Farmington Press | Published December 6, 2023
New mayor and City Council members take seats in Farmington Hills
FARMINGTON HILLS — A Farmington Hills City Council meeting that took place Nov. 27 featured the city’s new mayor and newly and re-elected council members in a Monday evening ceremony.
In the Nov. 7 general election, Theresa Rich was elected as the city’s new mayor, with Jackie Boleware being elected to a second term on City Council, and Bill Dwyer and Jon Aldred voted in as first-time City Council members.
Judge Marla Parker of the 47th District Court administered the oath of office to the electees at the start of the meeting, according to a press release from the city of Farmington Hills.
The Farmington Hills City Council also includes Michael Bridges, Randy Bruce and Valerie Knol.
“I’m excited to get to work with our newly elected and returning council members,” Farmington Hills City Manager Gary Mekjian stated via the release. “Together, we will continue serving our City and improving our community for residents, business owners and visitors.”
New assistant city manager named in Farmington Hills
FARMINGTON HILLS — The city of Farmington Hills recently announced the promotion of Karen Mondora to assistant city manager.
Her promotion was set to become effective Nov. 27.
For the past seven years, she has served as the city’s director of public services.
“Karen has been an exceptional asset to the City since she started over eleven years ago in the Department of Public Services,” City Manager Gary Mekjian stated via the release. “Time and time again, Karen has demonstrated her strong commitment to our community and residents, and I’m sure she will embody the same dedication as assistant city manager.”
Mondora has worked for Farmington Hills since February 2012 and has served as the city’s director of public services since June 2016, according to the release.
“I am eager to work closely with our city council, city manager and employees across the City to advance our City’s goals and ensure that the City of Farmington Hills remains one of the largest and most diverse cities in Oakland County for many generations to come," Mondora stated via the release.
Menorah in the D returns to Detroit
DETROIT — Detroit is about to get a whole lot brighter with the 13th annual Menorah in the D festivities.
A celebration of light overcoming darkness, the city’s annual recognition of Chanukah celebration takes place each year in Campus Martius Park, 800 Woodward Ave.
This year, it will kick off with a ceremony at 5 p.m. on Thursday, Dec. 7.
As in years past, it will feature a family-friendly celebration that’s free and open to the public, featuring strolling street performers, marshmallow roasting puts, hot soup and cider, face painting and balloon sculpting. An at-home lamplighter kit, which includes a Chanukah guide, candles, special lighter, treats, crafts, gelt, postcards and a menorah, also will be available.
Doors will open at 5 p.m. and the ceremony will begin at 5:30 p.m., and will feature greetings by community leaders, a fire show and the lighting of the 26-foot-tall menorah. The event will be available on Zoom at www.menorahinthed.com/zoom.
Reservations for Menorah in the D are preferred, and the lamplighter kits can be reserved for pickup prior to the event. More information is available at www.menorahinthed.com.