Birmingham Schools Offers Training for Violent Intruder Situations

Birmingham Public Schools is working with local law enforcement and the ALICE Training Institute to provide training for violent intruder situations. ALICE (Alert, Lockdown, Inform, Counter and Evacuate) is a program designed to help individuals or groups make informed choices when faced with a violent intruder. Learn more at ALICE. Please join the district and Birmingham Police Department’s Commander Scott Grewe on Wednesday, February 13, from 6:30 to 7:30 pm at the Birmingham Covington School media center. Contact alice@birmingham.k12.mi.us for more information.

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Put Your Name on Birmingham’s Hometown Parade

The Celebrate Birmingham Hometown Parade and After Party needs you! Whether you own a business, are part of a civic group or are an individual, the 2019 parade is offering an opportunity to showcase your community presence while being an integral part of one of the city’s signature events.

“Our sponsorship packages range from the extensive to the affordable,” said Birmingham City Clerk Cherilynn Mynsberge. “We invite the community to consider being part of this family friendly event in downtown Birmingham by being a sponsor.”

The 2019 parade will recognize volunteers, a critical element in the operation of the city, the state and nation. “This is our way of saying thank you to those who volunteer their time, talent and energy for the betterment of all,” Mynsberge said.

For information on sponsorship opportunities, contact the City Clerk’s office at 248.530.1880 or email cmynsberge@bhamgov.org.

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Support Groves Charity Week

In 2008, West Maple kindergartner six-year-old Matthew Bittker lost his battle with Neuroblastoma. The Matthew Bittker Foundation was founded by his family to raise money for pediatric cancer research, supporting pioneering clinical trials and research. Matthew’s twin sister will graduate from Groves High School this June and the school has dedicated this year’s charity week to raising $60,000 for the Matthew Bittker Foundation. A week of charity events and activities at school has brought them close to the goal, but they still need help. You can donate on the foundation’s website.

Safe in the City

The Birmingham police invite Birmingham residents to a free two-hour interactive women’s awareness and self-defense workshop. These popular workshops are filling up fast. There are limited seats remaining in the workshops on February 27, 10 to noon and March 1, noon to 2 pm. To learn more and register, contact Gwynn Duffey at gduffey@bhamgov.org.

Inside City Hall

Get the scoop on snow removal from Lauren Wood, Director of Public Services and meet Pam Reed, the friendly face behind the counter at the Treasurer’s office, in City Manager Joe Valentine’s Meet the Staff feature.

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Prom Dress Giveaway

Groves High School student Danielle Lutz is “collecting dresses today so girls can go to prom tomorrow.” She started a non-profit called reWEARable which collects new, gently used dresses, shoes and accessories for girls who wouldn’t otherwise be able to afford them for prom. Their mission is to boost confidence and make the dream of going to prom a reality.  She’s partnered with Detroit Public Schools for several 2019 Prom Dress Giveaways. reWEARable is looking for volunteers to help set up, clean up, arrange dresses, and style girls at a location to be determined in Detroit on the following dates:

Wednesday, March 13 | Thursday, March 14 | Wednesday, March 20 | Thursday, March 21

Contact Danielle at daniellelutz@rewearable.net if you can help out or donate. reWEARable accepts donations of new or gently used short or long dresses, shoes, costume jewelry, purses, and shawls. And little black dresses are always a hit.

College and High School Together

Oakland ACE – Accelerated College Experience, a program offered at Oakland Community College, allows students the opportunity to earn an associate degree, or up to 60 transferable college credits while still in high school.  Students must commit to an extra year of high school to participate in the program.  Students apply in the 10th grade and commit to a three-year program spanning grades 11 and 12, plus an additional year as a full-time student at Oakland Community College. Oakland ACE offers students facing potential challenges to college enrollment and success the opportunity for guidance and support through the process while still in high school at no cost.  For more information please visit oakland.k12.mi.us/education/accelerated-college-experience-ace.

In a study conducted by HomeSnacks, Birmingham ranked 3rd in a new study listing the top ten cities to live in Michigan. The study analyzed more than 170 places in Michigan, looking at factors such as home values, income, population density, unemployment rate, commute time, crime, education levels, health insurance coverage and poverty rates. HomeSnacks combines recent data from the Census, FBI, OpenStreetMaps, and dozens of other sources.

Road Work Ahead

Because of last week’s inclement weather, the 14 Mile Road water main project originally scheduled to start on Monday, February 4 is now anticipated to begin on Thursday, February 7. The south side of 14 Mile Road from Greenfield to Eton will be closed. Also, in the near future, the south side of 14 Mile Road will be closed intermittently at Coolidge for water main improvements. To help mitigate the traffic difficulty, two lanes of two-way traffic will be maintained on the stretch of 14 Mile Road between Greenfield and Eton. The project is anticipated to be completed by June. Learn more about the work planned for 14 Mile Road at romi.gov/1394/14-Mile-Road.

And starting on Tuesday, February 5, the right lane of Woodward Ave. was scheduled to be closed in both directions, just south of Lincoln Ave. A major water main crossing serving this area of the City is being cleaned and inspected. Following this, a liner will be installed. The liner will create a whole new pipe to extend the service life of this critical water main well into the future. This project should be done by Friday, February 21.

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High School Musicals (Plural!)

Brassy Dolly Levi is a meddlesome matchmaker who brings together the young clerk of a wealthy Yonkers merchant and his assistant with a widowed hat maker and her assistant, while making sure she herself gets to marry the merchant, in Seaholm High School’s production of the classic American musical “Hello Dolly.” Enjoy favorite songs like “Hello Dolly,” “Put on Your Sunday Clothes” and “Before the Parade Passes By” as Seaholm High School Presents “Hello Dolly.” Tickets now on sale at seaholmtheater.ludus.com. Adults are $15, children/students are $10. Performances are February 1, 2 and 8 at 7 pm and February 3, 9 and 10 at 2 pm.

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Disney Channel’s smash hit movie musical “High School Musical” comes to life onstage in Disney’s High School Musical JR. at Birmingham Covington on Wednesday, January 30 at 4:30 pm and Thursday and Friday, January 31 and February 1 at 7 pm. Come see Troy, Gabriella and the students of East High deal with issues of friends and family while balancing their classes and extracurricular activities. Tickets are $10. Email Mrs. Bassett at theatrebcs@gmail.com with any questions.

It Takes More than a Fidget: Managing Stress & Mental Health

Students with learning and attention issues are at greater risk of anxiety and depression that can develop into an even bigger challenge than the initial learning struggle. Stephanie Cork will share tips and techniques from dialectical behavior therapy that teach students coping skills, at the Friends Of Different Learners meeting on Thursday, February 7, at 7 pm at Birmingham Covington School. Visit friendsofdifferentlearners.org for more information about Friends.

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A Great Place to Live

In a study conducted by HomeSnacks, Birmingham ranked 3rd in a new study listing the top ten cities to live in Michigan. The study analyzed more than 170 places in Michigan, looking at factors such as home values, income, population density, unemployment rate, commute time, crime, education levels, health insurance coverage and poverty rates. HomeSnacks combines recent data from the Census, FBI, OpenStreetMaps, and dozens of other sources.

Lieutenant Governor Gilchrist Delivers MLK Keynote at Groves

Wylie E. Groves High School welcomed Lieutenant Governor Garlin Gilchrist II on January 16. Gilchrist addressed the student body as keynote speaker at the school’s annual Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. assembly, speaking on the topic of “What Would Martin Tweet?”

Today’s students are interconnected through social media in ways which are constantly changing, and this connection can be disconnecting. Gilchrist, the founding Executive Director of the Center for Social Media Responsibility at the University of Michigan was selected to address the students for his belief that “ensurement that people are connected, informed, empowered, and free to share their ideas are core values of the internet.”

“We use this assembly to not only mark the national holiday, but to communicate, educate, and accomplish change,” said Groves principal Dr. Embekka Roberson. “Our celebration is for all of the Groves community. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. stood for more than just civil rights for African-Americans. He stood for the hope that everyone will live, learn, and work together in harmony.”

Groves junior Erin Roberts, a student ambassador who greeted visiting state senators and representatives, also serves on the Microsoft Council for Digital Good. “Lieutenant Governor Garland Gilchrist made me realize the power of social media by asking us how Martin Luther King would use it,” she said. “That is precisely in line with my work with the Microsoft Council for Digital Good; to make the internet a better and safer place for everyone. The fact that many Michigan legislators participated in the event on Monday gives me hope that they are ready to encourage positive online behaviors. It is imperative that we amplify discussions about making the internet a more productive, civil, and safe place.”

The assembly also included:

• A meet-and-greet with State Senators Jeremy Moss and Rosemary Bayer, and State Representative Kyra Harris Bolden
• The Wylie E Groves High School Show Choir performing “Glory” from the 2014 motion picture “Selma”
• The annual “Faces of Groves” slide show, showcasing the diversity and engagement of the Wylie E. Groves student body

St. Croix Wins Holiday Window Decorating Contest

St. Croix won this year’s Birmingham Shopping District competition for the most festive window. In addition to bringing smiles to Birmingham holiday shoppers, they will get a complimentary 1/4-page ad in Birmingham Magazine’s Spring/Summer edition.

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Ready to Sling Some Clubs?

Oakland Hills Country Club is looking for caddies for this summer.  Applicants must be at least 14 years old and able to carry a 30 lb. bag for 4-5 hours. Applicants will be tested on golf knowledge.  The registration and training fee is $50, which includes 5 days of training, caddie video, badge, hat, water bottle and ball mark repair tool.  Get more information and register at oaklandhillscc.com.  Questions may be directed to Bob Byerlein at 248.433.0674.

Birmingham Public Schools Supports Disaster Relief

As part of its observation of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Day, Birmingham Schools are collecting items for DRAW (Disaster Relief At Work, Inc.) to help them provide relief services to communities around the United States hit by natural disasters such as floods, hurricanes and tornadoes. DRAW first response teams help survivors sift through the remains of their homes to salvage valuables, move trees that have fallen and blocked them in their driveway, or just sit and listen when they need it. The materials they use for salvage are packed in five-gallon buckets for delivery to disaster sites.

During the January 21 day of service, students in grades K-12 and their families will pack buckets for DRAW, make animal toys for a local shelter, assemble care kits for the homeless and help with other caring community projects. Registration is required. Sign in begins at 9:00 a.m., and the program begins at 9:30 a.m.

Groves Performing Arts Company Fundraiser

Go to the theater to help the Groves theater program. Discount tickets are now on sale from Groves Performing Arts Company for Rent at The Fisher Theatre, Tuesday January 8 to Sunday, January 20 and The Phantom of the Opera at The Detroit Opera House, Thursday January 24 to Sunday, February 3. Tickets can be purchased at broadwayindetroit.com/givesback.

Eating Healthy with Try it Raw

You can experience delicious and healthy cuisine from Birmingham’s own Try It Raw at the library on Thursday, January 31, from 7 to 8 p.m. Find out exactly what “raw” food is and why more and more people are eating raw. For more information visit baldwinlib.org or call 248.647.1700.

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Who’s Hungry?

Birmingham’s favorite dining event is almost here. Birmingham Restaurant Week will be January 28 – February 1 and February 4-8. Take advantage of specially created menus from Birmingham’s top chefs. Enjoy three-course lunches for $18 and three-course dinners for $36. Visit BirminghamRestaurantWeek.org for a list of participating restaurants and menus. To make reservations, contact the restaurants directly. Remember, the first two hours are free in all parking decks.

Birmingham Pride

Four years ago, Greenfield’s LGBTQ parents wished to bring families from around the district together for informational meetings and monthly social gatherings. They continue to find ways to be inclusive of the district’s diverse families. Everyone is welcome at their monthly meetings and social events:

Meetings – Greenfield Media Center

Monday, March 4, at 6:30 p.m., guest speakers – BPS counselors Sherree Wilson and Nicole Festian

Monday, May 13, from 6:30 to 7:30 p.m. – Review mission statement

Social Events

Tuesday, January 29, at 6 p.m. – Skate World of Troy

Friday, May 31, from 6:30 to 8 p.m. – District end of year picnic at the playground at Greenfield

Camp & Resource Fair + Microbusinesses

Friends of Different Learners will present the 17th annual fair at Groves High School on Saturday, January 26, from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m.  This fair for families looking for camps and programs that accept children with special needs in both self-contained and inclusion environments.  Local Micro/Small Businesses founded by the special needs community will be selling jewelry, cards, ceramics, calendars, gifts and more at the fair.  Last year, 75 organizations participated in the fair and over 150 families from the tri-county area participated.  For more information about the Camp Fair or Friends of Different Learners visit friendsofdifferentlearners.org

Learn Something New

Whether you’re five or eighty-five, Birmingham Continuing Education has something for you. Do you have a child who would like to try out an after-school cooking class or the Pistons Academy? Or would you like to learn a language or a new hobby, like DSLR photography and photoshop or brush up your computer skills? With classes for all ages and interests, come out and learn something new this year. Classes are starting, so sign up now.

BU Hockey Middle School Skate

The Birmingham Unified High School Hockey program is opening one of their JV practices to current 6th, 7th, and 8th graders who will attend Groves, Seaholm, or IA (Birmingham District) in the future. Come out to the Birmingham Ice Arena on Friday, January 11 from 4:15 to 5 p.m. to get a taste of a regular practice. The BU JV Kings will run through some of their typical drills with JV Head Coach Grant Ehlert.

Afterwards, there will be a Parent/Player meeting and pizza in the conference room at the rink. Coach Ehlert will be available for questions along with JV players and members of the BU Booster Board. Players from all experience levels, from house to AAA, are welcome.

Register at Birmingham Unified Kings Home Page (click on “registration” tab) for this free event. There is no fee to skate, and the pizza is their treat. Full hockey equipment is required, and waiver must be signed when you register. Email Jennifer Shaffer at jlgshaffer@yahoo.com with any questions.

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Saturday Tutoring for all Grades

In partnership with the Birmingham African American Family Network, Birmingham Public Schools provides tutoring for students who need help in any grade level, and in any academic area. It is hosted in the media center at Berkshire Middle School from 9 to 11 a.m. All K-12 BPS student and parents are welcome. For dates and more information see the website.

Preparations Underway for New Master Plan

The city is set to embark on the creation of a new, comprehensive master plan, a tool that will guide the future growth and development of the City.

The master plan process will begin in February and take about 18 months. One of the primary focuses of will be a study of the city’s residential areas to evaluate existing conditions and create a vision for the future. The process includes many chances for the public to participate and provide input through public visioning sessions, a new app, a website, phone interviews and public meetings.

The current master plan was written in 1980. Sub-area plans have been completed over the years for some areas of the city, but the last comprehensive, city-wide update was done in 1980. The planning process will be spearheaded by planning and design consulting firm DPZ Co Design, which prepared the Downtown 2016 Plan adopted in 1996.

Celebrate Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.

On Monday, January 21, we will commemorate the life and legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. in many ways. Among them, Birmingham Public Schools is hosting Day On, Day One, a day of service and the library will host storyteller Rosie Chapman.

Day On, Day One 2019, the fourth annual day of service honoring Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. will take place on Monday, Jan. 21, 2019 at Groves High School from 9 a.m. to noon. Students in grades K-12 and their families will pack buckets for Disaster Relief at Work, make animal toys for a local shelter, assemble care kits for the homeless and help with other caring community projects. Registration is required.

Afterwards, bring the kids to the library from 3 – 4 p.m. to hear Storyteller Rosie Chapman bring history to life with her story of Civil War heroine Harriet Tubman, one of the most unique and courageous women in American History. Register

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