For those of us that don’t normally check CNN as much as we used to, thanks to Melanie for reminding us as we prepare to stand in long lines to watch one superhero’s return to the big screen that some of the best heroes in our community are right under our nose. Check out this video over on CNN.com about Kid One Transport founder Russell Jackson, nominated to be one of their CNN Heroes (it was first posted on July 10).

Five citizens are being honored for their contributions to the history of the city of Birmingham by being named the latest additions to the city’s Gallery of Distinguished Citizens. The annual induction ceremony is being held at Vulcan Park this afternoon beginning at 12 p.m. and it’s open to the public.

Oscar Adams, Jr., Colonel Stone Johnson, Nina Miglionico, Steve Orel, & J. Richmond Pearson will be honored with bronze statues and a new interactive kiosk when their likenesses are place in City Hall. Check out the News’ coverage from earlier this week as well.

Screenshot of Lving United blog for the United Way of Central Alabama.

For those of you that missed the launch of the United Way of Central Alabama’s Live United campaign last week Thursday on top of the former Kress Building in downtown Birmingham, you can still keep up with their plans through their new blog, Living United.

This is the latest grassroots movement for emerging leaders to emerge here in Birmingham so check it out, find out how to get involved and let them know what you think.

The hopes and dreams for Birmingham’s western area have been front and center in recent months, including plans to revitalize the Five Points West commercial district with the proposed redevelopment of Fair Park and the opening of new businesses nearby (e.g., the city’s newest Applebee’s restaurant).

The Five Points West Business Association has been reactivated by city councilor Steven Hoyt to help unify the voice of the business community through the planned changes. Tonight he, Main Street Birmingham and Regions Bank are hosting their membership reception and organizational meeting at the BPL’s Five Points West branch beginning at 7 p.m. They’ll go over future plans for the area and ways that they can help themselves, including cooperative marketing. We look forward to seeing what happens next…

It’s not like our hip to be civic friends ever really left; they’ve just been quietly preparing for this relaunch. Tonight you can join them over at The Wine Loft in the city center and find out what plans are for the future. It’s also a great excuse to enjoy a wine-tasting (and some pretty nice weather).

If you’ve got Facebook, head on over to the invite page and let them know you’re showing up.

The area immediately adjacent to Village Creek in Ensley has been the focus of many of the efforts being undertaken to breathe new life into the surrounding Ensley and Pratt communities. This Saturday area residents and concerned citizens will have the chance to contribute to and help develop a vision for housing that will line the planned Village Creek Greenway on the city’s West Side (after having some fun running).

The first annual Village Creek One Mile Fun Run/Walk at 8:30 a.m. (sign-up is at 8 a.m.) will be followed at 10 a.m. by a community workshop entitled Implementing The Olmsted Vision One Step at a Time.

Members of the 2007-2008 Project Corporate Leadership class and Environmental Leadership Program will host a workshop to discuss strategies for implementing the Olmsteds’ vision for the Village Creek area in the Ensley and Pratt communities. If you’ve got a Facebook account, you can let them know that you’ll be there to participate.

So, Birmingham’s hip to be civic group has decided to roll out a new logo…

It’s currently available for viewing as the photo for their profile on Facebook (registration required), but not yet for their website…

What do you think?