News & Notes - 4/19/23 Farmington Press

Farmington Press | Published April 19, 2023

 Pamela Wasko

Pamela Wasko

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Farmington Public Schools’ Support Person of the Year
FARMINGTON — On April 5, Farmington Public Schools’ Superintendent Christopher Delgado, along with the Human Resources Department and the Gill Elementary School principal and staff, surprised Pamela Wasko, the office clerk at Gill Elementary School, with the award for Farmington Public Schools’ Support Person of the Year.

Wasko has been with FPS for 22 years, serving in her current position for 15 years.

“Pamela is very well known throughout the Gill community,” a press release from Farmington Public Schools states. “She is the first person you see when entering the building and often the first point of contact for students and parents. She makes it a point to make every interaction meaningful and makes everyone feel safe and cared for.”

Gill Elementary School Principal Chirstina Suliman shared some thoughts about Wasko.

“Her perpetual smile, upbeat attitude and genuine care for those around her instantly draws people in, and once they are in, they are friends for life,” Suliman stated via the release. “Children know that Ms. Pam will wipe their tears, help solve their peer conflicts, listen to a problem, lend a hug when needed and always distribute the magic ice that makes boo boos disappear. She is often the confidant to parents and children who are struggling with issues both in and out of school. They know she cares for them on a deep level.”

The release went on to share more details.

“Pamela is described as hardworking and dedicated by multiple nominators,” it states. “Throughout her career, she has demonstrated her work ethic and what it means to go above and beyond at a job. Throughout this past year, due to unforeseen circumstances, Pamela has had to step up and take on the role of two people. Between training guest secretaries, doing her own job, and taking on additional secretarial duties, she is swamped. She has constantly worked after hours and does whatever it takes to get the job done. And she does it all happily with a smile.”

 

Farmington High School set to host the ‘Pajama Game’
FARMINGTON — The Tony Award-winning musical “The Pajama Game” is scheduled to be performed at Farmington High School three nights this month.

The musical, which produced hits such as “Hey There,” “Steam Heat” and “Hernando’s Hideaway,” is scheduled to be performed 7:30-10 p.m. April 20-22.

“The show is wrapped around the workings, antics and possible strike for 7 1/2 cents at the Sleep Tite Pajama Factory,” a description of the musical states. “When Sid, the new superintendent, and Babe, the head of the grievance committee for the union workers, bump heads over the union issue, you know that love will ensue.”

The show also highlights the dancing of Bob Fosse.

Pre-sale tickets cost $12 for adults and $10 for students and senior adults 60-plus.

For pre-sale tickets, call the box office box office at (248) 888-6274.

Tickets purchased at the door cost $15 for adults and $12 for students and senior adults.

“And, since we’re old-fashioned, we take cash or checks made payable to Farmington Public Schools.”

Farmington High School is located at 32000 Shiawassee St. in Farmington.

 

‘Career Night’ scheduled at The Hawk
FARMINGTON HILLS — The Farmington Hills/Farmington Commission on Children, Youth and Families is scheduled to present “Career Night” 6:30-8 p.m. April 26 at The Hawk-Harrison Hall, located at 29995 W. 12 Mile Road in Farmington Hills.

“We invite you to think outside the four-year degree box and learn about in-demand and high-paying jobs and educational opportunities,” a flier about the event reads.

No registration is necessary, and students, parents, veterans and career-changers are all welcome.

For more information, send an email to marie.sarnacki@gmail.com.

 

Youth Community Conversation on Mental Health
FARMINGTON HILLS — The city of Farmington Hills is partnering with Farmington High School’s student division of Suicide Awareness For Everyone — SAFE — to host a Youth Community Conversation on Mental Health 6:30-8:30 p.m. on Wednesday, April 26, at Farmington Hills City Hall, located at 31555 W. 11 Mile Road.

The event, sponsored by the nonprofit Graham E. Smith Memorial Fund, will feature a panel presentation with local mental health experts, including child psychiatrist Tehmina Shakir, Detroit Veterans Administration Hospital Suicide Prevention and Substance Use Disorders Director Tara Consolino, and Farmington Public Schools Mental Health Program Coordinator Onisia Martin.

Farmington High School students Abigail Brooke and Cyriano Consolino helped to develop the content specifically for teens and will emcee the discussion, according to a press release.

There will be resource tables from local community mental health providers.

With a theme of “Let’s Talk About It,” Farmington SAFE brings together community members, leaders and mental health experts to remove the stigma around depression and provide a connection to available resources, according to the release.

“Anyone interested in getting involved is welcome to attend Farmington SAFE meetings held at 6 p.m. on the second Thursday of each month at Farmington Hills City Hall,” the release states. “If you or a loved one are in mental health distress, prevention and crisis resources are available by calling 911 or 9-8-8. The 9-8-8 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline is a national network of local crisis centers that provide free and confidential emotional support to individuals 24 hours a day, seven days a week in the United States.”

For more information, visit fhgov.com or call 248-871-2500.

 

Farmington Hills offering discounted fees on dog licenses
FARMINGTON HILLS — According to a press release, the Farmington Hills Treasury Division is selling dog licenses, with proof of rabies vaccination, at a discounted rate prior to June 1.

Residents can also receive an additional discount if they have proof that their animals are spayed or neutered.

After June 1, fees are considered delinquent and will increase, the release states.

The Treasury Division is open to receive payments 8:30 a.m.-4:30 p.m., Mondays-Fridays inside City Hall, 31555 W. 11 Mile Road.

“Every summer, the Oakland County Animal Control Division conducts a door-to-door census to ensure that all dogs aged four months or older have a license,” the release states. “A dog license must be purchased within 30 days of a new dog moving into Farmington Hills or a puppy turning four months of age. Licensing helps prove ownership, gives lost pets a better chance of being found and keeps residents safe by ensuring dogs have current rabies vaccinations.”

Cash, checks and credit/debit cards, with additional 3% third-party fees being applied, are accepted methods of payment in person.

Residents can also purchase a dog license with a credit card on the Oakland County Animal Control website at https://www.oakgov.com/petadoption.

For more information about dog licenses, contact Oakland County Animal Control at (248) 858-1070 or the city of Farmington Hills Treasury Division at (248) 871-2480, or visit fhgov.com.

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