4/24/24 Eastsider

Eastpointe declares Sept. 6 ‘First Amendment Day,’ settles lawsuit

BY BRIAN WELLS bwells@candgnews.com

EASTPOINTE — Following the settlement of a lawsuit filed by four Eastpointe residents, City Council passed a motion declaring Sept. 6 as First Amendment Day.

The lawsuit was filed in U.S. District Court Nov. 9, 2022, by Mary Hall-Rayford, Karen Beltz, Karen Mouradjian and Cindy Federle through Philadelphia-based nonprofit Foundation for Individual Rights and Expression, or FIRE. It accused former Eastpointe Mayor Monique Owens of abusing her power “by shouting down and suppressing criticism of her while the floor was open for public comments,” according to a press release by FIRE.

The incidents took place at multiple City Council meetings in 2022. At the Sept.

See AMENDMENT on page 11A

‘WHAT AN ICON HE WAS’ Community remembers forensic pathologist Werner Spitz

BY MARIA ALLARD allard@candgnews.com

METRO DETROIT — From testifying at the O.J. Simpson civil case in 1996 to offering his perspective in the Chappaquiddick incident that involved Ted Kennedy and Mary Jo Kopechne in 1969, Werner Spitz was widely known for providing his expertise on the witness stand.

The prominent forensic pathologist was sought after in the court system for his knowledge in forensic evidence and his testimony regarding many high-profile murders that drew public interest and media attention.

The longtime chief medical examiner — who performed or supervised more than 60,000 autopsies during his career — died April 14 at the age of 97. He was a resident of Grosse Pointe Shores. Many in the community are remembering the wellknown forensic expert.

Warren City Council member Mindy Moore felt “very sad” when she learned Spitz died. Moore, a freelance court reporter, has known Spitz since the late 1970s when he was the chief Wayne County medical examiner. She was present for many depositions he provided over the years.

See SPITZ on page 10A

The Eastsider is one of 21 bi-weekly publications produced by C & G Newspapers, a family-owned company serving residents in Macomb, Oakland and Wayne counties since 1981.

We deliver our papers to more than 571,000 homes in 45 communities via direct mail.

Main: (586) 498-8000

Editor: David Wallace dwallace@candgnews.com

News: Maria Allard allard@candgnews.com

Nick Powers npowers@candgnews.com

Brian Wells bwells@candgnews.com

Andy Kozlowski akozlowski@candgnews.com

Sports: Jonathan Szczepaniak sports@candgnews.com

Community Calendar: calendar@candgnews.com

Classifieds: (586) 498-8100

Legals & Obits: (586) 498-1099

Artroom: (586) 498-1036

Retail Advertising: Mike Low mlow@candgnews.com

Karen Bozimowski kboz@candgnews.com

Automotive Advertising: Louise Millar lmillar@candgnews.com

Real Estate Advertising: Paula Kaspor pkaspor@candgnews.com

candgnews.com

facebook.com/candgnews @candgnews

instagram.com/candgnews

John 3:16 - “For God so loved the world, that he gave his only Son, that whoever believes in him should not perish but have eternal life.”

SECOND FRONT PAGE

Mother hopes for leads in son’s death

BY NICK POWERS npowers@candgnews.com

ROSEVILLE — According to Deborah Desmarais, her son, Lawrence Faller, was a person known in the Roseville neighborhood where he’d often stay. He could often be seen on his green mountain bike in the area.

“Two-mile radius, a square,” she said of where he’d ride his bike.

Five years ago, on a rainy night in a parking lot at 17040 11 Mile Road, near Groveland Street, Faller was shot. He called 911 and was taken to the hospital, but he died from the wounds March 18, 2019. He was 31, just days shy of his 32nd birthday on March 23.

“Every time I talk about it, it’s like it happens just now,” Desmarais said. “It is unsolved and that’s what bothers me the most. They got away with doing this.”

Faller worked at Bosco’s Pizza, owned by Tyson Foods, off Dequindre Road near 10 Mile Road in Warren.

“Lawrence went to work every day — every day,” his mother said.

While Faller lived in Sterling Heights

DISTRICT HOLDS INPUT SESSION ON FACILITIES MASTER PLAN

EASTPOINTE — With declining enrollment and underutilized school buildings, Eastpointe Community Schools officials have entered into a partnership with the strategic consulting firm Woolpert.

Woolpert, which has offices worldwide, has been sought out to provide an assessment of the district’s needs and to develop a comprehensive, longterm facilities plan.

In the late afternoon of April 17, Woolpert Project Director Kerrianne Wolf and K-12 consultant Gretchen Welch facilitated an input session at Eastpointe Middle School. The event was open to the community and about 30 people, many of

Pastor Alexis Pinkston and First Gentleman Pinkston invite everyone to share in the love of God for Sunday Worship and Tuesday Virtual Bible Study.

St. Luke A.M.E Church 17805 Oakdale Street, Roseville, MI 48066

Sunday Worship at 10:00 a.m (Hybrid)

Tuesday Virtual Bible Study at 6:45 p.m.

Zoom Meeting

Meeting ID: 847 9577 7815

Passcode: STLUKE

0100-2416

them administrators and staff, attended. During the meeting, Wolf gave a PowerPoint presentation that explained the reasoning behind the facilities master plan.

The facilities master plan is a blueprint that will guide the development and management of the district’s buildings and infrastructure over time. The plan will be devised with feedback from the community to guide the district on how to best utilize its school buildings. The master plan will look at the conditions of the school buildings and the capacity of students within the district.

Wolf, who worked as a teacher for 10 years, also provided several scenarios that would address the declining enrollment and underused school buildings while keeping in mind the annual facility bud-

Faller

Photo by Patricia O’Blenes

Woolpert Project Director Kerrianne Wolf presents various options to address the school buildings and declining enrollment in Eastpointe Community Schools.

Board approves iPad purchase, curriculum

BY MARIA ALLARD allard@candgnews.com

ROSEVILLE — Roseville Community Schools students who will be in kindergarten, first and second grade next year will have new iPads on which to learn.

At the April 15 Board of Education meeting, the school board voted 7-0 to purchase 1,800 iPads and cases from Apple Inc. for $900,329 for the K-2 students. Money from the district’s $58.9 million bond issue that passed in 2018 will cover the cost of the purchase.

The district’s technology director, Michael Antoine, brought the recommendation to the school board.

“We’re excited about it. This is series two (of the bond). This is the latest and greatest version of the iPad. We are ordering Apple-certified protective cases,” Antoine said. “What it means by ‘certified’ is that if there’s a problem with it, Apple will fix them and not charge us a service fee on them.”

School officials will also have a method to keep track of the technological devices.

“We have plans to implement a different management system that helps us control the laptops, put applications on them and see where students have been and where the laptop may be,” Antoine said.

The process for purchasing the iPads began on April 16. The Business Office will coordinate with the elementary schools in

late September and early October to get the iPads to students.

At the April 15 meeting, the school board also voted 7-0 on two other purchases: the Everyday Math curriculum for K-5 from McGraw Hill for $349,168, and the StudySync Core English language arts curriculum for grades 6-12 from McGraw Hill for $184,438. School officials will use general fund dollars for both purchases.

“This is not a new adoption. We’ve been using the same kits since 2017. This is an extension of what we’ve been using for seven years now,” Assistant Superintendent Dave Rice said of Everyday Math. “We are getting a new edition that came out, so we’re updating our stuff. We’re also getting a three-year licensing agreement, and then we’re updating all of our teacher-student resources.”

Everyday Math is a research-based program that can be implemented in a fully digital format, fully in print, or in a print-digital hybrid format.

The StudySync Core English language arts is not a new adoption, but an extension of a previous order.

“This is just to extend the licensing. This is going to be for two years,” Rice said.

According to the website studysync. com, StudySync is in print or online.

The purchase orders were expected to go out within a few days of the board meeting. The new curriculum is expected for the 2024-25 school year.

Photo by Maria Allard

The Roseville Community Schools Board of Education voted on several new purchases April 15.

EXPLORE

Feature Series

The following is part of C & G Newspapers’ feature series about Northern Michigan destinations for readers to explore.

THE STORIED HISTORY OF CHARLEVOIX’S CASTLE FARMS

BY GREG TASKER

CHARLEVOIX — When most people think of northern Michigan, images of Renaissance-style castles don’t readily spring to mind.

Yet, such a castle, one with a storied history and ties to state and national memories, stands outside Charlevoix, tucked among the expansive farms, orchards, lakes and small towns of this inviting patch of northern Michigan.

Its existence perplexed me for years. Until a recent visit, I knew nothing about this castle, now called Castle Farms, except that it was a wedding venue. It turns out that Castle Farms is so much more and well worth a visit.

Built in 1918, the castle, after years of being abandoned, was

Eastpointe Cruisin’ Gratiot fundraiser

EASTPOINTE — A 2024 Eastpointe Cruisin’ Gratiot fundraiser will be held from 4 to 8 p.m. May 8 at Cloverleaf Bar & Restaurant, 24443 Gratiot Ave. There will be 50/50 raffles and gift baskets for raffles. Some of the cars that will be part of this year’s event will be on display.

Professionals needed for Career Day

ROSEVILLE — All types of careers and businesses are sought for the May 15 Career Day at Ruth H. Green Elementary School, 18530 Marquette St. The event will take place from noon to 3 p.m.

Rotating groups of kids will travel from table to table asking questions for about 15 minutes. For more information, contact the Eastpointe-Roseville Chamber of Commerce at (586) 776-5520 or via email at director@erchamber.com.

EASTPOINTE GIVEN GRANT FOR 10 MILE SAFETY STUDY

EASTPOINTE — Eastpointe was awarded one of eight grants by the Southeast Michigan Council of Governments, or SEMCOG, to conduct formal safety performance examinations of existing or planned roads and intersections.

The road safety audits, or RSAs, are to be conducted by an independent, multidisciplinary audit team and will determine priority recommendations for safety improvements. SEMCOG expects the road safety audits to begin by the end of spring or early summer.

Eastpointe was awarded a grant to perform an RSA on the stretch of 10 Mile Road between Cushing and Hayes avenues, with a focus on the intersections at Gratiot, Phlox and Hayes avenues.

According to a SEMCOG press release, the audit is aimed at addressing “a history of high-severity crashes and prioritizing equitable access and safety for all users, especially pedestrians and cyclists.”

“Our region has a strong coalition of partners who are committed to putting safety first and creating a safe and equitable environment for all,” said Amy O’Leary, SEMCOG’s executive director. “We are taking a systematic approach to creating safe streets in Southeast Michigan by studying some of the locations with the greatest opportunity for impact. Each of these audits represents an opportunity to identify and implement life-saving improvements.”

In Macomb County, Mount Clemens and Washington Township were also awarded grants. In Oakland County, Birmingham, Lathrup Village and Wixom received grants. Additionally, in Wayne County, Belleville received a grant. In Livingston County, Brighton was awarded a grant.

Craft class offered

ROSEVILLE — The Recreation Authority of Roseville and Eastpointe is offering a summer craft class from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. June 6.

Participants will make a porch leaner sign. There will be a template, or attendees can make their own designs. The leaner will be approximately 12 inches by 48 inches in size.

Wood, paint and paintbrushes will be provided. Children 7 and younger must be accompanied by an adult. The cost is $20 per person for residents and $25 per person for nonresidents.

RARE is located at 18185 Sycamore St., one block north of 11 Mile Road, east of Gratiot Avenue. To register by May 26, call (586) 445-5480 or visit rare-mi.org.

Spaghetti dinner May 2

ROSEVILLE — Darlene Steenland’s/Cathy Surhigh’s 31st annual “Send Our Kids To Camp” spaghetti dinner will be held from 4 to 7 p.m. May 2 at the Recreation Authority of Roseville and Eastpointe building, 18185 Sycamore St., one block north of 11 Mile Road, east of Gratiot Avenue.

For the past 30 years, the Roseville Optimist Club has sponsored the spaghetti dinner. The proceeds help send children who have special needs to camp. The cost is $12 per person payable at the door. Kids younger than 10 eat free. Take out is available.

Upcoming events at Eastpointe Library

EASTPOINTE — The Eastpointe Memorial Library will hold two events this week.

The program “Gardeners Know All the Dirt with Urban Seed” will be held at 6:30 p.m. April 25. Urban Seed is a concept that helps promote Michigan’s urban gardens. The Friends of the Library will hold a bunco night fundraiser from 5 to 8 p.m. April 27. Tickets cost $15 per person.

The Eastpointe Memorial Library is located at 15875 Oak Ave. For more information, call (586) 445-5096 or visit the library’s website at cityofeastpointe.net. Just click on the library page.

File photo by Erin Sanchez

File photo by Patricia O’Blenes

LET FREEDOM RING

The “Freedom Confirmed” exhibit is running through April 27 at the Lorenzo Cultural Center, located at 44575 Garfield Road in Clinton Township. The program series focuses on Abraham Lincoln’s role in the Civil War and other events that shaped American democracy and freedoms. For more information, visit lorenzoculturalcenter.com or call (586) 445-7348.

Whether you’re looking for your dream sports car or the ultimate family van, MSGCU is here to champion you. We’ll pave the way to your goals with market-leading loan rates and personalized guidance. Apply today. Open to all Michiganders.

ABOVE: A cross and heart pendant from 1863 and 1862, a “housewives” sewing kit from 1861, and a photograph of Asa Sprague from 1861 are all on display. LEFT: The exhibit features Capt. Charles Henry Curtiss’ coat and line officer’s sash from the 7th Michigan, 1861.

Photos by Patricia O’Blenes

You

don’t see many of them around anymore’

DRIVING IN THE ‘CROSSFIRE’

BY MARIA ALLARD allard@candgnews.com

When the neighborhood kids want to take a ride around the block in Mel Kubiak’s 2007 Chrysler Crossfire, he’s always available for a spin.

“They love it,” the Sterling Heights resident said.

As does Kubiak.

“I get a great deal of satisfaction out of doing things for people,” he said.

Since the car is a two-seat coupe, everyone patiently waits his or her turn. Now that the weather is warming up, Kubiak, 85, is ready for car cruising season.

With its silver exterior and orangish/rust interior, the sports car always draws a crowd, and Kubiak makes sure to keep the coupe in tiptop shape.

“With some elbow grease, look how clean it is,” he said when lifting the front hood.

Prior to purchasing the Crossfire, Kubiak owned a 1987 Pontiac Fiero. It was the car he and his wife, Joann Kubiak, zipped around in on a regular basis, taking it to car shows and for leisure drives.

“I had that about 10 years,” Kubiak said.

The Kubiaks were married 52 years. When Joann died 11 years ago, Kubiak felt it was time for a change.

“Because I have a lot of memories in it, I got rid of the Fiero,” he said.

The car enthusiast began looking for a new set of wheels.

“I didn’t know what I wanted to buy,” said Kubiak, who went online to search and eventually found the Crossfire for sale in Clio, Michigan. “The moment I spotted it, I liked it.”

According to Kubiak’s research, a total of 76,014 Crossfire models were made in the years that they were manufactured from 2004-2008.

See CROSSFIRE on page 10A

Sterling Heights resident Mel Kubiak, 85, is ready for cruise season with his 2007 Chrysler Crossfire coupe. The Chrysler Crossfire was only produced from 2004 to 2008.

Photos by Patricia O’Blenes

JUNIOR LEAGUE OF DETROIT STAGES 1 FINAL SHOW HOUSE

BY K. MICHELLE MORAN kmoran@candgnews.com

GROSSE POINTE CITY — Metro

Detroiters will have one final chance to see interior designers work their magic on a majestic home when the Junior League of Detroit hosts its 25th — and final — biennial Designers’ Show House in May.

Located at 315 Lakeland Ave. in Grosse Pointe City, the almost 8,500-square-foot Tudor home will be open for tours May 4-19. A ticketed preview party that’s also open to the public will take place from 6:30 to 10 p.m. May 3 and will include cocktails, heavy appetizers, an open bar, a DJ and dancing, a raffle, a silent auction, and valet parking.

Almost 20 designers and artists were chosen to make over the home, which was built in 1929 for Dr. J. Milton Robb and designed by acclaimed architect George D. Mason.

Visitors can get ideas for things they can do in their own homes, from surprising color and pattern mixes to furniture arrangements that are both beautiful and functional.

The living room, as envisioned by Loretta Crenshaw, of Crenshaw & Associates, is an elegant oasis with lots of green and cream, including multiple seating areas, an inviting

window seat and an olive green velvet couch.

“Loretta’s specialty really is layering things — textures and colors,” Show House Co-Chair Ann Baxter said.

Although the designers work independently, threads appear each time that tie the whole home together. This year, those threads include tactile fabrics like velvet and boucle; deep, rich colors — especially shades of green — offset by cream and white; gold and bronze accents; and nods to the Scottish and German ancestry of original homeowner Robb and his wife, with plaid in particular popping up repeatedly.

“Every room is going to need some investigation,” Show House Co-Chair Julia Keim said. “There’s so much to see in every room. We’ve got a great roster of designers.”

Laura Zender, of Laura Zender Design, created a sustainable nursery with vintage dressers, organic and sustainable toys, wallpaper using sustainable paper, children’s books from a book recycler, and low chemicals and volatile organic compounds, or VOCs. With its soft colors and whimsical touches, the room is warm and inviting.

“I wanted to show we could do a room that was beautiful and with a lot of personality,” Zender said.

In a nod to Show House history, the hallway leading to the master bedroom includes framed photos — designed by Michelle Boggess, of Posterity Art & Framing

Gallery — of rooms designed by Hudson’s for these houses.

A sleek closet showcasing showstopping See SHOW HOUSE on page 13A

Photo by Patricia O’Blenes Pops of color, like olive green, stand out against the cream and off-white furniture chosen by Loretta Crenshaw, of Crenshaw & Associates, for the elegant, expansive living room.

Spitz

from page 1A

“What an icon he was. He was quite brilliant and so effective,” she said. “He had a way about him. His whole career was fascinating. When he spoke, all eyes were on him. You knew what he would say would be impactful and very important. He certainly was one of a kind.”

Sometimes the evidence presented in court could be very technical, and Moore said Spitz was always able to explain it “so any lay person could understand him.” One deposition that stands out was the time the forensics expert testified in a case to determine whether a man committed suicide or was murdered. With the unloaded firearm in his hand, the pathologist laid on the floor to demonstrate that the deceased man could not have killed himself at the particular angle in which he died.

Despite the gruesome work he did, Moore, at times, saw the medical examiner in another light.

“He had a really good sense of humor,” she said.

According to his resume, Spitz practiced forensic pathology for more than 50 years. He was the chief medical examiner in Wayne County from 1972-88 and in Macomb County from 1972-2004. He also served as a deputy chief medical examiner in Maryland.

He received his medical training at the Geneva University Medical School in Switzerland and the Hebrew University Hadassah Medical School in Jerusalem. His resume states he was an associate professor at the University of Maryland School of Medicine and Johns Hopkins University, and that he worked for the Department of Legal Medicine at the University School of Medicine in West Berlin.

Throughout his lifetime, Spitz served on various committees investigating the assassinations of President John F. Kennedy and Martin Luther King Jr. He testified at various trials in the U.S. and Canada including the “Preppy Murder” in New York, the talk show host Jenny Jones case, the Crown vs. Truscott in Toronto, music producer Phil Spector’s murder trial and the Casey Anthony murder case. He also consulted with the police in Boulder, Colorado, about the death of JonBenét Ramsey.

Steve Bieda, a 37th District Court judge in Warren, recalled how when he was in the Michigan Legislature as a state representative and senator, the elected officials often contacted Spitz for advice regarding criminal justice issues.

“He was highly regarded and would be asked to weigh his opinions based on his

expertise,” Bieda said. “He was iconic in the sense of high-profile crime.”

On a personal level, Bieda followed Spitz’s work on the Oakland County child killer case in the 1970s and his work related to President Kennedy’s death.

“He was a fascinating individual and very charismatic,” Bieda said.

Macomb County Executive Mark Hackel met Spitz in 1981 when he worked as a dispatcher on the midnight shift for the Macomb County Sheriff’s Office. On his first night, Hackel took a call from a Macomb Township man who reported that his neighbor killed his wife and children. But the caller “was the guy that did it,” Hackel said. “That’s when I first got to know Spitz, who left an impression.”

“He was the guy that could tell you what happened just by looking at the body,” Hackel said. “He tried to put himself in their place. He wanted to know the circumstances of how they died. I don’t know of a time when he wasn’t spot on.”

Hackel said many law enforcement officers he worked with over the years were interested in what Spitz had to offer. Hackel said Spitz was always kind when speaking to families of the victims.

“I am so sad about his loss, but I am fortunate to have known him,” Hackel said. “He was the forefather of pathology. I don’t know if you will see another like that.”

During his career, Spitz taught at different colleges, including pathology at Wayne State University School of Medicine in Detroit.

“He was a great teacher and a huge contributor to the field of pathology and forensics,” said Dr. Wael Sakr, dean of the Wayne State University School of Medicine. “He had a huge presence and was a consultant on many big profile cases across the country. Before I knew him, I had a lot of admiration toward him.”

Spitz returned to the school on occasion to present seminars to students.

“He was interested in human life and, sadly, was trying to solve death, particularly in trauma, accidents, homicides and burns,” Sakr said. “He had a love for the discipline in what he did and was meticulous in his approach.”

Sakr will definitely feel his loss.

“I enjoyed his friendship and his support for the department,” Sakr said.

Spitz’s legacy includes the nearly 100 scientific publications he authored, the Dean’s Award for service to the Medicolegal Community and Wayne State University of Medicine, awards from Wayne County and the Macomb County Board of Commissioners for outstanding service, and from various police departments and the FBI.

Crossfire

from page 8A

“The car is made by Mercedes-Benz in Germany, and some of them were sold in Europe with right-hand drives,” he said. “The car was only made in a coupe and convertible. In 2007, my model, a limited coupe, only 1,063 were manufactured. You don’t see many of them around anymore.”

The Crossfire is also something his daughter, grandson and granddaughter admire. Kubiak is sure Joann would have been a fan as well.

“She would have loved it,” he said. “She was very understanding when it came to me and cars.”

Kubiak has always “been a car guy.”

“I remember when I was 8 or 9 years old getting behind the wheel of my brother’s car and pretending I was driving. He taught me how to drive,” said Kubiak, who grew up in Detroit with five siblings. “I used to sketch cars. I always worked on cars. I love to drive, even at this age.”

The first automobile Kubiak ever owned was a used 1938 Plymouth Coupe.

“It was green. No radio,” he said. “Nothing on it. I was probably 16 when I bought it.”

He was eventually able to purchase his first new vehicle, a 1956 Plymouth Belvedere. He remembers the details that made the car stand out.

“It had a bubble skirt on it, spinner hubcaps and lights under the front fender wheel,” Kubiak said.

Other cars in his garage over the years included a Chevy Impala, a Ford Fairlane and an “old” Ford Mustang.

“I drove a Camaro for a while,” he said. “It was probably a 1982 Camaro.”

Kubiak also has been the owner of a 1984 Chevrolet Corvette.

“I drove it every day,” he said.

One regret was not keeping a photo selection of each vehicle.

“I wish I had taken pictures of each car I owned,” he said.

One car Kubiak dreams about owning someday is a Cadillac XLR, which is a luxury two-seat hardtop convertible.

from page 1A

6, 2022, meeting, Owens tried to prevent two of the women from saying positive things about Councilman Harvey Curley, whom Owens had previously filed a personal protection order against after he allegedly attacked her at an event over the summer.

The PPO ultimately was denied by a Macomb County Circuit Court judge later in September.

At the Sept. 6, 2022, meeting, Owens tried to prevent the two Eastpointe women from speaking about Curley — Hall-Rayford said only positive things about Curley when she eventually got her time to speak — or the events that had transpired between her and Curley, which Beltz called “outrageous claims.” Toward the end of the public comment time, resident Karen Mouradjian — another plaintiff in the suit — tried to criticize the mayor’s treatment of the other two women but ultimately ended up arguing with Owens.

The Sept. 6, 2022, meeting ended after fewer than 20 minutes, when the city’s four other council members stood up and left amid the arguing.

On Dec. 7, 2022, U.S. District Court Judge Terrence G. Berg issued an injunction that states that “members of the public may direct and/or express comment, criticism or praise to and regarding public officials.”

The order also stated that comments may be

See AMENDMENT on page 15A

Photos by Brian Wells Eastpointe residents Cindy Federle, left, and Mary Hall-Rayford speak at the April 16 City Council meeting. They are two of four women who filed lawsuits against the city of Eastpointe and former Mayor Monique Owens, claiming their First Amendment rights were violated.

Castle Farms

from page 5A

restored by its current owner, Linda Mueller, who purchased the property with her late husband, Richard, in 2001. Since then, gardens have been replanted or added, along with other amenities, including a miniature railroad and wine bistro. More recently, a cluster of barns were revamped into Hungry Ducks Farm, a petting farm for children and families.

To visit Castle Farms today is to walk through eras of history, from the early decades of the last century to the present. Stories from its past incarnations are as plentiful as the maple and oak trees in nearby forests.

The man behind the castle was Albert Loeb, acting president of Sears, Roebuck and Company. He had an affinity for the architecture of Renaissance castles and the stone farms of Normandy, France. The castle was built not as a home but as a working model dairy farm, a place to showcase the latest advances in farm equipment, all available through the Sears catalog, the Amazon of its day.

This was a big dairy farm, part of an 1,800-acre tract that included a private home for the Loeb family. Loeb Farms boasted the most modern milking machinery and was home to 200 head of Holstein-Friesian cows. The star producer was Marion, who was milked six times a day. She consistently set records in milk production and in one banner year — 1922 — produced 35,000 pounds of milk (well above the average

Son from page 3A

with his mother, he often spent time with his grandfather in Roseville. Faller had roots in Roseville, growing up on Leroy Street. He would often go to his grandfather’s to help care for his grandmother, who had Parkinson’s disease.

“He was a very pleasant kid,” Desmarais said. “He talked to a lot of people. He would help anybody.”

Lawrence Faller had a brother named Nicholas. Lawrence was named after his dad. Faller’s mother said her son struggled with alcohol and he had tried to go to rehab in the past. Desmarais said that he would often ride his bike because he didn’t trust himself behind the wheel of a car.

“My kid had a problem, but he didn’t deserve to have anyone shoot him over it,” Desmarais said.

Prior to his death, Desmarais said, Faller

25,000 pounds) and made headlines.

The cows lived a good life. They were housed in two wings — now known as the East and West Garden rooms, replicated during the restoration. They grazed in a courtyard between the wings and elsewhere on the farm. Instead of the normal whitewash, the barn walls were covered in tile lining and the floor was paved. The barns were hosed down regularly.

“The milking barns were so clean you could eat off the floor,” says Jessica Anderson, who is director of guest services at Castle Farms and made the time to walk me through the property and share many stories of its past.

At its peak, Loeb Farms was the largest employer in the Charlevoix region, with more than 90 people among its daily work force, Anderson says. The farm also boasted a semi-professional baseball team, the Sodbusters, who played on a field north of the barn complex.

“In the evening, during wedding rehearsal dinners, our staff regularly hear the crack of a baseball and bat from the ball diamond,” Anderson says, adding a haunted tour planned for the fall will share more ghost stories from Castle Farms.

Unfortunately, the farm closed in 1927, a few years after Loeb’s death and a family tragedy. Many visitors have some knowledge of the family’s connection to a notorious Chicago murder. Anderson is well prepared to answer those questions and share what she knows. One of Loeb’s sons, Richard Loeb, was convicted, in 1924, of the kidnapping and murder of a 14-year-old boy. The mur-

had been drinking for three days straight. He called her the night before and said he was having trouble sleeping.

“I told him to take himself to the hospital,” Desmarais said. “Well, instead of taking himself to the hospital, somewhere in Roseville he met someone who had what he needed to sleep.”

There are currently no updates in the case, according to Roseville police.

“This isn’t a closed case,” Roseville Detective Sgt. Anthony Coraci said. “We’re still periodically reaching out to people and looking into new leads. But, so far, nothing has come to fruition at this point. This is still an active and ongoing investigation.”

Crime Stoppers is offering a cash reward of up to $2,500 for any information that leads to an arrest. Those who have information regarding this crime can make an anonymous call to Crime Stoppers at 1-800-SPEAK-UP or visit the website 1800speakup.org.

Call Staff Writer Nick Powers at (586) 498-1059.

der garnered national headlines. Lawyer Clarence Darrow represented the young Loeb and his crime partner in court — just before the famed Scopes “Monkey” Trial.

Decades later, the large empty stone walls caught the artistic eye of John VanHaver, a Muskegon businessman. He was also an artist and sculptor with a background in metallurgy and metal casting.

His dream? An artists’ mecca with a Renaissance theme. He purchased 100 acres of the original Loeb property, including the barns, office, blacksmith shop and manager’s house, and renamed the site Castle VanHaver. He opened the grounds to the public. Visitors could browse art but also have a cup of coffee and snacks in the Queen’s Courtyard.

Unfortunately, financial difficulties forced VanHaven to sell the property in 1969.

New owners, Arthur and Erwina Reibel, came along, initially envisioning the farm as a riding academy. Their plans, however, evolved to include an outdoor concert venue. A 50-foot wide, covered concrete steel stage was constructed and two wings (where the cows once lived) were removed to accommodate larger crowds and reserved seating.

Consider Castle Farms the Pine Knob of the north. Just about every major recording act in the late 1970s through the early

CASTLE FARMS

5052 M-66

Charlevoix, MI 49720 (231) 237-0884

info@castlefarms.com

Self-guided and guided tours available; guided tours are two hours and include a Tram Tour of the property (in season). Hours vary: Currently, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Tuesdays through Sundays. Hours are extended in the summer months.

1990s rocked the stage here. That roster includes Bob Seger, the Doobie Brothers, Heart, Def Leppard, KISS, Iron Maiden, Ted Nugent, REO Speedwagon, Tina Turner and Bob Dylan, and many more.

The music is long gone but stories linger. Aerosmith reportedly had a water fight in the artesian well in the Queen’s Courtyard. Bon Jovi carved his name in a stone in a room that now serves as a changing room for wedding couples. Ozzie Osburn is remembered as a Dracula figurine in one of Mueller’s miniature collections.

The property went up for sale — again — in 1999.

Thanks to Mueller, the castle we are

See CASTLE FARMS on page 13A

Show House

from page 9A

shoes and apparel was designed by Kelly Osten, Aubrey Crawford and Ashlynn Robinson, of Closet Connections.

“Our inspiration was designing for a modern woman who was working and traveling quite a bit,” Osten said.

Alexandra Decker, of A Decker Design, brought color and life to a small room she made appear larger by hanging the striped wallpaper horizontally instead of vertically and wallpapering the ceiling.

Unexpected details abound, from wallpaper with fringe to a chandelier made of cobalt blue Murano glass to a painting hung in front of a window. Without the strictures imposed by a client, the designers are free to do whatever they feel best suits the space and their artistic aesthetic.

“The designers are designing for themselves,” Keim said. “It’s never happened (with previous Show Houses) to the degree it’s happened in this house. … One of the beauties of the Show House is a designer can step out of what they’re known for and do what’s in their head.”

Held every other year since 1976, the Show House has been the JLD’s biggest fundraiser and has raised more than $4.5 million for programs and projects in Detroit. The JLD, which was founded in 1914, also

Castle Farms

from page 12A

able to visit today has been restored — its crumbling fieldstone walls and windows repaired, along with other buildings on the property, now just 37 acres.

Castle Farms celebrated its centennial in 2018 and opened a winery, 1918 Cellars, named after the year in which the castle was founded. The winery is temporarily closed (expected to reopen by November). It’s an inviting place to linger after a tour and ponder the history of this unusual

awards community grants and, since 2014, scholarships to young women.

Keim said this last house is “very bittersweet” because a coming generation of JLD members won’t have this experience, which has fostered lifelong friendships because of the time commitment needed to put on a Show House. The challenge of securing numerous volunteers with lots of time available is one of the reasons the Show House tradition is ending.

“We feel this is going to be one of the top (Show Houses) as far as design,” Baxter said. “We want everyone to see this. The designers are going out on a high note with this one.”

JLD leaders said their mission of raising funds for needed initiatives will continue.

“We look forward to everyone joining us to celebrate this beautiful show house and support our mission of doing good in the community,” JLD President Mary Hollens said in a prepared statement. “We have incredible plans that will allow the Junior League of Detroit to more fully invest in projects and programs that continue to change lives.”

Show House tickets cost $35 before May 4 and $40 afterward. A café and gift shop will be open to Show House ticketholders and non-ticketholders alike. For Show House or preview party tickets or more information, visit jldetroit.org or call (313) 881-0040.

structure and its many incarnations. It’s a treat to walk through the castle, to hear interesting stories here and there, and to muse over the vast collection Mueller has amassed. The 1918 Museum, for instance, honors not only World War I but includes a collection of products Sears sold, complete with the original advertising. There’s a barrel-shaped washing machine for $7.95. A 1918 bicycle with wooden wheels — a luxury then — priced at $28.95. Her collection includes wedding cake toppers, not common in 1918 but something Sears eventually mass produced and helped popularize.

Photo by Patricia O’Blenes

Kelly Osten, of Closet Connections, stands in the closet she designed with Aubrey Crawford and Ashlynn Robinson for the show house.

Input

from page 3A

gets. The master plan also will tie into the district’s strategic plan that the board passed in January 2023 and the $36.4 million bond proposal that passed at the polls in August 2023.

“Our focus tonight is really what to do about the facilities within your school district. We’re simply brainstorming,” Wolf said. “Your district has a surplus capacity. Your buildings can hold more students than are currently attending. We are able to look at the district objectively. (The community) is giving us the historical and emotional perspective.”

Wolf said districts must use 2% of their budgets each year to maintain buildings, although “most schools don’t achieve that.” In Eastpointe’s case, that would be $6 million per year. The district is looking at closing, consolidating or renovating buildings.

The district has four elementary schools: Bellview and Pleasantview are grades 3-5 and Crescentwood and Forest Park are grades K-2. The district’s Early Learning Center is where preschool programs are held. There also is Eastpointe Middle School, Eastpointe High School, the 8th Grade Academy, and Eastpointe Alternative Center & Virtual Academy.

Woolpert has presented five potential options for facilities master plans.

Option No. 1 includes three to four prekindergarten through grade 5 elementary schools and one 6-12 school.

Option No. 2 includes one early learning center, four K-5 elementary schools and one 6-12 school.

Option No. 3 includes three PK-5 elementary schools, one 6-8 middle school and one 9-12 high school.

Option No. 4 includes four PK-5 elementary schools, one 6-8 middle school and one 9-12 high school.

Option No. 5 includes one early learning center, four K-5 elementary schools, one 6-8 middle school and one 9-12 high school.

No decisions on any changes have been made.

One area of concern is Eastpointe High School. The building — which opened in 1929 — will turn 100 in five years. Currently, only 33% of the building is being utilized, according to data collected for the master plan. The Early Learning Center is getting the most use with 93% current utilization.

District Superintendent Christina Gibson, present at the input session, wants to get feedback from parents in regard to the district’s long-term plans.

“I was hoping to hear more from our

parents this evening. We’re committed to listening to our community and continue to find different ways to elicit their feedback and input,” Gibson said. “We have to have the best facilities for our students and this community.”

School board President Jon Gruenberg, also at last week’s input session, echoed Gibson’s comments regarding feedback from the community.

“I really want to hear from parents. We are trying to build this district for our kids,” he said. “I’ve been digesting the information and going through it.”

He also appreciates the voter approval of the bond last summer.

“We’re happy the community supported us and gave us bond money,” he said. “I’m really enjoying the path we are on right now. We’ve got a robust strategic plan.”

But, according to the PowerPoint presentation, many priority needs will remain after the bond dollars have been spent to maintain the school buildings in good working conditions.

“There will be additional repairs that remain after the bond money is spent,” Wolf said.

Once all the data for the master plan has been collected, Wolf expects Woolpert will present a recommendation to the school board to vote on, most likely in June.

The district also held a virtual input session on the afternoon of April 19 after the Eastsider went to press.

More information on the facilities master plan and a community survey link can be found on the district’s website at www.east pointeschools.org.

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

CITY OF ROSEVILLE

Notice is hereby given that the City of Roseville Zoning Board of Appeals will hold a Public Hearing on Tuesday, May 21, 2024 at 6:30 PM, or thereafter, at the City of Roseville, Council Chambers, 29777 Gratiot, Roseville MI 48066. The Public Hearing will consider:

Variance #0624 -26804 Linwood, PP# 08-14-20-203-008

Request permission to erect an accessory structure that exceeds 12% lot coverage and 900 sq ft in gross foor area.

Variance #0724 – Vacant Voiland, PP#08-14-04-101-035

Permission to construct a new home with less than 35’ rear yard setback. Variance applications can be reviewed and written comments received prior to the meeting at the City of Roseville, Building Department, 29777 Gratiot Roseville MI 48066, Attention: James Osterhout. The public may appear at the Public Hearing in person or by Counsel.

NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING CITY OF ROSEVILLE

A Public Hearing will be held by the Roseville Planning Commission in the Roseville Civic Center Council Chambers, 29777 Gratiot Ave (VFW Memorial Drive), Roseville, MI on

Monday, May 20, 2024 6:30 PM

NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN: The City of Roseville Planning Commission will hold a public hearing for the purpose of obtaining public comment regarding rezoning of the property located at: PP# 08-14-08-179-014 30006 Utica (vacant) FROM B-1 to RM-1

Copies of the proposal may be examined in the City Clerk’s Offce or the Building Department in City Hall during regular business hours. Written comments may be forwarded to the Clerk’s Offce or they may be submitted at the public hearing.

Respectfully submitted, Jennifer A. Zelmanski City Clerk Published:

Photo by Patricia O’Blenes

About 30 people, most of them Eastpointe Community Schools employees, attended an input session April 17 at Eastpointe Middle School regarding the district’s master facilities plan. On the far right, standing, is Woolpert Project Director Kerrianne Wolf.

Amendment

from page 11A

about, but are not limited to, the mayor and City Council, disputes between them, police matters and other matters of public concern. It was ordered to remain in effect until the disposition of the lawsuit or until there was a different court order.

As part of the settlement, the city is required to enter into a consent decree prohibiting the city from enforcing an unconstitutional limitation on public comments directed at elected officials, which was signed on March 14; pay each plaintiff $17,910 — a sum representing the year of the First Amendment’s ratification; pass a resolution apologizing to the plaintiffs and designate Sept. 6 as First Amendment Day going forward.

“The First Amendment protects every American’s right to criticize government officials,” FIRE attorney Conor Fitzpatrick said in a prepared statement. “With this settlement, Eastpointers can have confidence their voices will be heard and local governments can be left with no doubt there are serious consequences for violating the First Amendment.

The money each plaintiff received is being paid by the Michigan Municipal Risk Management Authority, Eastpointe Mayor Michael Klinefelt said in a text message.

At the City Council’s April 16 meeting last week, council voted unanimously to pass a resolution that served as an apology to the plaintiffs while also declaring Sept. 6 as First Amendment Day. The motion passed unanimously.

Owens remained as a defendant in the case until the conclusion of the case. However, as a result of the settlement, the entire lawsuit, including the claims against Owens, was dismissed, Fitzpatrick said in an email.

Timothy Ferrand, who was listed on

court documents as representing Owens and the city in the lawsuit, did not return a request for comment before press time.

Councilman Harvey Curley applauded the four residents who sued the city, stating that their rights were “definitely violated.”

“I applaud you. I back you 100%,” he said at the April 16 meeting. “It was a brave thing to do. The four of you could’ve just said, ‘Well, all right, let’s go next door and solve it.’ But you took it a step further and I’m so happy you did. You proved to the citizens of this community that you can do it; you can be brave.”

Federle and Hall-Rayford both spoke during the second public comment portion of the meeting.

Federle thanked the City Council for its support.

“It really was a very difficult endeavor,” she said. “I am not a person who typically speaks out. I’m the little mouse that stays in the back of the room. But I am very proud of what we did.”

Hall-Rayford agreed that it had been a difficult endeavor. She also thanked the council for its support.

“It’s not the best route to take the easy way out,” she said. “And even when things are difficult, we have to make up our minds to do what’s right, rather than doing what’s easy.”

Klinefelt acknowledged that the actions that led to the lawsuit took place before he was elected as mayor, but he assured residents that he won’t cut them off or shy away from criticism.

“All I can do is promise everyone that I will never interrupt people during their time to speak,” he said. “And if I do interrupt, I really am just trying to maintain decorum. … We did sign up for this, sitting up here. So any criticism that comes our way is something we should be prepared for.”

Call Staff Writer Brian Wells at (248) 291-7637.

Also dinner and desserts, 1 p.m.

CommercialGates, QualityWork,Affordable, FamilyOwned/Operated, FreeEstimates, SeniorDiscounts 586-701-0596 Gutters *”STEVE'S SEAMLESSGUTTERS” Made&installedonthe spot.5”&6”Gutter Cleaning.Treetrimming, exteriorpainting, powerwashing. 586-778-3393 586-531-2111

A.M.G. Gutters&Downspouts.Owneroperated. Seamlessgutter installationandrepair specialist.Builders License#2101202369 www.amgapplied services.com FullyInsured 586-323-0755

A#1REPAIRSERVICES: GUTTERS Clean/Repair InstallGuards SIDING Vinyl-Siding/Alum-Trim Gable/SoffitVents/Shutters ROOF Leaks/Shingles Vents/Caps 248-892-1927

ELIMINATE gutter cleaningforever!LeafFilter,themostadvanced debris-blockinggutter protection.Schedulea FREELeafFilterestimate today.20%offEntire Purchase.Plus10%Senior&MilitaryDiscounts. Call1-866-495-1709

POWERWASHING GUTTER&WINDOW CLEANING Veteran/Firefighter Owned/Operated championwindow

CONSTRUCTION

New-garages/additions &dormers,New-siding/ roofingandallrepairs, Interior/exterior-renovations,Supportingwallsremoved/rebuilt,Seamless gutters/downspouts, Concrete-sidewalks/ driveways/foundations. Licensed/Insured 586-948-4764

M.D.APro

HomeImprovementLLC HardwoodFloors, FinishCarpentry,Tiles, Bath,PaintingInt/Ext. Plumbing,ElectricalRepairs,SidingandTrim. 30YearsExperience. 586-604-2524

Home Repairs

EXTERIOR REPAIRSLLC. Since1999 Roofing,Siding, GuttersandMore! Reliable Ask,WeMightDoIt! FREEESTIMATES

248-242-1511