Cub Scout Geologists

Webelos Cub Scouts will explore the fascinating world of a geologist on Saturday, January 12, from 9:30 a.m. to noon at the Stage Nature Center. Boys will participate in a geology lab where they will identify rocks and minerals and complete their own small rock collection. They will learn how rocks, minerals, mountains and fossils are formed and how we use geology in our lives. The adventure requirements will be met, but the badge is not included. Please dress for the weather. Participants can register as an individual scout, den or pack. The program is $10 per participant. Leaders or chaperones are free and need to remain with their scouts. Register

Your Guide to Gluten Free: Facts & Myths

The Troy Public Library invites you to get the facts about gluten on Tuesday, January 22, from 6 to 7 p.m. at  Fresh Thyme Farmers Market. Registered Dietitian Caroline Margolis, RD will discuss the myths and facts of living gluten free.  Participants will get recipes, samples and coupons. The program is free and requires registration. Sign up online at troypl.org/calendar or by calling 248.524.3534.

City of Troy Holiday Hours

December 31 – January 1: Community Center administrative desk closed

December 31: Gym & fitness room open 7 a.m. to 5 p.m.; adult lap/therapy pool open 7:15 to 10 a.m.; open swim 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.; Family Night 5 to 8:30 p.m.

January 1: City Hall, Library closed

January 1: Gym & fitness room open 10 a.m. to 8 p.m.; adult lap/therapy pool open 10 to 11 a.m.; open swim 11 a.m. to 7:30 p.m.

January 2 – 20: Library closed for carpet replacement

January 2 & 3: Holiday blood drives – Community Center, 9 a.m. to 8:45 p.m.

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Wired for Addiction?

Troy Youth Assistance will present “WIRED for Addiction?” a parenting program for parents of middle school and high school students on Thursday, January 17 at 7 p.m. at the Troy School District Service Center Board Room. Presenter Douglas W. Carpenter, Psy.D., Licensed Psychologist with Insight Counseling Services will explain the internet’s effect on kids with these topics:

• Internet addiction is real and is not limited to a generation
• Scope of addictive online behavior
• Recognizing the signs of too much time online
• When/how/why to pull the plug

Reservations are highly recommended; space is limited. Register now by email TroyYouthAssistance@troy.k12.mi.us or call 248.823.5095. For additional information visit troyyouthassistance.org.

Troy Youth Assistance is a volunteer-driven, non-profit prevention program that works closely with the Troy School District to provide confidential, short-term, family-centered counseling and referral services for youth, 16 years of age or younger, and their families who live in Troy or attend Troy schools. These programs are designed to promote positive behaviors and strengthen family relationships.

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Preschool Expo

The City of Troy is offering a great opportunity to learn about daycare and preschool options in one comprehensive forum at the Troy Community Center on Thursday, January 17, from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. Parents can speak to dozens of qualified childcare professionals from more than 20 licensed daycare and preschool providers located in Troy and surrounding communities. The event is open to the public and no registration is required.

“Choosing childcare is too important to leave to a newspaper ad or website, which is why this event is the perfect opportunity for parents to meet with preschool providers and determine which is best for their child,” Community Affairs Director Cindy Stewart said. “Parents can speak to dozens of qualified childcare professionals that are located right in their own city.”

Build Your Leadership Muscle

On January 3, from 8 – 9:30 a.m., Troy Chamber of Commerce members are invited to gather at Northwood University to discuss how to develop leadership skills. It is free to Troy Chamber Members. For more information or to register, visit troychamber.com.

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Give the Gift of Blood

To supplement critically low blood supplies in the area, the City of Troy is sponsoring several Red Cross Blood Drives this holiday season.

“The blood needs of our community can only be met by support from volunteer blood donors,” City of Troy Community Affairs Director Cindy Stewart said.  “Donations are critical for burn victims, open-heart surgeries, some chemotherapy and leukemia patients, and disaster relief. One donation can help save the lives of up to three people.”

The drives will be held at the Troy Community Center and Troy Fire-Police Training Center on the following schedule:

Troy Community Center, 3179 Livernois

Wednesday, December 19, from 9 a.m. – 8:30 p.m. in Room 305

Wednesday, December 26, from 9 a.m. – 8:30 p.m. in Rooms 304 & 305

Friday, December 28, from 9 a.m. – 8:30 p.m. in Rooms 304 & 305

Wednesday, January 2, from 9 a.m. – 8:30 p.m. in Rooms 304 & 305

Thursday, January 3, from 9 a.m. – 8:30 p.m. in Rooms 304 & 305

Troy Fire-Police Training Center, 4850 John R Road

Wednesday, January 2, from 9 a.m. – 6 p.m.

You can schedule an appointment by

• Logging onto org and using the access code: troy
• Calling the Red Cross at (313) 300-9617
• Calling The Community Affairs office at City Hall at (248) 524-1147 (for the Community Center location)
• Calling Beverly at (248) 689-2339 (for the Police-Fire location)

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 to donate.

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Troy Community Center January Specials

Visit the Troy Community Center in January for a workout or class and check out these participation specials:

Chilly Savings – January 1-4: $5 day rates for residents and non-residents.

MLK Jr. Discount Day – January 21: $5 day rate for residents and non-residents.

Member Referral Special – January 1-31:  Refer a new pass holder and receive a free month (or two free day passes if new member is under 18), and entry into a drawing. Ask for details and conditions at the control desk.

Competitor Promo – January 1-31:  Bring in a current membership ID from one of our local competitors and get a free one-week pass. The pass can be used for access to the fitness center, gymnasium, and aquatic area and for Fitness Passport exercise classes. Residents and non-residents are welcome.

Paws to Read

Reading aloud is a great way for new readers ages four and up to practice. And there’s no better audience than one of our canine friends. Come out to the library on one of their upcoming Paws to Read days in December:

Thursday, December 13: Paws to Read with Bentley from 4:30 to 5:30 p.m. Bentley is a Lab/Bernese Mountain Dog mix. He loves a good story!

Monday, December 17: Paws to Read with Reba from 5 to 6 p.m. Reba is a Fox Red Labrador Retriever certified by U.S.A. Therapy Dogs, Inc. She will never interrupt you or correct you – she just listens.

Wednesday, December 19: Paws to Read with Massimo from 3 to 4 p.m. Massimo is a Soft-Coated Wheaten Terrier.  He’s a certified Canine Good Citizen by the American Kennel Club, and he’s hypoallergenic.

Reading slots are available on a first-come, first-served basis at the time of each dog’s arrival.

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Troy Recognized for Supporting Businesses

The City of Troy has been 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. Troy was honored as a five star community along with 90 other communities across the state.   

“The City of Troy is proud to be a participant in the eCities program and appreciates the University of Michigan Dearborn utilizing eCities to encourage best practices in economic development,” Mayor Dane Slater said.  “Troy is proud to be a five star community and I believe this recognition highlights the value of Troy’s collaborative economic development activities.”

The eCities study analyzed publicly available data from 277 communities from 54 Michigan counties. Researchers focused on the five-year changes in property values, community assets, and tax rates, which can demonstrate the growth, investments and cost of doing business within the community. For example, over the five-year period of 2013-2017, these communities increased their capital assets by an average of 2 percent per year by investments such as street and building improvements, technology, and emergency vehicles and equipment.

“While accounting for only about 15 percent of the cities and townships in Michigan, the 277 communities analyzed are home to 70 percent of the population and 85 percent of the state’s commercial property,” said Tim Davis, director, iLabs. “By analyzing these high-performing communities, our goal is to showcase what cities and townships are doing to spur growth and how we can continue to support their efforts in developing business and encouraging entrepreneurs.”

The City of Troy was acknowledged at UM-Dearborn’s Executive Speaker Series panel discussion on Thursday, November 29.

Troy Library Adds C-Pen Readers

The Troy Public Library has recently added several C-Pen Readers to the Universal Access collection, which is part of the Youth Services Department. This collection, which houses a variety of materials for those with differing abilities, as well as those who work with them, includes many other assistive learning tools.

C-Pen Readers are handheld devices that scan and read text out loud, and are particularly helpful for people with dyslexia, as well as English-language learners. They are available for check-out for three weeks at a time to Troy Public Library cardholders and reciprocal borrowers. Visit troypl.org or call (248) 524-3538 for more information.

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Do You Know an Outstanding Youngster?

Troy Youth Assistance is now accepting nominations for recognition of elementary through high school-age youth who reside in Troy (or attend Troy schools as a schools of choice student) and have made exemplary contributions to the community. You can nominate a youngster in the following categories:

• Exceptional service to others
• Achievement by an individual who has overcome personal challenges and/or set an example for others
• Heroism or an outstanding humanitarian act
• Exceptional service by a club/organization
• Exceptional service by an individual within a club/organization

Honorees will be recognized at the Annual Youth Recognition Awards event sponsored by Troy Youth Assistance on Wednesday, April 17, 2019 at Troy High School.

The deadline for nominations is Friday, January 25, 2019. Visit Troy Youth Assistance or call the TYA office at (248) 823-5095 for more information.

Shop Locally for the Holidays

Get unique gifts while supporting local organizations this holiday season. Shop at:

Creative Endeavors –The Community Center is the place for crafts handmade by Troy’s senior citizens. They are open Monday through Saturday, 10 am to 2 pm, and Tuesday and Wednesday from 5 to 9 pm. Call (248) 526-5145 for more information.

The Friends of the Troy Public Library Gift Shop and the Book Shop – Get gifts for your book-loving loved ones at the library. The Gift Shop is open Monday – Thursday, 12 to 6 p.m., Saturday, 10:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. and Sunday 1 to 4 p.m. The Book Shop is open Saturday 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. and Sunday 1 to 4 p.m.

Troy Historic Village Store – The Village Store offers Michigan-made products, vintage toys, and unique stocking stuffers. Special discounts during the day. For more information, call (248) 524-3570. All proceeds benefit Village programs. The Village Store hours are Monday – Friday, 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.

City of Troy – The City has logo city merchandise available, including shirts, travel mugs, notecards and ornaments. Treat your favorite cook to a “Cops in the Kitchen” cookbook, featuring recipes from the TPD. All proceeds benefit the Troy Police & Fire Benevolent Association. Available at City Hall in the Community Affairs Department, Monday – Friday, from 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.

To share your news, announcements, and events, please email citynewseditor@localbiznews.net

Employment Skills for Persons with Autism

Presenters from the Oakland University Center for Autism Outreach Service will share information on programs for families affected by autism on Wednesday, December 12, from 7 to 8:30 p.m. The emphasis is on the pre-employment skills for adults ages 18 and older. This training program helps adults high on the spectrum learn the interpersonal skills necessary to get and keep a job. Scholarship information provided. Registration is required. Go to troypl.org/calendar or call (248) 524-3534.

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‘Tis the Season for Giving in Troy

There are many ways to share with those in need this holiday season. Whether you adopt a family, send food or money, help out with cold weather gear or donate your old cell phone, you are sure to make someone’s holiday better and brighter. Check out five great ways to give:

24th annual Police & Alliance Mobile Health Holiday Food & Gift Drive

Contribute by adopting a family, making a monetary donation or donating food. Non-perishable food can be dropped off at the Troy Police Department front desk during business hours through Wednesday, December 12 and monetary donations (checks payable to Alliance Mobile Health) or gift cards will be accepted until Monday, December 17.

Troy People Concerned Adopt a Family

Troy People Concerned (TPC) helps Troy citizens in crisis situations. TPC receives more requests for help during the holidays than any other time of year. To donate, make up a holiday food basket, adopt a family so they have holiday gifts, or donate local grocery store gift certificates. Call (248) 528-9199 to find out how you can help or visit troypeopleconcerned.org.

Decorate the Winter Warmer Trees

The Troy Women’s Association sponsors Winter Warmer Trees at three locations in Troy.  Donate new mittens, gloves, scarves, and hats to hang on the tree. These winter warmer donations will be distributed to local organizations supporting needy children and families.  Trees will be on display through December 20 at Troy City Hall, Troy Library, and Troy Community Center.

Cell Phones for Soldiers

The City of Troy and nonprofit Cell Phones for Soldiers are asking Troy residents to help troops call home by donating gently-used cellular phones. Funds raised from recycling these phones are used to purchase prepaid international calling cards. For every donated phone valued at $5, Cell Phones for Soldiers can provide two and a half hours of free talk time to deployed troops. Founded by two teenagers in 2004, the non-profit has supplied more than 300 million minutes of free talk time to deployed soldiers. The donation box is at City Hall in the Community Affairs Department during holiday season and throughout the year.

Toys for Tots

Bring new, unwrapped toys for boys and girls to the Toys for Tots collection box at Troy City Hall on the second floor outside of the City Council Chambers. The collection box will be there until December 20.

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Aptiv to Expand Troy Operation

Aptiv US Services General Partnership is a global technology company that develops safer, greener and more connected solutions enabling the future of mobility. Aptiv has approximately 150,000 employees and operates 14 technical centers, as well as manufacturing sites and customer support centers in 45 countries. They plan to renovate their Troy facility to accommodate approximately 500 engineers and support staff. Aptiv conducted a national search and narrowed its finalists to four states earlier this year. After a competitive process, Troy came out on top, beating locations in three different time zones.

Aptiv is expected to generate a total private investment of $20 million and create 500 jobs over the course of the project.

“The City of Troy is thrilled that Aptiv plans to locate its mobility research and development facility at its current Troy location.  Aptiv is a global leader in developing advanced future mobility solutions,” said Troy Mayor Dane Slater. “Aptiv’s decision to locate its mobility R&D facility in Troy expands upon Troy’s reputation as a global hub for cutting edge research, development, engineering and technology.”

For information about careers with Aptiv, visit aptiv.com/careers.

To share your news, announcements, and events, please email citynewseditor@localbiznews.net