Let it snow, let it snow, let it snow. But also let it be a safe and happy time for you and your family. Some predictions say southeast Michigan can expect as much as 12 inches of snow on Tuesday and Wednesday. However the inches of white stack up, one thing is for sure: we all need to be prepared when the storm hits. This week in Dearborn, we bring you five tips for surviving winter’s worst. 1. Stock up It’s just one day of horrible, impossible-to-drive-on roads, right? Yes, but we guarantee that Wednesday morning will be exactly when you run out of milk, eggs, soup, dog food, etc. So in the…

When temperatures hit the teens, it’s that time of the year I lovingly refer to as “soup season.” Chili and stew, chicken noodle and lentil, bisques and gumbos–there’s nothing like a bowl of soup on a cold day. Here’s some of our favorite places to slurp some up in Dearborn. 1. Cheli’s Chili Bar Cheli’s has a wide array of entrees and pizzas to choose from, but when it comes down to it, they’re known for their chili. Located on Michigan Avenue in downtown west Dearborn, it’s a perfect place to stop in for a quick lunch. And this isn’t just meat and beans: Cheli’s chili comes with options. …

Martin Luther King Jr. Day isn’t just another day off of work. It’s a day to remind us to give back in our communities through civic service, and is even celebrated as the MLK Day of Service informally across the country (including at the University of Michigan-Dearborn). With that in mind, this week Dearborn Patch presents five ideas for ways to give back in your own city – today, this week, or whenever you have time. 1. Dearborn Library Foundation When considering volunteer opportunities, many people may overlook their city’s library system. Becoming a member of the Board of Directors of …

Many people are proud of their communities, but aren’t sure how to get more involved. The best way to find out about the current issues facing the city and to decide what you’d like to work on is to attend a meeting (or five, if you’re really ambitious). To get you started on becoming a more conscious Dearborn resident, we’ve compiled a list of five meetings happening this week around town that are worth checking out, plus information on what they’re all about so that you can figure out if it’s for you.  1. City Planning Commission First on our list–and first in the week–is the City Planning …

The biggest thing on everyone's mind right now: What is my New Year's resolution, and how am I going to stick to it? Even those who may eschew the idea of setting yearlong goals are secretly planning for big changes and a better life when the clock hits midnight at the end of each year. In this edition of This Week in Dearborn, we tackle local ways to conquer big goals to help Dearborn residents meet their resolutions. 1. Lose Weight It doesn't take statistics to know that weight loss, health and fitness are most likely the No. 1 New Year's resolution of all time. No matter what their …

Christmas is over, but there's still a whole week before your kids go back to school. When video games lose their spark and the onslaught of cries of "I'm bored" begin to assault your ears, parents, try some of our suggestions for ways to keep the kids entertained in some innovative ways until school's back in session. 1. Ice skating Unfortunately in the eyes of kids, snow has been a no-show for the past few weeks, and what's left over from the Dec. 12 storm is mostly brown and slushy by now. But there are other ways to get in some winter fun. Like ice-skating. This week, open skating is …

1. Sit on Santa's Lap This may be a "duh" suggestion for a Christmas activity, but with all the insanity of preparing for the holidays, you may forget the simplest of all joys: waiting in a long line of squirmy, screaming children while trying to entertain your own kids and hold onto seven bags and your coat at the same time—all to get a glimpse of the Big Man in the Red Coat. OK, so maybe it's not the most fun for you, but we're sure your kids will love it. And as sure as you can buy presents until Dec. 24, there's still time to let the little ones tell Santa what they want this year (at …