Share a meal with a senior and the recipe online

Guess what grandma wants most of all for dinner? New research into the eating habits of older adults has discovered answers that might surprise many of us.

“Seventy-eight percent of seniors surveyed wished their families shared more meals together,” according to a report by Home Instead Senior Care. “Two of five seniors who live alone have at least four warning signs of poor nutritional health and one in five seniors say he or she sometimes or most of the time feels lonely when eating alone.”

It’s for this reason Home Instead Health Care has launched “Craving Companionship,” a new program encouraging families to dig into their recipe box, find a favorite dish and share it with their senior loved ones.

“Many seniors need help planning and preparing nutritious meals,” said Kerry Gatti, owner of Home Instead Senior Care in Shelby Township. “But that’s only part of the story. Research reveals that seniors who live alone want good-tasting, nutritious food and stimulating conversation when they share home-cooked meals with family and friends.”

Got a great recipe?

How about a great story on what makes it special? Is it a family dish that has been handed down from generation to generation? Perhaps you can recall times as a child when elders in the family would gather to make the recipe. Whatever the case may be, as part of the new program, families are being invited to enter their recipe and story in the “Craving Companionship Recipe Contest” through Sept. 15.

Selected recipes and stories will be posted online and featured in the “Homemade Memories Cookbook” to be sold during the 2011 holiday season. Proceeds from the cookbook will go to the nonprofit Home Instead Senior Care Foundation to benefit North American seniors. 

“The dinner my son hates but always asks for” is the recipe Angela Munoz entered into the contest.

“My mother used to make Swiss steak for our family and it was a favorite of mine, so I continued to prepare this dish for my family. Every time I would make this dish, my son would ask, ‘What’s for dinner?’ I would tell him ‘Swiss Steak’ and his reply would always be ‘Yuck, I hate that.’ But he would eat two or three helpings.”

Munoz said her son, now married, called to ask about the recipe for the “stuff he hates.”

Click here for more information

The Munoz family recipe for Swiss Steak aka “yuck:”

3 to 5 pounds round steak

1 white onion

2 12-ounce cans cream mushroom soup

2 ounces cooking oil

garlic powder, salt and pepper to taste

3 cups water

Cut onion into 1/4-inch slices. Cut steak into individual serving pieces and season them with salt, pepper and garlic powder. Heat oil in a skillet and brown the meat on both sides. Then pour water over the steak, place onion slices on top, cover and reduce the heat to med-low. Cook until meat becomes tender. Add mushroom soup and cover again for about 10 to 15 minutes or until soup is hot. Serve with mashed potatoes and “yucky” green vegetables.

Send your comments or home and garden tips to Gina Joseph, The Macomb Daily, 100 Macomb Daily Drive, Mount Clemens, MI 48043, or email them to gina.joseph@macombdaily.com.

DAYTRIPPING: Family-friendly events going on this weekend

Now that most fans of fantasy adventures have seen "Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows: Part 2" at least once, the question has become what's next?

Courtesy of Paramount Pictures and Marvel Studios

Chris Evans plays Captain America: The First Avenger

 

Captain America!

Opening in theaters today is Captain America: The First Avenger starring Chris Evans, Sebastian Stan, Tommy Lee Jones, Hugo Weaving, Hayley Atwell and Stanley Tucci.

The story features the early days of the Marvel Universe when Steve Rogers (Chris Evans) volunteers to participate in an experimental program that turns him into the super soldier known as Captain America. As the super soldier, Rogers joins forces with Bucky Barnes (Sebastian Stan) and Peggy Carter (Hayley Atwell) to fight the villainous Red Skull (Hugo Weaving) and his evil HYDRA organization.

Rating: PG-13 for intense sequences of sci-fi violence and action.

Other movies opening this weekend: Friends With Benefits (R-rated); Sarah's Key (PG-13); A Little Help (R-rated); The Myth of the American Sleepover (NR). Click here for show times

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.

Peace Corps picnic

Southeastern Michigan Returned Peace Corps Volunteers picnic honoring 50th anniversary of the U.S. Peace Corps, noon-5 p.m. July 23, at First Presbyterian Church, 3000 12 Mile Road, west of Ryan. Meat, soft drinks provided, bring dish to pass. Call (586) 774-3144.

Sterling theater

"The Wizard of Oz" presented by Sterling Civic Theatre, 7:30 p.m. July 22-23, and 2 p.m. July 24, at Stevenson High School, 39701 Dodge Park Road, Sterling Heights. Admission $10 in advance, $12 at the door; purchase at city's Parks & Recreation Department, 40620 Utica Road, call (586) 446-2700, or visit Sterling Civic Theater

Young actors

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.

'Biggest Loser'

Casting for season 13 of "The Biggest Loser" TV show, 10 a.m.-6 p.m. July 30, at Gardner-White Furniture, 45300 Hayes Road, Macomb Township. For details and applications, Biggest Loser Casting

Spaghetti dinner

Susan G. Komen Breast Cancer Walk "spaghetti special" fundraiser, 11 a.m.-11 p.m. July 28, at The Boatyard Grille, 48780 Jefferson and Sugarbush Road, Chesterfield Township.

Broadway Onstage

New season begins with "The Sex Maniac" comedy, 8 p.m. Fridays and Saturdays and 2 p.m. select Sundays, July 22-Aug. 20, at Broadway Onstage, 21517 Kelly Road at Toepfer, Eastpointe. Tickets $14 opening night, $16 all other performances; call (586) 771-6333.

Historic Village

Richmond Historical Society opens The Historic Village at Bailey Memorial Park, 1-4 p.m. July 31, on Park Street between Stone and Beebe streets. Admission $2.

Illustration from Little Red Riding Hood

Fairy Tales

Fairy Tale Festival, 11 a.m.-4 p.m. July 23, at Edsel & Eleanor Ford House, 1100 Lake Shore Road, Grosse Pointe Shores. Exhibit "Fairy Tale Art: Illustrations from Children's Books" brings tales to life with musical and theatrical performances, storytellers, petting zoo and more. Admission: $10 advance, $12 at the door. For details visit, Ford House or (313) 884-4222.

Photo courtesy of Edsel & Eleanor Ford House

Illustration from the Elves and the Shoemaker

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 Metropark 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 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 22, Smokin' Ash; July 29, Strat Axis; Aug. 5, The Allies. For details visit, www.DowntownMountClemens.com or (586) 469-4168.

Concerts by live bands and dancing at Thomas S. Welsh Activity Center at Metro Beach Metropark, 6:30-10 p.m. Sundays through August at the Harrison Township park. Music, dancing free, vehicle entry permit required. Information: (800) 477-3172 or www.metroparks.com.

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.

Art exhibit

"The Art of Mark III," mixed media exhibit, July 23-Aug. 30, at City Gallery, 292 Cass Ave., Mount Clemens. Opening reception 3-9 p.m. July 23. Call (586) 469-8781.

Anton Art Center

"Going Green" exhibition, through 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. 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.

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.  Click here for tour schedule

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 Go Comedy or by calling (248) 327-0575 after 6 p.m. Wednesdays-Sundays.

Vintage Baseball

Regular Base Ball Club of Mount Clemens plays 2 p.m. at field on east side of Romeo Plank Road north of Clinton River Road: July 23, Wyandotte Stars, and Aug. 21 Midland Mighty River Hogs. Visit Regular Base Ball Club schedule

Rochester Grangers Vintage Base Ball Club plays at 1 p.m. Aug. 28, at Halbach Field in Rochester. Free admission. Visit www.rochesterhills.org or call (248) 656-4663.

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.

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 22, REO Speedwagon; July 29, Grand Funk Railroad; Aug. 5, Leon Russell and Mitch Ryder; and Aug. 12, Bachman Turner. 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. 

Film series

Detroit Historical Society weekend film series Saturdays and Sundays through Sept. 4, at 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 Detroit Historical Society

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. 

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.

'Fiddlers ReStrung'

Warren Civic Center Library hosts "Fiddlers ReStrung" family concert, 6:30 p.m. July 25, in the library conference room at Warren City Hall east of Van Dyke north of 12 Mile Road. Music by 21-piece string ensemble featuring students from Saline High School performing a variety of music including American Bluegrass, Celtic fiddle and popular folk.

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.

Features editor Debbie Komar contributed to this listing.

TODAY'S MUSE

When we played softball, I'd steal second base, feel guilty and go back ~ Woody Allen

Summer soiree to raise film industry funds and spirits

The film incentives are gone but members of Michigan's film industry are moving ahead. This Sunday's summer party at Dino's Restaurant in Ferndale -- sponsored by 313 Wood, Lindsay Warren Consulting, The Wow Shane Radio Show and The Cupcake Station -- is the latest event to provide funding, information and networking possibilities.

Sean Robertson

"We need to inspire ourselves to keep going," said Sean Robertson of Detroit, founder of the film and entertainment company 313 Wood and one of several local actors to appear on the canceled TV series Detroit 1-8-7 "We need to continue to produce quality films and other multimedia ventures."

Audiences who attend the event will not only have fun -- as it is a summer party featuring live entertainment, food and beverages -- but also will learn about projects currently running and who to contact. "It's more of an informational and networking kind of event," Robertson said.

Tickets of $10 at the door will fetch a variety of food prepared by Dino's and The Cupcake Kitchen, drink specials courtesy of the Ferndale-based Valentine Vodka and karaoke entertainment by Shea Sounds. A portion of the proceeds raised by the event will go to fund Robertson's new Web series, "Great Lake State," a political drama about a woman's rise to power and the perils she faces in trying to make a difference in her home state.

"The Web series is a paid project and we'll be hiring actors and film crews," said Robertson, who also is a reoccurring reporter for Auto Week's Vinsetta Garage, a new car enthusiast show that will air on the cable network this January.

The event starts at 7 p.m. Dino's Restaurant Lounge is located at 22740 Woodward Avenue, in Ferndale. Click here for more information

More on the 'The Hobbit' revealed

The door to the world of Peter Jackson’s “The Hobbit: An Unexpected Journey” opened today.

Take a look at the newest images to be released by Warner Bros. Pictures -- since those of the director on the set and the film's official synopsis -- several months ago.

Warner Bros. Pictures/James Fisher

Martin Freeman as Bilbo Baggins, a respectable and conservative, hobbit.

Warner Bros. Pictures/Photo by James Fisher

Portraying the role of Thorin Oakenshield is Richard Armitage.

Warner Bros. Pictures/Photo by James Fisher

Gandalf the wizard played by Ian McKellen.

Warner Bros. Pictures/Photo by James Fisher

New Line Cinema's and MGM's fantasy adventure "The Hobbit: An Unexpected Journey," a Warner Bros. Pictures release, featuring cast members, left to right: Jed Brophy as Nori, Dean O'Gorman as Fili, Mark Hadlow as Dori, James Nesbitt as Bofur, Peter Hamilton as Gloin, Graham McTavish as Dwalin, Richard Armitage as Thorin Oakenshield (center), Ken Stott as Bifur, Adam Brown as Ori and Aidan Turner as Kili.

Chocolate chip ice cream bowls are simply brilliant

 

You’ve heard of edible soup bowls? How about edible ice cream cookie bowls? 

Whether it’s a birthday party for kids, graduation for teens or an impromptu soiree for friends, everyone loves ice cream in the summer -- especially when it’s served up in something as cool as a chocolate chip cookie bowl.

The recipe here is fairly simple but it does require an Ice Cream Cookie Bowl pan ($11.99, Wilton.com) in order to bake up the cookie dough.

You also need:

3 cups all-purpose flour

2/3 cup firmly-packed brown sugar

1/3 cup granulated sugar

¾ teaspoon baking powder

½ teaspoon salt

¾ cup (1 ½ stick) butter, melted

2 eggs

1 teaspoon vanilla extract

2/3 cup miniature semi-sweet chocolate chips

1 bowl about 4 ½-inches in diameter to use as a cookie cutter

Step 1

Preheat the oven to 350 degrees and spray the outside of each bowl cavity with vegetable pan spray.

Step 2

To make the dough, combine the flour and salt in a medium bowl. In a separate bowl combine the butter and sugar and beat with electric mixer until light and fluffy. To this mixture, add the eggs and extract. Once it’s blended start adding the flour mixture, one cup at a time. Be sure to blend it after each cup.

Step 3

Roll out the dough on a generously-floured surface until its 1/8-inches thick. Using the cookie bowl cutter to cut circles from the dough and drape one circle over each bowl cavity, pressing the pan shape to form a smooth surface.

Step 4

Bake for about 10-13 minutes or until the cookie cups are golden brown. Cool on pan or cooling rack for 10 minutes before attempting to loosen the bottom edges of the cookies. So as not to break off the cookie edges and using a small spatula carefully remove cups from the pan and allow them to cool completely. Wash the pan, spray it again, and repeat the process with the remaining dough.

No time for cookie cups?
To jazz up a basic store-bought sugar cone dip the top edges into a bowl of melted chocolate. Then dip it again or roll it in a bowl of colorful, crunchy sprinkles and toppings.

For more neat ice cream recipes click here

  

TODAY'S MUSE

Rest is not idleness, and to lie sometimes on the grass on a summer day listening to the murmur of water, or watching the clouds float across the sky, 
is hardly a waste of time -- John Lubbock

The secret to successful entertaining: making guests feel welcome

If you've ever hosted an outdoor party you know that what's important is how long your guests decide to stick around.

"Hosting a quality event is about being thoughtful," says Dawn Bryan, lifestyle expert/founder of Qualipedia, an online consumer guide and the author of, "The Art and Etiquette of Gift Giving."

"It will not be measured by how much money and time you spend (whether you used Martha Stewart napkins) or by mimicking the Joneses up the block, but by how welcomed, comfortable and special each guest is made to feel."

As an expert in the field of etiquette and entertainment Bryan offers the following tips for hosting a party everyone will enjoy:

Preparation basics

* Be a guest at your own party - Plan ahead so you feel relaxed and happy to see everyone rather than stressed out and disappointed so many people did or did not show up.

* Consider the kind of party you would like to attend. Be creative and show off your talents as a cook or decorator but do not overestimate your capabilities or the time and resources available to you.

* Make a list and determine items and décor that can be prepared ahead of time. Is there anything you make that can be frozen? In making your list of food items jot down what serving platters, bowls or utensils will be needed to serve the dishes.

* Be ready 30 minutes before your guests are due to arrive.

Outdoor basics

* It's Michigan so have a backup plan in case of rain such as a tent or screen room.

* Clean the grill and make sure it's in working order or borrow one from the neighbor.

* If kids are invited include beverages and food they will enjoy and consider games or water toys to keep them entertained.

* Have containers available and marked for trash, disposables and recycling.

Entertainment

* Use your imagination when it comes to music. A live band (perhaps a relative who plays an instrument or sings) is always nice, especially if you have an area for dancing.

* If it's a formal affair consider soft background music. Google artists you like and put together a party CD featuring tunes you know your guests would enjoy. Again, put their likes or dislikes ahead of your own.

* For fun consider contests such as celebrity look-alikes or pie-eating. Maybe you know of someone who can do caricatures or face painting for the kids.

Beyond the basics

* Choose an original date such as Flag Day, then every year, make it your own.

* "Create a signature theme: a recipe, a season, a color, secret desire costumes or masks, jazz, salsa dancing, ping-pong tournament, all give imaginative impetus to your party," says Bryan. 

* Consider gift bags for the guests or a small memento related to your theme.

* If you have a lot of out-of-town guests consider sending them home with fresh bagels, a Danish and juice for their breakfast.

TODAY'S MUSE

A host is like a general: calamities often reveal his genius -- Horace

Ford House Fairy Tale Festival casts enchanting exhibit

Illustrations courtesy of Edsel & Eleanor Ford House

If you've been yearning to see the Edsel & Eleanor Ford House, but have held off for an event that your children would enjoy, Saturday would be a good time to go.

The Ford House Fairy Tale Festival, 11 a.m.-4 p.m. July 23, at Edsel & Eleanor Ford House, 1100 Lake Shore Road, Grosse Pointe Shores kicks off a magical exhibit "Fairy Tale Art: Illustrations from Children's Books" featuring 59-original illustrations from well-loved classic fairy tales that have been retold for centuries. 

Traditional stories such as "The Firebird, Cinderella, Sleeping Beauty," and "Little Red Riding Hood," are all depicted with modern versions like "Cinderella's Dress," and "The Hungry Coat."

"In today's world," fairy tales can dispel the uncertainties of our world with a magic carpet ride, for both children and adults, to the realm of wonder and enchantment. The marvelous illustrations of fairy tales help fill the human longing for stories that transcend the every day," according to promoters of the event.

Admission to the Fairy Tale Festival: $10 in advance; $12 at the door. Admittance to the Fairy Tale Art exhibit, through until Sept. 18 is included with regular admission to Ford House and is free to members. Watch for further events surrounding the visiting exhibit.

Click here for more details or call (313) 884-4222.

DAYTRIPPING

Looking for something else to do with the family? Check out our list of events going on in the Detroit area:

Peace Corps picnic

Southeastern Michigan Returned Peace Corps Volunteers picnic honoring 50th anniversary of the U.S. Peace Corps, noon-5 p.m. July 23, at First Presbyterian Church, 3000 12 Mile Road, west of Ryan. Meat, soft drinks provided, bring dish to pass. Call (586) 774-3144.

'Biggest Loser'

Casting for season 13 of "The Biggest Loser" TV show, 10 a.m.-6 p.m. July 30, at Gardner-White Furniture, 45300 Hayes Road, Macomb Township. For details and applications: The Biggest Loser

Sterling Theatre

"The Wizard of Oz" presented by Sterling Civic Theatre, 7:30 p.m. July 22-23, and 2 p.m. July 24, at Stevenson High School, 39701 Dodge Park Road, Sterling Heights. Admission $10 in advance, $12 at the door; purchase at city's Parks & Recreation Department, 40620 Utica Road, call (586) 446-2700.

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. Click here for more about Stagecrafters or call (248) 541-6430.

BBQ Cook-off and car show

Second South Macomb BBQ Cook-Off and U.S.M.A. Car Show, July 30, at Gratiot Auto Center, 29187 Gratiot, north of 12 Mile Road, Roseville. Prizes awarded for "Top Ribs" and "Best Cars." Cooking starts at 7 a.m., judging at 2 p.m., with awards at 3:30 p.m., car show and vendors start 9 a.m. Fee to enter cook off, but otherwise free to attend. There will be food available for purchase. For information, email SMBBQ@live.com.

 

Treky fans!

The Redford Theatre will be showing "Star Trek II: The Wrath of Khan," featuring William Shatner, Leonard Nimoy and De Forest Kelley at 8 p.m. Friday, and 2 and 8 p.m. Saturday. The non-profit Motor City Theatre Organ Society owns and operates the Redford Theatre at 17360 Lahser Road, in Detroit. This enables attendees to enjoy a classic film plus organ concerts enhanced by the setting of a beautifully restored theater. Tickets: $5 includes free supervised parking. For more information visit: The Redford Theatre

Broadway Onstage

New season begins with "The Sex Maniac" comedy, 8 p.m. Fridays and Saturdays and 2 p.m. select Sundays, July 22-Aug. 20, at Broadway Onstage, 21517 Kelly Road at Toepfer, Eastpointe. Tickets $14 opening night, $16 all other performances; call (586) 771-6333.

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 are allowed, but no glass containers; food also available at concessions. Bring blankets or chairs. Admission: Metropark 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 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 22, Smokin' Ash; July 29, Strat Axis; Aug. 5, The Allies. For details: Click here or call (586) 469-4168.

Concerts by live bands and dancing at Thomas S. Welsh Activity Center at Metro Beach Metropark, 6:30-10 p.m. Sundays through August at the Harrison Township park. Music, dancing free, vehicle entry permit required. Information: (800) 477-3172

Art exhibits

"The Art of Mark III," mixed media exhibit, July 23-Aug. 30, at City Gallery, 292 Cass Ave., Mount Clemens. Opening reception: 3-9 p.m. July 23. Call (586) 469-8781.

Anton Art Center

"Going Green" exhibition runs through 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.

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.  

Click here for complete schedule

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 Go Comedy!or by calling (248) 327-0575 after 6 p.m. Wednesdays-Sundays.

Vintage Baseball

Regular Base Ball Club of Mount Clemens plays 2 p.m. at field on east side of Romeo Plank Road north of Clinton River Road: July 23, Wyandotte Stars, and Aug. 21 Midland Mighty River Hogs. Visit Regular Baseball Club's schedule

Rochester Grangers Vintage Base Ball Club plays at 1 p.m. Aug. 28, at Halbach Field in Rochester. Free admission. Visit www.rochesterhills.org or call (248) 656-4663.

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.

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 22, REO Speedwagon; July 29, Grand Funk Railroad; Aug. 5, Leon Russell and Mitch Ryder; and Aug. 12, Bachman Turner. 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. 

Film series

Detroit Historical Society weekend film series Saturdays and Sundays through Sept. 4, at 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 Meadow Brook

At the zoo

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. 

Mosaic Youth Theatre performs play "One Lion to Live," 10 and 11 a.m. and noon Aug. 21 in the Wildlife Interpretive Gallery at the Detroit Zoo, 10 Mile Road and Woodward Avenue, Royal Oak. Also, "Zoo Medleys' featuring songs about the earth and its inhabitants performed at Zoo's front entrance 10 and 11 a.m. and noon July 31, and the same times Aug. 13 in Wildlife Interpretive Gallery. 

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 Mount Clemens Farmers Market

Macomb Daily features editor Debbie Komar contributed to this list.

TODAY'S MUSE

Weeds are flowers too, once you get to know them -- A.A. Milne