Friends,
Welcome to the New Year! I hope you enjoyed the holidays and are ready to take on the Michigan winter.
I don’t consider myself overly techie, but I also don’t think I’m too far behind the times. So, when I received an Apple Watch as a gift, I had no idea what this would mean.
Understand: I grew up watching the Jetsons, Wonder Woman and ALF. We have some amazing technology these days, but I’m still disappointed I don’t have a jetpack.
I was a little floored with my new watch. I had no idea all the things it can do. It even tells me when to breathe. But the most surprising feature to me is the ability to take phone calls ON A WATCH.
I was putting in a load of laundry and my watch started ringing. My husband and I looked around to see who stepped on a kids’ toy only to figure out it was my wrist. I answered it and we talked to a telemarketer for a while just because IT WAS ON A WATCH.
This thing is straight out of the campy Batman show from my childhood. POW! If only it did the laundry.
Bring in the New Year strong.
Rebecca
Blood Drive
The American Red Cross is urging you to “Give Something that Means Something” by making a blood donation. Your blood helps accident and burn victims, heart surgery and organ transplant patients, and those with chronic diseases such as cancer.
Thursday, Jan. 9
9 am to 9 pm
Troy Community Center
Friday, Jan. 10
9 am to 5 pm
Fire Police Training Center
Appointment scheduling is easier than ever with the free Blood Donor App. Donors can use the app to find local blood drives, conveniently schedule an appointment, receive appointment reminders, and track blood donations.
Donors can also still schedule an appointment easily by calling 313-300-9617 or 248-524-1147 or by visiting RedCrossBlood.org.
Walk-ins are welcome, but a photo ID or Red Cross Donor Card will be required at the time of donation. Donors must be at least 17 years old, weigh more than 110 pounds, and be in good general health.
AARP Foundation Tax Aide
On Jan. 31, Free Tax Preparation will be available at the Community Center, Room 301. This program is for adults aged 51 and up.
AARP Tax-Aide volunteers, trained in cooperation with the IRS, will help low- to moderate-income taxpayers, especially those 50 and older, prepare IRS and Michigan taxes.
Appointments must be made at the Friends of Troy Seniors desk or by calling the FOTS office at 248-524-2608.
NERF Wars
On Jan. 18, the library will turn into a NERF battle zone. Nerf Mobile Gaming runs from 6 to 7:30 p.m. and is for students in gradss six through 12.
Join the NERF fun as you run, dodge, dive and blast the competition. From ‘Capture the Flag’ to ‘Eliminator’ to ‘Zombies vs. Humans,’ players will put their physical and mental skills to the test. NERF blasters and darts are provided. Registration required.
Writing Contest
There are two writing contests, designed around Women’s Suffrage, open to Oakland County students.
The idea is a celebration of 100 years of the 19th Amendment. One contest (poetry) is open to students in grades kindergarten through 12. The other is for secondary students and is the creation of a PSA.
The initiative is for Oakland County students only. Cash prizes will be awarded.
