Oakland County Parks has expanded its military recreation voucher program to include Gold Star Families — those who have experienced the loss of an immediate family member who died during active-duty military service.

Recreation vouchers are distributed each May in honor of National Military Appreciation Month and expire the current year. However, Gold Star Families may pick up recreation vouchers immediately, which will be valid through Dec. 31, 2025 for one of the following:

• One free night at a campsite at either Addison Oaks County Park near Rochester or Groveland Oaks County Park in Holly.

• One free visit to Red Oaks Waterpark in Madison Heights or Waterford Oaks Wave Pool in Waterford.

• One free entry to Holly Oaks ORV Park.

Gold Star Families must show proof of residency when they pick up their voucher during the hours stated below at one of the following locations:

• Addison Oaks County Park, 1480 West Romeo Road, Leonard — 8:30 a.m.-3:30 p.m. Monday-Thursday; 8:30 a.m.-5 p.m. Friday- Sunday, staff permitting. Call 248-693-2432 to check that staff is available.

• Holly Oaks ORV Park, 14551 Shields Road, Holly — 10 a.m.-6 p.m. Saturday and Sunday.

• Independence Oaks County Park, 9501 Sashabaw Road, Independence Twp. — 9 a.m.-3 p.m. Saturday and Sunday at the contact station; 9 a.m.-4 p.m. Monday-Friday at the park office.

• Lyon Oaks County Park, 52221 Pontiac Trail, Wixom — 9 a.m.-3 p.m. Saturday and Sunday at the dog park.

• Waterford Oaks County Park, 2800 Watkins Lake Road, Waterford Twp. — 8 a.m.-4:30 p.m., Monday-Friday at the Recreation Program & Services Office.

The Department of Defense defines immediate family members as spouses, parents, children, siblings, stepparents, stepchildren, step-siblings, half-siblings, adoptive parents, adopted children and adopted siblings.

Information about the 2025 Military Appreciation voucher program for active military and veterans will be released in the spring. Call 248-858-0916 for more information.

For more information about Oakland County Parks, visit OaklandCountyParks.com.

Michigan Military & Veterans Gala ticket sales open

Ticket sales are now open for the 2024 Michigan Military & Veterans Gala. Scheduled for Saturday, Nov. 2, at the L.V. Eberhard Center in Grand Rapids, the gala is the state’s premier event that honors both those who have served our state and nation in uniform and those who advocate on their behalf.

Gala tickets are $45. A maximum of 300 tickets will be sold for this adults-only event.

The categories that will be awarded are: 2024 Veteran of the Year, MVAA and Trust Fund Exceptional Service Award, Veteran Friendly Volunteer of the Year, Community Outreach and Regional Engagement (Core) Award, DMVA Employee of the Year, VA Employee of the Year, and Veteran Service Provider of the Year.

The 2024 Michigan Military & Veterans Gala is presented by the National Guard Association of Michigan, Michigan Department of Military and Veterans Affairs and the Michigan Veterans Affairs Agency, Tickets are available at: https://events.ngam.org/michigan-military-veteran-gala.

Upcoming events

• Oxford American Legion Post 108 to host Taco Tuesday Mexican Buffet from 4 to 6 p.m. Oct. 8 and Chef’s Choice Buffet from 4 to 7 p.m. Wednesday, Oct. 9, and Fish dinners from noon to 8 p.m. Friday, Oct. 11, at 130 Drahner Road, Oxford. For more information, call 248-628-9081.

• Clarkston American Legion Post 377 to host Bingo from 6 to 9:30 p.m. Tuesday, Oct. 8, at 4819 Mary Sue Ave. For more information, call 248-673-9301.

• Holly American Legion Post 149 to host Community Dance Jam Crazy Hat night from 7 to 11 p.m. Friday, Oct. 11, at 408 S. Saginaw St., Holly. Formerly known as Open Mic Night, the event features band, Dumb and Drummer. Public welcome. For more information, 810-348-9960.

• Waterford Heart of the Lakes VFW Post 1008 Auxiliary to host annual Quarter Auction at 7 p.m. Saturday, Oct.19, at 1690 Airport Road, Waterford Twp.

Various items are up for auction with a value of $25 to $100. Participants purchase bid paddles upon entry for $3 each or 2 for $5. Items are then bid upon

by the value, $25 would be a 1 quarter bid, $50, 2 quarter and so on. Participants have the chance to win an item valued at $100 for $1. Proceeds from this fundraiser go to purchase toys for needy children at Christmas. Doors open at 6 p.m. and bidding begins at 7 p.m. Light refreshments available for purchase. For more information, call 248-674-2826.

• Holly American Legion Post 149 to host Vet to Vet Dinner at 5:30 p.m. Monday, Oct. 21, at 408 S. Saginaw St., Holly. All vets and their significant others welcome. Food provided. Call 810-348-9960.

• Holly American Legion Post 149 to host Annual American Legion Rocking Halloween/Costume Party from 7 to 11 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 26, at 408 S. Saginaw St., Holly. Best costume contest, band Dumb and Drummer, dancing and refreshments. Donations accepted. For more information, 810-348-9960.

The Oakland Press is interested in all veterans events in Oakland County. Please send info in the body of an email with subject line “Veterans Affairs” to Sharon Longman at sslstart@aol.com. Allow two weeks’ notice for scheduled events.