Friends,

One of the best parts of being City News editor is I get to see all the good we humans do for each other around the holidays. From toy and canned food drives to charity events and volunteering opportunities, my heart is happy.

I’ve always loved the giving time of year and I’m trying to instill that spirit of generosity into my kids year-round. I had them help me donate to the Macomb Foster Closet, which gives foster kids two free wardrobes each year. I love this charity for several reasons. There’s no middle man. Our donations go from our trunk to their shelves. We are helping children in our area. And my kids are adopted. Luckily, they didn’t spend any time in foster care, but it’s a path many children have to take.

What are some of your favorite charities? Why? Let’s see if we can get a shout out to the ones that mean the most to us. Together, we can make an even more caring community.

Rebecca

VinoTalk

Increase your knowledge of Chianti (with or without fava beans) in the latest edition of VinoTalk with local wine expert John Jonna.

Blood Drive

The American Red Cross is urging you to “Give Something that Means Something” this holiday season. By making a blood donation, your can help accident and burn victims, heart surgery and organ transplant patients, and those with chronic diseases such as cancer.

To make it easy, Troy is hosting three blood drives from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. at the Troy Community Center (Rooms 304 and 305) at 3179 Livernois Road:

Thursday, Dec. 26
Thursday, Jan. 2
Thursday, Jan. 9

Appointment scheduling is now easier than ever with the free Blood Donor App. Donors can use the app to find local blood drives, conveniently schedule an appointment, receive appointment reminders and track blood donations.

Donors can also still schedule an appointment by calling 313-300-9617 or 248-524-1147 or by visiting RedCrossBlood.org.  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.

Parent’s Night Out: Angry Birdies

Get some holiday shopping done while your children build, explore and create their favorite Bird Adventures.  On Friday, Dec. 13, at the Community Center, children ages 4 to 12 can learn about the physics behind the catapults, levers and slingshots used to make these birds fly. Pizza dinner is included.  The fun runs from 5 to 9 p.m. The cost is $19 for residents and $29 for non-residents.

Blood Drive

The American Red Cross is urging you to “Give Something that Means Something” this holiday season. By making a blood donation, your blood goes to help accident and burn victims, heart surgery and organ transplant patients, and those with chronic diseases such as cancer.

To make it easy, the city will host three blood drives from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. (unless noted) at the Troy Community Center:

Thursday, Dec. 26

Thursday, Jan. 2

Thursday, Jan. 9

Appointment scheduling is easier than ever with the free Blood Donor App. Donors can use the app to find local blood drives, conveniently schedule an appointment, receive appointment reminders and track blood donations. Donors can also still schedule an appointment easily by calling 313-300-9617 or 248-524-1147 or by visiting RedCrossBlood.org.  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.

I blinked and missed November.

At my house, we’re in full-blown celebration mode. After Thanksgiving, we celebrated my dad’s birthday. Then my twins’ birthday is midmonth. My family Christmas party and my birthday sit back to back on the calendar. Christmas comes through like a freight train, and after a week of putting toys together and picking packaging out of the rug, we celebrate the New Year.

I’m pre-exhausted.

But this season, I’m doing a few things for myself. I signed up for a virtual race to run, walk or crawl at least one mile every day between Thanksgiving and Christmas. I’m also determined to enjoy a cheesy or classic (I haven’t decided yet) movie without multi-tasking. And I have my heart set on finding a copy of Chicken Soup for the Soul: It’s Beginning to Look A Lot Like Christmas in a store. A story of mine is published in the book and I’d just like to see it somewhere.

What are your plans for the holidays? Email me at citynewseditor@localbiznews.net so I can pick up a few new ideas for my family.

Rebecca

Family Memberships at the Community Center

Family Memberships to the Troy Community Center are a great gift idea. Now, you can save money on bringing the whole family to the Troy Community Center with new one-month or three-month packages. You never have to worry about canceling because there are no automatic renewals.

Choose a Basic Family Membership, which includes access to pool, gym, locker rooms, fitness room and free family nights or upgrade to a Fit Family Membership or a Fit Family Plus Membership to add Fitness Passport or Kids Korner childcare options.

Visit rec.troymi.gov/family for complete pricing and options for residents, non-residents, and non-resident employees.

Troy Chamber Hosts Holiday Luncheon

On Thursday, Dec. 12, from 11 a.m. to 1:30 p.m., the Troy Chamber hosts its most popular event of the year – the annual Holiday Luncheon. Hundreds of local business professionals will gather at San Marino Club (1685 E Big Beaver Rd, Troy) for networking and an entertaining panel of company executives from leading Michigan brands. The panel discussion will be moderated by Fox 2 News Anchor, Roop Raj and includes: Joe Renkiewicz, general manager and future owner of Henry The Hatter; John Braganini, president of St. Julian Winery; Paul Saginaw, co-founding partner and chief spiritual officer of Zingerman’s.

For more information, click here.

Friends,

Last week, I took my first mom-cation. I went to Seattle, and for the most part, traveled around by myself. I had a wonderful time. Beyond the sights I saw and the food, I met some interesting people—Tony the bartender at Rocco’s, Richie the shoe salesperson at Nordstrom, the fish-throwing guy at Pike’s Place.

One of the best things of my profession is how it has made me so curious about people. I’ll ask anyone anything. Usually, I can get some great insight, and at the very least a telling response to my questions.

It was great to get away, but now I’m back and in the throes of the holidays. Thanksgiving in a few days, then we launch into “birthday season” at my house, and of course Christmas.

Be sure to check out Local Business News for some great holiday shopping ideas while you’re looking through the Black Friday ads, too.

From my family to yours, Happy Thanksgiving!

Rebecca

Small Business Saturday

The Oakland County Small Business Saturday Contest is back. Shop at Troy small businesses on Nov. 30, and you could win one of three prizes:

1st – $5,000​
2nd – $2,000
3rd – $1,000

Winners will be notified Dec. 1 and will have until Dec. 13 to accept their prize. Prizes will be presented to the winners on Dec 17.

For more information about the 2019 Small Business Saturday Shopper Contest, see the Official Rules and the FAQ’s.

Troy Police Raise Money for Local Charities with T-Shirt Sale

The Troy Police Department is selling T-shirts featuring Pawfficer Donut, police cat, to raise money for local charities. Proceeds from the sales of the shirts benefit HAVEN, Oakland County’s organization for victims of domestic violence and sexual assault, and Leuk’s Landing, a home for cats with feline leukemia.

The Pawfficer Donut shirts are available through Dec. 2 and can only be purchased through Michigan-based Good Ink. T-shirts sell for $25 each and will ship in time for Christmas.

Pawfficer Donut, Troy’s police cat, champions “pawsitivity” throughout the year through school visits, community events and social media content. The T-shirts feature a picture of Donut and her motto, “Purrtect and Serve.”

Best Decorated Home

Do you know a Clark Griswold? Are you Clark? If so, nominate your friends and neighbors or yourself, for the Best Holiday Decorated Homes and Businesses in Troy awards. Send in your nominations by Monday, Dec. 2, of fabulously decorated homes or businesses, plus the homeowner’s name and phone number, if you have it.

Multiple categories for awards will be given out on Monday, Dec. 16, in the City Council Chambers at 6:30 p.m.

Send in your nominations for Best Holiday Decorated Homes and Businesses to:

Cindy.stewart@troymi.gov or call in the nominations to 248-524-1147.

Winter Wonderland

This free, campus-wide event returns on Friday, Dec. 6, from 6:30 to 9 p.m.

Start the night at the south entrance of City Hall for the annual Christmas Tree Lighting at 6:30 p.m.  Then at 7 p.m., go to the library and Community Center for activities for the whole family.

Check the website for details.

Family Night Out

Nov. 23 is Family Night Out at the Community Center. From 5 to 7:45 p.m., head over for an inexpensive, fun night out.  Activities include basketball, swimming, an inflatable castle and more. The cost is $3 per person for residents and, $4 per person for non-residents.

Wanted by Troy Police: Donors to Help Residents in Need

The Troy Police Department is again looking for sponsors to help residents in need during the upcoming holiday season.

“As police officers, we see firsthand how the holidays can be particularly hard for some,” said Chief Frank Nastasi. “This program gives us the opportunity to come together with community partners to help our residents in need.”

Sponsors can contribute by “adopting a family” or by donating cash or gift cards. Recipient families or individuals are provided with holiday gifts and food, delivered via “blue sleigh” by officers and volunteers before Christmas.

The department is now matching sponsors and families in need. Those wishing to contribute should contact Officer Greg Pokley, pokleyga@troymi.gov, 248-680-7223 by Nov. 25.

Coffee with State Rep. Padma Kuppa

On Monday, Dec. 2, from 9:30 to 10:30 a.m., join State Representative Padma Kuppa for coffee at a meet and greet. Kuppa serves House District 41.

Register here for the event.

Winter Wonderland Comes to Troy

The 7th Annual Winter Wonderland will take place at the Civic Center Campus on Friday, Dec. 6, from 6:30 to 9 p.m. The free event returns with Santa, Sgt. Sugarplum from the Troy Police Department, the Snow Sisters and new special features. All ages are welcome.

The night kicks off at the south entrance of City Hall for the annual Christmas Tree Lighting at 6:30 p.m., including the Troy High Colts Drumline, Athens High Concert and Treble Choirs, hot cocoa and treats. Santa will visit with all the boys and girls under a tent on the north side of City Hall immediately following the Christmas Tree Lighting. Special carolers from the J-Ro School of Music will be strolling close to Santa providing festive holiday music.

Wanted by Troy Police: Donors to Help Residents in Need

The Troy Police Department is again looking for sponsors to help residents in need during the upcoming holiday season. The Troy Police Operation Blue Sleigh, a food and gift drive program, has been operating for 25 years.

“As police officers, we see firsthand how the holidays can be particularly hard for some,” said Chief Frank Nastasi. “This program gives us the opportunity to come together with community partners to help our residents in need.”

Sponsors can contribute by “adopting a family” or making a cash or gift card donation. Recipient families or individuals are provided with holiday gifts and food, delivered via “blue sleigh” by officers and volunteers before Christmas.

Recipients include struggling families and other Troy residents in financial need. Police work with community organizations to identify residents who will benefit from the effort, including children who would otherwise not receive gifts during the holidays.

For the fourth year, Alliance Mobile Health joins the Troy Police Department as a co-sponsor for Operation Blue Sleigh. Faith Lutheran Church joins as a partner for the second year.

Monetary donations can be made in the form of a check made out to Alliance Mobile Health. Checks can be dropped off at the police department, 500 W. Big Beaver Road.

The Department is now matching sponsors and families in need. Those wishing to contribute should contact Officer Greg Pokley, pokleyga@troymi.gov, 248-680-7223, by Nov. 25.

Troy Named a Top City for Retirees

According to ChamberofCommerce.org, Troy made the top 10 list of places for retirees to live.

The site used these criteria to decide which cities made the cut:

• Percentage of the population above 65
• Percentage of retirees in the 65+ population
• Overall Poverty rate
• Percentage of the population with a bachelor’s degree or higher
• Median monthly housing costs
• Physicians per 100K population
• Violent crime per 100K population
• Police Officers per 100K population

“Owing to its low crime, great residential neighborhoods, and quirky local character, Troy is one of the ten best U.S. cities to retire in the United States, and the top retirement destination in the Great Lakes region,” according to ChamberofCommerce.org.

See the full story on why Troy was chosen here.

Youth Chess Tournament

Get your strategies in place by Nov. 17 for the Troy Youth Chess Tournament. Hosted at the library from 1 to 5 p.m., this is a rated tournament, open to everyone who has up-to-date USCF and MCA memberships. Players need to be checked in before 1:15 p.m. For more information please email: tyascc.troy@gmail.com.

Winter Wonderland

You’re invited to the 7th Annual Winter Wonderland at City Hall, Troy Public Library and Troy Community Center. Activities are indoor and outdoor, so dress warm and be prepared for a night full of fun for the whole family.

For more information, head to rec.troymi.gov/winterwonderland for full details.

This event is free and open to all!