3/6/24 Warren Weekly

Panelists discuss Macomb County’s economic future

BY MARIA ALLARD allard@candgnews.com

WARREN — Although inflation has decreased in recent months, “I don’t know if we’re out of the woods,” said Thomas Alongi, a partner with the UHY accounting firm, in Sterling Heights.

“Everything you touch, everywhere you go, prices are up 10% or 20% on everything,” Alongi said. “It’s come down, but maybe the damage has been done. We’ll see if we are able to keep that in check with fiscal spending.”

According to the website usinflationcalculator.com, inflation was at 6.5% in 2022 and 3.4% in 2023.

Alongi was among the panelists who spoke to business leaders, manufacturing employees and school officials at the 2024 Macomb County Economic Forecast, held Feb. 23 on the South Campus of Macomb Community College.

The panel also included Ahmad Ezzeddine, vice president for Academic Student Affairs and Global Engagement at Wayne State University; Brian Parthum, an economist with the Southeast Michigan Council of Governments; and Vicky Rowinski, director of Macomb County’s Department of Planning & Economic Development.

Through PowerPoint presentations displayed on two large screens, the panelists shared their knowledge and research. Much of the discussion centered on Macomb

See FUTURE on page 11A

SPORTS FRIENDSHIP SPARKS UNFORGETTABLE SEASON FOR MOTT WRESTLING

BY JONATHAN SZCZEPANIAK jszczepaniak@candgnews.com

WARREN — Who knew a picture of seven freshmen from a team banquet would last a lifetime in the history of Warren Mott wrestling?

The 2020-2021 Michigan High School Athletic Association wrestling season was abnormal to say the least with COVID-19 contact tracing at the top of every coach’s mind, figuring out how to keep their wrestlers safe while

still active at the same time.

For Mott, it would be the final season of longtime head coach Paul Salyers running the show, who has since joined on as an assistant coach, and the ushering in of now third-year head coach Nolan McPartlin.

Call it intuition or just some sense of knowing talent when you see it, but the team’s finals banquet for the 2020-2021 season featured a photo of seven freshmen: Keaton Godfryd, Jude Kaptur, Paul Khamo, Tristian Perdue-

See MOTT on page 7A

Warren Mott wrestling celebrates its first-ever regional championship title on Feb. 14 at Fraser High School.

Photo provided by Mott wrestling

Demonstrators urge James to support aid package for Ukraine

BY GENA JOHNSON gjohnson@candgnews.com

WARREN — Ukrainian Americans demonstrated in front of the Warren office of U.S Rep. John James twice on Feb. 26, demanding immediate action to aid Ukraine in the war against Russia.

Children, adults and senior citizens were among the nearly 40 people in attendance who carried signs, Ukrainian flags and American flags at the second demonstration of the day along Van Dyke Avenue north of 12 Mile Road, at 3 p.m. The group called on James, R-Shelby Township, who was not

present, to support a proposed military and economic aid package for Ukraine and encourage his fellow Republican colleague, House Speaker Mike Johnson, to bring the bill to the floor for a vote.

A $95 million package, approved by the Senate in February, remained stalled in the House at press time amid a broader political battle that included calls to secure the southern U.S. border.

Larysa Blysniuk, a member of the southeast Michigan Ukrainian community, said the bill has been delayed since November.

“It (the demonstration) turned out great.

See UKRAINE on page 20A

Building community, one coffee cup at a time

MEET MICHAEL

HOWARD

BY GENA JOHNSON gjohnson@candgnews.com

WARREN — Warren resident Michael Howard has been actively involved in the community for nearly a decade, hosting block parties, founding Warren’s first Juneteenth celebration, running for City Council — and now organizing monthly community coffee nights.

“When I ran for City Council District 2, I knocked on thousands of doors and then continued to help candidates after I lost my primary to help them get elected,” Howard said. “I would say the No. 1 thing that residents identified was a lack of sense of community, a lack of togetherness.”

The former barista is fusing this disconnect with coffee as an icebreaker, to help unite the community.

“Coffee a lot of times is the first date or a quick business meeting because you don’t know if you want to go to dinner with this person, but you can at least get a cup of coffee with them,” Howard said. “It’s such a low barrier of entry, it drops everyone’s walls.”

The coffee nights have attracted a diverse group of people, according to Howard. There have been people of all ages, races and cultures in attendance, as well as longtime Warren residents, newcomers and nonresidents, elected officials, people who knew Howard, and those who did not, all gathering and talking about the community.

The monthly events have grown since his first coffee night in November.

“The first one, I was anticipating five people,” Howard said, “I was going to be really excited if seven people showed up. We had 21 people that showed up that night.”

Being a change agent in the community is Howard’s goal.

“My life’s mission is to cultivate community and catalyze change,” said Howard. “My decision is that anything that falls

See HOWARD on page 16A

Ukrainian Americans demonstrate along Van Dyke Avenue in Warren on Feb. 26.

Photo by Patricia O’Blenes

received a $500 grant

Beer student wins art contest, has cartoon panel published SCHOOL

MARIA ALLARD allard@candgnews.com

WARREN — For comic strip fans, there’s a new artist in town.

Beer Middle School eighth grade student Nasra Abdullah is the talent behind a new cartoon panel currently featured in digital format. Beer is part of the Warren Consolidated Schools district.

Abdullah was a winner in the Meemic Foundation Club’s Masterpieces annual student art contest. She is one of 50 student winners in Michigan, and all their original artwork was published in the Foundation’s digital Friendship Edition Comic Book, released Feb. 29. The Meemic Foundation Club is nonprofit.

On the morning of Feb. 28 at school, Abdullah was recognized by Principal Xavier Whitacre, sponsoring teacher Sarah Kama and Rick Pinkos, managing director of the Meemic Foundation’s Randahl Agency, which has offices in Warren, Sterling Heights and Birmingham. Pinkos presented her with a certification and a writing tablet.

“We’re just so happy to have a winner,” Pinkos said.

“It was totally unexpected,” Abdullah said.

This year’s contest theme was “What Makes a Good Friend?” When creating her piece, Abdullah’s inspiration came from her two closest friends.

“I drew everything from scratch,” said

Photos by Patricia O’Blenes

Beer Middle School eighth grader Nasra Abdullah, left, was the winner in this year’s Meemic Masterpieces Art Contest, coordinated by Meemic Foundation’s Randahl Agency. Pictured with her are the sponsoring teacher Sarah Kama, center, and Rick Pinkos, managing director of the Meemic Foundation’s Randahl Agency. Beer

from the foundation.

Nasra Abdullah’s winning cartoon panel is featured with the other state winners in the Meemic Foundation Club’s digital Friendship Edition Comic Book.

Tower improves, dominates districts behind talented veterans SPORTS

BY JONATHAN SZCZEPANIAK jszczepaniak@candgnews.com

WARREN — It’s been a story of progression this season for Warren Woods Tower boys wrestling, but the journey is far from over.

The Titans have been anchored to the bottom of the Macomb Area Conference Red since their league title in 2020, but head coach Greg Mayer and his guys came into this year motivated and looking like a whole new team.

Behind a talented, veteran group of juniors and seniors, Tower catapulted to second in the league and earned second in the MAC Red/White Tournament on Feb. 3 at Utica Ford II High School.

A week later, Tower took districts by storm on both the team and individual side, defeating St. Clair Shores Lake Shore and Warren De La Salle by a combined 119-38 to capture a team district championship.

On the individual side, 12 Titans qualified for regionals as junior Amari Richardson, junior Joshua Golding, senior Daniel Staniszewski, and junior Dominic Gumtow all earned district titles on Feb. 11 at Lake Shore Fieldhouse.

Senior Kyle Daniel, senior Xavier Brooks, senior Vincent Provo, senior Anthony Kazdaglis, junior Aidan Ede, sophomore Jakari Richardson, sophomore Foley Kedzior, and freshman Luke Milunovich all qualified for regionals. Brooks, who never wrestled until his freshman year and entered the program at 215 pounds, has since wrestled in the 150-pound weight class, earning back-to-back third-place finishes at districts.

Mayer said Brooks is one of many who embrace the work ethic of Tower wrestling, and is seeing results because of it.

“This group in particular, they worked hard,” Mayer said. “That’s always a key component of it. They did things we asked of them to do, and as a result a lot of them improved and found the success they were looking for.”

Tower would rattle off a win in the regional semifinals before falling to Bloomfield Hills Brother Rice in the regional finals.

While the Titans season ended as a team, Gumtow and Staniszewski’s regional championship win on Feb. 17 at Tower High School punched their ticket to the Michigan High School Athletic Association Division 2 individual state finals on March 1 at Ford Field.

Alongside Gumtow and Staniszewski, Amari Richardson, Golding, and Daniel all kept their season alive with a top-four finish to qualify for states.

Staniszewski was a force at the 113-pound weight class last year, winning districts and qualifying for states.

Heading into this season, Staniszewski made the switch to the 106-pound weight class and was dominant with a 34-6 record.

It’s a difficult cut to keep up with, but Staniszewski said he only needs two things to make it happen.

“Just a few layers of clothes and a good practice partner,” Staniszewski said. “I always like a good practice partner. Me and Dominic Gumtow go at it every day. He always keeps me on a good pace throughout practice.”

Gumtow, who held a 41-2 record in the

120-weight class, is about as ideal a practice partner as one could find.

Staniszewski has been the senior leader you want at the forefront of the team, and his weight cut is only a fraction of what he brings to the table.

Going through it himself, Staniszewski said he’s able to serve as a mentor for the younger wrestlers tending to the same issue.

“A few other guys, they’re kind of having some harsh cuts,” Staniszewski said. “I got to kind of talk to them more like a brother talk than anything else.

Photos provided by Warren Woods Tower wrestling

LEFT: Warren Woods Tower senior Anthony Kazdaglis controls an opponent during a match. RIGHT: Warren Woods Tower junior

Joshua Golding gets his arm raised after a victory.

Mott

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Daniels, James Robinson, Adil Salam and Kiet Tran.

Now the veteran leaders and with multiple individual district and regional championship titles to the group’s name, their friendship that started long before wrestling has blossomed into a history-making season for the Marauders. The Marauders have also won the Macomb Area White Conference and the district championship in eight of the last nine years.

“The bond between us is very strong,” Perdue-Daniels said. “I feel like I could not see the guys in 20 years and we could still pick up right where we left off. The friendship that we have is very unique. We can go from being best friends one second but when we need someone to kick us in the butt, they’re there for us.”

Behind their seven four-year seniors, the Marauders won the school’s first-ever regional championship, defeating Warren Cousino and Berkley in districts and Dearborn Fordson and Fraser in regionals before falling to Detroit Catholic Central in the state finals on Feb. 23 at the Wings Event Center in Kalamazoo.

The Marauders notched a close 3735 win over Fraser as a Perdue-Daniels pin sealed the deal on the regional title and a win against a Fraser team in their own gym.

“We knew we were the better team,” Salam said. “We knew that going out there, but we just had to get the job done. The atmosphere in that gym was ecstatic. We had a lot of our people with parents, coaches, and former alumni from our school over at Fraser cheering us on. The entire gym was loud.”

Perdue-Daniels, Robinson, and Kaptur were no strangers to wrestling, holding experience in the sport before joining the varsity

Tower

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We’re in the same spot. We’re all here. We all bleed, sweat, and cry in the same room. We all understand what we’re going through.”

The selfless mindset has really been the catalyst for the Titans this year with the junior and senior group being one the underclassmen can look up to.

While wrestling is a matter of one player going head-to-head with another, Gumtow said the team’s success has been courtesy of the guys embracing a more selfless mentality.

“People just decided to put more work in instead of slacking off when we’re doing

program.

For Salam, Khamo, Godfryd and Tran, it was an opportunity to spend time with friends while giving the sport a try, although some of them will willingly admit they thought there was no chance they’d make it this far.

Now senior veterans and four-year varsity wrestlers, they’re the ones holding the mentor role for the underclassmen looking to be mainstays in the program.

“It’s a big point of pride when I can look back and reflect on myself when I was maybe a freshman to a sophomore and I was looking up to the older guys and the seniors,” Godfryd said. “Now I’m that older guy and I can rub some of my knowledge off or things I wish I knew when I was younger on some of these younger guys.”

what we’re supposed to be doing,” Gumtow said. “Our team connected more together instead of just trying to wrestle one-on-one instead of as a team.”

The seniors have set the pieces in place for the junior class to pick up right where they left off, and the Titans also expect their two sophomore sensations to only progress.

Kedzior and Jakari Richardson made a name for themselves this season, and Kedzior arguably would have competed for the district title if he didn’t run into Gumtow in the semifinals, but Mayer said he expects both wrestlers to be impact pieces moving forward.

“Those are two young guys that are really starting to find themselves,” Mayer said. “I think with a good summer, they’re going

ing at the junior varsity level last year, and Ethan Drozdowski, a first-year wrestler last season with a background in karate. Freshman Robbie Deal and sophomore Jullian Reeves were consistent contributors for Mott as well.

McPartlin said the senior class’s role as mentors helped elevate the underclassmen.

“The younger kids see the success that the seniors had this year and how fast they’ve developed, and they ask them, ‘Hey, where did you go over the summer? I want to come too,’” McPartlin said. “I’m hoping that the culture of wrestling and putting the work in the summertime is going to start spreading and become kind of a norm like it is at other schools.”

For Godfryd, he stepped into more of a coaching role this season after being sidelined due to a back injury.

Godfryd has been unable to wrestle, but that hasn’t stopped him from impacting teammates around him.

If there’s anyone the younger wrestler can learn from, a group consisting of three district champions (Perdue-Daniels, Tran, and Khamo) and regional champion in Khamo, and four state finals qualifiers (Tran, Khamo, Salam, and Kaptur) would be ideal mentors.

Junior Cameron Leone, a district champion, and sophomore John Kaminski also qualified for the MHSAA Division 1 individual state finals on March 1 at Ford Field, setting a school record for most state qualifiers in Mott history with six. Senior Mohammed Ahmed was also a key contributor for Mott, compiling a 20-18 record.

Kaminski, a two-time state qualifier, is one of Mott’s many sophomore sensations alongside Shane Stevens, a district champion in the 106-pound weight class after competto emerge.”

The Titans will close out their season on March 2 at the MHSAA Division 2 individual state finals, graduating a healthy number of regional qualifiers.

Junior Gabriel Ouwerkerk, who suffered a knee injury at districts, will be one to look out for from the incoming senior group.

“I was very sad for a while and I wasn’t hanging around as much, but when I got back into the room I got a new perspective,” Godfryd said. “I’m not competing or cutting weight, so I have more time to interact with these guys that are learning like I was.”

It will be a different type of atmosphere after graduating 15 seniors and a slew of experience, but the hope is the mentality of the 2024 class leaves a mark on the underclassmen and soon-to-be seniors.

There’s still one weekend left before the 2024 class bids farewell to an incredible high school career, but Salam said he’s confident the team will pick up right where they left off next year.

“I look at them (the underclassmen), and they’re just like us,” Salam said. “They’re coming back, working hard in the offseason, and they’re always putting in 100% effort. They just remind me of myself and all of us seniors. You can really depend on them.”

Tower will look to build off their league and district success in their 2024-2025 campaign.

“We don’t have a ton of guys with a ton of experience right now, but we do have guys that are willing to work and buy into the message of the program, which is hard work,” Mayer said. “That’s a good thing for us moving forward.”

Photo provided by Mott wrestling Mott senior Paul Khamo controls an opponent during a match this season.

WARREN — Recharge! Reinvent and retool your resume as you reimagine increased earning potential with a new career program March 11-27 at the Gesher Human Services headquarters in Southfield for anyone 45 and older.

Pew Research Center shows that the older workforce has nearly quadrupled in size since the mid-1980s, driven partly by the growth of the 65 and older population. In addition, the earning power of more mature workers has also increased, according to a Gesher Human Services written release.

Recharge! will offer participants the opportunity to reconnect with their skills and interests, refresh their resume, restore belief in themselves — particularly if they are in a middle of life transition — and re-energize their job search process. The program requires registration and a $40 materials fee, although scholarships are available to ensure there is no financial barrier to participating.

“Many mature adults are wanting to stay in the workforce, or even re-enter the workforce, because of financial pressures, and our program can enable them to reimagine their working lives,” said Gesher career counselor Sherrie James. “We focus on an individual’s values and strengths so they can explore new careers they may never even have considered, or simply find a better job in the field they are already in.”

Classes are 10 a.m.-noon Mondays and Wednesdays at the Gesher Human Services Headquarters located at 29699 Southfield Road in Southfield. To register, call (248) 233-4472 or go to the events page at geshermi.org. For more information, contact James sjames@geshermi.org.

WARREN GARDEN CLUB TO HOST MEETING, POTLUCK DINNER AND RAFFLE

WARREN — The Warren Garden Club will meet at 6 p.m. on Wednesday, March 13, in the cafeteria of the Warren Community Center located at 5460 Arden for a potluck dinner supplied by members and a white elephant raffle. Call Linda at (810) 656-6490 for more information.

TELESCOPE VIEWING AT THE CIVIC CENTER LIBRARY

WARREN — Children in kindergarten through fifth grade are invited to view the night sky outdoors using a telescope at 6:30 p.m. on Wednesday, March 6.

The Warren Astronomical Society will present information about space and provide a telescope for safe viewing. Jupiter and the constellation Orion may be seen.

NASA @ My Library participants will receive a free pair of glasses to view the upcoming solar eclipse on April 8.

The program will be held outdoors in front of City Hall east of Van Dyke Avenue and north of 12 Mile Road, on the west side of the building, weather permitting.

Those interested in attending can register online at warrenlibrary.net or by calling (586) 751-0770.

COME FLY WITH ‘PETER PAN’

CLINTON TOWNSHIP — Grab a little pixie dust: It’s time for the Macomb Ballet Company’s premiere of “Peter Pan.” The talented group of dancers will perform the fan favorite at 7 p.m. April 26, at 1 p.m. and 7 p.m. April 27, and 2 p.m. April 28 at the Macomb Center for the Performing Arts Center, 44575 Garfield Road.

The show is for all ages. The cast will have a meet and greet after all four performances. The show is approximately two hours with one 15-minute intermission. Tickets are available online at macombcenter.com, in person at the box office or by phone at (586) 286-2222.

The Macomb Ballet Company is a nonprofit and is subsidized through fundraising, grants, ticket sales, sponsors and donations. Those interested in being a sponsor or making a donation can email info@macombballet.org.

The end of an era: Warren Police Commissioner

William Dwyer is retiring

William Dwyer

WARREN — Warren Police Commissioner William Dwyer will be retiring from his post on April 19.

The commissioner has served a total of 11 years with the Warren Police Department. His first tenure as Warren’s police commissioner ran from 2008 to 2010. He came back to lead the department in 2017 at the request of Warren Mayor Jim Fouts and has held the position since.

Dwyer has spent more than six decades in law enforcement. He started his career with the Detroit Police Department where he served 23 years, seven of which were spent in charge of the department’s narcotics division. In Farmington Hills, he spent 23 years as the police chief.

His commitment to public service also includes eight years as an Oakland County Commissioner.

Dwyer has been a Farmington Hills resident for nearly 40 years and in November won a seat on the Farmington Hills City Council.

Look for more on the commissioner’s retirement at www.candgnews.com and in the next edition of the Warren Weekly.

Closet Tour is open for seniors graduating in 2024 and for juniors graduating in 2025.

All participants must make an appointment ahead of time. To request an appointment, send an email to sparkle. network3@gmail.com. Students will receive a form, which must be completed.

The Prom Closet will be at Macomb Mall from 3 p.m. to 8 p.m. April 12, 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. April 13, and noon to 5 p.m. April 15. Macomb Mall is located at 32233 Gratiot Ave.

ANTI-PFAS SCHOLARSHIP UP FOR GRABS

LANSING — Michigan college students with an eye for science can win a $3,000 scholarship to support a PFAS research project.

PFAS are a collection of chemicals known to cause cancers, liver disease and cardiovascular problems. The Michigan Environmental Council established the AJ Birkbeck Scholarship Fund to continue Birkbeck’s fight against PFAS contamination, in particular his work in forcing Wolverine Worldwide to clean up the PFAS contamination from its tannery in Rockford, Michigan.

Students interested in the scholarship can apply at www.environmentalcouncil.org/aj_birkbeck_scholarship until April 1. Research projects can vary in their nature but must “embody the essence of Birkbeck himself — a collaborator, a strategist, a protector and a mentor,” according to the council’s website.

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County. The Macomb County Chamber Alliance hosted the event.

“Despite all the news we get every year, some of it is not that rosy, there are always great things happening. Things are happening in the county, in the region, they’re happening in the state,” Ezzeddine said. “This is an opportunity for us to see how we can all work together and move on.”

Ezzeddine, who moderated the event, would like to see WSU and MCC collaborate more with local businesses.

“We have great programs that start at Macomb Community College and finish with us,” Ezzeddine said. “Both institutions are very open and interested in partnering with all of you in the room here.”

As a member of UHY’s audit and assurance department, Alongi advises public and private clients regarding their finances and operations. Alongi specified the economy’s success rests on growing and attracting knowledge. Last year, Alongi predicted the economy would be like a rollercoaster, but it ended up more like a merry-go-round.

“The data that we presented showed

a mixed bag,” he said. “It shows how resilient our economy is. We’re really excited we were able to drive through that. How did we make our way through that? The reality is that consumers were resilient. Demand could not be broken. It ties into a strong fiscal spending.

“We have some excess inventories to work off. When I look at ’24 and from what I have seen with our clients, backlogs are strong, releases are strong. We have more job openings than we have individuals,” Alongi said. “The data is showing a kind of return to normalcy this year. Manufacturing, every report I see is that employment is up and opportunities are up.”

Alongi indicated colleges and businesses owners need to come together.

“I want to see more collaboration of industry with the schools and you’re seeing some of it,” Alongi said. “The skills that are needed today will be different than the skills of tomorrow. When I look at 2024, we have more job openings than individuals.”

Parthum, who has studied economic trends in southeast Michigan since 1999, talked about electric vehicles. He said auto manufacturing is “critically important” and advised a dual growth strategy.

“It’s important that we, as economic

developers, continue to help the automotive manufacturing in our region. It’s critically important to help them to continue the rapid change that is happening in the industry,” Parthum said. “At the same time, continue to diversify your economy and leverage those knowledge-based jobs. Professional and technical services, financial activities, management of companies and information. These are jobs that mostly require a bachelor degree or more.”

He also said the county gained 24,000 jobs in the last three years.

“I’m not saying that’s going to continue three years into the future, but it’s really encouraging,” Parthum said. “When I looked at those numbers, what was actually growing were the knowledge-based jobs, information, financial activities, professional services and management of companies all combined added 15,000 to 16,000 jobs of those 24,000 jobs.”

With “some funding through the state of Michigan,” Rowinski said she and her team have been conducting a “talent attraction” campaign in an effort to attract people from out of state to Macomb County.

“We’ve looked at top engineering colleges throughout the country and which of those colleges are actually producing more

engineers, more professional severe degree individuals than there are jobs available in that area,” Rowinski said. “We also pulled together a roundtable with some of our business leaders that represent the aerospace industry.”

Macomb County Executive Mark Hackel, who provided the welcoming remarks, shared his thoughts on Macomb County’s manufacturing future. He said there are 1,600 manufacturing facilities in the county.

“I think our biggest challenge is making sure that we’re providing the talent for these facilities,” Hackel said. “That seems to be the void right now. How do we find people for the jobs that are available in manufacturing.”

“We knew the ‘silver tsunami’ was happening. This is looking at the number of seniors that are hitting retirement age,” Rowinski said. “Our youth, our Gen Xs, our millennials do not meet the number of retirees that are hitting 55 and up age.”

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

13650 E. Eleven Mile Rd. Warren, MI 48089

FURNITURE BANK PUTS

NONPROFIT REPORTS SERIOUS SHORTAGE OF FURNISHINGS

BY K. MICHELLE MORAN kmoran@candgnews.com

METRO DETROIT — Spring — the season of renewal — is a popular time for people to remodel or redecorate their homes.

But what many may not realize is the old dresser or couch they no longer want could make life substantially better for a local family in need.

The nonprofit Furniture Bank of Southeastern Michigan, which provides household basics like beds, dining tables and chairs to vulnerable metro Detroiters who are rebuilding their lives, is facing a serious shortage of furnishings at a time when demand for these items is spiking.

“Donations are down,” said Furniture Bank Board President Wanda Van Haitsma, of Redford. “We have about 180 families waiting for beds and other furniture, and that’s a big number.”

Furniture Bank of Southeastern Michigan Executive Director Robert Boyle, of Grosse Pointe Woods, said that’s three times the number of families waiting for furniture at this time in 2021. At the same time, furniture donations have dropped; Boyle said that in 2022, they went on 4,600 pickups, but in 2023, there were only 3,800 pickups.

“At a time of high inflation, it would seem people would rather sit on their current couch than buy a new one,” Boyle said.

That same high inflation disproportionately hurts people on the lower end of the income spectrum. More than 80% of the people the Furniture Bank serves have incomes of $20,000 or less, and most are families with children.

“Now it’s even more difficult to cover basics like a bed for a child or a dining table to share a meal at,” Boyle said.

The Furniture Bank will collect essential items in good condition from homes across

See FURNITURE BANK on page 13A

ABOVE: Families served by the Furniture Bank are happier and healthier because they have a comfortable place to sleep and have a meal together.

LEFT: Over the last year, the Furniture Bank of Southeastern Michigan has supplied more than 800 children in metro Detroit with beds, including Nehemiah, of Pontiac, who’s thrilled with his. Photos provided by the Furniture Bank of Southeastern Michigan

the student, who studied Disney illustrations to prepare. “The process took so long.”

Abdullah’s colorful drawings touch on bullying and the value of defending your friends.

“It’s important to have friends,” Abdullah said. “You can have allies who understand you and who can help you. You can be yourself with them.”

Kama, Beer’s restorative practice facilitator, was the sponsoring teacher of the art contest. Although Kama doesn’t have Abdullah as a student, the two have bonded through the Where Everyone Belongs (WEB) program, of which Abdullah is a leader.

WEB is a school orientation and transition program designed to make new students comfortable as they adjust to middle school. The program trains eighth grade students as mentors to serve as WEB leaders for the sixth grade and seventh grade students. Kama encouraged Abdullah to enter the contest.

Furniture Bank

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charge a flat fee of $75 to collect any number

essentials from inside the home. Essential items include mattresses, box springs, dressers, end tables, nightstands, coffee tables, sofas/loveseats (excluding reclining sofas and sofa beds), dining/kitchen tables (excluding glass or heavy marble), dining/kitchen chairs (in sets of at least two) and living room chairs. The Furniture Bank will also collect as essentials up to five bags or boxes of smaller housewares, such as towels, pots, pans, silverware, lamps, bedding and other basics; they cannot accept clothing.

Because there’s such a serious need for mattresses and box springs in good condition, the Furniture Bank is currently offering to pick up these items for free, whether they’re inside or outside the house.

For essential items that are structurally damaged, stained, torn or badly worn, they will haul these items away for $100 per item, whether they’re inside or outside of the home.

For fees ranging from $100 to $125 per item, the Furniture Bank will also pick up nonessential items from inside or outside of homes, including desks, bookshelves, armoires, china cabinets, buffets, sofa beds, reclining sofas, entertainment centers and treadmills. Proceeds from fees support the

“She’s always super friendly and has helped me out with new students,” Kama said.

The school also received a $500 grant to be used to fund the school’s Positive Behavioral Interventions and Supports (PBIS) incentives, including outdoor equipment, games and snacks.

Meemic Insurance Agency, the Randahl Agency, was founded 46 years ago by Warren Consolidated Schools teacher Fran Randahl, who has since died. Randahl’s son-in-law, Pinkos, and granddaughter, Aubrey Schram, now run the agency. Meemic offers discounted automobile, home and boat insurance strictly for the educational community.

“Meemic was founded 30 years ago to help schools and teachers enhance their educational practices,” Pinkos said. “They periodically give grants. Teachers have an opportunity to apply for all kinds of funding and grant opportunities. It’s giving back to the educational community.”

To view the winning entries, including Abdullah’s, log onto meemic.com/themeemic-foundation and click on the “recipients” heading.

work of the Furniture Bank and enable them to hire professional movers to safely remove furniture.

“It’s such a great nonprofit,” Van Haitsma said. “We’re providing furniture and beds for people who are trying to get back on their feet.”

In some cases, the people helped by the Furniture Bank are individuals who are moving from a homeless shelter into their own apartment or home. In other cases, they’re people starting over after escaping from an abusive relationship.

Boyle said their clients are excited to leave shelters for their own dwelling — until they realize they were more comfortable in the shelter because, at least there, they had a bed.

“It’s stressful,” Boyle said of sleeping on the floor. “It’s not comfortable. It’s not good for your mental or physical health.”

Boyle said they’re trying to provide people with a stable, dignified life. Studies show there are higher rates of attention deficit disorder and obesity in children who don’t get adequate sleep.

“It’s really important that families get what they need when they need it and they don’t go through any more distress,” Boyle said.

To donate or for more information, visit www.furniture-bank.org or call (248) 332-1300.

Call Staff Writer K. Michelle Moran at (586) 498-1047.

‘Friends’ help students get the job done

BY MARIA ALLARD allard@candgnews.com

WARREN — For 23 years, James Bailey worked as a human resources executive for General Motors Co., where he oversaw 10 automobile plants in three countries with a total of 28,000 employees.

Prior to that, Bailey was employed with IBM and before that he served five years in the U.S. Army, which included two tours in Europe and one in Central America.

Bailey, now retired, volunteers his time talking to others about his experiences. On Feb. 27, Bailey brought his expertise to Lincoln High School for a resume writing workshop.

“I just like to plant a seed. I see this as something they learn and will build on it,” he said. “I want them to get this early in life and build off these principles.”

Bailey talked to a number of students inside the media center about what companies are looking for in potential employees. As one example, he gave advice on how to dress while on the job.

“Men should wear business casual,

STUDENTS on page 22A

Photo by Patricia

On Feb. 27, retired GM human resources executive and Army veteran James Bailey talks to Lincoln High School students about building their resume and their brand.

2019, is set to be demolished. The shuttered factory was the

onto Interstate 696 shortly before Christmas in 2019, and had

Howard

into those two pockets, I’m going to say yes.”

The 30-year-old husband and father of three small children ages 6, 4, and 2 said yes to coming back to Warren soon after he graduated from college in 2015 to work as a domestic missionary with Send Relief, a Southern Baptist church group that refurbished and rebuilt houses that had been damaged by the 2014 flood.

ter of Electro-Plating Services, where the owner, Gary Sayers, had illegally dumped chemicals in a hand-dug pit in the basement, which then leeched into the earth and mixed with groundwater, creating the foul substance.

“If my neighbor has a need, instead of saying, go call so and so, maybe I can be the person to meet that need,” Howard said.

He said he wanted to make an impact in the community, “So be the change you want the world to be.”

Howard calls Warren City Council President Angela Rogensues a great friend and mentor.

“He is fantastic. He is an incredibly hard worker and cares deeply about his community and his neighbors,” said Rogensues. “(He) is ambitious in wanting to solve problems and learn about how to best do that.”

sured the public that the area’s drinking water had not been compromised since the drinking water is channeled through impervious pipes under high pressure from a sealed municipal source. The contaminants were also rolling downhill, toward the highway the business overlooks, and away from homes and businesses. While some of it would’ve gone into the drains on I-696, those drains were vacuumed, and anything that made it downstream to Lake St. Clair would have been heavily diluted by that point.

Still, there remained the mat-

One neighbor he met rebuilding flood-damaged houses complained kids were getting in trouble because they have nothing to do in the summer. Howard partnered with the Fitzgerald Public Schools district and held monthly block parties at Schofield Early Childhood Center for six months. The former college basketball player and native Detroiter then started basketball clinics for kids in Warren and Detroit.

NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING

Mound roads, establish a Juneteenth celebration and ensure fair redistricting.

“Our local park was an absolute dump. I mean that literally. It was mounds of rubble,” Howard said.

When Howard first moved into the neighborhood, he saw there were no nets on the basketball hoops, so he bought nets and put them up. When the nets were torn down, he would put more up.

“When they tore up the basketball courts with no notice to the community it really grinds my gears.” Howard said.

The business was shut down by regulators in November 2016. The order followed a joint inspection between the Madison Heights Fire Department and the state, where they found an estimated 5,000 containers of hazardous waste, hazardous materials and unknown contents, many of them

The park is now rebuilt and is frequented by many residents, according to Howard.

“It’s great to know I had a little bit of an involvement in advocating for that,” Howard said.

from page 3A scheduled

“Those little things have a huge impact,” Howard said.

Case # PSP 22-04

He said he had three top priorities for the changes he wanted to see: to clean up Austin-Dannis Park near Stephens and

Howard spearheaded Warren’s first Juneteenth celebration in front of City Hall in 2023 and is planning another one this year.

He was very concerned about the redistricting process that the city went through in early 2023.

See DEMO on page 13A

“The redistricting process in Warren was a great concern,” Howard said. “I saw very blatantly how our current redistricting violates the Voting Rights Act. How they were going through the redistricting process, it was not done transparently. It was not done openly. It was not done honestly.”

Howard crossed the finish line with two of his three top priorities and credits Warren business owner Loren Papasian for helping him to navigate the coffee night events.

Notice is hereby given that the City Council for the City of Madison Heights will hold a public hearing on May 23rd, 2022 at 7:30 p.m. in the City Council Chambers of the Municipal Building at 300 W. 13 Mile Road, Madison Heights, Michigan 48071 to consider the following special approval request:

“We have similar beliefs as far as helping to make (progress) in the city,” said Papasian.

The applicant, Jesse R. Schmidt, requests Special Approval from City Council under Section 10.332A of the Madison Heights Zoning Ordinance to allow for a painting, varnishing and undercoating shop at 31330 Stephenson Highway, PIN 44-25-02-378-023. The property is zoned M-2, Heavy Industrial.

Howard has more events to come including a job fair, a college fair and a mental health fair. The next coffee night is

The application and any supporting documents can be viewed during regular business hours at the Community and Economic Development Department. In addition, the agenda item can be viewed after 4:00 p.m. on Friday, May 20th, 2022 online at www.madison-heights.org in the Agenda Center.

For further information, please contact the Community and Economic Development Department at (248) 583-0831.

Cheryl Rottmann, CMC City Clerk (248) 583-0826

Published: Madison-Park News 04/27/2022

NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING

Notice is hereby given that the Madison Heights Planning Commission will hold a public hearing on Tuesday, May 17th, 2022 at 5:30 p.m. in City Hall Council Chambers, 300 West Thirteen Mile Road, Madison Heights, Michigan 48071 to consider the following requests:

Rezoning Request No. PRZN 22-0001 by Hudson Madison LLC to rezone three (3) parcels of land described as: 30151 Dequindre Rd. (TM# 44-25-12-28-0027); 30171 Dequindre Rd. (TM# 44-25-12-280-026); and 30183 Dequindre Rd. (TM# 44-25-12-280-025). The request is to rezone the properties from R-2, One-Family Residential, to R-M, Multiple-Family Residential.

Rezoning Request No. PRZN 22-0002 by EWM-Miller Wash, LLC to rezone three (3) parcels of land described as 29022 Stephenson Hwy (TMs: 44-25-11-377-015; 44-25-11-377-016; and 44-25-11-377-019). The request is to rezone the properties from M-1, Light Industrial, to B-3, General Business.

The application and any supporting documents can be viewed during regular business hours at the Community and Economic Development Department. In addition, the agenda item can be viewed after 4:00 p.m. on Friday, May 13th, 2022 online at www.madison-heights.org in the Agenda Center.

For further information, please contact the Community & Economic Development Department at (248) 583-0831 or MattLonnerstater@madison-heights.org

Published: Madison-Park News 04/27/2022

0329-2218

Warren resident Michael Howard meets with residents during a

CLOTHES CLOSET HAS SOMETHING IN STORE FOR

BY MARIA ALLARD allard@candgnews.com

WARREN — The Lincoln High School clothes closet is open for business.

Stocked with gently used clothing, shoes, accessories, personal hygiene products and books, the store — located near the cafeteria — is open during lunch for students.

Donations have come from the public, and all the items are free. Lincoln is part of the Van Dyke Public Schools district. When the clothes closet first opened, it was rather basic looking on the inside and wasn’t attracting many students. So the spacious room underwent a transformation.

“We’ve made it like a showroom so it’s more inviting,” social worker Glynis Dale said. “We want this to be a welcoming place.”

Students in special education teacher John McCabe’s Transition Program run and operate the clothes closet. According to McCabe, the clothing closet was developed prior to the 2019-2020 school year for students in the program. The purpose was to provide a place for families in the district to access clothes and small household items.

Students in the Transition Program are responsible for taking in donations, washing and drying, sorting and sizing before putting clothes out on display. Through this, students are learning vocational readiness skills while also providing a service to their community.

The donated attire has included everything: sneakers, dress slacks, blouses, jeans and evening gowns. Dale said one of the most popular items among the students is hooded sweatshirts. The clothes hang neatly on racks, and shoes are displayed in an organized manner. Adelyna Cruz is one of the students who assists in the clothes closet.

Lincoln High School junior Adelyna Cruz is one of the students who assists in the clothes closet.

Photo by Patricia O’Blenes

Two men charged in fatal crash

BY GENA JOHNSON gjohnson@candgnews.com

WARREN — Two Warren men have been charged following a fatal crash at 10 Mile and Ryan roads on Feb. 25.

Tayasukh Ayman, 20, and Golam Chowdhury, 22, were arraigned by 37th District Court Judge John Chmura on Feb. 29. Both were charged with reckless driving causing death, a felony punishable up to 15 years in prison, and reckless driving causing serious injury, a five-year felony.

At approximately 3:40 p.m. on Feb. 25, Ayman was driving with a passenger in a black Honda Accord traveling north on Ryan through the 10 Mile intersection. A second black Honda Accord was traveling south on Ryan with three occupants in the vehicle. As the driver of the Accord with three occupants attempted to turn left into the parking lot of Tim Hortons on the northeast corner of the intersection, it was struck by the Accord traveling northbound. In the vehicle driven by Ayman, the 53-yearold Warren man in the front passenger seat was dead on the scene and a 25-yearold Warren woman was rushed to a nearby hospital, where she was said to be in critical condition. Ayman sustained injuries as well and was transported to the hospital where he remained at press time.

According to police, Chowdhury was driving in a gray Toyota Camry next to Ayman. Witnesses at the scene reportedly said both Ayman and Chowdhury were driving recklessly and may have been racing.

“Not guilty” pleas were entered on

behalf of both Ayman and Chowdhury. Chmura set bail for both men at $50,000 cash or surety.

Police said Ayman’s driving record shows several previous citations and crashes.

Chowdhury was ordered to appear in court on March 14 for a probable cause hearing.

Neither suspect had a defense attorney listed in court records at press time.

“Here again we see the dangers of reckless driving. One person is dead, and another is critically injured as a result of two drivers making the choice to ignore the posted speed limits and engage in some type of racing which cost an innocent and uninvolved resident their life,” said Warren Police Commissioner William Dwyer. “Now, the drivers involved are facing serious charges for an incident which was completely avoidable. This case should serve as a reminder to all drivers to slow down and obey the rules of the road.”

Man killed in fatal crash at 11 Mile and Groesbeck

The fatal crash at 10 Mile and Ryan was the second in 24 hours in the city of Warren.

On Feb. 24, a 26-year-old man from Macomb Township died after a Ford Escape he was driving hit the curb on Groesbeck Highway south of 11 Mile Road at a high speed.

Police said the man was ejected from the vehicle and that he was the lone occupant.

The man was transported to the hospital where he was later declared dead.

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

SCHOOL BRIEF

LHS student earns scholarship

WARREN — Lincoln High School senior Rashid Clements Jr. was recently named as a $1,000 “Black History Makers of Tomorrow” scholarship winner.

The program, operated through the McDonald’s Owner/Operators, celebrates February’s Black History Month and honors high school seniors who are making a positive impact in their communities. A total of 21 local students were named.

Clements Jr. was nominated by his teachers. The recipients were recognized for volunteering in their neighborhoods, helping with their family needs, tutoring younger students, or taking on a job after school to save for college or help the family.

Rashid stands out as a peer mentor and tutor, dedicating his time to help underclassmen and volunteering for various community initiatives,” a McDonald’s Owner/Operators press release states. “As a member of the National Honor Society and active participant in football, basketball, track, and baseball, Rashid exemplifies a model student capable of balancing academics, sports, and leadership.”

— Maria Allard

TO THE CITY OF CENTER LINE PROPERTY OWNERS TO DESTROY NOXIOUS WEEDS

TO ALL OWNERS OF LAND LOCATED IN CENTER LINE:

AS PROVIDED FOR IN THE CITY OF CENTER LINE CODE OF ORDINANCES, SECTION 78-13, YOU ARE HEREBY NOTIFIED THAT IT SHALL BE UNLAWFUL FOR THE OWNER OR OCCUPANT OF ANY LOT OR LANDS, EITHER

PUBLIC OR PRIVATE WITHIN THE CITY TO ALLOW OR MAINTAIN ON ANY PORTION OF SUCH LOT OR LANDS, ANY GROWTH OF ANY NOXIOUS OR POISONOUS WEEDS WHICH MAY CREATE A CONDITION DETRIMENTAL TO THE PUBLIC HEALTH OR ANY GROWTH OF VEGETATION OF A HEIGHT GREATER THAN SIX INCHES OR ANY ACCUMULATION OF DEAD WEEDS, GRASS OR BRUSH.

THE OWNER OR OCCUPANT SHALL CUT DOWN ALL NOXIOUS OR POISONOUS WEEDS IN A TIMELY MANNER FROM TIME TO TIME TO PREVENT SUCH WEEDS FROM GROWING TO SEED.

FAILURE OF ANY PROPERTY OWNER TO DESTROY SAID NOXIOUS GRASS AND WEEDS IN A TIMELY MANNER AND KEEP MAINTAINED THEREAFTER, AS NECESSARY WILL RESULT IN THE CITY ENTERING ON SAID PREMISES TO DESTROY SAID WEEDS AS OFTEN AS NECESSARY AT THE EXPENSE OF THE PROPERTY OWNER. SAID EXPENSES SHALL CONSIST OF A LIEN ON THE PROPERTY AS PROVIDED BY LAW.

DENNIS E. CHAMPINE CITY MANAGER/CLERK

Published in Warren Weekly 03/06/2024

NOTICE OF REGISTRATION FOR THE ELECTION TO BE HELD ON TUESDAY, APRIL 16, 2024 WARREN, MI

TO THE QUALIFIED ELECTORS OF WARREN:

PLEASE TAKE NOTICE that any qualifed elector of Warren who is not already registered, may register to vote at the offce of the Warren City Clerk; the offce of the Macomb County Clerk; a Secretary of State branch offce, or other designated state agency. Registration forms can be obtained at mi.gov/vote and mailed to the Warren City Clerk. Voters who are already registered may update their registration at www.expressSOS.com

The last day to register in any other manner other than in-person with the local clerk is Monday, April 1, 2024

After this date, anyone who qualifes as an elector may register to vote in person with proof of residency (MCL 168.497) at the Warren Clerk’s offce, located at 1 City Square, Suite 205, Warren, MI 48093 at the following times:

• Regular business hours: Monday through Friday from 8:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.

• Saturday, April 13th from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.

• Election Day, Tuesday, April 16th from 7:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m.

PLEASE TAKE NOTICE that the purpose of the election is to vote on the following candidates: STATE REPRESENTATIVE – 13TH DISTRICT

PERSONS ENTITLED to be registered voters in Warren must possess the following qualifcations on or before the day of the election: (1) a citizen of the United States; (2) not less than 18 years of age;

If you have any questions, please contact the Offce of the Warren City Clerk, located at 1 City Square, Suite 205, Warren, MI 48093, Monday through Friday between the hours of 8:30 a.m. and 5:00 p.m. at (586) 574-4557.

Sonja Buffa

Warren City Clerk

Persons with special needs as defned by the Americans with Disabilities Act should contact the Clerk’s offce.

Published in Warren Weekly 03/06/2024

CITY OF WARREN

Board of Review

Pursuant to the laws of the State of Michigan, and the City of Warren.

0412-2410

Notice is hereby given that the Board of Review shall convene on the 18th day of March, 2024 and shall sit not less than three calendar days to review the 2024 Assessment Roll of the City of Warren and to hear complaints of persons considering themselves aggrieved by these values. Resident and non-resident taxpayers may fle his or her protest by letter without a personal appearance, unless applying for a poverty exemption. Poverty exemption appeals require a personal appearance by either the applicant or their authorized representative.

The Board of Review shall meet in the Van Dyke Conference Room of City Hall, One City Square, Warren, Michigan.

March 18 9:00 a.m. to 5:30 p.m.

March 19 1:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m.

March 20 9:00 a.m. to 5:30 p.m.

The tentative ratios and equalization factor for the City of Warren, as recommended by the Macomb County Equalization Department are as follows:

through March 18th.

0013-2410

Man charged with murder in wife’s shooting death

BY GENA JOHNSON gjohnson@candgnews.com

WARREN — On Feb. 20, a Warren man was arraigned in the 37th District Court on murder and weapons charges after his wife was fatally shot in their home near Nine Mile and Dequindre roads.

Antonio Askew, 41, of Warren, was charged with second-degree murder, a felony punishable up to life in prison, and felony firearms, a two-year mandatory felony, for allegedly killing his wife, Eboni Askew, 34.

On Feb. 16, Warren police were dispatched to the 2000 block of Pearl Avenue at approximately 9 p.m. There they found Eboni Askew deceased in an upstairs bedroom with one bullet wound in the chest, according to Warren Police Commission William Dwyer.

“There is extensive police history at the home, primarily for domestics between the two of them,” Dwyer said. “In fact, we were out at the home earlier in the day.”

The commissioner said, “(When) we (police) arrived the suspect was outside, and he provided the (hand) gun he used. He admitted to shooting her but initially claimed self-defense.”

Antonio Askew did not have a license for the handgun, according to Dwyer.

Eboni Askew’s three sons — two teenagers and one 8-year-old — were reportedly inside of the home. Her three daughters were not there at the time. According to police, Antonio Askew was not the father of Eboni

Askew

Askew’s children. The children were placed with relatives, and Michigan Children’s Protective Services was notified.

“This is our first homicide of the year (in Warren), a domestic situation,” Dwyer said. “A sad situation that these types of domestics end up the way this one did, in many cases.”

At the arraignment, Judge Steve Bieda set bond for Antonio Askew at $500,000 cash or surety.

Askew’s attorney, Delicia Taylor Coleman, said, “The initial reports were factually inaccurate of him throwing plates and being the perpetrator of domestic violence. He has been a repeated victim of domestic violence, and we are looking forward to our day in court.”

In a prepared statement, Macomb County Prosecutor Peter J. Lucido said, “I will vigorously pursue justice for victims of domestic violence. We will not tolerate such behavior in our society, and we will work tirelessly to hold perpetrators accountable for their actions.”

At press time, Askew was in the Macomb County Jail awaiting a probable cause conference scheduled for Tuesday, March 5, at 8:30 a.m. before Judge Michael Chupa, after the Warren Weekly went to press. A preliminary exam was scheduled for 8:30 a.m. March 12. Both hearings are in 37th District Court in Warren.

CITY OF WARREN

NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING

NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that the Planning Commission of the City of Warren, Macomb County, Michigan will at its regular meeting on the 25th day of March, 2024, at 7:00 p.m. in the Warren Community Center Auditorium, 5460 Arden, Warren, Michigan, conduct a public hearing for consideration of a resolution for the Van Dyke Corridor Plan. The Tax Increment Finance Authority (TIFA) has undertaken a comprehensive initiative by enlisting the expertise of Beckett & Raeder, Inc. for a rigorous three-year study. This extensive undertaking encompassed resident and business surveys, as well as strategic engagements with key stakeholders, including City, County, and State offcials. By February 2022, Beckett & Raeder, Inc. completed their preliminary study of the Van Dyke Corridor. This proposal to the Planning Commission is for a resolution to adopt and recommend to City Council and is an addendum to the 2021 City of Warren Master Plan.

PLEASE TAKE NOTICE that any interested persons may appear or be represented and participate in said public hearing. The proposed draft of the Van Dyke Corridor Plan is available for inspection at the Offce of the City of Warren Planning Department, One City Square, Ste. 315, Warren, Michigan, between 8:30 a.m. and 5:00 p.m. each weekday. A physical copy of the draft can be viewed at the reference desk at each of the branches of the Warren Library (Civic Center, Miller, Busch, and Burnette). The proposed draft can also be accessed online at the City of Warren Planning Department webpage.

CITY OF WARREN PLANNING COMMISSION

Mahmuda Mouri Commission Secretary

Published in Warren Weekly 03/06/2024

Ukraine

from page 3A

Ukrainians are learning advocacy because we are mostly calm in nature,” said Olena Danelyuk, a Ukrainian American. “Because the bill is frozen in the middle between the Senate and the House, we need to help Ukraine to move the needle.”

“He (James) was elected here,” Danelyuk added.

According to Danelyuk, there are nearly 50,000 Ukrainians living in Michigan. Many live in Warren, Troy, and Sterling Heights, which are part of District 10, which James represents in Congress. However, she said many Ukrainians do not believe they are receiving his support.

“We couldn’t count on his (James’) support as much as we need him,” Danelyuk said. “So we decided to bring our voice to him.”

According to Danelyuk, U.S. aid for Ukraine has run out and Ukrainian soldiers at the front are being forced to ration their ammunition while Republicans hold up military aid.

“This must change. Without U.S. aid, more Ukrainian soldiers and civilians will be killed,” Danelyuk said.

Other members of the Ukrainian community spoke out at the demonstration.

“Never could I have imagined bombs falling on my family in Ukraine, yet here we are. It is heartbreaking to see Ukraine aid held up by Republicans in Congress as Ukrainians continue to fight for their right to exist,” said Rochester Hills resident Marta Birko. “I have contacted Representative James to ask him to support the aid package to help Ukraine continue to fight against Russian attacks.”

Noah Sadlier, communications director for James, responded in a written statement that said, “John James has been a staunch friend of UkrainianAmericans in Michigan. He has worked directly with the Ukrainian American

Civic Committee of Metro Detroit to advance numerous priorities of theirs including supporting the Ukrainian Cultural Center’s application for 501(c)3 status. John and our team have hosted the Committee in our offices for numerous meetings, and look forward to continuing our partnership in the months and years ahead.”

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

Photo by Patricia O’Blenes Olga Bronetska, of Madison Heights, leads chants and songs through a megaphone during a demonstration Feb. 26 outside of the Warren office of U.S. Rep. John James.

Clothes

from page 17A

“I walk around and help kids feel comfortable. I’ll give them a few options,” the 11th grade student said. “I like doing this because some kids might need help. Some kids are pretty happy when they have a full bag (of clothes).”

When Cruz showed up for duty Feb. 27, she handed a small bag of donations to Dale that a community member dropped off.

“This happens a lot,” Dale said of the continuous donations the school receives. “We have a lot of community support. One of our parents came back with prom dresses. We have friends who have supported us with a variety of items.”

One thing the clothes closet is missing is an official name.

“I want you to name this shop,” Dale told Cruz. “This is your space.”

Since the clothes closet is used by the high school students,

organizers have opened up another room filled with children’s and adult clothing and toys. While the room is open, it’s still undergoing updates, including the formation of a dressing room. The goal is to make the room available for families districtwide.

Friends on a Mission to Serve, of which Dale is a member, has been instrumental in providing donations, revamping and organizing the clothes closet. The school’s resource officer, Sandra Herden, assisted by securing clothing donations from her club, Jeep Babes.

Along with the clothing donations, organizers are looking for items to help keep the clothes closet open. They’re in need of 10 heavy-duty clothing racks, five shoe racks, a washing machine and dryer, mirrors and artwork to decorate the store’s walls.

Also needed are mannequins, male and female hoodies sizes medium to 3X, socks, hygiene products and shelving. To make a donation, contact John McCabe at mccabe.john@vdps.net or (586) 758-8307, or Glynis Dale at dale.glynis@vdps.net or (586) 7588307.

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

Dr. Rick and Dr. Ami are accepting New patients

Same Day Crowns and Bridges

• Invisalign and traditional braces

• Root canal treatment

• Implant restorations

• Children’s dentistry

• Zoom whitening

• Cosmetic dentistry

• Digital impressions

• Same Day Emergency

“Our

Dr. Ami & Dr. Rick

Students

from page 14A

nice slacks, fitted not baggy and not overly trendy, a nice polo shirt,” he said. “No loud colors, no red shoes.”

For female employees, Bailey offered several suggestions.

“Simple, clean basic clothing. The dress has to hit the knee. If it’s too short, it looks like you are going to the club,” Bailey said. “Don’t be showing any cleavage. You are contributing to a sexually charged atmosphere, and it’s distracting. If you’re a distraction, you’re affecting productivity.”

Bailey talked about someone he saw on TikTok who told her viewers “just do the minimum” when at work. But that has consequences, he warned.

“Don’t be surprised if you’re stuck in a dead-end job,” Bailey said. “Everyone knows who is a good employee when they’re not just doing their job, but they’re doing more.”

Looking someone in the eye and shaking their hand when on a job interview is very important.

“It shows confidence and shows I’m someone who can be part of your organization,” Bailey said.

He recommended the students have a brand, which includes how they dress and present themselves. Also, be mindful of your behavior.

“Your best resume can be undermined by your own actions. Be careful what you say on social media. It can get you fired. They’re watching you,” Bailey said. “Take away the excuses. Focus and get around the right people. Find a plan, focus and do it.”

After the presentation, David Forney, president of the Macomb Chapter of Omega Psi Phi Fraternity Inc., worked oneon-one with students as did members of the Friends on a Mission to Serve organization, which formed in August 2022 and services areas in Macomb County.

Cynthia Miree-Coppin is the president of Friends on a Mission to Serve, and Tuanda Ward-Holmes is the program director. Lincoln High School social worker Glynis Dale is also a member of the organization. Other members include doctors, lawyers, professors and entrepreneurs.

“It’s a group of women who are friends who have come together to do service in Macomb County. Most of us have known each other 20 years or more,” Miree-Coppin said. “We have the skills and passion to make a difference.”

The group, which has 38 members,

will be at Lincoln three times this year to offer guidance and support. The resume writing workshop was the group’s initial visit. Members will return in March to conduct mock interviews with the students and then in April for a job fair.

“I am hoping they will see their hopes and dreams are within reach and that their thoughts are validated,” Miree-Coppin said.

“I think they’re really excited to do the resumes,” Ward-Holmes said. “We’re so grateful to Lincoln High School to host this workshop.”

When writing their resumes, MireeCoppin and Ward-Holmes encouraged the

Forney

students to not only include their skills but also any awards they won.

Robyn Murphy, who is the chair of the group’s youth connection committee, had the opportunity last week to talk with a student interested in becoming an engineer.

“It brought me back to my senior year,” said Murphy, who grew up in Kinston, North Carolina, and is senior talent acquisition representative for Delta Air Lines.

Murphy is a natural when talking to young people about their potential careers.

“Not everyone has access to the experiences I am blessed to have,” she said. “I look for opportunities to give back.”

David Forney greeted Lincoln High School students as they entered the media center for the resume writing workshop.

is president of the Macomb Chapter of Omega Psi Phi Fraternity and worked one-on-one with students.

Photo by Patricia O’Blenes

Help Wanted General

CHARTER TOWNSHIP OF CLINTON DEPARTMENT OF PUBLIC SERVICES

SEASONAL EMPLOYEES

Seasonal general laborer positions, $15.00 - $16.00 hourly, no benefits. Successful completion of Civil Service Examination is required, and applicants must meet all requirements set forth in the Employees Civil Service Ordinance. Pre-employment background investigation is required. Interested, applicants must submit application to the Clinton Township Employees Civil Service Commission, 40700 Romeo Plank Rd., Clinton Township, MI 48038 on or before the close of business, Friday, April 12, 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.

Help

General Motors Company seeks a(n) Safety Software Infrastructure Integration Engineer, in Warren, MI to develop and maintain the test environment for the Advanced Driver Assistance System (ADAS) Compute Platform (ACP) applications. See full req’s & apply online: https://searchcareers.gm.com/en/jobs/

Job Reference: 202403869 0135-2410

Job

Help Wanted General

0384-2410

General Motors Company seeks a Computer Aided Engineering (CAE) Body Structure Engineer, in Warren, MI to engineer, perform and execute Finite Element Analyses. See full req’s & apply online: https://search-careers. gm.com/en/jobs/

Job Reference: JR- 202403877

0222-2410

General Motors Company seeks a Design Release Engineer – Exterior Lighting, in Warren, MI to engineer, design, develop, and release, using Siemens NX, Teamcenter, and Vismockup tools. See full req’s & apply online: https://search-careers. gm.com/en/jobs/

Job Reference: JR-202403870 0227-2410

Help Wanted General

General Motors Company seeks a(n) Infotainment Software Verification Engineer, in Warren, MI to develop, create, execute, monitor, and optimize test plans and test cases for quality control. See full req’s & apply online: https://search-careers. gm.com/en/jobs/

Job Reference: 202403881

0224-2410

Help Wanted/Engineering

General Motors Company seeks a(n) Process Controls Engineer - Controls Standards, in Warren, MI to execute controls design, implement, integrate, and commission Global Propulsion System (GPS) Material Handling and Machine Tending systems.  See full req’s & apply online: https:// search-careers.gm.com/en/jobs/

Job Reference: 202403883 0136-2410

Help Wanted/Engineering

General Motors Company seeks a Computer Aided Engineering (CAE) Brake Systems Engineer, in Warren, MI to Perform Computer Aided Engineering (CAE) analysis. See full req’s & apply online: https://search-careers. gm.com/en/jobs/

Job Reference: JR-202403879

0137-2410

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MARCH 6

NASA @ My Library: View night sky through telescope with Warren Astronomical Society, 6:30 p.m., Warren Public Library - Civic Center inside Warren City Hall, 1 City Square, also receive glasses to view solar eclipse April 8, cityofwarren.org/events

MARCH 13

SCAMS presentation: Stopping Crimes Against Michigan Seniors, 9 a.m., Extra Credit Union, 611 Chicago Road in Warren, (586) 4695642

MARCH 16

Shooting Stars Youth Showcase: 4-6:30 p.m. (doors at 4 p.m.), Van Dyke Community Auditorium, 22900 Federal Ave. in Warren, (313) 217-1588

MARCH 18

Assassination of JFK presentation: Expert offers analysis of 60-yearold event and discusses newly-released classified documents, 6 p.m., Center Line Public Library, 7345 Weingartz St., (586) 758-8274

ONGOING

Mad Scientist Club: Meets every last Tuesday of month, Warren Public Library - Miller Branch inside Warren Community Center, 5460 Arden Ave., warrenlibrary.net

Fish fries: 4:30-8 p.m. Fridays until March 29, St. Anne Catholic Grade School, 32000 Mound Road in Warren, parish.st-anne.net, (586) 264-0713

• 3:30-7:30 p.m. Fridays until March 22, St. Josaphat

Plumbing

aslowas$225.00* Gutterrepairs,Flat-roofs, Reroof,New-roof, Residential/Commercial CallSilversmith Maintenance 248-707-4851 Acceptcreditcards Family-owned Over30yearsexp.

Tree Service

DAVE'S

TREE&SHRUB 20%-SPRINGDiscount INSURED,Emergency StormDamage, Large-Tree-Removals, Trimming,StumpGrinding,Gutters, Season-Firewood (100acord) Free-Estimates. 10%Senior-Discounts. (586)216-0904 davestreeandshrub.com

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