Edition No. 124
In our 124th edition of Inspired Thoughts, a Detroit neo-classical artist returns from her sold-out Cube debut to present an eclectic set of original works and familiar tunes; and The Family Center of Grosse Pointe & Harper Woods hosts a Community Safety Night in partnership with The War Memorial.
Detroit area musicians team up for May 13 performance
Drawing inspiration from artists such as Chopin, Joe Sample, Erykah Badu, Amel Larrieux, The Beatles, Fourplay, and Incognito, Candace Nicole brings her set of eclectic songs to The Peter D. and Julie F. Cummings Cube at the Detroit Symphony Orchestra. She has compiled a group of fellow Detroit area musicians for The Candace Nicole Experience Vol. 2. The smaller venue size of The Cube allows you to fully immerse yourself in the bass, drum, chords and piano melodies that this amazing group will showcase.
This amazing show is Saturday, May 13th at 8:00 pm.
Tickets start at just $20. For more information, or to purchase tickets, click here.
For more information, click here.
The Family Center to host Community Safety Night
The Family Center of Grosse Pointe & Harper Woods, a nonprofit organization that provides resources and education to empower families to successfully navigate life’s social, emotional, and physical challenges, will host a Community Safety Night in partnership with The War Memorial on May 16, from 7 to 8 p.m.
The program includes a discussion about crime prevention and emergency preparedness with Grosse Pointe Farms Police Chief John Hutchins, Deputy Chief Andrew Rogers, Sgt. Tony Trupiano, and Public Safety Officer John Ross. Information will be shared about home and car theft, cyber security, and community emergency protocols. Following the presentation, attendees can talk with local vendors to learn more about prevention and protection options.
The program will take place in the Alger Center at the War Memorial.
“After our home was the target of an attempted break-in, I wanted to help turn our trauma into something positive for the community by organizing a Safety Night,” Grosse Pointe Farms resident Carolyn Bollozos said. “I believe that gaining knowledge and awareness is a critical step in strengthening the safety of our homes and businesses.”
This is a free event and registration is not necessary. To learn more, check on the link here.
Inspired Thoughts is a collection of highly curated content that embraces the spirit and purpose of The War Memorial: arts and culture, community enrichment, leadership, and patriotism.
Derived from the notion that learning from others is the key to success, Inspired Thoughts is meant to shine a light on those making a difference in the world around them. This collection features artists, poets, writers, architects, and every thought leader in-between. Inspired Thoughts is the strongest reflection of what The War Memorial stands for, and what we aim to be. The content featured on Inspired Thoughts is curated by War Memorial leadership.
Edition No. 123
In our 123rd edition of Inspired Thoughts, the public is welcome to an open house for glass artwork with workshops; and a new 390-feet pier along Lake St. Clair is officially opening, at Blossom Heath Park.
Open house planned for glass artwork gallery
Are you looking to start learning a new skill? Epiphany Glass is hosting an open house with workshops! On top of the workshops, they will also have their studio full of beautiful handmade glass artwork available for you to take home!
Their in-house Master Glass Artist, April Wagner, is excited to open the gallery to the public and teach people how she and her team create their one-of-a-kind glass pieces. The open house will be held from 10 am to 6 pm for two days, May 6th and 7th, at their studio in Pontiac.
For more information, click here.
Pier ribbon cutting set at Blossom Heath Park
A Blossom Heath Activity Pier ribbon cutting is planned for May 6 at 2 p.m. in St. Clair Shores. The festivities also includes the Big Brew Fest. The event is open to everyone and no park pass is necessary.
Some facts about the new pier is that it extends 390 feet past the shoreline into Lake St. Clair, and has benches and shade structures to help protect visitors from the sun and fatigue.
Work began on the pier in the summer of 2021. City officials say there are many features of the project that will not only enhance the area but will also increase the stability of the pier and shoreline into the future. Leading out to the pier is a new road that includes a boardwalk.
The Big Brew Fest runs from noon to 10 p.m., including sampling local breweries, shopping local vendors, dancing to live music and chowing down at great food trucks. Blossom Heath Park is located at 24800 Jefferson Ave. in St. Clair Shores.
To learn more about the opening, check on the link here.
Inspired Thoughts is a collection of highly curated content that embraces the spirit and purpose of The War Memorial: arts and culture, community enrichment, leadership, and patriotism.
Derived from the notion that learning from others is the key to success, Inspired Thoughts is meant to shine a light on those making a difference in the world around them. This collection features artists, poets, writers, architects, and every thought leader in-between. Inspired Thoughts is the strongest reflection of what The War Memorial stands for, and what we aim to be. The content featured on Inspired Thoughts is curated by War Memorial leadership.
Edition No. 122
In our 122nd edition of Inspired Thoughts, The Wolverine Bar Association hosts their 61st annual Barristers’ Ball; and for National Day of Prayer, the Grosse Pointe Chamber of Commerce is hosting Mayors’ Prayer Breakfast, featuring keynote speaker and Grosse Pointe native JT Mestdagh.
Annual Ball held to support students pursuing a legal career
The Wolverine Bar Association is set to host their 61st annual Barristers’ Ball. Their premiere fundraising event of the year features a strolling dinner buffet and musical entertainment. This year’s theme is Paradise Valley and celebrates the entertainment and business districts of old Detroit.
The Wolverine Bar Foundation, the non-profit arm of the association, is focused on helping to support the education of students who are pursuing a legal career. Outside of their financial scholarship support, they also host programs and instructional courses, as well as sponsoring community outreach programs.
Tickets are $150 and can be purchased on their website. For tickets, click the link below!
Chamber presents Mayors’ Prayer Breakfast
In observance of National Day of Prayer, the Grosse Pointe Chamber of Commerce is hosting Mayors’ Prayer Breakfast May 4 at 7:30 a.m. at Country Club of Detroit. It will feature keynote speaker and Grosse Pointe native JT Mestdagh- an author, entrepreneur, philanthropist, podcaster, and inspirational speaker.
In 1952, a bill was passed that the president shall set aside and proclaim a suitable day each year, other than a Sunday, as a National Day of Prayer, a day on which Americans may turn to God in prayer and meditation at churches, in groups, and as individuals. in 1983, the first National Day of Prayer was observed, taking place at Constitution Hall in Washington D.C.
The president is required by law to sign a proclamation each year, encouraging all Americans to pray on this day.
To learn more about the event and for tickets, check on the link here.
Inspired Thoughts is a collection of highly curated content that embraces the spirit and purpose of The War Memorial: arts and culture, community enrichment, leadership, and patriotism.
Derived from the notion that learning from others is the key to success, Inspired Thoughts is meant to shine a light on those making a difference in the world around them. This collection features artists, poets, writers, architects, and every thought leader in-between. Inspired Thoughts is the strongest reflection of what The War Memorial stands for, and what we aim to be. The content featured on Inspired Thoughts is curated by War Memorial leadership.
Edition No. 121
In our 121st edition of Inspired Thoughts, The Lingenfelter Collection gives you the opportunity to combine cars and charity; and for The Pew Charitable Trusts’ 75th anniversary, a live webcast will be held, focusing on American democracy.
Combining cars and charity
Here in the Motor City we love cars, coneys, and charity. The Lingenfelter Collection gives you the opportunity to combine cars and charity (you’re on your own for the coneys) with their annual Spring Open House to benefit the American Cancer Society. The Lingenfelter car collection consists of over 200 classic cars, muscle cars, and import vehicles. This privately owned collection boasts cars from multiple different eras and generations. The Spring Open House has been an annual event since 2016 and has raised over $300,000 for the American Cancer Society.
The event takes place Saturday, April 22nd from 10 am – 5 pm in Brighton at 7819 Lochlin Dr.
No tickets needed, but a donation at the event is encouraged. For more information, visit the event section on the Lingenfelter Facebook page.
Strengthening Democracy in America
In celebration of The Pew Charitable Trusts’ 75th anniversary, a live webcast will soon be held, focusing on American democracy.
The Pew Charitable Trust was founded in 1948 and uses data to make a difference. Pew addresses the challenges of a changing world by illuminating issues, creating common ground, and advancing ambitious projects that lead to tangible progress. Its mission is to improve public policy by conducting rigorous analysis, linking diverse interests to pursue common cause, and insisting on tangible results, and to inform the public by providing useful data that illuminates the issues and trends shaping our world.
The webcast program will include opening remarks by Susan K. Urahn, the president and CEO of The Pew Charitable Trusts, a conversation with Carla Hayden, the 14th Librarian of Congress, and a panel discussion with Filmaker Ken Burns, president of the Pew Research Center Michael Dimock, and Professor Beverly Kirk.
To learn more and to register, check on the link here.
Inspired Thoughts is a collection of highly curated content that embraces the spirit and purpose of The War Memorial: arts and culture, community enrichment, leadership, and patriotism.
Derived from the notion that learning from others is the key to success, Inspired Thoughts is meant to shine a light on those making a difference in the world around them. This collection features artists, poets, writers, architects, and every thought leader in-between. Inspired Thoughts is the strongest reflection of what The War Memorial stands for, and what we aim to be. The content featured on Inspired Thoughts is curated by War Memorial leadership.
Edition No. 120
In our 120th edition of Inspired Thoughts, we check out a limited-time exhibit from the graduate students at the Cranbrook Academy of Art; and baseball is back in Detroit, with the Tigers home opener on April 6.
Limited-time exhibit comes to Cranbrook Museum
If you want to stay on the cutting edge of the art scene, you shouldn’t miss this! Cranbrook Art Museum will have a limited time event showcasing pieces from the graduate students at the Cranbrook Academy of Art. Visit the 2023 Graduate Degree Exhibition of Cranbrook Academy of Arts to see the boundary-pushing art of the newest crop of architects, artists, and designers before they hit it big! The displayed pieces will be the work of students who are completing their two year program at the academy.
The exhibit is open to the public starting this Sunday, April 9th and will run through May 14th. General admission tickets are only $10 and can be purchased at the link below.
For more information and to purchase tickets, check out the button below.
Detroit Tigers home opener 2023
The first week of April is here and that means time for baseball in Detroit! The Detroit Tigers home opener is today at 1:10 p.m. against the Boston Red Sox at Comerica Park.
Last year’s hometown team finished in fourth place in the American League Central Division, with a record of 66-96, 11 wins less than the 2021 season. New additions to this year’s squad include outfielder Matt Vierling and shortstop Nick Maton. Manager A.J. Hinch is in his third year of leading the team, a roster that has not been to the playoffs since 2014.
This year marks the final season for 12-time All Star Miguel Cabrera. The 39-year-old Cabrera will retire after the season and has spent 16 years of his 21-year career in Detroit.
Check out Detroit Tigers beat reporter Jason Beck’s preview of the 2023 Detroit Tigers here.
Inspired Thoughts is a collection of highly curated content that embraces the spirit and purpose of The War Memorial: arts and culture, community enrichment, leadership, and patriotism.
Derived from the notion that learning from others is the key to success, Inspired Thoughts is meant to shine a light on those making a difference in the world around them. This collection features artists, poets, writers, architects, and every thought leader in-between. Inspired Thoughts is the strongest reflection of what The War Memorial stands for, and what we aim to be. The content featured on Inspired Thoughts is curated by War Memorial leadership.
Edition No. 119
In our 119th edition of Inspired Thoughts, we celebrate music with the 15th Annual Motor City Blues Festival; and we highlight National All Things Detroit Day, happening Sunday at Detroit’s Eastern Market.
15th Annual Motor City Blues Festival
Detroit has long been a hub for Blues music going all the way back to the 1920s when people began migrating north to work in our burgeoning manufacturing facilities. With a rich history and deep appreciation for Blues music, Detroit is the perfect place to celebrate this musical genre.
The 2023 Blues Festival is held at the historic Fox Theater and the lineup includes Blues legends Pokey Bear, King George, Calvin Richardson, Ronnie Bell, Lenny Williams, Chick Rodgers and Nellie Tiger Travis.
Tickets range from $59 - $125 and are going fast for this event so don’t wait!
For more information and to purchase tickets, check out the button below.
National All Things Detroit Day returns to Eastern Market
Over 200 vendors are expected at an event aimed at supporting local businesses.
National All Things Detroit Day by Ask Jennyfer happens Sunday, from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. at Eastern Market in Detroit, sheds 3, 4, 5, located at 2810 Russell St.
National All Things Detroit Day is more than just a one-day event. It’s a community that has been built. It’s a mindset that supports entrepreneurial efforts and takes the concept of shopping locally seriously.
Each year, more than 250 small businesses are sought to showcase the best of Detroit, resulting in a unique marketplace experience that appeals to all. More than 12,000 visitors typically attend.
General admission is $5, with doors opening at 11 a.m. The Beat the Crowd deal, for $10, allows you to enter at 10 a.m.
Learn more about National All Things Detroit Day by clicking on the button below.
Inspired Thoughts is a collection of highly curated content that embraces the spirit and purpose of The War Memorial: arts and culture, community enrichment, leadership, and patriotism.
Derived from the notion that learning from others is the key to success, Inspired Thoughts is meant to shine a light on those making a difference in the world around them. This collection features artists, poets, writers, architects, and every thought leader in-between. Inspired Thoughts is the strongest reflection of what The War Memorial stands for, and what we aim to be. The content featured on Inspired Thoughts is curated by War Memorial leadership.
Edition No. 118
In our 118th edition of Inspired Thoughts, a beloved favorite returns to Detroit’s Fox Theatre for its 25th anniversary; and we look at how a few Macomb County veteran's organizations are commemorating National Vietnam War Veterans Day.
Arts and Culture
A beloved favorite returns to Detroit’s Fox Theatre for its 25th anniversary. Fall in love with the magic of Riverdance all over again.
Community and Family
National Vietnam War Veterans Day is March 29. In Macomb County, two organizations are coming together to commemorate Vietnam veterans.
Riverdance returns for 25th anniversary
The show that took the world by storm, and became one of the most recognized performances in history, is celebrating it’s 25th anniversary! Riverdance is returning to Detroit at the Fox Theatre for three shows March 24th and 25th. Fans of all ages will love the choreography and visual elements that have garnered critical acclaim across the globe. With the passion of its Irish dance heritage, Riverdance excites and entertains the entire family!
There are three chances to see this event, Friday evening March 24th, and matinee and evening shows on March 25th. Tickets range from $25-$75.
For more information and to purchase tickets, check out the button below.
National Vietnam War Veterans Day
The Vietnam War Veterans Recognition Act was signed into law in 2017, designating every March 29 as National Vietnam War Veterans Day. Why March 29?
It was 50 years ago- March 29, 1973, when the last U.S. combat troops left South Vietnam, ending direct U.S. military involvement in the Vietnam War.
The Vietnam Veterans of America Chapter 154 in Clinton Township, and VFW 1146 Bruce Post in St. Clair Shores are teaming up to commemorate the day. From 3 to 8 p.m. on March 29, VVA and VFW members, along with associates and friends, are invited to enjoy camaraderie and a meal. The event is held at VFW 1146 Bruce Post, located at 28404 Jefferson Ave., in St. Clair Shores.
Approximately 2.7 million American men and women served in Vietnam. During the war, more than 58,000 servicemen and women lost their lives.
Learn more about Vietnam War veterans commemoration by clicking on the button below.
Inspired Thoughts is a collection of highly curated content that embraces the spirit and purpose of The War Memorial: arts and culture, community enrichment, leadership, and patriotism.
Derived from the notion that learning from others is the key to success, Inspired Thoughts is meant to shine a light on those making a difference in the world around them. This collection features artists, poets, writers, architects, and every thought leader in-between. Inspired Thoughts is the strongest reflection of what The War Memorial stands for, and what we aim to be. The content featured on Inspired Thoughts is curated by War Memorial leadership.
Edition No. 117
In our 117th edition of Inspired Thoughts, we highlight a concert celebrating the music of Simon & Garfunkel; and hop down the avenue in Grosse Pointe Park for a chance to win Easter baskets.
Arts and Culture
Broadway in Detroit welcomes a traveling show with a pair of performances this weekend at the Music Hall Center for the Performing Arts.
Community and Family
Beginning March 20, look for the bunny head displayed at shops and businesses along Mack Avenue, in hopes of winning bountiful baskets.
The Simon & Garfunkel Story
You know their music, but do you know their story? Essentially, Paul Simon and Art Garfunkel were two normal people from Queens, New York who had a passion for music. At the start, they didn’t expect to become some of history’s most acclaimed musicians, but 60 years after their inception, the duo is still recognized worldwide as influential trailblazers. Enjoy a musical journey through the Simon & Garfunkel catalog and learn more about their adventure through music history.
Broadway in Detroit is welcoming in the traveling show with two shows on March 18 at the Music Hall Center for the Performing Arts at 2 p.m. and again at 8 p.m.
Tickets range from $34 - $114 with amazing seats still available.
For more information on the concert, check out the button below.
Hop down the Avenue in Grosse Pointe Woods
The Avenue-in-the-Woods invites you to “HOP” Down the Avenue!
From March 20 to April 7, folks are asked to look for a large pink or blue bunny head displayed in the windows of participating locations along Mack Avenue in Grosse Pointe Woods. Then, sign up to win that location’s basket. No purchase is necessary.
Baskets will be filled with goods from local shops and businesses. Winners will be drawn and contacted shortly after Easter.
To learn more, click on the button below.
Inspired Thoughts is a collection of highly curated content that embraces the spirit and purpose of The War Memorial: arts and culture, community enrichment, leadership, and patriotism.
Derived from the notion that learning from others is the key to success, Inspired Thoughts is meant to shine a light on those making a difference in the world around them. This collection features artists, poets, writers, architects, and every thought leader in-between. Inspired Thoughts is the strongest reflection of what The War Memorial stands for, and what we aim to be. The content featured on Inspired Thoughts is curated by War Memorial leadership.
Edition No. 116
In our 116th edition of Inspired Thoughts, we highlight a concert celebrating the music of Stevie Wonder; and look at the upcoming Detroit St. Patrick's Parade, an event to celebrate Irish pride!
Arts and Culture
Celebrate the music of Stevie Wonder with the Detroit City Jazz Orchestra Plus.
Community and Family
Detroit’s St. Patrick’s Day Parade returns on March 12. Gather the family for an afternoon of entertainment and fun as Irish pride is on full display.
A celebration of the music of Stevie Wonder
The Detroit Symphony Orchestra once again welcomes the Detroit City Jazz Orchestra Plus to the Peter D. and Julie F. Cummings Cube for a program celebrating the music of Stevie Wonder. The Detroit City Jazz Orchestra Plus is an all-star Detroiter band celebrating the diversity of music pioneered in Detroit—from blues, rock, and soul to R&B, jazz, and beyond.
The program will take place on March 11 at 8 p.m. and will feature original arrangements of Wonder’s hit songs with musicians like pianist Pamela Wise, Dwight Adams playing the trumpet and Kasan Belgrave playing the alto saxophone.
Tickets for this performance start at $20 for general admission, with cabaret seating options available for $40.
For more information on the concert, check out the button below.
Celebrate Irish pride at Detroit’s St. Patrick’s Day Parade
You don’t have to be Irish to channel your inner leprechaun.
The Detroit St. Patrick's Parade, a tradition in Corktown, is set for 1 p.m. on March 12. The 65th annual parade starts at Sixth Street near Bagley, goes north toward Michigan Avenue, and left on Michigan. It ends at Fourteenth Street.
The Corktown parade will be filled with marching and pipe and drum bands, color guard units, floats, clowns, novelty groups, and marching units. The parade will last roughly two hours.
This parade is one of the largest St. Patrick’s parades in the country attracting 80,000-100,000 people annually.
There is also a Family Fun Zone that will have live entertainment, a heated grandstand to view the parade, face painting, and more. It will be open from 11:30 a.m. until 3:30 p.m. Tickets are $12 for a single one or $60 for six.
To learn more about the parade, click on the button below.
Inspired Thoughts is a collection of highly curated content that embraces the spirit and purpose of The War Memorial: arts and culture, community enrichment, leadership, and patriotism.
Derived from the notion that learning from others is the key to success, Inspired Thoughts is meant to shine a light on those making a difference in the world around them. This collection features artists, poets, writers, architects, and every thought leader in-between. Inspired Thoughts is the strongest reflection of what The War Memorial stands for, and what we aim to be. The content featured on Inspired Thoughts is curated by War Memorial leadership.
Edition No. 115
In our 115th edition of Inspired Thoughts, we look at the latest updates made to the Motown Museum in Detroit; and highlight a partnership event happening at The War Memorial in March with Grosse Pointe Memorial Church and Kids Coalition Against Hunger.
Arts and Culture
After being closed for a few months, the Motown Museum in Detroit is ready to resume immersive and interactive tours.
Community and Family
Gather the family for an event that goes toward a good cause- packaging food with Kids Coalition Against Hunger at The War Memorial.
Renovated and expanded Motown Museum reopens
Motown Museum reopened last week, once again offering immersive and interactive tours.
Guests will be transported through time while viewing curated exhibits, the actual apartment Berry Gordy lived in with his family during the label’s earliest days, along with original recording equipment and the legendary Studio A, the recording studio where Motown artists recorded some of the greatest songs of all time from 1959 to 1972. Each tour is led by a knowledgeable guide, who will share the interesting history, fascinating anecdotes and captivating stories that all took place at Hitsville U.S.A., now home to Motown Museum.
Museum guests will also see ongoing construction on the museum’s campus as the highly anticipated $65 million expansion project continues toward completion of Phase 3.
For more information on the museum and to book a tour, check out the button below.
The War Memorial partners with local church for packaging effort
The need to feed is constant for one organization.
Grosse Pointe Memorial Church is hosting a packaging event with Kids Coalition Against Hunger on Saturday, March 18.
Three shifts of packaging will take place in The Alger Center at The War Memorial- 10 a.m. to noon, noon to 2 p.m., and 2 p.m. to 4 p.m. The goal is to package over 75,000 meals.
Sue Acton, coordinator of outreach ministries at Grosse Pointe Memorial Church, said the church is hoping to have 150 volunteers per shift. To register to volunteer, click here.
Kids Coalition Against Hunger is a 501©3 humanitarian food aid organization. Its mission is to significantly reduce the number of undernourished children locally and around the world. The meals are packaged by volunteers and delivered to starving people with the help of the coalition’s worldwide partners.
“The first year we partnered with the coalition was 2014,” Acton said. “We started very small with 10,000 meals. Then it got to over 150,000 meals. We love to support local and worldwide efforts. The coalition really believes in feeding people around the world and around the corner.”
This year’s packaging marks the first year the church has done it since 2020. It also will be the first time The War Memorial has teamed up with the church for this endeavor.
To learn more and to sign up to volunteer, click on the button below.
Inspired Thoughts is a collection of highly curated content that embraces the spirit and purpose of The War Memorial: arts and culture, community enrichment, leadership, and patriotism.
Derived from the notion that learning from others is the key to success, Inspired Thoughts is meant to shine a light on those making a difference in the world around them. This collection features artists, poets, writers, architects, and every thought leader in-between. Inspired Thoughts is the strongest reflection of what The War Memorial stands for, and what we aim to be. The content featured on Inspired Thoughts is curated by War Memorial leadership.