Berkley – October 21, 2019

Berkley – October 21, 2019

Friends,

We had a beautiful fall day this past Friday, so my kids and I played hooky and went to the cider mill.

The weather was perfect: cool temps, blue skies and the sun was warm on our backs. The apples were plentiful on the trees and the pumpkins were picture-perfect in the fields.

Going to the cider mill is so romanticized in my head. I always think about how cute I’ll look in flannel and boots; how adorable my kids will be running through the orchard; how wholesome we’ll be out in nature gathering our food. In reality, I look like an actual farmer (not the goal), the kids are running because they’re afraid of bees and our farm-to-table apples cost a whopping $26 for a half of a bushel. The doughnuts are even insanely expensive at nearly $9 a dozen.

But some aspects of the cider mill are priceless, such as convincing my kids we have to pick doughnuts off the trees because they’re best when fresh. They weren’t 100% persuaded, but they didn’t want to take any chances either, so they saved a produce bag just in case we rolled by any doughnut trees.

It’s always best to be prepared.

Rebecca

Electronics Recycling

SOCRRA and the Berkley Environmental Advisory Committee will be hosting a recycling event on Oct. 26 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the Berkley Community Center in the old ice arena parking lot.

SOCRRA staff, the BEAC, and DPW will be there to assist residents.

Wondering what electronics are accepted?

Monitors
Laptops
Printers
Radio
Fax
Portable CD Player
TVs
Scanners
Fans
Power Tools
Calculators
Small Appliances
Digital Camera
Video Recorder
Phones

Residents must remove any sensitive or personal information from all devices. SOCCRA does not provide the service.

On-Site Paper Shredder
We are requesting residents only bring sensitive documents. Make sure to remove all plastic covers, metal binders and paper clips. Staples are okay. 

For more information, please contact our Public Works at 248-658-3490.

Library Introduces Hoopla

The Berkley Public Library now offers Hoopla, a new library app, to all patrons. Free ebooks, audiobooks, movies, music, comics and more—without a wait. Head to hoopladigital.com or come to the library to sign up and get more info.

 

Charity Basketball Rolls Into Berkley

Cheer the Berkley Public Safety Officers as they take on the traveling First Responder’s Tour in a game of basketball. The game is supposed to connect local high school youth and police agencies.

There will be plenty of laughs, hoops and amazing competition to be had. This event allows youth to get closer one-on-one friendly contact with local law enforcement.

Tip-off is Friday, Nov. 8, at 6 p.m. at Berkley High School.

 

Veterans Day Recognition

On Veterans Day, Berkley American Legion Stanley J. Fons Post 374 will host a ceremony at 11 a.m. at the Berkley War Memorial just outside City Hall. In addition, the Berkley Historical Museum will have a special display on the Berkley Troops during World War II. The museum will be open from 10 a.m. to noon for those attending the ceremony.

 

 

 

 

Rebecca Calappi

Rebecca Calappi

City News Editor

Auburn Hills – October 21, 2019

Auburn Hills – October 21, 2019

Friends,

We had a beautiful fall day this past Friday, so my kids and I played hooky and went to the cider mill.

The weather was perfect: cool temps, blue skies and the sun was warm on our backs. The apples were plentiful on the trees and the pumpkins were picture-perfect in the fields.

Going to the cider mill is so romanticized in my head. I always think about how cute I’ll look in flannel and boots; how adorable my kids will be running through the orchard; how wholesome we’ll be out in nature gathering our food. In reality, I look like an actual farmer (not the goal), the kids are running because they’re afraid of bees and our farm-to-table apples cost a whopping $26 for a half of a bushel. The doughnuts are even insanely expensive at nearly $9 a dozen.

But some aspects of the cider mill are priceless, such as convincing my kids we have to pick doughnuts off the trees because they’re best when fresh. They weren’t 100% persuaded, but they didn’t want to take any chances either, so they saved a produce bag just in case we rolled by any doughnut trees.

It’s always best to be prepared.

Rebecca

Frozen Interactive Movie

Are you excited for the new Frozen movie? Get ready by watching the original Frozen movie at the Auburn Hills Public Library. Because the movie is interactive, you can sing along to your favorite songs and participate with the movie. There will be plenty of popcorn and maybe even a frozen treat. The frozen fun is Saturday, Nov. 16, at 2 p.m.

 

 

 

 

Zombie Laser Tag

The 6th annual Zombie Laser Tag for teens ages 13 to 18 is taking place during the annual Spooktacular event downtown. All equipment is provided, and costumes are not required but are encouraged. Be at Riverside Park, with Kombat Tag on Saturday, Oct. 26, from noon to 2 p.m. The event is free, but register online at www.auburnhills.org, select Departments and in the drop-down menu, click on Parks & Recreation then click “Register Now!” and follow the instructions.

 

 

 

Women, Empowered! 2019

Join the Auburn Hills Chamber of Commerce for lunch and listen as empowering female executives provide key take-aways on how they position themselves at the top of their professions. Keynote speakers include: Joscelyn A. Davis, president and CEO, JADE Strategies; Ellen Taylor, fire chief, Auburn Hills; Rachel Tronstein-Stewart, president, Gardiner-White.

Register for this event here.

 

 

Tech 248 Talks E-Sports

Advantage Oakland is hosting the next Tech248 at GameTime Detroit in the City of Auburn Hills. While there, you’ll have a chance to learn more about e-sports and network with some of the region’s top tech professionals.

There is no cost to attend. Register today.

 

 

Rebecca Calappi

Rebecca Calappi

City News Editor

Clawson – October 21, 2019

Clawson – October 21, 2019

Friends,

We had a beautiful fall day this past Friday, so my kids and I played hooky and went to the cider mill.

The weather was perfect: cool temps, blue skies and the sun was warm on our backs. The apples were plentiful on the trees and the pumpkins were picture-perfect in the fields.

Going to the cider mill is so romanticized in my head. I always think about how cute I’ll look in flannel and boots; how adorable my kids will be running through the orchard; how wholesome we’ll be out in nature gathering our food. In reality, I look like an actual farmer (not the goal), the kids are running because they’re afraid of bees and our farm-to-table apples cost a whopping $26 for a half of a bushel. The doughnuts are even insanely expensive at nearly $9 a dozen.

But some aspects of the cider mill are priceless, such as convincing my kids we have to pick doughnuts off the trees because they’re best when fresh. They weren’t 100% persuaded, but they didn’t want to take any chances either, so they saved a produce bag just in case we rolled by any doughnut trees.

It’s always best to be prepared.

Rebecca

Art Therapy Coming to Clawson

Let’s Art About It, an art therapy /workshop business, will open soon at 39 E. 14 Mile and will replace Creative Chic Workshop, which closed last month. The business will schedule individual and group sessions with a focus on the therapeutic effect of art. A day-long grand opening is scheduled for Nov. 14 with the ribbon cutting at 11 a.m.

 

Mural Unveiling this Week

The unveiling event for the DIA’s mural on South Main is planned for Oct. 26 and will coincide with the downtown Trick or Treasure event. Representatives from the DIA will be present to introduce and talk about the artwork. Cider and donuts will be provided by Clawson Parks and Rec.

 

Trick or Treasure and Great Pubkin Crawl

Businesses are signed up and ready for the downtown Trick or Treasure kids’ event from noon to 3 p.m. on Saturday, Oct. 26. The Great Pubkin Crawl is taking place later that evening. Pre-register online by Oct. 23. Pre-registration is $20 per person, the night of the event the price goes up to $25.

Volunteers are needed for both events. Please contact DDA Director Joan Horton if interested in taking part, ddadirector@cityofclawson.com or 248-219-4022.

 

Fall Book Sale Begins Nov. 2

With winter coming sooner rather than later, it’s a good idea to stock up on books to curl up with on cold nights. The Friends of the Library are hosting a fall book sale Saturday, Nov. 2 through Saturday, Nov. 9. Proceeds will fund programs and projects throughout the year.

 

 

 

Rebecca Calappi

Rebecca Calappi

City News Editor

Royal Oak – October 21, 2019

Royal Oak – October 21, 2019

Friends,

We had a beautiful fall day this past Friday, so my kids and I played hooky and went to the cider mill.

The weather was perfect: cool temps, blue skies and the sun was warm on our backs. The apples were plentiful on the trees and the pumpkins were picture-perfect in the fields.

Going to the cider mill is so romanticized in my head. I always think about how cute I’ll look in flannel and boots; how adorable my kids will be running through the orchard; how wholesome we’ll be out in nature gathering our food. In reality, I look like an actual farmer (not the goal), the kids are running because they’re afraid of bees and our farm-to-table apples cost a whopping $26 for a half of a bushel. The doughnuts are even insanely expensive at nearly $9 a dozen.

But some aspects of the cider mill are priceless, such as convincing my kids we have to pick doughnuts off the trees because they’re best when fresh. They weren’t 100% persuaded, but they didn’t want to take any chances either, so they saved a produce bag just in case we rolled by any doughnut trees.

It’s always best to be prepared.

Rebecca

High School Receives Heart Recognition

Royal Oak High School achieved the MI HEARTSafe designation from The Michigan Departments of Health and Human Services and Education, American Heart Association, Michigan High School Athletic Association and Michigan Alliance for Prevention of Sudden Cardiac Death of the Young. Sudden cardiac death claims the lives of more than 300 Michigan children and young adults annually. By being prepared to respond to these emergencies, schools can decrease these tragedies in their communities.

 

 

 

Restaurant Week Runs Through Oct. 27

More than 20 downtown Royal Oak top restaurants are offering three-course lunch and dinner menus from $15 to $35 a person during Restaurant Week.

Participating Locations: 526 Main, Ale Mary’s Beer Hall Royal Oak, Bar Louie, Bigalora Pizza, Café Muse, D’Amato’s, Diamonds Steak & Seafood-Royal Oak, Fifth Avenue Royal Oak, Diamond Jim Brady’s, Jolly Pumpkin Restaurant and Taphouse, Lily’s Seafood Grill & Brewery, Le Crepe Royal Oak, Lockhart’s BBQ – Royal Oak, Mesa Tacos and Tequila, Mr. B’s Gastropub, Oak City Grille, Pinky’s Rooftop, Rock on Third, Royal Oak Taphouse, Royal Oak Brewery, Smoky’s Royal Oak Bar & Bistro, Trattoria Da Luigi, and Toms Oyster Bar Royal Oak.

Plus enjoy a Tito’s Handmade Vodka Pink Drink, part of Pink Out! Royal Oak, a month of activities to raise funds and awareness for breast cancer through the American Cancer Society.

 

Spooktacular Haunts Downtown Oct. 27

The 36th Annual Royal Oak Spooktacular will take place in Downtown Royal Oak on Sunday, Oct. 27, rain or shine.

Spooky Pass Holders will receive at check in a trick-or-treat bag, map, clues to the Community Choice Credit Union Treasure Hunt, Spooky Pass that will grant you access to the bounce houses, Blake’s Cider Mill cider and a donut, pick a pie pumpkin out of the Blake’s pumpkin patch, a photo at the photo booth and games. This area will be open from noon to 6 p.m. Please print your tickets in advance or have them ready to scan on your phone. Check in is at Washington and Fifth.

Spooky Passes are still available, for purchase online until 10 a.m., Sunday, Oct. 27 for $10. Spooky Pass will be available at Washington and Fifth Ave, starting at noon for $15. Cash only. While Supplies last.

The free Trick-or-Treating event will take place from 1 to 4 p.m. in Downtown Royal Oak. There are more than 35 participating businesses. The businesses have numbers on their windows and there will be directional signage and crossing guards helping you along the way. If the footprint is too large for your little one, please feel free to take short cuts, but go in the same direction as everyone else. Make sure you use the cross walks.

The Monster Mash Dance Party is from noon to 6 p.m. on Washington.

Normandy Oaks Gets $1 Million

Oakland County Parks and Recreation committed $1 million to develop Normandy Oaks, a park owned and operated by Royal Oak. In March, the Oakland County Board of Commissioners voted to approve the investment in Normandy Oaks, due to its location in a highly populated southeast quadrant of Oakland County where green space of its size (40+ acres) is not abundant or available. The money commitment will be funded over three years.

 

 

 

 

Downtown Stakeholders Meeting

Downtown Stakeholders Meetings are designed to create conversations around issues facing business and property owners in Downtown Royal Oak. The November meeting will be held at Five15, located at 600 South Washington Avenue in Downtown Royal Oak, on Tuesday, Nov. 5, at 3 p.m.

This meeting will focus on developing plans to promote shopping in Downtown Royal Oak on Small Business Saturday. RSVP here.

 

 

Rebecca Calappi

Rebecca Calappi

City News Editor

Mount Clemens – October 21, 2019

Mount Clemens – October 21, 2019

Friends,

I got my flu shot today. It came with a spiffy purple bandage with some weird design on it. I figured if I was going to take my kids to get their vaccination, I should lead by example.

It’s not going to help put their minds at ease, though. It will be a battle to get them in the car, out of the car, and then when it’s over and they’ve undoubtedly survived the ordeal, they’ll be mad at me for a while.

My conscience is clear.

However, if this year is anything like last year, I’m not sure who was more traumatized—them or me. They gave me a run for my money. When kids don’t want to do something, like get a shot, they suddenly become slippery, wet noodles with superhuman strength that can fit in any crevasse. I had no idea it was going to be so hard to get a 50-pound kid out of a Ford Fusion. By the time we got in the doctor’s office, we were all sweaty, some were crying, and no one was happy.

I guess this is part of the reason I run 5ks. Wish me luck.

Rebecca

 

Help with Food Drive

Mt. Clemens and Oakland University have teamed up to help the hungry through a food drive. The goal is to collect 4,000 pounds of canned goods for the Macomb Food Program. Please consider donating or hosting a food drive within your organization. The food drive runs Nov. 11 through Nov. 21. For more information, email Brian Bouwman at bbouwman@oakland.edu.

 

Election Day is Nov. 5

The next election in Mount Clemens is Tuesday, Nov. 5. Citizens can vote for mayor and three city commissioners. Voting precincts will be open from 7 a.m. to 8 p.m. on Election Day.

Please note that Precinct 5 (Cairns Community Center – 58 Orchard) will be temporarily relocated to Precinct 6 (City Hall – One Crocker) and voters for Precincts 5 and 6 will all vote at City Hall for this election.

Please call the City Clerk’s Office at 586-469-6818 x3 with questions.

 

 

Pumpkin Fest, Pork Roast & Halloween

Join the delicious fun at the Farmers Market Pumpkin Party & Pork Roast on Saturday, Oct. 26, at 8 a.m. Tasty pork and hearty pumpkins will be available until sold out. Head to the North River Road Parking Lot between I-94 and northbound Gratiot.

Questions? Call 586-493-7600.

For more hauntingly good times, appear at the Halloween Spooktacular on Saturday, Oct. 26, from noon to 3 p.m. at the Fountain Stage on Macomb Place.

For more information, call 586-469-4168.

 

Winter Tax Bill

Residents will receive a winter tax bill on or around Dec. 1. It will be due on Feb. 28, 2020.

Every resident will receive a tax bill, even if your mortgage company pays it on your behalf. Please keep this copy for your records.

Any balance remaining on your 2019 taxes will be turned over to the Macomb County Treasurer’s Office on March 1. All payments on or after that date will be payable to: Macomb County Treasurer, 1 S. Main St., Mount Clemens, MI 48043.

 

 

 

 

Rebecca Calappi

Rebecca Calappi

City News Editor