The Week Ahead: Council, Fashion Show, Depression Town Hall

Local volunteers concerned over an apparent rise in depression and mental health issues have organized a free town hall forum, “Recognizing and Overcoming Depression,” from 6:30-8 p.m. Wednesday in the .

The Commission on Children, Youth and Families started work on the Town Hall after Chief Chuck Nebus raised concerns over a cluster of 13 youth suicide attempts and threats last year. He told the commission that the department responds to more than 200 calls each year that result in a commitment for mental health treatment.

The commission's goal is to provide information about how to recognize and deal with depression and to raise awareness about community resources.

Other events on our calendar this week:

• At Monday night's City Council meeting, Farmington officials have a long list of agenda items, including a number of ordinance amendments, setting a date for the 2011-12 budget and property tax rate public hearing and holding a public hearing on the formation of a Grand River Corridor Improvement Authority (CIA). () The meeting starts at 7 p.m. in council chambers at .
• Also on Monday night, the Farmington PTA will participate in a from 7-9 p.m. at Walnut Creek Middle School, 7601 Walnut Lake Rd, West Bloomfield. Learn more on a Facebook page set up for the event.
• The holds tryouts at this week from 6-9 p.m., starting Monday night. The group is open to any seventh- or eighth-grader who will live in Farmington or Farmington Hills during the 2011-12 school year.
• Got your tickets yet for the on Tuesday at the Huron River Hunting & Fishing Club to benefit the ? Farmington's beloved historic home is in desperate need of repairs, to the tune of $70,000. You can help by purchasing a $30 ticket at Farmington City Hall. ( and other efforts to raise funds.)
• is hosting a at 7:30 p.m. Tuesday. Guest speaker is Frank Loewenberg, professor emeritus of social work at Bar-Ilan University in Israel. Hosted by Adat Shalom’s Israel Advocacy Committee and the Zionist Organization of America – Michigan Region, this event is free and open to the public. 
• If you're the parent of a graduating fourth-grader, make sure your child comes to the at 4:30 p.m. Thursday for a . Participants will be entered in a drawing for a free summer registration.
• Struggling with a parent-child relationship? At 7 p.m. Thursday, Dr. Shawn Rubin and Carol Stratman, Ph.D., of the will give a presentation at the titled "Peace in the House: Strengthening Communication between Parent and Child." There's no charge, but registration is required. .

Check our events calendar to learn what else is going on this week – and remember, you can add your own event to the list.