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Central Alabama Unveils Draft Regional Climate Pollution Reduction Plan

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Birmingham Times
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The City of Birmingham has released the draft Central Alabama Climate Action Plan (CACAP), marking Alabama’s first regional plan focused on reducing climate pollution. (City of Birmingham)

birminghamal.gov

The City of Birmingham, in partnership with regional collaborators, has released the draft Central Alabama Climate Action Plan (CACAP), marking Alabama’s first regional plan focused on reducing climate pollution.

The 291-page draft plan was developed through a $1 million Climate Pollution Reduction Grant awarded to the City of Birmingham by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). While Birmingham administered the grant, the effort reflects a broad regional collaboration involving local governments, organizations, and residents across Central Alabama.

The CACAP serves as a long-term framework to reduce emissions from major sources such as transportation, energy, waste, and industrial activity, while promoting health, resilience, and economic opportunity. The plan includes 18 measures, 68 strategies, and 139 specific actions tailored to urban, suburban, and rural communities throughout the region.

Recommendations range from large-scale policy approaches to local initiatives that municipalities can adopt based on their capacity and resources. Many of the outlined strategies are already underway in Birmingham, including fleet electrification, LED streetlight conversion, and energy efficiency upgrades in public facilities.

The draft plan is a product of more than a year of study and public engagement, including community meetings and virtual discussions. The plan provides a flexible toolkit for cities and counties in the region to customize approaches that best fit their local needs and funding opportunities.

Residents can review and comment on the draft plan through October 22 at CentralAlabamaClimate.com. The plan was presented publicly during two sessions on Wednesday—one virtual and one in-person at the Birmingham Botanical Gardens. It will be submitted to the EPA for review on December 1.

The Central Alabama Climate Action Plan represents a coordinated, regional approach to reducing climate pollution and preparing for the economic and environmental challenges of the future.

BJCC Expands Parking Plan in Birmingham for Sold-Out Chris Brown Breezy Bowl XX

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Birmingham Times
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The BJCC expanded its parking and transportation plan for Chris Brown: Breezy Bowl XX. (Provided)

The Birmingham Times

The Birmingham-Jefferson Convention Complex (BJCC) has expanded its parking and transportation plan for Chris Brown: Breezy Bowl XX at Protective Stadium on Saturday, October 11, 2025. The sold-out concert, managed by Live Nation, marks the first outdoor performance at the stadium since Garth Brooks’ historic 2022 show.

The night will feature R&B superstar Chris Brown, joined by three-time Grammy-nominated artists Jhené Aiko and Bryson Tiller.

Three Birmingham Parking Authority (BPA) decks, offering about 2,300 spaces, were added to the plan along with Jam Tram shuttle service connecting the new Coca-Cola Amphitheater parking decks (accommodating about 1,000 vehicles) to Protective Stadium.

To improve guest experience and traffic flow, the rideshare drop-off and pick-up zone has been relocated to 9th Avenue between 23rd and 24th Streets. Gates open at 5 p.m., and the show begins at 7 p.m.. Complimentary shuttles will run from 3 p.m. to 1 a.m. Fans are encouraged to visit https://protectivestadium.com/events/chris-brown-breezy-bowl-xx/ for full event details.

“Each major event helps us create a better experience for our guests,” said Tad Snider, CEO of the BJCC.. “From arrival to departure, we want every touchpoint to be convenient and welcoming. We’re proud of the progress we’ve made and look forward to hosting more outdoor music events at Protective Stadium in the years ahead.”

Snider added, “Going back a few years, our first stadium concert was with Garth Brooks, one of the biggest names in country music.  Now we’re welcoming Chris Brown, one of the most recognized artists in R&B. It really demonstrates the versatility of Protective Stadium and the range of major artists we’re able to bring to Birmingham. The excitement around this show has been tremendous, and the fact that it sold out so quickly speaks volumes.”

Alabama’s John Carroll High School Unveils $15 Million in Renovations, Heisman Logo on its Football Field

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Birmingham Times
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Principal Ronald Steele, Jr. holds the new plaque honoring Pat Sullivan, as David Shelby, of the John Carroll Excellence in Athletics Foundation, reads it for the audience as John Carroll Catholic High School unveiled major athletic facilities upgrades at the school in Birmingham, Ala., Friday, Oct. 10. (Vasha Hunt, preps.al.com)

By AL.com Reports

John Carroll Catholic High School showed off the $15 million renovation of its athletic facilities and unveiled the first official Heisman Memorial Trophy plaque to honor alumnus Pat Sullivan, who starred as a Cavalier and at Auburn University in the late 1960s and early ’70s.

John Carroll is the only high school in the nation authorized to display the official Heisman logo on its football field.

Sullivan, who died after a long battle with cancer on Dec. 1, 2019, had John Carroll’s football field named in his honor in 2016.

The renovations at John Carroll included Shaw Sports Turf NXT 2.0, a Benyon 100 track and the largest Daktronics video board at an Alabama high school. The school also added a new 9,000-square foot strength and performance center and enhanced baseball facilities.

The renovations, made possible by the John Carroll Excellence in Athletics Foundation, will benefit all John Carroll athletic teams and Birmingham youth sports, according to a news release from the school.

Andrew Taylor, of Davis Architects, gives a tour of the new facilities, here the new football locker room, at John Carroll Catholic High School in Birmingham, Ala., Friday, Oct. 10.
(Vasha Hunt photos, preps.al.com)

‘SurviveHer’: Breast Cancer Awareness Month Luncheon Brings Hope, Strength

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Birmingham Times
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Breast cancer survivors gather outside Arlington Home and Gardens and celebrate their successful battle against the disease. (Marika N. Johnson, For The Birmingham Times)

By Sym Posey | The Birmingham Times

Hope, music, and solidarity filled historic Arlington Home and Gardens in West Birmingham on Thursday as community members gathered for a special breast cancer awareness lunch. The event brought together 26 survivors, supporters, and health care professionals to honor those affected by breast cancer and to promote early detection and education.

“Breast cancer is tough but us survivors are tougher,” said Eva Johnson, breast cancer free for the past 11 years. “I’m just so happy to be among these [strong] women.”

Local advocate Chanda Temple, senior project manager for the City of Birmingham, organizer of the SurviveHer At The Table lunch series, said events like Thursday’s “remind us of the importance of regular screenings and support for women and families facing breast cancer.”

As October marks Breast Cancer Awareness Month, attendees at Arlington Home and Gardens shared personal stories, learned about advances in treatment, and received information about local resources available to those battling the disease.

Denetra Johnson, a member of Sisters Cancervive, a non-profit female cancer support, rings the bell to signify completion of her treatment. (Marika N. Johnson, For The Birmingham Times)

“You can never have too much awareness about breast cancer,” said Johnson. “When I find out somebody has breast cancer, one of my things is, get to get their address and I send them a gift.”

Although Temple has not experienced breast cancer, she knows firsthand family and friends who have battled the disease, she said.

“My aunt, she died of breast cancer. I had friends who have had breast cancer,” said Temple, who keeps a blog chronicling stories of the survivors which appears on her blog, http://www.chandatemplewrites.com; her Facebook page; and her Instagram page.

After the luncheon, Temple asked some of the women who fought and beat breast cancer before ringing the bell to signify completion of their treatment to step outside.

The women and attendees grabbed pink pompoms placed at each of their seats, lined the sidewalk in the back of the building leading to a bell and cheered on the women as each got a chance to ring the bell for the first time.

“Whatever these women are walking away with today, I’m so glad because the main part of this was to empower them, uplift them,” Temple said, “just letting them know that there are people standing in their corner cheering them off to their next victory.”

Birmingham Promise to Host College, Career Fair for City Students on Oct. 14

By
Birmingham Times
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From left: Samantha Williams, Birmingham Promise, executive director; Kamyl Bailey and Damiuna Dawson

dcwins.com

Birmingham Promise will host a college and career fair for Birmingham City Schools students on Oct. 14 from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the Birmingham CrossPlex.

The event is open only to Birmingham juniors and seniors and their parents. It offers an opportunity for students to connect with colleges, explore other postsecondary options and meet with employers who offer straight-to-workforce opportunities.

Schools will arrive at scheduled intervals throughout the day. Courtney Sankey, senior director of student programs for Birmingham Promise, will be on site to provide information.

“This is a great opportunity for our young people to see everything that’s available to them,” said Samantha Williams, executive director of Birmingham Promise. “It’s also an opportunity for more than 60 employers and colleges to see the talented young people coming out of Birmingham City Schools. We are thrilled to help make these connections for our students and our partners.”

Birmingham Promise provides up to four years of tuition assistance for graduates of Birmingham City Schools who attend public colleges and universities in Alabama. It also manages a paid internship program that allows high school seniors to build valuable work experience. For more information on Birmingham Promise, visit http://www.birminghampromise.org/ or follow on Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter.

HBCU Roundup: Alabama State at Jackson State One of Season’s Marquee Matchups

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Birmingham Times
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ASU's Jalen Jones, of Birmingham’s Ramsay High School, is the top receiver in the SWAC averaging 22.6 yards a catch and has 19 receptions for 430 yards and six TDs. (Alabama State University)

By Donald Hunt | The Birmingham Times

In one of biggest HBCU football games this weekend and season Alabama State University (4-1, 2-0) will visit Jackson State (4-1, 2-0) in a showdown of not only the best teams in the Southwestern Athletic Conference but also between HBCU squads in the land.

The Oct. 11 kickoff will be at 2:30 p.m.

Alabama State has been playing some outstanding football behind quarterback Andrew Body who leads the SWAC passing and rushing. He has completed 91-of-131 passes for 1,380 yards with 18 touchdowns and no interceptions and rushed 59 times for 520 yards averaging 8.8 yards a carry.

Although Body has played very well, the Hornets have a great wide receiver with Jalen Jones, of Birmingham’s Ramsay High School, who is the top receiver in the conference. Jones is averaging 22.6 yards a catch and has 19 receptions for 430 yards and six TDs too.

ASU leads the SWAC in scoring. The Hornets tally 40.6 points a game. Jackson State’s offense is right behind them. The Tigers average 34.6 points a game and the offense is led by quarterback Jacobian Morgan. The Tigers are defending SWAC champions and winners of the Celebration Bowl last year.

Jackson State is coming off of a 57-24 victory last week over Alabama A&M (3-3, 0-2) who will host Mississippi Valley State (0-4, 0-1) on Saturday, Oct. 11. The kickoff will be at 2 p.m. The Bulldogs are led by quarterback Cornelious Brown IV who has connected on 81-of-125 passes for 1,060 yards and seven TDs. AAMU will look to get back on the winning track after losing its last two games.

In the Southern Intercollegiate Athletic Conference (SIAC), Tuskegee University (2-4, 1-3) is on a bye week. The Golden Tigers suffered a 27-20 loss to Morehouse College last week.

In other SIAC action, Miles College (0-6, 0-3) will face Lane College (0-5, 0-3) Saturday, Oct. 11 on the road. The kickoff is set for 2 p.m. The Golden Bears’ linebacker Robert Williams continues to provide solid play on the defensive side. Williams has 47 total and 29 solo tackles this season.

48 Hours of Food, Festivals and Family Fun in Birmingham, AL [PHOTOS]

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Birmingham Times
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Attendees dance during a set by featured entertainer Mala Fe at Fiesta Birmingham 2025 at downtown Linn Park on Sept 27. 2025 (Reginald Allen, for the Birmingham Times.)

By Barnett Wright | The Birmingham Times

All of it unfolded over a delightful fall weekend in Birmingham, Alabama: The pitter-patter of folks running and walking, along with the sounds of abundant laughter, marked the beginning of Breast Cancer Awareness Month. Thousands gathered to immerse themselves in the cultures of more than 20 Hispanic nations. A daylong tasting event celebrated the barbecue community, live-fire cooking, and Southern tailgate culture. A 15th anniversary celebration on the city’s Front Lawn offered a lively, family-friendly event that highlighted a vibrant gathering space for the city. And the soulful sounds of the blues filled historic Rickwood Field during a free Safe Summer Series concert—a night of music and culture that capped the weekend.

On Saturday, Sept. 27 and Sunday, Sept. 28 the Magic City once again lived up to its name with two marvelous days of food, festivals, and family fun and for a closer look at all that happened, the Times presents those 48 hours in photos.

Portia Lawson celebrates being 23 days cancer free during 2025 Sistah Strut outside of Birmingham’s Legion Field Stadium. (Amarr Croskey, For The Birmingham Times)

14th Annual Breast Cancer Awareness Month Sistah Strut, Sept. 27

The 14th Annual Brenda’s Brown Bosom Buddies (BBBB) Sistah Strut walk/run/ride/stroll, took place at Legion Field Stadium. Breast Cancer Awareness Month began Oct. 1. BBBB is a 501(c)(3) organization dedicated to supporting individuals with breast cancer, as well as providing education and promoting early detection of breast cancer in minority, low-income, and underserved communities. The Birmingham-focused support and advocacy program originally began as a support group for African-American women to discuss health issues as well as support women unable to afford costly medical bills.

Birmingham 2025 offered a myriad authentic dining options as well as live performances, music and dancing. (Reginald Allen, For The Birmingham Times)

Fiesta Birmingham 2025, Sept. 27

The state’s largest celebration of Hispanic Heritage Month was held Saturday September 27 featuring a Cultural Village with over 20 Caribbean, Latin and European nations to explore. Thousands of people gathered in Birmingham to immerse themselves in cultures of over 20 Hispanic nations. Just as Epcot has several “countries” to visit, Fiesta features several hubs for diverse cultural experiences and entertainment. Villages included cultures of 20 plus Caribbean, Latin + European nations; food with an array of Latin + Hispanic cuisine; health & wellness with various health organizations serving Alabama residents; and community with nonprofits that support the local Hispanic community through educational programs + more.

Birmingham-based artist and “Top Chef” alum Roscoe Hall participates in the Alabama White Sauce Showdown at the Food & Fire festival at Sloss Furnace. (Reginald Allen, For The Birmingham Times)

Southbound Food Fest, Sept. 27 

The Southbound Food Festival in Birmingham concluded with the festival’s cornerstone, Food & Fire, a daytime tasting event that celebrated the barbecue community, live-fire cooking, and Southern tailgate culture. Regional and national chefs and pitmasters put an open-fire spin on signature bites and tailgate classics. Food & Fire featured the Southern Living Tailgate Stage presented by Hellmann’s and The Coca Cola Music Stage with musical acts The Heavy Heavy and Southern Avenue. The Avadian Credit Union Tailgate Lounge featured a large screen for viewing SEC football games as well as the Hop City Craft Beer+Wine Garden, with dozens of Alabama breweries and wineries. This year marked the third annual event, which lasted Sept. 19-28.

Singer Mizz Lowe and her mentor, Blues Hall of Famer and Grammy winner Bobby Rush during a set at the Safe Summer Series in historic Rickwood Field. (Marika N. Johnson, For The Birmingham Times)

Blues at the BallPark, Sept. 28

The historic Rickwood Field rang with the soulful sounds of the blues as the city hosted a free Safe Summer Series concert, bringing the community together for a night of music and culture. Sponsored by the City of Birmingham, Birmingham City Council and Rickwood Field, the event was presented in partnership with the Birmingham Blues Society. The concert highlighted the city’s commitment to promoting the arts and providing family-friendly entertainment. The event not only celebrated Birmingham’s deep roots in blues music but also encouraged unity and safe spaces for the community to gather. The concert brought together residents from across the city, filling the parking lot of the nation’s oldest professional baseball park with music, dancing, and hometown pride.

Pynk Beard fans Canderia Peterson, left, and Khristina Charley, enjoy themselves at the 15th anniversary celebration of Railroad Park. (Marika N. Johnson, For The Birmingham Times)

Railroad Park Celebrates 15 years, Sept. 28

Railroad Park celebrated its 15th anniversary on this weekend with a lively, family-friendly event that highlighted the park’s role as a vibrant gathering space for the city. Families filled the park’s lawns with lawn chairs and blankets, enjoying face-painting stations, a dedicated kids’ zone, and a variety of local food trucks serving crowd favorites. The celebration showcased the blend of art, music, and community spirit that has defined Railroad Park since it first opened. The afternoon featured a moving performance by the Birmingham Youth Choir, whose harmonies set a celebratory tone. The festivities closed with an energetic set from Pynk Beard, whose lively show had attendees dancing and singing their favorites as the sun set over downtown. Organizers noted that the anniversary event reflected the spirit of Railroad Park itself “a place where the community can gather, celebrate, and connect.”

Birmingham Times photojournalist Marika N. Johnson contributed to this article.

Birmingham’s Huffman Middle Opens Alabama’s First In-School Grocery Store

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Birmingham Times
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From left: Huffman Middle School Principal, Dr. Jeffery Willis, Sr., BCS Superintendent Mark Sullivan, BCS Board member Sherman Collins Jr., Goodr Founder Jasmine Crowe Houston and City Councilor Clinton Woods. (Sym Posey, For The Birmingham Times)

By Sym Posey | The Birmingham Times

Birmingham’s Huffman Middle School on Wednesday became the first school in the state of Alabama to open an in-school grocery store making sure students and families don’t go without food.

For those like Brenda Craig, who has two grandchildren attending the school, the grocery store is welcomed. “I’ve had a lot of things come up where I have to choose to pay bills and not able to get things that they need,” Craig said. “So this will help me out a whole lot.”

She initially didn’t plan to show up for the opening after the school called to invite her, but decided otherwise.

“Sometimes things are short; pay bills, you go in the grocery store, and then your money is spent,” the grandmother said. “Now, this will help me.”

Birmingham’s Huffman Middle School on Wednesday opened an in-school grocery store. (Sym Posey, The Birmingham Times)

Operated by Goodr, a social impact company that combats food waste and hunger, the grocery store reflects a growing trend in education that goes beyond academics to address the everyday needs and challenges faced by students and their families.

“In addition to success starting here, hunger stops here,” said Huffman Principal Jeffery Willis.

The idea behind the grocery store is to provide students and families with access to fresh produce, pantry staples, and essential household items, all within the familiar and safe environment of the school campus.

The 300-square-foot space is stocked with fresh produce, bread, eggs, dairy, pantry staples and even vegan options. The store is not open to the public but is available to enrolled families, who can shop at no cost several times a month.

“This has not been an overnight thing,” said Goodr founder, Jasmine Crowe-Houston. ‘This has been very intentional and purposeful. We go out and source all of the groceries. Students and their families will have access to the store before, during, and after school hours.”

In addition to providing groceries, the store serves as a hands-on learning lab for Huffman students. Participants in the school’s Family and Consumer Sciences program help run the store, gaining experience in inventory management, customer service, and basic retail operations.

“Research has shown that for every $1 invested in programs like in-school grocery stores, the return is estimated to be $10-$14 due to improved graduation rates, reduced criminal justice costs, and better health outcomes,” said BCS Superintendent, Mark Sullivan, Ed.D. “Goodr will track the success of this pilot program over the next two years and hopefully we can build on this momentum and bring this concept to more schools.”

Birmingham City Councilor Clinton Woods used $277,500 of American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) funds to support the store for its first two years. The goal is to “make sure students are equipped to succeed” by reducing outside stressors that interfere with learning, said the councilor.

Brandon Young: From Center Point, AL to $100M CEO of a Professional Services Firm

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Birmingham Times
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Brandon Young, 39, is founder and CEO of Young Management & Consulting, a professional services firm. (Barnett Wright, The Birmingham Times)

BY DON RHODES II | The Birmingham Times

As a child, Brandon Young remembers taking stuff apart in the house and trying to put it all back together. That came in handy, when in high school, he crafted a research paper on electrical engineering. “I looked at the salary of pay they made, and I said, ‘you know what, I want to do electrical engineering,’” he recalled.

Young, now 39, is founder and CEO of Young Management & Consulting, a professional services firm.

Within six years, the business has grown to include more than 120 employees around the country. Young Management & Consulting has generated more than $100 million in revenue since opening, said Young, who grew up in Center Point and graduated from Erwin High School.

Not bad for someone who began his company as a side business.

“I started this business in 2015 as a side business because I felt like I needed to figure out another way to get additional income,” Young explained. “But in 2019, I decided to stop moonlighting the business and really go 100 percent on my own as a full-time entrepreneur.”

His company has developed project management, construction management and strategic consulting services with companies throughout the U.S. and the United Arab Emirates.
Young describes his team as a well-rounded, diverse group that collectively contributes skills to strengthen the company.

MORE THAN MONEY

Young, who earned an electrical engineering degree at Auburn University before earning a master’s degree in construction management from the University of Alabama at Birmingham, said his early career in corporate America at Burns & McDonnell gave him the skills and confidence to eventually launch his company full time. “I was more so blessed with the opportunity to gain experience. He served as Project Manager at Burns & McDonnell, overseeing major transmission and distribution projects while managing construction, budgets, and client coordination,” he said. “I had the opportunity to prove myself, and I delivered.”

In 2019, tragedy struck when Young’s brother was murdered in Birmingham. The loss reshaped his perspective on life and business, coinciding with national conversations about racial justice and equity.

“As a rising professional, you want to get paid and have the title to match, that’s one thing,” Young said. “But once you get that, you start realizing that there’s so many other things in life that are important aside from a dollar figure. When I lost my brother, I wanted to not only support those who may not have the same background as I have, but also provide opportunities for folks regardless of their age or years of experience.”

The man who shot Randy Young was convicted of capital murder and sentenced to life without parole.

The loss of his brother, plus the cultural shifts during the pandemic and after the death of George Floyd — an unarmed Black man who was killed in May 2020 when a police officer knelt on his neck for over nine minutes, sparking a global movement against racial injustice and police brutality— inspired Young to prioritize people over profit.

INSPIRING OTHERS

Prioritizing people is at the core of his company, he said. “I’ve hired individuals that did not have a college degree, that may have been military veterans, or just had years of work experience, and put them in roles that typically require a degree,” he said. “Seeing individuals go from climbing poles in their late 40s to now being in management positions, getting home with their family every day, and then at the end of the year giving them a $20,000 to $50,000 bonus that’s my aha moment.”

Young was in Birmingham this summer as his company helped sponsor the Southern Company Technical Conference Tradeshow at the Birmingham Jefferson Convention Complex.

The gathering brought technical and industry experts together to learn about and train in the latest developments in the industry sector.

“Our goal is to be a global industry supplier,” he told AL.com. “We’re going to be a billion-dollar organization and we’re going to impact lives all over.”

Now, as a leader and mentor, he encourages young people to stay focused and intentional. “Gravitate to a mentor and do your research on the industries you want to apply and be in,” he advised. “Life is about those juggling acts, but everything you do leading up to where you want to be are building blocks for your future success.”

His final advice for students: “Don’t discount the small reps. Every task, every learning opportunity, take advantage of it, and say yes to new opportunities even if they seem uncomfortable. If they’re aligned with the trajectory of where you want to go, say ‘yes.’”

For more visit www.workswithyoung.com.

PEOPLE, PLACES & THINGS

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Birmingham Times
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Irondale Senior Activity Center. (Provided)

By Gwen DeRu | The Birmingham Times

ENJOY THIS WEATHER!!!

 TODAY, OCTOBER 9…

**READ THE BIRMINGHAM TIMES. Catch up on the news!!!

**WEEK DAYS – IRONDALE SENIOR ACTIVITY CENTER has activities starting at 8 a.m. with a Hot Lunch served for Seniors Monday – Friday, 11:30 a.m. – 12:30 p.m.  Call 205-951-1418 for details about the FREE program.

**BLUES JAM EVERY 3rd THURSDAY, 7- 10 p.m. at True Story Brewing.

**KOLTON MOORE & THE CLEVER FEW at Saturn.

**GOAT AND YOUR MOM with BOLEE & JUSTIFY THESE SCARS at The Nick.

**VISHNU, DAVIS & HALEIGH – LIVE at Avondale Brewing Co.

**THAT’S MY JAM THURSDAYS KARAOKE MINGLE, each week with Karaoke at 8 p.m., Spin to Win ‘til 9 p.m. and Happy Hour ‘til 9 p.m. with Sounds by DJ SLUGGA and hosted by JIRUS HORTON at Tee’s on 2nd.  FREE Entry all night.

**3rd THURSDAY at the Nick with RAMBLIN’ RICKY TATE at The Nick.

**JOSE CARR EVERY THURSDAY, 5-7 p.m. at the Carver Theatre, Alabama Jazz Hall of Fame, at 1631 4th Avenue North.

**FILMMAKER NETWORKING NIGHTS, 5 p.m. at 1821 2nd Avenue North

**EVERY THURSDAY- THAT’S MY JAM THURSDAYS, 7 p.m. at Platinum of Birmingham with DJ Slugga.

**ALABAMA BLAZIN BINGO, 6 p.m. at Overtime Grill and Bar.

**FILM at Sidewalk Film.

**KARAOKE, 7 p.m. at True Story Brewing.

**BIRMINGHAM BEVY KARAOKE at Saturn.

FRIDAY, OCTOBER 10…

IT IS FRIDAY…the weekend starts…

**WEEK DAYS – IRONDALE SENIOR ACTIVITY CENTER has activities starting at 8 a.m. with a Hot Lunch served for Seniors Monday – Friday, 11:30 a.m. – 12:30 p.m.  Call 205-951-1418 for details about the FREE program.

**COLLEGE & CAREER FAIR, for Birmingham City school students and parents, 9 a.m. – 2 p.m. at the Bill Harris Arena in CrossPlex.  Resources available include career opportunities, job training programs, education, family, housing, legal services, parenting, short certificates, caregiver/daycare services and food services. Students will be bused from their school to this event.

**BEAUTY IS THE ENEMY with GO GO KILLERS and PLEASANT VALLEY at The Nick.

**FELLY with JOHN-ROBERT at Saturn.

**ALESTORM: FALL 2025 TOUR at Iron City.

**RUNAWAY GIN – A TRIBUTE TO PHISH at Avondale Brewing Co.

**GOOD PEOPLE & GOOD MUSIC WITH GOOD PEOPLE BREWING at Dave’s, 6 p.m. at Dave’s Pub.

SATURDAY, OCTOBER 11…

**10 YEARS with SNAKES OF RUSSIA, KAMENAR at Saturn.

**TERRY OHMS, THE GLASS HOURS, WILL STEWART: CORNELIUS CHAPEL SHOWCASE at the Nick.

**LATE NIGHT with ROYAL & TOULOUSE at The Nick.

SUNDAY, OCTOBER 12…

**SINGO BINGO EVERY SUNDAY, 1 p.m. at Cahaba Brewing Company.

**AVONDALE VINTAGE MARKET, Noon – 6 p.m. at Avondale Brewing Co.

**JOSE CARR performing at JAZZ IN THE GARDEN SUNDAYS, Every 1st and 3rd Sunday, 5-8 p.m. at Denim on 7th, 2808 7th Avenue Suite105

**EASE BACK 4th SUNDAYS, 5 p.m. at True Story Brewing.

**2ND SUNDAY FREE SHOW with ZACH AUSTIN at The Nick.

**ALMA RUSS at The Nick.

**4th SUNDAY FREE SHOW with TAYLOR HOLLINGSWORTH at The Nick.

**AMERICAN AQUARIUM at Saturn.

MONDAY, OCTOBER 13…

**WEEK DAYS – IRONDALE SENIOR ACTIVITY CENTER has activities starting at 8 a.m. with a Hot Lunch served for Seniors Monday – Friday, 11:30 a.m. – 12:30 p.m.  Call 205-951-1418 for details about the FREE program.

**MONDAYS – THURSDAYS – CFJS CARES RESPITE PROGRAM, 10 a.m. – 2 p.m. Call 205-278-7113 for more info.

**MONDAYS – GRIEF SUPPORT GROUP, 10-11:30 a.m. at CJFS Conference Room. Open to survivors who have experienced loss within the past 2 years. Call 205-278-7101 to sign up.

**MONDAYS – DEMENTIA CAREGIVER VIRTUAL SUPPORT GROUP, 3 p.m. and/or Tuesday at 7 p.m. on Zoom. Call 205-278-7113 for more info.

**BIRMINGHAM BANDSTAND with Special Appearance by BOBCAT at The Nick.

TUESDAY, OCTOBER 14…

**WEEK DAYS – IRONDALE SENIOR ACTIVITY CENTER has activities starting at 8 a.m. with a Hot Lunch served for Seniors Monday – Friday, 11:30 a.m. – 12:30 p.m.  Call 205-951-1418 for details about the FREE program.

**MONDAYS – THURSDAYS – CFJS CARES RESPITE PROGRAM, 10 a.m. – 2 p.m. Call 205-278-7113 for more info.

**TACO TUESDAY R & B NIGHT, EVERY THURSDAY at Hemings on 2ND Avenue.

**PODCASTING 101 at CREED63, EVERY TUESDAY at 5:45 p.m. Learn how to launch and create your own podcast at 1601 5th Avenue North, Birmingham 35203.

**JOSE CARR EVERY TUESDAY NIGHT at True Story Brewing.

**SONGWRITER’S NIGHT EVERY TUESDAY at The Nick.

**SUPERSTAR KARAOKE LATE NIGHT TUESDAYS at The Nick.

**FREE – SUBSTRATE BINGO with JACKIE LO at Saturn.

WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 15…

**WEEK DAYS – IRONDALE SENIOR ACTIVITY CENTER has activities starting at 8 a.m. with a Hot Lunch served for Seniors Monday – Friday, 11:30 a.m. – 12:30 p.m.  Call 205-951-1418 for details about the FREE program.

**MONDAYS – THURSDAYS – CFJS CARES RESPITE PROGRAM, 10 a.m. – 2 p.m. Call 205-278-7113 for more info.

**PARENTING WITH PURPOSE – A SPACE- Informed Workshop for Parents, 5:30-7 p.m. at N.E. Miles Jewish Day School Register by October 17. Call 205-278-7101 for more.

**REAL FUNNY COMEDY WEDNESDAYS at True Story Brewing. Sign up at 7:30 p.m.

**FURY IN FEW with THE CRIMSON MASK at The Nick.

**ENUFF Z’ NUFF with PERMACRUSH at The Nick.

**JULIE at Saturn.

THURSDAY, OCTOBER 16…

**READ THE BIRMINGHAM TIMES. Catch up on the news!!!

**WEEK DAYS – IRONDALE SENIOR ACTIVITY CENTER has activities starting at 8 a.m. with a Hot Lunch served for Seniors Monday – Friday, 11:30 a.m. – 12:30 p.m.  Call 205-951-1418 for details about the FREE program.

**MONDAYS – THURSDAYS – CFJS CARES RESPITE PROGRAM, 10 a.m. – 2 p.m. Call 205-278-7113 for more info.

**BLUES JAM EVERY 3rd THURSDAY, 7- 10 p.m. at True Story Brewing.

**AUTECHRE with MARK BROOM at Saturn.

**THE THING with FEATHERS with CRUMBSNATCHERS at The Nick.

**THE BAND CAINO – THE NEVER ALWAYS TOUR w/ALMOST MONDAY at Avondale Brewing Co.

 

FRIDAY, OCTOBER 17….

**WEEK DAYS – IRONDALE SENIOR ACTIVITY CENTER has activities starting at 8 a.m. with a Hot Lunch served for Seniors Monday – Friday, 11:30 a.m. – 12:30 p.m.  Call 205-951-1418 for details about the FREE program.

**DISCENTIVE, TOWERING ABOVE, MALIBU BARBABE and LEO LOVECHILD at The Nick.

**FREE – DANCING ON THE DEAD – AN ALL HALLOWS GOTH NIGHT at Saturn.

**YUNGEEN ACE – THE I AM WHAT THEY DON’T SEE TOUR at Iron City.

**ST. PAUL & THE BROKEN BONES: BIRMINGHAM 15th ANNIVERSARY PARTY w/ Special Guest: BILLIE ALLEN + THE POLLIES at Avondale Brewing Co.

NEWS TO KNOW AND USE – PEOPLE, PLACES AND THINGS TO WATCH…

 FOR THE LOVERS OF COMMUNITY EFFORTS…

**PARENTING WITH PURPOSE – A SPACE-Informed Parenting Program, will be Every WEDNESDAY, 5:30 – 7 p.m. OCTOBER 22 – DECEMBER 3 at the N.E. Miles Jewish Day School on Montclair Road. This 6-week program helps parents build skills and strategies to better connect with and      support their children, while setting healthy boundaries, fostering resiliency, and reducing anxiety. Childcare is provided for ages 4+. Kosher snack are served. Deadline to register is Friday, October 17. Normally valued at $600 per family, the workshop is being fully underwritten by the Elaine and Debra Rosen Mental Health Fund of the Birmingham Jewish Foundation. To register or learn more, contact Amy Neiman at 205-278-7106 or amyn@cjfsbham.org.

**OCTOBER 28 – COMMUNITY FOOD BANK VOLUNTEER OPPORTUNITY, 9 – 11 a.m. at the Community Food Bank of Central AL. Contact 205-278-7101 to volunteer.

THINGS TO DO IN OCTOBER...

…This includes some things that can be done while the weather is not too hot or not too cold around the southeast, especially if you want to get away for a weekend or day trip and enjoy something new, different, music, some good food or just the ride and sightseeing.

AROUND THE SOUTHEAST…

IN GAINESVILLE…

**OCTOBER 16-18 – COOP ECON 2025 – LEARNING BY DOING is a regional event at the Rural Training & Research Center in Gainesville. IT is the 12th gathering since 2011 and is part of an effort to build networks across the US South to promote and Launch sustainable cooperative economies. A cooperative is a business that is owned and operated by the people who use its services and is started by a group of people rather than individuals. Credit unions, agricultural co-ops, or any other organization owned and run jointly by its members, who share the profits or benefits are examples of cooperatives. This year’s theme “Legacy, Leadership, Local Prosperity,” highlights the cooperative movement’s role in strengthening rural communities and creating pathways for shared economic development. The event brings together cooperative members, leaders, and partners from across the South to deepen knowledge, share strategies and celebrate cooperative resilience. The Federation of Southern Cooperatives/Land Assistance Fund is a 57-year-old cooperative association of Black farmers, landowners and cooperatives. For more info on the Main event, call 404-490-4426. In Alabama call 205-652-9678 or email: info@federation.coop.

FOR SEAFOOD LOVERS…ON THE GULF COAST…

…ALABAMA GULF COAST SEAFOOD JOINTS – You can check these out any weekend or weekday (if you love seafood and) if you can get away to enjoy some.   They are near bait shops, quiet docks and serving seafood cooked just right. (Here are a few for this week.  Look for more next week.)

**TIN TOP RESTAURANT & OYSTER BAR in BON SECOUR where shrimp boats dock at the back door ensuring the nights special was swimming that morning. The oysters come straight from nearby beds and shucked fresh throughout the day. Nothing fancy and no trendy fusion dishes here. Just seafood prepared the way coastal folks have done for generations.

**LIGHTHOUSE RESTAURANT in IRVINGTON is tucked away where you may not venture, but it draws seafood lovers from across Mobile Bay. Crab claws arrive by the pound, accompanied by melted butter. The view overlooks working docks where real boats bring real fish not a postcard version of coastal life.

**THE RIVER SHACK in MOBILE (DOG RIVER) is perched on stilts over Dog River and defies gravity and health inspectors’ expectation. People talk about the hush puppies and that they are worth the sketchy parking situation. Locals park wherever they can find space and walk down the wobbly dock.

**KING NEPTUNE’S SEAFOOD RESTAURANT in GULF SHORES is an unassuming spot tucked behind the main drag where the parking lot stays packed, where the gumbo recipe hasn’t changed since the 1980s and neither has the price …a lot. Portions are generous and the walls display photos of record catches and tournaments creating a museum of Gulf Coast seafood history that your money cannot buy.

**SEA-N-SUDS in GULF SHORES is a beachfront institution that operates on island time and the order arrives when they are ready. The building looks like a beach house that decided to serve food. The people crack crab legs on the outdoor seating where the it feels more like a backyard barbecue that a restaurant.  There are grouper sandwiches that disappear as fast as they can fry them especially during the sunset hours when the Gulf puts on it daily show.

**BLUEGILL RESTAURANT in SPANISH FORT is named after the freshwater fish that swim nearby in the gap between the bay and river cuisine. The menu changes with whatever the fishermen bring through the back door. Catfish and shrimp are here reflecting the unique ecosystem where fresh and saltwater meet and the kitchen prepare with the same skills and enthusiasm. The families celebrate everything here from graduation parties to little league victories and it is sometimes called the community center for Spanish Fort residents.

(Some taken from Ever After in the Woods)

FOR JAZZ LOVERS in CLEARWATER…TAMPA, FLORIDA

**OCTOBER 16- 19 is the 46th CLEARWATER JAZZ HOLIDAY. On the MAIN STAGE with TOWER OF POWER and RHN featuring RICK BRAUN & RICHARD ELLIOT on THURSDAY.  On FRIDAY, there is CORY WONG and THE WAR AND TREATY. Scheduled for SATURDAY is TROMBONE SHORTY & ORLEANS AVENUE and LADY BLACKBIRD. Last, but not least is SUNDAY show with TRAMPLED BY TURTLES and ST. PAUL & THE BROKEN BONES.  There are several stages including the Main Stage on the Green and two new side stages.  The 46th Clearwater JAZZ Holiday goes on until November 15.

COMING IN NOVEMBER…FROM BIRMINGHAM TO MONTGOMERY…

**NOVEMBER 5 – BLACK HISTORY BUS TOUR OF MONTGOMERY with Lunch and private dining at Martha’s Restaurant. Depart at 8 a.m. – Return at 5 p.m. Get on this bus tour for a Day of History, Culture and Fellowship at City Hall, Dexter Avenue Baptist Church, hear Award Winning Dr. Richard Bailey and more. It is senior-friendly and handicap accessible on a comfortable 54-seat charter bus. Call (205) 595-8156 for more.

Well, that’s it. Tell you more ‘next’ time. People, Places and Things by Gwen DeRu is a weekly column. Send your questions, contact info with your events, your things of interest and more to: gwenderu@yahoo.com AND thelewisgroup@birminghamtimes.com

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