OU Professor Wins Big

A project that is part of a new scientific wave that could revolutionize the electronics industry has earned Dr. Wei Zhang, an assistant professor of physics at Oakland University, the National Science Foundation’s Faculty Early Career Development Program Award.

The award is presented annually to non-tenured faculty who have demonstrated the potential to serve as academic role models in research and education, and to lead advances in the mission of their department or organization.

Over a five-year period, Zhang will receive approximately $500,000 from the NSF, which he plans to use to explore how a material’s quantum properties, either natural or artificially engineered, can be utilized effectively to enhance future electronic device performance.

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Community Center Card

Stop by the Community Center to receive a “Community Center Card” or renew your current Community Center card. Proof of residency is required. Cards are renewed annually.

Cardholders can participate in a variety of city-sponsored programs, special events and other programs. Your free Community Center Card may be obtained only at the Community Center.

Meals on Wheels Delivery Drivers Needed

You can make a difference in just an hour a week through Meals on Wheels. Meals on Wheels is a nation-wide program that delivers nutritious, well-balanced, and affordable meals to home-bound seniors Monday through Friday.

The starting point for Meal Delivery in Auburn Hills is the Auburn Hills Community Center, where volunteers pick up meals and deliver them to home-bound seniors designated on each route. These deliveries include a hot meal, a smile and a daily visit and wellness check on a member of our community. For some, this may be the only visit they receive that day.

Fill out the application online or download it. Then, return it by email to AuburnHillsVolunteer@auburnhills.org, mail, or drop it off at the Auburn Hills Community Center.

For more information, please contact Cristina Rau or Natalie Stasyk at 248-370-9353.

Friends,

My heart is happy.

I’m a huge advocate for volunteerism. It’s a huge, satisfying part of my life.

With it being Martin Luther King Jr. Day, seeing all the volunteering and giving opportunities makes me proud to be in these communities. While I’m not going to pretend to understand the depth and breadth of what Dr. King means to the African-American community, I truly admire the movement to create something special in his memory. I think that’s one of the most profound legacies a person can leave in this world.

In talking with my aunt last week, she said something that resonated with me: To whom much is given, much is expected. I agree. I’m no millionaire, but I certainly can’t complain about my lifestyle. My family is safe, warm and fed. We have access to doctors and teachers. Life is good.

But others aren’t so lucky.

Time is free and it’s the most important thing you can give. I encourage you to get out there this week, and every week, and lend a hand where you can. You don’t even need to be formal about it. Grab some paper and markers and make cards for kids in the hospital. Pick up litter at your local park. Start a pay-it-forward the next time you’re in the drive thru.

It’s all about kindness, folks. And it’s the least we can do.

Stay warm,

Rebecca

State of the Community

The Auburn Hills State of the Community is a great way to start the new year by meeting more than 250 community leaders and business professionals.

Auburn Hills Mayor, Kevin McDaniel will provide a look at accomplishments from 2019 and upcoming initiatives rolling out in 2020. The Chamber of Commerce will also give updates.

The presentation is Thursday Jan. 30, at 8 a.m. in the Oakland Center at Oakland University. Click for more information or to register.

Fitness Room

If your New Year’s resolution included fitness, listen up. Auburn Hills residents can work out in the fitness room at the Community Center for free.

The Fitness Room includes treadmills, elliptical machines, a multi-station strength machine, stationary bike and more. Showers and lockers are available, so bring your own lock. Children 12 and under are not allowed in the Fitness Room. Those aged 13 to 17 must be signed up for the Teen Fitness Program to participate. A Corporate Fitness Card is available for those who work in Auburn Hills for $100 annually.

Into No Man’s Land: A Historical Memoir

Author Irene Miller, Holocaust survivor and educator, will take you under the open skies of No Man’s Land on a survival journey of determination, courage, perseverance and the power of the human spirit. The talk is slated for Saturday, Jan. 25, at 1 p.m. at the library. The book, Into No Man’s Land: A Historical Memoir, will be available for purchase at the program. Registration recommended.

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Did You Know?

Did you know the city has a blog? Check it out to learn more about what’s going on in the community. The most recent post is about the census, the questions you’ll be asked and more.

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

Martin Luther King Jr. Day

Join in a community-wide celebration in honor of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Enjoy a continental breakfast, courtesy of Harbor Chase of Auburn Hills, and hear special remarks from guest speakers and city officials.

The event is Monday, Jan. 20, at 8:30 a.m. at the Community Center.

The theme this year is Operation Cover Me. After the program, participant will gather in the gymnasium to make flannel tie blankets for those in need at the Grace Centers of Hope homeless shelter. Blanket donations will also be accepted.

Battle of the Books

The Auburn Hills Public Library is hosting a battle of the books for adults. The library is partnering with Orion Township Public Library and the Clarkston Independence District Library to hold its first Adult Battle of the Books program on Thursday, April 16. This program is designed to encourage reading all types of literature and recognize those who like to read; after all, why should kids get to have all the fun? Sign up is open now. Watch social media for more information.

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Writing Contests

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.

Oakland County Directory Cover Art Contest for High School Students Deadline Extended

The deadline for the Oakland County Directory Cover Art Contest has been extended to Jan. 13, giving students time to enjoy their winter break.

Oakland County Clerk/Register of Deeds Lisa Brown previously announced an art contest for high school students residing in Oakland County to design the cover of the 2020 Oakland County Directory.

The theme of this year’s contest is Oakland County’s bicentennial. All high school students residing in Oakland County are eligible to enter by submitting an original work of art depicting the county’s 200th anniversary.

The winner will have their artwork featured on the cover of the 2020 Oakland County Directory and will receive a $500 prize from VIBE Credit Union. Students under age 18 need a parent’s or guardian’s permission to enter. Each entry must be submitted in a medium that can be reproduced, include a short description (up to 300 words) of how the original artwork was created, specify the medium/media used, and the inspiration behind the work.

Entries will be accepted through Jan. 13, at 4 p.m. Entries may be dropped off in person or mailed to Oakland County Clerk Lisa Brown, Directory Cover Contest, Elections Division, 1200 N. Telegraph Road, Dept. 417, Pontiac, MI 48341. Entries submitted via email will not be accepted. 

All entries must include a fully completed entry form, which can be downloaded from www.oakgov.com/clerkrod, where a complete list of rules is also available.

Give the Gift of Life

The American Red Cross will host a blood drive on Friday, Jan. 3, from 1 to 7 p.m. at the Community Center. Donating blood is one of the most selfless things you can do to help your fellow human beings.

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End-of-Year Donation

If you are considering a last-minute, year-end charity donation, you might consider the Auburn Hills Community Foundation. Citizens and businesses alike make charitable contributions to the Foundation and the monies received are eventually granted directly back into helping those in need in Auburn Hills. A volunteer staff and volunteer board of directors manage the activities of the Foundation and therefore, there is very little expense outside of basic items such as office supplies.

Learn more about the Foundation and how it helps the Auburn Hills community.

Friends,

Finally, the big week is here. And by that, I mean it’s my birthday today.

That’s right, I’m a Christmas baby. Well, nearly anyway. So, beyond the usual excitement of the season, I get to lump in my birthday and the ever clever, “Merry Birthday!”

People ask me how I like having my birthday so close to Christmas and I never know what to say. I’m tempted to ask them how they like being tall or old or a Lions fan, but that just seems snippy. So, I shrug and respond, “I like cake.”

For me, my birthday kicks off Christmas—it’s Christmas Eve-Eve. And it’s time to celebrate. Whatever it is you celebrate, or don’t, this season, know that I wish you all the best. Stay warm. Do something kind. Have fun.

Rebecca

Oakland County Survey

Oakland County Executive David Coulter wants to hear from residents about their top priorities for the new year. His administration released the Oakland County Government’s Citizen Survey 2020, which asks residents to rank what is important to them in terms of jobs and the economy, public health, neighborhoods and housing, roads and transportation, and more.

Please share and encourage your neighbors to take advantage of this opportunity to speak directly to the Oakland County executive.

Blood Drive

A Blood Drive will be hosted at the City of Auburn Hills Community Center on Friday, Jan. 3, from 1 to 7 p.m.

To schedule an appointment, please visit RedCrossBlood.org (Sponsor Code: auburnhills) or call 1-800-RED-CROSS (1800-733-2767) or Denise Deschaine at 313-969-5971.