Mountain Brook Chamber Of Commerce Luncheon + New COVID-19 Variant

Good morning, Mountain Brook! Happy Saturday! Today we’re bringing you news about:

• How to get free concert tickets from O’Neal Library (while they last)
• A new COVID-19 variant spreading in Alabama
• The Mountain Brook Chamber of Commerce’s annual luncheon

But first, today's weather:

Generally sunny. High: 68 Low: 51

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Here are the top three stories today in Mountain Brook:

1. The O’Neal Library is giving away six tickets to the Alabama Symphony Orchestra’s performance of Prokofiev’s Fifth Symphony on Friday, Jan. 13 and Saturday, Jan. 14. You can claim them by calling or visiting the library’s second floor. (O’Neal Library via Instagram)
2. The Birmingham City Fire Department said it had its busiest year in 2022, responding to a total of 73,007 incidents — which adds up to about 200 calls per day. (WVTM 13)
3. A new COVID-19 variant, known as XBB.1.5, is driving an increase in cases and hospitalizations in Alabama. It’s the most contagious variant yet, according to Dr. Wesley Willeford, the medical director of Disease Control at the Jefferson County Health Department. (WVTM 13)

This weekend in Mountain Brook:

• Saturday: Indoor Track - ICE BREAKER INVITATIONAL VARSITY — B'ham CrossPlex (all day)
• Saturday: Boys Varsity Wrestling at JV Tournament — TBD (9 a.m.)
• Saturday: Young Adult Poetry Workshop with writer Miriam Calleja — O’Neal Library (10 a.m.)
• Sunday: Arrebato: An Under the Mountain Birthday Screening! — O’Neal Library (7 p.m.)

From my notebook:

• The Chamber of Commerce’s annual 2023 luncheon is taking place on Jan. 25, featuring Former City Councilor Alice Womack. (Mountain Brook Chamber via Facebook)
• St. Clair County has declared a State of Emergency over the Moody landfill fire that’s been going for the past six weeks. (WVTM 13)
• Crestline Elementary School held a pep rally on Friday featuring members of Mountain Brook High School football team and local business leaders. (Crestline Elementary via Twitter)

That's it for today. See you all tomorrow for another update!

— Dashiell Allen

Have a news tip or suggestion for an upcoming Mountain Brook Daily? Contact me at mountainbrook@patch.com