PRESERVING HISTORY
BY DEAN VAGLIA dvaglia@candgnews.com
MACOMB TOWNSHIP — Card. Foss. Wade. These are not just the names of roads and businesses, but of families that have lived in and shaped Macomb Township.
Macomb Township is also where members of these and other families have been buried.
At its Feb. 12 meeting, the Macomb Township Board of Trustees granted approval to the township supervisor’s office to pursue the acquisition of the Macomb Center Cemetery.
“Macomb Township currently does not have title to the property to where the Macomb-Whitney Cemetery is located, therefore we cannot legally expend any public money to maintain it,” Township Supervisor Frank Viviano said. “It is effectively abandoned. Title work has been done. All of the names that are
Sheetz approved for local expansion
BY DEAN VAGLIA dvaglia@candgnews.com
MACOMB TOWNSHIP — Sheetz, a Pennsylvania-based gas station and convenience store chain, has been making moves in Macomb County and recently received approval to build two locations in Macomb Township.
The two locations, both in the northwest corner of the township where Garfield Road and Gratiot Avenue respectively intersect Hall Road, are expected to match Sheetz’s “prototypical” location layout for its Michigan expansion. That includes an “approximately 6,000 square feet building, 35-40 parking spaces and six or eight fueling positions,” according to Nick Ruffner, Sheetz public affairs manager.
“As a company, we often select the location of our stores due to several factors which impact our ability to deliver on our mission of being the ultimate one-stop shop such as lot size, traffic patterns, accessibility and the ability to increase our offerings,” Ruffner said via email. “Both of these locations were an ideal place for our company to build a new store. The retail synergy, population density and zoning classification of this property also add in making this an attractive location for us. There are several employers in the surrounding communities and we are eager to deepen our relationships with the municipality through continued investment and community partnerships.”
Sheetz’s site plans came before the Macomb Township Planning Commission with the Hall and Garfield location receiving its approval with slight changes and no public comments on Oct. 1, 2024. The Hall and Gratiot location had a different reception at the Planning Commission meeting on Dec. 17, 2024.
“The location at the NW corner of Hall and Gratiot did not require conditional rezoning approval; and actually, had a previous gas station site plan approved for this location,” Josh Bocks, Macomb
The grave of Friedrich Foss at the Macomb Center/Whitney Cemetery is marked twice, once by a large headstone and then by a smaller one recognizing his service in the Civil War.
Photos by Dean Vaglia
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SECOND FRONT PAGE
Macy’s to close at Lakeside Mall
DROPPED ANCHOR NOT SLOWING REDEVELOPMENT PLANS
BY DEAN VAGLIA dvaglia@candgnews.com
STERLING HEIGHTS — It takes a long time for stars to burn out, but they all will eventually. With its own trademark red star, Macy’s at Lakeside Mall now marches toward its own final end.
On Jan. 9, the New York City-based retail titan Macy’s Inc. announced its intention to close 66 locations across the county including the anchor store at the now-dead Lakeside. The retailer expects it and the 65 other stores to be shuttered by the end of the first quarter 2025.
“Closing any store is never easy, but as part of our Bold New Chapter strategy, we are closing underproductive Macy’s stores to allow us to focus our resources and prioritize investments in our go-forward stores, where customers are already responding positively to better product offerings and elevated service,” Tony Spring, chairman and chief executive officer of Macy’s, Inc., said in a press release.
Macy’s closure came as no shock to Out of the Box Ventures — the mall’s owner since 2019 — and the city of Sterling Heights.
“It was anticipated,” said Luke Bonner, CEO of the Bonner Advisory Group and a senior economic development adviser for the city of Sterling Heights. “We saw a lot of the national headlines last summer and last fall that Macy’s was closing hundreds of stores across the county. We hadn’t been notified of it yet, but we were assuming it was going to happen.”
Bonner says Out of the Box Ventures acquired the mall’s northern Macy’s property in late 2024 in anticipation of the retailer moving out. Out of the Box already owned the southern Macy’s anchor and leased it to the retailer. News of the north Macy’s closure means Out of the Box is tasked with incorporating the land into its plans for the Lakeside site.
“The Macy’s will likely be demolished with the rest of the mall,” Bonner said.
From the rubble of Lakeside Mall are the plans for the Lakeside City Center, a mixed-use project aiming to turn the con-
State set to send teens to Macomb juvenile center
BY DEAN VAGLIA dvaglia@candgnews.com
MOUNT CLEMENS — Teenagers incarcerated at a state juvenile center in Grayling are moving south in the coming months.
The Michigan Department of Health and Human Services announced on Jan. 24 that the 17 male youths lodged at the Shawono Center will be relocated to the Macomb County Juvenile Justice Center.
“While the decision to relocate the services provided by the Shawono Center was difficult, transferring to Macomb County will allow us to serve more youths and help them become healthy and productive citizens,” MDHHS Director Elizabeth Hertel said in a press release. “I appreciate the hard work and dedication of the staff at the Shawono Center, and we will work to find positions for all staff who would like to
remain with MDHHS.”
The state’s inmates, who range from 12-21 years old, will move into the justice center’s west wing. The wing was previously occupied by Rite of Passage — a “national youth services provider” according to the MDHHS — with around $360,000 in renovations made for that program. The state intends to further renovate the wing for the purposes of housing the teens formerly lodged in Grayling, as well as renaming the wing the Michigan Youth Treatment Center.
“The state is looking to use about 4060 beds,” Macomb County Deputy Executive Andy McKinnon said.
McKinnon said details about the move, such as how much money will be spent on further renovations and operations, remained in flux as of early February. Some services at the justice center like dining may be shared, though it is unlikely the state and
county prisoners will mix together.
Housing prisoners from outside of the county is not new for the justice center. Macomb County Executive Mark Hackel said the center takes in convicted youths from neighboring counties.
“They (the state) reached out to us knowing we’re a regional facility, and I say that because we house juveniles from the thumb area,” Hackel said. “We have contractional relationships with them depending on their needs. St. Clair, Sanilac, Lapeer (counties) … A lot of these counties don’t really need their own facility. They don’t really have a lot of juveniles that they are sending to detention. But if they do, they notice that we have some space available to accommodate that on a per-bed, per-day price, so we do that.”
McKinnon estimated the existing youth detainees at Grayling would all be moved down by the end of spring.
Photo by Dean Vaglia
State-level juvenile inmates are expected to be relocated to a wing of the Macomb County Juvenile Justice Center by the end of spring 2025.
CRIME WATCH
Bar fight reported
MACOMB TOWNSHIP — On Feb. 3 at around 2 a.m., Macomb County Sheriff’s Office deputies were called to The Hub at 21 Mile Road for a fight between patrons on their way out.
According to the report narrative, a 30-year-old Shelby Township man said he noticed a 37-year-old Washington Township man inappropriately touch a woman earlier that evening. The Shelby man confronted the Washington man, leading to an argument that turned into a fight as both men’ s parties left.
Deputies arrested the Washington man for assault and battery.
Collateral damage
MACOMB TOWNSHIP — On Feb. 2 at around 10:30 a.m., Macomb County Sheriff’s Office deputies were alerted to a Dodge Avenger that hit two cars and was going west on Hall Road.
Deputies located the suspect Dodge on the right shoulder of Hall Road near Chateau Thierry Drive along with two other damaged cars. Drivers of the other cars told deputies they were hit by the Dodge.
A 21-year-old Clinton Township woman exited the Dodge and allegedly tried to leave the scene. She reportedly became combative with deputies and was ultimately handcuffed.
The woman was reportedly given breath tests that showed blood alcohol content levels of 0.149 and 0.141.
Phony lawyer
MACOMB TOWNSHIP — On Jan. 28 at around 10:30 a.m., Macomb County Sheriff’s Office deputies spoke with a 76-year-old Macomb Township man about a fraud report. According to the man, he received a call from a distressed woman claiming to be his daughter. She said she was in an accident, after which a man came on the line saying he was her lawyer and asked for $14,500. The amount
was lowered to $5,000 after the 76-year-old man said he doubted he could pay the higher amount.
At around 10 a.m., after withdrawing $5,000 from his bank account despite the teller warning him of a likely scam scenario, he updated the lawyer and was soon visited by someone sent to claim the $5,000. After handing over the money, the 76-year-old man called his daughter who confirmed he had been scammed.
Thwarted invader
MACOMB TOWNSHIP — On Jan. 27 at around 8:30 p.m., a 32-year-old Macomb Township man noticed someone trying to enter his home in the 24000 block of Canoe Drive.
The home’s egress window had been opened and the man noticed an unknown figure descending the egress ladder. He reportedly yelled at the person and the person left.
Deputies dispatched to scene of fire
MACOMB TOWNSHIP — On Jan. 27 at around 3:30 p.m., Macomb County Sheriff’s Office deputies were dispatched to a house fire in the 21000 block of Celeste Drive.
Neighbors were concerned that the homeowner, a 51-year-old woman, was trapped inside. A deputy entered the house and yelled for the woman, but first responders left the house after not receiving a response.
The deputy noticed a fire in the kitchen and attempted to put it out with a fire extinguisher. The Macomb Township Fire Department arrived on the scene and handled the fire. It was confirmed that nobody was inside and that three pets — two dogs and a cat — safely escaped.
The homeowner arrived and took possession of her pets.
— Dean Vaglia
CMPL branches see boost in construction’s wake
BY DEAN VAGLIA dvaglia@candgnews.com
CLINTON TOWNSHIP — For visitors of the Clinton-Macomb Public Library’s main branch, adapting to construction-based closures means visiting the system’s branch libraries.
Work to modernize the Main Library on Romeo Plank Road in Clinton Township, which is more than 20 years old, continues since its start last May and now enters its fourth phase.
“(Construction) is all upstairs and the second floor needs to remain closed as they work
on upgrading our lights to LED, laying new carpet and making improvements to the heating and cooling components,” Jamie Morris, head of CMPL communications and strategy, said via email. “Even though the second floor is closed, we have brought down items from children’s, teen and adult nonfiction to the first floor so there is a browsable collection of popular items for people to see. We are also happy to place holds on items that are upstairs and let people know when they are available. We have even turned half of the auditorium into a children’s area with a few favorite toys, puppets and activity table(s).”
Photo by Dean Vaglia
Located in Macomb Township, the North Branch of the Clinton-Macomb Public Library has seen more visitors since construction began at the Main Library in Clinton Township.
NEWS & NOTES
Fish fry Fridays
MACOMB TOWNSHIP — The St. Isidore Knights of Columbus Council 7200 is hosting fish fries on Fridays from March 7-April 11.
Held from 4-7 p.m. each Friday evening, food will be served in either dine-in, takeout or drive-thru options. Fried or baked cod, fried shrimp and cheese pizza are available. Sides include potatoes, coleslaw, a roll and macaroni and cheese. For more information visit stisidore.church/fish-fry.
Township board makes federal grant allocations, requests
MACOMB TOWNSHIP — At its Feb. 12 meeting, the Macomb Township Board of Trustees approved allocating its annual Community Development Block Grant funds to following organizations:
$2,300 to Care House
$500 to Maggie’s Wigs 4 Kids
$500 to Interfaith Volunteer Caregivers
$250 to Samaritan House
$28,650 Marvin Blank Senior Center
Trustees approved submitting CDGB project applications to help fund upgrades to accessible sidewalk ramps at interactions along Valerie Drive and Van Meter Drive. Both projects are around the $150,000 limit for CDGB projects.
2025
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 with an estimated $370 million financial impact on the region.
Photo by Dean Vaglia
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.
Black Lake sturgeon season lasts 17 minutes
‘COWABUNGA’
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.
LANSING — Nearly 800 anglers descended upon Black Lake in Cheboygan and Presque Isle counties on Feb. 1. After 17 minutes of hooks and spears plunging beneath the lake ice, the Michigan Department of Natural Resources gave the word to 790 anglers to go home empty-handed.
A lucky seven anglers secured their place in history.
The Black Lake sturgeon season is a highly regulated annual harvest limited to six fish every year between Feb. 1-5, as agreed to by the state and tribal governments; seven fish are allowed if simultaneous harvests occur.
The hard limits on the Black Lake sturgeon angling season support the rehabilitation of lake sturgeon in the Cheboygan River watershed by the DNR with the support of the Black Lake Chapter of Sturgeon For Tomorrow, Michigan State University, Tower-Kleber Limited Partnership, the Bay Mills Indian Community, the Grand Traverse Band of Ottawa and Chippewa Indians, the Little River Band of Ottawa Indians, the Little Traverse Bay Band of Odawa Indians and the Sault Ste. Marie Tribe of Chippewa Indians.
Anglers on the lake were notified of the season’s quick end by text messages and shanty visits by DNR officials, getting the word out within minutes that the season’s quota was reached.
Photo provided by the Michigan Department of Natural Resources This season’s harvested Black Lake sturgeons ranged in size from 43.5 inches to 64 inches long and weighed 18.2 pounds to
LOCAL WOMEN IN BUSINESS OFFER INSIGHT INTO SUCCESS AND 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 oneon-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 run-
HOMES
8A/FEBRUARY 20, 2025
MACOMB TOWNSHIP CHRONICLE
MANY FACTORS CONTRIBUTE TO GETTING A GOOD NIGHT’S SLEEP
BY MARIA ALLARD allard@candgnews.com
METRO DETROIT — Most of us have been there.
Snuggled in bed under a favorite blanket, yet unable to fall asleep.
When counting sheep doesn’t work, we lie awake all night long. Then it’s morning. Exhaustion sets in, and you wonder how you’ll make it through the day.
For some people, a sleepless night happens on occasion. However, for others, chronic insomnia, sleep apnea and other disorders make it impossible to ever have sweet dreams.
Brenna Wyffels, a family medicine physician assistant, certified, for McLaren Macomb — Sterling Heights Pediatrics & Family Medicine, has helped many patients with sleep disorders.
“Sleep is the first priority,” Wyffels said. “If not, everything else is going to suffer.”
Sleep apnea, which causes snoring and people to sometimes wake in the middle of the night gasping for air, is the main culprit for wakefulness.
“When you have pauses in breathing and impaired breathing, the brain isn’t getting enough oxygen,” Wyffels said. “People wake up with fatigue even after eight hours of sleep.”
For patients having sleeping issues, Wyffels recommends they make an appointment with a sleep clinic “to be tested and monitored and to see what treatment would be the best.” Sleep studies also can be done at home. CPAP (continuous positive airway pressure) machines are often recommended for sleep apnea. The machine contains a motor and a filter that turns room air into pressurized air and delivers it through a mask to help the nose and mouth keep the airway open.
“They get a bad rap as loud machines with giant hoses that (will) keep (your) partner awake,” Wyffels said, adding that the machines are now easier to handle. “Technology has come very far.”
Wyffels has witnessed patients with CPAP machines overcome their sleep issues.
“They have better mental clarity, can focus and feel rested,” she said.
Along with sleep disorders, people are always on the go and don’t give themselves a chance to wind down to transition from the stress of the day.
“Unplug at the end of the day,” Wyffels
said. “Have some sort of routine. Settle into bed with a book or podcast. Sleepytime tea, magnesium supplements and calming diffusers can get them ready for bed. People also tend to sleep better if it’s cool out.”
Therefore, turning down the thermostat could help. White noise, blackout curtains and weighted blankets in the bedroom can be used as sleep aids, too. The right pillow and mattress that support you also might make a difference between tossing and turning all night or sleeping soundly.
“Some pillows and mattresses are better for side sleepers, back sleepers or stomach sleepers,” Wyffels said.
Scandia Home, located in Birmingham, carries a large selection of fine linens, comforters, pillows, duvet sets and mattress pads that provide a cozy environment for a good night’s sleep.
“We specialize in European bedding from various European linen companies,” Danielle Schindler said of the family-owned business. “I help people solve their bedroom quandaries and do it in a way that makes the home beautiful.”
Staff at Scandia Home, which also sells specialty gifts, is always available to help customers looking for bedding that is not only stylish, but comfortable.
“We help you figure out your stature, what sleep position you prefer and if you want a firmer mattress to keep the spine straight,” Schindler said. “Comforters and pillows are really important to get a good night’s sleep. Get the right pillow that provides support. Nice linens will last a very long time, up to 25 years.”
Clients also may opt for a mattress with temperature control that can automatically adjust how cold or hot it feels.
“That’s very important for sleeping,” Schindler said. “It keeps you at a comfortable heat.”
Fibers also should be taken into consideration. Cotton percale bedsheets, for instance, are cool to the touch due to the lightweight, breathable weave that provides good airflow. Cotton sateen material is warmer.
‘Sleep is a necessity, not a luxury’
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommends that adults ages 18-60 get at least seven hours of sleep per night; adults 61–64 get seven to nine hours of sleep; adults 65 and older get seven to eight hours of sleep. The American Academy
ABOVE: Having a nighttime routine, turning off electronics, settling into bed with a book and staying away from caffeine in the later part of the day can help you get a good night’s sleep. LEFT: “Sleep is a necessity, not a luxury,” Dr. Nader Mina, medical director, Sleep Center, Corewell Health, said. “Chronic sleep disorders cause problems long term. It has consequences on the heart, increases risks of asthma and is strongly linked to iron deficiency.”
of Pediatrics recommends more sleep for children from infancy to age 18 depending on the age. Yet many people aren’t getting enough shut-eye.
According to Dr. Nader Mina, medical director, Sleep Center, Corewell Health, sleep deprivation can increase the risks of cardiovascular diseases, strokes and diabetes. Lack of sleep affects mental health, job performance, academics and can lower your immune system. Sleep deficiency also can contribute to car crashes because of driver fatigue.
“Sleep is a necessity, not a luxury. Sleep apnea is the most common sleep disorder. When your breathing is closed and narrowed, there’s a drop in the oxygen level,” Mina said. “Chronic sleep disorders cause problems long term. It has consequences on the heart, increases risks of asthma and is strongly linked to iron deficiency.”
One reason for sleeplessness could be what Mina described as “bad routine habits we do every night.” That includes being on cellphones and other electronic devices, or watching television just before bed.
Exposure to blue light in those devices disrupts sleep patterns because it impacts when bodies create melatonin. Mina recommends shutting down electronic devices 30 to 60 minutes before bedtime. Also, if something is bothering you that could be keep-
ing you up, journaling before bedtime could solve that issue.
“Once you engage your mind, it becomes very difficult for our brains to shut down and go to sleep,” Mina said. “It’s very essential to relax before going to bed. Our brains are not able to fall asleep very quickly.”
He also advised to stop drinking coffee and other caffeinated beverages six hours before bedtime. Another tip: make sure the bedroom is quiet, dark and cool. Taking certain medicines at nighttime also could be the reason for sleeplessness. Mina encourages people to speak to their physicians about possibly taking their medications during the daytime rather than in the evening.
“This is very important to discuss with a health care provider,” Mina said.
Daylight saving time also can be an issue for some, and might take two to three weeks before the body adjusts. Mina also treats patients who sleep excessively, including those with narcolepsy.
“There are certain disorders we look for in the brain,” Mina said.
Mina and staff devise an individualized plan for each patient with pretesting and analysis to get them on a better sleep pattern.
“It’s a gradual process,” he said. “It’s going to take some time, but there is always hope.”
ning 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 really 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 dietician 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, long-term, 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 disease 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.
Northern Flicker
Women
from page 10A
“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
“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,” said Shivani Sharma, owner of Right Food Choice in Troy. “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.”
Photo by Patricia O’Blenes
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.”
Call Staff Writer Sarah Wright at (586) 498-1068.
Local Tuskegee Airmen member remembered
BY MARY GENSON mgenson@candgnews.com
BLOOMFIELD HILLS — Retired Lt. Col. Harry Stewart Jr., who was in the 301st Fighter Squadron of the 332nd Fighter Group, also known as the Tuskegee Airmen, died at the age of 100 in Bloomfield Hills Feb. 2.
Stewart was born in Newport News, Virginia, on July 4, 1924. His family later moved to Queens, New York, when he was young.
As a teenager, he dropped out of high school to sign up to serve in the war.
Stewart was among the last surviving members of the Tuskegee Airmen, a group of WWII Black military pilots.
From 1941-1946, around 1,000 Black pilots were trained in Tuskegee, Alabama. At the time, the country was still widely segregated.
“Returning home, they found, obviously, a celebration of V-E (Victory in Europe) Day, but they still came home to a country very much still segregated and still struggling with that,”James Bertolino, a museum historian at the Detroit Arsenal of Democracy, said. “I think their legacy, though, is just unbreakable. They shattered barriers, they opened doors for future generations, and they weren’t just the masters of the air, they were masters of their own fate.”
Until this experiment by the military, most Black service members were working in support roles, such as labor and supply. The Tuskegee Airmen demonstrated that Black soldiers were just as capable as white soldiers when given the same opportunities and training.
“They weren’t supposed to fly. They were denied this chance simply because of the color of their skin, and they faced prejudice head on and refused to be held back,” Bertolino said.
During combat, Stewart flew 43 missions. On April 1, 1945, he had three aerial victories, which earned him a Distinguished Flying Cross.
In 1949, after his time in the war, Stewart became one of the first “Top Guns” by winning the first United States Air Force fighter gunnery competition with his 332nd Fighter Group. However, the group did not receive recognition for this accomplishment for decades.
In 1950, Stewart was honorably discharged from active duty, but he was a reservist for years before retiring. In 1963, he graduated from New York University with a degree in mechanical engineering and was the vice president of the ANR Pipeline Company.
John Lind, the director and founder of the Detroit Arsenal of Democracy, knew Stewart well from different events for veterans. According to Lind, Stewart made an effort to show up to such events.
Lind said it was always “a joy to be there with him.”
“He was always interesting and he was always generous with his time,” Lind said.
File photo by Deb Jacques
Harry Stewart Jr., a retired Lt. Col. and a member of the Tuskegee Airmen, died in Bloomfield Hills Feb. 2. He was among the last surviving members of the Tuskegee Airmen.
COMMUNITY CALENDAR
13A/ MACOMB TOWNSHIP CHRONICLE • FEBRUARY 20, 2025
FEB. 21
After-hours family fort night: Bring blankets/sheets and book, snack provided and story told by librarian, 6-7:30 p.m., Clinton-Macomb Public Library - North Branch, 54100 Broughton Road in Macomb Township, register at (586) 226-5083, cmpl.libnet.info/ events
Mother-son dance: Inaugural event presented by Macomb Township Parks & Recreation, also includes buffet dinner, DJ, crafts and photos, for ages 4 and older, 6-9 p.m., Fern Hill Golf Club, 17600 Clinton River Road in Clinton Township, macombtwp. org/3BSjnHv
Back to the Prom: 1980s-themed dinner-dance for ages 21 and older, also open bar, DJ, raffles, award for best dressed and more, 7 p.m.-midnight, Zuccaro’s Banquets & Catering, 46601 Gratiot Ave. in Chesterfield Township, lcpsfoundation.com
FEB. 25
Trace Your Roots: Learn about tools used by Macomb County Vital Records Department and books, records and other resources available at Macomb County Clerk’s Office, 1-2 p.m., Clinton-Macomb Public Library - North Branch, 54100 Broughton Road in Macomb Township, register at (586) 226-5083
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
MARCH 1
Movie marathon fundraiser: See five first-run films, also unlimited popcorn and pop, proceeds benefit The Rainbow Connection (grants wishes to Michigan children with life-threatening illnesses), 12-hour event starts at 8:30 a.m., Emagine Macomb, 15251 23 Mile Road in Macomb Township, e.givesmart. com/events/ecd
MARCH 3
Learn about Vernors: Historian Keith Wunderlich uses photos and memorabilia to tell story of Michigan ginger ale, 6:30 p.m., Clinton-Macomb Public Library - North Branch, 54100 Broughton Road in Macomb Township, register at (586) 226-5083
MARCH 6
Clinton/Macomb Senior Expo: Connect with dozens of organizations specializing in assistance and
care, also free admission, health screenings, prizes, giveaways and refreshments, 10 a.m.-1 p.m., Italian American Cultural Society Banquet & Conference Center, 43843 Romeo Plank Road in Clinton Township, (248) 524-4868, seniorexpousa.com
MARCH 9
Widowed Friends ‘Winner, Winner Chicken Dinner!’: Also dessert, door prizes, raffles and more, bring own game, 1-5 p.m. (food at 3 p.m.), St. Isidore Church, 18201 23 Mile Road in Macomb Township, RSVP to Dolores at (586) 749-5972 by March 1
ONGOING
Fish fries: Dine in, carryout and drive-thru, 4-7 p.m. Fridays March 7-April 11, St. Isidore Knights of Columbus Council #7200, 18201 23 Mile Road in Macomb Township, stisidore.church/fish-fry
Macomb Motivators Toastmasters Club: Meets from 6:30-8 p.m. every second and fourth Thursday of month, St. Isidore Church, 18201 23 Mile Road in Macomb Township, 6104644.toastmastersclubs.org
Widowed Friends events: Breakfasts at 10 a.m. every third Friday of month, Dimitri’s Opa! Restaurant, 50875 Gratiot Ave. in Chesterfield Township, RSVP to Liz at (586) 801-4536, widowedfriends.com
• Games from 1:30-3:30 p.m. every first Thursday of month, bring snack to share, SS. John and Paul Parish, 7777 W. 28 Mile Road in Washington Township, optional dinner afterward, Romeo Family Restaurant, 66020 Van Dyke Ave. in Washington Township, RSVP to Ellen at (586) 489-2569, widowedfriends.com
• Breakfasts at 10 a.m. every fourth Monday of month, Amore’s Grill, 53100 Gratiot Ave. in Chesterfield Township, RSVP to Liz at (586) 801-4536, widowedfriends.com
• Lunches at 1:30 p.m. every second Tuesday of month, Moni’s Restaurant, 16600 24 Mile Road in Macomb Township, RSVP to Sue at (586) 549-1041, widowedfriends.com
Bereaved Parents of Macomb Support Group: Also for grandparents and siblings, meets 7-9 p.m. every first Thursday of month, Washington Senior Center, 57880 Van Dyke Ave. in Washington Township, (248) 953-5970, bpmacombleader@gmail.com
Washington Art Guild: Meets 6:30-9 p.m. every first Monday of month, Romeo Community Center, 361 Morton St. in Washington Township, (586) 752-3721, bonwrite1@att.net, find group on Facebook
Ice skating: Unstaffed but open dawn to dusk, north end of Macomb Township Recreation Center, 20699 Macomb St., facebook.com/macombtwpparksandrec
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.
from page 1A
Township planning director, said via email. “The owners of the property, the same group who planned the previous gas station, subsequently sold the property to Sheetz. However, when the PC approved the Sheetz site plan, their motion included several conditions related to the site plan.”
The conditions requested included time of day restrictions on a drive-thru for online/app orders only from midnight to 6 a.m. They also included the labeling of various features on the site plan and mandating the height of evergreen trees along a residential border at 8 feet at the time of planting. Meeting minutes note the changes were made “based on the very lively and vigorous discussion and comments from the Planning
Commissioners.” Six public commenters — many being neighbors with adjacent properties — expressed concerns about overnight customers and light pollution. They urged commissioners to have the drive-thru omitted from the site plan.
The mixed feelings around the Gratiot location are not unique to Macomb Township’s residents. A Sheetz location in downtown Fraser drew widespread criticism from the community. The Fraser City Council’s 2024 conditional rezoning for Sheetz set in motion the demolition of the State Bank of Fraser building. The bank building, at its final location, had roots in the community stretching back to 1930.
The Fraser Sheetz will be the third gas station at the corner of Utica Road and 14 Mile Road. The Sheetz at Hall and Gratiot will also be the third gas station on its intersection.
tions in January 2024.
from page 5A
Changes made or being worked on as part of the renovations include drilling wells to support a new geothermal heating and cooling system, reupholstering furniture, installing LED lighting, replacing carpet and repairing the terrazzo floor.
While Morris expects the project will be completed by the end of June, closures to accommodate construction have seen Main Library guests go to the South Branch located on Gratiot Avenue north of 15 Mile Road in Clinton Township or the North Branch located on Broughton Road south of 25 Mile Road in Macomb Township.
“We usually recognize a lot of people, so we can tell when (someone is new) because they’ve come to a program and … their card might be from main,” said Margaret Dekovich, head of staff development at the CMPL’s south branch. “I would say (it’s) at least a 25% increase.”
Programs and events, such as movie screenings or 1-2-3 Initiative speakers, moving to the branches has been a large part of the increased traffic at the South Branch. Dekovich says the changes have not led to any material circulation issues.
Gretchen Krug, manager of the North Branch, had data to show how construction was likely affecting traffic to the Macomb Township library. Program attendance in January 2025 was at 446 people versus the January 2024 attendance of 196. Study room attendance shows a nearly 100% increase in traffic, with 905 reservations in January 2025 and 569 reservations in January 2024. The Main Library had 553 study room reserva-
The Madison Heights City Council blocked the business from coming to the city following public outcry in 2024.
The Eastpointe City Council approved, in a 3-1 vote, a special land use permit to move a Sheetz location ahead at a meeting on Aug. 20 but, according to a C & G Newspapers article about the meeting, the project was met with scrutiny by both council members and the public.
Bocks said he believes it will be some time before either of the Macomb Township locations are open.
“Both locations are currently in the engineering phase of development,” Bocks said. “This could last between three months and 10 months, or more, depending on how long it takes their engineers to develop plans that meet all applicable requirements and get approval from the township engineering department. Once the engineering plans are
approved, there are steps required to post a bond before any work is started. All that being said, it is hard to give a date for when we expect construction to begin because the majority of the process is dictated by their progress, and is thus out of our control.”
Sheetz has been making inroads in Michigan since last year. Its first location in Romulus broke ground March 14, 2024. According to a Sheetz press release, the chain is set to open 50-60 locations in southeastern Michigan in the next five to six years. Thirteen locations will begin construction in 2025-26.
The chain was founded in 1952 by Bob Sheetz and has expanded across the country with over 700 locations.
Staff Writer Nick Powers contributed to this report.
Call Staff Writer Dean Vaglia at (586) 498-1043.
“I would think we’re picking up a lot of (main branch patrons),” Krug said. “Our South Branch picked up a little bit. They went from 80 people in January (2024) to 137 (in January 2025). But the North Branch I think, because we have more rooms, the number (of patrons) has really exploded.”
Another factor Krug believes contributes to the North Branch’s increase in patronage are new residents in the Macomb Township community.
“I feel like we’re seeing a lot of new people, new to the area, that are getting cards,” Krug said. “This morning, I spoke with somebody who moved from out of state … I work the desk on Monday evenings, and I frequently encounter that where (patrons say), ‘Oh, we just moved here. How do we get a card?’ I don’t know what motivated them to move to the area but they’re finding the library, which is good.”
While progress to the main branch’s renovations and upgrades wind down, Krug expects some Clinton Township locals will return to their local branch. New neighbors in Macomb Township, however, mean new members will likely make up the difference and then some.
“Being on the north end of the service district, you look around and there’s houses popping up everywhere,” Krug said. “I suspect we’ll continue to grow because we’re right in the thick of the growth area. I think we’ll continue to get new people into the library.”
More information about updates included in the main branch renovation can be found at cmpl.org/alert_detail.php.
A list of events across the CMPL system can be found at cmpl.libnet.info/events
Call Staff Writer Dean Vaglia at (586) 4981043.
Macy’s
from page 3A
crete oval into 2,359 multifamily residential units, over 700,000 square feet of retail space, 70,000 square feet of offices, a 20,000-square-foot community center and a hotel with 80-100 rooms.
Progress on the site’s future continues with Out of the Box focusing on planning and engineering work, as well as preparing tax incentive documents to be submitted to the state.
Bonner expects demolition to begin in the fall.
Call Staff Writer Dean Vaglia at (586) 498-1043.
Macomb County Public Works Commissioner Candice S. Miller presents a Commissioner’s Academy certificate of completion to Brandon Chumbler, a new PublicWorks employee who is a station operator at the Chapaton Pump Station.
Macomb County announces Public Works commissioner’s academy
MACOMB COUNTY — The Macomb County Public Works Commissioner’s Citizens Academy is a free online public course that addresses stormwater management, water quality, infrastructure and more. It involves 10 videos on the Public Works Office’s responsibilities, operations and goals. Participants go at their own pace with no deadlines. A few yes or no questions follow the videos, and participants can complete an assessment of what they learned and submit it for a certificate of successful participation in the academy. Find the academy at macombgov.org/departments/public-works.
Photo provided by Macomb County Public Works Commissioner’s Office
Board
from page 1A
on the title work are people that have passed away more than 50 years ago. In order for us to at least maintain the site, we’re going to have to go through a legal process.”
Also known as Whitney Cemetery, the plot is located along 24 Mile Road between Card and Foss roads in a condition that appears to be somewhat abandoned. Headstones are maintained and flags adorn graves of Civil War veterans — indicating some attention has been given to the site — but some ground-level headstones have been overtaken by grass. The aging fence surrounding the cemetery is rusted, misaligned and even broken in some sections.
Viviano plans to have the township’s contracted attorneys, Aloia & Associates, “open up some estates” through the probate court in an attempt to acquire titles from “personal representative(s)” of the estates. Condemning the cemetery due to neglected maintenance was another route discussed, though Viviano believed condemnation would be “a more costly process.”
Viviano expressed no interest in operating the cemetery as an active burial site. Josh Bocks, township planning director, told trustees that registering the cemetery was something the township was warned against.
“The state, the folks from LARA’s li-
censing division we spoke to, urged us not to register this,” Bocks said. “It’s a lot of red tape involved and not something that we would want to do, nor would it benefit us.”
Legal costs would be billed by the hour based on time expended. The property itself is likely limited to the fenced-in cemetery. Macomb Center Cemetery is surrounded by a South Macomb Disposal Authority landfill. Maintenance of the cemetery would be a line item in the township budget.
Town center developments
Trustees also approved the development plan for Scavo Farms, a residential development featuring single and multi-family residences.
It is an update to a prior plan in order to share a retention basin with another development. The development is located along 25 Mile Road west of Broughton Road.
To accommodate development along the planned extension of Broughton Road, trustees approved installing a water main along Broughton between 23 1/2 Mile Road to 24 1/2 Mile Road at the cost of $3.83 million. The cost includes engineering as well as construction, which will be funded by a developer south of 24 Mile Road.
The main is scheduled to be installed during the road construction.
Call Staff Writer Dean Vaglia at (586) 498-1043.
Photo by Dean Vaglia
Headstones and grave markers rise above the Macomb Center/Whitney Cemetery. Macomb Township officials are attempting to acquire ownership of the cemetery.
SUNSHINE, EXERCISE HELP MELT AWAY WINTER BLUES
BY CHARITY MEIER cmeier@candgnews.com
METRO DETROIT — Sunlight brightens our day in more ways than one. It not only has the power to warm the air and melt the snow, but it also can warm your heart and melt the winter blues away.
Dr. Ibrahim Sablaban, a psychiatrist with Beaumont Behavioral Health in Dearborn, a part of Corewell Health, said that around 40% of people experience a mild but functional depression in the winter that is commonly called the “winter blues,” which does not require clinical treatment.
“It’s definitely a common phenomenon,” he said.
He said that with more daylight hours in the spring and summer, people can be more social and feel that their time after work is more productive.
“In the winter, it’s 20, 10 degrees and you’re limited on daylight hours. It’s just life really thrives on warmer days,” Sablaban said.
However, a small percentage of people, around 5%, develop a form of clinical depression called seasonal affective disorder. This is where someone may experience a persistent “grumpy” mood and a constant state of depression. He said those with seasonal affective disorder may get more irritable with family, friends and loved ones, or have suicidal thoughts. Sablaban said that anyone who experiences those kinds of things should seek help from a mental health professional. Seasonal affective disorder is treated via therapy and, if need be, anti-depressant medication.
“Seasonal affective disorder happens when we don’t expose ourselves to the sunlight and daylight,” said Dr. Jill Skurnowicz, a licensed naturopathic doctor and a certified registered nurse anesthetist, of the Natural Care Institute in Birmingham.
According to Sablaban, many Michiganders have a vitamin D deficiency and a lack of vitamin D is associated with feelings of depression. He said that it is something people can be screened for and possibly treated with supplements. Although many are available over the counter, he said people should consult their doctors first.
Sunlight provides vitamin D naturally. So, in order to combat the winter blues, he recommends taking in as much sunlight as possible during the day.
“We might not have as many hours as we do during the summertime, but we do have sunlight, so try to get out there into the sun on lunchbreaks and stuff,” Sablaban said. “Bundle up and try to stand in the sun for just a little bit. Especially on the weekend, there’s a
tendency to try to sleep in and not really partake in a whole lot, especially if the weather is not fairing too well, but try to take advantage of daylight hours. It’s super important.”
Skurnowicz said that people should strive to maintain a proper circadian rhythm and get sunlight within one hour of waking up.
Those who are unable to take advantage of the sunlight can purchase what is known as “happy lights.” Happy lights come in many different forms and are available all over.
Sablaban said it is also important to maintain a healthy, active lifestyle. He said lack of exercise, sleep and poor diet also contribute to the winter blues.
“Regular physical activity, whether that’s exercise at a gym or going for a walk can really reduce the stress and anxiety that can build up with the limited socialization that happens in winter months,” he said.
“Exercise is one of the best ways to help with mental health as well as physical health,” Skurnowicz said.
Lissa Pietrykowski, a personal trainer and owner of Peak Physique and its offshoot, Peak Women, in Troy, said they see a lot of people in the winter months who are battling the winter blues or some form of depression. She said many say they didn’t want to come in but are glad they did, as they feel better after exercise.
“When I opened Peak Women, the main reason of doing so was to help people that suffer from anxiety and depression and to allow them to have the benefit of exercising and getting personal training, because exercising releases endorphins and it helps with depression, but so often people aren’t going to just come to a gym because they are intimidated,” Pietrykowski said. “So in a roundabout way, that was the purpose of why we opened it, was so that everybody could benefit from exercise.”
Pietrykowski said she is partial to strength training, especially for women, as it is good for not just mood but bone strength, especially as you get older. However, she said it is important to just get your body moving, even for a short period of time. She recommends exercising three days a week for at least a half hour.
“Small goals. Make sure you do 10 minutes a day at first and then do 15 minutes a day,” she said. “If you can do that three days a week, it’s a great start.”
Pietrykowski said people could do body weight exercises at home such as push-ups or squats, or possibly take a yoga class on YouTube. She recommends Tabata as a great way
to get one’s heart rate up and bring it back down, which can be done at home. She said it is a type of exercise routine where a person does an exercise for 30 seconds, breaks for 15 seconds, and then repeats with different 30-second exercises, followed by a 15-second break. She said that there are several free apps for Tabata.
“It’s a very fast way to get your body moving and it’s very effective,” Piertrykowski said.
According to Skurnowicz, people should also optimize blood sugar levels as they have a lot to do with cognitive function and maintain proper gut health. She said that if your gut isn’t healthy, your brain isn’t healthy. In order to do that, she said people need to monitor their diet and eat healthy foods such as fruits and vegetables.
“Eat organic, whole foods and a wellrounded diet,” she said.
Sablaban also emphasized the importance of socialization. He said many people don’t see friends and family as often during the cold winter months. He suggests making a “purposeful effort” to socialize and see friends and family members.
“A lot of times we don’t realize how much the minimization of daylight does,” Sablaban
said. “So you know you haven’t seen a buddy or you haven’t seen a friend or colleague outside of the work environment for two months, I mean, that’s going to have an impact, especially if you are regularly used to getting together.”
Pietrykowski said that it is always beneficial to exercise with someone else. She said that it goes quicker because you are talking to someone and it is more fun. She said it also provides accountability and motivation and something for someone to look forward to seeing. For those who aren’t able to get out of the house, she suggests working out with a friend on the phone or via Zoom.
“Having that other person doing something with you could be motivating,” she said. “Even for me as a trainer, it is so much easier doing the workout to have someone there with me.”
She said that having another person there allows her to focus on her workout rather than taking time to check emails or text messages.
“Drink lots of water and set realistic goals,” Pietrykowski said. “With exercise, it doesn’t have to be all or nothing. Little bits add up. Just make the goal of getting yourself to move.”
Pietrykowski said she sees people’s moods improve the same day they begin to exercise and it heightens over time.
Call Staff Writer Charity Meier at (586) 498-1092.
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OF THE WEEK • CRIME
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 TOWNSHIP — On Jan. 13 at around 7:20 p.m., the Hall Road Jimmy John’s sandwich shop received a call from someone claiming to be from the FBI demanding around $800 in gift cards.
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
AND NOTES NEWS
NEWS BRIEFS TAKEN FROM AROUND OUR COVERAGE AREAS
LIBRARY SHARES ‘THE DISTRACTED LIBRARIANS’ PODCAST
BLOOMFIELD TOWNSHIP — Bloomfield Township Public Library
shares The Distracted Librarians podcast with library and booklovers everywhere. The podcast premiered March 1, 2024, and over 20 episodes are already available.
“We use the ‘distracted’ moniker pretty liberally to allow us to bounce around to whatever topics interest us, as long as there’s a tie to storytelling, books, or other forms of media,” Adult and Teen Services Librarian and co-host Drew Heuser said in a statement. “We’ve had fun covering things like guilty pleasures, reading slumps, and adaptations of books and stories, as well as telling a few stories of our own, and we’re looking forward to seeing where being easily distractible will take us next.”
The podcast is hosted by librarians from adult and teen services as well as youth services. The librarians partner with Bloomfield Community Television to use their recording space and sound editing expertise, as well as another avenue to share episodes.
Podcast episodes are released on the first and 15th day of each month and can be found on Podbean, Spotify, Apple Podcasts, and other podcast content outlets. Episodes are also available on the library website and the Bloomfield Community Television YouTube channel.
The Distracted Librarians can be reached at distracted@btpl.org or btpl.org/the-distracted-librarians.
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.
Local group celebrates its birthday
DETROIT/GROSSE POINTE FARMS — More than 80 members were on hand at the Country Club of Detroit in Grosse Pointe Farms Jan. 18 to mark the 132nd birthday of the Louisa St. Clair Chapter, National Society Daughters of the American Revolution. The Louisa St. Clair Chapter, which is based in the Grosse Pointes, presents scholarships to local high school seniors, offers essay and art contests on American history topics, supports veterans and active duty servicemembers and works with the Grosse Pointe Historical Society. A posthumous American History Medal was awarded to Mary Upshaw Evans McClendon for her efforts to improve wages and conditions for domestic workers in metro Detroit. McClendon’s granddaughter, Esteralita Evans, was present to accept the award. University Liggett School student Da’Mya Johnson, whose research brought McClendon’s story to the attention of DAR members, was on hand as well when Louisa St. Clair Past Regent Peggy King Scully presented Evans with the medal in honor of McClendon’s
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 into the darkness of the parking lot.
Free skating event offered
TROY — A Troy resident and Lawrence Technological University student is offering a free skating event for individuals of any age with physical and intellectual disabilities from 7:30 a.m.-8:30 a.m. Feb. 22 at the Troy Sports Center/ Buffalo Wild Wings Arena, located at 1819 E. Big Beaver Road. The event is part of the Hockey Mentors program, which was founded by Wyatt Lucas. Hockey Mentors provides hockey and ice skating programming for individuals with cognitive, physical, or emotional special needs and their family and caregivers. Annually, Lucas offers an afternoon of free hockey and ice skating. Lucas is offering the free lessons with the help of a grant from the Troy Community Foundation. Skates will be provided, with attendees encouraged to bring their own helmet. Advanced registration is required. To register, visit hockeymentors.net. For more information, call (248) 686-6740. Photo provided contributions. The event also honored past chapter regents Peggy King Scully, Jane Turnbull, Kristine Fontichiaro and Kay Burt-Willson. New members were welcomed into the chapter as well: Paige Bachand, Lynn Detweiler, Lori Dawson, Meagan Fabbri, Kristin Krier, Marianne Langolis and Stephanie Wilkins.
