New You Can Use - September 22, 2021

Fiesta Birmingham will take place in Linn Park on Saturday, Sept. 25 from noon to 8 p.m. There is a $10 admission fee. Children 12 years old and younger will be admitted free. This is the 19th year for the festival. For more information, go here.

---

Eat in the Streets will be held in downtown Birmingham on Sept. 24 from 5 to 10 p.m. and Sept. 25 from 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. on 20th Street. Participating restaurants include: ZaZa, Paramount, Chocolata, Café DuPont, Helen, Bistro 218, Brick & Tin, and Elyton Hotel’s Moonshine and The Yard.

---

Brenda’s Brown Bosom Buddies’ 10th Annual Sistah Strut, created to support and encourage breast cancer survivors, will be held on Saturday, Sept. 25 at Legion Field from 7 to 11 a.m. Go here for more information.

---

Grace Klein Community and Jefferson County Family Court will host a food box giveaway on Friday, Sept. 24, from 2 to 4 p.m. at Jefferson County Family Court, 120 – Second Court North. Also, volunteers are needed from 12:30 to 4:30 p.m. To sign up to volunteer, send an email to info@jeffcofrc.org.

Here’s what you need to know to pick up a food box:

• Please follow the signs at Second Avenue North and Second Street North to see where to line up for the event.

• Due to staffing issues, organizers will be unable to do pre-registration.

• Giveaway is open to those in need.

---

Furnace Fest will take place at Sloss Furnaces, Friday, Sept. 24 - Sunday, Sept. 26 from 12 to 11 p.m. More than 90 artists will appear across three separate stages. For more information on tickets, parking, and updated Covid-19 guidelines, please see attachment or visit: https://www.furnacefest.us/

---

Have you registered for the Morehouse Tuskegee Classic Soirée at the Birmingham Museum of Art yet? This free event, which will take place on Oct. 8 at 8 p.m., will feature alumni and fans from both schools, live entertainment, and more. You must register in advance. To RSVP, Click Here. The game will take place on Saturday, Oct. 9 at Legion Field. Visit www.morehousetuskegeeclassic.com for more info.

---

The Greek Festival will be back Oct. 14-16 in downtown Birmingham, 307 19th St. South For more info, visit http://birminghamgreekfestival.net.

---

Southside CME Church will host a Covid-19 vaccination clinic on Saturday, Oct. 2 from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. It’s for those 12 years old and up. Free Pfizer shots will be offered.

---

Know someone who loves to sing? Auditions for the World Games 2022 Gospel Choir will open on Oct. 1. The choir will have an opportunity to perform during the opening and closing ceremonies behind featured artists such as Yolanda Adams, the Blind Boys of Alabama, and Birmingham's own, 2021 Stellar Awards Artist of the Year, Pastor Mike Jr. Applicants must be post-high school age. Applicants should be prepared to upload a photo and up to two minutes of video of them singing. Selections for the World Games 2022 Gospel Choir will be announced after Oct. 31.

News You Can Use - Sept 15, 2021

Online slots for Magic City Classic tailgating will open on Tuesday, September 14, 2021 at 12:01 p.m. CST. Applicants are limited to 2 slots per transaction. Each space will cost $140, and they are available on a first-come, first-served basis. The game will be played at Legion Field on Saturday, Oct. 30.

Once the online spaces are gone, they are gone. The next time people will be able to buy tailgating spots for the Magic City Classic will be on Monday, Oct. 25. The Oct. 25 sales will be done in person at Legion Field.

---

The next Food Truck Friday will be held on Friday, Oct. 8 in front of City Hall from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m.

---

Wednesday, Sept. 15 is the deadline for individuals to sign up to try out for the Squadron basketball team. Visit www.birminghamsquadron.com.

---

On Wednesday, Sept. 15 at 10 a.m., Sixteenth Street Baptist Church will commemorate the 58th anniversary of the 1963 bombing of the church. The Carlton Reese Memorial Unity Choir will provide musical tributes. The church bells in downtown Birmingham will toll at 10:22 a.m., the time that the bomb exploded. A memorial wreath will be laid immediately following the service. Also, The Rev. Dr. Charlie Dates, pastor of the Progressive Baptist Church of Chicago, will give a reflection. Attendees must practice social distancing and masks will be required to attend.

Four young ladies, Carole Robertson, age 14; Cynthia Wesley age 14; Addie Mae Collins age 14; and Denise McNair age 11, lost their lives when a bomb exploded in the church basement. Several others were injured.

---

Tickets remain on sale for the Morehouse Tuskegee Classic, which will be played at 7 p.m. on Saturday, Oct. 9 at Legion Field. Tickets and more information about that weekend are available at www.morehousetuskegeeclassic.com. In-person tailgating slots will open on Friday, Oct. 8. Go here to see the latest video from Mayor Woodfin about the game.

---

Have you been looking for a way to get involved and give back to your neighborhood? The following neighborhoods are in need of officers: Bridlewood, East Avondale, East Birmingham, Green Acres, Southside and Tarpley City. Call 205-297-8192 or email Sybil Green at Sybil.Green@birminghamal.gov for more information.

---

The Second Chance Job Fair will be held at Boutwell Auditorium on Tuesday, Sept. 14 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. For more information, visit www.secondchancehiringfair.com.

---

There will be a community cleanup for Titusville on Friday, Sept. 17 from 9 a.m. to 12 p.m. Meet at Living Church Ministries, 401 Omega Street South. Volunteers will work in two-hour shifts, doing general cleanup or planting in the community garden. Gardening and cleanup tools will be provided. Volunteers interested in participating should send emails to kspeights@uabmc.edu.

---

Breast Cancer Awareness Events

• Brenda’s Brown Bosom Buddies’ 10th Annual Sistah Strut, created to support and encourage breast cancer survivors, will be held on Saturday, Sept. 25 at Legion Field from 7 to 11 a.m.

• The Run with V.I.R.T.U.E. 5K will be held on Oct. 9 from 7 a.m. to 12 p.m. At 3.1 miles, this virtual race can be run, walked, and/or jogged from anywhere! The race is ideal for anyone who wants to get active while staying socially distant. You set your own pace and time. Participants may complete the race at any time between Sunday, Oct. 3 - Saturday, Oct. 9. All times must be posted to Run with V.I.R.T.U.E. by Saturday, Oct. 9, no later than 12 pm CST. The event will help raise funds to support medical advancements in breast cancer research and treatments. Treatments will aid in the quality of life locally and globally. For more info, Visit the event website.

• Forge, a breast cancer support organization located on the Southside, has different resources for those in need. They also provide referrals to free mental health counseling for patients and children; two Coffee Conversations via Zoom at 10 a.m. on Oct. 13 and 27; and more. For more information, visit www.forgeon.org

Public Works and Trash Pickup Update - August 5, 2021

From the Office of Mayor Randall Woodfin:

If your household trash was recently missed, the City of Birmingham apologizes for the inconvenience. City crews are working very hard to get caught up after facing challenges concerning COVID-19 and heat and rain issues last week. 

Please be patient with us as crews work to address missed areas on Wednesday, Aug. 4. If you experienced a missed pick-up, please call 311 and provide your phone number, address and missed pick-up date. We are here to serve.  

Also, crews will still pick up recycling on Aug. 4, which is the City’s regular recycling day. 

---

Tuesday Update (8/4/2021):  East, South & West will have some garbage remaining that will be picked up first thing tomorrow before the recycle route.

East District –  Portions of Spring Lake, Echo Highlands, Airport Highlands, North East Lake, South Roebuck, East Lake 1 – Garbage Remains - Bulk good

West District – Bulk complete – Only 1 route of garbage still remaining – A piece of Pratt, Jones Valley & Riley - Garbage Remains

South District – Bulk behind 1 route in Arlington-West End (Lomb Ave., 17th St. & Tuscaloosa Ave.) –  Garbage may have a little remaining in the following areas:   Portions of Mason City, Eastwood Mall & South Titusville.  They’re still working, but may not finish there. 

 North District – Completed Bulk & Garbage complete

Highland Park Neighborhood Association Newsletter - August 2, 2021

www.highland-park.org

Curbside Recycling Pickups
Back to 2X/MONTH!!!!
Next pickup - Wed. 8.4.21
(1st & 3rd Wed. of each month ONLY)
*We have unfortunately confirmed that if the truck comes by on other days, they will pick up materials and take them to the dump.
(Recyclables can still be dropped off at Birmingham Recycling and Recovery M-F 7am-4pm* - 9 41st St. S., 35222 (Avondale).)
Check our website for more details on what can be recycled by clicking here.

---

"Meet the Candidates"
Hosted by the Jefferson County Citizens Coalition
Wed., 8.4.21, 6-8pm
Alabama Sports Hall of Fame
2150 Richard Arrington Jr Blvd N, Birmingham, AL 35203

On behalf of Congressman Earl F. Hilliard, you are cordially invited to the "Meet the Candidates" Reception hosted by the Jefferson County Citizens Coalition. The reception will take place on Wednesday, August 4 2021, from 6 pm - 8 pm at the Alabama Sports Hall of Fame. 

Please stop by for light hors d'oeuvres and good conversation. 

We look forward to seeing you at the event. Please RSVP to thejccc.al@gmail.com. 

---

Scooter Townhall
Thurs., 8.5.21, 6pm
Wine Loft: 2200 1st Ave N., Birmingham, AL 35203
City Councilor O'Quinn has organized a gathering of personnel from BDOT, BPD, and the scooter/bike companies to speak with residents in the Loft District (CCNA). He will have vendor franchise agreements available along with the City’s ordinance (via a link or printouts).
We had contacted Veo to have a representative come to our Aug. 10th Highland Park Neighborhood mtg., but they have been unresponsive.

---

City Job Opportunities
The City of Birmingham is hiring for the following positions:
Automotive Technician - General; Automotive Technician - Heavy Truck; Construction Equipment Operator; Data Management Specialist; Data Management Technician; Electrical Inspector; Electrician Supervisor; Firefighter Paramedic; Forensic Scientist; Gardener; Green House Worker; Historic Preservation Manager; Heavy Equipment Operator; Landscape Crew Operator; Lifeguard; Municipal Court Senior Probation Officer; Plans Examiner - Mechanical, Plumbing, Gas; Police Officer; Property Control Clerk; Senior Arborist; Senior Civil Engineer; Senior Land Acquisition Agent; Senior Lifeguard; Senior Municipal Court Clerk; Senior Swimming Pool Supervisor; Traffic Maintenance Worker; Traffic Stripping Machine Crew Leader; Transportation Design Manager; Truck Driver

To apply and for more information visit https://www.pbjcal.org/jobsquest/

---

Upcoming Highland Park Neighborhood Association Meetings - Agenda and Speaker(s):

MEETING TUESDAY, 8.10.21, 6pm
via Zoom ONLY*.
 

*Due to rising COVID cases and low vaccination rates, we have decided to return to virtual meetings.  Please see below for thoughts and an article from our July Speaker and Highland Park Resident Dr. Mike Mugavero.

Link to General Agenda/Mtg. Format

August 10, 2021 6pm - Speaker: Captain Harry Greenberg of the South Precinct to discuss Trespassing Legalities and other questions/concerns. (We have invited a VEO Scooter Representative to attend, too, but we have not yet heard back.)

***Join Zoom Meeting (updated link as of May 2021)

One tap mobile:

US: +16465588656,,93671898724# or +13017158592,,93671898724#

Meeting URL:

https://osgnoc.zoom.us/j/93671898724

Meeting ID:

 936 7189 8724

Join by Telephone:

Dial: +1 346 248 7799 or 888 788 0099 (Toll Free)
Meeting ID:  936 7189 8724

Zoom is an app/online tool used for video conferencing. BE SURE TO DOWNLOAD THE SOFTWARE OR APP BEFORE THE MEETING TIME!  Here are instructions; you do NOT need an account or to sign in to join the meeting.

*- Vaccination remains critical, but is not a panacea (at current rates) — at current vaccination rates (<50%) and with the amount of virus circulating in our community, other public health testing and mitigation measures are increasingly important (again). It is critical that we encourage those eligible to get vaccinated, listen to their concerns, provide evidence based scientific information, and respect their decisions — even if they choose not to get vaccinated.

- There is a difference between “infection” and “disease.” While vaccinations are effective in reducing the risk of both acquiring covid (“infection”) and getting symptoms/sick (“disease”), vaccinated persons are still getting infected (“breakthrough”) and getting disease, overwhelmingly with the delta variant. Thankfully, severe disease/illness — hospitalization, ICU, mechanical ventilation and death are significantly reduced among those vaccinated. Data from England are compelling and forebode how the “4th wave” will play out in the USA.

- Even among those vaccinated, masking, especially in crowded indoor settings (e.g., grocery stores, churches, indoor concerts and sporting events, etc) is an important consideration. Again, respecting individual’s choices is essential in my opinion, but persons should make educated, informed masking decisions based upon their beliefs, risk tolerance, etc. I wear a mask in all indoor settings when I am with others, except in my home with my immediate family.

- Consideration to the size of our “social bubbles” is an important consideration, even for the vaccinated. We are all exposed to the individuals in the social networks of every person we interact with — not just that person we are with — but everyone else they have interacted with in person in recent days.

- CDC is now recommending all persons, including the vaccinated, quarantine / isolate for 10 days if they have a covid infection. Persons with symptoms are well served to seek testing and err on the side of isolation / quarantine for the safety of others.

- Children under 12 y/o still cannot get vaccinated. Although rare, serious and fatal infections do occur in this age group. In terms of our individual vaccination, masking, social bubbles and other testing & mitigation choices, we all should be aware of this fact.

https://www.al.com/news/2021/07/alabama-just-saw-the-worst-week-since-winter-for-covid-cases-hospitalizations-week-in-review.html

July Minutes coming soon
Click here for June Minutes
Click here for May Minutes

---

Large Trash and Brush

Future Dates: *FRIDAYS (8.13, 9.3, 9.24)

Buildings with dumpsters DO NOT receive city pickups.

*Friday until further notice (instead of the usual Thurs.)

Leaves and smaller brush and trash MUST BE BAGGED. Larger limbs/branches and furniture items can be piled neatly.  
If space allows, make separate piles: trash/furniture/mattresses/appliances/etc. in one and another pile for plant materials (leaves, limbs, brush) to be mulched by the city. 
They use two different trucks, and making separate piles helps them stay efficient.

Sometimes the city runs behind...if your pile is missed and not collected the following day, please report to 311 (by dialing 311 or the city portal www.birminghamal.gov/311-portal) and send the confirmation code and address to highlandparkneighborhoodal@gmail.com.

---

Municipal Election Aug. 24

For more information visit: https://birminghamwatch.org/category/government/2021-birmingham-city-election/

---

World Games 2022

VOLUNTEER AT THE WORLD GAMES 2022. Learn more about how you can volunteer for the games by visiting https://twg2022.com/volunteer/
 
TICKETS FOR THE WORLD GAMES 2022. Visit https://twg2022.com/tickets/ for more information.

Legion Field COVID-19 Vaccine Site open Tuesday and Wednesday this week

An Evening of Love, 25th Anniversary Concert ticket giveaway announced for residents who get vaccinated

PRESS RELEASE                                                       Monday, August 2, 2021

Contact: Kim Garner 

Email: kimberly.garner@birminghamal.gov

In an effort to increase the COVID-19 vaccination rate in Birmingham, AEG (American Entertainment Group) is announcing that they will provide a free ticket for An Evening of Love: 25th Anniversary Concert to anyone who receives a COVID-19 vaccination at the Legion Field site, while supplies last.

The Legion Field vaccine site will be open on Tuesday and Wednesday of this week from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. 

Currently, Alabama's COVID-19 vaccination rate is around 34 percent.  Birmingham City Council President William Parker believes this vaccine incentive can help Birmingham improve its numbers and save lives.

"As our City opens up, we want to make sure we do our part in encouraging residents to get vaccinated as quickly as possible," said Dee Tarver with American Entertainment Group.

Forest Park/South Avondale August 2021 Newsletter

Forest Park / South Avondale Neighborhood Association

August Meeting, Tuesday, August 3 at 6:30 p.m. 
AVONDALE LIBRARY
Per Mayor Woodfin's Executive Order, Face Masks will be required
 

Special thanks to Avondale Elementary for hosting our June and July Neighborhood Association Meetings.   . Beginning next week, we're back at Avondale Library for our monthly meetings.

August Agenda items include:
1.  Monthly Report from the South Precinct
2.  Monthly Report from Public Works office, Mary Gunnerson.
5.  Monthly Report from Friends of Avondale Park (Neal Flum)
6.  Monthly Report from District 3 Board of Education Representative (Mary Boehm)
7.  Monthly Report from District 5 City Councilor, (Darrell O'Quinn)
8.  Monthly Report from District 3 City Councilor, (Valerie Abbott)

Forest Park / South Avondale
July Brush and Trash Pick Up date.  
Wednesday, August 11
Missed Pick-up - Dial 311
Report Illegal Dumping - Dial 311

The South Precinct non-emergency number 

254 2793

THE WORLD GAMES ARE COMING TO BIRMINGHAM IN 2022
Learn more about how you can volunteer for the games by visiting https://twg2022.com/volunteer/

Please remember to pick up after your pet and avoid disposing of their waste in your neighbor's trash can.  Also be mindful of your pet peeing or pooping on your neighbor's lawn, shrubbery and ground cover.  Pet urine is toxic to many of our plants.

Register today for EDA's Funding Program Webinar Series~

 The EDA has published a webinar series detailing the agency's six new funding programs. Member governments interested in applying for these grant opportunities are encouraged to attend. Links to register are included below:

1. Build Back Better Regional Challenge: August 2, 2021; 1:00pm central
2. Travel, Tourism and Outdoor Recreation: August 3, 2021; 1:00pm central
3. Coal Communities Commitment: August 5, 2021; 1:00pm central
4. Research and Networks: August 6, 2021; 1:00pm central
5. Economic Adjustment Assistance: August 9, 2021; 1:00pm central
6. Indigenous Communities: August 10, 2021; 1:00pm
7. Good Jobs Challenge: August 12, 2021; 1:00pm

To learn more about these funding programs, please visit the EDA's website at www.eda.gov/arpa.

For more information on these grant opportunities or ways RPCGB can assist your community in the application process, please contact Jesslan Wilson, Director of Economic Development, at jwilson@rpcgb.org or 256-899-3865.

Thank you,
RPCGB Economic Development Team

Upcoming Hearing on the New Proposed Birmingham Operating Budget

2021 ACE Program Info from Mayor Woodfin