MADISON HEIGHTS — Six years ago, Brian Hartwell — then the mayor of Madison Heights, now the judge of the 43rd District Court in Hazel Park — started a volunteer program where neighbors would rally together to rake yards across the city.

FRASER — Throw on a costume, drop the books and grab some candy. The Fraser Public Library is inviting the public to join them for their third annual trunk-or-treat celebration on Saturday, Oct. 29.

MADISON HEIGHTS — Renovations have begun at Civic Center Plaza in Madison Heights — a project that will downsize City Hall, revamp the library, and build a new Active Adult Center. And as an added benefit, there will be spaces for artists to share their work.

MACOMB TOWNSHIP — Macomb Township resident Jeff Moore has seen a lot during his time in law enforcement. From the streets of Kansas City, Missouri, to taking down 90-year-old Sinaloa Cartel trafficker Leo Sharp with the Drug Enforcement Administration, what Moore has experienced could fill a novel.

GROSSE POINTE WOODS — Snowflakes will be here soon. No, not necessarily the fluffy white precipitation that falls from the sky. These snowflakes are decorative accents, and they’re coming to Grosse Pointe Woods’ Mack Avenue business district, The Avenue in the Woods.

FERNDALE — The smell of barbecue and whiskey soon will permeate the air in downtown Ferndale with the return of the Pig & Whiskey festival.

BLOOMFIELD HILLS — St. Dunstan’s Theatre Guild is presenting “Playhouse on Haunted Hill,” a spooky comedy by  West Bloomfield playwright Jake Zinke. The show will run Oct. 14-22.

FARMINGTON HILLS — Farmington Hills resident Heidi Stamper made a decision in June that she now credits with saving her life.

METRO DETROIT — In October, pumpkins of all shapes, sizes and colors are set out on porches to decorate for the spookiest time of year.

MADISON HEIGHTS — The Madison Heights Arts Board is kicking off the Halloween season early this year with the return of its Pumpkin Walk event, now in its fourth year. Attendees can look forward to trick-or-treating along park trails, enjoying the atmosphere of a fall night with decor and music to match.

NOVI — The Motor City Comic Con will hold its second show this year at the Suburban Collection Showplace this weekend, Oct. 14-16. This is the first time that the show has been held twice annually since 2006.

METRO DETROIT — Losing weight and getting in shape can be daunting, but one of the most effective means of doing both is cooking and preparing more nutritious meals using healthier methods.

NOVI — A Novi therapist with a passion for writing has three books for different age groups, including an adult mystery novel, a young adult mystery novel and a children’s book.

SOUTHFIELD — Local artists will perform dance, poetry, songs, music and more at an upcoming event that will highlight awareness for those receiving foster care services, as well as those aging out of the system, with the goal of driving more resources their way.

ROCHESTER — Costumed children in search of candy can visit Downtown Rochester with their families this month to extend their Halloween spirit.

METRO DETROIT — Local residents are invited to enjoy a night of laughs for a serious cause.

OAKLAND COUNTY — Local cities in Oakland County are preparing to put on their Halloween events and give residents and children a chance to show off their costumes, get candy and have fun.

BIRMINGHAM —  Join Birmingham Next in enjoying the music, food and ambiance of the big band era at  Birmingham’s Big Night Out.

BIRMINGHAM — Fifteen-year-old Maddie Gold has spent the last 12 years skating and making memories at the Birmingham Ice Sports Arena. Now, she has used her passion for art to create a mural to be displayed in the arena’s studio party room.

TROY — The Troy Historic Village is offering up some spooky fun this October with its Curious and Macabre Lantern Tour.