Authorities believe transnational gangs are behind recent home invasions in Novi
BY CHARITY MEIER cmeier@candgnews.com
There have been four home invasions in Novi since Oct. 31 that are believed to be related to transnational gangs operating in the area with their origin in South America, according to the Novi Police Department.
The invasions have a lot of factors in common. All the invasions occurred at the same time of day — between 5:45 p.m. and 9 p.m. — all the properties were entered from the rear, and all the homes back up to either a wooded area or a field.
Novi Police Cmdr. Jason Meier explained why police think the home invasions in Novi are the work of transnational gangs.
“Their method of entry, items stolen, use of Wi-Fi jamming technology and homes targeted is consistent with previous crimes in Oakland County and arrests made in other communities,” Meier said.
Last year, Oakland County Sheriff Michael Bouchard created a task force to address a rise in robberies of high-end homes. At that time, Bouchard said the organized criminal network working in the area had its roots in Chile.
Between 6:30 and 8:30 p.m. Oct. 31, unknown people broke the window on a rear entry door of a residence in the 40000 block of Revello Court, near Beck and Eight Mile roads. They then entered the home and stole items. The residents were not home at the time of the invasion, according to a press release. Police believe the thieves approached the house from the nearby
See GANGS on page 7A
Holiday spirit takes over Glenlore Trails
BY CHARITY MEIER cmeier@candgnews.com
Glenlore Trails in Commerce Township has undergone a transformation and is now filled with the holiday spirit. The annual “Aurora Winter Wonderland” interactive light show opened Nov. 15 and will be open on Thursday and Friday nights through Dec. 29.
The trails were transformed from spooky for Halloween to festive for Christmas in a mere 14 days by 25-30 people. The work involved swapping out all the scenery, moving things around on-site and reprogramming a lot of lights.
According to a press release, “Aurora,’ commonly known as the northern lights or southern lights, is a natural light display in the Earth’s sky, and that is the experience that will captivate
See GLENLORE TRAILS on page 6A
It takes about two weeks and 25-30 people to transform Glenlore Trails from its “Enchanted Forest” for Halloween into its “Aurora Winter Wanderland” for the holidays.
Photo by Erin Sanchez
‘Charlie Hu$tle’ BROADWAY WRITER, COMPOSER, AND ACTRESS/DIRECTOR DEBUT MUSICAL
ABOUT PETE ROSE AT OCC
BY CHARITY MEIER cmeier@candgnews.com
Oakland Community College theater students had a rare opportunity to debut a brand-new musical before it ever hits Broadway.
“Charlie Hu$tle,” the story of baseball legend Pete Rose, opened at the Smith Theater on OCC’s Farmington Hills campus Nov. 14 — a date that coincidently coincides with Rose’s jersey number.
THERE’S NO BUSINESS LIKE HOLIDAY SHOW BUSINESS
BY K. MICHELLE MORAN kmoran@candgnews.com
METRO DETROIT — Banish the “bah humbugs!” with seasonal songs, dances and tales as holiday shows make their way to stages in metro Detroit. A holiday staple for generations is Meadow Brook Theatre’s 42nd annual produc-
Written by screenwriter and lyricist Ryan Noggle, whose credits include writing for “Saturday Night Live”; composed by Neil Berg, of “Grumpy Old Men: The Musical” fame; and produced under the direction of Broadway actress Jennifer Little, whose credits include “The Phantom of the Opera,” the show tells of the highs and lows of Rose’s career and, in doing so, illustrates the dangers of gambling addiction.
Noggle said that the story of Pete Rose is rich in plot, characters and controversial themes.
“It just checked every box that I was looking for in a story,” he said. “I thought it would make a sensational musical. An unexpected musical.”
“I went to college to play baseball, and even though I make my living writing musicals, I always wanted to write a story that is relatable to baseball,” Berg said.
“When this came to my desk through my agent, I recognized very quickly that this story is much like a Greek tragedy, very theatrical, somebody reaches the pinnacle and falls all the way down, and as a musical you want to write about and you musicalize the height of emotions. … There’s anger, there’s love, there’s all these types of things that make you want to sing,” Berg said.
Musical from page 3A
He said it is a challenge to create a musical based on the life of a Major League Baseball player because “people like to pigeonhole things.”
“People think it’s a baseball musical, and it’s not. What attracted me to this was not baseball. … To me this is about gambling,” Berg said.
“There’s never been a real musical about gambling addiction, since maybe ‘Guys and Dolls,’ which was kind of a light comedy. So (it’s a challenge) for us to tackle an addiction that people don’t really think is an addiction.”
Noggle said he has always wanted to write a musical and was an avid fan of Rose as a child. He said that his entire family were fans of the Cincinnati Reds.
“When I came to be the age of knowing players and collecting baseball cards, Pete Rose was the most famous player on our team. He was the centerpiece of the team,” Noggle said.
“He was the most exciting player to watch, and so I got big into Pete Rose as just a 7-, 8-year-old kid. I listened to him on the radio every night.”
He said the song “Little Boy” was inspired by how much he idolized Rose as a kid. He said he would try to play like him in Little League and try to match his work ethic in playing hard and loving the game.
Noggle was 12 when the Pete Rose scandal hit in 1989 and said it was devastating for him to see his idol go down like that.
“It hit me hard. When you see someone that you’ve put on a pedestal come down
by Patricia O’Blenes
ABOVE: Isaac McFadden performs as Pete Rose during the dress rehearsal of the new musical “Charlie Hu$tle” at OCC’s Smith Theater in Farmington Hills Nov. 13. TOP: McFadden, center, stars as Pete Rose alongside other members of the show’s cast during the dress rehearsal of OCC’s production of the brand-new musical “Charlie Hu$tle” Nov. 13.
like that and sort of not be the hero that you thought he was, it kind of can shake affirmative youth,” Noggle said. “So this story is very personal to me in that I kind of grew up with him in a sense.”
Berg said Broadway theaters often look for new shows to produce two to three years in advance, so they decided to have the musical debut as a college production so that they could see how it works on stage. Such
Photos
a debut allows the writers to make modifications to the show’s script or score before it hits Broadway. He said that by having the show performed by students, they are able to get valuable insight on how to make the show better.
“Even though they are not the same talent level, it’s still getting a production where you are seeing people telling your story, and for us in the developmental process to be able to see a continual production with lights on stage, we can absolutely tell what we need to do for the next round to help make it better,” Berg said. “There’s a lot of things that I can learn.”
Berg said he previously had a good experience debuting one of his musicals at a college, and when he heard his longtime friend, Little, was the theater director at a community college, he asked her to consider having the students perform “Charlie Hu$tle.”
“What’s really wonderful about this is that everyone wins,” Berg said.
“We get to see the production. … We get to see our work. Now the kids, they get to do something they never get to do ever,
anywhere. They get to develop a new show without preconceived notions. … Everything you see up there, these young actors are creating for the first time themselves,” Berg said.
“The workload definitely increases when it’s the first time the show’s ever been put on its feet before,” said Tessa Gibson, who portrays Pete Rose’s wife, Carol. “Workload, and pressure too, because it is the first time and it’s like we’re placing the ground rules. So it’s a lot of pressure, but also excitement, because there is a lot of opportunity in a brand-new show.”
The college production of the show also featured the talents of shadow actors, who followed the main actors around to translate their spoken words into American Sign Language. The shadow actors are advanced ASL students who are OCC faculty and deaf mentors.
“We partner together and we work together to tell the story,” Little said.
Little said she decided to do a partnership with the ASL department at the school when she started at OCC three years ago, as the school has a strong ASL program, and it is something she has always been interested in. The performances are part of the ASL students’ final project/internship.
“They are integrated from day one. We
only differentiate by saying these are signing actors versus speaking actors, but we build the whole show with that concept in mind,” Little said.
She said there is a large deaf population that comes to their performances, and a smaller deaf/blind population that comes to the shows as well. The show incorporates
videos and signs on large TV screens to also assist deaf attendees in enjoying the show during certain fast-paced scenes.
“We are constantly thinking how do we do visual cues for people who can’t hear the audio,” Little added.
The final two shows at OCC took place Nov. 21-22.
Glenlore Trails
from page 1A
guests under a shimmering sky of brilliant lights, as they venture into the forest of Glenlore Trails.”
“The Aurora theme just felt right for the original concept. It wasn’t necessarily a holiday-themed show the first year, but a wintry display of lights,” said show founder Scott Schoeneberger, managing partner of Bluewater Technologies, which operates the trails.
Although the theme is the same every year, subtle changes are made to the show. This year wand activations were incorporated.
“In short, we’re finding what works best for each show, but the intent is still to have a new show each season and year over year,” Schoeneberger said.
The show will feature a few special guest appearances. This includes Velvet, a group of carolers to appear on Dec. 8, and Santa Claus on Dec. 13-15. The Santa shows require a special ticket.
“It’s definitely a labor of love. We originally started Glenlore as a way to keep our staff at Bluewater working during the (COVID-19) shutdown,” said Schoeneberger. “We produce large corporate events and brand activations across the country, so it wasn’t a stretch to design this concept. We didn’t know what kind of reaction from the community we would receive, but it’s been incredible. With people often referring to us as a “favorite family tradition,” it makes it easier to continue pushing forward.”
The show reportedly sees around 100,000 people each year. The show allows additional attendees onto the trail every 15 minutes to “keep a comfortable crowd on the trail.”
Tickets start at $20 for adults, $18 for group deals, $15 for seniors, $12 for kids ages 4-12 and can be purchased online at glenloretrails.com. Glenlore Trails is located at 3860 Newton Road in Commerce Township.
Call Staff Writer Charity Meier at (586) 498-1092.
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ABOVE: A tunnel of lights helps set the “Winter Wanderland” mood.
LEFT: Velvet Carolers sing at Glenlore Trails in Commerce Township Nov. 14 during media preview night.
Photos by Erin Sanchez
Gangs
from page 1A
woods to which the property backs up.
Then on Nov. 2, unknown people once again broke the window of a rear entry door to a home in the 40000 block of Vento Drive, near Garfield and Eight Mile roads. As in the other incident, the residents were not home and the burglary occurred around the same time between 6 p.m. and 8:55 p.m. The suspects entered the home and stole items from it. This residence backs up to a large field, which police believe is how the suspects approached the home.
On Nov. 15, there were two additional home invasions. At 5:46 p.m., unknown people broke the window of a second-story bathroom of a residence in the 20000 block of Pomino Drive, near Garfield and Eight
Mile roads. The residents were not home, and the thieves entered the home and stole items. This residence backs up to a wooded area, and police believe the thieves approached the home from the woods.
That same night at 6:58 p.m., unknown people broke the window of the rear door at a home in the 20000 block of Turnberry Boulevard, near Haggerty and Eight Mile roads. Similar to the other incidents, the residents were not home and the thieves made entry and stole from the home. This residence also backs up to a wooded area, and police believed that the suspects approached the house through the woods.
According to Meier, the thieves are stealing jewelry and high-end purses. All the invasions are still under investigation.
Meier advises homeowners to keep their homes and their exteriors well lit. He said to be suspicious if your alarm or cameras
lose their Wi-Fi connection.
“Be vigilant for your neighbors. Report any suspicious people or vehicles,” said
NEWS & NOTES
The Friends of the Novi Library has a $1,000 scholarship opportunity available for students residing in Novi. To be considered for the scholarship, students need to write a 250- to 500-word essay detailing their personal and professional goals and strengths, as well as what makes them the best candidate. The students should also be sure to include their chosen fields of study, and what colleges they will be attending next fall, along with what financial assistance they will be receiving. Applications can be picked up at local schools and are due Jan. 13, 2025. Those who do not attend Novi High School must email their application and essay to friends@novilibrary.org. The winner will be notified by the end of March 2025. For more information, email friends@novilibray.org.
Novi Choralaires to hold holiday concerts
The Novi Choralaires will perform “A Gift of Innocence,” its holiday concert, on Dec. 8 at Faith Presbyterian Church, 44400 W. 10 Mile Road in Novi and again on Dec. 15 at Prince of Peace Lutheran Church, 28000 New Market Road in Farmington Hills. Both performances will begin at 4 pm.
Under the direction of Aidan Rickel, the show will feature Christmas classics such as “A Child is Born”
Under the direction of Aidan Rickel, the show will feature Christmas classics such as “A Child is Born” and “White Christmas” along with songs from the Appalachian Carols arranged by well-known American composer Gwyneth Walker.
Tickets cost $15 for adults or $10 for seniors and children under 12. They will be available at the door. For more information, contact the choir at novi.choralaires@gmail.com or search on Facebook for The Novi Choralaires.
NOVI POLICE DEPARTMENT PRESENTS CHECK TO HOSPITAL’S BELIEVE IN MIRACLES FUND
The Novi Police Department presented Henry Ford Providence Novi Hospital with a check for $12,500 to go toward its Believe in Miracles Fund. The fund provides cancer patients with financial assistance for a vast range of things that they might struggle with as a result of their treatment. Novi police raised funds for this charity and breast cancer awareness through its Pink Car Campaign in October, in which people could sign a pink police vehicle for a donation.
DPW ASKS RESIDENTS TO DEVELOP THE HABIT OF SHAKING THEIR MAILBOX BEFORE WINTER
Shaking your mailbox before winter can help to prevent snowplow damage later on, according to the Novi Department of Public Works. The department is asking residents with mailboxes located near a road to shake them. If a mailbox moves when shaken, it may not handle the pressure of the snow that the plows will push toward them from the
roadway.
Those who have shaky mailboxes are asked to fix or replace them before winter. Routine fall maintenance can prevent a mailbox from being knocked down later. Before the snow falls, residents should tighten screws and secure their mailboxes to a post. If those two simple fixes do not help, it might be necessary to replace the box or post, as it may be damaged or the wooden post may have rotted. Those with questions or concerns should contact the DPW at (248) 735-5640.
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Planning ahead can help lessen the stress of family holiday celebrations
BY TAYLOR CHRISTENSEN tchristensen@candgnews.com
METRO DETROIT — During family holidays or gatherings, there is often something sparking the flame for a heated conversation.
Whether the cause is a family member, a situation or a political conversation, it seems that conflict between family members is inevitable.
“It can be a time of year that is especially challenging for people,” said Valerie Whitaker, licensed professional counselor at Oakland Family Services. “In particular, families tend to find that maybe that is an opportunity to discuss all different types of topics, because they don’t get to see everyone all the time, and they are not always thinking that might be a source for conflict.”
Whitaker has been a practicing licensed professional counselor and registered art therapist for many years. Throughout her career she has spent time working with families and youth.
Establishing clear boundaries and expectations is one of the starting points that Whitaker suggests to help prevent family conflict.
“Knowing what topics might become triggering for yourself is important,” she said. “You can ask ahead of time, if there is a topic that you know might be challenging for you, if that topic can be off limits and not discussed during the event.”
Madeleine Reardon, doctoral student at Wayne State University and intern psychologist for Sparks & Associates, presented about family conflict during the holidays at a virtual conference Nov. 15.
Reardon presented alongside guest speakers Dr. Natasha Kendal and Fejiro Evwaraye from the Kendal Clinic in Oakland County.
Reardon said that the first step to a calm family gathering is to prepare ahead of time and actively check in with yourself before, during and after the event.
“Find a way to let those emotions have a life before these
really big events,” she said. “Things like journaling or talking to a trusted friend can help. I am a really big proponent of just having a good cry. It helps you feel more grounded and ready to handle whatever the holidays or family throws at you.”
Reardon said that the HALT method is a good way to check-in with oneself. HALT stands for ‘Are you hungry? Are you angry? Are you lonely? Are you tired?’ which are all basic human needs that can cause heightened emotions.
“Take time to check in with yourself and look at those physical and emotional needs and how you can better meet them,” she said. “Even if it’s taking a nap or having a snack on the way there, that can really set us up for success and navigate these possible family dynamics and conflicts coming up.”
Politics can be divisive. Reardon said that the most recent election results announced on Nov. 6 have “highlighted” that divide.
“When people’s beliefs feel like they directly challenge your values or seem to threaten your rights or interests, it’s hard not to take them personally,” she said. “There is a real
fear that opposing views might undermine progress or lead to negative outcomes, and that fear can easily translate into frustration or conflict.”
Changing the subject, or completely stepping away from these kinds of conversations are the best way to deal with them, according to Whitaker.
“All we can do is control ourselves. We can’t always control every situation, so staying calm goes a long way,” Whitaker said. “You can try to change the topic; definitely use humor if it is appropriate. Ultimately, maybe just completely stop engaging in the conversation, if that’s what needs to take place — just no longer verbally be a part of the conversation.”
Reardon said that some of the topics that families should avoid are religion, politics, money, personal appearances, ongoing family feuds and controversial current events.
Even in the case of a family agreeing on these topics, it is important to just leave them out of the conversation.
“Even if you share those same perspectives, I always say try to tread lightly on these topics, which as we know can easily escalate or trigger emotional responses,” Reardon said.
Stepping away for periodic breaks and decompressing in another room is a suggestion from both Whitaker and Reardon.
All in all, it is important to remember that you do not always have to stay for the entire event. If you are completely uncomfortable with attending, both Reardon and Whitaker said it is OK to not go.
“Oftentimes we can feel really guilty for saying no, but I like to kind of reframe it where if you think that you’re going to be really stressed or anxious at an event, it not only saves you by saying no, but can save those around you by saying no,” Reardon said.
Planning ahead and steering clear of topics or scenarios that are uncomfortable are the quickest ways to have a conflict-free holiday season.
“You know you best, and you know what you can tolerate,” Whitaker said. “When you have a plan you can follow, it does make it easier.”
Editor: David Wallace | (586) 498-1053 | dwallace@candgnews.com
Charity Meier | (586) 498-1092 | cmeier@candgnews.com Sports: Jonathan Szczepaniak | (586) 498-1090 | sports@candgnews.com Artroom: (586) 498-1036 | ads@candgnews.com
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tion of “A Christmas Carol,” which runs through Dec. 22 in MBT’s theater on the Oakland University campus in Rochester. Taking the reins as Ebenezer Scrooge is well-known MBT actor Phil Powers.
“Our audiences have seen Phil in a variety of roles throughout the years, and he’s understudied the role of Scrooge for quite a while,” MBT Managing Director Cheryl Marshall said in a press release. “He’s had to fill in several times, but now we’re pleased to see him step in full time. We know he’s going to be a great Scrooge.”
Alternating as Tiny Tim are young actors Russell Clauser and Robert Spiro, both of Rochester. Tickets: (248) 377-3300, ticketmaster.com or mbtheatre.com.
The Macomb Center for the Performing Arts, located on the main campus of Macomb Community College in Clinton Township, will bring the Broadway-style song and dance revue “Christmas in the Air” to the stage Dec. 14. Featuring Rand Production’s precision dancers, the Tinseltoes, the show is told from the perspective of one of Santa’s most trusted elves and includes classic and modern holiday songs. Tickets: macombcenter.com or (586) 2862222.
“As the Marketing Manager of the Macomb Center for the Performing Arts, I am thrilled to invite our community to experience the magic of live holiday entertainment,” Kerrie Augustine said by email. “Each performance will bring joy, warmth, and a sense of togetherness, making this season truly unforgettable for all.”
Also at the Macomb Center is Macomb Ballet Company’s production of “The Nutcracker,” Dec. 6 to 8. Tickets: macombcenter.com or (586) 286-2222.
“The Nutcracker is a cherished tradition, but this year we’ve introduced some exciting new elements that we know will captivate both longtime fans and newcomers,” MBC Artistic Director Amber Megna Michalik said in a press release. “Each moment is crafted to transport the audience into a magical world, while staying true to the heart of our mission — making ballet accessible and inspiring to the entire community.”
Singers Karen Newman and Frankie Scinta, joined by special guests The ShamRock Jazz Orchestra, will perform their annual holiday concert Dec. 19 at the Andiamo Celebrity Showroom in Warren. Tickets: andiamoshowroom.com or (586)
268-3200.
The Dec. 11 “Home Alone in Concert” event was sold out at press time, but the Detroit Symphony Orchestra has plenty of other opportunities for audiences to enjoy holiday music, including the PVS Classical Series’ Ellington & The Nutcracker, Dec. 6-8; the Paradise Jazz Series’ “A Charlie Brown Christmas: Cyrus Chestnut and Friends,” Dec. 6; a Tiny Tots concert with Joe Reilly Music Dec. 7; Young Peoples’ Family Concerts’ “Let It Snow!” Dec. 7; Noel Night Dec. 7; PNC Pops Series’ “Home for the Holidays,” Dec. 13-15; “The Muppet Christmas Carol,” Dec. 2021; and Leslie Odom Jr.: The Christmas Tour, featuring the DSO, Dec. 22. Tickets: (313) 576-5111 or detroitsymphony.com.
Detroit’s oldest choir, Rackham Choir, under the direction of Brandon Waddles, Ph.D., is partnering with the Wayne State University Department of Music to present Mendelssohn’s Elijah Dec. 8 at Hartford Memorial Baptist Church in Detroit, where over 130 choral singers, five soloists, a full orchestra and the church’s famed pipe organ will delight and inspire audiences. Tickets: rackhamchoir.org.
“More than just a performance, Elijah is a celebration of unity and shared purpose,” said Waddles, who is also the artistic director for Rackham Choir, by email. “It challenges us to reflect on social justice, ethical leadership, and community solidarity — values that resonate powerfully today. With its stirring solos and majestic themes of resilience, Elijah inspires courage and connection, reminding us how music can serve as a bridge to bring us closer together. Join us on Sunday, December 8, for an unforgettable holiday classic!”
Various venues — several in downtown Detroit — will offer festive productions by 313 Presents. Tickets: (800) 745-3000 or 313presents.com. For Magic of Lights: magicoflights.com.
“313 Presents once again hosts an exceptional lineup of live holiday entertainment this season and invites families to create one-of-a-kind treasured memories at the Fox Theatre, Little Caesars Arena and Pine Knob Music Theatre,” 313 Presents President Howard Handler said via email. “We welcome guests to the Fox Theatre for Dr. Seuss’ How The Grinch Stole Christmas! The Musical (Nov. 27 to Dec. 1), Nutcracker! Magical Christmas Ballet (Dec. 8), Mannheim Steamroller (Dec. 13) and ‘’Twas The Night Before’ by Cirque du Soleil (Dec. 20 to 31). Channel 95.5 brings the Jingle Ball to Little Caesars Arena (Dec. 10) followed by back-to-back performances
of Trans-Siberian Orchestra (Dec. 28) and then WWE’s Live Holiday Tour (Dec. 30) rounds out the arena season. Finally, Magic of Lights, the dazzling drive-through spectacular spanning 1.5 miles, has returned to Pine Knob Music Theatre (in Clarkston) through December 30.”
Bringing the holiday laughs is the new holiday sketch comedy “The Christmas Collection,” written by and starring Maggie O’Reilly, Tom Novik and Katie McGraw. Being staged Dec. 5 to 21 at Planet Ant Theatre in Hamtramck, “The Christmas Collection” follows the unique characters of the soon-to-be-shuttered Plaza Place Mall as it hosts its last Christmas Collection celebration. Tickets: planetant.com.
Motor City Brass Band will ring in the holidays with Motor City Academy Brass Band during “Sounds of the Season” Dec. 22 at the Ford Community & Performing Arts Center in Dearborn. Tickets or more information: mcbb.org, dearborntheater. com or (313) 943-2354.
“Motor City Brass Band looks forward to getting you in the holiday spirit with music for every age,” MCBB Music Director & Conductor Gordon Ward said in a press release. “In addition to your holiday favorites, we are pleased to present ‘Christmas Eve Sarajevo’ 12/24 by the Trans-Siberian Orchestra.”
Music Hall Center for the Performing Arts in Detroit’s holiday programming includes the family-friendly, funky musical “Who Brought the Humbug?” Dec. 8; a Christmas concert by vocal group Amadeus Dec. 14; Dave Koz and Friends Christmas Tour 2024 Dec. 15; “Rocky Mountain High Experience: John Denver Christmas,” Dec. 18; Voyageur College Prep Dance Department’s “Holiday Detroit,” Dec. 19; “Magical Motown Christmas,” Dec. 20; “Last Christmas Vietnamese Show,” Dec. 21; and Grand Kyiv Ballet’s Christmas ballet, “The Snow Queen,” Dec. 26. Tickets: musichall. org or (313) 887-8500.
Photo provided by Rackham Choir
Rackham Choir will perform Mendelssohn’s Elijah Dec. 8 at Hartford Memorial Baptist Church in Detroit.
Sterling veteran remembers unique Thanksgiving dinner in Egypt
BY ERIC CZARNIK eczarnik@candgnews.com
STERLING HEIGHTS — Over three decades after it happened, Manny Gonzales still remembers what he describes as “my best Thanksgiving ever.”
And for the 64-year-old Sterling Heights resident and veteran, that occasion wasn’t a time when he was surrounded by family, a feast or a football game. It was while on assignment overseas as a sergeant first class in the U.S. Army, and his meal options were far more limited.
At the time, around 31 years ago, Gonzales had been stationed at Fort Stewart, Georgia, but was deployed to a training exercise in Egypt.
“Thanksgiving came, and we were supposed to have turkey, but we were waiting on a helicopter that was bringing in the fresh meat, stuffing and all the fixings,” Gonzales said. “But the helicopter had mechanical issues.”
He said this logistical snag greatly disappointed the troops, who had been looking forward to good grub instead of MREs – meals ready to eat. As dinner time approached, they learned that the helicopter that was supposed to deliver supplies still hadn’t come and was likely going to be too late for Thanksgiving.
Gonzales said the mess sergeant on-site did the best with what he could do, but for the most part, supplies were scarce, and it was “chow time, but no chow.” So Gonzales went back to his tent, where he at least had a personal stash of snacks.
But at around 10 p.m. that night, Gonzales heard a helicopter,
and shortly after, he heard a knock on his tent. A chaplain came in and announced that he was delivering some food.
“Me and my lieutenant were in the tent, and I was already in my sleeping bag,” Gonzales explained.
“(The chaplain) brings over a little package of roast beef, enough for a sandwich. So when he brought that package of meat and he gave us two slices of Kraft individual sliced cheese that the helicopter brought in, we had, for us, the freshest piece of meat that we’ve had in a while.
“And we were so grateful to have this food, and it was still Thanksgiving night.”
Gonzales said he still remembers the lesson that taught him about gratitude, and he encourages people to think about and pray for the members of the armed forces who are currently serving overseas.
“It was nice that somebody thought of us,” he said.
Gonzales’ wife of 43 years, Maria, said that when she first heard the story of her husband’s Thanksgiving in Egypt, she was happy that it ended well, though she was sad that he had to wait so long for his meal. Maria explained that when Manny was on active duty, the couple would frequently invite soldiers from Manny’s company to their home on Thanksgiving if they were unable to spend the holiday with their own families.
According to Maria, this too resulted in some memorable stories.
“My first Thanksgiving with the single soldiers, I made a pumpkin pie,” she said. “And I didn’t know at that time that you don’t put a crust on (top of) a pumpkin pie.”
Manny Gonzales sits while in uniform somewhere in the Middle East during the Gulf War in the early 1990s. Gonzales, a Sterling Heights resident and U.S. Army veteran, shared a story about his Thanksgiving while serving in Egypt over 30 years ago. Photo provided
HIGH SCHOOL WRESTLERS TO WATCH ACROSS METRO DETROIT SPORTS
BY JONATHAN SZCZEPANIAK jszczepaniak@candgnews.com
METRO DETROIT — It seems like with every season the sport of wrestling at the high school level continues to grow, especially on the girls’ side.
There’s tons of excitement surrounding it as the new season nears, and there’s an abundance of local talent looking to leave their mark on the mat.
Below are wrestlers to watch in the C & G Newspapers coverage area.
Senior Wyatt Hepner, Grosse Pointe South
He keeps on making history at Grosse Pointe South, so why stop now?
His sophomore year, he became the first Blue Devils wrestler to ever reach the state championship match. As a junior, he was the first to ever win a state title when he knocked off Utica Eisenhower senior Sam Agnello 1-0 in the 138-pound bracket.
So, becoming the first back-to-back champion ever at South is now within arm’s reach for the returning Macomb Area Conference Gold MVP and individual district and regional champion.
A star football player for the Blue Devils defense, which played a vital role in the program winning yet another MAC White league title, Hepner’s physicality on the mat is what separates him from his competitors.
The Harvard University commit, for wrestling, finished the season undefeated at 48-0 and should be viewed as a state championship contender again this season.
Senior Ricardo Saenz, Bloomfield Hills Brother Rice
He battled back from injury to reach
the top of the podium, and he’s got all the makings to do it again.
After returning from a dislocated elbow he suffered in June of last year, Saenz finished his junior season 49-2 at the Michigan High School Athletic Association Division 2 state finals by dominating the 126-pound bracket, earning a fall and outsourcing his next two opponents 23-4.
Saenz, a returning individual district and regional champion in 2024, headlined a loaded Brother Rice roster that helped the Warriors return to the team states stage for the third straight season.
This Brother Rice group, which includes Richard Davis, Owen Stropoli, Deacon MacNeill, Caleb Steele, and a plethora of other talented wrestlers, have helped revamp the wrestling program’s culture under head coach Scott Kolesky.
Brother Rice made team states for the first time in 32 seasons back in 2022, and with Saenz and company leading the charge, there’s no signs of that stopping.
Saenz is a student of the game, for he’s always watching videos and tweaking certain things he can do better, but he’s a dangerous man on the mat.
Senior Logan Criteser, Macomb Dakota
Now that he’s finished throwing around offensive players for Macomb Dakota’s district-winning football team, Criteser, a Macomb County dream team selection last season, will carry over his fierce competitiveness to the mat.
On the football field, his physicality and drive are some of the core reasons why he broke Dakota’s single-season sack record
with 14.5 this year.
Competing in the 190-pound bracket last season, Criteser was regional runner-up after falling to the eventual state runnerup, Rochester Hills Stoney Creek graduate Adam Bazzi, while displaying his resilience in the Division 1 state finals.
Criteser dropped his first match of the tournament, but quickly rebounded with a pair of wins to set himself up for a seventhplace match, which he would win with a fall.
Criteser finished the season with a 41-6 record and played a key role in Dakota dominating the MAC Red, winning the league title, the Macomb County Invitational, and the MAC Red/White Divisional Meet.
When you see his quick hands and explosiveness on the gridiron, it’s no secret why he’s one of the top wrestlers in Macomb County.
Junior Wyatt Lees, Detroit Catholic Central
It can be difficult to stand out around a room full of state championship-winning wrestlers, but Lees is becoming an anchor for the Shamrocks.
A state champion at 106 in 2023, Lees returned to states in the 113-pound bracket and left nothing in his path, tallying three straight falls to become a two-time state champion.
Lees, a two-time regional champion who finished the season with a 49-5 record, was one of five DCC wrestlers to bring home Division 1 individual titles while the Shamrocks captured its second straight team state championship and 10th since 2010.
He’s quick but can wrestle with power for his weight class, making him one of the more dominant wrestlers to match up against.
Only a junior, it will be exciting to see
BUSINESS CLIP
how he finishes his final two seasons with DCC as already a two-time individual and team state champion.
Sophomore Deacon Morgan, Rochester Adams
Wrestling is a family affair with his older brother Jace Morgan, a state qualifier and returning senior, and their father David Morgan, a former Michigan State University wrestler, all knowing what it takes to succeed on the mat.
In his first year, success would be an understatement for the freshman phenom as he captured an individual district and regional title while placing sixth at the MHSAA Division 1 state finals.
Morgan finished the season with an impressive 25-4 record and quickly made a name for himself in the 106-pound bracket, earning all-State honors with his sixth-place finish.
Morgan will be part of a talented roster the Highlanders plan to return – with aspirations of making some noise at team states.
After seeing what Morgan could already do as a freshman, it would be a surprise to no one if he’s hoisting an individual state title in due time.
Junior John Kaminski, Warren Mott
Warren Mott fielded seven four-year seniors — an impossible void to fill by any means.
Kaminski was one of Mott’s few underclassmen that were able to help the seniors end their high school careers at the Division 1 team state finals, but now it’s time for the Marauders to lean on Kaminski and the rest of its underclassmen from last year.
Kaminski finished the season with a 38-
Wild Birds Unlimited owners celebrate one-year anniversary
Bird enthusiasts/owners Ben and Dawn Ihde recently celebrated their one-year anniversary at Wild Birds Unlimited in Novi. WBU is known for bringing people and nature together by offering high-quality products and a healthy dose of joy. Customers appreciate the expertise offered based on individual interests and experience.
“When we “joined the flock,” our goal was to own multiple stores. Now that we’ve made that leap, it’s surreal. The journey has taught us a lot and it’s been hard work. We’re very excited to see how we can make a positive impact in Novi,” Ben Ihde said. For more information, visit WBU at 47760 Grand River Ave, in Novi, or call (248) 374-4000.
Wrestling
from page 14A
13 record and a regional runner-up finish to his credit, which helped Mott earn the most state qualifiers in school history with six. States didn’t go exactly according to plan for Kaminski as he finished 1-2 in the 144-pound bracket, but he’s poised for a breakout campaign his junior year.
Other wrestlers to watch
Josh Lemanski, Grosse Pointe South 2023-2024 record: 39-13
Dom Beccari, Rochester Adams 2023-2024 record: 35-8
Eli Thomas, Rochester Adams 2023-2024 record: 35-12
John David Quinlan, Rochester Adams 2023-2024 record: 35-10
Jace Morgan, Rochester Adams 2023-2024 record: 42-2
Cameron Leone, Warren Mott 2023-2024 record: 31-10
Logan Craft, St. Clair Shores Lakeview 2023-2024 record: 42-7
Jay’Den Williams, Roseville 2023-2024 record: 49-1
Lee Krueger, Detroit Catholic Central
2023-2024 record: 44-6
Connor Bercume, Detroit Catholic Central 2023-2024 record: 43-3
Grayson Fuchs, Detroit Catholic Central 2023-2024 record: 42-6
Ryan Totten, Detroit Catholic Central 2023-2024 record: 49-11
Brady Hamby, Macomb Dakota 2023-2024 record: 38-9
Carl Nihranz, Macomb Dakota 2023-2024 record: 46-4
Draven McAllister, Fraser 2023-2024 record: 41-13
Stanley Anderson, Fraser 2023-2024 record: 39-7
Ethan Miller, Fraser 2023-2024 record: 29-23
Jack Lower, Rochester 2023-2024 record: 38-6
Merrick Kustarz, Utica 2023-2024 record: 36-13
Jaxon Griffin, Ferndale 2023-2024 record: 32-10
Joshua Golding, Warren Woods Tower 2023-2024 record: 24-10
Dominic Gumtow, Warren Woods Tower 2023-2024 record: 47-3
Richard Davis, Bloomfield Hills Brother Rice — 2023-2024 record: 49-4
IRISH TAVERN
0241-2448
CRIME WATCH
Stolen ID used to get vehicle tab
A woman went to the Secretary of State’s Office on Oct. 23 to renew her vehicle tabs. When she got up to the counter, she was informed that someone had used her identification to purchase a vehicle tab for a vehicle that she doesn’t own. The woman contacted Novi police the next day to report the identity theft.
Someone damages Ford Mustang’s hood
At around 4:55 p.m. Oct. 19, a man went into the Novi Public Library and left his Ford Mustang in the parking lot. When he returned to his vehicle, there was a dent in the hood.
“It looked like someone hit my car with a tire iron,” the victim was reported as saying in the police report.
Upon further investigation, a detective reported that camera footage showed the man came into the parking lot with what appeared to be a dent in the front of his ve-
hicle. The footage showed that no one came close to his car while he was parked there. The detective then spoke with the victim, who said that it might have occurred Oct. 18 while he was parked in the south lot of the Extended Stay America hotel between 4 p.m. and the morning of Oct. 19. He said he did not know who would have done that to his car. The case has been closed pending further leads.
Stuff a Squad Car
The Novi Police Department will be at the Walmart at 26090 Ingersol Drive in Novi from noon to 6 p.m. Nov. 30 and Dec. 1 collecting donations for its Stuff a Squad Car campaign. The campaign works to provide a Christmas for children who are less fortunate. Residents who can’t make either of those dates and times are encouraged to bring their donations of new and unwrapped toys to the Police Department, 45125 W. 10 Mile Road, through Dec. 1.
— Charity Meier
COMMUNITY CALENDAR
NOV.
30-DEC. 1
Gun & Knife Show: 9 a.m.-5 p.m. Nov. 30 and 10 a.m.-3 p.m. Dec. 1, Suburban Collection Showplace, 46100 Grand River Ave. in Novi, suburbancollectionshowplace.com
Yule Witches Market: Handmade goods by local artists and crafters, noon-7 p.m. Nov. 30 and noon-5 p.m. Dec. 1, also food trucks noon-4 p.m. and photos with Krampus 1-3:30 p.m., Boston Tea Room, 1220 Woodward Heights in Ferndale, (248) 548-3830, bostontearoomevents@gmail.com, bostontearoom.com
DEC. 8
Chanu-Con!: Hanukkah festival featuring candle making, bounce house, yoga, storytime, tzedakah box craft, vendors selling holiday gifts, kosher food, live music, magic, Israeli art sale, 50-50 and more, 1-5 p.m., Congregation Beth Shalom, 14601 Lincoln St. in Oak Park, free but donations appreciated, (248) 547-7970, bit.ly/chanucon2024
DEC. 9
Memorial Candlelight Ceremony: Presented by New Hope Center for Grief Support, 7-8 p.m., Ward Church, 40000 Six Mile Road in Northville, registration required, (248) 348-0115, griefhelp@newhopecenter. net, newhopecenter.net
DEC. 12
NO-VI Chess Club: Lectures, practice games, analysis and other training for all skill levels, 7-8 p.m., Novi Public Library, 45255 10 Mile Road, novilibrary.org
DEC. 13-15
Holiday Novi Pet Expo: Includes rescues and adoptable pets, 2-8 p.m. Dec. 13, 10 a.m.-7 p.m. Dec. 14 and 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Dec. 15, Suburban Collection Showplace, 46100 Grand River Ave. in Novi, suburbancollectionshowplace.com
DEC. 14
Michigan Makers Winter Craft Market: 400 crafters expected, 10 a.m.-5 p.m., Suburban Collection Showplace, 46100 Grand River Ave. in Novi, suburbancol lectionshowplace.com
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.
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TAKE OUR SURVEY
Oakland County is developing the Community Transit Plan (CTP) to enhance public transportation services. This plan will assess current conditions, explore industry best practices, and gather input from residents and stakeholders. Our goal is to create effective strategies and recommendations for future growth and service improvements across our Community Service Area, which includes cities, villages, and townships served by local transit providers
Current Riders: Share your experiences with our transit providers. Your insights will help us enhance services and better meet your needs.
Non-Riders: Let us know your thoughts and sentiments about public transit in the county. Your feedback is crucial for understanding barriers and improving accessibility.
Survey will close Nov. 18, 2024