Juveniles arrested in string of larcenies from vehicles in Pointes
BY K. MICHELLE MORAN kmoran@candgnews.com
GROSSE POINTES — A group of teenage suspects has been arrested after the teens reportedly committed more than a dozen larcenies from unlocked autos in Grosse Pointe Farms and Grosse Pointe City over a period of a couple of days.
Grosse Pointe City Detective Michael Narduzzi said police arrested five suspects from Detroit — all between the ages of 14 and 17 — in the early morning hours of Dec. 6. The suspects — who are said by police to have started the larceny spree between the night of Dec. 3 and the early morning hours of Dec. 4 — were apprehended after police, fielding tips from residents, pursued them as they fled along Jefferson Avenue/Lake Shore Road into Grosse Pointe Shores, where they crashed their vehicle in the area of Lochmoor and Lake Shore roads at around 1:02 a.m. Dec. 6, bailed out of the vehicle and fled on foot.
“This particular crew — they were going around in one of their mother’s cars,” Narduzzi said.
Narduzzi said one of Grosse Pointe City’s “very astute” public safety officers — officer Jacob Gentile — spotted a vehicle matching the description police had from a witness who
See ARRESTS on page 21A
Language teacher brings the world to her students
BY K. MICHELLE MORAN kmoran@candgnews.com
GROSSE POINTES — Susi Sipos’ students have learned more than second (or third) languages in her classroom: They’ve developed connections with people in the countries where those languages are spoken.
Her ability to teach students to explore and learn about other cultures is among the factors that led to her receiving the Language Teacher of the Year award from the Michigan World Language Association this fall. She was honored for not only teaching languages at Grosse Pointe North High School, but also running an exchange program that enabled her students to travel and make friends with students in other countries.
“The thing that meant the most to me is that my colleagues at North nominated me,” Sipos said.
The annual award goes to one elementary, one middle and one high school teacher for their work.
“The MIWLA Teacher of the Year Awards recognize exemplary K-12 world language educators in our state,” MIWLA public affairs liaison Julie Foss said via email. “Susi Sipos’ nomination for the High School TOY Award
See SIPOS on page 10A
Photo by K. Michelle Moran
Susi Sipos — in her classroom at Grosse Pointe South High School — was recently honored by the Michigan World Language Association as its Language Teacher of the Year.
At The Helm, we know everyone takes their own path through life. And we’re here to make the journey more fun and rewarding. The Helm is where you can enjoy a favorite hobby or discover a new one. Watch a movie or play a game of cards. Take an exercise class or learn a new language. Find resources when you need extra assistance. We’re here to help you stay connected and engaged. Visit us online or in person and see all the ways The Helm can help you get more out of your life’s journey.
War Memorial concludes 75th anniversary year with plans for its future
BY K. MICHELLE MORAN kmoran@candgnews.com
COUNTRY CROONER TRADES HOCKEY RINK FOR STAGE
BY K. MICHELLE MORAN kmoran@candgnews.com
PARK — If it hadn’t been for hockey, Mac Watts might have never become a country musician.
Driving his son to far-flung hockey tournaments, Jim Watts would put on his own favorite music — classic country — and that became the soundtrack for the next few hours.
“I’d put him in the car and we’d drive to Toronto and I’d play Johnny Cash and Merle Haggard,”
Jim Watts said.
It apparently left an impression, because when Watts — who could have been a college hockey star — decided to give up hockey as a young adult, the lifelong music aficionado picked up a guitar and taught himself to play. The Bloomfield Hills native, 35, who moved to Nashville in 2017, returned home to metro Detroit for Thanksgiving and played an intimate concert for family and friends Nov. 25 at the Cabbage Patch Saloon in Grosse Pointe Park.
See WATTS on page 19A
FARMS — The War Memorial in Grosse Pointe Farms is celebrating its 75th anniversary this year, but the nonprofit cultural institution is also looking to its future while acknowledging its past.
War Memorial President and CEO Maria Miller outlined her organization’s new strategic plan during a Nov. 11 Grosse Pointe Farms City Council meeting.
“This has been kind of a yearlong process,” Miller said of the plan, which lays out War Memorial goals for the next five to 10 years.
At the top of that list is increasing the visibility of veteran programs and support. Those programs include events organized by an internal veterans committee, as well as regular seminars about issues and resources relevant to veterans.
“We’ve been doing a lot more than we have in the past,” Miller said.
There are also long-standing events such as the annual Memorial Day service and Veterans Day breakfast.
In 2025, Miller said they’ll be commemorating the end of the Vietnam War. The war officially ended on April 30, 1975.
Another goal outlined in the strategic plan, Miller said, is for The War Memorial to be a regionally recognized center for the arts and humanities. Among The War Memorial’s more than 3,000 annual events are concerts by local, national and international performers, as well as art exhibitions and classes presented by the Grosse Pointe Artists Association, which has its galleries and office there.
Safeguarding the historic estate that houses The War Me-
See WAR MEMORIAL on page 17A
Metro Detroit
native Mac Watts performs for the hometown crowd during a show Nov. 25 at the Cabbage Patch Saloon in Grosse Pointe Park.
Photo by Patricia O’Blenes
DIA ‘Dining’ exhibition creates food for thought
BY K. MICHELLE MORAN kmoran@candgnews.com
DETROIT — Food is a universal language, which makes “The Art of Dining: Food Culture in the Islamic World” at the Detroit Institute of Arts the ideal exhibition for both seasoned art aficionados and those who haven’t been to a museum in years.
On display through Jan. 5, the exhibition consists of approximately 230 works, only about 16 of which are from the DIA’s collection. It covers a wide period of history — from ancient times until now — and a large geographic area that extends from the Middle East and Egypt to Central, South and East Asia to Europe.
“Food transcends cultures, backgrounds and borders, bringing everybody together,” DIA Director Salvador Salort-Pons said. “At the DIA, we believe in the power of art to bring everybody together.”
While the name of the exhibition might suggest that the artifacts and artworks all have a connection to Islam, that’s not the case; the title has to do with geography, not religion.
“The Art of Dining” was originally assembled by the Los Angeles County Museum of Art and brings together works from public and private collections and museums from around the world. It includes plates, bowls and other serving dishes, artworks that feature food or dining scenes, books and more.
Besides serving dishes, visitors will see examples of clothing people wore to dinner — including brocaded coats and cloaks — as well as musical instruments, as music and dance were part of many formal and informal gatherings.
Adding a modern take is a 2023 multimedia installation by Iraqi-born artist Sadik Kwaish Alfraji called “A Thread of Light Between My Mother’s Fingers and Heaven,” which references the artist’s memories of family dinners and his mother’s homemade bread.
A number of the pieces on view are ornate as well as functional.
“The objects are absolutely stunning,” DIA Associate Curator of Arts of Asia and the Islamic World Katherine Kasdorf said.
Visitors are invited to use multiple senses, lifting the lids of scent boxes to experience the smell of coffee or cardamom and scanning QR codes that link to musical playlists. One portion of the exhibition invites visitors to gather around a sufra — a low table or cloth upon which a meal is served. An interactive digital display created by the Los Angeles County Museum of Art — based on the DIA’s digital French dining table — takes audiences through a six-course meal.
“Dining” creates an opportunity among visitors to “spark dialogue and learn something new,” Salort-Pons said.
EXHIBIT on page 14A
Photos provided by the Detroit Institute of Arts
LEFT: This bowl with handles was made from jade in India circa 1640 to 1650. RIGHT: A coffeepot from Turkey from the 1700s is among the pieces on display in “The Art of Dining: Food Culture in the Islamic World” at the Detroit Institute of Arts.
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 decla-
ration 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
See AULD on page 7A
RIGHT: 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 at Fairview Memorial Park in Albuquerque, New Mexico.
BELOW: Sailors aboard the USS Oklahoma pose for a group photo.
Photos provided by the Public Affairs Office, Navy Personnel Command
Auld
from page 6A
following medals and decorations: Purple Heart medal, Combat Action Ribbon, Good Conduct Medal, American Defense Service Medal with fleet clasp, Asiatic-Pacific Campaign 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 fam-
ily. 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 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.
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.
NEWS & NOTES
Corewell Health Beaumont Grosse Pointe Hospital security officer Stanley Christmas is all smiles as he appears on Corewell Health’s float in America’s Thanksgiving Parade in downtown Detroit Nov. 28. Christmas was one of only four Corewell staffers chosen to ride on the float this year.
Christmas said afterwards by email that being a part of the parade “was an incredible experience for me.”
Capture holiday memories
From now until January, Crosspointe Christian Church is inviting the community to stop by and visit its free holiday photo booth, which is set up on the main lawn of the church at 21336 Mack Ave. in Grosse Pointe Woods. Families can take their own photos at the booth. The church asks those who share a photo on social media to use the hashtag #C3Christmas.
TRANSPORTATION TO STORES AVAILABLE
Make Christmas merry for a youngster
Secret Santas are being sought to purchase gifts for children in the foster system or who are waiting to be adopted. Posterity Art & Framing Gallery in The Village has again teamed up with the nonprofit child welfare agency Spaulding for Children to get the names and gift wishes of some of the children they serve. Tags with the names of the children and their gift wishes are on a tree at the entrance to the store. Gifts need to be returned to the gallery by Dec. 17. Nonspecific gifts are welcome, too; givers are asked to provide a suggested age range for the item and gender, if applicable. Posterity is located at 17005 Kercheval Ave. For more information, visit or call (313) 884-8105.
Put your game face on
A Texas Hold ’em poker tournament will take place from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Dec. 17 at The Helm at the Boll Life Center, 158 Ridge Road in Grosse Pointe Farms. This event is free to Helm members and $6 for nonmembers. Registration is required and can be made by calling The Helm at (313) 882-9600.
Artworks sought
The Grosse Pointe Artists Association is looking for submissions for an upcoming show with the theme “My Team.” Artists are asked to create works that address the value of teamwork. The deadline for submissions is Jan. 6. To enter or for more information, visit grossepointeartcenter.org.
Need to do some last-minute shopping for Christmas? Pointe Area Assisted Transportation Services is offering its Gratiot Loop trip for free Dec. 20. Open to residents of the Grosse Pointes and Harper Woods who are age 60 and older or who are disabled adults, PAATS provides curb-to-curb service with assistance for those who have mobility or other challenges.
The Gratiot Loop includes stops at Walmart at 12 Mile Road and Gratiot Avenue, Meijer at 13 Mile Road and Little Mack Avenue, Kroger at 13 Mile Road and Little Mack Avenue, Macomb Mall at Masonic Boulevard and Gratiot Avenue, and Target on Gratiot Avenue north of 14 Mile Road. Riders are picked up from their homes between 9 a.m. and 10 a.m., dropped off at the store of their choice and picked up at around 1 p.m., when they are returned to their homes.
Reservations are needed for PAATS rides and must be made at least 48 hours in advance. For reservations or more information, contact PAATS weekdays between the hours of 7:30 a.m. and 2:30 p.m. at (313) 394-9712. PAATS also provides low-cost, door-to-door transportation to medical and other appointments.
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Sipos
made it clear that her work preparing students to be competent intercultural communicators in French and German deserves this recognition. The MIWLA Executive Board is delighted to recognize her and her efforts.”
Sipos brought the German-American Partnership Program to North. Sponsored by the German government and the U.S. Department of State, it involves American students and German students communicating with one another and staying in the homes and countries of their partner students. They also give cultural presentations, with the American students doing so in German and the German students giving these presentations in English, Sipos said.
“It’s our responsibility to do what we can to make sure people are aware that the world is not just our immediate surroundings,” Sipos said.
Sipos has been in education for the last 24 years and has taught here and abroad. She started working in the Grosse Pointe Public School System in 2015, when she was hired to teach German and French at North. For the 2024-2025 school year, Sipos switched
to being a special education teacher at Grosse Pointe South High School but may return to teaching languages again in the future when her children are older.
Sipos and her husband, a fellow language teacher, have two children — son Henrik, 13, and daughter Elena, 6. The children have already been to Germany, France and Switzerland, and both speak some German, as well as a little French and Arabic. Sipos, who spent some time teaching at an Arabic charter school in Dearborn, speaks some Arabic as well.
International travel wasn’t on the radar for Sipos while she was growing up in Grosse Pointe Farms.
“My parents never traveled,” Sipos said. “My parents never left the country until I brought them to Germany” when she went there as an adult.
As a fifth grader at Richard Elementary, Sipos took part in the French Back-to-Back program, in which families hosted students from France for three weeks in the spring, and then the American students spent three weeks over the summer with their French partner families.
“When I was 10, my dad asked if I wanted to go to France,” Sipos recalled. “I said, ‘I don’t care.’ I didn’t even know where
France was.”
Her first international journey was challenging. Sipos said she was “homesick and horrified.” But the experience changed her.
“When I came home, I realized I learned so much and my eyes were opened,” Sipos said.
The next year, as a sixth grader, Sipos returned to Europe to perform with the Christ Church Grosse Pointe Choir and “loved it,” she said.
With her passion for language and travel ignited, Sipos continued to study French, then she took German as well at Grosse Pointe South High School. She took a class in Japanese via satellite in high school — Zoom wasn’t invented yet — and remembers calling her Japanese teacher twice a week for these sessions. Thanks to a scholarship her teacher told her about, Sipos was able to go to Japan for the summer.
“It was wonderful,” Sipos said.
After graduating from high school as a junior, she went to the University of Michigan, where she earned another scholarship to go to Japan. This time not only was the trip itself covered, but Sipos also received a salary. She spent her sophomore year of college in Japan, where she stayed in a dorm with
other international students.
“While I went there, I made friends from all over the world,” said Sipos, adding that she was able to practice her other language skills with students.
Sipos found and secured yet another scholarship, this one taking her to Germany. She said she returned from Japan at the beginning of August and by the middle of the month, she was flying to Germany, where she studied in Munich for a year.
Having made close friends with people from Morocco — where French is one of the languages commonly spoken — Sipos would go to stay with them in Morocco, where she soaked up the culture and daily life.
Traveling the world has impacted the way Sipos sees it.
“I think it’s hard to accept some aspects of American culture when you know that other parts of the world aren’t like that,” Sipos said, citing school shootings, consumerism and the disposable nature of goods as some of the negative aspects of American life.
Sipos majored in German and Japanese Languages and Literatures at U-M and has done graduate work in education at Wayne State University and Oakland University.
See SIPOS on page 12A
Sipos
from page 10A
She has been able to bring her experiences into the classroom, where her students learn more than just language.
Colleagues like Jennifer Spears, a Spanish teacher and World Language Department co-chair, say Sipos is very deserving of this honor.
“We nominated Susi because she exemplifies everything it means to be an outstanding world language educator: expertise in French and German, plus a generous dose of creativity, passion, hard work, and a willingness to go the extra mile for her students,” Spears said in an email interview. “In the classroom, Susi weaves together excellent instruction with her unique style. She is rigorous, but also funny, encouraging, and warm.”
Mandy Grattan, a Spanish teacher at North, concurred, calling Sipos “a remarkable educator” in an email interview.
“I had the opportunity to see her teach on more than one occasion, and her energy is infectious,” Grattan said. “Her ability to both teach and keep her students in the target language during engaging lessons is unmatched, and her students’ love for her is evident in the fact that they stay with her from
level one through AP (Advanced Placement). She teaches stacked classes with grace, organizes amazing exchange experiences for her students, works hard to grow the program through grants and taking her students to other schools in the district to share their love of German, creates newsletters to keep families up to date, runs German club, leads professional development sessions here at North, teaches French on top of 5+ levels of German, and does so all while studying for an advanced degree and being a mom to two littles.”
Spears said Sipos’ dedication to the field of language “inspires us all.”
“In addition to her classroom contributions, Susi has organized many travel and exchange programs that have allowed her students to visit Germany and immerse themselves in authentic culture,” Spears said. “Because of Susi’s efforts, Grosse Pointe North German students were able to host a group of German teens for about two weeks this fall. What a life-changing experience!”
There’s more that goes into Sipos’ work than what most people see in the classroom.
“Behind the scenes, Susi has poured many, many hours into building her German and French programs,” Spears said. “I doubt that many people know the amount of work that goes into creating her signature lessons while also running the German
Club, designing field trips, organizing student travel, and preparing her students for national German exams. But Susi has so much energy and drive that she makes it appear effortless. Believe me, it’s not!”
Her colleagues say Sipos is as generous with fellow teachers as she is with her students.
“Susi is so incredibly passionate, kind, and knowledgeable,” Grattan said. “While we do not teach the same language, she was an invaluable resource when I took over AP Spanish last year and is always willing to collaborate with other teachers. She is constantly seeking to grow and learn and I just find her inspiring. … She just brings this wonderful energy wherever she goes, and I will be forever grateful that I got to teach and learn with her!”
Sipos was recognized for her award and her work during an Oct. 8 Grosse Pointe Board of Education meeting at Brownell Middle School in Grosse Pointe Farms.
“Thank you, Mrs. Sipos,” Superintendent Andrea Tuttle said. “It doesn’t happen without your leadership.”
Board member Ginny Jeup thanked Sipos as well.
“Thank you for putting this great program together,” Jeup told her.
Board member Colleen Worden said she remembered when the board approved the program two years ago.
“It’s so nice to see it come to fruition,” Worden said. “It’s such a great opportunity for our students.”
Call Staff Writer K. Michelle Moran at (586) 498-1047.
Exhibit
from page 5A
The exhibition’s timing means it coincides with the holidays, traditionally a busy time for the museum as metro Detroiters bring vacationing friends and relatives to the DIA.
“We’re really hoping a lot of people will come during their holiday (breaks),” Kasdorf said.
While some of the objects were for everyday use, others would have been used for special occasions — something that may resonate with visitors who dust off their own special dishes or platters for holiday gatherings.
“That’s the big hope, that people will create those connections and it will cultivate empathy,” Kasdorf said.
She said everyone can relate to dining with family and friends.
Guests can even try to prepare some of the dishes referenced in the exhibition at home. Some of the recipes have been adapted for the modern era by chef Najmieh Batmanglij, a cookbook author and Persian cuisine expert; visitors can download them via a QR code in the exhibition.
Gift shop visitors will be able to take a taste of the exhibition home with them, with coffee and other food and beverage items from local businesses available for purchase.
Admission to “The Art of Dining” is free for residents of Wayne, Oakland and Macomb counties.
“We want everybody to come,” SalortPons said. “We brought it here for everybody to learn and enjoy and have a wonderful time.”
The DIA is located at 5200 Woodward Ave. For more information, call (313) 8337900 or visit dia.org.
The watercolor, “An Old and a Young Man and a Woman Having a Picnic,” by Muhammad Ali of Iran, is from a manuscript of the “Diwan” of Hafiz and dates to the mid 1600s.
Photos provided by the Detroit Institute of Arts
ABOVE: Grosse Pointe South celebrates their state runner-up finish at the MHSAA Division 2 state finals Nov. 23 at Oakland University.
LEFT: Grosse Pointe South’s 200 medley relay team took first while Farmington Hills Mercy (right) took second and Birmingham Seaholm (left) third.
RECAP OF THE MHSAA GIRLS SWIM AND DIVE STATE FINALS
BY JONATHAN SZCZEPANIAK jszczepaniak@candgnews.com
It’s difficult to find a sport where teams can carry over success more consistently than swim and dive.
This year’s edition of the Michigan High School Athletic Association girls swim and dive state finals showcased Ann Arbor Pioneer winning its fifth straight Division 1 championship while Farmington Hills Mercy (D2) and East Grand Rapids (D3) both earned back-to-back titles in their respective divisions. East Grand Rapids has currently won four consecutive titles, winning two apiece in Division 2 and 3.
It’s about strength in numbers and who can put the most swimmers in the pool on the brightest stage, and it’s ultimately what separates teams from being state champions to being state runners-up each year.
The average point differential between first and second place over the weekend slate was 172.83 points with the highest coming in at 234 points in Division 3.
Something doesn’t necessarily sit right with that type of distance, but it’s a numbers game at the end of the day.
Local teams in the C & G Newspapers coverage area put their best foot forward at
the state finals with a large group of individual state champions, a team state champion, and a team runner-up as well.
Below is a recap of the MHSAA girls swim and dive state finals (in order of division).
See FINALS on page 16A
Photos provided by Grosse Pointe South Swim and Dive
Finals
Division 2
Farmington Hills Mercy Placement: 1st
The Marlins are back on top.
It was truly a team effort that brought Mercy to the top of the podium Nov. 23 at the Oakland University Aquatic Center, for their depth simply exhausted the competition.
When a school would have an all-Stater in a certain event, Mercy would counter with two or three at any given time.
Mercy’s firepower was simply too much for any school to keep up with as the all-State honors were pouring in with freshman Ella Hafner (2nd) and junior Violet Schwartz (7th) in the 200 freestyle; sophomore Avery Tack (2nd) and junior Clare Hafner in the 200 IM; senior Mackenzie Conway (2nd), sophomore Campbell Shore (6th), and sophomore Leah Greaves (T-7th) in the 50 freestyle; and Tack (2nd), senior Kathleen Schwab (3rd), and Schwartz (7th) in the 100 butterfly.
Shore was also crowned the state champion in the 100 freestyle while Greaves (4th) and Conway (6th) posted all-State finishes in the event as well.
Ella Hafner continued her breakout campaign with a state runner-up in the 500 freestyle alongside senior Caroline Lee’s fifth-place finish in the event. Clare Hafner also added another all-State finish in the 100 breaststroke (6th).
Adding onto their already dominant performance, Mercy swept the 200 and 400 freestyle relays with Shore, Conway, Tack, and Ella Hafner taking first in the 200 and Tack, Greaves, Shore, and Ella Hafner earning first in the 400. The Marlins’ 200 medley relay team of Greaves, Conway, Schwab, and Clare Hafner took state runner-up.
With a core of its state qualifiers returning next season, a three-peat for Mercy is within arm’s reach.
Grosse Pointe South Placement: 2nd
The Blue Devils did all they could to hang in there with Farmington Hills Mercy, but it just wasn’t enough.
On the bright side, South catapulted to state runner-up this season for the first time since 2021 after finishing 4th and 5th the past two years.
South cashed in on another league-winning season in the Macomb Area Conference Red and improved its state finals point
total by 100, but still fell 120 points short of Mercy Nov. 23 at the Oakland University Aquatic Center.
“For many, many years, this was enough points to win the state championship,” Grosse Pointe South coach John Fodell said. “If you look back, how we placed and how we did would’ve won multiple championships years back. Mercy is so hard to compete against.”
While Mercy had the depth, South countered with the individual state champions as junior Whitney Handwork (50 freestyle) and freshman Caroline Bryan (100 butterfly) were both crowned state champions while South’s 200 medley relay team of Bryan, junior Mischa Eng, freshman Nicole McEnroe, and freshman Quinn Ryan also took first.
The Blue Devils’ youth movement was on display at states and will be fun to watch as it battles with Mercy over the coming seasons.
“We were very, very talented all the way through,” Fodell said. “All of them were allState even in their individual events. It’s nice having young talent like that.”
Other South all-State honorees were McEnroe (3rd/200 IM & 5th/100 breaststroke), Eng (5th/100 butterfly & 3rd/100 backstroke), senior Hannah DiDio (6th/100 butterfly), Handwork (5th/100 freestyle), junior Heidi Bryan (8th/500 freestyle), Caroline Bryan (4th/100 backstroke), and Ryan (7th/100 backstroke).
The 200 freestyle relay team of Handwork, DiDio, Heidi Bryan, and Ryan also took state runner-up.
Division 3
Bloomfield Hills Marian Placement: 2nd
Similar to what Division 1 and 2 teams are facing with Ann Arbor Pioneer and Farmington Hills Mercy, Bloomfield Hills Marian simply couldn’t keep up with the firepower of East Grand Rapids.
Falling behind East Grand Rapids by 234 points, the Mustangs still put on an impressive performance to earn state runner-up Nov. 23 at Eastern Michigan University.
“Butch Briggs (East Grand Rapids head coach) is incredible,” Marian head coach David Eichenhorn said.
“He’s won 27 state titles in 50 years. That’s basically one every other year. Yes, they have more people, but I’d be more than willing to say Butch Briggs can outcoach me. He’s the best. They have the most talent, but they also have one of the best coaches in MHSAA history.”
Marian was able to secure second
courtesy of all-State performances from sophomore Stella Glorio (7th/200 freestyle & 2nd/500 freestyle), freshman Catherine Howe (6th/50 freestyle & 6th/100 freestyle), junior Grace Dery (7th/200 IM), and senior Marianna Becharas (7th/100 butterfly).
The Mustangs also had two all-State relays with Becharas teaming up with junior Peyton Rehbine, freshman Malin Murphey, and freshman Cecelia Grace to earn sixth in the 200 medley relay while Becharas, Rehbine, Grace, and Howe earned fourth in the 200 freestyle relay.
Eichenhorn said Becharas’ leadership was a key factor in the team’s success, especially on the relays, and said he was also happy to see one of his swimmers finally get her flowers.
“Peyton (Rehbine) finally got the shine she deserves,” Eichenhorn said.
“For two years in a row – her freshman and sophomore year – she swam at prelims on our 200 free relay knowing I was going to take her off of it for finals. She really should’ve been all-State in relays the last couple years. Her first day was awesome, but for her to drop even more time the second day was huge.”
Marian is only two seasons removed
from its last state championship, and Eichenhorn said he expects his returning state qualifiers to make an impact next season and hopefully close the gap on East Grand Rapids.
“Next year, we have not just depth of talent with the current juniors but depth in leadership as well,” Eichenhorn said.
“Honestly, it’s going to be spread out over six or seven girls, which is great. They’re doing a great job. That junior class is culture builders. They came in with me, so they have a special place in my heart.”
Other all-State honorees: Division 2
• Grosse Pointe North senior Avery Beal (4th/50 freestyle & 2nd/100 freestyle)
• Grosse Pointe North 200 freestyle relay (3rd) – team consisted of junior Cailey Hard, junior Liliana Ivanaj, senior Addison Wakefield, and senior Avery Beal
• Grosse Pointe North 400 freestyle relay (5th) – team consisted of junior Cailey Hard, senior Addison Wakefield, senior Avery Beal, and junior Kennedy Hasting
• Berkley sophomore Mia Mracna (7th/ 200 IM & 3rd/100 breaststroke)
• Berkley junior Maddie Collins (T-7th/50 freestyle)
War Memorial
from page 3A
morial is also on the to-do list. Construction of the Fred M. Alger Center at The War Memorial has taken a lot of pressure off the home, with its community room and other spaces. The War Memorial was built in 1910 as the home for Russell A. Alger and his family; the Italian Renaissance-style house and gardens were once known as The Moorings. After Alger’s death, the family donated the house and property to the community. It served as a branch of the Detroit Institute of Arts from 1936 to 1948 and became the Grosse Pointe War Memorial in 1949 with the founding of the Grosse Pointe War Memorial Association.
Miller said their first project “is to seal the envelope” of the historical home by redoing the roof. She said they’ll then work on the first floor and fix ornate ceilings in the building.
Bringing people to the campus is yet another goal. The War Memorial currently attracts an estimated 250,000 visitors annually for concerts, classes, lectures and more, as well as private events such as wedding receptions in the lakefront ballroom, which is in the Alger Center.
Miller said they’re considering issuing requests for proposals to reopen the Patriot Theatre, which was destroyed during catastrophic flooding and sewage backups in the summer of 2021. The theater, which had 215 fixed seats and six luxury boxes and opened circa 2018, replaced the Fries Auditorium, which had 442 seats.
“We might need a mold study,” Miller said of theater restoration. “It would be exciting to see what we could do.”
Miller said it would take an estimated $4 million to $5 million to restore the Patriot Theatre.
This year marked the return of SummerFest, a series of free concerts held on The
War Memorial’s lakefront back lawn. It was one of the legacy events Miller said they decided to restore.
“We want to create that experiential space for (visitors),” Miller said.
A carriage house on the property, which has served as office space for other local nonprofits, could also be used for programs, Miller said.
Attracting and retaining an award-winning staff team is still another objective in the strategic plan.
“I think we have an amazing team already,” Miller said.
To achieve their goals, Miller said they hope to increase their annual revenue by at least 50% to meet their operational and capital needs. She said they have many bigticket expenses, such as roof replacement.
That will mean raising more money, most likely through donations and sponsorships.
“We’re thrilled there’s so much support” in the community, Miller said.
Farms Mayor Louis Theros thanked Miller for her presentation.
“You guys do a great service in the Farms,” Theros told her. “It’s greatly appreciated.”
City Councilwoman Beth Konrad-Wilberding agreed.
“Good luck to you,” Konrad-Wilberding said. “And kudos to your staff.”
For more about The War Memorial — including making a donation — visit warmemorial.org.
Call Staff Writer K. Michelle Moran at (586) 498-1047.
Grosse Pointe City’s special event ordinance amended and clarified
BY K. MICHELLE MORAN kmoran@candgnews.com
CITY — Want to hold an event on public property in Grosse Pointe City? Be prepared to plan ahead.
With 2025 fast approaching, the city recently updated its special event ordinance. City Manager Joseph Valentine said the city “wants to enforce” an existing requirement calling for special event applications to be submitted to the city at least 75 days in advance “to make sure we have sufficient (time) to review” the application and have officials from Public Safety and the Department of Public Works weigh in as well.
“This is to try to clarify the process we have … as well as the intentions behind the (ordinance) language,” Valentine told the Grosse Pointe City Council at a meeting Nov. 18.
“How often do last-minute things come up?” Mayor Sheila Tomkowiak asked.
CRIME WATCH
Porch pirates nabbed
WOODS/CITY — Two male suspects were arrested after police said the pair stole packages delivered to homes in Grosse Pointe City and Grosse Pointe Woods.
In the first incident, the Grosse Pointe City Public Safety Department said that one of the suspects stole an iPhone Max Pro worth $1,200 at 12:50 p.m. Nov. 20, shortly after it had been delivered to the front porch of a home in the 500 block of Washington Road. That suspect was seen leaving the area in a Chevy Blazer.
At around 9 a.m. Nov. 27, a pair of suspects in a Chevy Blazer — who police said matched the description of the driver and passenger in the City incident — are said by the Grosse Pointe Woods Public Safety Department to have stolen a package containing $68 worth of goods from the front porch of a home in the 1100 block of Vernier Road. The same day, a Woods officer spotted the suspects’ vehicle at a gas station in the Woods. The two occupants matched surveillance footage of the porch piracy suspects and were arrested, police said. They’re expected to face charges in the City and Woods.
Larceny from vehicle reported
WOODS — Between the hours of 3 p.m. Dec. 3 and 2 p.m. Dec. 4, an unknown person is said to have entered a vehicle while it was parked in the driveway of a
“Quite frequently,” Valentine responded.
The city would maintain the power to waive the 75-day rule at its discretion.
Valentine said the city also plans to “start tracking our operation costs” with regard to special events.
“At the end of the day, are we subsidizing more than we should?” Valentine said.
That’s one of the elements officials are expected to consider during the year to come.
There’s a new provision that allows city administrators to make any changes they deem necessary on the day of the event “to ensure public health, safety and welfare is maintained,” the ordinance reads.
Another new provision states that event organizers might be required to send notice to adjoining properties, if directed to do so by city administration. Valentine said this would most likely apply to a “substantial event” that could impact neighboring properties.
home in the 1200 block of Fairholme Road and stolen an Apple charger, earbuds and change from the center console. The victim told police that she believes the vehicle was locked. Anyone with more information can call (313) 343-2400.
Packages stolen
FARMS — An unknown suspect is said to have stolen two packages from the front porch of a home in the 300 block of Touraine Road sometime around the afternoon of Dec. 3. The packages contained more than $1,000 worth of clothing items that the victim had ordered to give as Christmas gifts. The victim said he received notification that the packages were delivered, but when he got home, they weren’t there. Anyone with more information can call (313) 885-2100.
Navigation system goes missing
WOODS — Between the hours of 7 p.m. Nov. 27 and 8 a.m. Nov. 28, an unknown person is said by police to have broken out the rear passenger-side window on a 2023 Ram while the vehicle was parked in the 19200 block of Mack Avenue. The victim told police her navigation system had been stolen. Anyone with more information can call (313) 343-2400.
Children’s clothing stolen
FARMS — A resident in the 300 block of Kerby Road called police at around 7:23 a.m. Dec. 4 after discovering that an unknown suspect had entered her unlocked Honda Pilot overnight and stolen a bag containing an estimated $100 in Carters-brand children’s clothing and $4. A neighbor told
Events organized by the city are exempt from the application, Valentine said.
Certain events may be classified as being co-sponsored by the city, such as the Grosse Pointe Santa Claus Parade. Events organized by the Grosse Pointe City Downtown Development Authority, such as the outdoor concert series Music on the Plaza, would also be considered to be co-sponsored by the city.
The council voted unanimously in favor of the ordinance amendments.
“I thought the (ordinance) language proposed added helpful clarifications,” City Councilwoman Maureen Juip said.
Valentine said city staff would be sending a letter to all 2024 event sponsors letting them know about the ordinance revisions so that they’ll be prepared when they submit their applications for events in 2025.
Call Staff Writer K. Michelle Moran at (586) 498-1047.
police that his home surveillance camera captured an unknown person running up to neighboring homes as a dark-colored sedan drives slowly going southbound on Kerby as the suspect runs back and forth from the vehicle to properties in the area. Anyone with more information can call (313) 885-2100.
Larceny from vehicle under investigation
FARMS — An officer on patrol came upon an apparent larceny from vehicle in the 300 block of Hillcrest Road at around 2:31 a.m. Dec. 4. According to a police report, the officer saw a Jeep Wrangler with its interior light on and driver’s side door left ajar. Items appeared to have been tossed around the interior. Police contacted the victim, who said he doesn’t leave anything of value inside the vehicle, which he said he doesn’t lock. Anyone with more information can call (313) 885-2100.
Vehicle window smashed
PARK — Sometime between the hours of 5 p.m. Nov. 24 and 8:35 a.m. Nov. 25, an unknown person is said to have broken out the front driver’s side window on a Chevrolet Trax while the vehicle was parked on the street overnight in the 1000 block of Wayburn Street. Anyone with more information can call (313) 822-7400.
Credit card fraud reported
FARMS — Two Farms women, a mother and daughter, filed a report with police after they said an unknown person stole a wallet from them containing identification
belonging to both the mother and daughter while they were shopping at the Kroger store on Mack Avenue in Grosse Pointe Woods at around 4 p.m. Nov. 27.
The victims discovered from a banking app that the suspect or suspects used a debit card in the wallet at a gas station at Mack Avenue and Moross Road in the Farms at 4:15 p.m. Nov. 27, making a $213.91 purchase. The victims said they tried to file a police report with the Grosse Pointe Woods Public Safety Department but were told to file it in the Farms because that’s where the credit card fraud occurred.
The daughter told police they found her mother’s wallet in a garbage can at the gas station, albeit with cash, two debit cards and an identification card missing. The gas station was slated to give police surveillance footage of the suspect who used the stolen card. Anyone with more information can call (313) 885-2100.
Disorderly person arrested
PARK — Police were called to a home in the 1100 block of Three Mile Road at 12:01 a.m. Dec. 1 because the resident said an unknown man was banging on the doors. When they arrived, police said they found the suspect — a 29-year-old Grosse Pointe Farms man — sitting on the porch. Police said in a report the suspect “was found to be extremely intoxicated and was unaware of where he was.” Police said the front window was broken out as well. The suspect was arrested and is facing possible charges of malicious destruction of property and disorderly person.
— K. Michelle Moran
Watts
from page 3A
Watts — who quips that he grew up listening to “Motown, country and Irish drinking songs” — said he also listens “to a lot of blues and soul music.” He said some people have described his songs as Americana or alt-country. His influences today include country artists like Eric Church, Brothers Osborne, Dierks Bentley and Kip Moore. Whatever anyone wants to call it, his music comes from the heart.
“It’s just my stories put into music,” Watts said.
If his face or voice seem familiar, it could be because Watts was hired to perform a modern version of the Tubby’s Submarines jingle for a commercial a couple of years ago.
He was recently tapped by Los Angeles artist The Booth to record the vocals to a tune called, “All Country Songs Sound the Same,” which dropped in November.
In early 2025, Watts plans to release a new original song, “On My Own.”
“I’m very excited about it,” he said. “It’s one of my favorite songs I’ve ever written.”
Watts said the song was his opportunity to express his gratitude to all the people who’ve supported him over the years.
dergarten.
“The way he’s been able to put it all together is impressive,” Dyer said.
Dyer said Watts’ dad handed Watts a guitar after someone at the Watts’ family hunting cabin in the Upper Peninsula quit playing. Dyer and Watts’ other best friend, Ryan Esper, of Commerce Township, were stunned by how quickly Watts went from novice to skilled musician.
“Next thing we know, he’s performing in front of hundreds and hundreds of people in Nashville,” Esper said. “He’s been an inspiration to all of us — he’s truly living out his dream.”
Tom Watts, of Royal Oak, Mac’s uncle and godfather, said music is an important part of the Watts family tradition of visiting the hunting cabin for Thanksgiving and possibly coming home with a deer. His nephew is keeping that tradition alive.
his band, Watts has opened for artists such as A Thousand Horses, Parmalee, Phil Vassar and Scotty McCreery.
“They’re incredible players and amazing people,” Watts said of his band, with whom he performs regularly in Nashville and tours during the summer. Although his schedule for 2025 was still being put together at press time, Watts said he always comes back to Michigan for shows.
“Touring’s fun — a lot of fun,” Watts said. “I get to travel all over the country and meet new people.”
Besides his band, he’s joined by an adorable miniature pinscher rescue dog named Nelly.
“I rescued her, but she rescued me,” Watts said of Nelly, who’s believed to be about 3 years old.
Jim Watts is proud of his middle child.
“I’ve been through a lot of hard stuff,” Watts said. “If you’re going through hard (times), surround yourself with good people and keep going. It’s my way of saying thank you.”
As an independent artist, Watts primarily releases singles online, although he does have an EP available. His music is available on all standard streaming platforms.
Jordan Dyer, of Waterford, one of Watts’ best friends, has known him since kin-
“He goes up to the hunting cabin and he’ll be strumming guitar and playing for us,” Tom Watts said.
Watts was the regional finals winner for the Nash Next America’s Talent Search Contest in 2018. In metro Detroit, he has performed at some legendary venues, including Saint Andrew’s Hall in Detroit and Pine Knob (formerly DTE Energy Music Theatre), where he was one of the artists on the 2019 WYCD Hoedown festival lineup. With
“He can stand on stage in front of 10,000 people or 50 people and he puts on a great show,” Jim Watts said. “Not many people live their dream.”
It’s not an easy path — musicians in Nashville rely on tips when they perform — but Watts is happy to be playing music full time these days.
“I could have done so many other things, but I love this,” he said.
For more about Mac Watts, visit his website, macwattsmusic.com.
Photo by Patricia O’Blenes
Mac Watts performed solo at the Cabbage Patch Saloon but has a band that he performs with in Nashville. They’ll be touring again in the summer of 2025, which will include stops in Michigan.
EVERYBODY LOVES A PARADE
ABOVE: The Grosse Pointe North and Grosse Pointe South high school marching bands joined forces to march in the parade.
to stay warm while watching the floats, marching bands and community groups make their way down Kercheval Avenue in Grosse Pointe City.
LEFT: Christmas Carol — aka Grosse Pointe Shores resident Toni Urso-Salvador — rides a sleigh in the 2024 Grosse Pointe Santa Claus Parade Nov. 29.
RIGHT: Paradegoers try
Photos by Patricia O’Blenes
ABOVE: Some of the parade’s cutest participants were furry friends like this golden retriever, one of several representing Golden Retriever Rescue of Michigan.
RIGHT: A member of Ghostbusters Detroit sprays paradegoers with faux snow.
Arrests
had just seen the youths rifling through a vehicle. He said Gentile attempted to pull over the vehicle in the area of Mack Avenue and University Place, but the suspects sped off.
All five Grosse Pointe public safety departments and Harper Woods leapt into action, setting up a perimeter after the crash and working to round up the suspects as they tried to scatter into the neighborhoods.
“They left the roadway and ended up on the front lawn” of a home on Lochmoor, said Grosse Pointe Shores Public Safety Department Director Kenneth Werenski.
“There were no injuries” as a result of the crash, Werenski continued. “Everybody got out and ran.”
Werenski said three of the five suspects were taken into custody almost immediately, but it took another couple of hours to locate the remaining two. He said those suspects started banging on the door of a home on Sheldon Road at around 3:01 a.m. Dec. 6. Werenski said the teens told the homeowner they needed directions because they had gotten into a fight with their girlfriends and left them. The homeowner called the Public Safety Department, and Werenski said officers immediately thought the story was suspicious because of the condition in which they found the suspects.
“They had grass and brush embedded in their hair,” Werenski said of the suspects, who police believe had been darting between yards to evade capture. “They looked disheveled.”
Werenski said these suspects are not believed to have committed any crimes in the Shores.
Public safety officials say teamwork — along with immediate phone calls from witnesses — enabled them to end the spree of this particular crew.
“The final apprehension of these individuals is a good example of how our mutual aid pact works during critical incidences,”
Werenski said.
Grosse Pointe Farms Public Safety Department Director John Hutchins said the crew committed at least 14 larcenies from vehicles in the Farms on multiple streets, including Touraine, Merriweather, Mount Vernon, Ridge, Belanger and Hillcrest roads.
Besides sending in officers, the Farms also activated its drone, which helped police find some of the suspects.
Narduzzi said the suspects, upon arrest, confessed to their alleged involvement in the incidents in the Farms and City that took place between Dec. 3 and Dec. 6; in the City, the suspects are said to have committed larcenies from autos in the 17000 block of St. Paul Street at around 12:10 a.m. Dec. 6 and in the 500 block of Neff Road and 700 block of Richard Boulevard between the night of Dec. 3 and early morning hours of Dec. 4.
Narduzzi said police were able to recover many of the stolen items, including cash, an iPad, AirPods and identification.
In all these larcenies, he said, vehicles were unlocked.
“It’s so important for people to lock their cars,” Narduzzi said. “If you lock your doors, 99% of the time you will have no problems.”
Werenski echoed that sentiment.
“These are crimes of opportunity,” Werenski said. “It’s a quick hit. They don’t want to be seen. They don’t want to be heard.”
In some recent cases in the Pointes, victims have left key fobs in unlocked vehicles, enabling suspects to steal the vehicles themselves.
Werenski said crime always increases a bit in the period between Thanksgiving and Christmas.
“People are desperate,” Werenski said.
Besides locking vehicles and not leaving key fobs inside, residents are urged to not leave valuables like purses, briefcases, wallets or cellphones inside their vehicles.
The five suspects arrested are expected to face charges including larceny from auto and fleeing and eluding.
COMMUNITY CALENDAR
22A/ GROSSE POINTE TIMES • DECEMBER 12, 2024
DEC. 14
Holiday Brass: Performance by Detroit Chamber Winds & Strings with Ann Arbor Pioneer High School choir, 11 a.m.-1 p.m., St. Matthew’s & St. Joseph’s Episcopal Church, 8850 Woodward Ave. in Detroit, detroitchamberwinds.org
Christmas Cookie Mart: Also other treats, 10 a.m.noon, Grosse Pointe United Methodist Church, 211 Moross Road in Grosse Pointe Farms, kbyland@aol. com
DEC. 14 & 21
Santa visits: Also stories with special readers, bring cameras, 9 a.m.-noon, rear space of The Spice and Tea Exchange, 17037 Kercheval Ave. in Grosse Pointe, thevillagegrossepointe.org
DEC. 15
Christmas concert: Performance by Detroit Concert Choir, 3:30 p.m., Sweetest Heart of Mary Church, 4440 Russell St. in Detroit, eventbrite.com, (313) 882-0118
DEC. 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, ageways.org, tinyurl.com/agewaysworkshops
DEC. 21
Grosse Pointe North High School - 2014 class reunion: 6-10 p.m., WaterMark Bar and Grille, 24420 Jefferson Ave. in St. Clair Shores, more on eventbrite. com
Celtic Christmas: Hosted by Motor City Irish Dance, 1 p.m., Marygrove Conservancy Theatre, 8425 W. McNichols Road in Detroit, motorcityirishdance.com
DEC. 22
Lions Lounge: Detroit v Chicago: Watch game on big screens in Alger House, also food and drinks for purchase, 1 p.m. (doors at 12:15 p.m.), The War Memorial, 32 Lake Shore Drive in Grosse Pointe Farms, free but RSVP encouraged, warmemorial.org/ eventcalendar
Holiday concert: Performance by Motor City Chorale, 3 p.m., St. Paul Evangelical Lutheran Church, 375 Lothrop Road in Grosse Pointe Farms, motorcitychorale.com
DEC. 25
Menorah in the D celebration: Includes lighting of 26-foot steel-and-glass structure, honoring of 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.
munity lamplighters, strolling entertainment, soup and cider, photos with Dreidel Man and dancing dreidels, crafts, games and more, 5 p.m., Cadillac Square and Woodward Avenue in Detroit, menorahinthed.com
ONGOING
Student art show: Hosted by American Association of University Women, Grosse Pointe, “Listen to Women” on display 9 a.m.-7 p.m. weekdays and 9 a.m.-5 p.m. weekends until Jan. 11, Grosse Pointe Artists Association at The War Memorial, 32 Lake Shore Drive in Grosse Pointe Farms, grossepointeartcenter.org
Home for the Holidays: Take 1-mile lighted walk around property and visit Santa, also explore decorations inside, plus complimentary hot cocoa, entry every half hour from 5:30-8:30 p.m. until Dec. 22, Edsel and Eleanor Ford House, 1100 Lake Shore Road in Grosse Pointe Shores, fordhouse.org/events
Nooks & Crannies: Guided tours of private staircases, hidden spaces and more, Tuesdays-Sundays until Dec. 31, Edsel and Eleanor Ford House, 1100 Lake Shore Road in Grosse Pointe Shores, fordhouse.org/events
Teen Leadership Council: Meetings for grades 9-12 every first Wednesday of month, pizza and snacks provided, 6-7 p.m., Grosse Pointe Public LibraryWoods Branch, 20680 Mack Ave., grossepointelibrary. org, (313) 640-4775
Book clubs: Nearly a dozen hosted by Grosse Pointe Public Library at various branches, restaurants and on Zoom, more at grossepointelibrary.org/book-clubs
Art classes: 10:30 a.m.-noon every first and third Tuesday of month for seniors, 6-8 p.m. every second and fourth Tuesday of month for veterans, The War Memorial, 32 Lake Shore Drive in Grosse Pointe Farms, (313) 881-3454, grossepointeartcenter.org
Ice skating: 11 a.m.-10 p.m. Sundays-Thursdays and 11 a.m.-midnight Fridays-Saturdays until Jan. 5, then new hours until March 2, also holiday hours noon-10 p.m. Dec. 25 and 11 a.m.-11 p.m. Jan. 1, The Rink at Campus Martius Park, 800 Woodward Ave., downtowndetroit.org/experience-downtown/ things-to-do/the-rink
Free museum admission: Visit Detroit Historical Museum (5401 Woodward Ave.) and Dossin Great Lakes Museum (100 Strand Drive on Belle Isle) from 1-5 p.m. Dec. 15 and 22, detroithistorical.org
Health workshops: For ovarian cancer support, diabetes prevention, nutrition education and more, hosted by Corewell Health, free and virtual, beaumonthealth. digitalsignup.com
Appetizers
Salads
HALF PAN 10 PPL • FULL PAN 20 PPL Genovesi (Our House) $35/70 Mediterranean $40/80
$70/135
Arancini (rice balls) stuffed w/cheese $65/125
Arancini – stuffed w/ground beef & peas $75/145
Shrimp Cocktail Platter (served chilled, w/cocktail sauce) $45 per dozen
Beef Tenderloin Platter (sliced, served chilled w/ horseradish sauce) $275 per tenderloin
Gaudino’sLasagnaFamous
PAN 3 to 4 people
PAN 6 to 8 people
Comes Frozen: Just Thaw, Cook & Serve
Quarter Pan w/ container of sauce .......... $30
Half Pan w/ container of sauce ............... $60
Gaudino’s Pastas
HALF PAN 10 PPL • FULL PAN 20 PPL
Stuffed Shells Pomodoro ...................... $70/135
Chef Joe’s Porcellino $70/135
Cheese Ravioli in Pomodoro $60/115
Rigatoni Bolognese $45/90
Rigatoni Pomodoro $45/90
House Selections
HALF PAN ~10 people • FULL PAN ~ 20 people
Herb Roasted Salmon ................. $90/180
Chicken Parmesan ...................... $70/135
Chicken al Limone $70/135
Sides
HALF PAN 10 PPL • FULL PAN 20 PPL
Oven Roasted Baby Potatoes ............. $35/65
Roasted Mixed Vegetables $40/75
Roasted Broccoli & Cauliflower ......... $40/75
Cannolis (regular shell) (1dz./2dz.) $50/$95
Chocolate Chip Cookies (1dz./2dz.) .... $20/$35
From our Sulemeria
Charcuterie Platter: (Half Tray/Full Tray) $45/$85
Cheese & Olive Platter: Half Tray/Full Tray ... $45/$85 Two Foot Party Sub $50
Boater’s Box (six Italian Subs, cut in half) $65
Sicilian Olives, 32 oz. $15
Chicken Pastina Soup, 32 oz. ......................$13
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Moet Chandon .....................................$45.99
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Prisoner Red Blend ..............................$38.99
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Harken (Creamy & Buttery) ........................$9.99
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Sonoma Cutrer Russian River ..............$19.94
Ferrari Carano .....................................$16.99
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La Crema Monterey..............................$12.99
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HAPPY HOLIDAYS
neighbor 14. Another word for Tokyo 15. Singer Ross of “Where Did Our Love Go” fame 16. Laundry room fire hazard, pl. 17. Much of it about nothing?
18. Furnish with a fund 19. *”A Bad Moms Christmas” actress Bell
on experience. Send inquires and resume to: radarsecurity@comcast.net
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. 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.
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. 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 attempting to steal 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 grocery items, and while many items reportedly had been paid for using an EBT card, other items were reportedly unpaid. Police said they cited the suspect for third-degree retail fraud.
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 with a fake ID — who reportedly showed signs of intoxication. Deputies had the driver perform field sobriety tests and a breath test came back with a 0.206 blood alcohol content. The woman was taken to the Macomb County Jail, initially refusing to get out of the patrol car before being brought to a hospital for blood testing. The driver was reportedly violent with deputies at the jail and with hospital personnel, allegedly kicking a nurse and hospital security officer.
