Edition No. 96
In our 96th edition of Inspired Thoughts, we share the Wright Museum’s new exhibition Detroit Jazz highlighting Detroit’s many impactful jazz musicians; and War Memorial Board Director Mary Lamparter is honored by Macomb County for her continued efforts in the community!
Arts and Culture
The Wright Museum celebrates the opening of Detroit Jazz: The Legacy Continues highlighting Detroit’s many impactful jazz musicians.
Community and Family
On two occasions this month, War Memorial Board Director Mary Lamparter was honored in Macomb County for her continued efforts in the community!
Detroit Jazz: The Legacy Continues
The Charles H. Wright Museum of African American History staff developed Detroit Jazz: The Legacy Continues as a companion to the Jazz Greats exhibit, focusing on the Detroit artists who have lived and worked among us. Amid racial segregation, these musicians expressed themselves and offered solace and escape through their music.
The exhibition kicks off today and runs through February 28, 2023.
Organized in five sections, the stories capture the lives and spirit of Black jazz musicians who have contributed to the genre. This exhibition highlights a few of the many Detroit musicians and venues that influenced jazz music.
The Wright Museum provides a verse introduction to Detroit Jazz covering periods beginning in the 19th century where jazz first spread throughout the United States, to cities like Chicago, New York, and Detroit. During the 1920s, Black musicians in Detroit, including Theodore Finney, Fred S. Stone, and Benjamin Shook, dominated the society band scene. These musicians expressed themselves through early jazz genres like ragtime, swing, boogie-woogie, bebop, marching, and big band music. Today, jazz remains at the center of R&B, hip-hop, and rap, and serves as a tool for curating expression and creativity.
Eager to learn more? Plan your visit to the Wright Museum at the button below.
War Memorial board director recognized for work with nonprofit organization
On two occasions this month, War Memorial Board Director Mary Lamparter was honored in Macomb County for her continued efforts in the community.
Oct. 14, Mary and Ron Lamparter were recognized for "outstanding civic service leadership in the community" by being presented the Mayor Richard J. Notte Civic Service Leadership Award. The Puttin' on the Ritz event was hosted by the Sterling Heights Area Community Foundation. Additionally, on Oct. 20, the couple will be inducted into the Macomb County Hall of Fame at an awards ceremony at the Assumption Community Center in St. Clair Shores.
Mary Lamparter is the secretary on The War Memorial Board of Directors. She has served on the board about seven years. The couple, of Grosse Pointe Farms, has been involved with Defense Center Corridor for Collaboration and Synergy (DC3S) in Sterling Heights and Guardian Angels Medical Service Dogs.
Guardian Angels Medical Service Dogs is a 501(c)3 based in Williston, Florida, established in 2010. Its goal is to unleash the incredible power of service dogs. Mary has volunteered with them as a Michigan regional coordinator for about nine years, assisting with many fund raisers and spreading the good word of its work.
“I had been holding a fundraiser called ‘celebrate Michigan’s military,’ but about 10 years ago, that fundraiser went to other veteran causes,” she said. “I was then introduced to Guardian Angels and fell in love with their mission.”
2022 marks the eighth year the fundraiser has benefited Guardian Angels. The service dogs are mainly for veterans and first responders. When a dog is placed with an individual, Mary Lamparter commented she knows that person will have a much better life. Mary said it takes up to two years to fully train a service dog. One service dog cost about $25,000 but is no cost to veterans.
Inspired Thoughts is a collection of highly curated content that embraces the spirit and purpose of The War Memorial: arts and culture, community enrichment, leadership, and patriotism.
Derived from the notion that learning from others is the key to success, Inspired Thoughts is meant to shine a light on those making a difference in the world around them. This collection features artists, poets, writers, architects, and every thought leader in-between. Inspired Thoughts is the strongest reflection of what The War Memorial stands for, and what we aim to be.
The content featured on Inspired Thoughts is curated by War Memorial leadership — we also look forward to featuring special guest curators in the near future. If you are interested in providing content for Inspired Thoughts, please email our Communications team at dmurphy@warmemorial.org.
Edition No. 95
In our 95th edition of Inspired Thoughts, we share The Carr Center’s 13-part music series featuring works by women composers; and we take a seasonal look back at an NPR podcast asking the question of “Why Do Leaves Change Color During Fall?”
Arts and Culture
The Carr Center features a unique 13-part music series featuring works by a wide range of women composers.
Community and Family
The annual changing of the leaves in Michigan is quite the sight to behold! An NPR podcast dives in to why this change takes place in fall.
New Standards Jazz Crawl features works by women composers
The New Standards Jazz Crawl is a unique 13-part music series curated by National Endowment for the Arts (NEA) Jazz Master and Carr Center Artistic Director Terri Lyne Carrington. The 75-minute sets recognize a wide range of works by women jazz composers.
New Standards is part one of Shifting The Narrative: Jazz and Gender Justice, an installation examining the intersection of history, gender, race, and innovation, resulting in a transformational and provocative multimedia art and music experience.
The events are free to the public and takes place on October 14, 15, 20, 21 and 28 at cultural centers and institutions including:
Detroit Institute of Arts
Detroit Historical Museum
Detroit Public Library
Detroit Symphony Orchestra - The Cube
MOCAD
The Scarab Club
The Wright Museum
The NEW Carr Center Performance Studio
The Jazz Crawl was curated by Carrington with support from the Detroit Institute of Arts, Midtown Detroit, Inc. and the Fred A. and Barbara M. Erb Family Foundation.
For more details on specific dates or to learn more about part one of the instillation, click on the button below.
Why Do Leaves Change Color During Fall?
This week, we take a seasonal look back at an NPR podcast asking the question of “Why Do Leaves Change Color During Fall?”
From being green in September to colors like red, orange, and yellow by the end of October, the annual changing of the leaves in Michigan is quite the sight to behold.
This 2020 podcast from NPR includes a scientific perspective on peak leaf season in an interview with Botanist Tanisha Williams. It details that not all trees have leaf's that change color, environmental cues, photosynthesis and more.
Click below for a link to the podcast.
Inspired Thoughts is a collection of highly curated content that embraces the spirit and purpose of The War Memorial: arts and culture, community enrichment, leadership, and patriotism.
Derived from the notion that learning from others is the key to success, Inspired Thoughts is meant to shine a light on those making a difference in the world around them. This collection features artists, poets, writers, architects, and every thought leader in-between. Inspired Thoughts is the strongest reflection of what The War Memorial stands for, and what we aim to be.
The content featured on Inspired Thoughts is curated by War Memorial leadership — we also look forward to featuring special guest curators in the near future. If you are interested in providing content for Inspired Thoughts, please email our Communications team at dmurphy@warmemorial.org.
Edition No. 94
In our 94th edition of Inspired Thoughts, we share details about Belle Isle Nature Center’s $2.5 million makeover and what it has in store for visitors; and explore what area cider mills and orchards have to offer as Michigan comes alive with cooler temperatures and plenty of fall foliage!
Arts and Culture
The Belle Isle Nature Center reopens welcoming guests to see what new opportunities the $2.5 million makeover has in store for visitors.
Community and Family
Explore what area cider mills and orchards have to offer as Michigan comes alive with cooler temperatures and plenty of fall foliage.
Belle Isle Nature Center reopens following $2.5 million renovation
The beautiful colors of the season and warm donuts aren’t the only things to be excited about this fall! The Belle Isle Nature Center has reopened and ready to welcome guests to see what new opportunities the $2.5 million makeover has instore for its visitors.
Located on 5 acres at the northeastern tip of Belle Isle State Park, the Belle Isle Nature Center provides educational, environmental and natural experiences that help connect visitors with urban nature.
New and improved additions to the Belle Isle Nature Center include:
A major renovation of the entrance lobby, featuring reclaimed materials from the old Belle Isle Zoo
A replica Detroit sewer tunnel walk-through allowing visitors to learn about and explore the areas where city infrastructure and wildlife intersect
Expansive habitats for animals that call the Belle Isle Nature Center home, including turtles, mudpuppies, bullfrogs, snakes and urban woodland reptiles
A pollinator area that allows guests to see how bumblebees experience their world
An expanded and upgraded Nature Play Area to continue Belle Isle Nature Center’s Nature Tots programming
The Belle Isle Nature Center, 176 Lakeside Drive in Detroit, is free and is open from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. daily. However, a Michigan Recreation Passport is required for vehicles to enter Belle Isle State Park. Learn more at the button below.
Who is ready for fall fun?
With fall in full swing and the colors on the cusp of change in southeast Michigan, here’s a look at what area cider mills and orchards have to offer as Michigan comes alive with cooler temperatures and plenty of fall foliage. We’ve chosen one fall destination from each county in the tri-county area!
Wayne County
Plymouth Orchards & Cider Mill
Operating since 1977, Plymouth Orchards & Cider Mill has been the local cider mill for families to enjoy fresh-pressed apple cider, fresh-made donuts, crispy caramel apples, icy apple cider slushies, fresh organic apples, baked pies and a fun farm experience. It also offers orchard wagon rides, a children's animal park, a new cider mill garden with fall mums and October pumpkin picking.
Address: 10685 Warren Road, Plymouth Phone: 734.455.2290
Macomb County
Stony Creek Orchard & Cider in Bruce Township
Stony Creek offers fresh apple cider pressed from its own mill, along with hot, homemade donuts made in the Donut House. Folks can eat their seasonal treats at the picnic area while kids play on the straw bales. On fall weekends, people can pick their own apples, pumpkins and raspberries or purchase them pre-picked in the salesroom. Additionally, it offers apples, hand-made pies and caramel apples, pre-picked pumpkins, gourds, jams, jellies, honey, maple syrup, and more.
Address: 2961 W. 32 Mile Road, Romeo Phone: 586.752.2453
Oakland County
Franklin Cider Mill in Bloomfield Hills
The Franklin tent, apple shack and more are back at Franklin Cider Mill in Bloomfield Hills. Cider and donuts, as well as our other goodies such as breads and pies will be available for purchase. The tent is filled with Michigan homemade jams, maple syrup, honey, salsa, meats, cheeses and more. The apple shack will continue to sell a fresh selection of seasonal apples by the ½ peck and bushel. Franklin’s cider making process is open for visitors to view.
Address: 7450 Franklin Road, Bloomfield Hills Phone: 248.626.8261
Inspired Thoughts is a collection of highly curated content that embraces the spirit and purpose of The War Memorial: arts and culture, community enrichment, leadership, and patriotism.
Derived from the notion that learning from others is the key to success, Inspired Thoughts is meant to shine a light on those making a difference in the world around them. This collection features artists, poets, writers, architects, and every thought leader in-between. Inspired Thoughts is the strongest reflection of what The War Memorial stands for, and what we aim to be.
The content featured on Inspired Thoughts is curated by War Memorial leadership — we also look forward to featuring special guest curators in the near future. If you are interested in providing content for Inspired Thoughts, please email our Communications team at dmurphy@warmemorial.org.
Edition No. 93
In our 93rd edition of Inspired Thoughts, we share the Detroit Harvest Fest & Food Truck Rally at Dequindre Cut featuring feature 50+ fantastic food trucks and family fun; and a War Memorial board member has been honored with the Distinguished Eagle Scout Award!
Arts and Culture
Detroit Harvest Fest & Food Truck Rally will be lining the Dequindre Cut from Jefferson to Wilkins with 50 fantastic food trucks!
Community and Family
Less than one ten-thousandth of one percent of the over 200 million people who have joined the Boy Scout ranks since 1910 have been honored with the Distinguished Eagle Scout Award. A War Memorial board member is now one of them!
Detroit Harvest Fest & Food Truck Rally
The Detroit Riverfront Conservancy welcomes guests to its Detroit Harvest Fest & Food Truck Rally October 1 and 2, 11 a.m. until 8 p.m.
The event will feature 50+ food trucks, six music stages and fun activities for the kids including free inflatables, mask-making with Arts & Scrapes, character meet and greets, computer coding and STEM education with Code Ninjas, DNR Outdoor Adventure Center will be featuring reptiles and amphibians and so much more. Families can even get a head start on trick-or-treating and pumpkin decorating!
New this year for adults, Cirque De Freight Yard at the Dequindre Cut Freight Yard will feature buskers, tarot card readers, great cocktails and a live music stage.
Admission at the gate is $5 for ages 3-64 and free for those under three, active or retired service members and older adults over 65.
The Dequindre Cut is located between Orleans Street and St. Aubin Street and runs from Mack Avenue to Atwater Street at the riverfront. The event will run from Woodbridge Ave to Wilkins on the Dequindre Cut. Learn more are the button below!
War Memorial board member, Air Force general, recognized as Distinguished Eagle Scout
During the Sept. 20 On My Honor Gala at the Troy Marriott hotel, Brig. Gen. Rolf Mammen was presented with the Distinguished Eagle Scout Award by The Boy Scouts of America Michigan Crossroads Council. The War Memorial board member was recognized along with former Secretary of the Navy Kenneth Braithwaite. The award acknowledges Eagle Scouts who have received extraordinary national-level recognition, fame, or demonstrated eminence within their field, and have a strong record of voluntary service to their community.
“I’ve been a student of leadership my entire life,” Mammen said at the gala. “Every day, even today as a general officer of a large organization, I’m still a student of leadership. I have mentors out there that I listen to and talk with regularly.”
Mammen is commander of the 127th Wing at Selfridge Air National Guard Base in Harrison Township. He has been on The War Memorial Association Board of Directors since 2013.
In his remarks, the one-star general thanked War Memorial Board Chair Donna Hoban, Board Secretary Mary Lamparter and Ron Lamparter, and President and CEO Charles Burke, all who attended the gala.
Notable Distinguished Eagle Scout honorees include President Gerald R. Ford, Neil Armstrong, the first person to walk on the moon, and film director Steven Spielberg.
Growing up, Mammen was in Troop 34 out of Ferry Elementary School in Grosse Pointe Woods. He was in Boy Scouts from 1976-1982, until he graduated from Grosse Pointe North High School.
To read more about Mammen and the honor, visit the link at the button below.
Inspired Thoughts is a collection of highly curated content that embraces the spirit and purpose of The War Memorial: arts and culture, community enrichment, leadership, and patriotism.
Derived from the notion that learning from others is the key to success, Inspired Thoughts is meant to shine a light on those making a difference in the world around them. This collection features artists, poets, writers, architects, and every thought leader in-between. Inspired Thoughts is the strongest reflection of what The War Memorial stands for, and what we aim to be.
The content featured on Inspired Thoughts is curated by War Memorial leadership — we also look forward to featuring special guest curators in the near future. If you are interested in providing content for Inspired Thoughts, please email our Communications team at dmurphy@warmemorial.org.
Edition No. 92
In our 92nd edition of Inspired Thoughts, we share Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat, presented by the Grosse Pointe Theatre; and Eastern Market’s 2022 Foodie Fair!
Arts and Culture
Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat, presented by the Grosse Pointe Theatre, on stage now through Sept. 25!
Community and Family
Help crown Detroit’s best food find at Eastern Market’s Foodie Fair!
Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat
Presented by Grosse Pointe Theatre, Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat is a reimagining of the Biblical story of Joseph, his father Jacob, eleven brothers and the coat of many colors.
Told entirely through song with the help of a main character narrator, the musical follows preferred son Joseph. After being sold into slavery by his brothers, he ingratiates himself with Egyptian noble Potiphar, but ends up in jail after refusing the amorous advances of Potiphar’s wife. While imprisoned, Joseph discovers his ability to interpret dreams, and he soon finds himself in front of the mighty but troubled, Elvis-inspired, Pharaoh. Joseph’s solution to Egypt’s famine elevates him to Pharaoh’s right-hand man and reunites him with his family.
The show is currently running through Sunday, Sept. 25 at the Christian A. Fenton Performing Arts Center. For more details and to purchase tickets, visit gpt.org/joseph or call 313-881-4004.
Fun Fact: The War Memorial’s Community Engagement and Special Projects Liaison Meredith Hanoian and her daughter, Molly, are cast members in Joseph! Hanoian is a noted soprano and local voice teacher, and a professional singer in the lauded Christ Church Grosse Pointe Choirs. She has performed in many beautiful locations all over the world including Westminster Abbey, Notre Dame Cathedral and St. Peter’s Basilica.
Foodie fair fun for all
Help crown Detroit’s best foodie find at Eastern Market event!
As fall officially begins, the Detroit Foodie Fair looks to feature great flavor makers, purveyors, artisans, and food organizations of Detroit and surrounding areas, all under one roof. The fair will be at Shed 5 at Eastern Market in Detroit Sept. 25 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Admission and parking is free.
Folks will be able to bring home a selection of scrumptious bites, hand-crafted kitchen wares, unique food-related goods, and more. Fair vendors include Country Home Creations, Detroit Can Company, Camper Bean Café, and Fire and Rice Lansing. As part of the fair, the public can cast their vote and help crown Detroit’s Best Foodie Find. Last year, Drench Dressings took first place, Mae Bell Pound Cakes came in second, and Blck Cocoa Bakes finished in third place.
Inspired Thoughts is a collection of highly curated content that embraces the spirit and purpose of The War Memorial: arts and culture, community enrichment, leadership, and patriotism.
Derived from the notion that learning from others is the key to success, Inspired Thoughts is meant to shine a light on those making a difference in the world around them. This collection features artists, poets, writers, architects, and every thought leader in-between. Inspired Thoughts is the strongest reflection of what The War Memorial stands for, and what we aim to be.
The content featured on Inspired Thoughts is curated by War Memorial leadership — we also look forward to featuring special guest curators in the near future. If you are interested in providing content for Inspired Thoughts, please email our Communications team at dmurphy@warmemorial.org.
Edition No. 91
In our 91st edition of Inspired Thoughts, we share Cars and Trucks, presented by the Grosse Pointe Artists Association, kicks off today in the gallery; and Grosse Pointe Farms House on the Hill will have the distinction of being the Junior League of Detroit’s 24th Designers’ Show House!
Arts and Culture
Start your engines! Cars and Trucks, presented by the Grosse Pointe Artists Association, kicks off today in the gallery!
Community and Family
Grosse Pointe Farms House on the Hill will have the distinction of being the Junior League of Detroit’s 24th Designers’ Show House!
Cars, trucks and art, oh my!
Start your engines! Cars and Trucks, presented by the Grosse Pointe Artists Association, showcases 28 artists from Canada and nine from the United States who share their thoughts on America's love affair with cars and trucks through art. Ben Colman, a Detroit Institute of Arts curator, noted for his "Detroit Design" show is the juror for this show and will lead a talk about the exhibit and announce award prizes at 6:30 pm tonight, Sept. 15 in the gallery.
The gallery hours are Thursdays 4-7 p.m. and Saturdays 10 a.m.-2 p.m. Most of the pieces in the show are for sale. Contact gpaa@grossepointeartcenter.org for details.
You can view Cars and Trucks in person at the GPAA gallery at The War Memorial, now through Nov. 3.
Fun Fact: Will Colman, a sous chef at The War Memorial, is a participant in the Cars and Trucks exhibit! Coleman who also has a background in graphic design, collaborated with his brother Tyler to present “Day at the Races.” The Colman brothers’ father shared a love for cars with his sons, so they decided to bring this passion to life through painting. “As children, our father took us to The Detroit Grand Prix, and we were in awe of the cars and cityscape of Detroit. Our painting depicts a father and his sons making memories. To further pay homage to our father, we used his old car hood to hold this memory.”
Show me the house!
Grosse Pointe Farms House on the Hill will have the distinction of being the Junior League of Detroit’s 24th Designers’ Show House.
Junior League of Detroit 2022 Designers’ Show House is set for Sept. 18-Oct. 2 at the Distinctive House on the Hill. This year’s home is located at 205 Lake Shore Road in Grosse Pointe Farms. The nearly 6,000 square foot home is perched on half an acre overlooking Lake St. Clair. The home features five oversized bedrooms, 6.5 bathrooms, and well-portioned living spaces throughout for relaxation and entertaining.
Hours of operation are Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., Thursday from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. and 5 p.m. to 8 p.m., Friday and Saturday from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. and Sunday from noon to 5 p.m.
Every other year the JLD selects a prominent local estate and curates a phenomenal team of local and national interior designers to transform the home into a Designers’ Show House. League members Shelia Minetola of Grosse Pointe Park, Gabriela Boddy of Grosse Pointe, and Dianne Bostic Robinson of Detroit, are General Co-Chairs of the 2022 Designers’ Show House.
“The Junior League of Detroit is excited to announce our 2022 Designers’ Show House. We are very proud and honored to carry on this longstanding JLD tradition as our main fundraiser,” said Kimberly Burke, JLD president. “The Designers’ Show House will allow us to continue our League’s philanthropic work which supports community impact initiatives that help meet the needs of Detroit children, young women and families. It also allows us to provide community-based grants and scholarships.”
Built in 1988, the Lakeshore Road home is set on the highest elevated parcel of land, affording privacy and priceless views of glistening Lake St. Clair. It is without doubt, a sophisticated, gently opulent and finely crafted jewel on the Hill.
For tickets for the show house, click the button below. To learn more about the Junior League of Detroit and its long-standing connection to the community, visit www.warmemorial.org/press/juniorleague.
Inspired Thoughts is a collection of highly curated content that embraces the spirit and purpose of The War Memorial: arts and culture, community enrichment, leadership, and patriotism.
Derived from the notion that learning from others is the key to success, Inspired Thoughts is meant to shine a light on those making a difference in the world around them. This collection features artists, poets, writers, architects, and every thought leader in-between. Inspired Thoughts is the strongest reflection of what The War Memorial stands for, and what we aim to be.
The content featured on Inspired Thoughts is curated by War Memorial leadership — we also look forward to featuring special guest curators in the near future. If you are interested in providing content for Inspired Thoughts, please email our Communications team at dmurphy@warmemorial.org.
Edition No. 90
In our 90th edition of Inspired Thoughts, we
Arts and Culture
Local tours visit Detroit’s Avenue of Fashion to explore design-centered spaces and also provide information about community efforts to improve the area.
photo credit: Nick Hagen
Community and Family
Ready, set, run! The Grosse Pointe Sunrise Rotary Club gears up to hosts its 43rd annual Grosse Pointe 5k run!
Design on the Ave: Livernois Walking Tour
Local tour guides will visit Livernois’ design-centered spaces and also provide information about community efforts to make the area even better!
Design on the Ave is a 1-mile walking tour of Livernois' Avenue of Fashion. Located in Northwest Detroit, Livernois has long been the heart of fashion and art retail in Detroit. It is also home to numerous captivating murals that feature some of Detroit's most influential residents. One Saturday, Sept. 10, 1 – 3 p.m., guests will visit shops that are new to the Avenue within the last few years, as well as the older businesses that have been anchors in the community for decades.
Lead by a local guide, tour goers will learn about community efforts in place to make Livernois' Avenue of Fashion and surrounding areas a better place to live, work, and shop. The tour is produced by City Institute and is a part of Design Core Detroit's Month of Design.
Visit www.thecityinstitute.com to hear interviews with other Detroit residents, community leaders, and small business owners. Schedule a tour for your group on any number of topics at the button below.
Run for a good cause as the Grosse Pointe Rotary Club hosts its annual 5K race
The Grosse Pointe Sunrise Rotary Club’s main fundraiser is set for Sept. 17. The 43rd annual Grosse Pointe run begins at 8:30 a.m. Participants will gather at Grosse Pointe Farms Municipal Park, located at 350 Lake Shore Road, prior to the run. The 3.1-mile race loops around Lakeshore, ranging from Newberry Road to Provencal Road.
The 1-mile Fun Run starts at 8:30 a.m. The 10K run, 5K run, 5K competitive walk, and 5K leisure walk all take off at 9 a.m.
Grosse Pointe Sunrise Rotary is part of Rotary International, one of the largest service organizations in the world. It is known for its ability to bring business and professional leaders together to provide community service, promote integrity, and advance goodwill, peace, and understanding in the world. Rotarians are especially known for their continued efforts to eradicate polio.
Through its 501(c)(3) foundation, the Grosse Pointe Sunrise Rotary Club supports many international projects, but this club works especially hard to be effective locally. In 2021, it raised more money than ever. Those funds allowed the club to give $28,000 in scholarships to students in seven schools within the community and the tri-county area. It also supported organizations like Kids on the Go, One Voice, St. Charles Soup Kitchen, and Operation Warm.
All events are $35, except for the 1-mile Fun Run, which is $20. All money raised by the Grosse Pointe Run are returned to the community through scholarships, grants and support of local charities.
To learn more and to register, visit grossepointerun.com.
Inspired Thoughts is a collection of highly curated content that embraces the spirit and purpose of The War Memorial: arts and culture, community enrichment, leadership, and patriotism.
Derived from the notion that learning from others is the key to success, Inspired Thoughts is meant to shine a light on those making a difference in the world around them. This collection features artists, poets, writers, architects, and every thought leader in-between. Inspired Thoughts is the strongest reflection of what The War Memorial stands for, and what we aim to be.
The content featured on Inspired Thoughts is curated by War Memorial leadership — we also look forward to featuring special guest curators in the near future. If you are interested in providing content for Inspired Thoughts, please email our Communications team at dmurphy@warmemorial.org.
Edition No. 89
In our 89th edition of Inspired Thoughts, we share the Detroit Jazz Festival celebrating its 43rd anniversary as it returns to in-person performances this weekend; and Royal Oak’s popular Arts, Beats & Eats festival has raised $6 million for community and charitable organizations.
Arts and Culture
The Detroit Jazz Festival celebrates its 43rd anniversary as it returns to in-person performances this weekend!
Community and Family
Royal Oak’s popular Arts, Beats & Eats festival has raised $6 million for community and charitable organizations.
Kick off Labor Day weekend at the Detroit Jazz Festival
Presented by Rocket Mortgage, the Detroit Jazz Festival is one of the largest free jazz festivals in the world and returns in-person tomorrow, Sept. 2. The annual festival is a cherished Detroit tradition celebrating 43 years of music in the city.
The event features legendary jazz acts, new up and comers, as well as local collegiate acts. The festival is free and is spread out among four stages, three in Hart Plaza and one in Campus Martius.
Also returning this year is “Detroit Jazz Fest LIVE!” now available for free through the festival’s website at live.detroitjazzfest.org. Festival attendees and out-of-towners unable to make it to the festival can livestream performances from all four stages, all four days via their smartphone, tablet or desktop.
Although the festival is a four-day event, the Jazz Festival Foundation promotes jazz year-round with activates, concerts, educational programs, youth programs, and community outreach.
Headliners for 2022 event include Chucho Valdés, Dianne Reeves, Artemis, Cécile McLorin Salvant, John Scofield, and many more. The Detroit Jazz Festival will be held on Sept. 2 – 5. To check out the full line up of performers, click on the button below.
Taking it to the streets: Arts, Beats & Eats returns Labor Day weekend
Soaring Eagle Arts, Beats & Eats features 200 musical acts and is considered Oakland County’s favorite summer festival celebrating art, music, cuisine and community. It returns to Royal Oak this Labor Day weekend.
Scheduled for Sept. 2-5, the festival attracts hundreds of thousands for an end of summer celebration not to be missed. The festival is now in its 25th milestone year. More than 375,000 visitors attended last year’s gathering. Since the event began in 1998, more than $6 million has been raised by the festival for community and charitable organizations.
The 9th annual Family Days are set for Sept. 3 and Sept. 4. Hundreds of children on the autism spectrum and family members will enjoy a one-day access pass to the festival, which includes free parking, free admission for up to five family members, a free bottle of water upon entering the festival from 10 a.m.-noon, and free lunch for the first 550 registrants per day.
The music lineup includes pop band Fitz & The Tantrums, hip-hop and R&B artist Flo Rida, and alternative rock group Sponge.
Hours are 11 a.m. to 11 p.m. Friday, Saturday and Sunday, and 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. Monday. Admission to the festival is $5 before 3 p.m. and $10 after 3 p.m.
To learn more, visit artsbeatseats.com.
Inspired Thoughts is a collection of highly curated content that embraces the spirit and purpose of The War Memorial: arts and culture, community enrichment, leadership, and patriotism.
Derived from the notion that learning from others is the key to success, Inspired Thoughts is meant to shine a light on those making a difference in the world around them. This collection features artists, poets, writers, architects, and every thought leader in-between. Inspired Thoughts is the strongest reflection of what The War Memorial stands for, and what we aim to be.
The content featured on Inspired Thoughts is curated by War Memorial leadership — we also look forward to featuring special guest curators in the near future. If you are interested in providing content for Inspired Thoughts, please email our Communications team at dmurphy@warmemorial.org.
Edition No. 88
In our 88th edition of Inspired Thoughts, we share Kisma Jordan’s OperaSOUL experience at the DSO, blending operatic vocals with soul-pop music; and The War Memorial prepares to commemorate the 21st anniversary of September 11, 2001.
Arts and Culture
Kisma Jordan’s OperaSOUL seamlessly blends operatic vocals with soul-pop music!
Community and Family
The War Memorial to commemorate the 21st anniversary of September 11, 2001.
Experience OperaSOUL at the Detroit Symphony Orchestra’s Sosnick Courtyard
OperaSOUL seamlessly blends operatic vocals with soul-pop music
The Detroit Symphony Orchestra adds a new take on opera through its upcoming concert OperaSOUL. The concert will feature classically-trained opera singer Kisma Jordan this Saturday, Aug. 27 at the DSO’s Sosnick Courtyard. Guests will experience the world-class music concert that blends operatic vocals with styles of pop, rhythm & blues, jazz, and gospel, to expand the scope of classical voice and its audience.
The organic practice of singing opera with other music styles creates a platform that celebrates gifted, professionally trained singers who demonstrate a great deal of vocal versatility. As an innovator in the musical world, Jordan strives to increase the diversity of classical music and opera by challenging the biased system that has deeply entrenched the industry for centuries. Her work with OperaSOUL pushes the boundaries of contemporary art by presenting artistic expression in unconventional ways.
In 2017, Jordan introduced OperaSOUL at TedX Detroit, in recognition of the phenomenal success of her OperaSOUL project, the Knight Foundation awarded her the 2017 Knight Arts Challenge grant. This grant has enabled her to pave new ways to build equity and accessibility for the opera and classical music industries. With a dedication to integrated racial representation in art, Jordan believes that opera, in particular, is an ideal medium for essential discussions around race and inclusion.
To learn more about OperaSOUL or to purchase tickets, visit the button below.
Fun Fact: The War Memorial’s Vice President of Community Engagement and Programming Leah Celebi will be performing in the OperaSOUL concert this Saturday! Celebi is a noted violist and a member of the critically acclaimed jazz ensemble Musique Noire. She has also performed behind nationally renowned performers such as Aretha Franklin, Stevie Wonder, Three Mo' Tenors, Marcus Belgrave and many more!
As the 21st anniversary of 9/11 approaches, The War Memorial again will remember those tragically killed in the attacks
Sept. 11 at 4 p.m., the community is invited to gather at the lakefront back lawn of the historic Alger House for a service of remembrance. This will be a moment where people of all religions, cultures, and walks of life can come together in solemn remembrance of and solidarity against the hatred that fueled those tragic events in New York, Pennsylvania, Virginia, and indeed the entire United States and world.
Moments of silence will be observed for the two — 8:46 a.m. and 9:03 a.m. — intentional World Trade Center airplane crashes. The attacks resulted in nearly 3,000 fatalities, over 25,000 injuries, and substantial long-term health consequences.
The service is free and open to the public. Pre-registration is required and can be made at the button below.
Inspired Thoughts is a collection of highly curated content that embraces the spirit and purpose of The War Memorial: arts and culture, community enrichment, leadership, and patriotism.
Derived from the notion that learning from others is the key to success, Inspired Thoughts is meant to shine a light on those making a difference in the world around them. This collection features artists, poets, writers, architects, and every thought leader in-between. Inspired Thoughts is the strongest reflection of what The War Memorial stands for, and what we aim to be.
The content featured on Inspired Thoughts is curated by War Memorial leadership — we also look forward to featuring special guest curators in the near future. If you are interested in providing content for Inspired Thoughts, please email our Communications team at dmurphy@warmemorial.org.
Edition No. 87
In our 87th edition of Inspired Thoughts, we share artist Rose Rhodes’ 16-by-20 inch oil on linen painting titled “Sunny Afternoon at the War Memorial” curated using plein-air painting technique; and a long-standing relationship between The War Memorial and Jefferson East, Inc. provides opportunities to break down barriers between the Grosse Pointes and the city of Detroit.
Arts and Culture
Artist Rose Rhodes curates a 16-by-20 inch oil on linen painting titled “Sunny Afternoon at the War Memorial” by performing a plein-air painting technique.
Community and Family
Long-standing relationship between The War Memorial and Jefferson East, Inc. provides opportunities to break down barriers between the Grosse Pointes and the city of Detroit.
Cherished Alger House comes to life with oil painting
Wanting to present paintings that are smaller and less expensive, Rose Rhodes will soon be offering her artwork of The War Memorial.
On a late July afternoon, Rhodes set up her oil painting stand in front of The War Memorial. Rhodes decided to put the historic building into painting upon the request of Sherry Allor from Posterity Gallery in Grosse Pointe.
“It’s called plein-air painting, which means you are painting in the open air,” she said. “The difference between that and studio work is that the light is the most important thing. It’s very much in the moment, you are painting in the light that exists at that moment.”
The 16-by-20 inch oil on linen painting is titled “Sunny Afternoon at the War Memorial.” Her plan is to make prints of the artwork, and coasters.
“I’ve started making some of my paintings into coasters which have been very popular because they are inexpensive,” Rhodes said.
Elaborating on turning the paintings into coasters, Rhodes noted that coasters make nice gifts for people who have moved away from the Grosse Pointe’s, serving as a nice memory.
“It’s connected me with a lot of people who have moved away and miss Grosse Pointe,” she said.
Growing up in Grosse Pointe Park and later living there for over 20 years before moving to Wolverine Lake, Rhodes said she used to go to The War Memorial when it had war dances and Battle of the Bands. Her senior prom was at The War Memorial, as well as being the site of her daughter's wedding six years ago. A stone is dedicated to Rhodes’ father, Joe Palazzolo, in the Veterans Memorial Garden.
Her artwork appears at places like Posterity, Great Frame Up, Kayrod Gallery, Detroit Artist Market and The Art Of Custom Framing.
Collaboration extends beyond Grosse Pointe border through Jefferson East partnership
Folks may have noticed a connection to The War Memorial at this year’s Jazzin’ at The Vanity. Earlier this summer, The War Memorial was a proud presenter of Jazzin’ at The Vanity, a two-day jazz and blues festival. It featured live performances by local and national performers, great food, a cool marketplace, crafts, visual art experiences, kids' activities, and more.
“We’ve had a long relationship with The War Memorial over the years with hosting events and there was always this desire to see how do we break down barriers between the Grosse Pointes and the city of Detroit,” Jefferson East, Inc. Chief Executive Officer Josh Elling said. “We want to link assets along Jefferson like The War Memorial and the Jefferson Chalmers business district.”
Jefferson East, Inc. was established in 1994. At that time, Elling said the desire to foster economic development in the Jefferson Chalmers business district.
For a while, the organization's focus, Elling said, was on façade programs, small business support, business incubation and clean and safe initiatives. For 14 years until 2016, Jefferson East hosted a jazz festival, called Jazzin’ on Jefferson.
“A big growth area for us recently was our housing services,” he said. “We kept hearing about this need from residents and about five years ago, we started to do intake on the 0% loan program, housing counseling, helping more than 4,500 Detroiters get access to some sort of housing services.”
To read the full story about the partnership with JEI, Inc., click on the button below.
Inspired Thoughts is a collection of highly curated content that embraces the spirit and purpose of The War Memorial: arts and culture, community enrichment, leadership, and patriotism.
Derived from the notion that learning from others is the key to success, Inspired Thoughts is meant to shine a light on those making a difference in the world around them. This collection features artists, poets, writers, architects, and every thought leader in-between. Inspired Thoughts is the strongest reflection of what The War Memorial stands for, and what we aim to be.
The content featured on Inspired Thoughts is curated by War Memorial leadership — we also look forward to featuring special guest curators in the near future. If you are interested in providing content for Inspired Thoughts, please email our Communications team at dmurphy@warmemorial.org.
Edition No. 86
In our 86th edition of Inspired Thoughts, we share how Motown Museum unveiled its new expansion project aiming to refresh a Detroit legacy; and sidewalk shopping, sales and Greek tradition planned for Grosse Pointe and St. Clair Shores!
Arts and Culture
Motown Museum unveils its new expansion project aiming to refresh a Detroit legacy.
Community and Family
Sidewalk shopping, sales and Greek tradition planned for Grosse Pointe and St. Clair Shores!
Stars and dignitaries kicked off celebrations for the first expansion phase of Detroit’s Motown Museum
Smokey Robinson, the Temptations’ Otis Williams, the Four Tops’ Duke Fakir, Michigan Lt. Gov. Garlin Gilchrist and both of Michigan’s U.S. senators — Debbie Stabenow and Gary Peters — were present on Monday, Aug. 8 at the Motown Museum's unveiling of its completed opening stages. The $55 million expansion project was initially announced in 2016.
The event was a celebratory, music-filled evening at the West Grand Boulevard site, where Motown favorites, politicians, donors and more gathered on the just-finished granite plaza. Guests learned that the paved outdoor space will be formally named Rocket Plaza, which museum CEO and chairwoman Robin Terry called the “new front porch to Motown.” It follows a $5 million gift from Dan Gilbert’s Rocket Companies and Gilbert Family Foundation, revealed during Monday's event.
The Gilbert donation brings the fundraising total to $43 million, with $12 million left to go as the Motown Museum targets 2024 to consummate the third, final and most eye-catching phase of its expansion: a large building with new exhibit space behind the iconic Hitsville, U.S.A., house.
The museum unveiling comes amid an exciting Motown week in Detroit as it’s also the hometown opening of the Temptations' Broadway musical, "Ain't Too Proud," which will run through Aug. 28 at the Detroit Opera House.
The Motown Museum’s expansion isn’t just about new construction — it also aims to refresh a Detroit legacy. Monday’s guests received a first look inside Hitsville Next, a project that has renovated and connected three homes adjacent to the main Motown house. The new complex contains the museum’s youth education and creative collaboration facilities.
Read Detroit Free Press writer Brian McCollum’s full article on the museum and its reopening plans at the button below.
It’s a “sale-ebration,” Greekfest bring community together
Sidewalk shopping, sales, Greek tradition planned for Grosse Pointe and St. Clair Shores.
The sidewalk sale-ebration isn’t your ordinary sidewalk. It’s a weekend full of streetside sale-ebrations, shopping at your favorite village spots and more. This year Main Street Grosse Pointe has created a summer event sure to appeal to everyone!
It will be held on a new date this year, Aug. 19 and 20. The event is from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. Aug. 19 and 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Aug. 20. In addition to Village retailers and restaurants hitting the streets along Kercheval between Cadieux and Neff, the event will also feature food trucks, vendors, music, games and activities for all ages.
More summer fun awaits! Greekfest is back at Assumption Greek Orthodox Church in St. Clair Shores Aug. 18-21. Folks can “be Greek for a day” at the festival which offers Greek food, dancing, music, taverna and more. The grand raffle drawing is Aug. 21 at 7 p.m. First prize is $10,000, second prize is a David Yurman bracelet, and third prize is $500.
Regular admission is $2, and children younger than 12 are admitted free of charge. Free parking and shuttle service are available. Proceeds will benefit Assumption community programs, International Orthodox Christian Charities Ukraine Children’s Fund and Cass Community Social Services.
For hours and more, check out more at assumptionfestival.com.
Inspired Thoughts is a collection of highly curated content that embraces the spirit and purpose of The War Memorial: arts and culture, community enrichment, leadership, and patriotism.
Derived from the notion that learning from others is the key to success, Inspired Thoughts is meant to shine a light on those making a difference in the world around them. This collection features artists, poets, writers, architects, and every thought leader in-between. Inspired Thoughts is the strongest reflection of what The War Memorial stands for, and what we aim to be.
The content featured on Inspired Thoughts is curated by War Memorial leadership — we also look forward to featuring special guest curators in the near future. If you are interested in providing content for Inspired Thoughts, please email our Communications team at dmurphy@warmemorial.org.
Edition No. 85
In our 85th edition of Inspired Thoughts, we share details about artist Tunde Olaniran’s exhibit Made a Universe at Cranbrook Art Museum; and The World Tournament of Historic Base Ball returns to at Walnut Grove in Greenfield Village!
Arts and Culture
Artist Tunde Olaniran’s exhibit Made a Universe combines tropes from horror movies and TikTok videos to comment on serious issues such as environmental injustice.
Photo credit: Steven Piper/Tunde Olaniran
Community and Family
The World Tournament of Historic Base Ball returns to at Walnut Grove in Greenfield Village!
“A Midwestern museum known for mid-century design may have found the next big art world star”
Tunde Olaniran, a musician, filmmaker and artist who grew up in Flint, Michigan, just opened their first show, Made A Universe, at the Cranbrook Art Museum.
Beginning in 2019, Cranbrook partnered with Olaniran to help create their most ambitious project to date — the short film and exhibition Made a Universe. According to a recent NPR article, the show is partly a short movie, and partly an exhibition of pieces including: artifacts of furniture, old cars and unpaid bills that combine science fiction and social realism. Olaniran worked with Detroit-based artists to create the film’s scenography, costuming, and props. These elements are re-imagined in the galleries along with a screening room, offering visitors an immersive, parallel journey through Olaniran’s creative universe.
With the narrative arc of a hero’s journey, this contemporary horror film takes its inspiration from archetypes like those found in storylines from The New Mutants, an X-Men spin-off comic book series. Within this premise, the character’s often perceived weakness translates into their unique superpower. The film examines what it means to unlock your power in the face of fear and repression, and how one must unify various fragments of their psyche to connect with the world and themselves on a deeper level.
The unique storyline combines tropes from horror movies and TikTok videos to comment on serious issues such as environmental injustice and the carceral state. Check out the button below for more information and exhibition details.
Batter up: Historic baseball comes to life in metro Detroit
Greenfield Village baseball tournament features visiting teams from throughout the Midwest for family fun! The World Tournament of Historic Base Ball returns to Greenfield Village in Dearborn Aug. 13 and 14.
The all-day tournament goes from 9:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. It will be held at Walnut Grove in Greenfield Village. The tournament is held to commemorate Detroit’s 1867 World Base Ball Tournament with a gathering of teams that play one outstanding weekend of America’s game by the rules of 1867.
The experience Includes baseball played with uniforms, equipment and rules from 1867, live music from the Dodworth Saxhorn Band, a group that was featured in Ken Burns’ popular baseball series on PBS, visiting teams from throughout the Midwest and live commentary throughout the game by the umpire and scorekeeper.
In the 19th century, the game was known as base ball. Although Americans had played baseball both before and during the Civil War, the game experienced phenomenal growth after 1865. Baseball's earliest players were "amateurs" meaning they were not paid to play. At the same time, large crowds would often watch many of these amateur games.
Learn more about the full season of historic base ball programming in Greenfield Village at www.thehenryford.org.
Inspired Thoughts is a collection of highly curated content that embraces the spirit and purpose of The War Memorial: arts and culture, community enrichment, leadership, and patriotism.
Derived from the notion that learning from others is the key to success, Inspired Thoughts is meant to shine a light on those making a difference in the world around them. This collection features artists, poets, writers, architects, and every thought leader in-between. Inspired Thoughts is the strongest reflection of what The War Memorial stands for, and what we aim to be.
The content featured on Inspired Thoughts is curated by War Memorial leadership — we also look forward to featuring special guest curators in the near future. If you are interested in providing content for Inspired Thoughts, please email our Communications team at dmurphy@warmemorial.org.
Edition No. 84
In our 84th edition of Inspired Thoughts, we share the Pointe’s Arts Festival event featuring art, music and food for the whole family; and EAT Detroit food and drink event is set to embrace Detroit!
Arts and Culture
Pointe’s Arts Festival returns featuring art, music and food!
Community and Family
Now in its second year, EAT Detroit food and drink event is set to embrace Detroit!
Pointe’s Art Festival
Sponsored by the Grosse Pointe Chamber of Commerce
For two full days, join the Grosse Pointe Chamber of Commerce for a celebration of art, music and food! The Pointe’s Art Festival will take place August 6-7, from 10 a.m.-6 p.m. at The Hill Municipal Lot (41 Kercheval Ave, Grosse Pointe Farms). The event is $5 for adults and free for kids.
Kid friendly activities featuring the Part of Your World Princess event, Grosse Pointe Zoology, and a Kids Art Tent presented by Posterity Gallery.
Guests will also enjoy food and drink selections by Atwater, Ferlito’s Food Truck, Batter Up Waffle Company, Flavors Food Truck and Aruba Freeze. Featured entertainers include The KufflinsKs, Anthony Retka, Uncle Brown and ME, GG Music and more!
The event will feature 25 artists. For more details, check out the button below!
Detroit’s culinary scene will be on full display for an evening benefiting an area nonprofit dedicated to improving the lives of Detroit’s neediest citizens
Now in its second year, an evening of food and drink is set to embrace Detroit. EAT Detroit 2022 is scheduled to begin at 5:30 p.m. Aug. 3!
EAT Detroit showcases the city’s diverse culinary scene with a one-of-a-kind experience benefiting underserved citizens, all in one night. People can enjoy the chef’s featured dishes, craft drinks, live musical entertainment, at more than 20 restaurants, all in the name of helping the initiatives of SAY Detroit that provide housing, food, medical care, education, and more to Detroiters in need at any age.
Folks can order up to six tickets and will wear a wristband, visit a restaurant, eat and drink until they’re full or the event ends at 9:30 p.m.
Tasting menus include three specialty dishes and one signature drink at each restaurant. Alcohol-free refreshments will be available as well. Strolling waitstaff and self-selected starting restaurants, along with recommended routes, will keep traffic flowing and eliminate long lines.
SAY Detroit, founded by Mitch Albom, improves the lives of Detroit’s neediest citizens through shelter, food, medical care, volunteer efforts and education. It is an umbrella organization for ongoing major projects, like Working Homes / Working Families and the SAY Detroit Family Health Clinic. Learn more at the button below.
Inspired Thoughts is a collection of highly curated content that embraces the spirit and purpose of The War Memorial: arts and culture, community enrichment, leadership, and patriotism.
Derived from the notion that learning from others is the key to success, Inspired Thoughts is meant to shine a light on those making a difference in the world around them. This collection features artists, poets, writers, architects, and every thought leader in-between. Inspired Thoughts is the strongest reflection of what The War Memorial stands for, and what we aim to be.
The content featured on Inspired Thoughts is curated by War Memorial leadership — we also look forward to featuring special guest curators in the near future. If you are interested in providing content for Inspired Thoughts, please email our Communications team at dmurphy@warmemorial.org.
Edition No. 83
In our 83rd edition of Inspired Thoughts, we share GPAA’s Where've You Been, an exhibition featuring Focus photography group of the Scarab Club; and Music on the Plaza, the Parade of Packard’s car show and family fun at Detroit’s Beacon Park all kick off this weekend!
Arts and Culture
GPAA presents Where've You Been, an exhibition featuring Focus photography group of the Scarab Club.
Community and Family
Music on the Plaza, Parade of Packard’s car show and family fun at Detroit’s Beacon Park happening this weekend!
Where’ve You Been
Featuring Focus photography group, presented by the Grosse Pointe Artists Association
Where've You Been, an exhibition including the work of 13 members of the Scarab Club Photography Group, is on display now through August 18 at the Grosse Pointe Artists Association gallery. Each month, the group selects a location to photograph followed by a critiquing session where fellow artists can analyze one another’s works. Meetings include discussions based on the practice of image making from a fine art perspective of the medium. Popular locations include Cranbrook, Belle Isle and the Detroit Public Library. They also recently had their first theme -- "Night."
For nearly fifty years the Scarab Club has hosted a photography group that served as a place for Detroit area photographers to meet and share information about fine art photography. The Scarab Club is happy to announce that the photography group will be reintroduced as Focus. With a mission to expand and nurture the perspective of photographers from the community.
You can view Where've You Been in person at the Grosse Pointe Artists Association gallery at The War Memorial, now through August 18. Visit the link below for additional details and visitation times.
Looking for more summer fun in metro Detroit?
Check out a few upcoming events geared toward music aficionados, car enthusiasts, and families!
Close to home, Music on the Plaza continues at The Village in Grosse Pointe. It is billed as live music performances in the heart of the Pointes. July 21 features Arizona Son with Devin Scillian. The following week, July 28, is Uncle Brown and ME. Thursdays in August include The Kufflinks, Marge's Bar Band, and Mainstream Drive, Aug. 4, 11, and 18 respectively. Bring your blankets or chairs to The Village for the free performances beginning at 7 p.m. It is located at 630 St. Clair Ave. More details on musicans and dates, visit www.thevillagegrossepointe.org.
Welcoming guests back for another weekend of entertainment, Selfridge Military Air Museum and Motor City Packard’s is hosting the Parade of Packard’s car show on Saturday July 23. Cars will be on display to the public from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m.
In April of 1917, Henry B. Joy, the Packard Motor Car Company President, donated his Joy Aviation Field to the U.S. Army to establish a flying school for military aviators as the U.S. entered World War I. The military base, located in Harrison Township, was later renamed in honor of Thomas E. Selfridge. Entry to the Parade of Packard’s is free with museum admission. More details can be found at selfridgeairmuseum.org.
The following day in Detroit is Beacon Park’s 5th anniversary celebration. From 1 to 5 p.m. July 24, the community will gather for a family fun day. The afternoon features live entertainment, a bounce house, birthday treats, an arts & crafts booth for children to design birthday cards, and much more. A special sustainability tent will also be set up to provide education and activities reflecting Beacon Park’s commitment to sustainability through composting demonstrations and information on how attendees can support these efforts in their own backyard. The park is located at 1901 Grand River Ave. in Detroit. To learn more about the celebration, check out visitdetroit.com.
Inspired Thoughts is a collection of highly curated content that embraces the spirit and purpose of The War Memorial: arts and culture, community enrichment, leadership, and patriotism.
Derived from the notion that learning from others is the key to success, Inspired Thoughts is meant to shine a light on those making a difference in the world around them. This collection features artists, poets, writers, architects, and every thought leader in-between. Inspired Thoughts is the strongest reflection of what The War Memorial stands for, and what we aim to be.
The content featured on Inspired Thoughts is curated by War Memorial leadership — we also look forward to featuring special guest curators in the near future. If you are interested in providing content for Inspired Thoughts, please email our Communications team at dmurphy@warmemorial.org.
Edition No. 82
In our 82nd edition of Inspired Thoughts, we share the 5th annual Detroit Festival of Books celebrating goodwill efforts to help generate a deeper love and appreciation of books; and a celebrated centenarian: former WAC member, grandmother of War Memorial employee turns 100!
Arts and Culture
The 5th annual Detroit Festival of Books celebrates goodwill effort to help generate a deeper love and appreciation of books.
Community and Family
Celebrated centenarian: former WAC member, grandmother of War Memorial employee turns 100!
Detroit Festival of Books
The 5th annual Detroit Festival of Books, also known as Detroit Bookfest, is dedicated to promoting the joy of reading and the rich culture surrounding it.
July 17, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., the festival is at Eastern Market in Detroit, located at 2934 Russell St. It is free to attend and will take place in Shed 5.
Feature vendors will sell a variety of books from used, rare, antiquarian, unusual, ephemera and more. Additionally, vinyl records, comic books, creative arts, vintage board games and more will be sold.
The festival is a goodwill effort to help generate a deeper love and appreciation of books. Vendors will keep 100% of their proceeds. An Official Bookfest Afterparty down the street at Eastern Market Brewing Company is scheduled from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. A Bookfest Bash will also be held inside Bea’s Detroit from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Barbeque will be available at Detroit Bookfest from Delray Barbecue, and ice cream from Treat Dreams.
It’s a time of celebration for the family of an employee at The War Memorial!
July 11, Jennie Woods DeAngelis celebrated her 100th birthday. Now living in Ormond Beach, Florida, she resided in Michigan for many decades after World War II. In the 1940s, Woods DeAngelis was chosen to represent North Dakota as part of the Women’s Army Corps, or WAC.
"We asked her what the secret is to being 100 years old and she said ‘David, I haven’t worried about anything for 40 years.’ She’s sharp as a tack and having a conversation with her is amazing,” her grandson, David DeAngelis, said. DeAngelis is the director of facilities and campus operations at The War Memorial.
During the war, she was an original member of the WAC, with one woman representing from each state in the U.S. This came prior to Hawaii and Alaska being added as states.
Her brigade landed on Omaha Beach in Normandy, France in the summer of 1944, a few weeks after Allied forces arrived on June 6.
Next May, Les Braves II: At Water’s Edge is expected to be officially and formally dedicated on the grounds of The War Memorial Association in Grosse Pointe Farms. The 50-foot-wide and 25-foot-tall sculpture is the official world-wide twin of the original Les Braves in Normandy, France — located in the Vierville-sur-Mer on Omaha Beach at the junction of dog red and easy green sectors.
Read more about Jennie Woods DeAngelis at the button below!
Inspired Thoughts is a collection of highly curated content that embraces the spirit and purpose of The War Memorial: arts and culture, community enrichment, leadership, and patriotism.
Derived from the notion that learning from others is the key to success, Inspired Thoughts is meant to shine a light on those making a difference in the world around them. This collection features artists, poets, writers, architects, and every thought leader in-between. Inspired Thoughts is the strongest reflection of what The War Memorial stands for, and what we aim to be.
The content featured on Inspired Thoughts is curated by War Memorial leadership — we also look forward to featuring special guest curators in the near future. If you are interested in providing content for Inspired Thoughts, please email our Communications team at dmurphy@warmemorial.org.
Edition No. 81
In our 81st edition of Inspired Thoughts, we share details about the upcoming performance by the Navy Band Great Lakes in honor of Navy Week July 11-17; and The Selfridge Air National Guard Base Air Show and Open House kicks off this weekend featuring high-flying performances from teams across the country!
Arts and Culture
Navy Band Great Lakes to perform for one night at The War Memorial in honor of Navy Week July 11-17.
Community and Family
The Selfridge Air National Guard Base Air Show and Open House kicks off this weekend featuring high-flying performances from teams across the country.
Navy Band Great Lakes to appear for one night at The War Memorial in honor of Navy Week
Coinciding with Navy Week Detroit, the Navy Band Great Lakes Wind Ensemble will perform at 7 p.m. from the lakefront back lawn at The War Memorial on July 13.
Navy Week is slated for July 11-17. During the week, over 50 Sailors from across the fleet take part in the service’s signature outreach program.
“How Navy Week is different than Fleet Week is, in Fleet Week a ship will arrive and Sailors will get off the ship and take over the town in a positive way, doing community outreach events,” Musician First Class Carl Schulte said. “A Navy Week does the same thing, but we try to bring the Navy where ships cannot go. Places where there’s not a lot of Navy exposure.”
Schulte has been in the Navy Band Great Lakes since September 2020 where he plays trumpet. He also is the band’s tour operations coordinator.
Pride in Service has been the theme for Navy Band Great Lakes for more than a century. From 1911, when the band first formed, to 1917, when Lieutenant Commander John Philip Sousa served as Bandmaster, its music represents the pride and professionalism that is synonymous with the United States Navy.
The band, based in Great Lakes, Illinois, consists of instruments like clarinets, trumpets, trombones, tuba, saxophone, flute, and a percussion section.
Speaking about what the public can expect from the performance, Schulte commented folks will see active-duty Sailors in uniform, displaying plenty of patriotism.
“In a lot of ways, we’re the keeper of tradition,” he said. “Music tends to be that and elevates tradition and elevates the ceremony. We’re trying to inspire patriotism in those who are there.”
Navy Band Great Lakes provides musical support for communities of all sizes as well as supporting Navy recruiting in an 11-state area of responsibility stretching from Michigan to North Dakota. The wind ensemble is comprised of 30 professional musicians under the direction of Lt. Christopher Cornette. The Wind Ensemble's repertoire consists of symphonic band works, patriotic music, Americana, and featured solo vocal and instrumental selections.
In addition to appearing at TWM, the band will appear at places like The Detroit Zoo, Eastern Market, Greenfield Village, River Raisin National Battlefield Park, and more during Navy Week.
The concert is free and all are welcome. Due to construction and parking limitations, advanced registration is requested for this performance. Folks can register at the link below.
Celebrating The Next Century Of Flight
The general public will soon have a chance to check out some of the work done at metro Detroit’s hometown air base! The Selfridge Air National Guard Base Air Show and Open House is set for July 9 and July 10, from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. with free admission.
The two-day show attracts high-flying performances from teams across the country. Some performers include:
Air Combat Command F-22 Demonstration Team
U.S. Air Force C-17 Globemaster III Demo
U.S. Army Golden Knights
MH-65 Dolphin
A-4 Skyhawk
The weekend also features ground displays like the F-18 Hornet “Top Gun” experience and High Mobility Multipurpose Wheeled Vehicle. This year’s theme is The Next 100 Years.
Selfridge, in Harrison Township, is one of the oldest continuously operating military airfields in the nation. The first flight on what was then called Selfridge Field took place on July 8, 1917. The base has been in continuous use ever since.
Learn more about the air show at the link below.
Inspired Thoughts is a collection of highly curated content that embraces the spirit and purpose of The War Memorial: arts and culture, community enrichment, leadership, and patriotism.
Derived from the notion that learning from others is the key to success, Inspired Thoughts is meant to shine a light on those making a difference in the world around them. This collection features artists, poets, writers, architects, and every thought leader in-between. Inspired Thoughts is the strongest reflection of what The War Memorial stands for, and what we aim to be.
The content featured on Inspired Thoughts is curated by War Memorial leadership — we also look forward to featuring special guest curators in the near future. If you are interested in providing content for Inspired Thoughts, please email our Communications team at dmurphy@warmemorial.org.
Edition No. 80
In our 80th edition of Inspired Thoughts, we share Sue Majewski's handmade stained-glass mosaic signifying her love for The War Memorial; and our community partner The Family Center and its dedication to offering accessible programs and resources from local experts aimed at building strong families.
Arts and Culture
Sue Majewski shares her love of The War Memorial in a handmade stained-glass mosaic for an art competition.
Community and Family
The Family Center offers free programs and resources from local experts aimed at building strong families.
A local woman has taken her love of The War Memorial to a new level with art
Sue Majewski, of St. Clair Shores, depicted The War Memorial in a handmade stained-glass mosaic for an art competition crafted by the Grosse Pointe News in 2021. The piece, titled “Grosse Pointe War Memorial,” is 3 feet wide and 4 feet tall. After exhibiting it in The Scarab Club earlier this year, it was accepted into the Birmingham Bloomfield Art Center’s 2022 Fine Arts Competition. The competition opened June 17 and Majewski’s piece will be on display through Aug. 18.
It took her over 200 hours to create the mosaic piece.
“Community is the biggest word,” she commented in response to what TWM means to her. “My sister was married here, I’ve attended weddings, baby showers, everything over the years. It’s home to me.”
Majewski’s experience with TWM goes beyond simply attending events over the years. Majewski was part of a Grosse Pointe Youth Council in her early teen years while a student at Grosse Pointe South High School, the council oversaw the Battle of the Bands in the Fries Auditorium at TWM.
In addition to the mosaic being on display, Majewski has created a line of greeting cards with the mosaic on the front cover.
For more details about Majewski’s piece in the Birmingham Bloomfield Art Center’s 2022 Fine Arts Competition, visit the link below.
The Family Center is now reaching more families than ever before
For Jennifer Bingaman, the most enjoyable aspect of being part of The Family Center is daily seeing some kind of difference made in the community.
Bingaman is the executive director of The Family Center of Grosse Pointe and Harper Woods, a nonprofit community organization that calls The War Memorial home.
The Family Center, established in 2000, offers free programs and resources from local experts on a wide range of topics aimed at building strong families and helping parents raise children who will become competent, caring, and responsible community members. It was founded by registered nurse and social worker Diane Strickler on the premise that knowledgeable and skilled parents foster capable, healthy, and responsible young people.
The Center, which operates from an office in the media wing of TWM, provides resources and preventative education to empower families to successfully navigate life’s social, emotional, and physical challenges. It offers a variety of free programs including family fun events, mindful meditation and movement, drug and alcohol abuse prevention, suicide prevention, and mental health and family dynamics.
Bingaman said The Center’s services have expanded exponentially over the years to now including in-person and virtual programming.
“We used to do all in-person programming, pivoted like everyone else during the pandemic to virtual and found we are getting so many more people looking at our virtual content than would ever show up to a program,” she noted. “We’re reaching many more people now.”
Earlier this year, The Center was the recipient of two grants totaling $75,000. The grants are for mental health support and substance abuse prevention in schools.
The Center’s signature fundraising event, Hollyfest, is planned for Nov. 17 at The Fred M. Alger Center for Arts, Culture, and Humanities.
Inspired Thoughts is a collection of highly curated content that embraces the spirit and purpose of The War Memorial: arts and culture, community enrichment, leadership, and patriotism.
Derived from the notion that learning from others is the key to success, Inspired Thoughts is meant to shine a light on those making a difference in the world around them. This collection features artists, poets, writers, architects, and every thought leader in-between. Inspired Thoughts is the strongest reflection of what The War Memorial stands for, and what we aim to be.
The content featured on Inspired Thoughts is curated by War Memorial leadership — we also look forward to featuring special guest curators in the near future. If you are interested in providing content for Inspired Thoughts, please email our Communications team at dmurphy@warmemorial.org.
Edition No. 79
In our 79th edition of Inspired Thoughts, we share The Grosse Pointe Artists Association’s next show theme Lost and Found highlighting artwork from recycled/found objects; and the Detroit Symphony Orchestra and The Henry Ford team up to present Salute to America back at Greenfield Village.
Arts and Culture
The Grosse Pointe Artists Association announces Lost and Found as its next show theme featuring artwork from recycled/found objects.
Community and Family
Detroit Symphony Orchestra and The Henry Ford team up to present Salute to America at Greenfield Village.
CALL for ENTRIES: Lost and Found
Deadline Wednesday, July 6
The Grosse Pointe Artists Association (GPAA) is excited to announce Lost and Found as its next show. For this exhibition, artists are asked to create artwork from recycled/found objects. A found object as defined by The Museum of Modern Art (MoMA) is an object that was not originally designed for an artistic purpose but is repurposed in an artistic context. As an example, Jean-Michel Basquiat was a master of using found objects in his artwork, from chairs to refrigerator doors.
The juror for this event is Sean Bieri, co-founder of The Hatch arts organization in Hamtramck. Bieri is particularly well suited to jury this show because of his experience working on the restoration of Hamtramck's Disneyland and his love of Dada, an art movement of the European avant-garde in the early 20th century.
Let freedom ring: fireworks, concert highlights ‘A Salute to America’ at Greenfield Village
In partnership with the Detroit Symphony Orchestra, The Henry Ford proudly presents Salute to America at Greenfield Village. New this summer, guests will begin their evening by walking through Greenfield Village at their own pace, listening to musical ensembles perform across the venue. At dusk, strolling elements will pause and the Detroit Symphony Orchestra will take center stage on the Village Green for a triumphant musical performance in celebration of Independence Day. The evening will end with a stirring “1812” Overture performance, cannon fire and a brilliant fireworks finale.
Performances are scheduled from June 30 - July 3, from 5 to 10 p.m. General Admission tickets are $32.25 for members and $38 for the public. The experience includes holiday theming and decade vignettes, featuring 1876 Centennial activities, 1976 Bicentennial picnic, a military fife and drum parade, summer street food, cold treats and craft beer.
This is the first time a full Detroit Symphony Orchestra has performed at Greenfield Village since 2019.
As summertime celebrations kickoff, fireworks displays are set to commence around the Grosse Pointe community. St. Clair Shores fireworks extravaganza is June 24 at Veterans Memorial Park, located at 32400 Jefferson Ave. On June 27, Ford Fireworks will blast off from Detroit. The theme this year is “Hey Detroit! The Sky Shines for You.”
Inspired Thoughts is a collection of highly curated content that embraces the spirit and purpose of The War Memorial: arts and culture, community enrichment, leadership, and patriotism.
Derived from the notion that learning from others is the key to success, Inspired Thoughts is meant to shine a light on those making a difference in the world around them. This collection features artists, poets, writers, architects, and every thought leader in-between. Inspired Thoughts is the strongest reflection of what The War Memorial stands for, and what we aim to be.
The content featured on Inspired Thoughts is curated by War Memorial leadership — we also look forward to featuring special guest curators in the near future. If you are interested in providing content for Inspired Thoughts, please email our Communications team at dmurphy@warmemorial.org.
Edition No. 78
In our 78th edition of Inspired Thoughts, we share our exciting summer lineup of concerts and performances on the back lawn of the historic Alger House; the 2022 Legacy on the Lake event honoring Fred M. Alger; and Jazzin' at the Vanity kicks off its two-day jazz blues (and a bit of funk) festival, featuring live performances on The War Memorial stage!
Arts and Culture
Join us on the breathtaking back lawn of TWM this summer for concerts and performances!
Community and Family
Jazzin' at the Vanity and Legacy on the Lake kick off summer events highlighting exciting TWM partnerships.
Summer concerts and performances return to The War Memorial
A variety of performances are set to grace audiences on the lakefront back lawn of The War Memorial this summer.
The action kicks off June 23 at 7 p.m. when Vivaldi’s Four Seasons and More will be performed by the Listeso String Quartet, part of the popular Candlelight events. A second act follows at 9:15 p.m. The Quartet will return to The War Memorial July 21. Tickets are $35. Doors open 30 minutes prior to the start time and late entry is not permitted. The age requirement is 10 years old or older and anyone under the age of 16 must be accompanied by an adult.
Whether you’re looking for a beautifully unique classical music performance or a romantic candlelit experience, this concert is for you. Join the musicians for an evening gently illuminated by candlelight, and prepare to be taken into the clouds with some of the most treasured classical masterpieces!
The Soul of Detroit featuring Aretha Franklin, Marvin Gaye, and More will be performed by PureSoul Detroit on June 30 at 7 p.m. and 9:15 p.m. A July Soul of Detroit appearance is also set for July 28 at 7 p.m. Tickets for these performances are also $35.
PureSoul, a diverse collective of world-class musicians proving rhythm and romance, never go out of style. Devoted to living the electrifying musical history of soul, jazz and the early days of rock ‘n roll, PureSoul celebrates decade-spanning legends like Ray Charles, Sam Cooke, Miles Davis and Duke Ellington by bringing their hits to life from coast to coast.
For four nights only, Opera MODO presents The Wedding Singer at The War Memorial. This story is set in 1985 and revolves around Robbie Hart, a rock star wannabe, who sings at weddings, his failed relationship with his former fiancée, and his romance with a new love, Julia.
Shows are scheduled at 7:30 p.m. July 7, July 8, July 12 and July 14 on the back lawn. Tickets, available through Opera MODO, are $60 for VIP adult, $40 for general admission adult, and $20 for general admission student.
Also in July, Shakespeare in Detroit: A Reading of The Tempest comes to The War Memorial. Set for July 10 at 3 p.m., an abbreviated version of the play will be read by the theater company's performing members. Shakespeare in Detroit is the city's premiere classical company, having pioneered the first-ever park performance of the Bard in a city park. The pioneering organization has been featured on the BBC, NPR, and several additional local and national platforms.
General admission tickets are $40 and include one beverage. Student tickets, with an ID, are $15 and also include one beverage. There will be a full cash bar. Non-alcoholic beverages will be available.
The summer performing arts scene at The War Memorial wraps up with an appearance from the Grosse Pointe Symphony Orchestra on Aug. 3 at 7 p.m. Tickets are $20 for adults, $15 for seniors over age 60, $5 for college students, and children in grades kindergarten through 12th grade are free. The program features selections like Williams: March from Superman, Holst, arr Jacobs: Suite No. 1 in Eb, and Holst: A Fugal Concerto.
To learn more and for ticket information on all events, visit warmemorial.org/arts.
Jazzin' at the Vanity
Presented by Jefferson East, INC.
Jazzin' at the Vanity kicks off this weekend, June 18-19. It takes place in the Jefferson Avenue Business District in Detroit. Hours are noon to 9 p.m. June 18, and 1 to 7 p.m. June 19.
This year, The War Memorial is thrilled to be a sponsor! Join us as we celebrate the amazing heritage of the Jefferson-Chalmers neighborhood and that of the Vanity Ballroom during this free two-day jazz blues (and a bit of funk) festival featuring live performances on The War Memorial stage! Guests will enjoy delicious food, crafts, visual art experiences, activities for children and so much more!
Artists set to appear on The War Memorial Stage include headliners award-winning Detroit saxophonist James Carter and Grammy-winning group Ghost-Note. Additional artists include:
The Louis Jones III Quartet
Jessica Care Moore
Marion Hayden Legacy Ensemble
Drew Schultz
Tosha Owens
Allen Dennard
T-Bone Paxton/RJ Spangler Septet
Charles Etcherson & This Way Outtt
Perry Hughes' OGD Ensemble
Michael Zaporski & Future Visions
Brandon Williams
For more information, check out the button below.
Legacy on the Lake
Presented by the Grosse Pointe Chamber of Commerce
An incredible man with a passion for The War Memorial has been named the 2022 Legacy on the Lake honoree. The Grosse Pointe Chamber Foundation is excited to announce Fred M. Alger as the recipient! This year’s event will take place on June 23, from 5:30 –10 p.m. at the Ford House in Grosse Pointe Shores.
Alger and his generous $20 million donation were the driving force behind The Fred M. Alger Center for Arts, Culture, and Humanities. The 25,000 square foot facility, located next to the historic Alger House, is set to open in fall.
Alger is a prominent member of the Alger Family and founder of the Wall Street firm, Alger Management.
“I am incredibly moved by the sense of adventure and can-do attitude of The War Memorial and am honored to play a role in supporting the legacy of my ancestral home and writing the next chapter of possibilities,” Alger previously said.
To learn more about Legacy on the Lake and to purchase tickets, visit the button below.
Inspired Thoughts is a collection of highly curated content that embraces the spirit and purpose of The War Memorial: arts and culture, community enrichment, leadership, and patriotism.
Derived from the notion that learning from others is the key to success, Inspired Thoughts is meant to shine a light on those making a difference in the world around them. This collection features artists, poets, writers, architects, and every thought leader in-between. Inspired Thoughts is the strongest reflection of what The War Memorial stands for, and what we aim to be.
The content featured on Inspired Thoughts is curated by War Memorial leadership — we also look forward to featuring special guest curators in the near future. If you are interested in providing content for Inspired Thoughts, please email our Communications team at dmurphy@warmemorial.org.
Edition No. 77
In our 77th edition of Inspired Thoughts, we share Pride Month celebrations resuming in cities and towns throughout metro Detroit after a two-year hiatus; and the return of Campville USA for kids and teens at The War Memorial!
Arts and Culture
June is Pride Month! Celebrations are steadily resuming after a two-year hiatus in cities and towns throughout metro Detroit.
Community and Family
Campville USA is back at The War Memorial! Join us for a variety of day camps offered from June 20 to Sept. 2.
Communities gather to celebrate Pride Month
June is Pride Month, when the world's LGBTQ+ communities come together and celebrate the freedom to be themselves. The original organizers chose this month to pay homage to the Stonewall uprising in June 1969 in New York City.
Today, Motor City Pride is Michigan's largest pride celebration with over 40,000 participants in its pride events. Motor City Pride is an entirely volunteer run organization with a mission of spreading awareness through pride. This year’s festival and parade return to Hart Plaza June 11-12. The festival includes four performances stages, 14 different food vendors and food trucks that will be selling a wide variety of foods from vegetarian items, noodles, chicken, burgers, and hot dogs. These booths will also have soft drinks and water available for purchase.
GP Pride by WE GP
Grosse Pointe Pride by Welcoming Everyone Grosse Pointe (WE GP) will be held on Saturday, June 18, from 12:00 - 2:30 p.m. in Grosse Pointe Village at the corner of Kercheval and St. Clair. Participants are encouraged to bring friends, neighbors and leashed and friendly Pride pups along for this family-friendly event.
Join GP Pride for a short march, music, activities for children, a selfie station, activism opportunities and so much more! WE GP encourages participants to bring your signs, your joy, your pride, and your commitment to full equality. Additionally, The War Memorial is hosting a Pride Month collaboration between The Family Center and WeGP. Join us for a free one-hour of yoga with Nicole Castka, E-RYT 500 certified yoga instructor on our back lawn for Pride Month! For more details and to register, visit www.warmemorial.org/communityevents/prideyoga.
Celebrations are steadily resuming after a two-year hiatus in cities and towns throughout metro Detroit. There are several events dedicated to celebrating the LGBTQ+ community, including learning about its history, and supporting community vendors. Check out the following links to learn more about participating communities: Detroit Free Press, Detroit MetroTimes, Detroit News.
Summer day camps return and offer diverse activities and education for youth
Campville USA at The War Memorial is all about creating summertime memories for kids and teens. A variety of day camps are offered from June 20 to Sept. 2. Classes include Mad Science, Young Rembrandts, Bilingual Playhouse, self-defense and more. This year’s summer camps marks the first in-person Campville since 2019.
Fifteen camps will be offered in an 11-week span. Each camp has its own schedule, ranging from one-day to one-week engagements.
“Summer is an exciting time for kids to learn new skills, delve deeper into a passion, or just enjoy a new activity,” Leah Celebi, TWM vice president of community engagement and programming, said. “With such an assortment of programs, Campville USA has a camp that will pique kids’ interests or entice them to explore something new.”
Campville USA offers a full spectrum of activities, from arts and fashion to science and self-defense. The War Memorial’s diverse programming is sure to appeal to varied interests of children and teens throughout the summer, ensuring that no one misses out due to vacation plans.
Campville USA is open to the public! Everyone is welcome- there are no residency requirements and membership is not necessary. All Campville USA activities are held at The War Memorial. To learn more and to register for any of the camps, visit the link at the button bellow.
Inspired Thoughts is a collection of highly curated content that embraces the spirit and purpose of The War Memorial: arts and culture, community enrichment, leadership, and patriotism.
Derived from the notion that learning from others is the key to success, Inspired Thoughts is meant to shine a light on those making a difference in the world around them. This collection features artists, poets, writers, architects, and every thought leader in-between. Inspired Thoughts is the strongest reflection of what The War Memorial stands for, and what we aim to be.
The content featured on Inspired Thoughts is curated by War Memorial leadership — we also look forward to featuring special guest curators in the near future. If you are interested in providing content for Inspired Thoughts, please email our Communications team at dmurphy@warmemorial.org.