BronzeLens Film Festival Women Superstars

By

Birmingham Times

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October 31, 2013

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Film and Television Industry’s most accomplished Women of Color headline
BronzeLens Signature Awards Event

ATLANTA, GA. – The 2013 BronzeLens Film Festival’s “Women Superstars Luncheon” will roll out the red carpet for industry insiders, celebrities and aspiring filmmakers on hand to honor some of the most accomplished women of color working in the film and television industry. A coveted signature event during the five-day festival, the luncheon will take place Friday November 8, noon – 2 p.m. at the Atlanta Marriott Marquis Hotel.
Hosted by former television news anchor, Monica Pearson, the 2013 BronzeLens superstars are: Anna Maria Horsford (“Friday”); actress and wife of Samuel L. Jackson, LaTanya Richardson Jackson ( “The Fighting Temptations”); actress, Mahira Kakkar (“Hank and Asha”); retired Coca Cola executive Ingrid Saunders Jones; producer, Issa Rae (“Awkward Black Girl”); producer and wife of Spike Lee, Tonya Lewis Lee (“The Watsons Go to Birmingham”); producer, Valerie Benning Barney (“All Star Comedy Jam,”
“Eddie Griffin: Freedom of Speech”); and costumers Mabel and Shilla Benning.
“We are excited about our powerful honorees this year. These women superstars demonstrate the diverse areas where women excel in the entertainment business,” said Kathleen Bertrand, executive producer of the BronzeLens Film Festival. “Whether behind the scenes or in front of the camera, these women continue to play an integral role with films that impact our lives.”
Designed to empower, entertain and educate attendees from various film industry disciplines, students and the general public, the BronzeLens Film Festival offers an array of expert panels, workshops, domestic and international film screenings and signature events.
In addition to a Monologue Slam featuring renown director John Singleton, festival highlights include an encore presentation of legendary casting director and producer Reuben Cannon’s, “The Producers Roundtable” a groundbreaking session that brings together high-level entertainment executives to share their strategies for producing successful film and television projects. Participating producers include Jeff Clanagan, David Talbert, Lyn Talbert and Paul Hall.

The BronzeLens Film Festival takes place November 6-10. For more information and festival registration www.bronzelensfilmfestival.com .

Classifieds

By

Birmingham Times

-

October 31, 2013

0

**EMPLOYMENT

*Account Executive for Stations WZZK/WBHK
POSITION DESCRIPTION
*INCUMBENT: STATUS: TBD

*ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

Create marketing plans specific to the needs of the client
Prospect and develop new direct business.
Collect payables in a timely fashion
Handle all duty related paperwork, including production orders, internet and web copy
Exceed all budgets
Other duties as may be assigned
Continue and maintain and grow relationships / business with current clients
Grow secondary accounts to key level
Develop and grow agency business through a solid understanding of technical terms and proper negotiation skills
Exceed web budgets through digital knowledge and strategies

*NON-ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS
Maintain reports, records and any other documents and any other documents that may be germane to the position.
Prepare special reports and maintain on-going status reports as directed
Attendance at station functions, as directed.

*EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE

Demonstrate efficiency in, but not limited to, software programs: Excel, Microsoft Word, Power point or similar programs.College degree, preferably in sales or marketing

*PHYSICAL/MENTAL REQUIREMENTS
Moderate mobility; near and far vision.
No physical limitations.

*REUIRED SKILLS AND ABILITIES

Above average oral and written communication skills.
Negotiation skills.
Organized with ability to prioritize and handle multiple tasks accurately.
Professional appearance and demeanor.
Friendly, customer-service and business like demeanor.
Good Analytical skills.
Ability to work in harmony with others as a member of a team.
Emotional and physical stamina.

*DESIRABLE ETHICAL/CHARACTER TRAITS

Ambition.
Maturity.
Emotional stability.
Self esteem.
Self-confidence.
Honesty and integrity in word and deed.
Zero tolerance for discrimination or harassment of self or co-workers.
Loyalty to employer.
Initiative.
Moral courage.
Determination to rise above occasional mistakes and failures.
Ability to accept responsibility for own actions.
Ability to analyze and draw lessons learned from failures.
Fair dealing with clients, co-workers and management.

It is the policy of SummitMedia, LLC to provide equal employment opportunity to all qualified individuals without regard to their race, color, religion, national origin, age or sex in all personnel actions including recruitment, evaluation, selection, promotion, compensation, training and termination.

Discrimination because of race, color, religion, national origin, age or sex is prohibited. If you believe you have been the victim of discrimination, you may notify the Federal Communications Commission, the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission, or other appropriate agency.
BT10/31/13
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*JOB POSTING
Position: Program Director
Resume Deadline: November 11, 2013

Department: Programming
Stations: Summit Media Birmingham

Positions Available: One

Summit Media Corp Birmingham’s WZZK is currently looking for a program director.

*Responsibilities:
Responsibilities include, scheduling all music based on the country appetite of the Alabama country music listener, regularly updating all imaging, training and scheduling on-air talent, working with sales and marketing to promote the WZZK brand, working with record labels to find the right songs for WZZK, keeping WZZK compliant with FCC guidelines, managing the WZZK digital audio delivery system and potentially a daily air shift. Must have a working knowledge of basic office computer programs and Adobe Audition.

*Qualifications:
A minimum of five years Programming experience required.

*Closing Statement:
This is not an entry level position. Candidate must have an ideal mix of personality and skills specific to the broadcast industry. Please send materials to:

*Summit Media Corp
*2700 Corporate Drive
*Suite 115
*Birmingham, AL 35242
*Attention: John Olsen
*Telephone: 205 322 8195

It is the policy of Summit Media Corp Birmingham 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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*JOB POSTING
Position: On-Air Talent
Resume Deadline: November 11, 2013

Department: Programming
Stations: Summit Media Birmingham

Positions Available: One

Summit Media Corp Birmingham’s WZZK is currently looking for a full-time afternoon drive on-air talent to join our already successful properties. We are seeking a passionate, positive and goal-oriented individual. The ideal candidate must be able to generate excellent content to distribute on-air and on-line. Candidate will be responsible for daily production and work closely with promotions and sales.

Responsibilities:
A 4-5 hour on-air show 6 days a week, daily production, both commercial and imaging, night and weekend promotional appearances as needed, and content delivered daily to online distribution points. Must have working knowledge of radio automation, Adobe Audition and basic business software/hardware (ie, Microsoft Word).

Qualifications:
A minimum of five years full time on-air radio experience required: strong production skills a must. Must have confidence and temperament to meet and interact daily with listeners and clients on the phone and at public events.

Closing Statement:
This is not an entry level position. Candidate must have an ideal mix of personality and skills specific to the broadcast industry. Please send materials to:

Summit Media Corp
2700 Corporate Drive
Suite 115
Birmingham, AL 35242
Attention: John Olsen
Telephone: 205 322 8195

It is the policy of Summit Media Corp Birmingham 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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**Earn Extra Money
Delivery the YP Real Yellow Pages
Birmingham, AL Area
FT/PT, Daily work, get paid in 72hrs
Must be 18 or older, have driver’s license and insured vehicle
(800) 422-1955
Call for more info Mon-Fri 8:00 AM – 4:30 PM
Or email us at deliveryphonebooksse@directiontrac.com
Mention “Birmingham” Help
BT10/31/13
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*Caregiver – If you are looking
For Professional Sitter with 16
years exp. in healthcare. Excellent
people skills, enjoy helping
other people. Duties and exp.
Include: Personal Hygienist,
light house keeping, etc. Will
consider a live-in. For info
Call 205-253-4320
BT10/31/13
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**DRIVERS
*Driver CDL A
M-F Deliveries, Excellent Benefits
1 Year Recent Exp. & Clean MVR
Call 309-834-2017 or Apply
*online at www.nuway.com
BT10/31/13
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*Drivers: Great Pay/ Benefits!
Paid Vacation! Rider Program. DryBulk,
Longhaul. CDL-A w/Haz; 6mos exp, 21yoa.
*855-777-WSTL
BT10/31/13
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**SPECIALTY

*SANDRA DESIGNER’S CLOSET
*DRESS FOR LESS!
Call (205) 788-7862
BT10/31/13
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**AUTOS SALE

2004 Ford Escape
Affordable S.U.V.
Call Sammy at 205-814-6454

2005 Ford Sport Trac
4 door Automatic
Call Ivory at 205-821-0491

2004 Honda CRV
Loaded Automatic
Call Sammy 205-814-6454

2005 Hyundai Tuscon
Gas saving S.U.V.
Automatic
Call Ivory at 205-821-0491

2006 Jeep Grand Cherokee
4 door S.U.V. Loaded
Call Sammy at 205-814-6454
BT10/31/13
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**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.
BT10/31/13
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**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.
BT10/31/13
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**LEGALS

*Copyright Notice

All rights reserved re common-law copyright of trade-name/trade-mark ERRICK JOVAN JOHNSON© – as well as any and all derivatives and variations in the spelling of said trade-name/trade-mark, not excluding “Errick Jovan Johnson,” – Common Law Copyright © 2002, by Errick Jovan Johnson©. Said common-law trade-name/trade-mark, i.e. ERRICK JOVAN JOHNSON©, may neither be used, nor reproduced, neither in whole nor in part, nor in any manner whatsoever, without the prior, express, written consent and acknowledgement of Errick Jovan Johnson© as signified by the red-ink signature of Errick Jovan Johnson, in accordance with the detailed agreement posted at http://errickjohnson.com/Guestbook.php under the guestbook blocks.
BT10/31/13
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*ADVERTISEMENT OF COMPLETION

In accordance with Chapter 1 Title 39, Code of Alabama, 1975, notice is herby given that Bennett Building, Inc., Contractor, has completed the contract for the Renovations to the Library at Inverness Elementary School at 5251 Valleydale Road, Birmingham, AL 35242 , for the State of Alabama and the Shelby County Board of Education, owners, and have made request for final settlement of said contract. All persons having any claim for labor, materials, or otherwise in connection with this project should immediately notify Lathan Associates Architects, PC located at 1550 Woods of Riverchase Dr #200 Hoover, AL 35244.
Bennett Building, Inc.
120 Shady Acres Road
Alabaster, AL 35007
BT10/31/13
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**ADVERTISEMENT FOR REQUEST FOR PROPOSALS

Birmingham-Shuttlesworth International Airport
Parking Deck Restoration – Rehabilitation Project
BAA Project #PD004.000.000
November 1, 2013

SEALED PROPOSALS will be received by the Birmingham Airport Authority at the *Offices of Khafra Engineering Consultants, 1601 5th Ave N, Birmingham, AL *35203, (205) 252-8353 until 1:00 P.M. CST Tuesday, November 26, 2013 and will be opened and read aloud at 2:00 P.M CST the same day at *The Southern *Museum of Flight located at 4343 73rd Street N, Birmingham, AL 35206.

The Proposals shall be submitted in a sealed envelope and/or container plainly marked on the outside with the name, address and license number of the bidder; the name of the project and the time and date due (1:00 p.m. CST, Tuesday, November 26, 2013). Proposals are to be addressed to the attention of Mr. Tom Wesley, Project Manager, Birmingham Airport Authority.

*Birmingham-Shuttlesworth International Airport
*Parking Deck Restoration / Rehabilitation Project
*Project No. PD004.000.000

The scope of the work generally includes the following: concrete floor slab repair, traffic-bearing membrane repair & re-coat, expansion joint replacement, cleaning of precast façade panels, replacement of façade sealants, installation of new emergency call stations, construction of new restrooms, installation of new floor drains & piping and many other miscellaneous repairs and improvements.

A Pre-Proposal conference will be held on Thursday, November 14, 2013 starting at 2:00 p.m. local time at *The Southern Museum of Flight located at 4343 73rd *Street N, Birmingham, AL 35206. All RFP Participants are strongly encouraged to attend this conference.

Beginning on Monday, November 4, 2013, RFP Packages containing specifications and other contract documents may be obtained through the Birmingham Airport Authority (BAA) Department of Project Management. RFP documents will be issued electronically via the BAA Department of Project Management & Development. All interested RFP Participants should contact the BAA Project Manager, Tom Wesley, at (205) 599-0786 or via email *(twesley@flybirmingham.com) to obtain the RFP package. Printing and all other reproductions are the responsibility of the RFP Participants.

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

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

Requests for information or clarifications regarding this RFP may be submitted, via email, to the BAA Project Manager, Tom Wesley *(twesley@flybirmingham.com) no later than Wednesday, November 20, 2013. Additionally, all interested Participants must notify BAA of their intent to submit a Proposal no later than Wednesday, November 20, 2013.
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*NOTICE TO CONTRACTORS
*ADVERTISEMENT FOR BIDS

Sealed Bids will be received by the *CITY OF PLEASANT GROVE, *ALABAMA at the City Hall, 501 Park Road Pleasant Grove, Al. 35127, until *10:00 A.M. o’clock, (LOCAL TIME), *November 21, *2013 for furnishing all materials, labor, tools, and equipment, and for doing the work of Demolition of Unsafe Structures and Debris Removal Project CDBG-DR13-04-M3-PCD, according to Plans, Specifications and Contract Documents on file in *CITY HALL of said *CITY OF PLEASANT GROVE, ALABAMA for demolition work hereinafter described. No bids will be received after the time set forth hereinabove; and the Proposals will be publicly opened and read.

The work of demolition of 14 unsafe structures and removal of storm debris on three lots located in the City limits of Pleasant Grove.

Plans, Specifications and Contract Documents are open to public inspection at the City Hall of *CITY OF PLEASANT *GROVE, ALABAMA or may be obtained from the office of the Engineers, Spencer Engineering, Inc. 3237 Lorna Road, Birmingham, Alabama, 35216, upon deposit of $ 50.00 per set. Said deposit is non-refundable.

The Owner reserves the right to reject any or all bids, to waive any informality in any bid, and to accept any bid considered advantageous to the Owner.

No bid will be withdrawn after the time for opening of bids has passed. The Owner reserves the right to hold the bids for a period of sixty (60) days after the date of receiving the bids.

A certified check bid bond in an amount of not less than five percent (5%) of the total bid must accompany each proposal not to exceed $10,000.00. The payee of such check, or the oblige of such bond, shall be the *CITY OF PLEASANT GROVE, *ALABAMA.

The successful bidder must furnish a Performance Bond for one hundred (100%) percent of the bid amount, and must secure his bond for a bonding company’s representative or agent in the State of Alabama.

The Contractor shall obtain and pay for all licenses and permits required by the State, County, or City authorities having jurisdiction over the various phases of the work.

The attention of all bidders is called to the provisions of State Lay Governing General Contractors, as set forth in Chapter 4 (Section 65 to 82, inclusive) of Title 46 of the Code of Alabama for 1940, as amended; and bidders shall be governed by said law insofar as it is applicable. The above mentioned provisions of the Code make it illegal for the Owner to consider a bid from anyone who is not properly licensed under such code provisions. The Owner, therefore will not consider any bid unless the bidder produces evidence that he is so licensed. Neither will the Owner enter into a Contract with a foreign corporation, which is not qualified under State Law to do business in the State of Alabama.
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*REQUEST FOR PROPOSALS

Sealed proposals will be received by Birmingham City Schools at the office of
Edward McMullen, Purchasing Department, 2015 Park Place North, Birmingham,
Alabama 35203 until 12:00 P.M CST, Friday, November 1, 2013 for: District Wide Security Systems Implementation for the Birmingham City Board of Education, at which time and place they will be publicly opened and read.

Bid documents may be obtained from Birmingham City Schools Purchasing Department at 2015 Park Place, North, Room 202 Birmingham, Alabama 35203.
A non-mandatory Pre-Proposal Conference will be held at Birmingham Board of Education, 2015 Park Place, North, Birmingham, Alabama, 35203, at 2:30 P.M. CST, Tuesday, October 29, 2013.

A Cashier’s check or bid bond payable to Birmingham City Schools in an
amount not less than five (5%) percent of the amount of the bid, but in no event more than $10,000.00, must accompany the bidder’s proposal. Performance and Payment Bonds and evidence of insurance required in the bid documents will be
required at the signing of the Contract.

Bids must be submitted on proposal forms furnished by the Birmingham City Schools Purchasing Department or copies thereof.

Birmingham City Schools reserves the right to reject any or all proposals and to waive technical errors if, in Birmingham City Schools judgment, the best interest of Birmingham City Schools will thereby be promoted.
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*ADVERTISEMENT FOR REQUEST FOR PROPOSALS
*Request for Proposal
*Birmingham-Shuttlesworth International Airport
*Parking Revenue Control System
*Replacement Project
*For the
*Birmingham Airport Authority

SEALED PROPOSALS will be received on behalf of the Birmingham Airport Authority at the BAA Jobsite Office (trailer) location 5900 Airport Highway, Birmingham, AL 35212 until 1:00 p.m. local time on Tuesday, November 12, 2013. For a map or directions to the jobsite office, please contact the BAA Project Manager, Tom Wesley, at (205) 599-0786 or via email ( twesley@flybirmingham.com ).

The Proposals shall be submitted in a sealed envelope and/or container plainly marked on the outside with the name, address and license number of the bidder; the name of the project (Parking Revenue Control System Replacement Project) and the time and date due (1:00 p.m. local time, Tuesday, November 12, 2013). Proposals are to be addressed to the attention of Mr. Tom Wesley, Project Manager, Birmingham Airport Authority. Bids will be opened and read aloud at 2:00 p.m., November 12, 2013 at the BAA Jobsite Office (trailer) location 5900 Airport Highway, Birmingham, AL 35212. Note that, due to limited space availability, only (1) representative from each bidder will be allowed at the bid results announcement.

*Birmingham-Shuttlesworth International Airport
*Parking Revenue Control System
*Replacement Project
*Project No. PD001.000.000

The scope of the work generally includes the following: full replacement of the existing parking revenue control system currently in operation at the Birmingham-Shuttlesworth International Airport in Birmingham, AL.

A Pre-Proposal conference will be held on Tuesday, October 29, 2013 starting at 2:00 p.m. local time at *The *Southern Museum of Flight located at 4343 73rd Street N, Birmingham, AL 35206.
Beginning on Tuesday, October 15, 2013 , RFP Packages containing specifications and other contract documents may be obtained through the Birmingham Airport Authority (BAA) Department of Project Management. RFP documents will only be issued electronically and only via the BAA. Printing and all other reproductions are the responsibility of the Bidder. Interested bidders should contact the BAA Project Manager, Tom Wesley, at (205) 599-0786 or via email ( twesley@flybirmingham.com ) to obtain the RFP package.

Each Proposal shall be accompanied by a Bid Bond, in an amount equal to five (5%) percent of the Proposal price and made payable to the Birmingham Airport Authority. Bid Bond should be submitted in accordance with the requirements established in the RFP documents. No cash, check, or money orders will be accepted. All bidders submitting Proposals in amounts exceeding $50,000.00 must be licensed under the provisions of Title 34, Chapter 8, Code of Alabama, 1975, as amended.

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

Requests for information or clarifications regarding this RFP must be submitted via email to the BAA Project Manager, Tom Wesley, via email ( twesley@flybirmingham.com) not later than (7) calendar days prior to the bid date. Additionally, all interested bidders must notify BAA of their intent to bid prior to the published pre-bid date.
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*ADVERTISEMENT for BIDDER PRE-QUALIFICATION
*And NOTICE of INTENT to RECEIVE BIDS
* from PREQUALIFIED BIDDERS

Pre-qualification submittals will be received by the *Owner’s Representative/Project *Manager, George Griswold on behalf of Office of the *Associate Vice President, *Facilities & Capital Projects, University of Alabama at Birmingham, and the University of Alabama Board of Trustees at *UAB Health System Planning, 2020 Building, 2020 *University Blvd., Birmingham, AL 35233 until 4:00 PM Central Time, November 8, *2013. The original and five (5) duplicates of submittals together with a .pdf-formatted electronic version are required for pre-qualification approval; however, facsimile transmission copies may be transmitted to the*Project Manager at (205) 975-7000 to expedite the review process with hard-copies of the submittals to be delivered within 24 hours.

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

*A. SCOPE OF WORK:

Work consists of replacing full and partial building fire alarm systems. Work includes new fire alarm system panels, devices, conduit, wiring, programming, and certification. Work also includes associated electrical work, repair of building finishes, and removal of old system components. Work will be performed within the operating hospital facility using high levels of infection control measures. The contractor should have experience with the implementation and maintenance of infection control measures and interim life safety measures in a hospital environment as well as experience in performing construction in an operating hospital.

*B. PRIME CONTRACTOR AND ELECTRICAL CONTRACTOR *BIDDER PRE-QUALIFICATIONS:

Contractor bidders interested in submitting a proposal must apply for pre-qualification and must be licensed under the Provision of Title 34, Chapter 8, and Code of Alabama, 1975. A copy of current Alabama Contractors license is to be included in pre-qualification submittal. Electrical Contractor/Subcontractor bidders interested in submitting a proposal must have a State of Alabama Fire Marshall’s Certified Fire Alarm Contractor Permit which is to be included in the pre-qualification submittal.

Only bidders who have completed the pre-qualification process and have been approved will be eligible to submit a bid for the Project. *Prospective Bidder’s *Pre-qualification Package must be received by the Owner’s Project Manager *no later than 4:00 PM Central Time, November 8, 2013, after which no *further requests will be considered.

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

The pre-qualification procedure is intended to identify responsible and competent prime contractor bidders relative to the requirements of the Project. Each prospective prime contractor bidder will be notified of the results of the pre-qualification, no later than *November 15, 2013 by 5:00 PM Central Time.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

*Bids:
Bids must be submitted on proposal forms or copies thereof furnished by the Engineer. No bid may be withdrawn after the scheduled closing time for receipt of bids for a period of ninety (90) days. The Owner reserves the right to reject bids if such action is determined to be in the best interest of the Owner. The Owner reserves the right to revoke pre-qualification of any bidder in accordance with Section 39-2-12, Code of Alabama, 1975, as amended in 1997 (by Act 97-225). *The Bid Date is December 19, 2013 at 2:00 PM Central Time at the *University of Alabama at Birmingham, UAB System Planning, 2020 *Building, 2020 University Blvd., Birmingham, Alabama 35233.

*Proposals may be hand delivered or received by mail on the date of the bid *opening at the Office of George Griswold, Project Manager, 2020 Building, *2020 University Blvd., Birmingham, Alabama 35233, until 12:00 noon. *After 12:00 noon of the date of the bid opening, proposals must be hand *delivered and presented at the bid opening. Sealed proposals shall be *submitted in triplicate and shall be properly identified. All proposals *received after 2:00 p.m. on December 19, 2013 will be returned unopened.

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

*D. PRE-BID CONFERENCE
*A mandatory Pre-Bid Conference will be held on December 2, 2013 at 2:00 *p.m. at the site of the work. Meet at the West Pavilion ground floor atrium *elevator lobby. It is mandatory that all pre-qualified prime contractor bidders attend the Pre-Bid Conference.
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*ADVERTISEMENT for BIDDER PRE-QUALIFICATION
*And NOTICE of INTENT to RECEIVE BIDS
*from PREQUALIFIED BIDDERS

Pre-qualification submittals will be received by the *Owner’s Representative/Project *Manager, George Griswold on behalf of Office of the *Associate Vice President, *Facilities & Capital Projects, University of Alabama at Birmingham, and the University of Alabama Board of Trustees at *UAB System Planning, 2020 Building, 2020 University *Blvd., Birmingham, AL 35233 until 4:00 PM Central Time, November 8, 2013. The *original and five (5) duplicates of submittals together with a .pdf-formatted electronic version are required for pre-qualification approval; however, facsimile transmission copies may be transmitted to the Project Manager at (205) 975-7000 to expedite the review process with hard-copies of the submittals to be delivered within 24 hour.

*UAB FIRE ALARM REPLACEMENT WEST PAVILION AND SPAIN *REHABILITATION ADDITION
*For The
*University of Alabama at Birmingham
*Birmingham, Alabama
*UAB Project No.: H135002A

*A. SCOPE OF WORK:

Work consists of replacing full and partial full building fire alarm systems. Work includes new fire alarm system panels, devices, conduit, wiring, programming, and certification. Work also includes associated electrical work, repair of building finishes, and removal of old system components. Work will be performed within the operating hospital facility using high levels of infection control measures. The contractor should have experience with the implementation and maintenance of infection control measures and interim life safety measures in a hospital environment as well as experience in performing construction in an operating hospital.

*B. PRIME CONTRACTOR AND ELECTRICAL CONTRACTOR *BIDDER PRE-QUALIFICATIONS:

Contractor bidders interested in submitting a proposal must apply for pre-qualification and must be licensed under the Provision of Title 34, Chapter 8, and Code of Alabama, 1975. A copy of current Alabama Contractors license is to be included in pre-qualification submittal. Electrical Contractor/Subcontractor bidders interested in submitting a proposal must have a State of Alabama Fire Marshall’s Certified Fire Alarm Contractor Permit which is to be included in the pre-qualification submittal.

Only bidders who have completed the pre-qualification process and have been approved will be eligible to submit a bid for the Project. *Prospective Bidder’s *Pre-qualification Package must be received by the Owner’s Project Manager *no later than 4:00 PM Central Time, November 8, 2013, after which no *further requests will be considered.

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

The pre-qualification procedure is intended to identify responsible and competent prime contractor bidders relative to the requirements of the Project. Each prospective prime contractor bidder will be notified of the results of the pre-qualification, no later than *November 15, 2013 by 5:00 PM Central Time.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Bids:
Bids must be submitted on proposal forms or copies thereof furnished by the Engineer. No bid may be withdrawn after the scheduled closing time for receipt of bids for a period of ninety (90) days. The Owner reserves the right to reject bids if such action is determined to be in the best interest of the Owner. The Owner reserves the right to revoke pre-qualification of any bidder in accordance with Section 39-2-12, Code of Alabama, 1975, as amended in 1997 (by Act 97-225). *The Bid Date is December 17, 2013 at 2:00 PM Central Time at the *University of Alabama at Birmingham, UAB System Planning, 2020 *Building, 2020 University Blvd., Birmingham, Alabama 35233.

*Proposals may be hand delivered or received by mail on the date of the bid *opening at the Office of George Griswold, Project Manager, 2020 Building, *2020 University Blvd., Birmingham, Alabama 35233, until 12:00 noon. *After 12:00 noon of the date of the bid opening, proposals must be hand *delivered and presented at the bid opening. Sealed proposals shall be *submitted in triplicate and shall be properly identified. All proposals *received after 2:00 p.m. on December 17, 2013 will be returned unopened.

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

*D. PRE-BID CONFERENCE
*A mandatory Pre-Bid Conference will be held on December 2, 2013 at 2:00 *p.m. at the site of the work. Meet at the West Pavilion ground floor atrium *elevator lobby. It is mandatory that all pre-qualified prime contractor bidders attend the Pre-Bid Conference.
BT10/31/13
_______________________________

MUSICAL NOTES

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Birmingham Times

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October 31, 2013

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By Esther Callens

Saxophonist and composer Chad Lefkowitz-Brown’s debut recording is now in retail. Imagery Manifesto is the title of this 10 track collection. Featuring all original compositions, Imagery Manifesto confirms that Chad Lefkowitz-Brown is destined to be among jazz’s great artists.
The album opens with “A Turbulent Drift.” This is an amazing track as it begins with somber notes that quickly transforms to a peppered crescendo only to revert and start the process over. “Manic Panic” is a mid tempo number where Lefkowitz-Brown reveals his rapid sax improv skills on to close out. “Tooth And Fang Intro” is a little over a minute of pure bass which leads into the actual tune that is under seven minutes. The trumpet and guitar solos add the crowning touch to this masterpiece.
Lefkowitz-Brown takes it down several notches on “Eastern Flower.” It encompasses a lovely, relaxed paced that the sax and piano gives life to. “Time And Space” starts as a ballad then goes into an upbeat rhythm with multiple solos (sax, trumpet, drums) that follow. “The End”, the CD finale, has a soulful melody with a lot of depth. Lefkowitz-Brown really poured a lot into this one.
Some musicians are self-made while others have an innate ability. With Lefkowitz-Brown, the unthinkable has happened – he has both! His father was a music teacher with an ardent love of jazz. With an incredible start such as this, Lefkowitz-Brown won the DownBeat Magazine Student Music Award at the age of 11. Since, he has played with numerous musicians including Dave
Brubeck, Christian McBride and Josh Groban. Likewise, the Grammy Awards, Carnegie Hall, the Monterey Jazz Festival and the Staples Center are among the many venues he has performed at. He is a talent worth watching.
Album artists: Chad Lefkowitz-Brown (tenor saxophone), Adam O’Farrill (trumpet), Travis Reuter (guitar), Sam Harris (piano), Linda Oh (bass), and Kenneth Salters (drums). Track listings: A turbulent Drift; Still Here; Manic Panic; Where The Wild Things are; Tooth and Fang Intro; Tooth And Fang; Eastern Flower; With Bated Breath; Time And Space; The End.

One Man's Opinion

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Birmingham Times

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October 31, 2013

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ABC 33/40 got it wrong
by Jesse J. Lewis, Sr.

Last Thursday on the 5 o’clock news, ABC 33/40’s opening statement was:

A former employee with the Birmingham Housing Authority filed a complaint today (10/24/13) against the Agency. The former employee filed a document with the Jefferson County District Attorney’s office. He claims a supervisor with the Authority falsified Section 8 documents. He says he worked as an inspector with the agency until he was terminated last year. He alleges a supervisor cleared houses and apartments for use even though they failed inspection. We received response from the executive office for the Housing Authority. It says, quote, the allegations are completely inaccurate.

On last Wednesday, ABC 33/40 sent a request to the Housing Authority to respond to the allegation. It’s the policy of the Housing Authority to not make statements refuting the claim or never to comment on an employee’s dismissal. The reason for this is just plain old common sense: (1) There might be litigation; (2) They do not wish to destroy the credibility of an employee or former employee.
What’s wrong with the statement is the person in question stated that they ‘were going to file a complaint with the District Attorney’s office.’ The former employee attempted to file with the D.A. and was advised that before the D.A. could take a complaint they must have filed a complaint with the City.
The following day 33/40 reported that they erred when they stated that the person had actually filed with the D.A. 33/40 showed the person in question on TV coming out of the police headquarters stating he had filed a complaint.33/40 reported:

We reported yesterday that the former employee filed a complaint with the Jefferson County District Attorney’s office. That was incorrect. Although the former employee went to the D.A.’s office – he was apparently told he had to file police report before any steps could be taken. That’s what Coke did today.
The executive office of the Housing Authority says the agency sticks by its original statement that the allegations are completely inaccurate.
Jesse Lewis, who handles public relations for the agency, also tells ABC 33/40 the former employee filed a similar complaint with the Department of Housing and Urban Development. But it found no truth in the allegations.

In another ABC 33/40 update on the story:

A former employee with the Birmingham Housing Authority has now filed an incident report against the Agency. This morning the former employee filed the report with the Birmingham Police Department.

The problem with this is they never produced the document filed. I have called the police department on three different occasions requesting the documentation and they have said no claim has been filed against the Housing Authority. Something is wrong. Incidentally, this same person had presented his case to Six On Your Side and they refused to run it because it was a two-year-old case and there was no evidence of filing.
If 33/40 reported that the person in question had filed a document with the police department and there’s no copy produced, this is terrible news reporting. In the event they reported that he had filed a document knowing he had not filed is even worse.
I want to make this perfectly clear, I have not seen such a document from 33/40 and the Birmingham Police Department says no document has been filed.
Speaking of the media, the problem in this story is Brandel Chamblee made his announcement on the Golf Channel that Tiger Woods should receive an “F” as a cheater even though he won five tournaments, stating that any victories should be considered invalid because Woods was caught for rules violations, each of which he was penalized for.
Woods’ agent, Mark Steinberg, voiced his frustration earlier in the week:
“There’s nothing you can call a golfer worse than a cheater. This is the most deplorable thing I have seen. I’m not one for hyperbole, but this is absolutely disgusting. Calling him a cheater? I’ll be shocked, stunned if something is not done about this, something has to be done. There are certainly things that just don’t go without response. It’s atrocious. I’m not sure if there isn’t legal action to be taken. I have to give some thought to legal action.”
Chamblee tried to remove the taste of his foot from his mouth by making a public apology on Twitter:

Golf is a gentleman’s game and Im not proud of this debate. I want to apologize to Tiger for this incited discourse. And on –– I wish to ask to apologize.

The problem is if he made the announcement on The Golf Channel he should apologize on the Golf Channel, but he tweeted his apology. Some people question Chamblee’s sincerity, his dislike for Tiger is very obvious for he consistently criticizes Tiger at every opportunity. I don’t know he has done enough to be fired, but I do think that the spokesperson for the Golf Channel should say that words from Chamblee are not the opinion of the Golf Channel but his personnel comment.
If he wanted to make a public apology, Chamblee should have done so the same way that he made the initial comments – in an article of actual statement. While Twitter has clearly become a means for writers and athletes alike to have their voices heard, it is not the correct stage to apologize to the best professional golfer on the PGA Tour this season. Not only were the comments offensive, but a Twitter apology seems like yet another slap in the face to Woods.

e-mail: jjlewis@birminghamtimes.com

Les Jeunes Dames Celebrate 80 Years of Service and Friendship

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Birmingham Times

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October 31, 2013

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Les Junes Dames — Seated (l to r): Yvonne Willie, June Davis, Laura Sterling, Josephine Kirby and Constance Jones. Standing (l to r): Carole Rose, Corrine Coleman, Lynn Flowers-Martin, Betty Brown, Hazel Harris, Hedy Edwards, Helen Lewis, Sophia Miller, Susan Ford and Odessa Woolfolk. Not pictured are Beverly Baker, Jothany James, Carol Mitchell, Cathy Bradford and Barbara Shores.

Seated (l to r): Yvonne Willie, June Davis, Laura Sterling, Josephine Kirby and Constance Jones. Standing (l to r): Carole Rose, Corrine Coleman, Lynn Flowers-Martin, Betty Brown, Hazel Harris, Hedy Edwards, Helen Lewis, Sophia Miller, Susan Ford and Odessa Woolfolk. Not pictured are Beverly Baker, Jothany James, Carol Mitchell, Cathy Bradford and Barbara Shores.

On Saturday, October 12, 2013, the Les Jeunes Dames celebrated 80 years of service and friendship. The celebration took place at The Club on a beautiful fall afternoon overlooking the City of Birmingham. Members, spouses, family, and friends shared in the commemorative event.
Opening the program Odessa Woolfolk spoke of how friendships have sustained the organization for 80 years. During the invocation Sophia Miller paid homage to the memory of those “who are no longer physically with us since our 70th year anniversary: Yvonne Hughes, Wilma Harris, Susie Evans-Brown, Willie Mae Jones, Norma Walton, and Fannie Matherson,” said Miller.
An overview of the organization’s history delivered by June Davis (President) elicited a sense of pride from members. Betty Brown (Vice President) presented a Golden Member award to those who had served in the organization for 50 years or longer. The recipients were June Davis and Laura Sterling. Throughout the program musician Vincent Perry tickled the ivories playing inspirational selections.

Saying Yes To Saving A Life

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Birmingham Times

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October 31, 2013

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(NAPSI)—Here’s good news about health and heroism in America today: More than 10.5 million people have made the commitment to donate marrow to a patient-a stranger-by joining the world’s largest volunteer marrow donor registry, the Be The Match Registry.
The Challenge
Unfortunately, nearly half of those identified as a potential match for a patient don’t go on to donate.
The reasons are many. The potential donor’s health status may have changed, their contact information may be outdated or they may have decided they no longer want to donate.
A study published in the medical journal Blood found that among those who no longer want to donate, the most common reason is feeling anxious or worried about donation.
Ultimately, Be The Match is able to find matching, available donors for 66 percent to 93 percent of patients, depending on race or ethnicity. But unavailable donors can cause critical delays for patients waiting for a transplant, and for some patients it means that no match can be found.
What’s Being Done
To help, Be The Match takes several important steps to improve donor availability, including educating people throughout the recruitment and donation process-dispelling myths about donation, answering questions and helping potential donors understand the life-saving impact they can have.
Current registry members are also regularly contacted to renew their commitment to save a life. But more committed, potential donors need to join the registry and donate if called. Growing a larger and more diverse registry is one of the single most important ways to help more patients find a matched-and available-donor.
How To Join The Heroes
If you are thinking of joining the Be The Match Registry, there are a few things to keep in mind:
• Get the facts—Be sure you understand what to expect when you join the registry so you feel comfortable with your decision.
• Keep loved ones in the loop—When you join the registry, tell friends and family to ensure that they understand and support your decision.
• Stay in touch—Update contact information regularly so you can be located quickly if you are identified as a match. Simply visit www.BeTheMatch.org or call (800) MARROW-2.
• Update your health status—Inform the registry of health changes that could make you ineligible to donate, even temporarily.
• Step up and save a life—If called to donate and potentially save a life, say yes.
Learn More
To find out how you can help, visit www.BeTheMatch.org or call (800) MARROW-2.

CALL FOR 2014 WOMEN OF DISTINCTION NOMINEES

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Birmingham Times

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October 31, 2013

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BIRMINGHAM, Ala. – The Girl Scouts of North-Central Alabama (GSNCA) is now accepting nominations for each of the Women of Distinction Awards Programs. Nominations may be submitted by any individual, employer, civic organization or agency in each of the four areas in Alabama (Central, East, North and West).
Awardees will be selected in December by a group of community leaders from across the council. The awards are open to women who have made special contributions to their communities through civic, academic or professional efforts.
The 2014 Central Women of Distinction Awards are open to all women in Walker, Blount, Jefferson, Shelby, Chilton and St. Clair counties. Women chosen for this award will be recognized at the annual Women of Distinction Luncheon in at the Harbert Center in Birmingham on Friday, March 7, 2014. GSNCA will also present the Mildred Bell Johnson Lifetime Achievement Award, which honors the memory of a beloved community leader whose contributions had far-reaching impact in her respective community. Nomination forms are available at girlscoutsnca.org/wodcentral.
The deadline for all nominations is November 22, 2013. The Women of Distinction Awards Program is the premier fundraising event for GSNCA. All proceeds from these events directly support the Girl Scouts’ mission to build girls of courage, confidence and character, who make the world a better place.

For more information please contact Kelly Connelly at 205-453-9513 or kconnelly@girlscoutsnca.org.

SPEAKING OF SOAPS

By

Birmingham Times

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October 31, 2013

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BY MEREDITH COOPER

THE BOLD AND THE BEAUTIFUL
Liam goes to Hope to tell her that his marriage to Steffy is officially over and that Quinn was the one who sent the video. Rick and Caroline break the good news of their engagement to Eric and Brooke. Knowing that Liam knows the truth about the video, Quinn and Wyatt prepare themselves to do some damage control with Hope. Feeling betrayed by Wyatt, Hope confronts him and Quinn about their manipulation. Tensions rise between Bill and Katie when she refuses to allow him to see Will before the Aspen trip with Brooke. Wyatt comes clean to Hope about his knowledge of the video but doesn’t apologize for her learning the truth about Liam’s actions. Quinn confronts Liam about running to Hope about Wyatt’s involvement with the video getting into her hands. Hope sets Liam and Wyatt straight about their places in her life. En route to Aspen, Brooke becomes concerned about Bill’s new defiant attitude towards Katie. Hope is a voice of reason to Katie in regards to the possibility of repairing the broken Logan family in the near future. The Hope for the Future Diamond makes its debut in front of a full crowd at the Forrester Creations boutique. Pam sparks the interest of the security guard, Charlie, who’s been hired to protect the small wonder. Still stewing about Katie’s recent actions towards him, Bill has a difficult time enjoying himself on the Aspen trip with Brooke. Katie is accompanied by Hope to a doctor’s appointment when she is given news about the current state of her health. Proud of Quinn’s plan with the diamond, Wyatt is determined that it will garner Hope and Forrester Creations the attention that they deserve. Liam goes to Katie about what she has been putting Bill through and points out that Spencer Publications and her family are paying the price. Katie’s attitude towards Bill begins to soften after thinking about Will’s future without his father.
THIS WEEK: Wyatt and Hope prepare for a private event at the boutique featuring the Hope for the Future Diamond. Bill and Brooke embark on a life-changing adventure on the cliffs of Aspen.

DAYS OF OUR LIVES
Jennifer is devastated when she believes Daniel slept with Theresa – not knowing he’s protecting her son. JJ makes a surprising decision. Gabi continues to bond with Cameron – much to Nick’s dismay. Jordan realizes Kate is not giving up on digging into her past. A desperate Nicole attempts to clear her name with Eric. EJ blackmails Lucas! Sami is touched by Brady’s special request. Cameron and Chad fight over the Abigail situation. Meanwhile, Abigail is determined take back control of her life. Brady is baffled when Eric unleashes his fury at his step-brother for keeping Nicole’s secret. Sami confronts EJ about blackmailing Lucas – and has a surprising reaction. As Chad prepares to leave for Boston, Abigail breaks up with him. Will departs for Berkeley – but not before he asks Cameron to keep an eye on Gabi. Kristen is stunned when she realizes exactly why Eric is angry with Nicole. Marlena makes a shocking discovery in Daniel’s office! Maggie confronts Victor about his secret meetings with Marlena. Daniel continues to cover for JJ but suffers the consequences. Later, someone overhears Daniela and JJ and learns the truth! Kristen interrupts Marlena just as she gets her hands on the coveted flash drive. Nicole reveals to Daniel her love for Eric – and relays the shocking allegations he’s made against her. Jennifer is taken aback when she finds JJ in an unexpected place.
THIS WEEK: Victor weakly defends his actions. Eric continues to make Nicole’s life miserable.

GENERAL HOSPITAL
Patrick is left uneasy after his conversation with Nikolas. He is poised to walk into the exam room where Robin is. Robin has an emotional outpouring about how much she misses her family. Duke finds Faison behind the wall and can’t understand why Anna isn’t doing more to get him to the police station. Britt and Elizabeth tangle over Nikolas, and Britt suggests what happens between her and Nikolas is none of her business. Tracy and Luke return home. Luke reveals he meant it when he said he wanted to explore a relationship together. Sonny is preparing to make a move against Derek when he’s paid a visit by D.A. Lazaro while someone is listening in. Derek tasks Morgan with a mission. Franco misinterprets the nature of Derek and Morgan’s meeting. Sonny makes his plans to take care of Derek as someone listens in. Carly finds Diane and Franco together and believes she’s seeing further evidence of a secret sexual relationship between the two. Carly informs Franco that she’ll be at the opening. Sam pays Ava a visit while Silas meets with Kiki and suggests that Ava is up to her neck in illegal dealings. Scott and Lucy’s plan to do their civic duty is disrupted by a surprise appearance from Heather. D.A. Lazaro believes that he has discovered something to use against Scott. At Ava’s gallery, Diane crosses her fingers that the real artist behind Franco’s new series never learns that he appropriated them to his ends – just as the real artist slinks in. Ava doesn’t think Derek should show himself at the gallery party. Michael protects Kiki. Olivia witness Morgan hand Scott something. Scott puts his acquisition to good use. Will a moment of celebration lead to a kiss for one couple? Franco tells Carly he witnessed Derek and Morgan in a compromising position. Heather arrives early to the art show and is shocked at what she sees. Sam and Silas agree to go on a date to Franco’s art show. Sam detests Franco but is curious about what she perceives to be his decision to donate the profits to leukemia research.
THIS WEEK: Sonny’s declaration leads to another surprising announcement. Custody fight for baby Connie begins and the gloves are off from the very beginning.

THE YOUNG AND THE RESTLESS
Adam ponders his next move and is haunted by the memories of the accident. He bumps into Sharon and Faith who are passing through Chancellor Park. When Sharon can tell something is troubling Adam, he tells her about the transplant that Connor received from Delia. Jack rallies the Abbott family together in order to reach out to Billy. Billy arrives to find Jack, Traci, Kyle, Abby and Summer waiting for him. When his family’s support is too much for him to handle, Billy goes to leave just as Ashley arrives at the house to surprise everyone. When Billy tells Ashley that he needs to leave, Ashley reminds him that they all need each other. Fen is forced to tell Christine that he was high on drugs when Carmine was murdered and that he doesn’t remember the rest of the evening. Nick agrees to go riding with Sharon and Faith. While Faith is upstairs getting changed, Nick asks Sharon how she is doing and if she’s back on her medication. Sharon tells Nick that she has a new prescription and is feeling much better now that she is taking her pills. Avery blasts Nikki for dragging her into her secret about being Dylan’s mother. As their discussion gets heated and Nikki tries to explain her side of the story, Victor interrupts and asks why Nikki is updating her will. Nikki maintains that Avery was just helping her to make some updates. When Victor leaves, Avery tells Nikki that she would rather get disbarred than hide this secret from Dylan. Paul and Christine continue to search for evidence in Carmine’s murder. They discuss if it’s possible that Michael is covering for Lauren. Later, Fen takes matters into his own hands! Victor confides in Nick that he is worried about Nikki. Later, Victor meets with his P.I. and tells him to find the person that hit Delia. Meanwhile, Paul tells Christine that they have a shard of plastic from a headlight that Alex thinks may have come off the car that hit Delia. Paul realizes that there is a serial number on the piece of plastic from the headlight.
THIS WEEK: Billy opens up to Ashley. Paul urges Michael to tell the truth.

Fiscal Problems Will Continue

By

Birmingham Times

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October 31, 2013

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The recent fiscal fiasco brings to mind Winston Churchill’s famous quip that “democracy is the worst form of government, except for all those other forms that have been tried from time to time.” The imbroglio that took place in Washington during the first 16 days of October, a common occurrence in recent years, represents the worst elements of democracy.
And unless drastic changes take place, we can expect to see more insanity in the future. While the legislation signed by President Obama funds the government until January 15 and increases the debt ceiling until February 7, it leaves the nation’s debt crisis unaddressed. In the words of some, this creates a permanent state of government dysfunction.
The good news is we avoided hitting the debt ceiling and risking a possible default on the nation’s debt for the first time in history. The bad news, however, is that the deal did not provide any clarity.
The legislation signed by President Obama leaves unfinished any long-term agreement over the nation’s fiscal future. The national debt has $17 trillion, and the amount is increasing every day. This currently represents $53,642 per person that must ultimately be repaid.
About 6.5 percent of the federal budget represents interest on the debt. As the economy finally recovers and expands, interest rates will rise. And interest on the debt will increase.
What we witnessed in October is a horror movie that will play again – at least until after the 2014 elections – if lawmakers continue to practice “government by crisis.” In such an environment, consumers will curtail spending, and businesses will curb investment. This will create a dark cloud over an already-sluggish economy.
From this vantage point, the drama that occurred is a national disgrace. It made this nation the focus of international concern as central banks around the world prepared for a possible default by the U.S. government.
As the politicians continue to squabble over every issue, this represents a lack of statesmanship. They act as if they have never heard of civility and compromise.
Surely there are still men and women who are willing to place the welfare of the nation above their own interests. Now is the time for them to step up to the plate.

Wayne Curtis, Ph.D., is a former superintendent of Alabama banks and Troy University business school dean. He is retired from the board of directors of First United Security Bank. Email him at wccurtis39@gmail.com.

How We Can Create Jobs Again

By

Birmingham Times

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October 31, 2013

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Without a doubt, the biggest issue our state is facing is creating jobs and getting our economy back on track.
Recent reports show that our statewide unemployment rate is at 6.3 percent, which represents more than 134,000 Alabamians who can’t find a job.
We have seen thousands of jobs leave the state, while the jobs that we have been creating do not pay a livable wage or come with benefits.
Alabama’s textile industry – one of the largest segments of our economy – has been decimated, while plants, mills and factories across the state have been closing shop.
Recently, International Paper announced they are closing their mill in Lawrence County – one of three mills owned by International Paper in Alabama. This closure will cost the state 1,100 jobs.
Our construction industry is hemorrhaging jobs at a faster rate than nearly every other state in the country. In 2011, we lost 2,700 construction jobs in one month alone!
Under Gov. Bob Riley’s leadership, Alabama granted over a billion dollars in tax incentives to ThyssenKrupp to bring a steel plant to Mobile. After less than two years in operation, ThyssenKrupp closed the plant and is now trying to sell it to the highest bidder.
Over the past three years, our state has lost nearly 6,500 education jobs, including 2,000 teachers, and lost 3,000 state employee jobs. State leaders have celebrated these job loses, which they call “rightsizing.” But these state leaders don’t seem to understand that these educators and state employees are customers and taxpayers that our economy relies on.
The loss of these jobs has had a devastating impact on our economy. What makes it worse is that what few jobs we are creating are not the kind of jobs that pay a livable wage or come with benefits like health insurance or a retirement plan.
For example, Medicaid enrollment in Alabama has gone up 20 percent over the past five years, which means that the jobs we are creating do not come with benefits like health insurance.
Another indicator is the rise in the number of Alabamians receiving food stamps. Over the past five years, food stamp enrollment has increased 61 percent, which means that the jobs we are creating don’t pay enough to feed a family of four.
At the same time, state leaders have cut funding for education by more than 20 percent over the past five years.
Alabama’s economy is struggling because we have relied on low-skill, low-wage jobs as the backbone of our economy. Now these jobs are being shipped overseas or are being phased out of existence.
The jobs that are being created in this country now require a higher degree of education and training. That is why so many businesses look at Alabama and then move on.
With one of the largest high school dropout rates in the country, and with fewer than 24 percent of Alabamians holding a college degree, it is becoming increasingly difficult to recruit business and industry to Alabama. These businesses need a workforce that is able to do the high-skilled jobs they offer, and that requires education.
If we are going to get our economy back on track, we have to do three things.
First, we need to use targeted tax incentives that come with job commitments and allow us to get our money back if the business does not bring the jobs it promises or does not keep them here for a minimum of 10 years.
We need to go back to the way we recruited businesses like Mercedes and Hyundai, instead of the way we recruited ThyssenKrupp.
Second, we need to invest in our infrastructure. This creates jobs today and helps recruit and expand business for the long-term. By improving our roads, bridges, sewers and water systems, and electrical systems, we can create jobs immediately. But doing this will also update our infrastructure to accommodate newer technologies and make doing business more efficient and affordable, and that makes Alabama more attractive to potential employers we are trying to recruit.
Third, and most important of all, we need to return to investing in our public education and vocational schools. This is a business-friendly state, and nobody works harder or has a better work ethic than the people of Alabama. But without the right tools, they cannot get or perform the jobs that are being created.
If we are going to create more jobs, we have to give our workers and our children the tools to succeed. And there is no tool more important than a good head on their shoulders.