Friends,

Where did the summer go? It seems like forever ago that I picked my kids up from their last day of school, but at the same time, I’m pretty sure it was just last week that I packed my last lunchbox.

I’m on the fence about back-to-school. I miss my alone time and being able to work uninterrupted. I do not miss the morning routine, folders, papers, cold, germs and everything else that comes with a new school year. Buying school supplies, a first-day outfit and shoes, meeting new friends and catching up with the friends we didn’t see over the summer is fun for me, though. So, I’m torn.

Whatever your back-to-school feelings are, I hope you have a great kick-off to fall. And if you could, please head over to the City News Facebook page and give us a like.

Rebecca

Girls on the Run

Do you want to meet new friends? Accomplish big things? Help others in your community? Have so much fun? Girls on the Run is an afterschool program like no other.

Twice per week for 10 weeks girls will have fun, make friends, increase their physical activity levels and learn important life skills. Trained and caring coaches lead girls in grades 3 through 5 through interactive lessons and running activities. The season ends with a noncompetitive 5K event on Nov. 17.

The program starts the week of Sept. 16 at Beverly Elementary in Birmingham. It runs on Tuesdays and Thursdays 4 to 5:15 p.m. and costs $145 per student. Registration is open until Sept. 8 at GOTR – Beverly. Questions? Email Erin Hitchcock at ehitchcock@ymcadetroit.org.

Citywide Master Plan Work Enters New Phase with First Draft Expected by End of September

The citywide Master Plan process is moving to a new phase as the city’s planning consultants are expected to submit the first draft of the plan for review by the end of the month.

A foundation piece of the first draft was the information gathered during the week-long charrette, which was held last spring. In addition, feedback gathered during the busy Master Plan Drop-In Clinic, held in July, was incorporated to the initial draft of the plan.

With the final version of the plan anticipated by the middle of next year, the public is encouraged to stay engaged by attending upcoming city meetings as well as reviewing all materials on the project website www.thebirminghamplan.com. You can find information from prior Planning Board meetings as well as agendas for upcoming meetings on the city website. 

“We want as much public input as possible in the creation of what will eventually be the final document,” said Jana Ecker, city planning director. “We encourage all groups in the city to share their vision of the future of Birmingham in 2040.”

Birmingham Welcomes New Businesses

The following businesses recently opened in Birmingham. Stop by soon and give them a warm welcome!

Splitz-n-Blitz, 230 East Merrill Street. Satisfy your sweet tooth with desserts ranging from old-time candies, banana splits, ice cream, custard and other concepts for dessert lovers of all ages.

The Morrie, 260 North Old Woodward. Enjoy Barbecue plates, American eats and cocktails in a music-themed roadhouse with live entertainment.

Hans Power & Water, 239 Pierce Street. Visit Hans Power & Water to learn about whole-house water systems.

R. Collective, 383 Hamilton Row. This high-end, client-driven hair salon offers affordable luxury in a relaxed, ego-free environment. They specialize in the latest coloring and cutting techniques, extensions, keratin enhancements, special event looks and more.