Shred Your Secrets

A Shred Corp. truck will provide on-site shredding for your sensitive documents on Thursday, April 18, from 9 to 11 am in the Aquatic Center parking lot. Shredding is limited to private individuals with up to four paper grocery bags of paper documents. No boxes or large plastic garbage bags please. The fee is $3 per person, $2 for Friends of Troy Seniors members.

Mackinac Island’s Grand Experience

The Troy Recreation Department is offering Mackinac Island’s Grand Experience to individuals age 50 and above. The trip is scheduled for Tuesday, October 1–Friday, October 4, 2019. Fee per person with double occupancy and motor coach is $880 for Residents, $890 for Non-Residents. You can secure a spot with a $200 deposit due by Friday, May 31. Final balance due Friday, August 16.

Trip includes elegant accommodations at Grand Hotel, daily breakfasts and five-course dinners at the hotel, Grand Buffet lunch on day of arrival, champagne reception, baggage handling, round trip ferry ride, and round-trip horse-drawn taxi to hotel. You’ll be lavishly entertained with a horse-drawn carriage tour, lectures, movies, games, bingo, nightly dancing and more.

Additional information, including rates for a drive up on your own option is available at online. Register online or in person at Troy Community Center.

Author Evening at the Troy Community Center

Oakland University was founded in 1957 when Alfred Wilson and Matilda Dodge Wilson donated $2 million and their 1,400-acre estate to Michigan State University to begin a new college in Oakland County. In 1959, the first students enrolled at Michigan State University-Oakland, and the university officially changed its name to Oakland University in 1963.

Come hear all about the history of Oakland University from Dominique Daniel, author of “Oakland University Campus History,” on Wednesday, April 10 from 7 to 9 pm in room 304 and 305 of the Troy Community Center. Daniel is an Associate Professor at Oakland University’s Kresge Library, Humanities Librarian for History and Modern Languages, and Coordinator of Archives and Special Collections. The event is free, but registration is requested. You can register at troypl.org/calendar or by calling 248.524.3534.

Movie and Pizza Monday

The Troy Parks and Recreation Department Adaptive Recreation Program invites participants 13 and older to come for pizza and “Mary Poppins Returns,” on April 8 at 6:30 pm at the Troy Community Center. Enjoy the magic as Disney’s Mary Poppins (Emily Blunt) helps the Banks family remember the joy of being a child. Together with her friend Jack the lamplighter (Lin-Manuel Miranda), fun is brought back to the streets of London in celebration that everything is possible…even the impossible. Cost is $7 or punch card. Aides may purchase pizza for $1 per slice. Please place your order when you check in before pizza is ordered. If you will be arriving late, please call ahead to place a pizza order at 248.990.0029.

We’d love to know what you think! After you read this week’s City News, please take a moment to answer some quick questions that you will find at the bottom of this page.

Picking Up After Winter

Yard waste collection starts on Monday, April 1. Troy Residents may take up to 10-yard waste bags daily to SOCRRA Transfer Station free of charge. SOCRRA does not accept yard waste in plastic bags. Proof of residency is required.

Find out how to dispose of all kinds of waste on the SOCRRA Waste Wizard. Visit the socrra website  to learn more. You can also download the free mobile app “SOCRRA Waste Wizard” from your app store.

Troy People Concerned
Spring Pasta Dinner

Troy People Concerned, a non-profit service organization since 1974, supports Troy residents in times of need with assistance, information and referrals.  Troy People Concerned receive calls for assistance from people who have lost their jobs or are facing serious medical or other financial situations. In some cases, TPC helps Troy residents by helping with utility bills, rent or mortgage payments; backpacks for kids in need; holiday food baskets or gift cards to local grocery stores such as Meijer and Kroger.

They will host their Spring Pasta Dinner fundraiser, on Wednesday, April 10, from 5 to 8 pm, at the San Marino Club. The event includes: 50/50 Raffle; Silent Auction; Music; Caricatures by Darrell Swift (Live Art by Swift) & Bill Bryan (Bill Bryan Art); Magician Jason Abbott, face painting fun for the Children; and Cash Bar.  Bring non-perishable food items to donate to TPC’s food pantry and receive one free raffle ticket (1 per family). Tickets: $20 Adults / $5 per child under 10.  For Info call 248.528.9199. Mail ticket request & check payable to Troy People Concerned, 2045 Austin Dr, Troy MI  48083 or purchase tickets online at troypeopleconcerned.org.

Make Your Yard Into A Colorful Work of Art

Whether you want to create a complete paradise in your yard or liven up a few beds, you’ll want to join Troy Seniors for “Continuous Color in the Landscape” at the Community Center on Tuesday, March 26, from 7 to 8:30 pm. Come learn design techniques and gardener’s tricks for extending, stalling, and coaxing repeat shows from flowering plants, from landscape designer and author Janet Macunovich. The program is free. Call 248.526.2608, email fotstroy@gmail.com or stop by the Community Center to register.

Historical Hat Moments

Sip a cup of tea while enjoying a slice of history. It’s all about hats and history this month! Linda Hannah of Hat Moments, LLC brings an admired segment of fashion history to life with an enthusing presentation that weaves historical pieces into the flow. View gorgeous, vintage headwear and learn fascinating stories behind fabulous styles. Come to the Troy Historic Village for Thursday Tea on Thursday, March 28, at 2 pm (organizers suggest arriving for the one-hour program at 1:45).

This popular lecture series takes place inside Old Troy Church at the Troy Historic Village. Ticket price is: THS Member: $7/person, Non-Member: $8/person. Call the Village Gift Shop at 248.524.3570 to purchase over the phone or stop by during regular hours. Visit the Troy Historic Village for more information.

Coffee Meet and Greet Series

Get to know Police Chief Frank Nastasi, State Representative Padma Kuppa and City Manager Mark Miller at this series of informal meet and greets. Stop by the Community Center to say hi and enjoy free donuts and coffee with:

City Manager Mark Miller on Wednesday, March 20, from 10 to 11 am in Room 302, and Wednesday, April 24, from 10 to 11 am in Room 302

There is no cost, but advance registration is requested.

Spring Senior Expo

Visit more than 75 vendors and get information on products and services for 50+ individuals at the Spring Senior Expo on Tuesday, March 19 from 10 am – 1 pm at the Troy Community Center. This annual event provides one-stop shopping for information on health, financial services, housing, home care, and much more.  Free coffee and water available.  Stop by the senior lunchroom and register for lunch, which will be served from 11:45 am to 12:30 pm for $3.50 ($6 if under age 60). The Senior Expo is free, and no registration is required.

Scholarship Opportunities

The Troy Women’s Association, a local nonprofit organization, will award $8000 in educational scholarships to local women who demonstrate a commitment to serving their community and/or demonstrate a financial need. Scholarship applications are available for graduating high school students and adults. They are due by April 20 and will be applied to college, university or trade school tuition for the 2019-2020 academic year.  Applications and additional information can be found at troywomensassociation.org.

The City of Troy Youth Achievement Scholarship Award is for all high school students residing in the City of Troy. These awards will recognize youth who have made a significant impact on the Troy community through volunteer work or other special deeds and actions, and who demonstrate exceptional leadership and sense of academic and professional purpose.  The Youth Achievement Awards will grant one $1000 scholarship and one $500 scholarship to graduating high school seniors. Award winners will be recognized at a July or August Troy City Council Meeting.   Applications are available online and must be submitted by Thursday, May 30 at 4 pm to the City of Troy Community Affairs Department.  If you have questions, please call 248.524.1147.

A Home for Sam and Her Friends

Sam is a very special owl. She is an 8-year-old Barred Owl who came to Troy in 2018. She is believed to have fallen out of her nest in Alabama and been attacked by a dog when she was young. The people who found her got care for her injured wing and other wounds at the Alabama Wildlife Center. Her right wing never healed well enough for her to be released into the wild, so she lived for a while at the Organization for Bat Conservation before coming to the Stage Nature Center. Sam loves people and is very friendly. You can see her in this short video clip with Christina Funk, who is an Assistant Naturalist at the Stage Nature Center.

The Center currently cares for five owls that had to be rehomed when the Organization for Bat Conservation closed its doors and who are also unable to survive in the wild. The Center is raising funds for their care and to build them a home where the public can come and meet them. You can help the Nature Center care for Sam, Rito, Arguile, Autumn and Mortimer. Any donation is welcome. There are several levels of sponsorship. For $1,000, you can get a private meet and greet with these fascinating members of the raptor (birds of prey) family. Meet the owls and check out the many ways you can help build them a forever home.

Check This Out

On Sunday, March 17, young Kasparovs and Fischers are invited to the Troy Youth Chess Tournament at the Library from 1 to 5 pm. This is a rated tournament, open to everyone who has up-to-date USCF and MCA memberships. Players must be checked in by 1:15 pm. Email tyascc.troy@gmail.com for more information.

Almost Too Many Scrumptious Choices

Oh yum, it’s that time of year again! Troy Restaurant Week is back. Enjoy savory seasonal menus crafted just for Troy Restaurant Week from Sunday, March 10 through Friday 15, noon to 10 pm at 23 fabulous Troy eateries. Visit troyrestaurantweek.com for participating restaurants and menus.

The Troy Chamber will again host the “Oh Snap!” photo contest. Patrons are encouraged to share a snapshot of their Troy Restaurant Week experience to Facebook, Twitter or Instagram using the hashtag #OhSnapTRW19. Each day, a randomly chosen winner will receive a gift card to one of the participating restaurants.

Blackthorn Concert

Traditional songs of emigration, sea shanties, lively jigs, reels, and ancient airs combine with some of Ireland’s best contemporary songs. Each band member plays multiple instruments, including wooden flute, accordion, tin whistle, five string banjo, cittern, bones and more. These instruments complement the lead vocal of Belfast native Richard McMullan and the band’s tight blend of four-part harmony. See Blackthorn live at the Troy Recreation Center on Wednesday, March 13 from 7 to 9 pm. Tickets are $8 for residents and $10 for non-residents. Doors open at 6:30 pm. Pop and snacks will be available for purchase. For more information, contact Friends of Troy Seniors at 248.526.2608 or fotstroy@gmail.com.

Mental Health First Aid

Mental Health First Aid teaches you how to identify, understand and respond to signs of mental illnesses and substance use disorders. This 8-hour training gives parents and adults who work with youth the skills they need to reach out and provide initial support to adolescents ages 12-18 who may be developing a mental health or substance use problem and help connect them to the appropriate care. The workshop will cover how to interact with a youth in crisis and connect them with help, as well as common signs and symptoms of mental illness and substance use.

It will also cover how to apply the ALGEE action plan:

• Assess for risk of suicide or harm
• Listen nonjudgmentally
• Give reassurance and information
• Encourage appropriate professional help
• Encourage self-help and other support strategies

It will take place on Wednesday, February 27 from 8 am to 5 pm at Oakland Community Health Network.

City Manager Contract Renewed

The Troy City Council voted 6-1 last November 19 to appoint Mark F. Miller as the Troy City Manager. And Miller’s appointment was finalized with the approval of his contract on January 28, 2019.

Miller was appointed as the Acting City Manager on March 11, 2018, after a long career at the City of Troy, which started in 2000 when he became the Principal Planner and Planning Director in the Planning Department. In 2009, Miller transferred to the City Manager’s Office where he was Acting Assistant City Manager-Economic Development Services and then Director of Economic and Community Development.

“We sincerely appreciate Mark’s dedication and contributions to the Troy community during the past 18 years and look forward to working with him as he helps guide the City into our next phase of growth and development. I am very confident in Troy’s future at the City of Troy with City Manager Miller and the excellent team of employees,” Mayor Dane Slater said.

Prior to working in the Troy City Manager’s Office, Miller was a recognized leader in the Michigan planning field, elected by his peers twice to the Board of Directors of the Michigan Association of Planning, where he provided leadership as the Secretary-Treasurer, Vice-President and President.

“City Council, residents, businesses, and our employees can be assured that I will use all of my leadership and management skills to continue the high standards that Troy maintains.  Furthermore, our employees and I will help guide Troy with continual improvements into the future,” said Miller.

Miller won a 2007 Merit Award from the American Society of Landscape Architects, Michigan Chapter, and the 2007 Outstanding Planning Project Award, both for the Troy Downtown Development Authority’s Big Beaver Corridor Study.  He also won a U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development, John J. Gunther Blue Ribbon, Best Practices Award in 1999.

City of Troy Launches Online Tool to Support Business Growth

Many business owners get frustrated looking for reliable market research and advice online. The City of Troy, as part of their mission to support business growth and new investment, has teamed with award-winning technology firm Localintel to launch the Troy Business & Investment Assistant.

This online tool provides businesses, entrepreneurs and investors with information and advice in an easy-to-use format, both in English and Spanish. The tool makes it easier for startups, investors and existing businesses to:

• Research the city’s business climate, customers, competitors and workforce.
• Find advice on how to start and grow a business.
• Connect with resources and organizations that can help them succeed.

“This Assistant provides businesses with access to valuable information and highlights the essential concepts required to ask the right questions, use data effectively and make better business decisions,” said Glenn Lapin, Economic Development Specialist for the City of Troy. “This will be a valuable resource for our business community and will make Troy more attractive to outside companies.”

Localintel will update the data within the Assistant routinely so users can rely on accurate, current information.

“Data is this century’s most valuable resource and the Business & Investment Assistant is a great example of how Troy is harnessing it to strengthen the City’s economy and help the business community prosper,” said Dave Parsell, co-founder and CEO of Localintel.

Visit the Troy Business & Investment Assistant.

Michigan Crimes and Tragedies

In March, the Troy Public Library will present two authors discussing their books about dark chapters in Michigan.

Tom Carr – MI Bad: Robbers, Cutthroats & Thieves in Michigan’s Past & Present – Monday, March 11

The Great Lakes State has seen more than its share of sensational crimes in the last couple of centuries. MI Bad shines a searchlight on several of the most jaw-dropping capers and rogues. Train robberies, stage-coach holdups, posses, breakouts and shoot-em-ups. The darker pages of Michigan’s past spring to life in Tom Carr’s MI Bad: Robbers, Cutthroats and Thieves in Michigan’s Past and Present.

Anna Clark – The Poisoned City: Flint’s Water and the American Urban Tragedy – Tuesday, March 19

When the people of Flint, Michigan, turned on their faucets in April 2014, the water pouring out was poisoned with lead and other toxins. It took eighteen months of activism by city residents and a band of dogged outsiders to force the state to admit that the water was poisonous. By that time, twelve people had died, and Flint’s children had suffered irreparable harm. The long battle for accountability and a humane response to this man-made disaster has only just begun. In the first full account of this American tragedy, Anna Clark’s The Poisoned City recounts the gripping story of Flint’s poisoned water through the people who caused it, suffered from it, and exposed it.

The events will take place at the Troy Community Center in rooms 304 and 305 from 7 to 9 pm. They are free, but registration is requested at troypl.org/calendar or by calling 248.524.3534.

A Free Cut: Black Michigan Barbers and Anti-Slavery Activism

Come hear Michelle S. Johnson, PhD tell the story of how black barbers mobilized to challenge the political, legal and social systems of slavery. She will discuss George De Baptiste of Detroit and Calvin Hackett of Marshall, both significant in what came to be called the Underground Railroad, and the role of black Michigan barbers and their history of resistance. The talk will be on Thursday, February 21, from 6:30 to 8:30 pm at the Troy Public Library.