Vital - distributed monthly within the Detroit Free Press & The Detroit News. Also available free in hundreds of local racks

Local Events and Happenings

To have your event listed in the calendar, send information two months in advance to Vital Calendar, Signature Media, 615 W. Lafayette Blvd., Detroit, MI 48226 or e-mail cmnelson@SignatureMichigan.com.

CHARITY

Karmanos Cancer Institute Annual Dinner Gala
When: Saturday, May 17, 6 p.m.
Where: The estate of Pam and David V. Johnson, Clarkston
Details: Enjoy a night of disco that will benefit cancer research, patient care, and professional, public and patient education.
Cost: $300 and up per ticket
Contact: 313.576.8112 or heimerls@karmanos.org

EVENTS

Green Street Fair
When: Saturday, May 3, 10 a.m.-7 p.m.; Sunday, May 4, 10 a.m.-5 p.m.
Where: Downtown Plymouth
Details: Learn the advantages of a healthier, greener life. More than 300 local and national businesses will demonstrate and sell eco-friendly, organic and green products.
Cost: Free
Contact: www.greenstreetfair.com

GET MOVING

25th Annual Yogaday
When: Saturday, May 3, 9 a.m.-5 p.m.
Where: Troy Community Center, 3179 Livernois, Troy
Details: Begin yoga or enhance your technique in more than 20 classes of varying styles. Sponsored by the Yoga Association of Greater Detroit.
Cost: $36, half day; $64, full day
Contact: 586.294.9243, www.yagd.com

Evening Bird Walk
When: Wednesday, May 7, 6-7:30 p.m.
Where: Edsel & Eleanor Ford House, 1100 Lake Shore Rd., Grosse Pointe Shores
Details: Enjoy a guided bird exploration on the grounds with Rosann Kovalcik, owner of Wild Birds Unlimited, followed by beverages in the Tea Room.
Cost: $6; reservations recommended
Contact: 313.884.4222 or www.fordhouse.org/calendar.html

Kayaking Classes
When: Tuesdays, April 29 & May 6, 7-8:30 p.m. (basic); May 13 & 20, 7- 8:30 p.m. (roll class)
Where: Arthurs Middle School pool, 4000 Marian Drive, Trenton
Details: Learn basic kayaking skills in the beginner class (gear provided), or the fundamentals of rolling a capsized kayak in the second class. Bring water clothing and shoes, nose plugs, a towel, and a change of clothing. Class size is limited; maximum student/ instructor ratio in the basic class is 4:1, and 2:1 in roll class.
Cost: $75, Trenton resident; $85 nonresident for basic, and for roll class if you bring your own gear. Cost for students in roll class without gear is $90, resident; $100, nonresident.
Contact: 734.675.7300

Walking With Faith, Inc. 2008 Health Conference
When: Saturday, May 17, 9 a.m.-2:30 p.m.
Where: Fairlane Club, 5000 Fairlane Woods Drive, Dearborn
Details: Workshops will include health, dance, fitness and selfdefense. Health and beauty vendors will show their wares; continental breakfast included.
Cost: $35
Contact: 734.397.2041, www.walkingwithfaith.org

GOLF

2008 MS Longest Day of Golf
When: Throughout May
Where: More than 40 courses across the state (half in metro Detroit)
Details: Register to golf all day at courses that will divert greens fees toward the National Multiple Sclerosis Society’s goal of $315,000.
Cost: $125 minimum per golfer; cart fees may apply
Contact: 248.351.2190, ext. 214

NUTRITION

Healthful Cooking: Vegan
When: Thursdays, May 1 and 15, 6:30-8:30 p.m.
Where: Aunt Olive’s Good Food 2 Go, 525 N. Old Woodward Ave., Birmingham
Details: Learn to prepare delicious dishes without the fat and cholesterol of meat and dairy products with Cheryl Heppard of Michigan Health Coach and Aunt Olive’s chef Matt Schellig. Includes dinner and wine.
Cost: $50
Contact: 248.592.0869 or 248.593.0364

PARENTS

Meditation for Moms-to-Be
When: Tuesdays, May 13, 20, 27 and June 3, 10, 6:30-7:30 p.m.
Where: Shelby Community Center, 51670 Van Dyke, Shelby Township
Details: Mind/body techniques will help you calm yourself and get ready to enjoy your new baby. Bring a yoga or exercise mat if you have one.
Cost: $59, Shelby Township residents; $64, nonresidents
Contact: 586.731.0300 or www.shelbyparksandrecreation.org; registration begins Monday, April 28

Mothers’ Morning Meeting Place
When: Thursday, May 8 (second Thursday each month), 11 a.m.
Where: Whole Foods Market, 1404 Walton Blvd., Rochester Hills
Details: Meet with other moms to discuss children’s nutrition and natural supplements, in a discussion moderated by an expert in the field.
Cost: Free
Contact: 248.652.2100; registration required

RUNS/WALKS

5K Run/Walk for Celiac Disease
When: Sunday, May 18, 8 a.m.-2 p.m.
Where: Edsel & Eleanor Ford House, 1100 Lake Shore Rd., Grosse Pointe Shores
Details: Join the Tri-County Celiac Support Group for a run/walk and silent auction to support research on celiac disease, a disorder that affects the gastrointestinal tract when gluten (wheat, rye or barley) is ingested.
Cost: $5 for children under 10, $15 all others who pre-register by May 7; $25 for same-day registration
Contact: 313.884.4222, www.tccsg.com

SUPPORT GROUPS

Spinal Cord Injury Support Groups
When: 12:30-1:30 p.m. every Wednesday for individuals; family session 6-8:30 p.m. Monday, May 5 (first Monday each month)
Where: DMC Rehabilitation Institute of Michigan, 42005 W. 12 Mile Rd., Novi
Details: Groups provide forums for information exchange and support.
Cost: Free Contact: 248.305.7360

Women’s Health and Information Group
When: Wednesday, May 7 (first Wednesday every month), 7-9 p.m.
Where: St. Mary Mercy Hospital, Classroom 11, 36475 Five Mile Rd., Livonia (use Marian Professional Building entrance off Levan)