🌃 Did You See the Northern Lights?🔦

Good morning Birmingham!

In case you missed it, the Northern Lights were actually visible in Alabama this week! There were some incredible sighting from people even all the way down on the coast. See below:

I don’t want to bore everyone first thing in the morning, but I feel compelled to explain briefly why this happens. Basically the sun sends solar flares our way. This creates what’s called a geomagnetic storm. The stronger the storm - the further south of the North Pole the lights get pushed. And Voila!

Let’s get to it.

🎤 The Boy Is Mine Tour

R&B legends Brandy and Monica reunite for The Boy Is Mine Tour at the BJCC this Saturday at 8:00 PM! This marks the first time in decades these two powerhouses have shared the stage, celebrating over 25 years since their iconic Grammy-winning duet that defined a generation of R&B music.

The tour brings together an all-star lineup featuring special guests Kelly Rowland and Muni Long, plus Jamal Roberts. Rowland delivers her Grammy-winning vocals and Destiny's Child legacy, while Muni Long brings her viral hit "Hrs & Hrs" and songwriting credits for superstars like Rihanna and Mariah Carey. This combination of talent promises an unforgettable night of chart-toppers and soulful harmonies.

For Birmingham's R&B community, this represents a rare opportunity to witness music history as two of the genre's most influential voices come together again. Whether you grew up with their '90s classics or discovered them through streaming, this tour delivers nostalgic energy and contemporary star power in one spectacular show. Get tickets and event details

Just Opened!

🍨 Vecchia Gelato & Cafe

Birmingham's sweetest new spot just opened this week, and it's about to become your new favorite escape! Vecchia Gelato & Cafe, which just opened in The Preserve, is a love letter to Italy from Chef Benard and Brianna Tamburello, the duo behind beloved Vecchia Pizzeria.

This isn't just another dessert shop—it's an authentic Italian experience featuring fresh handmade gelato, rich espresso from a full Italian espresso bar, sparkling spritzes, classic Italian pastries, and authentic street food staples that transport you straight to the streets of Rome. The stunning space features a Carrara marble countertop imported directly from Northern Italy and a custom pastry case made in Milan, creating a sleek and elegant atmosphere perfect for savoring life's sweet moments.

Whether you're stopping in for a quick morning cappuccino and cornetto or an evening gelato and Aperol spritz, Vecchia Gelato & Cafe is open 8am to 9pm every single day at 616 Preserve Parkway. After surviving challenges including COVID and Bernie's battle with cancer, the Tamburellos came home from Italy with one mission: to help us all slow down and savor every bite, every sip, and every beautiful moment—and this dreamy new cafe is exactly how they're making that happen! (link)

🧒 Burrow and Bloom

Downtown Birmingham just welcomed an exciting new family destination that's unlike anything else in the city. Burrow & Bloom, created by husband-and-wife duo Sydney and Patrick Foote, is a beautifully designed kids' play village featuring a hand-built, kid-sized Main Street complete with a local business, schoolhouse, reading corner, and playhouse with a functional kitchen.

What sets this space apart from big box play areas is its calm, intentionally-designed atmosphere that encourages imaginative play without the overstimulation—think handmade felt bakery items, educational posters, and cozy reading nooks. Parents aren't forgotten either, with a coffee station, comfortable spaces to relax or take meetings, and a fully stocked diaper changing station with private nursing areas.

Located at 2024 Morris Avenue in the former Heidi Elnora Atelier space, Burrow & Bloom also offers a second-floor event venue perfect for weddings and birthday parties. This is exactly the kind of thoughtful, community-focused business that makes Birmingham such a special place to raise a family! (more)

Woodfin Appoints Former FBI Agent to New Role Birmingham Mayor Randall Woodfin has appointed a former FBI agent to a new position within the city administration, though specific details about the role and appointee's identity have not been disclosed in the initial announcement.

Alabama DHR Working to Release Partial SNAP Benefits The Alabama Department of Human Resources is working to distribute partial Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program benefits to eligible recipients. The department is addressing distribution issues that have affected SNAP benefit delivery across the state.

FAA reduces flights at Birmingham Airport: What travelers need to know The Federal Aviation Administration ordered flight reductions at Birmingham-Shuttlesworth International Airport due to air traffic control staffing shortages during the government shutdown, with airlines required to reduce daily domestic flights by 4-10% throughout the week. Airport officials advise travelers to update contact information with airlines, check flight status frequently, and prepare for additional delays from winter weather affecting parts of the Midwest.

Applications Opening Soon for New Affordable Senior Housing in Birmingham The Housing Authority of the Birmingham District will open its waiting list for Southtown Senior from November 18-21, accepting applications for two-bedroom units at the $42 million facility that opened in June and serves residents 62 and older. The 143-unit complex operates under the Project-Based Section 8 Voucher Program with rental assistance tied to specific units.

Calera Fire Offering Free Smoke Detector Installation, Fire Prevention Education The Alabama Fire College and Calera Fire Department are partnering to provide free smoke detector installations and home fire safety education for qualified Calera residents. The program addresses alarming statistics showing 60% of home fire deaths occur in homes without working smoke alarms, with Fire Marshal Ryan Tallie and firefighters offering escape planning and kitchen safety tips.

SNAP Recipients Will Get Partial Payment in November, Alabama Announces Alabama's Department of Human Resources announced that more than 750,000 SNAP recipients will receive reduced benefits this month following federal notification of a 35% reduction. The partial payments come amid ongoing legal battles between the Trump administration and advocacy groups over food stamp funding during the government shutdown.

New mobile app takes the guess work out of finding local food trucks Kraven allows you to locate where your favorite food trucks are, helping users track down mobile vendors in their area without the uncertainty of not knowing their current location.

Woodfin reshapes Birmingham leadership team ahead of third term Birmingham Mayor Randall Woodfin announced his executive team for his third term, reappointing key officials including Cedric Sparks as chief of staff while creating three new positions. Notable appointments include former FBI Birmingham Division chief Carlton Peeples as deputy chief of public safety and James Fowler as chief of public infrastructure, with all changes taking effect November 25.

Three Former Winn-Dixie Stores Reopen as Food City in Birmingham Metro Food City has taken over former Winn-Dixie locations in Trussville, Fultondale, and Jasper, reopening them on November 6th as part of Winn-Dixie's statewide Alabama exit by 2025. The Virginia-based chain retained most former employees, while two remaining Birmingham-area Winn-Dixie stores face closure by year-end if not purchased.

Grace Klein addresses growing food need The Birmingham-area nonprofit organization is responding to increasing demand for food assistance services in the community. Grace Klein Community continues its mission to address food insecurity as local families face ongoing economic challenges.

How New Deputy Chiefs in Birmingham Are Helping Improve Safety Birmingham police department has appointed new deputy chiefs as part of ongoing efforts to enhance public safety and community relations throughout the city. The leadership changes come as the department continues implementing strategic initiatives to address crime and strengthen police-community partnerships.

📚 Storytime at the Gardens | Birmingham Botanical Gardens | 11/14 | More
Join with your preschooler for outdoor stories in the Southern Living Garden, promoting reading, creativity, and nature connection.

🎄 All is Bright | Lane Parke | 11/14 | More
Ring in the holidays with a festive tree lighting ceremony featuring Santa, drinks, pop-ups, DJ entertainment, and fun kids' activities for the whole family.

🎄 Deck the Heights | The Heights Village | 11/15 | More
Free family event featuring arts, shopping, violinists, face painting, the Grinch, train rides, inflatables, food, beverages, music, and Santa.

🎅 Christmas Bazaar at Birmingham Festival Theatre | Birmingham Festival Theatre | 11/16 | More
Shop local vendors, enjoy holiday treats, and snap pictures with Santa at this free holiday market from 11AM–4PM.

🎭 NUTCRACKER! Magical Christmas Ballet | Alabama Theatre | 11/16 | More
Share the joy of this spectacular holiday experience featuring an international cast, whimsical puppetry, and magical Christmas ballet performances for the whole family.

🛍️ Bestavia Bazaar 2025 | Keller Williams Vestavia | 11/15 | More
Join the third annual shopping bazaar featuring local vendors, local food, and unique finds in Birmingham.

📚 What History Teaches: Between Terror and Resilience – Jewish Life in Nazi Germany | Virtual Event | 11/13 | More
An educational program exploring how German Jews navigated persecution and sought dignity amid the relentless terror of the 1930s Nazi regime.

🎤 Joan Osborne & Lisa Loeb in Concert | UAB's Alys Stephens Center | 11/13 | More
An unforgettable evening featuring two iconic voices in American music bringing their signature sounds to Birmingham.

🥂 Glasses Up for Down Syndrome | Speakeasy in Vestavia | 11/13 | More
A spirited evening of craft drinks, live music, and meaningful celebration supporting Down Syndrome Alabama's programs for inclusion and advocacy.

🎤 85 South Show Live Birmingham | The BJCC | 11/14 | More
DC Young Fly, Karlous Miller and Chico Bean bring their wildest comedy show to Birmingham for a night of non-stop laughs.

🎤 85 South VIP Meet & Greet | The BJCC | 11/14 | More
An exclusive opportunity for true fans to connect with the 85 South comedy crew after their show in Birmingham's Uptown Entertainment District.

🧶 2025 Alabama Fiber Festival | Cahaba Brewing Company | 11/14 | More
A weekend celebrating fiber arts with indie vendors, workshops, demonstrations, fiber animals, and activities for makers of all skill levels.

🥫 Central Alabama Food Bank Drive | Asher Point Independent Living | 11/14 | More
Join the community and donate nonperishable food items to help feed local families this season through the Central Alabama Food Bank.

🛍️ So So Spiffy Black Friday & Saturday Sale | So So Spiffy | 11/14-11/15 | More
Your favorite monthly warehouse sale featuring luxury furniture, rugs, sofas, dining tables, and art at below retail pricing from curated collections worldwide.

🎨 MBAA Holiday Small Works Show | Mountain Brook City Hall | 11/15 | More
Browse artwork from nearly 50 local artists at this holiday art show in Crestline Village.

🎭 Whose Live Anyway? | Alabama Theatre | 11/19 | More
The current cast members of the Emmy-nominated TV show bring their hilarious improv comedy tour to Birmingham for an unforgettable night of laughs.