Ferndale – November 25, 2019
Friends,
Last week, I took my first mom-cation. I went to Seattle, and for the most part, traveled around by myself. I had a wonderful time. Beyond the sights I saw and the food, I met some interesting people—Tony the bartender at Rocco’s, Richie the shoe salesperson at Nordstrom, the fish-throwing guy at Pike’s Place.
One of the best things of my profession is how it has made me so curious about people. I’ll ask anyone anything. Usually, I can get some great insight, and at the very least a telling response to my questions.
It was great to get away, but now I’m back and in the throes of the holidays. Thanksgiving in a few days, then we launch into “birthday season” at my house, and of course Christmas.
Be sure to check out Local Business News for some great holiday shopping ideas while you’re looking through the Black Friday ads, too.
From my family to yours, Happy Thanksgiving!
Rebecca
Ferndale Recognized for Inclusive Policies
For the second year in a row, Ferndale received a perfect score for inclusive policies by the Human Rights Campaign Foundation and the Equality Federation Institute—one of four cities in Michigan to do so.
The two foundations developed the Municipal Equality Index, which ranks cities across the United States by examining how inclusive municipal laws, policies and services are of the LGBTQ people who live and work there. Cities are rated based on non-discrimination laws, the municipality as an employer, municipal services law enforcement, and the city leadership’s public position on equality.
Visit a Hindu Temple
Take a guided one-hour tour of the Bharatiya Hindu Temple’s main worship area. The Temple was inaugurated in 1981. Since then, it has grown significantly in terms of activities, building expansion and size of the congregation. Following the tour, lunch is “on-your-own” at the Star of India Restaurant in Ferndale.
The tour is Feb. 27 from 10 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. The cost is $4. Register now.
Holiday Showplace
Whether you’re looking for Christmas gift ideas or in the market for something crafty, come and check out the Holiday Showplace.
Ferndale Parks & Recreation will showcase vendors who specialize in handmade jewelry, art, home decor and so much more.
Bring your shopping lists on Sunday, Dec. 8, from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. at the Kulick Community Center.
Inclusive Holiday Survey
A successful inclusive housing plan is shaped by the community it serves. Help the city shape Ferndale’s plan by taking the inclusive housing survey and share the link with friends and neighbors. The more feedback given, the more meaningful the results.
The Rochester Area Hometown Christmas Parade has been part of the Rochester area for 68 years. The parade rolls down Main Street every year, brought to you by the Rochester Regional Chamber Foundation.
A Rochester favorite, the Kris Kringle Market comes to downtown Dec. 6 from 4 to 10 pm. And Dec. 7 from noon to 10p.m. Visitors can enjoy the food, shopping, entertainment and ambiance of this open-air market, which features handcrafted gifts, holiday decor and specialty foods. For more information call 248-656-0060 or visit 
The Rochester Department of Public Works asks residents who have mailboxes at the road edge to prepare for winter by shaking their mailbox. By giving your mailbox a shake, you can ensure it is solidly in the ground. The initiative is intended to prevent mailboxes from being damaged by snow pushed off the road by snowplows.
The Rochester Historical Commission continues to offer historical markers to celebrate the long-standing heritage of homes and businesses in the City of Rochester that were built before 1969.
The Oakland County Small Business Saturday Contest is back. Shop at Troy small businesses on Nov. 30, and you could win one of three prizes:
The Troy Police Department is selling T-shirts featuring Pawfficer Donut, police cat, to raise money for local charities. Proceeds from the sales of the shirts benefit HAVEN, Oakland County’s organization for victims of domestic violence and sexual assault, and Leuk’s Landing, a home for cats with feline leukemia.
Do you know a Clark Griswold? Are you Clark? If so, nominate your friends and neighbors or yourself, for the Best Holiday Decorated Homes and Businesses in Troy awards. Send in your nominations by Monday, Dec. 2, of fabulously decorated homes or businesses, plus the homeowner’s name and phone number, if you have it.
This free, campus-wide event returns on Friday, Dec. 6, from 6:30 to 9 p.m.
The Auburn Hills Teen Council is collecting socks to compete with Teen Councils in surrounding communities for lifelong bragging rights. The sock drive starts at the beginning of the year, with all donations going to homeless shelters. Donations can be made at the Auburn Hills Community Center. All socks must be new.
Sign up now for a DIY macramé plant holder workshop in the Community Room at the library. The workshop is Tuesday, Dec. 17, at 7 p.m.
In 2017, the Auburn Hills “Do Not Knock” ordinance became effective. This allows residents to add their address to a “Do Not Knock” list, which will restrict certain vendors, peddlers and solicitors from door-to-door sales at their homes. The list is provided to any door-to-door salespeople when they apply for a permit to solicit. 
Farmington 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. Farmington was honored as a four-star community along with 178 other communities across the state.
‘Tis the season to be jolly with Holly Days. Celebrate the season from Saturday, Dec. 7 to Sunday, Dec. 8, with free holiday movies, visits from Santa and kids’ events. Merchants will be open for a head start on shopping. Hear carolers, sample hot chocolate and feel the warmth of the holiday season. Top off the perfect day with the Light Up the Grand parade. Find a spot along Grand River Avenue and join in the lighted fun!
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