Are You a Skating Star?

It’s time to lace up your skates and get ready for the Birmingham Ice Show. The show will be May 10 and 11, 2019. To participate, fill out and submit the application along with payment on or before Friday, December 21. Completed applications and payment may be dropped off in the mailbox outside the Birmingham Ice Arena’s Learn to Skate office or in the main office during office hours: Monday through Friday, from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Applications received after December 21 will be assessed a $25.00 late fee.

Find the Elves!

Holiday Mixer

The BBChamber will hold their annual holiday mixer at the Birmingham Athletic Club on Wednesday, December 12, from 5:30 to 8 p.m. The Birmingham Bloomfield Chamber has over 700 business members from diverse industries, representing 6 communities – Beverly Hills, Bingham Farms, Birmingham, Bloomfield Hills, Bloomfield Township and Franklin with over 25,000 households. Membership is an excellent way to connect with other members of the local business community. Registration for the mixer is $40 per Person or $50 the day of the event.

Birmingham Public Schools Superintendent Search Nearing Completion

Former Birmingham Public Schools Superintendent Dr. Daniel Nerad retired from the district last spring and Interim Superintendent John Silveri is serving until a permanent replacement is found. The Board has been working with a search firm to help with hiring a new Superintendent for the district, Hazard, Young, Attea & Associates. They held a series of community forums to help create candidate profile for their search. The Board anticipates selecting a candidate following interviews in late November and early December.

“We are very grateful for the engagement we’ve received from the community throughout this process thus far,” said Kim Whitman, BPS Board President. “Selecting a superintendent is a responsibility that we as a Board do not take lightly. The input we’ve gathered from the community will help us select candidates that represent the specific needs of the Birmingham Public Schools. We expect to find a dynamic leader that will help us move the district forward.”

Event hours are Friday, November 30, from 4 to 9 p.m., Saturday, December 1, from 10 a.m. to 9 p.m. and Sunday, December 2, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. For more information, a complete entertainment schedule and event map, visit BirminghamWinterMarkt.org.

Groves and Seaholm Math Whizzes

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

Bonus Bucks, Santa Walk, Prizes and More on Small Business Saturday

A Great Gift for your History Buff

Birmingham History Museum Director Leslie Pielack’s book “The Saginaw Trail: From Native American Footpath to Woodward Ave” traces the history of the Saginaw trail in Oakland County from ancient times until today. You can get your copy at the museum’s gift shop for $24. All proceeds will benefit the museum.

While you’re there, check out their award-winning exhibit “The People of Birmingham: Celebrating 200 Years of Stories” which closes at the end of December. 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.

Birmingham Winter Market

Downtown Birmingham’s Shain Park will transform into a charming European market during the Birmingham Winter Market from November 30 through December 2. It opens on Friday, November 30 at 6 p.m., with Santa and Birmingham’s Mayor leading live caroling and lighting Birmingham’s 35-foot blue spruce with more than 40,000 LED lights. Afterwards, climb aboard a free horse-drawn carriage for an illuminated tour through beautifully decorated downtown Birmingham.

Enjoy over 60 booths featuring traditional holiday crafts and decorations, art from local artisans, home décor, European food and drinks, gift items, holiday greens, ice sculptures, live reindeer, warming stations, a Kinderhaus children’s activity area, the popular Santa House and live entertainment.

Local school choirs will perform throughout the weekend. And the Scottish Highland Dance School and Next Step Triple Threats will show off their dance moves. The Village Youth Theater’s cast of Aladdin, carolers from Blue Crow Talent and the Birmingham Concert Band will also take the stage. Attendees have a chance to win tickets to see “Rent” at the Fisher Theatre.

Event hours are Friday, November 30, from 4 to 9 p.m., Saturday, December 1, from 10 a.m. to 9 p.m. and Sunday, December 2, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. For more information, a complete entertainment schedule and event map, visit BirminghamWinterMarkt.org.

 Birmingham Bloomfield Chamber 71st Annual Meeting

At the Birmingham Bloomfield Chamber’s 71st Annual Meeting Chairman Don Lee will report on the Chamber’s 2018 accomplishments and pass the gavel to 2019 Chairperson Sunny Connelly. The Chamber will present their annual Ambassador of the Year Award and 2018 Thrive Award.  The Thrive award goes to a member business that embraces the Chamber’s philosophy of conscious capitalism and profit with purpose.  This year’s recipient is Oswald Companies. The meeting will be Wednesday, December 5, at The Community House in Birmingham from 8 – 9:30 a.m. Reservations are $30 per person and include a plated breakfast. Reserve at bbcc.com or by calling the BBChamber office at (248) 644-1700. 

To share your news, announcements, and events, please email citynewseditor@localbiznews.net

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.

Birmingham Museum Honored for Innovative Crowd-Sourced Exhibit

At their annual luncheon on Oct. 29, The Michigan Museums Association honored the Birmingham Museum for this unique and engaging approach to sharing Birmingham’s history. The museum received the Outreach Programming Award that the MMA bestows on exceptional programs, exhibits and individuals.

The exhibit will be open through December Tues. through Sat. from 1 to 4 p.m., and until 8 p.m. on the second Thursday of the month. Museum admission is $7 for adults and $5 for students and seniors.  Kids 5 and under and Friends of the Birmingham Museum members are free. For more information, call (248) 530-1928 or visit bhamgov.org/museum.

Bike Repair Stations Popping Up Around Birmingham

Flat tire? No worries. The City of Birmingham recently installed four bicycle maintenance stations. These stations are part of the city’s plan to encourage and accommodate bike riding. Each station has a Fixit repair station, an Air Kit 2 air pump for both Presta and Schrader valve stems, and a sign. The Fixit has eight common tools for basic repairs and maintenance. Each Fixit and sign has a QR code that lets smart phone users access a bike repair website or a map of nearby Fixits.

The stations are in four City parks: Booth (near the North Old Woodward and Harmon intersection), Quarton Lake (at the Maple Road head of the Quarton Lake Trail), Shain (at the intersection of Bates and Merrill near the Library and the Community House), and Kenning (by the tennis courts). 

For more information, contact Consumers Energy representative Cheri Payne at (248) 433-5618.

Stay Safe at Birmingham’s Internet Purchase Exchange Location

With the holiday season upon us, the Birmingham Police Department is reminding residents to use the Internet Purchase Exchange Location when they buy or sell on websites such as Craigslist. The internet exchange location is in the parking lot on the south side of City Hall at 151 Martin Street.

The lot is well-lit and under 24/7 video surveillance, but residents are still encouraged to make exchanges during daytime hours.

The Internet Purchase Exchange Location is open to the public to help reduce fraud and robberies that can occur with these types of transactions. For more information, call the Birmingham Police Department at (248) 530-1870.

Find Out How Different Learners Can Stay Safe in a Violent Situation

In an active shooter incident, it’s hard to know what to do, so the ALICE Training Institute has developed a protocol they teach to schools, businesses and community organizations. At their November meeting, Friends of Different Learners will learn how to adapt these teachings with “ALICE for Different Learners: Trends in Safety & How Different Learners May Be Affected.” The meeting will focus on best practices in school safety for violent critical incidents and how those practices apply in a classroom of students with unique needs. Friends of Different Learners is made up of parents, staff and community members who work to maximize the potential of Birmingham Public School students with different abilities. The meeting will be Thursday, Nov. 1, at 7:00 p.m. at Birmingham Covington School. Learn more at www.friendsofdifferentlearners.org.

Friends of the Library Book Sale

Buy a book to support the library at the annual book sale. The friends of the Birmingham Public Library member preview will be November 2, 7 p.m. – 9 p.m. and the sale will be open to the public on November 3, from 9:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. at the Baldwin Public Library.

Meet a Turkey at the Library

Meet a real live turkey and learn about some smaller feathered friends at the Library. A Bowers School Farm turkey will visit the Baldwin Public Library on Nov. 10, 10:30 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. Registration required for the children by Nov. 10.

Meet the Board of Education Candidates

This Nov. 6, voters will see new faces on the ballot vying for three open BPS Board of Education seats. Steve Scheidt (2011-18), Walter Rothschild (2015-18) and Jessica Thomas (2015-18) will end their terms on Dec. 31. You can learn more about the candidates for those seats at a community forum presented by the League of Women Voters on Wednesday, Oct. 24, 7:00 p.m. at the BPS Education and Administration Center, 31301 Evergreen in Beverly Hills. Email league@lwvoa.org with questions.

More Halloween Fun at the Pumpkin Patch and Halloween Parade

Sunday, October 28, Shain Park will be filled with costumed revelers for an afternoon of family activities. Parents and children of all ages are invited to don a costume and come out for moon bounces, refreshments and Halloween crafts and games. Activities include

1-4 p.m. Pumpkin patch, moon bounces, crafts, games, live performances, nut-free snacks

2-2:30 p.m.  Dance performance by Next Step Broadway

2:30-3p.m. Thriller dance tutorial

3 p.m.  “Spooky Halloween Magic Show” at Baldwin Public Library  Registration required for Magic Show call (248) 554-4670

4 p.m. Community Parade starts at the corner of Bates & Martin St.  All are welcome – wear your costume! Seaholm High School Band and the City of Birmingham Fire Department will lead the parade. At the end of the parade the Birmingham Bloomfield Chamber will provide cider and treats.

Click to download a pdf schedule and flyer

Auditions for “Inspecting Carol” at the Birmingham Village Players

Behind the scenes of a struggling theatre company’s annual slapdash production of A Christmas Carol, rehearsals are at a standstill. Tim is no longer tiny, Scrooge wants to do the show in Spanish and their funding is on hold pending an inspection. When an impossibly bad actor is mistakenly identified as the inspector, the troupe does everything to accommodate his craziest wishes. Mistaken identities lead to side-splitting comedy as opening night draws closer and it seems only a Christmas miracle will save this production.

Auditions will be Sunday, November 4 and Monday, November 5th.  Registration is at 6:30 p.m. and auditions begin at 7 p.m. on both nights.

Performances will be Jan. 18, 19, 20, 25, 26, 27 and February 1, 2, 3, 2019. For more information, go to birminghamvillageplayers.com/auditions.