3/20/24 Sterling Heights Sentry

A ramp along M-59 is closed due to southbound M-53 being under construction between M-59 and 18 Mile Road. Michigan Department of Transportation officials say southbound M-53 between M-59 and 18 Mile is expected to be closed until around Memorial Day, and northbound M-53 between M-59 and 18 Mile is expected to also close for construction later this

Swim and water safety for all ages

Planners approve Sterling Square’s new commercial development plan

BY ERIC CZARNIK eczarnik@candgnews.com

STERLING HEIGHTS — A developer is offering a “square” deal to build space for new retail businesses on the south side of 15 Mile Road, west of Schoenherr Road.

Event to raise money, awareness for Turning Point

MDOT rolls out expectations for M-53 work

BY ERIC CZARNIK eczarnik@candgnews.com

MACOMB COUNTY — Closing parts of M-53 throughout this year’s construction season might mean detours or fewer open lanes, but it will extend the highway’s lifespan for years to come, according to the Michigan Department of Transportation.

MDOT said it shut down southbound M-53 between

M-59/Hall Road to 18 Mile Road March 4 for road repairs and bridge work. As a result, the ramps connecting to southbound M-53 are blocked off as well.

During a March 12 virtual meeting, MDOT construction engineer Adam Wayne said that portion of M-53 — within Sterling Heights and Utica — will get an asphalt overlay. Nine bridge areas in that stretch will also get attention, he said. MDOT assistant construction engineer Kimberly Mc-

See M-53 on page 6A

On Feb. 14, the Sterling Heights Planning Commission voted 9-0 to grant preliminary site plan approval for Sterling Square LLC’s latest commercial development proposal on a 15.1-acre parcel at 13200 15 Mile Road.

In December 2023, the Sterling Heights City Council voted 4-3 to reject the developer’s previous mixed-use planned unit development proposal in that spot. The rejected plan would have had two multiunit retail buildings, space for two restaurant buildings, and five two-story apartment buildings containing 64 luxury units.

and a forensic nurse examiners program.

See TURNING on page 18A

Mayor Michael Taylor, Mayor Pro Tem Liz Sierawski and Councilman Michael Radtke voted yes, and council members Maria Schmidt, Barbara Ziarko, Deanna Koski and Henry Yanez voted no. Ziarko cited traffic concerns as a reason for her opposition. Taylor emphasized the need for more housing in the city.

The new, revised plan revealed in February eliminates the residential component altogether. Instead, officials said, it calls for two strip mall buildings, each

See SQUARE on page 14A

year.

Photo by Patricia O’Blenes

Livernois announces his retirement from WCS

BY MARIA ALLARD allard@candgnews.com

WARREN/STERLING HEIGHTS —

After 36 years in education, Warren Consolidated Schools Superintendent Robert Livernois has decided to retire.

On March 7, the district issued a press release announcing his retirement, effective Aug. 30, 2024.

Livernois, 57, also sent a letter to district families informing them of his retirement.

“My journey with WCS has been incredibly fulfilling and rewarding,” he said. “As I reflect on my time here, I am filled with a deep sense of appreciation for the relationships I have formed. It has been an honor to serve as your superintendent, and I remain proud that my own children attended our schools and have grown up to be very successful adults.

“While I am excited about this new chapter in my life, I will certainly miss the camaraderie and collaboration that has defined our district,” he added. “I have no doubt that the

See LIVERNOIS on page 10A

BELOW: “Psychedelic Fire,” painted in acrylic on canvas, is an example of DeCook’s abstract works. DeCook said she took up fluid art and developed her own style.

Photos by Patricia O’Blenes

Sterling artist fluent in unpredictable painting style

BY ERIC CZARNIK eczarnik@candgnews.com

DeCook, who lives in Sterling Heights, said she wanted to show a

See DECOOK on page 17A

RIGHT: Sterling Heights resident Darla DeCook is the latest Sterling Heights Featured Artist. Her work is on display at the Sterling Heights Community Center.

Livernois

Capuchin Franciscan Province of St. Joseph, including the Capuchin Soup Kitchen in Detroit.

During the event, participants may play bocce with friars, watch live entertainment, eat dinner and bid on auctioned items. Shelving.com is the event’s sponsor.

General ticket admission costs $75 per guest and must be bought ahead of time. Learn more about the event and how to acquire tickets by visiting boccewiththebroth ers.org. Find out more about the Capuchins by visiting thecapuchins.org.

SHRED YOUR DOCUMENTS SECURELY

STERLING HEIGHTS — The Sterling Heights Department of Public Works, 7200 18 Mile Road, will host a Shred Day for Sterling Heights residents only 9 a.m.-2 p.m. April 13. Each resident may bring up to three “paper size” boxes of documents to shred, with each box being as large as 15 inches by 12 inches by 10 inches.

Learn more by visiting bit.ly/3JUoyI6 or by visiting sterlingheights.gov and typing “Shred Day” in the search bar, or by calling (586) 446-2440.

STERLING COFFEEHOUSE OFFERS FREE CONCERT

STERLING HEIGHTS — Rusty Reid Blues is scheduled to perform 6-8 p.m. March 21 at the Sterling Heights Community Center, 40250 Dodge Park Road, as part of the city’s Sterling Coffeehouse concert series.

Admission is free for this event, though attendees must be at least 14 years old. Learn more by visiting sterlingheights.gov/2290/CoffeehouseConcerts or by calling (586) 446-2700.

Help the city with its master plan

STERLING HEIGHTS — Sterling Heights officials are asking people to fill out an online survey in order to help the city update its Master Land Use Plan. Respondents may share their thoughts about land use, the environment, the economy and more.

Find the survey by visiting bit.ly/43hTN7S, or go to the official master plan update website by visiting engage.giffelswebster.com/sterlingheights-master-plan.

The survey says it should take around 20-30 minutes to finish. Additional questions about the survey may be sent to shplanning@ sterling-heights.net or addressed by calling (586) 446-2360.

Talent show to benefit veterans

STERLING HEIGHTS — Club 54, 37722 Van Dyke Ave., will host a Special Veterans Patriot Fundraiser Variety Talent Show 6-9 p.m. March 24. Organizers say the event will support veterans and troops in Macomb County, and donations will go to the Wounded Warrior Project.

Admission is free and open to the public. Find out more about the fundraiser by calling (586) 443-9784. Learn more about Club 54 by visiting club54sterlingheights.com or by calling (586) 795-0054.

M-53

from page 1A

Clain said the department expects the southbound work to last around three months and end around Memorial Day. Later in the summer, perhaps around Labor Day, northbound M-53 between 18 Mile and M-59 will close, and officials expect that work to last until around November.

To promote walkability and pedestrian safety, MDOT is also planning to add some new sidewalks and walkable pathways near M-53.

The Clinton River Road bridge that goes over M-53 will have its deck surface replaced, and part of that project will involve making it more traversable for pedestrians.

“Right now, it’s just a two-lane roadway with the bridge barriers,” Wayne explained. “We’re working with the city of Sterling Heights to actually provide a protective pedestrian walkway across that bridge so then pedestrians can be able to safely access the east and west sides over M-53, which leads into the Clinton River Road sidewalk.

“Part of the project, working with our local partners, is providing that sidewalk

connection from 19 Mile across M-53 to Henry Ford II High School.”

MDOT said it expects the Clinton River Road work at M-53 to last around three months, from roughly late May to late August. During construction, that part of the road will be closed, McClain said.

In addition, MDOT will address sidewalk issues along M-59 by M-53, Wayne said.

“Right now, the sidewalk stops just west of M-53,” he said. “We’re filling in that gap, providing a crossing at the ramp and then accessing the sidewalk at the bridge.”

Closures and detours expected

Currently, while the southbound strip of M-53 is closed, MDOT established a detour route from westbound M-59 to southbound Mound Road, then to eastbound 18 Mile Road and finally to southbound M-53.

MDOT added that it would close northbound M-53 once construction begins there. In addition, the department said it will maintain but restrict vehicular traffic on other intersecting paths as needed, including 19 Mile Road, Canal Road and Utica Road.

“We can also expect some intermittent lane closures and traffic flagging on local

roads on M-53 during this construction,” McClain said.

Detour routes will also be established for northbound M-53 and the nearby sidewalks — to avoid overhead bridge construction — once those projects take place, McClain said.

MDOT eyes M-53 work elsewhere

Wayne said significant M-53 work will happen in two additional spots this year. Crews will apply an asphalt overlay on the interchange ramps connecting M-53 to 23 Mile Road in Shelby Township. The ramps will be closed during off-peak hours, McClain said.

And work is scheduled to take place at a bridge along M-53 over Big Beaver Creek, just south of 14 Mile Road in Warren, sometime between Memorial Day and Labor Day, Wayne said.

“We will expect lane closures during that work,” he said, regarding the Warren project.

Wayne estimated the total cost of completing M-53 within Sterling Heights, Utica, Shelby Township and Warren at around $16.5 million. He explained that repairs should extend the bridges’ lives by around

10-20 years, and the asphalt overlay should extend the road’s life by around five to 10 years.

He said that while the road repairs aren’t a long-term fix, it’s a way to keep M-53 functioning while having limited funding.

“This type of project is intended to maintain and extend the roadway and bridge infrastructure within the limits, where we can plan longer term for when we do have to have a full reconstruction,” Wayne said.

Wayne said the construction work will “generally be during daytime hours” in Sterling Heights, and crews will generally work 7 a.m.-5 p.m. Mondays-Saturdays. Should factors — like heat negatively affecting wet concrete — require crews to work at night, MDOT will work with municipalities to get a noise ordinance waiver, he said.

McClain said those who want up-todate lane closure details may visit michigan. gov/drive. Learn more about MDOT by visiting michigan.gov/mdot.

Call Staff Writer Eric Czarnik at (586) 498-1058.

13650 E. Eleven Mile Rd. Warren, MI 48089

Sterling author completes first novel a decade after starting

BY ERIC CZARNIK eczarnik@candgnews.com

STERLING HEIGHTS — To write a novel about time travel, author Steven Templar had to grapple with the passage of time himself.

Templar’s first completed novel, “Memoirs of a Lyrical Man,” was published in November 2023, and it is meant to be the first part of a broader Tapestry of Time series.

The story is over a decade in the making. Templar, which is the pen name of Steven Latawiec, 39, from Sterling Heights, said he started writing the book in 2011.

“It sat dormant for a while,” he said. “Just recently in the last seven months, I picked it up, started editing and polished it and released it in November.”

According to Templar, the book is a thriller full of time travel and adventure. The protagonist, Jay Hagaki, is an actor and musician who is thrust into dealing with threats, secrets and love.

Templar said it’s “hard to pin down a genre” for his book, but landed on it being a mix of science fiction, urban fantasy and historical fiction – the last being due to part of the story taking place in ancient China.

Templar’s wife, Amy Latawiec, said it “kind of felt like out of nowhere” for her husband to return to his writing and wrap up the book.

“But it was really cool,” she said. “It was really nice to see something that was written over a decade ago, to have another lens on it, from a perspective of growth.”

Latawiec said her favorite story arc in her husband’s book involves one of the main characters, Olivia.

See NOVEL on page 17A

ABOVE: Author and Sterling Heights resident Steven Templar holds his new novel, “Memoirs of a Lyrical Man.”

RIGHT: Templar said his novel is a mix of science fiction, urban fantasy and historical fiction.

Photos by Patricia O’Blenes

Don’t trust the local handyman or any runof-the-mill plumber to slap a new toilet in your home, upgrade your existing facilities or repair a tank that’s constantly running.

Toilet installations and repairs are all The Toilet Experts do. In fact, they install an average of 10 toilets a day across Macomb, Oakland and Livingston counties.

for just $399. That price includes the privatelabel brand they typically install that comes with a lifetime warranty, plus a five-year labor warranty on the installation.

When the crew shows up, The Toilet Experts will have everything onboard the truck they need to diagnose the problem, quote the job and finish the work. Your toilet will be installed to spec and will be left ready to perform perfectly. Any repairs — from rusted tank bolts to damaged flanges and broken shutoff valves — are left expertly resolved.

The Toilet Experts specialize in the installation of ADA-compliant, chair-height toilets for people experiencing back problems, recovering from surgery or encountering the everyday problems of growing older. Such projects make up about 95% of the company’s business.

A new toilet would usually cost $499 installed, but The Toilet Experts are currently offering that

By virtue of extensive, specialized experience, The Toilet Experts are the preferred choice for any toilet installation, repair or maintenance project where optimized comfort and performance are sought.

Complimentary disposal is offered with every new toilet installation.

The Toilet Experts are located at 43640 Elizabeth Road in Clinton Township, and they’re opening a second location at 32 Mile and Rochester roads in Addison Township.

To schedule an installation or service, call (586) 745-1100. For more information, go to thetoiletexperts.com.

Livernois

from page 3A

culture of respect that we have built will continue, and I am confident that WCS will remain strong, especially since we have an extraordinary Board of Education.”

Warren Consolidated Schools Board of Education President Susan Trombley described Livernois as “an incredibly stable force in our community.”

In the news release, she commended his leadership through several challenges, including the 2008 recession, declines in state funding, facility reconfigurations, curriculum and technology infrastructure upgrades, and the COVID-19 pandemic.

“It is difficult to quantify what he has meant to our district given his steadfast devotion to the students, staff, and the community at large,” Trombley said.

Livernois didn’t plan on becoming an educator. When he graduated from South Lake High School in 1984, he enrolled in college as an economics major and took a side job as a tutor to earn money.

When a family friend noticed how well he related to the students he was tutoring, it was suggested that he consider becoming a teacher. The idea stuck, and soon Livernois switched majors to pursue education.

In 1988, he started out in the classroom as a substitute teacher. His first teaching position was at a school in which he was very familiar: his alma mater, South Lake High School, in St. Clair Shores.

At South Lake, Livernois taught English, speech and drama for 10 years. While he loved the classroom, he also had the desire to work in administration. By 1998,

he was impacting students in a different way — as the assistant principal at Warren Woods Tower High School.

Livernois eventually became principal at the high school and then moved on to become the director of curriculum for Warren Woods Public Schools. In 2005, he became the district’s top administrator when he was appointed superintendent. Three years later, in 2008, the longtime educator was named superintendent of the Warren Consolidated Schools district.

Livernois said in his retirement he will pursue education consulting and continue teaching part time at the university level while spending more time with his wife, Jeanne, and their family.

“Part of the reason I want to retire and move on is I want to have the opportunity to pay it forward (with) a lot of what I’ve learned in the profession,” he said in a follow-up interview.

As a veteran superintendent, Livernois would like to share his knowledge with administrators just starting out.

He said the most challenging part of being the Warren Consolidated Schools superintendent was that “the rules for how we operate are constantly changing by the state or federal government.”

“The policymakers are constantly changing funding, what we’re supposed to be teaching in school,” he said, adding it is sometimes “a political football.”

He’s proud, however, that the district continued the learning process for students despite some of the challenges.

“On the student front, I’m so proud of how many opportunities we have been able to maintain and grow for our kids,” he said. “Despite all the obstacles, whether it’s fund-

ing, the (COVID-19) pandemic, we didn’t cut fine arts, every student has a computer.”

He is also grateful for the dedicated staff members.

“I’ve had the privilege of working with some incredibly talented people who have carried the load of educating kids,” he said.

“It’s been an extraordinary, fulfilling career.”

The Board of Education plans meet to discuss the process for hiring a new superintendent.

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

File photo by Deb Jacques

“My journey with WCS has been incredibly fulfilling and rewarding,” retiring Warren Consolidated Schools Superintendent Robert Livernois said.

ABOVE: Dancers from the Philippine American Community Center of Michigan perform during the Sterling Heights Cultural Exchange March 8 at the Sterling Heights Community Center.

RIGHT: Jesal Creations from Lake Orion displays Indian ethnic wear in the Community Center’s gym.

ABOVE: Dance group Grupi Gjergj Kastrioti represents Albanian culture at the Cultural Exchange. Photos by Patricia O’Blenes

Square

from page 1A

11,900 square feet and able to hold eight commercial businesses. A landscaped plaza would stand between those two retail buildings. In addition, to the west of those buildings would be a 2,450-square-foot outlot that could hold a future standalone restaurant.

The property is in a C-2 planned comparison business district and is also in a traditional mixed-use development node overlay district. Baumgartner Park is to the west, and the Red Run Drain is to the south. The parcel is also home to a former landfill that was retired in the 1960s, according to officials.

“The development really is occurring on the northern half of the site and preserving a great deal of the tree canopy and the green space on the site to the south that runs along the Red Run,” Assistant City Planner Shawn Keenan said.

Before any groundbreaking takes place, the developer must finish a Due Care Plan with the Michigan Department of Environment, Great Lakes and Energy in order to address the landfill issue, officials said.

According to the city’s PowerPoint pre-

sentation, the city “will review the plans for all required mitigation required on-site as part of their Due Care Plan prior to receiving final site plan approval.”

Keenan estimated the development’s investment at $2.7 million plus cleanup costs. Zaid Arabo from ZA Design, the development’s architectural firm, said during the meeting that the new plan is “quite a lot smaller than before,” adding there is “a lot less impact on traffic.”

Arabo said Sterling Square would work with EGLE on the environmental issues and, should the site cleanup take place, prevent any potential odors.

However, he added that the projected cleanup costs, which haven’t been finalized yet, could influence the ultimate decision on whether to break ground.

“If this site ends up being extremely expensive to clean, that’s it — that’s the end of it. It’s finished,” he said.

Planning Commission Chair Pashko Ujkic asked if there were any eventual plans for the rear of the property.

“One day down the line, maybe two years from now, if the budget is there and the owner is willing, we may come back to see if we can revisit the back,” Arabo said.

According to Keenan, the developer

hopes to start construction on the project this May and complete it by November, so long as everything goes well with the environmental issues and cleanup.

Learn more about the Sterling Heights Planning Commission by visiting sterlingheights.gov and typing “Planning Commission” in the search bar.

Image provided by the city of Sterling Heights This conceptual rendering depicts the retail buildings that Sterling Square LLC wants to construct along 15 Mile Road, west of Schoenherr Road, in Sterling Heights.

DeCook

from page 3A

variety of different art styles at the Community Center, and she described how it feels to display a sampling of her dozens of finished paintings and artwork.

“I just never displayed it anywhere, and now l’m getting my chance,” she said.

DeCook said she grew up loving art and remembers taking art classes as a child.

“I never stopped creating,” she said. “I grew up in a very creative house. My mom designed clothes for drag queens and musicians when I was a kid.”

DeCook said she continued her creative pursuits as an adult by drawing, painting and doing performance art with Noir Leather in Royal Oak.

Novel

from page 8A

“I selfishly want him to write a whole book about her,” she said.

Templar said the influences and inspirations for his writing come from all over, including real life.

“Sometimes they come into my mind even when I’m falling asleep,” he said. “I’ll think of something, and I’ll write it down or on my phone.”

He encouraged new writers to read and study lots of books, and then “learn as you go.”

“Keep reading and just keep writing,” he said. “Your first draft, it’s probably not going to be the best, so keep typing away. … Just get your first draft out there. You’ll have plenty of time to polish it later. As long as you keep coming back to it, it’ll happen.”

Templar recently entered his novel into a contest, The Wishing Shelf Book Awards.

But when the COVID-19 pandemic started in 2020, she said she had more time to work on art, experiment and try something new: fluid art.

As a form of abstract art, the painting process while making fluid art often takes on a path of its own. While DeCook picks the colors, the applied paint is often allowed to spread on the canvas in unpredictable ways.

DeCook said she discovered and learned about fluid art through YouTube tutorials. She said that while not everyone picks up the style easily, she “took to it right away the first time I followed their instructions” and then developed her own style.

“I started making my own paint mixes and experimented with the viscosities,” she said.

She explained that fluid art is more than pouring paint on a canvas and having it make

He said he found out about the contest a few months ago, adding that it’s run by a UK organization that’s geared toward indie authors. He said he entered it for a chance at publicity — and learned a few weeks ago that he has became a finalist.

“Part of it is being able to say that you won it,” he said. “Honestly, that’s what I’m looking for.”

Templar said he hasn’t done much marketing for “Memoirs of a Lyrical Man,” aside from some TikTok videos and Facebook ads, though he said authors tend to get more popular once they have more books under their belt. He said his second book should be coming out by late spring or early summer.

“I wrote it much faster than the first one,” he said.

Learn more about “Memoirs of a Lyrical Man,” by Steven Templar, by visiting amazon.com/Memoirs-Lyrical-Man-Tapestry-Time/dp/B0CLV1YT13, or by visiting amazon.com and typing “Memoirs of a Lyrical Man” in the search bar.

C & G Newspapers publishes 21 papers in Macomb, Oakland and Wayne counties:

Birmingham-Bloomfield Eagle • Farmington Press • Fraser-Clinton Township Chronicle • Grosse Pointe Times • Macomb Township Chronicle Madison-Park News • Mount Clemens-Clinton-Harrison Township Journal • Novi Note • Rochester Post Roseville-Eastpointe Eastsider Royal Oak Review • Shelby-Utica News • Southfield Sun • St. Clair Shores Sentinel • Sterling Heights Sentry Troy Times • Warren Weekly West Bloomfield Beacon • Woodward Talk • C & G Special Edition (Grosse Pointe/Macomb Co.) • C & G Special Edition (Oakland Co.)

Editor: Annie Bates | (586) 498-1071 |

Reporter: Eric Czarnik | (586) 498-1058 | eczarnik@candgnews.com

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Classifieds: For ad rates (586) 498-8100

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Automotive Advertising:

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random patterns. She said she sometimes uses different tools to control the overall composition, such as taking a palette knife and dragging it along the canvas.

She also said her paintings’ vibe can differ based on the colors used and her overall feelings. Some paintings are darker, some are brighter and others are black and white, she said.

Part of the vibe comes also from any surrounding music, such as punk, rockabilly and industrial, she explained.

“When I look at a painting and it’s finally done, it’s just got a certain beauty to it,” she said. “It’s all a mood thing, as well as the music I’m listening to.”

Besides fluid art, DeCook said she also makes mixed-media art and pop art that is inspired by TV, music, movies or books. As she moves ahead in her art journey, she said she is

getting an art website set up.

“Ideally, I would like a space where I could sell my art,” she said. “Right now this is just a great opportunity to get my art out there.”

Jeanne Schabath-Lewis, from the Sterling Heights Arts Commission, said fluid art is a trend that she wanted to showcase and maybe even help arrange a class for in the future.

“It’s a very popular medium right now,” she said. “We thought it’d be great to give the public something that they can appreciate, enjoy.”

Find out more about artist Darla DeCook by visiting facebook.com/toomanydecooks or instagram.com/toomanydecooks. Learn more about the Sterling Heights Featured Artist Program by visiting sterlingheights.gov and typing “Featured Artist Program” in the search bar, or calling (586) 446-2489.

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.

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

Specialty Medical Center: Now accepting new patients

Specialty Medical Center, a leader in regenerative medicine, ofers innovative treatments for individuals sufering from severe injuries and chronic illnesses.

“Our board-certifed physicians and surgeons are at the forefront of using the most advanced biomedical techniques to improve patient health,” said Medical Director David Fernandez, M.D., who is also an orthopedic surgeon.

“What distinguishes us is our status as the largest regenerative clinic in Michigan, focusing on the body’s natural healing mechanisms to repair damaged tissues and enhance overall patient health and quality of life. Most importantly, our patient-frst philosophy truly sets us apart.”

Services include artifcial cervical disc replacements, lumbar disc treatments and non-surgical alternatives like platelet-rich plasma (PRP) injections.

Dr. Fernandez and his staf prioritize non-surgical treatment when possible to facilitate recovery with less down time.

Comprehensive care oferings extend to urgent and virtual care, fu shots, vaccinations, TB screening, drug screening, orthopedic consultations, chronic pain treatment and more.

Advanced techniques like spinal cord stimulation (SCS) ofer relief for conditions such as diabetic neuropathy and

post-trauma nerve pain. This approach blocks pain signals to the brain, ensuring motor activity remains unafected.

“At the center, we’re all about tackling pain without relying too much on medications,” Dr. Fernandez explained. “We’ve got this whole team approach that really focuses on getting you back to your life, pain meds aside.”

Combining therapy services and the support of midlevel providers, like physician assistants, the center creates a personalized pain management program aimed at making a real diference in a patient’s life.

“Seeing patients overcome pain and improve is the most rewarding part of our work,” continued Dr. Fernandez, who personally benefted from the center’s treatments. “I had my own right knee injected due to meniscus issues last fall, and now my pain is completely gone.”

Underscoring Specialty Medical Center’s high standard of care and patient satisfaction, the center maintains a 4.8-star rating on Google.

One patient shared, “After a car accident in 2023, I found solace at this pain management center. The staf’s kindness and professionalism made my visits comfortable. The doctors’ expertise and care signifcantly improved my recovery journey.

I am grateful for their support in managing my pain efectively.”

Another patient highlighted the innovative treatments available: “The best pain treatment I’ve received was at Specialty Medical Center … it changed my pain level drastically!”

Yet another posted, “I did not know what regenerative medicine was until I went here for my knee pain. They ofered me stem cell therapy with PRP. I have had two treatments so far and it’s doing really well.”

With two convenient locations, Specialty Medical Center accepts most insurance plans, including TRICARE for veterans, as well as self-pay options for those not using insurance.

“We are in the unique position to ofer care to patients involved in auto accidents as well, despite the challenges those cases can present,” said Dr. Fernandez.

Hours of operation are Monday through Friday from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Sterling Heights: 5456 15 Mile Rd., Suite 101, (586) 666-2407

Dearborn: 13530 Michigan Ave., Suite 110, (313) 572-0810 Visit specialtymc.com for more information or to schedule an appointment.

Swimming

from page 18A

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.

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.”

Call Staff Writer Mary Beth Almond at (586) 498-1060.

CRIME WATCH

Shoplifter cited for skipping self-checkout scans

On March 1, police went to the Walmart near Van Dyke Avenue and 14 Mile Road after hearing that staff had detained a shoplifting suspect. Staff said the suspect did not scan multiple items at the self-checkout and then tried to leave with unpaid merchandise. The stolen items, estimated at $70.11, were recovered, and police reportedly cited the suspect for third-degree retail fraud.

Couple spotted having sex outside crowded restaurant

Police reportedly investigated an indecent exposure case the evening of March 1 when they approached a parked vehicle – in which two people were allegedly having sexual intercourse — outside a “heavily populated” restaurant in the 44000 block of Mound Road the evening of March 1.

Police reportedly ordered the couple to put on their clothes and step outside the vehicle. Police reportedly issued case slips, parents were informed, and the individuals were released.

Woman bangs on vehicle window

Police were told March 2 that a woman was banging on the window of a gray Ford Bronco while the reporting caller was sitting inside it with a coworker. The woman who

allegedly hit the vehicle window was reportedly the coworker’s girlfriend. Police said the vehicle, which was parked in the 33000 block of Mound Road, was not damaged, and police took no further action.

Passports reported stolen

Police investigated the reported theft of two passports from a resident’s dresser in the 42000 block of Ryan Road. Police said the theft apparently happened sometime between Feb. 9 and March 1, though police added that the reported victim could not ascertain who was responsible.

Police investigate car wash dispute

Police were called to a car wash in the 34000 block of Van Dyke Avenue March 2 upon hearing that a male customer was complaining about the business not returning his money.

Police said the customer, who had a gray Chevrolet Traverse, was “refusing to leave” and was blocking lanes at the car wash. But the matter was reportedly resolved between the customer and manager, and then the customer departed, police added.

Anyone who has more information about these events or general suspicious happenings is encouraged to call the Sterling Heights Police Department at (586) 446-2800.

— Eric Czarnik

CITY OF STERLING HEIGHTS

NOTICE TO DESTROY NOXIOUS WEEDS

PLEASE TAKE NOTICE that it shall be the duty of all owners, agents or occupants of any lands within the City of Sterling Heights on which noxious weeds are found growing to destroy and eradicate such noxious weeds in accordance with City Ordinance 424 and Act 359 of the Public Acts of 1941 on or before

MAY 1, 2024

The method of treating and eradicating such noxious weeds shall be to cut and destroy or cause to be cut and destroyed.

City Ordinance 424 and Section 4 of Act 359 of the Public Acts of 1941, as amended, provides that it is the duty of all owners of lands on which noxious weeds are found growing, to destroy the same before they reach a seed bearing stage and to prevent such weeds from perpetuating themselves and to prevent such weeds from becoming a detriment to public health. It further provides that if this notice is not complied with the City of Sterling Heights will enter upon such lands and destroy such noxious weeds or cause the same to be destroyed and any expense incurred in such destruction shall be paid by the owner or owners of such lands to the City of Sterling Heights and further provides that the City of Sterling Heights shall have a lien against such lands for aforesaid expenses and that these liens shall be enforced in the manner now provided by law for the enforcement of mechanic’s liens and further provides that this law is applicable to subdivided land in which buildings have been erected on sixty percent of the lots included in that subdivision and further provides that this law is applicable to all improved streets, in common usage, for a depth of ten rods or the depth of the lots, whichever is lesser and further provides the City may enter upon such lands, destroy such weeds or cause the same to be destroyed, and all expenses incurred in such destruction shall be paid by the owner or owners of such subdivided lands and that the City shall have a lien upon such lands for such expenses, such lien to be enforced in the manner prescribed in any charter,

The statute

Published: Sterling Heights Sentry 03/20/2024

STERLING HEIGHTS PLANNING COMMISSION

AGENDA FOR WEDNESDAY, APRIL 10, 2024

MEETING TO BE HELD AT STERLING HEIGHTS CITY HALL

40555 UTICA ROAD

7:00 P.M.

AGENDA ITEMS:

1. CALL TO ORDER

2. PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE

3. ROLL CALL

4. APPROVAL OF AGENDA

5. CONSIDERATIONS

A. PSP24-0007– Sidecar Slider Bar - Nuisance Mitigation Plan

Requesting board approval for a nuisance mitigation plan for an outdoor patio service area in a C-2 Planned Comparison District.

Property Address: 44935 Hayes Road

Location: West side of Hayed Road, south of Hall Road

Current Zoning: C-2 Planned Comparison District

B. PPCM-1311 – PMS Diversifed Construction Services, LLC

Request for a special approval land use which would allow storage containers as an accessory use for storage incidental to the primary use in an M-1 Light Industrial District.

Property Address: 42374 Mound Road

Location: East side of Mound Road, north of 18 ½ Mile Road

Current Zoning: M-1 Light Industrial District

C. PZ24-0001 – Jaafar Chehab

Request for an amendment to a previously approved conditional rezoning agreement to allow for a restaurant use with no drive-through service in the C-1 Local Convenience District.

Property Address: 13903 Nineteen Mile Road

Location: North side of Nineteen Mile Road, east of Schoenherr Road

Current Zoning: C-1 Local Convenience Business District and Traditional Mixed-Use Development Node Overlay District

D. PPUD24-0001 – ICON PARK

Request for a Planned Unit Development which if granted would allow for fve four story multiple-family residential buildings containing one hundred and ninety (190) units within an existing C-3 General Business District and P-1 Parking District.

Property Address: 33143, 33111, 33079, 33047 Mound Road and 5677, 5683, 5705 Fourteen Mile Road

Location: North side of Fourteen Mile Road, west side of Mound Road

Current Zoning: C-3 General Business District and P-1 Parking District

6. APPROVAL OF MINUTES

A. March 13, 2024

7. CORRESPONDENCE

8. OLD BUSINESS

9. NEW BUSINESS

A. Master Land Use Plan Update

10. CITIZEN PARTICIPATION

11. ADJOURNMENT

NEXT MEETING DATE: May 8, 2024

Jake Parcell, PhD

City Planner and City Development Manager

THE CITY OF STERLING HEIGHTS WILL PROVIDE NECESSARY REASONABLE AUXILIARY AIDS AND SERVICES TO

INDIVIDUALS WITH DISABILITIES AT THE MEETING UPON SEVEN DAYS NOTICE TO THE COMMUNITY RELATIONS

By Order of City Council

0147-2412

OFFICE AT 586-446-2470.

Published: Sterling Heights Sentry 03/20/2024

0444-2412

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.

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SERVICES DrainageSystem Professionals New-Construction, Yard-Drainage,Grading, Sod/Seed,Retaining Walls/Walkways/Patios, Senior/Military-Discounts Credit-Cards-Accepted Free-Estimates 586-719-1202

DOLL'S LANDSCAPING SPRINGCLEAN-UPS! Shrub&Tree-Trimming, Planting,Removal.Mulch,

APRIL 18

Senior expo: Meet experts about medicare, assisted and independent living, mobility solutions, veterans benefits, travel, financial planning and more, plus free admission, health screenings, refreshments, prizes and giveaways, 10 a.m.-1 p.m., Century Banquet Center, 33204 Maple Lane in Sterling Heights, seniorexpousa.com

APRIL 20

Board Gaming Meet Up: Free event for ages 14 and older, 10:30 a.m.-4:30 p.m., Sterling Heights Public Library, 40255 Dodge Park Road, (586) 446-2665

ONGOING

Meet Easter Bunny: Daily photos until March 30, also pet photos March 25, Lakeside Mall, 14000 Lakeside Circle in Sterling Heights, see times and make reservations at shop-lakesidemall.com

2665 APRIL 12-14

Coin show: Presented by Michigan State Numismatic Society, 10

SPRING’S IN THE AIR

passenger window shattering it but leaving it intact and proceeded to yell profanities at him. The victim stated he got scared and drove away.

The other driver chased him in the parking lot of a strip mall. The two vehicles began doing donuts where they collided with each other, and the second vehicle left the scene. The victim was not injured but still shaken. He did not get any identifying details of the other vehicle.

Intoxicated woman tries to buy booze at market

STERLING HEIGHTS — Police went to a supermarket Feb. 16 in the 2000 block of 18 Mile Road, near Dequindre Road, after hearing that an intoxicated woman allegedly had entered the store and attempted to purchase alcohol. Store staff reportedly declined and alerted police.

was not involved in the incident but got caught in the crossfire.

Puppy rescued from abusive situation

EASTPOINTE

The

a

also yanked the puppy upward, launching the

feet in the air while pulling on its neck, slamming it back down into the cement. In addition, he reportedly slapped the puppy so hard on its back that both the impact and the dog yelping could be heard on the video.

Two animal control officers conducted a follow-up investigation, locating both the suspect and the puppy and taking the latter into protective custody. The city attorney was reviewing the case and might press charges against the suspect. Investigations were ongoing.

Road rage incident reported ST. CLAIR SHORES — At 6:57 p.m. on Feb. 15, a report was made about a traffic crash at Harper Avenue and 13 Mile Road.

Upon arrival, the officer met with the victim, a 21-year-old man. The man stated he was exiting a business during a heavy traffic time and tried to turn south onto Harper. Other vehicles were reportedly allowing him through, but a black vehicle traveling north on Harper nearly collided with him. Gestures were exchanged between both drivers, and they pulled over into another business’s parking lot. The man stated the unknown suspect punched his

Police said they spoke to the woman and noted that she had slurred speech and difficulty moving without holding onto a shopping cart. Police reportedly couldn’t successfully do a preliminary breath test, so they took the woman to the hospital.

Detergent thieves make clean getaways

GROSSE POINTE WOODS/CITY — An unknown suspect is said to have stolen at least four containers of Tide Pods — valued at a total of $133 — from a CVS store in the 20400 block of Mack Avenue in Grosse Pointe Woods at around 1:17 p.m. March 3. A police report states that the suspect, a woman about 50 years old, was confronted by an employee and asked to show