Oakland County community calendar Nov. 6 and beyond – The Oakland Press

Business activities

• Michigan Celebrates Small Business is accepting nominations for the Michigan 50 Companies to Watch award. Nominations are open until Nov. 15, michigancelebrates.org.

• Oakland County has launched a new sweepstakes program. Through Nov. 26, anyone can submit a selfie photo taken at an Oakland County small business that they consider to be a “local gem” for a chance at winning a $1,000 first prize or $500 second prize. The prize money is being provided by Genisys Credit Union. Entries should be submitted to www.OakGov.com/ShopSmall.

Community activities

• HOPE Shelters Vigil for the Homeless event to kick off Homeless Awareness Month, is 5 p.m., Nov. 6, outdoors at 249 Baldwin Ave., Pontiac, and on Facebook Live at www.Facebook.com/HopeShelters. The vigil will include live music, elected officials, refreshments, and a candlelight demonstration along Baldwin Avenue with signs of support. For information, visit www.HopeShelters.org.

• The nonprofit Flagstar Strand Theatre in Pontiac seeks people in their 20s and 30s who are enthusiastic about the arts, community service, and the theatre’s mission to serve on the Strand Young Professionals Board. Those interested should email the development director at aburns@flagstarstrand.com to receive an application.

Charitable activities/Fundraisers

• Thankful Hearts, a Pontiac-based nonprofit, has kicked off its annual collection drive for donations of coats and toys for area youth in need. Donations of new or gently used coats or jackets, toys, hat and gloves can be donated at Work365 Fitness in Sylvan Lake, (call 248-563-3191 for hours), or monetary donations can be mailed to: Thankful Hearts, 257 Rapid St., Pontiac 48341. For information, call the organization’s founder Ruth Montague at 248-563-3191, Monday to Friday.

• Oakland County Sheriff’s Office Coats for the Cold campaign is through November. The following organizations will be donation sites for new and gently-used coats to be distributed to area nonprofits: Genisys Credit Union branches in Oakland County, local Real Estate One and Max Broock Realtors offices. For more locations, visit bit.ly/3Dfq5nv.

• Bowman Chevrolet encourages the community to visit one of six Clarkston restaurants that are participating in its annual Dine Out event, Wednesday, Nov. 9. Bowman will donate 35 percent of total in-person dinner sales to support its scholarship program for Clarkston High School graduates and to help fund Clarkston community initiatives. Participating restaurants include Bunkhouse Burgers, Clarkston Union Bar & Kitchen, Crispelli’s Bakery & Pizzeria, The Fed, Honcho, and Union Woodshop, www.bowmanchevy.com.

• “A Night to Embrace” fundraising gala, to benefit Judson Center human service agency, is 6-11 p.m. Nov. 11, at The Henry, 300 Town Center Drive, Dearborn. The event includes gourmet dinner, cocktails, a live and silent auction, entertainment, dancing. Attire is black tie optional, complimentary valet service, tickets are $300 each, purchase at www.judsoncenter.org/gala.

• Grace Centers of Hope hosts its annual Night of Hope gala from 6 to 9 p.m., Nov. 18, at the Townsend Hotel, 100 Townsend St., Birmingham, to raise funds and awareness for the nonprofit’s Children’s Program. The event includes silent auction, dancing and entertainment, cocktail reception with hors d’oeuvres followed by dinner. Tickets are $150 each and can be purchased online at www.gracecentersofhope.org.

• FBIDCAAA Fundraiser for Human Trafficking Awareness and Survivors is 11 a.m.-1 p.m. Nov. 19, at Red Run Golf Club, 2036 Rochester Road, Royal Oak, for information on registration, donating and becoming a sponsor, visit  bit.ly/3U4WELS, free admission.

Expos/Shows

• Harvest and Holly Craft Show is 9 a.m.-4 p.m., Nov. 12 at St. Benedict Parish, 60 South Lynn St., Waterford Twp., stbencc.org, 248-681-1534.

• Holiday Expo is 5-8 p.m. Nov. 14 at Royal Park Hotel, 600 E. University St., Rochester, holiday shopping with local businesses, free admission, light refreshments, door prizes, downtownrochestermi.com.

Health/Safety activities

• The Farmington Hills Fire Department and the National Fire Protection Association urge all residents to change their smoke alarm batteries when changing their clocks from daylight savings time back to standard time on Sunday, Nov. 6. For those who need assistance with acquiring a smoke alarm, the Farmington Hills Fire Department has a free smoke alarm installation program for residents, 248-871-2820.

• The City of Troy has scheduled the following blood drives at the Troy Community Center, 3179 Livernois: 1-7 p.m. Nov. 10, Nov. 14, Nov. 28 and Nov. 30; 1-7 p.m. Dec. 15 and Dec. 21; and 11 a.m.-5 p.m. Dec. 27. Schedule appointment by calling 313-300-9617 or 248-524-1147, or visit RedCrossBlood.org.

• Gesher Human Services, Jewish Family Service and Jewish Senior Life offer a virtual program for family caregivers support. The virtual program begins Nov. 15 and runs monthly through May. Register at bit.ly/CGaT2022.

• American Heart Association Heartsaver Class, with instruction in CPR, AED (Automated External Defibrillator), and “Stop the Bleed” Tourniquet Training is 5:30 to 10 p.m. Nov. 17, in the upstairs training room at the Farmington Hills Fire Station #4, 28711 Drake Road, Farmington Hills, for ages 12+. The fee for the class and materials is $10 for residents of Farmington Hills/Farmington and $20 for non-residents. Those who seek an American Heart Association Certificate of Training, must be physically able to perform CPR/AED and pay an extra $20. Registration and payment is due one week before the class. To register, contact Sara West at swest@fhgov.com.

Library

• History of Native Americans in the Military with Heather Bruegl, hosted by the Northville District Library, 7 p.m. Nov. 7, via Zoom, (248)349-3020, www.northvillelibrary.org, https://bit.ly/3s5aiCx.

• Upper Elementary Book Club for grades 3-5. Is 6:30 p.m. Nov. 9, at Ferndale Area District Library (with an option to join virtually via Zoom), registration required at www.fadl.org/uebc. 248-546-2504.

• Story Trail Ribbon Cutting Ceremony is 1 p.m. Nov. 12, at Martin Road Park, 1615 E Lewiston Ave., Ferndale, www.fadl.org/ribbon, free, family event hosted by Ferndale Area District Library.

• “Surviving the Holocaust in Plain Sight Told From a Daughter’s Perspective” is 6 p.m. Nov. 14, at Springfield Township Library, 12000 Davisburg Road Davisburg, 248-846-6550, www.springfield.michlibrary.org.

• Between the Lines Book Discussion-“The Giant Killer” documentary by David Yuzuk, is 7 p.m. Nov. 14, at Northville District Library, 212 W Cady St., Northville, 248-349-3020, www.northvillelibrary.org. Register at bit.ly/3CzzgyG. Film Screening of “The Giant Killer” is at 7 p.m. Nov. 16 at the library. Register at  bit.ly/3CFrovx.

• Rochester Hills Public Library presents “Our Island Jewel: Detroit’s Belle Isle Park” at 7 p.m. Nov. 15, at the library, 500 Olde Towne Road, Rochester. It is open to the public, registration is required at calendar.rhpl.org or call 248-656-2900.

• The Next Chapter: A 55+ Book Discussion Group, hosted by Northville District Library meets at 11 a.m. Nov. 16, at Northville Community Center, 303 W Main St., Northville, www.northvillelibrary.org, 248-349-3020. The book for November is “The Last Days of Night” by Graham Moore. Register at bit.ly/3yNC4qW.

• Rochester Hills Public Library presents “A Child’s Journey Through Grief” workshop in partnership with SandCastles and Rochester Area Youth Assistance, 7 p.m. Nov. 17 at the library, 500 Olde Towne Road, Rochester. The program explores techniques to address grief and loss with children. It is open to the public, registration is required at calendar.rhpl.org or call 248-656-2900.

Museums

• “The Sinking of the Edmund Fitzgerald: A Dramatic Retelling” is 7-8 p.m. Nov. 12 inside the Old Troy Church at the Troy Historic Village, 60 W. Wattles Road, Troy. Museum staff will explore the tragedy of the 1975 sinking of the S.S. Edmund Fitzgerald with narration, dramatic reading, and sound effects, ages 14+, $15 each. Discount given to Troy Historical Society members. Registration required at www.troyhistoricvillage.org.