City of Birmingham
Around Town E-Newsletter
April
Around Town
E-Newsletter
Welcome to the Around Town e-Newsletter from the City of Birmingham. During uncertain times, we hope you enjoy this special edition containing information and resources pertaining to COVID-19. Thank you for your support and please forward this newsletter along to friends and family.
Around Town| April
Inside City Hall with Birmingham City Manager,
Joe Valentine
Receive the latest updates from Birmingham in this month's edition of Inside City Hall with Birmingham City Manager, Joe Valentine.
Important Message to the Birmingham Community

We understand this is a challenging time for many Birmingham residents. City of Birmingham officials are closely monitoring the Coronavirus and working with public health officials from Oakland County, the State of Michigan, and Federal agencies for best practices for protection against potential exposure. We've created a COVID-19 webpage at www.bhamgov.org/virusprevention with a plethora of information from trusted resources such as the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), the State of Michigan, the Oakland County Health Division and more. We are working to gather as much information as possible to assist our community in fighting and responding to the COVID-19 virus.

Please note all City board and committee meetings are canceled through April 5 and this action will be reassessed at that time. City offices continue to service the public, however, access to the Municipal Building, the Department of Public Services and the Fire Stations are restricted to scheduled meetings only. The public is encouraged to contact any department requiring assistance via phone or email. Visit www.bhamgov.org/contacts to view a list of departmental contact numbers for services needed.

We thank you for staying home and staying safe, and for avoiding public interaction and travel except when absolutely necessary. When you leave your home for permitted reasons, view the tips below to help stop the spread of COVID-19. We appreciate your cooperation as we work together to keep our community safe.
Need Help? Call the COVID-19 Hotline at 248-530-1805

Have a non-emergency question about current conditions pertaining to the Coronavirus? The City's COVID-19 hotline can help. Residents may use the hotline for information about COVID-19 resources. Elderly, quarantined and immunocompromised individuals are encouraged to use the hotline to request assistance with essential functions. If you need help, we're here for you. Call 248-530-1805, Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. – 5 p.m.
Communication is Key - Sign up for Citywide Emails

In just days our lives were turned completely around. Suddenly people are working from home and depending on technology to maintain contact with family, work and friends. As we stay safe at home it’s even more important to remain connected to our community.  We strongly encourage all Birmingham residents to sign-up for the city-wide email system at https://www.bhamgov.org/alert_detail.php .   The email service allows us to target specific neighborhoods for messaging and keep everyone updated on what’s happening in our City in this rapidly changing environment. You can also visit our website at www.bhamgov.org and we are active on social media. As we reach out to each other through technology, this is an ideal opportunity to build a robust, email community in Birmingham. We invite you to join today.
Community Resources during COVID-19

Restaurants Open for Take-out
Many of your favorite Birmingham restaurants offer take-out or delivery. Per Gov. Whitmer's most recent executive order 2020-21, restaurant carry-out is still allowed. View a complete list of restaurants offering take-out at   www.AllinBirmingham.com/takeout .
20 Things to do at Home during COVID-19
Getting bored at home? Check out these ideas for something new to do with your family.

Next Senior Center Services  (you do not have to be a member to receive these services):
  • Support Services - Medical equipment loans will be available, phones answered and voicemails returned.
  • Outreach - Well-check phone calls to simply touch base.
  • SMART bus transportation is running for appointments to high priority destinations. Please call 2-3 days in advance to schedule a ride.
  • Meals on Wheels will continue to provide meals to current clients. If you would like to sign-up to receive meals in the future, call 248-203-5270.
  • Ensure – Next has a large supply of Ensure for those who need additional nutritional support.
  • Contact Next at (248) 203-5270.

Pharmacies Providing Free Prescription Delivery Service
Visit the City's COVID-19 webpage for a list of pharmacies offering FREE prescription delivery. Please note, exceptions may include certain types of medication or insurance policy limitations.

Faith-Based Organizations
Visit the City's COVID-19 webpage for places of worship that offer counseling or other assistance to the Birmingham community. 

Federal Stimulus Payments - Scam Warning
The Attorney General’s office is reminding anyone who receives a text, email or phone call from someone claiming to be from the government with a check for them — DO NOT FALL FOR IT. These fake phishing scams will likely ask for a person’s bank account information and insist $1,000 or more will be deposited directly into his or her bank account. Personal information should not be given to anyone unless the provider of that information is absolutely certain of the identity of the person requesting it. For the most accurate and up-to-date information regarding the federal stimulus payment and specific disbursement details, only visit the IRS website at  www.irs.gov/coronavirus . 
Additional Resources


  • Michigan Dept. of Health & Human Services COVID-19 Hotline - 888-535-6136, 7 days per week from 8 a.m. – 5 p.m. Callers may also email them at COVID19@michigan.gov. Emails will be answered 7 days per week, 8 a.m. – 5 p.m.



  • Common Ground Resource & Crisis Helpline: 800-231-1127.

  • National Suicide Prevention Lifeline: 1-800-273-TALK (8255).

  • Crisis Text Line: 741-741.

  • Alcoholics Anonymous Helpline: 510-839-8900

  • Narcotics Anonymous Hotline - Michigan: 800-230-4085.

  • Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) Disaster Distress Helpline: 1-800-989-5990.

  • Oakland County Sheriff Rides for Recovery Program, people 18 or older with addiction issues call 248-858-4911 to obtain a ride to Oakland County Community Health Crisis Center.

  • Oakland County Nurse on Call Hotline – (800) 848-5533: Oakland County residents who believe they should be tested for COVID-19 exposure should contact their healthcare provider. However, those without a healthcare provider or who do not know whether their symptoms warrant contacting a doctor’s office can call the Nurse on Call hotline or e-mail the nurses on call at noc@oakgov.com.

  • Oakland County COVID-19 Hotline - (248) 858-1000 

Guidelines for Social Distancing in Public Parks & Trails

We have noticed an increase in park activity and encourage all visitors to use precautionary measures while outdoors. We are happy to offer opportunities for fresh air and exercise, but urge you to be safe and use proper social distancing. Those who use our trails and parks should adhere to the following guidelines:

· Stay home if you are sick
· Avoid congregating in groups
· Maintain a 6 ft distance between others
· Keep pets on a leash and pick up after them
. Avoid touching shared surfaces
· Take trash with you
· Wash hands frequently

Please note Birmingham basketball and tennis courts are closed, as group sports are not encouraged. Thank you for your cooperation in contributing to the well being of our entire community! To learn more tips about social distancing in parks and trails, visit https://youtu.be/1RiuICJCqWs .
Photo credit to the National Recreation and Park Association (NRPA) www.nrpa.org .
Water Testing Temporarily Delayed

Governor Whitmer has taken sensible steps to help limit coronavirus, and we fully support Stay Home Stay Safe. Unfortunately, some projects will be paused until the Governor’s order is lifted including the City’s water-testing program for homes with lead service lines. Hydrocorp, the company that collects water samples for testing, has notified us that the testing program has been temporarily suspended. We will notify affected residents as soon as testing resumes. We appreciate your patience and everything you are doing to help keep our community safe.   
Stay Tuned for Golf Course Opening Information

During unprecedented times we're looking so forward to seeing your smiling faces on the golf course sometime soon. Keep an eye on www.GolfBirmingham.org for the latest news regarding golf and course opening information soon (we hope!).
Birmingham Green Article from the Planning Department
It seems there will be extra time that will need to be filled through the springtime. Based on all of the stunning, bounteous gardens present across the City, some of that time may very well be spent in a garden. A simple tip for a healthy and less chemical dependent garden - use compost!

There are numerous benefits compost can offer your garden. Vegetable gardens, rain gardens, or flower gardens alike crave the nutrients and added water retention that helps plants grow strong and resist disease. It can be mixed into the soils for newly formed or replanted gardens, or tilled into the soils of existing gardens. To provide a meaningful environmental benefit, create the compost at home and reduce waste.

Check the Environmental Protection Agency website for tips and a how-to guide for composting. If you are unable to compost at home, the City of Birmingham offers free compost to City Residents every year at the Ice Arena on a seasonal basis! To check the availability of compost, call the Department of Public Services at (248) 530-1700.
 
REMINDER:
Bag Your Trash
Set Out Yard Waste week of April 6th
To protect rubbish and transfer station personnel, all non-bagged refuse material will be red tagged and left at the curb. Please do not throw loose items into your waste container. Everything in the container must be bagged. This is to maintain a barrier between our public service employees and loose household waste and we appreciate your compliance until the current public health crisis has passed. Please note the following:

• Recycling is not affected. Please continue to clean recyclable packaging and include it with paper material in the container.
• The requirements have not changed for bulk trash or yard waste. Yard waste collection begins the week of April 6, 2020.

Please note that some items containing toxic materials must taken to SOCRRA for appropriate disposal. We have been notified that SOCRRA is temporarily closed under Governor Whitmer’s executive order. You can get more information on the SOCRRA website at https://www.socrra.org .

Please note you may start putting yard waste bags curbside for pick up on your refuse day during the week of April 6th. 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 at   www.bhamgov.org/yardwaste   or contact the Department of Public Services at (248) 530-1700.
Pet Care & Safety Reminders for Walking Around Town
The City of Birmingham has several pet regulations designed to keep pets and people safe, especially during these uncertain times. Here are some useful reminders:

  • All dogs must be on a chain or leash and under reasonable control of some person at all times. A dog cannot go beyond the premises of its owner unless restrained by a chain or leash and under reasonable control.
  • All dogs and cats four months old or over must have a license. All dogs and cats shall be immunized against rabies, prior to issuance of a license. Licenses are issued by the City Clerk's Office at City Hall.
  • Owners cannot allow animals to deposit fecal matter in any place other than the premises where the animal is harbored or kept, unless it is immediately collected and removed.
  • If a person is walking an animal on property they do not own, whether public or private, they must have an appropriate device for the collection of fecal matter in their immediate possession and an appropriate depository for the transmission of fecal matter to the premises where the animal is harbored or kept.
  • No person shall harbor or keep any dog which, by loud or frequent or habitual barking, yelping or howling, causes a serious annoyance to the neighborhood, or to people passing on the street.

Also, please remember dog waste should be collected with a bag and disposed of in your garbage container, not your yard waste bin. If you have questions regarding the Animal Ordinance you may call the Police Department at 248.530.1889 or the City Clerk's office at 248.530.1880.
April News from The Birmingham Museum
A Woman’s Life in Frontier Birmingham

Have you ever wished you could glimpse what life was like when the first settlers lived here in the 1830s? Surprisingly, some of those early homes still exist, such as the Hiram Daniels House, built in the early 1830s. It is considered the second oldest house in Birmingham (after the Birmingham Museum’s John West Hunter House) and was on their parcel of land located in the area of Pierce and Lincoln.

Hiram and his wife Rhoda Bingham Daniels worked hard to build the farm and raise their family in the new settlement, and lived out their lives here (both are buried in Birmingham’s Greenwood Cemetery). A recent donation to the museum of letters and poems by Rhoda Bingham Daniels opens a window into the hardships faced by women and families at that early time. A sense of a woman’s life on the Birmingham frontier is part of the museum’s 2020 exhibit , “ Beyond Suffrage: Empowering Birmingham’s Women .” 
While the museum is closed to the public, you can experience a peek at the exhibit (and behind the scenes) by checking out our video shorts on our YouTube channel or website .

We also feature exhibit-related content on our Facebook and on Twitter . If you have a question for us, we want to help! Contact us at 248-530-1682 or museum@bhamgov.org .
April News from The Baldwin Library
For the health and safety of our community, the Baldwin Public Library will remain closed to the public until further notice. 

  • All Library programs have been cancelled through May 15.
  • At this time, we are no longer accepting materials returns or donations of used items for the Friends of the Baldwin Public Library. 
  • Late fees on items due will be waived until four weeks after the Library reopens to the public.
  • If you have any questions or concerns, please contact Library Director Doug Koschik at 248-554-4681.

While the Library is closed, we are available virtually. You can sign up for a library card and see all the ways you can use the library from your home .

For more information visit www.baldwinlib.org
Next: A Community Center for Boomers & Beyond
During uncertain times, Next is letting the community know about services offered to bring a smile or helping hand to those in need. Please note you do  not need to be a member of Next to take advantage of their services . See below for a message from Cris Braun, Executive Director of Next.


Next, Your 50 + Community Center
 
As Next navigates these uncertain times, we want to assure you we are here for you and you are not alone!
 
We have put procedures in place to be sure we are able to address your concerns, questions and future needs.
 
Support Services  will continue to be a dependable resource for our community. Medical equipment loans will be available, phones answered and voicemails returned. We will continue to provide information, referrals and comfort to our residents.
 
Outreach  is very important moving forward as so many of our residents live alone or have underlying health concerns. We will be making many well-check phone calls to simply touch base.
 
SMART  bus transportation is running but we are keeping appointments to high priority destinations. Please call 2 - 3 days in advance to schedule a ride.
 
Meals on Wheels  will continue to provide meals to our current clients. If you would like to sign-up to receive meals in the future, please call our office.
 
Next also has a large supply of  Ensure  for you or if someone you know needs additional
nutritional support. We are forgoing the need for a doctor’s prescription for Ensure at this time.
 
Please call our main line at (248) 203-5270 with questions, requests or simply to say hello. We would love to hear from you.
 
Cris Braun
Executive Director
Respond to the 2020 Census

April 1st is Census Day, an important milestone in the Census process. By this date, every home will have received an invitation to participate in the 2020 Census. 

Due to COVID-19, the self-response timeline has been extended to August 14, 2020. The Census Bureau has, however, made it easier than ever to complete your census and ensure an accurate count for your community. 

For the first time, you can choose to complete the census online, by phone, or by mail. To complete your census now or for additional information, please visit   www.2020census.gov .
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.
151 Martin St. P.O. Box 3001 Birmingham, MI 48012
Office Hours: Mon-Fri 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Tel: 248-530-1800