Extra

Published March 27, 2019

Opportunities abound for youth to volunteer this summer

METRO DETROIT — In just a few months, the summer will stretch out before local youth — weeks of sleeping in, fun, sunshine ... and boredom. It doesn’t have to be that way, though. Younger volunteers can make a big difference over the summer instead by helping organizations that feed the hungry and support local children or animals.

Published March 19, 2019

C&G Newspapers

Drink in the health benefits of nature

METRO DETROIT — Have you ever wondered if your trusty family physician gets miffed by that old adage “an apple a day keeps the doctor away”? We’ve got it on good authority that she doesn’t. In fact, your doc would be pleased as punch — a very nutrient-rich punch — to hear that you’re getting in daily servings of apples, berries and, especially, green vegetables.

Published March 13, 2019

C&G Newspapers

Giving CBD oil a try

METRO DETROIT — It’s an all-natural product that can reportedly treat chronic pain, ease anxiety and bring sleep to those suffering from insomnia — with few to no side effects or drug interactions. But about half of those who hear about this supposed wonder drug won’t even try it because of its association with marijuana. It’s cannabidiol, better known as CBD oil.

Children relax on the dock at Camp Sancta Maria, where fathers and sons, mothers and daughters can spend a weekend at the camp together.

Published March 6, 2019

C&G Newspapers

All in the family: Summer camp isn’t just for kids

Cabins, swimming in the lake, crafts and outdoor adventures are summertime traditions for some children.

Published February 28, 2019

C&G Newspapers

Let workshops lead the way for springtime gardening

METRO DETROIT — Shelby Township resident Ivy Schwartz’s calling is in her name.

Published February 20, 2019

C&G Newspapers

Couples include pets in their walk down the aisle

METRO DETROIT — Something old, something new, something borrowed — and a good boy, too. That’s not quite how the old adage goes, but it certainly applies to the brides and grooms of 2019. Couples are creating new traditions for their nuptials, and including their furry child in the ceremony is non-negotiable.

Published February 13, 2019

C&G Newspapers

How seniors are clearing clutter to make room for living

METRO DETROIT — As we age, many come to realize that what’s truly valuable in life is stored within our hearts, not within our walls.So when the kids fly the coop and the exciting and restful days of retirement approach, who wants to spend that well-deserved free time dusting a big ol’ house full of stuff that’s been acquired over the years?

Published February 6, 2019

C&G Newspapers

Budgeting on the ‘other side of the Great Recession’

METRO DETROIT — When they started out, it was all about advocating for low-income housing during the Great Recession. But as the economy grew, so did the Community Economic Development Association of Michigan, said Brian Rakovitis, the manager of financial empowerment initiatives at the Lansing-based CEDAM.

Published January 30, 2019

C&G Newspapers

Organizations share plant-based lifestyle experiences, benefits

METRO DETROIT — At the age of 55, Paul Chatlin could not walk more than seven steps without having to stop and take several breaths. He also found out he had three blocked coronary arteries and was a candidate for bypass surgery.

Published January 23, 2019

C&G Newspapers

Following the beat in high school

METRO DETROIT — Increased problem solving, better listening, mastery of memorization and enhanced coordination. All with a built-in family for the four years of high school. How can students take advantage of a program that gives them all that? Join the band.

Published January 16, 2019

C&G Newspapers

Chili cook-off experts reveal what it takes to make a winning bowl

METRO DETROIT — What does it take to make the perfect chili? Is it the spice? Could be. Even the experts aren’t sure. Michelle Weiss, the marketing and events coordinator for the Mount Clemens Downtown Development Authority, organizes the DDA’s annual chili cook-off. Creating “a chili they can be proud of” is the magic ingredient in a cook-off contender, she said.

Published January 9, 2019

C&G Newspapers

Snowless fun can be done outside in metro Detroit

METRO DETROIT — What do you do when the weather outside is not so frightful and there is no snow on the ground to be found? Go outside and frolic in the nothingness of winter’s chill, of course. From local skating rinks to sprawling hiking paths, these activities don’t depend on wintry weather, according to Farmington Hills’ Heritage Park programmer, Carol Fink.

Published December 28, 2018

C&G Newspapers

Running groups offer events, support

METRO DETROIT — William Hill doesn’t just make small talk. What began as a throwaway conversation for the Farmington resident with his neighbor became a transformative idea that has changed the lives of many people in the Farmington area and beyond.

Published December 28, 2018

C&G Newspapers

Learning to cook can save money, trim waistlines

METRO DETROIT — Shelly Kemp, the executive director of the Royal Oak Chamber of Commerce, likes to lend her hand in the kitchen at Mirepoix Cooking School in Holiday Market.

Published December 17, 2018

C&G Newspapers

Metro Detroiters share experiences with working on holidays

METRO DETROIT — There’s no place like home for the holidays — with family gatherings, stories of yesteryear and delicious meals. But for some, it’s another day at the office, whether that office is in a squad car, inside an emergency room or behind a snowplow.

Published December 12, 2018

C&G Newspapers

Faraway holiday traditions decorate local homes, hearts

METRO DETROIT — During Christmastime, Birmingham resident Rita Dunker, 63, doesn’t have to look far to find what takes her back to her childhood growing up in post-war Germany in the small country town of Weseke. Dunker frequents the annual Birmingham Winter Markt, described as a European-themed wonderland in Shain Park in Birmingham.

Published December 5, 2018

C&G Newspapers

A twist on the sweet seasonal standard: peppermint

METRO DETROIT — From our décor to our lattes, it seems that as soon as the calendar flips to December, our hearts go out in search of candy canes. There’s something about the taste of peppermint that’s not only indicative of the season, but also serves as sweet nostalgia of cozy holidays gone by. So why not load up on some sugary, minty, red-and-white goodness while you can?

Published November 27, 2018

C&G Newspapers

Giving classes as gifts makes for long-lasting memories

METRO DETROIT — There aren’t many things in life that are as exciting as opening a gift. The anticipation of what might be, the crunch of the wrapping paper, the reveal as the box opens and the excitement of seeing that special something meant just for you.

Published November 19, 2018

C&G Newspapers

Holiday shows set the stage for merry moments

METRO DETROIT — If your holidays are more hectic or ho-hum than happy, there’s nothing like toe-tapping seasonal tunes and timeless tales to get you in the spirit, so grab your coat and head out to one of the many festive productions brightening local stages this year.

Published November 13, 2018

C&G Newspapers

How law enforcement is changing its tune to address addiction

METRO DETROIT — It was Sept. 23, 2013. He can tell you the exact day when he felt there was “no way out,” and he knew he needed to get serious about recovery from his addiction to heroin and alcohol. “I was in treatment five different times,” said David Clayton, of Macomb Township. “I had been using for 11 years before I got sober, from the time I was 17 to 28, starting with prescription pills and marijuana and drinking, then heroin at 23.”