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Play, Explore, Learn... LIVE!

                                                                       
 

    February 2015 - Issue 14
 In This Issue
We have NEW Household ID magnets at the Costick Center!
Pick up your magnet 
on your next visit.
R1 Recreation

Youth Soccer

 

This is a great instructional program to help develop your child's feel for individual soccer skills, team play, and sportsmanship. This six-game schedule begins April 25, with games each Saturday, and practices held once a week at the discretion of the coach.

 

Grades: K - 5

Date: Games begin April 25

Fee: $65 / Non-Resident- $75

 

Please note: the school that is chosen at registration should be closest to the family home. This is for putting teams together, not where teams will practice or play.

 

Register here before March 6.

  

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 Heritage Park Sledding

 

Have some outside with your children this month by taking them to our sled hills at Heritage Park! They are free and available to the public. Park hours are dawn until dusk.

Did you miss the Georgetown Energy Prize Kick-Off Event? Watch the recap from the Farmington Hills Video Division.
You can watch videos about this and other happenings on the City's YouTube channel here.
 
C2 Cultural Arts 

 Exploring Ceramics
 

Hand-building techniques such as pinch, coil and slab, will be taught to create sculpture and utilitarian objects. Both beginning and continuing students are welcome. 

 

Ages: 14+
Date: Mondays, February 23 - March 30
Time: 6:45 - 8:45 pm

Location: Heritage Park Stables Studio

Fee: $170 / Non-Resident- $180
Activity: #280212-01

  

Register for this class here.

  

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  Blackthorn In Concert

 

This group of five will give you humor, harmony and skilled musicianship. The talented Blackthorn guys warmly engage their audience with fine music from Ireland. Their concerts also feature a wide variety of instruments everyone will enjoy.
 

Click here to purchase tickets. You can also buy tickets at the Costick Center, or by calling (248) 473-1848.

 

Date: Friday and Saturday, March 13 and 14
 Time: 7:30 pm 

Location: Farmington Players Barn Theater

Tickets: $19 Adults / $17 Seniors and Students
 

For more information, call
(248) 473-1859.

S1 Special Interests 

Babysitter Training

  

Get a head start on that summer babysitting job by registering for this training class. There is no written examination, but participants must show competency in all required skill areas to receive a Red Cross Certification Card.

 

Ages: 11 - 15

Date:  Saturday, February 14

Time: 9 am - 4 pm

Location: Costick Center

Activity: #216016-01
Fee: $50 / Non-Resident- $55

 

Click here to register.
 

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Winter Survival Camp

 

Looking for some adventure during winter break? Children will explore the outdoors through different activities such as animal tracking, snowshoeing, campfire building, and much more!
 

Campers will be outside most of the day, so wear proper winter attire and bring a sack lunch. The deadline to register is February 9. Extended care is also available 8 - 9 am,
3 - 6 pm, or both am/pm.

 

Ages: 6 - 12

Date: Monday and Tuesday,
February 16 and 17

Time: 9 am - 3 pm

Location: Heritage Park Day Camp

Activity: #211280-01

Fee: $50 / Non-Resident: $60

 

Register your children here

 

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Princesses and Superheroes

 

Dress up your favorite little princess or superhero for a night of fun, fantasy, and adventure for the whole family. The night includes music, dancing, face painting, crafts and much more.

 

Thanks to our sponsor Busch's, the fantasy dinner will include hot dogs, mac and cheese, snacks, and drinks. You will also have the chance to meet some of Michigan's very own princesses and superheroes.

 

Ages: All

Date: Friday, March 6

Time: 6 - 8 pm

Location: Costick Center

Activity: #310530-01

Fee: $8 / Non-Resident: $13
Children 2 and under are free.

 

Reserve your spot before
February 27 here.

Flip through our Winter/ Early Spring Activities Guide below! 

 

To register for winter classes or programs, click here. 

Park shelter rentals have started for 2015. Call (248) 473-1800 to reserve your company party or birthday celebration.


A3 Aquatics 
Swim Lessons - Session 2

  It's that time again! Session 2 swim lessons will begin the week of February 21. Individual, Parent-Child, Youth 1, 2, and 3, and Adult lessons are available. Click here to register for a specific class.
 

For questions about classes, call (248) 473-1834
A2After School Program
      
 After School Youth
Center Program

 

Students in grades 5 - 8 can join at any time for $50, which covers transportation and activities throughout the year. Remember to sign up for the Listserv at your child's school to stay up-to-date with what's going on at the After School Program. Here are some activities that the After School Program members can participate in this winter.
 

Snowshoeing
 
Youth members are trying out their snowshoeing skills and getting some fresh air at the Costick Center.
 

Club Z Tutoring
Professional tutors are here to help students with their homework. Tutors will be at the Costick Center on Mondays and Tuesdays, at the Jon Grant on Wednesdays, and at the Ice Arena on Thursdays. 

 

Crescendo Detroit in
Farmington Hills

On Tuesdays and Thursdays at the Jon Grant Youth Center, the youth members from Power and East are expanding their musical and creative dance talents with the professional instructors from Crescendo Detroit.

 

 Boys to Men - Fathers Who Care

This is a new program at the Costick Center on Tuesdays and Thursdays. There will be more information soon.
 

The After School Program will be on break February 16 and 17. For questions, call
(248) 473-1841.

A1Adults 50  & Better
      
Valentine's Dance
 
Come one, come all! Dress to impress as we celebrate Valentine's Day with a delicious meal and decadent dessert buffet. There will be a live band, dancing, and special door prizes.
 
Tickets can be purchased in
Conway Hall by February 9.
 
Date: Friday, February 13
Time: 11 am - 3 pm
Location: Costick Center
Fee: $8 / $10 after February 9 

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Mardi Gras Bingo
 
Try your luck at bingo and join us in our Mardi Gras celebration. Treat yourself to a grand performance, and a Fat Tuesday meal complete with paczkis.
 
Tickets can be purchased in
Conway Hall by February 16.
 
Date: Tuesday, February 17
Time: 11 am - 2 pm
Location: Costick Center
Fee: $8 / $10 after February 16
 
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Old Fashioned Barn Dance
 

Kick up your heels and spin your partner! This old-fashioned barn dance includes a caller, great grub, and refreshments.

 

There will be line dancing, square dancing, and just plain dancing. Bring a partner or come by yourself.

 

Ages: 21+
Date: Friday, February 27
Time: 7 - 11 pm
Location: Costick Center
Fee: $18 in advance, $20 after deadline
 
Register for this class here by February 23. Tickets are also available at the Costick Center.

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Click below for the Adults 50 & Better February issue of
The Messenger.
 

 Have you been to the Farmington Community Library lately? Check out their current events and programs here.
I1 Ice Arena 
Learn to Skate - Session VI

  

Learn to skate classes for Session 6 begin February 17. During this six-week class, participants will get the opportunity to learn on every level from your first step on the ice to advanced Free Style.

 

 Skaters have an opportunity to showcase their skills and talent in the Annual Ice Show held in May.

 

Ages: 3 and up
Date:
February 17 - March 29

Location: Farmington Hills Ice Arena

Fee: $75 / Non-Resident: $80
(through February 10)

 

For class times and registration forms, click here.

Each month, Special Services highlights a place, participant or program. This month, we're shining the light on:

 Christy McGillivray, our new 
STEM Education Coordinator
 
 
 
 1. What is STEM? STEM is an acronym that refers to the disciplines of Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math. At the Nature Center has developed project-based experiential learning STEM programs with a focus on renewable energy and energy efficiency. This new programming has been made possible through the generous support of the BOSCH Community Fund and is a part of the City of Farmington Hill's participation in the Georgetown University Energy Prize competition.
2. What is your role with the STEM education program? I am developing the program content and delivering the programs with other Naturalists here at the Nature Center. We are working with Farmington Public Schools as well as other schools that be interested.
3. Can students get involved now? Yes! There is a two-week summer program we are offering called the STEM Leadership Experience that middle or high school students can enroll in. Students will gain college-level lab and field experience and network with STEM professionals. We also have STEM school programs such as the Energy Efficiency Ambassadors program, and Engineering for the Future that are available to teachers and students now. 
4. How can people find more information about starting the STEM programs? If they are interested in the Leadership Experience, they can click here for the flyer and register. If any schools or teachers are interested in bringing the program to their classroom, they can read more information here, email me at cmcgillivray@fhgov.com , or call (248) 477-1135.
C1 Community Events 

 

 Daddy Daughter
Butterfly Ball

 

Calling all dads! Do you have a daughter that likes to dress up and dance? Treat her to a night she will always remember at the Costick Center's Butterfly Ball.

 

Dance the night away with music from a DJ and enjoy refreshments. Professional photos will be available for purchase. 

 

Date: Friday, February 6 and
Saturday, February 7

Time: 7 - 8:30 pm (both days)

Location: Costick Center

Fee: $18 per couple, $9 per each additional daughter / Non-Resident: $23 per couple, $9 per each additional daughter

 

Call (248) 473-1800 to
reserve your spot by February 5.

      T1 

We want to hear about your experiences!Did one of our programs change your day? Change your outlook? Change your life?
Tell us your story and you just might become part of our next marketing campaign. 

Check out one of our stories here.
 
We would LOVE to hear your story! 
 
Farmington Hills Special Services will use stories for promotional purposes. You may be selected to win a $50 Special Services gift certificate!
 
Tell Us Your Story is
sponsored by
       
N1 Nature Center 
Stroll With Your Sweetheart Night Hike

 

Bring your sweetheart along and share your love for nature with an evening hike at Heritage Park. Explore the night woods on this guided hike. Complete the night with drinks and treats at the Nature Center. Gift cards and coupons will be given away as well.


Pre-registration required.
Click here to register.

 

Ages: Adult
Date: Saturday, February 14

Time: 5:30 - 7 pm

Location: Heritage Park

Fee: $5 per person

Activity: # 211244-02 

 

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Homeschool Nature Program

 

Add science and nature to your child's education. Naturalist guides will lead hands-on experiences outdoors while exploring a different nature theme each week.

 

This is a drop-off program.

Register your child here.

 

Ages: 6 - 12

Date: Tuesdays through March 3

Time: 1 - 2:30 pm

Location: Heritage Park Nature Center

Fee: $50 per child

Activity: #211263-01

 

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Nature Pre School

 

These classes are designed to teach fundamentals and basic techniques while developing new skills and improving self-image. All classes are held at the Heritage Park Day Camp Building.
 

Little Trekkers - Ages 1 - 4
Activity: #214548-01 / #214548-03
 

 

Nature's Little Artist - Ages 1 1/2 - 4
 Activity: #214524-01
 

 

Boots N' Books - Ages 1 1/2 - 5

Drop-In Fee: $3 p/person

$9 p/family of 4  

 

Young Explorers - Ages 3 - 5

Activity: #214565-01

 

Find class times and information here. 

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City of Farmington Hills | 28600 W. Eleven Mile Road | specialservices@fhgov.com | (248) 473-1800 | http://www.fhgov.com 

 Costick Center Hours: Monday - Friday, 8:30 am - 4:30 pm, Wednesdays open until 7 pm