Edition No. 104
In our 104th edition of Inspired Thoughts, internationally celebrated artist McArthur Binion brings his first exhibition in nearly two decades home to Detroit; and amid the hustle and bustle of the holidays, one day looks to bring folks together to lay wreaths at veterans graves across the country.
Arts and Culture
Internationally celebrated artist McArthur Binion brings his first exhibition in nearly two decades home to Detroit.
Community and Family
Christmas is here! In the final days before the big day, we take a look at a USA Today article that serves as a guide to over 100 family films to watch this holiday!
Detroit welcomes home internationally renowned artist McArthur Binion
Library Street Collective recently announced its exhibition with Detroit native and widely celebrated artist McArthur Binion titled Self:Portraits. With a career spanning over forty years, Binion is known for producing mixed media works that marry the language of rhythmic Minimalist abstraction with personal memory and autobiography. On display will be a selection of paintings from Binion’s Self:Portrait series, six of which were created in 2016, and seven of which were created over the last few months.
Within the Self:Portraits, Binion lays a foundation for each work constructed of personal photographs and documents—this critical underlayer is what the artist refers to as the “under-conscious” of the work.
Self:Portraits constitutes a homecoming of sorts, not only is it Binion’s first exhibition in his hometown in nearly two decades, but it also precedes his return to the city as a part-time resident. It is with a motivation to give back to Detroit’s creative community that Binion founded the Modern Ancient Brown Foundation, a nonprofit organization that supports the intersection between the visual and literary arts in the Detroit community through an artist grant campaign and residency program. Established in 2019, the foundation’s headquarters will open in 2023 in Detroit’s East Village. Binion will be donating 100% of his proceeds from the exhibition to Modern Ancient Brown; Library Street Collective will be donating a substantial portion of its proceeds to the further development of the public skatepark at the Shepherd, designed by Binion and legendary skateboarder Tony Hawk. The skatepark is spearheaded by the gallery and in partnership with Jefferson East, Inc, a neighborhood non-profit organization that serves low-income populations on the City’s east side and five historic bordering neighborhoods.
Binion’s Self:Portraits will be on view until Feb. 22, 2023. Learn more at the button below.
Photo credit: William Jess Laird
What to watch this holiday season
Want to stay inside after Christmas and spend time relaxing and catching up with the family? One way to unwind as the year wraps up is by watching your favorite movie!
This week, we examine an article from USA Today that lists plenty of films to watch, ranging from steaming services like Netflix, Disney+, and HBO Max.
On Disney+, Kevin McCallister in “Home Alone” and “Home Alone 2: Lost in New York” tops the list. Others include Disney’s “A Christmas Carol” and “I'll Be Home for Christmas.”
Netflix selections include “White Christmas,” “Home for the Holidays,” and “The Christmas Chronicles.”
From HBO Max, featured movies are “Elf,” “The Polar Express,” and seven movies from the “Harry Potter” film series.
To read the article and pick which movies your family can enjoy this week, click 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 — we also look forward to featuring special guest curators in the near future. If you are interested in providing content for Inspired Thoughts, please email our Communications team at dmurphy@warmemorial.org.
Edition No. 103
In our 103rd edition of Inspired Thoughts, we share The Nutcracker, a timeless holiday tale, brought to life on a majestic scale; and Looking to drive around to see area Christmas lights? Wayne and Oakland counties have something for all!
Arts and Culture
Experience The Nutcracker, a timeless holiday tale, brought to life on a majestic scale!
Community and Family
Looking to drive around to see area Christmas lights? Wayne and Oakland counties have something for all!
THE IMMERSIVE NUTCRACKER: A WINTER MIRACLE
Magical! Enchanting! Unforgettable!
For nearly 130 years, The Nutcracker has enchanted children around the world. Now The Immersive Nutcracker: A Winter Miracle is the ultimate holiday experience for the entire family. Guets will experience the timeless holiday tale like never before – brought to life on a majestic scale!
Your family will be enchanted by Peter Ilyich Tchaikovsky’s sweeping music, including iconic selections like “The March of the Toys” and “The Dance of the Sugar Plum Fairy” as they are immersed in holiday wonder.
The event is the extraordinary Lighthouse ArtSpace located at 311 E. Grand River, in Detroit. Renowned for transforming venues into unforgettable art experiences, the Immersive Van Gogh Exhibit strives to highlight the unique architecture of its spaces while integrating influences from its history and community.
This festive season, treat your family to The Immersive Nutcracker: A Winter Miracle – an unforgettable holiday extravaganza! To secure tickets, visit the link at the button below!
Christmas displays are calling: A look at a few seasonal setups in metro Detroit
Christmas lights are aglow across metro Detroit with just over two weeks until Christmas. A drive on Lake Shore Road through some of the Grosse Pointes offers a good view of homes adorned with festive lights and displays. One such home is at the northwest corner of Lake Shore and Moross roads in Grosse Pointe Farms. This home offers a variety of decorations and lights, visible from Lake Shore.
Also in Wayne County, an annual tradition for some includes a visit to the Wayne County Lightfest. The four-mile stretch of Hines Park displays nearly 50 animated themed displays and more than 100,000 lights. It is open Wednesday to Sunday through Christmas Eve, from 6 to 10 p.m. Cars are $5. The entrance to the Lightfest is 7651 North Merriman Road, between Ann Arbor Trail and Warren Avenue.
Through Jan. 8 in Royal Oak, Wild Lights at the Detroit Zoo once again looks to make spirits merry and bright. Dates are Dec. 9-10, 16-23 from 5 to 10:30 p.m., Dec. 11, 14-15, 26-31 from 5 to 9 p.m., and Jan. 2-8 from 5 to 9 p.m. Five ticket packages are available, with tickets ranging from $17 to $65 per person. The night includes the enchanted trail, toyland and wishing tree, Wild Lights Lodge, Wildlife Photographer of the Year exhibit, seasonal treats and more.
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 — we also look forward to featuring special guest curators in the near future. If you are interested in providing content for Inspired Thoughts, please email our Communications team at dmurphy@warmemorial.org.
Edition No. 102
In our 102nd edition of Inspired Thoughts, we share a few upcoming holiday happenings at The War Memorial; and Noel Night, ice rinks, a craft show and more kick off local holiday celebrations!
Arts and Culture
Magical Holidays, a trip to Orchestra Hall and Swingin’ Into the Season are just a few events The War Memorial has in store to kick off the season at the historic Alger House and the newly opened Fred M. Alger Center!
Community and Family
Now that the holiday season is in full swing, this week we explore some seasonal events sure to get you in a festive mood.
Holiday happenings at The War Memorial!
There’s something for everyone under our tree this Christmas season at The War Memorial. Several events, along with holiday classes, are set December at the historic Alger House and the newly opened Fred M. Alger Center.
“We are looking forward to celebrating the magic of the holiday season at The War Memorial through a variety of programming for all ages,” Leah Celebi, vice president of community engagement and programming, said.
Our marquee event for children – Magical Holidays - takes place Dec. 11, beginning at 4:30 p.m. at the Alger Center. This family fun activity celebrates the magic of the holiday season with Gordon the Magician, festive treats, writing a letter to Santa Claus, and then a visit from Father Christmas. Space is limited and advance registration is required. General admission is $18 per person. Accompanying adults must also purchase a ticket. Children under 6 months of age are free.
The following week, join us as we depart from The War Memorial by coach to Orchestra Hall for “Home for the Holidays.” This daytrip on Dec. 16 includes Detroit’s favorite holiday musical tradition, the Detroit Symphony Orchestra. Arrive for check-in no later than 9:30 a.m. Guests will return to The War Memorial by 1 p.m.
Celebi commented that through world-class musical performances, culinary experiences, visits with Santa, and seasonally-themed classes and workshops, everyone will be welcomed to kick off the holiday season with The War Memorial.
In the final days before Christmas, the Alger House will be “Swingin’ Into the Season” with dinner and a show, Dec. 21 starting at 6:30 p.m. The night features delicious hors d’Oeuvres strolling amid fireplaces and a culinary experience by Executive Chef Joe Paxton. It will be capped off with a performance by the Scott Gwinnel Jazz Orchestra.
Dec. 15 and Dec. 18, slots are available at 6 and 7 p.m. for Bedtime Stories with Santa at The Alger House. Dress in comfy pajamas and snuggle up with your favorite stuffed toy as Santa Claus reads some of his beloved holiday stories, share tales about life at the North Pole, and snack on his favorite holiday treat - milk and cookies!
Classes at The War Memorial include holiday cocktails with Tammy’s Tastings on Nov. 16 at 7 p.m. where folks can mix and sample a variety of cocktails that are perfect for Thanksgiving entertaining. Dec. 10, holiday youth etiquette training will focus on contemporary youth etiquette skills, with an emphasis on leadership and character building, and enhancing self-esteem. Another holiday class is Super Sparklers with The Wine Counselor on Dec. 15 at 7 p.m. In this program, adults will enjoy sparkling wine- a fun and festive addition to any occasion.
For full details on these holiday events and more, please visit warmemorial.org/holidays, or call 313.881.7511.
Noel Night, ice rinks, craft show and more kick off in local communities
Locally, a holiday art and craft bazaar is scheduled for Saturday at Parcells Middle School in Grosse Pointe Woods. The Parcells parent teacher organization has prided itself on offering the community an all-handmade holiday art and craft bazaar annually. Established in 1975, the bazaar is from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. at the school, located at 20600 Mack Ave., Grosse Pointe Woods.
The 48th annual Noel Night is scheduled for Saturday, Dec. 3, with close to 100 participating venues, including the Detroit Symphony Orchestra, College for Creative Studies, Wayne State University, Charles H. Wright Museum of African American History and Michigan Science Center, along with the area's historic churches, galleries, unique small businesses, nonprofit organizations, other arts, cultural and educational institutions, restaurants, bars and breweries, and more!
Noel Night is a cultural center-wide holiday open house that presents free activities, including holiday shopping, family craft activities, artist demonstrations and performances by local and national music, theatre, and dance groups, and other special performances. The event is free and open to the public. A full line-up of programming at www.noelnight.org.
Looking to visit some ice rinks this month? Two places we want to highlight this week are Royal Oak and Detroit, both home to ice rinks. In downtown Detroit at The Rink at Campus Martius Park, visitors can be part of award-winning holiday lighting and public spaces, along with fantastic retailers and restaurants. It is open through March 5. In Oakland County, the Rink at Royal Oak is a new attraction. Open through Feb. 19, it is located in Centennial Commons in the heart of downtown Royal Oak.
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 — we also look forward to featuring special guest curators in the near future. If you are interested in providing content for Inspired Thoughts, please email our Communications team at dmurphy@warmemorial.org.
Edition No. 101
In our 101st edition of Inspired Thoughts, we share a My Modern Met article highlighting Ukrainian Pastry Chef Dinara Kasko’s spectacular geometric pastries and tools to take your designs to the next level; and with Thanksgiving day upon us, we present a pair of podcasts from NPR and USA Today that can help you better navigate the holiday.
Arts and Culture
Ukrainian Pastry Chef Dinara Kasko creates spectacular geometric pastries and provides the tools to take your designs to the next level.
Community and Family
With Thanksgiving day upon us, we present a pair of podcasts from NPR and USA Today that can help you better navigate the holiday.
Ukrainian Pastry Chef Dinara Kasko creates spectacular geometric pastries and guides you through creating them yourself
‘Angular’ and ‘geodesic’ are two words that do not traditionally roll off the tongue when describing pastries. According to an article by Sara Barnes in My Modern Met, Dinara Kasko, a Ukrainian pastry designer, creates cakes that incorporate perfect waves, uniform baubles, and mesmerizing gradients. The article explains how Kasko incorporates algorithmic tools and complex diagramming techniques to inform her work while also finding inspiration in the art of origami.
Kasko is empowering people to make their own desserts in her style. She sells a variety of silicone pastry baking molds so that you can replicate some of her remarkable pastries and has a her large selection of pre-recorded online classes where you too can make your own incredible food art.
Whether you are ready to take on a bold pastry challenge or wow the family with something new and inspirational, Kasko provides the tools to take your pastries to the next level.
Read Barnes’ full article at the button below!
A feast of Thanksgiving podcasts
While the road to be with family and friends on this day may be short for some, for others, it requires more time, more time to pass and more time to ponder the reason for Thanksgiving and all that comes with it.
A 2017 USA Today article lists five seasonally-themed podcasts to help pass the time, from what’s for dinner, to anxiety about seeing relatives. To check out the article and podcasts, click on the button below.
The second resource to check out on this day of thanks comes from NPR. It includes several podcasts, ranging in topic from declaring Thanksgiving a national holiday, to Thanksgiving dinner tips. Listen to the podcasts by clicking on the button below.
Whether it is to break bread, reconvene annual traditions or simply reflect on moments of gratitude, The War Memorial is delighted to share these few helpful holiday-themed podcasts with our readers! Happy Thanksgiving!
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 — we also look forward to featuring special guest curators in the near future. If you are interested in providing content for Inspired Thoughts, please email our Communications team at dmurphy@warmemorial.org.
Edition No. 100
In our 100th edition of Inspired Thoughts, we share Miniature Moments: A Journey Through Hallmark ® Keepsake Ornaments exhibit exploring The Henry Ford’s extensive collection of nearly 7,000 Hallmark ornaments; and over 300 people came together on one day in hopes of giving a child a brighter Christmas season through Toys for Tots!
Arts and Culture
Miniature Moments: A Journey Through Hallmark ® Keepsake Ornaments explores The Henry Ford’s extensive collection of nearly 7,000 Hallmark ornaments.
Community and Family
Over 300 people came together on one day in hopes of giving a child a brighter Christmas season through Toys for Tots.
Miniature Moments: A Journey Through Hallmark® Keepsake Ornaments
Presented by The Henry Ford
Permanently on display inside the Henry Ford Museum of American Innovation, Miniature Moments: A Journey Through Hallmark ® Keepsake Ornaments explores the museum’s extensive collection of nearly 7,000 Hallmark ornaments made between 1973 and 2009. The event is open to the public November 20.
Founded by teenage entrepreneur J.C. Hall in 1910, Hallmark did not start with ornaments but with cards. At a young age, J.C. Hall opened a postcard company in a small town in Nebraska. With limited opportunities, he crammed two shoeboxes full of postcards and boarded a train for Kansas City, Missouri, where he and his brother opened a stationery store. When a fire wiped out the store’s inventory, the brothers bought an engraving firm, setting the stage for the first Hallmark card designs.
Hallmark revolutionized Christmas decorating in the late 20th century by developing an increasing variety of ornaments for a wide range of distinctly different customers. In 1973, Hallmark introduced a small line of Keepsake ornaments. The initial product line of primarily glass ball ornaments evolved into an emphasis on figural ornaments.
As we glide into the season, let Henry Ford’s Museum of American Innovation allow you to relive holiday memories, remember special people and events, and find new inspiration for your own holiday traditions!
Toys for Tots brings collection efforts to The War Memorial
Donna Satterfield saw it as a way to promote a great cause in an amazing new space.
Nov. 11, the U. S. Marine Corps Reserve Toys for Tots Program held a toy collection event at the Fred M. Alger Center at The War Memorial. Folks dropped off a new, unwrapped toy. This year’s nationwide collection campaign marks the 75th anniversary. This was the 20th anniversary of the local collection event, typically held at The War Memorial.
Satterfield, Toys for Tots co-chair, said the number of toys collected was enough to fill a 25-foot moving van that goes to area children.
“The most rewarding part is seeing the generosity of our community and donating toys for these children who otherwise wouldn’t have a very happy Christmas,” she said. “The War Memorial looks beautiful and everybody thought so. It was a really nice event.”
The program’s mission is to collect new, unwrapped toys during October, November and December each year, and distribute those toys as Christmas gifts to less fortunate children in the community in which the campaign is conducted. Its primary goal is to deliver, through a new toy at Christmas, a message of hope to less fortunate youngsters that will assist them in becoming responsible, productive, patriotic citizens.
Last year in Wayne and Macomb counties, nearly 34,000 toys were distributed, and over 10,000 children were supported. For more information on this year’s campaign, 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 — we also look forward to featuring special guest curators in the near future. If you are interested in providing content for Inspired Thoughts, please email our Communications team at dmurphy@warmemorial.org.
Edition No. 99
In our 99th edition of Inspired Thoughts, we share Grosse Pointe Artists Association's annual fundraiser Your Old Mansion; and one Grosse Pointe organization is looking to help kickstart the holiday shopping season!
Arts and Culture
Grosse Pointe Artists Association's annual fundraiser Your Old Mansion kicks off with Bruce Kopytek, author of Hudson's - Detroit's World-Famous Department Store.
Community and Family
With the holidays fast approaching, one Grosse Pointe organization is looking to help kickstart the shopping season.
Your Old Mansion lecture series celebrates the unique and nostalgic art, architecture and design found in metro Detroit.
Presented by the Grosse Pointe Artists Association
Your Old Mansion is the Grosse Pointe Artists Association's annual fundraiser. This year the event kicks off on Sunday, Dec. 4 at 2 p.m. with Bruce Kopytek, author of Hudson's - Detroit's World-Famous Department Store.
Join artists, architects, art historians and community activists for five intriguing lectures celebrating the old and new in our neighborhoods. A bonus for series ticketholders is a tour of the newly restored Frederick Stearns House after the final lecture!
Series includes:
Dec. 4 - Bruce Allen Kopytek, architect, historian and author of Hudson's -- Detroit's World-Famous Department Store, will talk about the days when a trip to Hudson's downtown was an adventure.
Jan. 8 - Leaders of the Dante Alighieri Society of Michigan will talk about their collaboration with the Consulate of Italy to create LoveITDetroit, an exhibition that was a big part of Detroit's Month of Design last September.
Jan. 29 - A master at documenting Detroit's ever-changing urban landscape, Scott Hocking is taking center stage this year with his first museum retrospective, Scott Hocking: Detroit Stories at Cranbrook Art Museum.
Feb. 19 - One of Detroit's most celebrated muralists Hubert Massey will join art historian Deborah Lubera Kawsky to talk about the motivations behind mural-making, the role of murals to enact positive change in the community and the importance of preserving/restoring murals as evidence of Detroit's rich design legacy.
March 12 - Eric and Rachel Mitchell are anxious to share their story and inspire others to restore more of the city's historic homes. When they bought the Frederick K. Stearns house in West Village, the Arts and Crafts mansion designed by William Stratton had been divided up into a series of offices for tenants. They now invite guests into the historic house with 10 guest suites, as well as a ballroom, pub and other social meeting rooms.
To learn more and reserve your tickets for the lectures, click the button below!
Each presenter volunteers their services. All proceeds go to support GPAA's free programming for senior citizens, veterans and students in art programs at area high schools.
Holiday boutique planned at The Helm at the Boll Life Center
Are you starting to look for unique gifts this holiday season?
Nov. 12, The Herb Society of America, Grosse Pointe Unit, hosts a Herb & Holly Boutique, from 9 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. The herbal marketplace includes lavender products, dried spices and soup mixes, holiday potpourri, herbal teas and more.
The boutique will be at The Helm at the Boll Life Center, at 158 Ridge Road in Grosse Pointe Farms. The Herb Society designs and maintains the four herb plots at The War Memorial in the Trial Gardens, and the herb garden at The Helm. The annual Herb & Holly Boutique, along with the spring herb sale are popular events the Grosse Pointe Unit sponsors for the community. In addition, a spring educational symposium, most recently a tea and lecture, furthers the goals of the Unit and delights its guests.
For more information on the boutique, check out 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 — we also look forward to featuring special guest curators in the near future. If you are interested in providing content for Inspired Thoughts, please email our Communications team at dmurphy@warmemorial.org.
Edition No. 98
In our 98th edition of Inspired Thoughts, the granddaughter of acclaimed Japanese American architect Minoru Yamasaki hosts an interactive children’s author talk sharing her newest picture book celebrating Minoru’s life work; and Hollyfest at The War Memorial looks to raise funds critical to its ability to deliver programs and resources in the community.
Arts and Culture
The granddaughter of acclaimed Japanese American architect Minoru Yamasaki hosts an interactive children’s author talk sharing her newest picture book celebrating Minoru’s life work
Community and Family
Hollyfest at The War Memorial looks to raise funds critical to its ability to deliver programs and resources in the community.
Shapes, Lines, and Light – Interactive Children’s Author Talk with Katie Yamasaki
Katie Yamasaki’s newest picture book, Shapes, Lines, and Light: My Grandfather’s American Journey, celebrates the life of the acclaimed Japanese American architect Minoru Yamasaki. On Sunday, Nov. 6 at 2 p.m. the Detroit Institute of Arts welcomes guests to join Katie for a joyful and reflective afternoon of storytelling and art-making for friends and families of all ages.
Minoru was an American architect, best known for designing the original World Trade Center in New York City and several other large-scale projects. Yamasaki was one of the most prominent architects of the 20th century.
During his three-decade career, he and his firm designed over 250 buildings. A few of his local works include McGregor Memorial Conference Center and DeRoy Auditorium - both on the campus of Wayne State University - and One Woodward Avenue,
The Family Center Celebrates 22 years with new venue for Hollyfest benefit
The Family Center of Grosse Pointe and Harper Woods’ signature fundraising event, Hollyfest, is planned for Nov. 17 at The Fred M. Alger Center at The War Memorial. It is set from 6:30 to 10 p.m. Hollyfest, sponsored in part by The War Memorial, is an opportunity to raise funds for the Center’s ability to deliver programs and resources in the community.
“It’s also a great celebration of the work we’ve accomplished over the last year and a really fun party,” Jennifer Bingaman, executive director of The Family Center, said. “We are so excited to be one of the first events in the new venue. This will be an incredible community get-together with a bonus first peek at the revamped site.”
Bingaman believes this will be the first time that Hollyfest will be held at The War Memorial. She said around 200 people are expected to attend.
The Family Center is a nonprofit community organization that calls The War Memorial home. It offers free programs and resources from local experts on a wide range of topics aimed at building strong families and helping parents raise children who will become competent, caring, and responsible community members.
“We need this money from the fundraiser to be able to provide free programs and resources for the community,” Bingaman said. “We need it to fulfill our mission.”
Attendees will enjoy a festive evening of cocktails, hors d’oeuvres, a strolling dinner, and music. A variety of exciting gifts and experiences will be available during a live and silent auction, including the opportunity to bid on a ride on the Grosse Pointe Farms fire engine in the Santa Parade and a luxury culinary immersion tour of Tuscany courtesy of Gunnell Innovation.
Tickets can be purchased at 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 — we also look forward to featuring special guest curators in the near future. If you are interested in providing content for Inspired Thoughts, please email our Communications team at dmurphy@warmemorial.org.
Edition No. 97
In our 97th edition of Inspired Thoughts, Car and Driver magazine selects The War Memorial as its backdrop to capture photos of luxury sedans for its November 2022 issue; with the final days before Halloween upon us, cities like Detroit and Grosse Pointe are rolling out family-friendly activities to get in the spirit!
Arts and Culture
Car and Driver magazine selects The War Memorial as its backdrop to capture photos of luxury sedans for its November 2022 issue.
Community and Family
With the final days before Halloween upon us, cities like Detroit and Grosse Pointe are rolling out family-friendly activities to get in the spirit!
Car and Driver Magazine highlights the historic Alger House in November issue
From the November 2022 issue of Car and Driver.
Car and Driver, an American automotive enthusiast magazine, recently selected The War Memorial as its backdrop to capture photos of luxury sedans for its November 2022 issue.
Rich Ceppos’ article Luxury-Sedan Showdown: 2023 Genesis G90 vs. 2022 Lexus LS500 vs. 2022 Mercedes-Benz S500 dives into the details of luxury sedans and how these full-size flagships prove the traditional sedan is far from dead.
Car and Driver is owned by Hearst Magazines, who purchased prior owner Hachette Filipacchi Media U.S. in 2011. It was founded as Sports Cars Illustrated. The magazine is based in Ann Arbor, Michigan.
If you take a close look at the photos, you might even spot a few of Grosse Pointe’s favorite spots for coffee or shopping! Read more at the button below!
Last minute Halloween fun
With the final days before Halloween upon us, cities like Detroit and Grosse Pointe are rolling out family-friendly activities to get in the spirit!
Are you a dog lover? The Grand Circus Dog Park Howl-O-Ween Costume Party is set for Oct. 29 from 2 to 4 p.m. at the park, located at 101 Witherell St. in Detroit. From silly to scary, the 9th annual Grand Circus Dog Park Howl-O-Ween Costume Party is certain to be a “paws-itively” good time for pet owners and their four-legged friends.
From hot dogs to “pup-kin” spice lattes, owners are encouraged to dress their precious pets in creative costumes for a chance to win a gift card courtesy of Premier Pet Supply in one of these categories: Best Costume, Scariest Costume, Most Creative Costume and Best Pet and Parent Combination. Additional details for your furry friend can be found at the button below!
Back in the Pointes, Trunk or Treat in Grosse Pointe Park is scheduled for Oct. 29. From 2 to 5 p.m., the Christian education department at St. Paul AME is hosting the event which welcomes families for an afternoon of fun. The church is located at 1385 Wayburn in Grosse Pointe Park. Learn more at grossepointechamber.com/event/trunk-or-treat.
The fun continues on Halloween at Trick or Treat in the Village on Kercheval Avenue in downtown Grosse Pointe. From 3:30 to 4:45 p.m., kids are invited to trick-or-treat at The Village's most spooktacular merchants! This trick-or-treating event is hosted by the City of Grosse Pointe Parks and Recreation Department and Main Street Grosse Pointe. Learn more at grossepointechamber.com/event/trick-or-treat-in-the-village.
In the mood for seasonal music selections? The Detroit Symphony Orchestra is boarding the Hogwarts Express Oct. 29 at 11 a.m. Join conductor Erin Freeman and the DSO for selections from your favorite Harry Potter films and more. Witches, wizards and muggles are invited to participate in the annual costume contest and other pre-concert activities. The event takes place at Orchestra Hall, at 3711 Woodward Ave. in Detroit. Tickets and additional details are available at 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 — we also look forward to featuring special guest curators in the near future. If you are interested in providing content for Inspired Thoughts, please email our Communications team at dmurphy@warmemorial.org.
Edition No. 96
In our 96th edition of Inspired Thoughts, we share the Wright Museum’s new exhibition Detroit Jazz highlighting Detroit’s many impactful jazz musicians; and War Memorial Board Director Mary Lamparter is honored by Macomb County for her continued efforts in the community!
Arts and Culture
The Wright Museum celebrates the opening of Detroit Jazz: The Legacy Continues highlighting Detroit’s many impactful jazz musicians.
Community and Family
On two occasions this month, War Memorial Board Director Mary Lamparter was honored in Macomb County for her continued efforts in the community!
Detroit Jazz: The Legacy Continues
The Charles H. Wright Museum of African American History staff developed Detroit Jazz: The Legacy Continues as a companion to the Jazz Greats exhibit, focusing on the Detroit artists who have lived and worked among us. Amid racial segregation, these musicians expressed themselves and offered solace and escape through their music.
The exhibition kicks off today and runs through February 28, 2023.
Organized in five sections, the stories capture the lives and spirit of Black jazz musicians who have contributed to the genre. This exhibition highlights a few of the many Detroit musicians and venues that influenced jazz music.
The Wright Museum provides a verse introduction to Detroit Jazz covering periods beginning in the 19th century where jazz first spread throughout the United States, to cities like Chicago, New York, and Detroit. During the 1920s, Black musicians in Detroit, including Theodore Finney, Fred S. Stone, and Benjamin Shook, dominated the society band scene. These musicians expressed themselves through early jazz genres like ragtime, swing, boogie-woogie, bebop, marching, and big band music. Today, jazz remains at the center of R&B, hip-hop, and rap, and serves as a tool for curating expression and creativity.
Eager to learn more? Plan your visit to the Wright Museum at the button below.
War Memorial board director recognized for work with nonprofit organization
On two occasions this month, War Memorial Board Director Mary Lamparter was honored in Macomb County for her continued efforts in the community.
Oct. 14, Mary and Ron Lamparter were recognized for "outstanding civic service leadership in the community" by being presented the Mayor Richard J. Notte Civic Service Leadership Award. The Puttin' on the Ritz event was hosted by the Sterling Heights Area Community Foundation. Additionally, on Oct. 20, the couple will be inducted into the Macomb County Hall of Fame at an awards ceremony at the Assumption Community Center in St. Clair Shores.
Mary Lamparter is the secretary on The War Memorial Board of Directors. She has served on the board about seven years. The couple, of Grosse Pointe Farms, has been involved with Defense Center Corridor for Collaboration and Synergy (DC3S) in Sterling Heights and Guardian Angels Medical Service Dogs.
Guardian Angels Medical Service Dogs is a 501(c)3 based in Williston, Florida, established in 2010. Its goal is to unleash the incredible power of service dogs. Mary has volunteered with them as a Michigan regional coordinator for about nine years, assisting with many fund raisers and spreading the good word of its work.
“I had been holding a fundraiser called ‘celebrate Michigan’s military,’ but about 10 years ago, that fundraiser went to other veteran causes,” she said. “I was then introduced to Guardian Angels and fell in love with their mission.”
2022 marks the eighth year the fundraiser has benefited Guardian Angels. The service dogs are mainly for veterans and first responders. When a dog is placed with an individual, Mary Lamparter commented she knows that person will have a much better life. Mary said it takes up to two years to fully train a service dog. One service dog cost about $25,000 but is no cost to veterans.
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 — we also look forward to featuring special guest curators in the near future. If you are interested in providing content for Inspired Thoughts, please email our Communications team at dmurphy@warmemorial.org.
Edition No. 95
In our 95th edition of Inspired Thoughts, we share The Carr Center’s 13-part music series featuring works by women composers; and we take a seasonal look back at an NPR podcast asking the question of “Why Do Leaves Change Color During Fall?”
Arts and Culture
The Carr Center features a unique 13-part music series featuring works by a wide range of women composers.
Community and Family
The annual changing of the leaves in Michigan is quite the sight to behold! An NPR podcast dives in to why this change takes place in fall.
New Standards Jazz Crawl features works by women composers
The New Standards Jazz Crawl is a unique 13-part music series curated by National Endowment for the Arts (NEA) Jazz Master and Carr Center Artistic Director Terri Lyne Carrington. The 75-minute sets recognize a wide range of works by women jazz composers.
New Standards is part one of Shifting The Narrative: Jazz and Gender Justice, an installation examining the intersection of history, gender, race, and innovation, resulting in a transformational and provocative multimedia art and music experience.
The events are free to the public and takes place on October 14, 15, 20, 21 and 28 at cultural centers and institutions including:
Detroit Institute of Arts
Detroit Historical Museum
Detroit Public Library
Detroit Symphony Orchestra - The Cube
MOCAD
The Scarab Club
The Wright Museum
The NEW Carr Center Performance Studio
The Jazz Crawl was curated by Carrington with support from the Detroit Institute of Arts, Midtown Detroit, Inc. and the Fred A. and Barbara M. Erb Family Foundation.
For more details on specific dates or to learn more about part one of the instillation, click on the button below.
Why Do Leaves Change Color During Fall?
This week, we take a seasonal look back at an NPR podcast asking the question of “Why Do Leaves Change Color During Fall?”
From being green in September to colors like red, orange, and yellow by the end of October, the annual changing of the leaves in Michigan is quite the sight to behold.
This 2020 podcast from NPR includes a scientific perspective on peak leaf season in an interview with Botanist Tanisha Williams. It details that not all trees have leaf's that change color, environmental cues, photosynthesis and more.
Click below for a link to the podcast.
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 — we also look forward to featuring special guest curators in the near future. If you are interested in providing content for Inspired Thoughts, please email our Communications team at dmurphy@warmemorial.org.
Edition No. 94
In our 94th edition of Inspired Thoughts, we share details about Belle Isle Nature Center’s $2.5 million makeover and what it has in store for visitors; and explore what area cider mills and orchards have to offer as Michigan comes alive with cooler temperatures and plenty of fall foliage!
Arts and Culture
The Belle Isle Nature Center reopens welcoming guests to see what new opportunities the $2.5 million makeover has in store for visitors.
Community and Family
Explore what area cider mills and orchards have to offer as Michigan comes alive with cooler temperatures and plenty of fall foliage.
Belle Isle Nature Center reopens following $2.5 million renovation
The beautiful colors of the season and warm donuts aren’t the only things to be excited about this fall! The Belle Isle Nature Center has reopened and ready to welcome guests to see what new opportunities the $2.5 million makeover has instore for its visitors.
Located on 5 acres at the northeastern tip of Belle Isle State Park, the Belle Isle Nature Center provides educational, environmental and natural experiences that help connect visitors with urban nature.
New and improved additions to the Belle Isle Nature Center include:
A major renovation of the entrance lobby, featuring reclaimed materials from the old Belle Isle Zoo
A replica Detroit sewer tunnel walk-through allowing visitors to learn about and explore the areas where city infrastructure and wildlife intersect
Expansive habitats for animals that call the Belle Isle Nature Center home, including turtles, mudpuppies, bullfrogs, snakes and urban woodland reptiles
A pollinator area that allows guests to see how bumblebees experience their world
An expanded and upgraded Nature Play Area to continue Belle Isle Nature Center’s Nature Tots programming
The Belle Isle Nature Center, 176 Lakeside Drive in Detroit, is free and is open from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. daily. However, a Michigan Recreation Passport is required for vehicles to enter Belle Isle State Park. Learn more at the button below.
Who is ready for fall fun?
With fall in full swing and the colors on the cusp of change in southeast Michigan, here’s a look at what area cider mills and orchards have to offer as Michigan comes alive with cooler temperatures and plenty of fall foliage. We’ve chosen one fall destination from each county in the tri-county area!
Wayne County
Plymouth Orchards & Cider Mill
Operating since 1977, Plymouth Orchards & Cider Mill has been the local cider mill for families to enjoy fresh-pressed apple cider, fresh-made donuts, crispy caramel apples, icy apple cider slushies, fresh organic apples, baked pies and a fun farm experience. It also offers orchard wagon rides, a children's animal park, a new cider mill garden with fall mums and October pumpkin picking.
Address: 10685 Warren Road, Plymouth Phone: 734.455.2290
Macomb County
Stony Creek Orchard & Cider in Bruce Township
Stony Creek offers fresh apple cider pressed from its own mill, along with hot, homemade donuts made in the Donut House. Folks can eat their seasonal treats at the picnic area while kids play on the straw bales. On fall weekends, people can pick their own apples, pumpkins and raspberries or purchase them pre-picked in the salesroom. Additionally, it offers apples, hand-made pies and caramel apples, pre-picked pumpkins, gourds, jams, jellies, honey, maple syrup, and more.
Address: 2961 W. 32 Mile Road, Romeo Phone: 586.752.2453
Oakland County
Franklin Cider Mill in Bloomfield Hills
The Franklin tent, apple shack and more are back at Franklin Cider Mill in Bloomfield Hills. Cider and donuts, as well as our other goodies such as breads and pies will be available for purchase. The tent is filled with Michigan homemade jams, maple syrup, honey, salsa, meats, cheeses and more. The apple shack will continue to sell a fresh selection of seasonal apples by the ½ peck and bushel. Franklin’s cider making process is open for visitors to view.
Address: 7450 Franklin Road, Bloomfield Hills Phone: 248.626.8261
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 — we also look forward to featuring special guest curators in the near future. If you are interested in providing content for Inspired Thoughts, please email our Communications team at dmurphy@warmemorial.org.
Edition No. 93
In our 93rd edition of Inspired Thoughts, we share the Detroit Harvest Fest & Food Truck Rally at Dequindre Cut featuring feature 50+ fantastic food trucks and family fun; and a War Memorial board member has been honored with the Distinguished Eagle Scout Award!
Arts and Culture
Detroit Harvest Fest & Food Truck Rally will be lining the Dequindre Cut from Jefferson to Wilkins with 50 fantastic food trucks!
Community and Family
Less than one ten-thousandth of one percent of the over 200 million people who have joined the Boy Scout ranks since 1910 have been honored with the Distinguished Eagle Scout Award. A War Memorial board member is now one of them!
Detroit Harvest Fest & Food Truck Rally
The Detroit Riverfront Conservancy welcomes guests to its Detroit Harvest Fest & Food Truck Rally October 1 and 2, 11 a.m. until 8 p.m.
The event will feature 50+ food trucks, six music stages and fun activities for the kids including free inflatables, mask-making with Arts & Scrapes, character meet and greets, computer coding and STEM education with Code Ninjas, DNR Outdoor Adventure Center will be featuring reptiles and amphibians and so much more. Families can even get a head start on trick-or-treating and pumpkin decorating!
New this year for adults, Cirque De Freight Yard at the Dequindre Cut Freight Yard will feature buskers, tarot card readers, great cocktails and a live music stage.
Admission at the gate is $5 for ages 3-64 and free for those under three, active or retired service members and older adults over 65.
The Dequindre Cut is located between Orleans Street and St. Aubin Street and runs from Mack Avenue to Atwater Street at the riverfront. The event will run from Woodbridge Ave to Wilkins on the Dequindre Cut. Learn more are the button below!
War Memorial board member, Air Force general, recognized as Distinguished Eagle Scout
During the Sept. 20 On My Honor Gala at the Troy Marriott hotel, Brig. Gen. Rolf Mammen was presented with the Distinguished Eagle Scout Award by The Boy Scouts of America Michigan Crossroads Council. The War Memorial board member was recognized along with former Secretary of the Navy Kenneth Braithwaite. The award acknowledges Eagle Scouts who have received extraordinary national-level recognition, fame, or demonstrated eminence within their field, and have a strong record of voluntary service to their community.
“I’ve been a student of leadership my entire life,” Mammen said at the gala. “Every day, even today as a general officer of a large organization, I’m still a student of leadership. I have mentors out there that I listen to and talk with regularly.”
Mammen is commander of the 127th Wing at Selfridge Air National Guard Base in Harrison Township. He has been on The War Memorial Association Board of Directors since 2013.
In his remarks, the one-star general thanked War Memorial Board Chair Donna Hoban, Board Secretary Mary Lamparter and Ron Lamparter, and President and CEO Charles Burke, all who attended the gala.
Notable Distinguished Eagle Scout honorees include President Gerald R. Ford, Neil Armstrong, the first person to walk on the moon, and film director Steven Spielberg.
Growing up, Mammen was in Troop 34 out of Ferry Elementary School in Grosse Pointe Woods. He was in Boy Scouts from 1976-1982, until he graduated from Grosse Pointe North High School.
To read more about Mammen and the honor, visit the link at 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 — we also look forward to featuring special guest curators in the near future. If you are interested in providing content for Inspired Thoughts, please email our Communications team at dmurphy@warmemorial.org.
Edition No. 92
In our 92nd edition of Inspired Thoughts, we share Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat, presented by the Grosse Pointe Theatre; and Eastern Market’s 2022 Foodie Fair!
Arts and Culture
Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat, presented by the Grosse Pointe Theatre, on stage now through Sept. 25!
Community and Family
Help crown Detroit’s best food find at Eastern Market’s Foodie Fair!
Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat
Presented by Grosse Pointe Theatre, Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat is a reimagining of the Biblical story of Joseph, his father Jacob, eleven brothers and the coat of many colors.
Told entirely through song with the help of a main character narrator, the musical follows preferred son Joseph. After being sold into slavery by his brothers, he ingratiates himself with Egyptian noble Potiphar, but ends up in jail after refusing the amorous advances of Potiphar’s wife. While imprisoned, Joseph discovers his ability to interpret dreams, and he soon finds himself in front of the mighty but troubled, Elvis-inspired, Pharaoh. Joseph’s solution to Egypt’s famine elevates him to Pharaoh’s right-hand man and reunites him with his family.
The show is currently running through Sunday, Sept. 25 at the Christian A. Fenton Performing Arts Center. For more details and to purchase tickets, visit gpt.org/joseph or call 313-881-4004.
Fun Fact: The War Memorial’s Community Engagement and Special Projects Liaison Meredith Hanoian and her daughter, Molly, are cast members in Joseph! Hanoian is a noted soprano and local voice teacher, and a professional singer in the lauded Christ Church Grosse Pointe Choirs. She has performed in many beautiful locations all over the world including Westminster Abbey, Notre Dame Cathedral and St. Peter’s Basilica.
Foodie fair fun for all
Help crown Detroit’s best foodie find at Eastern Market event!
As fall officially begins, the Detroit Foodie Fair looks to feature great flavor makers, purveyors, artisans, and food organizations of Detroit and surrounding areas, all under one roof. The fair will be at Shed 5 at Eastern Market in Detroit Sept. 25 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Admission and parking is free.
Folks will be able to bring home a selection of scrumptious bites, hand-crafted kitchen wares, unique food-related goods, and more. Fair vendors include Country Home Creations, Detroit Can Company, Camper Bean Café, and Fire and Rice Lansing. As part of the fair, the public can cast their vote and help crown Detroit’s Best Foodie Find. Last year, Drench Dressings took first place, Mae Bell Pound Cakes came in second, and Blck Cocoa Bakes finished in third place.
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 — we also look forward to featuring special guest curators in the near future. If you are interested in providing content for Inspired Thoughts, please email our Communications team at dmurphy@warmemorial.org.
Edition No. 91
In our 91st edition of Inspired Thoughts, we share Cars and Trucks, presented by the Grosse Pointe Artists Association, kicks off today in the gallery; and Grosse Pointe Farms House on the Hill will have the distinction of being the Junior League of Detroit’s 24th Designers’ Show House!
Arts and Culture
Start your engines! Cars and Trucks, presented by the Grosse Pointe Artists Association, kicks off today in the gallery!
Community and Family
Grosse Pointe Farms House on the Hill will have the distinction of being the Junior League of Detroit’s 24th Designers’ Show House!
Cars, trucks and art, oh my!
Start your engines! Cars and Trucks, presented by the Grosse Pointe Artists Association, showcases 28 artists from Canada and nine from the United States who share their thoughts on America's love affair with cars and trucks through art. Ben Colman, a Detroit Institute of Arts curator, noted for his "Detroit Design" show is the juror for this show and will lead a talk about the exhibit and announce award prizes at 6:30 pm tonight, Sept. 15 in the gallery.
The gallery hours are Thursdays 4-7 p.m. and Saturdays 10 a.m.-2 p.m. Most of the pieces in the show are for sale. Contact gpaa@grossepointeartcenter.org for details.
You can view Cars and Trucks in person at the GPAA gallery at The War Memorial, now through Nov. 3.
Fun Fact: Will Colman, a sous chef at The War Memorial, is a participant in the Cars and Trucks exhibit! Coleman who also has a background in graphic design, collaborated with his brother Tyler to present “Day at the Races.” The Colman brothers’ father shared a love for cars with his sons, so they decided to bring this passion to life through painting. “As children, our father took us to The Detroit Grand Prix, and we were in awe of the cars and cityscape of Detroit. Our painting depicts a father and his sons making memories. To further pay homage to our father, we used his old car hood to hold this memory.”
Show me the house!
Grosse Pointe Farms House on the Hill will have the distinction of being the Junior League of Detroit’s 24th Designers’ Show House.
Junior League of Detroit 2022 Designers’ Show House is set for Sept. 18-Oct. 2 at the Distinctive House on the Hill. This year’s home is located at 205 Lake Shore Road in Grosse Pointe Farms. The nearly 6,000 square foot home is perched on half an acre overlooking Lake St. Clair. The home features five oversized bedrooms, 6.5 bathrooms, and well-portioned living spaces throughout for relaxation and entertaining.
Hours of operation are Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., Thursday from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. and 5 p.m. to 8 p.m., Friday and Saturday from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. and Sunday from noon to 5 p.m.
Every other year the JLD selects a prominent local estate and curates a phenomenal team of local and national interior designers to transform the home into a Designers’ Show House. League members Shelia Minetola of Grosse Pointe Park, Gabriela Boddy of Grosse Pointe, and Dianne Bostic Robinson of Detroit, are General Co-Chairs of the 2022 Designers’ Show House.
“The Junior League of Detroit is excited to announce our 2022 Designers’ Show House. We are very proud and honored to carry on this longstanding JLD tradition as our main fundraiser,” said Kimberly Burke, JLD president. “The Designers’ Show House will allow us to continue our League’s philanthropic work which supports community impact initiatives that help meet the needs of Detroit children, young women and families. It also allows us to provide community-based grants and scholarships.”
Built in 1988, the Lakeshore Road home is set on the highest elevated parcel of land, affording privacy and priceless views of glistening Lake St. Clair. It is without doubt, a sophisticated, gently opulent and finely crafted jewel on the Hill.
For tickets for the show house, click the button below. To learn more about the Junior League of Detroit and its long-standing connection to the community, visit www.warmemorial.org/press/juniorleague.
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 — we also look forward to featuring special guest curators in the near future. If you are interested in providing content for Inspired Thoughts, please email our Communications team at dmurphy@warmemorial.org.
Edition No. 90
In our 90th edition of Inspired Thoughts, we
Arts and Culture
Local tours visit Detroit’s Avenue of Fashion to explore design-centered spaces and also provide information about community efforts to improve the area.
photo credit: Nick Hagen
Community and Family
Ready, set, run! The Grosse Pointe Sunrise Rotary Club gears up to hosts its 43rd annual Grosse Pointe 5k run!
Design on the Ave: Livernois Walking Tour
Local tour guides will visit Livernois’ design-centered spaces and also provide information about community efforts to make the area even better!
Design on the Ave is a 1-mile walking tour of Livernois' Avenue of Fashion. Located in Northwest Detroit, Livernois has long been the heart of fashion and art retail in Detroit. It is also home to numerous captivating murals that feature some of Detroit's most influential residents. One Saturday, Sept. 10, 1 – 3 p.m., guests will visit shops that are new to the Avenue within the last few years, as well as the older businesses that have been anchors in the community for decades.
Lead by a local guide, tour goers will learn about community efforts in place to make Livernois' Avenue of Fashion and surrounding areas a better place to live, work, and shop. The tour is produced by City Institute and is a part of Design Core Detroit's Month of Design.
Visit www.thecityinstitute.com to hear interviews with other Detroit residents, community leaders, and small business owners. Schedule a tour for your group on any number of topics at the button below.
Run for a good cause as the Grosse Pointe Rotary Club hosts its annual 5K race
The Grosse Pointe Sunrise Rotary Club’s main fundraiser is set for Sept. 17. The 43rd annual Grosse Pointe run begins at 8:30 a.m. Participants will gather at Grosse Pointe Farms Municipal Park, located at 350 Lake Shore Road, prior to the run. The 3.1-mile race loops around Lakeshore, ranging from Newberry Road to Provencal Road.
The 1-mile Fun Run starts at 8:30 a.m. The 10K run, 5K run, 5K competitive walk, and 5K leisure walk all take off at 9 a.m.
Grosse Pointe Sunrise Rotary is part of Rotary International, one of the largest service organizations in the world. It is known for its ability to bring business and professional leaders together to provide community service, promote integrity, and advance goodwill, peace, and understanding in the world. Rotarians are especially known for their continued efforts to eradicate polio.
Through its 501(c)(3) foundation, the Grosse Pointe Sunrise Rotary Club supports many international projects, but this club works especially hard to be effective locally. In 2021, it raised more money than ever. Those funds allowed the club to give $28,000 in scholarships to students in seven schools within the community and the tri-county area. It also supported organizations like Kids on the Go, One Voice, St. Charles Soup Kitchen, and Operation Warm.
All events are $35, except for the 1-mile Fun Run, which is $20. All money raised by the Grosse Pointe Run are returned to the community through scholarships, grants and support of local charities.
To learn more and to register, visit grossepointerun.com.
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 — we also look forward to featuring special guest curators in the near future. If you are interested in providing content for Inspired Thoughts, please email our Communications team at dmurphy@warmemorial.org.
Edition No. 89
In our 89th edition of Inspired Thoughts, we share the Detroit Jazz Festival celebrating its 43rd anniversary as it returns to in-person performances this weekend; and Royal Oak’s popular Arts, Beats & Eats festival has raised $6 million for community and charitable organizations.
Arts and Culture
The Detroit Jazz Festival celebrates its 43rd anniversary as it returns to in-person performances this weekend!
Community and Family
Royal Oak’s popular Arts, Beats & Eats festival has raised $6 million for community and charitable organizations.
Kick off Labor Day weekend at the Detroit Jazz Festival
Presented by Rocket Mortgage, the Detroit Jazz Festival is one of the largest free jazz festivals in the world and returns in-person tomorrow, Sept. 2. The annual festival is a cherished Detroit tradition celebrating 43 years of music in the city.
The event features legendary jazz acts, new up and comers, as well as local collegiate acts. The festival is free and is spread out among four stages, three in Hart Plaza and one in Campus Martius.
Also returning this year is “Detroit Jazz Fest LIVE!” now available for free through the festival’s website at live.detroitjazzfest.org. Festival attendees and out-of-towners unable to make it to the festival can livestream performances from all four stages, all four days via their smartphone, tablet or desktop.
Although the festival is a four-day event, the Jazz Festival Foundation promotes jazz year-round with activates, concerts, educational programs, youth programs, and community outreach.
Headliners for 2022 event include Chucho Valdés, Dianne Reeves, Artemis, Cécile McLorin Salvant, John Scofield, and many more. The Detroit Jazz Festival will be held on Sept. 2 – 5. To check out the full line up of performers, click on the button below.
Taking it to the streets: Arts, Beats & Eats returns Labor Day weekend
Soaring Eagle Arts, Beats & Eats features 200 musical acts and is considered Oakland County’s favorite summer festival celebrating art, music, cuisine and community. It returns to Royal Oak this Labor Day weekend.
Scheduled for Sept. 2-5, the festival attracts hundreds of thousands for an end of summer celebration not to be missed. The festival is now in its 25th milestone year. More than 375,000 visitors attended last year’s gathering. Since the event began in 1998, more than $6 million has been raised by the festival for community and charitable organizations.
The 9th annual Family Days are set for Sept. 3 and Sept. 4. Hundreds of children on the autism spectrum and family members will enjoy a one-day access pass to the festival, which includes free parking, free admission for up to five family members, a free bottle of water upon entering the festival from 10 a.m.-noon, and free lunch for the first 550 registrants per day.
The music lineup includes pop band Fitz & The Tantrums, hip-hop and R&B artist Flo Rida, and alternative rock group Sponge.
Hours are 11 a.m. to 11 p.m. Friday, Saturday and Sunday, and 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. Monday. Admission to the festival is $5 before 3 p.m. and $10 after 3 p.m.
To learn more, visit artsbeatseats.com.
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 — we also look forward to featuring special guest curators in the near future. If you are interested in providing content for Inspired Thoughts, please email our Communications team at dmurphy@warmemorial.org.
Edition No. 88
In our 88th edition of Inspired Thoughts, we share Kisma Jordan’s OperaSOUL experience at the DSO, blending operatic vocals with soul-pop music; and The War Memorial prepares to commemorate the 21st anniversary of September 11, 2001.
Arts and Culture
Kisma Jordan’s OperaSOUL seamlessly blends operatic vocals with soul-pop music!
Community and Family
The War Memorial to commemorate the 21st anniversary of September 11, 2001.
Experience OperaSOUL at the Detroit Symphony Orchestra’s Sosnick Courtyard
OperaSOUL seamlessly blends operatic vocals with soul-pop music
The Detroit Symphony Orchestra adds a new take on opera through its upcoming concert OperaSOUL. The concert will feature classically-trained opera singer Kisma Jordan this Saturday, Aug. 27 at the DSO’s Sosnick Courtyard. Guests will experience the world-class music concert that blends operatic vocals with styles of pop, rhythm & blues, jazz, and gospel, to expand the scope of classical voice and its audience.
The organic practice of singing opera with other music styles creates a platform that celebrates gifted, professionally trained singers who demonstrate a great deal of vocal versatility. As an innovator in the musical world, Jordan strives to increase the diversity of classical music and opera by challenging the biased system that has deeply entrenched the industry for centuries. Her work with OperaSOUL pushes the boundaries of contemporary art by presenting artistic expression in unconventional ways.
In 2017, Jordan introduced OperaSOUL at TedX Detroit, in recognition of the phenomenal success of her OperaSOUL project, the Knight Foundation awarded her the 2017 Knight Arts Challenge grant. This grant has enabled her to pave new ways to build equity and accessibility for the opera and classical music industries. With a dedication to integrated racial representation in art, Jordan believes that opera, in particular, is an ideal medium for essential discussions around race and inclusion.
To learn more about OperaSOUL or to purchase tickets, visit the button below.
Fun Fact: The War Memorial’s Vice President of Community Engagement and Programming Leah Celebi will be performing in the OperaSOUL concert this Saturday! Celebi is a noted violist and a member of the critically acclaimed jazz ensemble Musique Noire. She has also performed behind nationally renowned performers such as Aretha Franklin, Stevie Wonder, Three Mo' Tenors, Marcus Belgrave and many more!
As the 21st anniversary of 9/11 approaches, The War Memorial again will remember those tragically killed in the attacks
Sept. 11 at 4 p.m., the community is invited to gather at the lakefront back lawn of the historic Alger House for a service of remembrance. This will be a moment where people of all religions, cultures, and walks of life can come together in solemn remembrance of and solidarity against the hatred that fueled those tragic events in New York, Pennsylvania, Virginia, and indeed the entire United States and world.
Moments of silence will be observed for the two — 8:46 a.m. and 9:03 a.m. — intentional World Trade Center airplane crashes. The attacks resulted in nearly 3,000 fatalities, over 25,000 injuries, and substantial long-term health consequences.
The service is free and open to the public. Pre-registration is required and can be made at 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 — we also look forward to featuring special guest curators in the near future. If you are interested in providing content for Inspired Thoughts, please email our Communications team at dmurphy@warmemorial.org.
Edition No. 87
In our 87th edition of Inspired Thoughts, we share artist Rose Rhodes’ 16-by-20 inch oil on linen painting titled “Sunny Afternoon at the War Memorial” curated using plein-air painting technique; and a long-standing relationship between The War Memorial and Jefferson East, Inc. provides opportunities to break down barriers between the Grosse Pointes and the city of Detroit.
Arts and Culture
Artist Rose Rhodes curates a 16-by-20 inch oil on linen painting titled “Sunny Afternoon at the War Memorial” by performing a plein-air painting technique.
Community and Family
Long-standing relationship between The War Memorial and Jefferson East, Inc. provides opportunities to break down barriers between the Grosse Pointes and the city of Detroit.
Cherished Alger House comes to life with oil painting
Wanting to present paintings that are smaller and less expensive, Rose Rhodes will soon be offering her artwork of The War Memorial.
On a late July afternoon, Rhodes set up her oil painting stand in front of The War Memorial. Rhodes decided to put the historic building into painting upon the request of Sherry Allor from Posterity Gallery in Grosse Pointe.
“It’s called plein-air painting, which means you are painting in the open air,” she said. “The difference between that and studio work is that the light is the most important thing. It’s very much in the moment, you are painting in the light that exists at that moment.”
The 16-by-20 inch oil on linen painting is titled “Sunny Afternoon at the War Memorial.” Her plan is to make prints of the artwork, and coasters.
“I’ve started making some of my paintings into coasters which have been very popular because they are inexpensive,” Rhodes said.
Elaborating on turning the paintings into coasters, Rhodes noted that coasters make nice gifts for people who have moved away from the Grosse Pointe’s, serving as a nice memory.
“It’s connected me with a lot of people who have moved away and miss Grosse Pointe,” she said.
Growing up in Grosse Pointe Park and later living there for over 20 years before moving to Wolverine Lake, Rhodes said she used to go to The War Memorial when it had war dances and Battle of the Bands. Her senior prom was at The War Memorial, as well as being the site of her daughter's wedding six years ago. A stone is dedicated to Rhodes’ father, Joe Palazzolo, in the Veterans Memorial Garden.
Her artwork appears at places like Posterity, Great Frame Up, Kayrod Gallery, Detroit Artist Market and The Art Of Custom Framing.
Collaboration extends beyond Grosse Pointe border through Jefferson East partnership
Folks may have noticed a connection to The War Memorial at this year’s Jazzin’ at The Vanity. Earlier this summer, The War Memorial was a proud presenter of Jazzin’ at The Vanity, a two-day jazz and blues festival. It featured live performances by local and national performers, great food, a cool marketplace, crafts, visual art experiences, kids' activities, and more.
“We’ve had a long relationship with The War Memorial over the years with hosting events and there was always this desire to see how do we break down barriers between the Grosse Pointes and the city of Detroit,” Jefferson East, Inc. Chief Executive Officer Josh Elling said. “We want to link assets along Jefferson like The War Memorial and the Jefferson Chalmers business district.”
Jefferson East, Inc. was established in 1994. At that time, Elling said the desire to foster economic development in the Jefferson Chalmers business district.
For a while, the organization's focus, Elling said, was on façade programs, small business support, business incubation and clean and safe initiatives. For 14 years until 2016, Jefferson East hosted a jazz festival, called Jazzin’ on Jefferson.
“A big growth area for us recently was our housing services,” he said. “We kept hearing about this need from residents and about five years ago, we started to do intake on the 0% loan program, housing counseling, helping more than 4,500 Detroiters get access to some sort of housing services.”
To read the full story about the partnership with JEI, Inc., 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 — we also look forward to featuring special guest curators in the near future. If you are interested in providing content for Inspired Thoughts, please email our Communications team at dmurphy@warmemorial.org.
Edition No. 86
In our 86th edition of Inspired Thoughts, we share how Motown Museum unveiled its new expansion project aiming to refresh a Detroit legacy; and sidewalk shopping, sales and Greek tradition planned for Grosse Pointe and St. Clair Shores!
Arts and Culture
Motown Museum unveils its new expansion project aiming to refresh a Detroit legacy.
Community and Family
Sidewalk shopping, sales and Greek tradition planned for Grosse Pointe and St. Clair Shores!
Stars and dignitaries kicked off celebrations for the first expansion phase of Detroit’s Motown Museum
Smokey Robinson, the Temptations’ Otis Williams, the Four Tops’ Duke Fakir, Michigan Lt. Gov. Garlin Gilchrist and both of Michigan’s U.S. senators — Debbie Stabenow and Gary Peters — were present on Monday, Aug. 8 at the Motown Museum's unveiling of its completed opening stages. The $55 million expansion project was initially announced in 2016.
The event was a celebratory, music-filled evening at the West Grand Boulevard site, where Motown favorites, politicians, donors and more gathered on the just-finished granite plaza. Guests learned that the paved outdoor space will be formally named Rocket Plaza, which museum CEO and chairwoman Robin Terry called the “new front porch to Motown.” It follows a $5 million gift from Dan Gilbert’s Rocket Companies and Gilbert Family Foundation, revealed during Monday's event.
The Gilbert donation brings the fundraising total to $43 million, with $12 million left to go as the Motown Museum targets 2024 to consummate the third, final and most eye-catching phase of its expansion: a large building with new exhibit space behind the iconic Hitsville, U.S.A., house.
The museum unveiling comes amid an exciting Motown week in Detroit as it’s also the hometown opening of the Temptations' Broadway musical, "Ain't Too Proud," which will run through Aug. 28 at the Detroit Opera House.
The Motown Museum’s expansion isn’t just about new construction — it also aims to refresh a Detroit legacy. Monday’s guests received a first look inside Hitsville Next, a project that has renovated and connected three homes adjacent to the main Motown house. The new complex contains the museum’s youth education and creative collaboration facilities.
Read Detroit Free Press writer Brian McCollum’s full article on the museum and its reopening plans at the button below.
It’s a “sale-ebration,” Greekfest bring community together
Sidewalk shopping, sales, Greek tradition planned for Grosse Pointe and St. Clair Shores.
The sidewalk sale-ebration isn’t your ordinary sidewalk. It’s a weekend full of streetside sale-ebrations, shopping at your favorite village spots and more. This year Main Street Grosse Pointe has created a summer event sure to appeal to everyone!
It will be held on a new date this year, Aug. 19 and 20. The event is from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. Aug. 19 and 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Aug. 20. In addition to Village retailers and restaurants hitting the streets along Kercheval between Cadieux and Neff, the event will also feature food trucks, vendors, music, games and activities for all ages.
More summer fun awaits! Greekfest is back at Assumption Greek Orthodox Church in St. Clair Shores Aug. 18-21. Folks can “be Greek for a day” at the festival which offers Greek food, dancing, music, taverna and more. The grand raffle drawing is Aug. 21 at 7 p.m. First prize is $10,000, second prize is a David Yurman bracelet, and third prize is $500.
Regular admission is $2, and children younger than 12 are admitted free of charge. Free parking and shuttle service are available. Proceeds will benefit Assumption community programs, International Orthodox Christian Charities Ukraine Children’s Fund and Cass Community Social Services.
For hours and more, check out more at assumptionfestival.com.
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 — we also look forward to featuring special guest curators in the near future. If you are interested in providing content for Inspired Thoughts, please email our Communications team at dmurphy@warmemorial.org.
Edition No. 85
In our 85th edition of Inspired Thoughts, we share details about artist Tunde Olaniran’s exhibit Made a Universe at Cranbrook Art Museum; and The World Tournament of Historic Base Ball returns to at Walnut Grove in Greenfield Village!
Arts and Culture
Artist Tunde Olaniran’s exhibit Made a Universe combines tropes from horror movies and TikTok videos to comment on serious issues such as environmental injustice.
Photo credit: Steven Piper/Tunde Olaniran
Community and Family
The World Tournament of Historic Base Ball returns to at Walnut Grove in Greenfield Village!
“A Midwestern museum known for mid-century design may have found the next big art world star”
Tunde Olaniran, a musician, filmmaker and artist who grew up in Flint, Michigan, just opened their first show, Made A Universe, at the Cranbrook Art Museum.
Beginning in 2019, Cranbrook partnered with Olaniran to help create their most ambitious project to date — the short film and exhibition Made a Universe. According to a recent NPR article, the show is partly a short movie, and partly an exhibition of pieces including: artifacts of furniture, old cars and unpaid bills that combine science fiction and social realism. Olaniran worked with Detroit-based artists to create the film’s scenography, costuming, and props. These elements are re-imagined in the galleries along with a screening room, offering visitors an immersive, parallel journey through Olaniran’s creative universe.
With the narrative arc of a hero’s journey, this contemporary horror film takes its inspiration from archetypes like those found in storylines from The New Mutants, an X-Men spin-off comic book series. Within this premise, the character’s often perceived weakness translates into their unique superpower. The film examines what it means to unlock your power in the face of fear and repression, and how one must unify various fragments of their psyche to connect with the world and themselves on a deeper level.
The unique storyline combines tropes from horror movies and TikTok videos to comment on serious issues such as environmental injustice and the carceral state. Check out the button below for more information and exhibition details.
Batter up: Historic baseball comes to life in metro Detroit
Greenfield Village baseball tournament features visiting teams from throughout the Midwest for family fun! The World Tournament of Historic Base Ball returns to Greenfield Village in Dearborn Aug. 13 and 14.
The all-day tournament goes from 9:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. It will be held at Walnut Grove in Greenfield Village. The tournament is held to commemorate Detroit’s 1867 World Base Ball Tournament with a gathering of teams that play one outstanding weekend of America’s game by the rules of 1867.
The experience Includes baseball played with uniforms, equipment and rules from 1867, live music from the Dodworth Saxhorn Band, a group that was featured in Ken Burns’ popular baseball series on PBS, visiting teams from throughout the Midwest and live commentary throughout the game by the umpire and scorekeeper.
In the 19th century, the game was known as base ball. Although Americans had played baseball both before and during the Civil War, the game experienced phenomenal growth after 1865. Baseball's earliest players were "amateurs" meaning they were not paid to play. At the same time, large crowds would often watch many of these amateur games.
Learn more about the full season of historic base ball programming in Greenfield Village at www.thehenryford.org.
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 — we also look forward to featuring special guest curators in the near future. If you are interested in providing content for Inspired Thoughts, please email our Communications team at dmurphy@warmemorial.org.