4/4/24 Macomb Township Chronicle

Sidewalk project to connect neighborhood gaps

BY

MACOMB TOWNSHIP — Projects to make Macomb Township more walkable are underway as $1 million has been allocated to closing gaps between sidewalks.

Several pathway projects are being worked on as part of the township’s Pathway Gap Closure Program.

“The 2024 Pathway Gap Program (to be constructed this year) will focus on gaps in the 25 Mile Road and Garfield Road area as well as along the east side of Hayes Road

south of 24 Mile Road,” said Crystal Kozak, township engineer, in an email. “The 2025 Pathway Gap Program (currently in design) will focus on completing gaps along 24 Mile Road between Hayes Road and Garfield Road and Garfield Road north of 24 Mile Road to help facilitate pedestrian traffic in

the Lutheran High School North and St. Peters School and Church areas. We are also working on designing a pedestrian bridge along the west side of Card Road over the McBride Drain, just south of 23 Mile Road.”

The program has been around since

See SIDEWALK on page 15A

Veteran’s vision transforms former ACO

Hardware space

BY NICK POWERS npowers@candgnews.com

CLINTON TOWNSHIP — Canteen Golf and Billiards isn’t just a place to unwind. It’s a place to give back.

The new business, replacing the former ACO Hardware in a strip mall at 41601 Garfield Road, offers golf simulators and pool tables with a variety of games. While the fun center is available to everyone, it puts a special emphasis on veterans.

Canteen features a mural dedicated to those who served. Owner Bert Copple, a U.S. Army veteran, took 75 submissions from those who served to add to the mural. The pictures are arranged on a timeline, spanning the global war on terror.

“It tells the story of the war because there are whole generations that weren’t even alive in 2001,” Copple said. “So, we’re trying to get them to understand why we went to war, what happened, and it tells the good, the bad and the ugly.”

See CANTEEN on page 10A

Dylan Kolito, of Clinton Township, sets up for a shot at the golf simulator at Canteen Golf and Billiards in Clinton Township during its soft opening on March 21.

Photo by Patricia O’Blenes

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L’Anse Creuse North wrestling earns back-to-back league titles

Season solidifies legacy for program-altering

MACOMB TOWNSHIP — As a senior captain, you’re expected to be the mentor and the person the underclassmen look up to.

You integrate them into the culture of the team, show them the ropes of day-to-day operations, and maybe even give some rides to or from practice here and there.

In the case of seniors Blake Raymond, Nathon Zydel, Nathan Cavanaugh, and Evan Hatcher, Macomb L’Anse Creuse North wrestling’s four horsemen, they had to expedite the process of growing into leadership.

All team captains for the past three seasons, they’ve seen LCN wrestling at its worst when there were only nine wrestlers on the roster their first season, and they have stayed for its best.

See WRESTLING on page 18A

‘Doe White’ spotted

BY DEAN VAGLIA dvaglia@candgnews.com

METRO DETROIT — Donald

Payne has seen many white-tailed deer pass through his Farmington Hills yard. The lanky ruminants are a common sight around the region, but one recent visitor stands out from the rest with its stark white fur.

“It’s exciting. … It’s a once-in-alifetime thing,” Payne said of seeing

the deer. “You’ve got to appreciate the time you have when you’re blessed with a rarity like that coming into your yard to say hello.”

Payne is not the only one that’s spotted white-furred white-tails in the region. Sightings of deer with the rare fur date back to at least 2022 in Troy with subsequent sightings in Bloomfield Hills and Farmington Hills. According to Rochester Hills naturalist

See DEER on page 22A

A young whitetailed deer with a white coat was spotted by Lindsey Larivee in Troy in 2023.

Photo provided by Lindsey Larivee

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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.

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April activities at CMPL

CLINTON TOWNSHIP — The Clinton-Macomb Public Library is putting on activities this April for kids, teens and adults.

The library wraps up its 1-2-3 initiative about immigration with two discussions. Roland Hwang, an attorney and lecturer for the Department of American Culture, Asian/ Pacific Islander, and American Studies at the University of Michigan will speak about the Asian American community in Michigan at 6:30 p.m. on Wednesday, April 10. Kawkab (Kay) El-moussaoui, Immigrant Justice Corps legal fellow from the Michigan Immigrant Rights Center, will discuss naturalization at 6:30 p.m. on Tuesday, April 16.

Kids in grades 2-5 can learn about the flora around them during the Those Amazing Plants activity at 3 p.m. on Saturday, April 6, at the South Branch.

Teens in grades 6-12 can visit the Main Branch on Saturday, April 13, for an after-hours escape room activity at 6 p.m.

To register for these events and more, visit cmpl.libnet.info/events.

Blue Water Bridge traffic shift

METRO DETROIT — The Michigan Department of Transportation will begin a traffic shift on the Blue Water Bridge beginning May 29.

The eastbound span will be closed for maintenance work, causing all traffic to be routed onto the westbound span. Dedicated lanes for buses and commuter pass holders will not be accommodated and wide loads will be restricted to 10 feet. Work will be coordinated between MDOT and the Federal Bridge Corp. Ltd.

Top dog: 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.

Anton Center seeking entries for student show

MOUNT CLEMENS — The Anton Art Center is asking Macomb County elementary school students to send in their artwork for the Macomb County Biennial Primary Student Show.

Due on Wednesday, April 17, from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. at 125 Macomb Place in Mount Clemens, students from kindergarten to fifth grade can work with their art teachers to submit up to 20 pieces of artwork per school. Each submission costs $1. More information about the submission process is available at theartcenter.org/artist-opportunities.

“Witnessing the creative freedom of young minds in this art show is truly inspiring,” said Stephanie Hazzard, Exhibition Manager of the Anton Art Center, in a press release. “These young students share their imagination and bring a refreshing perspective to the world of art, reminding us all that creativity knows no age requirement.”

The Primary Student Show will run from April 27 to June 1. Gallery Hours are Tuesday through Saturday from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Admission is free. For more information visit theartcenter.org.

Shutterstock image

BANDING TOGETHER

$20.50 PER HOUR

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

Canteen

from page 1A

While the wall showcases those who sacrifice, it doesn’t pull punches. It includes things like the torture and abuse at Abu Ghraib prison in Iraq.

The “Leatherneck Lounge” at the Canteen caters to those veterans with post-traumatic stress disorder. On the first Monday of each month, the business hosts a PTSD support group for veterans. A licensed counselor comes in to assist with the sessions.

“Anyone who just wants to come in to talk and share their story,” said Copple about the event. “The most important thing you can do when you have PTSD is to talk about it. That’s the first step in finding healing.”

Copple said he’s currently in talks with two groups, Helping Paws for Veterans, in Farwell, and Veteran Service Dogs, in Howell, that train emotional support animals for veterans with PTSD. He’s also working to find veterans organizations to donate to. Copple hopes to get these donations from the business proceeds set up later this year.

He said Canteen’s name comes from the place soldiers go after a mission.

“That’s the watering hole,” he said. “You go have a drink, play pool, play darts, whatever the case is. We set this up to feel like that atmosphere.”

The Canteen utilizes Trackman golf simulator projection screens and is the second business in North America to use the pool table simulators they have, according to Copple. He estimates that the building has $600,000 in

simulators between the golf simulators and the pool tables.

When coming up with the idea, Copple wanted to give golfers a year-round place to come but also wanted to provide something unique for billiards players.

“Billiards is a sneaky popular sport in the United States,” Copple said. “How can I make it more relevant to younger generations?”

The billiards tables feature a number of options other than traditional pool games. Each table is essentially a computer screen with the pool stick functioning like a mouse. There are videos on the table to walk you through how to play each game. A patron could play blackjack, where the table picks up where the cue ball lands to select different cards, and then brush up on their billiards skills in a training mode. Copple highlighted the line assist game in particular. This feature allows you to work on different shots to learn in real time.

“There’s a system called 100 moves that walks you through the 100 moves of how to play pool from the easiest to the most difficult,” Copple said.

The food is all-you-can eat hot dogs and pizza. Refreshments offered include Coke products and the business also has a liquor license to offer alcoholic beverages.

Utica resident Mike Ferrans, a billiards player, found out about the Canteen by just peeking in the window before the business was open. Copple gave him a tour.

“He let me in and showed me around,” Ferrans said. “I was very impressed with what I saw.”

Rochester resident Mark Koski, a golfer, said he liked how open it is and that there’s food nearby.

*Some

Photo by Patricia O’Blenes Owner Bert Copple opened Canteen Golf and Billiards with a focus on camaraderie. See CANTEEN on page 20A

MCC TUITION RATES TO INCREASE NEXT YEAR

BY MARIA ALLARD allard@candgnews.com

MACOMB COUNTY — Macomb Community College students will see a tuition increase next year.

At its regular monthly meeting Feb. 21, the Macomb Community College Board of Trustees authorized a 1.8% increase in tuition rates for the upcoming academic year, which is fall 2024 through spring/summer 2025.

The rate for residents will increase slightly from $111 per billable contact hour to $113. Even with the increase, college officials maintained that Macomb’s tuition rates are lower than average.

Board members Roseanne DiMaria, Joan Flynn, Katherine Lorenzo, Shelley Vitale and Vincent Viviano voted in favor of the increase, while Frank Cusumano voted against it. When the roll call for the vote was taken, Kristi Dean voted “present.”

Macomb President James O. Sawyer IV weighed in on the board’s decision.

“Providing accessible, affordable and high-quality educational opportunities that connect to meaningful career pathways is one of our highest priorities,” he said in a prepared statement. “This modest increase in tuition upholds our commitment to affordability while ensuring we have the resources to support our students’ success, to innovate and invest in emerging opportunities and to preserve the fiscal viability of the college.”

Tuition is one of the three primary sources of revenue for the college, comprising 35% of Macomb’s revenue, with local property taxes at 33% and state appropriations at 27%.

Here is the scope of increase per billable contact hour of the 2024-2025 rates:

• Resident rates increase from $111 to $113.

• Out-of-district rates increase from $208 to $212.

• Out-of-state/foreign rates increase from $265 to $270.

• Affiliate rates, which are students living in areas not served by a community college district, increase from $143 to $146.

• Early college/dual enrollment rates increase from $106 to $108.

According to college officials, 76% of the college’s students are Macomb County residents.

Be prepared when welcoming new pets to the home HOMES

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 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.

See PETS on page 19A

The Exterior Painters Celebrate 20 Years of Transforming Properties, Neighborhoods

Nothing transforms a property and makes it shine brighter than a fresh coat of paint. It’s simply the best and most cost-effective investment you can make for your home draped in the colors of yesterday.

The Exterior Painters have been revitalizing properties for 20 years.

“We specialize in just exterior painting, and the reason why we do that is we believe that repetition is the mother of all skill,” said owner Brian Scott. “For 20 years, that’s all we’ve been doing is outside work. When it comes to that, we do wood replacement and siding replacement. It makes us the perfect fit for homeowners who don’t want to re-side their whole house.”

The Exterior Painters replace damaged siding and boards as needed, but they’re not looking to push for a full siding replacement.

“It gets people by another 10 years and transforms the look of the house, bringing it to the next color trends of today,” Scott said.

“Another thing we do that makes us unique, we have a full-time color consultant,” Scott added. “For most people, that’s the hardest, most stressful part, choosing what color they want. Our consultant comes out and

meets with the homeowners and gives them an idea of what the new color trends are so they can make a good color choice that complements their landscaping, brickwork and architectural features.”

The Exterior Painters also specialize in brick staining.

“A lot of younger people are buying houses. We’re taking it from grandma’s house of the ’50s, ’60s or ’70s and bringing it to that HGTV look,” Scott said.

you’re getting a bigger bang for your buck.”

It’s a win for everyone, from the crews The Exterior Painters employ and pay well to the homeowners who see their neighborhoods transformed. The company paints 30 houses a week on average in Macomb, Oakland, Wayne and Livingston counties, and boasts a five-star Google review average.

Power washing the siding — and for an additional charge, soft washing the roof if needed — can also make a big difference in terms of curb appeal.

charge, soft washing the roof if needed — can also

transformed through fresh paint,

Scott said his crews often see their work spread from house to house in a neighborhood as the properties are transformed through fresh paint, siding repairs and much-needed washing.

“It’s the cheapest home improvement you can do without breaking the bank,” Scott said.

“With us you’re buying certainty. We don’t ask for a large deposit, and you don’t have to worry about anyone running off with your deposit,” Scott said.

“Compared to other home improvements,

“We stand by our work. We provide a warranty and proven results by taking care of everybody in the community. We’re Nextdoor’s No. 1 preferred contractor in Rochester two years in a row. It’s that certainty factor. You know what you’re going

“It’s the cheapest home to get.”

The Exterior Painters are located at 2365 Avon Industrial Drive in Rochester Hills. To request a quote or for more information, call (248) 844-8888.

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,

Photo by Patricia O’Blenes

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

Sidewalk

from page 1A

2011 and was originally intended to close a small gap along 21 Mile Road near Dakota High School.

“After that, we essentially created a master plan 10-year program for closing gaps,” said James Van Tiflin, township planning director.

Van Tiflin said decisions about which pathways gaps to close are based on local amenities. Gaps near schools take priority, followed by parks and commercial areas before, ultimately, the desire to connect all neighborhoods.

“When a new subdivision is built, there could be a gap between there and the next subdivision down the road or between there and the park,” Van Tiflin said. “Those are mainly across properties that have had houses on them for a very long time. These might date back to before Macomb Township really started to grow; those roads might have been gravel. … Back when those houses were built, there was no requirement for sidewalks.”

Once a gap is selected, it takes about two years for construction to begin.

“This allows time for the design to be

completed as well as secure any necessary easements from property owners prior to construction,” Kozak said via email. “Programs typically take one construction season to complete with some potential restoration the following spring.”

While some funding for projects comes from grants, the township funds building sidewalk connections through annual allocations of $1 million from the general fund to cover design, easement and construction. It is a lot of money for laying down concrete, but township officials said it is something residents would like to see done. Closing sidewalk gaps has been a popular item in surveys sent to residents.

“If it’s not the top, it’s one of the top two items that residents request, that the sidewalk gaps be closed so they can walk in the evening for exercise,” Van Tiflin said. “They don’t want to get in the car, but they want to go to the park, or they want to go to the corner to buy something and bring it home and not want to get in a car. It’s something that the township has really tried to focus on. We spend $1 million a year and it’s a lot of money for the township to designate for this, and it’s in addition to all the money the township is spending on roads and parks and other things. We try to balance it out as best we can.”

SOUTHFIELD- Full body MRI clinics have gained national attention lately, as TV personalities publicly share their personal full body scan experiences. One actress credits the scan for saving her life after doctors dismissed her unexplained pain for months. After various tests, including a CT scan, had “unremarkable” results, the pregnant actress became her own advocate, searched out a full body MRI clinic and discovered she had pancreatic cancer. Tanks to early detection the tumor was removed successfully.

As a general rule, when symptoms occur related to cancer, it usually has progressed to stage three or four. Even with annual physicals, there are limitations. Most screenings only

cover about 29% of cancers with 71% occurring outside of where doctors are able to screen. However, full body MRI scans can detect cancer in every organ from the top of the head through the genitals and can detect it very early. For a long time, full body MRI scans were available only in select areas outside of Michigan, requiring expensive fights like in Vancouver or California. However, this changed when a clinic opened in Southfeld, making these scans available to Metro Detroit residents.

“Our advanced MRI screening can detect cancers very early when they are as small as a pencil eraser and are more easily treatable. If cancer goes undetected, however, it can grow into stage three or stage four with difcult

treatments. We can also identify conditions such as brain, abdominal, chest, and groin aneurysms,” stated the founder of the Southfeld clinic called Bionicc Body Screening.

Te primary focus of Bionicc Body Screening is to deliver peace of mind, ofering a comprehensive and detailed imaging of the body’s internal structures. Te ultimate hope is for excellent health. However, in the event that something is detected, the advanced screening aims to catch any potential issues at their earliest stages. Tis approach ofers the best opportunity for successful treatment outcomes, should the need arise.

Robert B., age 50, opted for a full body scan from Bionicc Body Screening and a very small tumor

was detected. He said, “It saved my life. Teir MRI found a kidney tumor that had been missed by a recent CT scan. I cannot recommend this service more.”

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St. Germaine

from page 14A

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 spir-

itual 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.

See

GERMAINE on page 18A

ST.

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.

St. Germaine

from page 16A

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

See ST. GERMAINE on page 19A

Wrestling

from page 3A

Because of their devotion to the program, LCN’s transformation the past two seasons has been on the shoulders of their guidance as the team now has 40 wrestlers, fielding a full varsity and JV team.

“We built such a good core,” LCN wrestling head coach Eric Maniaci said. “These are a lot of guys we kind of took from other sports. I’ve always had a team of newer guys. For them to go through the four years and the whole trust deal between us and them and the fun we’ve had, now these kids have brought something to the school. Winning these titles helps, but now we’re on the map. I’ve had my seniors do an immense amount of work, and this is all upon themselves, but social-media-wise, of breaking the mold of wrestling and getting it out there, it’s really nice to see the name of wrestling tossed around and it’s all due to these kids.”

Flashback to their freshman season: LCN, like many high school wrestling programs around the state, suffered a setback in participation due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

What the Crusaders needed were mainstays — guys who would come in and take it upon themself to be the faces of the program.

Raymond helped wrestling get some notoriety by building the team’s Instagram page, posting the “wrestler of the week” and video highlights of the team.

Sprinkle in a Macomb Area Conference Silver league title last year, and the Crusaders wrestling buzz was in full effect.

“I remember our freshman year, we had one home meet and there were maybe 30 people in the stands, who were parents and family,” Raymond said. “We had our senior night, and we had a really good crowd. A lot of families and we had a good

student section there. It was really fun.”

Winning the league for the first time in 20 years last season, the Crusaders defended the Silver title successfully this season, posting a 5-1 league record.

Last year, the league came down to a dual meet against New Haven with LCN coming out on top, and the deciding factor for the league would once again be settled in a matchup between the two familiar foes.

“It was kind of like déjà vu because it was back in our gym again and we got to see them,” Zydel said. “I actually didn’t get to wrestle last year because I tore my knee, so I was more or less watching. I was happy to change that and wrestle against them.”

The Crusaders would hold the advantage once again with 54-27 win, capturing the Silver for the second time in a row, which is the first time in school history according to MAC league standing archives. The Crusaders also won the MAC Silver Tournament, becoming dual meet and tournament champions for the first time in school history.

It’s a point of emphasis every year for LCN to write on the board in the wrestling room a goal in mind, and winning the Silver is one that you can count on to be up there.

“That was one of our primary goals again,” Maniaci said. “It was a fun battle this year between the league. The competition is coming up quite evenly between the other teams, so it was actually a fun season.”

While the Crusaders were unable to qualify any wrestlers for regionals, they brought home plenty of achievements this year with Maniaci winning MAC Silver Coach of the Year for the second consecutive season and Zydel winning MAC Silver MVP and all-county honorable mention in Macomb.

Along with the core four, senior Myles Wakula (18-12), junior Conor Hernden (25-10), junior Jack Giordano (26-10) and junior Anthony Appino (8-10) were all im-

pact upperclassmen wrestlers for the Crusaders this season.

Giordano, who was a MAC Individual champion this year, will be the focal point of LCN’s success next season as a proven returning veteran alongside Hernden, who came into his own later in the season.

“He’s (Hernden) primarily a football player, and in the earlier section of the year, he turned on the burners and said, ‘Coach, I want to start. I want to do the deal and go for the glory,’” Maniaci said. “A lot of kids say that, and then he was one of the kids that extremely turned his year around. We were beating kids all around the MAC and beating kids everywhere we go now.”

On the underclassmen side, LCN is loaded with second-year talent with Dylan Wade (15-14), August Osterbeck (18-8), and Thomas Rowe (18-7) all headlining the sophomore class. Freshman Colin Whitman (26-8) was a first-year standout for Maniaci’s squad.

“We went to this idea of letting the core take care of the up-and-coming kids and kind of throw them to the wolves because there was a lot of depth we all of a sudden had,” Maniaci said. “It was just the environment of the room and the guys. The sophomores and freshmen picked it up an immense amount, especially the sophomore class.”

The Crusaders wrestling program is a night-and-day difference from the first day the seniors walked into the room as freshmen.

Now, it’s time for the junior and sophomore class to continue the foundation that their veteran leaders have built for the program.

“Going from where we had nine kids to almost having 40 at this point and knowing the original four seniors are still on the team and growing the team is really something to be proud of,” Raymond said.

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

Pets

from page 12A

“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

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.”

St. Germaine

from page 18A

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.

“It’s more of a social interaction than the other simulators I’ve been at,” Koski said.

Brandon Choranziak, who was playing on the same screen as Koski and hails from Clinton Township, agreed.

“I’m coming back on Saturdays,” Choranziak said.

Billiards player Paul Garant, of Clinton Township, was playing a regular game of pool on the table, but had tried out some of the other features like blackjack.

“It’s clean, it’s close by, everything is brand new,” said Garant. “It feels welcoming.”

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

COMMUNITY CALENDAR

21A/ MACOMB TOWNSHIP CHRONICLE • APRIL 4, 2024

APRIL 6

Yvonne Leslie Pottery Lunch: Tablescaping competition, also raffles, door prizes and grand prize to fun destination, 11 a.m.-4 p.m., Zuccaro's Banquets and Catering, 46601 N. Gratiot Ave. in Chesterfield Township, crockerhousemuseum.org/pottery-lunch

APRIL 9

Virtual Adventure Series: Use VR goggles to experience Greece, 10 a.m.-noon, Macomb Township Senior Center, 51210 Alma Drive, registration required, (586) 992-2900, facebook.com/MacombTwpParksandRec

APRIL 12-13

Quilt show: Also door prizes, vendors, raffles and more, hosted by Macomb County Quilt Guild, 10 a.m.6 p.m. April 12 and 10 a.m.-4 p.m. April 13, Chesterfield Community Center, 48400 Sugarbush Road in Chesterfield Township, macombcountyquiltguild.org

APRIL 13

Toddler yoga: Performedsongs, puppets and stories, 11 a.m., Clinton-Macomb Public Library - North Branch, 54100 Broughton Road in Macomb Township, (586) 226-5083, cmpl.org

APRIL 17

Blood pressure screening: 10-11 a.m., Macomb Township Senior Center, 51210 Alma Drive, (586)

992-2900, facebook.com/MacombTwpParksandRec

Preplanning seminar with Resurrection Cemetery: 11:30 a.m., Aspen Restaurant, 20333 Hall Road in Macomb Township, mtelliott.com/res-seminar

APRIL 18

Senior expo: Meet experts about medicare, assisted and independent living, mobility solutions, veterans benefits, travel, financial planning and more, plus free admission, health screenings, refreshments, prizes and giveaways, 10 a.m.-1 p.m., Century Banquet Center, 33204 Maple Lane in Sterling Heights, seniorexpousa.com

APRIL 20

Craft and vendor show: Also basket raffles, 50-50 and performance by LCN bands, 10 a.m.-4 p.m., L'Anse Creuse High School - North, 23700 21 Mile Road in Macomb Township, lcnbands.com/craftshows

APRIL 21

Michigan Psychic Fair: Readings and guidance by psychics and mediums, energy healing, crystals, handmade jewelry, and metaphysical and spiritual products, noon-6 p.m., Chesterfield Hampton Inn, 45725 Marketplace Blvd. in Chesterfield Township, mipsychicfair.com

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Mother-son dance: Dinner, DJ, ice cream and more, 4:30-8 p.m., Zuccaro’s Banquets & Catering, 46601 Gratiot Ave. in Chesterfield Township, lcpsfoundation. com

APRIL 24

Spring Fling Adaptive Recreation Dance: For ages 16 and older, 6-7:30 p.m., Macomb Township Recreation Center, 20699 Macomb St., facebook.com/Macomb TwpParksandRec

ONGOING

Ostomy peer support group: 2-3 p.m. every third

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. 28831

Sunday of month, Northside Church, 25600 23 Mile Road in Chesterfield Township, ostomysupportmacomb.org

Macomb Motivators Toastmasters Club: Meets 6:308 p.m. every second and fourth Thursday of month, St. Isidore Church, 18201 23 Mile Road in Macomb Township, www.6104644.toastmastersclubs.org

Men overcoming loss ofpartner/spouse: Meetings 6-7:30 p.m. every third Tuesday of month, virtual and in person, Hospice of Michigan, 39531 Garfield Road in Clinton Township, wlawton@hom.org

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Deer

from page 3A

Lance DeVoe, white fur in deer is a symptom of either albinism or piebaldism, which respectively have about a 1/30,000 and 1/1,000 chance of occurring.

“It’s a recessive genetic trait,” DeVoe said. “It’s a thing where (white fur is) selected against because of the fact they lack the camouflage.”

Sightings of deer are common throughout southeastern Michigan. What was once a rare glimpse into nature has become a daily occurrence in some areas as white-tailed deer have made their homes between evergrowing housing developments.

“With everything being so developed and big subdivisions bordering each other and a really small of what would be considered suitable deer habitat, they’re forced to be in neighborhoods and commons areas and every little woodlot,” DeVoe said. “You can see a deer any day of the week anywhere in (Rochester Hills) and pretty much all over southeast Michigan.”

The loss of habitat has led to behavioral changes in deer. DeVoe says fawns will be left in yards and common areas since humans keep predators like coyotes at bay. It has allowed the deer population to become a regular part of living in the region. The sight of deer is hardly an issue, but homeowners and drivers can have encounters with deer ranging from the inconveniences — deer tend to eat from gardens and planted fruit trees alongside native plants — to dire road hazards.

While living with deer can be challenging at times, DeVoe says the role of influence the four-legged neighbors have on residents tends to align with how important the local environment is for deer.

“If you live in an area where you have a big commons area and there’s a lot of natural food, like oak trees, then they’re not as persistent as they are when those things don’t exist,” DeVoe said.

In areas where deer lack natural food, the animals turn to garden plants. Deer can be deterred from dining in gardens through the use of physical barriers like nets and fences, applying repellents to plants or by planting flowers that deer do not like, such as hyacinth, sage or coneflower. Hazing deer by making loud noises or using noise-emitting devices to keep deer away also helps.

But no matter the tactics used to keep deer away from lawns and flowers, DeVoe says the white-tailed deer are not leaving their homes anytime soon. Humans, it seems, have come to accept this.

“I get fewer complaints (about deer) now than at any time that I’ve had this job, which is over 30 years,” DeVoe said. “I think people have adjusted to living with them and knowing that they’re going to be around and that sometimes there’s going to be a negative impact from them. But at the same time, there’s a lot of people where that’s why they enjoy living here, seeing the wildlife and having those opportunities. It’s a perspective thing, and I think people are becoming more realistic with living with them.”

Call Staff Writer Dean Vaglia at (586) 498-1043.

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