Want to get in the Halloween spirit? Here are several events from AADL and the surrounding area for several age groups that should jump-start your Spook-a-Thon!
The Dark Side of Saline's Oakwood Cemetery by Saline's Historical Society
Sunday, Oct. 12: 5:00 pm
A guided walking tour that discusses disturbing Saline citizens who led unusual lives, or died suddenly, and are buried in the cemetery.
Weird Science Halloween Party
Sunday Oct. 26, 2008: 3 pm - 4 pm at the Pittsfield Library Branch
Ghost Hunting & Paranormal Investigations with The Southeast Michigan Ghost Hunters Society
Thursday Oct. 30, 2008: 7 pm - 8:30 pm Downtown Library (Grade 6 - Adult)
AADL's Halloween Party!
Friday Oct. 31, 2008: 9:30 am - 10 am & 10:30am - 11am Downtown Library (Infant - Grade 3)
Main Street Treat Parade
Friday, Oct.31: 11 am - 5 pm

Come to The Henry Ford July 2-5 at 6pm and celebrate with the Detroit Symphony Orchestra! This year is the 16th annual "Salute to America" at the Henry Ford. Come when the gates open, get a good seat and even enjoy a picnic from home. The evening is then filled with patriotic marches and a tribute to our veterans of all ages. The night ends with the 1812 Overture along with a fireworks show and a real cannon! Check out the website for ticket information and celebrate our independence. Read about Greenfield Village in A home for our heritage : the building and growth of Greenfield Village and Henry Ford Museum, 1929-1979.

Grab the blankets and head to the Fireworks Extravaganza on Saturday, June 28th at Hudson Mills Metro Park. Fireworks begin at 10:00 p.m. but come early for the concert by Big Pinky & the Joint Effort Band.

In honor of Mother's Day, following are two books and one film that tell the stories of three remarkable mothers:

From Harvey River: A Memoir of My Mother and Her Island by Lorna Goodison describes this local poet's mother, Doris who grew up in a privileged family in Jamaica but then married a chauffeur, moved to urban Kingston and raised nine children.

A Remarkable Mother by former President Jimmy Carter is his loving tribute to Lillian Carter, a nurse serving troops in World War I and in her later years a Peace Corps volunteer in India.

My Flesh and Blood is a documentary about Susan Tom, a single mother, who adopted eleven special needs children.

Need to generate some real Christmas spirit?

Full of incident, local New York City color, and excitement (both romantic and suspenseful) Silver Bells is a lovely, quick Christmas read.

Christopher Byrne, widowed Nova Scotian Christmas tree farmer, brings his trees to Manhattan each December, bringing his son and daughter. Last year his teen-age son ran away while in New York.

Catherine Tierney, widowed New York librarian, lives in a row house in Chelsea near Christy Byrne's treelot.

Might they meet, might the son reappear?

Hurry, there are eight copies on the shelf right now.

If you’re trying to plan a holiday meal, but find yourself short on time, Nigella Lawson, has 130 quick recipes to help you out.

Listen to her recent Talk of the Nation interview and then check out Nigella Express: 130 Recipes for Good Food, Fast.

For a sneak preview, find a few of Nigella’s recipes on the NPR site.

CTN Channel 17 will broadcast the Santa Satellite Network LIVE from Santa's workshop on Thursday, December 13 from 6 to 8 p.m. Mrs. Claus and Elf Mindy will help Santa take your calls at 734.997.1050. So make that list, check it twice and give Santa a ring!

Looking for a way to live and give green this season? Try Eco-Libris for ideas on “sustainable reading.” Eco-Libris is committed to seeking out books and practices that are easier on the environment. They offer a handy Holiday Green Gift Guide for Book Lovers and information on how you can sign up to plant a tree for every book you read, for a dollar a book.

Relatedly, The New York Times recently ran an interesting article on the idea of simplifying gift-giving in eco-conscious ways. Is it simplifying? Is it preaching “ecological responsibility?” Is it worth all the to-do? Will you be giving energy-efficient light bulbs as gifts, or snickering at those who do?

For the next two Saturdays, you can enjoy family-friendly activities that celebrate the diversity of our Michigan heritage at the Michigan Historical Museum in Lansing. This Saturday, December 8th, enjoy the Ethnic Festival with choirs, dancing and traditional arts and crafts. Next Saturday, December 15th, celebrate Traditional Winter Sports by riding a mule team wagon, learning to walk on snowshoes and watching a dog sled team in action.

Need Chanukah candles, dreidels, a menorah, or want to learn more about Chanukah? Stop in at Chanukah Wonderland, next to the Michigan Theater. They’ll be open for business till December 12th. And if you don’t have plans for Christmas Day join Temple Beth Emeth at the Michigan for Barbara Streisand in Hello Dolly. The entire community is welcome! There will be special New York treats: Egg Creams & Hot Dogs at the concession stand. Advanced tickets are on sale NOW!