Oakland County community calendar April 5 and beyond – The Oakland Press

Community activities

• The Rochester-Avon Historical Society is hosting its 32nd Antique Appraisal Day, noon-4 p.m. April 12, at the Rochester Hills Museum at Van Hoosen Farm, 1005 Van Hoosen Road, Rochester Hills. Attendees may bring up to five items per person. There is a fee of $5 per appraised item, cash only. For larger items, or guns and antique weapons, only bring photos with descriptions. Guns and antique weapons will not be permitted in the event space. Appraisers will provide verbal appraisals only, appraised at fair market value. Selling and buying are not permitted at the event. For information, call 248-266-5440, or visit rochesteravonhistoricalsociety.org/events. Admission to the event is free.

• The League of Women Voters Oakland Area to host “Election Challenges for 2026” at 1 p.m. April 13, at Bloomfield Township Public Library, 1099 Lone Pine Road, Bloomfield Twp. The speaker will be Allyson Bettis, City of Southfield Deputy Treasurer, and long-time former Garden City Clerk. For information, contact Geri Rinschler at LWVOAMi@gmail.com or visit https://my.lwv.org/michigan/oakland-area, free event

• Oakland Township Time Capsule invitation to residents of Oakland Township and greater Rochester to participate in Oakland Township Time Capsule, to be opened in 2051. Residents are invited to submit 8.5×11 or smaller photos, letters, stories, news articles, poems, art or history to Oakland Township Historical Society, 384 E. Predmore Road, Oakland Twp. Share personal history or life in Oakland township, or write to children, or about your dreams and aspirations for the future, lamination or gallon storage bags are suggested, small 3D artifacts will be considered. Due by June 1, 2026, with the sealing date in July. Presented by OTHS and a grant from the Community Foundation of Greater Rochester.

• The City of Farmington Hills, in collaboration with Farmington Public Schools, invites Farmington Public Schools K-12 students to participate in a poster contest to celebrate the 250th anniversary of the United States. Entries to the student art contest are open through April 26, at https://form.jotform.com/260745132663153. Students may submit one entry each. Selected winning posters will be professionally reproduced and displayed throughout the community and in promotional materials for the city’s America 250th Celebration at Founders Sports Park on June 25.

• The City of Birmingham is inviting residents to participate in an “I Voted” sticker contest for the upcoming August state primary election and November general election. Birmingham residents can submit their design through the city’s public engagement platform, Engage Birmingham, now through May 4, at https://bhamgov.org/stickercontest.

• Growing Pontiac is a nonprofit which hosts gardening classes and volunteer events in the Pontiac area. Classes are free and donations are always welcome. The Garden Resource Club is free to join. The next greenhouse volunteering event is April 9, and a Raised Bed Workshop is April 25. For information, visit www.facebook.com/growingpontiac, or email hello@growingpontiac.org.

Fundraisers/Volunteer opportunities

• Forgotten Harvest to host “Feeding Detroit Together” fundraiser, 6-9 p.m. April 10, at The Mint, 27000 Evergreen Road, Lathrup Village, VIP Afterglow is 9-10 p.m. Tickets are $150; VIP tickets are $250, www.forgottenharvest.org. The event will feature a gourmet meal, program, silent auction, and live music by Parallel Fifth. Forgotten Harvest ‘s mission is to fight hunger and food insecurity in Metro Detroit.

• The Community and Resource Engagement Fair, a volunteer match event, is 11 a.m.-1 p.m. April 11, at the Baldwin Public Library atrium, 300 W. Merrill St., Birmingham, www.baldwinlib.org.

• A Magical Comedy Night: 6-10 p.m. April 11, at Baker’s of Milford, 2025 S. Milford Road, Milford, fundraiser for Blessings in a Backpack, includes dinner,  www.eventbrite.com/e/1979135173581?aff=oddtdtcreator. Tickets are $75+.

• Rochester Christian University’s annual fundraiser to feature actor Sean Astin, 6:30 p.m. April 11, at the Royal Park Hotel in downtown Rochester, Rochester Christian University’s 55th annual Partnership Dinner, to raise funds for student scholarships. Tickets are $200+, $150 for RCU alumni, rcu.edu/pd.

• Community Open House is 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. April 18, at Hospitality House Food Pantry, 2075 E. West Maple Road, Suite B-204 in Commerce Township, free and open to the public, interactive stations, learn about volunteer opportunities, family-friendly activities and refreshments provided by local businesses and food pantry partners, www.hhfp.org.

• The Rochester Rotary Charities invites the community to its annual Wine & Beer Tasting Fundraiser, 6:30-8:30 p.m. April 22, at Bordine’s of Rochester Hills. The event includes wine and beer tastings and offerings from 20+ local restaurants, silent auction, jewelry auction, raffle and live music. Proceeds benefit community-focused efforts and high school scholarships. Register at www.eventbrite.com/e/1981551343410?aff=oddtdtcreator, tickets start at $75 per person (plus fees).

• Shades of Pink Foundation’s A Walk at the Zoo is 7 a.m.-noon, April 25, at the Detroit Zoo, register for individual or team at https://shadesofpinkfoundation.goodworldnow.com/p/a-walk-at-the-zoo, ticket prices vary, donations welcome.

• Friends of Rochester Hills Public Library to host 11th Annual Wine, Wit & Wisdom Fundraiser, 6-9:30 p.m. April 25, at Rochester Hills Public Library featuring lectures, dinner, drinks, silent auction and 50/50 raffle to support the Friends of RHPL. Register at the library or online at rhpl.org/friends. Tickets are $80 a person until April 13 and then increase to $90 from April 14-April 20 when registration closes, ages 21+.

• Crime Stoppers of Michigan Annual Charity Golf Outing is June 1, at Boulder Pointe Golf Club, Oxford, $200 per golfer, $50 for dinner only, register at www.1800speakup.org/golfouting, or call 313-922-5000, ext. 114, or email shirley@michiganalliance.org

• The Waterford Foundation for Public Education will hold its Annual Golf Outing on June 9, with an 8 a.m. shotgun start at Fountains Golf and Banquet Center in Clarkston. Register or donate at www.wsdmi.org/wfpe. The foundation honors an outstanding individual each year and this year will honor Dave Bennett, Waterford Kettering graduate and clarinet virtuoso.

Health events

• Oakland Community College’s Dental Hygiene Clinic is offering free preventative dental services for children during its annual Kids Weeks, March 30 through April 10 at the clinic located at OCC’s Highland Lakes Campus, 7350 Cooley Lake Road, Waterford Twp. The free dental services include teeth cleaning, x-rays and dental sealants. Services are provided by students in the College’s Dental Hygiene program under the close supervision of licensed dental professionals. Appointments are available April 6, 8 and 10 from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Parents can call the Dental Clinic at (248) 942-3260 to schedule an appointment or visit www.oaklandcc.edu/health/dental-hygiene/clinic.

• Virtual Vape 101 Training, a free, one-hour educational training about the dangers of vaping, health consequences, safety, how e-cigarettes operate, and vaping prevention resources. Training dates are available, noon-1 p.m. April 15, and noon-1 p.m. May 12. Register at https://bit.ly/3LV8Ikh. Training link will be sent out 1 day before the event.

• Free Healthy Heart screening event from Henry Ford Health, is 7 a.m. to 11 a.m. April 18, at Henry Ford Providence Southfield Hospital, 16001 W. 9 Mile Road, Southfield; Henry Ford Rochester Hospital, 1101 W. University Drive, Rochester; and Henry Ford West Bloomfield Hospital, 6767 W. Maple Road, West Bloomfield Twp., www.henryford.com/campaign/healthy-heart-screening-event.

• Mindy Eisenberg of Yoga Moves MS to present a Holistic Health and Wellness Forum for MS (multiple sclerosis) on April 21, at The Mint, at 27000 Evergreen Road, Lathrup VIllage. Registration for live In-Person and Virtual events at https://yogamovesanybody.org/events/2026-holistic-health-and wellness-forum-for-ms, A complimentary meal/dinner will be served. Suggested donation-$35.

Library activities

• The Troy Public Library is hosting a Battle of the Books event for students enrolled in the Troy School District. Battle of the Books is a reading competition where students and their families form teams of three to six students, with at least one adult coach. Teams read five books selected by librarians and compete by answering questions about the books on Battle Day, April 18. Register at troypl.org/battleofthebooks, teams must be registered by April 7, to participate. Visit troypl.org for more information or call 248.524.3538.

• Salem-South Lyon District Library invites the community to its first annual Drop Everything and Read event, 10 a.m.-4 p.m.  April 11. Families are invited to stay for 10 minutes or several hours at the library. In addition to independent reading time, the Youth Department will host alternating picture book and first chapter read-aloud sessions throughout the day. For more information, contact Tina McIntosh or Sarah Scherdt at youthdepartment@ssldl.info, or visit https://ssldl.info.

• Friends of Highland Township Public Library will be hosting their semi-annual Huge Used Book Sale, 2-7 p.m. April 16, 10 a.m.-4 p.m. April 17-April 18, at the library, 444 Beach Farm Circle, Highland Twp. Also a fundraising bake sale. Members only sale is 5-7 p.m. April 15, memberships available at the door, https://highlandlibrary.info.

• The Auburn Hills Historical Society presents The Kit & Kaboodle On Kit Homes history presentation, 10:30 a.m.-noon, April 18, at the Auburn Hills Public Library, 3400 E. Seyburn Drive, Auburn Hills, register at https://ahplibrary.libcal.com/event/14484086, 248-370-9466.

Parks/Outdoor activities

• Greenfest is 9 a.m.-3 p.m. April 11-12, presented by Consumers Energy, at the Detroit Zoo, in Royal Oak, hands-on learning, creative exploration and community connection to explore how to support a healthier environment, for all ages, https://detroitzoo.org, free with zoo admission, parking fees apply.

• “Citizen Science and You” is 2-3:30 p.m. April 11, for those interested in  local community science initiatives that are looking for volunteers. This program is suitable for ages 8+, $5/person, preregistration with payment is required by calling 248-858-0916 weekdays or register at www.oakgov.com/community/oakland-county-parks/events.

• 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 in Livingston, Macomb, Oakland, Washtenaw and Wayne, metroparks.com. Park entrance fees apply. Annual vehicle passes are $40 for residents or $45 for non-residents. Senior citizen pricing on annual passes are available in-person at toll booths or park offices with ID as proof of age.

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

Recycling/Shredding events

• The Detroit Zoo’s annual E-Recycling Event is 9 a.m. to noon, April 18-19. The Detroit Zoological Society invites community members to safely recycle used and unwanted electronics by taking them to the Detroit Zoo’s 10 Mile Road parking lot, where staff will unload items from vehicles. The event is free, registration requested at https://detroitzoo.org/events/e-recycling. Participants can earn a Zoo ticket for small loads (at least 17 gallons), or two tickets for large loads (a full backseat or truckbed).

• Cornerstone Community Financial Credit Union to host a free shred event, 9 a.m. to noon April 18, (or until the three trucks onsite are full), at Cornerstone Community Financial Credit Union Member & Operations Center, 2138 E. Big Beaver Road, Troy. The credit union will also be accepting pet food and supply donations for Michigan Humane Animal Rescue. Limit of 3 boxes/bags per car, drivers will have items retrieved from their vehicles and shredded on site, all items must be contained in a liftable box/bag, no plastic bags, www.ccfinancial.com/2026-shred-day.

Shows/Career fairs

• Oakland Community College is hosting a Career and Resource Fair, 2-4 p.m. April 8, on the Auburn Hills campus, 2900 Featherstone Road, Auburn Hills.  More than 80 employers will be on hand to discuss opportunities for internships, part-time and full-time employment, and information about career pathways in a variety of fields and industries. The event is open to the public, register at www.oaklandcc.edu/career-services.

• Spring Craft Show: 10 a.m.-4 p.m. April 11, Oxford High School, 745 N. Oxford in Oxford, more than 100 booths. Admission is $3 for ages 14+, www.smetankacraftshows.com, for information, call 810-658-0440.

Support resources

• Family Caregiver Support Group, a supportive network of people who understand the challenges and rewards of caregiving, is 2:30-3:30 p.m. Thursdays April 16-May 28, at JFS West Bloomfield Twp. To register, email familycaregiversupport@jfsdetroit.org. Contact Beth Seelbach bseelbach@jfsdetroit.org or 248-763-6350.

• Men’s Caregiving Support Group for men who are caring for a loved one, is 1-2 p.m. Thursdays, April 16-May 21, at JFS West Bloomfield, 6555 W Maple Road, West Bloomfield Township. To register, or for questions, contact Beth Seelbach at bseelbach@jfsdetroit.org or 248-592-2655.

• 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.

• 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.

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

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

• 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.

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