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"Teen Musician's EP Release, Hot HVAC Jobs, Ghostly Hikes, Literary Arts Milestone, New Riverfront Park Fun!"

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"Teen Musician's EP Release, Hot HVAC Jobs, Ghostly Hikes, Literary Arts Milestone, New Riverfront Park Fun!"

"Teen Musician's EP Release, Hot HVAC Jobs, Ghostly Hikes, Literary Arts Milestone, New Riverfront Park Fun!"
Explore upcoming EP release, hot HVAC jobs, spooky hikes, literary arts celebration & scenic riverfront strolls in Detroit!

Steve Korbal

Oct 27, 2025

Sponsored by Big Lake Candy

Trivia Question❓

What famous singer-songwriter grew up in the Metro Detroit area, specifically in the suburb of Southfield?

Answer at the bottom of the newsletter

Detroit From Above: An 8-Minute Flight Over the Motor City Skyline

Violet Von, a Brighton High School senior, unveiled her debut EP, ‘Half Hidden from the Eye’, across streaming platforms on October 24th.

 

The six tracks showcase her distinct vocals and emotionally honest songwriting, blending pop, indie influences, and her classical choral roots.

 

Fans have already enjoyed three singles from the EP, fueling excitement for its full release.

 

A release party will be held at Label Kitchen + Bar on December 7 at 6 p.m., inviting the community to celebrate this local talent.

 

Active in Brighton Area Schools’ choirs and theater, Von’s artistic journey includes awards, performances, and her ongoing partnership with fellow student Mason Gay—who inspired and played on the EP.

 

Recorded at The Tempermill and produced by Erik Maluchnik, the project reflects Von’s creative vision, with every visual crafted alongside her filmmaker brother, Verick Von Buskirk.

 


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Metro Detroit is experiencing a surge in demand for skilled HVAC technicians, opening up stable and well-paying job opportunities for people interested in hands-on careers—without the high cost of college tuition.

 

Michael Lepinat, a technician at C&C Heating and Air Conditioning, found his calling in HVAC after realizing desk jobs weren’t for him.

 

He enjoys the variety and personal connections that come with the job, reinforcing the field’s dynamic nature.

 

With more than 60,000 HVAC positions unfilled across the country, industry leaders are eager for young talent.

 

Justin Coker, who advanced from field technician to management at C&C, highlights the company’s dedication to training newcomers, especially recent graduates.

 

Several local institutions, including Wayne County Community College District, Dorsey College, and HVAC U, LLC, offer accessible, hands-on programs to launch careers in under a year.

 

For Metro Detroit residents, HVAC offers a rewarding alternative to traditional degrees and a pathway to fast-track success.


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🍬 Big Lake Candy – Sweetness That Speaks for Itself

 

Big Lake Candy brings fun, flavor, and nostalgia to every bite with our irresistible line of freeze-dried treats — from crunchy gummy bears to airy bites of caramel and chocolate. Locally made and proudly Michigan-based, we transform classic favorites into out-of-this-world snacks that delight candy lovers of all ages.

 

You’ll find Big Lake Candy at local festivals, markets, and events across Michigan — or order online to enjoy the crunch at home. Whether you’re gifting, sampling, or stocking up for movie night, Big Lake Candy is here to make life a little sweeter. 🍭

As Metro Detroit welcomes autumn’s crisp air, local trails offer not only scenic beauty but a dash of supernatural allure.

 

Haven Hill Estate in White Lake’s Highland State Recreation Area remains shrouded in mystery, with hikers sensing unseen eyes among the ruins of the Ford family’s onetime retreat, lost to fire in 1999.

 

Elmwood Cemetery, Detroit’s oldest, draws visitors intrigued by ghostly tales near the Veiled Lady monument and Bloody Run Creek, echoing its somber 18th-century past.

 

The Eight Mile Wall in the Wyoming neighborhood, built in the 1940s to enforce segregation, now bears vivid murals, inviting reflection as well as unsettled feelings.

 

Legend fills Belle Isle Park, where the Lady in White is said to haunt the bridges after dark.

 

At Lake Erie Metropark, the Battle of Brownstown battlefield sometimes startles hikers with ghostly echoes of 1812.

 

Guided and self-directed tours help locals uncover these hidden, haunted stories throughout the city.


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InsideOut Literary Arts, Detroit’s leading youth writing program, is celebrating 30 years of inspiring student creativity with vibrant events and community art projects.

 

Since 1995, InsideOut has empowered over 80,000 Detroit students, transforming classrooms into lively places for self-expression.

 

The anniversary celebration culminates in a 30th Birthday Party on Saturday, October 25, 2025, at The Norwood on Woodward Avenue.

 

Guests will enjoy live poetry performances, letterpress printing, and appearances by Pulitzer Prize-winning playwright Michael R. Jackson, an InsideOut alum, along with student poets.

 

The festivities will honor Senior Writer Peter Markus for three decades of dedication.

 

Earlier this year, a powerful mural by artist Oshun Williams and a citywide poetry billboard campaign showcased youth voices, affirming InsideOut's lasting impact on Detroit's cultural landscape.

 

InsideOut remains a champion for Detroit youth, amplifying every young writer’s story.


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Detroit is tackling the digital divide head-on by teaming up with AT&T and Human I-T to provide 100 free refurbished laptops to seniors throughout Wayne County.

 

The program goes beyond simply handing out devices — recipients also participate in digital literacy training designed to boost their confidence and online skills.

 

For many older adults, this digital access opens doors to daily services and fosters independence.

 

Wayne County Executive Warren Evans acknowledged that technology can be daunting for seniors but underscored its necessity in today’s world.

 

Topics such as internet safety and scam prevention are included in the training to protect participants online.

 

One recipient, Charlie Thornton Jr., called the laptop “a great blessing,” while others voiced excitement about feeling more connected and capable.

 

This initiative reflects Detroit’s commitment to digital equity by ensuring all residents have resources to thrive in an online era.


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💡 Answer to Trivia Question:
Marvin Gaye
Spotlight on the D

© 2026 Spotlight on the D.

Spotlight on the D shines a light on Metro Detroit’s heartbeat — the stories, events, and people that make the Motor City thrive. With a mix of neighborhood news, cultural highlights, and local gems, this newsletter keeps you connected to what’s happening in and around Detroit.

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