November 2023 Around Town e-Newsletter

AROUND TOWN E-NEWSLETTER

NOVEMBER 2023

Stay Connected

IN THIS ISSUE

INFORMATION ABOUT YOUR NEIGHBORHOOD

LATEST NEWS

Sign up for customized messaging at bhamgov.org/enews.

EMERGENCY ALERTS

Register for emergency alerts at www.nixle.com or text

ELECTION

48009 to 888777.

INFORMATION

VIRTUALLY EXPLORE BIRMINGHAM

Enjoy our 3D virtual tour at birmingham.skywayvr.com.

SOCIAL MEDIA

HOLIDAY HAPPENINGS

facebook.com/BhamGov @bhamgov Please forward this newsletter to your family and friends.

NEW BUSINESSES

NOVEMBER 2023

AROUND TOWN E-NEWSLETTER

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 boards

meet

and

in-person,

other

city

and

most

have a virtual option available to the

SUBMIT CONCERNS WITH GOVALERT

Submit non-emergency concerns directly to the

public. For meetings that occur after

City of Birmingham using the GovAlert Mobile app!

hours, visitors can access City Hall

Simply download the free app and follow the user-

through the Police Department lobby

friendly prompts. Follow this link for a short video

entrance on Pierce Street. Learn how

with step-by-step instructions. Don't want to use

to participate in virtual meetings at

the

www.bhamgov.org/participate.

bhamgov.org/citizenrequests.

You

app?

That's

OK!

Submit

your

request

at

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

In observance of Thanksgiving, city offices will be closed on to

view a list of department contact numbers for services needed.

THANKSGIVING CLOSURES & REFUSE COLLECTION DELAY Thursday, November 23 and Friday, November 24. As always, the police and fire departments will remain on duty to ensure the community’s safety.

Refuse collection will be delayed by one day the week of November 20. Please remember to bring all containers to the curb by 7 a.m. the morning after your normal pickup day.

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.

NOVEMBER 2023

AROUND TOWN E-NEWSLETTER

JOIN US FOR A CITY COMMISSION WORKSHOP LEADERSHIP TRANSITION MONDAY, NOVEMBER 13, 2023, 6:30 P.M. Learn about the process for selecting the Mayor and Mayor Pro Tem at the City Commission workshop on Monday, November 13, 2023 at 6:30 p.m., immediately before the regularly scheduled City Commission meeting.

Residents are encouraged to attend workshops to gain a better understanding of topics and 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 as well.

Workshop agendas will be available each Thursday preceding the meetings on the City's website.

MEET THE STAFF CHARLES MARKUS, DEPT. OF PUBLIC SERVICES MANAGER Meet DPS Manager Charles Markus. He is a longtime Birmingham resident with more than 13 years of municipal work experience. He is looking forward to ensuring high quality service and working with Birmingham staff and residents.

Follow this link to learn more about Charles.

NOVEMBER 2023

AROUND TOWN E-NEWSLETTER

SMOKE, CARBON MONOXIDE AND NATURAL GAS DETECTOR INFORMATION With the changing of seasons and the time change on November 5, it’s important to also change your smoke, carbon monoxide, and natural gas detector batteries.

The Birmingham Fire Department is continuing its dedication to community risk reduction by offering a smoke detector and CO detector home evaluation. These home safety evaluations are to make sure all smoke detectors and CO detectors are in proper working order, are within the usage date, and also to ensure they are installed properly in the best location for your family’s safety.

The Birmingham Fire Department has free smoke detectors and CO detectors available for those who meet the requirements. Home safety evaluations are offered to any Birmingham resident.

To make an appointment or for more information regarding program requirements, call (248) 530-1923. It’s important to remember what a critical role these prevention products play during an emergency!

SENIOR SERVICES Did you know 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.

NOVEMBER 2023

AROUND TOWN E-NEWSLETTER

BIRMINGHAM GREEN

BY NICHOLAS J. DUPUIS, PLANNING DIRECTOR With the big push toward sustainability in the City of Birmingham, it is about time to set some expectations and discuss some important realities when it comes to transitioning to a more sustainable and resilient City. Specifically, this article will address the monetary value of sustainability. The elephant in the room – shifting practices to be more environmentally friendly is, more often than not, more expensive up front. Sustainable consumer goods are more expensive that other mass-produced goods, constructing sustainable buildings is more expensive than constructing conventional buildings, installing solar panels on a roof is an expensive addition to a rooftop project…what gives? Determining the value of sustainability begins with focusing on the long-term value of this work. Some value can be calculated with precision such as calculating alternative energy savings over time, or the amount of storm water captured in green infrastructure installations. Other types of value that could be quantified, but tend to fall in the more qualitative range are public health, social impacts, and environmental health and biodiversity. Where do you see value in sustainability?

STILL TIME TO SHARE SUSTAINABILITY FEEDBACK SUSTAINABILITY AND CLIMATE ACTION PLAN The

City

of

Birmingham's

Ad

Hoc

Environmental

Sustainability Committee has asked for resident feedback to help guide Birmingham toward a sustainable and resilient future. Birmingham will be creating a Sustainability and Climate Action Plan over the next year and we need your input! Visit Engage Birmingham at engage.bhamgov.org and share your feedback. Whether sustainability is a new concept or old, obscure or familiar....this survey is for you!

NOVEMBER 2023

AROUND TOWN E-NEWSLETTER

DEPARTMENT OF PUBLIC SERVICES UDPATES SUBMIT FEEDBACK ON DRAFT PARKS & REC MASTER PLAN BY DEC. 4 Birmingham parks and recreation staff members and the Parks and Recreation Board (PRB) are excited to introduce the initial draft of the 2024-2028 Parks and Recreation Master Plan for community review! Now through December 4, 2023, you’re invited to view the just-released plan at www.bhamgov.org/parksmasterplan and share your thoughts, suggestions and ideas. Hard copies will also be available at these locations during regular business hours: Birmingham City Hall, 151 Martin Street Department of Public Services (DPS), 851 S. Eton St. Birmingham Ice Arena, 2300 East Lincoln Street Baldwin Public Library, 300 West Merrill Street Birmingham Ice Arena, 2300 East Lincoln Street Baldwin Public Library, 300 West Merrill Street

bhamgov.org/parksmasterplan

Comments may be submitted in person at the DPS between the hours of 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. at 851 South Eton Street, by mail or by email to Parks and Recreation Manager Carrie Laird at claird@bhamgov.org.

The five-year master plan is being prepared in accordance with the Michigan Department of Natural Resources requirements. When completed, it will serve as a guide and vision for parks and recreation facilities – their operations, maintenance and enhancements for the next several years. It's Birmingham’s playbook for community building through parks and recreation!

The draft plan was created following an extensive public engagement process earlier this year. The City partnered with McKenna to ensure every resident had the opportunity to participate and make their voice heard. Members of the public shared input via the City’s online public engagement platform, Engage Birmingham, and at in-person field day events at Kenning Park, the Birmingham Farmers Market, a summer concert in Shain Park and a movie night in Booth Park.

Thank you to everyone who provided input! Your insights have been carefully considered, along with an analysis of industry best practices and feedback from City staff and the PRB, to develop this initial draft master plan. Please take a moment to comment on it by December 4. Your perspective is essential in shaping the future of our parks and recreation offerings, and will be instrumental in refining this plan before it is presented to the City Commission during a public hearing on December 18, 2023. Our ultimate goal is to have it officially adopted as the updated Parks and Recreation Master Plan by the end of the year.

“We were pleased to have more than 200 people provide feedback on Engage Birmingham, and hundreds more who participated during our in-person field day events,” said Scott Zielinski, Director of Public Services.

“As we unveil this draft plan and begin our public review period, we look forward to continued input to create vibrant parks and recreation spaces that reflect the needs and desires of our residents.”

NOVEMBER 2023

AROUND TOWN E-NEWSLETTER

DEPARTMENT OF PUBLIC SERVICES UPDATES LEAF COLLECTION CONTINUES THROUGHOUT NOVEMBER CURBED STREETS Curbside leaf collection on streets with curbs ONLY continues through December 1, 2023. The schedule below provides for collections in each zone of the community. To minimize safety concerns, leaves should be raked into the street immediately next to the curb no sooner than the weekend prior to your collection period. Be sure leaf piles do not obstruct traffic, and do not rake leaves into the street after your final collection date.

UNCURBED STREETS Those living on uncurbed streets must place leaves in the following approved containers by 7 a.m. on your regular refuse collection day: Brown paper yard waste bags, 30 gallon size, found at most hardware stores.

Rigid 35 gallon containers that contain Birmingham's yard waste decal. Decals can be obtained at the Department of Public Services, 851 S. Eton Road or the Clerk's office, located at City Hall, 151 Martin Street.

Place approved containers curbside by 7 a.m. on your trash day. Yard waste is collected each year until the third Friday in December.

For more information, please visit www.bhamgov.org/leaves.

NOVEMBER 2023

AROUND TOWN E-NEWSLETTER

NEWS FROM THE CLERK'S OFFICE NOVEMBER 7 ELECTION NEWS What’s on the ballot?

Birmingham‘s next election is less than a week away on Tuesday, November 7, 2023. Voters will select four City Commissioners and three Library Board members, all for 4-year terms. The ballot also includes two ballot proposals, the full text of which can be viewed at the links below: A .33 senior millage proposition. Visit www.bhamgov.org/seniormillage for more information.

A proposed amendment re: marihuana establishments. Residents will vote on a proposed amendment to Part II of the Birmingham City Code, Chapter 26 – Businesses, Article XII – Marihuana Establishments. Visit www.bhamgov.org/cannabis for more information.

Three options for voting this year: early, absentee or on Election Day Birmingham’s November 7, 2023 local election is less than one week away! As of November 1, you can choose from three ways to cast your vote: Early in person voting through November 5 Early in-person voting for the November 7 local election is available now through November 5. Birmingham voters can choose from two early voting sites: ·Bloomfield Township Library, 1099 Lone Pine Rd., Bloomfield Township, 48302 ·Waterford Oaks Activity Center, 2800 Watkins Lake Road, Waterford, 48328.

Both are open from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. every day through November 5, except on Thursdays, when the hours are 12 p.m. to 8 p.m. Birmingham voters are among the first in Michigan to have this option, which allows voters to cast a ballot in person, just like at a polling place on Election Day. Learn more about it with Q&As at www.bhamgov.org/earlyvoting and www.mi.gov/earlyvoting.

Absentee ballots – available until November 6, and due November 7 Voters may request an absentee ballot in person at the clerk’s office until 4 p.m. on November 6. Absentee ballots must be received by the clerk’s office by 8 p.m. on Election Day, but the sooner the better. At this stage of the election process, please use a city hall ballot box rather than relying on the postal service to ensure it arrives in time. The two outdoor ballot boxes behind city hall are available 24 hours a day seven days a week, along with another ballot box on the clerk’s office counter that is available Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., and on Saturday, Nov. 4 from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m.

At the polls on Election Day Polling places will be open from 7 a.m. until 8 p.m. on Election Day, November 7. You can find your polling place on the map at bhamgov.org/voting locations or mi.gov/vote.

NOVEMBER 2023

AROUND TOWN E-NEWSLETTER

NEWS FROM THE CLERK'S OFFICE REGISTER TO VOTE THROUGH ELECTION DAY

CLERK’S OFFICE OPEN THIS SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 4 The clerk’s office will be open on Saturday, November 4, from 8 a.m. until 4 p.m. for voting-related matters only.

Register to vote, update your address or apply for an absentee ballot and vote it right there! Enter through the main doors on Martin Street.

ELECTION DEADLINES Nov. 3 at 5 p.m. – last day to request that an absentee ballot be mailed to you Nov. 3 at 5 p.m. – last day for voters to spoil an absentee ballot and receive a new ballot from the clerk’s office Nov. 4 from 8 a.m. – 4 p.m. – clerk’s office open on Saturday for election business Nov. 6 at 4 p.m. – last day to receive an absentee ballot in person at the clerk’s office Nov. 7 from 7 a.m. – 8 p.m. – polling places open for in-person voting Nov. 7 at 8 p.m. – absentee ballots must be received by clerk’s office to be counted Nov. 13 – Military and Overseas (MOVE) ballots mailed from outside the United States and postmarked on or before Nov. 7 must be received by the clerk’s office to be counted

IMPORTANT INFORMATION FOR PRECINCT 6 VOTERS Residents of Birmingham’s precinct 6, which votes at the Baldwin Public Library, please note: the library is undergoing a major renovation, which means you will encounter the following changes on November 7: Enter at Martin and Bates: The main entrance on Merrill Street is closed. Voters should use the temporary entrance at the corner of Martin and Bates streets. The entrance has an accessible ramp.

Park on Martin Street or in the Chester Street garage: On Election Day, voters may park for free in one of eight bagged meter spaces on the south side of Martin Street on the north side of the library, or in the Chester Street parking garage a block east of the library. The first two hours of parking in all Birmingham parking garages is free.

Vote in Grams Discovery Room: Voting will take place in Grams Discovery Room on the first floor in the children’s section. Staff will help guide voters to the polling place during voting hours, which are 7 a.m. to 8 p.m.

If you are unsure of your precinct number, please see the precinct map at bhamgov.org/votinglocations, or verify your voter registration and polling place online at mi.gov/vote.

NOVEMBER 2023

AROUND TOWN E-NEWSLETTER

SIGN ORDINANCE INFORMATION Election season is a good time to review the City’s sign regulations. Please keep in mind that Birmingham’s sign ordinance prohibits the placement of any sign – regardless of content or message – on public property. The City Clerk’s Office advises anyone placing signs to refer to the City’s sign ordinance, with special attention to the following sections: 1.03 Sign requirements 1.06 Temporary business sign standards 1.09 Temporary residential sign standards For more information, contact the clerk’s office at (248) 530-1880 or elections@bhamgov.org

JOIN A CITY BOARD OR COMMITTEE

Join a city board to have a direct impact on your community! The following City of Birmingham boards and committees have vacant positions or members with terms expiring soon. For more information, please visit www.bhamgov.org/boardopportunities.

BOARD/ COMMITTEE Triangle District Corridor Improvement Authority Architectural Review Committee Birmingham Area Cable Board Board of Review Board of Zoning Appeals Brownfield Redevelopment Authority Board of Ethics Historic District Study Committee Housing Board of Appeals Martha Baldwin Park Board Public Arts Board Birmingham Shopping District Board

APPLICATION DUE DATE

INTERVIEWS/ APPOINTMENTS

11/22/23 Until Filled Until Filled Until Filled Until Filled Until Filled Until Filled Until Filled Until Filled Until Filled Until Filled Until Filled

11/27/23 Until Filled Until Filled Until Filled Until Filled Until Filled Until Filled Until Filled Until Filled Until Filled Until Filled Until Fililed

NEWS FROM THE ICE SPORTS ARENA

ENJOY BIRMIINGHAM UNIFIED KINGS HOME GAMES AT BIRMINGHAM ICE ARENA The Birmingham Unified Kings, the unified hockey team for the Birmingham high schools, plays its first home game of the 2023-24 season on Saturday, November 18 at 7 p.m. at the Birmingham Ice Sports Arena. Formed in 1992, the Birmingham Unified Kings offer full varsity and JV programs for students from Groves, Seaholm and the International Academy high schools. Join the large crowds and energetic student section for home games at the Birmingham Ice Arena from November through February. View the schedule and additional information on the BU Kings at www.buvarsity.com.

NOVEMBER 2023

AROUND TOWN E-NEWSLETTER

NEWS FROM THE ICE SPORTS ARENA LEARN TO SKATE PROGRAMS Come learn to skate with us at the Birmingham Ice Sports Arena! Join us for fun classes and learn skating skills while playing games and making new friends! We offer classes every day of the week for children and adults at a variety of times throughout the day. Session 2 classes begin Monday, November 6, and online enrollment continues through Sunday, November 19. Please visit https:/ /play.bhamgov.org/ to enroll in classes.

PARTIES AT BIRMINGHAM ICE ARENA Birmingham resident Jennifer Dunaj had this to say after celebrating her son’s birthday with a skating party at the Birmingham Ice Arena: “Saturday’s party for my sweet 8year-old was AMAZING! All the kids had a wonderful time and some had never even skated before.”

Skating party packages include private ice time, a party room and skate rental and cost $300 for residents and $350 for non-residents. Parties are held Friday, Saturday and Sunday evenings starting at 5:30 p.m. Learn more at www.bhamgov.org/icearena or email cfolk@bhamgov.org.

ICE SHOW APPLICATIONS AVAILABLE Register now to participate in the annual City of Birmingham Ice Show on Saturday, May 18, 2024!

Applications and payment are due on or before December 12, 2023. Learn more and download an application at bhamgov.org/icearena.

THANKSGIVING OPEN SKATE SCHEDULE Thursday, November 23, 2023 -Closed Friday, November 24, 2023 9:30am-10:50am Open Skate 11:00am-1pm Adult Skate 1:10pm-2:30pm Parent & Tot Hockey 4:00pm-5:10 pm Open Skate 6:00pm-7:30pm Open Skate Saturday, November 25, 2023 1:10pm-2:30pm Open Skate Sunday, November 26, 2023 11:00am-1pm Open Skate 1:10pm-2:30pm Open Skate

The Ice Sports Arena is located at 2300 East Lincoln. For questions about programs, contact Connie Folk at (248) 530-1642 or cfolk@bhamgov.org.

NOVEMBER 2023

AROUND TOWN E-NEWSLETTER

NEWS FROM THE MUSEUM RECENT DONATION OF TRADITIONAL NATIVE AMERICAN BASKETS WILL HELP MUSEUM CELEBRATE LOCAL INDIGENOUS HERITAGE November is Native American Heritage Month in the U.S., and the Birmingham Museum will be celebrating our local Indigenous history by spotlighting a recent donation of traditional Great Lakes tribal basketry. The peoples of the Great Lakes (also known as the Anishnaabeg) include the culturally related Odawa, Ojibwe, and Potawatomi tribes who occupied Oakland County and southeast Michigan before European settlement. Their basketry work used locally available materials and traditional methods, but the techniques and artistry were often unique and personal. In recent months, the museum has received a generous donation of Anishnaabe baskets that reflect varying tribal traditions in the use of split ash, birch bark, decorative vegetable dyes, and quillwork design. The baskets, while not antique, are historically important and provide a look at Michigan’s Indigenous people through their expression of the craft of basketry and their connection to the land and their long traditions. The museum is planning a physical exhibit of the baskets in the future, but

for

November,

will

be

creating

a

virtual

exhibit

that

can

be

accessed

at

bhamgov.org/indigenous.

The Birmingham Museum is open Tuesday – Saturday from 1 to 4 p.m. Admission is $7; children 5 and under and Friends members are free. Questions? Contact the museum at 248-530-1928 or museum@bhamgov.org,

or

check

us

out

on

Facebook,

Instagram,

“Birmingham, Uncovered,” available free through your device’s play store.

or

on

our

podcast,

NOVEMBER 2023

AROUND TOWN E-NEWSLETTER

NOVEMBER NEWS FROM THE BALDWIN PUBLIC LIBRARY This month, join us for these and many

other

exciting

programs

at

BPL. Learn what skeletons can tell us about past lives, discover parenting strategies for behaviors in kids, hear more about mental health treatments in the early 19th century, create art while learning more about famous artists, hear untold stories of the American

Revolution,

study

for

exams at an after-hours session, and enjoy unstructured play with your child.

Find

more

details

at

baldwinlib.org/calendar.

PHASE 3 RENOVATION PROGRESS CONTINUES! Follow our progress on the renovation and expansion of the Front Entrance and Circulation area of the library at baldwinlib.org/renovation, or any library social media account. Stop by and check out the newly reopened center gallery space.

Baldwin Public Library is located at 300 W. Merrill Street in Birmingham. For more information visit www.baldwinlib.org or call (248) 647-1700.

NOVEMBER 2023

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LAURIE TENNENT BOTANICALS: Intimate Portraits Thursday, November 9 at 1 p.m.

Local artist Laurie Tennent will share her incredible works of botanical art. Laurie, who graduated from the Center for Creative Studies in Detroit, has had her work on exhibit in galleries, museums and botanical garden installations, worldwide. Tennent’s deep interest in science and biology led her to work with botanists and master gardeners to discover unique species before photographing the plants in her studio. This year she has planted a cut flower garden with an amazing variety of plants to photograph. Photographers, gardeners and lovers of nature will not want to miss this program! Follow this link to register.

THE NEXT PHASE OF LIFE Tuesday, November 28 at 1 p.m.

Jim Craft, Career and Retirement Consultant A traditional view of life is that it consists of three phases: Education, Career and Family, and Retirement. In this model, retirement is viewed as a period of rest and relaxation — the reward for a long life. Today there is a new phase of life that has snuck in between Career and Retirement. Jim Craft simply refers to it as the Next Phase of Life.

While people often recognize that “retirement” has changed, few see it as having become the best opportunity they will ever have to Live Life by Design. Most think about finances and health, but give little thought to what they will actually DO that will make these years as fulfilling as possible. What will you do with thirty years of Saturdays?

Don’t miss this thought-provoking presentation! Follow this link to register.

CALLING ALL JIGSAW PUZZLE LOVERS! Thursday, November 30 at 11 a.m. - Teams must register by Nov. 22 If you love a good jigsaw puzzle and enjoy some friendly competition, you need to grab two or three of your jigsaw-loving friends and sign up for Next’s 1st Annual Jigsaw Puzzle Tournament! Teams of two, three or four will try to complete a puzzle within one hour. The team with the greatest portion of the puzzle completed by the end of the hour, wins!

If you don’t have a team, but would still like to participate, sign up; we’ll find a team for you! Follow this link 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.

AROUND TOWN E-NEWSLETTER

NOVEMBER 2023

EVENTS & ACTIVITIES

DISCOUNTED RATES AT LINCOLN HILLS GOLF COURSE Lincoln Hills Golf Course remains open, weather permitting. For the remainder of the season, fall golf rates are in effect and the course is open to everyone – no membership required!

Springdale Golf Course is closed for the season.

FALL GOLF RATES WEEKDAY* Adult Member Senior/Junior Member Adult Guest Senior/Junior Guest

WALK $12.00 $ 8.00 $15.00 $12.00

*Add $1.00 for weekends

TURKEY SHOOT CHARITY CLASSIC EVENT SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 4, 10 A.M. REGISTRATION/11 A.M. SHOTGUN START Hit the links for a good cause at this annual event benefitting Lighthouse. This year’s Turkey Shoot Charity Classic will take place on Saturday, November 4 at Springdale Golf Course.

The entry fee is $35 per person, but golfers will receive a $10 discount if they donate a frozen turkey and $5 off for a non-perishable food item. Teams consist of two players and the format is a backwards scramble.

We look forward to another successful event – snow or shine!

Visit bhamgov.org/golf for more information and register by calling (248) 530-1660.

RIDE $19.00 $15.00 $22.00 $19.00

NOVEMBER 2023

AROUND TOWN E-NEWSLETTER

EVENTS & ACTIVITIES 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 Saturday, November 11 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.

The special guest speaker will be retired Air Force Master Sgt. Paulus Obey who served in the U.S. Air Force for more than 18 years, flying in combat zones in Iraq, Kuwait and Afghanistan.

For his service, Paulus received numerous commendations, including the Air Medal, Air Force Achievement Medal with one Device, the Air Force Outstanding Unit Award with three Devices, the Air Force Good Conduct Medal with Oak Leaf Cluster, the National Defense Service Medal with one Device, the Air Force Overseas Short Tour Ribbon and the Air Force Longevity Service Award with two Devices.

Following the posting of the colors and the program, veterans, participants and attendees are invited to the Baldwin Public Library for light refreshments. We look forward to seeing you at the ceremony.

BIRMINGHAM FARMERS MARKET NOW CLOSED Thank you to everyone for visiting the Birmingham Farmers Market this past season! The market is now closed and will return in May 2024. For more information, visit www.ALLINBirmingham.com/farmersmarket.

AROUND TOWN E-NEWSLETTER

NOVEMBER 2023

HOLIDAY HAPPENINGS BIRMINGHAM AGLOW FOR THE HOLIDAYS Did you know Department of Public Services (DPS) workers begin stringing holiday lights in September each year? When finished, there will be more than 700,000 white lights in and around downtown Birmingham. Their hard work creates a magical ambiance that makes Birmingham even more special all throughout the holiday season. Thank you, DPS workers!

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 and Facebook Marketplace. 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.

AROUND TOWN E-NEWSLETTER

NOVEMBER 2023

HOLIDAY HAPPENINGS SMALL BUSINESS SATURDAY AND SANTA WALK SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 25, 9 A.M. – 6 P.M. DOWNTOWN BIRMINGHAM On Saturday, November 25 from 9 a.m. - 6 p.m., earn a $25 Birmingham Bucks e-Gift Card for every $100 you spend at eligible Birmingham Shopping District

businesses,

giveaways

including

and Santa

enjoy

activities

Walk,

and

horse-drawn

carriage rides and hot chocolate. Parking is free in structures all day!

Find out more and register for Santa Walk at www.ALLINBirmingham.com/events.

AROUND TOWN E-NEWSLETTER

NOVEMBER 2023

HOLIDAY HAPPENINGS SANTA HOUSE AND CARRIAGE RIDES SELECT DATES, STARTING NOVEMBER 25 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 a short ride around the park. As always, Santa House visits and carriage rides are free!

Donations benefiting local non-profits will be accepted during the event for those who would like to contribute. We extended a special thank you to Shain Park Realtors for their continued support. *Visits with Santa are by appointment only except during the Winter Markt event (Friday, December 1 - Sunday, December 3) when Santa visits are first-come,

first-served.

For

all

other

dates,

registration opens November 1 at 8:00 a.m.

Register at www.ALLINBirmingham.com/events.

SANTA HOUSE HOURS

CARRIAGE RIDE HOURS

Appointment required, except where noted.

No appointment needed. Carriage

November 25: 10 a.m. - 4 p.m.

rides are first-come, first-served.

November 26: 10 a.m. - 4 p.m.

November 25: 11 a.m. - 3 p.m.

December 1: 6:30 - 8 p.m. (NO appt needed)

November 26: 11 a.m. - 3 p.m.

December 2: 10 a.m. - 8 p.m. (NO appt needed)

December 2: 2 - 8 p.m.

December 3: 10 a.m. - 4 p.m. (NO appt needed)

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

December 9: 10 a.m. - 4 p.m.

December 9: 11 a.m. - 3 p.m.

December 10: 10 a.m. - 4 p.m.

December 10: 11 a.m. - 3 p.m.

December 16: 10 a.m. - 7 p.m.

December 16: 3 p.m. - 7 p.m.

December 17: 10 a.m. - 4 p.m.

December 17: 11 a.m. - 3 p.m.

December 23: 10 a.m. – 4 p.m.

December 23: 11 a.m. - 3 p.m.

December 24: 10 a.m. - 4 p.m.

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

AROUND TOWN E-NEWSLETTER

NOVEMBER 2023

HOLIDAY HAPPENINGS BIRMINGHAM TREE LIGHTING & WINTER MARKT FRIDAY, DECEMBER 1 – SUNDAY, DECEMBER 3 SHAIN PARK Experience the magic of the holidays at the annual Birmingham Winter Markt featuring displays from local

artists

thousands

of

and

vendors,

holiday

lights,

European ice

cuisine,

sculptures,

live

entertainment and more. Warming stations, visits with Santa* and the Kinderhaus children’s activity area are sure to please visitors of all ages!

Join us on opening night (Friday, December 1) at 6:00 p.m.,

for

Lighting

the

annual

featuring

Birmingham

Santa,

live

Holiday

caroling

and

Tree the

lighting of the holiday tree adorned with over 40,000 LED lights!

Visit

www.ALLINBirmingham.com/wintermarkt

more information.

for

AROUND TOWN E-NEWSLETTER

NOVEMBER 2023

HOLIDAY HAPPENINGS COMPLIMENTARY TREATS SELECT SATURDAYS, STARTING NOVEMBER 25 NORTHEAST CORNER OF MAPLE AND OLD WOODWARD Visit the tent at the northeast corner of Maple Road and Old Woodward Avenue on the following dates for free treats throughout the season!

Saturday,

November

25:

Hot

chocolate

courtesy of Hazel’s Saturday, December 9: Roasted Chestnuts Saturday,

December

16:

Hot

chocolate

Hot

chocolate

courtesy of Daxton Hotel Saturday,

December

23:

courtesy of Planthropie

LATE NIGHT THURSDAYS DOWNTOWN BIRMINGHAM Visit downtown Birmingham for Late Night Thursdays for extended retail hours, gift card giveaways, free sweet treats and more this holiday season! Hop aboard the free Trolley for a fun and festive way to get around while you're here.

November 30: free, fresh donuts from Little Donut Factory.

December 7: free cinnamon roasted nuts.

December 14: free hot cider and donuts from Bakehouse46 and live carolers.

December 21: free, fresh donuts from Little Donut Factory.

As always, parking is convenient and free for the first two hours in all five municipal structures. For more information, visit www.ALLINBirmingham.com/events.

Follow us on Facebook and Instagram for the latest news and events downtown!

Giveaways and sweet treats are subject to change and while supplies last.

AROUND TOWN E-NEWSLETTER

NOVEMBER 2023

NEW BUSINESSES ROWAN

122 WEST MAPLE ROAD

Rowan is all about ears! Rowan offers a fun, celebratory and safe piercing experience for everyone. All piercings are done by licensed nurses and products are all hypoallergenic. Find out more at heyrowan.com.

AROUND TOWN E-NEWSLETTER

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Photo Credit:Chris Cook Instagram: @jchriscook