Magic City Spotlight: $12 million resurfacing plan is under way
Road work begins under city's $12 million resurfacing plan
The plan to resurface roads around Birmingham is officially in motion.
Milling work started Tuesday along Redwol Drive. Look for more work soon around Valley Crest Lane, Old Farm Drive, Bellhurst Drive and Eastbrook Drive.
Click the button below to visit www.birminghamal.gov/neighborhoods to learn more about plans.
99 Voices: Rodney and Roderick Myers, Tuxedo
In the latest episode of 99 Voices, firefighters Rodney and Roderick Myers tell us about their journey from the "Brickyard" to 15 years of service at Birmingham Fire & Rescue.
Our communities are StrongHER than ever because of her
We hope you're keeping up! We are continuing to celebrate Women's History Month by lifting the names and stories of women across Birmingham. These women have inspiring stories that speak to their wonderful talents and genuine hearts for others.
Click the buttons below to see profiles and learn more.
Make summer count with ASFA summer camps! 🌞
Register for ASFA Summer Camps today!
Make your 2023 summer count with Alabama School of Fine Arts summer camps! Offering camps in app design, computer science, visual arts, creative writing, and three-week pre-algebra and algebra intensives for those looking to review or get ahead.
Come create, learn and discover with ASFA's award-winning faculty!
Register at www.asfaschool.org/summer-camps.
Check Out The Latest Friends of Birmingham Botanical Gardens Newsletter
Check out the spring issue of The Garden Dirt
Hot off the presses! Enjoy the latest installment of The Garden Dirt—our award-winning quarterly publication for members of the Friends of Birmingham Botanical Gardens. As we gear up for our popular Spring Plant Sale, get to know five of our expert volunteers, who shared their favorite plants sold from each of our growing groups.
Talk with dozens of other expert gardeners when you shop our 2023 Spring Plant Sale on April 13 (Member Shopping) and April 14–15 (Public Sale) at the Gardens. As you browse hundreds of varieties of plants these dedicated volunteers will be on hand to offer tips for selecting plants and advice on planting.
Mark your calendar, and enjoy the issue! Thank you for supporting the Gardens and all that it makes possible through your annual membership, donations, and plant sale purchases.
2023 Spring Plant Sale
Get ready for spring planting by joining us for the Friends of Birmingham Botanical Gardens' Spring Plant Sale—the nonprofit’s largest plant sale fundraiser of the year—April 13–15 at the Gardens!
Choose from veggies, perennials, herbs, tropicals, houseplants, trees, shrubs, natives, ferns, and more. Bring a folding cart or wagon and your planting questions!
Members of the Friends will enjoy priority shopping on Thursday, April 13 (1 p.m.–5:30 p.m.).
The Latest News From The White House Intergovernmental Affairs Office
President Biden and Vice President Harris are delivering on their commitment to lower costs for American families. Through the historic legislation signed into law by President Biden (ARP, IRA, BIL), Americans are experiencing lower health care, home heating, and high-speed internet costs – affecting tens of millions of seniors, students, and families month-over-month. This week alone, the Biden Administration is announcing key actions to help blunt the impacts of inflation on American households and give families more breathing room.
Lowering health care and prescription drug costs: The Department of Health and Human Services released new data showing that over 3.4 million seniors and people with disabilities are likely to save an average of $70 per year because of the Inflation Reduction Act’s provision that went into effect in January that allows Medicare beneficiaries to get recommended vaccines for free. HHS also announced that producers of 27 drugs – or 9% of all Medicare Part B drugs – will need to pay rebates back to Medicare because they raised their prices faster than inflation. This provision of the Inflation Reduction Act is putting a critical check on drug companies that try to excessively raise their prices and squeeze American seniors. And, some Medicare beneficiaries that take these drugs will save between $2 to $390 per dose of medication starting in April.
Lowering high-speed internet costs: The Federal Communication Commission released additional funds to support the Affordable Connectivity Program, a program that is delivering affordable high-speed internet to over 16 million households, saving American families over $500 million per month. Last week, the FCC released a tranche of $66 million to help more people access the program, funded by the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law.
Lowering home energy costs: This week, HHS released over a half a billion dollars in LIHEAP funds to states to cover American families’ home heating costs. President Biden and Vice President Harris have significantly increased funding for the LIHEAP program, including $500 million in the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law and $4.5 billion in ARPA to give Americans breathing room on their winter heating bills. Over the past year, LIHEAP has helped more than 5.3 million households on heating and cooling bills, and on weatherization services.
Fact Sheet on President Biden's Prescription Drug Law Saving Millions
State by State Vaccine Savings
State by State Insulin Savings
President Biden Announces New Actions to Reduce Gun Violence and Make Our Communities Safer
This week, in Monterey Park, California, President Biden announced an Executive Order with the goal of increasing the number of background checks conducted before firearm sales, moving the U.S. as close to universal background checks as possible without additional legislation. The Executive Order will also keep more guns out of dangerous hands by increasing the effective use of “red flag” laws, strengthen efforts to hold the gun industry accountable, and accelerate law enforcement efforts to identify and apprehend the shooters menacing our communities. President Biden also encouraged the Federal Trade Commission to issue a public report analyzing how gun manufacturers market firearms to minors.
President Biden traveled to Monterey Park to grieve with the families and community impacted by the mass shooting that claimed 11 lives and injured nine others in January. Monterey Park is part of a growing list of communities all across the country that are forever changed due to gun violence—not only mass shootings, but also daily acts of gun violence that may not make national headlines.
Fact Sheet on President Biden's Actions to Reduce Gun violence and Make Our Communities Safer
The Biden-Harris Administration Announces New Actions to Lower High-Speed Internet Costs
This week, the Biden-Harris Administration announced new funding to lower the cost of high-speed internet, releasing $73 million in Affordable Connectivity Outreach Grants to help more Americans sign up for the Affordable Connectivity Program and save on monthly internet costs.
In the 21st century, affordable, reliable high-speed internet is key to opportunity – to access education, healthcare, work, precision agriculture and keep in touch with loved ones. Still, too many are left without high-speed internet because they lack the infrastructure, or are inhibited by high costs or lack of technological skills. In particular, these inequities impact communities of color, rural communities and older Americans where the lack of affordable, reliable high-speed internet contributes to significant economic, health and other disparities.
Already, 16.75 million households are saving over $500 million per month on high-speed internet through the Affordable Connectivity Program. Now, the Biden-Harris Administration is releasing an additional $73 million in Affordable Connectivity Outreach Grants to help more Americans sign up for the program and save on internet costs. These investments include:
$66 million in the Affordable Connectivity Outreach Program to drive awareness and enrollment in the country’s newest and largest broadband affordability program in the nation’s history. Building on its current community partnerships, the FCC is providing financial support to partner organizations nationwide to serve as trusted community messengers for the Affordable Connectivity Program and equip them with funding to pursue innovative outreach strategies to reach historically underserved communities, including money set aside for outreach to households on Tribal lands. The FCC selected 197 applicants representing 50 states and territories to pursue a broad range of outreach projects to promote the Affordable Connectivity Program. Partner organizations will now be able to use grant funds to conduct digital campaigns, door-to-door canvassing, operate phone banks, distribute direct mail, and host ACP application enrollment and outreach events. Of the 197 applicants selected for funding, 177 represent governmental and non-governmental entities from the National Competitive Outreach Program (NCOP), with $60 million in funding. The remaining 20 represent governmental and non-governmental funding recipients from the Tribal Competitive Outreach Program (TCOP), which is providing over $6 million in funding for ACP outreach and enrollment support targeting eligible households that live on qualifying Tribal lands.
Fact Sheet on the Biden-Harris Administration's New Actions to Lower High-Speed Internet Costs
BIRMINGHAM CITY COUNCIL: Week in Review Mar 6th - Mar 13th
Empowered Women, Empower Women: Happy Women's History Month
We are honored to celebrate Women’s History this month with the women who make up a majority of the Birmingham City Council’s nine seats: Councilors Carol Clarke, Valerie Abbott, LaTonya Tate, President Wardine Alexander and Pro Tem Crystal Smitherman.
For the first time in the city’s history the Birmingham City Council is headed by female leadership — President Alexander and Pro Tem Crystal Smitherman, who is also the youngest member of the Council.
Two-Year American Rescue Plan Anniversary
Two-Year American Rescue Plan Anniversary
Friends,
Tomorrow, March 11, marks the Two-Year Anniversary of the American Rescue Plan (ARP), which has resulted in historic economic recovery, job growth, and transformative investments led by state and local governments across the country. Please join us today and this Saturday for a Day of Action in honor of the Two-Year Anniversary of ARP.
We invite elected officials, state and local leaders, faith-based organizations, community groups, and more to lift up and celebrate the American Rescue Plan.
FACT SHEET: The American Rescue Plan’s 2-year Difference
The American Rescue Plan (ARP): Top 15 Highlights from 2 Years of Recovery
HOLI: A FESTIVAL OF COLOR
Schedule of Programs
11AM – 2PM // Main Lobby // Artmaking
Discover your inner artist and create your own Holi-inspired works of art using a variety of materials in our lobby area.
11am -- 2pm // Sculpture Garden // Art activities, Henna & Face Painting
Venture into our outdoor sculpture garden and get a beautiful henna design by Blue Lotus Mehndi or get your face painted by Painted Personalities!
12 – 1PM // Auditorium // Dance Performances
Talented local Indian dance troupes will dazzle visitors with traditional and fusion performances in the auditorium. Enjoy their unique styles and the energy and excitement they bring to the festival. Performing local dance troupes include: Aastha’s dance classes, Natyananda, Notinee Indian Dance, Prema and Purnima Bhat, SAI Choir, Creations Kathak Adults and Kids Groups & Folks of Dakshin.
1- 2PM // City Walk Amphitheater // Music, DJ, Dancing, Food Trucks
For the first time, we will partner with City Walk to provide an expanded footprint for our popular festival. Stop by the City Walk Amphitheater for an afternoon of lively Bollywood music by DJ Krish and Dance Performances by Aastha’s Dance Classes.
The group will also be providing a pop-up instructional workshop where you can learn some of the moves and steps of traditional Indian dance to do while you participate in the throwing of the colors.
2 – 4PM // City Walk Main Ground // Music, DJ, Food Trucks, Throwing of Colors!
Join us at the City Walk Main Ground for the most joyous and popular part of the event – the throwing of colors! We’ll provide plenty of colorful gulal for everyone to use, or feel free to bring your own. DJ Krish will provide all the Bollywood tunes for you to dance to while you throw and celebrate this colorful and fun-filled activity with your friends and family.
Holi T-Shirts
Now Available
Preorder your limited edition BMA Holi T-Shirt now! Shirt has a subtle BMA logo that is revealed when colors are thrown.
Shirts will be available for purchase on the day of the event, but preorder now to ensure availability. Shirts are for local pickup only (no shipping). Orders are now available for pickup in the Museum Shop during regular business hours and on the day of the event.
All sizes are adult unisex, but may run slightly small. Order up one size if you are unsure.
View The Latest News You Can Use!
CrossPlex seeking paid and volunteer help this week
The Birmingham CrossPlex is hosting the 2023 NCAA DIII ITF Championships this week. They are in need of city employee staff to serve in paid roles and volunteers to serve in non-paid roles. City employees who are interested in serving March 8-11, 2023, please reach out to Charlicia R. Heard at charlicia.heard@birminghamal.gov. Non-city employees who would like to volunteer should see the attached flyer for details.
Awesomeness Day is March 10
You are the reason Birmingham is a great place to work. COB HR is celebrating International AWESOMENESS Day. Spread joy and positivity by telling others how wonderful they are! Send your AWESOMENESS day moments to employeerelations@birminghamal.gov with the #COBAwesomenessDay hashtag to be featured on social media, as well as COB & HR's page. Printable cards are attached so that you can celebrate your coworkers!
Sign up today for the 2023 Women's Summit
The City of Birmingham is hosting its 2023 Women’s Summit, which is themed “Telling Our Stories and Becoming____”* The event will take place on Thursday, March 23 at the Boutwell Exhibition Hall from 1-5 p.m. Enjoy an afternoon of motivation, sharing, and forward-thinking. There will be a keynote speaker, breakout sessions, and networking opportunities. Attendance is free, but registration is strongly recommended. All employees are invited. (Note: Please discuss your attendance with your department leadership.) Go to birminghamal.gov/cobwomen for details and to sign up.
* You fill in the blank of what you want to gain and who you want to become.
The Perfect Note Express has new hours
The Perfect Note Express, the café located in the basement of City Hall, has new hours of operation. They are now open Monday through Friday 8 a.m.-2:30 p.m. https://perfectnoteexpress.com/
Attend a financial Lunch and Learn in March
The Birmingham City Credit Union is hosting a series of lunch and learn events this month. See attached for details.
Money 101 – March 15 at 11:30 a.m.
Credit 101 – March 22 at 11:30 a.m.
How to Navigate Kids and Money – March 29 at 11:30 a.m.
Volunteers sought for the Birmingham Community Emergency Response Team
Birmingham Fire & Rescue Service is preparing for its upcoming Community Emergency Response Team class this fall and is currently seeking volunteers to participate. The Community Emergency Response Team (CERT) program helps train people to be better prepared to respond to emergency situations in their communities. If you or someone you know is interested in becoming a CERT member, email your name, phone number, and email address to pubed@birminghamal.gov.
The classes are from April 11 to May 23, from 6-7:30 p.m. at Fire Station No. 2, located at 600-11th Street South.
BPD hosts a hygiene drive
As a part of Women’s History Month, the Birmingham Police Department will be hosting a women’s hygiene drive until March 24. All items collected will be donated to a local women’s shelter. The following sites are drop-off locations:
Birmingham Police Headquarters: 1701 1st Ave N
South Precinct: 1320 19th Street S
East Precinct: 600 Red Lane Road
West Precinct: 2236 47th Street
North Precinct: 2600 31st Avenue North
Please see attached flyer for additional information
Get your tickets for the A Novel Tasting event
The Birmingham Public Library cordially invites you to the second annual A Novel Tasting! This festive event will take place on Thursday, April 6, from 6-8:30 p.m. at the downtown Central Library. The evening will feature a tasting of fine wines, locally crafted beers, and distilled spirits. Live music by Eric Essix, catered food, and complimentary drinks will entertain guests throughout the evening. A cigar bar will be set up outside for aficionados of fine tobacco, and a VIP reception will be held between 5 and 6 p.m. Tickets are available for purchase now on Eventbrite.
Enjoy lunch at the Arlington House
Enjoy a three-course lunch at the historic Arlington Antebellum House on Thursday, March 23. Seatings are 11 a.m.-12:30 p.m. and 1-2:30 p.m. $20 per person. Reservations required. Click here for more info.
Get tickets for Mother’s Day Celebration!
Celebrate mom with an evening of music featuring Pastor Mike Jr. LeAndria Johnson, Shirley Caesar, and Marvin Sapp with comedian Jonathan Slocumb. Friday, May 12. 7:30 p.m. Boutwell Auditorium. Get tickets at Etix.com or call 254-2820.
Submit your news to marie.sutton@birminghamal.gov.
Watch a Replay of the March 7, 2023 Birmingham City Council Meeting
Click one of the following links to access the March 7, 2023 Birmingham City Council Meeting:
To watch it from the City Council’s website:
https://www.birminghamalcitycouncil.org/council-meeting-video-archives/