Sponsored By Big Lake Candy

In Oxford, Michigan, sisters Hazel and Alice Nicosia are rallying the community for their annual Little Friendsgiving Food Drive, aiming to collect three tons of food for Lighthouse in Pontiac.

This initiative began seven years ago when Hazel, now a fifth grader, teamed up with her parents, Holly and Jacob Nicosia.

With her third-grade sister Alice and growing local support, Hazel has helped collect over 10 tons for families facing food insecurity.

Donations are sorted and loaded the first Saturday of November, supported by friends, neighbors, and generous donors nationwide.

This year, drop-off sites include Orion Art Center and Glitz Hair Salons in Lake Orion and Clarkston.

Hazel, recognized by the State of Michigan, and her team continue spreading hope as local needs rise, showing the power of youth-led service.

In 1907, Russian immigrant brothers Ben and Perry Feigenson launched a Detroit soda legacy, creating the Feigenson Brothers Bottling Works from humble bakery roots.

They transformed cake frosting flavors like strawberry, fruit punch, and grape  into vibrant sodas that quickly captured the city’s heart.

Early production was all hands-on, with batches bottled by hand and delivered by horse-drawn wagon, reflecting simple beginnings.

By 1920, Faygo emerged as the memorable new name, helping the brand grow as its bold flavors and affordability won over Michiganders.

The 1950s jingle “Faygo, Faygo, delicious Faygo!” became a Detroit classic, entrenching the brand in local culture.

Decades later, Faygo continued to innovate, launching unique flavors and, in 2025, debuting Super Pop and Bubble Pop! during a lively downtown Detroit pop-up event.

Tied to Detroit’s identity, Faygo bottles its pop locally and stands as The One True Original—a symbol of the city’s flavor and resilience.

Born in Michigan and proudly handmade with love, Big Lake Candy Company is where nostalgia meets innovation. Known for their wildly popular freeze-dried treats, Big Lake transforms classic favorites like Skittles, taffy, and chocolate candies into light, crunchy bites of happiness — perfect for fairs, festivals, and everyday snacking.

From local events to online orders, every bag is made with care, creativity, and that unmistakable Michigan small-business spirit. Whether you’re craving a taste of childhood or looking for something new to share, Big Lake Candy is proof that sweet things still come from local hands.

👉 Explore more at Big Lake Candy Company — proudly supporting Spotlight on the D and keeping Metro Detroit a little sweeter.

Marta Carvajal, a Lincoln Park artist, is captivating Detroit with her evocative mixed-media portraits at the Emerge Art Festival, hosted by the Hannan Center.

Her unique approach blends painting, collage, and personal memorabilia, forging connections between Spanish heritage and Detroit’s vibrant arts scene.

The festival showcases works from artists aged 55 and older, spotlighting creativity that flourishes with age.

Carvajal’s pieces, inspired by her journey from Madrid to metro Detroit, include tributes to Luella and William Hannan and mixed-media collages that trace Detroit’s rich history.

For Carvajal, art is a powerful bridge — linking generations, telling stories, and celebrating the vitality found in every stage of life.

The Emerge Festival runs through January 14, 2026, at Kayrod Gallery, 4750 Woodward Avenue, Detroit, offering a free and dynamic celebration of aging, art, and community.

Detroit’s riverfront will welcome the Ralph C. Wilson, Jr. Centennial Park with a grand opening on October 25 and 26, 2025.

This expansive 22-acre park on the west riverfront debuts alongside the popular Detroit Harvest Fest, inviting all ages to enjoy live music, delicious food trucks, and festive fall activities.

Families will find excitement at the whimsical Delta Dental Play Garden, boasting enormous animal-inspired play structures from Denmark, a fun water play area, and features like a towering 20-foot bear slide.

Sports fans can take to the William Davidson Sport House, which includes two basketball courts for year-round play.

Nature trails, a peaceful water garden, and local art by Sydney James enrich the lush landscape, now home to over 900 new trees.

Accessible paths, community-focused design, and scenic riverside views promise Detroiters a vibrant new gathering space this fall.

Metro Detroiters are mobilizing to deliver crucial aid to Jamaica following the devastation caused by Hurricane Melissa.

Disaster Relief at Work (DRAW), based in Michigan, has swiftly organized volunteers at its Waterford warehouse to assemble supply tubs packed with essentials for cleanup and recovery.

Executive Director Greg Martin underscored the hurricane’s extraordinary severity, explaining it rivals the combined impact of three previous storms they've answered.

Through partnerships with Jamaican churches, DRAW has arranged distribution points across the island, preparing to send an initial shipment of 700 supply buckets by Friday, with ongoing support planned.

Detroit restaurateur Marcia Forrest, owner of The Jamaican Pot, is also rallying support after her family’s homes were destroyed in Bethel Town, launching a fundraiser to help affected residents.

The efforts highlight strong community ties as Metro Detroit steps up for Jamaica’s recovery.

Congratulations to Michael Corbin! Winner of the 3 day 2 night getaway to Vegas!