Today is the day to clean out the garage. Jefferson County officials will be accepting hazardous waste Saturday at three locations from 8 a.m. to noon: Centerpoint Courthouse, Birmingham Fairgrounds and the Bessemer Civic Center. Here’s a list of materials that will be accepted provided by the Alabama Environmental Council: Aerosols; antifreeze, car batteries, motor oil, and tires; paint & thinners, stains & varnish; pesticides & herbicides; auto & furniture polish; wood preservatives; akaline batteries; caulk & glue; chemical drain cleaner; solvents; ammunition, explosives, firearms, gun powder, pyrotechnics & flares. BONUS — the nasty, hard-to-get-rid of mecury and flourescents will also be taken. Do your part for the Earth by disposing hazardous wast properly. Or in this case, get someone to do it for you.

This week, I’m keeping it simple. I’ve got 3 things to do — one each for Friday, Saturday and Sunday. Sure, it’s not all that there is to do this weekend. That’s what the comment box is for. I’ll share my plans with you over on Timetable, you share your plans with me. We all have fun.

Don’t forget to check out Sam’s musical picks as well.

1909:

Terra-cotta cladding for the Empire Building was completed.

2006:

HealthSouth filed its 1st quarter financials, regaining currency with the Securities and Exchange Commission.

Courtesy:

It seems that unless the offices of governor or president are on the ballot, most people tend to stay home on Primary Day. Eight Democratic groups in the greater Birmingham metro area are hoping to make people aware of the options that will be on the ballot come June 3 and to convince them to come out and vote, most notably for them in the race for the Senate seat currently occupied by Jeff Sessions. They will be hosting a Democratic Candidate Primary Forum at the Homewood Library next Tuesday, May 20 beginning at 6:30 p.m.

We’ll be updating the destinations calendar later on today with more details (though that link to the OTM Democrats should provide enough info to get you started).

Bob Farley/f8Photo

Renovations and continue on the old Federal Reserve Building at the corner of 5^th Avenue and 18^th Street North by Melaver, Inc. of Savannah, GA. According to the developer’s, website,

“…the Federal Reserve Building’s historic façade will be restored, and Melaver has committed to seeking LEED-NC Silver certification, assuring tenants of the most modern, efficient, technologically advanced and productive workspace available in the Birmingham MSA.”

The building will house a hotel, restaurant, convention, retail and office space.

1887:

The Birmingham Chamber of Commerce was founded at a meeting at O’Brien’s Opera House.

1961:

A Greyhound Bus carrying Freedom Riders was met by a violent mob and no police in downtown Birmingham on Mother’s Day. Check out this entry on Wikipedia to learn more about the historic journey.

Courtesy:

Screenshot of Rebuild Bethel campaign website. 

We haven’t heard a lot about historic Bethel Baptist Church in recent months - the historic building granted National Historic Landmark status in 2005 - not the congregation’s current structure - despite a pledge by Mayor Langford to provide up to $1 million in city funds towards its renovation. Hopefully that will change in the near future as efforts to complete this project continue in the city’s Collegeville neighborhood.

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