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.

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...]

Remembering Bernadette Joan Kurkowski

Bernadette Joan Kurkowski, age 75, resident of Royal Oak, MI, passed away in the early morning of November 29, 2021. She was born in Pontiac, MI on October 11, 1946 to the late William and Helen Kurkowski. Bernadette was also preceded in death by her brother Lester Kurkowski, her dear sister Delores Dwyer, and longtime partner, Herman “Willie” Landt. She is survived by her loving sister Loretta Reid, her nephews Victor Reid, William Dwyer, and Michael Dwyer; her nieces Pamela (Reid) Williams, … [Read more...]

Dillman & Upton Sells with Over 100 Years of Service to Rochester

In 1905, C.W. Upton started the business that the Greater Rochester Area would come to know and support - it became Dillman & Upton in 1910. After four generations, Dillman & Upton has sold to Mans Lumber and Millwork, another century-old, Michigan family-owned business. Dillman & Upton has been supplying materials to a large portion of construction projects built or remodeled in Oakland County. They also specialize in lumber, millwork, window, decking, and kitchens/baths, … [Read more...]

Remembering Sue Ann Douglas

Sue Ann Douglas, age 77 of Rochester, passed away December 17, 2020. Loving wife of Thomas Douglas for 56 years, dear mother of Roger Douglas. Sister of Nancy (Donald) and Candy (Glen). From April 2019 - Mayor Robert J. Ray with Rochester residents Sue and Tom Douglas - photo by Michael Dwyer Sue was well known locally for her public service on the Rochester Planning Commission, Rochester City Council, and the Oakland County Board of Commissioners. Before she started her public service … [Read more...]

Remembering Bill Lipuma

For Rochester Area Residents, the Lipuma Name is Synonymous with Coney Island Salvatore "Bill" Giuseppe Lipuma, Age 89 of Oakland Township passed away on December 3, 2020. Born December 15, 1930, Bill was a devoted husband of Mary for 65 years. Dear father of Marie (John) Russo, Tony (Jodi) Lipuma, and Andrea (Douglas) Lipuma Brown. Adored grandfather of Maria, Salvatore, Stephanie (Brett), Sophia, Meghan, Lisa, and Sophie. Brother of Mary Jankowski, Santa Miserendino, Rose Regner, and … [Read more...]

Election Results (so far) 2020

Computer software glitches, accusations of fraud, and still counting ballots have led to uncertainly with many voters. At the same time, others have accepted the outcome. Here are the unofficial 2020 election results for our community. Election Results Presidential Race: Joe Biden (D) has won Michigan and the county, apparently upsetting incumbent Donald J. Trump (R). While lawsuits and recounting will follow, most officials have called it for Biden/Harris team. U.S. Senate Race: Gary … [Read more...]