AROUND TOWN E NEWSLETTER AUGUST
Stay Connected
INFORMATION ABOUT YOUR NEIGHBORHOOD
Sign up for customized messaging at bhamgov.org/enews.
EMERGENCY ALERTS
Register for emergency alerts at www.nixle.com or text 48009 to 888777.
VIRTUALLY EXPLORE BIRMINGHAM
Enjoy our 3D virtual tour at birmingham skywayvr com
ENGAGE WITH US
Share feedback at engage.bhamgov.org.
SOCIAL MEDIA facebook com/BhamGov @bhamgov
CITY OFFICES
CITY HALL - 151 MARTIN STREET
City Hall is open to the public during regular business hours, Monday through Friday from 8 a m - 5 p m
The Police Department lobby entrance on the east side of City Hall on Pierce Street continues to operate as the point of contact for all off-hour requests.
MEETINGS
City Commission and other city boards meet in-person, and most have a virtual option available to the public For meetings that occur after hours, visitors can access City Hall through the Police Department lobby entrance on Pierce Street. Learn how to participate in virtual meetings at www bhamgov org/participate You may also watch many city meetings on your local cable access channel and by web streaming on the city's Vimeo channel.
CONTACT US
Visit www bhamgov org/contacts to view a list of department contact numbers for services needed.
SUBMIT CONCERNS WITH GOVALERT
Submit non-emergency concerns directly to the City of Birmingham using the GovAlert Mobile app. Simply download the free app and follow the userfriendly prompts Follow this link for a short video with step-by-step instructions. Don't want to use the app? That's OK! Submit your request at bhamgov.org/citizenrequests.
CITY MANAGER REPORT
Looking for the inside scoop at City Hall? Download the City Manager's Report prepared for the City Commission each month Birmingham City Manager Jana Ecker provides the latest updates from city departments and a sneak peek at upcoming events, staffing changes, developments and more.
PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT
City Hall and the Department of Public Services will be closed for professional development and employee recognition on Tuesday, August 13 from noon - 5 p.m. and Thursday, September 12 from 2-5 p m All committee meetings will take place as scheduled despite the closures. Meeting attendees should access City Hall through the Police Department lobby entrance on Pierce Street. Online services remain available.
As always, the city’s police and fire departments will be on duty to ensure the community’s safety. For immediate assistance, please utilize the following resources:
• Life threatening emergencies, call 911.
• Police non-emergencies: Birmingham Police Department, call (248) 530-1870
• Fire non-emergencies: Birmingham Fire Department, call (248) 530-1900.
SHARE FEEDBACK ON ENGAGE BIRMINGHAM
The city’s online public engagement platform, Engage Birmingham, makes it easier than ever for the community to share feedback at a place and time that is convenient for them Current projects on the site include topics such as the historic preservation master plan. Share feedback about this topic and others at engage.bhamgov.org.
MEET THE STAFF
JACKY BRITO, GOLF MANAGER
Meet Jacky Brito, golf manager at Lincoln Hills Golf Course and Springdale Golf Course. Jacky has been a member of the PGA for 30 years, and golf manager for the City of Birmingham for 13 years. In this video, Jacky discusses popular programs and events at the courses, including the Junior Golf Program, Luau On The Greens and Charity Turkey Shoot event. Follow this link to learn more.
SENIOR SERVICES
Seniors enjoy a variety of services all throughout the Birmingham community. From special events and activities to exclusive discounts and assistance, seniors have many special opportunities in Birmingham Learn more at www.bhamgov.org/seniorservices.
PLANNING FOR BIRMINGHAM’S SENIOR/REC CENTER
Plans are underway for Birmingham’s future senior/recreation center. At a July 29 special City Commission meeting, the Ad Hoc Senior/Recreation Center Committee presented its recommendation that the existing building at 400 E. Lincoln be demolished and a new building be constructed to house the future facility The City Commission approved a motion accepting that recommendation The commission also directed city staff to conduct additional discussions with and due diligence of proposed facility partners Next Senior Services and the Birmingham YMCA during the month of August. Staff will present an update on these activities at the Aug. 26 City Commission meeting Watch a recording of the July 29 meeting on the city’s official Vimeo channel.
WEEKLY OPPORTUNITY TO SHARE FEEDBACK
Learn more and share feedback about Birmingham’s future senior/
recreation center at weekly Ad Hoc Senior/Recreation Center Committee meetings. Find more information regarding the senior/recreation center at weekly Ad Hoc Senior/Recreation Center Committee meetings the project and future public input opportunities at bhamgov.org/seniorreccenter.
BACKGROUND INFORMATION
The City of Birmingham purchased the YMCA building at 400 E. Lincoln in June 2023. The YMCA had planned to sell the building, creating a unique opportunity for Birmingham, the surrounding communities and Next The city envisions the property as a future senior/recreation center for collaborative use. The building will be the home of Next, a 501(c)(3) organization that has provided the city with senior services for the past 45 years as well as other potential community-based partners, such as the YMCA, city parks and recreation services and/or any other users. On Nov. 7, 2023, Birmingham residents approved a senior millage – a .33 mill levy for a three-year term – enabling the city to make interim improvements to the YMCA building and to establish a sinking fund to contribute toward the cost of permanent improvements to the building for use as a senior/recreation center in the future. The city formed the Ad Hoc Senior/Recreation Center Committee to assist with the project. View the vision, goals, objectives, project timeline and more at bhamgov.org/seniorreccenter.
NEWS FROM THE CITY CLERK’S OFFICE
AUGUST 6 PRIMARY ELECTION: VOTE NOW THROUGH ELECTION DAY
Birmingham’s second of three 2024 elections – the state primary – is Tuesday, August 6, 2024. Voters have three options to cast a vote from now through 8 p.m. on Election Day:
ABSENTEE BALLOTS
If you have an absentee ballot, you can:
Return your ballot to a city hall drop box or, if necessary, by mail (no postage necessary). The clerk’s office strongly recommends using a drop box to avoid potential postal delays this close to the election Two secure drop boxes are available 24 hours a day seven days a week behind city hall: a driveup box in the driveway off Henrietta (top photo), and a smaller box in the flower bed near the center of the building (bottom photo) Another drop box is available at the clerk’s counter inside city hall Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.; Saturday, Aug. 3 from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. and on Election Day, Aug 6, from 7 a m to 8 p m
Vote your absentee ballot in person at one of Birmingham’s early voting sites.
Vote your absentee ballot in person at your precinct on Election Day from 7 a.m. to 8 p m Find your precinct here
If you still want an absentee ballot, you may request one online at mi.gov/vote, by email to elections@bhamgov.org or in person at the clerk’s office Absentee ballots will be available by mail until Friday, Aug. 2 at 4 p.m. or in person at the clerk’s office until Monday, Aug. 5 at 4 p.m.
Absentee ballots must be received by the clerk’s office no later than 8 p.m. on Aug. 6. Remember to sign your ballot envelope with a signature that resembles the one on your current driver’s license or state ID card.
EARLY IN-PERSON VOTING THROUGH AUG. 4
Now through Aug 4, Birmingham voters can vote in person at two early voting locations: Bloomfield Township Library, 1099 Lone Pine Rd., Bloomfield Township, 48302 Waterford Oaks Activity Center, 2800 Watkins Lake Road, Waterford, 48328
These early voting sites are open from noon to 8 p.m. today, Aug. 1, and from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. every subsequent day through Aug. 4. Learn more at bhamgov.org/earlyvoting.
ELECTION DAY AUG. 6
Vote at your precinct from 7 a m to 8 p m Find your polling place here
NEWS FROM THE CITY CLERK’S OFFICE
IMPORTANT ELECTION DATES
Aug. 2 at 5 p.m. – last day to request that an absentee ballot be mailed to you
Aug. 3 from 8:30 a.m. – 4:30 p.m. – clerk’s office open on Saturday for election business
Aug 4 – last day of early in-person voting
Aug. 5 at 4 p.m. – last day to spoil a ballot that was lost or destroyed, and/or to obtain an absentee ballot in person at the clerk’s office
Aug. 6 from 7 a.m. – 8 p.m. – polling places open for in-person voting
Aug. 6 at 8 p.m. – absentee ballots must be received by clerk’s office to be counted
Aug 12 – Military and Overseas (MOVE) ballots mailed from outside the United States and postmarked on or before Aug. 6 must be received by the clerk’s office to be counted
CITY CLERK’S OFFICE OPEN
SATURDAY, AUG. 3
The clerk’s office will be open on Saturday, Aug. 3, from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. for election business only. These friendly faces will help you register to vote, get an absentee ballot and more at the clerk’s counter in city hall at 151 Martin Street.
REGISTER TO VOTE IN PERSON THROUGH AUG. 6
Now through Election Day, any voter registration changes and new voter registrations must happen in person at the City Clerk’s Office.
Visit the clerk’s counter at city hall during regular business hours (Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.), or extended hours on Saturday, Aug 3 (see story at left) and Election Day, Aug 6 (7 a m to 8 p.m.).
Learn more about voter registration here, and verify your voter registration status at mi gov/vote
POLLING PLACE CHANGES
Precinct 2, 3 and 6 voters who vote on Election Day will cast their ballots in different rooms for the Aug. 6 election.
The precinct 2 and 3 polling places return to the gym in Derby Middle School, while the precinct 6 polling place will be in Baldwin Library’s lower-level Rotary Room.
NEWS FROM THE FINANCE DEPARTMENT
UNDERSTANDING WATER, SEWER AND STORM WATER RATES
Beginning this month, you may notice adjusted rates in your water bill Water, sewer, and storm water rates are adjusted every July 1 to reflect the cost of supplying water, providing for the disposal of sanitary sewage and storm water, and maintenance and replacement of the city's infrastructure.
The City Commission recently approved the following rate increases: Water rates will increase 20% from $6 13 to $7 38 for every 1,000 gallons of water used.
Sewer rates will increase 15% from $9.79 to $11.26 for every 1,000 gallons of water used.
Storm water rates will increase 12% for water accounts in the EvergreenFarmington Sewage Disposal District from $70 50/quarter/ESWU (Equivalent Storm Water Unit) to $79.25/quarter/ESWU and 1% for water accounts in the Southeast Oakland County Sewage Disposal District from $73.25/quarter/ESWU to $74.00/quarter/ESWU.
The average residential account using 90,000 gallons per year and living on a property with an ESWU factor of 1 would see an increase in their water and sewer bill of approximately $280/year or about $24/month.
What caused the change in water, sewer and storm water rates?
To better understand why rates increased, it is important to understand what the objective of rate setting is and what components make up a rate. The purpose of setting a rate at a particular amount is to ensure that the cost of providing water and sewer services is covered by the revenues received from utility users through rates.
The cost of providing the service includes the cost of the water or the cost of sewage disposal, the cost of maintenance on the city's water and sewer infrastructure, and the cost of replacing the city's water and sewer infrastructure.
Follow this link to view a Q&A with a detailed explanation of the adjusted rates.
2024-2025 ONLINE BUDGET BOOK
View the city’s budget in a user-friendly, visually appealing way at bhamgov.org/budget. Our new online budget book makes it easy for residents to access and understand the city’s financial and budgetary information, powered by OpenGov Budgeting & Planning
The transparent OpenGov portal makes it easy for anyone to view and understand how their local and state government’s dollars are being spent The portal includes financial and personnel reports, budget information, and a five-year capital improvement plan.
NEWS FROM THE FIRE DEPARTMENT
PREPARE FOR HEAT EMERGENCIES
Excessive heat poses a significant risk to people’s health. During the upcoming hot summer days, be aware of heat-related emergencies, including heat stroke and heat exhaustion, which can be deadly.
Be on the lookout for the following:
·High body temperature (103F or higher)
Hot, red, dry or damp skin
·Fast, strong pulse
·Headache
·Dizziness
·Nausea
·Confusion
Losing consciousness (passing out)
Whenever the signs and symptoms of a heat emergency appear, residents are encouraged to call 911 immediately and, if possible, move the person to a cooler area During a heat wave, people are encouraged to slow down, dress appropriately, eat light, drink plenty of water, use air conditioning, use fans, minimize direct sun exposure, and be aware of infants, older, sick or frail people and pets.
NEWS FROM THE POLICE DEPARTMENT
WOODWARD DREAM CRUISE SAFETY TIPS
The Woodward Dream Cruise is just around the corner and although it is officially held on Saturday, August 17, 2024, we often see an increase in pedestrian and vehicular traffic leading up to the big event. We would like to remind everyone that safety is paramount in ensuring this familyfriendly activity is fun for all ages.
MAINTAIN A SAFE SPEED
Remember to respect those around you by maintaining a safe speed while cruising the boulevard Squealing tires and fast acceleration can cause a loss of control, resulting in damage to property and injury to observers
DO NOT CONSUME ALCHOL IN PUBLIC SPACES
Remember that consumption of alcohol and marijuana is not legal in public spaces, even if you are 21 years of age or have a medical marijuana card.
DO NOT PARK ON PRIVATE PROPERTY WITHOUT PERMISSION
Parking in no parking zones or on private property without permission could result in the towing of the vehicle, at the owner's expense. Any items left unattended on City of Birmingham property may be confiscated and/or disposed of.
DON’T BOTHER ASKING, OFFICERS DON’T DO BURNOUTS
Lastly, please remember that officers on bike patrol do not participate in burnouts, despite numerous requests, nor do they do wheelies for donuts.
Woodward Avenue will be cleared of all vehicular traffic on Friday, August 16, 2024 at 10 p.m. and Saturday, August 17, 2024, at 9 p m Officers will assist with guiding traffic off of Woodward at Fourteen Mile Road. Pedestrians leaving the area are reminded to utilize crosswalks at intersections for their safety while crossing any street. Thank you for your patience and enjoy the event!
DEPARTMENT OF PUBLIC SERVICES UPDATES
AUG. 13 PARKS BOARD MEETING TOPICS
Join us for the next meeting of Birmingham’s Parks & Recreation Board on Tuesday, Aug. 13 at 6:30 p.m. Agenda topics include:
Booth Park Entry Plaza and Trail Improvements update
Manor Park no-mow demonstration areas
Review of the city’s park rules and regulations
The meeting will begin at 6:30 p.m. Attend in person at the DPS, located at 851 South Eton Street (park inside the gate and use the side entrance), or participate via Zoom at bhamgov.org/participate.
INFORMED WITH PUBLIC SAFETY ALERTS AND CRIME MAP
The City of Birmingham offers two tools to help you know what’s happening in your neighborhood:
bhamggov.org/crime
Nixle: Citizens have access to the Nixle Alert system, which allows the fire and police departments to deliver important messages to subscribed members instantly. Visit nixle.com to sign up or simply text 48009 to 888777.
Crime map: The police department’s online crime map displays the date and time, general location, type of crime and a brief description of incidents to which BPD responded, Incidents are indicated with icons on the map to help residents visualize where incidents have taken place, and are also available in list view. Find it at bhamgov.org/crime.
JOIN A BOARD AND IMPACT BIRMINGHAM’S FUTURE
Parks & Recreation
Promotes recreation and park development programs
ZoningAppeals
Acts on questions arising from the administration of the zoning ordinance
PublicArt
Enriches the city's civic and cultural heritage through public art
Why join a board
or committee?
Share your thoughts and ideas
Get involved with your community
Meet your neighbors
Become a catalyst for change
“I wanted to join a city board because civic engagement is so important At first I considered joining a nonprofit board but then realized there’s nothing closer to my day-to-day life than the city I live in and the community I am a part of,” said Parks and Recreation Board Member Jessica Einstein “I am really excited to have the opportunity to represent Birmingham, my neighbors and the whole community ”
Multi-Modal Transportation
Assists with safe and efficient movement of vehicles and pedestrians
Brownfield Redevelopment Authority
Prepares and submits Brownfield plans to the City Commission
MuseumBoard
Oversees the collection, arrangement, cataloguing and preservation of historical material
Application form
BoardofReview
Hears taxpayer assessment appeals
Storm Water Utility Appeals Board
Hears disputes to a fee or bill pursuant to the Storm Water Utility ordinance
PlanningBoard Hears matters regarding the physical development or growth of the city
Together, we can make a difference. Join a board or committee and let's create a better Birmingham for generations to come.
BIRMINGHAM GREEN
BY NICHOLAS J. DUPUIS, PLANNING DIRECTOR
The City of Birmingham’s Ad Hoc Environmental Sustainability Committee is scheduled to release a draft of the city’s first sustainability and climate action plan for public comment in early August. The Birmingham Green: Healthy Climate Plan is designed to take the city through 2035 and provides a roadmap of how Birmingham can achieve its sustainability and climate action goals.
Interested citizens may review the plan online here starting Aug. 9. This public comment period is intended to serve as a final phase of broad public engagement related to the plan. All comments will be considered by the Ad Hoc Environmental Sustainability Committee as the final touches are put on the plan. Should you wish to provide any comments, please submit them to Planning Director Nicholas Dupuis at ndupuis@bhamgov.org or call (248) 530-1856 with any questions. We look forward to hearing your feedback on the hard work that has been put into this plan so far!
KEEP GRASS AND WEEDS BELOW EIGHT INCHES
Help the city look well maintained by following Birmingham’s ordinance requiring grass and weeds to be kept below eight inches high. Poison ivy, ragweed or any other poisonous, noxious or unhealthy growths are prohibited Those in violation of this ordinance will have their lawn mowed and will be required to pay for the service. Access the entire Grass and Noxious Weed ordinance (Sec. 118-66) on the city's website.
For more information, call the Department of Public Services at (248) 530-1700.
AUGUST GOLF NEWS
HIT THE LINKS AT BIRMINGHAM GOLF COURSES
AUGUST CLUB CHAMPIONSHIPS
Enjoy a round of golf at Birmingham’s top-rated Lincoln Hills and Springdale golf courses! Both nine-hole courses offer outstanding golf that is affordable, close to home and open to everyone! Adaptive golf carts are also available at both locations.
Reservations may be made online or by calling Lincoln Hills at (248) 530-1670 or Springdale at (248) 5301660 For locations, hours and events, see bhamgov.org/golf.
Early August brings the annual club championships at Birmingham’s municipal golf courses. Find more details below and at bhamgov org/golfevents Register by calling the Lincoln Hills Golf Course at (248) 530-1670.
CLUB CHAMPIONSHIP AUGUST 3 - 4
Format: two-day gross and two-day net
This 36-hole competition is played over two days (18 holes a day). Saturday’s round begins at Springdale, with tee times from 8 to 10 a.m. Sunday’s second round continues at Lincoln Hills, also from 8 to 10 a.m. $85 entry fee includes lunch Saturday and an awards lunch on Sunday.
JUNIOR CLUB CHAMPIONSHIP AUGUST 8
Format: individual stroke play
This 9-hole competition on Thursday, Aug. 8, at Lincoln Hills is open to all junior members and anyone who participated in the 2024 Junior Golf Program. Registration starts at 7:30 a.m., with a shotgun start at 8 a m and an awards luncheon to follow
Lincoln Hills Golf Course: 2666 West 14 Mile Road, (248) 530-1670
Springdale Golf Course: 316 Strathmore Road, (248) 530-1660
bhamgov.org/golf
NEWS FROM THE MUSEUM
BIRMINGHAM MUSEUM TO RECEIVE COLLABORATORS AWARD
The Birmingham Museum is proud to announce that it is the 2024 recipient of a special award from the Association of Midwest Museums (AMM) for its leadership in a grantfunded multi-community public history project to study Oakland County’s Underground Railroad.
The AMM, which represents the eight-state region of the Midwest, including Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, Ohio and Wisconsin, has selected the Birmingham Museum to receive a special Collaborators Award to recognize the project and its impact, calling it “inspiring” and “extraordinary.’ This unique project has unified historical organizations throughout Oakland County who share an interest in identifying evidence-based history of the elusive Underground Railroad in our area. Thus far, it has illuminated the stories of over a dozen previously unknown formerly enslaved people who fled the South in the years before the Civil War They were sheltered throughout Oakland County by everyday people who formed an abolitionist network that helped the freedom seekers safely reach Canada. The project’s findings have been incorporated into a stillevolving interactive website, traveling exhibit and online database.
This type of collective effort is unusual in the museum field It demonstrates a highly effective approach to cross-museum collaboration that incorporates creative use of resources and grass roots involvement to do original research that benefits a wide public audience. The Birmingham Museum has received several awards over the years for its achievements, but this is the first such recognition at the regional level. The museum is appreciative of the many organizations, partners, and individual volunteers who have helped the project reach such amazing success, and looks forward to more local history collaborations in the future.
The mission of the Birmingham Museum is to tell Birmingham’s story. The museum is located at 556 W Maple Road, and features changing exhibits at the Allen House, and tours of the 1822 Hunter House, Tuesday through Saturday from 1 to 4 p m and by appointment. Contact the museum at (248) 530-1928 or visit us at bhamgov.org/museum.
The Birmingham Museum was chosen for the award because of the many communities involved in the project and its wide impact
This composite image illustrates some of the freedom seekers and abolitionists identified through the project.
NEWS FROM THE MUSEUM
EXPERIENCE DIVERSITY EXHIBIT BEFORE IT CLOSES 8/17
Aug. 17 is the last day to experience the Birmingham Museum’s popular exhibit, “A Tapestry of Birmingham: Exploring Our Diversity ” The exhibit, which examines recently uncovered information about diversity in Birmingham from its earliest pioneer beginnings to the late 20th century, will close at 4 p.m. Saturday, Aug. 17 to make way for a new exhibit, “Transportation and Transformation: Shaping Birmingham and its People.”
The current exhibit was held over twice beyond its originally scheduled December
2023 closing date due to popular demand, drawing people from surrounding communities as well as Birmingham. It will remain open through Aug. 17 during regular museum hours, Tuesday through Saturday from 1 to 4 p.m. The museum will then close to the public from Aug. 20 through Sept. 3 while museum staff installs the new exhibit.
“Asian Americans, Jews, Irish and Muslim immigrants, formerly enslaved and free Black Americans and Indigenous people have all been part of Birmingham’s story,” said Leslie Pielack, Birmingham Museum director. “There’s still time to come explore the things we’ve learned about our culturally diverse stories and how Birmingham compares to America’s dominant social views over the past 200 years.”
MUSEUM CLOSED AUG. 20 - SEPT. 3 FOR EXHIBIT CHANGEOVER
The Birmingham Museum will close to the public from Aug. 20 through Sept. 3 while museum staff installs a new exhibit, “Transportation and Transformation: Shaping Birmingham and its People.” This new exhibit will tell the stories of the ways transportation and its impact determined many aspects of Birmingham's character today, including its location, physical features, population makeup and its enduring prosperity.
As the exhibit changeover is underway, museum staff will be hard at work behind the scenes. Please be patient if there is a delay in return communication while we focus on the laborintensive exhibit installation. We look forward to welcoming the public when the museum reopens on Wednesday, Sept. 4 at 1 p.m., and then returns to regular hours Tuesday through Saturday from 1 to 4 p m
NEWS FROM THE ICE SPORTS ARENA
COOL OFF WITH AN OPEN SKATE!
An open skate session at the Birmingham Ice Sports Arena is a cool way to beat the heat! Enjoy summer open skate options Monday through Friday in August; view the current schedule at bhamgov.org/icearena and look for a preview of the fall open skate schedule in mid-August
FALL LEARN-TO-SKATE REGISTRATION CONTINUES
Registration for the fall 2024 Learn to Skate program is underway online, with fall session 1 lessons beginning the week of September 9. This popular program offers instruction for children and adults at all skill levels. To learn more, visit play.bhamgov.org.
Celebrate your special occasion at the Birmingham Ice Sports Arena! Book our studio ice arena along with our party room to make your special occasion or birthday party a great time for everyone! The two-hour party package is $300 for residents and $350 for others. Fall and winter dates will be available to book starting September 4 See additional details on the following page, and email rental requests and questions to Connie Folk at cfolk@bhamgov.org.
The Ice Sports Arena is located at 2300 East Lincoln For more information, contact Connie Folk at (248) 530-1642 or cfolk@bhamgov.org
ORDINANCE REMINDER: DON’T BLOCK SIDEWALKS
Reminder:
When parking in a driveway, please don’t block the sidewalk. It’s not safe for pedestrians and could result in a parking ticket. City code and Michigan Vehicle Code both require that property owners keep their sidewalks free of obstructions, including parked vehicles Thank you!
NEWS FROM THE ICE SPORTS ARENA
EVENTS & ACTIVITIES
STILL TIME TO SEE CONCERTS IN SHAIN PARK
It’s the final month of In the Park Summer Concerts, and we plan to finish strong! The 2024 series will conclude with 60s music from Magic Bus on August 7, and a variety of music — from Motown to high-energy dance tunes — from Mainstreet Soul on August 14. Don’t let the summer pass you by without experiencing a concert in Shain Park! Concerts begin at 7 p.m., and don’t forget your lawn chair or blanket. Learn more and view footage from previous concerts at bhamgov.org/summerconcerts. We’ll see you in the park!
August Concerts
7 p.m., Shain Park
Wednesday, August 7, 2024
Magic Bus (60’s)
Wednesday, August 14, 2024
Mainstreet Soul (Variety)
BIRMINGHAM SHOPPING DISTRICT
BIRMINGHAM FARMERS MARKET
SUNDAYS THROUGH OCT. 27, 9 A.M. - 2 P.M. 660 NORTH OLD WOODWARD AVENUE
It’s peak season at the Birmingham Farmers Market! For the next several weeks, find a wide variety of fruits and vegetables, plus beautiful floral bouquets, artisan baked goods, prepared foods and more.
Join us on August 11 for the annual Corn Festival and Second Sunday fitness event with Jabs Gym.
For more information and the special events schedule, visit ALLINBirmingham.com/FarmersMarket, like us on Facebook and follow us on Instagram. See you at the market!
OUTDOOR MOVIE NIGHTS
Its show time! Join us at Booth Park on select Friday nights for free, family-friendly movie nights. Pre-show entertainment begins at 6:30 p.m.; movie at 7:30 p.m.
·August 9: Shrek
·September 6: Space Jam (original version)
Visit the Event Calendar for details. In the event of inclement weather, Movie Nights will be held the following evening (Saturday).
SAVE THE DATE
Birmingham Art Walk September 19, 2024
This free strolling event features local businesses and artists, entertainment and more throughout downtown Birmingham! Stop by participating merchants to meet local artists and enjoy special promotions, light refreshments and other festivities. Visit the Event Calendar for more information in the coming weeks.
BIRMINGHAM SHOPPING DISTRICT
BIRMINGHAM CRUISE EVENT
SATURDAY, AUGUST 17, 9 A.M. - 5 P.M.
The Woodward Dream Cruise returns on Saturday, August 17, 2024, bringing thousands of classic cars and more than one million people from all over the world. Adding to the festivities, the Birmingham Cruise Event will feature classic cars of all makes and models, sponsor exhibits, food trucks and more along South Old Woodward Avenue in the heart of downtown Visit the website for more information
Enjoy a fun behind-thescenes cruise experience by volunteering for the Birmingham Cruise Event. Apply today!
WELCOME, NEW BUSINESSES
BIRMINGHAM PSYCHIC CRYSTAL GALLERY
534 NORTH OLD WOODWARD AVENUE
Explore your spiritual side, and enjoy an array of chakra balancing treatments, spiritual healings, reading services, crystals, art and more at the Birmingham Psychic Crystal Gallery – a sanctuary of bliss and restoration for the mind, body, and spirit Visit their website for more information Images courtesy of Birmingham Psychic Crystal Gallery's website
630 NORTH OLD WOODWARD AVENUE, SUITE 101
Luxe360 Contouring and Aesthetics offers a full range of safe, highquality aesthetic and wellness treatments that empower clients to feel their absolute best. To see a full list of services, visit their website.
Images courtesy of Luxe360 Contouring and Aesthetics' website.
As always, parking is convenient and free for the first two hours in all five municipal structures downtown. For more information, visit www.ALLINBirmingham.com, follow us on Facebook and Instagram, and subscribe to Birmingham Shopping District enews.
AUGUST NEWS FROM THE BALDWIN PUBLIC LIBRARY
August will be awesome at the library! We’re hosting your stuffies for a sleepover, taking you on a grand tour of the Idea Lab, and talking about a cold case on Mackinac Island Plus, get tips on keeping your hair healthy, participate in our next Story Time Battle, and join us for a Q&A with the Oakland County Water Resources Commissioner. Find all of these and more at Baldwinlib org/calendar
MICHIGAN ACTIVITY PASS
Traveling this month? Don’t forget to check out a Michigan Activity Pass for free or discounted admission to hundreds of attractions across the state.
COMICS PLUS
Try our newest resource, Comics Plus, to access tons of comics with no waiting lists!
Baldwin Public Library is located at 300 W Merrill Street in Birmingham For more information visit baldwinlib.org or call (248) 647-1700. The library will be closed on Saturday, August 31 through Monday, September 2 for the Labor Day holiday.
HOT WHEELS ON MIDVALE!
With special guest, John McElroy, president of Blue Sky Productions, host of Autoline and WWJ’s Automotive Insight
Tuesday, August 13 from 11:30 am to 2:00 pm
Join us as we transform Next’s parking lot into a showcase for classic cars, muscle cars and other unique vehicles, including the Book Bike from the Baldwin Public Library. Mingle with the owners and swap stories with John McElroy about your first set of wheels or your favorite car from the past. Enjoy a little lunch while you “cruise” the parking lot. If you have a vehicle you or someone you know would like to display at the show, contact Pam Hall at 248-203-5280 or phall@birmingham.k12.mi.us. Please click here to register
GOLF CLASSIC TO BENEFIT NEXT
REGISTRATION IS NOW OPEN!
Join us for the Golf Classic to Benefit Next Hawaiian Style! Friday, September 13 at Springdale Golf Course
Golfers, don your Hawaiian attire for an afternoon on the links! The tournament is a scramble format with several contests, followed by Hawaiian appetizers, fun beach drinks, wine tasting, a Silent Auction, a delicious dinner and awards ceremony! All friends of Next are welcome to join us for Happy Hour, Silent Auction and evening activities!
Friday, September 13 at Springdale Golf Course
1:00 pm Silent Auction & Registration
2:00 pm Shotgun Start
4:30 pm Happy Hour & Silent Auction continues
5:30 pm Dinner and Awards! Please click here to register
CARDIO BALL DRUMMING - NEW!
with Joy Simpson and Lisa Dresner Wais
Ongoing Wednesdays from 11:00 am to 12:00 pm
Unleash the power of a healthier you as you revitalize your fitness journey with our exhilarating workout class. Cardio drumming engages the entire body, offering an enjoyable and active experience that promotes both physical and mental well-being. Join us for a free one-hour demo of fun, fitness, and health and then sign up for ongoing classes! You are guaranteed to energize your body with the lively beats and rhythmic tunes. Participants have the option of standing or sitting in a chair. Workout attire is recommended, however a smile is required. Remember to bring water. Joy and Lisa are both trained and certified Drums Alive instructors. Please click here to register.
Next proudly serves the growing 50-plus population in our community Next is located at 2121 Midvale Street in Birmingham Contact Next at (248) 203-5270, visit www.BirminghamNext.org or like Next on Facebook.
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Photo Credit: Chris Cook
Instagram: @jchriscook
