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.

• The Birmingham community is invited to provide input on upcoming improvements at St. James and Kenning parks. A public workshop is 4-6 p.m. April 14, in the Department of Public Services conference room at 851 South Eton. Attendees will have an opportunity to meet with designers and share ideas for both parks. Parking will be available inside the gate, with access through the front entrance. The public can share feedback online at engage.bhamgov.org through July. For more information, visit bhamgov.org/stjamesandkenningproject.

• “Unity, Hope & Action: Finding Strength, Building Hope, and Taking Action,” a community support event for Temple Israel attack, is 6-8 p.m. April 14, at West Bloomfield High School, 4925 Orchard Lake Road, West Bloomfield Twp. The event will feature inspiring speakers and resources, free and open to the public, all ages. For more information, email Christopher.ford@undivided.us.

• Oakland County Clerk & Elections Division to test election equipment in advance of May 5 elections. Public Accuracy Tests of the equipment will be held at 9 a.m. April 17, at Oakland County Board of Canvassers Training Room, Oakland County Courthouse, 1200 N. Telegraph Rd., Pontiac. The public is welcome to observe measures taken to safeguard elections. Elections are being held May 5 in the Avondale School District and Grand Blanc Community Schools on various funding issues, www.oakgov.com/clerkrod/elections.

• Dale Carlson, author to speak at 7 p.m. April 23, Rochester Community House, 816 Ludlow Ave, Rochester. Dale Carlson, author, photographer, and architectural historian, will share the stories of the commercial designs for some of Detroit’s elite business community, Albert Kahn Namesakes at American Association-University Women-Rochester branch general meeting, https://rochester-mi.aauw.net/, free and open to the public.

• Women Confronting Racism conference, “The Cost of Silence-The Power of Voice” is April 24, at the Farmington Hills Costick Center, 28600 W 11 Mile Road, Farmington Hills, www.womenconfrontingracism.com, register by April 14, for a box lunch.

• TEDxPontiac is 10 a.m.-4 p.m. May 1, GM Pontiac Engineering Center, 800 N Glenwood Ave., Pontiac, www.tedxpontiac.org, ticket prices vary.

Earth Day 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 for a healthier environment, for all ages, https://detroitzoo.org, free with zoo admission, parking fees apply.

• Drayton Plains Nature Center to host Earth Day celebration and Nature Hikes, April 18, at 2125 Denby Drive, Waterford Twp. Free guided hikes at 10:30 a.m. and 1:30 p.m. Children ages 10 and younger must be accompanied by adult, no preregistration required.

• 22nd Annual South Lyon Area Creek Cleanup and Earth Day event is 9 a.m.-1 p.m. April 19, meeting at Michigan Seamless Tube and Pipe Company – Truck Parking Lot, 400 McMunn St. South Lyon, (complimentary lunch at noon at the VFW Hall, 125 E. McHattie St., South Lyon), southlyonmi.org, 248-437-4942.

• Waterford Annual Earth Day Township Cleanup is 8 a.m.-2 p.m. April 25, clean up along roadways. Register at www.waterfordmi.gov/earthday and pick up supplies and road assignments, 8-10 a.m. April 25, at Town Hall, 5200 Civic Center Dr, Waterford Twp.

• In honor of Earth Day, Bloomfield Township is hosting Operation Clean Sweep, April 25-26, and seeks volunteers to help clean up the appearance of roadways and subdivisions. Those interested should sign up online by April 21, at www.bloomfieldtwpmi.gov/trash/clean-sweep-volunteer-sign-up-form. DPW will provide bags and trash supplies to residents, Monday to Thursday from 7 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. beginning April 13, at the Public Works building at 4200 Telegraph Road, for information, call 248-594-2800.

Fundraisers/Volunteer opportunities

• 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.

• Music Bingo Night is 6-9 p.m. April 20, at CJ’s Upper Deck in Waterford Twp., sponsored by the charity Fueling Kids’ Futures (FKF), tickets can be purchased by calling 248-802-8319 or visiting fuelingkidsfutures.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).

• “Gibby’s Day” Detroit Tigers vs. Milwaukee Brewers is April 23, at Comerica Park, Detroit. A portion of proceeds from tickets go to benefit the The Kirk Gibson Foundation for Parkinson’s Foundation. Game time is 1:10 p.m., www.GibbysDay.org, ticket prices vary.

• 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 in Rochester, 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. Registration closes April 20, ticket prices vary, ages 21+.

• HAVEN’s Seeds of Hope Gala is 6-10:30 p.m. May 1, at Auburn Hills Marriott Pontiac, 3600 Centerpoint Parkway, Pontiac, register at https://haven-oakland.org/haven-events/seeds-of-hope-gala.

Health events

• Oakland County offers 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.

• Henry Ford Health is hosting Free Healthy Heart screening event, 7 a.m. to 11 a.m. April 18, at three Oakland County locations: Henry Ford Providence Southfield Hospital, 16001 W. 9 Mile Road; Henry Ford Rochester Hospital, 1101 W. University Drive; and Henry Ford West Bloomfield Hospital, 6767 W. Maple Road. No appointment is required, participants should be in line by 11 a.m. to ensure participation. For more information and other locations, visit 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. A complimentary meal/dinner will be served at the live event. Suggested donation-$35.

Library activities

• 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.

• Drop off unused art and craft supplies in good condition (yarn, fabric, drawing, painting, scrapbooking, jewelry-making, sewing, etc.), at the Orion Township Public Library, 825 Joslyn Road, Orion Twp. Then return on Swap Day, April 18, to shop for new supplies. All items are free; there is no money exchanged. Leftover items are stored for the next swap, or donated or recycled. Swappers must bring their own shopping bag. No registration required, www.facebook.com/OrionLibrary.

• 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.

• The Friends of the Library Spring Used Book Sale is April 22-25, at Wixom Public Library, 49015 Pontiac Trail, Wixom. The preview sale for members only, (membership info at wixomlibrary.org/friends) is 5-7:30 p.m. April 22. Regular sale hours are 10 a.m.-8 p.m. April 23, 10 a.m.-6 p.m. April 24, and 10 a.m.-2 p.m. April 25, proceeds benefit the Wixom Public Library, www.wixomlibrary.org.

Parks/Outdoor activities

• Introduction to Forest Bathing is 10:30 a.m.-noon April 19. Exercises will be led by a certified forest bathing professional. American Sign Language interpretation will be available. This program is suitable for ages 16+, $15/person, preregistration with payment required by calling 248-858-0916 weekdays or 248-585-0100 during nature center hours or register at https://mioaklandctyweb.myvscloud.com/webtrac/web/splash.html?ccode=SplashPrograms.

• 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.

Senior activities

• Bloomfield Township Senior Services to host a series of classes offered by Bowers Farm at the Bloomfield Township Senior Center at 4315 Andover Road on the Bloomfield Township Campus. Events include: Bee Hotel Workshop, 1-3 p.m. April 21; and Felting Workshop, 1-3 p.m. May 27. Each event requires registration and has different pricing, register at https://bloomfieldtwp.org/seniors/registration, or call 248-723-3500.

Shows/Career fairs

• Spring For It Craft Show is 9:30 a.m.-2:30 p.m. April 18, at Central United Methodist Church, 3882 Highland Road, Waterford Twp., featuring art and craft vendors, https://waterfordcumc.org/upcoming-events/spring-for-it-craft-and-vendor-show, no tickets required.

• Spring Open House is noon to 4 p.m. April 19, at The Student Connection, 42717 Woodward Ave., Suite B, Bloomfield Hills. The Student Connection offers tutoring for students. The Robot Garage will be on site from 1-3  p.m. with building opportunities for all ages. There are cooking activities in the kitchen and refreshments are served, www.thestudentconnect.com.

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.