Friends,

One of the best parts of being City News editor is I get to see all the good we humans do for each other around the holidays. From toy and canned food drives to charity events and volunteering opportunities, my heart is happy.

I’ve always loved the giving time of year and I’m trying to instill that spirit of generosity into my kids year-round. I had them help me donate to the Macomb Foster Closet, which gives foster kids two free wardrobes each year. I love this charity for several reasons. There’s no middle man. Our donations go from our trunk to their shelves. We are helping children in our area. And my kids are adopted. Luckily, they didn’t spend any time in foster care, but it’s a path many children have to take.

What are some of your favorite charities? Why? Let’s see if we can get a shout out to the ones that mean the most to us. Together, we can make an even more caring community.

Rebecca

Free Christmas Eve Dinner

On Dec. 24 from 2 to 5 p.m., anyone in need can attend a free Christmas Eve Dinner sponsored by local attorneys. Dinner will take place at The Rec Bowl at 40 Crocker Boulevard. Servers will include local judges and law enforcement. Questions? Contact Laura Polizzi at 586-422-0700.

New Year’s Eve Gala

Save the date! Make plans to join in the fun at the annual Downtown Mount Clemens New Year’s Eve Fireworks Gala, and Children’s New Year’s Eve Night at the Museum. The award-winning Zambezi Fireworks will provide a professional pyrotechnics display that will light up the sky. The children’s party runs from 4 to 9 p.m., while the adult party begins at 9:30 p.m. You’ve just found your New Year’s Eve plans.

Seeking Local Treasure Nominations

Do you know someone who makes Mount Clemens a better place to live, work or play? If so, nominate them as a Mount Clemens Local Treasure. Local Treasures are Mount Clemens residents who have made a positive contribution to the city, however large or small, and the city would like to recognize them for all of their good deeds. To nominate someone for Local Treasure, please use a nomination form and send it to City Hall by Dec. 16.

Brunch with Santa

Gather up the kids and enjoy a Christmas-themed Brunch at O’Halloran’s Public House. Brunch will be served from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Santa will mingle with the children and take photos. You must provide your own camera and photos are complimentary. Call 586-329-1252 as reservations are preferred.

Friends,

I blinked and missed November.

At my house, we’re in full-blown celebration mode. After Thanksgiving, we celebrated my dad’s birthday. Then my twins’ birthday is midmonth. My family Christmas party and my birthday sit back to back on the calendar. Christmas comes through like a freight train, and after a week of putting toys together and picking packaging out of the rug, we celebrate the New Year.

I’m pre-exhausted.

But this season, I’m doing a few things for myself. I signed up for a virtual race to run, walk or crawl at least one mile every day between Thanksgiving and Christmas. I’m also determined to enjoy a cheesy or classic (I haven’t decided yet) movie without multi-tasking. And I have my heart set on finding a copy of Chicken Soup for the Soul: It’s Beginning to Look A Lot Like Christmas in a store. A story of mine is published in the book and I’d just like to see it somewhere.

What are your plans for the holidays? Email me at citynewseditor@localbiznews.net so I can pick up a few new ideas for my family.

Rebecca

Seeking Local Treasure Nominations

Do you know someone who makes Mount Clemens a better place to live, work or play? If so, nominate them as a Mount Clemens Local Treasure. Local Treasures are Mount Clemens residents who have made a positive contribution to the city, however large or small, and the city would like to recognize them for all of their good deeds. To nominate someone for Local Treasure, please use a nomination form and send it to City Hall by Dec. 16.

Tinsel Tour

The annual Tinsel Tour Kick-Off is Tuesday, Dec. 3, at 5 p.m. at City Hall with plenty of free holiday fun for the entire family:
-Stroll along the riverfront to see the spectacular array of Christmas trees.
-Take in the sounds of the season with festive Christmas carolers.
-Enjoy hot chocolate and cookies.

Visit with Santa and share your Christmas wishes – be sure to bring your camera to capture the moment. Then wander through a Winter Wonderland display just for the kids.

Friends,

Last week, I took my first mom-cation. I went to Seattle, and for the most part, traveled around by myself. I had a wonderful time. Beyond the sights I saw and the food, I met some interesting people—Tony the bartender at Rocco’s, Richie the shoe salesperson at Nordstrom, the fish-throwing guy at Pike’s Place.

One of the best things of my profession is how it has made me so curious about people. I’ll ask anyone anything. Usually, I can get some great insight, and at the very least a telling response to my questions.

It was great to get away, but now I’m back and in the throes of the holidays. Thanksgiving in a few days, then we launch into “birthday season” at my house, and of course Christmas.

Be sure to check out Local Business News for some great holiday shopping ideas while you’re looking through the Black Friday ads, too.

From my family to yours, Happy Thanksgiving!

Rebecca

Winter Snow Removal and Snow Emergency Information

This winter during snowstorms, please park vehicles at an off-street location. Parking in a driveway or parking lot is helpful for when the snow plows come through. On-street parking can resume after the city has plowed the streets.

Whenever there is an abundance of snow or there is a possibility that snow will accumulate to extraordinary depths, the city may declare a Snow Emergency. Local television and radio news stations will be alerted when a snow emergency has been declared and cancelled, so tune in for this information during snow storms or excessive snow falls.

After the initial notice of a snow emergency is declared, remove all vehicles within six hours on any major streets and/or within 12 hours on local streets or alleys. Once the entire street has been cleared of snow from curb to curb and no additional snow has accumulated or is predicted to accumulate, vehicles may then resume parking on that street.

Silent Christmas Film Tea

Enjoy a traditional afternoon tea with friends while watching turn-of-the century Christmas films with music played by local composer and pianist Time O’Neil on Sunday, Dec. 1, at 1 p.m.

The menu includes Three Wives Tea, scones with mock Devonshire cream and lemon curd, a variety of tea sandwiches and desserts.

Tickets are limited, non-refundable and cost $35 for members of the Macomb County Historical Society and $40 for non-members. Call for your reservation: 586-465-2488.

Jingle Journey

Save the date for the 2019 Jingle Journey on Sunday, Dec. 8, from noon to 5 p.m.

-Take your own photos with Santa, go caroling, do crafts, eat cookies and watch silent film screenings at the Crocker House Museum (15 Union St, $4 adult, $2 children)
-A Holiday Express experience with story-telling, a personalized ticket, hot chocolate and cookies at the Michigan Transit Museum (200 Grand Ave.)
-Miracle on 34th Street screening at 4 p.m. at the Emerald Theatre (31 N Walnut St, adults are $5 or ages 12 and under free)
-See the operating HO scale 40’ x 40’ model train layout and enter to win your own HO operating train set at the Gratiot Valley Railroad Club (281 North Ave.)
-Enjoy drop-in make-and-take holiday crafts at the Anton Art Center (125 Macomb Place). Be sure to visit the Anton Art Center’s Holiday Market to find gifts for everyone on your holiday gift list.

For more information call: 586-469-8666

Emerald Theater Gets Mural

Swing by the Emerald Theater and check out the updates to the Believe mural. It’s the work of local graffiti artist fel3000ft.

VinoTalk

In this week’s Vino Talk, wine expert John Jonna talks about pinot noir. Just in time for your Thanksgiving table, you’ll have the best vintage to tantalize the taste buds of your guests.

Santa Parade

The 44th Annual Mount Clemens Presents the Macomb County Santa Parade marches into town Saturday, Nov. 23, at 10 a.m. The parade committee is still looking for participants, volunteers and sponsors to be part of this event.

For additional information, please call 586-469-6818 x325, or visit our website at www. MountClemensSantaParade.com.

Anton Center Christmas Market

Looking for a gift that needs to be special and one-of-a-kind? Check out the Anton Art Center Christmas Market now through Friday, Dec. 22, at the Anton Art Center in Downtown Mt. Clemens. Questions? Call 586-469-8666.

2020 Census

The U.S. Census Bureau will mail information regarding the 2020 Census to all residents in March 2020. Census forms need to be completed and returned to the Census Bureau by April 1, 2020, preferably online.

Why is the Census important? The information helps the federal, state and local government plan for the services they require and provide to residents. The population of each city and state help determine congressional representation, funding and state revenue sharing to local communities. The higher the population, the more funding and representation the city will have at the state and federal level. When residents don’t complete the survey form, the City misses out on crucial funding that cannot be adjusted until the next census in ten years.

If you’re interested in working for the Census, go online or call 1-855-JOB-2020.

Annual Santa Parade

The 44th Annual Mount Clemens Presents the Macomb County Santa Parade will take place on Saturday, Nov. 23,  at 10 a.m. Bundle up and enjoy this free family event. For additional information, please call 586-469-6818 x325, or visit our website at www. MountClemensSantaParade.com.

Did You Know?

Residents can sign up to receive notifications from the city via email? The email notification allows the city to reach residents in cases of emergency, meeting cancellations and severe weather announcements. Residents can sign up to receive email notifications by going to the city’s website at www. cityofmountclemens.com, clicking on the “Contact” tab at the top of the Home page and “Notification Sign Up.”

Skate Park Survey

TGM Skateboards and the city are working together to determine if the city would be a good location to build a skate park. Have ideas? Take the survey.

Winter Clothes Drive

Pops’ Sweets An Treats is partnering with the Mount Clemens Junior Optimist Club to host a winter clothes drive for kids. Donate to a great cause and receive 10% off your purchase in the store. Just drop new or gently used coats, hats, mittens, gloves and more into the collection box at Pops. Then, shop for a sweet treat!

Residents will receive a winter tax bill on or around Dec. 1. It will be due on Feb. 28, 2020. Every resident will receive a tax bill, even if your mortgage company pays them on your behalf. Please keep this copy for your records.

Any balance remaining on your 2019 taxes will be turned over to the Macomb County Treasurer’s Office on March 1, 2020. All payments on or after that date will be payable to: Macomb County Treasurer, 1 S. Main St., Mount Clemens, MI 48043.