TROY — Two Troy students have found enjoyment and success through their participation in competitive mountain biking on the Rochester Mountain Bike Team.

ROCHESTER — Meadow Brook Hall was recently named one of the best holiday historic home tours in the nation via USA Today’s 2024 10 Best Readers’ Choice awards. 

GROSSE POINTE WOODS — At 9, Salvatore “Sal” Strasz, of Grosse Pointe Woods, is a bundle of energy who loves dogs — his family has two — and sports, especially soccer. And he doesn’t let having Type 1 diabetes stand in the way of anything he wants to do.

BLOOMFIELD HILLS — In just seven days, Bloomfield Hills High School alumnus Merrick Chernett ran seven marathons in seven continents. At the age of 18, Chernett is the youngest person to complete the Great World Race.

ROYAL OAK — Show off your ugliest Christmas sweater and give back on Dec. 20 at the Blind Owl, 511 S. Main St. in Royal Oak, for the Filthy Cares Adopt-A-Block Ugly Sweater Christmas Party.

FRASER — Christmas in Fraser returned to Steffens Park Dec. 7 with added activities to get attendees into a noel state of mind.

FRASER — Few people would take a dip in a 38-degree swimming pool unless they had a good reason.

SHELBY TOWNSHIP — A Shelby Township woman celebrated her 99th birthday last month without setting off a smoke alarm at Hamlin Pub in Shelby Township Nov. 30.

SHELBY TOWNSHIP — The Packard Proving Grounds is bringing back a historical Christmas setting with ’Twas a Night Before Christmas 1939,” which will take place from 5 to 9 p.m. Dec. 20.

FARMINGTON HILLS — Until recently, real estate agent Kate Chelovich had never had an opportunity to list a historic home for sale.

MADISON HEIGHTS — A former elementary school teacher, Darlene Grablowski has long been fascinated by children’s books and their ability to captivate young minds.

ROSEVILLE — At Christmastime during World War II, families scaled back on meal options, decorations and gifts because of the rations on food and other merchandise.

ROSEVILLE — When Christmas arrived in 2020 — the year of the COVID-19 pandemic — Rick and Dawn Gaines wanted to do something to lift up people’s spirits.

Center Line — The city of Center Line began its annual holiday celebrations with a 71st tree lighting ceremony Dec. 7 at Memorial Park.

CENTER LINE — The city of Center Line had a ribbon-cutting to unveil a specially designed mural on the side of City Hall Dec. 6 as part of the Detroit Institute of Arts Partners in Public Art program.

FARMINGTON — The Farmington Downtown Development Authority has been patiently waiting since 2021 to be a part of the Detroit Institute of Arts’ Partners in Public Art mural project.

MADISON HEIGHTS — The lake sturgeon is among the oldest and largest native species of fish in the Great Lakes — living up to 150 years, reaching lengths of more than 6 feet, and weighing more than 200 pounds when fully grown.

CLINTON TOWNSHIP — Santa was in attendance as Clinton Township got in the holiday spirit with its annual Christmas Aglow celebration Dec. 7.

GROSSE POINTE FARMS — The War Memorial in Grosse Pointe Farms is celebrating its 75th anniversary this year, but the nonprofit cultural institution is also looking to its future while acknowledging its past.

ROYAL OAK — It’s that time of year again to light up the windows of the young patients of Corewell Health and spread the love as the holiday tradition Moonbeams for Sweet Dreams begins for its sixth year.