Friends,

One of the best parts of being City News editor is I get to see all the good we humans do for each other around the holidays. From toy and canned food drives to charity events and volunteering opportunities, my heart is happy.

I’ve always loved the giving time of year and I’m trying to instill that spirit of generosity into my kids year-round. I had them help me donate to the Macomb Foster Closet, which gives foster kids two free wardrobes each year. I love this charity for several reasons. There’s no middle man. Our donations go from our trunk to their shelves. We are helping children in our area. And my kids are adopted. Luckily, they didn’t spend any time in foster care, but it’s a path many children have to take.

What are some of your favorite charities? Why? Let’s see if we can get a shout out to the ones that mean the most to us. Together, we can make an even more caring community.

Rebecca

VinoTalk

Increase your knowledge of Chianti (with or without fava beans) in the latest edition of VinoTalk with local wine expert John Jonna.

Fire & Ice Festival

Brighten your holidays in downtown Rochester with the Fire & Ice Festival. Come enjoy an outdoor family-friendly activity hosted by Oakland County, Oakland County Parks, the Principal Shopping District and the City of Rochester.

The event will feature ice sculptors, sledding hill, sled dogs, food trucks, carriage rides, a warming station and much more. The Fire & Ice Festival will kick off on Friday, Jan. 17.

Big, Bright Light Show

Don’t forget the Big Bright Light Show illuminates Downtown Rochester now through Jan. 5, from 5 p.m. to midnight daily. The dazzling holiday light display features more than 1.5 million points of light. The show will be aglow weekends in January throughout Jan. 19. For more information call (248)-656-0060.

Winter Tax Bills

Winter Tax bills have been mailed, if you have not received your tax bill or if you have any questions, please contact Treasury at 248-733-3700. Winter taxes are due on or before Friday, Feb. 14.

Rebecca Calappi

Rebecca Calappi

City News Editor