Thursday, May 19, 2011
Nearly three dozen guests visit series of homes during annual 'Progressive Dinner.'
- THE NEIGHBORHOOD FILES
- Alan Stamm
-
Thursday, May 19, 2011
Spring brings out all sorts of scenes — art fairs, flowering foliage, graduation party tents and couples carrying food platters. That last sight emerged in a close-knit neighborhood just east of Poppleton Park last weekend during a yearly "Progressive Dinner." The event combines evening strolls and a potluck meal. Thirty-three participants gathered for appetizers, contributed by guests, at the stately home of Mayor Gordon Rinschler and his wife Geri, a Birmingham school trustee since 1996. An hour later, smaller clusters headed to four homes for sit-down dinners and then regrouped at Margaret Ryan's house for homemade desserts. Guests mingling Saturday over deviled eggs, diverse entrees, salads, wine and cakes included attorneys, auto …
42.55131
-83.213389
Poppleton Park
400 Rivenoak St, Birmingham, MI
/articles/viewfinder-poppleton-park-neighbors-share-food-and-fellowship
1509218
/locations/4337733
Thursday, May 5, 2011
Area firefighters came out to spend time with the kids last Saturday, reading books at Borders and sharing safety tips.
Members of the Birmingham Firefighters Association Local 911 spent some time with area children at Borders April 30, reading books, passing out red balloons and sharing safety tips. Between reading books such as Clifford the Firehouse Dog and Going to the Firehouse, firefighters also worked with Borders employees to put together a display of fire-themed books for kids and parents.
42.54192
-83.20854
Borders Books & Music
34300 Woodward Ave, Birmingham, MI
/articles/viewfinder-birmingham-firefighters-association-meet-and-greet
710842
/locations/4213339
Thursday, April 28, 2011
The Race Relations & Diversity Task Force hosted the breakfast at The Community House Thursday.
There was nearly a full house at The Community House on Thursday morning, as community members came to join the Race Relations & Diversity Task Force at the 12th Annual Diversity Champion Honor Roll breakfast. Thirty-two area residents were honored at the breakfast. Nominees included assistant principal at Berkshire Middle School, Jason Clinkscale, Community House President Shelley Roberts and Barbara Vettel, the program manager for Cranbrook Schools Horizons-Upward Bound. Co-convener for the Race Relations & Diversity Task Force, Rev. Bill Fleming, said that he was pleased with the event's turnout and the caliber of people on the honor roll. "I think this is truly a diverse group of people, coming from so many walks of lives," Fleming …
42.544571
-83.217115
The Community House
380 S Bates St, Birmingham, MI
/articles/viewfinder-diversity-champion-honor-roll-breakfast
710880
/locations/4168678
Thursday, April 21, 2011
Neighbors' yearly tradition draws a crowd, even with damp lawn and overcast sky.
- THE NEIGHBORHOOD FILES
- Alan Stamm
-
Thursday, April 21, 2011
"Dress for the weather," said Easter Egg Hunt invitations distributed by young moms Lisa Kelley and Christa O'Dell for their neighborhood's 15th annual Easter Egg Hunt in Poppleton Park. That prudent pointer brought out slickers, wellies, gloves and hats last weekend after a morning downpour ended in time for the festivities. Overflowing baskets mattered more than an overcast sky for more than 100 colorfully garbed youngsters scooping up pastel plastic eggs. And for parents remembering nastier weather during past hunts, Saturday's scramble was . . . well, a walk in the park. "It was snowing a lot of years," said Patrick Deighan. "One year we drove up, had 20 seconds of getting eggs and then everyone drove off." Ellen Perham, a co-founder …
42.55131
-83.213389
Poppleton Park
400 Rivenoak St, Birmingham, MI
/articles/viewfinder-easter-egg-hunt-brightens-poppleton-park-with-colors-candy-and-children
1509218
/locations/4070964
Thursday, April 14, 2011
Now through May 6, the Birmingham Bloomfield Art Center will be featuring the submissions to the statewide art competition.
When looking for a bit of color or inspiration in life, the Birmingham Bloomfield Art Center (BBAC) has just the cure — an exhibition full of works of art by over 100 area artists who competed in the 30th annual Michigan Fine Arts Competition (MFAC). The exhibition will be on display through May 6 and is free to the public. Artists from over 50 Michigan cities have work currently showcased at the BBAC, with pieces ranging in size, color and medium. The grand prize went to Liz Davis of Ann Arbor, who won $5,000. The recipient of first, second and third place respectively were Sandy Rice of Troy, Heather Kelly of Bloomfield Hills and Stephen Palmer of Commerce Township.
42.531985
-83.244964
Birmingham Bloomfield Art Center
1516 S Cranbrook Rd, Birmingham, MI
/articles/viewfinder-area-artists-on-display-as-part-of-the-michigan-fine-arts-competition
711140
/locations/4042632
Thursday, March 24, 2011
Even though there are still snow piles around the city, plants are sprouting and window displays are brightening.
March 20 was the official start of spring and since then Birmingham has been greeted by a thunderstorm, ice storm and snow flurries. The good news is that in spite of the snow piles and icicles still visible in many areas throughout the city, there are signs of spring. Birmingham Patch scoured the city to photograph the remainders of winter and the hopeful signs of warm weather being around the corner.
42.54668
-83.21524
Oliver's Trendz
138 W Maple Rd, Birmingham, MI
/articles/viewfinder-first-week-of-spring-begins-with-chilly-weather-signs-of-color
711635
/locations/3784065
42.54667
-83.21573
Caruso Caruso
166 W Maple Rd, Birmingham, MI
/articles/viewfinder-first-week-of-spring-begins-with-chilly-weather-signs-of-color
711359
/locations/3784066
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-83.216275
Anthropologie
214 W Maple Rd, Birmingham, MI
/articles/viewfinder-first-week-of-spring-begins-with-chilly-weather-signs-of-color
1856653
/locations/3784067
42.55131
-83.213389
Poppleton Park
400 Rivenoak St, Birmingham, MI
/articles/viewfinder-first-week-of-spring-begins-with-chilly-weather-signs-of-color
1509218
/locations/3784068
42.545149
-83.217138
Baldwin Public Library
300 W Merrill St, Birmingham, MI
/articles/viewfinder-first-week-of-spring-begins-with-chilly-weather-signs-of-color
711566
/locations/3784069
42.544571
-83.217115
The Community House
380 S Bates St, Birmingham, MI
/articles/viewfinder-first-week-of-spring-begins-with-chilly-weather-signs-of-color
710880
/locations/3784070
Thursday, March 10, 2011
In our tough economy, author Laura Lee discusses her book on frugality as part of Baldwin's Writers Live program.
Times are tough, but author Laura Lee contends that living frugally and challenging society's perspective on success is not only acceptable, but a lifestyle to be embraced. Lee is the author of Broke is Beautiful: Living and Loving the Cash-Strapped Life and was the latest speaker in Baldwin Public Library's Writers Live! program Tuesday evening. Lee spoke to a small audience of librarians and community members Tuesday night about embracing a life of minimalism and not getting trapped by credit card debt and inflated lifestyles. Lee stressed the importance of finding success in who we are as people rather than by how much money we make. “Rich isn’t ugly, it just isn’t a measure of your worth,” she said. “Being poor doesn’t mean you’re the …
42.545149
-83.217138
Baldwin Public Library
300 W Merrill St, Birmingham, MI
/articles/viewfinder-author-visits-baldwin-to-speak-on-living-and-loving-the-cash-strapped-life
711566
/locations/3650525
Thursday, March 3, 2011
We visited Sweet Earth to get the scoop on this new Birmingham business and their healthy ice cream alternatives.
It may still be cold outside, but that's no reason to shun cold treats. In July, another sweet treat was added to downtown Birmingham's lineup. Sweet Earth is a frozen yogurt joint that specializes in vegan (animal- and dairy-free) selections and allows customers to enjoy create-your-own, café selection of healthier treats. "It's nice to have something unique for customers with dietary needs,"general manager Renee Hadley said about the variety of health options. The yogurt shop is made up of cafe tables as well as a make-your-own ice cream bar, where customers can pour their own soft serve and help themselves to toppings. Customers decide on size and taste themselves and pay by the ounce. Flavors range from peanut butter to tart blueberry…
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-83.215444
Sweet Earth
141 W Maple Rd, Birmingham, MI
/articles/viewfinder-sweet-earth-brings-sweet-relief-to-birmingham
1780136
/locations/3555205
Thursday, February 17, 2011
La Feast, located on East Maple Road, held its grand opening ceremony Tuesday afternoon.
Though it's been open for more than a month, Birmingham's newest Mediterrean restaurant, La Feast at 297 E. Maple Rd., held its grand opening ceremony Tuesday, serving piles of food to 20-30 hungry customers. Mayor Gordon Rinschler and city commissioners were in attendance for the ribbon cutting ceremony. La Feast also has a location in Royal Oak.
42.546739
-83.212981
La Feast
297 E Maple Rd, Birmingham, MI
/articles/viewfinder-new-mediterrean-restaurant-invites-hungry-diners-to-ribbon-cutting-ceremony
1855276
/locations/3432415
Thursday, February 3, 2011
Between plows and sleds, residents found ways to enjoy their winter wonderland.
About 6 inches of snow fell on Birmingham on Tuesday night and into Wednesday morning, leaving area schools canceled, street parking banned and dozens of roadways turned to slush. However, that didn't stop Birmingham residents. The Department of Public Services took to the streets throughout the night, cleaning most streets by mid-afternoon. The parking ban was lifted and Restaurant Week went on as usual. And kids staved off snow day boredom by visiting the local sledding hill in Booth Park. Birmingham Patch was there to capture it all in photos. Here are some of our favorites:
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-83.217728
Booth Park
North Old Woodward Avenue, Birmingham, MI
/articles/viewfinder-birmingham-takes-a-snow-day
1445078
/locations/3274471
Elaine A McMahon
2:12 pm on Thursday, May 19, 2011
Another great article - loved the photos!!! more ›