BIRMINGHAM GREEN

BY NICHOLAS J. DUPUIS, PLANNING DIRECTOR

Historic preservation is a recurring topic in this newsletter column, and for good reason. Historic buildings and historic places provide numerous quantitative and qualitative benefits to a community and the environment. This May, celebrate Historic Preservation Month by putting a spotlight on the people in our community who are doing the important work saving our places and building our communities through preservation! This year’s theme (chosen by the National Trust for Historic Preservation) is People Saving Places. Historic place-savers pour their time, energy, and resources into protecting places they care about, often without recognition. The 2023 Preservation Month theme of “People Saving Places” is a national high-five to everyone doing the great work of saving places in ways big and small and inspiring others to do the same! We know we have amazing place-savers in Birmingham, and they should be recognized for their work If you know anyone, be sure to say hello and offer a big thank you for what they do!

This May we are proud to join SEMCOG, the Southeast Michigan Council of Governments, and partners across the region in supporting the Commuter Challenge 2023 to reduce carbon dioxide emissions from commuting By reducing the miles we drive alone, we improve air quality for Southeast Michigan.

The Commuter Challenge is a monthlong competition that encourages Southeast Michigan residents to try a green commute in May using Commuter Connect. Commuter Connect and the Commuter Challenge are excellent opportunities to reduce roadway congestion, improve air quality, and save commuters money Commuters who drive alone are encouraged to try a new method of travel to work (carpool, bus, vanpool, bike, walk, or work from home) during the month of May, and participants are eligible for great prizes. By reducing the miles we drive alone, we reduce air pollution in Southeast Michigan.

Sign up (it’s free) to find your green travel options, record your trips using Commuter Connect and be entered to win a variety of prizes.

May News From The Baldwin Public Library

MAY-be we’ll see you for one or many of this month’s exciting events! Kids will have the chance to ”travel” to France, celebrate Star Wars, craft with perler beads, and collect a fun take home kit to make a spring treat. Teens are invited to a night out, another college prep session and to learn more about henna Adults can get new info on genealogy searches and a jump start on growing a great garden. We’ll have something for everyone on Free Comic Book Day And the Friends will host a book sale and their annual meeting Find all of this and more at baldwinlib.org/calendar.

The Spirit Of Harriet Tubman

Tuesday May 9 at 6 p.m.

Next is thrilled to bring you this amazing program made possible by a generous grant through the Michigan Humanities Council. Leslie McCurdy, Outstanding Performing Artist award recipient, has been portraying the life of Harriet Tubman in this unique presentation across North America. We will learn about the conviction that drove Harriet to follow her dreams: the spirit of the past connecting with the present and inspiring her charges to have the courage to envision their future

ARGENTINE TANGO PERFORMANCE & LESSON

Tuesday, June 6 at 6 p.m.

Argentina is known for the Tango, a musical genre and social dance originating at the end of the 19th century in Buenos Aires. Who better to learn about this exciting dance than 2-time National Champions, Amanda Accica and Donato Juarez. The acclaimed Latin American dancers have traveled, performed and studied dance all over the US and South America. They both will give a lesson in Tango and Amanda will give a mini-lesson on bachata.

Wednesday Flow Yoga

Wednesdays from 9:15 to 10:15 a.m., with Caryn Ciagne

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

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.