Magic City Spotlight: Martha Gaskins Elementary wins Eastern U.S. Robotics championship

99 Voices: Martha Gaskins Elementary School robotics team reigns as Eastern U.S. Robotics Champions

Help us celebrate and congratulate the Martha Gaskins Elementary School's robotics team on being the reigning Eastern U.S. Robotics Champions of the Fall 2022 CoderZ League Robotics Competition.

In the latest episode of 99 Voices, hear how fifth-grade teacher Dr. Yuvraj Verma is helping our students broaden their skills and minds to be ready for the opportunities of today.

A reminder about the city’s uniform garbage cart system

For the 20,000 households using the new uniform garbage carts, please remember that garbage must be bagged and placed inside the complimentary 96-gallon cart. If placed on the ground beside the cart or on top of the cart, it will not be picked up. Residents using the new carts should place their carts in front of their home. Any household garbage placed on the ground in alleys or on the ground in front of the residence will not be picked up.


The new cart system is serviced by automated trucks that use a mechanical lift to empty the contents of the carts in the truck. The process and schedule for the bulk trash and brush pick-up will not change.


Thank you for your patience as the city continues to educate residents on the new system. We encourage you as neighborhood leaders to help inform residents using the new system how to properly set out their household garbage in the new uniform carts.

For more information and updates, go to www.birminghamal.gov/pickup.

The City of Birmingham awards $850,000 to organizations to facilitate economic development through BOLD program

The City of Birmingham has awarded more than $850,000 to eight area organizations to fund innovative ways to help improve Birmingham’s economic landscape. The BOLD program, which stands for Building Opportunities for Lasting Development, provides financial support to organizations and agencies that are taking creative, evidence-based approaches to solving various community issues.

    

“I am thrilled to continue to support our local organizations and small businesses who work diligently to support our residents with innovative programming and resources,” said Birmingham Mayor Randall L. Woodfin. “An investment in these outstanding groups is an investment in the future of Birmingham.”   

StrongHER 2023 is coming! First, meet Meesha Emmett

Next year's theme is "Born to Make a Difference: Then and Now," celebrating women's journeys from childhood to adulthood and the inspiring lessons learned along the way. Send your nominations to strongher@birminghamal.gov.

But we don't have to wait. Get to know Meesha Emmett.

One of the most painful moments in Meesha Emmett’s life has led to her life's work to combat suicide.

In May 2013, Meesha was 29 years old when she lost her best friend to suicide. She had known Alex since they were little girls.

"Devastating doesn't even begin to cover how distraught I was," Meesha, now 38, recalled. "And then came the questions: 'What if? How could I have helped her? How could I have stopped this from happening?'"