Do you need help filing an extended tax return, or even a return from a prior year? United Way’s Free Tax Preparation Program is still accepting appointments and here to help.
Call us today at 2-1-1 or 1-888-421-1266 to learn more and schedule an appointment.
Junior League of Birmingham Community News
Community Quarterly Newsletter
For over 100 years, the Junior League of Birmingham (JLB) has been a positive force for change. The JLB’s approximately 2,000 trained volunteers collectively contribute more than 40,000 hours of direct community service to the Birmingham area each year. Here’s a look at how our volunteers are working to Build Partnerships for a Better Birmingham and how we can greater support you!
Community Project Letter of Intent
This year, the JLB has transitioned to a two-part application process, including an initial Letter of Intent (LOI). All LOIs will be due July 19th and agencies with a project that best aligns with the League’s community priorities and volunteer needs will be invited to submit a full Community Project Application by August 30th.
We are excited to share that this application is LIVE today! You can access the submission here on our new platform,
Agency Information Session
The Junior League of Birmingham annually accepts project applications from agencies in our community where we can help be of service to our community.
All agencies planning on applying or are interested in more information should attend the Agency Information Session on July 9, 2024. It will be hosted at the Junior League of Birmingham building from 12-1pm and lunch is provided.
JLB Community Assistance Fund
The Community Assistance Fund (CAF) was established to enable the Junior League of Birmingham to respond quickly to community requests for funding of immediate financial needs due to unforeseen circumstances. To be funded, an agency must be a 501(c)(3) agency or an appropriate governmental agency which effectively addresses the mission of the Junior League of Birmingham. The maximum request that will be considered is $5,000.
News You Can Use: 6-21-24
June 21, 2024
Check out BPL’s Willie Mays and Negro League collection
Did you know that public libraries in Jefferson County, including the Birmingham Public Library, have nearly 200 books, DVDs and other items about baseball legend and Birmingham native Willie Mays? The Birmingham Public Library's digital collection also includes a series of interviews about the Birmingham Black Barons. BPL also has YouTube videos of interviews with Negro League players. Get more details here.
The Birmingham Public Library has hundreds of events this summer
The Birmingham Public Library has 256 free programs for patrons of all ages available as part of 2024 Summer Reading. Click on this link for more information.
Roaring 20’s Murder Mystery Dinner Event at Birmingham’s Arlington House
Enjoy the fun Roaring 20’s Gatsby-themed Interactive Murder Mystery dinner event at Birmingham’s Beautiful Historic Arlington House! Friday, June 21 from 6:30-9 p.m. Arlington Antebellum Home & Gardens, 331 Cotton Avenue Southwest. Tickets and more information at www.southernghostgirls.com.
BMA hosts African Heritage Festival
On Saturday, June 22 from 1–5 p.m. join the Birmingham Museum of Art as they celebrate the vibrant traditions of African cultures and the Museum’s African art galleries. Sponsored by Medical Properties Trust with support from Blue Cross Blue Shield, the festival will include food, art projects, and a focus on the BMA’s African art collection. Come join the fun for a day of performances, facepainting, art-making, storytelling, food trucks, and so much more! RSVP here.
Real Ghost Hunt Paranormal Investigation at Birmingham’s Arlington House
Check out a Real Interactive and Immersive Ghost Hunt and Paranormal Investigation at the Historic Arlington House where you use paranormal equipment! By Southern Ghost Girls Tours. Saturday, June 22 from 7-10:30 p.m. Historic Arlington House and Gardens, 331 Cotton Avenue Southwest. For information go to www.southernghostgirls.com.
Come out for a conversation with a BPD Investigator
The Birmingham Police Department Investigation Bureau will host a friendly conversation between the community and BPD detectives Thursday, June 27 at 12 noon. South Precinct, 1320 19th St. South. For more information, call Lt. Benson at 205-213-2627. See attached for details.
BMA hosts movie screening of Cruella
Come out on Saturday, June 29 from 12-2 p.m. for the Disney Movie Masterpieces showcase of the fashion-forward origins of an iconic villain in the 2021 film Cruella. Following the movie, you are invited to take home a Cruella-themed art kit. These tailor-made art kits let participants channel their inner rebel designer, ensuring an afternoon of creativity and cinematic magic. RSVP here.
Engage in Creative Dialogues
The Black Cherry Tree Project (BCTP) and Jefferson County Memorial Project (JCMP) are hosting a series of monthly events, "BCTP Creative Dialogues: Exploring Art and Racial Reconciliation." These events are designed to foster community conversations and artistic creation around the theme of racial reconciliation. Creative Dialogues will take place at the Historic Ballard House located at 1420 7th Ave. North during the following dates:
June 30, 2-5 p.m.: "Defining Black Excellence"
Critically examine the evolving definition of Black excellence in today's society. How has it changed, and what does it mean now? Artists will be encouraged to create pieces that represent their interpretation of Black excellence and its impact.July 21, 2-5 p.m.: "Self-Policing and Surveillance"
Delve into the concepts of self-policing within the Black community and the broader implications of surveillance, particularly with AI biases. Discuss the problematic nature of the policing system and its effects on rehabilitation. The workshop will focus on translating these discussions into impactful artworks.
For Your Information:
RFP sought for Gaston Motel Coffee Shop operator
The Historical Preservation Authority of the City of Birmingham is seeking proposals from experienced and qualified businesses to operate a coffee shop to be located in the City of Birmingham-owned 1968 wing of the A.G. Gaston Motel. For more information, go to www.birmingham al.gov/gaston.
FY24 Inventory Audit Schedule below:
Please adhere to the following closings for City of Birmingham purchasing warehouses due to the FY24 Inventory Audit Schedule.
Purchasing Storeroom (Office Supplies & Paper)
*Closed: Tuesday, June 18
The warehouse will re-open Thursday, June 20th at 8 a.m.
Maintenance Warehouse (Coke Building)
*Closed: Thursday, June 20 – Friday, June 21 & Monday, June 24
The warehouse will re-open Tuesday, June 25 at 7 a.m.
Central Stores Warehouse
*Closed: Tuesday, June 25 – Thursday, June 27
The warehouse will re-open Friday, June 28 at 7 a.m.
Equipment Management - Garage
* Equipment Management will continue to service the COB’s departmental requests as needed during the inventory process.
SAVE THE DATE:
Nurture of Alabama’s Third Annual BHM Mental Health Day
Speakers, food trucks and giveaways. Friday, July 21. Linn Park. 10 a.m.-2 p.m. Stay tuned for more details.
Art On The Rocks is back!
Featuring funk rapper Ric Wilson as musical guest, Birmingham’s most popular summer event returns with an artistic evening of entertainment including DJs, artist demos, pop-up performances, specialty cocktails, and so much more. Friday, August 2 from 7–11 p.m. Go here for details.
Need something in News You Can Use, submit it to Marie Sutton by noon on Wednesdays to marie.sutton@birminghamal.gov.
Birmingham Civil Rights Museum Annual Juneteenth Celebration
Birmingham City Council Highlights 6.4.24
Here are some of the highlights from the Birmingham City Council's week ahead
The Annual East Lake Fishing Rodeo happening this Saturday, lake stocking on Friday
It’s going to be a great weekend for a family fun day at the 2024 Annual East Lake Family Fishing Rodeo on Saturday June 8, from 7:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. at East Lake Park sponsored by Birmingham City Councilor Hunter Williams of District 2 and the Birmingham Parks and Recreation Board.
The family friendly event will feature giveaways including prizes for the first ten fish and the three largest fish, and free t-shirts while supplies last. Be sure to bring your own fishing equipment, however there is no need for fishing license. The event will happen rain or shine and there will be food vendors and other booths set up for people to enjoy.
On Friday June 7, there will be a great opportunity for the kids to see the lake being stocked with over 2,500 pounds of catfish. That event will be on Friday, June 7 at 2:00 p.m.
“Events like this are such a great opportunity to reconnect with friends and have some fun. This year we’re adding more kid-oriented events and we hope to get a whole new generation of young people interested in fishing and learning about all that East Lake Park has to offer,” Councilor Williams said. “I look forward to this event every year and I know so many people in this city do as well. It’s going to be great seeing everyone out there this weekend.”
WHAT: Annual Family Fishing Rodeo events
WHEN: Fish Stocking at East Lake Park -- Friday, June 7 at 2:00 p.m., Fishing Rodeo -- Saturday June 8 from 7:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m.
WHERE: East Lake Park, 8101 4th Avenue North
Councilor Williams will be making himself available for press interviews/video at 2 p.m. on June 7 when the lake is being stocked with fish.
Councilor Clinton Woods and partners hosting the Fourth Annual “Magic City Showcase” football combine for high school athletes
The Annual Magic City Showcase sponsored by Councilor Clinton Woods, will be held at Legion Field on Saturday, June 8. The football combine is free and will be open to high school athletes. Students who wish to sign-up should visit www.magiccityshowcase.com by Thursday, May 30.
Now in its fourth year, the event offers an opportunity for student athletes to showcase their skills to college coaches and scouts explained Councilor Woods, who played college football at the University of Tennessee – Chattanooga.
“This combine is one of the largest of its kind in the Southeast and is such a great opportunity for our students to get noticed by college coaches,” Woods said. “I’d like to thank the Park Board for their work, along with all our community partners, for their work to ensure this combine continues to open to door for our student athletes to continue their careers at the next level.”
Every attendee will have their profiles created and available to share with recruiting agency platforms.
District 6 Farmers Market with Crystal Smitherman happening this Saturday at Memorial Park
Building equity in our community, especially as it relates to food insecurity, must start with ensuring healthy, affordable food options for residents that live in one of Birmingham’s designated food deserts.
On Saturday, June 8th Councilor Crystal Smitherman will be hosting the first District 6 Farmers Market of 2024. These will be held at Memorial Park on the second Saturday of June, July and August.
Not only are they are great opportunity for residents to get produce, but it allows them to connect with local vendors and farmers.
Saturday’s District 6 Pop-up Farmer’s Market will be held at Memorial Park (524 6th Ave. S Birmingham, AL) from 1:30 p.m. to 3:30 p.m.
“In addition to recruiting grocery stores and other retailers that offer healthy food options, we are trying to get creative with how our communities can access fresh, healthy food,” Smitherman said. “These markets also offer a chance for local vendors and farmers to connect with the people in our community and build relationships. We've seen these grow every year and I'm excited for this summer and to see all of our residents come out and get some fresh, healthy foods.”e
Referrals wanted- Community Partners- STRIVE Birmingham
Your Zoo is Counting on You
When you visit your Birmingham Zoo, you can see endangered animals like Carlito, our giant anteater; Cranberry, our red-flanked duiker; Bulwagi, Luti, and Gadze, our African elephants and Max, our Komodo dragon. Each animal has its own unique nutrition and health needs. We depend on your visits, memberships and donations to feed the 445 animals that live here and to help us maintain our highest standards of animal care.
Opening to the public costs $31,000 daily; as a 501(c)(3) nonprofit, we rely on friends like you to keep us going! Thank you for your compassionate and kind-hearted support that provides care for your Zoo’s animals. You’re helping them live comfortably in settings that allow them to behave naturally.
I hope you’ll make a gift to Support Your Zoo’s Animals on or before May 31. We have an ambitious goal to raise $115,000 this spring. Gifts of all sizes matter and make a tremendous difference!
We’re grateful that you value your Birmingham Zoo. Thank you for your loving and caring support.
Warmly yours,
Chris Pfefferkorn
President & CEO
P.S. Please make your tax-deductible donation to protect precious wildlife on or before May 31. Click here or text “Zoo” to 53-555. Thank you!
Magic City Spotlight: LeadEarly Birmingham celebrates 2024 graduating cohort
LeadEarly Birmingham hosts graduation ceremony for 2024 cohort
Participants in the LeadEarly Birmingham celebrated the conclusion of a seven-month cohort with a graduation ceremony. This cohort galvanizes a diverse group of interested local leaders as champions for families and children ages birth through five in Birmingham.
The experience also equips participants with knowledge of best practices and local initiatives and compels individuals to participate in the work even after the cohort ends.
Click the buttons below to watch a recap of the graduation ceremony and see more pictures.
AIDS Alabama Newsletter
Funky Food Truck Festival
Calling all cool cats! Get ready to kick off Central Alabama Pride Week with a bang at the 8th Annual Funky Food Truck Festival – and guess what? ADMISSION IS FREE!
Join us for a day of groovy vibes on Saturday, June 1st at Cahaba Brewing Company. Indulge in some of Birmingham's finest mobile meal magic, sway to the funky live entertainment, lounge on the patio with your favorite Cahaba brew in hand, or explore local artisans, vendors, and pop-up shops.
It's going to be an epic celebration of food, fun, and pride! For the full scoop on participating, head over to aidsalabama.org/funkyfoodtruckfestival.
Don't miss out – mark your calendars, invite your friends, and join us for an unforgettable day!
A BIG DOFL Thank You
We're so grateful for our incredible restaurant partners, our dedicated Ambassadors and Table Captains, sponsors, and the many patrons who dined in support of AIDS Alabama. THANK YOU! Each year that you dine out to end HIV allows us to continue busting barriers, filling gaps, and ensuring our clients have the resources that they need to thrive!
Thank you for Dining Out For Life!
Celebrate & Support at Empower Latinex with Love!
Exciting news from the Access Center for Latinos of Alabama (CALA)! We're thrilled to announce our very first fundraising event, Empower Latinex with Love, happening on June 13, 2024. This special night is not just a celebration; it's a call to action to support our beloved community.
Here's how you can make a difference:
Join Us for a Night of Fun and Philanthropy
Buy a ticket for just $35 and step into an evening filled with delicious food, electrifying music, and live entertainment. Enjoy the vibrant atmosphere while contributing to a noble cause. Mark your calendar: 7:00 PM at Avenue D Events, 3008 4th Ave South, Birmingham, AL 35233.
Grab your tickets here: https://bit.ly/3POQFeg
Make a Donation
Can't make it to the event? You can still empower Latinx communities in Alabama by making a donation. Every penny counts towards providing emergency aid, immigration financial assistance, and expanding our programs. Plus, your donation is tax deductible!
Donate here: https://bit.ly/3U53iUT or scan the QR code.
Our goal is to raise at least $20,000 to make a significant impact in the lives of immigrants and Latinx families in Alabama. Your support can help us provide much-needed services and find a center to call home.
We can’t wait to see you there or feel your support through your generous donations. Together, let’s Empower Latinex with Love!
Your presence and contributions mean the world to us and the communities we serve. Don't miss out on this chance to celebrate and support a great cause!
Summer Reading Kick-Off This Saturday
The Birmingham Public Library (BPL) invites you to Avondale Park this Saturday, May 11, from 10:00 a.m. until 12:30 p.m. as we celebrate "Adventure Begins At Your Library: 2024 Summer Reading Kick-Off."
The Summer Reading Kick-Off is a fun-filled, free event for all ages. There will be crafts, games, music, farm animals, a game truck, face painting, a book walk, snow cones, prizes, food and more. Check out some of the photos from last year's kick-off.
All BPL locations that are open on Saturday will open at 2:00 p.m. after the Summer Reading Kick-Off.
A special thanks to Friends Foundation of the Birmingham Public Library, EBSCO, Buds Best Cookies, UTZ Brands, and Birmingham Parks and Recreation for contributing to the kick-off.