Community Calendar

Michigan high school seniors: Looking for college money and a way to make a difference in your community?

LAFCU is now accepting entries for its 2026 Write to Educate Essay Contest, awarding $20,000 in college scholarships—plus $2,000 donated to Michigan charities chosen by student winners.

Four students will each receive a $5,000 scholarship to a Michigan college or university and select a local nonprofit to receive a $500 donation from LAFCU. No minimum GPA. No financial-need requirement. No LAFCU membership required.

Students simply submit a one-page essay responding to this year’s prompt, focused on identifying a community issue and proposing a solution. Submit entries by March 31, 2026. For more information: www.lafcu.com/writetoeducate

Thomas Paine’s “Common Sense” was one of the most influential works of the American Revolution. The first edition was published on January 10, 1776, with an initial print run of just 1,000 copies; but within weeks demand soared. The students of Andy Murphy’s POLISCI 495 course co-curated the exhibition “Revolutionary Paine” to document the whirlwind caused by its publication. On view at the Clements January 16-May 8, weekdays from 12-4 pm.

Celebrate the pivotal moments of America's Bicentennial celebration through the eyes of President Gerald Ford, as recounted by Thomas DeFrank. As the only reporter still covering the White House today who also covered President Ford during the Bicentennial, DeFrank offers a unique, first-person perspective of America's 200th birthday commemoration.

Join us for personal stories from this celebrated journalist, who traveled with Ford during those momentous days and was privy to his thoughts, feelings, organizing principles and philosophy surrounding our country's historic July 4, 1976, milestone.

There was only one prize-winning teenager carrying stones big enough to say thanks, but no thanks to Roy Acuff. Only one son of Kentucky finding a light of inspiration from Bill Monroe and his Blue Grass Boys and catching a fire from Bob Marley and The Wailers. Only one progressive hippie allying with like-minded conspirators, rolling out the New Grass revolution, and then leaving the genre's torch-bearing band behind as it reached its commercial peak. There is only one consensus pick of peers and predecessors, of the traditionalists, the rebels, and the next gen devotees. Music's ultimate inside outsider. Or is it outside insider? There is only one Sam Bush.

SCHEDULE
6:30 PM | Doors Open
7:00 PM | Royce Auditorium Doors Open
7:30 PM | Concert Begins
9:00 PM | Post Concert Reception

Evan’s life is turned upside down when he moves from New York City to a small Midwest town, and right before his Bar Mitzvah. Desperate to fit in, he finds himself navigating crushes, cliques, and chaos in this hilarious coming-of-age musical. With a catchy rock score by Tony® Award-winning composer Jason Robert Brown, 13 JR. is a high-energy celebration of friendship, growing up, and finding the confidence to be yourself.

Michigan high school seniors: Looking for college money and a way to make a difference in your community?

LAFCU is now accepting entries for its 2026 Write to Educate Essay Contest, awarding $20,000 in college scholarships—plus $2,000 donated to Michigan charities chosen by student winners.

Four students will each receive a $5,000 scholarship to a Michigan college or university and select a local nonprofit to receive a $500 donation from LAFCU. No minimum GPA. No financial-need requirement. No LAFCU membership required.

Students simply submit a one-page essay responding to this year’s prompt, focused on identifying a community issue and proposing a solution. Submit entries by March 31, 2026. For more information: www.lafcu.com/writetoeducate

Thomas Paine’s “Common Sense” was one of the most influential works of the American Revolution. The first edition was published on January 10, 1776, with an initial print run of just 1,000 copies; but within weeks demand soared. The students of Andy Murphy’s POLISCI 495 course co-curated the exhibition “Revolutionary Paine” to document the whirlwind caused by its publication. On view at the Clements January 16-May 8, weekdays from 12-4 pm.

Mark your calendars for the Mid Michigan Pet Expo!
Bring your pups and the whole family for a fun-filled, dog-friendly weekend happening Friday–Sunday, March 27–29, 2026, at the Dort Financial Center in Flint, MI.

Proudly sponsored by Einstein Dog Training, this event features pet vendors, training demos, activities, and plenty of opportunities to connect with fellow animal lovers—all while supporting a great cause.

Admission:

$10 per adult

$5 per youth (ages 13–17)

FREE for kids 12 and under

FREE for pets

This event is an item drive to benefit Genesee County Animal Control. Come enjoy a weekend dedicated to pets, community, and fun!

Mark your calendars for the Mid Michigan Pet Expo!
Bring your pups and the whole family for a fun-filled, dog-friendly weekend happening Friday–Sunday, March 27–29, 2026, at the Dort Financial Center in Flint, MI.

Proudly sponsored by Einstein Dog Training, this event features pet vendors, training demos, shopping, pet adoptions, and plenty of opportunities to connect with fellow animal lovers—all while supporting a great cause.

Admission:
$10 per adult
$5 per youth (ages 13–17)
FREE for kids 12 and under
FREE for pets

This event is an item drive to benefit Genesee County Animal Control. Come enjoy a weekend dedicated to pets, community, and fun!

As we celebrate the 250th anniversary of the founding of America, how is your family’s story a part of that history? Join us at the Gerald R. Ford Presidential Library to find out how one author answered that question!

Jean Alicia Elster gathered stories from her Michigan family, also named the Fords, to write her books. Her presentation will focus on learning and sharing family history through oral histories. She will share portions of the oral histories she obtained from family members and then read select passages from her Ford family historical fiction trilogy--WHO'S JIM HINES?, THE COLORED CAR and HOW IT HAPPENS--to show how she used those oral histories to create the narratives in the books.

She will also offer tips on obtaining oral histories from family members during family gatherings such as reunions, holidays and other celebrations. There will be time for Q & A at the end of the presentation, and if you bring your copies of her books, she will be available to sign them.