Local expert to host ‘Gone With The Wind’ screenings at the Redford Theatre

Warner Home Video. All rights reserved.

I've read about it.

I've seen pictures of Clark Gable as the roguish Rhett Butler and Vivien Leigh as the famous southern belle Scarlett O'Hara.

But, alas, I have not seen "Gone With The Wind."

And frankly, I do give a damn.

The film is showing on the big screen this weekend at the historic Redford Theatre. Besides being the film adaptation of the Pulitzer Prize-winning novel by Margaret Mitchell, it is considered by many to be one of the most celebrated films in cinema history.

Warner Home Video. All rights reserved.

"Absolutely," said Kathleen Marcaccio of Royal Oak and an expert on the film. “I saw the movie when I was 12 years old in 1969. The next day, I checked the book out of the library, and have been enamored by it ever since.”
The film will be shown at 8 p.m. tonight, 8 p.m. Saturday and 2 p.m. Sunday.

As the special guest host, Marcaccio will be attending all of the performances, offering audiences special insights into the history and making of the film, the characters, and answering all of those pressing questions such as what cast members are still alive. In addition to talking about the film, Marcaccio will be showing audiences a display of “Gone With The Wind,” memorabilia. Among her treasures is a 1939 copy of the book (Motion Picture Edition) featuring stills of the movie and information about the cast, as well as an original sewing pattern for a Scarlett O’Hara dress and perfume and handkerchiefs, also inspired by the character of Scarlett.

“You wouldn’t think it (being a movie from the 1930s) but ‘Gone With The Wind’ was marketed as much and if not more than Star Wars,” Marcaccio said.

Gone With The Wind Trivia

• Of the half a million feet of film shot for the movie, only 20,000 feet were saved from the cutting room floor.

• The film employed more than 50 speaking roles and 2,400 extras.

• One would think that it was the first film in the 1930s to use the word "damn" but it wasn't. Numerous silent movies and several talkies before it used the expletive, including Cavalcade and Pygmalion.

• The red carpet premiere for the movie was held in Atlanta, Georgia, Dec. 15, 1939.   

• The movie is an adaptation of Margaret Mitchell's monumental classic considered by many to be not only the greatest love story ever written, but also the greatest Civil War saga. David O. Selznick purchased the movie rights from Mitchell for an unprecedented $50,000 a month after it was published. Shortly after the film was made, he gave her an additional $50,000 as a bonus.

• Of the 1,400 actresses who were interviewed for the role of Scarlett O'Hara, only 400 were asked to read for the part. Those considered for the role at the time were Jean Arthur, Lucille Ball, Tallulah Bankhead, Bette Davis, Claudette Colbert, Joan Crawford, Paulette Goddard, Katharine Hepburn, Olivia de Havilland, Carole Lombard, Norma Shearer, Barbara Stanwyck, and Margaret Sullavan.

• Had Judy Garland not been tied up with her commitments to do another film directed by Victor Fleming: The Wizard of OZ she may have played the role of Scarlett's sister Carreen.

The Redford Theatre is located at 17360 Lahser Road (corner of Grand River and Lahser) in Detroit. For more information visit: Redford Theatre General admission tickets: $4. Doors open at 7 p.m.

It’s almost ‘Spring for the Homeless Benefit Dinner’ time

Metro Newspaper Services

Most of us would say winter this year was mild. No snow to shovel and for the most part, no cold temperatures.

For groups such as the Macomb County Warming Center and Ray of Hope Day Center, who spent the past four months providing food, clothes and shelter to our area's homeless population every winter is brutal.

Still, they endured.

And it's for this reason the Warming Center holds its annual "Spring for Homeless Benefit Dinner and Silent Auction," April 26 at DeCarlo’s Banquet and Conference Center in Warren.

"The event provides an excellent means to engage community partners in our ongoing efforts to provide for the needs of the homeless," said Kathy Goodrich, Warming Center's founder and executive director.

Plus a whole lot of fun.

Guests enjoy a wonderful dinner, cash bar, raffles, silent auction and live entertainment by tenor Charlie Taylor, folk singer and guitarist Larry Larson and fiddler George Chirota.

"The best in Irish and folk music," said Goodrich, adding that the trio generously volunteers their time and talent in joining us in our celebration of spring.

For more information on the event contact Kevin Goodrich, kmac0212@wowway.com. DeCarlo’s Banquet and Conference Center is located at 6015 E. 10 Mile Road, Warren.

How can you help the Warming Center?

* Buy an ad in the event program

* Donate gifts and prizes for the event

* Purchase and sell tickets: $30 each or $270 for a table of 10.

The Macomb County Warming Center and Ray of Hope Day Center are located at 16546 9 Mile Road, Eastpointe. For information or to make a donation call, 586-321-0998.

DAYTRIPPING

What’s a family to do this weekend? Check our list of events and activities going on in the Detroit area:

Concert sounds

Macomb Symphony Orchestra presents "America the Beautiful," 3 p.m. March 4, at Macomb Center for the Performing Arts, Garfield and Hall roads, Clinton Township. Tickets $18 adults, $15 students, seniors and children, at Macomb Center box office or call 586-286-2222 or visit www.macombsymphony.org.

Detroit Concert Choir presents "A Celtic Celebration Concert," 3 p.m. March 11, at Macomb Center for the Performing Arts, Garfield and Hall roads, Clinton Township. Tickets $20 adults, $18 seniors, $10 young adults, available at MCPA box office, by phone 586-286-2222 or online at www.MacombCenter.com.

Craft show

Fraser Band Boosters spring craft show, 10 a.m.-4 p.m. March 10, at Fraser High School, 34270 Garfield. Admission $2; no strollers allowed.

Family fundraiser

A benefit dinner for the Halcomb-Smelser family involved in a car accident on Feb. 10 in which sixth-grader Kyle Halcomb was killed, takes place 4-8 p.m. March 14, at the F.O.P. Lodge, 33845 34 Mile Road, Chesterfield Township. Admission by donation; menu includes pasta, salad, bread, soft drinks. Proceeds benefit Kyle Halcomb Memorial Fund; event sponsored by Maconce PTO.

Idol auditions

UCS Foundation holds auditions for Idol singers from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. March 3, at Joan C. Sergent Instructional Resource Center, 14201 Canal Road, Sterling Heights. Finalists will compete May 31 at the annual Scholarship Fundraiser Gala. Call 586-491-7131.

VFW projects

'Sponge Bob'

Bowling with "Sponge Bob" event for families, 2-4:30 p.m. March 3, at summit sports Center, 66600 Van Dyke, Washington Township. Fee $9 residents, $12 non-residents, includes two games of bowling and prizes; sponsored by Romeo-Washington-Bruce Parks & Recreation and Ray Township Parks & Recreation. Advance registration requested by calling 586-752-6543 or 586-749-5171.

Banquet/auction

Sterling Heights-based Abigayle Ministries hosts banquet and silent auction, March 5, at Palazzo Grande Banquet Center on Van Dyke south of 25 Mile Road, Shelby Township; hors d'oeuvres, silent auction 6:30 p.m., dinner 7. Tickets $40 each, $350 table of 10. For information, 586-323-1411.

Chili cookoff

Salvation Army, 24140 Mound Road, Warren, hosts 7th Chili Cook-Off, 6-8 p.m. March 2. Admission $5, all-you-can eat; also bake sale, games and more. Call 586-754-7400 to enter chili.

Pancake breakfast

Pancakes for Scholars all-you-can-eat breakfast, 7:30-11:30 a.m. March 3, at Mount Clemens High School cafeteria, 155 Cass Ave. Admission $6.50 adults, $4 ages 62 and older, $2 younger than 10, $12 family of three or more, students with ID free with paying adult; proceeds benefit Mount Clemens Commitment Scholarship Fund.

Film festival

MJR Digital Cinemas Spring Children's Film Festival continues with "Happy Feet 2 (PG), March 3-4; "Jack & Jill" (PG), March 10-11; "Adventures of Tin Tin" (PG), March 17-18; "Alvin & the Chipmunks, Chipwrecked," (G), March 24-25. Macomb County MJR participating theaters are Marketplace Sterling Heights Digital Cinema 20, 35400 Van Dyke, Sterling Heights; Partridge Creek Digital Cinema 14, 17400 Hall Road, Clinton Township; Chesterfield Crossing Digital Cinema 16, 50675 Gratiot, Chesterfield Township. Tickets, free for ages 12 and younger, $1 for parents, on first-come, first-serve basis, not available in advance. Contact theaters for showtimes or go to mjrtheatres.com the Tuesday prior to film showings.

For women

Society for Lifetime planning presents "March Makeover for Women," 11:30 a.m.-12:45 p.m. March 7, at 5445 Corporate Drive, Suite 170, Troy. Free, but reservations required by calling 248-952-1744. This is part of a monthly program to give women facing major life changes a place to gain information.

Historical society

Greater Clinton Township Historical society presents lecture on "Detroit River Disasters and Great Lakes Losses: Maritime Mishaps Along Our Shores," 7 p.m. March 12, at Clinton Macomb Public Library, 40900 Romeo Plank Road, Clinton Township. Call 586-286-9173 or clintontwphistory.org.

Card party

Ashlar Chapter No. 378 Order of Eastern Star, card party 10 a.m.-2 p.m. March 12, at Roseville Masonic Center, 27151 Gratiot. Hot lunch served at noon. Admission $7. Call 772-6126.

Dining Out

Troy Dining Out group schedule includes Detroit River Walk & Lunch, 10 a.m. March 10, and Brio Tuscan Grill in Clinton Township, 5:30 p.m. March 17. For reservations and details, www.meetup.com/troy-dining-out.

Macombers auditions

The Macomb Community College show choir The Macombers holding auditions 6 p.m. March 18, and 7 p.m. March 20, at the MCC Center Campus, Garfield and Hall roads, Clinton Township, L-Building room 119. For appointments and information, call 586-226-4734 or email ReesM@macomb.edu.

On stage

Stagecrafters

The contemporary musical "The Last Five Years" presented by Stagecrafters, Thursday-Sunday, March 2-18, at the Baldwin Theatre 2nd Stage, 415 S. Lafayette, Royal Oak. Tickets $14, half-price student night March 8, available at www.stagecrafters.org or 248-541-6430, also

Ridgedale Players present "Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat," 8 p.m. March 3, at the playhouse, 205 W. Long Lake Road, Troy. For tickets, $17, $15 students and seniors, 248-988-7049 or www.ridgedaleplayers.com.

Ringwald Theatre presents "Elizabeth the Beautiful," 8 p.m. March 10, 12, and 3 p.m. March 4, at 22742 Woodward, Ferndale. Tickets $10-$20. Visit www.TheRingwald.com.

Grosse Pointe Theatre production of "Moonglow" at Edsel & Eleanor Ford Visitors Center, 1100 Lake Shore Road, Grosse Pointe Shores; performances 8 p.m. March 3, and 2 p.m. and March 3. Call 313-881-4004.

Auditions for St. Clair Theatre Guild production of "Camelot," 7 p.m. March 5-6, at the SCTG Building in Klecha Park. Roles available for men, women and one boy age 10-12 years. Call 810-329-4498. Show dates May 10-12.

Proclaim presents its 18th musical "The Choice," 8 p.m. March 16-17 at Our Shepherd Lutheran Church, 2225 14 Mile Road, Birmingham, and 5:15 p.m. March 24 at Living Word Lutheran Church, 3838 N. Rochester Road. Freewill offering; reception follows each performance. 

Village Players present the musical comedy "Lucky Stiff," 8 p.m. March 9-10, 16-17, 23-24 and 2 p.m. March 18 and 25 at the Playhouse, 34660 Woodward, south of Maple, Birmingham. Tickets $19; call 248-644-2075 or www.birminghamvillageplayers.com.

Art projects

Lakeside Palette Club meeting, 6:30-8:30 p.m. March 5, in Gildorf Room of St. Clair Shores Library, 22500 11 Mile Road

"Wit and FUNction" exhibit at Pewabic Pottery, 10125 E. Jefferson, Detroit, through March 18. Features "witty, amusing and functional pieces" from six artists. Call 313-626-2000 or go to www.pewabic.org.

Detroit Zoo

Wild Winter weekends at Detroit Zoo, 10 Mile Road and Woodward Avenue, Royal Oak, 11 a.m.-3 p.m. March 10-11, Safari Social. For information, 248-5717 or www.detroitzoo.org.

Dance classes

*Beginner and beginner plus line dancing classes, 12:30-2 p.m. Thursdays at the Warren Community Center, 5460 Arden Road, off Mound Road between 13 and 14 Mile roads), Warren, $4 per person, countrycuzzins@wowway.com or call 586-777-7242.

*Line Dancing Classes, beginners 7 p.m., easy intermediate 7:40, couples 8:20, at Roseville Recreation Center, 18185 Sycamore, $5 per person. Call 586-445-5480 or 586-777-7242.

*Line and couples dancing for beginner to intermediate, starting in late January, in Utica, Shelby Township and Clinton Township, Danceduo@wideopenwest.com or 586-286-6002.

Art Center

Anton Art Center 2012 exhibits include "Where Are They Now?" through March 18; Macomb County K-6 Biennial, March 4-18; Macomb County Annual Secondary Student Show, April 1-22, and Macomb Community College Department of Continuing Education, Oct. 2-21, at 125 Macomb Place, Mount Clemens. Call 586-469-8666.

'Now Showing'

Spirit of Women "Now Showing" program March 21, at Grosse Pointe War Memorial, 32 Lakeshore Drive, include movies and popcorn, health tips, hors d'oeuvres and wine (cash bar) in Fries Ballroom starts at 6 p.m. with movie at 7. Admission $12 for each day. Sponsored by War Memorial, Beaumont Health System and Grosse Pointe Public Library. Advance registration required, 313-881-7511 or www.warmemorial.org.

AP Photo

Features editor Debbie Komar contributed to this list.

TODAY'S MUSE

I didn't dream about fame. I dreamed about getting my kid more than one pair of shoes, or how to make $165 worth of groceries last all month -- Whoopi Goldberg

Beauty queen treatments that won't break the bank

If you had one beauty wish what would it be?

How about hair that remembers what the stylist did. Like one of those memory foam mattresses, it springs back after you take a shower. No bags under the eyes and how about no wrinkles anywhere? Any one of these would be nice, but when it comes to looking our best most of us (who do not have a makeup artist on the payroll) are on our own.

Even then it is easy to spend a fortune on manicures, pedicures, hair style appointments and bubble bath.

What's a person to do?

Below are a few ideas on beauty treatments that can be done at home.

• Consider DIY manicures. Instead of shelling out money every month for a manicure put some of it toward supplies you can use to do your own nails. This would include a bowl (for soaking), moisturizing lotion or cream, a scrub or foot file, cuticle remover, nail polish remover, cotton swabs and some cool-looking nail polish. Once you have a manicure set clean your nails, then file or cut them into shape. Now let those fingers soak in a bowl of warm water for about 3 minutes; toe nails are going to need more time. While the skin is soft, push those cuticles back and trim any excess. Then apply the moisturizer. If you're doing a pedicure this would be a good time to scrub the ball and heel of your foot to remove dead skin. Now pull out your polish and go to work: apply one base coat, two coats of color and if you really want them to shine, a final top coat. What you spend on tools up front will save you money in the end.

• Don’t neglect your hair. A recent survey conducted by AskMen.com found that one in three men admitted to being put off by their wife or girlfriend's dandruff issues. Of the men surveyed 95 percent also said they would like their mate's help when choosing a product that will rid them of their own dandruff issues. Among those recommended were multitask products such as Suave Scalp Solutions, as they fight flakes but also leave the hair looking shiny and manageable instead of frizzy.

• Budget your beauty needs. Visiting a spa or salon and having a professional take care of one's beauty needs is good for the psyche but bad for the budget. So, consider spreading things out. Look at calendar and put a star next to dates where only a professional look will do. Now fill in a few of the days in between with beauty treatments you can do for yourself. Fill a hot tub with oil beads or go online and find a recipe for a homemade mud mask or scrub. If you’re considering ingredients for your own exfoliating scrub: red raspberries contain loads of Vitamin C (great for a healthy glow) and honey is known to be good as a moisturizer and to guard against acne.

• Rent a spa! Knowing how busy everyone is these days, fitness centers and community recreation centers offer day passes for non-members. Clinton Township’s Metro Family Fitness, for example, has a sauna and pool. For $15 you can use both. But instead of going alone, invite a couple of close friends to join you. Create a game plan, like meeting for coffee and riding together. Then hit the pool, the sauna and top the morning off with a healthy lunch.  

TODAY'S MUSE
If truth is beauty, how come no one has their hair done in a library? -- Lily Tomlin

Dads are connecting with their family through technology

Photo courtesy of Family Features

Everyone is a geek these days.

So it's not surprising that a survey titled "Confessions of a Geek Dad," conducted by Answers Research on behalf of Cisco Home Networking Business, found that 72 percent of the geek dads surveyed were more excited about teaching kids how to use tech tools than the traditional workbench tools their fathers taught them how to use. The dads also said they spend more time doing activities with their kids than their fathers did with them.

The other difference is tech tool school is always in session in the home (93 percent of geek dads in the survey said they assist their kids with their tech toys). Topics cover everything from how to use the latest video games and phone apps to playing it safe online.

"These statistics help describe a new generation of dads who've grown up with an ongoing evolution of new technologies and now use tech to connect with their family," said Cat Schwartz, tech expert and blogger. "These dads aren't just tech-savvy; they know how to translate that knowledge and excitement into fun and memorable traditions with their kids."

It's not as hard as you think. Regardless of whether you're a geek dad or not, Schwartz offers the following tips for creating new family traditions with tech in the home:

* Surprise packages: If you ordered a new computer, involve the entire family in the set-up process. From opening the box to assembling all of the parts, allowing everyone to follow along helps them understand how to use the product. Then they can fix it, too. This would be a good time to talk about the features and guidelines when using the device.

* With technology comes responsibilities: "In my home, we reward our kids with a phone at age 12 for their safety. We put rules into place as to how minutes will be earned and when they carry and use it," said Schwartz. "Also, we sync all of our phones to our wireless network to connect from while at home, so we save minutes in our data plan."

* Be crafty with the technology: Use the gadgets to introduce the family to new crafts and traditions. How about making a funny video to send to grandma and grandpa? Remember the magic mirrors you used to see at the circus that could make you as small as a leprechaun or as tall as a giant? Now there are apps that will do the same to a photo online. I wouldn't be surprised if there was an app for changing your voice.

"At least once a year, we take a family photo that we send to loved ones. With today's digital cameras and imagery editing tools, we can digitally add images of family members unable to be with us," Schwartz said, adding it's a fun way of bringing everyone together when we're miles apart.

"One of the best things about technology is that there is a continual stream of new and exciting innovations," Schwartz said. So families can explore something new and unique every year.

 

TODAY'S MUSE

Computers are magnificent tools for the realization of our dreams, but no machine can replace the human spark of spirit, compassion, love, and understanding -- Louis Gerstner.

Happy Presidents Day

AP Photo/Richmond Times-Dispatch, Bob Brown

It's Presidents Day -- and while officially associated with founding father George Washington – many people see it as a celebration for Lincoln, Roosevelt, and all the Americans who took the oath of office, and called the White House home.

As part of today's observance, residents in Washington's birthplace of Alexandria, Virginia will gather for a parade, visit open houses at historic sites, engage in the annual Cherry Challenge and kick up their heels at the Birthnight Banquet and Ball.

AP Photo/Jacquelyn Martin

Lewis Bliss, 10, of Burke, Va., at right, dressed in a musicians outfit from the revolutionary war era, looks up at George Washington, portrayed by Dean Malissa, during Presidents Day activities at George Washington's Mount Vernon Estate in Mount Vernon, Va., Feb. 20, 2012.

One amazing tribute to the life and times of Abraham Lincoln is the three-story sculpture "tower of books" pictured below. The work of art is comprised of more than 15,000 titles that have been written about America’s 16th president. They are part of an exhibit at the Ford's Theatre Center for Education and Leadership in Washington, a new museum, located across from Ford's Theatre and next door to the house where Lincoln died, that opens just in time for President's Day.

AP Photo/Jacquelyn Martin

Below is the list of Presidential Alumni and their hometowns:

*  1. George Washington, Westmoreland, Virginia

*  2. John Adams, Quincy Massachusetts

*  3. Thomas Jefferson, Shadwell, Virginia

*  4. James Madison, Port Conway, Virginia

*  5. James Monroe, Westmoreland County, Virginia

*  6. John Quincy Adams, Braintree, Massachusetts

*  7. Andrew Jackson, Lancaster County, South Carolina

*  8. Martin Van Buren, Kinderhook, New York

*  9. William Henry Harrison, Charles City County, Virginia

*  10. John Tyler, Charles City County, Virginia

*  11. James K. Polk, Pineville, North Carolina

*  12. Zachary Taylor, Barboursville, Virginia

*  13. Millard Fillmore, Moravia, New York

*  14. Franklin Pierce, Hillsborough, New Hamshire

*  15. James Buchanan, Cove Gap, Pennsylvania

*  16. Abraham Lincoln, Nolin Creek, Kentucky

*  17. Andrew Johnson, Raleigh, North Carolina

*  18. Ulysses S. Grant, Point Pleasant, Ohio

*  19. Rutherford B. Hayes, Delaware, Ohio

*  20. James Garfield, Moreland Hills, Ohio

*  21. Chester A. Arthur, Fairfield, Vermont

*  22. Grover Cleveland, Caldwell, New Jersey

*  23. Benjamin Harrison, North Bend, Ohio

*  24. Grover Cleveland, Caldwell, New Jersey

*  25. William McKinley, Niles, Ohio

*  26. Theodore Roosevelt, New York City, New York

*  27. William Howard Taft, Cincinnati, Ohio

*  28. Woodrow Wilson, Staunton, Virginia

*  29. Warren G. Harding, Blooming Grove, Ohio

*  30. Calvin Coolidge, Plymouth, Vermont

*  31. Herbert Hoover, West Branch, Iowa

*  32. Franklin D. Roosevelt, Hyde Park, New York

*  33. Harry S. Truman, Lamar, Missouri

*  34. Dwight D. Eisenhower, Denison, Texas

*  35. John F. Kennedy, Brookline, Massachusetts

*  36. Lyndon B. Johnson, Stonewall, Texas

*  37. Richard M. Nixon, Yorba Linda, California

*  38. Gerald R. Ford, Omaha, Nebraska

*  39. James Carter, Plains, Georgia

*  40. Ronald Reagan, Tampico, Illinois

*  41. George H. W. Bush, Milton, Massachusetts

*  42. William J. Clinton, Hope, Arkansas

*  43. George W. Bush, New Haven, Connecticut

* 44. Barack Obama, Honolulu, Hawaii

In this Feb. 23, 1962 file photo below, astronaut John Glenn, left, and President John F. Kennedy, center, inspect the Friendship 7 Mercury capsule which Glenn rode in orbit. At right is Vice President Lyndon B. Johnson. Kennedy presented the Distinguished Service Medal to Glenn at Cape Canaveral, Fla. 

AP Photo

TODAY'S MUSE

Let us not seek the Republican answer or the Democratic answer, but the right answer. Let us not seek to fix the blame for the past. Let us accept our own responsibility for the future -- John F. Kennedy

DAYTRIPPING: Events and activities the entire family might enjoy

Macomb Daily file photo of Habitat for Humanity build by Craig Gaffield.

What’s a family to do this weekend? Check out our listing of events and activities coming up in the Detroit area:

Helping Habitat for Humanity

VG’s shoppers are encouraged to make a donation to Macomb County Habitat for Humanity at the check-out during a special promotion that begins Feb. 19 and runs through March 10. Participating stories include VG’s at: 40832 Ryan, Sterling Heights, and 50820 Schoenherr in Shelby Township. Shoppers can purchase $1, $5 or $10 donations. As a thank-you, participants will receive four in-store coupons.

Unique show

Drum! At the Ford Community & Performing Arts Center, Feb. 25 at 8 p.m. Driven by youthful, enthusiastic energy, who combine the fiddling of "Riverdance" and the percussion of "Stomp" it is a unique evening of entertainment. Tickets: $29-$39, available online at www.dearborntheater.com For further information, call 313-943-2354.

Spaghetti dinner

South Lake High School Drama Club hosts spaghetti dinner fundraiser, 4-7 p.m. Feb. 21, in the school cafeteria in St. Clair Shores. Tickets, $10 adults, $5 children and students, available at the door or in advance at 586-435-1400. Proceeds go to March 30-31 production of “The Wiz.”

Book sale

Special used book sale features children’s and large-print books, 9:30 a.m.-4 p.m. Feb. 18, at Clinton-Macomb Library Main Branch, 40900 Romeo Plank Road, Clinton Township. Proceeds go to library programs.

Tea Party

Oakland Mall’s kids’ club The Giggle Gang in cooperation with Broadway in Detroit hosts a benefit “Beauty and the Beast Tea Party,” 11 a.m., noon, 1, 5 and 6 p.m. Feb. 15, in the Troy mall’s Center Court. Free for Giggle Gang members, $3 for others; face painting $1. Reservations required and may be made at the Oakland Mall’s Information Center, 14 Mile and John R roads.

Vendor show

Relay for Life vendor show/fundraiser, 10 a.m.-3 p.m. Feb. 25, at Fraser Lions Club, 34540 Utica Road. Products represented include Pampered Chef, Tupperwar, Tastefully Simple, Avon. Refreshments available. Proceeds to American Cancer Society/Relay for Life. For information, cward8110@wowway.com.

Metoparks event

Interpretive events at Wolcott Mill Historic Center, Ray Township, include “Maple Sweetness” harvest, 12:30 and 3 p.m. Feb. 25-26, $5 adults, $3 children. For registration and other activity information, 586-752-5932 or 800-477-3175.

Historical societies

Roseville Historical and Genealogical Society free program on the battle of “Bloody Run Creek,” 6:30 p.m. Feb. 21, at the library. Call 586-447-4560 or www.rosevillelibrary.org/rhgs.htm.

Greater Clinton Township Historical society presents lecture on “Detroit River Disasters and Great Lakes Losses: Maritime Mishaps Along Our Shores,” 7 p.m. March 12, at Clinton Macomb Public Library, 40900 Romeo Plank Road, Clinton Township. Call 586-286-9173 or clintontwphistory.org.

Birthday party

Washington Historical Museum hosts George Washington Birthday Party, 1-4 p.m. Feb. 19, at 58230 Van Dyke north of 26 Mile Road. Free event includes cherry desserts, viewing of museum exhibits and entries for George Washington art contest. Call 586-786-5304 or www.washhistsoc.org.

Benefit show

Laurette Designs presents Art, Fashion & Fun show, Feb. 17, at Empire Lounge, 52963 Van Dyke, Shelby Township, to benefit Turning Point shelter in Macomb County. Artist reception 8-10 p.m., admission $10; 9-11 p.m. art show; midnight “Sexy Angel Fashion Show” by Laurette Designs.

Dining Out

Troy Dining Out group schedule includes 7 p.m. Feb. 15, Olive Garden in Sterling Heights; CJ Brewery in Plymouth, 5:30 p.m. Feb. 18; Detroit River Walk & Lunch, 10 a.m. March 10, and Brio Tuscan Grill in Clinton Township, 5:30 p.m. March 17. For reservations and details, www.meetup.com/troy-dining-out.

Dance program

Detroit Dance Collective presents “Dances from the Heart,” 1-4 p.m. Feb. 12, at Leon & Lulu, 96 W. 14 Mile Road, Clawson. Tickets $25 at the door, $20 in advance at www.detroitdancecollective.org. Proceeds benefit DDC.

On stage

L’Anse Creuse High School production of Shakespeare’s “The Comedy of Errors,” runs 7 p.m. Feb. 23-24, at the John R. Armstrong Performing Arts Center. Tickets $5.

“The Time Machine” continues 8 p.m. Thursdays and Fridays through March 2, at Go Comedy! Improv Theater, 261 Nine Mile Road, Ferndale. Tickets $15 at www.gocomedy.net or 248-327-0575.

Box Theater stages “Spring Awakening,” 7 p.m. Feb. 11-12, 16-17, at the Emerald Theatre, 31 N. Walnut, Mount Clemens. Tickets $25 reserved, $20 general admission, portion of sales goes to Turning Point shelter. Call 586-954-2311 or go to www.theboxtheater.com. Show contains adult themes and language.

Ridgedale Players present “Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat,” 8 p.m. Fridays and Saturdays Feb. 17-March 4, at the playhouse, 205 W. Long Lake Road, Troy. For tickets, $17, $15 students and seniors, 248-988-7049 or www.ridgedaleplayers.com.

Grosse Pointe Theatre production of “Moonglow” opens with 8 p.m. gala Feb. 17 at Edsel & Eleanor Ford Visitors Center, 1100 Lake Shore Road, Grosse Pointe Shores; performances continue 8 p.m. Fridays and Saturdays and 2 p.m. Sundays, Feb. 18-19, 24-26 and March 2-4. Gala tickets $50 to benefit Alzheimer’s Association, $15 for other performances. Call 313-881-4004.

Rosedale Community Players present “Deathtrap,” 8 p.m. Fridays and Saturdays, through Feb. 25, at Peace Lutheran Church, 17029 W. 13 Mile Road, Southfield. Call 313-532-4010 or go to www.rosedalecommunityplayers.com. RCP auditions for comedy “Moonlight and Magnolias,” 5 p.m. Feb. 19 and 7 p.m. Feb. 20, at Peace Lutheran Church, 17029 W. 13 Mile road, Southfield. Performance dates April 20-May 12. Call 248-258-5368 or www.rosedalecommunityplayers.com.

Comedy for a Cause

“Clean comedians” Anthony Griffith and Ron Pearson appear in Comedy for a Cause benefit for Promise Village Home for Children, doors open 6 p.m., show 7 p.m. Feb. 17, at Woodside Bible Church, 6600 Rochester Road, Troy. Freewill offering. Call 877-A-PROMISE or visit www.promisevillage.com.

Penny Auction

Anchor Bay High School Family Penny Auction (raffle party), doors open 4 p.m., raffles 6 p.m., Feb. 25, prizes include tools, toys, games, clothes, household items, gift baskets. Food and beverages available, all at the high school’s South Commons, 6319 County Line Road, Fair Haven; proceeds to Junior ROTC program.

Ladies Night

Annual Ladies Night at Macomb Bike and Fitness, 6-9 p.m. Feb. 21, at 28411 Schoenherr, south of 12 Mile Road, Warren. Free event includes information on health and fitness, new products, bicycle rides, etc.; for reservations, 586-756-5400 or ride@macombbike.com.

Black History

“Celebrate Black History!” special events at the Henry Ford Museum in Dearborn, Feb. 11-12, 15-19 and 22-26, include “Minds on Freedom Show,” and musical, dramatic and interactive performances on weekends. For complete schedule, visit www.thehenryford.org.

Detroit Historical Society monthly film series presents “The Freedom Train,” 1 p.m. Feb. 11-12, at the Detroit Historical Museum, 5401 Woodard a Kirby. Movie free with museum admission $6 adults, $4 ages 60 and older, college students with ID, and ages 5-18; free ages 4 and younger. Call 313-833-1801.

Art projects

“Wit and FUNction” exhibit at Pewabic Pottery, 10125 E. Jefferson, Detroit, through March 18. Features “witty, amusing and functional pieces” from six artists. Call 313-626-2000 or go to www.pewabic.org.

Annual Members’ (Juried) Exhibition at Starkweather Arts Center, through Feb. 25, at the Center on Main Street north of 32 Mile Road in Romeo. Gallery open 11 a.m.-5 p.m. Thursdays through Saturdays. For information, email info@starkweatherarts.com.

Grosse Pointe Artists Association “Urban Edge” exhibit through Feb. 25, at 16900 Kercheval, Grosse Pointe. Call 313-821-1848.

Detroit Zoo

Wild Winter weekends at Detroit Zoo, 10 Mile Road and Woodward Avenue, Royal Oak, include African Adventure, Feb. 11-12, and Safari Social, March 10-11; all programs 11 a.m.-3 p.m. For information, 248-5717 or www.detroitzoo.org.

Concert sounds

Warren Symphony Orchestra Continental Kaleidoscope Concert and Workshop, 3 p.m. Feb. 19, at Macomb Center for the Performing Arts, Garfield and Hall roads, Clinton Township. Performance features Greg Cunningham conducting and the Bernard Woma Ensemble. Tickets $23, with discounts for seniors and students, free for youth; visit www.warrensymphony.org. Pre-concert workshop at 1:30 p.m. for local students; ticketholders may observe.

Macomb Symphony Orchestra presents “America the Beautiful,” 3 p.m. March 4, at Macomb Center for the Performing Arts, Garfield and Hall roads, Clinton Township. Tickets $18 adults, $15 students, seniors and children, at Macomb Center box office or call 586-286-2222 or visit www.macombsymphony.org.

Matthew (Boogie Woogie Kid) Ball performs free Mardi Gras concert, 7 p.m. Feb. 18, at Hope United Church of Christ, 35127 Garfield, Clinton Township, 586-296-8760.

Rochester College Music Department concert featuring its a capella chorus and concert band, 7:30 p.m. Feb. 21, at the college theater, 800 W. Avon Road, Rochester Hills. Free, donations accepted. Call 248-218-2149 or email music@rc.edu.

Rackham Symphony Choir presents “Cool Night of Hot Jazz X3,” 6:30 p.m. Feb. 11, at Andiamo Warren, 7096 14 Mile Road, west of Van Dyke. For tickets $70, call 313-4040222 www.rackhamchoir.org.

Madison Chorale performs “Love Concert,” 7:30 p.m. Feb. 11, at First Congregational Church of Royal Oak, 1314 Northwood Blvd. Admission $10 at the door. For details, www.madisonchorale.org or 248-229-4055.

Suzuki Royal Oak Institute of Music faculty concert, 5 p.m. Feb. 12, at St. Paul Lutheran Church, 202 E. Fifth St. Free, donations accepted for special programs and institute activities. Call 248-561-7227.

Dance classes

*Beginner and beginner plus line dancing classes, 12:30-2 p.m. Thursdays at the Warren Community Center, 5460 Arden Road, off Mound Road between 13 and 14 Mile roads), Warren, $4 per person, countrycuzzins@wowway.com or call 586-777-7242.

*Line Dancing Classes, beginners 7 p.m., easy intermediate 7:40, couples 8:20, at Roseville Recreation Center, 18185 Sycamore, $5 per person. Call 586-445-5480 or 586-777-7242.

*Line and couples dancing for beginner to intermediate, starting in late January, in Utica, Shelby Township and Clinton Township, Danceduo@wideopenwest.com or 586-286-6002.

Patches Squares dance club hosts beginning square dance lessons, 7-8:30 p.m. Wednesdays at First United Methodist Church of Warren, 5005 Chicago Road. First class (no matter when dancers start) is free, $3 for following sessions. Call 248-613-3169.

Art Center

Anton Art Center 2012 exhibits include Michigan Annual XXXVIII, through Feb. 24; “Where Are They Now?” Feb. 17-March 18; Macomb County K-6 Biennial, March 4-18; Macomb County Annual Secondary Student Show, April 1-22, and Macomb Community College Department of Continuing Education, Oct. 2-21, at 125 Macomb Place, Mount Clemens. Call 586-469-8666.

‘Now Showing’

Spirit of Women “Now Showing” programs Feb. 15 and March 21, at Grosse Pointe War Memorial, 32 Lakeshore Drive, include movies and popcorn, health tips, hors d’oeuvres and wine (cash bar) in Fries Ballroom starts at 6 p.m. with movie at 7. Admission $12 for each day. Sponsored by War Memorial, Beaumont Health System and Grosse Pointe Public Library. Advance registration required, 313-881-7511 or www.warmemorial.org.

Clothing swap

MacombCountyCafe Yahoo! Group clothing swap, 11 a.m.-4 p.m. third Wednesday quarterly, at the DAV Hall, 47326 Dequindre, Utica. Call 586-739-5267.

Fishing clubs

Vanguard Trout Unlimited for fishing enthusiasts meets 7:30 p.m. second Thursday monthly at Rochester’s Dinosaur Hill. Also, Fishing Buddies Fishing Club gathers 6:30 p.m. third Tuesdays at Rochester Hills OPC, 650 Leticia Drive. Call 248-375-1931.

Blind bowlers

Macomb Blind Bowlers for visually impaired and/or blind individuals 18 and older, league bowling 11:45 a.m.-2:30 p.m. Wednesdays at Fraser Star Lanes, northeast corner of 14 Mile and Garfield roads. Fee $10 per week. Call 586-360-9543.

Features editor Debbie Komar contributed to this list.

TODAY'S MUSE

People who know how to employ themselves always find leisure moments, while those who do nothing are forever in a hurry -- Jean-Marie Roland