Twi-moms, of metro Detroit, are you ready?

Peter Facinelli, one of the stars of the “Twilight Saga” movies, will be coming to Monroe, Michigan, next month. Facinelli, who plays the Cullen clan’s father-figure, Carlisle, have a meet and greet, on Sunday, September 12th, from noon to 5 p.m., at The Mall of Monroe.

The star will be on hand signing autographs and taking pictures. Autographs will cost $25 and pictures will cost $40.

A portion of the proceeds will benefit Alex’s Lemonade Stand, which supports childhood cancer research.

This is sure to be a popular event, so be sure to get there early!

The Mall of Monroe

2121 North Monroe Street

Monroe, MI 48162

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.

Meet Chloe Bridges from Camp Rock 2 August 28

Radio Disney AM 910 Detroit is hosting a “Back 2 School Celebration” event on SATURDAY, AUGUST 28 from 12:00p.m. – 3:00p.m. at Westland Shopping Center.  The event will  include a special meet and greet session with CHLOE BRIDGES – the newest cast member of the highly anticipated Disney Channel Original Movie “Camp Rock 2: The Final Jam.”  Fifteen selected* local area winners (16 and under) will get the wonderful opportunity to meet Bridges with three of their friends.

At the event, the Radio Disney AM 910 Road Crew will provide LIVE on-stage entertainment filled with great music, fun games and prizes, including the chance to win four tickets and backstage passes to the Jonas Brothers Live In Concert on September 1 at DTE Energy Music Theatre in Auburn Hills!

In addition, visitors can enjoy activities throughout the mall including a Back 2 School Fashion Show, performances from Wayne Westland Community School groups and several FREE activity stations promoting the upcoming premiere of “Camp Rock 2:The Final Jam” on September 3 and the start of the new school year.

Westland Shopping Center

35000 West Warren

Westland, MI 48185

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

Enjoy trains, trolleys, bikes and boats during Melon Festival

In addition to all the fun in downtown Howell during Melon Festival weekend, August 20-22, guests to the event can travel by train, trolley, bikes and boats, all major attractions for the 50^th celebration of Melon Festival.

Trolley tours depart from the Historic Howell Depot at 128 Westmore St., starting at 11 a.m. on Saturday and Sunday. The 45-minute tour, in partnership with the Howell Area Historical Society, offers the experience and thrill of historic downtown Howell and surrounding neighborhoods from the open-air vantage point of a vintage rolling trolley. Cost is $10 for adults, $8 for children 12 and under, and free for children four and under sitting on an adult’s lap.

All aboard the rails for an old-fashioned train ride to historic Byron Station in a vintage passenger car pulled by a classic diesel locomotive. The hour-long journey through the scenic Michigan countryside operates over the tracks of the Great Lakes Central Railway. Round trip tickets for Saturday and Sunday depart from the depot several times during the day. Cost is $17.50 for adults and $13 for children three to 12 years of age.  Children two and under are free when carried by an adult.  The adult price has been discounted to $17.50 in recognition of the city’s 175^th anniversary.

Tickets can be ordered at www.howellmelonfestival.com.

Ready for a melon cruise? The Michigan Princess docks on Thompson Lake beginning Wednesday, August 18 for lunch, dinner and party cruises. The cruises benefit the Howell Melon Festival, downtown Howell, and the Livingston County Humane Society. Dinner cruises are $35 for adults and $17.50 for children four to 12; lunch cruises are $25 for adults and $12.50 for children four to 12; and moonlight cruises for adults only are $10 per person. For updates on cruising times, visit www.melonfestival.com.

Finally, like to bike? Register your two-wheelers for Doc May’s Commemorative Melon Ride on Saturday at 9 a.m. The 15-mile tour begins and ends at the historic Livingston County Courthouse and travels through Howell neighborhoods, the City Park and Lakeview Cemetery. T-shirts, melons and melon ice cream are all part of the ride. Cost is $15 in advance or $20 the day of the ride. Register at www. howellrecreation.org.

Other attractions planned for the Melon Festival include a Melon Ball, anniversary alley, Michigan Made Arts & Crafts Show and bed races followed by a nighttime PJ party to watch the movie “Bedtime Stories.” Traditional favorites including Howell melons, melon ice cream and the Melon Run are once again part of the family fun.

The City of Howell and the Howell Downtown Development Authority are partnering with civic groups and community leaders to present the Howell Melon Festival. For more information, visit www.howellmelonfestival.com.

Kid Kicks Soccer Camp

My daughters just finished with their favorite camp this Summer!  I put them in a 4-day soccer camp called Kid Kicks that was Monday through Thursday from 7pm-8:30pm.  The best part was that not only did the girls LOVE it, but dad loved it too because it’s a class for parent and child to participate in together.

Every day we came home from their evening soccer my husband would thank me.  He would say, “I know I keep saying this, but thank you so much for signing me and the girls up for this.  It’s giving me a chance to spend time with them and get a nice workout in as well.”  Even though he would wake up every morning sore as all get go, he LOVED it!

Another thing that we all loved about the camp was the coach, Marilyn Enmark!  She is not only a great teacher and very knowledgeable about the game of soccer, but from day one she remembered all the kids names and was so good with them.  She made sure each and every child got a chance to make a goal, be a goalie and most importantly be recognized and cheered on.

I even got to play in the final games of parents vs parents and then parents vs kids.  The entire family had a blast.

If you want more information about Kid Kicks, check out the website: http://kidkickssoccer.com/

There is another 4 day camp coming up August 2- August 5 from 7pm-8:30pm for ages 4-10.  It’s $65 for the first child and $20 for each additional child.  Each child gets a t-shirt.  It is at Borden Park in the mini fields.  To sign up call 248-656-8308.

Here is a picture of the group after the big parents against kids game:

Family Fest at Waterford Oaks Waterpark

Waterford Oaks Waterpark is hosting a Family Fest from 6 – 9:30 p.m. on July 30.

For only $5/person,   “families can enjoy waterpark features after hours; socialize; and play games,” Recreation Program Supervisor Rachel Boyd said. “This is a great, low-cost way to spend a summer evening outdoors.”

All waterpark features are open until 9 p.m., including the tropical-theme wave-action pool, double waterslide, children’s interactive water playground and group raft ride.

Special activities start at 7 p.m. and include a bouncer and inflatable obstacle course; Old School Playground games; GO! Fish and GO! Cache adventures; climbing tower; puppet show; and a Kid Fun Zone with face painting and games.

Concessions will be available throughout the evening. Everyone will receive a free frozen treat.

Cost is $5/person. Tickets can be purchased at the door or in advance at the waterpark or by calling 248-858-0906. Rain date is July 31.

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

Splash Bonus Day Specials at the Waterparks

There is still time to enjoy Splash Bonus Day Specials at Red Oaks and Waterford Oaks waterparks before the kids return to school.

August 4

Splash Bonus Nature Exploration Day features a puppet show from noon – 1 p.m. at Waterford Oaks Waterpark and 2 – 3 p.m. at Red Oaks Waterpark.

A nature program display will be available at both waterparks throughout the day.

“Using an interactive display, a parks naturalist will demonstrate how people and animals are similar in adapting ways to move in the water,” Recreation Program Supervisor Tim Nowicki said. “Guests can see what features animals have developed to help them survive in water.”

Oakie the Squirrel, Oakland County Parks and Recreation mascot, will be available for photo opportunities at Waterford Oaks Waterpark from 1 – 2 p.m. and at Red Oaks Waterpark from 3 – 4 p.m.

August 11

Splash Bonus Day – OMGosh, Summer’s Almost Over! features a puppet show from
noon – 1 p.m. at Red Oaks and 2 – 3 p.m. at Waterford Oaks.

Oakie the Squirrel, Oakland County Parks and Recreation mascot, will make an appearance at Red Oaks from 1 – 2 p.m. and at Waterford Oaks from 3 – 4 p.m.

All waterpark features will be open.

At Red Oaks Waterpark, kids can also enjoy the Soak Station water playground. A Spray and Play area is ideal for toddlers. In addition, the waterpark has a River Ride, Triple Turn waterslide and Terrific Tides wave pool.

Waterford Oaks Waterpark includes a tropical-theme wave pool, waterslide, Big Bucket water playground for children and Ragin’ Rapids raft ride.

Daily waterpark rates apply.

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

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

Movies in the Park

This Friday, July 23 visit Bell Creek Park to see Cloudy With a Chance of Meatballs.

Movie starts at dusk and is FREE!

15557 Inkster Road, Redford Township

For more info call 734-261-1990

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