🌱 New Fraudulent SNAP Scam + TVYA Introduces "Inside Out"

Hello all! Miranda Fraraccio here with your fresh copy of the Birmingham Patch newsletter, full of all the things you need to know about what's happening locally.

Also, FYI: I wanted to let you know that Patch is looking for a local writer and entrepreneur to take the helm of the Birmingham Patch newsletter and make it their own. We want to pass the torch to someone truly local and in-the-know to write about Birmingham long term. So if you’re interested in earning extra income while making this newsletter a more valuable resource for your neighbors, learn more and apply here.

But first, today's weather:

Mostly sunny and cool. High: 56 Low: 34.

Business owners and marketers in Birmingham: Do you want to build awareness with local customers? I have a limited number of sponsorships available to introduce our readers to local businesses they need to know. Click here to learn more.

Here are the top three stories today in Birmingham:

1. Ensley Social looks to address several community needs by bringing condos, entertainment, and dining to Birmingham. Situated on five acres near 22nd Street and Avenue E, the mixed-use development is set to have neighborhood-inspired architecture and begin next year on Ensley Social. In addition to condos, the development would feature space for living, business incubators, and entertainment. It would also include small business market stalls, a farmers market, food truck stalls, and an amphitheater. With these additions, Easley Social hopes to bolster economic development, food availability, and entertainment in the area. (AL.com)
2. The Alabama Department of Human Resources is warning SNAP users of a new fraudulent text scam. The department alerted users of the new scam last week, warning people to beware of fraudulent text messages that falsely claim SNAP EBT cards are being locked. The text advises users to call a 24/7 support number, prompting them to release their personal information. For anyone unsure about the validity of any SNAP notification, whether by text, email, or phone call, DHR encourages them to contact their county office. (WBRC)
3. "Inside Out" is the next installment of the TVYA (Theatre for Very Young Audiences) series at Birmingham Children's Theatre. Through repetition, rhyme, song, and a lot of audience interaction, this show invites young kids to experience creative storytelling. School performances begin on Thursday, Mar. 30. (Birmingham Children's Theatre via Facebook)

Today in Birmingham:

• Grab & Go For Grown-Ups At Birmingham Public Library (9:00 AM)
• Linda Ellen Price - One Woman Show At Beverly McNeil Gallery (10:00 AM)
• Crafty Monday & Happy Hour At SAW's Juke Joint (11:00 AM)

From my notebook:

• The Junior League of Birmingham is seeking donations for its Little Black Dress Initiative (LBDI) campaign. Donations help the JLB with community projects related to education and culture, economic security, health and wellness, and more! (Little Black Dress Initiative 2023)
• Local Birmingham restaurants saw long lines and boosted revenue thanks to March Madness. Eugene’s Hot Chicken and Mugshots in Uptown were among these businesses, saying the boost is helpful as they are still recovering from the pandemic. “People are coming from all over the place you know, they’ve never been in Birmingham before," said Randall Peterson, Manager at Mugshots in Uptown. (WBRC)
• Did you know Birmingham people have a long history of being on reality TV? Check out AL.com's list of six reality stars that hail from the Magic City, including Anthony L. Williams from "Project Runway." (AL.com)

That's it for today. I'll be back in your inbox tomorrow with your next update!

— Miranda Fraraccio

About me: Miranda Fraraccio is a staff writer for content creation agency Lightning Media Partners. She is a graduate of the University of Rhode Island, where she earned degrees in Writing & Rhetoric and Communication Studies. In her free time, you can find her traveling, drinking tea, or practicing film photography.