Rochester’s Holiday Traditions

Thanksgiving kicks off the holiday season, and that means downtown Rochester’s annual Big, Bright Light Show now illuminates Main Street every evening. Currently in its 13th year, the light show is a local holiday tradition that draws crowds from across the metro area. The light show, however, is only the latest version of Rochester’s holiday décor. Our Main Street Christmas makeover began in 1935, when according to local newspaper accounts that the downtown business district was … [Read more...]

Christmas 1942 in Rochester, Remembering the Fight and Loss of the War

Virginia MacLeod and Christmas 1942 in Rochester  Seventy-five years ago, Rochester’s Christmas season was a memorable one – for a tragic reason. The end of the first year of the Second World War brought with it rationing restrictions, worries about absent loved ones, and the shock of a wartime-related death that happened not overseas, but right here at home.  There were no big, bright holiday lights on Rochester’s Main Street in December 1942. The news from the fighting fronts was … [Read more...]

Neighborhood House Opens its Doors to the Public

Ribbon Cutting Ceremony to Mark the Beginning of a Fresh Start Neighborhood House will unwrap a gift of hope and renewal to the entire Rochester area community at a ribbon cutting ceremony on Thursday, October 13. The charitable organization will be welcoming visitors to the grand opening of their new and impressively upgraded center located at 1720 South Livernois Road in Rochester Hills. "It’s a new beginning, a fresh start. Just like when clients come here, everybody deserves a fresh … [Read more...]

Dr. and Mrs. Roger Byrd named Grand Marshalls

Dr. and Mrs. Roger Byrd named Grand Marshalls of the 2016 Rochester Hometown Christmas Parade During his 30 plus years of involvement with the Rochester Rotary, Roger Byrd has helped build many floats for the Rochester Hometown Christmas Parade. Little did he know that one day he and his wife Mary Jo would lead the Parade down Main Street as its Grand Marshalls. "We were very surprised, we never expected to be asked," Mary Jo said in reaction to the news.  Dr. and Mrs. Byrd have lived in … [Read more...]

Rochester Hills Councilman Mark Tisdel sings for Neighborhood House

Tisdel’s "Quite a Bit of Broadway" supports Neighborhood House For the 15th consecutive year, local singer and Rochester Hills City Councilman Mark Tisdel will entertain the community to benefit Neighborhood House. The widely popular annual event, "Tisdel in Concert," will be held on Sunday, April 17 at 4:00 p.m. at the First Congressional Church in Rochester. Proceeds from the concert will benefit the programs and services of Neighborhood House, a local non-profit organization dedicated to … [Read more...]

Take a walking tour of Rochester’s “Church” Street

The Rochester Hills Museum at Van Hoosen Farm will be hosting a tour of church locations that were once located along one street in downtown Rochester – Walnut Street - on Sunday, July 21 from 2:00 – 3:30 p.m. The tour will start at the St. Andrew Catholic Church location – the parking lot at Third and Walnut and tour guides will discuss church locations and existing buildings. Teenagers of the ‘50s and ‘60s who attended these churches will be available to share their memories of Sunday … [Read more...]

Rochester Area Junior Chamber (Jaycees) Sponsor Annual Shopping Tour

The Rochester Area Junior Chamber has local businesses and community leaders to thank for another successful Christmas Shopping Tour, which took place on Saturday, December 15th, 2012. The Rochester Area Neighborhood House identified for the Jaycees with 29 children who were paired with volunteers to shop for gifts for their family members at Meijer on Rochester Road. After the shopping was finished, the children were transported to the Older Persons’ Commission for a Christmas party where … [Read more...]

Thanksgiving Dinner held November 21 for Those in Need

As many people in the area have fallen on hard times in recent years, the Rochester Community House has helped those in need through its monthly Community Kitchen dinners. Held on the third Sunday of each month, this month’s special Thanksgiving dinner will be on Nov. 21. With the help of local churches and nonprofits, Sunday dinner is provided to many low-income families and seniors. To date, the Community Kitchen has served more than 2,000 diners. The kitchen also distributes more 25 bags … [Read more...]