April 2008 Archives
Chances are, if the post office is on your errand list, it is because you need to ship a package or purchase stamps. Although the Postal Service website has several conveniences, you should know that an Automated Postal Center (APC) is always at your service. Weigh and ship packages, buy stamps, and purchase package insurance and delivery confirmation service with the touch of a few buttons. Swipe your credit or debit card and you’re done.
An automated “center” is essentially a self-service check out kiosk for postal customers. The kiosks best accommodate soft packages or small/short boxes (the receptacle is about the size of a regular mail drop-box, so a large, stiff package will not fit). A touch screen walks you through weighing your package, printing a metered stamp, paying and printing your receipt. These are available 24 hours a day, so there is no need to spend time waiting in line and no reason to delay sending a care package on account of hassle. Nothing could be easier.
Automated Postal Centers are available 24 hours a day at these locations:
Meadowbrook: 1900 Corporate Drive, 35242
Tax Day. Laundry. Deadline. Carpool. Do we need to be reminded of the stress inherent in parenting and juggling all our roles? Apparently, the month of April is designated for just such an assessment, and there are even greeting cards for the occasion (please don't send one).
We began the month with school closing early due to threatening weather. In the midst of a fully scheduled day, the school closing notification arrived and suddenly there were 30 minutes with which to scramble and get to the school for pick up. The practices, ballgames, and carefully orchestrated evening plans had to be unwound somehow, and that was to say nothing of the frightening weather conditions.
What does a BirminghamMom do?
Right now, row upon row of furniture, sporting equipment, home decor and clothing are being sorted and priced at the former site of Belks in Century Plaza Mall. The bustle of activity is in preparation for the Junior League of Birmingham's annual Bargain Carousel on Saturday, April 25th, and Sunday, April 26th.
Here's how it works: Every active member of the Junior League of Birmingham - that's over 1,000 women - is required to contribute $100 of gently used merchandise for the sale. Bargain Carousel is the single largest fundraiser for the League, with proceeds funding a variety of programs that benefit women and children in the Birmingham area.
Some of the best bargains are to be had in electronics and appliances, where members who have upgraded televisions or washing machines have donated their working original models. The same is true for lamps, accessories, and furniture. Some infant clothing still has original tags affixed, and a few merchants have donated overstocks of items like children's shoes or stationery, so in these cases the merchandise is brand new. In other cases, used sporting equipment or children's toys still have plenty of utility left.
Bargain Carousel benefits the community by allowing shoppers to find bargains while their purchase price is reinvested in local projects. Items find a new home in this circle (make that carousel) of usefulness.
Note: There is a $5 admission charge from 8 a.m. to noon on Saturday, and items are half price on Sunday.
