Corktown businesses pivot to produce hand sanitizer

As Detroit’s oldest neighborhood, Corktown businesses are resilient and innovative. Here’s a highlight of how two of our Corktown Business Association members have pivoted their services to produce hand sanitizer for the public and essential workers.

Detroit Bus Company

We've produced north of 14,000 gallons of FDA-approved WHO-formula hand sanitizer so far. We've supplied tons of police departments, fire departments, social service organizations, and the like throughout Detroit. We also have a flow set up where people can purchase a bottle for donation which has resulted in a few hundred gallons being donated.

We're donating all we can to people who can't afford it - and keeping the prices very reasonable for people who can.

We're working to scale our production to drive the price even lower.

Two James Distillery

We saw a huge need for hand sanitizer when the pandemic hit and there was no question about switching gears to start the process of creating hand sanitizer to step-up to help the community. We are proud to be able to say that we have donated to our local police, fire and EMS departments as well as those working the front lines in the surrounding metro Detroit area. Family and community are the pillars of our business and it only made sense to help.

Currently we offer hand sanitizer to the public Wednesday - Saturday from 12p-4p. Currently we offer 8oz for $4 and 16oz for $8. We have a limit of two per person, so we can make sure that hand sanitizer gets into the hands of everyone who might need some. We do not ship, but when you come into our tasting room to purchase, you can also buy bottles and support our business in these times.

If anyone is interested in bulk orders, they can send an email to clerk@twojames.com with "Hand Sanitizer" in the subject line and we will get them the information they need. We appreciate the support from everyone in Corktown and the surrounding community.

Please consider donating to our staff to help them through this difficult time.

Save the Date: Spring into Corktown on Saturday, May 18

Join us for our third annual Spring into Corktown event on Saturday, May 18!

The neighborhood celebration kicks off with the city-wide Motor City Makeover clean up & flower planting, beginning at 10am at Trumbull & Bagley. After noon we invite the community to shop, walk, play, eat and explore Corktown. We will have activity hubs set up throughout the neighborhood including: Kids Zone at Harrison/Michigan, Health and Wellness classes at Dean Savage Park, pop up vendors and shopping at Trumbull & Bagley, and more! 

For clean-up volunteers:

If you're interested in volunteering for the community clean up, SIGN UP HERE!

For businesses:

We are inviting YOU to get involved in the festivities that day. This is a celebration of our unique and growing community and we want neighbors and newcomers to have a great experience engaging with and patronizing Detroit's oldest neighborhood. What makes your business special and how can we promote that on Saturday, May 18th? 

Ideas include, but are definitely not limited to:

- drink & food specials, discounted items, etc.

- outdoor activations, balloons and signage

- pop up vendor collaborations, wine or food tasting, live music, etc.

Be creative! Email kelsey@rootstorisedetroit.com to inquire.

For sponsors:

There are also sponsorship opportunities if you're interested in promoting your business through advertising and media for this event! We are just hoping you will join us in creating a special day for visitors and residents to share and celebrate Corktown's unique history, flourishing small business community, & promising future. 

Email kelsey@rootstorisedetroit.com to inquire.

Detroit PAL's 50th Anniversary Celebration Event Overview

Date: Saturday, May 18, 2019

Time:

• VIP - 5:00pm

• General Admission - 5:30pm-9:00pm

Location: The Corner Ballpark presented by Adient, the site of historic Tiger Stadium

Ticket Prices:

• VIP - $150

• General Admission

○ Adult - $50

○ Child - $25

Title: A Family Field Day Classic: Celebrating Detroit PAL's 50th Anniversary brought to you by Meijer

Honorary Chairs: Martha F. Ford, Holly and Tom Gores, Kelle and Christopher Ilitch, and Rachel and Nikolai Vitti

Event Chairs: Maria Duey and Jennifer Granger

Website: https://detroitpal.org/50th-anniversary-event/

Hashtag: #getinthegame

EVENT MESSAGING:

PAL’s 50th Anniversary event is a celebration of building character in young kids. Since 1969, PAL has served hundreds of thousands of young people through a variety of athletic, academic, and leadership development programs.

Last year alone, each PAL kid spent an average of 65 hours in one or more of PAL’s programs developing the lifelong character building skills of teamwork, sportsmanship, discipline, and perseverance!

In celebration of 50 years of service to PAL children this memorable event is raising funds to provide at least an additional 50,000 hours worth of character building opportunity for the future of young children in our community!

Every $5 donated provides one hour of character building opportunity for PAL’s youth!

#getinthegame!

A FAMILY FIELD DAY CLASSIC EXPERIENCE:

An all-star celebration not to be missed, the Detroit Lions, Detroit Tigers, Detroit Red Wings and the Detroit Pistons will come together and take over The Corner Ballpark for an evening of family-friendly fun with on-field games. Classic field day games such as sack races, tug-of-war, and inflatable obstacle courses will also fill the field. Guests will also enjoy entertainment from local musicians and modern takes on classic ballpark fare from Detroit’s top chefs and a spectacular fireworks display to close out the evening!

The Corner Ballpark announces community hours

Detroit PAL launches Open Access Hours for the community at The Corner Ballpark presented by Adient. The initial Hours will be Monday through Thursdayfrom 11am - 2pm, beginning May 22nd.  Detroit PAL will continue to look for additional hours for the community and kids. 

Detroit PAL has a mission focus to build character in young people, so Kids will be First.  Detroit PAL is also committed to Corktown and the greater community. Partnerships and opportunities continue for people young and old to enjoy baseball games and other activities at the site of the Old Tiger Stadium.

Opening Day for Detroit PAL youth baseball & softball leagues is Saturday June 9th at 10am.  There will be many youth games during the week starting at 6pmfrom June through August.  The MSBL (Mens Senior Baseball League) has games at The Ballpark on May 22, 29, 31 and June 5.  There will be a Lacrosse Clinic for youth on Sunday, June 3rd at 11am.  A listing of events will be posted at the newly launched Corner Ballpark Facebook page so you can stay updated on all opportunities for the community to enjoy the space and activities.

Detroit PAL is looking forward to a great summer. Detroit’s Future is in Play!

Explore and learn on the Corktown Neighborhood Tour

The Corktown Neighborhood Tour will be on Sunday, June 3, from 12-5pm. 

This year’s tour promises to be one of our best! You will tour historic homes and buildings constructed during the 1840s to the early 1900s, well known Corktown landmarks like the beautiful Holy Trinity and the newly opened Old Tiger Stadium, and a much more!

You can pre-purchase tickets here. Tickets will be available at the Gaelic League, located at 2068 Michigan Avenue and The Farmer's Hand Market located at 1701 Trumbull Ave. Day of ticket sales begin at 11am on the day of the tour. Tickets are $15 and cash, credit or checks are accepted.

Views of Corktown from past tours. Photo credit: Michelle & Chris Gerard

Views of Corktown from past tours. Photo credit: Michelle & Chris Gerard

Views of Corktown from past tours. Photo credit: Michelle & Chris Gerard

Views of Corktown from past tours. Photo credit: Michelle & Chris Gerard

Views of Corktown from past tours. Photo credit: Michelle & Chris Gerard

Spring into Corktown on May 19

We're getting really excited for our 2nd Annual Spring Into Corktown on Saturday, May 19th! Our neighbors and local businesses are putting together a really community focused day and we can't wait to spend the afternoon with you.

All photos from Spring into Corktown 2017 by Sarah Barthrow Photos.

SPRING INTO CORKTOWN SCHEDULE:

1. MOTOR CITY MAKEOVER / 10am - 12pm
Volunteers meet at The Farmer’s Hand to sign in and enjoy complimentaryDetroit Institute of Bagels bagels and The Farmer's Hand coffee. Look for the The Happier Camper Information Station!

Participate in community togetherness with neighborhood flower planting and clean-up. Tools provided and donated by AmeriCorps and Brooks Lumber Co. & Ace Hardware - but if you have your own tools or supplies please bring them. Don’t forget your sunscreen and water!

2. FREE CLASSES AT DEAN SAVAGE PARK / 12-5pm
We’re filling the park with movement, instruction and learning all day for all ages - come join us! 

12-1pm: Yoga with Citizen Yoga Detroit 
1-2pm: Solar Panel Workshop with IBEW Local 58 - Detroit 
2-3pm: Acro Yoga with True Body Fitness of Detroit
3-4pm: Hip Hop Class with Motor City Street Dance Academy 
4-5pm: Pop Up Dance Party with Detroit's Morning Beats

Stop by and say hi to our Council / State Representatives at their Mobile Office. They’ll be handing out t-shirts and engaging with neighbors. 

3. FOR THE KIDS / 1-6pm
Sponsored by Crossroads Consulting

Police Athletic League: 1-3pm
Come hang with Detroit PAL on the field at The Corner Ballpark. We’ll have field games and kite flying with Detroit Kite Festival sponsored by McShane's Pub & Whiskey Bar.

Stop by the creation station with Arts & Scraps where you can make hats and masks for the kids parade at 3pm lead by the Detroit Mounted Policealongside Heritage Works drummers. 

The Spring Into Corktown parade path will begin at Pal, travel down Michigan Avenue and end at Bagley and Trumbull. 

Family friendly activities at Bagley + Trumbull:
3:30-4pm / Story time
4-6pm / Face painting and games with Sandy's Land Entertainment, Remote Control Cars with Winner’s Circle Entertainment (sponsored by Ballet Real Estate), Germination Bracelets with 4H, Piñata with Mama Coo's Boutique


4. COMPLIMENTARY MCSHANE'S SHUTTLE & Corktown ExperienceHISTORICAL TOUR / 12-7pm
Hop on and off the McShane’s Buses throughout the day to enjoy a free historic tour with Corktown Experience. Includes stops at the Downtown Detroit Markets. 

Stops at: 
McShane’s, Eldorado / PAL, Gaelic league, Dean Savage Park / Trumbull + Porter, Bagley and Trumbull, Worker’s Row House, Downtown Detroit Markets, PJ Lager House / Brooklyn Street Local

5. AROUND THE NEIGHBORHOOD:

Mudgie's Deli & Wine Shop / 10am-12pm
Planting at Murphy Playlot

Corktown Studios
Mural and Exhibition

Eldorado General Store / 1pm-5pm
The Good Rug Pop-Up
Make.Do.Studio Pop-Up and Mini Workshop: Make & Take Necklace

1444 Michigan Ave / 6pm-8pm
Progressive Poetry Pop-up
Food vendors and spoken word. Nourishment for the body and soul. No cover.

Trumbull and Porter Hotel Detroit / 6:30pm-9:30pm
Performance by acoustic artist Jason Charboneau

Bobcat Bonnie's
Spring Into Corktown Brunch
Bouncy house
Petting zoo

The Happier Camper
Follow the camper traveling throughout the neighborhood!

Mama Coo's Boutique
First 20 customers receive a tote with spring goodies
Thrifty Fair Trading Company Pop up - unique jewelry and accessories from upcycled materials in a fun Bohemian Gypsy Style. 

AND MORE...

A big shout out to some our amazing donors and sponsors who make this volunteer-run event possible. Corktown Business Association, Rocket Fiber,Trumbull and Porter Hotel Detroit, McShane's Pub & Whiskey Bar, Crossroads Consulting, Heather McKeon, The Brooklyn Street Local, The Farmer's Hand, Eldorado General Store, The Happier Camper, Corktown Experience, Detroit Institute of Bagels, AmeriCorps, Brooks Lumber Co. & Ace Hardware, Mudgie's Deli & Wine Shop, Ballet Real Estate

Spirit of Detroit presented to CBA

Debra Walker, Corktown resident and 2018 board member, nominated the CBA for the Spirit of Detroit award presented by the City Council of Detroit for:

"Promoting the Business and Economic Climate of Detroit's Historic Corktown area"

On Tuesday, February 6 CBA board president Deveri Gifford along with board members Dennis Fulton, Erin Gavle, and Debra Walker accepted the award at the City Council meeting.

Board member Matthew Buskard hosted a celebration lunch at Bobcat Bonnie's with residents and CBA members.

Thank you to City Council for recognizing our hard work and CBA members for all your effort to make Corktown the community we believe in!