The War Memorial's Live Inspired Magazine November/December 2022

BRIGHT DAYS AHEAD!

FRIENDS OF THE WAR MEMORIAL,

As our new state-of-the-art facility soon opens, and with an even brighter future on the horizon, we at The War Memorial are ever conscious of our ability and responsibility to impact lives and support our community in meaningful ways.

We invite you to live inspired and sincerely hope, that as you contemplate your year-end charitable giving, you might consider The War Memorial worthy of a gift.

The programs and services offered by The War Memorial are only possible because of your generous donations. Thanks to your contributions, our diverse programming and services as a nonprofit institution reach over 65 community partners and thousands of individuals annually. Your gifts are critical to our ability to fulfill our mission of being a contemporary patriotic, cultural and community leader.

In the next year, two significant additions will open to the public at The War Memorial –The Fred M. Alger Center for Arts, Culture, and Humanities, and Les Braves II: At Water’s Edge. The Alger Center is one way The War Memorial is building a more inspired future. The 25,000 square foot facility with sweeping views will feature a full restoration of the 1961 crystal ballroom, and a new Colonnade entrance that is welcoming to all people from all places. The Center also affords new spaces for patriotic reflection and community gathering, encouraging patrons to come and simply be.

Les Braves II: At Water’s Edge is expected to be officially and formally dedicated on the grounds of The War Memorial Association during our 2023 Memorial Week Celebrations. We are honored to house one of the Midwest’s most important public art installations right here on our cherished grounds, serving as a global twin to the beaches of Normandy.

We would not be here, on the brink of our bright future, without your enduring support. You can donate a one-time or monthly gift, contribute by sponsoring an upcoming event, or explore a Planned Gift at our website: www.warmemorial.org/support

We hope you continue your support and join us in our bright future together.

Charles Burke

President and CEO, The War Memorial

BOARD DIRECTOR SPOTLIGHTS

War Memorial board director recognized for work with nonprofit organization

On two occasions in October, Mary and Ron Lamparter were honored in Macomb County for their continued efforts in the community.

Oct. 14, the Lamparter’s were recognized for "outstanding civic service leadership in the community" by being pre sented with the Mayor Richard J. Notte Civic Service Leadership Award. Then on Oct. 20, the couple was inducted into the Macomb County Hall of Fame at an awards ceremony.

Mary Lamparter is the secretary on The War Memorial Board of Directors. The Grosse Pointe

Farms couple has been involved with Defense Center Corridor for Collaboration and Synergy in Sterling Heights and Guardian Angels Medical Service Dogs.

Guardian Angels Medical Service Dogs is a 501(c)3 based in Williston, Florida. Its goal is to unleash the incredible power of service dogs. Mary has volun teered with them as a Michigan regional coordinator for about nine years, assisting with many fund raisers and spreading the good word of its work.

“I had been holding a fundraiser called ‘celebrate Michigan’s military,’ but about 10 years ago, that fundraiser went to other veteran causes,” she said. “I was then introduced to Guardian Angels and fell in love with their mission.”

Since 2010, hundreds of dogs have been paired with veterans and first responders in 29 states. When a dog is placed with an individual, Mary commented she knows that person will have a much better life.

Distinguished Eagle Scout Award presented to War Memorial board director

During the Sept. 20 On My Honor Gala at the Troy Marriott hotel, Brig. Gen. Rolf Mammen was presented with the Distinguished Eagle Scout Award by The Boy Scouts of America Michigan Crossroads Council. The award acknowledges Eagle Scouts who have received extraordinary national-level recognition, fame, or demonstrated eminence within their field, and have a strong record of voluntary service to their community.

“I’ve been a student of leadership my entire life,” Mammen said at the gala. “Every day, even today as a general officer of a large organization, I’m still a student of leadership. I have mentors out there that I listen to and talk with regularly.”

Mammen is commander of the 127th Wing at Selfridge Air National Guard Base in Harrison Township. He has been on The War Memorial Association Board of Directors since 2013.

In his remarks, the one-star general thanked War Memorial Board Chair Donna Hoban, Board Secretary Mary Lamparter and Ron Lamparter, and President and CEO Charles Burke, all who attended the gala.

Mammen was in Troop 34 out of Ferry Elementary School in Grosse Pointe Woods. He was in Boy Scouts from 1976-1982, until he graduated from Grosse Pointe North High School.

With the honor, Mammen is now part of less than one ten-thousandth of one percent of the over 200 million people who have joined the Boy Scout ranks since 1910 who have received the Distinguished Eagle Scout Award.

TWM

proud sponsor of the Guardian Angels Medical Service Dogs

COMMUNITY PARTNER SPOTLIGHT

Junior League of Detroit: thriving for over 100 years

Without support from the community and partner ships, The Junior League of Detroit (JLD) wouldn’t be able to exist for more than 100 years.

JLD is a dynamic group of women leaders who have been making change happen since 1914. For over 100 years, it has been striving to promote voluntarism, develop the potential of women, and improve commu nities through the effective action and leadership of trained volunteers.

“Our ability to thrive and survive is not done by accident and only comes through the support of our partners, such as The War Memorial, and the community at large,” Kimberly Burke, president of Junior League of Detroit, said. “We can’t do our work without their support.”

Jefferson East positively impacting Detroit, grateful for War Memorial partnership

Folks may have noticed a connection to The War Memorial at this year’s Jazzin’ at The Vanity.

In June, The War Memorial was a proud presenter of Jazzin’ at The Vanity, a two-day jazz and blues festival. It featured live performances by local and national per formers, great food, a cool marketplace, crafts, visual art experiences, kids' activities, and more.

“We’ve had a long relationship with The War Memorial over the years with hosting events and there was always this desire to see how do we break down barriers between the Grosse Pointes and the city of Detroit,” Jefferson East, Inc. Chief Executive Officer Josh Elling said. “We want to link assets along Jefferson like The War Memorial and the Jefferson Chalmers business district.”

Jefferson East, Inc. was established in 1994. Its mission is growing Detroit’s East Jefferson corridor

In October, JLD wrapped up its Designers’ Show House. This year’s home was at 205 Lake Shore Road in Grosse Pointe Farms.

Since its inception, JLD has completed 53 major projects in and around the City of Detroit and has awarded over $250,000 dollars in community grants.

JLD is a local chapter of the Association of Junior Leagues International and embraces the vision of Mary Harriman, founder of the Junior League movement.

Burke, who is married to Charles Burke, president and CEO of The War Memorial, has been part of JLD for almost nine years.

and its neighborhoods through facilitative leadership, collaborative partnership, innovative and impactful programming.

“The group of residents that originally came together to form Jefferson East advocated around the develop ment of Riverbend Shopping Center,” he said. “After that, folks realized the historic commercial corridor in Jefferson Chalmers really needed a lot of attention.”

JEI represents five distinct neighborhoods along the East Jefferson corridor and provides programming within a boundary area of 18.4 square miles. It rep resents approximately 42,200 residents. For more information on Jefferson East, visit jeffersoneast.org

PAXTON’S PASSION

Paxton’s passion for food evident as new kitchen opens at the Alger Center

Teamwork and staff at The War Memorial, (TWM) are Joe Paxton’s favorite part of coming to work.

Paxton, of Dearborn, is the exec utive chef at TWM, a position he has held since April 2021.

“The attitude of the staff and the desire for everybody to come together and put together an experience for one event is amazing,” he said.

Paxton, 38, attended culinary school at Oakland Community College in Farmington Hills. While at MidMichigan Community College in Mount Pleasant, he started his first kitchen job at Big Boy as a dishwasher.

Over the years, he’s worked as a butcher, spent time cooking at a hotel, cooked at 24 Grille in downtown Detroit, Slows Bar BQ, executive chef at Grosse Ile Golf and Country Club, and executive chef at the Detroit Yacht Club. He even lived in North Carolina, learning the art of cooking southern food.

It was at the Detroit Yacht Club when he connect ed with two ladies who now are employed at The War Memorial – Chief Administrative Officer Nikki Charbonneau and Senior Hospitality Manager

Emily Orttenburger. When he moved back to Michigan in 2020, he took part in reopening Garage Grill & Fuel Bar in Northville.

In response to what it is about The War Memorial that piqued his interest, the executive chef said “there is no ticket machine. At a restaurant, there is a ticket machine and it kills you. Here, you get to be a big part

Here, you get to be a big part of people’s special day ... They come with an expectation of quality and service and that appealed to me.”

of people’s special day. No one really thinks about the foods at a wedding, but here, people do. They come with an expectation of quality and service and that appealed to me.”

With the Fred M. Alger Center now open, Paxton said he’s geeked about it.

“We liked it in the old kitchen, but there’s no way we can do that kind of volume,” he said. “Coming from a kitch en that is nice, but tiny, to a kitchen with space is nice.”

HOLIDAYS AT THE WAR MEMORIAL

Merry. Bright. Inspired.

‘Tis the season for friends and family to gather at The War Memorial for another year of holiday cheer. Join us for a month of magical festive events, sure to leave everyone smiling all the way through the new year – there’s something for everyone under our tree!

MAGICAL HOLIDAYS

Time for family FUN at The War Memorial while we celebrate the magic of the holiday season – filled with the delightful humor of Gordon the Magician, festive treats, writing a letter to Santa, and then a visit from the jolly man himself!

WHEN SUNDAY, DECEMBER 11

TIME 4:30pm

ENGAGING EXPERIENCES

at The War Memorial

DAVE SHARP WORLDS QUARTET

DAYTRIP TO THE DSO HOME FOR THE HOLIDAYS Thrill to the spectacle of the season and share Detroit's favorite holiday musical tradition with family and friends. Join us as we depart from The War Memorial by coach and head to Orchestra Hall to delight in the DSO’s sparkling celebration of carols, classics —and yes, Virginia, there will be a Santa Claus!

WHEN FRIDAY, DECEMBER 16 TIME 10:45am

SWINGIN’ INTO THE SEASON

Join us for the perfect night – delicious hors d'oeuvres strolling amid the ambient Alger House fireplaces and a culinary experience curated by Executive Chef Joe Paxton capped off by the fabulous Scott Gwinnel Jazz Orchestra – a swingin’ big band sure to get your holiday mood grooving!

WHEN WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 21

TIME 6:30 Pre-Glow | 7pm Dinner 8:15pm Show

The War Memorial welcomes The Dave Sharp Worlds Quartet, featuring oud, violin, electric bass and percussion, with its masterful blend of world rhythms and textures fueled by the spirit of jazz and exploratory improvisation.

WHEN THURSDAY, DECEMBER 1 TIME 7:30pm

GRYPHON TRIO WITH PATRICIA O’CALLAGHAN, VOCALIST

The Chamber Music Society of Detroit presents the Gryphon Trio joined by charismatic vocalist, Patricia O’Callaghan, with a new Americana program, “Moonshine Ballads and Various Charms”.

WHEN FRIDAY, JANUARY 27 TIME 8pm

For a full schedule of Arts and Culture events

www.warmemorial.org/arts

HOLIDAY COCKTAILS WITH TAMMY’S TASTINGS Wednesday, 7–9pm November 16

HOLIDAY YOUTH ETIQUETTE TRAINING Saturday, 10am–12pm November 12 or December 10

SUPER SPARKLERS WITH THE WINE COUNSELOR® Thursday, 7–8:30pm December 15

CLASSES AND ACTIVITIES

SPORTS

FENCING SESSIONS

October 17–November 21

November 28–December 2 1

BEGINNER FENCING Mondays, 6–6:45pm

INTERMEDIATE FENCING Mondays, 6:45–7:30pm

ADULT FENCING Mondays, 7:30–8:15pm

HEALTH AND WELLNESS

TAI CHI AND QI DONG

Tuesdays, 6:30–7:30pm

October 11–November 15

Wednesdays, 12–1pm

October 12–November 16

ARTS, CRAFTS, AND HOBBIES

LEARN TO PAINT LIKE BOB ROSS Sunday, 1–4pm November 6 Friday, 6–9pm December 16

MUSIC AND DANCE

BEGINNING

BALLROOM DANCE Thursdays, 7pm

FOXTROT AND SWING

October 20–December 1

WATERCOLOR PAINTING Mondays, 6–8pm November 7–December 12

PEWABIC POTTERY: TILE GLAZING Friday, 7–8pm November 11

YOUTH AND FAMILY

LITTLE READER’S

THEATER

Saturdays, 10–11:30am October 29–December 10

BILINGUAL PLAYHOUSE: SPANISH IMMERSION Wednesdays, 4:30–5:30pm October 19 – December 14

BILINGUAL PLAYHOUSE: TODDLER TIME SPANISH Fridays, 10–10:45am October 21 – December 16

LIL’ DUMPLINS PRE–BALLET Wednesdays, 10–10:45am November 2-December 14 Saturdays, 10–10:45am November 5–December 17

HOLIDAY YOUTH ETIQUETTE TRAINING Saturday, 10am–12pm November 12 or December 10

GROSSE POINTE DRIVING SCHOOL

The War Memorial’s classes, activities, and trips are open to the public! Everyone is welcome – there are no residency requirements and membership is not necessary. We continue to offer new and engaging programing for all ages throughout the year. Be sure to visit our website for full details and schedule.

ENGAGE. ASPIRE. TASTE.

Learn more at www.warmemorial.org/eat

INTERMEDIATE BALLROOM DANCE

Thursdays, 8pm

TANGO

October 20–December 1

LINE DANCING

Wednesdays, 6–7pm

November 2–December 1

For full details on the classes and activities, please visit www.warmemorial.org/ classes or call 313.881.7511

CALLIGRAPHY: INTRO TO THE POINTED PEN AND HOLIDAY FLOURISHES Saturday, 10am–3pm December 3

Classes run year-round. Please visit www.warmemorial.org/ drivertraining for a full list of sessions and attendance requirements.

Free to the public.

begin at 7pm in the

House Library.

SENSATIONAL SPAIN

WHEN October 27 TIME 7pm

AMAZING AGAVE (TEQUILA AND MEZCAL) WHEN November 10 TIME 7pm

TOUR DE FRANCE WHEN November 17 TIME 7pm

SUPER SPARKLERS WHEN December 15 TIME 7pm

Tammy’s Tastings Cocktail Class

FALL COCKTAILS WHEN October 20 TIME 7pm

THANKSGIVING AND HOLIDAY COCKTAILS WHEN November 16 TIME 7pm

PROHIBITION AND REPEAL WHEN November 30 TIME 7pm

The Wine Counselor®