How Do I Sign Up?

Good news! All Waterford residents are automatically signed up for service, so you do not have to take any action to sign up. Beginning March 10^th, GFL will begin delivering collection carts to every residence and first quarter invoices will arrive around March 16^th.
If you are a Veteran, Senior age 65+, Snowbird, or wish to opt-out of recycling, you will need to complete a form. These forms can be found on the Waterford Township website at www.waterfordmi.gov/trash or at any Waterford Township staffed public counter during operating hours. Please see below for additional details regarding these discounts and options.
Public counters are located at: Waterford Township Hall, the Waterford Public Library, Waterford Township Department of Public Works, the Waterford Recreation Center (formerly CAI) on Williams Lake Rd., the Waterford Police Department and Fire Headquarters.
For more information, please visit www.waterfordmi.gov/trash or call 248-674-3111.

Seniors 65+ and Veterans - Sign Up Now for 5% Discount

Waterford Veterans and senior citizens 65+ are eligible to receive a 5% discount on their curbside collection of solid waste, recycling, yard waste and bulk items when Waterford Township transitions to a single designated residential waste hauler March 30, 2020.

To sign up, please visit any Waterford Township staffed public counter during operating hours by March 3, 2020 to complete a form and present your identification verifying your eligibility. 
Seniors will need to present their state ID or Driver’s License showing their Waterford address and date of birth. Veterans may verify eligibility with a Veterans ID card, DD214, or honorable discharge papers along with a valid Driver’s License or State ID with your Waterford address.
Public counters are located at: Waterford Township Hall, the Waterford Public Library, Waterford Township Department of Public Works, the Waterford Recreation Center (formerly CAI) on Williams Lake Rd., the Waterford Police Department and Fire Headquarters.
For more information, please visit www.waterfordmi.gov/trash or call 248-674-3111.

Snowbirds - Here's What You Need to Know:

As Waterford begins its transition to a single designated residential waste hauler beginning March 30, 2020, Waterford residents who also have residences in another community (often referred to as “snowbirds”) have a few options to consider.

Delay of cart delivery: the new GFL carts will be delivered to all Waterford single family residences beginning March 10, 2020. If you will not be home and wish to delay your cart delivery, you’ll need to complete a form (see below).

Suspend service – under the new contract commencing March 30, 2020, Waterford residents may choose to suspend services one time per year for a single period of         3 consecutive months and receive an invoice credit. If you wish to suspend service at the beginning on the contract period March 30, 2020, you will need to complete a form (see below).

Snowbird forms are available online at www.waterfordmi.gov/trash or at any Waterford Township staffed public counter during operating hours.
Public counters are located at: Waterford Township Hall, the Waterford Public Library, Waterford Township Department of Public Works, the Waterford Recreation Center (formerly CAI) on Williams Lake Rd., the Waterford Police Department and Fire Headquarters.
For more information, please visit www.waterfordmi.gov/trash or call 248-674-3111.

Curbside Recycling

Waterford Township is pleased to offer residents weekly curbside recycling at affordable rates under the single hauler contract. For a small quarterly fee, GFL will provide a 64-gallon rolling cart for household recyclable materials.
If for some reason your household wishes to opt-out of curbside collection of recycling, please complete and opt-out form on the Waterford Township website by March 3, 2020. You may also visit any Waterford Township staffed public counter during operating hours to complete a recycling opt-out form.
Public counters are located at: Waterford Township Hall, the Waterford Public Library, Waterford Township Department of Public Works, the Waterford Recreation Center (formerly CAI) on Williams Lake Rd., the Waterford Police Department and Fire Headquarters.
For rates and more information, please visit www.waterfordmi.gov/trash or call 248-674-3111.

Key Transition Period Dates:

February 16th - GFL will mail an in-depth newsletter to each single residential address in Waterford Township detailing the program, its rollout, and contact information. Please review this carefully and keep it for reference as we transition to the new program.
This mailing will include a Waterford map showing collection days. Please review this map to determine which day of the week GFL will be collecting your trash, recycling, yard waste, and bulk items.

March 9th - A representative from GFL Environmental will be stationed at Waterford Township Hall for a period of 4 months during our transition to help Waterford residents in person and on the phone with any questions or concerns.

March 10 - 27th - GFL will deliver custom trash and recycling carts to Waterford homes.

March 16th - Your first quarterly invoice will arrive in the mail sometime around March 16th for the service period beginning March 30, 2020. The due date and payment options will be noted on this invoice, along with an option to create an online account with GFL.

March 30 - April 3 - First week of collection for Waterford residents under the new designated waste hauler program with GFL Environmental!
Please utilize the blue Waterford branded custom collection trash and recycling carts provided by GFL for your curbside collection beginning this week.

Join the Waterford Area Chamber Commerce as they host the annual State of the Township breakfast. You'll enjoy a buffet style hot breakfast, and hear from Waterford Township Supervisor Gary Wall and Waterford School District Superintendent Scott Lindberg with updates on the state of the Township and School District.

A can't-miss-event for the entire Waterford community! Purchase tickets from the Waterford Area Chamber Commerce online: https://www.waterfordchamber.org/events/state-of-the-township-breakfast-sign-up/

2020 Live, Work, Play Expo!

Now is the time to plan for the Live Work Play Business & Home Expo 2020. Make sure you mark your calendars and share with your friends and neighbors. Meet face to face with local  businesses, community services and resources all under one roof.  Reserve your booth space today! https://www.waterfordchamber.org/events/business-and-home-expo-info/

Waterford Township Joins Western Oakland Transportation Authority (WOTA) for Senior and Disabled Adult Transportation Services

Waterford Twp. Public Library - February News & Events

WEEKLY STORYTIMES FOR AGES INFANT – 3 YEARS
Our drop-in storytimes resume this winter the week of January 14-15. Storytimes are 30 minutes long and include a variety of stories, songs, fingerplays, and other activities. Storytimes are held in our children’s story and crafts room. A parent or caregiver must accompany children. We ask that parents and caregivers arrive a few minutes before storytime begins in order to get settled in.
Babytime (ages 6 mos. – 15 mos.) Tuesdays 10:00-10:30 am – begins February 25
Toddlertime (ages 16 mos. - 23 mos.) Wednesdays 10:00-10:30 am – begins February 26
Two-Year-Old Storytime – Tuesdays 11:00-11:30 am – begins February 25
Three-Year-Old Storytime – Wednesdays 11:00-11:30 am – begins February 26
ENHANCED EVENING STORY TIME FOR AGES 6 months – 4-Years-Old
Join us for this evening storytime funded with a grant from the Oakland County Great Start Program.  Each session has a feature story, hands-on activities, and take-home materials and books.  Storytimes are 35-45 minutes long.  Children are welcome to wear jammies and bring blankies and stuffed toys.  Recommended for ages 0-4 yrs.  No registration required. Tuesdays and Thursdays, 6:30p-7:15p in the Storytime/Craft Room.
SATURDAY STORYTIMES FOR AGES 4+
Students in grades preschool through second grade are invited to join us for stories and crafts on different Saturdays throughout the winter, 10:30-11:15 am. No registration required.
1,000 Books before Kindergarten
For children, infant to 5 years. We are a participating library in this early literacy program. Pick up a reading chart and book list from the children’s department. Read to your young child. For every 100 books that you read together, we will put your child’s name on our “Wall of Fame.” And your child can pick out a book to keep. Reach the 1,000-book milestone and get a book bag.
Mardi Gras sur Samedi
Saturday, February 22, 10:30-11:30a. Recommended for Ages 6 and Up
Celebrate Mardi Gras a little early this year on Saturday (Samedi) with masks, crafts, fortunes, and snacks. No registration required.
Lego Club
Saturday, February 29, 10:15-11:00 am OR 11:30-12:15 pm. Recommended for Ages 5 and Up
Students meet one Saturday a month to create their own Lego structure. They are displayed in the library until the next meeting. Then the students can make new structures. No registration required.
 
Teens Programs (grades 6-12)
(NOTE: for students in grades 6-12 only.  Please be respectful of the teens as they enjoy library programs planned just for them. Thank you.)
Tuesday Teens
Every 2nd and 4th Tuesday each month, 3:30p - 5:00p , September 10 through May 26^th
This Month: February 11 and February 25      Library Community Room
Drop in anytime between 3:30 pm and 5:00 pm. Middle and high school students are welcome to join us each month to hang out with friends and to meet new ones. We’ll provide games, activities, craft materials and light refreshments for you to enjoy. Or, just come and work on homework or socialize with other kids your age.
(NOTE: not held on March 10, 2020 or Tuesdays when the Waterford School District is closed because of inclement weather.)
Teen Pages & Pizza Book Club
Saturday, February 22, 1:00p-2:00p Library Community Room
Join us as we discuss books that we’ve read while we enjoy pizza for lunch. Copies of the books will be available to check out 1 month before each session. January title: All American Boys by Jason Reynolds.
Please note: Sessions will be cancelled if no more than 3 people register.
 
Adults Programs
(NOTE: Registration is required for most adults program. To register please call 248-618-7694, drop by the Adults Reference desk when you visit the library, or register online via the Calendar of Events on our website.)
Books and Brags
We’d like to highlight real-life ways that library books (and online resources) have helped you. Did you use a cookbook to bake a cake for a special occasion? Did you pass your SATs with flying colors using one of our resources? Did your child learn how to do origami using a book from the Children’s Department? Submit a picture showing the result of how a library resource helped you achieve something. Examples: a good grade on a report, a selfie of you working on your car, a photo from a family vacation. Let us know which book(s), magazine(s) or online resource(s) you used. Photos may be submitted in person at the Adult Reference desk, sent to waterfordlib@gmail.com, Or tag us on Facebook, Twitter or Instagram. We will share the photos on social media and in the library.
 
Adult Matinee Movie: O Brother, Where Art Thou? (PG-13)
Thursday, February 27, 2:00p-4:00p
Three fugitives in the deep south during the Depression search for a hidden treasure while pursued by the law in this 2000 movie.
Starring: George Clooney, John Turturro, Tim Blake Nelson
Director: Joel & Ethan Coen
Runtime: 1 hr 47 min
Popcorn will be provided. You may bring your own snacks and beverages, as long as your beverages have lids. No registration required.
 
Retiring Soon? How to Live on a Fixed Income
Tuesday, February 25, 11:00a-12:00p
A class for the newly retired and the soon to be retired.  The content will focus on how to create a budget that works and tips on saving money. Special focus for widows and widowers handling personal finances for the first time. Registration required.
 
Ask the “Tech Guy”
Saturday, February 22, 1:30 – 4:00 pm in the Conference Room
Computer/technology help. One-on-one assistance with your won device or computer (bring it with you). Our library computer technician will do his best to troubleshoot your problem, answer your questions, or advise you on what to do. Thirty-minute appointments beginning at 1:30 pm. Call 248-618-7694 to register or stop by the Adults Reference desk. Registration required.
 
Basic Computer Classes
Using Email
Saturday, February 15, 10:15a - 11:30a in the Conference Room
We’ll cover composing messages, forwarding, folders, how to search your email, how to do attachments and maybe more. For people who already have an email account. Registration required.
 
Basic Microsoft Word 2016
Saturday, February 22, 10:15a - 11:30a in the Conference Room
We’ll cover entering data, basic formatting and copy/paste. This is for people with basic computer knowledge. Registration required.
 
Introduction to Excel 2016
Saturday, February 29, 10:15a - 11:30a in the Conference Room
We’ll start with an overview of Excel, and go over how to enter and edit data in cells, formatting cells, and basic formulas such as addition and subtraction. Basic computer knowledge and familiarity with Microsoft Word and/or other Microsoft Office application(s) are prerequisites for this class. Registration required.
 
Adults – Enrichment Groups; drop-ins welcome.
Knitting Group
Every Wednesday 10:00a – 12:00p in the Conference Room
Share patterns, exchange project ideas, and socialize while you knit! Bring your own supplies. Refreshments
provided.
Evening Book Discussion
Thursday, February 13, 7:00 pm in the Conference Room
Title: The Mitford Murders by Jessica Fellowes
The group meets on the second Thursday of the month (excluding August) at 7:00 pm in the Library Conference Room. Books for the next meeting are available at the Adult Reference Desk beginning the Saturday after each month's meeting.
Afternoon Book Discussion
Monday, February 24, 1:00 pm in the Community Room
Title: Two Girls Down by Louisa Luna
Meets every 3rd Monday of the month (except in January and February when the third Monday is a holiday; in January and February we meet on the third Tuesday of the month) in the library Community Room at 1:00 p.m. Refreshments will be provided. Pick up a copy of the book at the Adult Reference Desk or at the meeting you attend.  Readers wanted!
 
Waterford Writers Workshop
Meets 1st & 3rd Tuesdays, 6:30p - 8:30p in the Conference Room
The goal is to write, share, and develop works that make us feel; to celebrate the art of words; to provoke, evoke, and inspire; to write confidently. Each writer will have the opportunity to read their work to the group. Participants should bring at least five copies of their work (limit of 5 typewritten, double-spaced pages of fiction/non-fiction, poetry/prose, screenplays, etc.) for peer review and discussion. All copies will be returned to the writer with edits, constructive critiques, and suggestions by fellow group members. Participants must be 16 or older. Registration is not required.

Library Garden Club
Wednesday, February 12, 6:30p-8:00p
Calling all gardeners, both novices and experts, to join us each month for seminars on a variety of gardening topics. February topic: TBA.
Our 2020 project will be planting trees in the islands in the Library’s parking lot under the direction of master gardener, Janet Macunovich. In exchange for your helping hands we can promise you an educational experience working with this group of passionate gardeners.

It's Time to Get REAL

A message from Secretary of State Jocelyn Benson
 
Your Michigan driver’s license or identification card may not get you through airport security later this year.
 
Oct. 1 is when the federal government will fully enforce the post-9/11 REAL ID Act, and standard state-issued driver’s licenses and identification cards will no longer be accepted to board domestic flights within the United States, or when entering certain federal facilities, such as military bases or nuclear power plants.
 
Many people already have a REAL ID document, such as a valid U.S. passport, a DHS Trusted Traveler Card or an Enhanced Driver’s License. A full list of acceptable REAL ID documents is available at TSA.gov. Those who don’t can make their Michigan license or identification REAL ID-compliant by visiting a Secretary of State branch office and presenting the required documents. And, if you make an appointment, you’ll be in and out in 30 minutes or less.
 
Here’s what you need to do to get a REAL ID:

• To schedule an appointment at one of our branch offices visit Michigan.gov/SOSAppointments or calling 888-SOS-MICH. You can make your appointment at any branch in the state, and you don’t need to have a renewal mailer to do so. Some branches fill up fast, so book your appointment a few weeks in advance of when plan to travel. Your REAL ID license or state ID card will be mailed to you.
• Bring your driver’s license or state identification card.
• Bring your certified birth certificate, with a raised seal or stamp issued by a governmental agency; your valid, unexpired U.S. passport; or an approved citizenship or legal presence document. (Faxes and photocopies won’t be accepted.)
• If your name differs from what is on your birth certificate, bring certified documents for every time your name has changed, such as marriage licenses or court orders.

 
There’s no additional fee to turn a license or state ID card into a standard REAL ID if it’s done during your normal renewal time; otherwise a duplicate card fee of $9 or $10 will be charged.
 
For more information, visit Michigan.gov/RealID.