Mental health professional to join Crisis Intervention Team
BY K. MICHELLE MORAN kmoran@candgnews.com
CITY — Recognizing that law enforcement officers are often called upon to deal with situations involving individuals suffering from mental health problems or substance abuse disorders, the public safety departments of the five Grosse Pointes and Harper Woods created a Crisis Intervention Team to specifically address these matters.
And now, the CIT will have another member to respond to these challenging situations.
During a Feb. 10 Grosse Pointe City Council meeting, City Public Safety Director John Alcorn introduced Saranda Conn, who will serve as a co-responder clinician with the CIT. Conn will be working in all the Pointes and Harper Woods, sometimes going on runs with officers. Alcorn said Conn will help connect the cities to resources available through the county and state, as well as tackle casework “for those in crisis who don’t need police help, but still need help.” He said she’s the missing puzzle piece they’ve needed.
“This has been a long-term project years in the making,” Alcorn said. “I’m very proud of it. I’m excited for our communities.”
As his father, Tim
WOODS SCOUTS HONORED BY CITY OFFICIALS
WOODS — Grosse Pointe Woods officials recently honored several Scouts for their accomplishments and community service.
Parker E. Josephs, Jonathan Lackner and Isaac Warner — all members of Troop 96 of the Boy Scouts of America — were given proclamations by the city Jan. 27 for all reaching the rank of Eagle Scout.
“That is awesome,” City Councilwoman Vicki Granger told the Scouts.
Those on hand to see Josephs receive
LEFT:
Josephs, applauds, Parker E. Josephs shakes hands with Grosse Pointe Woods Mayor Arthur Bryant, who gave Parker a proclamation to mark his achievement of the rank of Eagle Scout.
BELOW: Grosse Pointe Woods Mayor Arthur Bryant, right, shakes the hand of Isaac Warner, center, for achieving the rank of Eagle Scout. Warner is joined by his parents, Tony and Anna, and his four brothers, all fellow Scouts.
Photos by K. Michelle Moran
Crisis
A graduate of Calvin University with a bachelor’s degree in psychology, Conn formerly worked for Beaumont Hospital in Taylor — now Corewell — as a mental health technician, and served as a youth advocate in Lansing. She is also certified as a qualified intellectual disabilities professional and children’s mental health professional. For the past two years, Conn has worked at the Guidance Center in Southgate.
Because of a grant from the Michigan Commission on Law Enforcement Standards, Alcorn said the six departments have gotten funding to pay for Conn’s position for the next two years.
“I want to welcome Saranda,” Grosse Pointe City Councilman Christopher Moyer said. “It’s going to be great (that) you’re bringing this service to our community.”
In the past, officers responding to one of these calls would have had only a couple of options — take a person to a local hospital or put them in jail. CIT is about de-escalation and connecting people to the right type of treatment so that people can find long-term solutions to mental health or substance abuse concerns, Alcorn said.
Moyer thanked Alcorn for “destigmatizing mental health crises.”
Green is the color of CIT, and officers responding in a CIT capacity show up to a scene in a special vehicle with green lights, Alcorn said. In addition, when working as part of the CIT, he said officers wear a different uniform — a green
shirt and khaki pants — to distinguish them from officers in a traditional blue police uniform.
City Manager Joseph Valentine said that through this program, the departments will collect data about their CIT runs.
“The idea is to track that data,” Valentine said. “If it goes well, (we want to) continue it” past the two years that the grant is covering.
Alcorn said Conn will train officers on the CIT about available resources so that if they don’t get additional grants and can’t find funds to retain her, they’ll be better equipped to tackle the kinds of cases Conn will be working on.
Valentine credited Alcorn for his initiative.
“It takes someone to step forward and do the work to lead that charge,” Valentine said. “This initiative is cuttingedge law enforcement.”
Mayor Sheila Tomkowiak called this a “huge step forward.”
Alcorn said Conn would start work in the community in the beginning of March. She will have an office in the Grosse Pointe City Public Safety Department but will be traveling among all six departments, he said. Alcorn said she will respond to scenes with the CIT when needed. People calling the Public Safety Department shouldn’t ask for her, though — Alcorn said dispatchers are trained to know when the CIT and Conn should be sent to a scene.
Call Staff Writer K. Michelle Moran at (586) 498-1047.
Photo by K. Michelle Moran
Grosse Pointe City Public Safety Director John Alcorn wears the uniform donned by members of the Crisis Intervention Team — a green shirt and khaki pants.
Bankruptcy forcing closure of multiple Joann stores in Michigan
BY K. MICHELLE MORAN kmoran@candgnews.com
GROSSE POINTE FARMS — Crafters, knitters and parents looking for project materials for their kids will soon need to buy their supplies elsewhere.
The Joann store in Grosse Pointe Farms and most other locations in the area are going to be shuttered. As part of the Chapter 11 bankruptcy process, the company filed a
motion Feb. 12 seeking court authority to start closing roughly 500 stores around the country.
Of about 41 stores in Michigan, 33 are slated to close, including almost all stores in metro Detroit; among them are the ones in Roseville, Novi, Shelby Township, Madison Heights, Rochester Hills and Bloomfield Hills. It wasn’t known at press time how long these stores would remain open.
Once the closures occur, the only stores
Winter weather brings unique birds — if you can find them
BY DEAN VAGLIA dvaglia@candgnews.com
METRO DETROIT — As the air chills and days get shorter, it’s common for snowbirds to take their flights south.
But while our senior set heads for the Florida coast, some of nature’s feathered fellows find their way to Michigan from the Arctic.
These seasonal guests from the high north, along with being interesting company, make the winter a fascinating time for dedicated birders.
“A lot of people don’t necessarily think of a lot of birds being around in the winter,” said Stephanie Beilke, senior manager of conservation science at Audubon Great Lakes. “You hear more birds singing in the spring and summer and there’s more obviously around, but in the winter there’s still a lot of bird activity in Michigan.”
Winter birders keep their eyes out for a number of unique birds. Raptors, notably the snowy owl and various hawks, are some of the most famous winter birds. Another unique winter sight is the arrival of “weird ducks” with striking feather and beak patterns. Notable winter ducks include the bufflehead, northern pintail, common goldeneye and the ruddy duck.
“They’re looking for anywhere that just has open water because that’s
See BIRDS on page 6A
in metro Detroit that will remain open will be the locations in Livonia and White Lake Township.
“This was a very difficult decision to make, given the major impact we know it will have on our Team Members, our customers and all of the communities we serve,” a Joann spokesperson said in a prepared statement issued Feb. 12. “A careful analysis of store performance and future strategic fit for the Company determined which stores
should remain operating as usual at this time. Right-sizing our store footprint is a critical part of our efforts to ensure the best path forward for JOANN.”
On Jan. 15, Joann Inc. launched voluntary Chapter 11 proceedings in the U.S. Bankruptcy Court for the District of Delaware. It was announced at that time that Gordon Brothers Retail Partners LLC would serve as the stalking horse bidder, meaning
TOP LEFT: A snowy owl, spotted in St. Clair County, is a raptor that migrates to Michigan during the winter.
Photo by Barb Baldinger
BOTTOM LEFT: Female, left, and male redhead ducks are one species of waterfowl that migrates to Michigan during the winter.
Photo by Lynette Spence, provided by Audubon Great Lakes
ABOVE RIGHT: A dark-eyed junco, spotted around 26 Mile Road, is a songbird that migrates to Michigan during the winter.
Photo by Barb Baldinger
See JOANN on page 8A
City earns praise during random election audit
BY K. MICHELLE MORAN kmoran@candgnews.com
CITY — Getting audited is an intimidating experience for taxpayers, and it’s no different when city clerks learn they’re going to be subjected to an election audit.
Grosse Pointe City Clerk Christopher Hardenbrook emerged from the process triumphant.
Earlier this year, Hardenbrook said, he found out that the city had been selected for a random election audit for the November presidential election.
“Two years in (as city clerk), and I got audited,” Hardenbrook told the Grosse Pointe City Council at a meeting Feb. 10. “Talking with (longtime retired City Clerk) Julie (Arthurs), I don’t think she was ever audited.”
Hardenbrook said he got high marks from the auditors.
“It turned out to be a perfect audit,” Hardenbrook said. “No errors were found.”
City Manager Joseph Valentine read remarks from the auditors, who complimented the staff and their performance.
Auditors from Wayne County came in to conduct the audit on Feb. 3. Hardenbrook said the process took approximately five hours, which was less time than the auditors anticipated.
Hardenbrook said only one aspect of the election — such as an individual pre-
cinct — is audited, and that aspect is selected randomly. In the city, that aspect was early voting.
City officials praised Hardenbrook, including City Councilman Christopher Walsh, who congratulated him on the audit results.
“Chris, this is tremendous — a perfect audit,” City Councilwoman Maureen Juip said.
Mayor Sheila Tomkowiak weighed in as well.
“Everybody’s doing a great job and working very hard,” Tomkowiak said.
Hardenbrook refused to take credit for the audit, thanking the election workers for their efforts.
“They run the elections,” Hardenbrook said. “It was their work that was reflected.”
Hardenbrook might have only held the city clerk title for a couple of years — he was named the clerk on Dec. 19, 2022, on the cusp of Arthurs’ retirement at the end of that year — but he had considerable election experience prior to that. He trained under Arthurs for about two years in anticipation of her retirement and had worked on elections since roughly 2012.
Hardenbrook has worked for Grosse Pointe City since about 2003. He was first hired as the parks and recreation director.
Call Staff Writer K. Michelle Moran at (586) 498-1047.
Farms again wins award for audit, financial pamphlet
BY K. MICHELLE MORAN kmoran@candgnews.com
FARMS — The financial records in Grosse Pointe Farms are in good order.
So said the city’s auditors from Plante Moran, who delivered the results of the most recent audit — covering the 2023 to 2024 fiscal year — to the Farms City Council at a Dec. 9 council meeting.
“The city did receive an unmodified opinion. … We often refer to that as a clean audit,” said Bill Brickey, of Plante Moran, the audit partner on the Farms’ account.
Brickey thanked city staffers — including City Manager Shane Reeside and Finance Director Tim Rowland — for their assistance.
“They really do a great job helping us complete the audit in an efficient manner,” Brickey said.
The city is doing very well in terms of pension funding. The audit shows that the
Public Safety Retirement System, or PSRS, was 112.81% funded as of June 30, while the General Employees’ Retirement System, or GERS, was 94.71% as of June 30.
Retiree health care funding is also on excellent footing. The Farms has been prefunding these systems for the last several years. As of June 30, health care for the PSRS was 89% funded while it was 77% funded for the GERS. Anyone hired by the Farms after July 1, 2007, is no longer eligible for this program; it has been replaced by a health savings account, to which the city and the employee contribute annually.
Rowland said the majority of the city’s revenue — about 70% — comes from property taxes.
This is the 31st year the Farms has received the Certificate of Achievement for Excellence in Financial Reporting from the Government Finance Officers Association. The honor — for the 2022 to 2023 fiscal
See AWARD on page 12A
all they need to find food,” Beilke said. “They’re looking for fish or plants that are underwater.”
Small birds, too, make southerly journeys for the warmer weather of frigid Michigan. Those birds, like the dark-eyed junco, can be best spotted at properly-equipped bird feeders — one of the least chilly ways of winter birding. Finches also may make an irruptive migration south due to what kind of seed crops have grown over the year.
“True sparrows … like the dark-eyed junco like to feed on platforms, so getting a tray feeder or a larger hopper feeder where you’ve got an edge to it that they feel comfortable sitting on,” said Rosann Kovalcik, owner of the Wild Birds Unlimited in Grosse Pointe Woods.
Some bird feeders are enjoyed by being directly watched, while others use technology to catch visiting birds with camera feeders.
“What’s good about them is that you can be in your house, you can have the camera set to be transmitting to your laptop or your phone and you can take pictures from that to help identify (birds),” Kovalcik said. “The camera feeder that we sell actually has identification built in it. There’s a huge surge of that going on. There’s still probably a much larger group of people that go out and they just want to look with their binoculars and they’re just getting into the hobby.”
For those looking to get more outdoors but still close to heat, car caravans organized by Audubon and Bird Alliance groups are a great way to seek birds out.
“What’s fun is just the discovery,” Kovalcik said. “What could I possibly see as I’m driving through this area of Macomb County near Algonac, and that day (Dec. 20, 2024) my partner and I had a screech owl, we had a bald eagle, we had a red-shouldered hawk, red-tailed hawk, northern harrier. We had so many raptors that we could see that were out during the day or you could play tapes of and they’d call back. It’s such a treat to come across that and to see it and to know
that I’m only going to get this (experience) this time of year.”
Locations close to water — such as Lake St. Clair Metropark, Belle Isle and almost anywhere along the Detroit River/Lake St. Clair coast — offer a wide variety of birdsighting opportunities due to optimal plants and prey. Wooded areas like the non-coastal Metroparks offer great opportunities to view birds. Kovalcik says not to discount open fields, such as in northern Macomb County, when planning your winter bird watch; songbirds like snow buntings will take to open fields to scour about for seeds and insects.
“And flying over them would be shortreared owls, which are also out because they are looking for voles and mice in the same fields,” Kovalcik said.
Those with technology on their side can stay up to date on the latest bird sightings throughout the region.
“(The website) eBird is a great resource for finding birding locations called eBird Hotspots, which provide up-to-the-minute information on the very best locations and what has been seen there,” Barb Baldinger, long-time birder and former vice-president of the Macomb Audubon Society, said via email. “Another place to check is the St. Clair-Macomb Birding Trail website, which has information about 38 bird viewing sites in St. Clair and Macomb counties.”
While coming across an exotic bird can be a cool experience, it is best for the birds to keep your distance.
“One of the best things to remember is to use good birding ethics to keep your distance from any owl or other sensitive species,” Baldinger said via email. “Using your vehicle as a photo blind, if possible, is much less intrusive than walking too close to an owl and perhaps causing it to fly, when it needs to conserve energy.”
The largest birding event of the winter is the Audubon Christmas Bird Count, which runs from Dec. 14-Jan. 5 every year. Groups like the Detroit Bird Alliance, the Oakland Bird Alliance and the Macomb Audubon Society organize field trips throughout the season.
Joann
that they were the first bidder to vie for the bankrupt company and its assets.
“Since becoming a private company in April (2024), the Board and management team have continued to execute on top- and bottom-line initiatives to manage costs and drive value,” interim Joann CEO Michael Prendergast said in a press release. “However, the last several years have presented significant and lasting challenges in the retail environment, which, coupled with our current financial position and constrained inventory levels, forced us to take this step. After carefully reviewing all available strategic paths, we have determined that initiating a courtsupervised sale process is the best course of action to maximize the value of the business. We hope that this process enables us to find a path that would allow JOANN to continue operating as a going concern.”
Shoppers at the Grosse Pointe Farms store — many of whom hadn’t yet heard the
news about the store’s fate — were upset.
Camila Rubio, of Harper Woods, said she and her 4-year-old daughter are frequent Joann shoppers. Her daughter loves the crafts and materials for projects, such as glitter.
“That is so sad,” Rubio said upon learning the store would be closing. “We love it here.”
Rubio said she could find things at reasonable prices at Joann, and said they had a good selection of merchandise.
“They have everything you need,” Rubio said. “I feel sorry for everybody in the community, because they need this store.”
While online shopping is an option, Rubio said she needs to see “the colors, the texture” in person — something the internet can’t replicate.
At the Grosse Pointe Farms store, an employee said liquidation sales were starting Saturday, Feb. 15. The employee said she couldn’t comment on the closures.
Joann Inc. has been in business for more than 80 years.
Call Staff Writer K. Michelle Moran at (586) 498-1047.
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Photo by K. Michelle Moran
The Joann store in Grosse Pointe Farms is one of dozens across Michigan that will be closing permanently.
NEWS & NOTES
GOSPEL AND SACRED JAZZ TO BE PERFORMED
The Grosse Pointe Memorial Church Choir and the church’s new music minister, Logan Hamilton, will be joined by metro Detroit jazz musicians for a concert of gospel and sacred jazz works at 3 p.m. Feb. 23 at the church, 16 Lake Shore Road in Grosse Pointe Farms. The concert is free and will include works by Duke Ellington and John Coltrane, as well as new pieces by sacred jazz composer Will Todd. For more information, visit gpmchurch.org or call (313) 882-5330.
Provide meals for local seniors
The Helm at the Boll Life Center, 158 Ridge Road in Grosse Pointe Farms, will be conducting its seventh annual March for Meals virtual event starting March 1. It’s a fundraiser for the Meals on Wheels program, which provides meals for homebound seniors in the Grosse Pointes and Harper Woods.
March for Meals participants can seek sponsors for the distance they walk during March or make an individual donation. The Helm has created sample walking or biking paths through the Pointes and Harper Woods that can be found on their website, helmlife.org.
In 2024, The Helm provided 29,000 meals to seniors in the community, a 12% increase from the previous year.
“As our population continues to age, the need for Meals on Wheels keeps growing,” Helm Executive Director Krista Siddall said in a press release. “On top of the increased need, is an increased cost in food. Each meal used to cost $5. In the fall of last year, the price increased to $7. That’s a 40% increase in the cost of food. This March for Meals fundraising event is critical to ensuring we can continue to provide meals to those in our community who need them.”
The Detroit Area Agency on Aging provides Meals on Wheels to the Pointes and Harper Woods but can only cover some of the seniors in need. The Helm pays for more than half of the meals, preventing seniors from being on a waitlist.
March for Meals funds must be received by April 1. To donate or for more informa tion, visit The Helm’s website or call (313) 882-9600.
Blood drive scheduled
Quiz bowl tournament honors local student
Michigan State University’s quiz bowl team will host the first Harris Bunker Memorial Quiz Bowl Tournament March 1 at Wells Hall on the East Lansing campus. The tournament is open to middle and high school quiz bowl players. For more information or to register a team, visit hsquizbowl.org/db/tournaments/9309.
The tournament is named for Harris F. Bunker, of Grosse Pointe Woods, the late president of the Michigan State Academic Competition Club and an active member of the quiz bowl community. During his Academic Competition Club presidency from 2018 to 2019, Bunker was part of a national award-winning team for the undergraduate division in the Intercollegiate Championship Tournament. Bunker also earned second place at the Academic Competition Federation quiz bowl nationals.
Bunker joined the quiz bowl team as a freshman at Grosse Pointe North High School and later became its president. He also played on the quiz bowl team at the University of California San Diego, where he was pursuing a doctorate in economics. He died in October 2021 at the age of 24 after battling an extended illness caused by a rare blood disease. Bunker had been a Social Science Scholar at MSU and MSU’s Social Science Scholar program has started a scholarship in his name.
The scholarship will be awarded to “a mathematically gifted Scholar who is in financial need and who can help other Scholars develop their quantitative skills,” MSU Social Science Scholar Program Director John Waller, an associate professor of history, said in a press release. “Always generous with his time and his intellectual passions, this memorial scholarship will be a fitting tribute to Harris.”
To donate to the scholarship, visit givingto.msu.edu/gift/?sid=14175.
An American Red Cross blood drive will be held from noon to 6 p.m. March 4 at the Tompkins Center at Windmill Pointe Park, 14920 Windmill Pointe Drive in Grosse Pointe Park. To schedule an appointment, visit RedCrossBlood.org — use the sponsor code gppark — or call (800) RED CROSS. For more information, call Beth at (313) 550-3870.
Symphony to hold concert
The Grosse Pointe Symphony Orchestra will perform a concert featuring works by Sibelius, Chopin and Wagner at 3 p.m. March 2 at Our Lady Star of the Sea Catholic Church, 467 Fairford Road in Grosse Pointe Woods. A preconcert talk by WRCJ-FM host Davis Gloff will take place at 2 p.m. Tickets cost $20 for regular admission, $15 for seniors and veterans, $5 for college students and they are free for students in kindergarten through 12th grade. Tickets can be purchased at the door or online at gpsymphony.org.
‘COWABUNGA’
After an 11-day run that included ride-alongs, celebrity appearances and visits from some of the greatest cars to grace the silver screen — including the Ferrari from “Ferris Bueller’s Day Off” — the Detroit Auto Show drew in 275,000 visitors.
WARREN — The Great Lakes Comic-Con is coming to the Macomb Community College Expo Center from 5-9 p.m. Feb. 21; 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Feb. 22; and 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Feb. 23. The Expo Center is located at South Campus, 14500 E. 12 Mile Road. The event is designed for comic lovers, toy collectors, and cosplay enthusiasts. There will be gaming, attractions and guest appearances from Sam J. Jones, known as Flash Gordon, and Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles co-creator Kevin Eastman. For ticket information and a list of events, visit greatlakescomicconvention.com.
2025 AUTO SHOW HAS ESTIMATED $370 MILLION IMPACT
DETROIT — After an 11-day run in January, organizers of the Detroit Auto Show announced on Feb. 5 the show drew in 275,000 visitors with an estimated $370 million financial impact on the region.
“The impact the Detroit Auto Show has had on our remarkable region cannot be overstated — with hundreds of thousands of Detroiters and visitors experiencing the best we have to offer, supporting our economy and dining in our amazing restaurants,” Claude Molinari, President and CEO of Visit Detroit, said via press release. “Every year the Detroit Auto Show is one of the most important and influential mobility events in the world, shining a light on the city and creating experiential opportunities with the brands and technologies that define us as the Motor City.”
The show’s black-tie Charity Preview drew 7,000 attendees and raised $1.7 million for six children’s charities in the region, while bringing the total funds generated since 1976 to over $125 million.
Photo by Dean Vaglia
Corewell Health doctors urge public to ‘match your symptoms to the setting’
BY TAYLOR CHRISTENSEN tchristensen@candgnews.com
STATEWIDE — Illnesses are spreading and wait times are lengthening. Doctors at Corewell Health are spreading the word on what exactly warrants a trip to the hospital.
“We are seeing quite a bit of patients coming in, in waves throughout our system, and it’s not just Corewell, it’s our community partners too,” Charles Gibson, M.D., chief medical officer at Corewell Health in West Michigan, said during a press conference held online Feb. 6. “It’s the usual runof-the-mill things that people are coming in with. … But we are also seeing quite an influx of patients related to the respiratory viruses that are in season right now.”
Respiratory viruses such as COVID-19, influenza and respiratory syncytial virus have been wreaking havoc throughout Michigan and the country, according to Gibson, resulting in higher wait times at the hospital.
Matthew Sims, M.D., director of infectious diseases research, Corewell Health in Southeast Michigan, said that influenza has been on the rise and is up 25% to 30% in
positivity right now.
“Out of every 10 people who are getting tested, two or three are testing positive, and that includes both in and outpatients,” Sims said. “But as previously stated, we are seeing a lot of this in our emergency rooms.”
Sims said that around 10% of cases in the emergency room have been influenza patients, and almost 20% of those are getting admitted, with a number of them ending up in the intensive care unit.
COVID-19 has remained consistent with a 5% positivity case rate of all those tested, while RSV peaked in late December at around 10%, according to Sims. RSV is now at 3% to 4% positivity rate but varies across Michigan and is around 10% on the west side of the state.
“The problem becomes when people are sort of using the ER as their primary care or as an urgent care instead of as an emergency room,” Sims said. “There is a difference in who should be coming to the ER versus who should be going to their regular doctor or primary care or urgent care.”
When trying to decide where to get treatment, Gibson said to check if your “symptoms match the setting.”
Only severe and life-threatening symptoms should be seen in the emergency room, while others can be seen by urgent care, primary care doctors or in a virtual appointment.
Some symptoms that would warrant an emergency care visit include severe abdominal pain; asthma attacks; severe broken bones or exposed bones; cuts and wounds that are deep or won’t stop bleeding; a fever over 104 degrees as an adult; heart attack symptoms; seizures; severe body or head trauma; shortness of breath; stroke symptoms; or severe vomiting and throwing up blood, according to Corewell Health’s symptom guide on corewellhealth.org.
“The best thing is to try and make sure your symptoms match your setting, so that you can go to the right place,” Gibson said. “It would be better to check with your primary care physician or an urgent care physician before you consider it (going to the ER).”
Sims mentioned that the doctors and nurses want to take care of those who need lifesaving treatments, but sometimes because of the influx of patients who may not need treatment, it is hard to attend to those who do.
“There are medications we can give in the hospital that we can’t give elsewhere; there are levels of support we can give with oxygen ventilators if needed, and even more advanced technologies if needed,” Sims said. “But to be able to use those effectively and to have everybody get what they need, we really have to make sure that we are keeping the patients that need to be there and discharging the patients who are ready to go home, and not admitting the patients that don’t need to be there.”
Getting vaccinated is one strategy to prevent a visit to the doctor’s office. According to Sims, a vaccination such as a flu shot can be the determining factor in how sick a person will get from the flu.
“It is absolutely not too late to get vaccinated,” Sims said. “You may get the flu even if you got vaccinated. But, you probably won’t get very sick, you’re probably not going to need to be in the hospital, probably not going to need to be on a ventilator. It protects people, and that has been shown season after season.”
Gibson said that Corewell Health is trying to spread the word on the influx of
See DOCTORS on page 12A
Doctors
from page 10A
patients and how to prevent a trip to the ER.
“I always say the same sort of things, get vaccinated, stay home when you are sick, seek medical care as appropriate, have good hand hygiene,” he said. “There are all sorts
of things to help prevent the spread and prevent the overload.”
Corewell Health also provides wait times for urgent cares on its website at clockwisemd.com/groups/143, and a symptom guide at corewellhealth.org/care-and-specialties/same-day-care/symptoms-guide.
For more information on Corewell Health, visit corewellhealth.org.
user-friendly overview of the city’s finances.
year audit — is given to audit reports that go above and beyond state standards, said Brickey. They tend to be more user friendly for people without a background in finance and contain useful information about the city and its projects and expenditures.
Rowland said the Farms would be applying for this honor again, for its 2023 to 2024 audit.
In addition, Rowland said the Farms had received an Outstanding Achievement award from the GFOA for its Popular Annual Financial Report for the 2022 to 2023 fiscal year. This marked the 12th year the Farms has received this honor. The brochure-sized document provides a concise,
Rowland said the city’s fund balance rose by nearly $267,000 in the last fiscal year. The total general fund balance stood at slightly over $6.922 million as of June 30.
The Farms’ unassigned fund balance stood at just under $5.378 million as of June 30.
Rowland said the city’s fund balance was 26.8% of the budget, which is “within our targeted amount” of 25% to 28%.
“I think your leadership team continues to do a good job of managing the finances,” Brickey said.
Mayor Louis Theros was among the officials pleased with the audit results.
“Thanks to the administration for the good, hard work and keeping us fiscally sound,” Theros said.
Call Staff Writer K. Michelle Moran at (586) 498-1047.
Scouts
from page 1A
the proclamation included his dad, Tim, and grandfather, Ed Josephs. His Eagle Scout leadership project involved leading a team of Scouts to create an urban garden at. St. Jude Catholic Church in Detroit. Josephs is also a student council senator at De La Salle Collegiate in Warren, a member of his high school robotics team and a lacrosse player. Over the 2024 Christmas holiday, Josephs and his dad climbed Mount Kilimanjaro in Africa.
Josephs said his dad encouraged him to earn his Eagle Scout rank. He’s been a Scout for the last 10 years.
“It’s just been a dream to get that,” Josephs said of reaching this rank.
Warner was accompanied by his parents, Tony and Anna, and his brothers and fellow Scouts, Russell, William, John and Sam.
For his Eagle Scout project, Warner and a team of Scouts refurbished a reflection garden for students with special needs at Monteith Elementary in the Woods. He’s a student at Grosse Pointe North High School, where he’s a member of the National Honor Society and the quiz bowl team, drum major for the North Marching Band and a performing member of the North Jazz Band, North Pit Orchestra, full North Orchestra, and principal clarinet in the wind ensemble.
5301977 - Construction Services - Harper Woods School District (Excellence Institute: Career Focused Health & Wellness Notice
Basic Information
Estimated Contract Value (USD)
$300,000.00 (Not shown to suppliers)
Reference Number 0000376112
Issuing Organization Harper Woods School District
Owner Organization Harper Woods School District
Solicitation Type ITB - Invitation to Bid (Formal)
Solicitation Number 5301977
Title Construction Services - Harper Woods School District (Excellence Institute)
Source ID PU.AG.USA.2551231
Piggyback Solicitation No
Details
Location Wayne County, Michigan
Delivery Point 19851 Anita St, Harper Woods 48225
Description The Harper Woods School District is seeking a frm to provide A/E services for an 8,440 sq ft ground up facility multi-purpose space adjacent to Eastland Drive located on the site of Harper Woods High School; Career and wellness facility to serve students, parents, and community members of Harper Woods School District.
Scope of Work As outlined in “Harper Woods Working Concept F3 2023-01-13.” Main level 7,738 sq. ft. and Viewing level 702 sq. ft. Incorporate freight shipping containers as part of the design
Foundation Scope Excavation for foundation; 16”x42” Trench foundation; Steel reinforcement for trench footing 2 - 5 top/bottom; Mass poured stoops at doors; Dowel stubs at window locations for grade block; 5”x5” Piers footing; 2”x24” vertical foam; Stockpile soils on site; Pour thickened concrete slab for masonry staircase
Interior Concrete Scope Level dirt and prep for sand base 7,738.00 SF; Install base 7,738.00 SF; Install vapor barrier and tape plumbing/electrical stubs 7,738.00 SF; Pour thickened concrete slab for masonry staircase; Pour 5” concrete foor with 6x6 #10 wire mesh 7,738.00 SF; Pour 4” deck on second foor with 6x6 #10 wire mesh 702.00 SF; Saw-cut control joints; Pour stairs
Steel Scope Structural columns; Steel joists at 6”-9” OC; Concrete pan stairs with balustrade railing pipe; Second foor platform; F-deck 7,7380.00; 5x14 Awning
Exterior Carpentry Scope 16g metal stud framing 5,497 SF; Second foor viewing deck exterior 1,964 SF; Dens glass 7,461.00 SF; Roof nailer 480.00 LF; Provide plywood backing for building signage
Masonry Scope Grade block; Utility brick veneer; Decorative utility brick; Adhered rubber fashing 1’ high with weeps and pea stone; Stairwell
Doors and Hardware Scope 3’-0” x 7’-0” HM door with egress only electronic security hardware; Roof access door
Glazing Scope Champagne anodized storefront with blue glass; 3’0” x 7’-0” glass door with transom and panic hardware; 6’-0” x 7’-0” glass doors with transom, sidelights, auto open, and panic hardware; Full glass overhead door; Electronic security hardware/card reader; Caulk storefront and doors
Roofng Scope Supply and install two layers of 2.6” R-30 insulation 7,738.00 SF; Supply and install 60mil fully adhered EPDM roof 7,738.00 SF; Flashing roof curbs and stacks;
Waterproofng
Warner said he’s been a Scout since first grade. He was excited to reach the rank of Eagle Scout.
“(It’s) years of hard work paying off, really,” Warner said.
Lackner wasn’t able to attend the council meeting — he’s currently a Michigan State University student working on a degree in packaging — so his parents, Adam and Danielle Lackner, accepted the proclamation for him.
A North graduate, Lackner’s Eagle Scout project involved leading a group of Scouts to build a pingpong table for Grace Youth.
Mayor Arthur Bryant, who presented the Scouts with their proclamations, said awards like these are “the best part of this job.”
Call Staff Writer K. Michelle Moran at (586) 498-1047.
4:00 PM EST
Contact Information
Robert Brooks 5862092400 robert.brooks@hwschools.org
Bid
Grosse Pointe Shores to get new sewage pumps for Crestwood station
BY K. MICHELLE MORAN kmoran@candgnews.com
SHORES — After efforts to rebuild two sewage pumps at the Crestwood pump station were unsuccessful, Grosse Pointe Shores administrators say they now need to be replaced.
Department of Public Works Director Michael Way said the DPW solicited bids for two new pumps and got bids from two firms with which they were familiar. Kennedy Industries submitted a bid for $222,496, and Detroit Pump sent in a bid for $219,200. Way said both companies planned to use Midwest Power Systems to install the pipes
and valves for the new pumps, and the bids include the cost of the pumps as well as installation by Midwest Power Systems.
“Our engineers (at Hubbell, Roth and Clark), they like both of these companies,” City Manager Stephen Poloni said.
The Shores City Council voted unanimously in favor of the purchase during a meeting Jan. 21, opting for the low bid of $219,200 from Detroit Pump.
City Councilwoman Sandra Cavataio said she would have preferred to see more bids — “It’s always better to get (at least) three bids,” she said — but still voted in favor of the expenditure, which was deemed a necessity.
5301977 - Architectural Services - Harper Woods School District (Excellence Institute: Career Focused & Health & Wellness Notice
Basic Information
Estimated Contract Value (USD) $300,000.00 (Not shown to suppliers)
Reference Number 0000376112
Issuing Organization Harper Woods School District
Owner Organization Harper Woods School District
Solicitation Type ITB - Invitation to Bid (Formal)
Solicitation Number 5301977
Title Architectural Services - Harper Woods School District (Excellence Institute)
Source ID PU.AG.USA.2551231
Piggyback Solicitation No
Details
Location Wayne County, Michigan
Delivery Point 19851 Anita St, Harper Woods 48225
Description The Harper Woods School District is seeking a frm to provide A/E services for an 8,440 sq ft ground up facility to include locker rooms, co-ed workout room, administrative offces and conference rooms, and fexible multi-purpose space adjacent to Eastland Drive at Harper Woods High School
Scope of Work As outlined in “Harper Woods Working Concept F3 2023-01-13.” Main level 7,738 sq. ft. and Viewing level 702 sq ft. Incorporate freight shipping containers as part of the design; Construction Manager will procure topographic survey and soil borings/geotechnical report of the project area
Dates Publication Manual publication
Question Acceptance Deadline 02/20/25 4:00 PM EST
Questions are submitted online No
Closing Date 02/24/25 4:00 PM EST
Contact Information
Robert Brooks 5862092400 robert.brooks@hwschools.org
Bid Submission Process
Bid Submission Type Physical Bid Submission Documents
Document SizeUpdated Date Language Harper Woods Architectural Services, Feb 10, 2025.pdf [pdf]212 Kb02/10/2025 04:29 PM ESTEnglish Selected Categories
NIGP Category (1) 906 ARCHITECTURAL
This copy of the NIGP Code is the property of the National Institute of Governmental Purchasing, Inc. (NIGP), is displayed and used by BidNet under license from Periscope
Way said they didn’t seek more bids after only getting two because, “We need a fast response. There’s only two pumps in the (Crestwood) station.”
As to the prices, Way said the city’s engineers said the bids that the Shores received “are in line with other bids in the area.”
Poloni said that although this purchase wasn’t budgeted, the city can cover the cost by taking money that’s available from the water and sewer fund.
Way said it will take about 12 to 14 weeks to get the pumps. He said he hopes to have them installed and running by the end of May, before the sometimes heavy rainstorms that pop up most often during
the summer.
“I want those pumps in before July/August,” Way said.
Once the pumps arrive, he said the city should be able to get them installed in a week or less.
Way said there won’t be any interruption in service during installation. He said the city will replace the pump that doesn’t work at all first and then will replace the second pump.
The existing pumps were installed in the 1950s, Way said.
Call Staff Writer K. Michelle Moran at (586) 498-1047.
COMMUNITY CALENDAR
15A/ GROSSE POINTE TIMES • FEBRUARY 20, 2025
FEB. 20
Trivia night: For ages 21 and older, maximum groups of six, snacks provided and drinks for purchase, 6 p.m., Edsel and Eleanor Ford House, 1100 Lake Shore Road in Grosse Pointe Shores, also held March 13, register at fordhouse.org/events
FEB. 22
Open mic: 6 p.m. (5:30 sign-up), VFW Bruce Post 1146, 28404 Jefferson Ave. in St. Clair Shores, wayfarer92@yahoo.com, facebook.com/vfw1146bruce post
FEB. 25
Special Needs Resource Fair: Free event with 50-plus vendors, learn about educational, recreational and occupational resources, also mental health, legal and government services, 3:30-7 p.m., The War Memorial, 32 Lake Shore Drive in Grosse Pointe Farms, (313) 447-1374, familycenterhelps.org
FEB. 27
Learn about William Wright Company: Detroit firm furnished interiors of government buildings, theaters, hotels, churches, banks, private clubs and more, presentation by Michigan State Capitol historian Valerie Marvin at 6 p.m., St. Clair Shores Public Library, 22500 11 Mile Road, registration required, (586) 771-9020, scslibrary.org
FEB. 28-MARCH 2
Detroit Autorama: 72nd annual event includes more than 800 customs, trucks and motorcycles, Megamorph Transforming Robot Car, Barbie Pink Cadillac Convertible, appearances by Danny Koker and Kevin Mack from “Counting Cars,” Miss Autorama Pinup Girl contest, and more, noon-10 p.m. Feb. 28, 9 a.m.-10 p.m. March 1 and 10 a.m.-7 p.m. March 2, Huntington Place, 1 Washington Blvd. in Detroit, autorama. com, read about local gearheads at candgnews.com/ news/auto
MARCH 2
Grosse Pointe Symphony Orchestra: Hear selections by Sibelius, Chopin and Wagner, pre-concert lecture at 2:15 p.m. and performance at 3 p.m., Our Lady Star of the Sea Catholic Church, 467 Fairford Road in Grosse Pointe Woods, gpsymphony.org
MARCH 3
Communities United in Diversity: Meeting from 6-8 p.m., Ferry Elementary School, 748 Roslyn Road in Grosse Pointe Woods, also meets April 14 and May 12 at different locations within Grosse Pointe Public School System, gpschools.org
MARCH 7
Luck of the Irish Dinner & Concert: Three-course meal from in-house chef and Gaelic music by Black Murray Band, 6:30 p.m. doors for dinner or 7:45 p.m. for just concert guests, The War Memorial, 32 Lake Shore Drive in Grosse Pointe Farms, tickets and menu details at warmemorial.org/eventcalendar
MARCH 9
Your Old Mansion lecture series: Watch film clips and learn about techniques used to create classic characters like Mickey Mouse, Felix the Cat, Popeye and Betty Boop, 2-4 p.m., The War Memorial, 32 Lake Shore Drive in Grosse Pointe Farms, register and see topic for next talk at grossepointeartcenter.org
Pre-K Prom: For ages 3-6 and their families, features DJ, dancing, red carpet entrance, photo booth, appearance by Belle and Cinderella, craft crown, and more, 3-5 p.m., The War Memorial, 32 Lake Shore Drive in Grosse Pointe Farms, register at warmemorial. org/eventcalendar
MARCH 15
Detroit Concert Choir: Hear “music of triumph,” 7:30 p.m., Our Lady Star of the Sea Catholic Church, 467 Fairford Road in Grosse Pointe Woods, (313) 8820118, detroitconcertchoir.org
ONGOING
Peace and Justice Forum: Monthly gatherings with leaders discussing various topics, also potluck dinners, 5-6:30 p.m. March 16, April 27 and May 18, Grosse Pointe Memorial Church, 16 Lake Shore Drive in Grosse Pointe Farms, RSVP required, gpmchurch. org/peace-and-justice-forum
‘Frankie and Johnny Build a Prison’: Two-person play about carpenter who meets inmate while working on project and the relationship and hardships that develop, performance by Planet Ant Theatre, 8 p.m. Fridays-Saturdays and 3 p.m. Sundays until March 1, Planet Ant Black Box, 2357 Caniff St. in Hamtramck, planetant.com
Nooks & Crannies: Guided tours of private staircases, hidden spaces and more at Edsel and Eleanor Ford House, Tuesdays-Sundays through May, 1100 Lake Shore Road in Grosse Pointe Shores, find times and register at fordhouse.org/events
Indoor Walking Club: 2-4 p.m. Tuesdays and Thursdays, The Helm at the Boll Life Center, 158 Ridge Road in Grosse Pointe Farms, helmlife.org
Teen Leadership Council: Meetings for kids in grades 9-12 every first Wednesday of month, pizza and snacks provided, 6-7 p.m., Grosse Pointe Public Library - Woods Branch, 20680 Mack Ave., (313) 6404775, grossepointelibrary.org
Book clubs: Nearly a dozen hosted by Grosse Pointe Public Library at various branches, restaurants and on Zoom, grossepointelibrary.org/book-clubs
Grosse Pointe Community Chorus: Open rehearsals 7:30-9 p.m. Tuesdays, Grosse Pointe North High School, 707 Vernier Road in Grosse Pointe Woods, spring concert at 3 p.m. May 4, St. Clare of Montefalco Church, Whittier Road and Mack Avenue in Grosse Pointe Park, grossepointecommunitychorus.org
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.
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
‘Tales from the D’: Watch Emmy-nominated public television series about Detroit musicians, also live performances on site, new episode screens monthly at 6:45 p.m. March 21, April 25 and May 30, VIP experience with drinks, appetizers, musicians and more at 5:45 p.m., Detroit Historical Museum, 5401 Woodward Ave., detroithistorical.org
‘Tyrannosaurs – Meet the Family’: See skeleton casts, fossils and life-size displays, also multiple interactive elements, exhibit extended until May, Michigan Science Center, 5020 John R St. in Detroit, mi-sci.org
Ice skating: Noon-8 p.m. Sundays, 11 a.m.-9 p.m. Mondays, Wednesdays and Thursdays, 11 a.m.-6 p.m. Tuesdays, and 11 a.m.-11 p.m. Fridays and Saturdays until March 2, The Rink at Campus Martius Park, 800 Woodward Ave. in Detroit, downtowndetroit.org/ experience-downtown/things-to-do/the-rink
Health workshops: For hypertension, diabetes, pre-diabetes and more, hosted by Corewell Health, free and virtual, corewellhealth.org/classes-events/ southeast-michigan
Lupus support groups: 10 a.m. every second Tuesday of month and 7 p.m. every last Wednesday of month, Zoom, (248) 901-7299, milupus.org/support-groups
LOCAL WOMEN IN BUSINESS OFFER INSIGHT INTO SUCCESS, STRUGGLES
BY SARAH WRIGHT swright@candgnews.com
According to a report from the U.S. Small Business Administration’s Office of Advocacy citing business ownership statistics for 2024, more than 12 million small businesses in the U.S. are owned by women, with a total of $2.1 trillion in sales.
The metro Detroit area is home to a wide variety of women-owned businesses offering a diverse array of merchandise and services.
At the request of C & G Newspapers, a group of owners recently reflected on their achievements and stresses and also provided insight for other potential entrepreneurs.
Follow the dream
Terri Cooper owns the Village Boutique at 6457 Inkster Road, which was recently moved from its previous location in Franklin to Bloomfield Hills. Cooper took over ownership of the business in June 2015 “I walked into a little shop in Franklin to return something my sister had bought me, and I looked around and I thought, ‘Oh, I’d love to have this,’ and I somehow
got around to asking the nice ladies who owned it if they were interested in selling and they were eventually,” Cooper said.
The boutique sells different contemporary fashions, accessories and gifts for shoppers of all ages.
“When we first got it, it was in Franklin,” Cooper said. “It was maybe geared toward a slightly older crowd, much more conservative crowd, and we slowly started changing things so that it could appeal to a broader mass of people.”
“We switched it all around. It’s nothing like when the ladies had it, and they’ve been in support of our changes, too,” she added.
Lissa Pietrykowski owns Peak Physique Fitness Training at 1071 E. Long Lake Road in Troy with her husband Nick. They currently have around 140 clients.
“My husband bought Peak Physique Fitness in 2008 and then I came on board in 2014, and in June of this year I started kind of a sister business called Peak Women,” Pietrykowski said. “We’re a personal training studio only.”
The studios provide a wide range of personal training services online and in their studio space that can be open for one-on-
INSTALLATION SERVICE
Lissa Pietrykowski owns Peak Physique Fitness Training in Troy with her husband, Nick. They currently have around 140 clients. “My husband bought Peak Physique Fitness in 2008, and then I came on board in 2014, and in June of this year I started kind of a sister business called Peak Women,” Pietrykowski said.
Photo by Patricia O’Blenes
CRIME WATCH
Victim scares off larceny suspect
WOODS — A resident of the 1900 block of Anita Avenue in Grosse Pointe Woods saw an unknown suspect enter his unlocked 2024 Ram pickup truck and try to steal the touch screen dashboard at around 2 a.m. Feb. 5. Police said the victim chased the suspect down the street, until the suspect jumped into a Jeep Grand Cherokee and fled the area. Anyone with more information can call (313) 343-2400.
Vehicle stolen
WOODS — Police said an unknown suspect stole a 2024 Dodge Durango while it was parked in the 19200 block of Mack Avenue between the hours of 3 p.m. and 10 p.m. Feb. 4. The victim told police the vehicle was locked and he had both key fobs. Besides taking the vehicle, the suspect also got away with the victim’s tools and Oakley sunglasses. A police report states that a Chrysler vehicle without a license plate entered the parking lot where the victim was parked. The suspect emerged from the Chrysler, broke into the Durango and drove off with it. Anyone with more information can call (313) 343-2400.
Retail fraud suspect strikes again
CITY — An unknown suspect 45-50 years old is said to have stolen four bottles of Jack Daniels honey whiskey, worth a total of
$112, from The Village CVS store at around 10:25 a.m. Feb. 14. Police said the suspect is believed to be the same man responsible for similar liquor thefts from this store on Dec. 17 and 18. Anyone with more information can call (313) 886-3200.
Gun stolen from vehicle
WOODS — Between the hours of 7:20 p.m. and 11:17 p.m. Feb. 3, an unknown suspect smashed out the passenger window on a vehicle parked in a lot in the 19200 block of Mack Avenue and stole a .40-caliber Smith & Wesson handgun in a black holster from the vehicle. Anyone with more information can call (313) 343-2400.
Counterfeit cash used at store
CITY — The Village Lululemon store, which has been a frequent target for retail fraud suspects, experienced a different type of crime this month. At around 2:15 p.m. Feb. 15, an unknown man is said by police to have passed 10 counterfeit $100 bills to clerks during the course of three transactions. Anyone with more information can call (313) 886-3200.
Identity theft strikes local nonprofit
CITY — An unknown suspect is said to have attempted to cash two fraudulent checks from the nonprofit Junior League of Detroit, according to a police report filed Feb. 11. The JLD’s treasurer discovered the incident and contacted police. Anyone with more information can call (313) 886-3200.
— K. Michelle Moran
DARTS • PINBALL • PACMAN
Women
one and shared training sessions. This includes prenatal and postpartum training, sport-specific training, corporate training, and senior training among other services with personal trainers.
“I think that women suffer from mental health (issues) as men do. However, I think sometimes women are a little bit more intimidated to go to a gym, and exercise is good for mental health in so many different ways,” Pietrykowski said. “Just getting out of the house, releasing endorphins or just accomplishing something, all those different things. But sometimes I think that when you’re in that state or even for other reasons, you just feel intimidated going to the gym.”
“Our gym is very welcoming and loving. If you were there, you would never feel (intimidated) that way. However, just getting some people to walk through the door is the first step. So I wanted to open up an opportunity for people to benefit from exercise that wouldn’t normally do something like that,” Pietrykowski added.
On top of being a nutritionist, a registered dietitian and certified Lifestyle Eating
and Performance therapist, Shivani Sharma is the owner of Right Food Choice at 1380 Coolidge Hwy. in Troy.
Right Food Choice provides patients with one-on-one nutrition consultation, group coaching and nutrition-related courses.
“I had been practicing dietetics for over two decades now,” Sharma said. “I studied here in Wayne State and then I moved to Texas for some time and that’s where I started the company Right Food Choice.”
“Right Food Choice is nutrition and wellness consulting for kids and adults where we provide nutritional counseling or medical nutrition therapy for diabetes, chronic kidney disease, heart disease, high cholesterol,” Sharma said. “So we serve wherever the nutritional need is, and we are a team of three dietitians right now.”
Weight management, gut health treatment, food allergies and gluten free options, metabolic disorders, gastrointestinal disorders, sports nutrition, nutritional options for female-related health concerns, and meal and diet plans are among the services offered.
“We have a weight loss program running right now which is a 12-week transformation program,” Sharma said.
She said the program focuses on “improving gut health, reducing inflammation and feeding your gut microbiome good bacteria really while balancing your blood sugar, balancing your hormones, focusing on how to improve your stress and sleep and how to conquer your sugar cravings, and how to have a total behavior modification.”
“We provide ongoing coaching calls for medication, exercise, and behavior modification,” Sharma said.
Living the dream
All three women discussed their personal and professional struggles as business owners.
“I’m one of those people who prefer to work 24 hours a day and when you have your own business that’s exactly what you do,” Cooper said. “This is not my first business. I owned a cheerleading camp for 20 years and I was a teacher and a coach and a counsellor before this, so I knew what I was in for, and I make the sacrifices really happily.”
She added, “I have one son, and he is graduated from school and is off to Chicago, so I don’t have those responsibilities like I once did. I have five animals at home, so that’s the only thing, and my husband’s re-
ally helpful. So it’s a balance but it’s a really fun balance and I’m in the age group I can do this.”
Pietrykowski said running a business, and a household, is both rewarding and a lot of work.
“I think that if you don’t own a business or work for yourself that sometimes people don’t understand we work every day,” Pietrykowski said. “I train during the day. I’ve got four kids as well and then I get home, pick everybody up and make dinner, and then usually sit down and work for another couple hours. Then I take one day on the weekend, work for a couple hours but I love it. It’s not necessarily a hard thing to do but it does require some sacrifice.”
Sharma said she never worked full time until she started her own business.
“This is the first time that I am like all in right now,” Sharma said. “I have two kids. I have one son who is working, and I have a daughter who will be going to college this year. So right now, I feel now is the right time for me to go full in because I personally never worked full time before for the last 20 years.”
She said the biggest struggle she has encountered professionally is the lack of dieti-
See WOMEN on page 19A
Home Care One Cares For Those In Need
Home Care One Owner Perry Calisi believes in honesty, integrity, and compassion -- and has offered such quality care through his home care business for the past ffteen years in Grosse Pointe, St. Clair Shores, and Macomb Township in southeastern Michigan.
Home Care One provides assistance for seniors and patients in their homes, and helps with alzheimer’s, dementia, Parkinson’s Disease, hospital and nursing home sitting, interim care during hospice, physical and mental disability assistance for children and adults, and people recovering from surgery. Services also include full or part-time and 24hour care services, and daily living activities such as meal preparation, running errands, assistance with bathing, house cleaning, doctor visits and more.
as everything becomes more expensive,” he said. “In my experience, more people have done better living in their home rather than facilities; just by familiarity and independence.”
Perry said he entered the business by hearing that someone needed help.
Perry wants to increase community awareness about how his company offers these personalized services to keep your loved ones living independently at home. Perry added that he and his staff go further than the next by helping clients stay as independent as possible.
“The public should look at home care as a way of staying independent, and in one’s own home --
“I just set up my own business model for what I would want for my own mother,” he said. “I would want someone honest and compassionate in the house.” Perry said he tries to match his roughly 18 employees’ personality types with patients. “It assures that there is going to be an assimilation of getting along,” he said. Betty, a client, said she is “really lucky” to have caregivers take really good care of her. “I get all that pampering,” she said smiling. “They’ve been with me ever since. I haven’t been let down for anything.”
Betty’s caregiver, Theresa, said Perry cares about his clients and he cares about his employees as well. “He is good about matching an employee with a client, which is nice,” she said. “We all work together. He cares all the way around... that is him in general.”
For more information call 313-409-0120 or go to http://www.homecareone.net/.
Owner, Perry Calisi with Caregiver Teresa
Terri Cooper owns the Village Boutique which was recently moved from its previous location in Franklin to Bloomfield Hills. “I walked into a little shop in Franklin to return something my sister had bought me, and I looked around and I thought, ‘Oh, I’d love to have this,’ and I somehow got around to asking the nice ladies who owned it if they were interested in selling, and they were, eventually,” Cooper said.
Women
from page 18A
cian credentialing in Michigan.
“Michigan is one of the only states that does not credential dieticians,” Sharma said. “So it is very hard for me to accept insurance in Michigan and because you have to pay for the service out of pocket. I think sometimes it becomes less reachable for people who just want to go through their insurance, who don’t want to pay up front.”
She said that Right Food Choice does accept Medicare, which covers nutrition counseling for diabetes and chronic kidney disease but not for weight loss.
Growing the dream
All of these local business owners are considering their goals as their work continues.
“We’re always looking to grow it,” Cooper said. “It was hard to grow it in such a little village like Franklin where a lot wasn’t going on, so we’re just looking to grow it as much as we can, and I think our customers are hoping to help us in that process.”
“Our goal right now is to make Peak Women have its own space near Peak Physique and have that running separately,” Pietrykowski said. “We also are hoping, longterm, to be able to start our own certification process and train trainers to do our type of training.”
“I think what I see as a practice, because now we have three dietitians, I really want to be able to see more and more people who we can help change their life with food, especially diabetes and chronic kidney dis-
ease and high cholesterol because those are the things that can be easily fixed by a diet,” Sharma said. “Also (to) see if we can reach more kids and moms who are stressed out if the child cannot have gluten for some reason, if (the child) cannot have dairy, or what if you are a vegetarian or a vegan, if you need help with a high protein diet. So we would like to cater to a big area of (the) population with nutrition and the best thing is we are in house as much as we are virtual.”
Advice for other entrepreneurs
Cooper, Pietrykowski and Sharma also shared a few tips for potential entrepreneurs looking to pursue their own endeavors
“My first thing is I don’t consider myself a woman business owner. I’m just a business owner,” Cooper said. “I don’t take stock in any of that stuff. I want to be successful as anyone could be in this business and I would say if you are willing to think about it and work for it 24/7, then it’s for you. If that doesn’t appeal to you, being an entrepreneur probably isn’t your thing.
“I would say just do it, I mean absolutely give it a shot,” Pietrykowski said. “I had this idea for a while but kind of went back and forth about even bringing it up because I was scared, I didn’t want it not to work and then it got to the point where the worst thing that can happen is that it doesn’t work and if it doesn’t work, that’s okay.”
“I think it’s very important to have that work/family life balance but at the same time I would tell all women entrepreneurs to just don’t give up,” Sharma said. “Start wherever you can and if it requires you to work only part time, don’t give up hope, don’t give up on your dreams.”
• Grosse Pointe Certificate of Occupancies requirements
• Rental inspections
• Our work is guaranteed to pass inspections • Next day service possible
Photo by Patricia O’Blenes
158 Ridge Road, Grosse Pointe Farms helmlife.org 313.882.9600
OUR IMPACT in 2024
The Helm is the senior community, resource and wellness center for the Grosse Pointes and Harper Woods. Our senior population will continue to grow, as will the need for our services. In 2024, 3,280 individuals received essential services or attended classes, workshops and programs at The Helm — the most in our 47-year history.
2,481
unique sessions of exercise and educational classes, presentations, workshops, health screenings, gatherings, movies, games, crafts and so much more, attended by nearly 1,300 individuals. (6% from 2023)
29,065
meals delivered to homebound seniors through Meals on Wheels. (12%; 39% since 2022)
16,029
rides on Pointe Area Assisted Transportation Services buses to medical appointments and grocery shopping.
5,517
requests responded to about agingrelated topics including assistance with caregiving, transportation, elder law information, resources related to dementia, meal delivery services and friendly reassurance calls. (10%)
10,897
hours provided by 350 active volunteers for a value to the community of $380,000.
678
seniors received one-on-one Medicare counseling resulting in direct savings of $165,802 on medical and drug plans.
2,024
pieces of medical equipment, hygiene products and liquid nutritional supplements supplied to more than 545 people. (24%)
185
received tax preparation assistance.
SCAN TO LEARN MORE
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Reckless road rage investigated
MACOMB TOWNSHIP — On Jan. 20, a 24-year-old New Baltimore woman was driving west on 22 Mile Road when she said she noticed a white BMW X5 tailgating her. As she attempted to turn onto Fairchild Road, the BMW reportedly crossed into oncoming lanes to pass her and drove at a slow pace.
The woman followed the BMW to track the license plate number until it stopped in a turning lane at the 21 Mile Road and North Avenue intersection. The BMW driver, a 54-year-old Macomb Township man, reportedly exited the X5 and approached the woman’s car screaming. He allegedly kicked her door, smashed a window and fled when the woman said she was calling the police.
When Macomb County Sheriff’s Office deputies arrived at the man’s house in the 22000 block of Case Court, he admitted to everything and was arrested.
Deposits scam
MACOMB TOWNSHIP — On Jan. 10, a 77-yearold Macomb Township man received an email about a charge on his PayPal account. He called a phone number included in the email that reportedly connected him with someone named “Dominic” who said he would send $90 to verify the man’s account. “Dominic” allegedly claimed he accidentally sent $9,000. Without checking his PayPal account, the Macomb Township man spent the next few days sending “Dominic” $12,890 under the impression the money had yet to be returned to “Dominic” before banks flagged the activity as fraudulent.
Man bought stolen Jeep
MACOMB TOWNSHIP — On Jan. 17, Macomb County Sheriff’s Office deputies were called to the home of a 28-year-old Macomb Township man to investigate his Jeep Cherokee.
The man purchased the Jeep in November 2024 through an online auction out of the Chicago area. When he attempted registering the Jeep with the Michigan Secretary of State’s office, he was told the car was reported stolen in Illinois. Macomb County deputies ran the Jeep’s vehicle identification number and found it was indeed registered as stolen, and the Chicago Police Department confirmed the vehicle’s status. The Jeep was towed away from the Macomb Township home.
Gift card scammer
MACOMB
to purchase the cards and read their codes to the caller over the phone.
Buzzed and confused
HARRISON TOWNSHIP — On Jan. 21 at around 10:40 p.m., Macomb County Sheriff’s Office deputies were dispatched to westbound Interstate 94 near North River Road to investigate a damaged Honda Accord on the right shoulder.
Upon reaching the driver, deputies learned the 26-year-old Warren man was confused about where he was and the situation he was in. He denied being under the influence, though deputies noted signs of intoxication and asked him to perform field sobriety tests.
After stepping out of the car, the driver told deputies he had cocaine in his pants pocket. His breath test registered a 0.239 blood alcohol content, and deputies took the man to a hospital for a blood test before finally placing him in the Macomb County Jail.
Stoop swindler
HARRISON TOWNSHIP — On Jan. 15, a package containing $265 of Verizon Wireless equipment was delivered to a home in the 39000 block of Whitewater Drive.
At around 12:15 p.m., a gray Toyota Camry pulled into the driveway and, after sitting around for a few minutes, a man reportedly exited the car and took the package.
Wrong number
HARRISON TOWNSHIP — On Jan. 15, Macomb County Sheriff’s Office deputies were sent to an apartment complex in the 26000 block of South River Road after a 911 caller disconnected.
Deputies located the caller, a 51-year-old Cheboygan man, who denied calling 911 and sent the deputies away. Deputies then learned the man had an outstanding narcotics warrant and arrested him, discovering a bag of what appeared to be meth while searching him.
Fraudulent investing
MOUNT CLEMENS — On Jan. 15, a 69-year-old
Mount Clemens man deposited $100 into a cryptocurrency investment account after an ad on Facebook promised high returns in a short amount of time.
The ad connected him with an “investment agent” who helped him set up and manage the account via Facebook Messenger.
Several days passed and he noticed around $4,500 in the account. He attempted to withdraw the funds but was told by the agent he needed to
rected to another site where he was required to pay an additional $700 to withdraw the funds. He finally realized the scam and reported it to the Macomb County Sheriff’s Office.
Stolen car
MOUNT CLEMENS — At around noon on Jan. 19, Macomb County Sheriff’s Office deputies were called to a home in the 50 block of Englewood Street for a stolen vehicle report.
The resident, a 40-year-old man, parked his Kia Optima outside his home the prior afternoon and last saw it before going to bed. When he went outside on the morning of Jan. 19, the Kia was nowhere to be seen.
The man had both keys to the Kia but did not remember if the car was locked that night.
Resident reports fraud
SHELBY TOWNSHIP — At 6:24 p.m. Jan. 6, a complainant came into the Shelby Township Police Department to make a fraud report. The complainant stated that she had received emails from Venmo asking to verify the account. The complainant advised that she did not verify the account and knew it was a fraudulent attempt to access the account. The complainant did the right thing and did not verify the account, meaning she was not out any money. The case was turned over to the department’s detective bureau for follow-up.
Keys stolen
SHELBY TOWNSHIP — Police officers from Shelby Township responded to the 7000 block of 26 Mile Road for a larceny complaint at 12:33 p.m. Jan. 7. When officers arrived, they were met by a male victim who advised that his vehicle keys had been stolen while he was working out. The gym was able to find a possible suspect using its camera system. All information was turned over to the Police Department’s detective bureau. The victim advised that his vehicle was still in the parking lot and it did not appear anything was missing from it.
Money stolen
SHELBY TOWNSHIP — At 4:12 a.m. Jan. 12, a man came into the Police Department to report that $1,000 in cash had been taken from his home. The victim advised the police officer that around the time he noticed his money was missing, he had a family member over. Shelby Township police attempted to make contact with the family member, but the family member did not answer the phone. This case was to be turned over to the detective bureau.
Larceny reported on Little Mack Avenue ST. CLAIR SHORES — At 8:32 p.m. on Jan. 26, an act of larceny was reported at a store in the 25000 block of Little Mack Avenue. The clerk, a 27-year-old woman, stated the suspect entered the store and requested scratch-off lottery tickets. As she was fulfilling the request, the man took six $50 lottery tickets while she wasn’t looking. He attempted to pay but his card was declined. He said he’d come back with the money, but he never did.
Surveillance footage inside shows the events as they played out. Outside footage shows the man returning to an apartment building where he was last seen walking
