Clawson Named One of Michigan’s Safest Cities

The National Council for Home Safety and Security has announced the safest cities in Michigan and fifteen of the twenty are in Oakland County, including Clawson, which is ranked Michigan’s 15th safest city.

The National Council for Home Safety and Security is a national trade association of licensed alarm installers, contractors, and other relevant trade groups across the United States. Their goal is to further industry education and public knowledge about home safety and security. And their primary focus is on legislative initiatives that affect their members at both the federal and state level, as well as the general safety and security of the public in their homes. You can visit their website, Alarms.org for important research, articles and reports about home security and safety.

Alley Update

The new alley entrance arch for the E. 14 Mile alley leading to the SE municipal parking lot has been delivered to the Department of Public Works. Installation of the arch is the first phase of improvements that will also include brick pavers and landscaping. This project is being funded by a grant obtained by the Downtown Development Authority.

Preschool & Child Care Information Night

The Royal Oak Public Library will sponsor their 20^th annual Preschool & Child Care Information Night on Monday, January 28 from 7 to 8:30 p.m. at the Royal Oak Farmers Market. Parking will be free. Julie Bokor, Clawson Public Schools Preschool Coordinator, and Renay Swords, Clawson Childcare Director, will be on hand to talk to parents and answer questions about programs, including parent-tot classes, preschool programs, the Great Start Readiness Program and child care.

Do You Have Street Smarts?

How did Wattles, John R., Coolidge and Livernois get their names? You can find out at the Senior Center on Wednesday, January 16 at 12:45 p.m. The Troy Historical Museum staff will tell you how these local streets and others got their names.

Hercule Poirot is on the Case

The Senior Center Afternoon Movie on Thursday, January 17 at 12:45 p.m. will be the 2017 version of “Murder on the Orient Express” starring Kenneth Branagh, Penélope Cruz, and Willem Dafoe. This movie is based on the Agatha Christie book, which tells the story of a murder committed on the train on which famed detective Hercule Poirot is travelling. Of course, he is recruited to solve the case. For more information, go to cityofclawson.com or call 248.583.6700.

Fermented Vegetables and Fruit

On Monday, January 28, from 6:30 to 7:30 p.m., you can learn all about fermented vegetables and fruit, and the benefits of making your own. It’s easy, fun and nutritious, plus you’ll gain the confidence to try the process at home with your own vegetables and fruit. The Nourishing Traditions Cookbook and other fermentation cookbooks and tools will be available for purchase. Registration begins January 7. This free program will be held at the library. To register, stop by or call 248.588.5500.

Blood Drive Needs Donors

Every minute of every day, someone needs blood. Clawson will be hosting an American Red Cross blood drive to help increase local supplies on Wednesday, December 26 and Friday, January 4, from 1 to 7 p.m. at City Hall. To make an appointment, visit redcrossblood.org.

It Will Be Tax Time Before You Know It

AARP volunteers will once again be at the Senior Center to prepare and e-file your 2018 income tax on Friday mornings beginning February 1. They will start booking appointments on Wednesday, January 2. You must make an appointment for this free program by calling (248) 583-6700. Available appointments fill quickly, so sign-up soon.

Acting Out Kids Audition Workshop

Acting Out Kids is holding a special session to help youngsters build confidence so that they will feel comfortable and have fun at an audition. The workshop will include a variety of games and activities to help kids work on characterization and monologues.  It is recommended for kids that will be auditioning for the AOK murder mystery dinner theatre production on January 5.  But all are welcome.  The workshop will be Friday, January 4, from 7 to 9 p.m. at the Hunter Community Center. The cost is $10.00 per child.  Space is limited and advance registration is required.  For more information or to register, contact actingoutkids@yahoo.com.

Auditions for Murder Mystery Dinner Theater Production

Youngsters ages 8 to 18 are invited to audition for Acting Out Kids’ Murder Mystery Dinner Theater production of “Right Time for Murder” on Saturday, January 5, at 2:30 p.m. Auditions will be held at First Presbyterian Church of Troy. Space is very limited and advance registration is required.  For more information or to register, contact actingoutkids@yahoo.com or to Auditions for ‘Right Time for Murder’ – A Murder Mystery Dinner Theatre Production.

New Year at the Senior Center

Start the year right with a festive New Year’s luncheon on Wednesday, Jan. 2 at noon. The cost is $4. Come for a great lunch and fun with friends. Please purchase your ticket in advance. Call (248) 583-6700 or stop by for more information or to purchase tickets.

Get a Pass at the Library

Did you know that your library card can give you access to hundreds of Michigan’s cultural destinations and natural attractions? You can get free or discounted passes to state parks, campgrounds, museums, trails, and arts and cultural destinations with the “Michigan Activity Pass presented by The Library Network.” This program is a partnership between Michigan’s nearly 400 public libraries and more than 390 attractions and destinations. Some of the participating cultural partners include the Michigan Sealife Aquarium, the Detroit Institute of Arts, Tahquamenon Falls State Park, the Upper Peninsula Children’s Museum in Marquette, the Monroe County Historical Museum, the Icebreaker Mackinaw Maritime Museum in Mackinaw City. Click here to search for activities and to check out a Michigan Activity Pass.

Does Your Kid Like to Put on a Show?

If so, Acting Out Kids Community Theatre might be the perfect place for your child. They offer opportunities to participate in plays, murder mystery dinner theatre productions, films, YouTube shows, classes, workshops, camps, field trips, community events and social events. They are currently taking registration for classes starting in January. Check their website for class schedules. Classes need a minimum of 10 participants, and a minimum of 15 for the murder mystery dinner theatre production. For more information or to register, contact AOK at actingoutkids@yahoo.com.

Ready for a Heist?

The Senior Center afternoon movie on Thursday, December 20 at 12:45 p.m. will be “Ocean’s Eight” starring Sandra Bullock, Cate Blanchett, Anne Hathaway, Mindy Kaling and Helena Bonham Carter. This movie tells the story of Debbie Ocean, who gathers an all-female crew to attempt an impossible heist at New York City’s yearly Met Gala.

.

Be a Permanent Part of Downtown Clawson

Commemorative brick pavers add to the charm of Clawson sidewalks while they celebrate families, friends and important occasions. Honor someone you love for the holidays! These bricks last a lifetime, sharing your message with all who visit downtown Clawson. A donation of $80 buys a 5” x 9” custom brick paver engraved with a family name, a special date or message. Download the brick order form to bring or mail your order to Clawson City Hall, 425 N. Main, Clawson MI 48017 or fill out the online form.

Is Your New Year’s Resolution to Do More For Your Community?

If  so, you can fill out an application to let the city know you’re interested in serving on one of the following boards and commissions:

• Blair Memorial Library
• Compensation Commission
• Downtown Development Authority
• Historical Commission
• Parks & Recreation
• Planning Commission
• Traffic & Safety Board

Clawson’s Young Musicians Warm Up Winter

Join Clawson schools for their concert series December 10 -19 at the Clawson High School Auditorium. And if you have an instrument, come on out to play on December 18 at the Winter Jam Band Open Concert.

Monday, December 10, 7 p.m. – Moxie Strings Concert. Clawson High School and Middle School String Orchestras will present an evening of Celtic, bluegrass, rock and jazz music with the Moxie Strings.

Wednesday, December 12, 7 p.m. – Clawson Choirs Winter Concert. This concert will feature the four Clawson High School and Middle School ensembles.

Tuesday, December 18, 7 p.m. – Clawson High School Winter Jam Open Band Concert. Alumni and members of the community are invited to bring their band instruments and play along with the high school band.

Wednesday, December 19, 7:00 p.m. – Winter Strings Concert will feature 6 -12th grade orchestra students.

Ring in the Holidays at the Senior Center

Monday, December 17 at 5 p.m. – Dinner and Holiday Lights. Enjoy a delicious dinner at the center, followed by a bus tour around town to see all the beautiful holiday lights. Cost is $10. Space is limited, so sign up early.

Wednesday, December 19 at noon – Christmas Luncheon. Celebrate a joyous holiday season with friends. Enjoy a delicious meal, door prizes and more. Cost is $5. Tickets will be sold until December 14 or until sold out.

Wednesday, December 19 at 1 p.m. – Christmas Bingo. Registration closes after December 15 for this special Bingo. Cost is $5. Everyone is guaranteed one prize worth $5 and other bingos will get off-the-cart prizes.

For questions, call (248) 583-6700.

.

Business Mentoring

You can get one-on-one business mentoring at the Blair Memorial Library, every Wednesday from 5 to 8 p.m. Free confidential counseling sessions are conducted by SCORE representatives, who are current or retired business executives. To sign up, go to detroit.score.org. Click on ‘Get Started’ in the green box on the right side of the page and then, enter Clawson, MI in the “Find a SCORE Branch” box and then click on “Request a Mentor” under our location. Or phone (313) 226-7947 and specify the Clawson Library.