Join the Asphalt Art Initiative Paint Party on October 15!
Magic City Spotlight: Birmingham Xpress Officially Opens!
The day has come!
Today, leaders from the City of Birmingham, Department of Transportation, Birmingham City Council, BJCTA, Max Transit, and more gathered to celebrate the official launch and opening of the Birmingham Xpress.
Mayor Woodfin thanked Congresswoman Terri Sewell in her absence for the advocacy and work done to make this essential project happen for Birmingham and Jefferson County.
There are 32 stops between the East Transit Center, near Woodlawn High School, and the West Transit Center, across Avenue W from CrossPlex. Pick your stop and ride the Birmingham Xpress!
Click the image or button below to watch the replay for today's ribbon cutting.
Get route, hours, and more details about BX at www.maxtransit.org/bx.
Help our third-graders embrace their love of reading by volunteering for Page Pals
Page Pals is here to encourage reading outside of the classroom. And we need your help.
Sign up to read to students at bhamyouthfirst.org/page-pals and share the joy of literacy with those who need it most.
Recently, Mayor Randall Woodfin stated, "The City of Birmingham has no shortage of serious issues that we confront every day — from street maintenance, to garbage and sanitation, to public safety and crime.
But even as we address these pressing day-to-day needs, we can’t lose sight of the larger goal: Building a future that provides opportunities for our people, our businesses and our communities to succeed.
We’re tackling this on many levels, but I’m especially proud of one initiative that has the potential to create a lasting impact: a city-led partnership to help our schoolchildren improve their reading skills."
Read more from Mayor Woodfin on the community investment we can make in our scholars to help them succeed
Revitalization update: Hanover Circle paving
Southeastern Sealcoating will perform milling and paving operations on Hanover Circle starting Monday, September 26.
The work is expected to last four days. During this time all vehicles will be required to be moved off of the roadway during the work. In the event that vehicles are not moved, Southeastern Sealcoating will have those vehicles towed offsite at the owner’s expense.
Go to birminghamal.gov/hanovercircle for continued updates.
Morehouse Tuskegee Classic goes down in 16 days! Do you have your tickets?
The Morehouse Tuskegee Classic is the latest addition to Classic Season in Birmingham, but this rivalry dates back to 1902!
Birmingham, get into it!
On Friday, October 7, kick-off with a block party at City Hall from 11 am-3 pm and a Jeezy concert at Boutwell Auditorium at 7 pm.
Get access to the concert on October 7 when you purchase your ticket for the game, happening on October 8, at morehousetuskegeeclassic.com.
Youth Leadership Forum Applications Open until October 3rd
Do you know a 10th or 11th grade student who would be interested in Leadership Birmingham's high school program?
What: Youth Leadership Forum is a program for area high school leaders to learn about local issues, systems, and structures that form our dynamic metropolitan area of Greater Birmingham. YLF was established by Leadership Birmingham graduates in 1986 to educate high school sophomores and juniors about Greater Birmingham and to develop their leadership skills.
YLF provides in-depth programming to acquaint students with community needs, opportunities, problems and resources. Students have the opportunity to interact with community leaders and to develop relationships with a diverse group of student leaders from across Jefferson County.
Who: Sophomores and Juniors who attend school or reside in Jefferson County. Students should also:
Demonstrate leadership in school and/or community activities
Express an interest in furthering their knowledge of greater Birmingham
Have the ability to engage in challenging discussions
Commit to 100% attendance at all sessions (see program calendar)
Maintain at least a "B" average
How to apply: The application and reference forms are available on our website at ylfbham.org. For more information, contact Katherine Berdy at katherine@ylfbham.org or (205) 252-6559.
Applications are due Monday, October 3
Birmingham Public Library Presents ACT Prep Workshop - Saturday, October 8, 2022
The ACT test is often required for college admissions and scholarships, yet it is a dreaded and anxiety-filled experience for many high school students. The Birmingham Public Library is ready to help with our ACT Prep workshop taking place on Saturday, October 8, from 9:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. at the Springville Road Regional Branch Library, 1224 Springville Road.
Learn test-taking strategies and take a full-length practice ACT exam.
Cost is $30.00 and includes test preparation materials, a calculator, and lunch.
Tickets are required and are available through Eventbrite
.For more information about the ACT workshop, contact the Springville Road Library at 205-226-4083
Birmingham News You Can Use - September 16, 2022
“There are no secrets to success. It is the result of preparation, hard work, and learning from failure.”
— Colin Powell
HAPPY HISPANIC HERITAGE MONTH
* We want your stories! *
In celebration of Hispanic Heritage Month, the City of Birmingham Human Resources Department would like to share stories of Hispanic and Latinx families, culture, and traditions. If you have a story that you would like to share, please email the story (videos and photographs are welcomed and encouraged) to employeerelations@birminghamal.gov. Deadline is Friday, Sept. 30. Please call 205-581-3052 if you have questions or need additional information.
* Food Truck Friday is today *
The popular Food Truck Friday event will take place TODAY on Short 20th Street in front of City Hall from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. There will be a live radio remote with Summit Media, who will host ticket giveaways for the Morehouse Tuskegee Classic game!
The following trucks will be here:
Coco Crabs
Aww Shucks
Treats So Sweet
Smoke on Wheels
Jolly Cakes
Lemonade Junkeez
Dirty Red
Cake’s Southern Fried Eats
Sugar and Ice Desserts
Not Ya Average Leaf
Nawlins Style Po Boys
Oh My Turkey Leg
* Singer Omarion to sign his new book *
The Birmingham Public Library is hosting Grammy-award nominated singer, songwriter, performer, actor, and author, Omarion on his Unbothered: The Power of Choosing Joy book tour. The event will be Friday, Sept. 16 at 4:30 p.m. at the Central Library. Tickets are $30 and includes a book. For more info, go here: https://bplolinenews.blogspot.com/2022/09/central-library-to-host-book-releaseq.html
* Bring Your Own Vibe *
Head to the City of Birmingham's Official YouTube channel and subscribe to be sure you don't miss the alert for the next Bring Your Own Vibe! This Friday, Sept. 16, Dave and the Party Rockers take the stage for some go-go-style tunes. Here’s a snippet: TEASER - Bring Your Own Vibe: Dave and the Party Rockers.
* Medical Minute with Dr. Kre of BWell*
September is Prostate Cancer Awareness Month
Prostate health is important. Remember all men need to start having regular prostate checks at the age of 40 years for African Americans and 50 years for Caucasian Americans. Also, make sure to ask about your family history of all the men in your family.
Here are a few good prostate health tips:
Maintain a healthy weight. Obesity is often a risk factor for cancers.
Decrease red meat and increase your vegetables
Exercise more & quit smoking
To come get your blood work to check your PSA (prostate level) at NO COPAYMENT, enroll at cobclinic.com or give us a call at Brownstone BWell 205-202-5650.
* Family Movie Night in the park *
Birmingham Park and Rec is hosting Family Movie Night at different city parks through October 13. This special program, known as “Parks After Dark,” is for all ages and free to the public. The movies will start at sunset.
Dates and locations include:
Wiggins Park Rec Center – Sept. 22
North Bham Rec Center – Sept. 29
Fountain Heights Rec Center – Oct. 6
Memorial Park Rec Center – Oct. 13
* Helpful tips from Behavioral Health Systems *
Social media, texting and other forms of digital communication are now ingrained into children's habits at an early age. Unfortunately, bullying has also evolved with technology. The attached handout, Cyberbullying & Keeping Your Children Safe, offers tips to parents and guardians to help protect their children. As a reminder, BHS is continuing to offer telehealth services. Please do not hesitate to reach out to BHS to discuss your benefits and to find a counselor to meet your needs. Call BHS today at 800-245-1150.
UPCOMING EVENTS
Saturday, September 17
First-time home buyers seminar
Learn helpful information. 9 a.m.-2 p.m. The Salvation Army Center of Hope, 2015 26th Ave. West. Lunch is provided. See attached for details.
Birmingham Museum of Art to host its Latin American Heritage Festival
Celebrate Latin culture at the Birmingham Museum of Art during their sixth annual Latin American Heritage Festival in collaboration with Fiesta Birmingham. Join BMA for a day of festivities, featuring Spanish-language gallery tours and delicious Latin cuisine. Enjoy family-friendly art activities, face painting, and much more! Sept. 17 from 10 a.m.–2 p.m. Free.
Back in School Chess Tournament
The Arlington House and Gardens, along with ChessNation and Birmingham Public Libraries, will present a chess tournament. See details attached.
Thursday, September 22
Toastmasters International Open House
Learn how Toastmasters can help you improve your public speaking skills. Come to City Hall, Conference Room 215. 12-1 p.m.
If you can’t join in person, hop on Zoom: https://us06web.zoom.us/j/4162734596?pwd=RnBBUTExZlpGSkpTT3JIdGlBa2xqZz09
Meeting ID: 416 273 4596
Passcode: 2022
Saturday, September 24
CrossPlex Villa Block Party
Come enjoy a block party featuring the grand opening of Crab Barrack. City and County employees receive a 10 percent discount on CrossPlex village eateries (except for Starbucks). See attached.
Thursday, September 29
Birmingham Museum of Art’s Season Opening: ReFRAME Party
Join BMA at The ReFRAME, an immersive celebration with a fresh perspective, inspired by art and culture from around the world. September 29 from 5-9 p.m. Get more details here: https://www.artsbma.org/event/season-opening-the-fall-reframe-party/
Saturday, October 1
Employee Appreciation Day
Birmingham-Southern College will have a City of Birmingham Employee Appreciation Day during its 6 p.m. game on Saturday, Oct. 1 on its campus. What this means is that City of Birmingham employees who show their ID badge at any gate, will receive free entrance. All employees attending the game will also be entered in a drawing. **There is limited parking around the stadium, so fans will most likely need to park in the parking lot by the college's soccer fields and walk down the hill to the stadium.
Send your News You Can Use submissions to marie.sutton@birminghamal.gov
Collat Jewish Family Services -September News-
Reducing Caregiver Stress
by Elaine Witt
First, her mother fell and broke her hip, leading to a partial joint replacement. Then she fell again, this time fracturing her arm. That was when Maria Whiting knew it was time to move her mother, 79-year-old Blanche Taylor, from her home in Pensacola to Birmingham, where Maria has lived since the late 1990s.
“At first, I brought her home to live with me and then it wasn’t very long until an apartment opened up for her at Episcopal Place,” Maria said. When she and her mother were signing the papers for Episcopal Place, a subsidized senior housing community off Highland Avenue, the staff recognized Mrs. Taylor’s frailty and recommended the CJFS Personal Care program...
Understanding Your Child's Anxiety
by Jennifer Bradley, LPC
As a therapist for 25 years, I have had the privilege to work with adults and children of all ages, and I have been seeing some changes in our children’s mental health. This generation has a problem, and it's anxiety.
There is a cloud of anxiety that is hovering over our children for so many reasons: the pandemic and the premature introduction to death, wars, homeland terrorism, the opioid/drug epidemic, major political unrest, racial division, riots… and that’s just in the last two years. Whew!...
The 2022 CJFS Friends Campaign is Underway!
The 2022 CJFS Friends Campaign is well underway and we are 27% of the way towards our goal! Co-Chairs Natalie Asman and Steve Royal know how important CJFS services are to our community. Natalie shares,
"It has been a privilege to help raise funds for this year's CJFS Friends Campaign. There are so many worthwhile programs that help the elderly and other individuals with needs in the Birmingham community.
When my parents needed caregiving and I needed support with some health issues, the counselors at CJFS were so invaluable to me and to my family."
Our FRIENDS are what make CJFS programs and services possible for those who need us the most-- We hope you will join us as FRIEND this year!
Aids Alabama Move Night
Movie Night
El Centro/The Hub Movie Night is around the corner! Come out and join us as we watch relatable LGBTQ+ life experiences. We will have food and refreshments. Testing will be available. Due to COVID we are making sure that we stay safe through this time. RSVP for a slot, contact any El Centro/The Hub staff to confirm.
205-918-8236 Xytarius Breeding RSVP
205-810-3220 Karina Harris RSVP
205-575-8662 Eric Ward office RSVP
205-575-8724 Ryan Gamble RSVP
Live HealthSmart AL Mobile Market September Schedule!!
Author Tania De'Shawn Speaking at BPL
Join us for a reading of Be Gentle With Black Girls by the author Tania De'Shawn.
Following the reading will be a panelist discussion with:
Ashley M. Jones, Alabama Poet Laureate, as moderator
Juana Thompson, President and CEO of the Birmingham Civil Rights Institute
Lauren Whatley, a Women's Studies professor at the University of Alabama and an expert on race, gender, and systems of oppression
Queen daPoetess, local poetess and co-owner of Majesty Lounge
Patrons can also participate in an Oriki station (Praise Poems from a West African tradition, affirming oneself through relationships between kinship and destiny), a "black girlhood be sacred: Stories behind Our Softness and Strength" story station with the BPL Archives and Southern History Department to contribute their own stories of black girlhood, a book signing, and a raffle to win a copy of Be Gentle with Black Girls.
*Discussions may touch on matters not intended for children. Young adults and older are welcome.
Details and registration information for this free event:
What: Be Gentle With Black Girls - Author Reading and Panel Discussion
When: Thursday, September 22, 6:00 p.m.
Where: Central Library Grand East Reading Room
Registration: Registration Link