UTICA — Lights were bright and carolers were caroling at the Downtown Utica Christmas Tree Lighting Celebration Dec. 9 at Memorial Park.

SHELBY TOWNSHIP — Utica Community Schools eighth grader Ben Wodniak had a vision to create a war memorial, which has now become a reality.

STERLING HEIGHTS — This photo was taken in July 1995 of Sterling Heights police officers approaching the scene of a Detroit News strike that reportedly blocked the Sterling Heights Operations Facility at the intersection of Mound Road and Metropolitan Parkway.

CENTER LINE — Santa Claus came to town for Center Line’s 70th tree lighting on Dec. 9, where nearly 900 people from the community gathered in Memorial Park for festive events on a balmy night.

ROYAL OAK — Throughout the month of December, Corewell Health’s Beaumont Children’s Hospital has been putting on its annual Moonbeams for Sweet Dreams event.

METRO DETROIT — Taylor Jones wasn’t sure how she would get through that first Christmas without her favorite aunt, Tricey, who had passed away from COVID-19 and lupus a few years ago.

METRO DETROIT — While toys and other physical gifts can be quickly forgotten, the sense of pride from learning a new skill is the gift that keeps on giving. So rather than adding to a loved one’s overwhelming stack of belongings, why not consider giving an experience?

MADISON HEIGHTS — Earlier this year, the city of Madison Heights announced a program recognizing exceptional volunteers with its At Your Service Awards. The 2023 winners were revealed at the Nov. 27 City Council meeting.

BIRMINGHAM — At the end of 2023, the Michigan Lion Dance Team and the Detroit Ballet Renaissance group, Ballet Edge Detroit, held a unique cross-cultural celebration in downtown Birmingham.

DETROIT — The Detroit Riverfront Conservancy will kick off its fourth annual Winter at Valade celebration starting Friday, Jan. 5.

DETROIT — The Detroit Institute of Arts announced its 15th Annual Community Group Art Exhibition, showcasing artwork from human service organization participants across southeastern Michigan.

SOUTHFIELD — Southfield resident Anthony Brogdon is sharing what he calls “good” Black history on his YouTube channel, Strong Inspirations, where he interviews guests from around the world who share their connections to Black history.

TROY — The University of Michigan’s star running back Blake Corum will be on hand with other Wolverine Football stars at Somerset Collection on Saturday, Dec. 9 for a holiday charity event collecting toys and supporting families for the Detroit Rescue Mission Ministries.  

NORTHERN MICHIGAN — Michigan skiers and riders — not to mention those of us more interested in apres-ski activities — have more to look forward to than snow this winter, especially in the northwestern corner of the lower peninsula.

OAKLAND COUNTY — Motorists should be on high alert for deer in the roadway this winter. Each year, there are over 50,000 deer-car crashes reported in Michigan, according to the Michigan State Police, with the majority of vehicle-deer crashes occurring in the late fall and early winter.

ROCHESTER — Downtown Rochester continues to spread cheer this month with holiday events to complement the city’s popular Big, Bright Light Show.

METRO DETROIT — From concerts to plays and more, stages across the region will be brimming with holiday cheer this year.

GROSSE POINTE SHORES — An exhibition on display until the end of December at the Detroit Historical Museum has no doubt gotten Metro Detroiters of a certain age thinking back to their favorite holiday memories of the old Hudson’s department store downtown.

SHELBY TOWNSHIP — The Shelby Township Senior Center’s featured artist for November and December is Laura Rangos, of LRDesign LLC, for her fabric art.

NOVI — Hundreds of people gathered at Twelve Mile Crossing at Fountain Walk Nov. 17 for Light the Lights!, Novi’s tree-lighting ceremony in the center of the shopping area.