The Farmington Beat Farmington & Farmington Hills October 7-14, 2026 |
This week brings useful updates for everyday life: crews are mapping stormwater infrastructure, Farmington Hills has clarified e-bike rules, and the library is returning to normal service after renovation work. Add crisp fall weather, family events and new places to explore, and there is plenty to keep close to home.
-from the editor |
Trivia Question❓Which Farmington resident served as Michigan governor from 1905 to 1911? Answer at the bottom of the newsletter |
YOUR WEEKLY WEATHER REPORT |
Sunny and mild through Saturday: rain chances return Sunday and Tuesday. |
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Stormwater Mapping Crews Begin Field Work |
Farmington Hills began a six- to eight-week stormwater mapping project on October 5. OHM Advisors staff will trace locations where storm sewers discharge into drains, creeks, rivers and streams; some residents may see workers near drainage areas or briefly entering backyards. Homes with storm structures in backyards should receive a door hanger 24 to 48 hours before a visit, and workers will carry identification and wear high-visibility clothing. |
Farmington Hills Clarifies E-Bike Sidewalk Rules |
The city says e-bikes that meet Michigan’s bicycle definition—under 750 watts with a top assisted speed of 28 mph or less—may generally use sidewalks because Farmington Hills has not adopted a separate local restriction. Riders must yield to pedestrians, signal before passing and obey school-bus stop signals, including while riding on a sidewalk. Devices above the state limits are not treated as bicycles and are not permitted on sidewalks. |
Farmington Hills Library Returns to Regular Service |
FCL Farmington Hills reopened October 5 after asbestos-abatement work, with temporary 4-9 p.m. hours and limited services through Thursday, October 8. The library says normal hours and services are scheduled to resume Friday, October 9. FCL Farmington at 23500 Liberty Street remains open on its regular schedule. |
Quote Of The Day |
“Strong communities grow when neighbors stay connected, support local, and celebrate the place they call home.” |
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LOCAL HAPPENINGS AROUND TOWN |
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Odysseus Coffee Brings Greek Flavors Downtown |
Odysseus Coffee at 23639 Farmington Road lists current hours and a menu centered on Greek coffee, frappes, freddos, baklava, bougatsa and other pastries. The downtown café’s own site shows ordering and contact options; confirm same-day hours before visiting. |
Little Diggers Is Open for Indoor Sand Play |
Little Diggers opened its Farmington location at 23312 Farmington Road in September. The construction-themed indoor sandbox is designed for children age 7 and younger, with hands-on equipment that encourages movement and cooperative play. Check admission times and reservation rules before making the trip. |
Qazzaz Coffee Targets a Downtown Farmington Debut |
Qazzaz Coffee has announced a second shop at 32704 Grand River Avenue, with Turkish, Arabic and Yemeni coffee among its specialties. The business had been aiming for an early-October opening, but its official location page still lists Allen Park only, so treat Farmington as opening soon until the shop confirms it is serving customers. |
Joke Of The Day |
Why did the leaf bring a map? It did not want to fall behind.🤣 |
Local Deals of the Week |
Grand Tavern BOGO Monday: Buy one menu item and get a second item half off all day Monday for dine-in guests at 35450 Grand River Avenue, Farmington Hills. View offer
Kola Lounge Happy Hour: Kola lists “Happiest Happy Hour” from 5-8 p.m., Tuesday through Saturday, at 32523 Northwestern Highway, Farmington Hills. Ask about the current food and drink specials. View offer
Sidecar Slider Picks: Sidecar’s Farmington menu lists individual sliders from $4.99 and shareables from $7.99 at 32720 Grand River Avenue. Prices and availability may change. View offer |
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Community Learning Spotlight: t.Lab Helps Students Aim Higher |
The Garden City-based learning organization combines academic tutoring, technology, mentorship and parent participation to help students reach ambitious educational goals.
Families searching for additional academic support may be interested in t.Lab, a Michigan nonprofit learning organization serving students from pre-kindergarten through the undergraduate level.
Founded in 2007 and headquartered in Garden City, t.Lab describes itself as a high-performance learning laboratory focused on helping students become independent learners, strong leaders and competitive candidates for college and future careers.
Learning Beyond the ClassroomA central part of t.Lab’s approach is teaching students “how to learn.” Tutors, mentors and learning facilitators work with students to build academic skills while encouraging discipline, confidence, independence and personal responsibility. Students may participate through face-to-face or virtual tutoring sessions, making the program accessible to families beyond its Garden City headquarters. Parents and guardians also have an active role. Through a program called Parent University, families receive guidance in areas including academic development, college selection, scholarships, career preparation and tracking student progress.
Results Reported by t.LabAccording to figures published by the organization for fiscal year 2024, t.Lab students achieved an average ACT score of 30.5. The organization also reports that its students have earned approximately $23 million in scholarships since 2007.
Learn more: www.tlab-global.org |
GET MORE DONE WITH SUPPORTS THAT FITS YOUR BUSINESS! |
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Whether you need help following up with leads, keeping customer requests organized, or maintaining a consistent online presence, VHH can help you build a support plan around the work that takes the most time.
Ready to get time back in your day? Book a free consultation with VHH Pro Services to discuss the tasks you’d like to hand off and find virtual assistant support that fits your business. Visit vhhagency.com to get started or call and text us at 1800-934-7718. |
Register and Track Your November 3 Ballot |
The standard registration deadline for the November 3 general election is Monday, October 19. Eligible voters may still register in person after that date with proof of residency at their local clerk’s office. Farmington Hills has already begun mailing absentee ballots; voters can return them by prepaid mail, at one of five city drop boxes or inside City Hall, and can track the ballot through Michigan’s voter information site. |
Farmington Public Safety Alerts Have Moved |
Farmington has replaced NIXLE with TextMyGov. To receive public-safety alerts, text farmingtonpolice to 91896. Residents can also text farmingtonalerts for non-emergency city updates or farmingtonmarket for Farmers Market news. |
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The Governor Warner Mansion Has Served Farmington Since 1867 |
Built in 1867, the Governor Warner Mansion became home to Farmington businessman Fred M. Warner, Michigan’s governor from 1905 to 1911. His daughter, Edessa Warner Slocum, was the last family member to live there, and the city accepted the museum and gardens in 1980. Today, Farmington is carrying out a major preservation project intended to protect the historic home while expanding its role as a community gathering place. |
💚 SEE YOU NEXT WEEK! |
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