A storytelling event focusing on the importance of resilience as a way to navigate through life’s challenges will take place from 6 to 9 p.m. May 24 in conjunction with the current art exhibit at the Taylor Campus of Wayne County Community College District, 21000 Northline.
The exhibit, “Images of Resilience,” in the college’s Brown and Juanita C. Ford Art Gallery, and the storytelling event are being hosted by The Guidance Center in observance of Mental Health Awareness Month in May.
The art show, which will continue through June 1, features the works of local photographers and featured artist Kevin Curtis.
Personal stories about their challenges will be related during the storytelling program at the Heinz C. Prechter Educational and Performing Arts Center of the college by Eric Hipple, Kathy Crane and Matt Lockwood, with acclaimed storyteller Shannon Cason as the emcee.
The video “I Wish, I Will,” produced by the Downriver Detroit Student Film Consortium, will be screened during the program. There is no charge for visiting the exhibit or attending the storytelling program.
Stephanie Prechter and Joe Gruber are co-chairs; Patrick and Karen Wilson Smithbauer, sponsors; and Bruce and Tammy Ranck, patrons.
Proceeds from the sale of the photography will benefit family-education programming at The Guidance Center with an emphasis on assisting families with resilience and recovery. For additional information, call the center at 734-785-7700.
Volunteers are needed
The Information Center is seeking volunteers to participate in an orientation session at 7 p.m. May 24 at New Hope Assembly of God, 1400 Racho Road, Taylor, in preparation for the center’s annual BlessFest next month. Preregistration is not required.
About 150 volunteers are needed to help present BlessFest, which will take place at the church from noon to 3 p.m. June 2. The event will offer free health screenings, dental and optical exams, job opportunities and groceries for 500 attendees.
Also available will be legal aid and counseling on nutrition, as well as spiritual counseling by Harvest Worship Center, New Wine Community Church, Northline Baptist, PTM Ministries, St. Paul United Church of Christ, Zion Missionary Baptist Church and New Hope Assembly of God. A Kids’ Zone also is planned for children aged 5 to 11.
More than 30 agencies, non-profits and businesses are expected to participate in BlessFest, which has been held since 2011. There is no charge for attendance or for any of the services to be provided at the event, according to The Information Center. For more information, call New Hope Assembly of God at 734-287-4673.
Gardening classes set
Reservations are being accepted by the Taylor Conservatory Foundation for a series of classes offering tips and techniques on how to preserve some of summer’s bounty. In addition, participants will take home recipes and a jar of homemade goodies from each class.
The classes are “Making Jams and Jellies,” June 14; “Bread and Butter Pickles,” July 12; “Water Bath Canning,” Aug. 9; and “Herbal Vinegars” and “Pestos,” Sept.13. They will be held at St. John’s Lutheran Church, 13155 Telegraph.
Each class costs $15, or all four, $55, with a limit of 15 participants, Tickets are available online at www.taylorconservatory.org.
“Preserving . . . produce gives you complete gives you complete control of the quality of ingredients that go into your foods, offers a sense of accomplishment and pride, and is a great way to share you bounty with family and friends,” said Patty Donahue, executive director of the Conservatory Foundation.
The foundation’s mission is to create beautiful public spaces, promote the arts and sciences and preserve our natural environment. For more information, go to www.taylorconservatory.org, email Patty @taylorconservatory.org or call 888-383-4108.