Girls Night Out

Make a date with your girlfriends for Girls Night Out on Nov. 14. More than 20 downtown businesses are participating by offering a discount or special deal. Participants can also get a free tote by saving 3 receipts from participating businesses during Ladies Night Out and then showing your receipts at Dressbarn (33025 Grand River Ave) to receive your free Downtown Farmington tote while supplies last. Click here for more info.

Small Business Saturday

Help make a lasting impact in Downtown Farmington on Small Business Saturday®. Founded by American Express in 2010, it’s a day to celebrate the local businesses that make your neighborhood great — and anyone can join in, from business owners to shoppers to government officials. This year, the big day is Nov. 24. No matter who you are, be part of it.

Canned Food Drive

Now through Nov. 27, the Farmington Goodfellows are collecting canned goods. Drop-off locations are at all Farmington Public Schools building, both city halls and the Costick Center.

Coyote Help

In response to concerns from residents about increased coyote sightings, the Public Safety Department shared information from the Humane Society of the United States. It includes guidelines for discouraging neighborhood coyotes and how to effectively change coyote behavior. Among the many recommendations, the Humane Society encourages people to carry a whistle when walking in areas where coyotes are known to wander. The loud noise of the whistle is effective in scaring off a coyote.

Farmington High School Presents ‘You Can’t Take It With You’

On Nov. 14 and 15, the Farmington High School Theatre presents You Can’t Take It With you. Tickets are $10 general seating, with showtime at 7:30 p.m.

For more information, call 248-888-6274.

Oakland Street Asphalt Paving Notice

On Oct. 28, the final lift of asphalt pavement is scheduled, weather permitting. Once the asphalt paving is completed, the pavement will need four to five days to fully cure. During this time access to Oakland Street will not be permitted.

Please keep children and pets away from the construction operation. Construction activities and equipment, are attractive to small children and can be dangerous. Be aware that during asphalt paving operations, the asphalt is placed at an extremely hot temperature and can burn the feet of pedestrians and pets.

Sunday Concert: Girls with Guitars

The combination of Julie Beutel, Markita Moore and Carmel Liburdi creat a festival of female voices at the Farmington Library. Each artist will take turns performing their original and favorite music. They are unique in their style and all three are gifted musicians and performers. This program is designed for maximum enjoyment.

Register now.

Mayor Announces Resident Rates for Special Service Programs

Steve Schneemann, mayor of Farmington revealed, “I am pleased to announce that effective November 1, 2019, Farmington residents will get resident rates for all of Farmington Hills Special Service Programs,” he said.

Farmington residents have received Farmington Hills resident rates for many of the Hills parks and rec programs, but paid non-residents rates for the ice rink and the Farmington Hills Golf Club.

“Now, we will be considered residents for both the ice area and golf club, in addition, resident rates will also apply to the new Farmington Hills Community Center slated to open in early 2020,” explained Schneemann.

We had a beautiful fall day this past Friday, so my kids and I played hooky and went to the cider mill.

The weather was perfect: cool temps, blue skies and the sun was warm on our backs. The apples were plentiful on the trees and the pumpkins were picture-perfect in the fields.

Going to the cider mill is so romanticized in my head. I always think about how cute I’ll look in flannel and boots; how adorable my kids will be running through the orchard; how wholesome we’ll be out in nature gathering our food. In reality, I look like an actual farmer (not the goal), the kids are running because they’re afraid of bees and our farm-to-table apples cost a whopping $26 for a half of a bushel. The doughnuts are even insanely expensive at nearly $9 a dozen.

But some aspects of the cider mill are priceless, such as convincing my kids we have to pick doughnuts off the trees because they’re best when fresh. They weren’t 100% persuaded, but they didn’t want to take any chances either, so they saved a produce bag just in case we rolled by any doughnut trees.

It’s always best to be prepared.

Rebecca

Public Safety Commander Morche Graduates from Staff and Command Program

The Farmington Public Safety Department announced Commander Andrew Morché graduated from the Eastern Michigan University School of Police Staff and Command Executive Leadership Program on Friday, Oct. 11.

Commander Morché, a 14-year veteran with the public safety department, served in the Patrol Division and the Special Operation Unit before being promoted to sergeant in 2014 and commander in 2016. He is currently assigned as a Patrol Division commander. He holds a bachelor’s degree in criminal justice from Ferris State University, a master’s degree in management and leadership from Webster University and he is a graduate of the Schoolcraft College Police Academy. Commander Morché has received numerous awards and citations including Officer of the Year in 2013.

The Eastern Michigan University Staff and Command school is an intensive program consisting of 350 hours of classroom instruction over 10 months geared toward police management. EMU’s School of Staff and Command has a reputation for excellence and is supported by quality instructors and law enforcement management professionals.

Haunted Farmers Market

On Saturday, Oct. 26, the farmers market at Riley Park will transform into a delightfully spooky place to be. The fun kicks off at 9 a.m. and runs through 2 p.m.

Community Sings with Matt Watroba

Matt Watroba will lead you and your family in an evening of song. Sing along, bring a song to share, or just listen. Registration requested. The event kicks off in the Main Library Auditorium on Tuesday, Oct. 29, at 7 p.m.

Ladies Night Out

Ladies Night Out is Nov. 14. Grab your girlfriends and head downtown from 5 to 9 p.m. at participating businesses including Clothes Encounters of Farmington, Farmington Brewing Company, Sidecar Slider Bar – Farmington, The Vines Flower and Garden Shop and more.
See DowntownFarmington.org for participating merchants and details.

I got my flu shot today. It came with a spiffy purple bandage with some weird design on it. I figured if I was going to take my kids to get their vaccination, I should lead by example.

It’s not going to help put their minds at ease, though. It will be a battle to get them in the car, out of the car, and then when it’s over and they’ve undoubtedly survived the ordeal, they’ll be mad at me for a while.

My conscience is clear.

However, if this year is anything like last year, I’m not sure who was more traumatized—them or me. They gave me a run for my money. When kids don’t want to do something, like get a shot, they suddenly become slippery, wet noodles with superhuman strength that can fit in any crevasse. I had no idea it was going to be so hard to get a 50-pound kid out of a Ford Fusion. By the time we got in the doctor’s office, we were all sweaty, some were crying, and no one was happy.

I guess this is part of the reason I run 5ks. Wish me luck.

Rebecca

Downtown Plans Discussed

Metromode is reporting that, “Farmington residents gathered at the Civic Theater on October 1 to hear a panel discussion called ‘A Design Discussion Downtown,’ moderated by Farmington DDA President Todd Craft.”

Other presenters included the mayor, DDA executive director and more. Click here to watch the meeting.

Shake Your Mailboxes

The Farmington Department of Public Services is asking residents who have mailboxes at the road edge to prepare for winter by shaking their mailbox.

The initiative is intended to prevent mailboxes from damage by snow pushed off the road by snowplows. When snowplows go by, most times, they don’t actually touch the mailboxes; however, the force of snow thrown from the roadway is enough to knock down a loose mailbox. Damage can often be prevented by proper routine maintenance – taking time to tighten screws and secure mailboxes to posts early in the year can reduce winter headaches in the future. If the mailbox moves when shaken, it probably won’t withstand standard snow-removal operations and should be repaired or replaced before winter.

Save the Date

There’s only two full months left in the year, and those dates are filling up. Check out the Downtown Development Authority events and make sure you save the date for the ones you don’t want to miss.

U.S. Citizenship Information Session

Interested in becoming a U.S. citizen? Frank Castria from the Detroit office of U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services will explain the process in detail and answer your questions. Registration requested. The session will be at the Farmington Branch Meeting Room at the library on Tuesday, Oct. 22, at 6:30 p.m.

Halloween Downtown

Mark your calendars! Halloween fun in Downtown Farmington on Oct. 26 from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.
-The haunted Farmington Farmers & Artisans Market
-Story time at Farmington Community Library
-Free movie and prizes at Farmington Civic Theater
-Trick-or-treating at participating businesses

Harvest Moon Celebration Recap

Thanks to Tom Holzer Ford, the Harvest Moon Celebration has a video recap. Check it out if you missed the fun, or if you want to make sure you didn’t embarrass yourself on the dance floor.

Girls Night Out

When it comes to the holidays, girls just wanna have fun. Join participating downtown restaurants and merchants for festive specials designed to get you and your friends into the spirit of the season. The fun begins Thursday, Nov. 14, from 5 to 9 p.m.

Enter a raffle at participating locations to win a “Date Night in Farmington” including gift cards from downtown Farmington businesses.

Save your receipts to get a free Downtown Farmington tote. More details and participating merchants coming soon! DowntownFarmington.org.

Become a Firefighter

Always dreamed of being a firefighter? Now’s your chance. Join the Farmington Public Safety Department Oct. 22 at 7p.m. in the Farmington City Council Chambers to find out how to become a paid on-call firefighter.

Friends,

It’s officially autumn. Beyond the pumpkin spice debate lies a more important topic in my house: Halloween.

My 7-year-old twins have been planning their costumes since August, so I’m very aware of how critical Oct. 31 is in their world. I’m not the only one, either. So many communities are planning trick-or-treat events, that I can’t possibly list them all. As a PTO mom, I’m helping plan a trunk-or-treat at our Eastside elementary.

Enjoy the fun of October. In addition to getting juiced up on candy, there are apple orchards to visit (try convincing your kids that you’re going doughnut picking, too, it’s fun), pumpkins to carve, chili to make and football to watch. What’s your favorite activity?

Enjoy autumn,

Rebecca

Mural Underway on the Theater

Pop by and see the mural that is being painted on the wall of the Farmington Civic Theater. The mural was designed by Adrienne Pickett of Plymouth.

Draft City of Farmington Master Plan Update 2018-2019

The Draft City of Farmington Master Plan Update 2018-2019 is now available for public review and comment. The plan is also available at City Hall, 23600 Liberty Street, during normal business hours.

The required public hearing will be held at the Nov. 11, Planning Commission meeting, at 7 p.m. in City Hall. All comments shall be heard, received and considered.