![Children receive life-changing procedure at Beaumont Childrenโs Hospital](https://www.clickondetroit.com/resizer/KX5_a2zIkEGg4uRHzUTcsSbKQXo=/1600x900/smart/filters:format(jpeg):strip_exif(true):strip_icc(true):no_upscale(true):quality(65)/d1vhqlrjc8h82r.cloudfront.net/12-27-2020/t_87505ee7608e42c6855a5baad21966a4_name_image.jpg)
Children receive life-changing procedure at Beaumont Childrenโs Hospital
Both of the Cologne-Garcia children have spinal muscular atrophy (SMA), a rare genetic disorder that destroys the muscles and nervous system, but a life-saving therapy at Beaumont Childrenโs Hospital has them incredibly grateful this year. โIt just makes us cherish the time that we have with our families so much more.โBeaumont Childrenโs Hospital is one of just four hospitals in Michigan that offer the infusion therapy Olivia received. They have just been absolutely amazing,โ the childrenโs mother said. New noninvasive heart procedure at Beaumont Health shortens recovery timeImagine heart surgery without anesthesia, breathing tubes and weeks of recovery time. A new noninvasive surgery is being offered at Beaumont Hospital that has the patient awake for the procedure.
![Staffords provide holiday help for families impacted by COVID across Michigan](https://www.clickondetroit.com/resizer/LwnDSN32coLoCiLjSGRm2aRcJrA=/1600x900/smart/filters:format(jpeg):strip_exif(true):strip_icc(true):no_upscale(true):quality(65)/d1vhqlrjc8h82r.cloudfront.net/12-24-2020/t_2b5daacbcd4e4d9a9d44bb0d21b44ef8_name_image.jpg)
Staffords provide holiday help for families impacted by COVID across Michigan
DETROIT โ Every year during the holiday season, Detroit Lions quarterback Matt Stafford and his wife Kelly help several families in need of a pick-me-up. The need is even greater this year due to the COVID pandemic, so the Staffords made it a point to choose families impacted by coronavirus. It was a moment the Wilson family will never forget -- the day Matt and Kelly Stafford connected with them on Zoom. Mott Childrenโs Hospital in Ann Arbor, but Courtney Wilson and her husband, Chad, also had coronavirus, so they werenโt allowed inside. โSomething thatโs going to follow us forever and ever.โThe Staffords chose ten families impacted by COVID, including frontline workers, people who lost loved ones, struggling businesses and more.
![โChristmas Starโ set to light up night sky on winter solstice](https://www.clickondetroit.com/resizer/fiStiv9ubK6LQ6efApptaKcbVrM=/1600x900/smart/filters:format(jpeg):strip_exif(true):strip_icc(true):no_upscale(true):quality(65)/d1vhqlrjc8h82r.cloudfront.net/12-18-2020/t_83f24f5189b34fa4ba5d205d1644de80_name_image.jpg)
โChristmas Starโ set to light up night sky on winter solstice
DETROIT โ If the weather cooperates, something very special will be visible on the winter solstice this Monday night -- the โStar of Bethlehem,โ also known as the โChristmas Star.โDespite the names, itโs actually not a star at all. Since Jupiter orbits the sun every 12 years and Saturn orbits the sun every 30 years, the two largest planets in the solar system donโt line up very often. The two gas giants will cross paths in the night sky on the winter solstice on Monday, Dec. 21. Though the planets are 450 million miles apart, to the naked eye, they will appear as one bright light in the sky. To view the Christmas Star, turn your gaze toward the southwest sky a little after sunset on Monday, Dec. 21.
![US survey finds parents worried about kidsโ mental health as holidays approach amid pandemic](https://www.clickondetroit.com/resizer/E6N32Q3bdsTuqQ9BJszSSPKydoU=/1600x900/smart/filters:format(jpeg):strip_exif(true):strip_icc(true):no_upscale(true):quality(65)/d1vhqlrjc8h82r.cloudfront.net/12-04-2020/t_52b076141ad7484d832da9b067961b0f_name_image.jpg)
US survey finds parents worried about kidsโ mental health as holidays approach amid pandemic
DETROIT โ As the COVID-19 pandemic rages on, a new survey finds parents are worried about their childrenโs ability to cope -- especially with the holidays approaching and a long winter ahead. Huston speaks with countless families about coping with stress and creatively building resilience in their children during this challenging time. A new national survey by Nationwide Childrenโs Hospital, finds two-thirds of parents are worried the effects the coronavirus pandemic is having on their childrenโs mental health will be harder to reverse the longer it continues. โTheyโre constantly changing and adapting to new things and learning new things,โ Huston said. More tools to help children stay positive and engaged can be found on its official website here.
![How Santa is safely meeting Metro Detroit children this year](https://www.clickondetroit.com/resizer/8AYhinawn1A1LpqaaVgQXGs5am0=/1600x900/smart/filters:format(jpeg):strip_exif(true):strip_icc(true):no_upscale(true):quality(65)/d1vhqlrjc8h82r.cloudfront.net/11-27-2020/t_9c0ef0967ab14fcfb50e576d15ae7a96_name_image.jpg)
How Santa is safely meeting Metro Detroit children this year
Sitting on Santaโs lap is a big deal for Children around the world, but this year itโs tough. While heโs no stranger to house visits, heโs just dropping in earlier this year. Canton wasnโt about to let the pandemic stop children from getting their picture with Santa. They arranged socially distanced house visits on familiesโ front lawns. Just one day after Thanksgiving, the children of the Detroit Youth Choir are spreading Christmas cheer with a new holiday EP.
![Rod the Builder vs. Steve Garagiola in classic Italian cook-off (with recipes)](https://www.clickondetroit.com/resizer/MyOHZM0T1Jszt5jWLS-AobY5mQs=/1600x900/smart/filters:format(jpeg):strip_exif(true):strip_icc(true):no_upscale(true):quality(65)/d1vhqlrjc8h82r.cloudfront.net/11-28-2020/t_2e0b509f480f4e758f8ca98d0b02f840_name_image.jpg)
Rod the Builder vs. Steve Garagiola in classic Italian cook-off (with recipes)
Rod Meloni is turning in his reporter notepad for a Rod the Builder apron and challenging our own Steve Garagiola to an Italian cook-off! ยฝ cup Parmesan cheeseCroutonsDirections :In a mixing bowl, dice anchovy fillets into nearly a paste. Toasted ravioli :Toasted ravioli (WDIV)If you ever visit St. Louis, go The Hill for Italian food. Mickey said, โHey, with a little parmesan cheese and sauce, these would be great!โA tradition was born. Sprinkle with parmesan cheese before serving.
![Customers support Ferndale store through coronavirus pandemic](https://www.clickondetroit.com/resizer/mMkWRMynZvvINlC1DWvhOPirI0o=/1600x900/smart/filters:format(jpeg):strip_exif(true):strip_icc(true):no_upscale(true):quality(65)/d1vhqlrjc8h82r.cloudfront.net/11-26-2020/t_bef3bd550e6e4203b7abd26fcccd471f_name_image.jpg)
Customers support Ferndale store through coronavirus pandemic
One Metro Detroit store decided to put safety first and the response from customers has been more than they ever imagined. Local businesses have had to make some tough decisions over the last few months, but one Ferndale store made the choice to close and customers are rewarding them for it. Emily and John Murray opened Modern Natural Baby on Nine Mile Road in 2009 after having a baby of their own. Their store was able to survive thanks to the loyal customers who shopped online and through social media. John Murray said theyโve been getting orders from customers that donโt have children or grandchildren because they want to support the store.
![Family urges others to take COVID seriously after birthday party makes them sick](https://www.clickondetroit.com/resizer/Mfk-uYgRkVqUof6-uEo48lRtJUQ=/1600x900/smart/filters:format(jpeg):strip_exif(true):strip_icc(true):no_upscale(true):quality(65)/cloudfront-us-east-1.images.arcpublishing.com/gmg/VIIXUDZCEZARHCWQNK26CKHAPU.jpg)
Family urges others to take COVID seriously after birthday party makes them sick
In spite of the CDC warnings, a lot of people are planning to see family on Thanksgiving. Because coronavirus can be spread while someone is asymptomatic or presymptomatic, thereโs no way to know if your family is being infected. After months of carefully following COVID-19 restrictions, the family gathered for a birthday party. Those infected spread the virus to three other relatives who didnโt attend the party. By staying apart, we can fight this virus together.โThe family does not have plans to gather for Thanksgiving.
![Metro Detroit restaurants offer free meals to those alone on Thanksgiving](https://www.clickondetroit.com/resizer/JqQRQrLD6Hk_6HnQkPfnffiSsao=/1600x900/smart/filters:format(jpeg):strip_exif(true):strip_icc(true):no_upscale(true):quality(65)/d1vhqlrjc8h82r.cloudfront.net/11-26-2020/t_45338af6ac5a4d69a61db2b31ec18cdb_name_image.jpg)
Metro Detroit restaurants offer free meals to those alone on Thanksgiving
Knowing that, some Metro Detroit restaurants came up with a solution. โIโm an emotional guy, I feel for those people,โ said Joe Ciamillo. Joe Ciamillo and his sister, Ashley Ciamillo, own Joeโs Italian Take-Out on 23 Mile Road in Shelby Township. โEspecially older people who really look forward to being with their family,โ Joe Ciamillo said. โWe usually get together with our family for Thanksgiving.โAnyone who has to celebrate Thanksgiving alone due to COVID-19 can get a free meal from Joeโs Italian Take-Out.
![Sales and safety precautions: What to expect on Black Friday](https://www.clickondetroit.com/resizer/pYTjdFyFaM7ySDJIIBgl2ZUmRYE=/1600x900/smart/filters:format(jpeg):strip_exif(true):strip_icc(true):no_upscale(true):quality(65)/d1vhqlrjc8h82r.cloudfront.net/11-26-2020/t_e46519b42545401bac14a33483e4e973_name_image.jpg)
Sales and safety precautions: What to expect on Black Friday
DETROIT โ Malls and local stores across Metro Detroit are preparing for what is typically one of the biggest shopping days of the year -- Black Friday. Local stores have had to reinvent themselves with many limiting the number of customers inside, offering hand sanitizing stations, requiring masks and putting safety first. As far as the deals go, many stores and malls will still be offering sales on Friday. Help Me Hank toy test: Testing 2020โฒs top toys ahead of the holidaysThe Help Me Hank Toy Test went virtual this year to keep everyone safe. We asked two families, both previous Help Me Hank toy testers, to try out some toys at home and give us their opinions.
![New Metro Detroit business owner gives back to those in need](https://www.clickondetroit.com/resizer/4tBjcMJTgXxoy_EXvp_75T4alK4=/1600x900/smart/filters:format(jpeg):strip_exif(true):strip_icc(true):no_upscale(true):quality(65)/cloudfront-us-east-1.images.arcpublishing.com/gmg/PQBLZYTH5NBV5BOYSDHNMXSNOY.jpg)
New Metro Detroit business owner gives back to those in need
REDFORD, Mich โ A new business owner in Metro Detroit decided to make giving back to the community her first order of business. Kathyna Melton is a single Metro Detroit mother of two who used to manage at a Dominos Pizza. Since then, sheโs gone from worker to boss by working hard, building credit and dreaming big. Her first order of business was to not sell, but to give. You can watch Paula Tutmanโs full story in the video below.
![Rod the Builder competes against Steve Garagiola in Fridayโs challenge](https://www.clickondetroit.com/resizer/51PCN5viWEf7_DaGcvkI9LvnfCc=/1600x900/smart/filters:format(jpeg):strip_exif(true):strip_icc(true):no_upscale(true):quality(65)/d1vhqlrjc8h82r.cloudfront.net/11-26-2020/t_7ca1f553322b4dc6bef771b294644d4a_name_image.jpg)
Rod the Builder competes against Steve Garagiola in Fridayโs challenge
DETROIT โ We hope youโre craving Italian food this Friday -- and you likely will be with this yearโs Rod the Builder challenge. Itโs a tradition everyone in the Local 4 newsroom looks forward to on the day after Thanksgiving, as business editor Rod Meloni turns in his reporter notepad for his Rod the Builder apron. This year, Rod the Builder has his work cut out for him as he heads into the kitchen to compete against Steve Garagiola. I donโt know how much Rod cooks but he is Italian. You can watch the Rod the Builder challenge Friday on Local 4 News at Noon, 4, 5 and 6, and on ClickOnDetroit.com.
![Despite warnings, travelers take to the skies for Thanksgiving](https://www.clickondetroit.com/resizer/Tit8Y3L9ZUYJ9vBNRSEr0UpSGmc=/1600x900/smart/filters:format(jpeg):strip_exif(true):strip_icc(true):no_upscale(true):quality(65)/d1vhqlrjc8h82r.cloudfront.net/11-26-2020/t_dcdf40eee5fe40efa24f4bddb0b7fa09_name_image.jpg)
Despite warnings, travelers take to the skies for Thanksgiving
DETROIT โ The highest number of air travelers are expected to take to the skies since the onset of COVID-19 this week. There is such widespread covid activity across the country, air travel is a real risk when it comes to spreading coronavirus. The biggest concern about air travel over the holiday is the gatherings of large numbers of people into indoor areas -- airports, airplanes -- where infected people can more easily transmit the virus. โAmericaโs Thanksgiving Parade presented by Gardner-White,โ a holiday tradition that originates from Downtown Detroit, will be a TV and online-only event this year on Local 4 and ClickOnDetroit.com. Themed โWe Are One Together,โ this yearโs parade will honor frontline workers and heroes of the COVID-19 crisis.
![CDC urges Americans not to travel for Thanksgiving](https://www.clickondetroit.com/resizer/0Bj8dUZLLq9XiLGPnlGvf4IWbJk=/1600x900/smart/filters:format(jpeg):strip_exif(true):strip_icc(true):no_upscale(true):quality(65)/d1vhqlrjc8h82r.cloudfront.net/11-19-2020/t_d1fdcf540962472ab1d9315b98471ba8_name_image.jpg)
CDC urges Americans not to travel for Thanksgiving
With rapidly increasing case counts across the country, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention said Thursday it is recommending against all travel for the Thanksgiving holiday. The CDC is instead urging Americans to stay home and celebrate with only the people in your household. โThe safest way to celebrate Thanksgiving this year is at home with the people who live in your household,โ said Dr. Erin Sauber-Schatz. โWeโre recommending not traveling this Thanksgiving.โSauber-Schatz leads the task force that wrote the CDC guidelines urging Americans to change their traditional Thanksgiving plans. A recent study found that 20% of Americans still plan to gather with more than 10 people.
![Holiday Season is around the corner, be sure to budget](https://www.clickondetroit.com/resizer/uSa5APYJPSJmY2AJTkHa4tl69Ig=/1600x900/smart/filters:format(jpeg):strip_exif(true):strip_icc(true):no_upscale(true):quality(65)/d1vhqlrjc8h82r.cloudfront.net/11-12-2020/t_c164d5f908404eef9693f09cd58c0cfa_name_image.jpg)
Holiday Season is around the corner, be sure to budget
DETROIT โ With the Holiday Season approaching and a new stimulus deal still in the distance, many people are taking a hard look at their finances to budget for lean times. RELATED: How to get help while battle for second round of stimulus checks stalls in WashingtonHaving some type of a budget is essential -- especially as we head toward the Holiday Season, when spending is up for many. Look at your billsTake a look at all your bills and expenses to prioritize and determine what are the โmust-payโ bills. Create a budgetAs for holiday spending, set a plan and create a spending budget for each person on your list. Talk to peopleIf you are having financial problems now, contact your landlord, your mortgage company and credit card companies.