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Ten Fun Facts About Metro Detroit's Auto Heritage
1) Detroit-Windsor Vehicular Tunnel opened to the public in 1930. Until recently it was the world's only underwater, transnational vehicular tunnel. An average of 24,000 vehicles pass through the tunnel daily.
2) The 1904 Ford Piquette Avenue Plant is the "birthplace of the Model T," the most significant car of the twentieth century that "put the world on wheels."
3) Woodward Avenue the only street where automobile engineers "street tested" new models adding unique significance to "Cruising Woodward" in the 1950's - late 1960's.
4) Davison Limited Expressway built in 1941, the first urban highway in the United States intersects Woodward Avenue in Highland Park.
5) The world's first electric traffic light was installed at Woodward and Michigan Avenues in 1920.
6) In 1908 the legendary Fisher Brothers founded Fisher Body Company, which went on to be purchased by General Motors.
7) In 1947 Alfred Fisher Jr., Robert C. Fisher and Walter W. Fisher sons of Alfred Fisher opened Alrowa Metal Products which counted, Cadillac, Ford & Chrysler among their clients.
8) Prior to founding Durant Motors in 1920, William Durant founded General Motors in 1908.
9) In 1902 after parting ways with Henry Ford earlier in the year investors in the Henry Ford Company regrouped due to the 10.25 horsepower engine invented by Henry M. Leland. The new company's name: Cadillac Automotive Company.
10) Chyrsler was formed by Walter P. Chrysler after a takeover of the failing Maxwell Motor Company in 1925.
Smart Fare Increases
Mass transit just got a little bit more expensive in the metro Detroit area. Last month SMART increased rates for a variety of services. Below you will find the new rates:
Fixed Route
Regular Base Fare $2.00
Regular Park & Ride $2.50
DDOT Transfer $.50
Connector Services
Full Fare $4.00
Job Express $1.00
31 Day Passes
Regular Base $66.00
Park & Ride $82.00
This small bump in prices will allow SMART to continue to offer the same friendly, reliable service it has for years to all of its 12 million regional riders. For a full schedule of bus routes and other special programs please visit www.smart.org.
Woodward Bites: Vinsetta Grill
For 16 years Royal Oakers have known where to find great food, amazing service and family friendly setting: Vinsetta Grill (VG) . Owned by Mike and Tracy Papa giving patrons both great value and healthy options in their non-smoking establishment has made VG a area favorite.
Offering everything from a build your burger for under $13 with over 300,000 possible variations to a mouth watering 14 oz New York strip steak for under $20, there is something that will tempt your palate and satisfy your wallet.
Check out Vinsetta Grill for yourself at 28028 Woodward Avenue in Royal Oak, MI.They are open for lunch and dinner. For more information please call 248-543-2626.
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Get Connected
In town for the North American International Auto Show, but are in serious need of some non auto fun? Then join Feet on The Street Tours for their Jazz, Coney's & Motown Music tour Sunday, January 10th. For just $89 you will get a insiders view of three of the greatest Detroit assests Jazz, Coney Dogs and the vibrant Mexicantown.
The tour starts with a trip to the world's oldest Jazz club, Bakers Keyboard Lounge where you never know what legend may be gracing the stage. Next experience a coney dog that is uniquely Detroit and end your bus tour with desserts and salsa dancing in Mexicantown. The tour runs from 5:30p.m. to 11:30 p.m. For more information please visit www.feetonthestreettours.com.
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Quick Links
Want to know how to grow your business along the byway? Need to have your voice heard regarding governmental issues that affect your business? Just want to help Woodward Avenue grow? Then become a member of the WA3. For more information please visit www.woodwardavenue.org.
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Upcoming Events
1/12 Joe Louis Arena
The Dutchess & The Duke
1/13 The Majestic Cafe
Nick Jonas & The Administration 1/16
Fox Theater
Three Days Grace & Breaking Benjamin
1/16 Joe Louis Arena
Monster Truck Jam
1/16 Ford Field
Mariah Carey
1/25 Fox Theater
Michigan vs. Michigan State Hockey
1/30 Joe Louis Arena
Detroit Red Wings vs. Nashville Predators
1/29 Joe Louis Arena
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 Greetings!
Welcome to the January eNewsletter of the Woodward Avenue Action Association! Its a great time to be in Michigan and on Woodward Avenue!
Celebrate Woodward's Auto Heritage This Month!
I  n Metro Detroit January is a special time of year where our auto heritage is put on display with the North American International Auto Show (NAIAS). While the NAIAS showcase's the present and future of the industry here are a few activities that celebrate it's rich past and the city the put the world on wheels.
Woodward Avenue Action Association Automotive Heritage Trail Audio Tour
Take an educational tour of over 70 sites that helped shape the automotive industry. A free downloadable tour from the WA3 website via cell phone, mp3/Ipod or CD, the full tour takes two days to complete your own pace. Some of the highlights include the Ford Piquette Plant, Cranrbook, Detroit Historical Museum and much more. To download the tour please visit www.woodwardstore.com.
Walter P. Chrysler Museum
What can you Hemi? That's the question the Walter P. Chrysler Museum asks with it's newest exhibit. This special exhibit features distinctly unique super powered machines. The museum located in Auburn Hills documents the cars, people, processes and contributions made by Chrysler to the development of the automobile. For more information about it's current exhibit and more visit www.chryslerheritage.com or call 888-456-1924.
 Boston-Edison Historic District
One of states most historic neighborhoods was once home to many of the auto pioneers that shaped the manufacturing industry as we know it. Boston Edison was at one time home to Henry Ford, the Fisher Brothers, Horace & John Dodge, Ira L.Grinnell, James Couzens and more. For more information on the neighborhood and tours visit www.historicbostonedison.org.
Detroit Symphony Orchestra Presents Classical Roots
If you love classical music don't miss one of the premier events of the Detroit Symphony Orchestra's season; Classical Roots Celebration. Since 1978 the Detroit Symphony Orchestra has celebrated the contributions of African-Americans to classical music with its' annual concert "Classical Roots". Dedicated to preserving the heritage of African-American composers, musicians and educators, the program honors those who have made extraordinary contributions in this field.
This year's event kicks off on Friday, January 29th with the Classical Roots Concert Family & Student night held at the Max. M. Fisher. Music Center. This year's event will honor the legendary Olly Wilson with performances by Detroit native and world renown violinist, Regina Carter, the DSO and the Brazeal Dennard Chorale performing. The concert will be conducted by Leonard Slatkin. One of the highlights of the concert will be the world premier of "Concerto for Violin" written by Billy Childs for Carter. Tickets for Friday's concert range from $89 to $275 for four and include a meet and greet with Slatkin and Carter.
Saturday, January 30th the black-tie fundraiser will take place from 7 p.m. to 1 a.m. Tickets are $150 and include the cocktail reception, concert and a dessert & dancing afterglow. For more information please contact the DSO at 313-576-5106 or visit www.detroitsymphony.com.
Get Your Authentic Woodward Gear Here!
 Show your Woodward pride with authentic WA3 Woodward merchandise. Visit the Woodward Store at www.woodwardstore.org to view the full collection of merchandise that will fit all of your gift giving needs. Show your love of Woodward no matter where you are in the world with a full line of gear from golf shirts to tee's in women's and men's sizes S - 3XXl, hats, totes and more. 100% of the proceeds from the sale of merchandise go to support the ongoing maintenance of Woodward Avenue. For more information please contact the WA3 at 248-288-2004. |
| Byway Feature : North American International Auto Show
 Starting Saturday, January 16th - Sunday, January 24th Detroit will honor its role as the home to automotive innovation as the 2010 North American International Auto Show takes over Cobo Hall in Downtown Detroit. Showcasing over 700 vehicles this year attendees will get the opportunity to see the latest design offerings from not only Ford, Chrysler and General Motors but, its fierce competitors as well.
Explore the latest in alternative fuel vehicles at the "MEDC EcoXperience". The exhibit is quarter mile test drive track surrounded by landscaped forested terrain where attendees will have to opportunity to test drive the latest alternative fuel and electric vehicles from a variety of manufactures. New to this year's show is Dow Chemicals "Electric Avenue" , a 37,000 square foot showcase of 20 electric vehicles and home to a number of symposiums and special events.
Among the most anticipated debuts is that of the Lexus LF-Ch premium compact hybrid concept car. Shown at the 2009 Frankfurt Auto Show, the concept vehicle won world wide praise for its premium features, low emissions and fuel economy. As a apart of the exhibit guests can take a picture of the vehicle and upload it to an interactive table where it will become a piece of mosaic artwork. Lexus is also unveiling LFA, its first production super car. Manufactured by hand there will only be a limited number distributed world wide. The interactive display will allow visitors to experience the LFA Configurator where they can build their own version of the car and post to their favorite social media website.
Tickets to this years show start at $6 dollars and can be purchased at www.nais.com or at the door. For more information please visit www.nais.com
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 Fusion will present Unveiled, Friday, January 15 at Flat 151 in Detroit. Unveiled promises to be one of areas premiere annual events, engaging an eclectic mix of young professionals and community thought leaders. Held at one of Downtown Detroit's chicest venues, Unveiled will feature the latest cars, art and fashion, including a sneak peek at 12 looks to be featured in Fashion In Detroit's March runway show and a mural to be painted by attendees.
Fusion will also be launching Operation Impact, an annual nonprofit support initiative whereFusion members will volunteer 1,500 hours and participate in other Fusion-supported philanthropic initiatives for the select nonprofits each year. This year's Operation Impact partners are Boys Hope Girls Hope, Covenant House, Midnight Golf and Winning Futures.
Tickets for Unveiled are $55 dollars for Fusion Members and $75 dollars for non-members. Tickets include strolling buffet and open bar. Attendees must be over 21. To purchase tickets online visit http://bit.ly/Unveiled. For additional information contact Christianne Sims at (313) 596-0488 or csims@detroitchamber.com
Charity Preview: Detroit's Big Night Out
 Only one night can bring together Michigan's socialites, auto barons, creative elite and you to help the charities that shape Southeastern Michigan: Charity Preview. This year's black tie event takes place on Friday, January 15th at Cobo Hall. Since 1989 the states largest single night fundraiser will has raised $79 million dollars for 12 charities including Boys Hope Girls Hope of Detroit, the Judson Center and Children's Hospital of Michigan. Tickets are $250 dollars and include access a preview of the North American Auto Show, a special concert by the Romantics and more. $240 dollars of each ticket is tax deductible. For more information please visit www.nais.com.
Getaway with a Romantic Stay at the Townsend
Now that the holidays are over, take some time with your significant other celebrate Valentine's Day in town at the Townsend. Located in beautiful downtown Birmingham enjoy an overnight stay in a luxury suite complete with champagne, chocolate covered strawberries and in room breakfast for two. To make your stay even more spectacular the Townsend has partnered Margot European Day Spa to offer a variety of specials. To Book your lovers getaway visit the www.townsendhotel.com.
Get on the Bus!
 The Night Move is the best way to get around town for all of your nights out on the town. For just $10 you can park and ride to Downtown Detroit, Downtown Ferndale or Downtown Royal Oak and back. For a full schedule and to book your seat visit www.thenightmove.com.
Ferndale Celebrates the Blues
January 29th -February 6th the streets of Ferndale will come alive with the best in Blues as the 9th annual Ferndale Blues Festival rolls into town. Started in 2001 by community volunteers the festival has developed into a nine day music lovers feast taking over a dozen venues while raising money for local charities. To date the festival has raised close to $20,000 for groups such as Ferndale Youth Assistance. Past acts have included Electric Gypsy, Luther Badman Keith, Whitney Morgan, The Howling Diablo's and many more. For more information on performances, the Rib Burn -Off and more visit www.ferndalebluesfestival.org.
What's A Byway
Woodward Avenue is a All-American Road, a member of an elite collection of roads in the United States, the America's Byways®, honored by the U.S Department of Transportation and the Federal Highway Administration. This designation is administrated through the FHWA's, National Scenic Byways program. Woodward Avenue not only tells the story of innovation in America, but the world. What makes Woodward a one of a kind road is that it is the birthplace of the automotive industry and is home to historical sites and events that have shaped the world we live in. From the Ford Piquette Plant to the world's first mile of concrete highway, it's full of experiences that can't be duplicated anywhere else in the world. Come and explore Woodward Avenue's story and discover how the people, places and events along this road changed America forever.
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Sincerely,
Nicole Brown , WA3 Outreach & Promotions Coordinator |
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