Blood drives<\/p>\n
\u2022 American Red Cross blood drive is 11 a.m.-5 p.m. Feb. 6, at Milford United Methodist Church, 1200 Atlantic Street, Milford, www.facebook.com\/milfordumc.net. Appointments can be made through the Red Cross Blood Donor App, at RedCrossBlood.org, or by calling 1 800 RED CROSS. Use the sponsor code: MUMC. All donors receive a $20 e gift card for a merchant of their choice.<\/p>\n
Community activities<\/p>\n
\u2022 Oakland County is accepting applications for the Oakland Together 40 Under 40 Class of 2026, through 5 p.m. Feb. 2. The annual program recognizes 40 leaders younger than 40 who live or work in Oakland County \u2013 and who are driving positive change in their communities. Applicants must self-nominate, and be at least 18 years old, born after Dec. 31, 1985. For more information or to apply, visit www.oakgov.com\/40under40. For questions, email 40under40@oakgov.com or call 248-858-5400.<\/p>\n
\u2022 Oakland County Farmers Market offers free cooking demonstrations, 10-11 a.m. Feb. 7, Feb. 21, March 7 and March 21, held in cooperation with edibleWOW, at Oakland County Farmers Market, 2350 Pontiac Lake Road in Waterford Twp. Guests can shop for ingredients during market hours, 7 a.m.-1:30 p.m. Saturdays at the Oakland County Farmers Market. Copies of the recipes will be available at the market and online at www.oakgov.com\/community\/oakland-county-parks\/parks-trails\/farmers-market, following the demonstrations.<\/p>\n
\u2022 Daddy Daughter Dance is 2-4 p.m. or 6-8 p.m. Feb. 7, at Oakland Community College Highland Lakes Student Center, 7350 Cooley Lake Rd, Waterford Twp., register by noon Feb. 6, at https:\/\/waterfordmi.gov\/parks, $15 per person for residents, $17 for non-residents.<\/p>\n
\u2022 \u201cFarmington Hills, I Do Still,\u201d a group vow renewal and giveaway with iHeart Radio\u2019s 100.3 WNIC is Feb. 13, at the Longacre House in Farmington Hills. Registration closes after the first 50 couples, married five years or longer, are registered, or by 4:30 p.m. Feb. 6. Register at fhgov.com\/FHIDoStill. Couples will also be entered for a chance to win a date night prize.<\/p>\n
Festivals\/Shows<\/p>\n
\u2022 Fenton Village Players will present \u201cThe Lifespan of a Fact,\u201d Jan. 30-Feb. 1, at 14197 Torrey Road, Fenton. The play centers around a fact-checker challenging an essayist about claims in his work, general admission is $10+ each, purchase at fentontheatre.org.<\/p>\n
\u2022 The Troy Home Show is Jan. 30-Feb. 1, San Marino Club, 1685 W. Big Beaver Road, Troy, $5 at the door, or print free ticket at TroyHomeShow.com to take with you, children under 12, military members, veterans, and medical workers admitted free.<\/p>\n
\u2022 Annual Birmingham Youth Assistance Kids\u2019 Dog Show is 1-3 p.m. Feb. 1, in the gymnasium at Berkshire Middle School, 21707 W 14 Mile Road, Beverly Hills, for area children ages 4-14, to compete with their dogs. Registration for participants closed on Jan. 30, www.birminghamyouthassistance.org. Spectators are welcome, donations are appreciated.<\/p>\n
\u2022 Winter Fest is 2-4 p.m. Feb. 1, Southfield Sports Arena, 26000 Evergreen Road, Southfield, ice skating (limited skate helpers and rentals available), horse-drawn carriage rides, rock climbing wall, marshmallow roasting, community resources and giveaways from the Southfield Police Department and the Southfield Public Library, $4 Southfield residents, $5 non-residents, pre-register online at www.cityofsouthfield.com\/departments\/parks-recreation, or call (248) 796-4620.<\/p>\n
\u2022 WinterFest is noon-2 p.m. Feb. 7, Berkley Community Center, 2400 Robina Ave, Berkley, featuring ice sculptures, petting farm, cake walk, indoor restrooms and a warming area, www.berkleymi.gov\/winterfest, donuts and hot beverages to purchase, free admission.<\/p>\n
\u2022 Chili Golf Open is Feb. 7, eight-hole chilly round at the Farmington Hills Golf Club. Price includes golf, hot dog and chili lunch, cornhole boards and outdoor fire pit pending weather conditions. Registration required at https:\/\/buff.ly\/48IqnBq, $35+.<\/p>\n
\u2022 IceFest is 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Feb. 7, downtown Lake Orion, featuring ice carving demonstrations, ice sculptures throughout downtown, Flint St. Alley Warming Hub, Chilly Chili Cookoff among restaurants, noon-3:30 p.m. with public voting, purchase tickets-$20+, https:\/\/downtownlakeorion.org, www.facebook.com\/LakeOrionDDA.<\/p>\n
\u2022 IceFest is 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Feb. 7, ice carving demonstrations, downtown Lake Orion, Flint St. Alley Warming Hub, Chilly Chili Cookoff among restaurants, noon-3:30 p.m. with public voting, purchase tickets, downtownlakeorion.org, www.facebook.com\/LakeOrionDDA.<\/p>\n
\u2022 Lake Orion Sunrise Rotary\u2019s Annual Ice Golf Cup Challenge is 9 a.m.-3 p.m. Feb. 7. Check-in is at 8:30 a.m. at Wine Social in Lake Orion, the challenge tees off through Downtown Lake Orion with play through to 2 p.m., then an after-party at Wine Social. Register at https:\/\/tinyurl.com\/RotaryIceGolf, $300+ per foursome, afterglow only is $35+ per person, www.downtownlakeorion.org, 248-693-9742, proceeds support local initiatives.<\/p>\n
\u2022 Winterfest is noon-3 p.m. Feb. 7, Depot Park, Clarkston, ice skating, hockey shooting contest, s\u2019mores, hot cocoa, music, hosted by Clarkston Area Optimist Club, ClarkstonOptimists.org, free event.<\/p>\n
Fundraisers<\/p>\n
\u2022 Texas Roadhouse invites the public to dine on Feb. 2 for a fundraiser to support the American Tinnitus Association. To honor the company\u2019s late founder, Kent Taylor, the restaurants will donate all profits from Feb. 2, to the American Tinnitus Association, a nonprofit that helps people with tinnitus, (referred to as \u201cringing in the ears,\u201d) ata.org. For restaurant locations, visit www.texasroadhouse.com.<\/p>\n
\u2022 Perspire Sauna Studios hosts collection boxes at Metro-Detroit, Perspire Sauna Studio locations through Feb. 14, with items going to The Corner Shower & Laundry of Detroit, a nonprofit\u00a0 that benefits Detroit\u2019s displaced population. Items needed include: Mostly men\u2019s sizes L and XL; socks and underwear, sturdy shoes and warm boots, zip up hoodies, water-resistant jackets, warm coats, long sleeve shirts, durable pants, small umbrellas, gloves, hats and scarfs. Perspire Sauna Studio locations are at 1198 Walton Blvd., Rochester Hills; 1020 Haynes St., Birmingham and 47470 Grand River Ave., Novi, www.perspiresaunastudio.com.<\/p>\n
Health\/safety activities<\/p>\n
\u2022 \u201cThe Aging Brain: What\u2019s Normal vs. Warning Signs?\u201d free educational event is 1-3 p.m. Feb. 6, at Meer Independent Living, 6760 W. Maple Road, West Bloomfield Twp., 248-592-1146 or email aschulz@jslmi.org. Gloria Whitaker, LMSW-C, a geriatric social worker, and contributor to the University of Michigan Alzheimer\u2019s Disease Research Center will discuss brain aging and early warning signs.<\/p>\n
Library activities<\/p>\n
\u2022 Michigan author and historian Maurice Imhoff to talk about his latest book, \u201cThe 1st Michigan Colored Regiment: Free Men Who Fought Slavery,\u201d 6:30-7:30 p.m. Feb.11, at the Southfield Public Library, 26300 Evergreen Road, Southfield, https:\/\/southfieldlibrary.org. Books will be available for sale and signing.<\/p>\n
Museum\/History activities<\/p>\n
\u2022 The Oakland County Genealogical Society invites the public to a free program designed to help families bring their ancestors\u2019 stories to life, 7-8:30 p.m. Feb. 3, at the Bloomfield Township Public Library, 1099 Lone Pine Road. Those unable to attend in person may also participate online by registering in advance at www.ocgsmi.org, where a Zoom link will be provided.<\/p>\n
\u2022 \u201cRAHS Salon: Rochester\u2019s Winters Past\u201d is 5-7 p.m. Feb. 5, at the Rochester Hills Museum at Van Hoosen Farm, 1005 Van Hoosen Rd., Rochester Hills. Light snacks and bottled water will be provided, free for Rochester-Avon Historical Society members, nonmembers are asked to donate $5 at the door. Registration is required at www.rochesteravonhistoricalsociety.org\/events, or by sending an email to rahsupdates@gmail.com, or call 248-266-5440 and leave a message.<\/p>\n
\u2022 First Thursday Lecture Series \u201cWheels of Time-100 Years of Testing at Milford Proving Grounds\u201d is 7-8:30 p.m., Feb. 5, at Pontiac Transportation Museum 250 W. Pike St. Pontiac, pontiactransportationmuseum.org.<\/p>\n
\u2022 Local Black History Open House is 1-4 p.m. Feb. 8, at Greater West Bloomfield Historical Society, 3951 Orchard Lake Rd, Orchard Lake. Learn about Ellie Mason, a freedom seeker who had escaped slavery to Canada, eventually ending up living a hermit\u2019s life on land that is now part of Knollwood Country Club of West Bloomfield Twp., free admission, donations welcome.<\/p>\n
Parks\/Outdoor activities<\/p>\n
\u2022 Introduction to Classic Cross-Country Skiing, a two-hour class is Feb. 7 or Feb. 28, at Independence Oaks County Park, 9501 Sashabaw Road, Clarkston. The two-hour class includes skis, poles and boot rental. The cost is $35\/person\/session and each session is limited to 20 participants. Classes meet at the boathouse. Preregistration and payment is required by calling 248-625-2044 Monday-Friday 9 a.m.-4 p.m. or visiting www.oakgov.com\/community\/oakland-county-parks\/events.<\/p>\n
\u2022 The Family Sledding Hill at Waterford Oaks County Park, 1702 Scott Lake Road, Waterford Twp., is open daily from sunrise to sunset or as posted at the gate, weather permitting. Portable restroom facilities are on site, www.oakgov.com\/community\/oakland-county-parks\/parks-trails.<\/p>\n
\u2022 The Rink at Royal Oak, ice skating at Centennial Commons in downtown Royal Oak, weather permitting, www.therinkatroyaloak.com.<\/p>\n
\u2022 Birmingham Ice Arena offers open skating throughout the week and on weekends, bhamgov.org\/icearena, adults-$6\/per skater; seniors 55+- $5\/per skater; and 17 and under-$5\/per skater.<\/p>\n
\u2022 The Rink at Stine Community Park is open daily through the season, 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.<\/p>\n
\u2022 Riley Park Ice Rink in downtown Farmington open through February, 23600 Liberty St., Farmington, www.downtownfarmington.org, open daily, weather permitting, free admission, bring skates, https:\/\/farmgov.com\/Community\/Parks-and-Recreation\/Riley-Park-Ice-Rink.<\/p>\n
\u2022 Ice skating at Spencer Park at 3701 John R Road, Rochester Hills, www.rochesterhills.org, daily park pass $3-residents, $5 non-residents(rental skates available), weather permitting.<\/p>\n
\u2022 Suburban Ice Rochester, 52999 Dequindre Road, Rochester, www.suburbanicerochester.com, 248-601-6699. Public skating- $6, admission (18+), $5 skate rental, hockey prices vary.<\/p>\n
\u2022 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.<\/p>\n
\u2022 Holly Oaks ORV Park trails and park features are open in the winter from 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Feb. 7-8, March 21-22 and March 28-29. Longer hours until 8 p.m. begin in April, and extended days\/hours are added throughout May through September, www.oakgov.com\/community\/oakland-county-parks.<\/p>\n
\u2022 Winter Park is open Fridays-Sundays, through March 8, at Bowers Farm, 1219 E Square Lake Road, Bloomfield Hills. Free admission to the park, activities include viewing farm animals, hay tower, bonfires, shopping at Farm Kitchen and Farm Store. Timed tubing tickets are mostly sold out, new dates were added, Feb. 5 and March 7-8, tickets must be purchased in advance at www.schoolfarm.org\/winter-activities, $17+.<\/p>\n
\u2022 Michigan State Parks and Recreation Areas, michigan.gov\/dnr. Park entrance fees apply.<\/p>\n
Support resources<\/p>\n
\u2022 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.<\/p>\n
\u2022 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.<\/p>\n
\u2022 National Domestic Violence Hotline, 800-799-7233, available 24\/7.<\/p>\n
\u2022 Common Ground\u2019s Resource & Crisis Helpline is available 24\/7 \u2013 call or text 800-231-1127.<\/p>\n
\u2022 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.<\/p>\n