Whatever it takes get your teen reading

Metro Newspaper Services

The Harry Potter books may have ignited teen reading, but as of last year, more than 60 percent of middle and high school students are scoring below proficient in reading achievement, according to a report by Alliance for Excellent Education. 

"Teen literacy is a huge problem in the United States. Its 15-year-olds rank 14 among developed nations in reading behind Poland, Estonia and Iceland," said Rhiannon Paille, 27, author of a new fantasy novel for teens, "Flame of Surrender," and an advocate for teen literacy. "Kids need strong reading skills if they hope to graduate from high school. And they really need it to plan for college -- 59 percent of jobs in the U.S. today require some postsecondary education, compared to 28 percent in 1973."

What's a parent to do?

Start early.

The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends reading to children as young as 6 months old on a daily basis. This will set them on a path to learning reading skills such as phonics, vocabulary and reading comprehension.

When reading to infants, consider small, chunky board books that babies can grip, and do not be in a rush to read the story through. Take time to stop and talk about the pictures with your little one. Point out similarities such colors and shapes or people and things familiar to the baby. If you really want their attention, sing the text or read the words in a different voice.

Lift-the-flap books offer parents a wonderful opportunity to engage baby by playing a round of peek-a-boo with the flaps.

Books that feature textures babies can touch and feel lead to a better understanding of words such as soft or bumpy.

As for older children (12-18), the best way to boost their literacy is to get them reading something, anything, they’re interested in.

Try the classic approach with comic books. "Boys persistently lag behind girls in reading, according to the National Center for Education statistics," said Paille. "Stephen King started off reading comics, 'Tales from the Crypt.' Hey, if it was good enough for him...?" If he finds that interesting, he might move on to graphic novels, a popular young adult genre. "As long as they're reading, they're building comprehensive skills and vocabulary so it needn't be 'War and Peace,'" Paille said. 

2011-Lionsgate still from "Hunger Games."

Look for book-to-film adaptations. If they're excited to see a movie such as "Hunger Games" or "The Avengers," which are two soon-to-be released movies, check to see if the film is based on a book or series of books. "Hunger Games" is based on a series of books by Suzanne Collins about a futuristic society, while "The Avengers" features heroes from Marvel comic books. If they enjoy the movie, chances are that's enough to get a nonreader curious about the books. "This is another especially good hook for boys," Paille said.
Share in their experience by reading the same book. Numerous book clubs were born when parents and their children started reading stories about Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry, as did many after the launch of the "Twilight" series. "Your teen may not be ready for a formal book club, but discussing the pacing of 'Hunger Games' can further their interest in reading and make for some interesting conversation on the way to karate class or soccer practice. And don't be afraid to nudge with comments like, "Oh, you haven't gotten to that part yet? It's really good." 

What is your nonreader interested in? What kind of video games does he or she enjoy? Some of the more popular games have spawned books that could be introduced to them such as Halo, EverQuest, ElfQuest and Gears of War. What about the gaming guides? Even these are filled with interesting text and graphics, which players read to unlock clues that enable them to advance in the game. If they love to skateboard -- pick up a magazine that's all about their sport. It's a start.

The point is to get them reading -- as it helps build comprehension skills and vocabulary. If novels are a stretch, consider starting off with good magazines with shorter articles suited for distractible adolescents such as 'Sports Illustrated,' 'People,’ ‘Seventeen' or 'PC Gamer.'

"When you're out shopping, think about what they're interested in and pick up something just for them," Paille said. "Sometimes, it's as simple as putting the right reading materials right into their hands."

TODAY'S MUSE

This is my life. It is my one time to be me. I want to experience every good thing -- Maya Angelou

When it comes to important tasks, not just any rope will do

Just as any sailor knows there's a knot for every task, any cordage expert knows there is a rope for every purpose. This is especially true around the house. Be it a backyard tree swing, a carefree hammock or clothes drying in the breeze -- rope is a year-round staple.

Why talk cordage?

With spring just a few days away, many of us will find ourselves in the yard rigging up something with rope - which can cost up to $8 a square foot. If you're paying those kinds of prices, you should know what you're buying. Below is the skinny on cordage from the experts at the Lehigh Group, one of the largest suppliers of rope in North America:

Hammocks and tree swings

Whether it’s a small child or 200 pound adult, you never know who might take their turn on the tree swing. For this reason, one should always use cordage that is strong and holds up to the elements. All-purpose solid braid or twisted nylon rope is what the experts recommend in this case. This type of rope resists abrasion, sunlight, rot and mildew.

Backyard clothesline

What you hang on the clothesline is too important to trust  to a rope that won’t hold the weight of, say . . . grandma’s quilt. If you are planning to install a clothes line this spring, look for an all-purpose rope designed to be flexible, sturdy and to hold knots well.

Gardening

When it comes to tasks having to do with your fruit and vegetable garden, such as lining up the plants or rigging a barrier to keep Mr. Rabbit at bay, sisal rope should be the cordage of choice for two reasons: The natural fiber knots well and the rope resists sunlight.

Camping

Raise your hand if you have stumbled over the ropes securing the awning of your tent or camper? What I've learned through the experts at the Lehigh Group is that there's rope designed to light up low-visibility areas. Visiflect, as the new kind of rope is called, features reflective technology that is meant to prevent one from stumbling over the ropes in the dark. Available in two sizes, these brightly colored, versatile ropes reflect light from up to 200 feet away.

Watering holes

Did you know there is rope that floats? If you're going to be adding any rope to your pool inflatables, consider twisted polypropylene rope. It's lightweight, floats and holds knots.

Boating

If you live on a canal and need a strong, durable and flexible rope for mooring and anchor line, experts recommend nylon yacht braid.

     

Visiflect Reflective Rope at SecureLine

Road trips and windsurfing

Hauling a sailboard or kayak up north means it probably will ride on the roof. To secure gear and sporting equipment on a roof rack or even in a truck bed, rope experts recommend Visiflect Reflective Rope or Cordzilla stretch rope.

For more information on rope products visit: SecureLineSend your comments or home and garden tips to Gina Joseph gina.joseph@macombdaily.com; <a href="http://bit.ly/wwIwMi">@gljoseph</a>

TODAY'S MUSE

We should all do what, in the long run, gives us joy, even if it is only picking grapes or sorting the laundry -- E.B. White

Birmingham's UFF selections will stir emotions and donations

Still from Machine Gun Preacher. Photo by Iize Kitshoff.

The films chosen for the Uptown Film Festival in Birmingham are not just a reflection of the creative and talented people working in Michigan's film industry, but of their passion and concern for one another. Showing tonight as part of the festival's annual charity gala is "Machine Gun Preacher," starring Gerald Butler (“300”).

 "We're excited to show 'Machine Gun Preacher' as a feature film in our festival benefitting these phenomenal charities," said UFF Co-executive Director Kirk Miller of the film released in September and that premiered at the 2011 Toronto International Film Festival. "We're honored to be able to give local filmgoers and supporters of Michigan-made films an exclusive opportunity to see this film on the big screen, as it has not yet been released on DVD."

 

It is the true story of Sam Childers, a former drug-dealer and criminal who is transformed as he discovers his unexpected calling as the savior of hundreds of kidnapped and orphaned children in war-torn Sudan and founder of Angels of East Africa.

The VIP Charity event will be held at the Palladium 12 Theatre beginning at 7 p.m. with a percentage of ticket sale proceeds to be donated to Gleaners Community Food Bank of Southeastern Michigan and "Defeat the Label" an anti-bullying nonprofit organization. "Machine Gun Preacher" also will be shown at 9 p.m.

To purchase tickets, visit Uptown Palladium TheatreThe Palladium 12 Theatre is at 250 North Old Woodward Ave., Birmingham, 48009.

Below is the complete schedule for this weekend's Uptown Film Festival (UFF). More than 100 films were submitted by Michigan filmmakers and of those, 61 were selected as Michigan Film Award nominees.

March 9

Birmingham 8

6:30 p.m.: Filmmakers Reception

7:30 p.m.: Domestic and international shorts and experimental films:

8 p.m.: D-Force (Detroit premiere)

8:30 p.m.: Restitution (Detroit premiere)

8:30 p.m.: Blood on Canvas

9:30 p.m.: Slave

Palladium 12

250 North Old Woodward Ave., Birmingham

10 a.m.: Michigan Film Office Advisory Council Meeting (Nain Rouge Screening)

7 p.m.: VIP Charity Gala

8 p.m.: Detroit Music Awards Video Nominations

9 p.m.: Machine Gun Preacher

11:30 p.m.: VIP AfterGlow Party at What Crepe (172 North Old Woodward Ave.)

March 10

Birmingham 8

11 a.m.: Otelo Burning

11 a.m.: Detroit Winter (world premiere)

11 a.m.: Michigan Film Awards (MFA)-nominated shorts program "Funny and Clever"

11:15 a.m.: Somewhere West (Metro Detroit premiere)

12:30 p.m.: MFA-nominated short documentaries

12:45 p.m.: Dear Chelsey

1:30 p.m.: Mooz-lum

1:30 p.m.: MFA-nominated shorts program "Dramatic and Exciting"

3:45 p.m.: Mary's Buttons

2:45 p.m.: Alleged

3 p.m.: On the Bridge

4 p.m.: MFA-nominated shorts program "Artful, Dark and Edgy"

4:30 p.m.: Everyday People

4:45 p.m.: In Your Hands

Palladium 12

10 a.m.: Panel: Filming in Michigan, Trends and Updates

11 a.m.: Panel: Camera Solutions and Work Flow for the Independent Filmmaker

11:30 a.m.: Michigan's Interactive Gaming Industry: The New Frontier

2 p.m.: Bully

4 p.m.: Panel: Anti-bullying discussion featuring students, teachers and parents

6 p.m.: Michigan Film Awards Reception

7 p.m.: MFA-nominated top five shorts

7:30 p.m.: Detroit Music Awards top 5 video nominations

7:30 p.m.: Salvation Boulevard

9:30 p.m.: Michigan Film Awards

10 p.m.: Michigan Film Awards Afterglow Party

 For more information visit: Uptown Film Festival

Uptown Film Festival rolls out the red carpet for world premiere of ‘Brothers On The Line’

If you’ve driven along Interstate 696, chances are you’ve seen the signs paying homage to the family name. History books talk about the Reuther brothers who spearheaded the UAW’s transformation of the nation’s social, economic, and political landscape. But who really knows Walter, Roy and Victor?

Filmmaker and Detroit native Sasha Reuther knows the story of his grandfather Victor and uncles and he’s telling it tonight.

Read full story

UAW negotiations/archives.

New York City director and Detroit native Sasha Reuther at right, working on his documentary, "Brothers On The Line." The new film about Walter, Roy and Victor Reuther (Sasha's grandfather) will make its debut at 8 p.m., March 8 at the 2nd Annual Uptown Film Festival in Birmingham. The documentary features rare interviews and never-before-seen archival footage from the UAW archives.

Celebrate the Detroit premieres at UFF

The Uptown Film Festival (UFF) is an annual celebration recognizing Michigan's film industry. More than 100 films were submitted by Michigan filmmakers and of those, 61 were selected as Michigan Film Award nominees.

The selections to be screened throughout the course of the three-day film event, through March 10 are as follows:

March 8

Birmingham 8

211 S. Old Woodward Ave., Birmingham

7 p.m.: Michigan Filmmakers Reception

8 p.m.: Brothers On the Line (world premiere)

8 p.m.: Preemie

8:30 p.m.: Dirty Energy (Michigan premiere)

10:30 p.m.: Michigan Filmmakers After Glow Party at South Bar (210 South Woodward Ave.)

March 9

Birmingham 8

6:30 p.m.: Filmmakers Reception

7:30 p.m.: Domestic and international shorts and experimental films:

• Cabby
• Easy Snappin
• Time Freak
• The Disarticulation of Sarah Fisher
• Tea for Two
• Year, Make and Model
• Pennipotens
• Mirages

8 p.m.: D-Force (Detroit premiere)

8:30 p.m.: Restitution (Detroit premiere)

8:30 p.m.: Blood on Canvas

9:30 p.m.: Slave

Palladium 12

250 North Old Woodward Ave., Birmingham

10 a.m.: Michigan Film Office Advisory Council Meeting (Nain Rouge Screening)

7 p.m.: VIP Charity Gala

8 p.m.: Detroit Music Awards Video Nominations

9 p.m.: Machine Gun Preacher

11:30 p.m.: VIP AfterGlow Party at What Crepe (172 North Old Woodward Ave.)

March 10

Birmingham 8

11 a.m.: Otelo Burning

11 a.m.: Detroit Winter (world premiere)

11 a.m.: Michigan Film Awards (MFA)-nominated shorts program "Funny and Clever"

• Heart Shaped Man
• Springfield and Sausage
• Killing Kevin
• Menage Detroit
• The Paper Man
• Neurotica
• One Door Closes
• Donald
• Holy Car
• Deadline: Medium Rare
• Sobriety Test
• Pucker

11:15 a.m.: Somewhere West (Metro Detroit premiere)

12:30 p.m.: MFA-nominated short documentaries

• 14 Days with Alzheimer's
• Birmingham Public Schools Millage Renewal
• Strong from Detroit
• New York Accent
• Time Dances On

12:45 p.m.: Dear Chelsey

1:30 p.m.: Mooz-lum

1:30 p.m.: MFA-nominated shorts program "Dramatic and Exciting"

• Appleville
• I Wish
• The Girl with Blue Eyes
• Promises! Promises!
• Lifeless
• Disappear Here
• Collusion

3:45 p.m.: Mary's Buttons

2:45 p.m.: Alleged

3 p.m.: On the Bridge

4 p.m.: MFA-nominated shorts program "Artful, Dark and Edgy"

• The Olympian
• American Terrorist
• Antonio
• Dirt
• Slow Burn
• Patient Spider
• Abandon

4:30 p.m.: everydayPeople

4:45 p.m.: In Your Hands

Palladium 12

10 a.m.: Panel: Filming in Michigan, Trends and Updates

11 a.m.: Panel: Camera Solutions and Work Flow for the Independent Filmmaker

11:30 a.m.: Michigan's Interactive Gaming Industry: The New Frontier

2 p.m.: Bully

4 p.m.: Panel: Anti-bullying discussion featuring students, teachers and parents

6 p.m.: Michigan Film Awards Reception

7 p.m.: MFA-nominated top five shorts

• Bright
• Camp Chapel
• Down to Sleep
• The Dream Collector
• Nain Rouge

7:30 p.m.: Detroit Music Awards top 5 video nominations

7:30 p.m.: Salvation Boulevard

9:30 p.m.: Michigan Film Awards

10 p.m.: Michigan Film Awards Afterglow Party

For show times and updates visit Uptown Film Festival

TODAY'S MUSE
Wherever there's a scuffle for justice I want to be part of that struggle. This country is my country too, sir. I am not a second-class citizen and I will not act like one -- Walter Reuther 

Artist leaves behind a legacy of characters: Darth Vader for one

Artist Ralph McQuarrie.

The artist who brought George Lucas' dreams to life -- Ralph McQuarrie --has died. He was 82 years old.

High on the list of amazing characters to his credit is Darth Vader. He also worked on Steven Spielberg's blockbuster film ET, Battlestar Galactica and the science fiction film Cocoon, for which he won an Oscar.

Lucas released a statement saying he was deeply saddened by the death of "such a visionary artist and such a humble man."

"His genial contribution, in the form of unequalled production paintings, propelled and inspired all of the cast and crew of the original Star Wars trilogy," said Lucas. "When words could not convey my ideas, I could always point to one of Ralph's fabulous illustrations and say, 'Do it like this.’"

StarWars.com/Concept by Ralph MQuarrie.

When Lucas, who described McQuarrie as father to a conceptual art revolution, made his “Star Wars” pitch to Alan Ladd Jr. at 20th Century Fox, he did so with a table full of Ralph's art.

McQuarrie not only captured the visions of geniuses such as Lucas and Spielberg through his illustrations, but seized the world's imagination in the process.

See The Art of Ralph McQuarrie

GEORGE LUCAS TRIBUTE

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