West Bloomfield Beacon

Published December 11, 2019

Readers share their favorite holiday mishap tales

METRO DETROIT — Behind every social media snapshot of glittering trees, wonderstruck kiddos on Santa’s lap and families toasting over a bountiful dinner is someone who is haggard and weary and probably cursing a little bit after working hard to make the magic happen.

Published December 11, 2019

Minimal holiday decorating can still make a major impact

METRO DETROIT — A towering, ornament-laden Christmas tree, lights strung with care over the entire front of the house, and a yard filled with festive decorations are great, but not everyone has the time or energy to deck the halls with tinsel, garland and endless boughs of holly.

Published December 11, 2019

Bridging the miles with technology

METRO DETROIT — It would be unusual for a day to pass without Brendan Ross, of St. Clair Shores, or his wife texting one or another of their children or grandchildren, who live out of state.

Published December 10, 2019

Police share tips to protect homes, presents during holidays

OAKLAND COUNTY — The end of the year can bring a lot of joy. Some are getting excited about ordering presents for Christmas, and others are planning trips to escape the cold weather. In both cases, police warn residents to take special care of their homes and personal items.

Published December 5, 2019

Officials celebrate newly built fire station in West Bloomfield

WEST BLOOMFIELD — It took nearly two years to rebuild, but officials in West Bloomfield say the reconstruction of Fire Station No. 3 was well overdue — and the final product well worth the effort.

Published December 5, 2019

The Friday 5 — Dec. 6-8

Your guide to this weekend's events

Published December 4, 2019

Give more than gifts this season with customized presents

METRO DETROIT — Hey, gift cards are great. But sometimes, a holiday gift needs to have a more distinctive touch. A personalized item can sometimes say what plastic can’t: You’re unlike anyone else.

Published December 4, 2019

Winterize homes before the blizzards hit

METRO DETROIT — Snowfall and cold temperatures have hit southeast Michigan relatively early this year, but those looking to protect their homes for the upcoming winter season still have time.

West Bloomfield High School Principal Patrick Watson will be the new superintendent of the Bloomfield Hills Schools district.

Published November 27, 2019

West Bloomfield High principal named BHS district superintendent

BLOOMFIELD HILLS/WEST BLOOMFIELD — West Bloomfield High School Principal Patrick Watson was selected by the Bloomfield Hills Schools Board of Education as the district’s new superintendent Nov. 20.

A work zone camera shows the progress on the Maple/Middlebelt roundabout Nov. 26.

Published November 27, 2019

Maple/Middlebelt roundabout opening delayed

WEST BLOOMFIELD — Weather has put a damper on the opening of the Maple Road/Middlebelt Road roundabout, according to the Road Commission for Oakland County.

Published November 27, 2019

The Friday 5 — Nov. 29-Dec. 1

Your guide to this weekend's events

Published November 25, 2019

Small retailers are a big deal to Oakland shoppers

OAKLAND COUNTY — Lisa Gentile lives in the heart of downtown Birmingham. Without a doubt, she said, one of her favorite things about the neighborhood is that she can step out her door and walk to her favorite local haunts.

Published November 22, 2019

Partying in a winter wonderland

METRO DETROIT — This is Michigan. Snow is to be expected. Of course you know that. But what you might not know is how much fun it can be to forget the flakes and keep entertaining guests outdoors into the winter months.

Published November 22, 2019

There’s no place like home for holiday movies

METRO DETROIT — As Christmas lights twinkle, curling up on the couch with a cup of warm cocoa while watching a favorite Christmas movie is how many people get into the holiday spirit.

Published November 22, 2019

Treasurer hosts taxpayer assistance meetings

OAKLAND COUNTY — If you’re having issues paying your property taxes, there is help available.

Published November 21, 2019

The Spirit of Giving: Hollywood trainer finds closure in race for HAVEN

OAKLAND COUNTY — At the end of August, just days after he had gotten married on a beach in Malibu, celebrity fitness trainer Alex Fine made good on a promise to his mom to complete an ultramarathon in her honor.

Published November 20, 2019

West Bloomfield High celebrates life during U-Matter Week

WEST BLOOMFIELD — West Bloomfield High School recently held its fourth annual U-Matter Week the week of Nov. 11.

Published November 20, 2019

The Friday 5 — Nov. 22-24

Your guide to this weekend's events

Published November 20, 2019

Simple solutions can upgrade a bland apartment to a happy home

METRO DETROIT — Moving into a new apartment is fun, but it can pose some challenges that people might not consider when moving into a home that they own.

Published November 20, 2019

Enjoy the gift of stage ‘presents’ with holiday shows

METRO DETROIT — The weather outside might be frightful, but inside metro Detroit venues, the sights and sounds will be delightful, as concerts and other productions bring the holiday season to life.