The metro-Detroit community is much life like itself – there is good and bad in each and every thing. I lived in the community for a little over 8 years – and our basis for the move at the time was a job opportunity. Many of the people that we met there have become our second family. I miss my church home, the wonderful people we met and the many opportunities that were at each and every corner. Is Detroit Disney Land – my answer would be that Disneyland isn’t even Disneyland. No matter where you go or what you visit people should use common sense. The cultural center and district in Detroit is phenomenal. Most people think of Motown or years gone by, but I believe that the rennovated Fox, the new stadiums, the investments in Downtown and the hosting of the Super Bowl and World Series are just minor indications of the progress to come. Detroit is mostly black, and the further you go out, the suburbs progressively get more white. So, what does that mean? Segregation, socio-economic stereotypes and bad experiences run deep. You can go to central city Detroit and experience beautiful homes and architecture that is unparalleled anywhere in the state. You can also experience poor garbage collection, vacant lots and abandoned shopping districts. The challenge, as with everything in life – is to decide what you as an individual want to do. The home of many foundations and philanthropic communities – the Metro-Detroit community is striving for answers to the toughest of problems. Those same questions are challenging in many places throughout our nation. Beware of the shootings – well, the Amish community tragedy proves that there is no limit on where bad things can happen. If we as individuals aren’t willing to embrace the opportunity to learn more about other people, make a personal difference and define our own interest and comfort level – then shame on us all.

Here are some wonderful things to experience:

1. Seldom Blues – a waterfront experience that proves that athletes can be as impressive off the field as on.

2. The Detroit Pistons – I have rarely in my philanthropic career, seen the personal investment and genuine good character of so many successful athletes. Up close and personal, they are the real deal.

3. The Fox – from Barney, Dora and Sesame Street to Lauryn Hill, the Isley Brothers and a selection of holiday favorites – its just too much fun.

4. The New Detroit Science Center in walking distance to the DIA.

5. The Auto Show – its not my thing, but I know many people who love the annual experience and all it offers.

6. Ice Skating in the center of Detroit – I mean family fun can be defined by this new attraction, and you can walk to the Hard Rock Cafe.

7. Greektown – Fishbones restaurant, the many art fairs, the Taste festival and the best Chicken Shwarma to be found.

8. The new compuware building – complete with Kinko’s, Coffee, Bookstores and more.

9. Denise at Berkleys – the best male hair cut you’ll find in the city.

10. Metro-Detroit – no place is an island. Troy, Birmingham, Bloomfield, Novi – they are part of Detroit whether people acknowledge it or not.

Hey, that’s my opinion – would love to hear others.