We're excited to help the Village find that special person to flip the switch. Tell us who it should be!

I think the downtown merchants who have weathered the construction storm should be considered for the lighting ceremony! They have endured not only an ailing economy, but coupled that with hugely disruptive construction - and have prevailed! They stayed in business, and kept it in downtown. If it weren't for them, we'd not have much of a downtown to light up in the first place. THANK YOU LOCAL MERCHANTS!!

I would definitely vote for Tiffany Patzer and Michael & Gina Spehn ! Their stories are so fantastic, they inspire me. They are the epitome of what the holiday season is all about... Love, faith, helping those in need, giving selflessly from your heart...If others do not yet know their story, they should hear about it by Tiffany, Michael & Gina flipping the switch. Flipping the switch seems to be a very small but easy way to thank them for being so giving to others and to encourage others to do the same.

Krisitn, I would like to nominate my wife Sandy Rochette to light the Village. She loves Christmas lights and Christmas more than anyone on the face of the earth! She truly is the spirit of Christmas. Aside from being a wife and a technical illustrator, she finds time to vounteer at COTS (Coaltion On Temporary Shelter) and run their major fundrasing evnets. We have been residents of Rochester Hills for 21 years. Because my wife loves Christmas so much we dirive through the Village at least two times a week to look at the lights. Evrytime we drive through her face lights ups and she says "Don't You Love Christmas?" There might be a more needy family to light the lights, but there is not another person on theis earth that it would mean more to than my wife Sandy Rochette. Thank you for your consideration

I vote for a high school student with perfect attendance and behavior records.

I nominate my son's teacher Dawn Blackburn. She is a special education teacher in Rochester who has the biggest heart for all kids but especially kids with special needs. She is so giving of her time. I call her my angel descended from heaven. She exemplifies the true meaning of Christmas.

Vince Mugioli, Executive Director, Holiday Helpers of Rochester Hills. It could also be an opportunity to kick off this year's donation drive.

Maybe the employee who was robbed at the antique store? We want her to feel good about downtown as much as we can & do what we can for her sense of emotional healing.

Perhaps someone knows of a returning wounded warier or someone in the service of our country - sorry I do not know of anyone who fits this description - but perhaps others know of someone or two or three who would fit this honor - someone living in Rochester Hills! Just think about it - someone in need to be honored!

justin bieber.. then you would really get alot of people

Gina and Michael Spehn of Rochester Hills. After both grieving over their loss, they met, fell in love and married combining both of their families. Their story is so inspiring how they found each other in faith, love, and giving selflessly to those in need and less fortunate. Their story is so touching and poignant and is what the true meaning and spirit of Christmas is all about!

http://www.wish.org/

Michael and Gina Spehn!

To me, the magic of the holidays and the lights beaming from downtown Rochester, are most special to the children of our community. My vote is for Alex Eshelman, a four-year-old who was diagnosed with leukemia this year. i would love to see the gleam in his eyes while he flips the big switch.

Alan, I like your suggestion - yes Christmas is all about children!

Not just the kids also family too and chirstmas is the birth of christ on earth that bring good will to whole family for our sin and our heart where gift of love our family as well new born child the juese saves us for sin .Merry Chirstmas.

The parents of the late Sgt. Kyle McClain, and his widow Lisa get my vote.

Frank Cardimen. For all his great works & dedication to VH Farms, OU, and the city of Rochester Hills!

Paint A Miracle- Dr. Dale Propson. Here is his story- http://www.paintamiracle.org/story.html

I'd like to nominate John and Mary Modetz. This family continues to give to the Rochester Community in tireless and unselfish ways. They collect sweaters for the Veterans, sponsor the annual Memorial Day parade, sponsor the VFW annual breakfast, support all the local charities and many other ways of giving that would take too long to write in here. Truly a dedicated Rochester couple.

I agree with Alan Roberts!

Luke Wylie, the guy that ran for mayor of Rochester Hills at the age of 18! He is quite the character.

I would like to nominate Tim Kade, a pastor who has planted a church here in Rochester Hills called Epic Church. (They meet in Emagine Theater on Rochester Rd) For years he has transformed this town by bringing people together, doing community service, and bringing Light into the lives of many. It was a huge risk for him, but he has touched the hearts of so many individuals here. He's provided support for those in need, prayed over those in Crittenton Hospital, and has given guidance for struggling couples and families. He never asks for anything in return. It would be an honor to allow him this privilege, considering all the work he's done for Rochester Hills and how he's lit up this town. If you're looking for one individual that's bettered this community and has barely received any recognition- this is the man to light up downtown. He goes to see the lights go on every year- he would be so humbled to be able to be a part of it. Thank you.

I live in England but my granddaughter and grandson live (and were born) in Rochester Hills. I really miss them and want to nominate them to switch on the lights to remind them of me and the wonderful Christmas we spent together in the Village a few years back.I love them both very much and this would mean so much to me. Thank you. More Baldwin

I would like to nominate my husband and three kids. Todd, Rebecca, Brandon, and Amber Heinrich. I'm soon (dec 6) going on deployment to Afghanistan. I will not return until oct 2013. I would like them to flip the switch as this will be our first Christmas apart. I would like them to have a memorable holiday season even though i will not be here . They all enjoy Christmas and i know this is something they would never forget. Please accept my nomination for my family .

I would like to nominate myself and my 4 year old daughter. I wouldn't normally nominate myself for anything, however, I think I need a little boost in Christmas spirit this year to share with my daughter. In 2011, my step-mom and best friend was diagnosed with stage 4 cancer. Although I work full time and was finishing my masters degree, I decided that I needed to be her caregiver. My father (her husband) passed away 8 years ago and she took so good care of him in the end that I wanted to be that person for her. I took her to doctors appointments, helped with housework, and basically made sure she was taken care of. She passed away in June of this year after putting up a great fight. We have attended this village lighting together for the past 2 years with her and this year will be especially hard for me. I am trying to keep the Christmas spirit for my daughter's sake and make sure that my daughter remembers her, but it is difficult. It would be a real treat to see my daughter's face pulling that lever to light the Village of Rochester Hills and maybe it would not only renew my love for Christmas, but maybe it would also seem like my step-mom was with us. Thank you for your consideration.

I vote for my son and daughter Connor and Morgan. Connor is two and has been hospitalized 7 times in the last 12 months due to significant health issues. And each time he is admitted, Morgan learns a little more about working through life without me or her father at her side. Through it all, both children have fought to remain happy, joyful and enthusiastic. They are the epitome of the Christmas spirit. Loving, empathetic and joyful, they work to find happiness in the daily simple things. Connor means "magnificent; brilliant" and he shinesf from the inside out. Morgan means "warrior". They have lived up to their names! The joy this opportunity would bring is priceless.

The Family of SGT McClain

I vote for John & Mary Modetz - they quietly support the Greater Rochester Community and individuals day after day and year after year.

I would like to say I am glad I am not the one to have to make the final decision. It is a good thing , though, as we are truly blessed to have such an awesome community of people here in Rochester Hills!!

Sgt McClain's family.

Founder of the "Clean Start Service Project", Danielle Ziaja. The "Clean Start Service Project" has already donated over 31,000 items to local charities and has approximately another 16,000 items ready for donation.
“We have a great philanthropic spirit here,” said Rochester Hills Mayor Bryan Barnett on Oct. 22, when the Rochester Hills City Council presented a proclamation to Ziaja. “It is nice to recognize that in the next generation,” Barnett said. “She has done some outstanding and incredible things in the community. Thank you from a grateful community for giving back and doing something outstanding for our residents."

How about our local celebrity and Nascar driver Brad Keselowski. Brad grew up here and ESPN actually did a segment on him visiting his hometown last year. He still loves to eat at Limpumas (hope I spelled that correctly) Coney Islanf when he is in the area. He has had an awesome season and his racing for the championship next Sunday down in Homestead, Florida.

Sgt McClain's family. Hands down. No competition.