Winter 2012 - Downtown Farmington
Transcription
Winter 2012 - Downtown Farmington
Main St.Messenger Farmington Downtown Development Authority Wi nte r 2 0 1 2 , Vo l u m e 9 , I s s u e 2 GET TO KNOW THE FARMINGTON DDA The Main Street Messenger was business district, not just physically, created to inform, educate and but also socially. This place-making entertain its readership – keeping you role has evolved over time, but a apprised on what’s happening in constant goal is to help create an Downtown Farmington. As a attractive place where people feel publication of the Farmington comfortable and safe, and a place that Downtown Development Authority offers desirable goods and services. (DDA), we prepared this Q&A to We also encourage historic preservashare information while worktion about the ing to correct DDA and the and prevent Main Street® deterioration. approach it has Q. HOW DOES adopted, how THE DDA GO they work and ABOUT DOING why they are THIS? important to A. KNOWLES – you. We asked A primary goal is questions of DDA business develPresident Bob opment. We work Rock and DDA President Bob Rock and Executive Director Annette Knowles to retain and Executive Director nurture existing Annette Knowles to businesses as well as promote and gain their perspectives on the DDA’s market Downtown Farmington to operations. prospective businesses and property Q. WHY DOES FARMINGTON HAVE developers. A DOWNTOWN DEVELOPMENT In addition to promoting and AUTHORITY? marketing Downtown Farmington to A. KNOWLES – To help develop prospective businesses, the DDA a unique, thriving downtown Continued on page 4 $5 $5 $5 $5 $5 $5 $5 Shop Local Wish List Card $5 Downtown Farmington features many unique shops, restaurants, spas and services. Stop by the Wish List Window for a sampling of great gift ideas from our fine downtown shops! $5 $5 Spend $100 in Downtown Farmington this season and win! $5 $5 $5 *See reverse for more info. $5 $5 $5 $5 $5 $5 $5 Wish List Window Shopping Card – See page 7 for more information. INSIDE 2 An Invitation to Come Downtown Recent Appointment to the DDA Board 3 Merchants’ Corner 4-5 Get to Know the Farmington DDA 6 Farmington Main Street Committee Updates 7 H H wish list window DOWNTOWN FARMINGTON’S 8 Holly Days 2013 CALENDAR OF EVENTS Farmington Farmers & Artisans Market May 4 - November 23 Art on the Grand June 1-2 Rhythmz in Riley Park June 7 - August 23 Downtown Farmington Founders Festival July 18-20 Harvest Moon Celebration September 26-28 Holly Days December 6-7 NEW for 2013 “Light Up the Grand,” a lighted parade Get up-to-date event information at www.DowntownFarmington.org Main St.Messenger Winter 2012, Volume 9, Issue 2 AN INVITATION TO COME DOWNTOWN By Mayor Tom Buck A certified Main Street Community MISSION STATEMENT To promote and enrich a vigorous downtown business and residential district while retaining and enhancing our Main Street atmosphere. BOARD OF DIRECTORS Melissa Andrade, V.P. Tom Buck Dave Cornwell Chuck Frost Valerie Greer Dan Higgins, Sec. Bob Rock, Pres. Steve Schneemann Gerald Wasen Meet 6:00 pm, 4th Monday of each month, Room A, City Hall EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR Annette Knowles EVENTS PLANNER Janet Bloom 248-473-7276 248-615-1279 Fax 33316 Grand River Farmington, MI 48336 www.DowntownFarmington.org Find us on Facebook Main St.Messenger Editor, Pat Shelton Layout & Design, Peggy Castine 2 This fall the Downtown Development Authority hosted another great Harvest Moon Celebration. Sooner than any of us would like, the winter season and our Holly Days event will be here. These events cap a very successful 2012 season of festivals and activities in our downtown. The DDA and many, many volunteers pull together to run these events. Our purpose in building the event schedule is to make an invitation – an invitation to learn more about Farmington, to learn more about our downtown businesses, and to become more engaged in the commerce of our downtown and our city. The DDA’s specific purpose is to focus on growing the commerce in our downtown. In fact, everything the DDA does is in some respect an invitation to come to downtown to dine, shop or even start your own business. Events create activity and participation. The DDA also creates infrastructure improvement and assists businesses in becoming more successful through incentives and education. There is no question in my mind: Farmington is a better place than we would be without our DDA. The DDA is headed by our Executive Director, Annette Knowles, and a Board of volunteers from our city. As Farmington’s Mayor, I also serve on the DDA Board. The Board has five committees. The Executive Committee of the more senior board members; Organization who recruits volunteers to DDA activities; Promotions who develops promotional communications and activities; Design who drives infrastructure and building design guidelines; and Economic Restructuring who creates business retention and recruitment programs. These committees are comprised of volunteers who make a great contribution to our success and model how we can approach these activities throughout the city. RECENT APPOINTMENT TO THE DDA BOARD By Pat Shelton, Editor, Organization Committee Valerie Greer brings small business viewpoint to the Board Valerie Greer, co-owner of Mike Greer Photography, located at 33316 Grand River in Downtown Farmington, was appointed to the Farmington Downtown Development Authority Board of Directors in July, filling a vacancy until February, 2013. “I’m excited to be on the DDA Board working with other board members to benefit our community. I’m especially hoping to help our local businesses thrive. I want to encourage our community to take pride in supporting our Farmington business owners,” explained Greer. Bob Rock, DDA Board President, is pleased Valerie’s appointment was approved by the Farmington City Council. “She is a good addition. As a small business owner, Valerie brings a different prospective to the Board and offers fresh ideas that hopefully will combat common concerns and struggles in our business community,” said Rock. “Valerie brings a wellrounded experience to the Board. Her skills with marketing will be especially beneficial as we continue to promote the place of Downtown Farmington. She is very personable and will work well with downtown businesses. We’re delighted that she chose to step in at this critical time.” The Greers have been in business for 14 years. Valerie is an Art major, having graduated from the University of Toledo. She, her husband Mike and their three children live in Farmington Hills. Main St.Messenger Winter 2012, Volume 9, Issue 2 MERCHANTS’ CORNER By Anne Thomson, Organization Committee As we close out 2012, we are pleased to announce that several new businesses have seen what Farmington residents already know, that “It’s Happening!” here in Downtown Farmington. Painting with a Twist, at 33033 Grand River Avenue, offers painting classes for all. “Whether you are someone with artistic talent or someone who has always aspired for that creative gene, the instructors at Painting with a Twist will nurture your ability,” shared franchise owner Michelle Lewis. You can sign up for one of their offered classes, or bring a group of your own and choose one of over a thousand paintings to paint. In a relaxed atmosphere, where you can bring your own snacks and beverages, even the most hesitant artist will be impressed with the canvas s/he will take home. For more information, check out the website at www.paintingwithatwist.com/farmington or call (248)476-7928. DDA volunteers enjoyed a painting session. Front row, left to right Melissa Andrade, Tammy Dafoe and Anne Thomson. Back row: Colleen Carnahan, Annette Knowles (DDA Executive Director), Sally Gyokeres and Val Hoffman. Three new businesses have opened in the Village Mall on the southeast corner of Grand River Avenue and Farmington Road: Michaelene Ruhl, a clinical psychotherapist, opened Constellation Healing Arts recently at 33335 Grand River Ave. In addition to private sessions, she holds a number of workshops for stress, chronic pain, anxiety, depression, family constellaMichaelene tions, LGBT, and women’s empowerment Ruhl, MA, groups. Ms. Ruhl works with both adolesPsyS, LLP cents and adults. For more information, please see www.constellationhealingarts.com or call (248)821-1515. SprayChic Airbrush Tanning offers a safe alternative to bed tanning. Although new to Farmington, Carissa and Dennis Serylo have been in business for five years, and have moved to the present location at 33335 Grand River Ave, from Farmington Hills. Using eco-certified solutions with organic DHA, SprayChic customers receive a natural, healthy tan, without the risk of UV damage. SprayChic has a variety of solution colors for different skin types, and the tan will last about 7 days. Owners Dennis and Appointments are required, so Carissa Serylo call (248)427-0964 or schedule your appointment online at www.spraychic.com. We also welcome Prudential Insurance (Raj Patel, agent) and Business Security Management with offices at 23629 Liberty Street, and the new owners of Hershey Ice Cream to the downtown area. Keep your eye on Grand River, as more changes are in store. For example, Chuliburru, a Mexican restaurant, is scheduled to open soon at 33809 Grand River next door to the Grand Dry Cleaners. Silver Birch Integrated Holistic Healing & Consulting, LLC, is located at 33335 Grand River Avenue. Silver Birch offers energy healing primarily with Reiki and Reiki-infused Bodywork. Other services include Chakra Balancing, Pendulum Testing, Cranial Sacral, Reflexology & Kamela Environmental Illness Consulting. Silver Birch Torvinen offers safe, gentle and effective techniques for anyone, regardless of age or health condition. Kamela Torvinen, owner of Silver Birch, works with her clients to discern which modality, or combination of modalities, is right for them and will provide the greatest benefit. For more information, check out the website at: www.silverbirch-ihhc.com. To schedule an appointment call (248)231-0825 or e-mail: [email protected]. 3 Main St.Messenger Winter 2012, Volume 9, Issue 2 GET TO KNOW THE F Continued from page 1 works to attract residents and visitors to Farmington. One way we do this is by offering a variety of special events each year. They include the Farmington Farmers & Artisans Market, Rhythmz in Riley Park, Art on the Grand, the Founders Festival, the Harvest Moon Celebration and Holly Days. Another goal is to refine the infrastructure to increase walkability in the downtown. We want being in Downtown Farmington to be a safe, inviting experience. As part of the 2009 Streetscape Project, which the DDA partially funded with a bond issue, traffic calming features were added on Grand River Avenue to increase pedestrian safety as well as the visible pedestrian crosswalks on Grand River and Farmington Road. ROCK – To add visual appeal, the Streetscape included the addition of sidewalk brick pavers, landscaping, new street lights and park benches. All of these features are color-themed to tie the environment together aesthetically to make being in Downtown Farmington a beautiful experience. As other infrastructure projects in Downtown Farmington are implemented, such as Grove Street and Farmington Road, similar safety and aesthetic features will be incorporated. Over time we will replicate the look of the Grand River/Farmington Road four corners throughout town. Another important aspect of making Downtown Farmington an attractive environment is encouraging building façade improvement. For this purpose, the DDA offers sign and building façade improvement incentives, a key factor in the recent purchase by Manifold Ventures of the Downtown Center which houses T.J. Maxx, among other businesses. Q. HOW DID THE DDA INFLUENCE THE RECENT PURCHASE OF THE DOWNTOWN CENTER? A. ROCK – The DDA was able to offer Manifold Ventures $160,000 to assist in improving the façade of the center. DDA President Bob Rock Q. ANY OTHER INFLUENCES? A. ROCK – Yes, the City will leverage financing of the Grove Street Project to provide funds to improve the interior of the building. These projects are expected to begin in the spring of 2013 and will complete more of the vision for the area near the Sundquist Pavilion and Riley Park. 4 Q. WHERE DOES THE MONEY COME FROM TO ACCOMPLISH THE DDA GOALS? A. ROCK – There are three funding sources in the current budget: • $216,000 Principal Shopping District (PSD) tax on district businesses (used for downtown maintenance and marketing) • $261,000 Tax Increment Financing (TIF) where the DDA captures existing taxes paid based on a growth in property values ($80,000 of which annually goes toward repayment of the Streetscape bond issue) • $350,000 Event Revenue – funds raised by and used to pay for special events, which must be self-supporting The Village Mall received a makeover as part of the DDA’s Façade Improvement Program. Q. HOW DOES THE DDA ENCOURAGE HISTORIC PRESERVATION? A. ROCK – There are different ways we can do this: 1) Through façade and sign improvement incentives, such as the funds the DDA will be able to provide to the new owners of the Downtown Center. Guidelines/Standards have been developed by our Design Committee, one of four Main Street volunteer committees guided by the DDA Board. 2) The DDA acts as a clearinghouse for our business community, collecting and sharing information and other resources to assist in design, redevelopment and possible financing. This may include consultation from Main Street Oakland County, at no charge, as well as contacts at the State Historic Preservation Office. Main St.Messenger Winter 2012, Volume 9, Issue 2 FARMINGTON DDA Q. YOU MENTION MAIN STREET OAKLAND COUNTY AND A DESIGN COMMITTEE AS A MAIN STREET COMMITTEE – WHAT IS MAIN STREET? A. ROCK – Ten years ago the Farmington DDA decided to become a Main Street® community under the auspices of Main Street Oakland County (MSOC) and the National Trust for Historic Preservation. We are presently one of 12 Main Street communities in the Oakland County program. MSOC provides guidance, resources and evaluations to assist Farmington in following the Main Street® approach to economic development. KNOWLES – As defined by the National Trust for Historic Preservation, “Main Street® is the economic engine, the big stage, the core of the community. Our main streets tell us who we are and who we were, and how the past has shaped us. Main Street® is three things: a proven strategy for revitalization, a powerful network of linked communities, and a national support program that leads the field.” “The Main Street Four-Point Approach® is a unique preservation-based economic development tool that enables communities to revitalize downtown and neighborhood business districts by leveraging local assets from historic, cultural, and architectural resources to local enterprises and community pride. It is a comprehensive strategy that addresses the variety of issues and problems that challenge traditional commercial districts.” volunteers and act as the communication center among the various groups that have a stake in the downtown business district. One tool it has developed is this newsletter. Through marketing, the Promotions Committee’s goal is to create a positive image that will bolster community pride and improve consumer and investor confidence in DDA Executive Director Downtown Farmington. Annette Knowles Advertising, retail promotions, special events, and marketing campaigns help sell the image and promise of Downtown Farmington to the community and surrounding region. The Economic Restructuring Committee focuses on partnerships, recruitment, retention and redevelopment in our business community. A goal is to strengthen our existing economic assets while diversifying our economic base. This is accomplished by retaining and expanding successful businesses to provide a balanced commercial mix, sharpening the competitiveness and merchandising skills of existing business owners, and attracting new businesses that residents and visitors can support. Converting unused or underused commercial space into economically productive property also helps boost the profitability of the district. Q. IS THIS WHY THE DDA RECENTLY PURCHASED THE BUILDING THAT FORMERLY HOUSED DIMITRI’S? A. KNOWLES – The reason was twofold – it will afford more public parking and when the building is leased to a new tenant, the redevelopment will revitalize the downtown consistent with the Farmington Master Plan. There has been considerable interest in the building; at press time we had already received 20 inquiries. The DDA’s Rhythmz in Riley Park concert series has grown in popularity since moving to the Sundquist Pavilion in Riley Park in 2006. ROCK – The Design Committee is one prong of the Main Street Four-Point Approach® – its volunteer members work to shape the look and feel of our downtown. The Organization Committee’s tasks are to recruit Q. GOING BACK TO THE MAIN STREET® PHILOSOPHY, WHY IS IT AND THE DDA IMPORTANT TO FARMINGTON RESIDENTS? A. KNOWLES – A thriving, aesthetically-pleasant Downtown Farmington business district increases both residential and commercial property values and acts as a magnet to grow our terrific community. If the DDA is successful in making incremental improvements in the downtown and in helping to sustain a strong local economy, Farmington will remain an appealing place that will connect residents and visitors with the businesses that choose to locate here. 5 St. MainMAIN THE MESSENGER St.Messenger Winter g 2 0Volume 1 0 , V 9, o lIssue u m e2 7 , I s s u e 1 S p r i n2012, THE VILLAGE MALL MERCHANTS Grand River Avenue and Farmington Road Art Alcove Barbara Hatch Dance Studio Bead Bohemia Canary International Constellation Healing Arts Evolve Body Art Studio Farmington Alterations Kitchen Creations Litito’s Nail Salon Living Health Vitamins PLUSkateboarding Rocking Horse Designs & Cross Stitch Silver Birch Integrated Holistic Healing & Consulting, LLC SprayChic Airbrush Tanning The Sacred Sage Victorian Lace Elegance “The Quality Service You Expect” THAYER-ROCK FUNERAL HOME FUNERAL DIRECTORS & CREMATION SERVICE 33603 Grand River Avenue, Downtown Farmington (248) 474-4131 www.thayer-rock.com Robert G. Rock, President FARMINGTON MAIN STREET COMMITTEE UPDATES Our Main Street Committees are closing out 2012, another year of great progress and terrific accomplishments. Our volunteer committees play a significant role in implementing projects and programs which contribute to a better quality of place in our community. Thank you! businesses conceive of ideas to take better advantage of special events. The Promotions Committee is working on the Wish List Window and brainstorming additional marketing-related activities for spring. Converting to online registration of volunteer assignments was managed through the Our Design Organization Committee has Committee this past finished with a season. The use of conceptual plan SignUpGenius.com to install has contributed to DESIGN streetscape improved scheduling ORGANIzATION and communication improvements along Farmington Road, between Grand River Avenue with volunteers for and Orchard Street, working with events such as Art on the Grand the Road Commission for Oakland and the Founders Festival. The County to ensure its concurrence Committee works on press releases with the plan. The next step is to and other communications, such as apply for transportation alternathis newsletter. Coming up soon !"#$%&##'()*+',-.'/'01'$400/issue $350/issue tives funding assistance through will be a volunteer appreciation the Michigan Department of event and discussion about a Transportation and the Southeast capital campaign. Michigan Council of Governments. The Economic By all accounts, we have developed Restructuring a terrific project that will match the Committee funding source’s judging criteria. members continue Public art was front to remain involved and center during in redevelopmentECONOMIC the DIA’s Inside|Out related discussions RESTRUCTURING 0-.'/'2-.1'$250/issue $200/issue program this summer, and in finding and the Promotions potential new investors. Committee had a Discussions with existing property hand in helping to owners are happening to share PROMOTIONS develop some of the with them the city’s goals and how special activities that individual properties fit within coincided with the exhibit. With a those goals. After all, building a small but efficient crew, informahealthy local economy will realize 2,5 xtion 1.25 $150/issue sheets were created to help great results for the entire city. 33316 Grand River Farmington 248-957-8179 Support Farmington Merchants and Businesses Buy Local! 6 20% OFF Total Bill Excludes Any Specials or Coupons Expires 12/31/12 #1 Burger Winner 2 Years in a Row! Main St.Messenger Winter 2012, Volume 9, Issue 2 Support Downtown Farmington Shop Local to Win! November 23 - December 17 Visit the Wish List Window in Downtown Farmington starting November 23 and see a sampling of great gift ideas from our unique shops. Pick up a Wish List Window Shop Local stamp card at a participating location and for every $100 you spend, your name will be entered into the Wish List Window drawing. Stamps obtained between November 23 and December 17 will qualify. Eleven winners will be selected on December 18 for prize packages valued at up to $600.00! Win gift certificates, gift baskets, fashion, jewelry, decorations and more! Make a wish and start shopping! Our gen ero us Wish List Window donors to date Anchor Chiropractic & Massage Therapy – $100.00 Gift Certificate Ariel Automotive/Goodyear – (3) $100.00 Gift Certificates Barbara Hatch School of Dance – One month of Dance Lessons valued at $50.00 Bargain Books – Books valued at $175.00 Retail Basement Burger Bar – (2) $30.00 Gift Certificates for Dinner for 2 Bead Bohemia – $50.00 Gift Certificate Bellacino's Pizza & Grinders – (10) $5.00 Gift Certificates Burger King – (5) $10.00 Gift Certificates Cash for Coins – $50.00 in Gift Certificates: $20.00 Basement Burger Bar, $20.00 John Cowley & Sons, $10.00 Mentobe Café Charter One Bank – Basket of Bank Products valued at $50.00 City of Farmington – (10) Civic Theater Tickets valued at $35.00 Clothes Encounters – Holiday Clothes Item valued at $88.00 Coldstone Creamery – (5) $5.00 Gift Certificates Cromwell Family Chiropractic – One Hour Massage valued at $75.00 Dagwood's Deli & Catering – (2) $25.00 Gift Certificates Dancing Feats – (2) $50.00 Gift Certificates Darrell's Firestone – (4) Oil Changes valued at $30.00 each Dedo's Marketplace – Gift Basket valued at $25.00 Downtown Development Authority – Gift Basket valued at $50.00 Edible Arrangements – $50.00 Gift Certificate Essential Family Chiropractic – One Month Free for Family of Four valued at $530.00 Evolve Body Studio – $50.00 Gift Certificate Farmington Chiropractic – $50.00 Gift Certificate Farmington Community Library – $60.00 Gift Basket of Books and more Farmington Shoe Repair – Shoe Shine Kit valued at $49.50 First United Methodist Church – Handmade Quilt valued at $100.00 Fitness 19 – One Month Membership with One Personal Training Session valued at $125.00 Focal Point Studio of Photography – (3) $100.00 Gift Certificates Ginger's Café & Gourmet Shoppe – $20.00 Gift Certificate Governor Warner Mansion – Afghan valued at $15.00 Greater Farmington Area Chamber of Commerce – (4) Taste of Two Cities 2013 Tickets valued at $100.00 Ilda's Salon Chic – (4) $25.00 Gift Certificates John Cowley & Sons – $60.00 Wine Tasting Judge Asset Management – Gift Certificate for One Free Financial Plan valued at $150.00 Korner Barbers – (2) $15.00 Gift Certificates Living Health Vitamins – $20.00 Gift Certificate Luigi's Trattoria – (2) $25.00 Gift Certificates Master Sales Group (Rice, Hable & Lehto) – (3) $8.00 Gift Certificates for Civic Theater Mentobe Café – Coffee Gift Basket valued at $62.00 Mike Greer Photography – Girls’ Night Out for 10: Photographs, Make-up, Food & more valued at $150.00 M. Mazzoni Jewelers – Limited Edition Judith Jack's Enamel/Marcasite Ornament valued at $150.00 Page's Food & Spirits – (2) Sandwich or Chicken Dinners valued at $21.90 Painting With a Twist – $35.00 Gift Certificate Pniewski Insurance Agency – Wine Basket valued at $75.00 PLUSkateboarding – $25.00 Gift Certificate Ruby Blu Salon & Spa – $10.00 Gift Certificate Salon LEGATO – Christmas Tree with Products and Gift Certificate valued at $100.00 Sam Sarkis Photography – (2) $125.00 Gift Certificates Sarian Jewelry Gallery – Jewelry and Gift Certificate valued at $185.00 Scott W. Beach, Attorney at Law – Legal Services Certificate valued at $600.00 SheSpeaks Counseling, PLC – (6) Civic Theater Passes valued at $21.00 Silver Tree Yoga – One Month Unlimited Yoga valued at $240.00 Starbucks – Assorted Merchandise and Coffee valued at $133.00 Talmer Bank & Trust – Basket of Bank Products valued at $60.00 Thayer-Rock Funeral Home – Basket of Michigan-Made Products valued at $100.00 The Sacred Sage – Necklace and Blouse valued at $90.00 The Vines Flower & Garden Shop – $50.00 Gift Certificate and Santa Doll Tina's Coney Island – $20.00 Gift Certificate T.J. Maxx – $30.00 Gift Certificate Tre Sorelle – $15.00 Gift Certificate Tubby's Grilled Submarines – (4) $5.00 Gift Certificates Victorian Lace Elegance – Gift Basket valued at $139.95 Village Mall Merchants – $50.00 John Cowley & Sons Gift Certificate Village Shoe Inn – (2) $25.00 Gift Certificates Visibles Marketing – (2) $30.00 Marketing Baskets Warner, Joan M. Insurance Agency/State Farm – Gift Basket of State Farm Marketing Merchandise valued at $50.00 Williams Sports Medicine – Mango Wood Dish from Thailand valued at $14.00 Items, values and donors subject to change. For up-to-theminute information, call the Farmington DDA at 248-473-7276 or visit our website www.DowntownFarmington.org. 7 Celebrate Holly Days In Downtown Farmington Saturday, December 1 Celebrate with fun for the whole family, get a head start on holiday shopping and decorating, and help those less fortunate by donating mittens or socks at our Tree of Wishes. Hear carolers, stroll through the shops and feel the warmth of the holiday season in Downtown Farmington. Farmington’s North Pole Located at Sundquist Pavilion and Riley Park (Grand River Ave. and Grove St.) Santa Comes to Farmington Noon - 4 pm. Be ready to tell Santa everything on your Wish List! Sponsored by Talmer Bank & Trust Capture the moment with a FREE family photo with Santa. Sponsored by Focal Point Studio of Photography Greens & Gifts Market 10 am - 4 pm. Your stop for the freshest holiday greenery, decorations and delightful gift ideas – all handcrafted. More vendors than ever! Ice Carving Noon. Watch Oakland Community College carvers create a holiday masterpiece of ice. Sponsored by Community EMS and Heeney-Sundquist Funeral Home Tree of Wishes Bring a new pair of socks or mittens to hang on the Tree of Wishes for donation to a local charity. Kids can also write their Christmas wish on an ornament and hang it on the tree. Sponsored by Stoneybrook Dental Santa’s Workshop Located at 33316 Grand River Ave. in Mike Greer Photography (East of Farmington Civic Theater above Basement Burger Bar) Stories & Cookies with Mrs. Claus Story times: 12:30 pm, 1:30 pm & 2:30 pm. Settle down with a treat and listen to holiday tales as told by none other than Mrs. Claus. Free Gift Wrapping 10 am - 4 pm. Collect your Downtown Farmington purchases and forget the hassle of gift wrapping! Sponsored by Community Choice Credit Union Kids Holiday Craft Area 10 am - 4 pm. Children can create a keepsake to treasure during the holiday season. Sponsored by LOC Federal Credit Union More Holiday Fun! Farmington Civic Theater – 33332 Grand River Ave. Free Movies – Catch a free kid’s holiday movie – “The Polar Express” (1 hr., 40 min.) 10 am & 1 pm or “Shrek the Halls” (21 min.) 10:15 am, 11:15 am, 12:15 pm & 1:15 pm. Moviegoers are encouraged to bring non-perishable food items or new, unwrapped toys or a donation to Farmington Area Goodfellows benefiting seniors and families in need. 50% of concession sales will also go to the Goodfellows. The Vines Flower & Garden Shop – 33245 Grand River Ave. Christmas Open House 10 am - 5 pm. Beautiful holiday displays of home decor items, centerpieces, wreaths, garlands, ornaments and lots of gifts for the gardener on your list! Gov. Warner Mansion – 33805 Grand River Ave. Mansion open 5 pm - 7 pm. Tour the decorated mansion with costumed docents and listen to carols played on the Mansion piano; donations accepted at the door. Farmington Area Jaycees Holiday Tree Lighting 5:30 pm in the gazebo. Bring a toy for the Toys for Tots toy drive. Enjoy caroling, a visit from Santa and light refreshments in the Carriage House. Entertainment Sounds of the Season 10 am – Noon. The Salvation Army Band will stroll through Downtown Farmington – sure to get all in the holiday spirit! Support area families by a contribution to the Kettle. Salem Church Holly Days Craft Show – 33424 Oakland St. – 10 am - 4 pm.