Woodward Talk | Published November 8, 2023
Chanu-Con! returns
OAK PARK — Congregation Beth Shalom in Oak Park will hold its eighth annual Chanu-Con! Chanukah festival from 1 to 5 p.m. Sunday, Nov. 12, at 14601 Lincoln St. Admission is free and the event is open to the public.
According to a news release, Chanu-Con! will feature kosher food options, live music, a variety of children’s activities, vendors selling Chanukah and holiday gifts, a 50/50 raffle and an Israeli art gallery sale.
“For our eighth annual event, we will have an activity table for children — though adults are welcome to take part as well — in support of Israel. We are also pleased to have the Safrai Art Gallery of Jerusalem artwork sale returning. We have more than 1,000 pieces of artwork, and 50% of all proceeds from sales directly benefit Congregation Beth Shalom,” Beth Rodgers, event coordinator, said in a news release.
“We’re thrilled to see Chanu-Con! enter its eighth year and look forward to welcoming visitors, both new and returning, to share the afternoon with us!” Rodgers said.
Other activities include kids yoga, a bounce house, story time with the Oak Park Library and local authors, bookmark making and face painting.
For more information, visit the event’s Facebook page at bit.ly/chanucon2023 or call Congregation Beth Shalom at (248) 547-7970.
Jolly Pumpkin turns into Bandit Tavern & Hideaway
ROYAL OAK — The Jolly Pumpkin Restaurant and Taphouse has closed down in Royal Oak, but the business has rebranded as something new.
In an Oct. 29 Facebook post, the Jolly Pumpkin, located at 419 S. Main St., announced it would be shutting down.
“Our hearts are heavy with a mix of gratitude, nostalgia, a touch of sadness and even excitement as we bid farewell to Jolly Pumpkin on Main & Fifth,” the posting stated. “Thank you to the loyal Royal Oak community and every guest who supported Jolly Pumpkin for over five years, but it’s time for us to bid ado and start a new chapter on this historic corner.”
However, the business stated it would be unveiling a new business, Bandit Tavern & Hideaway, on Nov. 3.
“Bandit will take the neighborhood restaurant and bar to the next level as we bring southern hospitality to Royal Oak,” the posting stated. “Our food and beverage menus draw inspiration from southern-style cooking with a few nods to our favorite dishes from past partners that were also housed in this building.”
Dispensary holds naming contest
BERKLEY — A Berkley marijuana dispensary that is scheduled to open next spring is asking locals to submit a name as part of a contest.
The dispensary from Seven Point, to be located at 28557 Woodward Ave., is asking participants for up to 10 name submissions. Participants must be 21 years or older and a current resident of Michigan.
The person with the winning name will win a prize of 1 pound of dried marijuana flower dispersed over the period of 12 months, two 1-gram vapes per month, two packs of edibles per month and $250 in accessories.
For more information, visit sevenpoint.org/name-berkley.html.
Cafe closes after 15 years
FERNDALE — The Hilton Road Cafe, located at 3150 Hilton Road in Ferndale, has closed its doors after 15 years.
According to a Facebook post, the decision was made to shut down the cafe due to the rising costs of food and amid the declining health of its owners. The cafe’s last day was Oct. 23.
“We tried the best we could to give you all our love for this community through our food. We wanted HRC to be your local diner and for everyone to feel at home with that home cooking feeling. We believe we accomplished that,” stated a letter from owners Steve and Effie Lambros.
“We couldn’t have gone this long serving the wonderful community of Fabulous Ferndale. Without our loyal employees, and our loyal customers who also became part of our family. WE THANK ALL OF YOU from the bottom of our hearts. Without you, there was no Hilton Road Cafe,” the letter continued.