November 2008 Archives

Missoula, Montana -- Adventure Cycling Association's nationally acclaimed Underground Railroad Bicycle Route has won the American Trails National Partnership Award.

Announced Monday night at the 19th National Trails Symposium in Little Rock, Arkansas, this award recognizes the unique partnership forged between Adventure Cycling Association and the University of Pittsburgh's Center for Minority Health to create a 2,028-mile bicycle route memorializing the Underground Railroad, a network of secret routes and safe houses by which freedom seekers attempted to escape slavery before and during the Civil War. The Underground Railroad Bicycle Route passes points of interest and historic sites from Mobile, Alabama, a busy port for slavery during the pre-civil war era, north to Owen Sound, Ontario, a town founded by free blacks in 1857.

Read more: http://bike-pgh.org/2008/11/20/underground-railroad-bicycle-route-wins-american-trails-partnership-award/

New Center for Longleaf Pine Ecosystems a resource for the Southeast Southeastern landowners interested in converting their land into longleaf pine forests for the economic and environmental benefits now have an important resource for information and services in the recently created Center for Longleaf Pine Ecosystems in Auburn University's School of Forestry and Wildlife Sciences.

The center provides information about longleaf pine ecosystem management, researches ways to improve longleaf pine restoration and management activities and provides a variety of ecological, social and economic services for the people in the Southeast. The center also provides an umbrella for faculty to pursue research and outreach efforts in longleaf pine and it enhances interdisciplinary collaboration with the School of Forestry and Wildlife Sciences and other departments on campus. To read the news release, visit this link ( http://wireeagle.auburn.edu/news/592 ).

OVC will make one award of $150,000 to fund the development of a national public awareness and educational forum focusing on the rights of and issues faced by survivors of homicide victims. The forum, which will coincide with the 2009 National Day of Remembrance for Murder Victims on September 25, 2009, should involve a broad base of victim constituency groups and focus on sharing knowledge and resources so that victims and survivors may be better served. Applicants are limited to private nonprofit organizations, including faith-based and community-based organizations, and public agencies.
Link to Full Announcement
Funding Opportunity OVC FY 09 National Day of Remembrance for Murder Victims

http://www07.grants.gov/search/search.do;jsessionid=lVBpJl3QpvN2JMwDQTyDPlyg1m1hD4MSyt3B9M4bjzBb5r1xNx9n!183109128?oppId=43396&flag2006=false&mode=VIEW

America's Historical and Cultural Organizations grants support traveling or long-term museum exhibitions, library-based projects, interpretation of historic places or areas, interpretive Web sites, or other project formats that creatively engage audiences in exploring humanities ideas and questions. Planning grants can be used to plan, refine, and develop the content and interpretive approach of a project. Applicants should have already begun consulting with scholars to help shape the humanities content of the project, and with other programming advisers appropriate to the project's format. Applications for panel exhibitions are accepted only from organizations other than museums, such as libraries or library systems. Panel exhibitions must travel beyond a single site and must also incorporate at least one other program format. Applications that make innovative use of emerging technologies are encouraged.

USDA Rural Development administers rural utilities programs through the Rural Utilities Service. USDA Rural Development announces the availability of grants from the Household Water Well System (HWWS) Grant Program for fiscal year (FY) 2009, to be competitively awarded. This notice is being issued prior to passage of a final appropriations bill, which may or may not provide for funding this program, to allow applicants sufficient time to leverage financing and submit applications. USDA Rural Development will publish a subsequent notice identifying the amount received in the appropriations, if any. The HWWS Grant Program is authorized under Section 6010 of the Food Conservation and Energy Act of 2008 (The Act), Public Law 110-234. The CONACT authorizes USDA Rural Development to make grants to qualified private nonprofit organizations to establish lending programs for household water wells. The non-profit organizations will use the grants to make loans to individual homeowners to construct or upgrade a household water well system for an existing home. The organizations must contribute an amount equal to at least 10 percent of the grant request to capitalize the loan fund. Applications may be submitted in paper or electronic format. The HWWS Grant Program regulations are contained in 7 CFR part 1776.

DATES: The deadline for completed applications for a HWWS grant is May 31, 2009. Applications in either paper or electronic format must be postmarked or time-stamped electronically on or before the deadline. Late applications will be ineligible for grant consideration.

The Federal Highway Administration has awarded the Alabama Department of Transportation $52,500 to enhance Alabama's scenic byways. The grant will provide for the expansion of wayfinding and interpretive training for Alabama byway advocates through the Alabama Association of Regional Councils.
 
AARC plans to use the funding to provide initial and ongoing educational opportunities to all of Alabama's state and nationally designated scenic byways, as well as encourage additional interest in the byways program as a whole by providing Alabama byway advocates with a greater understanding of what will most effectively help the traveling public.  Byway advocates will have the opportunity to attend one of five workshops AARC will hold in different parts of the state to obtain practical information about improving byway signage, creating useful brochures, and working to secure state and national designations for scenic roads in their areas. Check back in the coming months for more information on these exciting workshops!

The Alabama Public Library Service (APLS) and local libraries across the state will celebrate Alabama Tourism's 2010 Year of Small Towns and Downtowns with a Big Read of "The Adventures of Tom Sawyer."The announcement of the 2010 "Big Read" was made during the quarterly meeting of library administrators held in Montgomery on Oct.16 at the APLS building.

Alabama Tourism's Year of History Coordinator Marilyn Jones Stamps spoke to the group of approximately 200 and shared with them her enthusiasm about the Big Read tie-in. She also used the opportunity to distribute the recently released "Historic Alabama" brochure, which, as she explained, is a part of the 2009 Year of Alabama History and a lead-in into the Small Towns/Downtowns celebration. www.alabama.travel.

Don't forget, December 1, 2008 is the deadline!

Any event can be successful and sustainable. This downloadable brochure offers ideas to help you get started. Even if you only implement a few, you will make a difference! All it takes is vision and commitment. A sustainable event conserves and restores resources, honors and supports those involved, adds value to the local economy, and educates participants about the benefits of sustainability.

How to Plan a Sustainable Event takes you step-by-step through the planning process, addressing issues such as

• Choosing a site,
• Presenters,
• Publicity and Registration,
• Event Materials,
• Food Service,
• Logistics, and more.

Download the PDF file now (53kb).

http://www.sustainable.org/information/susevent.html

Mark your calendar for the 8th Annual New Partners for Smart Growth Conference, to be held January 22-24, 2009 at the Albuquerque Convention Center in Albuquerque, New Mexico.

The New Partners for Smart Growth Conference has grown significantly since it began several years ago -- increasing in scope, attendance, and prestige -- and is now considered to be the "premier" smart growth conference held each year. The strength of this conference comes from the variety of participants and speakers who cross disciplines to share experiences and insights, and valuable tools and strategies to encourage smart growth implementation and "get it done."

Planning for the 8th annual conference comes on the heels of a hugely successful conference held in our nation's capitol in February 2008. Join us in January 2009 in the beautiful state of New Mexico, for the latest in smart growth -- the latest research, cutting-edge implementation tools and techniques, best practices, model projects, policies and codes, coordinated networking activities, interactive learning experiences, and new partners. Most importantly, this dynamic event offers you the opportunity to network and coordinate with your peers as well as practitioners from many different disciplines.

The conference will draw a multidisciplinary audience of local elected officials, city and county staff, landscape architects, developers and builders, planners, transportation professionals and traffic engineers, public health professionals, architects, bankers, realtors, urban designers, parks and recreation professionals,school superintendents and board members and facilities staff, environmentalists,crime prevention professionals, advocates for older adults and youth, bicycle and pedestrian advocates, advocates for social equity and affordable housing, labor representatives, and all others committed to building safer, healthier, and more livable communities everywhere.

www.NewPartners.org

According to a new Auburn University study, trees that provide just 17.5% of heavy shade coverage for houses can save up to 11.4% on electricity usage and costs.

The yearlong study, which was conducted by economist Dr. David LaBand from Auburn University's School of Forestry, studied 160 houses in the Auburn area to determine the annual energy savings provided by shade trees, primarily looking at the months of May to September.  He analyzed power bills, calculated shade coverage and surveyed the homeowners about household makeup, electricity usage habits, square footage, type of air conditioning, appliances, roofing, exterior material and other factors. Using local power company rates for kilowatt hours per day, Laband said the 11.4% savings would equal $31 to $33 per month.

Frank Brown Songwriters Festival, 24th Annual
Orange Beach; Nov 13-Nov 23
Musicians from all over the world bring a variety of music to Alabama's Gulf Coast. Great opportunity for hit writers, aspiring newcomers, and an audience that appreciates great music to come together. www.fbisf.com

Mobile International Festival, 25th Annual
Mobile; Nov 22
Travel around the world in a day and experience the wonders of the cultures of more than 70 countries.  Let us be your passport to adventure as you visit, explore, shop and taste the delicious fanfare presented. Wonderful artists everywhere, entertainment, great food and more.

Dickens Downtown Celebration
Northport; Dec 2
Join Kentuck and the Downtown Northport merchants for the annual Dickens Downtown celebration December 5, 2006 from 5- 9 pm . The streets and shops of historic downtown Northport will come alive with Victorian music, crafts and family activities. Visitors can enjoy the sounds of the holidays with live music, a visit with Father Christmas, carolers, a winter wonderland and much more. The shops and galleries of downtown Northport will be open and decorated for the holidays, and merchants will be in traditional Victorian costume.

Candlelight Christmas at Oakleigh
Mobile; Dec 5-Dec 7
Steo back into a festive 19th-century holiday celebration at Oakleigh Historic Complex.Daily activities 10-4, will feature seasonal music, horse-drawn carriage rides, guided tours, Victorian Santa, exhibitors, and refreshments. Tours by candlelight are 6:30-8:00. Day admission $5.00 members, $10.00 nonmembers. Evening admission $7.00 members, $12.00 nonmembers, $5.00 children.

The Community Access to Child Health (CATCH) Program is a national program of the American Academy of Pediatrics designed to improve access to health care by supporting pediatricians and communities that are involved in community-based efforts for children. The CATCH Implementation Funds Program provides grants of up to $12,000 each year to pediatricians who want to initiate a pilot project that addresses the local health needs of children in the community. (Grants are also available for pediatric residents, but limited to a maximum of $3,000.) Applications for the 2009 funding cycle will be accepted from November 1, 2008 through January 31, 2009. Visit the American Academy of Pediatrics website to download the Call for Proposals. http://www.aap.org/catch/implementgrants.htm

The Toyota TAPESTRY Grants for Science Teachers program, administered by the National Science Teachers Association, recognizes K_12 science teachers throughout the United States for innovative projects that enhance science education in their schools and/or districts. The grant categories are: Physical Science Application, Environmental Science Education and Integrating Literacy and Science. Fifty large grants of up to $10,000 and a minimum of twenty mini-grants f up to $2,500 will be awarded in 2009. All applicants must have at least two years of science teaching experience in a K-12 school, not including the current school year.
The deadline for the completion of the online application is January 21, 2009. Visit the website listed below for program details and application information. http://tapestry.nsta.org/
National Council of Teachers of Mathematics

The United States Department of Health and Human Services Center for Faith-Based and Community Initiatives just released the above document and the Center at The Department of Labor is pleased to pass it along to you. This document provides one more vital resource for the Faith-Based and Community Organization (FBCO) community. Previous works from both DOL as well as other federal agencies have highlighted working with the US Government, local businesses and other community organizations. The publication provides one more tool for FBCOs to use. The guide provides practical information for State and local officials, as well as tribes and tribal-serving organizations, on developing and enhancing effective partnerships with FBCOs. It is available for download on our Publications page at: http://www.dol.gov/cfbci.

Governor Bob Riley invites you to celebrate your town in 2010 by participating in the statewide promotion of The Year of Alabama Small Towns & Downtowns.

• Invite former residents back for a special homecoming weekend
• Unveil a locally written historic marker on the history of the town
• Lead a walking tour of the historic area
• Dedicate a completed civic project

Submissions required by December 1, 2008
Download the brochure and learn more below (the free Adobe Acrobat reader required)
smalltown.pdf

RiverWay South is designed to work with communities within the Apalachicola, Chattahoochee, and Flint (ACF) watershed to preserve, protect and promote the unique heritage of the watershed while infusing new economic life into those communities struggling to survive. Although three states and three rivers are involved, ACF represents one magnificent river system.

We are working with counties in the Chattahoochee, Flint, and Apalachicola watershed to stimulate economies through cultural heritage tourism and by supporting and encouraging river excursions and recreation on the river. RiverWay South is a not for profit organization funded by a USDA Rural Business Opportunity Grant.

Fall colors in North Alabama are at their peak this week. The Fall Color section of the Alabama Tourism Department's website was highlighted in recent articles in both The Birmingham News and The Atlanta Journal-Constitution.  From the article "Fall into colorful leaves on these journeys" by Keith Still in The Atlanta Journal-Constitution:
 
While most people associate dazzling red and yellow leaves with the New England states, you don't have to hop a plane to see some wicked-good foliage this fall -- and now's the time to see them. Trees in north Georgia, North Carolina, Tennessee, and northern Alabama are bursting with color to rival any New England landscape. For a day trip or a short weekend check out these nearby wonders...
 
The State of Alabama lists several driving tours that take leaf-watchers through the poplars, maples and hickories of the north. From the Birmingham area northwest to the Natchez Trace, across the top of the state or east down toward Anniston, the Alabama Tourism Department highlights detailed routes that offer prime leaf-viewing, as well as other sights to see in each area. Along the way, check out the covered bridges near Oneonta, Russell Cave near Scottsboro or the antiques shops in Mentone. http://www.alabama.travel/things-to-do/tours-trails/fall-color/

Sloss Furnaces will be featured on the Travel Channel's new show "Ghost Adventures" this week The episode will air Friday, Nov.14 at 8 p.m. central time. Sloss is inviting the public to watch the episode live at a premier party at the Sloss Furnaces Cast Shed. There will be no admission charge. In lieu of a fee, Sloss is asking all those attending to bring a canned good. All food collected the night of the event will benefit the UAB's student Leadership and Service Council's Hunger Awareness food drive. For more information see http://www.slossfurnaces.com/media/html/events/view_event.php?id=f9abe11a55a57788c453237f5181d2

Governor Bob Riley announced Wednesday that the Alabama Tourism Department has won the Travel Industry Association's highest honor for its Year of Alabama Arts campaign as well as two other national competitions.  The state agency was presented with TIA's "Discover America" marketing award and is featured in the November issue of National Geographic Traveler. The 2007 promotion also won the National Council of State Tourism Directors' "Mercury" award for best state promotion and Travel Weekly's "Magellan" award for promotion of culture and the arts in the U.S. and Canada.
 
"To win one top award is outstanding, but to win the best in three separate competitions must be unprecedented," Governor Riley told tourism and arts representatives at a ceremony in the State Capitol. The purpose of the 15-month Year of Alabama Arts campaign was "to put a huge spotlight on the arts, everything from architecture to dance and in between," state tourism director Lee Sentell said. "We had involvement from more than 60 communities which shows how important the arts are all over the state."

LOUISVILLE, MS - "This process is one of the best I've seen," said long-time planning consultant John McClure.  Columbus Mayor Robert Smith echoed those remarks.  "Most of the time, we attend workshops where all we do is sit around listening to presenters," said the mayor.   "But this was hands on, and required teamwork, and I enjoyed it."  Mayor Smith also recommended that government officials from all levels attend future workshops.

The focus of these comments was the first WAEM Town Designing Our Future Workshop.  Thirty-nine civic and community leaders from the West Alabama - East Mississippi (WAEM) region joined experts from Alabama and Mississippi to delve into practical planning and problem solving for rural communities.  The highlight of the program, as noted by Mayor Smith, was the presentation of drawings, charts, goals, and vision to re-design and redevelop a hypothetical rural town; work product that resulted from the intensive hands-on work of the participants.

Completed in April 2008, the Five Mile Creek Trail Location Study represents a culmination of existing, planned and proposed bicycle and pedestrian transportation corridors along the waterway and its tributaries. The primary objective was to identify a seamless network of interconnected greenway facilities that could potentially link key destinations such as schools, neighborhoods, towncenters, parks and other green space. The report was drafted by Tom Maxwell (Senior Environmental Planner) with input from the Five Mile Creek Greenway Partnership and other members of the community. Francesca Gross (Partnership Coordinator) also played a key role in editing the report as well as collecting and providing input from the Partnership. The report has been posted on the Partnership's website at www.cawaco.org/fivemilecreek/resources/recreation/index.html.  For questions or more information contact Tom Maxwell at tmaxwell@rpcgb.org or Francesca Gross at fgross@rpcgb.org

Since the program's inception in 2005, Department of Homeland Security (DHS) has provided roughly 6,800 CEDAP awards worth more than $120 million to support all hazards response capabilities in smaller jurisdictions around the country. "These grants provide smaller law enforcement, fire and other emergency response agencies with funding for essential equipment and training that might otherwise exceed their finite resources," said FEMA Administrator R. David Paulison. 

"CEDAP strengthens our country's overall preparedness by helping to equip our first responders with the tools they need to protect their communities, and themselves, during an emergency."

Eligibility for CEDAP is limited to law enforcement agencies, fire departments and other emergency responder agencies with specific financial and capability needs.  FY 2008 CEDAP funds equipment and training in five categories: extrication devices; thermal imaging, night vision and video surveillance tools; chemical, biological and radiological detection tools; information technology and risk management tools; and vehicle tracking tools. 

CEDAP equipment awards are integrated with state planning processes for regional response and asset distribution. Each state's administrative agency has the opportunity to review applications submitted by first responder organizations within their state to ensure that equipment requests are consistent with their state homeland security strategy. CEDAP is a highly competitive program that works in conjunction with other DHS grant programs to help strengthen the regional response and mutual aid capabilities across the nation to increase overall preparedness.

Of the 1,045 FY 2008 CEDAP awards, 830 (79 percent) were awarded to law enforcement agencies, with the remainder awarded to fire departments, emergency medical service, emergency management and public safety agencies. For more information on CEDAP and other DHS grant programs, visit www.fema.gov

Deadline for Proposals is November 14, 2008.
The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency's (EPA) Brownfields Program empowers communities, Tribes, States, and other stakeholders to work together in a timely manner to assess, safely clean up, and sustainably reuse brownfields. The Brownfields Program provides grant support for revitalization efforts by funding environmental assessments, individual site cleanups, and community-based revolving loan funds for brownfields cleanup. Applicants submit a proposal for each grant type that they are applying for. Each proposal must address the selection criteria outlined in the guidelines. Electronic copies of the new 2009 Proposal Guidelines are available from the EPA Brownfields Web site at: www.epa.gov/brownfields.   Frequently asked questions can be found at: http://www.epa.gov/brownfields/publications/fy2009faqs.pdf

November 5, 2008, 8:30am until 4:45pm, Birmingham Marriott, 3950 Grandview Parkway, Birmingham, Alabama, 35243, Workshop Registration Fee: $25. 

For more information contact ADEM, Gavin Adams, mga@adem.state.al.us, 334-271-7770

Workshop Overview: The workshop will cover highway applications for the use of Foundry Sand, Recycled Concrete, Coal Ash, Steel Slag, Pulp and Paper Mill Byproducts and Scrap Tires. A discussion of the Federal Green Highway Partnership will also be addressed. The use of alternative materials can help create a more sustainable project by conserving natural resources and materials that can reduce costs while still maintaining quality.