December 2010 Archives

From The Governors Highway Safety Association

1. Turn it off. Turn your phone off or switch to silent mode before you get in the car.
   
2. Spread the word. Set up a special message to tell callers that you are driving and you'll get back to them as soon as possible, or sign up for a service that offers this.
   
3. Pull over. If you need to make a call, pull over to a safe area first.
   
4. Use your passengers. Ask a passenger to make the call for you.
   
5. X the Text. Don't ever text and drive, surf the Web or read your e-mail while driving. It is dangerous and against the law in most States.
   
6. Know the law. Familiarize yourself with State and local laws before you get in the car. Some States and localities prohibit the use of hand-held cell phones. GHSA offers a handy chart of State laws on its website:www.ghsa.org/html/stateinfo/laws/cellphone_laws.html.
   
7. Prepare. Review maps and directions before you start to drive. If you need help when you are on the road, ask a passenger to help or pull over to a safe location to review the map/directions again.
   
8. Secure your pets. Pets can be a big distraction in the car. Always secure your pets properly before you start to drive.
   
9. Keep the kids safe. Pull over to a safe location to address situations with your children in the car.
   
10. Focus on the task at hand. Refrain from smoking, eating, drinking, reading and any other activity that takes your mind and eyes off the road.

Download a pdf version at http://www.ghsa.org/html/issues/pdf/tips.pdf 
Visit the website at http://www.statehighwaysafety.org/html/issues/dist_driving_tips.html

By Curt Pianalto with Rob Balmes, Byways Specialists 

The Car Connection, a website that reviews automobiles, recently published a list of the "7 Most Dangerous Things You Can Do in Your Car," and reading billboards is listed among them as a "potentially deadly distraction." Digital billboard technology is especially distracting, presenting a new array of challenges to drivers. These new digital distractions include bright screens that change every 6 to 8 seconds, and high-resolution signs that show video right next to the roadway. "The best advice is keep your eyes on the road," Car Connections editors say, but that can be easier said than done when it comes to out-of-car distractions. The human eye is designed to notice movement, particularly in our peripheral vision, so a bright, changing screen may in fact be nearly impossible to ignore. www.smartgrowth.org/news/article.asp?art=7870

Urban farming is growing to accommodate more than community gardens grown in backyards and abandoned lots. Innovations for both individual and industrial scale urban farming are being developed across the continent. Business owners are beginning to use warehouses to meet the urban demand for locally grown and organic food. One example is an indoor farm that opened in Vancouver Canada, growing lettuce and spinach with high-efficiency LED lighting and a hydroponic system. Another farming opportunity for the individual agriculture enthusiast is the Windowfarms Project, which allows urban apartment dwellers to grow food in a modular, hydroponic "farm" that hangs in a window. www.smartgrowth.org/news/article.asp?art=7873

Taking a proactive step to help Alabama recover from the impacts of the BP oil spill, Governor Bob Riley launched the Coastal Recovery Commission (CRC). The CRC's mission was to draft a set of strategies to make the coastal region more resilient to future threats not only from events like oil spills, but also from hurricanes and other disasters.

The National Education Association (NEA) is partnering with Youth Service America to offer Youth Leaders for Literacy grants to support service-learning projects focused on increasing young people's interest in reading and improving literacy in schools and communities. Youth Leaders for Literacy will award 30 young people from across the U.S. with $500 grants.

Successful projects will be youth-led and address an established literacy need in the applicant's school or community. The projects will launch on NEA's Read Across America Day on March 2nd and culminate on Global Youth Service Day, April 15-17. All 50 states and the District of Columbia are eligible to apply. Youth ages 5-25 are welcome to apply along with an adult ally. The application deadline is midnight January 5, 2011. Access the application at:www.YSA.org/grants/nea-youth-leaders-literacy

The Toyota International Teacher Program, administered by the Institute of International Education, is offering U.S. secondary school educators a unique opportunity to travel to South Africa from July 24 to August 10, 2011. This inaugural program to South Africa will provide teachers with first-hand exposure to the social and environmental complexity of the country, focusing on sustainable development and emphasizing the links between history, culture, power, and the environment. Teachers will explore South Africa's natural and cultural diversity through a range of site visits and hands-on activities. Full-time secondary teachers and teacher librarians in the U.S. who have at least three years of teaching experience are encouraged to apply. The application deadline is January 23, 2011. Visit the program's website to learn more about this opportunity and submit an online application. http://www.iie.org/en/Programs/Toyota-International-Teacher-Program/Application 

Year of Alabama Music and Civil War Sesquicentennial Highlighted
 
Montgomery, Ala. -- A traveling exhibit inspired by the CSI television drama, the richest golf tournament in a generation, the 50th anniversary of "The Miracle Worker" and two original Civil War plays about Montgomery are among the top ten events selected by the Alabama Tourism Department for 2011.

"These 10 events celebrate milestones in tourism in Alabama," said director, Lee Sentell. "We celebrate The Year of Alabama Music, the Sesquicentennial of the Civil War and significant anniversaries. These events showcase our state's rich music and heritage."

Below are the Top 10 Events of 2011 that are listed in the tourism department's annual calendar of events:

1. CSI: The Experience, Huntsville
Jan. 29-May 1
U.S. Space and Rocket Center--The exhibit immerses guests in hands-on science while leading them through the challenge of solving a crime mystery. The center is open daily from 9 a.m.-5 p.m. 256.721.5411, www.spacecamp.com.

2. Civil War Plays at Alabama Shakespeare Festival, Montgomery

Feb. 4-Mar. 19
The Flag Maker of Market Street
In this performance, Montgomery store owner George Cowles walks a fine line catering to the Confederacy while holding secret Unionist meetings in his back room. Cautious of the increasingly stirring climate and fearful for his family and business, George is careful not to take any risks. But when George is asked to create the first Confederate flag and enlists the help of his slave Mae, he unwittingly exposes her to danger-- and has to make a choice between upholding his convictions and living a lie.

Feb. 18-Mar. 20
Blood Divided
Fifteen-year-old Willie Baldwin, enchanted by the passionate rhetoric of the ardent secessionist William Lowndes Yancey, is increasingly disgusted by his father's more moderate views. As tension grows between Willie, his family and longtime friend freedman James Hale, Willie's rash behavior has unforeseen consequences resulting in tragedy and ultimately, redemption.
800.841.4ASF, www.asf.net.

3. 197th Anniversary of the Battle of Horseshoe Bend, Alexander City
Mar. 26
Horseshoe Bend National Military Park--Visitors will experience live cannon fire, live the lives of Creek and Cherokee Indians, visit hunting camps and see demonstrations of traditional skills of the early 1800s. They will also learn the importance of this battle in U.S. history. 9 a.m.-3 p.m., 256.237.7111, www.nps.gov/hobe.

4. Courage Under Fire: The 1961 Burning of the Freedom Riders Bus, Anniston
May 14-Jul. 15
Calhoun County Public Library--Visitors can see more than 60 photographic panels depicting the May 14, 1961 attack by violent segregationists on the first Freedom Ride. Taken by a local newspaper photographer, the famous images show the mob at the downtown Greyhound Bus Station and the attack outside of town. The photographs helped ignite national and international outrage at the treatment of African Americans in the South. 256.236.0996, www.spiritofanniston.org.

5. Regions Tradition PGA Tour, Birmingham
May 2-8
Shoals Creek Country Club--Some of the most recognizable and accomplished players in the game compete with 16 World Golf Hall of Fame members and other major championship winners. 205.969.9229.

6. 50th Annual "The Miracle Worker" Play, Tuscumbia
Jun. 3-Jul. 9
Keller's Birthplace and Home--Now in its 50th year, this Broadway-style play recalls the childhood of deaf-blind Helen Keller, "America's First Lady of Courage," and her gifted teacher, Anne Sullivan. Performances on Fri. & Sat. only; gates open at 6:45 p.m. 256.383.0783, www.TheMiracleWorker.org.

7. 30th Annual W. C. Handy Music Festival, Florence
Jul. 22-30
The weeklong celebration honors the musical heritage of Northwest Alabama and the legacy of W.C. Handy, the "Father of the Blues," with a parade, concerts, exhibits, theater, athletic events and live music. 256.766.7642, www.wchandymusicfestival.org.

8. BayFest Music Festival, Mobile
Oct. 7-9
More than 225,000 people are expected to jam the streets of downtown Mobile to hear some 125 live musical acts on nine stages during the weekend. BayFest offers continuous music for every fan including country, classic rock, alternative, pop, jazz, R&B, rap, gospel and modern rock. The event includes family activities that have garnered rave reviews. Fri., 6:30 p.m.-midnight; Sat., 2 p.m.-midnight; Sun., 2-10 p.m. 251.478.5679, www.bayfest.com.

9. 40th Annual National Shrimp Festival, Gulf Shores
Oct. 13-16
The beaches come alive with more than 300 vendors of fine arts, arts and crafts, a retail marketplace, delicious seafood and fabulous entertainment. There is a Children's Activity Village, Sand Sculpture Contest and exhibits for families to enjoy. Local and national music acts feature genres from country, blues, and rock 'n' roll to zydeco and soul. 251.968.4237, www.nationalshrimpfestival.com.

10. 40th Annual Kentuck Art Festival, Northport
Oct. 15-16
Nationally recognized for its quality and diversity, the festival celebrates a variety of artistic styles from folk to contemporary arts as well as traditional crafts. More than 250 artists participate in the festival and are invited as a guest artist or are juried based on the quality and originality of their work. The guest artists are nationally recognized and their powerful visual images continue to capture national and international acclaim. Annie Tolliver Turner, Lonnie Holley, Butch Anthony and Charlie Lucas are among the self-taught artists Kentuck has showcased. 205.758.1257, 205.391.9200, www.kentuck.org.

U.S. News and World Report voted urban planning among the 50 best careers for 2011. An increasing population has created the need for additional transportation systems, affordable housing, and schools in many parts of the country. The urban and regional planning field is expected to grow 19 percent over 10 years, from 38,400 jobs in 2008 to 45,700 jobs by 2018, according to the Labor Department. 
www.smartgrowth.org/news/article.asp?art=7867

The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has recognized five projects with the 2010 National Award for Smart Growth Achievement for their comprehensive approach to improving quality of life. The projects make cities safer and more pleasant for pedestrians and bicyclists, manage growth to ensure long-term prosperity and health, and revitalize existing neighborhoods to provide new opportunities. The winning projects are located in New York, Maryland, Oregon, Maine, and California.
www.smartgrowth.org/news/article.asp?art=7860

The Cornell Lab of Ornithology's "Celebrate Urban Birds" project is now accepting applications for another round of mini-grants. Grants average $250-$500 and are used to fund neighborhood events that promote an appreciaton for birds and nature.

Neighborhood events or projects feature activities involving birds, community service, art, greening, and science. Participants collect simple information about common birds and report to the Cornell Lab. Celebrate Urban Birds mini-grants could be used to support a bird-activity day at a local museum, afterschool program, library, or community center, or fund art and gardening activities at your club, business, school, senior center, or neighborhood.

To apply for a mini-grant, visit www.CelebrateUrbanBirds.org. Organizations working with underserved communities are strongly encouraged to apply. No experience with birds is required.

Deadline to apply is Feb. 15, 2011

Celebrate Urban Birds is a free, year-round citizen science project in which participants watch birds in their neighborhoods and report what they see. This information helps scientists better understand how birds survive in cities and make use of green spaces, including parks and gardens.

The Alabama Tourism Department would like to invite our tourism partners to participate in the 2011consumer travel shows.  Anyone wishing to be a part of the 2011 show promotions please contact Lu Taylor at 334-242-2292 or Lulu.Taylor@tourism.alabama.gov. Volunteers will be responsible for personal travel expenses. The deadline for participation in January shows is Dec. 15, the deadline for the February show deadline is Jan. 14, and the deadline for the April show is March 10.

Cincinnati Travel, Sports & boat Show 

Alabama music and artists are the focus of the 12^th Annual Southern Music Issue of Oxford American magazine now on newsstands. The Alabama Tourism Department coordinated the special issue with the magazine in preparation for 2011's Year of Music campaign. The 86-page Alabama music section of the magazine features stories about the musicians and their songs from the free CD that accompanies the magazine. The genre of music varies from soul and blues to gospel, country, Rock-A-Billy and Southern rap. The musicians profiled in the magazine include Ralph "Soul" Jackson, Charlie Louvin, Curley Money and His Rolling Ramblers, The K-Pers, The Maddox Brothers and Rose, Mary Gresham, Odetta, Black Haze Express, Dan Pickett, Sammy Salvo, Sam Dees, and Lil Greenwood. The free music CD inserted in the magazine features 27 songs with ties to Alabama. Some of the songs include Hank William's "Cold, Cold Heart" sung by Dinah Washington, "Abalabip" by Eddie Cole, "Huntsville International" by G-Side and a new song from 2010, "It's Hard to Be Humble (When You're From Alabama) by Phosphorescent. 

"It's great honor to have Alabama music featured in a prominent national magazine of this scope," said tourism director Lee Sentell. "This provides a great background and lead up to our 2011 campaign, the Year of Alabama Music." A pull-out ad promoting the Year of Alabama Music along with a list of live music venues from Anniston to York are the first pages readers come to upon opening the magazine. The pull-out also features a list of classic hits that were recorded in Muscle Shoals. The Alabama Tourism Department will officially kick off the Year of Alabama music campaign Jan. 20, 2011 in Montgomery.Oxford American and the tourism department are planning several special events for the year. The first event is a concert Sat. Feb. 5, 2011 at the Alabama Theatre in Birmingham. The event, called "Abalabip," after a song by Eddie Cole, will feature Ralph "Soul" Jackson, The Sex Clark Five, Mary Gresham, Arthur Doyle, and the Secret Sister Band. Tickets are $20. Information on the Year of Music will be available on the tourism website www.yearofalabamamusic.com and www.facebook.com/AlabamaMusic.

A message from Planning Commissioner's Journal Editor Wayne Senville:

One of the most innovative online ideas we've seen in quite a while has been the creation of what's called a "Twitter newspaper." A small Swiss company by the name of Small Rivers has created a way of -- as they put it -- making Twitter postings and links available in an "easy to read newspaper-style format." And they're absolutely right.

What this means is that you can access some of the most interesting and relevant (to you) content on Twitter without even needing to use Twitter. And even if you're a Twitter user, the daily paper provides an amazingly convenient way to quickly view postings (aka Tweets) that will interest you.

We recently started the City Planning News Updatenewspaper. Take a look at today's edition.

This is a rebroadcast of Joey Brackner, Director of the Alabama Center for Traditional Culture, interviewing Alabama native, and renowned artist, William Christenberry at his home in Washington D.C in 2007.  This is the second of two interviews with Christenberry discussing his life's work as an artist that includes his acclaimed photographic documentation of rural Alabama, his unique dream house sculptures, the Klan Tableau, and ongoing mixed-media work.

This special radio series will air every Sunday at 5:00 P.M. - 5:30 P.M., on the Troy University Public Radio Network at:  

• WTSU 89.9 (Montgomery and Troy)
• WRWA 88.7 (Dothan)
• WTJB 91.7 (Columbus and Phenix City) 

And every Saturday, broadcasting from Spring Hill College in Mobile, at 2:30 P.M. on:

• WHIL 91.3 Public Radio (Mobile-Biloxi-Pensacola)

This radio series may not be broadcast in your area, but it can be accessed via the Internet at:http://www.arts.state.al.us/actc/1/radioseries.html#cberry2

If you have been listening to, and enjoying this radio series, please send your comments to: barbara.reed@arts.alabama.gov

Listen first hand using the link below.

MP3 Download/Stream

The RPCGB will host the Trees and Development workshop scheduled in Birmingham, Alabama on January 11, 2011, in a cooperative effort with Auburn University's Cooperative Extension System and CAWACO RC+D.  This multi-agency supported workshop responds to a growing need to preserve trees during development and construction.  Trees and development are often at odds resulting in contention between city officials, design and construction professionals, planners, arborists, and property owners. Experience from the Alabama Cooperative Extension System suggests lack of knowledge in the design and construction industry, as well as the general public on the techniques important to successful tree preservation.   Five AICP CMs are pending approval for the workshop.

 
This workshop will feature Alabama experts as well as James Urban, a leading landscape architectand tree preservation specialist from Annapolis, Maryland. The goals of this one day workshop are to:

· Educate the audience on the importance of green infrastructure in Alabama cities

· Provide techniques for preserving trees during development

· Present case studies on successful local and regional projects.
· Facilitate networking opportunities for a multidisciplinary audience
 
Workshop Details 

The Trees and Development Workshop will be at the Birmingham Botanical Gardens on January 11, 2011. For more information about the workshop and speakers, please refer to the agenda at:http://www.rpcgb.org/documents/Trees_Workshop_Agenda+Registration.pdf
 
Workshop Location: Birmingham, Botanical Gardens, 2612 Lane Park Road Birmingham, Alabama 35223 
Workshop Date and Time Tuesday, January 11, 2011 8:30am - 4:30pm 
Register Online at:  https://ssl.acesag.auburn.edu/conference/ucftrees2011/registrationForm.php

The State of Alabama Department of Finance announced in mid-November that economic development agencies across the state, including the RPCGB, will each receive a share of $12 million for job creation in their respective regions. The Alabama Revolving Loan Fund Authority met and issued bonds for the money that will be used to provide funds to twelve area agencies. The taxable bonds were sold by competitive bid to Protective Securities, a division of ProEquities, with a true interest cost of 5.416804%.   The twelve agencies that will be receiving funds from the $12 million bond issue include: Northwest Alabama Council of Local Governments, Muscle Shoals  West Alabama Regional Commission, Northport  The Regional Planning Commission of Greater Birmingham, Birmingham East Alabama Regional Planning and Development Commission, Anniston  Central Alabama Regional Planning and Development Commission, Montgomery Southeast Alabama Regional Planning and Development Commission, Dothan  South Alabama Regional Planning Commission, Mobile  Lee-Russell Council of Governments, Opelika North Central Alabama Regional Council of Governments, Decatur  Top of Alabama Regional Council of Governments, Huntsville  Alabama-Tombigbee Regional Commission, Camden South Central Alabama Development Commission, Montgomery The RPCGB will receive approximately $1 million to be allocated to the expansion of businesses in its region.  Businesses that are eligible for funding include manufacturing, industry, health care and technology.  Contact Yvonne Murray at ymurray@rpcgb.org for more information.

February 24-25, 2011

The Governor's Office of Faith-Based & Community Initiatives (GFBCI), as the Alabama State Service Commission, was awarded the Volunteer Generation Fund in September 2010.  The purpose of the fund is to provide Alabama the resources and support to increase the number of volunteers who serve in high-impact volunteer assignments addressing the critical unmet needs in Alabama communities, strengthen the infrastructure of volunteer connector organizations, and support a technology-based system tracking new and current volunteers and volunteer activities.  

From American Farmland (Fall/Winter 2010)
by Jennifer Dempsey AND Kirsten Ferguson

Data from the U.S. Department of Agriculture's 2007National Resources Inventory tells the story in numbers. During the 25-year period from 1982 to 2007, more than 23 million acres of America's agricultural land were lost to development--an area the size of Indiana. Every state lost agricultural land. In Texas, the loss was a staggering 2.9 million acres, while in New Jersey more than a quarter of the state's agricultural land was lost.

Despite the bad news, there were some positive signs in the data. Despite a booming housing market during portions of the 25-year reporting period, the nationwide rate of farmland loss actually declined over time, thanks to growing awareness and smart growth policies that encourage more efficient development. And some states launched ambitious efforts to counter land development with permanent protection. Read the full article from American Farmland on their website:
http://www.farmland.org/documents/NRI_feature_Fall10.pdf