Cool Watch Promotion in Downtown Milford

Rottermond Jewelers, a family-owned shop located in downtown Milford and Brighton are selling watches for a great cause – our oceans.

The shop has teamed up with the Ocean Conservancy, a national organization dedicated to helping protect our oceans, to sell “Ocean” watches for $24.95, with 40 percent of proceeds being donated. The watch is available in small and large dial sizes and in 16 colors.

“The Ocean Conservancy is a wonderful organization to partner with,” said Cindi Rottermond, owner of Rottermond Jewelers. “Not only are customers thrilled with the variety of colors available, but they feel compelled to give back at such a critical time for our oceans.”

More than $3,300 has been raised already during the promotion, however, it’s Rottermond’s goal to reach $10,000 by Oct. 16, when the promotion ends.

To purchase an Ocean watch, visit Rottermond Jewelers at 351 N. Main St. in Milford or 102 E. Main St. in Brighton. Customers can also place orders online at www.shop.rottermond.com.

To learn more about the Ocean Conservancy and its mission, visit www.oceanconservancy.org.

My Childhood Toys Are Now Considered “Retro”

Star Wars, Atari and  Garbage Pail Kids trading cards all bring back memories of being a kid in the 80′s.  I would spend hours listening to Michael Jackson’s Thriller on my bubblegum pink boom box making up dances and trying to perfect the “snake”.  Today, these toys are considered retro.  Some are being remade, but the originals…you can’t beat the originals.

Whether its Star Wars, The Beatles or Super Mario Bros. that gets your childhood heart beating, there’s something for everyone at The Retro Spot, a dreamy collection of pop culture items now for sale within Wind River Gallery in downtown Milford.

Look for original Star Wars toys, collectibles, action figures, Atari and Nintendo systems and games, records and nearly 1,000 other pieces for the casual shopper and the serious collector.

Owner Dennis Gray is a Stars Wars and pop culture enthusiast who scours estate sales, flea markets, online stores and other spots to get new vintage items every day, including pieces from Masters of the Universe, Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles and Ghostbusters.

“We do the legwork, all people have to do is see what we’ve accumulated,” Gray said.

The Retro Spot is located inside Wind River Gallery.

“You won’t see this in your normal department store. People like that aspect,” Gray said.

Framing services remain, with staff trained in framing the collectibles it sells. Gray also hopes to establish an online store for The Retro Spot in the fall.

Wind River Gallery and The Retro Spot are located at 423 N. Main St.  Call (248) 684-6044 for more information. Hours: Monday-Friday, 10 a.m. to 6 p.m., Saturday 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Troy Family Aquatic Center

The Troy Family Outdoor Aquatic Center opened for its 19th season Memorial Day weekend and will remain open through Labor Day. The Aquatic Center includes slide and spray areas, sand volleyball, sand play area, and concession stand. The Troy Community Center also has an aquatic area that is open year round for residents, and non-residents.

Swim Lessons at the Aquatic Center

Sign up for the last session of summer swim lessons at the Troy Family Aquatic Center.  Session 7 takes place from August 23 – Sept 2 with classes Monday – Thursday.  Times and class information are on page 30 of the Summer Troy Today publication.

Swim Lessons in the Fall

Swim Lessons for all ages are available at the Troy Community Center throughout the year.  Check the Fall Troy Today for dates and times.  Classes begin the second weekend in September.  Resident registration begins August 24 and non-resident begins on August 31.

Dogs Swim Only Day- Saturday, September 11

It is the dogs turn to have fun in the pool.  Don’t worry as we are draining the pool for the season after the dogs have their fair share of the fun.  Swims are separated by weight and the swim is for 45 minutes.  Dogs must be 6 months old with a current dog license to participate. A commemorative tee shirt will be provided to registered participants.  Pre-registration is required.  Click here for fees and more information regarding this event.  Special thanks to Longview Boarding & Grooming, Ltd. and Camp Bow Wow for sponsoring this event!

Use the Troy Family Aquatic Center Pool For FREE During Shutdown Week

Community Center members can use the Troy Family Aquatic Center for free during the shutdown week August 30 – September 6.  Bring your keyfob and enjoy some outdoor fun or use our lap lanes for your usual workout while the Community Center is closed for maintenance.

Troy Parks and Recreation
3179 Livernois, Troy, MI 48083, 248-524-3484

Berkley Cruise Fest

The fun begins at noon on August 20, 2010!  Lots of activities for the whole family.

Activities include:

• sidewalk sales
• acoustical music tent
• climbing tower
• street dance

Annual Classic Car Parade starts at 6:30 pm featuring Grand Marshal George Barris the “King of Kustomizers.”

More information at www.berkleycruisefest.com

Catalpa Oaks park site of free music and fun

Oakland County Parks hosts a free evening of live music and fun for local families from 7-9 p.m., Thursday, Aug. 26 at Catalpa Oaks County Park. The evening features the WildFire Country Band, inflatable bouncers and Oakie the Squirrel, Oakland County Parks and Recreation mascot.

“Oakland County Parks and Recreation believes it is important to offer a variety of recreational opportunities,” Recreation Program Supervisor Sandy Dorey said. “Our Summer Concert Series allows kids to play outdoors and adults to sit back, relax and enjoy live music.”

Guests are encouraged to bring insect repellant and chairs, blankets or towels to sit on during the concert. Children must wear socks to use the inflatables.

Catalpa Oaks County Park is located at 27725 Greenfield Road in Southfield. For more information, visit the Destination Oakland website.

Ultimate Essentials for Pregnancy, Birth and Beyond

On Saturday, September 18, 2010 at 10:30 am at the Funky Frog Children’s Resale Boutique in downtown Rochester,     join Dr. Kathy Whitmore & Dr. Deana Lajiness of Health & Healing Chiropractic and discover ways to naturally feel vibrant, happy and healthy through your pregnancy, including info on Webster (breech) Technique.

Erica Michaels & Kelly Warnos from www.InternetMom.org will be there to share their knowledge about pregnancy & birthing options, including how to have a “natural” birth at a hospital, and some of the misconceptions about birthing at home.

Also, meet two time HypnoBirthing parents and HypnoBirthing Practitioners, Janice & Will Rex-Weaver of Peaceful Birthing, for an intro to the philosophy of this childbirth method which combines relaxation, breathing and visualization to ease pain and empower women to release fear & build confidence, whether birthing at home or in a hospital setting.

RSVP Today! Seating is limited.  Call (248) 656-1937.  There is no charge for this event, however, we will be accepting donations for the Women’s Fund of Greater Rochester.

Milford Memories Summer Festival

Hundreds of crafters and artists from across the United States and Canada will line the streets of downtown Milford, where you will find live entertainment, children’s activites, great food and of course family fun!

Main Street will be closed Thursday, 8/12/10 beginning at 3:00 p.m. until Monday, 8/16/10, at 6:00 a.m.  East and west traffic on Commerce Road will not be affected.  Detours will be posted.

Join the Back 2 School Bash at the Village of Rochester Hills

The Village of Rochester Hills is hosting the second annual “Back 2 School Bash” on Saturday, August 14, 2010 from 12:00 – 4:00pm. Guests are asked to bring new & unopened school supplies or non-perishable food items to Festival Park for a chance to win Village gift cards and other prizes throughout the day. Donated items will benefit The Holiday Helpers of Rochester Hills, a non-profit 501 (C) 3 helping less fortunate families in the Rochester Hills community. The day will feature free activities including train rides throughout the Village, hook and ladder rides on a Rochester Hills Fire Department fire truck, inflatable activities, live entertainment, and more. The festivities will start off with a Back to School fashion show at 11:00am in the Children’s Department at Parisian. Local children will strut the runway to preview what’s ‘hot’ for the season.

Village of Rochester Hills gift cards and other prizes from participating merchants will be awarded every hour in Festival Park. Tickets will be given out to guests that make a contribution of either school supplies or non-perishables. Guests must be present to win, and all unclaimed prizes from the day will be re-drawn at 4:00pm.

Jennifer Kincer & friends of Kincer Catallo Private Voice Studio will be performing in the Festival Park gazebo during the event. A variety of musicians will entertain guests with music of today and days gone by. Artists such as Terry Altman, Jeff Peters, The Rising Stars, as well as the debut of the new singing and dancing group, TRUE will put on a show that will keep you listening for hours, and it’s all free.

Getting the kids everything they need to be ready for back to school can be tough for many families. With all of the supplies, clothes and food necessary to keep children in school, it’s vital to help our neighbors and friends however we can. The Holiday Helpers of Rochester Hills will distribute proceeds from the event to families in the Rochester Community Schools district. “We’re giving away Village gift cards and prizes from our retailers to kick off the back to school season,” said Jessica Presner, Marketing Manager at the Village of Rochester Hills, “the day is about giving, prizes and fun for the whole family to enjoy together.”

The Village of Rochester Hills, located at the northeast corner of Walton and Adams, brings fashion, dining and ambiance together to create Rochester Hills’ very own unique downtown. With parking available in front of your favorite store, shopping the Village is easy and convenient. The Village is open Monday through Saturday from 10:00am to 9:00pm and Sundays from 12:00pm to 6:00pm. Village of Rochester Hills gift cards are available at Whole Foods Market or online at www.thevorh.com <http://www.thevorh.com> .

See how Detroit Mommies is Bagging it Forward for Back to School

Kids can cruise into model car camp during Dream Cruise

The Woodward Dream Cruise lineup is primarily car-focused and geared toward adults. But this year, Woodward Avenue’s Rainy Day Hobbies, located in Ferndale, will host its first Model Car Cruise Camp to help the younger generations get in on the pre-cruise festivities.

Tuesday, Aug. 17 through Friday, Aug. 20, Rainy Day Hobbies will offer a series of fun-filled afternoons on the basics of model car building.  Each session, beginning at 2 p.m. daily, will give kids ages 5 to 13 a chance to learn how to assemble a miniature version of their favorite car from start to finish through an exciting, hands-on demonstration.  Adults also are welcome to stay.

The cost for Model Car Cruise Camp $15 per child.  This fee includes a starter model car kit that will be used during the camp, as well as a bottle of water.  More advanced kits are available for an additional fee.

For more information, call 248.545.5667 or visit the Rainy Day Hobbies website.

Movie Night at The Village Features Hotel For Dogs

The Village of Rochester Hills will host their third free Movie Night Under the Stars of the summer at dusk on Thursday, August 12. Movie night at the Village is a fun family outing that’s easy on your pocketbook. Guests are invited to bring their own chairs or blankets to the NW corner of Parisian’s parking lot and get comfortable for Hotel for Dogs (rated PG). To make your movie night experience complete, Whole Foods Market will be on hand selling concessions at the beginning of the evening.

Hotel for Dogs, based off of the 1971 Lois Duncan novel, stars Emma Roberts, Jake T. Austin, Lisa Kudrow and Kevin Dillon. The movie tells the story of two orphans, Andi and Bruce, who attempt to hide their dog at an abandoned hotel after their strict new guardians tell them that pets are not allowed at their home.  Andi and Bruce get the idea to turn the hotel into a home for any other stray dogs they can find. This cute film is perfect for the whole family and will sure give little ones a laugh or two!

If the weather looks like rain, the movie will be postponed until Tuesday, August 17. To check the status of movie night, visit the Village website at www.thevorh.com <http://www.thevorh.com> .

The Village of Rochester Hills, located at the northeast corner of Walton and Adams, brings fashion, dining and ambiance together to create Rochester Hills’ very own downtown. With parking available in front of your favorite store, shopping the Village is easy and convenient. The Village is open Monday through Saturday from 10:00am to 9:00pm and Sundays from 12:00pm to 6:00pm. Village of Rochester Hills gift cards are available at Whole Foods Market or online at www.thevorh.com <http://www.thevorh.com> .

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