Leadership Oakland Selects New Executive Director

Leadership Oakland selected Thomas Sommer to serve as the organization’s new executive director.

“Leadership development is critical to the success of the region. Leadership Oakland has a reputation for attracting talented and passionate people. I’m honored to serve as the new executive director and look forward to helping the program become even more meaningful and impactful,” Sommer said.

Sommer most recently served as the senior director for Corporate and Foundation Relations for Kettering University in Flint. He has more than 20 years of experience in the nonprofit sector.

New VinoTalk Online Now

Wine lovers, be sure to check out the new edition of Vino Talk with John Jonna. This episode features two favorites: pairing wine with cheese.

Autism / Special Needs / Mental Health Awareness Notification Program

The Auburn Hills Police Department, in conjunction with the “One Mind” campaign, now offers the Autism / Special Needs / Mental Health Awareness Notification Program. This program allows residents to provide voluntary information about a person living at a specific address within the community to the police department. The information reported will assist responding officers, so they can respond and communicate appropriately with people who are living with autism, special needs or mental illnesses.

This program is completely voluntary. Residents can register by completing the form and mailing it to the Auburn Hills Police Department, 1899 North Squirrel Road, Auburn Hills, MI 48326, or submit it electronically to: Ofc. Brian Miller at bmiller@auburnhills.org.

At the time of submission, you will receive a notification sticker that you can place on your door or window as a visual reminder to the officers and firefighters responding to your home.

About One Mind Campaign
The One Mind Campaign seeks to ensure successful interactions between police officers and those affected by mental illness. The initiative focuses on united local communities, public safety organizations and mental health organizations so the three become “of one mind.”

Citizen Police Academy Accepting Applications

The Auburn Hills Police Department is now accepting applications for the Police Citizen Academy. The Academy begins Sept. 19 and runs through Nov. 14, Thursdays only from 6 to 9 p.m.

Continental Automotive, Oakland University Partner to Robo-Taxi Pilot

This fall, students at Oakland University will have a futuristic option for getting around campus: Robo-taxis.

The pilot for the driverless vehicles could last as long as six months on the school campus. According to a report in Dbusiness, “During the pilot, Continental will demonstrate its Zonar technology, which enables vehicle inspections via the radio-frequency identification-based (RFID) electronic verified inspection reporting (EVIR) system. The EVIR system captures, transmits, and records inspection, compliance, and maintenance data to the operator. Additionally, the Zonar Z Pass technology detects where and when the passengers enter and exit the vehicle. The aim of this pilot project is to gather experience in the operation of driverless vehicles and to collect empirical data that will be integrated in the technological development of these vehicles.”

Aerobatic Teams Fill the Skies at OCIA Open House & Air Show

The Phillips 66 Aerostars will once again tear into the skies at 250 mph over the Oakland County International Airport Open House & Air Show in four Extra 300L aerobatic planes. They will join other aerial performers at the Sunday, Aug. 11.

Admission is free. There is a $5 parking fee per vehicle.

The air show begins at 2 p.m.

Memorial Tree and Bench Program

The City Memorial Tree and Bench program was initiated in 1990 by the Beautification Advisory Commission and offers individuals and families an opportunity to commemorate the life of a loved one through a living memorial— planting a tree in one of the city parks or other public spaces. In recent years, memorial benches placed in city parks have become a second option for memorials. Please click this link for more information on how to get involved with this program.

Police Department Engages the Community

Last week, the Auburn Hills Police Department lost its beloved stuffed duck mascot, James Pond.

To engage the community, and especially kids, the department put out an all-points bulletin to help locate Pond on social media:

“Kids please help us! Our friend James Pond has gone missing and we need to find him as soon as possible! James has been known to frequent the Adams Ridge Subdivision at Adams Rd. and South Blvd. We are offering a REWARD when he is located! When he is found please call us immediately and claim your prize! #FindJamesPond #ScavengerHunt#AHPDKids #KidDetective

As a reward for finding Pond, young Colton received a ride to Little Caesars in a police cruiser, a free pizza, crazy bread and cookies.

Welcome to City News! Through City News, I’m hoping to connect with each of you, to bring you closer to your community and maybe even tempt you to try something new.

Supporting local businesses is so important to a thriving community. Often, it’s the small business owners who support school functions, civic clubs and sponsor city events.

These entrepreneurs are critical to the health and wellbeing of our communities. It’s wonderful to support these folks and I hope you’ll join me in celebrating them through City News.

I’d like to know what bits of info interest you the most: Upcoming events? New businesses? A little of everything?

Reach out!

Rebecca Calappi
citynewseditor@localbiznews.net

National Night Out Raises Mental Health Awareness

National Night Out is Tuesday, Aug. 6, 6 to 8 p.m. at the community center. This important event is hosted by the Auburn Hills Police Department, the fire department and the city. Everyone is invited to attend this year’s National Night Out event ,which is focused on strengthening mental health awareness throughout the community and raising crime prevention awareness, which is the true purpose of National Night Out.

Practice Environmentally Friendly Summer Car Maintenance

While you may not realize but doing something as normal as washing a car in the driveway can add pollutants to local waterways.

Wash water that enters storm drains often contains detergents, oil, grease, heavy metals and dirt. Vehicle fluids dumped down a storm drain or directly into a waterway can cause serious problems. The amount it takes to fill one car engine can form an eight-acre oil slick in a river.

To help keep the environment clean, consider these tips when taking care of your car.

• Wash your car at commercial carwashes that use water efficiently and dispose of it properly.
• Remove dirt around wheels first with a wire brush. Collect the soil with a broom and dispose of it in a manner that will keep it out of storm drains.
• Use non-phosphate biodegradable detergents and mild soaps, such as vegetable oil-based soaps.
• Wash one section of the car at a time and rinse it quickly using a pistol grip nozzle with high pressure and low volume.
• If you change vehicle fluids at home, take the waste fluids to a recycling center or an oil change facility.
• Always use a drip pan under your work and use funnels when transferring fluids.
• Never mix waste oil with gasoline, solvents or other liquid.
• Change vehicle fluids in the garage whenever possible.
• If a spill occurs, pour kitty litter, saw dust or cornmeal on the spill to absorb the liquid. Place the waste material in a strong plastic bag and dispose of it with your trash.

Art in the Hills: An Auburn Hills Public Library Art Show

The Auburn Hills Public Library is hosting its first art show now through Aug. 17. The main event will feature a reception and prize ceremony. Original work will be displayed throughout the library by artists 18 years or older with ties to the Auburn Hills community. Winners of both the juried and people’s choice competitions will receive prizes. For details, visit ahplibrary.org and click on “Art Show” under the Adults tab.

I-75 Construction Update

The  Michigan Department of Transportation (MDOT) began construction on I-75 from Baldwin Road through the M-59 Loop/Auburn Road. The work will include maintenance on 21 bridges, concrete road repairs and asphalt resurfacing.

The $18.5 million investment is anticipated to be complete in November. Two lanes will remain open on I-75 during construction.

Keep up to date with the info on this website.

New friends,

Welcome to City News! Through City News, I’m hoping to connect with each of you, to bring you closer to your community and maybe even tempt you to try something new.

Supporting local businesses is so important to a thriving community. Often, it’s the small business owners who support school functions, civic clubs and sponsor city events.

These entrepreneurs are critical to the health and wellbeing of our communities. It’s wonderful to support these folks and I hope you’ll join me in celebrating them through City News.

I’d like to know what bits of info interest you the most: Upcoming events? New businesses? A little of everything?

Reach out!

Rebecca Calappi
citynewseditor@localbiznews.net

Splish, Splash with New Summer Hours

Beginning Monday, July 22, the will be new hours at the splash pad. It will be open daily from noon to 7 p.m. Click to learn more here: http://auburnhills.org/splashpad 

Auburn Hills residents can use the splash pad for free with a valid ID. Non-Auburn Hills Residents pay $3 per splash pad user.

Affordable, Family Camping at Hawk Woods

Camping has never been so convenient. Now is the time to plan your camping trip at Hawk Woods. Right in Auburn Hills, enjoy six beautiful log cabins with overnight accommodations for 40 guests. Nothing can beat a peaceful walk in the woods or a time resting by the pond watching an evening sunset. Campfires late into the starlit night build lifelong memories.

Cabins that sleep six per night are $40 for resident and $50 for non-residents. A regular cabin that sleeps 10 per night is $60 for residents or $80 for non-residents. A $50 deposit is required.

Call Parks & Recreation for more information at 248-370-9353.

Rock Hounds Rejoice

Head out to Hawk Woods picnic pavilion on Saturday, Aug. 10, at 10 a.m. to learn all about the rocks and minerals you can find in your community. Michigan is a great place to begin a rock and mineral collection. Materials are provided to start your collection including a special box to store them. There’s no fee for this program..

Stop Solicitors Before they Knock

It never fails. You’re about to sit down to dinner, and there’s a knock on the door. The guy on your porch thinks you need new gutters, but what you really need is to eat your food.

Solicitors going door-to-door selling or taking orders for goods, merchandise or other items must obtain a permit from the city clerk’s office. However, not all solicitors are subject to this ordinance. Exempted solicitors include scout troops, religious groups, some charitable organizations, and political groups protected by the U.S. Constitution.

As the organizations apply for a soliciting permit, the clerk’s office provides them with an approved solicitor badge and a copy of the “Do Not Knock” list. The organizations are not allowed to solicit to the addresses registered on the “Do Not Knock” list.

To add your address to the “Do Not Knock” list, visit www.auburnhills.org/noknock.

Music Series Returns to Downtown Friday Nights

Now through Aug. 23, you can kick-off the weekend with Friday Nights Downtown Music Series.

From 7 to 8:30 p.m., Riverside Amphitheater is full of outdoor music. Bring a lawn chair or blanket for the grass to enjoy the performances.

Refreshments are available with some surprise food and snacks, too.

In An Emergency, Check Nixle

What is nixle? Nixle is a nationwide alert and communication medium that allows emergency services, schools and organizations to correspond with their community in real-time. Nixle allows for two-way communication through text, email, voice messages, social media and the Nixle mobile app.

What does Auburn Hills use it for? The police department uses Nixle to inform residents of critical situations such as traffic accidents, severe weather, safety hazards and security threats.

Get connected! Receive Nixle notifications by texting zip code 48326 to 888777. Learn more at www.nixle.com

Free Digital Magazines Available Through Library

The Auburn Hills library offers free digital magazines. Browse full digital copies of popular magazines in entertainment, news, fashion, technology, travel and more with a library card.

eMagazines are displayed in the same format as print magazines, but with additional bonus features like video, audio and hyperlinks. eMagazines are always available, never expire and can be stored indefinitely.

For more information about digital magazines visit ahplibrary.org or call 248-370-9466.

Transportation Available for $2 for Seniors and Disabled Residents

Auburn Hills senior citizens age 60 and over and/or disabled city residents have access to transportation for appointments, shopping days and visits to the Community Center for luncheon activities.

This service is not available for work-related needs or emergencies.

The cost is $2 each way. For information call 248-370-9353. Users must call in advance as same-day service not available.

Connect with Senior Services on Facebook

The Senior Services Department now has a Facebook page.

The department plans of posting information about upcoming events and programs along with helpful information and resources related to senior citizens, their families, caregivers and the community.To add to the fun, Senior Services introduced Aubbie, the newest member of the group. Aubbie will be featured on Facebook exploring various parts of the city. Each week Aubbie will be at another location and his picture will be posted on Facebook. Like the page, guess where he is and be put in a drawing to win prizes.