two most outstanding health, physical education, recreation and dance students in Alabama (male/female). The Finger award is given each year by the Alabama State Association for Health, Physical Education, Recreation and Dance (ASAHPERD) to two outstanding future professionals.
Creel played in 28 games for the Lady Hornets and was a four year SWAC All-Academic Team member. She has a GPA of 3.4 while pursuing her degree in Physical Education.
“I am so proud of Jordan,” said head coach Jodie Smith. “To be the recipient of such an honor in your field of study for the State of Alabama is a tremendous accomplishment. Jordan has definitely proven to be that type of person and student-athlete that every coach is proud to have on their team.”
Selections are based on academic achievement and service to the student’s university and community.
The Finger Award honors the late Dr. Bernice Finger, longtime professor at the University of Montevallo.

Core Named SWAC Softball Hitter of the Week

MONTGOMERY – The Southwestern Athletic Conference has named Alabama State’s third baseman Kendall Core the SWAC Softball Player of the Week.
This is the first time this season that an Alabama State player has earned SWAC honors. Core, over the weekend, (5-3 • INF • FR • Benicia, Calif.) went 7-for-12 at the plate for an average of .583. She had two doubles, two homeruns and seven RBI. She accounted for 15 total bases and scored five runs. Core finished with a slugging percentage of 1.25 and an on-base percentage of .583. In the 9-2 game against Alabama A&M on Friday, she recorded one double, a homer, two runs and four RBI.
On the season, Core is hitting .446 with 38 hits, 10 doubles, five home runs and 24 RBI. Core has a slugging percentage of .624 and an on base percentage .442.
The Lady Hornets will look to add to their win total as they travel to Lorman, Miss., to face Alcorn State in a conference weekend series.

2015 Subaru WRX AWD Premium Manual

Birmingham Times

April 24, 2014

by Cheryl Eldridge

The WRX is definitely a piece of work that has a facelift for new buyers. The new
2015 Subaru WRX is fully redesigned. Highlights include new styling based on the latest-generation Impreza, a new engine for the base WRX, a stiffer body structure with a retuned suspension, and a slightly roomier interior with higher-quality interior materials.
I enjoyed driving my manual crystal black Silica WRX with 21 mpg in the city and 28 mpg on the highway. No gas guzzling there.
My four-door, all new, fourth-generation of Subaru was iconic with all-wheel drive which is a rally-inspired sedan. Three spoke flat-bottomed leather-wrapped tilt and telescoping steering wheel is also included. As I was shifting gears on my manual tester, my son enjoyed this turbocharged Subaru Boxer which is injected with a peak of 258 lb ft of torque spread from 2,000 to 5,200 rpm. I felt like I was empowered on the road and there was no turning back.
For that power surge the base 2015 WRX relies on a new, 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine. It’s smaller than the previous-generation WRX’s 2.5-liter engine, but peak horsepower is up slightly – now 268 – and, more importantly, it makes more usable midrange power and returns better fuel economy. That power goes to all four wheels, naturally, but this time it’s through a revised, torque-vectoring AWD system that improves traction and car control when driving out of turns. You also get your choice of two new transmissions: a six-speed manual or a continuously variable transmission (CVT) that has steering-wheel-mounted paddles for manual-like shifting when the desire strikes. With either transmission, you’re looking at a 0-60 mph dash of under 6 seconds, which is excellent for this class of car.
The 2015 Subaru WRX and WRX STI are high-performance sedans that seat five. The WRX is offered in base, Premium and Limited trim levels. The WRX STI is offered in base, Limited and Launch Edition trims, the latter limited to 1,000 units.
Standard WRX features include 17-inch alloy wheels with summer tires, cruise control, full power accessories, automatic climate control, sport front seats, a height-adjustable driver seat, a tilt-and-telescoping steering wheel, 60/40-split-folding rear seats, a leather-wrapped shift knob and steering wheel, Bluetooth phone and audio connectivity, a 4.3-inch central display, a rearview camera, a six-speaker sound system with a CD player, HD radio and a USB/iPod interface.
Upgrading to the Premium trim adds foglights, a sunroof, a trunk lid spoiler, heated mirrors, a windshield wiper de-icer and heated front seats. The Limited model gains LED headlights (low beams only), leather upholstery and an eight-way power driver’s seat.
The base WRX STI builds on the base WRX’s equipment list by adding a more powerful engine, 18-inch wheels, LED headlights, foglights, Brembo brakes, front and rear limited-slip differentials, driver-selectable modes for the center differential and a more aggressively tuned suspension. STI Limited models add an eight-way power driver seat, lighter weight 18-inch BBS wheels, leather upholstery and a premium nine-speaker Harman Kardon audio system.
The small production-run Launch Edition gets gold-painted lightweight BBS wheels, leather upholstery with simulated suede inserts, keyless ignition and entry and a short-throw shifter.
A touchscreen navigation system is available on all but the base model WRX. It also comes bundled with a 6.1-inch display, voice controls, smartphone app integration (Aha radio), satellite radio and, depending on the trim level, keyless ignition/entry and the nine-speaker Harman Kardon premium audio system. Other major options for the WRX and WRX STI include a performance exhaust, upgraded speakers and an auto-dimming rearview mirror.
The 2015 Subaru WRX is powered by a turbocharged 2.0-liter, horizontally opposed four-cylinder boxer engine that produces 268 hp and 258 pound-feet of torque. A six-speed manual transmission and an all-wheel-drive system are standard. A new CVT is optional and features steering-wheel-mounted paddle shifters and settings that mimic either a six – or eight – speed automatic.
My tester, priced at $29,290, was a manual-equipped automobile that accelerated from zero to 60 mph in an impressively quick 5.4 seconds. Subaru claims a WRX with the CVT requires 5.9 seconds. EPA-estimated fuel economy with the manual transmission is 24 mpg combined (21 city/28 highway). The CVT model is rated at 21 mpg combined (19 city/25 highway).
The STI uses a turbocharged 2.5-liter horizontally opposed four-cylinder boxer engine rated at 305 hp and 290 lb-ft of torque. A six-speed manual is the only transmission offered. Combined fuel economy is 19 mpg (17 city/23 highway). Subaru says the STI can accelerate from zero to 60 mph in 5.1 seconds.
On the safety side, every Subaru WRX comes standard with stability and traction control, antilock disc brakes, front side airbags, side curtain airbags, a driver-side knee airbag and active front head restraints.
On the inside, the cabin design is simple and straightforward and the controls are very easy to locate and use. The new 4.3-inch multi-information display atop the center stack relays audio, Bluetooth and climate control information, as well as a turbo boost gauge display, all-wheel-drive operation and the rearview camera.
On the upside, the cabin is spacious, with plenty of room for passengers and cargo. One inch of added wheelbase gives the new WRX even more generous rear legroom. A new thick-rimmed, flat-bottom steering wheel imparts the proper sporty vibe after you slide into the firm, well-bolstered driver seat. The driver positioning is particularly excellent, as is outward visibility thanks to thin roof pillars and large side mirrors. Trunk space measures 12 cubic feet, a respectable figure, though hatchback competitors have an edge when it comes to total versatility.
The 2015 Subaru WRX delivers the power and handling performance of cars nearly twice its price. The new turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine is strong throughout its rev range, and its rush of midrange power will at first surprise you and then quickly become addictive. This is a car that feels even quicker than its acceleration numbers indicate. The manual transmission is a little tricky to use because of its heavy clutch action and the sensitive gas pedal, though it’s still the obvious choice for gearheads. The new CVT is surprisingly capable, and its different driver-selectable modes and shift paddles make the most of what the WRX has to offer.
Thanks to a firmer chassis (up to 40 percent stiffer than last year’s WRX), a retuned suspension and the new torque-vectoring feature for the all-wheel-drive system (which helps the car’s handling balance when exiting corners), the new WRX is a noticeably tighter and more precise-handling car than before. It absolutely devours tight, twisty roads and imparts a feeling of driver confidence that its front-wheel-drive competitors simply can’t replicate.

Until next week, drive safe and buckle up, it’s the law.

April is National Heartworm Awareness Month

Birmingham Times

April 24, 2014

MONTGOMERY, Ala. – The Alabama Veterinary Medical Association wants to remind pet owners to protect their pets against heartworm disease. Pets are susceptible to heartworms all year round in Alabama. To prevent infection, it is important to continually keep your pet on heartworm preventative medication.
“Whether your pet is an indoor or outdoor pet, all pets are at risk for heartworm disease,” says ALVMA President William Bledsoe, DVM. “Heartworm disease can be fatal if left untreated, but it can easily be prevented with regular medication.”
According to the American Heartworm Society, heartworms are more prevalent in dogs than cats. They are transferred through mosquito bites, which deposit the larvae into the bloodstream of the dog and the worms eventually migrate to the heart and lungs, which usually takes about three months. Depending on the size of the dog, as many as 30 or more heartworms can live in a dog’s heart for up to seven years, some reaching a length of a foot long. Virtually 100 percent of dogs exposed to infective larvae become infected. The key to preventing heartworms is to be proactive and administer medication to reduce the chance of your pet developing heartworms. Heartworm preventative is almost 100 percent effective and also has added benefits as it protects your pets from other parasites like roundworms, whipworms and hookworms. This is important because these parasites can also be harmful to people, especially children. There is no effective treatment for heartworm disease in cats, so it is imperative that disease prevention measures be taken for cats.
While there is treatment for heartworm infected dogs, it is somewhat expensive and can take several weeks for your pet to recover. Treatment cost depends on several factors including the dog’s size, stage of heartworm advancement and which method you use for treatment. Signs of heartworm disease include a persistent cough, reluctance to move or exercise, fatigue after only moderate exercise, reduced appetite and weight loss. It is difficult to see symptoms in recently infected dogs, so a blood test at your veterinarian’s office is necessary to determine if your pet is heartworm positive. This blood test should be done annually as part of your healthy pet checkup.
The good news is heartworm prevention is safe, easy and inexpensive. There are a variety of options for preventing heartworm infection in both dogs and cats, including daily and monthly tablets and chewables, monthly topicals and a six-month injectable product (available only for dogs). All of these methods are extremely effective, and when administered properly on a timely schedule, heartworm infection can be completely prevented. These medications interrupt heartworm development before adult worms reach the lungs and heart and cause disease. It is critical to keep your pet on heartworm prevention medication to ensure they remain healthy and free from infection. If you miss a dose, contact your local veterinarian immediately for guidance. For additional information on heartworms visit the American Heartworm Society’s website at www.heartwormsociety.org.
Founded in 1907, The Alabama Veterinary Medical Association is comprised of approximately 725 veterinarians from around the state, all committed to protecting People, Pets and Livestock – Yesterday, Today and Always.

A Series of Tearful Episodes

Birmingham Times

April 24, 2014

Do you remember the very popular weekly sitcom “The Golden Girls”? The series surrounded four seasoned women, retired, living under the same roof and whose life experiences on the show ranged from marriage and divorce, raising children and empty nesting, sexual and dating issues, singlehood, widow-hood (is that a word?) and yes, even house repair problems. We watched them get one another in and out of trouble every week. Probably like you, I loved each character, her unique personality quirks and antics. As I watched each week or each day when the series went into syndication I could identify with Dorothy, Rose, Blanche and Sophia and I felt the joy, respect and admiration that they had for one another because of their individual life experiences.
Well ladies, I feel like a Golden Girl of a different kind and you all are my roommates. No, we don’t live together and not so much with age and gray hair; not yet anyway, (although some of us might be stylishly rockin’ the gray and are in our golden years), it’s more about the dilemmas and mishaps we find ourselves in as women and I share mine each week when you tune into my column.
On Friday, in the midst of my “girly-girl” routine, you know by now that means either hair, nails or both. I was sitting next to a friend in the salon who was talking to her ex-husband of a recent divorce. The conversation was not heated at all, but I couldn’t help but see and feel her frustration after she ended the call. The conversation didn’t revolve around the tough topics of money or kids; it was simply about a home repair issue. I say “simple” issue, but for a woman who has never had to deal with home repair issues and always depended on her husband to fix things, this was anything but simple. Exasperated and fearful she explained that she had heard crackling and had seen blue sparks coming from the electrical socket in her den. She was afraid that this was a prelude to a possible fire in the wires buried in her wall. Compassion and my “Shellie to the rescue attitude” made me want to leap in a single bound out of the stylist’s chair, dart into the ladies room of the hair salon and slip into my proverbial “At Home Girl” cape, spandex tights and my Wonder-Woman go-go boots and solve her electrical issues for her. Instead I sat reassuringly beside her, gave her some tips on what to do and then I thought of you. It also made me think of a similar sad, confusing and frustrating day … the day I cried in Wal-Mart.
Many of you did not know that when I began this column quite a few years ago I was 16 years happily married, or so I thought, and then life happened. Circumstances altered my personal At Home life forever and I suddenly found myself in foreign territory, a new place; in a new category or personhood. I was single for the first time in 24 years and having to do things that were not germane to my “girly-girl-ness” or my scope of expertise. In short, I was no longer just doing the soft nurturing stuff like being a wife, mom, laundry, cleaning, cooking, etc. I was forced to do the tough, dirty tasks like going up on ladders and under surfaces to fix, clean and retrieve items. I couldn’t depend on the brawn and machismo of a man. And probably because of pride and the possibility of stirring up strife and conflict with other women, I refrained from asking any neighboring husbands for help.
This Friday evening was similar to the day I sat with my friend in the hair salon, but Wal-Mart was the setting for my personal drama; a saga and a sitcom all rolled into one. This episode, however, was more traumatic than funny. The air was broken in my house. Fed up with the scorching heat bearing down on the window in my bedroom I jumped in my car and confidently drove to Wal-Mart in a quest to find an air conditioner to provide some immediate relief from the heat. My house (at that time) was very large and unfortunately even with two units my bedroom only received a whisper of air.
I slid the car careening on two wheels (maybe it just felt like it) into a parking space that seemed to be waiting just for me at the store. I sauntered into Wal-Mart determined and confident that this experience would be a breeze; it would be quick and painless. I anticipated victory and although I had never had to do this before, I believed that I would emerge a victor, unscathed and having accomplished my mission. I peeked at the signs above for direction and then walked briskly through the store like a detective on the path to solving a case, or a hound dog sniffing out a scent. I found the hardware section and proceeded to choose an air conditioner. I took a deep breath and exhaled… I was aghast at the overwhelming selection, the multitude of name brands, the gizmos and gadgets that each unit possessed. It was at that moment that fear began to creep in like Freddy Krueger in a Nightmare On Elm Street movie. Well, after all, it was a Friday and this was the beginning of a horror story. I had no clue about the square footage of my room, nor did I understand amps, voltage, BTUs or any other words or phrases that glared out on the exterior front and side of the box. This air conditioning jargon might as well have been written in another language (in some cases it was), because I could not comprehend how any of it would relate to my At Home space. I stood in the aisle of Wal-Mart, frozen like a deer in the headlights of an oncoming car. I felt fear, amazement, pending danger and a sense of tremendous helplessness. I felt the need to run back home and not just crawl under the covers, but crawl under the bed and hide. But I couldn’t…
Tune in next week for the next chapter in A Series of Tearful Episodes.

“I don’t have all the answers, but I know the One who does.”

For more information or just to contact me, email athomewithshellie1@Yahoo.com or click on my website at www.athomewithshellie.com.

Third Annual Protective Life Food Truck Roundup Heads Back to Brookwood Village

Birmingham Times

April 24, 2014

BIRMINGHAM, Ala. – Appetites from around the area are about to be treated to a food fest like none other, all for the sake of charity. The Third Annual Protective Life Food Truck Roundup, benefitting PreSchool Partners is set to serve up some of Birmingham’s best cuisine on Saturday, April 26th from 11-3 p.m. in the upper parking lot of Macy’s at Colonial Brookwood Village (780 Brookwood Village, Birmingham, AL 35209).
With a theme of “Taste the Trucks”, foodies and their families can prepare to experience live music and radio remote from Birmingham Mountain Music (107.3), kid-friendly entertainment and amazing culinary cuisine from some of the city’s best in the business. Food trucks confirmed to dish up some of their famous fare are: Cantina!, Shindigs, Ezell’s Catfish Cabin, Full Moon BBQ, Melt, Fresh Off the Bun, Off the Hook, Slice, Saw’s Street Kitchen, Repecci’s Ice, Nola Ice, Dreamcakes and Goodies Ice Cream. Beverages will be provided by Good People Brewery, Supreme Beverage and Coca-Cola.
Tickets are $20 in advance, $25 at the door and are available online at www.preschool-partners.org. Admission gets you four tokens redeemable for food at any of the trucks and at
beverage stations. Coca-cola products will be served FREE. Additional tokens will be available for purchase; kids 10 and under get in free.
In 2013, more than 1000 people attended the Protective Life Food Truck Roundup, and helped raise over $76,000 for PreSchool Partners. PreSchool Partners is dedicated to preparing at-risk 3 and 4-year-olds, and their parents, for kindergarten in the Birmingham City Schools.
Students, who may not otherwise get a preschool education receive a solid educational foundation and are set on a path toward success. Making this year’s Protective Life Food Truck Roundup even more special is PreSchool Partners’ plans to launch Operation Schoolhouse, a $2.6 million capital campaign that will allow the previous successes of Preschool Partners to reach an even broader group of deserving families. Operation Schoolhouse broke ground on March 12, 2014. The new facility will be housed at Birmingham’s former McElwain Elementary School.
For more information on the Third Annual Protective Life Food Truck Roundup or PreSchool Partners contact Allene Neighbors, PreSchool Partners Director of Development
Cell: (205) 936-3754 or Allene.neighbors@gmail.com.

Wyndham Vacation Rentals® Voted “Finest on the Emerald Coast” for Second Consecutive Year

Birmingham Times

April 24, 2014

World’s largest professionally managed vacation rental company takes top position in newspaper’s annual poll
Fort Walton Beach, Fla. (April 21, 2014) – Wyndham Vacation Rentals®, the world’s largest professionally managed vacation rental business and part of the Wyndham Worldwide family of brands (NYSE: WYN), announced today that the readers of Northwest Florida Daily News named Wyndham Vacation Rentals “Finest on the Emerald Coast” in the category of vacation rental company for the second year in a row.

The “Finest on the Emerald Coast” competition asks community members to vote for the businesses they feel represent the best of the Emerald Coast across more than 160 categories.

“We’re overjoyed to be recognized as the top service provider for the second consecutive year by members of the local community,” said Lino Maldonado, vice president of operations, Wyndham Vacation Rentals, Gulf Region. “It’s incredibly humbling to receive an award decided by the public that places us at the top. We attribute our success to the high-quality service we provide that keeps guests coming back to our professionally managed vacation rental properties year after year.”

The award was announced on April 20, 2014 in a commemorative special edition publication, which was circulated in the Northwest Florida Daily News, Crestview News Bulletin, Destin Log and Walton Sun. This year’s honorees will be recognized at the “Finest on the Emerald Coast” winners event held at HarborWalk Village on April 24, 2014.

Wyndham Vacation Rentals professionally manages a number of luxury vacation rental properties along the coast of Northwest Florida. Situated on 52 acres near Destin, Fla. and bordered by both the Gulf of Mexico and a tranquil nature preserve, TOPS’L Beach & Racquet Resort maintains its coveted spot among the top tennis resorts in the nation, garnering accolades from top industry publications year after year.

To make a reservation at one of Wyndham Vacation Rentals’ professionally managed vacation rentals on Northwest Florida’s Emerald Coast, guests should call 888-909-6807 or visit http://www.wyndhamvacationrentals.com/vacation-rentals/florida/northwest-florida/.

Fisk University Wins 25th Anniversary Honda Campus All-Star Challenge National Championship

Birmingham Times

April 24, 2014

TORRANCE, Calif. – Completing a journey that began in the fall, Fisk University claimed its first ever national championship title at the 25th anniversary Honda Campus All-Star Challenge. For a quarter century, American Honda Motor Co., Inc. has sponsored this unique academic competition featuring the best and brightest students from America’s Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs).
A packed studio audience filled with competitors, alumni, volunteers, fans and Honda associates collectively held their breath as Fisk clinched the title over second-place finisher Oakwood University, after answering the following question correctly: What character in various world mythologies, whose name begins with A, B, or C, was the creator God eclipsed by Vishnu? Answer: Brahma.
Fisk was coached by Dr. Stafford W. Cargill. Team members included: Victor Ray Bradley, team captain, junior; Matthew G. Barthwell, junior; Anthony M. Franklin, senior; and Anna M. Wilkins, junior.
“I am very proud of each student on the Fisk University team for the knowledge, spirit and discipline they displayed on the road to the national championship title,” said Dr. Stafford W. Cargill, coach, Fisk University.
The seven remaining finalists that qualified for this year’s Elite Eight included: Oakwood University of Huntsville, Ala.; Tuskegee University of Tuskegee, Ala.; North Carolina Central University of Durham, N.C.; Morgan State University of Baltimore, Md.; Morehouse College of Atlanta, Ga.; Florida A&M University of Tallahassee, Fla.; and Alabama State University of Montgomery, Ala.
“Honda congratulates Fisk University for winning its first title, and thanks the team for truly representing the more than 10,000 exceptional students that participated in this year’s Honda Campus All-Star Challenge,” said Steve Morikawa, assistant vice president, corporate and community relations, American Honda Motor Co., Inc. “We take great pride in the community that has developed around HCASC, and thank all volunteers and alumni who participated for the enduring impact they have on the lives of our student competitors.”
The 2014 coach of the year was Dr. Rosland Rennae Elliott of Oakwood University. Gabriel Smith of Tuskegee University was named the Earnest L. Jones Sportsperson of the Year.
This year’s divisional all-stars included: Antoine Armand Southern representing Oakwood; Victoria Monique Jones representing North Carolina Central; Djon-Iva D. Santos representing Alabama State; Gabriel A. Smith representing Tuskegee; Brannon A. Billings representing Prairie View A&M; Victor Ray Bradley representing Fisk; Maryum Styles representing Spelman; and Eric A. Jett representing West Virginia State.
In addition to taking home the national championship trophy, Fisk University secured the top prize of $50,000 in university grants. Second place finisher Oakwood University won $25,000, while third and fourth place finishers – Tuskegee University and North Carolina Central University – earned $15,000 each. In total, more than $300,000 in institutional grants, which support academic activities, was awarded to participating HBCUs.
“Leading among the mediocre doesn’t mean much, but being a champion among giants is a dream worth striving for,” said Fisk University team captain Victor Ray Bradley. “This competition is full of immensely talented people who are vying to take your spot, but while you hold the title, the victory is sweet.”
For pictures, videos and more information on the 2014 HCASC competition, including a full list of the 48 teams that qualified, visit www.hcasc.com. Connect with HCASC on Facebook (www.facebook.com/HCASC), Twitter (www.twitter.com/HCASC) and Instagram (www.instagram.com/hcascpix), using the hashtag #HCASC.

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