Often in this space, we focus on Birmingham’s present and past, but perhaps not often enough on its future.

Where is the city headed? Where do we want it to be in 50 years?

The Community Foundation of Greater Birmingham marks its 50th anniversary on May 11. This nonprofit organization is a public endowment, a savings account for the community, using gifts from donors to make grants to nonprofit organizations in Jefferson, Shelby, St. Clair, Blount and Walker counties.

As part of its anniversary celebration, the foundation has launched Imagine, a blog to capture the wildest dreams for Birmingham. What could happen? What should never change?

Foundation officers asked dreamers, including Wade on Birmingham, to write and share their vision. (The utopian one, not the apocalyptic sentient-robots-enslave-humanity future.) Here’s an excerpt of our contribution, “A walk to the library”:

April 27, 2059

…

On the way, I see children hurrying to Miriam Witherspoon Elementary, the nation’s top-rated public school. It must be Science Fair Day, because they’re all carrying fusion-powered gizmos and genetically engineered slaw.

The air is clearer than I ever remember. Thank goodness we curbed power plant emissions and car exhaust through smart planning and regulation. Everyone can breathe more easily, and spend their time on things other than trips to the doctor and the pharmacist.

Read the rest of the story and then contribute your own.

What do you want for Birmingham in the next 50 years? Tell us in the comments.

An outsider takes the reins at downtown festival

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The first executive director was a co-founder, serving for eight years. The second rose through the ranks, serving for two years.

The third started Friday.

[Wade on Birmingham:
EXCLUSIVE: Sidewalk hires Chloe Collins as Executive Director]

Chloe Collins has pored over the budget, fielded dozens of congratulatory e-mails and met with board members and volunteers alike. In taking the reins of the Sidewalk Moving Picture Festival, she inherits a 10-year-old film festival with a nearly $10,000 budget shortfall and less than five months until show time.

“The biggest challenge I can see is just getting my arms around what all is involved,” Collins says. “As I learn more, I’m realizing there are lots of people who play such an important role with the festival, and those people haven’t gone away.”

In this exclusive interview, Collins discusses what’s ahead for the festival and how she went from casual moviegoer to executive director. She talked with us in person last week.

(more…)

‘Survivor: Tocantins,’ episode 10 recap

survivor.wadeonbirmingham.com

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What a waste of an idol. We should’ve been clearer about the meaning behind Brendan’s departure in the previous episode of “Survivor.”

It was yet another blindside. It was the loss of his Hidden Immunity Idol, meaning, one or two are still in play.

And it was the tolling bell of doom for his buddy Sierra, caught on the wrong side of the vote.

Is Debra Beebe of Auburn ready to charge forward? Is James Thomas Jr. of Samson getting enough to eat?

Is ex-Timbira in control, or another cross-tribal alliance? Find out, after the jump …

(more…)

We spoke this afternoon with Chloe Collins, the new executive director of Sidewalk Moving Picture Festival, a follow-up to our exclusive story from Wednesday.

Here’s a video teaser of the soon-to-be-published story. Collins discusses her vision for the annual downtown film festival.

• • •

More Sidewalk coverage.

‘Survivor: Tocantins,’ episode 10 preview

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VIDEO: Jeff Probst introduces tonight’s episode

A quickie look at tonight’s “Survivor: Tocantins” above. Recap to follow the show.

With Brendan gone, looks like Sierra’s in big trouble. And Tyson’s there to crush her dreams. Host Jeff Probst promises a life-changing experience for the player stranded on Exile Island.

Is James Thomas Jr. of Mobile finally in the safe zone? Is Debra Beebe of Auburn a lock for final four with eight players left?

Catch up:

• Previous recap from us,
• And one from Jeff.

We’ll see you back here tonight after the episode.

Bonus videos, after the jump …

(more…)

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Third director in film festival’s 10-year history

In a Wade on Birmingham exclusive, Sidewalk Moving Picture Festival announced the hiring of new executive director, Chloe Collins (pictured at left). She succeeds Catherine Pfitzer, who was let go in February.

The board had originally planned on having someone in place by April 1, but made the offer to Collins on Monday. Hundreds of applicants applied for the position.

In a media release, board president Alan Hunter described Collins as “a self-starter and leader who can effectively interface with the corporate and film communities while keeping the office running smoothly.”

Collins’ previous jobs include director of corporate communications for Enjoy the City, a national nonprofit fund-raising coupon book organization; senior account executive with Birmingham marketing firm WilbanksElam; and director of marketing and public relations for the Birmingham Music Cooperative, a nonprofit agency handling three music organizations.

The Sidewalk board previously offered the executive director position to Melissa Kendrick, owner of downtown retail store Sojourns and newly hired part-time development director for the annual film festival. She says she turned down the offer for “personal reasons” but is “still helping with fund development.”

Full media release, on the jump …

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‘Survivor: Tocantins,’ episode 9 recap

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Coach vs. Brendan. The self-proclaimed dragon slayer vs. the not-so-fiery dragon.

For Forza, it’s judgment day and thunderdome all rolled into one malnourished package on “Survivor.”

Is James Thomas Jr. of Mobile be the hunter or the hunted? Will Debra Beebe of Auburn make a power move against her ex-Timbiran tribesmates?

Whose alliance is solid, and whose is shaky? Find out, after the jump …

(more…)

‘Survivor: Tocantins,’ episode 9 preview

survivor.wadeonbirmingham.com

VIDEO: Jeff Probst introduces tonight’s episode

A quickie look at tonight’s “Survivor: Tocantins” above. Recap to follow the show.

Forza, where dreams go to die. Host Jeff Probst notes Joe’s departure (a nation turns its lonely eyes to you, woo woo woo), Erinn’s cockiness (shades of Coach) and Coach needing to shutthehellup (shades of idiot).

Has James Thomas Jr. of Samson aligned with the right players (Coach, Stephen, Tyson)? Can Debra Beebe of Auburn continue to slide by as the power players battle it out?

Catch up:

• Previous recap from us,
• And one from Jeff.

We’ll see you back here tonight after the episode.

Bonus video, after the jump …

(more…)

‘Survivor: Tocantins,’ episode 8 recap

survivor.wadeonbirmingham.com

Two tribes, 10 contestants and four idols: Their fate rests on one bad leg. The “Survivor” merge has arrived, and someone’s getting booted, but it’s not what you think.

Can Debra Beebe, the Auburn high school principal, hang tough among fierce athletic competitors? Can James Thomas Jr., the cattle rancher from Samson, trust anyone from the ex-Timbira tribe?

Who’s playing it cocky, and who’s playing it even cockier? Find out, after the jump …

(more…)

‘Survivor: Tocantins,’ episode 8 preview

survivor.wadeonbirmingham.com

VIDEO: Jeff Probst introduces tonight’s episode

A quickie look at tonight’s “Survivor: Tocantins” above. Recap to follow the show.

“Huge news that affects one Survivor in not a good way. This is a big episode.” Promises, promises, Jeff Probst. Our favorite host says it’s big. We’ll see, as Jalapao and Timbira merge to form Brangelina. Or something.

It looks like we’ll be seeing our two Alabama players from now until the finale, at least, on the jury if nothing else.

Is Debra Beebe of Auburn in a power position with the numbers on her side? Will James Thomas Jr. of Mobile go from leader to target? And will Team Secret pull off a big surprise?

Catch up:

• Previous recap from us
• And one from Jeff.

We’ll see you back here tonight after the episode.

Bonus video, after the jump …

(more…)

Food festival season has sprung for spring, but you may be in the mood for something different. How about Asian cuisine?

The Birmingham Asian Cultures and Food Festival takes place Saturday from 10:30 a.m. until 4 p.m., with food service from 11 to 3. The Birmingham Chinese Garden-Asian Cultural Center Foundation is putting on the event.

Participating restaurants:

Chinese

• Mr. Wang’s Chinese Restaurant
• Super Oriental Market/Red Pearl Restaurant
• Top China Buffet
• U China Buffet

Indian

• Silver Coin Indian Restaurant
• Taj India

Japanese

• Shono Japanese Grill
• Sumo Japanese Steak House

Korean

• Asian Restaurant at Green Springs
• Seoul Restaurant

Vietnamese

• Pho Que Huong Vietnamese Restaurant

Entertainment includes storytelling, musical and dance performances and a fashion show, plus a silent auction.

Admission is $12 (which includes three items and a beverage), $6 for children (two items and a beverage).

The event takes place at the Cedars Club, 301 Green Springs Ave. S., just off Interstate 65 Exit 258 [map].

‘Survivor: Tocantins,’ episode 7 recap

survivor.wadeonbirmingham.com

Can “Survivor” fight off the mid-season blahs? Still two evenly matched tribes, still two players from Alabama, still plenty of colorful characters left.

Has James Thomas Jr. of Samson found another ally? Will Debra Beebe of Auburn continue to coast unnoticed?

Who found an idol? And who revealed an idol? Find out, after the jump …

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First announced acts heavy on classic rock

Just about a year ago to the day, City Stages announced a lineup that included the Flaming Lips, Diana Ross and the Roots.

Today, the first seven major acts for the 2009 downtown music festival include classic rock and well, classic rock. Organizers changed booking agencies, from AC Entertainment to AEG Live/The Messina Group.

The performers (year of last Top 40 song), so far:

• Doobie Brothers (2001)
• Indigo Girls (1999)
• Jane’s Addiction (2003) (appearance canceled)
• Neville Brothers (never)
• REO Speedwagon (2008) (no original members)
• Styx (1999) (no original members)
• 38 Special (1997)
• Young Jeezy (2008)

A couple more dozen acts on the lineup include En Vogue, Guster and the Whigs.

George McMillan, festival president, says the festival remains about $400,000 in debt.

The festival takes place Father’s Day weekend (June 19-21). Tickets go on sale Monday through Ticketma$ter and Legacy Community Credit Union:

• three-day pass: $37.50 ($40 to $55 later);
• one-day pass: $28;
• children age 12 and younger: free.

What do you think of the initial lineup? How does it compare to the Crawfish Boil or Bonnaroo? Tell us in the comments.

Plus, video previews after the jump …

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Three fund-raisers for Birmingham-based nonprofit organizations take place tonight and Friday. Here’s a quick peek:

Drive It Forward: Have you wondered what’s it’s like for a top executive, a head honcho? At the Drive It Forward event for Junior Achievement of Greater Birmingham, you can bid of the CEO of your choice at the silent auction. Big coporations, entrepreneurs, retailers, publishers, utilities and power players will be up for grabs. Starts at 5 tonight at Tom Williams Porsche, Grants Mill Road and I-459 [map]. Tickets $25 in advance, $30 at the door.

Dancing With the Roses: See Hoover’s Fabian Sanchez, dancer and reality TV star from “Dancing With the Stars,” at the second annual Roses Dinner benefiting the Central Alabama Women’s Business Center. Win lessons at his Fred Astaire Dance Studio. Starts at 5:30 tonight at the Harbert Center, 2019 Fourth Ave. N., downtown [map]. Tickets $50, $80 for couples, $500 per table.

Raise the Volume: Rock band Better Than Ezra takes the stage Friday at Sloss Furnaces [map] in a benefit gig for the Laps for CF Foundation. Doors open at 6. Tickets $20 in advance, $25 at the door.

‘Survivor: Tocantins,’ episode 6 recap

survivor.wadeonbirmingham.com

No! Debbie, don’t look! It’s a clip show!!

Just past the third-way point of “Survivor: Tocantins,” and it’s time for … a highlights show? Not even that much, mostly unaired scenes that, quite frankly, deserved to die on the cutting room floor.

Still, a few more glimpses into the lives of Debra Beebe of Auburn, the ghostly observer destined to go far, and James Thomas Jr. of Mobile, emerging as a leader for better or for worse.

Who kept warm together on Exile Island? Who’s hustling up alliances? Find out, plus full episode video after the jump …

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