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Talk to explore railroad chapel cars
Mariners’ Church of Detroit, 170 E. Jefferson Ave. downtown, will feature Dan Lewis giving the talk, “Bound for Glory: The Story of American Chapel Cars” from 10 to 11:30 a.m. May 6. The talk will look at how railroad cars were adapted to house a chapel with pews, an altar, pulpit and sometimes even a confessional so that traveling clergy could reach people in remote areas. Although first used for Episcopal services, the model was later used by other denominations, including the Baptist and Roman Catholic churches. For more information, visit marinerschurchofdetroit.org.
Classical concert to entertain audiences
Dennis Russell Davies and Maki Namekawa will perform master works for two pianos during a Pro Musica of Detroit concert at 2 p.m. May 13 at Christ Church Grosse Pointe, 61 Grosse Pointe Blvd. in Grosse Pointe Farms.
The husband-and-wife duo will perform selections by Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart, Dimitri Shostakovich and William Bolcom. Cecelia Sharpe of 90.9 WRCJ-FM will host the concert. Tickets are $35 per person or $5 for students with identification. For tickets or more information, visit www.promusicadetroit.com.
Students organize fundraising fun run
The University Liggett School Athletic Department and seniors Aly Metry and Summer Orlowski have organized a Shoes That Fit 5K Fun Run from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. May 20. The run/walk will start at 10 a.m. All proceeds will go to Shoes That Fit, which supplies children in need with new athletic shoes they otherwise couldn’t afford.
In addition to the run/walk, there will be food trucks, stations for kids and more.
For the last three years, Orlowski, Metry and ULS Support Specialist and Dean of Ninth Grade Kirsten Hibbs have led the Shoes That Fit campaign at Liggett, raising more than $15,000 for Shoes That Fit. That amount translates into the purchase of more than 600 pairs of shoes for local elementary and middle school students.
Participants need to register in advance by visiting www.uls.org/shoesthatfit. Registration costs $40. Sponsors are also needed and can contact Hibbs at khibbs@uls.net for more information. Walkers need to be able to finish the course in 2.5 hours.
Discover ways to prevent suicide
The Family Center of Grosse Pointe and Harper Woods will present a free QPR training program from 7 to 8 p.m. May 1 at the Woods Branch of the Grosse Pointe Public Library, 20680 Mack Ave. in Grosse Pointe Woods.
QPR stands for “question, persuade, refer.” This training — open to anyone age 15 and above — will teach participants to recognize suicide warning signs, learn ways to initiate a conversation with someone struggling with mental health challenges, and then persuade or refer the person to resources that can help. This program is free. To register, email info@familycenterweb.org.
Fundraiser for Furniture Bank planned
The nonprofit Furniture Bank of Southeastern Michigan will be holding a fundraising wine-tasting event from 7 to 10 p.m. May 6 at the Guardian Building, 500 Griswold St. in downtown Detroit. There will be hors d’oeuvres, cocktails, a live auction, jazz and opportunities to take a guided tour of the Guardian Building.
“At The Furniture Bank, we believe that even the most vulnerable Metro Detroit families should live in a stable, dignified home,” Furniture Bank Executive Director Robert Boyle, of Grosse Pointe Woods, said in a press release. “We’re grateful for sponsors like Joseph Aiello & Associates, who support our work to provide beds and furniture to local families in need, and because we’re able to celebrate our mission in an architectural treasure like the Guardian Building, it only makes the evening more special.”
Tickets cost $100 apiece and include parking. For tickets or more information, visit www.furniture-bank.org or call (248) 332-1300, ext. 205.
Gala to recognize local family
The Hathaway family, longtime Grosse Pointers, will be recognized with a lifetime achievement award during the 2023 Spark of Hope Tribute Gala for the nonprofit Life Directions at 6 p.m. May 6 at One Campus Martius in downtown Detroit.
Life Directions, which celebrates its 50th anniversary this year, motivates and inspires young people to reach their potential despite growing up in at-risk environments.
“Our vision was born through a series of conversations. We identified some of the key causes of school dropout and violence with the people who were directly living with the effects of trauma,” Life Directions co-founder, President and CEO the Rev. John Phelps stated in a press release. “We listened and engaged with the community. We bring a culture of calm in the midst of chaos with peers inspiring peers to take charge of their lives. It works. Fifty years later, Life Directions not only exists but is thriving.”
For tickets or more information, visit www.lifedirections.org.
Multiple programs planned
The Helm at the Boll Life Center, 158 Ridge Road in Grosse Pointe Farms, will offer a watercolor painting class taught by acclaimed artist Roselyn Rhodes from 2:30 to 4 p.m. May 9 and June 13. The cost for each class is $25 for Helm members and $35 for nonmembers.
Stimulate your mind with Brainstorming, a free program from 11 a.m. to noon May 9. A Mother’s Day lunch and talk will focus on the legendary downtown Detroit Hudson’s department store from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. May 10. There will also be entertainment by musicians Frank Kosielski and Jef Reynolds. Historian Michael Houser will give the Hudson’s presentation. The cost for this event is $20 for Helm members and $24 for nonmembers.
Registration is needed for all Helm programs and can be made by visiting www.helmlife.org or calling (313) 882-9600.
Event to address safety concerns
The nonprofit Family Center of Grosse Pointe and Harper Woods is presenting a Community Safety Night with information about crime prevention and emergency preparedness from 7 to 8 p.m. May 16 at The War Memorial’s Alger Center, 32 Lake Shore Road in Grosse Pointe Farms.
Farms Public Safety Director John Hutchins, Deputy Director Andrew Rogers, Detective Lt. Antonino Trupiano and officer John Ross will cover topics including vehicle theft, cyber security, break-ins, community emergency protocols and more during this free program. Vendors will be on hand for attendees to talk to afterward about protective devices they can use.
“After our home was the target of an attempted break-in, I wanted to help turn our trauma into something positive for the community by organizing a Safety Night,” Farms resident Carolyn Bollozos said in a press release. “I believe that gaining knowledge and awareness is a critical step in strengthening the safety of our homes and businesses.”
No registration is needed. For more information, call (313) 447-1374 or visit www.familycenterweb.org.
