🌱 Birmingham Patch: What You Need To Know Today (Wed, Jan 25)

Hello, everybody! I'm back with your new edition of the Birmingham Patch newsletter. Keep reading for everything you need to know about what's happening in town these days, including updates on...

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But first, today's weather:

Windy, cooler in the a.m.. High: 57 Low: 38.

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Here are the top stories in Birmingham today:

1. Two Alabama restaurants, one chef among semifinalists for 2023 James Beard Awards (AL.com)
2. Fultondale still recovering from tornado that hit city in 2021 (WIAT - CBS42.com)
3. She's making a big difference at Protective, one of Birmingham's largest companies—find out how (Bham Now)
4. Ivey attends ribbon-cutting ceremony for Craig Crisis Care Center (Alabama Political Reporter)
5. After 20 years of decline, BSC struggles to find a way forward (AL.com)
6. Sold-out shows at the BJCC (WVTM13 Birmingham)
7. Brooks and Dunn's Reboot 2023 Tour features concert in Birmingham (Tuscaloosa Magazine)
8. SERVICES (THE BLOUNT COUNTIAN)
9. Milo’s Tea Company building $130 million South Carolina facility, its fourth in US (AL.com)
10. Birmingham school robotics team prepare for field trip to Florida (WVTM13 Birmingham)
11. It’s official: Graymont Avenue in Birmingham will be repaved (WBRC)
12. Some pushing for paid parental leave for state employees (WBRC)
13. Birmingham Hosts its First Training Camp for Activists, Organizers and Peacemakers (Birmingham Times)
14. Alexis Vance: Birmingham Native Excels as Autism Advocate, Scholar, Model (Birmingham Times)
15. 'How He Treated Me That Day … I Felt Overwhelmed With Love' (Birmingham Times)
16. Blanket Fort Hope to hold second annual Restoring Hope Gala (Shelby County Reporter)
17. Civitas celebrating one year anniversary (Village Living)
18. We asked Gen Z'ers what they want in a job—here's what they said (Bham Now)
19. Man arrested for stealing vehicle in Hueytown (WIAT - CBS42.com)
20. Vestavia Author Publishes Children’s Book About Oliver, the Wheelchair-Bound Dachsund (Over the Mountain Journal)
21. ‘Feels Like Home’: Melt Moves Restaurant to Lane Parke (Over the Mountain Journal)
22. state of the city | Homewood: McClusky Touts Charm, Neighborhoods, Businesses (Over the Mountain Journal)
23. Birmingham-area Chick-fil-A restaurants offering free nuggets (WBRC)
24. Ray’s Reign: Well-Known Real Estate Leader Is 56th Annual Beaux Arts Krewe Ball King (Over the Mountain Journal)
25. 🌱 Teachers In The Trenches Award Recipients + Hoover Native Named DA (Patch)
26. Birmingham Restaurant Week is Jan. 26-Feb. 4—everything you need to know (Bham Now)
27. Former Mr. Burch Formal Wear site downtown sells (Birmingham Business Journal)
28. Trussville BOE receives update on superintendent search, recognizes several VIPs in packed meeting (Trussvilletribune)
29. UAB Smell and Taste Clinic opens (Birmingham Business Journal)
30. Woodfin appoints Mashonda Taylor to replace Birmingham Water Works Board member who resigned (AL.com)

Today in Birmingham:

From my notebook:

• James Spann: "The Panhandle of Texas…Lake Meredith. Photos from Darlene Thomas." (James Spann via Instagram)
• James Spann: "Panama City Beach this evening… photo from Dawn Whitten" (James Spann via Instagram)
• James Spann: "Jasper, Arkansas this afternoon… photo from Cody Raines" (James Spann via Instagram)
• James Spann: "Turbulent clouds over Northwest Alabama this afternoon" (James Spann via Instagram)
• James Spann: "From @robtaylorphotography “The comet Comet C/2022 E3 (ZTF) was visible with the aid of binoculars before dawn this morning. An emerald green beauty! Photo from Lake in the Woods, near Trussville.”" (James Spann via Instagram)
• James Spann: "Snow this morning at Lubbock, Texas… Photos from @elilombardo62" (James Spann via Instagram)
• James Spann: "Song Of The Night 1.24.23" (James Spann via Instagram)
• US National Weather Service Birmingham Alabama: "Jan 24 5:30p: Windy and rainy conditions will take shape tonight across Central Alabama. Winds could gust as high as 45 mph, especially in higher-terrain and exposed areas. This could result in instances of downed trees/branches. Secure ..." (US National Weather Service Birmingham Alabama via Facebook)
• US National Weather Service Birmingham Alabama: "⚠ Hazard: Strong wind gusts up to 45 mph tonight into Wed 💥Impacts: Downed trees/limbs, relocation of unsecured outdoor objects, few power outages possible 📝Actions: Secure all loose outdoor objects, such as trash cans, patio furniture..." (US National Weather Service Birmingham Alabama via Facebook)
• James Spann: "Morning views after the overnight rain…" (James Spann via Instagram)
• The University of Alabama: "Congrats + #RollTide to all 12,791 students enrolled during Fall Semester 2022 who were named to the dean’s list with an academic record of 3.5 (or above) or the president’s list with an academic record of 4.0 (all A’s)! 💯 These driven ..." (The University of Alabama via Facebook)
• US National Weather Service Birmingham Alabama: "Jan 24 9:15p: Most everyone gets rain, gusty winds, and perhaps a few rumbles of thunder tonight. A threat for severe storms exists across the southern part of the state. Here's a look at radar as of 9:15 pm showing this eastward-moving ..." (US National Weather Service Birmingham Alabama via Facebook)
• Birmingham Fire and Rescue Service Department: "Today the Birmingham Fire & Rescue Service would like to highlight Firefighter Christian Graham from Station 1 and Sergeant Austin Graham from Station 27. These brothers decided to make public service a family business. Thank you for the..." (Birmingham Fire and Rescue Service Department via Facebook)
• Chez Fonfon: "Moules et frites with North African spices✨✨✨ A different preparation with a Moroccan chermoula sauce made of parsley, cilantro, garlic, cumin, paprika and coriander blended together. We add the sauce at the last moment to our Bangs Isl..." (Chez Fonfon via Instagram)
• James Spann: "St Thomas, USVI this morning… photo from @kristienolen3" (James Spann via Instagram)
• US National Weather Service Birmingham Alabama: "The severe threat has ended for today, though rain will continue moving east through the morning and winds will be breezy. Highs today will be in the upper 40s to mid 60s. Tonight, sprinkles and a few snow flurries are possible in the no..." (US National Weather Service Birmingham Alabama via Facebook)
• Alabama Audubon: "Here is a great opportunity if you are on the coast! Our Executive Director, Dr. Scot Duncan, is the special guest speaker for the 2023 Winter Showcase Series presented by Gulf Shores & Orange Beach Tourism on January 31. The topic of th..." (Alabama Audubon via Facebook)
• US National Weather Service Birmingham Alabama: "Radar update at 1:08 AM: Showers and thunderstorms will continue through the state with gusty winds and heavy rain the main threats. Winds could be gusting outside of this area of activity. #alwx" (US National Weather Service Birmingham Alabama via Facebook)
• Tuscaloosa City Schools: "TCS students in grades 3-5 showed off their projects at tonight's Gifted Showcase at TCTA. Project topics included everything from enigmas and the study of Ancient Greece to human anatomy and a passion project on horses. Way to go, gifte..." (Tuscaloosa City Schools via Facebook)
• Birmingham Children's Theatre: "Don't Tell Me I Can't Fly, based on the childhood of artist Della Wells opens soon on our main stage! We can't wait for you all to come and see this awesome cast bring this story to life thanks to this great creative team! Tickets are on..." (Birmingham Children's Theatre via Facebook)
• Birmingham Police Department, Alabama: "Start the new year off with a new career and even brighter future at BPD. The Birmingham Police Department is offering a $5,000 hiring bonus for new and lateral officers. Apply today by contacting our hiring team at (205) 254-1712 that w..." (Birmingham Police Department, Alabama via Facebook)
• Birmingham Public Library: "The Central Library's 3rd floor is currently undergoing repairs but still remains open to our patrons! The Fiction department is open for patrons to enjoy & the Business, Science, & Technology catalog is closed off to the public for the ..." (Birmingham Public Library via Facebook)
• Birmingham City Schools: "We want to hear from you! Please take the time to fill out the BCS Intersession Survey. The deadline is Friday, February 3, 2023 at 5 p.m. Link: https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/Q9P5F8Q" (Birmingham City Schools via Facebook)
• Heart Gallery Alabama: "Happy National Compliment Day! Today, as we get closer to the end of #MentorMonth, we wanted to take the time to shout out our amazing mentors! We appreciate our dedicated mentors whose wisdom, guidance, and positive examples set our you..." (Heart Gallery Alabama via Facebook)
• Tuscaloosa City Schools: "In honor of National School Board Recognition Month students and administration at The Alberta School of Performing Arts say thank you for the hard work of TCS Board of Education Chairman Eric Wilson." (Tuscaloosa City Schools via Facebook)
• Alabama Symphony Orchestra: "Join us Feb 10 & 11 at the beautiful Alys Stephens Center for Mendelssohn's Italian Symphony. The work famously serves as a musical postcard, documenting his travels through the bustling cities and rolling hills of Italy. For tickets vis..." (Alabama Symphony Orchestra via Facebook)
• James Spann: "Windy in Gulf Shores overnight… to my knowledge nobody was in this thing when it tipped over. Photo from Jennifer Walker" (James Spann via Instagram)
• Communications Team, Alabama Public Health: "Winners of 2023 ‘Share Your Smile with Alabama’ competition announced, third graders’ smiles promote good oral health - The ADPH Oral Health Office announces the winners of the sixth annual smile photo contest for third grade students in..." (Nextdoor)
• Nextdoor Neighbor, Homewood - Ward 1: "People with older houses, what is your power bill like? - I moved into a 1929 1700 sq foot home. My bill is $200-$230 in winter (we have gas heat and gas water tank!!) and $300-$350 in the summer. Our walls have poor old insulation , flo..." (Nextdoor)
• Nextdoor Neighbor, Meadow Brook: "This guy was speeding in BrookHighland Shopping- when I was walking by on the curve, I gave him a look & he literally swerved towards me like he was going to hit me. - Still shaking! And a military vet too?!" (Nextdoor)
• Nextdoor Neighbor, Forest Park-South Avondale: "Missing cat!! - Olive was last seen Jan. 3rd around the corner of 42nd alley south and overlook alley! She’s a ~10lb black and white tuxedo cat. No collar. If you live near forest park and south Avondale, please keep a lookout for Olive ..." (Nextdoor)
• Nextdoor Neighbor, Crestline/Birmingham: "Leads everywhere, - I find we are no longer able to post to our community or City neighborhoods. This is causing me a problem as a poster and I know it is causing problems for neighbors who are not interested in our posts. Also, I am una..." (Nextdoor)
• Lieutenant Nathan Kendrick, Shelby County Sheriff's Office: "SEATS AVAILABLE*** Sheriff's Citizens Academy New Class Registration - Want to learn more about the Shelby County Sheriff's Office? Our Citizen’s Sheriff Academy is a great way to get a more personal look into how the Shelby County Sheri..." (Nextdoor)
• Nextdoor Neighbor, Caldwell Crossings: "Just moved to Caldwell Crossings and have no idea who provides internet in the neighborhood. - Suggestions?" (Nextdoor)
• Nextdoor Neighbor, Eagle Point: "Warning: Beware of LaZBoys warranties when you buy recliners. - I purchased a electric recliner in March of 2020. In August of 2022 the support frame broke. I had to wait 4 months to get a new frame to be repaired. One week after the r..." (Nextdoor)
• Nextdoor Neighbor, Killough Springs: "Trash pick-up (wkly) please help! - I need a point of contact neighbors to complain about my trash not being picked up. I'm paying for a service that's not being fulfilled. I'm fed up." (Nextdoor)
• Nextdoor Neighbor, Meadow Brook: "My 5 yo daughter wants to learn music. - Any suggestions in the area for piano lessons for young children?" (Nextdoor)
• Officer Brian Hale, Hoover Police Department: "Tuesday Thoughts - “We appreciate our SRO every day. Thanks, Officer Katie for all you do for us at the Stone!” - Greystone Elementary School We are grateful to work for such an amazing community. It’s an honor to serve you. #TuesdayT..." (Nextdoor)
• Nextdoor Neighbor, The Point at Oak Mountain: "Hi, my daughter found a dog in FL. - He has no microchip and no one has claimed him. She cannot keep him, but doesn't want him to go to a kill shelter. He is a bit older (probably around 9 or 10) and super sweet. He gets along with other..." (Nextdoor)
• Nextdoor Neighbor, South Roebuck: "Anyone missing a cat?! - It appears to be injured!" (Nextdoor)
• Nextdoor Neighbor, Broken Bow South: "Looking for recommendations for a reputable place to purchase & install an aftermarket car stereo system (w/ Apple CarPlay) for our 2017 Toyota Tundra. - We’ve had good luck in the past with Best Buy at the old 280 location but they don’..." (Nextdoor)
• Nextdoor Neighbor, Redmont Park: "shaba and lady bug’s dad is a veteran who is heading to treatment in the next few days. - they are looking for a home with a fenced in back yard (& some inside time when it’s rainy or too cold!) for the next six weeks. let me know if you..." (Nextdoor)
• Nextdoor Neighbor, Inverness Applecross: "Making neighborhood junk runs to support my ministry. - Please DM me for more information. Thanks!" (Nextdoor)
• Nextdoor Neighbor, Powderly: "Hey! - I'm using Wonolo and love how easy it is to find work near me. Come join using my referral code: NIKIDAJG0Q9DR, here is the link to the app: https://app.wonolo.com/wonoloers/get_started?r=NIKIDAJG0Q9DR" (Nextdoor)
• Nextdoor Neighbor, Hollywood-Shades Cahaba: "Hi! - We just moved to homewood. We are looking for someone to clean the house. Does anyone have suggestions? Thank you!" (Nextdoor)
• Nextdoor Neighbor, Bryan Estates: "Please spread the word so we can find this pet's family! - FOUND on January 21, 2023 in Mountain Brook, AL 35213 near Old Leeds Rd & Mill Springd Description: Tortoiseshell cat found at Mill Springs and Old Leeds Rd. Spayed but not ch..." (Nextdoor)

You're officially in the loop for today. See you all tomorrow for another update!

— Celeste "Pirate Queen" Wetzel

About me: The original Pirate Queen and QA engineer for Patch. Did you know that this week I have worked at least two fourteen hour days? This sprint has been nuts and the engineering team has been keeping me hopping non-stop. I'm exhausted and very close to needing a vacation.

Have a news tip or suggestion for an upcoming Birmingham Patch newsletter? Contact me at celeste.wetzel@patch.com