Farmington Press | Published November 21, 2023
‘FiberCity’ project announced
FARMINGTON/FARMINGTON HILLS — At a press conference Oct. 30, officials from SiFi Networks and the cities of Farmington Hills and Farmington announced the construction launch of the Farmington Area FiberCity project, which, according to a press release, is a “revolutionary fiber optic infrastructure investment that will bring a fast, affordable, and reliable all-fiber internet network to every home, business, and institution in both cities.”
The release states that the $70 million project is being funded privately and provides access to all of the Farmington area’s nearly 50,000 households, businesses and institutions, with speeds up to 10 gigabits per second.
According to the release, it will be an open access network, allowing fiber infrastructure to be shared by multiple service providers, “whether that be internet, wireless or other services, thereby delivering the fastest speeds at the most competitive prices to the consumer.”
The release states that the project will be constructed at no cost or risk to taxpayers.
For more information, visit farmingtonareafibercity.com.
Holly Days set to return
FARMINGTON — The 2023 Holly Days and Light Up the Grand Parade is set to take place Dec. 2 in downtown Farmington.
According to a press release, the Greater Farmington Area Chamber of Commerce, in collaboration with the Farmington Farmers and Artisan Market, the Farmington Downtown Development Authority, and Greens Gifts and Giving, is inviting residents to join the festivities.
“This beloved community event promises a day filled with joy and merriment for all ages,” a release states.
The Holly Days Holiday Activities and Market is scheduled for 10 a.m.- 4 p.m., with the Light Up the Grand Parade set to take place 5:30-6:30 p.m. and a tree-lighting ceremony at 6:30 p.m.
The tree-lighting ceremony is scheduled to take place at the Governor Warner Mansion.
For more information, send an email to chris@gfachamber.com or call (248) 919-6917.
Drivers advised of potential increase in deer activity
METRO DETROIT — According to a press release, last year Michigan had the highest number of deer-related vehicle crashes in a decade, and with firearm deer season having recently begun, the Insurance Alliance of Michigan is urging caution among drivers, particularly at dawn and dusk.
“With hunters moving out to their blinds and out in fields across the state, we know it causes increased activity for deer who wander onto the roadway, and we caution drivers to stay focused and alert over these next few weeks in particular,” IAM Executive Director Erin McDonough stated in the release. “Our hope is to reverse this trend and bring down the number of deer-involved crashes through extra vigilance and proper driving techniques.”
Last year, Oakland County reportedly had the second-highest number of crashes involving deer, behind only Kent County.
The majority of the crashes occurred between 6 and 9 p.m., according to the release.
Last year, 1,633 people were injured and 11 people were killed in deer-involved crashes, the release states.
“It’s so important to be mindful during this time of year, and to watch for deer and remember that when you see one, it’s likely there are more nearby as they often travel in groups,” McDonough stated. “When deer dart out in front of traffic, the instinct often is to veer away, but it is important not to swerve as you will likely cause more damage or hit something or someone else on the road.”
Jewish Family Service set to host ‘Adopt a Family’ program
WEST BLOOMFIELD — Jewish Family Service is inviting residents to participate in its “Adopt a Family” program.
“Help create lasting memories and make the season a little brighter for those struggling to make ends meet,” a press release states.
To participate, residents can shop from a wish list, donate gift cards or make a monetary donation.
To register, visit jfsdetroit.org/adopt.
Gift drop-off is set to take place 9 a.m.-5 p.m. Nov. 27-30 and 9 a.m.-noon Dec. 1.
Jewish Family Service is located at 6555 W. Maple Road in West Bloomfield.
For more information, call (248) 970-2655 or send an email to adoptafamily@jfsdetroit.org.
Jewish Family Service is also scheduled to host an intimate partner violence support group on Mondays, starting Dec. 4.
The ongoing group is set to be facilitated by a JFS clinical therapist and meets 7:30-8:30 p.m. on the first and third Monday every month on Zoom.
For more information or to register, call (248) 406-0076 or send an email to aklein@jfsdetroit.org.