Extra

Published April 24, 2019

Garden getaways, without the grass stains

METRO DETROIT — There aren’t many benefits we don’t reap from being outside in nature and enjoying the sights and sounds: stress relief, improved memory and energy, lower risks of cancer — you name it.

Published April 17, 2019

C&G Newspapers

This spring, you don’t have to leave the dog at home

METRO DETROIT — After the long, dreary days of winter, people may not be the only ones experiencing cabin fever — dogs have been cooped up too. Once the sunshine breaks through and the temperatures start to rise, people may be looking for any excuse to get out and about, taking their four-legged companions along.

Published April 10, 2019

C&G Newspapers

Slow and steady is how to start the race

METRO DETROIT — On any given weekday, it’s not an uncommon sight to look out a window at the C & G Newspapers building and see a tall, slender woman in bright and cheery athletic gear stride by. Brooke England-Wagenknecht is a veteran graphic designer in C & G’s art department who spends her days juggling time in front of the computer with motherhood. Sometimes, she needs to literally and figuratively run away from it all.

Published April 3, 2019

C&G Newspapers

Families flock to the great outdoors to bird watch

METRO DETROIT — Bird-watching, local experts say, is not just for the birds. It’s a great excuse to get everyone spending quality time together outside — away from the temptation of screens — and cultivating an interest in science and nature.

Published March 27, 2019

C&G Newspapers

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.