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Contact Us
City Hall
151 Martin, P.O. Box 3001
Birmingham, MI 48012 
Ph. 248.530.1800
Fax 248.530.1080
 
AROUND TOWN
April 2016


Welcome to the April 2016 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!
Register Now for Inaugural Citizens Academy Program

City Hall The City Birmingham announced the introduction of a new program offered to Birmingham residents as a way to share information about the services the city provides and the roles the various departments have in serving the public. This first of its kind program for Birmingham called the Citizens Academy is now accepting applications for the inaugural class. Participants will enjoy an interactive learning experience about municipal government services, programs and responsibilities.
 
City residents who are interested in civic participation or increasing their knowledge about local government can obtain an application online at www.bhamgov.org/citizensacademy  or pick one up in the City Manager's Office (151 Martin Street).  Applications are on a first come basis, and the deadline to apply is Friday, April 8, 2016.
 
The 2016 Citizens Academy will meet every Tuesday from 6 - 8 p.m., from April 12 through the mid-May, with a graduation ceremony at the City Commission meeting on Monday, May 23, 2016. The sessions will be limited to a total of 20 participants to ensure a quality experience for all participants. Participants must be 18 years of age or older and a resident of the City of Birmingham. For further information about the Citizens Academy, contact Joellen Haines, Assistant to the City Manager, at jhaines@bhamgov.org or 248-530-1807.
Save with Spring Rates at Lincoln Hills Golf Course - Now Open!

The warming temperatures are prompting golfers to swing into action as Birmingham's Lincoln Hills Golf Course - NOW OPEN! Springdale Golf Course is scheduled to open mid-April, weather permitting.

Discounted spring rates are in effect for a limited time only. Throughout April, Birmingham's golf courses are open to everyone; no membership required. Golfers may purchase or renew their membership pass at Lincoln Hills Golf Course (2666 W. 14 Mile) or Springdale Golf Course (316 Strathmore). Membership at Birmingham's Golf Courses is open to all. 
 
Again this year, Business Memberships are available for only $100 for those who work in Birmingham. Lincoln Hills and Springdale Golf Courses offer a quick round of golf for those on the go and are rated as two of the top nine-hole courses in Oakland County. Reservations may be made by calling Lincoln Hills at (248) 530-1670 or Springdale at (248) 530-1660. For more information and to view spring rates, visit www.GolfBirmingham.org .
Stores OPEN + Free Valet for Customers during Hamilton Avenue Construction

 
Hamilton Avenue between Old Woodward and Woodward is undergoing major road repair through early July. Hamilton will receive a new sewer and water main, new concrete street, new sidewalks and streetlights.
 
Businesses on and around Hamilton Avenue will be OPEN during construction and appreciate your continued support. While Hamilton Avenue (plus sections of North Old Woodward and Park Street) undergo construction, the Birmingham Shopping District will offer FREE two hour valet to customers!*
 
Here's what you need to know about the service:
 
FREE Valet for Customers:
  • When: Available Monday - Saturday, 10 a.m.- 6 p.m. throughout the project (ending approx. July 1st)
  • WHERE: Corner of Old Woodward and Hamilton at Comerica Bank
  • HOW: Simply pull up and drop off your car. Tell the valet how long you plan to stay and you will receive a card with a phone number. When you are ready to leave, call or text valet at least 15 minutes ahead and your car will be ready.
* If you plan to be longer than two hours, ask someone where you are doing business to validate your ticket. For those who are not shopping or conducting business in the area, enjoy the first two hours free then $5 per hour for each additional hour with a $30 per day maximum.

Enjoy and thank you for supporting the Hamilton Avenue area businesses!
Shop at Birmingham Farmers Market beginning May 1st



You'll find beautiful spring floral arrangements, delicious prepared foods, live entertainment and children's craft activities during Opening Day at the Birmingham Farmers Market on Sunday, May 1 from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. The lively market will be open Sundays, May 1 through October 23, from 9 a.m. - 2 p.m. in Parking Lot #6 (located at N. Old Woodward and Harmon). For more information about the 2016 Birmingham Farmers Market season, visit www.birminghamfarmersmarket.org.
Register Now for Celebrate Birmingham Hometown Parade


ATTENTION PARADE PARTICIPANTS & SPONSORS!

The annual Celebrate Birmingham Hometown Parade will be held on Sunday, May 15th at 1:00 PM. Register your group today!
 
The theme this year is "The Great Outdoors". Celebrate how your organization loves to spend  time outdoors by participating in the theme - from biking, to camping, to boating, to sports, etc!  
 
Parade participants and sponsors can register their groups at  www.bhamgov.org/parade or 2 48.530.1880.
Host Families Sought for Shiga Delegates

The City of Birmingham is seeking host families for a unique cultural experience as part of its sister city relationship with the City of Ritto in Japan's Shiga Prefecture. Since 1976, the City of Birmingham and Ritto have enjoyed this relationship as part of the larger Sister State program between Michigan and Shiga. A central part of this program is the annual Goodwill Mission, which promotes cultural un derstanding and affords participants from both countries the opportunity to build life-long friendships. During the 2016 Goodwill Mission, delegates from Shiga will visit Michigan and stay with local host families from August 25 - 29. The 2016 hosting schedule will involve travel to Lansing to pick up your guest on Thursday, August 25, hosting for four days and then travel back to Lansing on Monday, August 29, for their farewell party.

Those interested in volunteering to host a delegate from Japan may contact Joellen Haines at (248) 530-1807 or email at:  jhaines@bhamgov.org. The deadline for submitting interest to be a host is May 1, 2016.
Save on Recycle Bins in April

Throughout the entire month of April, Birmingham residents may purchase their first or additional recycle bin(s) for just $6 each (normally $12). Take advantage of the special promotion and challenge your family to fill even more recycle bins each week! Pick up your bins (cash or check only) at Birmingham's Department of Public Services office located at 851 South Eton, Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Yard Waste Pickup Resumes 

Please note you may start putting your yard waste bags curbside for pick-up on your refuse day during the week of April 4. Only the kraft-style paper bags are acceptable, or trash containers with a "Yard Waste" decal sticker attached (no plastic bags). For more information, view yard waste guidelines on the City's website.

For more information, contact the Department of Public Services at  (248) 530-1700 .
Heads Up: Special Siren Test Wed., April 13


In an effort to promote severe weather safety preparedness, the County will conduct a special test of the Outdoor Warning System on Wednesday, April 13 at 1:00 p.m. The purpose of this test is to raise the awareness level of our citizens and offer schools and businesses an opportunity to test their internal disaster plans during normal business hours. View future siren testing dates online here.
Gain Ideas, Opportunities and Inspiration at Boomer Summit


The City of Birmingham, in partnership with the Birmingham Shopping District, Next and the Baldwin Public Library, is a proud partner of the upcoming Boomer Summit on Saturday, April 30th from 7:30 a.m. - noon. If you're an empty nester or hoping to add some excitement to your retirement, this event is for you! The community based program will be held in the auditorium of Birmingham Groves High School, located at  20500 West Thirteen Mile Road, Beverly Hills, MI 48025. The high-energy program will feature speakers, music and giveaways, and offer Boomers with ideas, opportunities and inspiration. Learn more by downloading the  event flier  and register online today on Next's website .
April News from the Birmingham Museum



Mark your calendar for these upcoming events at the Birmingham Museum:

4/14 - The State of History, 7:00 PM @ Baldwin Public Library
Museum staff will discuss several updates and changes taking place at the Birmingham Historical Museum and Park in the coming year.

4/19 - Youth Story Time, 2:30 PM @ the Hunter House
There will be a story time inside the Hunter House (white house near the museum). Ages 6 and under with a parent. 

The museum is open Wednesday through Saturday,  1 PM to 4 PM   and located at 556 W. Maple Rd. Parking is available in the Chester St. structure on the south side of Maple. Admission is $7.00 for adults, $5.00 for students and seniors, children 5 and under are free. Please visit us on the web at   www.bhamgov.org/museum.  

April News from the Baldwin Library    
 

Introduction to Lynda.com
Monday, April 4 at 7:00 p.m.
Whether you're interested in learning spreadsheets or a programming language, Lynda.com is likely to have expert-led courses. Join us as we show you how to make the most of this great resource.
 
Around the World in 90 Minutes
Saturday, April 16 at 10:30 a.m.
Discover your world during an interactive cross-cultural event showcasing a variety of cultural centers in Metro Detroit. Learn about countries of the world through displays of artifacts, language, textiles, music and more!
 
Living in the Shadow of the Moon-Dog: A South Pole Diary
Saturday, April 23 at 3:00 p.m.
Travel south and enjoy an Antarctic travelogue as Paul C. Daniels talks about his experience living at the U.S. Antarctic research station "South Pole."
 
The Baldwin Public Library is located at 300 W. Merrill Street in Birmingham. For more information visit www.baldwinlib.org  or call (248) 647-1700.
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,