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. 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

They Rule the Roast: Friends Team-Up to Sell Delicious Coffee Online

Mike Kneffel happened to be at a class reunion in 2018 with Paul Mercieca — a boyhood pal from his old Detroit neighborhood — when he asked if Paul’s brother Joe was still roasting his own coffee.

“Joe’s coffee is really good,” replied Mercieca.

Kneffel recalled that Joe had roasted his own coffee in his basement for more than 20 years. “You ought to try some,” Mercieca said.

Read More…

Community Center Card

Head-off cabin fever and stop by the Community Center to receive a “Community Center Card” or renew your current Community Center card. Proof of residency is required, and cards are renewed annually.

Cardholders can participate in a variety of city-sponsored programs, special events and other programs. Free Community Center Cards can only be obtained at the Community Center.

Auburn Hills Teen Council Sock Drive

The Auburn Hills Teen Council is hosting a sock drive at the beginning of the year and donating all collections to homeless shelters. Donations can be made at the Auburn Hills Community Center. All socks must be new. Keep an eye on our social media pages for the official start.

I blinked and missed November.

At my house, we’re in full-blown celebration mode. After Thanksgiving, we celebrated my dad’s birthday. Then my twins’ birthday is midmonth. My family Christmas party and my birthday sit back to back on the calendar. Christmas comes through like a freight train, and after a week of putting toys together and picking packaging out of the rug, we celebrate the New Year.

I’m pre-exhausted.

But this season, I’m doing a few things for myself. I signed up for a virtual race to run, walk or crawl at least one mile every day between Thanksgiving and Christmas. I’m also determined to enjoy a cheesy or classic (I haven’t decided yet) movie without multi-tasking. And I have my heart set on finding a copy of Chicken Soup for the Soul: It’s Beginning to Look A Lot Like Christmas in a store. A story of mine is published in the book and I’d just like to see it somewhere.

What are your plans for the holidays? Email me at citynewseditor@localbiznews.net so I can pick up a few new ideas for my family.

Rebecca

Auburn Hills Teen Council Sock Drive

The Auburn Hills Teen Council is trying to collect the most socks as to compete with Teen Councils in surrounding communities for lifelong bragging rights. The group is hosting the sock drive at the beginning of the year and donating all collections to homeless shelters. Donations can be made at the Auburn Hills Community Center.

Friends,

Last week, I took my first mom-cation. I went to Seattle, and for the most part, traveled around by myself. I had a wonderful time. Beyond the sights I saw and the food, I met some interesting people—Tony the bartender at Rocco’s, Richie the shoe salesperson at Nordstrom, the fish-throwing guy at Pike’s Place.

One of the best things of my profession is how it has made me so curious about people. I’ll ask anyone anything. Usually, I can get some great insight, and at the very least a telling response to my questions.

It was great to get away, but now I’m back and in the throes of the holidays. Thanksgiving in a few days, then we launch into “birthday season” at my house, and of course Christmas.

Be sure to check out Local Business News for some great holiday shopping ideas while you’re looking through the Black Friday ads, too.

From my family to yours, Happy Thanksgiving!

Rebecca

Auburn Hills Teen Council Sock Drive

The Auburn Hills Teen Council is collecting socks to compete with Teen Councils in surrounding communities for lifelong bragging rights. The sock drive starts at the beginning of the year, with all donations going to homeless shelters. Donations can be made at the Auburn Hills Community Center. All socks must be new.

Tree Lighting

Join your neighbors for an evening of holiday celebration as Santa, Mrs. Claus and the mayor light the Auburn Hills Christmas tree.
Stop by the DEN for pictures with Santa, take a carriage ride through downtown, enjoy s’mores around the fire pit, and see an amazing performance by the Avondale High School Choir.

Questions? Call 248-370-9400

DIY Macrame Plant Holder Workshop

Sign up now for a DIY macramé plant holder workshop in the Community Room at the library. The workshop is Tuesday, Dec. 17, at 7 p.m.
Participants will follow along with a professional instructor through Creative Bug and there will be someone there to lend a helping hand if you need it. All supplies are provided, you’ll just need to put a plant in when you’re done. This program is for ages 16 and over. Click here for more information.

Register for the “Do Not Knock” List

In 2017, the Auburn Hills “Do Not Knock” ordinance became effective. This allows residents to add their address to a “Do Not Knock” list, which will restrict certain vendors, peddlers and solicitors from door-to-door sales at their homes. The list is provided to any door-to-door salespeople when they apply for a permit to solicit. Register here!

VinoTalk

In this week’s Vino Talk, wine expert John Jonna talks about pinot noir. Just in time for your Thanksgiving table, you’ll have the best vintage to tantalize the taste buds of your guests.

Library Teams with Creativebug

Feeling crafty? Especially around the holidays, crafts can be great for gifts and to relieve stress. Creativebug in partnership with the Auburn Hills Public Library offers free video tutorials and crafting ideas online. Just go to the site and enter your library card number. You’ll be crafting in no time.

1. K. Carroll Shopping

Join the Auburn Hills Chamber of Commerce Friday, Nov. 22, from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. for an impromptu power shopping spree. K. Carroll Accessories has beautiful and reasonably priced purses, bags and accessories that have been featured on The View and Oprah’s Favorite Things. The store is offering Auburn Hills Chamber members the opportunity to purchase select bags in advance of their featured “Black Friday” specials. K. Carroll is located at 2285 N. Opdyke Rd. Suite C – the west side of Opdyke just south of Walton Blvd.

Tree Lighting

‘Tis the season to deck the halls! Head to Downtown Auburn Hills for the 26th Annual Tree Lighting Ceremony on Dec. 6 from 6 to 8 p.m. Enjoy an evening celebrating the holidays as Santa, Mrs. Clause and the mayor light the Christmas tree. Stop by the DEN for pictures with Santa and take a carriage ride through downtown.            

Tree Lighting

Join the community for an evening of holiday celebration as Santa, Mrs. Claus, and the mayor light the Auburn Hills Christmas tree on Friday, Nov. 30, at 6 p.m. in downtown Auburn Hills.

Stop by the DEN for pictures with Santa, take a carriage ride through downtown, enjoy s’mores around the fire pit, and see an amazing performance by the Avondale High School Choir.

Questions? Call 248-370-9400.

Let it Go at the Library

Are you excited for the new Frozen movie that comes out this month? Come get ready by watching the original Frozen movie at the library. Because the movie is interactive, you can sing along to your favorite songs and participate along with the movie. Popcorn and maybe a frozen treat will be provided. Put on your Elsa dress and head to the library on Saturday, Nov. 16, at 2 p.m. Get there a little early, so Sven doesn’t eat all the popcorn!

Cooking: An African Cooking Experience

African cuisine focuses mainly on culture, land and family. Every spice was carefully selected for each dish by the ancestors to enhance the food’s natural flavor. Grab a friend or family member and join in on this hands-on cooking class that explores the earthy flavors of Ethiopian cuisine by learning how to prepare gomen (greens), injera (flat bread) and lentils with yams.

The complete experience includes music and food. All dishes are homemade using only the freshest ingredients. Recipes provided. Everyone is welcome, but the class is structured for people to work in pairs. Parent and child teams are encouraged.

Register through the Community Center or online for the Saturday, Dec. 7, class. It runs from 10 a.m. to noon. The fee is $45 for residents and $50 for non-residents.

Fountain Circle Groundbreaking

On Wednesday, Nov. 6, the official groundbreaking ceremony took place for Fountain Circle of Auburn Hills. The property is located north of Auburn Road, east of College Drive in Downtown Auburn Hills.

Fountain Circle of Auburn Hills will feature 258 luxury apartment homes in seven, three-story buildings. It will include garages and carports, a clubhouse with fitness center and pool, and park area. The residences will consist of one-, two- and three-bedroom units ranging from 575 to 1,375 square feet.

Holiday Extravaganza

Stop by the 38th Annual Holiday Extravaganza Parade and WinterFUN Festival from 8 to 10:30 a.m. for free snacks, crafts and live animals. Then, at 11 a.m., watch for the parade starting at Cesar E. Chavez Ave at the Oakland Livingston Human and ending at the Phoenix Plaza (Pontiac City Square). This collaborative event between Auburn Hills, Pontiac, Waterford and White Lake is open to all and is the perfect way to begin seasonal activities for free.