This Week on One Detroit:
Sheri Mark, daughter of prominent Detroit Jewish leader Florine Mark, discusses her mother’s legacy
Although Florine Mark was known for her role as President and CEO of Weight Watchers, her reach was far beyond that. Not only was Florine a talented businesswoman, she was also a pioneer, blazing a path for future women entrepreneurs at a time when women-led businesses were almost unheard of.
The Detroit native is recognized for her business acumen, but also for her deep commitment to serving the community. Florine took pride in ensuring that both passion and dedication were at the forefront of all of her accomplishments. Along with being a community leader, advocate and role model, she was greatly devoted to her family. Mark died Oct. 13. She was 90.
“I think my mother considered everybody her family,” said Sheri Mark, Florine Mark’s daughter.
Sheri Mark sat down with One Detroit contributor and 90.9 WRCJ host Cecelia Sharpe to share her thoughts on the legacy her mother has left behind. Sheri Mark discussed the importance of family unity and how it contributed to her mother’s success. She also talked about how she hopes her mother will be remembered. “Her signature was love, love, love,” said Sheri Mark, “…to fight for peace and be kind to people.”
Two Detroit nonprofits offer resources for people experiencing homelessness during the holidays
The holidays can be a lonely time for the homeless and disadvantaged, a population that’s increased across Michigan over the last few years. Many are alone with no family and friends, without a warm house to call their own, and they may not know where their next meal is coming from.
Between 2021-2022, Michigan’s homelessness rate grew by 8% across the state, according to Michigan’s Campaign to End Homelessness. In Southeast Michigan — Oakland, Macomb and Wayne counties — homelessness grew by 31%. Data for 2023 has not been released yet as of this report.
One Detroit contributor Stephen Henderson talks with the CEOs of two Detroit nonprofits about the current state of homelessness and poverty in Detroit and how their organizations are working to provide help and hope for the less fortunate during the holidays and beyond. Dr. Chad Audi, president and CEO of Detroit Rescue Mission Ministries (DRMM), and Linda Little, president & CEO of Neighborhood Service Organization (NSO), share information on the growing number of individuals and families who are homeless as a result of the COVID pandemic, evictions, job loss, and inflation.
They discuss the programs offered to the homeless and disadvantaged by their organizations and the need for more affordable housing to alleviate the homeless crisis. They also talk about food insecurity and how people can help these two nonprofits help others.
The history of Wigilia, a Polish Christmas Eve celebration, and how it’s celebrated in Detroit
It’s a holiday tradition that’s bigger in Detroit’s Polish community than Christmas Day itself. The Polish Christmas Eve dinner celebration known as Wigilia has been around for centuries, and it has been celebrated annually right here in metro Detroit. The Polish holiday tradition features 12 different Polish dishes, all meatless, including perogies, red borscht, mushroom soup, sauerkraut, poppy seed cake, and plenty more.
One Detroit visited Wayne State University Polish Club‘s Wigilia celebration at the Polish Village Cafe in Hamtramck in 2019 to learn more about the tradition’s history and cultural significance, and how Wigilia has helped Detroit’s Polish community find deeper connections to their family and heritage.
One Detroit Weekend: December 15, 2023
The holidays are in full swing around Southeast Michigan and there’s a ton of activities happening around the region. Catch the Farmington Players’ production of “A Nice Family Christmas.” Mannheim Steamroller makes a stop at the Fox Theatre for its Christmas tour. Plus, boost your culinary skills at Marrow Butcher Shop & Restaurant’s holiday charcuterie building workshop. Find out what else is coming up around town on “One Detroit Weekend” with Cecelia Sharpe of 90.9 WRCJ.
List of Upcoming Events:
- Catch the Farmington Players’ production of “A Nice Family Christmas” through Dec. 16 in Farmington Hills. The play tells the story of a newspaper reporter whose job hangs on his own family’s Christmas.
- Rock out with Philadelphia punk band The Menzingers on tour with Microwave, Cloud Nothings and Lansing standouts Rodeo Boys at the Royal Oak Music Theatre Dec. 16.
- Don’t miss a classic holiday tradition making its way to Detroit this weekend. Mannheim Steamroller is stopping by the Fox Theatre in Detroit Dec. 17 for its Christmas tour. is stopping by the Fox Theatre in Detroit Dec. 17 for its Christmas tour.
- Learn about the history of Detroit’s trees at “D. Tree Studio: The Past, Present and Future of Detroit Trees,” at the Charles H. Wright Museum of African American History in Detroit through Dec. 17.
- Boost your holiday culinary skills this season at Marrow Butcher Shop & Restaurant in Detroit for its holiday charcuterie building workshop led by chef Sarah Welch on Dec. 20.
- Kids aged 5 and up can compete to create the best, biggest and most awesome Santa sleigh made from Legos at the Detroit Public Library Dec. 16. Prizes will be awarded to three winners.
- Sport your favorite holiday pajamas at the Detroit Roller Derby’s Jammy Jam, a holiday pajama-themed roller derby, where DFunk and Pistoffs will face off in the rink on Dec. 16.
- Explore Patrick Ethen’s “Selected Light Works” exhibit at the David Klein Gallery in Detroit. The exhibition will be open through Dec. 22.
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