Detroit Navy Week set to launch

Best of 1812 collection/Detroit Navy Week

Big ships have always been a part of Detroit's skyline but in an industrial kind of way. As part of the War of 1812 Bicentennial and Detroit Navy Week, Sept. 3-10, visitors to the shore will see a replica tall ship and several Navy war ships. Not to mention a variety of concerts and fun events planned as part of the week-long celebration.

Being a military event naturally the brass will be there including U.S. Navy Rear Admiral Gregory M Nosal but also the brass sounds of U.S. Navy and U.S. Marine Corps military bands.

Ever wondered what it was like for soldiers on the sea in 1812, or modern day sailors?

Visitors of all ages -- will have the opportunity throughout the week to tour a variety of ships including the USS De Wert, USS Hurricane, Coast Guard Cutter Katmai Bay and the War of 1812 replica tall ship - the historic US Brig Niagara. Rebuilt several times since its early construction using original wreckage salvaged from Lake Erie it is not only something to see but something to experience.  I know of at least one painter who will be heading to the docks with his brushes and easel. It's not every day - after all - that one gets to see the Niagara moored on the Detroit River.

Landlubbers can also head to the shores of Lake St. Clair Metropark where several events will be held as part of Detroit Navy Week. The U.S. Navy Band Michigan performs 6 p.m. Friday followed by the Michigan Philharmonic, an F-18 flyover and Americana medley by American House Traveling Choir at 5:30 p.m. Saturday events include Detroit Red Wings Alumni vs. U.S. and Canadian Armed Forces softball game at noon, and exhibits of war memorabilia.

For a complete schedule of events, visit Detroit Navy Week www.1812detroit.com or www.metroparks.com.

For a complete schedule of events, visit Detroit Navy Week www.1812detroit.com.

DAYTRIPPING

Looking for other things the family can do this weekend? Check out our list of local events and activities going on in the Detroit area:

Water colors and crafts

Art on the Bay is a fine art and crafts show going on this weekend at Walter and Mary Burke Park, from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. The park, nestled on the shore of Lake St. Clair in New Baltimore, features a public beach, playground, picnic area and beach volleyball court

What's Up Doc

The classic revival of Howard Hawk's 1930 comedy, "Bringing Up Baby," starring Barbara Streisand and Ryan O'Neal will be presented on the big screen at the nostalgic Redford Theatre, Sept. 7 and 8. Tickets: $4. Doors open at 7 p.m. Friday and 2 and 7 p.m. Saturday. Movie rated G. For more information visit www.redtheatre.com.

Art & Apples

47th Art & Apples Festival for Paint Creek Center for the Arts, Sept. 7-9, in Rochester Municipal Park in downtown Rochester. Event includes pie-baking contest, entertainment, art, kids' activities. For details, www.artandapples.com or 248-651-4110.

Art events

"Patriotism" exhibit, through Sept. 22, at Anton Art Center's Petitpren Community Gallery, 125 Macomb Place, Mount Clemens. Center open 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Tuesday-Thursday and Saturday, 10 a.m.-6 p.m. Friday, noon-5 p.m. Sunday. Call 586-469-8666 or visit www.theartcenter.org. Annual ArtParty for Anton Art Center, 5:30-8:30 p.m. Sept. 20, on Macomb Place in downtown Mount Clemens, includes restaurant tasting stations, open bar, entertainment, art auction and more. Advance tickets $50, or $60 week of event; call 586-469-8666 or visit www.theartcenter.org.

Lakeside Palette Club meets 6:30 p.m. Sept. 5, in Gilstorf Room of St. Clair Shores Public Library, 22500 11 Mile Road. Program is demonstration by Troy artist Brooke W. Ellis. Regular meetings at same time and place first Monday of the month. LPC also holds studio space 9 a.m.-3 p.m. Tuesdays for members to work on their art at SCS Adult Education Center room 111, 23055 Masonic. For details, 586-321-6109 or www.lakesidepaletteclub.org.

Lake House

"Cocktails, Canvas and More!" benefit for The Lake House, a gathering place for those touched by cancer, 5:30 p.m. Sept. 6, at The Great Frame Up, 20655 Mack, south of Vernier, Grosse Pointe Woods. For details, MiLakeHouse.org.

Rummage/bake sale

Barton Towers hosts rummage and bake sale, 9 a.m.-3 p.m. Sept. 8, at 333 N. Troy St., Royal Oak.

Harvest dinner

Capuchin Soup Kitchen's Earthworks Urban Farm hosts fifth Harvest Dinner, Sept. 15, at Gleaners Community Food Bank, 2131 Beaufait, Detroit. Social hour begins 5 p.m. with appetizers and garden tours; tickets start at $15. Reservation deadline Sept. 7. Call 313-579-2100 ext. 204.

Fall rides

Cider and Donut Wagon Rides, noon-3 p.m. Sept. 8-9, 15-16, 23, at Wolcott Mill Metropark Farm Center, Ray Township. Fee $6 adults, $4 seniors and children; call 586-752-5932.

At the Zoo

Senior Day at the Detroit Zoo, 10 Mile Road and Woodward Avenue, Royal Oak, 10 a.m.-3 p.m. Sept. 5 for ages 62 and older, features music, tractor train

rides, music, bingo, zoo talks. For details, www.detroitzoo.org.

Garden Club

Mount Clemens Garden Club meets noon Sept. 10, at Mount Clemens Public Library Community Room, 150 Cass Ave. Program on "Create a Backyard Habitat for Birds." Non-member fee $5. To RSVP, 586-436-0700.

On stage

Avon Players starts new season with musical "Bye Bye Birdie," weekends Sept. 7-22, at the theater, 1185 Washington Road, Rochester. Performances are 8 p.m. Fridays and Saturdays and 2 p.m. Sundays. For tickets, $16-$18, call 248-608-9077 or visit www.avonplayers.org. Student, senior and group rates available, as are season tickets.

Warren Civic Youth and Teen Theatre auditions for "Seussical Jr. the Musical!" the week of Sept. 4, at Warren Community Center, 5460 Arden. For times, dates and to schedule an audition, call 586-268-8400. Performance dates are Nov. 2-4.

What's That Smell? Productions auditions for "The Marvelous Wonderettes!" 7 p.m. Sept. 5, registration 6:30 p.m., callbacks 7 p.m. Sept. 6. Productin dates Nov. 17-18, 23-25, 29-30, Dec. 1, 7-8.

New season at Broadway Onstage begins with "God of Carnage," 8 p.m. Fridays and Saturdays and 2 p.m. select Sundays, Sept. 7-Oct. 6, at 21517 Kelly Road, Eastpointe. For ticket information, 586-771-6333.

Stagecrafters presents "Legally Blonde - The Musical," Thursdays-Sundays, Sept. 7-30, at the Baldwin Theatre in downtown Royal Oak. Advance tickets $18 Thursdays, $20 weekends; showtimes 8 p.m. Thursday-Saturday, 2 p.m. Sunday. Visit www.stagecrafters.org or call 248-541-6430.

Ridgedale Players present "Lend Me a Tenor," Sept. 7-23, at the theater, 205 W. Long Lake Road. For tickets and details, www.ridgedaleplayers.com or 248-988-7049.

Theatre Company at University of Detroit Mercy presents the comedy "None of the Above," Oct. 5-7 and 12-14, at Marygrove Theatre, 8425 W. McNicols Road, Detroit. For tickets, 313-993-3270 or theatre.udmercy.edu.

Two Muses Theatre presents premiere of "A Little Work," Friday and Saturday evenings and Sunday matinees, Sept. 7-30, at the theater inside Barnes & Noble Bookseller, 6800 Orchard Lake Road, West Bloomfield. For tickets, $18 adults, $15 students and seniors, 248-850-9919 or www.twomusestheatre.org.

Tea Talk

Crocker House Museum/Macomb County Historical Society present "Tea Talk Tuesdays at Two," 2 p.m. Tuesdays, Sept. 18 and Oct. 23, at the museum, 15 Union St., Mount Clemens. Events include historical programs, refreshments; tickets $7 Society members, $10 non-members. For reservations, 586-465-2488. Museum tours included.

Vine & Dine

Birmingham Bloomfield Chamber hosts 9th Vine & Dine food and wine extravaganza, 6-9 p.m. Sept. 5, at Birmingham Bloomfield Art Center, 1516 S. Cranbrook Road. Tickets $65 per person; 248-644-1700 ext. 21 or www.bbcc.com.

Antiques Road Show

Harrison Township Library hosts Antiques Road Show, 11 a.m.-3 p.m. Sept. 23, at 38151 L'Anse Creuse. Verbal appraisals $5 per item, no weapons. Call 586-329-1261.

Ford House

"Fairy Tales at Ford House: A Grimm Celebration" community art exhibit through Nov. 4, at the Edsel & Eleanor Ford House, 1100 Lakeshore Road, Grosse Pointe Shores. Related youth and adult programs continue into the fall; for schedule, www.fordhouse.org.

Sounds of music

The Mall at Partridge Creek and Motor City Co-op Credit Union present free daily outdoor concerts (weather permitting) at Center Court through Sept. 3, at the Clinton Township mall on Hall Road between Romeo Plank and Garfield roads. Performances are 5:30-8 p.m. Monday-Friday, 4-8 p.m. Saturdays, 1-5 p.m. Sundays and holidays. For details, visit www.shoppartridgecreek.com.

Concerts/dancing at Lake St. Clair Metropark, 5-8 p.m. Sundays Sept. 7-30. Music free with Metropark vehicle annual entry permit, $25 season, $15 ages 62 and older, or $5 daily. Visit www.metroparks.com or call 586-463-4581.

Chamber Music Society of Detroit opens 69th season with 8 p.m. concert Sept. 8, by Juilliard String Quartet, at Seligman Performing Arts Center, 22305 W. 13 Mile Road at Lahser, Beverly Hills, on Detroit Country Day School campus. For tickets, $20 or $10 students, www.ChamberMusicDetroit.org or 248-855-6070.

Madison Chorale open rehearsal for prospective members, 7:30 p.m. Sept. 11, at Wilkinson Middle School, 26524 John R, Madison Heights. Practices held there Tuesday evenings. Call 586-246-8719.

PAWS for Reading: There's a lot to bark about

Macomb Daily file photo by David Dalton

Raise your hand if you're a parent trying to squeeze out the last of summer fun before the start of school? Uh-huh! Summer goes quickly and while camping and trips to the zoo are all great, wouldn't it be nice to find an event that your little ones love that continues into the fall?

Consider penciling in a visit to one of the area libraries offering the PAWS for READING program.

It's a unique program involving dogs that love children and can sit long enough for a child to tell them a story. Besides being enjoyable for the dogs - who love the attention – the program has proven to help children improve their reading skills.

"Dogs not only help children learn to read, they help children learn to love reading," said Michael Amiri, who co-authored with his wife, Linda, the children's book, "Shellie, the Magical Dog” (www.shelliethemagicaldog.com). "And that's true of children with and without learning disabilities."

Macomb County libraries have seen the results by way of happy parents and the return of young patrons looking to read to the dogs, and there have also been studies done on similar programs. A Minnesota pilot project called PAWSitive Readers found that trained therapy dogs helped 10 of 14 grade-school participants improve their reading skills by one grade level. A study by the University of California also showed that children who read to the family dog improved their ability by an average of 12 percent.

How do dogs help kids learn to love reading?

For one thing there's no risk of being embarrassed. "Most of us have memories of reading out loud in the class," said Michael Amiri. "Though we may have been proficient readers, the fear of stumbling on a word in front of everyone was a constant source of anxiety."

Dogs are known for their unconditional and nonjudgmental love and although  they might lick someone, they won't laugh if and when mistakes happen.

Dogs are confidence boosters.

"I never had a dog while growing up, which is too bad because I think I would have had an easier time gaining self-confidence," Amiri said. It wasn't until he became an adult and he and his wife became the owners of a very special Maltese, Shellie, that he discovered the many benefits of dogs. When visiting pet-friendly restaurants in their community, Shellie is often the center of attention - especially when she laps her water out of a martini glass or stands as a greeter at the local hair and nail salon. "If a little dog can give me, a grown man more confidence, imagine what it can do for kids," added Amiri.

Macomb Daily file photo by David Dalton

Dogs are great listeners. Energetic breeds like a beagle or Dalmatian might not sit still, but most dogs enjoy the sound of a calm voice speaking to them and the opportunity to curl up on a rug and listen to a story being read aloud. "They don't interrupt (except for the occasional ear scratch or to sniff something) and they often show appreciation for the attention," Amiri said.

Dogs make learning fun. Studying can have a bad rap with kids. To them it means spending long hours alone trying to work out problems or learn something they’re not interested in. "Interacting with a lovable, fuzzy friend for an hour of homework is an appealing alternative," Amir said.

It's a win-win situation. 

"A canine-student reading program is a great way to help service dogs-in-training learn patience and discipline," Amiri said. "Dogs are trained to help veterans suffering post-traumatic stress disorder, the blind, and people who use wheelchairs, among them. These dogs in training help children, while children improve a dog's service abilities."

PAWS for Reading will be held at Clinton-Macomb Main Library, 40900 Romeo Plank Road, Clinton Township, starting at 6:30 p.m. Aug. 27. Children are invited to attend. Dogs are available on a first-come, first-served basis. Look for a sign-up sheet in the children's area of the library.

DAYTRIPPING

Looking for more family-friendly events and activities? Check out weekly list of happenings going on in the Detroit area below: 

 

Culinary event

Culinary Impressions and the Men’s Health Foundation have teamed up with Dorsey Culinary Academy to host a fundraising dinner to benefit the Foundation’s work in promoting awareness, education, research and treatment of prostate cancer and men’s health-related issues in southeastern Michigan. Join them for a five-course meal prepared by Metro Detroit’s up-and-coming chefs, Sept. 15. Tickets: $225 per person. Call Jeremy Abbey at 313-580-2823 or email chef.jeremy.abbey@gmail.com.

Voyageurs Encampment

Ste. Claire Voyageurs annual encampment, 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Aug. 25-26, at Lake St. Clair Metropark West Beach in Harrison Township. Includes reenactment of lifestyles and skills of the era, displays, campfire cooking, music, dance, stories, lectures. Parking fee to enter Metropark. Call 800-477-3172 or 586-463-4332.

Fashion Show

“Sizzle with Style 2012” fashion show and luncheon presented by Sterling Heights Regional Chamber of Commerce & Industry and Anchor Bay Chamber of Commerce, check-in 11:30 a.m. Aug. 29, at Cherry Creek Golf and Banquet Center in Shelby Township, sponsored by McLaren Macomb. Tickets $25 chamber members, $35 non-members; to register, 586-731-5400 ext. 11 or 13, or www.shrcci.com.

Heron Festival

Heron Festival and Spring into Nature Celebration, 11 a.m.-4 p.m. Aug. 25, at Burgess-Shadbush Nature Center, 4101 River Bends Drive, in River Bends Park, Shelby Township. Fee $3 adults and ages 4 and older. Call 586-323-2478.

Metroparks

Activities at Wolcott Mill Metropark include “Top to Bottom” tour of the Historic Center, 2 p.m. Aug. 25, at the Ray Township park.

Heritage Days

Huron Pointe Sportsmen’s Association presents 17th Heritage Days, 7:30 a.m.-6 p.m. Aug. 26, at the club on 28 Mile road east of Gratiot in New Haven. Events for kids include trout fishing, making arrows, painting bird houses, demonstrations by Michigan Military Technical & Historical Society, and more. Free admission; refreshments available. Call 586-598-8018 or visit www.huronpointe.org.

Puppet performance

Ever wonder how birds learn to fly? Join puppeteer Heather Henson on the Detroit Institute of Art’s front lawn Saturday and Sunday at 2 and 4 p.m. for an interactive performance that explores the intangible spirits of wind and flight through puppetry and kiting. For more visit:The DIA

Anton Art Center

“Patriotism” exhibit, Aug. 26-Sept. 22, at Anton Art Center’s Petitpren Community Gallery, 125 Macomb Place, Mount Clemens. Free opening reception 1-3 p.m. Aug. 26. Center open 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Tuesday-Thursday and Saturday, 10 a.m.-6 p.m. Friday, noon-5 p.m. Sunday. Call 586-469-8666 or visit www.theartcenter.org.

On stage

Warren Civic Youth and Teen Theatre auditions for “Seussical Jr. the Musical!”, the week of Sept. 4, at Warren Community Center, 5460 Arden.  For times, dates and to schedule an audition, call 586-268-8400. Performance dates are Nov. 2-4.

Ridgedale Players auditions for “Nuts,” 7 p.m. Aug. 26-27, at Ridgedale Theatre, 205 W. Long Lake road. Show dates are Nov. 2-18. For details, www.ridgedaleplayers.com.

Richmond Community Theatre auditions for Shakespeare’s “Macbeth,” 7-9 p.m. Aug. 26-27, at the theater, 69619 Parker St. at Churchill. Play dates Oct. 19-21, 26-28 and Nov. 2-4. Call 248-762-6621 or visit www.richmondtheatre.com

St. Clair Shores Players auditions for “I Hate Hamlet,” 7-9 p.m. Aug. 27-28, at Good Shepherd United Methodist Church, 31601 Harper, St. Clair Shores. For details, scsplayers.org.

Farmington Players auditions for “The 1940’s Radio Hour,” Aug. 27, registration starts 6 p.m. at the theater, 32332 W. 12 Mile Road, Farmington Hills. Play presented November and December. Call 248-553-2955.

New season at Broadway Onstage begins with “God of Carnage,” 8 p.m. Fridays and Saturdays and 2 p.m. select Sundays, Sept. 7-Oct. 6, at 21517 Kelly Road, Eastpointe. For ticket information, 586-771-6333.

Stagecrafters presents “Legally Blonde – The Musical,” Thursdays-Sundays, Sept. 7-30, at the Baldwin Theatre in downtown Royal Oak. Advance tickets $18 Thursdays, $20 weekends; showtimes 8 p.m. Thursday-Saturday, 2 p.m. Sunday. Visit www.stagecrafters.org or call 248-541-6430.

“Avenue Q,” presented by The Farmington Players, Aug. 25, at the Farmington Players Barn, 32332 W. 12 Mile Road, between Orchard Lake and Farmington roads. For tickets, $18 adults with discounts available, call 248-553-2955.

Library programs

“New Release Thursdays” at St. Clair Shores Public Library, 22500 11 Mile road, 6:30 p.m. first Thursday free viewing of movie in William R. Gilstorf Meeting Room. Also “Classic Movie Fridays in August,” 1:30 p.m. Fridays through Aug. 31, features showing of either classic or award-winning movies. Call 586-771-9020 or visit www.scslibrary.org.

Art & Apples

47th Art & Apples Festival for Paint Creek Center for the Arts, Sept. 7-9, in Rochester Municipal Park in downtown Rochester. Event includes pie-baking contest, entertainment, art, kids’ activities. For details, www.artandapples.com or 248-651-4110.

Tea Talk

Crocker House Museum/Macomb County Historical Society present “Tea Talk Tuesdays at Two,” 2 p.m. Tuesdays, Sept. 18 and Oct. 23, at the museum, 15 Union St., Mount Clemens. Events include historical programs, refreshments; tickets $7 Society members, $10 non-members. For reservations, 586-465-2488. Museum tours included.

Ford House

“Fairy Tales at Ford House: A Grimm Celebration” community art exhibit through Nov. 4, at the Edsel & Eleanor Ford House, 1100 Lakeshore Road, Grosse Pointe Shores. Related youth and adult programs continue into the fall; for schedule, www.fordhouse.org.

Meadow Brook

Summer tours at Meadow Brook Hall on the Oakland University Campus in Rochester, 11:30 a.m., 12:30, 1:30 and 2:30 p.m. A new architecture tour includes interior and exterior highlights of the design and construction process, 1 p.m. Saturdays and Sundays; Behind-The-Scenes tours that include the staff wing are noon and 1:30 p.m. Saturdays and Sundays; each tour admission is $15 adults, $10 seniors, free ages 12 and younger. Twilight Tuesday 6-9 p.m. Aug. 28, $10 adults, free ages 12 and younger. Call 248-364-6200 or go to www.meadowbrookhall.org.

Summer sounds

The Mall at Partridge Creek and Motor City Co-op Credit Union present free daily outdoor concerts (weather permitting) at Center Court through Sept. 3, at the Clinton Township mall on Hall Road between Romeo Plank and Garfield roads. Performances are 5:30-8 p.m. Monday-Friday, 4-8 p.m. Saturdays, 1-5 p.m. Sundays and holidays. For details, visit www.shoppartridgecreek.com.

Concerts/dancing at Lake St. Clair Metropark take place 6:30-10 p.m. Sundays through August; 5-8 p.m. through September. Music free with Metropark vehicle annual entry permit, $25 season, $15 ages 62 and older, or $5 daily. Visit www.metroparks.com or call 586-463-4581.

Wild Summer Nights concert series at Detroit Zoo, 6:30-8 p.m. Aug. 29, in Main Picnic Grove; free with zoo admission. Guests can bring own picnics or purchase refreshments at concessions.

Park*it

Park*it family fun nights under way in Macomb County at several parks. Activities start at 6 p.m., music 7:30, and movie at dusk. For schedule, visit Park It Family Fun Night

At the Zoo

Senior Day at the Detroit Zoo, 10 Mile Road and Woodward Avenue, Royal Oak, 10 a.m.-3 p.m. Sept. 5 for ages 62 and older, features music, tractor train rides, music, bingo, zoo talks. 

For details visit Detroit Zoo