News & Notes - 6/29/23 Novi Note

100 Hours Outside challenge
In celebration of National Parks and Recreation Month this July, Novi’s Parks, Recreation and Cultural Services Department is challenging residents to spend 100 Hours Outside. Participants will be given a sheet to record their activity and can turn it in at the end of the month for a prize. For more information, visit cityofnovi.org/parks.

 

Distracted driving law to take effect June 30
A new law prohibiting drivers from holding and touching cellphones while driving will take effect June 30. The “hands-free” driving law was signed into effect by Gov. Gretchen Whitmer earlier this month. It is the result of three bills, HB 4250, 4251, and 4252, which were introduced in the state Legislature a few months prior.

According to the law, a driver cannot “Send or receive a telephone call; Send, receive, or read a text message; View, record, or transmit a video; Access, read, or post to a social networking site.” It also states that a driver can’t reach “for a mobile electronic device in a manner that requires a driver to maneuver so that the driver is no longer in a seated driving position, restrained by a seat belt.”

According to Novi Police Cmdr. Jason Meier, “the Novi Police Department has no plans to make any special enforcement efforts but will enforce the law if violations are observed by our patrol officers.”

 

Glass fusing class to be held at Novi Civic Center
Laurie Freeman, of Kiss My Glass, will host a glass fusing class  6-7:30 p.m. July 13 at the Novi Civic Center. Participants will design glass fused ornaments. The class, which has a fee of $24, is geared for those 10 and up. All materials will be provided. For more information and to register, visit cityofnovi.org.

 

Summer Reading Program ‘All Together Now’ in full effect
There is still time to sign up for the Novi Public Library’s Summer Reading Program, “All Together Now.” Participants  must read and log four books by Aug. 12 to receive a $5 gift card for the library cafe, a coupon for a dollar off at the Friends Book Nook and an entry into the grand prize drawing for a $25 gift certificate to the Hub Stadium in Novi.

 

City to host welcome reception for Cardenas
Mayor Bob Gatt and the City Council will host a welcome reception July 10 for Victor Cardenas, who was recently named city manager. The event will take place 6-7 p.m. at the Novi Civic Center, 45175 W. 10 Mile Road, and is open to the public. Light refreshments will be served.