News & Notes - 9/20/23 Woodward Talk

Ringwald opens season
FERNDALE — The Ringwald Theatre at Affirmations in Ferndale will start its 17th year with a fundraiser performance of “Candy Corn, Christ, and the Convoluted Creation of Golf.”

The show will begin Oct. 6 and run until Oct. 29. All proceeds will go to Affirmations. The show was described as “a fresh look at the New Testament story with several unique, fun-filled twists.”

“This is not your grandfather’s Jesus!” Director Antonio David Garcia said in a prepared statement. “This is a comedy, first and foremost, and we want people to laugh. Also, at a time when the queer community is under attack every single day, and so much of that vitriol and homophobia is coming from the conservative religious right, I think it’s entirely appropriate and just that a progressive comedy about the life of Christ be produced and raise dollars for Michigan’s largest LGBTQ Community Center. I think Jesus would agree.”

Tickets to the show cost $25 for shows Fridays-Sundays. Tickets are available at theringwald.com. The Ringwald is located inside Affirmations at 290 W. Nine Mile Road.

 

Senior Expo
ROYAL OAK — The Royal Oak Senior Expo will be held from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. Oct. 4 at the Royal Oak Farmers Market, 316 E. 11 Mile Road.

The news release stated that the expo connects seniors and caregivers with more than 50 organizations that specialize in assistance and care for them in Royal Oak and southeastern Michigan. This includes assisted living, Alzheimer’s information, home care, veterans benefits, mobility solutions and Medicare.

There also will be a variety of free health screenings for attendees, hourly prize drawings, giveaways and complimentary refreshments.

“The Royal Oak Senior Expo is the perfect opportunity for attendees to connect with dozens of helpful organizations in their community dedicated to helping seniors,” the release states. “Admission is free plus, attendees can enjoy free refreshments, health screenings and hourly prize drawings! It’s truly the perfect way to learn about the variety (of) services and products available for seniors in their community.”

 

Park opening
BERKLEY — The city of Berkley will be holding a grand opening of its new inclusive playground at 6 p.m. Sept. 20 at Jaycee Park, 3765 Webster Road.

According to a press release, the playground features amenities that enable children and adults of all abilities to interact with one another and play. These amenities include a soft surface design throughout the play area, a friendship swing and other accessible swings, a ramp-accessible large play structure, sensory panels and music, as well as accessible seating.

“We are so excited to celebrate the completion of the new playground at Jaycee Park and all that it offers Berkley residents and visitors,” Parks and Recreation Director Theresa McArleton said in a prepared statement. “This was a labor of love for our team and our community, and we are incredibly grateful to the many individuals who gave so generously to make this playground even better.

“We also want to thank the Michigan Economic Development Corporation for helping us create a beautiful space where children and adults of all ages and abilities can come together to play and build community — and enhance the visitor experience at Jaycee Park.”

 

Clawson Fall Festival to take place Sept. 30
CLAWSON — The Clawson Fall Festival will take place from 3 to 7 p.m. Sept. 30 at Clawson City Park, 935 N. Custer Ave. According to a press release, the festival will include a petting zoo, live music from award-winning musician Angela Predhomme, an artisan market, local nonprofits committed to providing outreach services, hayrides, the Clawson Senior Center bake sale, local food trucks, the Clawson Fire Department’s bonfire, and other activities for the entire family.

 

Foster grandparents needed
OAKLAND COUNTY — The Foster Grandparent Program is looking for volunteers.

According to a news release, FGP volunteers provide “one-on-one support to children with special or exceptional needs to develop the academic and life skills that are crucial for their development and future success.”

The FGP, organized by Catholic Charities of Southeast Michigan, is open to volunteers who are income eligible, age 55 and older. They will serve between 20 and 40 hours a week.

“FGP volunteers receive an orientation and monthly training to equip them with the skills needed to help students. They also receive a stipend, accident and liability insurance, as well as travel reimbursement and meals,” according to the release.

For those interested, contact Carol Wall at wallc@ccsem.org or at (248) 537-3300, ext. 3919.

 

Quilting guild looking for new members
CLAWSON — The CAMEO Quilters Guild will be hosting a meet and greet at 7 p.m. Sept. 21 at the Clawson United Methodist Church, 205 N. Main St.

The CAMEO Quilters, who’ve been an active quilt guild in Oakland County since 1994, is looking for new members for its 2023-2024 program year.

Members of CAMEO, which stands for “Come And Meet Each Other,” “enjoy monthly meetings that host local and national speakers, lectures and displays, demonstrations of quilting techniques, retreats, workshops, sewing quilts for charity and much more,” the release states.

Quilt lovers of all ages and levels of experience are welcome to join. For more information, a program schedule and a membership application, visit cameoquilters.org or cameoquilters@gmail.com.