STERLING HEIGHTS – ‘Tis the season to be skating in Sterling Heights. On Dec. 1, the Dodge Park Ice Rink returned to the Dodge Park Farmers Market Pavilion. And for Sterling Heights Parks and Recreation Director Kyle Langlois, the annual rink reopening is an exciting time.

DETROIT — While growing up, Richard Auld remembers his grandmother, Lillian, and his dad, Edwin, sharing memories about a family member named Jack.

METRO DETROIT — A documentary film made by some Michigan locals promises to give viewers insight into Mad Magazine’s history and its impact on the culture through its satirical influences.

FRANKLIN — The village of Franklin’s downtown may be small in size, but it is packed with unique businesses eager to welcome customers. 

ROCHESTER — A local man has a second shot at life after suffering from cardiac arrest and collapsing on Main Street in downtown Rochester.

TROY — Community members can expect the return of the annual Italian Holiday Market hosted by the Cucina Lab Torino and Vino Lab in Troy during December.

OAKLAND TOWNSHIP — Twin Lakes Golf Club announces the return of its Gingerbread House Challenge, now in its second year. The event, held from noon to 3 p.m. Dec. 14, invites families and community members to bring their creativity to life with imaginative gingerbread house designs.

ROYAL OAK — Safari Slumbers provides children in grades 2-8 a unique opportunity to spend the night in the Detroit Zoo and learn about the animals like never before.

BIRMINGHAM — Indulge in high comedy with the Birmingham Village Players during their run of “Present Laughter.” 

WARREN — Warren Treasurer Lorie Barnwell and other city and county elected officials will partner with the Salvation Army for the Warren toy drive to collect new, unwrapped toys at 6 p.m. Thursday, Dec. 5, at the MRCC Banquet Center.

TROY — Though some malls appear to be struggling in the metro Detroit area, shopping centers in Troy, like Somerset Collection and the Oakland Mall, appear to be adapting or looking for different ways to continue to bring in more foot traffic.

METRO DETROIT — During family holidays or gatherings, there is often something sparking the flame for a heated conversation.

COMMERCE TOWNSHIP — Glenlore Trails in Commerce Township has undergone a transformation and is now filled with the holiday spirit. The annual “Aurora Winter Wonderland” interactive light show opened Nov. 15 and will be open on Thursday and Friday nights through Dec. 29.

BLOOMFIELD HILLS — For those who do not plan on spending the day after Thanksgiving holiday gift shopping, Cranbrook Institute of Science is hosting an event all about dinosaurs. 

ROYAL OAK — A $15 million bequest from the estate of Harry Kirk Denler will make a transformative difference in the leukemia research done at Corewell Health.

ST. CLAIR SHORES — On Dec. 7, the St. Clair Shores 9-Mack Merchants Association will again host the downtown Jingle Mingle filled with holiday cheer and fun activities.

SHELBY TOWNSHIP — The Shelby Township Fine Art Society recently announced its winners for the art show at the Shelby Township Library.

ROSEVILLE — Members of the Knights of Columbus Holy Innocents-St. Barnabas Council No. 14213, including Bob Vaillancourt, left, and Chris Hilderbrandt, are providing a warmer winter for local children.

DETROIT — Every year, America’s Thanksgiving Day Parade is hosted in downtown Detroit. Preceding that event is the Strategic Staffing Solutions Turkey Trot where runners of all ages and experience levels can participate and share their love for running.

WARREN — For the third straight year, Gardner-White Furniture’s flagship store, located at 6500 E.14 Mile Road, has brought the sentiments of the North Pole to the city of Warren.