Save the Date for the Next Front Porch Stories

Front Porch Stories is a new event series that gives residents the opportunity to hear great stories from some of Rochester’s most interesting people. And just like the name says, it all happens from a front porch.

For the second event in the series, head to Mayor Rob Ray’s front porch to hear his stories of Rochester and beyond.

So mark your calendar for Thursday, Aug. 22, at 7 p.m. Bring a lawn chair or blanket. Lemonade and cookies will be provided. The mayor’s front porch is at 894 Loggers Circle.

 

New VinoTalk Online Now

Wine lovers, be sure to check out the new edition of Vino Talk with John Jonna. This episode features two favorites: pairing wine with cheese.

Bring your Junk in the Trunk

Pile it in for Junk in the Trunk Saturday, Aug. 17, from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Fill your trunk with crafts, collectibles and curiosities to sell in downtown for the return of Junk in the Trunk. Rochester businesses, area residents and crafters are welcome to participate as vendors. Popular items for resale are furniture, collectibles, glassware, vintage clothing, accessories and more.

The event takes place at E. Third and Water in the Farmers’ Market Upper Lot.

For more info, call 248-656-0060 or visit www.downtownrochestermi.com.

To share your news, announcements, and events, please email citynewseditor@localbiznews.net

Aerobatic Teams Fill the Skies at OCIA Open House & Air Show

The Phillips 66 Aerostars will once again tear into the skies at 250 mph over the Oakland County International Airport Open House & Air Show in four Extra 300L aerobatic planes. They will join other aerial performers at the Sunday, Aug. 11.

Admission is free. There is a $5 parking fee per vehicle.

The air show begins at 2 p.m.

Remember to Dial-a-Dump

Remodeling your home? The Department of Public Works can help with its residential Dial-A-Dump Program.

For a $50 charge, the Rochester DPW will park a three-yard dump truck at your residence between 2:30 and 3 p.m. Fill up the bed of the truck, and the truck will be picked up the following business day by 8 a.m.

Dial-A-Dump is intended for household waste only and excludes hazardous materials, landscaping materials and overweight construction materials. For more information and specification on restrictions, please call the DPW at 248-651- 5165.

[Editor’s note: I’ve been waiting my entire career to write that headline.]

 

Keep Your Home Safe While Away

The Rochester Police have a Vacation Safety Check Program to give you additional peace of mind while you’re out of town.

To avoid the telltale signs you are not home, follow these tips:

• Put a hold on your mail and newspapers.
• Ask a neighbor to mow the lawn while you’re gone. You can offer to return the favor when you get back.
• Use automatic timing lights and a radio in different rooms to create the appearance of movement.
• Call the Rochester Police Department for a “Vacation Safety Check” at 248-651-9621.

Please give them at least three days’ notice. If you have any questions, please contact the Rochester Police Department at 248-651- 9621.

Sign Up Open for Kung Fu Class

Everybody was Kung Fu fighting! At least, that’s what the song says.

But now, you and your kids can actually become Kung Fu fighters.

Sign up for the Kung Fu Beginner Youth session and Kung Fu Beginner Adult session with Infinite Path Martial Arts. These classes are for focused on self-improvement and building strong confident leaders. Call 248-656-8308 or visit https://www.rararegistration.org/CourseActivities.aspx…

To share your news, announcements, and events, please email citynewseditor@localbiznews.net

Friends, If you’re anything like me, a nice adult beverage on a beautiful weekend is the perfect way to round out the day. Wine lovers should check out the new Vino Talk videos from LBN. They feature local wine expert John Jonna. It’s an entertaining ride through a thoroughly enjoyable topic. It would be great to hear from you. Drop me a line: cityeditor@localbiznews.net.   Rebecca  

Rochester Resident Honored by Governor

Gretchen Whitmer and the Michigan Community Service Commission today announced winners of the 2019 Governor’s Service Awards. The winners are individuals, businesses and nonprofit organizations that were selected for their commitment to volunteerism, service or philanthropy. Rochester’s own Michelle Shepherd was named among the 43 recipients. In 2004, while serving on the Rochester Community Schools’ Board of Education, doctors diagnosed Michelle with advanced ovarian cancer. She faced the challenges of chemotherapy and remains in remission. Following treatment, Michelle was passionate about providing support to other ovarian cancer survivors. After her school board tenure ended, she became a full-time volunteer for the Michigan Ovarian Cancer Alliance serving in many roles including educator, event organizer and mentor to survivors. Using her education background, Shepherd initiated the SPEAK program for which she trained and volunteered with other survivors to educate Michigan’s communities about the early warning signs of ovarian cancer.  Shepherd scripted and appeared in an ovarian cancer symptom video that has been viewed statewide. To drive the mission of the Michigan Ovarian Cancer Alliance, she has raised more than $230,000.

Explore Downtown on Open Late Thursdays

Mosey around downtown Rochester on Thursdays and you’ll find something a little rare: many businesses are open late. Now through Aug. 15, many businesses will stay open until 8 p.m. Enjoy late-night shopping, dining, desserts and more. Join the fun on Open Late Thursdays.  

Save the Date for the Next Front Porch Stories

Mayor Rob Ray hosts the next installment of Front Porch Stories on Thursday, Aug. 22, from 7 to 8 p.m. For the second event in the series, head to the mayor’s Front Porch to hear his stories of Rochester and beyond. Mark your calendar, bring your lawn chair or blanket. Lemonade and cookies will be provided. The mayor’s Front Porch is at 894 Loggers Circle. The first Front Porch Stories featured Bill and Tony Lipuma.  

Sign Up for Automatic Water & Sewer Bill Payments

Save time and money by signing up for automatic water and sewer billing. This ensures your utility bill is paid on time, every time, directly from your checking account. No stamps required. You can still receive a copy of your bill, along with an email before the due date, so there is still time to ask any questions before payment is processed. This service is free. To sign up for this program, print out the Automatic Water & Sewer Billing & Paperless Billing Form. Complete it by hand, being sure to sign, date and include a voided check. Then, mail or deliver the completed form to City Hall, 400 6th St., Rochester, MI 48307. The ACH payment will apply to your next quarterly bill. Not interested in automatic or paperless billing? Please view all of our payment options for utility bills: Additional Payment Options.  

To share your news, announcements, and events, please email citynewseditor@localbiznews.net

New friends,

Welcome to City News! Through City News, I’m hoping to connect with each of you, to bring you closer to your community and maybe even tempt you to try something new.

Supporting local businesses is so important to a thriving community. Often, it’s the small business owners who support school functions, civic clubs and sponsor city events.

These entrepreneurs are critical to the health and wellbeing of our communities. It’s wonderful to support these folks and I hope you’ll join me in celebrating them through City News.

I’d like to know what bits of info interest you the most: Upcoming events? New businesses? A little of everything?

Reach out!

Rebecca Calappi
citynewseditor@localbiznews.net

 

 

Five Bucks Gets Oakland County Middle School Students Entry in the 2019 McLaren Brooksie Way 5k Race

Middle school students interested in running or walking the McLaren Brooksie Way 5k race can register for the 2019 race and save themselves a bundle.

For a mere $5, middle school-age students can participate in the Middle School Challenge – an effort to encourage students to put down their electronic games, turn off the TV and take part in a fun and healthy activity. Middle school students, who save $32 over the normal race fee, will receive all the race benefits including a race T-shirt, timing, runner bib, finish line refreshments and a finisher medal upon completion of the race.

The 12th running of the McLaren Brooksie Way Half Marathon, 10k and 5k is set for September 22. The race, which can be run or walked, has become one of the most popular regional fall half marathons. The course begins and ends at the Meadow Brook Amphitheatre on the campus of Oakland University and includes parts of the Clinton River and Paint Creek trails, Rochester Hills and downtown Rochester.

Race applications are available at Runnin’ Gear stores in Rochester and Waterford and can be done online at www.theBrooksieWay.com. Students must indicate on their registration what middle school they attend.

Walkers and runners interested in any of the races can save money by registering before August 25. Complete race details and the fee structure can be found at www.theBrooksieWay.com.

 

 

Movies in the Moonlight July 27

The great summer tradition of Movies in the Moonlight is back again for your family’s enjoyment. Bring your own chair, bug spray and some snacks to East Third and Waters in the farmers market lot. The pre-show starts at 8:30 p.m., with the feature beginning around 9:15 p.m. The July 27 show is Raiders of the Lost Ark. Food and bevvies will be available for purchase, but admission to the movie is free.

 

Board of Ed Tentatively Approves Agreement

The Board of Education approved the tentative agreement between the Rochester Community Schools Board of Education and the Rochester Education Association.

“We believe that we have reached an agreement that is the culmination of collaborative efforts to recognize and acknowledge the loving, caring and highly skilled educators that teach and work with our students every day,” said Elizabeth Davis, chief human resource officer.

Administrators representing the district and the REA/Michigan Education Association engaged in negotiations using Interest Based Bargaining, a process new to the district.

The teams participated in 19 bargaining sessions and spent more than 120 hours together.

“This agreement is representative of a change in culture within the district that I have witnessed over my seven years as a board member. The cooperation and mutual respect between the parties grew out of the culture of collaboration that we value so highly. It’s amazing. It really should be held up as a model for all districts,” said Mike Zabat, board treasurer.

The new agreement extends through June 2021.

 

Beaumont, Troy Invites Veterans to Free Wellness Fair in Rochester Hills

The Heart and Vascular Services department at Beaumont Hospital, Troy will host a free Veterans Wellness Day Fair on July 31.

“As a team, we promote heart-healthy lifestyles as well as preventive care,” said Jenna Mallard, exercise physiologist, Cardiac Rehabilitation, Beaumont, Troy. “With so many returning troops coming home to America, we thought it would be an excellent idea to provide a free health screening for them as well as veterans of all ages.”

The free event will be from 9 a.m. to noon, Wednesday, July 31, at Beaumont Health Club, 1555 E. South Blvd., Rochester Hills, which is near Beaumont, Troy.

Veterans can expect:

• baseline vital checks
• education about nutrition, stress and exercise
• a consultation with a Beaumont Health Club nutritionist or Heart and Vascular exercise physiologist

Registration is not required. For more information, contact Mallard: 248-267-5656 or jenna.mallard@beaumont.org.

Get the City Mobile App

The new mobile app for Rochester Hills keeps residents informed with features such as the Alert Center, News Flash and Notify Me. It offers three calendars, to keep users in touch with parks, public meetings, and in the community. 

Additionally, hiking the trails just got easier with the interactive mapping tool.

This app works both ways. Let the city know about a pothole with the Report a Concern feature. Just snap a picture with a mobile device and notify the city instantly. It will even map the location using the device GPS.

Visit the app store and search for “Rochester Hills.”

 

 

Rochester Hills Schools Receives $16,00 Through Green Schools Program

Rochester Hills, in partnership with Recyclebank, announced nine Rochester Hills schools received a total of $16,000 in green grants through the Recyclebank Green Schools Program.

This program allows schools to educate and motivate students to promote a more sustainable, greener lifestyle. Rochester Hills and Recyclebank partnered in 2008, and since 2011, Rochester Hills schools have participated in Recyclebank’s Green Schools Program.

This year, all of the schools achieved their donation goal.

 

Wellness and Nature Hikes with Ascension Providence Rochester Hospital

Take the opportunity to hike with professionals from Ascension Providence to chat about healthy life choices, appropriate exercise, how to get your heart pumping and good diet choices. Naturalists will be there to help you learn a little bit about nature along the way.

Seniors Wellness Hike
Enjoy a hike on even terrain while learning about other healthy choices
Tuesday, July 30, 7 to 8 p.m.

Diet/Nutrition Hike
Enjoy a hike while learning from a dietitian, participants can also learn about some wild edibles from a naturalist.
Tuesday, Aug. 13 7 to 8 p.m.

These programs are available for all ages. There is no cost to attend, but registration is required.

Both walks take place at Bloomer Park.

 

Blast Off 2 School: School Supplies Drive

Now through Aug. 9 join Neighborhood House and Ascension and the Assistance League of Southeastern Michigan in helping children get the back-to-school supplies they need through the Blast Off 2 School: School Supplies Drive.

Donation drop off locations include:

Ram’s Horn (Rochester & Hamlin)
Stewart Team Real Estate Partners (405 S. Main Street, 2nd Floor)
Assistance League Resale Connection (204 S. Main Street)
The Rochester Hills Public Library
Neighborhood House Office (1720 South Livernois)
Neighborhood House Clothes Closet (44 Mill Street)

If you are interested in donating, please see our school supplies wishlist at www.ranh.org. Questions? Contact Michele at volunteer@ranh.org.