Our roundup of the latest news from metro Detroit and Michigan businesses as well as announcements from government agencies. To share a business or nonprofit story, please send us a message.
Schoolcraft College in Livonia Scores with New Soccer Fields
Two new soccer fields are being added to Schoolcraft College’s campus in partnership with the Michigan Wolves Soccer Club.
Specifically designed for youth players, both fields will feature artificial turf. The two playing surfaces will be specifically lined to accommodate four different field sizes that cater to players of all ages in youth soccer. The fields will be positioned on the south side of campus. All players will have access to on-campus athletic and Trinity Health medical facilities.
“We are elated for the new soccer fields our players and their families will soon be able to enjoy,” says Ed McCarthy, executive director of Michigan Wolves Soccer Club. “One of the major benefits of training on Schoolcraft’s campus is not only the top-notch soccer fields, but the fact that it is truly a holistic asset to the community.
“If a player unfortunately gets injured, we have trainers and medical facilities just steps away. Not only will this partnership enhance the physical and mental development of our student athletes, but it will bring our community closer.”
The construction of the new fields involves repurposing the former children’s center lots and optimizing the campus space without compromising parking availability. The fields are expected to be completed by June 2024.
Parade Co.’s Distinguished Clowns to Greet Metro Airport Travelers Today
The Distinguished Clown Corps presented by Emagine Entertainment will bring holiday cheer as they honor the tradition of greeting guests as they arrive in Detroit for Thanksgiving.
The Distinguished Clown Corps, dressed in full colorful clown attire, will hand out beads to guests at Delta Airlines terminal baggage claim today, the busiest travel day of the year.
More than 20 members of the Distinguished Clown Corps at Detroit Metro Airport will be participating, including Rumia Ambrose-Burbank, David Andrea, Sean Blenkhorn, Gary Corbin, Melanie Duquesnel, Erin Fleck, Meg Fleck, Joe Fleck, Bharat Gandhi, Lily Gandhi, Lynn Gandhi, Jason Geisz, Deborah Hodge, Ron Humenny, John Landis, Alicia Oliver, Lauren Peralta, Shawn Peralta, Luther Rosemond, Shannon Shehan, Janna Snyder, Ross Snyder, and Mickie Wordhouse.
U-M vs. OSU Football Giveback Challenge to Benefit Boys & Girls Clubs
In partnership with former University of Michigan tight end Jake Butt and former Ohio State linebacker Joshua Perry, the Boys & Girls Club of Southeastern Michigan are running a charitable fundraising campaign called “The Game Gives Back,” to coincide with Saturday’s Ohio State vs. Michigan rivalry game.
All proceeds from the campaign donated to Ohio State will benefit BGCCO, and all proceeds donated to Michigan will benefit Boys & Girls Clubs of Southeastern Michigan.
To follow the progress and to donate, visit thegamegivesback.com.
Physicians Health Plan Expands to New Counties Across Michigan
Lansing-based Physicians Health Plan (PHP) announced it has received approval from the Michigan Department of Insurance and Financial Services (DIFS) to expand its service area for large group plans.
PHP has added Bay, Huron, Livingston, Montcalm, Saginaw, Sanilac, Tuscola, and Washtenaw counties to their large group HMO service area, in addition to Clinton, Eaton, Gratiot, Hillsdale, Ingham, Ionia, Isabella, Jackson, Lenawee, and Shiawassee counties.
Large group plans are available to employers with 51 or more full-time equivalent employees who are located in the PHP service area.
Epiphany Studios in Pontiac to Host Holiday Open House Dec. 1-3
Epiphany Studios in Pontiac is ringing in the holiday season with live glassblowing demonstrations, DIY workshops, and a 15 percent percent discount on all the studio’s handmade glass gifts and collectibles at its Holiday Open House and Sale, Dec. 1-3.
Master Glass Artist April Wagner and her team will lead the glassblowing demonstrations and host hands-on DIY workshops throughout the weekend. For $115 a project, participants can try their hand at making the studio’s Icicle Ornaments on Friday and Saturday or the new Glass Snowman on Sunday.
From picking their colors to sitting at the glass-blowing bench to using the proper tools to turn the 2,000-degree molten glass, workshop participants will experience the entire artistic process from start to finish. This age-old craft is mesmerizing to watch but even more exciting when you do it yourself. Working together or individually, each person will create a glass piece that they will have fond memories that will last a lifetime. Your own glass masterpiece will make the perfect holiday gift for a loved one. Reservations for these workshops are required and those interested can register here.
Holiday open-house guests also can explore Epiphany’s gallery and showcase for hand-made glass gifts and sculptures. From now until Dec. 31, for online and in-person purchases, Epiphany will offer bonuses for monies spent, redeemable for future purchases: spend $200 and receive a $20 gift card, spend $500 and receive a $50 gift card, spend $1,000 and receive a $100 gift card.
New for this holiday season are mouth-blown Dream Flurry glass ornaments, Dichroic Pumpkins, and Epiphany’s series of Wanderlust Bowls.
Epiphany will once again partner with the Michigan Humane Society by offering a festive line of animal-themed glass art. A portion of the proceeds from each sale will go to benefit The Michigan Humane Society, the largest and most historic animal welfare organization in the state working to end companion animal homelessness and providing the highest quality service and compassion to the animals entrusted to its care.
December Holiday Workshops:
1 – Glass Icicle (4-8 p.m.)
2 – Glass Snowman (10 a.m.-4 p.m.)
3 – Glass Icicle (10 a.m.- 6 p.m.)
7 – Glass Snowman (6-9 p.m.)
9 – Glass Icicle (10 a.m.-3 p.m.)
16 – Glass Snowman (10 a.m.-3 p.m.)
23 – Glass Icicle (10 a.m.-3 p.m.)
30 – Glass Snowman (10 a.m.3 p.m.)
For more information, visit epiphanyglass.com.
Full Plates, Full Hearts Events in Detroit and Lansing Serve 1,000+ Meals
The Full Plates, Full Hearts events, Nov. 20, at Detroit Shipping Co. and Lansing Shuffle, run in partnership with the Michigan Restaurant & Lodging Association and the Detroit Restaurant & Lodging Association, served more than 1,000 Thanksgiving meals.
The events featured local chefs who shared their resources and talents from within the industry, demonstrating the spirit of hospitality to those in need.
“I’m grateful to all the volunteers who are giving their time, money, and goods,” says Jonathan Hartzell, one of Detroit Shipping Co.’s and Lansing Shuffle’s owners. “We have increased our giving every year, and this year is no exception. Bringing Lansing shuffle in, allows us to double our meals and sundries delivered to the community. I couldn’t be more proud of everyone involved.”
The Thanksgiving meals were prepared by chefs from participating restaurants in Detroit and Lansing. Detroit restaurants included: Bangkok 96 Street Food, COOP Caribbean Fusion, Halal Street, Momo Cha, Motor Burger, and 320 Coffee and Creamery. In Lansing, the restaurants included: Browndog @ The Shuffle, Irie Smoke Shack, Kin Thai, Osteria Vegana, and Yeti Kitchen.
The meals consisted of Herbes de Provence Roasted Chicken Thigh Sandwich, Mashed Sweet Potatoes, Roasted Brussels, Cranberry Chutney, Apple Crisp. Special deliveries of individually boxed meals also were made to five area nonprofit organizations, including City Rescue Mission, Eastside Community Action Center, Holy Cross Services, New Hope Community Center, and South Lansing Ministries.
Salvation Army Kicks Off Red Kettle Campaign in Cadillac Square
The Salvation Army of Metro Detroit kicked off its 2023 Red Kettle Christmas Campaign with the lighting of the world’s tallest red kettle in downtown Detroit on Nov. 17, outfitted with 26,000 sparkling LED lights.
The Salvation Army of Metro Detroit has set a $7.9 million fundraising goal, which will fund the nonprofit’s year-round efforts to spread Love Beyond Christmas for community members in need.
The world’s tallest red kettle serves as a beacon of hope for the Detroit community and will remain lit through mid-January.
Henry Ford Health’s Game On Cancer, Stephen Tulloch Foundation Collaborate
The Stephen Tulloch Foundation, a philanthropic organization created by retired NFL and Detroit Lions player Stephen Tulloch, and Game On Cancer, a program of Henry Ford Health and the Detroit Lions that supports cancer research and patients battling cancer, have teamed up to help metro Detroit patients in need this holiday season.
Through this collaboration, online sales of “Five-Five Signature Blend” – a unique blend of coffee from Tulloch’s Circle House Coffee – will benefit Henry Ford patients through Game On Cancer. Fifty-five cents of each sale will be donated by the Stephen Tulloch Foundation to Game On Cancer, which will directly support the program’s mission to help patients pay for essentials like housing, food, utility bills, transportation to appointments and more, while also supporting care programs and fueling groundbreaking cancer research.
“Detroit will always be my second home,” Tulloch says. “While I played here with the Lions, I was able to get involved in the community and meet some of the best people. Teaming up with Game On Cancer aligns with everything that my foundation and I stand for, knowing our efforts will help families directly. I’m looking forward to this partnership and being back making a positive impact here in Detroit.”
Tulloch, who played for the Lions from 2011-2015, continues to touch the lives of many through his entrepreneurial venture, Circle House Coffee. The choice of 55 cents as a donation from each sale of the Five-Five Signature Blend is a heartfelt nod to Tulloch’s jersey number during his NFL career. This partnership symbolizes a powerful union between sports, philanthropy, and community engagement.
To learn more about Game On Cancer at Henry Ford Health, visit here.
ACG Detroit to Host ‘Corporate to Culinary: An Entrepreneurial Journey & Detroit Success Story’
ACG Detroit will host an evening of networking and conversation Nov. 29 from 4:30-7 p.m. at BasBlue in Detroit. Amy Whipple, Midwest business development director at BDO, will lead the conversation featuring Ping Ho, owner of Marrow, The Royce, Mink, and more; and Sarah Welch, partner and executive chef at Marrow, who will share the lessons they’ve learned working in the culinary industry, scaling their business, developing a brand, and more. Ticket prices are as follows — members: $100, non-members: $125. For more information and to register, visit here.
Oakland County Farmers Market is Stage for Nov. 29 Annual Holiday Market
The Oakland County Farmers Market in Waterford Township is hosting a Holiday Market from 3-7 p.m. Nov. 29.
In addition to shopping for decorations, artisan crafts, and specialty food items, the Holiday Market will feature a variety of activities for all ages, including photos and visits with live reindeer and elves from 3:30-6:30 p.m., s’mores, wagon rides, holiday music, and a drawing for a gift basket of market goodies.
Booths will be fully stocked with an array of items like handcrafted jewelry, homemade soaps and lotions and specialty food items perfect for the season’s gift-giving occasions.
For more information, visit OaklandCountyParks.com.
Auditions for Motown Museum’s Amplify Singing Competition Set for Dec. 9
Auditions for Motown Museum’s Amplify: The Sound of Detroit singing competition will be taking place live from noon-4 p.m. Dec. 9 at Hitsville NEXT.
Ten artists will be selected to compete in Amplify 2024 for a chance to be awarded the title of ‘Amplify Artist of the Year’ and win up to $15,000 in cash and prizes including professional artist development coaching, recording time in the Hitsville NEXT Studio, performance opportunities and more.
Artists should be ready to perform two songs that best demonstrate their vocal ability. Song selections should be clean and between 60 to 90 seconds in length. Pre-registration for the live audition closes Dec. 7.
For more information, visit here.
Macomb Community College to Host STEAM Career Event Dec. 7
Parents and their children in grades six through 12 can learn about high-demand career opportunities in auto design, manufacturing, robotics, and technology at Explore Careers in Manufacturing and Technology from 5:30-7:30 p.m. Dec. 7.
This free event at the college’s South Campus in Warren combines informative presentations with hands-on exhibits and activities.
Participants can explore interactive displays in a variety of areas including auto design, clay modeling, product design, and robotics. They also will have the opportunity to work in the virtual space with virtual welders and explore the internal workings of an internal combustion vehicle engine.
Beginning at 6 p.m., a representative from Magna, a Tier 1 auto supplier and the event’s presenting sponsor, will give a presentation on STEAM career fields. Victoria Gordon, apprenticeship coordinator, Macomb Community College, will provide information on getting into an apprenticeship. Area employers will be on hand to share the skills required for STEAM careers.
This evening event complements the college’s annual Auto STEAM Days, which are taking place Dec. 6 -7, with approximately 1,600 Detroit-area middle and high school students expected.
Free concessions will be available while they last. Students K-12 can enter to win one of five $500 Visa gift cards.
Registration is encouraged here, but walk-ins will be welcomed.
Michigan Science Center’s ‘Game On For Mental Health’ Set for Dec. 1
The Michigan Science Center (Mi-Sci), in partnership with Detroit Wayne Integrated Health Network (DWIHN) and Youth United, announces “Game On For Mental Health” from 5-8 p.m. Dec. 1.
The event is part of Mi-Sci’s First Friday Late Nights series, which extends museum hours until 8 p.m. on the First Friday of every month, this event offers an engaging and educational experience for families, couples, and individuals.
“There can be some positive benefits to gaming and mental health,” says Dr. Shama Faheem, Chief Medical Officer at DWIHN. “It can be used to unwind, develop complex problem-solving skills, and improve mood and concentration. Gamers just need to be mindful that, with all things, moderation is key. Set time limits, choose strategic games that make you think, and play with friends which will help with socialization.”
“Game On For Mental Health” will include a diverse array of activities, including:
Mental Health Gaming Tournament: A friendly competition where participants can demonstrate their gaming prowess and promote mental health awareness.
VR Gaming Experiences: Engage with state-of-the-art virtual and augmented reality games that emphasize mental health themes.
#GameOnForMentalHealth Social Media Challenge: Share your high scores on social media for a chance to win exciting prizes.
Art and Mental Health Workshops: Conducted by the Mi-Sci team and DWIHN Art Therapist, these sessions invite attendees to express themselves creatively while focusing on mental well-being.
Coffee Talk with Dr. Faheem: An informal session to discuss mental health and gaming with Dr. Faheem.
Youth United One-on-One Conversations: Engage in meaningful dialogues about mental health and gaming.
The event is included with a General Admission ticket and can be purchased at mi-sci.org. Mi-Sci is located at 5020 John R. St. in midtown Detroit.