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DHS CELEBRATES 10 0!

TH REE DAYS IN ARU BA

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Let's Explore!

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LIFESTYLE LETTER

Let's Explore!

April 2023 PUBLISHER

David Mattaliano | david.mattaliano@citylifestyle.com EDITOR IAL COOR DINATOR

Paige Peabody | paige.peabody@citylifestyle.com

As children, pushing the limits of what mom and dad allow is risky. As teens, we want to spread our wings and yearn for independence. As young adults, the world is ours, and we want to conquer it. As we begin having families, it is a whole new adventure in how we seek to start reliving experiences with and through our children. Leaving room in our lives for exploring and trying new things adds to our energy and self-confidence. After college, I spent a couple years as a ski instructor in Vail. It was an incredible experience. After ski season ended, we rented a van and explored the Southwest without a plan. It brought us some fantastic experiences. We spent one week on a pontoon boat in Lake Powell, exploring nooks and crannies, cliff-jumping, and laughing endlessly. Another week was bike riding in Moab, where someone we met told us about a secluded spot at the Grand Canyon called Tuweep. Naturally, we went and ended up exploring and sleeping on the canyon's rim. If not for the dirt bike riders we ran into, we would have never had enough gas to return to the main road! When we came to a crossroad in the middle of nowhere, we spun a stick; the direction it pointed was the way we went. It was freedom and exploration at its best. Our hope is that this issue encourages you to make room for exploration. To prioritize time away from the regular life schedule, explore new spots with your family, and create new memories. In this issue… Have you been to Ford House lately? Let's explore! History is in our backyard. Learn about all the fantastic events and opportunities at one of America's iconic locations. There is something for everyone, from worldclass dining at The Continental at Ford House on Lake St. Clair, to tours, events, shopping, and history galore. Next, let's explore the Detroit Historical Museum. Step back into Detroit's past in this hidden gem. Is anyone up for a few days in Aruba? Check out our travel article if you are up for exploring an excellent vacation spot to energize and relax. Find the student scholarship award winners from the annual Chamber Dinner in City Scene. Follow us @grossepointecitylifestyle and visit citylifestyle.com for our free digital subscription. Let's Explore!

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Corporate Team CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER Steven Schowengerdt CHIEF SALES OFFICER Matthew Perry CHIEF FINANCIAL OFFICER DeLand Shore DIRECTOR OF SOCIAL MEDIA Mindy Hargesheimer ART DIRECTOR Sara Minor OPERATIONS DIRECTOR Janeane Thompson WEB APPLICATIONS Michael O’Connell AD DESIGNER Evan Deuvall LAYOUT DESIGNER Kelsey Ragain

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Proverbs 3:5-6 Grosse Pointe City Lifestyle™ is published monthly by Lifestyle Publications LLC. It is distributed via the US Postal Service to some of the Grosse Pointe area’s most affluent neighborhoods. Articles and advertisements do not necessarily reflect Lifestyle Publications’ opinions. No portion of this magazine may be reproduced in any form without written consent. Lifestyle Publications does not assume responsibility for statements made by advertisers or editorial contributors. Information in Grosse Pointe City Lifestyle™ is gathered from sources considered

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APRIL 2023

inside the issue The Explore Issue

F E ATU R E D

D E PA RTM E NTS

14 Three Days in Aruba

Lifestyle Letter

City Scene

Travel Journal T R AV EL

Must See LI FE + C U LT U R E

Our Town LI FE + C U LT U R E

Events

Discovering Paradise in the Caribbean

18 DHS Celebrates 100! A Gem to be Admired

24 Exploring Ford House A Legacy to Behold

O N T H E C OV E R

Photography: Ford House Collection The Gallery is the largest room in Ford House measuring about 1500 square feet with a 17-foot barrel-vaulted ceiling that was used for large parties and celebrations by the Ford family.

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city scene

Where neighbors can see and be seen. 1

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1: Jenny Boettcher, Rachele Wright, and Abigail Turnbull at the Chamber Annual Dinner. 2: Chamber Honoree Rob Lubera speaks to attendees at the Annual Dinner. 3: Chamber President and Executive Director Jenny Boettcher addresses attendees at the Chamber Annual Dinner. 4: Chamber Chairman Mark Heppner gives a scholarship award to Jack Ryan for Skyview Creations. 5: Chairman Mark Heppner gives a student scholarship award to Madison Turnbull for Mad Organized. 6: Student Scholarship winner Andrew Kolojeski accepts his award from Mark Heppner for Michigan Used Bricks. 7: Chamber President and Exective Director Jenny Boettcher looks on as Treasurer Brian Rumhor addresses attendees.

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THREE DAYS IN ARUBA

ARTICLE BY BRANDON EPSTEIN

THE FORMER DUTCH COLONY AND CURRENT HIDDEN PARADISE SHOULD BE YOUR NEXT GETAWAY.

T R AV E L J OU R N A L | TR AVE L

If you’re like me, you need a break. Between cold weather, early sunsets, and the joint excitement and exhaustion of the holiday season, it is beyond time to treat your mental health to some wellearned pampering. And while I love yoga and meditation and whatever cleanse-of-the-week is making its way across my Instagram, we all know the truth: sometimes you just got to get away. 2000 miles due south of Westport, just off the coast of South America, is the desert island paradise I needed to get my head on straight. I went expecting blue skies, immaculate beaches, and an excellent drink or three. I got all of that. What I didn’t expect was an island of beauty and adventure, full of passionate and friendly people who take pride in the travelers wise enough (or lucky enough) to visit their home. Arubans call their home “the happy island”, and it’s easy to tell why. Located just outside the Hurricane belt, this gorgeous Caribbean paradise is sunny year-round. Even their “rainy season” in October and November threatens little more than light sun showers.

Aruba boasts a rich history and culture with a mixture of Dutch, Latin American, and indigenous Caquetio and Arawak influences. You’ll find this diversity reflected in the architecture, food, and even the language. Most Arubans speak at least four languages; English, Spanish, Dutch, and Papiamento, a creole language that mixes Spanish, Portuguese, indigenous Arawak, and Dutch. Nowhere was this blended culture and happy spirit more apparent than at the Marriott Resort & Stellaris casino at Palm Beach. It lived in Danny, a veteran bartender and Aruba native who makes the best smoky Old Fashioned I’ve had on any island (including Manhattan). It lived in their culinary staff, who taught me to make Aruba’s take on the empanada, the pastechi, with flair and dedication. It even lived in Raoul, the Marriott’s new general manager, who spoke with passion and excitement about the return of tourism to the world. Their joy was obvious, and more than a little infectious. Within a day of stepping on the island I felt that familiar knot in my shoulders begin to loosen, and the chattering voice of stress in the back of my head begin to quiet. Of course, the luxuriousness of my surroundings probably helped. The resort sports the luxury accommodations and well-appointed amenities one would expect of a four-star Marriott property. Every room features a sizable balcony to enjoy Aruba’s perfect weather, the majority of which boast gorgeous ocean views. Outside, you’ll find a pristine pool and covered swim-up bar surrounded by clean landscaping and babbling water features. But the real prize is the beach itself: gleaming white sand cascading down to impossibly turquoise water that never dips below 80 degrees. In the evenings, the beach transforms into ocean-side seating for Atardi, the resorts impeccable seafood fine-dining option. But Aruba is not an island to be enjoyed entirely from within the walls of a resort. To fully experience all it has to offer, you have to step out. Aruba offers countless opportunities for adventure: parasailing, kite surfing, snorkel and SCUBA tours, to name a few. But I found my

thrills on land, behind the wheel of a beefed-up UTV with De Palm Tours. Our guide took as much delight in pointing out historical landmarks and as he did in revving the engines and powering up hills. It was a perfect balance that made the tour feel equal parts NatGeo documentary and Mad Max: Fury Road. Aruba’s elaborate past is fascinating, but the even cooler story is the inspiring tales unfolding in San Nicolas, the oft-overlooked but up-and-coming town on Aruba’s southern tip. San Nicolas, once the center of Aruba’s now-defunct industrial economy, is reinventing itself as Aruba’s Art City. Standing at the center of that transformation is the San Nicolas Art Festival and its inspiring organizer, Tito Bolivar. Bolivar imagined a fully-indie, self-taught enterprise; one that would be embraced by internationals and tourists alike. “So many festivals, locals don’t like them. They create mess in their area, they leave behind trash. We decided to leave behind gifts. We left murals.” Those first murals became the seed of Aruba’s Art Walls. Today, more than 50 murals paint the streets of San Nicolas, some stretching more than 30 feet into the air. Among masterpieces from local artists you’ll find murals from internationally known names like Insane51, Wild Drawing, artists whose commission prices typically rise into the high five-figures. When I ask Tito how he can afford to bring artists of that caliber, he just smiles. “For me, they paint for free.” After an afternoon in San Nicolas, it’s easy to see why. What the Tito and the community are building is truly a work of creativity and love. It’s a story of revitalization, of a town long overlooked reclaiming its voice and fostering untapped talent within its people. It’s the ultimate expression of the passionate spirit of Aruba; one that inspires artists to fly in from around the world, just so they can be a part of it. They call Aruba “one happy island”, but it’s so much more than that. It’s an island of beauty, of adventure, of history and inspiration and hidden depths yet to be revealed. All I know is that the next time I feel that knot in my shoulders, or that stress behind my eyes, there’s only one place I’ll want to go. Bon bini Aruba! +297 5-869000 ArubaMarriott.com

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DHS Celebrates 100! Visiting the Detroit Historical Museum, a local hidden gem, allows us to step back into the past, learn and be fascinated by the people and events that have come before us. "We're based in Detroit, but we really tell the whole story of the region; we are your museum," says Elana Rugh, president and CEO of the Detroit Historical Society. “We’re the only museum that keeps the Detroit area’s stories.” The Society, which celebrated its 100th anniversary in 2021, focuses on preserving, remembering and honoring local history. "We think of Detroit as a microcosm of the

world and what happens here is important," she says. "We certainly hope that when people, especially kids, walk through our exhibits, they can see, through the lens of what has happened, what their lives could be and be truly inspired by other people's stories." Adds Elana, "We just passed our centennial and we are moving forward to the next 100 years and really thinking a lot about that - what will people want to know about what happened in the Detroit area during this time?" A native of Michigan, she has always loved history and grew up going to the Detroit

A GEM TO BE ADMIRED

ARTICLE BY SUE BALDANI | PHOTOGRAPHY BY THE DETROIT HISTORICAL SOCIETY

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Historical Museum and the Dossin Great Lakes Museum. "My parents were real culture fans and so we did a lot of visits to museums." Her husband and kids also love museums and they plan their family trips around them. John Decker, the Detroit Historical Society's chairman of the board, who resides in Grosse Pointe Farms with his wife, Alexandra, and two-year-old son, Clark, says, "History is important because it gives people a sense of how we got to where we are and it gives context and a shared understanding to help us find our place in the world. "It then helps us make decisions going forward to lead us to the best outcomes based on, at least in part, looking at what has occurred before. History plays a few different roles in the past, present and future, helping us live better and more enriching lives." All the artifacts collected and displayed are owned by the city of Detroit, and the Society is the caretaker of this collection. "They reflect the entire Metro Detroit region and total upwards of 300,000 at our collections resource center at Historic Fort Wayne," says Elana. "Only about 5% of these artifacts are on display at any given time in the two museums; we change them out a lot, but in our lifetime, we will never get through them all." She says people often think of museums as only dealing with the past. Still, the Detroit Historical Society also does what it calls contemporary collecting. "Our team is always looking to collect artifacts and stories that are happening today because that is our responsibility - to make sure that those are in place so that future generations know about this time in Detroit." The Society is collecting all kinds of stories about today’s events, including an important collection about the pandemic to which the public can contribute online. Usually, when a museum builds an exhibit, its curators and staff look at the artifacts they have and think about the story they want to tell. Then they talk to people to validate that story. That is

how most of these institutions do their business, she explains. "For us, the best place to start any exhibit is by hearing from the people who lived through the event. We found it's the most compelling and impactful way to tell a story." These oral history collections have really changed the way they create exhibits. Elana says she feels it is their responsibility to get it in people's own words instead of trying to imagine what it must have been like for themselves. "So you are not just talking about facts," she says. "These are woven with the story of a person who lived there." Its most renowned exhibition, Detroit 67: Perspectives, tells the story of the uprising in Detroit in 1967. "Over 500 oral histories were collected from Detroiters who were actually there, and what was so fascinating was that everyone, to a person, had a different experience," says Elana. "There were instances where these stories were collected from people living on the same street and on the same day and they had completely different perspectives on what happened because their memories were based on who they were." Another history project is called The Neighborhoods: Where Detroit Lives, which explores the history of Detroit’s neighborhoods while also preserving important discussions about the pressing issues in Detroit’s neighborhoods today, including topics like red lining and gentrification. "It's important as these areas change that we talk to people who are still living there for 60, 70 years later or grew up there," she says. "They reflect on what it was like growing up in that neighborhood - what it looked like, what businesses were there, and all that. There is just an authenticity that we get from hearing directly from people and it is the only way we would have that perspective." An additional exhibit that uses personal histories, implemented for the centennial, is called Boom Town: Detroit in the 1920s. Instead of just

"We think of

Detroit as a microcosm of the world

and what happens

here is important."

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"History plays a few different roles in the past, present and future in helping us live better and more enriching lives."

telling the stories of the companies and the buildings, it's told through the lens of a variety of ordinary people from all different backgrounds. These everyday folks talk about what it was like to arrive in Detroit in the 1920s or build a business during that time. The Society is also celebrating its impressive longevity by holding a 100th-anniversary celebration. Celebrating Detroit through the

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Decades will take place on April 29. "We are hoping to bring people together so that they can remember that we all are one city, one surrounding area and one region and to reflect on the importance of history," says John."For this reason, we have chosen to have the 100-year party at the Detroit Historical Museum to drive inspiration and reignite guests' interest in history and culture."

Instead of a sit-down dinner, they are hosting a strolling dinner. "This offers the opportunity for people to bump into each other and also come across and interact with the exhibits at the museum," he says. Attendees will also encounter period actors bringing these exhibits to life and can participate in a silent auction and raffle. The opening ceremony will honor Detroit legends, who will have their handprints and signatures cast into cement for permanent display at Legends Plaza, the Detroit Historical Museum's signature outdoor exhibit. Net proceeds from this anniversary celebration will fund educational programs, allowing more school children to attend museum field trips yearly. The event will also help support the millage campaign efforts for 2024, ensuring that Detroit's stories are told for many generations to come. In addition to attending this gala, people can support the Society and its preservation and sharing of local history in several other ways. "By becoming a member, they showcase their

commitment and make a statement to themselves and others that our collective history is important," says John. "The second one is to follow us on social media and like and share our posts. When you show your support and when people share similar support, that may help us come together with more people." Of course, financial contributions are always welcome and needed too. Long term, in addition to local collaborations, he has a vision of connecting with other historical institutes and historic public history museums and institutions around the country. "We do some of that now to share best practices," says John. He adds, "There's something about Detroit that excites people to say they are from this area and are very proud of the history that has come before them and to know they're all a part of it right now." 5401 Woodward, Detroit Michigan 48202 Phone: 313.833.1805 DetroitHistorical.org

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EXPLORING FORD HOUSE A Legacy to Behold

In her Last Will & Testament of June 16, 1976, Eleanor Clay Ford, daughter-in-law of Henry Ford, founder of Ford Motor Company, and wife of his son Edsel, stated, "Elsewhere in our country, and in England and other parts of Europe, ways have been found to preserve such residences for some form of public use, and they remain as witnesses to the past, as part of the history of the area, and as an enrichment in the lives of future generations." Ford House is a reflection of this philosophy. Opened to the public in 1978, the house and grounds on what is known as Gaukler Pointe in Grosse Pointe Shores have welcomed hundreds of thousands of visitors. (Ford House was named a National Historic Landmark in 2016.) Designed by renowned architect Albert Kahn, known for his work on several iconic structures in Detroit and industrial design in Ford Motor Co. factories, the home was fashioned to resemble Cotswold-style cottages in England. Edsel and Eleanor moved onto the estate in 1928 and later welcomed four children. It was a true family home said to be full of life, laughter and affection. The home has always stayed in the family's leadership, either under private residential ownership or when they formed the board of trustees. "When you visit, you're seeing where the family enjoyed holidays as well as where the children played, and so it feels like you're a part

of history," says Ford House communications coordinator, Malea Howard.

HOME FEATURES "We have a Cotswold-style limestone roof on the main residence, recreation building, power house, and gate lodge," says Rebecca Torsell, the director of historic preservation. "This is likely the only one in the United States with the exception of a small cottage relocated from England to the Henry Ford estate. There are nine chimneys in the primary residence, and over 700 windows in the historic core buildings (465 in the main home alone), and most are leaded glass casement windows. "Our casement windows in the house and the recreation building have bronze frames, a unique feature as most homes have steel," she says. "Ours is stamped 1926 and were imported from England via Hope's Windows out of New Jersey." Most wooden architecture features include timber-framed porches and window sills made from old-growth white oak. The house is reinforced concrete and steel clad in Briar Hill sandstone.

ARTWORK Edsel and Eleanor Ford were great art enthusiasts. The house was adorned with paintings by Matisse, van Gogh, Degas, and Cezanne. The couple also purchased pieces by local artists and ceramics and sculptures from all over the world,

ARTICLE BY SUE BALDANI PHOTOGRAPHY BY FORD HOUSE COLLECTION

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some dating to as early as the 12th century. Their personal collection also included a rare bronze Ming Chinese Dynasty statue. Edsel also commissioned famed Mexican artist Diego Rivera, a personal friend, to paint Detroit Industry, the grand mural at the Detroit Institute of Arts (DIA). Their only daughter, Josephine "Dody" Clay Ford, donated van Gogh's Postman to the same institute. Today, some paintings hanging in the home are originals, while others are incredible reproductions. Many of the paintings were donated to the DIA upon Eleanor's death.

RENOVATIONS The current parking lot used to be the drying yard where laundry was hung. It was half grass and half Lannon (sedimentary Dolomite rock). "One of the biggest projects we worked on this past year was the lagoon and pool restoration," says Malea. "The pool was an extension of the house that the family enjoyed, and it holds over 180,000 gallons. We had a replica of the diving board at the house in 1936 sent from Belgium." Although visitors cannot swim in the pool, it's a beautiful site to see. Adds Rebecca, "Another huge project is a month-long restoration of the main gate arch. "The formal garden will also be undergoing a minor restoration/preservation effort with work being undertaken on the reflecting pool, terrace, landscape, and ornamental garden features made of wood and metal." Multiple other projects are being planned as well.

GROUNDS The estate's 87 acres overlooking the shores of Lake St. Clair have been kept intact. It was on these grounds that Eleanor Ford was known to pick blueberries with the staff's children. "If you're someone who just likes to be around nature, we have several beautiful areas, including the rose gardens," says Malea. Along with tours of the residence and gorgeous surroundings, ongoing exhibits, activities and lectures take place all year. "We have something for everybody, whether you're an art enthusiast or a car buff, or maybe a stay-at-home mom looking for something for your kids to do during the day," she says. This April, photos with the Easter Bunny are back. "This is a Ford House favorite amongst families," says Malea. "It's a blast and kids always have a great time with that." Tango classes will also be offered during April. All skill levels are welcome; attendees can come alone or bring a partner. All classes are taught by experienced instructors. A Michigan bird walk will take place on April 23rd. Participants will hear from bird experts and can connect with other bird enthusiasts. Later in the year, look for its annual Harvest Day and Cookies with Santa. Plenty of events are listed on its calendar in between, including its popular summer concert series. Attending these events is a great way to support the Ford House; becoming a member is even better. Individual memberships, family memberships, and children's memberships provide many benefits. Volunteering one's time is also invaluable. To learn more about Ford House and schedule a visit, go to FordHouse.org or call 313.884.4222.

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Cell 248-891-8587 · Office 313-473-8088 · Email jcmifsudpsyd@ymail.com GROSSE POINTE, MICHIGAN 48230

Your personal financial goals deserve a personal approach. Putting the needs of my clients first is the approach I believe in. I’ll work with you to find the right financial solutions to help you plan for your unique goals. And together, we’ll track your progress over time, adjusting your plan along the way to help get you where you want to go.

Daniel Harrison, CRPC® Financial Advisor 313.885.4414 726 Notre Dame St, Grosse Pointe, MI 48230 daniel.j.harrison@ampf.com ameripriseadvisors.com/ daniel.j.harrison CA Insurance #0G26119

Not FDIC or NCUA Insured | No Financial Institution Guarantee | May Lose Value

Investment advisory products and services are made available through Ameriprise Financial Services, LLC, a registered investment adviser. Ameriprise Financial Services, LLC. Member FINRA and SIPC. © 2023 Ameriprise Financial, Inc. All rights reserved.

I F YO U A R E READING THIS... S O I S YO U R B E S T C L I E N T.

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Stabat Mater – Franz Joseph Haydn

C H R I ST C H UR C H G R O S S E P O I NT E | 3:0 0 P M Begin the journey of Holy Week with a performance of Haydn’s Stabat Mater, a setting of the 13th-century Christian hymn to the Blessed Virgin Mary. Often considered his most beloved sacred work. Pre-concert lecture at 3 pm in Undercroft. christchurchgp.org

Easter Bunny Photo Op!

Mind Individual Therapy Group/Couples/Marriage and Family Therapy Neuropsych Evaluations Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation Spravato

APR IL 2ND

Our Services

Body Auricular Acupuncture IV Nutrient Therapy Medication Management Nutrition and Health Coaching

A curated selection of the most intriguing upcoming events in our area.

T H E F O R D H O US E | 1 2:0 0 PM Grab your camera and hop to Ford House for our annual photos with the Easter Bunny! That beloved bunny will join us on April 2 in the St. Clair room for a day of photos and fun. Come decorate an Easter egg drawing and grab a goody bag after taking your child’s photo. fordhouse.org APR IL 19 TH-22ND

Mamma Mia

T H E C H R I ST I E N F E NTO N P E R F O R MI NG A RTS C E NT E R AT G R O S S E P O I NT E NO RT H 1 2:0 0 P M MAMMA MIA! is the ultimate feel– good show that has audiences coming back again and again to relive the thrill. Now it’s your turn to have the time of your life at this smash– hit musical with an enchanting tale of love, laughter and friendship. broadwayworld.com CONTINUED >

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No time to shop? Call to have our trained staff select the best items from your grocery list.

HOURS: MON - SAT: 8am to 9pm, SUN: 8am to 8pm

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Daily Baked Breads Croissants & Muffins

We will have it ready and waiting for you. We can also deliver it to your house!

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May 5-14 2023

Pierce Middle School Auditorium 15430 Kercheval Ave, Grosse Pointe Park, MI 48230

For Tickets - gpt.org/Rotten or call 313-881-4004

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EVENTS CONTINUED

APR IL 21ST

Disney's The Little Mermaid, Jr.

P I E R C E MI DDL E S C H O O L 1 2:0 0 P M Join the Grosse Pointe Theatre's Youth on Stage for the production of Disney's The Little Mermaid, Jr. Apr 21 - 23 at Pierce Middle School. gpt.org APR IL 29 TH

St. Clare Catholic School of Montefalco, Movin' and Groovin' Auction

Tuna Tartare Live Music Yellow Belly Michigan

Lake Perch

Friday & Saturday Starts at 7pm

Valet Parking Available

Monday - Thursday // Appointment Only (Must notify us when making reservation)

Friday & Saturday Full-Service Valet 5pm to Close // $12 paid inside

ST. C L A R E PA R I S H | 7 :0 0 P M Our last two auctions were record-breaking events, and we look forward to continuing that success with this year's auction in a movin’ and groovin’ fashion! Our 2023 auction will feature both an online silent auction and an in-person auction gala. stclareschool.net APR IL 29 TH

Detroit Historical Society's 100th Anniversary Celebration

T H E DE T R O I T H I STO R I CA L S O C I E T Y | 6 :30 P M Themed “Celebrating Detroit through the Decades,” the event will shine a spotlight on 100 years of collecting, sharing and preserving Detroit’s history and why telling these stories matters. The evening will include a strolling dinner and dessert reception throughout the museum, a silent auction and raffle, plus various entertainment experiences including period actors bringing museum exhibits to life. detroithistorical.org

Hand Selected Cuts of Midwestern Prime Beef | On Site Dry Aging Room Extensive Fine Wine List | Wood Fired Grilled Steaks & Chops

Please Book in Advance /// Let them know you’re from Grosse Pointe!

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Get in touch by heading over to our landing page to connect: CityLifestyle.com/GrossePointe

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CELEBRATING 50 YEARS OF SERVICE, THREE GENERATIONS STRONG. LET OUR FAMILY WELCOME YOURS.