A Highly Suspenseful Meal

An internationally bestselling phenomenon, “The Dinner” is the darkly suspenseful, highly controversial tale of two families struggling to make the hardest decision of their lives — all over the course of one meal. Come discuss the book that was made into a major motion picture starring Richard Gere, Laura Linney, Steve Coogan, Rebecca Hall, and Chloë Sevigny at the Wednesday Afternoon Book Club on April 17, from 1 to 2 pm at the library. Please reserve your copy and register for this free program in the library or by phone at 248.588.5500.

Get Your Absentee Ballot

Want an absentee ballot for the May 7 Special Election? Registered voters don’t need a reason per Prop. 3 passed in November. Stop by the City Clerk’s Office or call 248.435.4500 x 116 for an absentee ballot application.

Soccer, Softball, and Baseball, Oh My!

Come out on to the Senior Center Saturday, April 6 from 9 am to 1 pm at Hunter Community Center to buy or sell. There are 50 tables available for rent, so you can sell your own items. Cost is $15 per table, but if you stay until 1 pm you get $5 back! Space is first come, first served, so get your registration form and money in as soon as possible! We will also have baked goods available for sale that day. All proceeds from table rental and food sales will benefit the senior center. If you can help with baking or working the bake sale table, please call 248.583.6700 or sign up in the Senior Center.

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We’d love to know what you think! After you read this week’s City News, please take a moment to answer some quick questions that you will find at the bottom of this page.

Clawson Chamber Spring Oakland County Network Mixer

Join 27 Oakland County Chambers members for a lively mixer on Thursday, April 11, from 5 to 7 pm at the DoubleTree by Hilton at 39475 Woodward. There will be a great crowd, so bring lots of business cards and marketing materials. Cost is $10, payable at the door at the Clawson Chamber of Commerce Table.

Pop Art Studio Wood Project

The Clawson Makers Market is hosting a pop art studio project on Sunday, March 24, from noon to 2 pm. The project is titled “Fresh, Sometimes Frozen Wood and Resin.” The $25 fee includes all supplies, customization with wood engraver and instruction for a 6” x 6” finished project. Feel free to bring snacks and beverages. Get tickets.

Dog Man to the Rescue!

March is Reading Month – so celebrate the crime-biting canine from a favorite graphic novel series at the Blair Memorial Library on Saturday, March 23. Enjoy crafts and activities inspired by Dog Man, who is part dog, part man, and all hero! With the head of a dog and the body of a human, this heroic hound digs into deception, claws after crooks, rolls over robbers, and scampers after squirrels. Will he be able to resist the call of the wild to answer the call of duty? Howl with laughter with Dog Man, the #1 New York Times bestselling series from Dav Pilkey, the creator of Captain Underpants! Call 248.588.5500 for more information.

Tables of Treasure / Indoor Garage Sale

Come out on to the Senior Center Saturday, April 6 from 9 am to 1 pm at Hunter Community Center to buy or sell. There are 50 tables available for rent, so you can sell your own items. Cost is $15 per table, but if you stay until 1 pm you get $5 back! Space is first come, first served, so get your registration form and money in as soon as possible! We will also have baked goods available for sale that day. All proceeds from table rental and food sales will benefit the senior center. If you can help with baking or working the bake sale table, please call 248.583.6700 or sign up in the Senior Center.

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Henna Happy Hour

Get a little adventurous and exotic at Kahve House in Downtown Clawson. Come out on Friday, March 29, from 4 to 7 pm for $5 henna. Henna is a long-lasting reddish-brown dye that many traditions use to make intricate designs on the skin. Give yourself and those around you something beautiful to look at at Henna Happy Hour, which will be held at Kahve House the last Friday of every month.

City Manager Finalists

Clawson is a home rule city, which means that the elected council appoints a professionally-trained and experienced manager to administer the day-to-day operations of the city and to make recommendations to the city council. The council makes all policy decisions, including review, revision, and final approval of the proposed annual budget.

After a thorough review of 100 applicants, seven candidates have been selected as finalists in the search for Clawson’s new City Manager. Public interviews will be held on Thursday, March 14 from 8:30 am to 4:30 pm at Clawson City Hall, followed by a community reception from 5 to 7 pm, where residents can mingle with the candidates and hear short, prepared remarks. Community members are encouraged to attend, meet the candidates and complete anonymous feedback forms which will then be shared with City Council. Read about the finalists.

Community Resource Networking Night

Clawson’s Community Resource group was initially established to provide a directory of organizations, programs and services within the community and it’s time to update the resource guide. The group will gather at Hunter Community Center on Thursday, March 21, from 6 to 7:30 pm. Two representatives from each group will speak about their group, mission and upcoming events in order to share information and coordinate events. Email Penny Luebs at pennycplr@aol.com or call 248.259.6208 to register or for more information. Pizza and salad dinner provided.

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Apply for Spirit of Main Street Micro Business Grant

Sixteen Main Street Oakland County downtowns, including Clawson, have until April 30 to apply for up to $2,500 in grant money to support the attraction, retention and growth of small businesses in their downtowns.

The grants, called the Spirit of Main Street Micro Business Grants, are the result of a partnership between Main Street Oakland County and Genisys Credit Union. To be eligible, activities must support the creation, relocation or expansion of a micro business and may include location renovations and preparation, signage, and marketing materials and efforts.

“Genisys Credit Union is always looking at ways to help improve the communities we serve,” said Genisys President and CEO Jackie Buchanan. “This is why we are excited to partner with Main Street Oakland County on the Spirit of Main Street Micro Business Grants. These grants help attract and retain small businesses and in turn, build stronger local economies and communities.”

Under the terms of the grant, a minimum dollar-for-dollar match must be provided by the applicant. For more information and to find application forms, go to MainStreetOaklandCounty.com, and click on the “Services & Trainings” tab. A second round of funding is planned for August.

Main Street Oakland County is comprised of Auburn Hills, Berkley, Birmingham, Clarkston, Clawson, Farmington, Ferndale, Franklin, Groveland Township, Hazel Park, Highland Township, Holly, Holly Township, Lake Orion, Lathrup Village, Leonard, Oak Park, Ortonville, Oxford, Pontiac, Rochester, Royal Oak, South Lyon and Wixom.

Health is a Gift You Give Yourself

Learn about the health benefits of eating vegan and enjoy a delicious vegan food tasting with VegMichigan and Dr. Robert Breakey on Wednesday, April 10, from 6 to 7 pm. The program is free, but space is limited.  Registration begins March 13 in the library or by phone at 248.588.5500. 

Mingle with the Chamber

The March Clawson Chamber of Commerce lunch will be at Tavern on The Main on Monday, March 11 at 11:30 am. Come out for great food, networking with other area professionals and guest speaker Dr. Eli Redman of BodyWorks chiropractic and soft tissue center. An avid athlete, Dr. Eli Redman discovered the benefits of chiropractic as a high school athlete with a back injury. After a few treatments, he was back on the basketball court and convinced of the benefits. Planning to become a teacher, he switched tracks to become a healer to help his fellow athletes. For more information contact the chamber office at clawsonchamberofcommerce@gmail.com or 248.435.6500.

Ready for a Touch of the Irish?

Wear your green to the Senior Center’s St. Patrick’s Day Luncheon on Thursday, March 14 at noon. Cost is $5. Enjoy a delicious meal of corn beef and cabbage, along with some fun and entertainment by Charlene Grablowski! Tickets will be sold until Monday, March 11th or until they sell out, whichever comes first. Get your ticket at the Senior Center or call 248.583.6700.

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Girl Waits With Gun

Constance Kopp doesn’t quite fit the mold. She towers over most men, has no interest in marriage or domestic affairs, and has been isolated from the world since a family secret sent her and her sisters into hiding fifteen years ago. One day a belligerent and powerful silk factory owner runs down their buggy, and a dispute over damages turns into a war of bricks, bullets, and threats as he unleashes his gang on their family farm. When the sheriff enlists her help in convicting the men, Constance is forced to confront her past and defend her family — and she does it in a way that few women of 1914 would have dared.  On Wednesday, March 20, from 1 to 2 pm, the Wednesday Afternoon Book Club will read “Girl Waits with Gun,” by Amy Stewart. You can reserve your copy and register for this free program in the library or by phone at 248.588.5500.

Clawson’s Farmers Market Sundays and Wednesdays

The Farmers Market Committee has announced Sunday Summer Park Market and Wednesday In-Town Market. The Markets will be small neighborhood gathering places for everyone, with diverse local farm products, specialty foods and other assorted items. The Summer Sunday Market will be one Sunday each month, May through September, 9 am to 1 pm at Clawson City Park.  The Wednesday In-Town Market will be every Wednesday, 3 to 7 pm, from June 5 through September 25, on the grounds of The Salt and Sugar Co.

Sunday Market Schedule

May 19: Flower Day; DIA Traveling Museum

June 9: Touch a Truck Day; Inflatables

July 14: Children’s Cooking Demonstration; Inflatables

August 11: Back to School; Inflatables

September 8: Harvest Day

The Farmers Market is looking for volunteers, vendors and sponsors. Sponsorships range from $25 to $500. Benefits may include your business name on the musical canopy tent and an opportunity to place company brochures and give-away items out for Farmers Market guests. For information, email pennycplr@aol.com or phone 248.217.1182.

Bowl for Education

In 2010 the Clawson Police Department established a scholarship program to help high school students pursue careers in the criminal justice system. They have raised nearly $46,000 and have awarded 22 college scholarships to students from the Clawson community. The CPD is hosting their 10th Annual Bowl-A-Thon fundraiser on Friday March 8 at 8:45 pm at Astro Lanes.

The cost is $25 per person at the door or you can pre-register (individually or by team) for $20 per person. Entry fee includes 2 games of 9 pin no-tap bowling, shoes, pizza, pop, and a free door raffle. There will also be a cash bar, 50/50 raffle, and silent auction. The pre-registration deadline is Friday, March 1. For pre-registration and/or business sponsorship, please contact Detective Sergeant Kellie Bauss at 248.508.7821 or KBauss@CityofClawson.com.

Main Street Update

On February 14 the Evaluation Team from the National Main Street Center came to evaluate Clawson’s program. They spent the day reviewing workplans, partnerships, and goals as well as interviewing focus groups of business owners, city staff, volunteers and board members to determine if Clawson met the criteria for continued accreditation. The good news – CLAWSON PASSED! Clawson once again is a nationally accredited Main Street Community. The Main Street Oakland County annual Main Event award ceremony is scheduled for 6 pm on Thursday, May 9 at the Flagstar Strand Theater in Pontiac.

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Afternoon Movie

Come out for edge-of-your-seat excitement at the Senior Center’s Afternoon Movie on Thursday, February 21 at 12:45 pm. This month watch “Skyscraper” starring Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson and Neve Campbell. This movie is about a security expert who must infiltrate a burning skyscraper, 225 stories above ground, when his family is trapped inside by criminals. As always, they’ll provide the pop and popcorn.

What is Clawson Makers Market?

Opening March 1, Clawson Makers Market will be a creative space in which people with shared interests, creativity and vision and can gather to shop, sell or make while sharing ideas, equipment and knowledge.

Shop – A place to browse and purchase art and wares from over 25 local makers year-round. Unique and creative shopping. Something for everyone.

Sell – Makers of all kinds can apply to sell their items in a retail environment without commissions. Meet clients, customize and personalize. Share.

Make – Feeling creative? Sign up to learn to make unique projects with local makers and artists using their equipment and supplies. You can also bring your ideas or art files for production.

If you have questions, call 248.855.8330 or email clawsonmakersmarket@gmail.com.

Up For a Game of Euchre?

The Clawson/Troy Optimist Club and Junior Advisor Group invite you to play and to help raise money for the children’s charities they support. Come out to Shield’s Restaurant on Saturday, March 2 at 6 pm for Euchre with cash prizes, 50/50 raffles and basket raffles. Tickets are $30 per person, which includes pizza, salad and wings. There will be a cash bar. Register by February 27. To register or for more information, call or email Ellen Lawton at 248.981.3750 or ellen@msuspartan.net or Karen Parker at 586.805.5580 or rhodespark@aol.com.

Meet a Knitting Star

Learn from nationally recognized knitting teacher and technique expert Patty Lyons at The Yarn Stop University May 17-19. Lyons is known for teaching the “why” not just the “how” in her pursuit of training the “mindful knitter.” She specializes in sweater design and sharing her love of the much-maligned subjects of gauge and blocking. Her designs and knitting skill articles have been published in Vogue Knitting, Interweave Knits, Knit Purl, Knitter’s Magazine, Cast On, Knit Style, Creative Knitting, Twist Collective, and Mason Dixon Knitting where she writes a monthly knitter’s advice column: “Ask Patty.”  On Friday, May 17, from 7 to 8:30 pm, there will be a Meet and Greet with Lyons. Admission is a $5 donation, which will go to support Knit Michigan, which creates chemo caps and other patient comfort items for cancer patients.