March 2021

“If winter comes, can spring be far behind?” - Percy Bysshe Shelley

As we look out the window of the venerable Community House, it’s hard to imagine that the start of spring is just days away! While it has been a cold, snowy and frigid winter here in Michigan, spring and summer 2021 planning at The Community House is well underway.

Ever mindful of the COVID challenges still facing our community today – all of us at The Community House are committed to working towards a “new” normal as soon as this dreadful pandemic and its related variants allow.

We know that many of our class takers, campers, civic groups, and supporters still have many questions about spring and summer 2021 at the historic Community House. We do, too. While we are busy making every effort to reopen, factors beyond our control may impact those plans. We will continue to monitor the coronavirus situation, and new variants of the virus, and will meet regularly to review the latest local, state, and national health and safety guidelines.

In the event of a best-case scenario, scores of new spring classes and summer camps are carefully being planned at The Community House; a wide array of exciting and popular art, culture and educational opportunities are being finalized for our spring calendar, inside (if permitted), outside, virtually, or otherwise. To register for a spring class or summer camp or for more information – please go to The Community House website at communityhouse.com or call 248.644.5832.

Finally, please know that it is vital that all members of our community continue to stay vigilant and follow current health and safety protocols. We take the care and wellbeing of our employees, volunteers, children, and seniors quite seriously. We pledge to open as safely and as responsibly as possible. Like last spring and summer, should the capacity limits and the safety and health guidelines be eased, The Community House plans to act promptly. We really miss all of you. It really does take a village. Be safe, stay well.

If winter comes, can spring (or summer!) be far behind?

SAVE THE DATE – SUPPORT YOUR LOCAL ARTISTS

Our Town Art Show & Sale 2021 – The Community House in downtown Birmingham invites you to join us for our 36th annual OUR TOWN Art Show & Sale.  Due to COVID restrictions, the iconic OUR TOWN Art Show & Sale will again be a virtual event, with accepted artwork available online for purchase from April 22 through May 6, 2021. This all media, juried art show provides a forum for Michigan artists to show and sell their work, fulfilling the mission of The Community House to impact lives through exceptional educational, social and outreach experiences, particularly through the arts and culture. This year’s show and sale takes on added importance for local area artists struggling to showcase and sell their art during this protracted pandemic. Proceeds from each sale of artwork benefits both the artist and The Community House. For additional information on the OUR TOWN Art Show & Sale or the Virtual VIP Opening Night Party, please visit our website at communityhouse.com or call 248.644.5832.

REGISTRATION NOW OPEN

SUMMER CAMPS 2021 – Almost since The Community House was established nearly a century ago, children’s classes, programs and services at The Community House have been at the center of our mission, purpose, and vision. Our founders envisioned The Community House to be a place where young people from our community and surrounding region would gather for camaraderie, learning and enrichment.

Over the years, The Community House has supplemented our fall, winter and spring children’s classes with a robust selection of summer camps. We believe that summer camps are a place where children get the experiences they need to bolster their range of coping strategies.

While still navigating through the pandemic, notwithstanding restrictions, The Community House is planning over 35 summer camps: half day, full day, morning, afternoon, lunch optional, with before and after-care opportunities. Our camps are offered from the months of June to August and are open to children between the ages of 3 and 18. We make it our mission to offer extraordinary summer experiences for all! Make sure to visit communityhouse.com to see all our camp offerings and to register. You may want to hurry – there is pent up demand for summer activities for our children. Indoor & outdoor space is limited.

TCH Virtual Programming Spring 2021 – While we may be unable to meet in person (at this time), nothing can stop us from connecting with others. Take a trip back in time during our art lecture series. Learn a new skill with our investment series. Relax and unwind in our Tai Chi or Yoga classes. Engage your little one in our Kindermusik or baby and toddler sign language. Explore a new passion and sign your children up for babysitter safety, self-defense, or dance classes. We have amazing virtual opportunities for all ages. For a full online list of spring 2021 class offerings visit: communityhouse.asapconnected.com/

Activity Boxes – Is your child cooped up? Too much screen time? Help is on the way. Get your child engaged and active with our themed activity boxes. Your child will hippity-hop down the bunny trail, embark on a wild safari adventure, blast off into space, and save the city – all with the help of our customized activity boxes – in the comfort and safety of your own home. Each box includes 6-8 themed activities and crafts. Registration is now open and pick-up dates/times vary by box.

FREE: OPEN TO THE PUBLIC.

Senior Living Series 2021 - The Community House is proud to continue its educational partnership with Pomeroy Living – Pomeroy Living Communities via a virtual Senior Living Series. This important virtual series includes webinars, videos, resource materials, recipes and more. For more information about the TCH – Pomeroy Living Senior Living Series 2021, go to program@communityhouse.com or call 248.594.6415. All talks are free but please pre-register.

• March 2021 – Best Exercises for Older Adults (and What to Avoid)

• April 2021 – Right time Right Place - Community Based Living Options

• May 2021 – Playing with Technology - Seniors Live Longer, Healthier Lives

• June 2021 – Cooking with Chef – Fresh Taste for Seniors

• July 2021 – Ask a Nurse - Your Chance to Discuss Health and Wellness Needs

• August 2021 – Healthy you - How fit are you? Wellness Fair

For more information or a catalog about our 2021 Summer Camps or more information about our other Community House offerings, please visit us at communityhouse.com or call the Programs & Enrichment Department at 248.594.6406.

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