4/4/24 Grosse Pointe Times

NORTH SWIM TEAM DOES WELL AT STATE FINALS/6A

BY K. MICHELLE MORAN kmoran@candgnews.com

SHORES — Metro Detroiters have a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to see a near-total solar eclipse close to home April 8, and the Edsel and Eleanor Ford House in Grosse Pointe Shores is teaming up with the Michigan Science Center to make sure it’s a safe and memorable experience for all ages.

From noon to 4:30 p.m. April 8, the Ford House is

The Edsel and Eleanor Ford House in Grosse Pointe Shores is teaming up with the Michigan Science Center to offer a special, interactive solar eclipse viewing event on its grounds April 8.

Photos provided by the Edsel and Eleanor Ford House

Ford House to host solar eclipse viewing event with Michigan Science Center

hosting indoor and outdoor activities with Michigan Science Center educators, who will explain how the eclipse will progress. Participants will be able to make pinhole projectors and sun-spotting scopes, and all attendees will receive a pair of solar eclipse glasses for safe viewing. Self-guided tours of the main house will be available until 4 p.m.

“When two cultural institutions like Ford House and the Michigan Science Center come together, we can literally point the community’s eyes skyward and be inspired,” Ford

See ECLIPSE on page 12A

City voters to decide bond for sewer system improvements

BY K. MICHELLE MORAN kmoran@candgnews.com

CITY — Grosse Pointe City voters will be asked this August to weigh in on a bond to pay for sewer system infrastructure improvements that officials believe will sharply decrease the risk of future basement flooding and sewage backups.

But while the project price tag is estimated at $28,571,344, that cost is being offset by $21,627,583 from the Federal Emergency Management Agency.

Voters will be asked during the August primary whether to approve a stormwater sewer separation and capital improvements bond not to exceed $15 million, payable over a term not to exceed 21 years. The Grosse Pointe City Council voted unanimously March 18 in favor of ballot language for the bond proposal. The estimated millage that would be levied in 2025 is 1.8894 mills, or $1.89 per $1,000 of taxable value, and the estimated simple average annual millage to retire the bonds is 1.884 mills, or $1.88 per $1,000 of taxable value.

See SEWER on page 11A

The time is right for ‘The Play That Goes Wrong’

BY K. MICHELLE MORAN kmoran@candgnews.com

WOODS — If Murphy’s Law were a theatrical production, it would be “The Play That Goes Wrong.”

Grosse Pointe Theatre’s production of the award-winning Broadway comedy follows the Cornley University Drama Society as it haplessly attempts to stage the period mystery, “The Murder at Haversham Manor.” In the spirit of Murphy’s Law, if it can go wrong, it does — and spectacularly wrong, at that. “The Play That Goes Wrong” will be staged April 5-14 at Parcells Middle School in Grosse Pointe Woods.

“We’re excited to be the first community theater in the area to be doing this (show),” said director Nick Marinello, of Mount Clemens.

Library celebrates April as Citizen Science Month

BY K. MICHELLE MORAN kmoran@candgnews.com

GROSSE POINTE PARK — Regardless of whether you looked forward to science classes or struggled through them, anyone can contribute to the field of scientific knowledge.

April is Citizen Science Month, and the Grosse Pointe Public Library — a SciStarter hub for Citizen Science — is partnering with SciStarter.org and Arizona State University to encourage members of the public to engage with the world around them and participate in “One Million Acts of Science” this month.

GPT usually builds its own sets, but for this show it’s renting one from a theater on the west side of the state. The complex set is rigged for the special effects called for in the script. It also features flocked wallpaper and other eye-catching touches.

Grosse Pointe Theatre’s actors — pictured here inside the Edsel and Eleanor Ford House in Grosse Pointe Shores — are staging the comedy, “The Play That Goes Wrong,” in April.

Photo by Moni Valentini, provided by Grosse Pointe Theatre

The Grosse Pointe Public Library is again partnering with SciStarter. org and Arizona State University to celebrate Citizen Science Month in April, including a reading by Sally Wenczel, author of “Let’s Build a Rain Garden!” Photos by Kelly Konieczki

World War II veteran Larry Bennett, of Grosse Pointe Woods — who turned 100 March 28 — was celebrated during a birthday party thrown by the Men’s Club of Grosse Pointe March 26 at The War Memorial in Grosse Pointe Farms. Bennett was inducted into the U.S. Army in March 1943 and served as part of the 3rd Battalion, 30th Infantry Regiment, 3rd Infantry Division. He was stationed in France, Italy and Germany during the war. RIGHT: Bennett enjoys taking photos of the party thrown for him.

Grosse Pointe North’s 200-yard freestyle

Wettstein (front), James Gusmano (back), and Thomas Moreland

High

Athletic Association Division 2 State Championship on March 9

place, earned all-state, and set a school record with a 1:28.46 time.

Heroic comeback, school records sum up state finals performance for North

BY JONATHAN SZCZEPANIAK jszczepaniak@candgnews.com

WOODS — The beauty of the Michigan High School Athletic Association state finals for any sport is that there’s always a storyline people can gravitate toward.

There are your Cinderella teams that have never made it or have never won a state title, the perennial powerhouses looking to add to their title streaks, or players to watch throughout the state tournament who might be taking their talents to the college level.

For Grosse Pointe North boys swim and dive, its motivation was a little more personal than a surface level storyline, for one of its own was battling back from a brutal injury.

Just four weeks prior to the MHSAA Division 2 state meet, senior Connor McMahon suffered a torn ACL, sidelining him for what many thought would be the remainder of his high school swim career.

But for McMahon, four weeks was plenty of time to power through and make sure his season ended on his terms.

Photo provided by Kyle Kinyon

relay team — pictured from left, Connor McMahon (back), Keegan

(front) — at the Michigan

School

at Eastern Michigan University took seventh

Play

from page 3A

“There’s lots of great details,” Marinello said. “The craftsmanship that went into it makes a difference.”

The actors spent two weeks working with a fight coordinator to make sure they could safely pull off not only hand-to-hand combat scenes, but also the falls and stunts that are essential to this show. Marinello said they worked “really hard” to make sure all the movements would be safe for the cast.

“There’s some parts with quite a bit of fighting,” said Conner Motzkus, of Grosse

Library

from page 3A

The Ewald Branch of the Grosse Pointe Public Library in Grosse Pointe Park will be hosting a Citizen Science Celebration at 4:30 p.m. April 24. Sally Wenczel, a local children’s book author, will be reading her book, “Let’s Build a Rain Garden!” and discussing the importance of native plants. This all-ages event will offer hands-on activities and teach participants about Citizen Science and how they can get involved.

And residents are encouraged to act as citizen scientists throughout the month.

“There is a way for all of us to make a difference, no matter what their background is,” said Kelly Konieczki, of Grosse Pointe Park, an outdoor educator for the GPPL.

From human health to astronomy to biodiversity, Citizen Science research projects vary but can be done from anywhere. Most only need access to a smartphone to record and submit their findings.

“A million observations in one month is ambitious,” Darlene Cavalier, founder of SciStarter and professor of practice at Arizona State University, said in a press release. “But there’s a real need for these Acts and this data for hundreds of research projects. We’re hoping that with participation from everyone from school groups to families, from working professionals to seniors we can reach our goal, and make a real impact on important scientific research.”

Starting April 15, the GPPL will offer to-go kits such as a do-it-yourself rain gauge. Konieczki said the library also offers an observing-pollinators kit that participants can check out and use to look for and log the bees, butterflies and other pollinators they see in their own yards. Some of the kits can be borrowed from the library, while others

Pointe Park, who portrays the mystery’s director, Chris, as well as the inspector in said mystery.

Kevin Fitzhenry, of Grosse Pointe Woods, plays an actor named Jonathan, who portrays Charles Haversham in “The Murder at Haversham Manor.” Fitzhenry previously directed a high school version of “The Play That Goes Wrong” at De La Salle Collegiate High School in Warren.

“I’ve always loved murder mysteries and directed many of them,” Fitzhenry said. “(This show is) very Monty Python meets Agatha Christie meets ‘Noises Off.’ It’s very cleverly written.”

Motzkus said the audience can expect “nice wordplay jokes” sprinkled throughout

can be kept.

“Citizen Science is science that can be done by the average person,” Konieczki said. “It’s an opportunity for people to go out and do science … and send their research (in).”

Konieczki herself doesn’t have a science background — she’s an artist — but she has become passionate about Citizen Science and has taken a number of classes, including one that trained participants to become master rain gardeners.

As part of the tool collection at the Central Branch of the Grosse Pointe Public Library in Grosse Pointe Farms, residents can borrow items that could be used by a citizen scientist, including binoculars, an air quality detector and a telescope. There’s a seed library as well that’s available March 1 to May 31 for those who’d like to grow native plants and create a more conducive environment for pollinators and other species.

Inspired by the 1,000 Hours Outside movement — an attempt to balance the amount of time people spend on screens with time in nature — Konieczki started holding monthly events at the library during the pandemic, at a time when indoor, in-person events were either banned or discouraged.

While indoor activities have since returned, Konieczki’s year-round monthly outdoor events remain popular, attracting varying numbers of participants each time. She said they’ve had full moon parties, mud parties, outdoor walks and more.

“We really try to gear it to all ages,” Konieczki said. “We have young families and we do also have seniors.”

Last year, the GPPL became a SciStarter hub for Citizen Science, joining hundreds of other libraries, as well as schools, community organizations, federal agencies and more.

“Our Girl Scouts absolutely loved the idea of learning how to collect data, make

“The Play That Goes Wrong.”

Although there’s a high school version, the regular version of the show is also familyfriendly, the actors said.

“It’s this great, funny, smart physical comedy,” Marinello said. “It’s full of shocks and surprises. It’s well acted. (The cast is) making thoughtful acting choices.”

The cast also includes Tagg Smith as Trevor, Bridget Hillyer as Annie, Mario Simone as Robert, Zak Shugart as Dennis, Kyle Phillips as Max and Hannah Roth as Sandra. Two of the cast members play crew members for the play-within-a-play.

“All of the characters have their different quirks,” said Mary Magyari, of Mount Clemens, the show’s marketing coordinator.

observations and come up with a hypothesis, let alone do all the field work themselves,” Stacey Leinen, a Girl Scouts troop leader, said in a press release. “It was amazing to see the excitement and knowing that my girls were learning something by actually getting out and DOING instead of being inside.”

The Ewald Branch of the Grosse Pointe

The show warrants repeat attendance, because so much is going on at any given moment.

“What we try to build is this controlled chaos, so when the audience is watching, they’re going to see four or five things happening at the same time,” Marinello said. “So it’s not stale if they see it again. There’s all this dense physical comedy.”

Tickets for “The Play That Goes Wrong” cost $35. Parcells Middle School is located at 20600 Mack Ave. (at Vernier Road) in Grosse Pointe Woods. For advance tickets or more information, visit gpt.org or call the GPT box office at (313) 881-4004. Call Staff Writer K. Michelle Moran at (586) 498-1047.

Public Library is located at 15175 E. Jefferson Ave. in Grosse Pointe Park. To register for the April 24 event, visit grossepointelibrary.org or call (313) 821-8830. For more about One Million Acts of Science, visit scis tarter.org.

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

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.”

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/.

Owner, Perry Calisi with Caregiver Teresa

HAZARDOUS WASTE TO BE COLLECTED

Anyone doing spring cleaning can safely dispose of unwanted chemicals and the like during Household Hazardous Waste Day.

Grosse Pointe City is the host community for this event, which will take place from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. April 6 at Neff Park, 17350 E. Jefferson Ave. The event is open to residents of Grosse Pointe City, Grosse Pointe Farms, Grosse Pointe Park and Grosse Pointe Shores, and anyone hoping to take part needs to show proof of residency with valid photo identification, such as a driver’s license or state identification card.

Acceptable materials consist of the following: oil-based paints and solvents, aerosols, corrosives (acids and bases), pesticides, herbicides, reactives, oxidizers, automotive fluids such as oil and antifreeze, over-the-counter medications, elemental mercury, household and automotive batteries, fluorescent lamps, PCB light ballasts, smoke detectors, fire extinguishers, biomedical sharps housed in rigid containers, propane cylinders up to 30 pounds apiece and nonregulated waste.

Materials that cannot be accepted consist of the following: ammunition, weapons, yard waste, tires, Drug Enforcement Administrationcontrolled narcotics, any type of electronic device, compressed gas cylinders, latex paint, flares, explosives, fireworks, radioactive waste, shock-sensitive waste, industrial and commercial waste, trash, and appliances.

Household Hazardous Waste Day is free. It’s being offered this year through the mutual contract that the four cities have with Green for Life for recycling. For more information, residents should check with their city’s website or department of public works.

SYMPHONY’S SEASON CONTINUES

The Grosse Pointe Symphony Orchestra, led by Conductor and Music Director Joseph Striplin, will perform a concert at 3 p.m. April 14 at The War Memorial, 32 Lake Shore Road in Grosse Pointe Farms. A pre-concert talk by WRCJ-FM radio show host Davis Gloff will be given at 2:15 p.m.

The concert will include the Fanfare from the Paul Dukas ballet, “La Péri,” Ottorino Respighi’s “The Pines of Rome” and the Brahms Violin Concerto in D major, which will feature a solo from Detroit Symphony Orchestra violinist Jiamin Wang, who graduated from the Shanghai Conservatory of Music with the highest honors in 2009 and earned a full scholarship to the Bard College Conservatory of Music. She has been with the DSO since 2013.

Tickets cost $20 for regular admission, $15 for seniors, $5 for college students and they are free for students in kindergarten through 12th grade. Tickets can be purchased at the door or by visiting the GPSO’s website, gpsymphony.org.

Tickets to Books on the Lake to go on sale

Books on the Lake, the popular annual literary event hosted by the Grosse Pointe Public Library, will feature authors Bonnie Jo Campbell and Brendan Slocumb May 11 at The War Memorial, 32 Lake Shore Road in Grosse Pointe Farms. Tickets for the brunch and talk will go on sale online at 9 a.m. April 8. They cost $40 per person.

Campbell, a Michigan native, is the author of “The Waters,” “Once Upon a River” and “Q Road,” as well as short fiction collections such as “American Salvage,” which was a finalist for the National Book Award and National Book

Cleanup volunteers needed

The nonprofit Moross Greenway will host a spring community cleanup day to cut down ornamental grasses and Siberian iris foliage from 9 a.m. to noon April 13. If volunteers have their own sharp hedge trimmers, they should bring them. The cleanup will happen rain or shine. Volunteers should meet at 9 a.m. in the parking lot of Mount Pleasant Missionary Baptist Church, 21150 Moross Road in Detroit. Water, traffic safety vests and trash bags will be provided. To register or for more information, visit morossgreenway.org.

LEARN ABOUT MEDICARE

Those about to turn 65 are invited to learn more about Medicare, Medicare Supplement and Medicare Advantage plans — including the pros and cons of various plans, costs, coverage and how to sign up — during a New to Medicare class at 7 p.m.

April 24 at The Helm at the Boll Life Center, 158 Ridge Road in Grosse Pointe Farms. The class, led by Medicare counselors, is free, but space is limited, so advance registration is needed. To register or for more information, contact Tony Altovilla at taltovilla@helmlife.org or call (313) 649-2110. Those wishing to schedule an individual consultation with a Medicare counselor at The Helm can also contact Altovilla.

PARENTING PROGRAM PLANNED

Grosse Pointe Academy, The Family Center and Kevin’s Song will present the program “Building Confident and Resilient Kids with Bright Futures” from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m.

April 24 in the Main School Fisher Library of GPA, 171 Lake Shore Road in Grosse Pointe Farms. The panel talk will explore the balance between authoritative and permissive parenting styles and how to foster mental wellness and resilience in children. To register or for more information, visit gpacademy.org/brightfutures.

Critics Circle Award. Slocumb is a native of North Carolina and a Nobel Teacher of Distinction with a degree in music education who has written “The Violin Conspiracy” and “Symphony of Secrets.”

“Books on the Lake is our signature author event where the library features authors selected by our library staff,” Library Director Jessica Keyser said in a press release. “This year’s authors will not disappoint and will be available at the end of the program to autograph books.”

For tickets or more information, visit the events page for the GPPL at grossepointelibrary.org.

Swim

from page 6A

“The motivation behind it was knowing that it was my senior year and all my best friends are on the team, so this was my last chance at high school sports, and I knew I wanted to give it a try one last time,” McMahon said. “I didn’t really know I could swim till maybe the Wednesday or Thursday before states, because I didn’t know how it was going to be at practice.”

With only a practice under his belt, McMahon anchored North’s 200-yard freestyle relay at the MHSAA Division 2 State Championship on March 9 at Eastern Michigan University, leading North to a seventh-place finish in the event, earning all-state, and setting a school record with a 1:28.46 time.

Also on the relay were senior Thomas Moreland, senior Keegan Wettstein, and sophomore James Gusmano.

A close friend of McMahon, Moreland said McMahon’s ability to fight through the injury and join the team for states fired up the Norsemen.

“I don’t think I know anybody else that could’ve done that,” Moreland said. “It was really impressive. I didn’t think he was coming back at all. It was a surprise to me too, and me and Connor are really close friends. One day, he was just like, ‘Yeah, I’m coming back.’ He was supposed to be wearing a knee brace, and I think he had it off in a couple days and wasn’t even wearing it anymore.”

Moreland and Gusmano earned allstate finishes and school records on their own with Moreland placing sixth in the 100-yard butterfly with a 51.27 time while Gusmano continued his stellar sophomore season with an eighth-place finish in the 50yard freestyle, posting a 21.89 time.

The Norsemen finished 16th in a field of 33 teams at the state finals with only five

FAR LEFT: North sophomore James Gusmano continued his stellar sophomore season with an eighth-place finish in the 50-yard freestyle, posting a 21.89 time.

NEAR LEFT: North senior Thomas Moreland placed sixth in the 100-yard butterfly with a 51.27 time at the MHSAA Division 2 State Championship on March 9 at Eastern Michigan University.

swimmers qualifying, but their conference play throughout the season was efficient preparation for states.

North, which competed in the MAC White last year, put up a fight in its first year in the MAC Red, finishing second with a 4-1 record behind neighborhood rival Grosse Pointe South.

North might not have the numbers or star power that other teams hold, but head coach Kyle Kinyon said the team’s energy makes up for it.

“We might be small, but my gosh we’re loud,” Kinyon said. “You come to practice and you’re like, ‘Holy cow, you got 30 kids in there.’ They’re energetic. I think they do a really nice job of trying to bring out the most in each other, racing at practice and doing silly, goofy things from time to time. Ultimately, they’re just trying to show what needs to get done and they’re always eager for competition.”

While the Norsemen are set to graduate a talented group of seniors, Gusmano, freshman Tyler Collins — a state finals qualifier — sophomore James Jewell, sophomore Paul Stephens, and freshman Brady Winbigler will all look to take the next step in their development next season.

Jewell was an impact swimmer for North as a freshman and only grew in his second season, while Stephens, who joined the swim team to help with triathlon training, shined toward the end of the season.

Losing three seniors is difficult for a team constantly battling the numbers game, but Kinyon said the foundation they’ve left to build on and the young talent already established will help soften the blow.

“We’re not the largest team in the world, but I think we’re set up to keep moving forward even after losing some of our seniors that have no doubt left their mark on this team,” Kinyon said.

Call Staff Writer Jonathan Szczepaniak at (586) 498-1090.

Photos provided by Kyle Kinyon

Sewer

from page 1A

The term of the millage was reduced from the original expected period of 25 years — which was approved unanimously by the council at a meeting Jan. 29 — to the shorter term of 21 years. The bond would be used to cover the City’s stormwater separation matching costs and other capital needs.

While much of the City has separate sewer lines for stormwater and sewage, there are still areas that are combined, meaning that stormwater and sewage flow into the same pipe. During periods of heavy rain, the combined flows can overwhelm the pumps and lead to basement backups. That was one of several factors that played into catastrophic widespread basement flooding and sewage backups throughout the city in the summer of 2021.

Officials are hoping to leverage this bond to possibly meet other big-ticket items as well, so they don’t have to keep going back to voters to ask for more money.

“We have some big pieces of equipment that are going to run well over $1 million,” City Manager Joseph Valentine said.

Over roughly the next four years, City

officials anticipate needing to purchase two new garbage trucks, a 10-yard dump truck and a front-end loader.

In addition, the bond would enable the city to take advantage of federal funds for roadwork. In 2025, the City expects to receive federal matching funds through the Michigan Department of Transportation for the resurfacing of St. Clair Avenue from St. Paul Street to Waterloo Street. That project, which is slated to cost about $695,890, would be largely covered by federal funds — to the tune of $569,585 — with the city paying the remaining construction cost of $126,305, plus $142,090 in engineering and testing, for a total cost to the City of $268,395.

Officials are seeking approval of the bond now to take advantage of federal dollars, which substantially reduce the cost of these improvements for the City.

“I feel like we would be remiss if we just let $21 million sit on the table,” Mayor Sheila Tomkowiak said.

She added that she couldn’t remember the city ever receiving a federal grant that was this significant.

Council colleagues concurred with that sentiment.

“We wouldn’t be doing our jobs if we

didn’t take advantage of these significant matching (funds),” City Councilman Christopher Moyer said.

Valentine said they arrived at the $15 million bond amount because of several factors. The project cost estimate of about $28 million is from two years ago, but the costs of materials, labor and the like can be up to 40% higher today, he said.

Valentine said the engineering phase on the sewer project would take about a year. He said they would most likely go out to bid on the project this fall and start work next year.

“We have some time to get it done, but we have to get started,” Valentine said.

He told the council that the project needs to be completed within two years of when the City applied for FEMA funding. Valentine said the City received word in October 2023 that it had qualified for FEMA dollars.

During the March 18 meeting, the city’s bond counsel, Stephen Hayduk, of Bendzinski & Co., said interest rates were higher when officials first discussed the bond in November.

“They’ve since come down and leveled out for now,” Hayduk said.

Valentine said the rate for a 21-year

bond has now dropped to what it was for a 25-year bond just a few months ago.

Hayduk said they’re conservatively estimating an interest rate of roughly 3.75% on the bond.

“We’re still a year out or so,” Hayduk said.

For the average City taxpayer living in a home with a taxable value of $176,069 in 2023, this 21-year bond would cost an additional $332.83 for the first year or $27.74 more per month. It would cost the same taxpayer $331.07 on an average year or $27.59 more per month.

Without the bond, Valentine said the City has a tax rate of about 16.83 mills. If the bond were approved, he said that would bring the tax rate to slightly under 19 mills total, which he said is the average in the Grosse Pointes.

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

Eclipse

from page 1A

House President and CEO Mark J. Heppner said in a press release. “We won’t have the opportunity to experience this for another twenty years. So, being able to share this moment is truly special.”

They’ll have solar telescopes on-site to see the eclipse. Paulette Epstein, Michigan Science Center director of science partnerships and theaters and one of the science center’s staff astronomers, said one of the telescopes shows the sun in traditional white light and the other uses a different filter to look at it in hydrogen alpha.

“We can actually see the solar prominences (with the latter one),” said Epstein of the jets of material that come out from the surface of the sun and go back in, resulting in what looks like rings.

Peak eclipse time in metro Detroit — when coverage will be at 99% — is “Pi time,” or 3:14 p.m., Epstein said. Participants should arrive before that time so they’ll be prepared.

Of course, the view depends on the weather.

“As long as Mother Nature participates, we’ll be able to get an up-close view,” Epstein said.

Coverage of the sun isn’t the only thing people will notice.

“It will get darker outside,” Epstein said. “It will get cooler outside.”

She said temperatures could drop by as much as 20 degrees as the sunlight fades.

While solar eclipses are fairly common — Epstein said they happen roughly once a year — total, or near-total, eclipses that are visible in populated areas aren’t nearly as frequent. The next total eclipse visible in the United States will be in 2045, where total coverage will be able to be seen from Orlando, Florida, she said. In metro Detroit, coverage will be around 75% in 2045, Epstein said.

The last total solar eclipse that could be seen in Detroit was in 1806, and the next one will be Sept. 12, 2444, she said.

“It’s a great opportunity,” Epstein said of local residents being able to witness a near-total eclipse in their backyards. “It is really a once-in-a-lifetime experience. And it’s a great opportunity to learn as well. Everybody in the U.S. is going to experience this. This is a great opportunity (for people) to get interested in science and the natural phenomena around them.”

Epstein said the last total eclipse visible in the United States was in 2017; coverage in metro Detroit was 80%.

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Safety is paramount, whether people are enjoying the eclipse from the Ford House, one of the Grosse Pointe Public Library branches or their own backyards. A press release from Henry Ford OptimEyes offered the following safety tips:

• Wear eye protection that meets the international standard ISO 12312-2 to safely look at the eclipse.

• Avoid using standard glasses, sunglasses, polarized lenses, binoculars, camera lenses and unfiltered telescopes.

• Supervise youngsters carefully when using solar eclipse viewers.

• Recognize that failure to take safety precautions — even for a short period of time — can damage the retina, which could lead to temporary or permanent vision loss.

• Anyone who experiences any vision changes after the eclipse should schedule a visit with their optometrist or ophthalmologist as soon as possible.

“The sun — even at 1% — can damage our eyes,” Epstein said. “So we want to be wearing those solar eclipse glasses or viewing the sun indirectly.”

This marks the first joint activity between the Ford House and the Michigan Science Center.

“We are delighted to collaborate with the Ford House to offer a unique science

learning experience for families that will undoubtedly inspire children and adults alike. This is an extremely rare astronomical event for our area.” Dr. Christian Greer, president and CEO of the Michigan Science Center, said in a press release. “Our team can’t wait to present the science of solar eclipses and promote safe viewing in such gorgeous surroundings!”

Officials with both institutions hope to work together in the future. It makes sense, given that the Ford House encourages study of the natural world, such as students taking and analyzing water samples from Lake St. Clair.

“We do encourage people to check it out,” Epstein said. “It’s going to be a great time. We’re very excited.”

Regular admission for the solar eclipse event is $7 for adults and $5 for children ages 12 and under; it’s free for Ford House and Michigan Science Center members. VIP tickets — which cost $60 apiece, or $50 for Ford House or Michigan Science Center members — include a Michigan Science Center gift, a pair of wine glasses, a bottle of Heron Hill’s Eclipse wine and light bites for two guests. Advance tickets are encouraged as tickets are limited. For tickets or more information, visit fordhouse.org or call (313) 884-4222.

HOMES

BE PREPARED WHEN WELCOMING NEW PETS TO THE HOME

BY ANDY KOZLOWSKI akozlowski@candgnews.com

METRO DETROIT — 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 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 punish-

“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

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.

to the bathroom there even when you remove

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 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.”

CRIME WATCH

Business break-in, vehicle theft under investigation

PARK — A trio of unknown suspects are said to have stolen a white Chevrolet pickup truck from the 1100 block of Maryland Street and then used that vehicle to travel to a store in the 800 block of Beaconsfield Avenue, which they are said to have broken into between the hours of 3 a.m. and 3:42 a.m. March 27.

The suspects — who police said were seen on surveillance camera wearing hoods, masks and gloves — are alleged to have pried open the front door to the store and stolen a cash register drawer containing $600. Before breaking and entering, police said the suspects pulled up to the stolen Chevrolet in a gray Nissan Sentra. Anyone with more information can call (313) 822-7400.

Bus driver assaulted

PARK — An unknown female assailant is said to have punched a Detroit Department of Transportation bus driver several times in the face when the driver told the suspect that she needed to exit the bus because it was at the last stop on its route in the area of Jefferson Avenue and Lakepointe Street at 9:14 p.m. March 28.

The driver told police the suspect became angry when informed she needed to leave, which is when the attack occurred. Police said she’s facing possible assault charges. Anyone with more information can call (313) 822-7400.

Liquor thieves sought

CITY — Two unknown female suspects in their 40s are said to have stolen an estimated $240 worth of assorted liquor from The Village CVS store at around 10:50 p.m. March 28. A police report states that the suspects fled the area “at a high rate of speed” in a U-Haul van. They’re facing possible charges of retail fraud and fleeing and eluding. Anyone with more information can call (313) 886-3200.

Package snatched

FARMS — An unknown suspect is said to have stolen a FedEx package containing nearly $90 worth of vitamins and supplements from the front porch of a home in the 400 block of Moross Road between the hours of 5:54 p.m. and 7:45 p.m. March 27. The victim told police she received a notification that her package had been delivered,

but when she checked her porch, it wasn’t there. Anyone with more information can call (313) 885-2100.

Repeat trespasser arrested

FARMS — Police arrested a 69-yearold Detroit man after he allegedly stood in the doorway of a gas station in the 19000 block of Mack Avenue and blocked patrons from entering or exiting at around 8:40 p.m. March 23. Police said the same suspect had been cited for trespassing at the same business March 18 and was told not to return. The suspect, who was arrested, agreed to take a preliminary breath test, which showed he had a blood alcohol level of 0.219% — almost three times the legal limit for a motorist. The suspect was issued another trespassing citation and held until he became sober.

Mother arrested for child neglect

WOODS — Police responded to the Kroger store in the 20400 block of Mack Avenue at around 7:50 p.m. March 22 after being alerted to a running vehicle in the parking lot with unattended children inside.

Officers said they found a 6-year-old, a 2-year-old and a 3-month-old alone in the vehicle, which was running and had the heater on. An officer found the mother — a 27-year-old Detroit woman — inside the store. She told police she had only been in the store for 10 minutes, but police said she had a cart full of groceries. The mother reportedly told police she had a license to carry a concealed weapon and her gun was under the front passenger seat, which meant the children had access to an unsecured firearm while she was shopping.

Police said they ran a check on the woman and found an active felony warrant against her out of Novi for fraud. They said she also had no license plate on her vehicle. The woman was arrested and is facing possible child neglect charges. Her vehicle was impounded and the children were turned over to the woman’s brother.

Intoxicated driver arrested

FARMS — Police pulled over a 24-yearold Grosse Pointe Woods man in the area of Mack Avenue and LaBelle Circle at 11:43 p.m. March 19 after spotting him traveling 50 mph in a 35 mph zone, swerving on the road and nearly hitting a legally parked scout car.

Although the driver smelled of alcohol and had slightly slurred speech, police said he denied having been drinking. The driver was asked to recite the letters of the alphabet

from D to Q, and he reportedly said, “D, E, F, G, Q.” According to a police report, the driver then told police he was “never very good at mathematics.”

After failing field sobriety tests and having a blood alcohol content of 0.17% in a preliminary breath test, the driver was arrested for operating while intoxicated. When police inventoried the contents of the driver’s vehicle before it was impounded, they said they found an open bottle of Coastal Ridge Cabernet Sauvignon, which they confiscated.

Suspect who caused disturbance arrested

PARK — Police were called to the area of Maryland Street and Charlevoix Avenue at around 10:01 p.m. March 28 about a man who was reportedly causing a disturbance. Officers on the scene identified the suspect, and when they checked him using the Law Enforcement Information Network, they discovered that he was wanted on a felony warrant for assault. The suspect, a 35-yearold Detroit man, was arrested.

Suspect allegedly sends unwanted videos

FARMS — A 27-year-old Detroit man is said to have sent videos of his genitalia to a waitress who works at a bar in the 18000 block of Mack Avenue between 12:34 and 12:45 a.m. March 27.

The victim said the suspect — a customer — asked to use her phone to call his brother March 23, which he did. However, he then is alleged to have on March 27 texted her a video of him exposing himself on a bus, followed by a video of him urinating into a urinal. The victim said the suspect sent her “inappropriate” texts as well. The victim told

police she didn’t ask for these videos, nor did she give the suspect permission to send them. She said she has since blocked the suspect from contacting her.

A different female employee at the bar called police March 25 to state that the suspect had come into the bar three nights in a row and acted inappropriately. The victim who received the videos told police that on March 23, after the suspect used her phone, he walked toward the restroom, told her, “I want to show you something,” and attempted to expose himself to her. The victim emphatically told the suspect no and told him he needed to leave. She said she didn’t call police because she wasn’t afraid of the suspect.

The afternoon of March 24, the bar’s owner said he saw the suspect sitting on the sidewalk in front of the business, drinking what appeared to be a beer. The suspect then entered the bar with the beer, which is when the owner told him he couldn’t bring alcoholic beverages inside the bar. The owner told police the suspect left but returned two hours later, started asking the owner “weird questions” and requested a job application. He filled out the application and gave it to the owner, after which he left.

The second female employee told police the suspect came in March 25, but after an hour of him being there and not making a purchase, she asked him to leave. She said the suspect became agitated, stood by the door refusing to leave and informed the employee he is “binary” and a “code healer” before he finally departed, according to the report.

The suspect could be facing harassment charges, police said. At press time, the incident was under investigation by the detective bureau.

— K. Michelle Moran

Refuse Authority Board names new chair, officers

BY K. MICHELLE MORAN kmoran@candgnews.com

FARMS — The Grosse Pointes-Clinton Refuse Disposal Authority has new leaders.

The GPCRDA Board selected new officers during a meeting March 12 in Grosse Pointe Farms.

“I’m going to step back from the chair (position),” said Board Chair Terry Brennan, expressing a desire for others to have an opportunity to become officers.

The board is small, consisting of only one representative apiece from each of the six member communities — the five Grosse Pointes and Harper Woods. Brennan is the representative for Grosse Pointe Farms and has served as chair for roughly the last four years. He succeeded previous chair Brett Smith, who retired about four years ago from his position as the Department of Public Works Director in Grosse Pointe Shores.

“Thank you for your service, Mr. Chairman,” GPCRDA Attorney John Gillooly said. “Well done.”

The board unanimously elected Pete Randazzo as the new chair. Randazzo is Grosse Pointe City’s Department of Public Services director.

“It seems like a perfect fit,” GPCRDA Board member Mike Way said of Randazzo succeeding Brennan.

Randazzo has been in Grosse Pointe City’s Department of Public Works for 29 years. He said he has always worked closely with Brennan, as well as former GPCRDA Board member Donald Parthum Jr. Randazzo was the alternate City board representative for Parthum, who was a member of the Grosse Pointe City Council.

“I’ve learned a lot through the years,” Randazzo said. “(Brennan has) coached me on the process. He’ll still be with us (on the board).”

The board unanimously named Tom Jenny — the Grosse Pointe Park representative — as the new vice chair. Way, who represents Grosse Pointe Shores, was unanimously elected treasurer and Harper Woods representative Heather Toutant was elected secretary.

“Congratulations everyone,” Brennan told the new officers.

Their terms will take effect as of the next GPCRDA Board meeting in May.

“It’s a good experience,” Brennan said after the meeting of holding an officer position. “I love this board. … Everyone has the best interests of our member communities in mind.”

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

CANDGNEWS.COM

Shores allocates CDBG dollars to senior services, transportation

BY K. MICHELLE MORAN kmoran@candgnews.com

SHORES — The Helm at the Boll Life Center and Pointe Area Assisted Transportation Services, or PAATS, will again be getting some federal dollars through Grosse Pointe Shores.

During a meeting Feb. 20, the Grosse Pointe Shores City Council unanimously approved allocating its $20,000 in Community Development Block Grant funds to The Helm and PAATS, with The Helm receiving $14,000 and PAATS receiving $6,000. The Shores is getting these dollars for the 2023 to 2024 fiscal year.

PAATS provides low-cost, door-to-door local transportation by appointment for seniors and those with disabilities living in the Grosse Pointes and Harper Woods. The Helm, which is headquartered in Grosse Pointe Farms, offers programs, resources and services to seniors in the Pointes and Harper Woods. While they are separate entities, PAATS operates out of The Helm building.

Former Helm Board President and Shores resident Prudence Cole said PAATS in particular is struggling because “the amount of requests and the … costs of providing these services … have gone up significantly.”

Mayor Ted Kedzierski, who once used PAATS himself for medical appointments after a leg injury left him temporarily unable to drive, called it “an extraordinary service.”

Kedzierski explained that CDBG funds aren’t something the Shores could use for other purposes, as they can only be applied toward specific needs.

“This isn’t our money,” Kedzierski said.

“This is federal money that gets distributed through the local counties.”

The Shores has been applying for, and receiving, CDBG monies since 2013. The funds — which originate from the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development — are channeled through the Wayne County CDBG Program.

“As an entitlement county, Wayne County distributes funds to participating communities, such as Grosse Pointe Shores, through a formula grant application process,” City Manager Stephen Poloni told the council.

The other Grosse Pointes typically give their CDBG allocations to The Helm and PAATS each year as well, although some of the funds have been used in the past for projects such as sidewalk ramps.

COMMUNITY CALENDAR

17A/ GROSSE POINTE TIMES • APRIL 4, 2024

APRIL 5

Concert exploring light and dark: Performance by Detroit Chamber Winds & Strings as prelude to April 8 partial social eclipse, 7 p.m., Detroit Institute of Arts, 5200 Woodward Ave., www.dia.org/events/fridaynight-live-eclipse-music

APRIL 6

Main Steet Mini Masters: 18 holes of miniature golf, foursomes compete as families or adults, includes swag bags, hot dog lunch and prizes for participants, also arts and crafts, games, DJ, selfie station and more for all, 11 a.m.-6 p.m., The Village - Downtown Grosse Pointe, Kercheval Avenue between Cadieux and Neff roads, facebook.com/thevillagegrossepointe

APRIL 8

View solar eclipse: Also crafts and activities with Michigan Science Center educators, noon-4:30 p.m., Ford House, 1100 Lake Shore Road in Grosse Pointe Shores, fordhouse.org/events

APRIL 20

Ceramic open house and sale: Also live demonstrations, snacks and beverages, 10 a.m.-6 p.m., Grosse Pointe Ceramic Studio, 1405 Buckingham in Grosse Pointe Park, (313) 929-5034, nickroncone360@ gmail.com

Mini Maestros Family Concert Series: Earth Day Cel-

ebration with Joe Reilly and Friends, 10:30 a.m.-noon, The War Memorial, 32 Lake Shore Drive in Grosse Pointe Farms, warmemorial.org/eventcalendar

APRIL 21

Winter Brunch and Concert Series: Last performance features Dave Bennett Band and brunch curated by The War Memorial’s executive chef team, 11 a.m.1:30 p.m., The War Memorial, 32 Lake Shore Drive in Grosse Pointe Farms, warmemorial.org/eventcalendar

ONGOING

‘The Play That Goes Wrong’: Presented by Grosse Pointe Theatre, 8 p.m. April 5-6, 2 p.m. April 7, 7:30 p.m. April 10-11, 8 p.m. April 12-13, and 2 p.m. April 14, Parcells Middle School, 20600 Mack Ave. in Grosse Pointe Woods, gpt.org

Grosse Pointe Community Chorus: Rehearsals from 7:30-9 p.m. every Tuesday of month, Grosse Pointe North High School, 707 Vernier Road in Grosse Pointe Woods, grossepointecommunitychorus.org, (313) 580-5965

Art classes: 10:30 a.m.-noon every first and third Tuesdays of month for seniors, 6-8 p.m. every second and fourth Tuesdays of month for veterans, The War Memorial, 32 Lake Shore Drive in Grosse Pointe Farms, grossepointeartcenter.org, (313) 881-3454

To view more Community Calendar and to submit your own, use the QR code or visit candgnews.com/calendar. To advertise an event, call (586) 498-8000.

Teen Leadership Council: Meetings for grades 9-12 every first Wednesday of month, pizza and snacks provided, 6-7 p.m., Grosse Pointe Public LibraryWoods Branch, 20680 Mack Ave., grossepointelibrary. org, (313) 640-4775

Yarn Up Knitting and Crochet Club: Meets 1-2 p.m. every second Thursday of month through June, Grosse Pointe Public Library - Ewald Branch, 15175 E. Jefferson Ave. in Grosse Pointe Park, grossepointelibrary.org

Book clubs: Nearly a dozen hosted by Grosse Pointe Public Library hosted at various branches, restaurants and on Zoom, more at grossepointelibrary.org/ book-clubs

Art exhibits: “People, Places and Things: A Life in

APRIL 6

Chamber Soloists of Detroit: Featuring guest violist Ara Gregorian, 7:30 p.m. (doors at 7 p.m.) with musicians discussion after concert, The War Memorial, 32 Lake Shore Drive in Grosse Pointe Farms, warmemorial.org/ eventcalendar

Art,”solo show by Grosse Pointe Woods resident Bette Prudden, works on display until May 12, Grosse Pointe Congregational Church, 240 Chalfonte Ave. in Grosse Pointe Farms, (313) 884-3075

• “Regeneration: Black Cinema 1898-1971,” works focus on films, filmmakers, actors and studios, on display until June 23, Detroit Institute of Arts, 5200 Woodward Ave. in Detroit, dia.org

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

Driver damages fence, landscaping

BY K. MICHELLE MORAN kmoran@candgnews.com

SHORES — Sections of the wrought iron fence around Osius Park have once again been mowed down by an allegedly intoxicated motorist.

At 2:27 a.m. March 20, police entered the park and encountered a 37-year-old Redford man whose vehicle had heavy damage, including a flat passenger-side tire. The driver had apparently plowed through the fence while he was traveling on Vernier Road.

“He continued to drive around the park until one of the patrol officers saw headlights on in the park,” Shores Public Safety Director Kenneth Werenski said. “He wasn’t sure how he got in, so he didn’t know how to get out.”

The driver — who Werenski said was uninjured — is alleged in a police report to have smelled strongly of alcohol, had bloodshot eyes and slurred speech when police approached him. Police said the driver, who had a previous conviction for operating while intoxicated, refused field sobriety tests, including a preliminary breath test. He was arrested for operating while intoxicated and is also facing possible charges for not having insurance or registration, refusing to take a preliminary breath test and resisting arrest.

Although the city has a cost recovery ordinance to recoup some of its expenses after incidents like this, it likely won’t help here.

“There was no insurance on the car, so there’ll be no cost recovery,” Werenski said.

That doesn’t mean a judge can’t order the driver to pay for damages, but it’s not known whether that will happen or if the

driver could afford to cover this expense.

At press time, Werenski said they didn’t have an estimate yet on the cost to repair the damage. The driver is said to have taken down at least a couple of sections of fence, the arrow sign that indicates the end of Vernier and multiple bushes.

Werenski said the driver’s car was full of grass and mud, and police followed a trail of leaking vehicular fluid, puddles and tire tracks to the spot where the driver crashed through the fence. Because of the darkness and the late hour at which the accident occurred, police didn’t immediately see that the driver had created his own entrance to the park.

Like the fence at Pier Park in Grosse Pointe Farms — which is at the foot of Moross and Lake Shore roads — Osius Park’s location at Vernier and Lake Shore roads makes it more subject to crashes by impaired drivers, who don’t realize until too late that the road they’re on is ending and they need to turn right or left on Lake Shore. Both parks have seen recurrent accidents over the years as a result of their locations.

Werenski said the Shores sees this kind of accident about once every three years, on average.

“It’s a common story,” Werenski said. “I expect it to happen again.”

It wasn’t known at press time whether the driver would be facing charges for damaging city property. He was cited in the police report for driving “without due care and caution, causing (an) accident.”

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

Grosse Pointe Shores joins growing list of cities opposing statewide water affordability bills

BY K. MICHELLE MORAN kmoran@candgnews.com

SHORES — Grosse Pointe Shores has added itself to the list of Michigan communities that aren’t in support of proposed state legislation that would charge water customers an additional fee to help people in need cover their water bills.

At a meeting Feb. 20, Grosse Pointe Shores Mayor Ted Kedzierski introduced a resolution voicing the city’s opposition to a package of water affordability bills under consideration in Lansing. Kedzierski said Macomb County Public Works Commissioner Candice Miller, a Republican, had been serving as the lead on this.

“I would like to move we oppose this water affordability act,” City Councilwoman Danielle Gehlert said.

The council voted unanimously in favor of the resolution.

“Water’s a very serious issue in our city,” said Kedzierski, noting the traditionally high rates paid by the Shores, despite its proximity to the water treatment facilities in Detroit that serve Great Lakes Water Authority customers.

House Bills 5088, 5089, 5090, 5091, 5092 and 5093 — currently making their way through the Natural Resources, Environment, Tourism and Outdoor Recreation Committee — would create a statewide water payment assistance program funded through a monthly $2 fee on metered water bills.

“People were not happy having a (new) meter charge. … Some of the other communities (in Michigan) think this is the wrong path,” Kedzierski said.

Miller feels the new fee isn’t needed be-

cause there are already water assistance programs in place.

“From Macomb County’s perspective, we think it’s a duplicative fee because we already pay a portion of our water and sewer bills to a fund that we call the WRAP program,” Miller said.

The Water Residential Assistance Program helps Great Lakes Water Authority customers pay water bills using funds generated from customers in the same community. Any WRAP funds collected but not used are circulated to help customers throughout the GLWA system. The GLWA funds WRAP through a 0.5% fee and provides over $4.4 million in assistance funds.

The Shores resolution reads, in part, that “this legislation would create another state entity to perform the same function as the WRAP program with no requirement that the funds generated from the new fees be committed to the locality and provides no local control.”

Opponents of the legislation believe the fee would primarily benefit Detroit. Supporters disagree.

“There is a report that U of M and MSU and others have put together showing that (water affordability) is a statewide problem,” said State Sen. Stephanie Chang, D-Detroit, whose district covers parts of Detroit, Oakland County and Macomb County. “We also know that, from data during COVID, that there are a lot of low-income households across the whole state and that there are a lot of water providers that have had to increase rates.”

Shores officials realize that they can’t prevent the state Legislature from approving these bills.

“It may not do anything,” Kedzierski acknowledged of resolutions like the one signed by the Shores.

Still, the decision of city leaders to sign the resolution “would indicate our displeasure” with this proposal, Kedzierski said.

At press time, Kedzierski said about 27 municipalities had signed resolutions opposing the water affordability bills. St. Clair Shores, Clinton Township and Sterling Heights are among them.

Staff Writer Dean Vaglia contributed to this report.

Nonsurgical spinal decompression now available in the Grosse Pointes

Living with chronic back pain turns everyday activities into monumental tasks for most people — and the search for relief becomes a constant struggle.

Thanks to Grosse Pointe Spine Center, pain relief is in sight for those suffering with conditions such as bulging discs,

arthritis, pinched nerves, sciatica, herniated discs, spinal stenosis, degenerative disc disease and other disorders of the spine.

Dr. Lawrence Mosurak III moved his chiropractic office from Warren to Grosse Pointe Woods in January and is now offering nonsurgical spinal decompression therapy.

“As residents here, we were eager to establish our office and provide care to our neighbors,” he said. “What makes our chiropractic office unique is that we are among a select handful in the state of Michigan providing DRX9000 treatment. We started incorporating it into our practice last year and saw our success rates go through the roof. Chiropractic care typically yields positive outcomes, but

decompression therapy is great. In fact, research linked to the Mayo Clinic, Stanford and Johns Hopkins has shown this method achieves a success rate of 88% to 90% in treating patients. Our goal is to save the disc to the point where spinal surgery is no longer necessary.”

Dr. Mosurak explained that the DRX9000 targets specific problem areas, such as the lower back or neck, by expanding disc space. This expansion creates a vacuum effect, drawing in nutrients, oxygen and water to rejuvenate and stabilize the discs.

brittle. Through decompression, we reintroduce water to rehydrate and make the discs healthy again.”

Dr. Mosurak recalled one patient in his mid-30s who was unable to walk after an accident left him with severe disc herniation: “After a few treatments, he progressed from being carried in to driving himself and sitting comfortably. By the end of our protocol, he showed enough improvement to return to his work in construction.”

“The discs crave water, much like a kitchen sponge,” he added. “If left on the counter too long, the sponge becomes thin and hard. Similarly, discs can become

His greatest satisfaction, he said, comes from helping individuals reclaim their lives and resume their daily routines without surgical intervention.

Mention this ad to receive a complimentary, no-obligation consultation.

Dr. Lawrence Mosurak III Chiropractor