Paws to Read

Reading aloud is a great way for new readers ages four and up to practice. And there’s no better audience than one of our canine friends. Come out to the library on one of their upcoming Paws to Read days in December:

Thursday, December 13: Paws to Read with Bentley from 4:30 to 5:30 p.m. Bentley is a Lab/Bernese Mountain Dog mix. He loves a good story!

Monday, December 17: Paws to Read with Reba from 5 to 6 p.m. Reba is a Fox Red Labrador Retriever certified by U.S.A. Therapy Dogs, Inc. She will never interrupt you or correct you – she just listens.

Wednesday, December 19: Paws to Read with Massimo from 3 to 4 p.m. Massimo is a Soft-Coated Wheaten Terrier.  He’s a certified Canine Good Citizen by the American Kennel Club, and he’s hypoallergenic.

Reading slots are available on a first-come, first-served basis at the time of each dog’s arrival.

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Troy Recognized for Supporting Businesses

The City of Troy has been 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 90 other communities across the state.   

“The City of Troy is proud to be a participant in the eCities program and appreciates the University of Michigan Dearborn utilizing eCities to encourage best practices in economic development,” Mayor Dane Slater said.  “Troy is proud to be a five star community and I believe this recognition highlights the value of Troy’s collaborative economic development activities.”

The eCities study analyzed publicly available data from 277 communities from 54 Michigan counties. Researchers focused on the five-year changes in property values, community assets, and tax rates, which can demonstrate the growth, investments and cost of doing business within the community. For example, over the five-year period of 2013-2017, these communities increased their capital assets by an average of 2 percent per year by investments such as street and building improvements, technology, and emergency vehicles and equipment.

“While accounting for only about 15 percent of the cities and townships in Michigan, the 277 communities analyzed are home to 70 percent of the population and 85 percent of the state’s commercial property,” said Tim Davis, director, iLabs. “By analyzing these high-performing communities, our goal is to showcase what cities and townships are doing to spur growth and how we can continue to support their efforts in developing business and encouraging entrepreneurs.”

The City of Troy was acknowledged at UM-Dearborn’s Executive Speaker Series panel discussion on Thursday, November 29.

Troy Library Adds C-Pen Readers

The Troy Public Library has recently added several C-Pen Readers to the Universal Access collection, which is part of the Youth Services Department. This collection, which houses a variety of materials for those with differing abilities, as well as those who work with them, includes many other assistive learning tools.

C-Pen Readers are handheld devices that scan and read text out loud, and are particularly helpful for people with dyslexia, as well as English-language learners. They are available for check-out for three weeks at a time to Troy Public Library cardholders and reciprocal borrowers. Visit troypl.org or call (248) 524-3538 for more information.

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Do You Know an Outstanding Youngster?

Troy Youth Assistance is now accepting nominations for recognition of elementary through high school-age youth who reside in Troy (or attend Troy schools as a schools of choice student) and have made exemplary contributions to the community. You can nominate a youngster in the following categories:

• Exceptional service to others
• Achievement by an individual who has overcome personal challenges and/or set an example for others
• Heroism or an outstanding humanitarian act
• Exceptional service by a club/organization
• Exceptional service by an individual within a club/organization

Honorees will be recognized at the Annual Youth Recognition Awards event sponsored by Troy Youth Assistance on Wednesday, April 17, 2019 at Troy High School.

The deadline for nominations is Friday, January 25, 2019. Visit Troy Youth Assistance or call the TYA office at (248) 823-5095 for more information.

Shop Locally for the Holidays

Get unique gifts while supporting local organizations this holiday season. Shop at:

Creative Endeavors –The Community Center is the place for crafts handmade by Troy’s senior citizens. They are open Monday through Saturday, 10 am to 2 pm, and Tuesday and Wednesday from 5 to 9 pm. Call (248) 526-5145 for more information.

The Friends of the Troy Public Library Gift Shop and the Book Shop – Get gifts for your book-loving loved ones at the library. The Gift Shop is open Monday – Thursday, 12 to 6 p.m., Saturday, 10:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. and Sunday 1 to 4 p.m. The Book Shop is open Saturday 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. and Sunday 1 to 4 p.m.

Troy Historic Village Store – The Village Store offers Michigan-made products, vintage toys, and unique stocking stuffers. Special discounts during the day. For more information, call (248) 524-3570. All proceeds benefit Village programs. The Village Store hours are Monday – Friday, 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.

City of Troy – The City has logo city merchandise available, including shirts, travel mugs, notecards and ornaments. Treat your favorite cook to a “Cops in the Kitchen” cookbook, featuring recipes from the TPD. All proceeds benefit the Troy Police & Fire Benevolent Association. Available at City Hall in the Community Affairs Department, Monday – Friday, from 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.

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