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January 8, 2026

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Birmingham Times
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By multiple measures, the Birmingham area has seen dramatic declines in unemployment since the pandemic. (Adobe Stock)

 

 

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MERCHANDISE

 

 

 

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EMPLOYMENT

 

 

 

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Assistant Ticketing Manager

 

 

 

BJCC, is recruiting for a 1) Guest Service Ambassador, 2) Assistant Ticketing Manager and 3) Setup Supervisor for information & to apply visit https://www.bjcc.org/jobs/ or send resume to careers@bjcc.org /fax resume 205-458-8530.

 

 

 

 

 

BT1/8/2025

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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LEGAL

 

 

 

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CASE NO. CV-2025-904676.00

 

 

 

NOTICE OF FINAL HEARING BY PUBLICATION

 

TO: TAMMY INGRAM; JOHN O. MORRISON, II; UNKNOWN HEIRS OF HENRY O. MORRISON; UNKNOWN HEIRS OF NELLIE F. MORRISON; J.T. SMALLWOOD, JEFFERSON COUNTY TAX COLLECTOR; JEFFERSON COUNTY, ALABAMA; CITY OF BIRMINGHAM, ALABAMA; and any and all other unknown heirs, claimants or interested parties claiming any right, title, estate, lien, or interest in the real estate described herein,

 

TAKE NOTICE that on October 28, 2025, the Birmingham Land Bank Authority filed the above-styled Complaint, and the Land Bank asserts that it has recorded notice of a pending quiet title and foreclosure action in the Probate Court of Jefferson County, Alabama concerning the rights and/or interests in the following real property:

 

 

 

Property Address: 724 84th Place South, Birmingham, Alabama 35206

 

 

 

Tax Parcel ID No.: 01-23-00-11-4-005-001.000

 

 

 

Legal Description: Lot 22, in Block 169, according to the Survey of Second Addition to South Highlands of East Lake, as recorded in Map Book 8, Page 76, in the Probate Office of Jefferson County, Alabama, situated in Jefferson County, Alabama (It appears said legal is the same as that certain legal described in Instrument No. 2023078101 as follows: LOT 22 BLK 169 SO HGLDS OF EAST LAKE 2ND ADD)

 

 

 

ANY PERSON WITH A PROPERTY INTEREST IN THE ABOVE PROPERTY IS HEREBY NOTIFIED THAT THEY MAY LOSE SUCH INTEREST, IF ANY, AS A RESULT OF THE ABOVE-REFERENCED QUIET TITLE AND FORECLOSURE ACTION. The final hearing on this quiet title and foreclosure action is hereby set for February 26, 2026, in Room 340, Jefferson County Courthouse in Birmingham, Alabama at 9:00 A.M. The judgment of the Court may result in title to the property vesting in the Birmingham Land Bank Authority. Any person who proves to the Court’s satisfaction a right to redeem the property pursuant to Alabama Code §§ 40-10-73 (1975) et seq. or Alabama Code §§ 40-10-83 (1975) et seq. may redeem the property pursuant to those statutes within five (5) days after the appropriate Order on Final Hearing is issued. FAILURE TO REDEEM THE PROPERTY AND PRESENT PROOF OF REDEMPTION TO THE CIRCUIT COURT WITHIN THE 5-DAY PERIOD MAY RESULT IN A LOSS OF THE RIGHT OF REDEMPTION.

 

 

 

The address of the Birmingham Land Bank Authority is City Hall, 710 North 20th St., Birmingham, AL 35203. The Birmingham Land Bank Authority may be contacted care of Cherokee W. Wooley, Law Offices of Thomas J. Skinner, IV, LLC, at (205) 802-2545.

 

 

 

IT IS THEREFORE ORDERED by the undersigned Clerk of Court that publication of this notice be made once a week for three consecutive weeks in the Birmingham Times, a newspaper of general circulation in Jefferson County, Alabama, and that all persons to whom this notice is addressed and any and all persons claiming any title to, interest in, or lien or encumbrance on the above-described land or any part thereof are hereby directed to plead, answer or otherwise respond to the Complaint in this cause before the hearing date or a judgment by default may be rendered against them it being intended that this notice shall be used to perfect service against all parties who cannot be personally served with a copy of the Complaint.

 

 

 

BT1/8/2025

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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CASE NO. CV-2025-904893.00

 

 

 

NOTICE OF FINAL HEARING BY PUBLICATION

 

TO: LEE E. LODER; JUANITA R. LODER; RESIDENTIAL FUNDING CORPORATION; REGIONS MORTGAGE, INC., as successor by merger to REAL ESTATE FINANCING, INC.; BALTIMORE FEDERAL SAVINGS AND LOAN ASSOCIATION; HEALTHCARE COST CONTAINMENT UNITED ASSOCIATION, INC., as successor to HEALTH CREDIT UNION; J.T. SMALLWOOD, JEFFERSON COUNTY TAX COLLECTOR; JEFFERSON COUNTY, ALABAMA; CITY OF BIRMINGHAM, ALABAMA; and any and all other unknown heirs, claimants or interested parties claiming any right, title, estate, lien, or interest in the real estate described herein,

 

TAKE NOTICE that on November 20, 2025, the Birmingham Land Bank Authority filed the above-styled Complaint, and the Land Bank asserts that it has recorded notice of a pending quiet title and foreclosure action in the Probate Court of Jefferson County, Alabama concerning the rights and/or interests in the following real property:

 

 

 

Property Address: 1404 23rd Street North, Birmingham, Alabama 35234

 

 

 

Tax Parcel ID No.: 01-22-00-25-2-030-021.000

 

 

 

Legal Description: Lot 26, Block 1, according to Sudduth Realty Company’s Resurvey of Block 667 Birmingham as recorded in Map Book 13 Page 63 in the Probate Office of Jefferson County, Alabama, situated in Jefferson County, Alabama (It appears said legal is the same as that certain legal described in Instrument No. 2019111470 as follows: LOT 26 BLK 1 SUDDUTH RLTY CO SUB OF BLK 667 BHM)

 

 

 

ANY PERSON WITH A PROPERTY INTEREST IN THE ABOVE PROPERTY IS HEREBY NOTIFIED THAT THEY MAY LOSE SUCH INTEREST, IF ANY, AS A RESULT OF THE ABOVE-REFERENCED QUIET TITLE AND FORECLOSURE ACTION. The final hearing on this quiet title and foreclosure action is hereby set for February 26, 2026, in Room 340, Jefferson County Courthouse in Birmingham, Alabama at 9:00 A.M. The judgment of the Court may result in title to the property vesting in the Birmingham Land Bank Authority. Any person who proves to the Court’s satisfaction a right to redeem the property pursuant to Alabama Code §§ 40-10-73 (1975) et seq. or Alabama Code §§ 40-10-83 (1975) et seq. may redeem the property pursuant to those statutes within five (5) days after the appropriate Order on Final Hearing is issued. FAILURE TO REDEEM THE PROPERTY AND PRESENT PROOF OF REDEMPTION TO THE CIRCUIT COURT WITHIN THE 5-DAY PERIOD MAY RESULT IN A LOSS OF THE RIGHT OF REDEMPTION.

 

 

 

The address of the Birmingham Land Bank Authority is City Hall, 710 North 20th St., Birmingham, AL 35203. The Birmingham Land Bank Authority may be contacted care of Cherokee W. Wooley, Law Offices of Thomas J. Skinner, IV, LLC, at (205) 802-2545.

 

 

 

IT IS THEREFORE ORDERED by the undersigned Clerk of Court that publication of this notice be made once a week for three consecutive weeks in the Birmingham Times, a newspaper of general circulation in Jefferson County, Alabama, and that all persons to whom this notice is addressed and any and all persons claiming any title to, interest in, or lien or encumbrance on the above-described land or any part thereof are hereby directed to plead, answer or otherwise respond to the Complaint in this cause before the hearing date or a judgment by default may be rendered against them it being intended that this notice shall be used to perfect service against all parties who cannot be personally served with a copy of the Complaint.

 

 

 

 

 

BT1/8/2025

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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ADVERTISEMENT FOR COMPLETION

 

 

 

LEGAL NOTICE

 

 

 

In accordance with Chapter 1, Title 39, Code of Alabama, 1975, notice is hereby given

 

that Williford Orman Construction LLC Contractor, has completed the Contract for Construction of Gymnasium Addition and Renovation to Locust Fork High School Package A: Administration Area Lobby and D Blount County for the State of Alabama and the Blount County Owner(s), 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

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Williford Orman Construction LLC

 

(Contractor)

 

 

 

 

 

______PO Box 1985, Pelham, AL 35124

 

(Business Address)

 

 

 

 

 

BT1/8/2025

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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ADVERTISEMENT FOR COMPLETION

 

 

 

LEGAL NOTICE

 

 

 

In accordance with Chapter 1, Title 39, Code of Alabama, 1975, notice is hereby given

 

that Williford Orman Construction LLC , Contractor, has completed the Contract for Construction of Addition and Renovation to Career Technical Education Center at Columbiana for the State of Alabama and the (County) of Shelby, Owner(s), 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

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Williford Orman Construction LLC

 

(Contractor)

 

 

 

 

 

______PO Box 1985, Pelham, AL 35124

 

(Business Address)

 

 

 

 

 

BT1/8/2025

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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IN THE JUVENILE COURT OF MONROE COUNTY, GEORGIA

 

 

 

IN THE INTEREST OF:

 

 

 

  1. D. JR , SEX M , AGE 1, DOB 07/2023, CASE #2025-JV-JR-0040

 

 

 

CHILD UNDER 18 YEARS OF AGE

 

TO WHOM IT MAY CONCERN, BLAKE HIGGINBOTHAM, ANY UNKNOWN PUTATIVE FATHERS; AND ANYONE CLAIMING A PARENTAL INTEREST IN THE ABOVE CHILD BORN TO MCKAYLA STORY

 

You are notified that a Petition for Finding of Dependency with Guardianship Placed with Maternal Grandparents was filed against you in said court on 4/10/25, an Order for Service by Publication was entered on December 1, 2025.

 

YOU ARE COMMANDED AND REQUIRED TO BE AND APPEAR before Monroe County Juvenile Court, being held at Monroe County Justice Center, Forsyth, Georgia on 02/12/26 at 8:30 o’clock a.m., for a hearing following service by publication being held at the Monroe County Justice Center in Forsyth, Georgia. Serve an answer on Petitioner’s Attorney, James E. Patterson, P. O. Box 1006, Forsyth, Georgia 31029.You may obtain a copy of the petition by contacting Monroe County Juvenile Court Clerk.

 

WITNESS the Honorable Judges of this court, this 1st day of December, 2025.

 

 

 

 

 

CLERK, MONROE COUNTY COURT

 

 

 

BT1/8/2025

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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NOTICE TO BIDDERS

 

 

 

Sealed Bid Proposals will be received by the Environmental Services Department, Jefferson County, Alabama, online at QuestCDN (eBidDoc #9986191), until 2:00 P.M. local time on Wednesday, FEBRUARY 4, 2026, and then publicly opened and read via virtual video conference using Microsoft Teams for the SANITARY SEWER SYSTEM – ASSET MANAGEMENT PROGRAM – CONTRACT NO. 2023 PS 01 – FIVE MILE CREEK WEST PUMP STATION IMPROVEMENTS. Microsoft Teams can be accessed using a direct invitation link sent via email (request this link from Tad Powell, Hazen and Sawyer, at email tpowell@hazenandsawyer.com).

 

 

 

The scope of work includes renovation of the wet well, repair to structural concrete and coatings, replacement of pumps, piping and valves, electrical improvements to meet NFPA 820, demolition of existing electrical building and replacement of electrical equipment including a new generator.

 

 

 

Bidding Documents are on file for inspection, by appointment only, at the following location:

 

 

 

Jefferson County Environmental Services Department

 

716 Richard Arrington Jr. Boulevard North, Suite A-300

 

Birmingham, Alabama 35203

 

Contact for Appointment: Colyn Bradley at (205) 325-5123

 

 

 

Complete sets of electronic Bidding Documents (Specifications and Drawings) are available at https://www.jeffcoes.org (navigate to “BID/CONTRACTS “to “NOTICE TO BIDDERS” To “Asset Management Program – Project Bid Information” for a listing of projects). Prior to downloading the Bidding Documents, Bidders will be required to set up a QuestCDN.com account and pay a $64.00 fee ($22.00 fee for download only).Hard copies of the Bidding Documents are the responsibility of the Bidders. Contact QuestCDN at 952-233-1632 or info@questcdn.com for assistance with navigating the website and digital project information.

 

 

 

Bids will only be accepted from pre-qualified contractors who are listed on the Plan Holders List, signifying that they have purchased a set of documents from the Engineer, and who attend the MANDATORY Pre-Bid Conference.

 

 

 

NO BID PROPOSAL SHALL BE ACCEPTED AFTER THE TIME STATED FOR RECEIVING BID PROPOSALS IN THIS NOTICE. A FORM CONTAINING THE CONTRACTOR’S NAME AND ADDRESS OF THE FIRM AND THE CONTRACTOR’S ALABAMA LICENSE NUMBER WITH THE DATE OF EXPIRATION IS REQUIRED WITH THE SUBMISSION OF THE BID. THESE REQUIREMENTS SHALL NOT BE WAIVED.

 

 

 

The Contractor is hereby advised that TIME IS OF THE ESSENCE on this project. The Contract Time for this project is five hundred and forty (540) consecutive calendar days. The first 270 days will be an administrative period followed by a 270-day construction period from the effective date of the written Notice to Proceed to achieve Final Acceptance. Liquidated damages will be assessed if this time limit is exceeded. The Contractor may apply for an extension of time in accordance with the provisions of the Contract; however, such an extension must be approved prior to the Contract Completion Date to avoid the imposition of liquidated damages.

 

 

 

The Contractor is hereby advised that a Pre-Bid Conference will be held via a virtual video conference on Wednesday, JANUARY 21, 2026, at 2:00 p.m. This Pre-Bid Conference is MANDATORY for all contractors planning to submit a Bid Proposal on this project. The conference call will be held using Microsoft Teams and can be accessed using a direct invitation link sent via email (request this link from Tad Powell, Hazen and Sawyer, at email tpowell@hazenandsawyer.com). If you are unable to join the call due to technical difficulties, call Tad Powell (Hazen and Sawyer) at 205-957-4151 or Colyn Bradley (Jefferson County) at 205-325-5123 for assistance.

 

 

 

Questions concerning meaning or intent of Bidding Documents shall be submitted to Tad Powell, PE, Senior Associate, Hazen and Sawyer, at email tpowell@hazenandsawyer.com no later than 5:00 p.m. local time on JANUARY 28, 2026.All questions must be in writing on Bidder’s company’s letterhead.

 

 

 

THE ATTENTION OF ALL BIDDERS IS CALLED TO THE PROVISIONS OF THE STATE LAW GOVERNING GENERAL CONTRACTORS, AS SET FORTH IN ALABAMA CODE SECTIONS 34-8-1 THROUGH SECTION 34-8-28 (1975), AS AMENDED, CHAPTER 4, SECTION 65 TO 82 (INCLUSIVE) OF TITLE 46 OF THE CODE OF ALABAMA OF 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 PROPOSAL FROM ANYONE WHO IS NOT PROPERLY LICENSED UNDER SUCH CODE PROVISIONS.

 

 

 

THE ATTENTION OF BIDDERS IS CALLED TO THE PROVISIONS OF ALABAMA CODE SECTION 39-2-14 (1975) AS AMENDED, REQUIRING A NONRESIDENT CONTRACTOR TO REGISTER WITH THE DEPARTMENT OF REVENUE PRIOR TO ENGAGING IN THE PERFORMANCE OF A CONTRACT IN THE STATE OF ALABAMA.

 

THE ATTENTION OF BIDDERS IS CALLED TO THE PROVISIONS OF ALABAMA CODE SECTION 39-3-5 (1975) AS AMENDED, REGARDING PREFERENCE TO RESIDENT CONTRACTORS.

 

THE ATTENTION OF BIDDERS IS CALLED TO THE PROVISIONS OF ALABAMA ACT 2016-312 AS AMENDED, REGARDING NOT ENGAGING IN THE BOYCOTT OF A PERSON OR ENTITY BASED IN OR DOING BUSINESS WITH A JURISDICTION WITH WHICH THIS STATE ENJOYS OPEN TRADE.

 

THE EXCAVATION PORTION OF THIS PROJECT IS CLASSIFIED AS A CLASS “D” SMALL WRF AND PUMP STATION PROJECT. ALL PROSPECTIVE BIDDERS MUST BE PRE-QUALIFIED WITH THE JEFFERSON COUNTY ENVIRONMENTAL SERVICES DEPARTMENT TO BID CLASS “D” SMALL WRF AND PUMP STATION PROJECTS IN ORDER TO BID ON THIS PROJECT. To pre-qualify with the department and to construct class “D” SMALL WRF AND PUMP STATION PROJECTS, each prospective bidder must furnish written evidence of competency and evidence of financial responsibility to the county.

 

 

 

ACCORDINGLY, THE COUNTY WILL NOT ACCEPT PRE-QUALIFICATIONS AFTER JANUARY 9, 2026. BID PROPOSAL FORMS WILL NOT BE ISSUED TO PROSPECTIVE BIDDERS WHO DO NOT PRE-QUALIFY.

 

 

 

CONTRACTORS ARE ENCOURAGED TO CONTACT THE JEFFERSON COUNTY ENVIRONMENTAL SERVICES DEPARTMENT, 716 RICHARD ARRINGTON JR. BOULEVARD NORTH, SUITE A300, BIRMINGHAM, ALABAMA, (205) 325-5496 IN ADVANCE OF THE DEADLINE TO DETERMINE IF THE CONTRACTOR IS PRE-QUALIFIED TO CONSTRUCT CLASS “D” SMALL WRF AND PUMP STATION PROJECTS, OR FOR OTHER INFORMATION REGARDING THE REQUIREMENTS FOR PRE-QUALIFICATION.

 

 

 

 

 

BY:

 

David Denard

 

Director of Environmental Services

 

Jefferson County, Alabama

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

BT1/8/2025

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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ADVERTISEMENT FOR BIDS

 

SEALED PROPOSALS will be received from General Contractors by Hoover City Schools, 1070 Buccaneer Drive, Hoover, Alabama 35244 until the times noted below on January 29, 2026 for this project:

 

 

 

“HVAC Upgrades at South Shades Crest Elementary, Hoover Hall, and Hoover City Schools Board of Education Office”  Each facility will be an individual bid package as follows:

 

Package A – Re-bid: South Shades Crest Elementary  (1:30 PM CST)

 

Package B – Re-bid: Hoover Hall (2:00 PM CST)

 

Package C – Re-bid: Hoover City Schools Board of Education Office (2:30 PM CST)

 

at which time and place they will be publicly opened and read.

 

A cashier’s check or bid bond payable to Hoover 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, 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.

 

Drawings and specifications may be examined at the office of the Engineer.

 

Bid documents (Plans, Specifications, and Addenda) will be sent to General Contractors only from the Engineer electronically with no deposit. Subcontractors should contact a General Contractor for documents.

 

 

 

A MANDATORY PRE-BID CONFERENCE will be held at Hoover City Schools Maintenance Facility, 1070 Buccaneer Drive, Hoover, Alabama 35244  at 10:30AM CST January 20, 2026 for the purpose of reviewing the project and answering Bidder’s questions. Attendance at the Pre-Bid Conference IS REQUIRED for all General Contractor Bidders intending to submit a Proposal and is highly recommended for Subcontractors. Bids from General Contractors not attending the Pre-Bid Conference will be rejected.

 

Bids must be submitted on proposal forms furnished by the Engineer or copies thereof. All bidders bidding in amounts exceeding that established by the State Licensing Board for General Contractors must be licensed under the provisions of Title 34, Chapter 8, Code of Alabama, 1975, and must show evidence of license before bidding or bid will not be received or considered by the Engineer; the bidder shall show such evidence by clearly displaying his or her current license number on the outside of the sealed envelope in which the proposal is delivered.

 

The Owner reserves the right to reject any or all proposals and to waive technical errors if, in the Owner’s judgement, the best interests of the Owner will thereby be promoted.

 

 

 

Hoover City Schools

 

2810 Metropolitan Way

 

Hoover, AL 35243

 

 

 

Dewberry Engineers Inc.

 

2 Riverchase Office Plaza

 

Suite 205

 

Birmingham, AL 35244

 

 

 

BT1/8/2025

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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IN THE CIRCUIT COURT FOR MONTGOMERY COUNTY, TENNESSEE AT CLARKSVILLE

 

 

 

NON-RESIDENT NOTICE

 

CASE NUMBER: CC-22-CV-2217

 

 

 

 

 

IN RE: CLINTON ALAN HARPER vs. ALLISYN BRIANNA HARPER

 

 

 

You are ordered to appear and defend an action filed against you entitled CLINTON ALAN HARPER vs. ALLISYN BRIANNA HARPER which has been filed in Circuit Court, Montgomery County, Tennessee, and your defense must be made within thirty (30) days from the date of the last publication of this notice, which shall be published for four (4) consecutive weeks in The Birmingham Times and send a copy to the plaintiffs’ attorney at the address listed below. In case of your failure to defend this action by the above date, judgment by default may be rendered against you for the relief demanded in the Petition.

 

 

 

Ordered 09/19/2025, by Judge Joel Wallace Attorney for Plaintiff

 

Amy C. Bates

 

412 Franklin Street

 

Clarksville, TN 37040

 

931-919-5060

 

 

 

 

 

BT1/8/2025

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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ADVERTISEMENT FOR BIDS

 

 

 

Track resurfacing for Central High School Track

 

For Tuscaloosa City Schools

 

Tuscaloosa, Alabama

 

 

 

OWNER PROJECT #: 2025-6

 

Sealed proposals will be received by Mr. Edward Smith, Executive Director of Facilities, Tuscaloosa City Schools, Central Office, 1210 Almon Ave, Tuscaloosa, AL 35401, until 2:00 PM CT on Monday, Jan 12, 2026, at which time they will be opened and read aloud. Only bids received by Certified Mail, FedEx, DHL, UPS, or In Person will be accepted.

 

Contractors must visit the site prior to bidding. Project location: Central High School, 905 15th St, Tuscaloosa, AL 35401.

 

Bidders must carry general liability and workers’ compensation insurance. Bids shall exclude taxes and be submitted on forms provided by the Owner’s Representative. No bid may be withdrawn for 90 days. The Owner reserves the right to reject any proposal or waive technical errors.

 

A certified check or Bid Bond payable to Tuscaloosa City Schools Board of Education for 5% of the bid amount (max $10,000) must accompany each bid. Performance and payment bonds are required at contract signing.

 

Bidders exceeding State Licensing Board limits must be licensed under Title 34, Chapter 8, Code of Alabama (1975) and must list their license number on the outside of the sealed envelope.

 

Bid documents may be obtained by emailing jana@gamedayassociates.com. Only documents issued through this process are endorsed by the Owner/Engineer. Addenda will be issued only to confirmed bidders. The Owner/Engineer retains all document copyrights.

 

All RFIs regarding the bid documents shall be sent to Jana Cox at: jana@gamedayassociates.com.

 

 

 

Completion Time: See Scope of Work in Project Documents.

 

 

 

Supervision: Contractor to ensure proper supervision of all work.

 

 

 

Owner: Tuscaloosa City Schools, Dr. Mike Daria, Superintendent, 1210 Almon Ave, Tuscaloosa, AL 35401

 

 

 

Owner’s Representative: Gameday Associates, LLC, Jana Cox, jana@gamedayassociates.com

 

 

 

BT1/8/2025

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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ADVERTISMENT FOR PRE-QUALIFICATION AND NOTICE OF INTENT TO RECEIVE BIDS FROM PRE-QUALIFIED BIDDERS

 

PRE-QUALIFICATIONS PROPOSALS will be received via mail or email, on behalf of the Owner, the Jefferson County Commission, by BDG Architects at 2308 1st Ave S, Suite 304, Birmingham, AL 35233 for the below referenced project until noon Central Standard Time on Thursday February 5th, 2025, after which no further applications will be considered. The pre- qualification procedure is intended to identify responsible and competent bidders relative to the requirements of the Project. Each prospective bidder will be notified of the results of the pre-qualification on Thursday February 19th, 2025. Pre-qualification proposal requirements may be obtained from the Architect by request via email to bids@bdgllp.com. The Owner will be prequalifying the following categories of trades: Prime General Contractors, Electrical Sub-Contractors, Mechanical Sub-Contractors, Fire-Protection Sub- Contractors, and Audio-Visual Contractors. Each Contractor must have proven experience in their Line of Work.

 

Within the bounds of good faith, the Jefferson County Commission on advice from General Services retains the right to determine whether a Contractor has met pre-qualification procedures and criteria. Only General Contractors who have been approved to bid pursuant to pre-qualification procedures and criteria established by the Owner will be eligible to bid for the Project. Written pre-qualification procedures and criteria are available for review at the office of the Architect or by email listed above. All bidders must be licensed under the provisions of Title 34, Chapter 8, Code of Alabama, 1975. Construction Contracts shall be awarded only to a Prime General Contractor, licensed by the State Licensing Board for General Contractors, as required by Title 34, Chapter 8, Code of Alabama. Construction Contracts in excess of $100,000 shall be awarded only to Contractors licensed as required by the 1978 Code of Alabama, Title 34, Chapter 8 as amended. Bidders must be “responsible “in accordance with criteria in the Bid Documents and as stipulated by Title 39- 2-3-( e ) of the Code of Alabama.

 

JEFFERSON COUNTY 2121 BUILDING INTERIOR RENOVATION – PHASE III

 

The scope of Work is renovations to one Group B, Type IA building. The project will occur in one phase. The scope of Work is an approximately 11,700sf interior office renovation of existing occupied office space on the 9th floor, an approximately 2,900sf interior office renovation of existing occupied office space on the 10th floor, RACM abatement & window replacements on both floors, and audio-visual systems upgrades on the 2nd floor; located at the 2121 Building, 2121 Reverend Abraham Woods Jr Blvd. Spaces may be unoccupied during construction. Required trades under General Contractor’s Work will include but not

 

be limited to electrical, mechanical, interior, and exterior glazing, abatement, structured

 

cabling, non-load bearing framing, audio-visual equipment, and millwork.

 

DRAWINGS AND SPECIFICATIONS may be examined at the office of BDG Architects at the above-listed address starting Thursday February 19th, 2025. Bid Documents will be distributed via SharePoint link for free to the prequalified contractors.

 

A MANDATORY PRE-BID CONFERENCE will be held at 2:00pm CST on Tuesday February 24th, 2025 in the Jefferson County Courthouse, Conference Room A420, Fourth Floor of the Annex Building at 716 Richard Arrington Jr Blvd, N, Birmingham, Alabama. Because of the nature of the project, General Contractors who have been pre-qualified must attend the Pre-Bid Conference. If the number of bidders who attend the Pre-Bid Conference decreases so there is little or no competition, the Bid may be postponed at the discretion of the Owner.

 

SEALED PROPOSALS will be received by the Jefferson County Commission at Room 1, General Services at the Jefferson County Courthouse. Sealed proposals will be publicly opened and read in the Commission Chamber, Second Floor, Room 270 at 2:00pm CST on Thursday March 12th, 2025. No bids submitted after this time will be considered. This requirement will not be waived. The clock in the Commission Chamber will be used to determine the correct time for the completion of the bidding period. A bid bond, executed by a surety company duly authorized & qualified to make such a bond in Alabama, payable to Jefferson County in an amount not less than five (5) percent of the amount of the bid, but in no event more than $10,000, must accompany the bidder’s proposal. Performance Bond at 100% of contract price and Payment Bonds, evidence of insurance required in the bid documents, and E-Verify Memorandum of Understanding will be required at the signing of the Contract.

 

BIDS must be submitted on a lump-sum basis and on proposal forms furnished by the Architect or copies thereof. Submit 2 identical copies of the Bid on the proposal form provided without changes, in a sealed envelope bearing the Contractor’s name and current Alabama License number. All bidders must show evidence of license before bidding or bid will not be received or considered by the Architect; the bidder shall show such evidence by clearly displaying his or her current license number on the outside of the sealed envelope in which the proposal is delivered. Bids that do not bear the General Contractor’s current license number will be returned without being opened. The Owner reserves the right to reject any or all proposals and to waive technical errors if, in the Owner’s judgement, the best interests of the Owner will thereby be promoted.

 

 

 

BT1/8/2025

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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Public Notice

 

 

 

NOTICE: The manufactured dwelling located at 4340 Pinson Valley pkwy Birmingham, AL 35215 lot 57 is now abandoned and will be sold by private sealed bid auction. To inspect the dwelling and submit a sealed bid, call Diana Valdez, 205-968-1640 ext. 3, by 9:00am on January 9, 2026 The dwelling community owner may bid on the dwelling. Bids will be unsealed, and the winning bidder will be announced on January 16 at 9:00 am at the dwelling location noted here.

 

 

 

BT1/8/2025

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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Public Notice

 

NOTICE: The manufactured dwelling located at 4340 Pinson Valley pkwy Birmingham, AL 35215 lot 9 is now abandoned and will be sold by private sealed bid auction. To inspect the dwelling and submit a sealed bid, call Diana Valdez, 205-968-1640 ext. 3, by 9:00am on January 9, 2026 The dwelling community owner may bid on the dwelling. Bids will be unsealed, and the winning bidder will be announced on January 16, 2026 at 9:00 am at the dwelling location noted here.

 

 

 

BT1/8/2025

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

______________________________

 

 

 

Public Notice

 

NOTICE: The manufactured dwelling located at 4200 Northgate trail Pinson AL 35126 lot 29 is now abandoned and will be sold by private sealed bid auction. To inspect the dwelling and submit a sealed bid, call Diana Valdez, 205-968-1640 ext. 3, by 9:00am on January 9,2026 . The dwelling community owner may bid on the dwelling. Bids will be unsealed, and the winning bidder will be announced on January 15, 2026 at 9:00 am at the dwelling location noted here.

 

 

 

BT1/8/2025

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

______________________________

 

 

 

Public Notice

 

NOTICE: The manufactured dwelling located at 4200 Northgate trail Pinson AL 35126 lot 18 is now abandoned and will be sold by private sealed bid auction. To inspect the dwelling and submit a sealed bid, call Diana Valdez, 205-968-1640 ext. 3, by 9:00am on January 9, 2026 The dwelling community owner may bid on the dwelling. Bids will be unsealed, and the winning bidder will be announced on January 16, 2026 at 9:00 am at the dwelling location noted here.

 

 

 

BT1/8/2025

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

______________________________

 

 

 

 

 

Public Notice

 

 

 

Looking for information to help locate biological father of Shamar Jamier Sands to ensure he receives the love and support he needs to flourish.edwinasands@gmail.com

 

 

 

 

 

BT1/8/2025

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

______________________________

 

 

 

ADVERTISEMENT FOR BIDS

 

 

 

SEALED PROPOSALS will be received by The Birmingham City Board of Education at the Office of Edward McMullen, Director of Purchasing, on Wednesday, January 28, 2026 until 2:00 p.m., CST at 2015 Park Place North, Birmingham, Alabama 35203, for New Exterior Doors, Lighting and Site Improvements at Huffman Middle School, at which time and place they will be publicly opened and read.

 

 

 

The Project consists of the replacement of exterior doors, construction of a room housing a new metal framed handicapped ramp, installation of new handicapped ramp, new suspended acoustical ceiling system, new lighting in addition, repaving of existing parking lots, new exterior light fixtures and other work indicated in the contract documents for Huffman Middle School for the Birmingham Board of Education, Birmingham, Alabama

 

 

 

A cashier’s check or bid bond payable to The Birmingham City Board of Education 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.

 

 

 

BID DOCUMENTS may be obtained from the Architect by digital access/file sharing access for a one time administrative fee of $150.00 (non-refundable; separate check), and/or deposit of $250.00 per set, which will be refunded in full on the first two (2) sets issued to each bidder submitting a bona fide bid, upon return of documents in good condition and reusable condition within ten (10) days of bid date. Other sets to general contractors, and sets for subcontractors and dealers, may be obtained with the same deposit, which will be refunded as above less cost of printing, reproduction, handling, and distribution, which is estimated to be the same as the deposit amount. Partial sets will not be available. To expedite distribution of bid documents, deposit check(s) should be emailed and mailed to EXFORD ARCHITECTS, Attn: Fredrick Woods, Project Manager; 3928 Jefferson Avenue, SW, Birmingham, Alabama 35221, (fredrickwoods@exfordllc.com).

 

 

 

DRAWINGS AND SPECIFICATIONS may also be examined at appropriate plan rooms, i.e., Associated General Contractors, F.W. Dodge, Builders exchange, Construction Market Data, iSqFt.com, Building Construction Industry Authority, (BCIA), ARC Document Solutions Public Plan room, etc.

 

 

 

A PRE-BID CONFERENCE will be held at the Birmingham City Board of Education, 2015 Park Place North, Birmingham, Alabama 35203, on Wednesday January 21, 2026, at 10:00 a.m., CST.

 

 

 

Bids must be submitted on proposal forms furnished by the Architect or copies thereof. All bidders bidding in amounts exceeding that established by the State Licensing Board for General Contractors must be licensed under the provisions of Title 34, Chapter 8, Code of Alabama, 1975, and must show evidence of license before bidding or bid will not be received or considered by the Architect; the bidder shall show such evidence by clearly displaying his or her current license number on the outside of the sealed envelope in which the proposal is delivered. The Owner reserves the right to reject any or all proposals and to waive technical errors if, in the Owner’s judgement, the best interest of the Owner will thereby be promoted.

 

 

 

Birmingham City Board of Education, Awarding Authority

 

Exford LLC, Architect

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

BT1/8/2025

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

______________________________

 

 

Building Generational Health: Inside Kenyele Harrison’s Birmingham Pilates Studio

By
Birmingham Times
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0
Kenyele Harrison calls her Pilates practice business, Kenetic Wellness, and wants people to understand that wellness and health can be found in our genes. (Amarr Croskey, For The Birmingham Times)

By Javacia Harris Bowser | For the Birmingham Times

When Kenyele Harrison took her first Pilates class in June 2021, she had one thought: “This is where I need to be.”

The mind-body exercises of Pilates—a system of moves that help strengthen the core, improve posture, and enhance flexibility—not only seemed like the best way to optimize her own fitness but also felt like just what she needed for what she calls her life’s work.

“This is how I get our community of Southern skeptics to see that we can work out in a holistic way,” said Harrison, a Fayette, Alabama, native who came to Birmingham in 2015 on a mission to promote generational health.

“You’re not just getting well for you, right now. I say that it’s generational wellness. You’re getting well for your friends and for your family,” she added.

To spread this message, Harrison not only teaches classes at Pala Pilates in Downtown Birmingham but also takes Pilates outside of the studio and into the community, partnering with various organizations, such as the Soft, Ambitious, and Balanced (SAB) Social Club and Jefferson County Greenways, to offer free Pilates classes at places like CityWalk, the Birmingham Museum of Art, Red Mountain Park, and Ruffner Mountain.

“I knew that if I was going to actually be for the community, I had to get out into the community,” she said.

Harrison, 29, calls her Pilates practice business Kenetic Wellness. The spelling is both a play on her name and a nod to her philosophy that wellness can be genetic.

“I want people to understand that wellness and health—that’s in our genes,” she told The Birmingham Times. “It’s in us to be well; it’s in us to be healthy because, even when you feel like you’re about to get the flu, your body sends you signals, so I take that into wellness.”

And it’s through Pilates that Harrison strives to teach people how to listen to and take care of their bodies.

Her efforts haven’t gone unnoticed. In the summer of 2025, Harrison was awarded an $8,500 grant from Urban Impact Inc. (UII) during the organization’s fifth annual BECOME Pitch Competition for small businesses. UII is a nonprofit that is “committed to removing barriers for Black entrepreneurs [in order to] lead, build, and grow traditionally underserved Black commercial districts and communities.” And the BECOME program is one of the organization’s business education services.

“That was definitely like a signifying moment for me,” Harrison recalled with tears streaming down her face. “It said to me, ‘You have proven that Pilates as a public health initiative is worth something. Keep going.’”

Kenyele Harrison not only teaches classes at Pala Pilates in Downtown Birmingham but also takes Pilates outside of the studio and into the community. (Amarr Croskey, For The Birmingham Times)

More than a New Year’s Resolution

Harrison believes January is the perfect time to start a Pilates practice. “Pilates can help people begin the New Year by helping them set up and understand the importance of routine,” she said.

Classical Pilates focuses on many of the same exercises in each class, Harrison explained. “Some may consider this boring, … but when you do the same thing over again, you get better at it and you tell your brain you can stick to something no matter how new and different,” she said. “It makes those other resolutions not even like resolutions anymore. Just like attending my Pilates class, they become a part of life.”

Harrison also believes that the Pilates principles of breathing, concentration, and control can be applied to every facet of life. “If we breathe with every exercise in Pilates and take full breaths in life, even the hard things become possible to at least attempt,” she said. And as you learn to move from your core in Pilates, you’ll also learn to move from you core beliefs in life.

“Then we have a source to reach from, and we aren’t out here just winging it,” Harrison said. “Our center keeps us strong and balanced. If we concentrate in class and in life, we tend to surprise ourselves with how much we can accomplish.”

What is Pilates?

Pilates, developed in the early 20th century by German physical trainer Joseph Pilates, is more than just a fitness trend. This full-body, low-impact workout system is designed to boost core strength, mobility, and flexibility. According to The Pilates Center, “In developing a Pilates practice, you focus on breathwork, concentration, precision, flow, centering, and control in order to feel strong, conditioned, and flexible in both mind and body.”

“Pilates was a foreign word to me,” Harrison said. “I had no idea what the word even was before I started taking Pilates, and I consider myself cultured. If I didn’t know it, I knew my grandmas didn’t know. I knew my aunties didn’t know it. I knew my uncles didn’t know it. So, it was imperative for me to get out in the community.”

Kenyele Harrison also takes Pilates outside of the studio and into the community. (Amarr Croskey, For The Birmingham Times)

A True Athlete

Harrison was born and raised in Fayette, a small town north of Tuscaloosa, Alabama, where she saw health disparities exacerbated by a lack of healthy food options and little access to quality health care. She began to ask herself, “How can we put wellness in our own hands?”

At an early age, Harrison did this by staying active. At Fayette Middle School, she played softball. While at Fayette High School, she was a cheerleader and played tennis. Still, she didn’t consider herself an athlete until she began to practice Pilates.

“Back then I was learning how to play a game, how to play a sport, but not actually how to use my body,” she said. “Pilates really has taught me how to use my body. I know how to keep going and when to push back.”

And this is what she aims to teach her clients—regardless of age or fitness level—so she considers them all athletes.

For example, Harrison said, “My 89-year-old client, Ruth, is an athlete because she wants to keep using her body for life.”

Harrison came to Birmingham in 2015 to study at the University of Alabama at Birmingham (UAB). She wanted to be a surgeon, but then she got another idea. “I’m a preacher’s kid, so I’m gonna say the Lord spoke to me,” she said, adding that she was moved to focus on helping people before surgery was necessary—and the Kenetic Wellness movement was born.

Certified

Before Pilates, Harrison frequently suffered injuries from sports and other workouts. So, in June 2021 she took her first Pilates class at Club Pilates in Cahaba Heights, a neighborhood of Vestavia Hills, Alabama. “I laid on that Reformer, [a resistance apparatus with a padded platform called a carriage that moves back and forth on rails], for the first time, and I was like, ‘Oh, yes, this is where I need to be,’” she recalled. “I’m getting the strength, I’m getting the flexibility, but I don’t feel pain. I only feel the soreness that’s supposed to come with working out.” After one class, Harrison was hooked and soon signed up for teacher training with encouragement from Club Pilates Birmingham owner Lindsay Booker.

“My first certification was through Club Pilates. … This is not a weekend certification. It’s a 500-hour, fully comprehensive certification, which means I’m certified to teach every piece of Pilates equipment,” explained Harrison, who went on to get additional advanced certifications from The Pilates Center in Boulder, Colorado.

“I understand how to teach specific populations,” she said. “I understand how to teach somebody with osteoporosis. I understand how to teach somebody with Parkinson’s disease or with vertigo.”

“She Looked Like Me”

Monica Tabb of Bessemer, Alabama, has been practicing Pilates with Harrison as her guide for a little more than a year. “I’d heard a lot about Pilates, and I’d always kind of been interested in it,” Tabb said. “I was on Instagram, and Kenyele’s picture and information kept popping up. It encouraged me because she looked like me.”

One day, Tabb, 45, decided to try one of Harrison’s introductory classes: “And I haven’t looked back,” she said.

Tabb takes both group and one-on-one classes with Harrison. “I never did think that Pilates wasn’t for African Americans because I feel like health and exercise is for anybody,” Tabb said. “But I felt like Kenyele could understand my body type. I felt like she could understand some of the struggles that Black women have.”

Since Tabb started practicing Pilates, her posture and flexibility have improved and her core has gotten stronger, she said. The breathing techniques of Pilates also help her keep anxiety in check if she’s stressed.

Tabb, who works at a U.S. Postal Service plant, said, “I’m doing a lot of pulling and pushing and moving and walking and bending, so I think it has helped a lot with my job, too.”

As a bonus, Tabb said her body is more toned—something that friends and family members have noticed.

Tabb makes Pilates a family affair. Whenever her sister, who lives in Montgomery, Alabama, comes to visit, they always take a Pilates class together. And over the past year, Tabb has begun to see Harrison as family, as well.

“I see her like a little sister, and I am just very proud of her for all of the work she’s doing,” Tabb said. “I think this is a calling for her.”

Kenyele Harrison teaches classes at Pala Pilates in Downtown Birmingham. (Amarr Croskey, For The Birmingham Times)

Pilates is a Practice

Harrison dreams of one day owning a massive wellness facility that will host fitness classes and house a café that provides healthy foods. She also wants to establish satellite centers in small towns like Fayette.

In the meantime, Harrison will keep going. She’ll continue encouraging people of all ages and backgrounds to try Pilates, whether it’s at one of her free community classes or at one of the classes she offers at Pala Pilates.

“Pilates is a practice,” she said. “Pilates is a mind-body connection, and you learn a little bit more about yourself during every single class.”

Before that can happen, though, Harrison said you must release the doubts and distractions that can get in the way. And most of all, she said, “Release the idea that you don’t belong.”

Follow Kenyele Harrison on Instagram @keneticwellness or visit pilatesbham.com/studio/schedule.

Where to Practice Pilates in Birmingham

By
Birmingham Times
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0
Pala Pilates is a classical Pilates studio located in the heart of Downtown Birmingham that offers a variety of classes suitable for all fitness levels. (Provided)

Compiled by Javacia Harris Bowser | For The Birmingham Times

Birmingham’s wellness scene is on the rise and there’s no shortage of studios offering classes to help you start your Pilates practice.

Aero Joe Pilates

2924 3rd Ave S Suite 100, Birmingham, AL 35233

www.aerojoepilates.com

Aero Joe Pilates, located at Pepper Place, offers group Pilates classes including Reformer, Tower, and Mat classes, as well as private sessions. Aero Joe also offers Aerial Pilates, which challenges participants to balance practicing Pilates movements in a hammock for a total-body workout experience.

BODYBAR Pilates

4317 Dolly Ridge Road Suite 117, Cahaba Heights, AL 35243

5856 Elsie Rd, Hoover, AL 35244

bodybarpilates.com

The BODYBAR Method uses Pilates to help community members train their inner athlete by building strength and endurance in an intense yet balanced group workout experience.

BODYROK Birmingham

2805 2nd Avenue South, Suite 300, Birmingham, AL 35233

bodyrok.com/studio/birmingham

Located at Pepper Place, BODYROK Birmingham offers a 45-minute workout that challenges participants to plank, lunge, twist, jump and push their limits. The workout is a dynamic, muscle sculpting sequence of hybrid Pilates movements.

Club Pilates

1920 28th Avenue South, Homewood, AL 35209

3159 Green Valley Rd, Birmingham, AL 35243

1839 Montgomery Hwy, Ste. D, Hoover, AL 35244

www.clubpilates.com

The full-body, low impact Reformer based group Pilates classes offered at Club Pilates are complemented by TriggerPoint, TRX® springboard, EXO-chair and other equipment designed to build strength, mobility and stability.

MPower Pilates

2419 Canterbury Road, Mountain Brook, AL 35223

1117 Dunston Avenue, Suite 1103, Birmingham, AL 35213

2008 Cahaba Road, Birmingham, AL 35223

www.mpowerbhm.com

Using an apparatus called a “Megaformer,” MPower Pilates offers full-body, low-impact classes that combine Pilates, cardio and stability training.  With slow, controlled movements, patented equipment, and thoughtfully curated classes, the workouts are designed to build strength, tone muscles, enhance endurance, and jumpstart metabolism.

Pala

310 Richard Arrington Blvd. North, Birmingham, AL 35203

www.pilatesbham.com

Pala Pilates is a classical Pilates studio located in the heart of Downtown Birmingham that offers a variety of classes suitable for all fitness levels and led by certified instructors – including Kenyele Harrison of Kenetic Wellness.

The Pilates Dwelling

212 20th St N Suite 203, Birmingham, AL 35203

www.thepilatesdwelling.com

A Black, female-owned studio based in Downtown Birmingham, The Pilates Dwelling offers cultivated Reformer Pilates classes.

Provision Studio

3017 3rd Ave S Birmingham, AL 35233

1665 28th Ave S Homewood, AL 35209

provisionstudio.com

Provision Studio is a contemporary Reformer studio that honors the core principles of Pilates, while also offering signature Fusion classes that blend Pilates with cardio, weights, and more.

Rise + Refine

300 Old Towne Road, Vestavia Hills, Alabama

www.riseandrefinehotyoga.com

Rise + Refine may be best known for its hot yoga classes, but the studio also offers Hot Pilates, which blends traditional Pilates and high-intensity interval training in a room heated to 95 degrees Fahrenheit.

Steel City Pilates

1000 Chestnut Street Suite 200, Vestavia Hills, AL 35216

www.steelcitypilates.com

With a focus on private and semi-private classes, Steel City Pilates is fully equipped with all the apparatus Joseph Pilates created for the practice of Pilates. The movements and equipment are designed to promote flexibility, strength, balance and control.

Studio G Pilates by Genevieve

1745 Oxmoor Road, Birmingham, AL 35209​

www.pilatesgmethod.com

This boutique studio offers workouts founded on the seven core principles of Pilates: concentration, control, centering, breathing, flow, precision, and rhythm. Classes include Mat Pilates, Reformer Pilates, and more.

Solidcore

333 Summit Blvd, Birmingham, AL 35243

solidcore.co

Solidcore offers a 50-minute-high intensity, low impact, resistance training workout using a custom machine with slow and purposeful movements targeting the core, lower and upper body.

Thrive Studio
6 Office Park Circle, Suite 119, Mountain Brook, AL 35223

www.thrive-pilates.com

Thrive Pilates offers a wide variety of classes taught on classical Pilates apparatus and small class sizes. There is a maximum of 3 per apparatus class and a maximum of 6 in mat class. The studio also offers yoga instruction.

City of Birmingham Focuses on Neighborhoods Agenda for 2026 Alabama Legislative Session

By
Birmingham Times
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0
Birmingham officials are in support of a neighborhood agenda ahead of the 2026 Alabama Legislative Regular Session. (File)

birminghamal.gov

The Woodfin administration and Birmingham City Council jointly support an agenda enhancing neighborhood stability, housing affordability, and blight removal ahead of the 2026 Alabama Legislative Regular Session.

“These are shared values influenced by ongoing conversations with the residents of our 99 neighborhoods,” Mayor Randall L. Woodfin said. “I thank the council for its collaboration and support of this agenda as we continue to improve each neighborhood that makes up our city—while also positioning Birmingham as a city that is open for business, welcoming to new residents, and committed to smart, inclusive growth.”

“From new housing and neighborhood revitalization to economic development and job creation, Birmingham is transforming in ways that strengthen our communities and expand opportunity for everyone,” Woodfin added.

The City Council approved a resolution Tuesday in support of the city’s legislative priorities.

The priorities of the session include:

  • Changing the Alabama Land Bank Act that would allow local land bank authorities to acquire tax-delinquent properties more quickly, helping move vacant and abandoned properties back into productive use.
  • Granting Class 1 municipalities the authority to create a vacant property registry, establish a vacant property registration fee, and reasonably enforce basic maintenance standards to address long-term neglect by absentee property owners.
  • Creating the Birmingham Housing Trust Fund, as well as legislation allowing municipalities to establish Community Land Trusts to promote community development and expand access to affordable housing.
  • Seeking legislative review of a potential constitutional amendment that would allow a Class 1 municipality to impose a blight remediation assessment on certain properties, creating another tool to address persistent blight. The City of Birmingham is a Class 1 municipality.

The 2026 Regular Session of the Alabama Legislature begins Tuesday, January 13, 2026.

Elle Simone Scott, Chef and First Black Woman Regular on ‘America’s Test Kitchen’, Dies at 49

By
Birmingham Times
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0
Elle Simone Scott of “America’s Test Kitchen” passed away on Jan. 5 at 49 years old. (America's Test Kitchen)

By Arielle Gray | WBUR

Boston chef and food stylist Elle Simone Scott has passed away. Her family announced that she died on Jan. 5 at 49 years old.

Scott joined the PBS program “America’s Test Kitchen” in 2016 and was the first Black woman to be a regular member of the show. Beyond her work as a test cook and host, Scott also served as an executive editor.

Born in 1976 in Detroit to a religious family, Scott was inspired by the power of food at a young age. Her great-grandmother Ann was an accomplished cook whose prowess in the kitchen taught Scott that food could be more than sustenance.

“I know that it was not just an experience of putting food on the table for her but it was emotional and political,” Scott said in a 2020 interview with WBUR.

Though she always loved to cook, it wasn’t until Scott lost her home and her job as a social worker during the 2008 recession that she made a serious pivot to food. “The thought occurred to me, if I have to do something for the next 25 years of my life, it better be something I love,” said Scott in another WBUR interview. “The only thing I could think of was cooking. It was the one thing that brought me peace and joy.”

After she worked in a cruise ship kitchen, Scott moved to New York City in 2009 and went to the Culinary Institute of New York. She eventually began an internship at the Food Network and went on to produce work for a number of outlets like Bravo and the Cooking Channel. But Scott noticed people of color lacked visibility, especially women of color. “It’s important for us to see ourselves represented in this industry. That’s how we know we can do it,” Scott told WTOP News in 2019.

She founded SheChef, a culinary networking group, in 2013 to help others like her navigate the inequities of working in food.  “I thought it would be a great way to create a network to bring those underrepresented people together to see how we could support each other,” said Scott. “SheChef is meant to be a glass window for all of us to look through and see ourselves being successful on the other side.”

Scott was also passionate about access to food, particularly for Black and brown communities. As a former recipient of the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), Scott was outspoken about her support for SNAP and school lunch programs. “I didn’t grow up in a food desert but I grew up around food deserts,” she explained in an interview with WBUR. “Thinking about the way Black people eat is very important to me.”

In 2016, shortly after moving to Boston to work at America’s Test Kitchen, Scott was diagnosed with stage 1 ovarian cancer. She became a cancer advocate and was vocal about living with the disease.

“Having cancer, or just having a terminal disease in general, really makes you think about your life and how you want to live it for whatever time you have left,” Scott told WBUR. “I promised the Creator that if I survived cancer, I would utilize the rest of my life to make a change and be impactful.”

As one of the most visible Black women in food television, Scott did have an impact through her dedication to her work.

“No more Black and brown girls — or any girls of color — will have to search for an image that makes them feel encouraged toward their cooking or TV dreams,” Scott said in an interview with Food & Wine. “There’s no work if you’re not leaving a legacy. Otherwise it’s self-serving, and once you’re gone, it’s gone.”

PEOPLE, PLACES & THINGS

By
Birmingham Times
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0
James D. Stewart, Jr., Irondale’s First African American Mayor. (File)

By Gwen DeRu | The Birmingham Times

“CELEBRATING DR. MARTIN LUTHER KING JR.’S BIRTHDAY!!!”

TODAY, JANUARY 8…

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

**MATCHA TEA MAKING: FROM LEAF TO BOWL, 5:30 – 7 p.m. at the Birmingham Botanical Gardens with JOSH HAYNES, Chef at Alloy Thai and RITSUKO ASANO who has been teaching Urasenke tea for over 20 years.

**KARAOKE KICKBACK EVERY THURSDAY, 6 – 9 p.m. at Jazzi’s on 3rd, with Happy Hour 5-6 p.m. FREE. There is a weekly Cash Prize hosted by Loretta Hill.

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

**THAT’S MY JAM THURSDAYS KARAOKE & MINGLE at Platinum with music by DEVYBE BAND and hosted by Jirus Horton. Line Dance with DESI KEITH & D2 at 6 p.m.

**RnB POETICALLY LIT, 5-7 p.m. at Lit on 8th, 518 Abraham Woods Jr. Blvd. with HUNCHO ZAVY, KD MCQWEEN, CAROL HOOD, DKMODE, BRIANNE SHARDAW and hosted by HEMP THE ARTIST. Every Thursday.

**JAZZ IN THE MAGIC CITY HAPPY HOUR featuring Alabama’s own Jose Carr and his band, 4:30-7 p.m. at the Carver Theatre. FREE. EVERY THURSDAY!

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

**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.

**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.

**FRANKIE WHITE, REBECCA EGELAND at The Nick.

FRIDAY, JANUARY 9…

IT IS FRIDAY…the weekend starts…

**COMEDIAN SPECIAL EVENT: COMEDIAN LIL DUVAL at the StarDome Comedy Club.

**UNDERGROUND BOOKING 5th ANNUAL BDAY BASH w/ J MICHAEL PHILLIPS & CREMTO SMITH at The Nick.

**VIOLETTE, NO CULTURE, ALABAMA SO & SO MACHINE, STAR WITNESS at Saturn.

**FRIDAY NIGHT LIGHTS, 5 p.m. at Howard’s Unlimited Lounge & Cocktail Bar at 4010 Avenue I with food by 1918 Catering Food Truck. Happy Hour at 5, Call 205-213-9097 for more.

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

**RUMOURS ATL: A FLEETWOOD MAC at Iron City.

SATURDAY, JANUARY 10…

**MEN’S COFFEE TALK, 11 a.m. – 12:30 p.m.  at Rochelle’s Coffee.

**STRANGELOVE – THE DEPECHE MODE EXPERIENCE at Saturn.

**HIRAETH, GENTRY BLUE, SPUNT FOREST GREEN at The Nick.

**COMEDIAN SPECIAL EVENT: COMEDIAN LIL DUVAL at the StarDome Comedy Club.

SUNDAY, JANUARY 11…

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

**HOWARD’S UNLIMITED LOUNGE & COCKTAIL BAR, 4010 Avenue I, in Belview Heights opened recently by our own favorite son radio personality and D.J. CHRIS COLEMAN.  Check it out for Sunday Brunch with food by 1918 Catering, music and more!! For more, call 205-213-9097. 1918 Catering is the best food for lunch, dinner or your special event. (Take my word.)

**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.

**HARTLEY DEATHERAGE’S SUPERJAM at The Nick.

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

**MOTION SUNDAYS at Platinum, 8 p.m. – 1 a.m. with DJ CUZZO X DJ A1 Controlling the Vibes. There will be Drink Specials.

MONDAY, JANUARY 12

**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 at The Nick.

TUESDAY, JANUARY 13…

**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 – PARACHUTE SHOW with BOOZEE, C.A. JONES & STINE at Saturn.

 WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 14…

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

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

THURSDAY, JANUARY 15 …

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

** DRIED FLORAL WEATH-MAKING WORKSHOP, 10 a.m. – Noon, with TANIS CLIFTON from Happy Trails Flower Farm at the Birmingham Botanical Gardens.

**COMEDIAN SPECIAL EVENT: COMEDIAN DAMON DARLING at the StarDome Comedy Club.

**THE IMPOSTERS TOUR: DROP THE LEASH AND DEAD & BLOATED at Saturn.

**KARAOKE KICKBACK EVERY THURSDAY, 6 – 9 p.m. at Jazzi’s on 3rd, with Happy Hour 5-6 p.m. FREE. There is a weekly Cash Prize hosted by Loretta Hill.

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

**THAT’S MY JAM THURSDAYS KARAOKE & MINGLE at Platinum with music by DEVYBE BAND and hosted by Jirus Horton. Line Dance with DESI KEITH & D2 at 6 p.m.

 FRIDAY, JANUARY 16….

**COMEDIAN SPECIAL EVENT: COMEDIAN D.L. HUGHLEY at the StarDome Comedy Club.

**COMEDIAN CHRIS HIGGINS at the StarDome Comedy Club.

**VARSITY BLUES at The Nick.

**ALL YOUR FRIENDS: THE INDIE PARTY at Saturn.

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

 **IRONDALE’S MAYOR JAMES D. STEWART, JR. is KEYNOTE SPEAKER AT THE FIRST ANNUAL LIVING THE DREAM FELLOWSHIP BREAKFAST – Honoring the Legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., January 15, with a 7 a.m. breakfast and a 7:45 a.m. program at the Alabama AGC Conference Center, 5000 Grantswood Road in Irondale. Keynote Address is by MAYOR JAMES D. STEWART, JR. Irondale’s First African American Mayor. Go to www.IrondaleCommunityFoundation.com for more.

**A BOY NAMED KING: THE MAKING OF A DREAMER –  Encore Theatre presents, A Boy Named King: The Making of a Dreamer, January 17- 19 at the Carver Theatre.  It is is written and directed by MARC RABY. Before the monument. Before the speeches. Before the Dream that changed the world – there was a boy named King.

Show of The Month 

Seen & Heard: The History of Black Television, Available on HBO Max, is a powerful exploration of how Black voices have shaped — and reshaped — American television. From early breakthrough moments to modern, groundbreaking series, the documentary traces the struggles, creativity, and resilience behind representation on screen. It highlights trailblazing performers, writers, and producers who challenged stereotypes, opened doors, and created space for authentic Black stories to be told.

More than a history lesson, Seen & Heard shows how television has reflected cultural change and influenced conversations about identity, visibility, and power. The film is both a celebration of progress and a reminder of the work still needed to ensure diverse stories continue to be seen, heard, and valued.

Book of the Month

The Davenport | By Krystal Marquis

Inspired by real history, The Davenports is a rich, spirited historical novel that blends romance, family drama, and lesser-known African American history into an unforgettable read. Set in 1910 Chicago, it follows one of the few Black families of great wealth and status, built on the entrepreneurial success of William Davenport, a formerly enslaved man who founded a thriving carriage company. At its heart are four determined young women—Olivia, Helen, Ruby, and Amy-Rose—as they navigate love, ambition, societal expectations, and personal growth in a rapidly changing world. Olivia’s path to love takes unexpected turns, Helen defies gender norms with her mechanical pursuits, Amy-Rose dreams of business ownership, and Ruby wrestles with her heart’s desires and social pressures.

 BOOKS TO READ…

Here are a few books by our own beloved AUTHOR FREDERICK PERRY SR., a native of Birmingham. He is a seasoned Pastor, devoted teacher and companionate mentor with a shepherd’s heart and a visionary mind that is committed to empowering others to live intentionally and faithfully. The author of over 50 books.  You will see more of him in the future. His books are MUST READ.

**BOOK – WHEN PLEASING OTHERS MAKES YOU MISERABLE – It shares how to discover the transformative journey of reclaiming your voice and prioritizing your well-being. There are steps to balance generosity with personal boundaries and to serve others without losing yourself

**BOOK – RECOGNIZING AND RESPONDING TO JEALOUSY WITH WISDOM – Perry states that jealousy often hides in plain sight, whispering in comparisons and disguising itself as concern. Through scriptural insights, relatable stories, and practical reflections, this book offers spiritual tools and soul-deep encouragement to help you respond to jealousy with honesty and healing. Whether you have been wounded by envy or wrestled with it in secret, the pages of this book will guide you towards clarity and wisdom, transforming jealousy into an opportunity for growth and deeper understanding.

**BOOK – THE SECRET TO CONTENTMENT – This is a self-help guide that challenges readers to redefine true fulfillment, honoring both abundance and scarcity as fertile grounds for spiritual growth. The book offers a refreshing peace in the present moment while living in a world obsessed with more – more success, more comfort, more validation. It shares how you perceive and prioritize your life when finding out that happiness is not found in what you possess.  You will find actionable steps to reprioritize your desires, cultivate gratitude, build resilience and embrace inner peace.  You will learn how to re-examine your own life, fostering a ripplpe of contentment that can transform your relationships, your work and your soul.

**BOOK – YOU ARE HERE FOR A REASON: Discovering Purpose, Healing From Within and Embracing The One Who Made You. This books shares that you were not places here by chance because your life bears the fingerprints of God – and every detour, delay and difficulty has been woven with purpose. I t is a companion for those navigating identity, grief and the quiet ache to feel whole. This book dares you to believe that your journey matters p not just to you, but the One who crafted you with intention. Whether you are searching for healing or reawakening to the power of purpose, these pages are for you. Be encouraged. Because you are here, and yes – you are here for a reason.

NEW APP…

**THE COMPANION APP EXPERIENCE – R&B TRIVIA NIGHT, JANUARY 22, 7-9:15 p.m. at Alibi Bar and Tapas, 5514 First Avenue North. Networking Hour will kick off the evening at 7 p.m. as people connect to create their trivia team, grab some food and drinks. The Trivia Challenge starts, at 8 p.m. as people showcase their R&B knowledge. 9 p.m. The winners are announced at 9 p.m. and are celebrated. More mixing and mingling at 9:15 p.m.  Don’t forget to get your Companion App when you enter for a surprise.

FOR BLUES LOVERS…

**FEBRUARY 6 – THE GRATEFUL DEAD’S “BLUES FOR ALLAH” performed by DON WAS AND THE PAN-ENSEMBLE, 7:30 p.m. at the Alys Stephens Performing Arts Center at UAB’s Center for the Arts. Curated and led by six-time Grammy Award-winning Musician, producer and composer DON WAS, this tribute brings together world-class musicians from across Detroit’s music scene to celebrate the album’s 50th Anniversary. The Pan-Ensemble include DAVE MCMURRAY on saxophone, keyboardist LUIS RESTO, trombonist VINCENT CHANDLER, trumpeter JOHN DOUGLAS, drummer JEFF CANADAY, percussionist MAHINDI MASAI, guitarist WAYNE GERARD and vocalist STEFFANIE CHRISTI’AN.

FOR JAZZ LOVERS…

**JANUARY 25 – JAZZ ON 4TH WITH JSU COMBO 1 – Join the Alabama Jazz Hall of Fame at the Carver Theatre for the Sunday series, Jazz on 4th. Kicking off 2026 is the Jacksonville State University Combo 1 for a captivating live jazz performance.

**FEBRUARY 11 – JAZZ & PILATES WITH KENYELE – Join the Alabama Jazz Hall of Fame at the historic Carver Theatre, 6 – 7 p.m. for Jazz and Pilates with instructor Kenyele Harrison. Get strength, stretch and center your body as you move through Pilates exercises set to smooth, soulful sounds of jazz. It is the perfect blend of wellness and rhythm.

**FEBRUARY 13 – JAZZ IN A GLASS – LOVE NOTES EDITION of A Valentine’s Day Treat, 7-9 p.m. at the AJHOF. This partnership with Pour Crazy invites yo to an cocktail-making experience where mixology meets the magic of jazz.

**FEBRUARY 22 – JAZZ NIGHT WITH BIRMINGHAM YOUTH JAZZ ENSEMBLE ALUMNI CONCERT, 5 – 6 p.m. p.m. at the Carver Theatre with the Birmingham Youth Jazz Ensemble.  This will be a captivating live jazz performance with New York-based trombonist and educator Calvin Sexton for an Alumni Concert like no other.

**FEBRUARY 28 – MAUSIKI SCALES & COMMON GROUNG COLLECTIVE – MESSAGE IN THE MUSIC, 7 p.m. at the Carver Theatre.  This concert will be a powerful fusion of Afrobeats, Jazz, Funk and Soul. Music.

FOR ART LOVERS…

AT THE UAB ABROMS- ENGEL INSTITUTE FOR THE VISUAL ARTS…

**JANUARY 15 – VIRGINIA L. MONTGOMERY, award winning experimental filmmaker and multimedia artist will have her works on exhibition at the University of Alabama at Birmingham, Noon – 5 p.m. Tuesday through Saturday, FREE. The exhibit is entitled BLUE MOON COCOON.

AT THE VULCAN PARK AND MUSEUM…

**2026 EXHIBITION: REVOLUTIONARY ROOTS – Celebrating Alabama’s Unique History and Natural Beauty, in honor of the United States 250th Anniversary, a part of America250. While Alabama was not yet a state at the nation’s founding, the exhibit honors individuals from across Alabama whose courage, resilience and leadership have helped shape the state and the country, many of whom have been historically overlooked or unsung. The exhibit will feature Calvin McGhee, who helped establish the Poarch Creek Indians, educator Carrie Tuggle, voting rights activist Virginia Durr, NASA scientist Clyde Foster and contemporary leaders including Alabama Poet Laureate Ashley M. Jones and JICA! CEO Dr. Carlos E. Aleman. COMING SOON!!!

BIRMINGHAM BOTANICAL GARDENS…in January …

**JANUARY 29 – JASON POWELL is Special Guest Speaker for the Annual John A. Floyd, Jr., Lecture, with the 5:30 p.m. reception and presentation from 6-7 p.m.

**JANUARY 31 – COMMUNITY SEED SWAP, 10 a.m. – 1 p.m. on National Seed Swap Day.

 FOR THOSE THAT NEED IT…

**ASBURY UMC FOOD PANTRY, 6690 Cahaba Valley Road, Wednesdays 2-4 p.m. and Every 1st Sunday at 12:30 – 2 p.m. For more info, 205-995-1700, info@asburybham.org and www.asburybham.org/food.

**BE KIND BIRMINGHAM LIBRARY POP-UP:

1st Wednesday – Titusville Library at 10 a.m., 2nd Wednesday – North Birmingham Library at 3 p.m., 3rd Wednesday – East Ensley Library at 11 a.m. and 4th Wednesday – Southside Library at 3 p.m. Always check Be Kind on Facebook for updates and changes to schedules.

**FOR EMERGENCY RESOURCES, Call 205-942-8911 or go to www.feedingal.org/findfood for more.  OR call 211 for assistance.

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

“This is where I need to be.”

By
Birmingham Times
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KENYELE HARRISON, WHO CALLS HER PILATES PRACTICE BUSINESS KENETIC WELLNESS, AFTER TAKING HER FIRST PILATES CLASS IN JUNE 2021; THE BIRMINGHAM TIMES, JAN. 8.

Birmingham City Students Face Early Deadline to Complete 4-Year College Scholarship Application

By
Birmingham Times
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2025 Birmingham Promise College graduates with Birmingham Mayor Randall Woodfin (center) and Samantha Williams (left), Birmingham Promise executive director. (Birmingham Promise)

dcwins.com

Seniors in Birmingham City Schools who want to attend a four-year college or university have until Feb. 1 to complete their Birmingham Promise scholarship application – a deadline that is coming months earlier than in years past.

Birmingham Promise provides up to four years of tuition assistance for graduates of Birmingham City Schools who attend public colleges and universities in Alabama. The application deadline for students who plan to attend two-year colleges will remain May 1.

“We want to make sure that all students in Birmingham City Schools have the chance to pursue their college dreams,” said Samantha Williams, executive director of Birmingham Promise. “We have learned over the past few years that our students need to apply to college by February in order to maximize their housing and external scholarship options. We know that February 1 is early, but applying later than that jeopardizes students’ ability to successfully attend the college of their choosing.”

Birmingham Promise covers up to four years of tuition in public Alabama colleges and universities for all Birmingham City Schools graduates. To date, Promise has provided more than $15 million in tuition assistance to more than 1,600 graduates of Birmingham City Schools.

Students who are not sure about their plans should apply by Feb. 1 to make sure they still have all their choices, Williams said.

The Birmingham Promise application is simple, and all graduating seniors at Birmingham City Schools should have received a link to the application via their Outlook email school account. Anyone with questions or needing help can email scholarships@birminghampromise.org or call 205-843-5967.

In addition to completing a Birmingham Promise application, students must also fill out their Free Application for Federal Student Aid, which is commonly referred to as FAFSA.

For that, parents or guardians will need to furnish financial information from records such as tax returns and bank statements. Promise encourages parents to gather those documents in advance and read FAFSA questions and instructions carefully. They can also find FAFSA tips and common errors to avoid at https://birminghampromise.org/resources/financial-aid/. Promise provides last-dollar assistance, meaning it covers tuition and mandatory fees not covered by other sources of financial aid, including Pell grants. Students are encouraged to complete the Promise application even if they think their tuition is covered and even if they plan to attend a private or out-of-state college.

“Completing the application keeps students’ options open in case other assistance falls through, or they end up staying in state at a public college or university,” Williams said. “We don’t want anyone to miss out on the benefits of Birmingham Promise simply because they didn’t meet the deadline to apply.”

‘Nothing to Do in Birmingham?’ Not So, Says This Networking Group 

By
Birmingham Times
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Final Pour’s Leadership team, Michael Rankins, Creative Director; Jacques Shelby, Financial Officer and Logistics Coordinator Cameron Brown, Community Engagement Officer. (Sym Posey, The Birmingham Times)

By Sym Posey | The Birmingham Times

With a new year underway, young professionals across Birmingham are finding fresh ways to connect, collaborate and unwind. One group leading that charge is The Final Pour, a growing networking event series from Birmingham and the surrounding areas.

Organized by Jacques Shelby, Cameron Brown, and Michael Rankin, The Final Pour are helping to shape the city’s professional landscape through conversation and connection.

“We saw a need in Birmingham as far as nightlight and community with younger professionals,” said Brown, who serves as the Community Engagement Officer for the Final Pour.  “A lot of young professionals may feel like they don’t have as many options compared to other cities like Birmingham.

To kick off the New Year, The Final Pour held its first event of the year on January 3 with their Rhythm and Intimacy series at Mayawell Bar, located at 2900 4th Avenue South.

The sold out event drew a diverse crowd of professionals from industries ranging from finance and health care to marketing, education, and the arts.

Brown said their events are a blend of casual conversation with intentional networking, creating an atmosphere that felt both social and purposeful.

“We’re just trying to find a way to bring young professionals out , mingle, network with people, and also have a good time,” Brown said.

The Final Pour made its debut in August 2026 with a rooftop soirée that highlighted Birmingham’s growing culture of young professionals who are eager to invest in their city.

“Obviously we know Birmingham has an extensive lineup of clubs, but we felt like something was missing. By having events such as ours, things can be different from those spaces,” said Financial Officer and Logistics Coordinator Jacques Shelby.

The Final Pour has positioned itself as a space where relationships come first. Rather than structured panels or formal programming, the series emphasizes relaxed environments where attendees can meet organically over drinks and conversation.

“Our biggest goal is to kill the narrative that ‘there is nothing to do in Birmingham.’ Our objective is to get rid of that phrase. The Final Pour is going to be the thing that leads the way,” said Shelby.

Since its inception, the group has steadily gained attention through word of mouth and social media, with each event attracting new faces while maintaining a strong sense of familiarity.

Organizers say future events are already in the works, with plans to partner with additional local venues and expand the series throughout the year.

“With Rhythm and Intimacy, we plan on doing this specifically every month,” said Brown.

For all event announcements, follow on Instagram at: @the.finalpour.

He Was Shaking and Talking so Fast … But Said ‘Will You Marry Me’”

By
Birmingham Times
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BY JE’DON HOLLOWAY-TALLEY | Special to the Birmingham Times

VERONICA AND JOSEPH OWENS lll

Live: McCalla

Married: July 4, 2020

Met: Aug. 17, 2013, at a basketball tournament at New Hope Baptist Church in Birmingham. Veronica was there to support her cousin who was playing against Joseph’s team.

Veronica said she wasn’t paying Joseph any attention, but she had surely caught his. “I was the youth pastor at New Hope, and I knew I had never seen her before… and it was a tournament, so between games, I went up in the stands and started talking to her,” Joseph said. “I just made small talk and found out she was there to watch her cousin play, and started talking smack,” he laughed. “I felt some kind of way she was rooting for the losers.”

Joseph has a competitive spirit, “he was talking mess from the sidelines and he would look my way, and one time he winked, and I smiled and just looked away,” Veronica said. “And when I saw him coming towards me, I was like ‘oh my god, what does he want?’”

“Well, I noticed she smiled back, so I had to go talk to her. And she was taking too long to ask me for my number, so I asked her for hers because I didn’t want her to miss her blessing,” Joseph laughed. “He almost didn’t get my number because I didn’t pass out my number like that. I only gave it to him because he made me laugh,” said Veronica.

Although they’d made a connection, they didn’t get far right away because Veronica moved to Montgomery in 2013 and when she moved back to Birmingham in 2014 they were both in and out of relationships for a few years. It wasn’t until 2018 that timing would be right.

First date: Spring 2018, at Purple Onion on Green Springs Highway. “I couldn’t start her too off high, I couldn’t take her to Perry’s right away because I had to leave room to build,” Joseph laughed.

“And he almost didn’t get the chance to take me to Purple Onion because I still wasn’t sure I wanted to talk to him like that,” Veronica added. “But he was sweet, and he was still funny. He knew how to make me laugh without trying.”

“I remember the bacon cheeseburger was fire,” Joseph said. “But I knew we had always been feeling each other but it was always bad timing … so when we finally got to the date it was surreal because we were finally sitting there in front of each other and not just flirting at church. The conversation was always good because we’re both church kids, and love God. It was effortless, it just flowed.”

Veronica and Joseph Owens III met in 2013 at New Hope Baptist Church in Birmingham. The couple began dating in 2018 and married in 2020. (Provided Photos)

The turn: June 2018, at Joseph’s place in Hueytown. He had planned a romantic gesture to seal the deal.

“He had flowers and candles everywhere. He made a big heart out of candles, and rose petals surrounding it, and he said, ‘step into the heart if you will be mine,’” Veronica said.

“No I didn’t, I’m old school. I said, ‘will you go with me?’,” Joseph laughed.

“He had a whole little speech, and he said if you accept, step into the heart, and I did,” Veronica clarified.

The proposal: Dec. 7, 2019, at New Hope Baptist Church in the very spot they met: the gymnasium. Joseph had planned to propose the day before his pastoral installation at Mount Ararat Baptist Church in Birmingham.

“I had reached out to some of her family and friends, and had some of my friends and family come. Some of my friends decorated the gym at New Hope Baptist Church for me, and I had Veronica’s friend Mercedes bring her there and she thought they were coming to help me set up for my installation the next day,” Joseph said. “Veronica had a little Yorkie (named August), and I [incorporated] him into the proposal because I bought the dog for her … We had the gym lights dimmed, and I had her favorite Isley Brother’s song ‘Drifting on A Memory’ playing, and when Veronica walked into the gym, she didn’t know what was going on. I followed through with [my speech] and highlighted our history. I said, ‘this is our day one location, this is where we began’ and asked her if she would marry me.”

“He was so nervous, it was written all over his face. He was shaking and talking so fast, I couldn’t understand nothing, he said but ‘will you marry me’,” Veronica laughed. “One of my brothers had my daddy on FaceTime, and my daddy was yelling ‘What is he saying?’ I was a little nervous as well,” she admitted. “I was thinking ‘oh my gosh, this is happening’. When I first walked into the gym and saw all my family and friends [who were visiting because of Joseph’s installation the next day] I started to understand what was happening and I couldn’t stop smiling, and I said ‘yes’.”

The wedding: Originally, the couple had planned to have the wedding in Veronica’s hometown of Los Angeles, California, but since the country was in the midst of the COVID-19 pandemic, they opted for a small intimate wedding at their church, Mount Ararat Baptist Church, in Birmingham, officiated by their pastor, Gregory L. Clarke, of New Hope Baptist Church. Their colors were white and royal blue, and the bride recalls being an hour late to her own wedding because she had locked her car keys in the trunk of her car, “and I remember asking my mama if this was a bad sign,” Veronica laughed.

Most memorable for the bride was “when my dad was walking me down the aisle, and I just remember Joe staring at me and smiling and it just made me melt,” Veronica said.

Most memorable for the groom was finally feeling at ease after the hour delay. “I was a little frustrated because she was late, and I had to work some magic to get her there. But it was worth it when I saw her come out looking so beautiful and elegant. She looked like a queen and I melted too when I saw her coming down the aisle,” Joseph said.

“And since it was the fourth of July, and we had an evening wedding, when we stepped out the church there were fireworks in the air and that was so beautiful,” Veronica said. “It definitely put the cap on the day,” Joseph added.

Words of wisdom: “While learning each other, try not to lose yourself and your passion for things – selfcare, hobbies, interests. Especially with ministry, you sacrifice a lot for ministry … But it’s very important to take care of yourself and remember who you are.” Veronica said. “And, a lot of people say communication is key, but I think comprehension is. A lot of time, we have our own definition of words and we may think the other person knows what we’re trying to say, but having a discussion explaining your thoughts and where you are mentally is really important.”

“I have learned that marriage is about dying [to self]. Death always takes place at the altar, whether it’s a wedding or a funeral because the I’s become ‘we’, and a lot of people never make to the marriage because they stay stuck at the wedding,” Joseph said. “People need to understand that after that 20-minute celebration [the wedding] comes 20 years of challenges, and sometimes chaos … flaws and all, the good, bad, and ugly. Marriage is not just recreation, it’s also responsibility … “

Happily ever after: The Owens’ pastor Mount Ararat Baptist Church, in Birmingham, and Veronica serves in the music ministry. They have one daughter, Siara ‘Sisi’, two years old.

Veronica, 35, is Los Angeles native, and King Drew Magnet High School of Medicine Science grad. Veronica relocated from L.A. to Birmingham in August 2013, and attended Shelton State Community College, in Tuscaloosa where she earned an associate’s degree in nursing. Veronica works as a registered nurse at the V.A. Hospital in Birmingham.

Joseph, 43, is a Bessemer native, and Jess Lanier High School grad. He attended Birmingham Easonian Bible College, where he studied ministry. Joseph works as a teacher at McAdory Elementary School and as the Sr. Pastor of Mount Ararat Baptist Church, in Birmingham.

“You Had Me at Hello’’ highlights married couples and the love that binds them. If you would like to be considered for a future “Hello’’ column, or know someone, please send nominations to Barnett Wright bwright@birminghamtimes.com. Include the couple’s name, contact number(s) and what makes their love story unique.

Birmingham Personal Injury Attorney | Guster Law Firm, LLC

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