BLOOMFIELD HILLS — When it comes to ballroom dancing, it’s all about passion. Throughout the years, LaBlast founder Louis van Amstel has seen countless examples of passionate dancers and instructors in his partner-free dance fitness workout program.

BIRMINGHAM — Detroit artist Ryan Standfest presents an exhibition at the Birmingham Bloomfield Arts Center that is filled with new pieces that come together to form a cohesive body of work.

FRANKLIN — The Franklin Village Council unanimously approved the purchase of two Flock cameras totalling $6,000 using state forfeiture funds Oct. 13.

DETROIT — One of the signature projects of the nonprofit Detroit Riverfront Conservancy, Ralph C. Wilson Jr. Centennial Park, will mark its grand opening this weekend with special events for all ages, including a concert by The Jacksons.

ROYAL OAK — Arts, Beats and Eats organizers announced on Oct. 14 that the festival generated a record $400,076.87 in contributions that will go toward local nonprofit organizations. 

GROSSE POINTES/HARPER WOODS — Along with mayors, city council members and municipal court judges, residents who live within the boundaries of the Grosse Pointe Public School System are being asked to weigh in on a bond issue during the Nov. 4 election.

ROYAL OAK — The city of Royal Oak is adopting a new program called RENO, the Residential Enhancement and Neighborhood Opportunity program, that waives all city of Royal Oak building and inspection permit fees for qualifying projects to encourage development that supports the city’s master plan and Sustainability and Climate Action Plan priorities. 

GROSSE POINTES/DETROIT — Over 1,000 people are estimated to have taken part in a No Kings demonstration on both sides of Mack Avenue around Cadieux Road Oct. 18 — well over the 200 to 300 organizers said they had been expecting.

ROYAL OAK — Stagecrafters is going to be showcasing the popular Disney production “Frozen: The Broadway Musical” Nov. 1-23 on the main stage of the Baldwin Theatre, 415 S. Lafayette Ave. in Royal Oak. 

ROYAL OAK — Lockman Park in Royal Oak has received some big upgrades, and to celebrate, the city of Royal Oak held a ribbon cutting ceremony Oct. 9. 

WEST BLOOMFIELD — The West Bloomfield School District was recently awarded a state grant to purchase an electric bus.

WEST BLOOMFIELD — Greg Flynn, the chief of the West Bloomfield Fire Department, briefed the township’s Planning Commission Oct.14 on updated plans for Fire Station No. 1.

ST. CLAIR SHORES — Maggie’s Wigs 4 Kids is hosting another “Pigs 4 Wigs” outreach with the assistance of police departments throughout Metro Detroit. The event lasts throughout the month of November in conjunction with “No Shave November,” a campaign focused on raising awareness and funds to fight cancer.

ST. CLAIR SHORES — The Power Play for Heroes is back this year helping to raise money for Guardian Angels Medical Service Dogs and featuring Red Wings alumni from many generations. 

STERLING HEIGHTS/UTICA/SHELBY TOWNSHIP — With the help of a grant from the Life Time Foundation, Havel Elementary School has received the Learn-to-Ride Program from All Kids Bike, which will provide students with the tools to learn how to ride a bike.

UTICA — Utica Community Schools has expanded its sports medicine program, part of the district’s career and technical education offerings, from one semester to a full year.

SHELBY TOWNSHIP — New audio and visual systems are coming to the Shelby Township board room, which municipal leaders say will enhance township meetings for all attendees.

SHELBY TOWNSHIP — A man was charged for allegedly stealing an iPad during a Facebook Marketplace exchange in Shelby Township earlier this month.

METRO DETROIT — Here's a look at five things to do during the weekend of Oct. 16-19.

NOVI — In the Novi Note’s coverage area, voters will decide whether or not to implement a school bond proposal and select candidates for mayor and City Council on Nov. 4.