2014 Women’s SEC and NCAA Gymnastics Championship Tickets on Sale Now

December 4, 2013

Two Time Olympic Gold Medalist Gabrielle Douglas

Two championships to take place in Birmingham within one month

BIRMINGHAM, Ala. – The Alabama Sports Foundation has announced that tickets are now on sale for the 2014 SEC Women’s Gymnastics Championship and the 2014 NCAA Gymnastics National Championship to be held at the Birmingham-Jefferson Civic Center in Birmingham, Ala. The SEC Gymnastics Championship will take place March 22nd and the NCAA Gymnastics National Championship will take place just one month later April 18th-20th. This marks the first year the NCAA Championship has been held in Birmingham.
“We have been extremely pleased with the support from the gymnastics community in the Birmingham area and we expect these two events will set records,” stated Gene Hallman, executive director of the Alabama Sports Foundation. “With so many dominant college gymnastics programs within driving distance, we expect a huge turnout for these two outstanding championships right in our backyard.”
The 2014 SEC Women’s Gymnastics Championship will consist of eight (8) Southeastern Conference teams competing for the title, including Alabama, Arkansas, Auburn, Florida, Kentucky, Georgia, LSU and Missouri. For the past several years, the Universities of Alabama, Florida and Georgia have taken the SEC Gymnastics Championship titles.
SEC Reserved Tickets are now available for purchase for only $16 and discounted ticket prices are available for groups of ten (10) or more.
The 2014 NCAA Women’s Gymnastics Championship will consist of 12 of the top teams in the country and 12 all-around competitors and event specialists. SEC teams have won nine of the last 12 NCAA national championships, with the University of Alabama winning six national titles including 2011 and 2012.
NCAA All-Session Reserved Tickets are only $50, consisting of four (4) session-specific tickets, and quantities are very limited. Discounted ticket prices are available for groups of ten (10) or more.
For more information and to purchase tickets to each event, fans should visit www.gymnasticschamps.com.

Lady Hornets Volleyball Heads West for NCAA Tournament

Birmingham Times

December 4, 2013

MONTGOMERY, Ala. – Alabama State’s volleyball team has known since their Southwestern Athletic Conference Tournament Championship they would be playing in the NCAA Tournament; they just didn’t know where and now they do.
ASU will play in the Los Angeles Regional and will open regional play when they travel to Seattle, Washington, where they will face the Huskies of Washington Friday, Dec. 6. The game is scheduled for 9:30 p.m. CT (10:30 p.m. ET). The Huskies are the third overall seed in the tournament.
“It was exciting (to see ASU’s name on the screen) and it’s the start of a new era for Alabama State,” Head Coach Penny Lucas-White said. “I think Washington is fine, we took the girls to play against Washington State last year. I’ve seen the product Jim McLaughlin (UW’s Head Coach) puts out on the court. But hey, we are going out to play we are in it to win it.”
ASU received the SWAC’s automatic berth and will enter the tournament with a 25-15 overall record. The Lady Hornets finished undefeated in conference play at 8-0.
Like ASU, Washington won the PAC-12’s automatic tourney berth with their conference title. It was the third title in the history of their program. They enter the tournament the third ranked team in the nation and carry a 26-2 overall record. They finished PAC-12 conference action with an 18-2 record.
Washington will not be the first team from the west coast the Lady Hornets have faced this season. They faced Arizona State earlier in the season at Arizona State’s tournament and they were ranked 18th in the nation at the time.
“I think facing Arizona State early in the year will help our ladies tremendously,” Lucas-White said. “It’s the whole reason for the preseason and that is to prepare for post season. So I think it can do nothing but benefit us.”
The Lady Hornets will fly to Seattle Wednesday to begin preparations for the first round match up.

HORNETS PREPARE FOR START OF INDOOR TRACK & FIELD SEASON

Birmingham Times

December 4, 2013

The Alabama State women’s and men’s indoor track & field teams held a practice session Monday afternoon on the campus of Alabama State in preparation for the Birmingham Southern Icebreaker meet Friday, Dec.6th at the Birmingham Crossplex in Birmingham, Ala.
The Lady Hornets will look to continue their winning ways during this Indoor season, by trying to capture their ninth overall championship, as the men will look to improve from a seventh place finish from last season.
“I really liked what I saw today,” said head coach Ritchie Beene,”We had some positive things during this workout”.
As in other sports, Beene and his assistant coaches will assess where both programs are and make changes in preparation for the season opener.
“I have a few concerns from today’s practice but, overall they all should be worked out and improved upon, prior to the meet on Friday,” said Beene.
Twitter (twitter.com/asubuzz) and Facebook (facebook.com/asubuzz).

This Week in ASU Athletics; On the Horizon

Birmingham Times

December 4, 2013

MONTGOMERY, Ala. — This week in ASU athletics will see the men’s and women’s basketball teams get back in action as well as the track and field programs beginning their indoor season.
The volleyball team will also play in the program’s first NCAA Tournament when they travel to Seattle, Washington, to face the Huskies later in the week.
Following this week’s action, ASU will be on a small break as the campus goes through finals week. Athletic action will pick back up on Monday Dec. 16.

Thursday, Dec. 5
Volleyball: vs. NCAA Tournament
Friday, Dec. 6
M/W Track and Field: Birmingham Southern Icebreaker; Birmingham, Ala.; All Day
Volleyball: Washington; NCAA Tournament; Seattle, Wash.; TBA
Saturday, Dec. 7
Men’s Basketball: at Troy; Troy, Alabama; 1 p.m.
Women’s Basketball: at Mississippi State; Starkville, Miss.; 5 p.m.

On the Horizon
Monday, Dec. 16
Men’s Basketball: vs. Western Illinois; 7 p.m.
Tuesday, Dec. 17
Women’s Basketball; vs. Florida A&M; 6 p.m.
Friday, Dec. 20
Women’s Basketball: vs. Mercer; 6 p.m.
Saturday, Dec. 21
Men’s Basketball: at Tulane; Tulane Westin Holiday Classic; New Orleans, La.; 3 p.m.
Sunday, Dec. 22
Men’s Basketball: vs. Wisconsin-Milwaukee; Tulane Westin Holiday Classic; New Orleans, La.; 3 p.m.
Women’s Basketball: vs. Savannah State; 3 p.m.

What’s Happening at Talladega Superspeedway and in motorsports with Gwen DeRu

Birmingham Times

December 4, 2013

Finalists Named for 2014 International Motorsports Hall of Fame

The renowned International Motorsports Hall of Fame, located in Talladega, Ala., announced its 22 finalists for the 2014 induction class.
The list of finalists reads like a “Who’s Who” across numerous forms of motorsports which include open wheel, sports car, drag and stock car racing. The top 20 and ties (as is the case this year) will be on the second ballot to an esteemed motorsports media voting panel. The panel will select the final individuals who receive 51 percent of the total number of votes to be the 2014 induction class. Those names will be announced in December. The 2014 International Motorsports Hall of Fame induction ceremony is scheduled for Thursday, May 1.
To be eligible for the International Motorsports Hall of Fame, an individual must be retired in his or her line of work in motorsports for at least five years. However, that person may still be active in the sport in a different capacity. The 22 individuals eligible for the 2104 International Motorsports Hall of Fame are listed alphabetically below, along with a quick description:
•   Michael Andretti – Winningest driver in CART with 42 triumphs
& the 1991 CART Championship
•   Raymond Beadle – 3-time NHRA Funny Car Champion
(1979-81) & 3-time IHRA Funny Car Titlist (1975-76, ’81;
NASCAR Championship team owner with driver Rusty Wallace in
1989
•   Keith Black – Winning engine builder/engineer in drag and boat
racing, setting several world speed records
•   Harold Brasington – Creator/builder of NASCAR’s original
superspeedway – Darlington Raceway – as well
as Rockingham Speedway
•   Clint Brawner – Chief mechanic for Mario Andretti’s USAC
National titles in 1965, ’66 & ‘69
•   Joie Chitwood – 1939-40 AAA East Coast Sprint Car Champion;
Noted safety advocate
•   Harvey Firestone – Founder of Firestone Tire and Rubber
Company
•   Tommy Hinnershitz – Seven AAA National Sprint Car
Championships
•   David Hobbs – Sports Car racer who set four all-time Continental
Formula records
•   Ted Horn – Three consecutive AAA National titles (1946-48)
with 12 wins
•   Connie Kalitta – 10-time NHRA National event winner. First
driver over 200 mph in Hot Rod race
•   Joe Leonard – Won titles in both motorcycle (AMA) in 1956-57
and car series (Indy Car) in 1971-72
•   Roger McCluskey – Won titles in three divisions of USAC –
Sprints (1963, ’66), Stocks (1969-70) and Champ Cars (1973)
•   Tom “Mongoose” McEwen – A 5-time winner in NHRA, who
was an incredible promotional showman
•   Danny Ongais – “Flyin’ Hawaiian” had success in motorcycle,
drag, Formula 1 and Indy car racing
•   Marvin Panch – 17-time NASCAR Sprint Cup Series winner;
1961 Daytona 500 winner
•   Les Richter – Former manager of Riverside Raceway; co-founder
of IROC; former NASCAR VP
•   Troy Ruttman – 1952 Indy 500 champ; three-time AAA Sprint
Car champion
•   Sir Henry Segrave – Set three land speed records, water speed
record; 1923 French Grand Prix winner
•   Lee Shepherd – 4-straight NHRA Pro Stock titles (1981-84); Won
both Pro Stock NHRA and IHRA titles in 1983
•   Leonard Wood – Innovator of modern pit stop; Crew Chief for
Wood Brothers Racing, formed in 1950 and still racing today –
having 98 triumphs
•   Chuck Yeager – Noted Air Force Test Pilot; In 1947, first pilot to
travel faster than sound

Opened in April of 1983, the International Motorsports Hall of Fame and Museum is dedicated to the preservation of the history of motorsports. Each year the annual International Motorsports Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony is held on the grounds of the Museum to honor those men and women chosen for induction from among the greatest names in all of motorsports.

2014 Buick Encore

Birmingham Times

December 4, 2013

by Cheryl Eldridge

The holiday season is upon us and it’s time to celebrate. Celebrating with family, friends, and even new automobiles can be exciting.
Last week’s tester is one that I truly admired. It even put me in the mood for the Yuletide season.
My 2014 Buick Encore tester was coated in a beautiful brilliant blue with an interior of titanium .
The 2014 Buick Encore picks up an optional blind spot monitoring system with rear cross-traffic alerts.
The new flagship is offered in four trim levels: Base, Convenience, Leather and Premium.
The Base Encore comes standard with 18-inch painted alloy wheels, heated side mirrors, air-conditioning, cruise control, a tilt-and-telescoping steering wheel, full power accessories, a six-way power driver seat (manual recline), Bluetooth phone and audio connectivity, a rearview camera, split-folding rear seats, a fold-flat front passenger seat, OnStar telematics and a six-speaker sound system with a CD player, satellite radio, a USB/iPod interface and an auxiliary audio jack. Also included is Buick’s IntelliLink control interface, which features a 7-inch touchscreen and integrated smartphone apps.
Stepping up to the Convenience adds foglights, a blind spot monitoring system with rear cross-traffic alerts, remote ignition, dual-zone automatic climate control, a 120-volt power outlet and an auto-dimming rearview mirror.
As you’d expect, the Leather trim level adds leather upholstery for the front seats, a driver seat with power-adjustable lumbar support, a six-way power passenger seat, heated front seats, a heated steering wheel and driver memory settings.
The Premium adds rain-sensing wipers, an upgraded Bose seven-speaker sound system, front and rear parking sensors, a forward collision warning system, a lane departure warning system, and a rear cargo net and mat. The cargo net/mat is optional on all the lower trims, while the Bose audio is also available on the Convenience and Leather trim levels. Other options, depending on trim level, include chrome wheels, a power sunroof, a navigation system and roof rack cross rails.
All 2014 Buick Encore models are powered by a turbocharged 1.4-liter inline four-cylinder engine rated at 138 horsepower and 148 pound-feet of torque. A six-speed automatic with a manual-shift feature is the only transmission offered, but all versions of the Encore give you the choice of front-wheel drive or all-wheel drive.
Front-wheel-drive Encores receive EPA fuel economy estimates of 25 mpg city/33 mpg highway and 28 mpg combined, while those with all-wheel drive rate 23/30/26. In Edmunds performance testing, a front-wheel-drive Encore accelerated to 60 mph in 9.8 seconds, which is slower than most other crossovers in this price range.
On the safety aspect, features for the 2014 Buick Encore include front-seat knee airbags, front and rear side airbags, side curtain airbags, a rearview camera, antilock disc brakes and traction and stability control. Also included is OnStar, which includes automatic crash notification, on-demand roadside assistance, remote door unlocking and stolen vehicle assistance.
A blind spot monitoring system with rear cross-traffic alerts is available from the Convenience trim level on up, while forward collision warning and lane departure warning systems are standard on the Encore Premium.
In government crash tests, the all-wheel-drive Encore received five stars for overall crash protection, while the front-drive Encore received four stars. Both versions received five stars in the frontal-impact and side-impact protection categories. The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety gave the Encore the highest possible rating of Good in its moderate-overlap front-offset and side-impact crash tests, as well as its roof strength test. However, the Buick received the agency’s lowest rating of Poor in the new small-overlap frontal-offset crash test (most small crossover SUVs earned a Poor or Marginal rating in this test).
In Edmunds testing, a front-drive Encore stopped from 60 mph in 123 feet, which is average for this class.
Fit and finish throughout the Encore’s cabin is generally pretty good, and well-placed soft-touch materials and splashes of simulated wood and metallic accents provide an upscale look. Buick’s standard IntelliLink system and its 7-inch control touchscreen dominate the center stack, but I had no problem with that. The Encore’s IntelliLink is fast, reliable and easy to use as infotainment and smartphone app integration systems go.
Up front there’s plenty of room all around, and the wide seats prove comfortable. Those seats are also pleasantly high, providing a commanding view around and above traffic as well as easing entry and exit. In back, there’s ample legroom even for 6-footers, though there’s less rear shoulder room and hiproom than in most other compact crossovers. Rear-facing car seats will be a tight fit back here.
When it comes to carrying cargo, the Encore is ready. The rear seats and the front passenger seat fold flat, allowing transport of longer items up to eight feet in length. With all seats in place, there are 18.8 cubic feet of space. Folding the rear seats down expands that to 48.4 cubes. This is more capacity than the Mini Countryman offers (42.2 cubic feet), but noticeably less than you’ll get from the next-size-up compact crossovers like the Honda CR-V, which offers a comparatively cavernous 71 cubic feet.
One suggestion that I do recommend is that the trunk space be expanded a bit. It was very small and I wasn’t able to travel out of town to some of the outlets with it.
My sticker price was $30,685.

Until next week, drive safe, buckle up, don’t text and drive, it’s the law.

2014 Jeep Cherokee

Birmingham Times

December 4, 2013

By Frank S. Washington
WESTLAKE VILLAGE, Calif. – Purists are grumbling about the all new 2014 Jeep Cherokee.
Its curves, bent seven-slot grille and overall sleekness are not Jeep the complaints go. But the very characteristics that purists are complaining about are the attributes that most likely will make Jeep’s Cherokee a hit.
The hood was a waterfall design and with a peaked seven slot grille it was a one piece effort that helped insure a quality build. The daytime running lights looked like headlights and the headlights looked like fog lamps. The 2014 Jeep Cherokee had a steeply raked windshield and of course it had Jeep’s iconic trapezoidal wheel openings.
In the back, there was a rear spoiler, LED tail lamps and rear fog lamps. It was a clean design. The 2014 Jeep Cherokee looked good. Designers wanted to get away from the box look of the old Jeep Liberty that the new Jeep Cherokee will replace, as well as the flat sided look of Cherokees past.
They succeeded. In an area dotted with all sorts of exotic and expensive automobiles, the Cherokee made heads turn in Southern California. But despite its curves the mid-size sport utility is a Jeep; that means it lived up to the brand’s off road tradition.
Buyers have a choice of three four-wheel-drive systems. All three featured a rear-axle disconnect to improve fuel efficiency when 4X4 is not necessary.
There are two engine choices. A 2.4-liter four cylinder makes 184 horsepower and 171 pound-feet of torque. The 3.2-liter Pentastar V6 makes 271 horsepower and 239 pound-feet of torque. But the real news is that either one of these powerplants can be mated to a nine-speed automatic transmission.
The four-cylinder engine mated to this gear-box, which can be shifted manually, gets 31 mpg in the city. Trim lines are the Sport, the Latitude, the Limited and the trail rated Trailhawk. Base prices start at $22,995 for a 4X2 Sport to $29,495 for a 4X4 Trailhawk.
We first got into a 2014 Jeep Sport 4X2 equipped with the four cylinder engine. In other words, this was the entry level model and we were really impressed. The cloth interior was black; Jeep has subtly changed from a center stack dominated interior to a central control pod area.
The dash was lower. Combined with the raked windshield the passenger compartment was airy, sight lines were expansive, the Cherokee felt more like a car even though the seating position was higher it wasn’t pronounced.
Even more impressive was how well the four-cylinder engine that is branded Tigershark MultiAir handled the terrain. The engine worked to get up and down through the canyons here. But it didn’t work hard. The mountainous twisting two lane roads of Southern California can be a graveyard for four cylinder engines but the normally aspirated Tigershark engine barely burped as it powered the 2014 Cherokee up and over as well as through these mountains.
The same was true of the automatic transmission. Cherokee’s new nine-speed gear box never wavered. Gear selection was decisive, it held gear going up and down the steep descents when it was supposed to and it did so smoothly without any hitches.
Jeep took care of the little things like the bottom of the cupholders and other storage areas were padded. The base in the sound system thumped. And even though our test vehcile didn’t have a navigation system it did have a black and white touch screen to control some surprising equipment.
A compass, a heated steering wheel, as well as heated seats, were among our 2014 Cherokee’s creature comforts. It also had USB and auxiliary jacks and a slot for an SD card. There was Bluetooth, satellite radio and a wireless charging pad for mobile phones.
Once we got to the Canyon Ranch for lunch and some off road testing, we took a Jeep Cherokee Trailhawk on an off road course. It was equipped with the Jeep Active Drive Lock system with rear locking differential, a low gear and approach and departure angles of 29.8 and 31.1 degrees respectively. And that was just some of the off road running gear.
The ranch was at about 2,000 feet altitude. And though the trail was dusty, dry and moderately difficult, it wasn’t the place for a driver to make a mistake or for the vehicle to be in over its axles so to speak. In a word, the 2014 Cherokee is a Jeep.

Frank S. Washington is editor of AboutThatCar.com.

CLASSIFIEDS

Birmingham Times

November 26, 2013

**EMPLOYMENT

University of Montevallo
Brick Mason Helper
Apply online at
*jobs.montevallo.edu
UM is an EO Employer
BT11/28/13
_____________________
**BEDDING

Brand New Queen PillowTop
Mattress and Box, still in bags,
never used will *SACRIFICE for
$195 call 205-200-4523.
BT11/28/13
____________________
**AUTOS SALE

2004 Honda Pilot
S.U.V. Automatic
Loaded
Call Floyd Morris
205-587-4313

2005 Hyundai Tucson
S.U.V. Loaded
Priced right
Call Sammy 205-814-6454

2007 Kia Rondo
Economy S.U.V.
Call Ivory 205-821-0491

2003 Mazda Tribute
S.U.V. Great miles
Call Sammy 205-814-6454

2005 Toyota Solara
Great miles Loaded
Call Ivory 205-821-6454
BT11/28/13
____________________
**REAL ESTATE

Calling all singles ….

I have the best 2 BR with DEN home in Ensley Highlands for you. Beautiful yard, separate garage, C/A, porch and patio. Call me to take a look see; *Cynthia Marzette (205) 910-7149 or Barnes and Associates (205)328-3330

Veterans looking for a home? I will work with you in any area of town to find you the best on the market. Call *Cynthia Marzette (205) 910-7149 or ask for me at Barnes and Associates, (205) 328-3330.
BT11/28/13
________
**OFFICE BUILDING FOR SALE

Ideal for medical office or hospital equipment sales directly across from Baptist Princeton Hospital. Off street parking, private shower, beautiful reception room. *&Cynthia Marzette (205) 910-7149 or ask for me at Barnes and Associates, (205) 328-3330.
BT11/28/13
___________________________
**LEGALS

*Notice of Public Involvement Meeting
*Purpose: Brief review of the draft Public Participation Plan and a presentation of all the new and exciting methods utilized to listen and respond to the public. Sponsored by: Regional Planning Commission of Greater Birmingham (RPCGB), on behalf of the Transportation Citizens Committee of the Birmingham Metropolitan Planning Organization (MPO). *Wednesday, December 18, *2013, 12:00 p.m. – 2:00 p.m., Regional Planning Commission of Greater Birmingham, 2 North 20th Street, Suite 310, Birmingham, AL . Anyone requiring special accommodations should contact Cissy Edwards Crowe at RPC (205-251-8139) at least one week prior to the meeting. To review the Draft Public Participation Plan visit: *http://www.rpcgb.org/transportation and click on Public Involvement tab on right side of page.
BT11/28/13
__________________
IN THE MATTER OF
*MARCUS D. CAFFEY,
A Minor
DOB: 09/27/95

IN THE JUVENILE COURT OF
ESCAMBIA COUNTY, ALABAMA

CASE NO.: JU-2012-156.02

TO: LIONEL CAFFEY, JR.

*NOTICE

Take notice that the Escambia County Department of Human Resources has filed a petition seeking to terminate parental rights of Lionel Caffey, Jr. and that a hearing on said petition will be held on the 12th day of February, 2014, at 9:00 a.m. in the office of the Judge of the Juvenile Court of Escambia County, Alabama, in the Escambia County Courthouse.
This the 22nd day of November, 2013.

s/John R. Fountain
Clerk of the Juvenile Court of
Escambia County, Alabama

TO:
Publisher
Tri-City Ledger
P.O. Box 1916
Flomaton, Alabama 36441

Publisher
Birmingham Times
115 3rd Ave W.
Birmingham, AL 35204

Please publish the above notice once a week for four (4) successive weeks in the Tri-City Ledger and Birmingham Times.

s/James Eric Coale
James Eric Coale
Otts, Moore, Coale, Godwin & Stearns
Post Office Box 467
Brewton,Alabama 36427
BT11/28/13
___________________________
IN THE MATTER OF
*CARLOS LAMAR CAFFEY,
A Minor
DOB: 10/24/96

IN THE JUVENILE COURT OF
ESCAMBIA COUNTY, ALABAMA

CASE NO.: JU-2012-157.02

TO: LIONEL CAFFEY, JR.

*NOTICE

This the 22nd day of November, 2013.
s/John R. Fountain
Clerk of the Juvenile Court of
Escambia County, Alabama

TO:
Publisher
Tri-City Ledger
P.O. Box 1916
Flomaton, Alabama 36441

Publisher
Birmingham Times
115 3rd Ave W.
Birmingham, AL 35204

Please publish the above notice once a week for four (4) successive weeks in the Tri-City Ledger and Birmingham Times.

s/James Eric Coale
James Eric Coale
Otts, Moore, Coale, Godwin
& Stearns
Post Office Box 467
Brewton, Alabama 36427
BT11/28/13
___________________________
*TO Prospective Offerors

*REQUEST FOR PROPOSALS
14-02

*SEPARATE SEALED PROPOSALS FOR
Real Estate Services

*PROPOSALS WILL BE RECEIVED AT
HABD Central Office
Procurement Administrator
1826 Third Avenue South
Birmingham, AL 35233-1905

*CLOSING DATE
December 12, 2013
*TIME
2:00 P.M. CST

*LOCATION
HABD Central Office
Procurement Administrator
1826 Third Avenue South
Birmingham, AL 35233-1905

By submission of a proposal the offeror agrees, if the offeror’s proposal is accepted, to enter a contract with the Housing Authority of the Birmingham District (HABD), to complete all work as specified or indicated in the contract documents, for the contract price and within the contract time indicted in the RFP. The offeror further accepts the terms and conditions of the RFP.

Proposals must be prepared in accordance with the section entitled “Submittal of Proposal,” and will be evaluated by the HABD. Evaluation will be based on the criteria within this RFP.

Copies of the RFP, which includes the scope of services, conditions and requirements, may be obtained from the HABD Procurement Office located at the address listed above. Persons who require special accommodations should immediately contact the HABD Procurement Office at (205) 521-0611.
The HABD reserves the right to accept or reject any or all proposals, or any proposal, and to waive any informalities or irregularities.

The HABD in accordance with the Executive Orders 11625 and 12138 promotes participation by businesses owned and operated by disadvantaged and historically underutilized businesses. Section 3 business requirements must also be met.
A copy of this solicitation is available at www.habd.org under the Purchasing and Procurement Section. Questions regarding the attached RFP should be directed to the Procurement Administrator, in writing ten (10) days prior to proposal due date. Questions received after the deadline will not be answered.

Contracting Officer:
*Naomi H. Truman, Executive Director
BT11/28/13
______________________
*ADVERTISEMENT for BIDDER PRE-QUALIFICATION
*And NOTICE of INTENT to RECEIVE BIDS
*from PREQUALIFIED BIDDERS

Pre-qualification submittals will be received by Juan DeOnis on behalf of Office of the Associate Vice President, Facilities & Capital Projects, University of Alabama at Birmingham, and the University of Alabama Board of Trustees *at UAB Hospital Planning, *2020 University Blvd., Birmingham, AL 35294 until Friday, December 13, 2013 at 5:00 *PM CST. The original and two (2) duplicates of submittals are required for pre-qualification approval; however, facsimile transmission copies may be transmitted to the *Project Manager at (205) 975-7000 to expedite the review process with hard-copies of the submittals to be delivered within 24 hours.

*UAB SPAIN WALLACE 8N NEPHROLOGY
*NURSING UNIT RENOVATION
*UAB JOB # H125037A

*A. SCOPE OF WORK:

The scope of work includes the selective demolition of +/- 11,500 SF of nursing unit space on the 8th floor of the UAB Spain Wallace Building and the construction of various new healthcare related spaces, including but not limited to nurse stations, public spaces, offices, and support rooms. The project will be constructed in 2 phases, with the scope including architectural, mechanical, electrical, plumbing, and fire protection work.

The work will be performed within operating nursing units and care will be taken to limit disruptions to the unit. Work will be performed under strict infection control guidelines to ensure the safety of patients and staff. The contractor will be responsible for and should be experienced in implementation of the infection control requirements, interim life safety measures, constructing and maintaining required barriers, coordinating shutdowns with the Project Manager, and maintaining a clean and organized job site.

*B. PRIME CONTRACTOR BIDDER PRE-QUALIFICATIONS:

Prime contractor bidders interested in submitting a proposal must apply for pre-qualification and must be licensed under the Provision of Title 34, Chapter 8, and Code of Alabama, 1975. A copy of current Alabama Contractors license is to be included in pre-qualification submittal.

Only prime contractor bidders who have completed the pre-qualification process and 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 5:00 PM CST on December *13, 2013 after which no further requests will be considered.

Pre-qualification Requirements Information Package may be obtained from the Architect upon letterhead request.

The pre-qualification procedure is intended to identify responsible and competent prime contractor bidders relative to the requirements of the Project. Each prospective prime contractor bidder will be notified of the results of the pre-qualification, no later than *5:00 PM CST on December 20, 2013.

The Owner reserves the right to waive technical errors in applications, or abandon the pre-qualification process, should the interests of the Owner appear to be promoted thereby.

*Progress Design and Construction Documents:
Prior to the pre-qualification deadline, project progress plans and specifications may be examined at the following location:

*Architect:
*Kahn South, Inc.
*2821 Second Ave S. Suite G
*Birmingham, AL 35233
*Phone: 205-328-2827
*Fax: 313-202-7153
*scott.heywood@akahn.com

*C. BIDS BY PRE-QUALIFIED PRIME GENERAL CONTRACTOR BIDDERS

*Documents:
After notice to pre-qualified bidders is given, the pre-qualified prime contractor bidders may obtain bid documents from the Architect (see address above) upon deposit of *$200.00 per set. The deposit is refundable in full on the first two (2) sets issued to each prime general contractor bidder upon return of documents in reusable condition within ten (10) days after bid opening. Additional sets for pre-qualified prime contractor bidders, subcontractors, vendors, or dealers may be obtained upon payment of the same deposit. The deposit for additional sets shall be refunded less the cost of printing, reproduction, handling and distribution, upon return of the documents in reusable condition within ten (10) days after bid opening.

Bid documents will be available at the following locations after notice to pre-qualified bidders is given.Drawings and specifications may be examined at the Office of the Architect; McGraw-Hill Construction Dodge, 3000 3rd Avenue South, Plan Room, 5000 Grantswood Road, Irondale, AL 35210; at the Birmingham Construction Industry Authority, 3600 Fourth Avenue South, Birmingham, AL 35222; and at the Reed Construction Data Office, 30 Technology Pkwy, South, Suite 500, Norcross, GA 30092-2912.

*Bonds:
A certified check or bid bond payable to the University of Alabama at Birmingham in an amount not less than five percent (5%) of the amount of the bid, but in no event more than $10,000 must accompany the bidder’s proposal. Performance and Statutory Labor and Material Payment Bonds will be required at the signing of the Contract.

*Bids:
Bids must be submitted on proposal forms or copies thereof furnished by the Architect. No bid may be withdrawn after the scheduled closing time for receipt of bids for a period of ninety (90) days. The Owner reserves the right to reject bids if such action is determined to be in the best interest of the Owner. The Owner reserves the right to revoke pre-qualification of any bidder in accordance with Section 39-2-12, Code of Alabama, 1975, as amended in 1997 (by Act 97-225). *The Bid Date is February 6, *2014 at 2:00 PM CST at the UAB 2020 Building Large *Conference Room.

*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 January 20, *2014 at 10:00 AM CST at the UAB 2020 Building Large *Conference Room. It is mandatory that all pre-qualified prime contractor bidders attend the Pre-Bid Conference.
BT11/28/13
_________________
*THE FAIRFIELD ALABAMA HOUSING AUTHOIRTY
*(FAHA)
*INVITATION FOR BIDS (IFB)
*FOR DEMOLITION OF 4 UNITS/ 2 BUILDING
*AT MATTIE GILL JACKSON GARDENS
Fairfield Alabama Housing Authority is seeking proposals from highly qualified and insured individuals or firms, to demolition of 4 units/ 2 building located at Mattie Gill Jackson Gardens (AL 10-2), Fairfield, AL 35064 funded under the Capital Fund Program until *2:00pm (Central *Time) on December 13, 2013 at the central office of the Authority, 6704 Avenue D, Fairfield, AL 35064 at which time and place all bids will be publicly opened and read aloud. Bids must be submitted in a sealed envelope, clearly marked *DEMO to Mattie Gill Jackson Gardens *(AL 10-2)
SCOPE OF SERVICES:
The selected firms must demolition 4 units/ 2 building located:
*6800 & 6802 M.L. King Drive, Fairfield, Alabama 35064
*323 & 325 66th Street, Fairfield, Alabama 35064
ADDITIONAL FACTORS:
A Pre-Bid Conference followed by an on –site inspection of the premises, will be held on *December 4, 2013 at 11:00 AM at the central office of the Authority. Contractors are highly encouraged to attend the pre- bid meeting, but attendance is not mandatory.
The Fairfield Alabama Housing Authority reserves the right to reject any or all bids to waive any informalities in the bidding.
The Fairfield Alabama Housing Authority reserves the right to retain 10% of payment during the work performance.
Proposals will be received until *December 13, 2013 at 2:00pm.
By submission of a proposal, the bidder agrees, if its proposal is accepted, to enter into a contract with the Housing Authority in the form included in the contract documents to complete all work as specified or indicated in the contract documents for the contract price and within the contract time indicated. The bidder further accepts all of the terms and conditions of the RFB. All packages should be submitted to:
(NO ELECTRONIC SUBMISSION OF PROPOSED PACKAGED)
Fairfield Alabama Housing Authority
6704 Ave D
Fairfield, AL 35064
Attn: Executive Director
seady@fairfieldha.org
Contact Information: To receive the IFB documents with full requirements please contact Finance Assistant 205-923-8017 ext 220
BT11/28/13
_________________
*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, Brian Sapone on behalf of Office of the Associate Vice President for Facilities, University of Alabama at Birmingham, and the University of Alabama Board of Trustees and at the office of the Architect, Birchfield Penuel & Associates at 2805 Crescent Avenue, Suite 200, Birmingham, AL 35209 until 4:00 PM Central Time, until 4:00 PM Central Time, December 3, 2013. The original and two (2) duplicates of submittals are required for pre-qualification approval; however, facsimile transmission copies may be transmitted to the Project Manager at (205) 975-7000 to expedite the review process with hard-copies of the submittals to be delivered within 24 hours.

*UAB LISTER HILL FOOD SERVICES
*For The
*University of Alabama at Birmingham
*Birmingham, Alabama
*Project No.: 130014AP

*A. SCOPE OF WORK:

Work consists of renovation portions of the existing UAB Lister Hill Library for a minor demolition, metal studs and drywall, doors, frames and hardware, architectural finishes, fire protection, plumbing, HVAC, and electrical work. The Contractor should have experience in performing construction in an operating space.

*B. PRIME CONTRACTOR BIDDER PRE-QUALIFICATIONS:

Only prime contractor bidders who have completed the pre-qualification process and that have been approved will be eligible to submit a bid for the Project. *Prospective Bidder’s Pre-qualification Package must be received by the *Owner’s Project Manager no later than 4:00 PM Central Time, December 3, *2013 after which no further requests will be considered.

Pre-qualification Requirements Information Package may be obtained from the Architect*upon letterhead request.

The Owner reserves the right to waive technical errors in applications, or abandon the pre-qualification process, should the interests of the Owner appear to be promoted thereby.

*Progress Design and Construction Documents:
Prior to the pre-qualification deadline, project progress plans and specifications may be examined at the following location:

*Architect:
Birchfield Penuel & Associates
2805 Crescent Avenue, Suite 200
Birmingham, Alabama 35209
Mr. Joseph Abou-Jaoude’
205-870-1876
205-870-3058
joea@bpa.net

*C. BIDS BY PRE-QUALIFIED PRIME GENERAL CONTRACTOR BIDDERS

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

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

*Bids:
Bids must be submitted on proposal forms or copies thereof furnished by the Architect. No bid may be withdrawn after the scheduled closing time for receipt of bids for a period of ninety (90) days. The Owner reserves the right to reject bids if such action is determined to be in the best interest of the Owner. The Owner reserves 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 December 19, 2013 at 2:00 PM *Central Time at the *University of Alabama at Birmingham, Facilities *Administration Building, *FAB Conference Center, 801 6th Avenue South, Birmingham, Alabama *35294.

*Proposals may be hand delivered or received by mail on the date of the bid *opening at the Office of Brian Sapone, 245 Facilities Administration *Building, *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 December 19, 2013 will be returned unopened.

*D. *PRE-BID CONFERENCE
A mandatory Pre-Bid Conference will be held on December 9, 2013 at 2:00 p.m. at the site of the work. Meet at the UAB Lister Hill Library. It is mandatory that all pre-qualified prime contractor bidders attend the Pre-Bid Conference.
BT11/28/13
_________________

People, Places and Things

Birmingham Times

November 26, 2013

By Gwen DeRu
HAPPY THANKSGIVING DAY! TO ALL OF YOU….
….FROM ALL OF US!!!
ENJOY THE HOLIDAYS!!
Birmingham’s Own MAD SKILLZ 10th ANNIVERSARY at WorkPlay on December 22!! (Look for more, soon.)
BIZ GROWTH WORKSHOPS – There are several more workshops bringing useful topics and tools to business owners to help them grow their business more successfully. WOODLAWN (November 26) – One Page Strategic Plan, 11:30 a.m., at the Social Venture, 5529 First Avenue, South. WEST END (December 5) – Best Uses for Social Media/Public Relations, 11:30 a.m. at the Birmingham Public Library West End, 1348 Tuscaloosa Avenue, S.W. ENSLEY (December 12) – Making a One-Page Strategic Plan for 2014, 11:30 a.m., at the Ensley Business Resource Center, 425 19th Street.
VOLUNTEER HELP REQUESTED! – Thanksgiving Day the Firehouse Shelter is asking for volunteers. There are two and three hour shifts until 9 p.m. Shifts begin at 7 a.m. Make plans to serve by emailing kwallace@firehouseshelter.com for details.

MUNCHY’S ANNUAL APPRECIATION DAY & OLD SCHOOL CRUISE-IN/CAR SHOW – Munchy Pettway, owner of Munchy’s Classic Cars, Ron Talley with the Car Show and Cruise-in Director will host the Munchy’s Annual Appreciation Day & Cruise-in/Car Show, next Saturday, 10 a.m. until at Munchy’s Classic Cars 3119 Jefferson Ave. S.W. Birmingham, Al 35211. Munchy’s Classic Cars is a custom and general auto shop. Each year for the last 10 years Munchy’s Classic Cars has given an annual Munchy’s Annual Appreciation Day for his customers, the community (Powderly/Wenonah area), and his antique and custom car friends. Antique and Custom cars are expected from Mississippi, Tennessee, Louisiana, Georgia, Florida, Indiana and Alabama (Birmingham and several other cities). Those who wish to cruise their Antique or Classic car to the celebration may join the lineup at the KRISPY KREAM DONUT SHOP in Midfield on Bessemer Super Highway and across from Western Hills Mall. You are asked to arrive at Krispy Kream Donuts (Western Hills Mall) by 8 a.m., Saturday. The Cruise to Munchy’s will leave at 9:30 a.m. Food and Drinks will be provided as well as large screen TVs with the ALABAMA vs. AUBURN game!!! For more call (205) 923-5040.
NATURE LOVERS STROLL! Call and plan to walk with the Southeastern Outings Easy Walk, Sunday, 2 p.m. at the Vulcan Trail, inside the Birmingham city limits. Enjoy an easy walk in the woodlands overlooking Birmingham on the Sunday after Thanksgiving. The trail is level, as it is on an old mining railroad right of way just below the crest of Red Mountain. This walk is an ideal activity for those Thanksgiving guests who have been in your house for several days and with whom you are looking for something to do to get them out of the house. Depart promptly at 2 p.m. from the very small parking lot on the west side of 20th Street South, right where 20th Street South crosses the crest of Red Mountain. This lot is immediately below the Vulcan Statue. If that lot is full, which it probably will be, please park in the lots beside and behind the office building on 20th Street South on the Homewood side of the crest of Red Mountain (left side of 20th Street South as you cross the mountain and head down towards Homewood) about one block from the crest of the mountain. You can then easily walk the short distance from that lot back to the meeting place in about 3 minutes. Please DO NOT drive into Vulcan Park where you would normally park to visit the statue and Vulcan Park. The walk is from the small parking lot on 20th Street South to Green Springs Highway and back. Total distance is about 4 miles. Rated easy. After the walk is completed, there will be an optional dinner at Jim ‘N Nick’s 11th Avenue Grill at Five Points South. Well-behaved, carefully supervised children, ages 7 and older, able to walk four miles are welcome. Share an adventure. Bring a friend or friends. Contact Dan Frederick, seoutings@bellsouth.net or (205) 631-4680 for more.
HALO RADIO – Put your Halo on! If you have not heard, Halo Radio is the new ‘on the scene’ way to get information. Go to www.HaloRadio.us from any device including android phones. For more call (205) 530-0314. Check It Out!
HERE ARE A FEW MORE THINGS GOING ON…
THIS WEEKEND….

**LIL DUVALL at the STARDOME COMEDY CLUB. For more, call (205) 444-0008.
HAPPY THANKSGIVING WEEKEND!!!
FRIDAY…
**FRIDAY AFTER WORK, 4:30 – 9:30 p.m. at 25 West Oxmoor Road, Suite 26 in Homewood. Call (205) 572-1295 for more.
**THE RED & BLACK BALL at the Jazz Underground.
**ALL NIGHT HAPPY HOUR, 5 p.m. at Jazz Underground.
**STEVE MCCULLOUGH, 10 p.m. at Ona’s Music Room.
**AFTER MIDNIGHT OLD SCHOOL AFTER PARTY, 11:59 p.m. at Jazz Underground.
SATURDAY….
Don’t Miss the…
**THE BEST IN RECORDED MUSIC, 10 p.m. at Ona’s Music Room.
**AFTER MIDNIGHT OLD SCHOOL AFTER PARTY, 11:59 p.m. at Jazz Underground.
SUNDAY….
**PHASE II BAND AND SHOW, 9 p.m. at Tide & Tiger Lounge 409 Graymont Avenue (across from Legion Field.) For more, call (205) 229-4829 or 502-3880.
**SALSA SUNDAYS, 8 p.m. at Jazz Underground.
MONDAY….
**NAPPY NIGHT – Music at Boujee Lounge, every Monday at 204 Avenue U in Pratt City, 8 p.m. with good jerk food, vendors and music. See you there on Mondays!
WEDNESDAY…
**MARTINI WEDNESDAY/BEST IN RECORDED MUSIC at Ona’s Music Room.
SAVE THE DATE…
DECEMBER 5 – TOYS FOR TOTS DONATIONS, 6 p.m. at the Red Zone Sports Bar and Grill. FREE Admission with a toy donation. Call (205) 983-7522 for more. See you there!
DECEMBER 5 – 22 – ‘TIS THE SEASON featuring a cast of Birmingham Favorites, along with the RMTC Youth Programs including well-known holiday hits in this cheerful celebration that is sure to spread humor and joy. Times: Wednesday – Saturday, 7:30 p.m. and Saturdays and Sunday 2 p.m. Call (205) 324-2424 for more.

FRIDAYS CONCERT SERIES with MOSE STOVALL 9 p.m. at the Crescendo. Call (205) 862-4723 for more.

DECEMBER 7 – A NIGHT WITH LITTIA – Enjoy an evening of original art, delicacies and more, 6 p.m. at J Simpkins Gallery. Call (205) 572-1295 for more.
DECEMBER 7 – TRIBUTE TO THE LEGENDARY NINA SIMONE, 6:30 and 8:30 p.m., at the Jazz Underground. Call for more.
DECEMBER 10 – FINANCIAL CLASS AT BIRMINGHAM PUBLIC LIBRARY, Noon, that will address ‘How to Pay for College.’ Call (205) 226-3690 for more.
DECEMBER 11 – MICHAEL FRANTI, at the Iron City, 8 p.m. with Special Guests.
DECEMBER 12 – SRMSDC ANNUAL HOLIDAY RECEPTION, 5 – 8 p.m. at the Discovery Alabama, 4500 Katie’s Way in Bessemer. Members can call the office for more details.

DECEMBER 15 – TAKE 6 – TAKE 6’s holiday show “The Most Wonderful Time of the Year” is Sunday, 7 p.m. at the UAB’s Alys Stephens Center. Call (205) 975-2787 for more. Take 6 is the most Grammy-nominated vocal group in history. Its unique sound features six refined voices united in crystal-clear devotional harmony, against syncopated rhythms, ornate arrangements and funky grooves that meld into a brew of gospel, jazz, R&B and pop flavor.
DECEMBER 19 – HOME FOR THE HOLIDAYS, 7:30 p.m., at Samford University.

DECEMBER 22 – MAD SKILLZ 10th ANNIVERSARY at WorkPlay. (Look for more, soon.)
DECEMBER 23 – GIFTS FOR CHILDREN – YANA’S CHRISTMAS PRAYER WITH REFUGE IN TROUBLE TIMES – Yana’s Christmas prayer was not for herself when her parents asked: “What Do You Want for Christmas?” Yana’s reply was to give her gifts to all the children who have lost their parents. This became Yana’s Christmas Prayer with RITT. This event is about giving children gifts that have lost parents to homicide. Please, help and give a gift for the children. Call (205) 240-9910 for more.
IN 2014 -FEBRUARY 14 – AN EVENING OF LOVE WITH KEM, 8 p.m., at the BJCC Concert Hall with Special Guests TONY TERRY AND CALVIN RICHARDSON.

MARCH 8 – UNCF MASKED BALL at the Sheraton Hotel, Grand Ballroom in downtown Birmingham presented by the Central Alabama Sickle Cell Foundation. Make your reservations now.
NOW…. a BIRTHDAY SHOUT OUT! HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO YOU …AND TO ALL CELEBRATING!! HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO ALL YOU BIRTHDAY BALLERS…MANY, MANY MORE HAPPY BIRTHDAYS!! ENJOY!!
Well, that’s it. Tell you more ‘next’ time.
(People, Places and Things by Gwen DeRu is a weekly column. Send comments to my emails: thelewisgroup@birminghamtimes

‘One Christmas’ Holiday Variety Special on TV One

Birmingham Times

November 26, 2013

photo credit: Jenni Girtman

SILVER SPRING, Md. —TV One has unveiled its lineup of holiday programming, which will include the premiere of two original specials, the network’s first-ever holiday variety show, One Christmas, on Saturday, November 30, 8p.m./ET, and Russ Parr’s latest feature film, family drama A Christmas Blessing, on Saturday, December 7, 8p.m./ET.
Additionally, TV One will air Christmas-themed episodes of the network’s original sitcoms Love That Girl and The Rickey Smiley Show.
“Our Christmas programming lineup is truly robust, catering to a full spectrum of holiday sentiments. Viewers can enjoy timely episodes of our fan-favorite sitcoms, while Russ Parr’s touching new film dissects the themes of love and loss, family and redemption,” said D’Angela Proctor, SVP of Programming and Production for TV One. “Balancing these scripted offerings is our One Christmas special featuring an incredible lineup of R&B and gospel artists performing holiday favorites – so there is truly something everyone can enjoy.”

Program descriptions and air dates are as follows:

• SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 30, 8p.m./ET:
One Christmas
Co-hosted by husband-and-wife duo, author and film executive DeVon Franklin and actress Meagan Good, this pre-taped, two hour music, dance, spoken word and comedy showcase was filmed at the historic Howard Theater in Washington D.C. Anchored by music performances from Anthony Hamilton, Ron and Ernie Isley, Syleena Johnson, Kem, Ledisi, Lil’ Mo, Chanté Moore, Marvin Sapp, Richard Smallwood, Angie Stone and 3WB (3 Winans Brothers) covering holiday classics, the variety special also features a special dance segment, personal Christmas anecdotes from the performers and additional celebrity guests, and a tribute to members of the U.S. Armed Forces. One Christmas is produced by Favor International and Moxy Media. Lamar Chase is producer for TV One and Tia Smith is executive in charge of production for TV One.

• FRIDAY, DECEMBER 6, 9p.m./ET:
Love That Girl – “Happy Hold Up Day”
The whole gang gets taken hostage on Christmas Eve by a down-and-out married couple running from the police after a bank robbery.

• SATURDAY, DECEMBER 7, 8p.m./ET:
A Christmas Blessing
This moving family drama chronicles the parallel hardships of Pamela Cleveland (Lisa Arrindell Anderson), a mother of four whose husband, Charles (David Banner), has been killed in action while serving in Afghanistan, and Earl James (Omari Hardwick), a fresh divorcee. While Pamela combats immeasurable grief and a flood of concerns as a new widow, Earl combats anxiety and struggles to maintain custody of and contact with his two sons. Pamela and Earl’s lives are forever transformed when their seemingly separate paths intersect and together, they learn the realities of dating and single-parenthood, the importance of family and the true meaning of Christmas. A Christmas Blessing is produced for TV One by Uptoparr Productions, Inc. and executive produced by Russ Parr. Lamar Chase is producer for TV One and Tia Smith is executive in charge of production for TV One. (An embeddable promo for A Christmas Blessing is available at http://vimeo.com/79735992).

• FRIDAY, DECEMBER 13, 9p.m./ET:
The Rickey Smiley Show – “Captive Christmas”
When Rickey and the family get trapped at the church by a freak snowstorm, they take a moment to reminisce on the holiday harmony generated by their strong family
connections.

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