6/21/23 Shelby-Utica News

Shelby Township man arrested for allegedly possessing child sexually abusive material

BY KARA SZYMANSKI kszymanski@candgnews.com

SHELBY TOWNSHIP — The Macomb County Sheriff’s Office said that it arrested a 66-year-old man from Shelby Township for allegedly possessing child sexually abusive material June 2.

The Sheriff’s Office said that the Department of Homeland Security had provided a tip to the sheriff’s Macomb Area Computer Enforcement unit about child pornography being downloaded over the internet. With some investigation, the DHS tip led the Macomb Area Computer Enforcement unit and Sheriff’s Enforcement Team detectives to an address in Shelby Township.

Elementary schools compete at annual Science Olympiad Tournament

BY KARA SZYMANSKI kszymanski@candgnews.com

Cunningham

Detectives executed a search warrant at the Shel-

See CUNNINGHAM on page 19A

SHELBY TOWNSHIP — Macomb Community College South Campus in Warren last month hosted approximately 2,500 students, educators and parents from Macomb County and beyond at the 38th annual Elementary Science Olympiad Tournament

The competition, held May 13, primarily serves public and private schools in Macomb and St. Clair

counties.

Teams from 60 different elementary schools competed for medals and trophies in 18 different events involving science, engineering and technology.

Utica Community Schools had two schools in the top three places among teams that competed in the division for K-6 schools. Messmore Elementary School finished in first place, and Roberts Elementary School finished in third place. Disney Elementary School, in

See SCHOOLS on page 19A

Two students compete in a Science Olympiad event.

Photo provided by John Ogden

Foundation invites inventors to showcase their ideas for chance at grant

BY KARA SZYMANSKI kszymanski@candgnews.com

SHELBY TOWNSHIP — The Four County Community Foundation is all ears when it comes to hearing about local inventors and their innovative solutions to problems.

The foundation, which includes Shelby Township, has launched a new initiative this year called the 4CCF Spark Grant. Applicants, including individuals and nonprofit groups, can apply to present an in-person proposal to a panel of 4CCF committee members who will have a pool of $40,000 to award.

Each pitch will include a five-minute question-and-answer session involving the applicant and the panel.

The format, meant to be similar to that of the television show “Shark Tank,” is designed to be more interactive than a traditional grant application process and is open to projects in all stages of development, according to the foundation.

Ken Hummel, the chairman of the foundation’s Board of Trustees, said that the foundation is hoping to reach inventors who might have a great idea.

“We are really hoping this new initiative sparks interest with people in our community that want to do good things but may not know where to start or are intimidated by the normal grant writing process. We are excited to see what ideas are brought forward,” Hummel stated in a press release.

From July 1 to Aug. 31, inventors will be able to complete a survey that explains their ideas. Inventors can email the foundation’s executive director, Kathy Dickens, at kdickens@4ccf.org for a link to the survey.

The review committee will choose finalists to make their pitches to the panel of 4CCF committee members. All finalists will be notified

See INVENTORS on page 19A

‘It still affects me every day’

WEAR ORANGE EVENT ADDRESSES GUN SAFETY, REMEMBERS THOSE FALLEN TO GUNFIRE

BY MARIA ALLARD allard@candgnews.com

MACOMB COUNTY — While the Fourth of July is a day for picnics and celebrations, the holiday is painful for Pam Leidlein.

It’s the day her daughter, Michelle Packard, 34, was killed by gunfire.

On July 4, 2012, Packard was at a fireworks

event with her fiancé and his young daughter in the Lansing area. Packard was waiting for the show to begin when all of a sudden she fell over.

“Her fiancé thought she had a seizure,” said Leidlein, who was not at the event. Because Packard was unconscious, she was taken to a local hospital where doctors determined that she had been shot by a firearm.

See ORANGE on page 11A

Photo by Patricia O’Blenes

Amanda Angst, the local group lead for Moms Demand Action Macomb County, speaks to those gathered June 3 at Veteran’s Memorial Park in Roseville.

CRIME WATCH

Stolen vehicle recovered in Detroit

SHELBY TOWNSHIP — At 6:54 a.m. May 31, officers were dispatched to the 45000 block of Manor Drive, near West Utica and Mound roads, for a stolen vehicle report. Upon arrival, officers spoke with the caller, who stated that when she went to leave for work, she noticed that her vehicle had been stolen from her driveway.

Small fragments of glass were observed on the driveway, indicating that the suspect had shattered a window to get into the vehicle. The vehicle was later recovered by the Detroit Police Department in the city of Detroit, according to Shelby Township police. The case was under investigation.

Resident notices fraudulent charges

SHELBY TOWNSHIP — Shelby Township police officers were dispatched to the 14000 block of Sparrow Drive, in the area of 21 Mile and Hayes roads, for a fraud complaint at 12:04 p.m. May 31. The complainant stated to police that he had noticed two fraudulent charges on his bank account. The charges were to a furniture financing company, but he never authorized anyone to charge his bank account for these charges. The detective bureau is investigating.

Driver refuses breath test

SHELBY TOWNSHIP — At 8:30 p.m. May 30, an officer on patrol in the area of 25 Mile and Dequindre roads observed a vehicle traveling 64 mph in a 45 mph zone, according to a police report. The officer then initiated a traffic stop on the vehicle. Upon talking to the driver, the officer noticed that

the driver’s eyes were glossy, and he smelled of intoxicants.

The driver reportedly admitted to the officer that he consumed several beers. The officer then had the driver exit his vehicle to perform field sobriety tests. After the field sobriety tests were completed, the driver was offered a preliminary breath test. The driver refused to take it, police said, and the driver was placed under arrest for suspicion of operating while intoxicated.

The driver was then transported to the Police Department, where a search warrant was completed for a blood draw to determine the driver’s blood alcohol content.

Suspect arrested after attempts to open vehicle doors

SHELBY TOWNSHIP — Officers were dispatched to the area of Lakeside Boulevard North and Hayes Road for a report of a suspicious male suspect walking through a parking lot and attempting to open the doors to multiple vehicles.

Officers located the subject walking a short distance later at Lakeside Boulevard North and Market Street. As officers were observing the suspect, they saw him walking in and out of the roadway on Market Street. As officers approached him to talk to him, he continued to walk away and wouldn’t listen to commands to stop. According to the police report, he then resisted officers’ attempts to put handcuffs on him.

After a short struggle, officers were able to handcuff the subject. After speaking to multiple witnesses, police determined that the suspect had attempted to open multiple doors and trunks in the parking lot of local businesses. The suspect was arrested.

— Kara Szymanski

Ford softball’s ‘sisterhood’ sets standard in 2023 campaign with regional title

BY JONATHAN SZCZEPANIAK jszczepaniak@candgnews.com

STERLING HEIGHTS/SHELBY TOWNSHIP/MACOMB TOWNSHIP

— There’s a reason that the Utica Ford II softball team got massive applause at the school’s graduation.

For nine seasons, the softball program has longed for a district title to set a pathway for success for the next group of talent, and the seniors were prepared to take that into their own hands this season.

“I think when we look up at the banner, and we always go into the gym and look up, not winning a district or regional title in nine years definitely put a lot more pressure on us, because if any year could do it, it’s the ’23 year,” senior Jenna Nilson said. “Being the team nobody saw going this far, it’s definitely an honor.”

Nilson, a Northwood University commit, did more than her fair share to make it happen, and the rest of the team was prepared to make the journey with her.

See SOFTBALL on page 26A

Photos provided by Kiana Bieniek

The Utica Ford II softball team celebrates a win over Warren Regina 5-2 on June 10 to claim the Michigan High School Athletic Association Division 1 Region 7 championship at Troy Athens High School.

Ford snapped the softball program’s nine-year district title drought this season with a win over Utica on June 2 at Utica High School.

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S Van Walleghem DDS, FAGD, Diplomate ABDSM

G. Latcham DDS, MAGD

J. Fanelli

UCS grad earns nearly $100,000 scholarship to study art

SHELBY TOWNSHIP — AnaMarie Price, Eisenhower High School valedictorian, recently earned a nearly $100,000 scholarship from the College for Creative Studies in Detroit.

The merit scholarship is awarded based on academics and the strength of a submitted portfolio.

“It is rewarding to receive the scholarship,” she said in a press release. “I spent a lot of time and effort, and art is something that I really love.”

Price said she plans to pursue a career in illustration. She is especially interested in video or children’s literature.

“I like telling stories, and I like visuals,” she said in a press release. “I feel like it connects people and makes them well-rounded. Everybody can relate to something they read when they were younger.”

Eisenhower art teacher Nancy Druia said that Price is “incredibly talented.”

“She has an unique approach to her art, and it truly flows from within. We are so excited for her to attend CCS and know that the institution is very fortunate to have such a coachable student attending in the fall,” Druia said in the press release.

Price

NEW OFFICERS JOIN SHELBY TOWNSHIP POLICE DEPARTMENT

SHELBY TOWNSHIP — The Shelby Township Police Department swore in four new officers June 2. Pictured, from left, are Asmir Sahuric, Julian Gherasim, Kevin Gutenschwager and David Frick. Sahuric has experience with the Madison Heights Police Department, and Gherasim has worked for the Wayne State University Police Department and the Border Patrol. Gutenschwager and Frick recently graduated from the Oakland Police Academy.

SAVE THE DATE FOR BATTLE OF THE BADGES

SHELBY TOWNSHIP — The Shelby Township Police Department will be participating in this year’s third annual Battle of the Badges Charity Softball Tournament at Jimmy John’s Field Sept.17. The gates will open at 1 p.m. and general admission tickets for adults will cost $10. Free admission for children 12 and younger. The event will have live music, a raffle, vendors, K-9 teams, mascots, patrol vehicles, face-painting and more. Shelby Township police will play in the tournament’s first game at 1:30 p.m.

The tournament will benefit police athletic leagues and law enforcement explorers programs.

Weekend Unwind brings music to Utica

UTICA — The city of Utica will be hosting its weekly Weekend Unwind in Utica at 7 p.m. June 23. The band this week will be The Pulse, which has never before played Weekend Unwind. The free Weekend Unwind concerts take place every Friday night from 7 to 10 p.m. at Memorial Park, next to the Utica Public Library at 7530 Auburn Road.

Learn about drought-tolerant ornamental grasses

CLINTON TOWNSHIP — Macomb County MSU Extension will host “Adding Ornamental Grasses to the Garden” for individuals interested in learning more about options to complement or replace turf. The class will be held from 6 to 7:30 p.m. June 27 at the VerKuilen Building-Entrance E, located at 21885 Dunham Road in Clinton Township.

The class is free and open to the public, but preregistration is required. At the conclusion of the class, each participant can take home a complimentary tussock sedge plug to plant in their gardens. Register at canr.msu.edu/ outreach/events. For more information or registration assistance, call (586) 469-6440.

Michigan community colleges now offering course credit for hundreds of industry-recognized credentials

STATEWIDE — Michigan residents with industry-recognized credentials and certifications might now be eligible for course credit at one of the state’s 31 community and tribal colleges, the Michigan Community College Association announced June 12.

The new program awards credits toward degrees for more than 500 professional certifications or credentials.

As a result, students can earn course credit that would count toward hundreds of certificate and degree programs in Michigan. Course credit may be awarded for specific licensures, certifications, apprenticeships, training academies and other industry-recognized credentials.

Find a searchable database of the credentials that can earn course credit at mitransfer.org/Earn-Credits-for-Industry-Credentials. Funding for the program was provided by the Ascendium Education Group.

Orange

from page 3A

“She was struck by a stray bullet,” said Leidlein, a retired educator who resides in Macomb Township. “It went into her brain. Everyone was shocked it was a bullet.”

Packard was placed on life support and “we had to make the decision” to take her off life support. According to Leidlein, police determined the bullet that struck her daughter came from someone who shot a firearm into the air in celebration of July 4. The gun was not aimed at her.

“They think it came from a mile away. They never found out who did it. It still affects me every day,” Leidlein said, adding that when her other daughter, Elyse, turned 40, she told her mom, “I’m turning 40, but Michelle is forever 34.”

Leidlein works with Be Smart, and on June 3, she shared her story to those who attended the Macomb County Wear Orange event held from 1 to 4 p.m. at Veteran’s Memorial Park in Roseville. The Be Smart campaign was launched in 2015 to promote responsible gun ownership in order to reduce child gun deaths. For more information, visit besmartforkids.org.

As part of Wear Orange Weekend and National Gun Violence Awareness Day, volunteers with the Macomb County chapter of Moms Demand Action in Michigan

hosted the event to honor the lives of those affected by gun violence and elevate gun violence prevention efforts nationwide.

The event was held in partnership with the Everytown for Gun Safety Support Fund, and attendees were encouraged to wear orange clothing. The event included a Wear Orange Proclamation Ceremony, a peace walk and the opportunity to “Chalk About Gun Violence” by writing gun safety messages with chalk around the park. Those who lost a loved one to gun violence were asked to bring a picture to share. Free gun locks also were distributed.

Wear Orange originated June 2, 2015, on what would have been Hadiya Pendleton’s 18th birthday. The Chicago resident was shot and killed in 2013 when out with friends. Wear Orange honors Pendleton and the individuals who are shot and killed every day in America, the wounded and those who witness acts of gun violence.

“Over 120 people are killed daily by gun violence, and 200 are wounded,” said Amanda Angst, the local group lead for Moms Demand Action Macomb County. “These numbers are important because they’re staggering. It means hundreds of lives are being lost and impacted across our country. No community is immune. There are no boundaries.”

Moms Demand Action — which has chapters across the country — says it works to pass stronger gun laws, promotes responsible gun storage and works in the community

See ORANGE on page 21A

Photo by Patricia O’Blenes Michelle Packard, daughter of Pamela Leidlein, was killed by a stray bullet on July 4, 2012. Leidlein shared her story with the people who attended.

COMMUNITY CALENDAR

12A/ SHELBY-UTICA NEWS • JUNE 21, 2023

JUNE 22

‘Spider-Man: Across The Spider-Verse’: Free viewing of new movie plus snacks, hosted by Community Choice Credit Union, 6:30 p.m. (tickets available at 5:30 p.m.), Emagine Macomb, 15251 23 Mile Road in Macomb Township, (877) 243-2528

JUNE 23

Senior Wellness and Retirement Expo: Free health and wellness screenings, seminars and vendor booths, prescription drug disposal, door prizes and giveaways, and more, 10 a.m.-1 p.m., Macomb Intermediate School Building, 4401 Garfield Road in Clinton Township, clintontownship.com

JUNE 23-25

American Polish Festival & Craft Show: 4-11 p.m. June 23, 10 a.m.-11 p.m. June 24 and 10 a.m.-7 p.m. June 25, The American Polish Century Club, 33204 Maple Lane in Sterling Heights, (586) 264-7990, americanpolishfestival.com

JUNE 28

Kidney PATH (Personal Action Toward Health): Eightweek workshop for individuals and families affected by chronic kidney disease, information session at 6 p.m. June 28, classes run 6-8 p.m. July 12-Aug. 30, virtual and free, nkfm.org/KPATH, pathprograms@ nkfm.org, (800) 482-1455

JULY 8

Kid’s Summer Olympics: Compete for awards in multiple events, ages 3-5 at 10 a.m., 6-8 at 11 a.m. and 9-12 at noon (check in 15 minutes prior), Whispering Woods Park, 11000 21 Mile Road in Shelby Township, register at event or call (586) 731-0300

JULY 8-9

Utica Antiques Market: 8-5 p.m. July 8 and 8-4 p.m.

July 9, Knights of Columbus Grounds, 11541 21 Mile Road in Shelby Township, uticaantiques.com

JULY 10

Detroit Sports Media Association Annual Charity Golf Scramble: 8 a.m.-4:30 p.m., includes 18 holes with cart, goodie bag, continental breakfast, practice

range, lunch, open bar, dinner, prizes, contests and auctions, Cherry Creek Golf Club, 52000 Cherry Creek Drive in Shelby Township, detroitsportsmedia.com

JULY 22

Outdoor flea market: 9 a.m.-2 p.m., Whispering Woods Park, 11000 21 Mile Road in Shelby Township, register.shelbytwp.org, (586) 731-0300

JULY 27-29

Sterlingfest: Live music includes headliners Hip Hop Hooray (tribute act), Steven Adler (formerly of Guns N’ Roses) and Ann Wilson (Heart), kids stage featuring music, magic, juggling and more, carnival rides, arts and crafts show, fireworks and food, 10 a.m.-11 p.m., Dodge Park, 40620 Utica Road, sterling-heights. net/714/Sterlingfest, (586) 446-2700

JULY 29-30

Stony Creek Art Fair: 10 a.m.-7 p.m. July 29 and 11 a.m.-5 p.m. July 30, Stony Creek Metropark, 4300 Main Park Drive in Shelby Township, stonycreekartfair.com

ONGOING

Splash pad: Open 11 a.m.-7 p.m. daily (11 a.m.-3 p.m. July 4 and Sept. 4), Chief Gene Shepherd Park, 2452 23 Mile Road in Shelby Township

Shelby Farmers Market: 9 a.m.-2 p.m. Saturdays until Oct. 14, Packard Proving Grounds, 49965 Van Dyke Ave. in Shelby Township, ShelbyFarmersMarket.org

Book clubs: Afternoon Book Club (marketed as oldest library-run book club in Michigan, meets 1 p.m. every third Thursday of month), Evening Book Club (6:30 p.m. every second Tuesday of month) and Mystery Book Club (10:30 a.m. every second Saturday of month), Shelby Township Library, 52610 Van Dyke Ave., shelbytwp.org/government/departments/library

• Not Your Parents’ Book Club, 7 p.m. every last Tuesday of month, 22nd Street Steakhouse, 48900

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.

Van Dyke Ave. in Shelby Township, shelbytwp.org/ government/departments/library

• 11 a.m.-noon every first Friday of month, Utica Public Library, 7530 Auburn Road, uticalibrary.com

Widowed Friends events: Cards, games and friendship every fourth Friday of month, bring a snack to share and own beverage, St. Theresa of Lisieux, 48115 Schoenherr Road in Shelby Township, dinner optional, RSVP to (586) 566-7936

Shelby Township Fine Art Society: Meetings 6:30-9 p.m. every second Wednesday of month, Shelby Township Activities Center, 14975 21 Mile Road, facebook. com/shelbytownshipart

Open mic: Hosted by Shelby Music Society, 7 p.m. every second Saturday of month (doors at 6:30 p.m.), patriotic songs/theme July 9, Shelby Township Community Center, 14975 21 Mile Road, shelbymusic society@yahoo.com

Paws to Read: Children tell stories to therapy dog, 9:30-11:30 a.m. June 24, July 8 and Aug. 5, Shelby Township Library, 52610 Van Dyke Ave., (586) 7397414

Shelby Writers’ Group: Meets 6 p.m. every second and fourth Thursday of month, Shelby Township Library, 52610 Van Dyke Ave., (586) 739-7414

Bereaved Parents of Macomb Support Group: Meets 7-9 p.m. every first Thursday of month, Washington Senior Center, 57880 Van Dyke Ave. in Washington Township, (248) 425-2999

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

Lupus support groups: 10 a.m. every second Tuesday of month, 7 p.m. every last Wednesday of month, Zoom, milupus.org/support-groups

SUMMER CONCERTS

Music at 7 p.m. at Memorial Park, adjacent to Utica Public Library, 7530 Auburn Road, fireworks to follow

June 23: The Pulse

June 30: DC Marx

July 7: Classic Maniacs

July 14: Don Puglisi

July 21: The Mixx

July 28: American Ages Band

Aug. 4: Collin Sylvester

Aug. 11: DC Marx

Aug. 18: Classic Maniacs

Aug. 25: Acoustic Madness

Sept. 1: The Geri’s

Sept. 8: Detroit Social Club

Source: cityofutica.org

7–8:30 p.m. at Eastwood Beach at Stony Creek Metropark, 4300 Main Park Road in Shelby Twp.

June 23: The Ashley Lynn Experience

June 30: Macomb Symphony Orchestra w/ 338th Army Band, also fireworks at dusk

July 7: Stone Blossoms

July 21: Persuasion

Aug. 4: The Firewalkers

Aug. 18: Dave Hamilton Band

Source: metroparks.com/concerts

7 p.m. at River Bends Park, 5700 22 Mile Road in Shelby Township

July 12: Captured Detroit (Journey tribute)

July 19: Magic Bus (tribute to Woodstock)

July 26: American Ages Band

Aug. 9: Soundstation

Source: shelbytwp.org

CITIES AND ORGANIZATIONS WORK TO MEET OVERWHELMING DEMAND FOR SENIOR HOME/CHORE SERVICES

BY CHARITY MEIER cmeier@candgnews.com

METRO DETROIT — Karyn Curro, the CEO of Interfaith Volunteer Services, said she first noticed the need while working with people in nursing homes over 31 years ago.

“I found that a lot of people who were living in nursing homes didn’t necessarily want to be there and, with a little extra help, they could stay in their own homes for longer and perhaps forever,” said Curro.

She said that some people were not in the nursing home for medical care but simply because they couldn’t take care of their daily needs at home. She said often they just needed help with daily housekeeping or transportation to appointments, or they were lonely.

However, when she started researching organizations that provided these types of services, she found there were a lot of gaps and approached the Area Agency on Aging, who was in the process of launching what would become IVC. Initially, IVC was started by a fiscal grant received by Catholic Charities of Macomb in 1992. In 1994 it became an independent 501(c)3.

IVC offers aid to seniors throughout Macomb county and parts of Oakland and St. Clair counties. The organization pairs se-

niors with volunteers to help them achieve a desired task. Curro said they are able to help hundreds of seniors a year with home chores, but she stresses that there is no guarantee that they will be able to assist with any given task.

“We are an all-volunteer organization,” said Curro. “We do have some paid staff in the office who are running the program, but all services are provided by volunteers. So that limits what we can do. … Since we’re an all-volunteer program, if someone calls in for help, regardless of how much they might need that help, we can’t guarantee we can give them help. … It just depends if we have a volunteer (with that skill set) in that area.”

The types of services that IVC routinely provides include yard work like trimming bushes, raking leaves and pulling weeds; cleaning windows, and changing screens and storm windows out; sweeping garages; and even taking the trash to the curb.

It also provides transportation to and from doctor appointments and grocery stores, as well as basic housekeeping, decluttering and organizing of rooms or closets, doing laundry, and washing dishes, along with minor home repairs such as plumbing, electrical and carpentry work, if they are small simple fixes.

“Regular housekeeping is a big need,

See SENIORS on page 16A

A team of volunteers from Interfaith Volunteer Caregivers poses with a woman whose yard they cleaned up. Phots provided by Karyn Curro of the Interfaith Volunteer Caregivers

Wujek-Calcaterra & Sons: Generations of Trusted Experience

Te Wujek and Calcaterra families have compassionately served the needs of grieving families in southeast Michigan for over 100 years.

“My late father, Edward Wujek, and his best friend and college roommate, Larry Calcaterra, formed WujekCalcaterra as a partnership in 1984 after operating their own respective family-owned funeral home businesses,” said funeral director Robert Wujek.

“My great-grandfather, Anthony, launched the Wujek side of the business in 1917, and I’m the fourth generation of our family in the profession. Over the years, my dad had four sons and Larry Calcaterra had three sons.

Six of the seven boys joined the family business and the name was changed at that time to Wujek-Calcaterra & Sons.”

Today, Robert and his brothers John and Michael — together with Calcaterra brothers Larry, Mike and Matt— continue the legacy.

“My brothers John and Michael are both licensed funeral directors like me,” Robert said. “My son, Chase, joined the company in 2020. He’s the ffth generation in the business.”

Tere’s a level of trust that comes from working with family.

“We are fortunate to each have diferent roles with the same goal of providing the best service and value to families at a very difcult time.”

Larry Calcaterra is the controller behind the scenes handling all business operations, accounting and IT. He oversees capital improvements to the facilities including recent updates to the Shelby location.

“It’s vital to have someone like my partner Larry on our team,” Robert said. “He handles the upkeep of the facility

Te elder Larry Calcaterra, 82, still comes in to work every weekday to oversee operations.

“In addition to our immediate family, we have a staf that is second to none — not just in years of service but by the virtue of being truly the fnest men and women you could ever meet. Teir daily commitment and dedication never goes unnoticed and is highly commendable.

“All six of us principals are now in our 50s,” Robert continued. “We, as well as many members of our team, have been in the business for over 25 years. Tis has given us the opportunity to build relationships with people in the community. As a result, they believe they’re in good hands with us and that we are looking out for them. It’s rewarding to make a diference at such a delicate time in their lives and provide the place they deserve to celebrate their loved ones, honor their families and welcome their friends. We have been very blessed.”

and keeps us up to date with software, which requires countless hours of hard work. It allows me, my brothers and my partner Mike Calcaterra to handle arrangements and spend time with grieving families. We wouldn’t be where we are today without Larry’s input and hard work.”

Matt Calcaterra is another behind-the-scenes partner, ensuring that families’ loved ones look their best and that everything is as meticulous as possible.

From pre-planning to aftercare services, WujekCalcaterra & Sons is available seven days a week, 365 days a year. Every phone call is answered by a member of the team, not an answering service.

Wujek-Calcaterra & Sons is located at 36900 Schoenherr Road in Sterling Heights, phone (586) 5889117; and 54880 Van Dyke Ave. in Shelby Township, phone (586) 217-3316. For more information, visit wujekcalcaterra.com. Follow “Wujek - Calcaterra & Sons” on Facebook.

Seniors

from page 14A

because a lot of times people can manage in their own home, but they can’t do all the chores to keep up their home safely,” said Curro of Interfaith Volunteer Services, based in Roseville. “If you start having mobility issues, it’s much more difficult to clean a bathtub or a shower and do some of the heavier cleaning in your house. I think that is a real ongoing need that a lot of people have, and to hire a cleaning service is usually incredibly expensive for someone of a very limited income.”

The one service that they don’t provide frequently is lawn mowing services, because of the amount of equipment necessary to do so. However, the service might be possible if the person requesting it has a working lawn mower.

“We tend to describe the types of things we can do as something that you would ask a neighbor for help for. You know we don’t do anything too extensive. We don’t take on major repairs and renovations,” Curro said. “You might be comfortable having your neighbor rake your leaves for you, but you wouldn’t ask them to put a new roof on your house. It’s kind of the neighbor helping

neighbor level of services that we are able to provide.”

Last year the organization served close to 500 people and their families, approximately 300 of whom were in Macomb County, while 200 were in Oakland and St. Clair counties. Curro said the reason for that is simply the amount of volunteers they have available in each area. Services are not provided on a daily basis, but some services are provided once or twice a month, depending on the need.

IVC does not have any income requirements but tends to focus its service offerings on those who would not otherwise be able to afford the help and who don’t have family to assist them.

“We are really trying to get to the people that are isolated and impoverished and just really need a helping hand, largely because our volunteers are doing this just from the kindness of their own hearts, and they want to help the people in the greatest need,” said Curro.

The Macomb County Office of Senior Services also offers a few programs to help seniors with chores such as seasonal yard cleanup and the Handy Helpers Program. The Handy Helper program offers light repair services such as replacing light bulbs, door locks, window catches, faucet washers

and faucets. Program workers will also install screens, storm windows, window shades, curtain rods and weather stripping around doors, and caulk windows and repair furniture. Workers will provide heavy-duty cleaning of appliances, carpets and rugs. They scrub floors, wash walls, and clean interior windows that do not require a ladder to reach. They provide pest control and rodent services (except bed bugs) and install safety devices for seniors such as grip bars and bath chairs.

The Macomb County Office of Senior Services offers spring, summer and fall yard cleanup services. Volunteers rake leaves, clean flower beds, trim branches, wash exterior windows, and the like.

They do not provide snow removal services and will only provide lawn mowing services on a one-time basis if there is an “urgent need.”

However, some landscaping companies, such as Workhorse Services Lawncare and Landscaping, offer seniors a discount on lawn maintenance. Norm “Workhorse” Adams Sr., the owner of Workhorse Services, said seniors comprise about 80% of his business. He said that he always tries to give seniors a 10% discount on their lawn services. He offers lawn mowing, yard cleanup, small tree removal, bush and hedge trimming, etc.

“It’s kind of rewarding when you are able to help people who can’t help themselves,” Adams said.

One of his clients is an elderly couple; the man has cancer, and although he would like to cut the grass, he just physically can’t do it anymore. Adams said that the man will start to cut a path, and the wife will call Adams in to finish the job. “So, I really understand the problem that they go through.”

Adams, 55, said he understands seniors more than most people. He has had personal experience with struggling to find someone to help his aging mother with simple things around her home and to take her to her appointments, as well as someone his mother could trust.

“I pay (a caregiver) $25 an hour, but what she does is priceless, because they built a bond, and I don’t know what I would do without her,” Adams said of the woman who helps him with his mom.

Adams services Oakland County residents in Southfield, Eastpointe and Oak Park. He can be reached at (313)-415-0274.

To get services from the Macomb County Office of Senior Services you must be 60 or older and live in Macomb County. The services are offered free of charge, but donations/contributions are appreciated.

See SENIORS on page 17A

Seniors

from page 16A

Director Sheila Cote said there are currently only three part-time workers handling the tasks requested through the Handy Helper program. Due to the popularity of the program and limited funding, they are only able to provide a limited number of services, and the programs are waitlisted. There are currently 150 people on the list for handyman services and 100 people desiring spring/summer yard cleanup, which runs through the end of June. Cote said that they are doing their best to get through the entire list by the end of the month. However, those who do not get yard service this season will be put at the top of the list for fall yard cleanup.

“Our mission is to support seniors so that they can age in place and stay in their homes longer. And a lot of times they just need a little extra help,” said Cote. “They need somebody to fix a few things around their house or make it more comfortable for them.”

Cote said seniors are often so thankful for the volunteers who help them to maintain their homes and yards.

“It makes them feel so good that their yard looks nice. It really boosts their spirits when their house is looking nice. A lot of seniors worry about that. They can’t get to the lawn like they used to. They can’t trim their bushes. They can’t clean their yard. So, they feel self-conscious and upset that they’re not able to do that. So, when we’re able to send a team out there to do it, it just does wonders for their spirit.”

IVS and the Macomb County Office of Senior Services both provide “friend” services as well. IVS will send a volunteer to a

seniors home as a “friendly visitor” to provide companionship, and the Office of Senior Services has “Friendly Callers” who will contact a senior via phone a couple of times a week to simply check in on them.

“It’s a much-needed program,” Cote said. “Our goal is to assist seniors to live independently and age in place, but, unfortunately, the funding isn’t enough to do that with every senior in Macomb County, so we try our best to get to everybody, but, unfortunately, it’s a funding issue. There just isn’t enough funding to meet the need at this time.”

A limited number of volunteers greatly limits the number of people who can be serviced. According to Curro, the number of volunteers working for IVC has dropped dramatically since the pandemic. She said they used to have approximately 600 volunteers, whereas today they have around 350.

“As much as we publicize services, we can’t help anybody if we don’t get the volunteers,” said Curro. Cote stressed that they appreciate the large organizations who volunteered their time to help with yard clean up this season, but they can always use more volunteers to be able to get to all those who are on the waiting list.

“The population is still continuing to age, so there are more people with these types of needs,” said Curro.

For more information on IVC, to obtain services or volunteer with IVC, call (586) 757-5551 or visit IVCinfo.org. To obtain services or volunteer with MCOS call (586) 469-5228 or visit.

Many other cities and communities throughout Oakland and Macomb Counties have home chore programs and offerings. To find out what your community has to offer, contact your city offices or senior center.

Schools

from page 1A

the Fraser Public Schools district, finished second in the division.

In the division for K-5 schools, Higgins Elementary School, from the L’Anse Creuse Public Schools District, placed first. Cheyenne Elementary School, from the Chippewa Valley Schools district, placed second, and Princeton Elementary School, from the Lakeview Public Schools district, placed third.

The tournament named Ottawa Elementary School, from Chippewa Valley, as the K-5 division’s “rising star,” and Disney Elementary took the rising star award in the K-6 division. The rookie teams singled out

Cunningham

from page 1A

by township residence, where the Sheriff’s Office said it took electronic evidence into custody, including laptop computers, hard drives, thumb drives and more.

The Sheriff’s Office said that investigators’ initial reviews found child pornography, but a more thorough forensic review found more than 1,000 images and videos of child sexually abusive material.

The Sheriff’s Office took Michael James Cunningham into custody — without incident, according to a press release — and Cunningham was lodged at the Macomb County Jail. Cunningham was charged with three counts of child sexually abusive mate-

Inventors

from page 3A

by Sept. 13.

The foundation’s pitch night will begin at 5 p.m. Sept. 28 at a location that is still to be determined.

Dickens said she understands how intimidating the process can be to bring forth an invention.

“Four County Community Foundation realizes that people with innovative ideas to do community good can be intimidated by the traditional grant application process.

for awards were South River Elementary School, from L’Anse Creuse, in the K-5 division, and St. Peter Lutheran School in the K-6 division.

Rachael Penhorwood, head coach of Princeton Elementary, said her son had been waiting for science to become more interesting.

“Science Olympiad has given him exactly the outlet he needed and provided a place where he could excel. It has been so valuable in boosting his self-confidence. Now that he is moving on to middle school, and my younger daughter has joined the program, I get to see the same confidence bloom in her when she realizes that her hard work and enthusiasm is being rewarded with success,” she said via email.

rial–aggravated possession and three counts of using computers to commit a crime.

Magistrate Jim Verploeg arraigned Cunningham June 5 at the 41-A District Court in Shelby Township. He was given a $50,000, 10% cash or surety bond. He was scheduled to next appear in court for a probable cause conference June 20, which occurred after press time. His preliminary examination was scheduled for June 27.

When the Sheriff’s Office was asked whether it had any concerns that the case could go beyond possessing child pornography, it was unable to provide more information.

“As the investigation is still ongoing, we are not able to speak to that,” Jennifer Putney, the public information officer from the Macomb County Sheriff’s Office, said via email.

In one event, Olympians sent rockets made from 2-liter soda bottles shooting into the air. At another, they were presented with a mystery kit of materials and given 20 minutes to build a tower. Students also attempted to reflect a light off a series of mirrors and hit a target in a matter of seconds. One of the favorite events of the day required students to solve a fictional crime using powder identification, fingerprints, chromatography and other evidence.

When students were not actively competing, there were other science-based activities for them to try. Many of these activities were hosted by other local organizations, such as the Michigan Science Center and the Civil Air Patrol.

Janice Fritz, a parent at Washington El-

C & G Newspapers was unable to reach Cunningham’s attorney, Patrick T. Barone.

ementary in Marysville, said one thing she loved was how this tournament brought together kids with common interests.

“My Amazing Arthropods Olympian met two students from another school and in minutes they were exploring the grounds for roly-polies together. After separating for other events, they bumped into each other again and were just like old friends. I think it was his favorite part of the whole day,” she said in an email.

Macomb Science Olympiad is completely run by volunteers. Its major sponsors include General Motors, Macomb Community College and the Four County Community Foundation.

Call Staff Writer Kara Szymanski at (586) 498-1029.

The 4CCF Spark Grant is our attempt to make the grant process more accessible and interactive.  We can’t wait to engage with local innovators,” she said via email.

Hummel said the foundation is really excited to try this new concept.

“We realize that many people in our communities have great ideas … but just need a spark to ignite them into existence. We are hoping this initiative attracts those folks,” he said in an email.

For more information, call (810) 4448852.

Call Staff Writer Kara Szymanski at (586) 498-1029.

Call Staff Writer Kara

at (586) 498-1029.

CHARTER TOWNSHIP OF SHELBY NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING

CHARTER TOWNSHIP OF SHELBY NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING

Notice is hereby given that the Planning Commission for the Charter Township of Shelby, Macomb County, Michigan has received a request for approval of the following site plan Special Land Use:

Notice is hereby given that the Planning Commission for the Charter Township of Shelby, Macomb County, Michigan has received a request for approval of the following site plan Special Land Use:

APPLICANT: Leonard Lulaj 50502 Hunters Creek Shelby Twp, MI 48317

APPLICANT: Leonard Lulaj 50502 Hunters Creek Shelby Twp, MI 48317

PROPOSED USE: Offce Building with Outdoor Storage

PROPOSED USE: Office Building with Outdoor Storage

LOCATION: Vacant Parcel South side of 22 Mile Road, east of Ryan Road Site Plan/SLU #22-019

LOCATION: Vacant Parcel South side of 22 Mile Road, east of Ryan Road Site Plan/SLU #22-019

SIDWELL NO(s): 23-07-20-300-048

SIDWELL NO(s): 23-07-20-300-048

LEGAL DESCRIPTION:

LEGAL DESCRIPTION:

T3N R12E SEC 20 6/2000 SPLIT FROM 07-020-091-30 COMM AT W 1/4 COR SEC 20, TH ALG CEN LINE OF 22 MILE S 63 DEG 44' 52" E 1452.63 FT, TH CONT ALG SAID LINE S 63 DEG 44' 52" E 617.93 FT TO POB; TH CONT ALG SAID LINE S 63 DEG 46' 00" E 183.13 FT, TH S 00 DEG 2 6' 25" W 208.69 FT MEASURED, (S 00 DEG 26' 00" W 208.51 FT RECORDED), TH S 79 DEG 41' 12" W 167.83 FT, TH N 00 DEG 26' 25" E 319.69 FT TO POB. 1.0 A SUBJECT TO ALL ESMTS BOTH RECORDED AND UNRECORDED

T3N R12E SEC 20 6/2000 SPLIT FROM 07-020-091-30 COMM AT W 1/4 COR SEC 20, TH ALG CEN LINE OF 22 MILE S 63 DEG 44’ 52” E 1452.63 FT, TH CONT ALG SAID LINE S 63 DEG 44’ 52” E 617.93 FT TO POB; TH CONT ALG SAID LINE S 63 DEG 46’ 00” E 183.13 FT, TH S 00 DEG 26’ 25” W 208.69 FT MEASURED, (S 00 DEG 26’ 00” W 208.51 FT RECORDED), TH S 79 DEG 41’ 12” W 167.83 FT, TH N 00 DEG 26’ 25” E 319.69 FT TO POB. 1.0 A SUBJECT TO ALL ESMTS BOTH RECORDED AND UNRECORDED.

The Planning Commission will meet on Monday, July 10, 2023, at 7:00 p.m. in the Shelby Township Library, 52610 Van Dyke Avenue, Shelby Township, Michigan, 48316; (586-726-7243) for the purpose of holding a public hearing on the site plan Special Land Use.

The Planning Commission will meet on Monday, July 10, 2023, at 7:00 p.m. in the Shelby Township Library, 52610 Van Dyke Avenue, Shelby Township, Michigan, 48316; (586-726-7243) for the purpose of holding a public hearing on the site plan Special Land Use.

The application for the site plan Special Land Use may be examined at the Planning and Zoning Department in the Municipal Building, Monday through Friday, from 8:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Written comments may be submitted to the Planning Commission at the above address prior to the hearing. Oral comments will be heard during the public hearing.

This notice is provided pursuant to the requirements of Michigan Public Act 110 of 2006, as amended.

The application for the site plan Special Land Use may be examined at the Planning and Zoning Department in the Municipal Building, Monday through Friday, from 8:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Written comments may be submitted to the Planning Commission at the above address prior to the hearing. Oral comments will be heard during the public hearing.

This notice is provided pursuant to the requirements of Michigan Public Act 110 of 2006, as amended. SHELBY TOWNSHIP

Published: Shelby-Utica News 06/21/2023

SHELBY TOWNSHIP PLANNING COMMISSION

JEROME MOFFITT, CHAIR RAQUEL MOORE, SECRETARY

Szymanski

SPORTS MACOMB NATIVE, EISENHOWER GRAD SIGNS WITH MINNESOTA TWINS

BY JONATHAN SZCZEPANIAK jszczepaniak@candgnews.com

MACOMB COUNTY — In 2017, United Shore Professional Baseball League Westside Woolly Mammoths manager Taylor Grzelakowski, a Fraser high school graduate, received the news of a lifetime. The Minnesota Twins had signed Grzelakowski and Randy Dobnak, then his Utica Unicorns teammate, to the organization.

Nearly six years later, Grzelakowski received word from the same scout that signed him that Mammoths right-hander Kyle Bischoff was officially signed by the Twins.

Bischoff is the 48th player to be signed by an MLB organization from the USPBL.

Grzelakowski was able to deliver the same life-changing news he received years ago to not only the ace of his pitching staff, but his best friend.

“He (the scout) called me and was like, ‘I want you to tell him,’” Grzelakowski said.

“I was in tears and at a loss of words. So I said screw it, I’m getting in my car and going to his house. I grabbed one of my old Twins hats and just literally opened the door, threw it at him and jumped on him. It was probably one of the coolest moments of my life.”

Bischoff, who served under Grzelakowski at Macomb Community College as the pitching coach last season and is currently the director of pitching development, was probably the happiest person to ever receive a Goldberg-style spear in their living room.

“He showed up at my front door and rang the doorbell a couple times and busted through the door and tackled me on the couch,” Bischoff said. “I didn’t even get the call first. I’m really close with him, so it was really cool to hear it from him.”

Bischoff, a Macomb Township native and a 2017 graduate of Utica Eisenhower, was officially signed by the Minnesota Twins on May 31 after entering his second season with the USPBL this year. Bischoff has reported to the Twins’ Florida Complex League in Fort Myers, Florida.

run in one inning of work, Bischoff said he’s still adjusting to the day-to-day operations.

“I’m waking up really early,” Bischoff said. “I’m waking up at 5:30 now to get out and do movement prep and we go through pitching staff warmups that they’ve tailored for each guy. After that, they have portable mounds, so some plyo balls, water bags and other stuff. Just some drill work before you get into your daily catch.”

After handling the closer role last season to the tune of five saves and 19 strikeouts in 18 appearances last season, Bischoff was electric out the gate this season for the Mammoths after transitioning to a starting pitching role.

Preparing for his new role, Bischoff spent a healthy amount of time at 2SP Sports Performance, located in Madison Heights, in the offseason with Nathan Sier,

the baseball strength and conditioning coach at Macomb Community College and for the Washington Nationals’ Single-A Fredericksburg team.

Tallying 15 strikeouts in eight innings this season and earning Pitcher of the Week honors in his first start, it’s safe to say his conditioning transitioned to success on the baseball field.

“I got into a nice routine where I got into a lifting schedule, I planned out my throwing program every week, and I was able to do different mobility and strength testing each week to make sure I was 100% by the day of my start,” Bischoff said.

At Eisenhower, Bischoff was a two-year letter winner and second team all-state honoree his senior season, posting 87 strikeouts to compliment a 7-1 record with a 1.43

CHARTER TOWNSHIP OF SHELBY NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING

See BISCHOFF on page 25A

Notice is hereby given that the Planning Commission for the Charter Township of Shelby, Macomb County, Michigan has received a request for approval of an addition to an existing Special Land Use site:

With only one appearance so far with the Twins, tallying a strikeout and one earned

CHARTER TOWNSHIP OF SHELBY ZONING BOARD OF APPEALS

AGENDA/PUBLIC

HEARING

The Charter Township of Shelby ZONING BOARD OF APPEALS meeting will be held on Thursday, July 6, 2023 at 6:30 p.m., in the Shelby Township Library, Legacy Room, 52610 Van Dyke Avenue, Shelby Township, Michigan, 48316.

CALL MEETING TO ORDER:

ROLL CALL:

APPROVAL OF MINUTES:

Zoning Board of Appeals Regular Meeting June 1, 2023

APPLICATIONS:

1. ZBA #23-041 ANTHONY GIANFERMI; 56648 Ashland Court (Parcel No. 23-07-06-227-024), located south of 26 Mile Road, east of Dequindre Road. Requesting a variance to Code of Ordinances, Chapter 10, Article VIII, Section 10-324(b) to permit a fence to be located in the front yard.

2. ZBA #23-042 EARL DIEGEL; 54355 Schoenherr Road (Parcel No. 23-07-11-200-013), located south of 25 Mile Road, west side of Schoenherr Road. Requesting a variance to Code of Ordinances, Chapter 10, Article VIII, Section 10-324(a) to permit a fence to be located in the front yard.

3. ZBA #23-045 TRACY PHILLION; 8688 Shelby Woods Drive (Parcel No. 23-07-27-129-006), located south of 22 Mile Road, east of Van Dyke Avenue. Requesting a variance to Code of Ordinances, Chapter 10, Article VIII, Section 10-324(a) to permit a fence to be located closer than three feet parallel to an existing fence.

4. ZBA #23-046 DEBBIE DABISH; 47491 Burton Drive (Parcel No(s). 23-07-28-476-029 & 23-07-28-476-030), located north of 21 Mile Road, east of Shelby Road. Requesting a variance to Code of Ordinances, Chapter 10, Article VIII, Section 10-324(a) to permit a fence to be located in the front yard.

5. ZBA #23-047 WILLIAM JAMIESON; 5757 West Utica Road (Parcel No. 23-07-32-427-037), located on the north side of West Utica Road, west of Mound Road. Requesting an interpretation to Zoning Ordinance No. 212.128, Section 4.60.A to interpret racing pigeons as household pets.

PLANNING DIRECTOR’S REPORT:

ADJOURNMENT:

All interested persons may attend and be heard on any item on the agenda. The Zoning Ordinance and a copy of the application may be examined at the Municipal Building, Monday through Friday from 8:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. or you may call (586) 726-7243.

RUSS RICE, CHAIRMAN

ZONING BOARD OF APPEALS

Individuals with disabilities requiring auxiliary aids or service at the meeting should contact the Shelby Township Clerk’s Offce at 586-731-5102, TDD 586-726-2731

Published: Shelby-Utica News 06/21/2023

0391-2325

CHARTER TOWNSHIP OF SHELBY NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING

APPLICANT: Chad Asman RLA Studio 915 Wynstone Circle N Oakland, MI 48363

Notice is hereby given that the Planning Commission for the Charter Township of Shelby, Macomb County, Michigan has received a request for approval of an addition to an existing Special Land Use site:

APPLICANT: Chad Asman RLA Studio 915 Wynstone Circle N Oakland, MI 48363

PROPOSED USE: Church Building Addition

LOCATION: 47905 Hayes Road South of 22 Mile Road, west side of Hayes Road Site Plan/SLU #23-20

PROPOSED USE: Church Building Addition

LOCATION: 47905 Hayes Road South of 22 Mile Road, west side of Hayes Road Site Plan/SLU #23-20

SIDWELL NO(s): 23-07-25-400-017

SIDWELL NO(s): 23-07-25-400-017

LEGAL DESCRIPTION:

L 472B1A & L 472B2B T3N R12E SE 1/4 OF SEC 25 COMM AT THE E 1/4 COR OF SEC 25, & TH EXTENDING S 1 DEG 31’ 38” W 558.74 FT ALG THE E LINE OF SEC 25, ALSO BEING THE C/L OF HAYES RD (120 FT WIDE), TH S 89 DEG 55’ 53” W 585.10 FT, TH N 0 DEG 4’ 7” W 293.86 FT, TH S 89 DEG 55’ 53” W 398.54 FT, TH N 1 DEG 29’ 21” E 264.75 FT, TH N 89 DEG 55’ 53” E 992 FT ALG THE E/W LINE OF SEC 25, ALSO BEING THE S’LY LINE OF HERITAGE SUB, TO THE POB. 10.001 A. RESERVING ESMNTS OF REC. The Planning Commission will meet on Monday, July 10, 2023, at 7:00 p.m. in the Shelby Township Library, 52610 Van Dyke Avenue, Shelby Township, Michigan, 48316; (586-726-7243) for the purpose of holding a public hearing on the site plan Special Land Use.

LEGAL DESCRIPTION: L 472B1A & L 472B2B T3N R12E SE 1/4 OF SEC 25 COMM AT THE E 1/4 COR OF SEC 25, & TH EXTENDING S 1 DEG 31' 38" W 558.74 FT ALG THE E LINE OF SEC 25, ALSO BEING THE C/L OF HAYES RD (120 FT WIDE), TH S 89 DEG 55' 53" W 585.10 FT, TH N 0 DEG 4' 7" W 293.86 FT, TH S 89 DEG 55' 53" W 398.54 FT, TH N 1 DEG 29' 21" E 264.75 FT, TH N 89 DEG 55' 53" E 992 FT ALG THE E/W LINE OF SEC 25, ALSO BEING THE S'LY LINE OF HERITAGE SUB, TO THE POB. 10.001 A. RESERVING ESMNTS OF REC

The Planning Commission will meet on Monday, July 10, 2023, at 7:00 p.m. in the Shelby Township Library , 52610 Van Dyke Avenue, Shelby Township, Michigan, 48316; (586-726-7243) for the purpose of holding a public hearing on the site plan Special Land Use.

The application for the site plan Special Land Use may be examined at the Planning and Zoning Department in the Municipal Building, Monday through Friday, from 8:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Written comments may be submitted to the Planning Commission at the above address prior to the hearing. Oral comments will be heard during the public hearing. This notice is provided pursuant to the requirements of Michigan Public Act 110 of 2006, as amended.

SHELBY TOWNSHIP PLANNING COMMISSION

JEROME MOFFITT, CHAIR

The application for the site plan Special Land Use may be examined at the Planning and Zoning Department in the Municipal Building, Monday through Friday, from 8:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Written comments may be submitted to the Planning Commission at the above address prior to the hearing. Oral comments will be heard during the public hearing.

Published: Shelby-Utica News 06/21/2023

RAQUEL MOORE, SECRETARY

This notice is provided pursuant to the requirements of Michigan Public Act 110 of 2006, as amended.

Orange

from page 11A

to encourage responsible gun ownership.

Gun violence not only includes firearms used for criminal acts and to kill or injure others, but also those who commit suicide. There is the argument that gun laws won’t stop a criminal from using a firearm or a mentally unstable person from committing a mass shooting.

“The biggest issue is easy access to firearms. There is no one solution to ending gun violence. Everyone has a role to play in ending gun violence and educating each other,” Angst said.

Moms Demand Action says it is not trying to take away the right to own firearms for law-abiding citizens.

“We support the Second Amendment,” Angst said. “We welcome gun owners to the table to have this conversation.”

Several who gathered shared personal stories of gun violence. Christopher Ford, constituent relations for the office of Sen. Veronica Klinefelt, D-Eastpointe, remembered a cousin “who lost his life to gun violence roughly 10 years ago.”

“He went to a CVS and got a Valentine’s Day gift for his girlfriend. He walked out to

Grandparents useMETtohelp grandchildrenwith education

the parking lot and he got shot. He didn’t even make it to the hospital,” Ford said. “It doesn’t hit you until it hits home, when you have a family member that’s affected.”

Ford brought up the 2017 Las Vegas shooting in which 60 people were killed and hundreds more injured.

“There is not enough conversation about gun injuries. We talk about deaths, but (the injured) have life-lasting injuries, mental health injuries, physical injuries,” Ford said.

James Williams, faith-based program manager/special projects manager with Crime Stoppers of Michigan, based in Southfield, reminded others that they can anonymously report information on crime at 1-800-SPEAK-UP. He also touched upon the lasting effect gun violence has on families.

“Those families are changed forever,” Williams said. “Even in the cases where the information comes forward and the person that was responsible is arrested and convicted and goes to jail, that still doesn’t bring closure to a family who sits at the Thanksgiving table with an empty seat.”

Also present at Wear Orange were several local organizations, including the Roseville Neighborhood Watch Group, Macomb County Community Mental Health and Live Rite Structured Recovery Corp.

ENROLLING NOW! ADULT EDUCATION

ROCHESTER COMMUNITY SCHOOLS

English As a Second Language (ESL)

• FREE for beginning and intermediate levels.

• Attend morning or evening classes twice per week.

• Fall classes begin Aug. 28.

• Walk-in registration Aug. 22-24 at 9 a.m. or 6 p.m.

• For information, call 248-726-5952.

High School Diploma / GED Skills

• Classes are FREE.

• Attend afternoon or evening classes twice per week.

• Classes begin Aug. 28. Call 248-726-5952 for an appointment starting Aug. 7.

Learn more at: www.rochester.k12.mi.us. (Select: Schools; District Specialized; Adult Education)

Rochester Adult Center for Education (RACE)

1440 John R Road in Rochester Hills 248-726-5950 | www.rochester.k12.mi.us

0233-2325

The MET prepaid tuition savings program enables grandparents to ensure the legacy of their grandchildren’s future education. It is a safe, secure and fexible way to pay today’s prices for future tuition at any qualifed college or trade school in the U.S.

MIDCENTURY MODERN make your own masterpiece

BY DEAN VAGLIA dvaglia@candgnews.com

METRO DETROIT — Classic yet timeless, stylish yet casual, midcentury modern design has gone from a symbol of postwar futurism to a retro aesthetic that makes any space pop.

Changing up a room or whole home to fit the midcentury modern style can be a fun project for anyone looking to spruce up their living space and is a more accessible look to achieve than one might think.

Before diving headfirst into a midcentury modern redesign, understanding the history and ideas behind the art movement give key insights into what designers were thinking.

Gregory Wittkopp, director of the Cranbrook Center for Collections and Research, said midcentury modern pioneers were living in an America dominated by Tudor and Colonial Revival buildings. These styles were steeped in European history, and the pioneers saw that history as one of the causes of the two world wars that ravaged the first half of the 20th century.

“Coming out of the ethos of World War II, (the question was) how could (designers) create a style that has less history associated with it, that seemed fresh (and) gave everybody a sense of creating a clean slate,” Wittkopp said.

The style’s pioneers found inspiration in Europe’s interwar modern art movements, particularly the International Style and Bauhaus. The sharp lines, plain colors and simple use of materials stood in sharp contrast to the styles of old, but it took until the 1950s for designers to take the interwar styles and give them a distinctly American feel.

“It was almost seen as too stark — too modern, if you will,” Wittkopp said. “After World War II, it is taking (the International Style) but it is creating a style

See MIDCENTURY on page 24A

Ann Arbor home interiors designed by Elin Walters, of Exactly Designs, utilize the geometry, natural materials, and bold patterns and colors of the midcentury modern style. Photos provided by Elin Walters

Midcentury

from page 22A

that I think has a little more humanity to it. It was a little bit more of a sense that you could picture you and your family living in these environments, whereas that was a little bit harder to do with the International Style.”

Elin Walters, owner and principal designer of Ann Arbor-based Exactly Designs, finds the midcentury modern aesthetic as one defined by clean geometric shapes, natural materials and eye-catching colors.

“Things are linear, round, colorful (and have) lots of patterns,” Walters said. “It’s kind of just a clean look, but a warm look so it doesn’t look sterile. It’s not too ornate; just kind of clean and simple but with a lot of style.”

As Americans moved to the suburbs, developers began making homes in the midcentury modern style. Midcentury modern interior design took form as a way to decorate that did not clash with the building’s design and materials. A key goal among the furniture and textile designers was to build something to work for all occasions. One furniture line that exemplifies this is “Flexible Home Arrangements,” by J. Robert F. Swanson and Pipsan Saarinen.

“It was this modular line of furniture that had much more streamlined shapes and forms to it,” Wittkopp said. “It was still upholstered, but it wasn’t an overstuffed feel, but the fact it was modular was pretty keen. It was the beginnings of creating a sectional feeding system where, depending on the size of your living room, this might turn into a U-shape, it might be a simple L or it could just be the sofa component of it. So, giving you that flexibility to really make it seem it was customized for every single home, and yet being able to do this (by) taking advantage of mass production skills.”

Through the style’s pioneers to the furniture and textile designers working in response to the homes, midcentury modern design evolved into something to which everyone had access. Though the style faded in popularity during the 1970s, its rediscovery and large cultural footprint have kept midcentury modern relevant to this day.

In her work as the principal designer of Exactly Designs, Walters specializes in midcentury modern redesigns and has worked on various projects aimed at restoring spaces to their original aesthetic and modifying modern spaces to fit the midcentury style.

When it comes to re-creating the midcentury modern style, she said it is important to “bring the outdoors inside.”

“A lot of midcentury modern homes have floor-to-ceiling glass; it’s trying to mix the outdoors and the indoors,” Walters said. “Whether you’re bringing in plants, you have built-in planters in your house — it’s just trying to segue the two together.”

Using materials that have a natural look and reducing the use of window treatments all go a long way to make a space feel as natural as possible.

Sometimes a space is not the most conducive to the midcentury modern look; the roofline may be too typical or the natural light not as plentiful, but Walters said not to fret.

“I even go into homes built in the early 1900s, and someone will say, ‘I really like the midcentury modern aesthetic. ... What can you do?’” Walters said. “I’ll say we really have to go as clean as possible. If you have any detailed woodwork or have any cornices or you have molding, let’s take it all down. Let’s try to get the walls as clean and straightforward as possible, and then that gives you a backdrop to then bring in the aesthetic that’s a lot cleaner and less ornate.”

Even if the home itself fits the style, potential do-it-yourself remodelers may believe a midcentury modern space is not truly one without vintage, original furniture from the likes of Eero Saarinen or Charles and Ray Eames, but Walters said not to worry about that.

“We’re really in a decade that honors the midcentury modern aesthetic, so a lot of companies, even like West Elm, CB2 (and) Target, will have what they call midcentury modern furniture,” Walters said.

“Sure, it’s not the Eames Chair, you’re not going to spend $5,000 on a chair, you’re going to spend a couple hundred dollars on a chair that’s going to have some components of that aesthetic, but it’s very in vogue right now.”

Many staples of the midcentury modern era remain available today as companies like Knoll and Herman Miller are still producing classic Eames, Saarinen and others’ works. Trying to find vintage furniture of the era is still a viable way to get the midmod look, but the popularity of the style has made it hard in recent years.

“It’s getting harder and harder to make those finds and strike a deal because it is in vogue and people know what it’s worth,” Walters said.

Some of Walters’ favorite antique shops in the area are the Tom Gibbs Studio and Vogue Vintage, both on Hilton Road in Ferndale. Online shopping sites like Etsy are another way Walters hunts for period-made decor.

Ultimately, Walters said to approach midcentury modern with the mind to have fun, as well as to be brave when using colors and patterns.

“There’s nothing that is so permanent that you can’t have a little fun,” Walters said.

“I find that when people venture out a little bit from what they are comfortable with, it’s usually a good thing.”

Walters encourages people to spend time living in their homes before making any major style changes. While the drive to redesign may be tempting, sometimes the space might be fine as is. Taking all the home’s rooms into account and making sure they fit together after the redesign is critical.

Wittkopp believes anyone looking to work with midcentury modern should examine examples of the design in the wild. While Michigan is packed with midcentury modern homes and buildings, the Smith House by Frank Lloyd Wright can be found right near the Cranbrook Campus.

“(Wright) really created a model for what this period really could be in terms of creating an open but fairly compact home that would incorporate all of the elements,” Wittkopp said. “A carport instead of a garage, no basement, built on a slab, no attic, the flat roof (and) the connection between the interior and the outside. These were all the hallmarks of midcentury modern that I would encourage people to learn about and educate themselves about.”

Smith House tours can be booked by visiting center.cranbrook.edu.

Bischoff

ERA.

Bischoff would attend the University of Toledo from 2018-2021 before joining Michigan State University in 2022 where he earned third team all-Big-Ten honors, leading the conference with 12 saves (second in Michigan State history).

Baseball has always been a staple in the Bischoff family; his older brother, Owen Bischoff, played baseball at Adrian College and Rochester University.

A three-year age difference never stopped the brothers from being competitive, but Owen would catch his younger brother’s bullpen sessions, and Bischoff eventually was able to wear his big brother’s number in high school.

“I definitely learned a lot from my brother because I obviously loved baseball my whole life, but watching him grow as a player really taught me a lot,” Bischoff said.

Like the support and encouragement his brother gave him, Bischoff’s family made sure to be at every game throughout his ten-

Right-handed pitcher Kyle Bischoff, who played for the Westside Woolly Mammoths, became the 48th player to be signed by an MLB organization from the United Shore Professional Baseball League. Bischoff tallied 15 strikeouts in eight innings this season for the Woolly Mammoths before being signed by the Minnesota Twins.

ure in the USPBL.

Being a local kid in the league, Bischoff became an immediate crowd favorite, and with the packed fan section at each game — now with his wife, family and friends — Bischoff was well represented at each game.

“A lot of supporters all the time,” Bischoff said. “My fiancée was at every single game, my parents came to just about everything, and her family came to everything. That was very cool. Every time I came into a game, they’d announce Eisenhower grad, Macomb, Michigan and the local boy. I always got a little applause. That was pretty cool.”

Bischoff said he’ll always remember his time at Jimmy John’s Field. He said it was the perfect steppingstone.

“It was amazing,” Bischoff said. “It was a great introduction to pro ball. It was packed every single game and the fans were really into it. I had a little taste of it at Michigan State, but some of those big-league games nobody is in the stands. Every single game, the adrenaline was pumping and you’re in a clubhouse full of guys with affiliate experience and guys who are in the same shoes as you at 22, 23 years old.”

Photo provided by Katie Page

Softball

from page 6A

On June 2 at Utica High School, Ford (30-12) achieved the first step on its list of goals with a 7-6 win over Utica to earn the Michigan High School Athletic Association Division 1 District 26 title. However, the job wasn’t finished.

Behind an impressive showing on both sides of the field, Ford outscored Bloomfield Hills and Warren Regina 25-6 collectively to take home the MHSAA Region 7 title on June 10 at Troy Athens High School.

Talk about setting the tone: senior Eliana Karas batted 7-for-8 with two home runs and 6 RBIs through both regional matchups as Ford’s offense exploded onto the scene.

Senior Rylee Hesske, junior Addison Hill, junior Gabriella Mecca, junior Samantha Yantus and Nilson continued to keep the bats going alongside Karas.

Combine that with a dynamic pitching duo of junior Jade Kuspky and sophomore Jenna Walters, and Ford was nearly untouchable throughout the state tournament.

For all that firepower, it’s hard to believe that it’s not the team’s strongest attribute. The team’s strongest attribute is its bond.

“It’s really more like a sisterhood,” Nilson said. “Previous years, there were cliques, but we do everything together. I know that even if it’s not related to softball or I’m going through something, one of the girls has my back. It doesn’t matter if you’re a junior or a sophomore. I know that the team is there for each other no matter what.”

Ford was together on the state tourna-

ment journey, which concluded in a quarterfinals loss to Lake Orion June 14 at Troy Athens High School.

With the amount of talent at Ford, there’s an expectation that this team should be right back up there in 2024 with Kupsky, Yantus, Mecca, Hill and Walters at the helm, but it’s a tough goodbye for Nilson, Karas and Hesske, who have been staples in the program since stepping onto the field.

The seniors wanted to lay a foundation for the underclassmen to follow next season, and Ford coach Matthew Joseph said they did just that.

“They’ve done an unbelievable job of leading this team, and in different ways,” Joseph said. “It’s been the work ethic that I’ve been most happy with. When your seniors are your hardest workers, everything kind of falls in place because that’s status quo. It says to the kids coming that, ‘OK, that’s what we’re supposed to do.’ Everybody is working hard and I don’t have to stress that because they get it done.”

Ford, who competed in the Macomb Area Conference-Red this season, will look to earn the school’s first league title since 2012 next year, and it’ll be up to the 2024 senior class to continue the leadership tradition. By the looks of this season, they’re in great hands.

As for the seniors, just as they used to look up to the banners in the gym, future classes will be staring at this year hoping to achieve the same success.

But at the end of the day, Ford’s ‘sisterhood’ will always remain strong.

“I love these girls so much,” Karas said.

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

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OF THE WEEK • CRIME OF THE WEEK

Man arrested after tampering with beverages

GROSSE POINTE FARMS — A 26-year-old Detroit man is said to have tampered with beverages at the McDonald’s at 18201 Mack Ave. in Detroit and then did the same with a water bottle at Village Food Market across the street at around 9:15 a.m. May 29.

According to a police report, the suspect poured an unknown substance into beverages in an employees-only area at McDonald’s just before they were going to be served to customers. He is then said to have opened a bottle of water for sale at Village Market and poured something in it that turned the water pink.

The suspect told police that he needed to give people “the cure” and was following a directive from his god to add this substance to beverages to heal people. The suspect was cited for retail fraud for taking the water bottle and tampering with it without paying for it, and he was transported to a nearby hospital for a psychological evaluation.

Victim loses thousands to con artist

GROSSE POINTE WOODS — A resident in the 500 block of Heather Lane filed a report with police May 31 after becoming the victim of an unknown con artist or con artists. In February, the victim said she was contacted by an unknown male suspect who claimed he was Todd Sloane, senior vice president of Publishers Clearing House. The suspect told the victim she had won $5.5 million but needed to wire cash to pay for taxes on the winnings before claiming the jackpot.

The victim made seven cash transfers over a six-week period totaling $102,000 that were wired to the suspect. In March, the suspect — who police said appears to be in Connecticut — instructed the victim to purchase and send a Rolex watch to an address in New York. Police said the watch was received and signed for by a different suspect March 21. The victim has since changed all her accounts and gotten an identity theft monitoring service, police said.

Women get into fight at store

GROSSE POINTE CITY — A 43-year-old Harrison Township woman and a 60-year-old Grosse Pointe City woman could be facing assault and battery charges after police said they got into a physical confrontation at The Village Kroger store at around 9 p.m. May 31. A police report states that the fight stemmed from the actions of the daughter of one of the suspects.

Someone tries to duplicate woman’s debit card

SHELBY TOWNSHIP — At 11 a.m. May 13, a woman came to the Police Department to file a fraud report. She stated that she had received a call from

her bank May 10 informing her that someone was trying to duplicate her debit card. The bank also advised her that someone was trying to change her personal information that was associated with her bank account. Upon talking to the bank, it was discovered that someone had tried to charge more than $9,000 worth of purchases on her cards, but the transactions were all declined.

Breaking and entering, theft reported ST. CLAIR SHORES — At 6:50 a.m. on May 25, a report was made about a breaking and entering and theft that occurred between 2:50 a.m. and 3:10 a.m. on the same day in the 21000 block of Madison Street.

Upon arrival at the listed location, two officers spoke with the victim, a 35-year-old man, who said when he woke up that morning, he discovered someone had gone into his garage and taken one of his ATVs. The man had posted the ATV for sale on Facebook Marketplace, but he did not recall any suspicious activity regarding the post.

The garage had been left closed but with the pedestrian door unlocked. Behind the garage, a large hole was cut into the fence. It appeared the driveway was too congested with cars and there was not enough room to get through.

An officer spoke with a neighbor, a 65-year-old man, who said that at around 3 a.m., a camera in his backyard captured two male subjects pushing the ATV out of the yard and down the driveway.

The victim did not notice any other belongings missing from the garage. While going back to the station to pick up equipment, an officer located the stolen ATV on Madison Street. The ATV did not appear to have any damage but was missing the ignition key. The ATV was dusted for fingerprints and the victim was notified.

Ear wax remover, cane stolen from drugstore

STERLING HEIGHTS — Police went to a drugstore along Van Dyke Avenue May 20 and heard from a manager that a heavyset woman in her 20s or 30s wanted to return a medical ear wax remover and a foldable walking cane, without a receipt, that she claimed she had bought earlier from another store location.

The manager reportedly told the woman to return to the original store from which the items had allegedly been bought. Store staff reportedly added that a cane and ear wax remover were missing from their shelves.

Surveillance footage reportedly showed the suspect going into the store with an empty plastic bag and then being in the section where the stolen items are shelved. Police said they have no leads and took no other action.