Are You Using Technology or Is It Using You?

More than 2 billion people have smartphones, and we check our phones on average an incredible 150 times every day. Technology makes our lives easier in so many ways – but what is the cost of our dependence, and our children’s reliance, on screens? LIKE reveals the true effects of technology on the brain and uncovers the impact social media can have on our lives.

Troy Youth Assistance and Troy Tech Talks present a screening of the documentary LIKE

Thursday, Nov. 14, at 7 p.m. in the Troy High School Auditorium, 4777 Northfield Pkwy.

This film is recommended for ages 10 and up. RSVP here.

eCities Research Recognizes Troy for Supporting Business in their Community

Troy was recognized for its successes and efforts in contributing to Michigan’s entrepreneurial growth and economic development in the annual eCities study conducted by researchers at iLabs, University of Michigan-Dearborn’s Center for Innovation Research.

Troy was honored as a five-star community along with 93 other communities across the state.

Troy Police Host Meeting for House of Worship Leaders

Troy Police invite local house of worship leaders and security staff to join together for an annual security meeting for faith-based organizations on Nov. 4, from 9 to 11 a.m. at the Troy Police and Fire Training Center, 4850 John R Road.

Officers will discuss the Troy Police Department’s protocol for responding to active shooter incidents as well as ideas on how houses of worship and police can work together. CodeRED, the city’s new emergency notification system, will also be presented.

The Troy Police Department has held similar meetings for more than seven years and views the annual meeting as an opportunity to address the unique security concerns of houses of worship and connect with local leadership.

Anyone interested in attending the upcoming meeting or hosting a safety presentation at their house of worship should contact Officer Greg Pokley, pokleyga@troymi.gov or 248-680-7223.

Cathleen Russ Named 2019 MLA Librarian of the Year

The Michigan Library Association announced Cathleen Russ is the 2019 MLA Librarian of the Year. Russ received the award during the MLA 2019 Annual Conference Awards Luncheon on Oct. 17 in Novi.

“As we read through the letters of support for Cathleen’s nomination it became clear that she has been a guiding force for Michigan librarians on both a micro and macro level — she has mentored library professionals one-on-one, taught our profession’s fundamentals and ethics in formal classroom settings, coached colleagues at statewide workshops, and advocated for all Michigan libraries on the Board of the Michigan Library Association,” said Juliane Morian, MLA Awards Subcommittee member and Annual Conference Chair. “In short, Cathleen elevates librarianship from occupation to vocation.”

Russ has served as director of the Troy Public Library since 2007. She holds a Master of Library and Information Science degree from Wayne State University and a Bachelor of Arts, Honors, Communications from Loyola University Chicago. She currently serves on the Board of the Michigan Library Association.