Table tale shows how one family’s ending gives new start

As part of our 50th anniversary, we keep talking about ways to love our community, to love and appreciate the things that are great and to do what we can, with time, talent and treasure, to love and serve this place we call home.
This week, the tale of a table provides a metaphor for how [...]

Our community’s natural beauty inspires people to imagine

When we listen to people who love our community, they often talk about the natural beauty that surrounds us — the ridges and the valleys, the trees, the rivers and trails so easy to access. What better place than the great outdoors to let your imagination go wild and think about the great [...]

Transit plans could win stimulus funding, fulfill dreams

Good news surfaced this week for fans of improved mass transit, including many people who have shared their dreams for a brighter future on this Imagine blog. Whether you care about economic development, access to great entertainment or a way to create a greener community, recent news about prospects for funding the In-Town Transit Partnership [...]

‘Philanthropist’ takes big word for charity, makes TV show

Did anyone watch “The Philanthropist” on Wednesday night? We heard so many comments before the fact, such as, “The Philanthropist is to charitable giving as The Pink Panther is to police work.”
At least this is a way for people to get to know this large-sized word for what many people refer to as [...]

It’s hot outside, but imagining is cool

What are your wishes for our community? We are still gathering responses, and we especially appreciate comments from people who are already committed to doing their part for our community, including representatives of our nonprofit partners.
We recently surveyed people who were part of our 50th anniversary celebration, asking them what they liked about the May [...]

Jones Valley Urban Farm provides food, new view of our city

ou know you’re seeing something special when you reach the edge of Park Place in downtown Birmingham and see the green shoots rising out of what once was very unfertile soil. And you know you’re seeing something special when Birmingham’s own Edwin Marty and Jones Valley Urban Farm are widely recognized on the national [...]

Philanthropy awards show off best in our region

On November 12, 2009, our community will honor philanthropic leadership in our region at National Philanthropy Day, sponsored by the state chapter of the Association of Fundraising Professionals. Again this year, The Community Foundation will sponsor the Outstanding Professional Advisor Award, awarded to recognize the important role that attorneys, accountants, financial advisors and others [...]

YPs choose one best thing for community, themselves, Part 3

YPs care about good leadership, public transit and the local school system. And they want to do what they can do to make life better for everybody, from teaching adults and children to read to serving as advocates for issues they care about.
Sounds like our future is in good hands, as these generation-nexters take [...]

YPs say what we can do right now for greatest impact, Part 2

We had so many great comments from visitors at the YP Expo on June 11 that we haven’t had time to share them all. Here are some more ideas from thoughtful and dynamic members of Generation Next! From crime to childhood obesity, the concerns are there, but also many great solutions and ideas for [...]

Rebecca Ryan optimistic about vitality, possibilities

In the month since Rebecca Ryan came to town for the Community Foundation 50th anniversary celebration and annual meeting, she’s been thinking about what she experienced. On Sunday, June 14, she shared her thoughts on the Viewpoint pages of The Birmingham News.
In the crowd of 850 at the annual meeting, she saw people with a [...]