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Contact Us
City Hall
151 Martin, P.O. Box 3001
Birmingham, MI 48012 
Ph. 248.530.1800
Fax 248.530.1080
 
AROUND TOWN
May 2016


Welcome to the May 2016 edition of the Around Town e-Newsletter from the City of Birmingham. We hope you enjoy this e-newsletter and forward it along to others who may be interested in the City of Birmingham!
Inaugural Citizens Academy Program Underway

The Birmingham Citizens Academy has been in session for the last three weeks learning about how city government operates. Participants have completed the Police, Fire and City Manager/Clerk sessions, all packed with information, activities, tours and a few surprises!

If you are interested in being part of the City's next Citizens Academy, go to  www.bhamgov.org/citizensacademy for more information and an application form. We are taking applications for the next session which will be held either this Fall or next Spring. The Citizens Academy is entirely free, and offered to any Birmingham resident, age 18 or older. Apply now, and it will guarantee you a spot in the next academy.


Public Input Sought for Adams Park Concept Site Plan

The Birmingham Parks and Recreation Board is seeking public input to prepare a concept site plan for Adams Park. The City is looking for ideas and input about landscape renovation improvements and enhancements for the park.
 
Adams Park is a 1.45 acre neighborhood park located directly adjacent to Roeper School. Michael J. Dul & Associates will be assisting in the preparation of a concept site plan based on public input. A public input session will be held during the Parks and Recreation Board Meeting on Tuesday, May 3 at 6:30 p.m. at the Department of Public Services building located at 851 South Eton. Please attend the meeting to brainstorm potential improvements to Adams Park.
 
If you have questions or comments, or if you are unable to attend but would still like to provide input, please email your comments to [email protected] or call 248.530.1642. 

We hope to see you there!

Love is All Around at Birmingham Ice Show May 13 - 15

Attend the City of Birmingham Ice Show on the following dates and times:

May 13, 2016 ● FRIDAY● 7:00 PM 
May 14, 2016 ● SATURDAY● 7:00 PM
May 15, 2016 ● SUNDAY●2:00 PM

Tickets are on sale now at The Birmingham Ice Sports Arena located at 2300 East Lincoln, Birmingham, MI 48009.

"New" 3-Day PASS PRICING:
Senior (Over 55) $25 Adult (19-54) $31 Student (13-18) $25
Children (6-12) $19 
Children (5 & younger) FREE

♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥
SENIOR (Over 55): Advance Ticket: $10 
AT THE DOOR: $12
ADULT (19-54): Advance Ticket: $12 
AT THE DOOR: $14
STUDENT (13-18): Advance Ticket: $10 AT THE DOOR: $12
CHILDREN (6-12): Advance Ticket: $8 AT THE DOOR: $10
CHILDREN (5 & younger): Advance/At The Door: FREE

Enjoy the show!
Explore City Vehicles at DPS Open House
Learn about Birmingham Golf Opportunities at Open House 


Fun for ALL at the Birmingham Hometown Parade on 5/15

 
The Birmingham Hometown Parade is a long standing tradition in this great community.  We are inviting you, your family, and friends to join us in celebrating Birmingham! 
 
If you have never been to the parade, come out and enjoy the festivities of the day!  The parade begins at  1:00 PM at Daines and Old Woodward, then travels north on Old Woodward, west on Maple, south on Bates and ends in Shain Park. This year's parade has 54 units and we're pleased to announce the Basset Hounds are back thanks to Basset Hound Rescue of Michigan!
 
After the parade, join us in Shain Park for lively music and lots of free activities for the kids, including inflatables, a DJ, face painter and more.  Park activities will continue until  4:00 PM.
 
Additional information can be found at  www.bhamgov.org/parade.
Wreath Laying, Special Presentation and Greenwood Cemetery Tour at Birmingham Memorial Day Service

The City of Birmingham will host its annual Memorial Day Service on Monday, May 30, 2016 at 10:00 a.m. in Shain Park, adjacent to City Hall, located at 151 Martin Street.  The patriotic program includes addresses of historical interest, popular songs, wreath laying at the monuments and live music provided by Birmingham's Straw Hat Band.  World War II reenactors from the 180th Regiment, 45th Infantry Division, will assist in the service and the Friends of the Birmingham Historical Society will mark the occasion with a special presentation and at 11:30 a.m. will conduct a tour of historic Greenwood Cemetery with emphasis on local heroes who served our country even before the city of Birmingham was incorporated in 1864.  Family attendance is welcomed and veterans' participation is encouraged. 
 
The origin of Memorial Day dates back to 1868 when the Commander-in-Chief of the Grand Army of the Republic (the fraternal organization of Union Civil War veterans), General John A. Logan, designated May 30 "for the purpose of strewing flowers or otherwise decorating the graves of comrades who died in defense of their country during the late rebellion (the Civil War)."  The first service was held that year at Arlington Cemetery, already the site of over 20,000 burials.   From that first "Decoration Day" to today, we honor all who served their country with Memorial Day.
 
For more information, contact Bruce Miller at 248.258.9007 or [email protected].
Stores OPEN + Free Valet for Customers during Hamilton Avenue Construction

 
Hamilton Avenue between Old Woodward and Woodward is undergoing major road repair through early July. Hamilton is receiving a new sewer and water main, new concrete street, new sidewalks and streetlights.
 
Businesses on and around Hamilton Avenue are OPEN during construction and appreciate your continued support. While Hamilton Avenue (plus sections of North Old Woodward and Park Street) undergo construction, the Birmingham Shopping District is offering FREE two hour valet to customers!*
 
Here's what you need to know about the service:
 
FREE Valet for Customers:
  • When: Available Monday - Saturday, 10 a.m.- 6 p.m. throughout the project (ending approx. July 1st)
  • WHERE: Corner of Old Woodward and Maple near Panera Bread
  • HOW: Simply pull up and drop off your car. Tell the valet how long you plan to stay and you will receive a card with a phone number. When you are ready to leave, call or text valet at least 15 minutes ahead and your car will be ready.
* If you plan to be longer than two hours, ask someone where you are doing business to validate your ticket. For those who are not shopping or conducting business in the area, enjoy the first two hours free then $5 per hour for each additional hour with a $30 per day maximum.

Enjoy and thank you for supporting the Hamilton Avenue area businesses!
Receive Updates about Birmingham Construction Projects

Receive electronic updates regarding all of the City's construction projects by signing up for the Road Construction & Closures Constant Contact group at  www.bit.ly/bhamnews. If you're only interested in receiving updates about specific projects, additional project-specific Constant Contact groups are available, such as: West Maple Road Sewer Repair, Webster Avenue Paving Project, and Hamilton Avenue Paving Project. For more information regarding these projects, contact the City's Engineering Department at 248-530-1840.
Recycling Made Easy with New Containers

If you're out and about in Downtown Birmingham and need a recycle container, you're in luck. Two brand new styles of recycling containers have been placed in the downtown area and in Shain Park. They are blue in color and easily identifiable with the universal recycling symbol clearly visible. Keep an eye out for them and recycle often!

New Shain Park Recycle Container.
  
New Downtown Recycle Container (left).
Fire Hydrant Flow Testing throughout May

To ensure hydrants are operable and give the proper water flow when needed, the Birmingham Fire Department conducts annual flow testing in May of each year.  This testing provides the Department with the flow pressure and volume of water that is expected from each hydrant. Additionally, it reveals hydrants with mechanical problems. 
 
Unfortunately, flow testing may cause water in the immediate test area to appear rust colored. Please be informed of the following facts:

1)       This condition DOES NOT pose a health problem or impact the quality of the water. View the City's Annual Water Quality Report at www.bhamgov.org/waterqualityreport.
2)       Normal running of water in your home will soon clear up the problem. DO NOT USE HOT WATER. This will prevent rusty water from entering the hot water tank.
3)       If rusty water affects your laundry, you may purchase oxalic acid or commercial products for taking rust out of clothes from a local drug or hardware store. The clothes can be re-washed following the instructions and the rust will be removed.

The Fire Department conducts flow testing Monday through Thursday between the hours of 8 a.m. and 3 p.m. Testing does not take place on Friday, Saturday or Sunday. Please note a sign will be placed along streets that will receive flow testing five days prior to the test.

The map below indicates areas where flow testing will occur each year. For more information regarding fire hydrant flow testing, visit www.bhamgov.org/hydrants or call the Birmingham Fire Department at (248) 530-1900.




May News from the Birmingham Museum

Mark your calendar for this upcoming events at the Birmingham Museum:

Hunter House Book Group 5/12 @ 7PM
The book group will meet to discuss Summer of '68: The Season that Changed Baseball - and America - Forever by Tim Wendel. As usual the books will be available to check out at Baldwin Public Library and the group will meet in 556 W Maple at  7 pm. Parking is available on the south side of Maple at the Chester St parking structure. 

The museum is open Wednesday through Saturday,  1 PM to 4 PM   and located at 556 W. Maple Rd. Parking is available in the Chester St. structure on the south side of Maple. Admission is $7.00 for adults, $5.00 for students and seniors, children 5 and under are free. Please visit us on the web at   www.bhamgov.org/museum or  www.facebook.com/TheBirminghamMuseum  
May News from the Baldwin Library    

Mad Science Presents Fire and Ice!
Monday, May 9 at 7:00 p.m.
Mad Scientists will demonstrate some cool scientific principles. You'll see foggy dry ice storms, giant beach balls floating in the air and even a Mad Science burp potion. Prepare to be amazed!
 
The Future of Driverless Cars, with David Maloney
Tuesday, May 10 at 7:00 p.m.
Learn how driverless cars are disrupting the transportation industry and gain insight to prepare for the historic changes coming to the automotive industry.
 
Dan the Creature Man
Saturday, May 14 at 10:30 a.m.
Dan the Creature Man is back by popular demand. He brings his fascinating and diverse collection of live animals including snakes, lizards, turtles, amphibians, and more.
 
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.
Thank you for reading Around Town, a monthly e-newsletter from the City of Birmingham.  We hope you find the information timely and useful. Please feel free to forward this e-mail to friends and neighbors who may be interested in Birmingham.  
 
Sincerely,