Lost dog - S. Gay/Wrights Mill neighborhood, Auburn - 12-27-2009
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Week of Dec. 21, 2009 - Meetings, events & updates
DEC. 18, 2009 COLUMN BY LISA BROUILLETTE http://placeforum.org/blog/2009/12/19/dec-18-2009-column-by-lisa-brouillette/
City of Auburn Press Releases
Christmas and New Year’s Day Holiday Schedules
Free parking in metered spaces December 18 - January 8, 2010
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ONGOING THROUGH WEDNESDAY, DEC. 23 — ArTrees EXHIBIT
Held at the Jan Dempsey Community Arts Center. Free & open to the public.
Info: contact the Arts Center at (334)501-2963.
The Auburn Arts Association will be hosting “ArTrees,” an exhibition of small, artistically themed holiday trees. Local artists and groups were invited to decorate a tree for the exhibit. ArTrees are not your traditional holiday trees. For example, artists may be inspired by their favorite artist, art period or by any imaginative theme.
ONGOING THROUGH JAN. 3 — AU THEATRE O. HENRY HOLIDAY PODCAST PRODUCTION
http://www.auburnuniversitytheatre.org (click on radio dial)
The Auburn University Radio Flyer Theatre Company will present two of O. Henry’s short stories, “The Gift of the Magi” and “The Last Leaf,” in its first holiday podcast radio theatre production. Both stories are written in classic O. Henry style with his trademark twist at the end. The works were prerecorded and will be accessible Dec. 8 through Jan. 3 by going to the theater’s Web site (http://www.auburnuniversitytheatre.org ) and clicking on the radio dial. Produced by Auburn University Theatre
in the College of Liberal Arts, the holiday broadcast of O. Henry stories features a cast of Auburn University Theatre professors and students. The presentation is reminiscent of “audio theater” popular from the 1930s into the early 1950s, the Golden Age of Radio, and heard on programs such as Orson Welles’ Mercury Theatre on the Air and the Lux Radio Theater. For more information, call the Auburn University Theatre box office at 844-4154.
ONGOING THROUGH SATURDAY, JAN. 23 — JCSM EXHIBIT: ADVANCING AMERICAN ART
Held at AU’s Jule Collins Smith Museum of Fine Art. Free & open to all. www.jcsm.auburn.edu
Info: http://wireeagle.auburn.edu/news/1219
The Jule Collins Smith Museum of Fine Art at Auburn University will exhibit a selection of some of the museum’s most treasured pieces from its “Advancing American Art” collection Oct. 24 through Jan. 23 in JCSM’s Chi Omega-Hargis Gallery.
The 36 paintings and works on paper in this collection constitute one of the most significant components of the museum’s permanent collection. Acquired by Auburn University in 1948, when Auburn was known as Alabama Polytechnic Institute, they were originally part of a group of 117 oil paintings and watercolors assembled by the U.S. State Department in 1946 to demonstrate the ascendancy of American modern art at the mid-century.
ONGOING THROUGH FEB. 13 — SECOND IN AUDUBON SERIES AT JCSM ww.jcsm.auburn.edu
Held at AU’s Jule Collins Smith Museum of Fine Art. Free & open to all.
The Jule Collins Smith Museum of Fine Art is presenting John James Audubon’s Precursors and Contemporaries, the second in a two-part series, through Feb. 13 in the Louise Hauss and David Brent Miller Audubon Gallery. This exhibition explores natural history publications and begins with some of the earliest publications about plants, specifically herbals, which were intended as references for apothecaries. It traces representations of flora and fauna from its earliest utilitarian modes in the 16th century through the development of more artistically conceived representations. The exhibition is made possible by Gilbert Johnston of Antique Nature Prints through his loaning of prints and bound volumes.
More info: http://jcsm.auburn.edu/exhibitions/current/2009_12_audubon_pre.php
THROUGH FRIDAY, JAN. 8, 2010 — FREE PARKING IN DOWNTOWN AUBURN
Enjoy the free parking in downtown metered spaces offered through the holiday season! Shop Auburn!
TUESDAY, DEC. 22, 3:30 - 4:30 pm – FOREST ECOLOGY PRESERVE KIDS’ FALL DISCOVERY HIKE
Held Tuesdays at the Forest Ecology Preserve, on N. College Street, on the right just past the AU fishponds.
Meet at the Pavilion. Cancelled if rain.
Free, no registration required. For children ages 5 to 12.
Parents and kids join us for a hike and some discovery time. Encourage the kids to have some great outdoor time exploring the Preserve and learn more about the natural world. Also try the Preserve’s Fall walks at 8:30 am Thursdays. More info: Jennifer Lolley at 707-6512 or http://www.auburn.edu/preserve
WEDNESDAY, DEC. 23, 11:00 AM — ALABAMA ENVIRONMENTAL MANAGEMENT COMMISSION / SPECIAL-CALLED MEETING
Held in the Alabama Room (Main Hearing Room), ADEM Building, Montgomery; ph: 334-271-7706
Agenda
1. Consideration of adoption of an ADEM Director Search Process to be recommended by the Commission’s Personnel Committee
2. Clarification and ratification of personnel action taken on December 11, 2009
* The Agenda for this meeting will be available on the ADEM website, www.adem.alabama.gov, under EMC Information and Calendar of Events.
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LOCAL HOUSING STATISTICS - NOV. 2009 www.LeeCountyHousingStats.info
BIRMINGHAM NEWS - Jobless rate approaches 19% for Alabama construction workers
BIRMINGHAM NEWS - Alabama foreclosures drop in November.
GADSDEN TIMES - Alabama’s Lilly Ledbetter to receive AARP’s Inspire Award.
BIRMINGHAM NEWS - Job losses hit state’s poorest counties the hardest.
BIRMINGHAM NEWS - Regulators seize Birmingham’s New South Federal Savings Bank.
BIRMINGHAM NEWS - Alabama’s November unemployment rate drops to 10.5 percent; decline first in 27 months.
(MOBILE) PRESS-REGISTER - Alabama Power Company says that dam safety records around coal ash ponds are confidential.
SUSTAINABLE INDUSTRIES - GREEN BUILDING: Model energy code makes strides. International Energy Code Council considers major overhaul. UPCOMING EVENT — REGISTER NOW!
Green and Blue Conference www.greenandblueconference.com
Jan. 27-29, 2010 - Sustainable Residential Building Conference
Held at the Auburn University Hotel and Dixon Conference Center.
Cost: $150. Special $50 rate available for AU faculty and students who register with their Auburn e-mail address.
This conference is aimed at those involved in residential design and construction as well as educators, researchers and policy makers. The conference will host five track areas: water, residential building strategies, neighborhood development, emerging research and building codes/systems. Speakers presenting include representatives from Auburn University School of Architecture, Florida Solar Energy Center, U.S. Department of Energy, Nature’s Tap and Habitat for Humanity.
Conference participants will examine the rationale for sustainable residential construction, and the methods and materials available to achieve it. There will be presentations by experts and practical workshops covering many topics including:
* Home energy audits
* Energy Star for the home
* Home water conservation
* Low impact development
* Green building regulations
* Net zero prototype buildings
* A comparision of sustainable building rating systems
CEU credits are available for participants.
The conference has been organized by Alabama Association of Habitat Affiliates in partnership with the Home Depot Foundation, Auburn University’s College of Architecture, Design, and Construction and the Office of Sustainability, USGBC Alabama, and the U.S Department of Housing and Urban Development.
More info: http://www.greenandblueconference.com/
==========================
CITY OF AUBURN WEBSITE / LINKS TO AVAILABLE PUBLICATIONS http://www.auburnalabama.org/publications.asp
CITY OF AUBURN BOARD VACANCIES:
*Water Works Board - one vacancy will be filled at the Jan. 5 City Council meeting.
*Board of Zoning Adjustment (BZA) - two vacancies will be filled at the Jan. 5, 2010 City Council meeting.
Citizens interested in serving are encouraged to contact their City Council member, the entire City Council (coagbemail@auburnalabama.org) or notify the City Manager’s Office at webocm@auburnalabama.org or 501-7260. Information on the city’s boards and commissions, including current members and their terms, available online: http://www.auburnalabama.org/BoardsandCommissions/Boards.aspx.
CITY OF AUBURN / CONSTRUCTION PROJECT STATUS REPORTS (updated weekly)
PUBLIC WORKS: www.auburnalabama.org/pw/status.asp
WATER RESOURCES MANAGEMENT: www.auburnalabama.org/wrm/status.asp
==========================
Thanks for your interest and support.
PLACE Forum
Email: placeforum@gmail.com
Web: http://placeforum.org/blog/
Dec. 21, 2009
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COLUMN BY LISA BROUILLETTE — AU Airport settles ADEM permit violations
First published in the Opelika-Auburn News, Friday, Dec. 18, 2009
Last week Trey Glenn resigned from his position as director of the Alabama Department of Environmental Management (ADEM)., giving rise to thoughts about ADEM’s efficacy on the local level, most recently at AU’s airport expansion site.
Glenn’s attitude and actions at ADEM often disappointed. He squandered multiple opportunities to strengthen ADEM’s environmental regulation and enforcement.
Different leadership could have stimulated stronger and quicker enforcement of the laws protecting Alabama’s natural resources.
That latter element - the extended time over which environmental violations are allowed to continue and repeat - is a point of concern.
A recent local example of this involves our airport, which has been the site of land disturbance and construction.
In late 2006 ADEM first notified airport operator Auburn University of deficiencies in permitting and sediment controls.
AU and ADEM then batted the issue back and forth, with subsequent violations noted, until November of this year.
Finally, at that point, AU and ADEM negotiated a proposed settlement agreement covering AU’s improperly implemented and maintained erosion and sediment controls. That agreement is now up for public comment. (http://adem.state.al.us/PublicNotice/Dec09/pdfs/12auburn.PDF.)
In the agreement, both AU and ADEM stipulate to multiple deficiencies over multiple years, which resulted in “discharges of sediment and other pollutants in stormwater runoff to a UT [unnamed tributary] to Moores Mill Creek and a UT to Sougahatchee Creek.”
It’s proposed that AU pay a $20,000 fine, with the possibility of up to a further $12,000 penalty. Additionally AU is to “take immediate action to prevent . . . sediment and other pollutants in stormwater leaving [the airport] Facility.”
Certainly the proposed agreement and fines are a step in the right direction. But repeated violations from October 2006 to December 2009?
Alabama deserves better. Perhaps the next ADEM director will provide just that.
* * *
I got a good chuckle from Rep. Mike Hubbard’s comment that questions about his involvement in AU’s athletic broadcasting deals are “100% politics.”
Well, yeah, Mike, it is due to politics - your politics, including your involvement in crafting the laws exempting such contracts from state bid laws.
Folks, “follow the money.” More on this in future columns and on my website (http://placeforum.org/blog).
# # #
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Week of Dec. 14, 2009 Meetings, events & updates
Meeting details, dates and/or locations are subject to change, especially during the holiday season, sometimes with little notice. When possible, such changes will be sent via PLACE email and/or posted on the PLACE website http://placeforum.org/blog/.
CITY OF AUBURN PRESS RELEASES: Citizens Reminded to Turn Off Irrigation Systems During Cold Weather
Frank Brown Recreation Center Renovation Completed
AUBURN CIVITAN CLUB OFFERS SMOKED TURKEYS & SMOKED HAMS FOR CHRISTMAS / ORDER TODAY
COST: $35 each, Smoked Turkey (12-14 lb) or Smoked Picnic Ham (8-10 lb).
Make check payable to: Auburn Civitan Club.
Place your order now for a smoked turkey or ham from the Auburn Civitan Club. Ready for pick up, hot off the smoker for your enjoyment, on Sunday, December 20, 2008 at 2:00 PM, from the Elks Club on Opelika Road.
Order by mail or email to Dodie Gross, 1481 Morning Glory Circle, Auburn, AL 36832; dodieandcharles@charter.net. Include your name, address, phone, email with your order.
Or order by phone: Dodie Gross 887-8924 or Andy Price 332-2948.
EXHIBIT ONGOING THROUGH DEC. 8 — ‘UNESCO World Heritage Sites in Germany: A Photographic Exhibit’
Held in AU’s RBD library. Free & open to all.
A photographic exhibition of UNESCO World Heritage Sites in Germany will be shown on the main floor of the Ralph Brown Draughon Library through Dec. 8. The exhibition is being sponsored by the German Consulate in Atlanta, UNESCO, The German Information Center, Auburn University President’s Office and Auburn University Libraries.
ONGOING THROUGH DEC. 23 — ArTrees EXHIBIT
Held at the Jan Dempsey Community Arts Center. Free & open to the public.
Info: contact the Arts Center at (334)501-2963.
The Auburn Arts Association will be hosting “ArTrees,” an exhibition of small, artistically themed holiday trees. Local artists and groups were invited to decorate a tree for the exhibit. ArTrees are not your traditional holiday trees. For example, artists may be inspired by their favorite artist, art period or by any imaginative theme.
ONGOING THROUGH JAN. 3 — AU THEATRE O. HENRY HOLIDAY PODCAST PRODUCTION
http://www.auburnuniversitytheatre.org (click on radio dial)
The Auburn University Radio Flyer Theatre Company will present two of O. Henry’s short stories, “The Gift of the Magi” and “The Last Leaf,” in its first holiday podcast radio theatre production. Both stories are written in classic O. Henry style with his trademark twist at the end. The works were prerecorded and will be accessible Dec. 8 through Jan. 3 by going to the theater’s Web site (http://www.auburnuniversitytheatre.org ) and clicking on the radio dial. Produced by Auburn University Theatre in the College of Liberal Arts, the holiday broadcast of O. Henry stories features a cast of Auburn University Theatre professors and students. The presentation is reminiscent of “audio theater” popular from the 1930s into the early 1950s, the Golden Age of Radio, and heard on programs such as Orson Welles’ Mercury Theatre on the Air and the Lux Radio Theater. For more information, call the Auburn University Theatre box office at 844-4154.
SPECIAL BROADCAST AT THE GNU’S ROOM - Dec. 15, 6:30 pm — A special community broadcast of the production will be held at The Gnu’s Room, 414 S. Gay St. Auburn University Theatre’s Kelly Walker and Dan LaRocque will be on hand to answer questions after this performance.
ONGOING THROUGH SATURDAY, JAN. 23 — JCSM EXHIBIT: ADVANCING AMERICAN ART
Held at AU’s Jule Collins Smith Museum of Fine Art. Free & open to all. www.jcsm.auburn.edu
Info: http://wireeagle.auburn.edu/news/1219
The Jule Collins Smith Museum of Fine Art at Auburn University will exhibit a selection of some of the museum’s most treasured pieces from its “Advancing American Art” collection Oct. 24 through Jan. 23 in JCSM’s Chi Omega-Hargis Gallery.
The 36 paintings and works on paper in this collection constitute one of the most significant components of the museum’s permanent collection. Acquired by Auburn University in 1948, when Auburn was known as Alabama Polytechnic Institute, they were originally part of a group of 117 oil paintings and watercolors assembled by the U.S. State Department in 1946 to demonstrate the ascendancy of American modern art at the mid-century.
STARTING MONDAY, DEC. 14 — LEE COUNTY HUMANE SOCIETY “NO MORE WASTED LIVES” FUNDRAISER
Held in the Kroger and Dean Road parking lot.
The Lee County Humane Society is sponsoring “No More Wasted Lives” — LCHS Executive Director, Heather Meadows, will remain locked in a dog kennel day and night until the fund-raising goal of more than $24,000 is reached. All proceeds will benefit the general operating fund which sustains the shelter animals’ basic food, medical, and welfare needs.
Info: (334) 750-0002; stacee@leecountyhumane.org
MONDAY, DEC. 14 THROUGH THURSDAY, DEC. 17, 12:30 - 1:30 PM Daily—- FREE H1N1 VACCINE CLINICS (flu shot and nasal spray)
Held in AU’s Pharmaceutical Care Center, 2155 Walker Building.
Free to AU students, employees & dependents ages 10 & older. Proof of insurance is not required.
For more info about the H1N1 flu and AU’s response, go to http://www.auburn.edu/emergency/flu.html. Questions may be
directed to emergencymanagement@auburn.edu.
MONDAY, DEC. 14 - LEE COUNTY COMMISSION www.leeco.us
4:00 pm - work session / 6:00 pm - regular session
Held in the commission chambers, historic courthouse building, 215 S. Ninth St, Opelika. Open to all.
Agenda includes:
3. Public Comment from Citizens: (limit of 3-minutes per speaker)
4. Establish Quorum and Open Regular Meeting:
5. Awards, Presentations, Proclamations or Other Recognitions:
6. Reports from Commissioners and Staff:
a. CERT Presentation - Kathy Russell
7. Consent Agenda:
a. Minutes of Commission Meeting November 30, 2009
b. Ratify and Approve Claims and Procurement Card Transactions
c. Bid #1 for Patrol Vehicles - Sheriff Jay Jones
8. OLD BUSINESS:
a. Lee-Chambers Utilities District/Amend Articles of Incorporation-Curt Johnson
9. New Business:
a. Solar & Battery System for Residential or Commercial Use - Bill Bach
b. Aflac Benefits Proposal - Ashley Brown
c. December 28 Meeting - Judge English
d. AdvantageSite Designation / City of Auburn - Wendy Swann
e. Energy Grant Resolution - Wendy Swann
10. Adjourn
TUESDAY, DEC. 15, 3:30 - 4:30 pm – FOREST ECOLOGY PRESERVE KIDS’ FALL DISCOVERY HIKE
Held Tuesdays at the Forest Ecology Preserve, on N. College Street, on the right just past the AU fishponds.
Meet at the Pavilion. Cancelled if rain.
Free, no registration required. For children ages 5 to 12.
Parents and kids join us for a hike and some discovery time. Encourage the kids to have some great outdoor time exploring the Preserve and learn more about the natural world. Also try the Preserve’s Fall walks at 8:30 am Thursdays.
More info: Jennifer Lolley at 707-6512 or http://www.auburn.edu/preserve
TUESDAY, DEC. 15 — OPELIKA CITY COUNCIL
6:25 pm - work session / 7:00 PM - regular meeting
Held in the council chambers, 204 South 7th Street, Opelika. Open to all.
Work session agenda: www.opelika.org/Default.asp?ID=170
Regular session agenda: www.opelika.org/Default.asp?ID=169
TUESDAY, DEC. 15 — AUBURN CITY COUNCIL
6:30 pm-Committee of the Whole / 7:00 pm - Regular meeting
Held in the council chambers, 141 N. Ross St. Open to all.
Agenda & full packet: www.auburnalabama.org/agenda
Agenda includes:
Committee of the whole:
AIRPORT ORDINANCE. Presentation. Justin Steinmann, Principal Planner.
4. TOOMER’S TEN UPDATE. Presentation. Jacob Watkins, President, SGA
Regular meeting:
5. MAYOR’S COMMUNICATIONS. Mayor Ham.
a. Employee Recognition.
(1) City of Auburn Employees. Leadership in Institutions Award. United Way of Lee County, Inc.
(2) Economic Development, Office of the City Manager, Parks & Recreation, And Public Works Departments. Selected Employees. Auburn Veterans Memorial Event. Teamwork Award.
b. Committee of the Whole.
c. Announcements.
6. AUBURN UNIVERSITY COMMUNICATIONS.
7. CITIZENS’ COMMUNICATIONS.
8. CITY MANAGER’S COMMUNICATIONS. City Manager Duggan.
a. Alcoholic Beverage Licenses. Consideration.
(1) ASBE LLC dba/Calypsos. 154 North College Street. 020 - Restaurant Retail Liquor License.
(2) Maestro 2300 LLC dba/Maestro 2300. 2300 Moores Mill Road. 020 - Restaurant Retail Liquor License.
9. ORDINANCES.
a. Zoning Ordinance. Amendments to Section 512 and 907. Airport Regulations. Public Hearing Required. Unanimous Consent Necessary.
b. Zoning. Yarbrough Farms, LLC. Gregory Forthofer (Authorized Representative). Property Located west of North Donahue Drive, north of Richland Road, and northwest of Shug Jordan Parkway (between Yarbrough Farms Boulevard and the 10th hole of Auburn University Club Golf Course. Amend Ordinance No. 2199 (Yarbrough Farms Planned Development District (PDD) designation). 4.63 Acres of 557.65 Acre Parcel. Public Hearing Required. Unanimous Consent Necessary.
c. Traffic Control Signs and Devices. Establish No Parking Zone. West Side of Dumas Drive from 452 Dumas Drive to Sherwood Drive. Unanimous Consent Necessary.
10. RESOLUTIONS.
a. Auburn City Schools. 2009 Auburn High School Varsity Football Team and Coaches. Commendation.
b. Agreements and Contracts. Authorize Mayor and City Manager to Sign.
(1) Office of the City Manager. City of Auburn and Groome Transportation. Auburn University Student Government Association. Toomer’s Ten Evening Transit Shuttle System. Loading/Unloading Zone on West Magnolia Avenue. Parking Space Lease Agreement.
(2) Contracts.
(a) Office of the City Manager. AuburnBank Property. Amend Purchase and Sale Contract. Extend Lease Back Provision One Year.
(b) Information Technology Department. TekLinks for Cisco Systems. Cisco SmartNet License. Renew Contract. $77,997.95.
(c) Public Works Department. Floyd Service Company, Inc.
Installation of four (4) mast arm traffic signal poles. Airport Road and Glenn Avenue. $17,050.
(d) Environmental Services Department. Rush Truck Center of Florida, Inc. dba/Rush Truck Center, Winter Garden. 2010 Cab and Chassis with Curb Sorter/Trough Loader, Four Container Truck Mount Side Dump Recycling Body. $172,042.
c. Drainage and Utility Easements and Water Easement. Acceptance and Vacation.
(1) Peyton Development, Inc. Brian Kendrick (Authorized Representative). Reno Subdivision, First Revision. Property Located at 1165 Opelika Road. Drainage and Utility Easements. Acceptance.
(2) Cleveland Brothers, Inc. Lot 1, Ogletree Village Business Park, Third Revision. Water Easement. Vacation.
11. OTHER BUSINESS.
12. ADJOURNMENT.
TUESDAY, DEC. 15, 6:30 PM — AU THEATRE O. HENRY HOLIDAY PODCAST / SPECIAL COMMUNITY BROADCAST AT THE GNU’S ROOM
Held at The Gnu’s Room, 414 S. Gay St. www.thegnusroom.com
Special community broadcast of Auburn University Radio Flyer Theatre Company’s presentation of two of O. Henry’s short stories, “The Gift of the Magi” and “The Last Leaf.” Auburn University Theatre’s Kelly Walker and Dan LaRocque will be on hand to answer questions after this performance. Both stories are written in classic O. Henry style with his trademark twist at the end. The works were prerecorded and will be accessible through Jan. 3 at http://www.auburnuniversitytheatre.org (click on radio dial). More info: AU Theatre box office at 844-4154.
TUESDAY, DEC. 15, 7:30 PM — FREE CIVIC CHORALE CONCERT
Held at the First United Methodist Church, 702 Avenue A, Opelika. Free & open to all.
The Arts Association of East Alabama Civic Chorale will present this free concert. Celebrate the season with selections of holiday music, both old and new. Join the Chorale and instrumentalists as they share this joyous time.
WEDNESDAY, DEC. 16, NOON — AUBURN HERITAGE ASSOCIATION BOARD
Held at Pebble Hill (Caroline Draughon Center for the Arts & Humanities).
All members are encouraged and invited to attend. www.auburnheritage.org
Note: Held on the 3rd Wednesday of each month from Sept to May
WEDNESDAY, DEC. 16, 5:30 - 7:00 PM — WEEKLY ECO HAPPY HOUR & GREEN DRINKS
Held in the back room of Zazu’s Eclectic Eatery (formerly Buffalo’s), E. Magnolia, downtown Auburn. Open to all.
This is a time and location for people to gather and discuss “Green”/”Eco”/sustainability-related issues while socializing at a locally-owned venue. Everyone from “professionals” to those who are just curious are welcome. This will be a child-friendly gathering for those with little ones (or even medium-sized ones), with a large space and table/floor space for them to play and still be in direct eyesight/earshot. Feel free to spread the word to others who might be interested.
WEDNESDAY, DEC. 16, 6:00 PM — LEE COUNTY DEMOCRATIC CLUB / POTLUCK HOLIDAY DINNER
Held at Auburn University Club. 1499 N. Donahue Road. Free & open to all.
6:00 pm - Bring a dish and a friend. The club will furnish a turkey and a ham.
6:50 pm — Guest speaker: Dr. Dell Crosby, founder of Mercy Medical Clinic. Dr. Crosby will give a brief history of the clinic and its operation, and will answer any questions.
Donations to Mercy Medical Clinic: At the November meeting, for the Christmas project members agreed to support Mercy Medical Clinic by donating funds for “patient scholarships.” One $20 scholarship will enable one patient to order meds through the Pharmaceutical Assistance Program for one year. Dr. Jim Matthews says there is a great need for assistance for those folks who fall through the cracks, and this is a very good way to help. Checks should be made out to Mercy Medical Clinic. Notate the use: Patient Scholarships. The gift is tax deductible. Remember: One $20 scholarship will help one patient for one year. Also remember, you may give as many scholarships as you can! This is truly the gift that keeps on giving!
THURSDAY, DEC. 17, 8:30 am – FOREST ECOLOGY PRESERVE FALL WALK
Held Thursdays at the Forest Ecology Preserve, on N. College Street, on the right just past the AU fishponds. Meet at the Pavilion. Cancelled only for rain.
Free, no registration required. Open to all.
Enjoy some exercise and observe the beauty of the Preserve as fall unfolds. Also Discovery Hikes at 3:30 pm Tuesdays, for kids age 5-12 & their parents.
More info: Jennifer Lolley at 707-6512 or go to the Forest Ecology Preserve website - http://www.auburn.edu/preserve.
THURSDAY, DEC. 17, 10:00 AM — ALABAMA HOME BUILDERS LICENSURE BOARD
Held at 445 Herron Street, Montgomery. 334-242-2230 - Open to all. Agenda
THURSDAY, DEC. 17, 4:00 pm - AUBURN WATER WORKS BOARD http://www.auburnalabama.org/wrm/
Held in the Water Resource Management Conference Room, 1501 West Samford Avenue (Shug Jordan and West Samford). Info: 501-3060. The Board meets on the 1st Thursday after the 3rd Tuesday of each month.
THURSDAY, DEC. 17, 5:30 PM — PUBLIC HEARING - AUBURN 2010-2014 CDBG CONSOLIDATED PLAN
Held in Meeting Room C, Boykin Community Center, 400 Boykin Street. Open to all.
Citizens are encouraged to attend and offer their input on how CDBG funds should be allocated over the next five years. CDBG funding is provided by the US Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD). More info: press release; public hearing notice; or contact the City of Auburn Community Development Division at 501-7280.
FRIDAY, DEC. 18 — AU GRADUATION
FRIDAY, DEC. 18 THROUGH FRIDAY, JAN. 8, 2010 — FREE PARKING IN DOWNTOWN AUBURN
Enjoy the free parking in downtown metered spaces offered through the holiday season! Shop Auburn!
** **** ** **** ** **** ** ***** ** **** **
ADEM DIRECTOR RESIGNS; ADEM ATTORNEY NAMED INTERIM
http://www2.oanow.com/oan/news/local/article/adem_director_resigns_adem_attorney_named_interim/115301/
Alabama environmental management director resigns
Montgomery Advertiser
“The ADEM Reform Coalition is hopeful that the upcoming selection of a new director at the Alabama Department of Environmental Management will help …
Trey Glenn resigns as ADEM director Birmingham Weekly Mixed Media (blog)
After 5 years, former ‘water wars’ negotiator Trey Glenn resigns as ADEM director WHNT
Alabama’s environmental chief Trey Glenn resigns The Birmingham News - al.com (blog)
ADEM REFORM COALITION RESPONDS TO RESIGNATION OF ADEM DIRECTOR http://www.alabamarivers.org/press-room/headlines/adem-reform-coalition-responds-to-resignation-of-adem-director-trey-glenn
US REP. ARTUR DAVIS WANTS FEDS TO CLEARLY DETERMINE RISKS TO ALABAMIANS POSED BY COAL ASH al.com - Tom Gordon - Dec 8, 2009 - Congressman Artur Davis is asking federal environmental officials to act more swiftly to assure the safety of coal ash …
Officials clash over coal ash in Perry County - al.com - Tom Gordon - Dec 8, 2009 A trackhoe scoops up spilled coal ash which is being loaded into rail cars for shipment to an Alabama landfill in Perry …
Turner to DC to testify about Perry County landfill Selma Times-Journal - Leesha Faulkner - Dec 7, 2009 WASHINGTON - The US House Subcommittee on Water Resources and Environment has invited Perry County …
Alabama Power’s West Jefferson plant nation’s second-highest carbon emitter among coal-fired plants http://blog.al.com/live/2009/11/alabama_powers_west_jefferson.html
==========================
CITY OF AUBURN WEBSITE / LINKS TO AVAILABLE PUBLICATIONS http://www.auburnalabama.org/publications.asp
CITY OF AUBURN BOARD VACANCIES:
*Water Works Board - one vacancy will be filled at the Dec. 15 City Council meeting.
*Board of Zoning Adjustment (BZA) - two vacancies will be filled at the Jan. 5, 2010 City Council meeting.
Citizens interested in serving are encouraged to contact their City Council member, the entire City Council (coagbemail@auburnalabama.org) or notify the City Manager’s Office at webocm@auburnalabama.org or 501-7260. Information on the city’s boards and commissions, including current members and their terms, available online: http://www.auburnalabama.org/BoardsandCommissions/Boards.aspx.
CITY OF AUBURN / CONSTRUCTION PROJECT STATUS REPORTS (updated weekly)
PUBLIC WORKS: www.auburnalabama.org/pw/status.asp
WATER RESOURCES MANAGEMENT: www.auburnalabama.org/wrm/status.asp
==========================
Thanks for your interest and support.
PLACE Forum
Email: placeforum@gmail.com
Web: http://placeforum.org/blog/
Dec. 14, 2009
Comments Off
NOTE: During this holiday season, changes may occur to schedules.
Public Safety Awareness Day December 12
AU’s H1N1 vaccination schedule announced for remainder of December
Held at The Auburn University Pharmaceutical Care Center, located in 2155 Walker Building.
Free H1N1 vaccinations will be offered every day this week from 10:30 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. Vaccinations will also be provided Monday, Dec. 14, through Thursday, Dec. 17, from 12:30 p.m. to 1:30 p.m. No appointment is necessary. Both forms of the H1N1 vaccine (flu shot and nasal spray) are available at no cost to AU students, employees and dependents ages 10 and older. Proof of insurance is not required. For more information about H1N1 flu and Auburn University’s response, go to http://www.auburn.edu/emergency/flu.html . Questions may be directed to emergencymanagement@auburn.edu.
DEC. 3 - DEC. 23 — ArTrees EXHIBIT
Held at the Jan Dempsey Community Arts Center. Free & open to the public.
Info: contact the Arts Center at (334)501-2963.
The Auburn Arts Association will be hosting “ArTrees,” an exhibition of small, artistically themed holiday trees. Local artists and groups were invited to decorate a tree for the exhibit. ArTrees are not your traditional holiday trees. For example, artists may be inspired by their favorite artist, art period or by any imaginative theme.
Auburn University Theatre presenting O. Henry holiday podcast production
The Auburn University Radio Flyer Theatre Company will present two of O. Henry’s short stories, “The Gift of the Magi” and “The Last Leaf,” in its first holiday podcast radio theatre production. Both stories are written in classic O. Henry style with his trademark twist at the end. The works were prerecorded and will be accessible Dec. 8 through Jan. 3 by going to the theater’s Web site (http://www.auburnuniversitytheatre.org ) and clicking on the radio dial. A special community broadcast of the production will be held Dec. 15, at 6:30 p.m. at The Gnu’s Room, 414 S. Gay St. Auburn University Theatre’s Kelly Walker and Dan LaRocque will be on hand to answer questions after this performance. Produced by Auburn University Theatre in the College of Liberal Arts, the holiday broadcast of O. Henry stories features a cast of Auburn University Theatre professors and students. The presentation is reminiscent of “audio theater” popular from the 1930s into the early 1950s, the Golden Age of Radio, and heard on programs such as Orson Welles’ Mercury Theatre on the Air and the Lux Radio Theater. For more information, call the Auburn University Theatre box office at 844-4154.
TUESDAY, DEC. 8, 9:00 AM — OPELIKA BOARD OF ZONING ADJUSTMENT (BZA)
Held in the Public Works Facility, 700 Fox Trail, Opelika. Open to all.
Agenda includes:
A. ADMINISTRATIVE APPEAL
1. Jim Parker, 1651 Parker Way (adjacent to Lowe’s), Sign variance request to exceed the 30 foot maximum sign height requirement in a C-3, GC-2 zoning district, to erect the American flag.
TUESDAY, DEC. 8, 11:30 am - AUBURN GREENSPACE ADVISORY BOARD
Held in the City of Auburn meeting room, 122 Tichenor Ave. (entrance off side of building, across from rear entrance to Cheeburger Cheeburger.) Open to all.
http://www.auburnalabama.org/greenspace/
TUESDAY, DEC. 8, 3:00 PM — AUBURN URBAN CORE/DOWNTOWN STUDY COMMITTEE
Held in the conference room, Development Services Bldg, 171 N. Ross St.
Agenda: UC/CEOD Regulatory Review and Discussion / Wrap Up [view at http://www.auburnalabama.org/pl/Misc/Downtown%20Study%20Committee.pdf or contact Auburn Planning Department at (334) 501‐3040.]
NOTE: This might be the final meeting of this committee.
TUESDAY, DEC. 8, 3:30 - 4:30 pm – FOREST ECOLOGY PRESERVE KIDS’ FALL DISCOVERY HIKE
Held Tuesdays at the Forest Ecology Preserve, on N. College Street, on the right just past the AU fishponds.
Meet at the Pavilion. Cancelled if rain.
Free, no registration required. For children ages 5 to 12.
Parents and kids join us for a hike and some discovery time. Encourage the kids to have some great outdoor time exploring the Preserve and learn more about the natural world. Also try the Preserve’s Fall walks at 8:30 am Thursdays.
More info: Jennifer Lolley at 707-6512 or http://www.auburn.edu/preserve
TUESDAY, DEC.8, 4:00 pm - AUBURN HISTORIC PRESERVATION COMMISSION
Held in the Development Services Bldg, 171 N. Ross St. Open to all.
Agenda: http://www.auburnalabama.org/hpc/agenda.aspx
1. CALL TO ORDER. Anne Shaw, Chair.
2. ADOPTION OF AMENDMENTS TO THE BYLAWS OF THE HISTORIC PRESERVATION COMMISSION
3. OTHER BUSINESS Including:
a. CLG Annual report
b. Recent Certificates of Appropriateness issued administratively
c. Upcoming Historic Preservation Events
4. CITIZENS’ COMMUNICATIONS
5. ADJOURNMENT
TUESDAY, DEC. 8 - AUBURN BOARD OF EDUCATION www.auburnschools.org
5:00 pm - dinner, Board of Education Office, 855 East Samford Ave.
6:00 pm - meeting, Auburn High School multi-media room, 405 S. Dean Rd. Open to all.
TUESDAY, DEC. 8 & WEDNESDAY, DEC. 9 — “Vegetation for Stream and Floodplain Restoration” workshop
Held in Montgomery, in the conference room, Goodwyn, Mills, and Cawood, Inc. , 2660 EastChase Lane, Ste 200, Montgomery; Tel: 334.271.3200.
For more information, contact Eve Brantley brantef@auburn.edu or visit http://www.aces.edu/waterquality/iby.htm .
Topics will include:
* Invasive, nonnative plant management
* Riparian plant selection
* Bioengineering
* Planting techniques for stream and wetland plants
Registration information and a full agenda are available at:
http://www.aces.edu/waterquality/iby.htm#veg
Continuing education units (CEUs) from Auburn University will be offered for this workshop.
Project sponsors and partners include City of Montgomery, Auburn University, Alabama Cooperative Extension System, Alabama Department of Environmental Management, Goodwyn, Mills, and Cawood, Inc., Jennings Environmental, LLC, Upper Alabama River Clean Water Partnership, Auburn
University Montgomery, Young Meadows Presbyterian Church, North Carolina State University, USDA CSREES Southern Region Water Program
WEDNESDAY, DEC. 9, 9:00 AM — ALABAMA HOME BUILDERS LICENSURE BOARD - special/called meeting
Held at 445 Herron Street, Mont.; ph: 334-242-2230
Agenda: Investigative Committee Meeting
WEDNESDAY, DEC. 8, 5:30 - 7:00 PM — WEEKLY ECO HAPPY HOUR & GREEN DRINKS
Held in the back room of Zazu’s Eclectic Eatery (formerly Buffalo’s), E. Magnolia, downtown Auburn. Open to all.
This is a time and location for people to gather and discuss “Green”/”Eco”/sustainability-related issues while socializing at a locally-owned venue. Everyone from “professionals” to those who are just curious are welcome. This will be a child-friendly gathering for those with little ones (or even medium-sized ones), with a large space and table/floor space for them to play and still be in direct eyesight/earshot. Feel free to spread the word to others who might be interested.
THURSDAY, DEC. 10, 8:00 am — AUBURN DOWNTOWN MERCHANT ASSOCIATION (DMA)
Held in the City of Auburn meeting room, 122 Tichenor Ave (entrance is at side of building, across from rear entrance of Cheeburger Cheeburger). http://www.downtownauburnal.org/
THURSDAY, DEC. 10, 8:30 am – FOREST ECOLOGY PRESERVE FALL WALK
Held Thursdays at the Forest Ecology Preserve, on N. College Street, on the right just past the AU fishponds. Meet at the Pavilion. Cancelled only for rain.
Free, no registration required. Open to all.
Enjoy some exercise and observe the beauty of the Preserve as fall unfolds. Also Discovery Hikes at 3:30 pm Tuesdays, for kids age 5-12 & their parents.
More info: Jennifer Lolley at 707-6512 or go to the Forest Ecology Preserve website - http://www.auburn.edu/preserve.
THURSDAY, DEC. 10, 4:30 pm - OPELIKA HISTORIC PRESERVATION COMMISSION
Held in the Planning Chambers, Opelika Public Works Bldg, 700 Fox Trail, Opelika. Open to all.
THURSDAY, DEC. 10, 5:00 pm - AUBURN PLANNING COMMISSION
Held in the council chambers, 141 N. Ross St. Open to all.
Agenda & full packet: http://www.auburnalabama.org/pc/agenda.aspx
Agenda includes:
CITIZENS’ COMMUNICATION
OLD BUSINESS
1. West Pace Village PDD PUBLIC HEARING PL-2009-00660
Applicant: J.A. Conner, Jr. for West Pace, LLC and Lynch Properties, Inc.
General Location: North of Shell Toomer Parkway and east of South College Street
Zoning District: Comprehensive Development District (CDD)
Action Requested: Recommendation to City Council to apply the Planned Development District (PDD) designation to approximately 165.55 acres
2. West Pace Village PUBLIC HEARING PL-2009-00670
Applicant: J.A. Conner, Jr. for West Pace, LLC and Lynch Properties, Inc.
General Location: North of Shell Toomer Parkway and east of South College Street
Zoning District: Planned Development District (PDD) [pending approval of Case PL-2009- 00660] with Comprehensive Development District (CDD) underlying
Action Requested: Recommendation to City Council for conditional use approval for outdoor recreational uses, including a park and bicycle/jogging/hiking paths; for institutional uses, including private libraries and museums, and aquariums; for indoor recreational uses, including a skating rink (roller & ice), bowling alleys, billiards, gymnasium, and indoor athletic facilities; for office uses; for commercial and entertainment uses, including an auto accessory store, barbershop/beauty shop, building material sales, clothing stores, copy shop, electronics repair, florists, garden supply, general merchandise stores, health & personal care stores, hotel/motel/condotel, office supplies/stationary/gift stores, package store, pet/pet supply store, restaurant, restaurant-lounge, restaurant- pub, specialty food stores, sporting goods/hobby/book/music stores, tavern, lounge, banks, dry cleaners, grocery stores,professional studios, and theaters/indoor auditoriums; for road service uses, including ATM’s, auto dealerships, auto repair/paint/body work, convenience/small grocery stores, gasoline/service stations, bank with drive-thru, and fast food restaurant; for a commercial recreational use, specifically an amphitheater; for agricultural support uses, including farm equipment sales/rental/leasing, farm equipment sales/repair, and farm produce sales (permanent); for a nursery use, specifically retail; for a commercial support use, specifically a wholesale distributor; and for a regional shopping center use
CONSENT AGENDA
3. Town Creek, Plat No. 1 PL-2009-00832
Applicant: Jack Johnson for Dr. John Cottier
General Location: Off of Brookside Drive, southeast of the Jule Collins Smith Art Museum and west of Town Creek Park
Zoning District: Development District Housing (DDH)
Action Requested: Final plat approval for a 28-lot conventional residential subdivision
NEW BUSINESS
4. Lundy Chase, Phase III PUBLIC HEARING PL-2009-00833
Applicant: Blake Rice for Crosswoods Development, LLC
General Location: South of Lundy Chase Subdivision, Phase One and north of Willow Creek Subdivision
Zoning District: Neighborhood Conservation (NC-20)
Action Requested: Preliminary plat approval for a 38-lot conventional residential subdivision
5. C B & T Bank East Alabama PUBLIC HEARING PL-2009-00817
Applicant: Ronnie Wilson for C B & T Bank East Alabama
General Location: 2579 East University Drive
Zoning District: Comprehensive Development District (CDD)
Action Requested: Recommendation to City Council for conditional use approval for a road service use (bank with drive-through)
6. Hiett Automotive PUBLIC HEARING PL-2009-00834
Applicant: Tony Hiett for Cynthia Thrash
General Location: 960 Opelika Road
Zoning District: Commercial Conservation (CC)
Action Requested: Recommendation to City Council for conditional use approval for a road service use (automotive sales)
7. 300 N. Donahue Drive PUBLIC HEARING PL-2009-00802
Applicant: Lindburgh Jackson for Kathy Matthews and LaKeshi Robinson
General Location: 300 North Donahue Drive (adjacent to the CSX Railroad & north of Glenn Avenue)
Zoning District: Redevelopment District (RDD)
Action Requested: Recommendation to City Council for conditional use approval for a performance residential use (duplex)
8. Longleaf Crossing, Phase 5 Waiver PUBLIC HEARING PL-2009-00844
Applicant: J.A. Conner, Jr., for Tiger Crossing
General Location: At the west end of Longleaf Drive at Cox Road
Zoning District: Planned Development District (PDD) with Comprehensive Development District (CDD) underlying
Action Requested: Waiver to the design speed on a collector street (Longleaf Drive) from 35 mph to 20 mph
OTHER BUSINESS
CHAIRMAN’S COMMUNICATION
STAFF COMMUNICATION
ADJOURNMENT
THURSDAY, DEC. 10, 7:00 pm — EAST ALABAMA CYCLING CLUB
Held at the EAMC Health Resource Center, Pepperell Parkway, Opelika. Open to all.
The East Alabama Cycling Club (EACC) is a bicycle club for riders of all skill levels and riding styles. The club meets at 7:00 pm, on the second Thursday of each month. More info: mk1hgn@yahoo.com
FRIDAY, DEC. 11, 9:00 - 11:00 AM — TOURS OF THE AU ARBORETUM
Held at AU’s Donald E Davis Arboretum; on Garden Drive, just west of S. College Street.
Meet in the Arboretum’s pavilion. Free & open to all.
Info: http://www.auburn.edu/arboretum/
Tours last one hour each and are scheduled on the hour from 9:00 - 11:00 am, the second Friday & Saturday of each month (except Jan & Feb 2010). Guides are members of the Lee County Master Gardeners. The Donald E. Davis Arboretum is maintained by the College of Sciences and Mathematics. For more information on the tours, call 844-5770 or visit the Web site ( http://www.auburn.edu/arboretum ).
FRIDAY, DEC. 11, 11:00 AM — ALABAMA ENVIRONMENTAL MANAGEMENT COMMISSION
Held in the Alabama Room (Main Hearing Room), ADEM Building, 1400 Coliseum Blvd, Montgomery. ph: 334-271-7706
Agenda:
1. Consideration of minutes of meeting held on Oct. 16, 2009
2. Elections
3. Report from the Director
4. Report from the Commission Chair
5. Consideration of adoption of proposed amendments to ADEM Admin. Code Div. 1, General Administration Regulations, Rules 335-1-1-.07 and 335-1-6-.07 - The Commission will consider proposed amendments to ADEM Admin. Code Div. 1, General Administration Regulations, Rule 335-1-1-.07, “Departmental Forms, Instructions, and Procedures” and Rule 335-1-6-.07, “Payment of Fees”. The Department held a public hearing on the proposed amendments on November 4, 2009.
6. Consideration of adoption of proposed amendments to ADEM Admin. Code Div. 6, Water Quality Program Regulations, Rules 335-6-10-.09 and 335-6-11-.02 - The Commission will consider proposed amendments to ADEM Admin. Code Div. 6, Water Quality Program Regulations, Rule 335-6-10-.09, “Specific Water Quality Criteria” and Rule 335-6-11-.02, “Use Classifications”. The purpose of amending Rule 335-6-10-.09 is to change the bacterial indicator organisms and associated criteria for non-coastal waters from fecal coliform to Escherichia coli (E. coli) to be consistent with the United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) recommendations for protection against water-borne illnesses. Proposed amendments to Rule 335-6-11-.02 upgrade use classifications for segments of Hurtsboro Creek in Chattahoochee River Basin and the Magnolia River in the Mobile River-Mobile Bay Basin, respectively. The Department held a public hearing on the proposed amendments on October 14, 2009.
7. Tuscloosa Resources, Inc. v. ADEM, EMC Docket No. 09-03 (NPDES-Related Matter) - The Commission will acknowledge Petitioner Tuscaloosa Resources, Inc.’s (TRI) withdrawal of the request for hearing in this appeal of ADEM’s inclusion of certain discharge limitations, terms, and conditions in TRI, East Brookwood Mine, NPDES Permit No. AL0074349, issued October 10, 2008, and effective November 1, 2008.
8. Friends of Hurricane Creek and Alabama Rivers Alliance, Inc. v. ADEM, and Tuscaloosa Resources, Inc., EMC Docket No. 08-07 Consolidated With Tuscaloosa Resources, Inc. v. ADEM, and Friends of Hurricane Creek and Alabama Rivers Alliance, Inc., EMC Docket No. 08-08 - The Commission will acknowledge Petitioner Tuscaloosa Resources, Inc.’s (TRI) withdrawal of the request for hearing for EMC Docket No. 08-08 for the appeal of ADEM’s revocation of TRI, Panther 3 Mine, NPDES Permit No. AL0074012, effective August 28, 2008, and reissuance of a new TRI, Panther 3 Mine, NPDES Permit also denoted as Permit No. AL0074012 having different discharge limits, terms, and conditions.
9. Other business
10. Future business sessions
* The Agenda for this meeting will be available on the ADEM website, www.adem.alabama.gov, under EMC Information and Calendar of Events.
** The Minutes for this meeting will be available on the ADEM website under EMC Information.
FRIDAY DEC. 11, NOON — AU WOMEN’S PHILANTHROPY BOARD / ROUNDTABLE DISCUSSION ON ESTATE PLANNING
Held in the private dining room at The Hotel at Auburn University
and Dixon Conference Center.
Dutch treat luncheon. Limited seating, register early.
To register, contact Sidney James Nakhjavan at 844-5324 or e-mail wpbchs1@auburn.edu.
The Women’s Philanthropy Board, in Auburn University’s College of Human Sciences, will host a roundtable luncheon and discussion featuring speaker will be Liz Hutchins, attorney at law. This roundtable is part of the Women’s Philanthropy Board’s yearlong effort of “Thriving in the ‘New Normal’: Maximizing your Philanthropic Footprint.” Hutchins is a shareholder with Sirote and Permutt of Birmingham, where she assists clients in the areas of estate and charitable planning; estate gift and trust tax law; wills and probate.
FRIDAY, DEC. 11, 5:30 PM — MARY CAROL MORAN / POETRY READING — at The Gnu’s Room
Held at The Gnu’s Room Bookstore & Coffee House, 414 S. Gay Street, Auburn. Free & open to all.
More info: Tina Tatum, tina@thegnusroom.com or 334-821- 5550; www.thegnusroom.com.
Moran has a new book of poetry, “Equivocal Blessings,” coming out at the end of November from Negative Capability Press. She will do a reading and signing on Friday, December 11th at 5:30 p.m. For more info on the workshop please email marycarolmoran@hotmail.com.
SATURDAY, DEC. 12, 9:00 am - 4:00 pm — 2009 HOLIDAY ART SALE
Held at the Jan Dempsey Community Arts Center.
The Auburn Arts Association and Auburn Parks & Recreation Department will host the third annual Holiday Art Sale. Local artists will be selling paintings, pottery, stained glass, photography, cards, jewelry, hats, scarves and much more! More info: Cari Philen, Art Education Specialist, 501- 2944 or cphilen@auburnalabama.org.
http://www.auburnalabama.org/news/2009/pr100809.asp
SATURDAY, DEC. 12, 9:00 - 11:00 AM — TOURS OF THE AU ARBORETUM
Held at AU’s Donald E Davis Arboretum; on Garden Drive, just west of S. College Street.
Meet in the Arboretum’s pavilion. Free & open to all.
Info: http://www.auburn.edu/arboretum/
Tours scheduled on the hour from 9:00 - 11:00 am, the second Friday & Saturday of each month (except Jan & Feb 2010). Guides are members of the Lee County Master Gardeners.
SUNDAY, DEC. 12, 10:00 am - 4:00 pm — LEE COUNTY HISTORICAL SOCIETY / SECOND SATURDAYS - Living History & Whistle Stop Pickers Dulcimer Group
Held at the LCHS Museum, 6500 Stage Road (Hwy 14) Loachapoka; the museum and its grounds are located about half way between Auburn and Notasulga.
Free & open to all. http://leecountyhistoricalsociety.org/
LCHS event calendar: http://leecountyhistoricalsociety.org/calendar.html
On the second Saturday of every month, a group of history re-enactors gather at the LCHS Museum in period attire to demonstrate their arts and crafts. Blacksmiths are usually working at the forge, spinners and weavers are in the log cabin, and someone is always cooking up a meal in the fireplace or outdoors. The Museum is always open on Second Saturdays. Also on Secord Saturdays, the Whistle Stop Pickers dulcimer group meets at the Museum at 11:00am. Anyone interested in joining the group is welcomed. Bring your dulcimer or other instrument and join in the pickin’.
SATURDAY & SUNDAY, DEC. 12 & 13 — 3RD AUBURN HOLIDAY TOUR OF HOMES
Held at various locations.
Tickets: available in December at the Auburn Chamber of Commerce & each of the tour homes on the day of the tours.
Eight homes will be showcased. There will also be five free Saturday Cider Stops incorporated in the tour.
Sponsored by the Auburn Preservation League. http://www.auburnpreservationleague.org/
SATURDAY, DEC. 12, 10:00 AM - NOON — AU FOREST ECOLOGY PRESERVE HOLIDAY WREATH WORKSHOP
Held at AU’s Louise Kreher Forest Ecology Preserve.
Registration required. Call 334-844-8091 or 334-707-6512 or email the preserve@auburn.edu to register.
Cost: $15/wreath. No charge for children’s ornament.
More info & directions: https://fp.auburn.edu/preserve/Default.htm
Enjoy a fun morning making a beautiful fresh wreath that should last through the holidays. Ginger Purvis from the Blooming Colors Market will lend her expert hand at making beautiful wreaths with natural materials. Music and goodies and cider will make this a great way to get in the holiday spirit. Children attending will make a cotton bole angel ornament.
Held at AU’s Louise Kreher Forest Ecology Preserve.
Registration required. Call 334-844-8091 or 334-707-6512 or email the preserve@auburn.edu to register.
Cost: $15/wreath. No charge for children’s ornament.
More info & directions: https://fp.auburn.edu/preserve/Default.htm
Enjoy a fun morning making a beautiful fresh wreath that should last through the holidays. Ginger Purvis from the Blooming Colors Market will lend her expert hand at making beautiful wreaths with natural materials. Music and goodies and cider will make this a great way to get in the holiday spirit. Children attending will make a cotton bole angel ornament.
SUNDAY, DEC. 13 — 3RD AUBURN HOLIDAY TOUR OF HOMES
Held at various locations.
Tickets: available in December at the Auburn Chamber of Commerce & each of the tour homes on the day of the tours.
Eight homes will be showcased. There will also be five free Saturday Cider Stops incorporated in the tour.
Sponsored by the Auburn Preservation League. http://www.auburnpreservationleague.org/
==========================
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Dec. 8, 2009
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==========================
Thanks for your interest and support.
PLACE Forum
Email: placeforum@gmail.com
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Dec. 7, 2009
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UPDATE
ADDITIONAL EVENT TODAY!
WEDNESDAY, DEC. 2, 12:00 - 1:00 PM — GREEN LUNCH / PANEL DISCUSSION ON LOCAL FOOD
Held at AU Student Center, room 2223.
Free and open to the public. Bring your lunch!
http://www.auburn.edu/projects/sustainability/website/projects/green_lunch.html
Our final Green Lunch of the semester will be a panel discussion on local food. The panel will consist of people who grow or work with local food on a daily basis. Producers Zach Randle of Randle Farms LLC and Gary Weil of Redroot Farm will discuss the challenges and rewards of growing produce and selling it directly to consumers through CSAs and local businesses. Executive Chef David Bancroft of Amsterdam café will discuss the journey he took to source local food and the pleasure of cooking with it. Hans van der Reijden, Managing Director of Hotel Operations, Auburn University Hotel, will talk about the challenges and advantages of using local food in a large hotel restaurant. Lastly, Dr. Michelle Worosz from Auburn’s Department of Agricultural Economics and Rural Sociology will give an academic overview of the impact and advantages of maintaining and growing local food markets. During the final fifteen minutes of the event, the panelists will take questions from the floor.
AU Office of Sustainability: www.auburn.edu/sustainability;
200 Langdon Annex, AU; 334.844.7777.
CORRECTION / NO SOS MEETING THURSDAY
There will not be an SOS meeting this Thursday evening.
ADDITIONAL EVENT
FRIDAY, DEC. 4, 9:00 AM — ALABAMA COMMISSION ON HIGHER EDUCATION - special/called meeting
Held in the PSA Hearing Room, RSA Union Building, 9th Floor, Montgomery. Open to all. 334-242-1998
Preliminary Agenda
I. Call to Order
II. Roll Call of Members and Determination of Quorum
III. Approval of Agenda
IV. Consideration of Minutes of Previous Meeting
V. Chairman’s Report
VI. Executive Director’s Report
VII. Discussion Items
VIII. Decision Items
IX. Information Items
ADDITIONAL DETAILS - Santa visit; Drum Choir
SATURDAY, DEC. 5, 8:00 am - 1:00 pm — 14TH ANNUAL COOKIE WALK / Benefit for Habitat for Humanity Homes
Additional info: Santa Claus will make a visit at 10 am, and the Pot Luck Drum Choir will perform at 11:30 am
Held at Grace United Methodist Church, 915 E. Glenn Ave; next to Kroger. Come and buy a wide assortment of holiday cookies for $5/lb. Money raised is used for Habitat for Humanity homes.
ADDITIONAL EVENT
SATURDAY, DEC. 5, 10:00 AM - 5:00 PM — 16th ANNUAL STANDARD DELUXE HOLIDAY SHOW & SALE
Held at Standard Deluxe, Waverly. Toll free: 800.382.9473
Direct: 334.826.6423. www.standarddeluxe.com/story1.html
Posters, prints, bags, & T-shirts available.
Established in 1991, STANDARD DELUXE is a high quality silkscreen print shop, design & build studio, music performance hall and onsite gallery/retail store specializing in T-Shirts, Hand-Printed Posters, Invitations, Signage and Archival Serigraph Art Prints.
ADDITIONAL EVENT
SATURDAY, DEC. 5, 8:00 PM – ROOTS REGGAE BAND & SHOW / B-LAW RIDDIMWISE
Held at Fred’s Pickin Parlor (Fred’s Feed & Seed), 6434 Stage Road, Loachapoka. 334-502-6602
http://www.myspace.com/beduriddimwise
Come hungry! Papa D’s Super Grille opens at 7:00 pm.
UPCOMING EVENT
MONDAY, DEC. 7, 7:00 PM — LEAGUE OF WOMEN VOTERS OF EAST ALABAMA / MEETING & HOLIDAY GATHERING
Held at Piccolo, the jazz bar at the AU Hotel. All are welcome.
Catch up with your League friends by joining them near the fireplace in the new jazz bar at the Auburn University Hotel. The atmosphere will be cozy, the menu options are tasty, and the crowd will definitely be interesting. Invite a friend (or two) and join us for a casual evening of holiday cheer, starting at 7.
Piccolo menu: http://www.auhcc.com/dining/documents/MenuTemplateOpening.pdf
REGISTER NOW!
Dec. 9 & 10 — “Vegetation for Stream and Floodplain
Restoration” workshop
Held in Montgomery, in the conference room, Goodwyn, Mills, and Cawood, Inc. , 2660 EastChase Lane, Ste 200, Montgomery; Tel: 334.271.3200.
For more information, contact Eve Brantley brantef@auburn.edu or visit http://www.aces.edu/waterquality/iby.htm .
Topics will include:
* Invasive, nonnative plant management
* Riparian plant selection
* Bioengineering
* Planting techniques for stream and wetland plants
Registration information and a full agenda are available at:
http://www.aces.edu/waterquality/iby.htm#veg
Continuing education units (CEUs) from Auburn University will be offered for this workshop.
Project sponsors and partners include City of Montgomery, Auburn University, Alabama Cooperative Extension System, Alabama Department of Environmental Management, Goodwyn, Mills, and Cawood, Inc., Jennings Environmental, LLC, Upper Alabama River Clean Water Partnership, Auburn
University Montgomery, Young Meadows Presbyterian Church, North Carolina State University, USDA CSREES Southern Region Water Program
TICKETS AVAILABLE NOW!
Auburn Preservation League Presents Auburn Holiday Home Tour
December 12 - 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
December 13 - 1 p.m. to 4 p.m.
8 HOMES
Susan and George Konstant, 232 Chadwick Lane
Tina and Mike Rabren, 1547 Lakewood Place
Pheza and Shane Sumners, 566 East Samford Ave.
Leigh and John Hudon, 718 Burke Place
Lucy Little, 554 Berkeley Ave.
Rosemary and Ronnie Anders, 2487 Danbury Drive
Kelly and Rick Davidson, Camellia Drive
Peg and Peter Weiss, 105 Prather’s Lake Dr.
5 CIDER STOPS
Auburn City Hall (Old Post Office Building), 144 Tichenor Ave.
Jan Dempsey Art Building, 222 East Drake Ave.
Crenshaw Bed and Breakfast, 371 N. College St.
Jule Collins Smith Museum of Fine Art, 901 S. College St.
Lee County Museum in Loachapoka
Tickets for the tour are $20 each, and benefit Auburn Preservation League. Pre-tour tickets are available now at the Chamber of Commerce or at the Auburn United Methodist Bazaar December 5. Tickets also available on tour days, at each home. [2 tickets available at half price for each new membership in Auburn Preservation League.]
See www.auburnpreservationleague.org.
Holiday Homes Tour sponsored by AMI Windows and Doors
==========================
BIRMINGHAM NEWS - The Birmingham News says the practice of providing elected officials with free tickets to the Iron Bowl should end.
Will water footprints be the next energy star? Like their cousin the carbon footprint, water footprints are one of the latest methods scientists are using to assess humanity’s impact on the planet. And now businesses are starting to use water footprinting as well. National Geographic News
MAGNOLIA SPRINGS EXCEEDS STATE RULES TO PROTECT RIVER — . . . the town of Magnolia Springs passed what some say are the strongest water quality regulations in Alabama.The rules are designed to control runoff from construction and agricultural activities in the Magnolia River watershed. They establish stiff penalties for violators — including a $500 per day fine, along with the prospect of jail time . . . .
FANNIE MAE UNVEILS DEED FOR LEASE PROGRAM
Fannie Mae is implementing a Deed for Lease Program where qualifying homeowners facing foreclosure will be able to remain in their homes by signing a lease in connection with the voluntary transfer of the property deed back to the lender. Something like this could help stave off some forclosures. For additional information about the Deed for Lease Program, including full details on program eligibility, review the Guide Announcement on www.efanniemae.com.
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EXCERPT FROM ARCHWEEK RESIDENTIAL (e-newsletter from www.ArchitectureWeek.com) — HOUSING MARKET / UNEMPLOYMENT STATISTICS MAP
Housing market statistics are in the news this week, including aseries of modest sales price increases during the third quarter, as well as the astounding (even if mechanistically driven) calculationthat 23% of U.S. homeowners are currently underwater in their mortgages.
While any degree of stabilization is welcome, the backdrop for U.S.
housing trends remains complex, with government stimulus funding and low interest rates supporting updraft, while various aspects of the market structure probably still draft downward.
As the Great Recession appears to be technically waning, very high unemployment continues to be one of the important background factors for housing.
This must-see animated map helps bring the scale of the U.S.
unemployment issue to life:
http://cohort11.americanobserver.net/latoyaegwuekwe/multimediafinal.html
Give it a moment for the trends to build, and see where they get by
September ‘09. Then play the trend buildup a couple times more to really get the feel of it.
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Dec. 2, 2009
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