HAZEL PARK — Richard Gage likes to understand how things work. The namesake artist of Richard Gage Design Studio feels that taking things apart and putting them back together is a form of curiosity-driven learning that many young people don’t experience today.

WARREN — Fifteen-year-old Alex Deherder is a true optimist. His motto is, “Be hopeful. There is always hope even in bad spots or places. Even if you can’t see it, you can believe it.”

WEST BLOOMFIELD — A good time in support of a good cause could be in store for thousands of residents later this month.

ST. CLAIR SHORES — Gear up to see some cool vehicles and support a great cause on Aug. 30 at the Harper Charity Cruise.

MADISON HEIGHTS — Those who volunteer know it can be thankless work, but they aren’t in it for the glory. They do it because they want to help others — a fact not lost on city officials.

HAZEL PARK — A festival aims to prove Hazel Park lives up to its motto as “The Friendly City.”

FARMINGTON — Thousands of people gathered into downtown Farmington for this year’s version of the Farmington Founders Festival.

STERLING HEIGHTS — The Sterling Heights Senior Center has a brand new spot for seniors who want to work out among their peers.

HAZEL PARK — Last year, a group of teens decided to organize their own version of prom at the Hazel Park District Library. This year, the event returns with a murder mystery theme, and more than 600 dresses provided by a local charity.

METRO DETROIT — In one photo, Elton John — at the piano in his signature glitter ’70s glasses — serenades the audience.

METRO DETROIT — If you’ve ever ventured over to Eddie’s Drive-In, you may have spotted Bill Shuster and his 1969 Chevrolet Corvair Monza.

NOVI — Things that might typically be dubbed strange, weird and just plain odd were highlighted at the annual Oddities & Curiosities Expo July 15 at the Suburban Collection Showplace in Novi.

METRO DETROIT — An invasive fly that’s known to damage crops has made its way to Michigan, threatening the state’s fruit and wine growers.

GROSSE POINTE FARMS — For many, one of the highlights of summer is the chance to enjoy outdoor concerts and art fairs. Residents in the Pointes won’t have to travel far to do both in early August.

NORTHERN MICHIGAN — If you’ve missed recent chances to see a dazzling display of Northern Lights in northern Michigan, don’t fret. There’s still plenty of opportunities to see spectacular celestial shows up north this summer.

TROY — The Troy Public Library is promoting its new programs for August and inviting the public to join them before the summer ends.

BIRMINGHAM —  Once again, Playwrights@Work is presenting original plays for the annual One-Act Festival July 28-30.

NOVI — Thousands gathered in Novi July 23 to celebrate the 38th annual Festival of Chariots, a Hindu cultural festival put on by the Iskcon Temple in Detroit.

ROCHESTER HILLS — Art enthusiasts will gather at the Village of Rochester Hills July 29-30 for the 19th annual Fine Art at The Village.

BERKLEY — A plaza outside Berkley High School was unveiled earlier this month after years in development.