January 14, 2025 - ANNUAL BUSINESS MEETING
(Please see dedicated page)
(Please see dedicated page)
FEBRUARY 11, 2025
DAVID GAKURE
EDUCATION SPECIALIST, DETROIT ZOO
David is also the Trip Leader at the Detroit Zoological Society at the facility in Royal Oak and Huntington Woods and the Zoo on Belle Isle.
Spanning more than 125 acres, DZS houses more than 2,000 animals and 200 species. It is regarded as an international leader in animal welfare, conservation and sustainability.
DAVID GAKURE
EDUCATION SPECIALIST, DETROIT ZOO
David is also the Trip Leader at the Detroit Zoological Society at the facility in Royal Oak and Huntington Woods and the Zoo on Belle Isle.
Spanning more than 125 acres, DZS houses more than 2,000 animals and 200 species. It is regarded as an international leader in animal welfare, conservation and sustainability.
MARCH 11, 2025
GRACE CENTERS OF HOPE
SPEAKER CHRISTINE JOHNSON
GRACE CENTERS OF HOPE
SPEAKER CHRISTINE JOHNSON
Based in Pontiac, Grace Centers of Hope is a non-profit Christian organization committed to positively changing the lives of the unwanted, abused and homeless through the Gospel of Jesus Christ, personal accountability, life skills education and work-related programs.
Christine Johnson told her story of addiction, recovery and hope. She has turned her life around and is now the Special Events Coordinator responsible for all major events that support the funding of Grace Centers of Hope.
Jim Sabatella from the DSO joined us on April 8th. Sabatella oversees the popular programs that the residents of Southeastern Michigan love, including outstanding music and life-changing educational programs for young students.
MAY 13, 2025
ANNUAL SPRING TEA
ANNUAL SPRING TEA
The Spring Tea this year was a lovely event. Sandy Debicki and her committee did a superb job again. Each year is better than the last. We all had a wonderful day spending time with friends. We had a delicious English tea luncheon. Many special items and opportunities were raffled or purchased. There was a Silent Auction with many beautiful items. We contributed many items to the women and children of Grace Centers of Hope, and raised $3040, to help with the various programs that they provide.
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JUNE 10, 2025
JODY WAITS, CHIEF DEVELOPMENT OFFICER FOR MAKE A WISH MICHIGAN Jody Waits is a firm believer in the Make a Wish mission of "Together we create life changing wishes for children with critical illnesses. Support comes from corporate sponsorships, special events, foundation grants and individual contributions. Jody told several stories of the children that have been helped. Samantha's wish was to play hockey with the Detroit Red Wings and James was granted his wish of securing the kit to build a replica of the Titanic with Legos. He also went to Lego Land. Jody had many more heartfelt stories, which brought smiles to all the ladies. |
Kim Daniels introduced Jody to us. Kim was especially happy to introduce Jody because she is a very close and long time friend of Kim's family.
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JULY 8, 2025
COLLEEN MCNAMARA, COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT MANAGER
DETROIT INSTITUTE OF ARTS
Colleen helps connect communities in the tri-county area to the resources and programs available through the museum. Having previously worked in both the Curatorial and Exhibitions departments at the DIA, she has a broad understanding of the museum collections and a passion for making art accessible to everyone. Colleen graduated from the University of North Carolina at Chapell Hill with a Bachelor's in International Studies with a focus on Global Arts and Identity.
COLLEEN MCNAMARA, COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT MANAGER
DETROIT INSTITUTE OF ARTS
Colleen helps connect communities in the tri-county area to the resources and programs available through the museum. Having previously worked in both the Curatorial and Exhibitions departments at the DIA, she has a broad understanding of the museum collections and a passion for making art accessible to everyone. Colleen graduated from the University of North Carolina at Chapell Hill with a Bachelor's in International Studies with a focus on Global Arts and Identity.
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One interesting fact: DIA has a significant collection of puppets, for instance Kermit is on display for six months. Then, he will put in storage for three years.
DIA houses several paintings by local artists as well. |
Colleen told us about the many Senior Programs - free group trips, musical performances: Melodies, Jazz Classical, Motown as well as silent films. General admission is free to residents of Wayne, Oakland and Macomb. She spoke of the Inside/Out program which takes reproductions of artwork out into the communities displaying them at local venues, libraries, town squares, etc. DIA Partners in Public Art Murals. She mentioned the Mural at the Farmington Farmers Market.
AUGUST 12, 2025
MEGAN MC ADOW, DIRECTOR OF THE MARSHALL FREDERICKS SCULPTURE MUSEUM
MEGAN MC ADOW, DIRECTOR OF THE MARSHALL FREDERICKS SCULPTURE MUSEUM
Megan McAdow has worked in museums for over 20 years and seven organizations. She joined the Marshall M. Fredericks Sculpture Museum on the campus of Saginaw Valley State University as Director in 2019. She also serves as board member of the Michigan Museums Association. She lives in Flint with her husband Walter and their golden retriever Emmett.
Megan spoke of Fredericks Marshall, Sculptor. Over 200 of his sculptures are housed at SaginawValley State University. He was an American Artist best known for his outdoor sculptures. He was of Scandinavian heritage, born in Rock Island, Illinois, on January 31, 1908 and died in 1998 at the age of 90. Many of his works are displayed throughout the Detroit, many of the surrounding areas.
Megan spoke of Fredericks Marshall, Sculptor. Over 200 of his sculptures are housed at SaginawValley State University. He was an American Artist best known for his outdoor sculptures. He was of Scandinavian heritage, born in Rock Island, Illinois, on January 31, 1908 and died in 1998 at the age of 90. Many of his works are displayed throughout the Detroit, many of the surrounding areas.
The Catholic Shrine in Indian River, MI
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City of Detroit City County Building has the "Spirit of Detroit"
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Numerous sculptures are prominently displayed in and around Birmingham, MI. The First Presbyterian Church, The Community House, Beaumont Hospital, Kirk of the Hills, Cranbrook, Birmingham Shain Park, Baldwin Library, Royal Oak and Southfield, as well as many private collections. Below, the First one is Freedom of Human Spirit in Shain Park. Next, Young Knight was dedicated at Seaholm High School in memory of Marc Joslyn and is awarded annually to two outstanding seniors for excellence in citizenship and leadership. Honorees' names are engraved on plaques surrounding the sculpture. The third is The Boy on a Bear. It was sculpted for the J.L. Hudson Company and originally installed at Northland Mall. It is now located at the Southfield Public Library.
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September 9, 2025
Shades of Fall Fashion Show at the Village Club
Shades of Fall Fashion Show at the Village Club
Our Fall Fashion Show was a big success. We all had a very enjoyable day. Fashions from JUST GIRLS were modeled by TBMWC members, and Katie from Just Girls presented the fashions that they wore. We had a Silent Auction, and two vendors: Wendy Nelson Jewelry and The Sweetest Gourmet and many door prizes.
Chris Wludyka, Lunch Chair drafted her daughters-in-law, Eva and Jenny to greet the guests and give them their name tags.
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The Girls from Just Girls:
Katie and |
Debbie Warn, Betty Ann Callanan, Fashion Show Chair shop for baked goods from Sweetest Gourmet,
Cathy Weatherford |
Wendy Nelson, Artist and Owner of Wendy Nelson Jewelry and her daughter
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Bonnie Gentilia, Marie Weiner and Shirley Labrenz
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Barbara Subay, Marilyn Rusche, and Elaine Garvin
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Joanne Cross, Carla Connelly, and guest
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Leslie Swanson and Irene Reich
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Linda Waterstredt, second from left and her guests.
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Barbara Larson, Joni Keller-Herman and Nancy Howell
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The Models
Ann Duncan
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Sandy Debicki
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Karen Luscomb
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Nancy Shields
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Lola Wagner
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Maria Goike
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Karen Grimske
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October 14, 2025
SHARRI WATKINS, CHIEF OPERATING OFFICER
MOTOWN MUSEUM
Ms Watkins spoke to us about the beginning of Motown recording company founded by Barry Gordy, Jr. in 1959 that became one of the most successful black-owned businesses and one of the most influential independent record companies in American History. We all remembered our favorite Motown artists and our favorite songs that affected us in our teen years and beyond.
She spoke of the Supremes, The Temptations, Smokey Robinson, Michael Jackson, etc., etc.
Hitsville U.S.A. was the first headquarters and recording studio located on West Grand Blvd. in Detroit. It is now a museum and was established as the Motown Historical Museum (Hitsville U.S.A) in 1985 by Ester Gordy Edwards, Barry Gordy's sister.
SHARRI WATKINS, CHIEF OPERATING OFFICER
MOTOWN MUSEUM
Ms Watkins spoke to us about the beginning of Motown recording company founded by Barry Gordy, Jr. in 1959 that became one of the most successful black-owned businesses and one of the most influential independent record companies in American History. We all remembered our favorite Motown artists and our favorite songs that affected us in our teen years and beyond.
She spoke of the Supremes, The Temptations, Smokey Robinson, Michael Jackson, etc., etc.
Hitsville U.S.A. was the first headquarters and recording studio located on West Grand Blvd. in Detroit. It is now a museum and was established as the Motown Historical Museum (Hitsville U.S.A) in 1985 by Ester Gordy Edwards, Barry Gordy's sister.
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Rosie Coleman introduced Sharri Watkins at the luncheon.
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From the humble beginnings in 1959 to a large addition in 2025. Sharri was asked about Barry Gordy, Jr. - He retired 5 years ago at age 90, and moved to California. He will be celebrating his 96th birthday on November 28.
November 11, 2025
MIKE WOLOSZYK as HARVEY FIRESTONE TOLD US ABOUT HIS GOOD FRIEND HENRY FORD AND HIS FRIENDS
Harvey Firestone met Henry Ford in 1897, both were Midwesterners. They became very good friends.
Henry Ford was born in Springwells (later to be named Dearborn), Michigan on July 30, 1863. He was not a good student, but he had a mechanical mind. His Father was from Ireland and his mother was born in Michigan. He lived on the family farm which was in Dearborn on Greenfield Road. At 12 years old he took apart a watch and had no trouble putting it back together again. He became a watch repairman. At 15 he left the farm and became an assistant machinist at Edison Illuminating Co. which enabled him to pursue building a horseless carriage. At that time he became good friends with Thomas Edison who was 15 years older than him
He went on to be successful at building cars, and started the assembly line, workers were paid $5 a day.
"Harvey Firestone" went on to tell us of other Friends they made. Barney Oldfield drove Henry Ford's first car in races going 90 mph. Clyde Barrow (of Bonnie and Clyde) thanked HF for building such a fast car!
He also told us of the 4 Vagabonds: Ford, Harvey Firestone, Edison, and John Burroughs (an American Naturalist and nature essayist, active in the conservation movement in the US.
They went on many camping trips together. Not like any camping trips we are familiar with. They had a parade of cars traveling in Michigan's North and in the Upper Peninsula. The cars not only had the campers but also cooks, servants and whoever were necessary to set up the camp sites. Occasionally US Presidents Warren Harding and Calvin Coolidge joined the party.
Mike Woloszyk is such a great storyteller. He went on to tell us so much more about Henry Ford and his friend. It was so very interesting!
MIKE WOLOSZYK as HARVEY FIRESTONE TOLD US ABOUT HIS GOOD FRIEND HENRY FORD AND HIS FRIENDS
Harvey Firestone met Henry Ford in 1897, both were Midwesterners. They became very good friends.
Henry Ford was born in Springwells (later to be named Dearborn), Michigan on July 30, 1863. He was not a good student, but he had a mechanical mind. His Father was from Ireland and his mother was born in Michigan. He lived on the family farm which was in Dearborn on Greenfield Road. At 12 years old he took apart a watch and had no trouble putting it back together again. He became a watch repairman. At 15 he left the farm and became an assistant machinist at Edison Illuminating Co. which enabled him to pursue building a horseless carriage. At that time he became good friends with Thomas Edison who was 15 years older than him
He went on to be successful at building cars, and started the assembly line, workers were paid $5 a day.
"Harvey Firestone" went on to tell us of other Friends they made. Barney Oldfield drove Henry Ford's first car in races going 90 mph. Clyde Barrow (of Bonnie and Clyde) thanked HF for building such a fast car!
He also told us of the 4 Vagabonds: Ford, Harvey Firestone, Edison, and John Burroughs (an American Naturalist and nature essayist, active in the conservation movement in the US.
They went on many camping trips together. Not like any camping trips we are familiar with. They had a parade of cars traveling in Michigan's North and in the Upper Peninsula. The cars not only had the campers but also cooks, servants and whoever were necessary to set up the camp sites. Occasionally US Presidents Warren Harding and Calvin Coolidge joined the party.
Mike Woloszyk is such a great storyteller. He went on to tell us so much more about Henry Ford and his friend. It was so very interesting!
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DECEMBER 9, 2025
HOLIDAY CONCERT SING-A-LONG
with Russ Ives, "The Singing Exterminator" and his piano accompaniment, Stefen Kulurugya
HOLIDAY CONCERT SING-A-LONG
with Russ Ives, "The Singing Exterminator" and his piano accompaniment, Stefen Kulurugya
What a great way to kick off the wonderful holiday season! We so enjoyed the merriment!
Russ led us in a sing-along Christmas carol medley to celebrate the season. A Tenor extraordinaire he has performed for and sung for many well-known clubs and choirs. He is a member of the First Episcopal Church choir in Birmingham and has sung our National Anthem 25 times at MLB games. His day job is CEO of Rose Pest Control.
Russ led us in a sing-along Christmas carol medley to celebrate the season. A Tenor extraordinaire he has performed for and sung for many well-known clubs and choirs. He is a member of the First Episcopal Church choir in Birmingham and has sung our National Anthem 25 times at MLB games. His day job is CEO of Rose Pest Control.
Stefen and Russ
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Our Co-President Cheryl Manigiapane and Programs Chair Rosie Coleman
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1. Russ leads us in song, 2. Nancy Junga, Ava Wixted, Sharon McKenna, Ingrid Snyder, and Carol Marshall visit prior to the Sing-a-long, 3. Theresa Migdal and Lola Wagner, 4. Elaine Garvin and Terri Goff.
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This year, as we have done for the past 8 years, the members brought in toys and books for the Pediatric Oncology patients who are spending the holidays in the hospital. In the past, our member, Pat McCardy and her husband Bob would FILL their truck with the toys and deliver to the Bottomless Toy Chest. This year, we thank Kim Daniels and Betty Ann Callanan who have taken over for Pat and Bob as they were no longer able to do so.
And, this year we were able to FILL Kim's Van plus Betty Ann's car!
And, this year we were able to FILL Kim's Van plus Betty Ann's car!