Upcoming Programs

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

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

Here are some of our upcoming programs

FREE Falls Risk Screening

Appointments required and available by appointment only.

Call 313-882-9600 to Schedule Your FREE Screening At The Helm

 

Able Assess is a quick, safe and easy screening that evaluates your balance, strength and mobility to help identify your risk of falling.

The assessment takes less than

10 minutes and includes four simple activities guided by a trained staff member.

You’ll receive personalized results along with recommendations and resources to help you stay strong, active and independent.

Lunch & Learns

GLP-1s Explained
Wednesday, October 14
Facilitator: Dr. Robin Samyn
$12
Enjoy lunch while Dr. Robin Samyn takes a closer look at GLP-1 medications and why they have become such a hot topic in healthcare today. Learn what GLP-1s are, how they work, and how they are being used for diabetes management, weight reduction, and other areas of health. Bring your questions and discover what the future may hold for these innovative medications.

 

Time for Thyme
Tuesday, October 20
Facilitator: Herb Society of America, Grosse Pointe Unit
$12
Spend your lunch exploring the wonderful world of herbs with the Herb Society of America, Grosse Pointe Unit. Learn about the organization, their passion for herbs, the gardens they maintain throughout the community, and the many ways herbs can be used and enjoyed. Discover tips for preserving herbs, creative ways to use your garden’s harvest, and ideas for making your own herbal gifts. You’ll also be able to take home a little something special with fun herbal giveaways! Join us for a delicious lunch and a delightful afternoon rooted in nature.

 

Tea: Humanity’s Healthiest Habit
Thursday, November 5
Facilitator: James Norwood Pratt and Howard Davis
$12
Tea is the world’s most widely consumed beverage. James Norwood Pratt is known in the worldwide tea trade as America’s “Tea Sage”. His books and talks on tea have informed and inspired many thousands and sparked our present-day tea Renaissance. He and Eastern Market’s beloved tea and coffee merchant, Howard Davis, will discuss the history, types and health aspects of this delicious drink. Tea will be served with lunch, and James’ books will be available for purchase.

 

Great Lakes Glamour: The Story of the Luxury Liners
Thursday, December 3
Facilitator: Bruce Allen Kopytek, author of “The D&C and the Fabulous Luxury Liners of the Great Lakes”
$12
Learn about a time when lake travel meant luxury and style. Author Bruce Allen Kopytek shares a fascinating look at a bygone era on the Great Lakes in this interesting presentation. Drawing from his book, Bruce will explore the history, elegance and cultural impact of the Detroit & Cleveland Navigation Company and the grand passenger steamers that once defined travel on the inland seas.

Morning Mingle & Learn

Ready, Set, Vote!
Wednesday, October 21
10:30 – 11:30 am
Presenter: The League of Women Voters of Grosse Pointe

The choices are yours when you cast your ballot in this November’s election. A speaker from the League of Women Voters Grosse Pointe will talk about where to get impartial information about candidates, issues, and voting options (early, by mail, and on Election Day.) There will be an opportunity for questions from the audience. Boost your confidence when you vote! Come to the Morning Mingle and Learn on October 21, 2026.

 

Unsolved Michigan with Nina Innsted
Tuesday, November 10
10:30 – 11:30 am
Presenter: Nina Innsted, true crime expert, president of Missing in Michigan, host of the Already Gone podcast, and author of “Unsolved Michigan”.

Did you know that over 600,000 people go missing each year in the United States? Many missing children and adults are quickly found, alive and well, but tens of thousands remain missing. Join us for coffee and pastries, with Nina Innsted, to hear gripping, true crime stories from Metro Detroit. Nina will share information about Missing in Michigan, the association that provides support to law enforcement and the families of missing persons, by collaborating in efforts to help bring them home. Nina will also share excerpts from her book, “Unsolved Michigan”, which explores various unsolved cases in the state.

 

A Taste of Italy
Wednesday, December 2
10:30 – 11:30 am
Presenter: Jonathan Itchon, mediation instructor at The Helm

Join Jonathan Itchon as he shares highlights from his amazing trip to Italy. Enjoy a taste of Italian culture as you learn some Italian phrases, sample authentic Italian snacks, and discover more about Italy’s delicious food, beautiful architecture, fascinating history, and welcoming people.

Out-to-Lunch Bunch

TEXAS ROADHOUSE, Roseville
Friday, September 18
Noon  to 2:30 pm

Meet us at this lively, casual restaurant known for its hand-cut steaks, made-from-scratch sides, and freshbaked rolls. Don’t forget the honey butter!

 

SHORES INN, St. Clair Shores
Thursday, October 15
Noon  to 2:30 pm
Meet us at Shores Inn for a casual lunch featuring favorites like burgers, sandwiches, pizza, wings, and other classic American fare.

 

GILBERT’S LODGE, St. Clair Shores
Thursday, November 12
Noon  to 2:30 pm
Meet us at Gilbert’s Lodge for a cozy Northwoods-style atmosphere and a large menu featuring famous burgers, small plates, hearty meals, healthy sautés, pizza, and more.

 

TERRY’S TERRACE, Harrison Township
Wednesday, December 16
Noon  to 2:30 pm
Meet us at Terry’s Terrace for a wide variety of favorites, including steaks, seafood, burgers, sandwiches, scratch-made soups, and more, along with a fun holiday menu featuring seasonal specials.

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.

NOTE: At this time, transportation via PAATS bus is not available for Out to Lunch Bunch outings.

Field Trips

IKEA in Canton Township
Tuesday, October 13 9:30am-2:00pm
$15 includes roundtrip transportation

Spend the day exploring IKEA, the world’s largest furniture retailer, where you’ll discover stylish, affordable Scandinavian home furnishings, seasonal décor, and clever organizational finds. Take your time browsing the expansive showroom before enjoying breakfast or lunch at IKEA’s popular restaurant. Be sure to try their famous Swedish meatballs, served with mashed potatoes, creamy gravy, and tangy lingonberry jam, or stop by the Swedish Bistro for a quick snack or sweet treat. Whether you’re shopping for inspiration or simply enjoying a day out, this trip has something for everyone!

 

Grosse Pointe Historical Society & Lunch
Date: Wednesday, October 21
Time: 10 AM – 2:30 PM
Cost: $30 per person, includes roundtrip transportation and museum tour

Join us for a visit to the Grosse Pointe Historical Society’s History Center, where we’ll receive an introduction to the museum and explore its newest exhibition, Robert O. Derrick: Architect of Dreams. Members will have time to browse the gallery, enjoy light refreshments, chat with the Collections Manager about local history, and participate in an optional behind-the-scenes tour of the archives.

Following our visit, we’ll head to Mack Avenue Grille where we will enjoy lunch together. Please note that the cost of lunch is not included in the registration fee and will be paid for individually by each participant. We recommend bringing cash, as restaurants do not always provide individual bills for larger groups.

 

The Historic Whitney- BIANCO TOUR
Wednesday, November 4, 9 am – 4 pm
$111 per person, includes roundtrip transportation, lunch and tours 
REGISTRATION AND PAYMENT DUE BY OCTOBER 23

Spend the day exploring some of Detroit’s most iconic destinations! Sip champagne while touring the historic Whitney mansion, enjoy an included lunch at Hudson Café, then go behind the scenes at the beautifully restored Detroit Opera House, including a guided tour of the stage and areas not typically open to the public.

 

Royal Oak Marketing (Art Fair) 
Thursday, November 19, 10:30 am – 2 pm
$15 per person includes roundtrip transportation 
REGISTRATION AND PAYMENT DUE BY NOVEMBER 5

Spend the day at the Royal Oak Market: Art Fair Edition, featuring 60 jury-selected artists offering handmade artwork, jewelry, home décor and gifts. Browse the market at your own pace, enjoy live entertainment and grab a bite from one of the food vendors. It’s a festive way to shop, explore and enjoy a day out!

 

Nite Lites at Michigan International Speedway – BIANCO TOUR
Thursday, December 10, 2:30 – 9 pm
$91 per person, includes roundtrip transportation, lunch and tour
REGISTRATION AND PAYMENT DUE BY NOVEMBER 20

Enjoy an included lunch at Jerry’s Pub on Wamplers Lake, followed by a drive through Nite Lites at Michigan International Speedway, featuring millions of holiday lights, 65 themed displays and a spectacular 250-foot lighted tunnel.

“Home for the HOlidays” Show at The Detroit Symphony Orchestra
Friday, December 11, 9:30 am – 1:30 pm
$75 per person, includes roundtrip transportation and show ticket
REGISTRATION AND PAYMENT DUE BY DECEMBER 4

Celebrate the season with one of Detroit’s favorite holiday traditions! The DSO and special guests bring the magic of the holidays to life with festive favorites, performed in the warmth of Orchestra Hall. Make memories to cherish for years to come with a concert filled with joy, music, and holiday spirit.

Friday Lunch & A Movie
Showtime: Noon
$12 per movie

Treat yourself to a fun and relaxing experience. Enjoy a delicious, catered lunch at The Helm, while watching a fantastic movie! One price covers both the meal and the show.

Registration and payment are due one week prior to the date of the Lunch and a Movie.

BLUE MIRACLE (2021)
PG 1 hour, 36 minutes

Friday, September 25 
To save their struggling orphanage, a determined guardian and a crew of scrappy kids team up with a washed-up boat captain for one wild shot at glory— winning a high-stakes fishing tournament in Cabo San Lucas, where the prize is big enough to change their lives forever.

Wake Up Dead Man: A Knives Out Mystery (2025)
PG-13, 2 hours, 24 minutes

Friday, October 30
Detective Benoit Blanc is back and teams up with an earnest young priest to investigate a perfectly impossible crime at a small-town church with a dark history.

Summer Patio Party Series

FALL BONFIRE BASH
Tuesday, September 22 5:30 – 7 pm
ENTERTAINMENT: The Neighbors
$25 per person, includes meal and live entertainment

Get ready for a cozy night of fall fun at our Fall Bonfire Bash! Enjoy a delicious dinner, then gather around the crackling fire for everyone’s favorite treat – gooey, chocolatey s’mores. As the night warms up, kick back and relax to live music from The Neighbors, bringing the perfect soundtrack to a crisp autumn evening. Join us for great food, fun music and good company. It’s everything you love about fall, all in one memorable evening.

Caregiver Compass: Starting Out & Staying Well- Wednesday, September 30

CAREGIVER COMPASS: STARTING OUT & STAYING WELL
Wednesday, September 30, 7 – 8pm
LOCATION: THE WAR MEMORIAL

Kick off our new Caregiver Compass series with an engaging panel discussion focused on the emotional side of caregiving. This program will explore the many adjustments that come with becoming a caregiver, including managing expectations, navigating challenges and recognizing the importance of caring for yourself while supporting others.

Panelists will discuss caregiver burnout, stress management, mindfulness tools and ways to find support through community resources, peer connections and professional services. Whether you are new to caregiving or have years of experience, this session is designed to provide guidance, reassurance and meaningful conversation.

The Knowledge Cafe- A monthly serving of lifelong learning

The Knowledge Café – A monthly serving of lifelong learning
Dates: Wednesday, October 7 | Wednesday, November 18 | Wednesday, December 9
Time: 1 – 2 PM
No charge

The Knowledge Café is a monthly gathering where we explore a new topic through engaging videos from GetSetUp. From healthy cooking and travel to technology, Medicare, exercise, and lifelong learning, each session offers something different. Sit back, enjoy the presentation, and discover something new each month.

October topic: Travel & History
November topic: Food
December topic: Technology

DIA Behind the Scenes: Through Her Eyes II - Women Photographers

DIA Behind the Scenes: Through Her Eyes II – Women Photographers
Date: Friday, October 9
Time: 10 – 11 AM
Facilitator: DIA Docent, Vernice McDaniel
Location: The Helm

Join us for a special Behind the Scenes presentation from the Detroit Institute of Arts featuring the work and stories of influential women photographers from the 19th and 20th centuries. A DIA docent will guide us through the impact and artistry of these pioneering women, exploring how they shaped the world of photography and expanded the possibilities of the medium. Light refreshments will be provided.

Halloween Twilight Bingo

Halloween Twilight Bingo
Thursday, October 15 5 – 6:30 PM
$2 for 2 bingo cards, pastries and refreshments

Get into the Halloween spirit at our annual Halloween Bingo, twilight edition! Dress up in your favorite costume, wear a silly hat or fun pair of glasses, or simply come as you are. Enjoy delicious Halloween treats, festive fun, and the chance to win spooktacular prizes. It’s a frightfully good time you won’t want to miss!

Health for Her: Beauty as We Age – Skin, Hair and Nails

Health for Her: Beauty as We Age – Skin, Hair and Nails
Date: Thursday, October 22, 2026
Time: 6 – 7 PM

Hair, Skin & Nails as We Age will take a fresh, practical look at what really changes over time—and what today’s beauty and wellness world says we can do about it. From thinning hair, dry or sensitive skin, changing nails, and sun damage to newer topics like peptides, Korean skincare routines, retinoids, collagen products, scalp health, LED/red-light treatments, and regenerative skincare, we’ll separate promising science from clever marketing and help participants understand which approaches may actually be worth considering.

The program will bring together physicians, dermatology professionals, and industry experts to explain what is new, what is proven, what remains uncertain, and how to choose products and treatments safely. Participants will have plenty of opportunity to ask the questions they are really wondering about—from hair loss and age spots to expensive serums, supplements, injectables, and the latest skincare trends. The goal is simple: clear information, expert answers, and practical ways to feel healthy and confident at every age.

AARP Smart Drivers Course

AARP SMART DRIVER Course
Thursday, October 22 and Friday, October 23 10:00am – 1:00pm

$20 for AARP members and $25 for non- AARP members to be paid in person, by check, to the AARP instructor on the first day of the course.

Participants should attend both days of the course. Snack and drinks are provided.

AARP’s Smart Driver Course teaches proven driving techniques to help keep you and your loved ones safe on the road.
You will learn:
• Important facts about the effects of medication on driving
• How to reduce driver distractions
• How to maintain proper following distance behind another car
• Proper use of safety belts, air bags , anti-lock brakes and new tech found in cars today
• Techniques for handling left turns, right-of-way, and roundabouts
• Age-related physical changes and how to adjust your driving to compensate

Flu Clinic at The Helm

Flu Clinic at The Helm
Friday, October 23, 8:30am-1:30pm
Sponsor: Sunrise of Grosse Pointe Woods

Protect yourself and others, this flu season, by getting your annual flu shot. Healthcare professionals from Henry Ford Medical Center will administer vaccinations at The Helm. Please bring your Medicare card, driver’s license or Michigan ID, and any supplemental health insurance cards. If you do not have Medicare, there will be a charge for the vaccine; coverage may vary by insurance plan.

Appointments are required. Call 313-882-9600 to schedule your flu shot.

How to Jumpstart your AI Skills

How to Jumpstart your AI Skills
Tuesday, October 27 and Thursday, October 29 5:30-7:00pm
$40 (total for both sessions)

Join Oakland University Professor, Dr. Dan Arnold (The AI Man) for this engaging two-part beginner course designed to make AI easy to understand and use.
Participants should attend both days of the course. Snack and drinks are provided.

Session 1: AI-The Good, The Bad and The Unknown
• Learn what AI is and how it is changing everyday life
• Explore popular AI tools, assistants, and possibilities

Session 2: Tool Time: Exploring Common AI Tools
• Get hands-on practice with real AI platforms
• Build confidence using AI for productivity, creativity, and daily life

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