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, but here am. And I have to say, I’m pretty proud.

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

Rebecca

Join the First Clawson Citizen’s Academy

Clawson is launching its first Citizen’s Academy. The program is scheduled to start on Oct. 7 and run through Nov. 4, classes will be held on Mondays from 6 to 7:30 p.m. at various city buildings.

Through the academy, citizens will get a behind-the-scenes look at city operations, have a chance to give feedback that may help the city improve its commitment to the citizens, and become ambassadors for the city in which they live, work and play.

Each week, different departments of city government are featured. The entire schedule for the academy is listed below.

Oct. 7 – Introduction to Local Government and Clawson’s History
Oct. 14 – Department of Public Works: Services for You
Oct. 21 – City Government 101: The Basics of Day to Day Operations
Oct. 28 – Library, Parks and Rec: Community Involvement
Nov. 4 – Public Safety: What Your Police and Fire Departments Do

This program is free and open to Clawson residents 16 years or older. Certificates of Completion will be presented at the City Council Meeting on Nov. 5 at 7:30 p.m. to residents who attend a minimum of four sessions. The City of Clawson’s Citizens Academy is limited to 25 participants.

Applications are due to the City Manager’s Office by Monday, Sept. 30, and participants are selected on a first come, first served basis. Click here for the application.

For more information contact the City Manager’s Office at 248-435-4500 ext. 110 or email nstepnitz@cityofclawson.com. 

Three Cats Opens

Three Cats is officially open! Wine and dine in Metro Detroit’s newest and most eclectic restaurant with a menu curated by Chef Matt Prentice, and an experience designed to delight by Mary Liz Curtin. Open for lunch 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Dinner service begins at 4 p.m. Check out the menu.

Paws and Claws Announced

Join the community for a fun-filled day of pet-friendly activities, animal adoption opportunities, food, on-site vendors and more at Paws and Claws.

Start your day with a refreshing two-mile walk/run. Check-in starts at 10 a.m. for all registered participants. Registration and updated information will be available online.

The walk/run begins at 10:30 a.m.  Register now for $25 per participant. If you’re participating with your pet, feel free to dress them up for the walk/run.

Pet Adoptions and other event information to follow.

Proceeds benefit participating animal rescue groups, scholarships for graduating Clawson seniors and the Clawson Food Pantry.

Be sure to check back for updates.

Art in the City

The new Detroit Institute of Arts mural is underway on the south wall of Clawson Jewelers. Artist and Clawson High School art teacher Megan Hominick kicked off the painting last week. The design shows off all the great qualities and sights of Clawson. More artists will work on the mural, so if you see them working, stop and give your encouragement.

Three Cats Cafe Opens as Restaurant

Three Cats Café at 116 W. 14 MIle, dropped the “Café” from the name when it changes to full service dining Sept. 20. Three Cats was featured in Local Business News.

Join the Saturday STEAM Lab at the Blair Memorial Library

Harness the creative power of LEGO and programming to build an interactive experience. The STEAM Lab will engage the participants in science, technology, engineering, art and math activities through fun, hands-on experiences with exciting technologies. This event is a collaboration between the library and 24G.

Registration is open now for two sessions:

Saturday, Sept. 21, from 10 to 11 a.m.

Saturday, Sept. 21, from 11:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.

Learn About Marijuana Laws

On Sept. 11, a town hall meeting took place to help citizens better understand Michigan’s marijuana laws. If you missed it, click here to view the slides from the presentation.

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

Planning Commission Approves Site Plans for Two Projects

First, Weiss Distilling Company filed a new site plan with facade changes and an interior re-do. The distillery, tasting room and two retail spaces will be in the planned new building. The existing two-story brick building will be the home to Sabbath Coffee, a coffee roasting business, and shared office workspace on the second floor.

Second, the ACE Hardware site is in for a huge makeover. ACE is staying and will receive a complete interior and exterior renovation. The two retail spaces on the north end of the ACE building will be removed and become the ACE garden center. But, the really big news is the new construction. There will be a new building along 14 Mile that will form an L-shape with the existing ACE building and another story will be added over the existing ACE building.

The new construction along 14 MIle will have retail on the ground level, apartments on the second and third floors and apartments on the addition over ACE. Balconies with overflowing gardens and ivy covering the staircase/elevator towers on each end of the building add green elements

Parking for the apartments will be provided in the lot to the east of the building as the current PF Galleries building will be removed.

Middle School Looking for Robotics Team Members

The Clawson Middle School Robostangs are looking for 20 kids to fill out the robotics squad. To be considered, fill out the application by Sept. 18.

New VinoTalk

Wine lovers be sure to check out the new episode of VinoTalk. This time, John Jonna talks about Law Estate wines. It’s a worthwhile five minutes of your day.

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

Great Balls of Yarn! The Yarn Stop Celebrates Third Anniversary

The Yarn Stop’s third anniversary is fast approaching, and there’s a lot to celebrate. This successful small business has become a strong part of Clawson’s vibrant downtown, bringing personal service, classes and thousands of skeins of colorful yarn to use to create beautiful handmade projects.

Since last year, The Yarn Stop has:

• donated nearly $1,000 to local charities through its “Tips for Winding” program
• increased selection of hand-dyed yarns, including those from independent dyers
• expanded to include The Yarn Stop University, a classroom and social space
• hosted national instructor Patty Lyons for a weekend of knitting classes
• expanded the class calendar to include knit and crochet classes of all levels, with multiple sessions of beginner, project, technique and “Pick Your Own” classes available
• started the 2019-2020 Sweater Challenge to encourage people to expand their skills
• Winner of Best Crafts Supplies in WDIV’s “Vote for the Best” – 2nd year in a row

To celebrate, The Yarn Stop is hosting a Throwback Thursday Class on Thursday, Sept. 5, from 7 to 9 p.m. Learn to knit the Cheetah’s Mitts, which was the first class taught at The Yarn Stop back in 2016. Call or stop in for details and to register.

Also, on Saturday, Sept. 7, the store will host in-public social crafting. Bring your lawn chair and sit on the sidewalk in front of the store. Specials and surprises planned all day.

Corn Roast Slated for Farmer’s Market

Nothing beats the taste of summer sweet corn.

Summer harvest is the perfect time to savor the taste of sweet corn at the Oakland County Farmers Market. Join market vendors for a Corn Roast from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. on Saturday, Sept. 7.

Enjoy a free ear of corn, one per person while it lasts.

Clawson Police Issue Laughs

If you’re not following the Clawson Police Department on social media, it’s time to start. The department posts great public information as well as a healthy dose of humor. Take this recent post as an example: This morning, officers located a road hazard on Main St. near Maple, which quickly escalated into a wild goose chase. We are happy to report this gaggle of jay walkers made it safely across the road. We issued a verbal warning. #NoFowlPlay #NotJustCrime#WhyDidTheGooseCrossTheRoad?

DIA Gives Clawson Art Grant

The Detroit Institute of Arts selected Clawson as a grant beneficiary for a public art mural. The site for the mural is the south wall of Clawson Jewelers at 45 S. Main. A draft design has been chosen that reflects all aspects of Clawson life. The work is expected to be complete in mid-October.

Businesses Set to Benefit from Mainstreet Oakland County

MainStreet Oakland County is creating a website for all Main Street communities. Each downtown will have a separate page and link to their own sites. Clawson businesses and others are submitting content for when the site goes live in September.

Learn About Increasing Business

There is a workshop offered in Lake Orion titled ‘Increasing Sales and Profits as a Destination Business’. The speaker is nationally renowned Jon Schallert. The date is Thursday, September 5 and the workshop is free but must register in advance. Contact ddadirector@cityofclawson for details. 

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

Remember to Attend Town Hall with Rep. Kuppa

State Rep. Padma Kuppa (D-Troy) announced her Care Town Hall on Wednesday, Aug. 21, from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. at Clawson High School, 101 John M Ave. in Clawson.

The town hall will offer an avenue for residents to discuss care across the lifespan, including child care, elder care and end-of-life care. Special guests include State Rep. Jim Ellison (D-Royal Oak), Oakland County Commissioner Penny Luebs, and representatives of Michigan Caring Majority and Michigan United.

Rep. Kuppa’s staff is also available to help with state-level issues or concerns. Contact her office by phone at 517-373-1783 or by email at PadmaKuppa@house.mi.gov.

Save the Date for Ice Cream Social

Help the Yarn Stop celebrate three years in business with an ice cream social on Friday, Sept. 6, from 6 to 9 p.m. Just bring your favorite topping the team at Yarn Stop will scoop up a bit of happiness for you. In addition to ice cream, participants can enjoy an open house as well. Who knew knitting needles and spoons went together so well?

Friends of the Library Summer Book Sale at Public Library

Book worms, rejoice. The Friends of the Library Summer Book Sale runs this week and offers a wide selection of hardcovers, paperbacks, magazines and audio-visual materials. Proceeds fund programs and projects throughout the year.

The sale runs Monday, Aug. 19 to Wednesday, Aug. 21.

Students Make Donation to School Supply Drive

Brooklyn Schomaker and her mom, Lindsay Forgash, stopped by the Clawson Police Department Aug. 15 to make a generous donation to the Backpack/School Supply Drive.

“What they did was great, to add to our cause. We were very appreciative of them coming to our city,” Police Chief Scott Sarvello said.

Brooklyn and two of her friends, Tabitha Adkins and Sophia Forwerk, worked on a project that focused on school funding at the end of the school year at Keller Elementary School in Royal Oak. During their project, they collected many backpacks and school supplies. They had been looking for a place to donate the items when Lindsay heard about the Clawson Police Department drive.