North revitalizing hockey program
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.
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
See VELVET on page 4A
BY K. MICHELLE MORAN kmoran@candgnews.com
WOODS — Grosse Pointe Woods is kicking off its 75th anniversary year with an annual event designed to chase the January blahs away.
An estimated 600 to 800 Woods residents and their guests are expected for Winter Fest, which will take place from noon to 3 p.m. Jan. 25 at Ghesquiere Park, behind the Woods City Hall complex. During a Jan. 6 Woods City Council meeting, City Councilwoman Angela Coletti Brown — the council liaison to the Citizens’ Recre-
Lions, Tigers and ponies to peacefully coexist during Woods’ sports-themed Winter Fest
ation Commission — said this event has been going on for about the last seven years. The Citizens’ Recreation Commission organizes Winter Fest.
“This will be a big event,” Coletti Brown said after the meeting. “And it’s really the first public event in the
See WINTER FEST on page 5A
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
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Community events to mark Martin Luther King Jr. Day
BY K. MICHELLE MORAN kmoran@candgnews.com
GROSSE POINTE FARMS/DETROIT — The public will have a couple of opportunities to commemorate Martin Luther King Jr. Day close to home.
From noon to 5 p.m. Jan. 20, Grosse Pointe Congregational Church at 240 Chalfonte Ave. in Grosse Pointe Farms will be hosting what’s being called, “Day of Hope and Advocacy: Fulfilling Dr. King’s Dream.” Attendees can drop in at any time for music, meditation, yoga, art, dance, a potluck and more.
Kelli Wereley, of Harper Woods, the chief organizer of this event, said in an email interview that this event is free and for all ages, and no registration is needed.
“We wanted to create MLK’s dream as much as possible,” Wereley said.
Besides Wereley, other organizers include Lori Zurvalec, Rose Bud, Nicole Castka and the Rev. Richard Yeager-Stiver, pastor of Grosse Pointe Congregational Church.
Wereley said the American Civil Liberties Union and the NAACP will have information and advocacy tables.
“I hope the community feels united and hopeful as we join together on this sacred day,” Wereley said.
She said they’re hoping to make this an annual event.
For more information, visit Wereley’s Facebook page — where a flyer for the event is posted — or call (313) 896-8715.
The Detroit Historical Museum, 5401 Woodward Ave.
ABOVE: New Grosse Pointe Farms public safety officer Jason LaDuke is sworn in Dec. 23 at Farms City Hall by Assistant City Manager/City Clerk Derrick Kozicki.
TOP LEFT: After being sworn in, Jason LaDuke’s badge is pinned to his uniform by his wife, Alexandra LaDuke.
BOTTOM LEFT: LaDuke is congratulated by Farms Deputy Public Safety Director Andrew Rogers.
Photos by Patricia O’Blenes
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.
Call Staff Writer K. Michelle Moran at (586) 498-1047.
Winter Fest
from page 1A
anniversary year.”
Every year, she said, there’s a theme. This year, that theme is local sports, and in conjunction with that, Coletti Brown said attendees can expect to see mascots from many local teams, including the Detroit Lions, Tigers and Pistons. With the Lions having a thrilling season, the visit from mascot Roary is likely to generate a lot of interest from football fans.
Coletti Brown said they’ll have a dance party in a heated tent, pony rides, a petting zoo, outdoor games and a photo booth. In addition, there will be disc golf demonstrations at the new disc golf course at Ghesquiere Park. Mayor Arthur Bryant said anyone hoping to play a round of disc golf should bring their own discs with them.
In keeping with the city’s anniversary, a limited number of disc golf flying discs with the city’s 75th anniversary logo will be handed out to Winter Fest visitors on a first-come, first-served basis. Coletti Brown said the city does a giveaway each year, and these gifts have become highly coveted collectors’ items among residents.
According to the city’s website, the Woods first incorporated in 1927 as the Vil-
lage of Lochmoor. The Village of Lochmoor was renamed the Village of Grosse Pointe Woods in 1939. It became the City of Grosse Pointe Woods when it incorporated as a city on Dec. 11, 1950 — the year voters approved the city’s original charter.
“Winter Fest is one of the most exciting events that we do in the city every year,” Bryant said after the meeting.
It’s also award-winning. In 2019, the Citizens’ Recreation Commission was given the Community Service Award from the Michigan Parks and Recreation Association for the revamped and expanded festival, a successor to the city’s former Chili Fest.
Coletti Brown said three of the most popular local food trucks — The Little Donut Factory, Cult of the Joe Burger and Outdoor Pizza On Site — will be serving up their specialties in food and beverages.
While Winter Fest has fun for all ages, it’s especially popular with families, organizers say.
“I hope to see everyone there,” Coletti Brown said at the meeting.
Winter Fest is free, except for food and beverages. For more information, visit www. gpwmi.us.
“Winter Fest is a wonderful way to start out your winter recreation season,” Bryant said.
SPORTS NORSEMEN HOCKEY LEANING ON UNDERCLASSMEN TO ‘REVITALIZE AND REBUILD’ PROGRAM
BY JONATHAN SZCZEPANIAK jszczepaniak@candgnews.com
GROSSE POINTES — Grosse Pointe North hockey is treating this season like a blank canvas.
A quick look at the history of Grosse Pointe North hockey would explain why head coach Rob Blum is treating it as such — you’d have to dive deep into the archives to find the last winning season or even 10win season for that matter.
Sitting at 3-9 so far, the probability of a winning season seems to be fading, but there’s much more to this season for the Norsemen than their record.
“One of my main goals as a senior and as a captain is to leave the program better than where it was when I started,” senior captain Tim Klatt said. “I feel like that just shows that I’m making an impact and helping all these young players become more skilled.”
Klatt, a three-year varsity veteran, is the longest-tenured player on a squad filled with first-year underclassmen.
He’s been through a one-win season last year and countless blowouts, and even though North is still taking its bumps and bruises, the sophomore class is giving Klatt and company hope for the future of the program.
Sophomore Levi Olsey headlines the offensive attack with a team-high 24 points (8 goals and 16 assists) while sophomores Charlie Mueller (8 goals and 7 assists), Brandon Shock (6 goals and 7 assists) and Aidan Burney (3 goals and 9 assists) have done their part in their first season with North.
In addition to them is freshman standout Ben Clor, whose four-game scoring streak included an overtime winner over Brownstown Woodhaven Dec. 7 and showed why he’s a breakout player to watch this season.
The beauty of the blank canvas is the ability to implement whatever you want wherever you want — you’re trying something different in hopes it comes to life.
Right now, the underclassmen are playing as if the North hockey program is coming back to life.
“We were just able to tell them, ‘Hey, you guys have the chance to come in and be the starting point to turning this thing around,’” Blum said. “There’s some real good seventh and eighth graders in the middle schools right now that skated with
See HOCKEY on page 13A
ABOVE LEFT: Grosse Pointe North sophomore goalie Ben Bugeja makes a stop during a 6-1 loss to Grosse Pointe South Dec. 20 at McCann Ice Arena. TOP RIGHT: Grosse Pointe South junior Liam O’Donaghue attempts to fight through two Grosse Pointe North players. BOTTOM RIGHT: Grosse Pointe North sophomore Charlie Mueller navigates around Grosse Pointe South players.
Photos by Patricia O’Blenes
NEWS & NOTES
ARTIST TO BE FEATURED IN SOLO SHOW
Grosse Pointe Park fine artist Linda Boyle will have a solo exhibition at University Liggett School’s Manoogian Arts Gallery, 1045 Cook Road in Grosse Pointe Woods, for the month of January. An opening reception that’s free and open to the public will be held from 6 to 8 p.m. Jan. 16 in the gallery. There is a parking lot directly across the street from the gallery entrance for easier access.
To see some of her work, visit Boyle’s website at lsbdesign.com or see her Instagram page, @lsbdesign.
For those who’d like to see the exhibition at another time, call ULS at (313) 884-4444 to schedule an appointment.
BECOME A PRO AT PICKLEBALL
Whether someone is new to the sport or wants to get better at it, Assumption Cultural Center at 21800 Marter Road in St. Clair Shores is offering pickleball classes this month.
For experienced players who want to improve, there will be two sets of skills and drills clinics, with the first session being from 12:45 to 2:15 p.m. Jan. 17 and 24 and the second session being from 12:45 to 2:15 p.m. Jan. 31 and Feb. 7. Each two-day clinic costs $50.
An introduction to pickleball class will teach people the basics — including rules and how to serve — on Wednesdays from 3 to 4:30 p.m. Jan. 15 through March 26. The clinic costs $110.
Pickleball players can also rent courts for play at Assumption. For more information or to register, visit assumptionculturalcenter.org or call (586) 779-6111.
NEW PROGRAMS BEING OFFERED
The Helm at the Boll Life Center, 158 Ridge Road in Grosse Pointe Farms, is offering three new indoor programs this month.
An indoor walking club will take place from 2 to 4 p.m. Tuesdays and Thursdays through March. Participants can walk for as long as they’d like and can come alone or bring a friend. The program is free, but registration is required.
Prevent a fall by attending “Taking the Mystery Out of Balance and Posture,” which will take place from 1:30 to 3 p.m. Jan. 15 at the Harper Woods Public Library, 19601 Harper Ave. The workshop is free for Helm members and $5 for nonmembers.
A six-week course in Spanish for beginners will take place on Wednesdays from 10 to 11:30 a.m. Jan. 15 to Feb. 19. The class costs $35 for Helm members and $40 for nonmembers.
Registration is required for all Helm programs and can be made by calling (313) 882-9600 or visiting helmlife.org.
SCHOLARSHIPS AVAILABLE
Now through Feb. 25, Michigan Schools and Government Credit Union is inviting students to apply for any of the 57 scholarships it’s offering. Scholarships include those designed to help students and educators achieve their career goals and scholarships for future first responders and those seeking careers in skilled trades. The credit union plans to award a total of $130,000 in scholarships this year.
“Earning a degree or certification requires a great deal of determination and hard work, along with a significant financial investment,” MSGCU President/CEO Steve Brewer said in a press release. “MSGCU is increasing our scholarship awards this year to support more students in the communities we serve. We have provided over $1.25 million in scholarships since our program started 20 years ago, helping more than 600 recipients complete their education.”
For a scholarship application or more information, visit msgcu.org/scholarships.
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“We try to deliver the very best in massage,” Stewart said. Stewart specializes in shoulder, upper back, prenatal and headache massages. A licensed, insured mobile massage therapist, she also provides a range of other treatments, including cupping, sports massage, lymphatic massage, deep tissue massage, stretching, mud wraps and full body exfoliation.
Massage can improve outcomes for those with arthritis as well. Stewart has a number of senior clients, some of whom had never tried massage therapy. Because she comes to her clients, she can easily work with those who can’t drive.
“A lot of people don’t understand how integral physical contact is to your overall health,” Stewart said. “And elderly people tend to be the most touch-starved populations. Tat can make a really big diference in health outcomes.”
Young stay-at-home parents or parents who work from home also appreciate Stewart’s business. For some clients, she visits during a baby’s nap time.
Stewart’s hours refect the busy lives of her clients. She ofers appointments Mondays through Saturdays between 8 a.m. and 9 p.m.
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To schedule an appointment or for more information, call (843) 212-0661, visit www.apotheosismassage. com or see Apotheosis Mobile Massage’s pages on Facebook and Instagram.
CRIME WATCH
Jeeps stolen, recovered
WOODS —
A resident in the 2100 block of Hawthorne Road reported to police that his unlocked Jeep Wagoneer was stolen from his driveway before 9:20 a.m. Jan. 2. The resident told police that the key fob had likely been left inside the vehicle. Police said they recovered the vehicle later in Harper Woods, but items that had been inside — including checks, camera equipment, a stroller, an iPad, a North Face jacket and a bracelet — were missing.
In a separate incident, a resident in the 2000 block of Lennon Street contacted police at 6 a.m. Jan. 6 after finding that one of the two Jeeps that had been parked in his driveway had been stolen. The other Jeep had been broken into and the victim told police that Jeep had contained keys to the Jeep that was stolen. Police said they recovered the missing Jeep later in Harper Woods.
Police ask residents not to leave keys inside their vehicles. Anyone with more information about either of these incidents can call (313) 343-2400.
Vehicle break-in attempt reported
PARK — Two unknown suspects — possibly juveniles — wearing all black clothing are being sought by police after they reportedly tried to break the driver’s side window on a Chrysler Pacifica while the vehicle was warming up in the 1400 block of Lakepointe Street at 6:45 p.m. Jan. 2. Police said surveillance footage shows the suspects walk up to the vehicle and try to break in.
Anyone with more information can call (313) 822-7400.
Vehicle theft under investigation
FARMS — According to an online Nixle report, a vehicle was stolen from the Country Club of Detroit at around 1 p.m. Jan. 3. Police said three unknown people in a red Honda Civic — believed to be a 2006 to 2011 model — arrived at the club and allegedly entered three vehicles in the main parking lot and attempted to enter three other vehicles. The vehicle that was stolen was recovered a few hours later, abandoned on the east side around the Warren/Detroit border.
Police remind residents to always lock their vehicles and not leave valuables or key fobs inside.
The case was under investigation at press time. Anyone with more information can call (313) 885-2100.
Unlocked vehicle with key inside stolen
WOODS — An unlocked Chevy Blazer was stolen from the driveway of a home in the 800 block of South Renaud Road between the hours of 5 p.m. Dec. 30 and 10 a.m. Dec. 31. Police said the victim had left the key fob inside. The victim was able to track her vehicle to a location in Harper Woods, where police recovered it, but the suspect or suspects had taken the key fob and a debit card. Anyone with more information can call (313) 343-2400.
Threatening suspect sought
CITY — An unknown woman in her mid-40s is facing possible charges for issuing threats and causing a disturbance after the suspect is said to have menaced an employee at The Village Lululemon store at around 4:15 p.m. Dec. 27. According to a police report, the suspect threatened the employee after the employee asked the suspect and the group that the suspect was with about a missing skirt that was in the group’s shop-
ping bag, but which hadn’t been paid for. The group said they had bought the skirt. Anyone with more information can call (313) 886-3200.
Valuables stolen from unlocked vehicle
WOODS — An unknown person is said to have entered an unlocked vehicle while it was parked in a driveway in the 600 block of North Renaud Road between the night of Dec. 30 and 12:30 p.m. Dec. 31 and stolen a check for $9,100 and over $2,000 worth of valuables — a laptop, Apple AirPods, perfume and an iPad mini. Police said the suspect also attempted to withdraw a small amount of money from the victim’s account. Anyone with more information can call (313) 343-2400.
Vehicle window broken
PARK — Sometime between the hours of 5:30 p.m. Jan. 3 and 10 a.m. Jan. 4, an unknown suspect is said to have smashed out the rear window on a 2015 Ford Transit van while it was parked in the 800 block of Bishop Road. The victim told police nothing appeared to have been taken from the
Continued
CRIME WATCH
Continued from page 12A
vehicle. Anyone with more information can call (313) 822-7400.
Package taken
CITY — A package containing a basket for an electronic bike was stolen from the front porch of a home in the 700 block of Notre Dame Street at around 1:40 p.m. Dec. 28, shortly after it was delivered. Anyone with more information can call (313) 886-3200.
Porch
pirate snags culinary item
CITY — An unknown suspect is said by police to have stolen at around 2:30 p.m.
Hockey
from page 6A
us over the summer, and they’re planning on playing.
“Our approach was, ‘Look, we’re going to have a short bench and you guys are going to be thrown into the wolves, but you’re going to have all sorts of ice time and opportunity. You guys have the opportunity to revitalize and rebuild this program.’”
Blum, entering his sixth season as head coach, has grown accustomed to trying to keep his team motivated and the spirits up after a loss, but having a younger team has made his job a little easier in that department.
The losses are still losses, but the guys are fighting, which makes the wins that much sweeter for an up-and-coming squad.
“I think there’s a youth movement because the kids are young and they’re excited,” Blum said. “Getting a couple wins here early in the season has been huge for confidence. At the end of the day, losing gets old and gets tough. It’s tough to come to the rink when the games aren’t competitive. There’s definitely a lot more excitement in the locker room and with the parents and students at the school.”
“This year feels like a new team,” Klatt said. “There’s a lot of new, younger players. We have a lot of sophomores, and a lot of seniors left, so it really feels like a new team. That just means more kids learning how to play better.”
Dec. 28 a package delivered to a home in the 600 block of University Place that contained a $30 sourdough mixing bowl. The male suspect left the area in a small gray sedan. Anyone with more information can call (313) 886-3200.
Man arrested after causing home damage
PARK — A 37-year-old Detroit man could be facing malicious destruction of property charges after he was arrested at around 7:07 p.m. Jan. 2 for reportedly damaging a door in the 1200 block of Wayburn Street. The victim told police the suspect is her ex-boyfriend. She said he damaged the door by banging on it while they were arguing, Police said the suspect was gone when they arrived, but they later arrested him and cited him for MDOP.
— K. Michelle Moran
Arguably the toughest acclimation for the young skaters, aside from the speed and physicality being different, is understanding that North only has 11 skaters on its roster.
Depth has been an issue for the Norsemen, and nobody knows about that more than sophomore goalkeeper Ben Bugeja.
Bugeja was the lone goalkeeper for North last season and has already faced nearly 500 shots in just 12 games.
“He faced a ton of shots last year, and I think one of the things he learned is to approach the game differently by making sure he’s ready to go and picking and choosing his spots by freezing some pucks and taking some whistles he might not normally take,” Blum said. “It helps our shorter bench and himself get a breather.”
Even with the short bench, North has held its own against some tough competition and will only improve as the season goes on and the guys get more minutes on the ice together.
It’s a process, and unfortunately a process takes some time, especially with a short bench, but the returning veterans and firstyear underclassmen are doing everything they can to expedite the process.
Blum said all he wants to see is his guys compete night in and night out.
“What we want to see, especially the young kids, is how they respond,” Blum said. “Do they fight and try to keep it close, or do they give up? What we’ve seen is they’ve fought and kept a lot of games close.”
Call Staff Writer Jonathan Szczepaniak at (586) 498-1090.
COMMUNITY CALENDAR
14A/ GROSSE POINTE TIMES • JANUARY 9, 2025
JAN. 9-12
Art exhibits: “Listen to Women” (student showhosted by American Association of University Women, Grosse Pointe) and “Food in Art” (juried show featuring 55 artists), on display 9 a.m.-7 p.m. weekdays and 9 a.m.-5 p.m. weekends, Grosse Pointe Artists Association at The War Memorial, 32 Lake Shore Drive in Grosse Pointe Farms, grossepointeartcenter.org
JAN. 12
Your Old Mansion lecture series: Artist and photographer illustrate their experiences hiking to summit of Mount Kilimanjaro, 2-4 p.m., The War Memorial, 32 Lake Shore Drive in Grosse Pointe Farms, register and see topics for other talks at grossepointeartcenter.org
JAN. 13
Communities United in Diversity: Monthly meetings held 6-8 p.m., Pierce Middle School, 15430 Kercheval Ave. in Grosse Pointe Park, future events change locations within Grosse Pointe Public School System, gpschools.org
JAN. 16
Trivia Night: For ages 21 and older, maximum groups of six, snacks provided and drinks for purchase, 6 p.m., Edsel and Eleanor Ford House, 1100 Lake Shore Road in Grosse Pointe Shores, continues Feb. 20 and March 13, register at fordhouse.org/events
JAN. 19
Brunch and concert: Doors at 10:45 a.m., curated brunch with mimosa and bloody mary bar and custom omelet station at 11 a.m., and performance by jazz vocalist Olivia Van Goor featuring guitarist Randy Napoleon at noon, The War Memorial, 32 Lake Shore Drive in Grosse Pointe Farms, warmemorial.org/ eventcalendar
JAN. 25
Heroes’ Movement Inaugural Gala: Open bar, appetizers, live music and live auction, proceeds support nonprofit’s mission to strengthen veterans’ physical and mental well-being through workouts and athletics, 7-10 p.m., The War Memorial, 32 Lake Shore Drive in Grosse Pointe Farms, warmemorial.org/eventcalendar
ONGOING
‘Failure: A Love Story’: Presented by Grosse Pointe Theatre’s Purdon Studio Theatre, 8 p.m. Fridays-Saturdays and 2 p.m. Sundays Jan. 17-26, Grosse Pointe Congregational Church, 240 Chalfonte Ave. in Grosse Pointe Farms, gpt.org/pst
Nooks & Crannies: Guided tours of private staircases, hidden spaces and more, Tuesdays-Sundays through May, Edsel and Eleanor Ford House, 1100 Lake Shore Road in Grosse Pointe Shores, register at fordhouse. org/events
To view more Community Calendar and to submit your own, use the QR code or visit candgnews.com/calendar. To advertise an event, call (586) 498-8000.
Indoor Walking Club: 2-4 p.m. Tuesdays and Thursdays, The Helm at the Boll Life Center, 158 Ridge Road in Grosse Pointe Farms, helmlife.org
Teen Leadership Council: Meetings for grades 9-12 every first Wednesday of month, pizza and snacks provided, 6-7 p.m., Grosse Pointe Public LibraryWoods Branch, 20680 Mack Ave., grossepointelibrary. org, (313) 640-4775
Book clubs: Nearly a dozen hosted by Grosse Pointe Public Library at various branches, restaurants and on Zoom, more at grossepointelibrary.org/book-clubs
Grosse Pointe Community Chorus: Rehearsals from 7:30-9 p.m. every Tuesday, Grosse Pointe North High School, 707 Vernier Road in Grosse Pointe Woods, spring concert at 3 p.m. May 4, St. Clare of Montefalco Church, Whittier Road and Mack Avenue in Grosse Pointe Park, grossepointecommunitychorus.org
Art classes: 10:30 a.m.-noon every first and third Tuesday of month for seniors, 6-8 p.m. every second and fourth Tuesday of month for veterans, The War Memorial, 32 Lake Shore Drive in Grosse Pointe Farms, (313) 881-3454, grossepointeartcenter.org
Ice skating: Noon-8 p.m. Sundays, 11 a.m.-9 p.m. Mondays, Wednesdays and Thursdays, 11 a.m.-6 p.m.
GIVE BLOOD FOR CHANCE TO SEE SUPER BOWL LIX IN PERSON
Winner gets two tickets, access to pre-game activities, round-trip airfare to New Orleans, hotel accommodations, gift card for expenses and more, donate through Jan. 26, find participating center and make appointment at redcrossblood. org/give.html/find-drive, (800) 733-2767
Tuesdays, and 11 a.m.-11 p.m. Fridays and Saturdays until March 2, The Rink at Campus Martius Park, 800 Woodward Ave. in Detroit, downtowndetroit.org/ experience-downtown/things-to-do/the-rink
Detroit Auto Show: Public hours run 10 a.m.-8 p.m. Jan. 11-14, 1-8 p.m. Jan. 15-16, 10 a.m.-8 p.m. Jan. 17-19 and 10 a.m.-7 p.m. Jan. 20, Huntington Place, 1 Washington Blvd. in Detroit, detroitautoshow.com
Health workshops: Hosted by Corewell Health, free and virtual, corewellhealth.org/classes-events/ southeast-michigan
Lupus support groups: 10 a.m. every second Tuesday of month and 7 p.m. every last Wednesday, Zoom, (248) 901-7299, milupus.org/support-groups
MLK
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in Detroit, is honoring King’s legacy with educational programs, storytelling, a panel discussion and samples of King’s speeches from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Jan. 20.
There will be birthday cupcakes to take home, and attendees will be invited to join in singing Stevie Wonder’s “Happy Birthday” at the end. Attendees will also be able to take selfies with a life-sized photo of King. This event is free with registration. Attendees can register by visiting the museum’s website — detroithistorical.org — and clicking on the Museum Events tab on the homepage, which includes a link to the MLK Day event. For more information, visit the museum website or call (313) 833-1805.
Detroit was famously the site, in 1963, of an early version of King’s “I Have a Dream” speech. Grosse Pointe South High School in the Farms was the site of one of King’s last speeches, “The Other America,” which he delivered in 1968; in 2021, a state historical marker was placed on school grounds in honor of this event.
Ann Eatherly, of Grosse Pointe Park, was a social studies teacher at South when King gave his speech at the school, and she was among those who got tickets to his sold-out talk.
“I have heard forceful speakers in my life, and he was the most powerful,” Eatherly said in 2021 of King. “You could tell that he wasn’t full of anger and hate — he was full of love and concern.”
Call Staff Writer K. Michelle Moran at (586) 498-1047.
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for Thanksgiving snub
STERLING HEIGHTS — Police heard a report of a male individual throwing furniture in the yard outside an address on Sterritt Street, located near M-59/Hall Road and M-53, the night of Nov. 30.
Officers said they talked to the individual, who reportedly said he threw lawn furniture on the grass and was mad that his family didn’t invite him to dinner on Thanksgiving. Police said no one was hurt, and nothing was damaged, so they advised him to restrain his temper and took no further action.
Vehicle reported stolen parked on building’s opposite side
STERLING HEIGHTS — Police said they heard that a silver Nissan Sentra had been stolen Dec. 1 along 18 Mile Road.
The owner reportedly went inside a building to get a soda and cigarettes and exited to discover that the vehicle was apparently gone. Police said the owner had the vehicle’s keys.
Although the Sentra’s owner reportedly thought she had parked on the south side, a police investigation then discovered the vehicle on the building’s north side. Police took no further action.
Woman at apartment gathering arrested for resisting police
STERLING HEIGHTS — Police went to an apartment address in the 8000 block of 16 1/2 Mile Road early in the morning of Dec. 1 upon hearing that people were “screaming and throwing stuff.”
Police said they learned that the apartment was an Airbnb used by “five males and five females,” and the males reportedly came from Indiana to meet the women. Police said they also heard that one woman allegedly was mad that the “males were not paying attention to her.”
Police said they noticed a woman who appeared to be intoxicated, stumbling and unsteady. When police told her to talk to them, she allegedly “refused and began running.”
Police said they grabbed her by the arms, and when she allegedly kept flailing and resisting, they reportedly “assisted her to the ground” and handcuffed her.
Police said the woman was taken to jail and cited for misdemeanor resisting and obstructing an officer.
Kia theft attempted
EASTPOINTE — According to a police report, at 10:10 p.m. Dec. 9, officers were dispatched to the
Road and Gratiot Avenue, to investigate a complaint of attempted auto theft. They found that an unknown suspect had broken the rear driver’s side window of a 2011 Kia Sportage to gain entry, and the steering column had been peeled in an attempt to steal the vehicle.
Police were investigating.
Trailblazer taken
EASTPOINTE — According to a police report, at around 6:05 a.m. Dec. 11, officers were called to the 22000 block of Pleasant Avenue, in the area of Toepfer Drive and Gratiot Avenue, to investigate the theft of a 2008 Chevrolet Trailblazer that had occurred overnight. The vehicle had been left unlocked. Surveillance footage showed two suspects entering the vehicle at around 11 p.m. Dec. 10. They remained in the car for about two minutes and then drove off.
An investigation was ongoing.
Stolen deer
MOUNT CLEMENS — On Dec. 1 at around 3:30 p.m., a 43-year-old Mount Clemens man reported his stolen Christmas decorations to the Macomb County Sheriff’s Office.
He told deputies that he began setting up decorations the day before, including setting up his light-up deer.
After finishing setting up around 9 p.m. and going to bed, he noticed the deer was gone when he checked at 8 p.m.
Man steals expensive wine bottle
SHELBY TOWNSHIP — Officers from the Shelby Township Police Department were dispatched to 51015 Van Dyke Ave., a BP gas station, for a retail fraud complaint at 7:03 p.m. Dec. 6. An officer was informed that an unknown man stole a $300 bottle of wine and left prior to police arrival. The owner of the BP gas station printed a picture of the suspect and showed it to customers to see if they could recognize the suspect. A customer recognized the suspect and updated the detective working on the case. The detective was able to positively identify the suspect.
Someone cuts wires to lights
SHELBY TOWNSHIP — At 2:11 p.m. Dec. 4, an officer from the Shelby Township Police Department was called to the 6000 block of 24 Mile Road for a malicious destruction of property report. The location is a business that has lights around the perimeter of the business in the parking lot. The business owner noticed that one of the lights was not working and called an electrician to check it out. The electrician
been cut. The business owner said he had heard rumors that the neighborhood located near the parking lot was upset with the lights.
Many liquor bottles stolen SHELBY TOWNSHIP — A Shelby Township police officer was dispatched to Meijer at 15055 Hall Road for a retail fraud at 2:41 p.m. Dec. 4. Upon the officer’s arrival, he was advised of two people who had walked out of the store without paying for more than $900 worth of liquor. The couple had concealed 17 bottles of liquor before leaving the store, according to the Police Department. The case was turned over to the detective bureau for investigation.
Fraud reported
ST. CLAIR SHORES — At 3:28 on Dec. 3, a case of fraud was reported in the 25000 block of Little Mack Avenue.
An officer spoke with the store manager, a 27-year-old man. He stated a person came into the store and stole sunglasses from the store the previous day at approximately 7:30 p.m. He did not know how many pairs were missing. He stated the same suspect came into the store on Nov. 27 and again on Nov. 28 and stole the same sunglasses. The suspect has been identified as a 60-year-old man. The sunglasses are valued at $19.99 each and are Detroit Lions themed. The suspect reportedly concealed the sunglasses without paying.
Online Lions ticket fraud reported
ST. CLAIR SHORES — At 2:53 p.m. on Dec. 3, a case of fraud was reported in the 23000 block of Euclid Street.
A woman, 33, came into the station and reported that she and her boyfriend, a 50-year-old man, were scammed out of $450. She said her boyfriend spoke with a girl on Facebook who had six Detroit Lions tickets for sale at $150 per ticket. They conducted the transaction over Venmo and in doing so her boyfriend sent a partial payment of $450 to the account.
After the payment went through, the user blocked them and the two were unable to make contact. Venmo froze the woman’s account, and she was attempting to stop the transaction.
Trespasser arrested
GROSSE POINTE PARK — A 41-year-old Hamtramck man was arrested at around 4:16 a.m. Dec. 4 after he reportedly entered a vacant apartment in the 1200 block of Maryland Street without permission. Police were initially called to the area about an
to leave. Police said they found the suspect passed out in an apartment near to the one belonging to the caller.
Police arrest suspected intoxicated driver at school GROSSE POINTE WOODS — Police were called to Grosse Pointe North High School at 3:05 p.m. Dec. 12 about a possibly intoxicated driver in the pickup line. When an officer arrived, the officer learned that the driver was also blocking traffic and had to be awoken. Police said in a report that the driver — a 54-year-old Grosse Pointe Shores man — “was very disoriented and showed other signs of intoxication.” Although the driver denied being under the influence of drugs or alcohol, police said he failed several field sobriety tests and refused to take a preliminary breath test. The driver was arrested for operating under the influence of liquor and was issued a citation for refusing to take a PBT.
City police assist nearby department GROSSE POINTE CITY — Grosse Pointe City public safety officers went to Corewell Health Beaumont Grosse Pointe Hospital at around 7 p.m. Dec. 13 to detain a suspect wanted by St. Clair Shores police for domestic violence. St. Clair Shores officers then headed to the hospital and took the suspect into custody.
Bitcoin scam message
MACOMB TOWNSHIP — On Dec. 2
needed to transfer $12,000 in bitcoin. The man complied and sent over the funds. On Dec. 4, the provided number called the man again and requested an additional $4,500 in bitcoin to clear his wife of similar accusations.
Phony corrections call MACOMB TOWNSHIP —
