APRIL IS HERE! SMILES ABOUND! Beautiful Lake St. Clair, blue and wavy, inviting pleasure boaters and fishermen enjoying themselves on the waters. Swimmers in the future. Old Glory fluttering at the park. Animals and birds in the sun and nearly green grass appearing. Youngsters riding bikes, scooters, throwing balls and batting at them. Walkers, swinging arms, stepping fast. Smiles. Yes! Spring has “sprung!”
RUMMAGE SALE APRIL 11-13: St. Mary Queen of Creation Catholic Church, 36254 Main, is hosting the sale in the old gym, indoors and also, in the school, indoors. The hours are: Thursday and Friday, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., while the Saturday hours are 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Stroll through every aisle and look over every table and counter. There will be plenty of interesting items to purchase. Happy shopping!
APRIL 13 SPAGHETTI DINNER: St. John’s Lutheran Church, 51161 Maria, corner of Green, invited Our Town and friends to enjoy a pasta dinner during 4-7 p.m. Chef Roger Bokano and his staff present a delicious meal that has sauce with or without meat, an added entree, garlic toast, salad, desserts and beverages. The donation is $10 for adults and $5 for children ages 5 to 11 years. Younger than age 5, free. Don’t miss it!
VFW APRIL 14 BIG BREAKFAST: Located at 35011 23 Mile, the serving hours are 8-11 a.m. in the Cove. A minimum donation is requested at $10 for adults and $2 for children ages 10 and younger. World War II veterans eat free. The tasty menu includes eggs to order, scrambled eggs, French toast, homemade gravy, biscuits, bacon, sausage and potatoes. Carryout available. To reach Post 7573, call 586-725-7100.
WHO WILL BE 2024 CITIZEN OF THE YEAR? With an April 15 deadline, nominations must be submitted to propose a special person (must be a citizen) who is standing above the rest. Available at New Baltimore City Hall, 36435 Green and MacDonald Public Library, 36480 Main, nomination forms may be found at either site. Consider, carefully, a person, or a couple (one year a winner), and boast about their work in Our Town. The Citizen’s Advisory Committee, CAC, will read the nomination forms and make a selection. The honoree, who has been chosen since 1971, 42 years, will be added to a long list of outstanding local citizens who have made Our Town outstanding, as well. The winner will be feted at a banquet in Aug, and before, ride in a convertible with the top down, in the Bay-Rama Parade.
APRIL 19 TACO GOODNESS! A fiesta! Where? VFW Post 7573, 35011 23 Mile, from 5-7 p.m., food and entertainment will be yours. Enjoy at dinner plate of tacos, choice of protein, rice and beans, chicken, beef or port, corn and flour tortillas. At $10 a plate, additional items are $2, one taco, side of rice, side of beans. To contact the post, the number is 586-725-7100. Ole!
APRIL 20 IMPORTANT PROGRAM: Grace United Methodist Church, 49655 Jefferson, Chesterfield, invites readers and friends to attend an event that features speaker, Portia Jackson, of Turning Point. Her topic is: “An Empowerment Based Approach to Human Trafficking.” From 10-11 a.m., discussion will follow from 11 a.m.-noon. Grace United Methodist Church is a champion on this topic. To reach the church, call 586-725-1054.
APRIL 25 EARLY TROPICAL PAINTING CLASS: Taking place at the Pearl Beach Lions Club, 9590 Phelps Road, 7-8:30 p.m., registration is required by calling 586-219-1356 or via Venmo. The fee is $35, with $5 donated to the Lions Club. BYOB.
APRIL 28 MEAT BINGO: At 2 p.m., the fee is $1 a stick, with five rounds and three winners per round. Snack bar available. Located at 35011 23 Mile, VFW Post 7573, be there for fun with friends.
APRIL 30 FIREKEEPERS CASINO TRIP: Contact Shirley at 586-531-1934 and be off with friends to Battle Creek. The fee is $50 a person. Departure is from the Lowes parking lot, 27990 23 Mile, Chesterfield, with guests to arrive by 7:45 a.m., at 8 a.m. The fee includes transportation by motor coach, driver’s tip, raffles, movie, small snack and bottled water. The casino offers $20 card play and a $5 food coupon. Reach 55 points, and checking the points, $10 will be placed on the card. Good luck!
MAY 4 BROWN BAG BOUTIQUE: A fundraiser for Turning Point, the event will be taking place at First Congregational Church, 36223 Alfred, corner of Base, in Our Town, during the hours of 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Selling gentle, used women’s clothes, purses and accessories, the fee is $10 a bag.
MAY 4 IRA BICYCLE SAFETY DAY: At 10:30 a.m., at the Ira Township Office parking lot, 7085 Meldrum, youngsters are asked to bring their bikes with them. Free helmets will be given, along with safety booklets and children will enjoy an obstacle course. SEMCO safety items given as well. Bike inspection will be happen. Al Lauland will be on hand. Sponsor of the day is Nickel & Saph Insurance Agency.
MAY 4 PERENNIAL AND SEED EXCHANGE: At 10 a.m. at the Ira Township Office, 7085 Meldrum, vendors of garden art and garden-related products are welcome. Bring along plants and exchange them with other gardeners. Tips will be shared and questions will be answered.
NEW OUTDOOR FULL BODY FITNESS PROGRAM: Starting Tuesday, May 13, through fall, there are two days in the program: Mondays at 6:15 a.m. and Thursdays at 6:15 p.m. No experience is necessary. Where? In the Ira Township Park, 7085 Meldrum, corner of Short Cut Road. Preregister at the Meldrum address. The class pack is $50, or $10 a class, when preregistering. Otherwise, $15, as a drop-in on a certain day. Consider the class will strengthen all muscle groups. Cardio and core exercises, resistance bands and using weight. Questions and to preregister, call 586-339-3969 or email cindy@iratownship.org.
SUNRISE YOGA: Starting Wednesday, May 15, at 6:15 a.m., a class pack at $50 a person, or $10 a class, if the class pack is paid. Preregister at the Ira Township Office, 7085 Meldrum, Fair Haven. Focus on a quiet mind, and improve strength, balance and flexibility. $15 drop-in fee. Note: A waiver must be signed on site. Questions? Call 586-339-3969 or email cindy@iratownship.org.
MAY 17 “ROCKIN’ TRIBUTE:” At VFW Post 7573, 35011 23 Mile, co-hosts Selfridge Chesterfield Lions Club and American Business Women’s Association Suburban Connection Charter Chapter will welcome guests at 6 p.m. Tickets for this FUNdraising event are $25, with proceeds toward scholarships, grants and community service projects. Entertainment will be presented by Donny Rod (Rod Stewart) and Elvis Kelly (Elvis Presley). Cash bar. concessions for purchase, gift basket raffles, 50/50 raffles and silent auction for delicious desserts. Go to: https://tinyurl.com/rockintribute.
SUNDAY, MAY 19 NBIC IN CONCERT: The New Baltimore Interfaith Choir, entertaining Our Town since the fall of 1966, will present a spring concert at Lighthouse Bible Church, 52260 Washington, at 2 p.m. Bette Carrothers, founder and director of the NBIC, Sandra Vallee Fearn is the accompanist. Selections to bring a smile and joy to one’s heart, the audience may want to sing along. Rev. Jeff Bean is the pastor of Lighthouse Bible Church. He, along with his members, has welcomed the choir and audience for many years. With appreciation, the choir has performed at the church, twice in the year, in the spring and at Christmastime. The first concert at the church was on Dec. 2, 2012. Mark the calendar and be there with the NBIC in 2024. Singing is a lifetime “sport.”
FUTURE NB RECREATION TRIP: First, 586-725-0291 is the number for questions. Friday, June 14, (Flag Day), Senior Citizens will enjoy a boat cruise on the Detroit River on the Detroit Princess. Make a reservation at the Aquatic Center, 52401 Ashley, ahead. At $70 a person, the fee includes a buffet on the boat with Motown music. Departure will be at 9:30 a.m. from Maynard “Red” Aurand Memorial Park on 24 Mile, and the arrival back home will be around 3:30 p.m. Note: a senior citizen is 62 years of age or older.
IRA NATURE HEROES PROGRAM JUNE 23-JULY 14: A four-week session, at 10 a.m. on Sundays, children ages 5 to 8 years are invited. The fee is $25 a child, with additional family children, at $15. Appreciating nature, it is an environment education, under the leadership of Amber Trombley and Assistant Reid Hiltunen. The sponsor is Grosso Trucking and A & J Painting and Renovations. To make a reservation, call 586-339-3969 or email cindy@iratownship.org.
CHESTERFIELD TOWNSHIP HISTORICAL SOCIETY PROGRAMS: All events will be held on their grounds on Sugarbush Road, Chesterfield. Mark the calendar for: June 1-2: Ste. Claire Voyagers, French fur traders; July 13: World War II reenactment with Michigan Technical and Historical Society members. Also, Allied and Axis encampment and displays; Aug. 10-11: Vietnam era reenactment; Sept. 14: CHS Heritage Days with hands-on activities and games, “Kids Tent,” candle making, roping making, corn grinding, scavenger hunt and craft show. The Our Town column will reveal more information as the months continue.
FUTURE NB RECREATION DEPARTMENT TRIP: Friday, July 19, be off with friends to the Greektown Casino, at $35 a person. Departure at 8 a.m. from Maynard “Red” Aurand Memorial Park, 24 Mile, with a arrival back home around 3 p.m. Stop by the Aquatic Center, 52401 Ashley, to make a reservation, ahead.
OUTSTANDING PROGRAMS PLANNED: The New Baltimore Parks and Recreation Department is busy scheduling the many classes it has for the spring/summer seasons. For all ages and interests, nearly every day of the week has events planned. Calling 586-725-0291 or going to the Aquatic Center, 52401 Ashley, to learn more about the sessions, is suggested by the writer. Many will begin in April, with all going through June. See the March 13 Our Town column for further details. Or, go to: nbrecreation.org.
IRA TOWNSHIP PARK MAY BE RENTED: On Short Cut, near Meldrum Road, the park has a pleasant, country feeling for guests. A covered pavilion, swings, slides and trails to explore, the park is may be rented for events. To make a reservation, go to the Ira Township office, 7085 Meldrum and make arrangements. The fee is $50 for township residents and $100 for non-residents., with a reserved sign posted. Go to the office, within hours on Monday-Thursday, 7 a.m. to 5 p.m. Closed noon to 1 p.m. To learn more about the assets of the facility, contact Parks and Recreation Director Cindy Babisz at cindy@iratownship.org or call Anna at 586-339-3969.
PANTRY NEEDS: The St. Mary’s Pantry, open on Mondays and Wednesdays, 11:30 a.m.-1:30 p.m., located within a block of Main, Base, Front and Maria, will accept donations: ham with bone, for Easter, ramen noodles, crackers, stuffing, dry food, vegetables, Rice-A-Roni, pasta, oatmeal, snack bars and soap. Canned food desired: tomatoes, beef stew, carrots, tuna fish and chicken broth. Also, diapers, any size and wipes. The pantry may be reached at 586-725-6304.
BEVERAGE CANS/BOTTLES COLLECTION ONGOING: On Saturdays, 10 a.m. to noon, at the entrance of the Champion Health Club, 33093 23 Mile, Premier Mall, a New Baltimore Lion Club member will have a pickup available for donations of clean, empty cans and bottles. The collection’s earnings are donated to support the Leaders Dogs for the Blind facility in Rochester and to send children without sight to summer camp. Thank You!
WORDS TO SHARE: “Worry does not empty tomorrow of its sorrow; it empties today of its strength.” Corrie Ten Boom. “Love is the best thing in the world, and the thing that lives longest.” Henry Van Dyke. “One gentle word that we may speak, Or one kind, loving deed, May, though a trifle poor and weak, Prove like a tiny seed, And who can tell what good may spring from such a very little thing.” Anonymous.
To report news about your service organization, call Bette Carrothers at 586-725-8051 or email her at wgcmusicbjc@webtv.net.
