SWAC Releases Tennis Seeding for Tournament

April 10, 2014

MONTGOMERY, Ala. – Following the completion of the final Southwestern Athletic Conference (SWAC) Tennis Round Up this past weekend, the SWAC Office has finalized the seedings for the 2014 SWAC Tennis Championships which will be held April 25-27 at City Park in New Orleans.
Only the top six teams from both the men’s and women’s side will participate in the SWAC Championship and Alabama State men’s team has received the second seed in the tournament. ASU presently has a few matches left between now and the tournament and hold a 6-11 overall record and finished 3-2 in conference action.
The Lady Hornets will be the fifth seed while in the midst of one of their better seasons in recent memory. They are 8-13 overall and the team’s eight victories are the most wins in over five years. They finished the conference portion of their schedule with a 3-4 record. Like the men, they have several matches left before start of the conference tournament action.
The winners of the SWAC Tournament will receive the automatic berth into the NCAA Tournament Field that will be played in May.

Popular Singer, Songwriter & Speaker, Lynda Randle to be Featured in Exciting Musical Celebration

Birmingham Times

April 10, 2014

ATMORE, Ala. – The exciting sounds of Gospel music will ring loudly on Friday, April 25 at the Canterbury United Methodist Church, located at 350 Overbrook Road in Birmingham, AL, as popular Gospel recording artist, Lynda Randle, will be featured in a special musical worship event to benefit We Care. Joining Randle for this special evening will be country Gospel singer, John Schmid.
Randle, a native of Washington, D.C., now resides with her husband, Michael in Kansas City, Mo. The couple have two daughters, Patience and Joy. Randle has spent nearly two decades ministering in churches and arenas, sharing her testimony and rich vocal talents. She is regularly featured on the highly successful Bill Gaither Homecoming Video and Concert Series and has more than a dozen video and audio recordings to her credit, including the celebrated God On The Mountain DVD, which achieved Gold Sales status from RIAA ((Recording Industry Association of America), commemorating the sale of more than 50,000 units. Fulfilling her calling as an artist with non-stop energy, Randle’s music and message has proven cross-cultural and cross-generational.
The We Care Program has been in existence for more than four decades with the main purpose of placing full-time and part-time chaplains in state prisons. “Our purpose statement is ‘presenting Christ and discipling inmates,’” states event organizer and We Care Development Director, Steve Martin. “Our main purpose of this concert and others that we are promoting is to raise awareness of the many chaplaincy opportunities in the state of Alabama.” The We Care Program currently serves in 15 prisons throughout the state of Alabama.
This special musical event on will begin at 7p.m., and promises to be an event to remember. Complete information regarding this exciting event or additional information regarding the We Care Program may be obtained by visiting www.wecareprogram.org.
This event will be one the entire family will enjoy. No admission will be charged; however, an offering will be received to benefit the prison ministry outreach of We Care.
Join Lynda Randle and John Schmid at the Canterbury United Methodist Church, located at 350 Overbrook Road in Birmingham on April 25 at 7p.m.

Best and Brightest Students Prepare to Compete as Honda Campus All-Star Challenge Celebrates its 25th Anniversary

Birmingham Times

April 10, 2014

Top students from 48 of the nation’s Historically Black Colleges and Universities will gather in Los Angeles area to test their academic prowess

TORRANCE, Calif. – Brainpower from America’s Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs) will be on display at the 25th annual Honda Campus All-Star Challenge (HCASC) National Championship Tournament. Hundreds of HBCU students have spent the past year diligently preparing to compete in the final round of this unique academic tournament, April 12-16, 2014 on the campus of American Honda Motor Co., Inc., in Torrance, California.
This year’s road to the championship began in the fall of 2013, with 76 HBCUs vying for the final 48 slots. Through countless hours of study, drills and practice, elite teams emerged, knowledgeable and ready to take on the competition. Their goal is to beat Morgan State University, the reigning national champions with two consecutive titles, while Morgan State will be seeking a threepeat.
The competitors will be split into eight divisions and will compete in a modified round-robin format. The top two teams from each division will advance to the “Sweet 16” and will compete in a single elimination playoff. The final two teams that emerge from the playoffs will compete for the title of National Champions and the grand prize of $50,000. The grand prize, along with the other institutional grants, will support academic activities at the participating HBCUs.
Celebrating 25 years of HBCU excellence, Honda Campus All-Star Challenge is one of Honda’s largest and longest running philanthropic initiatives in the United States. Since 1989, the program has awarded more than $7 million in grants to participating HBCUs, impacting the lives of over 100,000 students across 22 states. The participating HBCUs share in grants from Honda of up to $328,000 each year.
Through programs like HCASC, Honda is not only helping students academically, but building them up for the future, helping position them for career success. HCASC’s impressive roster of past participants includes engineers, lawyers, doctors and professors. The White House Initiative on HBCUs recently announced its first class of HBCU All-Stars, and among the group of 75 students, academics, and civic leaders honored by the President were five current and former HCASC participants. A number of high profile former HCASC participants have been inducted into the HCASC Hall of Fame, including Clark Atlanta University alumnus and current ESPN anchor, Bomani Jones, who participated in two HCASC competitions between 1999 and 2001, serving as team captain in 2001.
“Honda Campus All-Star Challenge rewards the best and brightest for their academic achievements and prepares our student competitors for life beyond school by reinforcing their strong work ethic and introducing them to a thriving community of alumni,” said Steve Morikawa, Assistant Vice President, Corporate and Community Relations, American Honda Motor Co., Inc. “We look forward to hosting the 25th anniversary class in California and treating them to a fun, four days of healthy competition.”
For more information on the 2014 HCASC, including a full list of the 48 qualifying teams, visit www.hcasc.com. Connect with HCASC via Facebook (www.facebook.com/HCASC) and Twitter (www.twitter.com/HCASC), using the hashtag #HCASC.

2014 Volkswagen Jetta Hybrid

Birmingham Times

April 10, 2014

By Frank S. Washington

DETROIT – It’s rare to use fun to drive and hybrid in the same sentence. But Volkswagen has managed to create a hybrid in the form of its Jetta compact sedan that had a lot of spirit during a week-long test drive.
Key was the 2014 Volkswagen Jetta Hybrid’s 1.4-liter four cylinder turbocharged direct injection gasoline engine that made 150 horsepower. Coupled with a water cooled 27 horsepower electric motor, the pair combined to make 170 horsepower. That provided plenty of oomph for the Jetta Hybrid.
The seven speed dual clutch transmission selected gears smoothly; acceleration was authoritative whether on the expressway or from a standing start on surface streets and the car moved with some assertiveness. Press materials said the Jetta Hybrid could get from a standstill to 60 mph in 8.6 seconds.
Still, the car had an impressive EPA fuel economy rating of 42 mpg in the city and 48 mpg on the highway. Under normal driving, it could remain in electric mode up 37 mph briefly. Put it in E-Mode and it could get up to 44 mph.
We could see pavement and the gaping potholes that had formed during a long and harsh winter. The Jetta Hybrid had damper struts with lower control arms and an anti-roll bar front suspension and a multi-link independent layout in the rear that featured gas-pressurized dampers and separate coil springs.
The set up gave the Jetta Hybrid a solid ride that was quiet when traversing ruddy patches of pavement. While going over bumpy streets, there was little noise, vibration or harshness. The car had that solid feel that comes with a quality build. The only time this Jetta felt less than solid was when closing the rear door. The thud seemed kind of flimsy.
Like most hybrids, the Jetta did have regenerative braking to capture energy and charge the electric motor’s battery. The Jetta Hybrid increased the amount of regeneration by decoupling the engine from the drivetrain, which reduced drag by engine braking and increased the amount of heat, thus, energy.
That’s from the press material but when the engine decoupled it also depowered the car putting it in a coast and that made it much easier for the brakes to stop the vehicle. In fact, it took a little adjustment as to not stop short.
The engine also shut off and decoupled from the driveline to eliminate drag caused by the engine’s torque at higher speeds—up to 84 mph—when the driver released the gas pedal. This helped to save fuel when, for instance, the car was going down a gentle slope or was coasting to a halt.
As usual the interior of this Volkswagen was clean and crisp. Fit and finish were good. The car was ergonomically friendly. The driver didn’t have to reach for anything and everything was easy to see.
The back seats were comfortable too. They could hold two full-size adults without any problem. There was ample leg room as well as a good bit of head space. However, the rear seats were a little hard. It would be interesting to see how a body would hold up, say, for a lengthy drive lasting several hours in the back seat of the 2014 Jetta Hybrid.
An interesting aspect of the car was its trunk. It was two-tiered. The lower tier in the front had an area that had a miniature fence-like railing around it. It was obviously for groceries and other small items. The second and higher tier was in the back. There were also two pull levers that would release either side of the back seat and create a pass-through from the trunk.
We had the SE trim line of the 2014 Jetta Hybrid. In other words, it was the base model. There are two higher trim levels: the SEL and the SEL Premium. Still, the SE’s equipment wasn’t bad. It had push button start and stop as well as keyless access. It also featured Bluetooth, satellite radio, a CD player, SD card slot, an auxiliary jack and what Volkswagen called partial power front seats and LED taillights.
Unlike other automakers that load up their hybrids to help cover up the higher cost over their gasoline powered models; Volkswagen seemed to head in the other direction with this car. In other words, the 2014 Volkswagen Jetta Hybrid SE didn’t have a lot of frills.
And because it didn’t have a lot of stuff the price was held to $28,080 as tested.

Frank S. Washington is editor of AboutThatCar.com.

Sonya R. Williams

Birmingham Times

April 10, 2014

Sonya Williams is the Executive Director of the Exchange Club Family Skills Center, a role in which she is very excited to serve. As a strong and passionate advocate, she has worked extensively in the field of social work serving youth and families, as well as numerous other at-need populations.
Ms. Williams is active in her church, First Baptist West End, where, among other duties, she serves as President and Founder of The Agape Ministry, created to minister to the needs of the elderly and widows.
Her greatest pleasure is being the mother of two children: Triniti, 15 and Trentin, 14.
Ms. Williams earned her bachelor’s degree in social work from the University of Alabama in Tuscaloosa, and has completed coursework toward her Master’s degree from the University of Alabama in Birmingham. Ms. Williams is a member of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc. and sits on the Advisory Board of Directors for Positive Maturity. She enjoys reading, traveling and most of all helping others.

Exchange Club Child Abuse Prevention Center to host second annual gala
In the United States, a report of child abuse is made every 10 seconds, and every day, four children die as a result of it. In an effort to combat one of the most pressing ills of our nation, the Exchange Club Child Abuse Prevention Center serves as “the principal child abuse and neglect prevention agency, providing both parent education and support to parents and children in the Greater Birmingham area.” The center’s work includes the facilitation of Positive Parenting Groups, a Parent Aide Program, and a fundraising partnership with Big Saver Thrift Stores.
Additionally, the center is excited to announce the establishment of a new program, the First Teachers program. It is a parent education and family support program, utilizing the Parents as Teachers curriculum. The center is currently accepting referrals for this program, for children ages 2 and under.
Last year, the center hosted its first annual Blue Heart Gala, which raised awareness about child abuse prevention, and funds for the center to continue doing essential work in the community. In conjunction with Child Abuse Prevention Month, this year’s gala will be held on April 25th from 7p.m.-10p.m., at Pine Tree Country Club in Irondale. Tickets are $50 each.

Stillman College to host its 23rd annual Black Executive Exchange Program (BEEP) Seminar

Birmingham Times

April 10, 2014

TUSCALOOSA, Ala. – Stillman College will host its 23rd annual Black Executive Exchange Program (BEEP) Seminar on Friday, April 11th, 8:30 a.m. to 4 p.m., in the Harold N. Stinson Auditorium on the College campus. BEEP’s mission is to expose students to professionals in their fields in order to share learning experiences across generations, cultivate new leaders, familiarize students with the demands and expectations of diverse industries, and inspire achievement through committed involvement and operational excellence.
Attendees may participate in a variety of informative sessions, including “Digitally Savvy Job Seeking,” “Ethical Behavior in the Workplace,” “Strategies for Successful Internships,” “Dress for Success,” and “Social Media Do’s and Don’ts.”
“Panelists will cover everything that students need to know in order to be successful in life and contribute to society. They will discuss many critical issues, including job seeking, ethical behavior, internships, and appropriate attire for the workplace,” says BEEP Liaison Dr. Carol Williams.
This year’s guest speakers include Christopher Howard, Assistant Professor of Business Administration in the School of Business and Adult and Continuing Education at Oakwood University; Brandon J. Johnson, a 24-year-old Level II Sales Coach/Retail Sales Manager at AT&T; Kenneth Law, EEO Manager for the Department of Veterans Affairs Medical Center: Eric McCalpine of Cintas Corporation-Facility Services; Gregelyn C. Robertson, Vice President and Branch Manager of Regions Bank Northport branch; Bryan Roger, Vice President and Human Resource Manager for Aliant Bank; Chantal Smith, Assistant Chief of Human Resources for the VA Medical Center in Birmingham, AL; Terralance DeShon Thurman, Assistant Vice President and Operating Systems Engineer for Wells Fargo; and David Wilson, 23-year veteran Sales and Marketing Executive for United Parcel Service (UPS).
The program is free and open to the public.
For more information, contact Dr. Carol Williams at 205-247-8149 or at cwilliams@stillman.edu<mailto:cwilliams@stillman.edu>.

Put On Your Lip Gloss, Your High Heels and Keep It Moving

Birmingham Times

April 10, 2014

By Angela Moore

Recently I was having a conversation with a friend attempting to encourage her as she travels down a road I’m unfortunately familiar. We sent multiple text messages, then talked and finally the right words came to me as I tried to assure her that one day, these days would provide her with some of the best laughter of her life. In the battles she’s fighting the flesh would easily tell her to fight back, literally. With the stuggles she was enduring the enemy would cunningly try to convince her to be consumed with her circumstances. With the pain she’s experiencing her own mind would try to talk her into what her spirit knows isn’t the way to make it out of a challenge better than before. I tried being very transparent with her about some of the ungodly ways I wanted to handle some of my own past troubles (thank God for Jesus I didn’t). Then I remembered words my Mama told me several years ago. She said, “Put on your lip gloss, your high heels and keep it moving.” I did. I did. And I did.
Ladies, no matter what the matter may be there’s a destination ahead that’s being made ready for you. Health challenges, financial obstacles, relationship problems, family matters, self-esteem struggles, career roadblocks, spiritual battles and the likes pale in comparison to who God says you are. You are: Unique. Covered. Chosen. Favored. Blessed. Beautiful. Protected. Guided. Assured. Necessary. Wonderful. Loved. Appreciated. Admired. Prosperous. Healed. Fathered.
God has BIG plans for you, girl! When you make it to where you’re on your way to, make sure you are your best from head to toe and everything in-between and from within. I don’t care what the troubles of this world may be trying to tell you, YOU, my sister are God’s special joy and He will make sure no one, or no thing takes away the glory He gets from, and gives through you. So, in the words of my Mama, “Put on your lip gloss, your high heels and keep it moving.”

Angela Scott Moore has sported many hats in her lifetime. She’s a former broadcast anchor/reporter/producer, a trained motivational speaker, fundraiser and marketing/PR expert. She spent nine years as a pastor’s wife working in full-time ministry before than union ended in divorce. A majority of her time in ministry was spent empowering women and girls. She’s an avid inspirational blogger and also a philanthropic community supporter who has served with more than 25 local and national organizations over her 15+ year professional career. Currently she’s working in the fields of Social Justice and Human Resources and operates the blossoming, full-service events planning venture Amazing Kreations with her business partner, offering media and event planning assistance at low or no cost to small organizations and businesses. Taking lessons learned from each phase of her ever-evolving life, Angela’s now donning the hat of a single woman on a single mission to use spoken and written words to motivate others to “thrive while they survive.”
Contact Angela Scott Moore about speaking engagements at amazingkreations2@gmail.com, follow her blog at www.angelamooreblog.wordpress.com, on twitter at @AngelaMMoore316 or check out her facebook page for people experiencing separation or divorce at I’m More Than What Happened.

Classifieds

Birmingham Times

April 10, 2014

Employment

SummitMedia Birmingham radio station WBHK-FM is looking for Full Time Sales Professionals. 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.

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 Professionals
*Resume Deadline: April 20, 2014

*Department: Sales
*Stations: WBHJ 95.7 JAMZ

*Positions Available: Two

*SummitMedia Birmingham radio station WBHJ-FM is looking for Full Time Sales Professionals. 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.

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.

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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, House Sales Order Clerk.

To perform clerical customer service duties in support of house accounts involving request for product, movement of product orders and field customer complaints.

Royal Cup offers competitive wages and an opportunity to grow your career. Royal Cup Coffee is an Equal Opportunity Employer Minority/Female/Disability/Veterans. To apply please visit online at www.royalcupcoffee.com/. BT04/10/14

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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 Sales & Management Trainee.

Trainee will go through orientation and training, rotate through departments, work on special projects, and marketing and community special events. The training program is approximately 12 months and in the latter stages, the candidate will receive specific training and guidance for an entry level assignment in sales and/or management.

Royal Cup offers competitive wages and an opportunity to grow your career. Royal Cup Coffee is an Equal Opportunity Employer. To apply please visit online at www.royalcupcoffee.com/.
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*University of Montevallo
*is currently accepting applications for the following positions:

•   Assistant Professor or Instructor Communication Science and Disorders
•   Assistant Director of Housing
•   Associate Director of Development
•   Warehouse Technician

*Visit https://jobs.montevallo.edu

UM is an EO Employer
BT04/10/14

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*Control Room Dispatcher

The BJCC is seeking a full-time, second shift (3p – 11p) security dispatcher to operate its security control room. Provides general security services for the BJCC facilities to ensure the safety of employees, visitors, and the general public. Operates and monitors various means of security such as video monitoring systems, two-way radio transmissions, etc. to ensure that misuse, damage or theft of BJCC property does not occur. Serves as customer service agent for internal and external guests. Must have one year related experience, valid AL Driver License, with ability to sit for prolonged periods of time and visually inspect and watch monitors. Must have ability to hear and clearly communicate verbally. Apply at www.bjcc.org.
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DRIVERS

DRIVERS

*Dedicated Logistics, LLC,
a small, Professionally run,
Family-Owned Trucking Co,
needs *experienced O/OPS
*and Co. Drivers due to
expansion in this area. Direct
deposit weekly. Tolls, scales,
lumpers & permits reimbursed.

Lease Purchase option, air-ride
vans, home most weekends,
Pre-Pass, Health Plan
available, Rider Program,
high % drop & hook.
Website: *www.dedlog.net
Tel: 870-364-2262 or Email
*k.avery@dedlog.net

We’ll treat you like a person
instead of a number.
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AUTOMOBILE

2009 Chrysler Sebring
2 Door Silver Conv.
Time to drop the Top
Call Sammy
205-814-8454

2008 Red G.M.C.Sierra SLE
Extended cab tow package
extra clean Call Floyd Morris
205-587-4313

2003 Blue Infinity G35
Fully loaded with navigation
Luxury 6 speed sports car
Call Ivory
205-821-0491

2008 White Toyota Sequoia
Sunroof tow package
3rd row seat 4 wheel drive
Family fun Call Sammy
205-814-8454

2009 Ford Flex
Brown Loaded Low Mileage
3rd Row Seat
Call Floyd Morris
205-587-4313
BT04/10/14

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LEGALS

*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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*INVITATION FOR BIDS

The Jefferson County Commission will receive bids for the GRAYSVILLE EAST BALL PARK IMPROVEMENTS PROJECT at Room 270 of the Jefferson County Courthouse until 10:00 a.m. local time on the * 1st day of *May 2014 , at which time and place all bids will be publicly opened and read aloud.

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

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

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

Bids are invited upon the work generally described as follows:

The work includes, but is not limited to providing all necessary materials, labor, equipment, tools, transportation and services to construct park improvements, including field lighting consisting of six (6) 60’ concrete poles with a total of 23 – 1500W luminaries, minor site work, approximately 150 LF of 5’ concrete sidewalk, one (1) ADA picnic table, minor drainage improvements, and renovations to the pavilion, restrooms and equipment room.

Bids must be accompanied by a certified check payable to the order of Jefferson County, Alabama, negotiable U.S. Government Bonds (at par value), or a satisfactory Bid Bond executed by the bidder and an acceptable surety, in the amount equal to five percent (5%) of the total of the bid amount but not to exceed $10,000.00, for the *GRAYSVILLE EAST *BALL PARK IMPROVEMENTS PROJECT (CDBG12-03F-M03-GEP).

The bid security is to become the property of the owner in the event that: (1) the bidder fails to meet any of the qualifications required in the bid specifications stated herein; (2) the bidder misrepresents or falsifies any information required to be provided by the owner; (3) for any reason that the bidder fails to qualify, causing his bid to be withdrawn or rejected and such withdrawal or rejection results in delay or substantial additional expense to the owner; (4) the contract and bond are not executed within the time set forth, as liquidated damages for the delay and additional expense of the owner caused thereby.

Bid documents are on file and will be available for examination at the *JEFFERSON COUNTY OFFICE OF COMMUNITY AND ECONOMIC *DEVELOPMENT, 716 Richard Arrington Jr. Blvd N, Suite A-430, Birmingham, Alabama 35203; the *BIRMINGHAM CONSTRUCTION *INDUSTRY AUTHORITY (BCIA), 601 37th Street South, Birmingham, Alabama 35222, and through *ALABAMA AGC – ISQFT PLAN ROOM, 2801 5th Avenue South, Birmingham, AL 35233.

The bid package may be obtained by depositing *$ 100.00 with *ENGINEERING SERVICE ASSOCIATES, INC., 5300 Cahaba River Road, Suite 250, Birmingham, AL 35243 (205-970-0772) for each set of documents so obtained. Such deposit will be refunded in full on the first set issued to each general contract bidder submitting a bonafide bid, upon return of documents in good, re-usable condition within ten days of bid date. Other sets for general contractors, and sets for subcontractors and dealers, may be obtained with the same deposit, which will be refunded as above, less cost of printing, reproduction, handling and distribution of the contract documents.

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

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

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

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

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

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

No Bid may be withdrawn for a period of Sixty (60) days from the date of the opening of bids to allow the Jefferson County Commission to review the bids and investigate the qualifications of bidders, prior to awarding the contract.
BT04/10/14

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*INVITATION FOR BIDS

The Jefferson County Commission will receive bids for *Improvements to *Fairfield Library Project # (CD11-03-M1-FLI) at Room 270 of the Jefferson County Courthouse until 9:00 a.m. local time on the 15th day of April, 2014, at which time and place all bids will be publicly opened and read aloud.

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

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

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

Bids are invited upon the work as follows:

Interior refurbishments to the existing Fairfield Public Library.

Bids must be accompanied by a certified check or bank draft payable to the order of *Jefferson County, Alabama negotiable U.S. Government Bonds (at par value) or a satisfactory Bid Bond executed by the bidder and an acceptable surety, in the amount equal to five percent (5%) of the total of the bid amount but not to exceed $10,000.00, for the *Improvements to the Fairfield Library *Project # (CD11-03-M1-FLI. The bid security is to become the property of the owner in the event that: (1) the bidder fails to meet any of the qualifications required in the bid specifications stated herein; (2) the bidder misrepresents or falsifies any information required to be provided by the owner; (3) for any reason that the bidder fails to qualify, causing his bid to be withdrawn or rejected and such withdrawal or rejection results in delay or substantial additional expense to the owner; (4) the contract and bond are not executed within the time set forth, as liquidated damages for the delay and additional expense of the owner caused thereby.

Bid documents are on file and will be available for examination at the JEFFERSON COUNTY OFFICE OF COMMUNITY & ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT, 716 Richard Arrington Jr. Blvd N, Suite A-430, Birmingham, Alabama 35203; and at the BIRMINGHAM CONSTRUCTION INDUSTRY AUTHORITY, 601 37th Avenue South, Birmingham, Alabama 35222.

The bid package may be obtained by depositing $ 100.00 with Thompson Architecture, Inc., 2913 Cahaba Road, Birmingham, AL 35223
for each set of documents so obtained. Such deposit will be refunded in full on the first set issued to each general contract bidder submitting a bonafide bid, upon return of documents in good condition within ten days of bid date. Other sets for general contractors, and sets for subcontractors and dealers, may be obtained with the same deposit, which will be refunded as above, less cost of printing, reproduction, handling and distribution of the contract documents.

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

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

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

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

___________________
*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, Mr. James Gilliam, on behalf of the Office of the Associate Vice President for Facilities, The University of Alabama at Birmingham, and The University of Alabama Board of Trustees at the Project Manager’s office in Room 245E of the Facilities Administration *Building, 801 6th Avenue South, Birmingham, AL 35294 until 4:00 PM Central Time on *April 14, 2014. The original and five (5) duplicates of submittals, together with a .pdf-formatted electronic version are required for pre-qualification approval.

*North Pavilion Penthouse Signage
University of Alabama at Birmingham
Birmingham, Alabama
*UUAB Project #130028AP

*A. SCOPE OF WORK:

*The project will consist of the addition of three large illuminated signs to the *top of the North Pavilion elevator tower. The signs will be approximately *9’x27’ and weight approximately 1,000 lbs each. The North Pavilion elevator *tower appears to be constructed of CMU on the south side and a combination *of cast-in-place concrete and metal stud on the east and west side. The *Signage company shall fabricate and install the signs.

*B. SIGNAGE COMPANY BIDDER PRE-QUALIFICATIONS:

Signage contractor holding a State of Alabama general contractor’s license 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 signage companies holding a general contractors license 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 Project Manager/Owner’s Representative no later than *4:00 *PM CST, April 14, 2014, after which no further requests will be considered.

Pre-qualification Requirements Information Package may be obtained from the LBYD, Inc. upon letterhead request sent by mail or scanned into an email to wbishop@lbyd.com and a copy to jegilliam@uab.edu. The pre-qualification procedure is intended to identify responsible and competent signage companies, which hold a general contractors license, relative to the requirements of the Project described. Each prospective signage company bidder will be notified of the results of the pre-qualification by the tentative date of *April 18, by 5:00 PM *CST.
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 by appointment at LBYD, Inc. office.

*Design Proffesional:
LBYD, Inc.
716 South 30th Street
Birmingham, AL 35233
(205)251-4500
Attn: Win Bishop

*C. BIDS BY PRE-QUALIFIED SIGNAGE COMPANY BIDDERS

*Bid Documents: After notice to pre-qualified bidders is given, bidders may purchase bid documents from Alabama Graphics, 2801 5th Avenue South, Birmingham, AL 35233 (John Davis, telephone 205-252-8505 or email jdavis@algraphics.com). Additional document sets for pre-qualified signage company bidders, subcontractors, vendors, suppliers or dealers may be obtained in afore described manner. Documents purchased for this project are non-returnable and purchases are non-refundable.

Bid documents will be available at the following locations after notice to pre-qualified bidders is given.

By appointment at the office of LBYD, Inc.
LBYD, Inc.
716 South 30th Street
Birmingham, AL 35233

McGraw-Hill Construction Dodge Internet Plan Room
3000 3rdAvenue South
Birmingham, AL 35233

Associated General Contractors Internet Plan Room
5000 Grantswood Road
Irondale, AL 35210

*Disclaimer: The Owner and LBYD, Inc. 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.

*Bids:
Bids must be submitted on proposal forms or copies thereof furnished by LBYD, Inc. 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 May 1, 2014 at 2:00 PM CST at the University of Alabama at Birmingham, in the FAB Conference Center Building adjacent to the UAB Facilities Administration Building located at 801 6th Avenue South, Birmingham, Alabama 35294.

*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.

*Nonresident Prime Contractor Bidders:
Under Section 39-3-5, Code of Alabama, 1975, non-resident signage companies with a general contractor license 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 general contractors in Alabama, as defined in Section 39-2-12, are granted preference over nonresident general 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 April 24, 2014, at 2:00 pm CST, at the University of Alabama at Birmingham, Facilities Administration Building, FAB Conference Center, 801 6th Avenue South, Birmingham, Alabama 35294. All pre-qualified general contractor bidders are required to attend the Pre-Bid Conference and attend the scheduled site walk-through. The Owner (The University of Alabama at Birmingham Board of Trustees) will not accept or consider bids from pre-qualified signage companies that have not attended the mandatory Pre-bid Conference and site walk-through.

*E. PUBLIC NOTIFICATION OF ADVERTISEMENT & PUBLICATIONS:

Birmingham News
Birmingham Times
Montgomery Advertiser
UAB Facilities Website http://www.uab.edu/facilities/
BT04/10/14
___________________

People, Places and Things

Birmingham Times

April 4, 2014

By Gwen DeRu

WOMEN’S HISTORY!
BIRMINGHAM….A WORLD DESIGNATION? CONGRATULATIONS!!
BIRMINGHAM BUSINESS ALLIANCE’S WOMEN’ S BUSINESS COUNCIL LUNCHEON – Join the Women’s Business Council April 11 for its inaugural luncheon, featuring keynote speaker Nancy Axilrod, vice president and deputy general counsel for luxury accessory brand Coach, Inc.   Nancy oversees all litigation worldwide at Coach. Her duties include oversight of global factory compliance, employment counseling, contract negotiation and oversight of intellectual property. She has developed Coach’s comprehensive anti-counterfeiting program, which has resulted in the filing and successful prosecution of more than 700 civil lawsuits throughout the United States. Registration at 11:30 Program begins at noon. Call (205) 241-8115 for more.
I AM BEAUTIFUL EVENT FOR WOMEN – This is a women’s empowerment, charity fundraiser, red carpet event designed to assist the nonprofit hosing development serving ex-felons and their families. OVERFLOE JAZZ will perform Saturday, 7 – 10 p.m. at the Napoleon’s Events and Conference Center, 7001 Crestwood Blvd, #414.
UNESCO WORLD HERITAGE SITE – The City of Birmingham Civil Rights sites were recently confirmed on the short list for the Department of Interiors possible submission for UNESCO’s World Heritage Site Designation. The City is preparing its full admission package and is expanding it to include Civil Rights sites from around the state. A team of experts are being assembled to present the most cohesive and historic group under the one admission. The goal is to be ready to present to the full World Heritage Committee in 2016. CONGRATULATIONS BIRMINGHAM!!
FOR ART LOVERS…

WOMEN OF ALGIERS – Travel to North Africa for the night at the Birmingham Museum of Art. Experience the Exotic with the Delacrois and the Matter of Finish, 5-9 p.m. with the Delacroix’s Women of Algiers: Text and Context at 6 p.m. with UAB Professor Lamia Ben Youssef Zayzafoo, with Tapas and Wine, printmaking demonstrations, drop-in and draw, wine tasting and music by PRESTON LOVINGGOOD in the garden. There will be a film screening of THE WIND AND THE LION, at 7 p.m.
THE WHOLE ‘MINE’ through April 11 at the Paul R. Jones Gallery. The Whole Mine was derived from The Whole Mind, a phrase often employed in the visual and sonic lexicon of Lonnie Bradley Holley, implies an expansive source fro which to draw , to draw from , and to fraw forth. Like a musical riff or incantation, this phrase functions as the point of departure for graduate and indergraduate students from the University of Alabama’s Drawing seminar to both create work and curate an exhibition rich in reference to the work and spirit of Mr. Holley. For more call (205) 345-3038.
NEW EXHIBITIONS AT THE BCRI – The Birmingham Civil Rights Institute (BCRI) will host two concurrent exhibitions: Courage: The Carolina Story that Changed America and “Para Todos Los Niños (For the Children) from April 8 to June 14. Both exhibits commemorate the 60th anniversary of Brown vs. Board of Education and are on loan from the Levine Museum of the New South of Charlotte, North Carolina.
FREE WALKING TOURS OF HISTORIC CIVIL RIGHTS DISTRICT – Birmingham Civil Rights Institute’s (BCRI) free Saturday Milestones Walking Tours will be offered each Saturday in April, starting April 5, at 10 a.m. The hour-long tour begins at the main entrance to BCRI and led by Barry McNealy, former BCRI Education Consultant and “Master Tour Guide.” McNealy is a social studies teacher at A.H. Parker High School. Birmingham is one of over 30 cities and towns involved in this April’s Saturday Walking Tours organized statewide by the Alabama Bureau of Tourism and Travel (ABTT).
COMMUNITY READY FOR ACTION – Councilor William Parker is discussing next steps toward redevelopment of the Carraway campus by proposing the City of Birmingham acquire the Carraway property for a development anchored by a municipal complex. In the conceptual plan the complex is surrounded by mixed use and green space such as walk trails and a dog park. A copy of the plan will be posted at the meetings. For more contact (205) 322-7361.

Here are a few things going on this weekend and soon. (Look around for other things that you may want to enjoy and share with others. See you around. Say Hi!)
LAUGHTER at the STARDOME COMEDY CLUB with this weekend.

THIS WEEKEND….Don’t Miss… JON REEP….Does this guy look familiar? Maybe you’ve seen him on CBS’s Star Search or NBC’s Late Friday. Maybe you saw him during the super bowl in a Sierra Mist commercial. If not then you probably know him as the Hemi guy. Jon is known to millions as the loveable redheaded redneck in the Dodge Ram commercials who leans out of a beat-up car and utters the now famous line: “That thing gotta Hemi?” But before that he was already one of the funniest comics in America, selling out clubs and getting standing ovations at college after college across the country. His show is supersonic energy filled with non-stop characters, dead-on impressions, super clever writing, and, of course, the one talent that separates Jon from all other comedians in the world: He’s the best redneck dancer since Elvis. Come out and see one of the country’s really great comedians, the Hip Hick, the Southern Dance Machine, “The Hemi Guy.” Call (205) 444-0008 for more. Tell them Gwen sent you. See you there.
FOR LAUGHTER…… The STARDOME COMEDY CLUB… ERIK GRIFFIN (April 10-13), JUNIOR (April 18-19), ARNEZ J (April 25-27), SINBAD (May 2-4), JAMES GREGORY (May 9-10 and 16-17) and LUENELL (May 23-25) all at the StarDome Comedy Club. See you around.
TODAY….
**THIRD ANNUAL GIRLFRIEND GALA – The Literacy Council will present BROADWAY BABES, April 3, 6:30 – 9:30 p.m. at the Old Car Heaven. Call (205) 326-1925 for more.
**Vulcan Park and Museum 10th Anniversary – Reunion Reception for Founders and Supporters – Vulcan Park and Museum will hold a Reunion Reception today 6 p.m. to celebrate and honor those who helped restore Vulcan and make the park and museum complex a reality in 2004. Mayor Bell is expected to attend.
**STEVE ROBERTS QUARTET WITH ASHLEY ROBERTS, 8:30 p.m. at Ona’s Music Room. One of the Top 10 best Jazz spots in the country. Call (205) 320-7006 for more. Tell them Gwen sent you.
**JOANNA BARBERA/SHANE COOLEY/ POST WAR at the Nick, 2514 10th Avenue South. Call (205) 252-3831 for more.
FRIDAY…
**RECESS FRIDAYS, 5- 8 p.m. at BOSS Ultra Bar and Lounge
**SARAH GREEN & SUNDAY LOVERS WITH SAM GUNDERSON, 9:30 p.m. at Ona’s Music Room.
**FINER/ THE HIGH FIDELICS/ NO SINNER at The Nick. Call (205) 252-3831 for more.
SATURDAY…
**ONA WATSON AND CHAMPAGNE, 9:30 p.m. at Ona’s Music room.
**SHOT TIME & CIGARETTES at The Nick.
SUNDAY…
**FIRST SUNDAY, 3 p.m. at Gracie Groove (1236 Oak Grove Road) with the Christian Trio Jazz Band and Carmeletha Ford. Call (205) 862-4723 or 837-7501) for more!
**WORD UP 2014 – TOP TEEN POETS COMPETE – Students from high school in Jefferson County will compete in a poetry slam on Sunday, 3 p.m. at the Birmingham Public Library’s Arrington Auditorium. Free event. Call (205) 225-3670.
WEDNESDAY…
**ANNUAL BLUEPRINT SUMMIT – The Birmingham Business Alliance (BBA) invites you to the 2014 Blueprint Summit, 7:30 a.m. at the Harbert Center. The summit will feature the release of the 2014 Economic Growth Report, which provides details about the region’s performance during the past year. There is no charge but registration is strongly encouraged. Space is limited.
NEXT THURSDAY…
**BUSINESS LAUNCH PARTY, 6:30 – 9:30 p.m. at the World Financial Group
Office, 2129 12th Avenue North. Call (205) 701-1802 for more.
**AROUND THE WORLD IN 80 DAYS at the Leeds Theatre and Arts Center. Performances will be April 11 and 12th 7 p.m. April 13 2 p.m. April 18 7 p.m. and April 19 at 2 and 7p.m. Call (205) 699-1892 for more.
**UNWIND WITH VULCAN AND SUN RA MUSIC AT THE VULCAN PARK AND MUSEUM, 6 – 7 p.m. at the Vulcan Park and Museum. Sun Ra: Musician, Philosopher, Poet is one of Birmingham’s most original citizens, who made his mark on a variety of fronts – as a prolific writer and poet, through his psychedelic, space-age films and most notably, his eclectic, electric jazz music of the 1950s, 60s, and 70s. While his unorthodox lifestyle was a bit offbeat, his music found its groove, influencing such figures as George Clinton of P-Funk fame. To honor “the man from Saturn,” The Birmingham Seven will perform original transcriptions from Su Ra’s Magic City album in this retrospective of the legendary musician and Birmingham native. Call
ENJOY THE WEEKEND!!
COMING….SOON….

Former JCCEO Executive Director Sentenced to Two Years in Prison for Stealing from Non-profit Community Agency

Birmingham Times

April 3, 2014

BIRMINGHAM – U.S. District Judge L. Scott Coogler today sentenced the former executive director of the Jefferson County Committee for Economic Opportunity to two years in prison for stealing close to $500,000 from the non-profit organization, announced U.S. Attorney Joyce White Vance and FBI Special Agent in Charge Richard D. Schwein Jr.

RUTH GAYLE CUNNINGHAM, 64, was executive director of JCCEO for more than 20 years before resigning the job last March. She pleaded guilty in September to theft from a government program that received more than $10,000 in federal funding or assistance. Her daughter, Kelli E. Caulfield, 31, pleaded guilty last year to conspiring with her mother to defraud JCCEO. Cunningham paid $492,195 in restitution to JCCEO, which was part of her plea agreement with the government, before today’s sentencing. She must report to prison April 28.
JCCEO is a community action agency that administers programs, including Head Start, for low-income and disadvantaged residents. Between late 2008 and April 2010, while Cunningham and her daughter were running fake invoices through the agency and using agency funds to pay mortgages on personal investment properties, JCCEO was paying Cunningham a salary of as much as $150,000, plus bonuses, benefits and retirement contributions.
“At the same time Cunningham was being showered with accolades, benefits, and praise for her work at the JCCEO, she was stealing funds which could have been used for community programs,” the government said in its sentencing memorandum.
“Gayle Cunningham was able to steal money intended to help some of the most vulnerable members of our community because she traded on her long tenure at JCCEO to receive broad discretionary powers from its board,” Vance said. “She and her daughter exploited that authority to steal nearly a half million dollars from the agency. As a result, training programs lagged, Head Start buses were not replaced, and classroom computers were running on obsolete, unsupported operating systems,” she said. “Prison is deserved for this type of abuse of trust and misuse of federal funds.”
“Today’s sentence should send the message that regardless of who you are or the position that you hold, you cannot abuse the public trust and steal federal funds,” Schwein said. “The public can expect that the FBI will continue to aggressively investigate public corruption at all levels.”
According to court records, Cunningham used JCCEO funds in 2009 and 2010 to make monthly mortgage payments on at least three residential properties she owned, and at least five residential properties her daughter owned, in Jefferson and Shelby counties. Cunningham also used JCCEO funds to pay property taxes on one of those properties, a house in Chelsea that she bought in 2007 with a mortgage loan of more than $1 million.
Cunningham also paid $293,413 in JCCEO funds to companies her daughter owned, and to other contractors, for claimed repairs or renovations to the women’s properties. Caulfield created the invoices for repair services that never were performed, and she disguised her ownership in many of the companies, according to the government’s sentencing memorandum. The checks were drawn from the JCCEO operating account and allocated to the agency’s Housing Revitalization Program.
Caulfield crafted the invoices for amounts less than $5,000 to prevent the need for a second signature by a member of the JCCEO board. As executive director, her mother had check-signing authority up to $5,000.
The FBI discovered the fraud at JCCEO while investigating allegations of a mortgage fraud scheme. That investigation led to federal prosecutors’ charges against Cunningham and Caulfield, as well as to charges against a real estate investor and a mortgage broker of conspiracy to defraud federally insured financial institutions. Cunningham and Caulfield bought most of the properties that later became part of their scheme to defraud JCCEO from the investor, Robert Paul Hollman.
Hollman pleaded guilty in September and is scheduled for sentencing April 2.
The government’s sentencing memorandum argues that Cunningham and Caulfield have “improperly characterized themselves as victims in the real estate transactions with Hollman.” Cunningham has a history of buying real estate and, on all the purchases from Hollman, the loan applications and mortgage documents show Cunningham and her daughter signed and willingly entered the contracts, the memo states.
It also challenges a claim in Cunningham’s own sentencing memorandum that, during meetings she had with JCCEO Board Chairman T.L. Lewis, it was suggested she use the agency’s Housing Revitalization Program funds to pay her personal mortgages.
Lewis told investigating agents that Cunningham and Caulfield never were authorized to use JCCEO money to pay personal mortgages.
“Cunningham’s statement that she had approval from the chairman of the board is a completely self-serving statement that is unsupported by the evidence,” the government memorandum states. “These attempts by Cunningham to legitimize her actions and mitigate the need for a custodial sentence by pointing the finger at Dr. Lewis are contrary to the facts and evidence and furthermore are contrary to her acceptance of responsibility,” it states.
The FBI investigated the case. Assistant U.S. Attorney Robin Beardsley Mark is prosecuting the case.

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