Friends,

I did it! I ran my first 5k race. I went into it thinking I wasn’t going to make it, that I was going to let myself down. But, you know what? It was great.

I ran my personal best time. I finished in the upper half of my age group. I got a medal. I didn’t do as well as the pace runner who was pregnant and finished a 10k five minutes behind me. And I certainly didn’t run as well as the lady who didn’t even break a sweat when she was passing me.

But for someone who never thought to run a race, but here am. And I have to say, I’m pretty proud.

Next on my list is the Kona Chocolate 5k in November.

Rebecca

Rock Out with Music and Doughnuts

Rich Eddy’s Rockin’ Oldies Band tunes up for a concert on Oct. 30. Doors open at 11 a.m., the concert begins at 11:15 a.m. Save room for doughnuts, coffee, friends and great music at the Troy Recreation Center. The cost in $5 for residents and $10 for non-residents. Register at the front desk or online.

Cemetery Tour

On Sept. 28, join in the Tangible Cemetery Tour at Perrin Cemetery on the east side of Coolidge between 14 Mile and 15 Mile roads. The tour runs from 2 to 3:30 p.m. Meet for an interactive tour featuring gravestone geology, headstone rubbings and readings, as the group unearths stories of the people buried here. Walking and standing required. Troy Historical Society members pay $5 per adult or child and non-members pay $7 per adult, $5 per child (6-12).

Visit troyhistoricvillage.org to register or call the Village at 248-524-3570 with questions. The Troy Historic Village is located at 60 W. Wattles Rd., just west of Livernois Rd.

Family Night Out

On Sept. 28, make plans for Family Night Out at the Community Center from 5 to 7:45 p.m. This is a fun, inexpensive night out for families. Activities include basketball, swimming, an inflatable castle and more. Residents are $3 per person and non-residents are $4 per person. Community Center passholders get in free.

General Election Coming Nov. 5

On Nov. 5, the general election will have the polls open from 7 a.m. to 8 p.m.

Candidates for mayor are current council members Ethan Baker and Dave Henderson. There are three seats open for council members, and there are six candidates running, including: current Council Member Edna Abrahim, Daniel Agauas, Olimpiu Ollie Apahidean, Theresa Brooks, Ann Erickson Gault and Sunil Sivaraman.

Here are some important dates to keep in mind:

Sept. 23 – Nov. 1

Absentee ballots are available in the City Clerk’s office weekdays 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.

Any registered voter can apply for an absentee ballot.

Oct. 21

The last day to register to vote by mail.

Oct. 22- Nov. 5
Voter registration must be in-person at the City Clerk’s Office from 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.

Nov. 2
Clerk’s Office open for in-person absentee voting from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Nov. 4
Last day to vote absentee from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Nov. 5
Election Day: polls open 7 a.m. to 8 p.m.

Visit the new Pop-Up City Clerk’s Office at the Troy Public Library, 510 W. Big Beaver, on Saturday, Sept. 21, from noon to 2 p.m. Stop by and meet Troy City Clerk Aileen Dickson.

The Troy City Clerk’s Office needs election inspectors. Any registered voter in Michigan can work as an election inspector and students can work if they are 16 or 17 years old, and a U.S. citizen. Work with voters in voting precincts or in the Absentee Counting Board in City Hall. Election inspectors are paid $12 per hour plus paid training, and bonus for chairpersons.

For more information, please contact the City Clerk’s Office at 248-524-3316 or email clerks@troymi.gov.

Teas at Two Slated for Sept. 26

On Sept. 26, teetotalers will gather for Thursday Teas at Two: Iconic Restaurants of Ann Arbor at the Old Troy Church in the Historic Village from 2 to 3 p.m. Whether your fondest food memories of Ann Arbor began with ringing the Pretzel Bell or more recent stops at Bob’s or Zingerman’s, every generation has a favorite to share. Co-authors Jon Milan and Gail Offen share the stories of unforgettable eateries. The cost is $8 for Troy Historical Society members, and non-members are $9.

Preschool Open House

Rainbow Preschool at The Troy Community Center is having an open house on Thursday, Sept. 19, from 5 to 7 p.m. Families can meet the trained and experienced teachers, see the spacious classrooms and learn about the various preschool programs available.

Rainbow Preschool is licensed by the State of Michigan and has been serving the Troy community for 42 years.

In addition to traditional preschool, Rainbow Preschool offers classes for children as young as 18 months, as well as a variety of Summer Camps to keep your kids busy.

Rainbow Preschool is located inside the Troy Community Center at 3179 Livernois Road, between Big Beaver and Wattles. For more information, or to schedule a personal tour, contact Amy Campeau, preschool coordinator, at 248-524-3482.

Visit rec.troymi.gov/preschool for detailed information on classes and pricing.

Sign Up for My Chance to Dance

My Chance to Dance Dance/Exercise for Children and Adults with Developmental Disabilities offers classes on Thursdays from 7 to 8 p.m. at Big Beaver United Methodist Church. The cost is $40 for eight classes or $6 for drop-ins. The first class free for new students. This class is ongoing. Please contact Peggy DiMercurio at mdimercurio@wowway.com or 586-801-4902, with any questions.

Troy Farmers Market Ends Sept. 27

Time is running out to take advantage of the bounty at the Troy Farmers Market every Friday from 2 to 6 p.m., through Sept. 27 in the Troy Public Library Parking Lot.

Support local farmers and vendors and get fresh and seasonal, local Michigan-grown fruits and vegetables, flowers, meats, honey and more, plus baked goods, jams, jellies, spices, pastas and ready-to-eat foods prepared with local ingredients.

Food Trucks onsite:
Sept. 20: Salt & Sugar, Bull & Basil Wood Grilled Pizza
Sept. 27: Bull & Basil Wood Grilled Pizza

The Farmers Market offers weekly musical entertainment sponsored by J-Ro School of Music, kid’s activities and giveaways. Check out the website for up-to-date information on weekly farmers and food vendors, special events and the entertainment line-up.

Friends,

I’m writing this from my favorite chair, with my favorite blanket, sipping on tea. Today is a “droopy” day, as my son calls it—cloudy, rainy, cool. And I love it.

I love these last weeks of summer. There’s so much to look forward to, so much to enjoy. To me, Michigan is at its finest as it’s about to change seasons. Now, I’m not saying I want to rush into anything. I have rules: No decorating for Halloween until it’s actually October and no Christmas decorations until after Thanksgiving.

What I am saying is to make sure you enjoy the moment you’re in, while you’re in it. I’m trying hard to practice this myself, especially as I’m training for a 5k.

Enjoy every moment, every day. I’m thinking about the Addison Oaks fall color tour mentioned below. I think I’ll enjoy that.

Have an awesome week,

Rebecca

Troy Hosted 4th Annual Softball Game Troy Firefighting Volunteers vs. On My Own of Michigan Eagles

The City of Troy hosted a softball game – the 4th annual Troy Firefighting Volunteers vs. On My Own of Michigan Eagles on Wednesday, Sept. 4, at Boulan Park. On My Own of Michigan, a Troy-based non-profit, challenged the Troy Fire Department to a charity softball game in 2016 and the firefighters accepted the challenge. The On My Own Eagles beat the Troy Firefighting Volunteers for the fourth time 10 – 4. The On My Own Eagles compete in the annual Special Olympics.

On My Own assists adults with intellectual developmental disabilities to live independently, maintain employment and enjoy an improved quality of life.

Yedavally-Yellayi Named Michigan Family Medicine Educator of the Year

The Michigan Academy of Family Physicians recognized Dr. Srikala Yedavally-Yellayi, affiliated with Beaumont Hospital, Troy, as the Michigan Family Medicine Educator of the Year. In addition to serving as director of the Beaumont, Troy Osteopathic Department of Medical Education Program, she is an assistant professor with Oakland University William Beaumont School of Medicine; and also, a Global Health director and Clerkship director for Family Medicine Undergraduate Medical Education. The MAFP presents the award each year to an individual who has made outstanding contributions to family medicine undergraduate, graduate and continuing education in Michigan.

Beaumont Hospital, Troy Winner of NRC’s Consumer Loyalty Awards

NRC Health announced winners of the 2019 Consumer Loyalty Awards. The “Top 100” includes Beaumont Hospital, Troy. To be included in the list, organizations had to achieve an ‘extraordinary’ high score on the NRC Health Loyalty Index – a single trackable metric and benchmark of health care consumer loyalty. The metric, a composite of seven critical aspects of loyalty, recognizes top performers in the health care industry.

Manufacturing Day

Showcase your company to our future workforce by opening your doors to high school students on Oct. 4 for Manufacturing Day. This opportunity provides a behind-the-scenes look at design labs, testing centers and manufacturing operations.  Last year, nearly 1,000 students visited 43 manufacturing sites. For more information, visit oakgov.com/mfgday  or contact Laura Robb at lrobb@michiganworksoakpark.org or 248-691-8437 ext. 2974.

Friends,

Where did the summer go? It seems like forever ago that I picked my kids up from their last day of school, but at the same time, I’m pretty sure it was just last week that I packed my last lunchbox.

I’m on the fence about back-to-school. I miss my alone time and being able to work uninterrupted. I do not miss the morning routine, folders, papers, cold, germs and everything else that comes with a new school year. Buying school supplies, a first-day outfit and shoes, meeting new friends and catching up with the friends we didn’t see over the summer is fun for me, though. So, I’m torn.

Whatever your back-to-school feelings are, I hope you have a great kick-off to fall. And if you could, please head over to the City News Facebook page and give us a like.

Rebecca

Co-Working Office Space Growing in Troy

This type of office space provides a shared workplace for individuals who are usually not employed by the same organization. Meeting rooms, kitchens, reception areas, video conferencing, technology and services are typically shared by the tenants of the space.

This type of office arrangement is particularly appealing to work-at-home professionals, independent contractors, freelancers, people who travel a lot for work, start-up companies and foreign-based companies seeking an initial local presence. The co-working spaces in Troy are well-located, have cool interior design features, and provide very friendly work environments at a reasonable cost. 

Troy’s co-working office locations include the following:

AmeriCenter of Troy – 200 E. Big Beaver
Byte & Mortar – 2609 Crooks Road
Citypace – 164 Indusco Court
Epidesk – 2701 Troy Center Drive
HubworX360 – 360 E. Maple
Intelligent Office – 755 W. Big Beaver
Media Genesis – 1441 E. Maple
Nextwave – 950 Stephenson Hwy.
Regus – 100 W. Big Beaver and 101 W. Big Beaver
Seven Co – 888 W. Big Beaver (Opening October 2019)
Surge Colab – 901 Tower Drive

Fire Safety for Businesses

The Troy Fire Department is hosting a fire safety seminar on Oct. 10 at 9 a.m. This two-hour seminar focuses on educating business owners and operators on how to reduce the risk of fire in their business. Participants will review fire code requirements and common code violations. For additional information and to enroll, click here.

Going Pro Talent Fund

Millions of dollars in training funds are available to employers. Get the money and resources you need to find and train talent.

This popular and effective state program assists companies with a demonstrated talent need. The fund targets short-term training that leads to a credentialed, industry-recognized skill.

Program funding is competitive due to limited fund availability and is administered locally by the Troy Michigan Works! Office. Check out the program Fact Sheet and register for an Information Session.

Questions? Contact Denise VanHee at dvanhee@troy.k12.mi.us or 248-823-5109.

Save the Date for Battle of the Badges

Join the community for an epic softball game between the Troy Police Department and the Troy Fire Department Friday, Sept. 6, from 7 to 9 p.m.

All proceeds from the game will go to the Troy Firefighter Memorial Project. Tickets are just $10 for adults and $5 for children under 12.A raffle, 50/50 tickets and snacks will be available at the game.

Volunteers Needed for Troy Family Daze

The annual Troy Family Daze festival is right around the corner, and community volunteers are crucial to its success. Individuals interested in volunteering can check out this link for the various opportunities, and times available.

Troy Daze is Sept. 12 – 15 at the Troy Civic Center.

Tell Us What you Think

Be sure to take the Parks and Recreation Master Plan Survey that is online now.

The department is conducting this survey until Sept. 6 to get input from Troy residents and non-residents. Click here to fill out this short survey and share your opinion.

What’s Your Brand?: A Personal Branding Workshop

Are you looking to jump into the professional world? Change careers? Get that promotion? This workshop might be the tool to help you do just that. Head to the Troy Public Library Thursday, Sept. 26, from 7 to 8:30 p.m. to see real-world examples, in a workshop that focuses on defining one’s personal brand and offers tips on leveraging it to stand out at work…and beyond.

Friends,

Less than three years ago, I quit my job in corporate communications and went headlong into freelancing. I called it, “my adventure.” Since then, I’ve been especially aware of taking risks and doing things that scare me.

Well, I’m heading into another adventure next month. I’m running my first 5k.

I’m not entirely sure how I got talked into this. I’ve never liked running. In fact, I’ve warned people that if you see me running, you should probably be running, too.

Yet, here I am in the middle of training week five.

I’m using a couch-to-5k app, and if we’re being honest, I still identify way more with the couch aspect than the 5k aspect. I’ve also developed an obsession with running clothes, updating my playlist and keeping my newly chopped hair out of my face without looking like a sweaty Medusa.

The struggle is real, y’all.

The event is Women Run the D on Sept. 15 on Belle Isle. I have no idea if I’ll keep up with running after the race, but I’m enjoying the challenge and proud of my accomplishment already. My goal is to finish in the top 500 in my age bracket. Keep your fingers crossed!

Rebecca

Troy Chamber Announced New CEO

The Troy Chamber of Commerce announced its board of directors selected Tara Tomscik-Husak as chief executive officer.

Tomscik-Husak was most recently the senior director of Life Enrichment at Common Sail Investment Group. She assumed the role of Troy Chamber president and CEO on Aug. 12.

“I’m ecstatic to be working alongside such a talented chamber team. Together, we will continue to build strong partnerships and connections for the Troy business community,” said Tomscik-Husak.

Property Tax Payments Due Sept. 1

Payments for 2019 summer property taxes must be received on or before Sept. 1 to avoid additional interest and penalty charges. Postmarks are not accepted. Penalty and interest of 4.5% must be applied to all unpaid summer tax bill balances after the due date for September.

Several payment options are listed on the back of your tax bill:

• The city does not accept payments made online through banking institutions. The bank must create a paper check and mail it.
• Please allow seven to 10 business days when mailing payments.
• Payments by check may be made in person at City Hall located at 500 W. Big Beaver anytime using the secure drop boxes conveniently located outside the east (walk-up) and west (drive-up) entrances to the building.

If you are responsible for paying property taxes but have not received your bill, contact the Treasurer’s Office at 248-524-3333, Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. or visit www.troymi.gov. If you recently refinanced or paid off your mortgage and are not sure who is responsible for the payment, contact your mortgage company.

Beaumont, Troy Earns Prestigious Nursing Designation for 3rd Consecutive Time

 Beaumont Hospital, Troy once again achieved the highest honor for nursing excellence through the Magnet recognition program of the American Nurses Credentialing Center, a subsidiary of the American Nurses Association.Only about 8% of hospitals across the nation have achieved Magnet status.

“Earning Magnet status is a tremendous accomplishment,” said Susan Grant, RN, Beaumont Health executive vice president and chief nursing officer. “To sustain that level of excellence through three consecutive periods validates the hard work of the entire team at Troy, along with our commitment to quality and safety. We are proud of and grateful to Troy’s amazing nurses and patient care teams.”

Magnet was created in 1994 to recognize health care organizations for quality patient care, nursing excellence and innovations in professional nursing practice.

The redesignation will be presented to Beaumont staff at the 2019 ANCC National Magnet Conference in Orlando, Florida in October.

Troy Favorite Kim’s Restaurant to Close

After 44 years in business, the popular Kim’s Restaurant is closing. The owners announced their retirement in an Aug. 12 Facebook post: “After over 44 years of serving the Troy community, the owners of Kim’s Family Restaurant will close our business so that we may enjoy our retirement. We will continue to serve our loyal fans until we close our doors on Saturday, August 31, 2019 at 10 p.m. We thank you for your support and we appreciate your patience during our transition.”

Additional posts from the restaurant ask for patience as carry-out times have increased because Chinese food cravers are heading to the restaurant in droves to have one last taste.