Editor’s Note: With the cancellations of community events due to COVID-19, The News-Herald’s calendar listings will begin with events happening after the state shutdown scheduled through April 13. The ongoing monthly events will also be listed. Before attending an event, contact the organizers to find out if it has been cancelled.
What’s Going On is a listing of activities taking place throughout the Downriver community. To submit an event, send an email to downriverlife@thenewsherald.com. List the time, date, location, cost and contact information. Submit announcements at least two weeks prior to the event. For a complete listing, visit www.TheNewsHerald.com/DownriverLife.
Events added this week
Island Clean up: Hosted by the Grosse Ile Nature and Land Conservancy on Saturday April 18 at 9 a.m. Meet at Centennial Farm 25797 Third St. Grosse Ile, MI 48138 for coffee & Donuts. Volunteer with GINLC in this Kiwanis Annual Event as we clean up our protected lands. To register as a volunteer, or for more information, email info@ginlc.org. Visit www.ginlc.org
Southgate Rotary Trivia Night: At 7 p.m. on April 23 at Christ the King Lutheran church, 15600 Trenton Rd., Southgate. Donations accepted to support Rotary projects. Seven rounds of questions, no more than six persons per team. Top three teams awarded prizes. Food available for purchase. For more information, email skschlimmer@hotmail.com
Mission Fundraiser Dinner Dance: The Irish Pallottine Fathers, Hula-Hula with a Touch of Irish, on Friday, April 24 at 6 p.m. at Crystal Gardens. $40.00 per person includes family-style dinner & open-bar. Music by Pat Johnson of Shamrock DJ Service. Prize for best Hawaiian-themed outfit. For tickets, contact the Mission House at 734-285-2966.
Free Shred Day: Located at Dick Genthe Honda, 15100 Eureka Rd, Southgate, from 10 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. on Saturday, April 25. Limit 5 boxes. Permissible Items Include standard office paper, computer print-outs, credit card receipts, envelopes, binders, photocopies, photographs, checks. Not Permissible Items Include books, magazines, x-ray films, computers and accessories. Sponsored by the Rotary Club of Southgate. For more information, call Fran Waszkiewicz at 734-785-7705 x7153.
Earth Day 50th Anniversary Celebration: Hosted by the Grosse Ile Nature and Land Conservancy on Sunday April 26 at 12:30 pm at Centennial Farm, 25797 Third St. Grosse Ile. Featuring the “Science of Climate Change” with L. Brandt (HFC) & C. Donahue (UM-Dearborn). For more information, email info@ginlc.org. Visit www.ginlc.org
Migrants on the Move: Hosted by the Grosse Ile Nature and Land Conservancy on Sunday, May 3 at 10 a.m. at the Detroit River International Wildlife Refuge, Gibraltar Bay Unit, 28820 East River Rd, Grosse Ile. Walk through the GBU as we discover the birds that call Southeast Michigan home during the spring and summer! We’ll learn the benefits of this long flight north and their importance in the natural world. For more information, email GINLC.education@gmail.com. Visit www.ginlc.org
Open House at GBU: Hosted by the Grosse Ile Nature and Land Conservancy continues all summer at 1 p.m., every Sunday from May 3 – October 31. Detroit River International Wildlife Refuge, Gibraltar Bay Unit. 28820 East River Rd, Grosse Ile. Enjoy an afternoon surrounded by the beauty of nature. For more information, email GINLC.education@gmail.com. Visit www.ginlc.org
Craft shows/rummage sales
Giant Indoor Flea Market: At Kessey Fieldhouse, 4300 S. Dearborn, Melvindale, on Saturday, April 25 from 9 a .m. to 4 p.m. and Sunday, April 26 from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Free admission. Vendor space (10×10 area) for $40. For more information, call 313-908-4326 or email arena@melvindale.org
Mom to Mom Sale: At St John’s Lutheran Church-Taylor, 13115 Telegraph Road, from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Saturday, April 25. Strollers welcome all hours. $1 admission. Vendors needed for the event. Tables for rent are 8 foot for $20. Each additional table is $15. For more information, contact Theresa at 313-300-7098 or email stjohnsladiesaid@gmail.com.
Events
Musical Performance: Seaway Chorale and Orchestra will be presenting “Most Anything Goes!” Various tunes from Simon and Garfunkel, The Beach Boys, Choral Highlights from the Movies La La Land and Mary Poppins Returns, the beautiful Kyrie Eleison and All Things Bright and Beautiful performed by “Voices of the Young” along with so much more. The show is set for 7:30 p.m. on Friday, May 1 and Saturday, May 2 at The Flat Rock High School Community Auditorium, 25600 Seneca, in Flat Rock. General Admission, $10 presale, $12 at the door and $6 students: $6. Tickets can be purchased from any Chorale member or at BrownPaperTickets.com or by calling 1-800-838-3006, visit the website www.seawaychorale.org.
Take it Outside (2019-2020) – High School Nature & Wildlife Photo Contest: Hosted by the Grosse Ile Nature and Land Conservancy, Deadline to enter is Thursday, May 7. Open to all high school students. Students may enter photos captured locally that inspire us to appreciate and steward our environment. There are three categories. Enter at www.ginlc.org. Click on “Photo Contest” for entry form.
7th Annual Ladies’ Tea & Brunch: At DownRiver Church, 14400 Beech Daly (between Northline & Eureka), Taylor, at 11 a.m. on Saturday, May 9. Entertainment by The DownRiver Singers, a vintage act of vocals with exciting themes and great energy. This is a catered event, so you must purchase a ticket by May 3. Tickets can be purchased by calling Nancy at 313-570-2992.
Taylor Summer Festival’s Nightly Concerts: Tickets are on sale for the 2020 edition of the Taylor Summer Festival (June 25-28) Dennis Deyoung and the Music of Styx performs on Saturday, June 27 and and up-and-coming country music star Dylan Scott, with special guest Adam Doleac, will take the stage Friday, June 25. Both of the concerts will be held inside the Sheridan Center Open Air Pavilion. Tickets for each concert are $35 VIP (prime stage-front seating, dinner provided by Whiskeys on the Water and a drink) and $10 (advance) and $15 (at the gate) for standing-room general admission. Tickets can be purchased at www.TaylorFestival.com. The four-day festival starts on Thursday, June 25, with the carnival midway inside Heritage Park. The carnival will be open to the public all four days before closing late Sunday, June 28. Fore updates on the festival, visit www.cityoftaylor.com.
Ongoing community events
Seamstresses Needed: Seasons Hospice and Palliative Care is seeking volunteer seamstresses to help with the making of memory bears. Memory Bears are made from the clothing that once belonged to a loved one and can bring comfort and peace for grieving family members. All materials are provided. Seamstresses work in the comfort of their own homes using a simple four-piece pattern. For more information, contact volunteer coordinator Mary Biber at 800-370-8592. For more information about Seasons Hospice and Palliative Care, visit www.seasons.org.
Books & Bites: Taylor Community Library, 12303 Pardee Rd., Taylor. Books & Bites is a monthly book club that reads and discusses YA books. Meetings occur on the fourth Sunday of every month at 3:30 p.m. If you are interested in joining us, ask the front desk for a copy of the current book. For more information, call 734-287-4840.
Palliative Care Volunteers Needed: Seasons Hospice and Palliative Care is seeking compassionate people to provide volunteer support to terminally ill patients and their families. We provide virtual, yet comprehensive, training that fits easily into busy schedules. Opportunities are flexible, based on your availability and comfort level and always close to home. Activities may include: offering companionship or “friendly visits” to homebound patients, reading and letter writing, providing relief for caregivers, participating in activities with dementia patients, veteran to veteran companionship, and sewing Memory Bears. For more information, contact volunteer coordinator Mary Biber at 800-370-8592. Visit www.seasons.org
Taylor Garden Club: Meets the 3rd Thursday of the month September through June. Meetings are held at Taylor Senior Activity Center. Hospitality at 6 p.m., meeting begins at 6:30 p.m. Guests are welcome to attend once for free. Membership fee is $15 per year. You do not have to live in Taylor to join the group. For more information, contact Nancy Smith at 734-287-6851 or by email at smithnan88@yahoo.com.
The Ecorse Community Events Committee: Meetings are held every 3rd Thursday of the month excluding holidays and/or inclement weather. The ECEC meets from 6-7 p.m. at the Albert B. Buday Civic Center, 3869 W. Jefferson Ave., Ecorse 48229 on the 2nd floor in Conference Room – B. For more information, call 313-407-6332 or visit website https://www.ecorseevents.com or email ecorseevents@gmail.com or visit the Ecorse Community Events Committee Facebook page. All are welcome to attend, volunteer and participate in community event planning.
AAUW scholarships: The AAUW Wyandotte-Downriver Branch offers several scholarships annually to female undergraduate students at Baker College, Henry Ford College, Lawrence Technological University and Wayne County Community College District. Interested students can pick up an AAUW application at their school’s counseling office. Candidates must have earned a minimum of 12 credits, be a United States citizen and a resident of the Downriver area. An essay is required. For more information, contact rjhart720@yahoo.com or visit downriver-mi.aauw.net.
The Ecorse Historical Society: Meetings are held every 3rd Saturday of the month excluding holidays and/or inclement weather. The EHS meets from 1-2 p.m. at the Albert B. Buday Civic Center, 3869 W. Jefferson Ave., Ecorse on the 2nd floor in Conference Room – B. All are welcome to attend, volunteer and participate in EHS meetings and planning. Ecorse residents are invited to bring their family histories to add to the collections and archives which will be exhibited at the Ecorse Public Library. Exhibit dates and times to be announced. For more information, call 313-386-2520 Ext. 4 or visit /www.ecorsehistorical.org Email ecorsehistoricalsociety@gmail.com or visit the Ecorse Historical Society’s Facebook page at www.facebook.com/ecorsehistoricalsociety/
After-school Video Games: Taylor Community Library, 12303 Pardee Rd., Taylor. Weekdays, from 3-5 p.m. Drop in for video games and a relaxed place to hang out with friends. Reserved for teens in middle school and high school. For more information, call 734-287-4840.
Brownstown Historical Museum Hours of Operation: The Brownstown Historical Museum, 23451 King Road, Brownstown is open for tours every 2nd and 4th Sunday of the month from 1-4 p.m. Summer business hours are every Tuesday from noon-3 p.m.. Stop in to join the Brownstown Historical Society or renew your membership, volunteer or get information on the Brownstown Community Brick Paver fundraiser. For more information, call 248-318-5297.
Farmers Market Vendors Needed: Lincoln Park Farmers Market is seeking farmers/growers, specialty food and crafts vendors for this year’s market, which starts Sunday, June 2, as well as an indoor Sunday, April 7 Easter Market and an outdoor Sunday, May 12 Mother’s Day Market. For info: call 313-427-0443 or email lpfm@inbox.com
Lincoln Park Preservation Alliance: The group is looking for new members to promote Lincoln Park’s historic sites through education and advocacy; for information on meetings and events, call Leslie Lynch-Wilson at 313-598-3137.
Knit and Crochet Club: From 1-3 p.m., Tuesdays. Meet, mingle and trade inspiration with local knitters and crocheters. Bring your own projects and have fun with a like-minded group. This is not an instructing class; however, you are welcome to ask others to share their knowledge and help. Cost: $3 donation to the DCA. Downriver Council for the Arts, 81 Chestnut, Wyandotte. (734) 720-0671 or visit www.downriverarts.org
Huron River Fishing Association: Holds general membership meetings at 6:30 p.m. the first Monday of each month at the Flat Rock Community Center, 1 McGuire St., Flat Rock. The group holds fly tying classes at 6:30 p.m. on the 3rd Monday of the month at the FRCC. For more information, visit huronriverfishing.com or email FISH@huronriverfishing.com.
The Ecorse Historical Society: Meets the third Saturday of each month at:City of Ecorse, Albert B. Buday Civic, 3869 W Jefferson Ave., Ecorse. Meeting is held in Conference Room B from noon to 1 p.m. Call 313-386-2520 Ext. 4.
Downriver Plarning: Bag Ladies With a Cause is every Tuesday from 6:30-8:30 p.m. at the Bacon Memorial District Library, 45 Vinewood, Wyandotte. Crochet grocery bags into sleeping mats for the homeless. You can stop in and just grab supplies too. Visit baconlibrary.org or call 734-246-8357.
Yoga: Tuesdays at the Downriver Council for the Arts, 81 Chestnut, Wyandotte from 5:30-6:30 p.m, every Tuesday. Suitable for all levels, this Hatha Yoga Flow will focus on linking breath to movement, deep stretching, building core strength and improving balance and overall well-being. Bring your own yoga mat. Drop-in for $10 a class or $35 for (4 classes). For more information call 734-720-0671 or visit www.downriverarts.org
Heart to Heart Hospice Volunteers needed: Heart to Heart Hospice is looking for downriver community members to join the group’s team of volunteers, who will visit with patients on a weekly or bi-weekly basis to help increase their quality of life during their finals days. Visits can provide friendship, compassion and distraction from their prognosis. Activities that clients might enjoy are being read to, watching television together, talking about who and where they’ve been, their families, hearing about your day, playing cards, and so much more. Most importantly, we are looking for volunteers to provide their time, talent, and to have compassion and empathy. Heart to Heart serves Allen Park, Canton, Dearborn, Dearborn Heights, Southgate, Taylor, Westland, Ypsilanti and beyond. Volunteers should contact volunteer coordinator Randi Williams, at 734-282-0209.
Great Lakes Steel Salaried Retirees Club: Meets every third Monday at Crystal Gardens, 16703 Fort St. Southgate. Doors open at noon. Lunch promptly at 1 p.m. Cost $12 for members, $13 non-members. Door prizes and 50/50 raffles. Open to any salaried retiree of Great Lakes Steel. For more information, contact Desta Pulter at 313-842-0385.
Bingo: 6:15 p.m. Thursdays; VFW Post No. 9283, 16200 Dix-Toledo Road, Southgate; doors open at 4 p.m.; $500 jackpot; all proceeds go to the VFW Ladies Auxiliary general fund.
Hospice of Michigan: Seeking volunteers to visit with patients in the Downriver area; to learn more, call 248-303-6818 or email aknoppow@hom.org.
Ace of Spades progressive raffle: Drawing held at 7 p.m. every Thursday; St. Alfred Parish Center, 24175 Baske St., Taylor; tickets are $1 each; if the Ace of Spades is not selected by the weekly drawn winner, a consolation prize is awarded and the jackpot grows; tickets not selected do not carry over from week to week; purchased tickets are good for the week in which they are purchased only; tickets can be purchased after all weekend Masses at the church, at the St. Alfred parish office weekdays, Alliance Catholic Credit Union and Leon’s Family Restaurant on Telegraph; for more information, call Bob Prusakiewicz at 734-552-9752, Doug Woniewski at 734-635-6708 or the parish office at 313-291-6464.
Island Road Runners: 8:30 a.m. Saturdays at Grosse Ile Middle School and 5:30 p.m. Mondays at the Elizabeth Park Pavilion in Trenton; runners and walkers are invited to participate in the Island Road Runners’ weekly runs/walks; people of all running/walking paces and abilities are welcome to the weekly, non-competitive club workouts; the summertime “tailgate treats” will follow the 8:30 a.m. run/walk at the middle school, during which the club provides food and beverages; for more information, visit islandroadrunners.com.