Volume 12 Issue 4 December 2008

Agency Newsletter

Jefferson County Committee for Economic Opportunity

Inside FOCUS 2 Director’s Desk Staff Additions 3 Celebrating Graymont 4 Say ‘Yes’ Ambassadors! Swinging Seniors 5-6 Graymont Gallery 7 Team Up JCCEO! 8 Which Witch is

Which? Health Corner

The JCCEO Community Services Division received a $7500 donation from Mr. Jim Kososki of Cleveland-Cliffs Pinnacle Mining Company, LLC on September 30, 2008. On hand to accept

the gen-erous

gift were Ms. C and Community Services Di-rector Ted Debro, ac-companied by Youth Program Developer John Cox, and AmeriCorps*VISTA vol-unteer Gary Miller. Targeting the Bessemer and Hueytown areas, the funds will be

used to continue youth development, with emphasis on the newly-formed JCCEO Breakfast Club program for middle school boys.

From left—John Cox, Gary Miller, Ms. C, Mr. Kosowski,

and Ted Debro

Ms. C. signs for check.

John Cox & Gary Miller

Gift given and gift received breed hearty smiles.

Headquarters Recep-tionist Mildred Henry witnessed special pres-

November 22nd at 300 Eighth Avenue West in Birming-ham was Celebration Headquarters. JCCEO Board mem-bers, staff, friends, and members of the Graymont School Alumni Association celebrated the 100th anniversary of the Graymont School Building (the current site of JCCEO’s Headquarters), the property’s 2007 placement on the Na-tional Register of Historic Places by the US Department of the Interior, and the school’s role in the desegregation of the Birmingham Public School System. The Graymont Elementary School was built in 1908. On September 4, 1963, Dwight and Floyd Armstrong, ac-companied by Rev. Fred Shuttlesworth and their father, Mr. James Armstrong, became the first African-Americans to integrate a Birmingham public elementary school. Five days later, four little girls lost their lives in the vicious bombing at 16th Street Baptist Church. The building continued to be used as an elementary school until June 1989. JCCEO, with major support from Jefferson County, the city of Birmingham, the Head Start Region IV Office, and the community, restored the building during the mid-1990’s to serve as the JCCEO Headquarters, training, administra-tive, and support center. In 2007, due to the efforts of the Jefferson County His-torical Commission, the Birmingham Historical Society, and JCCEO, the property was placed on the National Register of Historic Places by the US Department of the Interior. In summer 2008 the property was awarded a Jefferson County Historical Marker. The Saturday celebration commenced with guests arriv-ing early to register, meet and greet, enjoy coffee and pas-tries, peruse the interesting venues in the decorated audi-torium, view video and slide presentations that “told the story” of the Graymont building, and tour the Headquarters building. Staff comprising the Graymont Celebration Team received, interacted with, and led building tours for the guests until the 11:00 program began outside at the main entrance. Ted Debro, Director of Community Services, master-fully served as Master of Ceremonies for the program that began with an opening prayer delivered by Rev. T. L. Lewis, President of JCCEO Board of Directors, (cont’d Page 3)

In the Spirit of Giving

BRAINIAC BARGAINS From http://link..bls.bottomlinesecrets.com

Puzzles, eye-hand games (e.g. table tennis), and visualization (picturing in your mind) are all great mental exercises that can strengthen neural connections to maintain and increase your men-tal abilities as you age. Go for it! Use it or lose it!

T ZÜtÇw ZÜtçÅÉÇà VxÄxuÜtà|ÉÇ

FOCUS is a bi-monthly newslet-ter produced for the staff, Board of Directors, and friends of the Jefferson County Committee for Economic Opportunity.

Chief Editor: Viola (“Vie”) E. Mims

Contributing Editors:

Administrative Division Geri Collins

Child Development Services Division Aisha Abdullah Sandra Abston Linda Ford Diane Gibson Cotelia Hill Patricia Linson Othessa Morris Earl Williams Linda Williams

Community Services Division Dorothy Crosby Lavaiter Law Executive Director Gayle Cunningham

From the Director’s Desk

STAFF CHANGES AROUND

THE “j” Welcome aboard

FOCUS welcomes the following new staff members to the JCCEO family:

ALICE FAGAN Nutrition Services Coordinator

BETTY HUNTER Cook

ZAMARIS MORGAN Bilingual Teacher Aide

SONYA PHILLIPS Cook

ELIDA SAUCEDA Bilingual Family Services Worker

WYTERIA TRIMBLE Family Services Worker

JIMMIE WOMACK Cook

Q I am a non-probationary JCCEO employee and am interested in signing up for health and dental benefits. Is there opportunity for me

to do so?

A Absolutely. In fact, De-cember is Open Enrollment Month for joining the Blue

Cross Blue Shield Health Plan and/or Alternative Insurance

Resources (AIR) Dental Plan. If you are not currently par-ticipating and wish to join, or if you desire to make changes in your current coverage, please contact the Personnel

Department. Hurry! The enrollment/change of information period

ends December 22nd!

Greetings to All! This has been an in credible year. I can not begin to list the many events of this past year and their impact in our agency, our programs, our partici-pants and clients, and our own fami-lies and friends. The state of the economy has given us cause for alarm and concern for the future. The presidential campaign and election were enthralling, and the outcome has rocked the world. With new developments on the inter-national and national scene every day and a dismal economic forecast, the

state of the world, the state of the nation, and the state of our agency are rapidly changing. There has been one constant here in Jefferson County, Alabama, however, and that is your com-mitment and wonderful contribu-tions to the success of JCCEO. My gratitude to you is without bounds. We must keep ahead of the curve to meet the challenges that are sure to come as this recession reaches deeper and deeper, mak-ing life even more difficult for those we serve. We can help the incoming president, the nation, our agency, and ourselves by maintaining a positive attitude and

doing and being our best in all that we do. Your dedication, hard work, and perseverance are needed now more than ever. I ask each of you to gather every bit of energy and resolve and come with me as we embark on our journey through 2009, making sure we con-tinue to deliver optimal programs and services to those in need in Jefferson County. To each of you, be safe and blessed during this holiday season. I look for-ward to seeing you, and working with you, next year.

PASS IT ON! Eligible Alabama residents who receive Supplemental Security Income or Medi-caid for Low-Income Families can be exempted from Alabama Power’s new rate hikes. How? Visit an Alabama Power office and fill out the appropriate form or call Alabama Power’s customer service line @ 1-800-245-2244 and ask to receive a form by mail. Upon receipt, complete the form and mail it back to the power com-pany. The Social Security Administration and the Medicaid Agency will then con-firm your eligibility.

TRY THIS AT HOME! • Live with the 3 E’s...Energy, Enthusi-

asm, Empathy. • Read more books. Play more games. • Make time everyday to meditate,

pray, & exercise. • De-clutter your house, car, and life. • Eat more plants and foods that grow

on trees. Drink lots of water. • Smile. You’re on life’s camera!

(cont’d from Page 1) and continued on with spirited greetings from Ms. Cun-ningham and Dr. Richard Arrington, Jr., former Mayor of Birmingham. Mr. Bobby Hayes, former Mayor of Pelham and a Graymont School Alumnus, shared pleasant and funny experiences of his rambunctious school days at Gray-mont Elementary. With a wealth of knowledge of days old, Mr. James Armstrong, father of Dwight and Floyd Armstrong, amazed the audience as he revisited the turbulent days and aftermath of the school’s desegregation, and how his family, business, and life were impacted. The audience was moved to laughter with the story of his return to Birmingham to collect his “forty acres and a mule,” and his certain knowledge of going to heaven when he passes on because he has “experienced hell on earth!” Mr. Debro read to the audience a proclamation re-ceived from the Birmingham City Council and a letter of commendation from Mayor Langford. Dr. Marquita Furness Davis, Commissioner, Alabama Department of Children’s Affairs, made an unscheduled stop and brought greetings and words of congratulations from Governor Riley’s office. Many facts about the preservation of Graymont School and the road to the building’s recognition as a historical landmark were shared by Mrs. Marjorie White, Director of the Birmingham Historical Society, and rein-forced by comments from Ms. Linda Nelson, Executive Director of the Jefferson County Historical Commission. Together they presented Ms. Cunningham with a framed document declaring the Graymont building a Jefferson County Historical landmark. With positive nods from an attentive audience, a stir-ring moment was Rev. Lewis’ presentation of the JCCEO W. C. Patton Service Award to Mr. Armstrong. The highlight of the day was the unveiling of four his-torical plaques signifying the building’s placement on the National Register of Historic Places and designation as a Jefferson County Historical landmark, as well as one hon-oring the Armstrong boys’ integration of Graymont School and one dedicated to JCCEO! Mr. Debro delivered the benediction and the de-lighted audience lingered on the grounds, chatting and greeting special guests, and posing for pictures. Close-up examinations of the permanently mounted plaques were up next, followed by a wowing reception in the audito-rium and more building tours. Back inside the auditorium and out of the chilled air, guests noshed on tasty finger sandwiches, chips, lemon-ade punch, and a 3D Graymont School-designed cake. Memories were shared back and forth, black souvenir bags were scooped up for mementoes, reminisces flowed, and guests were directed to sign celebration posters that will be framed and hung at Headquarters. It was a celebration not to be missed!

The Graymont Building 100th Anniversary Celebration required many man hours and lots of teamwork before, during, and after the event to come to fruition and to be a success. Sincere and hearty thanks are extended to the following (and anyone whose name may have been inadvertently omitted) for your contributions and support. You were fantastic!

Graymont Celebration Planners Gayle Cunningham, Executive Director

Paula Stanton, HS Special Projects & Health Education Coordinator Vie Mims, Communications, Planning, & Evaluation Coordinator

Special Guests Rev. T. L. Lewis Dr. Richard Arrington, Jr. Mr. Bobby Hayes Mr. James Armstrong Mrs. Marjorie White Ms. Linda Nelson Members of the Graymont School Alumni Association

Graymont Celebration Team Madlyn Bland Geri Collins Dorothy Crosby Virginia Deloach Renae’ Dismuke Brenda Evans Diane Gibson Rosemary Hatcher Mildred Henry Cotelia Hill Shirley Hill Judy Howard Yvonne Howze Hollis Johnson Pat Linson Jackie Patton Rhonda Reynolds Nadine Smith Cynthia Thompson Earl Williams Lynneice Williams Brenda Wright LaWanda Hicks

Special heartfelt thanks to…

Ted Debro, Director of Community Services David Jones, Lead Maintenance Assistant

Eddie Jones, Maintenance Assistant Andre’ Smith, Headquarters Custodian

Charles Varallo, Facilities & Transportation Superintendent Delores Williams, HS Cook

John Woods, Event Photographer & Videographer/ Weatherization Coordinator

Donnell Perry, Event Photographer & Videographer/Friend of JCCEO

A MUST SEE! At front entrance of JCCEO Headquarters, four historical plaques unveiled at celebration: Left Top — National Register of Historic Places designation plaque; Left Bottom — Jefferson County Historical Landmark designation plaque; Middle—Plaque honoring Armstrong boys’ desegrega-

tion of Graymont school; Right— Plaque about JCCEO.

See pages 5 & 6 for additional celebration photos.

Volume 12 Issue 4 FOCUS December 2008 Page 3

BRAVO BRITTNEY! Submitted by Norma Kindall, Community Services Intake Case Worker

BRITTNEY NORJEAN KINDALL, Gates Millennium Scholar and daughter of NORMA J. KINDALL, Commu-nity Services Intake Case Worker, was inducted into the University of Alabama’s Phi Eta Sigma, a national fresh-man honor society and the third oldest member organi-zation of the Association of College Honor Societies. Eligibility requirements include a 3.5 GPA (on a 4.0 scale) and completion of 12-45 academic hours at the end of a full curricula period. An induction ceremony was held November 6th for the student honorees at the univer-sity. Brittney achieved one of the highest honors attain-able for a freshman student. The University of Alabama’s Phi Eta Sigma’s chapter was chartered in 1930. You make us proud, Brittney! Congratulations!

Submitted by John Cox, Adult Day Health Care Coordinator

The Wylam Adult Day Health Care Center was explosive with Halloween treats for the clients on October 31st. To their surprise and amusement, clients arrived to feast their eyes on all things Halloween. Bright Hal-

loween decora-tions were every-where. Staff and clients, dressed in traditional black and orange and other vibrant colors, added to the fes-tive mix. The day’s

highlight was the entrance of Direc-tor of Community Services Ted De-bro and his staff. All decked out in costume finery, they passed out spe-cial treats to the spooked clients. Each client also received a handmade Halloween bag filled to the brim with treats that were prepared by the staff. What a day for Wylam sen-iors! Thanks Community Services staff!

Submitted by Hollis Johnson, Community Services Special Projects Manager

The Cultural and Educational Advancement Founda-tion, Inc. (CEAF), a project of the Omicron Omega chap-ter of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc., awarded $1000 to the 2009 JCCEO YES Ambassadors summer program. The check was presented Thursday, October 30th, at the Miles College C. A. Kirkendoll Learning Resources Cen-ter (campus library). JCCEO sincerely thanks CEAF and its contributions to project-specific community outreach opportunities. Auditions for the 2009 JCCEO YES Ambassadors summer project will be held in spring 2009. Details later.

St. Joseph’s Senior Tidbits • St. Joseph’s Senior Nutrition Center’s Annual Christmas

Program was held Saturday, December 6th at First Baptist Pratt City. More info next FOCUS!

• Welcome new senior member Thomas Jerigan! • The busy seniors enjoyed a shopping excursion to Fulton-

dale’s JC Penney’s in November...just in time for holiday shopping.

• St. Joseph’s seniors attended the Alabama Ballet’s presen-tation of The Nutcracker on December 16th. What a fine way to experience the magic of Christmas!

Say ‘Yes’ Ambassadors!

WORTH NOTING DR. JAMY ARD, Director of UAB’s EatRight weight manage-ment program and JCCEO Board member, was included in The Birmingham News’ Health section article ‘Reality Check’ on De-cember 1st. The article detailed information about the pro-gram’s metabolic tracking device that fits around the bicep and transmits to a computer program the wearer’s caloric outputs. “The way we want to use it is to give people a real reality check on what they’re doing, what is actually going on and what it will actually take to reach their goal,” Dr. Ard said in the article. “Generally people overestimate their activity and un-derestimate how much they eat.” According to Dr. Ard, the metabolic tracker is a better ac-tivity gauge than a pedometer because unlike the pedometer, it measures the intensity of one’s daily activity and is worn at all times and not just during an exercise period. Experts say the sensor and computer program will provide accurate readings of calories burned and can help one’s weight loss or maintenance efforts.

Volume 12 Issue 4 FOCUS December 2008 Page 5

Page 7 Volume 12 Issue 4

JCCEO Weatherization Teams Up With Alabama Power

In August, the JCCEO Weatherization Program joined with Alabama Power, the Alabama Weatherization Association, and ADECA to demonstrate to the public, through a joint effort, the features and benefits of an effective Home Weatherization pro-ject. Completion of the successful Alabama Power and Weath-erization Pilot Partnership Team project was highlighted on and coincided with Weatherization Day, October 30, 2008. At the center of the project was an applicant for home weatherization through the JCCEO Weatherization Program. The applicant’s home, in Leeds, Alabama, was selected as best candidate after the Partnership Weatherization Team visited and assessed several JCCEO Weatherization Program applicant houses that could potentially be used in the pilot program. The home had many problems that needed to be addressed, including deteriorating or absent insulation, electrical wiring is-sues, broken fixtures, lack of energy-efficient lighting, exterior walls in disrepair, unsealed ductwork, and landscaping issues. Repair work on the Leeds home began on Tuesday, October 28th with television cameras rolling. Through the collaborative efforts of the Partnership Team, Partnership Team leaders, con-tractors, volunteers, and the news media, the project’s progress and successful completion culminated in a publicity blitz on Weatherization Day. Many thanks to Alabama Power, the Alabama Weatherization Association, ADECA, Ted Debro, Director of Community Ser-vices, and John Woods, JCCEO Weatherization Coordinator for an outstanding team effort!

JCCEO Headquarters Staff Is Fired Up Birmingham Fire & Res-cue Service personnel pro-vided excellent fire safety and fire extinguisher use demonstrations and tips for the JCCEO Headquarters staff on October 30th. Staff in attendance each received a participatory Training Cer-tificate at the end of the

midday session. Lt. Fornest and his associate Fireman Buggs demonstrated the proper use and explained the properties and maintenance of fire extin-guishers. Lt. Fornest also re-minded the staff of fire safety measures we should stay abreast of and practice. Thanks, Birmingham Fire & Rescue Service, Lt. Fornest, and Fireman Buggs for keeping us informed about fire emergency prepar-edness.

To properly use a fire extin-guisher, remember… Pull the pin, Aim the hose at the base of the flame, Squeeze the lever, and Sweep the target with the coagulant!

Lt. Fornest engages audience.

Lt. Fornest sets a small diesel fire. Staff, below, stay distant

and look on.

Bilingual Family Services Worker Elida Sauceda suc-cessfully extinguishes fire.

Transportation/Maintenance/Warehouse Assistant Margaret Robinson aims at the target fire

as staff and Fireman Buggs observe her technique.

Fireman Buggs continues discussion with staff outside auditorium.

Pictures left and below of sub-

ject house before repairs.

Lt. Fornest chats with staff.

Pictures below of subject house after repairs. Addi-tional pictures on Page 8.

Birthday Happiness for Ms. C!

Wow, doesn’t time take on wings and fly? Ms. C is one year better and loving every minute of it! JCCEO staff, daughter Kelli, and friends celebrated her special day early on Friday, November 14th at Headquarters. Mouth-watering finger sandwiches, chips, punch, and birthday cake satisfied the palates of the revelers as they toasted Ms. C. She, on the other hand, was not the only one toasted … she noted possible (JCCEO-related) reasons for her ever-increasing gray strands! Gray hairs or not, we love you Ms. C. God bless you and Happy Birthday!

SURPRISE !! Warehouse Manager Ellis Fowler surprised and thrilled Ms. C with a show-stopping bou-quet of assorted roses. How special is that?!

The Good Witch of JCCEO

Head Start Arrington children were doubly excited when the Good Witch of JCCEO (AKA Ms. C) appeared on the second floor corridor of Headquar-ters bearing buckets of candy and pret-zels. Many of the children were

dressed in Hal-loween cos-tumes. A fear-less Spiderman and bouncy cheerleader were spotted, as well as a pretty

princess! The Good Witch of JCCEO warmly greeted and marveled at the well-mannered children, accompanied by their

teachers, as she doled out treats to the fascinated bunch. The children exited the corridor, the Good Witch of JCCEO posed for a few memorable shots, and then retreated to her hauntless house (office).

(Cont’d from Page 7) JCCEO Weatherization/Alabama Power Additional pictures of subject house after repairs.

STROKE...remember the first three letters S. T. R. Doctors say a bystander can recognize a stroke by the following: S Ask the individual to SMILE. T Ask the person to TALK and coherently speak a

simple sentence. R Ask him/her to RAISE BOTH ARMS. Another new sign of a stroke is to ask the person to

STICK OUT HIS/HER TONGUE. If the tongue is ‘crooked’ or if it goes to one side or the other, that is an indication of a stroke!

CALL 911!