Sponsored by Big  Lake Candy

Improperly discarding old electronics can endanger the environment and squander valuable materials.

In Metro Detroit, there are accessible, responsible options for e-recycling.

Many devices contain hazardous substances like lead and mercury, which can pollute local soil and water if tossed in the trash.

Recycling electronics not only prevents contamination but also helps recover precious metals such as gold and copper, reducing the need for new mining.

Residents can take advantage of collection events, from the Detroit Zoo’s GreenFest to year-round drop-offs at Livonia’s ERG Environmental Services.

Groups like SOCRRA and RRRASOC host regular drop-offs in Royal Oak, Ferndale, Novi, and Southfield.

Michigan’s state-run takeback program ensures proper handling and safe data destruction.

Choosing certified recyclers helps keep communities safe, conserve resources, and protect your personal information.

Reparation Generation’s Home Ownership Reparative Transfer (HORT) Program is making new strides in Metro Detroit, launching its third round to support Black descendants of enslaved people residing in Wayne, Oakland, and Macomb counties.

The program provides $25,000 grants, homebuyer mentorship, and genealogy consultations, empowering participants toward homeownership and reconnecting them with their heritage.

Since 2022, HORT has helped 12 families become homeowners, leading to greater financial security and stronger community roots.

This year’s enhancements include self-assessments, orientation sessions, and improved mentorship, all designed to streamline the journey to buying a home.

Applications for HORT 3.0 opened September 1, 2025, with orientation sessions in August.

Additional local efforts, like Detroit’s Downpayment Assistance and Make It Home programs, further empower Black families, breaking barriers and building generational wealth in the city.

Bringing smiles and sugar rushes across Metro Detroit, Big Lake Candy Company transforms classic sweets into bold, freeze-dried creations that crunch, pop, and melt with nostalgia. From Arctic Crunch Skittles to Ocean Bites Saltwater Taffy, every batch is crafted with care — right here in Michigan.

As a Spotlight on the D sponsor, Big Lake Candy is proud to support local stories, local people, and the spirit that makes Metro Detroit shine.

✨ Taste the fun. Share the flavor. Support local.

In Detroit’s west side, Elizabeth Sammut is changing lives for neglected animals by transforming vacant lots into safe shelters for abandoned dogs and feral cats.

Witnessing frequent pet abandonment, Sammut ensures these pets get food, warmth, medical care, and vaccinations — and many are spayed or neutered.

Her unwavering hope is to find every rescued animal a loving home, especially as winter approaches.

Sammut partners with Detroit Animal Care and Control to address urgent health needs and emphasize the importance of community involvement.

Locals can support this mission by adopting, volunteering, or joining animal welfare events like the 12th Annual Pat’s Paws-itively Pasta Dinner and the Costumed Monster Mutt Walk, both happening this October.

Every act of compassion can help ensure Detroit’s vulnerable pets stay safe and find lasting families.

The CPKC Holiday Train will light up Metro Detroit on Saturday, November 22, 2025, blending holiday fun with vital community outreach.

After a stop in Windsor featuring live music from Smash Mouth and JJ Wilde, the festive train crosses into Michigan, traveling through Southwest Detroit, Allen Park, Taylor, Romulus, Milan, and Adrian.

Though no official Metro Detroit stops are planned, locals often gather—especially near Thunderbowl Lanes in Allen Park—to witness the glowing spectacle.

Safety remains key: spectators should stay at least 50 feet back from tracks.

This annual tradition isn’t just dazzling—since 1999, it’s fueled local food banks with over $26 million raised and millions of pounds of food donated.

Attendees are encouraged to bring non-perishable items or donations, truly embracing the season’s spirit of generosity.

The CPKC Holiday Train continues to unite communities with hope, joy, and a powerful reminder to support neighbors in need.

Petri Bikes, a cherished fixture in Woodhaven’s Downriver community since 1946, will close permanently on November 29 after nearly 80 years of operation.

The family-owned shop, founded by Al and Joyce Petri, has long been a welcoming hub for cyclists of all ages.

Known for its warm atmosphere, trusted bike repairs, and support for local events, Petri Bikes fostered a vibrant cycling culture.

The Petris credit community support for their decades of success, saying gratitude—not loss—marks their closure as many family members retire and the retail bike market faces tough conditions.

Though the Allen Road shop will soon close, its legacy lives on in Downriver’s cycling spirit, friendships, and fond memories.

Locals are invited to visit, share stories, and celebrate Petri Bikes’ lasting impact before its final day.

Nearby shops like Cycle Connection in Lincoln Park and J & T’s Kitchen in Detroit remain dedicated to serving cyclists.

The influence of Petri Bikes promises to inspire riders for generations.

"Every great dream begins with a dreamer. Always remember, you have within you the strength, the patience, and the passion to reach for the stars to change the world." - Harriet Tubman