Metro-Detroit

Oakland County Holiday Shopping Safety Tips

Oakland County, MI Government Leave a comment
A young woman walking with shopping bags in hands, christmas background

The season of giving is well underway and that means many of us are scouring newspaper ads and checking the web for the best deals on holiday gifts. Several shops and stores are offering deals and deep discounts that make shopping trips and online shopping easier on the wallet, but be sure to take precautions to keep you and your accounts safe!

See our tips on special sales events, online shopping, and brick and mortar shopping to ensure safe shopping this holiday season and throughout the year. Continue reading →

Oakland County Thanksgiving Safety Tips

Oakland County, MI Government Leave a comment
A beautiful, cooked turkey sits in the center of the table amidst of Thanksgiving dishes like stuffing and cranberry sauce.

Whether you’re a pro at hosting the Thanksgiving meal or this will be your very first time, it’s important to follow and practice food safety tips, especially when poultry and stuffing are involved.

Turkey:

Cooking a turkey requires planning and preparation; get started using these tips from the USDA.

  • Buy the turkey a few days before you plan to cook it.
  • Refrain from buying a pre-stuffed turkey.
  • Remember that thawing the turkey takes 24 hours in the refrigerator for every four to five pounds, and cold water thawing takes 30 minutes per pound.
  • Be sure the turkey is completely thawed before cooking.
  • Set the oven temperature no lower than 325 ºF.
  • Place turkey breast-side up on a flat wire rack in a shallow roasting pan 2-2 1/2 inches deep.
  • Cook stuffing in a casserole for optimum safety.
  • Check the internal temperature with a food thermometer and ensure it is at least 165 ºF.
  • Let the bird sit for 20 minutes before removing stuffing and carving.

Homemade Roasted Thanksgiving Day Turkey with all the Sides

Stuffing:

The Partnership for Food Safety Education has a special section devoted to stuffing in their Talking Turkey guide.

  • Cook all stuffing and dressing to a minimum temperature of 165 ºF, whether it is cooked inside or outside the bird. For optimum safety, cooking your stuffing in a casserole dish is recommended.
  • Prepare and put stuffing in the turkey immediately before it’s placed into the oven.
  • Mix wet and dry ingredients for the stuffing separately and combine just before using.
  • Stuff the turkey loosely, about 3/4 cup stuffing per pound of turkey.
  • Bake any extra stuffing in a greased casserole dish.

Need more tips for preparing your feast? Call Butterball’s hotline at 800-288-8372, text them at 844-877-3456, or visit their website. Check out the Oakland County Health Division website for additional food safety tips.

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Donate to Forgotten Harvest, Every Pound Counts

Oakland County, MI Government Leave a comment

Forgotten Harvest is one of the largest and most efficient food rescue organizations in the United States of America. The organization rescues fresh, nutritious surplus food and sends it to hungry communities. Last year, they rescued 45 million pounds of food that would have otherwise been wasted; each pound represents a meal enjoyed by a community member who needs it.

Take a look at this video that goes behind the scenes at the Forgotten Harvest warehouse in Oak Park:

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Experience the Detroit Zoo Wild Lights in Oakland County

Oakland County, MI Government 1 Comment
Wild Lights at the Detroit Zoo Sign and Water Tower

Light up your holiday season with an adventure to the Detroit Zoo Wild Lights. This spectacular display of 265 sculptures, trees, and buildings is comprised of more than five million LED lights! Wild Lights illuminates the zoo for 24 nights throughout November and December.

Check out this preview of the Detroit Zoo Wild Lights before you take your trip:

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Holiday Celebrations Throughout Oakland County

Oakland County, MI Government Leave a comment
Twin, decorated trees covered in twinkling lights and beautiful ornaments sit on either side of a lit fireplace.

The excitement and anticipation that arrives with the holiday season is in the air. During this celebratory time, there are many seasonal events happening in Oakland County. You’ll find everything from parades, light shows, and seasonal excursions to special performances, holiday markets, and craft fairs.

View our list of holiday happenings using the button below:

List of Holiday Happenings in Oakland County

Signature events include the Detroit Zoo’s Wild Lights, the Big, Bright Light Show in Downtown Rochester, and the Dickens Festival in Holly. Whether you’re searching for something to do with your kids, friends, or family, you are sure to find a jolly time in Oakland County!

Twinkling lights illuminate two giraffe stands at the entrance of the Detroit Zoo.

Do you know about a holiday celebration happening in the Oakland County area? Let us know via Facebook or Twitter, by contacting us at socialmedia@oakgov.com, or leaving a comment below.

Follow along with Oakland County on Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn, Instagram, Pinterest, and YouTube using #OaklandCounty, or visit our website for news and events year-round.