🌱 Patch AM: Why a beloved Birmingham climbing gym is shutting down this month

Morning Birmingham! We've got the scoop on the latest happenings in town. Read on to get looped in. ☕️️

In today's newsletter:

• Why a beloved Birmingham climbing gym is shutting down this month
• How to help Birmingham authorities find this escaped Hoover work-release inmate
• Are your kids’ winter coats quietly defeating their car seats?

Also on today's calendar: Dean and Company Christmas Special at Rojo! and 2 more events.

Today's riddle: What did the windowsill say to the glass? 🤔 (Answer below!)

Weather forecast:

• Monday: Sunny and pleasant, with a high of 63 and low of 53 degrees.
• Tuesday: Decreasing clouds, temps: high: 68, low: 55.
• Wednesday: Partly sunny, with a high of 73 and low of 54 degrees.

📰 News we're reading

1. Beloved rock climbing gym in Birmingham to close doors (al.com) — A long-time Birmingham-area climbing favorite, BhamBoulders in Homewood, will close for good on Dec. 31 after the building was sold and efforts to buy or sell the property fell through. Owners say the nine-year-old gym, which grew out of First Avenue Rocks, became a tight-knit community and thanked local climbers for shaping the space.
   

2. Search underway for inmate who escaped from Hoover work assignment (abc3340.com) — Law enforcement is searching for an inmate who escaped Saturday afternoon from a community work assignment in Hoover while housed at the Birmingham Community Based Facility/Community Work Center. Officials describe the woman, detail her tattoos and clothing, and urge anyone who spots her to call local police or the Birmingham CBF/CWC, warning residents not to approach her themselves.
   

3. Safety experts warn against puffy coats in car seats (wbrc.com) — Birmingham parents are being urged to avoid buckling kids into car seats while they’re wearing puffy winter coats, because the extra padding can compress in a crash and let children slip from the harness. SAFE Kids Alabama recommends removing bulky jackets in the car, turning up the heat, and putting coats back on before heading outside. Their website also offers classes and resources on child passenger safety.
   

4. Students with disabilities find path to independence with University of Alabama program (al.com) — A University of Alabama program called CrossingPoints is helping young adults with intellectual disabilities gain independence through campus life, job training, and tailored coursework, and it’s part of a statewide alliance that includes Horizons School in Birmingham. The story highlights how students build careers, social skills, and confidence while staff work to change community expectations. It also notes plans to expand opportunities and credentials in 2026.
   

5. ALGOP to open 2026 candidate qualifying Jan. 5 (cullmantribune.com) — Based out of Birmingham, the Alabama Republican Party will open 2026 candidate qualifying on Jan. 5, 2026, with filings accepted online or at its Hoover headquarters. The party urges would-be candidates to complete ethics and campaign paperwork first, and highlights key primary and general election dates that will shape control of major state and federal offices.
   

📸 Around Birmingham

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🗓 Upcoming Events in Birmingham

Add your event to our calendar and newsletter!

Sunday December 21

• Dean and Company Christmas Special at Rojo!
  Rojo , 2921 Highland Ave , Birmingham
  7:30 pm

Saturday December 27

• Old City Champs at Rojo!
  Rojo , 2921 Highland Ave , Birmingham
  7:00 pm

Wednesday December 31

• New Year's Eve Music Show at Rojo with the Veeries!
  Rojo , 2921 Highland Ave , Birmingham
  7:30 pm

Saturday January 3

• Candlelight: The Best of Hans Zimmer
  Birmingham Museum of Art , 2000 Reverend Abraham Woods Jr Boulevard , Birmingham
  6:30 pm
• Candlelight: Tribute to Fleetwood Mac
  Birmingham Museum of Art 2000 Reverend Abraham Woods Junior Boulevard Birmingham, Alabama 35203
  8:45 pm

📣 Birmingham Shout Outs!

Want to say something great about someone in town? Click here to submit your Shout Out to Patch AM! It's free!

🗓 Events Nearby

Monday December 22

• Ribbon Cutting: Chaney Esthetics & Beauty
  Chaney Esthetics & Beauty , 3036 Healthy Way, Suite 124 , Vestavia Hills
  10:00 am
• Extensión en Leeds
  1000 Park Dr , Leeds
  3:00 pm
• Design Review Committee Meeting
  City Hall Annex , 113 N Chalkville Road , Trussville
  6:00 pm
• Davenport’s Pizza Palace – Vestavia Hills
  Davenport’s Pizza Palace - Vestavia Hills , 700 Montgomery Hwy Suite 193 , Vestavia Hills
  6:30 pm

Tuesday December 23

• American Red Cross blood drive
  Levite Jewish Community Center , 3960 Montclair Rd , Birmingham
  10:00 am
• Board of Zoning Adjustments
  Leeds, AL Calendar
  5:00 pm

Wednesday December 24

• HOLIDAY HOURS 5 a.m.-6 p.m.
  Levite Jewish Community Center , 3960 Montclair Rd , Birmingham

Have we missed something on our calendar? Add an event yourself! As always, before attending confirm event details to ensure accuracy.

Want to see your business here? Click here to connect with local customers.

💬 Chatter

What your neighbors are talking about on social media

• Update: OWNER FOUND!!!!!!!
  White German Shepherd female found in Eagle Point today, no collar or chip, but very friendly. If this is your dog, please send me a PM. The person… (Nextdoor The Glen at Greystone)
• Hello!
  Is anyone missing this dog. Found him wondering around. Please respond if this is your dog! (Nextdoor Vernon Hill)

• USA Jobs posted a job opening for Customer Service - Self Storage Manager in Birmingham. Apply here.
• Topgolf Entertainment Group posted a job opening for Cook in Birmingham. Apply here. You can search for other jobs near Birmingham here.

Ok Birmingham! So now you're in the loop about what's happening today. Thanks for reading, and see you in your inbox next time! Oh -- and if you like what you're reading, invite a friend to Patch AM!

-- The Patch AM Team

P.S. The answer to today's riddle: I feel your pane.
Got a good riddle for PatchAM? Send it to us!

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