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FOCUS newsletter
FEBRuary 2023
- Volunteers needed for stakeholder discussions
- Canton wine walk fundraiser
- In need of food assistance
- off-season farmers markets
- Local match program applications accepted on a rolling basis
Canton’s Planning Services Division is looking for volunteers to participate in stakeholder discussions as they work to update Canton’s Master Plan. Discussions will be used to garner feedback on specific subjects from key demographic groups in the community. Topics may include: Transportation, Infrastructure, Environmental Preservation, Land Use/Development, Cherry Hill Village, Infill Design, Food Systems, and more. If you would like to participate, please call Erin Schlutow at 734/394-5179 or email masterplan@cantonmi.gov.
For more information on Canton’s Master Plan update please visit www.canton-mi.org/masterplan.
Area residents, ages 21 and over, are encouraged to attend a special Wine Walk fundraiser on Friday, February 24, from 6 - 8 p.m. at the Village Arts Factory, located at 50755 Cherry Hill Road. This unique fundraiser was planned by Learn.Advocate.Mentor’s, a Lead #LikeAGirl initiative, which is comprised of local young ladies who designated that 100% of the proceeds from this event will benefit the National Women’s Health Network.
Ticket includes catered appetizers, live music, a pottery experience, wine sampling, art exhibition, and wine pull (for an additional donation). Tickets are $40 per person and are on sale now at www.cantonfun.org/register. For additional information, call 734/398-5570.
The Emergency Food Assistance Program (TEFAP) of Wayne County is a supplemental food assistance program for eligible low-income individuals and families. Food products are distributed once a month at the Summit on the Park, 46000 Summit Parkway. If you are in need of assistance, or would like more information, please call 734/394-5185. This institution is an equal opportunity provider.
The Canton Farmers Market returns to the Summit on the Park for three Winter Markets on Sunday, February 19, March 19, and April 16. Stock up on locally produced food items like: leafy greens, root vegetables, meat, honey, cheese and spices! Shoppers can also visit local crafters to purchase various jewelry, body products, and wooden décor. These markets will be held in the Summit’s banquet hall, from 10 a.m. – 2 p.m. Mark your calendars because the Canton Farmers Market will open for its regular season on Sunday, May 14. Find additional details at www.cantonfun.org/496. See you at the Market!
As a reminder, Canton’s Engineering Services Division accepts applications from Homeowner Associations and other interested resident groups to participate in the Local Road Match program on a rolling basis. This program only targets subdivision roads under the jurisdiction of Wayne County; private roads are not eligible to participate. Improvements are funded by a combination of millage funds and matching funds from homeowner groups.
All applications must be dropped off at the Engineering Services counter located on the second floor of Canton’s Administration Building, 1150 Canton Center S. Applications will be accepted and processed in the order they are received. For more information on the program, or to download the application, please visit www.canton-mi.org/roads.
- A message from Supervisor Graham-Hudak
- Electric Vehicle/Charging survey
- Residential cross connection program continues in 2023
Hello neighbors! This year, the Canton organization is looking toward innovation, technology and green infrastructure. As I mentioned last month, we are asking for input on electric vehicle charging stations. Please take a moment to share your opinion by taking the survey here.
Additionally, our Technology Committee is going strong, coming up with various ways we can meet the ever-changing advancements in technology and how we can use those advancements to better serve our residents. Coming up, the group is planning an app-a-thon, where they will brainstorm ideas for applications that could potentially help with finding information and providing services.
Lastly, late last year we were able to work with four Masters Candidates from the University of Michigan’s Ross School of Business Executive Program. They were tasked with studying Canton’s Michigan Avenue, and how it could be utilized as a technology corridor, or part of an innovation network. They worked with staff, conducted interviews of industry leaders as well as surrounding communities and residents, did hours of research spanning market sectors and trends, various funding opportunities, and were able to present a vision for how we may be able to achieve the goal of an innovation network along Michigan Avenue.
Have a great February!
Canton Township is conducting this Electric Vehicle (EV) and Charging Station survey to ensure that we are able to meet the growing needs of our community. Your feedback to this survey will help us shape Canton’s future. You can also find a link to the survey hrere. Please submit your responses by February 28, 2023.
Under the Michigan Safe Drinking Water Act, the MDEQ institutes rules to protect drinking water and to prevent cross connections that may contaminate public drinking water systems. All communities are required to implement a program for removal of ALL existing cross connections and the prevention of all future cross connections.
Canton currently requires cross connection testing on commercial and industrial facilities. While testing of these facilities will continue, the State of Michigan is now requiring communities to address the residential sector. Most residential contamination risks come from the large number of underground irrigation systems. It’s estimated that over 11,000 homes in Canton have underground irrigation systems and will need to have their backflow devices tested. Due to this large number, and the limited number of certified testing companies, Canton has proposed a five-year rotational schedule for inspection and testing.
Hydrocorp has been contracted to do the testing and will begin Residential Cross Connection Control inspections in Zone 4 this spring. Please note, Zone 1-3 were completed last spring. If you had an inspection last year, you will not be tested again until 2027.
To find out what zone you live in, visit www.canton-mi.org/191 and click on the Cross-Connection Map. All inspections will be done outside of your home and at no time should any Hydrocorp employee ask to gain entrance. Hydrocorp employees will have sandwich boards at subdivision entrances, marked vehicles and be wearing safety orange vests with marked uniforms. All calls can be directed to Hydrocorp at 844/493-7641. For more information visit www.canton-mi.org/1266.
The Canton Board of Trustees will be holding a Town Hall Meeting on the topic of License Plate Reader Systems on Tuesday, February 7, at 7 p.m. Police Department officials will present on the benefits and resources provided by running license plate readers in the Township.
Residents are invited to attend this educational event, and will be provided with the opportunity for input and questions. Questions can also be emailed in advance to chad.baugh@cantonmi.gov.
Canton’s Police Department encourages residents to be proactive in taking some simple safety measures that can reduce your chances of becoming a victim of a crime. Things to adapt into your routine include:
• Close your garage doors when you are not in the vicinity of it.
• Remove your keys and valuables from your vehicle, then lock the doors.
• Do not leave your purse wide open in a shopping cart while you turn around and grab something off a shelf.
• Remove your key fob from your vehicle. It may be convenient to leave the key in the car but thieves know that this is a new trend and are waiting for you to do this. They then come and steal your car while you are sleeping, key fob and all.
• Remove valuables from your car and lock your doors. We know it is a safe community, but so do the criminals. That is why they target you.
Online and phone scams are increasing, targeting anyone who falls prey to the illegal schemes. Remember, if you did not enter a lottery, the Publishers Clearing House or purchase anything on Amazon, then they are not rewarding you. Scammers can be very convincing, pushy and persuasive in their tactics. “Do not allow them to convince you that you owe them money,” says Community Relation Officer Patty Esselink. “If they ask you to go buy gift cards and want you to provide them the gift card code on the back of the card, it is a scam.”
Happy February from the Treasurer’s office. You can pay your winter taxes without penalty until February 14. A 3% penalty fee is added on February 15 - February 28. On March 1, delinquent real property taxes are turned over to the Wayne County Treasurer, who will add a 4% administration fee, plus interest of 1% per month.
The Treasurer’s office is open Monday-Friday, 8:30 a.m. - 4:30 p.m. unless there is an observed holiday and the Administration Building is closed. You may also pay your taxes online, through the mail, via interactive voice response (1-833-697-1710) or we have a 24-hour secure drop box located on the outside wall, by the entrance of the Administration Building.
Section 211.59 (3) of the General Property Tax Act, Public Act 206 of 1893 allows for the deferment of winter taxes until April, 30, 2023. You must turn in the application by February 14. Please call our office at 734/394-5130 or visit www.canton-mi.org/287 to see if you qualify for a deferral.
Property taxes are levied on your taxable value, which is issued by the Assessor’s office every February. Residents will receive a letter from the Assessor’s office in late February, regarding their taxable value. This is how your property tax is calculated: Taxable value x millage rate divided by 1,000. **For new homeowners it is important to know that your taxable value is uncapped the year following the transfer of ownership (sale) of a property; therefore, the “Taxable Value” equals the “Assessed Value.”
Please remember to “Go Red” on Friday, February 4, for Women’s Heart Health Awareness. I wish you and yours a healthy and safe month.
- Canton pavilion online rentals
- Lunch at fellows creek available on weekdays
- we're hiring!
- Seeking Summit personal trainers
- In the CLS Spotlight: Culture and Cuisine experience
Think ahead to spring and summer! This year’s pavilion rental season runs May 1 - September 4. Starting February 1, at 10 a.m., Canton Leisure Services will begin accepting online reservations from Canton residents for its open-air pavilions, amphitheater, and gazebo at www.cantonfun.org.
Only online bookings from Canton residents will be accepted at this time. Starting March 1, at 10 a.m., Canton residents may submit phone reservations by calling 734/394-5310, however online reservations are still encouraged. Online or phone reservations for non-residents will be accepted starting March 29. Payment is due at time of reservation. Due to several construction projects expected to take place on the north end of Heritage Park this year, the North Pavilions will not be available for rental for at least the first half of the season.
For rates and additional information, visit www.cantonfun.org/674 or call 734/394-5310.
Fellows Creek Golf Club and Banquet Facility, located at 2936 S. Lotz Road, is offering a delicious lunch menu every week, Monday through Friday, from 11 a.m. - 3 p.m. This is available year-round. Choose from the following menu items: Maurice Salad; Wedge Salad; Soup du Jour; Chili; Sampler Platter; Bone-in Chicken Wings; BLT; Fried Chicken Sliders; Club Sandwich; Cheeseburger; Black Bean Burger; Reuben; Coney Special; Tuna Melt; French Dip; and more.
For updates and additional information about Fellows Creek Golf Club, visit www.facebook.com/FellowsCreekGolf, www.FellowsCreekGolf.com, or call 734/728-1300.
It’s never too early to start thinking about a summer job. If you enjoy a fast-paced, exciting work environment, we encourage you to join our Canton Leisure Services Team. Visit https://canton.applicantpro.com/jobs to see a list of openings and apply online today. Canton Township is an Equal Employment Opportunity Employer.
The Summit on the Park is currently looking for passionate fitness enthusiasts to become contracted personal trainers on our fitness team! Expand your client base and help our members achieve their health and wellness goals by delivering a positive fitness experience and quality personal training sessions at the Summit on the Park. Applicants must hold a current certification from: ACE, ACSM, NASM, or NSCA.
Interested individuals are asked to apply online at www.canton-mi.org/jobs. Canton Township is an Equal Employment Opportunity Employer.
Explore Canton’s wonderfully diverse community by attending an upcoming ‘Culture & Cuisine’ experience. Choose from one or all of the houses of worship to attend. Each visit will offer a brief overview of their beliefs and samples of some representative food and music from their culture.
Registered participants are asked to meet at the house of worship on its scheduled day. Sessions will be held on scheduled Fridays from 6 - 8:30 p.m. Upcoming sessions include: February 3 - Muslim Community of Western Suburbs, located at 4040 Palmer Road; March 24 - Geneva Presbyterian Church, located at 5835 N. Sheldon Road; and April 28 - Darbar Sri Guru Granth Sahib Ji, located at 48055 Michigan Ave. There is a $10 per person fee for each visit. The goal of these events is to encourage interaction and increase understanding, leading to appreciation and acceptance. A very limited number of tickets will be available for this event! All money collected will be donated to the Interfaith Community Outreach. Register online today at www.cantonfun.org/register.
- Free family first workshops
- Spring and summer class registration
- Chinese spring festival
- Canton newcomers and neighbors bingo night
- Tax counseling no longer available
Canton Leisure Services is currently offering a series of free mental health workshops in the coming months to help area residents learn important self-care skills to help them thrive. Participants in the Family First and Social Services Workshops will receive valuable information and be introduced to practices that support mental well-being.
These workshops are open to everyone meeting the age limits, with no residency requirement. All sessions will be held in the evenings at the Summit on the Park Banquet Center, 46000 Summit Parkway. Choose from the following: Understanding and Supporting Change on February 15; Families Against Narcotics (F.A.N.) on March 2; Employment First: Employment Goals for Special Needs Families on March 14; Visible Together: An exploration of gender and sexuality for parents and teens on April 15, and How to Tackle Bullying on May 17.
Register today at www.cantonfun.org/register or call 734/394-5460.
Working on a New Year’s Resolution this year? Canton Leisure Services offers several classes, programs and events ranging from fitness, art, chess, and more, to help you meet your personal goals for 2023.
Canton residents and Summit members can register online at www.cantonfun.org starting Tuesday, March 14 at 1 p.m. All participants (residents and non-residents) can also register in person starting March 21 at 1 p.m. at the Summit on the Park, 46000 Summit Parkway. Learn about available programs and classes online in the Spring/Summer 2023 Discover Brochure, coming soon to www.cantonfun.org/Discover. For more information, call 734/394-5460.
On Saturday, March 25, the Chinese Spring Festival will be held at The Village Theater at Cherry Hill from 7-9 p.m. in honor of the Year of the Rabbit. Celebrating a tradition that is thousands of years old, the Canton Commission for Culture, Arts, and Heritage’s Multicultural Committee will host this special event that will entertain audiences of all ages. Mainstage entertainment will include traditional Chinese instrumental performances, classical dances, choral performances, and more.
Doors will open at 6 p.m. for a punch and cookie pre-reception. Tickets are just $7 per person and can be purchased online at www.cantonvillagetheater.org or at the door. For more information, visit www.cantonvillagetheater.org or call 734/394-5300.
Canton Newcomers and Neighbors is hosting a Bingo Night on Wednesday, March 1, at Kicker’s Sports Bar & Grill, 46555 Michigan Ave. Doors open at 6:30 p.m. and the program begins at 7 p.m. All proceeds benefit The Fallen and Wounded Soldiers Fund’s Canton Dormitory. Bingo Night includes a fun evening of games with cash prizes, a mini silent auction, and a trip to the delicious pizza bar. The event is $30 per player and is open to all area adults.
For more information, call/text 313/712-1213, email cantonnewcomers@gmail.com or go to CantonWomen.org.
Canton Club 55+ is no longer able to continue its free tax aid program through AARP for qualifying seniors this tax season. A number of free online tax filing programs are available, including: https://apps.irs.gov/app/freeFile/ and www.irs.gov (just select ‘File Your Taxes For Free’). Please note, these services may have income or age limits. In addition, visit aarp.org and search: Tax Aide to find additional recommendations. Visit www.cantonfun.org/765 for additional information.