About Michael Dwyer

Michael Dwyer is a freelance content provider. Michael writes about happenings in the Rochester area, travels across Michigan and destinations around the world. Contact him at michael@rochestermedia.com.

Spookeasy Pop-up Bar

This October, join the Royal Park Hotel for their first ever Halloween Spookeasy that blends classic haunts with an eerie elegance. Guests can immerse in a world of dim lighting, cobwebs, and spiders, where floating candles cast a ghostly glow over rich purple hues and delicate black lace. The chilling setting beckons those who revel in the dark side of luxury. Sip on wickedly crafted cocktails and sink your teeth into devilish bites, as patrons explore every shadowy corner. Spookeasy Pop-up … [Read more...]

Remembering Jeffrey LaDuke

Jeffrey John LaDuke, of Rochester, Michigan, passed away unexpectedly on Friday August 16, 2024, at the age of 71. Jeff was born the son of John and Charlotte (Beckhold) LaDuke in Detroit, Michigan on June 3, 1953. He graduated from Rochester High School, class of 1971. Jeff had a career as a singer, song writer, and audio engineer. He was the owner of Stoney Creek Studios in Rochester, providing audio and production for many bands and artists both national and local, and was part of the … [Read more...]

Ribbon Cutting: Culinary Academy Rata2ee Celebrates 10 Years in Downtown Rochester

Rochester Chamber of Commerce welcomes Rata2ee to New Location The Rochester Regional Chamber of Commerce held a Ribbon Cutting for Tonia Carsten, who celebrates 10 years of doing business in Downtown Rochester. Rata2ee, a culinary academy for children and adults, has been in business since 2014. Working out of various locations to start with and then from Tonia's Victorian Rose Tea Room from January 9, 2017 to March 2, 2024. Rata2ee Ribbon Cutting with owner Tonia Carsten (holding the big … [Read more...]

Rocket Mortgage Classic Returns to Michigan for Sixth Year

The Rocket Mortgage Classic returns for the sixth year to the Detroit Golf Club from June 25-30. Fans can choose from a variety of ticket options that offer front row seats to some of the best professional golfers in the world, an experience unique to the sport of golf and fun for attendees of all ages.  “The Rocket Mortgage Classic is more than just a golf tournament, it’s a celebration of community, innovation and the spirit of competition,” said Varun Krishna, CEO of Rocket Mortgage. “The … [Read more...]

Remembering Gail Evonne Kemler

Gail Johnson moved to Rochester in 1921, attended Rochester High School and graduated with the class of 1935. Gail married Don Kemler in 1938. She was a member of the Rochester Community School Board, Rochester Historical Commission, Rochester-Avon Historical Society, Daughters of the American Revolution, Rochester Lions Club, and many more organizations. She helped establish the Helping Hands Food Pantry and was a local business owner and real estate agent. Gail Evonne Kemler at … [Read more...]

Ribbon Cutting: Insomnia Cookies Rochester Hills

The Rochester Regional Chamber of Commerce Held a Ribbon Cutting Welcoming Insomnia Cookies to Rochester Hills and to the Chamber Insomnia Cookies Regional Director Michelle Benson cuts the Ceremonial Ribbon alongside Rochester Regional Chamber of Commerce Representatives and Local Dignitaries. The ribbon cutting, held on Tuesday May 9, brought local dignitaries, chamber members, and the staff of Insomnia Cookies together to introduce the business to Rochester Hills. Insomnia Cookies … [Read more...]

Tim Hortons Lift Spirits and Raises Funds for the Rainbow Connection

The iconic coffee shop’s Smile Cookie program is back once again, for the first time in the spring, helping support multiple non-profits in the same local markets where Tim Hortons serves its guests. The program started in 1996 as a fundraiser to benefit a local children’s hospital, and the Smile Cookie program has now become synonymous with Tim Hortons philanthropic efforts across the U.S. From May 1-7, at participating restaurants, guests can purchase a Smile Cookie for $1.50, with 100% … [Read more...]

Local Author Pens a New Book of Poems about the Painful Healing of her Son’s Suicide

Finishing Line Press is proud to announce the forthcoming publication of Sleepwalker, a chapbook of poems by Rochester writer, Linda K. Sienkiewicz. The book will be released on May 19, however advanced copies are available now. Sienkiewicz will be personally donating a percentage of the advanced orders to the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention. Linda K. Sienkiewicz’s poems speak to hard-earned compassion and painful healing after her eldest son’s suicide. Trying to make sense of … [Read more...]

New Tile Mural Brightens Thelma Spencer Park in Rochester Hills

A team of project partners, including the Paint Creek Center for the Arts (PCCA), the Older Persons’ Commission (OPC), and Paint a Miracle, were able to host multiple workshops this past spring so that people of all ages and abilities could contribute to this outdoor mosaic.  Nicole Bush, Art Education Manager, PCCA; Mayor Bryan Barnett, City of Rochester Hills; Michelle Sider, Mosaic Artist; Ken Elwert, Parks & Natural Resources Director, City of Rochester Hills; Shaun Hayes, Executive … [Read more...]

‘Christmas through the Decades’ at Rochester Hills City Hall

Mayor Bryan Barnett and the Rochester Hills City team members decorated for the holidays. The theme this year was 'Christmas through the Decades' covering the past, and even into the future. Here are a few images of the city offices - can you guess the decades? Photos by Michael Dwyer … [Read more...]