November Around Town e-Newsletter

AROUND TOWN MONTHLY E-NEWSLETTER

NOVEMBER 2021

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A DIFFERENCE - THANK YOU, OUTGOING COMMISSIONERS

Holiday

EVENTS & ACTIVITIES Please forward this e-newsletter to your family and friends!

NOVEMBER 2021

AROUND TOWN E-NEWSLETTER

LATEST NEWS THANK YOU, OUTGOING CITY COMMISSIONERS The City of Birmingham is grateful to Commissioner Rackeline J. Hoff, Commissioner Mark Nickita and Commissioner Stuart Lee Sherman for their many years of outstanding leadership and dedication to the City of Birmingham.

COMMISSIONER RACKELINE J. HOFF 1. What have you enjoyed most about being a City Commissioner?

Serving as a Birmingham City Commissioner for the past 20 years, including three years as Mayor, has been a most rewarding and stimulating experience. I especially enjoyed interacting with residents and business people, as well as working with my colleagues on the Commission and the many dedicated people who serve on our boards and committees. Together, we have made decisions that have improved and enhanced the quality of life in Birmingham. It has been an honor and a privilege to represent this wonderful, vibrant city.

2. When reflecting upon your many years as a City Commissioner, what achievements are you most proud of?

I am proud of being in a leadership capacity and having the opportunity to personally contribute to the decision making process that resulted in numerous successful accomplishments including the creation of an ethics ordinance and a bistro ordinance, the renovation of Shain Park and Booth Park, the enhancements to the City's walkability and multi-modal programs, and the maintenance of the City's strong financial position and AAA bond rating.

3. What advice do you have for new City Commissioners?

It's important to be well prepared for Commission meetings -- and this takes considerable time and effort. Study the issues, research the history and be prepared to contribute to the discussion intelligently. Always remember that your decisions should be made in the best interest of the entire community.

4. What's next for you?

No special plans. I will continue my busy schedule as a mediator in the courts and pursue my enjoyable hobbies of playing bridge and mah jongg. I may also spend more time with my family in CA. 5. Is there anything else you would like to add?

I want to express my appreciation to the many citizens who elected me to the Commission five times and gave me the opportunity to serve for 20 years. Thank you for your support and confidence ... and for the many kind words I've received upon my retirement. I also want to relate one of my most unexpected, but delightful, tasks as Mayor was to perform weddings ... and I had the pleasure of marrying 25 happy couples!

NOVEMBER 2021

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THANK YOU, OUTGOING CITY COMMISSIONERS COMMISSIONER MARK NICKITA 1. What have you enjoyed most about being a City Commissioner?

A number of things, actually. Primarily, I have been most pleased with having been able to contribute, interact and serve the community where I live and have embraced as my home. I have really enjoyed working with our terrific team at city hall, working with many excellent commissioners and other leaders in our community and the many engaged residents that have honestly connected with the city, which is the goal, to collectively make it an even better place for all of us.

2. When reflecting upon your many years as a City Commissioner, what achievements are you most proud of?

Overall, I’m really proud of the way that we have kept enhancing the financial position of the city while maintaining and building upon the services that we have in our community, our quality of life and home values. During my time on the Commission, we have rebuilt many of our neighborhood streets and sidewalks, totally rebuilt most of the primary downtown streets, increased pedestrian safety, rebuilt and upgraded many of our parks, built new public safety infrastructure (equipment, vehicles and a new fire station), established a non-motorized mobility option and established our planning vision - supported by revising many ordinances that strengthen and further control and direct our growth. We have also diminished our health care and pension debt obligations, all while lowering our tax rate for most of the years that I was on the Commission (8 out of the 12 years).

3. What advice do you have for new City Commissioners?

Always remember that you are a leader and a representative of the City of Birmingham, and that you must lead with integrity, and with the highest ethical standards. Additionally, always keep in mind that you are representing and making decisions for all of the residents of the city, not only the people that voted for you or agree with you. You represent the entire community, the voters, residents, property owners, business owners and you make decisions that have an impact on many people, including visitors to the city.

4. What's next for you?

I will continue to lead my firm, Archive DS, as we have many architectural and urban design projects. I am also doing more urban design and city building consulting with municipalities and development groups around the state and beyond, to establish needed positive solutions in many communities. I look forward to more time to write on urban development issues, including articles, blogging, videos, podcasting and other social media activities.

Another exciting item on my plate, is that I am in the process of writing my first book, which is focused on the uncovering of overlooked opportunities in cities and communities.

As I have many exciting professional activities which will keep me very busy, I plan to continue to be an active member of our Birmingham community in other ways than I have over the past 25 years.

5. Is there anything else you would like to add?

My family and I love Birmingham and I have been very humbled to have been a part of the city for over three decades and serving the community in multiple roles. I have really enjoyed and found it incredibly beneficial to have worked with our residents, our terrific city managers, department heads and staff, board and committee members, business community and other Birmingham leaders. We are clearly an exceptional city, and I have been blessed to live here and be a part of its growth for over 3 decades.

I am not going anywhere and plan to stay involved and active in alternative ways, to keep moving our community forward, positively and maintaining its place as one of the best cities in Michigan.

NOVEMBER 2021

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THANK YOU, OUTGOING CITY COMMISSIONERS COMMISSIONER STUART LEE SHERMAN 1. What have you enjoyed most about being a City Commissioner?

The best part of being a City Commissioner has been getting to work with some absolutely amazing people through the years.

From residents to business owners, every day is an opportunity to help make someone’s life easier and better. We can’t solve every problem, but we can be there to listen and help people navigate through the City government in a positive manner.

2. When reflecting upon your many years as a City Commissioner, what achievements are you most proud of?

There are so many things to be proud of during my time as a City Commissioner. These are the things that stand out most: - Reducing the city tax rate for 12 out of 16 years between 2006 and 2022 and in each of the past seven years, through careful budgeting and attention to detail - Maintaining and strengthening the city’s AAA bond rating as a result of prudent fiscal management - Redeveloping and updating Shain Park, creating a welcoming space for individuals and families right in the heart of downtown - Guiding the city through the Great Recession without laying off any city employees or cutting any city services, all without burdening the city taxpayer - Creating the Bistro ordinance and the encouragement of outdoor dining to enliven the streets and enhance walkability - Developing the plan to improve unimproved streets, bringing value to neighborhoods throughout the city - Creating and building a healthy and mutually beneficial relationship between the city’s downtown and its residents, leading to growth and a commitment to doing what’s right for Birmingham as a whole 3. What advice do you have for new City Commissioners?

As a previous Commissioner said in his closing remarks, “Check your personal agenda at the door, you are here to represent the ENTIRE community.” I believe and I hope that future Commissions will continue to see that we are stronger as one community. WE ARE Neighborhoods and Downtown, Residents and Businesses.

4. What's next for you?

While I don’t have any specific plans, I look forward to spending more time with my significant other and my family. I know there will be a new adventure coming and I look forward to it. However, just because I am retiring as a current City Commissioner doesn’t mean I won’t be watching and working to keep Birmingham the great community that it is.

5 Is there anything else you would like to add?

I want to thank the city staff for their incredible work and unwavering dedication. They made my job and that of every Commissioner so much easier and I am deeply grateful. Most of all, I want to thank the people of Birmingham – the residents and business owners who make this one of the greatest cities not just in Michigan but in the country. You give Birmingham its heart and soul, and it is a joy to be a part of. I am so proud, honored and humbled to have been able to serve this great City and her residents for the last 16 years.

NOVEMBER 2021

AROUND TOWN E-NEWSLETTER

THANK YOU, OUTGOING CITY COMMISSIONERS

NOVEMBER 2021

AROUND TOWN E-NEWSLETTER

ELECTION NEWS Birmingham’s Election Day is Tuesday, November 2, with seven candidates vying for three Birmingham City Commission seats, and four candidates running for four Baldwin Public Library Board member positions.

The polls will be open from 7:00 a.m. until 8:00 p.m. at these locations: Precinct 1: Holy Name School, 680 Harmon Street – Use north entrance Precinct 2: Derby Middle School, 1300 Derby Road, Gym – Park in school lot off Derby Road Precinct 3: Derby Middle School, 1300 Derby Road, Gym – Park in school lot off Derby Road Precinct 4: First Presbyterian Church, 1669 West Maple Road – Use south entrance Precinct 5: Next/Midvale, 2121 Midvale Road, Gym – Use east entrance Precinct 6: (NEW!) Baldwin Public Library, 300 W Merrill Street – Rotary Room (lower level) Precinct 7: Pierce School, 1829 Pierce Street – Gym Precinct 8: Adams Fire Station, 572 S. Adams – Use west entrance Precinct 9: Ice Arena, 2300 East Lincoln Street – Conference room See the map here (also pictured).

If your plans changed and you can’t vote in person November 2, you can visit the Clerk’s Office before 4:00 p.m. on Monday, November 1 to request, complete and submit an absentee ballot all in one trip.

If you’re one of the more than 4,500 Birmingham voters who requested an absentee ballot in this election, it must be returned by 8:00 p.m. on November 2 to be counted. Please hand deliver it to a secure city hall ballot box or the clerk’s office to avoid postal delays. You can find two outdoor 24-hour boxes in the parking lot behind city hall, and one indoors at the Clerk’s Office counter.

For other election-related information, please visit bhamgov.org/voting, or contact the Clerk’s Office at elections@bhamgov.org or 248-530-1880.

PRELIMINARY RESULTS Preliminary election results will be available in real time on the Oakland County Clerk’s website after the polls close. Use the links below to track live results in Birmingham’s three different races: City Commission Library Board Full Term Library Board Partial Term

NOVEMBER 2021

AROUND TOWN E-NEWSLETTER

FREE Parking at all Precincts

EXCHANGE INTERNET PURCHASES IN POLICE LOT With the holiday season approaching, the Birmingham Police Department reminds residents to use the Internet Purchase Exchange Location for buyers and sellers utilizing websites like Craigslist. The internet exchange location is in the parking lot on the south side of City Hall at 151 Martin Street.

Residents are encouraged to make exchanges during daytime hours, however the lot is well-lit if meeting after dark is necessary. The lot is under video surveillance at all times. While this area may not work for every online sales transaction because of the size of the item(s) being exchanged, it is open to the general public and encouraged for use when possible.

The purpose of the Internet Purchase Exchange Location is to cut down on potential fraud and robberies that can be associated with these types of transactions. The area is intended for completing exchanges; police personnel will not participate or act as official witnesses in the transactions nor are they available for legal advice or pricing disputes between parties involved in transactions occurring at this location.

For more information, contact the Birmingham Police Department at 248-530-1870.

NOVEMBER 2021

AROUND TOWN E-NEWSLETTER

LATEST NEWS ENGAGE BIRMINGHAM SHARE YOUR IDEAS!

Engage Birmingham now has more than 1,300 participants. Keep an eye out for an announcement coming soon regarding the name of the city's street sweepers and the cover of the 2022 City Calendar!

BIRMINGHAM ICE SPORTS ARENA THE ARENA IS NOW OPEN!

The Birmingham Ice Sports Arena is officially open for all activities including ice contractors, public skate sessions and Learn To Skate classes (hurry, spots are still available).

Register today at play.bhamgov.org.

We look forward to welcoming everyone back to the arena to enjoy the new improvements!

For program and arena information, visit www.bhamgov.org/icearena.

MEET THE STAFF

RYAN WEINGARTZ, PARKING SYSTEMS MANAGER

Meet the City's new Parking Systems Manager, Ryan Weingartz. Prior to accepting this new role, Ryan worked in the sports and entertainment industry operating and managing over 10,000 parking spaces in downtown Detroit.

Ryan is looking forward to using his knowledge and experience to bring new technologies and further improve the parking experience in downtown Birmingham. Welcome, Ryan!

NOVEMBER 2021

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MEETINGS SET FOR REVIEW OF MASTER PLAN SECOND DRAFT - CITYWIDE MASTER PLAN FOR 2040 The highly anticipated second draft of the Citywide Master Plan for 2040 was released in early October after a yearlong review of the first draft.

This second draft has taken into consideration the majority of the recommendations of the Planning Board and City Commission that were created after the public hearings. The Planning Board has outlined a review process for the second draft of the 2040 Plan during the following Planning Board meetings: 1. November 10th, 2021 – Introduction & Chapter 1 (Connect the City) 2. December 8th, 2021 – Chapter 2 (Embrace Managed Growth) 3. January 12th, 2022 – Chapter 3 (Retain Neighborhood Quality) 4. February 9th, 2022 – Chapter 4 (Support Mixed-Use Districts) & Chapter 5 (Advance Sustainability Practices) Information about how to participate in upcoming Planning Board meetings can be found on the City's website. After the Planning Board review process, a joint meeting of the City Commission and Planning Board will be held to finalize the second draft and authorize distribution of the plan for review by entities required by state planning law.

We want to hear your opinion, preferences, and vision for the community’s future. You are encouraged to review the plan and share your feedback at www.thebirminghamplan.com. The site includes relevant data, surveys, documents and an email communication option to send comments directly to the planning team.

PARKS & RECREATION BOARD MEETING Learn and ask questions about Parks and Recreation Bond projects at the Parks and Recreation Board meeting on Tuesday, November 9 at 6:30 p.m. Topics on the agenda include an Adams Park Update, pickleball court update with pros and cons of each potential location, and more. Attend in person or learn how to participate via Zoom at www.bhamgov.org/participate. Find more information about Parks & Recreation bond projects at www.bhamgov.org/parksbond.

NOVEMBER 2021

AROUND TOWN E-NEWSLETTER

CITY OFFICES & MEETINGS UPDATES CITY OFFICES The City Hall lobby remains accessible to the public through the Martin Street entrance on the north side of City Hall during regular business hours, Monday - Friday from 8:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.

Oakland County remains classified as a high transmission area, and we ask the public to wear a mask while in the building. Main floor services including the Clerk’s and Treasurer's offices are accessible. Necessary in-person meetings between City Hall employees and the public take place at a designated location on the main floor of City Hall. Social distancing of six feet should be maintained during all in-person meetings. 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. Visit www.bhamgov.org/contacts to view a list of department contact numbers for services needed.

CITY MEETINGS City Commission and other city boards meet in-person with a virtual option available to the public. The virtual option is provided to help reduce the volume of people inside meeting rooms at any given time. Individuals who would like to attend meetings in person can access City Hall from the Martin Street entrance during normal business hours, 8:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m. For meetings that occur after hours, visitors can access City Hall through the Police Department lobby entrance on Pierce Street.

Members of the public who prefer to attend meetings virtually may learn how to participate 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.

CITY MANAGER'S 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 Tom Markus provides the latest updates from city departments and a sneak peek at upcoming events, staffing changes, developments and more.

NOVEMBER 2021

AROUND TOWN E-NEWSLETTER

SENIOR SERVICES Did you know seniors enjoy a wide 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.

PUBLIC INVITED TO HONOR VETERANS ON NOV. 11 VETERANS DAY WREATH LAYING CEREMONY IN SHAIN PARK

The City of Birmingham will honor our country's veterans with a public wreath laying ceremony on Thursday, November 11th starting at 11 a.m. in Shain Park. This event is hosted by the Piety Hill Chapter of the National Society Daughters of the American Revolution. You are invited to be part of this powerful salute to our veterans, past and present. Those who are unable to attend in person are encouraged to keep an eye on the City's social media channels for footage of the ceremony.

NOVEMBER 2021

AROUND TOWN E-NEWSLETTER

SOUTH OLD WOODWARD RECONSTRUCTION PROJECT Downtown infrastructure improvements will continue next year with the South Old Woodward Reconstruction Phase 3 project between Brown and Landon. It is a continuation of the work completed in 2018 on other areas along Old Woodward, and in 2020 on Maple. The reconstruction project will result in new underground infrastructure and new streetscape between Brown and Landon.

The City Commission approved the design concept for the project on October 25, and the city is moving on to the final design stage. In December and January, contractors in the area will investigate the location of sewer services, and perform pavement cores and soil borings, which will help with preparation of the project plans.

Residents and businesses are encouraged to sign up for the South Old Woodward Reconstruction Phase 3 Constant Contact group at bit.ly/bhamnews to receive updates throughout the project. The city’s public engagement platform, Engage Birmingham, offers the community an opportunity to share feedback about their experiences as a pedestrian and driver on the previous phases of the project. Download frequently asked questions regarding the project at bit.ly/oldwoodwardphase3faq. More information about the project can also be found at www.bhamgov.org/oldwoodwardphase3.

HAVE YOU VISITED BIRMINGHAM'S DOG PARK? 'PAWS'ITIVELY DELIGHTFUL PARK FOR FURRY FRIENDS

Did you know Birmingham has a dog park? The Lincoln Hills Dog Park is located at the southeast edge of the Lincoln Hills Golf Course, 2666 West Fourteen Mile Road, just west of Cranbrook Road. It's the perfect place for your pooch to get some year-round exercise and meet new friends. Watch the video below to learn more about it, and stop by soon!

NOVEMBER 2021

AROUND TOWN E-NEWSLETTER

LEAF COLLECTION CURBED STREETS Leaf collection is underway! For streets with curbs only, the city is divided into two zones.

Determine when leaves will be picked up within your zone using the curbside leaf collection map shown below. Simply rake your leaves into the street for pickup the weekend prior to your street's designated week.

UNCURBED STREETS

Residents living on uncurbed streets may place leaves in approved containers curbside by 7 a.m. on your trash day now through the week of December 13th. For more information, watch the video below or visit www.bhamgov.org/leaves.

WATCH THE VIDEO!

WATERSHED-FRIENDLY WAYS TO USE YOUR LEAVES ARTICLE BY HUBBELL, ROTH & CLARK INC.

The beauty and splendor of autumn is generally diminished every year by the burdensome task of raking leaves. There are several options for leaf disposal that are not only environmentally beneficial to your landscape, but can also be less labor intensive than raking or blowing leaves.

Here are four simple watershed-friendly ways to use your leaves and enhance your lawn: Compost your leaves. Mix leaves with grass clippings and soil to create your compost pile.

Compost can be added to your garden to enrich the soil and suppress plant diseases and parasites.

Chop or shred leaves with your mower and use them as mulch around ornamental plants, bushes and trees. Mulch reduces the need for watering and weeding.

Let leaves lie where they fall and mow them into the lawn. Leaves eventually decompose and can improve soil. Shredded leaves carry up to 80% of the nutrients a tree extracts from the soil and air.

Bag extra dry leaves to save for use in your compost pile during spring and summer.

Visit www.canr.msu.edu/outreach for more information tips for home composting.

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NEWS FROM THE LIBRARY EXCITING FALL PROGRAMS We’re excited to share some of our great programs this Fall. Join us on November 4 for “Night with the Museum: The Saginaw Trail” with the staff from The Birmingham Museum. See the article below for more information regarding this event. On November 13, kids can make Pop Culture Pixels from one of several fandoms. Author Paul Vachon will discuss the evolution of the auto industry during “Becoming the Motor City” on November 15. Find out more about these, and all the other interesting offerings at baldwinlib.org/calendar.

BRUSH UP ON OLD SKILLS, OR LEARN SOMETHING NEW! The Baldwin Public Library offers access to a variety of learning options, allowing you to refresh or update some existing skills, or dive into something totally new to you. Check out Gale Courses, instructor-led six week courses on a variety of topics; try LinkedIn Learning for recorded video and audio training sessions; or check out our Computer Class offerings with Bart, all month. The Baldwin Public Library is located at 300 W. Merrill Street in Birmingham. For more information visit baldwinlib.org or call (248) 647-1700.

NEWS FROM THE MUSEUM PRESENTATION: NATIVE AMERICAN HERITAGE OF OAKLAND COUNTY THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 4 AT 7 P.M. BALDWIN PUBLIC LIBRARY, FREE The Birmingham Museum is teaming up again with the Baldwin Public Library to acknowledge November’s National Native American Heritage Month with a special program on Thursday, November 4, at 7 PM. “Indigenous People of Oakland County” will focus on the native people who occupied our area at the time of white settlement in 1818. Museum Director Leslie Pielack will present the program based on research for her highly regarded book, The Saginaw Trail: From Native American Path to Woodward Avenue. She will also include surprising new

Chief Okemos of the Saginaw Chippewa was well known by the early settlers in Oakland County (Image courtesy ChiefOkemos.com).

findings about the Native American heritage of some of Birmingham’s early families. Pielack’s presentation at the Baldwin Public Library is free, but pre-registration is required at www.baldwinlib.org/calendar. The program will have limited in-person seating and will also be available virtually via Zoom. The Birmingham Museum is currently open Tuesday – Friday from 1 to 4 p.m. and features our current exhibit, “Beyond Suffrage: Empowering Birmingham’s Women.” Admission is $7 for adults, $5 for students and seniors, and children 5 and under and Friends members are free.

Contact museum staff at 248-530-1928 or museum@bhamgov.org for more information or for help with your questions. To see what we’ve been up to, check us out on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter and Youtube!

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NEWS FROM NEXT

TENNIS LEAGUE - MIXED DOUBLES WEDNESDAYS AND FRIDAYS, 1:30 TO 3:30 P.M. Next members enjoy indoor play at the Birmingham Racquet Club as a regular league player or sub. Always looking for new players. If you are interested, please contact David Young at davidmpyoung@gmail.com or 248-229-5015.

INK TRAILS: MICHIGAN’S FAMOUS & FORGOTTEN AUTHORS THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 18 AT 1:00 P.M. Michigan has served as a cradle of creativity for many authors! Ink Trails takes a look at our State’s literary heritage, examining authors who crafted poetry, novels and won Pulitzers! Join author Jack Dempsey as he shares his passion for expanding Michigan’s reputation to include culture in the form of books, writing and literature that deserves to be read. Jack and his brother are working on a third in the series and are looking for reader suggestions for candidates!

EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITIES AT NEXT Are you passionate about seniors? Next is hiring! We have an opening for a part-time programmer. Please visit our website for a full job description.

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FALL GOLF RATES WEEKDAY*

WALK

*Add $1.00 for weekends MEMBER

$11.00

SENIOR/JUNIOR

$7.50

GUEST

$14.00

GUEST SENIOR/JUNIOR

$11.00

Take advantage of fall golf rates! Lincoln Hills Golf Course is open to everyone - no membership required - through the remainder of the season, weather permitting. Please note that Springdale Golf Course is now closed for the season.

Reservations can be made online or by calling the Pro Shop at (248) 530-1670. Visit www.golfbirmingham.org for more information.

BIRMINGHAM GREEN ARTICLE BY NICHOLAS J. DUPUIS, PLANNING DIRECTOR As has been emphasized in previous Birmingham Green articles, historic preservation has immense intrinsic value to add to their inherent sustainable attributes. Included in such are the stories that live with the building, and their role in the city…and sometimes the larger region.

The Hudson Motor Company made Hudson and other branded automobiles in Detroit from 1909 to 1954. Hudson had a number of firsts for the auto industry, and was one of the first low-priced cars on the American market.

Birmingham is a part of that history having been home to the Clohset Hudson dealership on S. Old Woodward in the 1940’s. The building largely stands as it did over 80 years ago, and is an example of something the city and the Historic District Commission may wish to explore further to preserve its architecture, rich history and maintain a healthy environmental footprint.

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EVENTS & ACTIVITIES

BIRMINGHAM SHOPPING DISTRICT FARMERS MARKET SEASON COMES TO A CLOSE SEE YOU AGAIN IN MAY 2022!

The Birmingham Farmers Market celebrated its final day of the 2021 season on October 31 with a Halloween celebration. We look forward to welcoming everyone back to the market for our 20th season in May 2022!

Visit www.AllinBirmingham.com/FarmersMarket for more.

Follow us on Facebook @BIRMINGHAMFARMERSMARKET and Instagram @BhamFarmMkt.

SMALL BUSINESS SATURDAY / ALL DAY SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 27 / DOWNTOWN BIRMINGHAM Shop downtown Birmingham small businesses for special deals and enjoy the festive holiday atmosphere during Small Business Saturday! Enjoy free giveaways and activities all day long including Santa Walk*, visits with Santa*, horse-drawn carriage rides, a scavenger hunt (for your chance to win $250!), hot chocolate and more. Parking is free in structures all day!

*Visits with Santa are by appointment only. Registered Santa Walk participants will receive a visit with Santa included. Visit ALLINBirmingham.com/events for event details and to register.

BIRMINGHAM SANTA WALK / 9:30AM SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 27 / 320 MARTIN STREET Join us as we welcome Santa to town! Meet in the parking lot of the Surnow Building located at 320 Martin Street in downtown Birmingham. The walk will begin at 9:30 a.m. from the parking lot and continue through downtown, with stops at various shops, before concluding at Santa House in Shain Park. Each family to participate in Santa Walk will receive a visit with Santa before appointments begin at noon.

Register for Santa Walk at ALLINBirmingham.com/events.

Check-in when you arrive to receive your Santa visit number.

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EVENTS & ACTIVITIES SANTA HOUSE VISITS* / HOURS VARY WEEKENDS, NOVEMBER 27 - DECEMBER 24 / SHAIN PARK Make an appointment to visit Santa* at his quaint home in Shain Park. While you're here, hop aboard a horse-drawn carriage for an illuminated tour of the holiday lights and beautifully decorated downtown. As always, Santa House and carriage rides are free! Thank you to our sponsor Shain Park Realtors. *Visits with Santa are by appointment only except during Winter Markt (Friday, December 3 Sunday, December 5) where Santa visits will be first-come, first-serve. For all other dates, please visit our event calendar at ALLINBirmingham.com/events to schedule an appointment.

SANTA HOUSE HOURS: November 27: 10:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m.

November 28: 10:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m.

December 3: Following the Holiday Tree Lighting – 8:00 p.m. (No appointment needed) December December December December December

4: 10:00 a.m. – 8:00 p.m. (No appointment needed) 5: 10:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m. (No appointment needed) 11: 10:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m.

12: 10:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m.

18: 10:00 a.m. – 7:00 p.m.

December 19 and December 24: 10:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m.

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EVENTS & ACTIVITIES HORSE-DRAWN CARRIAGE RIDES / HOURS VARY WEEKENDS, NOVEMBER 27 - DECEMBER 24 / SHAIN PARK Hop aboard a horse-drawn carriage for an illuminated tour of the holiday lights and beautifully decorated downtown. As always, carriage rides are free!

CARRIAGE RIDE HOURS: November 27: 11:00 a.m.

November 28: 11:00 a.m.

December 4: 11:00 a.m. 3:00 p.m. - 4:00 p.m.)

December 5: 11:00 a.m. December 11: 11:00 a.m.

- 3:00 p.m.

- 3:00 p.m.

8:00 p.m. (no rides from 3:00 p.m.

- 3:00 p.m.

December 12: 11:00 a.m. - 3:00 p.m.

December 18: 11:00 a.m. - 7:00 p.m. (no rides from 3:00 p.m. - 3:30 p.m.)

December 24: 11:00 a.m. - 3:00 p.m.

SCAVENGER HUNT / WIN $250!

WEEKENDS, NOVEMBER 27 - DECEMBER 19 / DOWNTOWN Register to participate in a scavenger hunt throughout downtown Birmingham for your chance to win* a $250 Birmingham Bucks gift card! Birmingham Bucks can be used at over 70 participating stores and restaurants in downtown Birmingham. Free fun for all ages!

Thank you to our sponsor, Chief Financial Credit Union.

Visit ALLINBirmingham.com/events to register. *There will be one $250 Birmingham Bucks winner per day. Winners will be contacted by the Birmingham Shopping District.

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EVENTS & ACTIVITIES WINTER MARKT RETURNS! / HOURS VARY DECEMBER 3 - 5 / SHAIN PARK Experience the magic of the holidays at the annual Birmingham Winter Markt featuring displays from local artists, European cuisine, thousands of lights, ice sculptures, entertainment, carriage rides and more. Visits with Santa*, reindeer (Sunday, December 5), a Kinderhaus children’s activity area and warming stations are sure to please visitors of all ages. Watch our Winter Markt Video and visit ALLINBirmingham.com/wintermarkt for more information!

WINTER MARKT HOURS: December 3: 4:00 p.m. – 9:00 p.m. (Tree Lighting at 6:00 p.m.)

December 4: 10:00 a.m. – 9:00 p.m.

December 5: 10:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m. *Santa visits are first-come, first-serve starting after the holiday tree lighting and throughout the weekend of Winter Markt.

TREE LIGHTING / 6:00 PM DECEMBER 3 / SHAIN PARK Join us on Friday, December 3 at 6:00 p.m., for the annual Birmingham Holiday Tree Lighting featuring Santa, caroling and the lighting of a 35-foot holiday tree adorned with over 40,000 LED lights!

NOVEMBER 2021

AROUND TOWN E-NEWSLETTER

NOVEMBER 2021

AROUND TOWN E-NEWSLETTER

WELCOME NEW BUSINESSES

RORE METHOD 700 NORTH OLD WOODWARD AVENUE RÖRE Method is a methodology that focuses on the whole person with personalized movement being at our core. We are guided by our six pillars: movement, nutrition, mindfulness, recovery, community, and sustainability. Visit www.roremethod.com

THE245GREAT EROS WEST MAPLE ROAD The Great Eros offers luxury intimate apparel, elevated wardrobe staples and chic accessories.

Visit thegreateros.com for more

SHOP LOCAL AND GIVE THE GIFT OF BIRMINGHAM THIS HOLIDAY SEASON! Birmingham Bucks e-gift cards keep local dollars within the community and can be used at over 70 retailers and restaurants downtown. Perfect for the holidays, teacher and coach gifts, birthdays, employee incentives and more, a Birmingham Bucks e-gift card is sure to please everyone on your list!

Simply purchase the e-Gift card online and email, text or print it for use within the Birmingham Shopping District.

Purchase a Birmingham Bucks e-gift card today!

NOVEMBER 2021

AROUND TOWN E-NEWSLETTER

Photo Credit:Chris Cook Instagram: @jchriscook