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vp2-portraitJoe Knopp's

Usual Suspects

"A Social  Cooperative"

Events, Activities and Fun Stuff to Do

"joeknopp at gmail dot com"

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.(Thursday, 4/28/2011) - Please note that this site is no longer being maintained because most of the subscribers indicated that they prefered to receive the information via the weekly email updates.  If you stumble onto this page, and would like to be added to the Usual Suspects distribution list for the emailing, send me a message at joeknopp@comcast.net  Below, although dated, is an example of the kinds of information you will receive. . .  Thanks!

Hello fellow Suspects, and welcome to your site.  I see about 1,800 hits on this site and, while some may be the same user's visiting it multiple times, it means it's getting used.  Keep those notes coming about other events and fun stuff to do, so I can share it with your fellow "Suspects."     

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A special note, and a special request:  We’re working on our third annual American Cancer Society “Relay for Life” fundraiser party.  We like to call it our “Victory Party” as we work to raise much-needed funds to help support cancer research, and achieve "victories" against this killer.  Many of you came to the party last year, and the year before.  We had a great time at Barnstormer Banquet Center with a lot of music, food, and hundreds of awesome people having fun for a cause.  This year, we’ve scheduled March 21st - the first FULL day of Spring - for our "Spring Fever - Celebration of Life," but we need YOUR HELP!!!!!   We need help with Ticket Sales, Decorations, Guest Management, Accounting, etc., so if you would like to be a part of this year’s event, join team at Barnstormer Banquet Center on Thursday, January 29th, at 7:00pm for a meeting to discuss how you can help make this the most successful party, yet!  In any case, PLEASE buy a ticket or two and come to the party.  You can buy your tickets on line at our Team webpage.  Click the Donate, and enter an amount equal for $20 for each ticket you want.  Make sure you drop me a note here to let me know your name, address and the number of tickets you bought, so I can drop them in the mail to you.  Thanks!

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Again this week, I want to add a huge THANK YOU to those of you who have submitted items to me to add to this list.  As I’ve pointed out so many times, that’s how this works: when you learn of an event or a fun thing to do that may be of interest to other like-minded people, drop me a simple email message with stuff like date, time, location and cost.  I certainly don’t have time to research all the fun stuff that’s going on in the area, so it’s up to all of you to share your knowledge with the rest of us.  It’s all about choices. . .   One quick reminder, though: as you know, the Usual Suspects email message is sent out on Mondays.  So, to share an event with all the other “Suspects” through the weekly email message, I need to get the information by the Sunday before this goes out.  Now, if I get the message early on Monday morning, there’s a chance I can include it before the list is mailed but, to make sure, please send it to me by Sunday.  Of course, if it IS too late for the mail list, it will always be added to this web page.  In any case, thanks for sharing; it’s your input that makes this work!  

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One of your fellow Suspects is looking for a roommate in her Condo in Dexter.  She is looking for a female (sorry, guys) non-smoking professional or Grad student.  Rent would be $400 per month.  Call Nancy at 734-834-1871

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I see that over eighteen hundred of you have checked out our new “Usual Suspects Social Cooperative” web page.  Thanks for using this site, and for your comments.  Although the list of events is updated throughout the week, I only send the email to the "Suspects-of-Record" (those of you on my distribution list) on Mondays only.  So this web site will be your best bet for the most current list of stuff.    Add it to your favorites so you can get to it later.  It’s called a “Social Cooperative” because it’s largely user-driven; I rely on YOU to contribute fun events that you know about and aren't on this list!  So send me an email, or drop me a note, here, in the comments area.  And, as always, have fun!     

 

A special welcome to new “Suspects!”   If you’re new, the purpose of this site is as an information sharing mechanism intended to take email submissions from fellow Suspects regarding events and fun things to do in south-eastern Michigan, and make that information avalable to the rest of us.  Nobody can sit at home, whining "there's never anything to DOOOOO. . ."  Just look at all the options you have.  Chances are, you'll find a lot of other like-minded people there, looking to have fun, too.  Now, if you would like to join the "Usual Suspects," and be kept informed of special events, just click on the "Contact" tab above, and enter your name & email address.  It's free and completely confidential.  But, remember, this list is user-driven; I rely largely on YOU to contribute, so what other stuff do you know about that’s coming up, and isn’t on this list?  Drop me a message by clicking on the "Contact" tab above, and describing the event.  Include a website, if you have it.  Help FEED THE LIST  so we can share it with the others. . .       

HOW TO USE THIS SITE: 

  1. WEEKLY RECURRING EVENTS:  Scroll down on this page to see events listed which recur every week.  On this page, at least, I'm able to include links to the web sites which may have more information about these respective events. 
  2. NON-RECURRING EVENTS IN THE CURRENT MONTH: To see other, NON-recurring events comming up during the current month, just click the date on the calendar to the right. 
  3. EVENTS IN FUTURE MONTHS:  To view events beyond the current month, you need to click on the "Events" item on the menu bar near the top of this page (just above my mug shot).    For those events, in many cases, I've included URL's for related web pages in the description text.  But the web building software that I use won't let me include links to take you directly to them (hey; what can I say?  It's FREE).  Instead; you'll need to drag your mouse accross the URL, copy it, and paste it into your browser's address field to visit the site. 
  4. And don’t forget to check further down on this Home Page, for a couple of money saving tips and a few requests from friends.

One more thing before we get to the events; I just want to take a single paragraph to remind you about what I do for a living – I help people manage their insurable risk transfer.  Simply said, I’m an Insurance Agent.  I’ve been working in insurance for my entire career so, when your auto, home (including renters or condos) or business insurance comes up for renewal, why not let me try to save you money and improve your protection?  As a partner in an independent agency, I represent many companies, so I can do the shopping for you, and give you choices that you may not have with a captive agency.  If you’re already a client – THANKS!  If not, call me at 810-355-1381 so we can chat. . . 

         Check us out at http://www.hamburgpinckneyinsurance.com/ and click on the “About Us” link. . .

Weekly Recurring Events: (For other, non-recurring ones, click the "Events" tab above)

Sundays

  1. Dances: Quickstep dance lesson 4-5 p.m., $10. Dance party 5-8 p.m., $8. Both $12, Renaissance Unity, 11200 E. Eleven Mile Road, Warren. 800-255-4487. On Nov. 5 only, the Sunday dance party will be held at Holy Ghost Orthodox (Sterling Chateau Hall), 38500 Ryan between 16 Mile and 17 Mile, Sterling Heights. Same times and prices.
  2.  U of M Ballroom Dance Club – Dance Lessons:  Dances taught vary from week to week, but they run from 4:00 to 8:00.  (American Waltz from 4:00 to 5:00, Salsa from 5:30 to 6:30, American Tango from 7:00 to 8:00)  Then, open dancing ‘till 10:00.  Members only, but newcomers can try an evening for $3.  $25 per semester and $50 per year.  For more information browse to http://www.umich.edu/~umbdc
  3. Super Dance Sundays – at Amber House (7012 9 Mile Road, Warren, MI  - just two blocks west of Van Dyke ) Your best deal for the money.  Half an hour of review of the previous Sunday’s lesson at 3:30pm.  Then a one our lesson of scheduled dances.  Followed by all your favorite dance music from 5:00pm to 8:00pm.  $10 admission includes complimentary pizza.  Cash bar.  For details and scheduled dances, log onto www.theamberhouse.com/superdancesundays
  4. Friends of the Flint River Trail (Bicycling):  Sunday rides continue EVERY Sunday through October -- leaving from the Flint Farmers' Market (420 E Boulevard Dr., Flint, MI) at 2:00 PM for (a) a "family fun ride"  of about 5-7 miles at an easy pace; or, (b) the "regular" ride -- still easy and family friendly of about 13 miles total.   No fee / no membership / just "show up and ride"     (Helmets strongly recommended)

Mondays

  1. Euchre: 6:30-9:30 p.m. @ Drakeshire Lanes, 35000 Grand River, east of Drake, Farmington Hills.  Tables rotate every half hour, so you get to play with new people.  Located in the main lounge, a Non-Smoking atmosphere, where there is a cash bar and reasonably-priced food available off the menu.   $5 for MSP members / $6 for non-members.
  2. Dance Lessons – Collette Simmerson offers East Coast Swing (and more) lessons at Linden’s VFW Hall (710 Aldrich Street Linden, MI  48451) from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m.  $8 for Fenton Area Singles members, $10 for non-members.
  3. COUNTRY LINE DANCE LESSONS - Join Karen and friends for lost of fun, dance and exercise from 6:45-9pm Howell Elks Club (2830 E Grand River Ave, Howell, MI).  Beginners to intermediate, cost is $6 --- Cash Bar.  For questions or more information, contact Karen at krowland00@sbcglobal.net (810) 632-7756 Life may not be the party we hoped for but, while we’re here we might as well DANCE
  4. Dancing at Weber’s Habitat Ultralounge (3050 Jackson Ave, Ann Arbor, MI – I-94 at exit 172) – Give your week a jump start with DJ, Michial E. White, spinning the disks with top 40 tunes to feed your boogie fever.  

Tuesdays

  1. “All-You-Can-Bowl,” at Indian Lanes, 4500 Thirteenth Street, Wyandotte.  $12 per person.  From 7-11 p.m. - Downriver Singles: 734-654-4579 or www.downriversingles.com .
  2. Karaoke & $2 Domestic Beer – starting at 8:00 (the beer prices is good all day long) at Whitmore Lanes (9455 Main Street, Whitmore Lake, MI). 
  3. Social Dance Lessons  - Terri Sweet will offer classes at the Loose Center (707 North Bridge Street, Linden, MI).  6:00pm  to 7:00pm.  Six weeks, $36.  Contact Cheryl at 810-735-9406 for more information.
  4. Century Dancers and Selective Singles Social Club - Ballroom dancing with a live band at American-Policy Century Club (33204 Maple Lane Dr, Sterling Heights, MI - just north of Fourteen Mile Road on teh east side of Maple Lane, across from Maple Lane Golf Course).  Starts at 7:00pm and cost is $8.
  5. Latin & Argentine Tango Club of Detroit at O’Kelley Banquet Hall (23663 Park St, Dearborn).  Milonga de los Motor City  Milongaueros Argentine tango lessons at 7:00 pm.  Beginners welcome.  No partner needed.  After the lesson, dance tango, milonga, and vals to the best recorded music of Buenos Aires.  Price is $15 .

Wednesdays 

  1. Single Parents meet at 7:00 at Ward’s SAM office (40000 Six Mile Road, Northville, MI).  Join Bill Groff and Kelly Skiff who will be facilitating discussion.  Ward School of Christian Living Family Dinner at 5:30 pm.  Single parents with kids dine  for $2 per person, $6 max per family.  Reservations needed by Tuesday, noon.  Call 248-374-5988 and state that you are a single parent when making your reservations.
  2. Euchre: 6:30-9:30 p.m. @ Crash Landing Restaurant – 26620 Dequindre, just north of I-696 in Warren.  Players are rotated about every half-hour, so you get to play with new people.  Located in a Non-Smoking atmosphere, where there is a cash bar and reasonably-priced food available off the menu.   $5 for MSP members / $6 for non-members.
  3. Swing Dance Lessons – at Michigan Union (530 South State Street, Ann Arbor, MI  48109)  $5.  Intermediate lessons at 7:30, Beginner lessons at 8:30.  Open dancing from 9:30 to 11:30.  The dances taught alternate weekly between “East Coast Swing” (aka “6 Count Swing”) and “Lindy Hopp.”  For more information, browse to  www.swingannarbor.org  
  4. Bethany South – Buffet and Dance at Red Fawn (6600 Allen Road, Allen Park, MI).  Buffet served from 5:00pm to 6:00 includes salad, beverage and desert.  Dancing from 6:00 to 9:00.  Donation is $11 in advance, or $12 at the door.  For information, call Bill at 734-284-2613. "Bethany" is an orginizatin providing peer support to the divorced and seperated of all Christian faiths.
  5. $1 Bowling – at Whitmore Lanes (9455 Main Street, Whitmore Lake, MI).  6:00pm to close.  With prices this cheap, even I can enjoy bowling. . .   Plus, if you can make it there early (between noon and 6:00pm) they have a special on Miller Lite: $1 drafts and $5 pitchers.
  6. 50+ “Active” Christian Singles – a small group meeting in Fowlerville from 7:30pm to 8:30pm in a relaxed environment to study the bible and join in social activities.  Meetings take place at Fowlerville United Brethren Church (9300 W. Grand Rive, Fowlerville, MI – just west of the Fairgounds) in room 5.  For questions, call Lynn at 517-294-3335
  7. Smooth Jazz & Blues - 10:00 at Goodnite Gracie's (301 W Huron St, Ann Arbor, MI).  After 11:00pm, there's a $5 cover charge.
  8. and, upstairs from Gracies', at PJ's (102 South First Street, Ann Arbor, MI,) Laith Al Saadi performs http://www.laithmusic.com/ 
  9. West Coast Wednesday - swing dance lessons.   Amber House Dance Club (7102 E. Nine Mile Rd., Warren, MI - between Mound and Van Dyke).  Beginners at 7:30pm.  Intermediate at 8:15, and open dance beginning at 9:00.
  10. A-1 Singles - Dance (with lessons available by Michael Beresh starting at 7:00pm for $10).  Dance from 8:00pm to 11:00 for only $8.  At American-Polish Cultural Center (2975 E. Maple Road, Troy, MI - northwest corner of 15 Mile and Dequindre).  For more information, call 313-521-6564.
  11. Dueling Pianos - 8:00pm at Pub 13 (13 N Washington St, Ypsilanti, MI).  Two pianos and twp pianists face off for a ton of fun.  Audience participation encouraged.  No cover charge.
  12. Classic Lounge Jazz - Spencer Barfield on keyboards, Don Mayberry on stand-up bass, and Djallo Djakle on drums.  Great jazz and soul food at Baker's Keyboard Lounge (20510 Livernois, Detroit, MI  48221 www.bakerskeyboardlounge.com
  13. Ward Single Point - Singles Volleyball in Knox Hall at Ward (40000 Six Mile Road, Northville, MI 48167-3956 – about a mile west of I-696) starting at 8:30pm.  Meet for fun, fellowship and more.  All adults and skill levels are welcome.  All adults and skill levels are welcome.  For more information, contact Bo at rbucell@ford.com
  14. Euchre from 6:30pm to 9:30 at Crash Landing Restaurant (26620 Dequindre, Warren, MI - just north of I-696).  Players are rotated abouot every half-hour, so you get to meet and play with new people.  Located in a non-smoking atmosphere, where there is a cash bar and reasonably priced food available off the menu.  $6 charge for non-MSP members.
  15. Argentine Tango Club of Detroit - lessons.  7:00pm to 8:00 Intermediate Tango and beginner Salsa.  8:00 to 9:00 Intermediate Salsa.  Singles and couples welcome.  You don't need to bring a partner.  7758 Auburn Road, Utica, MI  48317

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Thursdays

  1. Single Place: Hosted by First Presbyterian Church of Northville, 200 E. Main, 248-349-0911. www.singleplace.og.  Events: - Thursday night programs: Social time/7:30-7:45 pm, Opening/7:45-8:00 pm, Program/8:00-9:00 pm.
  2. Parents Without Partners (Rochester) - Weekly Dance at Rivercrest (900 W Avon, Rochester Hills, MI - between Rochester and Livernois).  Starting at 8:30pm, “TJ the DJ” plays top 40 and your requests.  $9 for non-members / $5 members.  Questions, email salbpwp@yahoo.com 
  3. Karaoke at Outriggers (9901 N Main Street, Whitmore Lake, M – US-23 Exit 54) from 9:00pm to 1:00am
  4. THIRD THURSDAY OF EACH MONTH - American Singles Golf Association – Southeast Michigan Chapter’s Monthly Meeting at The Maples Club (13260 Wakefield, Novi, MI).  Especially if you love to golf, this is a great group of single people to get to know.  Cocktails at 6:00pm  Meeting at 7:00.  Mingling at 7:30.  For more information, call 248-347-0379 or visit their website at www.southeastmichigan.singlesgolf.com .
  5. Laith Al Saadi performs at Goodnite Gracie's(301 W Huron St, Ann Arbor, MI).  For a sampe of his music, visit http://www.laithmusic.com/
  6. The Fairlane Ballroom Dance Club has live dance bands every Thursday evening at the The dance is held at the Pvt. John Lyskawa VFW Post (6840 Waverly, Dearborn Heights, MI  48127). .  Dance starts at 7:30pm (doors open at 6:30pm) and last 'till 10:30pm.  Guests are $7.00, members $6.00. Potato chips, cheese snacks, pretzels, coffee and tea are served before and during the dance, and a selection of cakes and cookies are served during the intermission. The K of C Hall has the best wooden dance floor in the metro area.

Fridays

  1. Pick-Up Wallyball from 7:00 to 10:00 at Warren Racket Club (29901 Civic Center Blvd, Warren - east of VanDyke near 12 ½ Mile: 586-574-2580).  Cost is $6.50 per person for three hours of court time.  No reservations required; just show up.
  2. Single Hearts Dances at Hawk Hollow Golf course (15101 Chandler Rd, Bath, MI  48808), starting at 8:00.  Cost is $10 and includes hot and cold gourmet hors d’oeuvres, door prizes, cash bars and of course the hottest D.J. dance music.  Visit their web site at www.singlehearts.com Admission is free if you birthday falls between the Sunday prior, and the Saturday following, the dance.
  3. First Friday of the Month – Singles’ Game Night at CBC (7372 Grand River, Brighton, MI  810-227-2255) – 7:00 pm
  4. FIRST FRIDAYS  - Mix & Mingle - Drink & Dance on the first Friday of each month.  8:00 p.m. at Hot Shotz (1073 Tecumseh Rd. E., Windsor, Ontario).  $5 at the door Proceeds to AristoCat Society (A charity for the welfare of animals)  www.aristocatsociety.com
  5. Second Friday of the Month - Characters Night – Amber House (7012 9 Mile Rd, Warren, MI) sponsors a night of dance, fun and excitement in the tradition of “Characters” Night Club, a popular tri-county dance club from 1977 – 1995.  Featuring Hustle Dance lessons (7:30pm to 9:00pm) with International Performer Barry Douglas, followed by open dancing to music fro the 70’s and 80’s ‘till 2:00am.  $10 includes snacks and the lessons.  Cash Bar.  For more information, call 586-754-3434.
  6. Flint Vegetarian Singles – Every other Friday Night this group has "Vegetarian Restaurant Outing".  They meet at various restaurants (around Flint) at 6:30 p.m. for good veggie food and conversation.  Susan is the coordinator, and sends out an email to members a few days prior to our get together to remind them of where they will be meeting.  After dinner, they go to Starbucks for tea/coffee and continued conversation.   Usually someone brings home made baked goods to share at that time.    They are on their third year of doing this.   For more information email Susan at www.vegforlife@hotmail.com
  7. Karaoke at Novi Bowl Lounge from 10:00pm until 1:30am (or later). Located on Novi Road between 8 Mile and 9 Mile roads.  The stage and sound system are specifically designed for karaoke and they have a huge song book.  Non-smoking area is available.

Saturdays

  1. Enjoy a great romantic dinner accompanied by live jazz guitar performed by  Mike Moore every Saturday beginning at 7:00 at The Quarter Bistro (300 S. Maple Road, Ann Arbor – in the Westgate Shopping Center).  Try the Tenderloin Strogonoff – you’ll love it and it’s only $14.95.
  2. First Saturday of each month  - Bethany Suburban West – Dance at St. Robert Bellarmine (27101 W. Chicago, Redford, MI – corner of West Chicago and Inkster Roads).  Cost is $10.  Non-alcoholic Refreshments included.  Time is 8:00pm to midnight.  Doors open at 7:30.  DJ is Dick Gerathy.  For more information, call Diane at 734-261-5716.  Bethany is an organization providing peer support to the divorced and separated of all Christian faiths.  Classy-Casual attire.
  3. Karaoke at Novi Bowl Lounge from 10:00pm until 1:30am (or later). Located on Novi Road between 8 Mile and 9 Mile roads.  The stage and sound system are specifically designed for karaoke and they have a huge song book.  Non-smoking area is available.
  4. Second and Fourth Saturday of each month: Ballroom Dance Lessons –  starting at 5:00 at 34464 Cowan Road, Westland.  Bring a pair of shoes to dance in, as you will be leaving your “street shoes” at the door.  Cost is $5.  For more information, call Monica at 734-658-0240

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Sailing Singles: Meets second Friday of the month at Royal Oak Elks Club (2401 East Fourth Street, Royal Oak, MI  48067.)  Doors open at 7 p.m., meeting at 8 p.m.  586-978-2628.  .

Candlelight Singles: Dinner and music by candlelight, ages 23-65. All parties grouped by ages. 7:30-11 p.m. Saturdays and 6:30-10 p.m. Mondays. Da Edoardo Fox Town Grill, 2211 Woodward, Detroit. Registration fee: $50. 800-431-2411 or www.candlelightsingles.com   

Here’s a link that tells how you can get free admission to museums around metro Detroit (including the new DIA and Ford Rouge Plant). For those interested in doing something different this holiday season, checkout the free tickets for many events:  http://www.detroitadventurepass.org/index.php

Help a fellow Suspect: FEMALE HOUSEMATE WANTED to share a new construction home in Howell with a mature, good natured, active female.  Approx. 7 miles from downtown and I-96 expressway. Your living quarters are furnished and feature a private bath.  Lovely setting with hot air balloon sightings regularly!  $550  For more information, call 248-790-3837

.No charge for directory assistance

Phone companies are charging us $1.00 or more for 411 - information calls. When you need to use the 411 / information option!  Simply dial 1-800-FREE-411 (1 800 373 3411) without incurring a charge.  Works on home phones and cellphones . 

Opt-out of junk mail. This one tip will save tons of trash from going to the landfill every year. Find out how at www.optoutprescreen.com

 Check out this link to find the lowest price gas in your zip code - updated nightly:   http://autos.msn.com/everyday/gasstations.aspx?zip=&src=Netx

 
Looking for the right employee for a position you’re trying to fill?  Or are you someone who’s looking for the right position?  In either case, visit Bart Foster’s web site for help meeting your need. . .  http://www.thebartongroup.com/  Take a look and see how a client company can search over tens of thousands of candidates from every industry, and discipline to see how candidate job seekers can search over thousands of positions as well as set up position email alerts. 
 CAN YOU HELP A GREAT BAND FIND GREAT GIGS? – For those of you who came to the Victory Party, you had the opportunity to hear awesome blues and classic rock music performed by Rattlebox (http://home.comcast.net/~kevhoward/rattlebox/index.htm) with Owen B.  These guys were hot, and they want to play for your gig, wedding, event, or dining / drinking establishment.  If any of you Suspects know of a good venue, looking to hire a great band, call Owen B at 734-395-3087, or you can reach him at BMW Motor Cycles (3993 Ford Road, Canton, MI  48185) at 734-981-1479 or email him at  owenb@bmwmcsem.com .
 If you need a great DJ for your wedding, Bar Mitzvah, birthday, Frat Party, etc., check out Mitch’s Music Express.  He’s got it all, including lights and even Karaoke (for you closet American Idols).  Visit his web site at http://www.gigmasters.com/DJ/MitchsMusicXpress/   You can call him at 734-730-3537 or email him at 007bondjamesbond@comcast.net
 
Joe Knopp