DETROIT — An art project that College for Creative Studies student Brandi Witek helped design made the cut just in time for the holiday window shopping season.

STERLING HEIGHTS — There is a new service organization in town, and others are invited to join in the cause. Last summer, a group of residents with the desire to help families in need became the Kiwanis Club of Sterling Heights Community, which was formally chartered on Sept. 23 in Dodge Park.

BIRMINGHAM — Every holiday season, it is a family tradition for Birmingham Village Players member Joe Vercellone to watch Charles Dickens’ “A Christmas Carol.” This year, Vercellone and his son Phillip adapted the show into a one-man play to be performed as a fundraiser for the Birmingham Village Players. 

EASTPOINTE/ROSEVILLE — Whether you like to view twinkling lights that glow or sing Christmas carols with others, the following community holiday events are designed to bring a festive mood.

NOVI — The city of Novi is currently looking into the possibility of a sister-city relationship with Nagahama in Japan.

SOUTHFIELD — The annual Southfield tree lighting ceremony will be held from 6 to 8 p.m. Dec. 2 on the front lawn of the Southfield Municipal Campus, 26000 Evergreen Road.

SOUTHFIELD/LATHRUP VILLAGE — The cities of Southfield and Lathrup Village are now home to two new murals thanks to the help of the Detroit Institute of Arts.

NOVI — Thano Karimalis, 51, of Novi, has developed an extensive and elaborate collection of action figures over the years. 

BIRMINGHAM — The Birmingham Museum will be starting the year off with the opening of a new exhibit that celebrates local history. 

ROSEVILLE —  Darrell McKee always ran a good race.

HARRISON TOWNSHIP — After an over 60-year history, Bethlehem Lutheran Church in Harrison Township is on the brink of closing its doors for good.

FERNDALE/BERKLEY/PLEASANT RIDGE — Local cities are ready to light up their downtowns for the holiday season.

GROSSE POINTE FARMS/CITY — The Grosse Pointe Santa Claus Parade is marking a major milestone this year as it turns 50.

FRASER — On Nov. 12, Fraser officials, staff from the Detroit Institute of Arts and other guests unveiled a new mural on the side of the Senior Activity Center.

NOVI — Comic books are so much more than a small pictorial storybook that some might recall being included with the children’s menu at Big Boy Restaurants, or the “funnies” that Grandpa used to read to us as kids, and later wrap presents with. 

GROSSE POINTE WOODS — In 1950, a loaf of bread cost about 14 cents, “King Solomon’s Mines” and “All About Eve” were two of the biggest hits at the box office, “Goodnight Irene” by Gordon Jenkins and The Weavers was the most popular song and Harry S. Truman was president.

WARREN — C.V. Samuel’s first full day of school in the U.S. was November 22, 1971.

HARRISON TOWNSHIP — Through hardship and long distance, this couple has stayed together. The icing on the cake? They won a free wedding at MacRay Harbor in Harrison Township.

MOUNT CLEMENS — There are not many traditions that have been running for 50 years, but the Mount Clemens Santa Parade is one of them.

MADISON HEIGHTS — Each year, the Madison Heights Goodfellows work with area businesses to sponsor families in need, ensuring gifts are under the tree come Christmas morning.