Good News in Birmingham

Jim ‘N Nicks’s Donates $10,000 To Aid UAB Breast Cancer Patients

Andre Natta — Fri, 22 Jun 2007 20:57:35 +0000

BIRMINGHAM, Ala. – Birmingham-based Jim ‘N Nick’s Bar-B-Q restaurants have donated $10,000 to the University of Alabama at Birmingham (UAB) Breast Health Center to help patients defray some of the costs associated with starting and completing breast cancer treatments.

The company’s donation will help provide gas cards, meal tickets and hotel vouchers for patients and their families if they are unable to cover some of the personal costs of traveling to The Kirklin Clinic at UAB for breast cancer treatments.

In some cases, the donation also may help some families with the costs of funeral arrangements for their loved ones.

“Breast cancer just touches so many lives. And it can be devastating to families,” said Sam Burn, a company spokesman for Jim ‘N Nick’s. “We decided several years back this was the kind of cause worth getting behind.”

For the past six years the restaurant’s owners and managers have partnered with the UAB Breast Health Center through its volunteer survivor group, Angel Squad. Jim ‘N Nick’s invites Angel Squad members to help staff its Trussville, Gardendale, Homewood, 5 Points South, U.S. 280 and Riverchase restaurants for a day each October to raise awareness about breast cancer and survivorship.

The Angel Squad members spend the day at the restaurants handing out cancer education literature and answering questions about screening, diagnosis, treatment and survivorship. They also serve as greeters, offer to sell $10 Jim ‘N Nick’s gift certificates and explain why there is a National Mammography Day each October. All involved wear T-shirts printed with the Angel Squad logo during the day-long event.

“Through the generosity of donors like Jim ‘N Nick’s, we also are able to continue our mission of education and patient support,” said Mamie Van Dyke of the Angel Squad. “In addition to helping pay the personal expenses for some patients, we also have volunteers that aid in comforting patients, walking them through their treatment journey and helping them inform and comfort their families.”

Burn said Jim ‘N Nick’s managers and employees consider the Angel Squad and its mission a most worthy outlet for its corporate support.

“The Angel Squad stands out to us because they represent the power of community. They are a community of survivors that come together to help others, and make a difference in people’s lives,” Burn said.

For more information on the Angel Squad, go to www.angelsquad.org. For more information on Jim ‘N Nick’s Bar-B-Q restaurants got to www.jimnnicks.com.

Help Raise Money for Lakeshore Foundation @ the XTERRA Southeast Championship Triathlon

TechBirmingham — Fri, 01 Jun 2007 02:54:35 +0000

Help raise money for the Lakeshore Foundation by volunteering for the upcoming XTERRA Southeast Championship. Lakeshore Foundation is a not-for-profit organization that promotes independence for persons with physically disabling conditions and opportunities to pursue active healthy lifestyles. By volunteering for the event you will not only help the Lakeshore Foundation earn money, but you will also have the opportunity to be involved in a fun-filled weekend of XTERRA racing.

All money raised at the XTERRA Southeast Championship will go to support Lakeshore Foundation’s Camp S.T.R.I.V.E., which will be held the last weekend in June for children with physical disabilities, ages 3-12, and their families. The aim of the camp is to Support families, Teach kids skills, Raise expectations, Instill possibilities, Value difference, and Experience adventure.

We need volunteers for the following days, times, and events. Volunteer Check-In will be at the XTERRA Expo at Oak Mountain State Park.

Friday, June 8, 6PM start: XTERRA Oak Mountain Scramble (5K and 10K Trail Runs)
5PM Volunteer Check-in. Volunteers needed for up to 2 hours.

Saturday, June 9, 10:30AM-4PM: XTERRA Kid’s Zone
10AM Check-in at XTERRA Kid’s Zone tent

Sunday, June 10, 8AM start: XTERRA Sport (750m swim/ 14K MTB/ 5K trail run) AND Duathlon (3K run/ 14K MTB/ 5K run)
9:30AM start: XTERRA Championship (1.5K swim/ 29K MTB/ 10K trail run)
7AM Volunteer Check-In. Volunteers needed for 4 to 7 hours.

* All volunteers will receive an XTERRA crew support t-shirt. Saturday and Sunday volunteers will also receive lunch. We will double the donation to Lakeshore Foundation for all Sunday volunteers who help out 4+ hours.

What experience or qualifications are required to be an XTERRA volunteer?
-No experience necessary
-You must be at least 15 years old, or 12, if accompanied by an adult
-You must have a willingness and desire to help others
-You must have a few hours to spare

What volunteer positions are available?
-Course Marshal for Bike or Run: Direct athletes through the course.
-Feed Station for Bike or Run: Maintain aid station area and distribute water to racers.
-Athlete Recovery: Help set-up and distribute food and drinks for athletes.
-Transition Area: Help athletes make transition from swim to bike, and bike to run.
-Timing: Assist with body marking. Help with timing at the start, transition, or finish line.
-XTERRA Kid’s Base Camp: Help children conquer an obstacle course and assist with kid’s bike and run races.

Please email or call the XTERRA Volunteer Coordinator, Kristin Francis, with any questions: cell (808) 870-0529; email Kristin@xterraplanet.com . Or just show up at the times posted above and we will find you an exciting spot. Hope to see you there!

If you are planning to volunteer, please contact me, and I will send you an XTERRA Volunteer Park Entry pass for free admission into the park.

Kate Campbell Concert to benefit Greater Birmingham Ministries

cp — Tue, 22 May 2007 17:00:27 +0000

Southern singer/songwriter, Kate Campbell, will give a concert to benefit the programs of GBM on Thursday, June 14th at 7:00pm at the Unitarian Universalist Church (for directions visit www.uucbham.org/location). A ticket for the concert is a $20 tax-deductible donation. Advance ticket purchases are strongly encouraged. Only a limited number of tickets will be sold at the door the night of the concert. The concert is generously underwritten by Mary Johnson-Butterworth and Chuck Butterworth with in-kind support from Accu-Print.

Tickets may be purchased by calling me or Gracie Johnson at 326-6821. Information regarding ticket sales at area venues will be available on the GBM website (www.gbm.org) within the week. If you would like to make an additional donation to provide tickets for the low-income individuals and families we serve, contact me at Melissa@gbm.org.

Originally from Sledge, Mississippi, the daughter of a Baptist preacher, Kate Campbell’s formative years were forged by the Civil Rights Movement of the 1960s, and those indelible experiences continue to inform her music. Kate’s eloquent gift for storytelling has drawn repeated comparisons to southern writers such as Eudora Welty, Flannery O’Connor, and William Faulkner. Her music has been featured on NPR’s Morning Edition, All Things Considered, Car Talk, and Mountain Stage. Kate’s newest CD, For the Living of These Days, is her eleventh. To learn more about her music visit www.katecampbell.com.

GBM is excited to host this concert by Kate Campbell, and we look forward to your joining us for an evening of celebration, fellowship and music!

EWTN to hold Family Celebration this summer

cp — Wed, 18 Apr 2007 17:26:20 +0000

IRONDALE, AL (CNA): The Eternal Word Television Network (EWTN) will hold a Family Celebration this summer.

“Following the network’s 25th anniversary celebration last summer, we heard so many wonderful comments that we decided to invite our EWTN Family back to Birmingham this year,” said EWTN president Michael P. Warsaw.

The theme of this year’s event will be the Eucharist. Fr. Benedict Groeschel, CFR, Marcus Grodi, Mother Assumpta Long, OP, and Fr. Antoine Thomas, FJ, are among the featured speakers at the event to be held at the Birmingham Jefferson Civic Center, July 21-22.

The celebration is free. Participants have the opportunity to attend Mass, spend time in Eucharistic adoration, be part of a EWTN Live Show audience and meet some of the EWTN hosts.

There will be a special program for children at the on-site EWTN Faith Factory, featuring children’s programming hosts Br. Leo and the Dominican Sisters from the popular “Truth in the Heart” series. There will also be a special Children’s Holy Hour.

Jackson-Olin senior wins National Achievement Scholarships

cp — Tue, 10 Apr 2007 19:42:58 +0000

found online

The Birmingham Times
Originally posted 4/5/2007

Shannon Gray, a senior at Jackson-Olin High School, has won a National Achievement Scholarship.

She is one of 19 Alabama public high school students were named winners of the prestigious scholarships for undergraduate study today.

Alabama’s winners are among the more than 800 African-American high school seniors in the nation who will share more than $2.5 million in scholarships.

Miss Gray will receive one of 700 National Achievement $2,500 Scholarships from the National Merit Scholarship Corporation (NMSC).

Miss Gray, who attended Ensley High School until it was merged with Jackson-Olin this school year, is the valedictorian of her class. She has a 4.357 grade point average. She plans to major in nursing and is in the process of making her final choice of which college to attend.

“It is great to see that one of our students has made such a wonderful achievement,” said Superintendent Dr. Stan L. Mims. “She certainly is an outstanding student, and we know that she will go far in life with the kind of abilities and motivation that she has.”

The National Achievement Program is a privately financed, academic competition established in 1964 specifically to honor scholastically talented African-American youth. NMSC, a not-for-profit organization that operates without government assistance, conducts the minority scholarship program. Since 1964, almost 28,000 students have earned scholarships worth approximately $88 million.

Alabama’s National Achievement Scholars were chosen from more than 140,000 students who requested consideration when they took the 2005 Preliminary PSAT/National Merit Scholarship Qualifying Test (PSAT/NMSQT) as high school juniors. NMSC narrowed the field to approximately 1,600 semifinalists, who had to fulfill requirements for finalist standing to compete for Achievement Scholarships.

AT&T Announces 2007 AT&T Excelerator Grant Program in Alabama

TechBirmingham — Tue, 03 Apr 2007 03:39:13 +0000

$9 Million Program Pledges To Build Stronger Communities By Providing
Technology Access and Tools For Nonprofit Organizations In Alabama.

BIRMINGHAM, Ala., April 2 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ — The AT&T Foundation
- the philanthropic arm of AT&T Inc. (NYSE: T) – today launched the 2007
AT&T Excelerator competitive technology grant program. In its sixth year,
AT&T Excelerator will provide $9 million to regional and local nonprofit
organizations in Alabama and 21 other states, for projects that use
technology to build stronger communities.
“Since 2002, AT&T has provided grants to nonprofits for technology
tools that dramatically impact lives,” said Tom Hamby, president of AT&T
Alabama. “AT&T is committed to improving these vital organizations’
operations and resources that, in turn, benefit everyone in our
communities.”
Since its inception in 2002, the AT&T Excelerator program has awarded
more than 2,500 technology grants totaling more than $47.8 million to a
diverse range of nonprofits. These grants help organizations meet their
overall goals by improving technology resources, including hardware,
software and networking tools. This year, the AT&T Foundation is expanding
the Excelerator grant program into AT&T Southeast’s nine-state service
area. Of the $9 million committed to the 2007 program, $3 million has been
allocated to nonprofit organizations in the Southeast region.
AT&T Excelerator Grants can be applied in many ways. For example, in
Michigan, Leader Dogs for the Blind used a 2006 AT&T Excelerator grant to
fund technology that assisted blind and visually impaired individuals. In
California, Women’s Intercultural Network received an Excelerator grant for
its Connecting California Women’s Voices program. And in Texas, Friends of
the Dallas Public Library Inc. used the funds to support a teen center that
provided various technology tools and training.
For 2007, the AT&T Excelerator grant program will be open to nonprofit
organizations located in Alabama, Arkansas, California, Connecticut,
Florida, Georgia, Illinois, Indiana, Kansas, Kentucky, Louisiana, Michigan,
Mississippi, Missouri, Nevada, North Carolina, Ohio, Oklahoma, South
Carolina, Tennessee, Texas, and Wisconsin. The 2007 AT&T Excelerator grant
program will award individual grants ranging from $2,500 to $25,000 that
are one year in length. Collaborations by two or more organizations will be
considered for grants of up to $50,000 for one year.
AT&T Excelerator grants help nonprofit organizations improve their
operations and build stronger communities through:
– Internet Access. Networked, high speed access to the Internet and e-
mail.
– Data Networking. Network connectivity enabling easy sharing of database

applications and information systems.
– Online Outreach. Interactive, Web-based applications that support
activities such as service delivery, volunteer recruiting, and e-
fundraising.
– Staff Technology Capacity. Technology-training programs for nonprofit
staff members.
– Pooled Technology Resources. Programs that work to address the
technology needs of multiple nonprofits.
To qualify for an AT&T Excelerator grant, an organization must
emphasize education, community development, health and human services, or
arts and culture. Grant funds may be used for data communications services,
hardware, software, technology training, personnel, and application
development. Additionally, no fewer than 50 percent of project grant funds
must be used to target underserved populations, including racial and ethnic
groups, low-income populations, seniors, or disabled persons.
Interested organizations can apply for this year’s grant by downloading
a copy of the 2007 request for proposals (RFP) from
http://www.att.com/excelerator. All proposals must be received at the
state-specific address provided in the RFP no later than 5 p.m., May 4,
2007. Additional guidelines and restrictions are available for review in
the 2007 AT&T Excelerator application.
The AT&T Excelerator program is a key component of AT&T AccessAll, a
$100 million philanthropic initiative to provide technology access to the
organizations that work to strengthen underserved communities. Helping
nonprofits integrate technology into their operations and community
outreach, AT&T Excelerator grants also place technology tools into the
hands of underserved populations and provide resources such as Internet
access, computer training, math and reading programs, and job-skills
development.
About Philanthropy at AT&T
AT&T Inc. supports programs that strengthen communities; improve access
to information technology and technology training; advance education; and
enhance professional-skills development. In 2006, AT&T contributed more
than $101 million through corporate-, employee- and AT&T Foundation-giving
programs. AT&T AccessAll, the company’s signature philanthropic initiative,
is a $100 million program that connects families and communities with
technology that can improve lives. AT&T and the AT&T Foundation, the
philanthropic arm of AT&T, combine more than $1.8 billion of historic
charitable commitment to communities across the country.

World Class Soccer Returns to Birmingham!

cp — Mon, 26 Mar 2007 16:13:21 +0000

The 2007 International Soccer Festival, April 22-28, is one of only 4 world-wide international women’s soccer events of its kind outside of the Olympics and World Cup. Opening ceremonies and the first two matches are at Legion Field, home of the 1996 Olympic Soccer matches in Birmingham. There will be a free youth soccer clinic at each of the six venues.

Bracket A: USA, China, Trinidad/Tobago
Bracket B: Mexico, Argentina, Canada

Sunday 4/22:
5pm (Birmingham) USA vs. China
2pm (Birmingham) Mexico vs. Canada

Tuesday 4/24:
7:30pm (Huntsville) USA vs. Trinidad/Tobago
7:30pm (Montgomery) Argentina vs. Canada

Thursday 4/26:
7:30pm (Tuscaloosa) China vs. Trinidad/Tobago
7:30pm (Decatur) Mexico vs. Argentina

Saturday 4/28:
2pm & 5pm (Mobile) Consolation matches (Consolation matches based on match-up priorities: Mexico vs. China; USA vs. Mexico; USA vs. Argentina; Canada vs. China)
7:30pm (Mobile) Championship – Bracket A winner vs. Bracket B winner

Full details at http://www.2007futbolinternacional.com/

Music Conference Brings Awareness to HIV/AIDS Pandemic

cp — Tue, 06 Mar 2007 20:39:21 +0000

Birmingham, AL – March 6, 2007 – The 4th Annual Message in the Music Gospel Showcase, Conference and Concert (formerly I Hear Music in the Air – Birmingham founded by Tracey Artis) will once again be hosted in the historic city of Birmingham, AL. Heralded as one of the best new artist showcases in the Southeastern Region, this stellar showcase is scheduled for March 30 – March 31, 2007, at Cathedral of the Cross 1480 Centerpoint Parkway, Bham, AL 35215.

The “LET IT BE REAL NEW ARTIST SHOWCASE SPONSORED BY COCA-COLA” will bring over 2000 music enthusiasts together to find Gospel’s Hottest New ARTIST. Birmingham which has birthed out American idols, is now the birthing place for Gospel artists who want to pursue a career in Gospel music. The new artist showcase will have a new face this year as Minister Deitrick Haddon takes center stage as host of this exciting event, on Friday, March 30, 2007, 6:30pm.

The Message in the Music Workshops held on Saturday, March 31, 2007 from 9am – 12pm will illustrate and give inside information about the music industry as taught by the record executives of Sony/BMG, Optimus Entertainment Group and The Artist Company. Singers, songwriters and musicians won’t want to miss this opportunity to network with those that have paved the way for the some of the biggest names in Gospel Music.

The Message in the Music Crusade will to be the highlight of the weekend as artists such as Montrell Darrett, Dewayne Coleman and The Selvey Singers set an atmosphere of worship for the presence of God. The Message in the Music Crusade is partnering with AIDS Alabama and the Jefferson County Department of Health to provide onsite HIV/AIDS Testing, lecturers and STD Testing. The HIV/AIDS PANDEMIC has become the African Americans new SILENT KILLER. According to a recent article published by World HIV/AIDS, “The AIDS pandemic is the most devastating humanitarian disaster of our time, leaving a generation of children in jeopardy. AIDS has already orphaned 15 million children. In 2006 alone, it killed an estimated 380,000 children under the age of 15. AIDS destabilizes families and entire societies, leaving children without the care and support necessary to grow up, survive or thrive.”

For information or to register: http://www.justbereelgospel.com
Contact: jbreel@aol.com
Phone: (205) 529-2404

Brookside Greenway Festival / 3.17.07

cp — Thu, 01 Mar 2007 01:59:47 +0000

“Nestled along Five Mile Creek, about twenty minutes northwest of Birmingham, sits a community rich in history, waiting to be rediscovered. Formerly a thriving mining town, Brookside’s coal driven economy crashed in the 1920’s. A depreciating coal market and United Mine Workers strike forced the local mining company to close its doors. The community never recovered and maintained a down hill spiral that reached catastrophic proportions, in 2003, when a violent storm caused Five Mile Creek to breach its banks.” – from the History of Brookside Alabama.

Hike, Canoe, Fish, Bike, Run, and tour historic graveyards… explore a part of Birmingham seldom visited even by locals.

Brookside Greenway Festival
Saturday March 17, 2007
Brookside Alabama on Five Mile Creek

9 am until dark / FREE admission

HIKE:The Five Mile Creek Greenway walking path along Five Mile Creek to Founders CemeteryEAT: Wild Game Food featuring Russian Boar from 11 am – 2 pm
St. Nicholas Russian Orthodox Church Desserts / Purchase tickets at any Brookside Church / $10 for large plate, $5 for small

CANOE: Five Mile Creek / Short family rides or 2 hour adventure / Sponsored by Five Mile Canoe and Company / Sign up for rides at the festival

FISH: Five Mile Creek / Brookside Greenway Fishing Tournament / Starts 8 am

ROAD BICYCLE RIDE: (unsupported) / The “Frenchie” Negron Classic / Starts at 9 am

MOUNTAIN BIKE RACE: Wild West Challenge / Starts 10 am / All-terrain 6 mile loop

5K GREENWAY RUN: 5K run, 1 k fun run / Starts at 8 am

TOUR HISTORIC GRAVEYARDS
Guided tour of the local historic graveyards-Russian orthodox, Founders Cemetery and the grave of a revolutionary war solider.

To register for Greenway Run, Fishing Tournament or Mountain Bike Wild West Challenge: www.active.com / Benefits the development of the Five Mile Creek Greenway

SPONSORED BY: Five Mile Canoe and Company, Cawaco RC&D Council, Five Mile Creek Greenway Partnership

The following forms are provided in Adobe PDF format.

Events Poster
Bridge to Bridge Arts and Crafts
Fishing Tournament
Old Fashioned 5 K and Fun Run
Frenchie Negron Classic Bike Ride
Mountain Bike Race

Magic City Mission

Wade Kwon — Thu, 15 Feb 2007 13:00:30 +0000

We’re on a mission.

In April, we need 50 Birminghamians with big hearts to travel to the Gulf Coast. These volunteer teams will spend a week in either Biloxi, Miss., or New Orleans, to help with the ongoing rebuilding process, a year and a half after Hurricane Katrina.

I’m working with Hands on Birmingham, a nonprofit volunteer service organization, to organize this trip. I spent a week in New Orleans last fall as a volunteer, and it changed my life.

Come with us. Show that Birmingham still cares deeply about our neighbors along the coast.

I have full details and updates on the Magic City Mission page. Free information meetings take place next week.

Wade