GOLD COIN GETS DROPPED IN RED KETTLE ONE LAST TIME/8A
Planning Commission recommends Lakeside development plan
FORMER SEARS PROPERTY CURRENTLY EXCLUDED FROM PLAN
BY ERIC CZARNIK eczarnik@candgnews.com
STERLING HEIGHTS — The Sterling Heights City Council is expected to hold a public hearing on the anticipated Lakeside City Center project Dec. 17, but some additional project details and challenges were recently revealed when Sterling Heights Planning Commission members recommended approval of the project’s master development plan.
During the Nov. 7 special meeting, commissioners heard a follow-up presentation from planning, architecture and engineering firm Arcadis about the Lakeside development’s proposed zoning standards and design guidelines. The plans would affect multiple Lakeside Circle addresses that once made up the former Lakeside Mall, located near Schoenherr and Hall roads.
However, during the workshop, one prominent distinction was mentioned this time — the plan that the Planning Commission ended up recommending currently excludes the former Sears location at 14100 Lakeside Circle. That property is owned by Lakeside Circle Holdings LLC, which is affiliated with MKiezi Investments, according to city officials.
During public comment, MKiezi Investments President Mario Kiezi said he was involved in purchasing the property in
See LAKESIDE on page 6A
ICE SKATING RETURNS TO DODGE PARK
BY ERIC CZARNIK eczarnik@candgnews.com
STERLING HEIGHTS – ‘Tis the season to be skating in Sterling Heights.
On Dec. 1, the Dodge Park Ice Rink returned to the Dodge Park Farmers Market Pavilion. And for Sterling Heights Parks and Recreation Director Kyle Langlois, the annual rink reopening is an exciting time.
SKATING on page 14A
ABOVE: Skaters came bundled up to stay warm in cold temperatures. LEFT: Attendees at the rink’s opening day keep their hands warm around an outdoor fire. Photos by Liz Carnegie See
The Sterling Heights Arts Commission’s Fall Art Show was held Nov. 23 at the Sterling Heights Community Center.
BELOW: Julie Nicholls, from Nicholls Knits LLC, creates plushies during the art show. The plushies were a small portion of the handmade knit and crochet items she offered.
Photos by Patricia O’Blenes
Fall show offers another season for selling art in Sterling Heights
BY ERIC CZARNIK eczarnik@candgnews.com
STERLING HEIGHTS — Like complementary colors, autumn and art simply go together.
That was the vision of organizers who staged the Sterling Heights Arts Commission’s first-ever Fall Art Show, which was held Nov. 23 at the Sterling Heights Community Center, 40250 Dodge Park Road.
With the holidays just around the corner, the event offered an opportune time for shoppers to buy artwork and crafts from local creators including ceramics, jewelry, baked goods, Christmas greenery and pet goods, according to Jeanne SchabathLewis, the chair of the Arts Commission.
Schabath-Lewis said she attended the event for around two hours. She ex-
Christmas thrift store provides
‘hope’
for the holidays
BY MARIA ALLARD allard@candgnews.com
STERLING HEIGHTS — It’s beginning to look a lot like Christmas at 43584 Van Dyke Ave., between 19 Mile and Hall roads.
That’s because the nonprofit organization Grace Centers of Hope has opened its annual Christmas Thrift Store for the holiday season.
The shop, located next to GCH’s year-round thrift store, is a festive way to hunt for bargain holiday decorations and Christmas gifts for under the tree.
The store resembles Santa’s workshop with cheerful ceramic snowmen, Santa Bears, dishes, twinkling lights, ornaments, Nativity scenes, Christmas villages and table decorations for sale. Wreaths and Christmas stockings deck the halls, and Santa Claus figurines in all shapes and sizes adorn the store. Shoppers may even find some vintage pieces.
The items — both brand new and gently used — are sold at discounted prices and were donated by
RIGHT:
Photo provided by Grace Centers of Hope
Holiday-themed items at the Grace Centers of Hope Christmas Thrift Store are both brand-new and gently used.
NEWS & NOTES
Churches to hold cookie walks
STERLING HEIGHTS — Christ Lutheran Church, 12500 Canal Road, will hold its 24th Annual Cookie Walk Dec. 14 from 9 a.m. to noon, or whenever cookies sell out. The fundraising event will sell cookies for $10 per pound and raise money for its outreach ministries. Learn more by calling (586) 731-1113.
In a separate event, Utica United Methodist Church, 8650 Canal Road, will host its own annual Christmas Cookie Walk 10 a.m.-noon Dec. 21. This event invites the public to fill a container with “yummy treats.” The cookie container has no set cost, though the event encourages free-will donations. Learn more by calling (586) 731-7667.
City to hold holiday painting event
STERLING HEIGHTS — As part of its Artist Inside program, the Sterling Heights Parks and Recreation Department will hold a “Painting with a Twist” style class at 11 a.m. Dec. 14 at the Sterling Heights Community Center, 40250 Dodge Park Road. According to organizers, the theme will be a holiday character collage.
Admission costs $26 per resident or $34 per nonresident. The event is intended for all ages and artistic abilities, though kids ages 13 and younger must be supervised by an adult. RSVP by visiting bit.ly/3OcZzRp, or learn more by calling (586) 446-2700.
SANTA CLAUS IS COMING TO TOWN
NORTH POLE — The North American Aerospace Defense Command (NORAD) will again track Santa Claus on Christmas Eve Dec. 24. The program, based in Peterson Space Force Base, Colorado, is in its 69th year.
NORAD monitors and defends North American airspace 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, 365 days a year. On Dec. 24, NORAD takes on an additional mission of tracking Santa Claus as he makes his way across the globe.
The NORAD Tracks Santa website, noradsanta.org, launched on Dec. 1. It features Santa’s North Pole Village, a holiday countdown, games, a movie theater, holiday music, web store and more.
The website is available in nine languages: English, French, Spanish, German, Italian, Japanese, Portuguese, Chinese and Korean. Children awaiting Santa can count the days on mobile devices with the official NORAD Tracks Santa app, via social media and on Amazon Alexa, SiriusXM, and OnStar.
City to hold pickleball tournament
STERLING HEIGHTS — The Sterling Heights Community Center, 40250 Dodge Park Road, will host a Dec. 28 Year-End Pickleball Tournament.
The tournament will have beginner and advanced divisions, though all participants must know the rules to the game. Individuals are encouraged to register for $35 each. RSVP by visiting bit.ly/3vM7Shp. Learn more by calling (586) 446-2700.
JOIN THE FOLD
City issues reminder about snow emergency rules
STERLING HEIGHTS — The city of Sterling Heights is reminding residents that when it declares a snow emergency after a major winter storm, property owners must clear all snow and ice from their adjoining sidewalks within 24 hours after the snow event ends.
In addition, during a declared snow emergency, all parked vehicles must be removed from city streets so that the city can do its plowing. Vehicle owners who fail to follow this rule may be ticketed and may have their vehicles towed. Learn more by visiting bit.ly/4eJ0Tq1 or by calling (586) 446-2489.
STERLING HEIGHTS — The Sterling Heights Public Library, 40255 Dodge Park Road, is holding an Origami Hour event at 2 p.m. Dec. 14. Learn the Japanese tradition of folding paper into artistic shapes and patterns.
The program is suited for youth ages 7 to 17. Admission is free. Learn more about how to RSVP by visiting shpl.net and clicking on the Programs button, or call (586) 446-2665.
Art show
from page 3A
plained that 24 artists ended up vending their creations at the new event. Most of the artists had also sold their work at last summer’s Sterlingfest Art & Music Fair, as they were invited to also attend the fall event too, she explained.
“For the first year doing this, you never know how it’s going to do,” Schabath-Lewis said, though she added that the artists she spoke to at the event noted a “consistent flow of people.”
Artist Len Sadro Jr., from Sterling Heights, said in an email that he makes welded art out of repurposed everyday metal items, such as “little dogs out of bolts.” He had good things to say about the new art show as a vendor.
“I have to say, for it being the event’s first year, I did very good in sales, and it had a nice steady flow of foot traffic from start to end,” he said.
Due to the fall art show’s success, it is likely that it will return next year, SchabathLewis said.
Learn more about Sterling Heights by visiting sterlingheights.gov or by calling
(586) 446-2489. Check out Sadro’s art by visiting facebook.com/rough.steel.9.
Call Staff Writer Eric Czarnik at (586) 498-1058.
David Crank, from Clinton Township, brought his handmade pens to the art show.
Photo by Patricia O’Blenes
Lakeside
from page 1A
2022 for around $10 million. He explained that while he wants to see a Lakeside development plan happen, he said the current proposal demands “a lot of takings.”
“There’s takings of my land. There’s takings of ingress and egress. There’s takings of parking. There’s taking of our rights of future development,” Kiezi said.
He said pressure should be put on the developer to make this “something that can actually happen” with the consent of all parties.
“If you want a billion-dollar development, there are certain things that you need to do in order for that development to proceed,” Kiezi said.
During the meeting, Assistant City Attorney Clark Andrews confirmed that nonconsenting property owners within the district won’t be subject to the Lakeside City Center plan “until such time as they decide that they want to participate.”
Colin Carby, representing Lionheart Capital, said Lakeside is “working with all the stakeholders to try to reach an agreement.”
“Like Mr. Kiezi was saying, they seem to like the site plan,” Carby said. “We’re just trying to iron out the kinks and figure out what makes the most sense for all parties and making sure that we come up with something cohesive. And I think we’re going to
get there.”
Besides the Sears issue, the meeting also focused on a few other topics.
Some planning commissioners, like Brandy Wright, wanted to see green rooftops or rooftop restaurants at certain parts of the Lakeside City Center. Planning Commissioner Gerald Rowe questioned whether bigbox stores should be allowed in the district.
“I’m not sure that that’s something desirable, rather than mom-and-pop or individual, you know, kinds of stores,” he said.
In response, Erich Dohrer, from Arcadis, said some similar districts are starting to see grocery stores and big-box brands on the ground floor of office or residential buildings, though not necessarily as standalone buildings.
The Planning Commission ended up adding a few amendments to the plan. One amendment would let the Planning Commission consider proposals for projects whose uses are not defined in the agreement. Another amendment adds a sustainability component to the zoning standards, and the final amendment seeks city engineers’ feedback on whether driving lanes within the district could be feasibly narrower than 11 feet. The commission ended up recommending approval of the plan 7-0, with two absences.
Learn more about the proposed Lakeside City Center by visiting lakesidecitycenter.com.
Call Staff Writer Eric Czarnik at (586) 498-1058.
File photo by Patricia O’Blenes
The Sterling Heights City Council is slated to discuss plans for the Lakeside redevelopment project at a Dec. 17 meeting.
COOPERATION KEY TO ‘STATE OF MACOMB’
BY DEAN VAGLIA dvaglia@candgnews.com
CLINTON TOWNSHIP — On the evening of Dec. 4, leaders and luminaries from throughout the region gathered inside the Macomb Center for the Performing Arts to address the State of Macomb County in 2024.
Democratic Macomb County Executive Mark Hackel began the bulk of the address with the theme of partnership being the No. 1 tool to get things done.
“Now that (the election) is over, can we just set aside the Blue vs. Red and the Rs and Ds?” Hackel said. “I’ve said this many times
before and I think it’s starting to catch on in light of what I’ve been hearing recently: It’s time to stop reaching across the aisle. Let’s forget reaching across the aisle. It’s time to get in the aisle and get things done on behalf of the people. And the way we get things done in Macomb County is not through partisanship, it’s through partnership.”
Examples of partnerships between the county and its stakeholders were discussed in relation to six categories: economic development, quality of life, roads and infrastructure, health and community services, public safety and education.
Macomb County Planning and Economic Development showcased various
projects throughout the county that were receiving country support: the redevelopment of Lakeside Mall in Sterling Heights, the overhaul of downtown Mount Clemens and the creation of General Sports and Entertainment’s new headquarters in Utica.
Related to economic development is the country’s financial position, which Hackel touted as strong due to the 14th consecutive year of a balanced budget and the recent increase in the county’s bond rating by Moody’s to “Aa1 with a positive outlook.”
“To quote the release, ‘The outlook is positive because the county will maintain robust finances and it benefits from prudent budget management,’” Hackel said.
Republican Don Brown, chair of the Macomb County Board of Commissioners, believed this economic performance showed off the best examples of how the board and county executive have been able to partner on various matters.
“My board has a saying, ‘one team, one mission,’ and Mark Hackel is part of that team and understands that,” Brown said. “He’s worked together with everybody to raise everyone’s boats … We don’t agree on everything but when we don’t, we sit down to figure it out and talk about it. We’re working very well together. The financial picture he highlighted shows the result.”
See ADDRESS on page 11A
GOLD COIN GETS DROPPED
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.
See COIN on page 9A
IN RED KETTLE ONE LAST TIME
ABOVE: 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
LEFT: 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
Coin
from page 8A
“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 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 push-
ing its “Tap to Give” option. This allows donations to be made with a cash app, credit 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.
WE FIX TOILETS
Toilet Special
CRIME WATCH
Police investigate Walmart skip-scanning incidents
STERLING HEIGHTS — Police went to Walmart, 33201 Van Dyke Ave., Nov. 22 after hearing that a woman was allegedly skipping some items while at a checkout scanner. Store staff reportedly detained her at the grocery doors. Police said the suspect paid for $190.44 worth of items but didn’t pay for $85.35 worth of items, which reportedly included clothes, groceries and household goods. Police said the woman was cited for third-degree retail fraud.
In a separate incident on Nov. 22, police heard that staff at the same Walmart reportedly saw a man failing to scan all his items at checkout before going to the pharmacy doors. According to the report, some of the stolen items included electronics, toothbrush items, clothes and car items. Police said the suspect paid for $198.46 worth of merchandise but stole $520.99 worth of items. Police later said a warrant was authorized for second-degree retail fraud.
Man
cited
for
urinating in public
STERLING HEIGHTS — Police said a complainant alerted them to a man who allegedly urinated outdoors Nov. 22 in the area of Robinnest Drive, located north of 16 1/2 Mile Road and west of Dodge Park Road. The complainant reportedly recorded the incident on his phone and was “adamant about pressing charges and following through,” police said.
Police said the suspect was “very apolo-
getic and remorseful for his actions” and reportedly had gone into a wooded area to relieve himself. Police said they cited the suspect for urinating in public.
Woman handcuffed after hotel disturbance
STERLING HEIGHTS — Police went to a hotel in the 36000 block of Van Dyke Ave. roughly around midnight Nov. 24 after hearing about a woman who was allegedly yelling and disturbing people in the lobby. When police arrived, they said the woman started yelling at police too. Police said the woman resisted police instructions to go outside and allegedly flailed around when police grabbed her to escort her from the building. The woman was handcuffed and cited for disorderly conduct and resisting/ obstructing an officer, police said.
Police mediate refill dispute at convenience store
STERLING HEIGHTS – Police were sent to a convenience store in the 11000 block of 15 Mile Road upon hearing that a man wasn’t leaving the store because he couldn’t get a refund.
Police said they spoke to the man, who reportedly said he bought a bag of chips and a fountain drink, but the latter accidentally spilled after he bought it. He said he sought a refill but was told it would cost $1.50.
An officer offered to pay $1.50 for the refill, and after the store accepted it, no further police action was taken.
Anyone who has more information about these events or general suspicious happenings is encouraged to call the Sterling Heights Police Department at (586) 446-2800.
— Eric Czarnik
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.
Address
Hackel’s next segment, quality of life, focused on the ways the county was supporting plans and programs to make Macomb County a desirable place to be. The Green Macomb and Blue Economy initiatives were highlighted as prime examples. Green Macomb’s goal is to expand the county’s tree canopy. The Blue Economy initiative is focused on developing and protecting Lake St. Clair, with its original mission of removing logjams in the Clinton River and eliminating Lake St. Clair beach closures.
Providing Harrison Township with a $1 million grant to build the Digger Odell Memorial Bridge over the Clinton River Spillway was Hackel’s biggest example, in terms of expense, of a community-led quality-oflife project receiving county support.
Roads and infrastructure were the next point of discussion. Much of the information about road projects was reviewed from the country’s “state of the roads” address, with Innovate Mound serving as a key example of a project that required partnerships between county and local — as well as state and federal — governments to be completed.
With the county owning the primary roads in townships, Republican Macomb Township Treasurer Leon Drolet made it clear that county-municipality partnerships on road projects were not just important but required.
“The township doesn’t run its own roads, but we’re required to pay for a good chunk, usually about half, of road projects,” Drolet said. “Coordinating with the county and roads is not an option — it’s a necessity. We’ve had a great relationship with the county.”
Macomb Township’s work with the county and state, notably state Sen. Veronica Klinefelt, D-Eastpointe, has allowed for the funding of various road projects in the township.
South of Macomb Township is Clinton Township, where newly elected Democratic Supervisor Paul Gieleghem, the township’s former treasurer, has long been adamant that the mechanism for road funding needs to be changed. Gieleghem was no less spirited about the issue as he stepped into the Lorenzo Cultural Center for the Taste of Macomb reception after the address. It’s an issue Hackel would also like Lansing to address.
“Mark is absolutely correct that we need a lot more dollars from the state and a
fair (funding) formula to meet the needs of our population,” Gieleghem said.
Health and community services focused on the various programs and initiatives the county operates to aid senior citizens. Examples included the Meals on Wheels program and the newly established Macomb County Elder Justice Alliance, which involves 80 organizations working together to combat elder abuse. A new community impact fund in the 2025 budget will see the county work with Advancing Macomb to target grants and philanthropic dollars for nonprofit development, parks and public spaces, small business innovation, senior citizen advocacy and childhood achievement.
Public safety showcased the central intake and assessment center project at the Macomb County Jail, as well as a mention of the Department of Justice L. Anthony Sutin Award, given this year to Hackel and Macomb County Sheriff Anthony Wickersham for their community policing efforts.
Finally, a focus on education highlighted the county’s work with the Macomb Intermediate School District, local districts and Macomb Community College to advance educational programs throughout the county.
“Our way of doing things (in Macomb
County) is just sometimes different,” Hackel said. “We believe in doing things together, not alone. We believe in bringing people in, not shutting them out. We believe in lending a hand, not pointing a finger. We also believe in giving credit where credit is due and not assigning blame. As I hope that I have shown you, we truly believe in the power of partnership.”
Photo by Dean Vaglia
Macomb County Executive Mark Hackel delivers the 2024 State of Macomb County address at the Macomb Center for the Performing Arts on the evening of Dec. 4.
Store
from page 3A
community members who support GCH. The Christian-based mission offers programs for individuals recovering from drug addiction, alcoholism, human trafficking, abuse and homelessness.
GCH, located at 35 E. Huron St. in Pontiac, supports men, women and children throughout southeast Michigan. Darin Weiss, who will begin his role as GCH chief operating officer Jan. 1, 2025, said the goal is to raise $10,000 at the Christmas store this season.
“Every dollar that comes through the store will support Grace Centers of Hope,” said Weiss, 49, of Shelby Township. Weiss, who is also lead pastor at the GCH church, added that the charity does not receive any government funding. It is privately funded, and staff also hold ongoing fundraisers.
Men and women at GCH are enrolled in the One-Year Life Skills program. They live at the facility where they attend classes every day, participate in Bible studies, and undergo individual and group counseling. Those who didn’t finish high school are encouraged to get their GEDs, and everyone has a relapse prevention plan.
Residents also utilize the Career and Education Center to work on their resumes, interview skills and financial planning. Parents can bring their children to live at the facility with them. Weiss said that children attend Clawson Public Schools.
Everyone who comes to the center must do their part to earn their keep. They either assist at the center’s kitchen, landscape the grounds or work at one of the four thrift
store locations in Sterling Heights, Warren, Oak Park and Waterford.
“We believe in accountability and responsibility. Their commitment leads to dignity, worth, value and significance. We believe that community is really the answer. We like to say we are restoring lives,” Weiss said.
“Grace Centers of Hope is about being accepted. You meet other people who are kind of in the same place as you’re at. We want to help them prepare for success. It’s life-changing.”
Nick Moran, 32, is one of the hardworking staff members currently employed at the Christmas store. His duties include welcoming customers, helping them find merchandise, stocking shelves and cleaning the store. Moran, who grew up in Port Huron, is still in the One-Year Life Skills program.
“In my late 20s and early 30s I sank deep in alcohol,” said Moran, who learned about GCH through a treatment program. “I was still kind of in denial. I didn’t think I needed a yearlong program. I was very glad to be here. Your first couple weeks are a little bit uneasy.”
“I’ve seen him turn into this guy he thought he’d never be,” said Erik Overpeck, 36, who is the GCH director of thrift store operations. Overpeck came to the center to beat his opioid addiction, which began several years ago after taking medication for an injury.
“One thing led to another,” said Overpeck, who eventually began shooting heroin. “I was numb to everything so I didn’t have to deal with anything.”
There were times in which he slept in garbage cans or stood at busy intersections asking for handouts.
Photo by Maria Allard
Erik Overpeck, left; Darin Weiss, center; and Nick Moran, right, invite the public to shop at the Grace Centers of Hope Christmas Thrift Store in Sterling Heights. Store proceeds will benefit the nonprofit organization that helps people recovering from drug addiction, alcoholism, human trafficking, abuse and homelessness.
“People would give me money,” said Overpeck, who grew up in New Baltimore. “I would go get high.”
Life got so unmanageable that he ended up in a hospital for 93 days with a heart issue called endocarditis and sepsis, both of which he overcame. A relative went through GCH, which prompted Overpeck to come to the facility.
“I had been to many other treatment centers before,” Overpeck said. “I don’t feel like I’m alone here. I feel like these are my people. I don’t feel judged.”
He also got in touch with his spiritual side.
“I never had a relationship with God,” he said. “I never went to church growing up. That was a key component.”
Overpeck is now married and has two young children. He’s been drug-free since 2019.
The Christmas Thrift Store is open 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. Tuesdays through Saturdays throughout December.
For more information on Grace Centers of Hope, visit gracecentersofhope.org or call (855) HELP-GCH. Donations to the thrift stores are welcome from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Mondays through Saturdays. Visit the website to see a list of accepted and unaccepted items.
Call Staff Writer Maria Allard at (586) 498-1045.
• Unique Children’s Toys
• Home Decor
• Sterling Silver Jewelry
• Advent Calendars (w/w/o Chocolate)
• Advent Wreaths
• Hundreds of Unique Ornaments
• Indoor/Outdoor Nativity Sets
• CANDLES Galore!
• Angels - 100’s to choose from
• Greeting Cards
• Boxed Christmas Cards
• Shipping Available
2-28-25
Shoppers on a tight budget looking for gifts or decor for the holidays are encouraged to check out Grace Centers of Hope Christmas Thrift Store in Sterling Heights.
Photo provided by Grace Centers of Hope
Skating
from page 1A
“It’s really Part 1 of kicking off the winter season and activities in Sterling Heights,” Langlois explained. “It’s opening Dec. 1, and that really is kind of the first sign of the holidays and cold weather … and the change of seasons and different activities for it.”
Earlier this year, the Parks and Recreation Department reported that 21,375 skaters used the ice rink during the 2023-24 winter season. Langlois said the city wants even more people to come to the skating rink, though he said attendance is “weather dependent.”
“Certainly our residents and those in the surrounding communities find the ice rink to be a valuable and viable recreational opportunity throughout the holiday season,” he said. “Twenty-one thousand people in three months of time – that’s a lot of skaters.”
This season, the rink plans to host an assortment of special events, including a Dec. 23 Cocoa with CORE event for Police Department outreach; weekly Glow Stick Nights in January; a Jan. 11 Superhero Day; and a Feb. 14 Date Night followed by a Feb. 15 Princess Day. In addition, Sensory Friendly Sundays will happen 11 a.m.- 1 p.m. on the second Sunday of December, January and February.
Getting the rink ready for the public is no overnight process, Langlois explained. He explained that the city has spent months purchasing supplies and getting staff hired and trained. He also said preparing the ice carries its own challenges – the ice must neither be too warm nor too cold – and added that 20 degrees Fahrenheit is optimal for skating.
“Our staff has been hard at work already, some very early mornings,” Langlois
Peter Madej brought his sons, 8-yearold David and 5-year-old Christian, to Dodge Park for an afternoon skate Dec. 1, the opening day for the Dodge Park Ice Rink in Sterling Heights.
said Nov. 25. “It’s pretty much a multipleweek process just to get the ice made and ready for opening day. … It’s a constant monitoring with the ice temperature and the outside temperature. As the weather cools, you got to adjust the chillers.”
And there is the upkeep. Besides using an ice resurfacing vehicle to smooth the ice, parks staff must make sure that any ice that builds up along the surrounding boards gets shaved down, Langlois explained.
“It truly is a seven-day-a-week maintenance plan,” he said.
The rink, located at 40620 Utica Road in Sterling Heights, is normally open –holiday hours excepted – during the winter season noon-9 p.m. Mondays-Thursdays, noon-10 p.m. Fridays, 11 a.m.-10 p.m. Saturdays and 11 a.m.-8 p.m. Sundays.
But according to the city website, the ice rink may close during severe winter snowstorms or ice storms, when the air temperature or wind chill index reaches -15 Fahrenheit or below, or when warmer weather threatens to soften or melt the ice. As a result, people planning to skate should first call (586) 446-2711 in advance to guarantee that the rink will be open.
Langlois added that the city is planning to make future improvements to the current rink setup. For instance, it is exploring ways to block the sun so it doesn’t melt the ice on warmer-weather days.
Rink admission is free for residents who show valid ID, but costs $5 per nonresident. Renting skates costs $4, and sharpening skates costs $5. Payments with Visa, Mastercard or Discover are preferred, though cash will be accepted too.
Learn more by visiting sterlingheights. gov/1650/Dodge-Park-Ice-Rink or by calling (586) 446-2700.
Call Staff Writer Eric Czarnik at (586) 498-1058.
Photo by Liz Carnegie
DETROIT SAILOR KILLED AT PEARL HARBOR LAID TO REST
JOHN CUTHBERT AULD’S REMAINS IDENTIFIED THROUGH DNA
BY MARIA ALLARD allard@candgnews.com
DETROIT — While growing up, Richard Auld remembers his grandmother, Lillian, and his dad, Edwin, sharing memories about a family member named Jack.
But he wasn’t sure who Jack was, until one day he realized the stories were about his uncle, John Cuthbert Auld, who was nicknamed Jack. The U.S. Navy man, who grew up in Detroit, was killed during the bombing of Pearl Harbor on Dec. 7, 1941.
This year marks the 83rd anniversary of the Pearl Harbor attack, which killed approximately 2,400 American service members and civilians.
In time, Auld learned more about his uncle, a 23-year-old seaman 2nd class who was aboard the USS Oklahoma when naval and air forces of the Japanese empire attacked the American base on Hawaii’s island of Oahu. On the following day, Dec. 8, President Franklin Delano Roosevelt addressed Congress and asked for a declaration of war with Japan, which drove the United States into World War II.
“They rescued several sailors that day after the attack,” Auld said. “Everyone else was presumed dead. They didn’t have much hope. They always told me he died on the Oklahoma.”
While the family knew John didn’t survive, his remains were only officially identified after Auld provided a DNA sample in 2017. At press time, John was set to be laid to rest at 10 a.m. Dec. 6 with full military honors at Fairview Memorial Park in Albuquerque, New Mexico. Auld, who resides in Albuquerque, said the cemetery was chosen because that is where Lillian and Edwin are buried.
“It will be an honor to have him with his mom and his brother,” Auld said.
Family members and friends were expected to attend the burial. John also was expected to receive military honors at the airport when his remains arrived.
For his service, John was awarded the following medals and decorations: Purple Heart medal, Combat Action Ribbon, Good Conduct Medal, American Defense Service Medal with fleet clasp, Asiatic-Pacific Cam-
paign Medal with bronze star, World War II Victory Medal, and American Campaign Medal.
‘It’s definitely a huge loss.’
John was born in Newcastle upon Tyne, England, on June 15, 1918. The family moved to the U.S. and settled in Detroit. On Nov. 6, 1940, John enlisted in the Navy and underwent basic training at Naval Station Great Lakes, in Illinois.
John’s seaman duties included painting, cleaning and polishing the vessel’s brightwork, equipment repair, storing and securing items, and assisting with cargo. The young man also stood watches as a lookout, telephone talker and messenger, and he was a member of a gun crew.
Richard Auld’s dad, Edwin, four years younger than John, served in the U.S. Air Force from 1942-46.
“They were normal kids in a good family. It’s definitely a huge loss. I never got to meet him,” said Auld, who was born in 1960. “Every Dec. 7, we talked about him. I feel like I know him now after the Navy’s recovery efforts.”
Auld’s dad moved the family, including wife, Esther, to New Mexico to work in the grocery business. Auld has some photos of his uncle and has been told there is a family resemblance.
A few years ago, Auld and his wife Karen traveled to Honolulu, Hawaii for a ceremony at the National Memorial Cemetery of the Pacific to pay tribute to the 33 unaccounted
at Fairview Memorial Park in Albuquerque,
for sailors from the USS Oklahoma buried with full military honors.
“Very emotional,” Auld said. “It was very moving.”
According to the Navy, since the ceremony, one more sailor, radioman 3rd class Frank Hoag Jr., has been identified.
Project Oklahoma
On Dec. 2, the Navy Personnel Command Public Affairs Office issued a press release that included information about Project Oklahoma, a disinterment and identification project through the Defense POW/MIA Accounting Agency.
During Project Oklahoma, the Navy’s POW/MIA Office contacted family members to ask for their participation in the Family Reference Sample Program. That is where
surviving family members of a veteran killed on duty offer DNA samples that are used to determine if there is a match.
That is exactly what Auld did to confirm his uncle’s remains.
Through the process, 356 of the 388 service members from the USS Oklahoma who were originally unaccounted for have now been identified, according to Capt. Jeff Draude, director, Navy Casualty Office.
Scientists with the DPAA, in Joint Base Pearl Harbor-Hickam, Hawaii and Offutt Air Force Base in Omaha, Nebraska, are responsible for identifying unaccounted for service members by matching the DNA reference samples from surviving family members. Other documents, including available medical and dental records, are also used.
Photos provided by the Public Affairs Office, Navy Personnel Command
LEFT: While serving in the U.S. Navy, John Cuthbert Auld, of Detroit, was killed during the attack on Pearl Harbor on Dec. 7, 1941. At press time, he was expected to be laid to rest on Dec. 6 with full military honors
New Mexico. ABOVE: Sailors aboard the USS Oklahoma pose for a group photo.
Auld
from page 16A
The Navy Casualty Office’s policy for notification is to work directly with the primary next of kin with matters involving their loved one’s remains. Once the DPAA makes a positive identification, the Navy’s Casualty Office conducts an official notification to the next of kin.
Once the identification brief has concluded, the family can decide to have the remains interred in a local national or state cemetery, a private cemetery, reinterred in the National Memorial Cemetery of the Pacific in Hawaii, or Arlington National Cemetery. Families may also choose to have the remains cremated and retained with the family.
“When briefing families, we often hear things like, ‘My family did not believe he was dead,’ or, ‘He probably was not on board the ship,’ or, ‘Maybe one day he would walk through the door,’” Draude said. “Being able to recover and identify the remains of these sailors aids in the closure to these families.
“It is especially important to the Navy to honor our sailors and Marines who paid the ultimate sacrifice in giving their lives for our country,” Draude said. “Often the notification and identification briefing can be emotional, overwhelming and relieving for the families. Most families we speak with cannot believe their loved one has actually been recovered and/ or identified after so many years.”
The Navy covers all primary mortuary expenses: preparation of the remains, casket of choice, all transportation of remains from the lab to final resting place, and family travel and lodging for up to three family members.
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COMMUNITY CALENDAR
18A/ STERLING HEIGHTS SENTRY • DECEMBER 11, 2024
DEC. 11 & 18
Powerful Tools for Caregivers: Virtual workshop hosted by AgeWays, learn to communicate with family and healthcare providers, reduce stress, guilt, anger and depression, and make difficult decisions, 6-7:30 p.m., free but donations accepted, (833) 262-2200, wellnessprograms@ageways.org, tinyurl.com/ageways workshops
DEC. 14
Cookie walk: 9 a.m.-noon (or until sold out), Christ Lutheran Church, 12500 Canal Road in Sterling Heights, fundraiser supports outreach ministries, (586) 731-1113
‘Christmas in the Air’: Broadway-style song and dance revue featuring festive storylines and holiday classics, 7:30 p.m., Macomb Center for the Performing Arts on Macomb Community College - Center Campus, 44575 Garfield Road in Clinton Township, (586) 286-2222, macombcenter.com
DEC. 15
‘Bach to the Holiday Movies’: Performance by Macomb Symphony Orchestra, 3 p.m., Macomb Center for the Performing Arts on Macomb Community College - Center Campus, 44575 Garfield Road in Clinton Township, (586) 286-2222, macombcenter.com
DEC. 17
Holiday movie: Watch “Shaun the Sheep: The Flight Before Christmas,” bring blanket, popcorn provided, 9:30-11:30 a.m., Sterling Heights Public Library, 40255 Dodge Park Road, (586) 446-2665, sterlingheights.gov/2136/library
DEC. 20
’Twas A Night Before Christmas 1939: Lodge House tour, Santa visit, storytelling, make-and-take crafts and more, 5-9 p.m., Packard Proving Grounds, 49965 Van Dyke Ave. in Shelby Township, (586) 739-4800, packardprovinggrounds.org/christmas39
DEC. 21
Cookie walk: 10 a.m.-noon, Utica United Methodist Church, 8650 Canal Road in Sterling Heights, uticaumc.org
DEC. 22
Christmas concert: Performance by Detroit Concert Choir, 3-4:30 p.m., Macomb Center for the Performing Arts on Macomb Community College - Center Campus, 44575 Garfield Road in Clinton Township, (586) 2862222, macombcenter.com
DEC. 30
Kids New Year’s Eve Pre-Party: Crafts, activities, dancing and ball drop, for ages 2-6, 4-5 p.m., Sterling
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.
Heights Public Library, 40255 Dodge Park Road, registration opens Dec. 16, (586) 446-2665, sterlingheights.gov/2136/library
ONGOING
Upton House Museum tours: Visit 1860s Michigan Historical Landmark, 1-4 p.m. every Wednesday and second Sunday of month, 40433 Dodge Park Road in Sterling Heights, (586) 446-2495, sterlingheights. gov/789/upton-house-museum
Dodge Park Ice Rink: Noon-9 p.m. MondaysThursdays, noon-10 p.m. Fridays, 11 a.m.-10 p.m. Saturdays and 11 a.m.-8 p.m. Sundays, Dodge Park Farmers Market Pavilion, 40620 Utica Road in Sterling Heights, (586) 446-2711 (weather hotline), sterlingheights.gov/1650/dodge-park-ice-rink
Book clubs: Meetups for teens, early birds, those who want to snack and chat, others who want to discuss books they own, and new book/movie discussions, Sterling Heights Public Library, 40255 Dodge Park Road, (586) 446-2665, sterlingheights.gov/2136/ library
Widowed Friends dancing: Doors at 6 p.m. and music from 7-10:30 p.m. Tuesdays, American Polish Century Club, 33204 Maple Lane in Sterling Heights, RSVP to Victoria at (586) 566-7936
Northern Toastmasters: Meets 6:30 p.m. every second and fourth Monday of month, Leo’s Coney Island, 33577 Van Dyke Ave. in Sterling Heights, (248) 828-7481, samcrowl@comcast.net
Line dancing and contra dancing: Sponsored by Oakland County Traditional Dance Society, line dancing from 7:30-9:30 p.m. every second Saturday of month and contra dancing from 7:30-10 p.m. every fourth Saturday of month, also lessons for beginners at 7 p.m., First United Methodist Church of Troy, 6363 Livernois Road, (248) 642-3306, info@octds.org, facebook.com/octds
Holiday Market: Featuring nearly 100 Michigan artisans, 11 a.m.-3 p.m. Sundays, 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Tuesdays, Wednesdays, Fridays and Saturdays, and 10 a.m.-8 p.m. Thursdays until Dec. 22, Anton Art Center, 125 Macomb Place in Mount Clemens, (586) 4698666, theartcenter.org/holiday-market
Santa photos: Select dates and times until Dec. 24, Cabin at the Creek at The Mall at Partridge Creek, 17420 Hall Road in Clinton Township, reservations encouraged for people and required for pets, www. shoppartridgecreek.com
Health workshops: Hosted by Corewell Health, free and virtual, beaumonthealth.digitalsignup.com
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MOUNT CLEMENS — Around 2:50 p.m. on Nov.
11, a 52-year-old woman residing in the 4000 block of Riverview Circle received a notification that her yard gnome was being stolen.
Camera footage showed a man taking a garden gnome and antique lantern off her porch. The woman told Macomb County Sheriff’s Office deputies that she believed her 30-year-old neighbor was the culprit and she was just interested in getting the decor back.
Deputies spoke with the neighbor’s dad, who recovered the items, before summoning the 30-year-old himself to the screen door. He told deputies that the items were found in the garbage but, once confronted with video footage, said he did not remember everything due to the medication he was taking.
Man steals dog food
EASTPOINTE — According to a police report, a suspect entered the Dollar General in the area of Eight Mile Road and Gratiot Avenue at 4:15 p.m. Nov. 17 and loaded a shopping cart with numerous large bags of dog food before fleeing the location on foot without paying. He was last seen in the city of Detroit before the caller lost sight of him. Police were investigating.
Laundry detergent taken
EASTPOINTE — According to a police report, officers were dispatched to the Family Dollar in the area of 10 Mile Road and Schroeder Avenue at around 1:15 p.m. Nov. 17 on a report of retail fraud in which two men allegedly entered the store and left with six containers of laundry detergent, fleeing in a black sedan of unknown make or model.
In a similar incident at around 10:30 a.m. Nov. 13 at the Dollar General in the area of Eight Mile Road and Gratiot Avenue, an older man reportedly entered the store and stole about $100 worth of laundry detergent before fleeing without paying. The suspect was said to have driven away in a gray GMC Sierra. Investigations were ongoing.
Accident happens in front of public safety building
GROSSE POINTE WOODS — A 38-year-old Detroit man is said to have rear-ended another vehicle in front of the Grosse Pointe Woods Public Safety Department at around noon Nov. 17, an incident witnessed by one of the department’s officers. The suspect is alleged to have tried to flee the scene but hit a light pole instead, which is when police said the suspect took off on foot. The victim of the accident is said in a police report to have chased after the suspect, who was caught by police just blocks away.
but refused to take a preliminary breath test, so they sought a warrant to have his blood tested to determine his blood alcohol level. The suspect was arrested for operating under the influence of liquor, police said.
Retail fraud suspect arrested
GROSSE POINTE FARMS — Police were called to a store in the 18000 block of Mack Avenue at around 7:26 p.m. Nov. 6 after a 35-year-old Detroit man allegedly tried to steal $119.92 worth of shrimp. Employees are said to have stopped the suspect after they said they saw the suspect walk to the deli area and try to leave with merchandise under his coat. One of the workers said he demanded that the suspect open his coat, and when he did, four packages of shrimp tumbled to the floor. The suspect, who was reportedly caught on the store’s surveillance cameras, is said by police to be facing third-degree retail fraud charges. Police said he was also wanted on a warrant out of Grosse Pointe Woods. The suspect was told not to return to the store or he would be charged with trespassing.
Seasonal décor used in vandalism
GROSSE POINTE PARK — Sometime between the hours of 10 p.m. Nov. 1 and 11:50 a.m. Nov. 2, an unknown suspect is said to have shattered the windshield of a 2020 Jeep Compass while it was parked in the 1100 block of Kensington Road. Police said they found chunks of broken pumpkin around the vehicle, leading them to believe that the pumpkin was tossed at the Jeep’s window.
Hacker intimidation
MACOMB TOWNSHIP — In September, a 68-yearold Macomb Township woman purchased a new laptop. She turned the laptop on for the first time on Nov. 8 at her home in the 51000 block Battonwood Drive and quickly encountered a pop-up window. The pop-up encouraged her to call a “Microsoft Support” phone number, which was answered by a man who claimed the computer contained child porn downloaded onto it. After the woman denied this due to not downloading anything yet, the man ordered her to open her online banking accounts. She refused to do so, and the man began moving her cursor, turned on the computer’s camera and brought up a pornography website, prompting the woman to close the laptop.
Scammed out of cash
MACOMB TOWNSHIP — On Nov. 8, Macomb County Sheriff’s Office deputies were summoned to
speak with residents about a fraud report.
An 85-year-old male resident reportedly received an email stating a fraudulent PayPal account was made in his name. Upon calling a number in the email, a man claimed $20,000 was wrongly placed in the account and, after hours of conversation, the resident agreed to give $20,000 in cash to a man at a gas station on the corner of Romeo Plank and 22 Mile Road. The man also deposited $9,700 in a bitcoin machine at a gas station on 22 Mile Road and Van Dyke.
Woman finds tracker on vehicle
SHELBY TOWNSHIP — A police officer from Shelby Township responded to the 50000 block of Scotland Boulevard, near 26 Mile and Mound roads, for a suspicious situation at 2:30 a.m. Nov. 6. The officer met with the caller, who advised that she had found a tracker on her vehicle.
The woman stated that she is in a relationship that is ending and believes it was placed on her vehicle by her soon-to-be ex. The caller stated that this is the second tracking device she has found on her vehicle in two months. This case was turned over to the detective bureau for further investigation.
Fraud reported
ST. CLAIR SHORES — At 12:33 p.m. on Nov. 14, a case of fraud was reported in the 32000 block of Harper Avenue.
A skimming device was found on an ATM at a business. Upon arrival, the officer spoke to the owner, a 59-year-old man, and a machine technician, a 27-year-old man. The technician stated he came to the business and found the device attached to the ATM in the store. The device had two parts: a plate that covered the ATM insert card hole and a “Y” shaped device inserted in the card slot.
Both men had handled the devices prior to the officer’s arrival. Evidence was collected and photos were taken. The officer asked the owner to have employees take notice of suspicious behavior near the machine.
Suspect cited for attempt to steal groceries
STERLING HEIGHTS — On the night of Nov. 7, a man allegedly tried to steal a “large amount of groceries” collectively valued at $188.76 from Walmart, 33201 Van Dyke Ave.
Police said store staff witnessed the suspect not scanning multiple items before trying to leave with the unpaid merchandise. The report added that the suspect had multiple carts filled with over 100-150
been paid for using an EBT card, other items were reportedly unpaid.
Police said they cited the suspect for third-degree retail fraud.
Police investigate report of woman causing disturbance
STERLING HEIGHTS — Police said they received a complaint about an elderly woman allegedly yelling and urinating on trash the night of Nov. 7 along Orleans Avenue, located near Van Dyke Avenue and 19 Mile Road. The woman was also accused of twice trying to enter the complainant’s vehicle.
Police said they found the woman, who seemed to be “mildly intoxicated but able to care for herself.” The woman reportedly told police she would return home. Police said the complainant’s car was undamaged.
Violent driver
HARRISON TOWNSHIP — At around 5:20 a.m. on Nov. 11, Macomb County Sheriff’s Office deputies were dispatched to the Shook Road area to locate a white 2011 Chevrolet Tahoe that at least two 911 callers said was driving erratically along Interstate 94. Deputies found the Tahoe on Shook Road and approached the driver, a 42-year-old Detroit woman — who presented them
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