Upcoming Programs

Check out fun and informational programs happening this quarter. To see the entire month’s programs, click on Calendar above.

Here are some of our upcoming programs

FIELD TRIP & LUNCH

THRIFT STORE ADVENTURE & LUNCH
Thursday, April 30
11:30 a.m. – 3 p.m.
Cost: $10 per person
We’ll start the trip at the Full Circle Thrift Store in Grosse Pointe Park for a half hour of shopping and then head to Sinbad’s for a delicious lunch! Participants are responsible for the cost of any purchases and their meal. The cost for this trip is for the bus transportation.

Springtime Basket Making

Tuesday, April 28 – Noon – 4:30 p.m.
$65
The Basket Mak’r, Deb VanderLinde, is back to help you create a charming Daisy Denim Wall Basket. This 6 inches wide by 7 inches tall basket features a denim pocket with a painted daisy, fabric straps and matching disy riverts. After you weave the basket, you will dye it. All materials are included – plus snacks and drinks!

Lunch & Learn - Vernor's Ginger Ale

Wednesday, May 13
Noon to 1 p.m.
$10 per person
Presenter: Keith Wunderluch, author of Vernor’s Ginger Ale
It all began in a small pharmacy on Woodward
Avenue in Detroit. By 1940, it had grown to a huge
factory called the most modern bottling facility in
the world. How did James Vernor make his ginger
ale so successful? Go back in history with presenter
Keith Wunderlich and hear the story of how Vernors
developed from 1866 to now. You will see photos of
the pharmacy, the factories and of the 160-year history
of America’s longest continuously produced soda
pop.
Keith Wunderlich has been a collector of Vernor’s
Ginger Ale history, advertising and products for more
than 30 years. In addition to authoring Vernor’s
Ginger Ale, he is the founder of the Vernor’s Ginger
Ale Collector’s Club and writes a newsletter about
Vernors.

Spanish

Tuesdays, April 14 – June 2
Instructor: Dr. Randi Lou Franklin
Spanish for Beginners: 4 – 5:30 p.m.
Continuing Spanish: 6 – 7:30 p.m. 
$40 for the session

If you’ve never taken Spanish or need a refresh from high school or college days, join Spanish for Beginners. You’ll start from the beginning with learning the alphabet, proper pronunciation, numbers, greetings and responses. If you’ve taken prior Spanish sessions at The Helm or need to hone Spanish speaking skills, join us for Continuing Spanish where you’ll build new vocabulary and confidence to have Spanish conversations in real-world situations. No matter which class you take, you’ll enjoy the camaraderie as everyone works to “perfect” their Spanish-speaking skills!

Art Journaling for Seniors

Tuesdays, March 31 – May 5
3:30 – 5:30 p.m.
INSTRUCTOR: Elizabeth Russano
Free to Wayne County residents 60 or older
Art Journalising is a personal diary about thoughts, feelings and ideas expressed through words and mixed media, such as drawing, painting and collage. Let your creativity flow as you explore a variety of prompts and artistic techniques. No advanced art skills are needed as this class is about self-expression and fun. For the supply list, call Margaret at 313.649.2109.

A Matter of Balance

Mondays and Wednesdays, April 6 – 29, 1:15 – 3:15 p.m.
This award-winning program emphasizes practical strategies to reduce fear of falling and increase activity
levels. Participants learn to view falls and fear of falling
as controllable and set realistic goals to increase
activity. The focus of this course is on changing your
environment to reduce fall risk factors and on learning
exercises to increase strength and balance.

This evidence-based program is free to Wayne County residents.

Dance Fever

Tuesdays, April 28 – June 2
6 – 7:30 p.m.
Instructor: Andreas Browne
No charge for Wayne County residents
Come join this high energy dance class for seniors and
adults with special needs. This inclusive class focuses on
joyful movement, easy-to-follow steps and upbeat music
that keeps everyone smiling. You’ll learn a new dance each week. No experience needed – just a desire to move, laugh connect and have fun!

Friday Movie Matinee

SHOWTIME: NOON
$4 PER MOVIE

Friday, April 10
SOUL ON FIRE (2025)
(PG  1 hour, 52 minutes)
Facing unimaginable odds, a boy who survives severe
burns goes on to transform his past into a message of
hope and resilience in this heartfelt film.

Friday, April 24
Everybody’s Fine (2009)
(PG-13  1 hour, 39 minutes)
A widower travels from New York to Las Vegas to visit his children and see the lives they have built – including the parts he never knew about. Starring Robert DeNiro and Drew Barrymore.

Health for Her at The Helm - Sexuality and Intimacy as We Age

Thursday, April 30
6 – 7:30 p.m.
In Partnership with The Family Center

Community Welcome
Health for Her at The Helm is a free, community-based program that brings medical experts together to offer clear, evidence-based guidance on issues that are common yet rarely talked about. This program explores sexuality and intimacy as a normal part of aging. Medical professionals will discuss changes in desire, comfort, communication and medical considerations, offering practical strategies in a supportive environment. Open to the community. Registration is required.
Wine and light snacks will be served.

Out-to-Lunch Bunch

Tuesday, April 14, Noon to 2 p.m.
Waves, St. Clair Shroes
Waves offers a mix of American and Caribbean-inspired cuisine, featuring a vast array of fresh seafood, the Paradise Burger and their famous house salad. Join us to find out why Waves has been a Naturical Mile treasure for the past two decades!
Attendees are responsible for the cost of their own lunch and purchases. Meet at The Helm at noon if you plan to ride the bus. The cost for the bus ride is $8. If you are driving on your own, meet at the restaurant at 12:30 p.m. All attendees must register to ensure proper accommodations at the restaurant. Please bring cash as restaurants do not always provide individual bills.

Stay updated on our programs!

Our calendar and The Helm Life Journal will keep you up to date on what’s happening, now and in the future. Please download The Helm Life Journal or View the calendar to see what’s happening at the Helm.

Or Call us at 313.882.9600

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