December Events
January Events
February Events

Ongoing



November 13 - December 25 - Holiday Angels Toy Drive. The gifts donated in DETROIT will benefit seriously ill children staying in Mott Children's Hospital, Children's Hospital of Michigan, St. John's Medical Center, William Beaumont Hospital, Henry Ford Hospital and Karamanos Cancer Institute of Detroit. This holiday season, Starbucks Coffee Company is once again teaming up with Starlight Children's Foundation and the metro Detroit community to spread joy and excitement through the Holiday Angels Toy Drive. From Nov. 13 through Dec. 25, customers can make donations at Starbucks coffeehouses throughout metro Detroit to benefit seriously ill children served by the Starlight network. During the holidays, customers can select gift tags printed with toy suggestions from special Holiday Angels "giving" trees in Starbucks retail locations in North America. Customers are then invited to purchase and deliver new, unwrapped gifts to their local Starbucks store. The gifts donated in metro Detroit will benefit seriously ill children staying in Mott Children's Hospital, Children's Hospital of Michigan, St. John's Medical Center, William Beaumont Hospital, Henry Ford Hospital and Karamanos Cancer Institute of Detroit. Starting this year, busy customers who do not have time to purchase a gift can support the Holiday Angels Toy Drive with a monetary donation to Starlight. Prepaid envelopes will be available for customers to mail donations of any dollar amount. The money collected during the toy drive will also benefit seriously ill children in the Starlight network. Since the toy drive's inception in 1999, nearly 500,000 gifts have been distributed to children in need through the Holiday Angels Toy Drive. During the 2002 holiday season, the toy drive collected enough toys to double the number of donations from the previous year, which included 5,758 toys from the Mid-East region.

Sept. 18 - May 20 - Woodside Bible Church Mothers Of Preschoolers(MOPS), 9-11:30 am (quality childcare provided), 3193 Rochester Rd., Troy. Moms with children under school age (0-6) can join us for good food, fellowship, relevant teaching and creative endeavors. Cost: Sept. - Dec. $50 + childcare. Jan.-May: $35 + childcare. Childcare Fees: $10 for 1 child; $12.50 for 2 or more children (per semester). More info, call (248) 680-9104

December

Ongoing - In a White Horse Open Sleigh Just a short drive north of Rochester! Sleigh Ride & Dinner Package - Historic White Horse Inn Restaurant & Tavern Metamora, MI- The Historic White Horse Inn is offering Sleigh Ride & Dinner Packages on Friday & Saturday evenings November 28 thru December 27. Sleigh Ride & Dinner package includes choice of entrée from the dinner menu or evening featured dinner specials, warm bread basket, salad, soup or slaw, potato, vegetable, coffee, tea or soft drink and a 15 minute sleigh ride (with frothy hot cocoa) through the charming historic village of Metamora. Cost is $30 per adult person and $10 per child (12 and under). Children order from Children's menu. Advance reservations are necessary and may be made by calling the Historic White Horse Inn at (810) 678-2150. Historic White Horse Inn, 810-678-2150. www.historicwhitehorseinn.com

12 - Trunk Show 6:00-9:00 PM feat. glass artist Bethany Adams of Gwacie's Wonders and eclectic hats and accessories by Bea Reid. Biddle Gallery, 2840 Biddle Avenue, Wyandotte, MI 48192 734-281-4779 www.biddlegallery.com Holiday Hours (effective November 28th) Monday - Friday 10:00-9:00, Saturday & Sunday 10:00-6:00.

13 - Country Western Christmas Dance sponsored by the Wolverine Silverspur Dancers on Dec. 13, 2003. Held at the Italian Cultural Center, 28111 Imperial Dr. Warren. Doors open at 7:00, lesson at 7:30, open dancing 8:00-11:30. Dancing to DJ music includes Couples, Flow and Line Dancing. $10.00 includes free lesson, snacks, coffee and large hardwood floor. Call Diane at 586-573-0668 or email dlj@comcast.net. Singles and Couples welcomed. GUEST INSTRUCTORS: JIM & SHERI NABOZNY.

13 - Daryl L. McDuffie, author of "ABCs to Unlimited Success", will be appearing at the School House Teachers Store for a book signing event. The School House, which is a full service teacher, parent and student store specializing in educational supplies, books and teaching aids to enhance the educational experience, is located at 19363 Livernois, Detroit, Michigan 48221. The signing will begin at 12:00 noon and end at 3:00 p.m. For more info, contact The School House (313) 342-1261.

15 - 22 - THE RETRO TOYBOX: FROM ALF TO ZOOBILEE ZOO A VINTAGE TOY SALE AND EXHIBITION AT THE ARTSPEAK GALLERY. Gilvan Blight's Trading Post proudly presents its second annual retro toy exhibition and sale, beginning on Monday December 15th, 2003. This nostalgia toy show featuring toys of the 70's, 80's and 90's will be held December 15th through the 22nd, 9am to 6pm at the Artspeak Gallery, 1942 Wyandotte Street East, Windsor, Ontario. A cookies and milk reception featuring the retro music of DJ Church will be held on Monday December 15th from 7pm to 10pm. Toys featured in the show will include: Thundercats, Care Bears, My Little Pony, He-Man, Transformers, Fisher Price Little People, Strawberry Shortcake, picture books and many other toy and cartoon related items. Admission is free and open to the public. For more information, email retrotoybox@gbtradingpost.com or visit www.retro.gb-tradingpost.com

16 - "The Physiology of Addiction" will be presented by Ed Conlin, CAC-1. Ed is the Team Leader of the Dawn Farm Detox Facility. This workshop will help participants learn about the addict's physical reaction to the use of chemicals, the progression of the illness of chemical dependency, and the dynamics of detoxification. The workshop is part of the Dawn Farm Education Series, a FREE, annual workshop series developed to provide accurate, helpful, hopeful, practical, current information about chemical dependency and recovery, and dispel the myths and misinformation surrounding this devastating but treatable disease. Addicts, alcoholics, people in recovery, people interested in recovery, family members and others affected by chemical dependency, people who work with chemically dependent individuals, students, people interested in any topic for any reason - ALL ARE WELCOME! Times: 7:30 to 9 PM Location: Saint Joseph Mercy Hospital Education Center, Classroom EC - 1, 5305 Elliott Drive, Ypsilanti, Michigan Cost: FREE. Registration is not required. A certificate to document attendance can be provided. http://www.dawnfarm.org

19 - Victory Apostolic Church Ministry of Helps, hosts “Take Me To The Water”, A Special Holiday Spiritual Refresher, Friday, December 19th, 2003, 7:00 PM Victory Apostolic Church 178 Green Street – Pontiac, MI 48341 District Elder Michael T. Martin, Pastor and Founder (Located on the northwest corner of Orchard Lake Rd., 2 miles east of Telegraph and approximately 1 mile west of Woodward Ave.) This special service will offer spiritual exhortations on the essentials of salvation and baptism, spirit-filled praise and worship, anointed, mature and capable ministers who will provide spiritual counseling, and special prayer for eliverance from depression, drugs, gambling, illness, alcohol, violence, marital problems, financial difficulties, challenges in your home, problems on your job, and more. Come Expecting ~ Come Receiving For further information, please call (248) 334-2819

19 - Trunk Show 6:00-9:00 PM, feat. cocktail hats and accessories by milliner Gena Conti and handcrafted jewelry by Kathleen Bolan of Born to Bead. Biddle Gallery 2840 Biddle Avenue Wyandotte, MI 48192 734-281-4779 www.biddlegallery.com Holiday Hours (effective November 28th) Monday - Friday 10:00-9:00, Saturday & Sunday 10:00-6:00.

20 - The Alexandra Beale Foundation's 2nd Annual "Lunch with Santa for Children with Special Needs" Baker's of Milford Restaurant 2025 South Milford Road, Milford, Michigan December 20th, 2003, 11:00 a.m. - 2:00 p.m. Music, Face Painting by Pat, and Buttercup the Clown Special Guests: Santa and Mrs. Claus The Alexandra Beale Foundation would like to welcome the residents of Michigan to our second Annual "Lunch with Santa for Children with Special Needs" and their families at Baker's of Milford Restaurant in Milford, Michigan on Saturday, December 20th, 2003. Take the Milford road exit off I-96 and go north approximately three miles, the restaurant will be on the east side of Milford Road. Buttercup the Clown - 11:15 a.m. - 1:15 p.m. Face Painting with Pat - 11:30 a.m. - 12:30 p.m. Lunch - 12:00 p.m. - 1:00 p.m. Santa and Mrs. Claus arrive at 12:30 p.m. Some children recover from hemiplegia and stroke without many problems, while other children require many years of therapy, medical treatment and equipment so that they may be able to achieve day to day living experiences. The Alexandra Beale Foundation is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit, all volunteer organization assisting the families of children affected by hemiplegia and pediatric stroke in Michigan. Reservation forms can be down loaded from our web site at www.alexandrabeale.com or you may call Kathie Beale at (248) 887-0235 for more information. Cost is $10.00 per family and the lunch will include chicken fingers and french fries, personal size pizza, coffee, tea, soda and milk.

30 - "Our Devilish Alcoholic Personality" will be presented by Kelly Mullins, BS. Kelly is a Clinical Team Leader at Dawn Farm. This workshop will provide a glimpse of what really goes on in the thinking of practicing addicts and alcoholics. The workshop is part of the Dawn Farm Education Series, a FREE, annual workshop series developed to provide accurate, helpful, hopeful, practical, current information about chemical dependency and recovery, and dispel the myths and misinformation surrounding this devastating but treatable disease. Addicts, alcoholics, people in recovery, people interested in recovery, family members and others affected by chemical dependency, people who work with chemically dependent individuals, students, people interested in any topic for any reason - ALL ARE WELCOME! Times: 7:30 to 9 PM Location: Saint Joseph Mercy Hospital Education Center, Classroom EC - 1, 5305 Elliott Drive, Ypsilanti, Michigan Cost: FREE. Registration is not required. A certificate to document attendance can be provided. Phone: 734-485-8725, Fax: 734-485-6103, E-Mail: info@dawnfarm.org, Web site: http://www.dawnfarm.org

31 - Country Western New Year's Eve dance sponsored by Wolverine Silverspur Dancers on Dec. 31st. Doors open at 6:00pm, catered dinner served at 7:30pm.Country Western dancing 8:00pm to 1:00 am. Open Bar, Champagne Toast at Midnight, Meat Tray & Hors d'oeuvres served at 10:30pm. $40.00 per person, ADVANCE TICKET SALES ONLY. Call Marcie at 586-731-8337 or email dlj@comcast.net for more info.

January

Through Mid-January - WASHINGTON D.C., BUS TRIPS are now being planned for the March for Life 2004. The March for Life is a time for prolife people to gather and peacefully protest the 1973 U.S. Supreme Court decision of Roe vs. Wade and Boe vs. Bolton. January 22, 2004 will mark 31 years of abortion on demand. To learn more about busses departing from Michigan or to find out more about local Michigan events please phone Chris at 734-282-6100 or log on to Right to Life of Michigan website: www.rtl.org. Chris MacDonald 734-282-6100 - Juliana Bacon 734-930-7474 or Daisy Truss 248-553-8800. Or log on to www.rtl.org for more information about this event and all other events. SUBMIT: Submit Event


2 - Baldwin Public Library will host an original production by the MICHIGAN OPERA THEATER of "Hansel and Gretel" on Friday, January 2, 2004 at 2:00pm in the Rotary Room. Spend a memoralbe afternoon with your family and friends enjoying the talent of these professional musicians. Contact Youth Services, Connie Ilmer, at 248-554-4670. Fax 248-647-6393, email ilmerco@baldwinlib.org.

12 - "Upward Basketball" program. Specifically designed for children grades 1st-6th. Upward promotes character and self-esteem in every child by recognizing each child as a winner and providing: -Equal playing time for every player -Seperate leagues for boys and girls -A one-hour practice and game each week of the season. -An evaluation process to provide equal opportunity for improvement. -And much more! Every player will recieve: -Reversible Upward Basketball jersey -Upward Basketball t-shirt -Upward Basketball Winner Magazine -Individual awards after each practice and game -End of the year award - an Upward Basketball basketball! $55.00 per child if registered by January 5th, 2004. $65.00 after January 5th, 2004. Deadline for registration is January 15th, 2004. Program will take place at our Southgate Activities Building located at 14755 Goddard Road Southgate, MI 48195. For more information, contact Recreations Leader Kevin Bailey: (734) 282-8028. Call for your brochure and registration form.

February

3- Bon Secours Cottage CancerCare is offering the "Look Good . . . Feel Better" program to help women deal with the physical effects of cancer treatment. At the "Look Good . . . Feel Better" sessions, specially trained and certified volunteer cosmetologists help women choose and apply makeup that lifts their looks as well as their spirits. Participants are encouraged to bring in a wig, if they have one, for assistance with styling and care. Wig selection and the fashionable use of scarves, turbans and hats also are discussed and demonstrated. The next "Look Good . . . Feel Better" session takes place from 1 to 3 p.m. Monday, Feb. 3, in the first-floor conference room at Cottage Hospital, 159 Kercheval Avenue, Grosse Pointe Farms (one mile south of Moross). Free valet parking is available at the Kercheval entrance. Co-sponsored by the American Cancer Society, the Cosmetic, Toiletry and Fragrance Association Foundation, and the National Cosmetology Association, "Look Good . . .Feel Better" is a non-medical service that does not promote any cosmetic product line. The program is free of charge. Attendance is limited to ensure that each individual receives special attention. Women receiving cancer treatment at any health care facility are welcome. Reservations should be made prior to Jan. 20 by calling Bon Secours Cottage Community Health Promotion at (586) 779-7900.

7 - Hugger Elementary School 3rd Annual Scrapbooking Crop to benefit The PTA's Academic Enrichment Programs. Saturday February 7, 2004 from 9 AM to 9 PM. Held at Hugger Elementary, 5050 Sheldon Rd, Rochester. $30.00 pre-paid admission includes lunch, dinner and refreshments; as well as a goodie bag and 3 free demonstrations of new scrapbooking techniques. For more info, visit www.myschoolonline.com/mi/huggerschool to download form and send payment. Or call Konni Behounek @ 248-601-1402.

20-21 - Battle of Detroit-World Martial Arts championship, a charity event for ZIAD Healthcare for the Underserved University of Michigan Dearborn. Ticket prices and event inofrmation at www.ziadhealthcare.org or www.worldmartialartscollege.com

Community health calendars:
- Bon Secours Cottage Hospital
- Botsford General Hospital
- Crittenton Hospital
- St. Joseph Mercy
- William Beaumont Hospital
- St. John Hospital

Support Groups:
- Bon Secours Cottage Health Services
- Botsford General Hospital
- St. John Hospital and Medical Center
- William Beaumont Hospital
- St. Joseph Mercy

Other Local Health Resources

- Blood Pressure Screenings
- Visiting Nurse Association or call VNA Flu Busters Hotline at 800-296-8660.
- 1-800-57-WOMAN -LIFE AFFIRMING OPTIONS. On going, daily, weekly, monthly, yearly helpline for woman experiencing an un-expected, unwanted pregnancy or those in need of post-abortive assistance.
- Haven 24-hour Crisis Line - 248-334-1274
- Michigan State Police School Violence Hotline is a 24-hour, toll free phone where students from elementary through college can call to report threats and potential violence - 1-800-815-TIPS

Information on charities and organizations in metro Detroit:
Adopt-A-Senior -- 248-209-2644
Alternatives For Girls -- 313-964-5450
Cothing for women for first interviews -- Dress for Success
Detroit Rescue Mission Ministries -- 313 993-4700
Donate cell phones to protect battered women -- Call to Protect
Donate cell phones to seniors -- Oakland Cty. Sheriff's Office
Job training, clothes -- Jackets for Jobs
Gleaners Food Bank -- 313-923-3535
Grace Centers of Hope -- 248-334-2187
Smoke detectors for low income families -- Call Safety First 313-596-2959
Goodfellows -- P.O. Box 44444, Detroit, MI. 48244-0444
'Above Water' -- 313-541-5213
Path Shelter -- 248-335-1950

Report Dumping -- 800-545-4948
Report Abandoned Homes -- 313-224-8206

Volunteer at one of the following places:

Come learn about volunteer opportunities at HAVEN, Oakland County’s center for the prevention and treatment of domestic violence, sexual assault and child abuse. You can make a difference in the lives of survivors. Volunteers are needed on the crisis & support line, for supervised exchange and in advocacy. HAVEN hosts a Volunteer Information Night the first Monday of each month from 6-8pm. For more information, call Claudia Nafsu at 248-334-1284 extension 341.

If you are interested in becoming a Big Brother or Big Sister to a local child, call 248-569-0600, or visit the Big Brothers/Big Sisters website.

Henry Ford Medical Center is looking for volunteers:
The Henry Ford Medical Center - West Bloomfield is seeking retired registered nurses to conduct blood pressure screenings from 1-4 p.m. Tuesdays and Thursdays. Volunteers are needed to work a minimum of three hours a month. For more information, call Volunteer Services at (248) 661-6496. The medical center, located at 6777 W. Maple Road between Halstead and Farmington roads, is part of Henry Ford Health System. Patients have access to more than 40 medical specialties, including cancer, orthopaedics, dermatology, plastic surgery and a 24-hour emergency department.

Bon Secours Cottage Health Services is looking for volunteers:

Bon Secours Cottage Health Services welcomes new volunteers at both hospital campuses, the Bon Secours Nursing Care Center (NCC) and Bon Secours Place at St. Clair Shores, assisted living. Individuals seeking rewarding experiences, from lending a hand or offering a caring touch to patients and guests, should consider joining the Bon Secours Cottage volunteer team.

Hospital volunteers are needed to assist and contribute in the following areas:
· to act as patient and visitor escorts
· to assist at information desks, surgical reception desks and on nursing units
· to prepare and deliver Meals for the Homebound
· to perform clerical duties in the volunteer workroom and hospital departments
· to sew hand puppets, crochet lap blankets and pop popcorn

Both hospitals need early risers to work in several areas, and Cottage enlists additional volunteers to work in its gift shop. At the NCC, volunteers visit one-on-one with residents and assist with group social activities as well as transporting residents to and from various locations within the facility. Eucharistic ministers are also needed at the NCC to distribute Holy Communion to residents. At Bon Secours Place, volunteers greet guests at the front entrance during the day and evening, and also visit with residents and assist with recreational and social activities.

For more information or to request an application to volunteer, please call:
Bon Secours Hospital, Grosse Pointe (313) 343-1795
Cottage Hospital, Grosse Pointe Farms (313) 640-2455
Nursing Care Center, St. Clair Shores (586) 779-7011
Bon Secours Place at St. Clair Shores (586) 498-4501

Bon Secours Cottage Hospice offers volunteer training to caring men and women who are interested in helping to provide support to terminally ill patients and their families in the home and in extended-care facilities. The Caring Person Program is a 20-hour training course that Hospice volunteers must complete. For information about the next program, call Maria Ciccone at (313) 343-6051.

Henry Ford Health System is looking for volunteers:

SandCastles, a grief support program for children, teens and their families offered through the Hospices of Henry Ford Health System, seeks volunteers for its soon-to-open Detroit site. It seeks volunteers for its sites in Clinton Township, Detroit, Rochester, St. Clair Shores, Southfield and Wyandotte. Volunteers must be at least 18-years-old. To register for training or for more information call 313-874-6881.

St. John Hospital is looking for volunteers:

St. John Hospice is seeking volunteers to assist terminally ill patients, their caregivers and families in Wayne, Macomb, Oakland, and St. Clair Counties. Volunteers can choose from a variety of functions that include: offering companionship by making home visits, making telephone calls, running errands, providing respite relief for the caregiver, and other services that are needed by the patients, caregivers, and families. In addition, volunteer opportunities are available for those interested in assisting with clerical functions, fundraising and outreach programs, and providing bereavement support. Training to become part of the "St. John Hospice Program" will be provided to all volunteers. Volunteers must be at least 18 years of age and volunteer scheduling will be at the convenience of the volunteer. Interested individuals who can assist with this important volunteer opportunity are encouraged to contact St. John Hospice at 1-800-248-2298.

Enthusiastic, compassionate people who can donate a few hours of their time each week are needed for the St. John Hospital and Medical Center Hip and Knee Center, which is located in the hospital at 22101 Moross at Mack Avenue. Volunteers will act as coaches for patients who are undergoing physical therapy after knee or hip replacement surgery. No lifting is required, and it's not necessary to have past medical experience. Rather, a positive attitude and a willingness to cheer on patients who don't have family members to act as coaches are all that's needed to help. Volunteers are asked to donate a minimum of four hours per week. For more information or to volunteer, call program director Heidi Kalinowski, RN, MSN, at 313-343-7785.

St. John Hospital and Medical Center's Volunteer Services department has opportunities for community members to help with the popular patient TV bingo games each Wednesday from noon to 3 p.m. Volunteers pass out bingo cards, verify numbers on cards in patient rooms, deliver prizes to patients or call numbers and answer patient phone calls during bingo telecasts throughout the hospital. No previous bingo experience is necessary. A new directional service available on the campus of St. John Hospital and Medical Center is helping patients and visitors easily find their way around the campus. The Guiding Star program, which is staffed by hospital volunteers, was created by the Patient Transportation Team, a quality improvement team, in response to patient feedback. Guiding Stars are available Monday-Friday, from 8 a.m.-8 p.m. After-hours calls are forwarded to the hospital switchboard. If you would be interested in volunteering at least four hours a week to be a Guiding Star, call (313) 343-3680 Monday through Friday between 8am and 7pm and Saturdays from 9am to 4 pm.

Volunteers needed to knit or crochet lap robes for St. John Hospital and Medical Center geriatric program St. John Hospital and Medical Center is seeking volunteers to make colorful knitted or crocheted lap robes for its geriatric patients. For more information or to donate finished robes, skeins of yarn or leftover yarn that can be turned into lap robes, contact the St. John Volunteer Services department at 313-343-3680 Monday through Friday from 8am to 4pm. The hospital is located at 22101 Moross at Mack, east of I-94.

Open Arms -- Open Arms, a St. John Health System, grieving children's program, is seeking African American male volunteers and other volunteers to assist in the implementation of its free support groups for children and families. A volunteer-based program, Open Arms offers a variety of opportunities for volunteers. For more information contact Ayo Glanton-Epo, volunteer coordinator, at 313-921-7983 extension 233. Support groups are held Tuesday and Thursday evenings, ongoing. Tuesday support groups are for homicide survivors and Thursday groups are for children and family members who have lost a loved one due to suicide, accident, cancer or other natural causes.