Men’s Salon Opens This Month

The Arena– a full-service men’s salon –opens at 42 E. 14 Mile. The target opening day is Nov. 15. It’s the perfect time to get a holiday clean up and support a local business.

Used Book Sale Ends Nov. 9

Bookworms, don’t forget to peruse the tomes at the Friends of the Library Fall Book Sale. Now through Nov. 9, stock up on your favorite authors to help you make it through those cold winter nights. Plus, it’s for a great cause.

Blair Memorial Library’s 90th Anniversary Celebration

On Wednesday, Nov. 13, from 6 to 8 p.m., head to the Blair Memorial Library for an evening of music and entertainment celebrating the library’s 90th anniversary.

Christmas in Clawson Craft Show

Mark your calendar for Nov. 9 and attend the 35th Annual Christmas in Clawson Craft Show. Featuring 250 juried artists/crafters, lunch/refreshments, visits with Santa (noon to 2 p.m.), baked goods sale, and raffles at Clawson High School and Clawson Middle School. There will be additional parking with a free shuttle from Schalm Elementary School, 940 N. Selfridge Blvd. Admission is $3, children 13 and younger free.

Trivia Night for Teen Clean Closet

Head to the Clawson Knights of Columbus at 870 North Main Street on Saturday, Nov. 2, for a fundraiser benefiting Teen Clean Closet. Toiletry and hygiene item donations gratefully accepted. All admissions include: trivia and a cash bar.

The fun kicks off at 5:30 p.m. The cost for dinner and trivia is $240 per table/team of eight or $30 per person. For more information, call the Royal Oak Optimists at 248-561-9396.

The Yarn Stop Participates in Shop Hop

The Yarn Stop is joining 17 Metro Detroit area yarn stores for the Southeast Michigan Shop Hop Nov. 7 through 10.

The Yarn Stop is also hosting a trunk show with Michigan’s own Why Knot Fibers, plus an Annual Early Morning Clearance Sale. Save the date for bingo, sales, prizes and fun.

Block Development Grant

On Oct. 16, the City Council approved to hold a public hearing on Nov. 6, at 7:30 p.m. regarding the Community Development Block Grant funding. The Community Development Block Grant is a grant funded through the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development to keep communities sound, attractive and economically viable.

Oakland County also provides federal Community Development Block Grant funding to communities for revitalization projects. The program strengthens neighborhoods by supporting local revitalization, home improvement and public services for senior citizens, low income persons and families, disadvantaged youth and disabled residents throughout most of Oakland County.

Learn more here.

Mural Unveiled

The mural was unveiled last week during the Great Pubkin Crawl. Check it out!

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.

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

Books & Authors

Shake the ink-stained hands of over 40 local authors and celebrate reading, writing, and Michigan at Books & Authors. The party is at Leon & Lulu on Saturday, Oct. 20, from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m.

As well as selling their books, many authors will deliver 15-minute readings, and everyone will be thrilled to meet their public.

10% of the day’s sales will benefit Oakland Literacy Council.

A Ray of Light

Customers of The Yarn Stop showed up unasked to help owner Sam Gill get yarn out of the smoke caused by the Clawson Grill fire. Loyal customers show their big hearts!

Community Food Drive

On the third Monday of every month, those in need of food can stop by Grace Apostolic Church at 700 E. Elmwood Ave. Food bags can be picked up at The Community Food Bank from 5:30 to 7 p.m.

If you’re giving, food donation boxes are in city buildings and local businesses. The food bank needs: boxed dinners, cereal, canned fruits and veggies, canned soup, pasta and sauce, tuna, instant oatmeal, macaroni and cheese, peanut butter and jelly, rice and stuffing, crackers and juice boxes.

Call 248-435-4500 or 248-736-6320 for more information.

Blanket Collection

As the weather gets colder, it’s nice to bundle up. With the help of the Clawson Fire Department, a local Eagle Scout is collecting new or gently used, clean blankets for the homeless. There is a collection bin on the front porch of the fire station until Thursday, Oct. 17.

Acting Out Kids

The October Friday night monthly Acting & Improv workshop will be on Friday, Oct. 18, from 7 to 8:30 p.m. at the Hunter Community Center in Clawson. The cost is $10 per child. Advance registration is required.

Be a part of a thrilling new concept and join the Acting Out Kids to create and star in a fun YouTube show. Known as America’s Worst Cable Station, bring to life Channel Magnificent’s insane shows. This will be fast-paced, fun and crazy with a new show every session.

The fall session starts Oct. 12 and runs Saturdays from 2:30 to 5 p.m. for six weeks. The cost is $120. Space is limited; advance registration is required. To register, please contact actingoutkids@yahoo.com.

Halloween Fun in Clawson

Planning is underway for the downtown Trick or Treasure kids event and the Great Pubkin Crawl to be held on Saturday, October 26. Trick or Treasure is from noon to 3p with kids traveling through the downtown businesses. The Pubkin Crawl participants will register 6-7pm at Leon & Lulu and pick up their play booklets. Online registration is open at www.downtownclawson.com/happenings/the-great-pubkin-crawl. Early registration is highly recommended! Early registration is $20 and ends at midnight on Wednesday, October 23. On-site registration is $25 per person.

Egg-celent: Clawson Allows Domestic Fowl

The city announced Sept. 16 that citizens are now allowed to keep domestic fowl in their yards. So, chickens. Read the new ordinance before feathering your coop.

Police Donate Car

Oct. 3, the Clawson Police Department donated a police car to the Cruisin’ For A Cure fundraiser held at 52-4 District Court. The car will be placed in Children’s Hospital, so kids can “cruise” themselves to treatment. The goal is to lessen the anxiety for the children and their family. All members of Clawson PD contributed to the purchase of this car.

Friends,

It’s officially autumn. Beyond the pumpkin spice debate lies a more important topic in my house: Halloween.

My 7-year-old twins have been planning their costumes since August, so I’m very aware of how critical Oct. 31 is in their world. I’m not the only one, either. So many communities are planning trick-or-treat events, that I can’t possibly list them all. As a PTO mom, I’m helping plan a trunk-or-treat at our Eastside elementary.

Enjoy the fun of October. In addition to getting juiced up on candy, there are apple orchards to visit (try convincing your kids that you’re going doughnut picking, too, it’s fun), pumpkins to carve, chili to make and football to watch. What’s your favorite activity?

Enjoy autumn,

Rebecca

New Pastry Shop Opens

White Wolf Patisserie opened on Sept. 12. There are plans for an October grand opening and ribbon cutting event at the 41 E. 14 Mile location.

Coffee with a Cop

Grab a Cuppa Joe and tuck in for Coffee with a Cop. Join officers from the Clawson Police Department at Kahve Coffee on Oct. 2, from 8 to 10 a.m. The idea behind Coffee with a Cop is to break down barriers between the community and law enforcement. Come with questions, listening ears and an open mind.

Main Street Website Delayed

The Main Street Oakland County website has been slightly delayed as communities are still submitting content. The website gives a presence to each Main Street community along with the event calendar that will show the activities in all communities in one location. The website will also link to each downtown’s individual website.