Sterling among cities to receive funding for emergency services
BY BRIAN WELLS bwells@candgnews.com
STERLING HEIGHTS — The city of Sterling Heights was among several metro Detroit communities given federal funding for emergency services.
Sterling Heights, Madison Heights and Dearborn, as well as Detroit, are among the cities that will benefit from the adoption of House Bill 5696, a bill passed recently by Gov. Gretchen Whitmer that provides access for over $70 million for city-run ambulance services across Michigan.
Mayor Michael Taylor said he expects Sterling Heights to receive $1 million, which will go towards paying for more paramedics. It will allow the Fire Department to be adequately staffed during peak hours.
“It’s very important federal funding. It’s a very important service to the community to be able to respond to those emergencies,” he said.
See FUNDING on page 13A
MACOMB COUNTY NONPROFIT SHINES
LIGHT ON PLIGHT OF FOSTER KIDS
BY ANDY KOZLOWSKI akozlowski@candgnews.com
MACOMB COUNTY — Through no fault of their own, kids in foster care grow up without the love of a parent or familiarity of a home. Many bounce from place to place, rejected by their caretakers.
“I had one girl who was moved 62 times between the ages of 12 and 18,” said Theresa Toia, founder of
Friends of Foster Kids, a nonprofit in Macomb County. “When they’re placed, if the family feels it’s not a good fit, they can just request they’re removed. And after they turn 12, they’re far less likely to be adopted — those kids may never find a permanent home environment.”
Without anyone to guide them, those aging out of the system find themselves greatly disadvantaged in
See NONPROFIT on page 5A
Theresa Toia, founder of Friends of Foster Kids, surveys a room that is full of gowns and accessories for prom.
Photo by Patricia O’Blenes
Sterling Heights names first female assistant city manager
BY BRIAN WELLS bwells@candgnews.com
STERLING HEIGHTS — Sterling Heights City Council recently confirmed Haley Bradley as the city’s first female assistant city manager. Bradley was confirmed by the council at its meeting March 4.
Bradley
In this role, Bradley will provide administrative oversight for key departments of the city, including city development, community relations, parks and recreation, and the library. She will also work to lead citywide initiatives and programs.
“I am excited to embark on this new journey with the city of Sterling Heights,” Bradley said in a statement. “It’s a vibrant community with a strong sense of place and engaged residents.”
Previously, Bradley was appointed interim city manager of Albion in 2020, where she navigated the city through the COVID-19 pandemic by implementing public health measures, according to a press release from the city of Sterling Heights. Before transitioning into municipal government in Albion, she worked at the Calhoun County Consolidated Dis-
See BRADLEY on page 18A
SELFRIDGE
PLAYS HOST TO HISTORIC AIR RACE
BY DEAN VAGLIA dvaglia@candgnews.com
HARRISON TOWNSHIP — On the morning of March 6, six F-22 Raptor jets of the 1st Fighter Wing took off from Langley Air Force Base in Virginia on a mission nearly 90 years in the making.
Their target: Selfridge Air National Guard Base, an airfield located just off the shores of Lake St. Clair. Their goal: victory at all costs.
So began the 2025 edition of the Mitchell Trophy Air Race, a long-dormant test of speed and skill that traces its very beginnings to the Selfridge and the origins of United States air power.
“The race is an honor to our historical 1st Pursuit Group home — Selfridge Air National Guard Base — and the Mitchell Trophy Air Race actually began at Selfridge in 1922,” Tech. Sgt.
See AIR RACE on page 8A
Photo by Tech. Sgt. Andrew Schumann, 127th Wing
TOP: An F-22 Raptor of the 94th Fighter Squadron takes off from Selfridge Air National Guard Base on March 6. Pilots from the 94th, 27th and 71st squadrons flew into Selfridge as part of the Mitchell Trophy Air Race, a historic trophy first awarded to Selfridge-based units in the 1920s and 1930s, now revived as a cross-country training mission for the 1st Fighter Wing. ABOVE: Members of the 94th Fighter Squadron at Langley Air Force Base celebrate winning the 2025 running of the Mitchell Trophy Air Race on March 6. The race saw pilots from the 1st Fighter Wing navigate their way from Langley to Selfridge Air National Guard Base and back to Langley.
Photo by Tech. Sgt. Matthew Coleman-Foster, 1st Fighter Wing
Beer social worker recognized by Macomb County
— Warren Consolidated Schools social worker Melissa Wheeler was named the 2025 School Social Worker of the Year for Region M — Macomb County, by the Michigan Association of School Social Workers.
According to a district press release, the MASSW chose Wheeler “for her demonstrated outstanding performance in her practice and her pivotal role in bridging the gap between students, families, and educational staff by fostering a supportive environment for students’ academic and personal growth.”
Wheeler has been in the district for 15 years. She currently serves students at Beer Middle School and also oversees the school’s peer-to-peer program.
“I am incredibly honored and don’t take this recognition lightly,” Wheeler said in a prepared statement. “I know that this is not a solo achievement, and I owe this success to the incredible team of educators, administrators, parents, and especially to the students, whose strength and resilience continually inspire me.”
Wheeler went into the field of social work because she wanted to dedicate her career to improving the well-being of students, providing support to families, and linking together with the community. She believes in providing an environment where every student feels seen, heard, supported, and has the opportunity to succeed.
‘SPARKLE’ AT THIS YEAR’S PROM
ROSEVILLE — Sparkle Network Founder Moe Lietz is operating the foundation’s 10th annual Prom Closet Tour this spring, which will stop April 11-13 at Macomb Mall, located 32233 Gratiot Ave.
The program is for Class of 2026 juniors on a case by case basis, and Class of 2025 seniors. Lietz, a 1992 Romeo High School graduate, will set up a temporary shop in which high school girls can pick out a prom dress, shoes and jewelry to wear on prom night 2025. All the dresses are donated: some are brand-new while others are gently-used.
The collection offers a variety of colors, lengths and styles. The dresses and accessories are free of charge, but an appointment is needed. Anyone interested can send an email to sparkle.network3@ gmail.com for an application form. A completed form, picture of ID, along with an email confirmation is required for an appointment.
All participants get a 45-minute shopping spree to find the right look for prom night. For more information, call Sparkle Network at (248) 840-8136 or visit sparklenetwork.org.
MACOMB COUNTY SPORTS FAN HONORED BY PROCLAMATION
LANSING — For years, Andy Isaac built camaraderie among his fellow Detroit sports fans through his @ WorldofIsaac social media accounts. As sports fans and community members have mourned the Sterling Heights native’s death to Hodgkin’s Lymphoma in early March, Gov. Gretchen Whitmer issued a proclamation dubbing March 8, 2025, as “Faturday” in honor of Isaac.
Isaac’s tradition of #Faturday posts highlighted various restaurants around the metro Detroit area, with the proclamation itself shouting out Sweetwater Tavern’s wings, and pizza from Michigan & Trumbull.
“Faturday celebrates not only a passion for food but also the vibrant fan culture that defines Michigan’s sporting spirit and brings Michiganders together,” the proclamation reads.
Photo provided by Warren Consolidated Schools
WARREN
Nonprofit
from page 1A
life. Countless studies show a correlation between time spent in foster care and homelessness, unemployment, substance abuse, early parenthood and mental health issues.
Forced out into the world upon reaching adulthood, they’re left to fend for themselves without any relatives to help them. Many don’t know how to buy groceries, Toia said, let alone manage their bank accounts, credit score, documents, a lease, or a job to pay the bills.
“The tragedy is there is so much instability in their lives. Even the caseworkers they know growing up are always changing, moving into different positions,” Toia said. “There’s such a huge turnover in employment of caseworkers, which I’m sure is due to stressors — all the pressure put on them by government reporting, and what they see and have to do.
“As a result, many older children form behavioral issues and end up in facilities,” she said. “Just imagine having all this shoved down your throat as a young adult. That’s why so many age out. They figure they will have a better shot out there trying to make
life on their own. So, they go to court and apply for emancipation — that’s becoming a free adult person, as early as 16 years old. But they still don’t know how to live independently.”
‘The statistics are staggering’
According to the National Foster Youth Institute, about 50% of the homeless population has spent time in foster care. About 25% of youth who were in foster care at age 17 and surveyed at 21 said they had been homeless at some point in the last two years.
Those aging out of the system are at highest risk. Up to 36% of them become homeless during the transition to adulthood, per the National Longitudinal Study of Adolescent Health.
Disruptions to education are also common — the result of constantly readjusting to new homes or schools, and trying to process the stress and trauma that comes with it.
According to the National Center for Education Statistics, just 71% of youth who were in foster care at age 17 earned their high school diploma or GED by 21, compared to nearly 90% for the general high school population.
Another study by the KIDS COUNT
See NONPROFIT on page 6A
ABOVE: Previously in Sterling Heights, the group moved to a Shelby Township facility that offers sprawling storage for its charitable giving programs.
LEFT: Theresa Toia, founder of Friends of Foster Kids, second from left, meets with her “angels,” as she calls her volunteers. Photos by Patricia O’Blenes
Nonprofit
Data Center showed that 20% of youth in foster care at 17 and surveyed at 21 had not earned an educational degree, diploma, certificate or license of any kind.
Young people with foster care experience are also more likely to become early parents compared to their peers. Around 22% of those in foster care at 17 and surveyed at 21 had welcomed a child in the last two years, compared to 6% for the general population, according to KIDS COUNT.
The same research group found that just 56% of youth in foster care at 17 were currently employed part-time or full-time at 21. They also found that 16% of young adults with foster care experience have been incarcerated in the last two years.
Another study, by the U.S. Department of Justice, found that nearly 20% of state prisoners and nearly 10% of federal prisoners have spent time in foster care.
Substance abuse is another issue. A study by the Journal of Adolescent Health showed youth in foster care were twice as likely to engage in illicit drugs, five times as likely to be drug dependent, and up to four times as likely to have other substance use disorders.
“The statistics are staggering,” Toia said. “Things need to change.”
Spreading happiness and hope
It was right after Christmas in 2005 when Toia’s daughter Jessica — then a caseworker for foster kids in Macomb County — made a fateful observation.
“She told me that for the second year in a row, due to the economic downturn, none of the kids in her caseload received anything for Christmas. And I said, ‘Oh my god, Jessica, that can’t happen.’ She said, ‘What are you going to do, Mom — buy them all a gift?’ And actually, we tried to do just that. My friends and I decided to sponsor children
and build them a Christmas,” Toia said.
For that first holiday season in 2006, Toia and company arranged gifts for about 50 kids.
“I went to drop off those stacks of gifts at the county, so the caseworkers could bring them to the children, when the supervisor wished there were more parents like us. I said we’ll just do this every year, and that’s when I was told these weren’t even all the ones in the county — there were almost 900 that year. So we knew we had to change things,” she said.
What began as an operation out of Toia’s home quickly expanded into its own location in Sterling Heights, and recently Shelby Township where it continues today. Friends of Foster Kids filed for nonprofit status in 2008 and was approved in 2011.
In addition to the Christmas gifts, the group manages Hats Off To Grads, a program that provides older foster kids with furniture, appliances and other items for their home, as well as any supplies they may need for school or work.
Both programs start by collecting information such as the recipient’s first name, gender, age, ethnicity — since young girls often like to have dolls that look like them, Toia said — clothing sizes, favorite color, whether any siblings were placed with them, and any special needs, as well as their interests and hobbies. The recipients also share three wishes.
The sponsors are asked about their preferences and price range, and then a match is made. The sponsor delivers the items to the Friends of Foster Kids site in Shelby Township, and the group takes it from there, ensuring the gifts reach the recipient, wherever they may be.
For the kids, the Christmas program can be the highlight of their year, Toia said. And for the adults in Hats Off To Grads, the donations can be life-changing.
“Some of them are moving into a career they’ve already started working in, like one
See NONPROFIT on page 7A
Nonprofit
from page 6A
man who was going to be a bricklayer and was asking for items like steel-toed shoes, knee pads, specific trowels he needed, 5-gallon buckets. Or the young lady who was going into nursing school who needed non-slip nursing shoes, scrubs, a stethoscope. There were specific things they needed and couldn’t afford, and this allowed them to pursue their careers,” Toia said.
‘You want to do more’
Amy Sheehan began volunteering with Friends of Foster Kids about 15 years ago. She started out wrapping gifts, and later coordinated fundraisers and applied for grants.
“Once you’ve done one thing, you want to do more — you see the need and the effect it has, and you just naturally gravitate,” Sheehan said.
She said donations are critical.
“It makes a huge difference for us. Unlike a widget shop, we don’t build anything to sell, so we have to rely on the generosity of others, whether it’s someone dropping off coats or running a fundraiser on our behalf,” Sheehan said. “We rely on the goodwill of
people to help the kids.”
Currently, Friends of Foster Kids has more than 6,000 names on its email list and more than 1,000 volunteers lined up to wrap gifts. Its social media presence includes Facebook and Instagram. Supporters can also donate items through the organization’s wish list on amazon.com.
There are other ways to help as well. Toia described how an orthodontist donated his time giving a girl braces that cured her migraines caused by misaligned teeth. The group has CPAs who help young adults budget and file taxes. There are even lawyers who volunteer to watch the courts and help teens resolve any legal issues they have.
“We’re currently building a mentoring team, recruiting individuals from the community to use their skills to benefit the foster kids directly,” Toia said. “We’re trying to help the foster kids gain all of the life skills they need moving forward.”
To sponsor a child for the Christmas program or Hats Off To Grads, or to inquire about joining the mentoring team or other ways to help, call (586) 307-4438, or email info@friendsoffosterkids.org. To donate, mail checks made payable to “Friends of Foster Kids” to 51341 Celeste Drive, Shelby Township, MI 48315. More information is available at friendsoffosterkids.org.
Air race
Matthew Coleman-Foster of the 1st Fighter Wing said.
Named after the brother of military aviation advocate Billy Mitchell, the first Mitchell Trophy air races served as tests of speed and skill for the 1st Pursuit Group. According to a statement from Selfridge’s 127th Wing of the Air National Guard, six pilots commanded open-cockpit biplanes in a five-lap race over a 20-mile-long course marked by pylons. Lt. Donald Stace was the first pilot to complete the 100-mile challenge, claiming the first Mitchell Trophy on Oct. 14, 1922. Mitchell Trophy races ran until 1936.
Nearly 90 years since the race’s last running, much has changed with American air power and the participating units. The United States Air Force is now its own branch of the military. The 1st Pursuit Group that formed the initial base of competitors has become the 1st Fighter Wing and moved to Virginia. It upgraded from biplanes to the state-of-the-art F-22. With a glass cockpit, supersonic capabilities, radar-absorbing surfaces, beyond-visual-range combat capabilities and supermaneuvrability, the F-22 is a far cry from the wood and canvas biplanes that made up Selfridge’s early fleets.
The rules of the air race have changed as well. Instead of laps around pylons that dazzle spectators, the race now tests pilots’ abilities to take off, land, navigate in the air and ready their aircraft with minimal support. The roster of competitors has remained the same with six planes in teams of two representing the 1st Fighter Wing’s three component squadrons — the 27th, 71st and 94th Fighter Squadrons — with one pilot tasked with carrying out the challenges and the second serving as support.
“Our wing’s intent with this is that 1st Fighter Wing airmen will face adversities that are resourced and determined to disrupt our techniques, our tactics and procedures at all phases of combat,” Coleman-Foster said. “Our airmen must be able to execute effective combat operations in dynamic environments that lack information and time; that is an overarching item that we try to stress ourselves on when it comes to training and preparing for doing what we need to do.”
The training nature of the modern air race means this edition was no spectator affair. While pilots from Langley often dazzle crowds with the F-22 Demonstration Team, the air race was strictly business with only a limited heads-up given to the public via social media.
Upon receiving their orders at Lang-
ley, the teams had to inspect, arm, fuel and launch their jets for the sprint to Selfridge. Once the pilots navigated their way to Selfridge without outside support, the main pilot was tasked with running two miles across the base in freezing temperatures and 30 mph winds to the Selfridge Military Air Museum to add their name to the guest register while the second stayed behind to inspect and refuel the jets.
Capt. “Marbro” of the 27th Fighter Squadron, identified by his callsign, was the first to mark their name in the register, followed by Lt. Col. “Devil,” commander of the 94th Fighter Squadron. “Devil’s” time at the museum was prolonged by shaking hands with about 20 bystanders before making his way back to the flight line. This, however, would prove no more than a speedbump for “Devil” and teammate, Capt. “Rizz,” as the team took off from Selfridge and became the first duo to make its way back to Langley, claiming the Mitchell Trophy for the 94th Fighter Squadron.
The air race was not the first time F-22s have been to Selfridge — the demonstration team served as the headlining act for the base’s 2022 air show and open house — and 2025 is a pivotal time for Selfridge to play host to a contest for advanced fighter aircraft. While the 127th Wing’s refueling mission seems secure after the arrival of new KC-46A Pegasus tanker planes, the A-10 Thunderbolt II fighter mission has yet to find a suitable replacement once the planes are no longer part of the Air Force’s arsenal. Attempts to bring an F-35 Lightning II mission to the base have borne no fruit with Selfridge being passed up to host a foreign-customer training academy in 2023, and base supporters have since turned to finding other ways of attracting a replacement fighter mission to the base. Members of Michigan’s congressional delegation have been campaigning for a F-15EX Eagle II program to be stationed at Selfridge, and the state has allocated $13 million to expand the base’s runway to the north in hopes of attracting a fighter mission.
“The opportunity to showcase Selfridge’s capabilities during the Mitchell Trophy Air Race is a testament to the enduring fighter mission that’s been here for more than a century,” Brig. Gen. Matthew Brancato, commander of the 127th Wing and Selfridge Air National Guard Base, said via press release. “As the largest Air National Guard installation in the United States, Selfridge is equipped to handle the most advanced aircraft and weapons systems in the military fleet.”
Plans for future runnings of the Mitchell Trophy Air Race remain up in the air at press time.
simulates the oxygen level at 5,000 feet above sea level. Gasso recommends high intensity treadmill and cardio
A RACE TO THE FINISH LINE
BY MARY BETH ALMOND malmond@candgnews.com
METRO DETROIT — The first race for many runners, the 5K, is a tangible goal for just about anyone, if you commit to the proper training.
Because the 5K is one of the shortest race distances — at 3.1 miles — many say it’s a great choice for beginners and seasoned athletes alike.
“Running a 5K is not an easy task — it’s achievable, but it’s not an easy task,” said Brian Gibes, personal training director for Champion Health Club.
The first, and arguably the most crucial, step is to make sure you have the proper footwear — including comfortable socks and a new, well-fitting and supportive pair of shoes.
“Running is very violent. It’s a lot of impact, so the proper footwear is important,” Gibes explained. “You lose that shock absorption with shoes that are two, three, four or more years old.”
Shock-absorbing shoes are important because they help reduce the impact of each
step on your body, preventing injuries and limiting the amount of force on your joints, bones and muscles.
To provide the best fit for your feet, Christine Utter, a certified personal trainer and nutrition coach at YMCA Farmington Hills, recommends getting fitted for shoes at a running store.
Utter, who has trained many runners over the years, has competed in many races herself, including 5Ks, marathons, and her longest, a 50K.
She says it’s important to train for the race in your new shoes to help break them in.
“Wear the same gear you will wear on race day just to make sure there is no chafing or rubbing or anything that will be agonizing at the end,” she shared.
To conquer your first 3.1-mile race, you need to commit to at least a two- to three-month training program with a mix of stretching, strength training, cardiovascular exercise and rest days.
“It’s going to take a little bit of preparation, some focus, discipline, and that includes
See 5K on page 14A
Jev Gasso, a trainer at Champion Health Club in St. Clair Shores, keeps track of Justin Gentner as he runs on a treadmill. Gentner is in training for the U.S. Border Patrol. He is wearing a mask that
exercises for runners.
Photo by Liz Carnegie
Funding
Taylor said the Fire Department normally has firefighters that work 24-hour shifts but with the funding, they’ll be able to hire paramedics that will respond to calls during higher traffic hours but won’t be working 24-hour shifts.
“It’s a big change for the Fire Department,” Taylor said. “This federal funding is going to help make sure that we can pay for that and provide that service and enhance the level of service to the community.”
According to Sterling Heights Fire Chief Kevin Edmond, the city currently employs 110 firefighter paramedics but has committed to hiring four new firefighters or emergency medical technicians for 40 hours a week.
While the funds can be used to hire personnel or purchase new equipment, they will also go towards reimbursing the city for any Medicaid patient transports. According to Edmond, it costs an estimated $1,600 to transport a Medicaid patient, and the government only reimburses about $300, he said.
“The ambulance supplement payment program is used in many states to help cover
a percentage of the uncompensated cost for these transports,” Edmond said. “The ambulance supplemental payment system is very similar to what hospitals and school districts have used to cover their uncompensated costs for years.”
Before the city receives the money, the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services is required to submit a state plan amendment to the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services that describes how the program will work in Michigan, Edmond said. When the SPA is submitted, it has a starting date beginning in the quarter in which it was submitted. For example, if it gets submitted in September 2025, the start date of the program would be July 1, or the start of the third quarter, he said.
Based on this process, Edmond said the city has committed to hiring additional staff by the summer.
State Rep. Mike McFall, D-Hazel Park, who sponsored the bill in Michigan, said he sponsored it to help fill gaps in funding in Michigan cities.
“Increasing local revenue without raising taxes is a focus of mine since local government budgets are tight due to continued reductions in state revenue sharing,” he said. “Communities across the state have the po-
WHY ALL THE HOUSEHOLD DUST?
I’m Keith Meadows, owner and operator of Power Vac Air Duct Cleaning. For years I’ve been improving our communities health one family at a time. By now we’ve all heard the statistics: 50% of all illness is a direct relation to dirty indoor air and that it’s 90 times more polluted than outdoor air. Yet, 90% of the calls that I receive everyday are from people complaining about dust, they tell me they dust the TV on Friday but by Sunday they are pushing the dust out of the way again so they can watch America’s Got Talent and none of them know exactly where it’s coming from. Well I’m here to tell you that it’s not because you’re a bad housekeeper. I tell people that by simply having their air ducts cleaned will drastically reduce household dust. The reason is your cold air returns. Cold air returns suck in dirty air and over time it builds up until you have the same type of debris that you would find in your vacuum bag. Cold air returns are also the reason new homeowners are experiencing dust. While your drywall was being sanded, your air returns sucked all of the dust through the system. To prove it, go down to your basement and look for the thin sheets of tin nailed between your floor joists, these are your cold air return lines. Now give them a good pounding, you’ll see pufs
tential to receive hundreds of thousands of dollars in reimbursements from the federal government without an increased tax burden. This bipartisan legislation is a huge
of dust seeping from the edges. That my friends is the reason you have uncontrollable Dust issues. This debris can not be removed without a professional.
Which brings me to my next point- choosing an air duct cleaning company. We have the equipment that is powerful enough to get the job done right, a Power Vac truck. Its the most powerful equipment in the industry.
The truck motor actually powers the equipment and its able to generate 16,000 cfms (cubic feet of air per minute) of vacuum. Most competitors opt for the cheaper, portable equipment attached inside of a van that’s only capable of moving 4,000 cfms. To put things into perspective your furnace moves 2,000 cfms. So basically what’s coming out of your register. The power vac trucks we invest in ofer quadruple the amount of vacuum than most other companies.
Power Vac is family owned and our crews are trained to arrive on time, work with a smile and respect people and their belongings. Call today at 248-656-0600 and receive $100 of for the next week.
Visit our website CALLPOWERVAC.COM where you can watch a short video on the cleaning process and what to watch out for while price shopping.
win for local governments, first responders and taxpayers.”
Call Staff Writer Brian Wells at (248) 291-7637.
April and Keith Meadows help keep indoor air clean with their local business, Power Vac.
Photo provided by Brendy Barr
A press conference was held earlier this month to announce that metro Detroit cities would be receiving funds through a program to help cover expenses related to emergency services. Sterling Heights is receiving about $1 million to help reimburse the city for Medicaid runs.
nutrition, hydration, proper footwear, and strength training. It’s really surrounding yourself with a support system and a good coach,” Gibes said.
An important piece of your routine is to start your workout — your practice run, your race run, or any strength training that you’re doing — with dynamic stretching.
“Dynamic stretching is a moving stretch where you are swinging your legs, running with high knees, or doing hamstring curls, also known as butt kicks,” Utter explained.
For the best results, racers should also commit to strength training two to three times a week, ideally with a personal trainer
to oversee proper exercises and form.
“You should do strength training two, three times a week focusing on the lower body, since legs are used in the running — especially calves, which I think are most overlooked, but are important for stability, propulsion and speed on runs. You also need to include upper body and core strength, because it affects your posture, your balance and your form,” Utter said.
In between strength training days, you can mix up easy runs, long runs and interval runs. There are many good running apps to help you train, including the classic, Couch Potato to 5K.
“These will give you increments, increasing the intensity to help you build your endurance, so following a program like that, you can go from a coach potato to a 5K in
just a couple of months, if you follow the app,” said Utter. “And make sure you get a rest day or two in there as well. Rest is just as important. Your body has to recover.”
Following this plan — paired with the proper nutrition and hydration — you will gradually build up your cardiovascular and muscular endurance enough to conquer race day.
“You just need to take a couple of months to get your body accustomed to the endurance that’s needed to do the 5K, and strength training as well, to make sure you have proper form and don’t injure yourself,” said Utter.
William Downing prepares a protein shake for a member of the Champion Health Club. Downing works the front desk and juice bar at the club.
Photo by Liz Carnegie
Mott classmates return to their ‘castle’ for annual reunion
BY MARIA ALLARD allard@candgnews.com
WARREN — On March 8, 1974, four Mott High School students went out on the town for a night of pinball and teenage antics.
When they got hungry, they stopped at the White Castle on Dequindre Road just south of 12 Mile Road to munch on sliders and down Coca-Colas.
“We gathered here on little stools looking out the window,” Piechura recalled of that initial ritual.
That night, the teenagers — Rick Piechura, Walt Bigorski, Thomas Huegien and Dave Lamberti — made a pact to meet at 6 p.m. every March 8 at the same White Castle for dinner and friendship.
All four kept their promise, and for 51 years the “March 8th Club” has met for a meal every year since 1974. And since that time, more club members have joined. No matter what is going on in their lives, the guys make time for their annual White Castle meetup.
The group last gathered March 8, 2025. Approximately 25 guys showed up at the
fast-food restaurant for conservation, burgers and a celebratory cake. The marquee outside even read “Happy March 8th.”
“It started as a joke. Now it took on a life of its own,” Bigorski said. “It feels very comfortable. Just to be around them, it’s like an old pair of shoes.”
“We’re trying to make it a national holi-
day,” Piechura said.
In honor of their tradition, White Castle staff gave the “regular customers” their meals for the same price it cost them in 1974. For 98 cents each, they dined on three hamburger sliders, French fries and soft drinks.
Restaurant officials also created a com-
memorative cup dedicated to the bunch. Another tradition is the T-shirts Lamberti designs each year for the group. This year’s emblem paid homage to Area-51 in observance of the group’s 51st anniversary.
Sadly, one of the original members was missing: Huegien, who died several years ago.
“It’s been a while now,” Bigorski said. “We still talk about him.”
“Tom was a great guy,” Piechura said. “He had been with us since junior high. A really big music guy.”
Life was somewhat carefree five decades ago.
“We didn’t focus too much on the future,” Bigorski said. “It was more about hanging out and spending time with each other.”
“Richard Nixon was president, and the Vietnam War was still on,” said Mario Cardillo, 73, who connected with the group through his wife Mary, who attended Mott. “I kind of married into the family. My first year was in 1987.”
The restaurant also went through some changes over the years, including adding a See REUNION on page 18A
We’re never done making health care better.
In 1974, the March 8th Club began meeting once a year for dinner at the White Castle on Dequindre Road just south of 12 Mile Road in Warren.
Photo by Maria Allard
CALENDAR COMMUNITY
MARCH 20
Movers, Shakers and Music Makers: Hear author, singer and actress Anna Marck pay tribute to women activists from Michigan, part of StoryTime Guild program, 10 a.m., Sterling Heights Public Library, 40255 Dodge Park Road, storytimeguild22@gmail. com, storytimeguild.weebly.com
MARCH 20 & 22
‘Clue’ auditions: Presented by St. Clair Shores Players, open casting for ages 16 and older, 6:30-8:30 p.m. March 20 and 10 a.m.-2 p.m. March 22, Anita’s Elite Dance, 37360 Van Dyke Ave. in Sterling Heights, shows scheduled for June 6-8, facebook.com/groups/ scsplayers
MARCH 23
Widowed Friends movie and dinner: Show and time TBD, AMC Forum 30, 44681 Mound Road in Sterling Heights, dinner to follow, RSVP to Pat at (586) 2952804, widowedfriends.com
Reunion
from page 16A
drive-thru window.
Although March 8 is their big day, the guys keep in touch throughout the years with cellphone calls and emails. They’ve been to family weddings and “the life stuff that just connects you,” Bigorski said.
Some of the gang now live out of state. If they can’t make it in person for the reunion, the rule is they must call and check in. John Malaker, 67, who resides in Florida, did just that.
“I try to make it every other year,” said Malaker, who graduated from Mott in 1976. “We’ve known each other for 50 years. It’s a blast. It’s not like we’re friends; we’re family.”
MARCH 27
SCAMS presentation: Stopping Crimes Against Michigan Seniors also focuses on elder abuse, guardianship, nursing homes, wills and more, 11 a.m.-noon, Oakmont Manor, 41255 Pondview Drive in Sterling Heights, RSVP to (586) 327-6889, led by Macomb County Prosecutor’s Office, (586) 469-5642, heather. esposito@macombgov.org
MARCH 29
Dog adoption event: Presented by Detroit Dog Rescue, adoption application, agreement and home check (bring photos of inside and yard) required, 11 a.m.-2 p.m., City of Cars, 1695 Stutz Drive in Troy, see dogs at detroitdogrescue.com
APRIL 12
Egg hunt: For kids in preschool-fifth grade, also crafts, photos with Easter Bunny and coffee and doughnuts, 10 a.m.-noon, Fellowship Chapel, 12875 E. 14 Mile Road in Sterling Heights, (586) 264-4692, fellowshipchapel.net
Paper shredding: Securely recycle up to three paper boxes of documents, 9 a.m.-2 p.m., Department of Public Works, 7200 18 Mile Road in Sterling Heights, free event for residents only, sterlingheights.gov/ springclean
Three years ago, Bob Baron, 67, attended his first March 8th Club gathering.
“I showed up seeing people I hadn’t seen since high school graduation,” the Warren resident said. “I’m glad to see the same people I graduated with.”
“In the fifth year I became a member,” Tommy Ross, 66, said. “This is fun.”
“It’s a beautiful thing,” Cardillo said.
While White Castle is the reason the March 8th Club began, dinner was not the only item on the menu. The group spent the whole day together. The fun began with breakfast at the Kerby’s Koney Island in Bloomfield Township. Then it was time for an indoor Frisbee activity Al Kettinger organized. After their White Castle meal, it was off to the Cadieux Cafe in Detroit for feather bowling and more camaraderie.
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, 2025
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, by the general laws of the State providing for the enforcement of tax liens, or by ordinance.
The statute further provides that any owner, who shall refuse to destroy such noxious weeds, shall be subject to a fne of not more than $100.00 in addition to City expenses incurred for the destruction of noxious weeds.
By Order of City Council
0164-2512
Bradley from page 3A
Published: Sterling Heights Sentry 03/19/2025 patch Authority.
City Manager Mark Vanderpool said Bradley’s past experience will be a strong asset to the city.
“Haley’s extensive experience in funding critical municipal projects coupled with her proven administration expertise make her an outstanding choice for this position,” he said in a statement.
According to Melanie Davis, Sterling
Heights’ community relations director, Davis will be the first female assistant city manager for the city besides an interim city manager that served for three months in the ’90s.
“As Sterling Heights’ first female assistant city manager, I’m proud to contribute to the city’s growth and success,” said Bradley. “This milestone is a testament to how Sterling Heights embraces diverse leadership, and I hope it inspires others of all backgrounds to pursue a career in public service.”
Bradley will begin her new position March 31.
NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING CITY OF STERLING HEIGHTS
Planning Commission
Meeting Date, Time, and Location: Wednesday, April 9, 2025, at 7:00 p.m.
City of Sterling Heights – City Council Chambers 40555 Utica Road, Sterling Heights, MI 48313
Under Consideration: PPCM-1351 – Akers & Ward Enterprises
Requesting 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: 6503 Arrow Drive
Location: Northeast corner of Merrill Road and Arrow Drive
Current Zoning: M-1 Light Industrial District
PPCM-1350 – The Heights Shopping Center
Requesting special approval land use which would allow an amusement device center in an existing shopping plaza in a C-3 General Business District and located in the Van Dyke Mixed Use District.
Property Address: 34762 Van Dyke Avenue
Location: East side of Van Dyke Avenue, south of Fifteen Mile Road
Current Zoning: C-3 General Business District and Van Dyke Mixed Use District
PPCM-1352 – US Care Pharmacy
Requesting special approval land use which would allow a pharmacy that customarily related to an existing urgent care within the same building in an O-1 Business and Professional Offce District and Traditional Mixed Use Development Node Overlay District.
Property Address: 35200 Dequindre Road
Location: East side of Dequindre Road, north of Fifteen Mile Road
Current Zoning: O-1 Business and Professional Offce District and Traditional Mixed Use Development Node Overlay District
PZ25-0002 – El Car Wash
Request for a conditional rezoning from C-2 Planned Comparison District to C-3 General Business District for the purpose of developing an automobile wash establishment.
Property Address: 43611 Schoenherr Road
Location: Northwest corner of Schoenherr Road and Canal Road
Current Zoning: C-2 Planned Comparison District
PZ25-0003 – Proposed Zoning Map Amendment – Neighborhood and District Nodes
Proposed zoning map amendment to Ordinance No. 278, Article 2, Section 2.00(B) regarding the Traditional Mixed Use Development Node Overlay District, to rezone properties currently zoned Traditional Mixed Use Development Node Overlay District to Neighborhood and District Node Overlay District, to add properties generally located at the intersections of 14 Mile Road and Schoenherr Road and Canal Road and Schonherr Road to the Neighborhood and District Node Overlay District, and to remove properties generally located at the intersections of 17 Mile Road and Schoenherr Road, 17 Mile Road and Van Dyke Avenue, and Utica Road and Van Dyke Avenue from the Traditional Mixed Use Development Node Overlay District.
The list of parcels can be viewed at the Offce of Planning or in the upcoming meeting packet to be posted at the Agenda Center.
NOTICE IS FURTHER GIVEN hat any interested person may appear and comment upon the requests in person, or by agent or attorney during the public hearing to be held on the date and time, and at the location set forth above. Pertinent information related to the application may be reviewed at the Sterling Heights Offce of Planning, during regular business hours. Questions regarding the application can be directed to the Offce of Planning at 586-446-2360. Written comments may be submitted to the Sterling Heights Offce of Planning, 40555 Utica Road, Sterling Heights, MI 48313, or to the City Planner at shplanning@sterlingheights.gov up to 4:30 p.m. of the meeting date.
Anyone planning to attend the meeting who has need of special assistance under the American with Disabilities Act (ADA) is asked to contact the City’s Community Relations Offce at 586-446-2370, seven days prior to the meeting date. Staff will be pleased to make the necessary arrangements.
Published: Sterling Heights Sentry 03/19/2025
Cars For Sale
FORSALE
2021NissanVersa 586-747-9141
$12,000, 67,000/miles, COMPAREATNEW CARPRICES!
Homes For Rent ROSEVILLE 2/BedroomHome, FencedYardandGarage Clean,Quiet,Well Maintaned,Section8and SmallPetConsidered. $1,175/mo. 586-468-7183
Homes For Sale
HOMESFORRENT Manyareasandstyles tochoosefrom.Buy withverylittledownand paymentscheaperthan rent!Callforfreelist! HarveyatLeeRealty 586-771-3800 License#6502401322
Vacation Property & Time Shares
VACATIONRENTAL TAMPA,FL Cozy,PrivateGuesthouseForRentIncluding Kitchenettew/Essentials, FurnishedBedroom, Bathroom,Patio,Private Entrance,FreeParking onPremisesandWi-Fi. *NoPets/PartiesPlease* Call/Text 313-461-8485
Special Events & Announcements
MACOMBCHILDRENS ACADEMY OPENHOUSE Sun.March23rd,2025 2pm-4pm, OpenEnrollment Toddler&Pre-school Programs 586-979-5501
& Collectibles
Permanent part-time Fitness Room Attendant position
$15.00 hourly (20 Hours maximum per week) 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 and substance abuse testing 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, March 28, 2025. 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.
0281-2512
NOWHIRING
HALLMONITORS
*F/THallMonitorsfor localschools,Insidework, Weekends/HolidaysOff, Musthaveexperiencein theeducationfield. ImmediateOpenings! 586-803-0003 joe@riccosecurity.com
STEELSERVICE
Roseville/Warren Seekingpackagingline operators,forklift,overheadcrane-willtrain, healthbenefits,401k, profit-sharing,roomfor advancement.Applyat: 24417Groesbeck, Warren,or hr@mststeel.com
Estate Sale
ESTATESALE March21st,12-6pm, March22nd,10-4pm, 13488Kingsville SterlingHeights, Furniture,Dishes,TV, Linens,Records, VintageGlass/China. Miscellaneous For Sale
SAFE Step.NorthAmerica's#1Walk-InTub. Comprehensivelifetime warranty.Top-of-the-line installationandservice. NowfeaturingourFREE showerpackageand $1600Offforalimited time!Calltoday!Financingavailable.CallSafe Step1-855-861-4501
www.amgapplied services.com FullyInsured 586-323-0755
*”STEVE'S SEAMLESSGUTTERS” Made&installedonthe spot.5”&6”Gutter Cleaning.Treetrimming, exteriorpainting, powerwashing. 586-778-3393 586-531-2111
GUTTERS &WINDOW CLEANING INSURED TOMMICOLI 313-656-9402
Handyman Services
AA4DABLE HANDYMAN HomeImprovement, Tile,Hardwood-Floors, Kitchen/Bath-Remodeling, Plumbing,Electrical, Painting,Hauling,Cleanouts,AnyHomeRepairs, FreeEst.30%Disc. AllMajorCC'sAccepted. 586-822-5100
Handyman Services
HONEYDO'S DONECHEAP FromRemodelingto repairs,Wedoitall, LicensedandInsured, ProudMemberofAnchor BayChamber Greg 586-522-6870
Hauling & Waste Removal
***AAA HAULING*** JUNKREMOVAL Wehaulitall!Demolition Big&Small,Residential/ Commercial,Rubber WheelDumpsters-10,15, 20-Yards,Clean-outs, ConstructionMaterial, Small-Moving,Appliances,Furniture&More! Free-Est.Sen/Mil/Disc. 586-360-0681 ucallwehauljunk.com
BURLYGUYS JUNKREMOVAL removesANYTHING! Appliances,furniture, basementcleanouts, hoardersallwelcome! CallorText 248-224-2188
Home Improvement
STYLELINE REMODELING
COMPLETE,QUALITY, CustomKitchenand BathroomRemodeling, Framing&Finish Carpentry, ReferencesAvailable SeniorDiscounts Call586-354-7549
586-610-1209
PaintingInterior/Exterior RemodelingKitchens, Bathrooms,Finish Basement,Tiles,Drywall, Repairs,Remove Wallpaper,Repairingand StainingDecks,Power washing.Free-Estimates.
TREBOR
HANDYMANLLC. SoffitandFasciaRepairs, DeckStaining/Sealing, Interior/ExteriorPainting, Sheds/Foundations, PressureWashing, Insulation,Sealing, 10%off,Free-Estimates. 586-354-4910
Home Repairs
EXTERIOR REPAIRSLLC. Since1999 GUTTERCLEANING LEAFGUARDS Roofing,Siding, Gutter,Repair.Reliable Ask,WeMightDoIt! FREEESTIMATES 248-242-1511
Kitchens/ Cabinets/ Countertops
MR.BACKSPLASH
·CUSTOM BACKSPLASHES ·CUSTOMKITCHENS ·COUNTERTOPS *Granite*Quartz* ·CustomBathrooms ·TILEREPAIRS *FREEESTIMATES* 586-552-5416 mrbacksplash.com
Landscaping & Water Gardens
ALLTIMATE OUTDOORSERVICES
DrainageSystem Professionals Big/SmallJobs, 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, SodInstallation,Pavers, Garden/RetainerWalls, PorchSteps,Raise Backyards/DrainTiles, Powerwashing/Sealing, Seeding,DebrisRemoval 586-634-0033
SUPREMEOUTDOOR SPECIALISTS SpringClean-ups, Lawncare,Landscaping, Pavers,Walls,Shrub/Tree Trimming/Removal, Mulching,Power-washing Sprinklers.FreeEst. 586-727-3924 supremeoutdoor@ gmail.com
Lawn Maintenance
ABKE'S LAWNSERVICE Nowschedulingfor springcleanupsand lawnmaintenance. Familyrunbusiness Callforfreeestimate. 586-277-5918
Painting 2BROTHERS PAINTING CompleteInterior/Exterior WoodRepair, Powerwash, Free-Estimates CallFrank 248-303-5897 ReferencesAvailable
STEVE'SCUSTOM PAINTING 586-350-1717
Since1985 ProfessionalQuality, Neat,MeticulousPrep, Drywall/PlasterRepair, Interior/Exterior, Insured,References, Free-Estimate, 10%SeniorDiscount.
(586)795-8122
ChrisCronin Painting& StainingInc. Professionalquality. Interior-exterior. Power-washing, decksealing.Insured, References.Free-Est. MC/VI/DC/AXaccepted.
Sewer/DrainCleaning SeniorDiscounts, Licensed/Insured Lic#-8216443 APEX PLUMBERSCORP 586-210-0903 35-YearsExp.Seniors/ Military/Multi-TaskDisc. Free-Est.•DrainCleaning •PlumbingRepairs/ Fixtures•SumpPumps/ WaterHeaters.Lic/Ins. apexplumbers corporation.com Lic#8111771
EAPLUMBING ANDDRAIN FullServicePlumbing. DrainCleaning,Sump Pumps,WaterHeaters, Leaks,Disposals, CameraInspections, BackflowTesting andMore. 586-477-7777 License#803020312
ANDERSON Painting&Carpentry CompleteInterior/Exterior Services.Plaster/Drywall & WaterDamageRepairs Wood-Staining.Wallpaper Removal.Kitchen/Cabinet Refinishing,Insured/References.Free-Estimates 586-354-3032 248-974-4012
PROTOUCH PAINTINGLLC Interior/Exterior 30-yrs-experience, Power-washing,Drywall Repairs,Staining, Free-Estimates. AllWorkGuaranteed. AffordablePrices. SeniorDiscount/Insured. 248-495-3512
WATERWORK Plumbing.com •DrainCleaning •SewerCamera •WaterHeaters •SumpPumps •BackflowTesting 248-542-8022 SameDayEmergency ServiceAvailable Reliable/Experienced License#8003885
Professional Services
CONSUMER Cellularthesamereliable,nationwidecoverageasthe largestcarriers.Nolongtermcontract,nohidden feesandactivationisfree Allplansfeatureunlimitedtalkandtext,starting atjust$20/month.For moreinformation,call 1-866-306-6243 Roofing PREFERRED BROTHERSROOFING •FullTear-off•Recover •ShingleRepair •Leak's•AllRepair •Flat-Roof•TourchDown
“FullyInsured, HighlyReferred.” SeniorDiscounts Tree-Removal,Stump Grinding,Tree-Trimming, Hedging,Shaping, Emergency-Service Residential/Commercial Free-Estimates (586)262-3060 DAVE'STREE&SHRUB 40%-EarlySpringSpecial. Insured, EmergencyStorm Damage,LeafClean-up, Large-TreeRemovals, Trimming,Stump-Grinding,Gutters,SeasonFirewood(100acord) (586)216-0904 davestreeandshrub.com
PEAKPAINTING Custom-Painting, Commercial/Residential, Interior/Exterior. Drywall-Repair,Paper Removal,Carpentry. *WillBeatAnyOther ReasonableEstimate! 35yrsexp.Sen.Disc.Ins. CC-Accepted/References. 586-722-8381
VKPERFECTPAINTING Interior/Exterior SpecializesinKitchen &Bathroom CabinetPainting. Drywall/Plaster/Repair Free-Est.26YearsExp. CallBill 313-433-9400 586-746-9846 vkperfectpainting.com Plumbing MASTER PLUMBER Sewer&DrainService. Remodeling,Repairs, NewInstallations. FreeEstimates SeniorRates. 35+yrsexp.CallPaul 248-904-5822 Lic.#8109852
586.524.6752 ANDY'SPLUMBING 33+YearsExp.Lic/Ins. CallUsToday ForAllYour PlumbingNeeds!! ServingThe Tri-County-Area 10%/Senior/Military/ Discounts Lic#-8004254
SERVICE "Bringing30yearsof experiencetoyourdoor!" Treetrimming, removals&stump grinding.Insured&FREE estimateswithfairprices! FirewoodForSale 586-756-0757
