If you think the calmer, colder days of February don’t mean headline-making, brain-busting announcements and news, you are definitely mistaken. As we wrap up the second month of 2021, we thought there were some newsworthy happenings in the Magic City that deserved their very own space. Here are just a few of the headlines that got Birmingham’s attention and had us talking this month.
On February 16, the Magic City saw its first (and possibly only) snow of 2021! Image: Zack Sylvan
Local University Crowned #1 Best Large Employer by Forbes
Three cheers for UAB! The university has been a medicine and business mogul since 1969, and their hard work has definitely paid off. On February 9, Forbes released its annual list of the best large employers in America, and our very own UAB took the top spot. This list was based on a survey featuring 50,000 working Americans who were asked to rate their willingness to recommend their own employers to friends and family and nominate organizations other than their own. UAB beat out industry king-pins such as NASA, PayPal, Netflix and Google. Way to go, Blazers!
Firehouse Community Arts Center Launches in Avondale
Now located in Forest Park, Firehouse Community Arts Center has officially opened its doors to the Birmingham community. With a mission to help students of all ages learn and create music, Firehouse Community Arts Center will, without a doubt, continue to enrich the Avondale neighborhood. “We offer a variety of music education programs with scholarship opportunities for the musically underserved students in the community, as well as sustainable employment for Birmingham’s working musicians,” says founder and Executive Director Eric Wallace. Welcome to your new home, FCAC!
RELATED: MAKEbhm: Avondale’s DIY Incubator
The Boys are (Almost) Back in Town
After the heartbreaking cancellation of the 2020 Minor League Baseball season, the Birmingham Barons have officially announced their triumphant return. On May 4, the Barons kick off their season at home with a six-game series against the Biloxi Shuckers. With the return of baseball comes the revitalization that many Birminghamians will be thrilled about: promotional nights! Regions Field once again hosts its fan-favorite Dollar Hot Dog Night on Tuesdays, Wet Nose Wednesdays, Thirsty Thursdays, and post-game firework shows on Fridays. Go Barons!
Three Rare Dragons Born at the Birmingham Zoo
Cue the “awww!” On February 10, the Birmingham Zoo announced the arrival of their new rare Philippine sailfin dragon triplets, affectionately named Ezekiel, Nat, and Tony. According to a Facebook post by the zoo, “Only 12 zoos in the United States have these lizards in their collection. Tony, Ezekiel, and Nat will help keep the zoo population stable as we work to protect and conserve this incredible species.” A big round of applause for the reptile keepers at the Birmingham Zoo!
The Birmingham Zoo welcomes three new babies to their reptile clan! Image: Andy S., Animal Care Professional in Reptiles at the Birmingham Zoo
Food & Wine Names Hero Doughnuts as “Best Doughnuts in Alabama”
We all know Birmingham is booming with culinary expertise, and Food & Wine has taken notice. On February 5, the magazine published its breakdown of the best donut in every state, and the Magic City’s own Hero Doughnuts took the crown. From their delectable flavors to their doughnuts’ incredible texture, this win is no surprise to any Hero Doughnuts fan. Yum — now we’re craving a doughnut!
RELATED: A Groundbreaking Addition to SEC Sports: Meet Candice Storey Lee
Nonprofit ZeroZero Foundation Takes Root in the Magic City
Entry, enrich and enhance. These are the phases of the ZeroZero Foundation. The newly launched ZeroZero Foundation focuses on making sports accessible to all children, regardless of their socioeconomic status. This non-profit organization aims to create opportunities for local children to reach their full potential with sports-related enrichment and educational events. ZeroZero hopes to take the financial strain off of families as they help children become inspired by the sports industry. Congratulations to the ZeroZero team!
**********
To stay in the know on all-things-Birmingham, follow StyleBlueprint on Instagram!
