AROUND TOWN Monthly e-Newsletter June 2021
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JUNE 2021
AROUND TOWN E-NEWSLETTER
LATEST NEWS SHARE YOUR IDEAS ON ENGAGE BIRMINGHAM The City is pleased to introduce Engage Birmingham, a new public communications tool where you can contribute ideas to actively shape your community and strengthen the place you call home. More than 300 residents have already offered their ideas on Engage Birmingham. The community is encouraged to visit engage.bhamgov.org to register and provide input on upcoming parks, communications, and engineering projects. Register and share your feedback today!
MEET THE STAFF CLAIRE GALLI Office & Events Assistant Meet the Birmingham Shopping District's new Office and Events Assistant, Claire Galli!
INSIDE LOOK AT DEPT. OF PUBLIC SERVICES The 2021 Department of Public Services (DPS) Open House Event was canceled due to safety concerns surrounding COVID-19. Watch our Virtual Open House video for an inside look at all the responsibilities DPS workers accomplish on a daily basis to keep our infrastructure strong.
JUNE 2021
AROUND TOWN E-NEWSLETTER
COVID-19 UPDATES CITY OFFICES City Hall remains closed to the public. This is being reevaluated on an ongoing basis and we hope to welcome the community back in the near future. In the meantime, rest assured city staff continue to work hard to meet the needs of the community. Visit www.bhamgov.org/contacts to view a list of department contact numbers for services needed.
COVID-19 INFORMATION Visit www.bhamgov.org/virusprevention for helpful information from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), State of Michigan, Oakland County Health Division and more.
CITY MEETINGS All City meetings will be held virtually until further notice. This will be reevaluated as the pandemic continues. Learn how to participate in these meetings at www.bhamgov.org/participate. Visit www.bhamgov.org/calendar to view all upcoming meetings.
COVID RELIEF INITIATIVES
The City continues to assist the community with the following COVID relief initiatives: Free parking in the parking structures and waived parking fees for monthly permit parking holders through June 30, 2021. Waived e-check fees for online payments through June 30, 2021. Most City forms and payments may be submitted online at www.bhamgov.org/formsandpayments. Hand sanitizer stations are located in all parking structures and high pedestrian traffic areas. Dedicated curbside pick-up locations for restaurants and retailers.
JUNE 2021
AROUND TOWN E-NEWSLETTER
PARKS & REC BOND PROJECT UPDATE PARKS & RECREATION BOARD MEETING Learn and ask questions about Parks and Recreation Bond projects at the virtual Parks and Recreation Board meeting on Tuesday, June 1 at 6:30 p.m. Topics on the agenda include: Birmingham Ice Sports Arena Construction Update, Golf Course Report and Engage Birmingham Pickleball Site Suggestions. Learn how to participate in upcoming meetings via Zoom at www.bhamgov.org/participate. Also keep an eye on www.bhamgov.org/icearena for next steps and project updates!
PARKS & RECREATION BOND PROJECT UNDERWAY AT BIRMINGHAM ICE ARENA Progress is well underway on the Birmingham Ice Arena Renovation/Addition Project. The arena, utilized by more than 6,000 people each year, will benefit from the following upgrades: locker room expansion and remodel of the existing locker rooms, adding an additional locker room and dedicated team locker room, a new observation area and meeting room space, and new concession area upgrades. Visit www.bhamgov.org/icearena to view project highlights, the upcoming schedule and progress pictures.
JUNE 2021
AROUND TOWN E-NEWSLETTER
CITY COMMISSION JUNE WORKSHOP SHORT TERM RENTALS Short term rentals will be discussed at the City Commission workshop on Monday, June 14 at 6:30 p.m., immediately before the regularly scheduled City Commission meeting. Topics discussed during the workshop will include the current rental statistics in the city, city regulations currently in place for rental properties, and the city attorney will discuss current laws regarding short term rentals and pending legislation. Residents are encouraged to attend the workshops to gain a better understanding of projects considered by the City Commission. The Mayor will call for public comment at the end of each workshop to ensure the City Commission has as much time as possible throughout the workshop to learn, explore, discuss and hear community input. There will be no City Commission workshops in July and August. Workshops will resume in September. Workshop agendas will be available each Thursday preceding the meetings at www.bhamgov.org/commissionagendas.
FIREWORKS SAFETY REMINDERS FROM THE FIRE DEPARTMENT In 2020 the Birmingham Fire Department responded to three structure fires that were caused by fireworks. It was determined these fires occurred as a result of airborne fireworks such as bottle rockets, floating lanterns, and other fireworks that leave the ground. Please consider watching professional displays on television, or locally, instead of doit-yourself displays. Fireworks that are designed for use on the ground also pose a risk for injury or accidental fires, as well as other property damage. Although fireworks are exciting and fun, your money is literally going up in smoke and the risks of injury or accident involved are not worth the benefit. Per City code, fireworks are prohibited with the following exceptions: 11:00 a.m. on December 31 through 1:00 a.m. on January 1; 11:00 a.m. through 11:45 p.m. on Saturday and Sunday immediately preceding Memorial Day; 11:00 a.m. through 11:45 p.m. on June 29 and 30 and July 1, 2, 3, and 4; 11:00 a.m. through 11:45 p.m. on July 5, if that date is a Friday or Saturday, and 11:00 a.m. through 11:45 p.m. on the Saturday and Sunday immediately preceding Labor Day. Please visit the Birmingham Fire Department website to learn more about the fireworks ordinance.
JUNE 2021
AROUND TOWN E-NEWSLETTER
NEWS FROM THE LIBRARY JOIN US FOR SUMMER READING 2021! Register online between June 11 and August 8 at baldwinlib.org/summer-reading and see the full schedule of events at baldwinlib.org/calendar
INTERACTIVE STORY BOOK TRAIL
Wednesday, June 23, 1:00-4:00 P.M. at Beverly Park Registration required Engage with the Beverly Park Story Book Trail in a new way as you participate in activities while you read the book. Each registrant will get a goodie bag to make the story come alive.
DIGGING IN THE SHADOW OF THE SHARD: URBAN ARCHAEOLOGY IN THE CITY OF LONDON
Saturday, June 19 AT 3:00 P.M. Register here The UK's capital city contains over 6000 years of history beneath its streets. Field archaeologist Ellen Green gives us a digger's eye view of the city of London as well as a look at the glorious, muddy practice of urban archaeology. The Baldwin Public Library is located at 300 W. Merrill Street in Birmingham. Visit www.baldwinlib.org/reopening to view current information on the Library's hours and services.
NEWS FROM THE MUSEUM MUSEUM RESEARCH CONFIRMS RECORD OF JOHN DANIELS: REVOLUNTIONARY WAR VETERAN BURRIED IN GREENWOOD CEMETERY The 250th anniversary of the American Revolution is just a few years away, and the Oakland Historical Center wants to identify and commemorate all veterans of the war buried in the County. John Daniels Sr., (1751-1832), is the only known Revolutionary War veteran buried in Greenwood
Cemetery and is among a few dozen who migrated to this area. Although Daniels was recognized with a plaque by the Daughters of the American Revolution-Piety Hill Chapter decades ago,
questions remained about his service and, since it is a common name, whether he was the correct
person. Birmingham Museum research confirms both Daniels’ military record and his proper identity. Museum staff Donna Casaceli cross-referenced online records to verify that Daniels served under a famous cousin, Colonel Thomas Grosvenor, who was a friend of George Washington and ran a tavern
used as a meeting place for American officers during
the
war.
“The
family
connection
is
compelling,” said Casaceli. “We studied the Daniels genealogy and documentary evidence that place our
John
Daniels
under
his
cousin’s
command,
although we can’t be sure he ever met Washington
himself.” Daniels came to the Birmingham area later in life, joining sons John (Jr.) and Hiram Daniels. We
can thank John Daniels, Sr. not only for his patriotic
service, but also for a talented member of the City
staff—City clerk Alexandria Bingham, who is a direct descendant!
For
more
information,
please
visit
www.bhamgov.org/museum or connect with the museum on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, and YouTube!
JUNE 2021
AROUND TOWN E-NEWSLETTER
NEWS FROM NEXT NEW! DRAWING WORKSHOP Tuesdays, June 1 through June 22 from 10:00 am to 12:00 noon Join artist/instructor Kay Sulfaro in this introduction to drawing workshop. Drawing is a skill that is easier to learn than you might think. In this workshop you will practice skill-building exercises from Drawing on the Right Side of the Brain, and discover drawing capabilities you didn’t know you possess! These exercises will help you steadily build skill and gain confidence in your ability to draw, and you’ll have fun along the way. Ask for supply list at Next.
WEDNESDAY FLOW YOGA Caryn Ciagne, Concierge Wellness Coach and owner of CC Yoga Wednesdays from 9:15 to 10:15 am A slow yet strong flow practice suitable for all who may be interested in expanding their yoga practice. This class will explore sun salutations, traditional standing, seated and supine postures to strengthen, improve balance, stretch and calm one’s presence. Please bring a yoga mat, water, yoga blocks, strap and an optional towel.
DANCING WITH THE STARS! Tuesday, June 22 at 6:00 pm Join the professional dance instructors from Fred Astaire Dance Studios as they demonstrate all the popular dance styles used for performances in Dancing with the Stars. The talented dance instructors will demonstrate and explain dance styles including East Coast Swing, Cha Cha, Samba, Rumba, Paso Doble, Waltz, Tango, Fox Trot, Viennese Waltz and much more. Remember — Life’s Better When You Dance!
JUNE 2021
AROUND TOWN E-NEWSLETTER
BIRMINGHAM GREEN Article and photos by Nicholas J. Dupuis, City Planner This month, the Planning Division will wrap up the historic building architectural character study as observed from a distance with projections. Highlighting projections such as porches and balconies is not only important to historic character of an individual building, but it also plays a major role in the City of Birmingham connecting buildings to public space, building and nurturing neighborhood fabric, and connecting humans and buildings with nature. Removing, enclosing, or reducing the amount of detail of a porch or balcony would significantly damage the character and the qualitative sociological benefits that they have fostered for decades…and in some cases over a century. Buildings in Birmingham have some very distinct projections that have been recognized and protected by the Historic District Commission over the years. Some of them are simpler, while others are breathtakingly ornate. Would you spend any time on these porches? Which porch elements stick out to you the most?
KEEP GRASS & WEEDS BELOW EIGHT INCHES To ensure our city looks well-maintained, the
City's ordinance requires 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) 5301700.
JUNE 2021
AROUND TOWN E-NEWSLETTER
EVENTS & ACTIVITIES
THE BIRMINGHAM SHOPPING DISTRICT BIRMINGHAM FARMERS MARKET EVERY SUNDAY THRU OCTOBER 31, 9 A.M. - 2 P.M. Visit Public Parking Lot 6 (660 N. Old Woodward Ave.) every Sunday through October 31, and you will be met with colorful produce and floral displays, the aroma of fresh foods and the bustle of the Birmingham Farmers Market! Recognized as a top Farmers Market by HOUR Detroit, the community tradition that began nearly 20 years ago continues strong today. Visitors of all ages are invited to experience the open, outdoor environment and shop for local produce, plants and flowers, meat and dairy, eggs, artisan goods and so much more! The Market will follow Michigan Department of Health and Human Services, Oakland County and City of Birmingham outdoor gathering regulations. For the latest information, visit www.AllinBirmingham.com/FarmersMarket. Follow us on Facebook @BIRMINGHAMFARMERSMARKET and Instagram @BhamFarmMkt. We look forward to seeing you at the market this season!
MOVIE NIGHTS SELECT FRIDAYS THIS SUMMER It’s show time! The Birmingham Shopping District’s popular Movie Nights will return this season but in a new format. Planning is still underway, so please check www.AllinBirmingham.com/events for details. Pre-show entertainment begins at 7:30 p.m.; movie at dusk. As always, Movie Nights are free. SAVE THE DATES: Friday, June 11 – Featured presentation: LITTLE MERMAID Friday, July 16 – Featured presentation: ELF Friday, August 13 – Featured presentation: CARS
JUNE 2021
AROUND TOWN E-NEWSLETTER
GOLF COURSES JUNE EVENTS & FAMILY DAYS NIGHT GOLF IS BACK Friday, June 18th at 7:30 p.m. Springdale Golf Course Want to try your golf game at night? Join us for this popular night golfing event! The cost is $35 per person and includes a taco bar dinner from 7:30 p.m. - 8:30 p.m. with two beverage tickets and golf. Shotgun start at dusk, approximately 9:30 p.m.
FAMILY DAYS Family Days are back on Sundays through August! During Family Days, children under 10 play free with a paid adult. Family Days are a great opportunity to take your child out on the course. Tee Times will be 4:00 p.m. - 5:00 p.m. and may be reserved by calling the Pro Shop. Each week, Family Days will alternate between golf courses. There will be no Family Day on the Fourth of July weekend.
JUNE 2021
AROUND TOWN E-NEWSLETTER
WELCOME NEW BUSINESSES
AREA RUG CO. 202 E. MAPLE RD.
Area Rug Co. is a woman-owned small business that has been assisting clients since 2010. Area Rugs Co. has traveled the world to thoughtfully curate, design and produce more than 50 rug collections. Whether you are looking to add color, dimension, renovate or just refresh your space, their knowledgeable and delightful staff is ready to help you find that perfect rug! Visit arearugco.com for more information and follow them on Instagram.
MANDY ROSE HAIR + MAKEUP 280 E MERRILL ST. Mandy Rose Makeup was founded in 2010 and is led by Mandy and Michelle Rabban. In 2009, Mandy attended the renowned Make Up Designery in New York City and received her esthetician license from David Pressley Cosmetology in 2012. She has a following in the Metro Detroit area. Michelle graduated from David Pressly Cosmetology School. As a licensed cosmetologist and product specialist, Michelle develops all hair and hair care programs within the Mandy Rose Studio as well and training and staffing. Mandy and Michelle believe beauty is a form of self expression that empowers their clients. For more information, visit mandyrosemakeup.com and follow them on Instagram.
JUNE 2021
AROUND TOWN E-NEWSLETTER
RESIDENTS MAKING A DIFFERENCE
RESIDENT HELPS MOTHER AND BABY DUCKS A Torry neighborhood resident helped a mother duck and her ducklings walk across town from the Rail District all the way to Quarton Lake! The mother and her ducklings walked past the Townsend Hotel, the Baldwin Public Library, crossed several intersections and finally, after 40 minutes, reached safety in Quarton Lake. Thank you to the resident and those along the route who assisted in keeping the wildlife in our community safe!
KNOW SOMEONE MAKING A DIFFERENCE? NOMINATE THEM FOR 'RESIDENTS MAKING A DIFFRENCE'! Birmingham is full of amazing residents, and we're recognizing them our 'Residents Making a Difference' feature. We want to recognize people making a positive impact in the community such as healthcare and frontline workers, special teachers, or even small acts of kindness from friends and neighbors. Each month, one resident will be featured in the 'Around Town' e-newsletter and via the City's social media channels. Please complete the simple Residents Making a Difference Nomination form today! Thank you for helping us recognize the special people in our community.
JUNE 2021
AROUND TOWN E-NEWSLETTER
Photo Credit:Joel Ingersoll Instagram: @agl_aerial_photography