HARRISON TOWNSHIP — Many teens dread the thought of facing down an essay in school, but in Harrison Township, one 15-year-old approaches writing differently.

NOVI — The Michigan State Fair will return Aug. 31-Sept. 4 to the Suburban Collection Showplace in Novi.

DETROIT — Topics such as loss, regrets, injustice and hope are all fruitful inspiration for works of art — even more so for those who have been imprisoned.

HUNTINGTON WOODS/TROY — A group of local musicians are taking their personal passions for fiddle and Celtic music public with a performance to benefit the National Multiple Sclerosis Society.

WARREN — Warren’s Birthday Bash will be celebrated Aug. 24 to Aug. 26 at City Square on Van Dyke Avenue, north of 12 Mile Road, with live entertainment, fireworks, carnival rides, food trucks, a beer tent and more.

ROCHESTER HILLS — Leader Dogs for the Blind is looking to the community to host a breeding dog in their home, a volunteer opportunity that the nonprofit says is now more accessible for a variety of lifestyles.

NOVI — The Novi Taco Fest will return to the Twelve Mile Crossing at Fountain Walk, 44275 W. 12 Mile Road, Aug. 25-27.

DETROIT — A Detroit native who’s won acclaim for his work in multiple musical genres is returning home as the Artist-in-Residence for the 44th annual Detroit Jazz Festival.

GROSSE POINTE CITY — September is going to be eventful — and artful — in The Village.

BIRMINGHAM — FAR Therapeutic Arts and Recreation, a 501(c)3 nonprofit organization, provides resources and services for people with special needs in Wayne, Oakland and Macomb counties.

FRANKLIN —“When I was a kid, my favorite thing was watching the tents go up,” said Katherine Erlich, Franklin Community Association board member-at-large and Round Up chair.

BIRMINGHAM — Last year, the Friends of the Johnson Nature Center Introduced their inaugural Forest to Table event, which incorporated native and invasive species in a strolling dinner.

BLOOMFIELD HILLS — The first CAR-T therapy patient at Corewell Health’s Beaumont Hospital, Royal Oak, plans to walk his daughter down the aisle in September.

WARREN — The Warren Garden Club’s garden walk saw a record turnout this year, as the club incorporated historic buildings and historic homes on the walk for the first time, combined with the traditional viewing of gardens at the July 23 event.

ROSEVILLE/EASTPOINTE — As Elvis Presley fans gathered Aug. 16 in Memphis to honor the King of Rock ‘n’ Roll on the 46th anniversary of his death, a group of local residents also recently remembered him.

ST. CLAIR SHORES — The Shorewood Kiwanis Harper Charity Cruise is right around the corner, and business owners are excited for its arrival.

ORCHARD LAKE  — Local history buffs have something to be excited about. Several things, actually.

HAZEL PARK — Now in its 11th year, the Hazel Park Art Fair will once again bring together talent both established and upcoming. New this year is a partnership with the Clawson Clay Guild, whose potters will teach their craft, get audience members involved, and compete with each other in different categories.

WEST BLOOMFIELD — More than 10 years have passed since West Bloomfield residents John and Ann Mansour lost two of their children in a boating accident.

HARRISON TOWNSHIP — Every time Elvis Presley fans find out Johnny Lang knew the superstar personally, they ask him the same question: “What was he like?”