Alabama NewsCenter Reports-Feb/March

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ALABAMA NEWSCENTER REPORTS...

CODE.ORG, A+ COLLEGE READY AND ALABAMA DEPARTMENT OF EDUCATION AIM TO ELEVATE COMPUTER SCIENCE GRADUATES

Program will double number of K-12 teachers in a needed curriculum.

By Marie Leech Steve Jobs once called computer science a liberal art.

The now-deceased co-founder and CEO of Apple may have been ahead of the times more than 20 years ago when he suggested that everybody should be exposed to computer science and it shouldn’t be “relegated to 5 percent of the population over in the corner.”

The grim statistics of available jobs versus qualified people in Alabama alone prove that he knew what he was talking about.

There are 4,847 open computing jobs in Alabama right now, but only 450 computer science graduates in the state. The majority of schools in Alabama don’t even teach computer science, even though the average salary for computing jobs – $80,402 – is double the average salary of $40,890.

A new partnership between Code.org, A+ College Ready and the Alabama State Department of Education aims to change that. Code.org, a national organization focused on increasing access to computer science education, is investing $500,000 to build on Alabama’s efforts to expand computer science courses in K-12 classrooms across the state. The investment will double the number of Alabama teachers qualified and trained to teach computer science in the state’s public schools.

“Computing is a part of every single thing we do today – it’s in our cars, radios, smart watches, GPS systems – having AlabamaNewsCenter.com

an understanding of it is critical,” said Mary Boehm, president of A+ College Ready. “It’s as important as knowing what your circulatory system looks like. Coding is the new biology.”

Computer science courses – including an Advanced Placement course that can count toward college credit – will be expanded to about 100 Alabama schools by 2018, Boehm said.

There are two main reasons so few students take computer science courses, Boehm said. The first is because teachers don’t feel confident in stepping up to teach the course, which she said professional development training offered through this partnership will combat. The second is because students fear the entire course will be about learning Java script or some other high-level programming language, which she admitted can be boring.

An AP Computer Science Principles course is being added to the curriculum to give students more of an overview of computer science. In fact, only 20 percent of the course involves programming/scripting, said Jake Baskin, director of district management at Code.org. The rest is more about the Internet, data and algorithms. By the end of the course, students will know how the Internet works, how to design mobile web apps and how to work with data digitally, he said.

A+ College Ready has worked with the University of Alabama and a select group of teachers to help pilot the AP Computer Science Principles course. The initial goal is to have more than 2,500 Alabama students enrolled over the next two years.

Nidia Fernandez-Lee, a math teacher at Shades Valley High School in Jefferson County, is one of 50 Alabama teachers piloting the computer science principles course this semester.

“Technology is embedded in everything we do so it’s really important that this generation understand it,” she said. “They can play video games and use Snap Chat but it’s important for them to know how technology can be used to change the world.”

Code.org estimates that by 2022, more than two-thirds of all new jobs in the science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) fields will be computing occupations. “There is a misconception that this is stuff only computer programmers need to know,” Baskin said. “But there is no field in which computer science isn’t needed. It’s in every facet of every occupation.”

James Brandon, a senior at Shades Valley High School, wants to study architecture. Gone are the days when schematics and designs are drawn by hand, he said. “It’s all designed on a computer now,” he said. “This class is giving us a background in computer science.”

A+ College Ready is still recruiting teachers to take part in the Code.org initiative. Teacher training will begin this summer and about 15 slots are still available. Interested Alabama teachers should contact Melissa Crook at A+ College Ready; Melissa@aplusala.org

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NICK SABAN AND THE ALABAMA CRIMSON TIDE CAN BE FOUND IN THE STREETS OF JERUSALEM

Hani Imam says ‘Roll Tide’ from his store, ‘Alabama – the Heart of Dixie.’

By Karim Shamsi-Basha

A Muslim Palestinian walked into Jerusalem and opened a store called “Alabama – The Heart of Dixie.”

It sounds like a joke, but it isn’t.

As I walked along the narrow David Street leading from Jaffa Gate to the Wailing Wall in the middle of ancient Jerusalem, the character of the place overcame me. The city’s old, narrow streets are filled with stores selling Jewish, Muslim and Christian gifts and souvenirs. Smells of jasmine, rosewater and saffron greeted me as locals and tourists alike haggle over prices.

The place beckons to a time when all three monotheistic religions shared stories and heroes. This is where the Old and New Testaments were born. It is where the Quran played an important role. It is where the Torah was penned. It is also where storeowner Hani Imam says, “Roll Tide,” as many as 50 times a day.

Among stores filled with Jewish menorahs, Christian olivewood crosses and Muslim prayer rugs, Imam’s store, named “Alabama – The Heart of Dixie,” stands out. The store is filled with trinkets, from silver and gold jewelry to olivewood crosses to framed Roman glass fragments to ancient coins.

But Imam also sells T-shirts with the University of Alabama logo along with the state’s name in Arabic and in Hebrew. UA logos are also printed on mugs, plates, hats, car tags and just about everything you can think of. An Alabama-red wooden sign with a “Welcome to Bama Country” greets you at the door.

Inside, a signed picture of Coach Nick Saban hangs on the door with a Sharpie-written note: “To Hani, Roll Tide, Nick Saban.”

The Palestinian-born Imam studied engineering at the University of Alabama and lived in Tuscaloosa from 1984-1994.

“I went to school in Alabama, and I am a big Alabama fan.

My family and I love Alabama football and are very proud of Coach Saban and the program,” Imam said. “No one expects an Alabama store here, but everyone loves it.”

I asked Imam how often people from Alabama and the United States come into his shop. “I have to say ‘Roll Tide’ a few times a day. In the summer, I say it around 50 times. They love it here, they walk in all happy and shocked,” Imam said.

Imam fell in love with Alabama football when he studied at the university. Upon returning home to Jerusalem, he decided to continue the Alabama tradition by opening a store dedicated to the state. His store does turn heads. It is nestled between a store that sells Middle Eastern spices, and one that sells leather goods with engraved Jerusalem scenes.

The College Football Playoff National Championship game took place while I was in Israel. “I did not have the chance to watch the game, but I was kept updated by my brothers. They texted me,” Imam said. “I am happy we won; it went down to the wire but we still won.” He followed that statement with a loud “Roll Tide.”

Reconciling the conflict among Israelis, Christians and Muslims may not be Imam’s main goal, but there is one thing he is passionate about and hopes his store brings. “It boils down to us all getting along. When I lived in Alabama, people were very nice to me. I think people should put their differences aside and just get along,” Imam said.

Next time you walk along Jerusalem’s narrow David Street filled with smells and colors of an era gone by, look for a store with a sign that says, “Alabama – The Heart of Dixie.”

That is where the spirit of Alabama lives, along with the spirit of peace.

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POWELL AVENUE STEAM PLANT

By Michael Sznajderman

Jasper Mayor Sonny Posey said the impact I-22 will have on the city is “immeasurable.”

“We’ve got a lot to prove, we’ve got a lot to work with and some of the greatest people in the world and I’m just happy to be a part of what has gone on today,” he said. “I feel really good about where this community is headed.”

By Michael Tomberlin Bentley said the automotive industry is driving the state economy today and there is still room for growth.

Yorozu Automotive Alabama has started building its $100 “The automotive industry, we’re going to continue to grow million plant in Jasper that will create 300 jobs to supply auto that,” he said. “The automotive industry is growing every year. manufacturers with stamped parts.

In fact, this is the first year, this year we’re producing more than The company was joined by state and local officials and eco- a million automobiles. We’re in the top five as far as states pronomic developers Friday to celebrate the start of construction of ducing automobiles in the country and one of these days we’re the new facility on 50 acres in the Jasper Industrial Park. going to be No. 1.

In addition to the ceremonial groundbreaking, the Yorozu Posey said Jasper is already attracting interest from other included a Japanese tradition of breaking open a sake barrel. auto suppliers.

Gov. Robert Bentley, U.S. Sen. Jeff Sessions and other officials “We had another plant that ties in real closely with Yorozu donned Japanese coats and toasted with in town this morning looking at six lowooden cups of sake from the barrel. cations,” he said “We feel like we have It was a sign that Jasper’s place in a good shot at them locating somewhere Interstate 22’s connection to the international automotive industry is close by.”

Interstate 65 in Birmingham is growing with Yorozu.

David Knight, executive director of “It’s vital to come to rural areas in almost complete, providing the Walker County Development AuAlabama,” Bentley said of the industhority, said the county’s available sites a faster link to Memphis and try’s growth in the state. “I think this is coupled with the new link to other metro a corridor for growth that is very important to this part of the state.” areas through I-22 is helping boost ecoAkihiko Shido, CEO of Yorozu already taking place. nomic development in the area.

Corp., praised the teamwork from Al“Bringing Yorozu to Jasper and abama and Jasper officials to bring the Walker County is huge,” Knight said. plant to Walker County.

“You heard them talk about the team“I ask for your continued support and look forward to a long work involved in this project. We hope there will be many more and beneficial relationship,” he said. announcements and ceremonies like this to come.”

Billy Luster, chairman of the Walker County Commission, The 50-acre site Yorozu chose in Jasper Industrial Park was said the Yorozu project is one more reason to feel positive about made possible by the creative use of a speculative building what is happening in the county. program with Alabama Power Company. Instead of building a “I’m more optimistic today about Walker County than I have building with the program, Walker County Development Auever been,” he said. thority worked with the power company to use those funds to Interstate 22’s connection to Interstate 65 in Birmingham is prepare the site for construction. almost complete, providing a faster link to Memphis and a corKnight said having the site prepared was a major factor in ridor for growth that is already taking place. landing Yorozu.

YOROZU BREAKS GROUND ON $100 MILLION AUTO SUPPLIER PLANT IN JASPER

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Birmingham’s Design Review Committee approved some exterior-related plans for the Powell Avenue Steam Plant as work proceeds to transform the historic industrial building into a functional, mixed-use facility and attraction in the heart of the city.

“We appreciate the Design Review Committee’s consideration as we work toward making the Powell Avenue Steam Plant a vibrant part of the Parkside district,” said Matt Gurley, who is coordinating construction of the project for Alabama Power.

“We want the project to be a catalyst for more economic growth and development in the city,” Gurley added.

The committee reviewed exterior plans, including window treatments, skylights, and sight and roof lines. Although specific plans aren’t complete, the company is considering a number of ideas, including a restaurant and possibly a cultural and event space.

Birmingham’s Birchfield Penuel & Associates leads the design team. Hoar Construction is general contractor.

“We’re still determining the best use, in light of all the development taking place around the steam plant,” Gurley said. “We are trying to maintain flexibility, while moving forward on the project,” he said.

ALABAMA MAKERS

FREEDOM SOAP COMPANY, BIRMINGHAM

From her home in the Glen Iris neighborhood of Birmingham, Chasity Curtis, age 36, has turned her quest for all-natural beauty products into a growing business. Using ingredients from her own garden, this former schoolteacher and new mother produces up to 60 pounds of artisan soap a week. And the only thing that gets her lathered up are products that claim to be natural, but aren’t.

THE MAKER: CHASITY CURTIS Curtis started making her own soap and skincare products because she had a hard time finding an all-natural beauty line she could afford. As an elementary school teacher, she didn’t have a lot of disposable income, and she found she couldn’t always trust the soaps and creams that claimed to be natural.

“I found that a lot of the so-called ‘natural’ products on the market aren’t really. They’re still loaded with artificial fragrances and sulfates,” she says. “I was trying to take care of myself otherwise – exercising, eating organically – so it didn’t make a lot of sense to put chemicals on my skin.”

She experimented for over a year and washed “a lot of money down the drain” before she got the recipe right.

“My business was born in the teachers’ lounge,” Curtis says. In 2012, she tried to sell a batch of her soaps to her coworkers. They loved it. After a year of successfully peddling her wares to her fellow teachers, she decided to quit her job to make soap full time.

“Being in Birmingham, I feel like I’m at the right place at the right time,” she says. “I grew up in Mobile, but moved here 10 years ago from Atlanta. It’s been awesome being a part of the growing makers movement here.”

The Product: Artisan Soap As you might expect, you’ll only find natural ingredients in Freedom Soap Company

products. Curtis is strict about that.

“My soap is free of preservatives, of synthetic fragrance, of colorings. That’s part of where the name ‘Freedom’ came from,” she says. “The soaps are free of all the nasty chemicals you find in beauty products.”

From start to finish, her soap takes a month to produce. She starts with her base (a blend of coconut, olive, castor and sunflower seed oils) and then mixes in essential oils and herbs (calendula, lavender, rosemary, several types of mint, yarrow – whatever’s in season) that she grows in her own garden or gets from local farmers.

“We try to use ingredients and things that are indicative of the South, that are kind of place-based, that feel Southern,” she says.

She then pours the soap into molds where it hardens and undergoes saponification (the process of actually turning to soap). She cuts the soap into bars and cures them on a rack for about 30 days.

Her bestsellers are the Lavender, Sage + Lemon, and Activated Charcoal (a detoxifier made with burnt bamboo). When asked about her personal favorites, she says, “It changes with my mood. I always have at least three bars going at once. Right now I’m using a cornmeal soap that I love. It’s made with organic cornmeal for exfoliating and scented with grapefruit and lavender essential oils.”

FREEDOM SOAP COMPANY, Freedomsoaps.com Email: info@freedomsoaps.com Take Home: Artisan Soap, $8

Alabama Makers explores the artisans, crafts people, carpenters, cooks, bakers, blacksmiths, designers and others making original and extraordinary items in our state. If you know an Alabama Maker, let us know at alnewscenter@ outlook.com.

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