Week of Jan. 19, 2010 — Meetings, events & updates
JAN. 15, 2010 COLUMN BY LISA BROUILLETTE — WILL 2010 BE STATE’S YEAR FOR REFORM?
http://placeforum.org/blog/2010/01/19/jan-15-2010-column-by-lisa-brouillette-will-2010-be-state%E2%80%99s-year-for-reform/
Portion of Gay Street to Close for Repairs January 19
East Alabama Recycling Partnership to host Electronics Recycling Event February 6
Public Notice: Funding Availability for City of Auburn Community Development Block Grant 2010 Action Plan
The Lee County Association of Realtors has published the Housing Statistics for the month of December 2009.
www.LeeCountyHousingStats.info
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 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 SATURDAY, JAN. 30 — ART EXHIBIT: FOUND OBJECTS II
Held at the Jan Dempsey Community Arts Center. Free & open to all.
An annual exhibition featuring works utilizing non-traditional art materials, open Monday – Friday from 8 a.m. – 5 p.m. For more information about the Art Gallery or future exhibitions, please contact the Jan Dempsey Community Arts Center at 501-2963.
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. For more information, see this link. http://jcsm.auburn.edu/exhibitions/current/2009_12_audubon_pre.php
ONGOING THROUGH FEB. 28 — EXHIBITION: AGRITECTURE
Held at AU’s Biggin Gallery, 101 Biggin Hall. Free & open to all.
Agritecture: What does the Chia PetTM have to do with sustainable living? Can grain crops be an art form? Jeff Schmuki, visiting artist in the Auburn University Department of Art, challenges viewers both to confront and to collaborate on these and other issues in Agritecture.
TUESDAY, JAN. 19, 9:00 – 4:30 PM — I-85 CORRIDOR ALLIANCE 2010 SUMMIT
Held at Tuskegee University Kellogg Hotel and Conference Center.
Info/registration: www.i85corridor.org or call Allyson Martin 334-844-4685.
TUESDAY, JAN. 19, 11:45 a.m. — THE IMPACT OF ENVIRONMENTAL OPPRESSION
Lunch & Learn Series: Panel Discussion
Speaker Dr. Nik Heynen
Held in room 2225/2227 AU Student Center. Free & open to all. www.auburn.edu/aukingweek
Sponsored by the AU Multicultural Center.
Dr. Neynen is a professor of geography at the University of Georgia, Athens. His research interest include urban political economy/ecology, social theory, inequality and social movements.
TUESDAY, JAN. 19, 5:00 PM — ART LECTURE & RECEPTION: “THE END OF LAND ART” BY KELLEY WACKER
Held in AU’s Biggin Gallery. Free & open to all.
6:00 – 8:00 pm — reception
Land Art-what is it, when did it develop, and how has it evolved in the contemporary U.S. Art historian Kelly Wacker lays the groundwork for understanding the progression of the Land Art movement. A reception will follow the lecture.
TUESDAY, JAN. 19, 6:00 PM — LEE COUNTY COMMISSION WORK SESSION
Held in the commission chambers, Opelika Courthouse, 215 S. 9th Ave, Opelika. Open to all.
Agenda: discussion with members of the Volunteer Firefighters Association
TUESDAY, JAN. 19 — AUBURN CITY COUNCIL
6:15 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
Committee of the Whole agenda includes:
DOWNTOWN STUDY COMMITTEE presentation. Committee Member Kim Harrison. Committee Member Warren McCord.
Planning Director Forrest Cotten.
Regular meeting agenda includes:
7. CITIZENS’ COMMUNICATIONS.
8. CITY MANAGER’S COMMUNICATIONS. City Manager Duggan. — None.
9. ORDINANCES.
a. Amend City Code. Adopt 2009 Editions of International Building Code, International Fire Code, International Plumbing Code, International Fuel Gas Code and International Property Maintenance Code w/Specified Amendments and Exceptions.
SECOND READING.
b. Zoning. West Pace, LLC and Lynch Properties, Inc. West Pace Village. Public Hearing Required. Unanimous Consent Necessary.Jay Conner (Authorized Representative). Property located between Interstate 85 and Shell Toomer Parkway, east of South College Street (US Highway 29). Apply Planned
Development District (PDD) designation to property zoned Comprehensive Development District (CDD). 165.5 Acres.
10. RESOLUTIONS.
a. City Council Meeting. Date Change for Second Meeting in March. March 23, 2010.
b. Conditional Use Approvals. West Pace, LLC and Lynch Properties, Inc. West Pace Village. Public Hearing Required. Jay Conner (Authorized Representative). Property located between Interstate 85 and Shell Toomer Parkway, east of South College Street (US Highway 29). Outdoor Recreational uses, Institutional uses, Indoor Recreational uses, Office use, Commercial and Entertainment uses, Professional Studio use, Road Service uses, Commercial Recreational uses, Agricultural Support uses, Nurseries use, Commercial Support uses, and Regional Shopping Center use in Comprehensive Development District (CDD) with an Overlay of Planned Development District (PDD) designation (pending rezoning). 165.5 Acres. Planning Commission Recommendation.
c. Contracts and Agreements. Authorize Mayor and City Manager to Sign.
(1) $1,245,375. Public Works Department. Alabama Department of Transportation (ALDOT). Federal Highway Administration. American Recovery and Reinvestment Act (ARRA). Resurface Various Streets. Supplemental Agreement Number 1.
(2) $75,202.40. Contract. Water Resource Management Department. Compliance EnviroSystems, LLC. Closed Circuit Television (CCTV) Inspection, Cleaning, and Rehabilitation and Root Control Services. Southside Sewer Basin No. 12.
(3) $22,695. Office of the City Manager. Hixson Consultants, Inc. City Hall Repairs. Professional Services Agreement.
d. Drainage and Utility Easement, Warranty Deed, and Sanitary Sewer Easements. Acceptance and Payment for Value Lost.
(1) James M. Burt III. Property Located on North Donahue Drive.
North Donahue Drive Bridge Replacement Project.
(a) Drainage and Utility Easement and Temporary Construction Easement.
(b) Additional Right-of-Way. Warranty Deed. Payment of
$5,747 for Value Lost.
(2) Sanitary Sewer Easements.
(a) R. J. Burkhalter and Ray L. Huff. J. C. Street Subdivision,
First Revision of Lots 21-32 and 56-66. Property Located
South of West Glenn Avenue between Wright Street and
Toomer Street.
(b) Donald H. Allen. Stage at Dean Subdivision. Property
Located at the northwest corner of the intersection of Old Stage Road and North Dean Road.
11. OTHER BUSINESS.
12. ADJOURNMENT.
TUESDAY, JAN. 19 — OPELIKA CITY COUNCIL
6:30 pm – work session / 7:00 PM – regular meeting
Held in the council chambers, 204 South 7th Street, Opelika. Open to all. Agenda: www.opelika.org/
Work session agenda includes:
(1) - a. Resolution, agreement, 2nd amended tax abatement
agreement with Mando – Lori Hughley, Al Cook
(2) - a. Resolution to delete current Financial Advisor(s) and
designate a new Financial Advisor – City Council
(3) - a. Resolution/agreement, recycling fund grant agreement
with Auburn University.
b. General updates — Mayor Fuller, John Seymour
(4) - Review/discuss the 1/19/10 CM agenda items — Mayor Fuller
(5) - General Discussion - City Council
a. New / Old Business; b. Board appointments; c. Other City business.
Regular session agenda includes:
6) UNFINISHED BUSINESS
7) REMARKS BY THE MAYOR - Gary Fuller
a. Recognize the “Opelika Reads Initiative”.
b. Check presentation to the local VFW 5732 for 111th Ordinance Group deployment reception.
c. Presentation of City employee service awards.
d. Recognize the Police Officer of the Month.
e. City financial summary report for December 2009.
8) CITIZENS COMMUNICATIONS – (Limit comments to five minutes or less) Bob Shuman
9) REPORT OF DISBURSEMENTS
10) COMMITTEE REPORTS
11) GENERAL BUSINESS - Bob Shuman (none)
12) AWARDING OF BIDS - Shirley Washington
a. Three year contract for protective clothing for the OFD.
b. Three year contract for cellular phone service, equipment, etc. for all City departments.
c. Custodial services for the SportsPlex.
13) RESOLUTIONS - Guy Gunter
1. Refund of occupational license fee.
2. Refund of occupational license fee.
3. Purchase of property for the Frederick Road extension project.
4. Vacating and abandoning a drainage/utility easement, Lot 31 Lakewood SD.
5. Vacating and abandoning a drainage/utility easement, Lot 32 Lakewood SD.
6. Declare City personal property as surplus and authorize disposal.
7. Special appropriation to the VFW 5732 for the 111th Ordinance Group deployment ceremony.
8. Special appropriation to the Opelika School system to support the Opelika Reads Initiative.
9. Re-appointment of Opelika Municipal Judge.
14) ORDINANCES - Guy Gunter – To cancel the 3-16-10 Council meeting date and re-schedule to 3-23-10. First reading.
15) APPOINTMENTS – Two (2) reappointments to the Opelika Tree Commission.
16) ADJOURN
WEDNESDAY, JAN. 20 — ADEM NONPOINT CONFERENCE
Held at the Renaissance Hotel and Conference Center, Montgomery.
Register online at http://www.adem.state.al.us/Education%20Div/Conference/2010/ConfReg.htm
More info: http://www.adem.state.al.us/Education%20Div/Conference/2010/10NPSConference.htm
WEDNESDAY, JAN. 20, 11:30 AM – 12:30 PM — AUBURN BEAUTIFICATION COUNCIL
Held at the Auburn Chamber of Commerce, 714 E. Glenn Ave. Open to all interested in keeping Auburn beautiful. Lunch is provided. http://www.auburnbeautification.org/
WEDNESDAY, JAN. 20, NOON — AUBURN HERITAGE ASSOCIATION / ANNUAL MEMBERSHIP LUNCHEON
Guest Speaker: Jeffrey Seymour; Curator, Civil War Naval Museum, Columbus, GA
Held at the Saugahatchee Country Club.
Tickets: $25. Make checks payable to “Auburn Heritage Association..”
RSVP: Mary Norman (826-0390 or pinetucket@gmail.com) or Kitt Conner (332-7911 or kitconner@mindspring.com)
Info: www.auburnheritage.org; ph: 826-0390
Note: Monthly AHA board meetings are held on the 3rd Wednesday of each month from Sept to May.
WEDNESDAY, JAN. 20, 2:00 PM — BLOODY LOWNDES: CIVIL RIGHTS AND BLACK POWER IN ALABAMA’S BLACK BELT
Speaker: Dr. Hassan K. Jefferies
Held in room 2222/2223 AU Student Center. Free & open to all. www.auburn.edu/aukingweek
Sponsored by the Access & Community Initiatives.
The symbol of the black panther was an export from Alabama. It did not come from the streets of Oakland but from the struggle for freedom in the rural south where the cat was once common and eventually became a symbol on ballots during the voting rights drive in Lowndes County, Alabama. That is just one of the remarkable stories in Hasan Kwame Jeffries’ new book, Bloody Lowndes: Civil Rights and Black Power in Alabama’s Black Belt. A professor of history at Ohio State University, Jeffries discusses the legacy of the African-American struggle for freedom and the roots of the civil rights movement, which he traces back to the moment of emancipation.
WEDNESDAY, JAN. 20 , 5:30 – 7:00 PM — WEEKLY ECO HAPPY HOUR & GREEN DRINKS
NOW HELD AT PICCOLO LOUNGE, AUBURN UNIVERSITY HOTEL & DIXON CONFERENCE CENTER. 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. Feel free to spread the word to others who might be interested.
WEDNESDAY, JAN. 20, 6:00 PM — LEE COUNTY DEMOCRATIC CLUB
Held at Auburn University Club. 1499 N. Donahue Road.
6:00 pm – buffet dinner ($11, tax & tip included)
6:50 pm – Speaker: Joe Turnham, Chairman, Alabama Democratic Party.
Joe Turnham will speak to the club about the 2010 Election Landscape and Races. Joe is well known to our club, as he is a native and resident of Lee County. Joe’s father, ret. State Rep. Pete Turnham, served 40 years as Member of the Alabama House, representing this area. Joe is serving his third stint over a 13-year period as Chairman of the Alabama Democratic Party. Joe has led a successful rebuilding of the party’s image and infrastructure culminating with hugely successful election wins in 2006. Joe’s leadership has helped democrats win 5 of 6 special elections for State House races in the last 36 months.
Joe has been a successful organizational strategist and consultant, assisting a variety of organizations and companies build and expand their markets. Joe has traveled internationally on both business and humanitarian efforts to India, Africa and South America. Joe was also a founding director of the Alabama League of Environmental Action Voters; today that organization is known as Conservation Alabama.
WEDNESDAY, JAN. 20, 6:30 PM — FRENCH FILM SERIES: HORS DE PRIX
Held in AU’s Haley Center room 3203.
Hors de prix (2006); Priceless (102 min.)
Irène (Audrey Tautou), who makes a fortune sweet-talking rich men, puts the moves on klutzy Jean (Gad Elmaleh), unaware that he’s just a hotel bartender. But by the time Irène realizes her mistake, Jean is hopelessly smitten with her. Letting men down easy has never been Irène’s strong suit, but she finds a way to mend Jean’s broken heart that ensures he’ll never have to mix cocktails again. Vernon Dobtcheff co-stars in this hilarious French farce.
Email ama0002@auburn.edu for more information.
Info: http://media.cla.auburn.edu/forlang/display_event.cfm?Calendar_ID=3466
WEDNESDAY, JAN. 20, 7:00 – 9:00 PM — ASIAN FILM SERIES / JAPANESE FILM: “KIDS RETURN“
Held in AU’s Haley Center room 3195. Free & open to all.
This month, the Asian Film Series features three Asian films on the theme of back to school. This second film is a Japanese director, Takeshi Kitano’s “Kids Return” (1996).
For upcoming films, please check “events calendar” of the Department of Foreign Languages and Literatures: http://media.cla.auburn.edu/forlang/EventCalendar/index.cfm
THURSDAY, JAN. 21, NOON — AU WOMEN’S PHILANTHROPY BOARD / ROUNDTABLE DISCUSSION: INVESTING IN THE NEW NORMAL
Held in Ariccia’s private dining room at The Hotel at Auburn University and Dixon Conference Center. Dutch-treat luncheon.
Seating is limited and early registration is recommended.
To register, call 844-3524 or e-mail wpbchs1@auburn.edu.
The Women’s Philanthropy Board, in the College of Human Sciences, will host a roundtable luncheon and discussion on “Investing in the New Normal” featuring Susan Moore, Leah Dubberly and Brenda Dozier.
Moore is a financial consultant and the principal owner of Moore Wealth Management. Dubberly, of Merrill Lynch, has been a business owner, corporate marketing executive, political action committee fundraiser and congressional staffer. Dozier is a wealth management associate with First Legacy Partners.
More info:http://www.humsci.auburn.edu/attachment/upload/wpb_investing_flyer_1.8.2010.pdf
THURSDAY, JAN. 21, NOON – 1:00 PM — ALLIANCE FOR COMMUNITY TREES (ACT) / TREE CANOPY WEBINAR
American Forests Consultant Cheryl Kollin Gives National Tree Canopy Webinar
To register, and to learn more about ACT’s Third Thursday Webcast Series, visit http://actrees.org/site/stories/act_webcast_series.php. Open to all.
Urban Ecosystem Analysis (UEA) – an assessment tool American Forests has pioneered and employed in more than 40 metropolitan areas across the nation over the past decade – provides critical data for addressing the alarming rate of urban tree loss that causes billions of dollars in lost ecological services. Dan DeWald discussed how the city of Bellevue has already used such analyses in several programs and initiatives.
The Alliance for Community Trees (ACT) is a unique national organization dedicated entirely to helping nonprofit and community organizations protect and restore the forests in cities, towns and villages where 86% of Americans make their homes. ACT’s Webcast Series is a national webcast held the third Thursday of each month at 12:00pm CST, aimed at providing informal training for community groups, volunteer organizers and other public workers, outlining successful programs and practices they can implement in their own communities. Webcasts are open to everyone.
A recorded version of Cheryl Kollin’s webcast, “Canopy Campaigns and Public Tree Goals-Part I: Goal Setting,” is available from the ACT website HERE – http://actrees.org/site/storie/canopy_campaigns_and_public_tree_goals_part_i.php .
THURSDAY, JAN. 21, 3:00 PM — CHRISTIAN IDENTITY AND ECONOMIC JUSTICE IN THE RURAL SOUTH
Speaker: Dr Wylin Dassie Wilson
Held in AU’s Draughon Library Archives and Special Collections. Free & open to all. www.auburn.edu/aukingweek
Dr. Wilson is a Scholar-in-Residence at Dunstans Episcopal Church at Auburn University. Her lecture will focus on the gap in theological and ethical discourse regarding serious consideration of marginalized populations such as rural southern, persistently impoverished African-Americans in the Black Belt.
THURSDAY, JAN. 21, 4:00 PM — WATCH AND LEARN FILM SERIES / FEATURED FILM: BOYCOTT (with Reflections and Small Group Discussion)
Held in AU’s Multicultural Center Reading Room. Free & open to all. www.auburn.edu/aukingweek
In 1955, an African-American woman named Rosa Parks dared to take an empty seat in the “Whites Only” section on a city bus in Montgomery, Alabama sparked one of the first major battles in the civil rights movement of the 1950s and 1960s, thus bringing the work of Martin Luther King to the attention of many Americans for the first time. Boycott is a made-for-TV movie that dramatizes the events of the Montgomery bus boycott, weaving vintage newsreel footage with scenes depicting the public and private dramas involved in the protests. Boycott stars Jeffrey Wright as Martin Luther King, Carmen Ejogo as Coretta Scott King, and Terrence Dashon Howard as Ralph Abernathy; CCH Pounder, Reg E. Cathey, and Shawn Michael Howard highlight the supporting cast.
THURSDAY, JAN.21, 4:00 pm-OPELIKA PLANNING COMMISSION WORK SESSION
Held at 700 Fox Trail, Opelika Public Works bldg. Open to all. www.opelika.org
Agenda includes:
I. Elect Officers to Planning Commission (Chairman, Vice Chairman)
A. PLATS (preliminary and preliminary & final) – PUBLIC HEARING
1. Plantation S/D, Redivision of Lots 20 & 21, 3 lots, Andrews Road, David Jett, P/F approval
2. Replat of Pine Acres S/D Lot 2-B1 & Pinecrest S/D, Lots 19B & 20B, 3 lots, Waverly Parkway, Matthew Toland, P/F approval 3. Ray-Murphy S/D, 5 lots, Lee Road 262, Helen Murphy, P/F approval
4. Block 34, First Revision S/D, 2 lots, 500 block of 2nd Avenue, Young Properties, LLC, P/F approval
B. REZONING – PUBLIC HEARING
5. Planning Staff, corner of Palmer Avenue & Raintree Street, 3 lots (1 acre) from C-2 to R-4
C. AMENDMENT TO THE ZONING ORDINANCE – Public Hearing
6. Amendment to text of Zoning Ordinance – Section 9 (L) Political signs
D. OTHER BUSINESS
7. Nancy Willingham, 13 Samford Avenue, C-3, GC-2, Review temporary conditional use permit for bar
8. Troy Bell, 301 South Railroad Avenue, C-3, Review temporary conditional use permit for an auto repair and wrecker towing business
9. Greg Mims, 3300 Pepperell Pkwy, C-3, GC-2, Review temporary conditional use permit for a recycling collection business
10. Review 2010 Comprehensive Plan Work Program
11. Water Street Concept Plan
NOTE: The regular Opelika Planning Commission meeting will be held at this same location on Tuesday, Jan. 26, 3:00 pm.
THURSDAY, JAN. 21, 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.
NOTE: A new member, Jeff Clary, has been appointed.
THURSDAY, JAN. 21, 6:00 PM — SCIENCE CAFE WITH LINDY BIGGS / AT THE GNU’S ROOM
Held at The Gnu’s Room Bookstore & Coffee House, 414 S Gay St; ph: 334.821.5550; www.thegnusroom.com;
Coffee-Books-Community
Lindy Biggs currently serves as the Executive Director of the Sustainability Initiative at Auburn University. Biggs received her PhD from MIT in history of technology, her MA and BS are from University of Missouri. She teaches and writes about technology and its social context and consequences.
Biggs’ research has focused on industrialization in both the U.S. and Britain, and more specifically on the physical reality of industrialization. Her first book, The Rational Factory: Architecture, Technology and Work in America’s Age of Mass Production (Johns Hopkins University Press, 2002), examined the creation of the American mass-production factory. She is currently writing about the first factories in eighteenth-century England, their employment of child labor, and the debates that arose around early industrialization. She has received a grant from the National Science Foundation and was a senior fellow at the Dibner Institute for the History of Science and Technology at MIT in support of the project.
Biggs has also been a Fulbright Senior Scholar in Norway and served as the Secretary of the Society for the History of Technology. Other scholarly interests include environmental history about which she teaches and is making plans for future research.
THURSDAY, JAN. 21, 6:00 – 9:00 PM — JCSM WINTER MEMBERS’ OPENING & RECEPTION www.jcsm.auburn.edu
THURSDAY, JAN. 21, 7:00 – 9:00 PM — FUND RAISING WORKSHOP
Held in AU’s O. D. Smith Hall room 329, 135 S. College St.
Fee: $20 per session ($50 for the series )
Register: www.auburn.edu/cconline or 334-844-5100
This is the first of three Auburn University Outreach Program Office workshops. Learn from the Vice President of Development at Auburn University, Jeff McNeill. Mr. McNeill will provide a step by step approach to successful fund raising for any size organization.
Upcoming workshops: (same place & time)
Jan. 28 - Volunteer Management – Join Sid James, Director of the Women’s Philanthropy Board for an insightful workshop on recruiting and managing volunteers for your community organization.
Feb. 4 - Community Organizing — Roberta Jackel, former City Council member, facilitates a panel discussion on strategies for community organizing at its best.
FRIDAY, JAN. 22 through SUNDAY, JAN. 24 — ALABAMA TRUST FOR HISTORIC PRESERVATION 2010 RAMBLE / EUFAULA AND THE GEORGIA CHATTAHOCHEE AREA
The Alabama Trust for Historic Preservation will travel to Eufaula and the Chattahoochee area to visit various historic sites.
Registration for the entire Ramble is $60 per person; $50 for Saturday only. This includes the tour bus fare, admission to Westville, and admission to Fort Mitchell. Meals and hotel are NOT included in the registration fee.
Lodging reservations: Lakepoint Resort State Park (104 Lakepoint Dr., Eufaula, AL 36027) call 334-687-8011 or 1-800-544-5253; or email sone.kornegay@dcnr.alabama.gov. . Hotel rooms are $60 plus tax. Please mention that you are with the Trust Ramble (group # 1149).
FRIDAY, JAN. 22 through WEDNESDAY, JAN. 27 — CAPITALISM: A LOVE STORY / AT THE CAPRI THEATRE
Held at the Capri Theatre, 1045 E Fairview Ave
Montgomery; ph: 334.262.4858; www.capritheatre.org/ .
Showings: Fri & Sat: 7:00 & 9:30; pm Sun – Wed: 7:30 pm only
Everyone’s most loved and hated documentarian Michael Moore takes on the US financial system and tries to find out what is going on. Capitalism: A Love Story (127mins)
http://www.capitalismalovestory.com
FRIDAY, JAN. 22, 8:00 AM – 4:30 PM — TRADITION – INNOVATION: AMERICAN MASTERPIECES OF SOUTHERN CRAFT AND TRADITIONAL ART
Held at AU’s Jule Collins Smith Museum of Fine Art, Bill L. Harbert Gallery. Free & open to all. www.jcsm.auburn.edu
JCSM is host to a traveling survey exhibition of contemporary craft and traditional art produced in the southeastern United States, and is the only venue in Alabama. Organized by the Southern Arts Federation, Tradition/Innovation:American Masterpieces of Southern Craft and Traditional Art features fifty-eight of the region’s master artists working in ceramics, glass, fiber arts, basketry, woodworking, metal-smithing, book arts, and other traditionally utilitarian media. Featuring more than 100 objects, the exhibition provides a sweeping view of modern craft, with examinations of the importance of community and culture, innovation and evolution, and the imprint of place.
FRIDAY, JAN. 22, 11:45 a.m. — DR MARTIN LUTHER KING JR BIRTHDAY CELEBRATION / music & reflections
Held in AU Student Center. Free & open to all. Info: www.auburn.edu/aukingweek
Music and reflections on the Life and Contributions of Dr. Martin Luther King. The Auburn University Gospel Choir will perform at the event. This year’s King Week activities were coordinated by Access and Community Initiatives, a unit of the Auburn University Office of Diversity and Multicultural Affairs.
FRIDAY, JAN. 22, 7:00 PM — POETRY READING & BOOK SIGNING / AT THE GNU’S ROOM
Held at The Gnu’s Room Bookstore & Coffee House, Coffee-Books-Community, 414 South Gay St; ph: 334.821.5550; www.thegnusroom.com.
Auburn-based poetry publisher New Plains Press has recently released its first two books of poetry, and the Gnu’s Room is proud to be chosen for readings and signings. The first reading will be of Rest in Black Haw by Emily Elizabeth Schulten. Schulten is originally from Bowling green, KY but has traveled extensively and currently resides and teaches in Atlanta, Georgia. She is also a doctoral candidate in poetry at Georgia State University. Schulten has been published or has forthcoming work in Rio Grande Review, The Secret of Salt, The Hollins Critic, and Askew. For information on New Plains Press, please viist their website at www.newplainspress.com.
FRIDAY, JAN. 22, 7:30 PM — SUNDILLA CONCERT FEATURING GREG KLYMA
Held at the Auburn Unitarian Universalist Fellowship (AUUF) Hall, 450 E. Thach Ave. www.sundilla.org
Admission: $10, $8 for students, and free for children 12 and under (and welcomed; play area provided).
Light refreshments provided free of charge; you may also bring your own food or beverage (beer/wine allowed).
Troubadour Greg Klyma brings his always crowd-pleasing music to Auburn. For more info, and to hear music clips of Greg Klyma, go to www.sundilla.org.
SATURDAY, JAN. 23, 1:00 – 4:00 p.m. – CHAIR MASSAGE
Held at The Gnu’s Room Bookstore & Coffee House, 414 South Gay St; ph: 334.821.5550; Coffee-Books-Community, www.thegnusroom.com.
Enjoy the relaxing atmosphere at the Gnu’s Room with a cup of your favorite coffee or tea and let Conar Rochford remove any remaining stress with his healing hands. A fifteen-minute session is $10.00. Gift certificates are available.
SATURDAY, JAN. 23, 2:00 – 5:00 PM — COTTON BOLL QUILT GUILD / RECEPTION: QUILT SHOW “IT’S CHALLENGING”
Held at the Auburn Unitarian Universalist Fellowship (AUUF) Hall, 450 E. Thach Ave. www.auuf.net Free & open to all.
Come enjoy the beautiful quilts on loan from the Cotton Boll Quilt Guild and show the artists your appreciation.
SUNDAY, JAN. 24, 10:00 AM — AUUF / “SUNDAY WITH THE ALABAMA ACLU”
Held at the Auburn Unitarian Universalist Fellowship (AUUF) Hall, 450 E. Thach Ave. Free & open to all. www.auuf.net
A representative from the Alabama ACLU will be on hand to discuss issues on which they are currently focusing, including immigrants’ rights. Bring your commitment to “justice, equity and compassion” and your questions to bear.
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ACTION ALERTS FROM CONSERVATION ALABAMA
www.conservationalabama.org
Tell your Senator to fix crumbling roads first Action Needed: Tell your state Senator to vote NO on SB121 and come back with a plan that maximizes social, economic, and environmental benefit from existing transportation infrastructure before creating new roads we cannot afford.
Deadline for responding: Please contact your state Senator by 1 p.m. on Tuesday, January 19.
The Alabama State Legislature has been back in session for just one week, and we’ve got our hands full playing defense. Tuesday, the Alabama Senate is poised to vote on SB121, which would take $1 billion from the Alabama Trust Fund to build new roads in Alabama. This proposal is bad for citizen health, our economy, and environment in so many ways. We need you to tell your Senator to vote NO on SB121.
Problem: While thousands of roads and bridges are crumbling in Alabama, the Alabama Senate is proposing to take $1 billion over the next 10 years out of our state savings account to build even more roads we can’t maintain. With primary focus on new road projects and only a fraction of the dollars to go toward maintenance and repair of existing infrastructure, this proposal will make cash-strapped Alabamians even more dependent on foreign oil. By depleting our financial reserves in the state, funding for Forever Wild will be decreased as well. Worst of all, there is not even a dime for public transit in this legislation.
Solution: Alabama needs an infrastructure redevelopment plan that first focuses on fixing crumbling infrastructure; secondly reduces our reliance on foreign oil; thirdly encourages reinvestment in existing communities; and fourthly places a priority on creating a world-class transportation system, with emphasis on establishing and expanding mass transit. SB121 is not the solution to Alabamians needs, and it must be defeated.
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Let the public speak on SB61 - Alfa’s Hog Farm Bill
a.k.a. “Family Farm Preservation Act”
Action Needed: Please call, e-mail, or fax Sen. Kim Benefield, the sponsor of this SB61 and the chair of the Senate Agriculture Committee, and ask her to schedule a public hearing on SB61 before the committee votes. It’s important that the public’s voice is heard.
Deadline for responding: With the committee scheduled to meet Wednesday morning, please take action no later than Tuesday, January 19 at 5 p.m.
As the state of Alabama has already been reminded this year, defense wins championships. It’s true for football, and it’s true for protecting the environment in the Alabama State Legislature. In order for the environment to Win in 2010, we need to stop bad environmental legislation, such as the Hog Farm Bill (SB61) before the Senate Agriculture Committee this week. But you can’t win when you aren’t even allowed onto the field.
Problem: After introducing the same legislation eight times and being defeated each time by Conservation Alabama and our partners, Alfa has made significant changes to their so-called “Family Farm Preservation Act.” But the essence of this bill remains. SB61 would make corporate hog farms immune from legitimate legal action from citizens – especially when those citizens are plagued with the nuisance of the stench of thousands of hogs, the large black flies they attract, the degradation of water quality, and the overall decreased quality of life in rural Alabama. But the Senate Agriculture Committee is poised to vote on this revised legislation without giving the public an opportunity to speak about the bill.
Solution: For each of the eight times this ill-conceived bill has been offered by Alfa, the Agriculture Committee has allowed a public hearing. With some important changes to SB61 from previous years, it is even more important that the public have the opportunity to address the committee about their concerns.
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ACTION ALERT FROM WILDSOUTH
Wild South is a non-profit organization whose mission is to inspire and empower people to protect and restore the native ecosystems of the Southeast. www.wildsouth.org
URGENT: Please Contact Sen. Bedford and Rep. Lindsey’s Offices Immediately to reauthorize “Forever Wild”
Senator Roger Bedford: (334) 242-7862
Representative Richard Lindsey: (334) 242-7713
Click or Copy/Paste this link in your browser to take action:
http://www.alforeverwild.com/CalltoAction/tabid/67/Default.aspx
The position of the Protect Forever Wild Coalition:
Forever Wild should be reauthorized in its current form because of the success it has accomplished in preserving public lands in Alabama for future generations and the overwhelming public support it has continued to receive since it was approved by 83% of Alabamians in 1992.
Two letters – one signed by Rep. Richard Lindsey to all house members and the same letter signed by Sen. Roger Bedford to all senate members – ask for the consideration of a “Conserve Alabama” amendment, while also asking that no member commit to the reauthorization of Forever Wild.
The letters regarding the “Conserve Alabama” Amendment do not provide any funding details. We have been informed previously that the entities referenced in these letters have recommended diversion of Forever Wild Funds for other uses – as much as $10 Million to be split evenly between the programs of interest to ALFA and the Soil and Water Conservation Districts with Forever Wild allocated $5 Million.
It is our hope that this is not case, and that the entities involved will join us in “Protecting and Reauthorizing Forever Wild Funding” – but at this time we do not have the necessary information to draw that conclusion.
A reduction in Forever Wild funding in any way would ultimately gut one of the most successful programs ever passed by the legislature.
It is urgent that both Sen. Bedford and Rep. Lindsey receive a significant number of calls immediately from our coalition urging them to not introduce any legislation that would reduce funding to Forever Wild.
Also, please forward this message to as many others and encourage them to make calls this morning as well. If they have an interest in expanding Alabama’s conservation efforts for additional worthy projects, gutting Forever Wild isn’t the answer.
Please place calls immediately to both offices. If you don’t get to speak with the member, leave the message that you’re calling to support the reauthorization of Forever Wild in its current form.
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Info from the Alabama Environmental Council – www.aeconline.org
ADEM Accepting Applications for Director, Slows Down Process…Some!
After the resignation last month of Trey Glenn, Director of the Alabama Department of Environmental Management, the Environmental Management Commission is accepting applications through the end of January. They will also be accepting public input through 3 questions you might like asked of the candidates by January 29th. The intention is to narrow down the candidates on February 5th, interview finalists on the 12th, and hire the new Director at their February meeting, February 19th. That may seem fast for the most important position at the state agency responsible for protecting Alabama’s environment, but it is actually slower than originally proposed. Through public and media pressure and work of the ADEM Reform Coalition, of which AEC is a part, the EMC agreed to this revised schedule and are attempting to make this a public process.
If you are interested in the position, or know someone who is, please look at ADEM’s website for qualifications and or contact our staff to discuss what can be done. For such an important job, the EMC needs to select the right person for the job; someone who understands the connection between environmental protection and public health and can transform the agency.
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CITY OF AUBURN WEBSITE / LINKS TO AVAILABLE PUBLICATIONS http://www.auburnalabama.org/publications.asp
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
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Thanks for your interest and support.
PLACEforum
email: placeforum@gmail.com
web: http://placeforum.org/blog/
Jan. 19, 2010
