BY MEREDITH COOPER

THE BOLD AND THE BEAUTIFUL
Ridge comforts a visibly upset Katie following her upsetting conversation with Brooke. Pam becomes concerned by the sudden change in Charlie’s attitude when she brings up the topic of the jewelry heist. Knowing how close that she is getting with Wyatt and Quinn, Liam humbly expresses his concern for Hope’s well-being. Wyatt has a surprise for Hope that he anticipates will assist them in taking the next step in their relationship. Wyatt lets Hope in on his grand scheme to mark the beginning of their newfound relationship. Quinn reminds Charlie of the consequences they all will face if the truth about the jewelry heist is revealed. Wyatt gloats to Liam about the trip he is taking Hope on and warns him not to interfere with their plans. Hope contemplates taking her relationship with Wyatt to the next level. Quinn thwarts Liam’s attempt to get Hope to reconsider her getaway with Wyatt. Before embarking on her road trip with Wyatt, Hope eagerly awaits Liam to arrive for their meeting. Wyatt and Hope embark on their camping trip up the scenic California coast as they get to know each other on a deeper level. Trying not to take sides, Caroline hints to Liam that it may be time for him to let Hope go. Quinn has an ulterior motive when she asks Pam to join her for lunch. Convinced that Pam is her new best friend, Quinn reveals the secret about Wyatt’s part in the jewelry heist. Rick and Brooke differ in their opinions regarding Hope jumping so quickly into a relationship with Wyatt.
THIS WEEK: Katie is pleasantly surprised by a dinner invitation she receives from a handsome gentleman. Hope and Wyatt bond while discussing the unexpected direction that their lives have recently taken.

DAYS OF OUR LIVES
Nicole confesses the truth to Eric. Daniel, Marlena and Roman race against time to find Eric and Nicole. Brady decides to split town… and runs into Dr. Chyka. Abigail fears Will is on to her.
Sami makes a decision about her relationship with EJ. Daniel finds Eric and Nicole… but is he too late? Sami finally reaches out to EJ. Julie enlists Hope’s help to track down Nick. Jordan is wary when she and Rafe end up hanging out with Lucas and Sheryl. Julie shares her stunning suspicion with Abigail – that something has happened to Nick. EJ demands information from Stefano. Brady is guilt-ridden when he realizes the consequences of his actions. JJ convinces Bev to help him neutralize Theresa. Hope gets shocking news about her daughter from a very angry father at St. Luke’s. Abigail demands to know if EJ killed Nick. Eric is faced with a difficult decision. Theresa uses Brady’s drunken state to her advantage. Hope butts head with Aiden over their children. Family and friends gather to celebrate Arianna’s christening, which ends with a shocking turn of events. Kate, Sami, Gabi, Will and Sonny grow worried as Julie and Hope make it clear they want to question Gabi about Nick’s disappearance. Abigail struggles with a moral dilemma.
THIS WEEK: Nicole confesses the truth to Eric. Arianna’s christening takes a shocking turn.

GENERAL HOSPITAL

Luke is flabbergasted when he discovers the kidnapped Carly tied up at the boathouse. Can he rescue her before Heather comes back? Franco overhears Anna’s plans to arrest him and seeks shelter at Kiki’s. But when Michael tells her of the latest damaging evidence against Franco, she wonders if she made the right decision. Meanwhile, Lucas comes face to face with his real father – a man who isn’t known for having a soft spot. Liz overhears Felix apologizing to Sabrina for revealing her big secret to Patrick; and a surprised Felix learns why Patrick has taken such a hands-off attitude about the situation. When Kiki confronts Franco about the knife with his bloody fingerprints, he insists he’s being framed but why should she believe him? Franco hides when Dante comes to Kiki’s, giving her another opportunity to turn in Franco. Heather keeps mum on Luke’s fate and takes the still-captive Carly to a new location, the stables of Wyndemere. In a desperate bid for freedom, Carly attacks Heather, just as the young Emma, Spencer and Cameron arrive at the stables for a playdate. Meanwhile, Sabrina begs Liz to not tell Patrick her secret, a request that an uneasy Liz isn’t sure she can commit to. Lulu finds a shoulder to cry on regarding her separation from Dante. While Anna tells Nathan he’s running on borrowed time regarding Silas’s case, Sam does her own investigating by seeking out someone who might know how Silas’s wife was put into a coma. While a beleaguered Scott explains to Lucy about Franco’s arrest, he turns the discussion to her unreciprocated feelings which leads to yet another charged moment for the adulterous couple. Meanwhile, Felicia confides Lucy’s secret to Mac, who as Kevin’s best friend, storms over to Scott’s Metro Court hotel room to confront Scott with a stern warning.
THIS WEEK: The new chief of staff has reason to be upset. Felix looks forward to his date with Brad.

THE YOUNG AND THE RESTLESS
After Summer is transported to the hospital, Nick rushes into Summer’s room wanting to know what happened. When Esmeralda tells Stitch that she gave Summer energy pills, Stitch takes them off to be tested. Later, Jack bumps into Esmeralda and is stunned to hear about Summer’s condition. Jack rushes to the hospital and Sharon explains what happened and Jack wants to know why Sharon called Nick and not him. Kelly brings Billy the paperwork that will put Billy in charge of Delia’s foundation. Billy makes it clear to Kelly that she should not come to his house anymore.  Meanwhile, Chelsea decides that she wants to go to Paris after Adam shows her a house he found online. Noah catches Courtney buying drugs from Raven. Noah tells Courtney that he can handle the truth, but not another lie. When Kevin asks Chloe to give him a chance to help her, Chloe is adamant that it will never happen because he can’t bring Delia back. Kevin starts to tell Chloe that they have a lead in the case when Chelsea interrupts and shares that she is moving to Paris with Adam. Billy questions why Chelsea and Adam are moving to Paris all of a sudden. Adam plays it cool and tells Billy that the foundation is in capable hands and he is ready for a fresh start with Chelsea. Billy tells Adam that he has definitely balanced the karmic scales. Victor blames Jack for Summer possibly taking pills while she was modeling for Jabot. When Tyler heads out to work, Abby stays behind to explore the loft. The dark haired woman sneaks inside and locks Abby inside. The woman smashes Abby’s cell phone while Abby struggles to get out.
THIS WEEK: Michael goes to see Leslie in hopes that she can tell him who turned state’s evidence against Womack. Michael and Christine have a heated argument about Fen.

During the Birmingham City Council Meeting on Tuesday, January 21, 2014, Council: 

1. Placed on consent an Ordinance “to further amend the capital fund budget” by transferring $2,000,000.00 from Downtown Street Resurfacing and appropriating $2,000,000.00 to Intermodal Facility Phase 2 Project Management. For more information contact the office of Councilor Valerie Abbott, chair of the Budget and Finance Committee at 254-2294. 

2. Placed on consent an Ordinance “to further amend the grants fund budget” by appropriating $23,658,354.00 to PEP – Intermodal Facility Phase 2 per grant awards received from the U.S. Department of Transportation. For more information contact the office of Councilor Valerie Abbott, chair of the Budget and Finance Committee at 254-2294. 

3. Placed on consent a Resolution authorizing the Mayor to execute an Owner and Construction Manager Agreement with Hoar Program Management, LLC under which Hoar will expand and transform the existing Birmingham Jefferson County Transit Authority (BJCTA) Bus Transfer Facility into a fully integrated, multi-modal transportation center linking intercity rail, intercity bus, public transportation, taxis, car/van pools, bicycles and long term potential for light-rail service, to be located along Morris Avenue between 16th and 19th Street, north of the Birmingham Railroad Reservation Park, in an amount not to exceed $1,099,587.00. For more information contact the office of Councilor Valerie Abbott, chair of the Budget and Finance Committee at 254-2294. 

4. Placed on consent an ordinance authorizing the Mayor to execute a Comprehensive Implementation Agreement with the Birmingham-Jefferson County Transit Authority (the “Authority”) under which the City will construct a new Birmingham Intermodal Facility in a multi-block area that lies between 19th and 16th Streets, North at a cost estimated to be $30,000,000.00 using a Federal Transit Administration (FTA) grant in the amount of $23,658,354.00 and funding from the City in the amount of up to $6,000,000.00 and the BJCTA will own, manage and operate the new facility for a period of 40 years or otherwise as required by the FTA. For more information contact the office of Councilor Valerie Abbott, chair of the Budget and Finance Committee at 254-2294. 

5. Placed on consent a Resolution determining that the City’s activation of its emergency warming and cooling center at the Boutwell Auditorium serves a public purpose that promotes goodwill and serves a public interest, and requesting that City funds as appropriated in the General Fund Budget 001-031-03740_03741.511-001 be used to pay for this event. For more information contact the office of Councilor Valerie Abbott, chair of the Budget and Finance Committee at 254-2294. 

6. Set a public hearing March 4, 2014 to consider the adoption of an Ordinance “to amend the zoning district map of the City of Birmingham” (Case No. ZAC2013-00024) to change zone district boundaries from R-3 Single Family District to R-5 Multiple Dwelling District, filed by J. Michael Carpenter, agent for Mercy Housing, representing the owner, Birmingham Board of Education, for property located at 1000 4th Terrace West, situated in the SE ¼ of Section 33, Township 17-S, Range 3-West, Birmingham. [First Reading] For more information contact the office of Councilor Jay Roberson, chair of the Planning and Zoning Committee at 254-2294. 

7. Set a public hearing March 4, 2014, to consider the adoption of a resolution assenting to the vacation of 6,888 square feet of the Block 10 alley that runs parallel to and between 2nd Avenue South and 3rd Avenue South AND perpendicular to and between 41st Street South and 42nd Street South, on behalf of Turn Key Homes, LLC, owner, so that Avondale Brewery can fence off the alley for security purposes and utilize the adjoining lots for additional parking and future operations, Case No. SUB2013-00050. 

Announcements and Reminders: 

1. The Committee of the Whole is scheduled to meet on Wednesday, January 22, 2014, 4:00 p.m., Conference Rooms D & E.
2. A Comprehensive Plan Meeting will be held Thursday, January 23, 2014, 4:00 p.m. in Conference Rooms “D&E.” 

3. The Administration/Education Committee is scheduled to meet on Friday, January 24, 2014, 1:00 p.m., Conference Rooms D & E. 

4. The Budget and Finance Committee is scheduled to meet on Monday, January 27, 2014, 4:00 p.m. in Conference Rooms “D&E.” 

5. The Planning and Zoning Committee is scheduled to meet on Tuesday, January 28, 2014, 4:00 p.m., in the 5th Floor Engineering Conference Room. 

6. A Public Hearing with the Alabama Department of Transportation (ALDOT) regarding the 20/59 Proposal will be held Tuesday, January 28, 2014, 4:00 p.m. at St. James Missionary Baptist Church, 1300 24th Street, North. 

7. The Western Area Framework Plan Involvement Meeting will take place Saturday, February 1, 2014, 10:00 a.m. at the Five Points west Library, 4812 Avenue W. 

 Are you unable to attend the Birmingham City Council meetings? Watch Council Meetings on demand. From anywhere in the world you can log on to www.birminghamalcitycouncil.org and click on the tab Watch Council Meetings; or from the comfort of your home, tune to Bright House Cable Channel 244. The Birmingham City Council meetings are free and on demand. 
 The City of Birmingham will make reasonable accommodations to ensure that people with disabilities have equal opportunity to enjoy all city services, programs and activities. If accommodations are required for public meetings, please contact John Long, Senior Public Information Officer, with reasonable advance notice by emailing John.Long@birminghamal.gov, or by calling 205-254-2036.

Utility advises how to prepare for dropping temperatures

BIRMINGHAM, Ala.  – Below are tips the Birmingham Water Works Board (BWWB) suggests customers use in preparing their homes during the cold
weather and freezing temperatures.

Tips for Protecting Pipes:

• To prevent frozen pipes, the BWWB recommends letting your hot and cold faucets drip overnight, and opening cabinet doors to allow heat to reach
uninsulated pipes under sinks on exterior walls.

• Locate the water shut-off valve in your home in advance of a water emergency, so you know where to go if a pipe bursts.

• Disconnect garden hoses and, if practical, use an indoor valve to shut off and drain water from pipes leading to outside faucets.

• If you’re going away for an extended period of time, be sure to maintain adequate heat inside your home at no lower than 55 degrees.

• Don’t place a space heater within three feet of anything combustible.

• Program your local utility contact information into your cell phone now, before you need them.

Prevent water pipes and plumbing from freezing at your home or business:

• Check your property for all exposed pipes that carry water. This includes outdoor faucets, bibs and valves.

• Use foam or wrap insulation (available from plumbing supply and home improvement stores) to protect pipes from freezing. Inspect your existing
insulation, especially in areas that are exposed to the elements.

• Temporary insulation (towels, blankets, newspaper, etc.) is better than nothing.

• Seal all areas that allow cold outside air to get in where pipes are located.

• Newer homes may have poly piping in the attic which may also need to be
insulated.

• Remove, drain and store outdoor hoses inside.

• Consider letting cold water drip from a faucet during times of extremely frigid temperatures.

• If your dishwasher has a timer on it, consider loading it and programming the cycle for the time of night prior to temperatures dropping below freezing. Similar
efforts can be made with indoor washing machines, though these may require a manual start.

Protect your irrigation system:

• Consult your owner/operator manual for how to “winterize” your irrigation system.

• Insulate the main shut-off valve. Note: If there is none, consider installing a valve as a preventative investment.

• Insulate all above-ground lines and piping.

• Consider whether you wish to shut down automatic controller/timer and shut off water supply to system. This may include draining remaining water and
reprogramming operations.

• Consult your owner/operator manual.

What to do if your water pipe has frozen:

• Be patient. There is no quick remedy.

• Any area that is exposed is the likely point where a freeze took place. There may also be more than one frozen spot.

• Pipe(s) will need to gradually warm up. Use something to blow warm air (such as a hair dryer or vacuum cleaner canister) on the frozen section to begin the
warming process. Wave the warm air back and forth on the pipe. Keep a faucet in your home in the ‘on’ position during thawing to prevent a slug of water from
going through and causing more damage.

• Do not pour hot water over a frozen pipe or do anything that would cause a rapid rise in temperature (the difference in degrees between that of the frozen pipe and
the material used to try to thaw it).

• Do not use open flame torches to thaw due to risk of fire or further damage to pipes.

• If there is a burst or water is already leaking from plumbing, turn off the water at the main supply valve to the home or business.

Remember: When you wrap pipes, the water will be cooler in the summer months and warmer in the winter months. You are also conserving water because its running time is
now lessened before it reaches the desired temperature.
If you have to turn off the water to your home or business, do so at the shut-off valve, not at the water meter.
If you need the water meter valve turned off, call the BWWB’s Customer Service at (205) 244-4000. Learn where your shut-off valve is located in case you need to turn off
the water in an emergency situation.
Locate your water meter. Most are located at the front of a home or business near the sidewalk or at in the rear, such as an alley.
Remove the lid. Behind the meter, on the side closest to your home or business, you should find either a gate valve or a ball valve. To close a gate valve, turn to the right; to
close a ball valve, turn 1⁄4 of the way to the right. If you cannot see or turn the valve, call the BWWB. We will respond as soon as staff is available. Call our Customer Service number at (205) 244-4000.
Call a plumber for assistance if the break is on your property (between the meter and your home or business or if inside your home or business).
Sources: Environmental Protection Agency and various water utilities.

The Birmingham Water Works serves 600,000 people in Jefferson, Shelby, Blount, St. Clair and Walker counties. For more information about your Birmingham Water Works
Board, please call us at (205) 244-4000 or visit our Web site at www.birminghamwaterworks.com.

Cold Case Homicide Investigation Update

The Birmingham Police Department reports that cold case homicide detectives have charged a suspect in connection with a 2007 homicide investigation. The incident occurred on November 4, 2007 at approximately 12:46 p.m., at #4 Cotton Avenue Southwest.

The victim has been identified as:
Howard Berstein, W/M, 51, of Birmingham, Alabama.

West Precinct officers arrived at the incident location to investigate a report of an assault. Upon arrival, officers located the victim inside his vehicle suffering from a gunshot wound to the chest. Birmingham Fire and Rescue arrived and pronounced the victim deceased on the scene. Investigators exhausted several leads throughout the years but were unable to obtain the critical piece of information needed to identify a suspect.
On January 17, 2014, cold case detectives obtained warrants on two suspects after obtaining the necessary information that linked the suspects to this case.

The first suspect has been identified as:
Richard Morris, B/M, 36, of Birmingham, Alabama. A Capital Murder warrant with no bond has been obtained against the suspect.

The second suspect has been identified as:
Tiera Marchbank, B/F, 25, of Birmingham, Alabama. A Capital Murder warrant with no bond has been obtained against the suspect.

Both suspects are in the custody of the Jefferson County Jail.

Shooting Death Investigation    

The Birmingham Police Department reports that detectives have received a ruling from the Jefferson County District Attorney’s office on a shooting death investigation. The incident occurred on Wednesday, January 1, 2014 at approximately 1:30 a.m., in the 3300 block of Wesley Avenue.

The victim has been identified as:
Desmond Bias, B/M, 36, of Birmingham, Alabama.

Homicide investigators presented the case to the Jefferson County District Attorney’s Office. The District Attorney’s office advised investigators that no charges will be filed against the shooter due to the fact that the he was defending himself when the shooting occurred. The District Attorney’s office advised that the shooting will be ruled as justifiable.

Shooting Death Investigation

The Birmingham Police Department reports that detectives have received a ruling from the Jefferson County District Attorney’s office on a shooting death investigation. The incident occurred on Wednesday, January 1, 2014 at approximately 1:30 a.m., in the 3300 block of Wesley Avenue.

The victim has been identified as:
Desmond Bias, B/M, 36, of Birmingham, Alabama.

Homicide investigators presented the case to the Jefferson County District Attorney’s Office. The District Attorney’s office advised investigators that no charges will be filed against the shooter due to the fact that the he was defending himself when the shooting occurred. The District Attorney’s office advised that the shooting will be ruled as justifiable.

Stillman College will hold its annual Spring Convocation, which commemorates the beginning of a new academic semester, on Thursday, January 23, at 11 a.m. in Birthright Alumni Hall. Dr. George E. Cooper, Executive Director for the White House Initiative on HBCUs (Historically Black Colleges and Universities) will deliver the convocation address.
As part of the leadership team for the White House Initiative on HBCUs, Dr. Cooper works with the presidentially appointed HBCU Board of Advisors and serves as a liaison between the executive branch and HBCUs across the country. He represents the HBCU community at the Department of Education, and helps to shape policy and deploy resources to better serve the students, faculty and families of the greater HBCU community.
“I work with 32 federal departments and agencies as an advocate for HBCUs,” states Dr. Cooper, who says that he and his department members are excited about helping President Obama to reach his goal of assuring that the United States has “the highest proportion of college graduates in the world by 2020.”
Dr. Cooper believes that HBCUs play a critical role in helping the Nation to reach this goal, and says that “promoting the excellence, innovation and sustainability of Historically Black Colleges and Universities” is among his department’s highest priorities.
He states that his department’s mission includes developing sustainable private-sector initiatives and public-private partnerships while promoting specific areas and centers of academic research and programmatic excellence throughout all HBCUs.
Prior to being appointed Executive Director on September 16, 2013, Dr. Cooper served as a Senior Fellow with the American Association of State Colleges and Universities, where he reviewed key federal legislative initiatives of significance to HBCUs.  Previously, he served four years as President of South Carolina State University. Prior to that, he spent 17 years with the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s National Institute of Food and Agriculture, where he provided oversight to programs important to the historically Black land grant universities and other minority serving institutions to strengthen research, extension, academic and international programs. He has also served in faculty and administrative roles at Alabama A&M University and Tuskegee University.
“We are excited about branding HBCUs in a positive way that demonstrates that HBCUs are still viable, are making contributions to support our nation’s economy, and are preparing graduates for future challenges and opportunities.  There are 106 HBCUs, and they account for 16.9 percent of bachelor degrees, 7.6 percent of master degrees, 8.1 percent of doctoral degrees and 17.2 percent of professional degrees awarded to African Americans. Approximately 300,000 students attend HBCUs, which are providing the trained manpower to help our nation grow economically,” states Dr. Cooper.
He adds, “It is important for communities to understand the economic impact of having HBCUs, and to provide the support that allows HBCUs to survive.”
Dr. Cooper, who is a graduate of two historically Black universities, says, “Having attended and worked for HBCUs prepared me for the challenges of my work in Washington, D.C.”
He received his B.S. degree in Animal Husbandry from Florida A&M University, his M.S. degree in Animal Science from Tuskegee University and his Ph.D. in Animal Nutrition from the University of Illinois –Urbana.
“For me, the HBCU experience was very important. I had faculty and advocates who encouraged me to do the best that I could do, to set priorities, and to work hard and prepare for the future,” says Dr. Cooper. “HBCUs have a very important role, and administration, faculty and staff at HBCUs are doing a great job. Faculty is willing to go the extra mile to make sure students succeed and help them turn challenges into opportunities. Investment in education will pay dividends.”

Wenonah High School’s Academy of Hospitality and Tourism
 Wenonah High School’s Academy of Hospitality and Tourism students are learning not only their trade, but the many benefits of service through numerous community projects. Most recently 11th grade students pitched in at one of the city’s top visitor destinations. At Botanical Gardens on a beautiful December 19th, they helped prepare walking trails for anticipated spring visitors by loading and spreading mulch. The students helped to forge a new partnership with the Botanical Gardens that will continue to benefit of both groups.

                                                                     Wenonah Students Deliver Christmas Cheer
 On the final school day before a two week holiday, the last things on most teens’ minds are ways they can help others. Yet on that very day, Wenonah High School students found a focus outside themselves as they concluded a week’s-long drive to collect gifts with visits to local nursing homes. Members of the Gentlemen of Distinction, Ladies of Class, and the Student Government Association realized blessings of their own when they saw joy in the faces of residents at Arlington and Fairview Nursing homes. Students organized a choir, led by senior Brandon Davis, to sing for the residents, and distributed the gifts they had collected with an abundance of good cheer. Wenonah assistant principal Michael Scott observed that the experience was eye-opening for the students, freeing them from their own burdens as they served others. The students finished the day with a visit to the school district’s central office, treating Superintendent Dr. Craig Witherspoon and office personnel to an impromptu but festive carol sing. Club sponsors are assistant principals Vanessa Byrd and Michael Scott and teachers Tasha Brownlee and Kitwana Carter.

                                                                        Wenonah Students “Upcycle”
 Students in Denise Rucker’s Housing class took learning to a practical level with their “Upcycling” projects in December. Ms. Rucker challenged students to find a discarded or unused item and improve or modify it so that it gains functionality and aesthetic beauty. Some of the students, spanning 9th through 12th grades, are pictured with a few of many useful and attractive products that resulted from their efforts.
From left to right: Denise Rucker (teacher), Jaylen Jones (Bar Stool), Takira Taylor (Forgiveness Bowl), Asia Hinds-Sanders (Covered Jewelry Box), Myia Hare  (Mirror), Anthony Gibbs (Rod-Iron Chair), JeNai McCall (Mesh Back Chair). Seated down front: Mikhail Smith (Wall Hanger) and Bobbie Baker (Foot Stool).