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.

TROY — The Ridgedale Players are celebrating the Halloween season with its musical “Beetlejuice Jr.” — a family-friendly stage adaptation of the classic film “Beetlejuice.”

ROYAL OAK — The Royal Oak Symphony Orchestra is celebrating 30 years serving the Royal Oak community, and it has a lot of excitement in store for the future. 

NOVI — The city of Novi will be shining some light on the holiday of Diwali this year with a short festival highlighting the culture and traditions of India from 5 to 8:30 p.m. Oct. 16 at the Novi Civic Center. 

TROY — Anson Pingree, a member of Eagle Scout Troop 188, has been working on a mud oven for Troy Historic Village. He has been part of Troop 188 since 2021. 

STERLING HEIGHTS — When L. Broas “Bud” Mann turned 100 years old last month — or as some would say, 100 years young — many family members and friends wanted to wish him a happy birthday.

METRO DETROIT — It’s easy to be active in the summer heat, but in the winter, it can sometimes feel like there are fewer opportunities to get out and continue moving. As the temperature outside finally begins to drop, it’s important to remain active.

METRO DETROIT — Older homes have unique architectural details and character that modern homes can never fully replicate, but as anyone who’s ever owned one can attest, with that age comes the need for more repairs and renovations.

GROSSE POINTE FARMS — A literary classic adapted for the stage will take audiences back to a more genteel era this month.

GROSSE POINTE CITY — They’ve been friends since they were teenagers, but artists Roselyn Palazzolo Rhodes and Sue Majewski — who also goes by Sumajetski for her art — have never had a show together.

BEVERLY HILLS — Beverly Park will be filled with excited children dressed in costumes for a fun night of trick-or-treating 6-8 p.m. Oct. 25 at the Halloween Hoot in Beverly Park, 18801 Beverly Road.

BIRMINGHAM — The city of Birmingham is introducing a brand-new event, Pumpkin Patch, this fall for families to enjoy 10 a.m.-2 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 25, at Shain Park.

EASTPOINTE — The Michigan Military Technical and Historical Society’s 20-ton tank monument has arrived.

ROYAL OAK — The image of Frances Mauro Masters, 103, of Chesterfield Township, will be immortalized as the symbol of the Greatest Generation’s homefront workers when a bronze statue made in her likeness as a Rosie the Riveter will be added Nov. 11 to the Michigan World War II Legacy Memorial in Royal Oak.

ROYAL OAK — After 20-years, the annual Winter Blast festival will merge with the Royal Oak Holidays to create a winter wonderland for multiple weekends. 

METRO DETROIT — Alyssa Slanec describes her daughter as a ball of joy. She also said her daughter has met her cancer diagnosis with strength.

ST. CLAIR SHORES — Get out your best costumes and get ready to have a scary amount of fun at the Downtown St. Clair Shores Skelebration.

WARREN — Suzanne Finley is probably John Waite’s biggest fan. The Dryden resident has attended his concerts since 1985, including shows at Sterlingfest, the Magic Bag in Ferndale, Pine Knob in Clarkston and the Ritz in Roseville (with Bad English). She even drove to Cincinnati once to see him live.

MADISON HEIGHTS — Few groups are as vulnerable as those in foster care. As they age out of the system and are forced into the world to fend for themselves, experts say they’re at greater risk of homelessness, unemployment, substance abuse and incarceration.