Dr. Jesse Lewis, Sr: “Abundance of Trailblazers in Birmingham”

BIRMINGHAM, Ala. – Dr. Jesse Lewis, Sr. announced today that the Birmingham Times will spotlight 40 community leaders and innovators in a 2014 weekly series known as “Trailblazer of the Times.”
“When the Birmingham Times started 1963, we were the first and only African-American owned newspaper in the Southeast,” said Dr. Jesse Lewis, Sr., founder of the Birmingham Times newspaper. “Fifty years later, Birmingham still has an abundance of trailblazers doing amazing work throughout this community. We have to uplift these leaders and innovators, and what better organization to do that than the Birmingham Times. ”
The weekly column will highlight four leaders in each of the following categories:

•    Business
•    Education
•    Government & Elected Officials
•    Young Professionals
•    Nonprofit & Community Advocates
•    Media, Writers, & Journalists
•    Medicine
•    College Students
•    Arts & Technology
•    Legal

The 40-week series will culminate with the 2014 Birmingham Trailblazer Awards, where one winner from each category will be named. The awards ceremony will be held in December 2014.
Nominations for the Trailblazer Awards will be open from October 21, 2013 through February 3, 2014. If you would like to nominate yourself or a colleague, please send an email to bhamtrailblazer2014@gmail.com or leave a message on the Trailblazer Hotline at (205) 440-3185.
“We are excited about this new venture, and the nomination process is only the first step,” said Lewis. “We plan to utilize social media platforms and other technologies to make sure the community is fully engaged in this process from start to finish.”

The Birmingham Police Department would like your help in locating:
Derrick Smith, age 33, of Birmingham, Alabama.

Smith is described as: B/M, 6’2” Tall, 195 lbs., Black Hair and Brown Eyes.  It’s unknown what type or color clothing he was wearing.

Smith was last seen on Monday, September 23, 2013 at approximately 5:30 p.m.

If there is anyone who has information pertaining to the whereabouts of Derrick Smith, they are encouraged to contact the B.P.D. Special Victims Unit @ 297-8413 or Crime Stoppers at 254-7777.

Company hosts job-shadowing program for students

BIRMINGHAM, Ala. – The Birmingham Water Works Board (BWWB) began a new initiative in partnering with the Birmingham City School System’s Career Academies for a two-day job-shadowing program, where on October 8th and 9th students enrolled in the program met their BWWB mentors on the Main Campus at 8:30 a.m. Students were given light refreshments and then dispersed to various BWWB sites where they experienced career fields similar to those available in the Career Academies’ program.
“I plan to learn how healthcare interacts with water,” said Takeia Smith, Jackson Olin High School student in the Health Sciences Academy. “I want to learn about healthcare professions that can be pursued in the Birmingham Water Works.”
Smith, along with fellow student Candace Williams shadowed BWWB Superintendent of Water Resources Greg Henslee where they learned about operations at the Shades Mountain Filter Plant, Cahaba Pump Station, Lake Dam-Valve House functions, and more. Some of the areas offered to students in the Career Academies include Engineering, Business and Finance, Health Sciences, Hospitality and Tourism, Architecture and Construction Sciences, Urban Education and more.
“These students were like sponges taking in every word and detail of information we shared,” said BWWB Senior Human Resources Business Partner Cherita King. “The Birmingham City School Career Academy Students were exceptional, well-behaved, and interested in learning what we had to share.”
King shared an overview of human resource operations, risk management, and training with the students she mentored. Michal Johnson, BWWB Assistant General Manager of Finance and Operations shared an overview of the daily tasks in his department with Mohammed Jalloh and Trey Hawkins, high school students in the Business and Finance Academy.
“I am trying to learn how easy or hard it is to do the work of professionals, especially when it comes to finances,” said Jalloh. “I look forward to the chance to gain experience in my interests.”
Around 70 students from the Career Academies participated in the program with the BWWB. Each student participant was paired with a professional mentor during the two-day program, which continued to reinforce the Career Academies core mission to develop students both academically and professionally.

During the Birmingham City Council Meeting held Tuesday, October 15, 2013, Council

ITEM 1. Approved a Resolution approving a plan to modify the existing City of Birmingham Eastern Area Landfill located at 2787 Alton Drive, Birmingham, AL 35210, by removing the disposal acreage restriction, allowing the City to potentially use the entire acreage for disposal, subject to regulatory limitations and approval by the Alabama Department of Environmental Management for development of disposal units within the acreage in accordance with the requirements of 40 CFR Parts 257 and 258 (“Subtitle D”); Ala. Admin. Code r. 335-13; and, the City of Birmingham Solid Waste Management Plan, and the hearing of all interested parties.  For more information, contact the Office of Councilor Jay Roberson, 254-2418.

ITEM 2. Passed a Resolution approving a plan to modify the existing City of Birmingham New Georgia Landfill located at 2800 47th Avenue North, Birmingham, AL 35068, by removing the disposal acreage restriction, allowing the City to potentially use the entire acreage for disposal, subject to regulatory limitations and approval by the Alabama Department of Environmental Management for development of disposal units within the acreage in accordance with the requirements of 40 CFR Parts 257 and 258 (“Subtitle D”); Ala. Admin. Code r. 335-13; and, the City of Birmingham Solid Waste Management Plan, and the hearing of all interested parties.  For more information, contact the Office of Councilor Jay Roberson, 254-2418.

ITEM 3. Passed a Resolution approving the agreement with Urban Impact, Inc., Birmingham, for fiscal year ending June 30, 2014, in an amount not to exceed $82,500.00, renewable annually subject to funds availability for a term not to exceed five (5) years, to assist with the revitalization of the Historical Fourth Avenue Business District, maintenance of historical structures, and other major tourist attractions and authorizing the Mayor to execute the agreement on behalf of the City.

ITEM 4. Passed a Resolution authorizing the Mayor to execute: (1) a Contract for Professional Services with Arcadis, U.S., Inc. under which Arcadis, U.S., Inc. will assist the City in the continued implementation and refinement of the City’s Storm Water Management Program and the City will pay Arcadis, U.S., Inc. an amount not to exceed $201,358.00 for such services, including non-regulatory services, for the period October 1, 2013 through September 30, 2014 and (2) a Laboratory Testing Agreement with The Water Works Board of the City of Birmingham under which The Water Works Board will perform water sampling tests for the City and the City will pay The Water Works Board an amount not to exceed $37,500.00 for such services, for a term of one year.

ITEM 5. Passed a Resolution supporting a resolution of intent for a twenty percent (20%) local funding match for the North Birmingham Communities Plan.  For more information, contact the Office of Councilor Maxine Herring Parker.

ITEM 6. Passed a Resolution supporting a resolution of intent supporting a twenty percent (20%) local funding match for the US 11 East Corridor Plan.  For more information, contact the Office of Councilor Maxine Herring Parker.

ITEM 7. Passed a Resolution setting a public hearing on November 12, 2013, to consider a revision to the Birmingham, Alabama Enterprise Zone Boundaries to include additional areas and to remove certain areas.  For more information, contact the Office of Councilor Lashunda Scales, 254-2349.

ITEM 8. Referred to Committee of the Whole a Resolution opposing the current and alternate plans the Alabama Department of Transportation (ALDOT) is proposing for the reconstruction of Interstate 20/29 bridges and requesting that ALDOT relocate the Interstate 20/59 access bridges via the Finley Avenue Corridor, develop plans for this alternative, and present said findings to the City of Birmingham.  For more information, contact the Office of Councilor Johnathan Austin, 254-2678.

ITEM 9. Placed on Consent a Resolution finding that the following four hundred eight (408) properties have noxious or dangerous weeds growing thereon declaring said properties to be a public nuisance and providing that notice shall be posted on each of said properties and notice sent by certified mail to the last person assessing these properties for state taxes and further providing for a public hearing November 19, 2013 to hear and consider all objections or protests to proposed abatement of these nuisances by the City.  For more information, contact the Office of Councilor Jay Roberson at 254-2418.

ITEM 10. Adopted a Resolution acknowledging the sixteen (16) years of life-changing service that Council President Roderick V. Royal has rendered to the citizens of Birmingham.  For more information, contact the Office of Councilor Steven Hoyt at 254-2304.

Announcements and Reminders:

1. The Public Improvements and Beautification Committee will meet today, Tuesday, October 15, 2013, 4:00 p.m. in the Council Chambers.

2. The Parks, Recreation and Cultural Arts Committee is scheduled to meet on Wednesday, October 16, 2013, 12:30 p.m. in Conference Rooms “D&E”.

3. The Joint Public Safety and Technology Committee is scheduled to meet on Wednesday, October 16, 2013, 2:00 p.m. in the Council Chambers.

4. Councilor Johnathan Austin and Magic City Smooth Jazz will host the District 5 Fun Day, Sunday, October 20, 2013, 4-7 pm at Railroad Park.  Bring your lawn chairs to this free, family-oriented event and enjoy the music of Down to the Bone and Raw Jazz Trio featuring Anita Besong.  For more information, contact the Office of Councilor Johnathan Austin at 254-2678.

5. The Birmingham Inaugural Committee is hosting an Inaugural Event for Mayor William A. Bell, Sr., members of the Birmingham City Council and the Birmingham School Board on Monday, October 21, 2013, 7:00 p.m. at Boutwell Auditorium.  The event is free and open to the public.

6. The Planning and Zoning Committee is scheduled to meet on Tuesday, October 22, 2013, 4:00 p.m. in the 5th Floor Engineering Conference Room.  For more information, contact the Office of Councilor Valerie Abbott at 254-2355.

7. The Administration Committee is scheduled to meet on Wednesday, October 23, 2013, 2:00 p.m. in Conference Rooms “D&E”.

8. The Committee of the Whole is scheduled to meet on Wednesday, October 23, 2013, 4:00 p.m. in Conference Rooms “D&E”.

9. The public is invited to attend a Ceremonial Swearing-In for the 2013-2017 Birmingham City Council Members on Thursday, October 24, 2013, 6:00 p.m. at the Alabama Theatre, 1817 Third Avenue North.  The Event is free and open to the public.  For more information, contact the Council Office at 254-2294.

10. The public is invited to attend the Birmingham City Council’s 50th Anniversary Music Festival that is being held Saturday, October 26, 2013, 7:00 p.m. at Railroad Park, 1600 First Avenue South.  The Festival is free and open to the public.  For more information, contact the Council Office at 254-2294.

11. Councilor Valerie Abbott seeks to fill three (3) vacancies on the Birmingham Planning Commission.  As Chair of the Planning and Zoning Committee, Councilor Abbott is accepting letters of interest and resumes.  Candidates should mail the aforementioned information to Councilor Valerie Abbott, Office of the City Council, 710 North 20th Street, Birmingham, AL 35203.   For more information, call 254.2355.

Are you unable to attend the Birmingham City Council meetings? Watch Council Meetings on demand. From anywhere in the world you can log on to www.birminghamalcitycouncil.org and click on the tab Watch Council Meetings; or from the comfort of your home, tune to Bright House Cable Channel 244. The Birmingham City Council meetings are free and on demand.

The City of Birmingham will make reasonable accommodations to ensure that people with disabilities have equal opportunity to enjoy all city services, programs and activities. If accommodations are required for public meetings, please contact John Long, Senior Public Information Officer, with reasonable advance notice by emailing John.Long@birminghamal.gov, or by calling 205-254-2036.

BIRMINGHAM, Ala. – Chassidy Sumler of Flora, Miss., was named Miss University of Alabama at Birmingham on Oct. 9, 2013, at the Miss UAB Scholarship Pageant.
Sumler is a junior majoring in biology. In addition to being named Miss UAB 2014, she also was named the talent winner for her vocal performance of “I Will Always Love You.” She was awarded a total of $2,200 in scholarship money.
The first alternate was Hannah Pearcy of Fort Payne, Ala., a junior majoring in criminology and sociology, who was awarded $750. The second alternate was Mattie Boyd of Homewood, Ala., a sophomore majoring in marketing and management, who was awarded $650. The third alternate was Melanie Roberts of Gardendale, Ala., a junior majoring in psychology, who was awarded $550. The fourth alternate was Haylie Reed of Huntsville, a senior majoring in biomedical engineering, who was awarded $350.
Roberts also was named the winner of the lifestyle/fitness award, which carried an additional award of $100.
The pageant was held at UAB’s Alys Stephens Performing Arts Center. Winners in each category and Miss UAB 2014 were awarded gifts from Birmingham Business Builders as well as plaques. Miss UAB and all alternates received flowers from LaCole Florist, provided by the UAB Student Activities Council.

TUSCALOOSA, Ala. — Jalin Smith, a senior from Huntsville, Alabama who is majoring in psychology, was crowned Miss Stillman College 2013-2014 on September 27 in Birthright Alumni Hall.
To reflect the theme of the coronation, “A Glamorous Life,” CCP Events/EventScapes decorated Birthright in luminous silver and white tones. Highlights of the program included a formal procession of 20 campus queens in floor-length gowns; a musical medley by Courtney Cunningham; a dance performance by The Dazzling Tigerettes; and a poem by Alyssa Gant.
Smith was serenaded by Tre’ Finklea, and crowned by Interim President Dr. Peter Millet, who was assisted by Vice President for Student Affairs Dr. Sharon Davis-Whittaker. Smith was also bestowed with gifts from a procession of presidents representing diverse campus organizations.
Stillman’s Student Government Association President Rio Jackson welcomed guests, and Miss Stillman 2006-2007 Jessica Cable presided over the occasion. In addition, Miss Stillman 2012-2013 Jessica Nathan took her Final Walk during the program.
As Miss Stillman, Smith hopes to increase school spirit while also increasing self-esteem among young people, and she believes that there is a strong relationship between the two. “Our student leaders are always so excited and involved. I want to see that enthusiasm in everybody on campus. If you’re comfortable with yourself and have confidence, you don’t mind doing things like cheering for others. And when you cheer for others, it encourages them. It makes them feel that they aren’t just winning for themselves, but for the entire school.  It’s okay to cheer at a game and be loud.  It’s okay to stand out and be different.”
Smith, who is an honor student and a member of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Incorporated, recently spoke about self-esteem to youth at a YMCA in Tuscloosa.  She says that society’s focus on weight and other physical characteristics often causes people to have low self-esteem, and she states that it is “important to discuss these issues.”
“Being selected as Miss Stillman gives me an opportunity to speak up and be a role model for others,” says Smith. “When I was looking for a college to attend, I visited Stillman during Tigerfest and I fell in love with the campus, the staff and the faculty. But I didn’t know any other students. On my first day, I told my mother, ‘Maybe I made the wrong decision.’ She said, ‘Give it a week and if you still want to come home, I’ll come get you.’ A week later, I said, ‘No!’ I didn’t want to leave because I love it here. We’re really a family. People say that often. But, at Stillman, it’s very authentic.”
After she completes her B.A., Smith plans to pursue a Ph.D. and become a child psychologist.
She is a member of Madkins Chapel Cumberland Presbyterian Church in America and a graduate of Columbia High School in Huntsville, Alabama.