Coffee and Crocheting

Get to know your fellow Clawson business owners, have a cup of coffee and pick up a new hobby (or some new yarn) with the Clawson Chamber of Commerce. The Chamber Coffee will be at The Yarn Stop, 25 S. Main Street, Clawson on Monday, February 18 at 8:30 am. For more information, call 248.435.6500 or email ClawsonChamberOfCommerce@gmail.com.

See Art and Make Art

Join Clawson Seniors for Thursdays at the DIA and Art-Making with Mosaics on Thursday, February 21. Take a trip downtown to the Detroit Institute of Arts to make a simple mosaic using a variety of art-making materials or explore the museum on your own. Transportation is $3 and will depart at 12:15 pm from the Clawson Senior Center. For more information or to register, call 248.583.6700 or visit cityofclawson.com.

Right Time for Murder

The famous mystery novel Right Time for Murder is being presented for the first time onstage. The author, Evan Carmichael, finds himself entangled in a chaotic, yet elegant event where actors quit before the show, the stage manager is having a nervous breakdown, and the publicist is just plain cruel.  All antics and craziness aside, Right Time for Murder unfolds into a tight-knit murder mystery from the 1920s. Done as a play within a play, we see what truth really means or if it’s all just fiction.

Performances of this dinner theatre murder mystery will be presented by Acting Out Kids at Kirk in the Hills:

Friday, March 22 at 7 pm

Saturday, March 23 at 7 pm

Sunday, March 24 at 6 pm

Tickets are $18.00 and include a full dinner. They are available at the Hunter Community Center in Clawson, on Eventbrite, or by contacting actingoutkids@yahoo.com. This is a family-friendly event but may not be suitable for children ages 5 and younger.

Sponsorship opportunities and program ads are also available. Prices are $30 – $150. The deadline is March 9.

Clawson’s Main Street

Main Street America was created by the National Trust for Historic Preservation to help communities preserve the unique characters of their downtown areas. Downtowns have historically been the center of a community, where people gathered and got information. But, in the 1960s and 70s, the proliferation of shopping centers and malls began to pull people, energy and money out of downtown districts.

Main Street, says Joan Horton, Director of Clawson’s Downtown Development Authority, provides assistance and technical support for projects designed to restore, preserve and enhance downtown areas.

“If we identify the one big thing that we could use some help with, they help with paying a consultant to come in and help with that project,” says Horton. “They helped with a consultant for our downtown master plan, which we won an award for at the American Planning Association annual meeting – Exceptional Plan for A Small Town. That’s nationwide, so that’s pretty impactful.”

On Thursday, February 14, Clawson will be evaluated for continued national accreditation by Main Street America. Board members, community members, city employees and volunteers will be invited to meet with the evaluating team.

The goal of the program is to retain the things that make each community unique.

“They evaluate you every year to see if you’re following the guidelines of the program to take care of the businesses, the design of the place, to have an organization and community involvement and do promotion,” says Horton.

The emphasis is on continual efforts to follow the program’s principles. Some of the Clawson DDA’s efforts include annual events, social media, programs for businesses, business resources on their webpage and improvements to the downtown public spaces, such as street art and the alleyway renovation.

The program also includes façade grants to give design assistance for businesses to update.

“We’ve had several building renovations and several more coming on that are really going to make a difference to the look and feel of the downtown,” says Horton. “It’s so nice that the developers and the property owners want to make their places look like they belong to downtown Clawson. They want to fit the character and that’s very exciting. Main Street is a great program. We’re very happy to be part of it.”

In March a team from the DDA will go to the annual conference, meet people from around the country and see what they’re doing to get more ideas.

Their current goal is volunteer recruitment. They are looking for community members to contribute their skills to making Clawson an even more inviting place. They are asking people to join their database, so they know what you’re good at and much time you have available. To participate, go to downtownclawson.com and click on “Get Involved.”

Celebrate with Lunch at the Senior Center

There’s lots to celebrate in February. Whether it’s your birthday or Valentine’s Day, it’s a great chance to visit and enjoy a wonderful meal.

Come for February birthday lunch on Wednesday, February 13 at noon. The cost is $3. You can sit anywhere in the dining room, but only those who sign-up and attend will get a birthday card and free lunch coupon.

Or visit for Valentine Luncheon on Thursday, February 14 at noon. The cost is $4. Celebrate Valentine’s Day and all those you love with a delicious lunch. Please purchase your ticket in advance so they know how many to prepare for.

Call 248.583.6700 or visit cityofclawson.com.

Knights of Columbus Fish Fry

The Clawson Knights of Columbus will support the Autism Society of Oakland with proceeds from their family fish fry on Friday, February 8, from 4 to 7 pm. Cost: $10 Adults, $9 Seniors, $4 Children. Call 248.588.3547 for more information.

It’s That Time Again

Taxes are unavoidable, but you can get help. AARP income tax preparation volunteers will be at the senior center to prepare and e-file your 2018 income tax on Friday mornings beginning February 1. You must make an appointment for this free program by calling 248.583.6700. Appointments fill quickly, so call soon.

What’s Up in Clawson?

Clawson’s Downtown Development Authority Director Joan Horton made her monthly report to the DDA meeting. Here are the highlights:

• Interior work is under way at NOAR Technology, 303 E. 14 Mile (former Toto bldg.)
• Demolition has begun at 32 E. 14 Mile for the Weiss Distilling project (former home of Great Sport Coffee). Construction will begin in the spring.
• The architect for the developers of the ACE Hardware property, at 149 E. 14 Mile, will meet with the development team this week to present concepts for improvements. The developers have met with the team several times to talk through concepts and their plans are very much in line with the Downtown Master Plan.
• Work moves forward on the expansion of Noble Fish and the White Wolfe Patisserie with utility service upgrades currently in progress. A spring or summer opening is their goal.
• The new alley entrance arch for the E. 14 Mile alley leading to the SE municipal parking lot has been delivered to DPW. Weather permitting, it may be installed before spring.
• Giffels-Webster is now under contract to provide planning services for the City of Clawson. Planners will be Rod Arroyo, Joe Tangeri and Jill Bahm. This is the same team that provided services to the DDA to develop the award-winning Downtown Clawson Master Plan.

Party with Animals

Tickets are on sale for the Mother/Son Jungle Party, which will be at the Hunter Community Center on Saturday, March 23, at 3 pm. This is a special event for moms and their boys. Price includes light refreshments, a photo memento and an exciting visit from Mark Rosenthal’s Animal Magic.

Mark Rosenthal’s Animal Magic is a nonprofit dedicated to exotic wildlife conservation and life science education. Now in their 39th year, Animal Magic has educated and enlightened audiences across the U.S.  Their popular, live performances, allow them to share their knowledge, respect and appreciation for the animals that share our planet. Come see a fascinating variety of animals from around the world.

Buy tickets in advance at Hunter Community Center. Tickets are $20 per couple and $5 for each additional son.

Start Reading

February’s Wednesday Afternoon Book Club will meet on February 20, from 1 to 2 pm. You can reserve your copy of “To the End of June: The Intimate Life of American Foster Care” by Cris Beam, and register for this free program in the library or by phone at 248.588.5500.

The book asks “Who are the children of foster care and what, as a country, do we owe them?” Cris Beam, a foster mother herself, spent five years immersed in the world of foster care looking into these questions and tracing firsthand stories. The result is “To the End of June,” an unforgettable portrait that takes the reader deep inside the lives of foster children in their search for a stable, loving family.

Beam shows us the intricacies of growing up in the system—the back-and-forth with agencies, the rootless shuffling between homes, the emotionally charged tug between foster and birth parents, the terrifying push out of foster care and into adulthood. Humanizing and challenging a broken system, “To the End of June” offers a tribute to resiliency and hope for real change.

Clawson is a Great Place to Live

Clawson rocks! It ranked 15 in the 2019 Best Places to Raise a Family in Michigan according to credit website WalletHub. Wallethub compared 102 cities in Michigan across four key dimensions: 1) Family Life & Fun, 2) Education, Health & Safety, 3) Affordability and 4) Socioeconomics. See the rankings at Wallethub.

Have a Burger with the Chamber

Nosh and network with Clawson Chamber of Commerce members and prospective Chamber members. As they gather for lunch at The Detroit Burger Bar on Monday, January 28 at 11:30 a.m. Call the Chamber office at 248.435.6500 or email ClawsonChamberOfCommerce@gmail.com for more information.

PAWS to Read!

Come to the library to read to a dog. Everyone’s favorite certified therapy dogs love to be read to, so pick out a book to read to a furry friend on Wednesday, January 30, from 4 to 5:30 pm. Sign up for a 10-minute time slot at the library or by phone at 248.588.5500.

Pizza, Pasta and Piazzas

Three years ago, Valentina Sassi moved to Michigan from Torino, Italy’s fourth largest city and the country’s chocolate capital. On Wednesday, January 23 at 12:45 p.m., Valentina will talk about Italy’s geography, history, traditions, cuisine, and lifestyle at the Clawson Senior Center. Call 248.583.6700 to register.

Need a Ride?

The city of Clawson and Beaumont Health support a transportation program to help Clawson seniors get around. Transportation boundaries are Long Lake Road to the north, 11 Mile Road to the south, Ryan Road to the east and Southfield Road to the west. The extended boundaries are for medical appointments only and include South Boulevard to the north, Nine Mile Road to the south, Van Dyke Avenue to the east and Telegraph Road to the west.

Starting in February, transportation anywhere other than to the Clawson Senior Center will $4 per round trip. Ride tickets are $4 each or four rides for $15 and may be purchased from a driver or at the Senior Center.

Spring, Baseball and Softball are on Their Way!

Get ready to play ball! The Clawson Youth Baseball and Softball League has begun registration for the 2019 baseball and softball season. The league provides youngsters opportunities to develop sportsmanship and athleticism, while participating in developmental and competitive play. Children can enjoy friendly competition with neighboring cities, while preparing for junior high and high school competition.

League format: CYBSL Softball divisions plan to continue with the current inter-league format that involves a partnership with ROSL, Madison Heights Softball, and other neighboring cities.

Divisions for beginners: Divisions for young children are co-ed and begin with t-ball for ages 4-5, developmental machine pitch for ages 6-7, and competitive machine pitch for ages 7-8.

Competitive baseball and softball: For athletes beyond age 8, Pee Wee ages 9-10, and Farm for ages 11-12.

For baseball, call Jeff Gaglio at 586.295.9014 and for softball, call Todd McMillan at 248.854.6733.

Is Clawson Your School of Choice?

Clawson Schools has program openings for developmental kindergarten through 7th grades and 9th and 10th grades. Applications will be considered through Friday, January 25, 2019 at 4:00 pm. Requirements for the Clawson Schools of Choice program:

• Students must reside in the Oakland County Intermediate School District.
• If a student is receiving special education services, an Individual Education Plan (I.E.P.) and MET must accompany the application for Schools of Choice.
• Falsification of requested information may disqualify a student from being considered for admission or may result in removal from Clawson Public Schools if enrolled under false information.
• Students who have been expelled at any time from any school district or convicted of a felony will not be considered for admission.

For questions regarding Clawson’s Schools of Choice program, call Jill LaPine, Enrollment Secretary, (248) 655-4417.

Coloring Party

Coloring is the latest craze in relaxation. Whether you’re an inside the lines sort or not, come out for adult coloring fun at the library on Wednesday, February 13, from 6 to 8 p.m. They will provide the black and white drawings, colored pencils and markers. You provide the inspiration. Registration is free and beings January 16. Register by stopping by or calling 248.588.5500.

The Farmers Market Needs You

Join the farmers market committee for their next meeting on Thursday, January 17 at 7 p.m. at Hunter Community Center to plan for the 2019 market year. They need help with set up, monitoring and planning. If you would like to become a sponsor of the Farmers Market and have your banner on a market tent, email or call Penny at pennycplr@aol.com or 248.259.6208.

A Year of Senior Fun

If you or an older loved one wants to get out and get involved, the Clawson Senior Center has a lot going on. With transportation and inexpensive lunches available, these monthly programs are sure to get you in the swing.

Bingo:  2nd and last Wednesdays of each month from 1 to 3 p.m.  Cards $.25 each.

Canasta:  First and third Tuesdays of each month at 12:30 p.m.

Casino Trip:  Last Thursday of each month, departing at 11 a.m. Cost: $6

Chair Yoga:  Fridays at 9:30 a.m.  Cost: Donations

Chair Exercise:  Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays at 10:30 a.m.  Cost: Donation

Euchre:  Tuesdays at 1 p.m. Cost: $1

Knit & Crochet: Wednesdays from 10 a.m. to noon.

Line Dancing: Tuesdays from 1 to 3 p.m. in the gym. Cost:  $5

Pinochle:  Mondays at 1 p.m. Cost:  $1

Quilting:  Tuesdays from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.

Wii Bowling: Thursdays from 10 a.m. to noon (challenge games against the Berkley and Madison Heights Seniors throughout the year)

Transportation is available for Clawson residents. There is a $5 fee for travel inside transportation boundaries. Scheduling hours are Monday through Thursday from 8 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. Transportation hours are Monday through Thursday from 8 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. and Friday from 8 a.m. to noon. Call 248.583.6700 for more information or to request transportation.

A balanced lunch is also served Monday through Thursday at noon. A $3 donation is suggested. Home-delivered meals are available to homebound residents. Please call the Senior Center to learn if you or a loved one qualifies. Call-ahead carryout is available for $3.50.

If you would like more information on programs or senior trips, call or email Kathy Leenhouts at 248.583.6700 or kleenhouts@cityofclawson.com to get the senior newsletter.