A MESSAGE FROM THE MAYOR
Friends and neighbors,
During this special time of the year, I would like to wish you and your loved ones a joyful and gratitude-filled Thanksgiving weekend.
As Mayor, I am grateful for the opportunity to lead this incredible community. We have so many things to be thankful for in East. I invite you to reflect on all the great aspects of our community – from our neighborhoods and schools to our dedicated City staff and officials who work tirelessly to provide exceptional amenities, events and services for everyone year-round.
I am also thankful to officially ring in the holiday season at the annual Holiday Tree Lighting ceremony this Friday (Nov. 24) in Gaslight Village’s Regatta Plaza. Please join me for all the festivities, which begin at 5 p.m. and include caroling, s’mores, reindeer and Santa and Mrs. Claus. I hope to see you there.
Thank you for helping make East a premiere place to live, work and play.

Happy Thanksgiving,
Katie

CITY OFFICE CLOSURES
City offices will be closed Thursday, Nov. 23 and Friday, Nov. 24 for the Thanksgiving holiday. Public Safety will continue to provide 24/7 support to our community during this time.
City offices will reopen at 8 a.m. Monday, Nov. 27.

HOLIDAY SAFETY REMINDERS
During this festive season filled with events, travel and gatherings, it’s important to stay on top of your safety game to ensure everyone has enjoyable experiences.
Public Safety shares these safety tips for the holidays:
- Always stay in the kitchen when cooking on the stovetop.
- Don’t leave your home when cooking food in the oven and check on it frequently.
- Never leave lit candles unattended.
- Be careful driving Thanksgiving Eve (Wednesday, Nov. 22) and coordinate a designated driver if you plan to drink alcoholic beverages.
- Be mindful of Gobble Wobble race participants 8-10 a.m. on Thanksgiving Day (Thursday, Nov. 23).
- If you plan to travel for the holidays, remember to lock up your home, outbuildings and remaining vehicles. Remove all valuable items from your yard and car and store them inside your house or garage, including bikes and toys, yard equipment and power tools.
Read Public Safety’s full list of fire, home and driving safety tips here. 
KIDS’ FOOD BASKET GOBBLE WOBBLE 5K RUN/WALK
The annual Gobble Wobble run/walk takes place 8-10 a.m. on Thanksgiving Day. This race raises funds for local nonprofit Kids’ Food Basket. Community members and drivers are asked to be mindful of runners and walkers along the course route, shown in the map above. 
HOLIDAY TREE LIGHTING CEREMONY
Join us as we kick off the holiday season with the annual Holiday Tree Lighting ceremony this Friday (Nov. 24) in Gaslight Village.
The tree lighting will be the centerpiece of festivities 5-8 p.m. in Regatta Plaza, 2181 Wealthy St. SE. In addition to the lighting of the 30-foot tree, visitors can enjoy a variety of all-ages activities and entertainment, including s’mores, carriage rides, crafting stations, a DJ, performances by the Michigan Ballet Academy and Madrigals, reindeer petting and a special visit from Santa and Mrs. Claus.
Stay up to date by following Gaslight Village on Facebook or visiting its website.

FALL LEAF PICKUP & WINTER WEATHER OPERATIONSOur
leaf pickup service continues through the week of Dec. 4.
With winter weather around the corner, learn about our street and sidewalk salting and plowing operations, priority road routes and how you can help make snowplowing easier for our Public Works team here.
Public Works thanks you for your partnership in making sure our streets and sidewalks stay safe for everyone.
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