Birmingham Newsletter 4/22

Hey guys! Davis here. With so many stories, sources, events, and developments happening each day in this blossoming city, I’m here to condense it and give it to you in a quick, easy way that should take no more than five minutes of your time. Just one little pill you won’t even need water for. I'll sum up some important stories, give you some local events, and let you know what's developing around town.

Happy Earth Day! Let’s take a moment to cherish this beautiful state and city that we love so much and that offers so many beautiful natural landmarks. In today’s newsletter we have for you: a new... fun... dare I say revolutionary way of getting around to your favorite spots in Birmingham, along with local leaders taking action in pressing national issues, and much more.

Weather:

Today will be cool again, so be sure to pack a sweater. Fortunately, the sun will be shining and should bring some warmth, but the high is only 66 with a low of 45.

Top Stories:

Have a blast getting around town with new shared bikes and scooters now available in Birmingham. Veo, an Illinois-based company with a presence in many cities around the nation, began operations on Sunday. Veo will deploy as many as 500 devices in the first 90 days of operations. Michael Seale has more details about how to take advantage of this new and exciting development.

On Tuesday we received the news that Derek Chauvin was found guilty on all counts for the murder of George Floyd, and Birmingham leaders such as Mayor Woodfin and Rep. Terri Sewell (D-Alabama) reacted to the news with hopeful yet realistic takeaways, knowing the work is far from over. Alabama House Democrats are backing that sentiment up, saying they will “continue rolling out bills aimed at holding police accountable even if major reforms, such as restricting qualified immunity for police, has an uphill climb before the Republican majority.” John Sharp from Al.com has more on the recent success and future plans for bills to tackle these reforms.

Birmingham City Schools are offering a free summer program for students to cope with the challenges of the pandemic school year by helping students recover from possible learning loss, Michael Seale of Patch writes. School will begin at 8 a.m. from Monday through Friday and masks will be required to be worn in the classroom. Enrollment, meals, and transportation will be free for students. Parents can sign their children up for summer learning programs starting on Monday.

Appointments are no longer necessary to get vaccinated at any of the UAB Medicine Vaccination sites. All those over 16 years old who have not yet received the vaccine are eligible. Vaccination site hours are as follows (via @uabmedicine on Instagram):

- Parker High School: Monday-Friday 9am-3pm

- Hoover Met: M-F 8am-5pm

- UAB Hospital – Highlands: Sunday through Friday 2pm-6pm

- Cathedral of the Cross AOH Church: M-F 9am-1:30pm

Celebrate Earth Day in Birmingham by thinking about some small changes you can make to leave this world in a better place for generations. Caroline Barr of Bham Now has a list of ways to make your lifestyle even just a little bit greener in her article here. From public recycling centers like Birmingham Recycling and Recovery to local conservation groups, there are so many ways to make a difference in your community! My personal recommendation is to get a nice reusable water bottle and start carrying it around with you. You’ll save money, reduce waste, AND you’ll be way more hydrated throughout the day. It’s a win-win and a no-brainer once you realize how easy it can be!

Events:

- The city’s Emergency Rental Assistance Program is hosting a virtual town hall today. If you are a Birmingham resident who has been unable to pay rent or utilities due to COVID-19, this could help. Join their virtual town hall today for details on the program. Call 1-415-655-0002 and enter access code 187 732 5838 to listen in (via @cityofbirmingham).

- Looking for a job? The first virtual Worlds of Work event is today from 10am-2pm, hosted by Central Six Alabama Works! The event is set up to introduce you to local employers and learn about the variety of quality career paths available for anyone out of high school.

- Take a beautiful walk into nature with some real professionals with Southeastern Outings Weekday Leisurely Mountain Laurel Stroll today at 9:00 am.

- AHSAA soccer playoffs start today for Class 1A/3A, 4A/5A and 6A. 7A will play on Monday.

- If you’re up early enough, or are just interested in the happening itself, Leada Gore from Al.com has a guide to the Lyrid Meteor Shower, which you can find here.

Patch Birmingham Notebook:

- Midfield Fire Chief Donald Jones dies unexpectedly on his lunch break at age 59. Jones had spent 26 years in Birmingham and worked his way up to assistant chief for Birmingham Fire and Rescue Service, before retiring in 2020 and being hired as chief of Midfield just two weeks later.

- Birmingham Launches Citizen Review Board to Oversee Public Safety, Michael Seale writes. The Mayor's actions are a direct response to the recommendations from the City of Birmingham's Public Safety Task Force and national calls for re-imagining public safety. In essence, the board will review complaints of police misconduct in Birmingham, and Woodfin said members will have subpoena power as they investigate matters the incidents.

- The Birmingham Civil Rights Institute will offer 100 hours of free mental health workshops in May to cope with trauma from the George Floyd trial. The workshops will be led by licensed mental health professionals. If you’re interested, Greg Garrison of Al.com has more about the workshops here.

- Bottega opened up indoor dining this week with one Bottega Bham menu. Operating hours are 11am-9pm (curbside, 11:30am-9pm), Tuesday-Saturday. Patio dining and curbside service will continue. Please visit resy.com or call us (205) 939-1000 to make reservations for up to 6 guests at a table.

You’re all caught up! We'd love to hear from you! Please send us your feedback and point us towards any events or happenings that you think people should know about. I'll be back tomorrow! Enjoy your day and take advantage of all this wonderful city has to offer.