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2012 RPCGB Annual Meeting
Road Map to Redevelopment
January 25, 2012
The Club
1 Robert Smith Drive, Birmingham, AL 35209
Training Sessions 9am - 11:15am
Luncheon 11:30am - 1:00pm
Keynote Speaker: Mr. Mitchell Silver, AICP, PP
President, American Planning Association
Chief Planning & Economic Development Officer and Director, Department of City Planning for the City of Raleigh
SESSION TOPICS
Next Steps of Scenario Planning
Revitalization in Progress
Corridor Planning as a Tool for Redevelopment
Costs of Redevelopment and How to Minimize Them
More information is available at www.rpcgb.org
2012 RPCGB Annual Meeting
Road Map to Redevelopment
January 25, 2012
The Club
1 Robert Smith Drive, Birmingham, AL 35209
Training Sessions 9am - 11:15am
Luncheon 11:30am - 1:00pm
Keynote Speaker: Mr. Mitchell Silver, AICP, PP
President, American Planning Association
Chief Planning & Economic Development Officer and Director, Department of City Planning for the City of Raleigh
SESSION TOPICS
Next Steps of Scenario Planning
Revitalization in Progress
Corridor Planning as a Tool for Redevelopment
Costs of Redevelopment and How to Minimize Them
More information is available at www.rpcgb.org
The Society of American Travel Writers' (SATW) annual convention, held in New Zealand last month, served as the backdrop to announce the 2011 Phoenix Award winners. Created in 1969, the Phoenix Awards recognize conservation, preservation, beautification, and environmental accomplishments as they relate to travel. Birmingham's Railroad Park was one of four developments in the nation recognized with a Phoenix Award. Nearly four decades in the making, Railroad Park is a linear, 19-acre green space created on a former urban wasteland in downtown Birmingham, Alabama. The first stage of a planned "Three Parks Initiative," it features a two-acre lake and meandering creeks; paths for bicyclists, runners, and walkers; benches; free wifi; a skate park; play areas for children; a grassy hillside amphitheatre; outdoor workout equipment; and a shaded plaza with covered sheds that hold park offices, bathrooms, and areas for concessions. It serves as a space for recreation and small- and large-scale events. "Railroad Park has all the parts for a Phoenix Award - historical and environmental conservation, public/private partnerships, across-the-board benefit to the community and potential to fuel future growth," a committee member wrote.
For more information on Railroad Park please see www.railroadpark.org.
For more information on Railroad Park please see www.railroadpark.org.
The U.S. Army Corps Of Engineers are facing budget troubles and several parks they operate throughout Alabama are in jeopardy of closing.
Volunteers in Monroe County are doing what they can to make sure Isaac Creek Campground doesn't close. The U.S. Army Corps Of Engineers have given the volunteers until November 1st to show prove that the park needs to remain open.
http://www2.wkrg.com/news/2011/sep/21/volunteers-working-keep-park-open-ar-2444380/
Volunteers in Monroe County are doing what they can to make sure Isaac Creek Campground doesn't close. The U.S. Army Corps Of Engineers have given the volunteers until November 1st to show prove that the park needs to remain open.
http://www2.wkrg.com/news/2011/sep/21/volunteers-working-keep-park-open-ar-2444380/
Members of The Cahaba Foundation on Tuesday donated 27 acres to the Alabama Historical Commission to help preserve the site, and they are trying to purchase the remaining acres of what was the state's first capital.
"It's an absolutely magical place," said site director and archeologist Linda Derry. The site -- which had also been the location of Native American settlements for thousands of years -- is archeologically rich, Derry said.
http://blog.al.com/spotnews/2011/09/foundation_working_to_preserve.html
"It's an absolutely magical place," said site director and archeologist Linda Derry. The site -- which had also been the location of Native American settlements for thousands of years -- is archeologically rich, Derry said.
http://blog.al.com/spotnews/2011/09/foundation_working_to_preserve.html
The Birmingham Civil Rights Institute (BCRI) will host Birmingham's first-ever Nelson Mandela International Day celebration on Monday, July 18 from noon to 8:00 p.m. in historic Kelly Ingram Park. "Our first-ever Nelson Mandela International Day celebration supports our mission to educate people about human rights globally," said BCRI president & CEO, Lawrence J. Pijeaux, Jr. "The exchange program provides a unique opportunity for the Birmingham community to learn about the parallels between the South African freedom struggle and its leaders and the civil rights movement." Birmingham's Mandela Day celebration will be a free family festival and cultural exchange featuring music, dancers, vendors, a children's village, free admission to BCRI galleries and a "67 Minutes" Booth where festival-goers will sign up through Hands-On-Birmingham to commit to community service in our area.
The event will feature visitors from South Africa - especially ten youth and three chaperones from Johannesburg who will be in Birmingham as participants in a project partnership between BCRI and the Apartheid Museum and Mandela House Museum in South Africa. The International Legacy Youth Leadership project has enabled youth in Birmingham and South Africa to study one another's histories and cultures and visit each other's countries. They have focused on the roles played by youth in bringing social and political change to the United States, through the Civil Rights Movement, and to South Africa as a result of the global anti-apartheid struggle. An evening program to close out Mandela Day will feature music and dance, as well as comments from local officials. A highlight will be presentations by the youth from Johannesburg and Birmingham.
The Nelson Mandela Foundation, which promotes Mandela Day, explains that, "Nelson Mandela International Day is a call to action for people everywhere to take responsibility for making the world a better place, one small step at a time, just as Nelson Mandela did." In November 2009 the United Nations declared 18 July, Mandela's birthday, as Nelson Mandela International Day and since then the day has been marked with acts of goodwill in communities throughout the world.
For more information please see www.bcri.org.
The event will feature visitors from South Africa - especially ten youth and three chaperones from Johannesburg who will be in Birmingham as participants in a project partnership between BCRI and the Apartheid Museum and Mandela House Museum in South Africa. The International Legacy Youth Leadership project has enabled youth in Birmingham and South Africa to study one another's histories and cultures and visit each other's countries. They have focused on the roles played by youth in bringing social and political change to the United States, through the Civil Rights Movement, and to South Africa as a result of the global anti-apartheid struggle. An evening program to close out Mandela Day will feature music and dance, as well as comments from local officials. A highlight will be presentations by the youth from Johannesburg and Birmingham.
The Nelson Mandela Foundation, which promotes Mandela Day, explains that, "Nelson Mandela International Day is a call to action for people everywhere to take responsibility for making the world a better place, one small step at a time, just as Nelson Mandela did." In November 2009 the United Nations declared 18 July, Mandela's birthday, as Nelson Mandela International Day and since then the day has been marked with acts of goodwill in communities throughout the world.
For more information please see www.bcri.org.
More than 1,000 people participated in the Alabama Tourism Department's June Walking Tours this summer. Some 27 towns across Alabama hosted the tours across the state. Local community leaders lead the free tours through the historic districts or courthouse square areas of their hometowns each Saturday morning in June. Towns with the most participants included Fairhope with 191, Athens with 123 and Tuscumbia with 90. The tours were coordinated by Brian Jones with the Alabama Tourism Department. "We had great participation this year. Alabama continues to be the only state in the nation to hold a program of statewide, simultaneous walking tours," Jones said.
Participating towns are being polled to ask if they want to continue to hold the tours in June or move them to April for next year. Walking Tour towns are asked to respond by July 15 to brian.jones@tourism.alabama.gov with their preference for April or May walking tours for 2012. Results of the poll will be announced at the Alabama Governor's Conference on Tourism later this month.
Participating towns are being polled to ask if they want to continue to hold the tours in June or move them to April for next year. Walking Tour towns are asked to respond by July 15 to brian.jones@tourism.alabama.gov with their preference for April or May walking tours for 2012. Results of the poll will be announced at the Alabama Governor's Conference on Tourism later this month.
62nd Annual Blessing of the Fleet - May 1
For the 62nd annual "Blessing of the Fleet," Alabama's Gulf Coast fishing and shrimping communities will come together to offer prayers for a bountiful harvest, the safety of the boating vessels and the people on board. The celebration includes a boat parade, an arts and crafts festival, a gumbo cook-off, a street parade and a quilt raffle.
Regions Tradition Golf Tournament - May 3-8
Buy your tickets for the 2011 Regions Tradition today! You will not want to miss out on the first of the five majors on the PGA Champions Tour. Come and see golf legends like Fred Couples, Bernhard Langer, Tom Watson, Fred Funk, Corey Pavin and Tom Lehman as they take on one of the country's finest golf courses, Shoal Creek. Tournament proceeds will benefit Children's Hospital of Alabama.
25th Annual Prattville CityFest - May 6-7
Celebrate Prattville with an arts and crafts show featuring food, fun and a free concert Fri. 7-11 p.m.; Sat. 9 a.m.-5 p.m.
Russell Cave 50th Anniversary Celebraton & Native American Festival - May 7-8
Bring your lawn chair or blanket and enjoy storytelling, dance performances and living history demonstrations, including pottery making, Cherokee encampment, flute music and more. 10 a.m.-4 p.m.
Courage Under Fire: The 1961 Burning of the Freedom Rider Bus in Anniston - May 14-15
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 images flashed around the world and helped ignite national and international outrage at the treatment of African-Americans in the South, eventually forcing the federal government to take stronger action in dealing with segregationist resistance.
Pepper Place Saturday Market - May 14-8
Visit the central region's farming families at the Pepper Place Saturday Market -- they grow vegetables and flowers; bake breads, cookies, cakes and pies; keep bees and harvest honey and drive into the Lakeview District of Birmingham to sell the fruits of their labors every Saturday morning. Enjoy local musicians on two stages while sipping a fresh cup of coffee or enjoying a light breakfast. Birmingham's best chefs host cooking demonstrations every Saturday at 9 a.m. Market runs 7 a.m.-noon.
The YellaWood Johnny Mack Brown Western Festival - May 14
Featuring the largest collection of Johnny Mack Brown memorabilia in the country, the festival includes Johnny Mack Brown movies plus roping shows, re-enactments, arts and crafts, Western-themed vendors, bluegrass music and more. 10 a.m.-4 p.m.
Jubilee Cityfest - May 20-21
Bruno Mars with Janelle Monae and the Hooligans in Wondaland take the stage at Alabama's largest family music festival followed by the fireworks spectacular, Bama's Big Bang. The fun continues on Saturday with Bama's Big Run, Bama's Big KidsFest and Jubilee's BrewFest.
Alabama Jubilee Hot Air Balloon Festival - May 28-29
A free hot air balloon festival featuring more than 60 pilots from across the U.S., food vendors, commercial vendors, antique car and tractor show, and arts and crafts. Balloons launch early in the morning and late in the afternoon. 6 a.m.-10 p.m.
22nd Annual North Alabama "Down Home" Blues Festival - May 28
Designed to preserve and promote a true American art form, the 22nd annual "Down Home" festival is an outdoor celebration with emphasis on new and legendary soul and blues artists. 11 a.m.- 7 p.m.
For the 62nd annual "Blessing of the Fleet," Alabama's Gulf Coast fishing and shrimping communities will come together to offer prayers for a bountiful harvest, the safety of the boating vessels and the people on board. The celebration includes a boat parade, an arts and crafts festival, a gumbo cook-off, a street parade and a quilt raffle.
Regions Tradition Golf Tournament - May 3-8
Buy your tickets for the 2011 Regions Tradition today! You will not want to miss out on the first of the five majors on the PGA Champions Tour. Come and see golf legends like Fred Couples, Bernhard Langer, Tom Watson, Fred Funk, Corey Pavin and Tom Lehman as they take on one of the country's finest golf courses, Shoal Creek. Tournament proceeds will benefit Children's Hospital of Alabama.
25th Annual Prattville CityFest - May 6-7
Celebrate Prattville with an arts and crafts show featuring food, fun and a free concert Fri. 7-11 p.m.; Sat. 9 a.m.-5 p.m.
Russell Cave 50th Anniversary Celebraton & Native American Festival - May 7-8
Bring your lawn chair or blanket and enjoy storytelling, dance performances and living history demonstrations, including pottery making, Cherokee encampment, flute music and more. 10 a.m.-4 p.m.
Courage Under Fire: The 1961 Burning of the Freedom Rider Bus in Anniston - May 14-15
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 images flashed around the world and helped ignite national and international outrage at the treatment of African-Americans in the South, eventually forcing the federal government to take stronger action in dealing with segregationist resistance.
Pepper Place Saturday Market - May 14-8
Visit the central region's farming families at the Pepper Place Saturday Market -- they grow vegetables and flowers; bake breads, cookies, cakes and pies; keep bees and harvest honey and drive into the Lakeview District of Birmingham to sell the fruits of their labors every Saturday morning. Enjoy local musicians on two stages while sipping a fresh cup of coffee or enjoying a light breakfast. Birmingham's best chefs host cooking demonstrations every Saturday at 9 a.m. Market runs 7 a.m.-noon.
The YellaWood Johnny Mack Brown Western Festival - May 14
Featuring the largest collection of Johnny Mack Brown memorabilia in the country, the festival includes Johnny Mack Brown movies plus roping shows, re-enactments, arts and crafts, Western-themed vendors, bluegrass music and more. 10 a.m.-4 p.m.
Jubilee Cityfest - May 20-21
Bruno Mars with Janelle Monae and the Hooligans in Wondaland take the stage at Alabama's largest family music festival followed by the fireworks spectacular, Bama's Big Bang. The fun continues on Saturday with Bama's Big Run, Bama's Big KidsFest and Jubilee's BrewFest.
Alabama Jubilee Hot Air Balloon Festival - May 28-29
A free hot air balloon festival featuring more than 60 pilots from across the U.S., food vendors, commercial vendors, antique car and tractor show, and arts and crafts. Balloons launch early in the morning and late in the afternoon. 6 a.m.-10 p.m.
22nd Annual North Alabama "Down Home" Blues Festival - May 28
Designed to preserve and promote a true American art form, the 22nd annual "Down Home" festival is an outdoor celebration with emphasis on new and legendary soul and blues artists. 11 a.m.- 7 p.m.
Please accept my personal invitation to attend Cahawba's Park Day event this Saturday, April 2nd, at 9 am. The ghost town called "Old Cahawba" is located just southwest of Selma on Hwy. 22 in Dallas County.
David Rothstein, an author of a powerful new historical novel set in Cahawba is flying back home to Alabama from Oregon to share some stories from his book. This will take place in the actual setting of the novel. At this special place fact and fiction will meet, so stimulating discussion is sure to follow.
The book is called "Casualties: a Story of the Civil War," and I've included a summary in the attachment. If you want the author to sign a copy, the book is on sale at our gift shop.
On Saturday, we'll assemble at 9am inside the ruins of the Civil War prison at Old Cahawba Park, the setting for much of the novel.
So, if you have an interest in literature or history, please join us this Saturday morning. After the author's presentation, we'd love to have you stay for our annual volunteer work day if you are able. You are welcome to leave after the author's portion, but should you choose to stay the rest of the morning to volunteer, we have free Tshirts or patches supplied by The History Channel and the Civil War Trust. (so wear your work clothes, boots and garden gloves. )
For more information or directions call the park at 334/872-8058 (from Noon to 5 pm).
Remember, this year is the 150th anniversary of the War of the Rebellion. So please join me this Saturday.
Linda Derry
Site Director
Old Cahawba
719 Tremont St.
Selma, AL 36701
ph. 334/875-2529
fax. 334/877-4253
cahawba@bellsouth.net
David Rothstein, an author of a powerful new historical novel set in Cahawba is flying back home to Alabama from Oregon to share some stories from his book. This will take place in the actual setting of the novel. At this special place fact and fiction will meet, so stimulating discussion is sure to follow.
The book is called "Casualties: a Story of the Civil War," and I've included a summary in the attachment. If you want the author to sign a copy, the book is on sale at our gift shop.
On Saturday, we'll assemble at 9am inside the ruins of the Civil War prison at Old Cahawba Park, the setting for much of the novel.
So, if you have an interest in literature or history, please join us this Saturday morning. After the author's presentation, we'd love to have you stay for our annual volunteer work day if you are able. You are welcome to leave after the author's portion, but should you choose to stay the rest of the morning to volunteer, we have free Tshirts or patches supplied by The History Channel and the Civil War Trust. (so wear your work clothes, boots and garden gloves. )
For more information or directions call the park at 334/872-8058 (from Noon to 5 pm).
Remember, this year is the 150th anniversary of the War of the Rebellion. So please join me this Saturday.
Linda Derry
Site Director
Old Cahawba
719 Tremont St.
Selma, AL 36701
ph. 334/875-2529
fax. 334/877-4253
cahawba@bellsouth.net
See them all: http://alabama.travel/events/newsletter/
Guilty Until Proven Innocent: The Scottsboro Boys Story Exhibition - Mar 8-22
Commemorating the arrest and trial of the Scottsboro Boys, this exhibit highlights an event that many consider the beginning of the Civil Rights Movement in America.
Mardi Gras Day - Mar 8
As home of the first-known American Mardi Gras celebration in 1703, Mobile pulls out all the stops, including more than two weeks of parades, balls and revelry, all culminating on Mardi Gras, also known as Fat Tuesday. The streets are filled with the sights and sounds of live marching bands, colorful floats and crowds of parade-goers.
Alabama River Festival - Mar 10-12
Visit the only museum on the Alabama River and travel back in time to an early 1800s camp along the river. Mingle with Native Americans, frontiersmen, traders, and travelers while enjoying music, food and demonstrations of skills from an earlier period.
Fairhope Arts & Crafts Festival, 59th Annual - Mar 18-20
The streets of beautiful downtown Fairhope host 245 fine arts and crafts exhibitors, live local entertainment and classic festival foods.
The Thrasher Brothers and Neil Thrasher in Concert - Mar 18
Don't miss an exciting night of music with Alabama's own Thrasher Brothers and Neil Thrasher. This talented group introduced and popularized one of the genuine classics of gospel music, "One Day at a Time," which later became a number one hit on the country charts for Christy Lane. Carrying on the Thrasher family tradition, Joe's son Neil sang with the Thrasher Brothers and later formed Thrasher Shriver with fellow singer Kelly Shriver. He joins his family to perform as a special guest for this entertaining evening of music.
197th Anniversary of the Battle of Horseshoe Bend - Mar 26
Experience live cannon fire, the lives of Creek and Cherokee Indians, hunting camps and demonstrations of traditional skills of the early 1800s. Learn the importance of this battle in U.S. history.
Piney Woods Arts Festival - Mar 26-27
One of the oldest juried arts and crafts shows in Southeast Alabama, Piney Woods Arts Festival features original art and crafts, a children's fun center, food and entertainment. Special events include a Civil War Living Display and the Weevil City Cruisers Car & Truck Show (Saturday only).
Guilty Until Proven Innocent: The Scottsboro Boys Story Exhibition - Mar 8-22
Commemorating the arrest and trial of the Scottsboro Boys, this exhibit highlights an event that many consider the beginning of the Civil Rights Movement in America.
Mardi Gras Day - Mar 8
As home of the first-known American Mardi Gras celebration in 1703, Mobile pulls out all the stops, including more than two weeks of parades, balls and revelry, all culminating on Mardi Gras, also known as Fat Tuesday. The streets are filled with the sights and sounds of live marching bands, colorful floats and crowds of parade-goers.
Alabama River Festival - Mar 10-12
Visit the only museum on the Alabama River and travel back in time to an early 1800s camp along the river. Mingle with Native Americans, frontiersmen, traders, and travelers while enjoying music, food and demonstrations of skills from an earlier period.
Fairhope Arts & Crafts Festival, 59th Annual - Mar 18-20
The streets of beautiful downtown Fairhope host 245 fine arts and crafts exhibitors, live local entertainment and classic festival foods.
The Thrasher Brothers and Neil Thrasher in Concert - Mar 18
Don't miss an exciting night of music with Alabama's own Thrasher Brothers and Neil Thrasher. This talented group introduced and popularized one of the genuine classics of gospel music, "One Day at a Time," which later became a number one hit on the country charts for Christy Lane. Carrying on the Thrasher family tradition, Joe's son Neil sang with the Thrasher Brothers and later formed Thrasher Shriver with fellow singer Kelly Shriver. He joins his family to perform as a special guest for this entertaining evening of music.
197th Anniversary of the Battle of Horseshoe Bend - Mar 26
Experience live cannon fire, the lives of Creek and Cherokee Indians, hunting camps and demonstrations of traditional skills of the early 1800s. Learn the importance of this battle in U.S. history.
Piney Woods Arts Festival - Mar 26-27
One of the oldest juried arts and crafts shows in Southeast Alabama, Piney Woods Arts Festival features original art and crafts, a children's fun center, food and entertainment. Special events include a Civil War Living Display and the Weevil City Cruisers Car & Truck Show (Saturday only).
Franklin, AL - March 10, 11 & 12, 2011 - The Alabama River Museum at the Claiborne Lock and Dam will hold its annual festival and reopening with the recreation of an early 1800's frontier settlement, complete with Creek Indian "stick ball" and "stomp dance." Over 30 demonstrators and living history re-enactors will be in costume to depict characters from Alabama's frontier times. See how early settlers to the area lived before establishing homesteads, living in moveable campsites and forging for food in the woods and waterways around them. Practice throwing a tomahawk or shooting with a bow and arrow. Watch as arrowheads and spearpoints are made from local stone.
New this year.... "Ask the Expert"....Bring your own found artifacts for examination and identification by a team of visiting archaeologists from the University of South Alabama. Handmade crafts and other gift items will be available at the museum's Trading Post Tent, as well as the indoor gift shop. Food vendors will be on site as well.
New this year.... "Ask the Expert"....Bring your own found artifacts for examination and identification by a team of visiting archaeologists from the University of South Alabama. Handmade crafts and other gift items will be available at the museum's Trading Post Tent, as well as the indoor gift shop. Food vendors will be on site as well.
Continue reading Alabama River Festival to Celebrate 1800's Frontier Times.
February 16, 2011
Last week, the House of Representatives proposed $100 billion in spending cuts for the current fiscal year (2011) which ends on September 30, 2011.
The result would be cutting RC&D funding mid-year.
If approved, this legislation would eliminate the RC&D Program.
Note: This is separate and apart from the President's FY 2012 budget which does not include RC&D funding.
We will be in contact with our Councils about the FY 2012 budget in the future; our most immediate concern is seeing that there are no cuts for the current fiscal year.
Because Congress failed to complete a budget last year, the federal government is operating under a "Continuing Resolution" that will expire on March 4.
If Congress does not pass another Continuing Resolution, the funding for the RC&D Program will end.
It's time for all Council Members and supporters to flood the House of Representatives and Senate by phone, email, etc. Tell them:
RC&D Council Members strongly oppose the $100 billion deficit reduction package.
RC&D spending creates jobs and spurs economic development while conserving precious natural resources.
Consult your area and annual plans and remind Congress of what will NOT happen in your areas if the RC&D Program is eliminated.
If you need information and assistance about contacting your elected Members of Congress, feel free to contact your National Association at 202.434.4780.
Last week, the House of Representatives proposed $100 billion in spending cuts for the current fiscal year (2011) which ends on September 30, 2011.
The result would be cutting RC&D funding mid-year.
If approved, this legislation would eliminate the RC&D Program.
Note: This is separate and apart from the President's FY 2012 budget which does not include RC&D funding.
We will be in contact with our Councils about the FY 2012 budget in the future; our most immediate concern is seeing that there are no cuts for the current fiscal year.
Because Congress failed to complete a budget last year, the federal government is operating under a "Continuing Resolution" that will expire on March 4.
If Congress does not pass another Continuing Resolution, the funding for the RC&D Program will end.
It's time for all Council Members and supporters to flood the House of Representatives and Senate by phone, email, etc. Tell them:
RC&D Council Members strongly oppose the $100 billion deficit reduction package.
RC&D spending creates jobs and spurs economic development while conserving precious natural resources.
Consult your area and annual plans and remind Congress of what will NOT happen in your areas if the RC&D Program is eliminated.
If you need information and assistance about contacting your elected Members of Congress, feel free to contact your National Association at 202.434.4780.
Some 215 towns across Alabama welcome you home this year during the Great Alabama Homecoming. It's all part of the Year of Alabama Small Towns & Downtowns- a celebration of everything that is Sweet Home Alabama. There are homecoming events and festivals going on practically every weekend through mid-December. Upcoming events include:
Homecoming Weekend- Montevallo- Oct. 14-16
Homecoming Weekend- Montevallo- Oct. 14-16
Mud Creek Marching Band Festival- Hanceville- Oct. 16
Friendship Festival- Margaret- Oct. 16
Jonesville Community Day- Mathews- Oct. 16
Homecoming Day- Sipsey- Oct. 16
Thorsby Swedish Fest- Thorsby- Oct. 16
Covered Bridge Festival- Oneonta- Oct. 22-24
Homecoming Weekend- Flomaton- Oct. 22-24
Williams Station Day- Atmore- Oct. 23
Pine Hill Depot Day- Pine Hill- Oct. 23
Ghost Walk and Fall Festival- Thomasville- Oct. 23
Greenville Reunion- Greenville- Oct. 28-30
Peanut Butter Festival- Brundidge- Oct. 30
Founder's Day- Chickasaw- Oct. 30
Falkville Fall Festival- Falkville- Oct. 30
Hamilton Fall Fest- Hamilton- Oct. 30
Opp Fest- Opp- Oct. 30
Heritage Harbor Days- Foley- Nov. 5-7
A.U. Homecoming- Auburn- Nov. 6
Jackson- Fall Festival- Nov. 6
Lineville- Heritage Day- Nov. 6
Brookside- St. Nicholas Food Festival- Nov. 6-7
Andalusia- Absolutely Andalusia- Nov. 11-14
Elba- Foggy Bottom BBQ Bash- Nov. 12-13
Collinsville- Turkey Trot- Nov. 13
Daleville- National Heritage Week- Nov. 13
Daviston- Daviston School Reunion- Nov. 13
Fairhope- Tree Lighting Ceremony- Nov. 18
Peterman- Arts & Crafts Festival- Nov. 20
Pine Apple- Hunter Appreciation Festival- Nov. 27
Demopolis- Christmas on the River- Nov.28- Dec. 4
Vincent- Small Town Celebration- Nov. 29
Gulf Shores- No Place Like Home for the Holidays- Dec. 2
Coffeeville- Coffeeville Christmas Parade- Dec. 4
Millbrook- Spirit of Christmas Parade- Dec. 4
Mooresville- Homecoming Celebration- Dec. 4
Wilton- Christmas Parade- Dec. 7
Linden- ChiLLy Fest- Dec. 10-11
Dutton- Dutton Christmas Parade- Dec. 11
Westover- Westover Christmas Parade- Dec. 11
For a complete list of Great Alabama Homecoming Events please see www.alabama.travel/homecoming/.
Friendship Festival- Margaret- Oct. 16
Jonesville Community Day- Mathews- Oct. 16
Homecoming Day- Sipsey- Oct. 16
Thorsby Swedish Fest- Thorsby- Oct. 16
Covered Bridge Festival- Oneonta- Oct. 22-24
Homecoming Weekend- Flomaton- Oct. 22-24
Williams Station Day- Atmore- Oct. 23
Pine Hill Depot Day- Pine Hill- Oct. 23
Ghost Walk and Fall Festival- Thomasville- Oct. 23
Greenville Reunion- Greenville- Oct. 28-30
Peanut Butter Festival- Brundidge- Oct. 30
Founder's Day- Chickasaw- Oct. 30
Falkville Fall Festival- Falkville- Oct. 30
Hamilton Fall Fest- Hamilton- Oct. 30
Opp Fest- Opp- Oct. 30
Heritage Harbor Days- Foley- Nov. 5-7
A.U. Homecoming- Auburn- Nov. 6
Jackson- Fall Festival- Nov. 6
Lineville- Heritage Day- Nov. 6
Brookside- St. Nicholas Food Festival- Nov. 6-7
Andalusia- Absolutely Andalusia- Nov. 11-14
Elba- Foggy Bottom BBQ Bash- Nov. 12-13
Collinsville- Turkey Trot- Nov. 13
Daleville- National Heritage Week- Nov. 13
Daviston- Daviston School Reunion- Nov. 13
Fairhope- Tree Lighting Ceremony- Nov. 18
Peterman- Arts & Crafts Festival- Nov. 20
Pine Apple- Hunter Appreciation Festival- Nov. 27
Demopolis- Christmas on the River- Nov.28- Dec. 4
Vincent- Small Town Celebration- Nov. 29
Gulf Shores- No Place Like Home for the Holidays- Dec. 2
Coffeeville- Coffeeville Christmas Parade- Dec. 4
Millbrook- Spirit of Christmas Parade- Dec. 4
Mooresville- Homecoming Celebration- Dec. 4
Wilton- Christmas Parade- Dec. 7
Linden- ChiLLy Fest- Dec. 10-11
Dutton- Dutton Christmas Parade- Dec. 11
Westover- Westover Christmas Parade- Dec. 11
For a complete list of Great Alabama Homecoming Events please see www.alabama.travel/homecoming/.
Some 215 towns across Alabama welcome you home this year during the Great Alabama Homecoming. It's all part of the Year of Alabama Small Towns & Downtowns- a celebration of everything that is Sweet Home Alabama. There are homecoming events and festivals going on practically every weekend through mid-December. Upcoming events include:
Homecoming Weekend- Ashland- Oct. 8-10
Dedication Day, DAR School- Grant- Oct. 8
New Hope Founder's Day- New Hope- Oct. 8-9
Harvest Festival- Blountsville- Oct. 9
Discover Cordova Day- Cordova- Oct. 9
Eufaula Homecoming- Eufaula- Oct. 9
Evergreen Sausage Festival- Evergreen- Oct. 9
Harvest Festival- Headland- Oct. 9
Spirit of Hodges- Hodges- Oct. 9
Foot of the Mountain Festival- Piedmont- Oct. 9
Riverfront Market Day- Selma- Oct. 9
Homecoming Weekend- Garden City- Oct. 9-10
Homecoming Weekend- Montevallo- Oct. 14-16
Mud Creek Marching Band Festival- Hanceville- Oct. 16
Friendship Festival- Margaret- Oct. 16
Jonesville Community Day- Mathews- Oct. 16
Homecoming Day- Sipsey- Oct. 16
Thorsby Swedish Fest- Thorsby- Oct. 16
Covered Bridge Festival- Oneonta- Oct. 22-24
Homecoming Weekend- Flomaton- Oct. 22-24
Williams Station Day- Atmore- Oct. 23
Pine Hill Depot Day- Pine Hill- Oct. 23
Ghost Walk and Fall Festival- Thomasville- Oct. 23
Greenville Reunion- Greenville- Oct. 28-30
Peanut Butter Festival- Brundidge- Oct. 30
Founder's Day- Chickasaw- Oct. 30
Falkville Fall Festival- Falkville- Oct. 30
Hamilton Fall Fest- Hamilton- Oct. 30
Opp Fest- Opp- Oct. 30
Heritage Harbor Days- Foley- Nov. 5-7
A.U. Homecoming- Auburn- Nov. 6
Jackson- Fall Festival- Nov. 6
Lineville- Heritage Day- Nov. 6
Brookside- St. Nicholas Food Festival- Nov. 6-7
Andalusia- Absolutely Andalusia- Nov. 11-14
Elba- Foggy Bottom BBQ Bash- Nov. 12-13
Collinsville- Turkey Trot- Nov. 13
Daleville- National Heritage Week- Nov. 13
Daviston- Daviston School Reunion- Nov. 13
Fairhope- Tree Lighting Ceremony- Nov. 18
Peterman- Arts & Crafts Festival- Nov. 20
Pine Apple- Hunter Appreciation Festival- Nov. 27
Demopolis- Christmas on the River- Nov.28- Dec. 4
Vincent- Small Town Celebration- Nov. 29
Gulf Shores- No Place Like Home for the Holidays- Dec. 2
Coffeeville- Coffeeville Christmas Parade- Dec. 4
Millbrook- Spirit of Christmas Parade- Dec. 4
Mooresville- Homecoming Celebration- Dec. 4
Wilton- Christmas Parade- Dec. 7
Linden- ChiLLy Fest- Dec. 10-11
Dutton- Dutton Christmas Parade- Dec. 11
Westover- Westover Christmas Parade- Dec. 11
For a complete list of Great Alabama Homecoming Events please see www.alabama.travel/homecoming/
Homecoming Weekend- Ashland- Oct. 8-10
Dedication Day, DAR School- Grant- Oct. 8
New Hope Founder's Day- New Hope- Oct. 8-9
Harvest Festival- Blountsville- Oct. 9
Discover Cordova Day- Cordova- Oct. 9
Eufaula Homecoming- Eufaula- Oct. 9
Evergreen Sausage Festival- Evergreen- Oct. 9
Harvest Festival- Headland- Oct. 9
Spirit of Hodges- Hodges- Oct. 9
Foot of the Mountain Festival- Piedmont- Oct. 9
Riverfront Market Day- Selma- Oct. 9
Homecoming Weekend- Garden City- Oct. 9-10
Homecoming Weekend- Montevallo- Oct. 14-16
Mud Creek Marching Band Festival- Hanceville- Oct. 16
Friendship Festival- Margaret- Oct. 16
Jonesville Community Day- Mathews- Oct. 16
Homecoming Day- Sipsey- Oct. 16
Thorsby Swedish Fest- Thorsby- Oct. 16
Covered Bridge Festival- Oneonta- Oct. 22-24
Homecoming Weekend- Flomaton- Oct. 22-24
Williams Station Day- Atmore- Oct. 23
Pine Hill Depot Day- Pine Hill- Oct. 23
Ghost Walk and Fall Festival- Thomasville- Oct. 23
Greenville Reunion- Greenville- Oct. 28-30
Peanut Butter Festival- Brundidge- Oct. 30
Founder's Day- Chickasaw- Oct. 30
Falkville Fall Festival- Falkville- Oct. 30
Hamilton Fall Fest- Hamilton- Oct. 30
Opp Fest- Opp- Oct. 30
Heritage Harbor Days- Foley- Nov. 5-7
A.U. Homecoming- Auburn- Nov. 6
Jackson- Fall Festival- Nov. 6
Lineville- Heritage Day- Nov. 6
Brookside- St. Nicholas Food Festival- Nov. 6-7
Andalusia- Absolutely Andalusia- Nov. 11-14
Elba- Foggy Bottom BBQ Bash- Nov. 12-13
Collinsville- Turkey Trot- Nov. 13
Daleville- National Heritage Week- Nov. 13
Daviston- Daviston School Reunion- Nov. 13
Fairhope- Tree Lighting Ceremony- Nov. 18
Peterman- Arts & Crafts Festival- Nov. 20
Pine Apple- Hunter Appreciation Festival- Nov. 27
Demopolis- Christmas on the River- Nov.28- Dec. 4
Vincent- Small Town Celebration- Nov. 29
Gulf Shores- No Place Like Home for the Holidays- Dec. 2
Coffeeville- Coffeeville Christmas Parade- Dec. 4
Millbrook- Spirit of Christmas Parade- Dec. 4
Mooresville- Homecoming Celebration- Dec. 4
Wilton- Christmas Parade- Dec. 7
Linden- ChiLLy Fest- Dec. 10-11
Dutton- Dutton Christmas Parade- Dec. 11
Westover- Westover Christmas Parade- Dec. 11
For a complete list of Great Alabama Homecoming Events please see www.alabama.travel/homecoming/
In celebration of the 50th anniversary of the publication of "To Kill A Mockingbird" the Monroeville/Monroe County Chamber of Commerce is sponsoring "The Birdhouse Project", symbolizing the theme "Come Home To Monroeville/Monroe County in 2010". The goal of the project is to create a "birdhouse trail" of places to visit, and to showcase the talent of residents of Monroe County who have designed, constructed and hand-painted the birdhouses which are placed throughout the county. The birdhouses are constructed of wood using materials purchased in Monroe County. All birdhouses have been hand painted by various artists, and are sponsored by businesses, schools and civic organizations. The project is ongoing. The Chamber of Commerce met its initial goal to place twenty-five birdhouses throughout the community in time for the 50th Anniversary Celebration of the publication of "To Kill A Mockingbird" that was July 8-11. The Birdhouses have been photographed by many news organizations, and were featured prominently in articles in The Birmingham News, The Toronto Star, Business Alabama, Southern Living, and in national newscasts on CBS, ABC, and the BBC. They have also been photographed by Carol M. Highsmith for her George F. Landegger 21st Century Alabama Collection for The Library of Congress.
For more information on "The Birdhouse Project" please see www.monroevillebirdhouses.com.
From the article "A New Look at Moundville" by Kendra Strey in Alabama Journey magazine published by AAA:
Scholars do not fully understand the rise or fall of Moundville, an ancient American Indian city in the Black Warrior River valley near Tuscaloosa. A newly renovated museum located in Moundville Archaeological Park, a site that encompasses the community's remains, attempts to explain what is known about the mysterious city's past. Animated holograms, life-size casts of American Indian models, and more than 200 artifacts relate the history of this former political and religious center. The park's 28 namesake earth mounds were hand-formed platforms for civic and ceremonial buildings and the homes of nobility. Visitors can climb several dozen steps to reach the 58-foot crest of the largest mound, which archaeologists believe housed the chieftain. On Oct. 6-9, the park hosts the annual Moundville Native American Festival. Arts and crafts demonstrations, hands-on kid's activities, storytelling, and more will teach about the Mississippian culture that once thrived in this community, as well as share traditions of tribes from throughout the Southeast.
For the complete article please see the September/October issue of Alabama Journey magazine.
Scholars do not fully understand the rise or fall of Moundville, an ancient American Indian city in the Black Warrior River valley near Tuscaloosa. A newly renovated museum located in Moundville Archaeological Park, a site that encompasses the community's remains, attempts to explain what is known about the mysterious city's past. Animated holograms, life-size casts of American Indian models, and more than 200 artifacts relate the history of this former political and religious center. The park's 28 namesake earth mounds were hand-formed platforms for civic and ceremonial buildings and the homes of nobility. Visitors can climb several dozen steps to reach the 58-foot crest of the largest mound, which archaeologists believe housed the chieftain. On Oct. 6-9, the park hosts the annual Moundville Native American Festival. Arts and crafts demonstrations, hands-on kid's activities, storytelling, and more will teach about the Mississippian culture that once thrived in this community, as well as share traditions of tribes from throughout the Southeast.
For the complete article please see the September/October issue of Alabama Journey magazine.
(Brent, Al) September 10, 2010 ---- The Talladega National Forest - Oakmulgee District and Americorps VISTA are joining forces to host a National Public Lands Day event. Scheduled for September 25, 2010, the event welcomes all who want to celebrate their natural heritage. Join us for an opportunity to fellowship and learn about the rich natural history of the Oakmulgee District. Registration begins at 8 a.m. Lunch, gloves and a t-shirt will be provided to those who participate.
"We have a unique project planned for this year," said Cynthia Ragland, district ranger for the Oakmulgee District located in Brent, Ala. "In partnership with the Lower Cahaba Recreation and Historic Corridor initiative, we are enhancing the landscape at the Oakmulgee District office. Our goal is to create a microcosm of the longleaf ecosystem that exists in the forest with an interpretive path allowing visitors to learn about their national forests." The interpretive area will help the Oakmulgee District office be a gateway to the forest and the surrounding community by providing visitor information on the opportunities for bird watching, hiking, canoeing, mountain biking, horseback riding and hunting.
The Americorps VISTA program provides coordination for the Lower Cahaba Recreation and Historic Corridor initiative by sponsoring volunteers in the local area. Will James, a recent graduate in history and political science from the University of Alabama, is an Americorps VISTA volunteer and is coordinating the National Public Lands Day project.
The Bibb County Landfill will also be accepting trash this day, free of charge, made possible by the U.S. Forest Service in partnership with the Bibb County Commission.
If you are interested in volunteering, please contact Will James at info_talladega_oakmulgee@fs.fed.us or (205) 926-9765 ext. 214 no later than September 20, 2010.
"We have a unique project planned for this year," said Cynthia Ragland, district ranger for the Oakmulgee District located in Brent, Ala. "In partnership with the Lower Cahaba Recreation and Historic Corridor initiative, we are enhancing the landscape at the Oakmulgee District office. Our goal is to create a microcosm of the longleaf ecosystem that exists in the forest with an interpretive path allowing visitors to learn about their national forests." The interpretive area will help the Oakmulgee District office be a gateway to the forest and the surrounding community by providing visitor information on the opportunities for bird watching, hiking, canoeing, mountain biking, horseback riding and hunting.
The Americorps VISTA program provides coordination for the Lower Cahaba Recreation and Historic Corridor initiative by sponsoring volunteers in the local area. Will James, a recent graduate in history and political science from the University of Alabama, is an Americorps VISTA volunteer and is coordinating the National Public Lands Day project.
The Bibb County Landfill will also be accepting trash this day, free of charge, made possible by the U.S. Forest Service in partnership with the Bibb County Commission.
If you are interested in volunteering, please contact Will James at info_talladega_oakmulgee@fs.fed.us or (205) 926-9765 ext. 214 no later than September 20, 2010.
The Mobile Bay Convention & Visitors Bureau (MBCVB) announces that the City of Mobile will host the 2012 National Convention of the Marine Corps League. The convention, which is held annually at locations throughout the U.S., will bring between 4,000 and 5,000 Marine Corps League and Auxiliary members and guests from throughout the nation to Mobile for the weeklong event. It is scheduled for August 12-18, 2012, and will be hosted by the Mobile based P.L. Wilson Detachment #447 of the Marine Corps League. "It is a tremendous opportunity and privilege to be able to host the 2012 National Convention in the great city of Mobile," commented Cal Walters, Chairman of the Local Convention Bid Committee.
"This is a first not only for Mobile, but the entire State of Alabama, and we are excited to show off all that the Mobile area has to offer in 2012." With an estimated economic impact of between $17 and $18 million, this convention has been on the Mobile Bay Convention & Visitors Bureau's radar for quite some time. Leon Maisel, President and CEO of the MBCVB, remarked "This is the perfect example of the ideal convention and meetings business that we go after. Hosting a convention of this size in what is typically one of our slower months for both business and leisure visitors translates into a tremendous opportunity for many businesses throughout our city to experience a marked increase in sales and activity."
The Battle House and Renaissance Riverview Plaza Hotels will serve as anchor hotels for the event and due to the size of this convention many other local hotels will help to house a portion of the attendees as well. The Arthur R. Outlaw Mobile Convention Center will be the site of the group's business sessions, exhibits and training sessions. The week's events will include daily business meetings for both the League and the Auxiliary, a memorial service in remembrance of fallen members, and a Friday evening banquet and awards ceremony. Attendees will also be treated to numerous excursions and activities throughout Mobile County and the surrounding area. "We're certainly pleased that the Marine Corps League has selected Mobile for its upcoming convention," Mobile Mayor Sam Jones said. "The city is a perfect site to host this convention, which highlights the value and importance of the men and women in the Marines. We welcome their visit and applaud their decision to be in Mobile."
For more information on the Mobile Bay CVB please see www.mobile.org.
"This is a first not only for Mobile, but the entire State of Alabama, and we are excited to show off all that the Mobile area has to offer in 2012." With an estimated economic impact of between $17 and $18 million, this convention has been on the Mobile Bay Convention & Visitors Bureau's radar for quite some time. Leon Maisel, President and CEO of the MBCVB, remarked "This is the perfect example of the ideal convention and meetings business that we go after. Hosting a convention of this size in what is typically one of our slower months for both business and leisure visitors translates into a tremendous opportunity for many businesses throughout our city to experience a marked increase in sales and activity."
The Battle House and Renaissance Riverview Plaza Hotels will serve as anchor hotels for the event and due to the size of this convention many other local hotels will help to house a portion of the attendees as well. The Arthur R. Outlaw Mobile Convention Center will be the site of the group's business sessions, exhibits and training sessions. The week's events will include daily business meetings for both the League and the Auxiliary, a memorial service in remembrance of fallen members, and a Friday evening banquet and awards ceremony. Attendees will also be treated to numerous excursions and activities throughout Mobile County and the surrounding area. "We're certainly pleased that the Marine Corps League has selected Mobile for its upcoming convention," Mobile Mayor Sam Jones said. "The city is a perfect site to host this convention, which highlights the value and importance of the men and women in the Marines. We welcome their visit and applaud their decision to be in Mobile."
For more information on the Mobile Bay CVB please see www.mobile.org.
Some 215 towns across Alabama welcome you home this year during the Great Alabama Homecoming. It's all part of the Year of Alabama Small Towns & Downtowns- a celebration of everything that is Sweet Home Alabama. There are homecoming events and festivals going on practically every weekend through mid-December. Upcoming events include:
First Friday Homecoming- Gadsden- Sept. 3
Fort Sinquefield Reenactment- Whatley- Sept. 4
Labor Day Celebration- McIntosh- Sept. 6
Section Labor Day- Section- Sept. 6
50th Anniversary of Marshall Space Flight Center- Huntsville- Sept. 8
Welcome Home Reunion- Arab- Sept. 11
Harvest Day- Ashford- Sept. 11
Founder's Day- Mt. Vernon- Sept. 12
Riverfest Homecoming- Decatur- Sept. 17-18
Crossville Harvest Festival- Crossville- Sept. 17-19
Gateway to a Region- Leeds- Sept. 17-19
Depot Days Festival- Hartselle- Sept. 18
Locust Fork Founders Day- Locust Fork- Sept. 18
Founders Fest- Red Bay- Sept. 18
Eva Frontier Days- Eva- Sept. 18-25
Geneva Homecoming- Geneva- Sept. 24-25
Hueytown Homecoming- Hueytown- Sept. 24-26
Homecoming Weekend- Jacksonville- Sept. 24-26
Mule Day Festival- Winfield- Sept. 24-26
Coosa Fest- Childersburg- Sept. 25
Jubilee Festival- Daphne- Sept.25-26
First Friday Homecoming- Gadsden- Sept. 3
Fort Sinquefield Reenactment- Whatley- Sept. 4
Labor Day Celebration- McIntosh- Sept. 6
Section Labor Day- Section- Sept. 6
50th Anniversary of Marshall Space Flight Center- Huntsville- Sept. 8
Welcome Home Reunion- Arab- Sept. 11
Harvest Day- Ashford- Sept. 11
Founder's Day- Mt. Vernon- Sept. 12
Riverfest Homecoming- Decatur- Sept. 17-18
Crossville Harvest Festival- Crossville- Sept. 17-19
Gateway to a Region- Leeds- Sept. 17-19
Depot Days Festival- Hartselle- Sept. 18
Locust Fork Founders Day- Locust Fork- Sept. 18
Founders Fest- Red Bay- Sept. 18
Eva Frontier Days- Eva- Sept. 18-25
Geneva Homecoming- Geneva- Sept. 24-25
Hueytown Homecoming- Hueytown- Sept. 24-26
Homecoming Weekend- Jacksonville- Sept. 24-26
Mule Day Festival- Winfield- Sept. 24-26
Coosa Fest- Childersburg- Sept. 25
Jubilee Festival- Daphne- Sept.25-26
The Jefferson County Department of Health invites you to attend its Leadership Breakfast & Tour
Guest Speaker: Mark Fenton, Host of America's Walking on PBS
Join Fenton on a bus tour following breakfast as he discusses how community design and the built environment can improve health, safety, and quality of life.
Tuesday, August 10th
Energen Plaza Conference Center 605 Richard Arrington Jr., Boulevard North
Public parking lot behind Energen Plaza (the rate is $3.00); metered parking on street.
7:30AM Breakfast • 8:30AM Bus Tour
Contact Flo Fleming at 930-1480 or Flo.Fleming@jcdh.org to reserve your spot today!
Guest Speaker: Mark Fenton, Host of America's Walking on PBS
Join Fenton on a bus tour following breakfast as he discusses how community design and the built environment can improve health, safety, and quality of life.
Tuesday, August 10th
Energen Plaza Conference Center 605 Richard Arrington Jr., Boulevard North
Public parking lot behind Energen Plaza (the rate is $3.00); metered parking on street.
7:30AM Breakfast • 8:30AM Bus Tour
Contact Flo Fleming at 930-1480 or Flo.Fleming@jcdh.org to reserve your spot today!
The Gulf Coast Fund has created a special Emergency Response Fund for the BP Oil Drilling Disaster, and we are distributing grants on a bi-weekly basis. Special priority is given to organizations engaged in community-led responses focused on: building community capacity; independent monitoring and documentation; providing impacted communities with access to key information and decision-makers; and organizing and advocacy for communities most impacted by the disaster.
REQUEST AMOUNTS & RESTRICTIONS: Up to $7,000 per organization. Small
requests also accepted. Recipients must be 501(c)3 or 501(c)4 nonprofit organizations
in good standing. NEXT DEADLINE: June 15, 2010
http://gulfcoastfund.org/apply-for-a-grant/emergency-grants.html
REQUEST AMOUNTS & RESTRICTIONS: Up to $7,000 per organization. Small
requests also accepted. Recipients must be 501(c)3 or 501(c)4 nonprofit organizations
in good standing. NEXT DEADLINE: June 15, 2010
http://gulfcoastfund.org/apply-for-a-grant/emergency-grants.html
16th Street Corridor Study and Conceptual Streetscape Plan
The RPCGB and the Fountain Heights Neighborhood Association presented the 16th Street Corridor Study and Conceptual Streetscape Plan to the City of Birmingham Planning Commission and City Council. The City of Birmingham Planning Commission adopted the 16th Street Corridor Study and Conceptual Streetscape Plan on May 5th, 2010. The City of Birmingham City Council adopted the 16th Street Corridor Study and Conceptual Streetscape Plan on May 11th, 2010. The Fountain Heights Neighborhood Association and the City of Birmingham have requested assistance from the Regional Planning Commission through the Building Communities Program to complete this study. For additional information please contact Richard Amore, Senior Planner with the RPCGB at ramore@rpcgb.org.
City of Leeds Master Plan
The RPCGB continue to move forward on the City of Leeds Master Plan 2010. The RPCGB met with several stakeholders during the month of May and is moving forward with the stakeholder involvement process during the month of June in guiding the future direction of the Master Plan. The RPCGB is in the process of putting together a stakeholder advisory committee for the City of Leeds Master Plan. The RPCGB looks forward to kicking off the public involvement meetings in the coming months once the existing conditions analysis is completed. The City of Leeds has requested assistance from the RPCGB through the Building Communities Program to complete the master plan for the city. For additional information please contact Richard Amore, Senior Planner with the RPCGB at ramore@rpcgb.org.
To see a complete list of community planning projects completed over the last year, visit the Community Planning section of the RPCGB website.
Greenway Project Moves Forward
A long anticipated greenway project has taken another step towards completion with help from RPCGB. In April 2009, a Building Communities Grant was awarded to complete a "Strategic Plan for the Implementation of the Five Mile Creek Trail Location Study." The implementation study will be modeled after the PATH Foundation, a 501c3 nonprofit organization in Atlanta with a mission of develop a system of interlinking greenway trails from commuting and recreation.
Plans for the Five Mile Creek Greenway began with an 8-mile section of greenway on Five Mile Creek funded by Sloss Industries (now Walter Coke) as part of a Supplemental Environmental Plan agreement. Sloss also set aside property on the creek in conservation easements and planted trees. RPCGB and Cawaco RC&D Council in cooperation with Sloss produced the Five Mile Creek Greenway Master Plan in 2005. RPCGB took the project another step by securing funding through the Metropolitan Planning Organization (MPO) for trail location studies in Brookside, Fultondale, and Center Point. The Five Mile Creek Trail Location Study was completed in April 2008.
The main feature of the Five Mile Creek Greenway is a 16.5 mile path planned on the CSX Cane Creek Rail Line. This historic mineral rail line is planned to be developed as a multi-use trail. Money has been programmed for the acquisition of the Cane Creek Rail Trail through the MPO. Matching funds will be provided through fund raising and local grants.
![Reblog this post [with Zemanta]](http://img.zemanta.com/reblog_e.png?x-id=9e99ddc6-7f97-479f-a981-960001ecd887)
The RPCGB and the Fountain Heights Neighborhood Association presented the 16th Street Corridor Study and Conceptual Streetscape Plan to the City of Birmingham Planning Commission and City Council. The City of Birmingham Planning Commission adopted the 16th Street Corridor Study and Conceptual Streetscape Plan on May 5th, 2010. The City of Birmingham City Council adopted the 16th Street Corridor Study and Conceptual Streetscape Plan on May 11th, 2010. The Fountain Heights Neighborhood Association and the City of Birmingham have requested assistance from the Regional Planning Commission through the Building Communities Program to complete this study. For additional information please contact Richard Amore, Senior Planner with the RPCGB at ramore@rpcgb.org.
City of Leeds Master Plan
The RPCGB continue to move forward on the City of Leeds Master Plan 2010. The RPCGB met with several stakeholders during the month of May and is moving forward with the stakeholder involvement process during the month of June in guiding the future direction of the Master Plan. The RPCGB is in the process of putting together a stakeholder advisory committee for the City of Leeds Master Plan. The RPCGB looks forward to kicking off the public involvement meetings in the coming months once the existing conditions analysis is completed. The City of Leeds has requested assistance from the RPCGB through the Building Communities Program to complete the master plan for the city. For additional information please contact Richard Amore, Senior Planner with the RPCGB at ramore@rpcgb.org.
To see a complete list of community planning projects completed over the last year, visit the Community Planning section of the RPCGB website.
Greenway Project Moves Forward
A long anticipated greenway project has taken another step towards completion with help from RPCGB. In April 2009, a Building Communities Grant was awarded to complete a "Strategic Plan for the Implementation of the Five Mile Creek Trail Location Study." The implementation study will be modeled after the PATH Foundation, a 501c3 nonprofit organization in Atlanta with a mission of develop a system of interlinking greenway trails from commuting and recreation.
Plans for the Five Mile Creek Greenway began with an 8-mile section of greenway on Five Mile Creek funded by Sloss Industries (now Walter Coke) as part of a Supplemental Environmental Plan agreement. Sloss also set aside property on the creek in conservation easements and planted trees. RPCGB and Cawaco RC&D Council in cooperation with Sloss produced the Five Mile Creek Greenway Master Plan in 2005. RPCGB took the project another step by securing funding through the Metropolitan Planning Organization (MPO) for trail location studies in Brookside, Fultondale, and Center Point. The Five Mile Creek Trail Location Study was completed in April 2008.
The main feature of the Five Mile Creek Greenway is a 16.5 mile path planned on the CSX Cane Creek Rail Line. This historic mineral rail line is planned to be developed as a multi-use trail. Money has been programmed for the acquisition of the Cane Creek Rail Trail through the MPO. Matching funds will be provided through fund raising and local grants.
Local fishermen (and their families) in Dauphin Island are in time of need. As you are probably aware, Federal and State waters in and around Dauphin Island were recently closed due to the ongoing oil spill situation. This prevents local fisherman from being able to work and support their families on a regular basis. While some have been hired through the local "Vessels of Opportunity" program, many have not been able to get another job since the spill.
The Dauphin Island Foundation is the local entity to assist with any contributions and distribution request.
Thank you again for your willingness to help. Please feel free to contact me if you need any additional information regarding this matter.
Best Regards,
Jeff Collier Mayor
Dauphin Island, Alabama Jeffrey Collier [jwcollier4@hotmail.com]![Reblog this post [with Zemanta]](http://img.zemanta.com/reblog_e.png?x-id=bfdb4254-14d1-4021-b004-7eb5f168afe3)
The Dauphin Island Foundation is the local entity to assist with any contributions and distribution request.
Thank you again for your willingness to help. Please feel free to contact me if you need any additional information regarding this matter.
Best Regards,
Jeff Collier Mayor
Dauphin Island, Alabama Jeffrey Collier [jwcollier4@hotmail.com]
Vulcan's
106th Birthday Bash - Jun 6
During this festive outdoor community event, the park will be filled with balloons, clowns, music, entertainment, food, fun and more in honor of Vulcan's special day.
Stevenson Depot Days - Jun 10-13
An old-fashioned festival that celebrates its railroad heritage with parade, pioneer breakfast, street dance, storytelling, clogging, museum tours, and other period entertainment. The festival also features Pro Lawnmower Racing, Alabama Bug jam, free concerts, and much, much, more.
Alex City Jazz Fest & Historic Marker Dedication - Jun 11-12
Come and help celebrate the 100th anniversary of the Alexander City Chamber of Commerce on Friday, June 11 and the dedication of an historic marker to commemorate 2010: The Year of Small Towns and Downtowns. Local dignitaries will speak and refreshments will be served (hours TBA). Then on Friday and Saturday evening, join in the celebration of the 20th anniversary of the Alex City Jazz Fest hosted by Russell Lands. First held to thank the customers of Frohsin's Department Store and the citizens of Alexander City, this free annual milestone event will feature a music headliner and special activities on Friday in Strand Park downtown. On Saturday night, activities take place on the shores of Lake Martin at the Amphitheater.
Hank Williams Festival, 31st Annual - Jun 11-12
Tribute to native son, Hank Williams, with country music, arts, crafts, and food.
6th Annual Gulf Coast Hot-Air Balloon Festival - Jun 18-20
Forty-five hot-air balloons are the stars of this festival. See the colorful balloons fly in competitions in the early mornings and glow in the evenings. During the day, enjoy more than 50 arts and crafts vendors, toe-tapping music, a children's village, entertaining shows and festival food with a Southern, coastal flair. New for 2010, 60-ft. kite show.
Alabama Blueberry Festival - Jun 19
Original arts & crafts, live entertainment, antique car show, motorcycle show & ride, children's section, blueberries, blueberry bushes, cookbooks, and T-shirts. Food court with blueberry ice cream.
Helen Keller Festival - Jun 23-27
More than 100 events including headliner music artists, arts and crafts, parade, athletic events, vintage car and truck show, Keller Kids educational activities, historic tours and trolley rides to Spring Park.
25th Anniversary Liberty Day Celebration - Jun 25-26
"Small Towns and Down Towns" event and historic marker dedication. Events will include arts, crafts, food, children's carnival & activities, Classic Cars Cruise-In, museums, military displays, live music both Friday night and all day Saturday, Hall of Memories (First Baptist Church), Miss Shelby County and Miss Alabama signing autographs, walking tours, patriotic parade, fireworks display, and more.
Star Wars: Where Science Meets Imagination - Jun 25-6
It's the largest temporary exhibit in the Space Center's history. It will fill the Center's original building with props from all six movies in the Star Wars saga, along with many interactive exhibits, hands-on displays and laboratories - where guests can conduct their own scientific experiments on magnetic levitation and experience augmented virtual reality.![Reblog this post [with Zemanta]](http://img.zemanta.com/reblog_e.png?x-id=c9bd5a46-f944-431d-bb0b-72b0a8183b6d)
During this festive outdoor community event, the park will be filled with balloons, clowns, music, entertainment, food, fun and more in honor of Vulcan's special day.
Stevenson Depot Days - Jun 10-13
An old-fashioned festival that celebrates its railroad heritage with parade, pioneer breakfast, street dance, storytelling, clogging, museum tours, and other period entertainment. The festival also features Pro Lawnmower Racing, Alabama Bug jam, free concerts, and much, much, more.
Alex City Jazz Fest & Historic Marker Dedication - Jun 11-12
Come and help celebrate the 100th anniversary of the Alexander City Chamber of Commerce on Friday, June 11 and the dedication of an historic marker to commemorate 2010: The Year of Small Towns and Downtowns. Local dignitaries will speak and refreshments will be served (hours TBA). Then on Friday and Saturday evening, join in the celebration of the 20th anniversary of the Alex City Jazz Fest hosted by Russell Lands. First held to thank the customers of Frohsin's Department Store and the citizens of Alexander City, this free annual milestone event will feature a music headliner and special activities on Friday in Strand Park downtown. On Saturday night, activities take place on the shores of Lake Martin at the Amphitheater.
Hank Williams Festival, 31st Annual - Jun 11-12
Tribute to native son, Hank Williams, with country music, arts, crafts, and food.
6th Annual Gulf Coast Hot-Air Balloon Festival - Jun 18-20
Forty-five hot-air balloons are the stars of this festival. See the colorful balloons fly in competitions in the early mornings and glow in the evenings. During the day, enjoy more than 50 arts and crafts vendors, toe-tapping music, a children's village, entertaining shows and festival food with a Southern, coastal flair. New for 2010, 60-ft. kite show.
Alabama Blueberry Festival - Jun 19
Original arts & crafts, live entertainment, antique car show, motorcycle show & ride, children's section, blueberries, blueberry bushes, cookbooks, and T-shirts. Food court with blueberry ice cream.
Helen Keller Festival - Jun 23-27
More than 100 events including headliner music artists, arts and crafts, parade, athletic events, vintage car and truck show, Keller Kids educational activities, historic tours and trolley rides to Spring Park.
25th Anniversary Liberty Day Celebration - Jun 25-26
"Small Towns and Down Towns" event and historic marker dedication. Events will include arts, crafts, food, children's carnival & activities, Classic Cars Cruise-In, museums, military displays, live music both Friday night and all day Saturday, Hall of Memories (First Baptist Church), Miss Shelby County and Miss Alabama signing autographs, walking tours, patriotic parade, fireworks display, and more.
Star Wars: Where Science Meets Imagination - Jun 25-6
It's the largest temporary exhibit in the Space Center's history. It will fill the Center's original building with props from all six movies in the Star Wars saga, along with many interactive exhibits, hands-on displays and laboratories - where guests can conduct their own scientific experiments on magnetic levitation and experience augmented virtual reality.
Some 30 towns across Alabama were on display starting this Saturday and during Saturday mornings in June as part of the Alabama Tourism Department's June Walking Tours. A variety of community leaders will lead the free tours through the historic districts or courthouse square areas of their hometowns. The hour-long tours will start at 10 a.m. on June 5, 12, 19, and 26. The June Walking Tours are part of state tourism's "Year of Alabama Small Towns and Downtowns" state-wide promotion.
Towns and starting places for the June Walking Tours are: Ashland, Ashland City Hall; Ashville, St. Clair Tourism Office; Athens, Limestone County Courthouse Annex Parking Lot; Atmore, Heritage Park; Birmingham, Birmingham Civil Rights Institute; Cullman, Cullman County Museum; Courtland, Park on the Square; Decatur, Delano Park Rose Garden; Demopolis, City Hall; Enterprise, Rawls Hotel; Eufaula, Chamber of Commerce Depot; Fairhope, Fairhope Welcome Center; Florence, various starting locations; Gadsden, Pitman Theatre; Gordo, Chamber of Commerce; Guntersville, Chamber of Commerce; Hartselle, Historic Depot; Hayneville, Lowndes County Courthouse; Homewood, City Hall. Huntsville, Constitution Village (June 5 & 12 only); Madison, Madison Roundhouse (June 19 & 26 only); Monroeville, Old Courthouse Museum; Montevallo, Chamber of Commerce; Montgomery; Montgomery Visitor Center; Oak Hill, Bethel ARP Church; Prattville, Autauga County Heritage Center; Selma, Dallas County Public Library; Scottsboro, Jackson County Heritage Center; Sheffield, Sheffield Municipal Building; Silas, Silas Community Center; Sylacauga, B.B. Comer Library; Thomasville, Thomasville Civic Center; Tuscumbia, ColdWater Bookstore; Tuskegee, Tuskegee Human and Civil Rights Multicultural Center; Wetumpka, Chamber of Commerce.
The tours are being coordinated by Brian Jones with the Alabama Tourism Department. "Alabama is the only state in the nation to hold statewide, simultaneous walking tours. The beauty of the June Walking Tours is that any community, whether big or small, can do this. We have done more than 1,000 walking tours since the beginning of the program seven years ago and they keep increasing in popularity every year," Jones said. More information about the June Walking Tours is available by going online at www.alabama.travel or by calling 1-800-ALABAMA.
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Towns and starting places for the June Walking Tours are: Ashland, Ashland City Hall; Ashville, St. Clair Tourism Office; Athens, Limestone County Courthouse Annex Parking Lot; Atmore, Heritage Park; Birmingham, Birmingham Civil Rights Institute; Cullman, Cullman County Museum; Courtland, Park on the Square; Decatur, Delano Park Rose Garden; Demopolis, City Hall; Enterprise, Rawls Hotel; Eufaula, Chamber of Commerce Depot; Fairhope, Fairhope Welcome Center; Florence, various starting locations; Gadsden, Pitman Theatre; Gordo, Chamber of Commerce; Guntersville, Chamber of Commerce; Hartselle, Historic Depot; Hayneville, Lowndes County Courthouse; Homewood, City Hall. Huntsville, Constitution Village (June 5 & 12 only); Madison, Madison Roundhouse (June 19 & 26 only); Monroeville, Old Courthouse Museum; Montevallo, Chamber of Commerce; Montgomery; Montgomery Visitor Center; Oak Hill, Bethel ARP Church; Prattville, Autauga County Heritage Center; Selma, Dallas County Public Library; Scottsboro, Jackson County Heritage Center; Sheffield, Sheffield Municipal Building; Silas, Silas Community Center; Sylacauga, B.B. Comer Library; Thomasville, Thomasville Civic Center; Tuscumbia, ColdWater Bookstore; Tuskegee, Tuskegee Human and Civil Rights Multicultural Center; Wetumpka, Chamber of Commerce.
The tours are being coordinated by Brian Jones with the Alabama Tourism Department. "Alabama is the only state in the nation to hold statewide, simultaneous walking tours. The beauty of the June Walking Tours is that any community, whether big or small, can do this. We have done more than 1,000 walking tours since the beginning of the program seven years ago and they keep increasing in popularity every year," Jones said. More information about the June Walking Tours is available by going online at www.alabama.travel or by calling 1-800-ALABAMA.
Some 30 towns across Alabama will be on display during Saturday mornings in June as part of the Alabama Tourism Department's June Walking Tours. A variety of community leaders will lead the free tours through the historic districts or courthouse square areas of their hometowns. The hour-long tours will start at 10 a.m. on June 5, 12, 19, and 26. The June Walking Tours are part of state tourism's "Year of Alabama Small Towns and Downtowns" state-wide promotion.
Towns and starting places for the June Walking Tours are: Ashland, Ashland City Hall; Ashville, St. Clair Tourism Office; Athens, Limestone County Courthouse Annex Parking Lot; Atmore, Heritage Park; Birmingham, Birmingham Civil Rights Institute; Courtland, Park on the Square; Decatur, Delano Park Rose Garden; Demopolis, City Hall; Enterprise, Rawls Hotel; Eufaula, Chamber of Commerce Depot; Fairhope, Fairhope Welcome Center; Florence, various starting locations; Gadsden, City Hall Gazebo; Gordo, Chamber of Commerce; Guntersville, Chamber of Commerce; Hartselle, Historic Depot; Hayneville, Lowndes County Courthouse; Homewood, City Hall. Huntsville, Constitution Village (June 5 & 12 only); Madison, Madison Roundhouse (June 19 & 26 only); Monroeville, Old Courthouse Museum; Montevallo, Chamber of Commerce; Montgomery; Montgomery Visitor Center; Oak Hill, Bethel ARP Church; Prattville, Autauga County Heritage Center; Selma, Dallas County Public Library; Scottsboro, Jackson County Heritage Center; Sheffield, Sheffield Municipal Building; Silas, Silas Community Center; Sylacauga, B.B. Comer Library; Thomasville, Thomasville Civic Center; Tuscumbia, ColdWater Bookstore; Tuskegee, Tuskegee Human and Civil Rights Multicultural Center; Wetumpka, Chamber of Commerce.
The tours are being coordinated by Brian Jones with the Alabama Tourism Department. "Alabama is the only state in the nation to hold statewide, simultaneous walking tours. The beauty of the June Walking Tours is that any community, whether big or small, can do this. We have done more than 1,000 walking tours since the beginning of the program seven years ago and they keep increasing in popularity every year," Jones said. More information about the June Walking Tours is available by going online at www.alabama.travel or by calling 1-800-ALABAMA.
Towns and starting places for the June Walking Tours are: Ashland, Ashland City Hall; Ashville, St. Clair Tourism Office; Athens, Limestone County Courthouse Annex Parking Lot; Atmore, Heritage Park; Birmingham, Birmingham Civil Rights Institute; Courtland, Park on the Square; Decatur, Delano Park Rose Garden; Demopolis, City Hall; Enterprise, Rawls Hotel; Eufaula, Chamber of Commerce Depot; Fairhope, Fairhope Welcome Center; Florence, various starting locations; Gadsden, City Hall Gazebo; Gordo, Chamber of Commerce; Guntersville, Chamber of Commerce; Hartselle, Historic Depot; Hayneville, Lowndes County Courthouse; Homewood, City Hall. Huntsville, Constitution Village (June 5 & 12 only); Madison, Madison Roundhouse (June 19 & 26 only); Monroeville, Old Courthouse Museum; Montevallo, Chamber of Commerce; Montgomery; Montgomery Visitor Center; Oak Hill, Bethel ARP Church; Prattville, Autauga County Heritage Center; Selma, Dallas County Public Library; Scottsboro, Jackson County Heritage Center; Sheffield, Sheffield Municipal Building; Silas, Silas Community Center; Sylacauga, B.B. Comer Library; Thomasville, Thomasville Civic Center; Tuscumbia, ColdWater Bookstore; Tuskegee, Tuskegee Human and Civil Rights Multicultural Center; Wetumpka, Chamber of Commerce.
The tours are being coordinated by Brian Jones with the Alabama Tourism Department. "Alabama is the only state in the nation to hold statewide, simultaneous walking tours. The beauty of the June Walking Tours is that any community, whether big or small, can do this. We have done more than 1,000 walking tours since the beginning of the program seven years ago and they keep increasing in popularity every year," Jones said. More information about the June Walking Tours is available by going online at www.alabama.travel or by calling 1-800-ALABAMA.
