Warren mayor announces new police commissioner
BY GENA JOHNSON gjohnson@candgnews.com
WARREN — Mayor Lori Stone announced the hiring of Eric Hawkins as the Warren Police Department’s new commissioner in a press release Sept. 18.
“Eric Hawkins has demonstrated unparalleled dedication to public safety, innovation, and community collaboration throughout his distinguished career,” Stone said. “We are excited to welcome him as the leader of our police department as we continue to focus on building a safer and stronger community.”
According to the mayor, Hawkins’ career accomplishments reflect community-centered policing.
“He has extensive experience managing large operational budgets and has led recruitment and professional development efforts that have enhanced po-
See HAWKINS on page 10A
‘SHE’S ONE-OF-A-KIND’
WARREN RESIDENT SHARES MEMORIES ON HER 100TH BIRTHDAY
BY MARIA ALLARD allard@candgnews.com
WARREN — Anita Cozzens had to think about it for a moment, but she’s pretty sure the first president she ever voted for was Franklin Delano Roosevelt in the 1940s.
She also remembers her childhood in Clay, Kentucky, where she was born in 1924.
Cozzens talked about her lifelong experiences when she gathered with family and friends at the Arbor Inn to celebrate her 100th birthday Sept. 16.
The birthday party at the assisted living facility gave the centenarian the chance to reminisce with the people closest to her, including her daughter Colleen Mullins and grandsons Scott Mullins and Michael Mullins, as well as her fellow residents and staff.
“It’s incredible,” Michael said of her milestone birthday. “That’s the only word I can use.”
Wearing a crown, sash and three corsages, Coz-
See COZZENS on page 14A
Patricia
Hawkins
Anita Cozzens, who celebrated her 100th birthday Sept. 16, holds up a photo taken during World War II when she was a flight attendant and served many service members en route.
Photo by
O’Blenes
Warren council wants city positions filled
BY GENA JOHNSON gjohnson@candgnews.com
WARREN — City Council members expressed concern at their Aug. 27 meeting that various appointments, including nearly 100 city positions, have not been filled in the nine months Mayor Lori Stone has been in office.
Although some positions are in the process of being filled, according to Council Secretary Mindy Moore, there are approximately 99 vacant positions.
Appointments can be filled faster than permanent civil service positions because, “There are less hoops to go through,” Moore said.
“We shouldn’t be having this conversation on the 27th of August,” Warren City Councilman Jonathan Lafferty said. “We shouldn’t have had this conversation three months ago like we did.”
Stone took office in November 2023.
“You are supposed to walk into that office, having been elected to the highest office in Warren, with a plan, with an army of appointees ready and willing to serve,” Lafferty said. “There is no excuse to walk in and not have that plan ready. It’s a disservice to the residents. It’s a disservice to this council.”
In a previous interview, Stone said, “Oh, no. This is a big process and even appointments to commissions are ongoing and continuous. They are constantly being considered and being filled and reappointed.
“Our city deserves the best,” Stone said. “I’m not here to hand out political favors. I’m not here
See COUNCIL on page 30A
LIPARI HONORED WITH RENAMED STREET
BY GENA JOHNSON gjohnson@candgnews.com
WARREN — Mayor Lori Stone officially changed the name of Bunert Road from 11 Mile to Frazho roads to Lipari Way Sept. 10 to honor Lipari Foods and the family that has been committed to Warren for 30 years.
A combined event celebrated the street renaming and the Lipari Foods employee appreciation picnic. The Lipari family, employees and city officials gathered for the occasion.
Of course, not every business gets a street named after it.
“(We are) Here for a very special occasion, it’s one of a kind in the city of Warren for the naming of the new ‘Lipari Way,’” Stone said.
“Lipari Foods has proudly served as a cornerstone of the Warren community driven by purpose that goes beyond food distribution, delivering more than great food to build a better tomorrow, impacting not just the local economy but the lives of customers, employees and residents alike,” Stone
See LIPARI on page 29A
TOP: Mayor Lori Stone unveils the Lipari Way signage and issues a proclamation to the delight of Thom Lipari, recently retired CEO of Lipari Foods, his family and employees.
ABOVE: Lipari Way celebrates the “huge investment” Lipari Foods has made in Warren on Bunert Road.
Photos by Patricia O’Blenes
Beautiful gardens abound in Warren
BY GENA JOHNSON gjohnson@candgnews.com
WARREN — The Warren Beautification Commission Residential Awards were given to 20 of the most beautiful gardens, as deemed by the commission, Sept. 18 at The Gazebo Banquet Center, where the gardeners were celebrated for their work.
“Anyone could nominate a beautiful front yard garden in Warren. Once a garden was nominated, members of the commission would go out and take pictures of it,” said Warren City Councilman Dave Dwyer, ex-officio of the Beautification Commission and the city’s mayor pro tem. “Many times along the way, we would see other gardens that were just fantastic and then nominate those. We had about 80-90 nominations, and the judges came up with 20 winners.”
With an array of flowers, plants and trees including begonias, geraniums, calibrachoa, salvia, hibiscus, hyacinth, daffodils, tulips, Brugmansia, and a weeping mulberry tree covering their front yard garden, Greg May and his wife, Shiela Jenkins-May, are delighted to be one of this year’s winners.
“(I) give God his glory for everything that happens to us. All the bees, butterflies, watching all flowers, all the enjoyment we get is truly a blessing from God,” he said.
May described their garden as, “One giant bouquet out there, not a flower here and a flower there, just let it all grow together and be happy.”
Jenkins-May said she has always loved flowers, colors and a beautiful garden, and she attributes her garden to not being afraid to experiment.
“When we did this garden, we didn’t know what was going to grow low or what was going to grow high. We just took a chance, and it just came out right,” she said.
The couple likes to repurpose stepladders, chairs, tables and pots in their garden by painting them and using the accessories to elevate the flowers, showing them off at different levels.
The Mays started gardening together when they married 12 years ago, and they plant several hundred tulips and begonias each year. The couple, who are now in their 70s, have developed gardening strategies that ease the strain on their backs. Rather than digging out a spot for each bulb and plac-
a plethora of potted flowers and
in the ground.
The garden of Greg May and Shiela Jenkins-May has an array of flowers including begonias, geraniums, calibrachoa, salvia, hibiscus, hyacinth, daffodils, tulips, Brugmansia, and a weeping mulberry tree that attracts bees, butterflies and hummingbirds. BOTTOM: One of two winners selected by the Environmental Advisory Committee for use of native plants in the garden,
Photos provided by the Warren Beautification Commission TOP: The garden of Warren resident Carol Finley shows off
flowers planted
MIDDLE:
Tawnya Howell’s garden showcases smooth blue aster, tall goldenrods, showy goldenrods, purple coneflowers, showy coneflowers, beardtongue, ironweed, liatris spicata and early sunflowers.
Backlash over vendors at Warren’s Pride sparks investigation
BY GENA JOHNSON gjohnson@candgnews.com
WARREN — Amid the numerous complaints of those who heard about provocative adult items being sold at Warren’s first Pride event on June 29 in front of City Hall, residents demanded a police investigation.
According to Warren police, most of the complaints were made by people who were not at the event.
“The police department finished ours (investigation), going through the ordinances and state laws. We determined there was no criminal activity. It was no crime,” Warren Police Commissioner Charles Rushton said.
“We referred it up to the county prosecutor and there (were) no criminal violations,” Rushton added.
According to the commissioner, there could be some licensing issues but that needs to be investigated.
A threat assessment is conducted by the Police Department before any large event, according to Warren Mayor Lori Stone. As a result, three officers were assigned to the event.
“It wasn’t a request from the organizers or the city,” Rushton said. “It was a decision I made as commissioner because of the large crowds.”
Pride events can become politicallycharged, targeted events, according to the mayor. Police protection and the Citizen Emergency Response Team were used at the event.
“Police are expensive. Having the CERT volunteers can help,” said Stone.
According to the mayor, the only other city employees who worked at the Pride event were staffers from the Parks and Recreation Department.
“This organization (the Pride planners) had made arrangements with Parks and Recreation. Just like anyone else who had rented the facility, they had access to Parks and Recreation staff that would staff the facility,” Stone said.
The staff makes sure the facility is being used appropriately, that there is access to the restrooms and the facilities are maintained, and that trash is being picked up and disposed of.
The mayor described the event arrangements as, “Nothing special, just (a) run-ofthe-mill of a rental.”
Vetting vendors
Many asked why the vendors were not better vetted. The organizers took full responsibility.
“Initially, organizers were going to have an 18-and-over section,” according to Monica Papasian, one of the key organizers of the event.
“When we were working with the vendors that we had, we didn’t have any at the time that would have needed to be over there. There was one (vendor) in the works that would have been questionable,” Papasian said. “So the solution was to have nothing out on their table that’s not kid-appropriate. So if somebody came up to their booth, they could pull it out and show them, but there would be nothing out (that would be inappropriate) for kids.”
That vendor put out a sign noting that it was for people 18 and older, and it had nothing out on display that would be inappropriate for children, according to Papasian.
“(This vendor) also did the same thing at other Pride events and was very responsible about it,” Papasian said. “After that point, we had two more vendors added on, which were the two in question. That was still supposed to be the plan. That, obviously, didn’t happen, and that is incredibly disappointing to me, because for all the great things that we did that day and came out of that day itself, it was such a big deal. And all of the time we put into it, it’s a shame that this one error, that was not intentional but still an error, is what will resonate with people about the event.”
Papasian said she takes responsibility for what happened.
CITY OF CENTER LINE
NOTICE OF PUBLIC ACCURACY TEST
NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that THE PUBLIC ACCURACY TEST for the November 5, 2024 General Election, has been scheduled for Thursday October 3, 2024 at 1:00 p.m., in the David W. Hanselman Municipal Complex located at 7070 E. Ten Mile Rd, Center Line, Michigan.
The Public Accuracy Test is conducted to demonstrate that the computer program used to record and count the votes cast at the election meets the requirement of state law.
Janice Pockrandt, MMC/CMMC Deputy City Clerk
“I am wrong. We made a mistake, and I’ll own that,” Papasian said. “But I find it really frustrating that the people that are running this charge really were not even there.”
According to the mayor, she was at the event with her family for more than four hours and did not know the adult item vendors were present. No one came to her — not the staff working the event, nor the police present — to report the vendors.
Stone said it was problematic that no complaints were made until after the event.
“If there is a problem, then address it in the moment when it can be handled,” Stone said.
According to the mayor, those who weren’t there inflamed the situation by speculating and insinuating there were salacious things happening at the Pride event. She also pointed to a disconnect between those wanting the city’s oversight but not wanting the city to be directly involved.
“They missed out on the entertainment, the camaraderie, the resources that were available, just the genuine fun of the event and allowed it to become a distraction from the event,” Stone said.
Who pays, and who doesn’t?
Another issue raised about the Pride event was what groups have to pay to use the City Hall grounds, and what groups don’t?
“My understanding (is that) the fees were waived for Pride because the Cultural Commission supported it. The Cultural Commission is tasked with providing expe-
riences of cultural importance to the community,” Stone said. “This was an event of cultural importance. That was one of the reasons it (the fee) was waived.”
Those renting the atrium inside City Hall must do so through the Downtown Development Authority, while those renting the front lawn of City Hall must go through Parks and Recreation. According to Stone, when she was elected mayor, there were contracts but no process or procedure outlining which groups must pay to rent the facilities and which do not.
“As a community member, I saw political favors. I saw inconsistency. I saw things offered and then revoked. Those were my takeaways,” Stone said. “I shared and asked the different departments and the (city) attorney’s office to put together a policy that is consistent.”
Part of the new process is not to charge for cultural events that will provide information to the community. Elected officials providing information to the community in their official capacity are not charged, according to Stone.
“I felt the organizers, for (being) firsttime organizers, did an outstanding job to create an all-inclusive, family-orientated day that was available to everyone in the community,” Stone said.
“I wanted the takeaway from Pride to be what I took away, which was, everyone is welcomed in Warren,” the mayor added.
Call Staff Writer Gena Johnson at (586) 498-1069.
CITY OF WARREN
NOTICE OF PUBLIC APPEAL HEARING
Notifcation is hereby being provided that the Hearing Offcer for the City of Warren has determined that a dangerous condition exists in violation of the Code of Ordinances and has ordered abatement of such condition on the described property. A formal notice has been posted on the property itself.
The property is described as:
Legal Description: 7584 Chalmers (13-33-280-011) – LOT 1017, PIPER’S VAN DYKE SUBDIVISION NO. 4, according to the plat thereof as recorded in Liber 4, Page 92 of Plats, Macomb County Records.
Condition: Vacant, dilapidated one story house (640 sq. ft.) with crawl space and wood shed with attached dilapidating animal shelter and debris.
In order to provide an appeal from the decision and order of the Hearing Offcer, the City Council has scheduled a public appeal hearing.
This hearing will be held as follows:
Time: 7:00 p.m.
Date: October 8, 2024
Place: Warren Community Center Auditorium Council Chambers 5460 Arden Warren, Michigan 48092
The City Council has the authority pursuant to the Code of Ordinances Section 9-171 thru 9-174 and 9-182 to approve/ disapprove/modify the decision of the hearing offcer.
Any person with a disability who needs accommodations for participation in this meeting should contact the Warren City Council Offce at 586-258-2060 at least 48 hours in advance of the meeting to request assistance.
SONJA BUFFA CITY CLERK
WARREN GARDEN CLUB MEETS
WARREN — The Warren Garden Club will meet at 6 p.m. Wednesday, Oct. 9, at the Warren Community Center located at 5460 Arden Road, inside the cafeteria. Maud Lyon, avid gardener and native plant enthusiast, will be the speaker and discuss how native plants differ from gardening with traditional plants. The public is invited. Light refreshments will be served. Call Connie at (586) 5740778 for more information.
My first library bag
WARREN — The Warren Public Library is distributing “My First Library Bag” at all four library branches.
The bags are available for children up to 5 years old who are Warren residents. Children can stop by any Warren Public Library branch with their parents or caregivers to receive a free bag. The bags for children 2 and under include a board book, sensory ball, bib and a list of library resources in a reusable tote bag. The bags for kids 3-5 include a picture book, an egg shaker and a growth chart in a reusable tote bag.
Bags are available while supplies last. The bags are designed to help develop early literacy skills by encouraging adults to talk, sing, read, write and play with young children every day. Early literacy practices help every child get ready to read and succeed when kindergarten begins.
This project was made possible through an early literacy grant from the Suburban Library Cooperative. The cooperative is a network of 27 public libraries in southeastern Michigan. For more information, contact your local Warren branch library or visit warrenlibrary.net.
Discover your family’s story with our interview kits
WARREN — Family history interview kits are now available at Warren’s Civic Center Library.
These kits have the tools needed to begin recording and preserving your own family history. Each kit has archival quality materials. They are yours to keep and make preserving your photographs and documents easy.
Residents are invited to consider donating their voice interview to the Warren Digital and Oral History Project to help keep these stories alive for future generations. This project was made possible in part by the Institute of Museum and Library Services. Call (586) 751-0770 for more information.
STUDENTS CAN WIN CASH PRIZES THROUGH C-SPAN COMPETITION
WASHINGTON, D.C. — C-SPAN is holding its annual StudentCam Documentary competition. Middle and high school student filmmakers are invited to enter the contest.
This year’s theme is “Your Message to the President: What issue is most important to you or your community?” Students will address a topic from multiple perspectives and assess what action(s) the president should take after Inauguration Day.
The grand-prize winner will receive $5,000, and multiple cash prizes of $3,000, $1,500, $750 and $250 will be awarded to students in first, second and third places, and honorable mention categories.
Students may compete individually or in teams composed of two or three members. Documentaries must be the original work of students, but teachers may provide guidance and critiques. Documentaries must be between five and six minutes in length.
$3,000, $1,500, $750 and $250 will be awarded to students in first, second and will be announced in March 2025. The competition requirements are available
The deadline for entries is midnight PST on Jan. 20, 2025. A list of winners will be announced in March 2025. The competition requirements are available at studentcam.org. Students and teachers can follow StudentCam on X/Twitter, Facebook and TikTok @studentcam, and Instagram @cspanstudentcam.
WARREN STREET FAIRS PLANNED
WARREN — The Warren Parks and Recreation Department will host street fairs every other Wednesday from Sept. 25 through Oct. 23 at City Square, next to City Hall east of Van Dyke Avenue and north of 12 Mile Road. An array of vendors will be present including food trucks, and a host of activities for the entire family. Come join the fun from 5 p.m. until 8 p.m.
lice operations and strengthened community ties,” Stone said.
Hawkins led a department that served a diverse population and was comparable in size to Warren, according to Stone. He was instrumental in modernizing the department’s operations, which included upgrading technology and infrastructure to better serve the community.
Hawkins started his police career locally in 1990 with the Southfield Police Department as a police cadet and in 1991 he was appointed as a sworn officer. Rising through the ranks, in 2012 he was appointed Southfield’s police chief. In 2018, he was sworn in as Al-
bany, New York’s 25th police chief where he prioritized strengthening police-community relations, the health and wellness of employees, and the recruitment and retention of personnel. Hawkins led the implementation of several new community-oriented programs in Albany, including a paid police cadet program, an internationally recognized police therapy dog program and the community liaison partnership, a program that allows city residents to help train police academy recruits. Hawkins led the acquisition of a new police training center facility, infrastructure updates to police headquarters and the communications center, and the integration of certified social workers into police operations.
His education includes a law degree from Cooley Law School; a master’s degree in administration and a bachelor’s degree in
public administration from Central Michigan University; and an associate degree in business administration, management and operations from Oakland Community College. Hawkins also attended a session at the FBI’s national academy and an FBI law enforcement executive development seminar in Virginia.
After the departure of former Police Commissioner Bill Dwyer and prior to the appointment of Hawkins, Charles Rushton led the department as its acting police commissioner. Rushton served as the deputy police commissioner under Dwyer.
“I will still be the deputy commissioner of the Police Department,” Rushton said after the appointment of Hawkins. “My role for the last seven months has been acting commissioner. So not much is going
to change for me. Everything pretty much stays status quo for me in my position.”
Rushton added, “Obviously, we talked before this announcement was made. He (Hawkins) seems really excited to get here. We’ve had some really good discussions about things to improve the Police Department and I think we can make a really good team.”
Hawkins grew up in Michigan, has family here, and visited frequently during his stint in New York, according to Stone. He is looking forward to returning to Michigan.
“I am deeply honored to serve as the Police Commissioner for the City of Warren,” Hawkins said in a written statement. “I look forward to collaborating with the community and building on the strong foundation of safety and trust that exists within the city.”
School board ratifies new teacher contracts
BY MARIA ALLARD allard@candgnews.com
WARREN — Educators in Warren Woods Public Schools started the 20242025 school year with a new contract.
At the district’s Sept. 9 Board of Education meeting, the school board voted 6-0 to approve the new contract for the Warren Woods Education Association. Trustee Jenny Nitz abstained from voting because her husband is a teacher in the district.
The contract, effective immediately following the meeting, expires June 30, 2027. Contract negotiations began in May, and topics included the calendar, evaluations, discipline, layoffs, recall placement and salary.
School Board President Michael Schulte thanked Assistant Superintendent Neil Cassabon and Warren Woods Tower High School Principal Ian Fredlund for “all their hard work” involving the negotiations. He also acknowledged the union committee.
“We certainly know how much time and energy it takes to serve on the bargaining committee,” Schulte said. “I appreciate everything you’ve all done to make our district better.”
The contract covers 219 members of the WWEA who work at various schools throughout the district. WWEA President Michele Bastian was pleased with the vote.
“I think we’ve come to an agreement that we are very proud of as a team,” Bastian said. “I think it will be something lasting for Warren Woods that will keep our community strong and our district even stronger. We appreciate your consideration.”
Bastian, who works in various capacities at Westwood Elementary, thanked members of the bargaining team — as well as Superintendent Stacey Denewith-Fici, Cassabon and Fredlund — for their time on negotiations.
“We believe we have a contract for which all parties can be proud,” DenewithFici said via email. “The new contract recognizes the hard work of our professionals with an average compensation increase of 19% over the three years while maintaining high expectations for teacher evaluation and keeping student needs at the forefront of all decisions.”
The amount of salary increases in the new contract varies by teacher and how long they have been employed in the district.
“Over the course of the contract we estimate that the average teacher base salary in WWPS before longevity or any other stipends or extra duty assignments will increase from $78,560 to $92,226,” Denewith-Fici said. “In addition, all teachers who taught for us last year and have returned (for) the 2024-25 school year will receive a retention bonus of between $1,000 and $1,500 in October of this year.”
Raises are based on the number of years with the district and which type of college degree or degrees of the teacher. More than half of the district’s teachers have been with the district for more than 10 years.
Per the new contract, the superintendent said a Warren Woods teacher with a master’s degree who has reached the top of the salary schedule will have a base salary of $100,736 in the 2026-2027 school year.
Under the new contract, the district will follow the Charlotte Danielson “Framework for Teaching” as the basis for 80% of the teacher’s evaluation. The evaluation model defines effective teaching practices and organizes teaching responsibilities into four key domains: planning and preparation, classroom environment, instruction and professional responsibilities. The framework was developed to help teachers focus on specific competencies to improve instructional quality and enhance student learning outcomes.
The remaining 20% of the teacher eval-
Photo by Maria Allard
Warren Woods Tower High School science teacher and football coach Adam Diaz, whose two children attend school in the district, believes the new contract will keep employees in the district.
‘Grit’ is
a
point of emphasis for veteran-led Regina volleyball
BY JONATHAN SZCZEPANIAK jszczepaniak@candgnews.com
WARREN — The word “grit” isn’t a description that gets thrown around lightly.
It’s one of the first words you think of when you reflect on the Detroit Pistons’ “Bad Boys” teams, or most recently the Detroit Lions and head coach Dan Campbell’s “bite a kneecap” approach when he first became the frontman.
There’s a sense of pressure that comes with describing a team with the word “grit” because when you come to watch them or are prepared to line up against them, you’re expecting to be in for a challenge.
This year, a different team repping blue and white has adopted it as its calling card, something the team has prioritized since the beginning of the offseason and was eager to show the rest of Michigan high school volleyball what it’s about.
Currently unbeaten (4-0) in its league and led by a veteran-heavy group, Warren Regina (6-5-1) volleyball is carrying a different type of mindset in 2024.
“Grit is our focus this year,” head coach
‘It’s De La Salle time’ PILOTS TEAM TO BEAT IN D2 SOCCER
BY JONATHAN SZCZEPANIAK jszczepaniak@candgnews.com
WARREN — As Warren De La Salle boys soccer head coach Thaier Mukhtar describes the state tournament, it’s “De La Salle” time.
When you’re the winningest coach in Michigan high school soccer history and have 12 regional titles and five state championship titles attached to your name, you have the power to claim the postseason as a time where your team will turn on the afterburners.
But when Mason blocked the Pilots, who have five state championship titles, from making its seventh state finals appearance in a 3-2 shootout defeat in the state semifinals, the clock simply ran out for Mukhtar and company.
It’s always tough to see the silver lining in defeat, but returning the entire roster, for the first time in Mukhtar’s 54 years of coaching both boys and girls soccer, every player on the De La Salle roster knew 2024 was going to be their year.
“There’s nothing else on our minds than getting that ring,” senior captain Josh Ross said. “Having everyone back was a huge plus. We already had that chemistry that we built off of. We’re just grinding in these practices and trying to get better every day. Having everyone back was a huge advantage for us.”
Opening the season with four-straight wins and outscoring opponents 17-4, De La Salle was firing on all cylinders until a 4-0 loss to Pontiac Notre Dame Prep stopped the team in its tracks.
The Pilots team of 2023 struggled finding its consistency after defeats, suffering back-to-back losses three times during the season that led to an 8-9 regular season record.
De La Salle responded with a crucial 1-0 win over Catholic High School League rival Detroit Catholic Central, and had revenge on its mind with a rematch against Mason in the TC West Showcase.
Beating Mason 2-1 and Traverse City St. Francis 4-1 to complete the weekend sweep, a new kind of confidence and resilience was showcased by the Pilots.
Laura Papa said. “Just taking the hits and when we’re down a point instead of letting it get us down for five or six points, we’re moving forward, focusing on the next point, and we’re trying to pick each other up and
See VOLLEYBALL on page 20A
“Going into that Traverse City tournament, coach Mukhtar purposely wanted Mason out of all the squads, and obviously we did as well,” senior captain Daniel Makara said. “That was a big factor. That game was very important for us, showing that we are the better team even though we lost to them last year. I think we gave them a sign that we’re coming for them in the playoffs. Hopefully we see them again in the playoffs.”
Photos by Patricia O’Blenes
TOP: Warren Regina junior Lilly Zdankiewicz and senior Calista Mastry go for the block against a Royal Oak Shrine Catholic player. ABOVE: Warren Regina senior Sara Wilking sets up a teammate.
Photo by Erin Sanchez
Warren De La Salle sophomore goalkeeper Dominic Baldarotta makes a save during a 3-1 win against Bloomfield Hills Brother Rice on Sept. 13 at De La Salle High School.
Contracts
uation is based on student growth and assessment, which includes measurable progress students make over time from common assessments, standardized tests, student learning objectives and other goals.
There were no changes in the number of sick days in the new contract. WWEA members are allotted 11 days per year for sick or personal leave, and the days can be accumulated without limit. The teachers, too, can earn up to five additional leave days each school year if they substitute for other teachers during their prep period and bank the time.
School officials believe the new contract benefits the students as it helps attract and retain highly qualified educators, which ultimately enhances the quality of instruction. It also will boost morale among the teachers.
“This contract ratification boosts morale by giving teachers a sense of security and recognition for their efforts, knowing their work is valued through fair compensation and support,” Denewith-Fici said. “It
fosters a positive work environment, promoting collaboration and commitment to student success.”
Warren Woods Tower High School science teacher and football coach Adam Diaz, who came to the Sept. 9 meeting from football practice, believes the new contract will keep employees in the district.
“I want to say thank you for this contract. I feel this is a contract that’s going to make people stay here,” said Diaz, whose two children attend school in the district.
“That’s to the benefit of my kids. My kids get to get teachers here that want to be here.”
Warren Woods Tower High School science teacher Melissa Chesher, whose three children are students in the district, also addressed the school board.
“A great contract benefits my family personally. We do not live in the district. I choose to bring my children here because I feel like it’s a great place,” she said. “I think this contract, like Adam said, will do a lot to keep those great people here. This was my first time negotiating. It was a learning experience.”
Call Staff Writer Maria Allard at (586) 498-1045.
and first responders
• Safeguarding our clean water
• Addressing infrastructure needs
• Tax relief to working families
Cozzens
zens even had her hair done for the special occasion.
“Oh, mom, you look absolutely beautiful. You look gorgeous,” Colleen said when she arrived for the festivities. “You look like a queen.”
“This is so nice. It’s great for them to do this,” Cozzens said. “I’m so excited I can’t even talk.”
Together, the family talked about Cozzens’ childhood in Kentucky. One memory that stands out is riding in the family’s Model T car. Other moments shaped her upbringing.
“They were the first people in the area to have indoor plumbing,” Colleen said. “They were a novelty.”
Before that, Cozzens washed her hair in a rain barrel with rainwater and lye soap.
Like many Kentuckians, her father worked in the coal mines. But at one point he moved the family to Michigan to find work in the automobile industry.
“He said he didn’t want to die in the coal mines,” Cozzens said.
During World War II, Cozzens worked as a flight attendant. There were many times in which military service members were on her flights. She had another connection with the GIs of the war: Cozzens had a brief stint as a pin-up model. To pay homage to her mom, Colleen wore her airplane wings pin from Capital Airlines at the birthday party. Cozzens enjoyed “everything” about working in the airline industry.
“(We served) mostly sandwiches. Of course, we did coffee,” she said. “It was fun. You meet so many wonderful people.”
The centenarian made her home in Warren for more than 50 years. For 30 of those years, she worked as a secretary at the GM Tech Center in Warren. Upon her retirement, she received a gold watch. She also was a very active parishioner at St. Dorothy’s Catholic Church in Warren.
“She raised me as a single mom. She had to be strong and tough,” Colleen said, adding the best advice her mother ever gave her was: “Don’t give up. Things will get better. That’s the main thing and it’s true.”
Cozzens used that strength and toughness through the loss of her husband and son.
Over time, Wellness Director Shannon Boczkowski has gotten to know Cozzens very well.
“She’s a very loving and caring person,” Boczkowski said. “She’s a beautiful person inside and out. She takes care of her roommate. She loves her daughter and her grandkids.”
Grandson Scott agreed.
“She’s classy and generous and spirited,” he said. “That’s what I’d say about her.”
Cozzens also has a reputation for being a diehard sports fan. If there’s a football, baseball, basketball or hockey game on television, she’ll cheer on her favorite teams.
“I like all sports, any sport,” she said. “I love baseball, my Tigers.”
Along with athletics, Cozzens will listen to “any kind of music” and recalled the days when Rock Hudson, Bing Crosby and Bob Hope left their mark in Hollywood.
“They were the real deal,” she said.
One of her well-wishers was Warren Mayor Lori Stone, who visited The Arbor Inn last Monday to present Cozzens with a proclamation.
“Anita has been a beacon of love and commitment, raising two wonderful children and delighting in the company of her two cherished grandchildren,” the proclamation states. “Anita’s remarkable contributions during World War II, transporting troops with unwavering courage and precision, stand as a testament to her bravery and commitment to our nation.”
Cozzens appreciated the kind words.
“I think Warren is a wonderful place,” the birthday girl told Stone.
Call Staff Writer Maria Allard at (586) 4981045.
Once I get the right diagnosis for the cause of your heel pain, I will provide you with a tailored treatment plan, which outlines exactly how we can fix your heel pain and keep you free from future foot pain. If you are ready, call me for an appointment to start your journey back to normal life, free from heel pain.
ABOVE: Anita Cozzens, who turned 100 years old Sept. 16, was happy her daughter Colleen Mullins, second from left, and grandsons Michael Mullins, far left, and Scott Mullins, far right, could help her celebrate. BELOW: During the birthday party, Dwyon Hughes, The Crooner Dwyon, serenades Cozzens with Motown favorites. With her are her daughter, Colleen Mullins, seated next to her, and Cozzens’ grandsons Michael Mullins, middle, and Scott Mullins.
Photos by Patricia O’Blenes
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.
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
METRO DETROIT — 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.
Macomb County Office of Senior Services’ Handy Helpers program is here to assist seniors needing minor home maintenance.
Having a senior move into a home with 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
• Replacing lightbulbs, locks and faucets
• Installing window shades, storm windows and weather stripping
• Cleaning appliances, carpets, windows and washing walls
The program provides non-continuous assistance with tasks such as: Eligibility: The person must be at least 60 years of age and a Macomb County resident
• And much more!
Photo by Brian Kurtz
Housing
from page 16A
taking care of themselves. Shaya said multigenerational housing provides the same effect.
“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.
Volleyball
fill each other’s buckets on the court so we can focus on getting the next point rather than what just happened.”
Regina faced a trio of challenges in its opening quad at Utica High School, facing Utica (MAC White), Macomb L’Anse Creuse North (MAC Red), and New Baltimore Anchor Bay (MAC Red) in its first three matches of the season.
Suffering a loss to Utica, it didn’t phase Papa’s squad as they regrouped and took down L’Anse Creuse North, which is fresh off a state quarterfinal season and currently in first in the MAC Red at 2-1.
The Saddlelites would then fall to Anchor Bay 2-0, but came back the next two weeks and beat Catholic High School League opponents Bloomfield Hills Cranbrook Kingswood and Ann Arbor Father Gabriel Richard to start league play 2-0.
A loss like the one to Utica or Anchor Bay would be the type that would turn into consecutive losses in 2023, where Regina had three instances of three-straight losses including a five-game losing streak, but this team is in a different headspace.
“We have a different confidence this year,” senior Calista Mastry said. “Everyone knows that we’re really capable of being successful, so I think mentally we’re all really motivated. I think that separates us from other teams, but also past Regina seasons.”
Mastry, an outside hitter/defensive specialist, is one of five senior leaders alongside senior libero Ella Sikorski, senior outside hitter Amanda Vushaj, senior defensive specialist Giuliana Foltz, and senior defensive specialist/right-side hitter Sara Wilking.
Sikorski, a four-year varsity player, is coming off a second team all-state season with Mastry and Vushaj both carrying four years of varsity experience as well. Vushaj, an all-state honorable mention, will unfortunately have to be a star assistant coach rather than outside hitter due to a broken arm, but her presence alone on the court does wonders for Regina.
It’s a group that leads with their play night in and night out, but they’re also elevating the juniors around them and the lone underclassmen, freshman Cate Booms, who will work alongside Mastry and junior outside hitter Alison Schmid to keep the outside hitting department going.
“They just really take the younger kids under their
wing,” Papa said. “Giuliana (Foltz) is one of my seniors, and it’s her first year on varsity, and she’s just a phenomenal leader. Not having the varsity experience and making the team this year, her effort in practice and how she interacts with my underclassmen is pretty phenomenal.”
Wilking, who has 163 assists this season, and junior setter Cat Jenkins feed off of each other in the setting group as the duo works in stride to get the ball to its middle hitters, juniors Marisa Vushaj and Lilly Zdankiewicz, who have 37 and 60 kills respectively.
Jenkins was more so taking everything at the varsity level last year, but she’s really come into her own this season, holding 86 assists, and creates a formidable setting duo with Wilking, who hopes she was able to show Jenkins a thing or
two last year.
“A lot of it is just like, ‘Stay out of your head and don’t let the moment overtake you; you have to overtake the moment,” Wilking said about her conversations with Jenkins. “She’s a good setter and she’s smart with the ball, and I think we kind of play off of each other. If we see that one of our hitters are doing good, we know that both of us together can set that one girl.”
The 2026 graduating class of Regina, like its seniors, has made a name for themselves with Zdankiewicz, Jenkins, Vushaj, junior Ava Janusch, who anchors the defense, junior Caroline Torey, and Katelyn Catana all making an impact this season.
The juniors are part of the largest graduating class at Regina in a decade, featuring nearly 110 students.
Through the varsity experience and learning under the seniors, Janusch, a junior who has 15 aces, 113 serve receptions, and 70 digs this season, has played confidently on the court and made an impact with her voice.
“When I was a sophomore, I was an underclassman, so I didn’t really speak up,” Janusch said. “Now I’m an upperclassman, so it’s easier to be like, ‘Hey guys, we need to do this or that.’”
Regina is fresh off a statement win against rival Macomb Lutheran North, which Regina defeated 3-1 to move to 2-0 on the year in matches that have four sets or more, which the Saddlelites were 2-2 last year in.
Still holding onto the top spot in the CHSL-AA, Regina will have the end of its league play on tap with Madison Heights Bishop Foley and Orchard Lake St. Mary’s making their way onto the schedule in the next two weeks.
St. Mary’s eliminated Regina in the first round of regionals at the Division 2 state tournament last season 3-0.
“I so wish we won that game,” Wilking said. “I think we were nervous going into that game because we already played them and lost, so I think we were —I don’t want to say doubting yourselves — but we knew the outcome earlier in the season. We were a better team, and I think the moment got bigger than us, so we caved in and were scared to do something.”
But with Papa’s squad embodying grit and what it takes to overcome any obstacle, you can be certain you’ll see a different type of Regina squad this season when the state tournament rolls around.
“We’re not going to cave in at the moment,” Wilking said. “We’re going to show up to the moment and not stop being aggressive.”
COME CHECK OUT THIS SPRAWLING RANCH
in the highly sought-after Shelby Twp, Cedar Lakes Subdivision. Boasting an open concept layout, this residence features stunning custom woodwork and crown molding throughout, enhancing its elegant charm. Additional highlights include, oversized private yard, hardwood flooring in the bedrooms, custom closets, Anderson windows, partially finished basement, newer AC unit, central vacuum system, and first-floor laundry. This home seamlessly combines luxury and comfort, making it the perfect place to call home.
Photos by Patricia O’Blenes
TOP: The Warren Regina sideline celebrates a point during its match against Royal Oak Shrine Catholic on Sept. 18 at Regina High School. ABOVE: Warren Regina head coach Laura Papa looks on as her team competes against Royal Oak Shrine Catholic.
NOTICE OF REGISTRATION FOR THE ELECTION TO BE HELD ON TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 5, 2024 WARREN, MI
TO THE QUALIFIED ELECTORS OF WARREN:
PLEASE TAKE NOTICE that any qualifed elector of Warren who is not already registered, may register to vote at the offce of the Warren City Clerk; the offce of the Macomb County Clerk; a Secretary of State branch offce; or other designated state agency; or online at www.michigan.gov/voterregistration
The last day to register in any manner other than in-person with the local clerk is Monday, October 21, 2024
After this date, anyone who qualifes as an elector may register to vote in person with proof of residency (MCL 168.497) at the Warren Clerk’s offce, located at 1 City Square, Suite 205, Warren, MI 48093 at the following times:
• Regular business hours: Monday through Friday from 8:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.
• Saturday, November 2nd from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
• Election Day, Tuesday, November 5th from 7:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m.
PLEASE TAKE NOTICE that the purpose of the election is to vote on the following candidates and proposals as presented and listed below:
PRESIDENT
VICE PRESIDENT
UNITED STATES SENATOR
REPRESENTATIVE IN CONGRESS 10TH DISTRICT
REPRESENTATIVE IN STATE LEGISLATURE 11TH DISTRICT
REPRESENTATIVE IN STATE LEGISLATURE 13TH DISTRICT
REPRESENTATIVE IN STATE LEGISLATURE 14TH DISTRICT
REPRESENTATIVE IN STATE LEGISLATURE 58TH DISTRICT
MEMBER OF THE STATE BOARD OF EDUCATION
REGENT OF THE UNIVERSITY OF MICHIGAN
TRUSTEE OF MICHIGAN STATE UNIVERSITY
GOVERNOR OF WAYNE STATE UNIVERSITY
PROSECUTING ATTORNEY SHERIFF
CLERK & REGISTER OF DEEDS TREASURER
PUBLIC WORKS COMMISSIONER
COUNTY COMMISSIONER 11TH DISTRICT
COUNTY COMMISSIONER 12TH DISTRICT
COUNTY COMMISSIONER 13TH DISTRICT
JUSTICE OF SUPREME COURT
8 YEAR TERM
JUSTICE OF SUPREME COURT
PARTIAL TERM ENDING 1/1/29
JUDGE OF COURT OF APPEALS 2ND DISTRICT
INCUMBENT POSITION
JUDGE OF COURT OF APPEALS 2ND DISTRICT
NON-INCUMBENT POSITION
JUDGE OF CIRCUIT COURT
16TH CIRCUIT COURT
INCUMBENT POSITION
JUDGE OF CIRCUIT COURT
16TH CIRCUIT COURT
NON-INCUMBENT POSITION
JUDGE OF PROBATE COURT
INCUMBENT POSITION
JUDGE OF PROBATE COURT
NEW JUDGESHIP
JUDGE OF DISTRICT COURT
37TH DISTRICT COURT
INCUMBENT POSITION
BOARD OF TRUSTEES MEMBER
MACOMB COMMUNITY COLLEGE
LOCAL
SCHOOL DISTRICT BOARD MEMBER
FITZGERALD PUBLIC SCHOOLS
BOARD MEMBER
WARREN WOODS PUBLIC SCHOOLS 6 YEAR TERM
BOARD MEMBER
WARREN WOODS PUBLIC SCHOOLS
PARTIAL TERM ENDING 12/31/2028
Please be further notifed there are two (2) County proposals and two (2) local school district proposals qualifed to appear on the November 5, 2024 General Election ballot as follows:
County Proposals
Continuation of Macomb County E 9-1-1 Surcharge
For the purpose of continuing funding for 9-1-1 emergency call answering and dispatch services within Macomb County, shall Macomb County be authorized to assess a surcharge of up to $0.42 per month on all service users, except for users of a prepaid wireless telecommunications service, located within Macomb County for a period of four (4) years, effective from July 1, 2025 through June 30, 2029?
YES_____
NO______
Proposal to Elect a Charter Commission for the Purpose of Generally Revising the Home Rule Charter of the County of Macomb
Shall the County of Macomb elect a charter commission for the purpose of generally revising the Home Rule Charter of the County of Macomb and framing and submitting to the electorate of the county a revised home rule charter for the county under the constitution and laws of Michigan?
YES_____
NO______
Full text of the ballot proposal may be obtained at the Macomb County Clerk’s Offce, 120 North Main, Mt. Clemens, MI 48043, Telephone: 586-469-5120. A sample ballot may be viewed at michigan.gov/vote.
Local School District Proposal
Van Dyke Public Schools Bond Proposal
Shall Van Dyke Public Schools, Macomb County, Michigan, borrow the sum of not to exceed Thirty-Six Million, One Hundred, Seventy Thousand Dollars ($36,170,000) and issues its general obligation unlimited tax bonds therefor, in one or more series, for the purpose of:
Remodeling, furnishing, and refurnishing, and equipping and re-equipping school buildings, including the community space at the Lincoln campus; acquiring and installing instructional technology and instructional technology equipment for school buildings; an preparing, developing, and improving the track, the football felds and sites?
YES_____
NO______
Further questions may be obtained at the administrative offces of Van Dyke Public Schools, 23500 MacArthur, Warren, MI 48089, Telephone 586-757-6600.
Warren Consolidated Schools District Counties of Macomb and Oakland State of Michigan
Operating Millage Replacement Proposal
This proposal would replace, restore, and extend the authority of the School District, which expires with the 2027 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 6.0 mills and protect against the impact of future Headlee rollbacks of up to 2.0 mills. This authorization would allow the School District to continue to levy the statutory limit of 18.00 mills on non-homestead property (principal industrial and commercial real property and residential rental property) and 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 only levied 3.2798 mills on personal residences (owner occupied homes) in 2024.
Shall the limitation on the amount of taxes which may be imposed on taxable property in the Warren Consolidated Schools District, Counties of Macomb and Oakland, Michigan, be increased in the amount of 20 mills with 18 mills being the maximum allowable levy ($18.00 per $1,000 of taxable value), to the extent such property is not statutorily exempt, and of which not more than 6.0 mills may be imposed on principal residences, for ten (10) years, the years 2024 to 2033, inclusive? This operating millage, if approved and levied, would provide estimated revenues to the School District of $857,642 during the 2024 calendar year, to be used for general operating purposes.
YES_____
NO______
Further questions may be obtained at the administrative offces of Warren Consolidated Schools, 31300 Anita, Warren, MI 48093, Telephone 586-825-2400.
PERSONS ENTITLED to be registered voters in Warren must possess the following qualifcations on or before the day of the election: (1) a citizen of the United States; (2) not less than 18 years of age;
If you have any questions, please contact the Offce of the Warren City Clerk, located at 1 City Square, Suite 205, Warren, MI 48093, Monday through Friday between the hours of 8:30 a.m. and 5:00 p.m. at (586) 574-4557.
Persons with special needs as defned by the Americans with Disabilities Act should contact the Clerk’s offce.
Sonja Buffa
Warren City Clerk
Published in Warren Weekly 09/25/2024
End of Watch
BY MARIA ALLARD allard@candgnews.com
ROSEVILLE — Car 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
CHEVY CAPRICE CLASSIC PAYS TRIBUTE TO FALLEN ROSEVILLE OFFICERS
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 soupedup 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
from
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.
“I plan to have the car there,” said Monroe, a former police officer. “When you work the road, that is your of-
LEFT: This 1977 Chevrolet Caprice Classic is scheduled to be on display at Jammin’ at the Junction
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 25A
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
Caprice
fice. It’s a nice thing 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.
der 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.
https://forms.offce.com/r/dRj5cFa3bC
WORLD
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.
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 median 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 ambulance. 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 un-
“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 roseville-mi.gov/CivicAlerts.aspx?AID=58.
Gardens
ing them in an individual hole, May digs a trench, puts the bulbs in and then covers it with dirt.
This year, their garden attracted bees, butterflies and hummingbirds. The pollinators made their garden more beautiful, according to May. His wife said, “Hummingbirds love salvia,” which is among the plants in their garden.
“The hummingbirds know my wife. They’ll fly up to her, look at her then they’ll go and eat,” May said.
“The hummingbirds take your breath away, looking at you, and fluttering,” Jenkins-May said.
The twisted bark on their weeping mulberry tree looks like artwork.
“I thought it was nice,” Jenkins-May said when they were notified as winners of the Residential Awards. “I was kind of proud of ourselves.”
Tawnya Howell was one of the two winners selected by the Environmental Advisory Committee for their use of native plants in the garden.
“Native plants grow naturally in Michigan and support the native habitat,” Howell said. “You can’t find native plants in a nursery. Unless they are purposely doing native plants.”
These plants require less maintenance because they are adaptive to the Michigan climate. “You really don’t have to water as much,” Howell said. “Only if there are long periods of no rain.”
Howell has been gardening for about six years and would like to do her entire front yard in native plants. She obtains much of her information about these plants by researching, reading, following and participating in Facebook gardening groups.
Among the plants in her front yard are smooth blue aster, tall goldenrods, showy goldenrods, purple coneflowers, showy cone-
flowers, beardtongue, ironweed, and liatris spicata. She also has early sunflowers but is not sure if the flower is native to Michigan.
“I really love the liatris and the purple coneflowers,” Howell said.
The flowers typically grow tall and range in color from lavender to deep rich purple.
One of her favorite gardening tips is using fresh early spring and summer wood chips, which she was able to find for free on Facebook marketplace.
“People would get a wood chip drop and give them away because they have too many,” Howell said.
She gets as many wood chips as will fit in her car and puts the chips in her flower bed.
The wood chips go on top of the soil around the plants, like regular mulch.
“The wood chips help keep the ground cooler and help keep the moisture in. It feeds the ground as they break down,” Howell added. “I read a post about getting fresh wood chips every year and when they break down, it creates a really great soil for them to grow in.”
This is the first year she has used wood chips and is pleased with the results.
When Howell heard her garden was a winner, she said, “I was quite happy and excited. I know there’s a lot of other yards that are prettier, but I’ll take it.”
The complete list of the 20 Warren Beautification Commission Residential Awards recipients, according to the commission, is as follows: Parvin Begum, Diane and Jamie Caza, Jeanine Cook, Annette DeCoste and Nolan Hess, Carol Finley, Jane Fischer, Sunday and Robert Ervin, Michelle Katopedes and Wilson Agudo, Randy Kolodziejski, Khrystyna and Oleksandr Konovalov, Elizabeth and Gary Kozyra, Shiela Jenkins-May and Greg May, Renee and Henry Nicholson, Debbie and Mike Roediger, Mary Tackett and Ward Case, Rose and Cory Weiss, and Camilia and Mary Ellen Welling.
The native plant winners were Tawnya Howell, and Sarah and Chris DeMercurio.
Soccer
Makara, a first team all-state selection in 2023, leads the backline for No. 3 ranked De La Salle alongside senior captain Harrison Pertot, senior Jack Janusch, and sophomore goalkeeper Dominic Baldarotta, who was an all-state honorable mention in net as a freshman in 2023.
A three-year varsity player and multiyear captain, Makara understands the emphasis Mukhtar, a defensive-minded coach, places on his defender night in and night out.
There’s a certain level of pressure that comes with playing for a coach who would rather win 1-0 than 5-4, but Mukhtar said he holds that type of standard to his guys because he knows Makara and company are up to the task.
“He (Makara) quarterbacks the team from the back,” Mukhtar said. “I have not seen a better offensive player from the backline as I’ve seen him. He’s deadly on set pieces, he can launch the ball 70 yards in the air to a teammate, and he reads the game very well and controls the game very well from the back.”
Makara can be a gamechanger on the attack, but he doesn’t need to be when you have guys like sophomore Andrew Corder, junior captain Nikolai Zacharko, senior captain JJ Jurczyk, and Ross who can send the ball into the back of the net at any given time.
De La Salle’s triangle attack consists of a trio of all-staters with Corder (first team all-state in 2023), Zacharko (third team all-
posal with a 3-1 win over Bloomfield Hills Brother Rice on Sept. 13 where each of the three players posted a goal.
“We really connected together in that game,” Ross said. “Things really shifted with us three because we were kind of unstoppable that first half with all three of us getting on the score sheet. We were breaking out of the defense, transitioning very well, and building off each other. We were definitely excited about that.”
As a whole, the Pilots have acted as a cohesive unit, which has sparked the success and resiliency shown throughout the season.
The chemistry is a mix of a passion shared by each player for the sport, a brotherhood the players have built over the course of their high school careers, but also an understanding of what it means to represent the purple and gold and the history behind it.
ers. Playing for a team like De La Salle and a coach like Mukhtar, it’s more than a team — it’s a family. It’s probably one of the greatest experiences I’ve had with soccer and the school.”
Currently 9-3-1, De La Salle will finish off its Catholic High School League schedule before heading into the state tournament.
The Pilots entered the 2023 postseason fresh off back-to-back wins against Pontiac Notre Dame Prep and Lake Orion, playing their best soccer of the season.
When the lights are the brightest and it’s all about surviving and advancing, Mukhtar said his guys know how to show up and bring it.
state in 2023), and Ross (first team all-state in 2023).
The Pilots’ offense has been efficient, but Mukhtar said he’s looking for more consistency from his guys.
“Once Nikolai (Zacharko), Josh Ross, and (Andrew) Corder connect in that triangle that we have on the attack, with Corder up high and Nikolai and Josh Ross,” Mukhtar said. “It’s three all-state players, and they all have dominated at times but not together as a unit and as a machine. Once they all hit their stride together, watch out. I truly believe they will.”
The trio responded to Mukhtar’s pro-
CITY OF WARREN NOTICE OF PUBLIC APPEAL HEARING
Notifcation is hereby being provided that the Hearing Offcer for the City of Warren has determined that a dangerous condition exists in violation of the Code of Ordinances and has ordered abatement of such condition on the described property. A formal notice has been posted on the property itself. The property is described as:
Legal Description: 7003 Westminster (13-33-411-025) – LOT 78, including adjoining one-half of the vacated public alley at the rear thereof- KROLL GARDENS SUBDIVISION, according to the plat thereof as recorded in Liber 7, Page 10 of Plats, Macomb County Records.
Condition: Vacant, fre damaged one story house (696 sq. ft.) with crawl space and wood sided garage 20 ft. x 14 ft. and remove 88 ft. of 4 ft. chain link fence west along Memphis Ave and remove any debris.
In order to provide an appeal from the decision and order of the Hearing Offcer, the City Council has scheduled a public appeal hearing.
This hearing will be held as follows:
Time: 7:00 p.m.
Date: October 8, 2024
Place: Warren Community Center Auditorium Council Chambers 5460 Arden Warren, Michigan 48092
The City Council has the authority pursuant to the Code of Ordinances Section 9-171 thru 9-174 and 9-182 to approve/ disapprove/modify the decision of the hearing offcer.
Any person with a disability who needs accommodations for participation in this meeting should contact the Warren City Council Offce at 586-258-2060 at least 48 hours in advance of the meeting to request assistance.
SONJA BUFFA
CITY CLERK
Published in Warren Weekly 09/25/2024
0193-2439
“Playing for a program like De La Salle with the story behind it, it’s a handful of feelings,” Zacharko said. “It’s not only playing for your school but playing for the players that played before you. Coach will talk to us about how there’s alumni around the country that are still interested in what we’re doing. That just goes to show the impact that this program has had on students and play-
“The games are a battle, and the state championships are a war,” Mukhtar said. “You may lose a battle here and there, but you can still win the war by learning about what you did wrong. That’s the big thing. We’re just pushing to clean up and get smoother on everything we need to clean up before it’s do or die, and I love the do or die games. We always say, ‘That’s De La Salle time.’” When it’s the playoffs, it’s ‘De La Salle time.’”
Call Staff Writer Jonathan Szczepaniak at (586) 498-1090.
NOTICE OF REGISTRATION FOR THE GENERAL ELECTION TO BE HELD ON TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 5, 2024
CENTER LINE
TO ALL QUALIFIED ELECTORS OF THE CITY OF CENTER LINE
Please take notice that any qualifed elector of Center Line who is not already registered to vote may do so at the City of Center Line, Macomb County Clerk’s offce, a Secretary of State branch offce, or other designated state agency. Registration forms can be obtained at mi.gov/vote and mailed to the Center Line City Clerk. Voters already registered and wish to update their information can visit www.expressSOS.com.
Monday, OCTOBER 21, 2024, is the last day to register in any other manner other than in-person with the local clerk. After this date, any qualifying electors may register to vote in person with proof of residency (MCCL 168.497) at Center Line City Hall – 7070 E. Ten Mile Center Line at the following times:
Monday through Friday 8:30 am – 5:00 pm Regular Business Hours
November 2, 2024 8:00 am – 4:00 pm – Saturday before election day
Tuesday November 5, 2024 7:00 am – 8:00 pm – Election Day
Election is for:
Nominating candidates from the Republican and Democratic Parties for the offces of: President and Vice President, United States Senator, Representative in Congress 10th District, Representative in State Legislature 14th District, Member of the State Board of Education, Regent of the University of Michigan, Trustee of Michigan State University, Governor of Wayne State University, Prosecuting Attorney, Sheriff, Clerk and Register of Deeds, Treasurer, Public Works Commissioner, County Commissioner 12th District and such other partisan offces that may by law be required to be flled at this election. Candidates seeking election to the following nonpartisan offces are also to be voted for in your county at the November 5, 2024 General Election: Justice of Supreme Court, Judge of Court of Appeals 2nd District, Judge of Circuit Court 16th Circuit, Judge of Probate Court, Judge of District Court 37th District, Board of Trustees Member Macomb Community College and such other nonpartisan offces that may by law be required to be flled at this election.
Local School Districts: Board Member Center Line Public Schools and Board Member Van Dyke Public Schools Van Dyke Public Schools Bond Proposal Van Dyke Public Schools Bond Proposal: Shall Van Dyke Public Schools, borrow the sum of not to exceed Thirty-
Six Million One Hundred Seventy Thousand Dollars ($36,170,000) and issue its general obligation unlimited tax bonds therefor, in one or more series, for the purpose of building and site improvements.
County Proposals: Continuation of Macomb County E 9-1-1 Surcharge and Proposal to Elect a Charter Commission for the purpose of Generally Revising the Home Rule Charter of the County of Macomb.
Full text of the ballot may be obtained at the Center Line City Hall
PERSONS ENTITLED to be registered voters in Center Line must possess the following qualifcations on or before the day of the election: (1) a citizen of the United States; (2) not less than 18 years of age.
Janice Pockrandt MMC/CMMC Deputy City Clerk
Published in Warren Weekly 09/25/2024
Photo by Erin Sanchez
Warren De La Salle head coach Thaier Mukhtar looks on during a matchup against Bloomfield Hills Brother Rice on Sept. 13 at De La Salle High School.
GIRL SCOUTS GO FOR THE ‘GOLD’
BY MARIA ALLARD allard@candgnews.com
METRO DETROIT — Two local Girl Scouts of Southeastern Michigan are doing what they can to benefit their communities.
They’re also finding “Gold” by earning the highest achievement in the Girl Scouts: the Gold Award.
Warren resident Uma Ludwig is in the process of earning her award with her project “Baskets for Beaches.”
Earlier this year, Eastpointe resident Sage Johnson earned her Gold Award for her “Encouraging Medical Minds of the Future” program.
Girl Scouts must complete a take-action project to earn the Gold Award. At least 80 hours are required to earn it, and recipients must be in grades nine through 12. To earn the award, the Scout must identify an issue, research the issue, create a plan, put that plan into action and submit a final report before the council for approval.
“Baskets for Beaches”
Ludwig is working to educate people about the dangers of pollution, which impacts Michigan’s Great Lakes. She is also reminding people to pick up their trash when at a beach.
“I’m really passionate that the environment is clean,” she said. “Pollution is really bad for the environment. Fish eat the pollution, or it collects in large areas.”
Ludwig held a bottle drive to help raise funds for the project. Working to earn the Gold Award takes a lot of dedication.
“I’m in the process of finishing it. It’s a goal you have to set for yourself,” Ludwig said. “People support you along the way.”
Ludwig is a senior at Center Line High
School and also attends the Macomb Mathematics Science Technology Center in Warren. She is posting signs with plastic baskets attached to encourage beachgoers to clean up after themselves. They can use the basket to dispose of their trash and then return the baskets to the proper post.
She has already installed one post at Dodge No. 4 State Park in Waterford, three at William C. Sterling State Park in Monroe, and at Island Lake Recreation Center in Brighton. The posts also contain information about Ludwig’s project.
She also wants to educate the community about pollution at different events. She recently spoke to members of Boy Scout Troop No. 1402, of which she once was a member. Ludwig also is a Boy Scouts of America Eagle Scout. She earned the award after building a greenhouse for Cadillac Urban Gardens in Detroit.
Ludwig has a goal of visiting as many beaches as possible at all five of the Great Lakes.
“I like going there and having a good time,” she said.
Go to basketsforbeaches.com for more information about the project.
“Encouraging Medical Minds of the Future”
Johnson’s goal was to inspire elementary and middle schoolers about STEM-related fields. Johnson, an Eastpointe resident currently studying biology premedical at Xavier University of Louisiana, was part of Troop No. 43550 from Hartford Memorial Baptist Church in Detroit.
With her project, Johnson collaborated with volunteer medical professionals from various backgrounds to develop team-building projects for students. She researched
medical experiments that were inexpensive and easily accessible to share with the students. Johnson focused on four body function experiments: a blood model, heart replica, muscle demonstration and the digestive system simulation.
Once she had a program worked out, she visited with a group of students at Paul Robeson Malcolm X Academy in Detroit to pique their interest in STEM, which stands for science, technology, engineering and mathematics. She also helped the group develop problem-solving skills.
“It was a lot of work, but it was worth it,” said Johnson, a 2024 graduate of Our Lady of Mercy High School in Farmington Hills. “It was just so heartwarming to do something I love and watching people get into it.”
Johnson aspires to become a neonatologist specializing in the care of newborns,
especially those who are premature or have health issues. Her cousin was born six weeks early. After observing the doctors working on him, she decided on a career. Her cousin is now 9 years old and doing well.
Johnson joined the Girl Scouts at age 8.
“I wanted to do it because of the cookies,” she said. “I thought it would be fun.”
Being a Girl Scout gave Johnson the chance to “learn a lot of independent skills.”
According to a Girl Scouts of Michigan press release, when state Sen. Veronica Klinefelt, D-Eastpointe, heard about Johnson’s project, she invited her and her family to visit the state capital to receive a recognition of accomplishment.
Johnson’s project can be viewed on YouTube at youtube.com/ watch?v=2v1NWDo3YKs.
Call Staff Writer Maria Allard at (586) 498-1045.
Photos provided
LEFT: Uma Ludwig, of Warren, is in the process of earning her Gold Award through the Girl Scouts of Southeastern Michigan with her project “Baskets for Beaches.” RIGHT: Sage Johnson, an Eastpointe resident currently studying biology premedical at Xavier University of Louisiana, earned her Gold Award with her project “Encouraging Medical Minds of the Future.”
Lipari
from page 3A
said. “Whereas Lipari Foods is committed to deliver great food and innovative solutions to their customers while growing value for all, is a testament to the company’s commitment to collaboration, innovation and excellence, supporting sustainable growth for the Warren community and beyond.”
Thom Lipari recently retired from his position as CEO and managing day-to-day operations, but he remains on the board of directors of the specialty food distribution company.
“It’s a great honor that anybody would even think to do that for the company, and for the family,” Lipari said of the street renaming. “And I can’t say enough about how touched I am that this is happening.”
Lipari thanked the mayor, her staff and the administration. He also thanked all the employees at Lipari Foods and Kim Robertson, a vice president at Lipari Foods, who came up with the idea of the street renaming.
The process started when Robertson reached out to Annmarie LaDuke, office coordinator in the Warren Public Service Department, according to the department’s director, Dave Muzzarelli. He credits LaDuke for being the driving force behind the street renaming event on the city’s side and for making it what he called a “great project.”
“I was unaware that the public service director is the only one that can change street names in the city of Warren,” Muzzarelli said. “The two of them (Robertson and LaDuke) figured that out. So they asked and I ran it past the mayor.”
The city checked with the post office to make sure there would not be any problems, and that it would not affect the other businesses on Bunert. Mail can still be addressed to Bunert in that area and get delivered, according to Muzzarelli.
“We thought it would be a great idea and they (Lipari Foods) wanted to unveil it at their employee picnic,” Muzzarelli said. “With minimal investment and a great reaction from one of our local companies, we thought it was worth every penny.”
“Lipari has been a great contributor to
NEIGHBORS IN THE NEWS
our community. They have made a huge investment on Bunert,” Muzzarelli said.
That investment includes multiple warehouses and an office building. The last warehouse was built in 2017, according to the company’s website.
“So many times people say it’s difficult working with government. Well, I built two buildings here in Warren. This one behind us and the one across the street,” Lipari said. “The one across the street was a real challenge and it was a pleasure working with the city. And if it wasn’t for the city and staff that they had, we wouldn’t have these buildings here today.”
Muzzarelli said the building across the street was built during the Fouts administration.
“I’ve been around the city a long time. I remember actually when Lipari first moved in, and they were renting space on Frazho Road right around the corner,” he said.
Lipari Foods came to Warren in 1995 and has made a positive impact on the community ever since, according to Stone.
Lipari has been with the company that bears his family name most of his life and he is now transitioning into retirement.
“Trying to golf a little, but I’m also trying to sell some spirits,” Lipari said when asked about his plans. “The two kind of fight each other.”
Benchmark Beverages, which sells premium spirits and craft beer, is now part of Lipari’s portfolio. The company operates in Michigan and also sells out of state. “We’re kind of building a second Lipari just in a different industry,” Lipari said.
“Well, that’s why I had to find something else to keep me busy. I don’t think I could have just gone cold turkey with it,” Lipari said about adjusting to retirement.
“This gives me a good transition into moving into the next phase of my life. It’s a big change after being here 50 years at Lipari’s and not being here. But life goes on, things move on and that’s what we’re doing.”
Tequila enthusiasts may recognize one of his brands from Benchmark Beverages, which is Padre Azul.
“It’s a high-end tequila. It’s the best tequila out there. If you are into tequila, that’s the one you want to drink,” Lipari said.
Birthday — Oliver John Mulawa celebrated his first birthday July 2. Parents are Michael and Ashley Mulawa, of Sterling Heights, and big brother is Brayden. Grandparents are Rick and Chris Evans, of Warren; Cathy Carlone, of St. Clair Shores; and John Methric, of Clinton Township.
Mulawa
Council
from page 3A
to appoint friends and family. I’m not here because I’m beholden to special interests. I am here because I am committed to my community and making it the best and realizing its potential.”
The mayor said her process is to “listen, learn and lead.”
“When I was reaching out to residents and asking them to hire me as mayor, I wasn’t conducting interviews, and I wasn’t making promises,” Stone said. “What I said was, when I come in, I’m going to listen, I’m going to learn and I’m going to lead based on the needs of our community. That continues to be the pace.”
Legal staff
Councilmembers had questions for the mayor regarding the Pride event held June 29. They were disconcerted when they received correspondence from Assistant City Attorney Mary Michaels, signed with the title of acting city attorney, which addressed council’s concerns on the mayor’s behalf.
“Not having a permanent city attorney is a huge problem,” Moore said.
“According to the charter, the city attorney reports to us (the council). So we have a different relationship with the city attorney than we would (with) somebody in the city attorney’s office,” Moore said. “We deserve that, so that we know that person is going to be working in our best interest and answers to us.”
The term “acting” city attorney, according to Moore, is a designation to be used for a maximum of four weeks.
“There is no ‘acting’ (according to the charter) except in the city’s attorney’s office. The chief assistant attorney, according to the UAW contract, may be the acting city attorney for up to four weeks,” Moore said. “That is the only place for an ‘acting’ anything.”
Replacing themselves
Moore said another concern involves an apparent gray area, when an acting department head is in charge of finding their own replacement.
“I am especially concerned about HR, that there is a term ‘acting’ and that person is supposed to be charged with finding their replacement. That’s concerning to me,” Moore said. “I think someone outside the acting HR director should be looking for an HR director.”
Jackie Damron has been the acting human resources director since George Dimas, the city’s former director of human resources, left after losing his bid for mayor to Stone.
According to the City Council’s attorney Jeffrey Schroder, there is no provision in the city charter for acting or interim appointments, only a provisional appointment.
“Provisional appointment assumes that the position was already in the position and can continue provisionally until a replacement is found. That requires council approval,” Schroder said.
Council has not made an issue of appointments serving under the acting title for a month or two, but when it goes on for seven, eight or nine months, or even years, according to Schroder, he suggests the mayor should make a formal appointment, file it with the clerk and then have it sent to council for their approval. That way, the administration would be in compliance with the charter.
Police hiring
In the previous administration, police hiring was conducted by the Warren Police Department. Stone returned the hiring practice of police to the city’s Human Resources Department.
“That should definitely demonstrate regardless of where hiring was being done, that the shortfall of officers wasn’t because of who was hiring the officers. It was really an indicator of what the hiring environment is and the labor environment right now,” Stone said.
“It is essential that hiring is housed where hiring belongs, which is human resources,” Stone said. “For me it is common sense. It was quite baffling that it would be anywhere else. The fact that this has been politicized is problematic.”
Under Stone’s administration, employment applications are now online, and prospective employees can go directly to the city’s hiring portal. The Police Department is on their fifth hiring cycle and has hired 14 officers in the past nine months, according to Stone.
Stone has met with Warren Police Commissioner Charles Rushton to discuss innovative ways to attract the best and the brightest to Warren, which she referred to as a destination police department. Some of the ways included going to police academies to recruit, offering scholarships for the police academy, and recruiting high school students as dispatchers. At 21-years-old, if interested, they can segue into an officer’s role, after the proper training.
“I have heard more often than not that Warren seems to be lagging far behind. Our process (for hiring officers) is several weeks longer than that of neighboring municipalities,” Lafferty said. “These candidates have an offer and job in hand by the time Warren responds.”
Appointments
Among the appointments recently filled were two reappointments as captains in the Warren Police Department, which were received Aug. 27 by the City Council, which now has to approve the appointments.
Moore noted it took nine months for a reappointment.
“We only have two council meetings to address this. So this was too short notice for us to put on the agenda. So they’ve cut our window of time for us to make a decision down to only one council meeting,” Moore said. “I don’t appreciate that, but I suppose it is within the charter.”
The administration sent three commission appointments to be approved by the City Council at the Sept. 10 meeting. Councilmembers voted to table the vote on
the appointments.
“Council wished to see unredacted information before we voted on those appointments,” Moore said in an interview.
The administration sent a copy of the appointees’ information with their telephone numbers, emails, addresses, driver’s license numbers and ZIP codes redacted, according to Moore.
“We don’t need that (the driver’s license number),” Moore said. “We do need phone and email to contact the candidates if we have any questions.”
Call Staff Writer Gena Johnson at (586) 498-1069.
13650 E. Eleven Mile Rd. Warren, MI 48089
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.
Dr. Steven T. Plomaritis
Melissa J. Orille, DPT, NCPI
Antiques & Collectibles BUYING Coins,SportCards& StampsCollections Top$$$ Call248-471-4451
Apartments/Flats For Rent
ST.CLAIR APARTMENTS 2254512MileRd. Spacious,1/Bedroom, Heat/CarportIncluded, $750/mo. 586-296-1912
Condos/Duplexes For Rent
CONDOFORRENT HarrisonTwp. OnClintonRiver, GatedCommunity, 1/Bed,First-Floor, Covered-Carport, PrivateBasement w/Laundry,PrivateDeck, NoPets,$1,100/mo. 586-904-1942
1/BEDROOMCONDO onClintonRiver, 25520QuarterDeckSt. HarrisonTwp. GatedCommunity, $130,000, 586-904-1942
Vacation Property & Time Shares
VACATIONRENTAL TAMPA,FL Cozy,PrivateGuesthouseForRentIncluding Kitchenettew/Essentials, FurnishedBedroom, Bathroom,Patio,Private Entrance,FreeParking onPremisesandWi-Fi. *NoPets/PartiesPlease* Call/Text 313-461-8485
Garage/Yard Sale EMERALDLAKES SUBDIVISION GARAGESALE inTroy (E./of-Rochester, N./of-SquareLake) Sept.27th-28th,9-4pm, (Some-Open-Thurs) Clothes/Tools/Dishes/ Dolls/Furniture/Jewelry/ Antiques/Books/Loadsof OtherTreasures.
GREEKS AND
Part-Time/Flexible NorthRoyalOak. Musthaveexperience, beorganized, motivatedandfriendly. Lowstressenvironment. Contact:Shelly, 248-280-4500
Cleaning Service
CLEANINGLADY with10-yrexperienceis lookingforwork.Weekly, bi-weekly,monthly Excellentreferences. Flexiblehours. Bonded&insured. 248-890-8830
CALL 586-859-1104
ZOOMTASKFORCE ForAllYour Commercial/Residential Cleaning&Painting, Condo's,Apartments, Clean-outs&Clean-ups, FreeEstimates,CallNow! NOWHIRING! 586-859-1104
Decks/Patios
2024SPECIALS
CustomDeck Building/Repair, Power-Washing, DecksRemoved, Composite,Treated &CedarMaterials, CustomRailingMaterials, CustomFence Installation. 586-260-5218
COMPLETEDECK
MAINTENANCE
Our30thYear! PowerWashing, Repairs,Stain/Paint HouseWashing/ HousePainting FreeEst./Insured WearetheDeckDoctors! 586-463-9564 marathonpowerwash.com
Drywall
LAKESHORE
DRYWALL &PAINTING Over30Years
•Driveways•Patios •Porches•Steps •Stamp•Color •Exposed•Floors•Walks •Licensed/Insured 30+years!Troy,MI 248-743-1220 248-496-4964(Cell)
ROZECEMENTLLC CONCRETE,MASONRY &LANDSCAPING 10%OffPre-Spring! •Driveways•Patios •Brick/Stone•Pavers •Sidewalks Free-Estimates Requests: roze cementllc@gmail.com Andre-586-354-7791
Experience InteriorPainting Wall/CeilingRepairs DrywallFinishing Shon- 586-801-6190
Electrical
BEST-Price-Period Licensed/Insured. Additions,Remodels, Basements,Kitchens, CarChargerInstalled, 30-yrs.-experience. Callforfree-estimates. Open7-daysaweek 24/hrs-day. HotchkissElectric 586-291-3143 Lic.#6211028
586-755-3636 Dr.Electric AffordablePrices! Father&Son MasterElectricians Same-Day-Service! All-Residential-Wiring, ChangeFuseBoxto CircuitBreakerPanel, Troubleshooting,Backup GeneratorTransfer Switch, License#6109094 Senior/Discounts! Visa/MC/Lic./Insured CASTLEELECTRIC 586-634-1152 (directcellphone#) Panelupgrades, generators,hottubs, 220lines.ALLSERVICE
Electrical PREPARE forpower outagestodaywithaGeneracHomeStandbyGenerator.Actnowtoreceive aFREE7-Yearwarranty withqualifyingpurchase. Call1-855-773-8191 todaytoscheduleafree quote.It snotjustagenerator.It sapowermove. Gutters A.M.G. Gutters&Downspouts.Owneroperated. Seamlessgutter installationandrepair specialist.Builders License#2101202369 www.amgapplied services.com FullyInsured 586-323-0755
SHORES METALWORKS SeamlessGutters Installed, FreeEstimates. Licensed&Insured. License#2101209190 586-343-2315
*”STEVE'S SEAMLESSGUTTERS” Made&installedonthe spot.5”&6”Gutter Cleaning.Treetrimming, exteriorpainting, powerwashing. 586-778-3393 586-531-2111
ELIMINATE gutter cleaningforever!LeafFilter,themostadvanced debris-blockinggutter protection.Schedulea FREELeafFilterestimate today.20%offEntire Purchase.Plus10%Senior&MilitaryDiscounts. Call1-866-495-1709
GUTTERS &WINDOW CLEANING INSURED TOMMICOLI 313-656-9402
Handyman Services
AA4DABLE HANDYMAN HomeImprovement, Tile,Hardwood-Floors, Kitchen/Bath-Remodeling, Plumbing,Electrical, Painting,Hauling,Cleanouts,AnyHomeRepairs, FreeEst.30%Disc. AllMajorCredit CardsAccepted 586-822-5100
HONEYDO'S DONECHEAP NewInstallationor RepairsonRoofing, Decks,Fencing,Flooring Bathrooms,Basements LicensedandInsured FreeEstimates Greg:586-522-6870
Hauling & Waste Removal ***AAA HAULING*** JUNKREMOVAL Wehaulitall! DemolitionBig&Small Residential/Commercial RubberWheelDumpsters-10,15,20-Yards, Clean-outs,Construction Material,Small-Moving, Appliances,Furniture& More!LowestRates!!! Free-Estimates Senior/MilitaryDiscounts 586-360-0681 ucallwehauljunk.com
AAHAULING JUNKREMOVAL 40YearsExperience RubberWheelDumpsters AllSizes,EstateClean OutBigandSmall, Available24/7 586-872-0498 586-778-4417
Hauling & Waste Removal BURLYGUYS JUNKREMOVAL removesANYTHING! Appliances,furniture, basementcleanouts, hoardersallwelcome! CallorText 248-224-2188 **CLUTTERGUY'S** Removal-Experts Residential/Commercial
Painting (586)229-4267
American Painting •Residential/Commercial •Interior/25YearsExp. •PowerWashing •Insurance•Drywall •PlasterRepair •Clean-outs •HomeRepairs •SeniorDiscounts •Guaranteed-Work.
PEAKPAINTING
Custom-Painting, Commercial/Residential, Interior/Exterior. Drywall-Repair,Paper Removal,Carpentry. 30-yr.-exp.*WillBeat AnyOtherReasonable Estimate! Senior-Disc. Insured.Credit-Cards Accepted.References. 586-722-8381
*N&J Professional Painting Interior/Exterior, Residential/Commercial. Powerwashing,caulking, deckstaining,varnishing, wallpaperremoval. Drywallrepair/installation. Insured.Free-estimates. 586-489-7919
SEPT. 26
COMMUNITY CALENDAR
2BROTHERS PAINTING CompleteInterior/Exterior WoodRepair, Powerwash, Free-Estimates CallFrank 248-303-5897 ReferencesAvailable
NEBOPAINTING ServiceAllYearRound Interior/Exterior 15YearsExperience WeMakeIt EasierForYou, AllNeedsAreMet! Call 248-953-7807
Shells, Scales, and Pollywog Tails: Games, activities, artifacts and live animals, 6-7 p.m., Warren Public Library - Miller Branch inside Warren Community Center, 5460 Arden Ave., (586) 751-5377, warrenlibrary.net
SEPT. 28
‘Miracle on 34th Street’ auditions: Noon-1:30 p.m., callbacks (if necessary) held 6 p.m. Oct. 1, Fitzgerald Recreation Center, 4355 E. Nine Mile Road in Warren, performances scheduled for Dec. 13-15 and 20-22, warrencivic.org
World of Possibilities: Special Needs Expo: Free event featuring 60-plus vendors and resource tables, hot dog lunch, cider and doughnuts, touch a truck, exotic zoo and petting farm, magician, and goodie bag and book giveaways, 10 a.m.-2 p.m., Macomb Intermediate School District, 44001 Garfield Road in Clinton Township, registration required, (586) 228-3458, lmiskelly@misd.net, misd.net/sehome/ expo
OCT. 1
Car show: Also music, 50-50, food and drinks, 5-8 p.m. Tuesdays, Ukrainian Cultural Center, 26601 Ryan Road in Warren, (586) 7578130
OCT. 5
Euchre tournament: 6 p.m. (doors at 4 p.m.), Christopher M Wouters FOP Lodge #124, 11304 E. 14 Mile Road in Warren, RSVP by Sept. 27, facebook.com/fop124
OCT. 11-13
Greater Detroit Gem, Mineral & Fossil Show: More than 65 vendors expected, plus displays from 30-plus museums, experts on site, kids activities, daily prizes, grab bags and more, 9 a.m.-6 p.m. Oct. 11, 10 a.m.-7 p.m. Oct. 12 and 11 a.m.-5 p.m. Oct. 13, Sports & Expo Center, Building P on Macomb Community College - South Campus, 14500 E. 12 Mile Road in Warren, michmin.org/show-info
OCT. 12
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
the
Painting (586)795-8122
ChrisCronin Painting& StainingInc. Professionalquality. Interior-exterior. Power-washing, decksealing.Insured, References. Freeestimates. MC/VI/DC/AX accepted.
ANYONE'S PAINTER
Interior/ExteriorPainting Commerical/Residential PressureWashing, DrywallRepairs, DeckStaining, FreeEstimates Call586-921-3654
DʼAchillePainting &Decorating 3-generationsof comprehensive-service. Extremely-neat, meticulous-prep. Wallpaper/removal/installation.Interior/Exterior Free-estimates& consultation Licensed/Insured. Nate/Mark, 586-855-9766 586-839-0334
VKPERFECTPAINTING
Interior/Exterior SpecializesinKitchen &Bathroom CabinetPainting. Drywall/Plaster/Repair Free-Estimates 26YearsExperience CallBill 313-433-9400 586-746-9846 vkperfectpainting.com
Plumbing MASTER PLUMBER Sewer&DrainService. Remodeling,Repairs, NewInstallations. FreeEstimates SeniorRates. 35+yrsexp.CallPaul 248-904-5822 Lic.#8109852 586.421.5520 586.524.6752 ANDY'S PLUMBING 25-YearsExperience Licensed/Insured CallUsToday ForAllYour PlumbingNeeds!! ServingThe Tri-County-Area 10%/Senior/Military/ Discounts Lic#-8004254 APEX PLUMBERSCORP 586-210-0903 35-YearsExperience Seniors/Military/ Multi-TaskDiscounts Free-Estimates •DrainCleaning
SERVICE "Bringing30yearsof experiencetoyourdoor!" Treetrimming, removals&stump grinding.Insured&FREE estimateswithfairprices! FirewoodForSale 586-756-0757
and Restaurant, 24443 Gratiot Ave. in Eastpointe, enter by contacting Greg at (586) 822-6567 or gchildsnixon@gmail.com
OCT. 17
Sterling Heights Fall Senior Expo: Connect with dozens of organizations specializing in assistance and care, also free health screenings, prizes, giveaways and refreshments, 10 a.m.-1 p.m., Century Banquet Center, 33204 Maple Lane in Sterling Heights, (248) 524-4868, seniorexpousa.com
OCT. 19
An ‘Addams Family’ Costume Party: Two packages available with raffle and game tickets, bottomless drinks, DJ and dancing, and more, 6-8 p.m., Owen Jax Community Center, 8207 E. Nine Mile Road in Warren, warrencivic.org/costume-party.html
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
Swingin’ Notes: A Jazz Concert: Hear local musician RJ Spangler, 6 p.m., Center Line Public Library, 7345 Weingartz St., (586) 758-8274, centerline.events.mylibrary.digital
OCT. 25
Frights & Delights Halloween fundraiser: Benefit for Friends of Foster Kids in Macomb County, indoor/outdoor event includes trunk or treat, games, haunted hallway and concessions with cider, doughnuts and more, costumes encouraged, 7-9 p.m., Sterling Heights High School, 12901 15 Mile Road
OCT. 26
Harvest Treat: Trick-or-treating, free pumpkins, face painting and selfie station, noon-2 p.m., Warren Community Center, 5460 Arden Ave., facebook.com/warrenparks
Smetanka Craft Show: 10 a.m.-4 p.m., Sports & Expo Center, Building P on Macomb Community College - South Campus, 14500 E. 12 Mile Road in Warren, (810) 658-0440, smetankacraftshows.com
until
cityofwarren.org/events
Tri-County
5:30 p.m., Warren Community Center, 5460 Arden Ave., warrenfinearts.net, facebook.net/WTCFA
Mad Scientist Club: Meets every last Tuesday of month, Warren Public Library - Miller Branch inside Warren Community Center, 5460 Arden Ave., (586) 751-5377, warrenlibrary.net
Historical Society of Center Line: Meets 10 a.m.-noon most first Fridays of month, Center Line Public Library, 7345 Weingartz St., (586) 758-8274, centerline.events.mylibrary.digital
Storytime:
link, click and sign in
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.
