1/28/26 Farmington Press

10A SPOTLIGHT ON LEARNING

FARMINGTON HILLS CITY MANAGER RESIGNS

BY GENA JOHNSON gjohnson@candgnews.com

FARMINGTON HILLS — During a closed session of the Farmington Hills City Council Jan. 7, council members discussed the resignation of the city manager, Gary Mekjian. His resignation was accepted by a 4-3 vote. Voting in favor of the city manager’s resignation were Mayor Theresa Rich and council members Bill Dwyer, Jackie Boleware and Michael Bridges. Voting not to accept his resignation were council members Valerie Knol, Jon Aldred and Charlie Starkman.

The mayor and council members Dwyer and Knol said they could not discuss anything from the closed meeting due to strict confidentiality requirements.

Rich called for the special meeting with the support of Dwyer and Boleware. To call a special meeting, the member initiating it only needs the support of two other members.

“I am only allowed to talk to two other council members about something we may be deliberating and voting on because I am not allowed to talk to a quorum of council,” she said.

Farmington Hills swears in new mayor pro tem

BY GENA JOHNSON gjohnson@candgnews.com

FARMINGTON HILLS — Jackie Boleware, a longtime member of the Farmington Hills City Council, was sworn in as mayor pro tem by City Clerk Carly Lindahl at a council meeting Jan. 12. The council previously approved her for the role with a unanimous vote Dec. 8.

Councilman Bill Dwyer was the previous mayor pro tem. Bo-

leware was last mayor pro tem during the COVID-19 pandemic.

“This time, she will have the opportunity to serve a full year and be able to attend all of the events,” said Mayor Theresa Rich.

Boleware shared her enthusiasm for the new role.

“I am thrilled and excited. I look forward to that opportunity in the coming months,” Boleware said at the Dec. 8 meeting. “I would like to thank all of my councilmen for the vote.”

See BOLEWARE on page 7A

Resign

from page 1A

A quorum, or majority, would be four or more people of the seven-member council.

“I voted to accept his resignation because that’s what he (Mekjian) asked for,” Rich said.

Dwyer, who has served on council for two years — including as mayor pro tem in 2025 — was chief of the Farmington Hill Police Department for 23 years. He has lived in the city for more than 40 years.

“I have known all the city managers,” Dwyer said. “I respect the former city manager. I think he is a good man, but there were issues I had concerns about that were brought to my attention.”

According to an email sent to Mekjian Dec. 17, the meeting was initially scheduled with council for Dec. 19 to discuss termination of employment “without cause.”

This was the Friday before Christmas, and according to Knol, many on council had started their holiday plans and were not available. The meeting was then scheduled for Jan. 7.

“I voted against what I consider to be a forced resignation,” Knol said. “Farmington

Hills, we’re a well-run city. We have sound fiscal management. We deliver efficient and effective services. These are items the resident care about. This is achieved by having an excellent leader, who is competent. And this leader is Gary Mekjian. I am very shocked and extremely disappointed with how (this) was handled, scheduled, how Gary was treated, and the outcome of the vote.

Knol described Mekjian’s treatment as “inconsiderate and insensitive.”

“I don’t think there was anything urgent about this meeting,” she said. “Gary already had a performance review scheduled for March of 2026.”

Council members can schedule special meetings at any time on an array of topics.

“When we have council members request a special meeting, we have a special meeting,” Rich said.

Residents who spoke during the public comment portion of the Jan. 7 council meeting lauded city services and how the city was run.

At the Jan. 12 City Council meeting, Aldred explained the role of the city manager per the city charter, comparing it to a CEO of the city with the department heads reporting to them.

This is a very important role in the way

the city functions, he explained. The council acts as the board of directors setting the policy in terms of approving the budget.

As the city looks for a new city manager, Aldred hopes the council can work together.

“My experience when it comes to working together, we don’t always know (the) mo-

tive. … So, it’s always best to assume positive intent, and I’m going to make that assumption,” he said at the meeting. “This is not about personal ambition, nor about politics. (It’s) not about power.”

Call Staff Writer Gena Johnson at (586) 498-1069.

AUTO SHOW PANELS FOCUS ON POLICY, EVS

BY BRIAN WELLS bwells@candgnews.com

DETROIT — Federal and state leaders took to the stage at the Detroit Auto Show to talk about policy whiplash creating instability for manufacturers, stalling innovation and risking job losses as debate continues over how much government should shape the auto market.

In a fireside chat held at the auto show Jan. 14, former Democratic Party presidential candidate and Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg said rapidly changing federal policy is causing a potential setback to the industry.

“The other thing that I saw and heard speaking to each of the manufacturers who were displaying their incredible products was how much industry has had to contend with this whiplash from the policy side,” he said.

While every administration will have its own priorities, the changes in policy and how the industry has reacted to it has been a setback, he said, in particular referencing how administrations have handled electric vehicles.

“When you have a technology that is ultimately more advanced, policymakers cannot just put the toothpaste back into the tube,” he said. “There is no question about whether this technology will be the future of the sector.”

Sen. Bernie Moreno, R-Ohio, who appeared via prerecorded responses during a panel Jan. 15, stated that policy uncertainty is creating problems for the industry. Things remained consistent until the Biden administration tried to make a push toward electric vehicles, he said.

“Nobody needs to be pro or against electric vehicles. The consumer is ultimately going to be the judge and jury on that. They make millions of decisions with their pocketbooks that drive car companies to decide what kind of vehicles to make. That was our mantra for a long time,” he said.

John Bozzella, president and CEO of the Alliance for Automotive Innovation, who appeared with Moreno, said the government should support innovation, safety, emissions reduction and mobility, but not dictate consumer choices.

“That’s a very different government ambition and partnership with industry than having the government tell customers what they can and cannot buy,” he said.

Bozzella said that a degree of certainty and clarity is also needed.

“One person’s clarity could be another person’s EV mandate,” he said.

See AUTO SHOW on page 6A

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BY GENA JOHNSON gjohnson@candgnews.com

FARMINGTON HILLS CITY COUNCIL POSTPONES DECISION ON CULVER’S

FARMINGTON HILLS — At the Jan. 12 meeting of the Farmington Hills City Council, members voted to postpone a vote on a site plan for a Culver’s restaurant at 12 Mile and Orchard Lake roads until the applicant completes traffic and parking studies.

Joseph Tangari, a planner with Giffels Webster, requested several variances, including one that would allow a fast-food restaurant with a drive-thru in a district that currently allows neither.

A setback of 120 feet is typically required, as well; however, in some cases, businesses have been allowed 60-foot setbacks. Tangari requested a setback of 44.7 feet.

The zoning there also does not allow for order confirmation boards in the front of buildings. The petitioner asked for a variance making an exception.

See CULVER’S on page 7A

NAVIGATING ROUNDABOUTS

OAKLAND COUNTY — Michigan Law recently published tips on safely navigating roundabouts in Michigan, as well as details on some roundabouts in Oakland County.

First, always travel counterclockwise. Choose your lane before entering. Indicate your exit by using your turn signal. Use signs and pavement markings to guide you. And always yield to traffic already in the roundabout, and yield to pedestrians on crosswalks.

The report notes some challenging roundabouts in the area include Orchard Lake Road at 14 Mile Road in Farmington Hills, with five injuries; Farmington Road at West Maple Road in West Bloomfield Township, with 64 crashes and seven injuries; and Drake Road at West Maple Road in West Bloomfield Township, with 48 crashes and six injuries.

Help with heating bills

METRO DETROIT — Consumers Energy has allocated $5 million dollars to help individuals with paying for heat in 2026. The dollars are being distributed through groups like United Way South Central Michigan, TrueNorth Community Services, The Salvation Army – Great Lakes Division, the Society of St. Vincent de Paul in the Archdiocese of Detroit, THAW, New Day Foundation, and Oakland Livingston Human Service Agency.

Join us at Rose Senior Living Farmington Hills for a pour of fine wine and some tasty light appetizers while you explore our inviting spaces, connect with our team and residents, and experience everything that makes Rose feel just like home Whether you’re considering a move for yourself or a loved one, we think you’ll be delighted by what you see!

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To register for this event, scan the QR code, email lisa_assenmacher@roseseniorliving.com or call 248-522-2468 by February 16th

ARMY UNVEILS ROUSH-BUILT TANK PROTOTYPE AT AUTO SHOW

BY BRIAN WELLS bwells@candgnews.com

DETROIT — Automobiles built by top suppliers weren’t the only things on display at the Detroit Auto Show.

In a media event held Jan. 15, the U.S. Army unveiled the M1E3 Abrams battle tank, a prototype of what the Army is calling its next generation of tanks.

The tank features a hybrid diesel drivetrain and a remote-controlled turret created with the ability to be outfitted with a slew of different weaponry, including anti-drone weapons. It is also outfitted with an autoloader for its main 120 mm cannon, which allows all crewmen to remain inside the vehicle as well as reduces the number of crew in the tank from four to three.

“(Autoloaders) have been around for a long time. It’s not new. You just want to make sure they’re reliable,” U.S. Army Brig. Gen. Troy Denomy said. “Bringing in an autoloader allows us to take the humans out of the turret, which allows us to make the turret smaller and vehicle more survivable.”

According to U.S. Army Col. Ryan Howell, while many aspects of the tank will remain unchanged — such as the armor and location of the weapons — the tank will be built around a digital backbone that will allow systems to be integrated faster as challenges and threats change.

Howell said the tank is based on lessons learned from other conflicts and is designed

Auto

show from page 3A

Regulations need to be able to outlast changes in presidential administrations, he said. While the president is entitled to appoint cabinet secretaries to make market adjustments, “there’s a difference between making adjustments based on market conditions, the state of technology, the cost of those types of things and tearing the entire playbook up and starting off again,” he said.

These kinds of changes are what create

for a generation of soldiers who haven’t even been recruited yet.

“The advances around optics, and how the crew interacts with it, and then the young generation, what are the tools that they need, because we’re not building the tank for myself. … We’re building it for a younger generation that hasn’t even necessarily been recruited,” he said.

Denomy said the crew compartment of the tank will look like a race car.

The prototype, which was created by Warren-based Roush Defense, is one of four planned to be produced and put into the hands of soldiers, Howell said.

“The tank behind us is the first prototype to get that soldier feedback,” he said. “The challenge that we have going forward is there’s not really any good models, and there’s no other way to do theory and modeling of how do these three tank crew members, with interoperable screens and gaming controls, fight this tank on a battlefield.”

Howell said the reduced cost of manufacturing the tank — which is expected to be less than it costs to manufacture the current models — will help to drive down the cost of sustaining the tanks as well.

Using the diesel-hybrid drivetrain system will reduce the cost of fuel, as well as the weight of the tank, he said.

Alex Miller, chief technical officer for the U.S. Army, said it took less than a year for the prototype to be built.

See TANK on page 9A

a problem across the industry, he said.

Additionally, Bozzella said regulation around electric vehicles needs to stay at the same pace as the demand for the vehicles to help keep investments from becoming “stranded,” he said. While there is still a demand for EVs, it’s moving at a “more realistic” pace, he said.

“Those policies are important for the development of the market over time, but we are where we are right now,” he said. “So, I think you’ll see continued investment, but it’s going to be a slower pace.”

Call Staff Writer Brian Wells at (248) 291-7637.

a presentation Thursday, Jan. 15, 2025,

“The Planning Commission did not make a definitive recommendation to allow those boards in the front yard in relief of the ordinance standards,” Tangari said.

Farmington Hills residents were not opposed to Culver’s coming to town, but they took issue with the specific location. Those who spoke said it will cause backups on 12 Mile Road, making it even more congested than it is now.

Councilwoman Valerie Knol mentioned it is difficult for cars to navigate the parking lot off 12 Mile because of the cement island that directs the traffic one way or the other.

Parking in the shopping center there is already at a premium, according to Randell Carron, the owner of Scrambles, a business also in the Orchard 12 Plaza.

“What they are proposing is going to put us out of business,” Carron said. “Parking is a huge issue. … You come by our restaurant on a Sunday… People are parking on the grass because the parking lot is full.”

Boleware

from page 1A

Boleware is also vice chair on the National League of Cities — First Tier Suburbs Council, where she will serve a one-year term.

The National League of Cities is an organization of municipal officials committed to creating solutions to the major challenges facing local leaders and improving the quality of life for their current and future constituents, according to the organization’s website.

“The parking study and the traffic study aren’t done,” he added. “They haven’t presented it tonight; all they’re doing is asking you for a bunch of variances. Why?”

Councilwoman Jackie Boleware said she would love to be able to vote for the project but at this point, she could not.

“The variances we are being asked to accept, I don’t see the public benefit,” she said.

Later in the presentation, the applicant said Culver’s is not a fast-food restaurant.

“We are 72% dine-in. We do not refer to ourselves as a fast-food restaurant. We cook our food to order,” said a representative from Culver’s.

The mayor encouraged the applicant to come back with the engineering, traffic and parking reports having been reviewed by the city’s engineering department. She also suggested to have a more detailed presentation, citing what they said, that Culver’s is a dinein restaurant.

“But for you just saying it, we wouldn’t have known,” Rich said.

Culver’s representatives are scheduled to present the revised site plan at the Feb. 23 council meeting.

Call Staff Writer Gena Johnson at (586) 498-1069.

“I am thrilled to have Mayor Pro Tem Boleware lead the First Tier Suburbs Council this year as we work together to ensure our cities, towns and villages have the resources they need to create thriving communities,” stated National League of Cities President Kevin Kramer.

Joining Boleware on the National League of Cities Council are Chair David Sander — a council member from Rancho Cordova, Calif. — and Vice Chair Wally Campbell, the vice mayor of Goodyear, Ariz. Call Staff Writer Gena Johnson at (586) 498-1069.

TICKET SALES BEGIN FOR DISC GOLF WORLD CHAMPIONSHIPS AT KENSINGTON METROPARK

BY SCOTT BENTLEY sbentley@candgnews.com

METRO DETROIT — Ticket sales have begun for the Professional Disc Golf Association Professional Disc Golf World Championships presented by 1st Phorm, which will take place at the end of the summer at Kensington Metropark.

The world championship tournaments will be held from Aug 26-30. Last March, the PDGA announced that the historic Kensington Metropark won its bid to host the 2026 games after its 2025 bid was rejected.

Different types of tickets for the event will roll out over the next several months, as general admission passes don’t go on sale until 6 p.m. Eastern Standard Time on March 24.

Currently, the platinum, gold and bronze VIP passes are on sale. These passes include food, merchandise, autograph and photo opportunities, special seating and much more. More information and pricing can be found at detroit26.com.

Bronze VIP passes go on sale beginning at 6 pm EST on Feb 17, and daily VIP passes will be available starting at 6 p.m. EST March 10. The general admission passes start at $10 and VIP passes start at $295.

“The 2026 PDGA Pro Worlds event is going to be a landmark event in the history of our sport,” Nate Heinold, CEO of Ledgestone Disc Golf and 2026 World Championships event director, said in a press release. “The Ledgestone team is making unprecedented investments in this event, with expected spending approaching $1.5M.”

The Kensington Metropark course is one of the more historic courses in the sport. Specifically, the Toboggan course was built in 2000 for this event and has now become an iconic figure in the disc golf community. Those planning the event understand the magnitude of this tournament returning to Toboggan for the first time since its installation in 2000.

“We plan on delivering two Worlds class courses, the largest Pro Worlds payout of all time, a $300,000+ infrastructure plan and (the) experience of a lifetime for our players and spectators alike,” Heinold said

SPORTS

in the release.

The investment into the park’s infrastructure will help it support the spectators with features such as grandstands, VIP terraces, family zones, viewing platforms and stadium seating.

The World Championship will bring fans from all over the world into the metro Detroit area. The Metroparks are excited to host such a big event.

“We’re proud to team up with Ledgestone, the Detroit Sports Commission, and the Livingston County Convention & Visitors Bureau to bring this championship back to Metro Detroit,” Amy McMillan, CEO of the Huron-Clinton Metroparks, said in a press release. “We can’t wait to welcome the world to our courses and to welcome the region to be a part of a world-wide disc golf experience.”

Detroit has hosted the NFL Draft,

NCAA March Madness tournament games, multiple playoff games across several sports and in 2027 will host the men’s college basketball Final Four. While the 2026 PDGA Professional Disc Golf World Championships presented by 1st Phorm won’t be in Detroit, the metro area continues to grow its reputation as a legitimate host for major sporting events.

“What’s exciting about this championship is how naturally it fits into Detroit’s broader sports story right now,” Marty Dobek, executive director of the Detroit Sports

Commission, said in a press release. “We’re seeing continued growth in non-traditional and emerging sports, and disc golf is a great example of how passionate fan bases and destination-quality venues can come together to create something special. Events like this expand who we reach, how people experience our region, and what Detroit is known for as a sports destination.”

For all information on the 2026 PDGA Professional Disc Golf World Championships presented by 1st Phorm, visit detroit26.com.

from page 6A

“I cannot stress enough that this tank that is here, drove in here. This was not towed. … This is a real tank,” he said. “This is going to go to safety and gunnery. You’re going to put this in the hands of soldiers. They’re going to fight this tank. We did it in a year. So, rather than the 15-year development cycle and maybe somebody sees it within their career, this team actually did the thing.”

Miller said the tank represents the Army’s drive to put robots in front of soldiers.

“This is your Army actually putting steady conditions so that we can make sure that America’s next first battle, as unfortunate as it will be when it gets here, and it will come, that we are putting robots in front of soldiers, that we are trading blood for steel,” he said.

According to a press release from the Army, initial operational capability of the tank is expected in the early 2030s.

The Detroit Auto Show was open to the public Jan. 17-25 at Huntington Place.

Call Staff Writer Brian Wells at (248) 291-7637.

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ON LEARNING

Multiple choice:

EDUCATION OPTIONS ABOUND FOR FAMILIES

BY MARY BETH ALMOND malmond@candgnews.com

METRO DETROIT — When it comes to educating your children, there are a multitude of options to consider before choosing the right fit.

The key, experts say, is finding a suitable learning environment for your child — whether it be at a traditional public, charter, private, home, virtual or other school.

Schools of Choice

According to a Bridge Michigan analysis of the state’s latest enrollment data, one in four Michigan K-12 students attend school at a charter or in a Schools of Choice district.

Michigan’s Schools of Choice provisions in Section 105 and 105c of the State School Aid Act allow local school districts to enroll nonresident students and count them in membership without having to obtain approval from the district of residence.

While a few dozen public school districts in the state — including Rochester Community Schools and Grosse Pointe — do not accept most students from other districts, the majority of Michigan’s 532 public school districts welcome choice.

See SCHOOLS on page 11A

Schools

The Troy School District, for example, offers a limited School of Choice program, allowing students from specific areas to enroll, with priority for siblings of current Schools of Choice students.

“Troy is really known for its strong academics, enrichment, athletics, and performing arts and has always been in the top three in the state for many things. Because of that reputation, that helps Troy immensely,” said Kendra Montante, director of communications and strategic initiatives for the Troy School District. “We also have a very diverse community, which is amazing, so that is a draw as well.”

Schools of Choice, Montante explained, helps maintain district enrollment while providing educational opportunities, with specific seat numbers announced annually.

“Over the years, School of Choice programs have changed based on things like enrollment needs, so for the last eight or nine years, we have not done a significant amount of Schools of Choice. We have done a little bit of it because our goal was to right size the district a little bit and determine where we were at with our student population and our schools. That’s not uncommon. Many districts do that.”

More recently, as many districts across the state face declining student enrollment, Montante said the Troy School District polled families and received feedback supporting further opening up its Schools of Choice program rather than potentially closing schools with lower student enrollment.

“For the 2026-27 school year, we opened it up a little bit more for grades kindergarten, first grade, sixth, seventh and eighth grade,” Montante said.

The Montessori method

A popular educational approach that differs from traditional public and private schools’ teacher-led, age-segregated, curriculum-focused option is the Montessori method.

Tanya Dallo, who owns Country Hills Montessori in Farmington Hills, said the Montessori method — established by Dr. Maria Montessori in the 1890s — is based on the philosophy that students learn best by self-directed activities and observing the world around them.

Country Hills Montessori, which serves children ages 14 months to 9 years in mixedage classes, offers a more individual approach to education, Dallo says, with different selfdirected experiences for every child.

“A Montessori education is designed to develop the full child, so it’s not just the academics, we focus on their social and emotional growth, too, to set them up to be lifelong learners,” she said.

To foster independence, children can choose the subjects they want to study, depending on their interests — things like art, music, foreign language, gardening, science, math, geography, and reading skills — and they are encouraged to reason, cooperate, negotiate and understand along the way.

Dallo, who has been providing Montessori education for 32 years, says the method works.

“I’ve seen kids graduate, go through med school to become doctors, we have lawyers, we have a student who is a sheriff,” she said. “It’s so rewarding and it’s wonderful to see.”

GATE programs an option for some

The Avondale School District launched its GATE, or Gifted And Talented Education program during the 2017-2018 school year, enrolling approximately 31 students in two multiage third and fourth grade classrooms at Woodland Elementary School.

At that time, Superintendent James Schwarz said the idea was that it would be a self-contained magnet program to service truly gifted students, being that there was not one in this area — a public school that services students to that end, in a program specific for that ability.

In 2019, the program more than doubled — with 74 students enrolled in four multiage classrooms: two second-and thirdgrade split classes, and two fourth-and fifthgrade split classes.

To meet the increasing demand for enrollment, the GATE program moved into a dedicated building, the Avondale Meadows Learning Center in Rochester Hills, with students in second through eighth grades eligible to be part of the program. Today, the school has grown to serve over 400 students.

Upon reaching eighth grade, Schwarz said GATE students then go to high school, where they can differentiate into a wide variety of honors choices, Advanced Placement, dual enrollment and early college. GATE students can complete their high school requirements in half the time, which allows them to take AP or dual enrollment courses.

The GATE program is open to students in second through eighth grades within the Avondale School District and those outside the district through Schools of Choice, as space allows. Applications for students within the district are typically due in the fall, and Schools of Choice applications are typically due in February.

COMMUNITY CALENDAR

12A/ FARMINGTON PRESS • JANUARY 14, 2026

JAN. 16

Art exhibit: See 77 works by 66 local artists as part of Farmington Hills 2026-27 Public Art Program, reception from 7-9 p.m., on display until late 2027, City Hall, 31555 W. 11 Mile Road, (248) 699-6709

JAN. 17-19

MLK Weekend Celebration: Includes hustle line dancing from 2-3 p.m. Jan. 17, screening of “Selma, Lord, Selma” (1999) from 1:30-4:30 p.m. Jan. 18, and sign-making from 10-11 a.m., legacy march from 11-11:30 a.m., Farmington Public Schools Dance Company performance from 11:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m. and small business owners panel from 6:30-8 p.m. Jan. 19, Farmington Community Library, 32737 W. 12 Mile Road in Farmington Hills (march held outside along 12 Mile Road), (248) 553-0300, farmlib.org

JAN. 18

Holocaust Remembrance Day: Lecture about reflection, education and community-building, presented by Cultural Arts Division with support from The Zekelman Holocaust Center, 7 p.m., Black Box Theatre at The Hawk - Farmington Hills Community Center, 29995 W. 12 Mile Road, thehawktheatre.com

JAN. 19

Hear Ehnes Quartet: Presented in collaboration with

Farmington Community Library wins Large Business of the Year Award

Chamber Soloists of Detroit and City of Farmington Hills, 7:30 p.m., Mainstage Theatre at The HawkFarmington Hills Community Center, 29995 W. 12 Mile Road, thehawktheatre.com

JAN. 21

Vape 101: Free one-hour training for students, parents, community members and organizations, learn about dangers of e-cigarettes and health consequences, safety and other concerns, also why youth use them and prevention resources, presented by Oakland County Michigan Health Division, noon-1 p.m., held virtually on Microsoft Teams, register at bit. ly/3LWBi4i, email arabon@oakgov.com with questions

JAN. 22

Hear Tres Suite: Features jazz music by Tony Suhy, Kurt Schreitmueller and Skeeto Valdez, beer and wine available, presented by Cultural Arts Division, 7 p.m., Black Box Theatre at The Hawk - Farmington Hills Community Center, 29995 W. 12 Mile Road, thehawktheatre.com

JAN. 23

Senior Social Hour: For adults 60 and older and caregivers, includes crafts, music, games, puzzles, coffee and light refreshments, 10:30 a.m.-noon, Farmington Community Library, 32737 W. 12 Mile Road in Farmington Hills, continues Feb. 27, (248)

The Farmington Community Library was named Large Business of the Year by the Greater Farmington Area Chamber of Commerce. The award was presented in October at the chamber’s annual awards gala. Accepting the award was Sherri Vaughn, left, business & nonprofit development director. Under her leadership, the library has become a strong advocate for both education and local businesses. Pictured with Vaughn is former library Director Kelley Siegrist.

The award honors the Farmington Community Library’s ongoing contributions to education, community engagement and partnership.

The Farmington Community Library’s two locations are at 23500 Liberty St. in downtown Farmington, phone number {248) 553-0300 and 32737 W. 12 Mile Road in Farmington Hills, phone number (248) 553-0321. Find the library online at farmlib.org.

553-0300, farmlib.org

JAN. 24

Saturday STREAM: Experiment with science, technology, reading, engineering, art and math concepts, for kids in grades K-5, 11 a.m.-noon, Farmington Community Library, 23500 Liberty St. in Farmington, continues Feb. 28, March 28 and April 25, (248) 5530321, farmlib.org

JAN. 31

An Evening of Stand-Up Comedy: Hosted by actor and comedian Mark Boyd and featuring other local talent, for ages 18 and older, cocktail hour at 7 p.m. and show at 8 p.m., Black Box Theatre atThe HawkFarmington Hills Community Center, 29995 W. 12 Mile Road, thehawktheatre.com

ONGOING

Rock Around the Hawk: Free mini music festival for ages 18 months-5 years, 10-11:30 a.m. Feb. 6, March 6, April 10, May 1 and June 5, Black Box Theatre at The Hawk - Farmington Hills Community Center, 29995 W. 12 Mile Road, (248) 473-1850

Ice skating: 10 a.m.-10 p.m. Sundays-Thursdays and 10 a.m.-11 p.m. Fridays-Saturdays, special events include “Wicked” skate from 2-4 p.m. Jan. 16, glow skate from 7-9 p.m. Jan. 24 and Valentine skate from

2-4 p.m. Feb. 14, Riley Park, 33113 Grand River Ave. in Farmington, farmgov.com/community/parks-andrecreation/riley-park-ice-rink.aspx, (248) 474-5500

Wiser Whisker’s Senior Social: Ages 65 and older can hang out with cats and other animal lovers, hour time slots and hot beverage available 2-4 p.m. Wednesdays until end of year, Avocato Catfé & Adoption Center, 38437 Grand River Ave. in Farmington Hills, (248) 482-8271

Farmington Genealogical Society meetings: 6:30 p.m. every third Tuesday of month January-May and September-November, Farmington Community Library, 23500 Liberty St. in Farmington, info@mifarmgs.org, mifarmgs.org/index.php

Detroit Auto Show: Public hours run 10 a.m.-8 p.m. Jan. 17-24 and 10 a.m.-7 p.m. Jan. 25, Huntington Place, 1 Washington Blvd. in Detroit, detroitautoshow. com

Eat Smart, Move More, Weigh Less: Virtual 15-week program presented by AgeWays Nonprofit Senior Services and led by registered dietitian nutritionist, free for first-time participants ages 60 and older, register at (833) 262-2200 or wellnessprograms@ageways. org, tinyurl.com/agewaysworkshops

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Published: January 28, 2026

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SAPPORO HIBACHI STEAKHOUSE

Sapporo Hibachi Steakhouse and Sushi is probably best known for...its hibachi lunch and dinner meals of course. But customers know that Sapporo is much more than that, from its daily specials to its recently expanded menu.

e restaurant opened in 2017 and has been known for its great take outs ever since. Owner Jenny Wu has more than three decades of experience in running successful takeout restaurants and managing a catering business, regularly providing food for the meetings hosted by various departments at the University of Michigan, and worked closely with the Ann Arbor Meals on Wheels in providing food for the seniors in our community.

Nabeyaki Udon is a Japanese noodle soup dish that includes a poached egg, chicken, Japanese vegetables, seaweed and 2 pieces of tempura shrimp.  Like other noodle soup dishes, it can be ordered with Ramen instead, an authentic Japanese

Sapporo meals are full of avor from sushi to hibachi to salads and soups.  Wu and her sta have added recently to their menu Ramen noodle soups and special sushi appetizers and rolls.  For example,

One of Sapporo's most popular appetizers is the Crab Rangoon, which can be an appetizer or part of a light lunch or comes with the Teriyaki dinner meals. Sapporo's chefs have also created a new batch of special sushi rolls that o er

creativity and a unique avor pro le. Hibachi o erings include numerous types of meat, seafood, tofu and vegetables.  For those couples who are celebrating a special event, or are simply very hungry, may want to consider the Sapporo Extreme for Two people.  It includes all of the meats, seafood with hibachi rice, noodles and vegetables, and even lobster and let and more.

"We are best known for our steak, so that's our best seller but really we're known for our wide range of menu options."  Wu said. "We like to o er

new menu items so people can come in and enjoy something new even if they've been here before"

Everyday there can be a celebration at Sapporo Hibachi Steakhouse because guests celebrating an important event in their lives such as a birthday or a

Experience the Finest Japanese Cuisine!

graduation will also receive a free gift along with their meals.  Guests without a speci c reason to celebrate can still save with an Early Bird Discount of 10 percent o .  Seniors 65 and over and veterans can also save 10 percent o menu prices anytime.

Plus, patrons can enjoy unique happy hour specials weekdays from 2:305:30pm and lunch specials before then.  Customers who haven't been to Sapporo in several months may also notice that the restaurant has undergone some interior remodeling work to lighten colors, increase space and provide a more relaxing atmosphere for all.

e restaurant is open seven days a week from noon to 9:30p.m. for dining in or takeout service.  Wu promises that all takeout will be properly packed so that hot food stays hot and cold food remains cool.

Wasabi Novi family and sta has joined Sapporo under one management. Please call 734-266-0888 or visit  sapporolivonia.com to learn more.