The Youth Summer Reading Program, “Dream Big-Read!” is for children from birth through age twelve. Teens between the ages of 13 and 18 can participate in the “Own the Night” program which has separate prizes and activities.  Adults can register for “Dream of Possibilities”.  Adults who read four books between June 1 and August 11 qualify for a random drawing for five great book bags, including three that contain a Nook e-reader. Large print readers who register for “Between the Covers” and read a total of four books also will be eligible for a prize.

Information on wide range of summer programs and activities will be available beginning June 1st.   For more information or to register for programs check the “Events” tab on the library’s website (www.rhpl.org).  Registration is required for library programs.

The Rochester Hills Public Library is located in downtown Rochester off of University Drive and 3 blocks east of Main Street.  The library is open from 9 – 9 Monday through Thursday, 9 – 6 on Fridays and Saturday and Sundays from 1 – 6 until mid-June.  The library’s website (www.rhpl.org) has information on how to register for a card and access all of the library’s services.

Now in its fourth great year the Paint Creek One Fly offers fly fishermen of all ages a great day of Fly Fishing, Friendship, Good Humor and Good Times!

The Paint Creek One Fly is a non-profit event located in Downtown Rochester, Michigan and is open to the public. Specifics for this year’s event are:

Date: Saturday, June 2nd

Place: Rochester Municipal Park at the Kiwanis Pavilion

Time: 8:00 AM to 6:00 PM

Team Registrations begins at 7:30 a.m.

Tournament starts promptly at 9:00 a.m.

In the One Fly tournament your goal is to catch, measure and release as many trout as you can within the event fishing period. At the start of the day you must select a single fly for the event. Once you have selected your One Fly for the day, you must use only that fly for scoring points. The One Fly concept is not wholly about fly fishing, nor competitive fishing, but more about friendship, good humor, good times and raising funds for a good cause – Casting for Recovery.

Immediately after the trout tournament join us for our Fly Casting Contest. Test your fly casting skill at 20, 30, and 40 foot targets.

We’re also planning a hot dog/hamburger cookout with all the fixin’s after the day’s events.

All-in-all it makes for a great day with lots of food and prizes! Don’t miss it!

IMPORTANT CHANGES TO THIS YEARS EVENT:

• Team entry fees are now $25/person. Entry donations can be paid thru the secure Crowdrise link to the right or at the event.
• Trout tournament fishing boundaries have been extended north to Tienken Road and south to Paint Creek’s confluence with the Clinton River (see MAPS tab).
• Bluegill Fly Fishing Tournament at the park pond! See the “KIDS BLUEGILL TOURNAMENT” tab for details.In addition, this year we have added a few new surprises!
• The “Caddis Cup” – This is a special division of The Paint Creek One Fly where any philanthropic organization can enter teams of 2 for $200.00 per team. This includes groups like Trout Unlimited, the FFF, the Michigan Fly Fishing Club as well as organizations like the Fly Girls of Michigan and the Kensington Field & Stream Team. Designed as a way to promote some friendly competition amongst these organizations, the winners will take home half of all the Caddis Cup team entry fees for the organization they represent as well as the coveted Caddis Cup.

• Priority Start Times - This year in addition to the entry fee, teams are encouraged raise additional donations through friends, family and corporate sponsorships. To help facilitate this request teams are encouraged to set up their own website through the Crowdwise link. The 3 teams who raise the most donations will be rewarded priority start times and their choice of water on Paint Creek. Anyone who has fished this event in the past knows how big of an advantage that can be.

• The “Buy a Fly” option. Prior to the event each participant will have the option to purchase the rights to use one additional fly should the first become lost or unusable. The “Buy a Fly” option” is $20 before the tournament begins and $40 after the tournament has begun. Just one extra fly may be purchased which you must provide. As some of our most experienced anglers will tell you, it really stinks to lose your fly in the first 5 minutes of the event and not have the rest of your fish qualify for the remainder of the day.

• “Buy an Inch” – Lastly teams will have the option to purchase up to 5 inches of fish prior to the competition during the registration period. Each inch purchased is $5. This will be tacked on the teams total at the end of the competition and be scored accordingly. As this competition usually comes down to 1 fish separating the first place team from the rest of the group, this could make the difference between going home with and without bragging rights.

Play it the way you like it! It’s all meant to be a fun and rewarding day.

RRCC developed the Sunrise Pinnacle Awards event to give the community the opportunity to nominate and honor the greater Rochester area’s most successful and philanthropic individuals, nonprofit organizations and businesses. Chamber membership is not necessary to nominate or win an award. Self nominations are welcome. Nominations are being accepted through Sunday, July 15, 2012.  Twenty-three awards will be presented to those most deserving of recognition and celebration at the sixth annual Sunrise Pinnacle Awards ceremony. The morning event will take place on Thursday, October 25, 2012 from 8:00 a.m. – 10:00 a.m. at the Royal Park Hotel in Rochester.

Awards will be given out in the following categories, as well as three specific Chamber awards:

• Arts & Cultural Award
• Business of the Year
• Business Woman of the Year
• Community Builder
• Customer Service
• Diversity
• Economic Development
• Educator of the Year
• Excellence in Dining
• “Going Green”
• Healthcare Professional of the Year
• Lifetime Achievement
• Marketing / Advertising
• Nonprofit Achievement
• Outstanding Community Service
• Philanthropy
• Small Business of the Year
• Steady Growth and Profitability
• Wellness at Work
• Young Professional of the Year

The nomination form and award descriptions can be downloaded at www.rrc-mi.com. For more information call the Chamber at 248-651-6700 or e-mail info@rrc-mi.com.  Tickets to attend the morning event are $25 for Chamber members and $30 for nonmembers.  Business tables for eight are also available.

Event sponsors include Oakland University, Crittenton Hospital Medical Center, Bill Fox Chevrolet, Shelton Buick GMC, and The Oakland Press.

Award sponsorship is still available allowing exclusive naming rights to an award, a table for eight and extensive PR.  To order tickets or book sponsorship contact the Chamber or visit the Chamber at 71 Walnut, Suite 110 (the corner of First and Walnut streets) in downtown Rochester.

The mission of the Rochester Regional Chamber of Commerce is to provide leadership and resources in order to advance business development in partnership with civic, cultural and educational interests for the benefit of its members and the community.

Summer Reading Registration Kick-Off
Friday, June 1
Rochester Hills Public Library, 500 Olde Towne, Rochester
Start registering for summer reading. You can register online at www.rhpl.org/summerreading with your library card and PIN/password. If you have any questions or need to pick-up a reading log, visit one of the reference desks. Summer reading is available for patrons of all ages!

Walk for Meals or 5K Fun Run for Meals
Saturday, June 2, 8 a.m.
Older Persons’ Commission, 650 Letica, Rochester
Walk for Meals and the 5 k Fun Run . Call 248-659-1021 for more information.

Summer Reading Kickoff – Mat Emerick
Saturday, June 2, 2:30 PM
Rochester Hills Public Library, 500 Olde Towne, Rochester
Jump start summer reading with fun, prizes, giveaways and “Story Juggler” Mat Emerick! Mat will revision “A juggler’s dream”, an ancient folktale told throughout Europe and the Middle East, using voice, mime, drama and juggling in this one-of-a-kind presentation. Register all children and adults attending. Call 248-650-7140 for more information.

Teen Videogame Day
Saturday, June 2, 2:30 p.m.
Rochester Hills Public Library, 500 Olde Towne, Rochester
Drop in for some teen-only freeplay- we have Super Smash Bros. Brawl, DJ Hero, Rock Band 2, Mario Kart, and more. No registration required. Games will be rated T or E. Call 248-650-7130 for more information.

The Upper Room
Saturday, June 2, 9, 16, 23, 30, 7 p.m.
First Congregational Church UCC, 1315 Pine, Rochester
“A Gathering Place for Today’s Teens”. Every Saturday night teenagers from 6th through 12th grades gather together to see friends, play board games, dance, play Wii, ping pong, pool, basketball, have talent shows, etc. $5 for the evening includes food and activities. Scholarships are available, if needed.  Endorsed by the church,  Rochester/Auburn Hills Community Coalition and Rochester America’s Pride.  www.RochesterUpperRoom.org, Call 248 651-9097 or 248 340-1035

Rochester Regional Chamber of Commerce Golf Outing
Monday, June 4, 9 a.m.
Twin Lakes, 455 Twin Lakes Dr., Oakland, MI
“Bring Your Game, Improve Your Network!” You are cordially invited to participate in a fun filled day at the golf course! A portion of the proceeds will support Chamber programs. Call 248-651-6700 for more information.

Nature’s Path to a Beautiful Garden
Tuesday, June 12, 7 p.m.
Rochester Hills Public Library, 500 Olde Towne, Rochester
Visualize your garden as the new frontier…Why is so important that we foster native plants, improve soil structure and recycle litter (leaf, plant material etc.)? How can your garden make a difference? Become conscious of your surroundings as you discover the importance of native plants. In the natural world, forests are organized groupings of trees, plants, and insects. Your choices can shape the future of your corner of this exciting new world. The numbers of native plants that we can choose from are astounding. Did you know there are over 17,000 native plants in the United States alone? No matter what country you call home, we all have the capability to create endless boundaries. Join Michael Saint for his newest lecture and take the first step on your eightfold path, creating a garden where plants not only serve the eye for beauty but also are functional and help keep our wildlife, insects, and native plant community thriving for future generations. To register, go to http://calendar.rhpl.org or call 248-656-2900.
Used Jewelry Sale
Thursday, June 14, 9 a.m.
Older Persons’ Commission, 650 Letica Dr., Rochester
Used Jewelry Sale. Open to the public. For more information, call 248-608-0269.

Rochester Jaycees Monthly Meeting
Thursday, June 14, 7 p.m.
Rochester Community House, 816 Ludlow, Rochester
This is the regular monthly meeting of the Rochester Area Jaycees. Members of the Rochester chapter meet to network, socialize, and plan upcoming events. This event is open to the public and visitors are welcome to attend.  For more information call 248) 652-7777.

Overdrive Digital Bookmobile
Monday, June 18, 1:30-7:30 p.m.
Rochester Hills Public Library, 500 Olde Towne, Rochester
Developed inside a 74 foot, 18-wheel tractor-trailer, the nationally touring Digital Bookmobile is a high-tech update of the traditional bookmobile that has served communities for decades. The vehicle is equipped with broadband Internet-connected PCs, high-definition monitors, premium sound systems, and a variety of portable media players. Interactive computer stations give visitors an opportunity to search the digital media collection, use supported mobile devices, and sample ebooks and audiobooks from the library. The comprehensive exhibits on board will highlight all aspects of RHPL’s digital download experience: The Digital Catalog, Audiobook Alley, e-Book Experience, Video Lounge, and Gadget Gallery. Immerse yourselves in this interactive learning environment. We look forward to seeing you on board.  Call 248-650-7130 for more information.

Blood Drive
Monday, June 18, 2:00 p.m.
First Congregational Church, 1315 Pine St., Rochester
Blood Drive from 2 – 8 pm. Registration preferred but not required. Call 248 651-6225 for more information.

Parenting Class – STEP
Beginning Monday, June 18, 7:30 p.m. for 7 sessions and Thursday, June 21, 7:30 p.m. for 8 sessions
First Congregational Church, 1315 Pine St., Rochester
Because parents like to be involved in understanding their children’s development, behavior and emotions, a local class is being offered to help parents learn to release stress and tensions. Called STEP classes (Systematic Training for Effective Parenting), they offer parents, guardians, grandparents and caretakers a realistic approach to meeting the challenges of children today. Through the support groups, persons become actively involved in discussing common concerns and learning specific child-training techniques. The Early Childhood STEP class is 7 sessions, held on Mondays starting June 18th from 7:30 – 9 p.m. $90 STEP and STEP/teen class is 8 sessions, held on Thursdays starting June 21st from 7:30 – 9 p.m. $100 Purchase your book the first night of class for $15. To register for either of the 2 STEP classes or for more information call Barbara A. Barnes LMSW at 248 651-9097.

Behind the Scenes Tour
Wednesday, June 20, 12 p.m.
Rochester Hills Public Library, 500 Olde Towne, Rochester
Join Director Christine Lind Hage for a behind the scenes tour of the library. You will begin in the Board Room and proceed to various areas of the library. To register, go to http://calendar.rhpl.org or call 248-656-2900.

Annual Ice Cream Social
Wednesday, June 20, 2 p.m.
Rochester Hills Public Library, 500 Olde Towne, Rochester
Join the library staff and Friends of the Library under the canopy of the West Entrance for a sweet treat to kick-off the 1st day of summer! No registration required.

Rochester-Avon Historical Society Walking Tour
Wednesday, June 20, 7 p.m.
Downtown Rochester
Tours conducted by Rochester-Avon Historical Society president, Rod Wilson. Tours begin at the Western Knitting Mills (Water Street at the northwest corner of the building). Tours last approximately two hours. Look for the man with the top hat. Cost is $5 for non-members, $3 for seniors and students. Call 248-651-6178 for more information.

Woman’s National Farm & Garden Association Garden Walk Preview Party
Wednesday, June 20, 7 p.m.
Rochester Hills Museum, 1005 Van Hoosen Rd, Rochester
Admission $30 per person, $50 per couple.  Tickets are available at the Rochester Hills Museum. For more information, call 248-656-4663.

Woman’s National Farm & Garden Association Garden Walk
Thursday, June 21, 11 a.m.
Co-hosted by The Rochester Hills Museum at Van Hoosen Farm.  An intimate look at the unique and private gardens in our  community. Tour tickets can be purchased at the Rochester Hills Museum Wed-Sat. 1-4 p.m. in advance and on the day of the Garden Tour.  In advance – $10 for Museum members, $12 for non-members, $14 the day of the Tour. For more information, call 248-656-4663.

Rain Gardens and Rain Barrels

Thursday, June 21, 7 p.m.
Rochester Hills Public Library, 500 Olde Towne, Rochester
Join Michele Arquette from the Clinton River Watershed Council to learn about the importance of rain gardens and barrels and how to use them at your home.
Adults and Teens Paperback Book Swap
Thursday, June 28, 6:30 p.m.
Rochester Hills Public Library, 500 Olde Towne, Rochester
Join us for the 10th annual Paperback Book Swap and exchange your paperbacks for other paperbacks. You may swap a book for a book. For example, if you bring four paperbacks to trade, you may take home four paperbacks. Please limit your swap to a total of 15 books and bring only adult and teen titles to trade. To register, go to http://calendar.rhpl.org or call 248-650-7130.

I need some advice on how to train my dog. I really don’t want to be hitting him with a newspaper all the time. What methods have you found to be successful?

Sincerely, Marie Hopeful

Dear Ms. Hopeful,

I am definitely not a professional at raising dogs. However, I have had a few pups in my life that I was quite attached to, as I have shared in the past. But these dogs did the hard work of getting to my heart. I was not the one working at our relationship if you know what I mean. That being said, I do know the value of a good trainer. As a matter of fact, my Uncle Ralph in Pennsylvania was one of the best dog trainers I had ever seen.  He had a dog that was trained so well, he would bring my Uncle his lunch in the middle of the day, walking several blocks with the brown paper bag in his mouth!  It was almost unbelievable.  He had this dog trained to get the morning paper, find his slippers, and even put the seat down on the toilet after he flushed!  OK, that last one was made up – but I’m sure he could have trained him to if he wanted!  I, however, was not as fortunate. For example, after I had had this one mutt for about four weeks, the dumb dog still piddled in the house, chewed on my slippers, and stared blankly at me when I called his name.  It was extremely frustrating!  The missus finally signed the dog and me up for some obedience training – for the dog, not for me you smart alec’s!  Anyway, in Rochester Hills, where we live, there is a great obedience training facility that offers these weekly classes. The dog and I attended for about six weeks and we were good to go. He started obeying and I stopped threatening to beat him with the newspaper. I will tell you though, I was never more thankful than when my friend shared his dog story with me. He had just purchased a dachshund, you know those long hot dog style dogs. He appropriately named him Frank.  Well, in order to break Frank in slowly, he trained him to piddle on some newspaper in his kitchen. After a month or so, he started taking Frank out for these long walks and noticed that he never did his business outside. Every time he got back to his house, Frank raced into the kitchen and piddled all over his kitchen floor.  Turns out that Frank was doing exactly what he was trained to do.  It took my friend months to retrain Frank and finally get him to do his business outside – what a mess! Well, I’m not sure if I answered your question or not, but I say let the professionals earn their wage – go find a good school and pay attention.  Let me know how it works out for you.

Sincerely, Dear Crabby

Stuck in a rut? Need some biased advice from a crabby old baby-boomer? Ask DearCrabby@rochestermedia.com

I have come to love gardening. All the plants, trees and flowers that circle my home – they are my friends. And with any good friendship; hard work, care and love are required to make it grow and last. I now have a great appreciation for gardens around the world and for their owners and caretakers alike.

One such garden caught my eye on a visit to southern Alabama. Southwest of Mobile on the banks of the Fowl River is a 65 acre horticultural treasure called Bellingrath Gardens and Home – named after its owners Walter Duncan and Bessie Morse Bellingrath.

Started as a Fishing Camp

What was once a fishing camp purchased in 1917 by Mr. Bellingrath as a way to relax soon grew into something quite different. Mrs. Bellingrath hired an architect by the name of George B. Rogers in 1927 and by 1932 the gardens were opened for public viewing. The quiet fishing camp that was known as “Bellcamp” for 15 years had been transformed into a beautiful garden that blooms year-round.

By 1935 Mr. Rogers had added a home to the property which became the Bellingrath’s private mansion. The Bellingrath’s loved to entertain and on many occasions Mr. Bellingrath would invite visitors from his gardens into his home for lunch. Mrs. Bellingrath learned to always keep the table set for 16, never knowing how many guests her husband might bring in. Since Mr. Bellingrath’s death in 1955 the house is open to public viewing as well.

Home, Gardens and Riverboat Cruise

It felt like I took a short step back in time. Today the Bellingrath home is much like it was in 1955 and houses a fine collection of antique furnishings, as well as silver, porcelain and cut glass and crystal from around America and Europe. The impressive collection was added after Mrs. Bellingrath died in 1943 – Walter never remarried.

The gardens and home are supported by a foundation Mr. Bellingrath set up to preserve their beauty. The foundation also funds three colleges in the South. As the seasons change so does the garden. Visit their website to see what is in bloom: www.bellingrath.org

Besides the wonderful garden and marvelous home, they offer riverboat cruises on the Southern Belle from February through November. Tickets for the gardens, the home and the cruise may all be purchased separately – and each take about an hour – I recommend you do all three and make a nice afternoon of it.

I really enjoyed strolling through the gardens, gazing upon the fish-filled pools and watching one of the many resident cats dart though the flowers on some sort of mission. And for a moment my thoughts returned to my yard in Michigan, wondering if my cat was on a similar mission among my friends in the garden.

If you go:

www.bellingrath.org

Michael Dwyer is a freelance writer and travel columnist. Michael writes about happenings in the Rochester area, travels across Michigan and destinations around the world. Contact him at Michael@RochesterMedia.com

The proposed new RARA headquarters.

After a decade of dreaming, looking and saving, the Rochester Avon Recreation Authority has found a new place to call home–just down the street from its current address.

A vacant, 34,000-square-foot office/warehouse on East Second in Rochester is expected to become RARA’s new headquarters. The expenditure has received the necessary approval of both the Rochester and Rochester Hills city councils but is subject to a 30-day due-diligence period. The price, $1.4 million, will be paid for with $500,000 from RARA’s reserves and a 10-year land contract.

The building is located in an industrial zone near downtown Rochester, the Clinton River, the trail and Elizabeth Park. The building has recently renovated offices, a conference room and some restrooms. RARA plans to spend an additional $625,000 to convert the space to its use over the summer, including basketball courts, dance studios, classrooms, preschool rooms and a multi-purpose room.

“After looking at multiple properties over the years, the RARA board feels the time is now,” said Executive Director Ronald Jewell. The new building is expected to trim RARA’s annual operating costs a bit because it will not be subject to property taxes. RARA currently rents space elsewhere on Second Street, spending $130,000 annually on rent and property taxes.

“This venue is an opportunity for RARA to invest in its future,” Jewell said. The new building is three-and-a-half times larger than the facility RARA has been renting for the last 20 years.

RARA provides recreational opportunities for Rochester and Rochester Hills residents, including children, adults and young adults with special needs. It is governed by a board consisting of members appointed by the two cities and the Rochester and Avondale school districts. Revenue comes from tax dollars and program fees.

Until now, RARA has never owned real estate. Facilities such as athletic fields and gymnasiums are rented from the cities and school districts.

Rochester Mayor Stuart Bikson called the move “a great project. We’re looking forward to having you stay in downtown Rochester,” he said. “I think it’s good for the city.”

“It is a happy day,” said Rochester Hills Councilman Nathan Klomp, a member of the RARA board since 2006. “We have a building that is too small for our needs. We have more programs to offer … and are currently unable to, given our facility restrictions,” he said. “We’ve come across what we believe is a very good piece of property that will serve our needs well, that is at a very reasonable price given the economic climate.”

RARA will continue to rent school facilities. Program supervisor Brandy Boyd said RARA is typically fourth in line behind the districts’ own needs for school events, sports and community education.

“It’s a constant battle,” she said. “If we want to grow, we really need the opportunity to control our own facilities at all hours.”

The dance program has been particularly popular. It operates out of the current RARA headquarters, where space and parking are severely limited.

“For what we have, we have an amazing program,” Boyd said. “If we have a facility like this, I can’t even imagine what we could offer our communities.”

Jewell said participation is up in RARA programs. And even though revenue from property taxes is down, “We have fortunately, through tight times, been able to add every year to our fund balance. … Parents in the communities recognize that recreation is important.”

The new facility will allow RARA to add more programs, thereby increasing revenue, while at the same time not adding to its operating costs, he said.

“We are essentially losing out on an opportunity to run more programs, increase revenue, provide a better service.”

The City is hosting a Main Street Makeover Community Project Update Meeting on the last Tuesday of every month, 7:00 p.m. at the Rochester Fire Department, 277 E. Second. The next meeting in this series is scheduled for Tuesday, May 29. Additionally, project representatives are available to give presentations for businesses and organizations. To schedule a presentation, contact Kristi Trevarrow at 248/656-0060.

The Main Street Makeover is a joint effort of the Michigan Department of Transportation (MDOT), the City of Rochester and the Rochester Downtown Development Authority (DDA). The purpose of the project is to reconstruct Main Street from the Clinton River Bridge to the Paint Creek Bridge, improve water service to the area and to add streetscape improvements to enhance the overall downtown experience.

For more information on the project, please visit www.DowntownRochesterMI.com or call the Rochester DDA at 248/656-0060.

“Girls’ Night Out is a fun way to kick off the spring and summer months Michiganders live for,” said Stephanie Schwager, Rochester Downtown Development Authority events coordinator. “The event gives ladies the opportunity to bring out their spring wardrobe, and of course, shop for one, too!”

29 participating businesses will provide upscale experiences for their guests; ladies can expect everything from make-up consultations to giveaways to live entertainment… this is a night to go all out! Participating merchants are:

• @ Home Furniture
• Aurum Design
• Capies Candies
• Catching Fireflies
• Chomp Deli & Grille
• Final Touch Designs
• Firebrick Gallery & Pottery Studio
• Haig’s of Rochester Fine Jewelry
• Holy Cannoli’s
• Lucido Fine Jewelry
• Lush Salon & Spa ME Beauty
• O’Connor’s Public House
• Penny Black
• Plain & Fancy Gift Shop
• ReSale Connection
• Rochester Mills Beer Co.
• Rochester Pendleton Rojo Mexican Bistro
• Royal Park Hotel
• Sanders
• The Silk Worm
• Simply The Best $10 Boutique
• Smith Jewelers
• Sole Sisters
• Talulah Belle Boutique
• The Peppertree
• Via Linda Salon
• Whoo UR

Back by popular demand is the “Park and Ride in Style”, option for those who would like to enjoy free limo service into downtown Rochester!, Free limo service, courtesy of Rochester Limousine is available to ladies who park at Buffalo Wild Wings, at the Northeast corner of Walton and Livernois. Limos will drop-off and pick-up continuously in downtown Rochester at East Alley and University, and East Alley and Second (behind ReSale Connection). The last shuttle will depart from downtown for Buffalo Wild Wings at 9:00 p.m. sharp.
To tie in with the Main Street Makeover, members of the Oakland University Men’s Swim Team will be on hand to fill the role of the Hard Hat Brigade. In addition to providing basic “gentlemanly” assistance, they also will be acting as our photographers and paparazzi for the evening!
Sass in the City is sponsored by Buffalo Wild Wings, O’Connor’s Public House, Rochester Limousine and Downtown Rochester.
For further information on downtown Rochester, including a complete schedule of events, please visit www.DowntownRochesterMI.com or call 248.656.0060.