Friends,

I did it! I ran my first 5k race. I went into it thinking I wasn’t going to make it, that I was going to let myself down. But, you know what? It was great.

I ran my personal best time. I finished in the upper half of my age group. I got a medal. I didn’t do as well as the pace runner who was pregnant and finished a 10k five minutes behind me. And I certainly didn’t run as well as the lady who didn’t even break a sweat when she was passing me.

But for someone who never thought to run a race, here am. And I have to say, I’m pretty proud.

Next on my list is the Kona Chocolate 5k in November.

Rebecca

Auburn Hills Fire Department Receives Assistance to Firefighters Grant

The Auburn Hills Fire Department was notified by U.S. Senators Debbie Stabenow and Gary Peters that the Federal Emergency Management Agency officially awarded the department an Assistance to Firefighters Grant of $131,000 to replace the department’s existing failing vehicle exhaust capturing systems.

“This awarded grant will allow the Auburn Hills Fire Department to replace all 12 vehicle exhaust capture systems in their three fire stations. These removal systems are a critical component in maintaining fire station atmospheres that are free of the particulates and gases present in fire apparatus’ diesel engine emissions,” said Fire Chief Ellen Taylor.

Fleece Donations Needed for MLK Day of Service

Auburn Hills Senior Services is looking for donations of 1.5-yard sections of fleece to make fleece tie blankets for Operation Cover Me at the Annual Martin Luther King Jr. Day of Service.

Donations can be dropped off to the Auburn Hills Community Center until Dec. 23. For more information, call 248-370-9353.

Mahindra’s Donation Shows Community Support

On Sept. 12, Mahindra’s President and CEO Rick Haas handed over the keys to a new Roxor off-road utility vehicle to Mayor Kevin McDaniel for use by the Department of Public Works.

The Roxor’s diesel power and flexible design will allow the DPW staff to use the vehicle in the hard-to-reach places where larger vehicles are more difficult to navigate, such as parks, downtown, and on wooded trails.

The city’s logo and Department of Public Works lettering has been affixed to the vehicle since taking delivery and the new Roxor is already off to work.

To share your news, announcements, and events, please email citynewseditor@localbiznews.net

Police Department Second in State to Take Mental Health Pledge

The Auburn Hills Police Department announced it is the second agency in the state to successfully complete a pledge to improve responses to those who have mental illness in the community. The pledge is part of an initiative called the One Mind Campaign started by the International Association of Chiefs of Police.

To join the campaign law enforcement agencies must pledge to implement four promising practices in a 12 to 36-month period to ensure successful interactions between police officers and people living with mental illness.

The Auburn Hills Police Department created partnerships with local mental health organizations, implemented a model policy to address officers’ interactions with those affected by mental illness, trained 100% of staff in Mental Health First Aid for Law Enforcement, and trained 20% of staff in Crisis Intervention Team Training, a 40-hour intensive intervention course.

If you or someone you know every needs help, the Auburn Hills Police Department can help and can act as a conduit to mental health resources in the community.

“Grandpals” Pen Pal Program

The Auburn Hills Teen Council is partnering with the Senior Services Department to pair a teen with a senior pen pal. Teens will write one letter to their pen pal every other week, asking questions and sharing the details of their lives that allow them to get to know their senior companion. Contact Rylan Pawlyn at rpawlyn@auburnhills.org if you are interested in being a part of this program.

To share your news, announcements, and events, please email citynewseditor@localbiznews.net

Friends,

I’m writing this from my favorite chair, with my favorite blanket, sipping on tea. Today is a “droopy” day, as my son calls it—cloudy, rainy, cool. And I love it.

I love these last weeks of summer. There’s so much to look forward to, so much to enjoy. To me, Michigan is at its finest as it’s about to change seasons. Now, I’m not saying I want to rush into anything. I have rules: No decorating for Halloween until it’s actually October and no Christmas decorations until after Thanksgiving.

What I am saying is to make sure you enjoy the moment you’re in, while you’re in it. I’m trying hard to practice this myself, especially as I’m training for a 5k.

Enjoy every moment, every day. I’m thinking about the Addison Oaks fall color tour mentioned below. I think I’ll enjoy that.

Have an awesome week,

Rebecca

Auburn Hills ‘Safe City’ Initiative

This new series will focus on the current “best practices” for keeping you and your business safe.  Presented by Officer Brian Miller of the Auburn Hills Police Department on Thursday, Oct. 3, from 8 a.m. to noon.

Included in the series is the Civilian Response to Active Shooter Events, Workplace Violence Prevention, with Internal Security Procedures, and “Stop the Bleed” Basic Bleeding Control Course. There will also be an informational session on how to work with the Police Department in bridging the gap between the police response and your company’s emergency plan.

The $20 registration fee covers both sessions.

Talent Journey Conference: The Employee Experience

From the interview to developing a career plan, are you delivering what’s promised to your employees? And does your delivery represent your corporate culture – your mission, vision and values?

You will learn key takeaways from experts and resources to effectively develop your best employee experience clearly defining your corporate culture driving innovation at Talent Journey Conference on Thursday, Sept. 19, from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. at Baker College in Auburn Hills.

Neighborhood House Receives Grant

Neighborhood House received a $20,000 grant from the Consumers Energy Foundation supporting their Neighbors Helping Neighbors capital campaign.

“The Consumers Energy Foundation is committed to helping communities thrive and grow, and we are excited to help Neighborhood House provide vital services for families in Rochester Hills and the surrounding community,” said Carolyn Bloodworth, secretary/treasurer of the Consumers Energy Foundation.

The grant will support the Neighborhood House capital campaign, which goes toward paying off the mortgage. The Neighbor Helping Neighbors campaign supports the new Neighborhood House at 1720 S. Livernois in Rochester Hills, which opened in September 2016. Since the move, Neighborhood House has significantly increased their ability to meet the needs of their neighbors in innovative, proven and personalized ways.

The Neighborhood House building is used for educational initiatives such as computer training, parenting and financial management classes, private counseling, community events, and more. Neighborhood House is the only full-service nonprofit in the area that can help families with wrap-around services to promote self-sustainability.

Neighborhood House is a private, non-profit human service organization that was founded in 1968. It is the agency’s mission to assist the community during times of hardship, providing services that include emergency financial assistance, counseling, job coaching, budget assistance, transportation, food assistance, clothing assistance and more, with a goal of providing tools that will lead toward self-sufficiency. It serves any qualifying families in need from Rochester, Rochester Hills, Auburn Hills, Oakland Township and Addison Township. For more information about getting services or volunteering, visit our website at www.ranh.org.

To share your news, announcements, and events, please email citynewseditor@localbiznews.net

Friends, Where did the summer go? It seems like forever ago that I picked my kids up from their last day of school, but at the same time, I’m pretty sure it was just last week that I packed my last lunchbox. I’m on the fence about back-to-school. I miss my alone time and being able to work uninterrupted. I do not miss the morning routine, folders, papers, cold, germs and everything else that comes with a new school year. Buying school supplies, a first-day outfit and shoes, meeting new friends and catching up with the friends we didn’t see over the summer is fun for me, though. So, I’m torn. Whatever your back-to-school feelings are, I hope you have a great kick-off to fall. And if you could, please head over to the City News Facebook page and give us a like. Rebecca

Cooking: An Afternoon in Italy with Culinary Kisses

Have fun learning how to make your own pasta, the right way. This class offers a hands-on experience on preparing quick and easy, yet authentic and delicious classic Italian dishes that are sure to impress. This class also incorporates bonus culinary tips and tricks to help save time in the kitchen, show you how to make your own Italian seasoning and give instructions on creative food styling. Everything is homemade using only the freshest ingredients. Recipes provided. Pappardelle with marinara sauce, parmesan cheese, and bread crumbs, plus gnocchi with a fresh basil pesto. Ages 18 and over are welcome to the Community Center Seyburn A on Thursday, Sept. 26 from 6 to 8 p.m.

Geocaching Challenge

The Auburn Hills Parks & Recreation wants to keep fun in the great outdoors going all year long. This year, a new geocaching challenge with a prize at Hawk Woods Nature Center will be available for adventurers. Geocaching is a game played outside using a handheld GPS or a smartphone with a geocaching app. The Hawk Woods Geocaching Challenge features six geocaches hidden at the Hawk Woods Nature Center.

American Legion Hosts Yard Sale

American Legion Post 143 Hill-Gazette Auburn Hills MI is hosting its 12th Annual Yard Sale on Saturday, Sept. 7, from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. To reserve your spot, contact Mary Becker at 248-229-6612.

Remember to Follow the Tweet-Along

Don’t forget to set a reminder for the Auburn Hills Police Department Tweet Along Friday, Sept. 9. The City of Rochester Police Department, Oakland County Sheriff, Ferndale Police, Shelby Township Police and Bloomfield Township Police also joined the Tweet Along. Follow all of the departments on Twitter to participate in the fun. #TweetsFromTheBeat

To share your news, announcements, and events, please email citynewseditor@localbiznews.net

SeptemBEERfest Announces Breweries

Lovers of craft beer rejoice—the breweries for SeptemBEERfest were announced. Roak Brewing Co., Perrin Brewing Co., Rochester Mills Beer Co., and Midland Brewing Company will all be on hand to quench the thirst of the masses. All proceeds go to the Auburn Hills Community Foundation. Register today.

I-75 Update

The latest Michigan Department of Transportation for the I-75 construction is in. Click the link to learn more and sign up for updates.

To share your news, announcements, and events, please email citynewseditor@localbiznews.net

Friends,

Less than three years ago, I quit my job in corporate communications and went headlong into freelancing. I called it, “my adventure.” Since then, I’ve been especially aware of taking risks and doing things that scare me.

Well, I’m heading into another adventure next month. I’m running my first 5k.

I’m not entirely sure how I got talked into this. I’ve never liked running. In fact, I’ve warned people that if you see me running, you should probably be running, too.

Yet, here I am in the middle of training week five.

I’m using a couch-to-5k app, and if we’re being honest, I still identify way more with the couch aspect than the 5k aspect. I’ve also developed an obsession with running clothes, updating my playlist and keeping my newly chopped hair out of my face without looking like a sweaty Medusa.

The struggle is real, y’all.

The event is Women Run the D on Sept. 15 on Belle Isle. I have no idea if I’ll keep up with running after the race, but I’m enjoying the challenge and proud of my accomplishment already. My goal is to finish in the top 500 in my age bracket. Keep your fingers crossed!

Rebecca

SeptemBEERfest Coming to Auburn Hills

Auburn Hills is hosting its first-ever SeptemBEERfest event on Friday, Sept. 13, from 5 to 9 p.m. at Riverside Park (located at 3311 Squirrel Ct.) in downtown Auburn Hills.

The Michigan craft beer tasting event will feature two blues bands, lawn games, BBQ-style food, and a variety of craft beer vendors. All proceeds from this event will benefit the Auburn Hills Community Foundation.

This charitable event is reserved for guests 21 or older. Pre-sale tickets will be available for $25 per person until Saturday, Aug. 31. After that, general admission tickets will be available for $35 per person. Tickets may also be purchased at the door, but it is recommended to buy your tickets in advance.

Free Drug Overdose Treatment Training

The Alliance of Coalitions for Healthy Communities, Rochester Auburn Hills Community Coalition and the Auburn Hills Fire and Police departments for a free community Naloxone training. Everyone who attends will be trained on the proper administration of the Intra-Nasal Naloxone-style overdose reversal kits.

Everyone aged 18 and older will also receive a free Save a Life Bag containing two 4mg doses of IntraNasal Narcan.

RSVP here.

Last Summer Concert Aug. 23

Grab a lawn chair and your dancing shoes for the last summer concert of the season on Friday, Aug. 23. Collision 6 will rock out the Riverside Amphitheatre from 7 to 8:30 p.m. Don’t miss this toe-tapping good time.

Save the Date for Zombie Laser Tag

Parks and Rec is hosting the 6th annual Zombie Laser Tag for teens ages 13 to 18. The event is free and takes place during the annual Spooktacular event downtown. All equipment is provided. Costumes are not required but are encouraged. Head over to Riverside Park and join the Kombat Tag team Saturday, Oct. 26, from noon to 2 p.m.