3/20/24 St. Clair Shores Sentinel

Investigation underway at site of massive fire

Rubble excavation expected early April

BY DEAN VAGLIA dvaglia@candgnews.com

CLINTON TOWNSHIP —

The on-site investigation into the March 4 fire at a Clinton Township business has begun, according to township officials.

While the rubble at the site of what was Select Distributors and the Goo Smoke Shop will not be cleared until early April, experts are being brought in to assess the scene on behalf of government agencies, the building’s owners and surrounding businesses, according to Clinton Township Fire Chief Tim Duncan. Investigators still do not have a clear understanding of what caused the fire.

$50,000 donation made to Lake Shore High School prom

BY ALYSSA OCHSS aochss@candgnews.com

On March 8, Lake Shore High School, in collaboration with celebrity fashion stylist Johnny Wujek and JCPenney, announced to

the senior class that a $50,000 donation has been made to help with prom costs for attending students.

Wujek, a 1997 Lake Shore graduate, collaborated with JCPenney to create a prom collection which was the result of 10

years of planning and designing on Wujek’s part. When he met JCPenney Vice President of Business Development Wendy Santana, he was able to bring the prom collection to life and he also learned that JCPenney had a “give back” program.

“I said, ‘Let’s go back to my high school and expose them to prom,’” Wujek said.

Santana said Lake Shore High School is the first school to which they’ve donated $50,000. The money will cover student and

Debris

Photo by Patricia O’Blenes

The Sentinel is one of 21 bi-weekly publications produced by C & G Newspapers, a family-owned company serving residents in Macomb, Oakland and Wayne counties since 1981. We deliver our papers to more than 571,000 homes in 45 communities via direct mail.

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SECOND FRONT PAGE

Connie’s Children’s Shop celebrates 70 years

BY ALYSSA OCHSS aochss@candgnews.com

Connie’s Children’s Shop, a staple in the community and for many families, is turning 70 years old, and the owner is proud of how far they’ve come.

Denise Kort, owner of Connie’s Children’s Shop, said her parents, the original owners, were 18 when they got married. They had her sister, Connie, when they were 19 and when Connie was a year old, they opened the shop which moved a couple times before its current location on Greater Mack Avenue south of Nine Mile Road.

“Connie is now 71, so we’re here 70 years,” Kort said.

Kort has three older sisters and they all worked at the shop when they were in high school and college.

Magnet collection commemorates travels

BY ALYSSA OCHSS aochss@candgnews.com

Traveling across the country is both amazing and educational. One St. Clair Shores man wants to remember all of his travels by making and buying magnets that represent each location.

Ed Stanczak has traveled throughout

the country and other places due to his job as an engineer. He traveled at least two times a month while he was still actively working and also went on family trips and excursions. He finds magnets during his travels that represent the place he’s visiting.

“For example, a gravesite or a house or a museum or a national park or something like

Photo by Patricia O’Blenes

This close up shows magnets representing places Ed Stanczak has been to including New York, San Francisco

Photo by Patricia O’Blenes

Denise Kort, owner of Connie’s Children’s Shop, poses with photos of her family. On the right are her parents, the previous owners of the shop, and on the left are Kort and her sisters, including Connie, the namesake of the shop, on the far left.

Project Brotherhood Resolve to host Veterans Gallery Show

BY ALYSSA OCHSS aochss@candgnews.com

Project Brotherhood Resolve is hosting another Veterans Gallery Show this year with a few changes.

Joe Gemayel, owner and founder of Project Brotherhood Resolve, said instead of hosting the gallery, comedy show, sip-and-paint activity and other events for a full week, they plan on hosting them over the course of a weekend.

“But we’re still bringing in the veteran artists, displaying their art for sale and everything,” Gemayel said.

The events will be held May 31 through June 2 at Trader Todd’s Marina, 24030 E. Jefferson Avenue.

The opening gala will be held at 6 p.m. on Friday, May 31; sip and paint will run from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Saturday, June 1, and the Battle of the Branches comedy show will be held from 7 p.m. to 9 p.m. on that same day.

A brunch will be held from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Sunday, with a band to follow from 2 to 4 p.m.

Admission for the sip-and-paint activity is $25 for adults and $10 for kids (who will sip apple juice). The comedy show has a $30 admission charge, and the gala and brunch are free.

The documentary shown last year, “Saving 22,” will not be shown this year.

They also will conduct a military ceremony to open the event. This includes a presentation of the colors, the national anthem, a benediction and the folding of the flag by the Young Marines. Gemayel said the flag will go to a surviving family that didn’t get to see such a presentation when a family member passed due to the COVID-19 pandemic or other circumstances.

See

St. Clair Shores Lakeview sophomore Lillee Denson turned in a history-making season in 2024, becoming the first female wrestler in school history to win

BY JONATHAN SZCZEPANIAK jszczepaniak@cangnews.com

Don’t let the smell of perfume or the bright smiles fool you when you step into the gymnasium.

Whether it’s facing the boys in a co-ed match or going head-to-head with another girl, there’s nothing lady-like about the fierceness and competitiveness girls across the state of Michigan have displayed with their wrestling ability at the high school level.

Since the Michigan High School Athletic Association added a girls only wrestling

division for the 2021-2022 season, numbers have grown exponentially for numerous high schools across the state.

Girls have been wrestling for decades at the high school level, in small numbers, but this was the first opportunity where girls were prioritized in the sport of wrestling.

In its first year, nearly 400 girls wrestled in the regional meet, which was split into just two regions prior to the state meet.

Now holding four regions consisting of nearly 800 wrestlers, and over 1,000 that competed this year in meets across the state, there’s hopes of potentially holding district

a match and compete at regionals.

Photo provided by Lakeview wrestling

Safety protection key to viewing solar eclipse

BY ALYSSA OCHSS aochss@candgnews.com

METRO DETROIT — A near total solar eclipse doesn’t occur often, but when it does happen there are safety precautions people must take to prevent eye damage and behold its true beauty.

Bob Trembley, president of the Warren Astronomical Society, said a solar eclipse happens when the moon passes in front of the sun.

“There can be a partial eclipse. You’ll just see a bite taken out of it and it’ll look like a crescent, a crescent moon almost, but crescent sun,” Trembley said. “But if you’re in the right spot at the right time, the moon can cover the entire face of the sun.”

A solar eclipse will occur in parts of the continental United States on April 8. According to the National Aeronautics and Space Administration’s website, a partial eclipse will start in Cleveland, Ohio at around 1:59 p.m. EDT. Totality will begin at around 3:13 p.m. and totality will end at around 3:16 p.m.

What does that mean for Michigan?

Micheal Narlock, head of astronomy at Cranbrook Institute of Science in Bloomfield Hills, said that people here in the metro area of Michigan will experience a 98% solar eclipse.

“If you stay in the metro area, you’re going to be in for quite a treat,” Narlock said. “Because the sun is going to be covered by the moon, not totally, but about as close to total you can get without it actually being total.”

The last total solar eclipse in Michigan was

See ECLIPSE on page 12A

Photo provided by Ken Bertin

This image of a solar eclipse was taken by Ken Bertin.

COUNTY LEADERS WIN DEPARTMENT OF JUSTICE AWARD

BY DEAN VAGLIA dvaglia@candgnews.com

MACOMB COUNTY — Two Macomb County leaders have been recognized by the federal government for their community policing efforts.

Macomb County Executive Mark Hackel and Macomb County Sheriff Anthony Wickersham were honored by the Department of Justice on March 12 as the recipients of the 2023 L. Anthony Sutin Award. Given by the DOJ’s Office of Community Oriented Policing Services, the award recognizes efforts by both officials to further the COPS Office’s goals of community-focused law enforcement.

“The Sutin Award is given to a team each year whose innovative civic interactions have transformed public safety in their community,” said Robert Chapman, deputy director of the COPS Office. “Nominees are individuals who have actively engaged with the community in a way that has been sustained over time, and certainly this might be the best example we’ve had of in the history of the Sutin Award of ‘sustained.’ It can’t be a one-and-done approach and the partner-

ships have to have resulted in positive, observable public safety improvements.”

Wickersham and Hackel were recognized for their work expanding partnerships between the Macomb County Sheriff’s Office and various communities in the county by contracting policing services in municipalities. Their work supporting community groups and law enforcement agencies during COVID-19 was also recognized.

“They forged partnerships with nonprofit organizations, businesses, educational institutions, community leaders and health care providers to successfully meet what were the unprecedented challenges and needs that came to us all,” Chapman said. “They made sure that they had access to all funds that were available and maintained services to make sure nobody went without food, went without housing and they received other services.”

The COPS Office also recognized the potential of the ongoing jail central intake and assessment center project, which will increase jail capacity while improving the ability to address the mental health needs of inmates.

Wickersham stressed the importance of

Photo by Dean Vaglia Macomb County Sheriff Anthony Wickersham, left, and county executive Mark Hackel, right, accept the 2023 L. Anthony Sutin Award at the Macomb County COMTEC center on March 12. The award was presented by Robert Chapman, deputy director of the Department of Justice’s Office of Community Oriented Policing Services.

Assumption Cultural Center to offer fitness programs

The Assumption Cultural Center is offering a series of fitness programs including Kalosomatics from April 8 to June 7.

The program offers classes for women and co-ed classes, according to a press release, with cardiovascular emphasis. It incorporates elements such as yoga, aerobics and Pilates-like mat work. Beginner, intermediate and senior classes are offered during the day and in the evening. Students are allowed to alternate times to fit their schedules.

New students are allowed to attend one class for free for one week and seniors receive a 25% discount.

“Students may join class at any time during the session, and registration fees will be prorated from the time of registration,” the press release states.

The Assumption Cultural Center is located at 21800 Marter Road. To register online, go to assumptionculturalcenter.org.

COUNCIL APPROVES ORDINANCE CHANGE

At their meeting on March 4, the St. Clair Shores City Council voted 5-0 to approve a change to an ordinance addressing fence height.

Councilwoman Candice Rusie and Councilman John Caron were excused from the meeting.

“The revisions, if adopted, would allow for maintenance gaps and provide the ability for a structural member of the fence — namely posts — to slightly exceed the current height requirements,” the minutes from the March 4 agenda stated.

According to the agenda, the ordinance hadn’t been changed since 2006. Community Development and Inspections Director Denise Pike reportedly has been receiving numerous complaints about fences being too tall. She said those complaints were being addressed through fence arbitration where a lot of the complaints were approved.

“These cases were for the most part being approved by fence arbitration which, after several approvals, indicated to us that the ordinance needed to be updated,” Pike said.

Library to host Family Game Day

The St. Clair Shores Public Library is hosting a Family Game Day from 2 p.m. to 4 p.m. on March 25, over the spring break.

A press release states they will have board games for all ages for family and friends to enjoy.

Children of all ages and their adults are welcome to drop in to the meeting room. No registration is required. The library is located at 22500 East 11 Mile Road.

Library to host button making

The St. Clair Shores Public Library invites patrons to make buttons from 2:30 to 4 p.m. on March 27.

The library has a button maker and the limit is two buttons per person. No registration is required, and the event is available for all ages. Funding for the activity is provided in part by the Institute of Museum and Library Services through the Library of Michigan.

St. Clair Shores Farmers Market gearing up for summer

The St. Clair Shores Farmers Market is quickly approaching and there are a few new vendors in store.

Donna Hill, event coordinator for St. Clair Shores Parks and Recreation, said they have more farmers than they had last year.

“We’re starting to recruit more so there will be more produce and stuff,” Hill said.

The first day of the Farmers Market is 11 a.m. on May 19 and it is at Blossom Heath Park on Jefferson Avenue. No park passes are needed for the markets and all are welcome.

Dogs are welcome at Blossom Heath Park on a leash, but they are not allowed on the pier.

LOOKING BACK: Remembering the Crossing Guard Support Unit

The St. Clair Shores Police Department

Crossing Guard Support Unit was formed in 1952. Initially composed of six women who were hired to assist schoolchildren in street crossing, the unit freed police officers from crossing guard duties.

By 1981, there were 34 trained, uniformed crossing guards in the support unit.

The women of the unit and the chief of police are pictured shown here in front of the police station in 1978.

To view other historic photographs, visit sbrb.ent.sirsi.net/client/en_US/search/asset/25644/0.

— Submitted by Heidi Christein, archivist, St. Clair Shores Public Library

Monday,

Monday, March 18, 2024

7:00

Monday, April 1, 2024

Monday, April 15, 2024

27600 Jefferson Ave,

7:00 p.m. City Hall, Council Chambers

Scan QR code or visit www.scsmi.net/councilagendas to view agendas online.

27600 Jefferson Ave, St. Clair Shores

Scan QR code or visit www.scsmi.net/councilagendas to view agendas online.

Agendas are posted, by the end of business day, two Fridays before each meeting.

Agendas are posted, by the end of business day, two Fridays before each meeting.

Photo provided by the St. Clair Shores Historical Commission

Family says pet killed in Valentine’s Day coyote attack

BY GENA JOHNSON gjohnson@candgnews.com

WARREN — A beloved member of the Burton family of Warren, Lala was let out on the family’s back porch for just a few minutes when a wild coyote mauled and killed the small Shih Tzu on Valentine’s Day.

After the incident, several of their neighbors told the Burtons they have seen coyotes throughout the neighborhood.

“One (neighbor) sent me a picture of a coyote that was in the yard in the daytime,” Candace Burton said. “Other neighbors said they have reached out to the city multiple times to see if someone would address what was going on.”

Behind the neighborhood is a newer housing development that, according to Burton, halted progress for at least two years. Burton referred to it as Heritage Pointe, near 10 Mile and Schoenherr roads. Trees and woods were once adjacent to their backyard. Now, it’s an open space with piles of tree branches and limbs. Burton believes that has contributed to the coyotes in the area.

“Coyotes don’t need woods. They need debris,” Burton said as she recounted what her colleague who also hunts coyotes for a living said.

“Who is responsible for this debris? Who needs to clean this up?” Burton said. “This is absolutely absurd.”

According to Rachel Lincoln, outreach coordinator for the Wildlife Division of the Michigan Department of Natural Resources, coyotes are a game species and can be hunted in areas where hunting is allowed by those with a hunting license. However, in urban areas like Warren, hunting with a firearm is prohibited. In this case, Lincoln recommends homeowners

Eclipse

from page 7A

in 1954 and there won’t be another total eclipse in the area until 2099. The last total solar eclipse in the continental U.S. was in 2017.

Jon Blum, a member of the Warren Astronomical Society, said if a person would like to see a full eclipse, they would have to travel to a place along the eclipse path.

“There’s a line that goes across the country from Texas through a couple of other states and goes through Indiana and Ohio out to Maine,” Blum said. “If you Google eclipse path online, you’ll see what the line is.”

Blum said a total eclipse hits the continental U.S. every 10 or 20 years. Blum said there is no set number of years, however, and that when a solar eclipse occurs varies from time to time.

A NASA frequently asked questions post from 2017 states that solar eclipses of all kinds occur two to three times a year with two total eclipses occurring every three years.

During a total solar eclipse, Trembley said people can experience a temperature drop, the sounds of a few night time animals as well as the Belt of Venus, an atmospheric phenomenon visible shortly before sunrise or sunset.

“You’ll see that 360 degrees around you, not just in the direction of the sun,” Trembley said. “It’s very strange.”

Narlock said if you look at the sun unprotected, per-

See ECLIPSE on page 20A

Home Care One Cares For Those In Need

“Life is Hard”.

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 twelve 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.

“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 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 --

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/.

Photo provided by Ken Bertin

Ken Bertin poses with his telescope he uses to view solar eclipses. He is

77 years old and has loved astronomy since he was 6.

Owner, Perry Calisi with Caregiver Teresa

SPOTLIGHT ON HEALTH

JUST KEEP SWIMMING: A SPORT FOR ALL AGES

BY MARY BETH ALMOND malmond@candgnews.com

METRO DETROIT — Jumping into a pool or lake for a swim isn’t only fun, it offers many health benefits and is great for people of all ages.

With so many opportunities for water recreation in Michigan, the most important step is learning how to swim.

“Swim and water safety are really important topics because we all live in Michigan, so we all live really close to water recreation opportunities — whether that be pools or lakes or rivers. There’s lots of opportunities for residents to get in the water and recreate, but for a lot of people, if they don’t know how to swim, that can be a dangerous situation,” said Danielle Mauter, the chief of marketing and communications for the Huron-Clinton Metroparks.

Although formal swim lessons may reduce the likelihood of drowning by 88%, studies show one of the biggest barriers to more people in the region learning to swim is the fees.

The Huron-Clinton Metroparks is working

with partners to save lives by increasing access to free swim lessons and lifesaving water skills in underserved communities through the expansion of its Everyone in the Pool swim initiative. Through this five-year plan, the metroparks have committed to providing 6,000 free swim lessons each year for adults and children with support from existing and future partners and expand opportunities for lifeguard certification and staffing infrastructure. A fundraising goal of $1.5 million has been set to make this expansion possible.

Over the past three years, the metroparks have partnered with public and nonprofit organizations in Wayne, Oakland, Macomb, Washtenaw and Livingston counties to collaborate on free water safety and swim lessons for more than 4,600 students at various recreation centers and facilities. Most lessons start in early June, and registration is already open for some, with additional registration opportunities continuing to open over the next few weeks on the metroparks website, www.metroparks.com.

After learning how to swim, it’s important to keep practicing your skills in the water as you grow.

Flo Abke, GRI: Excellence in Real Estate

In today’s real estate market, having the right Realtor® in your corner is essential to a successful transaction.

Flo Abke, Associate Broker with Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices Kee Realty knows the Southeast Michigan real estate market like the back of her hand, thanks to her 36-plus years of expertise in guiding people through the ins and outs of buying and selling homes.

Recognized as a trusted expert in the St. Clair Shores area, the Grosse Pointes — and throughout Macomb, Wayne and Oakland counties — Flo’s approach to real estate transcends the sale. For her, it’s about the deep satisfaction that comes from serving her clients.

“Last year I sold the same condo that was my very first sale back in 1987,” Flo said. “When the original owner passed away, her daughter honored her wishes and reached out to me to list it for sale.”

The resale of the condo was a testament to the deep bonds she has formed with many clients over the decades. It’s this intersection of professional excellence and personal connection that defines her legacy as a Realtor®

As both a listing agent and a buyer’s agent, Flo provides comprehensive services that lead to successful transactions on either side of the deal. She prides herself on being able to get top dollar for the majority of the homes that she lists on the market. “I have a lot of expertise as to where clients can spend a little bit of money that will make a big impact,” she explained. “I use a professional photographer so the online presentation is high class and, depending on which market I’m in, I will advertise in places that I know generate attention. I have a huge network of other Realtors® and past clients I can work with as well.”

Her advice to sellers? “Neat, clean and well-kept homes are always popular, whether it’s a buyer’s or seller’s market,” she said. “So, if you decide you want to move it’s best to have your home in good condition. You really won’t have much trouble selling a nice home, and you will sell for more money.”

When it comes to assisting buyers, she noted: “I’m equipped to be of service in a timely fashion under any circumstances. We work weeknights and weekends, so my buyers can be first in line for the best homes.”

Living and working in close proximity to her client base, the relationships she has formed have been one of the highlights of her career.

“I’m fortunate that I get to meet so many people and, oftentimes, they become lifelong friends,” she said. “I’ve been able to work with many of the same families again and again, and I am now often working with the kids and grandkids of my original clients.”

Accolades and awards naturally accompany a successful career, and Flo is no exception. She has consistently ranked as a top producer on both a national and state level within her franchise network. She proudly shared, “I’ve earned a place in the Hall of Fame with various real estate franchises, and I’ve had the privilege of being the Broker/Owner of my own real estate company for nine years.”

This exemplary leadership is mirrored in her commitment to civic engagement through her tenure as an elected official and her participation on numerous local boards and commissions.

Ready to sell or buy a home, or do you know someone who is? Contact Flo Abke, GRI at Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices Kee Realty: Cell: (313) 3783376; Office: (586) 774-2300; Email: flo@floabke.com.

Huron-Clinton Metroparks is working with multiple partners throughout the year to offer free swim lessons at locations throughout southeast Michigan.

Photo provided by the Huron-Clinton Metroparks

HALL’S NURSERY: New location, new beginnings

After 87 years in business, Hall’s Nursery is saying goodbye to its Harper Avenue location.

“This place is one of the oldest businesses in this city,” said owner Scott Lathrop. “I’ve got a picture of it from when Harper was a dirt road with ditches lining Harper Avenue.”

Scott shared, with a heavy heart, that the property was sold, and he is relocating operations to 22900 E. Industrial Dr. to focus exclusively on landscaping and garden design.

“We will be located off 9 Mile Road between Harper and the freeway,” he said. “What I’ll miss most is my two daughters working with me, who flawlessly handled the retail side of the business, which is sadly no longer a part of Hall’s Nursery. I’ll also miss the customers who came in for advice regarding their gardening needs, problems, or just to talk. Giving my ‘favorite’ ladies a little hug was always a nice part of my day. I really will miss them.”

Hall’s was established in 1937 by Dorothy Hall and her son Jack. They owned the nursery until 1966, when Jack and his wife, June, took ownership from Dorothy. Scott, Paul Miller and Bob Bell acquired the business in 1990. Paul and Bob have since retired.

“I actually started working here in high school,” Scott added. “Afterward, I went to college, majoring in architecture, and briefly drew for GM, but I didn’t like leaning on a board all day. So, I came back here

in 1977 and have been here ever since.”

Reflecting on the move, he shared, “There was so much stuff to move around here; it was mind-boggling. Thankfully, Paul Doppke, owner of Landscape Services, sent two of his men and a semitruck and moved 90% of it for me. Dave Soulliere of Landscape Source also extended his help. That was so nice of them and greatly appreciated.”

Scott stressed that although the retail side of the business has ended, the nursery’s tradition of offering grave blankets and wreaths will continue.

“A lot of people come to Hall’s for these items,” he explained, adding that it’s a short season, running from November through the end of December. “We can deliver the grave blankets to the cemetery and place them for their loved ones, if requested, for a nominal fee.”

Further emphasizing his commitment to the business, he said, “Retirement isn’t on my radar yet. I love what I do. I like interacting with people and drawing up plans for their landscaping needs for their front and backyards. I still feel good, and I just want to keep going. I have a three-year lease at the new location, with options to extend. I think it’s going to be a good move, and I am excited about this next chapter of Hall’s Nursery. Thank you to all who frequented the nursery all these years.”

Hall’s Nursery offers landscaping to fit your budget. Call (586) 775-3455 today.

Magnets

from page 3A

that,” he said.

Ed worked for companies such as Rockwell International. At Rockwell, he was a troubleshooter for issues that arose in different states. His two trips a month lasted for around 20 years.

When he got his first magnet, he didn’t think it would become a collection that spanned multiple tabletops and multiple boards.

“I started getting souvenirs and then I started collecting magnets of different sizes and then I saw how they interlock nicely,” Ed said.

From there he made display cases on the tabletops of the side tables in his basement. At first, his wife, Sherry Stanczak, suggested he display them in the new bar top he was building.

“I said, ‘How about your magnets?’” Sherry said. “He goes, ‘No, that would make it permanent, but what if I use that table?’ And that was his first one.”

The first table he used had a wicker bottom and he took out the wicker piece to replace it with plywood and a sheet of metal with a magnetic top. The table is covered with a sheet of glass and materials to keep it in place.

“They actually ended up fitting exactly right,” Ed said. “It just happened to be the case.”

Photo by Patricia O’Blenes

A board of magnets representing a place Ed Stanczak has traveled to hangs in his basement.

CRIME WATCH

Treasury check fraud reported

At 3:01 p.m. on March 8, a report was made about an alleged case of fraud that occurred on Jan. 19 in the 24000 block of Little Mack Avenue.

At the front desk of the police station, the manager of a credit union walked in and stated he would like to file a fraud report involving United States Treasury checks. He stated that the suspect, a man, walked into the credit union with checks to deposit. The teller at the time accepted a check in the amount of $20,700.

The total was deposited into his bank account, and he made several withdrawals totaling $20,400 at various credit union branches. The manager stated that the account is now $20,637.33 in the negative.

Screenshots were provided to police. The suspect’s account has been frozen.

A similar incident reportedly occurred on Feb. 16 where another person deposited a check for $32,130.93.

Property damage reported

At 4:10 p.m. on March 12, a report was made about a property damage claim in the 21000 block of 13 Mile Road.

Upon arrival, an officer spoke to two men, 20 and 19. The 20-year-old man stated he was sleeping on the couch when he woke up with broken glass on him. Around him he saw multiple pieces of large rock. The blinds and the drapes were disturbed. He did not know who did it. The 19-year-old man was not home when the incident occurred. When his mother arrived home, she stated she had insurance and would get the estimated $200 window boarded up.

An officer photographed the damage.

Police later received information from dispatch that neighbors could have a description of a suspect. The officer met with a 17-year-old boy and his mother, 52. The teen stated he saw a man wearing a black shirt and pants and a reflective vest holding something. He thought he was just a delivery person before he heard a crash and the same man running away eastbound on 13 Mile Road.

— Alyssa Ochss

from page 1A

At a press conference on March 8, township officials outlined their approach to investigating the blaze.

“There’s a process and a scientific procedure that we follow in fire investigation, and this team that’s being assembled will focus on getting that right,” said Fire Marshal Chuck Champagne of the Clinton Township Fire Department.

Lingering fires and the dangers presented by unexploded nitrous oxide tanks in the rubble delayed the physical investigation for over a week while interviews and other aspects of the investigation began on the night of the inferno. The investigative team will include the Clinton Township fire and police departments, the Michigan State Police and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives. Private investigators are involved as well. Clinton Township Supervisor Bob Cannon said the Major Crimes Unit of the Macomb County Prosecutor’s Office is on standby for this case.

“It’s not time yet, it’s not time, but (Macomb County Prosecutor Peter Lucido) stands ready,” Cannon said. “At the top of his list are three people who are going to help Clinton Township PD.”

Even with the investigation far from finished, it is not hard to see charges and court proceedings looming. The fire that broke out after 9 p.m. on March 4 turned explosive, likely due to the butane and nitrous oxide tanks that were reportedly in a building ill-suited for hazardous storage. Previous inspections of the site showed no presence of hazardous materials.

“The zoning is irrelevant to the storage of items in a building,” said Barry Miller, Clinton Township building department superintendent. “There’s three levels of storage you can have in buildings. It’s S1, S2 and then hazard. … At the time of inspection,

See FIRE on page 22A

A map of the Environmental Protection Agency’s shows the cleanup area and buffer zone surrounding the site of the March 4 fire.

from page 1A

guest tickets. JCPenney also donated 20 complimentary salon gift certificates. The current senior class has 200 students.

Lake Shore High School principal Janelle Bross later said there will be money left over for tuxedo rentals, hair appointments, nail appointments and other prom expenses for the students.

“We’re going to try to make this the most incredibly beautiful and cost-effective prom for our seniors,” Bross said.

Bross said this unbelievable surprise was in the works for about a month.

“I got a message from Wendy, who works for JCPenney,” Bross said. “Her original message just said that she wanted to make a connection. So I didn’t realize what that involved.”

When Bross first talked to Santana about a donation, she thought they were just donating dresses.

“So when they said they were donating $50,000, I do believe that I was speechless from it,” Bross said. “I mean, that’s just such a huge, wonderful donation that will do so much good for our students.”

Marissa White, Lake Shore’s senior class president, and Adelia Nasir, the senior class vice president, said they didn’t know anything about the donation until they announced it that day.

“As far as we were concerned, we picked a regular prom theme, just as we would for any other dance, and then they all come out with the surprise today,” White said. “We were very shocked and super happy about it.”

“All we knew was that we had to dress nicely, you know, not the classic senioritis sweatpants or anything and we were going to be called up on stage,” Nasir said. “That was literally it.”

Both also said they are super excited for the donation. White called it a blessing.

See PROM on page 29A

manent eye damage can occur. People should use filtered glasses that cut down the intensity of the sun’s rays.

“You’ll still be able to see the sun, it will look like a yellow white disk through your glasses, but you won’t be able to see much of anything else. That’s how much we have to cut down the light,” Narlock said.

He also said there are special filters for telescopes that can see only one wavelength of light.

During an eclipse people are more likely to stare at the sun, Blum said. It’s also easier to stare at the sun because the moon covers it, making it dimmer.

“On a normal day, on a sunny day, if you try to stare at the sun you’d say, ‘Oh, that’s awful bright,’ and you’d look away,” Blum said. “But on an eclipse the sun is partly covered by the moon so it’s not so bright. So it doesn’t bother you to look at the sun if you think, ‘Well, OK, I can just stare at the sun.’”

Holding a colander up to the sun to see the shadow of the eclipse is a way to indirectly view it, Narlock said.

“The little holes in the colander will create essentially a little projection of the eclipse as it happens,” Narlock said. “People have also gone under a big tree and looked at the sunlight that comes through the leaves.”

Eye damage can still occur even when the sun is 98% covered like it will be in the metro area.

“Even if there is 1% of the sun showing, it’s still as bright as the entire sun, so you can blind yourself, so you have to have either solar glasses or telescopes or binoculars, or whatever, with appropriate solar filtering,” Trembley said.

Regular sunglasses will not do when view-

ing an eclipse and they will damage the eyes significantly, Narlock said.

Trembley said NASA’s “Solar System Ambassadors” have been shipping out solar glasses. Both Trembley and his wife are ambassadors. Libraries are also good places to check as well. Narlock said Cranbrook is selling the glasses and he also saw his optometrist selling them.

Both Trembley and Narlock warned people to be wary of solar glasses sold online. These glasses could not have the right lenses or the lenses could already have damage such as scratches.

Narlock said solar eclipses are not something to goof around with.

“If you have children that are going to be looking directly at it, make sure that they’re wearing approved solar eclipse glasses that aren’t scratched. Make sure they don’t take them off their face while they’re looking at the sun,” Narlock said. “Because it just takes a moment and they could really damage their eyes.”

Solar eclipse viewing events are occurring all over at local parks and other venues.

Cranbrook is also holding an eclipse viewing event from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Trembley said to find an event near you, visit the NASA Night Sky Network at nightsky. jpl.nasa.gov.

“It’s a NASA program where they join up with astronomy clubs across the country and they post information on the clubs and events that the clubs are holding,” Trembley said.

He also said NASA Solar System Ambassadors will be hosting or attending events.

A full directory of ambassadors can be found online by searching NASA Solar System Ambassadors.

You can check your local library’s website as well as city websites for further events.

Call Staff Writer Alyssa Ochss at (586) 4981103.

Come Home - Come Here - for Easter St. Margaret of Scotland Catholic Church

21201 E. 13 Mile Road (between Little Mack and Harper), St. Clair Shores, MI 48082 • 586-293-2240

Holy Thursday, March 28, 2024 (No Mass at 9:00 a.m.)

7:00 p.m. Mass of the Lord’s Supper / Eucharistic Adoration

9:30 p.m. Night Prayer / Church Closes at 10:00 p.m.

Good Friday, March 29, 2024 (No Mass at 9:00 a.m.)

12-noon Living Stations Followed by Liturgy of Good Friday / Adoration of the Cross

3-7:00 p.m. Quiet Prayer in Church

7:00 p.m. Living Stations

Holy Saturday, March 30, 2024 (No Mass at 4:00 p.m.)

1:00 p.m. Blessing of Easter Food

Easter Vigil, Saturday, March 30, 2024

8:10 p.m. Gather

8:30 p.m. Mass in Church with incense

Easter Sunday, March 31, 2024

8:00 a.m. Mass in Church with incense

10:00 a.m. Mass in Church with incense (live streamed) 0110-2412

Coyote

from page 11A

contact nuisance animal control companies to come in and remove those species.

“I reached out to (Warren) Animal Control. They said, ‘It was unfortunate that happened but there’s nothing we can do.”’

Burton continued about her neighbors and the city.

“The next couple days are going to be beautiful. My neighbor doesn’t want her kids to come out and play because she’s scared of the backyard, that the coyotes are going to come out because they have this debris built up,” Burton said. “My thing is this, if you don’t shovel your snow, Warren will give you a citation. If your grass is too high, they’ll say something. Why can’t we expect the same thing from you (the city) when it comes to keeping our city safe?

“Yes, you (the city) want our city to look good. And we (residents) want our city to look good. But we also want our kids to be safe. We want our pets to be safe when we buy $200,000 and $300,000 family homes. We want our family to be safe and Lala was part of our family,” Burton said.

Several efforts were made to contact Warren Mayor Lori Stone regarding this issue. An email response from her communication team stated, “The city is looking at the coyote issue and we will reach out when we have an update.”

According to Lincoln, when an animal nuisance is reported, the Michigan DNR is also made aware of it.

“Your phone call was actually the first time we heard about this situation,” said Lincoln. “I reached out to the Macomb County wildlife biologist, and they had not heard of this situation and really haven’t had any reports of aggressive coyotes this year or in the year previously.”

Coyotes are very adaptive, living and thriving in every county in Michigan, said Lincoln, who shared tips for successfully dealing with the animal.

Fire

from page 18A

they only had things that would have qualified well under the S1 category. Once they started bringing in materials that we’re seeing laying around, they would have clearly went into the (hazard) category. The building would have had to be built completely differently.”

The explosive materials damaged surrounding businesses and emergency vehicles, injured one Clinton Township Firefighter and killed 19-year-old Clinton Township resident Turner Salter, who was witnessing the fire from about half a mile away.

Debris from the fire was sent all over the surrounding area. Teams from the Environmental Protection Agency have been sent in to clean up a target area covering a 2-mile radius around the building. The work of EPA personnel has since tightened to the immediate surroundings of the building, including the railways to the west. Initial concerns of air and water contamination were ruled out by the Macomb County Emergency Management hazardous materials team.

“There was a determination made early on that there was no concern as far as anything toxic in the air, so that was eliminated as a problem for residents in the surrounding area,” Macomb County Executive Mark Hackel said on March 5. “People were wondering if there was anything leaking into the water systems or anything; that (kind of contamination is) just not feasible, so that was not a concern, either.”

Township officials have stressed that debris and souvenirs around the site should not be picked up. Unexploded canisters could explode if heated and debris can be sharp. Any debris found can be reported to the Macomb County dispatch center at (586) 469-5502.

Photo by Patricia O’Blenes

The debris field included whole metal canisters and chunks of shrapnel from those that exploded. Investigators said 19-year-old Turner Salter, of Clinton Township, died after he was hit by debris.

Swimming

from page 14A

Michigan is known for its Great Lakes, but our state is also home to over 11,000 small inland lakes — and a host of private and public pools.

The Troy Community Center provides many opportunities for people of all ages to enjoy the water year round — with both indoor and seasonal outdoor pools — including parent and tot classes, kiddie swim, swim lessons, open swim for all ages, water slides, lap swimming, water aerobics, a therapy pool and more.

From boosted heart health to muscle toning, experts say swimming and other water workouts offer many health benefits for children and adults.

“Research shows that swimming is good for your lungs,” said Troy Community Center Recreation Supervisor Morgan Thrasher. “You can swim, you can walk, you can move — there’s a bunch of different things that the water provides that you wouldn’t necessarily get on land.”

Swimming requires you to control your breathing, so it can strengthen your respiratory muscles, improve lung capacity and help build breath endurance. In fact, it’s often recommended that people with asthma pursue swimming to build their lung strength.

Swimming can also alleviate stress, boost your mood, improve flexibility, and even improve coordination, balance and posture.

The low-impact exercise offers resistance, providing muscle strengthening and toning to keep you strong and fit as you age.

The OPC Social and Activity Center in Rochester allows its members, ages 50 and older, to use a therapy pool for water exercise classes, relaxing and massaging achy muscles and joints, and a lap pool for water exercise and lap swimming.

Mandy Mullins, the fitness and aquatics manager at the OPC Social and Activity Center, said a wide range of seniors use the aquatic facility, including the center’s oldest active swimmer, age 92.

“Some are just coming out of a therapy or a surgery and they are using the therapy pool to continue their rehab, all the way up to our folks who are still practicing for swim competitions,” she said.

Competitive senior swimmers — including one who is 79 year old — use the OPC’s lap pool to train for Michigan Senior Olympics and U.S. Masters swim meets.

“Some have been swimming all their lives and have continued on with all their competitions, and some of them are just getting into it now as seniors — they found swimming and found a group of people who were athletes in some capacity before, and this has been a way for them to compete that’s not as hard on their bodies,” said Mullins.

“For the competitive swimmers, it’s kind of like having a club,” added Delaney Zaloga, a fitness and aquatics supervisor. “They all like swimming, and they all like pushing each other at their swim practice and getting better and better at all the meets.”

But not everybody has to swim to get the benefits of the water, Mullins explained.

“There are some doctors that will recommend the therapy and warm water pool type

of class to just get started, especially if there are any balance issues involved. It’s a lot harder to fall over in the pool, so it’s a really great starting point,” she said. “We also have Aqua Zumba or other types of cardio classes that are in the pool where they aren’t necessarily swimming, but they are using that water resistance and the buoyancy and really getting their heart rate going in there without really having to do traditional swimming.”

Magnets

from page 16A

The magnets in the table feature all of the national parks, battlefields or otherwise, he’s visited over the years.

Now retired, Ed has been collecting magnets for around 35 years. He has made several tables and boards filled to the brim with magnets of his travels. This includes a board filled with magnets of different celebrities, historical figures and others. The magnets of famous faces represent the places he visited related to them. He’s visited battle sites, homesteads and museums.

In his garage also hangs a magnet board featuring all the places in Michigan he’s visited, including his children’s houses.

Ed and Sherry have three grandchildren, and Ed made a magnet featuring all three of them. He said he makes the magnets by taking a photo of a location and gives them to a vendor that specializes in personalized magnets.

Some of the magnets he bought online. After he went on a trip to Pinnacles National Park in California, he later bought a magnet.

“I went to Pinnacles, that’s in California, and I couldn’t get a magnet,” Ed said. “But when

Photo by Patricia O’Blenes Ed Stanczak sits near a table filled with all the magnets from his travels.

Awards

from page 8A

collaboration in his acceptance comments.

“Partnerships are really the key to success in the criminal justice system,” Wickersham said. “Whether it’s law enforcement, corrections or courts, we can’t do it alone. We have to partner up with our community members. We have to collaborate with our other criminal justice stakeholders. Prosecutor, public defender’s office, the courts, probation, parole, you name it. Health care, community mental health; all have a part in the criminal justice system.”

The sheriff also spoke about the work he and Hackel have put into making the jail project happen over the past 20 years.

“We started the fight back in 2005 and I carried it on into 2012 when I became sheriff, and we have worked hard to get things changed,” Wickersham said. “We did studies that were conducted back in 2005 and 2016 as it relates to the criminal justice system here in Macomb County on what we could do to be better. This project will produce better outcomes for individuals that are remanded to the county jail and also provide a safer environment for the men and women of the Sheriff’s Office that work in the cor-

rectional facility every day.”

Hackel stressed the importance of the work he and Wickersham have done toward community policing, tying their focus back to Peelian principles taught during law enforcement education. Hackel was particularly drawn to the seventh principle, which states “the police are the public and that the public are the police, the police being only members of the public who are paid to give full time attention to duties which are incumbent on every citizen in the interests of community welfare and existence.”

“It’s not just about going out there and arresting a bad guy,” Hackel said. “It’s understanding constitutional rights and how you protect those rights, and understanding that we’re here because the public allows us to be here.”

The Sutin Award is named after Tony Sutin, who was the founder and deputy director of the COPS Office from 1994 to 1996. Sutin then became the principal deputy to the associate attorney general of the United States and later the acting assistant attorney general for legislative affairs before becoming a faculty member of the Appalachian School of Law in 1999. Sutin died on Jan. 16, 2002.

Call Staff Writer Dean Vaglia at (586) 498-1043.

Magnets

from page 24A

I came home, I found a website that sold magnets from national park sites. So that’s another way.”

Ed said that the most interesting place he visited was Alaska and that on a few of his trips he went up to Prudhoe Bay for business. He flew into the city of Fairbanks for his stay.

“They supply equipment to the oil fields, and we use that as a cold weather site

to check out how equipment lasted in an arctic kind of environment,” Ed said.

Ed also said he’s visited Alaska several other times over the years, and he calls it his No. 1.

Sherry thought it was cool that Ed brought home magnets from his travels.

“And when he thought about that, I thought that was a great idea,” Sherry said. “I love to decorate, and I thought that was the perfect combination of both of us.”

Call Staff Writer Alyssa Ochss at (586) 498-1103.

Photo by Patricia O’Blenes

A board of magnets picturing famous people hangs in Ed Stanczak’s basement. Each one represents a place he’s been to related to that person.

Coyote

from page 21A

She said January through March is the coyote breeding season. Thus, they are more mobile and moving around a lot. Males especially are covering their territory while they’re looking for a mate. They are hunting and protecting their territories and can become more aggressive toward other canine species.

This time of year, if you are letting your pets out, experts advise that you accompany them, keep them close by, or keep them on a leash.

It is also advisable to scout your yard before letting pets out, especially during dawn and dusk hours, when coyotes are frequently moving around. “Coyotes can’t really distinguish between a small squirrel, a small rabbit, or a small dog,” Lincoln said.

She said brush piles of tree limbs, branches and wood could house a family of rabbits or rodents that coyotes feed on.

“Take action now and remove it, so you don’t have issues with coyotes on your property,” Lincoln said.

It is also advisable to remove bird feeders that drop food to the ground. This attracts small mammals like chipmunks, squirrels, foxes and coyotes.

Coyotes on the move this time of year are looking for den sites, a place to raise their pups. Sometimes, these dens are close to houses. To reduce that possibility, Lincoln recommends removing food sources that attract small mammals that the coyote would eat as part of the food chain.

If you encounter a coyote, experts say to remain calm. Pick up your pet. Make loud noises. Extend your arms over your head or spread your arms wide to make yourself look bigger. Stand your ground. Don’t walk toward or chase a coyote. Coyotes generally have a fear of humans, according to Lincoln.

“Coyotes are an extremely well-adapted animal that we have in Michigan. They’re able to adapt and thrive and live in these urban areas,” Lincoln said.

Call Staff Writer Gena Johnson at (586) 498-1069.

Wrestling

from page 6A

meets — like the boys side does — next year because of the increasing numbers.

“It’s (numbers) almost tripled since last year,” Birmingham Groves wrestling coach Joseph Jones said. “It’s growing really, really fast.”

Jones and Groves hosted the first tricounty all-girls wrestling meet as schools from Wayne, Macomb and Oakland County went head-to-head. Local all-girls tournaments are becoming more and more popular in the surrounding counties whereas past years saw teams traveling two or three hours in order to compete.

The majority are learning the sport in high school. Some have seen siblings compete, but the one thing they all share is the love and passion for it.

As all-girls tournaments become more common, longtime coaches such as Warren Mott’s Paul Salyers, an assistant coach on the boys side and Mott’s girls head coach this past year, are still getting used to the environment.

“You go into a wrestling gym where a boys tournament is being held, and oh, my God does it stink,” Salyers said. “There’s BO (body odor) everywhere. You go into a girls tournament and it’s a cacophony of perfume. It’s hilarious to me. The girls will get down after beating the crap out of another girl, and with boys they’ll get done and they’re strutting around like they’re the king, but the girls will get done, get their hand raised, and go over and hug the girl they just beat up on and go, ‘Honey, this is what you need to do next time because I was able to do this because you were doing this wrong.’” It’s just funny. You don’t see that with the boys.”

As more girls continue to join, local teams are wishing upon a star that the popularity of wrestling and the success of their current girl wrestlers are signs of more wrestlers to come.

St. Clair Shores Lakeview

Sophomore Lillee Denson turned in a history-making season for the Huskies in 2024, becoming the first female wrestler in school history to win a match and compete at regionals.

Denson compiled an 11-10 regular season record and was one match away from qualifying for the Michigan High School Athletic Association state finals.

Riding the momentum of a sensational sophomore season, Denson will look to become the first female in school history to qualify for the state finals as she continues to leave a legacy for girls wrestling at Lakeview.

Shop

from page 3A

“After I graduated college, my parents had a manager that wasn’t working out, so they offered me a job,” Kort said.

She started at the shop 35 years ago in 1989. Around 2000, her parents retired to Florida.

“I just ran the business and then, sadly, both of them have passed and it just became mine,” Kort said.

Kort has seen thousands of children come through her shop to get uniforms, first communion outfits and other items of clothing and accessories. Some of those children come back as adults to buy outfits for their own children and grandchildren.

Right now, the shop is in its first communion season, Kort said, and some of the grandmothers who buy the outfits say they got their first communion dresses from the shop.

“It’s repeat business from many generations,” Kort said. “It’s nice.”

Kort is incredibly proud of how far the shop has come.

“How many brick and mortar, independent stores have been in business 70 years?” Kort said. “Yeah, so I am very proud.”

She is also proud of her employees. Melissa Chunn, the shoe manager at Connie’s, has been with the business for around 30 years. Kort said she started when she was just 15 years old.

Chunn said she likes working at the shop.

“Denise is like family to me,” Chunn said. “She’s like an older sister to me.”

She said Kort has been with her

through everything from high school to babies and everything in between.

Chunn had a couple different jobs, but she always stayed in the shop.

“I think it was the family aspect and the closeness and I just can’t leave her, and she needs me too much,” Chunn said with a laugh.

Kort added that Chunn came back nine days after her babies were born.

“I’ll be here forever, until we’re done,” Chunn said.

Chunn is very proud of how far the shop has come in the time it has been around.

“Seventy years is a huge thing in this day and age,” Chunn said. “Especially with online (shopping) and everybody buying online and other stores shutting down because Amazon takes over. I mean, this is a huge feat.”

Several other employees have been employed at Connie’s for multiple years as well. Kort said she trusts them and that she’s very lucky.

“They’re awesome,” Kort said.

Kort said if she didn’t have loyal cus-

tomers, she wouldn’t have made it this far in her business.

“I’m lucky, because the internet is a killer,” Kort said.

She went on to say online sales and websites have taken a toll on her business starting around 2000. Other uncertain times include the 2008 recession and 2020, during the COVID-19 pandemic.

“That was very scary, and we were closed for 2 1/2 months,” Kort said. “But once we opened back up my business was booming. People didn’t want to go to the malls, they wanted to support local.”

Kort said she isn’t sure what the future holds for the store. Her nieces and nephews have their own careers, and she is the last family member involved in the business.

“Eventually, I’m going to want to retire,” Kort said. “So I would either sell the business or have my employees run the business. I’m not sure.”

Connie’s Children’s Shop is located at 23240 Greater Mack Ave in St Clair Shores.

Call Staff Writer Alyssa Ochss at (586) 498-1103.

- In Loving Memory ofDennis K. Estepp

Dennis K. Estepp, 71, of Saint Clair Shores MI, passed away March 2nd, 2024. Dennis was born July 22, 1952 in West Virginia. Te son of late Robert and Dorthy Estepp. Surviving him, one daughter Tammy and two sons. 4 grandchildren and 5 great grandchildren, Brother Ike, sisters Darlene and Betty and a host of nieces and nephews. Preceding him in death, brothers Danny, Jimmy and Glen and sisters Joyce and Lerly.Dennis spent his fnal days spending time with his great niece Tiffini and great great nieces and nephews Aiyanah, AJace, Jade and Nathaniel Jr.

Final arrangements will be completed by Generations Crematory as his wishes were to be cremated.

0297-2412

Prom

from page 19A

“I have never been more excited in my life,” Nasir said. “This is absolutely a once in a lifetime opportunity.”

Santana said they’ve been working on the prom collection for about a year once she met Wujek. They went through a process of what the collection would look like and other logistics.

“The whole life cycle is about a year from the time that we first met until right now when the goods are in the store,” Santana said.

Wujek said the collection took over a decade to create.

“Then when the green light happened to do it, we had 11 days to build the collection,” Wujek said.

Throughout the process he went through many design changes as styles changed over the years.

Santana said there are five schools in total that will receive donations. Lake Shore was chosen specifically by Wujek.

“The criteria is also the same thing,” Santana said. “They have to be community-based and do things good in their community.”

Wujek said in his opening statement that people would call him a “California man” due to his 25-year residence in the state.

“I’m always like, ‘No, no, no,’” Wujek said. “I’m a Midwest, Michigan guy through and through. Like St. Clair Shores is my roots, 12 and Jefferson is where I grew up. This is my high school. So I’ve always been connected to Michigan.”

He said he was excited to bring this opportunity to the students of Lake Shore.

“When they told me that this was a real option, I was like, ‘Oh, my God,’” Wujek said. “Like, how cool that I went to school here and I can share this full circle moment.”

Lake Shore’s prom will be held at Blossom Heath Inn on May 23. Lake Shore students should sign up for prom by the beginning of May to participate.

Call Staff Writer Alyssa Ochss at (586) 498-1103.

Veterans

from page 5A

Jolene Copp, secretary of Project Brotherhood Resolve, said it’s a very humbling group to be a part of.

“To see the different military branches represented and the music and just the formality of it,” Copp said. “It’s very, very sobering and humbling to be able to experience.”

She said it’s good for the community to see this ceremony even if they don’t have a military connection.

Gemayel said veterans who would like to have their art featured in the gallery should apply by April 30.

“Any veteran artist is welcome, any art is welcome, any style of art is welcome so it’s not just limited paintings,” Gemayel said. “We got woodworking, we’ve got metalworks, as long as it’s art by the veteran.”

The gallery is open to the public and Gemayel said they invite everyone to come and see the art displayed.

“Because a lot of the veterans use art as a form of PTSD therapy,” Gemayel said. “So you kind of get to see the different styles, different ideas that are out there and what people do.”

He went on to say he encourages everyone to go to the gallery. He said if a person is going through something they can see another channel and explore different ways of treating what they are going through.

The Battle of the Branches comedy show features veterans from all branches of the United States military.

“They’re going to have 10 minutes each to kind of go back and forth,” Gemayel said. “It’s going to be set up to where they kind of go up against each other. So it’s not your average comedy show where you have one comedian on stage.”

Gemayel went on to say there’s going to be four different rounds of comedy.

“And whoever wins gets to finish the show,” Gemayel said.

All the comedians participating are from Michigan.

Copp said she’s excited to connect with the community and let them know what Project Brotherhood Resolve does. She said the goal is “to eventually have transitional housing for veterans to help them get back on their feet.”

Virginia Carstarphen, co-owner of Trader Todd’s with Todd Hyatt, said she’s proud of Gemayel for getting the Veterans Gallery Show past the third year.

Annual Public Notice of Career and Technical Education Opportunities

Each year South Lake Schools offers career and technical education programs at South Lake High School. These programs are designed to prepare students for a broad range of employment and training services and are offered under the guidance of certifed teachers and counselors. The following is a list of programs being offered this year.

• Automotive Technology

• Prerequisites - None

• Culinary Arts

• Prerequisites - None

In order to be eligible for these programs, students must attend a high school that participates in the St. Clair Shores Cooperative Consortium (Currently: Lake Shore High School, Lakeview High School, South Lake High School, Eastpointe High School, Roseville High School, Harper Woods High School, Grosse Pointe South High School, Grosse Pointe North High School) and be in grades 10 or 11.

The Board of Education is committed to maintaining a learning and working environment in which all individuals are treated with dignity and respect, free from discrimination and harassment. There will be no tolerance for discrimination or harassment on the basis of race, color, national origin, religion, creed or ancestry, sex, marital status, genetic information, height, weight, sexual orientation, disability or age. The school district prohibits harassment and other forms of discrimination whether occurring at school, on school district property, in a school district vehicle, or at any school district related activity or event.

Furthermore, the Board is committed to equal employment opportunities and the prevention of discrimination in all aspects of employment, including recruitment, selection, training, promotion and retention of staff.

In addition, arrangements can be made to ensure that the lack of English language profciency is not a barrier to admission or participation.

For additional information, contact Frank Thomas, Director of Human Resources, or Jen Stern, Supervisor of Special Services, 23101 Stadium Blvd., St. Clair Shores, MI 48080, (586) 435-1600.

For general information about these programs or to obtain this in Spanish, contact:

John Thero, Director of Instruction and Assessment

Central Administration Offce

South Lake Schools

23101 Stadium Boulevard

St. Clair Shores, MI 48080

586.435.1640

Published: St. Clair Shores Sentinel 03/20/2024 0147-2351

“It’s a really important goal for an organization and for a particular event,” Carstarphen said. “I feel like this year is going to be the one that kicks up and I’m super excited about it and I think we’re getting that momentum from the community.”

Deni Metivier is one of the artists who displays her work at the gallery. She was in the army, and she said the art is very personal to her. She said her art is also language.

“I feel really good when somebody buys my art because it’s going to whoever needs the help,” Metivier said. “I don’t care. I can’t function unless I’m doing something for the proper reason.”

She went on to say it’s not to enrich herself.

“I’m comfortable in my life,” Metivier said. “But if I can sell art and it can help veterans that need help, that’s like a double whammy that helps me feel good about myself.”

Interested artists should contact Gemayel at (773) 456-4716 or Trader Todd’s Marina at (586) 776-5650. They can also email Support@projectbrotherhoodresolve.org or www. projectbrotherhoodresolve@gmail.com.

Call Staff Writer Alyssa Ochss at (586) 498-1103.

CHILD FIND

Child Find is a federal requirement of local school districts to identify, locate, and evaluate all children with disabilities, from birth through age 25 who are in need of or who may be in need of special education and/or related services. In South Lake Schools, “all children” means all preschool age students who live within the district bounds (aka “resident” students), all K-12 resident and school-of-choice students currently enrolled in and attending the district, as well as resident students who may be attending parochial schools or who are being homeschooled.

The South Lake Special Services Department provides evaluations to students suspected of having a disability that would impact their ability to access and make progress in the general education curriculum or, for preschool age students, meet age-appropriate developmental milestones. The purpose of an evaluation would be to determine whether or not the student requires special education services in order to access and make progress in the general education curriculum, or meet age-appropriate developmental milestones. Based on the results of an evaluation, a student may be found ineligible for special education services OR maybe offered programs and/or services that would address the needs identifed through the evaluation.

If you believe that your child has a disability and requires special education services OR if you have any questions about this information, please call the Special Services Department at 586-435-1610 or email Jen Stern, Director of Special Services at jstern@solake.org.

Published: St. Clair Shores Sentinel 03/20/2024 0453-2412

Help Wanted General

CHARTER TOWNSHIP OF CLINTON DEPARTMENT OF PUBLIC SERVICES

PARK MAINTENANCE PERSONNEL

Permanent part-time Park Maintenance Personnel position, $17.66 - $22.92 hourly (32 hours per week) includes benefit package. Successful completion of Civil Service Examination(s) is required, and applicants must meet all requirements set forth in the Employees Civil Service Ordinance, as well as possession of a valid Michigan driver’s license and a good driving record. Pre-employment background investigation and substance abuse testing is required. Interested, applicants must submit application to the Clinton Township Employees Civil Service Commission, 40700 Romeo Plank Rd., Clinton Twp., MI 48038 on or before the close of business, Monday, April 1, 2024. The Charter Township of Clinton is an Equal Opportunity Employer, applicants are considered for all positions without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, marital status, or disability. For further information pertaining to this position or to download employment application please refer to www.clintontownship.com, click on employment. 0295-2412

Help Wanted/ Drivers

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BELLEAIR LAWNCARE Startingatonly$35.00 NoContractObligation SmallMachinesAvailable

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ELITETREE SERVICE "Bringing30yearsof experiencetoyourdoor!" Treetrimming, removals&stump grinding.Insured&FREE estimateswithfairprices! FirewoodForSale 586-756-0757

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only (ATM on site), info@ vfw1146brucepost.org, vfw1146brucepost.org

• 4-7:30 p.m., Our Lady of Hope Parish, 28301 Little Mack Ave. in St. Clair Shores, dine in and carryout, olohscs.org, (586) 771-1750

• 4-7 p.m. March 22 and 3-7 p.m. March 29, St. Margaret of Scotland, 21201 E. 13 Mile Road in St. Clair Shores, dine in and carryout, stmargaret-scsmi. org, (586) 293-2240

MARCH 24

Let’s Bowl Out Lupus: Three games of bowling, pizza and pop, 1-4 p.m., Shore Lanes, 31100 Harper Ave. in St. Clair Shores, RSVP to Ray at (586) 212-0775 or zihc5@sbcglobal.net, www.milupus.org/events/ bowloutlupus2024

MARCH 25

Family game day: 2-4 p.m., St. Clair Shores Public Library, 22500 11 Mile Road, (586) 771-9020, scslibrary.org

APRIL 5

Spring Fling: Presented by Grosse Pointe South Choir, includes dinner, live entertainment and silent auction, Blossom Heath, 24800 Jefferson Ave. in St Clair Shores, gpsouthchoir.org

APRIL 8

Buzz, Hum and Hover: Presentation about relationship between insects and native plants, hosted by Yardeners of St. Clair Shores, 7-8 p.m., St. Clair Shores Public Library, 22500 11 Mile Road, scsyardeners@

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