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FOCUS newsletter
OCTOBER 2022
- Volunteers needed for food compost pilot program
- Fire Station Open House
- GFL's Holiday collection schedule
- October 15 Canton Clean-Up location change
- Monster Mash returns
This December, Canton will launch a one-year residential Food Compost Pilot Program to help reduce the amount of food waste being sent to landfills. Composting is a sustainable alternative to disposing of food waste that turns the material into rich, healthy soil.
Canton is currently looking for volunteers to take part in this program. Participants will receive a 5-gallon bucket with a lid, a sticker displaying the list of acceptable food waste, and a guide listing program information. There will be three designated locations throughout the township for drop off. If you are interested in volunteering please visit www.canton-mi.org/1360 and submit the online application.
The Canton Fire Department is bringing back its annual Fire Station Open House on Saturday, October 15, from 11 a.m. – 1 p.m., at Fire Station #1, 1100 S. Canton Center Road.
This year’s open house will include station tours, a fire vehicle display, and live demonstrations of the department’s extrication equipment (“jaws of life”). Kids will be able to participate in a scavenger hunt, try on fire gear, and experience the department’s Fire Safety House. Light refreshments and giveaways will be provided.
This open house is being held in conjunction with National Fire Prevention Week (October 9-15) to promote fire safety in the community. For more information, call the Canton Fire Department office at 734/394-5455.
Residents are advised to make note of the GFL collection schedule during the holiday months.
Thanksgiving: There will be no collection on Thursday, November 24. All Thursday and Friday collection routes will be delayed by one day that week.
Christmas: Since Christmas falls on Sunday, there will be no collection delay. All collections will take place Monday-Friday that week.
New Year’s Day: Since New Year’s Day falls on Sunday, there will be no collection delay. All collections will take place Monday-Friday that week.
Please note, curbside pickup of residential yard waste will end on Friday, December 16 and will not resume until April, 2023. For more information, please visit www.canton-mi.org or call GFL at 844/464-3587.
GFL will hold its final Canton Clean-Up for 2022 on Saturday, October 15, from 8 a.m. - 4.p.m., at 39000 Van Born Road (just east of Hannan in Wayne).
This 21+ Halloween party will be held on Saturday, October 15, starting at 7:30 p.m., with a costume contest, games (including trivia), a cash bar, and a pumpkin-carving contest (must be pre-carved to enter), all to the live soundtrack of Atomic Radio covering top 40 and Halloween hits! Guests will also enjoy pizza and refreshments and will be treated to a unique experience as the main focus of the event will feature a dance party on stage, along with a bar and tables for seating in between dancing. Tickets are $15 and can be purchased at the door or in advance at www.cantonvillagetheater.org, by phone at 734/394-5300, or in person at the Village Theater, 50400 Cherry Hill Road, Canton. For more information, call 734/394-5300.
- Hall of Fame/Community Achiever/Community Supporter nominations
- Help keep storm drains clear
- Cabaret fundraiser benefits the American Cancer Society Relay for Life
Submissions are now being accepted for Canton’s community awards. If you would like to nominate someone for the Canton Hall of Fame, Community Achiever, or Community Supporter, please visit www.canton-mi.org/232 for a link to the nomination form. The deadline to submit is Friday, October 28. Please call 734/394-5185 with questions.
Canton is asking residents to help clear residential storm drains that are covered in leaves and/or debris. When the drain is blocked, water can’t flow properly and flooding may result. Additionally, piles of leaves create poisonous gas when they build up in the underground catch basins. This gas causes oxygen levels to fluctuate to dangerously low levels in creeks and streams where fish and other wildlife live. 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.
All aboard! Relay for Life of Canton and Plymouth invites you to join them on their cruise ship, the ACS Tour of Hope, as they travel around the world bringing hope, healing, and inspiration to everyone affected by cancer. This cabaret, under the musical direction of Kevin Ryan, will feature dazzling acts, utilizing the amazing talent and dedication of singers, musicians, dancers, and actors from our local community.
The ”cruise” launches at the Village Theater on Wednesday, November 16, at 7 p.m. This annual event consistently proves to be a crowd favorite and is perfect for the entire family.
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 other refreshments. All proceeds from the event will benefit the American Cancer Society’s Relay for Life of Canton and Plymouth.
Pre-show reception is at 6 p.m. Tickets are $25 and are available at www.cantonvillagetheater.org.
Hello, Neighbors!
I’ve enjoyed riding my bike to work when I can, and have been greeted by many of you while doing so, including many deer. As the days get shorter and cooler, I also hope to see you at many of our events this month!
The Board just approved a food composting pilot that many residents have asked about. This initiative will help our environment and provide food for our plants in the next season, while reducing waste in our landfill. We hope many residents will join this pilot. There is an article with more information on the front page of this FOCUS, and more to come. Follow Canton Government of Facebook for updates on the program.
As of this writing, Canton Center Road is scheduled to open this month, and we thank our partners for working closely with us to fund this project. Those partners include Governor Whitmer, County Executive Warren Evans, State Representative Ranjeev Puri, State Senator Dayna Polehanki, Commissioner Melissa Daub and our Canton Roads team and staff. This is just a part of the many miles of roads and sidewalks we plan to repair to strengthen connections in our community.
I would also like to remind everyone about the mental health series available at the Summit. These workshops are free and open to everyone meeting the age limits, with no residency requirement. Click here Version OptionsFOCUS newsletterHeadline for more information.
Stay safe on the roads and watch out for school children and buses – they have the right of way. Happy Fall!
- 2nd annual canton festival of lights celebration
- canton historical society seeks board members
- canton community health survey
- canton cares fund chili cook-off fundraiser
- canton family first and social services workshops
Canton Leisure Services is again partnering with several community groups to host a Festival of Lights Celebration on Friday, October 14, from 6 - 8 p.m. at the Heritage Park Amphitheater, located behind the Administration Building at 1150 S. Canton Center. Guests are encouraged to bring lawn chairs and blankets to sit on.
This special event, which is free and open to all community members, will finish with a smaller-scale fireworks display. Activities will also include: Henna tattoos, Indian cuisine, Indian music and performances and more! For additional information, please call 734/394-5460 or visit www.cantonfun.org.
Whether you want to learn more about history, or just help preserve Canton’s rich past, the Canton Historical Society offers valuable opportunities for those interested in keeping Canton’s history alive. The Canton Historical Society is looking to fill four board positions, which will run for a three-year term starting in January 2023.
Interested individuals should email Bill Tesen, Canton Historical Society president at btesen@wowway.com with a resume and letter of interest no later than Friday, October 14.
Canton Leisure Services is asking for your input as it continues working toward creating a healthier community. Residents are encouraged to share their opinions, concerns, and insights by taking this community needs assessment survey. Topics covered range from access to healthy foods and physical activity to mental health challenges. The 15-minute online survey can be accessed at www.summitonthepark.org any time from October 1-31.
Individuals who complete the survey by the deadline will be entered for a chance to win a three-month Summit on the Park membership. The winner will be announced by November 4. For additional information call 734/394-5460.
The Canton Cares Chili Cook-Off will take place on Sunday, October 16, from 11 a.m.- 1:30 p.m. during the Canton Farmers Market, located at 500 N. Ridge Road. This tasty fundraiser will benefit the Canton Cares Fund, a 501(c)(3) that supports the Canton Community by providing financial assistance to disaster relief, therapeutic recreation, youth and senior programs, and more. Tickets are $10 for ages 13 and older or $5 for 12 and under and include chili samplings and water. Hot dogs can be purchased for $2 each. Tickets can be pre-purchased at https://localimpactalliance.org/ or on-site the day of (cash only, please). For additional information, visit www.cantonfun.org.
Canton Leisure Services is currently offering a FREE series of mental health workshops in the coming months to teach important self-care skills. Participants will receive valuable information and be introduced to practices that support mental well-being. All sessions, which have no residency requirements, are held at the Summit on the Park Banquet Center, 46000 Summit Parkway. Choose from the following:
• Supporting Emotional Resilience in Families: Tuesday, October 4 from 6 - 8 p.m. (Ages 13 and up)
• Walking with Grief: Wednesday, October 12 from 5:30 - 7:30 p.m. (Ages 13 and up)
• Post-Traumatic Growth: Tuesday, November 1 from 5:30 - 7:30 p.m. (Ages 16 and up)
• Navigating the Mental Healthcare System: Monday, December 5 from 5:30 - 7:30 p.m. (Ages 16 and up)
Register for these and other free workshops at www.cantonfun.org.
- Kids' Halloween stroll
- Pumpkin Patch in the pool returns
- Fall into Art event series
- Halloween happenings
- Canton autumn art walk
The Village Arts Factory, in partnership with Canton Leisure Services, is excited to offer the Kids’ Halloween Stroll at the Village Arts Factory on Saturday, October 29, from 5 - 9 p.m., with games, music, treats, decorations, and costumes! In addition, a sensory-friendly timeslot will be held from 5 - 6 p.m.
Trick or Treaters will travel from studio to studio on their stroll visiting fun interactive stations located throughout the warehouse building, located at 50755 Cherry Hill Road. This event is geared toward younger trick or treaters, with festive seasonal music and decorations and nothing scary; ages 12 and under recommended. All participants are encouraged to wear costumes. Pre-registration is required. Tickets are $5 and are available at www.cantonfun.org.
Spots are still open for this special event on Friday, October 14, at the Summit on the Park Aquatic Center that offers a fun twist on the tradition of pumpkin picking. Additional fun activities will also be available during the two timeslots: 5 p.m. and 6:45 p.m., where participants can hunt for the perfect pumpkin and then decorate it at one of many decorating stations. Those registered and their families can enjoy apple cider, doughnuts, and the pool will be open for Open Swim immediately following the event. Participation fees are $15 for Summit Members, $18 for Canton residents and $23 for non-residents. Registration is only required if you plan on taking home a pumpkin.
For more information, call 734/394-5460 or visit www.summitonthepark.org.
The Village Arts Factory will host a series of free pop-up art events featuring live music, tasty refreshments, and unique art experiences on Friday, October 7, 14, and 21, from 6 - 8 p.m.
On Friday, October 21, the Cherry Hill Potters Guild will be the featured artists, offering live demonstrations, hands-on pottery, as well as a chance to try the potters’ wheel, and tours of their studio space. Come enjoy a bite to eat and live music during these unique opportunities at the Village Arts Factory, 50755 Cherry Hill Road. Learn more at www.cantonfun.org/1359.
Plenty of Halloween fun is available this month during these special events hosted by Canton Leisure Services. On Saturday, October 8, Carpool Cinema will feature “Coco” (Rated PG) at Independence Park, 1898 Denton Road. The movie will begin at 7:30 p.m., but be sure to come as early as 5:30 p.m. to participate in a car decorating contest, costume contest, and the chance to learn the dance moves to “Thriller” on the big screen. Pre-registration is required. Per-car fees are $11 for Canton residents and $14 for non-residents.
On Saturday, October 15, Canton’s Boo Bash offers a safe and supervised Halloween party for ages 7-12 that will feature a costume contest, pizza dinner, and lots of spooky fun from 3-5 p.m., in the Summit on the Park Banquet Center, 46000 Summit Parkway. Pre-registration is required. Fees are $20 for residents and $26 for non-residents.
Trick or Treat Story Trail returns on Thursday, October 27. Dress up in your costumes and come to Heritage Park for Trick or Treating along our story trail from 4 - 9 p.m. Participants of all ages will enjoy our featured story. Pre-registration is required for all children regardless of age. Per-person fees are $10 for residents and $13 for non-residents. To register, visit www.cantonfun.org/register.
On Saturday, October 8, at 10 a.m., Canton will host an “Autumn Art Walk,” where participants will visit three DIA Inside|Out reproductions around Cherry Hill Village, led by a DIA docent. This FREE event will start with cider and donuts at the Preservation Park pavilion, 500 N. Ridge Road. In addition, participants will also take a short tour of the Village Arts Factory, and end their walk at the Village Theater Gallery, where they’ll enjoy the 28th Annual Fine Arts Exhibition and vote for the People’s Choice award. Pre-registration is required. In the event of rain, the event will be rescheduled to Saturday, October 22. Register at www.cantonvillagetheater.org or call 734/394-5300 x 1305.
- New polling locations
- Pollworkers and election volunteers needed
- Voter registration deadline information
- Surge in voter application mailed to residents
- Treasurer Slavens' Corner
Canton has grown, and as a result, some changes have taken place with voting districts. This means almost all voters will be voting at a new polling location. This will be indicated on your new voter ID card, which was mailed out in July and clearly indicates this change. Individuals who would like to determine their new location can visit www.canton-mi.org/vote to view your new precinct number and voting location for November or visit mi.gov/vote.
Come help secure our elections! The Clerk’s Office has begun gathering interest from those who want to work the November General Election. One training session and some online reading are required. Interested residents can visit www.canton-mi.org/vote and complete the interest form, or call 734/394-5120.
Canton residents can submit a voter registration form by mail, email, fax, or in-person any time prior to 15 days before an election date. After that, voters will be required to register to vote in-person with the Clerk’s Office and provide proof of residency. Residents can register to vote in-person at the Clerk’s Office during regular business hours. Registrations can be made in-person at the Clerk’s Office through 8 p.m. on Election Day.
Voter registration is also accepted at any Secretary of State Office, the Wayne County Clerk’s Office, designated state agencies or military branch offices, as well as by mail, until 15 days before each election.
The Clerk’s Office is currently scanning in applications for the November General Election. If you have already sent in an application to cover August and/or November, you do not need to reapply. Many political organizations are sending out Absentee Voter Applications to residents. To ensure your application was received, you can visit mi.gov/vote to check the State database.
Happy Fall! Now that fall is here we know that winter and freezing temperatures will soon be upon us. Those temperatures can freeze any water left in your outside pipes and faucets, and can cause a lot of damage to your home. It is important to winterize your outdoor faucets, pipes, plumbing and sprinkler system.
Many residents plan long winter vacations. It is important to make sure you do not have any dripping faucets or leaking toilets or pipes. Having someone check on your home while you are away is always a good idea.
Additionally, if you are gone for a lengthy amount of time you can always check your water bill online with eUtilities. We have many ways to pay your bill when you are away. You may pay your water bill through our online service with Chase Banks Pay Connection, sign up for our auto-pay, IVR or mail. It is important to note that water bills are not forwarded with an address change at the post office. It is important to contact the water billing department if you want your bill mailed to a different address, remembering to change it back when you return.
Summer taxes were mailed out July 1 and were due September 14 without penalty. We do encourage residents to pay before the due date just in case an unforeseen emergency occurs, and they cannot make their payment on time as penalties occur after the due date. At the time of print, 94% of residents have paid their 2022 summer tax--thank you!
As we enter October, let us recognize Breast Cancer awareness month as well as Respiratory Care week –breathe easy and have a safe and enjoyable Michigan fall.