Shop for your History Buffs

Come out to the Troy Historic Village for a special evening of holiday shopping with complimentary refreshments, appetizers, festive music and gift wrapping on Thursday December 6, from 5 to 8 p.m. Troy Historical Society members enjoy a 25 percent discount and non-members a 20 percent discount on all merchandise. The Village Gift Shop features a wide variety of unique, locally-made gifts. Admission to the Gift Shop is free.

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Decorate for Wildlife with Santa

Santa loves watching wild animals. If you like to watch them too, putting out edible decorations will help attract them. Come make some with Santa on Saturday, December 8, from 2 to 4 p.m. at the Stage Nature Center. Santa will tell a few tales about animals he has seen. Everyone will talk with Santa personally, and receive a small gift from him. Bring your cameras and take pictures of your little ones with Santa. A member of the TNS Photo Club will also be available to take pictures. The price will be $10 for two 5 x 7’s. The program includes, snacks, the craft and a short hike. So, come dressed for the weather. Children must be registered and accompanied by an adult. The fee is $16 per child. Adults are free. New this year, maple syrup products will also be available for sale. Great gifts and stocking stuffers!

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Chemical Bank Welcomes New Chief Marketing Officer

Chemical Bank announced the addition of Tom Wennerberg as Senior Vice President, Chief Marketing Officer (CMO). Wennerberg will work with his team to further develop the Bank’s consumer, commercial, and wealth management marketing strategies to enhance the brand and support the growth of its 100+-year legacy. In addition, he will focus on optimizing the Bank’s digital capabilities.

“Tom brings a strong understanding of integrated, multi-channel marketing strategies and marketing analytics. His extensive experience will be beneficial to the Bank as we enhance our digital capabilities throughout the company, enabling us to provide an outstanding customer experience,” said Chris McComish, EVP and Chief Banking Officer of Chemical Bank.

“I am thrilled to join a high growth organization such as Chemical Bank. I will be focused on optimizing the Bank’s digital capabilities to further strengthen customer engagement and experience, as well as continuing the work to build the brand as we move into new markets and expand in legacy markets,” said Tom.

Prior to joining Chemical Bank, Wennerberg, a Michigan native, served as Executive Vice President, Data, Client Insights and Marketing, of KeyBank in Cleveland, Ohio, where he led his team in building the brand, enhancing analytics capabilities, and optimizing integrated marketing campaigns.

Owl Be Home for the Holidays

Meet some of the resident owls at the Stage Nature Center on Saturday, December 1, from 1:30 to 3 p.m. Learn all about their species characteristics, personalities, and how they survive the winter and visit with them up close and personal. Finish your visit by making a holiday-inspired owl craft to take home. This is a family program for participants ages 3 and up. Children must be accompanied by a registered adult. Fee: $15; TNS member Fee: $12 All proceeds go directly towards the “Owl Fund” to provide food and care for the owls. Register.

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Coffee, News and Networking

Visit with Troy Chamber of Commerce members and prospective members and learn about Chamber membership benefits on Tuesday, December 4 from 8 to 9:30 a.m. at the Motion Picture Institute at 2040 Crooks Rd., Ste. B. Register

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Meet Santa at City Hall

The sixth Annual Winter Wonderland returns to the Troy Civic Center Campus with Santa, reindeer and the Snow Sisters on Friday, December 7 from 6:30 to 9 p.m. The free all-ages event kicks off at the south entrance of City Hall with the annual Christmas Tree Lighting and features the Troy High Colts Drumline, Athens High Concert and Treble Choirs, hot cocoa and Timbits from Tim Hortons Troy. Children are invited to visit Santa under a tent on the north side of City Hall following the Christmas Tree Lighting.

After the Christmas Tree lighting, the event moves to the Troy Public Library for reindeer games, igloo building, and more for the under-five set. The Troy Community Center will host fun for older kids, including open swim, inflatables and a performance by the Snow Sisters.

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

Let’s Give Thanks Together

Join friends from all faiths to give thanks together through prayer and through spoken word. The Troy Interfaith Group invites members and supporters to the Islamic Association of Greater Detroit at 879 W. Auburn Rd., Rochester Hills on Sun., Nov. 18 from 7 to 8:30 p.m. for their annual Thanksgiving gathering.

An afterglow with simple refreshments will follow the program. Visit troyinterfaithgroup.org or email Troy.Interfaith@gmail.com for more information.

A Tuneful Christmas in the Village

The Christmas carol “Silent Night” was performed for the first time on December 24, 1818 at St. Nicholas’ Church near Salzburg, Austria. In 2018, the Troy Historical Society will celebrate the song’s 200th anniversary with a three-part holiday concert series, featuring Christmas carols performed by incredibly talented local musicians. Performances last approximately one hour and are held inside heated and decorated Old Troy Church.

The series opens with Oakland County Brassworks, a brass quintet made up of some of Metro Detroit’s finest musicians.  Their performances span a wide variety of genres, and their passion is making live instrumental music accessible and engaging to everyone.  On Wed., Nov. 28 at 7 p.m., OCB will perform traditional holiday favorites, both sacred and secular for Troy Historic Village guests. Tickets are $7 for Troy Historical Society members and $8 for non-members. Purchase tickets in advance at 248-524-3570.

Hundreds of local business professionals will gather at San Marino Club to network and enjoy the panel discussion. Tickets are $40 for Troy Chamber members and $55 for non-members. The event includes an elegant lunch and a gift bag sponsored by Worksighted.

To register, call 248-641-8151, e-mail theteam@troychamber.com or visit troychamber.com/events.

Round the World at the Library

The Troy Public Library is holding an international fair on Sat., Nov. 17 from 1 to 4 p.m. All ages are welcome to drop by the Community Center Room 305 to enjoy food, dance and an assortment of international foods from local vendors. Register

From Renissance to Rag-Time

Join some of the finest brass around for a journey spanning nearly 500 years of musical history. The Oakland County Brassworks Quintet presents their genre-crossing musical odyssey at the library on Thursday, Nov. 8 at 7 p.m.  Registration is required. Register at troypl.org/calendar or call (248) 524-3534.

Terrific Turkeys

Enjoy some screen-free quality time for the whole family while exploring the natural world. Come learn about these large and sometimes wacky birds. Turkeys are often seen roaming the grounds of the nature center and this is a great opportunity to observe their unique behaviors. Sat., Nov. 10, 1:30 to 3 p.m. at the Stage Nature Center. The program is recommended for ages 5 and up. Click here for more information or to register.

It’s Time to Accessorize

Come out to the Gently Used Purse & Jewelry Sale at the Troy Community Center, on Thurs., Nov. 8, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Admission is free, and the bargains will be plentiful. Pick up a new bag or bauble to support the Troy Seniors. For more information, call (248) 526-2608.  No registration is required.

Meet Troy’s New Police Chief

Captain Frank Nastasi will become Troy’s new Police Chief upon the Nov. 1 retirement of Police Chief Gary Mayer. Nastasi has served the City of Troy since 1996 as Police Officer, Detective, Sergeant, Lieutenant and Captain.

In his years of service his Troy Police Department areas of supervision have included the Operations Division and currently the Investigations & Administrative Services Division.  While over the Operations Division he commanded two separate patrol shifts, a Field Training Program for new recruits, the Traffic Safety Division, Evidence Technicians, K-9 Program, Community Services Section, and the Directed Patrol Unit.  Currently commanding the Investigations & Administrative Services Division, he oversees the Lock-up, Communications/Dispatch, Records, Property, and Research & Technology Sections, as well as assisting with the Police Department annual budget and contract negotiations.

He has also served as a Tactical Support Team Commander, Detective Bureau Investigator, Defensive Tactics Instructor, Firearms Instructor, and volunteered as an Oakland County Crisis Response Organization member.

Nastasi has a Bachelor of Science Degree from Colorado State University. He is a graduate of the FBI National Academy, the Michigan Association of Police Chiefs, the Police Executives and New Chiefs School and the Northwestern University School of Staff and Command.

Concurrently with his civilian medical career, Dr. Paletta served in the air reserve forces for 30 years.  He trained at the U.S. Air Force School of Aerospace Medicine and earned an aeronautical rating of Chief Flight Surgeon. He has logged operational flying hours in a variety of fighter and attack aircraft and has commanded military medical detachments in Europe and Central America. He served for 12 years as Surgeon General for the Michigan Air National Guard. He has been awarded the Legion of Merit, the Meritorious Service Medal, the Air Force Achievement Award, the Iraq Campaign Ribbon with combat device, and the National Defense Ribbon. He is a graduate of the USAF Air War College. In 2007, he served a tour of active duty in Iraq as the Chief of Flight Medicine for coalition forces in Baghdad.

The public is invited to honor a loved one or all veterans by placing flowers, bouquets, small flags and other appropriate mementos on the walk of honor or at the base of the Veterans Memorial.

There will also be a silent auction with over 250 items, a 52 card raffle to win a large outdoor item such as a kayak or camping gear, a $20 Wine Pull featuring over 60 bottles of wine ranging in value from $20 – $100 and “Spin the Bottle” where $10 buys you a spin of a wine bottle to win fabulous prizes.

Guests who purchase a VIP ticket are invited to attend a pre-glow reception inside the ballroom with full-sized craft cocktails, premium appetizers, a first-look at the silent auction and a chance to mingle with Joey Radio.

The VIP reception will be 5:30-6 p.m. and the main stage will open at 6 p.m. Click here to purchase tickets.

Daddy Daughter Mermaid Swim

Get out your trunks and tail. The Troy Recreation Department is sponsoring a Daddy Daughter Mermaid Swim at the Community Center Indoor Pool on Fri., Nov. 9, from 7 to 9 p.m.  Enjoy a magical evening under the sea with your special girl, age 3 to 16. Photos are included, so dress in your mermaid best.  Don’t forget swim attire. Tickets are $10 for a couples ($12 for non-residents) and $5 for additional daughters $5 ($7 for non-residents). There is no registration the day of the event, so get your tickets by Nov. 8 at troymi.gov/recreation or call 248.524.3484.

Got a Question about the Non-Homestead Millage

On November 6, 2018, voters in Troy vote on a proposal to replace and restore the current non-homestead operating millage. The millage will not affect homeowners, only businesses and non-homestead properties. It will generate 22.6 million dollars for school operations. And it will not increase the voter-approved 18 mill tax rate for businesses. For more information, see this list of Frequently Asked Questions and Answers.

It’s Wall to Wall Art

Troy’s Wall to Wall Art Fair will be Saturday, October 27, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. at the Troy Community Center. More than 50 local artists will display at this is juried event, featuring artists in all mediums. Work includes a variety of jewelry, painting, glass, hand-crafted soaps, scrubs and candles, sculpture, ceramics and more. Preview artists here. Event and parking are free. Concessions for sale from Bear Claw Coffee.

There will also be a silent auction with over 250 items, a 52 card raffle to win a large outdoor item such as a kayak or camping gear, a $20 Wine Pull featuring over 60 bottles of wine ranging in value from $20 – $100 and “Spin the Bottle” where $10 buys you a spin of a wine bottle to win fabulous prizes.

Guests who purchase a VIP ticket are invited to attend a pre-glow reception inside the ballroom with full-sized craft cocktails, premium appetizers, a first-look at the silent auction and a chance to mingle with Joey Radio.

The VIP reception will be 5:30-6 p.m. and the main stage will open at 6 p.m. Click here to purchase tickets.

Step Up to the Plate to Support Troy Schools

Heading to your favorite restaurant will not only get you a good meal, but it will help out your local schools from Monday, Nov. 5 – Friday, Nov. 9. Participating restaurants will offer 20 percent off of food and non-alcoholic beverages to patrons who bring in a Step Up to the Plate flyer, ad, email or other communication about the program. The Step Up flyer is available on the Troy Chamber website – troychamber.com.

Diners may then turn in their detailed receipts to the Troy school of their choice. Receipts are due to Troy Schools by Friday, November 16. The school receiving the most money in receipts will win a $1,000 cash prize. This promotional event is sponsored by Cornerstone Community Financial.

Participating restaurants include:

Lebanese Grill of Troy – 1600 Rochester Rd, Troy
Mr. Kabob Xpress – 2008 W. Big Beaver Rd, Troy
Papa Romano’s Pizza/ Mr. Pita – 5399 Crooks Rd, Troy
Renee’s Gourmet Pizzeria – 1937 W. Maple Rd, Troy
Station Square Kitchen + Bar – 1317 Coolidge Hwy, Troy
Steelhouse Tavern – 1129 E. Long Lake Rd, Troy
Tropical Smoothie Café – 1569 Main St, Suite A, Clawson

Nate Forbes to Speak at Troy Chamber Event

Nate Forbes, managing partner of the Forbes Company, is a nationally recognized developer, owner and manager of luxury shopping destinations throughout the country, including the Somerset Collection. He will present at Troy Chamber’s CEO Series on Wednesday, Nov. 7 at Petruzzello’s in Troy. The Event will be from 8 to 9:30 a.m. and include a sit-down breakfast.

Forbes’ presentation will illuminate the current state of the retail industry, touching on how the Somerset Collection distinguishes itself from the competition and remains one of the premier luxury shopping destinations in Michigan. He will also speak on the future of the old Kmart Head Quarters property in Troy.

“We are very excited to present Nate Forbes to the Troy business community. If you have ever been to the Somerset Collection, you will want to hear his take on the shopping malls in our country and the face of retail these days,” says Ara Topouzian, President/CEO of Troy Chamber.

The cost is $28 for Troy Chamber members and $38 for non-members and includes breakfast. Register at troychamber.com/events. For more information call 248-641-8151 or e-mail: theteam@troychamber.com.

Brenda Balas Selected as 2018 Troy Distinguished Citizen

Leadership Troy’s 50th and final banquet will recognize outstanding volunteers from community groups, honor a community-minded business with the Community Appreciation Award, and present the Distinguished Citizen of Troy award to Brenda Balas.

“Brenda Balas has a long history of volunteering in the Troy Community between Troy Schools, her Church, and many other cultural and social organizations.”  says Jim Cyrulewski, Leadership Troy President.  “She loves helping others and never says ‘no’ when asked for assistance. She has been involved in volunteering since she and Paul first moved to Troy, even before their children were born.  She definitely meets all the traits our Selection Committee was looking for in a distinguished citizen.”

Brenda Balas focuses on promoting peace and social justice and on activities that enrich lives and enhance the community as a whole. She is active with the Troy-area Interfaith Group, recently serving more than six years as its chairperson.  She worked with Troy Police Department to help create Troy Area Alliance Against Hate Crimes. And she collaborated with the leadership of Troy Public Library and City of Troy to found KYND, the Know Your Neighbor Daily initiative which offers programs that promote greater understanding and appreciation of diverse individuals in our community.  Brenda also served on the Advisory Board of Catholic Social Services of Oakland County (now Catholic Charities), and as a member of the Peace Center Interfaith Committee of the United Methodist Church Detroit Renaissance District.
An active member and leader at Big Beaver United Methodist Church, she has helped create an interfaith component in the youth confirmation program, establish a Church and Society Committee, and sponsor a refugee family for resettlement in coordination with Samaritas New Americans program.

Brenda served as a member of Troy School District Diversity and Inclusion Council, Vice President of Troy High School Band Boosters, Secretary of Boulan Park Middle School PTO and President and Secretary of Bemis Elementary School PTO.  She volunteered in classrooms and the media center, in cultural enrichment activities and with the local Girl Scout troop.

As an employee of United Way for Southeastern Michigan, she served in a planning and fund distribution leadership role, managing the volunteer allocations process that distributed nearly $63 million to over 130 health and human service agencies in the Metropolitan Detroit area.

For dinner information and registration form, click here.