Veterans Day Ceremony

On Monday, Nov. 11, in front of Troy City Hall the Troy Veterans Memorial Committee hosts its annual Troy Veterans Day Ceremony. The event begins at 11 a.m. to honor and remember the service of all United States Military Veterans.

The program will include Raising of Colors, Rifle Salute, and Taps by the Troy Police Honor Guard as well as the Laying of the Memorial Wreath at the Veterans Monument.  Music will be provided by the Heritage Concert Band of Troy.

The keynote speaker for the 2019 Veterans Day Ceremony is Brigadier General Donald Schenk.

The public is invited to bring individual flowers, bouquets, small flags, and other appropriate mementos to be placed on the walk of honor or at the base of the Veterans Memorial in honor of a loved one or all veterans. For information contact Cindy Stewart at 248-524-1147.

Creative Endeavors Open House

Head to the Community Center on Nov. 15 for the Creative Endeavors Open House from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Start your holiday shopping early at Creative Endeavors, where local artisans 50 and older sell their handmade arts and crafts. Refreshments will be served. Enjoy 10% off merchandise including pottery, woodcarvings, needlework, greeting cards, clothing, and jewelry. Free gift wrap is available, too.

Troy Chamber Hosts CEO Series Event

On Wednesday, Nov. 13, the Troy Chamber will host a CEO Series event featuring Leon LaBrecque, the chief growth officer of Sequoia Financial Group. The event will take place at Hilton Garden Inn Detroit-Troy, 200 Wilshire Drive, Troy, from 8 a.m. to 9:30 a.m. and includes a sit-down breakfast, presentation and Q&A segment.

Understanding and recognizing key indicators which lead to forecasting a recession is undoubtedly a skill honed by years of experience. At the November event, LaBrecque will share his knowledge and walk the audience through a timeline of the eleven recessions within the last 70 years, the severity and prospectively what caused them. He will cover the probable leading indicator of a recession and current statistics on that and other indicators.

The cost is $25 for Troy Chamber members and $35 for non-members. Register at troychamber.com/events. For more information call 248-641-8151 or email theteam@troychamber.com.

Canned Food Drive

Now through Nov. 10, donate to the Fall Harvest Food Drive at the Community Center. Look for drop boxes to donate canned and non-perishable food items for Gleaners Food Bank.

Are You Using Technology or Is It Using You?

More than 2 billion people have smartphones, and we check our phones on average an incredible 150 times every day. Technology makes our lives easier in so many ways – but what is the cost of our dependence, and our children’s reliance, on screens? LIKE reveals the true effects of technology on the brain and uncovers the impact social media can have on our lives.

Troy Youth Assistance and Troy Tech Talks present a screening of the documentary LIKE

Thursday, Nov. 14, at 7 p.m. in the Troy High School Auditorium, 4777 Northfield Pkwy.

This film is recommended for ages 10 and up. RSVP here.

eCities Research Recognizes Troy for Supporting Business in their Community

Troy was 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 93 other communities across the state.

Troy Police Host Meeting for House of Worship Leaders

Troy Police invite local house of worship leaders and security staff to join together for an annual security meeting for faith-based organizations on Nov. 4, from 9 to 11 a.m. at the Troy Police and Fire Training Center, 4850 John R Road.

Officers will discuss the Troy Police Department’s protocol for responding to active shooter incidents as well as ideas on how houses of worship and police can work together. CodeRED, the city’s new emergency notification system, will also be presented.

The Troy Police Department has held similar meetings for more than seven years and views the annual meeting as an opportunity to address the unique security concerns of houses of worship and connect with local leadership.

Anyone interested in attending the upcoming meeting or hosting a safety presentation at their house of worship should contact Officer Greg Pokley, pokleyga@troymi.gov or 248-680-7223.

Cathleen Russ Named 2019 MLA Librarian of the Year

The Michigan Library Association announced Cathleen Russ is the 2019 MLA Librarian of the Year. Russ received the award during the MLA 2019 Annual Conference Awards Luncheon on Oct. 17 in Novi.

“As we read through the letters of support for Cathleen’s nomination it became clear that she has been a guiding force for Michigan librarians on both a micro and macro level — she has mentored library professionals one-on-one, taught our profession’s fundamentals and ethics in formal classroom settings, coached colleagues at statewide workshops, and advocated for all Michigan libraries on the Board of the Michigan Library Association,” said Juliane Morian, MLA Awards Subcommittee member and Annual Conference Chair. “In short, Cathleen elevates librarianship from occupation to vocation.”

Russ has served as director of the Troy Public Library since 2007. She holds a Master of Library and Information Science degree from Wayne State University and a Bachelor of Arts, Honors, Communications from Loyola University Chicago. She currently serves on the Board of the Michigan Library Association.

Friends,

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

Art Fair This Week

Troy Recreation’s third annual Art Fair will be held on Saturday, Oct. 26, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. at the Troy Community Center. Visit great art and even find some gift ideas while you’re there.

Learn to Live Well During the Holidays

On Nov. 12, Beaumont Hospital, Troy, will host “Living Well: Have a Healthy Holiday” in the Moceri Learning Center, 44201 Dequindre in Troy. Registration begins at 5 p.m. and presentations take place from 5:45 to 7:30 p.m.

• Beaumont pharmacists available to answer medication questions
• Free blood pressure screenings
• Hands-only CPR education and training

Strategies for managing diabetes and making healthy holiday meals will be the focus of a talk by Kelly Dabel, Beaumont Health registered dietitian.

Megan Husek, a registered dietitian with the Beaumont Weight Control Center, will discuss the benefits of eating healthy and maintaining a healthy weight during the holidays. She will share tips about how to stay on track and navigate the minefield of high-fat and high-carb foods that become more readily available during the holidays.

Beaumont Health Psychologist Katie Blasko will discuss innovative ways to manage stress during the holidays and a Beaumont fitness expert will provide insights on exercise and movement.

Please enter the hospital from the north through the Emergency Drive. Continue straight and park in the northwest lot adjacent to the Moceri Learning Center outside entrance.Appetizers and refreshments will be provided. The event and parking are free, but space is limited and registration is recommended.

To register, call 800-633-7377 or visit classes.beaumont.org. 

Troy Garden Club Receives Award from Keep Michigan Beautiful

The Troy Garden Club received an award from Keep Michigan Beautiful for its volunteer efforts at the Troy Historic Village and the Troy Public Library. Members plant and maintain the many gardens throughout the Village, and they also plant the raised beds at the Library entrance.

For additional information, visit the Troy Garden Club website: TroyGardenClubMI.com

Frightful 5k

The fourth Annual Frightful 5k is Oct. 26 at the Troy Community Center. Run time is 8:30 a.m. The 5K route takes runners along Big Beaver in their best Halloween costume. Enjoy inflatables, age appropriate results, race shirt, bag and free open swim after the race.

Race fees are $35 for the 5k and $10 for the 1k. The day of the race, costs go up to $45 for the 5k ad $20 for the 1k.

Registration starts at 7:30 a.m. The 5K race begins at 8:30 a.m. and the 1K Pumpkin Family Run begins at 9:30 a.m. Costumes are encouraged. More info and registration at troymi.gov/frightful5k.

Out of this World Trick-or-Treat

Earthlings and extraterrestrials, wear your Halloween costume and join the fun at the Village for space games, crafts, and of course, lots of candy and non-candy treats. Trick-or-treat on Oct. 26 at the Troy Historic Village from 12:30 to 3:30 p.m. Troy Historical Society members pay $5, while non-members are $7. Kids 4 & under are free.

Get Creeped Out at the Library

On Oct. 28, Our Spooky, Kooky World will be presented at the library from 7 to 8:30 p.m. Join author, researcher and TV personality John E.L. Tenney, an expert in the fields of paranormal, conspiratorial and occult research and lecturer on strange phenomena and folklore, whose open skepticism has gained him respect from both believers and non-believers alike. Sign up online at troypl.org/calendar or by calling 248-524-3534.

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

Community Groups Screen Documentary LIKE

Troy Youth Assistance and Troy Tech Talks are screening the compelling new documentary LIKE, about the impact of social media on our lives, on Thursday, Nov. 14, at 7 p.m., at Troy High School Auditorium, 4777 Northfield Parkway.

LIKE reveals the true effects of technology on the brain and uncovers the impact social media can have on our lives.

The film is recommended for ages 10 and up.  For more information go to TheLikeMovie.com. Everyone is invited, but space is limited.  Sign up at:  https://www.signupgenius.com/go/30E0A49A9AB28A6F49-like.

Jamboree on the Air Happening in Troy

Jamboree-on-the-Air, or JOTA, is the largest Scouting event in the world. It is held annually over the third full weekend in October. JOTA uses amateur radio to link Scouts and amateur radio operators, or “hams,” around the world, around the nation, and in the local community.

The Troy JOTA event will take place at Troy Fire Station #2, 5600 Livernois Road in Troy, beginning at 7 p.m. on Friday, Oct. 18, with the majority of activity occurring on Saturday, Oct. 19. Troy Scout Troop 1702 will participate in the morning session on Saturday from 9 a.m. to noon. Troop 1707 will participate in the afternoon session on Saturday from 1 to 4 p.m.

For additional information visit https://www.scouting.org/jota/ or https://www.qrz.com/ and type K8S in the call sign search box.

Flu Shot Clinic

Don’t let the flu knock you out this season. On Wednesday, Oct. 23, from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m., you can drop in and get your influenza vaccination at Room 303 in the Troy Community Center. Bring your picture ID with current address and Medicare/Medicaid card for billing. For more information, call the Oakland County Nurse on Call at 800-848-5533. No registration required.

CodeRED Reverse 911 System is Now Active

If you have a landline, your phone number was added to the CodeRED system through an automatic process. If you would like to receive critical public safety alerts to a cell or email, sign up now through Troy’s app — tinyurl.com/y3gpbkzs (Apple) or tinyurl.com/y63zh4ct (Google).

CodeRED alerts will be used to inform the community about imminent threats to life or property, disaster and evacuation

Visit Constitution Cafe

On Oct. 13, stop in at Constitution Café at Troy Historic Village at 2 p.m. This free event will use the Socratic method of inquiry and discussion to engage in civil discourse to create a new Constitution. 

It’s a Pilkey Party

Come celebrate Dav Pilkey’s adored book characters such as Captain Underpants and Dog Man with silly games and fun crafts. The party starts Oct. 23 from 2:30 to 3:30 p.m. at the library. Fans in grades K-5 are welcome.

Wall-to-Wall Art Fair

Shop from more than 50 local artists at the 3rd Annual Wall-to-Wall Art Fair. This is a juried event, featuring artists in all mediums. The fair runs Oct. 26 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. at the Community Center. Concessions will be available for purchase. Admission and parking are free. No registration required.

It’s Shredding Time

A Shred Corp. truck will be in the Troy Family Aquatic Center parking lot for on-site document shredding on Thursday, Oct. 10, from 9 to 11 a.m. All are welcome to bring up to four paper grocery bags per person of paper documents. No boxes or large plastic garbage bags will be accepted. Fee: $3 per person, $2 for Friends of Troy Seniors members.

Share Ideas About “Your County” with County Executive Coulter

​Oakland County Executive David Coulter wants to hear from residents about their vision for the future of the county and region. He is scheduling meet and greets called “Your County with David Coulter” at local public libraries or community centers, where residents will be able to share their ideas with the county executive. Seating is limited.

Register for the event and head to the Troy Public Library on Oct. 15 from11 a.m. to noon and let your voice be heard.

To register, go to oakcoexec.eventbrite.com. Stay tuned for additional upcoming events to be scheduled soon near your community.

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

Sign Up Today for Compressed Air Challenge Seminars

Compressed air leaks can be the source of a lot of wasted energy. Sign up for one or both of these seminars to learn how to manage, maintain and optimize compressed air systems in your business.
Fundamentals Seminar

Oct. 8
8 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Somerset Inn, Troy
Register Here

Advanced 2-Day Seminar
Oct. 9-10
8 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Somerset Inn, Troy
Register Here

For more information, contact info@esciences.us or 248-430-5568.

Dane and Judy Slater Endowment Kickoff and Retirement Party

For more than 40 years, Dane and Judy Slater served the community, seeking to make Troy the very best place to live, work and raise a family. Dane Slater is the former mayor of the city. Now, the community is thanking them for their service and establishing the Dane and Judy Slater Endowment Fund.

The Dane and Judy Slater Endowment Fund will give annual donations to Troy charities and non-profits and will be hosted by the Troy Community Foundation, an organization that Dane Slater helped co-found during his tenure as mayor.

Join in celebrating the Slaters on Wednesday, Oct. 16, from 6 to 9 p.m. at The Melting Pot. General tickets are $100 per person.

Grants Available

The Troy Community Foundation announced the Fall 2019 Troy Community Foundation Grant Application. Grants are available in four key areas: Youth & Seniors, Arts & Culture, Beautification, and Health & Recreation.

Traditionally, grants range in size from $250 to $2,000 and each grant is reviewed on its own merit. The spring 2019 Grant Application deadline is Tuesday, Oct. 15. The grant application is available at: www.TroyCF.org/grants