Freelance writer

Susan Thwing

Susan Thwing is an award-winning freelance writer and editor based in Rochester Hills, Michigan. She can be reached at susanthwing@gmail.com.

Schools from around Downriver competed in the Food Drive Face-Off to benefit the Fish & Loaves Community Food Pantry in Taylor. Photo courtesy of Fish & Loaves

Students step up for neighbors in need during Food Drive Face-Off

December 21, 2025 at 6:00 a.m.

On a cold December afternoon, boxes and bags of canned goods, pasta, cereal, and other pantry staples poured into Fish & Loaves Community Food Pantry in Taylor, not from corporations...

James Speir, president of Senior Caregiver & Resource Network, founded the organization 19 years ago. It exists to aid older adults who didn’t know where to turn for help or after being taken advantage of by unvetted service providers. (Photo courtesy of Senior Caregiver & Resource Network)

Michigan nonprofit’s goal is to help make caregiving less lonely

December 16, 2025 at 6:05 a.m.

Some 19 years later, the Senior Caregiver & Resource Network has grown into a nonprofit for aging services across Metro Detroit. It’s part referral network, part continuing-education hub, and part...

The Stolz family turns puzzling into a true family affair during the Trenton library's puzzle competition. Photo courtesy of the Trenton Veterans Memorial Library

Piece by Piece: Trenton’s puzzle teams turn library time into a community tradition

December 14, 2025 at 6:00 a.m.

On a Saturday afternoon at Trenton Veterans Memorial Library, the quiet hum of pages turning gives way to something a little more animated: the rustle of wrapping paper, the scrape...

Mark H, Mark T and Bill volunteer with St. Joseph’s Helpers. Photo courtesy of St. Joseph’s Helpers

Faith in action: Taylor nonprofit repairs homes, restores peace of mind

December 7, 2025 at 6:00 a.m.

On a recent weekday morning in Taylor, the phones at St. Joseph’s Helpers were already ringing.

The Inspired Acting Company in Walled Lake is staging “Scrooge in Rouge,” a spoof of Dickens’ “A Christmas Carol.” (Poster courtesy of Inspired Acting Company)

‘Scrooge in Rouge’ brings raunchy holiday fun to Walled Lake

November 30, 2025 at 6:51 a.m.

Holiday tradition will get a mischievous makeover with "Scrooge in Rouge," a raucous, music-hall-style spoof of Dickens’ "A Christmas Carol" that promises cheeky comedy, lightning-fast costume changes, and a level...

Southgate Veterans Memorial Library will host a “Bridgerton”-themes escape room on Dec. 6. Photo courtesy of Barbara Keresztury, Southgate Veterans Memorial Library

Southgate Library hosts ‘Bridgerton’ escape room

November 27, 2025 at 6:00 a.m.

On Thursday, Dec. 4, at 6 p.m., the Southgate Veterans Memorial Library will transform into a Regency-era world of intrigue, elegance, and mystery for its "Bridgerton"-themed escape room, a free,...

Grosse Pointe Theatre’s production of “Irving Berlin’s White Christmas” will run Dec. 5-21 at the Schaap Center in Grosse Pointe Park. Leading the cast are Mario Simone (Bob Wallace), left, Manda Borden (Betty Haynes), Jillian Evennou (Judy Haynes) and Zak Shugart (Phil Davis). (Photo courtesy of Grosse Pointe Theatre)

Grosse Pointe Theatre opens new era with ‘Irving Berlin’s White Christmas’

December 3, 2025 at 9:32 a.m.

After nearly a decade of performing in borrowed and temporary spaces, the group steps into the gleaming, state-of-the-art Schaap Center with a production that celebrates community, honors veterans and embraces...

The Downriver Career Technical Consortium’s HOSA chapter includes students from eight Downriver-area schools — Grosse Ile, Trenton, Woodhaven, Flat Rock, Gibraltar Carlson, Southgate, Huron and Riverview. (Photo courtesy of Rachael Guzzardo)

Downriver students lead life-saving organ donation efforts

November 24, 2025 at 6:50 a.m.

Since 2021, teacher Rachael Guzzardo estimates that her students have helped register well over 200 new organ donors on the Michigan Organ Donor Registry.

Many members of the Twelfth Night Singers are in their fourth or fifth decade of performing. Among them are Judy Caddy front, David Caddy, Bob Ball and Steve Roberts. (Photo courtesy of Twelfth Night Singers)

Twelfth Night Singers bring ‘What Child Is This?’ to Ferndale

November 17, 2025 at 6:31 a.m.

The a cappella ensemble, recognizable for its festive Renaissance attire and close-knit, blended sound, will lead audiences through sacred and secular favorites to launch the holiday season. Tickets aren't required;...

Centennial Farms, 25797 Third Street in Grosse Ile

Community Grown Gardens benefit backs families, student programs

November 13, 2025 at 6:00 a.m.

When neighbors across southeast Michigan gather at Centennial Farms on Nov. 20, they won’t just be enjoying an evening of hors d’oeuvres, cocktails, and conversation. They’ll be strengthening a lifeline...

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