Birmingham is Among Safest Cities in Michigan

Safewise, the home security website known for its safe cities rankings, recently listed its top twenty safest cities in Michigan. Rankings are based on Federal Bureau of Investigation crime statistics and population. Birmingham ranked as the 12th safest city. In addition, in cities with a population of at least 20,000 residents, Birmingham is listed as the second safest city.

“We are very proud of this distinction,” said Birmingham Police Chief Mark Clemence. He attributes the ranking in great part to improved communications between law enforcement agencies, use of data analytics, improved data dissemination, specialization through law enforcement agency agreements and public engagement.

Sound Heart Sculpture is Added to City’s Public Artwork

Birmingham recently added the sculpture “Sound Heart” by Jay Lefkowitz to its growing public art collection. Lefkowitz is a renowned abstract artist whose works can be seen in private collections and museums around the world.  Donated by longtime resident Christina Heidrich, the eight-foot-tall sculpture was installed at the northeast corner of E. Maple and Woodward Ave. in the pedestrian plaza of Kroger. It is made of Corten steel – a metal that acquires a rust-like appearance with exposure to weather. The installation of Sound Heart fulfills Kroger’s 2014 site plan approval that had the condition of placing City-owned artwork within its semicircle pedestrian plaza.

Birmingham Museum Extends Exhibit

Haven’t had the time yet to check out the award-winning exhibit “The People of Birmingham: Celebrating 200 Years of Stories”? Great news! The Birmingham Museum has decided to extend the exhibit into the spring of 2019. Come out to see stories and photos from Birmingham residents. The museum is open Tuesday through Saturday, 1 to 4 p.m. Admission is $7.00 for adults, $5.00 for students and seniors, children five and under are free.

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Christmas Tree Collection

Christmas trees are being collected through Friday, January 11. A separate service is used for disposal of holiday trees, so collection will not necessarily be at the same time your rubbish is picked up. The trees are ground into wood chips for recycling, so please remove all lights, ornaments, stands, etc. If you used a bag to contain the needles while removing the tree from your house, please remove it and dispose of it in your regular garbage. For more information call the Birmingham Department of Public Services at 248.530.1700.

Dedicated Firefighters Retire

Birmingham Fire Department Chief John Connaughton and Assistant Fire Chief John Donohue have recently retired.  They have been recognized by the city for their many years of dedicated service. Former Assistant Chief Paul Wells is serving the City as Interim Fire Chief until further notice.

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Every Brilliant Thing

Birmingham Youth Assistance and Birmingham Public Schools invite you to see “Every Brilliant Thing” on Thursday, January 17, at 7 p.m. in the Seaholm High School Media Center. The performance follows a child as he grows, facing mental health challenges along the way. The interactive, in-the-round play is performed by R. Kuhl of Tipping Point Theatre and will be followed by a panel discussion. RSVP is required. Call 248.203.4300 or email office@birminghamyouthassistance.org.

Birmingham Public Schools Selects New Superintendent

On Tuesday, December 18, the Birmingham Public Schools Board of Education finalized a 3.5 year contract with Mr. Mark Dziatczak to serve as the next Superintendent of Schools. Dziatczak will begin working with the district the week of January 21, 2019.

“The Board trustees and I would like to extend our sincere gratitude to John Silveri for serving as our Interim Superintendent during this transition,” BPS Board President Kimberly Whitman said. “His service to our district has allowed us to complete a thorough search for a new leader, knowing that our district was in expert hands. We anticipate a seamless transition and look forward to warmly welcoming Mr. Mark Dziatczak to Birmingham Public Schools.”

Mark Dziatczak currently serves Troy School District as the Deputy Superintendent for Teaching and Learning. Prior to his role as Deputy Superintendent, he held positions with Troy as Assistant Superintendent for Secondary Instruction and Principal for Troy High School. Dziatczak began his career in Troy in 1997 as a science and technology teacher at Troy Athens High School. Dziatczak holds an Educational Specialist degree in Educational Leadership from Oakland University and a Master’s in K-12 Educational Administration from Michigan State University. Currently, Dziatczak is enrolled in the Doctoral Program in Educational Leadership at Oakland University.

“Know that my resolve for achievement is incredibly strong,” he said. “So is my passion to achieve results. I will be working as hard as I can over the next few weeks to disconnect from my responsibilities to Troy students so that I can engage with Birmingham’s. I’m very excited to set the throttle at full for the initiation of my transition plan and the listening and learning that it features.”

Economic Forecast Breakfast

Join the Birmingham Bloomfield Chamber for breakfast at the Bloomfield Open Hunt club on Friday, January 11, from 8 – 9:30 a.m. Featured speaker will be Federal Reserve Bank of Chicago Senior Business Economist Paul Traub, who will provide an update on the current state of the U.S. economy. His talk will focus on the economy’s four major sectors: personal consumption, private domestic investment, government consumption and investment, and trade.  Mr. Traub is a member of the team that created the Detroit Economic Activity Index and a frequent speaker on the Michigan economy.

The event includes a plated breakfast. Registration is $30 for Birmingham Bloomfield Chamber members and $40 for non-members.  Reservations are required and can be made at bbcc.com or by calling 248.430.7688.

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Baldwin Public Library Board Seeks Student Representative

Are you a teen who loves book? The Board of the Baldwin Public Library is looking for a high school junior who resides in the City of Birmingham, Village of Beverly Hills, Village of Bingham Farms, or the City of Bloomfield Hills to be a student representative to the Baldwin Public Library Board. This one-year term lasts from February 18, 2019 to February 16, 2020. Representatives are expected to attend monthly Library Board meetings and work with Library staff to either assist with a service project or coordinate and implement a teen program during the year.

Visit Baldwinlib.Org/Volunteer for an application. The completed application, essay, and two letters of recommendation are due by January 11, 2019 to Rebekah Craft at the Baldwin Library or by email to rebekah.craft@baldwinlib.org.

Work for the City of Birmingham

Birmingham has jobs open. If your thing is trees or golf, they may be looking for you!

Parks and Forestry Foreman

Under supervision of the Parks and Recreation Manager, plans, organizes, and directs maintenance activities within city parks, properties, facilities, and in the downtown business district. Plans and directs all aspects of grounds maintenance on city properties. Organizes and directs emergency response activities including snow removal and forestry work. Schedules and supervises downtown maintenance activities, including holiday decoration and special events. Coordinates special projects as assigned. Oversees day-to-day functions and activities of contractors. Assists in preparing division budget and monitoring expenditures. Submit cover letter, resume and completed employment application to the HR Department, no later than 4:00 p.m. on Friday, February 8, 2019.

Junior Golf Instructor (Seasonal)

Under direction of the Golf Course Manager, the Junior Golf Instructor is responsible for teaching all aspects of the game of golf, etiquette and character values to over 350 participants in the junior golf program. Also responsible for the supervision and instruction of all group and private lessons, including the neat, orderly and safe set-up and tear-down of instructional areas. Submit cover letter, resume and completed employment application to the HR Department, no later than 4:00 p.m. on Friday, January. 25, 2019.

City of Birmingham employment applications are available online at bhamgov.org/jobs or in the City of Birmingham Human Resources Department, which is open Monday – Friday from 8 a.m. – 5 p.m.

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Maple Motion Dance Clinic

Seaholm’s Dance Team, Maple Motion, is a regionally and nationally competitive dance team that has supported Seaholm Athletics for more than 33 years. You may have seen them show off their mad pom, jazz, and hip-hop skills for halftime crowds at all football and basketball games. They will share their dancing secrets at a dance clinic on Thursday, January 31, 4 – 7 p.m. Boys and girls in K-5^th grade are invited to join the dancers for the afternoon, learn a dance routine and perform onstage for friends and family at the Seaholm High School Auditorium. Cost is $50 per student. Email MapleMotionDanceClinics@gmail.com or visit seaholmmaplemotiondance.weebly.com/dance-clinics.html for a registration form.

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Give the Gift of Birmingham Shopping

Birmingham Shopping District gift certificates make great holiday gifts for family, friends and teachers. Just in time for the holidays, BSD gift certificates:

• May be purchased at the Birmingham Shopping District office (151 Martin Street) Monday through Friday from 9 a.m. – 3 p.m.
• Are available in increments of $25. They cannot be used at more than one participating BSD business; change will be given if purchase is less than $25.
• May be purchased with cash, check or credit card. Credit card payments are subject to a small processing fee.
• Are accepted at most (but not all) BSD businesses.

Learn more at www.ALLINBirmingham.com/Gift.

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A Perfect 36

Congratulations to Seaholm junior Bennett Pompi for his perfect score on the ACT exam. According to a press release by ACT.org, “On average, only around one-tenth of 1 percent of students who take the ACT earn a top score. In the U.S. high school graduating class of 2017, only 2,760 out of more than 2 million graduates who took the ACT earned a composite score of 36.”

The Unabashed Bash Early Bird Tickets

When a teacher has a great idea that will inspire students, but isn’t in the budget, the Birmingham Education Foundation can step in to provide funding.

You are invited to support the Birmingham Education Foundation at their annual Unabashed Bash on February 9, 2019 at The Townsend Hotel. This special fundraising event will feature student entertainment, dinner, dancing, and silent & live auctions. All proceeds will benefit Birmingham Public Schools. Purchase your tickets before January 4 to take advantage of the special $175 early bird ticket price. After January 4, tickets go up to $200.

One of the highlights of the Bash is the auction, which has three parts: online, silent and a live auction at the Bash. The BEF is currently seeking businesses, organizations and individuals who are interested in supporting the BEF and gaining visibility within our community by donating an item. To donate an item, please contact Alison Hendry at (248) 203-3030 or download the auction information.

Sponsoring Bash is another great way to showcase your support for Birmingham Public Schools. You can download the full sponsorship package.

Making a year-end donation to the BEF is one other way to directly impact programs that enrich the educational lives of every child in the district. Your tax-deductible donation will help deliver creativity and innovation to BPS classrooms. To make a gift, visit www.supportbef.org/donate.html.

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“Moonbeams for Sweet Dreams,” was created by the Beaumont Children’s Pediatric Family Advisory Council. Patients will be ready for bedtime promptly at 8 p.m. and they will shine flashlights from the hospital windows and look for community members standing outside the hospital to flash them back.

Please arrive by 7:45 p.m. Enter from 13 Mile Road and use the Medical Office Building parking lot. If full, follow the blue signs toward the North Parking Deck. Park in the small parking lot across from the North Parking Deck and adjacent to the Medical Office Building. Use the designated sidewalks to gather outside the hospital’s East Entrance. Volunteers will be stationed throughout the campus to guide you. Please remember to bring a flashlight!

Enjoy Holiday Harmony with the Seaholm Choir

The Seaholm Choir singers are raising money by bringing a very special brand of holiday cheer to office parties, reunions or events this month. You can invite the carolers to sing 30 to 60 minutes of holiday tunes at your event for a minimum donation of $400. The number of carolers depends on the donation. Arrange a visit or get more information by contacting Ann Marie Theis at atheis@birmingham.k12.mi.us by December 15.

Play Ball! Register for Birmingham Girls Softball’s 20th Season

BGS is southeast Oakland County’s largest girls recreational softball league with over 300 players. It is a community-based, non-profit organization providing girls ages 6 to 14 the opportunity to play organized recreational softball. The group is dedicated to teaching the fundamentals of softball in a safe and fun environment that emphasizes teamwork and good sportsmanship. BGS is open to girls playing softball for the first time and those with experience. All BGS requires is a positive attitude and a willingness to learn. Online registration opens Friday, December 14 at birminghamsoftball.com. For questions, email Jeff Weber at jeffw@birminghamsoftball.com

Birmingham Chamber’s New Leadership and Young Professionals

Birmingham Bloomfield Chamber Chairman Don Lee reported on the Chamber’s 2018 accomplishments, passed the gavel to the 2019 Chairperson Sunny Connolly and presented their annual Ambassador of the Year Award to BBChamber Member Paul Toros at their recent meeting. The Chamber also presented the 2018 Thrive Award.  This award is given annually to a member business that embraces and embodies the philosophy of conscious capitalism and profit with purpose.  This year’s recipient was Oswald Companies.

Their next event is the Young Professionals (40 and under) December Mixer on Wednesday, December 19, from 5 to 7 p.m. at Hazel, Ravines & Downtown in Birmingham. The event is free. Complimentary appetizers and cash bar will be available. This special event will include members and prospective members of the Birmingham Bloomfield, Southfield, Clarkston, and Greater Farmington Area Chambers. Space is limited. Register.

Make Sure Your Winter Tax Payments Make it to the City

The winter property tax payment window is open. Taxes can be paid in person, by mail or online. The Treasurer’s office is inside City Hall and is open Monday through Friday, from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. If you pay your taxes online through your bank, make sure to select the following mailing address with your tax payment:

CITY OF BIRMINGHAM-TAXES
P.O. BOX 671732
DETROIT, MI 48267-1732

The Detroit P.O. Box is listed because the City’s bank is in Detroit. Make sure to have the correct P.O Box, City and Zip Code to make sure your payment is delivered to the City. Also make sure to include your 12-digit parcel number 08-XX-XX-XXX-XXX, which can be found on your tax bill, as your account number. For more information on tax payment options, visit bhamgov.org/taxes.

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International Kids Film Festival

A beloved monster in Paris. A young fisherman in Chile. A comedy of errors in Japan. Pierce Elementary School presents feature films and shorts at this wonderful international evening of cinema on Wednesday, December 12, from 5:30 to 8 p.m. Start with pizza at 5:30 in the Multipurpose Room. Films start at 6. After viewing, vote for your favorite short film. This is a free family event. Popcorn is provided, and pizza is available for purchase. Please RSVP By December 10 to reserve your dinner and movie. Pizzas are $10 each and will not be available for sale during the event. Click this link for more information, to register and to pre-pay for pizza.

Take a Magic Carpet Ride to Support Grove’s Performing Arts

Discover a whole new world at Disney’s ALADDIN, the hit Broadway musical. From the producer of The Lion King comes the timeless story of ALADDIN, a thrilling new production filled with unforgettable beauty, magic, comedy and breathtaking spectacle. Purchase tickets for Aladdin at The Detroit Opera House for a December 12, 2018 – January 13, 2019 performance to support the Groves Performing Arts Company Fundraiser. Use the Code GROVES when purchasing tickets to save up to $15 on select performances. $5 for each ticket goes to GPAC.

Congrats to Birmingham’s Robotics Champs!

On Saturday, November 17, the Birmingham United Robotics Team, Automation Nation competed at the Oakland County Robotics Championship. Ranked 4th overall out of 16 teams, the Birmingham team paired up with the Avondale Robotic team, enjoyed two victories in 7 days, and won the first robotics female tournament. Next up for the team is the robotics challenge “Destination: Deep Space,” starting in January. The team is led by Birmingham teachers Bernie Simms and Patrick Hoover. For more information, visit the team’s website at team2960.org.

Birmingham is Merry and Bright for the Holidays

Come to downtown Birmingham to enjoy the picturesque and quaint atmosphere of this magical time of year. White lights adorn nearly 400 trees with nearly 800,000 lights shining throughout town. The city’s 35-foot blue spruce holiday tree boasts an additional 22,000 LED lights. The tree complements the glowing downtown area and creates the perfect scene for a holiday stroll and a festive backdrop for photos.

On weekends throughout the holiday season, children are invited to visit the Santa House under the pavilion in Shain Park. Brand new this year, an illuminated archway will lead the way to Santa’s home. Visitors can also enjoy complimentary horse-drawn carriage rides throughout downtown Birmingham. View the complete schedule for the Santa House and carriage rides at ALLINBirmingham.com/calendar.

What to Do with your Leaves and Snow

There’s still time for leaf collection. Residents may continue to bag leaves and place them in approved containers curbside by 7 a.m. on your trash day through the week of December 10. If your street has curbs, check the map to determine when leaves will be collected from your street. You are guaranteed one collection from the street during your designated weeks. Curbed street leaf collection will end in zone 1 and 2 during the week of December 3-7. We recommend raking your leaves into the street the weekend prior to your designated week.

For the City’s Department of Public Services crews, collecting, loading and hauling nearly 5.2 million pounds of leaves from the city is the pre-season warmup for the real game: combating winter weather. To be ready for winter this year, DPS has stocked nearly 3,000 tons of road salt. In addition, DPS continuously invests in the purchase and maintenance of snow fighting equipment and has sent new snow plow operators to specialized training courses to ready them for the season. For more information on the City’s snow removal plan, visit bhamgov.org/snowremoval.

Make sure you help out DPS by cooperating with the snow removal and snow parking ban ordinance:

1) You must clear snow and ice on sidewalks that abut your property. If the snow stops falling during the day, your sidewalks must be cleared by no more than 12 hours later. If the snow stops falling during the night, all sidewalks must be cleared by 6 p.m. the following day. Sidewalks that are not cleared of snow and ice will be shoveled by the city and the property owner will be fined.

2) When a snow emergency is declared, residents must remove their cars from city streets, so the snow plows can get through. Cars in violation of this ordinance will be ticketed.

The following students from Groves and Seaholm have qualified for Part II of the Michigan Mathematics Prize competition. The finalists will compete in Part II on December 5. The top 50 students in the state will be presented with scholarships ranging from awards of $250 to $2,500. These students are among the top 1,000 students of the more than 6,000 students in the State of Michigan who participated in Part I to qualify for Part II.

Groves – Kyle Alkatib, Zac Chentouf, Jacob Flaherty, Claire Hornburg, Hadi Juratli, Linday Martin, Ethan Podolsky, Scott Rolf, Eden Sherman, Jay Stansberry

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