Birmingham Students Invited to Contribute Their Message to the Future

The Birmingham Museum will conclude its year-long celebration of the 200th anniversary of Birmingham’s founding by launching a special commemorative bicentennial time capsule project, focused on local students. The capsule will be presented to the City at the annual tree lighting and Winter Market kickoff Nov. 30, in Shain Park. The time capsule will contain contributions from area students with the theme, “Message to the Future” and since the planned opening will be Birmingham’s 250th anniversary, today’s students can return for the ceremony in 2068.

As with most time capsules, the idea is to capture a snapshot of the present that will give people in the future a unique perspective on what life is like today, and what is on the minds of young people.

“Students will be able to send a message to themselves in the future if they like, or to family members, the people of Birmingham, or even to society in general,” said Museum Board chair Tina Krizanic. “The idea is for each student to consider what they want to say, and how they want to say it, whether it is a poem, an essay, a photo, a song lyric, or any other creative contribution that means something special to them and that they want to preserve for future access.”

The capsule will be buried in Shain Park with an engraved granite marker identifying the location and opening date of December 1, 2068.

To participate, the museum suggests students consider how to answer the question, “What do you want to say to or show people in 2068?” There will be no judging; every student in Birmingham schools is welcome to send a contribution. Examples are:

• Digital photographs (scene, people, activity, etc.) or series of photos
• Hand-made drawings or graphic designs, scanned
• Hand-written or typed poems, essays, short stories with or without an image
• Brief audio or video recordings (10 MB limit)

Submissions are due by Dec. 31. For submission guidelines, visit bhamgov.org/museum.

The time capsule project complements the award-winning year-long bicentennial exhibit, “The People of Birmingham: 200 Years of Stories,” which is on display until January, 2019. Find out more at the Birmingham Museum at 248-530-1928 or visit bhamgov.org/museum.

It’s a Wonderful Life

Paul Housey will do his annual one-man show at the Birmingham Players on Fri. Nov. 23. It is adapted from “It’s a Wonderful Life” with Jimmy Stewart. All proceeds go to the Building Bridges charity to provide scholarships for students who otherwise wouldn’t have the opportunity. If you’re looking for a pleasant way to launch the Holiday season, you can have a good time for a great cause. Call (248) 644-2075 for more information.

Check Out Our Schools

Get to know Birmingham Public Schools at their open house on Sun., Dec. 2, from 1 – 3 p.m. at Birmingham Covington School. Birmingham Public Schools offer character education, rigorous academics, competitive athletics and a wealth of opportunities for students.

Go On a Magic Carpet Ride with Disney’s Aladdin Jr.

Disney’s Aladdin Jr. is based on the 1992 Academy-Award®-winning film and the 2014 hit Broadway show about the “diamond in the rough” street rat who learns that his true worth lies deep within. Aladdin and his three friends, Babkak, Omar, and Kassim, are down on their luck until Aladdin discovers a magic lamp and the Genie who has the power to grant three wishes. Wanting to earn the respect of the princess Jasmine, Aladdin embarks on an adventure that will test his will and his moral character. Featuring expanded characters and new songs, this adaptation opens up “a whole new world” for young performers and audience members.

At the Village Players,  Dec. 13-16. Tickets are $12 each for children and students up to age 21 and $15 for adults. There is a $1 processing fee for each ticket order. Groups of 10 or more attending the same show receive a $2 discount per ticket. To order by phone, call 248-644-2075

Bring Your Project to Life with 3D Printing

Explore the “lost PLA” casting technique to turn 3D prints into metal objects at the Baldwin Public Library Idea Lab on Thurs., Nov. 15 from 6 to 7:30 p.m. The Idea Lab is the Baldwin Public Library’s new space for hands-on exploring, tinkering, and learning. They encourage learning and collaboration through access to new technologies and machines. All experience levels are welcome. The workshop is free. Register.

The Idea Lab also provides 3D printing services and has an assortment of equipment available for use, including a Full Spectrum H-Series 40-Watt Laser Engraver/Cutter, 3D printers, and a variety of tools.

• Property owners are responsible for salting in front of their buildings.
• If your store has sidewalk from the door to the street, the store or the property owner must shovel all additional snow to the street – past the curb. If your store has parking meters in front, you must clear snow around and between the meters. If your store has a grassy area in front, you may shovel snow to that area as long as you do not block a pedestrian right of way.
• You must also clear snow three feet around fire hydrants if they are in front of your store.
• When any snow or ice shall cease to fall or form during daylight hours, snow or ice shall be cleared within 12 hours after it stops.
• When any snow or ice shall cease to fall during nighttime hours, it must be cleared by 6 p.m. on the day following.
• If the specified area is not cleared, the Department of Public Services may determine that an area is unsafe. They will clear the snow at your expense.
• You are also responsible for daily salting, as needed, to keep your sidewalk safe. The BSD contractor does not salt in front of all stores.
• Store owners or staff: If you are unsure of who is responsible for snow removal around your building under your lease agreement, contact your landlord or property manager.

The Birmingham Shopping District has provided for clearing a 48″ path along the sidewalk to keep sidewalks safe and passable.