August 2022

The Dog Days of Summer:

Can Fall Be Far Behind?

As The Community House prepares for an exciting and robust Fall 2022, the term the “Dog Days of Summer” keeps coming up. What does this really mean? I wanted to learn more about this often-used term. During my research I learned that the term “Dog Days” traditionally refers to a period of particularly hot and humid weather occurring during the summer months of July and August in the Northern Hemisphere.

In ancient Greece and Rome, “the Dog Days were believed to be a time of drought, bad luck, and unrest, when dogs and men alike would be driven mad by the extreme heat. Today, the phrase doesn’t conjure up such bad imagery. Instead, the Dog Days are associated purely with the time of summer’s peak temperatures and humidity.”

Generally, it is believed that the exact dates of the Dog Days can vary from source to source, and because they are traditionally tied to the dawn rising of Sirius, they have changed over time. However, most sources agree that the Dog Days occur in mid-to-late summer.

When “Dog Days are approaching; you must, therefore, make both hay and haste while the Sun shines, for when old Sirius takes command of the weather, he is such an unsteady, crazy dog, there is no dependence upon him.”

At The Community House, the Dog Days signal the fast-approaching end to summer, and the dawn of fall activities, football, tailgates, apple pie, leaves, back to school and a return to inside activities. In anticipation, let’s check out some recent achievements at TCH and fall happenings underway:

BIRMINGHAM HOUSE TOUR IS BACK

The Birmingham House Tour is back. Proudly hosted by The Community House, in partnership with the Founding Presenting Sponsor, The Agency Hall & Hunter, for their 22nd consecutive year.

House Tour 2022 will take place on Thursday, September 15, from 9:30 a.m.–3:30 p.m. Rain or shine.

The Tour will feature seven exquisite private homes in the area with a wide range of architectural and design styles. The Tour also includes an extraordinary garden; stroll paths from one water feature to another including a pond and waterfall.

Special events like the Birmingham House Tour raise important funds for The Community House’s programs and services for adults and children. Tickets are on sale now. For more information or to purchase tickets pre-sale, please visit our website, communityhouse.com today.

Cost of tickets: Pre-sale $42 and $49 day of the Tour. Many, many thanks to The Agency Hall & Hunter – for their invaluable time, talent and treasure.

TACO & TEQUILLA THURSDAYS & OKTOBERFEST 2022 – On the Terrace

New Assistant Vice President of Hospitality Nicholas Caroselli is gearing up to host some exciting events for the remainder of 2022.

First up – in partnership with TCH award-winning Corporate Executive Chef Ryan Friedrich and newly appointed Banquet Manager Kenneth Woods, the Hospitality Department will be hosting Taco & Tequila Thursdays on the outdoor Van Dusen Terrace beginning August 4th and every other Thursday through September 15th from 6 p.m.-8 p.m. The event will feature gourmet tacos paired with different tequilas and will feature a traditional Mariachi Band.

Next – The Community House and its Hospitality Team are also proud to bring back the highly anticipated Oktoberfest on September 29th. The event will be a tribute to the traditional German Oktoberfest featuring signature German cuisine, beer, games, contests, live entertainment and much more. Tickets for both events on sale now.

Finally, please consider The Community House for booking with our Hospitality Department your upcoming corporate or holiday event or for your milestone celebrations. Incredible new menu selections now being featured, extraordinary wine and cocktail selections are now available and customized packages for your every need on standby. Ask about our Early Booking Special for the 2022 Holiday Season as well.

For more information on upcoming Fall 2022 Hospitality Events, Holiday 2022 or to purchase advanced tickets for Taco & Tequila Thursdays on the Terrace or Oktoberfest 2022, please check out our website at communityhouse.com or contact Nicholas Caroselli, Assistant VP at 248.644.5832.

PROGRAMS & ENRICHMENT

Since 2022 began, the Programs & Enrichment (P&E) Department has strived to meet the needs of our community and achieve extraordinary results.

In March, The Community House was nominated for HOUR magazine’s “Best Of” Summer Day Camps in the metro Detroit area. In April we welcomed the 32nd Annual Student Art Town back in person for the first time since 2019, featuring over 80 talented young artists aging from 5 - 18 years old.

For a second consecutive summer, P&E is bringing back its immensely popular Wine & Watercolors series for those 21+ in Birmingham and the surrounding communities to enjoy.

As we head into the fall, the Programs & Enrichment Department is excited to welcome families to join our events, pop up opportunities and classes to learn, create and explore. For more information or to learn more about our programs, classes, and enrichment, please visit our website at communityhouse.com

SPECIAL HONORS & RECOGNITION

The Community House is very proud to announce that it has received The Knot BEST OF WEDDINGS and WEDDINGWIRE Couples Choice Award for 2022. The Knot Best of Weddings is an annual award that recognizes the top wedding venues across the country. This prestigious honor represents the highest rated vendors on The Knot who are trusted, dependable, and deliver quality service. Only the best wedding vendors (top 5 percent) receive this award.

And as indicated under Programs & Enrichment - The Community House was also recognized as a BEST of HOUR Detroit Finalist for SUMMER CAMPS 2022 in the region. Well done all.

EARLY CHILDHOOD CENTER

Our Early Childhood Center is expanding. Hot breakfasts and lunches are back. With waiting lists practically full, and the need for our award-winning early childhood education services growing – maxing out our Early Childhood, Infant and Toddlers centers to capacity – The Community House will be opening an additional preschool classroom in September to keep up with the increasing demands of the community. Led by our gifted and eminently qualified Director of the Early Childhood Center, Honilynn Hendricks, we look forward to welcoming back all of our new and returning students for the 2022-2023 school year.

JOB OFFERINGS

We are hiring across all these departments and more. If you’re interested in working for a growing organization, please check our website for a full list of job postings.

VOLUNTEER GIFTS OF TIME

Have you ever thought about sharing your gifts of time and talents with a local non-profit organization? If so, The Community House is the perfect place for you.

Volunteers have been involved in every aspect of The Community House life for nearly a century. They give the “House” a face, a voice, helping hands, and a heart. Volunteers are the life of The Community House, the vital force to carry out our mission of serving an every-growing, ever-changing community. As a volunteer, you link us to the many neighborhoods, towns and cities that make up the broad range of communities we serve.

Please visit our website, communityhouse.com to download a volunteer application. We need you.

William D. Seklar is President & CEO of The Community House and The Community House Foundation in Birmingham.