Ferndale – October 28

Ferndale – October 28

The dot Gets Further Funding

The Oakland Press reported Oct. 22 that the dot, or The Development on Troy, a $29 million mixed-use development, was approved by the Michigan Strategic Fund Board.

According to The Oakland Press, the five-story structure will feature a 168,000 square-foot parking garage, which will be financed and owned by the city, as well as 40,920 square-feet of retail and office spaces to be financed and owned by Versa Wanda.

 

 

 

Ferndale High School Blood Drive

The need for blood is constant, and only volunteer donors can fulfill that need for patients in our community. Nationwide, someone needs a unit of blood every two to three seconds.

To help contribute to the effort, Ferndale High School is hosting an all-day a blood drive from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. in the Media Center on Oct. 29.

Contact Ms. Oliver at 248-548-8600 for more info.

 

 

 

 

Ferndale VFW Sponsors Scholarship Contest

The VFW is dedicated to promoting patriotism and investing in our future generation. If you are a democracy-loving high school student interested in a $30,000 college scholarship, or a patriotic middle school student interested in winning $5,000, these scholarships may be for you.

Ferndale VFW Post 1407 is sponsoring the local Voice of Democracy and Patriots Pen contests this year. Entries must be submitted by Oct. 31. Finished submissions can be sent to Bill Good at bill.good@ferndaleschools.org.

 

 

Did You Know?

Ferndale kicked off its Inclusive Housing Study in August. City officials will work with the community to define what it means for Ferndale to be a truly inclusive community and to adopt strategies to fulfill that vision. Head to the city’s site for more info.

 

 

 

Rebecca Calappi

Rebecca Calappi

City News Editor

Chief Financial Credit Union, a Perfect Corporate Citizen

Chief Financial Credit Union, a Perfect Corporate Citizen

Chief Financial Credit Union, a Perfect Corporate Citizen

23
OCTOBER 2019
BY REBECCA CALAPPI
LBN Community Series
Rochester
When Ashley Chambers started as a teller for Chief Financial Credit Union, she thought the job was just a way to work through school. Now, 10 years later, she’s the business development manager.

“Life has a way of working out,” she said. “I started at credit unions at 18, but I was immersed in the medical community at Oakland University. Something in the credit union sparked and this felt natural.”

ASHLEY CHAMBERS

BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT MANAGER,
CHIEF FINANCIAL CREDIT UNION
As a teller at the Rochester branch, she was close to Oakland University, so the job was a good fit. After graduating with her degree in nuclear medicine, she felt a tug toward Chief Financial.

She found a business relationship specialist job online with Chief Financial and applied. When she came in for the interview, the CEO remembered her.

“I was welcomed back with open arms. They said this was perfect—Go out in the community and make people ambassadors of Chief,” Chambers said.

Advancing quickly to manager, her job still takes her into the community to educate people on financial literacy and health.

“Our corporate social responsibility is a foundation at Chief,” said Chambers. “We were originally in Pontiac since 1941 and affiliated with GM. The running joke was we were founded out of a toolbox.”

In 2015, the corporate headquarters moved to Rochester with branches in Pontiac and Dearborn.

“We really wanted to become a part of this community, so we became the official credit union for Rochester University and Leader Dogs,” said Chambers. “And we make sure our employees volunteer there. The more or community thrives, we thrive. We hit the floor with roller blades.”

As business development manager, she looks for opportunities within the community, specifically related to health and finances.

Chief Financial sponsors the Bark and Brew as well as the Hometown Hustle.

“It’s important to make sure that what we’re delivering in the community is what they feel when they walk in a branch,” she said.

One of her favorite aspects of her job is educating young people on financial literacy.

“I’m from a little city where paycheck to paycheck is the norm. I realized none of the people I went to high school with know this [had financial literacy]. It’s important to me to reach as many people as we can,” she said.

Chambers continued, “For high school and college kids, it’s important for them to understand the importance for financial literacy and to build trust. You can’t have a good working membership relationship with trust.”

When she’s in the community, she uses stories from real people, and even herself, to help deliver the message.

“I feel life experiences really drive points home. It’s easy for me to pull up a member story and tell them how they came through. The big thing is to not make it scary. We’re laying the foundation now. Nobody deserves to live paycheck to paycheck. It’s our relationship that we have built with them that sets them up for the long haul.”

Chambers is as dedicated to the community as her employer.

“Our pride is never going to go away in our community. We’re here and we’re never going away. I love what I do, I love interacting with individuals and educating them and empowering somebody in a financial sense,” she said. “They’re loyal to us, we’re loyal to them. We want long standing relationships. We want them to know we are there for them.”

Rochester Branch (Main Office)
800-844-5440

chiefonline.com

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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Farmington – October 21, 2019

Farmington – October 21, 2019

Friends,

We had a beautiful fall day this past Friday, so my kids and I played hooky and went to the cider mill.

The weather was perfect: cool temps, blue skies and the sun was warm on our backs. The apples were plentiful on the trees and the pumpkins were picture-perfect in the fields.

Going to the cider mill is so romanticized in my head. I always think about how cute I’ll look in flannel and boots; how adorable my kids will be running through the orchard; how wholesome we’ll be out in nature gathering our food. In reality, I look like an actual farmer (not the goal), the kids are running because they’re afraid of bees and our farm-to-table apples cost a whopping $26 for a half of a bushel. The doughnuts are even insanely expensive at nearly $9 a dozen.

But some aspects of the cider mill are priceless, such as convincing my kids we have to pick doughnuts off the trees because they’re best when fresh. They weren’t 100% persuaded, but they didn’t want to take any chances either, so they saved a produce bag just in case we rolled by any doughnut trees.

It’s always best to be prepared.

Rebecca

Public Safety Commander Morche Graduates from Staff and Command Program

The Farmington Public Safety Department announced Commander Andrew Morché graduated from the Eastern Michigan University School of Police Staff and Command Executive Leadership Program on Friday, Oct. 11.

Commander Morché, a 14-year veteran with the public safety department, served in the Patrol Division and the Special Operation Unit before being promoted to sergeant in 2014 and commander in 2016. He is currently assigned as a Patrol Division commander. He holds a bachelor’s degree in criminal justice from Ferris State University, a master’s degree in management and leadership from Webster University and he is a graduate of the Schoolcraft College Police Academy. Commander Morché has received numerous awards and citations including Officer of the Year in 2013.

The Eastern Michigan University Staff and Command school is an intensive program consisting of 350 hours of classroom instruction over 10 months geared toward police management. EMU’s School of Staff and Command has a reputation for excellence and is supported by quality instructors and law enforcement management professionals.

 

Haunted Farmers Market

On Saturday, Oct. 26, the farmers market at Riley Park will transform into a delightfully spooky place to be. The fun kicks off at 9 a.m. and runs through 2 p.m.

 

Community Sings with Matt Watroba

Matt Watroba will lead you and your family in an evening of song. Sing along, bring a song to share, or just listen. Registration requested. The event kicks off in the Main Library Auditorium on Tuesday, Oct. 29, at 7 p.m.

 

Ladies Night Out

Ladies Night Out is Nov. 14. Grab your girlfriends and head downtown from 5 to 9 p.m. at participating businesses including Clothes Encounters of Farmington, Farmington Brewing Company, Sidecar Slider Bar – Farmington, The Vines Flower and Garden Shop and more.
See DowntownFarmington.org for participating merchants and details.

 

Rebecca Calappi

Rebecca Calappi

City News Editor

Ferndale – October 21, 2019

Ferndale – October 21, 2019

Friends,

We had a beautiful fall day this past Friday, so my kids and I played hooky and went to the cider mill.

The weather was perfect: cool temps, blue skies and the sun was warm on our backs. The apples were plentiful on the trees and the pumpkins were picture-perfect in the fields.

Going to the cider mill is so romanticized in my head. I always think about how cute I’ll look in flannel and boots; how adorable my kids will be running through the orchard; how wholesome we’ll be out in nature gathering our food. In reality, I look like an actual farmer (not the goal), the kids are running because they’re afraid of bees and our farm-to-table apples cost a whopping $26 for a half of a bushel. The doughnuts are even insanely expensive at nearly $9 a dozen.

But some aspects of the cider mill are priceless, such as convincing my kids we have to pick doughnuts off the trees because they’re best when fresh. They weren’t 100% persuaded, but they didn’t want to take any chances either, so they saved a produce bag just in case we rolled by any doughnut trees.

It’s always best to be prepared.

Rebecca

Leaf Pick-Up Begins This Week

The Department of Public Works announced Ferndale’s annual curbside leaf pickup program begins this week and runs through the week of Dec. 2.

The City provides complimentary curbside leaf pickup to residential streets each fall between mid-October and the beginning of December. Every street receives pickups according to the east-west schedule. Get the schedule here.

 

Ferndale Bans Conversion Therapy

Ferndale City Council voted unanimously at the Oct. 14, meeting to enact an ordinance banning the practice of conversion therapy within the city limits. The act will now be classified as a misdemeanor, with violations punishable by up to 93 days jail time and a $500 fine.

The practice of conversion therapy has been classified as harmful by the American Medical Association, American Counseling Association, National Association of Social Workers, American Psychological Association, and a number of other accredited and highly-regarded professional organizations.

The ban will go into effect once the ordinance has been published.

School Millage Meeting

This spring, Ferndale Public Schools will have two items included on the ballot: a 0 mill bond proposal and a Non-Homestead millage renewal.

Please note that if either or both of these measures were approved by the voters, it would result in no increase to the current tax rate.

A community informational meeting will be held on Wednesday, Nov. 6, at 6:30 p.m., at Ferndale High School where voters can get the details. Click here for the basics of the millage.

 

Trunk-or-Treat

Ferndale Parks and Recreation is collaborating with Renaissance Unity this Halloween for a super fun Trunk-or-Treat event.

The dance party starts promptly at 11 a.m. in the Gymnasium, followed by trunk-or-treating at noon. If you would like to decorate your trunk for this event, please sign up using the registration link or contact the community center.

Candy donations will be accepted at the center. All donations must be already packaged, homemade items will not be accepted.

Prizes will be given out for best-decorated trunk and best costume, so dig deep into your Halloween spirit. Register here for the event and register your car here.

 

 

Rebecca Calappi

Rebecca Calappi

City News Editor

To share your news, announcements, and events, please email citynewseditor@localbiznews.net
Birmingham – October 21, 2019

Birmingham – October 21, 2019

Friends,

We had a beautiful fall day this past Friday, so my kids and I played hooky and went to the cider mill.

The weather was perfect: cool temps, blue skies and the sun was warm on our backs. The apples were plentiful on the trees and the pumpkins were picture-perfect in the fields.

Going to the cider mill is so romanticized in my head. I always think about how cute I’ll look in flannel and boots; how adorable my kids will be running through the orchard; how wholesome we’ll be out in nature gathering our food. In reality, I look like an actual farmer (not the goal), the kids are running because they’re afraid of bees and our farm-to-table apples cost a whopping $26 for a half of a bushel. The doughnuts are even insanely expensive at nearly $9 a dozen.

But some aspects of the cider mill are priceless, such as convincing my kids we have to pick doughnuts off the trees because they’re best when fresh. They weren’t 100% persuaded, but they didn’t want to take any chances either, so they saved a produce bag just in case we rolled by any doughnut trees.

It’s always best to be prepared.

Rebecca

Enjoy the Smooth Sounds of Jazz Day

Listen to Alexander Zonjic & Friends featuring 12-year-old keyboard sensation Justin Schultz and the Motown Sounds of Phase 5 on Thursday, Nov. 7, at 7:30 p.m.

General Seating tickets are $50 including after-glow. Seats for $100 include the pre-glow exclusive reception with Alexander and the cast.

The concert will take place at The Community House at 380 Bates Street. All proceeds benefit The Community House. For more info call 248-343-5611.

 

 

 

 

Did You Know?

Did you know that as part of the Maple Road Reconstruction Project, planned to start next spring, safety improvements include realigning and slightly relocating the intersection of Southfield Road and Maple Road to the west?

Other improvements include installing mast arm style traffic signals as well as widening sidewalks for greater walkability and to be compliant with the American Disabilities Act.

Learn more about the Maple Road Reconstruction Project at www.bhamgov.org/maplereconstruction.

 

 

 

Turkey Shoot Nov. 2

The 6th Annual Turkey Shoot at Lincoln Hills Golf Course takes place Saturday, Nov. 2, at 10 a.m. Bring a frozen turkey and get $10 off your entry fee. Entry fee is $30 per player.

Registration is at 10 a.m., shotgun start is 10:30 a.m. Call 248-530-1670 to register.

 

 

 

 

Vote Nov. 5 on School Millage

The Millage ballot proposal is on the ballot Tuesday, Nov. 5, and will restore, replace and extend the Birmingham Public Schools Operating Millage.
What does the proposal ask?

  • For voters to restore the 18 mill non-homestead (commercial) rate
  • Replace the authorized limit to 21 mills on non-homestead (commercial) property allowing the
  • District to levy the full 18 mills and protect against future rollbacks
  • Extend the voter-approved homestead millage rate of 14.24 mills through 2028

 

Election day is Tuesday, Nov. 5. Polls are open from 7 a.m. to 8 p.m.

 

Find your voting location at www.Michigan.gov/sos or the Oakland County Clerk’s Office at https://www.oakgov.com/clerkrod/elections/.

 

 

Rebecca Calappi

Rebecca Calappi

City News Editor