In a feature about the close-knit, charming Ford Homes Historic District in Dearborn, where many family-related homeowners work for Ford, resident Dave Tillman says, "You gotta be careful which way you go for a walk. I used to work for Ford, but I went to the 'dark side' (DaimlerChrysler) and you wouldn't believe what I heard from my brothers and family." Cottage Living, October issue Bookmarks If you've decided to improve rather than move, don't overlook your basement's living potential.

"Basement Ideas That Work" (Taunton, $19.95), a new book by Peter Jeswald, offers a plethora of remodeling ideas. From the nuts and bolts (waterproofing, lighting, flooring) to the finished product (media center, home gym, playroom), the 178-page book is comprehensive.

A wine room, study and family room designed by iContact Designs, 23940 Woodward Ave., Pleasant Ridge, offer local perspectives. Find the book at your favorite bookstore or go to www.

taunton.com . You gotta have art The 22nd Annual Our Town Art Show and Sale, presented by the Community House and Chrysler Corporation Fund, is 10 a.

m.-6 p.m.

Thursday-Oct. 20 at the Community House, 380 S. Bates St.

, Birmingham. The juried, all-media art show is a forum for Michigan artists to show, demonstrate and sell their work. This year's event showcases 405 pieces of artwork from 233 artists and will award $10,000 in prize money to Michigan artists.

Waterford artist Debbie Grogan's acrylic floral painting is seen here. A preview party is Wednesday. Questions?

Call (248) 644-5832 or go to www.communityhouse.com .

Retail therapy Thomasville's fall home sale, which runs through Oct. 31, includes new introductions and longtime favorites as well as items from its QuickShip program. With QuickShip, you can choose from great-looking combinations of Thomasville's most popular frames, fabrics and leathers -- all in stock and ready to ship.

The Dolce Vita sofa is shown here. Find the merchandise at Thomasville stores in Novi, Sterling Heights, Bloomfield Hills and McLaughlin's of Southgate. Light idea Expanding its popular decorative line, Meyda Lighting introduces the Tuscany Bottle Collection of slender pendants featuring wine and olive oil bottles.

Meyda Lighting is a division of Meyda Tiffany, the nation's leading manufacturer and designer of Tiffany lamps and stained-glass lighting and accessories. The pendants are perfect for illuminating bars, countertops, tables and other areas where you want to make a design statement. Handcrafted with black wrought iron accents wrapped around the bottlenecks, the green, white, blue and etched green pendants range in price from $175-$210.

Custom etching is also available. To purchase, go to www.meyda.

com or call (800) 222-4009. Gorman's welcomes Stickley historian Stickley Furniture's corporate historian Mike Danial will present "The Stickley Roadshow: The Inside Story," a series of entertaining lectures on the chronology and industry significance of the brand. The lectures are at Gorman's Lakeside store 7-9 p.

m. Nov. 9, Gorman's Novi store 1-3 p.

m. Nov. 10 and at Gorman's Troy store 1-3 p.

m. Nov. 11.

Guests are encouraged to bring photos or small pieces of Stickley furniture for Danial to evaluate 30 minutes before the event starts. The lectures are free, but please call for a reservation. For phone numbers and more details, go to www.

gormans.com .