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Friday, July 8, 2011

Free workshop: learn what it takes to keep your home

Metro Newspaper Services
The Macomb County Warming Center and Ray of Hope Day Center will present a free community service workshop for new homeowners, from 4 to 6 p.m. July 11-12 and July 18-19.

"We know that many homeless residents have been, and are still, housed as a result of federal funds earmarked to assist people to get off the streets and into housing," said Kathleen McKinley-Goodrich, executive director of the Macomb County Warming Center.

Many of these residents, homeless as a result of the economy and layoffs, have found some work and, as former homeowners, are doing great, once again. However, there are many people -- having never learned the necessary skills required to manage their bills -- who are failing.
"They're not hanging on to them (homes)," McKinley-Goodrich said.
For one reason or another, they are failing to manage things and are being evicted.

Organizers are hoping the free workshop, for both caseworkers and the general public, will end the cycle. McKinley-Goodrich said the sessions are designed to provide residents with the skills they need to leave the homeless life behind and succeed as new homeowners.

"Whether an apartment, house or mobile home, we hope to take the next step -- by assisting those who are newly housed and those workers who house them -- to find helpful and expedient ways to assure that the housing works," said McKinley-Goodrich. "This will be the focus of the workshops presented by Dorothy Pilla, who has long worked in the re-housing effort and is a certified HUD pre-housing counselor. The Ray of Hope is honored to have her as a presenter."

The workshops also will provide question-and-answer opportunities. Light refreshments will be served.

The two sessions being held at The Ray of Hope, 16546 Nine Mile Road, Eastpointe, are free but registration is appreciated. RSVP to kmac0212@wowway.com or (586) 321-0998.

DAYTRIPPING
Looking for something fun to do this weekend? Check out Life's listing of things to do in the Detroit area:

Free concerts
Air Margaritaville plays Jimmy Buffett songs, July 22, and Intrigue plays top 40 hits July 29, both 7:30 p.m. at Eastwood Beach at Stony Creek Metropark. Picnic baskets allowed, no glass containers; food also available at concessions. Bring blankets or chairs. Admission by permit: daily or annual. Call (800) 477-7756. 
Warren Cultural Commission presents Thomas H. Carey "Concerts at the Square," 7 p.m. Sundays, at Warren City Square, east of Van Dyke and north of 12 Mile Road. Schedule includes: July 17, The Sound Alternative; July 24, Mainstreet Soul; July 31, Jill Jack; Aug. 7, Motor City Brass Band; Aug. 14, The Under Pressure Band; Aug. 21, Warren Concert Band. Bring lawn chair or blanket. Call (586) 264-0959.
St. John Hospital and Medical Center's The Plaza Jazz Concert Series continues, 7 p.m. Thursdays through Aug. 4, except July 28, at The Village Festival Plaza, Kercheval and St. Clair, Grosse Pointe. Free. Call (313) 886-7474 or visit www.thevillagegp.com.

Uptown Friday Night Concert Series at The Fountain Stage, on Macomb Place between N. Walnut and Pine streets, in downtown Mount Clemens, 9:30-11 p.m., July 15, Brazil & Beyond; July 22, Smokin' Ash; July 29, Strat Axis; Aug. 5, The Allies. For details visit, www.DowntownMountClemens.com or (586) 469-4168.
Metro Beach Metropark offers concerts by live bands and dancing at Thomas S. Welsh Activity Center, 6:30-10 p.m. Sundays through August at the Harrison Township park. Music, dancing free, vehicle entry permit required. Information, (800) 477-3172.

Old fashion baseball
Pack a picnic basket and come to the park to cheer on the Regular Base Ball Club of Mount Clemens or the Rochester Grangers as they take on challengers from the area.

Regular Baseball Club photos courtesy of Ray Pachuta
















Mount Clemens games are played at 2 p.m. at field on east side of Romeo Plank Road north of Clinton River Road and will include:
July 17, Royal Oak Yahoos
July 23, Wyandotte Stars
and Aug. 21 Midland Mighty River Hogs.
Visit Regular Baseball Club of Mount Clemens
Rochester Grangers Vintage Base Ball Club plays at 1 p.m. July 10 and Aug. 28, at Halbach Field in Rochester. Free admission.
Visit Rochester Hills or call (248) 656-4663.

Theater auditions
Auditions for Box Theater play "Tuesdays With Morrie" by Mitch Albom, 7 p.m. July 18, at Che Cosa Coffee House, 90 Macomb Place, Mount Clemens. Roles for two men. Performance dates Sept. 9-24. For information, theboxtheater@gmail.com or (586) 954-2311.
Ridgedale Players auditions for "Love, Sex and the IRS," registration 6:30 p.m., tryouts 7 p.m., July 18, at the theater, 205 Long Lake Road, Troy. For details, www.ridgedaleplayers.com. Performance dates Sept. 9-25.


Bowling benefit
Bowling fundraiser July 16, registration 5:30 p.m., bowling 6:30 p.m., at Kingswood Lanes, 44925 Groesbeck, Clinton Township. Admission $20, includes three games, pizza, pop and shoes; proceeds benefit Lutheran Child and Family Service Auxiliary. For registration information, (586) 791-3596.

Dance marathon
"Dance 'til You Drop" dance marathon, 6 p.m.-midnight July 16, at Paint Creek Center for the Arts, 407 Pine St. at Fourth Street, downtown Rochester. Proceeds benefit the Center. Call (248) 651-4110.

Card party
St. Clair Shores Fraternal Order of Eagles 3619 Auxiliary "Christmas in July" card party, 1-4 p.m. July 24, at the FOE, 23631 Greater Mack, north of Nine Mile Road. Admission $7, includes light lunch, coffee, dessert, prizes. For tickets, (586) 773-1855.

Ray Township
Free outdoor movie night and family fun activities, 7:30 p.m. tonight, at Ray Township Park, 64255 Wolcott Road. Events include dog obedience and agility show, free horse-drawn wagon rides, children's playground, movie "Megamind" shown at dusk, all weather permitting.
Also, township trunk (yard) sale, 9 a.m.-3 p.m. July 16, at the park.
Free admission.

Anton Art Center
"Going Green" exhibition, July 17-Aug. 14, in Petitpren Community Gallery of the Anton Art Center, 125 Macomb Place, Mount Clemens. Group exhibit of works by Lakeside Palette Club of St. Clair Shores, Mount Clemens Art Association and Warren Tri-County Fine Arts, Inc. Opening reception 1-3 p.m. July 17; Center hours 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Tuesday-Thursday and Saturday, and 10 a.m.-6 p.m. Fridays, and noon-4 p.m. Sundays. Call (586) 469-8666.

Strawberry Festival
Villas of Shelby senior living community hosting Strawberry Festival, 2-3:30 p.m. July 15, at the Villas, 4200 W. Utica Road, Shelby Township. Free strawberry shortcake, entertainment; admission by canned food for donation to Gleaners Food Bank of Southeastern Michigan. To RSVP, (586) 739-5520.

Spaghetti dinner
All-you-can-eat spaghetti dinner and dancing fundraiser for Eastpointe Cheerleaders participating in National Competition in Las Vegas, serving 6-10 p.m. July 15 at Century Banquet Center, 33204 Maple Lane, Sterling Heights. Tickets $10 adults, $4 children, include dinner and dancing, cash bar; also, raffles and door prizes.


Yoga at Stony
Yoga on Eastwood Beach at Stony Creek Metropark, 8-9 a.m. Saturdays through Aug. 27, fee $5 per session or $30 for series. Park vehicle entry permit required, $5 per day, $25 season, $15 seniors. For yoga information, email theyogapath.kdv@gmail.com or call (586) 918-8407.

Park*it for fun
Annual free Park*it family fun nights is under way and continues at tri-county locations through August, and also Oct. 22 at Warren City Square. Fun starts at 6 p.m. and includes outdoor concerts, kids' activities, sponsor giveaways and a family movie. For complete schedule information, visit parkitforfun.com.

Free popcorn
MJR Digital Cinemas offer free popcorn and one refill Tuesdays July 5-Sept. 6 at its theaters, including Chesterfield Crossing Digital Cinema 16, Marketplace Digital Cinema 20 and Partridge Creek Digital Cinema 14.

Youth theater
Stagecrafters Youth Theatre present "Disney's Camp Rock - The Musical," July 22-31, at the Baldwin Theatre, 415 S. Lafayette, Royal Oak. Cast features local youngsters. Showtimes 7 p.m. July 22-23, 29, 3 p.m. July 23, 30, 1 p.m. July 24 and 31, and noon July 28. Advance tickets $6 youth, $10 adults, at Stagecrafters or (248) 541-6430.

Benefit dinner
Lake Shore High School German class hosting spaghetti dinner to raise funds for trip to Germany, serving 5-9 p.m. July 30 at Mount Clemens Elks Lodge, 179 S. Main St. Admission $10 per person, free ages 7 and younger; meal includes pasta, salad and beverage.

Go Comedy!
"ROGOCOP! The Musical," a parody of the movie "Robocop," presented 8 p.m. Thursdays and Fridays through Aug. 26, at Go Comedy! Improv Theater, 261 Nine Mile Road, Ferndale. Tickets, $5-$15, available at www.gocomedy.net or by calling (248) 327-0575 after 6 p.m. Wednesdays-Sundays.



Zoo music
Wild Summer Nights concert series at Detroit Zoo, 6:30-8 p.m. Wednesdays, through Aug. 31, free with zoo admission or $5 after 5 p.m.; animal habitats and Dinosauria open until 8 p.m. For schedule, visit Detroit Zoo or (248) 541-5717. 

Among the bands showcased will be the Candy Band, at right, Aug. 8.

Rockin' on Riverfront
Free Chevy Rockin' on the Riverfront concert series continues 8-10 p.m. Fridays through Aug. 12 at Riverfront Plaza in downtown Detroit. Schedule: July 15, The Guess Who; July 22, REO Speedwagon; July 29, Grand Funk Railroad; Aug. 5, Leon Russell and Mitch Ryder; and Aug. 12, Bachman Turner Overdrive. Parking available $5 at GM surface lot at St. Antoine and Atwater adjacent to GM Renaissance Center. Viewing space on first-come, first-serve basis, with own lawn chairs or blankets. Food concessions available; coolers not permitted. 

Museum Wednesdays
Wet and Wild Wednesdays in July at Rochester Hills Museum at Van Hoosen Farm, noon-1 p.m. entertainment, fire truck sprays and creek wading 1-2 p.m. Admission free for museum members, $2 for others ages 2 and older, at the museum, 1005 Van Hoosen Road, east of Rochester Road off Tienken Road. Call (248) 656-4663 or visit www.rochesterhills.org.

Film series
Detroit Historical Society weekend film series Saturdays and Sundays through Sept. 4, 1 p.m. in Detroit Historical Museum, 5401 Woodward Ave. at Kirby. Free with admission $6 adults, $4 ages 60 and older, college students and ages 5-18. Parking $4. Call (313) 833-1801 or visit www.detroithistorical.org.

Twilight Tuesdays
Self-guided tours of Meadow Brook Hall or landscape and architecture tours of the grounds during "Twilight Tuesdays" 6-9 p.m. July 26, Aug. 23 and Sept. 20, at the historic Rochester hall, with music. Admission $10 adults, free ages 12 and younger; reservations not required. For details, (248) 364-6263 or www.meadowbrookhall.org.
Senior club
2nd Horizon Club for ages 60 and older, meets noon Fridays at Mount Clemens Rec Center, 300 Groesbeck, light lunch, cards and socializing. For details, (586) 463-7711. No fee to join.

Warren art
Warren Tri-County Fine Art Association works by member watercolor artist Mary Reo featured 9 a.m.-5 p.m. Monday-Saturday during July at Warren City Hall.

Farmers Market
Mount Clemens Farmers Market open 7 a.m.-1 p.m. Fridays and Saturdays through Nov. 19, at 141 North River Road. Locally grown products, including flowers. Family Day, July 16, includes information on health, nutrition, personal and fire safety, from Macomb County Health Department, sheriff's office, Mount Clemens Fire Department, Henry Ford Macomb Hospital. Visit www.mountclemensfarmersmarket.com.

Volunteers needed
* Macomb Literary Partners needs volunteers to help adults become better readers; applicants trained to tutor an adult 2 hours per week, with training sessions held on weekends or evenings. Call (586) 286-2750.
* Detroit Historical Guild seeking volunteers interested in participating in historical activities, including flea markets at Historic Fort Wayne, tea parties, excursions to historic sites, etc. Call (586) 777-5898.

TODAY'S MUSE
Security is mostly superstition; it does not exist in nature nor do the children of men as a whole experience it. Avoiding danger is no safer in the long run than outright exposure. T keep our faces towards change and behave as free spirits in the presence of fate is strength undefeatable -- Helen Keller

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