10/5/23 Grosse Ponte Times by C & G Newspapers

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Community mourns loss of ULS grad killed in car crash BY K. MICHELLE MORAN kmoran@candgnews.com

NEW PARK CITY CLERK TO START SHORTLY BEFORE ELECTION BY K. MICHELLE MORAN

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PARK — With the Nov. 7 general election fast approaching, Grosse Pointe Park is getting a new city clerk just in time. During a special meeting Sept. 27, the Grosse Pointe Park City Council voted 4-0 in favor of appointing Bridgette Bowdler, 46, the new clerk. Mayor Michele Hodges and City Council members Thomas Caulfield, Marty McMillan and Max Wiener voted in favor of the appointment. Other council members weren’t able to attend the meeting, which started at 5 p.m. See CLERK on page 9A

At left, Grosse Pointe Park Mayor Michele Hodges and, at right, River Rouge Mayor William L. Campbell stand with Bridgette Bowdler, the new Park city clerk. Photo by K. Michelle Moran

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WOODS — The community is mourning the loss of a bright young college student whose life ended too soon. Honor Wallace, 19, of Grosse Pointe Woods, was a 2022 graduate of University Liggett School. A student at Southern Methodist University in Texas, media reports state that Wallace was killed by an alleged drunken driver during a crash Sept. 24 in Dallas. “The SMU community is deeply saddened by the tragic death of Honor Wallace,” Dr. K.C. Mmeje, SMU vice president for student affairs, said in an emailed statement. “Honor was a valued member of our community, and we offer our heartfelt condolences and support to all who are affected by this loss. Our thoughts and prayers go out to her Honor Wallace family, friends and classmates during this difficult time.” SMU Dean of Students Melinda J. Sutton, associate vice president for student affairs, communicated the terrible loss in an email to students and staff, as the school offered support and resources to those mourning Wallace’s death. Sutton said Wallace was pursuing degrees in Spanish and English.

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GROSSE POINTE TIMES • OCTOBER 5, 2023

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SECOND FRONT PAGE Board of Ed informally agrees to superintendent salary range

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3A/ GROSSE POINTE TIMES • OCTOBER 5, 2023

BY K. MICHELLE MORAN

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FARMS — The Grosse Pointe Board of Education is getting started on its search for a new superintendent. On Sept. 27, the district posted the job listing for the position. The post followed a Sept. 26 meeting of the Grosse Pointe Board of Education at Brownell Middle School in Grosse Pointe Farms during which the board heard from its search coordinator, Jay Bennett, assistant director of executive search services for the Michigan Association of School Boards. The board informally agreed on a superintendent salary range of $275,000 to $350,000. That’s a substantial increase from what the district had been paying former superintendent Jon Dean; a slide comparing superintendent salaries in districts comparable to the Grosse Pointes listed the Grosse Pointe superintendent’s salary at $168,251. Board member Valarie St. John thought the salary range was “pretty high” and asked if they could lower the minimum figure, given that this would mean they were offering the highest superintendent salary in the area. Other board members disagreed. “I think this is the most important position in the

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GROSSE POINTE TIMES • OCTOBER 5, 2023

charges. Police said the suspect was “highly agitated.” After he was put in an ambulance to be taken to the hospital for bleeding wounds on his hands, he reportedly demanded sexual acts from emergency medical personnel. Given the suspect’s state and demeanor, the paramedic on the ambulance said he would be seeking a mental health evaluation at the hospital for the suspect.

CRIME

WATCH Former employee goes on destructive tirade

FARMS — A 20-year-old Detroit man is facing multiple possible charges after he reportedly went on a destructive rampage at a store where he used to work when he learned he was being fired. According to a police report, at around 4:07 p.m. Sept. 17, the suspect was at his former place of employment — a store in the 18000 block of Mack Avenue — when he started yelling insults at a male former co-worker. The suspect is then said by his former co-workers to have grabbed a bottle of wine worth $18 from the sales floor and thrown it on the ground, causing it to shatter. The suspect is said to have verbally threatened and harassed a female cashier and swung a plastic shopping basket around, causing an estimated $20 worth of damage to two ornamental flower arrangements. The report states that the suspect continued to lash out at a co-worker near the store entrance, and once the suspect and the co-worker were outside, the suspect is alleged to have taken a fighting stance and balled his fists and raised them as if he were about to hit the co-worker. The suspect is said to have spat in the face of his co-worker as this point. The suspect was arrested walking nearby and LEFT is facing CHEST: possible charges including assault and battery, malicious destruction of property and disorderly person. The suspect was also permanently banned from store property, or he would face trespassing

Prowlers questioned

PARK — Police responded to the area of Lakepointe Street and Vernor Highway at around 5:50 a.m. Sept. 19 after getting a call about suspicious individuals prowling. Police said they found six people in the area between the ages of 16 and 19 and questioned them. One of the alleged prowlers, an 18-year-old Detroit man, was found to have a warrant against him out of Lansing for allegedly stealing a vehicle, for which he was arrested. Police said a second suspect was discovered to have recently been arrested for vehicle theft. That suspect and the others were identified and released.

Tickets snatched

WOODS — A customer at a gas station in the 20000 block of Mack Avenue reported to police that someone stole his lottery tickets after he purchased them at around 7 p.m. Sept. 20. The victim said he bought $9 worth of tickets and stepped away from the counter. The cashier placed the tickets on the counter, and before the victim picked up his tickets, he said he saw another customer who appeared to be in his 50s with lottery tickets in his hand — presumably the ones the victim had just purchased. The victim said the store

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Truck taken

FARMS — An unknown suspect is said to have stolen a silver Ram 1500 pickup truck from a resident in the 400 block of Madison Street sometime between the hours of 10:30 p.m. Sept. 20 and 7 a.m. Sept. 21. The victim told police the vehicle was parked on Webster Street near his home at the time of the theft. He said the keys were still with him and not in the vehicle. Anyone with more information can call (313) 8852100.

Not flying the friendly skies

CITY — A 20-year-old Detroit woman was detained by airport police at Detroit Metropolitan Airport Sept. 19 after she was found to be wanted on a warrant out of Grosse Pointe City for allegedly passing a counterfeit $100 bill at The Village Starbucks location April 18. The suspect is facing a counterfeit currency charge.

Vehicle stolen

PARK — Police said an unknown suspect took a 2019 Ford Escape from the 1200 block of Kensington Road while it was parked on the street between the hours of 11 p.m. Sept. 21 and 8:45 a.m. Sept. 22. A report states that the vehicle was unlocked with the key fob left inside at the time it was stolen. Anyone with more information can call (313) 822-7400.

Retail fraud suspect arrested

FARMS — A 28-year-old Grosse Pointe Farms woman could be facing a

third-degree retail fraud charge after she is said to have exited a store in the 18000 block of Mack Avenue at 1:21 p.m. Sept. 21 carrying a four-pack of High Noon Seltzer, valued at $10.99, without paying for the alcohol. Police reportedly located the suspect walking nearby with the seltzer, which is when they arrested her. The suspect was also given a trespassing warning and advised not to return to the store.

Landscaping gear removed from vehicle

PARK — An unknown suspect is said to have stolen a RedMax backpack leaf blower from a landscaping truck while it was parked in the 600 block of Pemberton Road at 1:44 p.m. Sept. 20. Anyone with more information can call (313) 822-7400.

Trespasser arrested on warrants

FARMS — Police called to a gas station in the 19000 block of Mack Avenue at 5:53 a.m. Sept. 22 about a customer who was allegedly causing trouble said they immediately recognized the suspect — a 47-year-old Harper Woods man — as someone they’ve dealt with before. A police report states that the suspect was previously warned not to return to the location and cited for trespassing at the gas station. Police said the suspect was also found to have several warrants against him out of 36th District Court in Detroit, including for assault and battery and a misdemeanor warrant for shoplifting. The suspect was arrested on the warrants, but because police said he had engaged in destructive behavior the last time he was in their custody, the suspect was transported by Detroit police to a Detroit detention facility. Continued on page 5A

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GROSSE POINTE TIMES • OCTOBER 5, 2023

Emily’s Julian Gagnon, 8, of Grosse Pointe Woods earned first place in InsideOut Literary Arts’ annual poetry contest.

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WOODS — In the vivid world of Julian Gagnon’s imagination, if the Detroit River could sing, “She would sing me awake in the painted blue morning.” It was literary observations like that that earned Gagnon, 8, of Grosse Pointe Woods, first place in InsideOut Literary Arts’ annual poetry contest this fall. Gagnon, a third grader at Monteith Elementary School, bested about 100 other writers in the age 18 and under category — many of whom were twice his age. He was invited to read his poem during an event Sept. 14 at the Detroit Riverfront’s Robert C. Valade Park as part of If the River Could Sing: A Celebration of Writing and River with InsideOut. There was also an adult contest for those over 18. Writers were asked to respond to the prompt, “If the river could sing.” “His poem was just so beautiful and so genuine,” Julian’s mom, Mary Gagnon, said. “He did a lovely job of capturing the prompt.” Mary Gagnon said her oldest child excels in the free writing environment that poetry provides. See POEM on page 7A

CRIME

WATCH Stolen purse found

PARK — An empty purse that had been stolen from an unlocked vehicle parked in a driveway in the 1200 block of Maryland Street was recovered by police in a yard nearby. The incident happened between the hours of 6 p.m. Sept. 18 and 6:20 a.m. Sept. 19. Anyone with more information can call (313) 822-7400.

Unlocked bike taken

FARMS — Sometime between the hours of 8 a.m. and 5 p.m. Sept. 13, an unknown suspect is said to have stolen a girl’s purple and blue Schwinn bike with red and white striping and a white cupholder from the bike rack behind Brownell Middle School. The bike was unlocked at the time because the girl who owned it was running late for class and didn’t have time to secure it. Anyone with more information can call (313) 885-2100. — K. Michelle Moran

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‘Absolutely magical’ playscape built by community no longer slated for replacement PARK — A beloved playscape at Grosse Pointe Park’s Patterson Park won’t be meeting with the wrecking ball anytime soon. After hearing from hundreds of residents — nearly 1,000 of whom signed a petition — the 32-year-old playscape — which was installed and designed by residents in 1990 — isn’t going anywhere. Instead, the new playscape being donated by the nonprofit Grosse Pointe Park Foundation is slated to be built at Windmill Pointe Park. In response to public outcry, the foundation reevaluated its plan and opted to build the play structure in a different spot. “We will not be taking down anything at Patterson Park,” said Bob Lucas, a trustee with the Grosse Pointe Park Foundation, during a Sept. 11 Park City Council meeting. “It will stay as is.” Lucas was tapped by the foundation as the point person on this project because of his experience working on the Grosse Pointe Rotary Tot Lot in Grosse Pointe City. He said the new playscape, which is accessible and meets modern play equipment safety standards, should fit into the area at Windmill Pointe Park where they now plan to locate it. The equipment had already been ordered because plans had been to start work on the project at Patterson Park in October. “I think it’s going to be a great fit,” Lucas said. “I think we’re going to end up with a really great project. … Hopefully, everybody’s appreciative that we listened to everyone.” Parks and Recreation Director Chad Craig said he believed the playscape would increase traffic at Windmill Pointe Park, especially outside the peak summer season. “I think this is a win-win-win,” Craig said of retaining the Patterson Park playscape while having the GPPF build the new one at Windmill Pointe Park. “Every project (the foundation) has taken on has been an improvement (to the community). … I am wholeheartedly appreciative of what the foundation is going to do for us.” Longtime Park resident Ron Porter recalled the construction of the Patterson playscape. “It was truly a community effort,” Porter said. “Everybody in the community helped — kids, adults, grandparents.” Porter said the playscape was “imagined and designed” by students at Defer and Trombly elementary schools and Pierce Middle School, and kids emptied their piggybanks to raise money for it.

On the first day of construction, he said, they were short of volunteers, but those on-site agreed to work longer, and as word trickled out into the city that more people were needed, additional volunteers started showing up. “By the end of the day, we had more volunteers than we could feed,” Porter said, noting that even Mayor Palmer Heenan showed up to lend a hand. “That’s why this project was so important — it was really a community project,” Porter continued. Accompanied by her two young children, Paisley Mackie also called for the playscape’s preservation. “The new ones are nice, but this one’s got character,” Mackie said. “This one was designed by kids. … It’s very special.” She said she believed they could repair it rather than replace it. Arlene Rozzelle said her kids loved the playscape, and the design led to more imaginative play. “Please don’t tear down that wonderful playground,” Rozzelle said. “It’s unique and the kids become creative and they plan adventures on it.” Sherilyn Russell-Steiger and her young son, Charlie Steiger, also sang the praises of the play structure. “It has the nooks and crannies, (and) you can play tag,” Charlie Steiger said. Trista Wdziekonski, whose children are ages 9 and 13, still enjoy this playscape. “It grows with the child, and it offers something that challenges the child,” Wdziekonski said. “It is a treasure, and I don’t think it should be lost.” Cassandra Pettiford, who recently moved to the Park, said her children, ages 6 and 9, love this playscape. “This is absolutely magical,” Pettiford said. “I appreciate the history. It’s so great to hear the community came together to make it happen. … It’s something special. … Each and every time my children play (there), they find something new.” Like other speakers, Pettiford appreciated the fact that this playscape “isn’t cookie-cutter.” She felt the solid wood structure seemed to be in good condition, despite its age. Park resident Matt Kahl said the old playscape “is very well built.” “I moved here three years ago because (the Park) had history and it had magic … and you as city (leaders) have a responsibility to be stewards of that magic,” Kahl said as he urged the council to preserve the playscape. Other speakers pointed out that this

playscape is engaging for older children — something that can’t be said for most modern playscapes, which are designed for younger kids. “Every kid deserves to get (something) to play with,” said longtime Park resident Dick Schroeder, one of the volunteers who built the playscape. Some council members accused city administrators of failing to engage the community on this project, as many residents

said they didn’t know the Patterson Park playscape was slated for demolition until they saw something about it on social media. However, administrators noted that this project has been in the planning stages since 2018; construction was delayed by the COVID-19 pandemic and costs that ballooned afterward. City Councilman Marty McMillan said he was one of the volunteers who worked on See PLAYSCAPE on page 15A

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from page 5A

“He loves to write poetry,” she said. “He does a lot of writing at home.” Julian’s river poem is no fluke. He has also written other pieces that demonstrate a maturity and acuity with language far beyond his years. “I write poetry a lot,” Julian said. “I usually like making my own topic (to write about).” Founded in 1995, InsideOut is the largest and oldest literary nonprofit in Detroit. Through programs and classes, InsideOut encourages young people to develop their writing and find their own voices. For If the River Could Sing, InsideOut partnered with another community nonprofit, the Detroit Riverfront Conservancy. “InsideOut Literary Arts is known for our work in schools and with students, but we are committed to creating community events that demystify poetry and engage new audiences,” InsideOut Executive Director Suma Karaman Rosen said in a press release. “If the River Could Sing is a beautiful and unforgettable evening that culminates with a sunset showcase of music and poetry.” This was the second year for the contest and reading on the riverfront. “It was a little scary, but I was brave enough to do it,” Julian said of reading for the large crowd. Julian should be getting used to the attention by now, though. Two years ago, while he and his mom were hiking the Dinosaur Hill Nature Preserve in Rochester, Julian discovered a mastodon tooth in Paint Creek — although he initially just thought he’d pulled a “cool rock” out of the creek bed. Mary Gagnon contacted the paleontology department at the University of Michigan, where the find was authenticated. Julian donated the tooth to the museum, where he got a special behind-the-scenes tour. His

name is now attached to the find. “Julian’s paleontology career was kind of kicked off then,” Mary Gagnon said. “We spent the entire summer (that year) fossil hunting and rock hunting.” Besides getting to read his poem, Julian met Nandi Comer — the poet laureate of Michigan — at the InsideOut event. “She introduced him and introduced his poem,” Mary Gagnon said. “That was very exciting for him.” It was his mother who urged Julian to enter the contest. Mary Gagnon is a writer herself, as well as a former high school English teacher who now works as a lead teacher for InsideOut. Her connection isn’t the reason why Julian won, however — the entries were submitted without the names of the writers, so the judges evaluated the poems based on their individual merits and not who penned them. Mary Gagnon laughs that she submitted a poem to the adult portion of the contest but didn’t walk away with an award. Writing is in the family’s DNA. Mary Gagnon said her parents immigrated to America from Lebanon, where her father, Kamal Bazzi, was a published poet. Julian was only 9 months old when Bazzi died in 2015. Mary Gagnon said Julian learned he’d won the poetry contest on the anniversary of his grandfather’s death — Sept. 12. She said her father would have been extremely proud of his grandson, the oldest of Gagnon’s three children. “I feel like if my dad were still alive, this would be a really big thing for him,” Mary Gagnon said. “Julian was one of his first grandchildren.” Being able to share their mutual love of reading and writing has been special for mother and son. “I have been writing my entire life,” Mary Gagnon said. “It’s been a really integral part of my life and career. I’m just so happy to see one of the kids has a love for writing. As an English teacher, I couldn’t be happier.”

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NEWS & NOTES 8A/ GROSSE POINTE TIMES • OCTOBER 5, 2023

CONCERT TO RAISE MONEY FOR GPT

Singer/songwriter Jef Fisk will perform during the popular Fisk for Footlights fundraiser for Grosse Pointe Theatre at 7 p.m. Oct. 15 in the Undercroft at Christ Church Grosse Pointe, 61 Grosse Pointe Blvd. in Grosse Pointe Farms. Tickets cost $25. Attendees can bring their own food or beverages — including beer and wine — but liquor is prohibited. For tickets or more information, visit gpt.org or call (313) 881-4004.

LENDING A HAND

The League of Women Voters of Grosse Pointe helped Grosse Pointe Farms officials prepare absentee ballots for mailing Sept. 22 at Pier Park. They also volunteered with Grosse Pointe Park to prepare ballots being mailed to residents there. Voters can find their polling location, register to vote or see a sample ballot by visiting mvic.sos.state.mi.us.

VOLUNTEERS NEEDED

The nonprofit Moross Greenway Project is seeking volunteers for a fall community cleanup from 9 a.m. to noon Oct. 7. Organizers need people to plant daffodil bulbs and pick up trash in the seven median islands on Moross Road between Ascension St. John Hospital and Interstate 94. Anyone interested in lending a hand should meet in front of Mt. Pleasant Missionary Baptist Church, 21150 Moross Road (at Edgefield Street) in Detroit. Volunteers should park in the center lot between Mt. Pleasant and Love Rising churches. Participants should dress for weather conditions and wear sturdy footwear and gloves. Those who’d like to plant should bring a shovel. Trash bags, water and traffic vests will be provided. For more information, email MorossGreenwayProject@gmail.com.

Get safety advice

Grosse Pointe Woods invites the community to its public safety open house from noon to 3 p.m. Oct. 8 at the fire station, part of the Woods City Hall complex at 20025 Mack Plaza Drive. This event is free and will include opportunities for people to get tips on fire safety and public safety. There will be K-9 and equipment demonstrations, a smoke house fire safety session, and a chance to meet with public safety, Medstar Ambulance and U.S. Coast Guard Auxiliary personnel. In addition, there will be giveaways and complimentary cider, chips and doughnuts. This event is open to anyone — not just Woods residents.

Hear choirs perform

Grosse Pointe South High School’s award-winning show choirs will perform at 7 p.m. Oct. 7 at the Christian A. Fenton Performing Arts Center at Grosse Pointe North High School, 707 Vernier Road in Grosse Pointe Woods. The Fall Showcase concert will be the debut performance for new Choir Director Carolyn Gross. Tickets cost $10 for adults, $5 for students and are free for middle schoolers. For advance tickets or more information, visit gpsouthchoir.org.

Gala scheduled

The 27th annual auction gala for The Helm at the Boll Life Center will take place Oct. 12 at the Grosse Pointe Yacht Club in Grosse Pointe Shores. This year’s honoree is Dr. Kevin Grady, president and CEO for East Region Ascension Michigan. The gala will include live and silent auctions, cocktails, hors d’oeuvres and dinner. There will also be raffles. Bidding on silent auction items will start Oct. 6. Gala tickets cost $275 per person. For tickets or more information, visit helmlife.org or call (313) 882-9600.

ENJOY A LAUGH, HELP A FAMILY IN NEED

The nonprofit Furniture Bank of Southeastern Michigan will hold its annual comedy show fundraiser — featuring Emmy Award-winner Paul Mercurio — at 6 p.m. Oct. 12 at Mark Ridley’s Comedy Castle in Royal Oak. Tickets cost $80 per person and include a buffet dinner, live auction and 50/50 raffle. The Furniture Bank provides families across metro Detroit with crucial furnishings, such as beds and mattresses, so that parents and children can get a good night’s sleep and don’t have to sleep on the floor. This is made possible by donations of cash and gently used furniture. The need is especially acute now, as Furniture Bank officials report that furniture donations are down 15% while the organization has seen a 30% spike in the number of families seeking their help since last year. “The pandemic prompted many people to get rid of their furniture, but now that we are on the other side, we’ve seen furniture donations drop,” Furniture Bank Executive Director Rob Boyle said in a press release. “At the same time, our referrals for families in need continue to rise. This, coupled with the increasing costs of inflation and fuel, makes it even more challenging to provide essential furniture items to people who need them most. Our mission is to ensure that children and families have beds to sleep in, tables to eat on, and other basic comforts so that they can rebuild their lives and live with dignity.” Mercurio, who received Emmy and Peabody awards for his work on “The Late Show with Stephen Colbert,” has also had his own hit one-man Broadway show. He grew up in his family’s furniture business. For tickets, email events@Furniture-Bank.org or call (248) 332-1300. For more about making a furniture donation, visit furniture-bank.org.

STAY HEALTHY

The Helm at the Boll Life Center, 158 Ridge Road in Grosse Pointe Farms, will host a flu clinic with shots recommended for seniors Oct. 13. Attendees should bring their Medicare cards, supplemental insurance cards and driver’s license or state identification. Those without insurance will need to pay for the shots. Registration is required. To register or for more information, visit helmlife.org or call (313) 882-9600.

GROSSE POINTE TIMES • OCTOBER 5, 2023

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“With deep sadness, I am writing to share news of the death of SMU student Honor Elizabeth Wallace, who passed away Sunday, September 24, 2023,” Sutton wrote. “Honor, 19, had just begun her sophomore year at SMU this Fall.” Wallace’s alma mater was in mourning as well. ULS held a candlelight vigil to honor Wallace’s memory Sept. 28. A statement from ULS said Wallace was a Liggett Merit Scholar and a “cherished and valued member” of the ULS community. “Honor’s untimely passing has left a void in our hearts, as she was a beacon of light among us, known for her intelligence, kindness, and unwavering dedication to her studies and fellow students. Her absence will be deeply felt by all who had the privilege of knowing her,” the statement reads in part. Wallace’s younger sister, Harper, is a member of the University Liggett School Class of 2024. At press time, funeral information wasn’t yet available for Wallace. Call Staff Writer K. Michelle Moran at (586) 498-1047.

Bowdler, a River Rouge native, has been the deputy clerk for that city for the last four years. A member of the Michigan Association of Municipal Clerks and the Wayne County Clerks Association, Bowdler is a state-certified election official and is certified by the Michigan Association of Municipal Clerks as a Michigan Professional Municipal Clerk. At press time, Bowdler said she would be starting the MAMC’s program to become certified as a master clerk. She has an associate degree in business management from Henry Ford Community College. “We’re blessed to have someone of Bridgette’s caliber leading such an important component of city government,” Hodges said. “We look forward to working closely together.” Bowdler acknowledged it was tough to be leaving her hometown — her grandfather is a former River Rouge commissioner, her father-in-law is a former mayor and her husband is a Department of Public Works employee. Still, she’s looking forward to stepping into her new role. “I’m super excited to be here,” Bowdler told the council. “You guys have a beautiful community.” Her husband, sons, granddaughters and father-in-law were among the family members present to cheer her on. Besides her family, River Rouge Mayor William L. Campbell was on hand to show his support for Bowdler’s appointment. “I don’t want to lose her, but I lost her to a good place,” Campbell said. “She’s an excellent worker. It’s a great opportunity for her.”

from page 1A

NATIONAL

Park City Manager Nick Sizeland was impressed by Bowdler’s credentials and enthusiasm. “One of the things we were looking for was somebody who can not only hit the ground running, but is also passionate about her work,” Sizeland said. Sizeland said Bowdler brought a number of community events to River Rouge, and Park officials are eager to see what ideas she might have for the Park. “I think Bridgette is the type of person that is going to challenge us and bring us bright ideas,” he said. “I think we’re going to have quite a good (clerk) here.” In addition to serving as deputy clerk in River Rouge, Bowdler was the police and fire retirement system administrator and the employee retirement system administrator. Besides her work for the city, Bowdler has an extensive history of volunteerism that includes serving as president of the River Rouge Parade, collecting pet food for animals in need, work with No Kids Without a Christmas — for which she secured gifts for almost 400 kids — and the Backpacks and Kicks Giveaway Carnival, which supplies children with school supplies. “I look very forward to being in this community, and I hope I can make a difference like I did in River Rouge,” Bowdler said. Bowdler is slated to start working in the Park Oct. 9. Call Staff Writer K. Michelle Moran at (586) 498-1047.

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‘Our defense is just that good’ SPORTS

UNIVERSITY LIGGETT DEFENSE NEARING HISTORIC FEAT

BY JONATHAN SZCZEPANIAK

jszczepaniak@candgnews.com

WOODS — Just a year removed from breaking the school record for least number of goals given up in a season (12), Grosse Pointe Woods University Liggett is on the fast track to yet another historic season. If you looked at their schedule and saw 11 shutouts in 12 games, you’d probably want to do a double take to make sure your eyes didn’t deceive you. They didn’t, for University Liggett’s defense is on pace to be one of the most dominant defensive units in Michigan High School Athletic Association boys soccer history. “We just play with a ton of energy all around the field,” senior defender John Francis said. “We never give up easy passes, and we’re always on the ball, which takes a bit of pressure off our back line. If it gets through our midfield, we switch onto the back and we’re ready to take care of anything.” Francis, an all-state honorable mention in 2022, leads an extremely talented back

line group with senior Nicholas Greene, junior Alex Wysocki and sophomore Caden Martin that has collected nine consecutive shutouts as of press time. So, at just how historic of a pace is Liggett’s defensive unit playing? According to the MHSAA record books, the number for most consecutive shutouts in a season is 16, while the most shutouts in a season stands at 22. For fewest goals allowed, the number stands at four goals through the entirety of a season. Liggett (12-0) allowed three goals in a 4-3 win against Detroit Cristo Rey earlier this season, so the top spot will be a tough hill to climb, but a deep run in the state tournament has the consecutive shutouts still in play. On top of its impressive record, Liggett’s been doing it with the help of first-year goalkeeper and senior Preston Barr. Barr, a University of Michigan baseball commit, played midfield for Liggett last season,

ABOVE: Grosse Pointe Woods University Liggett senior Claudio Cavallo plays the ball during Liggett’s 5-0 win over Plymouth Christian Academy Oct. 2 at Liggett High School. LEFT: University Liggett senior Cass Cooley fights for possession.

See LIGGETT on page 17A

Photos by Erin Sanchez

Finally, Full Body MRI Screenings Available Locally, Delivers Peace of Mind To Michigan Families A Glimpse Inside the State’s Premier Full Body MRI Screening Center

SOUTHFIELD- Full body MRI clinics have gained national attention lately, as TV personalities publicly share their personal full body scan experiences. One actress credits the scan for saving her life after doctors dismissed her unexplained pain for months. After various tests, including a CT scan, had “unremarkable” results, the pregnant actress became her own advocate, searched out a full body MRI clinic and discovered she had pancreatic cancer. Thanks to early detection the tumor was removed successfully. As a general rule, when symptoms occur related to cancer, it usually has progressed to stage three or four. Even with annual physicals, there are limitations. Most screenings only cover about 29% of cancers with 71% occur-

ring outside of where doctors are able to screen. However, full body MRI scans can detect cancer in every organ from the top of the head through the genitals and can detect it very early. For a long time, full body MRI scans were available only in select areas outside of Michigan, requiring expensive flights like in Vancouver or California. However, this changed when a clinic opened in Southfield, making these scans available to Metro Detroit residents. “Our advanced MRI screening can detect cancers very early when they are as small as a pencil eraser and are more easily treatable. If cancer goes undetected, however, it can grow into stage three or stage four with difficult treatments. We can also identify conditions

such as brain, abdominal, chest, and groin aneurysms,” stated the founder of the Southfield clinic called Bionicc Body Screening. The primary focus of Bionicc Body Screening is to deliver peace of mind, offering a comprehensive and detailed imaging of the body’s internal structures. The ultimate hope is for excellent health. However, in the event that something is detected, the advanced screening aims to catch any potential issues at their earliest stages. This approach offers the best opportunity for successful treatment outcomes, should the need arise. Robert B., age 50, opted for a full body scan from Bionicc Body Screening and a very small tumor was detected. He said, “It saved my

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NATURE-BASED LEARNING ON THE RISE IN MICHIGAN

Firefly Forest School Director Bailey Lininger uses a trail sign to engage students outdoors.

Photo by Lindsey Billings, provided by Firefly Forest School

‘IT REALLY BUILDS RESILIENCE, AND KIDDOS UNDERSTAND THAT THEY ARE PART OF THE WORLD AROUND THEM’ BY MARY BETH ALMOND malmond@candgnews.com

METRO DETROIT — Constantly inundated by technology, today’s kids are spending much of their free time hunched over a screen inside instead of playing outdoors. Parents, on the other hand, are busy looking for experiences that will allow their children to unplug and get active, sparking the demand for nature-based schools and programs across the nation. The drive to offer kids hands-on learning experiences outdoors — commonly referred to as the forest school or nature school movement — is a trend that’s gaining momentum nationwide, including in Michigan. In these schools and programs, children spend most — or all — of their time outside. Last year, the Farmington Hills Nature Center at Heritage Park opened a Nature Preschool for children ages 3-5. “We use the outdoors as our classroom, so we’re really building skills in a real-world learning environment. Skills like resilience, social skills, building a classroom community, and building a respect and curiosity for nature,” said Nature Center Supervisor Ashlie Smith. Students at the Heritage Park Nature Preschool — a state licensed child care center with preschool teachers who are Forest School Certified — learn outside every day for the entire half-day class See LEARNING on page 15A

Ford House Offers Educational Programs For All Ages

The kids are back in school, but they aren’t the only ones learning something new this fall. The Edsel and Eleanor Ford House in Grosse Pointe Shores is offering programs for adults and youths that promise to be enlightening, engaging and educational. “We really focus on all learners,” Ford House Director of Education Jason Dake said. “We want to provide educational programs for everyone.” Edsel and Eleanor Ford were known for their impeccable sense of style along with their efforts to protect their estate’s natural environment, so a sustainability talk about fashion at 7 p.m. Nov. 2 in the Visitor Center is an ideal fit. Fashion designer, stylist and consultant Paulina Petkoski — who worked with designers including Calvin Klein, Isaac Mizrahi, Diane Von Furstenberg and Marc Jacobs — will discuss how the fashion industry is addressing this issue and why it’s so important. Make a beautiful plate or candleholder using the fused glass technique during a Maker Studio workshop at 1 p.m. Nov. 18 in the Visitor Center. Artist and educator Helen Agius-Andreae will lead participants as they design their piece, which will be fused and slumped in a kiln and ready for pickup from

the Ford House two weeks later. All materials are supplied — just bring your imagination. No experience is necessary.

See spaces inside the house not normally open to visitors during the “Nooks & Crannies” guided tours on various dates Oct. 6 through Dec. 31. Participants will traverse private stairways, the attic, the basement, the infirmary and the underground tunnel to the Powerhouse. Each “Nooks & Crannies” tour is only open to eight people because it takes participants into some small spaces. Because it involves climbing multiple flights of stairs, it’s not wheelchair accessible. Dake said this is “one of our more popular house tours.” It’s usually only offered during the fall and winter. Advance registration for all programs is strongly recommended as space is limited. To register or for more information, visit www.fordhouse.org/events/.

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GROSSE POINTE TIMES • OCTOBER 5, 2023

period they sign up for. If severe weather occurs, class activities are moved into a licensed classroom at the Nature Center. “It’s meant to be very immersive, where children are learning throughout multiple seasons. … They’re here every day, all winter and on rainy days too … so it really builds resilience, and kiddos understand that they are part of the world around them,” said Smith. To some, it may look like children at the Heritage Park Nature Preschool are simply playing outside for hours each day, but Smith said their time outdoors helps develop valuable skills and fosters traits like resilience, leadership, problem-solving and perseverance. “Instead of having a classroom that is set up for them with everything perfectly arranged, they are learning that things are dynamic, things change and the seasons change. The classroom is different every time they come in, which really builds their ability to become self-sufficient and empowers them in their learning,” she explained. In 2019, Bailey Lininger opened Firefly Forest School to better connect students with the natural world. “Both parents and educators want kids to experience an unplugged childhood as much as they can — one where they can dig for worms, balance on fallen tree trunks and splash in puddles,” said Lininger, the director of Firefly Forest School. Firefly Forest School provides southeast Michigan children ages 3-10 with immersive, nature-based learning through enrich-

Playscape from page 6A

the Patterson Park playscape. “(I want to) thank Bob Lucas and the entire foundation for being able to pivot as we got more information,” McMillan said. Mayor Michele Hodges said the foundation has undertaken more than $4 million worth of projects for the city. “That relieves our general fund … (and) increases property values and quality of life,” Hodges said. The council voted unanimously Sept. 11 to accept the foundation’s donation for a new playscape at Windmill Pointe Park. It’s expected to cost around $400,000. That’s not to say that the Patterson Park playscape won’t be touched, however. It has already exceeded the normal playscape lifes-

pan of 20 years, and Craig said the city’s insurance company has some safety concerns. “Their assessment came back that it would need some major renovations,” Craig said. It wasn’t known at press time what would need to be done to make the structure safer, or how much it might cost. Craig said they had budgeted about $150,000 this year to replace some old play equipment at Patterson Park, so they should be able to apply that to the Patterson playscape instead now. Lucas said the playscape contractor would be coming out to Windmill Pointe Park to see how to reconfigure the equipment to fit a different space. At press time, it wasn’t known when work would start or be completed. However, even in what Lucas said would be a worst-case scenario, construction is expected to start by spring 2024.

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ment programming from nature preserves in the metro Detroit area. “We love being able to complement a more traditional experience at a more traditional school with some time to just run and be free and play and climb and build and dig and do all the things that are a really important part of being a kid,” Lininger said. Every class is held entirely outdoors every day, rain or shine, even in the chilly winter temperatures. “We’re not just going outside for 20 minutes to play at recess or only when it’s nice and sunny and 75 degrees. We really work with our families and our kids to embrace all weather,” Lininger said. Armed with the proper attire and outdoor gear, students are taught how to embrace the world around them as it is and use it as their classroom. “The more time for unstructured play that you give kids in the natural world, the more creative they are, the more they learn, the more they deepen their growth and fine motor skills, the more they are able to explore and learn independently instead of just being guided, and the more opportunities they are given to be creative problem solvers, to think critically about things, to learn to be adaptable and flexible,” added Lininger. Students are free to run, jump, splash and explore and, in the process, they are constantly learning and growing. “One of the things that we really focus on in our program is instilling a sense of selfefficacy and capability in our kids. We’re really focused on giving our kids the chance to feel competent and capable — that’s something that we see a ton of growth in,” Lininger said. “We see a lot of confidence too.”

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16A

Portion of pivotal Village building getting a new look BY K. MICHELLE MORAN kmoran@candgnews.com

CITY — A prominent Village structure is getting some interior and exterior renovations that officials believe will be positive for the retail district. The multi-tenant, mixed use structure 17000 Kercheval Ave. — aka Kercheval Place — is getting some façade changes, new landscaping, outdoor seating for a tenant and two new retail spaces. City Planner Gage Belko, of McKenna Associates, noted during an Aug. 21 Grosse Pointe City Council meeting that this is a “cornerstone building” in The Village; it’s also home to one of the district’s major retailers, Trader Joe’s. Sitting as both the Zoning Board of Appeals and the Planning Commission, the City Council — which functions as both of the aforementioned — had to rule on a variance and a site plan, both of which it approved unanimously Aug. 21. The variance, which pertains to the St. Clair Avenue side of the building, was to deviate from the required 70% of window frontage for the new retail spaces. “Overall, we do support this design,”

Belko said. “We think it’s really going to activate this side of town.” Belko said the plan will replace two large black marble insets with windows. Project architect Jeff Klatt, of Krieger Klatt Architects Inc., said there are windows on that part of the building now, so this is actually adding transparency, not reducing it. “I think this is a huge upgrade from what is there now,” City Councilman Seth Krupp said. As to the site plan, it includes the creation of an outdoor café for a new and improved Village Starbucks location, Belko said. The current Starbucks, located across the street, will be closing once work on the new space is done. Starbucks will be one of two new retail spaces created by this renovation. “There’s good interest in the space,” said the project’s director of construction, Dale Scrace. An architect whose office is in Kercheval Place, Scrace is a former Grosse Pointe City mayor and council member. The façade design includes wood trim details, traditional light fixtures and awnings, Belko said. “Overall, we do recommend approval,”

PARK VOTERS TO DECIDE ON PROPOSED CHARTER CHANGES THIS FALL PARK — Voters in Grosse Pointe Park will have several charter amendments to consider when they cast their ballots this fall. Besides two proposals which, if approved, would allow the establishment of businesses that sell marijuana in the city, there are two additional charter changes in front of voters. The collection fees proposal, Proposal 1, would change the summer tax collection deadline from the Aug. 31 date in the charter to Sept. 14, which City Manager Nick Sizeland said is the deadline the state has established for summer taxes. In essence, if approved, not only would the city be in keeping with state guidelines, but Park taxpayers would get an extra two weeks to pay their summer taxes. Sizeland said the city’s attorneys said the city couldn’t just change the deadline, because it was written into the charter. “We thought the best thing moving forward was to put it on the ballot and go from there,” Sizeland said. Proposal 2 would eliminate primaries for city elections. The way the charter is written now, if there are more than twice the number of candidates running for election as there are open seats, the city has had to hold an August primary to reduce the number. In the last two local election cycles, Sizeland said, the city has had to conduct primaries to eliminate a single candidate; the most recent example was this year’s August primary, which whittled the City Council candidate list from seven to six. Sizeland said each of these primaries cost the city about $12,000. If voters approve Proposal 2, all candidates running for city offices will be in front of the voters in the November general election. The language for both ballot proposals was approved by the Park City Council during a special meeting July 31. The tax collection date question was approved 6-0, while the elimination of primaries for city elections was approved 5-1, with City Councilman Vikas Relan casting the dissenting vote. Mayor Michele Hodges was unable to attend the meeting. — K. Michelle Moran

Belko told the council. “We find this to be an excellent design.” A portion of the existing landscaping wall will be demolished to make way for the entrance to the new tenants, and Belko said right-of-way landscaping and streetscaping will be modified. Mayor Sheila Tomkowiak said the existing plantings are “a little bit tired” and she would like to see some upgrades and a landscape design that didn’t appear lopsided. Kercheval Place representatives said that’s what they have planned. “The idea is to balance that out,” Klatt said. He said they’re working with Tocco Mannino Landscaping and their landscape

plan will be reviewed by City administrators to make sure it’s cohesive with the district. Scrace said they’re considering adding pink Knock Out roses, boxwoods and maybe a yew. The adjacent plaza will remain open. “This plan doesn’t encroach on any (part) of the existing plaza,” Tomkowiak said. Site plan approval came with several conditions, including that the outdoor seating area not be in use between the hours of 11 p.m. and 7 a.m. and that the railing around the outdoor seating area be stored when not in regular use. Scrace said they hope to begin interior demolition in early October.

Spotlight on business...

The Loop Hair and Nail Salon is now The Loop Hair and Tattoo Studio! For the past 21 years Gina Carriveau has owned The Loop Hair and Nail Salon. Recently Gina decided to add a separate room to her shop for tattooing. Her daughter Veronica, a self-taught artist, found a passion in body art. After an extended period of time practicing and being mentored, Veronica was ready to tattoo! Gina said, “ I saw such an opportunity. Body art has become such a huge thing and St Clair Shores and surrounding areas have welcomed it with open arms!” There are very few hair salons in the country that also have tattooing available. The salon has been completely remodeled to accommodate tattooing. When walking into the Loop, the salon is on one side and the tattoo studio is on the other side in a private room. The Loop stylists, which include Gina, her daughter Deanna and Angela, all specialize in hair color, corrective colors and highlights. They offer haircut services for men, women and children. The Loop has been a Paul Mitchell Focus Salon since 2009. Gina says “Being a Focus Salon means we get our education primarily from Paul Mitchell and we use and recommend Paul Mitchell Products.” They also offer minimal nail services including manicure and pedicure and shellac. Facial waxing is also available. The Loop Hair and Tattoo Studio is located at 25837 Jefferson Ave.in St Clair Shores. For an appointment in the salon, call (586) 772-5667(loop), for a tattoo consultation or an appointment, text Veronica at (586) 569-9625 or Instagram @ Vgracetats. 0338-2340

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GROSSE POINTE TIMES • OCTOBER 5, 2023

Liggett from page 10A

but asserted himself as the starting goalkeeper this year. According to Barr, he’s just been along for the ride with the defense. “Honestly, I just haven’t gotten the ball,” Barr said. “Our defense is just that good. I’ve had some saves here and there, but I put it all to the defense. They make my job easy.” Along with the defense, Barr credits his success to his partner in crime at the goalkeeper position, senior goalkeeper Ian Flynn. Barr is more of the starting pitcher while Flynn comes in as the closer to slam the door shut, and Flynn said they’ve cemented themselves as one of the best goalkeeper pairs around.

“Have you seen a backup goalie and starting goalie power duo like us?” Flynn said. “No. Not another duo in the state of Michigan. Probably not the nation. You throw us out there, Ronaldo, Messi, they got nothing on us.” In all seriousness, Flynn brings the type of energy a winning team needs, and he knows his role and plays it to perfection. Just as lethal as the back line has been, the offensive attack has countered with nearly four goals per game this season behind first team all-state selection Claudio Cavallo and Cass Cooley. Both seniors, Cavallo and Cooley are one of the most dynamic one-two punches in Division 4 right now, and their chemistry has been years in the making. “Claudio and I have been playing for eight-ish years together through different schools and clubs, so there’s that built-in

chemistry,” Cooley said. Along with their slew of senior talent, freshman midfielder Ollie Cooley, freshman forward Brady Ancona and freshman midfielder Landon Wysocki have been consistent contributors for Liggett. Being undefeated is nothing new for Liggett after the team finished 2022 undefeated, but the state tournament is a different story. Liggett was eliminated in the opening round of districts last year by Bloomfield Hills Roeper in a 1-0 shootout loss. It was a crushing way to end a season, but Liggett coach David Dwaihy said his guys have drawn from that loss this season. “Last year was such a bittersweet experience,” Dwaihy said. “We had this amazing regular season where we were undefeated,

and then we lost in the first round of districts in a shootout. I think that was the first thing we were able to point to in the preseason — like, ‘Hey, you could have an amazing team and you can do everything right, but sometimes it doesn’t go your way.’ We’ve really emphasized savoring every moment and enjoying every game.” With how balanced of a squad Liggett has this season, Francis said there’s no excuse for the team to not get the job done come playoff time. “This is the time now where we really have to make those words true, where we really have to push all-in,” Francis said. “We have the personnel to do it.” Call Staff Writer Jonathan Szczepaniak at (586) 498-1090.

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18A

North library to be named after former Superintendent C. Suzanne Klein BY K. MICHELLE MORAN kmoran@candgnews.com

WOODS — The Grosse Pointe Public School System’s longest-serving superintendent will be recognized in a public and permanent way. The Grosse Pointe North High School Library/Media Center will be renamed the C. Suzanne Klein Library in honor of Klein, who served as superintendent from 1996 until her retirement in 2011. The library naming was discussed during a Sept. 12 Board of Education meeting and unanimously approved during a board meeting Sept. 26. “She’s an educator’s educator, a leader’s

leader,” board President Ahmed Ismail said during the Sept. 12 meeting. “She’s certainly worthy of the recognition. … I can’t say enough about her.” Klein had a long and distinguished career with the GPPSS, starting as a development preschool teacher in 1970. She served as chair of the Teacher/Consultant Department from 1978 to 1984, assistant principal of Pierce Middle School from 1985 to 1986, assistant principal of Parcells Middle School from 1986 to 1987 and principal of Pierce Middle School from 1987 to 1990. She became a central office administrator when she was named director of instructional services, a post she held from 1991 to 1994. Klein

was assistant superintendent for instructional services from 1994 to 1995. Interim Superintendent Chris Fenton, who worked with Klein for years, called her a “magnificent leader.” “I think this is a great honor for Dr. Klein,” Fenton said Sept. 12. “It’s a fitting tribute to her for her contributions to this district.” Board member David Brumbaugh echoed that sentiment. “People like Dr. Klein, you don’t meet every day,” Brumbaugh said Sept. 12. Klein is an associate professor and the director of the Galileo Institute for Teacher Leadership at Oakland University, where

Ismail said she trains superintendents. She has a doctorate in psychology and education from the University of Michigan. “I enthusiastically support the resolution to name the library after her,” Board member Lisa Papas said Sept. 12. “She is an amazing woman — elegant, graceful, kind. … She led the district with amazing wisdom and grace.” At press time, the board was awaiting completion of the new library signs before it scheduled a formal renaming ceremony at North with Klein. Call Staff Writer K. Michelle Moran at (586) 498-1047.

Refuse authority hears idea for athletic field at vacant incinerator property BY K. MICHELLE MORAN kmoran@candgnews.com

WOODS — Could the Grosse PointesClinton Refuse Disposal Authority’s former incinerator parcel in Clinton Township find a new use as a park and athletic field? The Detroit Rugby Football Club hopes so. Michael Brennan, a member at large and member of the club’s fundraising committee, outlined an idea to that effect during a Sept. 12 GPCRDA Board meeting in Grosse Pointe Woods. He raised the concept of partnering with the GPCRDA so that the club could create fields and supporting structures for games and youth programs, while the GPCRDA would retain ownership of the property. The former incinerator was located on a 64-acre parcel in the area of 14 Mile Road and Interstate 94, at 33701 Lipke Road in Clinton Township. The property has been vacant since the incinerator ceased operations in 1999. The incinerator was demolished in 2001, after which an independent company was brought in to conduct environmental testing at the site. Results of those tests, compiled in a 2001 report prepared by Conestoga-Rovers and Associates, came back fairly clean, with no PCBs, organochlorine pesticides, volatile organic compounds or semivolatile organic compounds found in surface water or lake sediment at the site. Although a few hard metals were detected, they were generally at only slightly higher concentrations than some government standards for residential direct contact. Over the years, GPCRDA Board Chair Terry Brennan — Michael Brennan’s dad —

said there have been “a lot of different ideas” with regard to what could be done with the property — including condominiums and a Christmas tree farm — but none of them have ever come to fruition for a multitude of reasons. “I know we’re kind of hamstrung by Clinton Township in terms of rezoning it,” Terry Brennan said. In 2002, the Clinton Township Board of Trustees voted to rezone the property from light industrial to R-5 single family. In 2003, the Clinton Township Board of Trustees approved a resolution that set some specific parameters for development of the property that would have allowed for higherdensity residential use in the form of condominiums. Despite the size of the parcel, residential development has always been hampered by natural and man-made complications. Only 25 of its acres can be developed for housing, since another 20 are occupied by a lake, and 19 were once used as a landfill and therefore can be developed for recreation but not housing. Although it was rezoned for residential use, Terry Brennan said the current zoning “does allow a publicly owned and managed park” to be built. “It’s kind of sad that it’s not being utilized at all,” Terry Brennan said. He said if the club leased the property from the GPCRDA, it could be a source of revenue for the governmental entity, which handles trash disposal for the five Grosse Pointes and Harper Woods. “I’ve walked through the property, and I think that with a little bit of work, it could

be turned into a great asset,” Michael Brennan said. “There’s plenty of space there for all kinds of sports.” He said rugby is played outdoors. The season runs from March through November.

The Detroit Rugby Football Club is a nonprofit that was founded in 1968 and has hundreds of members from around southeastern Michigan, Michael Brennan said. He See REFUSE on page 22A

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district, so I think we should increase (the top figure) and keep the base,” board member Virginia “Ginny” Jeup said. Board member Lisa Papas was concerned that reducing the low end of the range “would drastically change” the pool of applicants. “This is the right salary range to go (with),” board member David Brumbaugh said. “We need to be looking for the top person.” “I think that’s a very generous salary, for sure,” Bennett said of the range the Grosse Pointes will be offering, saying that this puts the district in line with similar districts in places including Rochester and Oxford. “When supply is low and demand is high, you’re going to see those increases in salary. And that’s where we are right now.” Bennett laid out a timeline for the search process that showed stakeholder meetings starting Oct. 5. Bennett plans to meet with different stakeholder groups — including teachers and school staff members — during a series of meetings that will

take place Oct. 5, 11, 16 and 26 at various locations in the district. At press time, sessions open to parents and other members of the public were scheduled for 6:30 p.m. Oct. 5 at the Morningside Board Office (at Grosse Pointe North High School), 20601 Morningside Drive in Grosse Pointe Woods; noon and 6:30 p.m. Oct. 11 in the Brownell Middle School multipurpose room, 260 Chalfonte Ave. in Grosse Pointe Farms; noon and 6:30 p.m. Oct. 16 in the Brownell multipurpose room; and 6:30 p.m. Oct. 26 in Grosse Pointe South High School’s Cleminson Hall, 11 Grosse Pointe Blvd. in Grosse Pointe Farms. As part of a public engagement process, the district will be offering an online survey to anyone in the district who wants to weigh in on what they’d like to see in a new superintendent. To complete the survey, visit surveymonkey.com/r/gpsearch. A link to the survey was also slated to be posted on the district’s website, under the Superintendent Search tab on the homepage, but wasn’t on that page at press time. The public will have until Nov. 10 to complete the survey. The board members informally agreed that they would be willing to wait for the new superintendent to start July 1, 2024, if they found the right candidate and that

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person was unwilling or unable to leave their current position until the end of the current school year. Bennett said the GPPSS should get the best pool of possible candidates, as it is the first district to advertise for this position among peer districts seeking superintendents, such as Ann Arbor, Bloomfield Hills, Rochester and Oxford. “It’s good for you to be out in front of this,” Bennett said. According to the tentative schedule outlined by Bennett, candidates will have until Nov. 21 to apply. “I’ve reached out to a few (people) so far,” Bennett told the board. “I’m cautiously optimistic that we’ll get some good ones.” Call Staff Writer K. Michelle Moran at (586) 498-1047.

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Interior designers offer room-by-room tips to homeowners BY MARK VEST mvest@candgnews.com

METRO DETROIT — According to some interior designers, watching home improvement shows can give some people the wrong idea. Shows that feature homes that are remodeled and renovated can make for great entertainment, but some educational components may be missing. As can often be the case with “reality” TV, what appears on the television screen doesn’t necessarily jive with the real world. Jennifer Asmar is the owner of Asmar Interiors, which is based out of Birmingham. “Everybody thinks doing design work is like HGTV — they pick what they want and then one week later it’s done,” Asmar said. “Things that are done properly take time, and things that you want done correctly need planning. It’s not a one-to-two-week project — nothing should be.” Amy Miller Weinstein owns AMW Design Studio, based out of Birmingham, and she also wanted to set the record straight about the difference between television and real-world home improvement projects. “It’s not like it is on TV at all, the decision-making or any of that,” Miller Weinstein said. “The timeline that they create just doesn’t even exist in the real world. … It’s very staged. It doesn’t happen in a week.” Asmar shared a more realistic scenario. “Everything is custom for what I do, and most designers do, so there is no standard cost or standard time frame, because we do custom projects, so everything is all dependent on the client and the level of the job,” she said. “To put a number and time on anything is not realistic. … Everything depends on what you’re doing.” Miller Weinstein discussed the current interior design trends that she has been observing. “I think people are looking for a simpler way of living in their house that’s comfortable and easy,” she said. “There’s a lot of great indoor outdoor fabrics right now that are pet-friendly (and) child-friendly. People don’t want stuffy anymore; they want comfort (and) ease. Whatever their taste level may be,

ABOVE: Local interior designers recently provided tips for improving the look of rooms in a home. Pictured is a room designed by AMW Design Studio. LEFT: Local interior designers discussed one of the misconceptions people have about home improvement projects. Pictured is a room designed by Jennifer Asmar. Photos provided by Michigan Design Center

RIGHT: Interior designers share ways to update various rooms in a home at an event at the Michigan Design Center in Troy Aug. 25. Pictured, from left, are Jennifer Asmar, from Asmar Interiors; Sherry Tattrie, from Sherry Tattrie Interiors; Amy Miller Weinstein, from AMW Design Studio; and Dawn Jacobs, from Artichoke Interiors. Photo by Patricia O’Blenes

See DESIGN on page 23A

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To view more Community Calendar and to submit your own, use the QR code or visit candgnews.com/calendar. To advertise an event, call (586) 498-8000.

21A/ GROSSE POINTE TIMES • OCTOBER 5, 2023

OCT. 5

Senior Expo 2023: Free luncheon, exhibits, seminars, health screenings, interactive experiences, resources, giveaways and more, also keynote speech and musical performance by WDIV’s Devin Scillian, 8:30 a.m.-1:30 p.m., Assumption Cultural Center, 21800 Marter Road in St. Clair Shores/Grosse Pointe Woods, (586) 779-6111

OCT. 6

Legends of the Fall: Grosse Pointe Theatre presents plays and songs about early settlers of Pointes and notable landmarks, 6-8 p.m., Grosse Pointe History Center, 375 Kercheval Ave. in Grosse Pointe Farms, gphistorical.org

OCT. 6-7

OCT. 11

Nooks and Crannies: Oct. 6-Dec. 31, guided tours of private staircases, hidden spaces and more at Ford House, 1100 Lake Shore Road in Grosse Pointe Shores, fordhouse.org/events/nooks-crannies

OCT. 22

Grosse Pointe Community Chorus: Rehearsals from 7:30-9 p.m. every Tuesday of month, Grosse Pointe North High School, 707 Vernier Road in Grosse Pointe Woods, grossepointecommunitychorus.org, (313) 580-5965

Science Fiction Book Club: 7-8 p.m., Grosse Pointe Public Library - Woods Branch, 20680 Mack Ave., (313) 343-2072

Grosse Pointe Symphony Orchestra: Talk at 2:15 p.m. and performance at 3 p.m., Grosse Pointe War Memorial, 32 Lake Shore Drive in Grosse Pointe Farms, gpsymphony.org

OCT. 28

A Night at the Museum: Dress as historical character during 21-and-older Halloween party, 7-10 p.m., Provencal-Weir House, 376 Kercheval Ave. in Grosse Pointe Farms, gphistorical.org, (313) 884-7010

Fall Market: Shop for bouquets during benefit for The Children’s Center of Detroit and other Tau Beta charities, 9:30 a.m.-7 p.m. (martinis and cocktails 4-7 p.m.) Oct. 6 and 9:30 a.m.-3:30 p.m. Oct. 7, The Grosse Pointe Club, 6 Berkshire Place in Grosse Pointe Farms, taubeta.org

NOV. 6

OCT. 7

ONGOING

Fall Showcase: Kickoff to Grosse Pointe South’s 35th choir season, 7 p.m., Fenton Performing Arts Center at Grosse Pointe North High School, 707 Vernier Road in Grosse Pointe Woods, gpsouthchoir.org

Grosse Pointe Senior Expo: Free health screenings, refreshments and admission, connect with experts, win prizes and more, 10 a.m.-1 p.m., The War Memorial, 32 Lake Shore Drive in Grosse Pointe Farms, seniorexpousa.com ‘Anything Goes’: Presented by Grosse Pointe Theatre, select dates Nov. 10-19, Pierce Middle School, 15430 Kercheval Ave. in Grosse Pointe Park, gpt.org, (313) 881-4004

Art classes: 10:30 a.m.-noon every first and third Tuesdays of month for seniors, 6-8 p.m. every second and fourth Tuesdays of month for veterans, The War Memorial, 32 Lake Shore Drive in Grosse Pointe Farms, grossepointeartcenter.org, (313) 881-3454 ‘Black and White’: Exhibit hosted by Grosse Pointe Artists Association, on display until Nov. 9, The War Memorial, 32 Lake Shore Drive in Grosse Pointe Farms, (313) 881-3454, grossepointeartcenter.org Teen Leadership Council: Meetings for grades 9-12 every first Wednesday of month, pizza and snacks provided, 6-7 p.m., Grosse Pointe Public Library Woods Branch, 20680 Mack Ave., (313) 640-4775, grossepointelibrary.org Student Loan Payments Webinar: Hosted by Gesher Human Services, 1-2 p.m., bit.ly/gesherstudentloans

NOV. 10

Chamber Music Detroit: Aeolus Quartet & Friends play Mozart, 7:30 p.m., Grosse Pointe South High School, 11 Grosse Pointe Blvd. in Grosse Pointe Farms, chambermusicdetroit.org/ season80, (313) 335-3300

Lupus support groups: 10 a.m. every second Tuesday of month and 7 p.m. every last Wednesday of month, Zoom, milupus.org/support-groups, (248) 901-7299 Health workshops: For chronic pain, high blood pressure and more, hosted by Corewell Health, free and virtual, beaumonthealth.digitalsignup.com

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22A

from page 18A

said they’ve experienced tremendous growth in recent years. “Rugby is one of the fastest growing sports (in America),” Michael Brennan said. He said their vision includes a clubhouse with locker rooms, showers, restrooms and a restaurant area where they could serve concession-type food such as hot dogs. They’d also like to build a storage shed for equipment and a playground for kids, since rugby matches are often long and parents with children need a place for them to play. Michael Brennan said they’d also like to be able to offer rugby programs to youths, such as camps. “I’m quite passionate about the sport,” Michael Brennan said. “I want to see it continue to grow. Having a place like this would be great not only for the Detroit club, but

for the sport.” He said there are no dedicated rugby facilities in the area and only a handful of fields specifically for rugby in the entire country. Besides rugby, the fields could be used for other sports, such as soccer and football. Terry Brennan said this facility might be something residents of the Grosse Pointes and Harper Woods could use when it wasn’t hosting rugby events. “I think it’s definitely something worth exploring,” GPCRDA Board member Heather Toutant said. Terry Brennan said the board would need to talk this over with its attorney, John Gillooly, “to see if it’s feasible.” It wasn’t known at press time when the GPCRDA Board might be considering this concept again. The GPCRDA Board’s next regular meeting will begin at 4:30 p.m. Nov. 14 in Grosse Pointe Shores. Call Staff Writer K. Michelle Moran at (586) 498-1047.

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whether it’s traditional, transitional or contemporary, there are great new materials and things available on the market that can address all of that.” Living rooms, kitchens and bathrooms are popular areas for home improvement projects, and Asmar shared tips for improving each. “Usually creating some kind of focal point in the room, whether it be the fireplace wall or an art wall, or something dramatic like that — there’s a focal point in the room,” she said of living rooms. “The bathroom should be beautifully done and according to your requirements in life. Kitchens are all about functionality, so you need to make sure you have the proper working space, the proper room to live your life the way you do. The kitchen is the heart of the home, so it needs to be not only beautiful, but functional as well.” As for improving the look of a bedroom, Miller Weinstein suggests updating lamps and bedding, adding a bench at the end of a bed, minimizing unnecessary furniture, and adding drapery or window treatments. “Those are all things you can do without buying new furniture,” she said. “You can even paint your furniture. If it’s old, stodgy wood pieces, painting them will sort of bring them into this day and age.” Both Asmar and Miller Weinstein typically work on multiple rooms when hired for projects. “Common spots people want to update right now are kitchens, primary bathrooms, primary bedrooms — spaces in general, with closeting,” Miller Weinstein said. “I get requests for lower levels — basements that they (want to) spruce up.” Asmar shared what she thinks is another current trend. “Most people are doing more streamline modern — not as heavy traditional,” she said. “It seems like less is more.” Oakland Community College offers an associate of applied science degree in interior design, and from the perspective of Michelle Pergeau-Dudgeon, who is the program coordinator of the interior design program at OCC, there is something that doesn’t get

LANDSCAPE MAINTENANCE • LANDSCAPE CONSTRUCTION

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from page 20A

enough attention in homes. “People underestimate lighting, and that’s a passion that I brought when I began teaching, and how I got my first teaching course was lighting and color,” PergeauDudgeon said. “That’s something I’m really pushing with my students — lighting cannot happen too early. Once that drywall goes up, it’s a lot harder for the electrician. Never underestimate the power of lighting.” Pergeau-Dudgeon is of the opinion that interior designers are effective problemsolvers for homeowners. Birmingham resident Katie Prior, who decided to utilize the services of an interior designer, might agree with that description. After going to someone’s home and seeing Miller Weinstein’s work, Prior reached out to her. That was approximately 20 years ago, and since then, Miller Weinstein has assisted Prior on a variety of home improvement projects. Prior shared the benefit of calling on Miller Weinstein for assistance. “You get full service, and with that, I’m referring to beginning with an overall design plan, making selections and then implementing all of those moving pieces until you have the final product,” Prior said. Miller Weinstein shared her perspective as to why hiring an interior designer is worth the cost for those who want to improve the looks of their homes. “My belief is that in the long run we save you money because you don’t make mistakes,” she said. “If you listen to your designer, you’re being guided properly about all the things, all the decisions. … A good designer can pluck out tasteful, timeless choices, even at a Home Depot, a Menards or someplace like that. … (If ) you’re spending money, you might as well spend it smart.” Asmar agreed. “If you want it done correctly with a professional, you should listen to that professional, because doing things on your own can cost you money through mistakes,” she said. “So if you’re willing to spend a little bit more with a designer, in the end you can end up saving yourself a whole headache and a whole list of mistakes, because we’re the professionals and we know what to do.” Asmar can be reached via email at jennifer@asmarinteriors.com. Miller Weinstein can be reached via email at amymillerwein stein@gmail.com.

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