Chef Day Presents: The Day Experience Sponsored by Selfish Magazine this weekend

 Chef Day is having a party.  A reeeeeallly special party, and it is to celebrate the beginning of a brand new venture.  As part of this writer's goal to promote Metro Detroit Pagan Businesses, this is a shout out and broadcast to boost the signal.

Let her tell you about it in her own words, though:

Come out and support small businesses, Thanksgiving weekend.  This is a launch party event for Sacred Me, a purpose given bath salt line.  We have something for everyone, this party  is vegan, vegetarian, seafood, and meat lovers friendly.

There is the promise of a DJ, exquisite catering by the talented Chef Day herself, and all sorts of treats.  There will also be a Human Art Exhibit, so put on your eclectic hat.  In addition to this, for the adventurous, there will be a raffle, and vendors to tempt you with their unique wares. Music, Wine, Hors D'oeuvres, gift bags, and more surprises await.

It is all happening at Hazel's place Lounge, at 5516 Michigan Ave in Detroit.  Tickets are $15, and for more information, one can call  734-299-6189.

Belladonna's little Pagan activity guide November 4th edition

Here is a little list for stuff that may be of interest to my Pagan families.  This is not an all inclusive guide, just a quick hot spot. Enjoy.

•  Detroit Doula Meet Up, November 8, 2:00 p.m., Wow Church & Life Center,14111 E 7 Mile Rd, Detroit, Michigan
•  Energy Exchange w/House Kheperu, November 8, 5:00 p.m. - 8:00 p.m,
  Northwest Unitarian Universalist Church, 23925 Northwestern Hwy, Southfield, Michigan
•  ABUNDANCE GONG MEDITATION & CACAO CEREMONY, November 14, $50,
  7:00 p.m. - 10:00 p.m.,Center for the Healing Arts & Massage, Spirit Forge Complex - Building E in the back,38245 Mound Road,Sterling Heights, MI
• Universal Society of Ancient Ministries - Witches Of Michigan Gathering Of Pagans, November 22, 1:00 p.m., American Legion Hall, 37060 Huron River Drive, New Boston MI 
•  Winter Wonderland, December 4 from 5:00 p.m. - 8:00 p.m.,$10, Edsel & Eleanor Ford House,1100 Lake Shore Rd, Grosse Pointe Shores, Michigan
•  PSYCHIC/HOLISTIC Wellness Festival, December 5 from 11:00 a.m. - 6:00 p.m., $5,
  LUXE Lounge1519 W Bristol Rd, Flint, Michigan
• Belle Isle Holiday Stroll,  December 11, 5:00 p.m. - 8:00 p.m.,  Belle Isle Aquarium, Conservatory, Dossin Great Lakes Museum open 5:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. (free admission),  Belle Isle Park, 900 Inselruhe Ave., Detroit, MI (As this is a State Park now, there is a vehicle entrance fee
• Yule Essentials - Create and Take, December 12, from 7:00  p.m. - 9:00 p.m., $25,
  Peaceful Spirit Studio32580 Grand River Ave, Ste 1, Farmington, Michigan
•  Sunday Morning Dance Meditation Technique, Ongoing - Sundays at 11:00 a.m. - 12:30 p.m., Donation based, Red Door Digital, 7500 Oakland St, Detroit, Michigan
• Monday Meditation, Livingston County Spiritual Center, Ongoing - Mondays at 7:00 p.m., $10 donation, 7588 E M-36, Hamburg, Michigan
• Vibrational Healing, Livingston County Spiritual Center, Ongoing - Tuesdays at 7:00 p.m., $10 donation, 7588 E M-36, Hamburg, Michigan

Attention Pagan Community Organizations: Suicide Awareness Training Nov 6

One of the things that many of the members of the Pagan Societies and Communities in Metro Detroit and elsewhere will be experiencing for the next few months is what we call the Holiday blues.  Whether through loneliness, an event, distancing from family, or all kinds of ongoing factors lead to it, this stress can sometimes lead to those dark places that can be fatal for many of us.  To end a life, to consider suicide, is the ultimate act of violence and despair.  If you are a Pagan community leader in Metro Detroit, there is a resource you can take advantage of by sending yourself, or one of your members to training on suicide awareness this Friday called safeTALK Training.

The  safeTALK (Suicide Alertness for Everyone) training will be held at American Indian Health and Family Services. A training that is about 3 hours long, it will teach participants 

• to recognize people who may be at risk of suicide
• how to open up discussion
• keep them safe 
• refer them to appropriate services

There are openings for 30 people for this training.  This will not lead to certification, but will prepare folks are are in attendance for situations that they may face.  This writer has been through the actual 2 day course and is certified for the next three years as a Gatekeeper, and has found it highly useful.  It is being placed in this column in order to plead with the local groups and individuals in our community to take advantage of it.

Over the last year, it has been a very rough time for many in the communities.  That 3 a.m. clergy call and text and chat have been hot.  And on a personal note, this writer has to say that we have fallen down on the job.  Why?  Because we are not taking advantage of the resources out here that are available to us. 

Repeatedly, I have offered, as have others, to put together resource binders and seminars for the local groups.  Whether because of politics, disorganization, or just plain being overwhelmed by a seemingly enormous undertaking, people have not taken what is offered.  It does not have to come from me.  There are dozens of folks in our community that are here to help and train.  And it doesn't take a Masters Degree either.  Learn to use the people you have before they walk away.   Because knocking your head against a brick wall gives one a headache.  Serve your people.

 
American Indian Health and Family Services has the course scheduled for 1 – 4 p.m. Friday, November 6, 2015. If you have questions or would like to register, contact Karen Marshall at KMarshall@AIHFS.org or at (313) 846-6030, ext. 1404.  They are located at 4880 Lawndale St, Detroit, MI 48210.