Beats

• Imposters In Effect: The Beastie Boys Tribute-Dec. 27, The Magic Bag, 22920 Woodward Ave., Ferndale, www.themagicbag.com, doors at 7 p.m., all ages, $16+ adv.

• Joe Hertler & The Rainbow Seekers: 7 p.m. Dec. 28, The Crofoot Ballroom, 1 S. Saginaw, Pontiac, https://thecrofoot.com/events, $25+.

• Turner Porter, Libby DeCamp: Dec. 28, The Loving Touch, 22634 Woodward Ave., Ferndale, 248-820-5596, thelovingtouchferndale.com, all ages, doors at 7 p.m., ACLU fundraiser, $10+.

• Crossroads Ceili: 8 p.m. Dec. 28, The Ark, 316 S. Main, Ann Arbor, https://theark.org/event, $25+.

• Trans-Siberian Orchestra: 3 p.m. and 7:30 p.m. Dec. 28, “The Lost Christmas Eve”, Little Caesars Arena, Detroit, 313Presents.com, ticket prices vary.

• SPONGE: 8 p.m. Dec. 28, The Roxy, 401 Walnut Blvd., Rochester, 248-453-5285, www.theroxyrochester.com, doors at 6 p.m., ages 21+, $40+.

The Killer Flamingos: 9 p.m. Dec. 28, Blind Owl, 511 South Main Street, Royal Oak, cover charge.

• MJ Live, Michael Jackson tribute: 7:30 p.m., Dec. 29, Sound Board at MotorCity Casino, Detroit, 313Presents.com, ticket prices vary.

• Lloyd: 8 p.m. Dec. 31, Sound Board at MotorCity Casino, Detroit, 313Presents.com, ticket prices vary.

• George Michael Reborn tribute: Dec. 31, Andiamo Celebrity Showroom, 7096 E. 14 Mile Road, Warren, New Year’s Eve dinner party, doors open for dinner guests at 8 p.m., andiamoshowroom.com, $99 tickets include dinner stations, $69 tickets for the show only, both include a champagne toast at midnight.

• The Crasherz: 9 p.m. Dec. 31, New Year’s Eve party, Younger’s Showroom, 120 S. Main, Romeo, www.youngersromeo.com, $50+.

• New Year’s Eve Bash! 90s vs 80s: Dec. 31, The Magic Bag, 22920 Woodward Ave., Ferndale, www.themagicbag.com, doors at 8 p.m., ages 21+, $30+ adv.

• NYE Party-Sunset Blvd.: Dec. 31, District 142, 142 Maple St., Wyandotte, doors at 7 p.m., ages 21+, district142live.com, $12.50+.

• Joe Stanley Trio: 9 p.m. Dec. 31, Blue Goose Inn, 28911 Jefferson Ave., Saint Clair Shores, www.facebook.com/tthebluegoose2023.

• Mike Leslie Band, DeeJay Gene: 9 p.m. – 3 a.m. Dec. 31, Blind Owl Royal Oak, 511 S. Main St., cover $25+. To ensure seats, call for reservations at 248-216-1112, www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61563477175520.

Comedy

• One Night Stans: Dave Landau- Dec. 26-28; NYE with Dave Landau-Dec. 31; Melvin Bender-Jan. 2-4; at 4761 Highland Road, Waterford Twp., www.onenightstans.club, 248-249-1321, ages 18+, ticket prices vary.

• Mark Ridley’s Comedy Castle: Brad Wenzel-Dec. 26-28; Zach Martina-Dec. 31-Jan. 4; at 310 S. Troy St., Royal Oak, www.comedycastle.com, 248-542-9900, ages 18+, ticket prices vary.

• Remember That One?: 7 p.m. Dec. 29, The Berman Center for Performing Arts, 6600 W Maple Road, West Bloomfield Township, an evening with Larry Joe Campbell and Friends live show, https://tickets.thejdetroit.org/remember-that-one-time, $35-$65+.

Expos/Shows

• Jurassic Quest: Dec. 27-30, dinosaur event, Suburban Collection Showplace, 46100 Grand River Ave., Novi, (noon-6 p.m. Friday and 9 a.m.-6 p.m. Saturday, Sunday and Monday), lifelike, scientifically-accurate dinosaur herd, fossil exhibits, dinosaur shows, dino rides, inflatables, Advance purchase online at www.jurassicquest.com, use Promo Code-Quest15 online for 15% off, or tickets are available on-site, ticket prices vary.

Holiday activities

• Cirque du Soleil ‘Twas The Night Before”: Through Dec. 31, Fox Theatre, 2211 Woodward Ave., Detroit, 313Presents.com, ticket prices vary.

• Deck the Halls with Ologies: 11 a.m.-3 p.m. daily, noon-3 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 26-29, and Jan. 2-5, https://science.cranbrook.edu/explore/programs/events, festive exhibits and hands-on workshop.

• Winter at The Station: Fridays and Saturdays, through Dec. 28, Michigan Central, Detroit, festive global winter traditions, winter lights, innovative technologies, art, live performances, shopping. Parking is $5+ at Michigan Central’s Bagley Mobility Hub parking garage, 1501 Wabash, Detroit, tickets at https://michigancentral.com/winter-at-the-station.

• Glenlore Trails-Aurora: Thursday-Sunday evenings, through Dec. 29, at 3860 Newtown Road, Commerce Twp., one-mile walk through experience, www.GlenloreTrails.com.

• Holidays at Meadow Brook: Through Dec. 30, outdoor evening light show, Winter Wonder Lights, Meadow Brook Hall, 350 Estate Drive, Rochester, on the campus of Oakland University, ticket prices vary, www.meadowbrookholidays.com.

• Magic of Lights: 5:30 p.m.-10 p.m. Monday-Sunday, through Dec. 30, (5:30 p.m.-9 p.m. on Thanksgiving, Christmas Eve and Christmas Day), Pine Knob Music Theatre, Independence Twp., www.313presents.com/events/detail/magic-of-lights, purchase tickets online, ticket prices vary.

• Holly Dazzle: 5-10 p.m. (5-9 p.m. on Sundays) Friday-Tuesday Dec. 20-31, at 12600 Dixie Hwy., Holly, winter wonderland stroll along a three-quarter mile outdoor trail, adorned with Christmas scenes, 248-634-5552, www.hollydazzles.com.

• “It’s All Magic” party: 10 p.m.-1 a.m. Dec 31, Detroit Foundation Hotel, The Apparatus Room Experience, 250 W Larned St, Detroit, featuring the artistry of the future with dancers paired with mesmerizing Afro-futurism projection art by Norwest Gallery and street art by All Motion Studio,  complimentary champagne toast at midnight. gen. sdm., $50+, https://detroitfoundationhotel.com.

• Wild Lights at the Detroit Zoo: Through Jan. 5, (5-9 p.m. select weeknights and Sundays and 5 to 10:30 p.m. Fridays and Saturdays), outdoor event limited to the front half of the zoo, no access to animal habitats, adv gen advance tickets are $17-$25+ each, children younger than 2 are admitted free, parking is $8, https://detroitzoo.org/events/wild-lights.

• Rochester Hills Museum at Van Hoosen Farm: Holiday House Tours & All Aboard! Model Railroad Exhibit are noon-4 p.m. on select Saturdays, Sundays and weekdays in December and January, 1005 Van Hoosen Road Rochester Hills, buy tickets at the door, $5/adults, www.rochesterhills.org/musprograms.

• Holiday Lights at Innovation Hills: The City of Rochester Hills invites the community to enjoy holiday lights at Innovation Hills Park, 2800 W. Hamlin Road, Rochester Hills, 5-7 p.m. Monday-Thursday and 5-8 p.m. Friday-Sunday, through Jan. 15, www.rochesterhills.org/news_detail_T9_R385.php.

• The Big, Bright Light Show: 5 p.m.-midnight, nightly through Jan. 19, downtown Rochester, www.downtownrochestermi.com/the-big-bright-light-show.

• The Rink at Royal Oak: Open through Feb. 17, at Centennial Commons Park, festive lights, royaloakholidays.com, weather permitting.

• The Rink at Stine Community Park: Open daily through March 16, (closed New Year’s Day), 241 Town Center, at the corner of Town Center and Civic Center Drive at the City of Troy Civic Center Campus, free admission, skate rentals are $3 residents, $5 non-residents, https://rec.troymi.gov/parks___facilities/the_rink/index.php, weather permitting.

• Riley Park Ice Rink: downtown Farmington open through February, 23600 Liberty St., Farmington, www.downtownfarmington.org, open daily, weather permitting, free admission, https://farmgov.com/Community/Parks-and-Recreation/Riley-Park-Ice-Rink.

Theater

• “Planet Antics”: A Variety Show Celebrating the Planet Ant Community is Dec. 28, Planet Ant Theatre, 2320 Caniff St., Hamtramck, live music, improv, planetant.com/events, $15.

• “A Beautiful Noise”-Neil Diamond musical: Through Jan. 5, Fisher Theatre, Detroit, www.broadwayindetroit.com, ticket prices vary.

• “SIX”: Jan. 7-12, Fisher Theatre, Detroit, www.broadwayindetroit.com, ticket prices vary.
• “Footloose”: Jan. 8-Feb. 2, Meadow Brook, at Meadow Brook Theatre, on the campus of Oakland University, 248-377-3300, www.mbtheatre.com, ticket prices vary.

• “Farce of Habit”: Jan. 10-25, Avon Players, 1185 Washington, Rochester, for tickets, call 248-608-9077 or visit www.avonplayers.org, $28+.

Art

• Drop In Workshop: Paper Snowflakes is 11 a.m.-3 p.m. Dec. 26, 11 a.m.-8:30 p.m. Dec. 27 and noon-4 p.m. Dec. 28-29, Detroit Institute of Arts, Art-Making Studio, 5200 Woodward Ave., Detroit, www.dia.org.

• “The Art of Dining-Food Culture in the Islamic World”: Through Jan. 5, Detroit Institute of Arts, 5200 Woodward Ave., Detroit, dia.org.

• “Fields-Color & Fiber”: Art exhibit by Denise Gonzalez: Exhibit Jan. 7-Feb. 1, reception is 5-8 p.m. Jan. 10, Northville Art House 215 W. Cady St, Northville, https://northvillearthouse.org/exhibitions/gonzalez, free event.

• Centering Toshiko Takaezu: Book signing and presentation by Glenn Adamson, 6 p.m. Jan. 9, Cranbrook Art Museum, 39221 Woodward Ave., Bloomfield Hills, https://cranbrookartmuseum.org/events/centering-toshiko-takaezu-glenn-adamson-with-ian-mcdonald-laura-mott.

• Sukanya Ramakrishna: Exhibit Journey Collection of landscape painting and photography at Farmington Hills City Hall, 31555 W 11 Mile Road, through Jan. 10, featuring Novi artist, non-holiday hours are 8:30 a.m.-4:30 p.m. Monday to Friday.

• “Grace Under Fire”: Through Jan. 11, the Shepherd, 1265 Parkview St., Detroit, lscgallery.com, open 11 a.m.-6 p.m. Wednesday-Saturday.

• Watercolor Painting: 7-8 p.m. Jan. 13, at Springfield Township Library 12000 Davisburg Road, Davisburg, www.springfield.michlibrary.org/news-and-events/events-calendar#/events/JIuciZ24m4/instances/4jWbUycRl7

• How We Make the Planet Move: Through March 2, The Detroit Collection Part I, Detroit-based artists and designers, featuring Subtleism” Neha Vedpathak with Agnes Martin and Toshiko Takaezu “Worlds Within,” cranbrookartmuseum.org, general admission-$10, free for ArtMembers.

• Tiff Massey-“7 Mile + Livernois”: Exhibit through May 11, 2025, Detroit Institute of Arts, 5200 Woodward Ave., Detroit, dia.org.

• Thursdays at the Museum: 1 p.m. Thursdays, Detroit Institute of Arts, Detroit, self-guided visit of our collections for adults 55 and older. Groups of 25 or more in Wayne, Oakland, and Macomb counties can receive free bus transportation, www.dia.org/events/thursdays.

• The Hawk Makerspace: The Hawk – Farmington Hills Community Center, featuring craft space, specialized equipment including a laser cutter, 3D printer, and sewing lab. Makerspace users may purchase passes to use the equipment during Open Studio hours. Classes are also offered, fhgov.com/play,-explore-learn/the-hawk/amenities/makerspace.

• Drop-in Design: 11 a.m.-5 p.m. Saturdays and Sundays, self-guided art-making activities in the Cranbrook Art Museum, Art Lab, 39221 Woodward Ave., Bloomfield Hills, cranbrookartmuseum.org, general admission-$10.

• University of Michigan Museum of Art, 525 South State St., Ann Arbor, 734-764-0395, umma.umich.edu, ticket prices vary.

Auditions

• Motown Museum’s AMPLIFY auditions: The Sound of Detroit 2025 singing competition is Jan. 11, starting at noon at Motown Museum Hitsville NEXT. Interested participants must pre-register by Jan. 8, for a spot to audition at https://forms.office.com/r/PyELywWsPP. The competition is open to solo vocalists and vocal groups from Metro Detroit ages 16+, www.motownmuseum.org.

Beats, continued

• The Ultimate Doors- tribute band: Jan. 3, District 142, 142 Maple St., Wyandotte, doors at 7 p.m., ages 21+, district142live.com, $18+.

• The RFD Boys: 8 p.m. Jan. 3, The Ark, 316 S. Main, Ann Arbor, https://theark.org/event, $16+.

• Grand Funk Railroad: 8 p.m. Jan. 9, Music Hall Center, 350 Madison St., Detroit, www.musichall.org, ticket prices vary.

• A Night With Elvis dinner and tribute show: Jan. 10, Canterbury Village, 2325 Joslyn Road, Orion Twp., www.canterburyvillage.com, doors at 5:30 p.m., ticket prices vary.

• Luke Winslow-King: 8 p.m. Jan. 11, at 20 Front Street, Lake Orion, 248-783-7105, www.20frontstreet.com, doors at 7:30 p.m. all ages, $20+.

Choruses

• Troy Community Chorus registration: Troy Community Chorus seeks new members to join its 2025 Spring Season. Registration is 6:30-7:30 p.m. Jan. 7 and Jan. 14, at Troy Athens High School, 4333 John R. Road, Troy, in the choir room, followed by full rehearsals from 7:30-9:30 p.m. $45/individual or $80/couple. Interested singers should enter through the East entrance on John R Road, www.troycommunitychorus.com.

Classical/Orchestra

• Saxophone and Piano Recital: 2 p.m. Jan. 12, Jeffrey Heisler and I-Chen Yeh Saxophone and Piano Recital at Orion Township Public Library, 825 Joslyn Road, Orion Twp., https://oriontownship.librarycalendar.com/event/jeffrey-heisler-saxophone-and-i-chen-yeh-piano-8754.

• Stravinsky’s “The Rite of Spring”: Jan. 16-18, Detroit Symphony Orchestra, Orchestra Hall, 3711 Woodward Ave., Detroit, dso.org, $20+.

Film

• AMC Theatres holiday fan fave films: “Elf” on Saturdays and Wednesdays, “The Polar Express” on Sundays, “Love Actually” on Tuesdays, “National Lampoon’s Christmas Vacation” on Mondays, “Dr. Seuss’ The Grinch” on Fridays and “Dr. Seuss’ How the Grinch Stole Christmas” on Thursdays. At least one public showtime will be available for each title weekly through Jan. 2, at participating theaters, purchase tickets at www.amctheatres.com/fan-faves. AMC Forum Sterling Heights, AMC Star Gratiot Clinton Township, AMC Star Great Lakes Auburn Hills, AMC Star John R Madison Heights.

• Cinemark Southland Center, Taylor, 734-287-0629, www.cinemark.com/theatres.

• Detroit Film Theatre at Detroit Institute of Arts, 5200 Woodward Ave., Detroit, dia.org, ticket prices vary.

• Emagine Theatres: Birmingham 8, 248-723-6230; Emagine Palladium in Birmingham, 248-385-0500; Canton, 734-787-3002; The Riviera in Farmington Hills, 248-788-6572; Hartland, 810-207-5757; Macomb, 586-372-3456; Novi, 248-468-2990; Rochester Hills, 248-378-2991; Royal Oak, 248-414-1000, emagine-entertainment.com.

• Farmington Civic Theater: 33332 Grand River Ave., Farmington, www.theFCT.com.

• Milford Independent Cinema: 945 E Summit St., Milford, milfordcinema.org/tickets, $5+.

• MJR Theatres: MJR Chesterfield, 586-598-2500; MJR Universal Grand, Warren, 586-620-0200; MJR Troy, 248-498-2100; MJR Marketplace, Sterling Heights, 586-264-1514; MJR Partridge Creek, Clinton Twp., 586-263-0084; MJR Waterford, 248-666-7900, MJR Southgate, 734-284-3456, mjrtheatres.com.

• Oxford GQT Theater: 248-628-7101, gqtmovies.com/theaterinfo/x01tk-gqt-oxford-7.

• Redford Theatre: 17360 Lahser Road, Detroit, redfordtheatre.com, ticket prices vary.

• Regal UA, Commerce Twp.: 844-462-7342, regmovies.com/theatres/regal-ua-commerce-township.

• Romeo Theatre, Washington: 586-752-3455, romeotheatre.com.

Misc.

• Mitch Albom and Bernie Smilovitz: Radio personality/author Mitch Albom and TV personality Bernie Smilovitz on stage together, Jan. 6, at Emagine Royal Oak, 200 N. Main St., Royal Oak, tickets at www.Emagine-Entertainment.com, $15 per person, a portion of all ticket sales will be donated to S.A.Y. Detroit and Have Faith Haiti charities.

• Main Street Pontiac opens applications for vendors through 5 p.m. Jan. 17, for the Saginaw Green Maker’s Village, at Saginaw Green Park (111 N. Saginaw Street) from March through December 2025. Cost is $150 per month, plus a $50 monthly fee for electricity and other shared amenities. Mandatory operating hours from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m., Thursday through Saturday. Eligible to Pontiac-based startups and small businesses without an existing storefront in Pontiac, mainstreetpontiac.org/saginaw-green-makers-village.

Museums

• Rochester Hills Museum at Van Hoosen Farm: Holiday House Tours & All Aboard! Model Railroad Exhibit are noon-4 p.m. on select Saturdays, Sundays and weekdays in December and January, 1005 Van Hoosen Road Rochester Hills, buy tickets at the door, $5/adults, www.rochesterhills.org/musprograms.

• Christmas with the Monroe County Museum: 11 a.m.-3 p.m. Saturdays and Sundays through Dec. 29, at 126 S Monroe St., Monroe, monroemi.gov.

• Holidays at Meadow Brook: Through Dec. 30, outdoor evening light show, Winter Wonder Lights, Meadow Brook Hall, 350 Estate Drive, Rochester, on the campus of Oakland University, ticket prices vary, www.meadowbrookholidays.com.

• Michigan Science Center (Mi-Sci): 5020 John R St., Detroit, 313-577-8400, www.mi-sci.org. Regular museum gen. adm. is $17+. Standard Mi-Sci films are available as a $6 add-on to general admission tickets. Mi-Sci is open 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., Tuesday through Sunday and until 8 p.m. the first Friday of each month. “Tyrannosaurs – Meet the Family” exhibit is open through Jan. 12.

• Bank of America customers receive free admission: Jan. 4-5, and the first weekend of each month to museums and cultural institutions across the country, including Charles H. Wright Museum of African-American History, Michigan Science Center, Arab American National Museum, Henry Ford Museum of American Innovation, and Motown Museum, bit.ly/2NvmECM.

• Royal Oak Historical Society Museum: Hours are 1-4 p.m. Tuesday, Thursday, Saturday, 1411 W. Webster Road, Royal Oak, royaloakhistoricalsociety.com, 248-439-1501, $10+ suggested donation. Unveiling Hidden Stories of African Americans in 19th Century Royal Oak speaker event is 7 p.m. Jan. 10 at the museum. The Underground Railroad in Oakland County traveling exhibit grand opening at the museum is 2-4 p.m. Jan. 12.

• Westin Book Cadillac at 100 Exhibition: Westin Book Cadillac, 1114 Washington Blvd., Detroit, presented with Detroit Historical Society, exhibit explores the 100-year history of the Book Cadillac hotel, https://detroithistorical.org.

• Cranbrook Institute of Science, 39221 Woodward Ave., Bloomfield Hills, https://science.cranbrook.edu/explore/programs/events, general admission: $14, $10.50 for ages 2-12 and seniors 65+, free for children under age 2.

• The Zekelman Holocaust Center: 28123 Orchard Lake Road, Farmington Hills, www.holocaustcenter.org, 248-553-2400.

• Motown Museum, 2648 W. Grand Blvd., Detroit, motownmuseum.org, 313-875-2264.

• The Henry Ford Museum of American Innovation and Greenfield Village: 20900 Oakwood Blvd., Dearborn, Ford Rouge Factory Tours Monday-Saturday, purchase tickets online, prices vary, thehenryford.org.

• Ford Piquette Plant Museum: 461 Piquette Ave, Detroit. Open Wednesdays through Sundays, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Admission is $10-$18. Optional guided tours take place daily at 10 a.m., 12 p.m. and 2 p.m., www.fordpiquetteplant.org, 313-872-8759.

• Ford House, 1100 Lake Shore Road, Grosse Pointe Shores, 313-884-4222, fordhouse.org.

• Dossin Great Lakes Museum: 100 Strand Drive, Belle Isle, Detroit, detroithistorical.org.

• Detroit Arsenal of Democracy Museum: Seeks volunteer groups from veteran and military groups to assist with restoration. The museum is also seeking building materials and equipment to support the ongoing restoration of its vintage industrial space at 19144 Glendale Ave., Detroit, including floor grinders, clear epoxy and Thinset products for floor repairs, www.detroitarsenalofdemocracy.org.

• Pontiac Transportation Museum: 250 W. Pike St., Pontiac. Admission to the museum is $10, $8 for seniors and veterans, $6 for children ages 6-12, free for children ages 5 and younger. Hours are 10 a.m.-6 p.m. Thursday through Saturday and noon to 5 p.m. Sunday, www.pontiactransportationmuseum.org.

• Detroit Historical Museum: 5401 Woodward Ave. (NW corner of Kirby) in Midtown Detroit, detroithistorical.org. Permanent exhibits include the famous Streets of Old Detroit, the Allesee Gallery of Culture, Doorway to Freedom: Detroit and the Underground Railroad, Detroit: The “Arsenal of Democracy,” the Gallery of Innovation, Frontiers to Factories, America’s Motor City and The Glancy Trains, regular museum general admission is $10. Hours are 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Wednesday to Saturday and 1-5 p.m. Sunday. “Detroit Lions: Gridiron Heroes,” exhibition featuring the history of the Detroit Lions, detroithistorical.org.

• The Wright: The Charles H. Wright Museum of African American History, 315 E. Warren Ave., Detroit, 313-494-5800, open Tuesday-Sunday, 9 a.m.-5 p.m. and open until 7 p.m. on Thursday, closed on Mondays, reserve timed tickets at thewright.org, $30+ gen adm., $20 for seniors 62+, $15 for youth, ages 5-17, free for under 5.

• Greater West Bloomfield Historical Society: Open 1st/2nd/4th/5th Sundays of the month and 3rd Fridays, 1-4 pm, (holidays excluded) with exhibits including “Four Communities” exhibit at The Orchard Lake Museum, 3951 Orchard Lake Road, Orchard Lake. Admission is free, donations are welcome, www.gwbhs.org, 248-757-2451.

Submit events online at https://bit.ly/40a2iAm.

The Oakland County Chapter of The Links Inc. hosted its annual Festival of Giving, Dec. 11, at The Pontiac Middle School.

Nearly 600 middle school students participated in the holiday event which featured face painting, arts and crafts, and a holiday “store” where students could gather a gift or two for family and friends. The event included a photo booth, holiday photos with Santa and Mrs. Claus, DJ Steve Coleman and refreshments. Pontiac Mayor Tim Greimel and Pontiac School Board President Anisha Hannah and Oakland University tutors and mentors were in attendance.

Throughout the year, Oakland County Links sponsors programs for Pontiac Middle School students, including STEAM activities, tutoring and field trips.

For more information, visit www.oaklandcountylinks.org.

AA Van Elslander Foundation awards $2.5 million grant to New Day Foundation for Families

The A.A. Van Elslander Foundation recently awarded a $2.5 million grant to the nonprofit New Day Foundation for Families, for cancer support services.

The announcement was made by Gina Kell Spehn, co-founder and president of Rochester Hills-based New Day Foundation. It is the largest grant received in the nonprofit’s history.

“The A.A. Van Elslander Foundation recognizes New Day Foundation as a leader in helping people who are facing cancer-related financial toxicity, and they recognize that our ‘family-focused’ approach is innovative and critical to the healing process,” said Kell Spehn.

“No family should make unthinkable choices between cancer treatment and basic necessities,” said A.A. Van Elslander Foundation board member Debra Van Elslander.  ““We are making this investment in New Day because we know the funding we provide will be put to the best possible use to help Michigan’s communities in need.”

New Day Foundation for Families provides financial and emotional resources to Michigan families facing cancer. For more information, visit www.foundationforfamilies.org.

For more information about the A.A. Van Elslander Foundation, visit www.vanelslanderfoundation.org.

Huron Valley State Bank hosts holiday gift giving programs

Huron Valley State Bank hosted two holiday giving programs. The Highland Township branch hosted a toy drive Nov. 18-Dec. 13, in which customers and staff donated toys. The collected toys were delivered to the Community Sharing Outreach Center in Highland Twp., Dec. 16.

The Milford branch partnered with the Milford Village Elves program, collecting donations of more than $1,000 to purchase gifts and gift cards.

In November, Huron Valley State Bank also hosted its annual Thanksgiving food drive, collecting canned and boxed non-perishable goods.

For more information, visit www.hvsb.com.

Blood drives

• The City of Troy is hosting American Red Cross Blood Drives, 9 a.m.-3 p.m. Dec. 23 and Dec. 26, and 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Jan. 2, at the Troy Community Center, 3179 Livernois, Troy. Donation appointments can be scheduled by calling 313-300-9617 or visiting www.redcrossblood.org and entering zip code 48083. Photo ID or Red Cross Donor Card will be required. Donors must be at least 17 years old, weigh more than 110 pounds, and be in good general health.

Charitable activities/Fundraisers

• Love In the Name of Christ of North Oakland County (Love INC), Lake Orion, is hosting a gift card drive through Dec. 23. ($25-$50 gift card denominations suggested). For locations to drop off boxes for card donations, visit Loveincofnoc.org, or call 248-693-435, or drop off 9 a.m.-4 p.m. Monday-Thursday at Love INC, 1550 W. Drahner Road, Oxford.

• The Salvation Army of Metro Detroit seeks donations. Individuals can donate money via an online kettle, Paypal, Venmo or physical red kettle, or at SAmetrodetroit.org, or by calling 877-SAL-MICH or texting GIFT to 24365.

• Hospice of Michigan is seeking volunteers across Oakland and Macomb counties to lend their sewing skills to create ‘Memory Bears’ to help comfort families coping with the loss of a loved one. Those in Oakland County who are interested in donating time to the Memory Bear program should contact Cynthia Palmer at cpalmer@hom.org or 248-334-1323.

• Buddy’s Pizza has partnered with the Salvation Army’s Red Kettle campaign. Through Dec. 31, customers can automatically add a Salvation Army Red Kettle donation to any Buddy’s Pizza online or app order.  Buddy’s Pizza will match donations,

• Party Palooza Fundraiser: 6-10 p.m. Jan. 17, Pontiac Transportation Museum, 250 W. Pike St., Pontiac, cocktails, food, live entertainment, tickets are available at https://events.getlocalhop.com/pontiac-transportation-museum-pop/event/3AxmNbdcA5 or call 248-977-4410.

• Gorman’s Home Furnishings and Interior Design is hosting its annual Charity Recliner Promotion. Customers who visit any of Gorman’s four Southeast Michigan showrooms (Farmington Hills, Novi, Southfield and Troy) from now through Jan. 20, and make a minimum donation of $50 to The Arc of Oakland County, will receive an extra $200 off the price of any leather recliner from Gorman’s 10 Best Brands or up to $400 off Stressless recliners, www.gormans.com/arc.

• The Furniture Bank of Metro Detroit is seeking donations of gently used furniture for families in need, especially smaller sofas, dining tables, and chairs that fit in modest-sized homes, items should be free of stains, rips, tears, and pet hair. Call 248-332-1300 to schedule a pick-up.

• Forgotten Harvest’s Hope for the Holidays meal distribution events take place through December in metro Detroit. Forgotten Harvest seeks monetary donations and volunteers to continue programs, www.forgottenharvest.org.Those in need of food assistance can visit www.forgottenharvest.org/find-food to find a distribution event nearby.

• Gleaners Community Food Bank seeks community help, through financial donations and nonperishable food donations, including canned meat, beans and vegetables, low-sodium soups, oatmeal, protein drinks, peanut butter and healthy cereal (avoid donating items in glass containers or any cooked leftovers), www.gcfb.org/give-now. Gleaners also seeks volunteers for the winter season (January through March), https://gcfb.volunteerhub.com/vv2.

• Bloomfield Hills-based nonprofit JARC, an organization serving adults with developmental disabilities in metro Detroit seeks donations and volunteers. A donation to JARC supports funding for recreational therapy, transportation to events and items for the homes. JARC welcomes people of all ages to participate in volunteer opportunities including visiting with people served by JARC, assisting at events and delivering holiday meals, www.jarc.org. To volunteer, visit www.jarc.org/volunteer or call Jessica at 248-940-2607.

• Oakland Hope human service nonprofit, food pantry and thrift store, seeks volunteers and donations. Located at 20 E. Walton Blvd, Pontiac, www.oaklandhope.org, 248-309-3658. Call for hours of the free food pantry.

Education activities

• Pontiac Housing Commission is sponsoring a series of seminars for minority women, providing training on small-scale real estate development investing. The series consists of seven classes which will be held 6-8 p.m. monthly, beginning Jan. 6, at Pontiac Housing Commission. Classes are free, those wanting to attend can sign up at www.eventbrite.com/e/empowerher-minority-women-emerging-developer-series-tickets-1090186981609.

• Bank of America is currently accepting applications for the 2025 Student Leaders summer internship program through Jan. 15. Students Leaders receive first-hand experience in serving their communities through a paid eight-week internship with local nonprofits. They also travel to Washington, D.C. for the national Student Leaders Summit. Apply at www.bankofamerica.com/studentleaders and submit a letter of recommendation from a teacher, coach, guidance counselor or school administrator.

Holiday activities

• Visits with Santa: Through Dec. 23, Somerset Collection, Troy, North Grand Court. Guests can reserve a photo session with Santa at somersetevents.as.me/SantaPhotos, photo prices vary.

• Visits with Santa: Through Dec. 24, The Village of Rochester Hills Outdoor Shopping Center, Festival Park,104 N. Adams Road, Rochester Hills, hours vary, walk-up only, TheVORH.com.

• Santa’s Flight Academy: Through Dec. 24, Great Lakes Crossing, 4000 Baldwin Road, Auburn Hills, photos with Santa, 22-foot-tall sleigh, snowfall dance party, reserve a time at https://greatlakescrossingoutlets.com/events, prices vary.

• Santa’s Flight Academy: Through Dec. 24, Twelve Oaks Mall, 27500 Novi Road, Novi, photos with Santa, 22-foot-tall sleigh, reserve a time at https://shoptwelveoaks.com/pages/santa-s-flight-academy, prices vary. Reservations are limited, walk-up visits are welcome.

• Holiday Stroll: Evenings, Dec. 20-23, Canterbury Village, 2325 Joslyn Road, Orion Twp., www.canterburyvillage.com, $17.99+, $19.99+, free for ages 2 and younger.

• Holly Dazzle: 5-10 p.m. (5-9 p.m. on Sundays) Friday-Tuesday Dec. 20-24 and Dec. 27-31, at 12600 Dixie Hwy., Holly, winter wonderland stroll along a three-quarter mile outdoor trail, adorned with Christmas scenes, 248-634-5552, www.hollydazzle.com.

• Horse-Drawn Carriage Rides and Santa House: Weekends through Dec. 22 and Dec. 23-24, Shain Park, 270 W. Merrill St., downtown Birmingham, www.allinbirmingham.com.

• Glenlore Trails-Aurora: Thursday-Sunday evenings, through Dec. 29, at 3860 Newtown Road, Commerce Twp., one-mile walk through experience, purchase tickets at www.GlenloreTrails.com, ticket prices vary.

• Winter Wonder Lights, through Dec. 30, (excluding Dec. 24-26), at Meadow Brook Hall, 350 Estate Drive, Rochester, on the campus of Oakland University, ticket prices vary, www.meadowbrookholidays.com.

• Magic of Lights: 5:30 p.m.-10 p.m. Monday-Sunday, through Dec. 30, (5:30 p.m.-9 p.m. on Thanksgiving, Christmas Eve and Christmas Day), Pine Knob Music Theatre, Independence Twp., www.313presents.com/events/detail/magic-of-lights, purchase tickets online, ticket prices vary.

• The Great Decorate: Annual holiday decorating contest through Dec. 31, raises awareness and funds to support local foster teens who are about to age-out of the foster care system. Each year, a group of foster teen recipients are selected through a partnership with the Michigan Adoption Resource Exchange. Visitors are welcome to stop by restaurants and retail locations throughout downtown Birmingham to view holiday decor and vote for their favorite display by donating online, www.thegreatdecorate.com.

• Rochester Hills Museum at Van Hoosen Farm: Holiday House Tours & All Aboard! Model Railroad Exhibit are noon-4 p.m. on Saturdays, Sundays through Dec. 29, and Dec, 26-27 and Jan. 2-4, at 1005 Van Hoosen Road Rochester Hills, buy tickets at the door, $5/adults, www.rochesterhills.org/musprograms. Old-Fashioned Christmas is noon-4 p.m. Dec. 21, no registration required, buy tickets at the door, $5/adults.

• Wild Lights at the Detroit Zoo: Through Jan. 5, (5-9 p.m. select weeknights and Sundays and 5 to 10:30 p.m. Fridays and Saturdays), outdoor event limited to the front half of the zoo, no access to animal habitats, adv gen advance tickets are $17-$25+ each, children younger than 2 are admitted free, parking is $8, https://detroitzoo.org/events/wild-lights.

• Holiday Lights at Innovation Hills: The City of Rochester Hills invites the community to enjoy holiday lights at Innovation Hills Park, 2800 W. Hamlin Road, Rochester Hills, 5-7 p.m. Monday-Thursday and 5-8 p.m. Friday-Sunday, through Jan. 15, www.rochesterhills.org/news_detail_T9_R385.php.

• The Big, Bright Light Show: 5 p.m.-midnight, nightly through Jan. 19, downtown Rochester, www.downtownrochestermi.com/the-big-bright-light-show.

• The Rink at Royal Oak: Open daily through Feb. 17, at Centennial Commons Park, Royal Oak, festive lights, royaloakholidays.com, admission is $10-$12, skate rental if needed is $5, weather permitting.

• The Rink at Stine Community Park: Open daily through March 16, (closed Christmas and New Year’s Day), 241 Town Center, at the corner of Town Center and Civic Center Drive at the City of Troy Civic Center Campus, free admission, skate rentals are $3 residents, $5 non-residents, https://rec.troymi.gov/parks___facilities/the_rink/index.php, weather permitting.

Parks

• Oakland County Parks and Recreation offers free admission. General park entry fees and vehicle permits have been eliminated for all parks operated by Oakland County Parks, www.oakgov.com/community/oakland-county-parks.

• Huron-Clinton Metroparks 2025 annual passes are on sale now, with a $5 discount to residents of the five counties they serve, for annual vehicle passes purchased through Dec. 31, 2024, $35 ($24 for Seniors 62+). The pass can be used to access all of the 13 Metroparks all year long. Additionally, 2025 passes can be used immediately, even before the new year. Starting Jan. 1, the 2025 Metroparks annual pass will again cost $40 for residents ($29 for Seniors 62+) or $45 for non-residents ($34 for Seniors 62+).

• Michigan State Parks and Recreation Areas, michigan.gov/dnr. Park entrance fees apply.

Support activities/Resources

• For access to local community services, dial 211 (844-875-9211) or text zip code to 898211, for information and referrals to physical and mental health resources; housing, utility, food, and employment assistance; and suicide and crisis interventions, United Way, https://unitedwaysem.org/get-help.

• Common Ground’s Resource & Crisis Helpline is available 24/7 – call or text 800-231-1127.

• The 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline provides 24/7 confidential support for people who are suicidal or in emotional distress, or who know someone who is. Calls and text messages to 988 route to a 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline call center, www.fcc.gov/988Lifeline.

• Veterans Crisis Line, dial 988 and then press 1 to connect to the Veterans Crisis Lifeline. For texts, veterans should text the Veterans Crisis Lifeline short code: 838255.
• National Domestic Violence Hotline, 800-799-7233, available 24/7.

Submit community events online at https://bit.ly/40a2iAm.

Blood drives

• The City of Troy is hosting American Red Cross Blood Drives, 9 a.m.-3 p.m. Dec. 19, Dec. 23 and Dec. 26, and 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Jan. 2, at the Troy Community Center, 3179 Livernois, Troy. Donation appointments can be scheduled by calling 313-300-9617 or visiting www.redcrossblood.org and entering zip code 48083. Photo ID or Red Cross Donor Card will be required. Donors must be at least 17 years old, weigh more than 110 pounds, and be in good general health.

Charitable activities/Fundraisers

• Toys for Tots toy drive, donations of unwrapped toys accepted through Dec. 16, at Farmington Hills Police and Fire Department headquarters on the campus of City Hall at the corner of Eleven Mile and Orchard Lake Roads.

• Guests at Parc Detroit, Experience Zuzu, and 220 Merrill are encouraged to bring a toy to benefit COTS Detroit, through Dec. 16. As a thank-you, guests will receive a complimentary Christmas dessert, COTSDetroit.org. Toys can be purchased from COTS’ Amazon Wishlist.

• The Birmingham Fire Department is collecting new, unwrapped toys for its annual Toys for Tots Foundation toy drive through Dec. 20 at the city’s two fire stations, 572 S. Adams Road and 1600 W. Maple Road, and Baldwin Public Library, 300 W. Merrill St. and Birmingham City Hall, 151 Martin St. Unwrapped donated toys for all ages can be placed in Toys for Tots collection boxes at these locations. For more information, call 248-530-1906, toysfortots.org, bhamgov.org/fire.

• The Ghost of Dishes Past is 7-10 p.m. Dec. 20, First Presbyterian Church of Pontiac, 99 Wayne St., Pontiac, dinner fundraiser featuring dishes served in the Victorian England household of Charles Dickens, complete with period music and inspired 19th century refreshments, tickets are $50 with a portion to benefit Pontiac’s historic Oak Hill Cemetery, https://events.getlocalhop.com/the-ghost-of-dishes-past/event/aYMxi2rmcR.

• Christmas of Hope, A benefit concert for Hurricane Victims is 6:30 p.m. Dec. 22, Flagstar Strand, 12 N Saginaw St, Pontiac, www.flagstarstrand.com, ticket prices vary.

• Love In the Name of Christ of North Oakland County (Love INC), Lake Orion, is hosting a gift card drive through Dec. 23. ($25-$50 gift card denominations suggested). For locations to drop off boxes for card donations, visit Loveincofnoc.org, or call 248-693-435, or drop off 9 a.m.-4 p.m. Monday-Thursday at Love INC, 1550 W. Drahner Road, Oxford.

• The Salvation Army of Metro Detroit seeks volunteer bell ringers. Individuals and families can sign up to volunteer by visiting registertoring.com where they have an option to choose a traditional, two-hour session at a physical red kettle site or participate in a virtual bell ringing shift where they can raise funds from home. Individuals can donate money via an online kettle, Paypal, Venmo or physical red kettle, or at SAmetrodetroit.org, or by calling 877-SAL-MICH or texting GIFT to 24365.

• Gifts for All God’s Children, a faith-based nonprofit located in Rochester Hills, seeks sponsors and donations. To sponsor a child-Choose a child and do the shopping for clothing, toys, books, and hygiene items. To make a donation, purchase from the nonprofit’s Amazon Wish List and ship Items to the workshop, https://giftsforallgodschildren.org/christmas-outreach-program.

• Gorman’s Home Furnishings and Interior Design is hosting its annual Charity Recliner Promotion. Customers who visit any of Gorman’s four Southeast Michigan showrooms (Farmington Hills, Novi, Southfield and Troy) from now through Jan. 20, and make a minimum donation of $50 to The Arc of Oakland County, will receive an extra $200 off the price of any leather recliner from Gorman’s 10 Best Brands or up to $400 off Stressless recliners, www.gormans.com/arc.

• The Furniture Bank of Metro Detroit is seeking donations of gently used furniture for families in need, especially smaller sofas, dining tables, and chairs that fit in modest-sized homes, items should be free of stains, rips, tears, and pet hair. Call 248-332-1300 to schedule a pick-up.

• Forgotten Harvest’s Hope for the Holidays meal distribution events take place through December in metro Detroit. Forgotten Harvest seeks monetary donations and volunteers to continue programs, www.forgottenharvest.org.Those in need of food assistance can visit www.forgottenharvest.org/find-food to find a distribution event nearby.

• Gleaners Community Food Bank seeks community help, through financial donations and nonperishable food donations, including canned meat, beans and vegetables, low-sodium soups, oatmeal, protein drinks, peanut butter and healthy cereal (avoid donating items in glass containers or any cooked leftovers), www.gcfb.org/give-now. Gleaners also seeks volunteers to for the winter season (January through March), https://gcfb.volunteerhub.com/vv2.

• The Oakland County Sheriff’s Office collects bicycles (new, used, or in need of repair), bike accessories, tools, and parts for the Sheriff’s Re-CYCLE for Kids program. Donations may be dropped off at any of the Sheriff’s Office locations in Oakland County, or at the 1-800-Self-Storage locations in Troy or Oak Park. Volunteers assist with refurbishing and repairing the donated bikes on an as-needed basis. The recycled bikes are distributed to families in need at events and by appointment, www.oakgov.com/government/sheriff/community-services/domestic-safety.

• Bloomfield Hills-based nonprofit JARC, an organization serving adults with developmental disabilities in metro Detroit seeks donations and volunteers. A donation to JARC supports funding for recreational therapy, transportation to events and items for the homes. JARC welcomes people of all ages to participate in volunteer opportunities including visiting with people served by JARC, assisting at events and delivering holiday meals, www.jarc.org. To volunteer, visit www.jarc.org/volunteer or call Jessica at 248-940-2607.

• Oakland Hope human service nonprofit, food pantry and thrift store, seeks volunteers and donations. Located at 20 E. Walton Blvd, Pontiac, www.oaklandhope.org, 248-309-3658. Call for hours of the free food pantry.

Education activities

• Bank of America is currently accepting applications for the 2025 Student Leaders summer internship program through Jan. 15. Students Leaders receive first-hand experience in serving their communities through a paid eight-week internship with local nonprofits. They also travel to Washington, D.C. for the national Student Leaders Summit. Apply at www.bankofamerica.com/studentleaders and submit a letter of recommendation from a teacher, coach, guidance counselor or school administrator.

Holiday activities

• Holly Dickens Festival: Noon-5 p.m. Sunday, through Dec. 15, downtown Holly. Stroll the streets of historic Battle Alley, visit shops, enjoy strolling Christmas carolers, street performers, holiday lights, roasted chestnuts, hot chocolate, children may visit with Santa in the Tiny Tim Children’s Tent, www.hollydickensfestival.org.

• A Holiday to Remember: Dec. 14-15, (Noon-3 p.m. Sunday) downtown Northville, holiday-themed activities, carolers and bagpipers, Santa House located in Town Square, www.downtownnorthville.com.

• Visits with Santa: Friday-Sunday through Dec. 15 and Dec. 19-24; and visits with reindeer and farm animals are Dec. 14-15 and Dec. 21-22, The Village of Rochester Hills Outdoor Shopping Center, Festival Park,104 N. Adams Road, Rochester Hills, hours vary, walk-up only, TheVORH.com.

• Horse-Drawn Carriage Rides and Santa House: Weekends through Dec. 22 and Dec. 23-24, Shain Park, 270 W. Merrill St., downtown Birmingham, www.allinbirmingham.com, appointments needed for Santa House on Saturdays.

• The Great Decorate: Annual holiday decorating contest through Dec. 31, raises awareness and funds to support local foster teens who are about to age-out of the foster care system. Each year, a group of foster teen recipients are selected through a partnership with the Michigan Adoption Resource Exchange. Visitors are welcome to stop by restaurants and retail locations throughout downtown Birmingham to view holiday decor and vote for their favorite display by donating online, www.thegreatdecorate.com.

• Holidays at Meadow Brook: Indoor daytime Holiday Walk through Dec. 23 (excluding Dec. 16), and the outdoor evening light show, Winter Wonder Lights, through Dec. 30, (excluding Dec. 16 and Dec. 24-26), at Meadow Brook Hall, 350 Estate Drive, Rochester, on the campus of Oakland University, ticket prices vary, www.meadowbrookholidays.com.

• Rochester Hills Museum at Van Hoosen Farm: Holiday House Tours & All Aboard! Model Railroad Exhibit are noon-4 p.m. on Saturdays, Sundays through Dec. 29, and Dec, 26-27 and Jan. 2-4, at 1005 Van Hoosen Road Rochester Hills, buy tickets at the door, $5/adults, www.rochesterhills.org/musprograms. Old-Fashioned Christmas is noon-4 p.m. Dec. 21, no registration required, buy tickets at the door, $5/adults.

Library activities

• Talkin’ Broadway Highlights the Musical “Wicked” discussion is 2-4 p.m. Dec. 15, at West Bloomfield Township Public Library, 4600 Walnut Lake Road, West Bloomfield Twp., https://wblib.org.

• Crafts and Cocoa is 6:30-7:30 p.m. Dec. 17, Salem-South Lyon District Library, 9800 Pontiac Trail, South Lyon, for Grades 6-12. Registration required at https://ssldl.info, 248-437-6431.

• Tuba Christmas is 6:30-7:15 p.m. Dec. 19, at Salem-South Lyon District Library, 9800 Pontiac Trail, South Lyon, in the pavilion for a bonfire and a festive holiday concert, dress for the weather. No registration required, bottle and can drive for Furry Friends, trailer set up outside for drop-off, https://ssldl.info, 248-437-6431.

• Holiday Lights Recycling Fundraiser for Furry Friends Rescue through Jan. 11, Salem-South Lyon District Library, 9800 Pontiac Trail, South Lyon, registration required at https://ssldl.info, 248-437-6431.

Parks

• Oakland County Parks and Recreation offers free admission. General park entry fees and vehicle permits have been eliminated for all parks operated by Oakland County Parks, www.oakgov.com/community/oakland-county-parks.

• Huron-Clinton Metroparks 2025 annual passes are on sale now, with a $5 discount to residents of the five counties they serve, for annual vehicle passes purchased through Dec. 31, 2024, $35 ($24 for Seniors 62+). The pass can be used to access all of the 13 Metroparks all year long. Additionally, 2025 passes can be used immediately, even before the new year. Starting Jan. 1, the 2025 Metroparks annual pass will again cost $40 for residents ($29 for Seniors 62+) or $45 for non-residents ($34 for Seniors 62+).

• Michigan State Parks and Recreation Areas, michigan.gov/dnr. Park entrance fees apply.

Senior citizen activities

• Candy Cane Day is 3-4 p.m. Dec. 16, at Oxford Township Senior Center, Oxford Township Parks & Recreation, 2795 Seymour Lake Rd. Oxford, holiday desserts and sing-along as Santa makes a special appearance. Bring in non-perishable items to help fill holiday stockings to be donated to the Free Meals Program in Oxford, Red and white attire suggested, (248) 628-1720, https://oxparkrec.org.

Support activities/Resources

• For access to local community services, dial 211 (844-875-9211) or text zip code to 898211, for information and referrals to physical and mental health resources; housing, utility, food, and employment assistance; and suicide and crisis interventions, United Way, https://unitedwaysem.org/get-help.

• Common Ground’s Resource & Crisis Helpline is available 24/7 – call or text 800-231-1127.

• The 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline provides 24/7 confidential support for people who are suicidal or in emotional distress, or who know someone who is. Calls and text messages to 988 route to a 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline call center, www.fcc.gov/988Lifeline.

• Veterans Crisis Line, dial 988 and then press 1 to connect to the Veterans Crisis Lifeline. For texts, veterans should text the Veterans Crisis Lifeline short code: 838255.

• National Domestic Violence Hotline, 800-799-7233, available 24/7.

Submit community events online at https://bit.ly/40a2iAm.

The Troy Community Foundation announced it recently awarded a total of $12,000 in grants to the following 13 organizations as awardees of its Fall 2024 grant cycle: Another Hope: Science Medicine Scholars, Hockey Mentors for Special Players, On My Own of Michigan, Reboot Future, Rotary Club of Troy, Troy Athens Dance Team, Troy Athens Media Center, Troy Athens Senior All-Night Party, Troy Community Coalition, Troy High Band Boosters, Troy Historical Society, Troy Nature Society, Troy Robotics Foundation/The Circuit Breakers.

“The newly reformed Troy Athens Dance Team is so grateful to have been selected as a Troy Community Foundation grant recipient. This grant will allow us to provide uniforms and poms to our dancers for not only this year, but in years to come. We are so excited to represent our school and the city of Troy!” said Kaitlyn Gerasimovich,  coach of the Troy Athens High School dance team.

Grants from the Troy Community Foundation are available in 4 key areas: Youth & Seniors, Arts & Culture, Beautification, and Health & Recreation. Information on 2025 deadlines and the grant application packet are available at www.TroyCF.org/grants.

Clawson Lions Club donates 8 laptops to Clawson Senior Services

Clawson Senior Services announced that the Clawson Lions Club is donating eight HP Chromebook laptops to support the AARP OATS (Older Adults Technology Services) Technology Program classes at the Clawson Senior Center.

For more information about Clawson Senior Services, visit recreation.cityofclawson.com or call 248-583-6700.

The Clawson Lions Club, a local chapter of Lions Clubs International, is known for its dedication to community service and support. For more information about the Clawson Lions Club, contact Clive Brown at 248-979-5250 or visit https://clawsonlions.org.

Nonprofit to host free store for domestic violence survivors

On the Wings of Angels, a nonprofit dedicated to providing resources and support for domestic violence survivors, launched a special drive to collect clothing, toys, toiletries, and books for survivors and their children, according to a news release.

Numerous individuals and businesses pledged contributions of clothes, toys, and other essentials. Also a supporter offered warehouse space in Troy to facilitate donations and host a “free store” event.

Community volunteers are needed to help sort and organize donations.

In collaboration with local authorities, female security teams and female police officers will be on-site providing a safe space for female survivors and their children to shop.

For more information or to get involved, contact JoJo Dries at info@otwoa.org or visit www.onthewings.org.

Charitable activities/Food donations/Fundraisers

• HAVEN is holding its annual Gift Give-Away, where survivors of domestic violence and their families can shop from hundreds of holiday gifts (at no cost) thanks to generous donations. Donations can be made at www.amazon.com/hz/wishlist/ls/2L3KGKOPNBPCA?ref\=wlshare, through Dec. 8, donated gifts can be shipped to or dropped off at HAVEN of Oakland County, 801 Vanguard Drive, Pontiac, MI, 48341, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., Monday through Friday. For volunteer opportunities, sign by visiting: www.Haven-Oakland.org/gift-giveaway-2024.

• Annual Whoville Christmas Party is 10 a.m.-1 p.m. or 3-6 p.m. Dec. 8, Shenandoah Country Club, 5600 Walnut Lake Road, West Bloomfield Township, to raise funds to help local families in need, hosted by United Community Family Services/Chaldean American Ladies of Charity, www.ucfamilyservices.org. Attire suggested is Christmas PJs.

• Volunteers of America Michigan is hosting its annual Adopt a Family program. Adopt a family at www.voami.org/adopt-a-family, through Dec. 11. Gifts must be delivered to families by Dec. 21. For questions, call 248-353-4862 or emailaaf@voami.org.

• The Rainbow Connection Michigan’s wish-granting organization, in Rochester, is hosting its annual Toy Drive and Adopt-A-Family Program. Those interested in donating can find The Rainbow Connection’s gift guide at www.amazon.com/hz/wishlist/ls/26ZNXA9Y0WYPA?ref=cmswemrununOSJjq2Be0pWpa. The adopted families will be invited to pick up the gifts Dec. 11-14.

• The Salvation Army of Metro Detroit is holding its first-ever 12 Days of Ringing Challenge from Dec. 2-14, (excluding Sunday, Dec. 8) at red kettle locations, https://centralusa.salvationarmy.org/metrodetroit/12-days-of-ringing. To participate, visit any red kettle location in the metro Detroit area (Oakland, Wayne, and Macomb counties), take a selfie by the iconic Red Kettle and share on social media, tagging #12DaysOfRinging. For those in need, visit https://centralusa.salvationarmy.org/usc/location-search.

• The Salvation Army of Metro Detroit seeks volunteer bell ringers. Individuals and families can sign up to volunteer by visiting registertoring.com where they have an option to choose a traditional, two-hour session at a physical red kettle site or participate in a virtual bell ringing shift where they can raise funds from home. Individuals can donate money via an online kettle, Paypal, Venmo or physical red kettle, or at SAmetrodetroit.org, or by calling 877-SAL-MICH or texting GIFT to 24365.

• Toys for Tots toy drive, donations of unwrapped toys accepted through Dec. 16, at Farmington Hills Police and Fire Department headquarters on the campus of City Hall at the corner of Eleven Mile and Orchard Lake Roads.

• Guests at Parc Detroit, Experience Zuzu, and 220 Merrill are encouraged to bring a toy to benefit COTS Detroit, through Dec. 16. As a thank-you, guests will receive a complimentary Christmas dessert, COTSDetroit.org. Toys can be purchased from COTS’ Amazon Wishlist.

• The Birmingham Fire Department is collecting new, unwrapped toys for its annual Toys for Tots Foundation toy drive through Dec. 20 at the city’s two fire stations, 572 S. Adams Road and 1600 W. Maple Road, and Baldwin Public Library, 300 W. Merrill St. and Birmingham City Hall, 151 Martin St. Unwrapped donated toys for all ages can be placed in Toys for Tots collection boxes at these locations. For more information, call 248-530-1906, toysfortots.org, bhamgov.org/fire.

• The Ghost of Dishes Past is 7-10 p.m. Dec. 20, First Presbyterian Church of Pontiac, 99 Wayne St., Pontiac, dinner fundraiser featuring dishes served in the Victorian England household of Charles Dickens, complete with period music and inspired 19th century refreshments, tickets are $50 with a portion to benefit Pontiac’s historic Oak Hill Cemetery, https://events.getlocalhop.com/the-ghost-of-dishes-past/event/aYMxi2rmcR.

• Christmas of Hope, A Benefit for Hurricane Victims is 6:30 p.m. Dec. 22, Flagstar Strand, 12 N Saginaw St, Pontiac, www.flagstarstrand.com, ticket prices vary.

• Love In the Name of Christ of North Oakland County (Love INC), Lake Orion, is hosting a gift card drive through Dec. 23. ($25-$50 gift card denominations suggested). For locations to drop off boxes for card donations, visit Loveincofnoc.org, or call 248-693-435, or drop off 9 a.m.-4 p.m. Monday-Thursday at Love INC, 1550 W. Drahner Road, Oxford.

• Gifts for All God’s Children, a faith-based nonprofit located in Rochester Hills, offers four ways to make a difference. Sponsor a Child-Choose a child and do the shopping for clothing, toys, books, and hygiene items. Make a Donation. Purchase from the nonprofit’s Amazon Wish List and ship Items to the workshop. Purchase items and send them to the workshop for packing and distribution, https://giftsforallgodschildren.org/christmas-outreach-program.

• The Furniture Bank of Metro Detroit is seeking donations of gently used furniture for families in need, especially smaller sofas, dining tables, and chairs that fit in modest-sized homes, items should be free of stains, rips, tears, and pet hair. Call 248-332-1300 to schedule a pick-up.

• Forgotten Harvest’s Hope for the Holidays meal distribution events take place through December in metro Detroit. Forgotten Harvest seeks monetary donations and volunteers to continue programs, www.forgottenharvest.org.Those in need of food assistance can visit www.forgottenharvest.org/find-food to find a distribution event nearby.

• Gleaners Community Food Bank seeks community help, through financial donations and nonperishable food donations, including canned meat, beans and vegetables, low-sodium soups, oatmeal, protein drinks, peanut butter and healthy cereal (avoid donating items in glass containers or any cooked leftovers), www.gcfb.org/give-now. Gleaners also seeks volunteers to for the winter season (January through March), https://gcfb.volunteerhub.com/vv2.

Education activities

• Bank of America is currently accepting applications for the 2025 Student Leaders summer internship program through Jan. 15. Students Leaders receive first-hand experience in serving their communities through a paid eight-week internship with local nonprofits. They also travel to Washington, D.C. for the national Student Leaders Summit. Apply at www.bankofamerica.com/studentleaders and submit a letter of recommendation from a teacher, coach, guidance counselor or school administrator.

Holiday activities

• Cocoa and Crafts with Santa: 10 a.m.-2 p.m. Dec. 7-8, families can meet Santa and Mrs. Claus, make holiday crafts, play games, drink hot cocoa, at Troy Historic Village, 60 W. Wattles Road, Troy, $9 adv., free for ages under 2, discount to Troy Historical Society members. Register at www.troyhistoricvillage.org.

• Holly Dickens Festival: 11 a.m.-6 p.m. Saturday and noon-5 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 7-8, and Dec. 14-15, downtown Holly. Stroll the streets of historic Battle Alley, visit shops, enjoy strolling Christmas carolers, street performers, holiday lights, roasted chestnuts, hot chocolate, children may visit with Santa in the Tiny Tim Children’s Tent, www.hollydickensfestival.org.

• A Holiday to Remember: Dec. 7-8 and Dec. 14-15, (4–7 p.m. Saturday and Noon-3 p.m. Sunday) downtown Northville, holiday-themed activities, carolers and bagpipers, free horse and wagon rides Dec. 7 and Dec. 14, starting on Main Street by the clock tower. Santa House located in Town Square, www.downtownnorthville.com.

• Rochester Area Hometown Christmas Parade: 2-4 p.m. Dec. 8, downtown Rochester, www.rrc-mi.com/christmas-parade. Plan parking at www.ci.rochester.mi.us/231/Parking.

• Chanu-Con Chanukah Festival: 1-5 p.m. Dec. 8, Congregation Beth Shalom, 14601 Lincoln, Oak Park, Kosher food, art and gift vendors, entertainment, children’s activities, free admission, donations welcome, www.congbethshalom.org.

• Santa’s Stable: 1-4 p.m. Dec. 8, High Vibe Trail Rides, 2471 Meadowood Lane, Milford, www.facebook.com/share/1XoiBtBwXh, features pictures with Santa and horses, pony rides for children, face painting, writing letters to Santa, cookie decorating and hot cocoa and coffee station. Proceeds benefit Camp Casey, a local nonprofit that provides cost-free horseback riding programs to children with life-threatening illnesses.

• Clarkston Holiday Lights Parade: 6 p.m. Dec. 14, starting at Renaissance High School Community Education Building, 6558 Waldon Road, Clarkston, proceeding to Main St., ending at Calvary Lutheran Church, 6805 Bluegrass Drive, www.teamrush27.net/community/holiday-lights-parade.

• Holiday Craft Show: 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Dec. 14, at Oxford High School, 745 N. Oxford Road, Oxford, more than 120 booths, hosted by the Oxford leadership class, https://smetankacraftshows.com. Admission is $3, for ages 14+.

• Glenlore Trails-Aurora: Thursday-Sunday evenings, through Dec. 29, at 3860 Newtown Road, Commerce Twp., one-mile walk through experience, www.GlenloreTrails.com, ticket prices vary.

Library activities

• The Rochester Hills Public Library presents “The Conversation Project”  at 7 p.m. Dec. 10, at the library, 500 Olde Towne Road, Rochester. Registered Nurse Vicki Klanke explains how The Conversation Project can help every person’s wish for end-of-life care be expressed and respected, open to the public. Registration is required at calendar.rhpl.org or call 248-656-2900.

• The Friends of Auburn Hills Public Library will be hosting a holiday used book sale, noon-4 p.m. Dec. 14, at Auburn Hills Public Library, at 3400 E. Seyburn Drive, Auburn Hills. For questions email to FAHPL3400@gmail.com, www.ahplibrary.org.

• Talkin’ Broadway Highlights the Musical “Wicked” is 2-4 p.m. Dec. 15, at West Bloomfield Township Public Library, 4600 Walnut Lake Road, West Bloomfield Twp., https://wblib.org

Parks

• Oakland County Parks and Recreation offers free admission. General park entry fees and vehicle permits have been eliminated for all parks operated by Oakland County Parks, www.oakgov.com/community/oakland-county-parks.

• Huron-Clinton Metroparks 2025 annual passes are on sale now, with a $5 discount to residents of the five counties they serve, for annual vehicle passes purchased through Dec. 31, 2024, $35 ($24 for Seniors 62+). The pass can be used to access all of the 13 Metroparks all year long. Additionally, 2025 passes can be used immediately, even before the new year. Starting Jan. 1, the 2025 Metroparks annual pass will again cost $40 for residents ($29 for Seniors 62+) or $45 for non-residents ($34 for Seniors 62+).

• Michigan State Parks and Recreation Areas, michigan.gov/dnr. Park entrance fees apply.

Support activities/Resources

• For access to local community services, dial 211 (844-875-9211) or text zip code to 898211, for information and referrals to physical and mental health resources; housing, utility, food, and employment assistance; and suicide and crisis interventions, United Way, https://unitedwaysem.org/get-help.

• Common Ground’s Resource & Crisis Helpline is available 24/7 – call or text 800-231-1127.

• The 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline provides 24/7 confidential support for people who are suicidal or in emotional distress, or who know someone who is. Calls and text messages to 988 route to a 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline call center, www.fcc.gov/988Lifeline.

• Veterans Crisis Line, dial 988 and then press 1 to connect to the Veterans Crisis Lifeline. For texts, veterans should text the Veterans Crisis Lifeline short code: 838255.
• National Domestic Violence Hotline, 800-799-7233, available 24/7.

Submit community events online at https://bit.ly/40a2iAm.

The 47th Annual Potters Market brings more than 130 artists and their wares to the Southfield Pavilion, Dec. 5-8. The market opens with a preview night, 6-9 p.m. Thursday, Dec. 5. There is a $10 admission fee for preview night.

Admission is free for the following days: 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. Friday, Dec. 6; 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 7; and 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 8.

The artists will be selling items such as vases, mugs, tiles, platters, birdbaths, jewelry, sculpture and more at the Southfield Pavilion, located at 26000 Evergreen Road, Southfield, (between 10 and 11 Mile). No strollers allowed. Parking is free.

Prices range from $5 to hundreds of dollars, to meet every budget, according to a news release from the market.

Also, the Potters Market will be supporting Leader Dogs for the Blind with participating artists donating their work with proceeds from these sales benefiting Leader Dogs.

For more information, visit www.thepottersmarket.com.

On sale 10 a.m. Dec. 5

• George Clinton and the Parliament Funkadelic: Feb. 6, Sound Board at MotorCity Casino, Detroit, ticket prices vary.

On sale 10 a.m. Dec. 6

• Legends of Laughter: Feb. 15, Fox Theatre, Detroit, with Sommore, Lavell Crawford, Don DC Curry, Coco and Comic J Will, lineup subject to change, ticket prices vary.

• Crime Junkie: March 7, Fox Theatre, Detroit, ticket prices vary.

• David Sedaris, author: April 8, Fisher Theatre, Detroit, BroadwayInDetroit.com, ticket prices vary.

• Pierce The Veil: June 1, Michigan Lottery Amphitheatre, Sterling Heights, with Sleeping with Sirens and Beach Weather, ticket prices vary.

• Mt. Joy: June 6, Michigan Lottery Amphitheatre, Sterling Heights, ticket prices vary.

• Alison Krauss & Union Station featuring Jerry Douglas: Sept. 6, Michigan Lottery Amphitheatre, Sterling Heights, with Willie Watson, ticket prices vary.

Note: Events are subject to change; check with venues for updates. Tickets on sale at 313Presents.com, LiveNation.com, Ticketmaster.com or the XFINITY Box Office at Little Caesars Arena.

Beats

• Whitey Morgan & the 78’s: 7 p.m. Dec. 6, Saint Andrews Hall, Detroit, livenation.com, ticket prices vary.

• Barbara Ann Ogar and Terry Herald: Noon, Dec, 6, St. Paul’s United Methodist Church, 620 Romeo Street, Rochester, flute and guitar, Harmony in the Hills Concert Series, https://stpaulsrochester.org.

• Devastation On The Nation Tour: 5 p.m. Dec. 6, The Crofoot Ballroom, 1 S. Saginaw, Pontiac, featuring I Am Morbid with David Vincent, the original Morbid Angel vocalist and bassist, (Morbid Angel band not appearing), https://thecrofoot.com/events, $35+.

• Ben Portsmouth-Elvis tribute: 8 p.m. Dec. 6-7, Andiamo Celebrity Showroom, 7096 E. 14 Mile Road, Warren, doors at 6:30 p.m., andiamoshowroom.com, $35-$89.

• MIX 92.3 Presents Ladies Night Out: 8 p.m. Dec. 7, Fox Theatre, Detroit, with Dru Hill, Ginuwine, 112 and Next, lineup subject to change, 313Presents.com, ticket prices vary.

• Dylan Schneider, MaRynn Taylor: Dec. 7, District 142, 142 Maple St., Wyandotte, doors at 7 p.m. district142live.com, ages 21+, $15-$40+.

• Howlin Mercy: 8 p.m. Dec. 7, Max Dugan’s, 844 E 10 Mile Road, Hazel Park, 248-677-3059, www.facebook.com/maxsdugans248, cover charge.

• Tiny Moving Parts: 7 p.m. Dec. 7, The Loving Touch, 22634 Woodward Ave., Ferndale, 248-820-5596, thelovingtouchferndale.com, all ages, doors at 7 p.m., $25+.

• Rahsaan Patterson: 7:30 p.m. Dec. 8, Sound Board at MotorCity Casino, Detroit, 313Presents.com, ticket prices vary.

• Kenny Rogers Tribute ft. Alan Turner: 7 p.m. Dec. 8, Christmas Show, The Roxy, 401 Walnut Blvd., Rochester, 248-453-5285, www.theroxyrochester.com, doors at 7 p.m., ages 21+, $25+.

• Justin Hayward: 8 p.m. Dec. 10, Sound Board at MotorCity Casino, Detroit, 313Presents.com, ticket prices vary.

• Brett Eldredge, Stacey Ryan: 8 p.m. Dec. 10, Fox Theatre, Detroit, 313Presents.com, ticket prices vary.

• Channel 95.5’s Jingle Ball: 7:30 p.m. Dec. 10, LCA, with Jack Harlow, Teddy Swims, Jason Derulo, Madison Beer, Saweetie, NCT Dream, Isabel LaRosa and Wonho, lineup subject to change, 313Presents.com, ticket prices vary.

• MAYSA: 8 p.m., Dec. 12, Sound Board at MotorCity Casino, Detroit, 313Presents.com, ticket prices vary.

Choruses

• Troy Community Chorus-Yuletide Dreams: 7:30-9:30 p.m. Dec. 6, Troy Athens High School, 4333 John R Road, Troy, $12 advance gen adm., $10 for seniors and children ages 6-12, $15 at the door, free for ages 5 and younger, www.troycommunitychorus.com, 248-762-6862.

• Joy to the World Holiday Concert: 2 p.m. and 7 p.m. Dec. 7, Hilltop Church, 21260 Haggerty Road, Northville, featuring City Lights Chorus and Motor City Blend, www.citylightschorus.com/events.

• New Century Chorale: 4 p.m. Dec. 8, St. Paul’s Episcopal Church, 711 S. Saginaw, Flint. “Christmas Around the World” concert. A reception will follow. tickets at https://newcenturychorale.square.site, or $15 at the door.

• Farmington Chorus: “Do You Want to Build a Snowman?” is 8 p.m. Dec. 13 and 4 p.m. Dec. 14, Hawk Community Center, 29995 W. 12 Mile Road, Farmington Hills, https://farmingtonchorus.com, $15 adv., $20 at the door. Beer and wine will be available for patrons 21 years and above.

• “Once Upon a December Eve,”: 7 p.m. Dec. 15, Hawk Community Center, 29995 W. 12 Mile Road, Farmington Hills, TheHawkTheatre.com, $25 adv., $30 at the door.

Classical/Orchestra

• Ellington & The Nutcracker: Dec. 6-8, Detroit Symphony Orchestra, Orchestra Hall, 3711 Woodward Ave., Detroit, dso.org, $20+, streaming live at 7:45 p.m. Dec. 7.

• Michigan Philharmonic-Holiday Pops: 7:30 p.m. Dec. 12 at First United Methodist Church, Plymouth, and 7:30 p.m. Dec. 13 at Marquis Theatre, Northville, michiganphil.org, $35 gen. Adm.

• Home for the Holidays: Dec 13-15, Detroit Symphony Orchestra, Orchestra Hall, 3711 Woodward Ave., Detroit, dso.org/holiday, $29+.

• Royal Oak Concert Band: 3 p.m. Dec. 15, With Woodward Avenue Jazz Orchestra and Madrigal Chorale, at Royal Oak Middle School – Dondero Auditorium, 709 N Washington Royal Oak, www.royaloakconcertband.org, gen. adm.-$12.

• Monroe Big Band Holiday Concert: 7:30 p.m. Dec. 21, River Raisin Center for the Arts, 114 S. Monroe St., Monroe, 734-242-7722, www.riverraisincentre.org, gen adm.-$20, seniors and students-$12.

Comedy

• One Night Stans: Julie Scoggins-Dec. 5-7; Pete George-Dec. 12-14; at 4761 Highland Road, Waterford Twp., www.onenightstans.club, 248-249-1321, ages 18+, ticket prices vary.

• Mark Ridley’s Comedy Castle: Mike Stanley-Dec. 5-7; Cam Rowe-Dec. 12-14; at 310 S. Troy St., Royal Oak, www.comedycastle.com, 248-542-9900, ages 18+, ticket prices vary.

• Christopher Titus: Dec. 7, Royal Oak Music Theatre, 318 W 4th St. Royal Oak, www.royaloakmusictheatre.com, 248-399-3065, ticket prices vary.

Dance

• Oakland Dance Theatre: 8 p.m. Dec. 5-7, and 2 p.m. Dec. 7, Varner Recital Hall, 371 Varner Dr, Rochester, https://calendar.oakland.edu/smtd, $12, student $10.

• “The Nutcracker”: Dec. 6-8, River Raisin Banquet Center,  114 S. Monroe St., Monroe, 734-242-7722, www.riverraisincentre.org, ticket prices vary.

• Macomb Ballet Company “The Nutcracker”: Dec. 6-8, Macomb Center for the Performing Arts, 44575 Garfield Road, Clinton Twp., www.macombcenter.com, 586-286-2222, $25+.

• Nutcracker Sweet Tea: 11 a.m. Dec. 7, at The Macomb Center’s Lorenzo Cultural Center, 44575 Garfield Road, Clinton Twp., purchase tickets in advance at www.macombcenter.com, $42+.

• “Nutcracker! Magical Christmas Ballet”: Dec. 8, (three shows-noon, 4 p.m. and 8 p.m.), Fox Theatre, Detroit, 313Presents.com, ticket prices vary.

Theater

• “The Twelve Daughters of Hercules”: 7-11 p.m. Dec. 5, at 12 N Saginaw St., Pontiac, presented by REACH Drama, www.flagstarstrand.com, $14+.

• “A Wonderful Life”: Dec. 5-8, presented by the Farmington Hills Youth Theatre, at Hawk Community Center, 29995 W. 12 Mile Road, Farmington Hills, TheHawkTheatre.com, $12 adv., $15 at the door.

• “Elves Wanted”: 7 p.m. Dec. 6-7 and 2 p.m. Dec. 7-8, Milford High School’s Little Theater stage, presented by Huron Valley Community Theater, 2380 S Milford Road, Highland Twp., www.hvCommunityTheater.org, ticket prices vary.

• Mannheim Steamroller: 8 p.m. Dec. 13, Fox Theatre, Detroit, 313Presents.com, ticket prices vary.

• Disney’s “Beauty and the Beast” musical: Through Dec. 15, Baldwin Theatre, 415 S Lafayette Ave, Royal Oak, presented by Stagecrafters, stagecrafters.org, 248-541-6430, $38.

• “Present Laughter”: Through Dec. 15, Birmingham Village Players, 34660 Woodward Ave., Birmingham, (8 p.m. Thursday-Saturday and 2 p.m. Sunday), 248-644-2075, tickets at www.birminghamvillageplayers.com, advance gen. adm. is $30.

• “Les Misérables”: Through Dec. 15, Fisher Theatre, Detroit, www.broadwayindetroit.com/events, ticket prices vary.

• “’Twas the Night Before…” by Cirque du Soleil: Dec. 20-31, Fox Theatre, Detroit, 313Presents.com, ticket prices vary.

• “Little Women”: Through Dec. 21, Tipping Point Theatre, 361 E Cady St., Northville, www.tippingpointtheatre.com, ticket prices vary.

• “A Christmas Carol”: Through Dec. 22, Meadow Brook, at Meadow Brook Theatre, on the campus of Oakland University, 248-377-3300, www.mbtheatre.com, ticket prices vary.

• “Holiday Cabaret”: Through Dec. 22, Detroit Public Theatre, 3960 3rd Avenue, Detroit, www.detroitpublictheatre.org, ticket prices vary.

• “Yes Virginia, There is a Santa Claus”: Through Dec. 22, on the Boardwalk Theatre stage, 109 Third St., Saint Clair, presented by ThumbCoast Live Theaters, www.thumbcoasttheaters.com, 810-278-1749, $38.

Art

• Holiday Shop: Dec. 5-20, (10 a.m.-6 p.m. Mon.–Sat; Noon to 4 p.m. Sundays), Birmingham Bloomfield Art Center, 1516 S. Cranbrook Road, Birmingham, BBArtCenter.org, free admission.

• Drop In Workshop: Luminaries: 6-8:30 p.m. Dec. 6, and noon-4 p.m. Dec. 7-8, Detroit Institute of Arts, Art-Making Studio, 5200 Woodward Ave., Detroit, www.dia.org.

• An Asian American Journey: An Interview with Dana Tai Soon Burgess is 6:30 p.m. Dec. 5 and 3 p.m. Dec. 7, at Cranbrook Art Museum, 39221 Woodward Ave., Bloomfield Hills, https://cranbrookartmuseum.org/calendar/?fixed_slug=lectures-talks, free event.

• Detroit As Resource-Material Identity lecture: 6:30 p.m. Dec. 12, Cranbrook Art Museum, 39221 Woodward Ave., Bloomfield Hills, https://cranbrookartmuseum.org/events/detroit-as-resource-material-identity, free.

• JC Rivera: Exhibit through November, on the second floor of Detroit Shipping Company, 474 Peterboro St., Detroit, www.detroitshippingcompany.com, RSVP at www.eventbrite.com/e/art-gallery-opening-jc-rivera-tickets-1035017684757.

• Patrick Alston and Heather Day: Through Dec. 21, Library Street Collective, 1274 Library St.. Detroit, open Wednesday-Saturday, noon-6 p.m., lscgallery.com.

• Sukanya Ramakrishna: Exhibit, Journey Collection of landscape painting and photography at Farmington Hills City Hall, featuring Novi artist, hours are 8:30 a.m.-4:30 p.m. Monday to Friday.

• “The Art of Dining-Food Culture in the Islamic World”: Through Jan. 5, Detroit Institute of Arts, 5200 Woodward Ave., Detroit, dia.org.

• “Grace Under Fire”: Through Jan. 11, the Shepherd, 1265 Parkview St., Detroit, lscgallery.com, open 11 a.m.-6 p.m. Wednesday-Saturday.

• How We Make the Planet Move: Through March 2, The Detroit Collection Part I, Detroit-based artists and designers, featuring Subtleism” Neha Vedpathak with Agnes Martin and Toshiko Takaezu “Worlds Within,” cranbrookartmuseum.org, general admission-$10, free for ArtMembers.

• Tiff Massey-“7 Mile + Livernois”: Exhibit through May 11, 2025, Detroit Institute of Arts, 5200 Woodward Ave., Detroit, dia.org.

• Thursdays at the Museum: 1 p.m. Thursdays, Detroit Institute of Arts, Detroit, self-guided visit of our collections for adults 55 and older. Groups of 25 or more in Wayne, Oakland, and Macomb counties can receive free bus transportation, www.dia.org/events/thursdays.

• The Hawk Makerspace: The Hawk – Farmington Hills Community Center, featuring craft space, specialized equipment including a laser cutter, 3D printer, and sewing lab. Makerspace users may purchase passes to use the equipment during Open Studio hours. Classes are also offered, fhgov.com/play,-explore-learn/the-hawk/amenities/makerspace.

• Drop-in Design: 11 a.m.-5 p.m. Saturdays and Sundays, self-guided art-making activities in the Cranbrook Art Museum, Art Lab, 39221 Woodward Ave., Bloomfield Hills, cranbrookartmuseum.org, general admission-$10.

• University of Michigan Museum of Art, 525 South State St., Ann Arbor, 734-764-0395, umma.umich.edu, ticket prices vary.

Holiday activities

• Gifts & Greens Market: Dec. 5-7, (5-8 p.m. Thursday, 9 a.m.-5 p.m. Dec. 6 and 9 a.m.-1 p.m. Dec. 7), at the Abiding Presence Lutheran Church, 1550 Walton Blvd., Rochester Hills, annual fundraising market with displays of fresh greens presented by Rochester Garden Club, RochesterGardenClub.org, $5 entrance fee opening gala on Thursday and $2 admission on Friday and Saturday.

• Christmas Tree Lighting: 6:30 p.m. Dec. 6, annual City of Troy Christmas Tree Lighting at  the south entrance of City Hall, 500 W. Big Beaver, Troy, featuring Troy High Colts Drumline, Athens High Concert and Treble Choirs, hot cocoa and Timbits from Tim Hortons Troy. Santa will visit with children under a tent on the north side of City Hall following the Christmas Tree Lighting.

• Christmas in the Village: 3-7:30 p.m. Dec. 6, lighted Christmas parade at 7 p.m., followed by Christmas Tree Lighting. Activities on Dec. 7 run 9 a.m.-1 p.m. and include tractor hay rides, and visits with Santa, downtown Ortonville, www.facebook.com/brandontwprec.

• Sip Shop and Stroll: Noon-8 p.m. Dec. 6, downtown Franklin, art menorah lighting at 5:30 p.m. Village Green, bonfires, shops open late, holiday spirits and treats, www.mainstreetfranklinmi.com.

• Soup and Sweet Stroll: 5-8:30 p.m. Dec. 6, downtown Oxford. With a ticket (lanyard card) attendees can enjoy a taste of five soups and sweets at downtown Oxford restaurants. Other activities include visits with Santa Claus, strolling carolers, Oxford Community Schools Choirs, craft stations, warming station, tree lighting at 8 p.m. in Centennial Park. $12 per ticket, discount bundle- 5 tickets for $50, https://downtownoxford.info/#events.

• Kris Kringle Market: Dec. 6-7, (4-10 p.m. Dec. 6, noon-10 p.m. Dec. 7), on West Fourth St. and Walnut, downtown Rochester, annual open-air holiday market, musical entertainment, warming tent, Santa’s Village for visits and photo opportunities with Santa, 4-9 p.m. on Friday (story-time at 7 p.m.); and noon-9 p.m. Saturday (story time at 1 p.m. and 5 p.m.). www.DowntownRochesterMI.com.

• Annual Holiday Craft and Art Show: Dec. 6-7 (10 a.m.-5 p.m. Friday and 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Saturday), fundraiser with crafters and artists, lunch and baked goods available for purchase, Waterford Baptist Cathedral, 2640 Airport Road, Waterford Twp., free admission.

• Annual Holiday Craft and Art Show: Dec. 6-7 (10 a.m.-5 p.m. Friday and 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Saturday), fundraiser with crafters and artists, lunch and baked goods available for purchase, Waterford Baptist Cathedral, 2640 Airport Road, Waterford Twp., free admission.

• Birmingham Winter Markt and Holiday Tree Lighting: Dec. 6-8, (4-9 p.m. Friday, 10 a.m.-9 p.m. Saturday and 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Sunday), Shain Park, 270 W. Merrill St., downtown Birmingham, Tree Lighting ceremony is at 6 p.m. Dec. 6, local artists and vendors, Santa House and carriage rides (2-8 p.m. Saturday and 11 a.m.-3 p.m. Sunday), www.allinbirmingham.com.

• Holly Dazzle: 5-10 p.m. (5-9 p.m. on Sundays) Friday-Sunday Dec. 6-15, and Friday-Tuesday Dec. 20-3, at 12600 Dixie Hwy., Holly, winter wonderland stroll along a three-quarter mile outdoor trail, adorned with Christmas scenes, 248-634-5552, www.hollydazzles.com.

• Annual Holiday Extravaganza: Dec. 7, downtown Pontiac. Parade is at 11 a.m., Winter Fun Festival is noon-3 p.m., live ice carving competition, petting farm with animals, reindeer, Santa and Mrs. Claus meet and greet. The Run Elf Run race is at 8 a.m., Holidayextravaganza.org.

• Lake Orion Lighted Parade: 6 p.m. Dec. 7, parade traverses from Florence Avenue to E. Flint Street to Broadway, downtown Lake Orion. After the parade, Santa Tent is open, across from the Fork and Pint restaurant (corner of Shadbolt and Broadway), https://orionlightedparade.com.

• Visit with Santa and Mrs. Claus: 9 a.m.-4 p.m. Dec. 7, at Rochester Hills Museum at Van Hoosen Farm, 1005 Van Hoosen Road, Rochester Hills, www.rochesterhills.org/musprograms, timed tickets in advance, $7-$10.

• Holiday at the Farm: 9 a.m.-2:30 p.m. Dec. 7, MSU Extension Tollgate Farm and Education Center, 28115 Meadowbrook Rd, Novi,  hayrides, farm animals, visits with Santa,
www.canr.msu.edu/events/holiday-at-the-farm-2024, $10, free for ages under 2.

• O School Holiday Pop Up Market: Noon-4 p.m. Dec. 7, at Centric Place (home of Operations School) 36216 Freedom Road, Farmington Hills, featuring baked goods, clothing, skin care and cosmetics. All vendors are local, minority owned businesses that recently completed Operations School’s flagship course “Get Your Business Legit,” www.operationsschool.com/course-1.

• Annual South Lyon Football Holiday Shop: 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Dec. 7, South Lyon High School, www.facebook.com/SLfbHolidayShop , more than 200 crafters and vendors.

• Palmer Woods Holiday Home Tour & Soirée: Dec. 7. Guests will be invited to tour five homes in Palmer Woods plus the Soirée home, the former residence of Detroit icon, Aretha Franklin. Contact hhtour@palmerwoods.org or 313-744-2624. www.palmerwoods.org.

• Midtown’s 50th Annual Noel Night: 11 a.m.-9 p.m., Dec. 7, open house of the Midtown Detroit and Cultural Center districts, live music, shopping, crafts, visits with Santa, food trucks, interactive holiday experiences, pop-up winter marketplaces, free admission, free shuttle bus, ice sculpting (3 p.m.–9 p.m.) and Salvation Army Sing-Along (8 p.m.–9 p.m.) Woodward Plaza and lawn, www.noelnight.org.

• Cocoa and Crafts with Santa: 10 a.m.-2 p.m. Dec. 7-8, families can meet Santa and Mrs. Claus, make holiday crafts, play games, drink hot cocoa, at Troy Historic Village, 60 W. Wattles Road, Troy, $9 adv., free for ages under 2, discount to Troy Historical Society members. Register at www.troyhistoricvillage.org.

• Holiday Open House: 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Dec. 7-8, Epiphany Glass Studios, 770 Orchard Lake Road, Pontiac, DIY glassblowing workshops and 20 percent discounts, free and open to the public, epiphanyglass.com/workshops.

• Detroit Urban Craft Fair: Dec. 7-8, (11 a.m.-7 p.m. Saturday and 11 a.m.-5 p.m. Sunday), Masonic Temple, 500 Temple Street, Detroit, admission is $5, ages 12 and younger free after 1 p.m.

• Santa Experience: Dec. 7-8 and Dec. 14- 15, Blake’s Orchard & Cider Mill, 17985 Armada Center Road, Armada, https://blakefarms.com, take your own photos, and send a letter to the North Pole and select a special toy. Admission is $19.95 for children ages three and up and $7.95 for adults. Entry includes a make-and-take craft, donut, and cup of sweet cider or hot cocoa. Hours are 10 a.m. – 5 p.m.

• Christmas Concert – Belgian American Association Band: 7 p.m. Dec. 11, St. Lucy Catholic Church, 23401 Jefferson Ave. St. Clair Shores, www.belgianband.org/home/upcoming-events, free admission, Sinterklaas (Belgian Santa) will also be there.

• Carols & Beer: 6:30-8 p.m. Dec. 13, at Rustic Leaf Brewing Company, 7200 Highland Road, Waterford Twp., https://waterfordcumc.org/upcoming-events/carols-beer,  free admission, seating fills fast, join musicians from Central United Methodist Church for a community carol sing-along, food to purchase.

• Christmas Lights & Cocktails Tour: Dec. 14 and Dec. 21 with The Queens of Detroit Tours, Detroit’s holiday lights with entertainment by drag queens, tickets at www.DistinctivelyDetroit.com or call 313-723-2273, $75 per person.

• Winter at The Station: Fridays and Saturdays, through Dec. 28, Michigan Central, Detroit, festive global winter traditions, winter lights, innovative technologies, art, live performances, shopping. Parking is $5+ at Michigan Central’s Bagley Mobility Hub parking garage, 1501 Wabash, Detroit, tickets at https://michigancentral.com/winter-at-the-station.

• Glenlore Trails-Aurora: Thursday-Sunday evenings, through Dec. 29, at 3860 Newtown Road, Commerce Twp., one-mile walk through experience, www.GlenloreTrails.com.

• Magic of Lights: 5:30 p.m.-10 p.m. Monday-Sunday, through Dec. 30, (5:30 p.m.-9 p.m. on Thanksgiving, Christmas Eve and Christmas Day), Pine Knob Music Theatre, Independence Twp., www.313presents.com/events/detail/magic-of-lights, purchase tickets online, ticket prices vary.

• Wild Lights at the Detroit Zoo: Through Jan. 5, (5-9 p.m. select weeknights and Sundays and 5 to 10:30 p.m. Fridays and Saturdays), outdoor event limited to the front half of the zoo, no access to animal habitats, adv gen advance tickets are $17-$25+ each, children younger than 2 are admitted free, parking is $8, https://detroitzoo.org/events/wild-lights.

• Big, Bright Light Show: 5 p.m.-midnight, nightly through Jan. 19, downtown Rochester, www.downtownrochestermi.com/the-big-bright-light-show.

Beats, continued

• Zeljko Milicevic and Susan Clark Joul:  Noon, Dec. 12, St. Paul’s United Methodist Church, 620 Romeo Street, Rochester, violin and piano, Harmony in the Hills Concert Series, https://stpaulsrochester.org.

• Alexander Zonjic: 7 p.m. Dec. 13, Beautiful Savior Lutheran Church, 5631 N. Adams Road, Bloomfield Hills, www.bslcmi.org/concerts, free will offering.

• Gary Hoey: Dec. 13, The Magic Bag, 22920 Woodward Ave., Ferndale, Ho Ho Hoey Rockin’ Holiday Show, www.themagicbag.com, doors at 7 p.m. all ages, $45+ adv.

• Stayin’ Alive-Bee Gees tribute: Dec. 13, Royal Oak Music Theatre, 318 W 4th St. Royal Oak, www.royaloakmusictheatre.com, 248-399-3065, ticket prices vary.

• Amadeus Electric Quartet: 8 p.m. Dec. 14, Music Hall Center, 350 Madison St., Detroit, www.musichall.org, ticket prices vary.

• Brian O’Neal, pianist: 5:45-9 p.m. Dec. 14, Silver Gardens Event Center, 24350 Southfield Road, Southfield, also featuring guest vocalists and a comedian. A portion of proceeds to benefit Easterseals MORC, doors at 5 p.m., tickets at tickets.brianoneal.com, $50+.

• Dan Rodriguez: 8:30 p.m. Dec. 14, at 20 Front Street, Lake Orion, 248-783-7105, www.20frontstreet.com, doors at 8 p.m. all ages, $30+.

• Alexander Abaté-“Then Sings My Soul”: 7 p.m. Dec. 14, Emerald Theater, 31 N. Walnut St., Mt Clemens, 586-630-0120, TheEmeraldTheatre.com, doors at 7 p.m., all ages, $15-$25+.

Books

• Mister Showman: 5:30-7:30 p.m. Dec. 18, at M1 Concourse, 45399 Woodward Drive, Pontiac. Bob Larivee Sr., known by automotive enthusiasts as a show promoter and collector, book signing, discussion and Q&A, register at M1Concourse.com/MisterShowman, free admission and free parking in the Woodward North Lot. Books will be available for purchase and signing, cash bar.

Film

• Open caption film screenings: Sunday and Wednesday afternoons throughout December and sensory-friendly film screenings, “Moana 2” on Dec. 7 and “Sonic The Hedgehog 3” on Dec. 21, at select Emagine Theatres, Emagine-Entertainment.com, ticket prices vary.

• “Detroit-The City of Chefs Film Premiere”: 7-9 p.m. Dec. 9, Emagine Novi, 44425 W. 12 Mile Road, Novi, https://detroitcityofchefs.com,  (pre-glow for VIP from 5:30 p.m.-6:45 p.m.  with a grand buffet created by the chefs and students at Schoolcraft College’s Culinary Arts Program and Oakland Community College’s Culinary Studies Institute and preferred seating for the 7 p.m. film are $200, must be purchased by Nov. 22 at https://detroitcityofchefs.com. Film general admission is $20, www.emagine-entertainment.com/movies/detroit-the-city-of-chefs, 248-869-0096.

• Detroit Film Theatre: Detroit Institute of Arts, 5200 Woodward Ave., Detroit, dia.org, ticket prices vary.

• Farmington Civic Theater: 33332 Grand River Ave., Farmington, www.theFCT.com.

• Milford Independent Cinema: 945 E Summit St., Milford, milfordcinema.org/tickets, $5+.

• Redford Theatre: 17360 Lahser Road, Detroit, redfordtheatre.com, ticket prices vary.

Misc.

• Mitch Albom and Bernie Smilovitz: Radio personality/author Mitch Albom and TV personality Bernie Smilovitz on stage together, Mondays, Dec. 9, Dec. 16, Dec. 23, Jan. 6, at Emagine Royal Oak, 200 N. Main St., Royal Oak, tickets at www.Emagine-Entertainment.com, $15 per person, a portion of all ticket sales will be donated to S.A.Y. Detroit and Have Faith Haiti charities.

Museums

• Bank of America customers receive free admission: Dec. 7-8, and the first weekend of each month to museums and cultural institutions across the country, including Charles H. Wright Museum of African-American History, Michigan Science Center, Arab American National Museum, Henry Ford Museum of American Innovation, and Motown Museum, bit.ly/2NvmECM.

• Rochester Hills Museum at Van Hoosen Farm: Holiday House Tours & All Aboard! Model Railroad Exhibit are noon-4 p.m. on select Saturdays, Sundays and weekdays in December and January, 1005 Van Hoosen Road Rochester Hills, buy tickets at the door, $5/adults, www.rochesterhills.org/musprograms.

• Annual Pop-Up “Holiday Shop”: Through Dec. 20, (10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Mon.–Sat; noon to 4 p.m. Sundays) at the Birmingham Bloomfield Art Center, 1516 S. Cranbrook Road, Birmingham, free admission.

• Christmas with the Monroe County Museum: 11 a.m.-3 p.m. Saturdays and Sundays through Dec. 29, monroemi.gov.

• Holidays at Meadow Brook: Through Dec. 30, featuring the indoor daytime Holiday Walk and the outdoor evening light show, Winter Wonder Lights, Meadow Brook Hall, 350 Estate Drive, Rochester, on the campus of Oakland University, ticket prices vary, www.meadowbrookholidays.com.

• Michigan Science Center (Mi-Sci): 5020 John R St., Detroit, 313-577-8400, www.mi-sci.org. Regular museum gen. adm. is $17+. Standard Mi-Sci films are available as a $6 add-on to general admission tickets. Mi-Sci is open 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., Tuesday through Sunday and until 8 p.m. the first Friday of each month. “Tyrannosaurs – Meet the Family” exhibit is open through Jan. 12.

• Westin Book Cadillac at 100 Exhibition: Westin Book Cadillac, 1114 Washington Blvd., Detroit, presented with Detroit Historical Society, exhibit explores the 100-year history of the Book Cadillac hotel, https://detroithistorical.org.

• Cranbrook Institute of Science, 39221 Woodward Ave., Bloomfield Hills, https://science.cranbrook.edu/explore/programs/events, general admission: $14, $10.50 for ages 2-12 and seniors 65+, free for children under age 2.

• The Zekelman Holocaust Center: 28123 Orchard Lake Road, Farmington Hills, www.holocaustcenter.org, 248-553-2400.

• Motown Museum, 2648 W. Grand Blvd., Detroit, motownmuseum.org, 313-875-2264.

• The Henry Ford Museum of American Innovation and Greenfield Village: 20900 Oakwood Blvd., Dearborn, Ford Rouge Factory Tours Monday-Saturday, purchase tickets online, prices vary, thehenryford.org.

• Ford Piquette Plant Museum: 461 Piquette Ave, Detroit. Open Wednesdays through Sundays, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Admission is $10-$18. Optional guided tours take place daily at 10 a.m., 12 p.m. and 2 p.m., www.fordpiquetteplant.org, 313-872-8759.

• Mistletoe Mingle: 7 p.m. Dec. 19, Ford House, 1100 Lake Shore Road, Grosse Pointe Shores, for ages 21+, $70 per person and include the party, self-paced tour of the main residence, a swag bag, appetizers, and two drink tickets, fordhouse.org/holidays.

• Home for the Holidays Lighted Walk: 5:30-8:30 p.m. Friday, Saturday and Sunday, through Dec. 29, at Ford House, 1100 Lake Shore Road, Grosse Pointe Shores, purchase advanced timed tickets, $28 for adults and $14 for children, free for ages 2 and younger, 313-884-4222, fordhouse.org/holidays.

• Dossin Great Lakes Museum: 100 Strand Drive, Belle Isle, Detroit, detroithistorical.org.

• Detroit Arsenal of Democracy Museum: Seeks volunteer groups from veteran and military groups to assist with restoration. The museum is also seeking building materials and equipment to support the ongoing restoration of its vintage industrial space at 19144 Glendale Ave., Detroit, including floor grinders, clear epoxy and Thinset products for floor repairs, www.detroitarsenalofdemocracy.org.

• Pontiac Transportation Museum: 250 W. Pike St., Pontiac. Admission to the museum is $10, $8 for seniors and veterans, $6 for children ages 6-12, free for children ages 5 and younger. Hours are 10 a.m.-6 p.m. Thursday through Saturday and noon to 5 p.m. Sunday, www.pontiactransportationmuseum.org.

• Detroit Historical Museum: 5401 Woodward Ave. (NW corner of Kirby) in Midtown Detroit, detroithistorical.org. Permanent exhibits include the famous Streets of Old Detroit, the Allesee Gallery of Culture, Doorway to Freedom: Detroit and the Underground Railroad, Detroit: The “Arsenal of Democracy,” the Gallery of Innovation, Frontiers to Factories, America’s Motor City and The Glancy Trains, regular museum general admission is $10. Hours are 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Wednesday to Saturday and 1-5 p.m. Sunday. “Detroit Lions: Gridiron Heroes,” exhibition featuring the history of the Detroit Lions, detroithistorical.org. Free admission to Detroit Historical Museum and Dossin Great Lakes Museum on Sunday, Dec. 8, Dec. 15 and Dec. 22.

• Hudson’s Holiday Dinner and a Movie: 5:30-9:30 p.m. Dec. 13, Detroit Historical Museum, 5401 Woodward Ave. (NW corner of Kirby), Midtown Detroit, detroithistorical.org, $150 each.

• Hudson’s Holiday Brunch is 11 a.m. Dec. 14, Detroit Historical Museum, 5401 Woodward Ave. (NW corner of Kirby), Midtown Detroit, detroithistorical.org, $75 each.

• The Wright: The Charles H. Wright Museum of African American History, 315 E. Warren Ave., Detroit, 313-494-5800, open Tuesday-Sunday, 9 a.m.-5 p.m. and open until 7 p.m. on Thursday, closed on Mondays, reserve timed tickets at thewright.org, $30+ gen adm., $20 for seniors 62+, $15 for youth, ages 5-17, free for under 5.

• Greater West Bloomfield Historical Society: Open 1st/2nd/4th/5th Sundays of the month and 3rd Fridays, 1-4 pm, (holidays excluded) with exhibits including “Four Communities” exhibit at The Orchard Lake Museum, 3951 Orchard Lake Road, Orchard Lake. Admission is free, donations are welcome, www.gwbhs.org, 248-757-2451.

• Royal Oak Historical Society Museum: Hours are 1-4 p.m. Tuesday, Thursday, Saturday, 1411 W. Webster Road, Royal Oak, royaloakhistoricalsociety.com, 248-439-1501, $10+ suggested donation.

Submit events online at https://bit.ly/40a2iAm.

Many nonprofits seek monetary, non-perishable food and toy donations, as well as volunteers to help organize and distribute food and toys during the holiday season.

• Forgotten Harvest’s Hope for the Holidays meal distribution events take place through December in metro Detroit. Forgotten Harvest seeks monetary donations and volunteers to continue programs, www.forgottenharvest.org.Those in need of food assistance can visit www.forgottenharvest.org/find-food to find a distribution event nearby.

• Gleaners Community Food Bank seeks community help, through financial donations and nonperishable food donations, including canned meat, beans and vegetables, low-sodium soups, oatmeal, protein drinks, peanut butter and healthy cereal (avoid donating items in glass containers or any cooked leftovers), www.gcfb.org/give-now. Gleaners also seeks volunteers to for the winter season (January through March), https://gcfb.volunteerhub.com/vv2.

• The Salvation Army of Metro Detroit is holding its first-ever 12 Days of Ringing Challenge from Dec. 2-14, (excluding Sunday, Dec. 8) at red kettle locations, https://centralusa.salvationarmy.org/metrodetroit/12-days-of-ringing. To participate, visit any red kettle location in the metro Detroit area (Oakland, Wayne, and Macomb counties), take a selfie by the iconic Red Kettle and share on social media, tagging #12DaysOfRinging. For those in need, visit https://centralusa.salvationarmy.org/usc/location-search.

• The Salvation Army of Metro Detroit seeks volunteer bell ringers. Individuals and families can sign up to volunteer by visiting registertoring.com where they have an option to choose a traditional, two-hour session at a physical red kettle site or participate in a virtual bell ringing shift where they can raise funds from home. Individuals can donate money via an online kettle, Paypal, Venmo or physical red kettle, or at SAmetrodetroit.org, or by calling 877-SAL-MICH or texting GIFT to 24365.

• Easterseals MORC annual Cheers Gala: 7-10 p.m. Dec. 6, at M1 Concourse Event Center in Pontiac, activities include spirits tasting, strolling dinner, casino games, silent auction, thecheersgala.org,  fundraising event, $150+/ticket.

• Give Back to Older Adults: Wrapped gifts may be dropped off by Dec. 6, at the Costick Activities Center, 28600 W. Eleven Mile Road, Farmington Hills, for Senior Secret Santa program. For information, contact Teresa at 248-473-1826 or tjergovich@fhgov.com.

• HAVEN is holding its annual Gift Give-Away, where survivors of domestic violence and their families can shop from hundreds of holiday gifts (at no cost) thanks to generous donations. Donations can be made at www.amazon.com/hz/wishlist/ls/2L3KGKOPNBPCA?ref\=wlshare, through Dec. 8, donated gifts can be shipped to or dropped off at HAVEN of Oakland County, 801 Vanguard Drive, Pontiac, MI, 48341, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., Monday through Friday. Top priority items are winter coats, gift cards ($20-$50, Meijer or Target) blankets and comforters (full or queen size). For volunteer opportunities, sign by visiting: www.Haven-Oakland.org/gift-giveaway-2024.

• The Rainbow Connection Michigan’s wish-granting organization, in Rochester, is hosting its annual Toy Drive and Adopt-A-Family Program. Those interested in donating can find The Rainbow Connection’s gift guide at www.amazon.com/hz/wishlist/ls/26ZNXA9Y0WYPA?ref=cmswemrununOSJjq2Be0pWpa. The adopted families will be invited to pick up the gifts Dec. 11-14.

• Toys for Tots toy drive: Donations of unwrapped toys accepted through Dec. 16, at Farmington Hills Police and Fire Department headquarters on the campus of City Hall at the corner of Eleven Mile and Orchard Lake Roads.

• Guests at Parc Detroit, Experience Zuzu, and 220 Merrill are encouraged to bring a toy to benefit COTS Detroit, through Dec. 16. As a thank-you, guests will receive a complimentary Christmas dessert, COTSDetroit.org. Toys can be purchased from COTS’ Amazon Wishlist.

• The Birmingham Fire Department is collecting new, unwrapped toys for its annual Toys for Tots Foundation toy drive through Dec. 20 at the city’s two fire stations, 572 S. Adams Road and 1600 W. Maple Road, and Baldwin Public Library, 300 W. Merrill St. and Birmingham City Hall, 151 Martin St. Unwrapped donated toys for all ages can be placed in Toys for Tots collection boxes at these locations. For more information, call 248-530-1906, toysfortots.org, bhamgov.org/fire.

• Christmas of Hope, A Benefit for Hurricane Victims is 6:30 p.m. Dec. 22, Flagstar Strand, 12 N Saginaw St, Pontiac, www.flagstarstrand.com, ticket prices vary.

• Love In the Name of Christ of North Oakland County (Love INC), Lake Orion, is hosting a gift card drive through Dec. 23. ($25-$50 gift card denominations suggested). For locations to drop off boxes for card donations, visit Loveincofnoc.org, or call 248-693-435, or drop off 9 a.m.-4 p.m. Monday-Thursday at Love INC, 1550 W. Drahner Road, Oxford.

• The Great Decorate, an annual holiday decorating contest through Dec. 31, raises awareness and funds to support local foster teens who are about to age-out of the foster care system. Each year, a group of foster teen recipients are selected through a partnership with the Michigan Adoption Resource Exchange. Visitors are welcome to stop by restaurants and retail locations throughout downtown Birmingham to view holiday decor and vote for their favorite display by donating online, www.thegreatdecorate.com.

• Gifts for All God’s Children, a faith-based nonprofit located in Rochester Hills, offers four ways to make a difference. Sponsor a Child-Choose a child and do the shopping for clothing, toys, books, and hygiene items. Make a Donation. Purchase from the nonprofit’s Amazon Wish List and ship Items to the workshop. Purchase items and send them to the workshop for packing and distribution, https://giftsforallgodschildren.org/christmas-outreach-program.

• The Furniture Bank of Metro Detroit is seeking donations of gently used furniture for families in need, especially smaller sofas, dining tables, and chairs that fit in modest-sized homes, items should be free of stains, rips, tears, and pet hair. Call 248-332-1300 to schedule a pick-up.

• The Oakland County Sheriff’s Office collects bicycles (new, used, or in need of repair), bike accessories, tools, and parts for the Sheriff’s Re-CYCLE for Kids program. Donations may be dropped off at any of the Sheriff’s Office locations in Oakland County, or at the 1-800-Self-Storage locations in Troy or Oak Park. a robust volunteer operation now assists with the work of refurbishing and repairing the donated bikes on an as-needed basis. The recycled bikes are distributed to families in need at events and by appointment, www.oakgov.com/government/sheriff/community-services/domestic-safety.

• Bloomfield Hills-based nonprofit JARC, an organization serving adults with developmental disabilities in metro Detroit seeks donations and volunteers. A donation to JARC supports funding for recreational therapy, transportation to events and items for the homes. JARC welcomes people of all ages to participate in volunteer opportunities including visiting with people served by JARC, assisting at events and delivering holiday meals, www.jarc.org. To volunteer, visit www.jarc.org/volunteer or call Jessica at 248-940-2607.

• Oakland Hope human service nonprofit, food pantry and thrift store, seeks volunteers and donations. Located at 20 E. Walton Blvd, Pontiac, www.oaklandhope.org, 248-309-3658. Call for hours of the free food pantry.

To add an organization, please visit https://bit.ly/40a2iAm.

Laurie Weeks of Rochester Hills has been named executive director of Oakland Literacy Council, effective January 2025.

Weeks succeeds Lisa Machesky, the former executive director since 2015. During Machesky’s tenure, adult learning programs expanded from basic reading and English language learning (ESL) to include math, GED, digital literacy, and workforce training, according to a news release.

Weeks joined Oakland Literacy Council in 2015 as a volunteer tutor and joined the staff in 2018. Most recently, she has been serving as program director. Previously she was a journalist for the Cleveland Plain Dealer and Dow Jones News Service. She also taught composition and served as a writing and ESL tutor at Oakland Community College.

Weeks has a Master of Fine Arts in Writing from Spalding University and a Bachelor of Arts degree in English from the University of Michigan.

Oakland Literacy Council provides basic literacy, numeracy, English language, and GED instruction to Oakland County adults. The office was relocated to downtown Pontiac in 2023.

Those interested in becoming a learner or tutor, may visit www.oaklandliteracy.com or call (248) 253-1617.

Blood drives

• The City of Troy is hosting American Red Cross Blood Drives,1-7 p.m. Nov. 11; 9 a.m.-3 p.m. Nov. 15 and Nov. 18; 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Nov. 22 and 1-7 p.m. Nov. 25, at the Troy Community Center, 3179 Livernois, Troy. Donation appointments can be scheduled by calling 313-300-9617 or visiting www.redcrossblood.org and entering zip code 48083. Photo ID or Red Cross Donor Card will be required. Donors must be at least 17 years old, weigh more than 110 pounds, and be in good general health.

Business events

• Annual Troy Chamber Nonprofit Management Conference is 8 a.m.-2 p.m. Nov. 13, at Walsh College (3838 Livernois Road, Troy. The event features keynote speaker Kelley Kuhn, president and CEO of the Michigan Nonprofit Association, and educational sessions. Tickets are $50 for Oakland University students, $75 for Troy Chamber members and $85 for nonmembers, https://bit.ly/4gejJHM, 248-641-8151.

• Annual Oakland County “Local Gems’ Sweepstakes is through Nov. 30. Participants are encouraged to submit original selfies taken at small businesses in Oakland County they consider to be local gems for a chance to win prizes. Participants will receive one sweepstakes entry for each selfie submitted.  Prizes to be awarded in December. For more information, www.oakgov.com/community/community-development/shop-small-oakland-county.

• Nominations are being accepted for the 2025 Michigan Celebrates Small Business Awards program, at https://michigancelebrates.secure-platform.com/a.

Charitable activities/Fundraisers

• Annual Trade Secrets Fundraiser for Gesher Human Services supporting programs for women and families, is 6-8 p.m. Nov. 14, at Detroit Marriott Troy, 200 W. Big Beaver Road, Troy. The event includes dinner and program with honoree and keynote speaker Amy Nederlander, raffles and a silent auction. The silent auction went live, Nov. 3, ending on Nov. 14 at 7:30 p.m. Tickets are $150+, $75 for ages under 36, geshermi.org/tradesecrets.

• GMAR Gives Back is 6-10 p.m. Nov. 15, at Fifth Avenue, 215 West 5th Street, Royal Oak, to support Shades of Pink, ages 21+, includes two drinks and appetizers, tickets are $50 until Oct 31, then $60 up until the day of the event, Greater Metropolitan Association of Realtors, https://gmaronline.com/event/2024-11-15/gmar-gives-back.

• Volunteers of America Michigan Holidays of Hope Gala is 6 p.m. Nov. 16, at M1 Concourse, 1 Concourse Drive, Pontiac. The fundraiser will feature cocktails, hors d’oeuvres, gourmet dinner catered by Andiamo, live and service auctions, slot car racing, professional drivers, cocktail attire requested, www.voami.org/holidaysofhope, tickets are $175+.

• Yoga Moves MS to host The Gratitude Gala, Nov. 16, at The MINT, 27000 Evergreen Road, Lathrup Village, to benefit those impacted by Multiple Sclerosis and other neuromuscular conditions. The gala features dinner, live music, auction, wine pull, tickets are $150+, purchase at www.yogamovesms.org.

• Lakes Area Youth Assistance 23rd Annual Taste of the Lakes is 5-8 p.m. Nov. 19, at Edgewood Country Club, 8399 Commerce Road, Commerce Twp., 248-956-5070, $25 in advance; $30 at the door, https//:wlcstickets.ludus.com charity fundraiser to support the youth and families of Walled Lake Consolidated Schools.

• Annual 104.3 WOMC Turn Up the Miracles Radiothon presented by Bridgestone is Nov. 21, supporting Corewell Health Children’s. A Children’s Miracle Network Hospitals event, the radiothon will broadcast live from MusicTown Detroit, 6 a.m. to 6 p.m. Listeners can donate by calling 877-719-KIDS (5437) or by texting “WOMCKIDS” to 51555. Anyone can become a Miracle Maker with a $20 monthly donation. Donations can be made by credit card, Venmo, Apple Pay, PayPal, or through a monthly invoice to pay by check, Corewellhealth.org/SERadiothon.

• Salem Witchcraft fundraiser for Lost Voices is 7 p.m. Nov. 23, at Marquis Theatre, 135 East Main St. Northville, event to raise funds and awareness for Lost Voices, a nonprofit dedicated to transforming the lives of at-risk youth through the power of music and storytelling, there will also be a special Christmas Carol Singalong, tickets are $20+ at https://marquistheaterofnorthville.thundertix.com/events/237166.

• Coats for the Cold Coat Drive is happening through Nov. 30, sponsored by the Oakland County Sheriff’s Office and boxes provided by 1-800-Self-Storage.com. Donations of new or clean, used coats are being collected at local Real Estate One and Max Broock Realtors offices, Genisys Credit Union branches throughout Oakland County, and more locations, www.oakgov.com/government/sheriff/community-services/domestic-safety.

Community events

• Downtown Rochester Holiday Expo is 5-7:30 p.m. Nov. 11, at the Royal Park Hotel. Attendees are encouraged to shop, discover holiday ideas and inspirations, more than 60 businesses with booths. Admission is free and includes light refreshments and door prize drawings, downtownrochestermi.com.

• Ladies’ Night Out is 4-8 p.m. Nov. 12, in downtown Highland, kick off the holiday season with a Christmas cookie tasting, shop the Maker’s Market and special promotions and refreshments at participating businesses. HWLBA RedBox Food Drive, donate for a chance to win prizes. Begin at the HVCA Welcome Station, free shuttle service, www.highlanddda.com/events/ladies-night-out.

• A Celebration of Native American Culture is 7 p.m. Nov. 15, at The Hawk Theatre, 29995 W. Twelve Mile Road, Farmington Hills, with Reg and Marca Pettibone, TheHawkTheatre.com, $15 advance or $20 at the door.

Holiday activities

• Craft Show is Nov. 15-16, (10 am.-5 p.m. Friday and 9 am.-3 p.m. Saturday), First General Baptist Church, 2933 Frembes Road, Waterford Twp., wgbchurch.com, 248-673-6481, free admission.

• Glenlore Trails-Aurora is open Thursday-Sunday evenings, Nov. 15-Dec. 29,at 3860 Newtown Road, Commerce Twp., one-mile walk through experience, www.GlenloreTrails.com.

• Ferndale Underground Holiday Market is Nov. 16-17, (10 a.m.-7 p.m. Saturday and 11 a.m.-5 p.m. Sunday), beneath the DOT parking garage in Ferndale, (Troy Street at Allen), www.undergroundferndale.com.

• Downtown Rochester 4th Annual Cookie Stroll is 10 a.m.-3 p.m. Dec. 7. Cookie Stroll participants can collect over a dozen cookies at cookie stations throughout town. Cookies are created by downtown Rochester’s bakeries and restaurants. Pre-sale for the Cookie Stroll tin, priced at $35 each (limit 2 per order), can be purchased online at www.downtownrochestermi.com/store. Tins must be picked up at the DDA’s Downtown Collaboration Studio, 431 Main, by Dec. 5, presented by OPC Social & Activity Center, www.downtownrochestermi.com/cookie-stroll.

Lectures/Library activities

• Walking with the Library is 11:30 a.m. Tuesday, Nov. 12, Nov. 19 and Nov. 26, meeting at Lakeside Cemetery, 860 Thomas St., Holly, the walk is approximately 45 minutes, open to the public, weather permitting, www.facebook.com/hollytownshiplibrary.

• Rusty Rosman, author of “Two Envelopes – What You Want Your Loved Ones to Know When You Die,” discussion is 1-3 p.m. Nov. 12, at Jewish Community Center, 6600 W Maple Road, West Bloomfield Township, register at https://jlive.app/events/9130. Also 6:30 p.m. Nov. 12, at Hadassah House, West Bloomfield Township, register at www.hadassah.org/region/greater-detroit.

Veterans Day activities planned in Oakland County

Parks

• Huron-Clinton Metroparks are offering free entry, on Veterans Day, Monday, Nov. 11. Free entry only applies to a daily pass on Nov. 11, www.metroparks.com/press-room.

• Huron-Clinton Metroparks 2025 annual passes are on sale now, with a $5 discount to residents of the five counties they serve, for annual vehicle passes purchased through Dec. 31, 2024, $35 ($24 for Seniors 62+). The pass can be used to access all of the 13 Metroparks all year long. Additionally, 2025 passes can be used immediately, even before the new year. Starting Jan. 1, the 2025 Metroparks annual pass will again cost $40 for residents ($29 for Seniors 62+) or $45 for non-residents ($34 for Seniors 62+).

• Oakland County Parks and Recreation Appreciation Days offer free park entry on Veterans Day, Nov. 11, and Thanksgiving Day, Nov. 28, with access to natural areas, trails, dog parks and all park amenities. For information, visit www.oakgov.com/community/oakland-county-parks/events/-npage-2.

• Drop-in Hayrides are Noon-1 p.m. Sundays, through Nov. 21, at Hess-Hathaway Park, 825 S. Williams Lake Road, Waterford Twp., not offered if raining, $5 per person, free for 2 years and younger, www.waterfordmi.gov/1329/Parks-Recreation.

• Michigan State Parks and Recreation Areas, michigan.gov/dnr. Park entrance fees apply.

Support activities/Resources

• For access to local community services, dial 211 (844-875-9211) or text zip code to 898211, for information and referrals to physical and mental health resources; housing, utility, food, and employment assistance; and suicide and crisis interventions, United Way, https://unitedwaysem.org/get-help.

• Common Ground's Resource & Crisis Helpline is available 24/7 - call or text 800-231-1127.

• The 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline provides 24/7 confidential support for people who are suicidal or in emotional distress, or who know someone who is. Calls and text messages to 988 route to a 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline call center, www.fcc.gov/988Lifeline.

• Veterans Crisis Line, dial 988 and then press 1 to connect to the Veterans Crisis Lifeline. For texts, veterans should text the Veterans Crisis Lifeline short code: 838255.

• National Domestic Violence Hotline, 800-799-7233, available 24/7.

Submit community events online at https://bit.ly/40a2iAm.

Blood drives

• The City of Troy is hosting American Red Cross Blood Drives,1-7 p.m. Nov. 11; 9 a.m.-3 p.m. Nov. 15 and Nov. 18; 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Nov. 22 and 1-7 p.m. Nov. 25, at the Troy Community Center, 3179 Livernois, Troy. Donation appointments can be scheduled by calling 313-300-9617 or visiting www.redcrossblood.org and entering zip code 48083. Photo ID or Red Cross Donor Card will be required. Donors must be at least 17 years old, weigh more than 110 pounds, and be in good general health.

Business events

• Annual Troy Chamber Nonprofit Management Conference is 8 a.m.-2 p.m. Nov. 13, at Walsh College (3838 Livernois Road,  Troy. The event features keynote speaker Kelley Kuhn, president and CEO of the Michigan Nonprofit Association, and educational sessions. Tickets are $50 for Oakland University students, $75 for Troy Chamber members and $85 for nonmembers, https://bit.ly/4gejJHM,  248-641-8151.

• Nominations are being accepted for the 2025 Michigan Celebrates Small Business Awards program, at https://michigancelebrates.secure-platform.com/a.

Charitable activities/Fundraisers

• Michigan Affiliate of the Pancreatic Cancer Action Network to host Purple Light, 6 p.m. Nov. 3, at Gilda’s Club Detroit – Garden, 3517 Rochester Road, Royal Oak, to raise awareness for pancreatic cancer at a brief PurpleLight ceremony, register at https://pancan.org, www.facebook.com/groups/pancanmichigan.

• Step Up to the Plate is Nov. 3-8, dine out at participating restaurants to benefit Troy schools, turn in receipts to Troy school of choice, https://troychamber.com.

• The Youth Community Agency announces Gatsby’s Charity Affair, to support teens and poverty-driven families in metro Detroit is 6-10 p.m. Nov. 9, at Hunt Street Station, 2200 Hunt Street, Detroit, entertainment,  DJs, silent auction. tickets at www.youthcommunityagency.org, (free parking available).

• Medical Weight Loss Clinics are collecting leftover Halloween candy, through Nov. 9 for Gleaners Community Food Bank. Unopened, non-perishable leftover Halloween treats can be dropped off at Medical Weight Loss Clinics donation boxes to be donated to Gleaners Community Food Bank. For a locations, visit mwlc.com.

• The Living and Learning Enrichment Center will host its annual “Hockey, Hearts, and Heroes” Charity Hockey Game is 12:30-5 p.m. Nov. 10, at the USA Hockey Arena, 14900 Beck Road, Plymouth. The event will feature veterans, police officers, firefighters, and first responders competing against the Detroit Red Wings Alumni Association. General admission tickets are $25, tickets for ages 6-11 are $15, free for children ages 5 and younger. purchase tickets at https://livingandlearningcenter.org/event/hockey-hearts-and-heroes-Charity-hockey-game.

• The Zekelman Holocaust Hosts its 40th Anniversary Benefit Dinner, 5:30-8:30 p.m. Nov. 10, at Huntington Place, 1 Washington Blvd., Detroit. The annual fundraising event will celebrate honorees Marcie and Rob Orley and features keynote speaker Mitch Albom. Purchase tickets at https://holocaustcenter.org/events/anniversary-benefit.

• Paint a Miracle hosts Miracle at Meadow Brook exhibit event is 7 p.m. Nov. 13, Meadow Brook Hall, 350 Estate Drive, Rochester. The event will feature a curated exhibit of unique, one-of-a-kind art pieces created by Paint a Miracle artists, available for viewing and purchase. Attendees will also have the opportunity to enjoy self-guided tours of Meadow Brook Hall. All proceeds from art sales will directly benefit the talented artists of Paint a Miracle. Ticket sales will close at noon on Nov. 4. Tickets can be purchased at https://paintamiracle.cbo.io. Tickets are $100 each, two for $175, or six for $450.

• Annual Trade Secrets Fundraiser for Gesher Human Services supporting programs for women and families, is 6-8 p.m. Nov. 14, at Detroit Marriott Troy, 200 W. Big Beaver Road, Troy, The event includes dinner and program with honoree and keynote speaker Amy Nederlander, raffles and a silent auction. The silent auction will go live, Nov. 3, ending on Nov. 14 at 7:30 p.m. Tickets are $150+, $75 for ages under 36, geshermi.org/tradesecrets.

• GMAR Gives Back is 6-10 p.m. Nov. 15, at Fifth Avenue, 215 West 5th Street, Royal Oak, to support Shades of Pink, ages 21+, includes two drinks and appetizers, tickets are $50 until Oct 31, then $60 up until the day of the event, Greater Metropolitan Association of Realtors, https://gmaronline.com/event/2024-11-15/gmar-gives-back.

• Volunteers of America Michigan Holidays of Hope Gala is 6 p.m. Nov. 16 at M1 Concourse, 1 Concourse Drive, Pontiac. The fundraiser will feature cocktails, hors d’oeuvres, gourmet dinner catered by Andiamo, live and service auctions, slot car racing, professional drivers, cocktail attire requested, www.voami.org/holidaysofhope, tickets are $175+.

.• Yoga Moves MS to host The Gratitude Gala, Nov. 16, at The MINT, 27000 Evergreen Road, Lathrup Village, to benefit those impacted by Multiple Sclerosis and other neuromuscular conditions. The gala features dinner, live music, auction, wine pull, tickets are $150+, purchase at www.yogamovesms.org.

• Coats for the Cold Coat Drive is happening through Nov. 30, sponsored by the Oakland County Sheriff’s Office and boxes provided by 1-800-Self-Storage.com. Donations of new or clean, used coats are being collected at local Real Estate One and Max Broock Realtors offices, Genisys Credit Union branches throughout Oakland County, and more locations, www.oakgov.com/government/sheriff/community-services/domestic-safety.

Community events

• Shoppe Sylvan is noon-4 p.m. Nov. 3, at Sylvan Lake Community Center, 2456 Pontiac Drive, Sylvan Lake, $1 admission.

• Harvest Dance is 6-10 p.m. Nov. 9, at Bonadeo Farms, 1215 White Lake Road, Highland Twp. BBQ dinner, DJ, line dancing, country casual attire for line dancing, cash bar, veterans tribute, presented by Highland White Lake Business Association, $55 per person, register at hwlba.com.

• Waterford Festival of the Arts craft and vendor fair is 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Nov. 9, at Waterford Recreation Center, 5640 Williams Lake Road, Waterford Twp., 248-674-5441, admission is $1 per person.

• The City of Farmington Hills Fire Department is hosting a car seat installation and inspection, 8 a.m. to noon, Nov. 10, at Fire Station #3, 29260 Grand River Ave., by appointment. The inspections are free to the public with no residency requirements. To register for an appointment, contact FDevents@FHgov.com.

• Downtown Rochester Holiday Expo is 5-7:30 p.m. Nov. 11, at the Royal Park Hotel. Attendees are encouraged to shop, discover holiday ideas and inspirations, more than 60 businesses with booths. Admission is free and includes light refreshments and door prize drawings, downtownrochestermi.com.

• Ladies’ Night Out is 4-8 p.m. Nov. 12, in downtown Highland, kick off the holiday season with a Christmas cookie tasting, shop the Maker’s Market and special promotions and refreshments at participating businesses. HWLBA RedBox Food Drive, donate for a chance to win prizes. Begin at the HVCA Welcome Station, free shuttle service, www.highlanddda.com/events/ladies-night-out.

Library activities

• Know Your Digital Services including e-Books, Libby and Hoopla is 5:30-6:30 p.m. Nov. 6, at Salem-South Lyon District Library, registration required at https://ssldl.info/about_us/events.php.

• “Connected but Disconnected-Fostering Genuine Communication in the Age of Screens with Samantha Walters, MSW” is 7 p.m. Nov. 7, at Rochester Hills Public Library, 500 Olde Towne Road, Rochester, in partnership with the Rochester Area Youth Assistance League’s Family Education Committee, open to the public. Registration is required at calendar.rhpl.org or call 248-656-2900.

Veterans Day activities planned in Oakland County

Parks

• Night Hike and Campfire-S'mores and Stars is 6-7:30 p.m. Nov. 4, at Bloomer Park, 345 John R Road Rochester, Participants to meet at the Pine Grove Shelter in Bloomer Park. The event includes marshmallows over a campfire and hike to view skies with the Oakland Astronomy Club. If cloudy, hike and owl prowl instead. Suitable for ages 6+, children younger than 14 must be accompanied by a paid adult, no pets allowed, pre-registration is required at www.eventbrite.com/e/night-hike-campfire-smores-and-stars-tickets-1029067898787, $7 each.

• Oakland County Parks and Recreation Appreciation Days offer free park entry on Veterans Day, Nov. 11, and Thanksgiving Day, Nov. 28, with access to natural areas, trails, dog parks and all park amenities. For information, visit www.oakgov.com/community/oakland-county-parks/events/-npage-2.

• Drop-in Hayrides are Noon-1 p.m. Sundays, through Nov. 21, at Hess-Hathaway Park, 825 S. Williams Lake Road, Waterford Twp., not offered if raining, $5 per person, free for 2 years and younger, www.waterfordmi.gov/1329/Parks-Recreation.

• Huron-Clinton Metroparks 2025 annual passes are on sale now, with a $5 discount to residents of the five counties they serve, for annual vehicle passes purchased through Dec. 31, 2024, $35 ($24 for Seniors 62+). The pass can be used to access all of the 13 Metroparks all year long. Additionally, 2025 passes can be used immediately, even before the new year. Starting Jan. 1, the 2025 Metroparks annual pass will again cost $40 for residents ($29 for Seniors 62+) or $45 for non-residents ($34 for Seniors 62+).

• TrailBlazer Walking Series-"Owls," is 6-7 p.m. Nov. 8, at Independence Oaks County Park, 9501 Sashabaw Road, Independence Twp., one-mile informational hikes, dress for the weather and bring a water bottle. Text name and number of people attending to reserve a spot at 248-221-8040, www.oakgov.com/community/oakland-county-parks/events, free event, park entrance fees apply.

• Michigan State Parks and Recreation Areas, michigan.gov/dnr. Park entrance fees apply.

Support activities/Resources

• For access to local community services, dial 211 (844-875-9211) or text zip code to 898211, for information and referrals to physical and mental health resources; housing, utility, food, and employment assistance; and suicide and crisis interventions, United Way, https://unitedwaysem.org/get-help.

• Common Ground's Resource & Crisis Helpline is available 24/7 - call or text 800-231-1127.

• The 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline provides 24/7 confidential support for people who are suicidal or in emotional distress, or who know someone who is. Calls and text messages to 988 route to a 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline call center, www.fcc.gov/988Lifeline.

• Veterans Crisis Line, dial 988 and then press 1 to connect to the Veterans Crisis Lifeline. For texts, veterans should text the Veterans Crisis Lifeline short code: 838255.

• National Domestic Violence Hotline, 800-799-7233, available 24/7.

Submit community events online at https://bit.ly/40a2iAm.

On sale 10 a.m. Nov. 1

• Oakland University vs. Michigan State University: Dec. 17, Little Caesars Arena, Detroit, ticket prices vary.

• Nick Cannon: Dec. 22, Little Caesars Arena, ticket prices vary.

• Kelsea Ballerini, MaRynn Taylor and Maisie Peters: Feb. 4, Little Caesars Arena, ticket prices vary.

• We Them Ones Comedy Tour: March 7, Little Caesars Arena, hosted by Mike Epps and featuring Kountry Wayne, Kalous Miller, Lil Duval, Corey Holcomb, Mojo Bookzz, Haha Davis, Bubba Dub and Tony Roberts, lineup subject to change, ticket prices vary.

• Darcy & Jer, comedy duo: March 10, The Fillmore, Detroit, LiveNation.com, ticket prices vary.

• Tyler, The Creator: July 3, Little Caesars Arena, Detroit, ticket prices vary.

• Ghost: July 24, Little Caesars Arena, ticket prices vary. (Presale began Oct. 29)

Postponed

• Shakira: May 22, (previously scheduled for Dec. 15), Little Caesars Arena, Detroit

Note: Events are subject to change; check with venues for updates. Tickets on sale at 313Presents.com, LiveNation.com, Ticketmaster.com or the XFINITY Box Office at Little Caesars Arena.

Beats

• Insane Clown Posse: 3 p.m. Oct. 31, Masonic Temple Theatre, 500 Temple St., Detroit, www.themasonic.com, ticket prices vary.

• The Crystal Method & Rabbit In The Moon: 7 p.m. Oct. 31, The Magic Bag, 22920 Woodward Ave., Ferndale, www.themagicbag.com, all ages, $35+ adv.

• Los Tigres del Norte: 8 p.m. Nov. 1, Fox Theatre, Detroit, 313Presents.com, ticket prices vary.

• King 810: 6 p.m. Nov. 1, The Crofoot Ballroom, 1 S. Saginaw, Pontiac, all ages, https://thecrofoot.com/events, $25+.

• Dave Matthews Tribute Band: 8 p.m. Nov. 1, Emerald Theater, 31 N. Walnut St., Mt Clemens, 586-630-0120, TheEmeraldTheatre.com, doors at 7 p.m., ages 18+, $20+.

• Streetlight Manifesto: Nov. 2, Royal Oak Music Theatre, 318 W 4th St. Royal Oak, www.royaloakmusictheatre.com, 248-399-3065, ticket prices vary.

• El DeBarge, Dave Hollister: Nov. 2, Music Hall Center, 350 Madison St., Detroit, www.musichall.org, ticket prices vary.

• Mark & Andrea Forester: 6 p.m. Nov. 2, First General Baptist of Waterford, 2933 Frembes Road, wgbchurch.com, 248-673-6481, free admission, donations welcome.

• Drive-By Truckers: 7 p.m. Nov. 5, Saint Andrew’s Hall, Detroit, livenation.com, doors at 6:30 p.m., ticket prices vary.

• Jelly Roll, Ernest, Shaboozey and Allie Colleen: 7 p.m. Nov. 6,  Little Caesars Arena, 313Presents.com, ticket prices vary.

• Lauren Sanderson, Kami Kehoe: Nov. 7, The Loving Touch, 22634 Woodward Ave., Ferndale, 248-820-5596, thelovingtouchferndale.com, all ages, doors at 7 p.m., $23+.

• Kenny Nelson: 8 p.m. Nov. 7, at 20 Front Street, Lake Orion, 248-783-7105, www.20frontstreet.com, doors at 7:30 p.m. all ages, $20+.

Shows

• Ann Arbor Stamp Club’s annual show: Nov. 1 (10 a.m.-5 p.m.) and Saturday Nov. 2 (10 a.m.-4 p.m.), Morris Lawrence Building of the Washtenaw Community College, 4800 E. Huron River Drive, Ann Arbor, admission and parking are free, sign-in registration, www.annarborstampclub.org, 734-761-5859.

• Shoppe Sylvan: Noon-4 p.m. Nov. 3, at Sylvan Lake Community Center, 2456 Pontiac Drive, Sylvan Lake, $1 admission.

• Motor City Comic Con: Nov. 8-10, at Suburban Collection Showplace, Pop Culture event featuring comic book and multimedia dealers from across the country offering pop-culture merchandise, including comics, art, t-shirts, movie memorabilia, posters. Also featuring actors including John Cusack, Dave Coulier, and Robert Englund, comic book creators, writers and artists, www.motorcitycomiccon.com, ticket prices vary.

• Waterford Festival of the Arts craft and vendor fair: 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Nov. 9, at Waterford Recreation Center, 5640 Williams Lake Road, Waterford Twp., 248-674-5441, admission is $1 per person.

Theater

•“The Seagull”: Through Nov. 2, Metamora Opera House, Metamora,  Actor’s Lab show presented by Oxford Wildcat Professional Theatre Co., www.oxfordwildcattheatreco.org, ticket prices vary.

• “Junie B. Jones The Musical Jr.”: 2 p.m. Nov. 2-3, Macomb Center for the Performing Arts, 44575 Garfield Road, Clinton Twp., www.macombcenter.com, 586-286-2222, $15-$17+.

• “Witch”: Through Nov. 3, The Marlene Boll Theatre inside the Boll Family YMCA, 1401 Broadway, Detroit, DetroitMercyArts.com, ticket prices vary.

• “Strangers On a Train”: Through Nov. 3, at Meadow Brook Theatre, on the campus of Oakland University, 248-377-3300, www.mbtheatre.com, $39+.

• “Fat Ham”: Through Nov. 3, Detroit Public Theatre, 3960 Third St., Detroit, 313-974-7918, www.detroitpublictheatre.org, $49+.

• “MJ-The Musical”: Through Nov. 3, Fisher Theatre, 3011 W Grand Blvd, Detroit, www.broadwayindetroit.com, ticket prices vary.

• “Elf The Musical”: Nov. 6-10, Fox Theatre, Detroit, 313Presents.com, ticket prices vary.

• “The Hobbit”: Nov. 7-10, at Avondale Performing Arts Center 2800 Waukegan St., Auburn Hills presented by the Avondale Theatre Company, avondaletheatrecompany.ludus.com, general admission-$10; streaming Nov. 9-$10; and students-$7.

• “Frozen Jr.”: Nov. 8-10, Oxford Middle School, 1420 Lakeville Road, Oxford, www.oxfordwildcattheatreco.org, $10-18, student discount available.

• “Crimes Of The Heart”: Nov. 8-23, Avon Players Theatre, 1185 Washington, Rochester, 248-608-9077, https://www.avonplayers.org, $28+.

• “Next to Normal” musical: Through Nov. 10, presented by Birmingham Village Players, 34660 Woodward Ave., Birmingham, www.birminghamvillageplayers.com, $30.

• “Good Riddance”- A Gnarly 1990’s Murder Mystery party: Nov. 13, Andiamo Warren, 7096 E. 14 Mile Road, Warren, photo opportunities, games and costume contest with fantastic prizes, ages 21+, includes two drink tickets (cash bar also available),  strolling dinner, and live music from Funhouse, ages 21+, $79.95+ per person. Tax and gratuity are not included, cash bar,  www.andiamoitalia.com.

Art

• Ofrendas-Celebrating Día de Muertos: Through Nov. 3, featuring 11 ofrenda altars, Artist Talk is at 2 p.m. Nov. 3, Detroit Institute of Arts, 5200 Woodward Ave., Detroit, dia.org.

• Drop In Workshop: Sugar Skulls is 6:30-8 p.m. Nov. 1, and noon-4 p.m. Nov. 2-3, Detroit Institute of Arts, Art-Making Studio, 5200 Woodward Ave., Detroit, www.dia.org.

• “Florilegium & Fairy Tales”-Lori Zurvalec: Through Nov. 1, Color | Ink Studio, 20919 John R Road, Hazel Park, open 1 to 5 p.m., Wednesday to Saturday, and at other times by appointment, and at ColorInkStudio.com, 248-398-6119.

• South Oakland Artist Association Museum Show & Sale: Nov. 2-16, at the Royal Oak Historical Museum, 1411 W Webster Road, Royal Oak, opening receptions and awards ceremony is 2-5 p.m. Nov 3, open to the public, https://southoaklandart.com.

• Natural Crafting workshop: 11 a.m.-1 p.m. Nov. 4, Rochester Hills Museum at Van Hoosen Farm, conference room of the Dairy Barn, 1005 Van Hoosen Road, Rochester Hills, for ages 10+, children under 14 must be accompanied by a paid adult, www.rochesterhills.org.

• Seniors @ the Center: 10 a.m.-noon, Nov. 5, Birmingham Bloomfield Art Center, 1516 S. Cranbrook, Birmingham, monthly drop-in art-making workshop for ages 65+, of all skill levels, $10/person, includes all materials. The November project is Watercolor Greeting Cards, https://bbartcenter.org.

• Snowman Stroll Artist Reception: 6-7:30 p.m. Nov. 7, at the Chief Financial Credit Union Community Room, 20 S. Main St., Rochester. Snowman Stroll, a public art event featuring 5’ fiberglass snowmen along Main Street, designed by local artists. This year’s snowman design renderings will be on display and light refreshments will be served. The Snowman Stroll will debut on Dec. 1. For information, visit www.DowntownRochesterMI.com or call the Rochester DDA at 248-656-0060.

• Axel Timm public lecture: 6 p.m. Nov. 7, Cranbrook Art Museum, 39221 Woodward Ave., Bloomfield Hills, https://cranbrookart.edu/event/public-lecture-axel-timm, free. Cranbrook’s deSalle Auditorium. Cranbrook Art Museum is open late and free to all on Thursdays, arrive early to explore their current exhibitions.

• GIG – The Art of Michigan Music: Nov. 8-10, at Art 634 in Jackson, ttps://lifeinmichigan.com/gig, $25 for one day or $45 for the weekend. A three day arts and music show featuring 22 Michigan visual arts who create the imagery for the music scene (gig posters, concert photography, album covers)

• JC Rivera: Exhibit through November, on the second floor of Detroit Shipping Company, 474 Peterboro St., Detroit, www.detroitshippingcompany.com, RSVP at www.eventbrite.com/e/art-gallery-opening-jc-rivera-tickets-1035017684757.

• Patrick Alston and Heather Day: Through Dec. 21, Library Street Collective, 1274 Library St.. Detroit, open Wednesday-Saturday, noon-6 p.m., lscgallery.com.

• “Grace Under Fire”: Through Jan. 11, the Shepherd, 1265 Parkview St., Detroit, lscgallery.com, open 11 a.m.-6 p.m. Wednesday-Saturday.

• How We Make the Planet Move: Through March 2, The Detroit Collection Part I, Detroit-based artists and designers, featuring Subtleism” Neha Vedpathak with Agnes Martin and Toshiko Takaezu “Worlds Within,” cranbrookartmuseum.org, general admission-$10, free for ArtMembers.

• Oak Park Community Mural: Recently completed by local artist and Oak Park native, Desiree Kelly, on the Oak Park Public Library, 14200 Oak Park Blvd., Oak Park, www.oakparkmi.gov.

• “The Lion and the Mouse” and “Hippo” sculptures: Formerly at Eastland Center in Harper Woods are now on display at Ascension St. John Hospital, 22101 Moross Road, Detroit.

• “The Art of Dining-Food Culture in the Islamic World”: Through Jan. 5, Detroit Institute of Arts, 5200 Woodward Ave., Detroit, dia.org.

• Tiff Massey-“7 Mile + Livernois”: Exhibit through May 11, 2025, Detroit Institute of Arts, 5200 Woodward Ave., Detroit, dia.org.

• Thursdays at the Museum: 1 p.m. Thursdays, Detroit Institute of Arts, Detroit, self-guided visit of our collections for adults 55 and older. Groups of 25 or more in Wayne, Oakland, and Macomb counties can receive free bus transportation, www.dia.org/events/thursdays.

• The Hawk Makerspace: The Hawk – Farmington Hills Community Center, featuring craft space, specialized equipment including a laser cutter, 3D printer, and sewing lab. Makerspace users may purchase passes to use the equipment during Open Studio hours. Classes are also offered, fhgov.com/play,-explore-learn/the-hawk/amenities/makerspace.

• Drop-in Design: 11 a.m.-5 p.m. Saturdays and Sundays, self-guided art-making activities in the Cranbrook Art Museum, Art Lab, 39221 Woodward Ave., Bloomfield Hills, cranbrookartmuseum.org, general admission-$10.

• University of Michigan Museum of Art, 525 South State St., Ann Arbor, 734-764-0395, umma.umich.edu, ticket prices vary.

• DIA Inside|Out: High-quality reproductions of artworks from the DIA’s collection are at outdoor venues throughout Macomb, Oakland, and Wayne counties, through October, https://dia.org/events/insideout-2024. The city of Rochester is participating, for locations visit www.downtownrochestermi.com/dia-insideout.

Beats, continued

• Sweet: 8 p.m. Nov. 8, Andiamo Celebrity Showroom, 7096 E. 14 Mile Road, Warren, doors at 6:30 p.m., andiamoshowroom.com, $25-$59+.

• Verve Pipe: 8 p.m. Nov. 9, The Roxy, 401 Walnut Blvd., Rochester, 248-453-5285, www.theroxyrochester.com, doors at 7 p.m., ages 21+, $40+.

• Close to You Carpenters Tribute with Lisa Rock: 7:30 p.m. Nov. 9, at River Raisin Centre for the Arts Theatre, 114 S. Monroe St., Monroe, 734-242-7722, www.riverraisincentre.org.

• Split Shifters: 8 p.m. Nov. 9, Max Dugan’s, 844 E 10 Mile Road, Hazel Park, 248-677-3059, www.facebook.com/maxsdugans248, costume contest, $5 cover.

• Matthew Ball – The Boogie Woogie Kid: 1-2 p.m. Nov. 12, City of Troy Community Center, 3179 Livernois Road, Troy. For seniors, register at 248-524-3484.

• City and Colour: 7 p.m. Nov. 12, The Fillmore Detroit, www.thefillmoredetroit.com, ticket prices vary.

• Everclear: 8 p.m. Nov. 15, Flagstar Strand Theatre, Pontiac, www.flagstarstrand.com/performancesandevents, ticket prices vary.

• Simply Sinatra—Starring Steve Lippia: 7:30 Nov. 15, Macomb Center for the Performing Arts, 44575 Garfield Road, Clinton Twp., www.macombcenter.com, 586-286-2222, $50-$69+.

• Kelley O’Connor and Robert Spano: 7:30 p.m. Nov. 16, Seligman Performing Arts Center, 22305 West 13 Mile Road, Beverly Hills, www.chambermusicdetroit.org/season81, $30+ each.

• Jason Bonham’s Led Zeppelin Evening: 7 p.m. Nov. 23, The Fillmore Detroit, www.thefillmoredetroit.com, ticket prices vary.

Books/Lectures

• Storied-The Grunge Era: 8 p.m. Nov. 2, The Berman Center for Performing Arts, 6600 W Maple West Bloomfield Twp., https://tickets.thejdetroit.org/storied-grunge, $25-$45.

Choruses

• Chamber Choir Festival: 7 p.m. Nov. 12, at Varner Recital Hall 371 Varner Drive, Rochester, https://calendar.oakland.edu/smtd, free.

• The Macombers Fall Extravaganza: 7:30 p.m. Nov. 8, Macomb Center for the Performing Arts, 44575 Garfield Road, Clinton Twp., www.macombcenter.com, 586-286-2222, $12-$18+.

Classical/Orchestra

• Fall Chamber Music with U of M Students: 7 p.m. Nov. 1, Hawk Community Center located at 29995 W 12 Mile Road, Farmington Hills, TheHawkTheatre.com, free but reservations required.

• Rachmaninoff & Prokofiev: Nov. 2-3, Detroit Symphony Orchestra, Orchestra Hall, 3711 Woodward Ave., Detroit, dso.org, $20+.

• Oakland Symphony Orchestra: 3 p.m. Nov. 3, Oakland University Varner Recital Hall, 371 Varner Drive, Rochester, www.oakland.edu/smtd, $25 general, $12 students.

• Detroit Metropolitan Youth Symphony: 2 p.m. Nov. 3, Hawk Community Center located at 29995 W 12 Mile Road, Farmington Hills, TheHawkTheatre.com, $15 in advance, $20 at the door, $6-student.

• Woodwind, High Brass, Low Brass recitals: Nov. 10, Woodwind recital at 1 p.m., High Brass recital at 3 p.m. and Low Brass recital at 7 p.m., at Varner Recital Hall, 371 Varner Drive, Rochester, https://calendar.oakland.edu/smtd, free admission to all 3.

• Michigan Philharmonic-A Veterans Day Salute: 7:30 p.m. Nov. 15, St. Kenneth Church, 14951 N Haggerty Road, Plymouth, michiganphil.org, $35 gen adm., $10 students.

• Macomb Symphony Orchestra: 3 p.m. Nov. 17, Macomb Center for the Performing Arts, 44575 Garfield Road, Clinton Twp., www.macombcenter.com, 586-286-2222, general admission-$25, first responder and military-$15, MCC students- $12, 12 and younger-free at the Box Office.

Comedy

• One Night Stans: Carlos Mencia-Nov. 1-2; Ron Feingold-Nov. 7-9; at 4761 Highland Road, Waterford Twp., www.onenightstans.club, 248-249-1321, ages 18+, ticket prices vary.

• Mark Ridley’s Comedy Castle: Geoffrey Asmus-Nov. 1-2; Jiaoying Summers-Nov. 6; T. Barb-Nov. 7; Pauly Shore-Nov. 8-10, at 310 S. Troy St., Royal Oak, www.comedycastle.com, 248-542-9900, ages 18+, ticket prices vary.

• Steve Martin and Martin Short: 8 p.m. Nov. 2, Fox Theatre, Detroit, 313Presents.com, ticket prices vary.

• Comedy Night for a Cause: Nov. 14, Andiamo Celebrity Showroom, 7096 E. 14 Mile Road, Warren, Motown Mark Dabiero presents comedy showcase featuring Sal Demilio and Steve Lott, dinner at 6:30 p.m., show at 7:30 p.m., doors at 6 p.m., www.Motownmark.com, $50+.

Dance

• Mark Morris Dance Group-“The Look of Love”: Nov. 2-3, Detroit Opera House, Detroit, the songs of Burt Bacharach,  musical arrangements by Ethan Iverson, https://detroitopera.org, ticket prices vary.

• Disco Diwali: 6-11 p.m. Nov. 9, Shankar Distillers, 1030 Chicago Road, Troy, dance party celebrating the Hindu festival of lights, https://www.eventbrite.com/e/disco-diwali-tickets-1014966280467?aff=op.

Film

• “Night of the Living Dead” (un-rated but the theater is treating admissions as a PG-13), is 9:30 p.m. Oct. 31, at the Farmington Civic Theater, 33332 Grand River Ave., Farmington, www.thefct.com. Tickets, available online and at the box office, are $10 and include a large popcorn and large pop.

• Open caption film screenings: Sunday and Wednesday afternoons throughout November at select Emagine Theatres, Emagine-Entertainment.com, ticket prices vary. Also sensory-friendly screenings are offered Nov. 2 and Nov. 16, and dementia-friendly screenings are offered Nov. 13.

• “Jurassic Park” Q&A screening with Wayne Knight: 8 p.m. Nov. 8, Emagine Theatre, Novi, www.MotorCityComicCon.com, $40+.

• Robert Englund Q&A screening: 8 p.m. Nov. 9, Emagine Theatre, Novi, screening of “A Nightmare on Elm Street”, www.MotorCityComicCon.com.

• “Goodboy” screening: 4-6 p.m. Nov. 10, Phoenix Theatres State Wayne, 35310 W Michigan Ave., Wayne. Presented by Friends for Animals of Metro Detroit, proceeds to benefit shelter pets at Friends for Animals in Dearborn, www.metrodetroitanimals.org/event/goodboyfilm.

• Detroit Film Theatre at the Detroit Institute of Arts, 5200 Woodward Ave., Detroit, dia.org, ticket prices vary.

• Milford Independent Cinema: 945 E Summit St., Milford, milfordcinema.org/tickets, $5+.

• Redford Theatre, 17360 Lahser Road, Detroit, redfordtheatre.com, ticket prices vary.

Fundraisers

• PurpleLight ceremony: 6 p.m. Nov. 3, at Gilda’s Club Detroit – Garden, 3517 Rochester Road, Royal Oak, hosted by Michigan Affiliate of the Pancreatic Cancer Action Network to raise awareness for pancreatic cancer, register at https://pancan.org, www.facebook.com/groups/pancanmichigan.

• Step Up to the Plate: Nov. 3-8, dine out at participating restaurants to benefit Troy schools, turn in receipts to Troy school of choice, https://troychamber.com.
• Meadow Brook Gala: Nov. 8, Meadow Brook Hall, 350 Estate Drive, Rochester featuring a glamorous evening at the estate that includes a special look inside the newly opened De Carlo Visitor Center, alongside an exquisite evening of live strings and fine dining at the historic mansion, including a champagne toast and full bar, live music, a five-course gourmet dinner, glittering reception. Tickets are $500, at meadowbrookhall.org/gala.

• The Zekelman Holocaust Hosts its 40th Anniversary Benefit Dinner, 5:30-8:30 p.m. Nov. 10, at Huntington Place, 1 Washington Blvd., Detroit. The annual fundraising event will celebrate honorees Marcie and Rob Orley and features keynote speaker Mitch Albom. Purchase tickets at https://holocaustcenter.org/events/anniversary-benefit.

• Paint a Miracle hosts Miracle at Meadow Brook exhibit event is 7 p.m. Nov. 13, Meadow Brook Hall, 350 Estate Drive, Rochester. The event will feature a curated exhibit of unique, one-of-a-kind art pieces created by Paint a Miracle artists, available for viewing and purchase. Attendees will also have the opportunity to enjoy self-guided tours of Meadow Brook Hall. All proceeds from art sales will directly benefit the talented artists of Paint a Miracle. Ticket sales will close at noon on Nov. 4. Tickets can be purchased at https://paintamiracle.cbo.io. Tickets are $100 each, two for $175, or six for $450.

• Yoga Moves MS’s Gratitude Gala: Nov. 16, at The MINT, in Lathrup Village. Yoga Moves MS provides free adaptive yoga to those in need through in-person, virtual, and online programming. The gala features dinner, live music, auction, wine pull, purchase tickets at www.yogamovesms.org, https://cbo.io/tickets/ymms24/tix24, tickets are $150+ each.

• GMAR Gives Back is 6-10 p.m. Nov. 15, at Fifth Avenue, 215 West 5th Street, Royal Oak, to support Shades of Pink, ages 21+, includes two drinks and appetizers, tickets are $50 until Oct 31, then $60 up until the day of the event, Greater Metropolitan Association of Realtors, https://gmaronline.com/event/2024-11-15/gmar-gives-back.

• Volunteers of America Michigan Holidays of Hope Gala is 6 p.m. Nov. 16 at M1 Concourse, 1 Concourse Dr, Pontiac. The fundraiser will feature cocktails, hors d’oeuvres, gourmet dinner catered by Andiamo, live and service auctions, slot car racing, professional drivers, cocktail attire requested, www.voami.org/holidaysofhope, tickets are $175+.

Haunted attractions
• Azra Chamber of Horrors: Through Nov. 2, at 31410 John R, Bldg. 2, Madison Heights, 734-718-0088, https://azrahaunt.com,  ticket prices vary.

• Erebus Haunted Attraction: Through Nov. 2, at 18 South Perry St., Pontiac, www.hauntedpontiac.com, 248-332-7884, ticket prices vary.

• Rotten Manor Haunted Attraction: Opens at 7 p.m. Thursdays through Sundays in October, and Nov. 1-2, at 13245 Dixie Hwy., Groveland Twp., www.facebook.com/RottenManor,  tickets sold on site, cash only, (ATM on site). Manor, forest, hayride attraction ticket prices vary.

• Hush Haunted Attraction: Open select dates through Nov. 2, at 37550 Cherry Hill Road, Westland, https://hushhauntedattractions.com, ticket prices vary.

• Immersive & Illuminated Forest Experience: Open Thursday to Sunday evenings, through Nov. 3, at Glenlore Trails, 3860 Newtown Road, Commerce Twp., “Enchanted” themed outdoor event, all-ages, tickets at GlenloreTrails.com, ticket prices vary.

Holiday activities

• All Things Detroit-The Holiday Experience: 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Nov. 3, Detroit’s Eastern Market, 2934 Russell St. Detroit, Sheds 3, 4 and 5. Tickets are $5 at the door, $10 Beat the Crowd tickets are soldonline only at https://events.allthingsticketing.com/events/ATDHoliday2024.

Downtown Rochester Holiday Expo: 5-7:30 p.m. Nov. 11, at the Royal Park Hotel. Over 60 businesses will be showcasing their products and services, just in time for the holidays. Attendees are encouraged to shop, discover holiday ideas and inspirations, and explore all that the businesses have to offer. Admission is free and includes light refreshments and door prize drawings, downtownrochestermi.com.

• Palmer Woods Holiday Home Tour & Soirée: Dec. 7. Guests will be invited to tour five homes in Palmer Woods plus the Soirée home, the former residence of Detroit icon, Aretha Franklin. Contact hhtour@palmerwoods.org or 313-744-2624. www.palmerwoods.org.

Misc.

• Cold Case Live-true crime show: 8 p.m. Nov. 1, Flagstar Strand Theatre, Pontiac, www.flagstarstrand.com/performancesandevents, ticket prices vary.

• Gold Over America Tour starring Simone Biles: 7 p.m., Nov. 3,  Little Caesars Arena, 313Presents.com, ticket prices vary.

Museums

• Bank of America customers receive free admission: Nov.  2-3, and the first weekend of each month to museums and cultural institutions across the country, including Charles H. Wright Museum of African-American History, Michigan Science Center, Arab American National Museum, Henry Ford Museum of American Innovation, and Motown Museum, bit.ly/2NvmECM.

• “He Rode With Custer-Rochester’s Samuel Harris”: Nov. 7, Rochester Hills Museum at Van Hoosen Farm, 1005 Van Hoosen Road, Rochester Hills, free for Rochester-Avon Historical Society members. Nonmembers are asked to consider a $5 suggested donation at the door. Registration is required at www.rochesteravonhistoricalsociety.org/events, or call 248-266-5440 and leave a message.

• Speaker Series-Eddie Game: 6-8 p.m. Nov. 7, Cranbrook Institute of Science, 39221 Woodward Ave., Bloomfield Hills, “Eavesdropping on Conservation in the Asia Pacific with Q&A,” https://science.cranbrook.edu/visit/events/2024-11/speaker-series. Registration is free, but required.

• Lost Mariners Remembrance: 6 p.m. Nov. 10, Dossin Great Lakes Museum, Detroit, tribute to sailors lost on the Great Lakes, presented by the Detroit Historical Society. The event marks the anniversary of the sinking of the S.S. Edmund Fitzgerald, features performance by Lee Murdock, a celebrated balladeer of the Great Lakes. The evening closes with the playing of Gordon Lightfoot’s “The Wreck of the Edmund Fitzgerald,” coupled with a bell ringing, $10 members, $15 general public, detroithistorical.org/membership.

• Westin Book Cadillac at 100 Exhibition: Westin Book Cadillac, 1114 Washington Blvd., Detroit, presented with Detroit Historical Society, exhibit explores the 100-year history of the Book Cadillac hotel, https://detroithistorical.org.

• Michigan Science Center (Mi-Sci): 5020 John R St., Detroit, 313-577-8400, www.mi-sci.org. Regular museum gen. adm. is $18+. Standard Mi-Sci films are available as a $6 add-on to general admission tickets. Mi-Sci is open 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., Wednesday through Sunday and until 8 p.m. the first Friday of each month. “Tyrannosaurs – Meet the Family” exhibit is open through Jan. 12.

• Michigan Science Center Illuminate: 6-10 p.m. Nov. 8, celebration of National STEM Day, (Mi-Sci): 5020 John R St., Detroit, 313-577-8400, www.mi-sci.org.gourmet cuisine and libations, suggested donation of $75.

• The Zekelman Holocaust Center: 28123 Orchard Lake Road, Farmington Hills, www.holocaustcenter.org, 248-553-2400.

• Motown Museum, 2648 W. Grand Blvd., Detroit, motownmuseum.org, 313-875-2264. Motown Mile outdoor, walkable art installation, “Pushin’ Culture Forward,” open through early fall, along the Detroit Riverwalk, free admission.

• The Henry Ford Museum of American Innovation and Greenfield Village: 20900 Oakwood Blvd., Dearborn, Ford Rouge Factory Tours Monday-Saturday, purchase tickets online, prices vary, thehenryford.org.

• Ford Piquette Plant Museum: 461 Piquette Ave, Detroit. Open Wednesdays through Sundays, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Admission is $10-$18. Optional guided tours take place daily at 10 a.m., 12 p.m. and 2 p.m., www.fordpiquetteplant.org, 313-872-8759.

• Ford House: Historic estate of Edsel and Eleanor Ford, 1100 Lake Shore Road, Grosse Pointe Shores, fordhouse.org/events, 313-884-4222, admission is $7 per adult and $5 per child, ages 6+, free for 5 and younger.

• Dossin Great Lakes Museum: 100 Strand Drive, Belle Isle, Detroit, detroithistorical.org.

• Detroit Arsenal of Democracy Museum: Seeks volunteer groups from veteran and military groups to assist with restoration. The museum is also seeking building materials and equipment to support the ongoing restoration of its vintage industrial space at 19144 Glendale Ave., Detroit, including floor grinders, clear epoxy and Thinset products for floor repairs, www.detroitarsenalofdemocracy.org.

• Pontiac Transportation Museum: 250 W. Pike St., Pontiac. Admission to the museum is $10, $8 for seniors and veterans, $6 for children ages 6-12, free for children ages 5 and younger. Hours are 10 a.m.-6 p.m. Thursday through Saturday and noon to 5 p.m. Sunday, www.pontiactransportationmuseum.org.

• Detroit Historical Museum: 5401 Woodward Ave. (NW corner of Kirby) in Midtown Detroit, detroithistorical.org. Permanent exhibits include the famous Streets of Old Detroit, the Allesee Gallery of Culture, Doorway to Freedom: Detroit and the Underground Railroad, Detroit: The “Arsenal of Democracy,” the Gallery of Innovation, Frontiers to Factories, America’s Motor City and The Glancy Trains, regular museum general admission is $10.  Hours are 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Wednesday to Saturday and 1-5 p.m. Sunday. “Detroit Lions: Gridiron Heroes,” exhibition featuring the history of the Detroit Lions, detroithistorical.org.

• Cranbrook Institute of Science: 39221 Woodward Ave., Bloomfield Hills, https://science.cranbrook.edu, $14 general admission, $10.50 for ages 2-12 and seniors 65+, free for children under age 2.

• Rochester Hills Museum at Van Hoosen Farm: Drop in tours on Fridays and Saturdays from noon-3 p.m., at 1005 Van Hoosen Road, Rochester Hills, with a guided tour of the Van Hoosen Farmhouse at 1 p.m., www.rochesterhills.org/musprograms, museum members-free, non-members-$5/adults, $3/seniors and students, no registration needed.

• The Wright: The Charles H. Wright Museum of African American History, 315 E. Warren Ave., Detroit, 313-494-5800, open Tuesday-Sunday, 9 a.m.-5 p.m. and open until 7 p.m. on Thursday, closed on Mondays, reserve timed tickets at thewright.org, $30+ gen adm., $20 for seniors 62+, $15 for youth, ages 5-17, free for under 5.

• Greater West Bloomfield Historical Society: Open 1st/2nd/4th/5th Sundays of the month and 3rd Fridays, 1-4 pm, (holidays excluded) with exhibits including “Four Communities” exhibit at The Orchard Lake Museum, 3951 Orchard Lake Road, Orchard Lake. Admission is free, donations are welcome, www.gwbhs.org, 248-757-2451.

• Meadow Brook Hall offers Guided House Tours and Self-Guided Tours, check available times and purchase tickets at meadowbrookhall.org/tours, ticket prices vary. Meadow Brook Hall, 350 Estate Drive, Rochester, on the campus of Oakland University.

• Royal Oak Historical Society Museum: Hours are 1-4 p.m. Tuesday, Thursday, Saturday, 1411 W. Webster Road, Royal Oak, royaloakhistoricalsociety.com, 248-439-1501, $10+ suggested donation.

Submit events online at https://bit.ly/40a2iAm.

Mrs. Kate Donnelly-Harris’s third grade class at Gill Elementary in Farmington, was honored with a Keep Michigan Beautiful, Inc. Award for the kindness initiative.

Multiple students attended the awards program in Frankenmuth, Oct. 11, while the rest of the students cheered virtually from the classroom, according to a news release from Farmington Public Schools.

Keep Michigan Beautiful, Inc. (KMB), a Keep America Beautiful affiliate, is a non-profit, educational public service organization with a goal to promote beautification, recycling, and anti-littering. KMB hosts an annual awards program that recognizes programs, projects, and activities that substantially contribute to all aspects of beautification.

Mrs. Harris’s class started the process for the award last year when the students began their persuasive essay unit. The students started off writing essays on why their ideas needed to be implemented and requesting permission to implement them.

The students approached local coffee shop owners to deliver the essays and ask if they could decorate coffee sleeves with uplifting messages. They also wrote letters to their principal requesting permission for flash mobs during school arrival and dismissal, and requesting permission to deliver daily announcements to encourage students to use kind words and actions. They also requested approval to paint a mural in the lunchroom.

For more information about Farmington Public Schools, visit www.farmington.k12.mi.us.