When you're smilin' . . . .

Judging by the folks at the Chamber of Commerce's fifth annual dinner Tuesday (Jan. 26), the business climate in the Pointes is pretty good. The mood at the War Memorial event was jovial as Chamber members networked over food and drinks and congratulated winners of the group's Pointer of Distinction Awards. We're taking that as a sign that better times are ahead.

Close the book and let the party begin

There was nothing blue about the little Blue Book staff, when the party crashers caught them at their annual Christmas party Dec. 3 at the Roostertail's Club Room. They had just put the Grosse Pointe edition to bed and were clearly in the mood to party all night. Hosts Kim Towar, president and CEO, and Brandi Keating, vice president for operations, (pictured below) set the tone for a festive evening.

They say it's your birthday. . .

Antonio's in the Park was hopping Sunday afternoon (Oct. 25) when 80 people gathered for an 80th birthday party for Shores resident Bill Richards. Hosted by his children, the party was a jovial affair with guests ranging from octogenarians to toddlers. Folks had such a good time, they're already looking forward to Bill's 90th birthday!

The only thing hot was the chili

Nearly 50 hearty souls weathered 40-degree temperatures Saturday (Oct. 17) for the Grosse Pointe Boat Club's annual Chili Cookoff. Held at "The Littlest Club" at Neff Park, the cookoff featured six chilies made by club members. Mary Scrace won first place. It was her second win in three years. Chris Greiner took second, and Steve Sudlich placed third. 

Boat Club members gather at "The Littlest Club" (top); guests Don Smolenski, Veronica Greiner and the always-flamboyant John Onstwedder (center from left). Commodore James Grenda announces the winners — in the dark — to the amusement of Maj-Britt Black, party host (bottom).

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Mortar boards and mixed doubles–
a lovely night for party-crashing

It was a beautiful summer weekend (June 27 and 28), and the Party Crashers couldn’t resist stopping in at a couple of lively gatherings.

The Indian Village Tennis Club held its annual President’s Party at the club in Detroit’s historic Indian Village. This is one of the oldest private tennis clubs in the country and probably the least pretentious. Many members live in the Pointes so it seemed like a natural stop for the Crashers. Members were looking spiffy as they danced the night away after honoring past president Diane Foster, a Grosse Pointer, for her many years of service to the club. The warm summer evening also brought guests out on the porch to enjoy cocktails and interesting conversation.

President's Party guests at the Indian Village Tennis Club included, L-R, Hope Hoffman, Clarke Scholes and Eileen and John Dixon.

This being the heart of graduation season, we were drawn to a lovely house on Balfour in the Park, where roughly 40 cars lined the block. Recent South graduate Roseanne Atsalakis was the guest of honor, and her proud parents Jean and Tony, along with brothers George and Steven, graciously welcomed us and even posed for a few photos.

The swimming pool looked inviting (we love backyard pool parties), but we resisted jumping in since no one else had taken the plunge. Guests focused on the food, drink and socializing. In addition to friends and relatives, Roseanne’s former classmates were eating heartily under the tent, sharing their future plans with us. We especially liked the kids going to Michigan State. We can’t help it–it’s our alma mater.

Fellow South graduates, L-R, Stephen Hollidge, Hannah Reimer, Julia Schneider, Libby Strachan, Roseanne Atsalakis, Jacob St. Louis and Kathryn Ourlian take a break from eating to smile for the Party Crashers.

Tony, Steven, Roseanne, Jean and George Atsalakis pose for a family photo at the graduation party. read more...