GROSSE POINTE SHORES — If anyone ever had any doubt about Grosse Pointe Shores’ commitment to its urban forest, consider this: Both the Planning Commission and City Council recently approved a fence setback variance in large part because the homeowner needed it to save an 80-year-old maple tree on his property.

BIRMINGHAM — The Birmingham Farmers Market will open for its 22nd season of fresh produce, artisan goods and family fun on Sunday, May 5. The market will run 9 a.m.- 2 p.m. Sundays May 5-Oct. 27.

SHELBY TOWNSHIP/STERLING HEIGHTS/UTICA — The Gene L. Klida Utica Academy for International Studies quiz bowl team, which is undefeated in Michigan competitions, won the Class B Michigan state championship in Lansing April 13.

FARMINGTON HILLS — The cities of Farmington Hills and Farmington have each been selected to be part of a multi-city tour of a traveling exhibit. The “Underground Railroad and Abolition Movement in Southern Oakland County-Traveling Exhibit and Website” was initially displayed at the Southfield Public Library in January.

ST. CLAIR SHORES — The St. Clair Shores Parks and Recreation Department will host the Big Brew Fest from 1 p.m. to 10 p.m. on April 27 at Blossom Heath Park on Jefferson Avenue.

CENTER LINE — When studying the Industrial Revolution of the 1700s and 1800s, students in Jaime Bellos’ world history classes at Center Line High School were able to place themselves among the innovators of the time.

MOUNT CLEMENS — A new chapter for St. Mary’s Catholic School began on April 16 as the first Mass was held in the school’s new chapel.

MOUNT CLEMENS — Tucked between the homes and shops of bustling Gratiot Avenue is a lot at what would be 17 Gratiot, just off the road’s northbound stretch. Grass and statues and little else stand there now, but it will not be long until the land becomes the Macomb Cultural and Economic Partnership’s pollinator park.

MOUNT CLEMENS — The wait is over. Around four months after its prior director left, the Anton Art Center announced on April 5 that Matt Matthews was selected to serve as the new executive director.

HARRISON TOWNSHIP — At one time they were the knights of the skies, and soon they will be teachers from the ground.The Selfridge Military Air Museum, at Selfridge Air National Guard base, is restoring two historic planes: a Vought F4U Corsair, and a Curtiss JN-4 Jenny.

METRO DETROIT — From testifying at the O.J. Simpson civil case in 1996 to offering his perspective in the Chappaquiddick incident that involved Ted Kennedy and Mary Jo Kopechne in 1969, Werner Spitz was widely known for providing his expertise on the witness stand.

METRO DETROIT — Rock hunting is a fun pastime spent finding unique stones alone or with friends and family.

TROY — Those helping combat pancreatic cancer will convene April 27 in Troy for the Purplestride Walk to End Pancreatic Cancer.

ROCHESTER — The city of Rochester recently recognized a Rochester postal worker for his retirement after 56 years of serving the community.Rochester resident Ed Kane started working for the United States Postal Service on Dec. 7, 1967.

GROSSE POINTE SHORES — People from across metro Detroit spent an afternoon gazing up in wonder as a near-total solar eclipse took shape in the sky above the Edsel and Eleanor Ford House in Grosse Pointe Shores April 8.

FERNDALE — It doesn’t appear that the second iteration of the Ferndale Farmers Market will happen this year.

FERNDALE — A rare instance of a total solar eclipse engulfed a large part of the United States on April 8, capturing widespread attention.

BERKLEY — The students of Norup International School have been working together with a professional artist on murals that will be installed throughout the school.

METRO DETROIT— The weather has been slowly getting warmer in Michigan, which means homeowners can start planning their flower beds for their properties.

BLOOMFIELD HILLS/TOWNSHIP — A new event will bring unique vendors, food trucks, face painting and more to the Johnson Nature Center April 21