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.

Great Lakes National Cemetery to host a Veterans Day Ceremony to honor all who have served, at 11 a.m. Nov. 11, at 4200 Belford Road, Holly Township. The ceremony will feature patriotic music and wreath presentations and presentation of the colors, rifle salute and Taps. The public is invited to attend.

Great Lakes National Cemetery is the second national cemetery built in Michigan and the 122nd in the national cemetery system.

The cemetery borders Fagan Lake and is located on a portion of a land grant from the federal government to Terrance Fagan in 1836.

In the 20th century, the property was purchased by Bryson Dexter Horton, a Spanish-American War veteran-turned-industrialist who invented the “Square D” switch. Horton’s invention dramatically improved electrical safety, by encasing the switch in steel and protecting users from the live electrical current. Horton constructed a small house on the property in 1927, and reportedly entertained such preeminent locals as Henry and Edsel Ford, who both hunted and fished there.

Historically, the property served as farmland until it was acquired by the National Cemetery Administration in 2002.

Great Lakes National Cemetery was established in 2005, and the first burial took place on Oct. 17 of that year.

For the Veterans Day ceremony, all parking (except handicapped and volunteers) will be at Ascension Genesys Hospital parking lot, 1 Genesys Parkway, Grand Blanc. The hospital is three miles north of Belford Road just off North Holly Road on Pollack Road.

Shuttle buses will run 9:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. between the hospital parking lot and the GLNC General Assembly area.

For information, call 866-348-8603 or email greatlakesnationalcemetryac@gmail.com, or visit www.cem.va.gov/cems/nchp/greatlakes.asp.

Upcoming events

• The City of Birmingham’s annual public Veterans Day Wreath-Laying Ceremony, co-hosted by the Piety Hill Chapter of the Daughters of the American Revolution (DAR) is set for Nov. 11, at 11 a.m. in Shain Park. This is the 13th year the DAR has co-hosted this event. They will be honoring veterans and placing wreaths at the site of the Civil War and WW II monuments in Shain Park across from the Birmingham City Hall. The guest speaker is John Maten, president of the Michigan WWII Legacy Memorial in Royal Oak. The Flag Color Guard is from the Oakland Squadron, Civil Air Patrol Cadets. The bugler is Lynn Popa, a DAR member from the Ezra Parker Chapter, Royal Oak. The bagpiper is Frank Stasa, and the soloist is Samantha Stafford. Bloomfield Community Television is broadcasting the event.  A reception for veterans follows the ceremony in the Baldwin Public Library, Rotary Room downstairs. All veterans of all eras are welcome to attend. For more information, email local Piety Hill Regent Debbie Harrington at deborah.harrington0@gmail.com.

• Holly High School to host a free Veterans Day Salute at 6:30 p.m. Monday, Nov. 11, at 6161 East Holly Road, Holly. The event is open to the public and all veterans are welcome to attend. For more information, call Joe at 810-348-9960.

• Oakland County is participating in Operation Greenlight by displaying green lights on the Oakland County Circuit Court Building, starting at approximately 5 p.m. Nov. 9. It will remain green in the evening and overnight hours until dawn on Nov. 13. The National Association of Counties and the National Association of County Veteran Service Officers invite the nation’s 3,069 counties, parishes, and boroughs to join Operation Green Light and show support for veterans by lighting buildings green for Veterans Day. By shining a green light, county governments and residents will let veterans know that they are seen, appreciated, and supported, www.naco.org.

• 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.

• Oxford American Legion Post 108 to host Taco Tuesday Mexican Buffet from 4 to 6 p.m. Nov. 12 and Broasted Chicken Buffet from 4 to 7 p.m. Wednesday, Nov..13, and Fish dinners from noon to 8 p.m. Friday, Nov. 15, at 130 Drahner Road, Oxford. For more information, call 248-628-9081.

• Clarkston American Legion Post 377 to host Bingo from 6 to 9:30 p.m. Tuesday, Nov. 12, at 4819 Mary Sue Ave. For more information, call 248-673-9301.

• Clarkston American Legion Post 63 to host Euchre from 1 to 4 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 16, at 8047 Ortonville Road. For more information, call 248-625-9912.

• Holly American Legion Post 149 to host Vet to Vet Dinner at 5:30 p.m. Monday, Nov. 18, at 408 S. Saginaw St., Holly. All vets and their significant others welcome. Food provided. For more information, call 810-348-9960.

• Milford American Legion Post 216 to host Burger Nite from 5 to 8 p.m. Thursday, Nov. 21 at 510 W. Commerce Road, Milford. For more information, call 248-684-9919.

The Oakland Press is interested in all veterans events in Oakland County. Please send info in the body of an email with subject line “Veterans Affairs” to Sharon Longman at sslstart@aol.com. Allow two weeks’ notice for scheduled events.

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.

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.