Dear Crabby, How Do We Offend Everyone Without Trying?

Dear Crabby, Every year, my neighbor decorates his yard with every symbol of the season - Kwanzaa candle holders, Santa Claus, a Nativity, a menorah, and even the Grinch! I understand he's trying to be politically correct and not offend any one particular religion, but in doing so, I think he offends multiple religions, and insults mankind that we cannot respect each other's differences and allow others the right of freedom of expression within safe limits. What are your thoughts? Bah Humbug, … [Read more...]

The Best Toys for Christmas This Year

People everywhere are looking for the best toys this Christmas. You cannot go wrong with a Hot Wheels set for any boy wanting to race! The Story of Hot Wheels is that they were born in the spirit of California’s custom car culture, Hot Wheels® cars and track sets have ignited the imaginations of millions of kids and adults around the world. For nearly four decades, the fantasy-inspired designs of Hot Wheels® cars have brought to life the speed, power, performance and edgy attitude for which … [Read more...]

Holiday Events coming to the Rochester Hills Museum

The holidays are here! If you are looking for some fun, family-friendly activities, look no further than the Rochester Hills Museum!  On Saturday, December 1 from 9:00 am to 4:00 pm, Santa and Mrs. Claus will be visiting the farm to meet with good boys and girls and accept their Christmas wish lists. Tickets for Santa’s Visit are $4 for Rochester Hills Museum Members and $7 for non-museum members. Timed tickets can be purchased online with PayPal at www.rochesterhills.org or in person on … [Read more...]

Dear Crabby, What Do I Do About Scary Decorations?

Dear Crabby, I really do not like all of the scary decorations that people put out for Halloween these days. My kids are young, and some of these decorations scare them and give them nightmares!  Why is it that people have no issue with putting scary props out on their yard, but if you dare to put a Nativity Scene in your yard, you face criminal charges? Sincerely, Common Sense Mom Dear Common Sense Mom, You certainly make a good point about these different holiday traditions and the … [Read more...]

Rochester Area Jaycees Will Sponsor Annual Shopping Tour on Saturday, December 10th

The Rochester Area Jaycees will once again sponsor the Christmas Shopping Tour community event on Saturday, December 10th, 2011. The event would not be possible without the generous donations of local businesses and community leaders. Each year the Rochester Area Jaycees team up with the Rochester Area Neighborhood House and the Older Persons’ Commission to offer an unforgettable day for children in the Greater Rochester Area. The day will begin at Meijer in Rochester Hills where the … [Read more...]

Make Rochester a Stop on your Holiday List

Black Friday and Cyber Monday started it, catalogs continue to pile up on coffee tables, and the malls have extended hours. The holidays are here and Christmas shopping is in full swing. There are so many options, but you have a busy schedule. And, you want to impress those on your gift list. What to do?  Downtown Rochester offers unique shops and a variety of options. Here are just a few places that you may want to put on your list of stops along the holiday path that wraps up the … [Read more...]

Free parking downtown!

Shop  local and enjoy free parking in downtown Rochester Nov. 29-Jan. 2. … [Read more...]

The Village of Rochester Hills Tree Lighting

November 18, 2011 The Village of Rochester Hills will be hosting their annual Christmas Tree Lighting Ceremony at 7pm. The Mayor will be there as well as Channel 7 and the Rochester marching band! Be sure to attend if possible. The lights will remain throughout the Holiday season as well. … [Read more...]

DISCOVER THE SPIRIT OF THE KRIS KRINGLE MARKET IN DOWNTOWN ROCHESTER

Rochester, Mich. – Nov. 15, 2011 – The Kris Kringle Market returns to downtown Rochester this holiday season, Dec. 2, 4:00-9:00 pm and Dec. 3, noon-9:00 pm. Kringle again will be located on W. Fourth Street between Main and Walnut and will coincide with The Big, Bright Light Show. The Kris Kringle Market, presented by Renewal by Andersen, is inspired by the 700 year-old tradition of the European Christmas Market, and visitors can enjoy the food, shopping, entertainment and ambience of this … [Read more...]

Family Advent Activities: Giving & Serving

My husband and I have three goals for our children:  to raise them to be healthy in mind, body and spirit.  Usually my articles on Rochester Media are centered on the healthy in body topic, but today I will share with you a tradition we are creating that centers on the latter goal, being healthy in spirit.  While they will get presents on Christmas Day, all the days preceding it will center on giving, serving, and enjoying the Christmas holiday without the presents.  We do this with the help … [Read more...]