The Michigan Supreme Court will host its 23rd Annual Adoption Day event with a special session on Tuesday, Nov. 25 in the Michigan Hall of Justice in downtown Lansing.

The program, which will begin at 10 a.m., will include adoption finalizations from Eaton County and an awards ceremony for honorees within the child welfare system.

To celebrate National Adoption Month under the theme of “Giving Thanks for Families,” courts statewide will mark Michigan Adoption Day 2025. Traditionally held on the Tuesday before Thanksgiving each year, Adoption Day has become a holiday tradition, highlighting the importance of adoption and the needs of children in foster care to find a forever family. Many courts will publicly finalize adoptions, while others will hold informational events to reach potential adoptive parents.

Following the adoption finalization in the Supreme Court courtroom, the celebration will feature the presentation of the 2025 Daniel J. Wright Lifetime Achievement Award to former Kent County Circuit Court Judge Terence J. Ackert, who currently serves in the Kent County Probate Court. Also at the event, Brooke Frusti of Negaunee will be presented with the 2025 Maura D. Corrigan Foster Family Lifetime Achievement Award.

Judge Ackert will be honored for his instrumental leadership in Kent County and statewide, serving on forums and committees effectuating improvements to the child welfare system. Frusti will be honored for her dedicated service in opening her home, together with her husband, as adoptive parents to eight children and foster parents to five other children.

Holiday Gala planned by OCBA for Dec. 4 at Townsend Hotel

The Oakland County Bar Association will host its Holiday Gala on Thursday, December 4, from 6 to 8:30 p.m. at the Townsend Hotel, 100 Townsend St. in Birmingham.

Attendees will enjoy an elegant evening of friendship and seasonal celebration with festive music, an array of hors d’oeuvres, and delectable treats in a truly memorable atmosphere.  Tickets include food, entertainment, and one drink ticket per guest.

Cost for the gala is $120 for OCBA members; $90 for OCBA new lawyers (P84347+), paralegals, and law students; and $130 for non-members.  There will be an additional $40 charge for those who register at the door.  To register online, visit www.ocba.org and click on  “Events.”

Anyone with questions may contact Jennifer Quick at 248-334-3400.

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