|
|
 |
 |
 |
|
|
NOVI, Mich., December 21, 2007 – This afternoon, Detective Jerrod Hart will be promoted to the rank of Sergeant with the Novi Police Department. A sixteen-year veteran of the force, Sergeant Hart previously served as a detective in the General Services Division. Prior to this role, he served as the first School Resource Officer in Novi High School, helping to create a long standing partnership between the Novi Police Department and Novi Community Schools. Sergeant Hart began his career with the Novi Police Department in 1991 after graduating from Ferris State University with a Bachelors Degree in Criminal Justice. He is currently working towards a Master’s of Arts degree in Police Administration, also through Ferris State University. Sergeant Hart began his career in Novi as a Police Officer in the Uniform Division and has held numerous assignments, including serving as a Field Training Officer and Range Instructor. He currently serves on the West Oakland Major Crime Task Force. Sergeant Hart has received numerous Department Meritorious Service awards, as well as the MADD Lifesaver Award in 1992, 1993 and 1994. "I am very proud to promote Sergeant Hart to a key leadership position within our organization," said Novi Chief of Police David E. Molloy. "We are very fortunate to have him as a member of our team and a part of our community. He continually demonstrates a strong commitment to teamwork and is dedicated to the mission, vision, and values of the Novi Police Department. I look forward to working with him in his new assignment."
 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
NOVI, Michigan, December 7, 2007
–The Novi Parks, Recreation and Forestry Department earned an early
gift for the Novi Community from the Michigan Natural Resources
Trust Fund (MNRTF) Board of Trustees when they were given a $281,300
Land Acquisition Grant. The grant is earmarked for the acquisition
of 16.2 acres of property that is adjacent to existing park property
located between Nine Mile and Napier Roads. With an matching
donation of value by the property owner, there is no City money used
in the transaction.
Novi,
MI, December 4, 2007 - The City of Novi presented ITC Holdings
Corporation with the 2007
|
NOVI, Michigan, Dec. 3 2007 – The Novi Concert Band presents a Christmas card for everyone with a Holiday Concert on Sunday, December 16th***. Each selection at this special concert is sure to please audiences of all ages. Holiday favorites include Victor Herbert’s March of the Toys, White Christmas, O Holy Night, music from The Polar Express, and a new band classic, A Most Wonderful Christmas. Leroy Anderson’s Bugler’s Holiday features trumpeters Jay Young II, Erik Nieman and Matt Frick. Bring your best voice to the concert and join in the Christmas Sing-A-Long. The concert will conclude with the performance of the much-loved classic - Sleigh Ride.
Make plans to add this event to your holiday season. This special seasonal concert begins at 3 pm at the Novi Civic Center, 45175 W. Ten Mile Rd, Novi, MI 48375. Admission is free and complimentary refreshments will be served at intermission.
Under the direction of Scott Cramer, the Novi Concert Band is a symphonic wind ensemble drawing its members from Novi and surrounding communities. Their music selections range from standard band literature (Sousa and Karl King marches) to movie arrangements, big band jazz and seasonal favorites. Its members include professional musicians, music teachers, and advanced students from high school through those 80 years of age and older.
The Novi Concert Band welcomes sponsorships and donations to help to support their effort to bring quality music to the community. For additional information, call the Novi Parks, Recreation and Forestry office at (248) 347-0400.
For more information: Sheryl Walsh, (248) 735-5628
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
NOVI, Michigan, November 29, 2007 – With
more than one-half of Baby Boomers age 50 and older, the flow of
older adults is beginning to fill the demographic pipeline.
One-third of all Americans will reach age 50 by 2010.
One of the strategic priorities of the City of Novi Parks Department’s new Strategic Plan is enhanced recreation programming based on outcome benefits, with one key area of focus being senior services. A priority within the senior services area is to expand programs for the “new senior.” To prepare better for this aging population, the City of Novi contracted with the National Research Center, Inc. (NRC) to conduct an assessment of the strengths and needs of its older residents. Novi is one of the first five communities in the country selected to participate. The Community Assessment Survey for Older Adults (CASOA™) was developed to provide a statistically valid survey of the strengths and needs of older adults. The study findings will be used to plan for older adult services, programs and facilities.
The objectives of the CASOA are to:
- Identify community strengths in serving older adults.
- Articulate the specific needs of older adults in the city.
- Develop estimates of and projections of older adult residents’ needs into the future.
The assessment focused on a series of resident needs and community supports that foster successful aging. More than 40 common issues affecting older adult well-being were assessed. These 40 issues fell into the categories of health and wellness; community design and land use; participation in productive activities and community resources for information and planning. Older adults’ opinions about current community amenities and opportunities also were measured in the survey.
The survey was mailed in July to a random sample of 1,200 residents, age 55 and older. A total of 564 completed surveys were received. The City of Novi will use the survey for developing future programs and plans and identifying partners to meet the diverse needs of older adults.
According to the Southeast Michigan Council of Governments, there were approximately 4,564 older adults (age 65 or older) living in Novi in 2005. In 2010, the older adult population in Novi is projected to be 5,694 and expected to reach more than 7,300 by 2015. Novi has also been identified among the top ten “Boomer” cities in Michigan by the Michigan Metropolitan Information Center and the Center for Urban Studies at Wayne State University, with an anticipated 18 percent of the population being over the age of 65 by 2030.
Overall, Novi was rated positively by its older residents. Most rated the city as a “good” place to live. Summary ratings for Novi demonstrated that older resident felt the areas of community land use and design and health and wellness opportunities were, on average, provided best.
Highlights of the survey include the following (click on the link below to view the entire survey):
- Novi’s older residents demonstrate widespread agreement that seniors are generally satisfied with the current quality of life in the community.
- Most seniors are flourishing in Novi. By and large, they are mobile, healthy and engaged in a variety of productive activities.
- Older residents experience a good quality of life in Novi and most plan to stay in the community.
- The City of Novi is doing a good job of providing opportunities for older residents, but there are limitations to continued success that need to be addressed for the estimated rate of older adult population growth. Services will need to be expanded and re-configured to suit the older-old and the younger-old; new techniques will need to be developed to educate residents about programs and facilities; and more effective partnerships and networking will be required to provide integrated service opportunities.
- Areas where Novi older residents demonstrated the highest need included civic engagement; information and planning; physical health and housing.
Other communities selected to participate in the survey by NRC are Dallas, Texas; Walnut Grove, California; New Delhi Township, Michigan; and Arvada, Colorado.
For more information on the survey or senior services in Novi, contact Rachel Zagaroli, Senior Services Manager, at (248) 347-0403.
2007 Community Assessment Survey for Older Adults
CONTACT: Debbie Lannen, (248) 735-5615
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
|
||||
Performance Schedule: |
|
Friday, December 7
|
7:30pm
|
NOVI, Michigan, November 26, 2007 Who can forget Jimmy Stewart as George Bailey, the everyman who seems to believe that life would have been better if he had never been born? Or, Clarence, an angel trying to earn his wings? Add an orchestra and original score and you have the Novi Theatres holiday production of Its a Wonderful Life the Musical written by Keith Ferguson and Bruce Greer. (Show times and ticket information in box.)
Actors from Novi, Plymouth, Northville, Farmington Hills, Walled Lake, Wixom, Redford, Commerce, Pontiac, South Lyon, and Westland have come together to join talents to recreate this family classic. During any holiday season you can find productions of Its a Wonderful Life throughout the metropolitan area, but the musical version presented by the Novi Theatres brings new life to this timeless story. The Novi Theatres staff is committed to bringing unique theatrical opportunities to its performers and audiences and is excited to introduce a pit orchestra. Music Director, Rebecca Biber has assembled musicians from
The Detroit Symphony Civic Ensembles, Novi Concert Band, Music Messengers, and University of Michigan to be a part of the orchestra. According to Director Barbara Bloom, The combination of this caliber of vocalists and the musicians together will produce a musical experience that is sure to get audiences into the holiday spirit.
The Novi Theatres has enriched the Novi community for more than 16 years. Pursuant to the City of Novi's vision of enriching lives…strengthening community and through the leadership of performing arts coordinator Debbie Lannen, The Novi Theatres is committed to expanding performing arts opportunities for Novi and the surrounding communities.
Performances scheduled for November 30, December 1, and December 2
CONTACT: Debbie Lannen, (248) 735-5615
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
NOVI, Michigan, November 14,
2007 –The Novi Choralaires are ready to kick off the holiday season
with their popular Christmas concert series. Titled Spirit of the
Season, this year’s concert will feature holiday favorites both old
and new, along with special guests, the TALACODA Handbell Quartet.
Under the direction of Janet Wassilak and accompanied by Trenda
DeGraw, the Choralaires are a chorus of men and women from Novi and
the surrounding areas. The Choralaires’ holiday concert series is a
tradition for many families.
According to Johanna Bermann, a Choralaires’ board member, "The love of music and of sharing that music with others is what we are all about, and I think it is a reason why these concerts are so well received. We see so many familiar faces at the concerts each year and they tell us how it starts their holidays off on the perfect note – pun intended! This will be a great show that all ages can enjoy. People will hear some familiar favorites, as well as some new ones that will perhaps become favorites."
Tickets for the concerts (see dates and times in box) are $12 each and may be purchased at the Novi Parks Office at the Civic Center located at 45175 W. Ten Mile Road, between Novi and Taft Roads, or the Novi Senior Center located at 25075 Meadowbrook Road, between Ten Mile Road and Grand River Avenue.
Founded in 1977, the Novi Choralaires have been entertaining the Novi community for 30 years. Pursuant to the City of Novi’s vision of "enriching lives…strengthening community", The Novi Choralaires is committed to expanding performing arts opportunities for residents of Novi and the surrounding communities.
CONTACT: Tracie Ringle, (248) 735-5613
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Novi, MI, November 13, 2007 - The City of Novi Parks, Recreation and Forestry Department is delighted to partner with Providence Park Hospital to present the annual Ringing in the Holidays event. The family-favorite holiday evening will be held on Friday, November 30 from 6:00pm to 9:00pm on Main Street and is a free community event.
This year’s highlights include a live performance by up-and-coming country music star Sarah Lenore, a Jingle Bell Jog fun run for kids 5-10 years old, hockey skill challenge games provided by the Novi Ice Arena and marshmallow roasting. Annual favorites, including Santa photos, food sampling, local entertainment and the popular Electric Light Parade, will round out the evening. The Electric Light Parade will begin at 7:00pm and is sure to dazzle with dozens of entries featuring no fewer than 1000 lights.
The Jingle Bell Jog will begin at 6:15pm. Distances vary by age and include a 100 yard dash and a ¼ mile and ½ mile race. Participants can pre-register via the Pick & Click for $10 or at the event for $15. Festive t-shirts are guaranteed for those who pre-register.
Applications for entry into the Electric Light Parade are still being accepted. Please contact the Novi Parks office at 248-347-0400.
Additional sponsors adding to the success of the Ringing in the Holidays event include ITC, Varsity Lincoln Mercury, Singh Main Street Village and Mainstreet Partnership LLC.
For more information about Ringing in the Holidays, contact Novi Parks & Recreation Supervisor Derek Smith at 248-347-0474 or via email.
Money will go toward enhancing Novi’s
parks system
NOVI, Mich., November 12, 2007 –
In the spirit of honoring community strength and service on Veteran’s Day, ITC Holdings Corp. announced today that it is making a $500,000 donation to the Novi Parks Foundation to support development of parks, facilities and recreation programs in the city.
|
The five-year, $100,000 annual pledge will provide the non-profit Novi Parks Foundation with means to pursue its long-term strategic recreation vision in Novi – a vision that includes potential development of a transmission corridor trail system, sprayground, new playgrounds, lighting, a dog park and installation of sports turf at existing recreational facilities. In recognition of ITC’s gift, the Novi Parks Foundation will designate the park at Eight Mile and Napier Roads as ITC Community Sports Park.
"ITC is gratified to provide this financial support to the Novi Parks Foundation and the residents of Novi," said Joseph L. Welch, president and CEO of ITC. "Our corporate objective – to invest in the communities we serve – is particularly important in our headquarters city of Novi. We believe that excellent park facilities in Novi are essential to a vibrant community. And ITC’s interest in offering its transmission corridors for trail development dovetails nicely with the objectives of the Novi Parks Foundation."
"Novi is fortunate to have community partners such as ITC that continue to generously donate and exceed expectations when comes to giving back to the residents of our city," notes Novi Mayor David B. Landry. "We are honored and very thankful to have dedicated friends at ITC."
ITC presented a symbolic check to the Parks Foundation during its November 9th black tie gala dinner at the Rock Financial Showplace. The annual dinner is one of the biggest fundraisers the Novi Parks Foundation sponsors; this year, the event raised funds for parks, facilities and recreation programs in Novi and recognized key volunteers and donors.
"We were delighted by the response we received to the Gala dinner and by the money we were able to raise for the Novi Parks Foundation," said Linda H. Blair, executive vice president and chief business officer for ITC and 2008 Novi Parks Foundation president. "The City of Novi and the Novi Parks Foundation are fortunate to have such strong strategic and financial support from businesses and residents alike."
ITC will partner with the Novi Parks Foundation to determine how new park features at ITC Community Sports Park will be developed over the next five years.
About ITC Holdings Corp.
ITC Holdings Corp. (NYSE: ITC) invests in the electricity transmission grid to improve electric reliability, improve access to markets, and lower the overall cost of delivered energy. ITC is the largest independent electricity transmission company in the country. Through its subsidiaries, ITCTransmission and Michigan Electric Transmission Company (METC), ITC operates contiguous, regulated, high-voltage transmission systems in Michigan's Lower Peninsula serving a combined peak load in excess of 22,000 megawatts. ITC is also focused on new areas where significant transmission system improvements are needed through subsidiaries ITC Midwest, ITC Grid Development, ITC Great Plains and ITC Panhandle Transmission. For more information, please visit: http://www.itc-holdings.com. (itc-ITC)
About Novi Parks
Novi parks range from quaint neighborhood green spaces with baseball diamonds and soccer fields to the premier Lakeshore Park that offers a children’s concert series, camps, and 10 miles of wooded trails for walking, biking, running, or skiing. A five-year Community Recreation Plan called for establishing the Novi Parks Foundation, a not-for-profit corporation, to support facilities and programs. The community intends to maximize land for parks and natural areas to provide active recreation opportunities for future generations.
ITC contact:
Lisa Aragon,
248-835-9300,
Novi Parks Foundation contact: Linda Blair, 248-444-2403
Novi contact:
Sheryl Walsh, 248-735-5628
For more information, contact: Sheryl Walsh, Community Relations
Manager, (248) 735-5628
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
NOVI, Mich.,
November 8, 2007 – The Government Finance Officers Association of
the United States and Canada (GFOA) is pleased to announce the City
of Novi, Michigan has received the GFOA’s Distinguished Budget
Presentation Award for its 2007-2008 budget. The City of Novi has
been honored with this distinction consecutively since 1997.
The award represents a significant achievement by the City of Novi. It reflects the commitment of the governing body and staff to meeting the highest principles of governmental budgeting. In order to receive the budget award, the City of Novi had to satisfy nationally recognized guidelines for effective budget presentation. These guidelines are designed to assess how well an entity’s budget serves as:
Budget documents must be rated "proficient" in all four categories to receive the award.
When a Distinguished Budget Presentation Award is granted to a municipality, a Certificate of Recognition for Budget Presentation is also presented to the individual or department designated as being primarily responsible for its having achieved the award. This has been presented to City of Novi’s Finance Department.
For budgets including fiscal periods 2005, 1,069 municipalities received the honor. Only 19 municipalities in Michigan received the Award. Award recipients have pioneered efforts to improve the quality of budgeting and provide an excellent example for other governments throughout North America.
The Government Finance Officers Association is a nonprofit professional association serving 16,800 government finance professionals throughout North America. The GFOA’s Distinguished Budget Presentation Awards Program is the only national awards program in governmental budgeting.
Contact: David E. Molloy, Chief of Police, (248) 348-7100
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
NOVI, Michigan, November 2, 2007 – At approximately 4:10am on October 30, 2007, the Novi Fire Department responded to a 9-1-1 call regarding a structure fire at 40875 Grand River Avenue, between Meadowbrook and Haggerty Roads. The building, constructed in 1867, was originally a private residence that had been converted to the Whitehall Nursing Home and has been vacant for more than 10 years. The 19th century building was scheduled for demolition.
Investigators from the Novi Police and Fire Departments found the origin of the fire to be suspicious and began questioning the owner and associates of A and R Demolition, the organization contracted to demolish the building.
Investigation findings led to the arrest of Ted Gordon Patrick II, a 36-year old, Farmington Hills male, and owner and operator of A and R Demolition. It is believed that Patrick underbid the demolition contract which led to him starting the fire to alleviate a financial hardship.
Patrick was arraigned at the 52-1 District Court in front of Magistrate Andra Dudley on charges of arson of real property. This is a felony offense which carries a maximum penalty of 10 years in prison. Bond was set at $50,000 cash surety and Gordon is currently lodged at the Oakland County Jail.
If anyone has information regarding this incident, please contact Detective Erick Zinser, Novi Police Department, at (248) 348-7100.
CONTACT: Maryanne Cornelius, City Clerk, (248)
347-0456
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Novi, Michigan, November 2, 2007 – Due to a recent ruling by the Michigan Supreme Court, photo identification must be presented by every voter wishing to cast a ballot in any election. If you are planning to vote on November 6, you must bring a photo ID with you. If you do not have a photo ID, you will be required to complete and sign an affidavit before you can receive a ballot.
Acceptable forms of identification, which must be current, include the following:
Affidavits will be available at polling places for those without acceptable identification.
Polls will be open from 7:00am to 8:00pm on Tuesday, November 6. For more information, call the Novi City Clerk’s Office at (248) 347-0456, or click here.
CONTACT: Frank Smith, Fire Chief, (248) 349-2162
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
NOVI, Mich., October 30, 2007 – At approximately 4:10am, the Novi Fire Department responded to a 9-1-1 call regarding a structure fire at 40875 Grand River Avenue, between Meadowbrook and Haggerty Roads. Fire Department personnel arrived on the scene in less than six minutes to a building engulfed in flames. The building, constructed in 1867, was originally a private residence that had been converted to a nursing home and has been vacant for more than 10 years.
At approximately 5:17am, the Novi Fire Department advised the fire was under control. The structure was completely destroyed by the fire. No injuries are reported and, at this time, the cause of the fire is unknown.
The fire is currently under investigation by the Novi Police and Fire Departments and the Oakland County Sheriff’s Department. If anyone has any additional information, please contact the Novi Police Department at 248-348-7100.
CONTACT: Debbie Lannen, (248) 735-5615
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
NOVI, Michigan, October 26, 2007 – The colors are changing, the wind is brisk, and the Novi Concert Band is ready to welcome this change of season with its Fall Pops Concert. Audiences will enjoy selections from Pirates of the Caribbean – Dead Man’s Chest, Phantom of Dark Hollow, and Forest of the King. Selections from West Side Story will also be featured.
Make plans to be at the Novi Civic Center, 45175 W. Ten Mile Road (between Novi and Taft Roads) on Sunday, November 4 at 2:00pm to enjoy this wonderful afternoon of music. Admission is free and refreshments will be served at intermission.
Under the direction of Scott Cramer, the Novi Concert Band is a symphonic wind ensemble drawing its members from Novi and surrounding communities. Their music selections range from standard band literature (Sousa and Karl King marches) to movie arrangements, big band jazz and seasonal favorites. Its members include professional musicians, music teachers, and advanced students from high school through those 80 years of age and older.
The Novi concert band welcomes sponsorships and donations to help to support their effort to bring quality music to the community. For additional information, call 248-347-0400 or visit www.noviconcertband.org.
CONTACT:
Sheryl Walsh,
Community Relations Manager, (248) 735-5628
Novi, Michigan, October 25, 2007 — The City of Novi is working to ensure Michigan is a healthy place to live, work, and play! On October 19, the City of Novi was honored by the Governor’s Council on Physical Fitness with a Gold Level award to recognize the community’s efforts to create and maintain an environment in which it is safe, convenient and fun for residents to integrate physical activity into their daily routines. Recent adoption of a Greenways/Pathways study, enhancements to the site plan review process, FIT Novi series, and Walk for Better Health initiative added to the success of a Gold achievement this year.
The City of Novi is part of a growing movement throughout Michigan to create more active, livable, and economically viable communities; Novi has joined a network of more than 85 Michigan communities in 43 counties who have participated in the Promoting Active Communities Program and earned an award for their efforts to create active and healthy communities since the program’s debut in 2000. This year, the City of Novi is among 22 communities who were recognized for using innovative approaches to become models of active living, and the only community achieving a Gold award. No community has received a platinum honor. There are five possible levels of recognition:
|
To be eligible for the award, a team of community members use the Promoting Active Communities online self-assessment tool to evaluate their community’s environments, policies, and programs related to promoting and supporting physical activity. Any city, township, charter township or village in the state of Michigan can complete the assessment and be eligible for an award.
The unique assessment tool was created in partnership with the Michigan Department of Community Health, the Governor’s Council on Physical Fitness, Michigan State University, and the Prevention Research Center of Michigan so that communities can better understand their status as an active community and more efficiently remove barriers to active living, thereby increasing physical activity opportunities for residents. Assessment questions address such issues as community planning, recreation and bicycle facilities, strategies schools and worksites use to encourage physical activity, public transportation, and downtown design. The City of Novi completed the Promoting Active Communities assessment in partnership with the Novi Community Schools and St. John Providence Park.
The City of Novi’s Community Development Director Steve Rumple accepted the award on the City’s behalf at an awards ceremony during the Michigan Association of Planning’s Annual Conference in Traverse City.
Thursday, November 8 at 8:00am, Novi Civic Center
CONTACT:
Ara Topouzian, (248) 347-0583
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
October 19, 2007, Novi, Michigan – On Thursday, November 8, the City of Novi Economic Development Corporation (EDC) and Lawrence Technological University will partner to host “Green Building 101,” a presentation about developing and constructing eco-friendly buildings. The presentation will be held in the Novi Civic Center Council Chambers, 45175 W. 10 Mile (between Novi and Taft Roads), from 8:00am to 10:00am. The event is offered free of charge and registration is not required.
Featured presenter and Lawrence Tech Professor Joseph Veryser will give insight to contractors, realtors, developers and businesses on how going green lessens the impact that commercial buildings have on human health and the environment. Professor Veryser serves LTU as the University Architect responsible for the coordination of the Campus Master Plan. He is certified as a Leader in Energy and Environmental Design Accredited Professional (LEEP AP) and is also a licensed Real Estate Broker in Michigan.
“Lawrence Tech has been and continues to be a major player in LEED certification and promoting Green technology. This session is open to all forms of business and you will walk away with a better understanding on what it means to go green,” commented Ara Topouzian, City of Novi Economic Development Manager. ”As Novi grows, it is important to educate and bring awareness how building ‘Green’ will become a major influence in sustainability of development.”
Green Building 101 corresponds with the unanimous, recent approval by the Novi City Council of a resolution encouraging green building practices through voluntary participation and private developments by making the LEED Standards Novi’s official green building criteria. LEED Standards are the nationally accepted benchmark for the design, construction, and operation of high performance green buildings.
The City of Novi Economic Development Corporation consists of nine members appointed by the City Council. They serve as a resource for business development within the City through the review of Industrial Revenue Bonds and for other economic development initiatives.
CONTACT: David Molloy, (248) 347-0504
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
October
15, 2007, Novi, Michigan – On October 31, thousands of witches,
goblins, super heroes, and princesses will take to Novi streets when
cleverly costumed children go looking for treats. The recommended
"trick or treat" hours in Novi are between 6:00pm and 8:00pm.
This is a favorite evening for many youngsters who will be running out of sheer excitement and the Novi Police Department wants to remind community members that the biggest dangers kids face on this evening are injuries from tripping and falling and pedestrian/car accidents.
"The men and women of the Novi Police Department always strive to partner with our residents to provide the children of Novi with the safest possible environment to celebrate the time honored tradition of trick-or-treating" notes Novi Police Chief David Molloy. "Unfortunately, children engaged in "trick or treat" activities frequently cross streets at mid-block rather than at corners or crosswalks, putting them at risk for pedestrian injury. Children are likely to choose the shortest rather than the safest route across streets, often darting out between parked cars. Also, many parents overestimate children's street-crossing skills."
To ensure a safe Halloween, the Novi Police Department recommends the following safety rules.
Children should:
When walking in neighborhoods Children should:
Parents and adults should:
Parents and adults should ensure the safety of pedestrian trick-or-treaters:
And a few tips about pumpkins:
Parents are encouraged to share these tips with their children to ensure a safe and enjoyable evening for the entire family.
Contact:
Kira Hasbargen,
Management Associate, Ph: 202-962-3606, ICMA Center for Performance
Measurement
Pittsburgh/Allegheny County, October 7, 2007—More than three dozen communities were recognized for their focus on collecting and using performance data—both from service area metrics as well as citizen feedback—at the ICMA Annual Conference today. The ICMA Center for Performance Measurement (CPM) recognized 30 local governments for their use of performance information in the management of their local governments. These communities are among the more than 200 local governments participating in the Center, which was created by ICMA, the premier local government leadership and management organization.
The 2007 recipients are:
Certificate of Distinction:
|
Certificate of Achievement:
|
The criteria for the Certificates of Achievement and Distinction were determined by the Center’s steering committee and staff. Communities receiving the Certificate of Achievement report performance data to the public through budgets, newsletters, and/or information provided to elected officials. These communities also perform related staff training and data verification efforts to ensure the data’s reliability.
Communities receiving the Certificate of Distinction have made even greater strides in incorporating performance measurement into the management of their jurisdictions. These communities demonstrate all the criteria stated for the Certificate of Achievement, as well as a commitment to using performance data in strategic planning and management decision making. With the results they have achieved, these communities, in turn, share their performance measurement knowledge with other local governments through presentations, site visits, and other networking.
ICMA Executive Director Robert J. O’Neill has emphasized that the value added by professional management can be demonstrated not only in the better decision making by elected and appointed officials, but also in the promotion of accountability, transparency, and quality service delivery to the general public.
ICMA and the National Research Center (NRC) also recognized 14 communities who participated in The National Citizen Survey™ for scoring superior results on the NCS. The following cities and counties received Voice of the People Excellence Awards, indicating that they achieved one of the top three citizen quality ratings in their given service area(s) for 2006 and that their results were in the top 10 percent of all results from over 500 jurisdictions’ survey results in the NRC database, and Voice of the People Transformation Awards recognizing significant improvement in their citizen satisfaction rates between 2006 and their most recent prior survey.
Excellence Awards:
|
Transformation Awards:
|
Each jurisdiction was recognized on Sunday, October 7, during the CPM Stakeholders Meeting in conjunction with ICMA’s 93rd Annual Conference. CPM Director Mike Lawson presented CPM plaques to the award recipients and Tom Miller, president of NRC, presented the plaques for the Voice of the People Awards.
About ICMA
ICMA advances professional local government worldwide. Its mission is to create excellence in local governance by developing and advancing professional management of local government. ICMA, the International City/County Management Association, provides member support; publications, data, and information; peer and results-oriented assistance; and training and professional development to more than 9,000 city, town, and county experts and other individuals and organizations throughout the world. The management decisions made by ICMA's members affect 185 million individuals living in thousands of communities, from small villages and towns to large metropolitan areas.
About the ICMA Center for Performance Measurement
The Center for Performance Measurement is a service of ICMA. Begun in 1994 at the initiative of a number of city managers and county administrators, the Center now has more than 200 local governments participating in its program. Communities report data for fifteen local government services (e.g., police, fire/EMS, highways and road maintenance, refuse removal and recycling, libraries, parks, code enforcement). Data are then used to identify management practices that contribute to high performance so that local governments can learn from each other in a process of continuous improvement. For a list of local governments participating in the Center, visit www.icma.org/performance.
About the National Citizen Survey
The National Citizen Survey™ is a turnkey service provided by ICMA, the premier local government leadership and management organization, and the National Research Center, Inc., an independent professional survey firm that “wrote the book” on citizen survey. The National Citizen Survey™ has been designed to complement the work of ICMA’s Center for Performance Measurement. Please visit www.icma.org/ncs.
CONTACT: Debbie Lannen, (248) 735-5615
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
|
||||
Performance Schedule |
|
Friday, October 26
|
7:30pm
|
NOVI, Michigan, October 3, 2007 – The Novi Theatres continues the tradition of bringing classic theatre to the stage as it presents Mark Twain’s "The Adventures of Tom Sawyer". Two casts of young actors from Novi, Walled Lake, Wixom, Redford, Northville, Commerce and Farmington Hills have been busy perfecting their accents and preparing for the performances. Audiences will enjoy watching as Tom, Huck, Becky and friends visit the graveyard at midnight and fight Injun Joe in the cave. No "Tom Sawyer" production would be complete without paintin’ the fence and learnin’ at school, and the Novi Theatres does it musically in their production.
Because the book is a classic studied in schools, the Novi Theatres has added two daytime performances to create great field trip opportunities for local schools. Students are sure to enjoy the production as it brings the classroom curriculum to life and the young actors will experience performing before 400 of their peers.
Show tickets for The Adventures of Tom Sawyer, including the student shows, are on sale at the Novi Civic Center Parks Office, 45175 W. 10 Mile (between Novi and Taft Roads). For information, call 248-347-0400.
The Novi Theatres has enriched the Novi community for more than 16 years. Pursuant to the City of Novis vision of enriching lives…strengthening community and through the leadership of performing arts coordinator Debbie Lannen, The Novi Theatres is committed to expanding performing arts opportunities for Novi and the surrounding communities.
CONTACT: Sheryl Walsh, Community Relations Manager,
(248) 735-5628
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
|
NOVI, Mich., September 19, 2007 – The Michigan Council of Private Investigators (MCPI) selected Novi Police Lieutenant Victor Lauria as the recipient of the Investigative Excellence Award. The MCPI annually recognizes a Michigan investigator who, through their personal and professional efforts, has demonstrated the highest level of professionalism, ethical practice and integrity in their chosen career of law enforcement. Lieutenant Lauria is the fourth recipient of the Investigative Excellence Award.
Lieutenant Lauria received the award on September 18th at the MCPI annual conference at the Novi Wyndham Garden Hotel. "This award is not a reflection on myself personally, but is the result of a dedicated team effort among the many members of the Novi Police Department," said Lauria.
Lieutenant Lauria was nominated for the honor by City of Novi resident and business owner Wayne Bullen. Bullen, a local private investigator, partnered with Lieutenant Lauria on the successful apprehension and conviction of Kevin Mykolaitis for the 2003 murder of Cameron Sanders.
"Throughout his career, Lieutenant Lauria has distinguished himself as a leader in countless fashions. His professionalism and exemplary conduct are the result of countless acts of dedicated service that simply go above and beyond what is normally required of an employee," commented Novi Police Chief David Molloy. "I am very proud to have Lieutenant Lauria as a member of our investigative and management team and am honored to call him a colleague."
A graduate of Northern Michigan University, Lieutenant Lauria began his career with the Novi Police Department in January, 1988. He was recognized as the Novi Police Officer of the Year in 1991 and was promoted to the rank of Detective in 1995, to the rank of Sergeant in 2005, and to his current rank of Lieutenant in 2006. He is currently pursuing his Master’s Degree in Business Administration from Eastern Michigan University.
For more information, contact: David E. Molloy, Chief of Police,
(248) 348-7100
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE