Showplace home in West End combines old with new
A home for sale at 3017 Wenonah Circle in Birmingham’s West End is worthy of any television makeover show.
The one-owner, 1968 red brick rancher with white trim still maintains its mid-century era’s best assets, including original hardwood floors and mature trees. However, extensive remodeling has resulted in an updated neighborhood showplace.
To inquire about this beautiful home click here
Takes A Village Mentoring Program Announces their official kickoff celebration Saturday August 21st 2010
Birmingham, Al August 17, 2010: Takes A Village Mentoring Program in collaboration with New Direction Church kick off our mentoring program Saturday August 21st 2010 5pm-8pm at Abbey Wooley Park in Alabaster, Al We invite parents to come out and encourage them bring their children for an afternoon of Food, Fun, Fellowship and Entertainment! Our target age group is for children between the ages of 12 to 18 We are a group of concerned and empowered young Christian professionals that see a need for positive influence in our children lives. Our purpose is to help lead the next generation to their divine potential and destiny by providing positive examples of how to become great men and women. Our goal is to provide a safe and healthy environment that promotes growth spiritually and mentality. Our foundation is Proverbs 22:6 “Train a child in the way he should go and when he is old he will not turn from it.”
We truly believe it Takes A Village to accomplish this goal! Therefore we are inviting all mentoring programs around the city far and wide to come out and take part in this event. By working together as one common unit we can do so much more. This event is a FREE event!! We look forward to seeing you Saturday August 21st 2010 at Abbey Wooley Park in Alabaster, Al
Press Contacts:
Sly King
205-427-0602
slyking48@gmail.com
Pastor Roderick Sailes
205-492-6006
pastorsailes@hotmail.com
Takes A Village Mentoring Program
P.O Box 614 Montevallo, Al 35115
tavmentoring@gmail.com
NEW REAL ESTATE GROUP EMERGES IN BIRMINGHAM WITH ICONIC INVESTMENTS IN MIND
Birmingham, AL–The Icon Property Group, part of Keller Williams Realty is a new joint venture between realtors Jerome Lee, Jr. and Courtney Jones. Offering a variety of residential and commercial real estate options, the mission of The Icon Property Group is to assist its clients in attaining the dreams of home ownership and successful entrepreneurship.
“We are committed to acting with honesty and integrity, appreciating the value of our clients’ investments. Our goal is to take the homeownership and entrepreneurial experience, exceed the expectations of them and leave a lasting impression and a longstanding relationship,“ said Realtor Jerome Lee, Jr. The Icon Property Group desires each client experience to be positively iconic.
With several years of real estate experience, The Icon Property Group prides itself not only on helping clients find homes, but also providing services for churches, investment properties, commercial and land listings. “Along with our commitment to help clients succeed in the buying and selling process, we are committed to avail ourselves to spiritual, social and civic groups speaking on issues related to home ownership. There’s so much to know, especially in today’s economy. We want to provide insight and knowledge to groups who might not otherwise be made aware,” said Lee. The Icon Property Group feels this call to serve and educate others is an equally important aspect of their business.
The services of The Icon Property Group are available to all. For further information please log on to www.theiconpropertygroup.com, contact them directly at 205-397-6500 or email info@theiconpropertygroup.com For media inquiries please call 205-515-2392.
RLP Spoken Word Poetry Stipend
July 30, 2010 by Russ McClinton
Filed under Community |
Did you know that according to Americans for the Arts, Young people who consistently participate in rigorous arts programs are “four times more likely to be recognized for academic achievement, three times more likely to be elected to class office within their schools” and “four times more likely to win an award for writing an essay or poem.” Did you know that in 2005, Jefferson County (Alabama) cut funding for GIA Grants (grants to individual artists), and in 2008 the Jefferson County Community Arts Fund for arts organizations completely… indefinitely.
To combat this issue, Real Life Poets, Inc (RLP) has established the Real Life Spoken Word Poetry Stipend. This annual grant of up to $1000(*) is awarded to spoken word artists in Jefferson County between the ages of 14 and 22 who show exceptional promise in a career in spoken word poetry and creative writing. The stipend is designed to encourage the entrepreneurial spirit and empower young people with the necessary tools to further their careers in the arts. Applicants are encouraged to be as creative as possible, providing details on projects ranging from producing their works on CD or in print, to annual events that promote spoken word poetry. The RLP Spoken Word Poetry Stipend guidelines and application are now available for download on our website (reallifepoets.org/stipendapplication.pdf). Please review the guidelines for accuracy, and feel free to contact us with any questions. The application deadline is October 29, 2010.
About Real Life Poets, Inc.
Real Life Poets is a 501(c)3 nonprofit organization whose goal is to mentor young adults, encouraging good communication and oratorical skills using spoken word poetry. RLP consist of Emmy® Nominated (APT’s Mr. Dial Has Something to Say) spoken word artists, producers, veteran performers and writers, and initially gained notoriety through their community service, facilitating Operation Mustard seed (free dinner for the needy on 1st Friday’s) as well as Operation Coats for the Cold (RLP Annual Winter Coat Drive). RLP regularly provides spoken word workshops and mentoring opportunities to the youth in our community.
Imagine the impact on the life of a young person whose self esteem has been elevated by attending a RLP Spoken Word Poetry Workshop, or afforded the opportunity to fund and facilitate their dreams through the Real Life Poets Poetry Stipend. RLP encourages young people to participate in the arts within our communities, and helps steer the young people in the direction of experience and opportunity while offering a great degree of supplemental education. Please join us in this effort to change our community by encouraging entrepreneurship and the arts by donating to Real Life Poets, Inc. We thank you for your consideration, and ask that you contact us directly regarding donations or questions.
Sincerely,
John Paul Taylor
Co-founder/Director
Real Life Poets, Inc
phone: 205/585-8271
email: johnpaul@reallifepoets.org
Real Life Poets, Inc is a 501 (c) 3 nonprofit organization. All donations are tax deductible.
* Grant awarded is up to $1000 (not to exceed $1000). Grant will pay for
the services or opportunity outlined in the application directly – no check will be made out to individual grant applicants.
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Media Inquiries: Patrick Johnson 205/837-3707
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Donations: John Paul Taylor 205/585-8271 |
Works of Merci, Competing in the Pepsi Refresh Project
July 21, 2010 by Urbanham
Filed under Community, Community Focus |
Works of Merci, is not for profit organization located in Hoover that services the Birmingham Metropolitan Area. We provide burial/cremation assistance, host a clothes closet, provide fresh non-processed food for the homeless as well as provide a meal delivery service. Our meals are medically appropriate incorporating any dietary restrictions necessary and are individualized. We are currently competing and doing very well for a Pepsi Refresh Grant and need your help. Please vote for Works of Merci daily doing the month of July. Only the top ten vote getters in each monetary category are funded. We began on July 1st at number 251 and are currently at number 55. You may vote from this link http://www.facebook.com/l.php?u=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.refresheverything.com%2Fworksofmerci&h=92719GfRP9Uy2HGHBDQk2Nkx-yQ or you may go to www.pepsirefresh.com and search for works of Merci. That is Merci with an I in the 50k category. We have produced three idols, National Football Champs so lets also make it a Pepsi Refresh Winner. Please vote and promote all month. This would mean a lot to our organization and many people in the community. If you would like to know more about our services, volunteer or make a donation ; Please visit www.worksofmerci.org.
Source: Published on al.com
Lisa Singleton-Works of Merci-Pepsi Refresh also said: Thank you so much for taking the time to speak with me this morning. I really would appreciate anything you could do the help us promote our organization and this project. Should you need to contact me, I may be reached at 205-824-3272. Thanks again.
Local restaurant and community garden a hit with celebrity chef Jeff Henderson
July 21, 2010 by Russ McClinton
Filed under Community, Community Focus, Featured |
Food Network Celebrity Chef and Motivational Speaker Jeff Henderson made the best of his visit to Birmingham with a trip to the Civil Rights Institute, the West End Community Garden and Ga Briella’s Restaurant in the Fourth Avenue Business District.
After visiting the Jefferson County Youth Detention Center, where Chef Jeff dropped some much needed knowledge and a stern conversation to around 20 young men, the popular chef made his way to Hot 107.7 for an hour radio show. After the interview Chef Jeff returned to the West End Community Garden where he saw his first peanut plant. After the garden visit the popular chef dropped in to check out the Civil Rights Institute and ended up at Ga Briella’s Restaurant to grab some home cooking for lunch. After lunch Chef Jeff told one of the family members “I wish I knew about this place two days ago! I can eat here everyday!”
Sicke Cell Disease Town Hall Forum
There are 100,000+ African Americans in this country living and struggling with Sickle Cell Disease. This year marks the 100th year of the discovery of Sickle Cell Disease. Many strides are being made to conquer this disease that leaves many in extreme pain.
On Saturday, July 17, 2010 there will be a Town Hall Forum from 2-6pm, open to the public, at Hotel Highland Conference Center, 2012 Magnolia Avenue South, Birmingham, AL 35205.
This Town Hall Forum is the first of its kind in Birmingham, AL where panels comprised of Sickle Cell adult and children doctors as well as researchers, alternative medical doctors, researchers, nutritionists, personal trainers, and many more professionals from the community will give patients the latest information related to this disease. Healthy eating habits, exercises, and a host of information will be provided for Sickle Cell patients to educate and bring a better awareness of how to help control and deal with the excruciating pain associated with this crimpling disease. There will be a special guest from the Food Network, Chef Jeff, who will demonstrate a meal that is good for Sickle Cell patients. Patients will have the opportunity to voice the needs lacking in the Sickle community and an opportunity to learn how to advocate for themselves and within the community.
If you know anyone who is living with this disease or maybe a parent or caretaker, please encourage them to attend this forum that will equip them with a host of the latest information and knowledge concerning Sickle Cell Disease.
For additional information concerning this Sickle Cell Town Hall Forum please contact Tina Kay Hughes, who also has Sickle Cell Disease, of Chronic Illness Advocacy, Inc. at 205-901-9923 for additional information and/or transportation needs.
Sponsors: Hotel Highland, UFCE (Faces of our Children), Big Boy Entertainment, and Chronic Illness Advocacy, Inc.
RSVP for lunch with Food Network star Chef Jeff Henderson in Five Points South
Urbanham.com is offering an opportunity for local teens to join us for a free catered lunch with Food Network television star and motivational speaker Chef Jeff Henderson. The free lunch, provided by Mission Birmingham, The UFCW, Urbanham.com and the Highland Conference Center, will take place on Saturday July 17, 2010 from 12:30 pm - 2:30 pm. The purpose of the luncheon is to reach out to at risk teens, especially those in the African American community, with a great catered lunch and a special message from world renown chef, Jeff Henderson. Live music will be provided by the Neo Jazz Collective with lunch being provided by the Highland Conference Center.
Chef Jeff Henderson is best known for his popular Food Network television show the Chef Jeff Project in which he works with troubled young adults to help them deal with their problems through the art of cooking. Chef Jeff can relate to at-risk youth since he himself spent almost ten years incarcerated after being convicted of selling drugs as a young man. While incarcerated Chef Jeff discovered cooking after being introduced to the craft by another inmate. After his release from prison, Chef Jeff was determined to become a chef and eventually landed his first job at a popular Las Vegas casino. History was made as Chef Jeff became the first African American chef at the popular Caesars Palace. Today Chef Jeff serves as a popular chef known around the world for his craft with multiple television appearances. His television show will return to the Food Network this fall, he has written two best selling books and travels the United States speaking with at-risk-youth. Actor Will Smith and the company that produced the movie “Pursuit of Happyness” which also starred Smith in the lead role are currently working out a deal to portray the rags-to-riches story of Chef Jeff Henderson in a major motion picture.
Special guest include Mayor William Bell, Division of Youth Services Director Cedric Sparks, Birmingham City Councilor Jay Roberson and several other local officials, community leaders and business owners.
The event is coordinated by Urbanham.com and the Highland Conference Center. Admission is by invitation only and interested parents and teens should RSVP via email at russ@urbanham.com. There are a limited number of seats available for this luncheon and seating is on a first come first serve basis.
Choices Youth Empowerment Luncheon
The Highland Conference Center
2012 Magnolia Avenue - In Five Points South
Birmingham, AL 35205
Phone: (205) 939-4599
For more information on Chef Jeff Henderson please visit the following websites.
WVAS Café Jazz Available Nationwide
July 11, 2010 by Urbanham
Filed under Community, River Region |
Author: Timothy C. Ervin
Release Date: Jul 09, 2010
Listeners around the nation can now enjoy the WVAS-FM program “Café Jazz,” which is produced and hosted by announcer Gene Knight.
“Café Jazz,” a three-hour weekly program hosted and produced by WVAS-FM 90.7 announcer Gene Knight, is now available on other public radio stations nationwide.
The show can now be heard on the Public Radio Satellite System and is being distributed through the African-American Public Radio Consortium (AAPRC).
“Café’ Jazz is for listeners who enjoy good jazz,” Knight said. “I play music from the Big Band Era and Bebop Era. I mix it up for the seasoned and new jazz listeners.”
According to music director Jay Holcey, other public radio stations now have an opportunity to add the WVAS programming to their weekly schedule.
“Public radio stations across the nation are now able to pick up ‘Café’ Jazz’ on the Public Radio Satellite System,” Holcey said. “Even though the show has only been available for a week, it has already drawn interest from radio stations as far away as Texas.”
Café Jazz can still be heard on WVAS-FM 90.7 on Sunday afternoons at 5 p.m. It is the second WVAS program that has become a part of the AAPRC distribution services. The “New Urban Jazz Lounge” hosted by Bob Baldwin airs on WVAS every Saturday afternoon at 4 p.m.
Listeners around the world can listen to WVAS live at the station’s website, www.wvasfm.org.
About Gene Knight
Gene Knight has more than 30 years of extensive photography, filmmaking and cinematography experience. He began his career in Wichita
The Neo Jazz Collective, young and gifted
July 8, 2010 by Russ McClinton
Filed under Community, Featured, Youth Opportunities |
I have been hearing some great things about a local group of talented young musicians and singers assembled by Dr. Lud Yisreal. The group is called the Neo Jazz Collective and over the past two weeks I have witnessed the talent of this group first hand. Dr. Lud has assembled a loyal group of teens that have a love for music which is accompanied by ambition and a high level of respect for their craft. I discovered this after joking with Isaiah Fogle, the 12 year old drummer from the group. I asked Isaiah if he wanted me to show him how to play those drums and he quickly responded with a smile “Sure! I can always learn something!”
The Neo Jazz Collective is a group of young, gifted, professional musicians ranging in age from 11 years old to young adults. Despite band members’ ages, The Collective blends a well-seasoned mixture of jazz, R&B, funk, and neo-soul. The Collective started in Fairfield, Alabama by its founder and director, Dr. Lud Yisrael in 2004. The band itself spawned out of Dr. Yisrael’s frustration with professional adult musicians. Most would not show up to rehearsal consistently, but appear for gigs to get paid. His high standards for musicianship prompted Dr. Yisrael’s refusal to book anymore gigs until his adults cleaned up their acts. Needless to say, that was the beginning of the end.
After going through a number of adult musicians, Dr. Yisrael knew something had to change. He took dedicated musician, guitarist David Curtis and bassist Jabari Brown, his then 13 year old son, Yirmeyahu Yisrael on tenor sax and a keyboard with a drum machine and formed The Neo Jazz Collective.
The band quickly expanded to include trumpeter Whitney Mitchell who soon became the voice of The Collective, alto sax Jaron Ansari, and drummer Stephon Hundley. All were 13 upon joining the group. Dr. Yisrael’s eight year old son, Yah’ el Yisrael eagerly learned one song on piano which he performed at a benefit concert with the band. He wasn’t officially a member until he could learn all 12 songs on the show list. He did and became the piano player for The Collective just before his ninth birthday.
Additional gifted musicians to join were then 14 year old bassist Sam Albright, 14 year old background vocalist Kristina Bren, 16 year old guitarist Jack Thomason, 13 year old background vocalist Israela Williams, and 11 year old drummer extraordinaire Isaiah Fogle. The lastest members of the group are 18 year old drummer Yeager Smith, 16 year old trumpeter Brad Fancher, 12 year old background vocalist Kayla Wheeler and 12 year old background vocalist Roy Cox, The young adult members of The Neo Jazz Collective are trumpeter Crystal Howard, alto sax/trumpet Lonnie Jones, drummer Carlos Fair, and bassist Emory Kidd.
The Collective is equipped with youth and diversity. Their presence in music industry will significant for years to come.
