NEWSPAPERS Special Edition
Project Blue Light remembers fallen first responders
EVENT ALSO SUPPORTS THOSE STILL SERVING
BY ANDY KOZLOWSKI akozlowski@candgnews.com
HAZEL PARK — Deputy Bradley Reckling, of the Oakland County Sheriff’s Office, was killed this past summer confronting alleged car thieves he had tracked from Madison Heights to Detroit. He was among the fallen heroes honored at the 2024 Southeast Michigan Project Blue Light ceremony, which recognizes those who died in the line of duty. Police officers, firefighters and paramedics from across
See BLUE LIGHT on page 8A
GOLD COIN GETS DROPPED IN RED KETTLE ONE LAST TIME
BY NICK POWERS npowers@candgnews.com
METRO DETROIT — Lots of coins get dropped in the Salvation Army’s red kettles, but for 12 years one donation has stood out. On Dec. 2, a mysterious deep-pocketed donor dropped off a final gold Krugerrand coin at a Kroger in St. Clair Shores.
This year’s coin came with a note: “Merry Christmas to all and to all a good night! I am sorry to say — this is my last (Krugerrand). Hoping there are others who have (Krugerrands) that can help keep up this tradition in the future to help so many in need during the holidays. God Bless!”
The donor’s identity has been kept secret throughout the years. The coin has been dropped at the Kroger near the intersection of Marter Road
and Jefferson Avenue each year. According to Monex last week, the value of the coin is $2,642. Last year’s coin was valued at $2,031 when it was donated.
“(It was) very generous that someone was able to do that every year,” said Salvation Army Maj. Charlotte Hall, who oversees the organization’s Great Lakes Division.
When a coin is received by the organization, it is cashed in, and funds are distributed back to the unit that received the coin, according to Hall.
Hall said she has been stationed at Salvation Army locations throughout the country during her career and has seen gold Krugerrands donated.
“It’s amazing,” Hall said. “I was in Aurora, Illinois, and we had one donated while I was there.”
The donation came a day before Giving
The Detroit Police Department Honor Guard presents a wreath in honor of fallen first responders during the Project Blue Light ceremony at St. Justin Church in Hazel Park Dec. 3.
Photo by Erin Sanchez
A final gold Krugerrand was dropped into one of the Salvation Army’s red kettles at a Kroger near the intersection of Marter Road and Jefferson Avenue on Dec. 2.
Photo provided by Galina Roehl
SECOND FRONT PAGE
Troy resident receives one of the 2024 Governor’s Service Awards
BY SARAH WRIGHT swright@candgnews.com
TROY — Hemant Tadepalli, a 23-year-old Troy resident, is one of 38 individuals, businesses and nonprofit organizations that were honored at the 2024 Governor’s Service Awards by Gov. Gretchen Whitmer and the Michigan Community Service Commission.
The ceremony took place Nov. 14 at the Detroit Opera House, where each of the awardees were celebrated for their commitment to volunteerism, service or philanthropy.
“Community service makes Michigan a better place to live and every year, we get to honor some exemplary Michiganders who have gone above and beyond to make a real difference in people’s lives,” Whitmer said in a press release.
“At this year’s award ceremony, I look forward to celebrating 38 people, businesses, and nonprofits for the example they have set for all of us to follow. I hope their stories inspire everyone to go out and make life a little better for those around them. Let’s keep rolling up our sleeves to help our neighbors.”
The Michigan Community Service Commission
supports Michigan volunteers, organizations and businesses that are committed to service and play a critical role in improving the lives of different people and communities. The Governor’s Service Awards have been presented since 1994.
Tadepalli received the Youth Volunteer of the Year award at this event along with Julia G. Jablonski, from Port Huron; Lauren Mroczek, from Mattawan; Arjun Saini, from Northville; Piper Shumar, from Traverse City; and Khyiana Tate, from Detroit.
The Troy honoree is a cybersecurity expert at May Mobility, which has contributed to his large history of community involvement.
“I was considered for the Governor’s Service Award due to my long-standing commitment to both community service and cybersecurity advocacy,” Tadepalli said in an email.
“Over the years, I’ve led initiatives that empower others, from creating opportunities for students to engage with local government and civic leadership in Troy, to mentoring early-career professionals in cybersecurity through groups like the Young Cybersecurity
Berkley foundation hands out thousands in grants to teachers
BY MIKE KOURY mkoury@candgnews.com
BERKLEY — Thousands of dollars were handed out to teachers and staff members of the Berkley School District in the form of grants this fall.
The grants given to the educators were innovation grants from the Berkley Education Foundation. The BEF annually hands out $15,000 for its grants, which go toward “project requests, special materials to enhance lessons and educational technology,” the district’s website states. The grants were handed out in October Jessica Stilger, the BEF’s executive director and the district’s director of communications, said any staff member is eligible to apply for these grants. The fall grants have a maximum amount of $750 and the spring grants have a maximum of $500.
“A committee from the foundation gets together, reviews the grants, along with … the district’s teaching, learning and technology department,” she said. “We either issue the grants in full or in partial every year. Sometimes we find wonderful ideas from staff that we realize are good for all schools, and sometimes the district will pick up the request.”
Four grants were handed out to teachers at Anderson Middle School, five to teachers at Angell Elementary School, two to teachers at Berkley Building Blocks, five to teachers at Berkley High School, one to teachers at Burton Elementary School and one to a teacher at Rogers Elementary School.
A full list of grant winners can be found at berkleyschools. org.
“It’s really a lovely process,” Stilger said. “It’s really exciting to do it twice a year and it really allows our staff members to shine
Hemanth Tadepalli received one of the Youth Volunteer of the Year awards at the 2024 Governor’s Service Awards on Nov. 14 at the Detroit Opera House.
Photo provided by Hemanth Tadepalli
The Berkley Education Foundation recently handed out thousands of dollars in grants to teachers in the district to fund projects or enhance class lessons.
Photo provided by Berkley School District
Local filmmakers make
‘MAD’ passion project into a reality
BY SARAH WRIGHT swright@candgnews.com
METRO DETROIT — A documentary film made by some Michigan locals promises to give viewers insight into Mad Magazine’s history and its impact on the culture through its satirical influences.
The idea for this “When We Went MAD!” documentary came from its Director Alan Bernstein from Pleasant Ridge, who has been a fan of Mad Magazine since he was 7 years old. Bernstein said he was waiting for someone to make this film but decided to take on this challenge himself when no one else did.
“I’ve been interested in this since I was a kid and I’d have loved to write for MAD or make movies and I chose film making,” Bernstein said.
Mad Magazine is an American humor magazine that was started by Harvey Kurtzman and William Gaines in 1952. Much of its comedic content comes from poking fun at different aspects of pop culture and politics, and it would reach 2.5 million issue sales in the 1970s.
“For generations, MAD Magazine shaped and warped its readers’ senses of humor and their very outlook on the world around them. From the McCarthy hearings
and the Cold War to Taylor Swift and social media, MAD Magazine was there to poke fun at all of it,” said a press release from the “When We Went MAD!” team.
In 2019, the magazine would cease to publish new content, though previous editions can be mailed to subscribers or found at comic book shops.
For this film, Bernstein, documentary editor Erich Wiemer and cinematographer Scott West have been working with former magazine staff members and celebrity guests for around 16 years to tell a compelling story about Mad Magazine’s history and impact. Through a Kickstarter, the filmmakers were able to raise $40,000-$50,000 for the project.
“We’re not trying to make a History channel piece,” said Wiemer, who is from Troy. “We want to look at Mad from a satirical standpoint of how the culture feels about presidents and hippies, and make sure people know about the cultural impact that led to its demise by making (‘Saturday Night Live’) or ‘The Simpsons.’”
The film initially started with interviews from the Mad staff. Through the connections of production company Chassy Media, the film was able to include inter-
Alan Bernstein is the director of the “When We Went MAD!” documentary film.
Photo provided by Alan Bernstein
from page 1A
Tuesday, when all statewide donations to the Salvation Army Great Lakes Division, up to $25,000, were doubled. This match also comes from an anonymous donor, according to a press release.
The Krugerrand started being produced in South Africa in 1967. It’s named after Paul Kruger, who was the president of the South African Republic from 1883 to 1900. According to a Los Angeles Times article, President Ronald Reagan banned imports of the currency in 1985 following pressure from Democrats to crack down on South Africa’s apartheid government. The article states that $600 million worth of Krugerrands were marketed in the United States in 1984. A Seattle Times article states that the ban on importing the coins into the U.S. was lifted in 1991.
How are people giving?
This year, the Salvation Army is pushing its “Tap to Give” option. This allows donations to be made with a cash app, credit
from page 4A
views with well-known names like Quentin Tarantino, Judd Apatow, Bryan Cranston, Gilbert Gottfried, Howie Mandel, and Weird Al Yankovic.
“We interviewed Weird Al at the Cherry Festival in Traverse City before his performance,” Wiemer said. “We were brought into the makeup trailer and hung out for 45 minutes to an hour. We’re all Weird Al fans.”
The film had its world premiere in New
From left, Warren Woods Christian School students Fisher McLeigh, 12, and Leo Duncan, 9, volunteer as bell ringers to bring in donations for the Salvation Army at the Kroger near the intersection of 13 Mile and Schoenherr roads.
Photo by Patricia O’Blenes
card and debit card at locations throughout metro Detroit. When giving, donors will be prompted with different amounts they can contribute.
“You can use your phone or any of your chipped cards,” Hall said.
Donations are down nationwide 40%, according to Hall, though she said the Detroit area holds its own in comparison to the rest of the country.
“Detroiters are known for supporting the Army,” Hall said. “They always come through for us and we really appreciate that.”
Galina Roehl, who does public relations for the Salvation Army, said donations are up from last year. Though, she said, donations to the red kettles themselves are down.
“They’re getting more money from mail and social media,” Roehl said, who added that these alternative sources include the “Tap to Give” option.
Hall said volunteer hours have been down this year. The organization is looking for those who can help to meet its goal.
“It really just takes an army of volunteers to raise $7 million,” Hall said.
Those interested in volunteering can sign up at registertoring.com.
York in October and recently held a Midwest premiere at the Redford Theatre in Detroit in November. “When We Went MAD” will likely have another premiere in Los Angeles in the near future, and the filmmakers are currently exploring streaming service options with Amazon Prime and Apple.
“We hope to expand to other screenings,” Bernstein said. “We’re looking at film festivals and figuring out what our distributor will let us do.”
For more information, visit the “When We Went MAD” Facebook page or www. whenwewent mad.com
Awards
from page 3A
Analysts and Professionals. My work has focused on bridging gaps — whether between technology and governance or between communities and the resources they need to thrive.”
In 2016, Tadepalli joined the volunteer Troy Public Library Teen Advisory Board, where he collaborated with city and library officials and created programs and proposed ideas on how to enhance the library’s culture, like the International Fair for the city of Troy.
This led him to joining the Troy Planning Commission in 2019 as a student representative, and he assisted the commission by making sure that development aligned with local regulations and that future generations’ interests were in mind during planning.
“Additionally, I’ve made it a priority to connect students with local government,” Tadepalli said in an email.
“I’ve helped candidates run for non-partisan local offices, including leading campaigns for Troy Mayor Ethan Baker and Councilwoman Rebecca Chamberlain Creanga. These efforts opened doors for students to volunteer, gain firsthand experience in civic engagement, and learn the importance of local government. … Currently, I also serve on the City of Troy’s Brownfield Redevelopment Authority, contributing to the revitalization of underutilized properties and fostering economic growth.”
Tadepalli has also had an impact on college campuses. At Kettering University, he served as the university’s student ambassador, served on the School of Management’s Dean Advisory Council, and partnered with the League of Women Voters to provide a safe and welcoming space for students to access voting resources.
At Oakland University, Tadepalli served as a judge for its hackathon. At the University of Michigan’s Ross School of Business, he spoke to students, faculty and staff about cybersecurity. He advised students on finding internships, selecting classes and finding opportunities in today’s technological market.
“As a mentor and judge, I’ve contributed to numerous
hackathons and cybersecurity bootcamps, sharing my expertise and helping participants build skills in solving real-world challenges,” Tadepalli said in an email.
“I also volunteer with TechTown Detroit, where I support innovative entrepreneurs and technology-driven initiatives that help transform communities and create opportunities. Beyond mentorship, I’ve volunteered to speak at schools and universities, educating students about cybersecurity, the evolving threats we face, and how we combat them. I’ve also spoken at industry events, sharing insights on modern cybersecurity challenges and the role of autonomous vehicles in our connected future.”
Tadepalli has also served on the advisory task force for Michigan Secretary of State Jocelyn Benson and founded and led a group called the Young Cybersecurity Analysts and Professionals.
“I was considered for the Governor’s Service Award due to my long-standing commitment to both community service and cybersecurity advocacy,” Tadepalli said in an email.
“Over the years, I’ve led initiatives that empower others, from creating opportunities for students to engage with local government and civic leadership in Troy, to mentoring early-career professionals in cybersecurity through groups like the Young Cybersecurity Analysts and Professionals. My work has focused on bridging gaps — whether between technology and governance or between communities and the resources they need to thrive.”
Tadepalli’s achievement has been celebrated by Troy Mayor Ethan Baker and 56th District state Rep. Sharon MacDonell.
“Congratulations to my friend, Hemanth Tadepalli, who has received a 2024 Governors Service Award! I have known Hemanth since he was a member of the Troy Public Library Teen Advisory Board, where he impressed me with his dedication and commitment to service,” Baker said in an email.
“Over the years, Hemanth has been instrumental in helping the City of Troy and played a key role in my campaign for Mayor in 2019. Politics aside, Hemanth is known to go above and beyond in any project he is working on, and consistently demonstrates his service heart. We are all proud
of you, Hemanth! Keep up the spectacular work!”
“I am thrilled to celebrate Troy’s very own Hemanth Tadepalli for receiving Governor Whitmer’s 2024 Governor’s Service Award,” MacDonell said in an email. “Hemanth’s contributions are extensive, and he has shown true dedication to our community. I am so happy to celebrate this welldeserved honor.”
Other winners of the 2024 Governor’s Service Awards include:
• Gov. George Romney Lifetime Achievement Award: James B. Nicholson (Grosse Pointe Farms).
• Lifetime Humanitarian Award: Vivian Pickard (Grand Blanc).
• Spirit of Hope: David Merritt (Detroit), Thomas Burke (Jackson).
• Corporate Social Impact Award: Ford Motor Co. (Dearborn), Priority Health Total Health Foundation (Southfield).
• Older Adult Volunteer of the Year: Cathy Balik (Kalamazoo), David Baur (Lansing), Darlean Carpenter (Saginaw), J.W. Henderson (Detroit), Linda and Wayne Pynnonen (West Olive).
• Volunteer of the Year: Clare Clark-Carlisle (Detroit), Sarah Emmerson (Muskegon), Jessica Faith Becker Beamer (Farmington), Tricia Garbarino (Plymouth), Bernice Mason (St. Joseph).
• Youth Impact Award: Destined for Greatness (Detroit), Stewards Sustainability Leadership Institute 4-H Club (Novi), STEM Greenhouse (Grand Rapids), John Dorr (Bloomfield Hills), William Kitchen III (Muskegon Heights).
• National Service Impact Award: Darcele Marie Cole Robinson (Flint), Sandra Miller (Crystal), Vachal L. Moore Jr. (Detroit), LaShaunta Waller (Mason), Lois Westman (Ishpeming).
• Community Impact Award: Eastside Community Network (Detroit), Dementia Friendly (Saline), Ladies Entrepreneur Empowerment Circle (Detroit), Southwest Michigan Land Conservancy (Galesburg), Friends of Sleeping Bear (Empire).
For more information, visit michigan.gov.
Once I get the right diagnosis for the cause of your heel pain, I will provide you with a tailored treatment plan, which outlines exactly how we can fix your heel pain and keep you free from future foot pain. If you are ready, call me for an appointment to start your journey back to normal life, free from heel pain.
PEARL HARBOR ARTIFACTS LINK BACK TO DAY OF INFAMY 83 YEARS AGO
BY DEAN VAGLIA dvaglia@candgnews.com
METRO DETROIT — The belongings, material and personal, of Michiganders who were at Pearl Harbor on and around that infamous day continue to make their way home.
John Lind, director of the Detroit Arsenal of Democracy Museum, has been able to secure several items from the USS Oklahoma and USS Arizona: a prayer book from either ship and four envelopes from the Arizona postdated Dec. 7, 1941.
The Arizona items come from the estate of a Michigan man, who Lind did not name, who was on his way out of the Navy on Dec. 6.
“This person went to the mail section on the ship and got these envelopes in advance,” Lind said. “The story is this gentleman here was transferred on Dec. 6, the Saturday before, because they conducted no business on Sunday. … He was going back stateside. He was done, his hitch was over, and he reached California and he said, ‘You know what? I’m going back in.’”
The unnamed Arizona sailor joined over 300,000 Americans who showed up to recruitment offices on Dec. 8, 1941. Lind says about 30,000 people volunteered at the Detroit office.
The Oklahoma prayer book, which is in a more fragile
state than the Arizona book, was acquired from a separate sailor who reached out to Lind.
“He was on (the USS) Oklahoma,” Lind said. “He came back to the United States, was retrained and then he got on other ships throughout the war.”
Prayer books were commonly taken from ships while the envelopes were postdated sometime before Dec. 7.
The attack on Pearl Harbor is as much a story of what was not lost as it is about what was. While the battleships USS Arizona, USS Oklahoma and USS Utah were scrapped and the aircraft carriers assigned to the base were saved by virtue of being out of port, the lightly attacked support facilities — dry docks, maintenance shops and oil yards — allowed for the other damaged ships to be repaired and returned to service. Lind says that Michiganders were sought out to repair and retrofit the fleet.
“The Navy came to Detroit and took as many skilled trades (as possible) to go to Pearl Harbor to get Pearl Harbor back in shape,” Lind said. “If the Japanese would have concentrated on the rebuilding centers, the fuel farms, the maintenance shops, Pearl Harbor would have come back but it would have been years later. Instead, within six weeks basically, all the dry docks and maintenance shops at Pearl Harbor were back online.”
See ARTIFACTS on page 9A
The Ultimate Health Check-Up:
Full Body MRI Screenings Catch Silent Issues Early
(Southfield, MI) The Silent Killer Within. You feel fine. No aches, no pains. But what if something sinister lurks beneath the surface, silently growing, waiting to strike? The truth is, traditional checkups often miss the early warning signs. Cancer. Aneurysms. Blocked carotid arteries. These silent killers can progress undetected for years, only revealing themselves when it’s too late.
The Full-Body MRI Revolution
That’s where the full-body MRI comes in. Screenings evaluate the brain, neck, chest, abdomen, pelvis, shoulders, hips and spine. It’s like a high-definition movie of your insides, revealing hidden threats that other tests miss. Full body MRI screenings can catch them early, before symptoms and when they’re easiest to treat.
We all know someone who woke up one day with an unexplained symptom, only to be told they have stage four cancer. The
pancreas, liver, brain and all other major organs get evaluated during a full body MRI screening. Tumors can be detected in stage one – before symptoms develop. Early detection can be the difference between life and death.
Bionicc Body Screening: Your Early Warning System
Bionicc Body Screening in Southfield is Michigan’s first MRI full body screening center. We’re not just scanning your body; we’re safeguarding your future. Our stateof-the-art facility and expert team provide a comfortable, reassuring experience. Our advanced MRI technology can detect tumors as small as a pencil eraser. Screenings can detect aneurysms; risk of stroke and hundreds of conditions that could be lurking undetected. Is it Right for You?
If you’re serious about your health, if you
want the ultimate peace of mind, then YES, a full-body MRI could be the most important decision you make this year. It’s not just for the privileged few; it’s a health resource available to those willing to make a proactive investment in their well-being, offering peace of mind and early detection opportunities.
and emit NO radiation. Scans are not only for cancer, but are capable of detecting hundreds of abnormalities.
Don’t Gamble with Your Health
Every day you wait is a risk. A small tumor today could be a major problem tomorrow. Take control. Get the screening. Get the answers.
Robert B., age 50, did just that. He opted for a full-body scan from Bionicc Body Screening, and a very small kidney tumor was detected that had been missed by a recent CT scan. “It saved my life,” he said. “I cannot recommend this service more.”
Photo by Dean Vaglia Prayer books from the USS Arizona and Oklahoma, along with envelopes from the Arizona, have come into the possession of the Detroit Arsenal of Democracy Museum.
Blue Light
from page 1A
the region descended upon St. Justin Church in Hazel Park Dec. 3 for the somber occasion. The initiative’s name is derived from the practice of placing a blue light in the front window of one’s home to show solidarity with police, or a red light to show support for firefighters and paramedics.
David Soltis, a member of the Madison Heights City Council who once worked in an EMT crew, and whose son is a paramedic, said such a gesture means a lot for families of first responders.
“It lets them know that the public are thinking about them and support what they’re doing and appreciate them,” Soltis said. “Because if they didn’t do what they do, then where would we be?”
Debbie Swofford organizes the event, which is now in its 21st year. Each ceremony includes a “Roll Call of Heroes” recounting those who died in the line of duty since the last ceremony.
For 2024, the Roll Call of Heroes includes:
• Court officer Robert Silver, with the St. Clair County Court, who died Dec. 28, 2023.
• Trooper Joel Popp, with the Michigan State Police, who died Jan. 24, 2024.
• Deputy Bradley Reckling, of the Oakland County Sheriff’s Office, who died June 22, 2024.
• Deputy William Butler Jr., of the Hillsdale County Sheriff’s Office, who died June 27, 2024.
• Cpl. Mohamed Said, with the Melvindale Police Department, who died July
21, 2024.
• Motor carrier officer Daniel Kerstetter, of the Michigan State Police, who died Sept. 15, 2024.
Silver was shot and killed while serving an eviction notice in Clay Township. He was found dead after court staff were unable to reach him for hours. His body was found on the property with gunshot wounds. The tenant at the home had barricaded himself there for a short time before being taken into custody, and he was subsequently charged
with murder. Silver’s death marked the end of a 35-year career with the St. Clair County Court.
Popp was struck and killed by a vehicle while investigating an individual who had been driving under the influence on northbound Interstate 75 near Birch Run. He was standing outside his vehicle when another motorist struck him and two patrol cars. He was transported to Hurley Medical Center where he died from his injuries. The 81-year-old driver also sustained serious in-
juries. Popp had served with the Michigan State Police for four years and was assigned to the Tri-City Post.
Reckling was shot and killed while conducting surveillance on a vehicle in Detroit that had been stolen at the Red Oaks Waterpark in Madison Heights. Reckling reached the car before other members of the Oakland County Sheriff’s Auto Theft Unit and was waiting for backup when the three suspects allegedly ambushed him. He was taken to a local hospital where he died. One of the suspects has since been charged with murder, among other charges, while the other two face charges including accessory after the fact to a felony. Reckling had served with the Oakland County Sheriff’s Office for nine years and had only recently been assigned to the Auto Theft Unit.
Butler was shot and killed while assisting with a traffic stop in Jefferson Township. The suspect did not cooperate, instead pulling a gun during a struggle with deputies and striking Butler before fleeing on foot. The suspect died in a shootout with police several hours later and 2 miles from the scene of the original incident. Butler died from his wounds at the hospital.
Said was shot and killed in Melvindale while pursuing a subject who was paroled in June and who fled the scene on a stolen bicycle. A manhunt by local, county and federal agencies led to his arrest the next day, with Said’s handcuffs used to secure the suspect, who has since been charged with murder and other charges. Said had served with the Melvindale Police Department for 14 months.
Kerstetter was struck by a vehicle on I-75 and died from his injuries. He had been
See BLUE LIGHT on page 10A
Photo by Erin Sanchez
Supporters can display blue lights in their home’s window to show solidarity with police this holiday season, and red lights to show support for firefighters and paramedics.
Artifacts
from page 7A
It is hard to determine how many Pearl Harbor veterans are still alive for the 83rd anniversary, though the number is certainly not many. Anyone serving in the U.S. military at the time would be a centenarian by now.
An Associated Press article about the 2023 commemoration mentions five survivors were in attendance with a sixth unable to make it due to health concerns. The Los Angeles Times reported nine Pearl Harbor
Editors: Brian Louwers | (586) 498-1089 | brianlouwers@candgnews.com David Wallace | (586) 498-1053 | dwallace@candgnews.com
Sports: Jonathan Szczepaniak | (586) 498-1090 | sports@candgnews.com
Artroom: (586) 498-1036 | ads@candgnews.com Classifieds:
(586) 498-8100
survivors attended a ceremony at the National World War II Museum in New Orleans in January 2023. Lou Conter, the last surviving sailor from the USS Arizona, died in April 2024 at 102 years old.
According to NBC’s KNHL local news in Hawaii, at least one survivor was expected to attend this year’s commemoration of the 83rd anniversary of the attack at 104 years old. The National World War II Museum in New Orleans says that of the 16.4 million Americans who served during World War II, around 66,140 were alive as of 2024. Of that number, 2,520 were Michiganders.
Advertising: Louise Millar | (586) 498-1054 | lmillar@candgnews.com
Estate Advertising: Paula Kaspor | (586) 498-1055 | pkaspor@candgnews.com
Blue Light
from page 8A
conducting a traffic stop at around 8:30 a.m. on northbound I-75 near Dix Road in Lincoln Park. He was sitting in his patrol car when a Ford Explorer crashed into the back of the vehicle, pushing him into the rear of a semi-truck. He was removed from his vehicle using the Jaws of Life and transported to a hospital where he remained on life support until his organs could be donated. The driver of the Explorer was killed in the crash, while the semi-truck driver was uninjured. Kerstetter had served with the Michigan State Police for more than a year.
Eastpointe Police Lt. Alexander Holish said such cases show the risks facing first responders. He also described the other sacrifices they make.
“Unfortunately, many of us have to miss family events because the job is 24/7. It could be Thanksgiving, Christmas, any number of days. That’s a sacrifice in itself, and takes a toll on families. Kids miss their fathers, wives miss their husbands. And there’s the uncertainty that comes with it all. One second, you’re eating lunch, and then two seconds later, you’re responding to a triple shooting,” Holish said.
“We respond to all sorts of horrible things — abuse cases, even sexual assaults on children — and we have to live with those traumas. We all put on a stoic face and investigate crimes without showing emotions, but when we get home and crash, those feelings
Grants
page 3A
with their creativity, their innovation and really their ability to enhance our students’ experiences in the classroom.”
Heather Roesner and Briana Black, teachers at Anderson Middle School, were awarded two grants for two separate projects, including a life skills cooking class.
Roesner said the life skills class helps students with cooking, work and social skills. Every Friday, the teachers take students to different places in the community as part of the class, such as Elaine’s Bagels or the Royal Oak Public Library.
For this particular grant, the money will be used for the students to go to Crispelli’s Bakery and Pizzeria to learn how to make pizza and dessert.
“It’s an exciting opportunity and we’re with an expert chef who from start to finish
come up, thinking about the people who got hurt, the tragedies we saw throughout the day. It leads to PTSD, anxiety, depression. It’s the exposure to traumatic experiences, over and over again. Nobody calls us on their good day to say hello; they call because they’re distressed.”
The Project Blue Light ceremony at St. Justin Church was a chance to reflect on that sacrifice. William Hamel, the police chief of Hazel Park, said via email that the venue is especially appropriate given its history of support for the law enforcement community.
The late Rev. Robert Hayes Williams II — also known as “Father Bob” — was once a pastor at St. Justin Church. He died from an illness at age 69 on Oct. 28. He had served with the Hazel Park Police Department as both a reserve officer and police chaplain.
“Continuing this tradition (of Project Blue Light) at St. Justin also honors Father Bob for his work in supporting first responders,” Hamel said.
Soltis said it’s important to show police and firefighters that their work isn’t thankless and that the community has their backs.
“Without a doubt, these are challenging occasions where police and fire work long hours away from home, during the holidays and in all kinds of weather. Their work is necessary, but we have to remember they’re still human beings, and they need all the support we can give them. No matter what comes up, no matter how minor or horrendous, they do their job. And we’re so very thankful for them,” Soltis said.
shows us how to make the pizza,” she said.
“Our students, a lot of times the basic life skills, cooking, work skills, being able to read a recipe, sometimes that doesn’t come naturally and it needs to be taught in a small setting with a specialized teacher, like a chef,” Roesner continued. “They’re going to get out of it not only how to make a pizza, but even how to order at a restaurant, how to pay for their items when we’re in the community … kind of those social norms that we all take for granted or just adapt that they don’t always know to do on their own.”
Though there might be ways to fund class trips like this without the grant, Roesner wouldn’t want to put that responsibility on the students’ parents.
“Our parents were wonderful and I don’t think they would have an issue paying for this,” she said. “I just don’t want to have to have parents pay every Friday for this expense. So we could still do it, but I would fundraise if we didn’t have this grant.”
WE ARE SO GRATEFUL FOR YOUR CONTINUED TRUST IN US. MAY YOUR HOLIDAYS BE FILLED WITH WARMTH AND A CHEERFUL CELEBRATION.
SEASON’S GREETINGS AND WARM WISHES FOR THE COMING YEAR.