09.05.08
Posted in Education, Family at 4:43 pm by Tim
A rite of passage not only for kids, but also for parents, is the first day of kindergarten. Our daughter Zoë attended her first full day today, and she amazed us with the smooth transition she made from pre-school to this next level. No tears, except for perhaps a quiet sniffle from my wife and I, and up onto the bus our little one went,
in and of itself a change, as we drove her to and from her last school every day. Zoë amazes us more and more with each passing week for many reasons, including the fact she’s so interested in learning and exploring. We’re lucky she’s our child, and look forward to the rest of this milestone year in her life. We can’t wait to hear all about Day One.
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08.04.08
Posted in Arts & Entertainment, Music, Michigan, Detroit, Great Outdoors, Family at 3:18 pm by Tim
The 29th installment of one of America’s finest musical gatherings is a Motor City traditon, and a splendid way to mark Labor Day. The Detroit International Jazz Festival will cook and swing on six stages in and around Hart Plaza and Campus Martius Park and, as is tradition, the 2008 lineup boasts stars from near and far. In addition to talented-beyond-their-years high school and university ensembles, stalwarts like Dianne Reeves, Christian McBride, Roy Hargrove, and the peerless Hank Jones will entertain the huge crowds downtown from August 29-September 1, as will ”A Love Supreme: The Philly/Detroit Summit,” which will spotlight these two musical hotbeds. The festival Web site is packed with jazz links, a photo gallery from last year’s event, and more. Get ready to thrill your ears and eyes over four days at an event that brings together longtime jazz lovers and so many others — especially kids, just beginning to experience this magnificent American art form — fittingly set in the heart of a city that continues to play a large role in its ongoing development.
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06.19.08
Posted in Michigan, Great Outdoors, Family, Art at 5:47 pm by Tim
A splendid community anytime, Northville is all the more so this weekend. Art in the Sun takes place this Saturday and Sunday, with more than 100 exhibitors, thousands of attendees, and untold smiles. Stop by, make a purchase, soak in the atmosphere. The forecast calls for temperatures in the upper 70s to low 80s — ideal strolling weather — so bring the family.
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06.04.08
Posted in Arts & Entertainment, Music, Michigan, Detroit, Great Outdoors, Family, Art at 4:23 pm by Tim
It’s “Detroit’s Unrivaled International Arts Festival,” a claim its organizers back up year after year. The 22nd Annual Detroit Festival of the Arts kicks off this Friday, June 6, and will keep tens of thousands of attendees entertained and well-fed through Sunday. Smokin’ tunes from such national acts as Raul Malo (Saturday @ 7:30) and Guy Davis (Sunday @ 3:15) intermingle with potent sounds from Motor City stalwarts that include Thornetta Davis (Saturday @ 5:30) and the Mosaic Singers (Sunday @ 12:30). Check out these profiles. In addition to the performing arts, there will be numerous practitioners of the fine arts with creations on display, so please visit them. Back in my radio days, I was a frequent emcee on various DFA stages, and loved being immersed within the excitement that unfolded at the event. I still try to attend each year. So often, I discover a new musical act or other artist, and I always enjoy the experience. Kids have plenty of fun, too. Come on down to Midtown’s University Cultural Center for this magnificent festival.
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05.20.08
Posted in Family at 8:25 pm by Tim
I’ve been dealing with a range of emotions. Sadly, my father passed away last Tuesday following a sudden illness and, understandably, I’ve been absent from these pages. The situation was dire, and the medical staff was candid, yet kind, about the likely outcome. However, at times there seemed hope for recovery, and the resultant mood swings could be wrenching. I loved Dad very much, and treasure the time we spent together. My thanks to the many family members and friends who offered their unconditional support to both me and my mother, as well as to my wife and daughter, during this difficult period. The experience has forever changed my perspective.
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04.21.08
Posted in Sports, Education, Games, Michigan, Environment, Great Outdoors, Family at 9:48 pm by Tim
Kudos to the Michigan Department of Natural Resources for their “No Child Left Inside” campaign to get kids out of the house this spring and summer, and throughout the year, especially in light of studies that indicate children spend less than 30 minutes per week outside, one-ninth the time current adults spent outside when they were of the same age. On that note, I encourage you to check out GoCityKids, filled with a range of activities for you and your brood, and searchable by major city.
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