Help Make Downtown Sparkle

Families, service clubs, schools, scout troops and businesses are welcome to decorate a Christmas tree for the City’s Second Annual Tinsel Tour. The decorated trees will light up the City Hall and the riverfront from Dec. 3 to Jan. 1 for all to see.

Groups can decorate the trees in any theme and creativity is definitely encouraged. Memory trees to honor those who have passed away are also an excellent theme option.

The Tinsel Tour will debut with a kick-off on Tuesday, Dec. 3, from 5 from 8 p.m. at City Hall with free holiday fun for the entire community. The cost to sponsor a tree is $75, which includes the cost of the tree, signage, two strands of white lights, city fees and proper environmental disposal of the trees.

Registration forms and a complete list of rules and guidelines are available in the City Manager’s Office at 586-469-6818 x315 or the City’s website. Trees must be reserved by Nov. 18. Call today and help Mount Clemens sparkle in this fun holiday event!

Christmas Open House

Downtown Christmas Open House, Christmas Tree Lighting and Take Your Own Photos with Santa is Friday, Nov. 22, from 5 to 9 p.m. at the Fountain Stage in Downtown Mount Clemens. Be sure you’re on the nice list this year. For more information, call 586-469-4168.

Anton Art Center Christmas Market

Find the perfect gift and get a jump on your holiday shopping at the Anton Art Center Christmas Market Friday, Nov. 15, through Friday, Dec. 22. Call 586-469-8666 for more details.

Winter Tax Bills

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.

City Election is Tuesday, Nov. 5

The next election in Mount Clemens is Tuesday, Nov. 5, for mayor and three city commissioners.

Voting precincts will be open from 7 a.m. to 8 p.m. on Election Day. Please note that Precinct 5 (Cairns Community Center – 58 Orchard) will be temporarily relocated to Precinct 6 (City Hall – One Crocker) and voters for Precincts 5 and 6 will all vote at City Hall for this election.

Please call the City Clerk’s Office at 586-469-6818 x3 for questions about the election.

Seeking Local Treasure Nominations

Do you know of 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 our 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.

Small Business Workshop

THE coLABorative in downtown Mt. Clemens will host workshops with the Michigan Small Business Development Center. The SBDC offers expert assistance to entrepreneurs looking to start or grow a business. The first workshop will give a brief introduction to the benefits and challenges of business development.

Sign up for the Tuesday, Nov. 5, workshop from 2 to 3 p.m. at colaborative.com/events.

Create Tin Foil Sculptures

On Saturday, Nov. 5, join local children’s book author/illustrator/sculptor Jeff Jantz and have some fun using aluminum foil to create sculptures and unleash the power of imagination. This free event takes place at the library from 2 to 3 p.m.

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

Help with Food Drive

Mt. Clemens and Oakland University have teamed up to help the hungry through a food drive. The goal is to collect 4,000 pounds of canned goods for the Macomb Food Program. Please consider donating or hosting a food drive within your organization. The food drive runs Nov. 11 through Nov. 21. For more information, email Brian Bouwman at bbouwman@oakland.edu.

Election Day is Nov. 5

The next election in Mount Clemens is Tuesday, Nov. 5. Citizens can vote for mayor and three city commissioners. Voting precincts will be open from 7 a.m. to 8 p.m. on Election Day.

Please note that Precinct 5 (Cairns Community Center – 58 Orchard) will be temporarily relocated to Precinct 6 (City Hall – One Crocker) and voters for Precincts 5 and 6 will all vote at City Hall for this election.

Please call the City Clerk’s Office at 586-469-6818 x3 with questions.

Pumpkin Fest, Pork Roast & Halloween

Join the delicious fun at the Farmers Market Pumpkin Party & Pork Roast on Saturday, Oct. 26, at 8 a.m. Tasty pork and hearty pumpkins will be available until sold out. Head to the North River Road Parking Lot between I-94 and northbound Gratiot.

Questions? Call 586-493-7600.

For more hauntingly good times, appear at the Halloween Spooktacular on Saturday, Oct. 26, from noon to 3 p.m. at the Fountain Stage on Macomb Place.

For more information, call 586-469-4168.

Winter Tax Bill

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 it 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. All payments on or after that date will be payable to: Macomb County Treasurer, 1 S. Main St., Mount Clemens, MI 48043.

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

Rocky Horror Picture Show

Get ready to do the Time Warp, again. The Rocky Horror Picture Show is coming to the Emerald Theatre on Oct. 31 and Nov. 1. Get your tickets for a fun night out with Dr. Frankenfurter.

Drug Take-Back

Bring your extra or expired drugs on Saturday, Oct. 26, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. to have them disposed of properly. Drop-off is at the Macomb County Sheri­ff Department Lobby at 43565 Elizabeth Road, Mt. Clemens. No questions asked.

Historic District Commission Members Needed

The city is currently seeking members for its Historic District Commission. Ideally, residents who are graduates of an accredited school of architecture with two years of architectural experience should apply. Residents who are architects registered in the state, the city would greatly value your inclusion, as it would allow the city to meet a state requirement for membership.

Cass Avenue to Close

Cass Avenue will be closed Monday, Oct. 21, through Friday, Oct. 25, for Canadian National Railroad track repairs. A detour will be posted. Please direct any questions to the Macomb County Department of Roads at 586-463-8671.

Halloween Spooktacular

The Mount Clemens Downtown Development Authority is hosting the annual Downtown Mount Clemens Halloween Spooktacular on Saturday, Oct. 26, from noon to 3 p.m. It’s a Halloween party full of free family fun in Downtown Mount Clemens.

Meet the Candidates

With the upcoming Nov. 5 election, it’s time to start learning about the candidates. On Thursday, Oct. 24, at 6:30 p.m., voters can meet the mayoral and city commission candidates. Head to the library to get informed.

Macomb County Sheriff does Tetris Challenge

The Macomb County Sheriff participated in the #TetrisChallenge last week. They were challenged on social media by some of their followers. The sheriffs were happy to highlight the large amount of equipment they carry every day. They are weighted with heavy gear and their vehicles are packed tightly.

Minor Home Repair Program

The Macomb Community Action Minor Home Repair Program is currently serving eligible residents of Mount Clemens. To qualify, you must be income-eligible, be the owner-occupant of your residence, and meet one of the following criteria:

• senior citizen age 60 or older
• severely disabled
• mobile home owner-occupant

Get more information.

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

Einstein Bros. Coming to Downtown

The Downtown Development Authority announced on its Facebook page Sept. 14, that Einstein Bros. is opening a storefront in downtown. No word yet on the grand opening.

Mayor Set to Deliver State of Mount Clemens

Mayor Barb Dempsey is slated to deliver the annual State of Mt. Clemens speech on Oct. 4 at 8 a.m. Admission for Macomb County Chamber members and Mt. Clemens residents is $25. All others, $35. Prices include breakfast at the Oakland University Anton/Frankel Center. Register here.