Daddy-Daughter Dance Returns!

2023 Waterford Calendar - Highlights

Check your Winter 2022 tax bills (mailed December 1st) for your copy of the 2023 Waterford Events highlights calendar featuring just some of Waterford Township’s abundant opportunities to connect with your friends, neighbors, and community!

We know that in a fast-paced world with busy schedules it can be a challenge to find time to make these vital connections. We also believe that Waterford is made better when the people who live, work and play here have the chance to meet up and share common interests in recreation, activities, education, volunteering, support of charitable organizations, community meetings, and more.

Visit the Waterford Township website in the Community tab for more information and an overview of events coming up in this new year. Be sure to check back throughout the year for calendar updates!

Monthly Recycling - January 14

Waterford Township offers free monthly recycling collection of magazines and cardboard (shipping boxes, cereal boxes, toothpaste boxes, etc, free of food debris and dry.)

This service is provided the second Saturday of every month from 9am to 1pm in the parking lot at Township Hall.

Waterford residents only, please.

Residents are also encouraged to practice social distancing and wear masks for their own protection, and for the protection of the workers and other residents.

Waterford Township's 12 Months to Self-Preservation

The Township of Waterford has partnered with Tenuta’s Food Lane, to help residents become self-reliant for the first 72 hours of a disaster. Tenuta’s is located at 3515 Sashabaw in Waterford Township and has been a staple of our community since 1950.

Each month Tenuta’s will be selling a select item or type of item at cost. This will allow people to purchase and stock up on items that will help your family during a natural disaster.

The program starts January and will run through the end of the year. The products offered will include cases of water, canned meats and vegetables, dry goods, pet food, batteries and so on. Whether you’re a thrifty shopper or interested in helping your family become self-reliant please take advantage of this program throughout 2023.

Don’t forget to tell your neighbors and loved ones.
January 2023 Item: 24 pack of Our Family 1/2 liter bottles for $2.39.
www.waterfordmi.gov/makeaplan

Closed for Martin Luther King, Jr. Day

Waterford Township administrative offices and the Waterford Township Public Library will be closed Monday, January 18, 2021, in observance of Martin Luther King, Jr. Day.

Emergency services remain available during this administrative closure.

News From the Treasurer

DETROIT MAILING ADDRESS:

Why are tax payments mailed to a P.O. Box in Detroit?

Our local bank, JP Morgan Chase on Dixie Highway in Waterford, has a payment center located in Detroit. This payment center saves Waterford money by collecting, posting and depositing tax payments.

Payments may be sent directly to Waterford Township Treasurer at 5200 Civic Center Dr, Waterford MI 48329.

ONLINE PAYMENTS MADE THROUGH YOUR BANK

If you initiate your payment through your financial institution, a paper check will be issued. Make sure payment is sent to:

5200 Civic Center Drive, Waterford, MI 48329

Do not send payment to a P.O. Box address which will delay delivery of payment. For ONLINE BANKING through your Bank, please schedule your payment to be delivered 10 business days prior to due date or your payment may be late and interest applied. Please note payments are posted paid the date the check is received in our office by the post office.

ONLINE PAYMENTS MADE THROUGH TOWNSHIP SITE:

Online payments processed through the Township website at:

www.twp.waterford.mi.us/taxes/ will be posted paid on the scheduled payment date you choose.

RECYCLE YOUR ENVELOPE

We appreciate you bringing your unused envelope when making your payment at town hall.

DOG LICENSES:
The license fees are:

$15.00 if dog is spayed or neutered
$25.00 if dog is not spayed or neutered

If pet owner is a senior citizen (65 years or older):

$14.00 if dog is spayed or neutered
$23.00 if dog is not spayed or neutered

2023 dog licenses are available at the Treasurer’s Office. To obtain a license, proof of current rabies vaccination certificate is needed.

The Township sells only the 1-year license. 3-year license are available at Oakland County Animal Control. Please call Animal Control at (248) 858-1090 for more information.

Oakland County Animal Control has moved from its Auburn Hills facility to Pontiac.

The new shelter is located at 1200 N. Telegraph Road, Building 42 East, in Pontiac, next to the Oakland County Sheriff’s Office headquarters.

Important "Snowbird" Reminders

Attention all “Snowbirds”! Don't forget to do a few important items before you leave town for your seasonal home away from Waterford.

Assessing: Please contact the Waterford Assessing Department with your forwarding address if you are leaving town for the Winter. Even though you may have your mail forwarded by the U.S. Post Office, property tax bills and assessments notices are not forwarded and are returned to the Township. Please call 248-674-6270 to let us know your Winter address. In the alternative, you may submit an Address Change online at the following link: https://www.waterfordmi.gov/FormCenter/Assessing-15/Address-Change-Form-75

Department of Public Works: Please contact Waterford DPW at 248-674-2278 to schedule to have water turned off to your home before you leave for the winter. Appointments for turn off are scheduled for an exact date and time for a technician to come out.

Turning the water off at the road is a safeguard against frozen pipes and will save you money as billing is suspended while the water is off. A $30 turn off charge is assessed and a $30 turn on charge will be assessed when water is turned back on in the spring.

GFL Curbside Collection: Waterford's designated residential curbside waste hauler program with GFL Environmental includes an option for residents to suspend service for one consecutive period each 12-month period for up to three consecutive months for an invoice credit. To utilize this option for three months while you're at your seasonal residence away from Waterford, please contact GFL at the phone number designated for Waterford customers 248-204-6762.

Waterford Business Owners

ATTENTION BUSINESS OWNERS: Personal Property Statements will be mailed at the end of December and are due by February 21, 2023.

Waterford Twp. Public Library January News & Events

Library Service Hours
Monday–Thursday 10:00a–9:00p; Friday – Closed; Saturday, 10:00a – 5:00p;
Sunday, 1:00p – 5:00p

Holiday Closing

Martin Luther King, Jr. Day – Monday, January16. Regular Hours resume Tuesday, January 17 at 10:00a.

Reinstatement of Friday Hours

Planning process has been complicated by the scarcity of applicants for current vacancies. As we are able to fill these vacancies. Your patience with this hiccup is appreciated.

Friends of the Library

Friends Members meeting
Wednesday, January 4, 5:30p-7:00p in the Community Room
Friends of the Library members meeting including a review 2022 and plans for 2023. Prospective members welcome.

Used Book Donation Drop-off
Saturday, January 14, 2023, 10:00a-1:00p
The Friends of the Library accepts gently used books in SALEABLE condition on the second Saturday of each month from 10:00a - 1:00p. Donations will be considered for use in the Library's collection as well as merchandise included at the Friends Used Book Sales.

ITEMS NOT ACCEPTED:

Textbooks
Encyclopedias
Magazines
VHS tapes
Books on Cassette
Reader's Digest Condensed Books

For a receipt, please bring a count of hard cover and soft cover books with you.

Used Book Sale
Saturday, February 4, 2023, 10:00a – 4:30p & Sunday, February 5, 2023, 1:00p – 4:00p. Library Community Room.
Sunday Bag Sale $5/Bag all day - Bags provided. Payment by cash or check.

Children’s Programs (through age 12)

Winter Reading Program

Through February 28
Recommended ages 3-12. Sign up through Beanstack at: waterfordmi.beanstack.org
Complete 600 minutes of reading. That's all! When you have finished reading, come to the Children's Department for a bookmark, pencil, and a free book. If you read all 600 minutes, you are automatically entered into a drawing for a gift card.

Saturday Storytime: Fly Guy!
Saturday, January 7, 10:30a – 11:15p, Storytime/Craft Room.
Recommended ages 3 – 8. No registration required.
Students in grades preschool through second grade are invited to celebrate winter and spring with a variety of seasonal stories and cool crafts.

Lego Club
Saturday, January 28, 10:30a-11:00a OR 11:30a-12:15p. Storytime/Craft Room.
Recommended ages 5 and up. No registration required.
Students meet to create their own Lego structure. We have two class times in the morning. Please come to one of these sessions: 10:15-11:00 am OR 11:30 am-12:15 pm.

Weekly Storytimes begin the week of January 23

Drop-in storytimes from January 23 through February 15. Storytimes are 30 minutes long and include a variety of stories, songs, fingerplays, and other activities. Choose the age-appropriate session from those listed below. No registration required.
NOTE: Children must be accompanied by a parent or a caregiver.

Babytime Storytime
Mondays, 10:00a – 10:30a, Storytime/Craft Room.
Recommended ages 6 months to 15 months

Toddlertime Storytime
Wednesdays, 10:00a – 10:30a, Storytime/Craft Room.
Recommended ages 16 to 23 months

Two-Year-Old Storytime
Mondays, 11:00a – 11:30a, Storytime/Craft Room.
Recommended age two years old

Three-Year-Old Storytime
Wednesdays, 11:00a – 11:30a, Storytime/Craft Room.
Recommended age three years old

Teens’ Programs (kids going into 6^th – 12^th grades)

Resolve to Read! 66-Day Reading Challenge
According to a 2009 study, it takes, on average, 66 days to form a new habit. Here’s an easy way to form a habit of reading: Read for at least 20 minutes a day. Reading for 20 minutes a day can help build your vocabulary, learn empathy, and improve your mental health - all great reasons to form this positive habit! Keep track of your reading using Beanstack. 6th – 12th graders who participate will earn prizes at different levels. Go to https://waterfordmi.beanstack.org/reader365 to register and for more details.

Teen Take & Make kit: Bagel Birdfeeders
Saturday, January 21 through Saturday, January 29
Feed our fine feathered friends this winter. Kids going into 6th – 12th grades can pick up a Bagel Birdfeeder Take & Make Kit. Instructions and most supplies will be included in the kit. All you have to do is pick up the kit and then you can make it in the comfort of your own home and at your own pace. While supplies last. Supplies are limited, so these kits are reserved for kids in 6th through 12th grades only. One kit per person. No registration required. *Allergy alert: Peanut butter will be included in the kit.

Adults – Programs

Planning Ahead: Care Options as You Age
Monday, January 9, 10:30a-11:30a Registration required.
The Area Agency on Aging 1-B will help you plan ahead by introducing you to different senior-care settings and options available as you age. We will explore aging in place, independent senior living, assisted living, and homes for the aged. We will explain the differences and what types of services are available in each. You will get a better understanding of senior care choices and what might work for either you or a loved one. The Area Agency on Aging 1-B is a local nonprofit that has been helping seniors and their families for over 45 years. Speaker will be Heather DeVos.

Adult Take and Make Kit: Mini-Yarn Hats
Monday, January 23 through Sunday, January 29
Make a miniature winter hat using yarn, a toilet paper roll, and Poly-Fil. No sewing skills necessary. All materials will be provided except scissors. Kits will be available for pick-up while supplies last at the Adult and Teen Services Reference Desk beginning Monday, January 23rd and ending Sunday, January 29th. No registration is required; kits are first come, first served. One kit per person please.

Matinee Movie: A Raisin in the Sun
Thursday, January 26, 2:00p-4:15p. Community Room. No registration required.
Based on a play by Lorraine Hansberry, this movie depicts a Black family's experiences of housing discrimination, racism, inter-generational relationships, and financial hardship as they await an insurance payout after the patriarch's death. (Drama) 127 minutes. Not rated. Starring: Sidney Poitier, Claudia McNeil, Ruby Dee. Popcorn will be provided. You may bring your own snacks and beverages, provided that your beverages have lids.

Adults – Computer Connections

Ask the Tech Guy Computer Help
Saturday, January 21, 30-minute timeslots beginning at 10:30a. Group Study Room. Registration required.
Computer/technology help. One-on-one assistance with your own device or computer (bring it in with you). Our computer systems administrator will do his best to troubleshoot your problem, answer your questions, or advise you on what to do. Register through the Library’s Calendar of Events.

Adults – Enrichment Groups

Knitting Group
Wednesday mornings, 10:00 a.m. - Noon, Conference Room
Share patterns, exchange ideas, show off your projects, and socialize while you knit!

Waterford Genealogical Society (WGS)
Afternoon meeting: Wednesday, January 4, 1:00p - 3:00p, Community Room.
Genealogy is the study of family ancestries and histories. The Waterford Genealogical Society (WGS) meets on the 1^st Wednesday afternoon of the month in the Library’s Community Room. All are welcome to attend.

WGS Evening meeting: Tuesday, January 10, 7:00p – 8:30p via Zoom
WGS also meets virtually on the 2^nd Tuesday evening of the month. If you wish to attend you must register through our Calendar of Events and enter your email address so we can send you the zoom link. Please register before 5:00p of the day of the meeting. Host: Julia Hanneman-Schoenbach.

Evening Book Discussion Group
October 13, 7:00p. Conference Room. Registration not required.
Title: Clementine by Marie Benedict. Copies of the book, including large print and book on CD, will be available at the Adult Reference Desk beginning Saturday, December 10, 2022.

Library Garden Club
Wednesday, January 11, 7:00p – 8:30p, Community Room.
Presentation topic: TBD. Open to all, novice to master.

Afternoon Book Discussion Group
Monday, January 23, 1:00p-2:00p. Community Room. Registration not necessary.
Title: We Hope for Better Things by Erin Bartels. You can get a copy of the book to check out by picking one up at the adult desk. You might wish to call us at 248-618-7693 to make sure we have a copy available for you.

Carbon Monoxide Information From

Waterford Regional Fire Dept.

Carbon monoxide, also known as CO, is called the "Invisible Killer" because it's a colorless, odorless, poisonous gas. More than 150 people in the United States die every year from accidental non-fire related CO poisoning associated with consumer products, including generators. Other products include faulty, improperly-used or incorrectly-vented fuel-burning appliances such as furnaces, stoves, water heaters and fireplaces.

Safety Tips

Have your home heating systems (including chimneys and vents) inspected and serviced annually by a trained service technician.
Never use portable generators inside homes or garages, even if doors and windows are open. Use generators outside only, far away from the home.
Never bring a charcoal grill into the house for heating or cooking. Do not barbeque in the garage.
Never use a gas range or oven for heating.
Open the fireplace damper before lighting a fire and keep it open until the ashes are cool. An open damper may help prevent build-up of poisonous gases inside the home.
Install battery-operated CO alarms or CO alarms with battery backup on every level of the home and outside sleeping areas. Interconnected CO alarms are best; when one sounds, they all sound.
Know the symptoms of carbon monoxide poisoning: headache, dizziness, weakness, nausea, vomiting, sleepiness, and confusion. If you suspect CO poisoning, get outside to fresh air immediately, and then call 911.

DPW Monthly News

Contactless Payment Options
Township DPW would like to remind residents and business owners of their many contactless payment options. Payments can be made through the mail using the provided envelope and payment coupon, in person using the dropbox to the right of our main entrance, on our website with a credit or debit card, through a financial institution’s bill pay or with Auto Debit.

Customers interested in automatic payment from a checking or savings account can sign up for our Auto Debit program which pays the balance on their account automatically on the bill due date. The Auto Debit form is available to download on our website or can be picked up in our office. Questions about the Auto Debit program or any of our contactless payment options can be answered by staff at 248-674-2278.

Sanitary Sewer Cleaning
Waterford Township has approximately 1,775,000 feet of sanitary sewer main that is maintained by Waterford Township DPW. DPW is working with Pipeline Management Co. to supplement the routine cleanings performed by our staff to ensure that Waterford Township’s sanitary sewer system is in the best condition possible for our customers. Residents in the north section of Waterford may see vactor trucks from Pipeline Management Co. in their neighborhood cleaning the sanitary sewer mains. Depending on the location of the sewer main being cleaned, these trucks may be in the roadway or utility easement.