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

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

Rebecca

Leaf Pickup Policy

Mount Clemens will again enforce its leaf pick up policy this fall.

Raking and blowing leaves into the street is prohibited. All leaves that do not fall into the street from the trees must be placed in 30-gallon brown waste bags or 25- to 35-gallon refuse containers.

The city will schedule a clean-up crew to come down every street at least twice this season to pick up the leaves that have fallen from the trees. A city-contracted yard waste collection truck will operate through Dec. 6. This truck will pick up only properly contained and bundled yard waste.

Any questions on this policy should be directed to the Department of Public Services at 586-469-6847, between 7 a.m. and 3 p.m., Monday through Friday or visit www.cityofmountclemens.com.

 

Farmers Market Open Three Days a Week

Harvest Season is a great time of the year to explore a farmers market. Luckily, the Mt. Clemens Farmers Market has some of the most colorful vegetables, flowers and fruit.

Stop by Wednesday, Friday or Saturday with your shopping list and enjoy some time outside these last few days of summer.

The market is open Friday and Saturday, 7 a.m. to 1 p.m. at 141 N. River Rd and in Downtown Mt. Clemens on Wednesdays from 1 to 5 p.m. in the Roskopp Parking Lot, at 123 Macomb Pl.

Head Downtown for ArtParty

The 28th Annual Mount Clemens ArtParty is scheduled for Thursday, Sept. 26, at 6 p.m.

Guests can look forward to succulent delights from 25 local restaurants, a silent auction, raffle, and complimentary bar hosted by Orleans Sports Café. Don’t miss the silent auction and 50/50 raffle, both of which will take place during the event.

Tickets are available for $75. Patron tickets, which include your name or company listed in the program book, are available for $150.

Purchase tickets by phone at 586-469-8666, or in person at the Anton Art Center.

Pinkies Up for Tea

Tuesday Tea Talk at Two features author Vicki Tapia speaking on “Maggie A Journey of Love, Loss and Survival.” The Crocker House Museum hosts the event on Tuesday, Sept. 24, at 2 p.m. The member fee is $10 for members and $12 for nonmembers.

Call 586-465-2488 or visit www.crockerhousemuseum.org for event information, to make reservations or to purchase tickets.

 

Zombie Prom Tickets on Sale Now

Get your tickets now for this outlandish, blood curdling, night of the Walking Dead Halloween event: the 80s Zombie Prom & Costume Ball at the Emerald on Saturday, Oct. 19. Doors open at 7 p.m. ROCKSTAR, an 80s cover band will have zombies boogieing until the wee hours. Tickets $15 at the box office. Or online at TheEmeraldTheatre.com. This is an all ages event.

Zombie Prom benefits the Humane Society.

To reserve Opera Boxes or the VIP Mezzanine with private bar for up to 75 people, please contact us at 586-630-0120.

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

Teach Kids to Care for Pets

The nonprofit animal welfare organization Protecting Paws will be visiting the library Thursday, Sept. 18 at 6:30 p.m. to teach kids ages 5 to 12 the best ways to care for and handle animals. Come to this interactive, educational program and learn how to be a friend to animals and give them a voice.

Waterfront Wednesday Starts Sept. 18

The City of Mount Clemens Water Filtration Plant is in the process of updating equipment that will enhance the taste and smell of the water.

This work is expected to be done in October. Until work is complete, residents may experience a different taste or odor from their drinking water. The water is continuously tested and completely safe to drink and use and contains no harmful substances.

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

Leaf Pickup Policy

Mt. Clemens will again be enforcing a leaf pick up policy this fall.

Raking and blowing leaves into the street is prohibited. All leaves that do not fall into the street from the trees must be placed in 30-gallon brown waste bags or 25- to 35-gallon refuse containers.

A clean-up crew will come down every street at least twice to pick up the leaves that have fallen from the trees. The collection schedule will not be made public due to the uncertain weather conditions during the fall.

A collection truck will operate through Dec. 6.

Place all yard waste at curbside no earlier than 6 p.m. the day before your scheduled pickup day and no later than 7 a.m. on your scheduled pick up day.

Any questions on this policy should be directed to the Department of Public Services at 586-469-6847 or go online.

Rock out Sept. 21 at Clinton River Live Music Festival

The Mount Clemens Clinton River Live Music Festival is Sept. 21 from 1 to 9 p.m.

This new event will be held at the Clinton River Park located downtown along both riverbanks of the Clinton River between the Crocker and Dickinson bridges.

The Mount Clemens Clinton River Live Music Festival, under the direction of Alexander Zonjic, is a free event featuring continuous entertainment showcasing Jazz, Blues, Motown, R&B and World Music. Five acts comprised of national, regional, and local entertainment will jam out.

 

Clinton River Live Music Festival Coming Soon

Get out your toe-tapping shoes for the Mount Clemens Clinton River Live Music Festival on Sept. 21 from 1 to 9 p.m.

This new event will be held at the Clinton River Park located downtown along both riverbanks of the Clinton River between the Crocker and Dickinson bridges.

The Mount Clemens Clinton River Live Music Festival, under the direction of Alexander Zonjic, will be a free event featuring continuous entertainment showcasing Jazz, Blues, Motown, R&B, and World Music. The festival will present five acts comprised of national, regional and local entertainment.

 

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

Spotlight On: The Nest Collaborative

Looking around The Nest Collaborative, whimsy and quirk are combined with cutting-edge style and creativity. Felted trolls, hand-mined jewelry and richly scented soaps are just a few of the items that keep shoppers’ eyes moving around this downtown Mt. Clemens store.

However, The Nest Collaborative isn’t just a shopping experience. It’s a learning opportunity for women entrepreneurs.

Read More…

Save the Date for the Back 2 School Bash

On Aug. 22, join school friends and family for a back-to-school party. Celebrate the start of a new school year with music, games, prizes and even loaded backpacks. Head over to the Secondary Complex from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. for all the fun.

 

Soap Box Derby Coming Sept. 7

The annual Mount Clemens Grand Prix Soap Box Derby Race is scheduled for Saturday, Sept. 7, at 10 a.m. at the Crocker Bridge. For more information, call 586-468-7746