Images from the Department of Public Works Cleanup of George Ward Park
Magic City Spotlight: Every Day Counts Initiative to address absenteeism among BCS students
Every Day Counts Initiative to address absenteeism with incentives for public housing residents
The Housing Authority of the Birmingham District (HABD) announced a new initiative in partnership the City of Birmingham (COB) and Birmingham City Schools (BCS) to combat truancy. The partnership comes after BCS reported in October 2023 that nearly 25% of students are chronically absent.
Every Day Counts will aim to incentivize public housing residents to ensure school-aged children attend school regularly. Regular school attendance of school-aged children is a requirement of HABD lease agreements and state law.
Through the Every Day Counts initiative, HABD public housing residents will have access to additional resources that support regular attendance and improved literacy, like transportation assistance to and from school and homework help. Additionally, and probably most compelling, as part of Every Day Counts, HABD households whose school-aged children achieve perfect attendance for the month will be entered into a raffle where an HABD household(s) will be chosen to receive financial support toward a housing expense.
Attendance of HABD school-aged residents will be tracked and monitored as part of a new data sharing agreement between HABD and BCS. There is no set timeframe for how long the initiative will be in place, and Birmingham leaders are hopeful that it will have a positive impact on school attendance rates.
Click the button or image above to watch the announcement and below to read more about this initiative.
Forest Park / South Avondale (February Newsletter)
FOREST PARK / SOUTH AVONDALE
TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 6, 2024, 6:30 p.m.
AVONDALE LIBRARY
1. Monthly Report from BPD South Precinct.
2. Monthly Report from Birmingham Fire Department.
3. Approval of minutes from January Meeting.
4. Variance to utilize the existing concrete footer placement for a new impermeant garage structure. 1ft rear and side yard setback for a new, accessory garage AND a variance for an accessory structure that takes up more than 30% of the required rear yard).
5. Funding Request for 2024 edition of Movies in the Park (Keri Lane / Elizabeth Lasseter).
6. Community Credit Class Information, Brian Fisher.
7. Report from Friends of Avondale Park, John Forney.
8. Report from Birmingham Public Schools Mary Boehm.
9. Report from District 3 City Councilor, Valerie Abbott.
10. Report from District 5 City Councilor, Darrell O'Quinn.
Southside Ball registration is still open for the Spring Season at Avondale Park!
Evaluations are this Saturday February 3 so register soon!
Just click the link: https://www.southsideball.com
Forest Park / South Avondale
Brush and Bulk Trash Pick Up date.
MONDAY, FEBRUARY 12
https://www.birminghamal.gov/bulktrash
Forest Park South Avondale Neighborhood Association
Tuesday, January 2, 2024
Avondale Library
Meeting Minutes
The meeting was called to order at 6:30pm by President, Jeff McGee.
John Forney, President of FOAP Board, updates neighbors about happenings at Avondale Park. No meeting was held during December. However, monthly clean-up meet-ups continue in the Park the 2nd Saturday of every month, 8-10am. Bring your tools and pitch in. Next project to tackle is cleaning up the trails. The FOAP is seeking to promote use of the Park and Villa, and is working to gather data to better understand who is renting the Villa and for what purposes. Their mission is to ensure the Park is enjoyed by everyone, and remains a clean, safe gathering space.
Destiny Askew, Director of Volunteer Engagement at STAIR, informed neighbors that STAIR is currently recruiting Spring tutors. STAIR is a tutoring program serving 10 BCS, including Avondale Elementary. January 23rd is the start of the next session. Tutors work with 1st and 2nd graders, as well as 4th graders at Avondale Elementary. Information is available at STAIRBirmingham.org Neighbor Lee Walthall shared that he is a STAIR tutor and “can think of nothing more rewarding.”
Jay Smith, President of Common Ground Forest Park, a new non-profit created to maintain Triangle Park, reported to neighbors on the successful kick-off event in November. Neighbors have been surveyed to determine the ways in which they would like to see the Park used and improved, and McNally Land Design Architects are currently developing proposals and cost estimates for different tiers of project improvements. Jay suggested neighbors google Common Ground Forest Park, hit the donate button, hit the Get Involved button, go to the Facebook page and like it, go to the Instagram page and follow it, and be involved with this important effort. A neighbor asked about fees to rent Triangle Park, and was told that people should contact the Parks and Rec Department to reserve the Park.
Jay Smith also spoke to neighbors about Southside Ball. The annual fundraiser Baseball and Brews is being held Saturday, January 27th, at Cahaba Brewery. Everyone is welcome! The Spring season is here, and registration is open. Scholarships are available, new players are welcome. www.southsideball.com
Mary Boehm, Birmingham Board of Education Representative, spoke to neighbors about Birmingham City Schools. She thanked STAIR for being present, and shared that she tutors at Avondale Elementary and it is the highlight of her week, stating “Connection with a child is invaluable.” BCS received 2 applications for new Charter Schools in November, Iron City Business Academy and InnovaEDU. The BB of Ed will review and then hold public meetings. If they choose not to approve, the applicants can appeal to the State. In response to a question, Ms Boehm stated that the BB of Ed has never approved an application for a charter school. There are a total of 11 charter schools in the State at present. Discussion followed and Ms Boehm made the point that Charter Schools have not been doing as good a job educating these kids as they had promised, mainly because it is a lot harder to accomplish than folks like to claim. Mayor Woodfin recently spoke about his disappointment in the School report cards released in December. Overall the District received a C or 72, one point lower than last year. Ms Boehm provided a breakdown of the 43 schools scores, and noted that Avondale received a C. There are more than 700 kids in 2nd grade right now that may potentially be held back from 3rd grade. STAIR is helping us address this crisis. The BCS strategic planning process would really benefit from neighbor attendance and participation. While these scores are very discouraging, the are lots of wonderful things happening in BCS kids lives. Ramsay’s Football team had an outstanding season. The 84th All-City Christmas Music Festival was an amazing highlight of the immense talent of kids across our city. And talented STEAM scholars from Bush Hills created an app for the 16th St Baptist Church, winning an innovation competition. So grades do not fully reflect the value of these wonderful kids. There is a plan to tackle the kudzu at Avondale this Spring. In addition, the City Operations team is going to help move the playground equipment and upgrade the site and tennis courts this Spring as well. In response to a question, Ms Boehm stated that chronic absenteeism is a huge problem for BCS. The BB of Ed hired a non-profit to partner with to help us do home visits, and the DA’s office is also partnering with them. Its getting better but still a lot needs to be done. In response to another question, Ms Boehm stated that she has not seen data that relates the identity of a perpetrator’s school to a crime committed. Discussion followed. Jeff McGee shared his knowledge and experience from Family Court as it related to the correlation of truancy and juvenile crime. The importance of keeping kids in school was stressed by discussion participants.
Corporal Whatley of the Birmingham Police Department was present to respond to neighbors’ concerns about crime. In response to a question, Cpl Whatley stated that they do not know how many shots were fired during NYE but the shot spotter is accurate. The retention numbers for new officers continues to remain low. A burglary 3rd degree perpetrator was arrested in the neighborhood and is in the court process now. In response to a question, Cpl Whatley said 48 hour holds will be taken to City Jail. All other arrests will go to County Jail. Another neighbor asked the officer about policing exhibition driving violations. Staff shortages lead to really large patrol areas, old patrol cars suffer mechanical issues, and the officers are just not able to be everywhere as needed. Cpl Whatley supported the idea of having the parcel delivery service send notifications or deliver to a secure holding location to avoid porch pirate opportunities.
District 5 City Councilor Darrel O’Quinn, newly elected President of the Council, spoke to neighbors. He brought packets of “News You Can Use” to distribute to those present. Councilor pointed to earlier discussions of school truancy. We have a requirement that school buses will not pick up a child within 2 miles of a school. But 2 miles is a long way to ask a child to walk through some of these neighborhoods. He sees transportation as a barrier we can address, and is speaking with HABD to see if we can’t get some assistance. Another issue Councilor is working on is animal control. The number of vicious dog attacks as well as the huge number of 911 and 311 calls related to animals has led him to propose a spay/neuter requirement, in the form of pet licensing. The Code Enforcement in the City is an ongoing problem. The staff shortages mean that there are no officers to serve summons to appear in court for code violations. The Council is working on getting officers assigned to this duty. The cooperation between City and County jail is currently in the News and the Councilor stated that this is mostly politics at play. He sees cooperation amongst the greater municipalities as the most viable option, freeing up funds for infrastructure and education. In response to a question, Councilor O’Quinn stated that the jail agreement should not result in layoffs. Staff shortages mean that officers in the jail could easily be reassigned to street patrol or other vacant roles. Discussion returned to the unlicensed pet issue, and the health and safety concerns of irresponsible pet ownership.
District 3 City Councilor Valerie Abbott expressed excitement about the potential for Code enforcement. The City Council is attempting to hold the Mayor to getting the positions of inspectors filled. Uniform garbage carts are continuing to be a problem for many in her district. Councilor Abbott reminded folks they may get a waiver form from the 311 call center if you cannot physically pull your cart up and down to the street.
There being no further business, the meeting adjourned at 7:40pm.
Respectfully submitted,
Elizabeth Crawford
Secretary
Tuesday, January 2, 2024
Avondale Library
Helpful links and Information about the upcoming 2024 Elections
The Secretary of State website: Alabama Votes. Here you can update your voter information and/or register to vote. The site also has information on upcoming elections, absentee voting and much more.
The Jefferson County Board of Registrars Here you will find voting locations, maps of congressional districts, contact information for Absentee Voting and more.
Dates to remember:
Primary Election – March 5, 2024
Feb. 16 – Last day to hand-deliver voter registration forms
Feb. 17 – Last day to postmark voter registration forms
Feb. 19 – Last day to register to vote electronically
Feb. 27 – Last day to apply for an absentee ballot to mail
Feb. 29 – Last day to apply for an absentee ballot in person
March 4 – Last day to hand-deliver absentee ballot
March 5 – Absentee ballots returned by mail must be received by Noon.
Primary Runoff Election (If necessary) – April 16, 2024
April 1 – Voter registration deadline
April 9 – Last day to apply for an absentee ballot by mail
April 11 – Last day to apply for an absentee ballot in person
April 15 – Last day to hand-deliver absentee ballot
April 16 – Absentee ballots returned by mail must be received by Noon*
Jefferson County EMA and City of Birmingham Alert System
Get alerted about emergencies and other important community news by signing up for our Emergency Alert Program. This system enables us to provide you with critical information quickly in a variety of situations, such as severe weather, unexpected road closures, missing persons and evacuations of buildings or neighborhoods. Create an account to get alerts here.
Recycling Pickups - Usually 1st and 3rd Weds.
(unless holidays change the schedule)
(Recyclables can be also be dropped off at Birmingham Recycling and Recovery
M-F 7am-4pm* - 9 41st St. S., 35222 (Avondale).)
Please do NOT use plastic bags.
What Can Be Recycled:
Paper, cardboard, newspaper, magazines, and broken down cardboard boxes (if using a box for your "bin" you do not need to break it down)
Aluminum, steel, or tin cans
#1 and #2 Plastics only.
DO NOT INCLUDE THESE: trash, phone books, styrofoam, glass, plastic packing materials/wrappers or plastic bags or anything with food residue. (Rinse all items and discard greasy parts of pizza boxes (for example.)
When in doubt, throw it out!
*We have unfortunately confirmed that if the truck comes by on other days, they will pick up materials and take them to the dump.
Pickling Root Vegetables Workshop! 🥕
Join us for an interactive presentation about pickling root vegetables! Participants will learn about growing spring root vegetables, learn the basics of pickling, and pickle some farm-grown carrots to take home!
Magic City Spotlight: Drop warmth supply drive donations at Boutwell today
Meet us at Boutwell Auditorium today and donate to the warmth supply drive
The City of Birmingham's warmth supply drive continues today to 4 p.m. in front of Boutwell Auditorium.
There is a critical need for bottled water donations.
Donors can drive in front of Boutwell, and someone will unload their vehicle.
Boutwell’s address is 1930 Rev. Abraham Woods Jr. Blvd.
Volunteers will be accepting:
Bottled water
Toilet paper
Paper towels
New or gently-used coats
New gloves and winter caps
Hand warmers
BIRMINGHAM CITY COUNCIL: Week in Review, November 6th - November 12th
Honoring Our Veterans at the Oldest Veterans Day Parade in the Country
Did you know that Birmingham is home to America's first and oldest Veteran's Day Parade? This Saturday, District 4 Councilor J.T. Moore participated in the festivities for the 76th annual event, and he brought along a few friends!
Councilors Host 'Days of Giving' Ahead of the Holidays
Council President Pro Tem Wardine Alexander (D7) and Councilor J.T. Moore (D4) hosted some exciting giveaways over the weekend. Both Councilors had Thanksgiving events where they distributed food to families in need this holiday season.
Councilor Moore Speaks at Building Black Wealth Summit
On Thursday, Councilor JT Moore spoke with an esteemed group of panelists at the National Associations of Real Estate Brokers for their Black Wealth Summit at Miles College. Building wealth in historically underserved communities requires action from all sorts of stakeholders, banks, schools, public and private partnerships, transportation services and so much more.
These conversations are crucial if we are going to continue to make progress and bring more affordable housing opportunities to our neighborhoods.
The City of Birmingham honors Breast Cancer Awareness Month
During the month of October, the City of Birmingham is honoring the strength, courage, and resilience of our Breast Cancer fighters, thrivers, and survivors. BWELL BHM kicked off its Breast Awareness campaign last Friday, Oct. 3 with the WISDOM study during Food Truck Friday. On this Friday, Oct. 13, BWELL BHM is asking all employees to wear pink. Let’s flood city hall with lots of different shades as we show our support. Send your pictures to marie.sutton@birminghamal.gov. You may be featured on our social media channels.
On Tuesday, Oct. 17, City of Birmingham employees are invited to an informative Lunch & Learn, themed Sheroes Wear Pink. The event will feature Dr. Erica Reasor, director of UAB’s Breast Cancer Program, and Raquel Owen, founder of Pinktopps LLC, in the Hall of Distinguished Citizens. Complimentary lunch and sweet treats will be provided on a first-come, first-served basis. Afterward, be sure to check out a special tribute mural that will be unveiled on the second floor of City Hall near the Boutwell crosswalk.
Magic City Spotlight: Relive the magic of the 2023 Morehouse Tuskegee Classic
Congrats to the Golden Tigers! The Morehouse Tuskegee Classic was a hit
Tuskegee defeated Morehouse 40-28 in a thrilling showcase of HBCU culture and pride.
Click the image above or the buttons below to watch a recap of the tailgates, concerts and more that lit up the Magic City this past weekend!
News You Can Use: 10-13-23
The City of Birmingham honors Breast Cancer Awareness Month
During the month of October, the City of Birmingham is honoring the strength, courage, and resilience of our Breast Cancer fighters, thrivers, and survivors. On Tuesday, Oct. 17, City of Birmingham employees are invited to an informative Lunch & Learn, themed Sheroes Wear Pink. The event will feature Dr. Erica Reasor, director of UAB’s Breast Cancer Program, and Raquel Owen, founder of Pinktopps LLC, in the Hall of Distinguished Citizens beginning at 11 a.m. Complimentary lunch and sweet treats will be provided on a first-come, first-served basis. Afterward, be sure to check out a special tribute mural that will be unveiled on the second floor of City Hall near the Boutwell crosswalk. See the attached for details.
New food fest to celebrate Birmingham’s culinary scene now through Oct. 15
To further enhance Birmingham’s national reputation as a foodie destination, a major food event is coming to the Magic City in October. The Bham FOOD+Culture Fest, which is being held now through Oct. 15 at Pepper Place, Sloss Furnaces, and other venues, celebrates the city’s great chefs, delicious dishes, and diverse cultural traditions. Each evening will have a theme and require a ticket. For tickets, visit www.bhamfoodplus.com.
Operation Hope to host several workshops
Enroll today in the 2nd Annual Holiday Savings Challenge. Learn to be proactive, create a game plan, get through the season without breaking the bank, and start the new year with no new debt.
Upcoming workshops:
Homebuyer Education Workshop. Saturday, Oct. 14 at 9 a.m. Social Venture, 5529 1st Ave. S
Holiday Saving Challenge Workshop. Thursday, Oct 19 at 11:30 a.m. Online (Zoom)
D6 Financial Wellness Workshop. Thursday, Oct. 19 at 5:30 p.m. New Hope Baptist Church, 1740 Cleburn Ave.
Visit operationhope.org for details.
Know someone who needs a second chance
Make plans to come out to the Second Chance Hiring Fair on Tuesday, Oct. 17 from 10 a.m.-2 p.m. at Boutwell Auditorium. Attendees and employers are invited. Go to secondchancehiringfair.com for details and see attached.
BMA hosts Art + Conversation 2023-2024 season
The Birmingham Museum of Art is presenting its reinvigorated Art + Conversation series for the 2023-2024 season. This is your invitation to step beyond the canvas and delve into the stories, the history, and the passion behind the BMA's collection. Their inaugural session for this season is set for next Wednesday, Oct. 18. Dive deep into the fascinating life of Zelda Fitzgerald in The Legend of Zelda: Alabama Artist & Jazz Age Muse, presented by Graham C. Boettcher, Ph.D., Hugh Daniel Director of American Art. Unravel the captivating journey of this Jazz Age icon and discover the eras and influences that shaped her artistic prowess.
When: October 18 at 11 a.m. (Arrive at 10:30 a.m. for coffee and light bites!)
Where: Main Lobby, Birmingham Museum of Art (Lecture takes place at 11 a.m. in the Steiner Auditorium)
Tickets: Series of 6: $60 for members, $75 for non-members
Individual Event: $12 for members, $17 for non-members
Spaces are limited, so we encourage you to register soon to secure your spot. Register here.
Register for a Professional Development Day Conference
Learn business acumen, power skills, and more. Friday, Oct. 20. 8 a.m.-4:30 p.m. at City Club Birmingham. Featuring Tuscaloosa Mayor Walt Maddox and others. See attached for details.
Mark your calendars for the Household Hazardous Waste event
Saturday, Oct. 21 from 8-11:30 a.m. For more information, call 205-325-8741. See flyer for details.
The Get Down will take place at Avondale Park
Presented by Seasick Records and Yellowhammer Print Shop. Featuring arts, music, records, and vintage. With Cha Wa, Shaheed & DJ Supreme, and more. Sunday, Oct. 22. See attached for details
Don’t miss Classic Cocktails with Birmingham Public Library
The Birmingham Public Library will host Classic Cocktails, a kickoff party leading up to this year’s Magic City Classic football game. Classic Cocktails will take place on Tuesday, Oct. 24, from 5:30 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. at downtown’s Central Library. The Second Annual Classic Cocktails will feature a tasting of locally distilled spirits, music from DJ Chris Coleman of Birmingham’s V94.9 FM, tailgate food, a cigar lounge provided by Cigars & More, a 360-photo booth, specialty cocktails, along with some surprises! Event proceeds will fund programs at all BPL locations, which help the Birmingham Public Library continue to provide the community with the highest-quality experience of lifelong learning, cultural enrichment, and enjoyment. Tickets are available online through Eventbrite: Classic Cocktails: A Magic City Classic Kickoff Party Tickets, Tue, Oct 24, 2023 at 5:30 PM | Eventbrite
Come out to the Old School Magic City Classic Concert
Commissioner Sheila Tyson is presenting a free live concert featuring Bobby Rush, V.I.C. The Wobble Guy and Willie Clayton. Tuesday, Oct. 24 at 6 p.m. BJCC East Ballroom A&B. See attached for details.
Make plans to attend the Magic City Classic Meet & Greet Day Party
Join the West End Community and Commissioner Sheila Tyson for free food and drinks (while they last). Arlington House. Wednesday, Oct. 25 from 12-4 p.m. Featuring DJ Bad Boy Butch. Voter registration on site. See attached for details.
Come out to a free community family
Join the VFW Post 668 for a community fun day. All are welcome to come to their post located at 1801 11th Ave. North. Saturday, Oct. 28 from 11 a.m.-3 p.m. There will be kid activities, a bouncy house, a slide, and a dunking tank. Free food. All are welcome. See attached.
Nancy’s Soul Food Sunday All Black Affair
Featuring High Energy Band. Sunday, Oct. 29. 3-7 p.m. Woodrow Hall, 5540 1st Ave. North/ $40. See attached for details.
FORGING JUSTICE POSTER SERIES
The city's 60th commemoration poster series continues
October is the month we reflect upon the acts of Social Justice. October's poster is themed “Growing in Solidarity" and features a proud fist sprouting from a bouquet of thorned roses. Free copies of this month’s poster are available in city hall. You can also check out the calendar of events for the 60th commemoration events happening all year at birminghamal.gov/forgingjustice.