MADISON HEIGHTS — The Red Oaks Nature Center at Suarez Friendship Woods is one of the city’s best-kept secrets — an oasis of greenery in the heart of Madison Heights, hidden away from the roads, where visitors can enjoy peace and quiet on woodland trails.

CLINTON TOWNSHIP — In honor of Veterans Day, the Warren Symphony Orchestra is bringing the red, white and blue center stage.

STERLING HEIGHTS — It’s not often that a brand-new event hopes for a “frosty” reception, but a local group of Catholic churches hopes that its Frost Moon Art Gala will be a cool spot for local artists to show their work.

WEST BLOOMFIELD — Although the word “home” can take on a significant meaning for many people, for local couple Gina and Rob Gregory, the place that they call home is so special that they believed it was worthy of filling the pages of a book.

METRO DETROIT — Holiday craft shows, concerts, visits with Santa Claus, tree lightings and more are ready to put you in a festive mood.

NOVI — Impact Church Metro Detroit, located at 22104 Novi Road, officially opened its doors in Novi with its grand opening celebration the weekend of Oct. 1-2. The church is an independent affiliate of Impact Church in Jacksonville, Florida.

NOVI — Comic Con-goers got an extra thrill this year as the Motor City Comic Con brought back its second show, for the first time since 2006, this month.

SOUTHFIELD — The Halloween festivities kick off early in Southfield this year with Boo Bash, set for 1-4 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 29, at the Southfield Pavilion, 26000 Evergreen Road.

GROSSE POINTE FARMS — Lovely lawns, bountiful bushes and glorious gardens were among the reasons Grosse Pointe Farms residents were recognized by the Farms Beautification Advisory Commission.

TROY — The Ridgedale Players of Troy are inviting residents for an unorthodox double feature as they offer two different versions of the Neil Simon classic play “The Odd Couple.”

SHELBY TOWNSHIP — The Shelby Township Parks, Recreation and Maintenance Department hosted a scarecrow contest this month that resulted in a winner Oct. 21.

SHELBY TOWNSHIP — The Shelby Fine Art Society will be bringing its art to the Shelby Township Library once again for residents to view and admire. The show will run from Nov. 2 to 22.

SHELBY TOWNSHIP — The Shelby Township Police Department will be hosting another self-defense class for female residents, coming up in November.

OAKLAND COUNTY — On Oct. 7, local politicians learned what it’s like to be firefighters for the day.

BLOOMFIELD HILLS — Get to know SUE, the most complete and best-preserved Tyrannosaurus rex ever discovered, at the Cranbrook Institute of Science.

WARREN/DETROIT — Mexican film star María Félix is among those who will be remembered with an altar in this year’s Detroit Institute of Arts 10th annual “Ofrendas: Celebrating el Día de Muertos” exhibit.

STERLING HEIGHTS — For artist David Moroski, the beauty of crafting linoleum cut prints comes from its simple, straightforward process.

HARRISON TOWNSHIP — For those looking to start writing, it can be difficult to get into the swing of things and improve your grip on the craft. But fear not — the Harrison Township Public Library is here to help with a writer’s group.

MADISON HEIGHTS — Madison Heights held its third annual Trail Tunes earlier this month, and organizers have deemed it a success, drawing large crowds similar to last year.

METRO DETROIT — Those age 50 and older are racking ’em up more and more as billiards gain popularity among the age group.