4/3/24 St. Clair Shores Sentinel

City Council sets streets millage language for August election

BY ALYSSA OCHSS aochss@candgnews.com

In a 5-2 vote, the St. Clair Shores City Council, at their March 18 meeting, approved ballot language for a streets millage proposal to be put on the August 2024 ballot.

Councilwoman and Mayor Pro Tem Candice Rusie and Councilman John Caron cast the opposing votes.

According to documents attached to the agenda for the meeting, the proposal, if approved, would set the expir-

See MILLAGE on page 19A

The St. Clair Shores City Council voted 5-2 to approve language for a millage proposal on the August 2024 ballot.

Priests move to close St. Germaine despite fundraising efforts

According to an email sent to parents and others on March 25, the decision has been made to close St. Germaine Catholic School at the end of the academic school

year, despite a parent-led fundraising effort to save it.

This comes right after an anonymous donor gave $100,000 to the cause, raising the total amount donated by the community and others to $535,200,

See ST. GERMAINE on page 20A

Despite parent-led fundraising efforts, the decision to close St. Germaine Catholic School was announced on March 25.

Photo by Patricia O’Blenes

Photo by Alyssa Ochss

The Sentinel 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.

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Editor: Brian Louwers brianlouwers@candgnews.com

News: Alyssa Ochss aochss@candgnews.com

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Restaurant Week to be held April 8-14

BY ALYSSA OCHSS aochss@candgnews.com

Restaurant Week, presented by the Nautical Mile Merchant’s Association, is a little earlier this year and will feature specials from participating restaurants.

Donna Flaherty, the Nautical Mile Merchants Association director and owner of Gifts Afloat, said they’ve hosted the week for years and the Merchants Association board decided to move it to April because there is less going on.

Restaurant Week will run April 8-14. Participating restaurants include Fishbones, HOOK, Brunch With Me, Pat O’Brien’s, Pegasus, Mike’s on the Water, WaterMark Bar and Grille, Zef’s Dockside Bar + Kitchen and more. These restaurants will feature special food items on their menus.

Tom Lauzon is the co-owner of HOOK, along with chef Bobby Nehra, and this is the first year they are participating in the Restaurant Week. This is Lauzon’s first time participating in the event since the previous restaurant, Brownie’s on the Lake, closed down seasonally.

“Brownie’s was never open (during Restaurant Week), so we really never

See RESTAURANT on page 22A

LAKEVIEW COMMUNITY THEATRE PRESENTS ‘MATILDA THE MUSICAL’

Anne Schienke, cast in the title role of “Matilda,” left, and Eli Habarth talk

about the production.

BY ALYSSA OCHSS aochss@candgnews.com

The Lakeview Community Theatre Guild is excited to present its first musical since the COVID-19 pandemic — “Matilda The Musical,” scheduled to run April 19-21 at the Schaublin Auditorium.

The guild is composed of current students at Lakeview High School, alumni and anyone who has had or has a connection to the high school.

See MATILDA on page 11A

Photos by Patricia O’Blenes

The Lakeview Community Theatre Guild rehearses for their upcoming production of “Matilda The Musical.”

LARPers create fantasy stories, community

BY ALYSSA OCHSS aochss@candgnews.com

Creating characters and acting out stories are just parts of what makes live action role-playing so fun for these players. The sense of community and belonging makes it ten times better.

Live action role-playing, also called LARPing, is a fantasy-based game played by multiple participants in a live action format and together they create a story. Alicia Secord, a LARPer from St. Clair Shores, said it’s kind of like Dungeons & Dragons, a dicebased tabletop fantasy adventure game, but in real life.

“You dress up as a character, your own invented character within the rules of the game and then you dress up as that character,” Secord said. “You go out to wherever the game is being played, and you role-play and participate in mock combat.”

They engage in boffer combat which uses foam weapons such as swords, arrows and lances as well as tennis balls or packets filled with bird feed used to replicate magic.

“We’ll yell an incantation and then throw a packet and that is a spell being thrown at somebody,” Secord said.

Some of the LARPs Secord participates in are called “lightest touch.”

“You’re expecting to not hit as hard as you can,” Secord said. “Explicitly so that you’re not hurting people. You don’t need to wear armor. If you don’t wear armor, you’re not going to get hurt.”

Secord is a part of several different LARPing groups. She said the main character she plays is a part of Knights and Nobles and Rogues, played in Milan, Michigan. She also said each LARPing group has different rule sets.

“Those rules go through revisions every couple of years to update them and make the game balanced between different types of characters,” Secord said.

There are various committees pertaining to safety and other elements of the games. Secord also said there are people who check weapons at every game to make sure they are as safe as possible.

See LARP on page 12A

City Council approves bid for Senior Activity Center parking lot

BY ALYSSA OCHSS aochss@candgnews.com

At its March 18 meeting, the St. Clair Shores City Council awarded a bid for the Senior Activity Center parking lot construction in a 6-0 vote. The contract went to Metropolitan Concrete.

Councilwoman Linda Bertges was not at this part of the meeting due to a prior engagement.

According to information attached to the meeting’s agenda, 83 companies downloaded the plans and four companies submitted bids. The project went out to bid in January. The agenda material also said that the parking lot reconstruction is funded through Community Development Block Grants.

“Sealed bids were opened on February 27, 2024, and the lowest bidder was Metropolitan Concrete for $1,128,099.25 plus $45,000 for the Alternate Bid for irrigation totaling $1,173,099.25,” information in the agenda packet indicated.

Liz Koto, St. Clair Shores city planner, presented the item and Kyle Seidel,

project manager from Anderson, Eckstein & Westrick, Inc., added more information. Seidel explained the parking lot will have 66 parking spaces with 10 handicap spaces. There is also a new 0.35-mile loop path and a drinking fountain. A canopy will also be constructed over the entrance. Seidel said parking lot construction will take most of the spring and summer, but there is no construction schedule yet.

According to information in the agenda packet, $884,723.10 was earmarked for the parking lot in the fiscal year 2023/2024 CDBG budget.

“Once the bids were received, and the lowest bidder’s cost was $1,173,099.25, an additional $56,000 of Fiscal Year 24/25 CDBG funds plus $353,696.00 of program income are being reserved for the construction of the lot plus a 20% contingency,” the information stated.

Koto said the increase from a 10% contingency to 20% was due to a recommendation from the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development, because the majority of the project is funded by CDBG. She

CRIME WATCH

Auto larceny reported

At 9:48 a.m. on March 24, a report was made about a belated larceny that occurred on March 22 in the 23000 block of Brookdale Boulevard.

Upon arrival, an officer met with the victim, a 36-year-old man, who stated he left his vehicle unlocked and that someone had rummaged through it. He said the only thing missing was change from his center tray. Cameras were in the area, and they captured a truck in his neighbor’s driveway around 12:39 a.m.

The officer advised the man to lock his vehicle in the future.

Robbery reported at business

At 8:39 p.m. on March 25, a report was made about a robbery that occurred at a business in the 22000 block of Harper Avenue.

Upon arrival, two officers met with the security guard, a 21-year-old man, who stated that a woman walked out the entrance of the business with a cart filled with four or five bottles of Tito’s Handmade Vodka. While she was still inside, the man stated he put his foot on the cart to stop the suspect and that she lifted her shirt to reveal what looked like a black handgun in her waistband.

The man said it was possible the holster blended in with her black leggings and that it was difficult to see, but he was confident it was a handgun. The suspect reportedly said to the man, “Move out of the way or I’ll shoot you.”

The suspect left and the man couldn’t see if she left in a vehicle or on foot.

— Alyssa Ochss

BANDING TOGETHER

ABOVE: The Dodworth Saxhorn Band, with Mark Felder directing, performs 19th century music with authentic instruments March 23 at the Lorenzo Cultural Center, located at 44575 Garfield Road in Clinton Township. The group’s performance coincides with the “Freedom Confirmed” exhibit running through April 27. The program series focuses on Abraham Lincoln’s role in the Civil War and other events that shaped American democracy and freedoms. For a complete list of events and times, visit lorenzoculturalcenter.com or call (586) 445-7348. RIGHT: The band also performed two one-act plays. Richard Knapp plays both George and Allen Dodworth for the first play, “Two Brothers,” which is the story of two brothers battling on opposite sides of the Civil War. They write letters to their sister who is caught in the middle.

Photos by Patricia O’Blenes

LIBRARY ANNOUNCES TRY-IT THURSDAYS

The St. Clair Shores Public Library, 22500 11 Mile Road, is hosting Try-It Thursdays held from 6 p.m. to 7 p.m. April 4, April 11, May 2 and May 23.

The event allows individuals or small groups to try one of three available makerspace stations and the stations will rotate each session.

Registration for each session starts two weeks before the event date. It can be done in person, on the library’s website at scslibrary.org, over the phone at (586) 771-9020 or by email at scsadult@ libcoop.net.

According to a press release, funding for this event is provided in part by the Institute of Museum and Library Services through the Library of Michigan.

LIBRARY ANNOUNCES STORYTIME SESSION

The St. Clair Shores Public Library Youth Services Department is hosting another set of storytime sessions. The new sessions begin the week of April 22 and run through the week of May 20.

Morning Storytime for children of all ages is from 9:30 a.m. to 10:30 a.m. on Wednesdays.

Evening Storytime for children of all ages is at 6:30 p.m. on Tuesdays.

Baby Storytime for children up to 18 months will take place at 9:30 a.m. on Thursdays.

Registration is required and begins at 9 a.m. on April 8. It can be done in person, on the library’s website at scslibrary.org, over the phone at (586) 771-9020 or by email at scsadult@libcoop.net.

Adults must stay with children at all times. Space is limited.

Community Chorus to host Spring concert

The St. Clair Shores Community Chorus is proud to host this year’s spring concert, “Disney Dazzle on Stage,” featuring their three winning scholarship recipients.

The recipients are Taylor Pozzi in first place, Sloane O’Neill in second place and Ava Kern in third place.

The concert will feature selections from Disney favorites including “The Little Mermaid,” “Aladdin,” “Frozen” and more. The performance will begin with the scholarship recipients at 6:45 p.m. and the whole chorus will begin at 7 p.m. on May 2.

Presale adult tickets are $20. Adult tickets are $22 at the door. Tickets for children 4-12 are $10 and children 3 and under are free. For more ticket information, contact Linda at (586) 482-6056.

Matilda

from page 3A

This includes the director, Matthew Klug, and the vocal coach and producer, Jessica Vaughan. They were in the guild together when Klug was a high school student and Vaughan was an elementary school student.

“These are all students that live within the Lakeview community,” Klug said. “So if you’re homeschool, if you go to private school but you live in this community, you are welcome to audition for our show. If your mom and dad are Lakeview alumni and you live out of the city, you’re also welcome to join the show. You just need to have some type of Lakeview connection.”

Vaughan said no prior theater experience is needed to audition for plays.

“We teach them what they need to know to be out there and as they get more experience then they might move up to, you know, next year they might have a bigger part,” Vaughan said.

Klug said they audition students starting in fourth grade and up. Adults are welcome to audition and some have had their students in previous shows the guild has produced. Klug also said almost all of the staff members are Lakeview alumni as well. Their cast includes around 100 people.

“That’s not just students; we have adults, senior citizens, anyone from the community can audition,” Klug said. “It’s not just a teenager or kid thing.”

This is Klug’s first year as director, but

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he said previous productions include classic musicals such as “My Fair Lady,” “Fiddler on the Roof,” “Shrek” and others.

The current production is many of the actors’ first show.

Vaughan said rehearsals are going really well.

“The kids are super excited,” Vaughan said. “They come in with a ton of energy evSee

MATILDA on page 24A

Photo by Patricia O’Blenes

The Lakeview Community Theatre Guild rehearses a musical number for their upcoming production of “Matilda The Musical.”

LARP

from page 5A

There are four different classes of characters, Secord said, and those are fighter, rogue, mage and cleric.

“The class that you choose and the race or lineage of person that you choose to be determines what skills you can play with as well as, like, how many experience points it costs to build that character,” Secord said.

Her character in K.A.N.A.R. is a human rogue, and that character gets access to sneaking skills at a lower experience point cost, Secord said. She chose a rogue class so she could utilize a crafting skill at lower experience points. She crafts books, scrolls and other things for the game.

Secord started LARPing in K.A.N.A.R. around her 30th birthday in March of 2019. After that, Secord said, they played every month until the pandemic shifted the LARPs to an online format. They went back in person in June 2021.

“I continued to play nearly every game until November of ’22, and then I started branching out into other games,” Secord said.

Andrew Chipotle, a LARPer from Pontiac, said he’s always been interested in fantasy fiction. When he was in high school, he was interested in D&D and as he got older, LARP became more accessible to him. He has been LARPing for 13 to 14 years, and he is also a part of the K.A.N.A.R. LARP.

“When I was still living in my hometown as a high schooler, I encountered it in my local park,” Chipotle said. “And then as I grew up and went to college, there was a group that would meet there and now as a(n) adult with a grown-up job and stuff, I still find the time on weekends to go out and meet with our group and play our game.”

Chipotle makes his own costumes, but he said it’s not a necessity in LARP.

“It’s just something I like to do because it’s how I’m able to convey the character that I want to,” Chipotle said. “It’s easier for me to just make something then it is for me to go looking for something or have somebody else make it for me.”

Costuming for LARP was a relatively small jump due to his past experience making costumes for cosplay.

Both Secord and Chipotle said LARP characters can be brought to life in other forms of media such as D&D with a few tweaks in skills. Chipotle has been playing one character since he was in high school, but he does know people who have multiple different characters.

“I know people who make different characters when they go to, say, like a travel

LARP, like they’re going to one that’s not their usual LARP, and they make a whole new character for it,” Chipotle said. “And that’s cool, too. You are not limited to just one character.”

Chipotle said the people he meets and the community keeps him coming back to LARP.

“It’s sort of this place where there’s a convening of a lot of people who don’t get along great in normal society and they get to go be around a bunch of other people who are like them and that really helps them bring them out of their shell and be who they really are,” Chipotle said.

He added the lifting mentality is good for those who need it.

Chipotle said those who are interested in LARPing should try it to see how well it fits for them.

“There’s a lot of stigma and stuff attached to it,” Chipotle said. “But none of that stuff really matters if you have fun doing it.”

Call Staff Writer Alyssa Ochss at (586) 498-1103.

Photo provided by Alicia Secord Alicia Secord gets ready to LARP with the Central Action Roleplay Society.

HOMES

Be prepared when welcoming new pets to the home

BY ANDY KOZLOWSKI akozlowski@candgnews.com

Pets are a huge commitment. Before a new owner takes the plunge, they should carefully consider their home, how it’s configured, and whether it makes sense for the pet. And once the animal arrives, they will need time to adjust.

“Animals that come from shelters need a decompression period. They cannot just come home and immediately acclimate to their surroundings,” said Paige Wallace, the animal control officer for Madison Heights. “We don’t know how (shelter animals) are with kids, digging through trash cans, separation anxiety, etc. So, learn your pet — if you’re adopting and the animal is an adult,

let them show you what they don’t know, what they’ve never been taught. When they first enter your home, they don’t know you and are just as nervous as you, if not more.

“Start with the basics and adjust as the animal adjusts. Give them time to figure out things,” she said. “Maybe your animal was never walked on a leash. Maybe it never had toys, so they chew everything except their toys.”

In teaching them, she said to use positive reinforcement — for example, gently slipping a toy in their mouth when they try to chew furniture. Avoid negative punishment, such as yelling or throwing out your arms. Scolding will make them associate you with fear and can lead to aggression.

“Follow the ‘Three 3s’ — three days for

initial decompression, three weeks to learn the routine, and three months to start to feel relaxed and at home,” Wallace said.

When it comes to dogs, their size and energy level should scale to your home and lifestyle, said Sue Wells, president of the Animal Welfare Society of Southeastern Michigan, a rescue located in Madison Heights.

“It’s also imperative that you take your dog or pup to training. They learn everything from socializing with other pets to house training and good manners,” Wells said in an email.

Wallace said smaller homes are best for See PETS

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COMMUNITY CALENDAR

16A/ ST. CLAIR SHORES SENTINEL • APRIL 3, 2024

APRIL 5

Spring Fling: Presented by Grosse Pointe South Choir, includes dinner, live entertainment and silent auction, Blossom Heath, 24800 Jefferson Ave. in St Clair Shores, gpsouthchoir.org

APRIL 8

Buzz, Hum and Hover: Presentation about relationship between insects and native plants, hosted by Yardeners of St. Clair Shores,7-8 p.m., St. Clair Shores Public Library, 22500 11 Mile Road, scslibrary. org, scsyardeners@gmail.com

APRIL 12-14

Prom Closet Tour: Free dresses and accessories for juniors and seniors, hosted by Sparkle Network, 3-8 p.m. April 12, 10 a.m.-6 p.m. April 13 and noon-5 p.m. April 14, Macomb Mall, 32233 Gratiot Ave. in Roseville, sign up ASAP at www.sparklenetwork.org/ prom-closet-project-tour-application

APRIL 19-21

‘Matilda the Musical’: Presented by Lakeview Community Theatre Guild and Lakeview Public Schools, 7 p.m. April 19, 5 p.m. April 20 and 2 p.m. April 21, LHS Schaublin Auditorium, 21100 E. 11 Mile Road in St Clair Shores, lctg.ludus.com

APRIL 20

Civil War: Returning Soldiers: Lecture and exhibit

(on display until June 1), 2-2:45 p.m., Selinsky-Green Farmhouse Museum, 22500 11 Mile Road in St. Clair Shores, (586) 771-9020

Lights! Camera! Auction: Hollywood-themed fundraiser for St. Isaac Jogues Catholic School, includes silent and live auctions, raffles baskets, and dinner and dancing, 6 p.m., Century Banquet Center, 33204 Maple Lane in Sterling Heights, www.facebook.com/ stisaacjoguescatholic

APRIL 26

Crime survivors assistance: Learn about criminal justice system and support services available, also meet other survivors, hosted by Macomb County Prosecutor’s Office Crime Victim Rights Unit, 11 a.m.2 p.m., Velocity Center, 6633 18 Mile Road in Sterling Heights, (586) 469-5675

ONGOING

‘Life on the Home Front During the Civil War’: Art exhibit on display until April 10, St. Clair Shores Public Library, 22500 11 Mile Road, scslibrary.org, (586) 771-8935

Activities for seniors: Crafting, movies, knitting and crocheting, dominoes, euchre, pickleball and many more games, St. Clair Shores Senior Center for Active Adults, 20100 Stephens, (586) 445-0996

St. Gertrude Senior’s Club: Meets 11 a.m.-2 p.m. Mondays, St. Margaret of Scotland, 21201 E. 13 Mile Road in St. Clair Shores, (586) 293-2240

St. Clair Shores Community Chorus: Rehearsals for ages 14 and older, 7 p.m. Mondays, spring concert May 2, Triumphant Cross Lutheran Church, 22360 13 Mile Road, scscommunitychorus.org, (586) 980-5844

Lakeside Palette Club of St. Clair Shores: Open studio events, 11 a.m.-3 p.m. Tuesdays, St. Clair Shores Adult Education Center inside North Lake High School, 23340 Elmira, (586) 944-8253, LPCofSCS@ gmail.com, lakesidepaletteclub.org

Book Discussion Group: Meets 1 p.m. every second Wednesday of month, St. Clair Shores Public Library, 22500 11 Mile Road, scslibrary.org/bookdiscussion. html

Overeaters Anonymous meetings: 10-11 a.m. Saturdays, St. Margaret of Scotland, 21201 E. 13 Mile Road in St. Clair Shores, (586) 293-2240

Sweet Mountain Strings: Dulcimer music group for all levels, 10:15 a.m.-12:15 p.m. Tuesdays, Big Family of Michigan, Suite 1, 23500 Pare St. in St. Clair Shores, (586) 777-4602

APRIL 6

Eclipse STEAM Day: Also glasses available for April 8 viewing while supplies last, 2-4 p.m., St. Clair Shores Public Library, 22500 11 Mile Road, (586) 771-9020

APRIL 8

View solar eclipse: Also activities, glasses available while supplies last, 2-4 p.m., Blossom Heath, 24800 Jefferson Ave. in St Clair Shores, registration required, (586) 771-9020

Health workshops: For chronic pain, high blood pressure and more, hosted by Corewell Health, free and virtual, beaumonthealth.digitalsignup.com

Lupus support groups: 10 a.m. every second Tuesday of month and 7 p.m. every last Wednesday, Zoom, (248) 901-7299, milupus.org/support-groups

Lakeshore Ukulele Strummers: Jam sessions for all levels, 1:30-3:30 p.m. Wednesdays, Lakeshore Presbyterian Church, 27801 Jefferson Ave. in St. Clair Shores, (586) 321-9535

Shores man dies in crash in Roseville

ROSEVILLE — A 40-year-old St. Clair Shores resident died in a single-vehicle crash at approximately 9 p.m. March 25 near the intersection of Frazho and Kelly roads.

Roseville Police Chief Mitchell Berlin said a pickup truck was traveling westbound on Frazho when its driver lost control, striking some ice machines at Kelly Corner Liquor and a light pole. No one else was in the truck and no other vehicles were involved.

Berlin said the Roseville Fire Depart-

ment responded and the driver was taken to a local hospital where he was pronounced dead. Berlin said the driver was leaving his job, so alcohol or drugs were not suspected to be factors in the crash.

“I want to offer my condolences to that family and always remember to take care of one another,” Roseville Mayor Robert Taylor said at the March 26 City Council meeting.

— Nick Powers

Pets

from page 13A

cats and small or medium-sized dogs. She said only cats are suitable for apartments. Small or medium-sized non-sporting dogs are best for people who don’t exercise outside often.

“Someone who works away from home is OK to have any size dog, but pay attention to the breed classification, and what they were originally bred for,” she said. “A husky or German shepherd should not be locked up for long hours, but a Lab, pit bill or dachshund would be OK.”

She said cats should never be put in a crate unless being transported. For dogs, Wallace said crates can be used for three months to a year depending on the dog’s temperament. They should be used at bedtime, she said, or when you’re not home or unknown visitors are in the house.

“But never use the crate for a punishment or timeout,” she said. “Make the crate your dog’s home where they go to feel safe. Make sure it has their favorite blankets as long as they don’t chew them while you’re gone.”

For cats, the litter box should be scooped daily and changed about every three to four days. Starting out, place it near the food so that the cat can find it.

“It’s not uncommon to have a litter pan on each floor,” Wallace said.

She suggests not using pee pads for dogs if you can help it.

“Pee pads use scent detection to help the dog know they’re able to use it. Some dogs will remember that spot and continue to go to the bathroom there even when you remove the pee pad,” Wallace said.

In terms of environmental hazards, all dogs should avoid all types of mushrooms,

fertilizer, salt — even if it’s described as having “pet safe” levels — and gardens. Dogs should never be fed grapes, avocados or onions.

With cats, keep them away from household plants such as aloe vera, lavender, oregano, jade and easter lilies. Be sure to research the plants in your home and whether they’re toxic to felines.

If other animals are present, boundaries should be established with baby gates or by leashing the animals to keep them separated until they have familiarity.

“Don’t be tense when introducing them for the first time. Animals feed off your body language and energy. Allow them to determine their pecking order without you doing it for them,” Wallace said. “Just make sure no small children are around, and that they’re always separated by a barrier until you see tail wagging, sniffing, playing, licking, and sharing toys. If this is going on, you’re safe to remove the barrier. But look out for eyes locked on the other animal, stiff tails, hair standing up, ears back, snarling, showing

See AWARDS on page 21A

Shutterstock image

Millage

from page 1A

ing streets millage at 2 mills for five years. The millage already includes city streets and would add alleys and parking lots. The new millage rate is said to collect $3,931,795.50 per year for the city.

City Manager Dustin Lent said they added language to the proposal during their work study session that included other paved assets.

He went on to say the current millage rate was rolled back and it is currently at 1.6430. It was adopted in 2019 for five years.

Mayor Kip Walby said the millage goes back decades. He also said the city was rewarded with the millage.

“We have 200 miles of roads, so we haven’t done every one of them, but I think we’ve done a good job over these decades to take care of the roads and the streets here in St. Clair Shores,” Walby said. “So I think it’s been positive for the people that have brought this many decades ago.”

Walby also acknowledged that the millage rate has increased over the years. He said in 2014, the rate was raised from 1 mill to 1.25; in 2019, they raised it to 1.75; and in 2024, the millage rate is going to be raised to

2 mills. He said he does support the increase as well as adding the parking lots and the alleyways.

“It is an increase. I do realize that. Nobody likes to raise people’s taxes, but I think it’s important that we stay ahead of this,” Walby said.

Caron and Rusie voiced their concerns about raising taxes.

Caron said they raised the millage rate in 2014 because they added the street lighting to the millage. He argued back then they shouldn’t have raised the millage rate but instead put a permanent funding mechanism in place for the required payment. In 2019, he said, they had a similar experience and debate during a meeting because they wanted to include parking lots.

He said the millage brought in around $3.2 million last year and in the last two fiscal years the taxable value of properties experienced a 10% raise.

“So that’s already increased, what comes in around that millage, $300,000,” Caron said. “We’re going to have another 5% added on, probably 3% next year depending (on) what inflation is. So that money is still going up at the current rate.”

He said back when the millage was originally passed, they had a plan to tackle the worst roads in the city and he thinks they’ve fixed all the roads with the worst ratings.

Home Care One Cares For Those In Need

Home Care

One Owner Perry Calisi believes in honesty, integrity, and compassion -- and has offered such quality care through his home care business for the past twelve years in Grosse Pointe, St. Clair Shores, and Macomb Township in southeastern Michigan.

Home Care

One provides assistance for seniors and patients in their homes, and helps with alzheimer’s, dementia, Parkinson’s Disease, hospital and nursing home sitting, interim care during hospice, physical and mental disability assistance for children and adults, and people recovering from surgery. Services also include full or part-time and 24hour care services, and daily living activities such as meal preparation, running errands, assistance with bathing, house cleaning, doctor visits and more.

as everything becomes more expensive,” he said. “In my experience, more people have done better living in their home rather than facilities; just by familiarity and independence.”

Perry said he entered the business by hearing that someone needed help.

“I just set up my own business model for what I would want for my own mother,” he said. “I would want someone honest and compassionate in the house.”

Perry said he tries to match his roughly 18 employees’ personality types with patients. “It assures that there is going to be an assimilation of getting along,” he said.

Betty, a client, said she is “really lucky” to have caregivers take really good care of her. “I get all that pampering,” she said smiling. “They’ve been with me ever since. I haven’t been let down for anything.”

“I think, in terms of (the) number of roads we’re going to have for full replacement, hopefully that’s going to start going down because of all the work we’ve already done,” Caron said. “So I think, in terms of that, we don’t need to increase the millage rate for that.”

On top of all this, Caron said, they have to worry about the taxes included from the police and fire pension millage, which has been underfunded in the past. The city doesn’t have exact numbers right now, but Caron said they’ve been told there is going to be an increase. He also said he doesn’t know how much more of a burden they can ask the residents to bear based on financial decisions the council is making.

Rusie said she thinks that parking lots are far removed from streets and while she can make an argument for the other items mentioned, she cannot make an argument for the parking lots.

“I can’t extend this to a capital expense like a city parking lot,” Rusie said. “We might as well put (the) police station and fire station in here and still call it a street millage.”

She also expressed concerns similar to Caron’s about increasing the millage rate.

In the end, she said she didn’t think this ballot proposal was a responsible decision.

Councilman Ronald Frederick said that streets are not a “one and done” situation.

Perry wants to increase community awareness about how his company offers these personalized services to keep your loved ones living independently at home. Perry added that he and his staff go further than the next by helping clients stay as independent as possible.

“The public should look at home care as a way of staying independent, and in one’s own home --

Betty’s caregiver, Theresa, said Perry cares about his clients and he cares about his employees as well. “He is good about matching an employee with a client, which is nice,” she said. “We all work together. He cares all the way around... that is him in general.”

For more information call 313-409-0120 or go to http://www.homecareone.net/.

“You don’t do a road and it’s great for 100 years,” Frederick said. “Especially now.”

He also said that some of the parking lots that Caron mentioned like the Civic Ice Arena parking lot and the St. Clair Shores Golf Course Club parking lot are not done. He mentioned that costs are rising as well.

He said he thinks using the millage money for alleyways is a smart thing.

“Because what happens in alleys is we end up doing these little Band-Aids on these alleys, and it’s almost a waste of money,” Frederick said. “I mean, talk to any of these guys that are doing the patchwork in there.”

He went on to say the patchwork is getting pulled out of the ground.

“Some of these alleys really need to be reconstructed, rethought out, a little deeper with more base and thicker cement so that they last longer,” Frederick said. “So that we’re not going back and patching these things every year.”

He also said he wants to go back and fix these issues, so the residents don’t have to spend money on their cars if they hit a damaging pothole in the alleyways.

Councilman Dave Rubello said in a text that the ballot decision is ultimately one the voters will make.

“Their voice must be heard, in my opinion,” Rubello said in the text.

Call Staff Writer Alyssa Ochss at (586) 498-1103.

St. Germaine

from page 1A

with around $355,000 raised and around $180,000 pledged, amounts that surpassed the school community’s fundraising goals.

The email was sent by the “Team of Priests in Solidum serving the Gadium et Spes Family of Parishes.” According to the statement, the team spent the decision time — the planned closure was first announced in a letter on Jan. 16 — “in prayerful discernment and in close consultation with community members and the Archdiocese of Detroit.”

“As a result of this process, it is with heavy hearts that we share our final decision to proceed with the planned closure of St. Germaine Catholic School at the end of this academic school year,” the emailed statement said.

The priests commended the efforts of the community to raise money and enrollment and stated all money raised will be returned.

Though the money and enrollment were raised past the goals, the team still worried about the “long-term operational viability of the school.”

“And our ability to provide adequate spiritual care to the community,” the email said.

The team is re-extending their offer to help families find other schools for their students, the email said, and they are also working with St. Germaine to find employment for those looking.

The school, near Martin Road and Little Mack, has been part of the St. Clair Shores community for 60 years, serving students in preschool through eighth grade.

Krystal Moore, a parent of St. Germaine students, said she feels like they were completely misled. She pointed out the statement the priests made saying they couldn’t support them spiritually and said that aspect should have been brought to the forefront.

“We can’t understand what we did wrong, and we can’t understand how we were given a mission and a goal and we exceeded that goal; however, we were never given spiritual support or given any info about the lack of spiritual support you had,” Moore said.

Moore said she is feeling outraged and disappointed, a feeling she says is felt by many in the community. She said this could happen at any school.

“How does this not happen at another school because (this) could happen at our neighborhood schools down the street from us,” Moore said.

She said she feels bad for the people who have come out to support the school.

“We’re confused. We’re hurt. We’re really questioning, like, do we continue on with our Catholic education?” Moore said.

Most of all, she is concerned about the children who are experiencing grief, saying no third grader should have to experience that. Right now, she is allowing her children to grieve the apparent loss of their school before taking the next steps.

“We’re going to do our best as parents to find a school that can support them in every aspect that they need,” Moore said.

Moore said she wishes there had been more communication and accountability from the archdiocese.

“We just wish there could have been more support and resources for our children,” Moore said.

John Carlisle, a parent of a student at St. Germaine, said the priests lied to them and gave them false hope. He also said a concern about the ability to provide adequate spiritual care was never mentioned when the intended closure was announced in January and the parents started raising money for the school.

“These benchmarks were a scheme,” Carlisle said. “They never thought we would meet them and we did, and so they had to find another way out, so they made this up at the last minute.”

Carlisle said the dishonesty from the priests is unfathomable.

“You would think that priests would stand for honesty and trustworthiness, and these priests are the opposite of that,” Carlisle said. “The parishioners of these churches should be embarrassed to have such despicable people in charge of their churches, and I feel bad for those people.”

He said the next step right now is to comfort the children who he says had the rug pulled out from under them for the second time.

“Right now, most of us are dealing with distraught children, so we’re trying to take care of them first before we figure out what to do,” Carlisle said. “But it’s hard to see what to do. The archdiocese is just as corrupt as these priests.”

Holly Fournier, associate director of communications for the Archdiocese of Detroit, reiterated what the priests said, citing the long-term viability of the school and the inability to provide spiritual guidance as reasons why they ultimately decided to close the school.

“The Archdiocese supports the team of priests in their decision,” Fournier wrote. “We join them in thanking all who have shown their support over these last few weeks and offer our assistance and prayers to the community during this difficult time.”

Fournier also said in a separate email that it was a process to come to the decision

to close the school, and it is never their desire to close a Catholic school.

“It is important to remember these efforts were part of a larger process of exploring the possibility of ensuring a viable future for the school,” Fournier said in the email.

“It was through that process that the team of priests ultimately made the difficult decision to proceed with the planned closure.”

According to the Archdiocese of Detroit’s website, the priests serving the Gaudium et Spes Family of Parishes are the Rev. John Wynnycky (Holy Innocents - St.

Barnabas Parish, in Roseville), the Rev. Joe Barron (St. Isaac Jogues Parish, in St. Clair Shores), the Rev. Ronald DeHondt (St. Margaret Queen of Scotland Parish, in St. Clair Shores) and the Rev. Greg Piatt (St. Pio of Pietrelcina Parish, in Roseville).

St. Germaine Catholic School serves the Our Lady of Hope Parish, which is also part of the Gaudium et Spes Family of Parishes. The parish’s priest, the Rev. Jim Bjorum, died late last year.

Call Staff Writer Alyssa Ochss at (586) 498-1103.

NOTICE TO ST. CLAIR SHORES PROPERTY OWNERS

ST. CLAIR SHORES CITY ORDINANCE

SEC 28-22 DEFINITIONS

Noxious weeds includes Phragmites Common Reed (Phragmites australis), Purple Loosestrife (Lythrum salicaria), Canadian thistle (Circium arvense), dodders (any species of Cuscuta), mustards (charlock, black mustard and Indian mustard, species of Brassica or Sinapis), wild carrot (Daucus carota), bindweed (Convolvulus arvensis), perennial sowthistle (Sonchus arvensis), hoary alyssum (Berteroa incana), ragweed (Ambrosia elatior 1.) and poison ivy (Rhus Toxicodendron), poison sumac (Toxicodendron vernix), poison oak, oxeye daisies, goldenrod, or other weeds which are permitted to attain a height of eight inches or more.

Prohibited species includes all noxious weeds, as defned in this section, and any tree of the species of poplar (Populus sp.), willow (Salix sp.), box elder (Acer regundo), and elm (Ulmus).

SEC 28-29 NOXIOUS WEEDS PROHIBITED

Growth prohibited. No owner, his agent, or tenant of any parcel of land within the City shall permit on such parcel or upon any sidewalk, alley, or right-of-way abutting same the growth of noxious weeds. The owner, his tenant, or agent shall destroy noxious weeds before they reach a seed-bearing stage, shall prevent their regrowth, and shall prevent them from becoming a detriment to public health.

SEC 28-30 OVERGROWN GRASS, BRUSH, WEEDS PROHIBITED

Any property overgrown with weeds, grass, or brush must be cut and maintained at a level of eight inches or less. Shrubs, plants and trees shall not obstruct any traffc sign or public way. Trees shall be trimmed to maintain eight feet of clearance above the sidewalk.

Grass, weeds, noxious weeds, or brush in excess of 8” will be cut by the City as many times as necessary. Costs incurred by the City plus $100 administrative fee per cutting shall be billed to the owner of the property. Unpaid charges will be added to the tax rolls for such property.

SEC 28-31 OVERGROWN OR DANGEROUS SHRUBS, PLANTS AND TREES ON PRIVATE PROPERTY PROHIBITED. The property owner, his agent or tenant shall remove from any tree, shrub or plant growing on his property all diseased, dangerous, decayed, unsightly or broken limbs, branches or vines which may hinder the safety of persons using abutting public property. Additionally, the property owner, his agent or tenant shall remove any shrub or tree on his property which is dying or dead and endangering the safety and welfare of the users of neighboring property.

If the City determines that the current condition of a tree poses an imminent and signifcant threat to the preservation of the health, safety and welfare of the public, then the City shall have the authority to enter upon the premises or hire a contractor to enter upon such premises to remove or cut

Pets

teeth, getting territorial over toys, growling, or just overall excitement levels.”

One should never let their new rescue dog outside while unattended, she said.

“Just because your yard is fenced does not mean they cannot jump the fence. I’ve even seen them jump privacy fences,” Wallace said. “Your new dog should be leashed when taken outside and then taken right back in when they’re done. You don’t know how they are with neighbors’ dogs and you don’t know if they will jump, dig massive holes, or if something may spook them to feel unsafe.”

Local wildlife is another concern.

“Some dogs go after wildlife and will attack and kill. Some dogs are scared and will run back to the door. It’s best to keep your animal vaccinated and away from all wildlife,” Wallace said. “Remember: Coyotes will go after any-sized dogs. It’s important to remember how your dog reacts to that could be life or death for your pet.”

She cautions against using shock collars.

“The dog is not going to learn the very first time you shock them, so if you become a person that repeats it until they listen, this could do one of two things: It could burn the shock collar to your dog’s neck and leave

burnt spots on the neck, or it could desensitize the dog, and they will continue to do the behavior. Again, positive reinforcement: reward them for listening the first time. … Give the animal something to look forward to.”

As an aside, Wallace said that during the winter, certain dog breeds enjoy being outside — notably, breeds such as huskies, malamutes, St. Bernards, Bernese mountain dogs and German shepherds. Still, check on them often and make sure they’re not limping along, as they may have snow jammed between their paw pads, which could cause frostbite.

One of the best ways to keep your pet safe is to properly identify them so that they can be returned home if they ever slip out of the house.

“A microchip is always the best way to go,” Wallace said. “Make sure to keep the pet’s information as up to date as possible. Your pet should also have the tag that comes with the microchip affixed to the collar, as well as a tag including the name, address and phone number.”

She said that new pet ownership is a thoughtful process.

“Don’t forget patience, and never expect your rescue animal to be perfect. They’re flawed just as we are. We’re going to have to give a bit, and so will they,” Wallace said. “Time and structure.”

from page 3A

participated,” Lauzon said. “So this is the first year as HOOK.”

Lauzon said Restaurant Week is a way to attract patrons to the Nautical Mile.

“We really want to start putting emphasis on the Nautical Mile again,” Lauzon said. “And all of us restaurants really work as a team, and we’re trying to attract people

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to the mile and then let you kind of choose where you want to eat.”

Lauzon said he’s been on the Mile for around 10 years and that the event predates his time there. He said he’s excited for the event.

Barbara Mast, office manager at WaterMark Bar and Grille, said Restaurant Week is a way to make people aware of the Nautical Mile. The event allows patrons to see the deck at WaterMark and they may want to come back in the summer. She’s excited to open for the season since the restaurant is closed seasonally.

“We’re always excited to reopen. We have new menu items,” Mast said. “Things like that. We always change the menu up every year.”

Flaherty said they have a variety of restaurants on the avenue, and they all provide beautiful specials.

“They’re all spectacular,” Flaherty said.

To find out more, visit the Nautical Mile Merchants Association website at nauticalmile.org.

Call Staff Writer Alyssa Ochss at (586) 498-1103.

- In Loving Memory ofChristopher Walter Chlada

Christopher Walter Chlada, age 40, passed away on March 25, 2024. He is survived by his beloved daughters: Skylar and Kinsley; loving father and stepmother: Gerhard and Bobbie; loving mother: Anita; dear girlfriend: Nicole Daleki; brother: Eric; sister-in-law: Courtney; nephews and niece: Kingston, Carter, Kameron, and Cecilia. Also left to cherish his memory are many loving aunts, uncles, cousins, and friends. Christopher was preceded in death by his son, Caleb, his omi, (Margarete), and mamaw and papaw, Yvonne and Walter. He was a dedicated father and family man. Christopher will be greatly missed by all. Visitation, Monday, April 1, 2024 from 2:00 p.m. until 8:00 p.m. with a funeral service at 6:00 p.m. at Kaul Funeral Home, 28433 Jeferson Ave., St. Clair Shores.

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File photo by Patricia O’Blenes Restaurant Week on the Nautical Mile will run April 8-14. Participating restaurants include Fishbones, HOOK, Brunch With Me, Pat O’Brien’s, Pegasus, Mike’s on the Water, WaterMark Bar and Grille, Zef’s Dockside Bar + Kitchen and more.

Matilda

from page 11A

ery rehearsal and they’re ready to dance and sing and act their little hearts out. They’re having a lot of fun.”

Vaughan said since the pandemic they’ve had to rebuild the entire production staff.

“It’s been a whole revitalization of the program, and so we’re really excited to take what worked well over the last 30 years and then bring it into this new era with a new group of kids and community,” Vaughan said.

The community has shown excitement for the show as well. Vaughan said they’ve seen donations of all different kinds including tools, money and other things.

“I think that the community was really ready to see this kind of a program come back, so it’s been a huge buzz going on,” Vaughan said.

Anne Schienke, who plays Matilda, said she was nervous when she auditioned for the play and wasn’t expecting to get the role. She likes the role because she gets to be mischievous.

Allison Dollison, who plays Agatha Trunchbull, said she likes the role because she gets to portray an alter ego.

“Because the kids are like, ‘No, you’re too nice to be Mrs. Trunchbull,’ but I can go there if I need to,” Dollison said with a laugh.

Dollison’s daughter also performed in plays before.

Eli Habarth said he watched the “Matilda” movie, but he didn’t know anything about the musical.

“When my mom told me that there was a play for it, I just started watching it and

then I just loved it,” Habarth said.

This is both Habarth’s and Schienke’s first production and it is Dollison’s first principal role. All three are excited for the production.

Klug said he’s excited for the production and that he knew wanted to come back when he was in college at the University of Detroit Mercy.

“I knew that I wanted to come back and direct a show here so this is a great honor,”

Klug said. “I’m very excited. I’m excited for these kids. I’m excited for this community.”

The guild’s ticket sales goal is 900 tickets and Klug said they are on their way to surpassing that. To purchase a ticket, visit lctg.ludus.com. Vaughan said tickets are also being sold at the door. Tickets cost $15 for adults, $10 for senior citizens and $10 for students.

Call Staff Writer Alyssa Ochss at (586) 498-1103.

The Lakeview Community Theatre Guild ends a musical number they were rehearsing for their upcoming production of “Matilda The Musical.”

Photo by Patricia O’Blenes

Optalis Healthcare at ShorePointe Health and Rehab: St. Clair Shores celebrates ribbon cutting Optalis Healthcare at ShorePointe Health and Rehab: St. Clair Shores celebrated the ribbon-cutting of its new $20 million addition at the facility March 6.

The opening featured a new 5,500-square-foot rehab gym, a bistro/cafe and 39 new private suites added to the facility. Optalis executives Charles Dunn and Hemant Shah were joined by Macomb County Executive Mark Hackel for the ribbon-cutting.

For more information or to schedule a tour to see the new spaces, contact Stephanie Greazel at (248) 505-3583 or stephanie.greazel@optalishealthcare.com, visit in person at 26001 Jefferson Ave. in St. Clair Shores, or visit the website at optalishealthcare.com.

Parking lot

from page 6A

also said there are a few costs that will not be covered by the block grant.

“About $113,000 in storm sewer work, $165,000 for engineering fees and about $22,000 for construction inspection fees,” Koto said. “The grand total is $1.595 million and a little change.”

Councilwoman and Mayor Pro Tem Candice Rusie asked if certain things such as benches and trash bins could be removed from the bid to save money. She would like these components to be completed elsewhere instead of bidding them out.

Koto said adding these amenities would be the best way because they would also have to bid out the installation. City Manager Dustin Lent said the drinking fountain would be a little hard to bid out because of the water line.

“But because a majority of the other items are going to be after the project’s completed, we’ll be able to get started, so it’s not really a timeliness issue,” Lent said. “The benches, and the picnic tables and the trash receptacles, if it is council’s initiative, we could pull those out and just order those.”

He said numerous companies that sup-

ply picnic tables also supply trash bins.

Councilman Dave Rubello said he agreed with Rusie.

“You look at some of this stuff and it’s like, ‘How did they come up with that price?’” Rubello said.

Councilman Ronald Frederick said a couple of seniors had concerns about where the handicap spots are located. He also said he discussed those concerns with Rubello. Koto heard the same thing and said federal law requires the spots to be the closest to the main entrance.

“And if you do measure, it is actually closer where they are located right now than, I’ll say, the proposed one by some of the seniors,” Koto said. “Which is these parking spaces that are sort of east of the canopy entrance and east of the new sidewalk.”

Koto also said they have more spaces than required and that they could place any additional spaces somewhere else. Rubello said they can discuss the concerns that were raised at a later time.

Councilman John Caron mentioned the original estimate for the parking lot was around $850,000 and asked what drove the increase in price besides inflation. Seidel said they’ve seen around 13% inflationary increase in the construction industry since they first started talking about prices in 2022.

“We also did add some site amenities that we didn’t probably have at the beginning,” Seidel said.

The added amenities include the walking paths and the drinking fountain with Seidel stating that the higher prices of these amenities could have driven up the price.

“There’s a lot of money in the economy right now,” Seidel said. “So you may see inflation only be 13%, but with the millions of dollars (in) ARPA funds and all the projects going on there’s less contractors to do the work and they’re bidding higher prices because everything costs more now from labor to materials.”

Caron asked if there was any way any of the firms could take the information and update the estimates as needed. Seidel said this was possible.

“When was the last time we got an estimate, and that we’re making sure that those are being updated quarterly before council is being considered to put them out for bid or anything like that,” Caron said.

Seidel said they did do something like that, but he wasn’t sure it came before council.

“We are doing that, it sounds like. Maybe I need to get it to Dustin and the team to let you guys know before we open bids,” Seidel said.

Rubello moved to approve the award with the budget amendment and Frederick supported the motion. They also added language to review amenities such as the trash cans and picnic tables and possibly remove them from the bid if they can find a way to complete them in-house.

Call Staff Writer Alyssa Ochss at (586) 498-1103.

FRENCH BULLDOGS HEAD UP POPULAR BREEDS IN DETROIT

METRO DETROIT — French bulldogs have secured the crown for the third straight year in the American Kennel Club’s annual rankings of popular dog breeds in Detroit.

Rottweilers came in second followed by German shepherds, golden retrievers and  Labrador retrievers. Make sure not to count beagles out in future years. The breed climbed the rankings from 27th in 2022 to 12 in the

new rankings, which looked at 2023.

This is the second year that French bulldogs have taken the crown in the national rankings too.

“Since overtaking the loveable Labrador Retriever as the most popular breed, the French Bulldog’s popularity has continued to surge,” the AKC states in a press release.

“The breed is playful, adaptable and has an even temperament. Frenchies are very popular among city dwellers,

as they’re also portable and get along with almost anyone.”

French bulldogs also topped AKC lists in Denver and Miami.

“Founded in 1884, the American Kennel Club is a not-for-profit organization which maintains the largest registry of purebred dogs in the world and oversees the sport of purebred dogs in the United States,” the press release states.

— Nick Powers

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