2 Rochester schools win ‘green’ grants

Through March 15, Rochester Hills residents who participate in the Recyclebank program can donate their earned points to help two local elementary schools receive a Green Schools Grant. Long Meadow and University Hills have been selected as Recyclebank Green Schools and are competing with 27 others across the United States. Recyclebank will give the schools $1 for every 250 points donated up to $2,500. Part of the money will be matched by Domtar, a national paper company. “This is the … [Read more...]

New school superintendent to be named Thursday

If all goes according to plan, the Rochester board of education will select its next superintendent of schools Thursday. The two finalists for the job are David Richards, the current superintendent of Fraser Public Schools, and Robert Shaner, executive director of instruction and technology at the Warren Consolidated School District. The two rose to the top from the 26 people who applied for the job.  Four candidates were interviewed in the first round on the recommendation of the … [Read more...]

Winter Stonefly Search at the Rochester Hills Museum

Come and join the Clinton River Watershed Council and museum staff on Saturday, January 26 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. in the search for winter stoneflies. These aquatic insects are most active during colder months and their presence in the river indicates good water quality. Participants should meet at the CRWC office, 1115 West Avon Rd, Rochester Hills. From there, teams and travel to various sampling locations (including the museum’s grounds). The program is recommended for children ages 9 and … [Read more...]

Time to Rock and Roll!

The Rochester Older Persons Commission will present Sock Hop 2013  on Friday, February 8 from 6-9 p.m. This event is open to the public, so invite all of your friends or come solo and meet new ones. Dancing is not mandatory. Start the evening with Culver’s fresh fried chicken, then head to the gym to dance to the music of the 50’s, 60’s and 70’s. Dress according to your favorite musical era--be a hippie, grab your leather jacket or poodle skirt, accent with paisley or plaid, or just dress … [Read more...]

Rochester planning to replace aging water meters

The city of Rochester has known for years that its water meters are no longer providing accurate readings. Fixing the problem will be costly, to both the city and its water customers. Monday night, council held off on a request by the city administration to award a bid to replace the antiquated meters. Council members were clearly worried about the reaction from residents, most of whom can expect their bills to rise once accurate meters are installed. The city has been working toward this … [Read more...]

Art Center marking 30 years

In celebration of its 30th anniversary, Paint Creek Center for the Arts presents 1982-2012 Art Endures – Thirty Years and Counting. With over 70 artists, this exhibition features stimulating and groundbreaking work in all media from across Michigan and beyond. The exhibition will run January 18 – Feb 15. A free opening reception is set for Friday, January 18 from 7– 9 p.m. Meet the artists who have contributed so much not only to Paint Creek Center for the Arts, but also to art in Michigan. … [Read more...]

Hills schedules blood drive

Responding to a critical need for blood, Rochester Hills City Hall has scheduled a city-wide blood drive for Thursday, January 17 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Mayor Bryan Barnett is urging city residents and employees to roll up their sleeves and donate blood. To schedule an appointment, contact Sharon Salvador at (248) 656-4708 or email salvadors@rochesterhills.org. City hall is located at 1000 Rochester Hills Drive, off Avon road between Livernois and Crooks. … [Read more...]

Hills seeking new city clerk

The city of Rochester Hills has appointed a search committee to find a new city clerk to replace Jane Leslie. Leslie’s retirement was announced Dec. 3. The search committee includes Mayor Bryan Barnett, city council president Greg Hooper, finance director Keith Sawdon, and councilmen Mark Tisdel and Michael Webber. … [Read more...]

Avondale elects officers

The Avondale Board of Education elected new officers Jan. 7. Serving for 2013 are President Sid Lockhart, Vice President Sean Johnson, Secretary Ken Hedrick and Treasurer Scott Bittinger. The board meets on the first and third Monday of the month at 7 p.m. in the Avondale Administrative Offices, 2940 Waukegan Street, Auburn Hills. … [Read more...]

A tale of 2 cities’ taxes

Rochester and Rochester Hills are two cities with plenty to brag about. But how to differentiate the two to prospective home-buyers? Printed material that surfaced during a millage campaign last year, which compared tax rates among the two cities, rubbed some in Rochester the wrong way. At the request of city council, Rochester’s administration recently took a look at the cost to homeowners of “essential” city services. In a straight tax-rate comparison, Rochester Hills has traditionally … [Read more...]