Community calendar
CHARITABLE ACTIVITIES
• Gleaners Community Food Bank food distribution event is every other Wednesday, at the Oakland County Farmers Market, with the next event, from 9-11 a.m. March 27, while supplies last, for anyone in need. Drive-up and stay in the vehicle, or walkup distribution, no need for proof of eligibility. For information, call 248-8585495 or email OCmarket@ oakgov.com.
• 9th annual Prom Closet Tour is an opportunity to receive free dress and accessories for prom, presented by Sparkle Network. Juniors and seniors may shop: March 29-30 at T-Tech Solutions in Troy, (register by March 24); and April 5 at the Meadowbrook Center for Learning Differences in Rochester, (register by March 31). Visit the signup web page for other locations. Students must sign up at sparklenetwork. org/prom-closet-project or call 248-840-8136.
• “Mean Girls” benefit screening for The Detroit Creativity Project, with Q&A with Tim Meadows is 7:30 p.m. March 30, at Emagine Royal Oak, https://bit.ly/ MeanGirlsBenefit, $20$48+.
• Comerica Bank is collecting donations for its annual prom dress drive for teens in need, at bank locations across Oakland, Macomb and Wayne counties. Individuals and businesses may drop off new or gently used dresses, along with accessories, such as jewelry, shoes, purses, and wraps, through April 12, in support of community partner Jackets for Jobs, https://www. facebook.com/comerica.
• March is Multiple Sclerosis Awareness and Education month and Better Made Snack Foods is partnering with the National Multiple Sclerosis Society in an effort to educate the public about this disease. Better Made will donate partial proceeds from the sale of Family and Value Size Potato Chips, and 2.5-ounce bags of pork rinds to the National Multiple Sclerosis Society located in Southfield, nationalMSsociety.org.
• Feeding Detroit Together, benefit for Forgotten Harvest is 6 p.m.-midnight, April 12, at the MGM Grand Detroit in Detroit, gourmet course dinner, entertainment, and dancing with live music by The Killer Flamingos, www.forgottenharvest. org/feedingdetroittogether24, $150+.
• HAVEN of Oakland County invites the community to support survivors of sexual assault and help raise awareness at its annual gala, April 19, at The Royal Park Hotel. The event begins at 6p.m. with a cocktail hour. Silent auction, entertainment, and inspirational speakers will be featured. Tickets are $250 per person. HAVEN offers a discounted $150Young Professional ticket for those 35 and younger, haven-oakland.org.
• Luncheon on the Aisle is April 25 at Meadow Brook Theatre, box lunch and excerpts from the musical “Route 66”, The Meadow Brook Theatre Guild annual event, proceeds support the theater, bake shoppe, cash wine bar, door prizes, raffle baskets, doors at 10:30 a.m., tickets are $50 at https://meadowbrooktheatreguild.com, MBT Box Office at 248-377-3300, indicate lunch preference of regular, gluten-free or vegetarian.
• Shades of Pink Foundation’s “A Walk at the Zoo” is 7 a.m.-noon, April 27, at Detroit Zoo, $45 for ages 18+, $35 for ages 6-17, $10for ages 2-5, https:// shadesofpinkfoundation. goodworldnow.com/p/awalk-at-the-zoo.
• American Red Cross
Blood Drives are hosted throughout the area. Donation appointments can be scheduled by calling 313-300-9617 or visiting www.redcrossblood.org/ give.html/find-drive and entering zip code for nearby locations.
COMMUNITY ACTIVITIES
• The Clarkston Area Backyard Birders meeting is at 6:30 p.m. March 27, at Wint Nature Center in Independence Oaks County Park, 9501 Sashabaw Road, Independence Twp. The free event includes refreshments, open to the public.
• State Rep. Mike Harris R-Waterford, to host office hour, noon to 1 p.m. March 27, in the Business Center at the Clarkston-Independence District Library, 6495 Clarkston Road in Clarkston. Constituents may reserve a time slot by sending their name, home address, and contact information to Harris’ office by emailing MikeHarris@house.mi.gov or calling 517-373-0828.
• The Zekelman Holocaust Center will present virtual program, “Black Heroines of World War II,” at 7 p.m. March 28, register at www,holocaustcenter.org/ March or call 248-5532400.
• Southeast Michigan
Bridge Association Chuck Burger Sectional is April 4-7. Events each day beginning at 10 a.m. at The Michigan Bridge Connection, 26776 W 12 Mile Road, Southfield, https://tournaments.acbl. org/schedule.php?sanction=2404324, $12 each.
• The Oakland Conservation District is hosting its 2024 Spring Tree and Shrub Sale with pre-orders online, and is also seeking participants in an online Conservation Needs Assessment survey, www.oaklandconservationdistrict.org/upcoming-events.html. Pick up May 4.
FAIRS/MARKETS
• Olde Heritage Vintage Market is 10 a.m.-3 p.m. March 24, Oakland Expo Center, 2212 Mall Drive, Waterford Twp., www. facebook.com/oldeheritagemarket.
• March Book Madness Celebration & Literacy Fair is 4-6 p.m. March 27, UWM Sports Complex, Reimagine Recreation: 867 S Blvd E, Pontiac, www.center4success.org/march-madness.
GRANT OPPORTUNITIES
• The Olga Loizon Memorial Foundation is accepting grant applications in honor of the late founder of Olga’s Kitchen. Women entrepreneurs actively building their business in Michigan can apply for the grants at olgas.com/foundation through May 6. Women applicants must live in the U.S., show financial need and provide a formal business plan. The foundation also seeks donations at https://www.olgas. com/donate.
HEALTH/FITNESS ACTIVITIES
• MI-UCP, an organization dedicated to supporting individuals with cerebral palsy (CP) and their families, presents Cerebral Palsy virtual seminar series, beginning at noon, March 25, National CP Awareness Day. Free registration at www. mi-ucp.org/cpseminars. Open to individuals affected by cerebral palsy, and anyone interested in learning more about the condition.
• “Below the Belt”, a documentary that helps to shed light on endometriosis, is 7 p.m. March 27, doors at 6:30 p.m., Emagine Royal Oak, 200North Main St., Royal Oak, screening, followed by Q&A with Dr. Kliethermes, an endometriosis specialist, moderated by local advocate Melissa Boudreau,tickets at www. emagine-entertainment. com/movies/below-thebelt.
• Yoga Moves MS, a nonprofit, is hosting “Yoga Moves Parkinson’s”, a weekly program, 11a.m.-12:15p.m. Wednesdays, at Congregation Shaarey Zedek, 27375 Bell Road in Southfield. The program is free, through a grant from the Kirk Gibson Foundation for Parkinson’s, 248-417-5985, www.YogaMovesMS.org.
• Gazelle Sports at 99W. Maple, Birmingham to host its Birmingham Run Club, all paces are welcome, 2 mile walk and 3.25 mile run option, 7:30-8:30 a.m. Saturdays, https://gazellesports.com/pages/gazellesportsbirmingham.
LIBRARIES
• “Ecology, Native Plants, and the Role of Humanity” presented by Brendan Nolan, environmentalist and owner of Plants for Ecology, is 6:30-8 p.m. March 25, at Royal Oak Public Library, 222 E Eleven Mile Road, Royal Oak, RSVP at www.signupgenius. com/go/30E0C4FAEAC2CAAF49-47742258-rogc, free, contact royaloakgardenclub@gmail.com for more information.
• Rochester Hills Public Library presents “What She Left Behind-Uncovering the Stories of Rochester Women”, 7 p.m. March 26, at the library, 500Olde Towne Rd, Rochester, featuring photographs, diaries, scrapbooks, and more found in the archives of the Rochester Hills Museum at Van Hoosen Farm, open to the public, registration is required at calendar.rhpl.org or call 248-656-2900.
• “Auto Industry History” informational program presented in partnership with Smart Towns, is 7p.m. March 28, at Rochester Hills Public Library, 500Olde Towne Road, Rochester, open to the public. Registration is required at calendar. rhpl.org or call 248-6562900.
• Reading and Rhythm with Miss Fran, an eight-week series, to be held Mondays, Tuesdays and Wednesdays, April 1-May 22, (10 or 11 a.m. Mondays, April 1-May 20; 9:30a.m. Tuesdays April 2-May 21; 11a.m. Wednesdays April 3-May 22), at Brandon Township Public Library, 304South St., Ortonville, for ages birth to 5years, register at brandonlibrary.org, 248-627-1460.
MUSEUMS
• Spring Into Science is 11 a.m.-3 p.m. March 27-30, Cranbrook Institute of Science, 39221 Woodward Ave., Bloomfield Hills, https://science.cranbrook. edu/explore/programs/ events, free with general admission.
• Rochester Hills Museum presents Cabin Fever Lecture Series, 7-8p.m. Fridays in March, “Albert Kahn-The Residences” is March 29; at The Rochester Hills Museum at Van Hoosen Farm Calf Barn, 1005 Van Hoosen Road, Rochester Hills. Museum members-free, non-members-$5/adults, $3/seniors and students. Register at www.rochesterhills.org/musprograms.
OUTDOOR ACTIVITIES/ PARKS
• Oakland County Parks five golf courses open for play, beginning March 29, weather permitting. Glen Oaks in Farmington Hills, 248-8518356; Lyon Oaks in Lyon Township (has a driving range), 248-437-1488; Springfield Oaks in Davisburg, 248-634-2261; and White Lake Oaks in White Lake Twp., 248-698-2700, have 18-hole courses and clubhouses. Red Oaks Golf Course in Madison Heights, 248-541-5030, has a 9-hole executive course and FootGolf. Discounts for individuals ages 17and younger, seniors ages 62+, individuals with disabilities, veterans and active military personnel. Single rider ADA golf carts are available. Online tee times will be accepted seven days before play at OaklandCountyParks.com.
• Huron-Clinton Metroparks in Livingston, Macomb, Oakland, Washtenaw and Wayne, metroparks.com. Park entrance fees apply.
• Michigan State Parks and Recreation Areas, michigan. gov/dnr. Park entrance fees apply.
SUPPORT 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. Pressing 1after dialing 988 will connect to the Veterans Crisis Lifeline, www.fcc. gov/988Lifeline.
• National Domestic Violence Hotline, 800-7997233, available 24/7.
• Veterans Crisis Line, 800273-8255, press 1, or text 838255.
Submit community events online at https://bit. ly/40a2iAm.