THE WAR MEMORIAL

GRAND RAPIDS, MI — Charles Burke, the president and CEO of The War Memorial, an event space in southeast Michigan with a focus on arts, culture, film and patriotism, has been named the next leader of Frederik Meijer Gardens & Sculpture Park. “I am honored to be selected as the next President & CEO of such a world-renowned and beloved cultural institution,” Burke said in a statement. Hooker, who has served as president and CEO of the gardens and sculpture park since 2006, is transitioning into a new role supporting the Meijer families “interests and activities.”“We are grateful for David Hooker’s nearly 17 years of service to Meijer Gardens and look forward to the next chapter of leadership for this wonderful organization,” said Candace Matthews, a member of Meijer Gardens’ board. Prior to working at The War Memorial, Burke served as an executive and orchestral conductor for the Detroit Symphony Orchestra. “I am exceedingly pleased to announce that Charles Burke has accepted the role of our next President & CEO,” Mark Mossing, the board chair of Meijer Gardens, said in a statement.

Photo by Renee LanduytCurrently encompassing eight plots designed by garden clubs and one test site, the Trial Gardens at The War Memorial were created in 1952. The Trial Gardens, located on the grounds of The War Memorial, certainly have some deep roots. Though the idea for the gardens first originated in 1950, by Mrs. William

The Grosse Pointe Artists Association’s “Lost and Found” exhibition is in its final three days in the GPAA gallery at The War Memorial, 32 Lakeshore, Grosse Pointe Farms. The exhibition is open from 4 to 7 p.m. Thursdays, Sept. 1, and Sept. 8, and from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 3. For the

Photo by Renee LanduytHardwood flooring is beginning to be laid in the Alger Center ballroom this week. GROSSE POINTE FARMS — Memorial Week 2023 is shaping up to be one of the most significant in The War Memorial’s recent history. Alongside the dedication of a new art sculpture honoring the Normandy landings, “Les Braves II:

Courtesy rendering“Les Braves II: At Water’s Edge” will be placed along the southeast property boundary on the back lawn of The War Memorial. GROSSE POINTE FARMS — A year from now, nearly to the day, a new memorial will grace the lakefront lawn of The War Memorial, paying homage to the Normandy landings of June

Sarah Riashi earned Best of Show for “Two Cents.” “Wow, this is kids’ art?” a visitor questioned as she surveyed the walls of the Grosse Pointe Artists Association gallery in The War Memorial. She stayed almost an hour viewing the 65 pieces by students from area high schools. The public is welcome to visit the

Courtesy photo The Grosse Pointe Optimist Club recently hosted its annual oratorical contest at The War Memorial on the subject “Staying Optimistic in Challenging Times.” Pictured, from left, are contestants Zoey Nichols of Pierce Middle School, Leila Oskui of Brownell Middle School, Lauren Euper of Brownell, Gaia Sperone of Pierce and Elena Martin of Pierce.

Former Detroit police chief James Craig will speak Tuesday, Feb. 15, to the Eastside Republican Club Forum at The War Memorial, 32 Lakeshore, Grosse Pointe Farms. “Chief Craig spoke to the ERC during his service as chief of police. He was very well received and generated many requests for a return visit,” said ERC chairwoman Marie Hackleman in advance of […]

Michigan native Julianne Smith was sworn in as the U.S. Ambassador to NATO by Lt. Gov. Garlin Gilchrist at The War Memorial Dec. 23. Smith grew up in Farmington

The Grosse Pointe Artists Association opens its 2022 season Thursday, Jan. 13, with two exhibitions that are proven winners.' Solo show Robert Maniscalco won

For the first time since 2019, Authors to the Pointe returns featuring two award-winning authors from noon to 2 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 30, at The War Memorial, 32

Sabrina Miller, an ecosystem biologist and wetland specialist for the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers in the Detroit area, will talk about her work and the Grosse

The War Memorial in Grosse Pointe Farms was the backdrop for a ceremony that honored those with ties to Michigan.

Just back from competing in the Great Race for vintage cars, Brett and Sarah Stahl and their son, Noah, will share their stories from the road at 6:30 p.m.

THE GROSSE POINTES — Industrial fans continue to dry out sections of The War Memorial following late June storms that caused severe water damage at the

A celebration of life for Gary L. Brown will be held at 11 a.m. Sunday, July 25, at The War Memorial, 32 Lakeshore, Grosse Pointe Farms. A breakfast buffet will

The Grosse Pointe War Memorial’s Patriot Theater never officially reopened since the pandemic started in March of 2020.

GROSSE POINTE FARMS — Among the many businesses and homes devastated by the June 25-26 flooding, The War Memorial did not escape the 7 inches of rain that fell

Michigan tourism expert David Lorenz will talk about and award prizes for the Grosse Pointe Artists Association exhibition, "American Road Trip," at 6:30 p.m.

During a private event Monday, May 24, at The War Memorial that honored the Alger family legacy, Fred M. Alger, the great-nephew of Russell J. Alger Jr.,

GPAAThe Grosse Pointe Artists Association’s exhibition, “The Challenge: Try Something New,” is displayed in its gallery at The War Memorial, 32 Lakeshore, Grosse Pointe Farms, with extended hours. * 1 to 7 p.m. Tuesday, March 9, Tompkins Center, Windmill Pointe Park, Grosse Pointe Park. The HelmThe Helm at the Boll Life Center, 158 Ridge, Grosse Pointe Farms, offers the following programs. Harper Woods and Grosse Pointe resident age 60 and older or disabled may schedule a ride for shopping or appointments. RotaryThe Rotary Club of Grosse Pointe hosts its next meeting virtually at 5:30 p.m. Wednesday, March 10.

Grosse Pointe resident Mark C. Rossman shot this drone photo of Lakeshore Drive, “winding up against the freezing lake, with The War Memorial in the foreground,” he wrote.

GPAAThe Grosse Pointe Artists Association’s exhibition, “The Challenge: Try Something New,” is displayed in its gallery at The War Memorial, 32 Lakeshore, Grosse Pointe Farms, with extended hours. * 1 to 7 p.m. Tuesday, March 9, Tompkins Center, Windmill Pointe Park, Grosse Pointe Park. The HelmThe Helm at the Boll Life Center, 158 Ridge, Grosse Pointe Farms, offers the following programs. Harper Woods and Grosse Pointe resident age 60 and older or disabled may schedule a ride for shopping or appointments. RotaryThe Rotary Club of Grosse Pointe hosts its next meeting virtually at 5:30 p.m. Wednesday, March 3.

Since its back-to-back, sold-out screenings at The War Memorial in October 2019, the documentary “As if They Were Angels” has gained many metro Detroit fans. For the first time, “As if They Were Angels” is available to rent on-demand on Amazon, Apple, VUDU and Google. “It is now available all over the country, but back-to-back sellouts at The War Memorial — still touted by those folks as a huge success — is the foundation” for the film’s success. “This is a little-known story of courage, tenacity and heroism that should be celebrated,” Strauss said prior to The War Memorial screenings. My father was among those rescued American sailors.

GPAAThe Grosse Pointe Artists Association’s exhibition, “The Challenge: Try Something New,” is displayed in its gallery at The War Memorial, 32 Lakeshore, Grosse Pointe Farms, with extended hours. LibraryThe Grosse Pointe Public Library hosts the following virtual programs:* Read, Rhyme & Play on Zoom, 10:30 to 11 a.m. Tuesdays. * 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Wednesday and Thursday, Feb. 24 and 25, Henry Ford Medical Center—Cottage, 159 Kercheval, Grosse Pointe Farms. RotaryThe Rotary Club of Grosse Pointe hosts its next meeting virtually at 5:30 p.m. Wednesday, Feb. 24. Harper Woods and Grosse Pointe residents age 60 and older or the disabled may schedule a ride for shopping or appointments.

GPAAThe Grosse Pointe Artists Association’s exhibition, “The Challenge: Try Something New,” is displayed in its gallery at The War Memorial, 32 Lakeshore, Grosse Pointe Farms, with extended hours. LibraryThe Grosse Pointe Public Library hosts the following virtual programs:* Read, Rhyme & Play on Zoom, 10:30 to 11 a.m. Tuesdays. The HelmThe Helm at the Boll Life Center, 158 Ridge, Grosse Pointe Farms, offers the following programs. Harper Woods and Grosse Pointe resident age 60 and older or disabled may schedule a ride for shopping or appointments. RotaryThe Rotary Club of Grosse Pointe hosts its next meeting virtually at 5:30 p.m. Wednesday, Feb. 17.

WAYNE COUNTY, Mich. – Friday marks 19 years since the coordinated attacks on the World Trade Center buildings in New York City on September 11, 2001. READ: Nearly 2 decades later, experts are still working to identify remains of 9/11 victimsA memorial service was held in Wayne County to pay respect to Michigan residents who were killed in the attacks. It was held at the War Memorial, a home donated by the Alger family back in the 1940′s. David Alger was a Mutual Fund Manager who died 19 years ago in his office at the World Trade Center. At the memorial service they read the names of the 19 Michigan residents who died.

GROSSE POINTE FARMS, Mich. – A small group gathered Friday morning in Grosse Pointe Farms to pay respect to Michiganders lost in 9/11. It happened at The War Memorial, a home donated by the Alger family back in the 1940′s. David Alger was a Mutual Fund Manager who died 19 years ago in his office at the World Trace Center. The War Memorial is a moving setting for the observance, with the veteran’s garden, a large American flag flown at half-staff and Lake St. Clair lapping at the sea wall. “And as a patriotic, cultural community leader, The War Memorial is committed to those moments in time where we can bring people together and to really think about our past as we think about our future," War Memorial President Charles Burke said.

A small group gathered at The War Memorial in Grosse Pointe Farms to pay respect to Michiganders lost. If you need help with the Public File, call (313) 222-0566.

GROSSE POINTE FARMS After first announcing its large-scale improvement plans in January, The War Memorial unanimously received final site plan approval from city council during the virtual meeting Monday, Aug. 10. Throughout consideration of the plans, protecting against bird-window strikes remained a main focus of the discussion and communitys interest. The War Memorial invested tens of thousands of dollars, Burke reported, into incorporating the solutions to various community concerns into the designs. Glass already on the historic house and current media wing will not be replaced, he added, but all new construction will use Guardian Sunguard Glass. It also was noted the addition will be protected by trees, the Alger House, Grosse Pointe Memorial Churchs carillon tower and the cell tower.

THE GROSSE POINTES With its campus being closed through May 28, in accordance with the Michigan Stay Home, Stay Safe executive order, The War Memorial recently announced its annual Memorial Day service will be shared with the community via a new video project. The video will be shared with the community Monday, May 25, through The War Memorials social media channels, YouTube page and website. The video will feature a performance of the United States national anthem; remarks from War Memorial leadership; a keynote address from Brig. The reading of the names of fallen Grosse Pointe service members from all military branches also will be included. Each year, The War Memorial is honored to host a solemn service on Memorial Day, serving as a central place of remembrance for our community, said War Memorial President and CEO Charles Burke.

The War Memorial and the Grosse Pointe Artists Association have partnered to offer Art from the Heart: Frontyard Art Exhibition, now through Sunday, May 17. The one thing that comes out loud and clear is that we care about each other and Art from the Heart: Frontyard Art Exhibition allows us to express that.Participants are asked to email a photo of their work to gpaa@grossepointeartcenter.org. Entries are reviewed and winners selected by the Promising Artists Council of the Grosse Pointe Artists Association. The Grosse Pointe Artists Associations Frontyard Art Exhibition is a terrific program that encourages a true sense of community and it felt natural for The War Memorial to join as a partner. I also hope that the Frontyard Art Exhibition serves to demonstrate how accessible visual art is.

Matthew Turnbull was so moved at the annual Veterans Day Breakfast at The War Memorial, that he penn...An active subscription to the Grosse Pointe News is required to view this article. Please login or purchase a subscription by clicking here. Subscribers who want to reset their password can click here