1/15/25 C & G Special Edition — Macomb/Grosse Pointes by C & G Newspapers

NEWSPAPERS Special Edition

Velvet Peanut Butter makes smooth transition to new owner

BY K. MICHELLE MORAN kmoran@candgnews.com

METRO DETROIT — A Detroit lunchtime staple is coming back home.

Atwater Brewery founder Mark Rieth, of Grosse Pointe Farms, has purchased Velvet Peanut Butter and plans to bring production of the beloved sandwich spread back to Detroit. Rieth closed on the purchase Jan. 2.

Rieth, who sold Atwater to Molson Coors in 2022, has been in the brewery and beverage industry for more than 25 years. He laughingly admits that buying a peanut butter business “was never in the forefront of my mind,” but he grew up eating Velvet Peanut Butter and, coincidentally, was from a family of three boys, not unlike the Velvet logo that features three boys to represent the brand’s classic tagline, “Fresh. Pure. Delicious.”

Rieth said he intends to bring production of Velvet back to Detroit. A Livonia plant “shut down many, many years ago — probably 40 years ago,” Rieth said.

JANUARY 15, 2025

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Macomb County and Grosse Pointe papers

SIMULATOR SHOWS STUDENTS DANGERS OF IMPAIRED DRIVING

BY NICK POWERS npowers@candgnews.com

CLINTON TOWNSHIP — Words and photos can send a strong message about impaired driving, but an immersive experience can be even more direct.

The International Save a Life Tour put on a demonstration for kids in Clintondale High School’s conference center on Dec. 12. Students were able to experience impaired driving in two different ways: when under the influence of alcohol and while texting. A driver’s seat, pedals and a steering wheel gave a tactile experience, while vir-

tual reality goggles helped make it even more immersive.

Kids attempted to drive down a road while trying to follow posted speed limits all while either distracted or impaired. Obstacles were at every turn for the drivers to navigate.

Clintondale junior Austin Michalec tried out the drunken driving simulator. He said it was harder than anticipated and that it gave him a new perspective.

“It was a very bumpy drive, not very smooth,” Michalec said. “It was also very slow to turn as well.”

Clintondale senior Abrianna Guzman, who did the texting and

See SIMULATOR on page 7A

Clintondale students were able to use two impaired driving simulators at the International Save a Life Tour’s Dec. 12 event. International Save a Life Tour Manager Titus Koso assists one of the Clintondale High School students using the impaired driving simulator.

Grosse Pointer Mark Rieth, who is well known for his work in the beverage industry, has recently purchased Detroit-born Velvet Peanut Butter. He plans to bring production back to Detroit. Velvet Peanut Butter was started in Detroit in the late 1930s.

Photos provided by Velvet Peanut Butter

Photo by Patricia O’Blenes

SKI SEASON IS UNDERWAY IN MICHIGAN

BY GREG TASKER

NORTHERN MICHIGAN — Nearly a year ago, despite the scarcity of snowfall in northern Michigan, I found myself gliding along a powdery, groomed trail in the woods at Forbush Corner Nordic, a cross-country ski destination outside Grayling.

And I wasn’t alone. With its state-of-the-art snowmaking system, Forbush had created a snowglobe amid an

otherwise dreary, barren landscape, drawing amateurs and polished skiers alike. As long as temperatures cooperate, Forbush can pump out enough snow to create a figure-eightloop at the 200-acre destination.

This ski season Forbush has expanded its snow-making prowess to blanket another km of trails. And that’s just one of the many improvements this winter at the dozen or so Nordic and downhill ski resorts across the northwest lower peninsula.

Warren Fire Department trains with new thermal cameras

BY GENA JOHNSON gjohnson@candgnews.com

WARREN — Firefighters from the city of Warren used their new Seek thermal cameras to navigate their way through the fire and black smoke of a simulated flashover fire during a training session last month.

A flashover is a fire that occurs when most combustible materials in an enclosed space ignite almost simultaneously. The simulated fire chamber had wood and all the combustibles in an ordinary house.

“Flashover fires are dangerous, not only to residents and victims but to firefighters as well,” said Joe Schehr, training coordinator for the Warren Fire Department. “Those temperatures can be in excess of 1,100 degrees, which our gear is not rated for that.”

See CAMERAS on page 7A

Nearly all of the downhill ski areas — from Thompsonville to Traverse City and beyond — have unveiled a slew of upgrades, many of them focused on improved snow-making capabilities. But that’s not all. There are new ski lifts. New rental equipment. New trails. New ticket options. And new dining and apres-ski possibilities.

All of these resorts, of course, are looking to create optimal skiing conditions for skiers and riders as well as a better

LEFT: The Highlands at Harbor Springs unveiled its newest lift — the Interconnect triple.

Photo provided by The Highlands at Harbor Springs

ABOVE: Skiers of all ages enjoy the slopes at Shanty Creek Resort in Bellaire.

Photo provided by Shanty Creek Resort

See SKIING on page 6A

Warren City Councilman Dave Dwyer and Joe Schehr, the training coordinator for the Warren Fire Department, use the Seek camera to determine the conditions inside the box.

Photo by Donna Dalziel

ABOVE: Memory Bears can reflect the glamour and style of a deceased loved one, their favorite sweater or sports teams. LEFT: For the passionate golfer, these Memory Bears can bring joy remembering time spent with a loved one.

Volunteers needed to sew ‘Memory Bears’

BY GENA JOHNSON gjohnson@candgnews.com

METRO DETROIT — Hospice of Michigan is looking for compassionate volunteers in Macomb and Oakland counties to create “Memory Bears” to comfort bereaved family members coping with the loss of a loved one.

Memory Bears are teddy bears about 8-inches tall made from clothing, blankets, or other special items from those who have died. According to Hospice of Michigan, the Memory Bears allow grieving families to capture and preserve aspects of their loved ones within one-of-a-kind stuffed animals as a personal memento.

Pattie Huttenga, a sewing volunteer, started sharing her sewing skills with Hospice of Michigan in 2014 after her son was in hospice. The Memory Bear program was started the same year.

“For my son, Hospice (of Michigan) was here for the last two weeks of his life, and they were so helpful. You just don’t know what to expect,” Huttenga said. “They were just there for whatever we needed. They were there and so when I saw they needed help, I had to give back.”

Huttenga has been sewing since she was 9 years old; however, volunteers of all skill levels are welcomed as long as they can make the bears. Interested volunteers will need to provide their own sewing machine to participate.

Tracey Pierce, associate vice president of communications at Hospice of Michigan, said before she donated the clothes of her loved ones, she remembered some items could be used to make a Memory Bear as a special keepsake.

“2021 was not the best (year). We lost three parents in my family within the year,” Pierce said. “As we were cleaning out their clothing, I was getting ready to donate them and I went into the office one day and saw an email that reminded me of Memory Bears. It was a revelation.”

Each Hospice of Michigan patient’s family is eligible to receive one uniquely designed Memory Bear as a memento.

“In times of loss, having a physical reminder of a loved one can be profoundly comforting,” said Ruth Moore-Lilly, volunteer program manager for Hospice of Michigan. “By volunteering as a Memory Bear sewer, you can make a lasting impact

Photos provided by Hospice of Michigan

Auspicious start

As the crystal ball was dropping in Times Square in New York, Chiquita Anthony, of Harper Woods, was celebrating more than just the start of 2025. Her second child, daughter Amarah, was born at the stroke of midnight Jan. 1 at Corewell Health Dearborn Hospital. Amarah, who was 6 pounds, 15 ounces and 20.5 inches long at birth, had been due to make her arrival Dec. 30, but this little girl opted for a more noteworthy date and time. She was the first baby of the New Year for local Corewell hospitals. Photos provided by Corewell Health

Bears

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on grieving families by creating a cherished treasure that offers a source of peace through your craftsmanship.”

Hospice of Michigan’s Memory Bear program was launched in June 2014 by the not-for-profit’s grief support services department to help bereaved families capture and preserve aspects of their loved ones through one-of-a-kind stuffed animals.

As the initiative continues to gain pop-

ularity among grieving families, additional volunteers are needed to meet sewing demands.

For those who have experienced a loss, Hospice of Michigan encourages a waiting period of one year before becoming a hospice volunteer to allow for the processing of grief. Those in Oakland County who are interested in donating time to the Memory Bear program should contact Cynthia Palmer at cpalmer@hom.org or (248) 334-1323. For Macomb County residents, contact Amanda Layne at alayne@hom.org or (248) 568-7564.

Skiing

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winter experience for all of their guests.

“Northwest Lower Michigan’s ski areas have undergone impressive off-season improvements, ensuring an exciting winter season for all,” says Mike Panich, who is executive director of the Michigan Snowsports Industries Association, the trade group for the state’s ski and snowboard industry. “From advanced snowmaking to exciting new trails and guest-focused upgrades, Michigan’s ski destinations are ready to impress this winter.”

No wonder. After last year’s forgettable winter, ski areas across the region are pumped about this season’s prospects, already benefiting from cooperative temperatues for plenty of snow making as well as frequent lake-effect snow.

“The 2024 season started with a great early blast of cold air and lake effect snow, allowing most ski areas in Michigan and the rest of the Midwest to open earlier and with more terrain than in the recent past,” Panich says.

Despite the recent warm up and rain over the holiday, ski areas “were able to take advantage of the early cold weather and build significant snow reserves and will be able to ride it out until the cold returns with the new year,” he adds.

Here are some highlights of ski area improvements this season (Note: most resorts have upgraded snow-making capabilities so they are not mentioned below):

• In mid-December, the Highlands at Harbor Springs unveiled its newest lift — the Interconnect triple. The new lift cuts the amount of time up the hill by one-third and improves access to the North Peak area. The

lift includes RFID gates providing handsfree, direct-to-lift access. This is the second new lift in two years at the 4,000-acre resort. Last year the Highlands introduced the Camelot 6, a six-person bubble chairlift, the fastest in the Midwest. New food options include a Brew Bar at the Day Lodge, serving a selection of craft beer, and a Ramen Bar at the Food Market.

• With more snowmaking power, Boyne Mountain is creating the Victor Glacier, a ski run being designed to offer great snow conditions earlier and later in the season. The signature blue run is reminiscent of Vermont’s legendary King of Spring, lateseason skiing at Killington Ski Resort. Additionally, Boyne has unveiled nearly 18 acres of fresh, glade terrain within its Disciples Ridge area. The new glade terrain is located between Grice’s Way and Zippie’s and features wide-open, gentle slopes for beginners and more challenging terrain for the more experienced. Other improvements include synchronized music and vibrant LED lighting displays at the resort’s Tubing Hill.

• In Thompsonville, Crystal Mountain has expanded its selection of rental equipment, adding more than 400 new sets of rental skis and 55 snowboards. The 1,500-acre resort has also upped its apres-ski game with new rooftop igloos at the Level4 Lounge. The heated igloos offer scenic views of the surrounding countryside. Guests will also find expanded trail loops and new rental gear at the Cross-Country Learning Center. More than half the guest rooms of the Hamlet Hotel have been renovated with new furniture, flooring and accessories.

• Shanty Creek Resort in Bellaire offers a new 18 km cross-country trail system through Schuss Village, one of four villages on the 5,500-acre property. Non-skiers looking for something to do can hop aboard the new Alpina Snow Glider, for a free, hour-long ride through the expansive resort. Shanty Creek has also extended private ski and snowboard lessons to include evening sessions.

• Outside Gaylord, Treetops Resort boasts two new trails. Razzle Dazzle promises “a thrilling new experience for those who

love gladed slopes,” resort officials say. The other is the Woodsplitter, providing a new route between Kathryn’s Way and Lookout at the 3,300-acre destination.

• Caberfae Peaks, one of the country’s oldest ski areas, outside Cadillac, has renovated guest rooms, which feature custommade furniture.

Back at Forbush Corner, which is owned and operated by a nonprofit organization, the addition of another km of manmade snow coverage extends that trail network to nearly 3.5 km. Overall, Forbush has more than 30 km of trails. This year snowshoe trails also have been expanded, with 8 km now dedicated to snowshoeing paths. By the way, the region’s other popular Nordic ski spot, Cross Country Ski Headquarters in Higgins Lake, is celebrating its 50th anniversary this winter. A 50th Anniversary Ribs and Blues celebration is planned for February 22. The ski center also offers free beginner lessons every Saturday.

In the meantime, don’t let the warmerthan-usual and rainy weather around the holidays deter your skiing plans. Wintry weather is around the corner.

“After the terrible winter of 23-24, we have entered a much more winter-like pattern and meteorologists are predicting a much snowier and cooler January and February than we have experienced over the last several seasons,” Panich says. “With good weather and regular snowfall, skiers should expect to have great snow covered slopes all season long, with great conditions.”

For more information about what’s new at Michigan’s ski areas visit Michigan Snowsports Industries Association at goskimichi gan.com.

Greg Tasker is a Traverse City-based freelance writer.

Boyne Mountain’s latest improvements include synchronized music and vibrant LED lighting displays at Tubing Hill.

Photo provided by Boyne Mountain Resort

Cameras

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The Seek cameras allow the firefighters to preview the conditions.

“With the new Seek camera, firefighters can gauge the conditions of the room before going in,” Schehr said.

The camera shows the temperature of the room, the location of the fire, and if any people are in the building. That can save valuable time and mitigates loss.

During the training session, eight firefighters stayed in the simulated flashover fire chamber, or the box, for about 30-35 minutes. They came out and then went back in individually to become more familiar with the camera and receive more detailed instructions from their instructors. The screen on the camera changes color depending on the temperature of the fire. The more red on the screen, the hotter the fire.

“We’ve done training for all of the shifts of the firefighters so that every firefighter understands what the conditions of a flashover fire would look like, how to look for it in the smoke and how to see what it looks like, look for indications that it is getting hotter quickly and either change the environment by opening the water, change the ventilation by opening a door or window to change the atmosphere, or just get out,” Schehr said.

The Seek camera has been around for a couple of years, according to Schehr.

“We purchased 10 so every fire engine in the city will have a camera,” Schehr said.

Simulator

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driving simulator, said multitasking and keeping her eyes on the road were the most difficult parts of the simulator.

“Because I’m constantly distracted by the vibration in my hand and all I want to do is stare at the phone,” Guzman said.

Guzman said she doesn’t text while she drives.

“I can’t imagine how people do it because I crashed like four times,” she said.

Tour Manager Titus Koso, who assisted the students with the simulators, got involved with the program as someone who knows the dangers firsthand. Koso was involved in several vehicle crashes. He also grew up at a time when video games were becoming more prominent and fell in love with them. He’s been with Save A Life for three years.

Warren City Councilman and Mayor Pro Tem Dave Dwyer used the thermal camera at the training site.

“It’s cool. It’s a great tool,” he said.

Standing outside of the flashover fire chamber, the heat was very hot.

“All of our firefighters went through a fire academy before they were hired here in the city of Warren, but we’re doing this as well because this is, again, high stress, high heat conditions, so we want to do it in a controlled environment,” Schehr said. “So we can get them comfortable and proficient, (to) trust their gear, trust their training, trust their partner. So now, when they go into that environment, they will know the environment, and they can make a decision to exit or do something else.”

“Me loving video games and being in multiple accidents, I felt like it was a great place for me to work,” Koso said. “I could share my personal stories with the kids. I have experienced it that way they don’t have to do it as well.”

During the demonstration, he said it takes 4.6 seconds, on average, to type a text and 3 seconds to get in an accident. Though both texting and driving under the influence can be deadly, Koso said texting is worse.

“The reason for that is you put your face down and you’re not seeing the road,” he said.

Koso said the demonstrations are done all over the country.

“If you absolutely have to, just wait,” Guzman said about texting and driving. “It’s never worth it.”

Photo by Donna Dalziel

The Seek thermal camera helps firefighters find the exact location of the people, the fire and the temperature inside before entering.

OFFICERS ADVISE ON PROTECTING PETS, HELPING STRAYS THIS WINTER

BY ANDY KOZLOWSKI akozlowski@candgnews.com

METRO DETROIT — Cold weather can injure and kill pets, and no breed is entirely safe. Animal control officers are reminding residents to be vigilant, protecting their furry friends from frostbite, falls on ice, hypothermia and other winter woes.

“Anything under 32 degrees, I’d say you definitely need to have booties on your dogs’ paws, and don’t let them outside for more than five to 10 minutes,” said Paige Wallace, the animal control officer for Madison Heights. “Even if the snow and ice isn’t getting on their paws, they could still be getting frostbitten. Yes, their bodies are covered in fur, but the paws aren’t. And if they’re limping, they could be numb or frozen, and starting to get frostbitten.

“Also pay attention to anything that’s warmed up throughout the day, like slush or puddles of standing water,” she said. “I don’t think dogs should walk through that, because now the paws will be wet and can become frozen later. The webbing between the toes can accumulate water, freeze up and cause freezer burn. Even with winter dogs, like huskies, you have to pay attention, because the ones here weren’t raised outside like the ones in, say, Alaska, so they’re not used to this weather.”

If a dog is pawing at the door or lifting their paws while walking, it’s possible their feet are hurt and should be inspected for any snow and ice, and cleaned accordingly.

In an email, Jennifer Thomas, the animal control officer for Hazel Park, said pet owners should take a moment to clean their

pets once they come back inside, regardless of whether their paws appear fine.

“Wipe down your animal’s belly, legs and feet once they’re inside to make sure they have not picked up any chemicals — like antifreeze or other deicing products — while outside,” Thomas said. “You do not want your animal to lick these off themselves.”

Despite walking on four legs, pets are also at risk of slipping and falling down on frozen terrain. While deicers are available for reducing snow and ice buildup on driveways and sidewalks, they can be toxic to pets,

causing upset stomachs, vomiting, diarrhea and skin irritation.

As such, Wallace suggests considering sand or kitty litter instead. While using these on pathways won’t melt ice, it can improve traction to reduce falls when walking on slippery surfaces.

Cold weather carries other dangers for pets, which are prone to hypothermia, just like humans. Symptoms of hypothermia are sometimes subtle and hard to observe, and include delayed reflexes, sluggishness and paleness. Loss of consciousness can occur

in the most severe cases. Get the pet into a warm environment and seek veterinary help.

“Check for signs of discomfort such as whining, shivering, excessive tiredness, slowing down or stopping movement, weakness, or a reluctance to go outside,” Thomas said. “Also, most cities and counties have ordinances regarding cold weather, just like hot weather. In Hazel Park, animal owners are not allowed to leave their animal out for extended periods of time when the temperature has dropped below 43 degrees. Know your city and county ordinance.”

Thomas also recommends a waterproof coat for dogs with shorter fur, such as chihuahuas, pugs, pit bulls and boxers, in addition to paw protectors. However, some dogs won’t tolerate these. Either way, when the weather is cold, consider taking shorter walks more often, instead of long walks.

Of course, many animal lovers feel equal concern for strays trying to survive out in the cold. Here, there are some things residents can do to help, but also precautions they should take.

For starters, in providing food for strays, be sure to only bring out the bowl when the animal is around to avoid attracting others that could spread disease. Always clean the bowl between uses. With water dishes, use a heated dish to prevent the water from freezing, and change the water often, cleaning the bowl as well.

As far as constructing shelters, some cities prohibit them, as they could lead to cat colonies. A shelter for an outdoor animal should be lined with straw, which wicks away moisture to keep it from freezing.

Choo Choo and Inkie await new homes at the Madison Heights Animal Shelter. They are attached to each other and will only go to someone willing to adopt them together.

Photo by Patricia O’Blenes

Blankets or hay are a bad idea — both become saturated with water and freeze upon exposure to cold air. Flaps over the door and facing the entrance away from the wind can keep out cold air.

TNR groups — TNR stands for “trap, neuter, release” — specialize in capturing feral cats, spaying or neutering them, and then releasing them back into the wild, at which point they will no longer wander in search of mates or reproduce. They’re often marked with a tipped ear, where an ear is cropped — an indication you may be looking at a stray who has already been fixed.

There is also always a possibility that the stray you see is a lost pet that belongs to someone. They may have a microchip that identifies the owner. If they’re pawing at your door to come inside, they’re more likely they have a home. It’s recommended to photograph them and post the pictures on social media platforms to try and find the owner. Your local animal control division can try to capture the animal and get it checked as well.

“Usually, nine times out of 10, the pet

goes home that way,” Wallace said.

In general, she recommends reporting any stray animals within 24 hours of seeing them.

In the meantime, “If you’re willing to confine it, there’s always a chance that you can get attacked or bit. But if you’re going to try, get them someplace safe and secure, like a spare room or small bathroom you don’t use often, to tide them over until (animal control) arrives the next day,” Wallace said.

“And you can give them a bit of water, but be careful, because if it appears injured or old or sick, feeding it could lead to problems. Say it has a broken leg, and you feed it, and then we bring it to the vet to get it fixed — if that happens and the dog goes under anesthesia, they could choke to death on their own vomit, same as a person. It’s why the doctor tells you no food or drink the night before an operation.”

Thomas says it’s best to play it safe and leave the handling of strays to animal control officers. She added that when warming up any animal that appears cold, it’s important to apply a slow, gentle heat to avoid shocking the system. And with your own pets, it’s best to just spend more time indoors.

“If you can,” Thomas said, “just bring your animals inside.”

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Under a previous owner, production moved to Georgia, which is the largest producer of peanuts in the United States.

“One of the biggest things is, it’s an iconic Detroit brand, like Better Made,” Rieth said. “That’s why I’m so passionate about bringing (production) back to Detroit.”

At press time, Rieth was still in search of a site.

Velvet’s history goes back nearly 90 years. The company was launched in 1937 by Detroit truck driver Paul Zukerman, who spotted an ad for used peanut butter-making equipment and bought it to start Velvet Peanut Butter. After selling the product out of the trunk of his car, Zukerman was tapped to produce peanut butter for American troops during World War II. Velvet grew in popularity back home as well, earning Zukerman the nickname, the “Peanut Butter King.”

Zukerman continued to run Velvet Peanut Butter until he sold it in 1985, when he was 74. A Velvet spokesperson said Michigan production stopped shortly afterward, moving to another state. Then, Velvet Peanut Butter shut down altogether until it was revived by new owner Eric Bruce in 2008.

“I was not planning to sell the brand until I met Mark,” Bruce said in a press release. “It has been a true labor of love to revive Velvet Peanut Butter and shepherd the brand for the past 16 years. Now is the perfect time for me to step away and turn this iconic brand over (to) Mark for him to lead the exciting next chapter.”

Rieth currently owns Lansing Brewing Co. and its line of craft brews and other alcoholic beverages. He also recently started Detroit Liquid Ventures, which makes the Old Head line of Detroit-made Irish-styled ales and FÜL Beverage, a line of naturally

flavored nonalcoholic beers and sports drink alternatives.

Rieth plans to keep the recipe that has earned Velvet Peanut Butter so many devotees over the decades.

“We love the original recipe,” Rieth said. “It’s the first homogenized peanut butter. It’s pretty iconic. We’re not messing with that.”

But, he also intends to expand the line. The father of three — a 25-year-old son and two daughters, ages 22 and 19 — said his middle daughter is allergic to peanuts.

“We’re going to make an almond butter for her,” Rieth said.

In the next 24 months, Rieth said they hope to introduce two almond butter flavors, along with honey-flavored and mapleflavored peanut butter.

Watch for other Velvet-related products as well.

“We’re going to make a peanut butter whiskey and a peanut butter porter,” Rieth said. “It’ll be fun.”

He said they’re also in talks with a couple of local ice cream and confections makers about products made with Velvet Peanut Butter, such as a peanut butter cup.

A new tagline for Velvet — “Stay smooth, Detroit” — will be making its way onto merchandise such as hats and hoodies, and Rieth said he hopes to open a couple of retail locations in metro Detroit to carry Velvet products and merchandise.

For now, Rieth said Velvet Peanut Butter can be found at a number of stores in the region, including Meijer and Westborn Market locations and Fresh Farms Market in Grosse Pointe City.

“I’m just excited to bring back an iconic Detroit brand,” Rieth said.

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