News & Notes - 6/21/23 Farmington Press

Farmington Press | Published June 21, 2023

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Farmington Hills police and fire departments to host female-focused workshop
FARMINGTON HILLS — The Farmington Hills police and fire departments are scheduled to host a free two-day workshop for females age 19 or older who are interested in exploring careers as first responders.

The second annual “Blue, Red and You” event is set to take place 10 a.m.-2 p.m. Wednesday, June 28, and Thursday, June 29, starting at police headquarters, located at 31655 W. 11 Mile Road.

Since law enforcement and firefighting are male-dominated professions, Farmington Hills developed the program to recruit potential female candidates as firefighter/paramedics, police officers, police cadets and dispatchers, according to a press release.

“The educational, hands-on learning experience will give participants the chance to network with female first responders, work with evidence technicians, try on police and fire gear, listen to incoming 911 calls, take station tours, and more,” the release states. “Attendees will also gain insight into education, training, salaries, benefits and schedules for the different career paths.”

Lunch will be provided. Registration is limited, the release states.

For more information, email crimeprevention@fhgov.com or call (248) 871-2750.

 

Farmington Hills set to host 50th anniversary party
FARMINGTON HILLS — Farmington Hills is inviting residents to celebrate the city’s 50th anniversary at 7 p.m. Thursday, July 6, at Founders Sports Park, located at 35500 W. Eight Mile Road. Fireworks are set to start at approximately 10 p.m.

The 50th anniversary party will feature food and beverage vendors, according to a press release.

Family fun is scheduled to include a climbing tower, “footbowl” and cornhole, bouncers, a history center with information and artifacts, and live music from the band Fifty Amp Fuse.

Bring socks or purchase them on-site for the bouncers.

“This event represents our City coming together to celebrate everything that’s great about Farmington Hills,”  City Manager Gary Mekjian stated in the release. “We hope to see our community members including families and business owners join in the fun.”

Farmington Hills was incorporated as a city in 1973.

“Since then, it has grown to be among Oakland County’s largest and most diverse communities,” the release states. “Farmington Hills consistently ranks as one of the safest cities in the nation and is known for its diversity, beautiful parklands, and family friendly events and programs.”

 

The Hawk set to be home to Farmington Hills’ first playlabs
FARMINGTON HILLS — The city of Farmington Hills announced the grand opening of the city’s first playlabs esports venue, where teams participate in organized, primarily online, video gaming competitions.

The new offering will be available to gaming enthusiasts on the third floor of the Hawk Community Center, located at 29995 W. 12 Mile Road.

“Playlabs esports has been created to foster community, productivity and provide opportunity for local gamers,” according to a press release. “In addition to game specific skills, the resource intends to enhance effective communication, preparation, and overall health and fitness of users as part of a comprehensive strategy to create better players, teammates, and leaders. In addition to the many gaming offerings, the playlabs at the Hawk will also provide a unique space for curated events including parties and rentals.”

Ellen Schnackel, who is Farmington Hills’ director of special services, shared some thoughts about the announcement.

“Organized gaming is an excellent addition to the many programs and services already available to community members at the Hawk,” Schnackel stated in the release.

For more information and hours of operation visit www.playlabs.gg or send an email to game@playlabs.com.

 

Local elementary school students help co-author book
FARMINGTON HILLS — On June 13, local children’s author Andy Gutman presented finished copies of his newest book to a group of fifth grade students at Beechview Elementary School in Farmington Hills.

Twelve Beechview fifth-graders submitted stories about their first day of kindergarten for incoming kindergarten students to read.

“The fifth-graders shared their own personal experiences in hopes of easing any fears or worries the young students may have about that big first day,” a press release states.

The book is called “My First Day of Kindergarten” and will be available on Amazon and GutcheckBooks.com, with all proceeds going directly to Beechview Elementary School, according to the release.

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