12/18/24 Woodward Talk by C & G Newspapers

Happy holidays from C & G Newspapers

Ferndale middle school robotics team wins state championship

BY MIKE KOURY mkoury@candgnews.com

FERNDALE — Ferndale Middle School’s robotics team was able to take home a state championship earlier this month and will now compete in the world championship next year.

The school’s team, Giggle Pickles, competed in the Michigan FIRST Tech Challenge State ChampionshipSoutheast at Macomb Community College in Warren Dec. 7-8, where it won a state championship — named the “Winning Alliance” — at the event. The other team that won the title as part of the alliance was S.W.A.R.M. from Saline Middle School.

Nick Kokotovich, the Giggle Pickles’ fourth year coach, praised the team and its efforts this year, including not losing any rounds at the state championship.

“They were really, really dedicated, and we learned things and used things that we’ve never used before,” he said of this year’s team. “Different programming methods that we’ve never done before. That’s what really allowed us to be at good footing as soon as the real season started and have a robot that was capable of actually

See ROBOTICS on page 10A

The Emory to close in Ferndale after 17 years

BY MIKE KOURY mkoury@candgnews.com

FERNDALE — A long-running restaurant in downtown Ferndale will be closing down at the end of the month.

The Emory announced on social media that it will be shutting down after 17 years of operation. Its final day will be on Sunday, Dec. 29.

The decision to close The Emory — which has

been open since 2007 — was a big one, according to owner Chris Johnston, and a choice that wasn’t easy.

“Every restaurant, unless you’re an iconic restaurant, has a lifespan, and I would say 17 years is well beyond that normal lifespan,” he said. “After a certain point, you probably have to reinvent yourself drastically just to keep things fresh, and I felt that we did what we did there for a long time, and I didn’t want to

See THE EMORY on page 8A

Chris Johnston, owner of The Emory, plans to lease out the space for another business to take over and make its own.

Photo by Patricia O’Blenes

BY MIKE KOURY mkoury@candgnews.com

FERNDALE — An upcoming park project in Ferndale will be getting funding from the Michigan Department of Natural Resources.

The DNR announced it was awarding $8 million in Land and Water Conservation Fund

grants to 15 communities for recreation facilities projects. One community was Ferndale, which will receive $100,000 for a project at Harding Park.

The Harding Park project is the replacement of its inline skating rink. According to Parks and Recreation Director LaReina Wheeler, the rink it-

BY MIKE KOURY mkoury@candgnews.com

HUNTINGTON WOODS — The Huntington Woods City Commission has given its approval for the installation of a new traffic signal on 11 Mile Road. At its Dec. 10 meeting, the commission approved 4-0 the installation of a traffic signal and pedestrian crossing at 11 Mile Road and Mortenson Boulevard. The bid was awarded to Rauhorn Electric, of Bruce Township, for a total of $379,095.50.

City Manager Chris Wilson told the Woodward Talk that the primary reason for this project was to have a new pedestrian crossing installed.

File photo by Patricia O’Blenes Huntington Woods officially approved a project to install a traffic signal and pedestrian crossing at 11 Mile Road and Mortenson Boulevard.

skating rink at Harding Park

Photo by Patricia O’Blenes

CRIME WATCH

Quality Roots discovers would-be customers have fake IDs

BERKLEY — The Berkley Public Safety Department received a report of individuals who had attempted to use fake identifications to enter a marijuana dispensary.

Police were alerted at 7:42 p.m. Dec. 11 to five male suspects attempting to use the fake IDs at Quality Roots, 3916 W. 11 Mile Road. Authorities spoke to an employee who said that all the suspects had their IDs checked when they came in, and when run under a blue light scanner, the IDs were found to be fake.

When the males were confronted, they fled the scene in a white vehicle.

Stolen vehicle

BERKLEY — A vehicle was reported stolen at 11:05 a.m. Dec. 7 in the 3900 block of Thomas Avenue, near Greenfield and West Webster roads.

According to the report, a maroon 2022 Ram 1500 was taken from the driveway of a Berkley home. Security footage showed a sedan stopping in front of the victim’s home and a man getting out and entering the unlocked Ram.

The man was seen on video starting the vehicle and taking off at a high rate of speed on Thomas. The vehicle had yet to be recovered as of press time.

Reward offered in case of vandalism at U of M regent’s home

HUNTINGTON WOODS — The Huntington Woods Public Safety Department was called at 2 a.m. Dec. 9 to the area of Humber Street and 11 Mile Road for a report of destruction of private property. The destruction was done at the home of University of Michigan Regent Jordan Acker.

Police found at the scene a vehicle vandalized with “Divest Free Palestine” spray-painted on it. Objects also were thrown through the front window of Acker’s home.

Security camera footage shows two people wearing dark-colored hooded sweatshirts in the area of Acker’s home and, after a short period of time, running northbound toward 11 Mile.

The Huntington Woods Public Safety Department is working with state agents and the FBI to investigate the case.

The University of Michigan released a statement on the vandalism.

“The vandalism of Regent Jordan Acker’s home early this morning is a clear act of antisemitic intimidation. The University of Michigan condemns these criminal acts in the strongest possible terms. They are abhorrent and, unfortunately, just the latest in a number of incidents where individuals have been harassed because of their work on behalf of the university. This is unacceptable and will not be tolerated. We call on our community to come together in solidarity and to firmly reject all forms of bigotry and violence,” the statement reads.

The Huntington Woods Public Safety Department is asking residents to check surveillance footage and doorbell cameras for possible information on the suspects. Anyone with information on the incident can contact the department at (248) 541-1180.

Crime Stoppers of Michigan is offering a cash reward of up to $6,000 for tips leading to an arrest. People can make an anonymous call to (800) 773-2587 or visit 1800speakup.org

— Mike Koury

CORRECTION:

The story “When shopping at home, be alert for grinches trying to steal gifts and info” in the Dec. 11 issue should have stated that the St. Clair Shores police detective lieutenant’s last name is Brueckman.

4 PM

1 PM

7 PM

| 10 PM

Christmas Day feat. Kris Johnson Jazz Quartet!

December 25 at 10 AM

Featuring the celebrated Kris Johnson Quartet come and enjoy a Christmas celebration of peace, love, hope and joy. Stay afterwards for a brunch open to all!

Feat. Handel’s Messiah

Rink

from page 3A

self is more than 61 years old, and though it has been maintained annually and seasonally as necessary, it’s been breaking down over the past few years.

In Ferndale, there originally were rinks at Wilson, Martin Road and Geary parks, in addition to Harding. The Wilson and Martin Road rinks already have been decommissioned, but the parts from those rinks have been used to keep the Harding rink maintained.

“We can’t replace or order pieces to replace anything that’s broken,” Wheeler said. “We basically ran out of pieces, and we can’t put a Band-Aid on it like we did before, and so we’re now just trying to keep it safe so the users can still use it. We’re at the point where we are looking to replace it, because we’re at the end of basically being able to do the minor repairs we’ve been doing.”

Wheeler also said that the Geary Park inline rink eventually will be decommissioned, and the Harding rink will be the only one in Ferndale.

Christie Bayus, program manager with the Michigan Department of Natural Resources, stated in an email that the rink will

include an accessible entry that allows for adaptable skating equipment such as walkers, sleds and wheelchairs for all users, making it equitable and flexible in use.

“Recreation Passport grants support local government efforts to offer residents and visitors quality recreation opportunities,” she stated. “Harding Park is the second largest park in the City of Ferndale’s Park system and the Department is pleased to partner with them on this project to improve the accessibility at this very popular park in their system.”

The Harding Park rink replacement project, referred to by Wheeler as Ferndale’s most utilized inline rink, is expected to cost $200,000. The parks director plans to apply for a crowdfunding grant where the city would raise $50,000 and receive another $50,000 from a grantor.

The current plan is to begin construction next summer, if the city can get the appropriate approvals and agreements from the DNR.

“The community has, over the last few years, been contacting us (about rink improvements),” Wheeler said. “They put in a request to really have this done, and so we’ve been working on it and now we finally have this grant, which we’re excited to be able to

provide them a new, updated and upgraded rink.”

Photo by Patricia O’Blenes

Ferndale recently was awarded $100,000 for the project in the form of a Land and Water Conservation Fund grant from the Michigan Department of Natural Resources.

NEWS & NOTES

PRIDE HANDS OUT $35,000 IN GRANTS

FERNDALE — Ferndale Pride and the Ferndale Community Foundation announced that they will be distributing $35,113.85 in grants to 18 community organizations.

Organizations that were given grants from Pride were Affirmations, ACCESS, Gender Identity Network, Matrix Human Services, TGDetroit and Transgender Michigan.

“Each year, I get to hand checks to organizations that directly provide services to LGBTQAI folks. Because these funds are unrestricted, organizations have the flexibility to provide funds in the way that serves their clients best. We are thrilled to carry out the founding principles of this event, which includes giving back to the community,” Ferndale Pride Executive Director Julia Music said in a prepared statement.

The Community Foundation handed out 12 grants with funds from Pride and private donations to Ferndale Community Concert Band, Disability Network of Eastern Michigan, Ferndale Housing Commission, FernCare Free Clinic, Ringwald Theatre, Ferndale Middle School Swim Boosters, Renaissance Vineyard Food Pantry, Friends of the Ferndale Library, Ferndale Schools Fine Arts Boosters, Sing Out Detroit, Southeast Oakland Coalition and PlayLab.

“We keep being able to give back! 12 grants this year is more than double the number of groups that we gave to last year,” Community Foundation Chair Anatoly Askanzi said in a prepared statement. “These funds make a huge difference in our community because they improve the lives of a wide range of folks in Ferndale.”

The grants were scheduled to be presented to groups at the Dec. 16 City Council meeting, which occurred after the Woodward Talk went to press.

‘The Color Purple’ to take stage at the Baldwin Theatre

ROYAL OAK — Stagecrafters will present the musical “The Color Purple” Jan. 10-26 at the Baldwin Theatre, 415 S. Lafayette Ave. in Royal Oak. Based on the novel by Alice Walker and the Warner Bros./Amblin Entertainment motion picture, the story depicts the lives of African American women in the early 20th century in rural Georgia. For Thursday performances, tickets cost $25 plus a $3 per ticket fee. Friday, Saturday and Sunday tickets cost $35 plus a $3 per ticket fee. Tickets must be purchased in advance. Tickets and more information can be found at stagecrafters.org.

Business takes over former Scout Vester location

FERNDLE — The owner of Syndicate Ferndale announced the opening of a new business at the former spot of Scout Vester.

In a post on social media, Dana Taucher, owner of Syndicate Ferndale, stated her business was acquiring the former Scout Vester location, 177 Vester Ave., which closed earlier this month.

Taucher stated that while she couldn’t reveal what’s coming to the location, she said she promises it will be a place where “everyone feels welcome” and a “place to create new memories and connections, to enjoy great food, beverages and more!”

“As with any new venture, there are challenges ahead, especially with renovations for a space that needs some extra love,” Taucher said. “Our goal is to open by early spring, but we are prepared to navigate the unexpected with patience and care. Every step of this journey is an investment in the future of this community, and we’re committed to making it something special.”

“We are excited, humbled, and eager to bring this project to life,” she continued. “Thank you for believing in us, for celebrating our growth, and for being part of this incredible journey. Here’s to new beginnings, endless possibilities, and the power of community—all guided by faith and gratitude. We can’t wait to welcome you to our new space soon!”

‘NOON’ YEAR’S EVE PARTY

BERKLEY — The local church Berkley First will be holding an early New Year’s party on New Year’s Eve.

The church’s “Noon Year’s Eve Party” will be held from 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. Tuesday, Dec. 31, at its 2820 12 Mile Road location.

The party will have a balloon drop at noon, games, crafts, mini bounce houses, a photo spot and more. The event is free and all are welcome to attend. Children must be with an adult. For more information, visit berkleyfirst.org/event/noonyearseve.

LTU offers alumni the opportunity to be a lifelong learner with new benefits

SOUTHFIELD — On Nov. 25, Lawrence Technological University announced a new benefit for LTU alumni. Effective immediately, LTU alumni will have the opportunity to take courses on an audit basis at a reduced rate of $400 per class. Alumni will be able to choose one undergraduate or graduate course per semester, and those who graduated within the past five years are now eligible to pursue a master’s degree within the following programs:

• MBA – Master of Business Administration

• MEM – Master of Engineering Management

• MBA/MEM – Master of Business Administration/Master of Engineering Management

• MIT – Master of Information Technology

• MHA – Master of Health Care Administration

• MSAI – Master of Science in Artificial Intelligence

• MSBDA – Master of Science in Business Data Analytics

• MADT – Master of Art in Design and Technology

Each qualifying alum will receive a Lifelong Learner Scholarship, which will provide a tuition reduction of approximately 35% for pursuing one of these graduate programs. Alumni can visit www.ltu.edu/financial-aid/scholarships-graduate for more information.

The Emory

have to reinvent it myself.

“It’s a hard business, first of all, but I enjoy it and I’ve always enjoyed it, and it’s challenging and I don’t mind the challenges, but it just felt like it was just time to move on, I guess,” Johnston continued. “There was nothing necessarily wrong with it, but the location is ready and needs something else, and that’s something that someone else would do better than I would.”

The Emory’s location, 22700 Woodward Ave., is owned by Johnston. He will continue to own the space and lease it out to a tenant.

“Even just since announcing it, we’ve had a lot of people inquire about it,” he said. “It’s a great space and I’m sure that something will happen with it. I’m just not sure exactly what that’s going to be.”

Johnston said the east side of Woodward, where the Emory is located, has been a bit slower to develop in comparison to the west side, as that part of Ferndale has more downtown, though that didn’t mean there wasn’t anything happening on the east side.

Johnston loved having The Emory on Woodward. He recounted that when he was looking to open Woodward Avenue Brewers more than 20 years ago, they were looking at locations everywhere but couldn’t find the right spot until stumbling upon its Woodward location.

“There was a time that I thought where I’d rather be nestled in some downtown somewhere, as opposed to right here on Woodward,” he said. “But quickly my eyes opened up to what it was like being on Woodward, and what that vitality is and what it feels like. And it’s something that you can’t duplicate. … The view of all the cars and the hustle and bustle of everyday life and feeling like you’re a part of the community and a part of what’s going on, there’s nothing that compares to that.”

In one of The Emory’s final weekends, Samantha Mertins and Jessie Harper came with a group of six friends to have one last brunch.

Mertins, a Ferndale resident, walked into The Emory when it first opened and at one point had a brunch club with friends where The Emory was a regular stopping point for them.

“We were here once a month for probably two years. We would come here a lot,” she said. “It’ll be sad that you don’t have an easy place to grab a table and chat, and you can kind of sit as long as you want and catch up and then go your different, separate ways. I think there’s so many places that are very much, ‘Oh, this reservation is an hour and a half. You have to leave from this place. It might be difficult to get to.’ It’s central, and you can just hang for a long time.”

Harper, of Detroit, used to work at the nearby Social Connection and would regularly come to The Emory for happy hour.

“It became kind of a tradition. We were here every Thursday getting those half-off bottles of wine and chicken fingers with ranch,” she said. “This always has been, like, a go-to-spot. We’ve had many brunches, lunches, dinners here. It’s sad to see it go. It’s always been a reliable stop in the Ferndale tour.”

The Emory was named after Johnston’s greatgrandfather, and the wood inside came from family farmland in Ohio. So, it’s always been a family business for him.

“It was great years of my life that I was a part of it and met so many amazing people, employees and customers, and grew and developed so much,” he said. “The great thing about running a restaurant in a social place like that, you see friendships made and you see people mourn their friends, you see everything. It’s right there for you and it’s a great story and it’s nice to be a part of people’s lives in whatever way is appropriate or respectable or whatever they’re looking for. … I’ve been a part of a lot of people’s lives and I’m grateful for that and it’s been fun. and still is fun. I’m still doing it and I enjoy it.”

Signal

“There is no pedestrian crossing on 11 Mile between Coolidge (Highway) and Woodward (Avenue). And Berkley doesn’t provide busing for our students going to high school. So, many students need to find some safe way to cross before they get to Coolidge,” he said. “So, the main thing was having a safe, marked pedestrian crossing where people can activate a signal to stop the flow of traffic to get across 11 Mile safely.”

To help cover the costs of the installation, Huntington Woods also obtained a Safe Streets Grant from the state of Michigan in the amount of $100,000.

The project appeared before the commission at its November meeting, but its approval was delayed as the city didn’t have answers from any of the firms on their approach or commitment to diversity, equity and inclusion.

The city stated during the meeting that it heard back from two of the three businesses that submitted bids, including its preferred choice, Rauhorn Electric.

“It’s part of our formal bid process that we ask (companies) what their DEI policies are, and if we don’t have them, you know, if they’re working toward that,” Wilson said. “We had not received the information from the original bid. That information was provided, but there’s nothing specific that we look for, any specific metrics regarding DEI that we use at this point. We’re just reviewing the policies and the firms that do provide bids for us.”

The city expects that construction work on the traffic signal and pedestrian crossing will begin next summer and be completed before the beginning of the school year.

“I’m satisfied with the response (from Rauhorn Electric),” Mayor Pro Tem Joe Rozell said during the meeting. “This makes a lot of sense in that … it protects the children crossing to go to school. It also allows our Public Safety Department to control this traffic signal so they can get a fire engine out onto 11 Mile as quickly as possible, if needed. So there’s a lot of benefit to this and we’re getting some state grant money, a legislative appropriation, so I’m all in favor.”

Call Staff Writer Mike Koury at (586) 498-1077.

Robotics

page 1A

winning the championship.”

A robotics team is tasked to build a robot over the course of several weeks in the lead-up to competition and use it to accomplish a list of set tasks.

Giggle Pickles competed in a field of 72 teams over the course of two days. Parker Radowiec, 12, has been a member of the team for two years and is one of the robot’s drivers.

Radowiec, a seventh grader from Ferndale, was ecstatic to win a state championship with the rest of his team.

“I didn’t even know we were going to get there,” he said. “And when we won, I was like, whoa, I did not expect that. The whole team put a bunch of effort into this, and I’m really happy that we made it this far.”

Kokotovich said he was impressed by how the team performed and how it didn’t get rattled by other teams, especially when its robot got hit or malfunctioned.

“They’re just driving and getting used to the controls and different situations, and just to watch them get better, put in that time and just want to be there was just really impressive,” he said. “They were able to

handle it because of all that practice. And I’m just really, really impressed over the last year, all the time they put in and seeing how it blossomed into actually winning.”

In addition to the state championship, Kokotovich was awarded the Compass Award. The award “recognizes an adult coach or mentor who has given outstanding guidance and support to a team throughout

the year and demonstrates to the team what it means to be a gracious professional,” as described by the FIRST Robotics Competition. Compass Award winners are nominated by the student competitors.

“He’s a really awesome dude,” Radowiec said. “He buys stuff for the team. He does a lot of stuff. He helps us with everything.”

“It was absolutely awesome,” Kokotov-

ich said of winning the award. “It was really, really touching that they would go through that effort to actually put together something to say good things about me.”

Giggle Pickles now will compete in the FIRST Championship in Houston April 1619, 2025.

Call Staff Writer Mike Koury at (586) 498-1077.

Ferndale Middle School’s robotics team, Giggle Pickles, won a state championship at the Michigan FIRST Tech Challenge State Championship-Southeast competition in Warren Dec. 7-8. Giggle Pickles will travel to Houston for the robotics world championship in April.

Photos provided by Ferndale Public Schools

DETROIT AUTO SHOW TO FEATURE ‘RACING DAY’

BY JONATHAN SZCZEPANIAK jszczepaniak@candgnews.com

DETROIT — The Motor City has added a thrilling experience to the 2025 Detroit Auto Show.

The Detroit Auto Show, slated to be open to the public Jan. 11-20 at Huntington Place in Detroit, and the Detroit Grand Prix have worked in collaboration to provide auto show attendees with the return of Racing Day on Jan. 17.

The two brands that pride themselves on embodying the automotive culture of Detroit will offer an array of interactive experiences for attendees, providing two Detroit Grand Prix interactive display areas on the concourse area at Huntington Place, which is free and open to the public, and the floor of the Detroit Auto Show. The floor display area will be located “trackside.”

A brand-new feature to the show will be the addition of two indoor tracks. One track will feature signature characteristics of the Detroit Grand Prix that is set to gear up for May 30-June 1.

The track will be accessible throughout the entirety of the Detroit Auto Show, but

Jan. 17 will be dedicated to the Racing Day festivities where the Detroit Auto Show said in a press release that attendees will have the opportunity to “witness the intersection of automotive innovation and competitive motorsports.”

“The Detroit Grand Prix embodies innovation and the spirit of Detroit,” Sam Klemet, co-executive director of the Detroit Auto Show, said in a press release. “We are thrilled to have a partnership with the Detroit Grand Prix and bring this amazing experience of Racing Day to the 2025 Detroit Auto Show.”

Attendees will also have the opportunity to interact with some of the Detroit Grand Prix’s very own racers from NTT IndyCar Series and Indy NXT by Firestone.

Two-time Indianapolis 500 winner Josef Newgarden is slated to make an appearance. Several cars will also be on display as well.

“We’re excited to partner with the Detroit Auto Show and bring together two great Detroit traditions,” Michael Montri, president of the Chevrolet Detroit Grand Prix presented by Lear, said in a press release. “For many years, Racing Day was a popular attraction at the Detroit Auto Show and we

look forward to bringing this tradition back to the Motor City with some of the highpowered stars and cool race cars that take center stage every summer at the Detroit Grand Prix.”

The Detroit Auto Show will make additional announcements about Racing Day as the show nears.

For more information, visit detroitau toshow.com.

COMMUNITY CALENDAR

12A/ WOODWARD TALK • DECEMBER 18, 2024

DEC. 18

Powerful Tools for Caregivers: Virtual workshop hosted by AgeWays, learn to communicate with family and healthcare providers, reduce stress, guilt, anger and depression, and make difficult decisions, 6-7:30 p.m., free but donations accepted, (833) 262-2200, wellnessprograms@ageways.org, tinyurl.com/ageways workshops

DEC. 21

Winter Solstice Celebration: Includes crafts and activities focusing on light and dark, hear medieval Christmas carols and wassails, gaze into night sky with observatory telescope, try seasonal snacks and specialty drinks, and more, 1-7 p.m. at Cranbrook Institute of Science and 1-5 p.m. at Cranbrook Art Museum, 39221 Woodward Ave. in Bloomfield Hills, also create lantern for evening parade at 6 p.m., science.cranbrook.edu

JAN. 5

Teen-to-Teen Resale Event: 11 a.m.-2 p.m., Pleasant Ridge Community Center, 4 Ridge Road, www.cityof pleasantridge.org/events

JAN. 11

Attic Treasures: Get verbal appraisals from DuMouchelle’s Gallery staff, 10 a.m.-5 p.m., Royal Oak Woman’s Club, 404 S. Pleasant St., book 15-minute appointments for every two items at rowc.org/events

ONGOING

‘Collective Calamity’: Oil paintings by Detroit artists Laura Reed and Lindy Marshew, on display select dates and times through Dec. 27, Woods Gallery at Huntington Woods Public Library, 26415 Scotia Road, woodsgallery.org

‘Contemporary Ceramic Show’: Works on display noon-5 p.m. Tuesdays-Sundays until Dec. 29, also Precious Gifts Holiday Market open noon-5 p.m. Tuesdays-Saturdays until Dec. 29, Articipate, 3833 12 Mile Road in Berkley, articipate.us/exhibitions

‘The E(Xmas)ist’: 8 p.m. Fridays, Saturdays and Mondays and 3 p.m. Sundays until Dec. 22, Ringwald Theatre at Affirmations LGBTQIA+ Community Center, 290 W. Nine Mile Road in Ferndale, theringwald.com

Birmingham & Ferndale Stamp Club: Meets 6-8 p.m. every first and third Tuesday of month, fellowship at 5:30 p.m., NEXT Senior Center, 2121 Midvale St. in Birmingham, birminghamstamp.club

Ferndale Senior Group: Meets 11 a.m. every second and fourth Wednesday of month, Hazel Park Community Center, 620 W. Woodward Heights, (248) 506-7389

Monthly book clubs: Find meetups for kids, science

To view more Community Calendar and to submit your own, use the QR code or visit candgnews.com/calendar. To advertise an event, call (586) 498-8000.

fiction, graphic novels and more, virtual and in person, Ferndale Area District Library, 222 E. Nine Mile Road, also groups which meet off site, see full list at fadl.org/upcoming-events

• Meets 3 p.m. every second Saturday, Roseland Cemetery, 29001 N. Woodward Ave. in Berkley, (248) 541-1154 (ext. 2520), roselandparkmi.com

Farmers markets: 7 a.m.-1 p.m. Fridays and Saturdays, also antiques and collectibles 8 a.m.-3 p.m. Sundays, 316 E. 11 Mile Road in Royal Oak, (248) 246-3276, more on Facebook

Wild Lights: Millions of lights,500-plus displays, interactive wishing tree, seasonal drinks, food and treats, warming stations with live entertainment, and more, select dates and times until Jan. 5, Detroit Zoo, 8450 W. 10 Mile Road in Royal Oak, dzoo.org/ wildlights

Santa visits: 5-7 p.m. Fridays and noon-4 p.m. Saturdays-Sundays until Dec. 22, Centennial Commons, 221 E. Third St. in Royal Oak, romi.gov

Ice skating: 11 a.m.-9 p.m. Sundays, noon-9 p.m. Mondays-Thursdays, noon-11 p.m. Fridays and 11 a.m.-11 p.m. Saturdays until Dec. 31, then new hours in 2025, The Rink at Royal Oak in Centennial Commons, 221 E. Third St., therinkatroyaloak.com

Royal Oak Holiday’s Horse & Wagon Rides: 5-9 p.m. Fridays-Saturdays until Dec. 21, pick up/drop off on Third Street across from Lockharts BBQ, romi.gov

Deck the Halls with Ologies!: Exhibits and interactive workshops focus on entomology, microbiology, paleontology, geology, anthropology, biology, cosmology, zoology and more, 11 a.m.-3 p.m. (noon-3 p.m. Sundays) Dec. 26-29 and Jan. 2-5, Cranbrook Institute of Science, 39221 Woodward Ave. in Bloomfield Hills, science.cranbrook.edu

Unveiling Hidden Stories of African Americans in 19th Century Royal Oak: Underground Railroad in Oakland County traveling exhibit on display JanuaryFebruary, hear director of Birmingham Museum at 7 p.m. Jan. 10, attend grand opening celebration from 2-4 p.m. Jan. 12, Royal Oak Historical Society and Museum, 1411 W. Webster Road, (248) 439-1501, curator@royaloakhistoricalsociety.org, www.royaloak historicalsociety.org

Health workshops: For ovarian cancer, diabetes, nutrition and more, hosted by Corewell Health, free and virtual, beaumonthealth.digitalsignup.com

Lupus support groups: 10 a.m. every second Tuesday of month and 7 p.m. every last Wednesday, Zoom, (248) 901-7299, milupus.org/support-groups

AUCTION

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Tree Service

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