🌱 BCS Parent And Employee Survey + Hwy 280 Reopens After Crash

Happy Saturday, people of Birmingham! Here's what's going on today in Birmingham.

First, today's weather:

Cooler. High: 60 Low: 27.

Here are the top four stories today in Birmingham:

1. On Thursday, Feb. 10, Birmingham City Schools sent out a survey to parents and employees to get input on its proposed 2022-2023 academic calendar. The school district is seeking to determine the timing of its intersession periods for "student enrichment and remediation." Survey respondents will help decide if there will be two intersessions (school year Aug. 8, 2022, through Jun. 9, 2023) or three intersessions, which would extend the last day of school to Jun. 14, 2023. The survey is available online at bhamcityschools.org through Feb. 17. (Alabama's News Leader)
2. A major crash on Highway 280 in Birmingham temporarily shut down all westbound lanes yesterday (Feb. 11), bringing traffic on the road to a standstill for nearly two hours. An overturned vehicle near Grandview Medical Center had blocked traffic on the westbound side of the highway in the morning hours. No reports of injuries or persons involved have been released at this time. (WVTM13 Birmingham)
3. A Birmingham-based non-profit called Fine Arts Find Life (FAFL) is helping local children strengthen their mental health through its "Arts for Expression" program. The creative sessions, which include acting, painting, arts and crafts, dance, and African drumming and chants, are held on Saturdays at the YMCA of Greater Birmingham Youth Center. You can learn more about and register for these free classes on FAFL's website. (WVTM13 Birmingham)
4. Not interested in romance for Valentine's Day weekend? Celebrate "anti-Valentine's Day" instead! If you're looking for something unique to do here in town on Monday, Bham Now recommends taking a solo walk through Birmingham Botanical Gardens, getting your "rage" out at Birmingham Rage Room or Civil Axe Throwing, or indulging in the "breakup cookie" from Church Street Coffee & Books. (Bham Now)

Today in Birmingham:

• Stupid Love Valentine's Ball At The Hive (11:00 AM)
• Princess Tea Party At Dreams Event Boutique (12:00 PM)
• Valentines Gothic Prom By Birmingham Oddities At True Story Brewing Company (7:00 PM)
• Ashley McBryde At Iron City Bham (8:00 PM)

From my notebook:

• Want to buy your own little slice of Birmingham history? A historic 1930s home in the South Avondale/Forest Park area of town has just hit the market at a list price of $474,000. The five-bedroom home is updated and move-in ready. (Birmingham Patch)
• If you love live music, you're sure to find a show you'll enjoy right here in Birmingham! Check out the dozens of upcoming local music events over the next week on The Patch Music Calendar. (Birmingham Patch)
• Local police are still searching for 47-year-old Heather Ruth Harris, a missing woman who was last seen leaving Birmingham Family Dollar 1st Avenue North with an unknown man on Thursday. Officials say Harris has "a mental condition that affects her behavior and judgment." If you have any information that could help locate her, please contact Birmingham Police. (WVTM13 Birmingham)

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Thanks for following along and staying informed! I'll see you soon.

— Kayla Harrison

About me: Kayla Harrison is a Writing Arts professor, as well as a freelance writer for content creation agency Lightning Media Partners. In her free time, you can find her listening to podcasts, writing poetry, and visiting local coffee shops.