FITZGERALD COMMUNITY CATCHES DANCE FEVER 22A
Council proposes marijuana ordinance changes
BY NICK POWERS npowers@candgnews.com
WARREN — Proposed revisions to Warren’s marijuana ordinance are aiming to rectify issues the city has been grappling with for years.
OFFICIALS AIM TO UPDATE DISTRIBUTION OF ADULTUSE BUSINESS LICENSES
The Warren City Council unanimously approved a first reading of the updated sections of the ordinance at its March 11 meeting. City Council Secretary Mindy Moore was excused from the meeting.
Jeff Schroder, the City Council’s attor-
Supporters of Ukraine gather in front of cultural center
BY NICK POWERS npowers@candgnews.com
WARREN — Supporters of Ukraine stood on a muddy patch along Ryan Road, holding signs and waiving the country’s blue and yellow flags on March 4. They sang patriotic songs as cars drove by, overwhelmingly honking in support with the occasional detractor.
The crowd gathered in front of the Ukrainian Cultural Center to show support for Ukraine and criticize President Donald Trump following a tense Feb. 28 meeting with Ukraine President Volodymyr Zelenskyy.
“It was shocking and appalling,” Warren Mayor Lori Stone, who was at the rally, said about the meeting. “The president is the first ambassador of this country. For them to treat an ally and a friend with such disdain felt like a slap in the face. I think that’s true for people throughout this country.”
In a March 2 interview with Meet the Press, host Margret Brennan asked U.S. Rep. John James, R-Shelby Township, what he thought about
See UKRAINE on page 8A
ney, explained the proposed changes. The city council would no longer vote on extensions of marijuana renewal applications. Schroder pointed out that the council had to approve three of these kinds of extensions
earlier in the March 11 meeting. He said by taking it out of the council’s hands it would become a decision for the city’s Building Department to make. Another change would put construction code violations in front of the city’s Construction Board of Appeals. Schroder said the most controversial
See MARIJUANA on page 18A
Supporters of Ukraine gathered along Ryan Road, in front of the Ukrainian Cultural Center, on March 4.
Photo by Patricia O’Blenes
Police shoot suspect during domestic violence call
BY NICK POWERS npowers@candgnews.com
WARREN — Officers responding to a domestic violence call on March 10 shot a 41-year-old Warren man, who died from his injuries at the hospital.
At a March 13 press conference, Kenneth Beno was identified as the man who died.
“This incident was tragic on so many
levels,” Police Commissioner Eric Hawkins said at the press conference. “We had an individual who chose, for reasons that are not fully understood by us at this time, to put himself in a position where officers had to use deadly force in order to protect themselves, resulting in the loss of life.”
According to a press release from the Warren Police Department, officers were dispatched at 9:58 p.m. to a house on Railroad Street, which is off 11 Mile Road and
west of Van Dyke Avenue. A recording of the woman who made the call said she believed her boyfriend had a pocketknife and was under her bed.
“He said he will pull it on your officers,” she said to the dispatcher.
When officers arrived, the woman said the man fled the scene and headed north on the nearby railroad tracks. The officers first conducted an investigation about the alleged domestic violence and then went looking for
the suspect.
The shooting took place at around 10:15 p.m. in an area near the intersection of George Merrelli Drive and Lorna Avenue.
“Officers observed the male suspect to be still armed with a knife,” the release states. “Officers gave multiple commands to the male to drop the knife which were ignored. Officers deployed a taser which was ineffective on the male suspect. The male suspect
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
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 See REUNION on page 17A
See POLICE on page 7A
10 Mile Road construction set to begin
BY NICK POWERS npowers@candgnews.com
CENTER LINE — An extensive update to 10 Mile Road was set to begin March 15.
At Center Line’s City Council meeting on March 3, City Manager Dennis Champine gave an update after attending a pre-construction meeting with the Macomb County Department of Roads.
“Our section of 10 Mile Road is being rebuilt, and concrete is being put in place of what is now an asphalt surface,” Champine said. “The only section that is going to be resurfaced is the section in Warren from Mound to Ryan.”
The project does include a complete replacement of all storm sewers and sanitary lines under 10 Mile Road. This will be the first phase of the project. The second phase will be the more extensive construction that will last from the spring to the fall.
At the close of the March 3 meeting, Mayor Pro Tem Richard Moeller estimated the 10 Mile Road construction would be wrapped up by the end of November.
“Everyone, take your patience pill this summer as 10 Mile will be torn up and rebuilt so we don’t have to deal with all the potholes we deal with in the winter and spring,” Moeller said.
The project spans 10 Mile from Ryan Road to Lorraine Avenue, cutting through both Warren and Center Line.
Champine previously said the price tag for the project is about $16 million. Of that total amount, $10 million will be spent on the chunk of 10 Mile within Center Line and the remaining $6 million will be on Warren’s end. Center Line is chipping in $2 million for the project. The water main replacements along the roads have been completed, according to Champine.
“It’s a big project. It’s going to be a huge inconvenience,” Champine said.
Rising Stars Foundation to take over Haney’s
Rising Stars Academy is taking over Haney’s Family Restaurant.
Champine announced the purchase near the close of the March 3 meeting.
“Mr. Haney has decided to retire and enjoy his retirement,” Champine said. “Rising Stars Academy is (the) purchaser of record and, as they pointed out early on in this meeting, they are not intending on changing much. It is their intent to run the restaurant just as (it) has been throughout all of the years that the Haney family has owned the restaurant.”
Center Line City Manager Dennis Champine announced at a March 3 Center Line City Council meeting that Haney’s Family Restaurant is changing ownership.
Rising Stars Academy also runs Gather + Grounds in Center Line and has locations in Richmond and Ferndale. The academy provides job training for young adults 18-26 with special needs and provides them with a certificate upon completion. Gather + Grounds gives RSA students onsite training.
Earlier in the meeting, Gather + Grounds was named council’s Business of the Month.
“You guys are a blessing to our community,” Moeller said.
DPS handgun sights updated
Council unanimously approved the purchase of new handguns for Center Line’s Public Safety Department at its March 3 meeting.
Center Line Mayor Bob Binson was excused from the session.
The purchase was needed to update sights on the guns to have red dot sights from the standard metal ones. The current guns could be retrofitted with the new sights, but Champine said the department would be better off in the long run just getting new weapons. The old weapons the department has would be used as trade-ins for the new guns.
“This optic allows the officer to get on target faster, stay on target for follow-up shots and is proven to make officers more accurate shooters,” Champine said.
Acme Sports will be providing the new weapons at a cost not to exceed $16,015. They had the lowest out of the three bids the city entertained.
“In the long run we’re better off purchasing a new gun than trying to retrofit the guns,” Champine said.
Photo by Nick Powers
NEWS & NOTES
EXTRA CREDIT UNION ANNOUNCES SCHOOL EMPLOYEE GRANTS RECIPIENTS
WARREN — A group of local educators recently received grants from Extra Credit Union to be used for various classroom projects.
Susie Gurney: Carter Middle School, $1,500 for cardio drumming exercise supplies for gym class.
Eric Kaush, Amy Lenz and Merima Logo: Carleton Middle School, $1,000 to purchase items needed to implement a new serenity room.
Lauren Grove: St. Mary of the Hills Preschool, $750 to purchase materials to enhance their reading corners.
Beer social worker recognized by Macomb County
WARREN — 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.
Joseph Haynes: Center Line Public Schools superintendent, $1,500 to buy gardening tools and materials needed to start a community urban garden.
Allison Gurche: Will L. Lee Elementary School, $1,500 to help with materials needed to implement the PRIDE Reading Program for special education students.
James Wagner: Anchor Bay High School, $800 to pay the cost for students to attend the Business Professionals of America State Leadership conference.
Corrine Christiansen: Richmond High School, $600 to provide funding for 10 students to attend a Capital Connection International Tour.
Tracey Bailey: Wolfe Middle School, $350 to purchase board games to help with reading, language, and vocabulary skills.
Brandon Drude: L’Anse Creuse High School, $1,000 to help implement a new Anime and Gaming Club.
Leanne Davis: Chatterton Middle School, $250 to cover the cost of one inflatable at the eighth grade celebration this spring.
Danielle Nunnold: Warren Woods Public Schools, $750 to buy products needed to kickstart the Warren Woods Period Program.
Grant recipients will be honored in June at Extra Credit Union’s annual Excellence Awards, along with ECU’s annual scholarship recipients to be announced in the spring.
‘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.
WARREN, CENTER LINE OFFER UP EASTER FUN
CENTER LINE/WARREN — The Warren Spring Carnival is set to run from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. April 5.
Kids will have a chance to meet the Easter Bunny at the event. There will also be inflatables, balloon sculptures, airbrush face painting, seed planting with the Warren Garden Club and a bike helmet raffle at the event. The free event takes place at the Warren Community Center located at 5460 Arden Avenue.
Center Line will host its annual Easter egg hunt from noon to 3 p.m. April 12. The hunt will take place near the city’s parks and recreation building located at 25355 Lawrence Ave. Kids taking part in the hunt will be separated into three groups based on age. Whoever finds a golden egg in each group gets a special prize. The free event will feature a petting farm, pony rides and a chance to meet the Easter Bunny.
City Council president, DPW start program for free yard maintenance
WARREN — A new program is working to help vulnerable residents spruce up their yards and avoid citations.
Warren City Council President Angela Rogensues started the free volunteer-driven Isabel’s Angels with the Warren Department of Public Works. The volunteers can help mow lawns, trim bushes and shovel snow for residents. Those eligible for the program include seniors 65 and older, individuals with disabilities or mobility limitations and those who are going through financial hardship.
“Too many of our neighbors struggle to keep up with lawn care and snow removal due to financial or physical limitations,” Rogensues said in a press release. “Isabel’s Angels is about ensuring that no one has to choose between paying for essential needs like food and medicine or avoiding fines for overgrown grass or unshoveled sidewalks. By stepping up, we can make a real difference.”
Rogensues said the DPW often gets calls about property management. With the new program, DPW would refer residents to Rogensues to see if the program is a good fit. There is no additional cost to the city for the program.
The program was inspired by a 94-year-old Warren resident who had a hard time keeping up with her yard. She had limited mobility and a fixed income. Volunteers came to the rescue, intervening before fines were imposed.
Those in need can sign up for services on a form located on Rogensues’ public official page on Facebook. Volunteers are matched with residents based on location and availability. For more information about volunteering or signing up for the service, call Rogensues at (586) 900-1166 or email angela@cityofwarren.org.
Photo provided by Warren Consolidated Schools
Police
page 3A
still refused to drop the knife as officers approached at which time an officer-involved shooting occurred.”
The body camera footage shows Beno saying “shoot me” as officers gave him commands to get on the ground.
Following the shooting, the Warren Fire Department transported the man to the hospital where he was later declared dead. The release states that no one else was injured in the incident.
“The male has several police contacts for domestic violence incidents, disorderly conduct, and assaults on police officers,” the release states. “The male also had active warrants for his arrest at the time for domestic violence and assaults on law enforcement. The investigation includes an assessment of potential mental health factors.”
Hawkins explained that the causes of the confrontation were “complex” with mental health potentially playing a role in the situation turning deadly. For context, he mentioned a “deep dive” the department recently took. The results showed that over half of the aggravated assaults that occurred in Warren in the last two years had a “domestic violence nexus.” He said the findings showed 70% of homicides were tied to domestic violence. Last year, the department received over 1,500 calls related to someone with a mental health issue. This year, the department has responded to over 270 calls.
“We were already in the infancy stages of creating a program that would help members of this community, as well as the Police Department, deal with domestic violence,” Hawkins said.
Hawkins said this would involve collaboration with the courts, community and social service agencies.
“We’d already begun the process of developing a crisis intervention team program that would eventually train all of our officers in dealing with individuals who have mental health challenges while they’re in the line of duty,” Hawkins said.
Hawkins urged those in need to seek out available mental health resources.
According to Warren Police Department procedure, the four officers were put
on administrative leave until an investigation into the shooting is finished.
“We stand by our officers in this case,” Hawkins said.
Hawkins said no officer wants to be in a situation where they have to use deadly force, especially when a life is lost. He spoke to the ripple effect the incident has for the family of Beno, the officers who used deadly force and the community.
“We don’t take this lightly. We understand the magnitude of what happened,” he said. “That is why we are very methodical and very diligent in how we are approaching this to make sure that it’s handled appropriately.”
Call Staff Writer Nick Powers at (586) 498-1059.
page 1A
the Trump administration’s decision to not recognize Russia’s role in starting the war. James called Russia the “aggressor” but said Zelenskyy “fumbled the bag pretty hard.” He criticized former President Joe Biden for his spending on the war and a lack of vision for ending it.
“President Trump is doing everything that he can to get a lasting peace, an enduring peace in Eastern Europe and throughout the world,” James said. “He’s already ended one war in the Middle East. I think we should give him a chance to end one in Europe.”
A flier from the American Coalition for Ukraine was circulated on social media about the event in Warren. According to its website, the group was founded by “... a group of U.S.-based nonprofit organizations with the goal of mobilizing and coordinating advocacy efforts within the local Ukrainian community.” The organizations include Razom, Ukrainian National Women’s League of America, Ukrainian American Coordinating Council, Nova Ukraine and United Help Ukraine.
According to previous reporting in the Warren Weekly, there were nearly 50,000 Ukrainians living in Michigan in 2024, including populations in Warren, Troy, and Sterling Heights.
Roksolna Karanec, who previously lived in Warren for about 20 years, said she heard about the event on social media. She said recent events, especially the Feb. 28 meeting, caused her to come out.
“I’m supporting Zelenskyy, I’m supporting Ukraine,” Karanec said. “My parents came from the Ukraine after World War II, so this is very important to me.”
Karanec grew up in Hamtramck and was a part of the Ukrainian Community. She speaks Ukrainian and grew up attending a Ukrainian church and a Ukrainian school.
According to previous reporting in the Warren Weekly, there were nearly 50,000 Ukrainians living in Michigan in 2024, including populations in Warren, Troy, and Sterling Heights.
Photo by Patricia O’Blenes
At the rally, Karanec held up a sign with images from the war with the message “Wake up America!” In the corner was a heart in the colors of the Ukrainian flag.
Andy Blysniuk, a Ukrainian American, held up a sign that said, “Ukraine needs our help not Russia!” Blysniuk has lived in Royal Oak for about 25 years. His parents went to Canada after World War II. He said he’s confused about the United States’ relationship with Russia and the U.S. “throwing Ukraine under the bus.”
“I am disgusted with the moves our president has made and really just flipping everything I thought this country believed in,” Blysniuk said.
Hamtramck resident Nataliya Bilous explained that the support the United States gives Ukraine is an obligation, not a gift. She cited the 1994 Budapest Memorandum, which caused Ukraine’s nuclear weapons arsenal to be transported to Russia for dismantling. In exchange, the United States, United Kingdom and Russia pledged to respect Ukrainian sovereignty.
“It seems like it’s a bad nightmare,” Bilous said about current events.
Bilous is concerned about what it means for a democracy like Ukraine to lose support from the United States. She is also concerned about freedom of speech being restricted in the U.S.
“American people, they always live in the comfort zone,” Bilous said. “They never have been told what you’re going to wear tomorrow, what kind of book you will read.”
Stone said Warren is a diverse place and has a significant Ukrainian population.
“I’m disheartened by what’s going on in D.C.” Stone said. “I don’t feel like the leadership is representative of our democratic values. I’ve worked with the Ukrainian community. I’ve learned from the Ukrainian community here. I’m proud to stand with them and express my support and let them know they’re not alone in this.”
Call Staff Writer Nick Powers at (586) 498-1059.
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Officer involved in crash that killed two appears in court
BY NICK POWERS npowers@candgnews.com
WARREN — A Warren police officer involved in a high-speed crash that left two dead appeared in 37 District Court March 6.
James Burke, 28, appeared in court with attorney Marc Eric Curtis in front of Judge John Chmura to hear the charges leveled against him. Chmura set a preliminary examination hearing date for May 1 at 9:30 a.m. in district court.
A protest was organized at the courthouse in support of the two men who were killed in the crash, Cedric Hayden Jr. and DeJuan Pettis. The Rev. Fuqua Bey, president of the Detroit Branch of the National Acton Network, organized the event.
“In November, the families learned that Burke had been charged with four counts, including manslaughter with a motor vehicle,” a press release about the protest states. “However, the Macomb County Prosecutor’s Office declined to pursue seconddegree murder charges, leaving the families frustrated. They also expressed disappointment that the second officer in the vehicle, who could have activated the cruiser’s lights or siren, has not been charged.”
The families of Hayden and Pettis, now represented by Fieger Law, filed multimillion dollar lawsuits against the city of Warren and the two police officers involved in the crash.
Burke’s attorney weighed in on where the case is following the March 6 hearing.
“The family is making an issue of the delays,” Curtis said. “Just like any other defendant, James is entitled to a proper defense and due process. We just got, the day before the prelim, the final autopsy report in regards to the driver. He was, I heard his father say he wasn’t drunk, he was a 0.198 (blood alcohol content) at the time of the accident. We believe that, once all the facts and circumstances come out during the process, a better light will be shined on what happened that night.”
Under the state’s drunken driving laws, the legal limit for a driver’s blood alcohol content is 0.08% or more.
Burke is charged with two counts of manslaughter with a motor vehicle, 15-year felonies; one count of moving violation causing serious impairment of a body function, a 93-day misdemeanor; and willful neglect of duty by a public officer, a one-year misdemeanor. He was arraigned Nov. 22 in the 37th District Court where Judge Michael Chupa set a $100,000 personal recognizance bond.
The crash happened Sept. 30, 2024, at around 5 a.m. Burke was driving a police SUV with another officer who has not been named or charged. The SUV was traveling south on Schoenherr Road at a high speed, without lights or sirens. Hayden and Pettis were reportedly leaving work — Hayden at Stellantis and Pettis at General Motors — and made a left on Prospect Avenue from northbound Schoenherr Road when the police SUV hit them. Hayden, 34, was reportedly dead at the scene and Pettis, 33, died at the hospital. Both officers in the SUV had serious injuries following the crash.
“At no time were these officers engaged in a pursuit of the white Dodge Durango or any other vehicle when the crash occurred,” a press release from the Warren Police Department stated after the crash.
“While police officers often face challenging and fast-moving situations, the decision to drive at high speeds without lights or sirens undermines the safeguards meant to protect everyone on the road,” Macomb County Prosecutor Peter Lucido stated in a press release. “Our thoughts are with the victims’ families, and we remain committed to pursuing justice in this matter.”
Burke had been with the Warren Police Department for three years. According to Warren Police Lt. John Gajewski, Burke was terminated Dec. 12, 2024. The unnamed officer, who was a passenger in the police SUV, is currently on medical leave.
Staff Writer Gena Johnson contributed to this report. Call Staff Writer Nick Powers at (586) 498-1059.
James Burke
Prosecutor: Detroit cop sent inappropriate texts to girl
WARREN — A Detroit police officer was arraigned in the 37th District Court March 4 after he allegedly sent inappropriate text messages to a girl from Warren.
According to Macomb County prosecutors, Earl Raynard Anderson Jr., 37, allegedly sent text messages to a 12-year-old girl Feb. 22. He was charged with accosting a child for immoral purposes, which is a four-year felony.
District Court Judge Michael Chupa arraigned Anderson and set bond at $200,000 cash or surety only. If his bond is posted, Anderson was ordered to have no contact with anyone under 17. He would also be prohibited from contacting the victim and using internet or internet devices.
“The safety and well-being of our children is our top priority. We should be able to trust police officers to protect our children, not prey on them,” Macomb County Prosecutor Peter Lucido said in a press release. “These charges reflect our commitment to holding offenders accountable, no matter their position, and ensuring justice for the most vulnerable members of our community.”
Defense attorney Brent Jaffe is representing Anderson.
“As a dedicated Detroit police officer as well as a devoted husband and father, my client has served his community with integrity,” Jaffe said. “He is fully presumed innocent under the law, and we will vigorously defend him against this charge to ensure that justice prevails.”
A probable cause conference is scheduled for 8:45 a.m. on March 18 before by Judge Suzanne Faunce.
— Nick Powers
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SPOTLIGHT ON HEALTH
U.S. Border
He is wearing a mask that simulates the oxygen level at 5,000 feet above sea level.
recommends high intensity treadmill and cardio exercises for runners.
A RACE TO THE FINISH LINE
PERSONAL TRAINERS SHARE HOW TO PREPARE FOR A 5K
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.
Dr. Jefrey Tremblay: Now accepting new patients in Warren
Jefrey Tremblay, D.O., a board-certifed family medicine physician, recently joined Cornerstone Medical Group, Roseville Family Practice ofce.He brings specialized osteopathic training to deliver accessible, evidence-based healthcare with a focus on the whole patient.
“What truly inspires me is the opportunity to build lasting relationships with my patients, especially in primary care,” said Dr. Tremblay. “Osteopathic medicine, with its roots dating back to the 1800s, emphasizes a holistic approach— not just treating specifc ailments but focusing on the entire person. Tis philosophy aligns perfectly with family medicine, where preventive care is key. Our training in manipulative medicine enhances our ability to connect deeply with patients and manage health comprehensively.”
And thus, our training emphasizes an integrated approach to patient care, which includes looking at the whole body and its systems, not just specifc symptoms or diseases.
Dr. Tremblay noted that his training at Michigan State University and the Advanced Osteopathic Medicine Program was heavily focused on primary care, emphasizing a thorough, patient-focused approach. “Following a patient through all stages of care— from initial clinic visits to continued follow-ups at the hospital—is both incredibly rewarding and central to practicing family medicine,” he explained.
His diverse patient base, from newborns to seniors, allows Dr. Tremblay to engage with entire families and address health issues that potentially afect multiple generations. “Social determinants and environment play a signifcant role in a patient’s health and outcomes,” he said. “Te coolest part is seeing several generations of the same family. Tere are doctors in our practice who now see adult patients they delivered as babies, which really helps to build that relationship and foster better outcomes for the patient.”
Dr. Tremblay prides himself on being both a physician and an educator. “Teaching is one of the biggest keys,” he said. “It’s often overwhelming for patients when they don’t know what’s happening in the ER, hospital or the ofce. I place myself in their shoes and explain things in simple terms, avoiding medical jargon. I use diagrams and draw things out to show them what’s going on, so they have a better understanding of why we’re doing what we’re doing.”
He continued, “Patients today come in with a basic understanding from all the resources available to them. I build on that, making everything more relatable. For example, I might compare the heart to a car to explain how things work—it really helps make the information more understandable.” To keep current on the latest advancements in family medicine, Dr. Tremblay continuously updates his knowledge. “I listen to podcasts on internal and family medicine, and we also have access to high-quality evidence-based materials through organizations like the American Academy of Family Physicians, which regularly updates us with the latest research and journals,” he explained.
Attending osteopathic and primary care conferences throughout the year is also crucial. He values the insights gained through daily interactions with specialists both within and outside his practice, which help him stay informed about the latest changes in medical guidelines.
“Tis is a dynamic, though sometimes challenging, time in medicine and we have wonderful resources that help us provide the best care possible.”
Roseville Family Practice is located at 28295 Schoenherr Rd., Suite C, in Warren. To request an appointment, call (586) 294-0330 or visit cornerstonemedgroup.com.
Jefrey Tremblay, D.O.
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
Patrol.
Gasso
Photo by Liz Carnegie
The Arthritic Shoulder
Shoulder osteoarthritis (OA) is most o en a degenerative process, typically resulting from the ”natural” wear and tear of the articular cartilage or joint surface, frequently associated with history of Trauma, Overuse, Genetic factors and at time primary inflammatory disease such as Rheumatoid Arthritis. Symptoms of Shoulder Osteoarthritis include Pain, Sti ness, Reduced Range of Motion and Grinding.
A Comprehensive Physical Examination coupled with detailed Imaging including X-rays and Ultrasound should provide the patient with an accurate diagnosis. An Accurate Diagnosis should proceed any reasonable discussion relative to treatment options.
Treatment
• Physiotherapy – can provide improved Motion and Function as well as provide Patient Education directed at reducing symptoms overcoming limitations.
• Anti-inflammatory, can reduce symptoms, Cortisone injections should be Employed judicially.
• Surgical treatment: advancement in techniques and components have continue to advance the Quality of outcomes with predictable pain relief and restoration of function.
Dr. Plomaritis is a board-certified orthopedic surgeon with advanced fellowship training, including experience treating complex shoulder, knee and sports-related injuries. His orthopedic Surgical experience began as an associate Professor with the orthopedic department at Wayne State University and the unique opportunity to care for several professional and collegiate athletic organizations. Dr. Plomaritis has served as the orthopedic surgeon for Wayne State University for over a decade and has also treated the Detroit Red Wings, the Carolina Hurricanes and the Plymouth Whalers of the Ontario hockey league. In addition, he has also served as the orthopedic surgeon and consultant for the U.S. figure skating Association and the U.S. National Strong man competitors.
Dr. Steven T. Plomaritis
from page 12A
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 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.
Comedy shows to benefit families coping with childhood cancer
BY NICK POWERS npowers@candgnews.com
WARREN — Laughter can help pull us through the most difficult parts of life. A comedy benefit is being planned that organizers hope will provide some levity and help families dealing with the strain of childhood cancer.
The nonprofit Comedy 4 Cancer’s One 4 The Road show will raise funds for families dealing with childhood cancer March 29. All proceeds from the event go toward helping families.
JD Marshall, Comedy 4 Cancer’s founder, knows the importance of laughter as a parent of a child who died from cancer.
“I like that we are able to give families an escape from reality with the shows,” Marshall said. “I think that was the biggest reason I wanted to do them because comedy was my escape, sitting in hospice for that long. Every once in a while, I would watch something to laugh to keep from crying.”
Comedians Jeremiah Goldmain, Darren Lewis, Paul Pipitone, Craig McGaughey and Bill Smith will be performing at the event. While the show benefits families, the material might not be suitable for every member of the family. Marshall said all the comedians have been in previous shows.
“For me, it was a no-brainer getting them,” Marshall said.
Marshall recognizes the difficulties for families who travel to get care for children who have cancer, sometimes traveling out of state for the right care. Marshall said he knew he would get involved in fundraising at some point following his experience with his daughter. He saw families where a parent needed to take time off of work to care for their child.
“We just kept hearing stories about how many families were struggling financially,” Marshall said. “It’s just something that doesn’t get a lot of coverage. Then again, who thinks of children having cancer? Most people identify with it from the TV commercials. It’s not until you live it that you start realizing it’s not as rare as people think it is. That was the inspiration behind it.”
Comedy 4 Cancer started in 2015, eight days before Marshall’s daughter, Stephaine, went into hospice. Stephaine was a comedy fan. Prior to her death, she had the opportunity to spend 20 minutes with Gabriel Iglesias.
“She said the best day of her life was
meeting Gabriel Iglesias,” Marshall said.
Every year, Comedy 4 Cancer does a benefit to celebrate Stephaine’s life. Over the years, Marshall estimates that the charity has raised over $900,000.
“I feel like if that meeting never happened, I don’t know how far I would’ve went with this,” Marshall said.
Marshall said losing a child was the “lowest point” of his life.
“It’s like anything that happened before that is now just a blur,” he said. “You’re never going to unsee that image. It’s sad for anyone to have to deal with it. It’s literally the most heartbreaking thing that’s happened in my life.”
Comedy 4 Cancer also provides monthly gifts for children facing cancer, according to their interests, Marshall said. He said the organization has provided about 900 gifts since it started.
Comedy 4 Cancer is the live event offshoot of A Mission of Love, which provides emotional support for families coping with cancer, along with the financial help. A Mission of Love started in 2014.
“Through the biggest tragedy of my life, the one triumph I have is meeting some of the greatest people,” Marshall said. “On this journey we’ve met celebrities, we’ve met kids that are stronger than any human being you’ve ever met.”
The event will take place from 7-10 p.m. March 29 at the Knights of Columbus
Photo provided by JD Marshall Gabriel Iglesias, left, and JD Marshall pose for a picture with Marshall’s daughter Stephaine.
Reunion
from page 3A
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 holiday,” 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 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.”
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.
Marijuana
from page 1A
change alters how adult-use licenses are distributed. The new ordinance would eliminate the Marijuana Review Committee, which was established in 2019. He explained that the committee held closed door meetings to determine which businesses received a license. He said the legality of the committee bounced around the state’s court system.
“Ultimately, the (Michigan) Supreme Court said these closed-door meetings violated the Open Meetings Act,” Schroder said. “They weren’t held in public, and they were making these decisions and interviewing people and deciding who gets a license and who didn’t. At that time, now we hear the industry is suffering a little bit, but at that time these were considered to be very valuable licenses and everybody who applied really wanted one.”
Schroder estimated that the court fees to defend the city probably cost taxpayers over $1 million. He said the prior council set the adult-use retail limit at zero during the pending litigation. The changing ordinance removes this, making the amount unlimited. However, Schroder qualified what unlimited means in this context.
“It’s not unlimited because it’s dependent on the zoning ordinance,” he said. “A zoning ordinance was passed in 2019 that severely restricts where marijuana facilities can be located in the city.”
In an email following the meeting, Councilman Jonathan Lafferty said there was less urgency to open shops than there was in 2018. He said the zoning that would be used keeps marijuana shops from showing up “on every block.” He said zoning requirements are “strict,” and competition will drive where shops open.
Lafferty clarified in the email what a first reading of the ordinance means. He pushed back on the idea of the change being sudden, which was alleged during public comment.
“The act of placing the item on the agenda is the notice,” Lafferty stated. “The first reading begins the process of notifying the public that we are taking up an ordinance
Comedy
from page 15A
hall at 22040 Ryan Road.
Comedy 4 Cancer will have another benefit, One Last Laugh, at 6 p.m. April 12 at UAW Local 228, 39209 Mound Road in Sterling Heights. The event, which happens each April near the date Stephaine passed, will be the last event for the nonprofit in its
with the intent to modify it. This is in addition to two public hearings held in 2019 by the planning commission and city council regarding the zoning locations and restrictions — which is fully preserved in this process.”
Lafferty supported the ordinance change.
“I don’t like marijuana. I don’t smoke it, and I can’t stand the smell,” Lafferty said at the meeting. “What I dislike even more is missing out on the taxable revenue as I watch people who live here leave Warren and spend their money in other cities.”
Councilman Henry Newnan also spoke in support of the change. He said he used to smoke marijuana but no longer does. He advocated for better policing for those driving under the influence.
“We’ve inherited this situation, basically this mess, and we’re doing the best we can to sort it out,” he said. “I support this move that we’re making tonight. I haven’t heard any good arguments to not (make the change). I am curious about fine-tuning it.”
The updates to the ordinance drew criticism and praise during the public comment portion of the meeting. Concern about the odor of marijuana was a common thread between the public commenters and members of council.
Lori Harris, acknowledging the legality of marijuana and the business climate, was concerned about the smell.
“How about if you have one by your house for seven years right next door where they don’t want to change the filter where you smell it all the time,” Harris said. “I mean, this is ridiculous.”
Boyd Morson was concerned about residents smoking marijuana in rental properties and the smell that could reach other tenants. He echoed Lafferty and Newnan’s comments. He suggested having smoking designated for particular areas on the premises or having a way to offset the odor.
“Some of these places have seniors, our most seasoned people in our community, and have our little babies that’s growing up in our community,” Morrison said. “Yet, the smell that you both spoke about, is something that you smell when you walk into these particular buildings, which I think is a disrespect to
current form.
Marshall said the April event caps off 10 years since he lost his daughter, making it the right time to make a change.
“My last show on April 12 is not me walking away from the charity at all,” Marshall said. “It’s exactly the opposite; it’s going for bigger and better and letting somebody else run the comedy shows.”
For more information about both events, go to comedy4cancer.com.
those who don’t smoke.”
Lafferty, acknowledging Morson’s concerns, said it is up to the landlords to put those types of restrictions in a tenant’s rental agreement.
Greg Donahoe said the ordinance change was “uncalled for.”
“There’s been no public discussions, no public hearings, no sense of where an unlimited amount may be located,” Donahoe said. “I can tell you, they will be disproportionately located in economically distressed and diverse areas as opposed to more well-to-do areas.”
He also disagreed with how the change was happening.
“If the explanation comes out that this has something to do with a lawsuit, all of you should push back hard on that,” he said. “It usurps your role as legislators and our role as voters. Whether or not we’re even going to have retail establishments is a question that should be put to the voters. The state law enabling this allows that.”
Attorney Aaron Geyer wanted a wider range of hours for marijuana businesses but, in general, supported the change.
“Yes, this is the logical way to do this,” he said.
Mark Abraham, who owns marijuana business Vendco Michigan, spoke in support of the change.
“I’m here to say thank you. Thank you
Rising Stars Academy 23855 Lawrence Ave Center Line MI 48015
586-806-6455
for getting it to this point,” Abraham said. “I don’t know how you’re going to vote. I certainly hope that we get this past the finish line. It’s way overdue.”
Police and fire millage renewal slated for August ballot Council also unanimously approved, in two votes, to add a renewal of the levy of 4.6083 mills for the police and fire safety millage to the Aug. 5 ballot.
Schroder confirmed, following questioning by Lafferty, that the Michigan Attorney General’s office would have to OK the proposal’s language before it appears on the ballot. If this happens, it bounces back to the council to approve the updated language.
The language, allowing voters to choose yes or no, is set to be on the ballot as follows: Shall section 9.1 of the Warren City Charter be amended to continue the annual levy of up to 4.6083 mills on taxable value of property located in the city for five (5) years, to sustain police and fire safety protection? If renewed this millage would renew the police and fire safety protection millage levy expiring after the 2025 levy, beginning with the July 2026 levy and continuing through the 2030 levy. This millage will raise in the first year of such levy estimated revenues of $21,289,998. Shall the additional local police and fire safety protection millage be approved?
There is an open position for the Board of Education for Rising Stars Academy, a post-secondary public/charter school for individuals 18-26 with special needs. Interested individuals should submit their resume to Marsha Salome at msalome@rsaonline.org no later than April 1, 2025. The new board member will be appointed by May 1, 2025, and sworn in at the May 8, 2025 Board of Education meeting.
Thank you.
Published: Warren Weekly 03/19/2025
Editor: Brian Louwers | (586) 498-1089 | brianlouwers@candgnews.com
Reporters: Nick Powers | (586) 498-1059 | npowers@candgnews.com
Maria Allard | (586) 498-1045 | allard@candgnews.com
Sports: Scott Bentley | (586) 498-1090 | sports@candgnews.com
Artroom: (586) 498-1036 | ads@candgnews.com
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retail ad rates: Lisa Armitage | (586) 498-1078 | larmitage@candgnews.com Karen Bozimowski | (586) 498-1032 | kboz@candgnews.com
Legals and Obits: (586) 498-1099
Classifieds: For ad rates (586) 498-8100
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Center Line ceramics, nutrition
students fill ‘Empty Bowls’
BY MARIA ALLARD allard@candgnews.com
CENTER LINE — The smell of chicken noodle soup simmering on the stove — along with fresh rolls baking in the oven — led the way to Room J103 at Center Line High School Feb. 28.
For the third straight year, students in Jennifer Haugh’s nutrition classes and Shelly Keeran’s ceramics course raised money for Gleaners Community Food Bank through a fundraiser known as “Empty Bowls.”
During lunchtime, Haugh’s classroom transformed into a cafe. Staff members were invited in for a hearty bowl of soup and bread roll for $5. Anyone who paid $10 took home a ceramic piece one of Keeran’s students made. Employees could also purchase or bid on artwork in a silent auction.
Haugh’s nutrition students spent one week preparing the chicken and broth, chopping carrots and celery, and adding just the right amount of spices and noodles. Keeran’s students began making their collections several weeks ago.
“Her ceramic students made some beautiful artwork, and my students made the soup from scratch,” Haugh said. “The
first year we made $500 for Gleaners and last year we made $800.”
“We’re doing something we love and giving it away for a good cause,” Keeran said.
The event keeps growing because this year’s Empty Bowls raised $925.
Based in Detroit, Gleaners serves Wayne, Oakland, Macomb, Livingston and Monroe counties by partnering with soup kitchens, food pantries, shelters and schools to provide meals to families in need.
Seniors Floyd Drinkhorn and Zachary Siegel served the soup, and senior Samantha Lepine helped pass out rolls. Siegel, also a ceramics student, displayed a piece he made of a bird at a planter. The art student used a technique known as coil to shape his work. The idea came to him when looking through art books in Keeran’s class.
“I saw someone using coil to make it better,” he said. “It inspired me to do something different.”
Koi fish inspired senior Samiha Syeda to create a ceramic pond that can store keys and jewelry or be used as a small plate. She’s happy the way her project turned out and also likes the Empty Bowls idea.
“It combines two types of creativity: cu-
Photo by Maria Allard
Center Line High School seniors Floyd Drinkhorn, left, and Zachary Siegel serve soup to the school’s athletic director, Ajani Ali, right, during the Empty Bowls fundraiser Feb. 28.
Empty Bowls
linary and the arts,” Syeda said.
Junior Brittany Potts started with a flat piece of clay and glaze to create a star-shaped dish she sold at the event.
“I placed it in a bowl and let it dry,” Potts said. “I think this is really fun. I think this is a great cause. It’s a fun, new experience for me because I have been loving art for a really long time.”
Using her artistic skills, senior Caitlin Sabornido made a ceramic flower trinket dish.
“I think the flowers are very cute and it’s fun to make,” she said. “I think this is really nice, especially when it contributes to
a good cause.”
One guest who attended Empty Bowls was Center Line Public Schools Superintendent Joseph Haynes.
“I think it’s wonderful to see our kids working so hard to support a great philanthropy and also sharing their talents,” Haynes said.
Gleaners has a food mobile program that visits schools once a month, including Center Line High School. The program hit home one afternoon when the Gleaners truck was parked outside Haugh’s classroom. That led to a discussion between the educator and her students about financial struggles that sometimes make it difficult to buy food.
“That could be your neighbor or one of our families,” Haugh reminded the students.
Empty Bowls was founded in Novem-
ber 1990 by John Hartom, an art teacher at Lahser High School in Bloomfield Hills. According to the website emptybowls.com, he wanted his students to participate in a local food drive. So, he came up with the idea for them to make ceramic bowls and invite staff in for soup for a donation. The money raised would then be donated to a local food bank.
Empty Bowls is now known worldwide. Schools from elementary to college level, civic organizations and individuals sponsor their own Empty Bowls events to raise money for local food banks of their choice.
Photo by Maria Allard
Students in Shelly Keeran’s ceramics class made a variety of artwork to raise money for Gleaners Community Food Bank.
Fitzgerald community catches dance fever
BY MARIA ALLARD allard@candgnews.com
WARREN — “Slide to the left. Slide to the right. Crisscross. Crisscross.”
Doing the “Cha-Cha Slide” got people out onto the dance floor during the 15th annual senior prom March 5 inside the Fitzgerald Public Schools Neigebaur Administration Building.
For this senior prom, the school’s 12th grade seniors invited senior citizens from the community to the prom as their date. This year, about 60 seniors — some in their best evening attire — attended.
Students in Brian Michael’s senior student council team planned the event, including making invitations, decorations and keepsake photos. Michael and Michelle Ridky, administrative assistant to interim Superintendent Laurie Fournier, helped the students plan. There was no cost to the attendees, and some students even brought their grandparents as guests.
“It’s just a good way to bring the community together. I would hope the community sees how it is to be a Fitzgerald High School teenager here in 2025,” Michael said. “I want the students to make sure their person has a good time and to learn something about them. In today’s world, we’ve lost social skills and the ability to interact. Tonight is about having fun.”
After dinner, disc jockey Brian Hood from Special Moments Entertainment kept the party going by spinning everything from the Beatles’ “Twist
See PROM on page 23A
Al-Aqsa Supermarket opens in Warren
Al-Aqsa Supermarket recently celebrated its grand opening in Warren. Offering international groceries, produce, seafood and meats for every occasion, the supermarket is located at 30800 Hoover Road, at the corner of 13 Mile Road.
The supermarket also carries premium rice, flour and cooking essentials, plus snacks and beverages. Al-Aqsa Supermarket has fresh, premium-quality halal meat for all your meals. From steaks to chicken, enjoy tender cuts at their finest. It is open every day from 8 a.m. to 11 p.m. Call (586) 806-3080.
BUSINESS CLIP
ABOVE: The couples at the senior prom March 5 dance to Vince Gill’s “Look at Us” at the Fitzgerald Public Schools Neigebaur Administration Building.
LEFT: Bill Fox, of Roseville, left, and Merle Boniecki, of Warren, dance the evening away.
Photos by Patricia O’Blenes
and Shout” to Guns N’ Roses’ “Sweet Child O’Mine.” Things quieted down when he cued Vince Gill’s “Look at Us” for a slow dance before pumping up the volume again with the song “Cowboy Boogie” by Meechie featuring Big Mucci.
“I’m having a wonderful time just talking with the young girls and watching people dance. I love the music. It’s a day out. They should do it more often,” Janice Aleman said. “A lot of my family graduated from Fitzgerald High School. I am 82, and I feel 50 years old. I feel young. It makes you feel good that you’re here.”
Aleman attended the prom with her friends Basil and Judy Welsh. They all reside in the same senior complex in Warren. The Welshes will celebrate 68 years of marriage in May. Judy Welsh and Aleman both attended Cody High School in Detroit. They didn’t know each other then, but after meeting at the complex, they realized they grew up in the same neighborhood and Aleman graduated with Judy’s brother.
Basil Welsh, 88, said the students at the prom reminded him of his 18 grandchildren and 17 great-grandchildren. He also wished more people from the senior complex would have attended.
“I think if they had transportation more would come,” said Judy Welsh, 85, adding the prom was “very nice.”
Jordan Bethel, with help from art teach-
er Ryanne Lumetta, made corsages and boutonnieres for the guests.
“The flowers are fake. We tried to dress them up as much as we could,” Bethel said. “It was very creative and inspiring for me.”
Bethel said he was “having a wonderful time” at the dance.
“The people are so interesting,” he said. “I’ve been hearing amazing stories about their life experiences. I think this night gives them time away from home. To be outside feels how they were when they were younger. We’ve been talking about traveling.”
“It’s fun. They play some good dance music, and the food was good too,” Fitzgerald student Chaniya Richardson said. “One couple has been dancing since we got here.”
That couple was Merle Boniecki, of Warren, and Bill Fox, of Roseville, who never left the dance floor once the music started.
Rebecca Zainos, 58, who was paired up with student Ja’Neaya Jones also was footloose on the dance floor. Zainos, a Center Line High School graduate, didn’t attend her own prom and made up for lost time. Her son, Juan Diego, 22, even picked out her sparkling blue prom dress.
“I had a good time,” Jones said. “I want to be in the nursing field with the elderly to make an impact on their lives.”
“She was so caring to me,” Zainos said. “I couldn’t have asked for a better date.”
This year’s prom was earlier than usual because of state testing and other extracurricular activities scheduled this spring.
Call Staff Writer Maria Allard at (586) 498-1045.
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Home Improvement
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TREBOR
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Kitchens/ Cabinets/ Countertops
MR.BACKSPLASH
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Painting
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