LIVE INSPIRED MAGAZINE NOVEMBER | DECEMBER 2024 ISSUE
EDITORS: Leah Celebi, Brett Pulte
WRITER: Alex Szwarc
ART DIRECTION & DESIGN: Wendy Christie
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.
A letter from the President & CEO
Dear Friends of The War Memorial,
I hope this message finds you in good health and high spirits. As we reflect on this year’s remarkable 75th anniversary of The War Memorial, I am filled with gratitude for everything we’ve accomplished together. With the remainder of 2024 still ahead of us, I’m excited to continue building on our shared success and welcome a fresh start in the new year.
We’re especially looking forward to our Holiday Homecoming, where the festivities will shine brighter than ever. This year, we’re thrilled to bring back our 20-foot Christmas tree in the front circle, complete with a tree lighting ceremony, vintage holiday market, live entertainment, kids’ activities, and more! One of our most cherished traditions, Bedtime Stories with Santa, will return - this time with a sensory friendly seating for children with special needs. We hope to see you and your loved ones at these wonderful events!
As we close out the year, we’re deeply grateful for your support of our annual yearend giving campaign. While weddings and events help cover operating costs, it’s your generous donations that fund free community programs, activities for veterans, and essential capital repairs to our historic 114-year-old house and campus. Your contributions are the driving force behind everything we do, and we couldn’t achieve any of this without you.
We always welcome your feedback and ideas as they help us better serve our community. Please don’t hesitate to reach out with suggestions or to get involved in our fall activities. Thank you again for your unwavering support and dedication to our mission.
Warm regards,
Maria Miller President & CEO
The War Memorial
YOUR GIFT MAKES A DIFFERENCE
For over 75-years at The War Memorial, your contributions have made a profound difference. Thanks to your generosity, we are able to accomplish incredible things:
House Restoration: Your donations have played a vital role in the ongoing restoration of our 1910 historic house. Your support ensures that we can maintain its beauty and functionality for generations to come.
Service to Veterans: Our commitment to serving veterans is reinvigorated, and your gifts directly enhance our programs. From our monthly Vet Connect Series to community events like this past summer’s 80th D-Day Commemoration, we provide vital resources that foster connection and support for those who have served.
YOUR FINANCIAL SUPPORT MAKES EVERYTHING POSSIBLE. THERE ARE SO MANY WAYS TO SUPPORT YOUR WAR MEMORIAL.
Planned Giving: We invite you to consider joining the Moorings Legacy Society, a group dedicated to ensuring the sustainability of our mission. Leave a lasting legacy that continues to support our veterans, enhances our community focused programs and preserve our history.
General Support: Every dollar counts. Your contributions allow us to enhance our programming, expand our outreach, and create unforgettable experiences that invigorates our community and honors our military community.
To learn more about ways you can support The War Memorial please contact Kelly Oliver at 313-332-4011, or email development@warmemorial.org. Lastly, you can make gifts directly through our website by clicking support at www.warmemorial.org.
SERVICE SPOTLIGHT:
A celebrated centenarian: The Johnny Cirelle Story
To wrap up our Service Spotlight stories for 2024, we take a look at the military service of a World War II veteran who played a big part in a recent War Memorial ceremony.
Johnny Cirelle of St. Clair Shores, turned 100 in August. He was born in Pennsylvania to Italian immigrants who came to the U.S. in 1916. In June, Cirelle attended The War Memorial’s 80th anniversary of D-Day commemoration and was one of three World War II veterans featured in a tribute video.
Cirelle, one of nine children, graduated from St. Anthony High School in Detroit, then enlisted in the Navy in May 1942. His basic training took place in Rhode Island. “We were there for only five weeks,” he recalled. “Usually, it would be about six months, but they needed bodies for the war.”
From Boston, Cirelle embarked on the USS Boyle, a 348-foot-long destroyer. “I worked in the kitchen. I had the best job because I ate good,” he said. “I ate the officers food and the rest was garbage.”
After six months of kitchen duty on the Boyle, Seaman First Class Cirelle then was responsible for keeping the ship, which had about 300 men on it, clean.“It had four, 5 inch .38-caliber guns, torpedoes and depth charges,” he said.
The Boyle took part in the naval battle of Casablanca in November 1942. There, fighting occurred between American ships covering the invasion of North Africa and French State ships defending the neutrality of French Morocco.
“There were about 90 ships with troops, battleships, and cruisers,” he said. “We hit Casablanca and the other half went to Algiers. We stayed at Casablanca about two weeks, then we came back.”
The Boyle then helped transport troops, food and war materials across the Atlantic Ocean from the U.S. to places like Algeria, France, Oran and North Africa. It took about one week to traverse the ocean, something Cirelle did in the war about 30 times–15 trips each way.
He later served aboard the USS Earle, also a destroyer.“It was the same as the Boyle,” he said. “They were all made in Quincy, Massachusetts. It was a smaller destroyer that was part of convoys of ships that we escorted. The Earle was in the Atlantic, Caribbean, and the Mediterranean.”
The Earle received two battle stars for World War II service.
Like the Boyle, Cirelle worked in the Earle’s kitchen as a mess boy. He would work alongside two cooks.
“We would load the refrigerators up a day ahead and from there,
bigger ships would unload food on the Earle,” Cirelle said.
Toward the end of the war, Cirelle found himself in the China Sea on the USS Gherardi, another destroyer vessel.
Discharged from the Navy in 1946, Cirelle said he enjoyed his time in the military. “This generation doesn’t remember World War II,” he said.
“After the war, they would show on TV how the war started once a week. You don’t see that anymore.”
He’s been a member of the Cpl. Walter F. Bruce VFW Post 1146 in St. Clair Shores since 1948. Cirelle married Gilda in 1951. She passed in 2013 at age 83.
The couple had four kids, over a dozen grandchildren and eight great-grandchildren.
at The War Memorial
VETERAN NAVIGATORS OF SOUTHEAST MICHIGAN | Tuesday, December 3 | 6pm Veteran Navigators help veterans and their families access crucial resources and serve as advocates for their unique needs. Join us to hear from representatives of Wayne, Oakland, and Macomb counties and learn about what services and support they offer.
VET-TO-VET | Thursday, January 9 | Time is TBD. See website for details. This free event invites veterans to come together, share stories, and enjoy camaraderie over coffee and light rxefreshments. Whether you're a recent veteran or have years of service, join us for this time of connection and conversation with fellow veterans.
VETERANS DAY BREAKFAST
Our annual Veterans Day Breakfast includes the presentation of thank-you notes handmade by local students, an uplifting service song medley, keynote remarks, and a gourmet breakfast.
The War Memorial is pleased to offer a space for local service-members to experience camaraderie over a meal together.
WHEN MONDAY, NOVEMBER 11
TIME Doors open 8am, Breakfast at 9am
COST Free for veterans, $15 for guests
EAT. ASPIRE. TASTE.
At The War Memorial, we celebrate the art of cuisine. Join us for exclusive dinners with our executive chef, pairing gourmet dishes with decadent cocktails and wines. We invite you to join us and indulge in each event’s unique atmosphere, perfectly complemented by exceptional food and drink.
BOOTLEGGERS' DELIGHT
The War Memorial’s Speakeasy Series Sit back, relax, and take it easy at The War Memorial’s Speakeasy. Enjoy the laid-back lounge vibe of Russell Alger’s former billiards room where business deals, lively conversations, and—rumor has it—bootleg spirits once took place during the Prohibition Era. Enjoy specialty cocktails, live music, and brief historic tours in this unique space.
WHEN SUNDAY, NOVEMBER 3
TIME 4pm
COST General Admission $20, VIP Tickets $45
DINNER WITH EXECUTIVE CHEF JOE PAXTON
Experience a themed Italian menu with remarks on each course delivered by our Executive Chef, with an opportunity for you to ask questions on ingredients and technique. A special evening that includes a 4-course meal featuring remarks, curated cocktails, and a cash bar in our beautiful lakefront ballroom.
WHEN WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 20
TIME 6:30pm
COST See website for details.
Food and drink experiences at The War Memorial require a minimum attendance; guest minimums may vary per event. If the minimum attendance requirement is not met for an event, guests will be notified and will receive a full refund.
SUN:SETS
Experience a new vibe at The War Memorial’s historic Alger House with Sun:Sets—an immersive experience designed for a relaxing Sunday. Settle in for an afternoon of chill beats from local Metro Detroit DJs, as they spin eclectic sounds that flow from day into the night. Grab a drink, find a spot, and let the music set the tone for an unforgettable experience.
WHEN SUNDAY, NOVEMBER 14
TIME 12 – 6pm
COST Cash bar and food truck will be available
COME HOME TO THE WAR MEMORIAL FOR THE HOLIDAYS!
TREE LIGHTING CEREMONY
WHEN SUNDAY, NOVEMBER 24
TIME 4pm
COST Free for general admission
Join us for an unforgettable evening as we rekindle the cherished tradition of lighting our stunning 20-foot Christmas tree, proudly standing in the front circle of the historic Alger House. Experience the festive glow of the season with caroling, marshmallow roasting, and a warm cup of hot chocolate in hand. Explore a vintage holiday marketplace filled with seasonal treasures, perfect for all ages. While the event is free, we encourage you to register to secure your spot for this magical celebration.
Since 1949, The War Memorial has been a welcoming home for all. As we close out our 75th Anniversary year, we invite you to celebrate the holidays with us at your War Memorial—where cherished traditions and festive gatherings will make this season unforgettable.
BEDTIME STORIES WITH SANTA
WHEN SUNDAY, DECEMBER 8*
THURSDAY, DECEMBER 12
TIME Seatings from 4 – 8pm *Sensory-Friendly Seating at 2:30pm COST $20 Per Child
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 some of his beloved holiday stories, tell tales about life at the North Pole, and share his favorite holiday treat…milk and cookies!
BREAKFAST WITH SANTA
WHEN SUNDAY, DECEMBER 15
TIME 9am & 12pm
COST $30 per child, $50 per adult
This holiday season, join friends Step into the magic of the season at The War Memorial’s Breakfast with Santa! Enjoy a festive morning with a delicious feast prepared by our talented culinary team. Santa will make a grand entrance by helicopter, ready to greet families and share in the holiday fun! Don’t forget your camera—this is your chance to capture special moments with Santa. Dress in your holiday best for a morning filled with joy and cherished memories!
We are honored to carry on this tradition, which is made possible with the support of our amazing sponsors!
Pointe Alarm
Beline Obeid Realty
Northern Haserot Brandt
Sierra Donaven Ahee Jewelers
Grosse Pointe News Mathnasium Grosse Pointe
The War Memorial’s classes and activities are open to the public!
Everyone is welcome –membership or residency 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 calendar.
Residency within the Grosse Pointe Public School System district is necessary for Middle School Dances.
CLASSES & ACTIVITIES
YOUTH ENRICHMENT
CREATIVE ARTS
KIDS COOKING CLASS WITH CHEF JOE PAXTON
Tuesday, December 3 | 6 – 8:30pm
ELENA VICTORIA HOLIDAY SEWING WORKSHOPS
Sunday, November 17 | 1 – 4pm
Sunday, December 15 | 1 – 4pm
NATURE & SCENIC LANDSCAPE ART FOR KIDS
Thursdays, 5:30 – 6:30pm
November 14 – December 12 (Omit 11/28)
CARICATURE NIGHT (UNDER 14 ACCOMPANIED BY ADULT)
Friday, December 6 | 6 – 8pm
SPORTS & GAMES
FENCING SESSIONS
November 25 – December 23
BEGINNER FENCING (AGES 6-18)
Mondays, 6 – 6:45pm
INTERMEDIATE FENCING (AGES 6-18)
Mondays, 6:50 – 7:35pm
TAI CHI W/SUSAN SMITH
Thursdays, 10 – 11am
November 6 – December 18 (Omit 11/27)
MUSIC & ARTS
TUMBLEBUNNIES BALLET (AGES 3 –5)
Wednesdays, 5:30–6pm November 6 – December 18 (Omit 11/27)
TUMBLEBUNNIES GYMNASTICS (WEDNESDAYS)
November 6 – December 18 (Omit 11/27)
AGES 18mo – 3 | 6 – 6:30pm
AGES 3 – 5 | 6:35 – 7:05pm
AGES 5 – 7 | 7:10 – 7:40pm
TUMBLEBUNNIES GYMNASTICS (THURSDAYS)
November 14 – December 19 (Omit 11/28)
AGES 18mo – 3 | 5:30 – 6pm
AGES 3 – 5 | 6:10 – 6:40pm
AGES 5 – 7 | 6:50 – 7:20pm
AGES 8 – 10 | 7:30 – 8pm
TUMBLEBUNNIES GYMNASTICS (FRIDAY MORNINGS)
October 25 – December 20 (Omit 11/29)
AGES 18mo – 3 | 9:30 – 10am
AGES 3 – 5 | 10:05 – 10:35pm
SOCIAL SKILLS & YOUTH EMPOWERMENT
SELF DEFENSE FOR CHILDREN Wednesday, October 30 | 5:30 – 6:30pm
TINKERGARTEN 4-WEEK SESSION Saturdays, 10:30 – 11:30am November 16 – December 14 (Omit 11/30)
MORE INFO
MIDDLE SCHOOL DANCES
You read that right. Tell all your friends. Middle School Dances are back and just in time for Fall!
MONSTER MASH
Thursday, October 24
HOLIDAY BALL
Friday, December 13
GROSSE POINTE
DRIVING SCHOOL
Classes run year-round – please visit www.warmemorial.org/drivertraining for a full list of sessions and attendance requirements.
ADULT ENRICHMENT
HEALTH, WELLNESS & SPORTS
ADULT FENCING
Mondays, 7:40 – 8:25pm November 25 – December 23
SELF DEFENSE FOR MEN, WOMEN, & TEENS
Wednesday, October 30 | 6:30 – 8:30pm
DANCE
BELLYDANCE FOR EVERYBODY
Tuesdays, 7 – 8pm October 29 – December 3
LINE DANCING
Wednesdays, 6 – 7pm
October 30 – December 4
CREATIVE ARTS
CARICATURE NIGHT Friday, December 6 | 6 – 8pm
LEARN TO PAINT LIKE BOB ROSS Saturday, November 23 | 1 – 4pm Friday, December 20 | 6 – 9pm
WATERCOLOR PAINTING
Wednesdays, 7 – 8:30pm November 13 – December 11 (Omit 11/27)
INTRO TO DRAWING
Thursdays, 6:30 – 8pm November 14 – December 12 (Omit 11/28)
SKI HI CLUB RETURNS THIS WINTER!
The club is open to students who reside in Grosse Pointe or attend Grosse Pointe schools age 7 through 12th grade. Trips are held weekly on Friday nights January through February. The club is a great way to learn more about skiing and snowboarding, or just to improve your skills! Learn more at warmemorial.org/skhi2024
DAY TRIPS
Most day trips include a lunch stop. Visit www.warmemorial.org/eventcalendar for complete itineraries. New trips are always being added!
DETROIT SYMPHONY ORCHESTRA: MUSIC OF THE KNIGHTS
Friday, October 25 10 – 3pm
DETROIT HISTORIC TOUR
Thursday, November 7 10 – 1pm THE PARADE COMPANY TOUR Wednesday, December 11 10 – 12:30pm
UPCOMING EVENTS
30 A Masquerade Evening: AN OPERA SOIREE
NOV 9
Second Saturdays STEM-TASTIC FUN! NOV 7
10
Into the Shadows: AN EVENING OF CHAMBER MUSIC
11 VETERANS DAY BREAKFAST
Senior Day Trip: DETROIT HISTORIC TOUR
13 FEVER CANDLELIGHT CONCERT NOV 24 Modern Manners: YOUTH ETIQUETTE NOV 24 TREE LIGHTING CEREMONY NOV 20 AN EVENING WITH CHEF JOE NOV 17 SUN SETS DJ EVENT NOV 18 FEVER CANDLELIGHT CONCERT DEC 6 CARICATURE NIGHT
