The St. Clair Shores City Council approved new fees for nonresidents using the Blossom Heath Activity Pier in a 6-1 vote at their meeting on Sept. 16.
Councilwoman and Mayor Pro Tem Candice Rusie cast the opposing vote.
The item was presented by Parks and Recreation Director Rob Spinazzola.
According to items attached to the meeting’s agenda, the item was discussed at a study session on Aug. 26. Spinazzola said during the meeting they might have underestimated how frequently residents and nonresidents would use the pier.
“The fees collected could help to off-
Pier fees approved for nonresidents
set additional staffing, cleaning, and maintenance of the pier,” the attached material stated.
According to the fee schedule:
• Residents with a park pass get in free and are allowed to park beyond the entry gate.
• Residents without a park pass get in
South Lake voters to consider operating millage renewal
BY ALYSSA OCHSS aochss@candgnews.com
This November, St. Clair Shores voters in precincts one through six will be asked to decide whether or not to renew the South Lake Schools operating millage.
The school district is asking for 21 mils to cover an expiring operating millage with the maximum of 18 mils levied. This will cover the district for 20 years.
The proposal language goes as follows:
“This proposal would renew the authority of the School District, which expires with the 2024 tax levy, to levy up to 18.00 mills for general school district operating purposes on taxable property in the School District to the extent that such property is not exempt from such levy, restrict the levy on principal residences (owner-occupied homes) to no more than 4.2801 mills and protect against the impact of future Headlee rollbacks of up to 3.0 mills, This authorization would allow the School District to continue to levy the statutory limit
See BLOSSOM HEATH on page 30A
The St. Clair Shores City Council approved fees for nonresidents who use the Blossom Heath Activity Pier in a 6-1 vote.
Photo by Patricia O’Blenes
SEPTEMBER 25, 2024 Vol. 44, No. 20
See MILLAGE on page 10A
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3A/ ST. CLAIR SHORES SENTINEL • SEPTEMBER 25, 2024
City Council approves new civil infractions
BY ALYSSA OCHSS aochss@candgnews.com
At their meeting on Sept. 3, the St. Clair Shores City Council voted to approve changes to multiple ordinances and fines issued by code enforcement officers for violations.
Community Development & Inspections Director Denise Pike said the previous process allowed for residents to be given a notice of violation, after which they get seven days to fix the problem. The next violation gives them another seven days to correct it.
“Then we prepare a document called the
complaint and warrant and we send that to the city attorney who has to authorize it, and then it goes over to the court,” Pike said.
This whole process, Pike said, could take up to 90 days.
The new civil infractions will allow code
Mining history intrigues Grosse Pointe Woods resident
BY ALYSSA OCHSS aochss@candgnews.com
GROSSE POINTE WOODS — Michigan’s Upper Peninsula has a rich mining history which is why one Grosse Pointe Woods resident became fascinated by it almost 20 years ago.
Steve Mouton has had a fascination with mining memorabilia since 2005 when he went on a trip through Western Michigan University. They stayed in Northern Michigan.
“A separate group of us went off into the Keweenaw (Peninsula), Copper Country area, and I just kind of became fascinated,” Mouton said. Copper Country refers to Michigan’s Upper Peninsula which, according to coppercountry.com, at one time held the world’s largest deposit of copper, where a copper rush occurred in 1843.
Steve Mouton collects mining items such as things made out of copper as well as rocks and sand from beaches. He is knowledgeable about the history behind “Copper Country.”
Photos by Erin Sanchez
Michigan Supreme Court clarifies decision on wages
BY NICK POWERS npowers@candgnews.com
METRO DETROIT — The Michigan Supreme Court, following a request for clarification by the state of Michigan, provided a more definitive ruling Sept. 18 on the changing minimum wage and earned sick time in Michigan.
The court confirmed that the Improved
Workforce Opportunity Wage Act and the Earned Sick Time Act will both go into effect on Feb. 21, 2025. Changes to the wage rates will occur each year on Feb. 21 after this point. Rates for the upcoming year’s increase will be published by the state’s treasurer Nov. 1.
The minimum wage this coming February will be $10 plus the state treasurer’s
See WAGES on page 21A
Coach, parent clash at Tower-Lake Shore football game
BY ALYSSA OCHSS aochss@candgnews.com
WARREN — According to an email sent by Lake Shore High School Principal Janelle Bross, an altercation between a parent and a Lake Shore assistant coach occurred at the football game at Warren Woods Tower on Sept. 13.
In the statement, Bross said a parent exited the stands and entered the field through an unattended gate. This parent then confronted the assistant coach.
“A short time after the verbal confrontation, the coach walked up to the parent and initiated the physical altercation, which is what you see on the video circulating on social media,” Bross said in the statement. “Based on eyewitness accounts, the actions of the coach were not a matter of protection
or fear of safety for students — it was out of frustration towards the parent.”
Lake Shore head football coach James Rogers released the assistant coach from the team, a decision Lake Shore High School agreed with, Bross said in the statement.
“As stated in an email sent to the LSHS community, the actions of both men did not meet the expectations we have for members of our school community and therefore neither will be allowed on our property or at any future Lake Shore events,” Bross said in the statement.
The Warren Police Department confirmed a police report was made and that there is an open and active investigation by one of their detectives.
Staff Writer Gena Johnson contributed to this report.
Call Staff Writer Alyssa Ochss at (586) 4981103.
Home Care One Owner Perry Calisi believes in honesty, integrity, and compassion -- and has offered such quality care through his home care business for the past twelve years in Grosse Pointe, St. Clair Shores, and Macomb Township in southeastern Michigan.
Home Care One provides assistance for seniors and patients in their homes, and helps with alzheimer’s, dementia, Parkinson’s Disease, hospital and nursing home sitting, interim care during hospice, physical and mental disability assistance for children and adults, and people recovering from surgery. Services also include full or part-time and 24hour care services, and daily living activities such as meal preparation, running errands, assistance with bathing, house cleaning, doctor visits and more.
as everything becomes more expensive,” he said. “In my experience, more people have done better living in their home rather than facilities; just by familiarity and independence.”
Perry said he entered the business by hearing that someone needed help.
Perry wants to increase community awareness about how his company offers these personalized services to keep your loved ones living independently at home. Perry added that he and his staff go further than the next by helping clients stay as independent as possible.
“The public should look at home care as a way of staying independent, and in one’s own home --
“I just set up my own business model for what I would want for my own mother,” he said. “I would want someone honest and compassionate in the house.” Perry said he tries to match his roughly 18 employees’ personality types with patients. “It assures that there is going to be an assimilation of getting along,” he said. Betty, a client, said she is “really lucky” to have caregivers take really good care of her. “I get all that pampering,” she said smiling. “They’ve been with me ever since. I haven’t been let down for anything.”
Betty’s caregiver, Theresa, said Perry cares about his clients and he cares about his employees as well. “He is good about matching an employee with a client, which is nice,” she said. “We all work together. He cares all the way around... that is him in general.”
For more information call 313-409-0120 or go to http://www.homecareone.net/.
Owner, Perry Calisi with Caregiver
Stink bugs: The bumbling pest
BY DEAN VAGLIA dvaglia@candgnews.com
METRO DETROIT — As the days get shorter and the air cooler, the telltale signs of fall emerge: cider and donuts, gourds, pumpkin spiced lattes and, of course, the great stink bug hibernation.
Homes throughout metro Detroit will be breached and besieged by the bumbling but harmless brown marmorated stink bug this fall and winter, seeking safe shelter over the darker months.
“When we get about less than 13 hours daylight, there is a chemical change within the stink bug that makes it move from reproducing and feeding to searching for a place to spend the winter,” said David Lowenstien, a Michigan State University Extension consumer horticulture educator. “Naturally, stink bugs will spend the winter in leaf litter or tree bark, but where there’s a lot of homes or barns or sheds, that can be a more protective place to spend the wintertime.”
Making their way inside through the smallest of cracks and crevices, brown marmorated stink bugs choose to spend their time doing as little as possible. The daylight-induced
Photo by Susan Ellis, Bugwood.org
Brown marmorated stink bugs arrived in the United States from Asia in 1996, spreading from Pennsylvania into Michigan in 2010.
chemical change prohibits them from reproducing, and they cannot find food indoors, so they spend the months doing as much as they can to save their energy.
Brown marmorated stink bugs are an in-
See STINK BUGS on page 24A
NEWS & NOTES
9A/ ST. CLAIR SHORES
LAKEVIEW HIGH SCHOOL CLASS OF 1969 REUNION COMING UP
The Lakeview High School Class of 1969 is hosting its 55th reunion weekend Oct. 4 through Oct. 6.
Starting at 6:30 p.m. on Oct. 4, attendees can enjoy a relaxed get-together in the party room at Total Sports in Harrison Township. This event is $12 per person and is located at 40501 Production Drive in Harrison Township.
A golf outing will be hosted in the afternoon on Oct. 5 at Fern Hill Country Club. There will be a casual reception afterward with an open bar and strolling supper. This event costs $65 per person. For more information, contact Bill Griffith at billgriff9@gmail.com. This event is located at 17600 Clinton River Road in Clinton Township.
The weekend will conclude with a complimentary Farewell Brunch at 10 a.m. on Oct. 6 at the Grosse Pointe Historical Society, 375 Kercheval Ave., in Grosse Pointe Farms. To RSVP, contact Patti Giorlando Timmins at Pattihope0311@att.net by Sept. 20. Checks can be made payable to Patti Timmins.
BEAUTIFICATION AWARDS GIVEN AT COUNCIL MEETING
The St. Clair Shores City Council presented the 2024 Beautification Awards at their meeting on Sept. 16.
Businesses and residential homes were presented with the awards. Mayor Kip Walby announced the residential winners and Councilman John Caron presented the commercial awards.
The residential recipients are Al and Legreta Guastello, Gerald and Cheryl Nicholas and William and Celeste Roland. The business recipients are Diversified Dental by Dr. Kevin Prush, DDS, Xfinity and St. Joan of Arc Catholic Church. All were given proclamations as well as a sign stating they are a Beautification Award recipient.
Caron also commended the Beautification Commission, a commission for which he serves as a liaison, for its hard work on the landscaping around the city. He also thanked First State Bank, Hall’s Nursery, Soulliere Landscaping Patio & Garden Center and Landscape Services Inc. for their continued support of the city and the commission.
FIRE, POLICE DEPARTMENTS TO HOST OPEN HOUSES
The St. Clair Shores Fire Department will host an open house from noon to 3 p.m. on Oct. 6.
Residents and guests are invited to see “Sparky” the fire dog, receive fire safety information, enjoy refreshments and more. The St. Clair Shores Firefighters Union #1744 will also be celebrating its 57th anniversary.
The event will be held at the city’s central fire station at 26700 Harper Avenue.
According to Police Chief Jason Allen, the St. Clair Shores Police Department will hold an outdoor open house from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Oct.12.
Residents and guests are invited to check out police equipment presented by the officers. Goodies and activities will be available for kids and food will be provided.
The event is at Blossom Heath Park at 24800 Jefferson Avenue.
ADULT MAKERSPACE ON SEPT. 26
The St. Clair Shores Public Library invites adults to drop in for an adult makerspace event from 6 p.m. to 7 p.m. on Sept. 26.
Funding for the program is provided in part by the Institute of Museum and Library Services through the Library of Michigan, according to a press release.
SENIOR EXPO IS BACK
The 2024 Senior Expo will be held at the Greek Assumption Cultural Center from 8:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. on Oct. 17.
The keynote speaker will be WDIV-TV anchor Devin Scillian, and the event will include over 50 exhibitors with information about healthcare, recreation, self-improvement and more. Workshops about elder law, food as medicine and others will be available for seniors and caregivers.
A resource guide for adult services will also be distributed at the event.
A free shuttle bus will be available for parking at Grosse Pointe Woods Lakefront Park.
The center is located at 21800 Marter Road.
COMMUNITY CALENDAR
Photo provided by the city of St. Clair Shores
Compiled by Alyssa Ochss
Millage
from page 1A
of 18.00 mills on non-homestead property (principally industrial and commercial real property and residential rental property) and to continue to levy on principal residence property (owner occupied homes) only that portion of the mills necessary to allow the School District to receive the full revenue per pupil foundation allowance permitted by the State. The School District estimates that it will levy not more than 2.0924 mills on personal residences (owner occupied homes) in 2024.
Under the 1978 Headlee Amendment to the Michigan Constitution, if the tax base of a local unit of government is increased, the tax rate on that base must be proportionally reduced so property tax revenues will increase no more than the rate of inflation for that year. The Headlee Amendment limited the amount of taxes a school district and other entities could collect as property values go up.
Due to Headlee rollbacks, the amount of taxes the district collects decreased over the years and currently sits at a little over 16 mils, South Lake Schools Superintendent Ted VonHiltmayer said.
“It’s the chunk of our budget that allows us to do those day-to-day expenses,” VonHiltmayer said. “So it helps us with paying for salaries, paying for utilities, you know those types of things.”
Around $5 million in funding comes from the millage, which is a quarter of the district’s budget, according to VonHiltmayer.
“It’s a significant part of our budget,” he said.
The average homeowner will not see an
increase in their taxes, VonHiltmayer said. It will affect non-homestead properties which can include business properties, second homes and more.
South Lake Schools Board of Education President Robert Penn said residents should know this is the basis of funding for the district.
“(It’s) one of the main ways we fund our schools so that we can continue to provide the excellent education that we do and continue to build on the things that we’re trying to build on every year,” Penn said.
He said the last time this item was on the ballot was 20 years ago, in 2004.
If this item doesn’t pass, the school district will have one more chance to put it back on the ballot. If it doesn’t pass at all, Penn said it would be a big hit to the district’s budget.
“We’d be at risk of losing programs over the next few years,” Penn said. “So that’s really where we are. If we lose the initiative, then it’s just a big chunk of our budget that’s just going to be taken away. So we’re really going to have to look at how we’re going to either make up for that or how we’re going to adjust to it.”
VonHiltmayer said they aren’t seeing a significant impact due to the rolled back mils, but they’d see a bigger impact if the ballot item is not approved by voters.
“In just the first year alone, it’s just over $5 million, like $5.3 million, a part of our budget that would be lost if we no longer are able to do this,” VonHiltmayer said.
The November election will have an even bigger impact on the district, with a total of three South Lake Schools Board of Education seats on the ballot as well.
Call Staff Writer Alyssa Ochss at (586) 498-1103.
Photo by Patricia O’Blenes
South Lake Schools voters will consider renewing an operating millage for the school district in November.
BEHIND THE WHEEL
or at (586) 498-1045, and you could be featured in an upcoming Behind the Wheel. For more stories, visit candgnews.com/news/auto or use the QR code.
CEnd of Watch
BY MARIA ALLARD allard@candgnews.com
ar buffs who attend this year’s Jammin’ at the Junction will have the opportunity to pay their respects to four Roseville police officers who died in the line of duty.
The annual car show will be held from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Sept. 28 on Utica Road between Gratiot Avenue and 12 Mile Road in Roseville. The event is open to the public and free to spectators.
During the day, car owners will display their souped-up muscle cars, classic models,
coupes, convertibles and more. The festivities also will include live music, food vendors and awards.
One car that will catch the public’s attention is a 1977 Chevrolet Caprice Classic, which Roseville City Manager and Police Commissioner Ryan Monroe owns and maintains. He purchased the vehicle with his own money a few years ago to honor the dedicated Roseville patrolmen who died while serving and protecting the residents of the city.
City of St. Clair Shores
“I plan to have the car there,” said Monroe, a former police officer. “When you work the road, that is your office. It’s a nice thing
October 2024
City of St. Clair Shores
City of St. Clair Shores
City of St. Clair Shores
City Council Meetings
October 2024
October 2024
October 2024
CHEVY CAPRICE CLASSIC PAYS TRIBUTE TO FALLEN ROSEVILLE OFFICERS
for the department and community to have the police vehicle at Jammin’ at the Junction. People like it.”
When shopping around for a commemorative car, Monroe “looked at all kinds of vehicles.” While the ’77 model was never a police car, Monroe felt the spacious and comfortable sedan was the best representation for the officers who lost their lives.
The honored patrolmen are: Albert O. DeSmet, Robert Alfred Young, William Oliver and Lawrence Cooney. All four men are remembered on the Officer Down Memorial Page website at odmp.org. The website tells brief stories of the law enforcement officers
and the circumstances in which they died. DeSmet was killed when his patrol car was struck during a high-speed pursuit Nov. 5, 1987. DeSmet, 44, was survived by his wife, son and two daughters.
According to the website, Clinton Township police were pursuing a vehicle traveling into Roseville after the driver had rammed and hit two vehicles. DeSmet and his partner, James Edwards, activated their emergency lights and pulled onto the southbound lanes of Gratiot Avenue when the vehicle struck them from behind.
DeSmet’s patrol car slid into the me-
Monday, October 7, 2024
City Council Meetings
City Council Meetings
City Council Meetings
Monday, October 21, 2024
Monday, October 7, 2024
Monday, October 7, 2024
Monday, October 7, 2024
Monday, October 21, 2024
Monday, October 21, 2024
7:00 p.m. City Hall, Council Chambers
Monday, October 21, 2024
27600 Jefferson Ave, St. Clair Shores
7:00 p.m. City Hall, Council Chambers
7:00 p.m. City Hall, Council Chambers
7:00 p.m. City Hall, Council Chambers
Scan QR code or visit www.scsmi.net/councilagendas to view agendas online.
27600 Jefferson Ave, St. Clair Shores
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 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.
Agendas are posted, by the end of business day, two Fridays before each meeting.
LEFT: This 1977 Chevrolet Caprice Classic is scheduled to be on display at Jammin’ at the Junction from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Sept. 28 on Utica Road, between Gratiot Avenue and 12 Mile Road, in Roseville. The car pays tribute to four Roseville police officers who died in the line of duty.
Photo by Patricia O’Blenes
See CAPRICE on page 26A
ABOVE: This display plaque lists the many local businesses and Roseville police officers that helped restore the 1977 Chevrolet Caprice Classic on their own time at no cost to the city.
Photo by Maria Allard
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“By 1913, 60,000 people lived in Calumet, extracting millions of pounds of copper for Calumet & Hecla Mining Co.,” the website stated. “A failed strike from mining workers and declining demands ended the copper mining era for good in 1968.”
Mouton said most of the items in his collection come from eBay and that his collection has been growing since 2005, though he said collecting has slowed over the years.
“Because, you know, there’s only so much that was made and certain things get more and more expensive,” Mouton said.
He’s always had an interest in history and science.
“Geology is pretty much one subject
wrapped in one,” Mouton said. “It’s natural history and science all in one. And I always love when I’m able to go actually see a piece of rock, you know, not in someone’s yard, but sticking out of the ground.”
A couple pieces in Mouton’s collection come from the UP. Companies made a wide variety of pieces including horseshoes, souvenirs, bars and much more.
The more he read and met with people, the more he liked the hobby. Pieces in his collection come from all over, but he’s not too sure of its age because none of it is dated.
“A lot of the bigger mines were active in the early 1900s and started petering off in the 1940s,” Mouton said.
Mouton knows a lot about the history of the mining boom in Michigan including different tragedies within the mining
Photo by Erin Sanchez
Steve Mouton displays some of the things he has in his collection of copper and related items.
SPOTLIGHT ON SENIOR LIVING
ABOVE: Jennifer Tommajin, of Real Estate One in Troy, designed this home that showcases the amount of space and functionality a multigenerational home could use. The 6,938-square-foot home includes five bedrooms, four full baths, and one half bath.
Photo by Brian Kurtz
LEFT: One of the benefits of extended families living together is strengthening bonds between generations. Shutterstock image
MOVING INTO THE MULTIGENERATIONAL-LIVING ERA
BY TAYLOR CHRISTENSEN tchristensen@candgnews.com
Multigenerational housing is making a comeback.
Studies by the Pew Research Center indicate that the concept has grown for the past five decades, and there is no sign of peaking.
According to the Pew Research Center, the number of people living in multigenerational homes quadrupled since 1971, reaching 59.7 million in March 2021.
Shaun Shaya, of Shaya Realty in Birmingham, works closely with the senior community, helping them sell their homes or move into assisted living arrangements. He said moving into a multigenerational household can provide plenty of emotional benefits for the older generation.
Having a senior move into a home with
Macomb County Office of Senior Services’ Handy Helpers program is here to assist seniors needing minor home maintenance.
their adult children or grandchildren means more accessibility to caregiving and a sense of social inclusivity.
But the change between living on their own and moving in with family can be difficult.
“I think they are in a place where they have a lot of stress in their life. It is stressful because it is change. They have lived in their home for a long time,” he said. “But on the other side, you know that it is easier.”
Shaya has seen first hand the positive impact living with other people has on the senior community while helping seniors move into assisted living homes.
Seniors in assisted living homes experience more social interaction and less stress of taking care of themselves. Shaya said multigenerational housing provides the same effect.
Eligibility: The person must be at least 60 years of age and a Macomb County resident
The program provides non-continuous assistance with tasks such as:
• Replacing lightbulbs, locks and faucets
• Installing window shades, storm windows and weather stripping
• Cleaning appliances, carpets, windows and washing walls
• And much more!
GRAND REOPENING
LaRosa’sBarberShop:ACutBackinTime
e cost of everything is getting more expensive these days, from essentials like groceries and gas to personal care items.
LaRosa’s Barber Shop has kept its prices a ordable, ensuring that everyone can still enjoy a fresh haircut without breaking the bank.
“When my dad, Tony LaRosa, rst opened his barber shop in 2009 during the Great Recession, he only charged $7 for haircuts,” said manager Nicole LaRosa. “Our prices are still pretty low, with the economy being kind of questionable right now. It’s $13 for an adult haircut and $10 for seniors and kids. at’s what makes us unique. Despite the rising costs elsewhere, we’ve kept our prices steady.”
SENIOR EXPO 2024 – EXPERIENCE SENIOR LIFE TODAY!
THURSDAY, OCTOBER 17, 2024
Keynote Speaker: Devin Scillian, WDIV-TV Anchor
ST. CLAIR SHORES/GROSSE POINTE WOODS, MI - Gather your neighbors, family and friends because it is time for the annual premiere lifestyle and health expo for active adults. See what is happening from healthcare to finances and fitness. The 2024 Senior Expo is hosted at the Assumption Cultural Center, located in the communities of St. Clair Shores and Grosse Pointe Woods. This wellness event for seniors, which is , provides area adults with an abundance of informative exhibits, educational seminars, interactive experiences, valuable resources for today’s senior lifestyles.
Each year Senior Expo hosts more than 1,500 seniors, their families and caregivers. For 29 years, this eastside community-based committee has dedicated itself to offering a day of health, wellness, recreation and community resource information to help design a happy, healthy and secure lifestyle.
“We are committed to providing a vibrant and informative event that celebrates and supports our senior community,” said Terri Murphy, CSA, Hope Senior Home Care, and Chairperson of the Senior Expo Committee. “We continue providing a platform that empowers seniors to live their lives to the fullest.”
Keynote Speaker recognizing the 29th Anniversary Expo is WDIVTV anchor Devin Scillian. He is happy to return as one of the original guest speakers of Senior Expo. After his keynote address, Devin will join his band, Arizona Son, during a luncheon provided by Henry Ford Health. The band is sponsored by A.H. Peters.
Visitors will enjoy more than 50 exhibitors offering giveaways and information on healthcare, recreation, self-improvement, retail products, managed care, physical training, financial and legal advice to name a few. Popular Workshops include Food is Medicine, Ask the Elder Law Attorney, Medicare Counseling, Ask the Physician, Ask the Nutritionist. On-site Health Screenings include: spine evaluation, blood pressure, knee pain/arthritis/physical therapy screening, and,
LaRosa’s Barber Shop relocated in August to just north of 13 Mile—on the west side of Harper—but its roots remain deeply embedded in the community. Since its beginnings nearly 16 years ago, the shop has expanded from a solo operation to a bustling six-chair hub that serves local customers and newcomers alike.
mini chair massages, from area health facilities. Also featured is a Community Resource Center including VA information, Medicare information and much more. The Courtyard Senior Super Tent includes Exercise and Fitness Evaluation, Balance and Fall Risk Assessment, BMI Screening, Recumbent Bikes etc. The Courtyard Senior Super Tent is sponsored by The Rivers.
The Resource Guide, a valuable reference book for adults of available services throughout the Metro area, is distributed at Expo and remains a useful tool all year through. The Guide is developed by the Senior Expo Committee and is made available at hospitals, city offices, libraries, and committee facilities.
Senior Expo Committee members who have planned for the event all year long include: Assumption Cultural Center; The Helm at the Boll Life Center; The Macomb County Chamber of Commerce; The Grosse Pointe Chamber of Commerce; Henry Ford Health; A.H. Peters Funeral Home; Cranberry Park/ShorePointe Village; Hope Senior Home Care; Corewell Health; Harper Chiropractic Center; and American House Lakeshore.
Don’t miss the opportunity to include your company in this worthwhile event. Sponsorship and vendor sites are still available.
If there are unanswered questions about resources for today’s seniors as well as caring for an adult family member or friend, come to the Senior Expo for those answers and the latest information available for a population living longer, more active and healthier lives. A memorable day is guaranteed.
Senior Expo 2024 takes place on Thursday, October 17th. Expo hours are 8:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. Free shuttle is provided by Cranberry Park for convenient parking at Grosse Pointe Woods Lakefront Park. For further information, call (586) 779-6111.
Assumption Cultural Center is located at 21800 Marter Rd., in the communities of St. Clair Shores and Grosse Pointe Woods.
e sense of community extends beyond haircuts. “What we enjoy most is the people,” Nicole said. “Dad grew up in the Shores, and many of his childhood friends have been regulars since day one. It’s like family when they walk in.”
Mark your calendar for the shop’s Grand Re-opening on Saturday, September 28, featuring $7 haircuts. is event will be a throwback to Tony LaRosa’s early days in business, and the shop will be fully sta ed with six barbers in their stations from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m.
“St. Clair Shores is a great place to live and work,” Nicole concluded with pride, re ecting on the bonds formed over years of shared stories and trust built one haircut at a time. Haircuts are available for men, women and children. Walk-ins are welcome.
LaRosa’s Barber Shop is located at 31351 Harper Ave. in St. Clair Shores. To make an appointment, call (586) 447-0888 or visit sites. google.com/site/larosasbarbershop.
Follow LaRosa’s Barber Shop on Facebook.
Seniors
from page 16A
“The key is the emotional well-being of the seniors that choose to live in multigenerational housing,” he said. “As you get older, it becomes very isolating, and socializing becomes more of a challenge.”
Jennifer Toomajian, of Real Estate One in Troy, said she sees a lot of multigenerational living situations in Troy and the surrounding areas of metro Detroit.
“Multigenerational homes are huge in areas that have diverse populations,” she said. “I think our population is different today, so you have people that live in the areas that are culturally used to taking care of their grandparents or their parents.”
To accommodate the current wants or needs for multigenerational homes, Toomajian said that the housing market is beginning to build homes specifically for multigenerational housing.
“Developers have been adjusting new construction floor plans to accommodate multigenerational families,” she said via email. “Adding first-floor full bathrooms with showers and first-floor flex rooms that have a multi-purpose: guest room, bedroom, playroom, gym, or an office.”
Creating homes that are designed for the purpose of multigenerational family living situations opens up the doors for saving money in other aspects of life, according to Toomajian.
“What ends up happening is today’s home prices are so high that both parents have to work,” she said. “Then if both parents are working, who is home with the kids? Then grandma moves in to help take care of the kids while the parents are working.”
Shaya said that the desire for a single family home and land will never diminish, but multigenerational living is the most attainable option as he believes that housing affordability will not change anytime soon.
“Economics will sort of dictate that a different model will be more efficient and more welcome for a lot of people,” he said. “I think that multigenerational housing is going to be an integral part of that model to help with the housing availability issue that many people face.”
Call Staff Writer Taylor Christensen at (586) 498-1081.
CRIME WATCH
Fraud reported on Robeson Street
At 5:19 p.m. on Sept. 14, a report was made about a case of fraud that occurred between Sept. 12 and Sept. 14 in the 32000 block of Robeson Street.
The victim, a 45-year-old woman, stated that she placed a couch for sale on Facebook Marketplace for $450 on Sept. 12. A buyer, the suspect, reached out to her and requested the payment be done through Zelle. The victim did not have a Zelle account, so the buyer sent her a link through her Gmail account. Through the link, the victim was asked to send $500 worth of gift cards for the transaction to go through. The woman bought the gift cards and sent them, and then received a notice by email that appeared to be from Zelle indicating she was a victim of fraud. To reverse the transaction, the victim was told she had to send $950 in gift cards, and she reportedly did so.
In the next few days, she sent $4,831 in gift cards through Bitcoin, Cash App, Apple Cash and Zelle. The victim soon real-
ized she was a victim of fraud and found she was locked out of her Facebook account. She said she did not give her credit or debit card numbers to the suspect, but she did call her bank and had them frozen. The officer advised her to freeze her credit cards and to put an identity theft alert on her account.
Fraud reported on Harper Avenue
At 1:23 p.m. on Sept. 4, a report about fraud was made in the 32000 block of Harper Avenue.
The victim, a 77-year-old woman, walked into the St. Clair Shores Police Department stating she was there to pick up a kitten. She said she messaged someone on Facebook Marketplace about buying a Maine Coon kitten and was instructed to purchase a $100 Apple gift card as payment. She complied and after doing so, the recipient began demanding more money for the kitten.
The officer informed the woman she had been scammed and she was disappointed. She told the police she wanted to make a report to ensure it didn’t happen to anyone else.
— Alyssa Ochss
ready isolated as it is. Imagine first showing up,” Mouton said. “Nothing’s there, so they basically had to haul everything by boat to get started.”
Wages
from page 5A
adjustment for inflation, which according to information in the motion for clarification will bring it to $12.48. The additional adjustment will be made using July 31, 2024, as an endpoint. Tipped workers must make at least 48% of this.
These wages will continue to incrementally rise. In 2028, the minimum wage will be $12 plus the treasurer’s adjustment for inflation, which the motion indicated will be $14.97. The tipped workers minimum hourly wage rate must be at least 80% of minimum wage in 2028. From this point forward, the treasurer will need to determine the wage. By 2030, the minimum wage gap between tipped and nontipped workers should be closed.
The rate of inflation was also questioned by Nessel. The court clarified that the treasurer would bring the minimum wages in the Wage Act current to July 31, 2024, through an inflationary catch-up beginning Jan. 1, 2019.
Justice Brian K. Zahra wrote the dissenting opinion Sept. 18 and adhered to his reasoning for initially dissenting to the July 31 opinion. He was joined by Justice David F. Viviano.
“A majority of this Court has no authority to rewrite unambiguous statutory provisions in pursuit of its subjective understanding of ‘equity.’ Such power is vested with the Legislature, not the judicial branch, and no case available to the Court in Michigan or any other jurisdiction in this nation has adopted or condoned the extraordinary remedial actions taken in this case by the Court, both in the initial opinion and in the instant order,” Zahra states.
“I respectfully note that the time to relitigate the opinion’s merits has passed,” Justice Elizabeth M. Welch said in part in her concurring opinion.
Michigan Attorney General Dana Nessel set Sept. 15 as a deadline for the Michigan Supreme Court to clarify aspects of its initial ruling on the Wage Act. This deadline
See WAGES on page 27A
community, how deep the mines went and what tools miners used during that time. He knows many stories about the miners of the era and has experiences from the times he’s visited the mines in Copper Country.
Pictures of Douglass Houghton hang in the cabinet where he keeps his collection. Houghton lived during the nineteenth century and Mouton said he’s the father of the Copper Country. He said a lot of the speculation people of time had was driven by Houghton’s research.
“His efforts on behalf of the State of Michigan contributed greatly to the discovery and subsequent commercial exploitation of copper in Michigan’s Upper Peninsula, as well as an enhanced knowledge of the state’s flora, fauna, and geology,” the Detroit Historical Society’s website said about Houghton.
Mouton said that Houghton explored Michigan by foot. He died by drowning in 1845.
“He never actually saw a working mine,” Mouton said. “He’s the first state geologist of Michigan.”
Mouton said he finds how people started exploring Michigan from scratch fascinating.
“If you’ve ever been to the UP, it’s al-
Along with mine pieces, Mouton also collects rocks and sand from the beaches he visits.
Mouton said as he learned about the tragedies and figures in mining history, he wondered why they don’t add lessons about these things in schools.
“Why didn’t I know about this until my 20s?” Mouton asked after he explained a story about the Italian Hall disaster in Calumet.
The National Park Service said this in an article about Italian Hall Memorial Park in Calumet.
“During a party here on Christmas Eve of 1913, a false cry of ‘fire’ incited a panic that claimed the lives of over 70 people, many of those children,” the article said.
Mouton said the tragic event happened during a miners strike and that the person who cried fire was allegedly a part of the mining company.
“I think it’s a piece of our history that’s largely untaught and ignored,” Mouton said about mining history.
Mouton said he wants to continue collecting mining artifacts. He said one day he’d consider living in the UP.
“I’m not done,” Mouton said. “I always hope that one day I can start (to) get up to the next levels like the Pewabic or one of the Quincy mine ones.”
APPLE PIE WEEK A SUCCESS
Photos by Patricia O’Blenes
Stink bugs
page 7A
vasive species of stink bug. It was first detected in the United States in 1996 in Allentown, Pennsylvania, possibly arriving stateside by hitching a ride in shipping containers from either China or Japan. They then spread across the eastern U.S.
“Around the 2000s was when the mid-Atlantic fruit growers really became very alarmed by them and had a lot of fruit damage in their orchards,” said Julianna Wilson, a Michigan State assistant professor of tree fruit entomology.
Brown marmorated stink bugs have a long straw-like mouth, which they use to suck the juices of fruits, vegetables and other plants. This leaves a lumpy, brown and cork-like plant drained of its juices, potentially ruining whole crop yields. As the bugs made landfall in Michigan in 2010, finding a way to manage the stink bug was a top priority for agricultural scientists.
https://forms.offce.com/r/dRj5cFa3bC
WORLD
Ultimately however, the brown marmorated stink bug never became as much of an agricultural threat as it was on the Atlantic coast. For one, there is a large variety of food sources for stink bugs in Michigan, allowing the bugs to spread out and not target only a select few crops. Parasites have also played a role in managing the brown marmorated stink bug. A microsporidian, or parasitic fungus, found to infect native stink bugs has made the jump to the brown marmorated stink bug, reducing the bugs ability to lay eggs when populations grow too large.
Another nonnative insect species from Asia, the samurai wasp, has made its way to the U.S. and preys on brown marmorated stink bug populations. The tiny one-eighth of an inch long black wasp specializes in attacking brown marmorated stink bug eggs, using the eggs to lay their own larvae. The samurai wasp is incapable of stinging humans and has not been observed targeting native stink bug eggs.
“(The samurai wasp) came here (and) we haven’t seen any big effects other than with this particular stink bug, which it does really well on in its native host range,” Wilson said. “It has not become the pest that we thought it would become.”
While research into brown marmorated stink bug management is still ongoing, the species has largely found its place in the environment.
“We have the tools we need when they’re needed to be able to combat this pest,” Wilson said. “We’re not in the, ‘Oh no it’s an invasive species’ stage anymore. It’s here and established and we know how to deal with it, so it’s not an emergency or big concern like it was.”
In the home, the biggest threat brown marmorated stink bugs post to humans is in-
creased irritation. A stink bug sighting is commonly marked by the brown guitar pick-shaped creature slowly stumbling out from a windowsill or curtain or some other hiding place. Perhaps once disturbed they will take flight, flapping wings and meandering through the air with all the subtlety of a 747. And should you try squishing one, its namesake cilantro-scented pheromone will stink up the air around where it is struck down.
“They’re a moderate garden pest,” Lowenstien said. “The main issue with brown marmorated stink bugs are nuisance issues in the fall when they might congregate inside or outside of people’s homes … The only risk would be squishing them on fabrics; I would not recommend squishing them on furniture or squeezing them indoors, because they will release that smell, and they can stain furniture.”
To get rid of stink bugs indoors, Lowenstien recommends drowning them in soapy water or sucking up stink bugs with a vacuum cleaner. Stink bugs can be trapped into drowning by placing a light over a pan of soapy water; the light will attract the bugs, causing them to fall into the pan.
Keeping stink bugs out of the home, however, is a futile effort. Checking for openings and gaps in walls is the most that can be done, as stink bugs will get inside though any little crack they can find. Stink bugs may congregate on the west and south sides on the exterior of homes in the fall, and spraying them with water or vacuuming them up is enough to remove them.
“Having them inside of your house doesn’t mean that you have failed to protect your home in any way,” Lowenstien said. “Insects are very smart at finding small gaps and cracks to make their way indoors, because they know that winter is coming, too.”
Call Staff Writer Dean Vaglia at (586) 4981043.
Photo by Guido Bohne, Bugwood.org
The samurai wasp uses brown marmorated stink bug eggs to lay its own larvae, providing a check on the brown marmorated stink bug population.
Caprice
dian and he was killed while Edwards was reportedly injured. The driver continued on until he crashed at an intersection. As time went on, the driver of the vehicle was found not guilty by reason of insanity. He was committed to a state hospital for four years and released.
Young’s “End of Watch” occurred Feb. 18, 1978, when he suffered a fatal heart attack shortly after pursuing a suspect on foot. The 51-year-old officer was assisting an ambulance crew that was having trouble restraining a man. The suspect then broke free and ran from the scene.
Young chased after him, tackled and handcuffed him and returned him to the am-
bulance. After a few minutes, the patrolman collapsed. The married father of three was transported to a local hospital where he died.
The Officer Down Memorial Page states that Oliver and Cooney — on duty together June 15, 1937 — died by gunfire after they apprehended a youth who was under arrest for burglarizing a local gas station.
The suspect and a second juvenile were handcuffed and being placed into a patrol car when one of them grabbed Oliver’s handgun and shot him. When Cooney heard the gunshots, he rushed to the scene and was shot at by the suspects.
“He began to chase the suspects and as he rounded the corner he was shot several times,” the website states. “Although wounded, he continued to fire at the suspects.”
Cooney drove himself to the police station and collapsed. A milkman passing by took
him to a local hospital, but he did not survive his injuries, leaving behind his wife and two sons. Oliver succumbed to his wounds about one month later on July 12. He was survived by his wife and four children.
The 19-year-old suspect in the shootout was arrested and sentenced to life in prison. According to the Officer Down Memorial Page website, he was paroled Jan. 25, 1963.
“I wanted to acknowledge those officers and draw attention to the police and city,” Monroe said. “I think it’s so important to remember their sacrifices.”
Many local organizations have offered their time to help restore the Chevy without any cost to the city of Roseville or the Police Department, as no city funds were used for the project.
“The Roseville Auto Shop was generous to give it a good tune-up and make it road
ready,” Monroe said. “Lafata Auto Body helped with some of the body work.”
Other contributors listed on a display plaque include Automotive Color Supply Inc., in Roseville; Van’s Towing & Transport in Roseville; US Farathane, of Sterling Heights; ABS Storage Products in Detroit; Majik Graphics in Clinton Township; and Roseville officers Brian Dobrzycki, David Lukasavage, Matthew Lesperance and his dad, Dennis Lesperance. The police officers volunteered on their own time.
The Caprice Classic is stored in a city building and taken out on occasion for events, including parades.
“It’s a pet project of mine,” Monroe said. “It’s more for the police and the city of Roseville.”
For more information on Jammin’ at the Junction or to register your car, visit rosevillemi.gov/CivicAlerts.aspx?AID=58.
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“No matter what the motive, love of ease, or a desire to save from su ering the unborn innocent, the woman is awfully guilty who commits the deed (abortion). It will burden her conscience in life, it will burden her soul in death. But oh, thrice guilty is he who drove her to the desperation which propelled her to the crime!” ...Susan B. Anthony
Make your check in the amount of $15.00 payable to: Mail it to:
came and went, but the court had the ability to provide clarity prior to the state treasurer publishing the final wage calculations on Nov. 1.
This all comes after the court made a 4-3 bombshell ruling on the Improved Workforce Opportunity Wage Act and the Earned Sick Time Act on July 31, affecting the state’s laws governing minimum wage and sick time.
The ruling was years in the making. It’s the result of wrangling to keep the issue off the ballot in Michigan by legislators against the changes.
It started with two petitions in 2018 that received the required number of signatures to potentially appear on the ballot.
One petition would have given workers gradual wage increases until the minimum wage became $12 in 2022. After 2022, the wage would be increased each year, as determined by the state, according to inflation.
The minimum-wage gap between tipped workers and all other workers, 38% in 2018, would be eventually closed by 2024.
The other petition required employers to give employees one hour of paid sick time for every 30 hours worked per week.
The Legislature adopted the unaltered initiatives in September 2018. This kept them off the ballot and allowed lawmakers to alter them.
They did this in two bills. One caused the minimum wage increases to not exceed $12 until 2030 and removed the increases for tipped workers. It also removed increases to the wage based on inflation. The second made changes to sick time. It exempted employers with under 50 employees from providing paid sick time. It reduced the amount of paid sick time hours for larger businesses from 72 hours to 40.
The changes, led by Republicans, were approved along party lines by margins of 6048 in the Michigan House of Representatives and 26-12 in the state Senate in a lame duck session in December 2018. They were signed by then-Gov. Rick Snyder and went
into effect March 29, 2019.
In the Michigan Court of Claims, it was determined that the Amended Wage Act and the Amended Earned Sick Time Act were unconstitutional on July 19, 2022. This was reversed by the Michigan Court of Appeals, but was ultimately upheld by the Michigan Supreme Court’s July 31, 2024, ruling.
After the July 31 ruling, Nessel made a motion to clarify the ruling on Aug. 21.
“Respectfully, the Michigan Department of Treasury has read this Court’s opinion in earnest and believes there exist ambiguities as to how to interpret and implement this Court’s directives in accounting for inflation for the graduated wages for the 2025 through 2028 time period,” the motion states.
Call Staff Writer Nick Powers at (586) 498-1059.
Infractions
from page 3A
enforcement officials to write a ticket that comes with a fine. The first two notices are still issued, but after that, tickets can be written.
“And you either have to admit responsibility and pay the ticket or you have to go to the court and ask for that ticket to be in front of a judge,” Pike said.
At court, residents have a chance to explain why they shouldn’t be fined.
“That’s the difference between a misdemeanor and a civil infraction, is that for those ordinances that have a penalty clause, that is a civil infraction,” Pike said. “After you’ve been given sufficient notice, we can write you a ticket that comes with a fine. And we can write that ticket every day if the violation is egregious enough.”
Pike said related violations could be written as a second offense, which would give enforcement officers the ability to write tickets right away. For example, Pike said if a resident goes through the full process a first time and commits the same offense a second time, they can be fined immediately.
The first ticket could be $50, the second ticket could be $250 and the third ticket could be $500, Pike said during the meeting.
She said during the meeting that Councilman John Caron helped a lot with the new changes.
Caron said it is important to have consistency throughout the code.
“If it’s property, maintenance to property, maintenance to the building ought to be the same,” Caron said. “And we believe by doing it that way we can get to compliance faster.”
He also noted that they are not taking
away the residents’ rights to dispute a claim.
“But we are looking to get faster enforcement,” Caron said.
He added that this process allows the council and staff to show residents that something is being done about a property or another compliance problem in their neighborhoods.
Councilwoman and Mayor Pro Tem Candice Rusie commended Caron for bringing these issues forward.
“I believe this really does not only increase the procedural efficiency that the city can now act with, but this also I think increases, just like he said, consistency and fairness,” Rusie said.
Around 23 ordinances are included in the update, Pike said. None of the ordinances include offenses where a person causes harm to any living being or property, which would be a much more serious offense than a civil infraction.
“A civil infraction is really intended to get compliance faster,” Pike said.
The city council and staff have worked on this set of changes since November of last year. Pike said the changes were necessary because multiple city offices were backed up by the processes and they had a problem gaining compliance.
“The process (of) going through a complaint and warrant takes a very long time,” Pike said. “The courts were backed up, the city attorney was backed up, you know, our cases were backed up.”
She went on to say that it would take the workload off the city attorney and subsequently, off the court.
“Because not everything will go to court. People will just pay the fine and be done, right?” Pike said. “And then that’s a very easy transaction.”
The changes went into effect on Sept.
5 after the council meeting. Residents experiencing ongoing court cases will likely stay in court, Pike said. If the violation is exacerbated, a civil infraction will be issued.
“Could it potentially impact people? Yes, if your violation still exists,” Pike said.
Pike said the elected officials want to portray the aesthetic and character of St. Clair Shores through its ordinances.
“We often get people who are like, ‘This is my property. I can do whatever I want,’”
Pike said. “And the reality of the situation is no, you can’t. This is the way the city fathers, city mothers, city leaders past and present have said this is the way we want our community maintained.”
A list of the affected ordinances can be found attached to the Sept. 3 meeting agenda, on the St. Clair Shores website at scsmi. net or directly on Municode.
Call Staff Writer Alyssa Ochss at (586) 498-1103.
South Lake Schools 2023 Bond
SECTION 00 11 13
ADVERTISEMENT FOR BIDS
Sealed Bids for the South Lake Schools, 2023 Bond consisting of:
The School District requests Bids for the above-referenced Project.
Bids will be received through Building Connected until (1:00) PM on 10.3.24
1. All Bids shall be submitted electronically on or before the Due Date through Building Connected: https://app.buildingconnected.com/public/5ae227ade0d395000fd24541 (McCarthy and Smith Plan Room)
2. For instructions on how to submit a Bid please go to the following link: https://buildingconnected.zendesk.com/hc/en-us/articles/360010222793-How-to-submit-yourBidthrough-BuildingConnected-
Bids submitted after the Due Date will not be opened, considered or accepted by the School District. Faxed and/or E-mail Bids will not be accepted by the Board of Education.
Sealed Bids will be publicly opened and read aloud and tabulated, beginning at approx. (1:00) PM on 10.3.24.
Bid opening will be publicly conducted via a Zoom meeting. Information regarding joining the Zoom meeting for all Bidders interested in participating is as follows:
https://us02web.zoom.us/j/82649483945
This Bid Package will consist of separate sealed Bids for the following Bid Divisions:
103: Selective Demolition
105: Concrete Work
106: Masonry
107: Metal Fabrications
108: Carpentry
114: Glass & Glazing
116: Hard Tile
117: Acoustical Treatments
118: Resilient and Modular Flooring
120: Painting and Epoxy
125: Toilet Partitions and Accessories
128: Plastic Laminate Casework
137: Food Service Equipment
140: Plumbing
142: HVAC
143: Electrical
Bidding documents prepared by Wakely Associates be available for public inspection at the main offce of the Construction Manager, McCarthy & Smith, Inc., 24317 lndoplex Circle, Farmington Hills, Ml 48335; the Construction Association of Michigan Plan Room, Bloomfeld Hills; the Builder’s Exchange, Lansing and Washtenaw Contractors Association.
Bidding Documents will be available beginning at 3:00 p.m. on Friday, September 13th, 2024 via Building Connected. There will be a Pre-Bid Meeting on Wednesday, September 18, 2024 at 3:30 p.m. at Elmwood Elementary School located at 22700 California St, St Clair Shores, Ml 48080. The purpose of the meeting will be to review the Project Bidding Documents & schedule, and to answer any questions Bidders may have. Following the meeting, the Bidders will have the opportunity to visit the Project site. The pre-Bid meeting is not a mandatory meeting; however, Bidders are strongly encouraged to attend.
All Bids must include the following sworn and notarized statements:
The Board of Education will not accept a Bid that does not include these sworn and notarized disclosure statements. Bids shall be submitted electronically into Building Connected. Bid security by a quality surety in the form of a Bid bond, cashier check, or certifed check in the amount of fve percent (5%) of the Bid shall be submitted with each Bid, payable to South Lake Schools, as a guarantee that if the Bid is accepted, the School District is secured from loss or damage by reason of the withdrawal of the Bid or the failure of the Bidder to enter into a Contract for performance. All cashier’s checks must be scanned and submitted electronically through Building Connected by the Due Date and be delivered to School District Administration Offce located at 23101 Stadium Dr, St Clair Shores, Ml 48080 to the attention of Gloria Salter-Reid, within 48 hours of the Due Date. The School District will not consider a Bid that does not include a Bid security. Further, the Bidder will execute the Contract, provide the required insurance certifcate(s) and fle the required bonds within ten (10) days after notice of award of Contract but prior to Work commencing.
If awarded a Contract, the successful Bidder may be required to furnish a Performance Bond and Labor and Material Payment Bond in the amount of 100% of the Contract price.
The School District reserves the right to accept or reject any and all Bids, either in whole or in part, to waive any informalities and irregularities therein, or to award the Contract to other than the Bidder (s) submitting the best fnancial Bid (low Bidder), in its sole and absolute discretion.
The St. Clair Shores City Council approved changes to multiple ordinances at its meeting on Sept. 3.
Photo by Alyssa Ochss
Blossom Heath
from page 1A
free but must show proof of residence with a driver’s license to gain entrance to the pier. They must park before the entry gate and walk.
• Nonresidents have a $5 daily entry fee per person, with children 3 and under admitted at no charge. They must park before the entry gate and walk.
• An annual pass for nonresidents is $100 per person, which allows one year of access to the pier from time of purchase. They must park before the entry gate and walk.
• These fees will not affect special events.
Spinazzola said nonresidents who come with a resident who has a park pass do not have to pay. They’d be counted as guests of the passholder.
Councilman Ronald Frederick said he thinks the new fees are great but did raise concerns about how they handle people who trash the park and continue to do so. He asked if there are any violations for repeat offenders.
Spinazzola said park guards cannot issue violations.
“But anybody who’s a repeat offender, they’ll try to take note of that person,” Spinazzola said. “Especially now, if they have a park pass, we have a record of who that person is coming in and out.”
Spinazzola continued to say that this information will be passed onto the needed office and that individual or multiple people will not gain access to the park.
Frederick continued to ask if there is “retribution” to change the behavior.
St. Clair Shores City Manager Dustin Lent said they can print rules and regulations on the annual pass.
“And if any of these rules and regulations are repeatedly violated, whether it’s loud music, whether it’s littering, whether it’s destruction, that the pass would be forfeited at that time,” Lent said.
Lent also said they already call the police for any disturbances or destruction.
Spinazzola said there will be signs at the park showing the new prices and regulations.
Rusie said it’s a lot of money.
“That’s an expensive outing to walk a straight line down to the lake for something that is normally, traditionally, has been free,” Rusie said.
Rusie compared the fee to a metropark, which has a daily fee of $10 per vehicle and $40 for an annual pass.
“But we’re saying per person (it) is $100,” Rusie said.
Rusie also asked if the city asked the Tax Increment Finance Authority board members for an opinion on the fees because the TIFA put around $6.4 million into the pier. Mayor Kip Walby said they have not asked.
Councilman John Caron said he is in favor of a lesser fee to generate statistics about who is using the pier.
Councilman Chris Vitale suggested having a police presence at the beginning of the 2025 season. He said he wants the guards to have support.
“I imagine there’s going to be people who take this personally and put up quite a stink,” Vitale said. “And I think just honestly the presence of a marked vehicle or something like that would probably tone a lot of that down.”
Call Staff Writer Alyssa Ochss at (586) 498-1103.
Two Clinics Unite for Multidisciplinary Patient Care
In a collaborative setting that combines expert orthopedic care with specialized physical therapy, Dr. Steven T. Plomaritis, DO, and Melissa Orille, DPT, NCP, o er a coordinated approach to patient treatment and rehabilitation.
Dr. Plomaritis is a board-certified orthopedic surgeon with advanced fellowship training in sports medicine and reconstructive shoulder and knee surgery. Dr. Plomaritis’s extensive experience in treating complex injuries o ers the community a unique level of care.
Melissa Orille, who has a doctorate in physical therapy and many years of experience treating high-level athletes and patients with complex orthopedic conditions, facilitated the coupling of these two services to further enhance clinical outcomes. The tenets of this practice are founded on a comprehensive evaluation, which facilitates an accurate diagnosis and diagnosis-specific care. This, paired with a broad spectrum of treatment options, optimizes patient outcomes. The recovery process is further enhanced by providing subspecialty orthopedic rehabilitation services in the same facility. Orthopaedic Team Rehabilitation’s licensed physical therapists attend post-op evaluations as well as ongoing status visits, maximizing patient results and recovery.
“By meticulously assessing each patient’s unique needs, Doctors Plomaritis and Orille ensure that the proposed treatment strategy aligns precisely with their specific conditions and recovery goals.” This approach allows for more personalized and e ective care that directly addresses the individual challenges and requirements of each patient.
As an experienced orthopedic surgeon for professional sports teams and collegiate athletics, Dr. Plomaritis brings a wealth of orthopedic knowledge to sports medicine. “This clinical practice has had more face-to-face contact with high-level athletes than any other provider in metro Detroit,” he said. He has served as the orthopedic surgeon for Wayne State University varsity athletics, as well as the Detroit Red Wings, Detroit Pistons and the Ontario Hockey League’s Plymouth Whalers, the National Hockey League’s Carolina Hurricanes and United States Strongman competitors. He has previously held advisory roles with the National Collegiate Athletics Association, mixed martial arts and U.S. Figure Skating Association. Dr. Plomaritis explained, “We conduct comprehensive evaluations that lead to the most accurate diagnoses. Our care is specialized to shoulder, elbow, knee and ankle as well as fractures. With a focus on specific anatomic injuries, we can o er the most diverse treatment options, covering biologics to joint replacements and everything in between.
Dr. Orille, owner and director of Orthopaedic Team Rehabilitation, works closely with Dr. Plomaritis. She and her therapists have access to orthopedic clinical notes and imaging studies. This information, available to the physical therapists, significantly enhances the e ectiveness of their patient care. “Our ability to directly access MRIs, X-rays and ultrasounds allows us to create precise, personalized treatment plans that may include therapeutic exercises, manual therapy and specific therapeutic activities aligned with each patient’s recovery goals,” she explained. “This not only improves patient outcomes but also streamlines the recovery process.”
The unique nature of Dr. Orille’s practice attracts physician and patient referrals within and beyond the metro Detroit area. Dr. Plomaritis concluded, “I believe our comprehensive, multidisciplinary approach to care is unmatched in Southeast Michigan.”
“We improve patients’ well-being by helping them regain function, independence and activity levels that increase their quality of life,” Dr. Orille added.
Both clinics accept most insurance plans and o er private pay options. They also manage cases related to automobile accidents and workers’ compensation.
ST. CLAIR SHORES — At 5:03 a.m. on Aug. 30, a report was made about an armed robbery that occurred in the 25000 block of Jefferson Avenue.
The night shift store clerk, a 34-year-old woman, stated she was alone in the building when a man came up to the register and told her to give him the money in the cash register. The woman misunderstood what he said and asked him again. The suspect repeated what he said and reportedly lifted up his shirt revealing a black handgun in his waistband. The clerk then took around $340 out of the cash register and gave it to the man. He stuffed the cash in his pockets and then left in an unknown direction.
The clerk called her manager before she called the police, which she said was a couple minute delay. The clerk stated the man came in before wanting to buy cigarettes earlier in the morning, but then changed his mind. Video surveillance shows similar events to what was described.
A DNA swab was done on the door and the counter.
Larceny from lockers reported
ST. CLAIR SHORES — At 1:54 p.m. on Aug. 8, a report was made about a larceny that occurred at a business in the 20000 block of Eight Mile Road.
The manager, a 23-year-old woman, stated that several patrons had told her a person had stolen money from their lockers. Four men reportedly had money taken from their locker ranging in value from $60 to $200 stolen from each locker. One man said the suspect left him around $15. All victims had locks on their lockers and reported that only their lock and cash were missing. The manager stated that the suspect has hit multiple other locations in the area including Ann Arbor and more.
The suspect was taken into custody by the Plymouth Police Department. He has a history of crimes, is a wanted person in Illinois and is a listed sex offender in Wisconsin. There were no convictions in Michigan on his record. A warrant was requested through the Macomb County Prosecutor’s Office after investigators reviewed the evidence and the request was authorized on four counts of larceny.
Larceny reported
ST. CLAIR SHORES — At around 11:42 a.m. on Sept. 1, a report was made about a larceny that occurred in the 23000 block of Euclid Street.
The victim, a 34-year-old woman, parked her vehicle in her driveway at around 7 p.m. Aug. 31. She went to bed at around 1:30 a.m. and was awakened at around 3:30 a.m. by fraud notifications from her finan-
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the car overnight, allowing the vehicle to be unlocked and entered.
When she checked her car, her purse was under the rear tire and her credit cards and her boyfriend’s credit cards were missing. She went to CVS, where three transactions were recorded, and they told her she must file a police report for them to turn over the surveillance footage to law enforcement.
Attempted vehicle theft reported
ST. CLAIR SHORES — At 9:19 p.m. on Sept. 3, a report was made about an attempted vehicle theft that occurred in the 22000 block of Visnaw Street.
The neighbor and witness, a 32-year-old man, stated he heard a noise and looked outside his window. When he looked, he said he saw a man looking into his neighbor’s car. The witness yelled, “Hey, what are you doing?” The witness then observed a gray vehicle slowly pull up to the victim’s driveway.
The suspect slowly walked to the vehicle and got in before speeding off on westbound Visnaw. The victim stated his vehicle had been stolen before and anti-theft devices were installed when it was recovered. Both men said their neighbor might have security cameras facing the driveway.
Retail fraud reported
ST. CLAIR SHORES — At 2:46 p.m. on Sept. 3, a report was made about a case of retail fraud that occurred in the 23000 block of Little Mack Avenue.
The president of the business, a 60-year-old woman, stated the suspect pulled into the rear of the store and had employees assist him in loading sod into his vehicle. When the sod was loaded, the suspect left the store, but he never came in to pay.
The woman stated she lets customers load sod before paying because they don’t know how much they will need. After some digging by employees, they managed to find the business that was on the side of the vehicle. The woman called the business with no answer. The amount of sod stolen was worth $276.92.
Shoplifter attempts theft of kids items
STERLING HEIGHTS — Police learned Aug. 25 about a reported shoplifting incident at Walmart, 33201 Van Dyke Ave. According to store staff, a suspect paid for some but not all merchandise at the self-scan checkout.
Upon then allegedly trying to leave with unpaid items, the suspect was caught by staff. The stolen items included kids clothing, kids shoes, a bag and milk bottles, police said. Police cited the suspect for third-degree retail fraud.
OCT. 6
Car show: Also food, DJ, 50-50, door prizes and awards, 4 p.m.dusk, St. Margaret of Scotland, 21201 E. 13 Mile Road in St. Clair Shores, (586) 909-4700
SEPT. 27-28
Fall Market: Shop boutiques from around country, funds benefit charitable projects of Tau Beta Association, 9:30 a.m.-7 p.m. Sept. 27 (market-tinis and cocktails 4-7 p.m.) and 9:30 a.m.-3:30 p.m. Sept. 28, Grosse Pointe Club, 6 Berkshire Place in Grosse Pointe Farms, taubeta.org
SEPT. 28
Jammin’ at the Junction: Car show, live music, food vendors, awards and more, 8 a.m.-5 p.m., Utica Road between 12 Mile Road and Gratiot Avenue in Roseville, roseville-mi.gov
OCT. 4
Harvest Fest: Hayrides, inflatables, petting zoo, train rides, doughnut truck, face painting, pizza, snow cones, DJ and more, 5-8 p.m., soccer field at St. Paul Catholic School, 170 Grosse Pointe Blvd. in Grosse Pointe Farms, stpaulharvestfest.com
OCT. 4-6
Lakeview High School - Class of 1969: 55-year reunion includes relaxed gathering at 6:30 p.m. Oct. 4 (Total Sports, 40501 Production Drive in Harrison Township), afternoon golf outing and casual reception at 6:30 p.m. Oct. 5 (Fern Hill Golf Club, 17600 Clinton River Road in Clinton Township), and farewell brunch at 10 a.m. Oct. 6 (Grosse Pointe Historical Society, 375 Kercheval Ave. in Grosse Pointe Farms), contact Bill Griffith about golf at billgriff9@gmail.com, all others RSVP to Patti Giorlando Timmins at pattihope0311@att.net
OCT. 5
Fall Music Fundraiser: Benefit for I Heart Dogs Rescue and Animal Haven, Michigan Vietnam Veterans Traveling Memorial Wall, VFW Camp Trotter for Children and more, featuring Flashback, Abi Tipton, Bastien-Martin, The Detroit Agents, Bill Hamill, Krissie Reardon, Delta 88, Nathan and Errol, and Wolf Monkey, 3-11 p.m., VFW Bruce Post #1146, 28404 Jefferson Ave. in St. Clair Shores, (586) 778-1146, facebook.com/vfw1146brucepost
swimming pool argument
STERLING HEIGHTS — Police went to a hotel in the 36000 block of Van Dyke Avenue Aug. 24 upon hearing that some patrons had been arguing with a worker.
According to police, guests from two rooms had reportedly been celebrating a birthday party at the swimming pool, and a worker reportedly told them that too many people were in that area. This reportedly made several patrons mad, and they allegedly yelled and “got into her face,” according to staff. Police said a hotel manager wanted the patrons to leave, so police passed on the message, and they followed the order. Police took no further action.
Vehicle stolen from outside SHAP
STERLING HEIGHTS — Police went to the Stellantis Sterling Heights Assembly Plant, 38111 Van Dyke Ave., the night of Aug. 23 upon hearing that a silver Honda Sonata had been stolen there sometime between 2 and 10 p.m. Police said the vehicle’s owner still had the vehicle’s keys.
Moped wheelies reported
STERLING HEIGHTS — Police heard a complaint the evening of Aug. 23 about two mopeds doing wheelies along a trail in the area of Dodge Park, near Utica Road. Police did not say in the report what sort of action they took in response.
Teen bothers waitress at restaurant
STERLING HEIGHTS — A male teen was allegedly bothering a waitress Aug. 23 at a restaurant near 15 Mile and Schoenherr roads. Police said the suspect had left the restaurant by the time they got there, and they told staff to call again if he returns.
Vehicle taken
GROSSE POINTE PARK — A white 2021 Jeep Grand Cherokee was
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Driver
Worker arrested for embezzlement
Farmers market: Also food trucks and entertainment for kids, 8 a.m.2 p.m., plus pumpkin patch noon-6 p.m., Blossom Heath Park, south of 10 Mile Road on Jefferson Avenue, scsmi.net/877/Farmers-Market
OCT. 12
Pumpkin patch: Also win prizes, 2-7 p.m., Lake Shore Presbyterian Church, 27801 Jefferson Ave. in St. Clair Shores, sales continue noon5 p.m. Sundays and 11 a.m.-7 p.m. Mondays-Saturdays until Oct. 31, facebook.com/lakeshorepresbyterianchurch
Chili cookoff: Hosted by Warren-based Knights of Columbus Council #2835, no fee to enter but $5 to taste, noon-3 p.m., Cloverleaf Bar and Restaurant, 24443 Gratiot Ave. in Eastpointe, enter by contacting Greg at (586) 822-6567 or gchildsnixon@gmail.com
OCT. 14
Becoming a Beekeeper: Expert talks about time, cost and tips for success, presented by Yardeners of St. Clair Shores, 7 p.m., St. Clair Shores Public Library, 22500 11 Mile Road, (586) 771-9020, scsyardeners@gmail.com
OCT. 19
Baby shower: Drop off items to be donated to local pregnancy help centers, stay for refreshments and gift basket drawings, noon-3 p.m., Right to Life of Michigan, 27417 Harper Ave. in St. Clair Shores, (586) 774-6050, macombrlm@rtl.org
OCT. 23
Free medicare help: Hosted by Michigan Medicare Assistance Program and AgeWays, meet with trained counselor by appointment, 10 a.m.-4 p.m., also Nov. 22 and Dec. 2, St. Clair Shores Senior Center for Active Adults, 20100 Stephens Road, (800) 803-7174
OCT. 25
Trunk or treat: Also free hot dog, cider and doughnuts, 6-8 p.m., Lake Shore Presbyterian Church, 27801 Jefferson Ave. in St. Clair Shores, facebook.com/lakeshorepresbyterianchurch
OCT. 30 Halloween party: Witches and wizards theme with
With the same link, click and sign in using your Google or Facebook information, or easily create a CitySpark account. Input the details, upload a photo and select “Review Changes,” then “Submit and Finish.” Events should appear online within 2 hours, and will appear in print as space permits. There’s no limit as to how many you can submit.
scsmi.net/social-district
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.
