February is...

Black History Month

Feb. 4 ..... Rosa Parks Day

Feb. 10 ... Lunar New Year

Feb. 11 ... Intl. Day of Women & Girls in Science

Feb. 12 ... International Epilepsy Day

Feb. 13 ... Mardi Gras

Feb. 14 ... Ash Wednesday

Feb. 15 ... Nirvana Day

Feb. 15 ... Intl. Childhood Cancer Day

Feb. 20 .. World Day of Social Justice

Feb. 24 ... Māgha Pūjā

Above: The Light Of Peace Ceremony at Wat Phra Dhammakaya, a Buddhist temple in Thailand.

Theravada Buddhists across the world are celebrating Māgha Pūjā, one of the most important Buddhist festivals that extends across many cultures and beliefs. The festival takes place on the full moon of the third month of the lunar calendar.

According to tradition, Māgha Pūjā Day commemorates several important events in the life of the historical Buddha when he was staying at Veluvana, a bamboo grove near Rajagaha in the present-day Indian state of Bihar. On an auspicious day some 10 months after the Buddha’s enlightenment, four things occurred: 1,250 men from various places assembled before him without prior appointment; the Buddha ordained them as monks by saying “ehi bhikkhu” (come, monk); they all became arahats; and the Buddha gave them special instructions, called the Ovada Patimokkha (the Patimokkha Exhortation), laying down the fundamental rules of his teachings.

Māgha Pūjā is also one of the most important holidays in several Southeast Asian countries, including Cambodia, Laos, and Thailand. There it is celebrated with a series of religious activities such as chanting, making offerings, holding grand parades, and candle-bearing. Bars, pubs, nightclubs, and similar venues are banned on Māgha Pūjā Day, along with the serving of alcohol.

Learn more here.

OPENING FOR ADOPT-A-GARDEN COORDINATOR

The Adopt-A-Garden Coordinator is a volunteer position, working with resident gardeners who have adopted ornamental plots in public spaces, and coordinating with City representatives and the Arts & Garden Board to ensure that plots are maintained on a regular basis.

The Coordinator will maintain lists of Adopters, with contact information. The Coordinator may plan and execute an annual gathering of gardener volunteers.

If you are interested in applying, please email Amy Hood at ahood@hwmi.org.

YARD WASTE COLLECTION RESUMES APRIL 2ND

Despite the changing weather this week, please note that the City has not yet resumed pickup of curbside yard waste. Yard waste may be taken to SOCRRA without an appointment or stored until April 2nd, 2024, the first yard waste collection of 2024.

Chipping of branches has resumed on Wednesdays whenever weather permits. During cold weather storms, salting and plowing must take precedence over branch chipping, but the City will get them as soon as possible. The minimum branch sizes for chipping are two inches in diameter and four feet in length. Smaller pieces can be stored with yard waste.

WRC REBATE PROGRAM FOR STORMWATER MANAGEMENT

The Water Resources Commissioner (WRC) is rolling out a “RainSmart Rebates” program, developed to assist residents manage stormwater and learn about the importance of Green Stormwater Infrastructure.

You may apply for rebates up to $2,000.00 on projects like installing a rain barrel, creating a native plants rain garden, and/or planting native trees on your property. 

To learn more and start the application process, go to oakgov.com/rainsmart.

Email RainSmart@oakgov.com with questions.

2024 DOG LICENSES

Dog licenses can be purchased online or at the front desk of the Public Safety Department

Monday through Friday during normal business hours. Licenses that are applied for online will be mailed.

Dog licenses need to be renewed every year between January 1 and March 15. Please bring proof of rabies vaccination.

The renewal cost is $8 (neutered) and $15 (non-neutered).

VOTE EARLY, ABSENTEE,

OR IN-PERSON BY FEB. 27TH

The Presidential Primary Election is less than two weeks away!

You have three ways to make your vote count and your voice heard:

1) Absentee Voting

After Tues, February 13th, we recommend delivering your ballot by hand to the City Hall drop box or lobby. Learn more here.

2) Early Voting

From Sat, February 17th through Sun, February 25th, you may vote in person at county-run early voting sites. Sites are located at the Oak Park Community Center and the Waterford Oaks Activity Center. Learn more here.

3) On Election Day

Polls are open from 7am to 8pm on Tues, February 27th. Find your polling location here. We'll see you there!

If you have questions concerning voting, please contact the City Clerk at 248-581-2638.

ABSENTEE BALLOTS

HAVE BEEN MAILED

Absentee ballots were mailed to those who have returned their party selection forms beginning on Saturday, January 27th. Keep an eye out for a white and blue envelope in your mailbox!

The Clerk's Office will continue to process party selection forms and absentee ballot applications on a rolling basis as they arrive at City Hall. You may check the status of your party selection form, application, or ballot at mi.gov/vote.

Return your absentee ballots by mail, drop box, or in person by 8pm on Election Day (February 27th). If returning by mail, please plan to send your ballot by February 13th to ensure that it has sufficient time to be delivered by USPS.

If you have questions concerning voting, please contact the City Clerk at 248-581-2638.

CHANGES TO HUNTINGTON WOODS PRECINCTS

HB 4702, signed by Governor Whitmer in July 2023, now allows precincts to increase from 2,999 to 4,999 voters! Huntington Woods has 5,600 registered voters with five precincts. With the implementation of Early Voting, the increase in absentee voting, and legislation allowing the increase in precinct sizes, the next step for the City was to eliminate at least one precinct.

Precincts #3 and #5 have been combined to create a new Precinct #3, which will be located in the Gillham Recreation Center gymnasium. The City has eliminated City Hall as a polling location. All voters in the new Precinct #3 were mailed a new voter ID card in late December, which provides the new precinct number and or voting location.

A new precinct map can be found on the City's Election Information page. The remaining precinct locations will remain the same. If you are unsure of your precinct, you can visit the Michigan Voter Information Center to obtain your precinct number and location. As always, if you have questions, please contact the City Clerk at 248-581-2638 or 248-581-2633, or email cityclerk@hwmi.org.

SPACE & ART

Sun, February 25 | 2:00-3:00pm

Oak Park High School Planetarium

Join the Oak Park High School Planetarium for this special eclipse themed event. The Planetarium Director has designed a special show just for you! Watch the show and then create eclipse art in the classroom next door. Each attendee will receive one pair of eclipse glasses to take home and use for the solar eclipse on April 8th.

For adults, teens, and families with teens in 6th grade and up.

Register here. One registration per family. Space is limited.

BLACK HISTORY TRIVIA NIGHT

Wed, February 28th | 4:00-6:00pm

Royal Oak Township Library

Learn more about black history and influential changemakers!

The Royal Oak Township Library is hosting a Black History Trivia Night for kids of all ages. Join for a thrilling evening of knowledge and fun. Test your wits, learn fascinating facts, and celebrate the achievements of African Americans throughout history.

This event is free. Reserve your spot here.

HONOR BLACK HISTORY MONTH with a Walk Through History

on view through February 29th

Southfield Public Library

The Walk Through History display will feature informational signs describing some well-known and lesser-known influential African Americans throughout Southfield and world history.

The Walk Through History will be on display inside the Southfield Pavilion from February 1-29, 2024. Admission is free.

Learn more here about Southfield Public Library's Black History Month programming, including this event.

GET COZY CHALLENGE

February 20- March 19

Looking to get cozy this month? Are you intrigued by the concept of Hygge? Making lots of soups?

Our Get Cozy Challenge begins February 20 and ends March 19 (just before the Spring Equinox!)

Register now and pick up your Cozy Bingo card at the circulation desk

HWPL BOOK CLUB

Mon, February 26 | 7:00- 9:00pm

This month's title is The Revolutionary: Samuel Adams by Stacy Schiff.

The HWPL book discussion meets over Zoom on the fourth Monday of each month unless holidays intervene.

To receive the Zoom link, please email dhemmye@hwoodslib.org at least one day prior to the meeting you wish to attend.  

TEEN AND PRESCHOOL

BOOK BUDDIES SIGN-UP

Register by Tues, February 27

We're preparing for the March Reading Month Book Buddy Celebration!

Pair up with a book buddy to celebrate the gift of reading. Buddies will be pre-k children (age 2-6) and tween/teens (age 12+).

Pre-K children may sign up here.

Tweens and tweens may sign up here.

Register today for this very special reading event. All materials will be provided. Meet at the library for snacks, stories and smiles! Make a difference in the life of a young reader today!

We will have a teen-only meeting from 10:15-10:30am before the first session on Sat, March 2 to help prepare for the book buddy time. You will choose books + we will go over expectations so you will feel prepared and ready to go!

Be sure to sign up before registration closes on Tuesday, Feb 27th!

PRESCHOOL STORY TIME

Tues, February 27 | 10:30-11:00am

Join Ms. Shannon for stories, rhymes, finger play, movement, and early literacy activities.

Open to all ages 0-5.

DROP-IN BABY PLAY GROUP

Wed, February 28 | 10:30-11:00am

Enjoy open-ended play with your infant and social interaction with other families. Our toys are best suited for 6 months - 2 years. Siblings welcome. No registration required.



Playgroups offer babies, toddlers and young children a wide variety of early learning experiences. Playgroup is a great way for your child(ren) to learn about the world, make friends and develop social skills. Playgroup also gives mums, dads, grandparents and caregivers a chance to share ideas and experiences.

KNITTING AND CROCHET GROUP

Wed, February 28 | 6:30-8:00pm

The library Knitting and Crochet Group meets on the last Wednesday of each month, unless otherwise noted.

MANAGING DIGITAL IMAGES:

Finding, Saving, Sharing and Organizing The Pictures of Your Life!

Thurs, February 29 | 6:30pm

Join Corey Seeman, a librarian and photographer from the University of Michigan, for a presentation that will introduce you to photo-sharing services available from companies such as Google, Apple, Meta, (Facebook & Instagram), and flickr. Learn how to organize, backup, and share photos with friends, family, and whoever you would like. 

FRIENDS OF MICHIGAN LIBRARIES 2023 MERIT AWARD WINNER

The Friends of Michigan Libraries has awarded their 2023 merit award to our Friends group! 

Judy Schram, co-chair of the Friends, submitted an application for our after-hours Freedom to Read festival last October. If you couldn't make it, we had food, games, information about your rights as a reader, "police line up" selfies with a banned book, and FREADom to Read T-shirts for sale. The 100 people who attended gave it two thumbs up and asked us to do it again next year. The HWPL Friends of the Library are the best!

If you're not already a member, ask at the library or download a membership form here.

60+ CROWD

View the Winter 2024 edition of the 60+ Crowd here and visit the Rec Center website to register for events and programs.

Call (248) 541-3030 for more information. Schedules are subject to change.

Please find the February schedule for Walk the Gym here.

MONDAY LUNCH BUNCH

Mon, February 26 | 12:00pm

Meet neighbors on Mondays at noon for lunch and a presentation. Lunch Bunch meets in the Gillham Recreation Center Multi-Purpose Room. The lunch fee is $5.00, paid in advance. Meals are provided by Tim’s Kitchen of Royal Oak.

This week’s Monday Lunch includes meatball potato stew, corn relish, naan, and dessert.

Pre-registration is required for lunch by 10:00am on the preceding Wednesday. If you have missed the deadline to register for lunch, you may still attend the program which begins at 12:30pm.

MEADOWBROOK THEATER:

A Little More Alive & Lunch

Wed, March 6 | 10:30am- 4:45pm

First stop, lunch at Alfoccino! You may select your lunch option when registering. Then on to the show!

In this heartfelt and original folk-pop musical, two estranged brothers reunite at their childhood home after their mother’s funeral. An unexpected revelation distorts every memory they have, and as they uncover secrets that had been hiding in plain sight their whole lives, Nate and Jeremy find that no one is exempt from the gray area between right and wrong.

Cost: $68 (includes lunch & ticket)



Register at the Gillham Recreation Center or at recreation.hwmi.org.

"TEENIORS" BINGO AND PASTA DINNER

Thurs, March 14 | 5:00- 7:00pm

It's time for "Teeniors" Bingo Night! The HW Teen Council is going to host the event, provide baked goods for Bingo winners as well as a delicious pasta dinner for both groups to enjoy together. Get to know one another while having fun!

Cost: $6.00, which includes one bingo card and dinner; additional bingo cards available for $1.00 each.

Register by March 7th through recreation.hwmi.org or at the Rec Center front desk.

MOVIE FRIDAY: THE BOOK CLUB

Fri, March 15 | 12:00pm

Four longtime friends and book club members--Diane Keaton, Jane Fonda, Candice Bergen and Mary Steenburgen--have their lives upended when they aim to spice up their mundane routines by reading the provocative bestseller Fifty Shades of Grey. With newfound confidence, they each begin to come alive as exciting romances are ignited and old flames are rekindled. Through it all, the ladies inspire one other to make this next stage of their lives the best and steamiest thus far.

Pre-registration at recreation.hwmi.org and a $1 popcorn donation is suggested.

Upcoming Movie Fridays:

April 19: Jules

NEW HW APPAREL AVAILABLE

Show off your community pride with these new designs now available for purchase!

Choose from fun colors, with both youth and adult sizes available online at recreation.hwmi.org.

SEEKING LIFEGUARDS FOR SUMMER 2024

Winter is here, but we are thinking WARM THOUGHTS at the Rec Center. It is never too early to start thinking about where you're going to spend your sunny months.

Come join the lifeguard team at HWAC for summer 2024!

Apply online at recreation.hwmi.org.



SEEKING FRUIT CAMP STAFF FOR SUMMER 2024

This is a wonderful opportunity to work with kids, enjoy fun in the sun, make amazing memories, and build your resume!

Apply online at recreation.hwmi.org and email your application to jmorgan@hwmi.org to start thinking warm thoughts!



Mar. 4 | 7:00pm: Friends of the Library Meeting

Mar. 6 | 7:30pm: Historic District Commission Meeting

Mar. 11 | 7:30pm: Zoning Board of Appeals Meeting

Mar. 13 | 7:00pm: Anti-Racism Advisory Committee Meeting

Mar. 18 | 7:00pm: Library Advisory Board Meeting

Mar. 19 | 7:00pm: Parks & Recreation Advisory Board Meeting

Mar. 19 | 7:00pm: Arts & Garden Board Meeting

Mar. 19 | 7:30pm: City Commission Meeting

Mar. 21 | 3:30pm: Senior Advisory Committee Meeting

Mar. 21 | 7:00pm: Environmental Sustainability Advisory Committee Meeting

Mar. 25 | 7:00pm: Planning Commission Meeting