6/28/23 Journal

Commission applies for rec grant, reiterates support for manager

BY DEAN VAGLIA dvaglia@candgnews.com

MOUNT CLEMENS — The Mount Clemens City Commission took a step in expanding the city’s recreation offerings at its June 19 meeting, giving the green light to apply for a Michigan Department of Natural Resources Spark Grant.

Intended by the DNR to help local municipalities expand and rejuvenate community recreation options, city of Mount Clemens staff members have highlighted four projects as eligible for grants: an inclusive playground, a nonmotorized pathway, ADA-accessible parking and a viewing rain garden. All of the proj-

See GRANT on page 7A

Harrison Scout builds garden at senior center

BY DEAN VAGLIA dvaglia@candgnews.com

HARRISON TOWNSHIP —

On the road to becoming an Eagle Scout, members of the Boy Scouts of America give back to their communities. For Harrison Township Scout Milan Edwards, giving back came in the form of helping seniors.

On June 10, Edwards and other Scouts from Troop 1407, based in St. Clair Shores, took to the Harrison Township Senior Center and spent the day building amenities for its garden. The group of Scouts built standing flower planters, swivel-back benches, wall planters and a sign for the garden.

“Additionally, thanks to the Central Macomb Optimist Club, we donated a bike rack for them,” said Edwards, 16.

The road to Edwards’ Eagle Scout project began when he joined the Scouts as a fourth grader.

See GARDEN on page 7A

ABOVE: Harrison Township Scout Milan Edwards stands with two planters built as part of his Eagle Scout project. Edwards and other Troop 1407 Scouts built standing flower planters, swivel-back benches, wall planters and a sign for the Harrison Township Senior Center garden.

RIGHT: Hand-built planters and benches bring new life to the Harrison Township Senior Center garden, built as part of Edwards’ Eagle Scout project.

Photos provided by the Edwards family

Macomb Township 2-year-old saved from drowning

BY DEAN VAGLIA dvaglia@candgnews.com

MOUNT CLEMENS — Tragedy turned to triumph for one Macomb Township family after fast action from Macomb County Sheriff’s deputies, Macomb Township firefighters and hospital staff saved 2-yearold Mira Lateef from drowning in an above-ground pool.

It all began on the morning of June 3. Saif and Hanan, Mira’s father and mother, were going about their morning when Hanan noticed something was off.

“She was eating peacefully and watching cartoons, and one or two minutes after that, I get this feeling there’s something wrong,” Hanan said.

It was too quiet around the house and, after what seemed like less than a minute of searching, Hanan found Mira floating in the backyard pool.

“She was blue, no heartbeat, something white coming out from her mouth,” Hanan said, recounting Mira’s condition upon retrieving her from the pool.

See MIRA on page 9A

THERE’S NO NEED TO FEAR SWARMS OF FISHFLIES

BY K. MICHELLE MORAN kmoran@candgnews.com

METRO DETROIT — If you live or work somewhere close to Lake St. Clair, you’re likely familiar with fishflies — the winged insects that seem to arrive in swarms every summer, covering buildings, fluttering around streetlights after dark, and dying en masse under

said streetlights, creating stinky piles of bug carcasses.

Several hundred fishflies could be seen on the campus of The War Memorial in Grosse Pointe Farms June 14, and David Lowenstein, an entomologist and consumer horticulture extension educator with the Michigan State University Extension Center, said he spotted some in St. Clair Shores a few days earlier.

“They’ve been out for about a week or so,” Low-

enstein said when reached by phone June 14. “Anytime within the next two weeks would be right on track (for their arrival).”

They emerge in batches of thousands to millions over a roughly two- to three-week period each summer.

Fishflies — which are technically mayflies — might seem like a nuisance, especially for business owners who

See FISHFLIES on page 4A

ABOVE: Saif Lateef, Hanan Lateef and daughter Mira Lateef visited the Macomb County Jail on June 8 for a reunion with first responders after Mira was saved from drowning on June 3.

LEFT: Saif Lateef hugs Macomb County Sheriff’s Office Deputy Jonathan Potocki, one of the first responders who helped save the life of his daughter, Mira, on June 3.

Photos by Dean Vaglia

Fishflies

from page 3A

find themselves clearing scores of them off their windows and buildings, but they play a vital role in the ecosystem.

Lowenstein said the insects “spend the majority of their lives” in the water — about one to three years. In this larvae phase, he said, they are an important food source for fish, which will also dine on fishflies that happen to land on the surface of the water.

They’re also a sign that the lakes are relatively clean and not full of pollutants.

“They only emerge where the water quality is good and there’s a lot of dissolved oxygen,” Lowenstein said. “We actually want there to be a large emergence of fishflies.”

The insects are really only seen in communities adjacent to large bodies of water, such as the Grosse Pointes, St. Clair Shores and Harrison Township, Lowenstein said.

“You only see them (in this area) if you’re 1 to 2 miles from Lake St. Clair,” Lowenstein said.

Fishflies emerge from the water in a subimago phase, where their wings aren’t fully developed yet, Lowenstein said. They only live for approximately one to two days outside the water, because they don’t have mouth parts as fishflies and therefore can’t eat. During this time, male fishflies mate with their female counterparts, the latter of which then return to the water to lay their eggs.

While their large numbers might look intimidating, fishflies neither bite nor sting.

“They’re a little annoying and they smell fishy, but they’re no threat to you or your garden,” Lowenstein said.

Lowenstein said there are more than 100 different species of fishflies/mayflies, the most common of which in this area is the Hex mayfly.

For a variety of bird species, fishflies are an easy food source.

Drivers need to be cautious because piles of dead fishflies on roadways can create slick

Fishflies have started arriving in lakefront communities. The winged insects could be found clinging to The War Memorial — on Lake St. Clair in Grosse Pointe Farms — on June 14.

spots, but otherwise, these insects don’t pose a threat to anyone.

“You don’t need to take any action if you find fishflies,” Lowenstein said.

These insects can be found all over the country, not just in the Great Lakes region; anywhere there’s a large body of water — such as the Mississippi River — people can find fishflies, Lowenstein said. There are just more of them in Michigan because of the prevalence of multiple large bodies of water, such as Lake St. Clair.

Photo by K. Michelle Moran

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Anton Center celebrates 120 years of Detroit painters, sculptors’ society

MOUNT CLEMENS — From June 24 to Aug. 12, the Anton Art Center’s first-floor gallery will showcase the works of the Detroit Society of Women Painters and Sculptors in a celebration of the society’s 120 years of art in the city.

“Celebrating 120 Years of Art in Detroit” will display 50 pieces of art from a selection of over 100 submissions by painters and sculptors from the society. The exhibit is juried by Stephanie James, the director, curator and collection educator at the Mott-Warsh Collection in Flint, Michigan.

Established in 1903 by Lillian Burk Meeser, the DSWPS is one of the oldest self-sustaining women’s art organizations in the United States. The society aims to develop an appreciation for contemporary art movements, encourage high achievement and active participation among its members and provide support and encouragement to art students. The DSWPS achieves these goals through exhibitions, programs, and an annual scholarship awarded to a woman student attending art classes in an accredited college.

“There’s something powerful about knowing you’re a part of a landmark artist group,” artist Jaclyn Gordyan said in a statement. “Especially one devoted to elevating women’s voices that have historically been diminished in the art world. I’m proud to be a part of this show to share my voice in the loud song of the other artists beside me.”

The Anton Art Center is open from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Tuesdays through Saturdays. Admission is free.

CMPL hosting events in July

CLINTON TOWNSHIP — The Clinton-Macomb Public Library kicks off its July events at the North Branch with Drummunity on Saturday, July 8, at 11 a.m.

This family-friendly event will allow all visitors to play the drums with percussionist Lori Fithian.

The South Branch will host an introduction to genealogy session on Saturday, July 15, at 10 a.m., using Ancestry Family Edition and other family history sites. Participants can bring their own computers and the library will have several available.

Tweens aged 8-12 will get their chance to solve a crime scene and learn about forensics and use science, logic and problem-solving skills on Saturday, July 15, at 2:30 p.m. Tweens can also build pom-pom poppers, pool noodle rocket flingers and paper airplanes at the Main Branch on Wednesday, July 19, at 3 p.m.

The Main Library will host Legends of Detroit Television on Monday, July 24, at 7 p.m. Tim Kiska — Michigan Journalism Hall of Famer, professor and voice of The Detroit History Podcast — will discuss the history of Detroit television broadcasting, its characters and how they influenced the city’s personality and social agenda. Entertainer and singer Vanessa Carr will visit the Main Library on Wednesday, July 26, at 6:30 p.m. to host a show featuring songs, dancing and storytelling inspired by iconic shows. Visit http://cmpl.libnet.info/events for a full list of events or to register for events.

MOUNT CLEMENS — DarNisha Hardaway and her daughter Steffini, 12, of Detroit, pose with their business Minnie’s Sweets Treats at the Mount Clemens Downtown Development Authority’s Juneteenth celebration.

The city of Mount Clemens celebrated Juneteenth (which fell on June 19) all weekend long with multiple events honoring the end of slavery in the United States. The Cairns Community Center hosted events between June 16 and June 19, while the Mount Clemens DDA hosted its first downtown Juneteenth celebration on June 16 and June 17.

“The crowd was very consistent,” said Michelle Weiss, the DDA’s marketing and events coordinator. “It didn’t get crazy packed, but it was constant all day.”

Weiss says plans are in the works for another DDA Juneteenth celebration in 2024.

New director at county health department

MACOMB COUNTY — County Executive Mark Hackel announced on June 20 the appointment of Krista Willette, R.N., M.S.A., as the new director of the Macomb County Health Department MCHD. Willette is currently the deputy director of the MCHD.

“Krista’s background gives her the experience and unique perspective required for leading the Macomb County Health Department,” Hackel said in a statement. “She knows the programs and the people, and she’s connected to the individuals and families we serve. This knowledge, combined with her skills as a trained medical professional, ensures a strong future for our Health Department and the important programming it provides.”

Willette

Willette began her career at the MCHD in 1995 as a public health nurse and has provided supervisory and management support for many programs including community outreach, maternal and child health, and clinic services. In her role as deputy director, Willette was responsible for the daily operations of the department, which has a budget of $31 million and more than 250 employees.

“It is an honor to be given the opportunity to lead the Health Department,” Willette said in a statement. “I look forward to continuing to work with the dedicated professionals of the department to reestablish priorities and move the department forward post COVID response.”

Photo by Erin Sanchez

Grant

from page 1A

ects are located at Memorial Park.

The estimated cost of the projects totals to around $1,052,600. The grant would cover about $768,300 while the city will provide about $284,300 to help make the application more competitive.

“With Mount Clemens and everything happening in this town, we need to have a barrier-free opportunity for people of all abilities to access recreation,” said Linda Davis-Kirksey, of Davis Kirksey Associates Inc., the firm helping the city with grants. “You don’t have that right now.”

Mount Clemens is looking for its share of $23 million in state grant funds and currently has letters of support from former

City Commissioner and state Rep. Denise Mentzer and Mount Clemens Mayor Laura Kropp, among other supporters and organizations.

Garbage collection rate increase

Commissioners also voted to raise the refuse collection fee from $141 per residence to $181 per residence, coming into effect for the summer 2023 tax bill.

According to City Manager Gregg Shipman, the increase is the first of its kind since 2011 and is not tied to the recent switch to Priority Waste as the city’s residential trash collection contractor. It will reportedly prevent the city from losing a projected $104,000 in fiscal year 2023 had fee remained at $141.

The city will conduct an annual review of the rate to determine if an increase or de-

crease is necessary. Support for Shipman, statement clarifications

After commissioners approved a contract by a vote of 6-1 to hire Shipman at the June 5 meeting, Commissioner Barb Dempsey spoke with a reporter about why she chose to vote against approving the theninterim manager and fire chief to the position.

Reportedly, her main concerns were a lack of experience in city management positions, her discomfort with the severance package in Shipman’s contract, and several resignations and the termination of the city’s finance director since Shipman became the interim manager.

Commissioner Laura Fournier used her time during the commissioner comments

portion of the meeting to lend support to Shipman by acknowledging his nearly three decades of work in Mount Clemens municipal roles and his leadership of the Mount Clemens Fire Department; supporting the timing and method of the finance director’s removal; and praising the way he handled working with the commission during his time as interim manager.

“Gregg has excellent communication skills and in my tenure on this commission I have never been better informed about what is going on than under Gregg’s leadership,” Fournier said. “Case in point (on) Sunday morning (I) get a two-page, at least, dissertation on all the current issues and timelines on things that are going on in the city.”

Commissioner Glenn Voorhess lent his support to Shipman’s hiring as well.

from page 1A

“It looked fun and interesting and just different, I suppose, because there was nothing quite like it around,” Edwards said. “It was also the people there as well, which were really welcoming and fun to be around.”

He kept with the organization through middle school and into high school, finding friendship among those who remained with the troop through camping trips and other activities. One fateful trip took Troop 1407 down to Indiana where everything went terribly wrong.

“It was a disaster from the start,” Edwards said. “A tornado had come in the day before and closed off the road access, so we slept in a church. Throughout the whole week we were there, it was rainy and muddy, but we made the most of it from just having fun, experiencing the merit badges and making our own ways to pass the time and enjoy it. It was still an overall fun camp despite the sheer amount of rain and mud.”

Edwards originally planned on doing a project for veterans, but the inability to form plans and receive permissions led him to shifting his focus toward helping seniors.

“We ultimately went up to the senior center, which was asking for help with their garden area,” Edwards said. “We decided to pick that and help them the best way we could.”

Plans began to come into place in 2022 and were put on hold due to winter. Building the standing planters proved to be one of the hardest parts of the project, but Edwards was able to get some help.

“Their first garden consisted of five large standing flower beds of an intricate design,

which were actually a previous Eagle project that someone had donated there and built themselves,” Edwards said. “They wanted us trying to replicate them as best as possible and produce two more, which we ultimately were able to do almost exactly thanks to a former Scout leader named Larry Shock … We reached out to him to gain some guidance on how we were going about building.”

An Eagle Scout from Troop 209, based at Selfridge Air National Guard Base, named Michael Sherako built the original planters. A marker crediting Edwards’ and Sherako’s work is attached to the garden’s new sign. With the project behind him, Edwards’ road to Eagle does not have too much longer to go. At age 16, he has plenty of time to get the rank, and he’s using that time to go for full honors.

“After I do all the paperwork, I’m going to do several extra merit badges to earn something called an Eagle Palm,” Edwards said. “An Eagle Palm is sort of like a next rank for the Eagle Scouts. It’s a metal pin and there’s different levels depending on how many extra merit badges you do. For five extra, it’s a bronze palm, for 10, it’s a (golden) palm, and I believe 15 marks a (silver) palm. I have to complete two more and I should earn all three of my palms.”

Edwards plans to maintain a role within Troop 1407 even after he becomes an Eagle Scout.

“I may come back as a junior leader at some point to help the new Scouts along their way to becoming Eagle Scouts,” Edwards said.

Helping younger members of Troop 1407 achieve Eagle is part of Edwards’ goal to help further the troop’s record of awarding an average of two Scouts with the BSA’s highest rank since 1955.

BEHIND THE WHEEL

8A/ JOURNAL • JUNE 28, 2023

excitement: BUILDING

FANS CELEBRATE THE PONTIAC FIERO’S 40TH ANNIVERSARY

PAST EMPLOYEES INVITED TO SPECIAL REUNION

BY MARIA ALLARD allard@candgnews.com

PONTIAC — Forty years ago, the Pontiac Fiero drove off the lot for the first time and found its niche in the sports car community.

Although the two-seater car was only in production for five years, from 1983 to 1988, there are still Pontiac Fiero owners nationwide.

To acknowledge the 40-year anniversary of the Pontiac Fiero this year, a celebration will be held July 12-16 in Pontiac. Presented by M1 Concourse, the celebration will bring home the last Pontiacs made in Pontiac, including the very last car ever produced there — a 1988 Pontiac Fiero GT.

Other cars that will be on-site include PPG Pace Cars, the 2+2 Fiero prototype, other Fiero prototypes and special cars from the GM Heritage Center collection.

There will be a collection of Fiero vehicles on display. Members of the Pontiac Motorsports Division, Pontiac Design Studio and Pontiac Engineering are expected to attend.

The Pontiac Transportation Museum, also a sponsor of the event, will collect oral history testimonies to document individual stories. The three original 1984 Indy Pace Cars are confirmed to be at the event, marking the first time all three cars have been together since race day nearly 40 years ago.

Event organizers have set aside July 15 to hold a special reunion for all the employees who once worked on the Fiero. The Fiero Project Reunion will be held from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. at the Auburn Hills Marriott in Pontiac.

The Midwest Fiero Clubs Region of the Antique Automobile Club of America (AACA) is reaching out to all past workers — from plant workers to project engineers — to attend. Former employees are welcome to attend the Distinguished Speaker event at the Crofoot Ballroom Hall on July 13.

Jennifer Goss and Fred Bartemeyer are co-chairing the anniversary celebration.

“We’d like to get the word out about the event,” said Goss, who resides in Staunton, Virginia. “The reunion is to gather and to reminisce.”

So far, 25 people — including people from Washington state, New England and Arizona — have responded, but organizers hope to attract many more.

ABOVE: Jennifer Goss, right, has a passion for the Pontiac Fiero because of her dad, Jim Gilbert, left.

RIGHT: Jennifer Goss’ parents, Jim and Cyndi Gilbert, were excited when Jim won a Pontiac Fiero in the 1980s. At the time, they lived in Reading, Pennsylvania. Jim died in 2020.

Photos provided by Jennifer Goss

Goss, who will be in attendance, grew up in a family of Fiero enthusiasts.

“It’s always been a fun sports car that has a great community,” Goss said.

Her dad, Jim Gilbert, even won his own black Fiero after participating in a contest.

“He was very excited,” Goss remembered of her dad, who died in 2020. “He loved the car.”

Her dad’s winning car is now a keepsake.

“I still have it,” Goss said.

There are still Fiero buffs in the U.S. and around the world who have hung onto their cars from the ’80s and are collectors like Goss and her husband, who have eight Fieros.

“It brings back memories of earlier times in their

lives,” Goss said. “The young people, they know how timeless they are. The Fiero has aged well.”

The Midwest Fiero Clubs Region AACA current members include Heartland Fiero Club; Michigan Fiero Club; Wisconsin Fiero Fanatics; Mid-Atlantic Fiero Owners Association; Northern Illinois Fiero Enthusiasts; Kansas City Fiero Owners Group; Minnesota Fieros Forever; Midwest Fieros; North Texas Fiero Club; and Mid-America Fieros. The 10 clubs collaborate to promote and preserve the Pontiac Fiero and the Fiero Community.

“We share our interests, passions and friendships,” said Bartemeyer, Midwest Fiero Clubs Region AACA president. “It’s to bring everyone together to have a central resource. We’re a small, close-knit community.”

‘We share our interests, passions and friendships.’

ABOVE: Fred Bartemeyer, left, and John Callies pose with Bartemeyer’s 1984 Indy PPG Fiero Pace Car.

Photo provided by Melinda Kollins

Mira

from page 3A

Hanan called for Saif and called 911 for the first time in her life. After getting on the call with Macomb County Sheriff’s Office dispatcher Lindsey McCord, officers were on the scene at the Lateef residence within five minutes and were soon joined by Macomb Township Fire Department and Medstar ambulance personnel. At that time, Saif performed CPR on Mira while receiving instructions from McCord.

“It’s not even two or three words before I start seeing all the police officers around me, and I really can’t handle it at this point,” Saif said. “A couple seconds ago, I feel Mira, she’s still alive and has a heart (that’s) still beating, and at that minute I could not do anything any further, and I just see the police arrive from everywhere. They come from my back, from the garage, from all the doors, and right next second, I couldn’t really do anything.”

Medical responders rushed Mira to Henry Ford Hospital Macomb in Clinton Township before airlifting her to Beaumont Hospital in Royal Oak, where she was given pediatric trauma care. It took about an hour before Mira was off oxygen assistance, and within 24 hours, she made a full recovery.

“Twenty-four hours later, it was like nothing happened,” Saif said. “It was the worst 24 hours in my life that I ever experienced, but Mira, she’s here. Every time I look at her face, every time I hear her voice or I hear her call my name, it takes that pain out.”

The Lateef family was reunited with McCord and responding deputies Mitchell Blount and Jonathan Potocki and Macomb County Sheriff’s Office Sgt. Chuck Medley at the Macomb County Jail on June 8. Due

Mira Lateef waves to the audience during a reunion with first responders at the Macomb County Jail on June 8. Mira was rescued by Macomb County Sheriff’s Office deputies and Macomb Township Fire Department personnel after nearly drowning in an above-ground pool at home on June 3.

to commitments, Macomb Township firefighters Jason Krozek, Robert Huck, Ryan Randlett and Bernie Wouters were unable to make it, represented instead by Chief Robert Phillips of the Macomb Township Fire Department.

“They performed exactly as I would expect them to, as anyone would expect them to,” Phillips said of the firefighters. “Not only that, they went above and beyond. It certainly wasn’t an easy scene whatsoever. … They did exactly what needed to be done; what they do every single day when they respond to a call.”

Deputies Blount and Potocki were given flowers by Saif, who thanked them for the quick response.

“You don’t really think about (the rescue) until after the fact,” Potocki said. “What we go through in training and things like that, we just react and we went with it. It didn’t hit us all until after the fact that we thought about what could’ve been the outcome. We’re both parents (Potocki and Blount), so it hit home that day.”

For Blount, calls like this one are what being a deputy is all about.

“That’s what this is all about is being there for the community, and that’s what we’re working for,” Blount said. “Just to see little Mira smile is worth it.”

According to Saif, this was the second time he has used CPR to help save a child’s life since emigrating from Iraq to the United States. In 2009, a friend’s son began to drown in a river when Saif jumped in, pulled him ashore and rescued him by providing CPR until help could arrive.

The American Red Cross has a CPR/ automated external defibrillator class finder on its website at redcross.org. CPR/AED certification requires taking a class and is renewed by taking a class at least every two years.

Photo by Dean Vaglia

EXPL RE

WILL BE FEATURING STORIES ABOUT NORTHERN MICHIGAN DESTINATIONS FOR OUR READERS TO EXPLORE.

LUDINGTON IS A PREMIER LAKE MICHIGAN BEACH TOWN

BY GREG TASKER

LUDINGTON — If you haven’t been to Ludington in a while, it’s time to give this Lake Michigan beach town another visit.

And not just because the city is celebrating its 150th anniversary this year (though that is a good reason). As far as beach towns go, Ludington offers everything you’d expect: miles and miles of sandy beaches, ice cream and fudge shops, a downtown flush with souvenir and gift shops, and longstanding restaurants that are part of the tradition of returning to favorite beach towns.

In the last few years, new restaurants, breweries and other attractions have opened up, adding to the city’s appeal. There are now three breweries in and around Ludington. A couple of wineries have sprouted up outside town, and the city created a social district along several downtown blocks. A

food truck court along U.S. 10 offers other casual dining options. The pink Brunch Babes food truck is a standout, serving variations of classic brunch dishes with tater tots.

These are all wonderful additions to Ludington, of course, but blending the new with old is really your best bet to experience the charms of this western Michigan city. Participating in local traditions, like watching the car-and-passenger ferry, the S.S. Badger, return from Wisconsin each evening, will bring a smile to your face. Locals and visitors start to gather around 6:30 p.m., some standing on car roofs, others waving handmade signs to welcome passengers to Michigan.

Locals also recommend newcomers take a walk to the iconic Big Sable Point Lighthouse, which stands in Ludington State Park, a few miles outside of the city. The See LUDINGTON on page 11A

HERE ARE SOME SUGGESTIONS FOR A WEEKEND GETAWAY IN LUDINGTON:

WHERE TO GO: The newly opened Mason County Historical Society is a good place to get your bearings about historical attractions. You can also take tours to learn the history of the region. Purchase tickets to Historic White Pine Village and the Port of Ludington Maritime Museum in the society’s Emporium and Sweet Shop, stocked with history books, souvenirs and candy. Across the street is the Sandcastles Children’ Museum, a small museum with three stories of hands-on exhibits. One of the newest is ¡Hola!, featuring 10 conversational buttons throughout the building to help visitors learn Spanish phrases. Historic White Pine Village, several miles south of Ludington, explores the region’s lumbering and farming past in the late 19th and early 20th centuries with a collection of 30 historic buildings. You can purchase a combination ticket for the village, the maritime museum and the Mason County Research Center at the Emporium.

WHERE TO STAY: Ludington has several motels and bed and breakfast inns, many of them within walking distance of downtown and the beach. Summer’s Inn is a renovated motor lodge on Route 10, within blocks of downtown. The adults-only motel serves a

gourmet breakfast (quiche and fresh fruit were on the menu when I visited) and despite the busy road out front, the grounds are quiet. A free library and a courtyard garden add to the serenity. For elegant accommodations, consider the Cartier Mansion Bed and Breakfast, the restored former home of a lumber baron. The home’s Carriage House was recently renovated and has four suites. Guests receive a libation upon arrival and a gourmet breakfast each day. One of the owners’ unique offerings is pairing visitors with volunteer opportunities in the community.

WHERE TO EAT: The new hot spot is STIX, a renovated bowling alley, restaurant and biergarten outside of the city on the way to Ludington State Park. The biergarten is family friendly with games for adults and children. It’s a great place to grab a meal or a drink after hiking at the state park. Another favorite is Blu Moon Bistro & Cafe, which serves fresh sushi and offers a diverse menu. A local staple is Crown and Cork, formerly PM Steamers. The menu at this waterfront restaurant features Great Lakes seafood, burgers, steaks and more. No visit to Ludington would be complete with a stop at the House of Flavors, celebrating its 75th anniversary. The restaurant serves comfort food, sandwiches and is famous for its extensive selection of ice cream, made right next door at one of Michigan’s largest ice cream production plants.

ABOVE: Located in Ludington is the carand-passenger ferry, the S.S. Badger, which returns from Wisconsin each evening.

Photo provided by Pure Ludington

LEFT: House of Flavors, located in downtown Ludington, is celebrating its 75th anniversary.

Photo provided by ToddandBradReed.com

ABOVE: This year Ludington is celebrating its 150th anniversary. The Lake Michigan beach town offers visitors much to do and see.

Photo provided by Pure Ludington

Photo provided by ToddandBradReed.com

Pontiac Fiero

from page 8A

Members don’t have to own a Fiero to join.

“You just have to have the interest,” said Bartemeyer, of Davenport, Iowa. “A lot of people join our club to help find them a good car, specifically the Pontiac Fiero.”

Bartemeyer bought his first Fiero for $12,000 when he graduated from high school in 1985 at age 18. He saved enough money over the years shoveling snow and mowing lawns. He also took out a small loan to help with the purchase.

“I’ve been into cars my entire life. As a

Ludington

from page 10A

nearly 2-mile trail winds through low-lying dunes along the Lake Michigan shoreline. You can also bike, but no motorized vehicles are allowed on the trail. The climb (130 steps) to the top of the 112-foot tower is well worth the hike. Step out on the catwalk for unmatched views of Lake Michigan and Ludington State Park.

Just a few blocks from downtown, Stearns Park Beach on Lake Michigan is popular with beachgoers. The park is home to two concession stands (now operated by one of the owners of Brunch Babes, so expect more interesting menu options), shuffleboard, a skate park, mini golf, and playground and picnic areas. The pier to the North Breakwater Light is walkable and an ideal spot to watch the sunset.

young kid with a brand-new car, it was very exciting. It was an incredible experience,” Bartemeyer said. “I took people for rides. It got a lot of use. It was a lot of fun.”

One year later, Bartemeyer traded in his ’85 model for a new 1986 Pontiac Fiero GT when they came on the market.

“I had to have one,” he said.

To date, Bartemeyer owns 26 Fieros, including the 1986 GT model. He’ll bring eight of them to display at next month’s anniversary celebration.

To register for the reunion and for more information on all the 40-year celebrations, visit fiero40th.com. T-shirts are guaranteed only to attendees who register before July 1.

What makes Ludington unique among many beach towns is its cultural and historical amenities, including the Port of Ludington Maritime Museum and Historic White Pine Village. I ducked into the maritime museum on a cloudy beach day and was impressed with the exhibits and interactive displays. The museum explores the city’s history on the water, lumbering days, and the steamers and car ferries that once crowded its waters. An extensive exhibit on the Armistice Day Storm in 1940 is mesmerizing. The storm took the lives of 64 sailors on Lake Michigan. Their stories are told with survivor accounts, photographs and video of the shipwrecks at the lake’s bottom.

Greg Tasker is a Traverse City-based freelance writer. Greg’s articles focused on northern Michigan travel will appear in C & G Newspapers during the summer.

Photo provided by Jennifer Goss

Organizers have invited past employees who worked on the Pontiac Fiero to attend the Fiero Project Reunion from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. July 15 at the Auburn Hills Marriott in Pontiac.

PIPEFITTER APPRENTICESHIP

The JATC for the Pipefitting Industry and Pipefitters, Steamfitters, Refrigeration and Air Conditioning Service Local Union #636 of the United Association will be accepting applications for our Construction Apprenticeship beginning Wednesday, May 31,2023, through July 20, 2023. Application dates and times will be as followed: Monday, Wednesday & Thursdays from 9:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m., with Tuesday from 9:00 a.m. – 6:00 p.m. and Saturday, June 10 & Saturday June 24, from 9:00 a.m. – 11:00 a.m.

1. Qualifications necessary for an applicant to be considered are:

A. Must be 18 years or older.

B. A valid driver’s license

C. High School diploma or high school equivalency (GED) certificate.

D. Have an 85% or better combined score of these 3 tests WORK KEYS MATHMATICS WORK KEYS GRAPHIC LITERACY AND WIESEN MECHANICAL APPTITUDE TEST within one year of August 1st, 2023.

2. For details of the application process see our web page at www.pipefitters636tc.org

3. Applications may be downloaded and filled out or picked up at the training center but MUST be turned in in person at the Training Center.

a. There is a $45.00 testing fee if you schedule your tests with us at Schoolcraft Community College. That will be collected when turning in the application.

b. You may also schedule the testing on your own at participating Community Colleges. THIS IS A DRUG FREE PROGRAM. AN INDIVIDUAL TENTATIVELY SELECTED FOR ENTRANCE INTO THE PROGRAM AFTER TESTING AND INTERVIEW WILL BE REQUIRED TO SUBMIT TO A DRUG TEST. SO THERE IS NO MISUNDERSTANDING AS TO MARIJUANA/CANNABIS

(MARIJUANA), TESTING POSITIVE FOR MARIJUANA IN ANY FORM FOR ANY REASON WILL BE CONSIDERED A FAILED TEST AND YOU WILL NOT BE ADMITTED TO THE PROGRAM. THIS APPLIES EVEN IF YOU WERE INSTRUCTED BY A MEDICAL PROFESSIONAL TO USE MARIJUANA (WITH OR WITHOUT A PRESCRIPTION), USED IT TOPICALLY OR IN ANY OTHER MANNER (FOR EXAMPLE, CBD LOTIONS, INHALED OIL CONCENTRATES, ETC), OR WERE NEAR OTHERS

LEGALLY USING MARIJUANA.

The Pipefitting Industry Training Center is located at 636 Executive Drive in Troy, MI between John R. and Dequindre, north of E. 14 Mile Road. PH: 248-585-0636. No resumes please. For more information, please visit our website at: www.pipefitters636tc.org.

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Carpet Cleaning

Gutters

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GUTTER, POWERWASHING, &WINDOW CLEANING

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Lawn Maintenance

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TerryʼsLawn Service

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Painting

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Lawn Maintenance

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SUPREMEOUTDOOR SPECIALISTS LawnMaintenance, Landscaping, Paver,Patios, RetainingWalls, CementWork, Shrub/TreeTrimming &Removal, Mulching,Sprinklers, 35YearsinBusiness Free-Estimates 586-727-3924

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PAINTING by-GPC MASTER-PAINTER DRYWALL/PLASTER

•Restoration/Repairs

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Senior-Rates We-Do-It-All! B.B.B/A+Rating 30-yrs,Licensed/Insured

Free-Estimates Owner-Robert 586.899.3555(Direct) 248.566.6460(Office)

(586)229-4267

American Painting

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•Interior& Exterior

•PowerWashing •Insurance,•Drywall, •PlasterRepair, •Senior-discounts. •Guaranteed-work. •25-yrsexperience.

(586)795-8122 ChrisCronin Painting& StainingInc. Professionalquality. Interior-exterior. Power-washing, decksealing.Insured, References. Freeestimates. MC/VI/DC/AX accepted

PEAKPAINTING

586-757-4715 Roofing AA4DABLE ROOFING Hurry-up&Save Big-$$$$! SPRING-SPECIALSClean-up, Upto30%-Off!!! Roofing/Siding/Gutters, All-Leaks/Repairs, Residential/Shingles/ Commercial-FlatRoofs/Torch-downs Weacceptmajor credit-cards. 30yrs-Experience 586-822-5100 CHERRY CONSTRUCTION ROOFING Residential/Commercial Free-Estimates SeniorDiscounts Fast,Reliable, Licensed/InsuredBuilder, GeneralContractor LeaveDetailedMessage 586-291-2647 CITYROOFING -Commercial& ResidentialRoofRepairs -FullRoofReplacement (Shingles) -FlatRoofReplacement -24/7EmergencyRepairs -Eavestroughs(Gutters) andLeafGuard Installations. 586-733-3004 cityroofinginc@gmail.com MICHAELNORTON BUILDER Windows-SidingGutters-Roofing AllPhasesofHome Renovation $500-OffAnyComplete RooforSidingJob Free-Estimates Licensed/Insured Specializingin InsuranceClaims FamilyOwned/Operated Since1965 586-436-9600 SILVERSMITHROOF MAINTENANCE $225•MinorShingle ReplacementSpecial $88*GutterCleaning Tear-offs,Re-Roofs, FlatRoofs Residential/Commercial 30-yrsexp. FamilyOwned 248-707-4851 Tree Service BERGBROS.LLC.

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Sewer&Drain Service. Remodeling,repairs, newinstallations. Freeestimates, seniorrates. 35+yrsexp. CallPaul 248-904-5822 Lic.#8109852 586.421.5520 The Waterboy Power Washing CALL FOR FISHFLY RELIEF NOW! 0179-2326 Professional Services MOBILE NOTARYSERVICE Willcometoyou, Availablenights/weekendsifneeded, Email-Ksweet1222 @gmail.com

Plumbing

“Fullyinsured, highlyreferred.” Seniordiscounts. Tree-removal,stump grinding,tree-trimming, hedging,shaping,

Emergency-Service

DAVE'S TREE&SHRUB

35%-Spring-DISCOUNT INSURED,Emergency StormDamage, LargeTreeRemovals, Trimming,Stump Grinding,Season-Firewood,Free-Estimates. 10%Senior-Discounts. -FREE-WOOD-CHIPS(586)216-0904 www.davestree andshrub.com

ELITETREE SERVICE "Bringing30yearsof experiencetoyourdoor!" Treetrimming, removals&stump grinding.Insured&FREE estimateswithfairprices! FirewoodForSale 586-756-0757