THE
WAR MEMORIAL BOARD OF DIRECTORS
AMY CHESTERTON BOARD CHAIR
DONNA HOBAN, M.D.
IMMEDIATE PAST CHAIR
JESSICA T. GREGORY SECRETARY
AARON TURK TREASURER
MAUREEN BERNDTSON
SIERRA DONAVEN
RACHELLE ECONOMY
CHARLES HUEBNER
SCOTTIE KNIGHT
RICHARD LUEDERS
SALVADOR MARTINEZ
BRENT OTT
VICTOR T. PELTOLA
JODIE RAPPE, M.D.
NICK RITTS
TERENCE THOMAS
LISA VALLEE-SMITH
KELLY WALSH
MARIA MILLER PRESIDENT AND CEO
Luncheon
LIVE INSPIRED MAGAZINE
MARCH/APRIL 2026 ISSUE
EDITORS: Leah Celebi, Brett Pulte
WRITER: Alex Szwarc
ART DIRECTION & DESIGN: Emily Orttenburger
PHOTOGRAPHY:
Inner Circle Photography, unless otherwise noted
SPECIAL THANKS: Grosse Pointe Magazine
LIVE INSPIRED MAGAZINE
IS A PUBLICATION OF
LIVE INSPIRED PRODUCTIONS AT THE WAR MEMORIAL. For more
the Legacy of Marion Alger
In recognition of Women’s History Month, we honor Marion Alger, whose gift of The Moorings shaped The War Memorial into the gathering place it remains today. During this special Sunday luncheon, guests will experience her legacy through a historically inspired menu, a historical lecture, and a live floral design demonstration inspired by her lifelong devotion to the gardens — reflecting the educational, cultural, and charitable purpose she envisioned for the home.
WHEN SUNDAY, MARCH 15
TIME 1pm
COST $65 per person
Reserved table of eight $480
Join us at The War Memorial for a spirited cocktail class celebrating “America’s Native Spirit” — bourbon. During this 2.5-hour experience, guests will craft and enjoy three full-size cocktails paired with curated bites from our kitchen. Local cocktail historian Beth Vandergrift of Liquor and Lore will guide the evening, sharing the stories behind each pour while leading hands-on cocktail making. Along the way, explore bourbon’s designation as a “Distinctive Product of the United States” through classic cocktails spanning three centuries.
WHEN FRIDAY, APRIL 17
TIME 6:30pm COST $80 per person
Marion’s Garden Glow-Up Took Thousands of Shrubs! DID YOU KNOW?
Why would Marion Alger purchase 1,525 10” Taxus canadensis ‘Stricta’ (Canadian yew) and 975 2-year-old Euonymus fortunei ‘Minimus’ (dwarf winter creeper) from Bay State Nurseries in 1937?
Because that was only part of the order. She also secured from Jackson & Perkins 1,735 5” Paxistima canbyi (Canby’s mountain lover) and 700 6” boxwood plants — all required by landscape architect Ellen Biddle Shipman to install the new knot gardens at the Alger House (pictured above), replacing Marion's earlier formal gardens.
A happenstance interaction at The War Memorial, and 63 years later, they are still together.
Jerry and Jean Bresser first met at a singles dance here in 1962, the same year the couple married.
“Jean was sitting in a chair, waiting for somebody and John Lake, the director at the time, came out,” Jerry Bresser said. “Tables were set up, and I was talking to a friend and she looked very good to me."
"John introduced the two of us and I got to sit next to her.”
Jerry Bresser, 92, enlisted in the Army in August 1952. He went on to become a code interceptor operator with the 329th Communication Reconnaissance Company, part of the Army Security Agency. Arriving in 1953 just prior to the Korean Armistice Agreement being signed, Bresser was stationed near the 40th parallel in South Korea. He primarily operated from the back of a 2½-ton cargo truck. After service in Korea, Bresser was stationed in Japan, continuing to intercept code. He was discharged in July 1955 with the rank of corporal.
In response to what he would like younger generations to know about the Korean War, Bresser said it’s not about the war, rather, military service.
“John F. Kennedy started the Peace Corps because he wanted people to have military or public service because they weren’t drafting as many people,” he commented. “I recommend military service because there is discipline in being a military soldier.”
To view more veteran stories and upcoming patriotic programming at The War Memorial, visit warmemorial.org/patriotic.
Our heartfelt thanks to our sponsors, whose generous support makes The War Memorial's patriotic programming possible.
VETCONNECT SEMINAR
SERIES WITH DAVE LAYCOCK
Thursday, March 12 | 6pm
Join us for a layman's discussion on the cause, effect, treatment and recovery of post-traumatic stress disorder, led by retired Army Sgt. Maj. Dave Laycock.
VIETNAM VETERANS DAY
WELCOME HOME LUNCHEON
Friday, March 27 | 11:30am
In commemoration of National Vietnam War Veterans Day, veterans and their families are invited to this afternoon lunch to commemorate their bravery and sacrifice.
VET-TO-VET MEETUP
Wednesday, April 8 | 6pm
This free special event invites all veterans to gather for good company and heartfelt conversation as you meet fellow veterans, share stories of service, and connect.
OUR COMMUNITY SALUTES
Tuesday, May 5 | 6pm
Join us as we recognize and celebrate the Class of 2026 high school seniors from metro Detroit who have made the honorable decision to enlist in the United States Armed Forces.
Commemorating the 250th anniversary of our nation with programs that honor service, explore history, and celebrate the shared values that define us
WHEN SATURDAY, MARCH 14
TIME 6pm COST FREE
The War Memorial welcomes United States Air Force Academy Band Blue Delta for a dynamic FREE concert. Featuring active-duty professional musicians performing rock, pop, jazz, and contemporary favorites, this spirited public performance reflects the Air Force core values of Integrity, Service, and Excellence.
*Registration is required due to capacity limits
Hop on over to The War Memorial this spring for a festive Sunday brunch and a special visit from the Easter Bunny. After brunch, families will head to the back lawn for a one-of-a-kind HELICOPTER EGG DROP, where little ones can search for colorful eggs to redeem for treats and prizes. Inner Circle Photography will be on hand to capture the moment with a professional family photo, available for download following the event.
WHEN SUNDAY, MARCH 29
TIME 10:30am
COST
Jazz Brunch returns this spring with a special appearance by renowned clarinetist Dave Bennett. As part of The War Memorial’s America 250 programming, Bennett will highlight beloved American composers in a distinctive set created for this commemorative year. Join us for an uplifting morning of live jazz and exceptional cuisine.
WHEN SUNDAY, APRIL 26
WHEN Brunch at 11am
Concert at 12:15pm
COST VIP Tickets include bottomless mimosas
Brunch and Concert: $95
Table of Eight: $720
General Admission cash mimosa bar available
Brunch & Concert: $80
Concert Only: $35
Adults: $69.50
Children: $47.50
Second Saturdays at The War Memorial bring families together for a morning of hands-on fun, themed activities, and a live onstage performance—perfect for kids ages 3–10 (and the adults who love them!)
WHEN MARCH 14 (Theme: Red, White & Blue Celebration)
TIME 9am
COST Children $10 (Adults Free)
Having a stay-cation this Spring Break? Let The War Memorial help keep kids occupied with creative art camps. Choose daily, weekly, AM or PM to find the right fit for your family.
WHEN MARCH 30–APRIL 3
TIME 9am–12pm and 12:30–3:30pm
COST Varies by time and day
PELVIC PILATES
Tuesdays, 3–4pm February 3–March 10
PILATES FOR EVERYBODY
Thursdays, 9–10am February 5–March 12
AWAKEN YOUR SENSES: A MORNING OF YIN YOGA + SOUND BATH
Sundays, 9–10:15am March 29
July 19
ADULT FENCING
Mondays, 7:40–8:25pm April 13–May 11
FRETBOARD FOCUS
Mondays, 7–8pm February 23–April 20
BELLYDANCE FOR EVERYBODY
March 10–April 14
April 28–June 2
BEGINNER BELLYDANCE
Tuesdays, 6:30–7:30pm
INTERMEDIATE BELLYDANCE
Tuesdays, 7:30–8:30pm
BEGINNER BALLROOM BASICS
Tuesdays, 7–7:50pm
TANGO & CHA CHA April 14–May 19
INTERMEDIATE BALLROOM BASICS
Tuesdays, 8–8:50pm SWING April 14–May 19
LINE DANCING
Wednesdays, 6–7pm April 15–May 20
INTRO TO SEWING
Friday, 10am-2pm March 6
INTRO TO DRAWING
Thursdays, 1:30–3pm March 19–April 30
WATERCOLOR PAINTING
Thursdays, 3:30–5pm March 19–April 30
BEGINNER ACRYLIC PAINTING
Thursdays, 5:30–7pm March 19–April 30
FOLD & RELAX ORIGAMI WORKSHOP
Thursday, 5–7pm March 26
LEARN TO PAINT LIKE BOB ROSS RED SUNSET
March 21, 1–4pm COUNTRYSIDE BARN May 22, 6–9pm
The War Memorial's classes, activities, and trips are open to the public! Everyone is welcome—there are no residency requirements* and membership is not necessary.
*Residency within the Grosse Pointe Public School System district is necessary for Middle School Dances.
COZY KEEPSAKES: PET DAY NEEDLE FELTING WORKSHOP
Saturday, 10am–12pm April 11
STAINED GLASS WORKSHOP
Saturday, 11am–2:30pm STAINED GLASS SUN CATCHER April 18
PROTECTING YOUR MONEY: BIG PURCHASES & FRAUD AWARENESS
Monday & Tuesday, 6–7:30pm March 2–March 3
The War Memorial travels the world!
Visit warmemorial.org/travel for current trips and itineraries
PLEASE
EARLY! Classes, activities, and trips must meet minimum attendance requirements: full refunds will be issued for events canceled due to low enrollment.
OUTSIDE THE LINES: KID’S WEEKLY ART CLASS
Mondays, 7–8pm
March 2–March 23
*Individual Days Available!
SPRING BREAK CAMPS
March 30–April 3
BEACH LIFE KID’S ART
Monday–Friday, 9am–12pm
KID & PLAY CREATIVE REMIX
Monday–Friday, 12:30–3:30pm
FRETBOARD FOCUS
Mondays, 7–8pm
April 6–May 25
BACK TO SUMMER SEWING WORKSHOP
Saturday, 1
TUMBLEBUNNIES
GYMNASTICS
Thursdays March 12–April 16
AGES 18mo–3 | 5:30–6pm AGES 3–4 | 6:05–6:35pm AGES 5–7 | 6:40–7:10pm
Fridays March 13–April 24
AGES 18mo–3 | 9:30–10am AGES 3–4 | 10:05–10:35am
GOLF (AGES 3-5)
Wednesdays, 5–5:30pm March 11–April 15
TENNIS (AGES 3-5)
Wednesdays, 5:35–6:05pm March 11–April 15
FENCING SESSIONS (AGES 6–18)
April 13–May 11
BEGINNER FENCING Mondays, 6–6:45pm INTERMEDIATE FENCING
RETURNS TO
THE WAR MEMORIAL THIS SUMMER!
Build, play, learn, and grow in our series of camps for kids and teens. Here's a preview of what's coming up this summer!
JUNE 15–19
Mythical Creatures Art Camp
Mini Picassos Art Camp
JUNE 22–26
Karate & Parkour Camp
All Sports Camp
JULY 6–10
Creative Remix Camp
Cartoons, Movies & Video Game Art Camp
JULY 13–17
Brixology Camp
Science in Motion Camp
JULY 20–24
Kids Cooking Camp
JULY 27–31
Kids Cooking Camp
AUGUST 3–7
Camp Invention: SPARK
AUGUST 10–14
Brave Core Self Defense & Safety Camp
Water Warriors Zombie Response Camp
AUGUST 17–21
Mixed Media Art Camp
Mini Picassos Art Camp
AUGUST 24–28
Brick and Build Camp
Creative Builders Camp
Classes run year-round!
Visit warmemorial.org/drivertraining for a full list of sessions and attendance requirements.
Final dance of the school year!
UNDER THE STARS & STRIPES April 30
Visit warmemorial.org/family for specific details and attendance requirements.
MARCH 10 SILENT BOOK CLUB
MARCH 26
FEVER CANDLELIGHT CONCERT
MARCH 12 VetConnect Seminar DAVE LAYCOCK
MARCH 27 VIETNAM VETERANS LUNCHEON
MARCH 30 TO APRIL 3 SPRING BREAK ART CAMPS
APRIL 26
JAZZ BRUNCH FEATURING DAVE BENNETT
MARCH 14 Second Saturdays RED WHITE & BLUE CELEBRATION
MARCH 15 IN HER GARDEN: HONORING MARION ALGER'S LEGACY
APRIL 8 VET-TO-VET
MARCH 29 BUNNY BRUNCH
APRIL 14 SILENT BOOK CLUB
APRIL 30 Middle School Dance UNDER THE STARS & STRIPES
MAY 20 AN EVENING OF RED, WHITE & BLUE
APRIL 2 FEVER CANDLELIGHT CONCERT
APRIL 17 LIQUOR AND LORE: A CELEBRATION OF BOURBON
