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Toi Kenzo, from Shelby Township, and son Creel, 2, hold a pied ball python named Viserion
Photo by Patricia O’Blenes
Representing reptiles
On Nov. 4, the Sterling Heights Nature Center welcomed the colder fall weather by introducing the public to some cold-blooded creatures: reptiles.
During the “Radical Reptiles” event, Sterling Heights Assistant Naturalist Ann Marie Cole gave a presentation on keeping reptiles as pets. Cole brought in some of her own animals as part of the event, and discussed issues such as heating, lighting, food and more.
During the activity, kids and other attendees got a chance to see and sometimes touch various shelled or scaled animals, including tortoises, snakes and a tegu lizard.
Thanksgiving affects city operations
Local municipal buildings, including City Hall, the 41-A District Court, the library and the senior, community and nature centers, will close Nov. 23 and 24 for Thanksgiving. In addition, the nature and senior centers will be closed Nov. 25, and the library will close at 5 p.m. Nov. 22 and will remain closed through Nov. 26 before reopening Nov. 27, officials said.
According to the 2023 GFL holiday schedule posted on the city website, Thursday and Friday refuse pickups will be delayed by one day, since GFL Environmental is closed Nov. 23. Learn more about refuse collection by visiting sterlingheights.gov or by calling (586) 446-2440.
City to hold Christmas celebration
A Sterling Christmas will take place 5:30-8:30 p.m. Dec. 2 at Dodge Park, 40620 Utica Road in Sterling Heights.
Santa Claus is expected to attend, and attendees can enjoy many holiday-themed activities, like a tree lighting, carols, ice skating, horse-drawn wagon rides and more.
Admission is free. Learn more by visiting sterlingheights.gov or by calling (586) 446-2700.
Mall to host holiday business expo
Lakeside Mall, 14000 Lakeside Circle, will host the 12th annual Expo Michigan Holiday and Crafters Marketplace on weekends between Black Friday and Christmas Eve, Nov. 24-26, and Dec. 2-3, 9-10, 16-17 and 23-24. Hours are 11 a.m.-6 p.m. on Black Friday and Saturdays, and noon-6 p.m. Sundays.
The expo, which is presented by the Oakland County Business Association Inc. of Michigan, promises appearances by Michigan businesses, vendors, artists, craftspeople and authors. The event will also feature live music performances, as well as Taylor Swift dress-up days on Saturdays in December.
Admission is free. The event also encourages nonperishable food donations to help Gleaners Community Food Bank. Learn more about the event by visiting www.EXPOMichigan.com.
Holiday food drive returns
The Sterling Heights Department of Public Works is running its annual Ken Stempowski Memorial Food Drive from now until Dec. 13.
The charity drive welcomes nonperishable food donations, which will be turned over to the Macomb Food Program. Donors may drop off the food 7 a.m.-3 p.m. weekdays at the DPW building, 7200 18 Mile Road, or 8:30 a.m.-5 p.m. at the Community Relations Department in City Hall, 40555 Utica Road. The charity drive will also accept checks made to the Macomb Food Program. Learn more by visiting sterlingheights.gov or by calling (586) 446-2440.
City asks residents to remove leaves properly
The city of Sterling Heights is asking residents not to rake leaves into the street. Instead, leaves should be collected and stored in a qualified brown bag and placed at the curb on a resident’s typical waste pickup day. The last week that yard waste will be collected is Dec. 11-15.
Learn more about waste pickup by calling the Sterling Heights Department of Public Works at (586) 446-2440.
