Sterling Heights Sentry | Published December 6, 2023
Play-Place to host holiday event
STERLING HEIGHTS — The nonprofit Play-Place Autism & Special Needs Center, 39337 Mound Road, will present its annual North Pole Stroll 11 a.m.-3 p.m. Dec. 10.
The event is open to “all ages, all diagnoses and all cognitive levels,” and it’s particularly for families who experience special needs situations. Santa, caroling, dinner, crafts, presents and games will all be part of the festivities.
“This is a fun time for our families to enjoy that … opportunity of a fun, social Christmas gathering that individuals with special needs don’t normally get a chance to enjoy (due to high anxiety levels, physical disabilities, cognitive delays or they’re just not invited to the party),” Play-Place founder Shell Jones said in a statement. “This event is sensory friendly presented as a North Pole ‘stroll’ with 40-50 people scheduled in each hour for a more fun, quaint and not-so-overwhelming time.”
Admission is $7 per person. Purchase tickets by visiting www.autisticplayplace.org/NP2023 or by calling (586) 254-6533.
Nature Center to screen ‘First Snow’ movie
STERLING HEIGHTS — The Sterling Heights Nature Center, 42700 Utica Road, will host an airing of the movie “First Snow in the Woods” at 11 a.m. Dec. 9. The event will also include a craft, as well as seeing some animals.
All ages are welcome, but advance registration is required. Admission costs $8 for residents or $11 for nonresidents. RSVP by visiting bit.ly/40Zpe5M or registration.sterling-heights.net.
Dodge Park rink reopens
STERLING HEIGHTS — The ice rink at the Dodge Park Farmers Market Pavilion, 40620 Utica Road, has been open as of Dec. 1. Typical rink hours are noon-9 p.m. Mondays-Thursdays, noon-10 p.m. Fridays, 11 a.m.-10 p.m. Saturdays and 11 a.m.-8 p.m. Sundays. Learn more by visiting bit.ly/3TIsAF4 or sterlingheights.gov, or by calling (586) 446-2700.
Trail portion closed
STERLING HEIGHTS — According to the Sterling Heights Parks and Recreation Department’s Facebook page, a portion of the Clinton River Park Trail is currently undergoing rerouting.
An estimated two-week closure began Nov. 27, shutting off the trail from the Marker 18/D Loop by Dodge Park to Farmstead Park. According to the city, the trail leading to Farmstead Park will be inaccessible during this time as well.
Learn more about the parks and trails by visiting sterlingheights.gov or by calling (586) 446-2700.
HFII to perform ‘Matilda’
STERLING HEIGHTS — Henry Ford II High School, 11911 Clinton River Road, and its Falcon Theatre and Troupe 6785 will present “Matilda the Musical” Dec. 7-9. Showtimes will be 6:30 p.m. Thursday and Friday, and 3 p.m. Saturday.
Get tickets in advance by visiting HF2Theatre.ludus.com. Not counting credit card fees, advance tickets cost $12 each, and tickets are $15 at the door. Email questions to Kirstin.Carolin@uticak12.org.