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In This Issue
Shopping Events in Birmingham
Welcome New Businesses
Dine! Check Out Toast's Art Garden
Play! Golf is in Full Swing in Birmingham
Have You Seen Betty?
Climb, Explore & Eat at DPS Open House
Birmingham Ice Show May 18 & 19
Don't Miss the Celebrate Birmingham Hometown Parade
Rouge River Cleanup June 1
Quick Links
City Calendar
Upcoming PSD Events Downtown Business Search
Parking Information
Follow us on Twitter
Like Us on Facebook


Contact Us
Mark di Suvero - Heart of the Tetrahydren
151 Martin, P.O. Box 3001
Birmingham, MI 48012 
Ph. 248.530.1800
Fax 248.530.1080
 
AROUND TOWN
May 2013
Greetings!

Welcome to the May 2013 edition of the Around Town e-Newsletter from the City of Birmingham. We hope you enjoy this e-newsletter and forward it along to others who may be interested in the City of Birmingham!
Coming Soon: Farmers Market, First Thursdays & Fashion Your Home Spring/Summer 2013
 

There's so much going on in Birmingham this month! First up is the BRAND NEW evening shopping event in Birmingham, First Thursdays. First Thursdays offers an evening of late night shopping with live entertainment, in-store events, prize giveaways and more from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m. on May 2, June 6, July 11, August 1 and September 5.    

 

May 2 also kicks off the start of the brand new Fashion Your Home Spring/Summer 2013 event. This event is hosted by the newly-formed Birmingham Home Collection, an association of home furnishings, home accessories, galleries and gift stores. Enjoy three days of home décor and design inspiration, including merchandise previews, in-store guests and design consultations, May 2 through 4 from 10 a.m. - 6 p.m. (Thursday until 9 p.m.).

  

The 11th season of the Birmingham Farmers Market kicks off May 5. Just in time for Mother's Day you'll find gorgeous hanging baskets, potted plants, spring bouquets, flats and more. Open an extra hour longer this season, you'll have plenty of time to take advantage of the lively outdoor market. Enjoy early produce, delicious prepared foods, live entertainment and children's craft activities. The market will be open Sundays, May 5 through October 20, from 9 a.m. - 3 p.m. in Parking Lot #6 (located at N. Old Woodward and Harmon). For more information about the 2013 Birmingham Farmers Market season, visit www.birminghamfarmersmarket.org.

SHOP: Welcome New Businesses

 

The Birmingham community welcomes the following merchants: 
  • Executive Custom Shirtmakers: 261 Maple Road, East, Suite 7
  • francesca's: 115 South Old Woodward
  • Walgreens: 34300 Woodward Avenue
Stop by to support our newcomers!
DINE: Check Out Toast's Art Garden
      

Stop by Toast (203 Pierce Street) to see what all the hype is about! Their Art Garden, sponsored by the Bank of Birmingham, consists of construction panels that are divided into six-by four-foot sections at the front of the restaurant. The restaurant unveils the work of various artists each week. Once construction is complete, the panels will be auctioned off and proceeds will benefit the art and music programs in the Birmingham School District through the Birmingham Education Foundation (BEF), which raises funds for academic excellence and innovation. Toast specializes in gourmet breakfasts, lunches and dinners in a cozy environment. Stop by soon! 

 

** Our Dine feature highlights one Birmingham Restaurant in every issue of the Around Town newsletter. **

 PLAY: Golf is in Full Swing in Birmingham

   

Lincoln Hills and Springdale Golf Courses are calling your name! Both courses are:
 

- Open to Everyone

- Perfect for a quick round before or after work

- Considered two of the best nine-hole courses in Oakland County

- Affordable and fun

 

Purchase or renew your membership pass at Lincoln Hills Golf Course (2666 W. 14 Mile), Springdale Golf Course (316 Strathmore), the Birmingham Ice Arena (2300 E. Lincoln) and the Department of Public Services (851 S. Eton). For more information, visit www.golfbirmingham.org or call (248) 530-1660. 

Have You Seen Betty?     
   

Can you find our construction mascot, Betty? She's been spotted at businesses on Pierce or Merrill. Take a photo with her and post it on the Enjoy Birmingham NOW Facebook page for a chance to win a $50 gift card to any store or restaurant on Pierce or Merrill! 

 

Remember, all businesses remain open and accessible throughout the Pierce & Merrill Improvement Project. Parking is available in the Pierce Street Parking Structure; the first two hours of parking are free. 

 

Climb, Explore and Eat at DPS Open House   
    

Get a behind-the-scenes look at the City's Department of Public Services (DPS) during their Open House event on Saturday, May 11 from 10 a.m. - 2 p.m. Located at 851 South Eton, the DPS will open their yard to members of the community who want to explore and climb on municipal vehicles, experience interactive displays and activities, win raffle prizes and more. All attendees will enjoy a complimentary lunch; children will receive free "hard hats". Find out more at our DPS Open House webpage.

Attend the Birmingham Ice Show May 18 & 19 
 


Plan to attend our "Ice-O-Mercials" 2013 Ice Show slated for Saturday, May 18 at 1 pm and 7 pm; and Sunday, May 19 at 1 pm and 5:30 pm.
Tickets are on sale now (Monday - Friday 8:00 am - 5:00 pm in the main office, and at the Concession Stand after main office hours) at the Birmingham Ice Arena, located at 2300 E. Lincoln. Pricing is as follows:

 

Advance Ticket Prices:
Children under 3 that sit on laps: FREE
Children ages 3-12:  $8
Adult ages 13 and older: $13

Tickets Purchased At The Door:
Children under 3 that sit on laps: FREE
Children ages 3-12:  $10
Adult ages 13 and older: $15

Cash or Check only. Checks payable to the City of Birmingham.
All seating will be general admission. Arriving late for the ice show does not reduce the price of the admission ticket. Call 248.530.1640 for details. 

Don't Miss the Celebrate Birmingham Hometown Parade on May 19

 

Summer is approaching and that means...parade time! The Celebrate Birmingham Hometown Parade is set to kick off on May 19, 2013 at 1 pm. This long-standing event attracts viewers from all over. All are welcome!

 

Our Red, White and Blue theme honors the many American veterans who have served our country so valiantly.  We are privileged to have several veterans groups participating in our easy-to-walk, ˝ mile parade. *Veteran registration has been extended to Friday, May 3. All veterans are encouraged to participate; download the Veteran Registration Form today! 

 

Our parade ends in beautiful Shain Park where there will be live music, food and tons of family activities. The Birmingham Concert Band will play a tribute to our veterans and the Junior League of Birmingham will have lots of fun planned for kids and parents. Birmingham merchants and restaurants will be offering Parade Day Specials too.

 

Parade sponsorships start at just $100, for businesses and individuals who would like to support this hometown tradition.  

Join the Rouge River Cleanup

Saturday, June 1 at 9 a.m.
  
Help your community by volunteering to participate in the annual Rouge River Cleanup Day on Saturday, June 1 at 9 a.m. Registration is at 8:30 am in Public Parking Lot 6 (on the east side of Old Woodward, north of Harmon Street). River activities run from 9 am - 12 pm. Volunteers should dress according to prevailing weather conditions. Long pants, long sleeve shirts and Mosquito repellent are recommended. Bring a saw or hatchet; gloves and bags will be provided. We will be removing invasive species, shrubs, and buckthorn along the river banks in Lot 6. Lunch will be provided for all volunteers from noon - 1pm. For additional information contact Connie Folk, Recreation Coordinator, at 248.530.1642.
Concerts in the Park Kick off in June
    

It's almost that time of year again... our In the Park Summer Concert series kicks off on June 14 with Battle of the Bands in Shain Park. Bring your family along to enjoy a free evening of music under the stars. Concerts run from June 19 through August 14 on Wednesday evenings at 7 pm (please note there will not be a concert on July 3rd). View our concert lineup at

.

 

  
May is Building Safety Month

 

Building Safety Month is celebrated annually in May to help individuals, families and businesses learn what it takes to create and maintain safe, sustainable and resilient homes and buildings in the United States and around the globe. The initiative reinforces the need for the adoption of modern model building codes, a strong and efficient system to ensure code compliance, and a well-trained professional workforce to provide public safety. Those three steps are what it takes to build stronger communities and ultimately a safer world. The goal is to encourage collaboration and welcome everyone to participate in this important public education initiative. Please join us in celebrating Building Safety Month by stopping by the City of Birmingham for more information and free giveaways for children. Visit our Building & Safety Tips webpage for information about pool safety, fire awareness, how to build a safe deck and more.

Friends of the Baldwin Public Library Spring Used Book Sale 
 
    

The Friends of the Baldwin Public Library spring book sale will take place from May 3 to May 6.  Please note this is the weekend prior to Mother's Day weekend.  The public is invited to browse thousands of books and media in great condition.  All proceeds from the sale will benefit the Library's programs and services.

 

Friday, May 3 from 7 pm - 9 pm: Member Preview Night - Reserved for Members of the Friends of the Baldwin Public Library (Memberships are available at the door)

Saturday, May 4 from 9:30 am - 4:30 pm

Sunday, May 5 from 12 noon - 4 pm: Half Price Day

Monday, May 6 from 10 am - 2 pm: Bag Day - Buy a bag for $5 and stuff it to the brim with books

 

Visit www.baldwinlib.org/friends for more information about the Friends.

Thank you for reading Around Town, a monthly e-newsletter from the City of Birmingham.  We hope you find the information timely and useful. Please feel free to forward this e-mail to friends and neighbors who may be interested in Birmingham.  
 
Sincerely,