October Around Town e-Newsletter

AROUND TOWN MONTHLY E-NEWSLETTER

OCTOBER 2021

Stay Connected

IN THIS ISSUE

INFORMATION ABOUT YOUR NEIGHBORHOOD

Join the Citywide Email List at www.bhamgov.org/citywideemail.

CUSTOM UPDATES FOR YOUR TOPICS OF INTEREST

LATEST NEWS

Select topics of interest at bit.ly/bhamnews.

EMERGENCY ALERTS

For emergency alerts directly from the Birmingham Police

FIRE PREVENTION WEEK

and Fire departments through Nixle, register at www.nixle.com or simply text "48009" to "888777".

SOCIAL MEDIA

EVENTS & ACTIVITIES

Follow us for the latest City news and events.

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

RESIDENTS MAKING A DIFFERENCE

OCTOBER 2021

AROUND TOWN E-NEWSLETTER

LATEST NEWS ENGAGE BIRMINGHAM SHARE YOUR IDEAS!

Engage Birmingham now has nearly 1,200

participants!

Birmingham

to

Visit

Engage

share

your

feedback about food trucks, the South

Eton

bikeway

and

more.

More than 400 people have already weighed Share

in

your

about

food

feedback

trucks!

today

at

engage.bhamgov.org.

Birmingham school-aged students are invited to submit a design for the cover of the City's 2022 Calendar, and to name our street sweepers. The community will be invited to vote on both projects mid-October. Parents and teachers are encouraged to submit an entry on behalf of your child(ren)/student(s) at engage.bhamgov.org.

MEET THE STAFF

JANA ECKER, ASSISTANT CITY MANAGER Meet

Assistant

City

Manager,

Jana

Ecker! Prior to accepting this new role, Jana was the City's Planning Director for over 19 years. Jana has degrees in both Urban Planning and Law and a graduate

certificate

in

Public

Administration. Jana is looking forward to serving the City of Birmingham for years to come! Be sure to say hello the next time you see Jana.

OCTOBER 2021

AROUND TOWN E-NEWSLETTER

SECOND DRAFT OF MASTER PLAN COMING SOON CITYWIDE MASTER PLAN FOR 2040

The highly anticipated second draft of the Citywide Master Plan for 2040 will be presented to the Planning Board during their meeting on Wednesday, October 13 at 7:30 p.m. This important document will help shape the future of Birmingham for the next 20 years. While a master plan does not rezone property, it is a framework setting the course for what the City may or may not do in the future.

We want to hear your opinion, preferences, and vision for the community’s future. You are encouraged to review the plan (available early October) 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.

Information about how to participate in upcoming Planning Board meetings can be found on the City's website.

POLICE DEPARTMENT

VEHICLE DESIGN WINS AWARD The Police Department submitted a patrol vehicle to the Michigan Association of Chiefs of Police annual "Police Car of the Year'' competition for 2021. The Department's current patrol vehicle graphics and color scheme were designed by a committee of volunteer department officers and implemented by Chief Clemence in 2017. The Police Department's patrol vehicle won second place in the State of Michigan for "Police Car of the Year" for 2021.

OCTOBER 2021

AROUND TOWN E-NEWSLETTER

OCTOBER 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 is currently 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 will 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 continue 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.

OCTOBER 2021

AROUND TOWN E-NEWSLETTER

SPECIAL MEETING HONORING JOE VALENTINE AND CITY COMMISSION WORKSHOP MONDAY, OCTOBER 4, 2021 BENCH DEDICATION On Monday, October 4, 2021, the Birmingham City Commission will present a City bench to honor former Birmingham City Manager Joe Valentine during a special meeting. The presentation will begin at 5:45 p.m. on the west side of Birmingham City Hall at 151 Martin Street. The community is invited to attend the presentation in recognition of Valentine, who resigned at the end of last year. Immediately following the presentation, a City Commission Workshop will begin at 6 p.m., followed by the regular City Commission meeting at 7:30 p.m.

CITY COMMISSION WORKSHOP Join us for a discussion on the policies and practices for the public parking system at the City Commission workshop on Monday, October 4 at 6 p.m., immediately before the regularly scheduled City Commission meeting at 7:30 p.m.

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 as well.

Workshop agendas are available each Thursday preceding the meetings at www.bhamgov.org/commissionagendas.

UPCOMING PROJECTS 2021 CONCRETE SIDEWALK REPAIR PROGRAM Every year, the City conducts a sidewalk improvement program. This year's repair project will focus on the south-west-central section of the City—Maple to the north, 14 Mile to the south, Pierce to the east and Southfield to the west.

Approximately 20 ADA-approved ramps will be installed around the City. This project will be spread out through November where it will pause for the winter months, then start again between April and May with completion of work by the end of June.

OCTOBER 2021

AROUND TOWN E-NEWSLETTER

UPCOMING PROJECTS

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

reconstruction

in

project

2020 will

on

Maple.

result

in

The new

underground infrastructure and new streetscape between Brown and Landon.

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.

PARKS & REC BOND PROJECT UPDATES Progress continues 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. The latest information regarding the Birmingham Ice Arena/Renovation project can be found on the City’s new public engagement platform, Engage Birmingham. Unfortunately, the schedule is experiencing delays. The pandemic has caused unprecedented disruptions to global supply chains and labor markets. While a substantial amount of work has been accomplished, we anticipate the remaining work to extend beyond the first of October. Visit engage.bhamgov.org to view the September dashboard report featuring before and after photos, project highlights, work completed in September and work scheduled for October.

PARKS & RECREATION BOARD MEETING Learn and ask questions about Parks and Recreation Bond projects at the Parks and Recreation Board meeting on Tuesday, October 5 at 6:30 p.m. Topics on the agenda include 2022 Parks and Recreation Meeting Dates, Adams Park Update, Pickleball Update, Fire Station #2 Open Space Update, Trail Sub-Committee Update, and Ice Arena Project Update. 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.

OCTOBER 2021

AROUND TOWN E-NEWSLETTER

NEWS FROM THE CLERK'S OFFICE The City Clerk’s Office is open to the public. Voters may apply for, receive and return an absentee ballot at the Clerk's Office. Residents are required to enter City Hall using the Martin Street entrance. Individuals with limited mobility are encouraged to call (248) 530-1880 for assistance with barrier free entry.

Absentee ballots have been mailed to those who requested them, and the Clerk's Office is continuing to mail ballots as new requests come in. If you would like to request an absentee ballot for the November 2, 2021 local election and have not yet done so, please visit mi.gov/vote, return your absentee ballot application to the drop box at City Hall or stop by the Clerk's Office. You may also visit mi.gov/vote to view the ballot or track your ballot.

The Clerk’s Office will have three drop boxes available for depositing absentee ballots and absentee ballot applications.

The large green box near the driveway entrance off of Henrietta is accessible from your car, and voters can walk up to the small green box by the south doors of City Hall. We also have a blue box on the counter of the Clerk’s Office if you prefer to come into the building. Please use the Martin Street entrance if you wish to go forward with this option. Don’t forget to sign and seal your green absentee ballot envelopes!

Mailing your ballot is also an option if you prefer. The Clerk’s Office strongly encourages you to mail your ballot as soon as possible to ensure it is received by Tuesday, November 2, 2021.

Return postage per ballot is 58¢ or one forever stamp. Turning in your ballot early is helpful and appreciated!

OCTOBER 2021

AROUND TOWN E-NEWSLETTER

NEWS FROM THE CLERK'S OFFICE (CONTINUED) PRECINCT LOCATION CHANGE The Clerk’s Office is happy to announce that Precinct 6 will now be permanently moved to the Baldwin Public Library located at 300 W. Merrill St. Voting will be in the lower level Rotary Room; just follow the signs, and maybe check out a book when you’re done voting!

IMPORTANT DATES FOR THE NOVEMBER ELECTION: October 18 – Last day to register to vote online or by mail. Voters who still need to register after this date should do so in person at the Clerk's Office.

October 29 by 5 p.m. – Last day to request an absentee ballot by mail November 1 at 10 a.m. – Deadline for spoiling an absentee ballot November 1 at 4 p.m. – Deadline for issuing any absentee ballots November 2 – November Consolidated (Local) Election – Polls are open 7 a.m. – 8 p.m. If you received an absentee ballot and wish to vote in person on Election Day instead, you may surrender the absentee ballot at your polling place to vote. If you lost your absentee ballot or did not receive one, you may vote in person at the polls on Election Day. November 2 by 8 p.m. – Ballots being hand delivered to the Clerk's Office must be turned in by 8 p.m. on Election Day.

ELECTION INSPECTORS NEEDED Interested in becoming an election inspector? Please contact the Clerk’s Office at (248) 530-1880 or visit www.bhamgov.org/voting to download the election inspector application.

You may sign up for training here.

For more information about the upcoming election please call the Clerk’s Office at (248) 5301880, email elections@bhamgov.org, or visit bhamgov.org/voting.

OCTOBER 2021

AROUND TOWN E-NEWSLETTER

FIRE PREVENTION WEEK BEGINS OCTOBER 3 Fire Prevention Week is October 3rd-9th, but at the Birmingham Fire Department every week is Fire Prevention Week! Due to the COVID-19 pandemic the Birmingham Fire Department will not be hosting an open house. Please visit us online at www.bhamgov.org/fireopenhouse to view informative videos and learn more about fire safety.

PLAN AND PRACTICE SAFETY IN YOUR HOME: Every member of the community is responsible for fire safety. Families should practice a safety plan with all members of their household. This safety plan should include: Knowing how to call 911 and what 911 is used for (reporting emergencies).

Knowing two ways out of a house or building.

Having a meeting place outside of the home.

The importance of never going back into a burning building.

Know where to locate a fire extinguisher and how to use it.

Monthly checks of smoke detectors and carbon monoxide (CO) alarm testing for proper function.

Something also to be familiar with are what a smoke alarm, carbon monoxide and explosion detector sounds like when activated. Press the test button to activate a test signal. This will raise senses and awareness in family members of any age.

MORE SAFETY TIPS: Teach the importance of not playing with fire to young children and teenagers.

Always remember to sleep with the bedroom door closed. The door creates a barrier from smoke and heat in the event of a fire in another area of the home during sleeping hours.

During a fire - every second counts!

Never allow children to play near any type of open flame or appliance that creates heat and fire.

Never leave cooking unattended. If you are going to cook, stay within sight of what you are cooking. This is the most common cause of house fires in the United States.

Never leave the home with your dryer or dish washer running and don’t leave the oven or stove on when you leave.

PERFORM A 360-DEGREE CHECK AROUND YOUR HOME AT LEAST ONCE A MONTH. THINGS TO BE AWARE OF: Branches over wires, damaged trees or utility poles. Call the professionals if repairs are needed.

Damage to gutters, siding, brick or stone (things that protect the elements from getting in your home).

Have your chimney inspected and cleaned on a regular basis.

Have gas fired appliances inspected on a regular basis.

Remember, plan and practice safety. Fire prevention is everybody’s responsibility.

OCTOBER 2021

AROUND TOWN E-NEWSLETTER

OCTOBER 2021

CITY UNVEILS NEW SCULPTURE A new sculpture, Pyramid Earth, was gifted to the City by award-winning artist and educator Kegham Tazian during the Public Arts Board’s 2021 Sculpture Call for Entry. The sculpture has found its new home in Birmingham’s Linden Park. The Artist calls “Pyramid Earth” a “monument to our world – a realistic globe set on two pillars representing a sign of trajectory and strength.”

This summer, Tazian was honored by Governor Gretchen Whitmer and Representative Mari Manoogian for his lifetime of achievement in arts and education.

A blend of modernism, realism and abstraction are commonly depicted in Armenian-born Tazian’s artwork, which has been represented in over 40 solo exhibitions and more than 75 group exhibitions throughout the United States, Canada, Europe and the Middle East. His work adorns the entrances and halls of major corporations, universities and municipalities, universities and now, the City of Birmingham.

Stop by Linden Park and enjoy the beautiful new sculpture. Learn more about Birmingham’s sculptures by viewing the Art in Public Spaces Pamphlet at www.bhamgov.org/art.

AROUND TOWN E-NEWSLETTER

OCTOBER 2021

AROUND TOWN E-NEWSLETTER

OCTOBER 2021

AROUND TOWN E-NEWSLETTER

LEAF COLLECTION CURBED STREETS Fall has arrived and before we know it leaves will be falling. For streets with curbs only, the city is divided into two zones. Curbed street leaf collection will begin the week of October 11.

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.

OCTOBER 2021

AROUND TOWN E-NEWSLETTER

OCTOBER 2021

AROUND TOWN E-NEWSLETTER

NEWS FROM THE LIBRARY STRATEGIC PLANNING – WE NEED YOUR INPUT! Soon, you’ll be invited to participate in a community survey which will guide our strategic plan development. If you submit a completed survey by October 15, 2021, you will be entered in our raffle to win a $100 gift certificate for Birmingham Bucks, which can be used at participating shops and restaurants in the downtown shopping district. Find it at baldwinlib.org or watch your inbox if you’re a library cardholder. We appreciate your time and feedback.

VIRTUAL PUMPKIN DECORATING CONTEST – TEENS AND ADULTS Decorate or carve a pumpkin inspired by a book or literary character and send us a photo.

We'll share the entries with the community for online voting; prizes will be awarded. For rules, important dates, and voting information, visit www.baldwinlib.org/pumpkin-contest *We didn’t forget the kids! See the Pumpkin Painting program details on October 16 at baldwinlib.org/calendar The Baldwin Public Library is located at 300 W. Merrill Street in Birmingham. For more information visit www.baldwinlib.org or call (248) 647-1700.

NEWS FROM THE MUSEUM MUSEUM RECEIVES AWARD; LECTURE SERIES RETURNS TO LIBRARY The Birmingham Museum is the recipient of the annual award from the Historical Society of Michigan

for

institutional

excellence,

community

engagement,

and

scholarship

in

its

contributions to the field. The award recognizes the Birmingham Museum’s achievement and impact in advancing the goals of public history through its programs, exhibits, and publications. And, speaking of programs, the museum’s popular monthly Adult Lecture Series will be returning in October at the Baldwin Public Library as Zoom presentations and with limited

in-person

attendance

pending

pandemic conditions. October’s timely topic will be the encore presentation of “The 1825 Utter

Murders,

Revisited”

on

Thursday,

October 14 at 7 p.m. Join Commander Scott Grewe of the Birmingham Police Department and Leslie Pielack of the Birmingham Museum in a discussion of the tragic 1825 double murders of Polly and Cynthia Ann Utter, which resulted in the establishment of Greenwood Cemetery. Registration is required for inperson

or

Zoom

attendance

www.baldwinlibrary.org/calendar.

at

OCTOBER 2021

AROUND TOWN E-NEWSLETTER

NEWS FROM THE MUSEUM (CONTINUED) Want a little more local history?

The Birmingham Museum is open Tuesday – Friday from 1 to 4 p.m. Our current exhibit is “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!

NEWS FROM NEXT JEFFREY CAVATAIO PERFORMS AT NEXT! TUESDAY, OCTOBER 5 AT 6:00 P.M. Jeffrey Cavataio is a classy, modern day crooner with an upbeat pop twist.

Captivating his audiences with heartfelt original songs and soulful renditions of many of our favorites. He has been compared to Michael Buble, Josh Groban, Neil Diamond and Dean Martin, singers known for their expressive voices. We’re hosting Jeff as he prepares for his United States national tour and the launch of his second album, The Best of Stage and Screen. Please join us for a special evening with Jeffrey Cavataio — a truly platinum performer! Register here.

CITY OF CHAMPIONS: A HISTORY OF TRIUMPH AND DEFEAT IN DETROIT WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 20 AT 12:30 P.M. City of Champions explores the stories of the city's most gifted athletes and most celebrated teams. Soccernomics authors, Stefan Szymanski and Sile-Maria Weineck show how the fate of Detroit teams is echoed by the rise and fall of the car industry, political upheavals related to the Depression, WWII, the 1967 Uprising — and more recent bankruptcy and renewal. City of Champions demonstrates that sports mirror society and help define a city’s sense of self.

Please join us for this exciting program on Detroit through the lens of the city’s major sporting events! Register here.

MICHIGAN’S ATTORNEY GENERAL DANA NESSEL, B.A., J.D. - STATE OF MICHIGAN THURSDAY OCTOBER 21, 6:00 P.M. Dana Nessel has championed justice both before and after becoming Attorney General. A graduate of Wayne State University Law School, she served in the Wayne County Prosecutor’s Office. Afterward, in private practice, she represented a lesbian couple in a groundbreaking adoption case that eventually led to the U.S. Supreme Court legalizing gay marriage throughout the country. As attorney general, Nessel formed a Hate Crimes Unit and an Elder Abuse Task Force. She has worked to protect consumers and sued manufacturers of PFAS pollutants. A Democrat, she is the first openly LGBTQ person to be elected to statewide office in Michigan and the first Jewish person to be Attorney General of Michigan. Register here.

OCTOBER 2021

AROUND TOWN E-NEWSLETTER

PET ETIQUETTE AND ORDINANCE REMINDERS With fall upon us and temperatures perfect for outdoor exercise, now is an ideal time to review the City's ordinances pertaining to pet care and safety. Complying with these ordinances is extremely important for the protection of our entire community. The city has several pet regulations designed to keep pets and people safe. Please review the following reminders: All dogs must be on a chain or leash and under reasonable control of some person at all times. A dog cannot go beyond the premises of its owner unless restrained by a chain or leash and under reasonable control.

All dogs and cats four months old or over must have a license.

All dogs and cats shall be immunized against rabies, prior to issuance of a license. Licenses are issued by the City Clerk's Office at City Hall.

Owners cannot allow animals to deposit fecal matter in any place other than the premises where the animal is harbored or kept, unless it is immediately collected and removed.

If a person is walking an animal on property they do not own, whether public or private, they must have an appropriate device for the collection of fecal matter in their immediate possession and an appropriate depository for the transmission of fecal matter to the premises where the animal is harbored or kept.

No person shall harbor or keep any dog which, by loud or frequent or habitual barking, yelping or howling, causes a serious annoyance to the neighborhood, or to people passing on the street.

BIRMINGHAM GREEN

ARTICLE BY NICHOLAS J. DUPUIS, PLANNING DIRECTOR Project Spotlight: Adams Park Rain Gardens A common subject in the Birmingham Green newsletter series is the concept of green infrastructure and its impact on the urban storm water problem that is compounding into one of the paramount socioenvironmental issues affecting cities. Naturally, when a project is proposed with green infrastructure components, it is important for us to spotlight its presence and continue to support such on public and private property alike. The Adams Park Concept Plan is the latest example of how green infrastructure can fit seamlessly into a project and offer not only additional storm water control, but also beautification and a natural habitat for birds and pollinators. The two rain gardens at the southern end of the park will help keep storm water from entering the combined sewer system from not only the hard surfaces, but also the grassy areas on site. Visit www.engage.bhamgov.org/adams-park to view the concept plan.

Photo Credit: Chris Cook Instagram: @jchriscook

OCTOBER 2021

AROUND TOWN E-NEWSLETTER

EVENTS & ACTIVITIES

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! 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 proudly offers Michigan-grown produce subject to local growing patterns. In October, shoppers can expect to find apples, corn, root vegetables, peppers, tomatoes, pumpkins, colorful fall bouquets and more.

Be sure to visit this month, before the market closes for the season. The final market of the season will be on October 31 and feature Halloween-themed fun, so don't miss it!

Visit www.AllinBirmingham.com/FarmersMarket for more. Follow us on Facebook @BIRMINGHAMFARMERSMARKET and Instagram @BhamFarmMkt.

OCTOBER 2021

AROUND TOWN E-NEWSLETTER

GOLF COURSES FALL GOLF RATES; SPRINGDALE CLOSING FOR THE SEASON OCTOBER 14 The last day of play for the season at Springdale Golf Course will be on Thursday, October 14. As always, golfers are welcome to golf at Lincoln Hills Golf Course which will be open for the remainder of the season, weather permitting.

Please be sure to take advantage of our fall golf rates, in effect now. Also, starting this month, the courses are open to everyone - no membership required - through the rest of the season.

WEEKDAY*

WALK

RIDE

*Add $1.00 for weekends MEMBER

$11.00

$17.00

SENIOR/JUNIOR

$7.50

$12.50

GUEST

$14.00

$20.00

GUEST SENIOR/JUNIOR

$11.00

$17.00

OCTOBER 2021

AROUND TOWN E-NEWSLETTER

RESIDENTS MAKING A DIFFERENCE

"BOOKS FOR BUDDIES" DELIVERS HUNDREDS OF BOOKS TO FIRST GRADERS "Books for Buddies," a book donation drive started by local-area high school Junior Tage Smith, has gained notice and support from the Birmingham community. Tage started the service project this summer as a way to give back to the community. He selected the first grade classroom at Bennett Elementary School in Southwest Detroit. Tage advertised his efforts on social media and started collecting gently-used and new books in the local area, receiving overwhelming support from the Birmingham community! During the first week of school, Tage was able to deliver over 100 books to the classroom, and has collected many more to be delivered this month!

"Books for Buddies" is committed to collecting books for the entire school year. Donated books are collected, sorted by theme/author/subject and delivered to the classroom by Tage each month. "The focus of my organization is to give our less fortunate youths in the Detroit metropolitan area books to read free of charge. We have adopted a first grade classroom at Bennett Elementary, and our goal is to provide each student with a book a month for the entire school year. This means we are raising funds for and collecting 300 books," said Tage.

If you are interested in finding out more or donating books to this cause, please visit the "Books for Buddies" Facebook page. "We can provide a suggested reading list, but please feel free to suggest your own," he said.

KNOW SOMEONE MAKING A DIFFERENCE? NOMINATE THEM FOR 'RESIDENTS MAKING A DIFFRENCE'!

Good deeds happen all the time in Birmingham and we love hearing about small acts of kindness. Help us recognize our amazing residents by nominating a friend, neighbor, family member, or anyone who has made a positive impact in the community. Complete the simple Residents Making a Difference Nomination form today: http://bit.ly/39esCPT! You may also submit your nomination and view previous residents we've recognized on Engage Birmingham.

OCTOBER 2021

AROUND TOWN E-NEWSLETTER

OCTOBER 2021

AROUND TOWN E-NEWSLETTER

Photo Credit:Joel Ingersoll Instagram: @agl_aerial_photography