Thanks to the city employees who greeted our Birmingham City School scholars on their first day of school. Check out photos here.
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Food Truck Friday is tomorrow!
On Friday, Aug. 9, come out and enjoy treats from a variety of food trucks, learn about Boutwell Auditorium’s 100th anniversary, get details about the city’s newest recycling efforts, and more. The event will take place in front of City Hall from 11 a.m.-2 p.m.
Here are the trucks:
Cake’s Southern Fried Eats
Fat Charles BBQ
Berries By Crystal
Nawlins Style Po Boys
O’ My Turkey Leg
Aww Shucks!
Frozen Rooster
1918 Catering
Lil Bougie
Ramona J’s
Craving Cajun
Terrific Treatz
Jolly Cakes
Sugar and Ice
Lemonade Junkeez
Naughty But Nice Popcorn
Yummy Ice
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FREE STUFF
The City of Birmingham is offering free recycling carts for residents
Beginning Friday, Aug. 9, Birmingham residents can register to receive one of 5,100 new 64-gallon recycling carts. There are two ways to register to receive a cart:
On August 9, during the City’s Food Truck Friday event in front of City Hall, residents can come in person from 11 a.m.-2 p.m. to complete a form.
Residents can sign up online anytime here.
Email your questions to recycle@birminghamal.gov. For more information of what’s allowed for recycling and what is not, visit www.birminghamal.gov/recycle.
Need therapy? Free help is available
Free therapy services are available in partnership with BetterHelp as part of the city’s ongoing mental health awareness initiatives. Attached, you will find the relevant information and flyer detailing the activation of therapy services.
GET INVOLVED
LeadEarly Birmingham seeking applications
LeadEarly Birmingham is looking for individuals with a passion for the City of Birmingham that are ready to learn advocacy and community leadership skills to make Birmingham a destination place to start and raise a family. Applications are open until August 30. For more information, email dys@birminghamal.gov or call 205-320-0879.
It’s time to sign up for ACE
The Academy of Civic Engagement (ACE) will kick off on Thursday, Sept. 5, at 5:30 p.m. at the Boutwell Auditorium. ACE is a citywide leadership initiative aimed at bringing everyday residents together for a deeper understanding of how the city is working for them and how they can plug into a variety of opportunities. The Division of Social Justice and Racial Equity is accepting applications from residents who are interested in participating in the 7-week initiative. Applications close September 3, 2024. To apply, go to www.birminghamal.gov/ace.
Community Clean Up coming up
The 4th Avenue Forward Clean Up is Saturday, Aug. 17 at 8 a.m. at the Famous Theatre. See attached for details and sign up to volunteer here.
Enjoy Lemonade with the Land Bank
Learn more about the Birmingham Land Bank Authority; how it works and how to get involved. See attached for dates and details.
EVENTS
Check out some cool events happening at your local library:
Smithfield Branch Library, #1 8th Ave. West
Monday Chair Aerobics. Monday, Aug. 12, 11 a.m.-12 p.m.
Avondale Regional Library, 509 40th St. South
Chair Yoga with Frannie James. Participants will learn a gentle form of yoga that will encourage physical activity by making the poses accessible to anyone. Wednesday, Aug. 14 at 1 p.m.
Poetry as Medicine Workshop. Birmingham Adult Poet Fellow Maati Sanovia will lead a workshop involving poetry, meditation, and movement. Wednesday, Aug. 14 at 2 p.m.
Crochet / Knit Group. Beginners welcome! Participants can relax, form friendships, enjoy learning a new craft or improve their fiber art techniques. Saturday, Aug 17 at 10 a.m.
Back to School events
Roosevelt City’s 1st Annual Back to School Community Resource Fair. Saturday, Aug. 10 from 11 a.m.-3 p.m. See attached for details.
Gen Z Back to School Teen Brunch. Saturday, Aug. 10. 11 a.m.-3 p.m. See attached.
¡HICA! Birmingham Pig Roast is here!
Get your tickets to the Saturday, Aug. 10 fun fundraising event here.
Sidewalk Film Festival is coming August 19-25!
Learn more and grab your passes here.
The Taste of 4th Avenue Jazz Fest is returning August 24!
Learn more about this free and fun event in the historic Fourth Avenue Business District here.
Fall Trade Expo
Birmingham Downtown library. Sept. 5, 10 a.m.-1 p.m. See attached for details.
FUNDING
Applications sought for BOLD
The City of Birmingham is seeking proposals for its 2025-2026 Building Opportunities for Lasting Development (BOLD) funding program. Established in 2018, BOLD provides financial support to organizations dedicated to advancing economic development within the city through initiatives focused on five key focus areas: small businesses, workforce development, eliminating barriers, creative placemaking, and high-growth industries. For those interested in learning more, a public meeting will be held via Webex on Thursday, Aug. 8, at 2 p.m. Please visit https://www.birminghamal.gov/bold for additional information. Questions and feedback can be directed to BOLD@birminghamal.gov.
WORKSHOPS/CONFERENCES
Sign up for the Municipal Court Summit
The Municipal Court Summit will take place Thursday, August 22 and Friday, 23 at Boutwell Auditorium, located at 1930 Rev. Abraham Woods Jr. Blvd. The theme is “Order in the Court” and speakers include Dr. Thomas Beavers, City Attorney Nicole King, Chief of Litigation Joseph Abrams as well as the Honorable Judge Lee Loder. Legal and court professionals can receive continuing education credit. The summit is free with over 20 community partners and resources attending, as well as relevant speakers with engaging topics. Registration is encouraged. Lunch will be provided on Thursday, Aug. 22 and Friday, Aug. 23 is Food Truck Friday. See attached for details, and register here: https://whova.com/portal/registration/munic_202408/?source=am5om6kx
LEARN MORE
Financial tips from Operation Hope
The School Bell: A Call to Structure and Discipline
The ringing of the school bell signals the start of a structured day filled with learning and growth. Similarly, financial success often hinges on discipline and a well-organized approach. Here are a few ways to incorporate the school bell's lessons into your financial behavior:
1. Set Clear Goals: Educational Equivalent: Just as students have academic goals, setting clear financial goals can guide your actions. Whether it's saving for a down payment, paying off debt, or building an emergency fund, defining these goals gives you direction.
Actionable Tip: Write down your financial goals and break them into smaller, manageable tasks. Review and adjust regularly, much like a student would with their study schedule.
2. Create a Budget: Educational Equivalent: Students follow a timetable to allocate time to different subjects. Creating a budget works the same way, helping you allocate your income to various expenses.
Actionable Tip: Use budgeting tools or apps to track your spending. Consider following the 50/30/20 rule – 50% for needs, 30% for wants, and 20% for savings and debt repayment.
3. Prioritize Learning: Educational Equivalent: Just as continuous learning is key in education, staying informed about personal finance is crucial. Financial literacy helps you make better decisions and avoid costly mistakes
Actionable Tip: Commit to reading financial articles, attending workshops, working with an Operation HOPE coach. The more you know, the better you can manage your money.
As the school bell rings in a new academic year, let it also be a reminder to refocus on your financial behavior and management. By setting clear goals, establishing a routine, and continuously learning and adapting, you can ensure your financial future is as bright as the new school year ahead. Judy Woods, judy.woods@operationhope.org | www.operationhope.org
Need something in News You Can Use, submit it to Marie Sutton by noon on Wednesdays to marie.sutton@birminghamal.gov.