10/10/24 Grosse Pointe Times

2024 ELECTION GUIDE

GPPSS asking voters for 3-mill sinking fund levy

BY K. MICHELLE MORAN kmoran@candgnews.com

GROSSE POINTES/HARPER WOODS — With aging buildings and substantial infrastructure needs, Grosse Pointe Public School System officials are seeking voter approval of a 10-year, 3-mill sinking fund levy this fall to pay for some of those expenditures.

The current five year, 1-mill levy will expire in December 2024. That millage generates roughly $3.5 million annually, but the Grosse Pointe Board of Education opted to ask for a larger millage this time because a 2022 capital assessment report found that the district needs more than $252 million worth of improvements. The 3-mill levy is expected to generate $11.1 million in its first year.

A sinking fund is different from a bond because, as the district explained in a brochure about the millage, sinking funds “do not require the added costs of debt service.”

In the GPPSS, the sinking fund is mainly used for facility needs, such as parking lots, building repairs,

See SINKING FUND on page 30A

Grosse Pointe Woods resident David Bourgeois, a longtime disc golf player, demonstrates the game during a ribboncutting Oct. 2 at the Ahee Jewelers Disc Golf Course, which Bourgeois designed.

New recreation amenity in Woods soars into Ghesquiere Park

BY K. MICHELLE MORAN kmoran@candgnews.com

WOODS — Grosse Pointe Woods residents and others in the community have a new outdoor amenity they can enjoy year-round. Woods officials marked the grand open-

ing of a nine-hole disc golf course at Ghesquiere Park with a ribbon-cutting Oct. 2.

The course, a joint effort between the city and its nonprofit, the Grosse Pointe Woods Foundation, was made possible by gifts from Ahee Jewelers, the Rotary Club of Grosse Pointe

See DISC GOLF on page 29A

Photo by K. Michelle Moran

Keep Grosse Pointe Schools on the right path. Why your vote for School Board is especially important this year.

You have an important decision to make regarding the future of our Grosse Pointe School System on November 5, 2024. ere are 9 candidates running for 4 open positions. ese nine candidates, including myself, Melissa Fradenburg, Heath Roberts, and Kate Hopper, will appear on the back of the ballot in the non-partisan section.

is year, your choices are critically important as our district aims to build upon the turnaround initiated in January 2023 when new board members Sean Cotton and Ginny Jeup joined trustees Ahmed Ismail and Lisa Papas in spearheading e orts to restore scal responsibility, rebuild trust in our district leadership, and reverse the alarming triple-digit declines in enrollment.

e results of the last 20 months are clear to anyone who has been paying attention. After years of de cit spending and headcount declines in our district, we have nally begun to see the results of our new leadership both on the Board of Education and in our administration.

e most recent Plant Moran Audit for the 2023-2024 school year shows that Grosse Pointe increased its budget fund equity to over 10% for the rst time since 2021 to $10,806,988, all while reducing expenditure in line with revenues and keeping all academic and extracurricular activities intact.

e 2023-2024 school year also brought an end to the triple-digit

Melissa Fradenburg, a parent of a sophomore and freshman at Grosse Pointe South, brings a strong background in finance and a commitment to continuing the positive momentum of the current administration. Let’s keep national politics out of our schools and focus on educating our kids. Vote Melissa on November 5th—we don’t want to go back to declining enrollment and deficit spending!

MY COMMITMENT

Bring a fresh perspective and partner with our board members to ensure stability and excellence of our community’s most important educational asset.

MY BELIEF

If we promote effective policies, support our teachers. and hold leaders in administration accountable to their roles, we will foster an environment where all students can thrive and excel.

MY APPROACH

Foster the district’s success for budget accountability. policy, and strategy guidance in curriculum, athletics. student and teacher retention - all important factors for our community and schools.

enrollment losses the district had been experiencing since 2018. Between June 2020 and June 2023, our district lost 964 students, 528 in 2020 alone, when our prior board and administration could not nd a way to return our students to the classroom while private and parochial schools just blocks away were in person.

Declining birthrates was not the reason for these losses, despite what prior board members and administrations were telling us. Last year, with new board leadership in place and an amazing new superintendent, our district beat headcount projections by 88 students. is year our initial numbers are up over the prior year, beating projection by at least 149 students. Our district enrollment is growing for the rst time since 2012.

Stop listening to the rhetoric and believe the facts. Our current board has set us on a path to success, and we must sustain the gain. Maintaining our district’s nancial stability is necessary to be able to retain all of the wonderful academic programs and extracurricular activities that enhance our children’s lives, including sports, music, choir, theater, and other clubs. Fiscal responsibility also allows the district to fairly compensate all of our teachers, sta , and administrators who continue to deliver a world-class education to every student who enters one of our buildings.

You have 4 votes for School Board this year, and I encourage you to vote for Terry Collins, Melissa Fradenburg, Heath Roberts, and Kate Hopper.

• As a lifelong Grosse Pointe resident, I represent two generations of GPPSS education. My husband graduated from North in ‘88, I graduated from South in ‘90 and our kids graduated from South in ‘18 & ‘20.

• I am a candidate who is deeply committed to the next generation of GPPSS students.

• I will apply my expertise from 25+ years as a marketing professional, a mother and a volunteer to elevate our schools’ performance and our students’ education.

Thank you for your support!

Melissa Fradenburg. 4 Rose Terrace Street Grosse Pointe Farms, MI 48236

Paid for by Terence Collins for Grosse Pointe School Board

Rd. Grosse Pointe Park, MI 48230

SHORES PUBLIC SAFETY UNDERTAKES FIRE TRAINING AT HOME SLATED FOR WRECKING BALL

BY K. MICHELLE MORAN kmoran@candgnews.com

SHORES — The dense, nontoxic white fog filling a room in a Grosse Pointe Shores house on Lake Shore Road isn’t actual smoke, but for fire training, it’s a good substitute because, like the real thing, it’s completely blinding. Stick your hand in it and it vanishes.

Relying on what they learned in the fire academy and from fighting pre-

See TRAINING on page 20A

CEO dishes about school food service during visit to North

BY K. MICHELLE MORAN kmoran@candgnews.com

WOODS — The man in the white chef’s jacket serving the Spanish paella he’d been working on since morning might not have been familiar to students at Grosse Pointe North High School, but his company certainly is.

Bruce Taher, the CEO of Taher Inc. — the food service firm that provides meals to students in the Grosse Pointe Public School System — returned to his roots Sept. 25 to prepare this dish for hundreds of students, staff and district officials.

“We just love having fun with the kids, giving them an educational experience as well as good food,” Taher said.

North was one of a handful of schools that Taher,

See TAHER on page 12A

TOP: Taher Inc. CEO Bruce Taher — on a visit to North Sept. 25 — adds shrimp to the Spanish paella he made for students and staff.

ABOVE: Spanish paella awaits Grosse Pointe North High School students in the cafeteria.

Photos by Patricia O’Blenes

Photo by Patricia O’Blenes

Visibility is extremely limited for first responders at fire scenes, so they have to rely on their training and each other, as this exercise at a home on Lake Shore Road demonstrates.

SENIOR strong.

For nearly 50 years, The Helm has been dedicated to enriching the lives of seniors in the fve Grosse Pointes and Harper Woods. If the millage passes, we can ensure essential services and in-home and onsite programs will continue, evolve and expand as our senior population grows. Together, we can continue to make a positive impact. Visit our website to see how you can support us: helmlife.org/senior-services-education/

Work on sections of St. Clair, Notre Dame slated for next year in City

BY K. MICHELLE MORAN kmoran@candgnews.com

CITY — Although some road projects in metro Detroit are still underway, Grosse Pointe City officials are already preparing for next year.

During a Sept. 16 Grosse Pointe City Council meeting, the council voted unanimously in favor of the 2025 road improvement plan and authorizing City Manager Joseph Valentine to begin work on bid specifications for work on Notre Dame Street between Jefferson Avenue and St. Paul Street, and on St. Clair Avenue between St. Paul and Waterloo streets. As Valentine noted, doing the design work now means that the city can seek bids in January, putting the municipality in the best position to secure contractors and better pricing before contractors’ schedules fill up for the construction season.

A voter-approved road millage levy is expected to generate about $1,080,000 in the 2024 to 2025 fiscal year, which started July 1. Millage funds will be used for this work.

Roads are selected for repair based on their condition and other factors, such as how much money is available in a given year for these projects.

“We try to target the worst roads as quickly as we can,” City Engineer Stephen Pangori, of Anderson, Eckstein and Westrick Inc., said. “They’re also the most expensive.”

Pangori said that means the roads in the roughest shape are the hardest to fit into the budget.

Keeping roads from getting in poor condition is one of the goals of the city’s road program. Along those lines, Pangori said they’d like to focus on concrete roads more in the coming years.

“We don’t want to lose those streets,” Pangori said. “We want to catch them (before they fall apart) and patch them. … When the concrete streets are gone, it’s a total reconstruction and it’s probably the most expensive (option).”

Sometimes, roads that are in the worst shape get moved down the schedule to make

way for work on streets that are in better straits, to prevent them from deteriorating to the point of failure. City Councilman Seth Krupp said this is “hard for residents to understand,” but is due to the “cost intensity” of streets that need to be completely redone.

“It’s like road triage,” Mayor Sheila Tomkowiak said. “If something’s failed, it’s not going to fail anymore.”

Last year, the city opted to have its roads evaluated every other year instead of annually. Pangori said engineers went out in August to conduct the road ratings.

The City has 1.745 miles of minor arterial streets — Kercheval Avenue and Cadieux Road — plus 1.838 miles in major collector streets — Waterloo and St. Clair avenues — and these types of streets are eligible for federal aid, according to an AEW report. But the majority of roads in the City are classified as local streets, and these account for 14.84 miles, the report states. Streets are evaluated on a scale of 1 to 10 using the PASER rating system, with good meaning a rating of 8 to 10, fair meaning a rating of 5 to 7, and poor meaning a rating of 1 to 4. The City’s local streets had an average PASER rating of 5.841 in 2024 — down from the average of 6.137 in 2022.

The percentage of roads classified as being in good condition was 28.4% in 2024, down from 34% in 2022, while roads classified as in fair condition were 41.9% in 2024 compared to 44% in 2022. Roads in poor condition rose to 29.7% in 2024 from 21% in 2022.

While there were some declines, Pangori said the state of the roads overall didn’t get substantially worse or better over the last two years.

“In general, the condition of the roads didn’t change,” Pangori said.

Pangori said road projects are coordinated with water and sewer work, to avoid tearing up a new road and having to do the work all over.

“Nobody wants to tear up brand-new asphalt,” Tomkowiak said.

Call Staff Writer K. Michelle Moran at (586) 498-1047.

BELOW: Magician and balloon sculptor Jonathan Hagland offers a fun shaped balloon to 3-year-old Lucy Leonard, of Grosse Pointe City, as her dad, William, watches with amusement during Grosse Pointe City’s annual Fall Harvest event on a rainy Sept. 28 at Neff Park. Photos by Liz Carnegie

ABOVE: Brother and sister Caroline, 4, and Matthew Kurple, 2, of Grosse Pointe City, pick out a pumpkin from the patch.

LEFT: Four-year-old Joseph Bloomingdale, of Grosse Pointe City, rides a pony as Caroline Dowers walks alongside him at Fall Harvest.

EVENT TO GIVE ‘POWER’ TO THE PATIENTS

BY K. MICHELLE MORAN kmoran@candgnews.com

SHORES — The Van Elslander Cancer Center and the Grosse Pointe Chamber of Commerce hope to empower cancer survivors and others in the community with a free event focused on preventing cancer and flourishing after a cancer battle.

From 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. Oct. 15 at the Edsel and Eleanor Ford House in Grosse Pointe Shores, visitors can listen to speakers and obtain information about nutrition, self-care and strokes as part of “Power of Pink.” In addition, nonprofits including the

American Cancer Society, Gilda’s Club and The Pink Fund will be on hand.

“This event was created to celebrate cancer survivorship and offer resources for everyone to thrive in a healthy lifestyle,” GPCC Membership and Events Coordinator Abigail Turnbull said in an email interview.

Participants can also attend presentations. At press time, the schedule was as follows: “Genetics of Breast Cancer” by Dr. Allison Jay at 11:15 a.m., “Breast Cancer Screening Guidelines and Risk Assessment” by Dr. Jeffrey Falk at 11:45 a.m. and “Reflexology for Better Health” by Cheryl Be-

shada at 12:15 p.m.

“The Chamber is thrilled to be collaborating with the Van Elslander Cancer Center!” Turnbull said. “This event will be a great resource to the guests that will attend. With cancer research everchanging, this event will be a fresh take on the latest and greatest information for people to consider in all aspects of their health and lives related to cancer prevention and understanding.”

A mobile mammography unit will be available from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. for screenings, and no appointments are necessary.

Turnbull said the name of the event stemmed from the fact that “those facing

cancer are strong and there is a power that shines through to take it on resiliently.”

With the recent announcement of the Sept. 30 closing date for a joint venture between Ascension’s southeast Michigan and Genesys healthcare facilities and assets with Henry Ford Health, participants can expect to see medical professionals from Ascension and Henry Ford at “Power of Pink.” The medical facilities will now be under the Henry Ford Health banner.

“Words can’t express how excited we are to find ourselves at this moment,” said Henry Ford Health President and CEO

See CANCER on page 21A

NEWS & NOTES

DRAMA EXPLORES LOVE AND LOSS

Grosse Pointe Theatre’s Purdon Studio Theatre will stage the drama, “The Rabbit Hole,” Oct. 18-27 at Grosse Pointe Congregational Church, 240 Chalfonte Ave. in Grosse Pointe Farms.

Directed by Kenneth Franzel, the show features Bridget Hillyer as Becca, Ashley Chatela as Izzy, Sterling Orlowski as Howie, Rachel Settlage as Nat and Mateo Manriquez as Jason. Written by David Lindsay-Abaire, “The Rabbit Hole” is the story of Becca and Howie, a couple wracked with grief over the loss of their young son who are forced to face their past and relationships as they navigate challenging emotional terrain.

“I think it’s a beautiful story,” Franzel said in a press release. “I first came across this script in 2017 and it was a great comfort to me in a difficult time. I think the characters are so well written and the show perfectly balances a wonderful sense of humor along with the difficult themes at its core.”

Tickets cost $20 and can be purchased in advance or at the door. For tickets or more information, visit gpt.org or call (313) 881-4004.

STUDENTS TO PERFORM

The Grosse Pointe South Players will perform the classic show “Our Town” at 7 p.m. Oct. 17-19 in South’s auditorium. South is located at 11 Grosse Pointe Blvd. in Grosse Pointe Farms. For more information, contact Dan DeMarco at DemarcD@gpschools.org.

Seniors invited

Local seniors are invited to take part in the 29th annual Senior Expo from 8:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. Oct. 17 at Assumption Cultural Center, 21800 Marter Road in St. Clair Shores and Grosse Pointe Woods. The keynote speaker is WDIV-TV anchor, musician and author Devin Scillian, who will be performing with his band, Arizona Son, as well as addressing the crowd.

More than 1,500 seniors and their loved ones and caregivers are expected to attend this event, which will offer information about health, recreation, wellness and community resources. A free shuttle provided by Cranberry Park will transport attendees to the expo from Grosse Pointe Woods’ Lake Front Park, on Jefferson Avenue near Marter Road in St. Clair Shores. For more information call (586) 779-6111.

Volunteers needed

Volunteers are needed to pick up trash, plant bulbs and do light gardening and weeding from 9 a.m. to noon Oct. 12 as part of the Moross Greenway’s annual volunteer fall cleanup. All skill levels are needed. Volunteers should bring their own weeding device and gloves, as well as dress for the weather. They should meet in the parking lot of Mount Pleasant Baptist Church, 21150 Moross Road (between Edgefield and Chester streets) in Detroit. This event takes place rain or shine. For more information, visit morossgreenway.org.

Get ready for life’s challenges

The Family Center and The Helm at the Boll Life Center will present the free community program, “Preparing for the Unexpected,” from 6:30 to 7:30 p.m. Oct. 17 at The Helm, 158 Ridge Road in Grosse Pointe Farms. Learn about end-of-life wishes and advanced directives, grieving, securing your legacy and protecting loved ones in the future. Dessert and beverages will be served. Reservations are requested and can be made by calling The Helm at (313) 882-9600 or emailing hello@familycenterhelps.org.

Families welcome

The War Memorial, 32 Lake Shore Road in Grosse Pointe Farms, is launching a new series of events this month for children and families. The Second Saturday Series starts Oct. 12 with a performance by Gordon the Magician; doors open at 9 a.m. and the performance starts at 10 a.m. Free coffee for parents will be served. Admission costs $10 per child. For more information, visit warmemorial.org.

Farms offers fall fun

Grosse Pointe Farms residents and their guests are invited to the Autumn Harvest event from noon to 3 p.m. Oct. 12 at Pier Park. This event, which will take place rain or shine, will include fall events and treats like cider and doughnuts, while supplies last. For more information, call the park at (313) 343-2405.

Ford House to be overrun by Little Goblins

The Edsel and Eleanor Ford House, 1100 Lake Shore Road in Grosse Pointe Shores, invites families to its annual Little Goblins Halloween event from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Oct. 19. There will be a treat trail, jack-o’-lantern decorating, a miniature corn maze, hayrides and seasonal sweets like cider and doughnuts. Tickets cost $20 per child and $8 per adult regular admission; discounts are available for Ford House members. Advance reservations are recommended, as this event usually sells out. For tickets or more information, visit fordhouse.org.

Driven to the classics

RIGHT: A Detroit Car Co. B95 Brougham, built in 1925 and sold for $2,000, is worth the equivalent of $35,000 in today’s money. The Detroit Car Co. was in business from 1907 to 1939. BELOW: Marge and Roy Drumm, of Grosse Pointe Woods, stand next to their 1940 Ford twodoor sedan during the Concours.

LEFT: Among the vehicles on display at the 17th annual Grosse Pointe Concours D’Elegance Sept. 29 at Pier Park in Grosse Pointe Farms was this King Midget micro car, designed by two World War II Civil Air Patrol pilots. In production from 1946 to 1970 in Athens, Ohio, it was known in advertisements as “the 500-pound car for $500.”

Photos by Liz Carnegie

Taher

page 3A

who lives in Minneapolis, was visiting and cooking dishes at as part of a national tour. Rodel V. Endaluz, Taher Inc. district manager for Michigan, said Bruce Taher visits about 14 school districts a year.

“When do you have the owner of your company come and serve food?” asked Board of Education President Sean Cotton, noting the rare nature of this event.

But to Taher, getting behind the stove is a vital part of running his company.

“This is really CEO work,” Taher said. “This is what every CEO should do — to be in touch with your products, services and customers.”

Paella is actually the name of the pan — a large, round pan with a flat bottom — that’s used to cook it.

“(Paella) is a fall season menu item,” Taher said. “In Spain this time of year, you can go to various areas (and get it). It’s also very pretty.”

Endaluz said in Spain, every member of a family brings a different ingredient for the paella, such as the sauce, rice, chicken or peas. He said the dish is typically made out-

doors. Different cultures make paella with different ingredients, based on what’s available and regional tastes, Endaluz said.

For Taher’s paella, lemon wedges garnished the edge of the pan, with giant farmraised shrimp from India and mussels from Canada occupying prominent placement in the center, where they stood out against a backdrop of bright green peas and fiery orange sauce.

“This is fun, to see the kids hover around,” Taher said as students gathered to dish out servings for themselves. “You can just see the interest.”

He was happy to answer questions or tell students more about paella and its origins.

At a time when obesity and conditions like diabetes are on the rise, Taher believes school food providers can make a difference by giving students flavorful, healthy options.

“We value fresh food and instead of talking about it, we should be modeling it,” Taher said of his company’s emphasis on using fresh, sustainable ingredients as much as possible.

Many students said they’d never tried paella before, including freshman Hadley Beal, of Grosse Pointe Woods.

See TAHER on page 14A

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Taher

“It’s pretty good,” Beal said. “I like mine.”

Freshman classmate Adrianna Bogner, of Grosse Pointe Woods, also said the dish was good. She had never had it before.

“I like it,” said sophomore Nicholas Davidson, of Harper Woods, another newcomer to paella.

Sophomore Chris Caldwell, of Grosse Pointe Woods, concurred.

“I thought it was a pretty solid meal,” Caldwell said. “I’ve never tried it before.”

What Taher and the other visiting guest chefs prepare at the schools they serve is based on what school officials think the students might like to try, along with other considerations.

“Our biggest objective all the time is to have a dialogue with the students, find out their preferences,” Taher said. “When you have an opportunity to talk to that many students, it always makes an impression.”

Endaluz said Taher Inc. has a chef council — headed by Bruce Taher — that travels to different countries each year to learn about the cuisine there and get tips from local chefs. Last year, he said, they visited Croatia. The year before, Endaluz said, the council went to Thailand and the Philippines.

The chef council has chefs specializing in Lebanese, Italian and Japanese cooking, among others, and they visit schools regularly to make special meals for students.

“It’s important for us because it creates cultural awareness and it’s introducing (students) to different types of dishes,” Endaluz said.

He said there’s a greater desire among people to travel the world, and sampling a new dish might inspire students to learn more about a country or visit it themselves.

“We’re not just trying to feed students,” said Chris Vinson, vice president of business development at Taher. “We’re trying to create an experience.”

That’s not to say that school lunches are all international cuisine items — kids can still get staples like pizza and tacos. But Taher also wants to broaden that menu.

The GPPSS started using Taher for food services last year. Brandy Pavlik, GPPSS’s executive director of finance and operations, said the contract has to be renewed every year through the state.

Cotton said the company has been “a really great partner.”

“The usage of food is really up,” Cotton said. His own sons are among those giving Taher Inc.’s food high marks.

North Assistant Principal Kevin Shubnell said the school staff was excited about Bruce Taher’s visit.

“For students, it’s not the regular food for them but they’re sampling it,” Shubnell said. “It’s a really cool opportunity to have Bruce here.”

Although Taher provides food services to school districts in 27 states and has consistently been ranked as a Top 25 Food Service Management Company by Food Management Magazine, it’s not as well known in Michigan, where it’s only used by about four districts.

“We’re just very appreciative of the opportunity to be here in Grosse Pointe and to impact the lives of the kids,” Taher said.

Bruce Taher was born in Iran and came to the

United States to attend the University of Oklahoma, where he earned a Bachelor of Science degree in economics.

“I came here as a 19-year-old student with no money, washing dishes in the college cafeteria, and I’ve been in the kitchen ever since,” Taher said. He would go on to earn an MBA from the University of Missouri in Kansas City. Along the way, he earned money for school washing dishes and later, cooking them, which is where he developed his skills in the kitchen.

Taher founded his company 43 years ago. The father of three adult kids and six grandchildren ages 2 to 12 is 80 but still loves going to work every day.

“Working is fun, having the opportunity to contribute,” Taher said.

Call Staff Writer K. Michelle Moran at (586) 4981047.

Once I get the right diagnosis for the cause of your heel pain, I will provide you with a tailored treatment plan, which outlines exactly how we can fix your heel pain and keep you free from future foot pain. If you are ready, call me for an appointment to start your journey back to normal life, free from heel pain.

North students gather around the paella to see it and dish some out for themselves.

Photo by Patricia O’Blenes

Balanced the Budget! Without Reducing Student Offerings. After years of fnancial losses in excess of $9 million.

Student enrollment UP year-over-year for the frst time in OVER A DECADE.

A new Superintendent UNANIMOUSLY APPROVED by the Board, who has already proven herself to be an extraordinarily effective and collaborative leader.

A School Resource Officer in each High School resulting from a Board-initiated partnership with local law enforcement to keep our kids safe.

New two year contract with teachers overwhelmingly passed by an approval of 97%

Teacher separations DOWN 35% over 2 years.  o o o o o o

FOR SCHOOL BOARD HEATH ROBERTS

Heath is a family man. He and his wife Lindsay, along with their three kids, have called Grosse Pointe Park home for the last fve years. Like their Dad before them, the Roberts’ kids go to public schools.

Heath and his family moved to Grosse Pointe for the great schools, the walkable neighborhoods, and the close-knit communities. Heath wants to preserve those great qualities, and he believes they are worth fghting for.

Heath’s career is all about kids. He’s helped run some of the top children’s hospitals in the Midwest. Right now, he’s leading as Chief Administrative Offcer for Population Health Services at Henry Ford Health. With dual degrees in management and fnance and an MBA on top of that, Heath will be an outstanding steward of our tax dollars. He also knows about selfessness, being a proud Army veteran, who served honorably in the 101st Airborne Division.

Heath is ready to bring his commitment and experience to the Grosse Pointe Public School System. His approach is straightforward:

1) Academic excellence 2) Budget accountability 3) Clear policy guidance

Heath knows how to lead, how to balance large budgets, and how to effectively run large entities dedicated to children’s wellbeing.

FOR SCHOOL BOARD TERRY COLLINS

The Wonk. The Numbers Guy. Every great Board needs one— Grosse Pointe has Terry.

Terry played a pivotal role in steering our District toward fnancial stability. In 2023, he offcially became Trustee Collins and took on the critical role of Treasurer. His partnership with Board leadership and the Administration was essential in guiding the District to a balanced budget.

Without Terry’s strong dose of fnancial reality, our District was on a path toward major cuts to both our dedicated staff and cherished student programs. We can thank Terry for avoiding that outcome.

In his day job, it’s no surprise that Terry is a fnancial supervisor, overseeing teams that ensure every dollar is spent wisely. Accountability is his cornerstone, and he’s committed to making sure our District’s funds go where they matter most.

Terry isn’t just about numbers. He’s also a devoted husband, father, and grandfather. Two of his grandchildren are proud Ferry Falcons! To Terry, and his wife Jessie, kids always come frst.

Terry has called Grosse Pointe home for 23 years, and his dedication to this community runs deep.

Let’s keep Terry Collins on the Board—his numbers don’t lie!

FOR SCHOOL BOARD MELISSA FRADENBURG

Smart. Independent. Driven.

Melissa has been part of the fabric of Grosse Pointe for the past 17 years. She and her husband Jay are proud parents of two South students.

Melissa has devoted her career to fnancial management and in particular helping women after divorce. She also started a women’s networking group to empower women who own their own businesses.

Melissa’s diverse clientele has equipped her well for listening to and understanding different opinions and perspectives. She knows how to build bridges and reach consensus on tough issues.

Melissa already serves the Board as a productive member of two committees. This has given her invaluable insights into how our district’s funding works and will allow her to hit the ground running as a trustee. Her fnancial acumen will be a great asset to the Board.

But for Melissa, it’s not just about balancing a budget; it’s about making sure our kids have every opportunity to succeed. She will work tirelessly to ensure we achieve that goal through mutual respect and collaboration.

Melissa’s platform is clear and straightforward: Fiscal Responsibility, Academic Excellence, and Collaboration

FOR SCHOOL BOARD KATE HOPPER

Kate is a pillar of Grosse Pointe. A lifelong resident, well known across the area, she is a proud South grad.

Her husband Pat is a proud Norseman, and their two kids also graduated from our public schools.

Kate earned a Bachelor’s degree in English from Hillsdale College. That was followed by a 25-year, award-winning career in communications-proof that she knows how to deliver results.

On top of a busy career and raising a family, Kate always fnds time to give back. She’s held prominent roles with multiple local charities, including the Sigma Gamma Association.

Always striving to make a positive impact, Kate already serves our schools as an active member of the Community Engagement Ad Hoc Committee. Further proof she’ll be ready to hit the ground running as a Board Trustee.

Kate is committed to:

1) Academic Excellence

2) Fiscal responsibility

3) Community Engagement

She understands that in order to keep our community safe, strong and vibrant, our schools must thrive.

Her dedication to Grosse Pointe is unwavering.

HIGH SCHOOL INTEREST IN CAREER AND TECHNICAL EDUCATION SOARS

BY MARY BETH ALMOND malmond@candgnews.com

METRO DETROIT — The rising cost of college, combined with growing demand for skilled workers, is driving more students to enroll in career and technical education programs, known as CTE programs.

The state projects more than 520,000 Michigan jobs and approximately 45,500 annual openings in the professional trades by 2030.

Amid skilled-labor shortages across the nation, many students are choosing CTE programs to explore a future career, get college credit, find an internship, and/or earn industry recognized certifications, all while fulfilling their high school graduation requirements.

At Oakland Schools Technical Campuses, high school students from the county’s 28 public school districts, public academies, private learning institutions and home schools can learn practical career technical education. Enrolled students spend part

of their day studying at their home district and the remainder involved in one of several career clusters offered at one of four of the county’s technical campuses — Pontiac, Clarkston, Walled Lake and Royal Oak.

Across Michigan, many high schools and specialty programs offer CTE courses aligned with indemand, high-wage careers in fields like business, information technology, health care, hospitality and manufacturing.

“Career and technical education is preparing students for high-wage, high-skill, high-demand jobs,” said Paul Galbenski, the dean of Oakland Schools Technical Campus Northeast in Pontiac.

OSTC offers a total of 17 state-approved CTE programs: — including agriscience and environmental technologies; automotive technology; collision repair and refinishing; computer programming; construction technology; cosmetology; criminal justice; culinary arts/hospitality; cybersecurity networking; energy-electrical technology; engineering,

See CAREER on page 19A

Photo by Patricia O’Blenes

Antonio Acuna guides Avondale High School junior, Angel Mendoza through a dent repair in collision repair and refinishing course at Oakland Schools Technical Campuses-Northeast.

Career

from page 18A

robotics and mechatronics; entrepreneurship and advanced marketing; graphic and communication design; health sciences; machining; medium/heavy truck and equipment; and welding.

The primary focus of OSTC’s program is for students to marry their technical and academic skills together, so they are career ready. Because being career-ready looks different for each student and their field of interest, there are many options.

“They can go into a pathway where they are working on our Oakland Technical Early College, where they could come out with an associate degree in their technical area. They could be in a pre-apprenticeship program. They could go directly into the workforce. They could go into the military. They could go into a speciality trade school. They could go to a two-year community college, or they could go to a four-year university. … All of those options are on the table,” he said.

Through internships, apprenticeships and day-in-the-life job shadowing, students learn what it’s like to work in their chosen fields — instead of spending thousands to figure it out in college.

“Students that attend a technical campus have what I like to phrase as a ‘force multiplier of opportunities’ because they are then in each of these programs, working toward and earning industry credentials,” Galbenski explained.

For example, students in the OSTC cosmetology program can earn a cosmetology state license, while those in the computer programming course can become certified in java, HTML, or CSS3. Students in OSTC’s health sciences program, can earn a certified nurse aide license or a patient care technician credential, and those interested in the construction field can earn an Occupational Safety and Health Administration

Chef Justin Howard goes over proper dining room service with students at Oakland Schools Technical Campuses -Northeast. The northeast campus, located in Pontiac, serves students who live in or attend schools in the Avondale, Lake Orion, Oxford, Pontiac and Rochester school districts.

Photo by Patricia O’Blenes

10 safety certification, to name a few.

And, according to Galbenski, it’s all for free at OSTC.

“Every one of these credentials is free. You want to talk about return on investment. … There are many opportunities for students to be successful and look at those careers and pursue those pathways,” he said.

Utica Community Schools offers a variety of CTE courses to high-schoolers in a number of areas, including everything from computer programming, cybersecurity and engineering to finance, radio and television broadcasting, and woodworking — to name a few. The district also features five high school specialty programs, including the Utica Center for Mathematics, Science and Technology; the Utica Academy for Health and Human Services; the Gene L. Klida Utica Academy for International Studies; the Stevenson Center for Manufacturing and Design Engineering; and the Utica Center for Science and Industry.

Scott Spry, an electronic technology and mechatronics instructor at the Utica Center for Science and Industry, said UCSI students have access to work-based learning opportunities, including job shadowing, mentoring and work-site internships. Students, he said, focus on the design thinking process and choose one of the three CTE pathways — multimedia production, mechatronics or engineering technology.

“We already know that the pipeline for career and technical education positions is very, very lean, so continuing to try to fill that pipeline from our level has been a priority for the last couple of years,” Spry explained.

At Utica Community Schools, Spry said, many of its CTE students have gone on to work in needed fields within the community.

The same is true for many of OTSC students — including former OSTC health sciences graduates, who have gone on fill vacant, in-demand doctor and dentist positions within Oakland County communities.

OVER 50% OF REGINA FAMILIES RECIEVE TUITION ASSISTANCE

13:1 STUDENT: TEACHER RATIO

OVER $12 MILLION EARNED IN COLLEGE SCHOLARSHIPS BY THE CLASS OF 2024

100% OF THE CLASS OF 2024 ENROLLED IN FURTHER EDUCATION INSTITUTIONS

Training

vious fires, three Grosse Pointe Shores Public Safety officers crawl into the room as a team, hanging onto one another as they carefully make their way through an unfamiliar space in an effort to find and rescue anyone who might be trapped in the home. On this Thursday morning, Sept. 26, Public Safety Director Kenneth Werenski said officers are responding to a scenario involving a smokefilled home where they’re looking for two missing individuals.

“You can’t see anything,” Werenski said. “At the end of the day, you and your partner have to work together.”

As part of this exercise, officers enter the room on their hands and knees because this is something they’d likely need to do if responding to a similar scene.

“In a real fire, the flames would be coming up above us across the ceiling,” Lt. Tony Spina said, pointing up.

Werenski said the officers follow a specific search pattern in fires.

“It’s very organized when you go into these scenarios … so when you go in, you know how to get out,” Werenski said.

This exercise is a good opportunity for officers to use their thermal imaging cameras, which detect the heat signatures of humans and pets, enabling officers to more quickly locate and safely extricate any humans or animals who might be trapped.

If there’s ever a time to make mistakes, this is it.

“The last thing we want is for someone to get injured on a training exercise, so if we see an issue, we stop and correct it,” Spina said. “That’s part of training.”

ABOVE: Grosse Pointe Shores public safety officer

Billy Howe uses one of the department’s specialty tools as he tries to cut a hole in a garage door during a fire training exercise Sept. 26 at a home in the 800 block of Lake Shore Road slated for demolition.

TOP: Grosse Pointe Shores Public Safety Department officers get a chance to conduct fire training Sept. 26 at a Lake Shore Road home slated for demolition.

This particular property was purchased by Matt and Karen Cullen, who offered up the home to the department for training because they plan to build a new house there. The department is grateful to the couple for allowing them to use the house and garage before it’s demolished.

Photos by Patricia O’Blenes

Training

from page 20A

“There’s no way we can possibly know the interior layout of every home in the village,” Spina said. “This is the most realistic, safe environment we can put officers into.”

Werenski has trained in multiple homes over the course of his three-decade career in the Shores, and said the experience is invaluable.

“If every two years we can get into a house and simulate these scenarios, it’s huge for us,” Werenski said. “We have to be good at fighting house fires. … This is what’s going to make us really good at it.”

Small and almost exclusively residential, the Shores doesn’t have many fires. Because the city has a mutual aid pact with the other Grosse Pointes and Harper Woods, officers get additional experience battling blazes in neighboring communities.

But, Shores firefighting poses unique challenges. For example, Werenski said the home where they were doing this training had a cedar shake roof — something he said can be found in at least a dozen other homes in the Shores, as well as other Pointes. While conducting a training exercise to ventilate the garage roof Sept. 24, Werenski said officers found that these roofs have thicker wood and more shingles, making them harder to cut.

“We’re learning what tools work best (on this kind of roof) so we’re not learning that in the heat of the moment,” Werenski said.

He said they also discovered that cedar shake roofs are extremely slippery when wet, meaning that officers need to take additional

precautions to avoid falling.

Spina said officers would also be training at the home using fire extinguishers. If a fire is small enough — as is sometimes the case in kitchens — it can often be snuffed out that way, which is preferable to using water because it’s easier to clean up and leaves far less damage and debris.

Spina said officers visit schools to teach students how to use fire extinguishers at home, where the kids learn the “PASS” acronym — which stands for pull the pin on the extinguisher, aim the nozzle or hose, squeeze the handle and spray the extinguisher in a sweeping movement, side to side. He said extinguishers are good for putting out small fires caused by cooking oils, chemicals or combustible materials. Spina said they recommend that everyone have at least one fire extinguisher on each floor of the house, as well as the garage. They’re relatively inexpensive and can be purchased at hardware stores, many big box stores like Target and Costco, and some grocery stores. Spina said extinguishers don’t last forever, so homeowners will likely need to replace them every couple of years, but Shores officers can come to homes in the city and inspect them to make sure they’re working properly.

Also crucial are working smoke detectors. Spina said even if a home’s smoke detectors are connected to the electrical system, batteries remain essential because they wouldn’t be operational during a power outage, which is also when a downed power line could easily spark a blaze. Shores residents who cannot change their smoke detector batteries due to age or physical challenges can call the Public Safety Department and arrange a time for an officer to come to their home and do it for them.

Home Care One Cares For Those In Need

Home Care One Owner Perry Calisi believes in honesty, integrity, and compassion -- and has offered such quality care through his home care business for the past twelve years in Grosse Pointe, St. Clair Shores, and Macomb Township in southeastern Michigan.

Home Care One provides assistance for seniors and patients in their homes, and helps with alzheimer’s, dementia, Parkinson’s Disease, hospital and nursing home sitting, interim care during hospice, physical and mental disability assistance for children and adults, and people recovering from surgery. Services also include full or part-time and 24hour care services, and daily living activities such as meal preparation, running errands, assistance with bathing, house cleaning, doctor visits and more.

as everything becomes more expensive,” he said. “In my experience, more people have done better living in their home rather than facilities; just by familiarity and independence.”

Perry said he entered the business by hearing that someone needed help.

Perry wants to increase community awareness about how his company offers these personalized services to keep your loved ones living independently at home. Perry added that he and his staff go further than the next by helping clients stay as independent as possible.

“The public should look at home care as a way of staying independent, and in one’s own home --

“I just set up my own business model for what I would want for my own mother,” he said. “I would want someone honest and compassionate in the house.” Perry said he tries to match his roughly 18 employees’ personality types with patients. “It assures that there is going to be an assimilation of getting along,” he said. Betty, a client, said she is “really lucky” to have caregivers take really good care of her. “I get all that pampering,” she said smiling. “They’ve been with me ever since. I haven’t been let down for anything.”

Betty’s caregiver, Theresa, said Perry cares about his clients and he cares about his employees as well. “He is good about matching an employee with a client, which is nice,” she said. “We all work together. He cares all the way around... that is him in general.”

For more information call 313-409-0120 or go to http://www.homecareone.net/.

from page 8A

Bob Riney in a press release. “Since we announced our proposed joint venture last fall, we’ve been engaged in thoughtful planning across our organizations — all focused on how we plan to come together to build the future of health on behalf of those we

serve. It’s given us a wonderful opportunity to make deeper commitments to the sacred mission and privilege of healthcare — and we can’t wait to make this a reality for the people of Michigan and beyond.”

Light refreshments will be served.

The Ford House is located at 1100 Lake Shore Road in Grosse Pointe Shores. For more information, visit grossepointe chamber.com.

Corrections:

A photo caption that ran with the story “Moving into the multigenerational-living era” Sept. 25 should have said that Jennifer Toomajian, of Real Estate One in Troy, is showcasing this home at 8905 Ridge Drive, Washington Township. It is currently on the market for $1,650,000 and was designed by 213 Designworks. For more information on the home, and buying inquiries, visit realestateone.com/MI/ Macomb/Washington/8905-Ridge-Drive-Washing ton-MI-48095/20240064203-MIRC#.

Owner, Perry Calisi with Caregiver Teresa

President, U.S. senator, judges and school board on Nov. 5 ballot

In the Grosse Pointe Times’ coverage area, voters will elect federal, state, county and local officials Nov. 5, as well as weigh in on several local proposals and millages. Candidates were asked, in 75 words or fewer, to state their top goal(s) if elected. If a candidate went over the word limit, (…) replaces the rest of the answer. The answers are printed verbatim except where material is omitted due to personal attacks or items we know to be false or that are blatant misrepresentations. For uncontested races, only the names of the candidates are listed.

U.S. Senate

Six candidates are running for one six-year term. The salary for this position is $174,000.

Democrat

Elissa Slotkin

Age: 47

Occupation: U.S. Representative (MI-07)

Municipality of residence: Holly

For how long: Grew up in Michigan; I now live on my family farm

Online campaign information: elissaslotkin.org

Education: Cornell University - College of Agriculture and Life Science, Bachelor’s Degree and Columbia University - School of International and Public Affairs, Master of International Affairs

Previously and currently held elected offices: U.S. Representative (Formerly MI-08, now MI-07 due to redistricting):

Top goals: My number one priority is to make it easier for Michiganders to get into the middle class. Michigan invented the middle class by maintaining a strong union presence and making investments in small businesses. We can keep people there by reducing healthcare costs, putting Americans on the path to homeownership and making more critical items in America. I am committed to restoring the national standard set by Roe, and ensuring voting rights for every American.

Republican

Mike Rogers

Age: 61

Occupation: Candidate for U.S. Senate, Army Veteran, Former Congressman, State Senator, and FBI Special Agent.

Municipality of residence: Brighton, MI

For how long: Nearly 50 years

Online campaign information: rogersforsenate.com

Education: Adrian College and the University of Michigan

Previously and currently held elected offices: U.S. Representative (2001-2015), Michigan State Senator (1995-2000)

Top goals: Families are struggling under the current administration and are desperately in need of relief from the high costs of gas and groceries. As a Congressman, I earned a reputation as someone who got results for Michiganders by working across the aisle, and in the Senate, I’ll bring my experience to slash inflation, lower the cost of living for families, and secure our southern border to stop the flow of crime and deadly drugs.

Libertarian

Joseph Solis-Mullen

Age: 35

Occupation: Economist, Political Scientist, and Research Fellow at the Libertarian Institute, Author, and Professor of History at SAU

Municipality of residence: Marshall

For how long: Five Years

Online campaign information: https://solismullen4senate.com

Education: BA in English and Political Science, Spring Arbor University; MA in Political Science, University of Illinois; MA in Economics, University of Missouri; PhD in History, Liberty University

Previously and currently held elected offices: N/A

Top goals: Eliminate the Federal Reserve, IRS, and Pentagon, all foreign aid, Social Security and Medicare, the Department of Education, DEA and ATF, institute federal elections by lottery and one-term limits on those who serve, eliminate omnibus bills and continuing resolutions: basically, everything about the way Washington D.C. does business as usual needs to be scrapped, and Democrats and Republicans love their own power and privilege too much to ever do anything but continue to sail (…)

U.S. Taxpayers

Dave Stein

Age: 54 yrs old

Occupation: Retired CDL A Operator, Investing

Municipality of residence: Residence in

Essexville MI.

For how long: Lived here my whole life Online campaign information: DaveStein4Liberty.com

Education: Some college, Trade school certificates: Heating and air conditioning, Building trades, Electronics, Heavy Equipment, CDL A, Metal fabrication,Tool making, Grinding, 3D Printing.

Private studies: Common law 3 years and ongoing, cooking. IQ=156

Previously and currently held elected offices: Political experience: First time directly other that participation in local committee’s

Top goals: To stop abortion abuse. Abortion should not be used as birth control and only in extreme circumstances allowed. e.g. allow abortion for incest, rape, deformation, disease, threat to Mothers life. Children have a right to live. Alternative to being a parent is adoption. Ending the war machine and concentrating on American born business. Social Security monies go to heirs. Close Border. Require legal US Citizenship to vote.

Green

Douglas P. Marsh

Age: 40

Occupation: Journalist

Municipality of residence: West Branch

For how long: No answer given. Online campaign information: https://www.electmarsh.us

Education: University of Michigan

Previously and currently held elected offices: No answer given

Top goals: I want to join a full-court press for Medicare-for-All (single-payer model), housing reforms and rent controls, public education funding, cleaning up PFAs and replacing Flint’s pipes, environmentally sustainable energy and transportation infrastructure investments, stopping money and weapons for war, and stopping the flow of oil through Michigan’s watersheds.

Natural Law Party

Doug Dern Age: 62

Occupation: Lawyer

Municipality of residence: Highland MI

For how long: 22 years

Online campaign information: www.dougdern.com

Education: University of Oklahoma, Thomas Cooley Law School

Previously and currently held elected offices: n/a

Top goals: Lots of reform that does not get media attention. Bankruptcy reform needs to be looked at on a national level. Expansion of exemptions, and stricter rules on Chapter 13 Trustees. Fair Debt Collection Practices Act needs reformed because it has not been changed since the 1970’s. National Changes for third party ballot access. Push for a flat tax across the board equal to all. Promotion for health consciousness and cleaning up the toxic food and (...)

U.S. House of Representatives District 13

Five candidates are running for one two-year term. The salary for this position is $174,000.

Democrat

Shri Thanedar

Age:69

Occupation: United States Representatives Municipality of residence: Detroit

For how long: 6 years

Online campaign information: www.Shriforcongress.com

Education: Bachelor of Science in Chemistry from Karnatak University in 1973, followed by a Master of Science in Chemistry from Bombay University in 1977. In 1982, I completed my Ph.D. in Chemistry at the University of Akron and then pursued post-doctoral research at the University of Michigan from 1982 to 1984. Additionally, I obtained my MBA from Fontbonne University in 1987.

Slotkin

Rogers

Solis-Mullen

Marsh

Stein

Dern

Previously and currently held elected offices: I currently serve as the U.S. Representative for Michigan’s 13th Congressional District. Prior to this, I was elected to the Michigan House of Representatives, where I represented the 3rd District.

Top goals: If elected, my top priority will be to create good-paying jobs, strengthen small businesses, and invest in infrastructure improvements to uplift our communities. I will continue fighting for affordable healthcare, equitable education, and protections for workers’ rights, including expanding union representation. Additionally, I will prioritize climate change solutions to ensure a sustainable future and work to bring critical federal funding to support local projects that improve the quality of life for all residents.

Republican

Martell D. Bivings

Age: 37

Occupation: Banker

Municipality of residence: Detroit- Jefferson Chalmers

For how long: Detroit 37 years , Jefferson Chalmers 6, years

Online campaign information: https://bivingsforcongress.com

Education: Howard University BA

Previously and currently held elected offices: none

Top goals: My top goals when elected are to strengthen the middle class by promoting job growth and supporting small businesses, ensure affordable access to essential goods and services, and advocate for policies that make homeownership easier. I will also focus on reducing government inefficiencies and promoting transparency. By prioritizing economic freedom, creating opportunities for all, and improving our community infrastructure, I aim to build a future where every resident of Michigan’s 13th District can thrive.

Libertarian

Chris Clark

Did not return questionnaire by press time.

U.S. Taxpayers Party of Michigan

Chris Dardzinski

Age: 56

Occupation: Businessman, Economics Consultant, Event Promotion and dealer.

Municipality of residence: Lincoln Park

For how long: 24 years

Online campaign information:

URL: https://leadership1776.com/

Education: 2-year associates from HFCC: Architecture, engineering, political science

Previously and currently held elected offices: Lincoln Park City Council: 2 terms

Top goals: 1. 15% single-rate tax system, eliminate all loop-holes. 2. Restructure Congressional committee/sub-committees from current 200, down to 70. This will help stop lobbyists. 3. Eliminate government departments and agencies that fall outside enumerated powers, granted to the federal government under the Constitution. 4.

Increase our Ford-Class aircraft carrier portfolio purchase, from 10 to 15. Station four CSGs in the Pacific.

Working Class Party

Simone R. Coleman

Did not return questionnaire by press time.

State House of Representatives District 10

Two candidates are running for one two-year term. The salary for this position is $71,685.

Democrat

Veronica Paiz

Age: 66

Occupation: Representative in State Legislature

Municipality of residence: Harper Woods

For how long: 25 years

Online campaign information: https://www.veronicaforstaterep.com

Education: Wayne State University, BFA; New York University, MA

Previously and currently held elected offices: Representative, State House District 11, January 2023

- Present; City Council Member, Harper Woods, January 2015 - November 2022; Precinct Delegate: 2012 - 2022

Top goals: 1) Continue work with constituents for legislation of particular importance to them (currently includes housing, disabilities, seniors, energy, and environment).

2) Advocate for state budget funds. My district received money to revitalize East Warren Ave. and reduce sewage overflows into Lake St. Clair.

3) Continue policy work relevant to my

roles as Majority Vice Chair of the Agriculture Committee, and a member of committees for Natural Resources/Environment, Local Gov’t., and Higher Education.

Republican Griffin Wojtowicz

Age: 37

Occupation: Public Educator

Municipality of residence: Grosse Pointe Woods

For how long: 11 years

Online campaign information: electgriffinw.com

Education: BA Music Education and Instrumental Performance

Previously and currently held elected offices: No answer given.

Top goals: Protecting Michigan requires a legislative body that’s committed to transparency and accountability. Michiganders are misled about our children’s education, and we must break the cycle of broken promises to restore the people’s voice. With demanding high standards, limiting red-tape/licensing, lower taxes, and no EV mandates, we can protect kids, families, and businesses. Transparency is key to rebuilding trust and Michigan’s safety. Our voices must resonate in Lansing in 2025, and the conversation begins now!

Wayne County Board of Commissioners District 1

One candidate is uncontested on the ballot for a two-year term. The salary for this position is $61,808.

Democrat

Tim Killeen

Running unopposed.

Michigan Supreme Court Justice — Incumbent Position

Two candidates are running for a partial term ending Jan. 1, 2029. The salary for this position is $181,483.

Kyra Harris Bolden

Age: 36

Occupation: Michigan Supreme Court Justice

Municipality of residence: Farmington Hills

For how long: Two years, though I have lived my entire life in Michigan.

Online campaign information: www.boldenforjustice.com

Education:

B.A. Grand Valley State University

J.D. University of Detroit Mercy

Previously and currently held elected offices:

Michigan State Representative, 35th District, 20192023

Michigan Supreme Court Justice, 2023-Present

Top goals: The Michigan Supreme Court has offered a unique opportunity to leverage my experience as a legislature, a litigator, and as a public servant in a single position. Throughout my tenure on the court, I’m proud to have made critical decisions that will help shape what justice looks like for generations to come. My work is not done, which is why I am running for retention.

Patrick William O’Grady

Age: 54

Occupation: 15th Circuit Court Judge (Branch County Coldwater, MI)

Municipality of residence: Coldwater

For how long: 25 years (Born and raised in Michigan)

Online campaign information: www.judgeogrady4supremecourt.com

Education: Thomas M. Cooley Law School Juris Doctor, Western Michigan University Bachelors Business Administration, Michigan State Police Training Academy – Trooper, United States Army Signal Officer Basic Course, Algonac High School, Algonac MI

Previously and currently held elective offices: State of Michigan 15th Circuit Court Judge elected 2008/2014/2020

Top goals: To maintain and restore the public trust of the Supreme Court to one that all citizens look to as a guard of the Constitution and the rights of individuals. Maintaining a high level of impartiality while increasing access to justice in an ever increasing technological world. Further to make sure that the Judiciary remains as the “citadel of the public justice and the public security”. Federalist Paper 78, Alexander Hamilton

Thanedar

Paiz

Wojtowicz

Bolden

O’Grady

Dardzinski

Election

Michigan Supreme Court Justice

Two candidates are running for one eight-year term. The salary for this position is $181,483.

Andrew Fink Age: 39

Occupation: State Representative

Municipality of residence: Adams Township

For how long: 3 years (Hillsdale County for almost 6 years)

Online campaign information: FinkForMichigan.com

Education: Graduate of Hillsdale College and the University of Michigan Law School

Previously and currently held elected offices: State Representative

Top goals: As a candidate for the Michigan Supreme Court, Andrew Fink is running to restore our judiciary’s commitment to protecting the will of the people, interpreting the law as it is written, and ensuring everyone receives due process, not just insiders. As a former Marine Corps officer and the son of a police officer, he knows the value of public service and the rule of law and wants to empower those that keep our communities safe.

Kimberly Ann Thomas Age: 52

Occupation: University of Michigan Law School professor

Municipality of residence: Ann Arbor

For how long: 20 years

Online campaign information: https:// www.electkimberlythomas.com/

Education: Harvard Law School, magna cum laude, 1999; University of Maryland at College Park, magna cum laude, 1994.

Previously and currently held elected offices: N/A

Top goals: I care deeply about equal justice for all Michiganders. I am an experienced trial and appellate lawyer and a law professor at the University of Michigan Law School, where I teach students the ethical practice of law and direct the Juvenile Justice Clinic. My background as a law professor and as a lawyer of 25 years gives me the expertise, experience and problem-solving ability that we need on the Michigan Supreme Court.

Wayne County Community College District Board of Trustees District 1

One candidate is uncontested on the ballot for a six-year term. There is no salary for this position.

Roy Edmonds

Running unopposed.

Grosse Pointe Board of Education

Nine candidates are running for four four-year terms. The compensation for this position is $30 per meeting.

Terry Collins

Age: 59

Occupation: Finance Analyst Superviso

Municipality of residence: Grosse Pointe Park

For how long: 24 years

Online campaign information:  tcforgpschools.com

Education: BA Communication University of Detroit

Previously and currently held elected offices: Grosse Pointe School Board

2023-present

Top goals: Our current board has set us on a path to success, and we must sustain the gain. Maintaining our district’s financial stability is necessary to be able to retain all of the wonderful academic programs and extracurricular activities that enhance our children’s lives.

Clint Derringer

Age: 40

Occupation: Program Manager

Municipality of residence: Grosse Pointe

For how long: 8 years

Online campaign information: www.clintderringerforgpschools.com

Education: B.A. Sport Management & Communications — University of Michigan (Ann Arbor)

M.S. Program & Project Management — University of Michigan (Dearborn)

Previously and currently held elected offices: N/A

Top goals: My top goal is to stabilize district operations & finances so we can retain the faculty, staff, administrators, and students we have in our district. Then we should focus on a 5-year strategic plan that aligns our enrollment equitably within

our district footprint, and invests in our classrooms to reduce rapidly increasing class sizes & multi-grade split classes.

Melissa Fradenburg Age: 44

Occupation: Financial Advisor

Municipality of residence: Grosse Pointe Farms

For how long: 18 years

Online campaign information: www.melissaforgpschools.com

Education: BA Economics

Previously and currently held elected offices: none

Top goals: If elected to the school board, my top priorities are maintaining academic excellence, ensuring fiscal responsibility, and fostering teamwork across the board. No matter the election outcome, we must work together for the good of our students and community. By setting measurable goals and keeping national politics out of our schools, we can focus on what truly matters — providing the best education possible for all of our kids and preparing them for a successful future.

Diana Gellci Age: 62

Occupation: Discipline Lead and professor at the Department of Social Sciences at WCCCD

Municipality of residence: Grosse Pointe

For how long: 28 years

Online campaign information: www.dianagellci.com

Education: Ph.D. in Organizational and Business Anthropology with a concentration in Education and eLearning Technologies

Previously and currently held elected offices: No answer given.

Top goals: GPPSS should serve as a beacon of educational excellence. If elected, my main goal is to cultivate a culture of well-being for students, teachers, and staff — one that embraces diversity, fosters open dialogue, and is grounded in mutual trust and transparency.

Kate Elizabeth Hopper Age: 52

Occupation: Communications Consultant Municipality of residence: Grosse Pointe Farms, Wayne County, MI

For how long: 25

Online campaign information:

hopper4schoolboard@gmail.com

Education: Bachelor’s Degree in English, Hillsdale College

Previously and currently held elected offices: None.

Top goals: I will work towards the goal of upholding the GPPSS as a true standard of excellence in education. To achieve this, we must uphold the highest academic standards while providing robust extracurricular programs and multiple learning pathways. Standardized merit-driven grading scales will challenge our students, while honors coursework will empower our students to reach their fullest potential, and ensure that the GPPSS as an education destination for families, students and teachers.

Laura Hull

Age: No answer given.

Occupation: High School math and chemistry teacher

Municipality of residence: Grosse Pointe

For how long: 20 years

Online campaign information: LauraHullforGPschools.com

Education: Bachelor of Science from Alma College, Master of Arts in Education with certification from University of Michigan Previously and currently held elected offices: none

Top goals: My goals include providing a forum that amplifies student voices and invites community involvement. Caring for the well-being of our students will allow them to thrive within the classroom and beyond. Retaining and attracting high caliber staff is critical to the future success of our district. Concrete, measurable goals must be put in place to achieve financial stability. I will foster collaboration, communication, and trust by increasing transparency and accountability on the school board.

Timothy Klepp

Age: 56

Occupation: Partner – IBM Consulting Municipality of residence: Grosse Pointe Park

For how long: 21 years

Online campaign information: kleppgpschools.com

Education: BA – Michigan State, Major: Accounting. MBA – Indiana University, Kelley School of Business.

Thomas Collins

Derringer

Fradenburg

Gellci

Hopper

Hull

Fink

Previously and currently held elected offices: None.

Top goals: The role of every leader is service — enabling the success of the people they’re charged with leading. In the case of the school district, that means enabling the success of the students, teachers, and administration…with students at the top. That’s what I hope to bring to the Board. A leader whose impulse is to serve rather than control, who seeks to understand before being understood, and to unite rather than divide.

Heath Roberts Age: 43

Occupation: Chief Administrative Officer, Henry Ford Health, Populance Municipality of residence: Grosse Pointe Park

For how long: 5 years

Online campaign information: ww.roberts4gpschools.com

Education: Masters Business Administration (MBA)

Previously and currently held elected offices: n/a

Top goals: As a dedicated advocate for Grosse Pointe and Harper Woods, with over 20 years of pediatric healthcare experience and as a parent of three in the district, I’m passionate about promoting educational innovation, ensuring financial stability, and supporting district staff. Currently serving on the Facilities and Finance Committee, my goal as Trustee is to enhance the district’s long-term sustainability and create a thriving environment for all students through responsible decisionmaking and community involvement.

Colleen Worden Age: 56

Occupation: Assistant Prosecutor Macomb County Prosecutor’s Office, Deputy Chief of the Special Victims Unit Municipality of residence: Grosse Pointe Woods

For how long: 21 years (29 years in Grosse Pointe total)

Online campaign information: www.colleenwordengpschoolboard.com

Education: Law Degree, University of Detroit-Mercy, 1997.  B.A. Miami Univer-

sity, 1990

Previously and currently held elected offices: Trustee, Grosse Pointe Board of education, 2020-2024.  Treasurer of Board, 2021, Vice President of Board 2022.

Top goals:

1. Fiscal responsibility — maintain a healthy fund balance of at least 10% and closer to 15%.

2. Academic excellence for every student. Keep GP a Top Tier District.

3. Increase enrollment and find creative solutions to bring families back to GPPSS.

4. Prioritize students by making budget cuts furthest away from the classroom and address mental health needs.

5. Pay teachers competitive wages.

6. Better transparency from Board of Education.

Wayne County Regional Educational Service Agency renewal of Regional Enhancement Millage Proposal

Pursuant to state law, the revenue raised by the proposed renewal of the enhancement millage will be collected by the Wayne County Regional Educational Service Agency (“Wayne RESA”) and distributed on an equal per-pupil basis to local constituent school districts including eligible public school academies within the boundaries of Wayne RESA. None of the enhancement millage revenue will be distributed to Wayne RESA, and all funds shall be independently audited by the local constituent school districts and eligible public school academies as part of their annual school audits.

As a renewal of authority which expires with the 2027 levy, shall the limitation on the amount of ad valorem taxes which may be imposed on taxable property in the Wayne County Regional Educational Service Agency, Michigan, be increased by 1.9812 mills ($1.98 per thousand dollars of taxable value) for a period of six (6) years, 2028 to 2033, inclusive, to provide operating funds to enhance other state and local funding for local school district operating purposes? It is estimated that 1.9812 mills would raise approximately $108 million when first levied in 2028.

The revenue from this enhancement millage will be distributed on an equal per pupil basis to the following listed constituent school

districts and the public school academies within the boundaries of Wayne RESA which are eligible to receive enhancement millage under the Revised School Code:

Allen Park Public Schools

Crestwood School District

School District of the City of Dearborn

Dearborn Heights School District No. 7

Detroit Public Schools Community District

Ecorse Public School District

Flat Rock Community Schools

Garden City Public Schools

Gibraltar School District

Grosse Ile Township Schools

Grosse Pointe Public School System

School District of the City of Hamtramck

School District of the City of Harper Woods

Huron School District

School District of the City of Lincoln Park

Livonia Public Schools School District

Melvindale – Northern Allen Park School District

Northville Public Schools

Plymouth-Canton Community Schools

Redford Union Schools, District No. 1

School District of the City of River Rouge

Riverview Community School District

Romulus Community Schools

Southgate Community School District

South Redford School District

Taylor School District

Trenton Public Schools

Van Buren Public Schools

Wayne-Westland Community School District

Westwood Community School District

Woodhaven-Brownstown School District

School District of the City of Wyandotte

Grosse Pointe Public School System Building and Site Sinking Fund Millage Proposal

This proposal allows the use of proceeds of the sinking fund millage for all purposes previously authorized by the voters as well as the acquisition of student transportation vehicles, trucks and vans and parts, supplies and equipment for these vehicles now permitted by state law. Pursuant to State law, the expenditure of the building and site sinking fund millage proceeds must be audited, and the proceeds cannot be used for teacher, administrator or employee salaries or other operating expenses.

Shall the Grosse Pointe Public School System, County of Wayne, State of Michigan, be authorized to levy 3 mills ($3.00 on each $1,000 of taxable valuation) to create a building and site sinking fund to be used

for the construction or repair of school buildings, the improvement and development of sites, school security improvements, the acquisition or upgrading of technology, the acquisition of student transportation vehicles, trucks and vans and parts, supplies and equipment used for the maintenance of these vehicles and for any other purposes permitted by law by increasing the limitation on the amount of taxes which may be imposed on taxable property in the School District for a period of ten (10) years, being the years 2025 to 2034, inclusive? This millage if approved and levied would provide estimated revenues to the School District of approximately $11,167,785 in the first year that it is levied.

Grosse Pointes/Harper Woods Senior Millage Proposal

Do you approve of the addition of a new .35 mill levy ($0.35 per $1,000.00 of taxable value) for the period of six (6) years, to collect approximately $163,639.00 in revenue in the first year, to be disbursed to the Grosse Pointe Active Adult Commission for the purpose of supporting services to older citizens, including transportation, activities, and facilities directed toward the improvement of the overall health and welfare of older persons? If approved, this senior millage will only be levied by the City of Grosse Pointe if at least four (4) of the six (6) Grosse Pointe and Harper Woods communities approve their respective senior millages.

Grosse Pointe Farms Local Road Millage Renewal

Shall the City of Grosse Pointe Farms be authorized to continue imposing a property tax levy in an amount not to exceed the annual rate of 2 mills ($2.00 per each $1,000 of assessed valuation), for a renewed period of 5 years beginning with the December 2025 levy and extending through the December 2029 levy, for the purpose of reconstructing, resurfacing, repairing and otherwise improving major and local streets, as well as alleys, parking lots, nonmotorized pathways, and related infrastructure within the City? If approved, this millage will renew a previously authorized 5-year millage for the same purposes (which previously authorized millage will expire after the December 2024 levy), and will generate an estimated $2,069,200 in the first year that the renewed millage is assessed based upon the December 2025 levy.

Roberts

Worden

CRIME WATCH

Wanted suspect arrested

CITY/PARK — A 25-year-old man from Venezuela who was reportedly living in Detroit illegally was arrested by Grosse Pointe Park police Oct. 2. The suspect is said to have committed a home invasion in the Park and stolen a MacBook Air laptop computer from a vehicle while it was parked in the 17000 block of Kercheval Avenue in The Village Sept. 30. A police report states the suspect confessed to both crimes. Police said they recovered the laptop.

Vehicles stolen from private club

WOODS — An unknown suspect or suspects are said to have been involved in the theft of vehicles from Lochmoor Club recently. An unlocked 2020 Ford Expedition was apparently taken Oct. 3. Club employees saw a white Jeep Grand Cherokee without a license plate enter the parking lot that day; the employee said the vehicle’s occupants were wearing masks. The worker told police one of the suspects entered several vehicles before driving off in the Expedition.

In another incident, a victim left his Ford F-150 truck parked at the club overnight with the keys inside. The vehicle was recovered Oct. 6 at an abandoned home in Detroit, where it was impounded and processed for evidence.

Unruly passenger booted off bus

FARMS — Police were called to the area of Kercheval Avenue and Fisher Road at around 12:59 p.m. Oct. 2 when a Detroit Department of Transportation bus driver was having problems with a passenger. The driver told police the passenger — later identified as a 21-year-old Harper Woods man — had overstayed his fare and was causing a disturbance, refusing to leave and threatening to attack people.

The passenger told police he wasn’t causing a disturbance and he had been overcharged by the driver. Police told the passenger this was a matter he’d need to raise with DDOT. Police offered to drive the man to the destination where he said he was headed — the Harper Woods Library — but they said he refused to get off the bus, even after he was warned that if he didn’t comply, he would be arrested. Police also told the passenger he could get on a different bus but couldn’t remain on this one. When the passenger remained in his seat, refusing to exit, police arrested him and issued him a citation for trespassing.

Jeep taken

WOODS — An unknown suspect is said to have stolen a 2015 Jeep from the driveway of a home in the 2100 block of Stanhope Street between the hours of 9:30 p.m. Oct. 2 and 4:30 a.m. Oct. 3. The victim said the vehicle was locked and the keys were inside. Evidence found at the scene — including broken glass — confirmed that the suspect had likely smashed a

window to make entry. According to a police report, the vehicle was involved in a police pursuit Oct. 6 that ended in the arrest of two suspects by the Eastpointe Police Department.

Vehicle stolen

CITY — Sometime between the hours of 7:30 p.m. Oct. 2 and 9 a.m. Oct. 3, an unknown suspect is said to have stolen a 2023 Chevy Blazer while the vehicle was parked on Kercheval Avenue between Lakeland Avenue and University Place. Anyone with more information can call (313) 886-3200.

Retail fraud suspects arrested

CITY — On Oct. 1, a 21-year-old Detroit woman was arrested in connection with a retail fraud incident at The Village Lululemon store Sept. 29. A second suspect — one of three wanted in connection with thefts from Lululemon Sept. 29 — was also arrested; the 61-year-old Detroit woman is also said to have confessed to a retail fraud incident at The Village Kroger store Sept. 27. A police report states that the suspects confessed to their roles in the crime.

Political sign missing

FARMS — A resident in the 300 block of Belanger Road called police at around 6:25 p.m. Sept. 22 to report that someone had removed the Harris-Walz campaign sign she had on her lawn. A review of surveillance video from the victim’s home shows that the sign appears to have gone missing at around 5:19 p.m. Sept. 20. The resident told police a neighbor with whom she has had political disagreements may have taken the sign; she said he had moved her signs in the past. Anyone with more information can call (313) 885-2100.

Gun taken

FARMS — Sometime in the early morning hours of Sept. 15, an unknown suspect is said to have gone through a briefcase left in an unlocked black GMC Sierra and stolen a Smith and Wesson 9 mm handgun while the vehicle was parked at a home in the 100 block of Moross Road. Police said the victim and his wife heard a noise at around 1 a.m. Sept. 15, and he looked around to see what caused it, but didn’t see anything; it wasn’t known if this might have been when the larceny occurred. The victim told police that when he went out to his vehicle the next day, he saw that his briefcase was left open in the back of the truck and his gun holster was empty. Anyone with more information can call (313) 885-2100.

Vehicle stolen

FARMS — A woman reported her vehicle missing when she went to pick it up from a repair shop in the 18000 block of Mack Avenue and it wasn’t there. The vehicle, a brown 2013 Honda Civic, is said to have been stolen between the hours of 4 p.m. Sept. 20 and 1 a.m. Sept. 21.

The woman said she dropped off the vehicle for a tire repair and was called by a representative at 4:07 p.m. Sept. 20 to let her know the vehicle was ready for her to pick up. The woman was at work at

that time, but she was told she could pick up her vehicle when she got off from work and the keys would be left inside for her. However, when the woman arrived from work at the repair shop at around 1 a.m. Sept. 21, she said her vehicle was nowhere to be found, even after she walked around the building multiple times. The repair shop was closed at the time. Anyone with more information can call (313) 885-2100.

Gas station worker falls victim to fraud

FARMS — A 25-year-old man who was working as a cashier at a gas station in the 19000 block of Mack Avenue was the victim of an apparent quick-change scam Sept. 15. According to a police report, the unknown suspect entered the business and attempted to pay for two inexpensive items with a $100 bill. The unknown male suspect — who was captured on the business’s surveillance footage — is said to have then started to ask for change from the cashier, and the

repeated requests confused the cashier to the point where the cashier apparently ended up giving the suspect about $700 before realizing he was the victim of a scam.

The cashier contacted his manager about the incident. The manager told police the cashier who was conned had since been fired, as had a second cashier working at that time. The case was under investigation at press time. Anyone with more information can call (313) 885-2100.

Headstone damaged

FARMS — Sometime between Sept. 4 and Sept. 16, an unknown suspect or suspects are said to have damaged a headstone at St. Paul Catholic Cemetery in the area of Moross Road and Country Club Lane. The caretaker told police the headstone was located in plot 6, block 1. He said the headstone was knocked off its base and broke when it fell on the ground. Anyone with more information can call (313) 885-2100.

Grosse Pointe Park Proposal 1

A proposed amendment to Section 8.2 of the City of Grosse Pointe Park City Charter Currently, Section 8.2 of the City Charter requires that the City Manager prepare and submit a recommended budget to the City Council on or before the first regular meeting of April each year. The proposed amendment to Section 8.2 would require the City Manager to prepare and submit a recommendation to the City Council on or before the first regular meeting of May each year.

Should this proposed amendment be adopted?

Grosse Pointe Park Proposal 2

A proposed amendment to Section 8.4 of the City of Grosse Pointe Park City Charter Currently, Section 8.4 of the City Charter requires that the City Council adopt the budget annually between April 15th and the third Monday in May. The proposed amendment to Section 8.4 would allow the City Council to adopt the budget any time before the third Monday in June each year. Should this proposed amendment be adopted?

Grosse Pointe Park Proposal 3 Senior Services Millage

Shall the City of Grosse Pointe Park be authorized to levy a new additional millage of up to .35 mills ($.35 per $1,000.00 of taxable value) for six (6) years beginning in 2025 and ending in 2030 to be disbursed to the Grosse Pointe Active Adult Commission, for the purpose of supporting services to older citizens, including transportation, activities and facilities directed toward improvement of the overall health and welfare of older persons?

Approval of the above proposal would allow the City to levy up to .35 mills as a new millage for the purpose of supporting services to older citizens, including transportation, activities and facilities directed toward improvement of the overall health and welfare of older persons. It is estimated that this proposal would result in an authorization to collect up to $275,590.00 in the first year if approved and fully levied. By operation of law, a portion of the millage revenue may be dispersed to the City of Grosse Pointe Park’s Downtown Development Authority and Tax Increment Financing Authority. If approved, this senior millage will only be levied by the City if at least four (4) of the six (6) Grosse Pointe and Harper Woods communities approve their respective senior millages.

HOMES

28A/OCTOBER 10, 2024

GROSSE POINTE TIMES

FALL: A TIME FOR GARDENERS TO PREPARE FOR NEXT SPRING

BY ALYSSA OCHSS aochss@candgnews.com

METRO DETROIT — Fall gardening can look daunting, but remembering a few simple steps could make it easier.

Kris Kiser, president and CEO of the TurfMutt Foundation, which advocates for the care of outdoor spaces, said fall is a critical time for gardening because what gardeners do right now determines how everything looks in the spring.

“One of the challenges (is) you won’t see it immediately,” Kiser said. “If you’re going to overseed the yard or fertilize or dethatch, now is the time to do it.”

He also said this is the time to plant bulbs for the spring.

Raking leaves or not depends on how many trees are in the yard.

“If you have lots and lots of trees and you have a lot (of leaves), it can become suffocating,” Kiser said.

If a resident has a couple of trees that drop leaves on the lawn, Kiser recommends to mow the leaves with a mulching mower.

“That mulch is a terrific natural fertilizer,” Kiser said. “It’ll help the lawn and breaks down over the course of the winter.”

Residents should continue to mow their lawns as long as the lawns keep growing. Kiser said that when the lawn stops growing will depend on where a person lives.

“It does depend on temperature, water, sunlight,” Kiser said.

Aerating the lawn is also very important. It dethatches it and loosens up dead grass as well as punches holes in the ground. This is good for those who want to overseed. Kiser said overseeding is the best way to get a great spring lawn.

Kiser recommends that residents plant any perennials they have now, and they can plant just about anything aside from spring or summer flowering plants.

“(They can) get acclimated and growing some roots before the first freeze,” Kiser said. “Typically, when the first freeze comes, they’ll stop and they’ll go dormant. Some evergreens will stay on a little longer.”

A quick online search will tell what bulbs and plants are best at lasting through the winter and into the warmer seasons, Kiser said. He also said regional garden centers and nurseries buy plants that are ideal for their specific climates. He suggests asking the employees at these places of business for gardening tips and tricks.

Madison Heights resident Merri Busch is an avid gardener and has been cultivating her garden for around two years. Before she moved to her current location with her sister, she gardened at her home for around 30 years. She said gardening is a yearlong endeavor.

“In the spring, you’re basically preparing your beds, and in the sum-

mer, you’re planting everything and deadheading and cultivating and weeding,” Busch said. “And in the fall, you’re putting in more perennials that you want to add that are on sale, and in the winter, you’re looking at gardening catalogs and seeing how the stuff you planted survived.”

Busch got into gardening at a young age. Her mother was a farmer and Busch saw how much she enjoyed it.

“I think there’s a combination of both it being in my genes and me just finding joy in it myself,” Busch said.

Her garden is made of many different species of plants with some that attract pollinators, including marigolds, violets and others. She has a mixture of native and nonnative plants. This time of year, she thins a few plants such as her irises and waits until everything is done blooming to prune everything back.

Some of the leaves on the plants have turned yellow, and Bush said she used to think this was a nutritional issue. Through research, she found that the plant was going into dormancy.

“What I’ll do is when it gets, like, around November, I’ll just cut all those leaves down,” Busch said. “Throw a little mulch on top. Not much.”

When planting near sidewalks, Busch said it’s important to find plants that are salt tolerant. A few of the plants she has are junipers and Russian sages. Busch said that in the fall, she leaves her plants alone.

“I leave everything for the birds because there’s lots of birdseed out

Photos by Patricia O’Blenes

TOP: Merri Busch’s garden is filled to the brim with flowers, pollinators and many other plants. ABOVE: Bees are attracted to plants, such as caryopteris, commonly known as Bluebeard, in Busch’s garden. LEFT: Busch centered the theme of her garden around reading. Several teapots with old necklaces hanging out of them decorate her space.

From watching her mother farm to cultivating gardens for more than 30 years, Busch has been gardening all her life.

Photos by Patricia O’Blenes

Disc golf

page 1A

and Saucy’s Pizza. It’s called the Ahee Jewelers Disc Golf Course, and a stone with a commemorative plaque near the first hole recognizes the donors who contributed to the project.

“This new nine-hole disc golf course is a wonderful addition to Ghesquiere Park, which now features upgraded ball diamonds, pickleball courts, two all-new family bathrooms and soon, a walking path,” Mayor Arthur Bryant said. “It also adds to our city’s growing list of four-season recreation opportunities. It joins our new social district, splash pad and dog park — all launched this year — as another compelling reason to love our city.”

Besides the course’s sponsors, Bryant also thanked the city’s Department of Public Works staff, who installed the course.

Disc golf is a popular sport that can be played by all ages.

“For the curious, disc golf evolved from the Frisbee craze, with people using Frisbees to aim at targets like trees, trash cans, light poles and whatever else was handy,” Bryant said. “Now, players aim for a disc golf basket, trying to complete each hole in the fewest number of throws.”

The course was designed by Woods resident David Bourgeois, the owner of Oxford Beverage and a longtime disc golf player.

“I’ve seen cities take this on without any guidance (from players), and they just don’t do it well,” said Bourgeois, who said he’s seen many players visit a new course only to be disappointed by its poor design and never return. “My goal was, you need to do it right.”

Bourgeois is a business owner now, but after playing disc golf at Michigan State University in the 1990s, he played the sport semi-professionally for several years, touring the country. He said a good course will attract players from across metro Detroit. Those visitors could end up becoming future Woods residents, or at least customers of local businesses when they swing by.

Unlike regular golf, which is costly even for beginners, Bourgeois said disc golf is affordable for almost everyone. He said a player can buy a couple of flying discs for $20, and that’s all they need.

Even when the ground is covered with snow, Bourgeois said, you’ll find people playing.

“There will be people who will bring their own shovels and play all winter,” Bourgeois said.

Because the park is surrounded by homes, Bourgeois said they took that into

account when designing the course and location of the holes, to avoid sending flying discs into people’s backyards.

“You don’t want to be disruptive to anybody,” Bourgeois said.

He’s also currently working on a disc golf course at Balduck Park on Detroit’s east side, for which donations were still being sought. Bourgeois said they hope to complete work on that course in spring 2025. That will provide residents with another spot to play.

Grosse Pointe Woods Foundation President Lisa Fuller said the city approached the foundation about this project, at which point the foundation began reaching out to potential donors.

“It was an eye-opener to us how much enthusiasm there was for disc golf,” Fuller said.

This is the third major project the foundation has worked on in roughly the last year, with the others being Chene-Trombley Park and the dog park, for which the foundation contributed equipment. The location of these amenities has made them particularly attractive to the foundation.

“It’s all right in the heart of the community,” Fuller said. “It’s improving walkability and the type of environment we want in our city. We’re very blessed to have the type of city administration that has the vision and the desire to improve Grosse Pointe Woods for its residents and businesses.”

Bryant said a 6-foot-wide walking path starting from the historic Cook School House will meander through Ghesquiere Park, going past the disc golf baskets. Work on the path is expected to start in spring 2025, he said.

Bryant said they’d like to eventually extend the walking path all the way to Mack Avenue, near the new dog park.

Call Staff Writer K. Michelle Moran at (586) 498-1047.

Photo by K. Michelle Moran

A rock and commemorative plaque near the first hole of the Ahee Jewelers Disc Golf Course in Grosse Pointe Woods acknowledges the donors who made the course possible.

Sinking fund

masonry, windows, playgrounds, new boilers and roofs.

“Sinking funds cannot be used for salaries. … They cannot be used for furniture,” GPPSS Superintendent Andrea Tuttle said during a July 16 Grosse Pointe Board of Education meeting.

While the district has a list of projects it hopes to complete using sinking fund dollars, Tuttle said that list is subject to change if other, more pressing needs arise.

“That happens a lot in school districts — the unexpected emergencies cause funds to be diverted (elsewhere),” Tuttle said July 16.

Many of the school buildings are historical, but, as Tuttle said, “Stately facilities are costly” to maintain.

Future projects that district officials hope to tackle with sinking fund money include enhanced security, roofing, new building fire alarm systems, district vehicles, and new chillers/rooftop heating, ventilation and air conditioning units. Future roofing costs are estimated at $12.8 million, while chillers/HVAC units are slated to cost another $6 million; Tuttle said the latter figure doesn’t include districtwide air conditioning, which would be more.

While there are limitations on sinking funds, two items have been added to the list of expenditures they can be used for.

“The sinking fund does now allow for technology and transportation to be in there,” Executive Director of Learning Technology and Strategic Relations Chris Stanley told the board Aug. 27.

Tuttle said funds collected from the 2024 sinking fund, however, cannot be used for technology and transportation, as those usages would only be applicable as of the 2025 sinking fund, if approved.

Stanley said technology covers a wide spectrum, including high-speed internet, networks, flat panels, and safety and security systems.

“Pretty much anything that plugs in is technology,” Stanley said. “It’s much more than laptops.”

And it’s an ongoing expense, because “technology needs constant updating,” Stanley said.

He said statewide testing is increasingly going digital, and tests such as the SAT and Preliminary SAT, or PSAT, are now digital as well.

Stanley said the district is looking to update its network, something it last did in 2020.

While the GPPSS doesn’t provide buses to take students to and from school, it does have transportation needs such as taking student athletes to away games or transporting students on field trips.

If the millage fails, district officials say they’d need to use general fund dollars to cover these capital needs, which would siphon money away from other district programs and services.

For the owner of a home with a market value of $500,000 and a taxable value of $250,000, the sinking fund millage, if approved, would cost $750 per year. The owner of a home with a market value of $300,000 and a taxable value of $150,000 would pay $450 per year.

If the millage is approved, it would run through 2034.

More information about the sinking fund millage can be found on the district’s website, www.gpschools.org.

Call Staff Writer K. Michelle Moran at (586) 498-1047.

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FAMOUS WORLD SITES

Driver found with fake grenade but real guns during arrest

BERKLEY — Police arrested a driver for felon in possession of a weapon at 11:20 a.m. Sept. 18 near Greenfield Road and Edwards Avenue.

According to the Public Safety Department, officers pulled over a 32-year-old Detroit man, as the vehicle he was driving had an expired plate and no insurance. The driver stated that the vehicle was not his.

The man was placed in handcuffs and when asked if there was anything illegal in the vehicle, he said there was a grenade. A grenade-type object was found in the glovebox. Michigan State Police advised that, based on a photo, the grenade-type object did not have an explosive charge but contained rubber BBs and was not illegal to possess. The driver said it was for paintball.

Police said they did find multiple firearms in both the glovebox and center console with rounds inside. The driver reportedly had stated that there were no firearms inside the vehicle.

Cryptocurrency fraud reported

WEST BLOOMFIELD — On Sept. 15, an officer from the West Bloomfield Police Department was dispatched to the 4800 block of Faircourt Drive to take a report of fraud involving cryptocurrency.

The reporting party informed the officer that they followed a fraudulent QR code on YouTube that advertised a service involving cryptocurrency.

The reporting party transferred money for the “service,” which resulted in a loss of over $1,000 in cryptocurrency.

There were no known suspects.

Plants go missing

WEST BLOOMFIELD — A resident filed a police report Sept. 16 stating that two plants were stolen over a one-month period.

The reporting party informed the officer that the plants were taken from in front of the Timber Edge subdivision sign, in the 14 Mile Road and Birchwood Trail area. There were no known suspects.

Extortion email threatens to share video of victim

BIRMINGHAM — Officers were dispatched to the 500 block of Westwood for a report of extortion Sept. 9 at approximately 9 p.m. The victim, a 33-year-old female resident, said she had received an email from an unknown individual who stated they had put malware onto the victim’s phone and that they had personal information about the victim.

an embarrassing video of the victim to everyone in the victim’s contacts if they did not send the suspect $2,000 in bitcoin. Officers later learned that other residents in the area had received a similar extortion email. An investigation was ongoing.

Intoxicated driver hits parked car

BIRMINGHAM — At approximately 10 p.m. Sept. 5, officers were dispatched to Lincoln and Birmingham Boulevard for a car accident that had occurred.

The reporting person stated that a white sedan had struck a parked vehicle and fled the scene.

Officers found the sedan parked nearby. Officers approached the vehicle and immediately identified signs of intoxication on the suspect, a 27-yearold from Auburn Hills. Upon failing field sobriety evaluations, the suspect was arrested and was given a citation for operating a vehicle while under the influence of alcohol.

Customer pulls knife on employee

BIRMINGHAM — A 49-year-old Troy woman told police Sept. 15 that while she was working the day prior, a disgruntled customer had pulled out a pocket knife and put the knife up to the victim’s face.

The victim did not know who the suspect was, but stated he was a middle-aged male. An investigation was ongoing.

Suspicious vehicle call results in arrest of man for possession of heroin

FARMINGTON — Public safety officers were dispatched to the area of Farmington and Cloverdale for a suspicious vehicle around 3 p.m. Sept. 11.

While investigating the vehicle, officers noticed a man walking away from it. Officers noticed he was walking with an open container of alcohol concealed in a brown paper bag. They detained him and learned that he had multiple felony and misdemeanor warrants out from other jurisdictions.

While taking the man into custody, officers located suspected heroin on him. He was arrested for possession of suspected heroin and open intoxicants, as well as his warrants.

Police spot motorcycle that fled from nearby city

FARMINGTON — On Sept. 5 at 10:04 a.m., a Farmington public safety officer saw a parked yellow motorcycle that fit the description of a motorcycle that had previously fled a traffic stop in a neighboring community.

The neighboring agency was able to positively identify the motorcycle as the one that had fled

COMMUNITY CALENDAR

ter-Grosse Pointe, 9 a.m.-3 p.m., The Helm at the Boll Life Center, 158 Ridge Road in Grosse Pointe Farms, bring Medicare cards, supplemental health insurance cards and ID, call (313) 882-9600 for appointments

OCT. 22

GPT at SCS library: Grosse Pointe Theatre’s Act II (traveling group of senior actors) presents vignettes, jokes, fairy tales and inspirational thoughts, 6:30 p.m., St. Clair Shores Public Library, 22500 11 Mile Road, scslibrary.org

OCT. 25

Chamber Music Detroit: Concert featuring piano windtet Ensemble 4.1, 7:30 p.m., Grosse Pointe South High School, 11 Grosse Pointe Blvd. in Grosse Pointe Farms, chambermusicdetroit.org

OCT. 27

Grosse Pointe Symphony Orchestra: Concert at 7 p.m. (pre-concert talk at 6:15 p.m.), The War Memorial, 32 Lake Shore Drive in Grosse Pointe Farms, warmemorial. org/eventcalendar

NOV. 4

Grosse Pointe Senior Expo: Connect with dozens of organizations specializing in assistance and care, also free health screenings, prizes, giveaways and refreshments, 10 a.m.-1 p.m., Grosse Pointe War Memorial, 32 Lake Shore Drive in Grosse Pointe Farms, seniorexpousa.com

ONGOING

Autumn Landscape

to develop a suspect, a 20-year-old man, and also impounded the motorcycle for evidence processing.

Soda, candy bar stolen from hotel lobby

ROYAL OAK — A complainant reported that at 12:30 p.m. Sept. 8, an unknown person entered the lobby of Hotel Royal Oak on East 11 Mile Road and stole a can of soda and a candy bar.

Handgun taken

MADISON HEIGHTS — An unknown suspect reportedly stole a Taurus 9 mm handgun from a location in the 1000 block of West 14 Mile Road sometime between 2 a.m. and 8:30 a.m. Sept. 14.

According to a police report, the gun belongs to a 21-year-old Detroit resident.

Investigations were ongoing.

OU police investigate report of sexual assault

ROCHESTER HILLS — Police were investigating a sexual assault report that recently happened on the campus of Oakland University in Rochester Hills.

The incident, according to reports, happened at 1:20 a.m. Sunday Sept. 8 in a student housing facility. The report was filed with police on Wednesday, Sept. 11.

Police said the victim had met the suspect. No other details were released.

Rental vehicle goes missing

SOUTHFIELD — A man went to visit a relative on Berg Road at noon Sept. 2. A few hours later, the man said his relative and his rental vehicle, a 2022 Toyota Corolla, were gone.

Officers apprehend suspect tampering with cars

SOUTHFIELD — At 4:13 a.m. Sept. 4, officers were dispatched to the 18000 block of Westover Avenue for a subject messing with vehicles.

Officers found the subject, who fled on foot, but officers apprehended him and took him into custody.

Scammer demands leads to fraudulent Best Buy purchase

TROY — A Troy man reported that he received an email Sept. 3 from an unknown suspect demanding money or his personal information would be leaked.

The man did not comply with the request.

The next day, the man received an email from Best Buy that his order was ready for pickup. The man

days until Nov. 10, Edsel and Eleanor Ford House, 1100 Lake Shore Road in Grosse Pointe Shores, fordhouse.org/events

Nooks & Crannies: Guided tours of private staircases, hidden spaces and more, Tuesdays-Sundays until Dec. 31, Edsel and Eleanor Ford House, 1100 Lake Shore Road in Grosse Pointe Shores, see times at fordhouse. org/events

‘Rabbit Hole’: Presented by Grosse Pointe Theatre’s Purdon Studio Theatre, 8 p.m. Fridays-Saturdays and 2 p.m. Sundays Oct. 18-20 and 25-27, Grosse Pointe Congregational Church, 240 Chalfonte Ave. in Grosse Pointe Farms, gpt.org/pst

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, holiday concert scheduled for Dec. 8, grossepointecommunitychorus.org, (313) 580-5965

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

OCT. 12

Pumpkin patch: Also win prizes, 2-7 p.m., Lake Shore Presbyterian Church, 27801 Jefferson Ave. in St. Clair Shores, sales continue noon-5 p.m. Sundays and 11 a.m.-7 p.m. Mondays-Saturdays until Oct. 31, facebook. com/lakeshorepresbyterianchurch

OCT. 16

Mysteries of the Moorings: Includes drink ticket, storytelling and candle light tour of 1910 Alger House, 6 p.m. and 7 p.m., The War Memorial, 32 Lake Shore Drive in Grosse Pointe Farms, warmemorial.org/event calendar

OCT. 19-20

Macomb County HarvestFest: Trick-or-treat stations, hayrides, inflatables, movies, music, magic, princesses, airbrush tattoos, pumpkin patch, pumpkin carvers, games, birds of prey and reptile shows, food drive, food trucks and more, costumes encouraged, noon-5 p.m., Freedom Hill County Park, 14900 Metropolitan Parkway in Sterling Heights, macombcountyharvestfest.com

OCT. 24

Monster Mash: A Spooktacular Middle School Dance: Awards for most creative and festive costumes (no masks or overly scary outfits), lemonade and chips or candy provided (additional snacks for sale), 6:30-8:30 p.m., The War Memorial, 32 Lake Shore Drive in Grosse Pointe Farms, warmemorial.org/eventcalendar

OCT. 25

A RARE Nightmare: Variety and magic show, monster mash dance, pumpkin patch and decorating, games and crafts, cider and doughnuts, and indoor treat trail scavenger hunt, 6-8 p.m., Recreational Authority of Roseville & Eastpointe, 18185 Sycamore St. in Roseville, rare-mi.org

OCT. 26

Trunk or treat: Also Halloween events inside, 5-7 p.m., Michigan Military Technical & Historical Society Museum, 16600 Stephens Road in Eastpointe, mimths.org

OCT. 27

Halloween Spooktacular & Trunk or Treat: Features trunk-or-treat trail, touch a truck, crafts, cider and doughnuts, pumpkin decorating, games and petting zoo, noon-4 p.m., The War Memorial, 32 Lake Shore Drive in Grosse Pointe Farms, RSVP by Oct. 26, warmemorial.org/eventcalendar