A PUBLICATION OF THE WAR MEMORIAL
NOVEMBER | DECEMBER 2026
HOLIDAY TRADITIONS | 4 at The War Memorial
VERONICA ALGER THEATER | 3 CLASSES AND ACTIVITIES | 6
UPCOMING EVENTS | 8
THE WAR MEMORIAL
A LETTER FROM A NEW THE PRESIDENT STAGE BEGINS Dear friends of The War Memorial,
On September 22, The War Memorial broke ground on the Veronica Alger Theater, marking a major milestone in the return of a space that has brought people together for generations.
As the year draws to a close, this season invites us to slow down, reconnect, and spend time with the people and places that matter most. At The War Memorial, we are fortunate to see those moments unfold throughout the year: veterans and their families gathering in fellowship, children discovering something new, neighbors sharing meals and conversation, and audiences coming together for moments inspired by curiosity and celebration. These experiences remind us that meaningful connection is at the heart of a strong community. This year also gave us much to look forward to. As we broke ground on the Veronica Alger Theater, and continue to imagine what lies ahead for our campus, we were reminded that honoring our legacy also means preparing thoughtfully for the future. I am excited for all the possibilities the coming year will bring. None of this would be possible without those who attend, volunteer, partner, advocate, and give in support of our mission. Your involvement helps ensure that The War Memorial remains a place for everyone from everywhere.
Theater rendering from Quinn Evans
As you enjoy this issue of Live Inspired Magazine, I hope you find moments to gather with those who matter most. Thank you for being part of The War Memorial community. I look forward to welcoming you back in the year ahead.
INSPIRE
HONOR
those who served.
WHAT COMES NEXT. 2
ENRICH
our community.
BRING PEOPLE TOGETHER
through exceptional experiences.
Every gift to The War Memorial’s Annual Fund helps create opportunities to gather, learn, remember, celebrate, and connect throughout the year.
MAKE YOUR YEAR-END GIFT TODAY.
Your generosity helps sustain the programs, partnerships, and welcoming spaces that bring our mission to life today while helping shape what comes next.
WARMEMORIAL.ORG/ANNUAL-FUND
The War Memorial Association is a nonprofit, 501(c)(3) organization and all gifts are tax deductible to the extent allowed by law.
LIVE INSPIRED MAGAZINE
Five years after severe flooding forced the theater to close, a new chapter is underway. Community members, project partners, supporters, and friends of The War Memorial gathered to celebrate the official start of construction on the reimagined venue. The groundbreaking marked an important step forward in restoring a beloved part of campus and preparing it for a new era of arts, culture, and community programming. The theater will bear the name of Veronica Alger, a meaningful tribute made possible through the extraordinary generosity of Fred Alger. Their support reflects a shared belief in the power of the arts and cultural experiences to strengthen the community and create lasting connections. Following the ceremony, guests remained on campus for an outdoor screening of Back to the Future, a fitting way to celebrate both the theater’s history and the possibilities ahead. Construction is now underway, with the theater expected to open in Fall 2027.
A VISION TAKES SHAPE The reimagined theater is being designed as a flexible, welcoming home for film, live performance, lectures, conversations, and community programs. Warm wood finishes, enhanced lighting and sound, improved accessibility, and adaptable seating will support a wide range of experiences within an intimate setting. The result will be a theater that feels both familiar and entirely new: rooted in the legacy of the original space while creating new possibilities for generations to come.
Follow the transformation at warmemorial.org/theater
COMING FALL 2027 Film, Performances, Lectures, Events Improved Sound, Lighting, and Projection Flexible Seating and Configurations Improved Accessibility
NOVEMBER | DECEMBER 2026
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From treasured traditions to new favorites, join us for a season of festive experiences at The War Memorial.
ANNUAL TREE LIGHTING CEREMONY
Join us in welcoming the holiday season as our 20-foot tree comes to life at our Annual Tree Lighting Ceremony. This festive kickoff to our Holiday Traditions series brings together family, friends, and neighbors for an evening of seasonal cheer, complete with hot chocolate, a vintage holiday marketplace, children’s activities, caroling, and more. Come celebrate the season and make Holiday Traditions part of your own seasonal celebrations. WHEN
SUNDAY, NOVEMBER 22
GINGERBREAD HOUSE COMPETITION Put your creativity to the test in our Gingerbread House Building Competition! With three hours on the clock, work in a small team or fly solo to create your holiday masterpiece. We’ll provide the building basics; you bring the creativity, holiday spirit, and a competitive streak. Gather your team and join us for a little friendly holiday competition! WHEN TIME COST
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SUNDAY, NOVEMBER 15 12–3pm $35 LIVE INSPIRED MAGAZINE
TIME
4–7pm
COST
FREE
LIQUOR & LORE: COLONIAL CHRISTMAS
Celebrate the season with a festive edition of Liquor & Lore. Local cocktail historian Beth Vandergrift will guide guests through three holiday cocktails inspired by early America, sharing spirited stories along the way. Each cocktail will be paired with a light bite. You’ll leave with recipes, cocktail-making know-how, and a little holiday history. This event is 21+ WHEN TIME COST
THURSDAY, DECEMBER 3 6:30–9pm $90
Tickets at warmemorial.org/holidaytraditions or 313.881.7511
BEDTIME STORIES
with Santa
Dress the children in their comfiest pajamas and let them snuggle up with their favorite stuffed toy and blanket as they join Santa Claus for a magical evening in the Alger House. The children will join Santa by the warm glow of the fireplace while they listen to him read a beloved holiday story, sing holiday songs, and share his favorite holiday treat…milk and cookies! WHEN TIME COST
SUNDAY, DECEMBER 6 & THURSDAY, DECEMBER 10 Seatings at 4pm, 5:30pm & 7pm Child $25 Adult $5
BREAKFAST
with Santa
This holiday season, join friends and family for a delicious Breakfast with Santa at The War Memorial! Santa makes a spectacular entrance via his iconic helicopter to kickstart the festivities. While dressed in your holiday best, savor a delicious breakfast prepared by The War Memorial's culinary team, and be sure to have your camera ready to capture the magic. WHEN TIME COST
SUNDAY, DECEMBER 13 Seatings at 9:30am and 12:30pm Children ages 2+ $50 Adults $70
MERRY & BRIGHT HOLIDAY DINNER Celebrate the season with an evening of festive dining and live music at The War Memorial’s Merry & Bright Supper Club. Gather in the historic Alger House, beautifully decorated for the holidays, and enjoy a three-course culinary experience prepared by our Executive Chef, followed by a lively holiday performance by the Dave Bennett Quartet. This event is 21+. WHEN TIME
SATURDAY, DECEMBER 19 Dinner at 6:30pm Concert at 8pm
COST
Dinner & Concert $85 Dinner & Concert with Wine Pairings $105 Concert Only $25 (8pm Entry)
Live Performance by
THE DAVE BENNETT QUARTET
NOVEMBER | DECEMBER 2026
5
The War Memorial's classes, activities, and trips are open to the public!
CLASSES AND ACTIVITIES HEALTH & WELLNESS
CREATIVE ARTS
FIRST AID, AED, AND ADULT/PEDIATRIC CPR Monday, 6–9:30pm November 16
INTRO TO DRAWING Mondays, 7–8:30pm November 2–December 14 WATERCOLOR PAINTING Thursdays, 6–7:30pm November 5–December 17
TAI CHI W/SUSAN SMITH Wednesday, 10–11am November 4–December 16
BEGINNER ACRYLIC PAINTING Thursdays, 7:30–9pm November 5–December 17
SELF DEFENSE FOR MEN, WOMEN, & TEENS Monday, 6:30–8:30pm November 30
NEW
SELF DEFENSE FOR KIDS Monday, 5:30–6:30pm November 30
ARTSY AUTUMN WORKSHOP Saturdays, 12–2pm November 14
NEW
GRANNY SQUARES CROCHET CLASS Friday, 12:30–2:30pm November 20
SPORTS & GAMES MAH JONGG 101 Wednesdays, 2–4pm December 2–December 23 Wednesdays, 6–8pm December 2–December 23 FENCING SESSIONS November 23–December 21 BEGINNER FENCING
Mondays, 6–6:45pm
INTERMEDIATE FENCING
Mondays, 6:50–7:35pm
MUSIC & DANCE
CALM AUTUMN MOUNTAIN
NEW
TABLESCAPE: A FLORAL THANKSGIVING WORKSHOP Saturday, 1pm–3pm November 21
Visit warmemorial.org/drivertraining for a full list of sessions and requirements.
HOW TO CROCHET FOR COMPLETE BEGINNERS Friday, 12:30–2:30pm December 4
MODERN MANNERS: YOUTH ETIQUETTE Sunday, 1–3pm November 8
WALTZ
November 3–December 15
Visit warmemorial.org/travel for current trips and itineraries
GROSSE POINTE DRIVING SCHOOL
BEGINNER BALLROOM Tuesdays, 7–7:50pm
INTERMEDIATE BALLROOM Tuesdays, 8–8:50pm
EXTENDED TRAVEL The War Memorial travels the world!
Friday, 6–9pm November 20
STAINED GLASS WORKSHOPS Sunday, 12–3pm December 6
November 3–December 15
Please register early!
Classes, activities, and trips must meet minimum attendance requirements: full refunds will be issued for events canceled due to low enrollment.
LEARN TO PAINT LIKE BOB ROSS
BELLYDANCE FOR EVERYBODY Tuesdays, 7–8pm November 3–December 15
FOXTROT & SWING
Everyone is welcome—there are no residency requirements* and membership is not necessary.
Classes run year-round!
MIDDLE SCHOOL DA N C E S
OCTOBER 29 | DECEMBER 22 *Residency within the Grosse Pointe Public School System district is necessary for Middle School Dances. Visit warmemorial.org for details
SEW A HOLIDAY DRESS WORKSHOP Saturday, 1–4pm December 19
LINE DANCING Wednesdays, 6–7pm November 4–December 16
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LIVE INSPIRED MAGAZINE
Full details and registration at warmemorial.org or call 313.881.7511
Tickets at warmemorial.org/events or 313.881.7511
THE WAR MEMORIAL BOARD OF DIRECTORS
A MUSIC BINGO AFFAIR Make Second Saturdays a family tradition. Each month brings a new theme, with hands-on activities and imaginative play for young children and their families. Parents and caregivers attend free, with complimentary coffee. MINI MAKERS MARKET November 14 PIRATE'S TREASURE HUNT January 9 PAJAMA PLAYDATE PARTY February 13
Think you know your music? Then grab your friends and get ready to put your musical memory to the test with Music Bingo! This isn't your ordinary Bingo. Over the course of six music-filled rounds, you'll listen, identify, sing along, and race to complete your Bingo card as we journey through different decades, genres, artists, movies, television, and some of the biggest songs you forgot you knew every word to. WHEN TIME COST
RICK LUEDERS TREASURER JESSICA T. GREGORY SECRETARY MAUREEN BERNDTSON COLBY BROADWATER IV SIERRA DONAVEN RACHELLE ECONOMY SALVADOR MARTINEZ
FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 13 7–9pm $15 per person
BRENT OTT VICTOR PELTOLA JODIE RAPPE, M.D. NICK RITTS
UNDER THE SEA March 13 TIME COST
AARON TURK BOARD CHAIR
TERENCE THOMAS LISA VALLEE-SMITH
9–11am Children $10 Adults are FREE
CHERYL WESEN, M.D. MARIA MILLER PRESIDENT AND CEO AMY CHESTERTON IMMEDIATE PAST CHAIR
LIVE INSPIRED MAGAZINE NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2026 ISSUE
SILENT BOOK CLUB
In partnership with the Friends of the Grosse Pointe Public Library! Bring your own book—there’s no assigned reading—and settle into a cozy spot for an hour of quiet reading. Enjoy complimentary coffee and tea; snacks and wine will be available for purchase. All are welcome! WHEN TIME COST
NOVEMBER 10 & DECEMBER 8 6–8pm FREE
ARIAS AFTER DARK
EDITORS: Leah Celebi, Brett Pulte
As candlelight casts its glow across The War Memorial ballroom, four remarkable voices will fill the evening with music. Detroit Opera’s 2026–27 Resident Artists, Madison Montambault, Grace Ryan, Travis Leon Williams, and Aurélien Mangwa, will be joined at the piano by Nathalie Doucet, Head of Music and Director of the Resident Artist Program. WHEN TIME COST
FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 20 7–9pm $50 general $70 with Wine Pairings
WRITER: Alex Szwarc ART DIRECTION & DESIGN: Emily Orttenburger PHOTOGRAPHY: Inner Circle Photography, unless otherwise noted SPECIAL THANKS: Grosse Pointe Magazine
LIVE INSPIRED MAGAZINE IS A PUBLICATION OF LIVE INSPIRED PRODUCTIONS AT THE WAR MEMORIAL.
NOVEMBER | DECEMBER 2026
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UPCOMING EVENTS AT THE WAR MEMORIAL
NOVEMBER
5
VetConnect Seminar Series
GREAT LAKES NATIONAL CEMENTARY
NOVEMBER VETERANS DAY BREAKFAST
11
NOVEMBER
8
MODERN MANNERS: YOUTH ETIQUETTE
NOVEMBER
13
BINGO & BEATS: A MUSIC BINGO AFFAIR
Holiday Traditions
DECEMBER
Information and tickets are available online! warmemorial.org
NOVEMBER
NOVEMBER Second Saturdays
MINI MAKERS MARKET
3
LIQUOR & LORE: COLONIAL CHRISTMAS
Holiday Traditions
NOVEMBER
22 DECEMBER 13
TREE LIGHTING 88
8
FEVER CANDLELIGHT CONCERT
NOVEMBER Author Talk
9
BONNIE JO CAMPBELL
SILENT BOOK CLUB
14 NOVEMBER 15 GINGERBREAD HOUSE COMPETITION
Holiday Traditions
DECEMBER
NOVEMBER Detroit Opera
20
ARIAS AFTER DARK
6 & 10
9
DECEMBER VET-TO-VET
BEDTIME STORIES W/ SANTA
Holiday Traditions
19
Holiday Traditions
DECEMBER
BREAKFAST WITH SANTA
MERRY & BRIGHT HOLIDAY DINNER
LIVE INSPIRED MAGAZINE
10 8
NOVEMBER + DECEMBER
Holiday Traditions
DECEMBER
22
Middle School Dance
CHRISTMAS BY THE LAKE