2024 BROCHURE
Site plan approved for exterior renovations at former Pizza Hut
BY ALYSSA OCHSS aochss@candgnews.com
In a 7-0 vote at the St. Clair Shores City Council meeting on July 15, a site plan was approved for exterior renovations at the former Pizza Hut restaurant located at 24200 Harper Avenue.
John Vitale, CEO and president of Stucky Vitale Architects, presented the item and said he represented
the developer who has a new tenant for the old Pizza Hut lot. John Vitale said they plan to remove the entire roof of the building and rebuild it with a new material and facade.
“Kind of creating more of an upscale look, you know, getting rid of that Pizza Hut form is what we’re trying to do,” he said.
He also said they are proposing a patio on Harper.
See SITE PLAN on page 21A
BUSINESSES THRIVE IN ST. CLAIR SHORES
BY ALYSSA OCHSS aochss@candgnews.com
St. Clair Shores offers a wide variety of restaurants, and over the years new ones have moved in while others have celebrated anniversaries and remodels.
Baffin Brewing Company has been open for 10 years on the Nautical Mile, Joe VanderMarliere said.
“My prior partners and I basically were young, and they brewed in college. I home-brewed in college. We just had a passion for beer,” VanderMarliere said. “Certain circumstances led us to have a lot of free time and not have many opportunities, so we decided to look at different locations to open a microbrewery.”
VanderMarliere said he’d always thought there was a need for something to be on the Nautical Mile in 2014.
“We figured it was untapped,” VanderMarliere said. “There
Photo by Erin Sanchez
Head Brewer Leon Traczynski and owner Joe VanderMarliere of Baffin Brewery sit a table in the restaurant with mugs from their mug club.
See RESTAURANTS on page 14A
The former Pizza Hut on Harper Avenue will get new exterior renovations, removing the roof and cleaning up the parking lot.
Photo by Patricia O’Blenes
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SECOND FRONT PAGE
3A/ ST. CLAIR SHORES SENTINEL • JULY 31, 2024
Bystanders save occupant of submerged vehicle
BY ALYSSA OCHSS aochss@candgnews.com
Fifteen-year-old John Agnello didn’t have a second thought when it came to saving a person who drove into Lake St. Clair on July 23.
According to a press release from the St. Clair Shores Police Department, both the police and the St. Clair Shores Fire Department were dispatched to Lake Front Park for the crash.
John was fishing with his mother, Beth Agnello, when he saw the vehicle go into the water.
“I was down the street right by (the) Grosse Pointe Woods park,” John said. “And then to my right a car goes flying into the water. They weren’t going slow, they were going decently fast, so they’re about 15 yards out in the water.”
He said he and another person, who was walking a dog, instantly ran into the water. The other bystander who jumped in the water to assist had not been identified at press time on July 26.
John said when they got there, the occupant was calm, something he thinks is linked to trauma from the crash.
“She was just not saying words to us. We were trying to convince her to get out,” John said. “She’s like ‘Oh, I can’t swim.’ I don’t know what she was thinking.”
John and the other person managed to get the occupant out through the passenger window because they couldn’t open the vehicle door because it was almost fully submerged.
“After we got her to shore, she’s like, ‘There’s a 3-year-old kid back there,’ and me and the guy instantly run to the car,” John said.
John said he grabbed a rock and broke the back windshield. When he felt around the back seat of the car, he couldn’t feel anything or anyone.
“It’s all murky, the water,” John said. “I slide over the top of the car because it’s practically filled, it’s underwater now. And I look in the shotgun (seat and) there’s no one there.”
John went on to say he checked a couple times for any other occupants in the car. He sustained a couple injuries from the rescue. He said that it was an instant decision
John Agnello stands with Sgt. Stephen Stindt. The submerged vehicle is shown below.
Photos provided by Beth Agnello
See SAVE on page 27A
Olympics ramp up the excitement among athletes
BY ALYSSA OCHSS aochss@candgnews.com
METRO DETROIT — The Olympics are fun to watch but for the athletes it’s an exciting, nerve-wracking and stressful time competing against the world’s greatest athletes.
Carly Ryan, a Grosse Pointe native known as Carly Piper during her Olympic run, said being in the Olympics was a dream come true. The swimmer competed in the 2004 Summer Olympics in Athens, Greece.
“Kind of very surreal,” Ryan said. “Just being around teammates and everyone from different countries and just seeing how things happen at the Olympics. It was a really surreal, dream-come-true experience.”
Ryan has been swimming competitively since she was 8 years old and she swam in college at the University of Wisconsin. She said she was also a part of the Pan American Games before her Olympic run in 2004.
She made the cut for a couple of her events at the U.S. Olympic Team Trials in 2000, but she said she placed low.
“I think I got second to last in one of my events,” Ryan said. “And so just working towards getting better every single year, every single race. Obviously, being in college and then just kind of working towards staying up at the top.”
Her mother and her older sister were also involved in swimming when she was a kid. Ryan said they were always at the pool during the summer. As she got older, she saw the opportunities swimming could lend her.
For the 2004 Olympics, the trials pool was built in a parking lot in Los Angeles. Ryan said they held a practice meet a month before the trials. Though not everyone who was going to be at trials was there, she placed relatively high. Her coaches didn’t outright say she would make it to the Olympics, but they did say she had a chance.
“Just kind of saying, you know, ‘If you stay on the same path, if you keep doing what you’re doing, if you race like you did during this race, you could have a shot,’” Ryan said. “So I just kind of kept that in the back of my mind and tried to race as fast as I could.”
Competing at the Olympics was different than anything she’s ever done in the past. She saw athletes from different sports and different countries.
“When you’re sitting kind of in the cafeteria getting lunch and everything you can
just look (and) everybody’s wearing different flags on their shirts and it’s a whole different thing,” Ryan said. “The best in the world coming together to compete. It’s awesome.”
Ryan described herself as a lucky distance swimmer that could compete in the shorter events. In 2004, the 4x200-meter freestyle women’s relay team won a gold medal. She said receiving the medal felt like a dream. She was nervous, but she allowed that to fuel her during the race.
“The race was just under two minutes but it literally felt like seconds just cause stuff goes by so fast,” Ryan said. “So I was just trying to take it all in.
Rachel Baugh, a Warren native known as Rachel Komisarz during her 2004 Olympic run, didn’t first start off in swimming. Before a back injury, Baugh was in gymnastics.
“Basically the only sport I was going to be allowed to do at the time was swimming,” Baugh said.
She went on to say that she wasn’t thrilled about this fact. Baugh said she didn’t like the water and was even a little afraid of it.
“But (I was a) very competitive person and just really wanted to be able to do something so swimming it was,” Baugh said.
See OLYMPICS on page 23A
Photo provided by Rachel Baugh
Rachel Baugh, known as Rachel Komisarz during her 2004 Olympic run, poses for a photo with her Olympic medals.
Demolition of old county jail buildings underway
Wing focused on mental health to be built
BY DEAN VAGLIA dvaglia@candgnews.com
MOUNT CLEMENS — For about a year, Macomb County’s top elected officials have dreamed and debated about tearing down old buildings at the Macomb County Jail. On a hot morning July 19 while wearing 10-gallon hardhats, the county’s executive and sheriff finally got their wish.
Macomb County Executive Mark Hackel and Macomb County Sheriff Anthony Wickersham bashed the first hole into the wall of the Macomb County Jail Annex, ceremonially beginning demolition and paving the way for a new jail building to be built. Hackel and Wickersham were joined by Macomb County Board of Commissioners Chair Don Brown and contractors to mark the occasion.
“Demolition is starting today,” Hackel said. “This is the groundbreaking — this is actually going to be a wall breaking.”
See JAIL on page 24A
RICHARD M. STEENLAND
RETURN
RICHARD M. STEENLAND
Steenland’s Campaign is Proudly Endorsed by Law Enforcement, Fire Fighters and Elected Officials throughout the 13th District
St. Clair Shores Mayor Kip C. Walby
St. Clair Shores Councilman Dave Rubello
Warren Council Member Mindy Moore
Roseville Mayor Robert Taylor
Roseville Mayor Pro Tem Catherine Haugh
Roseville City Councilmembers:
Steven Wietecha
6, 2024
Colleen McCartney
William Shoemaker
Kurmmell W. Knox
Roseville City Clerk Jennifer A. Zelmanski
Roseville City Treasurer John Chirkun
Macomb County Executive Mark Hackel
Macomb County Sheri Tony Wickersham
Macomb County Commissioner Harold Haugh
Roseville Board of Education Members:
President eresa Genest
Vice President Kevin Switanowski
Matthew MeCartney
Joseph DeFelice
Denise Brun
Williams-Ward
Photo by Dean Vaglia
Macomb County Executive Mark Hackel, left, and Macomb County Sheriff Anthony Wickersham drive sledgehammers into the Jail Annex building on July 19. The ceremonial demolition, followed by the start of the actual demolition on July 22, is the latest step in the construction of the new central intake and assessment center.
Around 1,900 help family at ‘Pizza Palooza’
BY ALYSSA OCHSS aochss@candgnews.com
Earlier this summer, Pizza Palooza gave people a chance to enjoy some local pizza while helping a local family fundraise for the treatment of their young son with autism.
Bryan Owens, a member of the Optimist Club of St. Clair Shores, said the idea for the fundraiser came to him after he saw comments on Facebook asking who had the best pizza in the city.
“I thought we could put it to the test and see exactly who has the best,” Owens said.
Owens contacted 33 businesses in St. Clair Shores and other cities, and received 13 responses. He passed out flyers at Junefest.
“I thought we were going to get a couple hundred people, and I just thought it would be something fun to do, maybe get a fundraiser and use it in the Optimist’s Club,” Owens said. “And hopefully make a couple thousand dollars.”
The event garnered the attention of
around 1,900 eventgoers. Owens said that Party Adventure donated 700 plates, which he thought would be enough to cover the event.
“I got a call at the tent that was selling the tickets, because I was in back at the beach house trying out the pizza, that by 1 o’clock we were out of plates,” Owens said.
Around $9,000 of the money fundraised went to the Kemp family to help their son, 3-year-old William Kemp, who has autism, get stem cell treatment. Heidi Kemp, his mother, said the treatment will reduce brain inflammation, help digestive issues, and repair damaged brain cells and tissues.
“Which in return helps with the children eating and it helps with their speech, and they regain their speech,” she said. “And it helps with cognitive and expressive and receptive language. It’ll allow them to understand directions and to be able to focus better. So it completely changes their world.”
Owens said Michelle Sand, who is William’s grandmother, reached out to him
See PIZZA on page 22A
Marine
LOOKING BACK: GRAND NATIONAL CHAMPIONS!
In 1980, the young women from Lakeview High School in St. Clair Shores took home the USCA Grand National Title for Cheerleading. Over 100 teams from across the U.S. competed. Cheerleaders Marie Smark placed 13 and Julie Abel placed 15 out of 222 other competitors in the Miss Teenage Cheerleader USA individual portion of the competition.
Shown here is the winning team with the trophy. The members of the team were: Julie Able, Lisa Busam, April Clause, Alice Freismuth, Michelle Glendenning, Gigi Gondek, Kathy Martinelli, Shawn Pope, Angela Shovein, Marie Smark, Lisa Somerville, Donna St. John, Char Tyree and Diane Umbreit. The team was coached by Sheila Brownlee.
— Submitted by Stephanie Fair, library director, St. Clair Shores Public Library
NEWS & NOTES
Pro wrestling superstar Hulk Hogan traveled throughout Oakland and Macomb counties for a meet-and-greet event to promote his new brew, Real American Beer. One of the stops was at the Wine Garden in St. Clair
taken with him.
Get ready for the ‘Heat Press Express’
The St. Clair Shores Public Library invites guests 14 and older to join them to create a specially made souvenir from 2 p.m. to 3:30 p.m. on Aug. 12.
Guests will use the library’s new makerspace materials to craft canvas pouches, bags, coasters, mugs and more in this event called the “Heat Press Express.”
No registration is required. According to a press release, funding is provided in part by the Institute of Museum and Library Services through the Library of Michigan.
Beeramania!
As you prepare to cast your ballot next week, check out our Voter Guide with profiles on the candidates running for local and federal offices at candgnews.com/news/elections, or scan the QR code.
Angie’s Toy Chest approved as nonprofit
Angie’s Toy Chest was approved to be recognized as a nonprofit at the most recent St. Clair Shores City Council meeting on July 15 in a 7-0 vote.
According to their website, the organization’s “Toys for Tots” party has garnered the support of over 1,100 participants in recent years. They provide toys for needy children on Christmas. They were approved as a nonprofit organization to gain their charitable gaming license.
Angie D’Aleo Morelli, the managing director for Angie’s Toy Chest, presented the item and said that the organization is in association with the Marine Corps Toys for Tots program.
D’Aleo Morelli stated she took a break for five years and that this year, they’re back.
After the resolution was passed, Mayor Kip Walby thanked D’Aleo Morelli for all she and the organization does.
G
C & G Newspapers is searching for volunteers in the St. Clair Shores area to feature in a monthly article about volunteers.
If you know someone who does a lot for their community and loves to help out, Alyssa Ochss would like to know all about them. Contact her by phone at (586) 498-1103 or by email at aochss@candgnews.com.
Shores July 25. “Hulkster” fans wrapped around the building, eagerly waiting for a chance to have a photo
Photos by Patricia O’Blenes
COMMUNITY CALENDAR
10A/ ST. CLAIR SHORES SENTINEL • JULY 31, 2024
AUG. 3
Yardeners Garden Tour: Registration, tickets and map distribution start at 9 a.m., Selinsky-Green Farmhouse Museum behind St. Clair Shores Public Library, 22500 11 Mile Road, self-guided tour of local yards ends at 3 p.m., scsyardeners@gmail.com
AUG. 5
Trivia Night: For groups of four or be matched with team, ages 18 and older, 6:30 p.m., St. Clair Shores Public Library, 22500 11 Mile Road, (586) 771-9020, scslibrary.org
AUG. 6
Touch A Truck: Also games, 5-8 p.m., St. Clair Shores Public Library, 22500 11 Mile Road, (586) 771-9020, scslibrary.org
AUG. 15-18
Assumption Greekfest: Food, music, dancing, taverna and kids activities, 4-10 p.m. Aug. 15, 4-11 p.m. Aug. 16, 11 a.m.-11 p.m. Aug. 17 and 11 a.m.-8 p.m. Aug. 18, Assumption Cultural Center, 21800 Marter Road in St. Clair Shores/Grosse Pointe Woods, (586) 7796111, assumptionfestival.com
AUG. 17-18
Citywide Garage Sale: 10 a.m.-4 p.m., various residences in St. Clair Shores, coolcitycommitteescs@ gmail.com, facebook.com/scscoolcitycommittee
AUG. 21
To view more Community Calendar and to submit your own event, visit candgnews.com/calendar. To advertise an event, call (586) 498-8000.
Silent Book Group: For ages 18 and older, 7-8 p.m., St. Clair Shores Public Library, 22500 11 Mile Road, (586) 771-9020, scslibrary.org
ONGOING
Farmers market: 8 a.m.-2 p.m. Sundays and 5-9 p.m. Thursdays Aug. 8 and 25, Sept. 22, and Oct. 6, Blossom Heath Park, south of 10 Mile Road on Jefferson Avenue in St. Clair Shores, (586) 445-5350, scsmi. net/307/Events
Music on the Lake: 7-8:30 p.m. July 31 (Family Tradition Band, country), Aug. 7 (Randy Brock Group, classic rock and blues) and Aug. 14 (Sunset BLVD, classic rock), also food trucks, Veterans Memorial Park, 32400 Jefferson Ave. in St. Clair Shores, (586) 445-5350, scsmi.net/307/Events
St. Clair Shores Downtown Social District: Vendors, food trucks and street games, 5 p.m.-midnight Aug. 10 and 24, Sept. 14 and 28, and Oct. 12 and 26, Nine Mile Road and Greater Mack Avenue, facebook. com/DowntownStClairShores
Car shows: Also food, DJ, 50-50, door prizes and awards, 4 p.m.-dusk Thursdays until Sept. 26, St. Margaret of Scotland, 21201 E. 13 Mile Road in St. Clair Shores, (586) 909-4700
• Also raffles, DJ and food, 4-7:30 p.m. Fridays, VFW Bruce Post #1146, 28404 Jefferson Ave. in St. Clair Shores, (586) 524-0449
Activities for seniors: Crafting, movies, knitting and crocheting, dominoes, euchre, pickleball and many more games, St. Clair Shores Senior Center for Active Adults, 20100 Stephens, (586) 445-0996
St. Gertrude Senior’s Club: Meets 11 a.m.-2 p.m. Mondays, St. Margaret of Scotland, 21201 E. 13 Mile Road in St. Clair Shores, (586) 293-2240
Overeaters Anonymous meetings: 10-11 a.m. Saturdays, St. Margaret of Scotland, 21201 E. 13 Mile Road in St. Clair Shores, (586) 293-0814
Sweet Mountain Strings: Dulcimer music group for all levels, 10:15 a.m.-12:15 p.m. Tuesdays, Big Family of Michigan, 23500 Pare St. (Suite 1) in St. Clair Shores, (586) 777-4602
Lakeshore Ukulele Strummers: Jam sessions for all levels, 1:30-3:30 p.m. Wednesdays, Lakeshore Presbyterian Church, 27801 Jefferson Ave. in St. Clair Shores, (586) 321-9535
Lakeside Palette Club of St. Clair Shores: Open studio events, 11 a.m.-3 p.m. Tuesdays, St. Clair Shores Adult Education Center inside North Lake High School, 23340 Elmira, lakesidepaletteclub.org
• Drunk Driving • Divorce, Custody Support & Parenting Time • Bankruptcy • Drivers License Restoration • Personal Injury • Criminal • Wills, Estates, Trusts & Lady Bird Deeds
CLASS REUNIONS
Birmingham Groves High School Class of 1984: 40-year reunion events include brunch at Beverly Park, Tigers game, tour of school’s new outdoor athletic facilities, and stay and celebration at Somerset Inn, Aug. 1-3, myevent.com/ grovesclassof84
Cousino High School Class of 1969: 55-year reunion, classes of 1967-1971 also welcome, 7 p.m. Sept. 6, Roger’s Roost, 33262 Schoenherr Road in Sterling Heights, RSVP to Larry Wilk at lwilk@comcast.net
Mount Clemens High School - All Alumni Night: Cash food and refreshments, 5 p.m. Sept. 13, Rec Bowl, 40 Crocker Blvd. in Mount Clemens, contact Ron Hiestand at (586) 463-6386 or drron82@yahoo.com with questions
Osborn High School Class of 1974: 50-year reunion includes dinner and open bar, 6-11 p.m. Sept. 20, Blossom Heath Inn, 24800 Jefferson Ave. in St. Clair Shores, osborn1974.com
Grosse Pointe North High School Class of 1974: 50-year reunion includes cash bar, food stations, photo booth and GPN gift, 5:30 p.m. Sept. 21, Grosse Pointe Yacht Club, 788 Lake Shore Road in Grosse Pointe Shores, also casual gathering 7 p.m. Sept. 20, WaterMark Bar and Grille, 24420 Jefferson Ave. in St. Clair Shores, grossepointenorth1974.com
FUNDRAISER WILL MAKE A ‘SPLASH’
BY MARIA ALLARD allard@candgnews.com
METRO DETROIT — A group of generous boaters are ready to set sail on Lake St. Clair next month for the second annual Splash for the Kids fundraiser.
Eric Lafata, owner of Lafata Auto Body in Roseville, and Chip Miller, owner of Miller Marina in St. Clair Shores, started the fundraiser last year. Through their efforts, they attracted about 200 people on 40 boats and raised $20,000 to benefit the Tennessee Children’s Home headquartered in Spring Hill, Tennessee.
Both Lafata’s dad and Miller’s dad died when they were kids, and they wanted to do something to support children going through the same experience. It was Lafata who found the Tennessee Children’s Home.
Based in Spring Hill, Tennessee, the home has four campuses: Henderson, Clarksville, Spring Hill and Knoxville. The generosity of the Splash for the Kids fundraiser will cross state lines.
“It’s a charity that helps kids and puts them through a Christian education right on their property,” Lafata said. “They help kids
Back-to-School Beauty
Photo provided by Eric Lafata
The second annual Splash for the Kids fundraiser will be held Aug. 16-18 on Lake St. Clair. Money raised will benefit the Tennessee Children’s Home, located in Spring Hill, Tennessee. See SPLASH on page 26A
Michigan Maritime Manufacturing Initiative excites officials
BY GENA JOHNSON gjohnson@candgnews.com
WARREN — The Michigan Maritime Manufacturing Initiative is slated to bring new jobs to Michigan and cutting-edge educational opportunities locally.
On July 22, Gov. Gretchen Whitmer announced the new $50 million partnership with the U.S. Navy to bring submarine manufacturing to the state at Macomb Community College.
“This massive partnership between federal, state and local leaders will help Michigan to build a workforce to lead the future in defense manufacturing. In short, it will help us get ship done,” said Whitmer.
This initiative will build submarines for the U.S. Navy and supply products to the various vendors through the supply chain.
“Our defense industry contributes $30 billion to our economy, supporting more than 166,000 jobs and nearly 4,000 businesses,” Whitmer said.
The governor was accompanied by a panel of local, state and federal officials that included Jim Sawyer, president of Macomb
Community College; U.S. Sen. Gary Peters, D-Michigan, a member of the Senate Armed Services Committee and a Navy veteran; Secretary of the Navy Carlos Del Toro; James Rodriquez, assistant secretary for veterans’ employment and training service with the U.S. Department of Labor; and Laura Taylor-Kale, U.S. assistant secretary of defense for industrial base policy, who spoke about what this means locally, for the state and nationally.
Through the M3 Initiative, the United States Department of the Navy will work with partners including the Michigan Department of Labor and Economic Opportunity, the Michigan Economic Development Corp., Macomb County Planning and Economic Development, and the Michigan Works! Association.
According to the governor, Michigan has a history of a wide range of manufacturing know-how, from the automotive industry to producing batteries and clean energy, to manufacturing semiconductor chips and potato chips, making Michigan a strong workforce.
See MARITIME on page 17A
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under new ownership on Nov. 1 of last year.
weren’t very many competing businesses or breweries around at the time, so we settled on this.”
One of the main features of the brewery is their mug club that patrons drink into.
“For every 25 beers you drink, you get a prize, and once you get up to 150, we give you a mug,” VanderMarliere said.
The mugs hanging from the ceilings of the brewery were added as they went, starting with 75 founding members. Now they are over 2,700 members.
VanderMarliere said their experience in St. Clair Shores has been great.
“I couldn’t have asked for a better town,” VanderMarliere said. “Like I said, I grew up here, been here for a long time, basically my whole life. So yeah, I love the city, I love the town. The way it’s expanded just over my lifetime has been incredible, but just over the last 10 years has been kind of remarkable.”
He went on to say that the town has grown organically, and people have taken notice of it.
VanderMarliere said they’ve had great relationships with other breweries within the city. They collaborate with other businesses and received mentorship from others when they started up.
“We all help each other. We’re all (in) really good relationships,” VanderMarliere said. “They come in here to drink beer. We go there to drink beer. Kind of a tight-knit community.”
Nina Tringali, manager at the Blue Goose on Jefferson Avenue, said the original restaurant was built in 1925 and reopened
“The original owners who built the Blue Goose, her name was Gloria. She sold it off to Deda Paloka, in 2019, I believe it was. He had renovated it for two and a half years, and then reopened officially as Blue Goose under new ownership,” Tringali said.
Tringali has been here since the beginning. She said she helped with the hiring, scheduling, liquor tasting and much more.
“We’ve had almost all of the same staff since, so we’re doing pretty good with that,” Tringali said.
Tringali said the area in St. Clair Shores is a good area.
“A lot of the people that are here were regulars before,” Tringali said. “They used to come to the Blue Goose all the time. A lot of them say that they love the new renovation. So it’s completely different but they like the difference of it.”
Tringali said they’re friendly with the restaurants around town, and it’s a relatively small world in St. Clair Shores.
“It’s a pretty tight-knit community in the restaurant community over here,” Tringali said. “St. Clair Shores people tend to stay in St. Clair Shores. So, we get a lot of recurring customers.”
The renovations took the full two years, and Tringali said they completely gutted the building.
Patti Kukula, one of the owners of Dox Water Bar on Jefferson Avenue, said work on the restaurant is going well. They’re currently working on the menu and outside renovations.
Kukula said the approximate opening date is scheduled for the end of September, and they are currently hiring.
“We have our general manager,” Kukula said. “We’re real excited about that as well.
Photo by Erin Sanchez
Dox Water Bar on Jefferson Avenue.
HIGHLIGHTS:
• THREE LOCATIONS AVAILABLE
• FREE DAILY BREAKFAST & LUNCH
• 16 STUDENTS MAX PER CLASS
• TAUGHT BY A CERTIFIED TEACHER AND A CERTIFIED ASSOCIATE TEACHER.
• MUST BE 4 YEARS OLD BY 9/1/24 AND MUST BE TOILET TRAINED
CURRICULUM:
• LISTENING AND TELLING STORIES
• RECOGNIZING AND WRITING NUMBERS
• PHYSICAL MOVEMENT
• SINGING SONGS AND MAKING MUSIC
• COOPERATIVE PLAY
• SORTING, COUNTING AND MATCHING
• LEARNING LETTERS AND SOUNDS
• PROBLEM SOLVING
• PERSONAL CARE AND HEALTHY BEHAVIORS
• BUILDING RELATIONSHIPS
• SCIENCE & SOCIAL STUDIES
In Michigan, rocket ships that are going to Mars are being built, according to Peters. He cited an example where a contractor in California wanted a part delivered in two weeks. The company delivered it in two days.
“Because we have workers, we have engineers who are the best in the world,” Peters said.
“We know how to do it fast, on time and actually ahead of schedule. That’s what we’re going to do for the United States Navy,” Peters added.
The M3 Initiative will train workers to build submarines, focus on maritime welding, computer numerical control machinery, robotics and cyber security at Macomb Community College and Oakland Community College, according to Del Toro.
Officials at Macomb Community College are excited to have this program at their school.
“The opportunity positions our residents to train for jobs with futures and wages that support families,” said Sawyer. “It helps develop a deep talent pool for our local defense contractors that will not only sustain
Photo by Patricia O’Blenes Gov. Gretchen Whitmer speaks about the jobs and educational opportunities of the “M3” Michigan Maritime Manufacturing Initiative. See MARITIME on page 26A
Restaurants
from page 14A
She’s actually moving into St. Clair Shores.”
Kukula said the general manager previously lived in Ferndale and is an experienced worker.
The surrounding restaurants, Kukula said, have been the best.
“Baffin actually brought waters over when it was the 90-some degrees, you know,” Kukula said. “So I think Joe Van is one of the more tremendous people in the community.”
She added the manager from another business next door has been great as well. Having the support of both businesses allows for an open line of communication when inclement weather occurs and other things.
“They’re both so supportive of us,” Kukula said. “It’s great.”
The neighborhood association across the street is also very excited for the new business.
“It’s part of how we are,” Kukula said. “We want this to be the neighborhood’s place, and want people to make memories there with their families.”
The bar plans to offer catering, takeout, dining in, entertainment, late night food
OUTDOOR RIVERSIDE DINING
and more. Kukula said they’ve had relatively smooth sailing through the construction of the project.
“It’s great to work with the city. They’re so accessible by email or phone or meetings,” Kukula said. “Our architects have been really good to work with. Our construction company, the GM there. I mean, they’ve been really nice.”
VanderMarliere said the COVID-19 pandemic was a rough spot in business. Baffin’s major distribution model mainly failed because of the pandemic. In this model, they used to distribute across the entire state.
“COVID happened, we walked back our distribution model,” VanderMarliere said. “So now we just self-distribute. You can find us in local bars mainly on draft and if you want cans, we mainly just sell them in house.”
Tringali said that there was definitely a halt in renovations, and that getting things done at the restaurant was hard because of the pandemic.
Kukula hopes that the bar is the first place people think of when they choose a restaurant.
They’re looking forward to the years to come.
Tringali hopes the Blue Goose stays busy over the years.
“It’s really just been great so far,” Tringali said. “We’re just really grateful for how
well it’s been since we’ve opened. We’re just hoping it keeps going like this.”
VanderMarliere said he never expected to be here when they started 10 years ago.
“If you had asked me before we opened, I mean, the average small business lasts less than three years, so that would have been my goal,” VanderMarliere said. “We’ve far surpassed that, so I’m very happy with that.”
He hopes that the brewery scene continues to come out with great products.
“Push the limits, push each other. That
just produces better beer,” VanderMarliere said.
He said he hopes the city continues evolving, keeps bringing in events that people want to do, and continues to be conscious of people’s wallets with different events such as Music in the Park and others.
“I think it’s definitely helped get outside eyes onto the city, and I think if they keep concentrating on that, it’ll just evolve from there, too, continue to grow,” VanderMarliere said.
Ben Schock, 49552 Schoenherr Road, Shelby Township, MI 48315
Photo by Erin Sanchez
After changing owners in 2019, the Blue Goose went through a complete renovation.
CRIME WATCH
Fraud reported on Sunnyside Street
At 12:29 p.m. on July 8, a report was made about a case of fraud that occurred on July 5 in the 22000 block of Sunnyside Street.
An officer was working the front desk at the St. Clair Shores Police Department when the victim, a 19-year-old man, came in to make a report. He stated he received a text from his bank that said there was a charge for $1,502. He declined the charge and was called by a person claiming to be the bank.
The person on the other line stated the victim would have to put his money in a secure spot and advised him to set up a Zelle account. The victim did so and transferred money to the person. The amount lost was $1,500.
Larceny reported on Greater Mack Avenue
At 7:07 p.m. on July 16, a report was made about a bike theft in the 23000 block of Greater Mack Avenue.
The officer met the caller, a 66-year-old man, who stated he left his bicycle outside before he went into the business at that location. When he came back out, the bike was gone. Video surveillance provided by the shift supervisor, a 28-year-old woman, showed a man exit the store, walk toward the bicycle and ride away on it.
The suspect was also carrying a tote that appeared to be full. The shift supervisor said the man did not buy anything. The officer checked the area for the man and the bike.
Fraud reported on Grant Street
At 7:12 p.m. on July 14, a report was made about a case of fraud that occurred in the 27000 block of Grant Street.
An officer was working the front desk of the St. Clair Shores Police Department when the victim came in to make a report. He stated he was outside working when a truck pulled up and three men walked out of it. They asked if a man the victim knew did his roof. He confirmed that he did, and he assumed the men worked with the person. The men asked if the victim wanted some work done on his house and the victim asked them to give him a quote. The men started working on his house and when the victim asked how much it was going to cost, one of the men said a price you can’t refuse.
When the victim went into the house and came out 10 minutes later, the three men were sitting on the patio and stated they would like $6,100 for their work. The victim stated he didn’t have any cash. One of the men stated they didn’t have a card reader and the price would go up to $9,900 due to taxes and fees. The victim got in the car to go to the bank and the men followed him, stating that if he wanted to pay with a card to follow them. They led the victim to a jeweler where he paid a total of $10,400 for gold coins. The man who walked into the jeweler with the victim seemed to know the guy at the counter. The man that the victim paid for the coins and the man he walked in with said they’d be back tomorrow with more material and left with the coins.
— Alyssa Ochss
GOVERNMENT BRIEFS
Site plan for exterior renovations at Johnny Black’s Lakehouse approved
The site plan for exterior renovations at Johnny Black’s Lakehouse was approved in a 7-0 vote at the St. Clair Shores City Council Meeting on July 15.
The item, which was presented by Gina DeGregory, human resources and accounting manager for all 11 Johnny Black’s Lakehouse locations, would give clearance for the restaurant to move forward with the planned renovations. DeGregory said that though there are exterior changes, there are no planned major structural changes. The restaurant will replace Dragon’s Landing, which closed earlier this year.
St. Clair Shores City Planner Liz Koto said renovations at Johnny Black’s Lakehouse will include the installation of an exterior insulation and finish system material in place of the existing siding, parking lot improvements, a repaired dumpster enclosure and, if they choose to do so, the installation of nautical-themed lights.
Councilman Dave Rubello said this was an enhancement to the Nautical Mile.
Councilman Chris Vitale warned about the EIFS material due to how hard it is to clean, especially with the fish flies in the Shores.
“I might keep something in mind that will hose off easy,” Vitale said.
Dry dock storage for Colony Marine approved at council meeting
At their July 15 meeting, the St. Clair Shores City Council approved a 10,800-square-foot addition to existing dry dock storage on Jefferson Avenue at the Colony Marine in a 7-0 vote.
Chad Mettler, project manager at FED Design/Builders, presented the item. He said the building will be used for indoor parking for Mike’s on the Water during the summer months and boat storage during the winter months. He also said that the materials will be similar to what has already been built.
Councilman John Caron said one of his main concerns was taking the parking away from the restaurant in the summer. He asked how the information will get to patrons and how the entry will work.
“We’ll do building signage to direct people in and out,” Mettler said.
He added there will be a sliding door that will open in the morning and close in the evening. The amount of parking spaces will stay the same.
Councilman Ronald Frederick had concerns about building in front of a fire hydrant.
City Planner Liz Koto said she contacted the water department and a private water main is proposed to go under where the building is supposed to go. She also said there is another hydrant on the other side that could be connected and rerouted.
— Alyssa Ochss
Getting it right
C & G Newspapers strives for accuracy and fairness to its readers. If you think we got it wrong, please let us know. Call Gregg Demers at (586) 498-1042, email gdemers@ candgnews.com or write us at 13650 11 Mile Road, Warren, MI 48089.
City
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City
August 2024
of St. Clair
Shores
City of St. Clair Shores
City Council Meeting
of St. Clair
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August 2024
August 2024
August 2024
City Council Meeting
Monday, August 19, 2024
City Council Meeting
City Council Meeting
7:00 p.m. City Hall, Council Chambers
Monday, August 19, 2024
27600 Jefferson Ave, St. Clair Shores
7:00 p.m. City Hall, Council Chambers
Monday, August 19, 2024
Monday, August 19, 2024
7:00 p.m. City Hall, Council Chambers
27600 Jefferson Ave, St. Clair Shores
7:00 p.m. City Hall, Council Chambers
27600 Jefferson Ave, St. Clair Shores
27600 Jefferson Ave, St. Clair Shores
Scan QR code or visit www.scsmi.net/councilagendas to view agendas online.
Scan QR code or visit www.scsmi.net/councilagendas to view agendas online.
Scan QR code or visit www.scsmi.net/councilagendas to view agendas online.
Agendas are posted, by the end of business day, two Fridays
Agendas are posted, by the end of business day, two Fridays before each meeting.
Agendas are posted, by the end of business day, two Fridays before each meeting.
Agendas are posted, by the end of business day, two Fridays before each meeting.
Site plan
“We are excited to see this tenant, it’s a national tenant,” John Vitale said. “Unfortunately, I can’t reveal the exact tenant, but (it will be a) Mexican-style restaurant, probably, from what I understand.”
Councilman Ronald Frederick said when he visited the development, it looked like the patio was far enough away from the sidewalk and traffic on Harper, which is something the St. Clair Shores Planning Commission had concerns about.
“I’m hoping that you guys are going to clean up the parking lot a little bit, and of course the landscaping and all that,” Frederick said.
John Vitale confirmed that they are going to clean up the parking lot and the landscaping.
Frederick continued to ask if the patio is going to have an access door from the inside, which John confirmed.
“There is a window in front, but part of that window system will include a new door,” John Vitale said.
Frederick moved to support the approval.
“This is great,” Frederick said. “Excited about it.”
Mayor Pro Tem and Councilwoman Canidce Rusie asked about the time frame and hopeful target opening date for the restaurant.
“My understanding is that they’re probably going to start construction after everything is finalized and be complete by spring,” John Vitale said.
Councilman Chris Vitale, who is of no relation to John, said he is glad to see the building getting a new life. He also mentioned a website that documents buildings that used to be a Pizza Hut.
“Because the roof lines are so distinctive, and no one ever has the money to take down the roofline,” Chris said. “So it’s good to see that ours probably won’t be on that blog anytime soon. So good luck with that.”
Councilman Dave Rubello reminded John Vitale to keep in mind the residents who live behind the building when it comes to any lighting they may have. John Vitale said they plan to test that.
Chris Vitale also reminded residents and council members that they turned down a rezoning request for a car wash at that site two years ago.
“Took some heat for it, but I think in the end we made the right decision,” he said.
Mayor Kip Walby agreed.
“I don’t think there’s any question about that,” Walby said. “This is a home run.”
Pizza
from page 7A
about possibly fundraising to get the treatment. She teaches Zumba at the St. Clair Shores Senior Activity Center and Heidi said the original idea was to have a Zumba fundraiser.
Two sessions are recommended for the treatment, and their first session is scheduled in September. Heidi said thanks to the Optimists, they’re able to give William the treatment.
“Very, very excited,” Heidi said. “Very grateful. We weren’t expecting (this), we were expecting a Zumba fundraiser and we got Pizza Palooza. So it’s pretty cool.”
The whole event raised around $16,000, Owens said.
Heidi said though they had a lot of friends and family support, the support they felt from the community was touching.
“We were just taken back by such support, and we have nothing but gratitude and appreciation to everybody that came and supported him,” Heidi said. “It’s just an indescribable feeling. Can’t really put it into words how it makes you feel when you see a community rally around your child.”
Heidi said with the treatment, hopefully, William will start to have some speech and gut health changes.
Awards were given out to businesses during the St. Clair Shores City Council Meeting on July 15. Owens said that the local businesses that participated saw an increase in patronage, and even helped a couple of people find employment at the restaurants.
The awards are as follows:
• Best Round Pizza in St. Clair Shores: Detroit Style Pizza Company
• Best Square Pizza: Phillies Original Cheesesteaks
See PIZZA on page 25A
Photo by Alyssa Ochss
The Kemp family receives the money raised by the Pizza Palooza event from Bryan Owens, a member of the St. Clair Shores Optimist Club and the creator of Pizza Palooza.
Olympics
from page 5A
Baugh started swimming when she was around 15 years old and she said she made the conscious decision to go for the Olympics around 1996.
“The training was probably very rigorous starting in ’96 til the Olympics and really just focused on getting ready for that,” Baugh said.
She called the Olympics one of the most stressful and exciting times of someone’s life.
“There’s so much that goes into it and you work basically your whole life for this one moment,” Baugh said. “And then it’s time to step up and perform. And the world is watching you.”
She went on to say it’s an adrenaline rush.
“I don’t know if people sometimes realize how much stress the athletes are under but it’s pretty significant,” Baugh said.
In college she mostly competed in distance events, Baugh said, but she focused on the 200-meter freestyle and the 100-meter butterfly for the games.
“I really focused on the 200 (meter) freestyle the most just knowing they would pick four to six swimmers for the relay, so I
thought that was going (to) probably be my best chance,” Baugh said.
She qualified for the Olympic team in the 100-meter butterfly and a relay with the 200-meter freestyle.
Baugh was also on the 4x200-meter freestyle relay team with Ryan. The other members of the team were Lindsay Benko, Kaitlin Sandeno, Dana Vollmer, Natalie Coughlin and Rhi Jeffery. Their time was 7:53.420. The People’s Republic of China won silver and Germany won bronze.
Baugh said the Olympic trials is one of the most competitive swim meets a swimmer will experience.
“The depth of the United States and the quality of swimming in the United States is unreal,” Baugh said. “I would say that the Olympic trials are almost as stressful if not even more stressful than the Olympics.”
She said this is due to swimming against others who are extremely close to her time and have also trained hard.
Ryan said the Olympics have grown since she competed, especially the trials.
“More publicity, more of a following and it’s amazing to see just the excitement around swimming,” Ryan said. “It’s just gotten bigger and bigger.”
Baugh said there’s a lot more glam to the Olympics and social media has had an influence.
Congrats Graduate
Dr. Lance Jones
Congratulations to Dr. Lance Jones, who graduated from OUWB Medical School! We’re so proud of
In Movement Ballroom Dancing offers dancing for all ages
If you’ve ever watched “Dancing with the Stars” and thought, “That looks like fun, but I could never do that,” think again. In Movement, a local ballroom dance studio, specializes in teaching dance to all ages from young adults to senior citizens, and for all experience levels. Learn a wide array of dances from salsa to waltz to tango. No experience or partner is necessary. In Movement also welcomes those who know their way around the dance floor. Visit inmovementbds.com, call (586) 298-2447 or stop by the studio at 29629 Harper Ave. in St. Clair Shores for more information.
“The publicity that the athletes have,” Baugh said. “Which can be good but it also can be bad because I think there’s also a lot of criticism that the athletes face and a lot of critique that they face from just the general public that have no idea what they are going through or the pressure that is on them.”
She said a lot of the fans are encouraging and supportive.
“I do think that the media and social media has opened the ability to connect with the athletes a little bit more,” Baugh said.
Baugh said they were trained to block out negative comments from the public, but that athletes are human. She recalled a gymnast from the Olympic trials this year who said they thought the world was going to hate them because they fell.
“Nobody is going to hate you just because you fell,” Baugh said. “But that’s a lot of the pressures and we want to compete, we want to do well, we want to represent our country and we don’t want to let anybody down. And when it’s so in your face all the time, you know, the press and the media, it’s really hard to block it out.”
Baugh said seeing the up-and-coming swimmers excel has been amazing and that the swimmers’ times have gotten faster.
“The sport has really advanced over the last few years,” Baugh said. “I mean, we saw some world records being broken at the Olympic trials this year so it’s really kind of
setting the United States up for a great performance at the Olympics in Paris.”
Baugh also said she is thankful for her upbringing in Warren, at her high school Warren Mott and the support she received from the community.
“I’m very appreciative that people do still remember me and the support that I’ve received throughout the years has been pretty tremendous, and I just want to thank everybody for that,” Baugh said.
Baugh said that though most swimmers now were born after her Olympic run, she does do some motivational speaking. She hopes she can motivate the people she meets not just as swimmers, but as people.
“My message to the students that I work with now is just dream big, go for it,” Baugh said. “See what you can achieve. And, you know, if you can believe in yourself you can do remarkable things.”
Ryan said swimming is hard work, but if someone is enjoying the sport then they should pursue it.
“Anything is possible if you do the work, if you’re listening to your coaches, if you’re enjoying yourself. If it’s something you see yourself doing in the future, you know, reach for the stars,” Ryan said. “Go for your dreams.”
Call Staff Writer Alyssa Ochss at (586) 498-1103.
Demolition commenced in earnest on July 22, beginning with the annex building. The old maximum security, D Block and rehab buildings are slated for demolition at a later time to make way for the new central intake and assessment center. The goal is to better address inmates with mental health and substance abuse issues.
“Today does begin the next journey that will improve our operations here at the sheriff’s office and the county jail,” Wickersham said. “It will make a better environment for my staff and for the inmates. We will focus on a direct supervision model. We will focus on a very hybrid medical and mental health facility dealing with individuals that have those issues and are remanded here by the bench.”
The central intake and assessment center is planned to be over 159,000 square feet with a capacity for 278 beds, setting the total jail capacity at 1,178 beds. Prior plans called for the building to be 177,000 square feet, housing up to 303 inmates. Design renderings call for a bow tie shaped building that is four levels tall and has an extensive use of windows to let in as much natural light as possible.
“Granger Construction has an extensive resume of correction projects that have been completed over the years, but the central intake and assessment center is truly unique,” said Jeff Havranek, Metro Detroit regional director for Granger Construction. “With an ever-increasing need to address medical, mental health, substance abuse and behavioral disorders that are present in our community, it takes an alternate approach to treatment and therefore an alternate approach to the design and construction of a facility seeking to address those needs.”
Design features will be paired with changes to processing, with correctional deputies screening new inmates for mental health or substance abuse issues upon intake. From there, inmates in need of assistance will be diverted to programs on the top, second and ground floors. Other features planned for the central intake and assessment center include improved video trial capabilities, community corrections facilities, a “full service” court, offices for the county prosecutor and public defenders, and a passageway between the jail and the intake center.
“We know that this county jail is the responsibility of the county to provide a county jail for those that are arrested and detained, and they are now becoming the responsibility of the sheriff,” Hackel said. “We
have this responsibility to make sure that we have the right type of facility to manage the people coming in there, but also making a determination as to what are those issues these people may have.”
Plans for the project were announced in May 2023, with the aim of addressing three main improvements for the county jail rec-
ognized in a 2016 Macomb County Sheriff’s Office survey: intake and assessment, pretrial services and new medical/mental health environments and services. The $228 million price tag for the project has been consistent since its announcement with funds coming from the county’s general fund, state funding
Photo by Dean Vaglia
Macomb County Executive Mark Hackel speaks on July 19 during a “wall breaking” ceremony for the central intake and assessment center project.
•
•
Best
in St. Clair Shores:
• People’s Choice Award: Ray’s Pizza Sponsors for the event included Trader Todd’s Marina, Party Adventure, Shelby Construction Services LLC and Roseville Vending. Owens said that most of the sponsors came to him.
Owens said he would love to host the event every year. He’s heard nothing but positive feedback on social media.
“Even the people that had negative feedback saying that we ran out of pizza, I think is positive feedback,” Owens said.
Owens said it was a great event because it brought people together. He would like to thank all of the sponsors that participated, the residents, volunteers and the business owners.
Call Staff Writer Alyssa Ochss at (586) 498-1103.
Photo provided by Heidi Kemp William Kemp eats a piece of pizza during Pizza Palooza.
Splash
that have been in some really bad situations.”
The faith-based organization is dedicated to providing a safe harbor for displaced families and youth. Services offered include residential care, education, counseling, alcohol and drug treatment, in-home care, and spiritual guidance for at-risk youth, victims of abuse and orphaned children. Lafata visits the facility twice a year to distribute clothing, shoes, sporting equipment and more to the kids.
“I like working with the kids to make some kind of difference,” Lafata said.
Last year, representatives of the Tennessee Children’s Home attended the Splash fundraiser. Lafata’s wife, Sarah Lafata, and his mom, Mary Edna Lafata, also help with the fundraising.
This year’s Splash for the Kids is a threeday event set for Aug. 16-18. The fun will begin with a pool party on Friday, a charity poker run Saturday and a raft-off Sunday. The events will take place rain or shine. All boats must be registered and paid for before the date of the event.
The Aug. 16 pool party will begin at 6 p.m. at the Algonac Harbor Club, 1999 Pointe Tremble Road. Boats can be placed into the well at any time that morning. The event is for anyone who signed up to participate in the poker run.
Jailfrom page 24A
and federal American Rescue Plan Act dollars.
“Macomb County is managed financially conservatively and as a result, our balance sheet is strong and enables us to pay cash for this project,” Brown said in a press release. “The collaborative effort between the Sheriff, County Executive and the Board of Commissioners has led us to this point. When completed, those who come in con-
The poker run, scheduled for Aug. 17, is limited to 60 boats and will begin from the Algonac Harbor Club. A number of destination stops are planned along the way where boaters will pick up envelopes to draw cards. After the run, they will reveal their poker hands, and the three best hands will receive prizes.
Keep your energy up because on Sunday is the raft-off from noon to 4 p.m. on Muscamoot Bay. Disc jockey Marky Giles will provide the music, and Gorilla BBQ will serve lunch. Those interested in the raft-off must be registered as a poker run entry.
Miller is glad to be back for the event again this year.
“I try to help Eric and Sarah. They are the main drivers behind it all. They work tirelessly to pull this off,” said Miller, who does his share by promoting the event, supplying boat hoists and recruiting participants.
He enjoyed being part of last year’s inaugural event.
“It was fun. It was a great turnout with a lot of good people. Everyone was excited to help the cause,” Miller said. “It’s nice to see everyone coming together to help people in those situations. There’s nothing more vulnerable than children.”
Visit splashforthekids.com to register and for more information on the event. Sponsorships and donations also are welcome.
tact with law enforcement and have drug or mental health issues receive a chance to turn their lives around. This not only benefits them and their families, but the taxpayers and society at large.”
So far, the project is ahead of its initial schedule, which planned for demolition to begin sometime in 2025. Currently in the third phase of the project timeline, construction is expected to be completed sometime by or within 2027.
Call Staff Writer Dean Vaglia at (586) 498-1043.
Maritime
from page 17A
their business but will help them grow.”
In addition to providing opportunities to college students, this initiative will train K-12 students in hands-on careers in technical education for them to explore careers in this area, according to the governor. Michigan suppliers will connect to the broader submarine industrial base ranging from existing suppliers for the Navy to auto suppliers looking to expand.
“Just in the submarine industrial base alone we have over 400 vendors that contribute to that submarine industrial base and there’s a lot more to come,” Del Toro said. “The Department of Navy needs to actually
fill about 14,000 jobs every year for the next 10 years. That’s why we’re here building this critical program to our economy.”
Michigan has always played a crucial role in the Navy since its inception, according to Del Toro, and as such it is a place poised for submarine manufacturing.
“I can’t think of any place better than Michigan to shape the new generation of new-collar workers combining traditionally blue-collar trades with the cutting-edge technologies of today,” Del Toro said.
The program is also a conduit for veterans to enter the workforce and serve their country in a different capacity.
“We cannot afford to leave any talent on the table,” he said.
Call Staff Writer Gena Johnson at (586) 498-1069.
Come, Be Greek For A Day! 2024 GreekFest is back
August 15-18
Create memories of a special summer happening in our community
Assumption Cultural Center’s GreekFest is the perfect annual summertime four-day, fun-filled event for the entire family. With authentic Greek food, entertainment and culture, GreekFest is an annual event that typically draws more than 10,000 people from throughout the metro Detroit area over the four-day weekend. This year’s GreekFest kicks off on Thursday, Aug. 15, at 4 pm and runs through Sunday, Aug. 18. Festival-goers will enjoy live entertainment, Greek dancing, exciting marketplace shopping, Church tours, a special exhibit in the Hellenic Room, kids’ tent and games, rides, inflatables, magicians, jugglers and more, delicious Greek pastries, Taverna and much more!
GreekFest hours are Thursday, Aug. 15, 4-10 p.m.; Friday, Aug. 16, 4-11 p.m.; Saturday, Aug. 17, 11 a.m.-11 p.m.; and Sunday, Aug. 18, 11 a.m.-7 p.m.
The Grand Opening ceremony takes place on Thursday, Aug. 15, at 5:00 p.m. Community leaders will be recognized. The Greek band, Enigma, will perform throughout the weekend. Highlights always are theAssumption dance groups providing colorful entertainment, including the Hellenic Society for the Performing Arts, with costumes and dances from the regions of Greece.
Open dancing follows with Assumption Dancers teaching the easy steps of Greek dancing throughout the weekend - audience participation is welcomed!
The Grand Raffle will be held on Sunday, August 18 at 6:00 p.m. First Prize is $10,000, Second Prize is a Signature Ahee Diamond Pendant ($3,600 value), donated by Ahee Jewelers, Third Prize is $500 and Fourth Fifth and Sixth Prizes are $200. Tickets are $10 each. Purchase online at www.assumptionfestival.com or stop by Assumption’s office.
Free Parking and Shuttle Service is available.
Regular admission is $3 and children under 12 years of age are admitted free.
A portion of proceeds from the Festival will benefit community programs and charities. Assumption Greek Orthodox Church is located at 21800 Marter Rd., in the communities of St. Clair Shores and Grosse Pointe Woods. For information, call (586) 779-6111 or visit www.assumptionfestival.com.
from page 3A
for him and for the other person to go and help.
“Me and this guy went out there, we both thought the same thing, we both went into the water together,” John said. “I told my mom to call 911 when I got into the water instantly.”
According to the press release, the occupant was the only person in the vehicle at the time and they were later taken to the hospital for evaluation.
John said he would do it again and he hopes the occupant is doing well.
Beth said she wasn’t concerned when he went into the water, stating that he was a good swimmer, and the car was around 140 feet away. Her concern came when the occupant claimed there were other occupants in the vehicle.
“He had to go against the pressure of the car underwater and broke the glass to get the search going until police got there,” Beth said. “I stayed calm after I heard police and fire that inspected him from serious injuries. He has some injuries, but he should be able to heal quickly from the gashes and the tornup skin.”
Beth said she wanted to be there for her son.
“He looked back and said he couldn’t see me because I had to go from the canal into (the) Grosse Pointe Woods park at the marina where the accident occurred,” Beth said. “For about eight minutes, I was in the car trying to get through the front gate.”
Beth went on to say at that moment she had some worries for her son. Beth was the one to call 911 and tried to stay on the line.
“John did mention he saw that before me, so I was proud of his decision to call 911 and glory to God for how brave he was to take action,” Beth said.
She went on to say she is proud of all of her children.
“But I am really humbled by all the community outreach and support they gave him,” Beth said. “Calling him a hero and as a mom and him being 15 years old, I’m hoping that this might be a gift or experience that could be used for a career.”
John thanked the community for their nice comments.
“I really appreciate everyone, the opportunities to talk to people like this,” he said.
The St. Clair Shores Police Department was investigating the incident.
Call Staff Writer Alyssa Ochss at (586) 498-1103.
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Brick Work
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Miscellaneous For Sale
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Handyman Services
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Landscaping & Water Gardens
SUPREMEOUTDOOR SPECIALISTS
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Hauling & Waste Removal
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Heating & Cooling
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Lawn Maintenance
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Commercial/Residential *Landscaping *Decks
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Painting
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(586)229-4267
American Painting
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586-610-1209
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Landscaping & Water Gardens
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APEX
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PEAKPAINTING
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2BROTHERS PAINTING
CompleteInterior/Exterior WoodRepair, Powerwash, Free-Estimates CallFrank 248-303-5897 ReferencesAvailable
(586)795-8122
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ANDERSON
Painting&Carpentry
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ANYONE'S PAINTER
Interior/ExteriorPainting Commerical/Residential PressureWashing, DrywallRepairs, DeckStaining, FreeEstimates Call586-921-3654
NEBOPAINTING ServiceAllYearRound Interior/Exterior 15YearsExperience WeMakeIt EasierForYou, AllNeedsAreMet! Call 248-953-7807
