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FOCUS newsletter
September 2023
- Brews, Brats, and Bands returns
- Schools are Back in Session – Drive Safely!
- Hazardous Waste Collection Scheduled for September 9
Calling all craft beer aficionados! Canton’s annual Brews, Brats, and Bands event returns on Saturday, September 23, from 6 - 9 p.m., at Preservation Park, 500 N. Ridge Road. Ages 21 and over are encouraged to attend this special fundraiser that will benefit the Village Arts Factory and the Canton Cares Fund.
Admission includes seven tasting tokens good for beer, cider, or seltzer tasting samples, as well as two grilled brats of your choice (vegetarian option available), a pretzel necklace-making station, chili cook-off tastings, and a commemorative mug! Musical entertainment will be provided throughout the evening by Standing Room Only. Tickets are $45 in advance through September 22, online only at Beerfests.com and $50 (cash only) at the door. Designated driver tickets are just $15. Must be 21 and over to attend.
Interested restaurants or professional chefs are encouraged to enter the chili cookoff by emailing laura.mortier@cantonmi.gov. For additional details, visit www.cantonfun.org.
The Canton Police Department reminds motorists to use caution on the roads as schools are back in session this month.
“A lot of children in our community walk and ride bikes to school, especially during the warmer months,” says Community Relations Officer Patty Esselink. “Drivers need to be alert and drive with caution, especially around subdivisions and schools.”
Police officers will be focusing on traffic laws pertaining to school buses, school crosswalks and reduced speed limits in school zones. When approaching school crosswalks, vehicles are required to stop as soon as a crossing guard steps onto the roadway. Drivers are also required to stop for flashing lights on a school bus, regardless of the number of lanes on the road. The only exception is a divided boulevard-type highway, such as Michigan Avenue.
To report on-going driver violations at a bus stop or crosswalk, call the Police Department at 734/394-5400.
Canton will hold its annual Hazardous Waste Round-Up on Saturday, September 9, from 9 a.m. - 2 p.m. at Canton’s Division of Public Works Building, 4847 Sheldon Road, just south of Michigan Avenue. This free event is open to Canton residents only and ID will be required. To obtain a detailed list of what is, and is not, accepted, please call Canton’s Division of Public Works at 734/397-1011 or visit www.canton-mi.org/248. Participants should be prepared for long lines as this is a high-volume event.
Residents can also dispose of a limited amount of hazardous waste such as: motor oil, home electronics, latex paint, batteries and antifreeze at Canton Clean-Ups. The Clean-Ups are held on scheduled Saturdays from 8 a.m. - 4 p.m. at the GFL facility, 39000 Van Born Road. During Canton Clean-Ups, residents are limited to ONE TRIP PER HOUSEHOLD and are responsible for unloading their own items and placing them in the dumpster. GFL employees will not be able to assist. To view the 2023 clean-up schedule, visit www.canton-mi.org/917.
- A message from Supervisor Graham-Hudak
- Senior Summit is Back!
- Local Impact Alliance to host 14th Annual Veterans’ Summit
- Cabaret fundraiser to benefit American Cancer Society Relay for Life
I enjoyed the Thunder Over Michigan airshow with my family and my father who is a Naval aviation veteran, on the day before the recent crash.
The crash at Thunder Over Michigan was devastating to see and experience for many families in surrounding communities, as well as Canton. Thank goodness there were no fatalities! Canton’s first responders and emergency manager helped onsite while our CERT resident team helped with the clean up afterwards.
Our Leisure Services team also helped the Red Cross house affected families at the Summit for the night before they moved into a hotel, and our Muslim Community of Western Suburbs and Interfaith Community Outreach group helped the youth with clothing and other services. I am so proud of the teamwork of our staff and residents who stepped up to show what a community does for its neighbors.
This kind of support and generosity happens every day in our neighborhoods without many knowing – so thank you to all of you who are working to help each other and keep our community strong! As Mr. Rogers said, “always look for the helpers!”
Good Luck to all of our teachers and students for a successful school year. And to our drivers, watch out for those buses! I will see you in the neighborhoods and our events!
Just a reminder that the Senior Summit returns on Friday, September 15. The event will be held at the Summit on the Park from 8:30 a.m. - 2 p.m. and feature a variety of vendors and health screenings.
Registration is required, and is open to the first 400 participants. To register, stop by Club 55+ or visit cantonfun.org. For more information, please call 734/394-5485.
The Local Impact Alliance will host its 14th annual Veteran’s Summit on Wednesday, September 13, from 11:30 a.m. - 1 p.m., in the Board Room of the Canton Administration Building, 1150 Canton Center S.
Military veterans, and those who assist them, are invited to attend this event that will feature guest speakers Brigadier General Carol Ann Fausone (Ret.) and veterans’ attorney Kristina Derro, who will address all your questions regarding the PACT act (Promise to Address Comprehensive Toxics) and the new Veterans’ Care Givers Program.
Time will be reserved to discuss your individual concerns. Contact Beth Meade at the Local Impact Alliance to register for this FREE event. Call 734/495-1200 or email bmeade@cantonfoundation.org.
The Relay for Life of Canton and Plymouth invites you to join them for an evening of song, dance, and entertainment at the ACS Telethon Cabaret at the Village Theater on Wednesday, October 25, at 7 p.m.
With music ranging from Disney classics to Musical Theater, Jazz to Pop, and American Standards to the music of the movies, there will be something for everyone! Enjoy a delicious dessert and sweet treats bar featuring Cold Stone Creamery ice cream, while trying your luck at our Prize Pull, 50/50 drawing, and more. A cash bar will be available for drinks and refreshments. Pre-show reception is at 6 p.m. Tickets are $25 and are available at www.cantonvillagetheater.org.
All proceeds and donations from the event will benefit the American Cancer Society’s Relay for Life of Canton and Plymouth.
- Canton’s Hall of Fame, Community Supporter/Achiever nominations
- GFL yard waste update
- Keep storm drains clear
- Canton Farmers Market
- Treasurer Slavens' corner
There’s still time to submit nominations for Canton’s community awards. If you would like to nominate someone for the Canton Hall of Fame, Community Achiever, or Community Supporter awards, please visit www.canton-mi.org/232 for a link to the nomination form.
The deadline to submit is Friday, September 22. Please call 734/394-5185 with questions.
GFL has extended all residential yard waste collections to Saturdays for the remainder of the year. GFL is continuing this change in an effort to remain current on residential garbage and recycling collections.
Residents are advised that curbside collection of garbage and recycling will remain the same, only yard-waste collections will take place on Saturday.
As we enter the fall months, Canton is asking residents to check storm drains in the street to ensure they are clear. It’s important to always keep leaves, limbs and debris cleared away from drains; too much of any of these can block the drain, meaning water can’t flow properly and flooding may result.
Unclogging storm drains is quick and easy! Simply sweep, rake or shovel away leaves covering the grate and pile them away from the drain so they do not blow back in again.
Residents are also advised to check sump pumps and if you have a ditch/culvert near you, make sure it is clear. Contact your HOA if there are common areas that are of concern to you.
September at the Farmers Market means the fall harvest will start rolling in. Market guests can also enjoy live music, cooking demos, and more, every Sunday through October 15, from 9 a.m. – 1 p.m., rain or shine in Preservation Park, located at 500 N. Ridge Road.
See you at the Market!
I hope you have had a wonderful summer! It is hard to believe that September is here and school is back in session. A quick reminder, your summer taxes are due by Thursday, September 14, by the close of our business day. After this date an interest charge of 1% per month will be added. Our office hours are 8:30 a.m. - 4:30 p.m., Monday - Friday. If you are unable to stop by our office, you can pay by mail, sign up for autopay, use our 24-hour drop box, pay online at www.canton-mi.org/304, or by phone (IVR) 833-327-3522.
With the challenges of the mail service, many of our residents have opted to use autopay and the drop box to pay their water bill, as well as their taxes. If you would like a receipt when using the drop box please include a self-addressed, stamped envelope along with your payment and we will mail you a receipt.
It is always important to pay your water/sewer bills. Last month we began to look over any water/sewer balances that are six months in arrears. Since the Township pays the water/sewer cost up front, we must place any arrears owed on your winter property tax. This is one of the many ways to keep our water/sewer rates down. Residents who have arrears have been notified which will give them time to pay off their debt before the winter taxes go to print.
As we move into September, let us recognize and honor all the hard-working laborers this Labor Day, September 4. September has also been designated National Suicide Prevention Month. You can find out more information at nami.org
If you ever have questions, please call my office at 734/394-5130.
- Annual Summit maintenance shutdown and renovation update
- Hike with a naturalist this fall
- Howl at the Moon returns
- Culture and Cuisine
- CLS Spotlight: ARToberfest debuts in Cherry Hill Village
Summit members and guests are reminded that the Summit on the Park will close for its Annual Maintenance Shutdown beginning Monday, September 4 at noon and will re-open, with the exception of the Aquatic Center, on Monday, September 11 at 6 a.m.
The Summit Aquatic Center is now closed for renovations through December 2023. Affected areas include: the entire Aquatic Center, Aquatic Center Locker Rooms, as well as the Sauna, and Steam Room. The next session of swim lessons is scheduled to begin January 7, 2024, with registration starting December 5, at 1 p.m. For additional information, please visit www.summitonthepark.org or call the Summit front desk at 734/394-5460.
Join us on Saturday, September 9, for a fall nature hike at the Flodin Park Nature Trail, which is located at Saltz and Morton Taylor Roads. Choose either the 10 a.m. or 11 a.m. timeslot. This free hike will include a walk around several wetland areas (0.75 miles total) with information and commentary provided by a Huron-Clinton Metroparks naturalist, as well as a kids’ scavenger hunt and an opportunity to ask questions about the wetland ecosystem, and information on ‘Leave No Trace’ principles.
Preregistration is required at www.cantonfun.org/register.
On Saturday, September 30, Howl at the Moon will be held from 6 - 8 p.m. at the Canton Dog Park, located on Denton Road north of Cherry Hill Road. Dog owners along with their four-legged friends can enjoy live entertainment, purchase merchandise, and receive free giveaways from local pet supply and service vendors.
Make sure to dress up with your pup to enter our costume contest with prizes! Both members of the Dog Park and non-members are invited to let their dogs experience this off-leash dog park during this FREE event. All non-dog park members must show proof of up-to-date vaccination for rabies, DHLPP (Distemper), and Bordetella signed by an accredited veterinarian to attend. No pre-registration is required. Learn more at www.cantonfun.org.
Explore Canton’s wonderfully diverse community by attending an upcoming ‘Culture & Cuisine’ experience. The next tour will be held on Friday, September 22, from 6 - 8:30 p.m., where participants can visit the Hindu Temple, 44955 Cherry Hill Road.
This unique experience will provide an overview of this house of worship’s faith and traditions, as well as samples of cultural food and music. Registered participants are asked to meet at the house of worship. The fee is $10 per person and pre-registration is required. Register today at www.cantonfun.org/register.
On Saturday, September 30, the Cherry Hill Village’s ARToberfest will be held from 12 - 5 p.m., to celebrate the arts and bring together both well-known and up-and-coming artists of all ages. This collaborative event between Canton’s Village Theater and the Village Arts Factory will showcase a Youth Art Fair, Canton’s 29th Annual Fine Arts Exhibition, a chalk walk, various fall activities, as well as donuts and cider.
Entry to ARToberfest is free. For additional information, please visit www.cantonvillagetheater.org or call 734/394-5300 ext.1305.
- Cherry Hill Village Monster Mash
- Annual Senior Golf Outing
- Back-to-School Summit membership special
- Youth leadership development opportunities available
The 21 and over crowd is invited to attend a special “Monster Mash Halloween Party” on Friday, October 13, from 7:30-10 p.m., at The Village Theater at Cherry Hill. This adult Halloween Party will feature a costume contest, games, and a cash bar, all to the live soundtrack of Atomic Radio performing top 40 and Halloween hits.
Tickets are now on sale for $20 at www.cantonvillagetheater.org/439, or by calling 734/394-5300. So put on your best Halloween costume and head over to The Village Theater, located at 50400 Cherry Hill Road, for a spooky good time
Are you 55+ and like to golf? Then register for the Club 55+ Golf Outing, which will take place at Fellows Creek Golf Club on Thursday, September 21.
Check-in begins at 8 a.m., with a shotgun start at 9 a.m. Enjoy 18 holes of golf, breakfast, and lunch, followed by an awards ceremony. Prizes will be awarded to the top teams. Participants can sign up as a team (4 people), threesome, pair, or individual. Register online at www.cantonfun.org/register, in person at Canton Club 55+, or by phone at 734/394-5485 by Thursday, September 14. Fees are $55 for residents and $60 for non-residents. For more information, call the Senior Desk at 734/394-5485.
Make the Summit on the Park your fitness and recreation destination! From September 11 - 30, sign up for an Annual Membership and save 15%!
This special offer includes Annual Individual, Couples, Student, Senior, and Family memberships (excluding monthly payment plans) and can be purchased at www.summitonthepark.org with code: SCHOOL15. Please note: Family memberships are only available at the Summit front desk.
For more information, please visit www.summitonthepark.org or call membership services at 734/394-5460.
Registration is now underway for Canton’s Lead #LikeAGirl, Be A #ModelMan, and Youth Advisory Council Programs for the 2023-2024 school year. These free programs are available through The B.L.O.C.K. Youth & Teen Center for teens who are interested in developing critical life skills, such as: self-confidence, interpersonal communication skills, managing stress, and leadership skills.
Lead #LikeA Girl is an eight-month program for ages 11-15 that enables participants to challenge themselves, discuss relevant issues that young girls face with their peers, and foster relationships with female role models within the community.
Be A #ModelMan is designed for boys ages 11-15 to help grow six core values, including: integrity, empathy, compassion, inner strength, courage, and respect.
Canton’s Youth Advisory Council asserts itself as an influential group of area high school students who truly make a difference in their community. Members participate in community service projects, lead special events, participate in local decision-making, and award annual grants to organizations that benefit Canton Youth. Program participants must meet one of the following criteria in order to apply: reside in Canton; attend a Canton school; or be a current member of The B.L.O.C.K Youth & Teen Center.
Interested future candidates are encouraged to apply through The B.L.O.C.K. Youth and Teen Center. Applications are currently available on The B.L.O.C.K. Youth & Teen Center website at www.canton-mi.org/146 and must be submitted by September 22, 2023. Program space is limited, so applicants are encouraged to apply early.