Birmingham in Rear View Mirror

After 7 long years of fighting a losing battle, I have conceded and moved to Calera. As much as I love certain attractions in Birmingham, I can not get past the corrupt government, the downward spiral of the neighborhoods and the attitude that if you are not black you have no place in this city. Heck, some of the African Americans in this city are not black enough for many. I've never seen a city or area so stuck in the past and refusing to let go of past hurts and move on to a brighter day. It just makes you tired.
Anyway, after doing my best to get my God forsaken house into some kind of shape for sell, we have the economic blunders of our government, wall street and for all practical purposes, a bunch of rich crooks who played us all for fools, leaving me with a crappy house in a crappy neighborhood with the inability to keep up the payments because my job has taken a hit.
I now live in Calera. The police circle our neighborhood...weird. It is quiet and the neighbors are respectful. Novel idea, Birmingham take notice...please. There isn't much crime in Calera and from where I sit, that makes losing everything I tried to create in Birmingham, worth letting go. In Birmingham, where on a daily basis I saw prostitution, street fights, theft, property destruction etc. Each day brought on a new crime and an evermore assurance that I had to get the hell out of Dodge.

Howard College Estates Fights Back

One person, Carol Reynolds, has stood in the gap for her district, and some others, in Birmingham. However, Carol can do just so much. Recently the good folks of Howard College Estates, a small neighborhood in the East Lake Area of Birmingham, have taken to fighting crime and cleaning up the neighborhood in a very practical way.
What started out as a meeting to voice our opinions and get organized as a neighborhood, now has the promise of being and creating a major impact on the community. We are cleaning up streets, simply by picking up litter. Phone numbers have been exchanged to allow for each of us contacting the other if we see suspicious activity. We also have a group called the Minutemen that respond to those who feel threatened. The Minutemen will serve the purpose of getting license plate numbers, descriptions of the culprits and simply a support group for those that feel they need help until the police arrive when a crime is being committed or when someone does not feel comfortable or safe in their home because of questionable activities in their neighborhood.
I have been told by neighbors on my street that I could not make a difference. But I have. My block is cleaner because I pick up trash. Cars that used to park in front of my home to make drug deals, no longer do so, because they know that I will turn them into the police.
It doesn't take a degree. It doesn't take a badge. It doesn't cost money. It only takes concern and the willingness to get involved. With the Howard College Estates group support, we are empowered. With Carol Reynolds as our representative we have a voice. It's a wonderful feeling to see people caring for each other's welfare, in a community setting.

Howard College Estates

Living in South East Lake has been, well..., an adventure. We have been through some dark times, and have had some enjoyable times. As of late, our neighborhood has been oppressed by a few people that have no respect for life or other peoples properties or quality of life.
I've had to ask myself, what makes these folks so unhappy, that they feel they must act out their displeasure with life? We can attribute it to lack of guidance from a parent or guardian, peer pressure, drugs and even a lack of involvment by local church groups.
Perhaps we have become overwhelmed with the big picture and have not focused on the very root. By this, I mean, "what can I do?" I've had to ask myself this question, and I have decided that since my education was in "educating", that I would offer my help to the good folks at Ruffner Mountain Park. Kathy, the director, has been looking at some after school ideas for young people. Something to keep them occupied, while educating them as well as keeping them out of trouble. Perhaps I can help with this endeavor. I've also commited to my church. Again offering my assistance in teaching the children.
I know that neither of these jobs are very glamorous, and the rewards are not financial. But perhaps, I can offer some little tidbit of information to a child or teen that would encourage them to be a better person, and therefore a better citizen.
Some of the folks that are causing the problems in our neighborhood now, will be more difficult to reach, if not impossible. We can only use our newly implemented watch group, along with police and other city officials to keep the damage at a minimal. Even at that we may save a life that will be a productive citizen if given the opportunity.
It was very humbling, and exciting, to meet the very bright and educated folks in our watch group. We all have much to offer the citizens of this area. It would be great to see all of your talents poured back into the neighborhood. I believe I can make a difference on my street. I believe we can make a difference in our city!

Birmingham Flight Museum

Here is another of Birmingham's wonderful attributes, that often goes unnoticed. Tucked away beside the airport, access can be acquired off 1st Avenue North. I have not visited this sight yet, but it is on my list of things to do!
Birmingham has so many cool places to visit, that are beautiful to the eyes, challenging to the mind and affordable to the pocketbook! I think the city should run ads on a few of the local stations at least to promote these areas. Many, I fear, have just been forgotten. What do you think?

Taylor Hicks Makes Birmingham Proud

First it was Reuben as the Birmingham "Teddy Bear", then we were ROCKED with Bo Bice and now the soulful sounds of Taylor Hicks.
This should not surprise any of us here in Alabama. After thinking about it for a while I realized that there is so much untapped talent in the Birmingham area, that we could get top honors with American Idol for years to come.
I work in a small plant of about 50 people. Out of that group of folks I know of one guy I work with that is in a fairly successful local band. I've listened to their cd's and they have a really great sound. You might recognize the name of "13 GHOSTS".
My church is filled with talented singers, who rival some of those in the top 12 easily. If you will notice, many of the more talented individuals competing have had church choir backgrounds. Fantasia being one of the many.
The South has had much to sing about. The hard times of slavery and prejudice has made it's mark with soulful songs from the heart. The self taught poor of the South developed the blues and country sounds that captures our souls. Jazz has taught us to celebrate life even when times are hard. Rock has shown our stubbornness and willingness to be different not because we can, but because we are proud to be. Then there is gospel, where the roots of our music stem from and where it continues to comfort our hearts, minds and souls.
There is no music like Southern music. It's not just something we do, it is who we are.

A Better Attitude

Should you ever have read my blog in the past, you would know that I had several negative entries concerning people and/or situations in Birmingham. It occurred to me that it is always easier to complain than to find good. Therefore, I am rededicating this site to the good things going on in our fair city. I will leave my negative comments and concerns to be directed to city officials that can correct or advise on any problems we may encounter.

It is my wish that you are able to use this blog to direct yourselves and others to the many wonderful attributes our city has to offer. On most of my entries you will be able to click on the title and it will take you to a web site that relays more information about said title. There are also links in the side bar that connect you to many wonderful and informative web sites of fun things to do in Birmingham. Many of which are Free!

Any comments or helpful information you can give would be appreciated. Thank you for taking the time to read my blog.

East Lake Makes Cents!

A recent article in the Birmingham News shows that the East Lake area is a new hot spot for investment or finding a beautiful low cost older home to set up housekeeping in. Many folks that now live in Shelby county grew up in this area or had grandparents that lived here. The quaint tudors, bungalows and four squares are plentiful. There are still many mediterranean style homes in the area also.
This area is close to everything! You have quick access to I-459, I-20 and I-59. On the average, you are about ten minutes from downtown Birmingham. Ruffner Mountain Park sits in the southern end of East Lake with East Lake Park sitting smack in the middle. You are no more than ten minutes away from the Birmingham Botanical Gardens and the Zoo! The whole area is screaming for a little TLC. With a little effort this area would make Crestwood or Homewood pale in comparison.
The streets in East Lake are wide and tree lined. Almost all streets have sidewalks and most utilities are run through alleys. With the gas prices as they are, why would you not move back to a place so convenient to everything?

So on your next Sunday drive, take another look at East Lake. You'll be glad you did!

Ruffner Mountain Park - Birminghams Hidden Jewel

For those that have not visited Ruffner Mountain Park, you have missed out! What a wonderful expanse of wildlife and nature. Walking trails and scenic views abound, and it is all absolutely free!

The shame of it is, the lack of use by the population that surrounds the park. Hopefully with the expansion and new facilities, this park will start drawing more locals and tourists. From the story in the Birmingham News, it sounds like the folks that take care of the park are on their toes and moving forward.

It has been my pleasure to know Kathy Freeland and she is totally sold out on the park. Please, please take the time to connect to the link above. You won't be disappointed. Because you will be at Ruffner in a heartbeat.