Local Authors of Basie and Paisley Read to Children

I’m a huge fan of the books Basie and Paisley! I got to review them a while back and do a giveaway.  The illustrations are darling and the story is both entertaining for the child as well as for the parent.

If you get a chance to go to this event, you won’t be disappointed!

Saturday, March 13, 2010
2p.m.-3p.m.
FREE

Little Monsters
16 W. Flint St.
Lake Orion
248-814-8697

Retail Therapy Package Extended by Popular Demand!

The Village of Rochester Hills and the Royal Park Hotel announced today that they will extend the exclusive Retail Therapy Package offer until the end of March. Priced at just $179 per night, the package includes: Royal Executive King accommodations and two martinis in The Commons Lounge at the Royal Park Hotel; a $50 gift card and a savings bag full of great offers from the Village of Rochester Hills; and a complimentary make-up application with a  beauty Advisor at Parisian.

The bundled offer is perfect for a little “play-cation”, a romantic night for two, or even some quality time with the girls.

This shop and stay experience offers style, luxury, and unparalleled service with the complimentary shuttle to and from the Village provided by the Royal Park Hotel upon request at the concierge desk. “We’re extending the offer into the month of March because of the overwhelmingly positive response we received in February,” said Village Marketing Manager, Jessica Presner. “People can take a mini vacation to re-energize without the hassles of travel,” she said.

The Royal Park Hotel is a four-star, four-diamond hotel, located just a few minutes away from the Village of Rochester Hills. All Royal Park rooms are furnished with oversize California king beds, luxurious linens featuring wonderfully warm and sumptuous Egyptian cotton, down duvets, and huge down-stuffed pillows. Guests can enjoy The Commons Lounge with live entertainment on Friday and Saturday nights, and wake-up to complimentary morning coffee and newspapers in front of the fireplace in the elegant library each morning. For more information or to make a reservation call (248)652-2600.

Oakland County Parks Offer Early Season Group Rates at Red Oaks Waterpark

 

Oakland County Parks is now taking reservations for early-season group outings at Red Oaks Waterpark.

“We’re opening Red Oaks Waterpark in early June to give groups a chance to hold end-of-school parties, picnics and celebrations at the waterpark,” Katie Stavale, Park Supervisor, said. “Our special $5 per person rate makes outings economical and fun.”

The group specials are only offered Monday – Friday, June 4 – 10, from 11 a.m. – 3 p.m. at Red Oaks Waterpark.  Reservations are required.

Cost is $5/person.

Waterford Oaks Waterpark is also taking group reservations for outings June 11 – Sept. 6.  Group reservations are available Monday – Friday only.

Red Oaks Waterpark is located at 1455 E. 13 Mile Road in Madison Heights.

Waterford Oaks Waterpark is located at 1702 Scott Lake Road in Waterford.

For reservations, call 248-858-0916. For waterpark hours and maps, visit DestinationOakland.com.

On Aug. 3, 2010, Oakland County voters will be asked to vote on the renewal of a 10-year millage of .2415 for the purpose of operating, maintaining, improving and acquiring parks and recreation areas and facilities in Oakland County.

Royal Oak’s Bastone Raises a Limited Edition Pint to Irishfest

Experience the luck of the Irish March 2 – 26 as Bastone in Royal Oak presents special dishes and discounted pint refills for Irishfest 2010.

Order an award-winning Bastone craft beer for $5 and you’ll receive a limited edition pint glass and $3 refills through Irishfest.

Bastone is located at 419 S. Main Street in Royal Oak.  They are open from 11 a.m. to 11 p.m. Monday-Thursday; 11 a.m. to midnight Friday-Saturday and noon to 10 p.m. Sunday.

For a limited time diners can enjoy the following seasonal Irish Fest features:

Crab and Artichoke Bake –  Fresh crab and tender artichokes baked with herbed cream cheese and served with toasted beer bread for $9.95

 Shepherd’s Pie –  Ground beef and seasonal vegetables in a rich gravy topped with duchess potatoes for $12.95

 Dublin Bay Pasta –  Shrimp, scallops and lobster over linguini with a garlic cream sauce for $17.95

Steak and Ale Pot Pie –  Tender steak tips braised with onions and mushrooms in a rich beer sauce with a puff pastry topping for  $14.95

Jameson Chicken –  Pan seared chicken breast in a whiskey and course grain mustard sauce with roasted redskin potatoes and seasonal vegetables for $14.95

 For more information visit www.Bastone.net or call 248.544.6250.

A Chance to Help the Helpers of Community Sharing

 

Community Sharing will host the 5^th annual “Go for the Green” fundraiser on Saturday, March 13, at the beautiful 59 West Grand Banquet Hall at 786 West Highland Road (M-59.)

The event kicks off at 5:30 p.m.  Tickets are $50 per person and include a plated dinner, two drink tickets, a silent auction and live music from local pop/rock band Whack the Mole.   For details and to purchase tickets, visit www.community-sharing.org or call A.J. Lochner at 248-622-9793. 

Auction Items include a Signed Hannah Montana guitar, Bed & Breakfast Weekend Package at the Grand Commerce Inn, Golf Outing Packages, Evening Out and Restaurant Packages, spa treatments, ’shop local’ packages and even a 1975 Lincoln Town Car!!

As economic woes linger, the needs of the community increase. The volunteers of Community Sharing which services Milford, Highland and parts of Wixom have never been busier. The organization provided help to nearly twice as many individuals as it did just a year ago and in the month of December alone assistance was provided to over 900 area residents.

Current services include food and clothing distribution; emergency financial assistance; case management; financial counseling and budget management; family counseling; tutoring for children; job interviewing and skill coaching; assistance with transportation, utility shutoffs and evictions; support for medical, dental and pharmacy expenses; and gasoline vouchers.

Community Sharing also offers classes in self-esteem, budgeting and job skills, along with a scholarship program for eligible clients to cover GED expenses and college classes.

Community Sharing is dedicated to the mission of providing temporary support to those in need by meeting critical local needs that are often hidden. They provide motivation and encouragement while maintaining respect for the individual. Their goal is to help their clients achieve independence through their own initiative.

How to reach Community Sharing

• Phone: 248-889-0347
• Location: 2029 N. Milford Road, Highland (in the Apollo Center)
• Mailing Address: P.O. Box 405, Highland, MI 48357.
• Web site: www.community-sharing.org
• Hours: 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. Tuesdays, every 2nd and 4th Saturday, and the second and fourth Tuesday of each month from 6:30 p.m. to 8 p.m. Emergency appointments are available. Voice mail is checked Monday through Friday.

Book Your Reservation For This Swanky Event!

Where:

A swanky soiree at Meadow Brook Hall.

What:

• Live Jazz by band “Bird on a Wire”
• Dancing
• Tours of Meadow Brook Hall
• Tarot Card/Palm Reader (popular in the 20’s)
• Live dance demonstration of the Charleston and other 20’s style dances.
• Strolling Dinner

The Menu

• Hot D’oeuvres and a vegetable and cheese display
• A carvery station with Roast Breast of Lavender and Honey Scented Turkey with cranberry mayonnaise, dijon mustard and petite dinner rolls
• A salad station with baby spinach with a hot bacon dressing and Waldorf salad
• Whipped potato martini station with sweet Yukon Gold potatoes.  Includes diced bacon, beef bordelaise, sauteed mushrooms, roasted corn, shredded sharp cheddar, cream fraiche and brown sugar.
• Champagne Bar
• Pound Cake Bar with old fashioned pound cake with raspberry and hot fudge served a la mode with hand scouped vanilla ice cream.
• Coffee Bar
• A 20’s signature style drink from the bar, which is included.

When:

March 19, 2010  from 7 p.m. to 10 p.m. Tickets are $65 per person and include everything listed above (dinner, drinks and entertainment). Reservations are required. You will be provided with the secret entrance and password when you call 248-364-6263 to make your reservation. Visit www.meadowbrookhall.org  for more information.

Disclosure: Tickets for this event are being  provided to me for this event. Hopefully I’ll see you there!

Local Mom Creates Successful Photography Biz

Detroit mommy Ally Cohen is a talented photographer who has launched a very successful photography business.  Her portraits of families, children, celebrations, and more are absolutely stunning!  Clients truly receive one of a kind service.  Visit Frameable Faces website for more information and to see the gorgeous work featured in the galleries.  www.frameablefaces.com

About Frameable Faces:

Ally Cohen has always had an eye for detail and an optimistic outlook – which is a perfect fit for photography. Until the birth of her daughter Lacey in 1999, Ally had wanted to be in front of the camera, working in broadcast and related media. But when she took one look at her beautiful baby girl, she knew that behind the camera she would be snapping pristine, perfect shots to record all the fleeting moments of her growing family’s life.  “Photography is the ultimate keepsake,” says Ally, “You take one shot, capture that moment, and a few minutes later another opportunity arises. How could we possibly remember all of those wonderful, doting but ultimately blurring moments if not for pictures?

So Frameable Faces was created in 1999 to offer a wide array of photographic services for families, professionals, corporations, and schools. The West Bloomfield-based business is driven by Ally’s passion as a multi-faceted photographer who loves showing people how beautiful they really are through exquisite photography.  Frameable Faces specializes in custom photography, designing each setting, focus and theme according to the client’s wishes and goals. From children’s portraiture and family photographs to special event packages (including weddings, bar mitzvahs, communions, and graduations) and on-location corporate pictures, Frameable Faces does what its title suggests: presents every face in an utterly “Frameable” way.

Ally Cohen lives in West Bloomfield, Michigan, with her husband, Doug, their supremely photogenic children, Lacey and Tony, and an infinite number of lurking pets.

Volunteer Opportunity in Oakland County

If you are a nature lover, this upcoming volunteer opportunity may be very appealing to you!

OAKLAND COUNTY PARKS SEEKS VOLUNTEERS FOR NEST BOX MONITORING

EVENT NAME:

Nest Box Monitoring Workshop for Volunteers

WHAT:

Oakland County Parks seeks volunteers to monitor nest boxes at five parks for the 2010 nesting season, from April – August.

More than 116 nest boxes are located in five parks and maintained by volunteers.

Training is required for new and veteran volunteers. Volunteers must register for the workshop by March 4.

Oakland County Parks Nestwatch Monitoring Program was developed to protect native birds from aggressive species that contribute to their decline.

To register, contact Educational Resource Specialist Kathleen Dougherty at 248-858-0704, or doughertyk@oakgov.com.

For a volunteer application or more information about volunteer opportunities at Oakland County Parks, visit DestinationOakland.com.

When:

Sunday, March 7, 2010

3 – 5 p.m.

Where:

Wint Nature Center at Independence Oaks County Park in Clarkston.

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION:

For more information, contact Educational Resource Specialist Kathleen Dougherty at 248-858-0704, or visit DestinationOakland.com.

On Aug. 3, 2010, Oakland County voters will be asked to vote on the renewal of a 10-year millage of .2415 for the purpose of operating, maintaining, improving and acquiring parks and recreation areas and facilities in Oakland County.

Happy Birthday Dr. Seuss!

It’s so important that we read to our children and Dr. Seuss made reading fun by creating books that peek the creative inspiration of children everywhere with quirky characters, having silly names, doing even sillier things.

The Commerce Township Community Library is hosting a fun, FREE event today from 6:30-8 p.m. to celebrate Dr. Seuss’s Birthday.  All ages are welcome to the event which will have crafts, games and activities related to Dr. Seuss’s books.

Commerce Township Community Library
2869 N. Pontiac Trail
248-669-8108
www.commercelibrary.info

Partake in a Swanky Soiree at Meadow Brook Hall

I don’t know what it is about Meadow Brook Hall, but the magic seems to come alive when entering the home, once inhabited by Matilda Wilson Dodge and Alfred Wilson and their children.

It could be the intriguing history or the magnificant surroundings one encounters while in the 88,000 square foot mansion.  Whatever it may be, it will leave you wanting more!

You are invited to a swanky soiree at Meadow Brook Hall on March 19. Upon revealing the password, patrons will be granted access to the Speakeasy at a secret entrance that will be disclosed at the time of their reservation.

Patrons will partake in bootleg beverages and a 1920s inspired strolling dinner, while being entertained by the jazz group “Birds on Wire.” In keeping with the 1920s tradition, guests will also have the opportunity to get their palms or tarot cards read. Also included in the evening will be touring and a live performance of the famed flapper dance the Charleston.

A mini exhibit from the archives of Meadow Brook Hall will be on display that evening. Guests will also have an opportunity to learn about prohibition in Michigan and how it affected every level of society including the Dodge-Wilson family.

The evening begins at 7pm and runs until 10pm. Tickets are $65 per person and include dinner, drinks and entertainment. Reservations are required. The secret entrance and password will be revealed when you call 248-364-6263 to make your reservation. For more information on upcoming events at The Hall visit meadowbrookhall.org.

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