Shores leaders respond to double-voting allegations
Officials claim charges, remarks are politically motivated targeting county prosecutor
BY ALYSSA OCHSS aochss@candgnews.com
On Oct. 7, the mayor of St. Clair Shores and City Council members blasted Michigan Attorney Dana Nessel’s decision to bring felony charges against three election workers and four residents after the residents reportedly voted twice in the August primary election.
The comments from the officials came during the City Council’s regular meeting.
St. Clair Shores City Clerk Abby Barrett gave an overview of what happened. She said four individuals voted both absentee and in person during the August primary election.
“My office became aware of this immediately on election night when reconciling and running reports,” Barrett said. “We turned these reports into the county prosecutor’s office, the (Macomb) county Board of Canvassers, the local police department and the (Michigan) Bureau of Elections.”
Power Play for Heroes to raise money for service dogs
BY ALYSSA OCHSS aochss@candgnews.com
The Power Play for Heroes on Nov. 15 not only hosts an entertaining hockey game — it also raises money for a good cause.
business specialist-sports initiatives at
Paul Sabatini, concept development product and business specialist-sports initiatives at GroupeSTAHL, said this is the eighth event. It raises money for Guardian Angels Medical Service Dogs. The charity provides service dogs to first responders and veterans who need them. The dogs can cost anywhere from $25,000 to $27,000 and tremendously change the quality of life for those who receive them.
“They save a life, and they change a life for our veterans and first responders,” Sabatini said.
He went on to say some of the veterans had tried to commit suicide in the past.
“As soon as they get paired with this dog, it changed their life,” Sabatini said. “They can have a regular job. They interact with their families. It truly does change a life and save a life.”
This year, the doors open at 7 p.m. and the game starts at 7:30 p.m. on Nov. 15. Tickets are $10 with kids 10 and younger free of charge. It is located at the St. Clair Shores Civic Ice Arena at 20000 Stephens Road, in the Garden Rink. A separate open house at the Stahls’ Automotive Collection at 56156 North Bay Drive in Ches-
Photo provided by Paul Sabatini Eventgoers will get a chance to get a photo with a replica Stanley Cup. Proceeds from the event at the St. Clair Shores Civic Arena on Nov. 15 will benefit Guardian Angels Medical Service Dogs.
GroupeSTAHL, tremendously
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SECOND FRONT PAGE
Downtown to host children’s ‘Turkey Trot’
Halloween
Fun
BY ALYSSA OCHSS aochss@candgnews.com
Halloween Fun Fest is back with all the treats you want and no tricks.
Councilwoman and Mayor Pro Tem Candice Rusie said the event, held at Veterans Memorial Park, 32400 Jefferson Ave., used to be called Halloween in the Park.
BY ALYSSA OCHSS aochss@candgnews.com
The St. Clair Shores City Council approved the use of the downtown area for a “Turkey Trot” children’s run in a 7-0 vote. Angela Washington said she and her husband Phil Washington came up with the idea of the local trot because of their interest in the downtown events. She also said they wanted to help out with events for children.
“We always wanted some kind of a 5K or any type of run that I thought would be fun for the city. I know it takes a lot of planning so this year we decided on the Turkey Trot if we can make that happen,” Angela said.
Fest comes back to the Shores
Kids can trick-or-treat in various time slots on Oct. 20. There will be vendors set up all along the park passing out candy.
“It’s a nice little walk through the park with your family, collecting candy, kids wear their Halloween costumes, sometimes adults dress up and it’s just a fun little Halloween celebration for the community,” Rusie said.
The time slots are 12:30 p.m. to 1 p.m., 1
p.m. to 1:30 p.m., 1:30 p.m. to 2 p.m., 2 p.m. to 2:30 p.m., 2:30 p.m. to 3 p.m., 3 p.m. to 3:30 p.m. and 3:30 p.m. 4 p.m.
Parks and Recreation Event Director Henry Bowman said the first half hour is allotted for children with special needs. Other features of the event include a petting zoo, the Bubble Witches, cider and donuts, pumpkin carving and a photo booth.
Photo by Patricia O’Blenes Phil and Angela Washington stand outside their business in the downtown area.
Volunteering an option for those seeking to bond with animals
BY DEAN VAGLIA dvaglia@candgnews.com
METRO DETROIT — For those who seek to build bonds with animals, getting a pet is one way to go. But not everyone has the time or space to commit to a furry friend for years.
For those whose love of animals runs against their time or spatial commitments, volunteering may be a better approach.
Volunteering at an animal shelter is one way to help a variety of animals. At shelters like the one operated by Macomb County Animal Control, volunteers are able to
CRIME WATCH
AirPods stolen from lodging
At 4:25 a.m. on Oct. 6, an act of larceny was reported in the 20000 black of Nine Mile Road.
Upon arrival, the officers met the victim, a 30-year-old man, who stated he met a woman he befriended at the lodge. He hung out with her and another man. The man and the victim hung out in room 136 and when the man left, the victim noticed his AirPods were missing from his nightstand.
The man and woman came back to the room and upon hearing what happened, helped the victim search for the AirPods. The victim then accused the man of stealing them, which he denied. When the two left, the victim called the police. The officers went to the front desk and found out who room 176 was registered to. They knocked on the door with no response.
Vapes stolen from gas station
At 5:42 p.m. on Oct. 8, a report of retail fraud was made that occurred on Oct. 6 in the 21000 block of Harper Avenue.
work with or for the benefit of animals in many roles including working at adoption events, photographing pets, grooming animals, walking dogs, taking part in the feline friends group and helping greet people as they arrive.
“For people who can’t have an animal at home, I think it is the best of both worlds here because it is really hands-on,” Macomb County Animal Control operations assistant Lori Hampton said. “You can take dogs for a walk. You can help with enrichment. There are so many opportunities here that are just like owning a pet at home.”
See ANIMALS on page 14A
The owner, a 48-year-old man, showed the officer surveillance footage of the two suspects in the store. One person was a 20-year-old woman the other was a man who looked to be in his early to mid 20s. The footage shows the woman walk over to the drink coolers while the man stayed up front. The suspect told the clerk, a 35-yearold man, that the woman needed assistance. While the clerk left, the man reached over the counter and took disposable vapes from a display case. The clerk came back to the register and the man is seen handing the woman a few vapes.
The man asked the clerk for something behind the counter and when the clerk’s back was turned, the man reached into the display case again to take more vapes. The clerk turned around and saw him. The man gave one of the vapes back and both suspects left without attempting to pay for the vapes.
The owner stated they came back the day of the report and he managed to get pictures of them and their license plate. The plate came back to a woman who matches the description of the woman who entered the store. The owner was advised to keep the footage, and he said he wanted to press charges. The vapes cost $30 each and around $360 worth was stolen.
— Alyssa Ochss
Getting it right
C & G Newspapers strives for accuracy and fairness to its readers. If you think we got it wrong, please let us know. Call Gregg Demers at (586) 498-1042, email gdemers@candgnews.com or write us at 13650 11 Mile Road, Warren, MI 48089.
CORRECTION: An article published in the Sentinel on Oct. 9 should have quoted St. Clair Shores Mayor Kip Walby as referring to “seasonal” election workers.
Pop culture fans browse tables at the Motor City Comic Con in May 2023. The next event will return to the Suburban Collection Showplace in Novi Nov. 8-10.
COWABUNGA!
BY CHARITY MEIER cmeier@candgnews.com
The Motor City Comic Con, which is set to take over the Suburban Collection Showplace in Novi Nov. 8-10, has a reputation for bringing in phenomenal celebrity guests, and the lineup for the third annual fall convention does not cease to amaze.
This year’s lineup includes: Freddy Krueger himself, Robert Englund; Wayne Knight, better known as Newman from the TV sitcom “Seinfeld”; Priscilla Presley; the voice actors behind the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: Cam Clarke, Townsend Coleman, Barry Gordon and Rob Paulsen; Star Trek’s George Takei; and Alan Ruck, who is known for his role as Cameron Frye in the cult classic “Ferris Bueller’s Day Off.”
“A lot of the times we will try and look at anniversaries that are happening,” Sam Yankee, show manager of MC3, said of the guest selection process. “We have Ray Park, and it’s the 25th anniversary, I believe, of (‘Star Wars: Episode I — The) Phantom Menace’ coming up, and then, I believe, we also have the anniversary of the Ninja Turtles. But that is a really good indicator. … Yeah, people like to celebrate those big events.”
Yankee said that original actors for the various fandoms are always going to be popular because they started it all.
“I also think that with some of the
original actors and the original voice actors from movies, you are hitting different generations,” said Beth Burland, MC3 show manager. “So, maybe you watched it with your parents and now you’re showing that to your children. So it just carries on.”
Yankee said they also like to ‘gear a little bit more towards horror” for the fall show and bring in guests who are known for their roles in horror films, such as Englund.
“Horror icons are what we try to get as well,” she said.
This year the show will be presenting two off-site movie events at the Emagine Theatre in Novi with celebrity guest Q&A sessions. Knight will host a screening of “Jurassic Park” on Nov. 8, and Englund will host a presentation of “Nightmare on Elm Street” on Nov. 9. Tickets for Englund’s presentation have already sold out, but there are still some seats available for Knight’s. Tickets run $40, which is in addition to the cost of MC3 admission. Both tickets must be purchased to attend the screening.
There is also a lot of crossover between the various fandoms and other fields, such as with the multiplatinum rapper Logic, who will also be a celebrity guest this fall. The rapper’s music has been featured in several comic movies and he has recently worked on a movie with cult favorite director Kevin Smith.
“I don’t think we want to limit ourselves in any way,” said Burland. “If we can get a different or interesting celebrity in, then we’re going to do it.”
“A lot of people think comic cons are
See MC3 on page 13A
File photo by Patricia O’Blenes
NEWS & NOTES
Library to host talk on Powhatan Indians
ST. CLAIR SHORES — The St. Clair Shores Public Library will host a program about the Powhatan Indians before European arrival at 2 p.m. on Nov. 6.
According to a press release, the program will differentiate between fact and fiction surrounding the legends of the Powhatan people and Pocahontas. The presentation, called “Pocahontas and the Powhatan Indians,” will be presented virtually by an educator from the Virginia Museum of History and Culture. Patrons can attend virtually by Zoom or in person at the library.
Registration starts on Oct. 23 and can also be done in person or at the library, by phone at (586) 771-9020 or online using the library’s calendar. This presentation is limited to patrons 18 and older. The library is located at 22500 11 Mile Road in St. Clair Shores.
MACOMB COUNTY OFFICE OF SENIOR SERVICES RECEIVES FEDERAL GRANT
MACOMB COUNTY — The Macomb County Office of Senior Services announced on Oct. 8 it was awarded a $750,000 grant from the Department of Justice’s Office on Violence Against Women.
Officially known as the Training and Services Grant to End Abuse in Later Life, the funds will be utilized through the Macomb Elder Justice Alliance. The alliance was formed in 2023 between community organizations, banks, criminal and civil courts, law enforcement, investigative agencies and senior service organizations with the goal of organizing and amplifying efforts to end elder abuse, address exploitation and neglect through education, and promote collaboration and advocacy for victims and those at risk.
“These resources will connect Macomb County with national experts on elder abuse to train all parts of the criminal justice system,” Sheila Cote, director of senior services, said in the announcement.
“It will be transformational for the community and provide support services to older adults who have been abused or exploited and place their needs at the center of our community’s response. We are so grateful to our committed partners in law enforcement and community resources who are the major partners and will be integral to the training and development of policies that will help to transform the current response to elder abuse.”
For more information about the Macomb Elder Justice Alliance, contact Sheila Cote or visit macombgov.org/departments/senior-services.
Forlini named Columbus Day ‘Man of the Year’
MACOMB COUNTY — Macomb County Clerk Anthony G. Forlini has been named the Columbus Day “Man of the Year” by the Detroit Area Columbus Day Celebration Committee. He will be honored Oct. 13 during the 2024 Columbus Day Banquet at the Italian American Cultural Center in Clinton Township.
“Anthony Forlini has always been a strong leader and advocate in our Italian American Community. He has been a shining example of how to give back to the Italian American Community with his willingness to go above and beyond, actively seeking ways to help, support and make the community better and stronger,” Columbus Day Celebration Committee President Lisa Valerio-Nowc said in a prepared statement.
Forlini, the son of an Italian immigrant, has made multiple trips to Italy, establishing ties between schools and businesses and introducing American culture to Italy and vice versa. In his many visits to Italy, he brought Italian and American students together.
In 2013, he helped establish a sister-school program with a high school in Perugia, Italy, and Lake Shore Public Schools, according to a press release. After multiple visits to Cassino, Italy, he signed a sister-school program in June of 2018 with an advanced studies high school in Cassino, Italy, and L’anse Creuse School District, the press release states. Reportedly more than 150 students are enrolled in Italian classes this year alone.
Also honored this year are “Woman of the Year” Mary Smith, of the Venetian Club of Mutual Aid, and “Humanitarian of the Year” Joseph Toia, judge of the 16th Judicial Circuit Court.
HOCKEY OPENING DAY AT SCS ARENA A SUCCESS
ST. CLAIR SHORES — The St. Clair Shores Hockey Association’s Opening Day was held on Oct. 6 at the St. Clair Shores Civic Ice Arena. Council members, the mayor and tons of players gathered to celebrate the start of a new season.
St. Clair Shores Parks and Recreation Director Rob Spinazzola said in an email they raised three state championship banners and one national championship banner for the association’s 2023-2024 hockey teams. “Opening Day has become a tradition in this town for the players, parents, council members, and employees of this city,” Spinazzola said in an email. “The ceremony is a time to bring our hockey family together to celebrate the start of a new year.”
Forlini
FIRE DEPARTMENT HOSTS OPEN HOUSE
Residents and friends enjoyed the St. Clair Shores Fire Department’s open house on Oct. 6. Visitors got to take a look at the firehouse, go inside an ambulance and try out the hose.
Photos by Liz Carnegie
Integrity and EXPERIENCE MATTERS
39 years at Macomb County Sheriff’s Office 14 years as Sheriff
EDUCATED AND DEDICATED ACCOMPLISHMENTS
• Associate Degree from Macomb Community College
• Bachelor’s Degree from Wayne State University
• Class 208 F.B.I National Academy
• Northwestern University School of Police Staff and Command
• Secret Service Dignitary Security Protection Program
• Fiscally manage a $99 million dollar budget
• Policy and decision maker
• Leader of 562 full time employees and 178 Reserve Deputies
• Board Member of the F.B.I. Criminal Justice Information System Advisory Policy Board.
• Vice Chair of Michigan Commission on Law Enforcement Standard.
• Macomb Sheriff Captains/Commander/Dispatcher
Director Union
• Macomb Sheriff Command Officer Union
• Macomb County Professional Deputy Sheriff’s Association
• Macomb County Association of Chiefs of Police
• Police Officers Association of Michigan
• Consolidated Dispatch Services with Clinton Township and Sterling Heights police and fire.
• Since 2011, increased staffing by 114 full time positions.
• New State of the Art Marine Division Headquarters.
• New Central Intake and Assessment Center with a focus on mental health and substance use disorder for those remanded to the County Jail opening in 2027.
• Updated technology for Law Enforcement, Dispatchers, Correctional Staff.
• IBEW Local 58
• Sheetmetal Worker Local 58
• Michigan Regional Council of Carpenters and Millwrights
• Macomb County PAC, MEA
• UAW Region 1
• Southeastern Michigan Association of Chiefs of Police
Photo by Alyssa Ochss
Voting
from page 1A
St. Clair Shores Police Chief Jason Allen gave an overview of the ensuing investigation. He said the prosecutor asked the department to complete its formal investigation and, at that point, the department could have gone to Nessel’s office. Allen said investigators spoke to the city clerk, numerous election workers and the four involved voters.
One voter reportedly said he doesn’t typically vote absentee and turned in a ballot he thought was his wife’s. When he voted in person during the primary election on Aug. 6, he said he was told his ballot had already been turned in. He reportedly said he told election workers that it wasn’t and was allowed to vote.
The second person reportedly didn’t know if her ballot had been turned in on her behalf and came to City Hall to find out and vote.
The third person reportedly filled out a registration he thought was for a different election and voted at the precinct.
The fourth person reportedly did not remember turning in an absentee ballot and was allowed to vote in person.
All evidence was turned over to Macomb County Prosecutor Peter Lucido’s office, where warrants for criminal charges were ultimately denied.
Lucido said in an interview that Nessel indicated there were 59 similar cases in the state.
He questioned why St. Clair Shores was called out specifically.
Mayor Kip Walby said that in his opinion, no voter fraud was committed. He quoted Nessel who said the three clerks were not volunteers but municipal employees who knew election law and procedures.
“That’s a total misrepresentation,” Wal-
by said. “These people are part-time seasonal election workers. Two of the three people worked one day. The election day. One day they worked.”
He acknowledged that the workers do go through training.
“But she (Nessel) made it (sound) as if these are, like, full-time employees working in the city,” Walby said.
At press time on Oct. 9, St. Clair Shores officials confirmed those facing charges included three seasonal part-time election workers, paid a flat rate for their service. None of those charged were full-time city employees.
Regarding the four voters, Walby said they just wanted to be a part of the American process.
“No intent here for voter fraud so we can charge them with a four- or five-year penalty,” Walby said.
See VOTING on page 17A
At press time on Oct. 9, St. Clair Shores officials confirmed those facing charges included three seasonal parttime election workers, paid a flat rate for their service. None of those charged were full-time city employees. Four residents were also charged.
from page 6A
just comics, and while that is definitely where we started and where the heart of our show is, our slogan is, ‘Pop culture, it’s what we do!’ and we really cover anything that falls into pop culture,” said Yankee.
Aside from the celebrities there are numerous other activities for guests to partake in.
“One of the things we are doing different this year is that we are having a tabletop gaming room,” Burland said. “Throughout the whole entire show, every hour you can go and learn how to play a different game, or you and your friends can just go in and pick a different game. There are over 75 different games to choose from.”
A schedule for the games, and slots to sign up is posted on the show’s website. The games include Magic: The Gathering, Dungeons & Dragons, Catan and more.
There will also be a Magic: The Gathering tournament from 5 to 8 p.m. on Friday and Saturday. The cost to participate in the tournament is $5, and prizes will be given to the winners. Guests will also have the opportunity to paint figurines from games and make
friendship bracelets for no additional cost.
There will also be traditions such as adult and kids cosplay contests, numerous celebrity panels, an escape room, and iCon tournaments featuring Super Smash Bros. Ultimate. Cosplay groups Ghostbusters Detroit and the 501st Legion from “Star Wars” will once again be in attendance, along with many other activities.
“When people come, they don’t just stay for an hour or two. They come and they stay the whole day,” said Burland. “A lot of people buy a whole weekend pass because it’s just a fun place to be.”
MC3 will be held from noon to 7 pm. Nov. 8, 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. Nov. 9, and 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Nov. 10.
Tickets for the event, movie screenings and celebrity autographs can be purchased online at motorcitycomiccon.com. Admission prices range depending on where and when tickets are purchased, as well as the day of the event, and the age of the person. Adult tickets cost $30-$45 or $90 for a weekend pass. Tickets for kids ages 6-12 cost $10 per day or $20 for the weekend pass. Children 5 and under are free. All kids 12 and under are free on Sunday.
Call Staff Writer Charity Meier at (586) 498-1092.
Qualified:Master’sinEducationalLeadership Experienced:30yearsteachingScience,Math,andEnglish StudentsFirstSafetyFirstCommunityFirstReduceTuitionCosts
Paidforby:CTEJosephA.BackusforMCC,21120Yale,St.ClairShores,MI48081.
Advance Auto Parts
recently celebrated the grand opening of its newest location in metro Detroit, right in the heart of St. Clair Shores. Located at 31240 Harper Ave., at the corner of 13 Mile Road, this store will support the automotive aftermarket needs of the area. For more information, stop by Advance Auto Parts at 31240 Harper Ave. or call (586) 859-6501.
BUSINESS CLIP
Volunteers tend to vary in the pet-owning backgrounds, ranging from those who have never owned an animal to those who have spent their whole lives around them. Volunteering at the shelter allows people to interact with a wider number of pets than they may be used to. Aside from cats and dogs, the shelter houses birds, reptiles, pigs, rabbits and other such animals. Volunteers can also see what being around more common pets is like.
“A lot of (volunteers) are animal lovers,” Hampton said. “Perhaps they have recently lost a pet, and they are not ready to make that commitment to them, so it is very fulfilling to them to come in and fill that void of having a pet at home. They are also able to take pets for pets’ days out. A lot of our volunteers will take them to Metro Beach or Partridge Creek to socialize them.”
Getting involved with Macomb County Animal Control as a shelter volunteer involves filling out an application available at macombgov.org/departments/animal-control and going through orientation.
For those who are able to keep animals at home but may not be able to have pets for
long periods of time, volunteer opportunities through Rochester Hills-based nonprofit Leader Dogs for the Blind can be a way to make connections with four-legged friends.
“We have more volunteers than we do team members, so we really could not do what we do without them,” said Christina Hepner, Leader Dog’s digital marketing manager. “The things that (volunteers) do for our mission is incredible. Volunteers really mean the world to us, and we are so thankful for them … They’re really essential to what we do every day.”
Leader Dog’s volunteering opportunities with animals fall into two categories: raising puppies and hosting a breeding dog.
“Raising a future Leader Dog is when you have the dog for 12-15 months and you’re going through basic obedience (training) with that dog,” Hepner said. “You’re teaching the dog to sit and stay and basic obedience, and you have so much support. You don’t have to have ever had a dog.”
Puppy-raising volunteers are backed by a counselor from the organization and the wider community of fellow Leader Dog volunteers. After the 12-15 months are up, the dog is returned to Leader Dogs for the Blind to begin its formal training to serve as guides for people with visual impairments. Some dogs are deemed “career changed,” meaning
dogs is one way people can volunteer at Leader Dogs for the Blind. they may become a different kind of service dog or become available as a pet.
Puppy raising can be done as a singlehousehold endeavor or it can be done by a group. Primary and secondary raisers can split rearing responsibilities, while corporate volunteers and some college campuses can raise a puppy as a team. Puppy raisers are given the opportunity to name their puppy as well.
Hosting breeding dogs allows volunteers the opportunity to live with a matured
animal for a number of years and is more in line with traditional pet ownership.
“Once a breeding dog retires, they actually become a permanent member of your family. They retire and they get to be your house dog,” Hepner said. “We specifically need hosts who will host a Leader Dog mom, and the responsibility of that is about two years and the dog will have four litters in your home.”
Prior whelping experience is not re-
See ANIMALS on page 19A
Monday - Friday, 8am to 4:30pm
Photo provided by Leader Dogs for the Blind
Future Leader Dogs stand together with their raisers in public. Raising puppies that will become seeing eye
MAJOR SPONSOR Last Social District Saturday of the
Presented By:
Turkey Trot
from page 3A
Angela said this year, the event will be free of charge since it is the first one.
The event will run from 3 p.m. to 10 p.m. on Nov. 9. Registration will start around 3 p.m. and the run will start around 4 p.m. The downtown area is located along Greater Mack Avenue from Nine Mile Road south to the Nine Mack Drive and Cavalier Drive intersection.
Children will run a 0.25-mile downtown loop four times and each lap they will receive a bracelet. They can then trade these bracelets in for a prize. Heating tents and hot chocolate will be available for eventgoers to enjoy. Angela said they’d absolutely consider an adult Turkey Trot as well.
“This year was just harder because (it’s) more last minute, seeing if we could get it approved and I felt it would be easy for the kids,” Angela said. “But that would definitely (be) something in the future.”
The original idea came from discussions of hosting a run at Junefest, something, Angela said, was too last minute. They then considered the Turkey Trot.
Phil presented the item at the City Council meeting, stating that it would also be a scaled down social district outing.
“Just something to get more families down(town,)” Phil said. “Just to encourage (families) to bring their kids down and take advantage of our downtown area.”
Phil provided a document with signatures of almost all of the businesses downtown. City Manager Dustin Lent added that they also requested to rent the bandshell.
“I think they’re going to be getting a band as well as the DPW workers to be able to clean up for the event just like a normal social district,” Lent said.
The original expected number written down for the council meeting was 100 participants, but Phil said they definitely expect more. He also said they will hand out passport sheets for adults to go to businesses with their children to get a sticker.
“At the end, we also have Shores Meat Shop that’s going to donate a turkey,” Phil said.
Councilman Dave Rubello thanked those who help the success of the downtown area. Rubello mentioned things like the kid zone during the downtown social district hours and other things.
“You’re doing wonderful stuff down there and you can see what’s going on and it’s progressing quite nicely,” Rubello said.
Lent said there will be social district rules: Alcoholic beverages will be in marked cups, and patrons cannot take one alcoholic drink from one bar or restaurant into another bar or restaurant.
For more rules, visit scsmi.net. To register for the Turkey Trot, visit the Downtown St. Clair Shores Facebook page. A separate Facebook group will also be created prior to the event.
Eventgoers can register the day of, but registering in advance will help event planners know how many medals and prizes they need.
Call Staff Writer Alyssa Ochss at (586) 498-1103.
Dr. Bergeron has comprehensive education, training, and experience in hospital and clinic-based patient care. She excels in all areas of foot and ankle care with specific training and interest in wound care and foot and ankle surgery (including cutting-edge minimally invasive techniques designed to minimize surgical trauma and help patients recover faster).
Dogs
from page 1A
terfield Township will be from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Nov. 9.
Featured guests include Steven Carlson, who played one of the Hanson brothers in the movie “Slapshot,” Former National Hockey League Zamboni driver Al Sobotka, sports reporter Brad Galli from WXYZ-TV Channel 7 and four-time Stanley Cup champion Darren McCarty of the Detroit Red Wings.
Sabatini said the idea of the hockey game came from a passion for the sport through the Stahl family and employees. Members of the Stahl family have also served in the United States armed forces.
“We said let’s do something that we can raise money for the charity,” Sabatini said.
“What a great way to do it. To pair up with the Detroit Red Wings Alumni, because they’re really good with charities and their beliefs as well.”
He went on to say the St. Clair Shores Civic Arena has always been in their backyard.
“So we kind of say it’s a home ice advantage for us. But it’s not. The alumni always win,” Sabatini said.
One of the teams is made up of Red Wings alumni and the other is Stahls’ employees.
McCarty said it all starts with the Stahl family. He thinks each community has something that is important to them.
“Let’s just support that,” McCarty said. “So that’s what these guys (Stahls’) do. They lead the way over in Grosse Pointe and St. Clair Shores in that area and it’s just something that’s easier for me to get behind because it’s all about people. Whatever they support, I support.”
McCarty has participated in the game for the last four or five years. He said it’s great to be a part of and the residents know that the money is used to give back to the community.
“I’m just blessed to be a cog in the wheel and just be asked to be a part of it so it’s always a great honor,” McCarty said.
McCarty has met the people who put together the event as well as people who receive service dogs.
“It’s real, people can see it, people can feel it and touch it and it’s such an important part of society that sometimes goes not noticed,” McCarty said.
He has a lot of fun competing against the Stahls’ team and called them good friends.
“Anytime friends play against each other, you know, you want bragging rights,”
McCarty said. “Plus, they’re in my world now. I’m usually in their world, but they get to come on the ice and stuff.”
He went on to say the Stahls’ team is competitive and that they have a mutual love for hockey.
Carlson said he’s playing in the game and is bringing old time hockey back to the Detroit area.
“I will be bringing foil back into town,” Carlson said.
Carlson has done charity work for around 25 years. He spends time donating to charities focused on kids with special needs, veterans, service dogs and cancer. He said he enjoys donating time for the veterans and that he’s looking forward to the game.
“Those charities are very special to us, and I can accomplish two of those causes in one event,” Carlson said about service dogs and veterans.
Carlson will play the first period and will spend the second period signing memorabilia and autographs. He suggests eventgoers get to the game early to see the warmups.
The event is a chance to see the veteran hockey players play, Carlson said, but it’s also special because eventgoers get to help veterans receive life changing service dogs. Carlson has a service dog of his own.
“They’re part of your family and when you see military veterans get these service dogs, their life changes,” Carlson said. “And they’re your companion for life and they’re your children and it’s very special. And it’s one of the things that I’m looking forward to is hopefully raising enough money.”
To get tickets, go to stahlshero24.eventbrite.com. To get group tickets, contact paul@stahlsteam.com.
Call Staff Writer Alyssa Ochss at (586) 498-1103.
Voting
from page 12A
Walby called the charges political theater. He claimed a couple hours later, he received a text message soliciting donations that referenced a case of voter fraud found in St. Clair Shores. Walby said only it was someone who was running for a county position.
“So we already have somebody trying to leech onto that to get support, get money and claiming voter fraud,” Walby said. “I thought people were innocent until proven guilty.”
Walby said part-time workers are critical to city elections and that cases like this will deter others from working.
In an email response to a request for comment on this story, the press office for the attorney general stated, “The facts of this case are simple: four residents of St. Clair Shores voted twice, and three employees of the city facilitated it. Given that, it’s alarming that the mayor and his colleagues on the council are more interested in grandstanding in defense of illegal activity than correcting what allowed this to happen in the first place.”
The statement also called on the City Council and mayor to reassure voters in St. Clair Shores that they are “equally as committed to ensuring their elections are conducted in a lawful and accurate manner.”
“Instead, we heard misplaced outrage,” the email stated. “We hope that the residents of the city and state at large can at least be assured that when their local elected officials fail to take election violations seriously, that the Department of Attorney General will.”
Councilman John Caron said the real harm is that all four voters now have their names associated with felony charges.
“Where do you go to get your reputation back again after your name’s been out there like that?” Caron said. “I absolutely 100% agree with everything you (Walby) said.”
Councilman Dave Rubello specifically called out Christina Hines, the Democratic candidate for Macomb County prosecutor. Rubello said she was the one soliciting donations in text messages sent just hours after the charges were announced.
He agreed with Caron and Walby, calling the charged individuals good people.
“I would hope that the attorney general could look at these people in the faces and see who they are,” Rubello said in his closing comments. “And see who, you know, they’re not just names on papers. These are people we live with. These are people that do great things for us in the community. These are volunteers. They’re not out to turn the world around with a fake election. Not the right people, Christina Hines.”
A press release sent by Hines on the afternoon of Oct. 4, the day the charges were announced, criticized Lucido for not bringing charges and for choosing “not to even investigate this case.”
Reached for comment on this report, Hines responded by text message and said, “I am a professional prosecutor. Pete Lucido has never tried a case as a prosecutor in his entire career, and it shows.”
Hines added, “Pete Lucido lied to the public about these cases. Not only did he misinterpret the legal statuses and the ‘inSee VOTING on page 18A
Voting from page 17A
tent’ element of these charges, but he went on to tell voters that they could vote absentee and then, on election day, spoil their ballots and vote again. This is not true and it has not been true for decades. It is dangerous when the Chief Law Enforcement Officer in our county doesn’t even know the law.”
Lucido, Macomb County’s Republican incumbent prosecutor, said he was saddened by the turn of events and the actions taken by his opponent, Hines.
“Ultimately, if there was no intent, the crimes cannot be proven,” Lucido said.
He commended Allen, the City Council and Walby.
“Love the support of the St. Clair Shores mayor and the entire City Council that stand behind these individuals,” Lucido said.
Many council members commended Barrett for her work in handling the situation.
Councilman Chris Vitale said he thinks state officials are aware of how hard it is to recruit residents to work elections.
“It’s absolutely ridiculous and I think it’s part of maybe a large trend, movement,
whatever you want to call it, to make the average person afraid to participate in the democratic process,” Vitale said. “And that’s so disturbing and disgusting.”
Alysa Diebolt, chair of the Macomb County Democratic Committee and the vice chair of the Macomb County Board of Canvassers, said during public comment at the City Council’s Oct. 7 meeting that the election process is not over when Lucido said it’s done.
She went on to say Nessel’s office was fulfilling its legal requirement to complete the investigation and said it is not political theater.
“We cannot talk all about all the checks and balances in place and then whine when those checks and balances knock on your door,” Diebolt said. “If we want people to believe and have trust in our elections and believe that only valid votes are accurately counted, then we need to respect the entire election process including those who are doing their job protecting our elections.”
She said both those who vote twice and those who allowed it must be held accountable for breaking the law even if it was a mistake.
Call Staff Writer Alyssa Ochss at (586) 498-1103.
CONTRACTING
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Halloween
from page 3A
“So it’s a really nice event,” Bowman said. “And we bring through 400 kids every half hour.”
They get around 2,400 kids for the whole event. According to a post on the St. Clair Shores Parks and Recreation Facebook page, wristbands are $3 each and can be purchased at the Parks and Recreation office on 20000 Stephens Road. There is no rain date and refunds will be issued if the event is canceled.
Rusie said there will be a set amount of wristbands sold for each half hour.
“They used to have the event open to everyone where people just showed up and paid at the door and that’s really tough for the vendors because we wouldn’t have any idea how many kids to expect so we wouldn’t know how much candy to bring,” Rusie said. “Which results in some vendors, unfortunately, running out during the event.”
Rusie said she is one of the vendors at the event with Councilman John Caron. She called it a fun event.
“Kids really enjoy the opportunity to participate,” Rusie said.
Caron said both Rusie and he set up inflatable Halloween decorations for children to enjoy. Caron brings around 40 to 60 and Rusie brings over 100. This started around 10 years ago.
“It tends to be the largest inflatable display of probably any city event in the country and we do that just because it is great to see the reactions on the kids’ faces when they see all of them,” Caron said.
He went on to say the children get to see the inflatables up close. He rotates the inflatables from year to year, but the one staple in his collection is a vampire that opens and closes its tombstone.
“That’s a part of it every year just because the kids love to see the animation part of it,” Caron said.
He said he has fun at the event each year.
“Everything is focused on the kids, and to have this big event that we have each year and it’s totally safe for the kids to come out and enjoy is always fun to see,” Caron said.
Call Staff Writer Alyssa Ochss at (586) 498-1103.
Animals
from page 14A
quired, and the Leader Dog vet team and breeding department are on standby to help volunteers, though ample space and the ability to provide regular exercise and care for the dogs is required. Puppies are kept for seven weeks after birth before being brought to the campus. Volunteers are also able to volunteer for a partial period; they can be non-whelping or specifically whelping vol-
unteers, as well as host a breeding dog for a limited amount of time.
To volunteer with Leader Dogs for the Blind, interested people are asked to attend monthly informational sessions on the first Wednesday of each month for puppy raising and the third Wednesday for breeding dog hosting. Applications are available at www. leaderdog.org/volunteer.
Informational sessions are held remotely and in person at the Rochester Hills campus.
Call Staff Writer Dean Vaglia at (586) 498-1043.
Photo provided by Macomb County Animal Control
Volunteers pose with dogs outside of the Macomb County Animal Control, which offers numerous volunteering opportunities for people who want to work with animals.
SPOTLIGHT ON HEALTH
CLEARING THE AIR ON VAPING RISKS
BY ALYSSA OCHSS aochss@candgnews.com
METRO DETROIT — While vaping was originally marketed to replace cigarettes and some teens say it helps them with stress, health officials say the opposite is true.
Alliance for Coalitions for Community Health Prevention Outreach Specialist Justen Daniels said a lot of health complications come with vaping, including damage to the lungs, heart problems, gastrointestinal issues and more.
He said vape cartridges are filled with hundreds of cancer-causing chemicals.
“The majority of vape pens or vape products are going to contain nicotine, and they’re going to contain a lot of it — a lot of potency,” Daniels said.
He said Stanford’s Reach Lab shared a study that one type of vape pen, which has around 5,000 puffs, has the nicotine equivalent of around 590 cigarettes.
“I don’t think folks are realizing how much nicotine is in there and how addictive that nicotine is,” Daniels said.
Youth are more susceptible to nicotine or THC — a cannabinoid found in marijuana — dependence because their bodies and brains are still developing, Daniels said. The youngest he’s seen or heard of a person having a vape pen is around 8-years-old.
He said that though he doesn’t have a definitive answer of whether cigarettes or vape pens are more harmful, they are both very addictive.
Megan Phillips, Oakland Community Health Network’s director of substance use and disorder services, gathered information about the dangers of vaping.
A document from the organization states that nicotine addiction can cause harm to a person’s mental health, but more research is needed to understand the connection between vaping and mental health. It also states that studies show those who quit smoking experience lower anxiety, stress and depression, and experience a better mood and quality of life.
“Oakland Community Health Network, alongside our prevention partners, The Alliance, and Oakland County Health Division, work tirelessly to educate community members on the dangers of vaping,” Phillips said in email. Vaping products can affect brain develop-
ment, memory, attention, learning, mood and mental health, the Health Division states.
“Additionally, vaping devices may produce vapor containing lead, which can cause brain damage,” the Health Division states.
The age to purchase vape products is 21 years old in both Michigan and nationally, though kids still manage to get these products by employees not age checking IDs, connections with older friends and sharing or by fake IDs Daniels said.
“Because technology has gotten so sophisticated, so a lot of times it’s easy to pick up on a fake ID, so a lot of times they will take an older sibling’s ID,” Daniels said.
“The most common reason middle and high school students give for currently using e-cigarettes is, ‘I am feeling anxious, stressed, or depressed,’” the document from OCHN said.
The document went on to say, though, that vaping can actually increase these feelings.
Daniels said that if an underage person looks enough like their older sibling, a quick glance will not give away that they are underage. These IDs will not trip the scanners because they are legal IDs.
Underage people who are caught with vaping can face consequences.
Daniels said in the worst case scenario underage people could face a misdemeanor. They can also face detention, suspension and expulsion at school.
“We are seeing so many of our schools take an interest in restorative programming and alternatives to suspension programming,” Daniels said.
He went on to say that if a child is kicked out of school for vaping, they are going to go home and vape.
“It defeats the purpose,” Daniels said. “And so we have a lot of folks who are doing friends of the court programs.”
Vaping products like Juul became popular around the late 2010s, and Daniels said he still considers it very new.
“Especially within the grand scheme of, you know, how long it took the cigarette and everything to come out,” Daneils said. “It took around 100 years for a lot of that information about cigarettes and some of its potential impacts, some of its potential harmful health implications to come out.”
Vape products were originally marketed
as a product to help adults stop smoking tobacco, and they were marketed for adults. Daniels said now it’s really hard to identify vape products due to their evolution and how they are made to blend in as electronic cigarettes. Daniels said there are vapes that look like smart watches, key fobs, straws and more. Parents should educate themselves through education programs and presentations so they can recognize vape products.
“Sometimes you don’t know what you don’t know,” Daniels said. “And that’s one of the good things about our organizations with the alliance.”
He went on to say they have programs to educate parents and community members about what vapes look like, the health implications and much more.
Call Staff Writer Alyssa Ochss at (586) 498-1103.
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Easy Halloween decorating tips can help you stick to your budget
BY GENA JOHNSON gjohnson@candgnews.com
METRO DETROIT — Whether your idea of decorating for Halloween is putting a pumpkin on the porch or having an elaborate electronic light show with props taller than the houses in the neighborhood, here are some decorating tips for any budget.
Plants and flowers brighten the space of any location. Putting them in a decorative planter makes them transitory in a couple of ways. The plants can be moved easily from one place to another, and the plants can transition from one season to another.
“What you really want to do is have (the plants and flowers) last past Halloween,” said Matthew Colonius, the owner of Piechnik’s Greenhouse & Garden Gate in Oakland Township. “The goal is to have it look good for Halloween, but when you make your choices, consider having it look nice all the way through Thanksgiving.”
Colonius suggests using purple and white colors in plants such as ornamental kale or hardy mums as opposed to the burnt colors such as yellow, orange and red. The hardy mums will still be around after Halloween and the colors mix well with the late fall colors even when it starts to snow.
“The ornamental grasses like purple fountain grass are a really great one; even when it starts to turn brown, it is still pretty in the pot with your other flowers,” Colonius said.
Decorating with pumpkins and gourds sets the stage for an autumnal or Halloween scene. Heirloom gourds come in a variety of shapes and blend with a variety of hues.
The biggest mistake people make with their fall plants is not watering them enough.
“With the dry weather we’ve had this fall, plants should be watered at least two or three times a week. It also keeps them from
COMMUNITY BRIEFS
'Sandsbash' to be held Nov. 2
The Sandsbash XXV will be held from 7 p.m. to 1 a.m. on Nov. 2.
Enjoy a night of dancing, music, food and more to support the Special Olympics.
Event goers should dress up in “classy, dressy attire” (no jeans, shorts, T-shirts or sneakers will be allowed). The theme this year is “red accent.”
“Which means just a touch of Red goes
blowing away in a strong wind,” Colonius said.
To elevate one’s plant display and give it that designer custom touch, Colonius suggests adding items that everybody does not have.
“The kale and the ornamental grasses and purple fountain grass can give it that custom look that sets it apart from other people’s planters,” he said.
Straw bales and regular cornstalks can be added to broom cornstalks, which are
See DECORATING on page 23A
a Long way,” a press release stated.
It will be held at Barrister Gardens at 24225 Harper Avenue.
The event is for those 21 and older. Tickets will be available for $55 until Oct. 24 and will be $65 at the door. Pre-paid tickets are available and can be bought from Al Melfi by calling (586) 489-6220, Dinghy Concepts at (586) 879-3061, April Sikes Fish at (586) 405-5131 and Marty Sikes at (586) 530-4072.
"If you will be drinking please arrange for a designated driver and drink responsibly," the release stated.
— Alyssa Ochss
Photo provided by Holly Hayter
Known as the Skeleton House in Madison Heights, Holly Hayter displays skeletons all year by changing the props and the outfits they wear.
Decorating
from page 22A
very ornamental because of their fancy tassels with red, burgundy and brown.
After Halloween and Thanksgiving, adding birch logs or birch sticks with evergreens will give the planters a winter or Christmas look.
Lights
Whether you hang a single strand of lights around the doorframe or blanket the house with lights on every side, lights add illumination and cheer to any environment.
The Bostick Family Light Show Inc uses thousands of lights in their light show incorporating Christmas lights, strobe lights and spotlights that flash on their home in Garden City to the delight of their neighbors and all who come to see it.
“If people are doing normal decorations, then outlining your house (with lights) is a nice way to decorate without spending a lot of money,” said Kyle Bostick, of the Bostick Family Light Show Inc. “But if you are trying to do a synchronized show like ours, you can start off with some basic props like the tombstones, bats, spiders and grow the show from there.”
Skeletons
Starting small and growing from there is what Holly Hayter did at her house, which is now known as “the skeleton house” in Madison Heights.
“Currently I have seven skeletons and four (skeleton) dogs,” Hayter said.
Skeletons are not just for Halloween. The Hayters’ house displays skeletons yearround. Hayter has dressed her skeletons up as the Easter Bunny and carrots, a giant leprechaun, and other characters. Her current display is ready for Halloween, which she changes every few days.
For those who don’t want to spend a lot of money on Halloween decorations, timing is important.
“My suggestion is to buy it when it goes on clearance for the next year. You always have to look for the deals, so you’ve got to shop around,” Hayter said. “I know some of the major retailers like Spirit will do it after Halloween. One of the big retailers that’s in the game now is Home Depot, and they have already marked their stuff down.”
If your tastes gravitate to the big and bold or the sweet and small, there is a Halloween decoration for you.
Call Staff Writer Gena Johnson at (586) 498-1069.
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OF THE WEEK • CRIME OF THE WEEK • CRIME OF THE WEEK
Through the gates
HARRISON TOWNSHIP — In the early morning hours of Sept. 24, Macomb County Sheriff’s Office deputies were called to Selfridge Air National Guard Base after an unauthorized SUV drove through the gate. No damage was done to base property, but the SUV was stopped by spike strips.
The driver, a 40-year-old Roseville man, passed field sobriety tests and was negative for alcohol on a breath test. He told deputies that he wanted to go to the pier, that he had not slept for two days and did not remember when he last ate.
The driver agreed to seek medical attention.
Entering without breaking
HARRISON TOWNSHIP — On the morning of Sept. 21, Macomb County Sheriff’s Office deputies were called to a home in the 24600 block of Murray Street for a larceny report.
The caller, a 31-year-old township woman, said she received fraud alerts from her bank about her debit cards. She then noticed someone had broken into her car. Her husband moved the car outside the night before and she believed the car was left unlocked overnight. The purse was left in the car but the cards were taken. The woman told deputies a similar incident occurred in the past and believed it was the same perpetrator.
Pursuit along 16 Mile, Harper
HARRISON TOWNSHIP — Around 2:30 a.m. on Sept. 27, Macomb County Sheriff’s Office deputies pulled over a silver Chevrolet Malibu that failed to stop at the northbound Union Lake Road and 16 Mile Road red light.
Upon stopping, a database search of the license plate reportedly revealed the car was owned by a 20-year-old Detroit man with multiple warrants. The car was also leaving an area where many car-based crimes were reported. Before he could be approached, the man took off from the stop and a pursuit was engaged. The chase moved up and down 16 Mile and Harper Avenue with multiple illegal U-turns being made. The chase went past 15 Mile Road on Harper when it was terminated.
The suspect was last seen turning onto westbound Interstate 94. A state warrant authorization was completed for the car owner.
Security breach
HARRISON TOWNSHIP — In the early morning hours of Sept. 24, Macomb County Sheriff’s Office deputies were called to a break-in at the former St. John Hospital on Ballard Street.
Signs of trespassing were found around the
were out, and plywood normally covering the door was removed. Inside the buildings, wires were cut in two power boxes while various other items — copper wires, pipes, cameras and motion detectors — were damaged and left around the building.
The property owner estimated around $100,000 in damage was inflicted.
Fraudulent lover
MOUNT CLEMENS — On Sept. 27, Macomb County Sheriff’s Office deputies were called to the 120 block of Rathbone Street to speak with the 64-year-old male resident about a computer crimes incident.
The man told deputies he had been speaking with an unnamed woman from Fraser he met over social media, going so far as to send her an explicit image. In response to the image, the man was threatened it would be released unless he sent the recipient a $100 Applebee’s gift card.
Deputies called the number and spoke with a man on the other end who asked when he would get his money. The suspect reportedly reiterated his threat before hanging up.
Stolen car and packages recovered
SHELBY TOWNSHIP — At 2:41 p.m. Sept. 2, police
officers from Shelby Township received a Flock camera hit on a reportedly stolen vehicle. Detectives from Shelby Township started working the case and found the vehicle in the area of 22 Mile and Ryan roads.
Officers stopped the vehicle, and the driver and passenger were taken into custody. A search of the vehicle indicated that the occupants were also involved in stealing Amazon packages, police said. The occupants of the vehicle were interviewed by detectives and charged with possessing stolen property and possession of a stolen vehicle.
Knife pulled on manager
SHELBY TOWNSHIP — At 9:41 a.m. Sept. 2, police officers responded to Dequindre Estates, near Dequindre and Hamlin roads, for a threats complaint. Officers investigated and found that a felonious assault had occurred, police said.
Officers met with the caller, a manager of the mobile home park, who stated that he had been notified that one of his tenets was moving out. The caller went to the address to collect unpaid rent and was confronted by the man who was moving out. The caller reportedly stated there was a verbal argument and the man pulled a knife from his pocket and started to approach the caller. The suspect left the area prior to officers’ arrival, police said, and the case was turned over to the detective bureau for follow-up.
K-9 smells illegal drugs in vehicle
SHELBY TOWNSHIP — In the early evening Sept. 15, police officers from Shelby Township conducted a traffic stop in the area of Ryan and Auburn roads. The officers made contact with the driver and his two occupants. During the traffic stop, a Shelby Township police dog was on the scene. The K-9 officer started to do a sniff of the vehicle, and the dog indicated that there were possible illegal drugs in the vehicle.
A search of the vehicle uncovered illegal drugs hidden inside, police said. The driver and occupants were taken to the Shelby Township Police Department for further investigation with the detective bureau.
Two people cited for starting fire
SHELBY TOWNSHIP — Police officers from Shelby Township responded to River Bends Park for a female suspect and male suspect in the park causing a disturbance at 7:58 a.m. Sept. 15. Officers saw a small fire in the park with the suspects near the fire. The male suspect advised that he had started the fire to keep warm. The officers on the scene extinguished the fire and then spoke with the suspects. The female suspect reportedly gave a false name to officers and later stated that she lied because she was scared. The suspects were cited for open burning and advised to leave the park.
Wanted suspect arrested
GROSSE POINTE 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.
Jeep taken
GROSSE POINTE 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.
Suspicious stop MACOMB TOWNSHIP — At around 9:30 p.m. on Oct. 1, deputies were called to the 21000 block of Homestead Drive for an auto accident.
COMMUNITY CALENDAR
OCT. 17 Senior Expo: More than 50 exhibitors with information about healthcare, recreation, self improvement and more, also workshops about elder law, food as medicine and more, keynote by WDIV-TV anchor Devin Scillian, 8:30 a.m.-1:30 p.m., Greek Assumption Cultural Center, 21800 Marter Road in St. Clair Shores, free shuttle bus from Lake Front Park, 23000 Jefferson Ave. in St. Clair Shores
OCT. 19
Local author showcase: Program at 1:30 p.m. (arrive as early as 1 p.m.), St. Clair Shores Public Library, 22500 11 Mile Road, scslibrary.org
Baby shower: Drop off items to be donated to local pregnancy help centers, stay for refreshments and gift basket drawings, noon-3 p.m., Right to Life of Michigan, 27417 Harper Ave. in St. Clair Shores, (586) 774-6050, macombrlm@rtl.org
Soup And Sandwich Saturday: Free hot lunch includes turkey, potatoes, stuffing, chili, pumpkin pie and more, 11 a.m.-2 p.m., St. Thomas Lutheran Church, 23801 Kelly Road in Eastpointe, (586) 772-3370
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. 20
Halloween Fun Fest: Trick-or-treating for ages 12 and younger, also petting zoo, cider and doughnuts, pumpkin carving, photo booth and more, halfhour time slots run 12:30-4 p.m., Veterans Memorial Park, 32400 Jefferson Ave. in St. Clair Shores, entry by wristbands only (sold at Civic Ice Arena, 20000 Stephens), facebook.com/st.clairshoresparksandrecreation, (586) 445-5350
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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, 6:30-8:30 p.m., St. Clair Shores Public Library, 22500 11 Mile Road, scslibrary.org
OCT. 23
Free medicare help: Hosted by Michigan Medicare Assistance Program and AgeWays, meet with trained counselor by appointment, 10 a.m.-4 p.m., also Nov. 22 and Dec. 2, St. Clair Shores Senior Center for Active Adults, 20100 Stephens Road, (800) 803-7174
OCT. 25
Trunk or treat: Also free hot dog, cider and doughnuts, 6-8 p.m., Lake Shore Presbyterian Church, 27801 Jefferson Ave. in St. Clair Shores, www. facebook.com/lakeshorepresbyterianchurch
OCT. 25-26
Christmas Resale: 9 a.m.-4 p.m. Oct. 25 (early bird 8 a.m.) and 9 a.m.-3 p.m. Oct. 26, St. Margaret of Scotland, 21201 E. 13 Mile Road in St. Clair Shores, (586) 293-2240
OCT. 26
Skelebration: Pumpkin patch, trick-or-treating, DJ, magic shows, dog costume contest and more, noon-3 p.m., also costume parade at 2:30 p.m., downtown St. Clair Shores along Greater Mack Avenue from Nine Mile Road to Nine Mack Drive and Cavalier Drive intersection, (586) 771-8510, facebook.com/DowntownStClairShores
St. Clair Shores Downtown Social District: Vendors, food trucks and street games, 5 p.m.-midnight, also live music 5:30-11 p.m., Nine Mile Road and Greater Mack Avenue, scsmi.net/social-district
Trunk or treat: Also Halloween events inside, 5-7 p.m., Michigan Military Technical & Historical Society Museum, 16600 Stephens Road in Eastpointe, (586) 872-2581, mimths@mimths.org, mimths.org
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upon arrival, who identified himself as the owner of a black Nissan Maxima he crashed into a parked car. He said he crashed into the car while sneezing. The man told deputies he was at a local sports bar getting a burger prior to the crash. After initially refusing to answer if he had been drinking, he reportedly eventually told deputies that he was drinking “ginger ale.” Deputies suspected the man was intoxicated and administered field sobriety tests and a breath test, which reportedly registered a 0.123 blood alcohol content.
Macomb Mall 60th anniversary celebration: Entertainment by Spinnovation Detroit and comedy-magician Cameron Zvara, also free face painting, balloons, cake, goodie bags, giveaways, music and more, 12:30-3 p.m., 32233 Gratiot Ave. in Roseville, shopmacombmall.com/events
Smetanka Craft Show: 10 a.m.-4 p.m., Sports & Expo Center, Building P on Macomb Community College - South Campus, 14500 E. 12 Mile Road in Warren, (810) 658-0440, smetankacraftshows.com
OCT. 30
Halloween party: Witches and wizards theme with catered meal, 50-50 drawing and prizes drawings, noon-2 p.m., St. Clair Shores Senior Center for Active Adults, 20100 Stephens Road, RSVP by Oct. 23, (586) 445-0996
NOV. 3
Fall craft and vendor show: Also basket raffles and 50-50, refreshments, beer and wine (for purchase), and food truck, 10 a.m.-4 p.m., Lakeshore Knights of Columbus, 25003 Little Mack Ave. in St. Clair Shores, (586) 771-4380
ONGOING
Silent Book Group: Socializing at 6:30 p.m. and silent reading at 8 p.m. every third Wednesday of month, bring own book, for ages 18 and older, St. Clair Shores Public Library, 22500 11 Mile Road, (586) 771-9020, scslibrary.org
Activities for seniors: Crafting, movies, knitting and crocheting, dominoes, euchre, pickleball and many more games, St. Clair Shores Senior Center for Active Adults, 20100 Stephens Road, (586) 445-0996
Lakeside Palette Club of St. Clair Shores: Open studio events, 11 a.m.-3 p.m. Tuesdays, St. Clair Shores Adult Education Center inside North Lake High School, 23340 Elmira St., (586) 944-8253, LPCofSCS@gmail.com, lakesidepaletteclub.org
