12/27/23 C & G Special Edition — Macomb/GP

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DECEMBER 27, 2023 candgnews.com

Macomb County and Grosse Pointe papers

Moonbeams for Sweet Dreams continued at Corewell Health’s Beaumont Children’s Hospital through Dec. 23.

BELOW: Supporters hold up a sign for the kids.

Photos by Patricia O’Blenes

Hackel talks about projects at State of the County

BY DEAN VAGLIA dvaglia@candgnews.com

ROYAL OAK — Throughout the month of December, Corewell Health’s Beaumont Children’s Hospital has been putting on its annual Moonbeams for Sweet Dreams event.

Launched in 2017, Moonbeams aims to bring the community together to show support for the children in the hospital during the holiday season by flashing lights at the hospital windows.

“The community comes out and stands outside of the windows, just outside of our Beaumont Children’s Hospital, and the children look out their windows and the crowd looks up and they bring flashlights and they shine flashlights toward the children, and the kids shine back at them,” said Kathleen Grobbel, supervisor of Child Life Services and co-facilitator of Moonbeams.

“It’s this really beautiful communication of the community showing support, and all these lights mean that they’re out there for the kids, saying we love you, we care about you, you’re not alone. And the kids looking out on that can

MACOMB COUNTY — Macomb County Executive Mark Hackel took to the Macomb Center for the Performing Arts stage on Dec. 6 to deliver his 11th State of the County speech.

For 2023’s presentation, Hackel’s pitch for a county on the rise focused upon various projects being worked on or developed. Projects were tied into several points meant to show how the county was responding to the needs of residents: public safety, neighborhood stability, economy and talent development, infrastructure and quality of life.

The main public safety projects mentioned were the $130 million central intake and assessment center at the Macomb County Jail and the $10 million Sheriff ’s Office Marine Division headquarters, the latter opening days prior to the speech.

Infrastructure was highlighted through the various projects being undertaken by the Macomb County Public Works Office, and the upgrading of the county’s digital footprint, including a new website. Central to this point was the Innovate Mound project, which Hackel said would be completed and open by Christmas.

Quality of life centered on pet and animal care, with the county taking the first steps toward building a new animal control shelter.

“With the leadership of our animal control division, the financial support of our Board of Commissioners and the insights of our animal advocates, we have begun the process of imagining what a new animal shelter would and should look like,” Hackel said. “We are committed to building a modern facility which will replace the outdated one. This will help us meet the needs of our communities and, most importantly, help us better care for our animals.”

See MOONBEAMS on page 5A

See HACKEL on page 12A

MOONBEAMS FLASHES SIGNS OF SUPPORT FOR KIDS IN HOSPITAL

BY MIKE KOURY

mkoury@candgnews.com

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C & G NEWSPAPERS MACOMB COUNTY/GROSSE POINTE SPECIAL EDITION • DECEMBER 27, 2023

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Yair Moses, 49, left, holds a photo of his father, Gadi Moses, 79, who was taken captive with other hostages Oct. 7 from their kibbutz in Israel.

Yair and his son, Erez Moses, 16, right, were in Detroit during the week of Dec. 4 to bring awareness to Hostages and Missing Families Forum, a group of volunteers dedicated to bringing the hostages home now.

Photos by Patricia O’Blenes

‘I DON’T KNOW IF HE’S ALIVE’ ISRAELI VISITORS SHARE PLIGHT OF KIDNAPPED FAMILY MEMBERS

BY MARIA ALLARD

Photo by Patricia O’Blenes

During the 20th annual Project Blue Light ceremony at St. Justin’s Church in Hazel Park Dec. 5, the lights were turned off, taps was played, and audience members held red and blue lights, honoring police officers and firefighters who have died.

Lights honor police, firefighters who made ultimate sacrifice

BY ANDY KOZLOWSKI akozlowski@candgnews.com

allard@candgnews.com

DETROIT — Every time Ella Ben Ami needs advice, she can always count on her dad to share his wisdom.

“He’s pretty smart and stable,” she said of her father, Ohad Ben Ami, an accountant who lives in Be’eri, a kibbutz in Israel. “I don’t do nothing without consulting him.”

Ella has not been in touch with her dad since Oct. 7 when members of the terrorist group Hamas kidnapped him and other Israeli hostages in a surprise attack that started the latest Israel-Hamas war.

“I don’t know if he is alive,” Ella said.

Ella, 23, was in Detroit the week of Dec. 4 along with Yair Moses, whose father, Gadi Moses, was taken from his home Oct. 7. Ella and Yair, who speak both Hebrew and English, came to Detroit as part of the civilian initiative Hostages and Missing Families Forum. The group’s mission is to “Bring Them Home Now.” The Hostages and Missing Families Forum was formed by the abductees’ families less than 24 hours after the October attacks. The forum is volunteer-based and focused on bringing the hostages home to their families.

“Hamas attacked Israel in a terrible, cruel way,” Yair, 49, said. “The hell we are living in is terrible.”

Ella, with her partner, Raz Rozenberg, 23; and Yair and his son, Erez Moses, 16, spent one week in Detroit to bring awareness to the See KIDNAPPED on page 9A

TOP RIGHT: Ella Ben Ami, of Be’eri, Israel, hasn’t seen or spoken to her dad, Ohad Ben Ami, since he was kidnapped Oct. 7 from his home in Be’eri. His picture is on the shirt that she is wearing as part of the “Bring Them Home Now” campaign.

BOTTOM RIGHT: Hostages and Missing Families Forum volunteers are wearing T-shirts, buttons, yellow ribbons and dog tags to bring awareness to the Israeli hostages who have been missing since Oct. 7.

HAZEL PARK — Police and firefighters face many perils, and there is no guarantee they will return home at the end of the shift. That’s why, amid the cold darkness of winter nights, residents are asked to place a blue or red light in their window as a show of support.

The initiative has come to be known as Project Blue Light. Each December, it starts with a solemn ceremony at St. Justin’s Church in Hazel Park, where current and retired first responders gather with family and friends to pay respects to those who fell in the line of duty.

This year’s event was Dec. 5, the 20th commemoration to date. Among those named in the 2023 “Roll Call of Heroes,” which dates back to the summer of 2022, were the following: • Sgt. Daniel A. Kammerzell, Shelby Township Police Department, died Nov. 5, 2022.

• Lt. Ethan M. Quillen, Paw Paw Volunteer Fire Department, died Feb. 22, 2023.

• Apparatus Operator Ricky A. Hill, Jr., Flint Fire Department, died Feb. 25, 2023.

• Lt. Frederick C. Bowens, Jr., Detroit Police Department, died March 13, 2023.

• Retired Battalion Chief and Active Firefighter/ Paramedic Shawn C. Goldie, St. Clair Shores and Oxford fire departments, died April 28, 2023.

Debbie Swofford, the event organizer, noted the fallen range in age from 28 to 62 years old, each with years of service from three years to 36 years. Causes of death ranged from job-related illnesses and disease to on-scene structure collapse and electrocution.

See HONOR on page 6A

NEWS & NOTES

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4A/ C & G NEWSPAPER MACOMB COUNTY/GROSSE POINTE SPECIAL EDITION • DECEMBER 13, 2023

Lakeshore Knights of Columbus donates $2,000 to Adaptive Learning Program ST. CLAIR SHORES — At the Nov. 20 St. Clair Shores City Council meeting, the Knights of Columbus donated $2,000 to the St. Clair Shores Adaptive Learning Program formerly known as their Special Needs Program.

Bo Kirk, deputy grand knight, and Kevin McKay, grand knight, from the Lakeshore Knights of Columbus Council #2733, were in attendance to present the check to Mayor Kip Walby and City Council members. They handed out papers that showed everything the Knights of Columbus did for the city.

They said the money was raised through various fundraisers throughout the year. McKay said approximately 10 years ago, the council decided to keep the money in the Shores instead of spreading it everywhere.

“The Adaptive Learning Program has always been close to our hearts, and we’re going to try to keep going along with the other things that we do,” McKay said.

SHORT PLAYS NEEDED Troy man wins F-150, gets keys at Warren Menards store WARREN/TROY — Daniel Bise of Troy got the keys to a brand-new Ford F-150, valued at more than $63,000, during a prize ceremony at the Warren Menards store on Van Dyke Avenue Dec. 5.

Bise was selected as the grand prize winner after registering for the Menards October 2023 Sweepstakes promotion. The vehicle was awarded on behalf of Menards and Owens Corning, one of its vendor partners.

GROSSE POINTE — Through midnight Dec. 31, Grosse Pointe Theatre will be accepting entries for its 2024 Take Ten: Ten-Minute Play Festival, which will be staged June 13-15. This year’s theme is “What if…” All plays must incorporate this theme and, according to a press release, “show how the main character (protagonist) or the character causing conflict (antagonist) consider several well- thought-out optional solutions to the issues they’re facing, either individually or together.”

Scripts must be properly formatted and no longer than seven to 10 pages. The show should be set in contemporary times, limited to a cast of two to four people. It should feature minimal set, makeup, prop and costume needs, and there should be no scene breaks.

There’s no fee to enter, but the actors and director of selected plays must be members of GPT by the time of the performance; annual membership dues are $50. The playwright’s identifying information — name, address, email and phone number — should only appear on the email cover sheet and not anywhere on the script. Plays should be emailed to playfestival@gpt. org. For more information, visit gpt.org/take-ten.

Warren police, Warthogs shop with kids

Looking for Pistons fans

WARREN — It’s the season of giving for Warren’s finest.

Warren police officers and members of the Warthogs motorcycle club went shopping for the holidays this month with around 200 area children.

Meijer and Walmart stores in the city of Warren hosted the events.

“Shop with a Hero” was a two-day shopping event where a different group of more than 60 children attended each event and shopped with a uniformed man or woman in blue from the Warren Police Department. The events were Dec. 5 at Meijer on Schoenherr Road north of 10 Mile Road, and Dec. 12 at Meijer on Mound Road, north of 12 Mile Road.

“Shop with a Hero is an excellent way for officers to connect with the community and help make the holiday season memorable for all the participants,” said Warren Police Commissioner William Dwyer.

“Wish With a Warthog” was a similar event held by the national motorcycle club that includes law enforcement officers, first responders, lawyers and a judge, said Nick Chakur, a member of the group for nearly 20 years. The event was held Dec. 7 at Walmart on 12 Mile Road at Van Dyke Avenue. The kids were given a $150 gift card for Walmart and the family was provided items to make a holiday meal, according to Chakur.

“Most of the kids, we find, just don’t normally shop for themselves but their siblings and even their parents. They kind of spread it around,” said Chakur. “It means a lot to them.”

Celebrating 46 Years!

Photos by Erin Sanchez

DETROIT — Blue Cross Blue Shield of Michigan and the Detroit Pistons have kicked off the fifth annual #MIKidsCan Pistons Kids Day Sweepstakes. A total of 25 Michigan kids ages 7-12 will be selected to spend the day as a Detroit Piston during Kids Day at the Pistons game against the Milwaukee Bucks on Jan. 20, 2024.

The sweepstakes offers kids an opportunity to get an in-depth look into various front office roles and responsibilities, and experience working with a staff member for the day. Parents can enter their children in the #MIKidsCan Pistons Kids Day Sweepstakes until Jan. 5 at nba.com/ pistons/pistons-kids-day.

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C & G NEWSPAPERS MACOMB COUNTY/GROSSE POINTE SPECIAL EDITION • DECEMBER 27, 2023

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Photo by Patricia O’Blenes

People gather outside Corewell Health’s Beaumont Children’s Hospital to shine lights for Moonbeams for Sweet Dreams on Dec. 12. The crowd flashes lights and holds up signs to show support for the kids staying in the hospital during the holidays.

Moonbeams from page 1A

feel that support from upstairs and during a scary time when they’re not feeling well or they’re here for a while, or they’re missing school, parties or activities with their families because they’re in the hospital. They have this really fun event to look forward to every night and they can feel like they’re not alone,” Grobbel said.

Grobbel stated that getting to do Moonbeams each year has been very special and that they’ve been lucky to have the community come out and support the kids.

“We’ve been really lucky that our community is supportive of it but also that our hospital and hospital administration has been supportive,” she said. “Moonbeams was started just as an idea from a parent to help children feel less isolated and afraid during the holiday season, and it really has done that. I think as you look at the lights flashing from the windows upstairs, and when I stand upstairs with the kids, you can really hear that they feel that support and they’re kind of like looking out and saying, ‘Wow, everybody’s here for me.’ So it’s been really special to be a part of that.”

Shelley Chinn, a teacher at Cranbrook Schools, has brought her students to Moonbeams every year that she’s been able to outside of the years it was canceled due to COVID-19.

Seeing her students experience Moon-

beams, Chinn said she doesn’t think any of them anticipated how fulfilling and emotional the event would be for them.

“As a teacher, I can explain it to them, but you have to experience it to understand just how much you feel for the children that are in the hospital at that time and being surrounded by everyone from the community,” she said “That really is overwhelming just with the community as a whole.”

Chinn not only has experienced Moonbeams as a participant with her students, but she experienced it inside the hospital as well.

Chinn’s daughter, Abby, had a seizure and was diagnosed with juvenile myoclonic epilepsy. When she took her daughter to Beaumont to get a sleep study a couple of years later in 2017, she was placed in the pediatric wing, and she and Abby saw the flashing lights from the hospital.

Chinn had taken her students to see the first Moonbeams just five days prior.

“You can imagine how overwhelming that was,” she said. “I had just been outside with my students, and now here I am inside looking out and it was really emotional, actually, for both of us. The amount of lights that you see from inside looking out, they’re just multiplied exponentially.”

Moonbeams took place at 8 p.m. each night at the hospital, located at 3601 W. 13 Mile Road. It began this year on Dec. 8 and ran until Dec. 23.

For more information, visit beaumont. org/moonbeams.

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C & G NEWSPAPERS MACOMB COUNTY/GROSSE POINTE SPECIAL EDITION • DECEMBER 27, 2023

Honor

from page 3A

“There is nothing that can prepare a department to lose a colleague, nothing that can prepare a family to get the news that their loved one has given their life,” Swofford said in email. “Spouses, children, parents, siblings, grandparents — all now face an uncertain future as they try to find some little bit of peace in their ‘new normal.’ Our job, as supporters of these men and women, is to do our best to help them as they travel the road ahead.”

Hazel Park Police Chief Brian Buchholz said the support is appreciated.

“We do this job, day in and day out. We never know what we will deal with. Oftentimes, we’re putting our lives on the line for people we don’t even know. It’s unfortunate.

I wish we could go an entire year without adding any new people to that list of fallen officers. But it still happens,” Buchholz said.

“It’s a tough time for police,” he added. “We can go from one moment helping to save the life of a child, and then the very next call, we’re dealing with people who automatically feel anger and hatred for us, just because of the uniform we’re wearing or the job we’re doing. Our officers have to keep in mind that it’s not a personal issue against them as a person. We must be professional and respectful at all times, but we also have to be reactive to the situation we’re given.”

He acknowledged that tensions are heightened by the widespread presence of guns in society. An officer never

Photo by Patricia O’Blenes

Keynote speaker Debbie Nagle places a flower on a wreath in honor of her daughter, Jessica Nagle-Wilson, a Hazel Park police officer who was killed in the line of duty on July 28, 2002. knows if the car full of strangers they’re approaching is armed and hostile.

“But we know the people who attend (Project Blue Light) are supporters of us, and we really do appreciate it,” he said. “We appreciate the people who shine a blue light on their porches for us.”

Lt. Alex Holish of the Eastpointe Police Department said that police are under extraordinary pressure. He said that in addition to dealing with violent suspects and the risk of prosecution for on-duty action, police face internal stresses such as a dwindling workforce, which has led to long overtime hours, fatigue and low morale.

“Obviously, police officers should not get away with

negligence and misconduct. However, they should still be afforded a due process, just like everyone else,” Holish said via email. “In recent years, many police officers have been tried by a public opinion and are condemned before all the investigation into their actions is completed.”

He said he’s thankful that the residents of Eastpointe support their police.

“A simple ‘thank you’ means a lot. We get it often,” Holish said. “I know it warms our hearts when we get mail from local students that contain self-made cards of appreciation. These are always posted on our department walls, and every officer takes time during the shift to read them.

We also appreciate the tremendous assistance that the citizens of our community provide us when we’re investigating crimes, like when they come forward with information or provide security camera videos to us, even when they’re not a victim of a crime.”

David Soltis is a former first responder who now serves on the Madison Heights City Council. He used to work the night shift as an EMT driving an ambulance.

“It’s a strain, for sure, but you need people in those positions 24/7, because things can happen at any time,” Soltis said. “I felt humbled by the opportunity to help those in need, because it’s 100% out in the neighborhood. And now my oldest son is returning to work as a paramedic. We also went to the Project Blue Light service a few years ago, before COVID, and it was just incredible seeing all of the love and support in that room. It made an influence with my two sons, I’m sure. And there was a lot of mourning. It really humbles you, seeing the families of those who made the ultimate sacrifice.”

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C & G NEWSPAPERS MACOMB COUNTY/GROSSE POINTE SPECIAL EDITION • DECEMBER 27, 2023

Love helps win the Commonwealth Club’s first cookie contest

BY GENA JOHNSON gjohnson@candgnews.com

WARREN — On Dec. 3, about a dozen bakers showed off their best cookie recipes to a team of local media judges and a room filled with cookie lovers that bought and tasted their confections.

“We’re hoping to make it annual. Some people do a cookie walk. We did a cookie contest. And next year we’re hoping to make it better,” said Jared Maynard, the public relations chair for the Commonwealth Club.

Maynard came up with the idea of a cookie contest when a previously scheduled event for the club was unable to take place.

“We had a hole in our schedule. We were going to do a play, and the gentleman that had the play had to have surgery,” Maynard said. “We were running around panicking. We’ve got it (the club) open. What do we do? I said, ‘Let’s have a cookie contest.’”

“The Great British Club Bake Off Christmas Cookie Edition” was born. This is the official name of the contest.

“The response was phenomenal. We had 12 people submit entries. We had about 20 to 25 people here in the room buying and tasting cookies,” said Maynard.

Those in attendance could buy the cookies for $5 a pound. “It was fantastic,” Maynard said.

Each contestant made five dozen cookies. Local journalists Charlie Langton (Fox 2 News) and Susan Smiley (The Macomb Daily) served as judges, along with Mrs. Claus.

Second-place winner Fiona Norton, of Madison Heights, received much attention for her bourbon balls, which included 10 tablespoons of bourbon.

“That is for the whole recipe, not for each ball,” said Norton, who made a 60-ball recipe.

Norton started baking when she was very young with her grandfather and her mother.

“I love the Commonwealth Club. We’ve been members for a couple of years, and it was a good fundraiser. And it’s always a fun time when you go there,” Norton said. “I joined because I am actually from England. So Fiona Norton it was nice to be around people from the country I was actually born in.”

The Commonwealth Club opened in Warren in 1962 and is the oldest British Commonwealth club in the country, according to Maynard.

Norton, who has been in the United States for 36 years, said the bourbon balls are a new recipe for her.

“The first time I made them was last year. We had sampled some in Kentucky, and then decided we could find a recipe to make our own,” Norton said. “It is a Maker’s Mark recipe I got off of Pinterest, but I did change the bourbon to Detroit City Distillery Butcher’s Cut Bourbon. I wanted to keep it local.”

Norton had a good idea the bourbon balls would be a winner.

“Every time I make it, everybody loves it.

They beg me to make it. So, I figured that we’ll try to see if other people would like it as well. But my friends and co-workers all love them,” Norton said.

She shared her secret to making great bourbon balls.

“I think it’s the love that goes into them more than anything,” Norton said.

“I think it’s because I enjoy making them. I enjoy making cookies and candies for people and seeing their reaction when they taste them and they’re really good and everybody is happy,” she said.

Fiona Norton, of Madison Heights, the second-place winner in the Great British Club Bake Off Christmas Cookie Edition shared her bourbon ball cookie recipe.

BOURBON BALLS

From start to finish, it takes about 2 hours and 20 minutes. Makes 30 servings.

4 cups powdered sugar 3 cups semi-sweet chocolate chips 3 tablespoons shortening 1 cup pecans 30 pecans, halves 1/2 cup butter 5 tablespoons bourbon Directions: Gather all ingredients.

Place nuts in a sealable jar. Pour bourbon over nuts; seal and allow to soak for eight hours or overnight.

Mix sugar and butter in a medium bowl; fold in soaked nuts with bourbon. Form mixture into 3/4-inch balls and refrigerate for eight hours or overnight.

Line a baking tray with waxed paper; set aside.

Melt chocolate in the top of a double boiler over just barely simmering water, stirring frequently and scraping down the sides with a rubber spatula to avoid scorching.

Roll balls in melted chocolate to coat; arrange on the prepared tray. Top each ball with a pecan half.

Store in the refrigerator until serving.

The avid cookie baker also enjoys making Mexican butter cookies, chocolate chip cookies, shortbread and buckeyes, which is another ball cookie with peanut butter and no alcohol.

“I look up new recipes and try them out,” Norton said.

She is looking toward next year, and if time permits, she plans to enter the contest with a new recipe.

First-place winner Marty Hunter, who made Scottish shortbread cookies for the contest, could not be reached.

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C & G NEWSPAPERS MACOMB COUNTY/GROSSE POINTE SPECIAL EDITION • DECEMBER 27, 2023

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UCS eighth grader builds war memorial for Eagle Scout project

BY KARA SZYMANSKI kszymanski@candgnews.com

SHELBY TOWNSHIP — Utica Community Schools eighth grader Ben Wodniak had a vision to create a war memorial, which has now become a reality.

The project was dedicated at American Legion HillGazette Post 143 in Auburn Hills on Veterans Day, Nov. 11, with Auburn Hills leaders and service members from the post in attendance.

Seeing the Vietnam Veterans Memorial inspired the Shelby Junior High School student to want to do something similar for those in his community. Wodniak was familiar with the Hill-Gazette Post, as his troop partners with it for flag retirement.

On Veterans Day, he presented the war memorial and unveiled it in front of former service members and their families. The memorial is located behind the post.

“A few years ago, my Cub Scout Pack 17 and my current troop did the trail in the back (of the post), and as an extra piece, they added a Vietnam War memorial. I had always wanted to do something for the soldiers who were killed in action and was inspired by the already-done memorial on the trail,” Wodniak said.

“The reason we are able to be active in the (flag retirement) ceremonies is because of a contact and friend of my dad’s we have there, Sgt. Michael Green, who served in the Desert Shield/Desert Storm war. I wanted to do something as a thank-you for him and all the other veterans and fallen soldiers of that war. I decided that a Desert Shield/ Desert Storm War Memorial was the perfect Eagle Scout project,” he said.

More than 100 bricks carrying the names of the soldiers lost in Desert Shield/Desert Storm create a wall around a large plaque with a Desert Shield/Desert Storm logo, and a quotation from Sgt. Dodge R. Powell.

“I always wanted to do something for the soldiers who died in combat,” Wodniak said.

Post commander Greg Inman said they were honored to help Wodniak with his project and privileged to have him select the post for the memorial.

“Our primary mission as an American Legion is to support military service members and their families in times of need, and our secondary mission is to support our children, and especially Scouts,” Inman said.

“Again, we are honored to have Ben select this site for the memorial’s home where it will be forever,” Inman said.

To earn his Eagle Scout status, Wodniak had to lead the entire project from vision to design, and then from fundraising to assembling a team of volunteers to create the memorial.

“This project started in early April of this year and was fully executed on Nov. 4. I had around 17 volunteers help from 9 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. In total, I had to fundraise roughly $3,500. I fundraised by selling bricks, handing out ice creams on Memorial Day weekend at the post after the parade, and selling raffle tickets with donated prizes.

The bricks all came from Landscape Source on 26 Mile (Road), the memorial was donated from Italian Granite and Marble, and all of the engravings were done by Epic Laser Engraving, who gave me a very generous discount,” Wodniak said.

He said he couldn’t have done the project without all the volunteers and people who donated and helped in many ways.

“I had a few doubts when I sat down to do the project and wasn’t sure if it would be done well. I had a model at the start to help sell the idea to start the project, which was entirely different from the finished project, because once I saw the progress, I wanted to change a few things,” Wodniak said. “I am so glad how well the finished product turned out, and I am so grateful with all the opportunities

On Veterans Day, Utica Community Schools eighth grader Ben Wodniak unveils a war memorial that he created as his Eagle Scout project at American Legion Hill-Gazette Post 143 in Auburn Hills. The memorial features bricks carrying the names of soldiers who died in Desert Shield and Desert Storm in 1990 and 1991.

Photos provided by Tim McAvoy

that came with it, because it’s not a topic that gets talked about that often.”

Call Staff Writer Kara Szymanski at (586) 498-1029.

SELFRIDGE PERSONNEL GIVEN YEARLY HONORS

BY DEAN VAGLIA dvaglia@candgnews.com

HARRISON TOWNSHIP — The best military and civilian employees got their annual recognition at Selfridge Air National Guard Base at the Outstanding Airmen of the Year awards on Dec. 2.

“The Outstanding Airmen of the Year ceremony is our opportunity to recognize our top performers, and the Wing’s accomplishments this past year,” said Brig. Gen. Matthew Brancato, commander of the 127th Wing and Selfridge Air National Guard Base, in a statement. “I feel honored to celebrate the extraordinary efforts of the 127th Wing.”

The 11 winners come from a pool of 30 base personnel and are as follows: • Airman of the Year — Airman 1st

Class Cole Alli, 127th Operations Group • Noncommissioned Officer of the Year — Tech. Sgt. Erica Spaulding, 127th Maintenance Group • Senior Noncommissioned Officer of the Year — Master Sgt. Trina Ramos, 127th Medical Group • First Sergeant of the Year — Master Sgt. Heather Bell, 127th Mission Support Group • Company Grade Officer of the Year — 1st Lt. Caleb Jenkins, 127th Air Refueling Group • Honor Guard Member of the Year — Airman 1st Class Ethan Leary • Recruiter of the Year — Tech. Sgt. Justin Nabarrette • Civilian Employee of the Year — Catherine Finocchiaro, 127th Wing Headquarters • Civilian Manager of the Year — An-

Photo by Tech. Sgt. Chelsea Fitzpatrick via Defense Visual Information Distribution Service

Brig. Gen. Matthew Brancato, left, commander of the 127th Wing, presents the 2023 recipients of the outstanding airmen, civilian employee and Commander’s Trophy awards on Dec. 2. drew Schumann, 127th Wing Headquarters • State Employee of the Year — Joe McIntyre, 127th Mission Support Group • Commander’s Trophy — 107th Mission Generating Force Element Team

Winners of the airman, noncommissioned officers and company grade officer categories will move on to a state-level awards ceremony, where winners will then be eligible for awards at the national level.

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Kidnapped from page 3A

plight of the families whose loved ones are missing. According to an online The Times of Israel news report dated Dec. 6, 2023, about 1,200 Israeli citizens were killed and 240 Israeli hostages were taken by Hamas when the conflict erupted.

On Dec. 7, Yair and Ella addressed the crowd at Detroit’s annual Menorah in the D lighting at Campus Martius Park, which observed the Jewish holiday Hanukkah. Yair and Ella — who had not met prior to coming to the Motor City — also were guests of honor at the Dec. 6 Detroit Pistons game at Little Caesars Arena. While in Detroit, they stayed at a local hotel and conducted several interviews with the media. “(The war) is still happening. We must talk to news programs from all over the world. This helps keep us in the headlines,” said Yair, who resides in Gedera, Israel. “This puts pressure on the government and other countries. We need the help of the people to save the families. Anything can help us.

Many people are not released yet. Time is running out.”

“It’s so important the word spreads,” Ella said. “Any support we can get, we need it.”

The war — which has killed civilians in both Israel and the Gaza Strip — has sparked countless debates with one side proPalestine and the other pro-Israel.

‘My family is broken’

Ella and Rozenberg were at home in Be’eri, Israel, Oct. 7 when the violence broke out. Ella’s dad, Ohad Ben Ami, 55, and her mother, Raz Ben Ami, 57, were taken hos-

tage. Raz Ben Ami was released from captivity about a week prior to Ella’s Detroit visit.

“She has tumors in her brain and spine.

When she was (taken), she didn’t get appropriate medical procedures and treatment,” Ella said. “My dad takes care of my mom.

Now, he’s not here to take care of her.”

Ella said the minute she was reunited with her mother, she asked, “Where is Dad?” When Ella had the opportunity to visit Detroit, she considered staying home with her mom. But her mom encouraged her to come to the U.S. because, “You have to go bring back Dad.” “My dad is handsome. He has nice eyes.

He’s the funniest dad,” said Ella, who also has a sister in Israel. “My family is broken.”

The distance between Be’eri and the Gaza Strip is approximately 9 kilometers, which is about 5.5 miles.

“I’m used to conflict,” Ella said. “When I was very young, I know the missles. I know the sirens.”

Yet, the bombings on Oct. 7 “felt different.”

“It was 6:30 in the morning,” Ella said.

“It was a big amount of missiles. Something was wrong.”

She and Rozenberg, who hid in their safe room for 15 hours before being rescued, survived the air strikes. A safe room is a hiding place that provides emergency shelter during raids. They are often an extension of the home and have barricaded entries and thick concrete walls.

“We did not make any noises so the terrorists would not know we were there,” Ella said. “(When) I walked out of my home, it looked so different. Everything is burning.

We can’t walk (because of ) all the bodies on the (ground).”

“It was awful,” Rozenberg said. “It was like a zombie land in the streets, in the roads.”

“All the hostages, they were innocent civilians. They didn’t do this. They didn’t have guns to protect themselves. They woke up in the morning to a war,” Ella said. “They want to live in peace and in a good neighborship.

I wish the neighborship with Gaza was good, to be a good friend. I don’t have any bad intentions in my body for Gaza.”

‘You hear bombs all over Israel’

“A kibbutz is a big community. It’s like a big family. You care about everyone there and know (them) for many, many years,” Yair said. “(People) love living there.”

Both of Yair’s parents, who are divorced, were taken from their kibbutz of Nir Oz. His father, Gadi Moses, 79, is still missing. After being held in captivity for several weeks, his mother, Margalit Moses, 77, was set free Nov. 24.

“There were a lot of hugs and tears. We were very happy,” Yair said. “We met her. Of course, it was pure joy.”

With the relief of her safe return home, there was also grim news: Gadi’s spouse, Efrat Katz, was killed in the massacre. Her daughter and two granddaughters had been kidnapped but were released.

It’s taken some time for Margalit to adjust.

“Mom, she’s better,” Yair said. “Finally got some color on her cheeks. There’s still a lot of work for the mental side.”

Yair has not been able to sleep well or work since the bloodshed began.

“Many people kidnapped, I know personally. You hear bombs all over Israel,” Yair said. “The first two weeks, I couldn’t sleep. I

didn’t want to eat nothing.”

During the bombings Oct. 7, Yair was in contact with his dad, who was in the family’s safe room.

“Then we started to hear the terrorists. They all went inside,” Yair said. “We couldn’t get any answers from him. We’re trying to do what we can do to get him back.”

Family members have not heard from Gadi in over two months. They said he is missed and always in their thoughts. Since he was a young child, Erez has spent a lot of time with his grandfather, who works in farming.

“In the last 20 years, he has traveled around the world helping third-world countries to improve their agriculture,” Erez said. “He liked taking me and the grandkids on the tractors and teaching us whatever he can. It’s always interesting. He likes to be with us a lot; we just go and talk.”

To keep the awareness going, Yair wears a black T-shirt and baseball cap that both read “Bring Them Home Now.” In honor of the mission, Yair also dons a military-style dog tag around his neck that reads “Bring Them Home Now” in English and Hebrew. He has been growing a beard since Oct. 7 as the family waits for the hostages to be released.

For more information on Hostages and Missing Families Forum, visit bringthemho menow.net.

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C & G NEWSPAPERS MACOMB COUNTY/GROSSE POINTE SPECIAL EDITION • DECEMBER 27, 2023

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LEFT: Motor City Rockers defenseman Jameson Milam goes airborne to get past the Port Huron Prowlers defenders.

ABOVE: Motor City Rockers forward Declan Conway fights for positioning in front of the net during the Rockers 5-4 loss to the Port Huron Prowlers on Dec. 9 at Big Boy Arena in Fraser.

Photos by Patricia O’Blenes

Motor City Rockers return to form in 2023, hold second place in conference

BY JONATHAN SZCZEPANIAK jszczepaniak@candgnews.com

FRASER — This year, it’s been all about hockey for the Motor City Rockers.

The offseason didn’t include general manager and head coach searches, discussions about whether there was going to be a team or not, or constant cosmetic ideas for inside the arena, but rather fully focused on what was taking place on the ice heading into the Rockers’ second season in the Federal Prospects Hockey League.

“We always joked that we needed players and we needed a printer,” Rockers coach Gordie Brown said. “You needed everything from the beginning whether it was jerseys or every little thing. Now, you’ve gone through the process of the year and you can kind of understand how to get the players that you want, build the culture you want, and get the employees behind the scenes we need to run an organization like this.

Heading into the second year, I don’t want to say it’s smoother, but you just learn a lot from the first year that you can incorporate into the second year.”

Brown, in his second season as head coach, witnessed his team clinch third place in the Continental Conference, securing a playoff berth, but two straight losses in the first round would put an end to the Rockers’ inaugural season.

Most coaches in the FPHL tend to see a significant roster turnover for the next season, leaving questions about what the team will look like in the coming year, but the Rockers picked up right where they left off with a stacked lineup of returning veterans.

“We felt really confident coming back, especially with how many returners we have,” defenseman Nicholas MagillDiaz said. “At this level, you don’t get half of the returners we

got back. We got just about everybody with three or four new faces, so we felt very confident. We have high expectations for ourselves.”

The Rockers are currently in second in the Continental Conference to the tune of a 9-7 record this season, with six players having double-digit point totals already this season.

Scott Coash, who led the Rockers in goals (40) and points (72) last season, has a team-high 10 goals and 19 points this season, while forward Brad Reitter, who was third on the team in points with 47, has a team-high 12 assists this year.

Returning forward Declan Conway is building off his 52-point season in 2022, second on the team, with six goals and four assists already, while defenseman Jameson Milam (11 points), defenseman Josh Colten (13 points), and forward Pavel Svintsov (16 points) round out the group.

Svintsov, a first-year player for the Rockers, previously played in the Russian Student Hockey League where he tallied 12 goals and 17 assists last season.

Returning goaltender Trevor Babin has been stellar in net with a 7-4 record and a .930 save percentage this season.

With the majority of the team back and just a pair of new names and faces, Magill-Diaz said it’s been the team’s chemistry that has translated to the success so far.

“Just from last year to this year, we’re a lot more comfortable having those uncomfortable conversations when it comes to people making mistakes or being held accountable for each other,” Magill-Diaz said. “It just makes it that much easier.”

Chemistry has always been a strength of the Rockers, and look no further than their success last season in just their first year together as a group.

The Rockers’ locker room is a tight-knit group, and the sense of care and respect is a feeling that Brown said the RockSee ROCKERS on page 14A

Motor City Rockers player Tristen Wells carries the puck during a matchup against the Port Huron Prowlers on Dec. 9 at Big Boy Arena.

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C & G NEWSPAPERS MACOMB COUNTY/GROSSE POINTE SPECIAL EDITION • DECEMBER 27, 2023

HOLIDAY GIFTS TO KEEP YOU MOVING IN THE NEW YEAR EXPERIENCE GIFTS SPREAD CHRISTMAS JOY AFTER THE HOLIDAYS ARE OVER

BY MARY BETH ALMOND malmond@candgnews.com

METRO DETROIT — While toys and other physical gifts can be quickly forgotten, the sense of pride from learning a new skill is the gift that keeps on giving.

So rather than adding to a loved one’s overwhelming stack of belongings, why not consider giving an experience?

Sports lessons and classes are a great way to keep a family member active and engaged in the new year.

Ice skating, skiing and snowboarding are the perfect ways to escape cabin fever and take advantage of the snowy winter weather.

The Birmingham Sports Ice Arena offers ice skating classes for ages 3 to adult of all levels year-round.

“A lot of kids get skates for the holidays, and they don’t know how to skate, so they come here and want to take skating lessons,” said Ice Arena Facilities Superintendent Connie Folk.

Gift givers can register a loved one for the next eight-week course, which begins the

week of Jan. 15, or wait for additional ice skating lessons, which are offered in five sessions throughout the year. Ice skating classes meet once a week for eight weeks and are limited to 12 students. Classes with more than seven students will have two instructors.

“If you know how to skate, you will have a better experience when you go to birthday parties, open skates or even down to the city of Detroit to skate on the outdoor rink,” Folk said. “It just makes it a great gift, because it gives them the opportunity to come out, exercise and learn how to skate so they can skate with their friends.”

The Birmingham Ice Sports Arena is located at 2300 E. Lincoln. To register, visit https://play.bhamgov.org.

There are also many ski areas in southeast Michigan, including Alpine Valley, Mount Brighton, Mount Holly and Pine Knob. Pine Knob Ski Resort — 7778 Sashabaw Road in Clarkston — offers ski and snowboard rentals, with private or group lessons for all ages, led by certified instructors.

See GIFTS on page 14A

The gift of swim lessons, which are offered year-round at the Troy Community Center, can create lifelong skills, water safety and a love for the water.

Photo provided by the Troy Community Center

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Hackel

years, is seeing exponential growth from infrastructure and from new businesses,” Kropp said. “I think when the county seat

from page 1A

Economic and talent development tied into points made earlier in the evening about the county’s economy. Hackel reported a county workforce that’s 460,000 people strong and a 3.9% unemployment rate, as well as average incomes rising 15% over the past five years. Hackel went on to claim the county’s economy is valued at $48 billion with 48,000 open jobs, which the county government is creating programs to fill.

Supporting the county’s industries was central to Hackel’s pitch on Macomb County being business friendly, and particular care was given to the defense sector. The past year saw more than 41,000 civilian and military workers take part in the defense industry, built on the back of 4,200 contracts awarded to county-based contractors, bringing in $3 billion. The future of Selfridge Air National Guard Base was a key part of the county’s defense industry plans. County, state, federal and military officials are working to bring a fighter mission to the base to replace the outgoing A-10 program. As Michigan’s congressional delegation works to make F-15EX fighter jets available for the base, the state is committing $13 million for a northward runway expansion.

“From the Curtiss ‘Jenny’ to the A-10, Selfridge has had a legacy of keeping our country safe,” Hackel said. “Together, we need to keep Selfridge safe because of how important it is to our nation’s defense.”

Other points Hackel brought up were population, housing and fiscal stability.

Hackel reported the county’s foreign-born population was close to 100,000. With the 2022 figures from the United States Census Bureau, about 11% of Macomb County’s roughly 874,000 people were born outside of the United States. With people needing somewhere to live, about 2,400 homes have been built throughout the county over the past two years. The residents of those homes are steadily becoming more educated, as about 60% of the county’s residents hold a degree, certificate or another type of postsecondary education.

On fiscal stability, Hackel praised the county for having a balanced budget for 13 years in a row and maintaining an AA+ bond rating.

His comments about supporting defense in the county were well received by U.S. Air Force Brig. Gen. Matthew Brancato, commander of the 127th Wing at Selfridge Air National Guard Base in Harrison Township. “(Hackel) is very supportive of our future, so my perspective on it is we have a

is doing well and we see the health of that increasing, then we know the county is in good shape.”

Macomb County Executive Mark Hackel delivers the 2023 State of the County address at the Macomb Center for the Performing Arts.

Photo by Dean Vaglia

ton of talent and experience that we want to make sure has a future at Selfridge,” Brancato said at the Taste of Macomb reception event. “The engagement and support we get from the community is very important to our fight for a future fighter mission. … I’ve never been in a base with more community support than here in Macomb County.”

The jail upgrades were received positively by Clinton Township Clerk Kim Meltzer. While located in Mount Clemens, the jail is on the border between the county seat and Clinton Township.

“I think it’s a service to our county as a whole so it will be a benefit to Clinton Township,” Meltzer said. “I like the fact it didn’t cost the taxpayer any extra dollars … we’re not going to see any type of millage increase on our taxes, so in that regard I think that’s a very good plus and benefit.”

Harrison Township Supervisor Ken Verkest had a positive outlook on Hackel’s remarks, making an observation on his long tenure as county executive being a stabilizing factor for planning.

“I think some of the things that we’re seeing happen are the result of consistent leadership in the county executive office in excess of a decade,” Verkest said. “You can form a plan, you can put things in place and you can execute it. I think a lot of it is due to Mark’s leadership and I think he’s doing a great job.”

Mount Clemens Mayor Laura Kropp was pleased with Hackel’s address, drawing a connection between the county’s growth and Mount Clemens’ own.

“The county itself is growing and Mount Clemens, for the first time in many

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C & G NEWSPAPERS MACOMB COUNTY/GROSSE POINTE SPECIAL EDITION • DECEMBER 27, 2023

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Professionals offer tips for managing mental health at the holidays

BY MARIA ALLARD allard@candgnews.com

METRO DETROIT — Taylor Jones wasn’t sure how she would get through that first Christmas without her favorite aunt, Tricey, who had passed away from COVID-19 and lupus a few years ago.

“The holiday times, it was special with us,” Jones said.

Her death came just a year after Tricey’s son and Jones’ godbrother, Jay, died at age 17.

“It really took a bad toll on me,” Jones, 25, of Detroit said. “I was very depressed. I was very sad.”

It was recommended that Jones seek professional help.

“At first, I was opposed to it,” said Jones, who kept telling herself, “I’m OK.” But she found Dr. LA Barlow, a clinical psychologist with the Detroit Medical Center, and soon began attending private therapy sessions every two weeks.

“At my first appointment, I cried in the waiting room,” said Jones, adding that Dr. Barlow saw her and came right over. “She said, ‘Just allow yourself to grieve.’ I was trying for so long to stay strong. When I got a chance to speak to someone, it made a difference in my life.

The holidays are a bad time for depression. Dr. Barlow understood why I was so hysterical.

I could tell that she cares.”

While the holiday season is filled with family get-togethers, gift giving, decorated Christmas trees and festive parties, it can also be a sad time for many people. Depression, loneliness, high expectations and financial stress are among the factors that can lead to the holiday blues.

Some people miss family members who have died, or are far away from family and friends.

But instead of hiding from Thanksgiving through New Year’s Day, there are steps people can take to make it through the holidays. Dr. Barlow, who also has an office in Southfield, See TIPS on page 14A

Photo provided

Dr. LA Barlow, a clinical psychologist with the Detroit Medical Center who also has a practice in Southfield, left, talks to Taylor Jones, of Detroit. Jones sought mental health treatment with Dr. Barlow for depression after her favorite aunt died a few years ago.

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C & G NEWSPAPERS MACOMB COUNTY/GROSSE POINTE SPECIAL EDITION • DECEMBER 27, 2023

Tips

from page 13A

encourages people to seek professional help if they are feeling depressed.

“Grief is big during the holidays for people because of the person they are missing,” Dr. Barlow said.

Keeping the memory of your loved one alive can help you mourn their loss.

“Start a new tradition to honor that person. They might not be here physically, but spiritually they are still here,” Dr. Barlow said. “Journaling is another way to express your feelings and what that person meant to you.”

And keep things in perspective.

“It’s all about perspectives,” Dr. Barlow said. “Maybe it’s not as bad.”

Jones and family members have a family brunch over the holidays in memory of Tricey and Jay. It rotates to a different home each year.

“I do things that make me feel happy,” Jones said. “I do things (my aunt) would like to do. It makes you feel better. This year, I’m not as sad as I was in previous years.”

If you’re going to be all alone during the holidays, Dr. Barlow suggests doing volunteer work at a soup kitchen or nonprofit organization, or connecting with people virtually.

“The holidays can be a stressful time for many people. The cooking, shopping, entertaining and cleaning,” said Agnes Ward,

Rockers from page 10A

ers deliver from top to bottom in the organization.

“I think what it comes down to is that we’re pretty honest,” Brown said. “We tell them what the expectations are and we’re not lying to them. This is the expectation, and we have those conversations with the players, and if you don’t believe myself or Nick Field, the GM, this is how we do it, and if you don’t want to do it, we’re not for you. I believe the players have our backs on that.”

The Rockers jumped out to a 9-3 record this season before dropping four straight, holding leads in three of the four matchups.

“Our issue is we get up, we get a lead, and then we stop playing,” Brown said. “We stop doing what we did to get the lead, and it’s some habits I got to work on with the guys to create better habits for the guys to

a licensed psychologist and the chief clinical officer with Macomb County Community Mental Health. “They’re rushing to fulfill demands or obligations, and stop seeing the joy in the holidays.”

Financial burdens also can dampen the holiday spirit.

“It can be a time for families who may be struggling with bills. People know they’ll be spending more money. There’s a lot of pressure for gifts,” Ward said.

If that is the case, speak up.

“Have a talk with family members about how much to spend,” Ward said. “Do a name draw so everyone just buys one gift or a nice dinner so the family will do something together.”

Ward said many people have lost loved ones in recent years because of COVID-19, which can bring on loneliness. If you know of someone who is alone or housebound, “check in with them, give them a call, send them a card or deliver a meal,” Ward said.

Macomb County Community Mental Health has a crisis line that is open 24 hours a day, seven days a week. Ward encourages anyone feeling down to call the number at (586) 307-9100.

Macomb County Community Mental Health also has a wide range of resources for the community who may need help financially or in other areas. For more information, visit mccmh.net or call (855) 99-MCCMH, which is (855) 996-2264.

Call Staff Writer Maria Allard at (586) 498-1045.

Gifts from page 11A

Pine Knob has 17 runs, six chairlifts, four tow ropes, two wonder carpets and some terrain parks. Many intermediate and avid skiers hope a season ski pass will be under the tree, allowing them to ski or snowboard as many days as they want, all season.

Another fun gift-giving option that can be personalized to fit a variety of interests is a gift card to the Troy Community Center.

“People can use it however they want to,” said Troy Community Center Recreation Director Brian Goul. “A lot of people give gift cards that people like to use for our outdoor pool in the summertime or for a fitness pass during the year at the community center.”

The 127,000-square-foot building offers everything from year-round swim lessons, pickleball lessons and basketball leagues to karate, yoga and intro to sports classes.

“In the new year, people usually want to get physically fit and get in better shape, so giving them a gift card to come and get a fitness pass and work out or be able to learn pickleball is a great way for people to do something that they might not normally do for themselves,” Goul said.

A popular option is the “Pickleball 101: Intro for Beginners” class, which teaches participants the basic rules, strokes, scoring and strategies of the game.

The center also offers indoor swim lessons year-round for preschoolers to adults, with the next six-week session starting in January, followed by another in late March.

To expose kids to a variety of sports — including soccer, football, volleyball, T-ball, lacrosse, hockey and more — the Coach Dave Intro to Sports classes are offered for ages 3-6.

“Participating in sports is a great way for kids to meet other kids, get the social skills they need, learn how to be a good teammate and have fun,” he said.

For more information about the Troy Community Center, visit https://rec.troy mi.gov.

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get through 60 minutes of hockey.”

The Rockers have battled injuries and illnesses the past couple of weeks, but the Rockers were looking to rebound with a three-game homestand against the Carolina Thunderbirds (Dec. 15), which occurred after press time, and the Elmira River Sharks (Dec. 22 and 23).

With nearly three quarters of the season still left to play, there’s plenty of time for the Rockers to get back on track before the start of the playoffs.

“Really, we just need to stay positive,” defenseman T.J. Delaney said. “With all our success at the beginning of the season, I feel like we didn’t face too much adversity. With guys going down with injuries and us losing four straight, we’re facing that adversity now.

Are we going to crumble or are we going to keep pushing forward? That’s the question.”

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