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AUGUST 30, 2023 candgnews.com
Grosse Pointe and Macomb County papers
Dozens of creatives to engage in Art Takeover of The Village BY K. MICHELLE MORAN kmoran@candgnews.com
GROSSE POINTE CITY — September is going to be eventful — and artful — in The Village. The downtown Grosse Pointe City district is going to be in the midst of an Art Takeover shortly after Labor Day. More than 60 artists will be showing one or more of their works in about 26 Village businesses and common areas as part of Art Takeover, which will start with a kickoff event from 5 to 7:30 p.m. Sept. 7 at participating locations. The art See ART on page 13A
‘G.I. Blues’
HARRISON TOWNSHIP RESIDENT RECALLS ARMY DAYS WITH ELVIS BY MARIA ALLARD allard@candgnews.com
HARRISON TOWNSHIP — Every time Elvis Presley fans find out Johnny Lang knew the superstar personally, they ask him the same question: “What was he like?” Lang, 87, never hesitates to respond. “Nothing but heart,” the Harrison Township resident said. “He was wonderful, just wonderful.” Lang became friends with Presley — dubbed the King of Rock ‘n’ Roll — when they were both drafted into the U.S. Army, serving from 1958-60 in Germany. By the time Presley began his military stint, the singer already had several hits under his blue suede shoes, including “Heartbreak Hotel,” “Jailhouse Rock,” “Love Me Tender” and “Hound Dog.” Lang’s bond with Presley was so special that he wrote the book “My Army Days with Elvis: Friendship, Football, & Follies,” released in January 2023. After the book came out, Lang did an autograph session at his regular hangout: the Alibi Inn in Clinton Township. On Aug. 8, the author shared his See ELVIS on page 14A Photos by Maria Allard
Photo provided by Michelle Boggess-Nunley
Artwork like this by Estela will be on display during Art Takeover in The Village.
LEFT: Johnny Lang holds up the photo of himself and Elvis Presley playing football while stationed in Germany. Lang, of Harrison Township, is pictured on the right with Presley in the center. TOP LEFT: Presley was known for buying presents for his family and friends. He gave Lang this watch in 1959. Engraved, it reads “To Johnny From Elvis.”
C & G NEWSPAPERS GROSSE POINTE/MACOMB COUNTY SPECIAL EDITION • AUGUST 30, 2023
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SECOND FRONT PAGE Local pool contractor arrested, charged with fraud facebook.com/candgnews
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3A/ C & G NEWSPAPERS GROSSE POINTE/MACOMB COUNTY SPECIAL EDITION • AUGUST 30, 2023
BY KARA SZYMANSKI
kszymanski@candgnews.com
SHELBY TOWNSHIP — A local pool contractor was arrested and charged with fraud earlier this month after allegedly not following through with his contract with a local woman who hired him to build a pool in her backyard.
In June, a Shelby Township resident filed a police report that states that in August of 2022, she hired a contractor to dig and install an inground pool at her home. She agreed to pay the contractor a $60,000 deposit for the job, with a completion date of June 2023. Since then, the contractor was given the $60,000 deposit last year, but the contractor never started the job, according to police. The contractor stated that he
was having financial problems and could not complete the job or refund the money to the homeowners, according to police. The Shelby Township Police Department detective bureau investigated the case and presented its findings to the Macomb County Prosecutor’s Office. The contractor, whom police identified as Brandon Lewis See POOL on page 10A
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LOCAL RETAILER GETS READY FOR BACK-TO-SCHOOL BASH BY MARIA ALLARD allard@candgnews.com
METRO DETROIT — Motor City Pawn Brokers employees are getting ready to host one of their favorite events of the year. Team members will hold their third annual Back-to-School Bash on Aug. 26 at all five of their locations. There are 1,200 backpacks in total — 250 per store — and they will be given away on a first-come, first-served basis. The event at the Roseville location will begin at 10 a.m. and at 9 a.m. at the Detroit, Hamtramck, Warren and Ferndale locations. All locations close at 5 p.m. “It’s a great event for the family,” Motor City Pawn Broker President Mark Aubrey said. “It’s just a lot of fun. It makes us feel good.” That’s because it’s the pawn shop staff members who purchase all the back-to-school supplies on their own. The backpacks will include a variety of school supplies, including notebooks, pens, pencils, erasers and rulers. Along with the school items, several random backpacks will have golden tickets filled with gift cards to restaurants, grocery stores, gas stations and other spots, including Dino Dayze at Blake’s Orchard and Cider Mill. At each Back-to-School Bash, employees will provide free food and beverages. Attendees will have an opportunity to play See SCHOOL on page 6A
Photo provided by Aimee Tiemann
Motor City Pawn Brokers will hold its third annual Back-to-School Bash on Aug. 26 at all five of its locations. The backpacks will include pens, pencils, rulers, erasers and notebooks.
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C & G NEWSPAPERS GROSSE POINTE/MACOMB COUNTY SPECIAL EDITION • AUGUST 30, 2023
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The new Macomb Community College Skilled Trades and Advanced Technology Center on the college’s South Campus in Warren is now open.
MCC opens Skilled Trades and Advanced Technology Center BY MARIA ALLARD allard@candgnews.com
WARREN — Several days before the Macomb Community College 2023 fall semester began, officials unveiled the new Skilled Trades and Advanced Technology Center on the college’s South Campus. On Aug. 11, about 200 people gathered for the grand opening of the $45 million, 130,000-square-foot facility, located in the former R, S and T buildings. The center will offer programs designed to prepare students for high-demand careers in advanced manufacturing, technology and the skilled trades. The new center optimizes the environmental infrastructure for teaching and learning that embodies the current impact of Industry 4.0, or smart manufacturing processes that make up the fourth industrial revolution. “While there is an already acute demand for highly skilled employees in manufacturing, technology and the skilled trades, job openings in these sectors are expected to continue to increase,” a college press release stated. “In Macomb County over the next five years, anticipated growth spans a minimum of 1% for automated systems and robotics to 14% for 3-D modeling and design technology, with median annual earnings ranging from the mid $40,000 to low $80,000.” A number of programs will be housed in the building including apprenticeships, computerized numerical control machining, drafting, computer-aided design, electronics and fluid power technology. Land surveying, media and communication arts, mechatronics, product development, robotics and welding also will be available. The classrooms and lab spaces inside the new center are located near each other to mimic modern industry. The classrooms were built to encourage gathering and engagement among the students. The building also reflects current industrial settings where poorly lit,
closed-in areas have been replaced by bright spaces with windows and natural light. Nearly $15 million of the total project cost was a capital outlay appropriation from the state of Michigan, with the remaining approximately $30 million covered by the college’s capital projects fund. According to MCC President James Sawyer, the new Skilled Trades and Advanced Technology Center is the college’s largest renovation project to date. “Today we’re taking a huge step forward supporting programs in advanced manufacturing, technology and the skilled trades,” Sawyer said. “The quality of our graduates and our commitment to the ongoing collaboration with industry keeps our programs in step with the evolution of how business and industry works. “With the renovation, we’re creating a teaching and learning environment optimized for preparing our students for successful and smooth transition to high demand manufacturing, technology and skilled trades jobs,” Sawyer said. “We’re excited about the possibilities of correcting negative old school, outdated notions about what manufacturing and industrial workplaces look like. We’re looking forward to leveraging Macomb’s Skilled Trades and Advanced Technology Center to introduce middle and high school and their parents to a modern industry environment and the wealth of opportunities in these great careers.” Sawyer said the credentials skilled trades students will earn are a “gateway to higher level degrees and jobs.” That includes moving from a certificate to an associate degree at Macomb, or continuing to earn a bachelor’s degree through one of Macomb’s university partners. Lt. Governor Garlin Gilchrist II also addressed the crowd. “It really is exciting to be here back on See MCC on page 10A
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NEWS & NOTES
5A/ C & G NEWSPAPERS GROSSE POINTE/MACOMB COUNTY SPECIAL EDITION • AUGUST 16, 2023
GASOLINE ALLEY RETURNS
St. Hubert Church hosting parish festival HARRISON TOWNSHIP — The St. Hubert Catholic Church is hosting its 37th annual Fall Festival on the afternoons of Friday, Sept. 8, through Sunday, Sept. 10. Friday’s festivities kick off at 6 p.m. and run to midnight with a fish fry and live music, featuring the Sound Alternative Band and its Motown, R&B and funk-influenced setlist. Saturday starts at noon and runs to midnight with the highlights of the day being a cornhole tournament at 1 p.m., a Polish dinner at 2 p.m., DJ Steve Waddell from 1 p.m. to 4 p.m., acoustic duo Panama Pat and Tijuana Tim from 4 p.m. to 8 p.m. and rock group Fifty Amp Fuse from 8 p.m. to midnight. Sunday’s festivities begin at 1 p.m. and run until 7 p.m. with another Polish dinner at 2 p.m., folk artists Bob and Carl from 2 p.m. to 7 p.m. and raffle drawings at 7 p.m. Regular festivities throughout the weekend include 50/50 drawings, carnival rides, a tag tent, used book sale and casino games. For information on volunteering, visit sthubertchurch.com/festival.
Attendees cover their ears as a vintage dragster is started during Utica’s Gasoline Alley car show Aug. 12. For more photos from this and other car shows in our coverage area, use the QR code above or visit candgnews.com/galleries. Photos by Patricia O’Blenes
NOTHING TO ‘WINE’ ABOUT
ROSEVILLE/EASTPOINTE — Senior citizens ages 50 and older are invited to enjoy a day trip Oct. 19 to the Southeast Michigan Pioneer Wine Trail. The Recreation Authority of Roseville and Eastpointe is coordinating the event. The bus will depart from the RARE building, 18185 Sycamore St., in Roseville at 8:15 a.m. and return at 7 p.m. The cost is $103 for residents and $108 for nonresidents. For more information, call (586) 777-7177.
Rabies detected in Clinton, Macomb Township skunks
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STERLING HEIGHTS — The Sterling Heights Ethnic Community Committee will host its annual Sterling Heights Diversity Dinner at 6 p.m. Sept. 27 at the Century Banquet Center, 33204 Maple Lane Drive. The event will honor diversity advocates in the city. Priya Mann from WDIV will be a guest speaker. Ticket admission costs $30, or $300 for a table of 10. Learn how to buy tickets by calling (586) 446-2473 or by emailing Sue Giallombardo at sgiallombardo@sterling-heights.net.
MACOMB COUNTY — Three skunks in Macomb and Clinton townships containing the rabies virus were caught, euthanized and tested in June after attacking family pets. Residents of the townships are advised to watch out for skunks and take caution for themselves and pets due to the possibility of localized transmission. Sightings of possible rabies-infected skunks can be called in to Macomb County Animal Control at (586) 469-5115. While the only way to be certain an animal has rabies is through laboratory testing, animals with rabies tend to act strangely, drool excessively and are more aggressive toward humans and other humans.
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C & G NEWSPAPERS GROSSE POINTE/MACOMB COUNTY SPECIAL EDITION • AUGUST 30, 2023
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Bell Biv DeVoe, Joan Jett to headline Arts, Beats & Eats BY MIKE KOURY
mkoury@candgnews.com
ROYAL OAK — At a special press conference July 25, organizers for Arts, Beats & Eats announced this year’s headliners for the festival. Taking over the Jim Beam National Stage Sept 1-4 during Arts, Beats & Eats will be Bell Biv DeVoe, Joan Jett & the Blackhearts, Halestorm, Collective Soul, Russell Dickerson and Randy Houser. The headliners will be joining more than 200 musical acts who will be performing across nine stages in Royal Oak. Event Producer Jon Witz said Arts, Beats & Eats has a great team that reviews all the musical applicants in order to create a diverse lineup. “We’re really excited about the national music lineup,” he said. “It’s just one of the best in our history. Certainly the most we’ve invested in.” “There’s just a great review process and consideration to bring talented creators of arts and culture to the event,” he continued.
School from page 3A
interactive games to win prizes. This year, members of the Harper Woods High School varsity football team volunteered their time to organize and stuff the backpacks. “This kind of kicks off the season for us. We were recipients in the back-to-school drive the last two years,” Coach Rod Oden said. “We thought it would be a great idea to offer our assistance. The Detroit location is less than a mile from our school.” On Aug. 18, the athletes were scheduled to take inventory of all the school supplies and then fill the items into each backpack. “We’ll then move them to the Eight Mile location,” Oden said. The school has both a varsity and junior varsity team. The players have been practicing for the season and just returned from camp. Oden said the football players are required to perform 100 hours of community service each school year, so they participate in various volunteer activities. He added that many of the students are in the National Honor Society.
Witz noted the months of work it takes to organize the event, and he said that entering the final month before Arts, Beats & Eats takes place is beyond exciting. “We just got to be at our best and ready to deliver a great show and have a little fortune, too,” he said. During the press conference, organizers randomly selected two musical acts that will perform on the national stage at next year’s Arts, Beats & Eats event. The two selected were Roots Vibrations and Ensemble Hanabi. Tsubasa Okada, the president of the Ensemble Hanabi club, was shocked by the selection. “We just got chosen out of nowhere,” he said. “I was surprised. … It’s a big step up. It’s an experience for sure. I’m just astonished right now.” Ensemble Hanabi will be performing this year from 3:15 to 4:15 p.m. Friday, Sept. 1, on the Flagstar Bank International Stage. The group performs a variety of perSee ARTS on page 11A
“So many people have done so many things for us, and we’re trying to show them it’s better to give than receive,” Oden said. The Back-to-School Bash is just one of many ways Motor City Pawn Brokers gives back to the community. For the entire month of May, staff members throughout the company sold paper cowboy hat and boot cutouts to raise $2,500 for Camp Casey. Camp Casey, based in Farmington Hills, is a nonprofit organization that provides horseback riding programs to children who have cancer, rare blood disorders and other life-threatening illnesses. The money that Motor City Pawn Brokers collected was donated to Camp Casey’s “Horsey House Calls.” Through the program, Camp Casey provides a “horse camp” to the homes of children who are too ill to attend regular summer camp. Representatives bring a horse to the family’s home for a horse grooming and safety lesson, individual horseback rides, teambuilding games, arts and crafts, hand-made horse treats, and a pizza party. Visit camp-casey.org for more information on Camp Casey. To view the addresses of each of the five Motor City Pawn Brokers locations, visit motorcitypawnbrokers.com.
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C & G NEWSPAPERS GROSSE POINTE/MACOMB COUNTY SPECIAL EDITION • AUGUST 30, 2023
Selfridge museum takes in pioneering airplane BY DEAN VAGLIA dvaglia@candgnews.com
Dorian Walker’s Curtiss JN-4 Jenny biplane flew at the 2022 Selfridge Air Show. It will join the Selfridge Military Air Museum’s collection in April 2024.
HARRISON TOWNSHIP — One of America’s first military planes returned to Selfridge as the on-base Selfridge Military Air Museum took delivery of a rare Curtiss JN-4 Jenny biplane on Aug. 11. “The Jenny was very instrumental in all aspects of early aviation in the United States,” said Ed Kaminski, deputy director of the Selfridge museum. One of the earliest mass-produced aircraft, the Curtiss JN was primarily used as a military trainer aircraft during World War I. Pilots from the United States and Canada got their first flight experiences behind the stick of a JN before receiving more advanced fighter or bomber training on British and French planes in Europe, while the first military aircraft mechanics learned how to fix Sopwith Camels and SPADs by wrenching on JN planes in the United States. Selfridge was established in 1917 and a Curtiss JN airplane delivered by truck was the first flight from the base in July that year. See AIRPLANE on page 9A
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COMMUNITY CALENDAR
8A/ C & G NEWSPAPERS GROSSE POINTE/MACOMB COUNTY SPECIAL EDITION • AUGUST 30, 2023
SEPT. 1-4
Arts, Beats & Eats: Juried fine art show, 200-plus musical acts including headliners Joan Jett & the Blackhearts, Halestorm, Russell Dickerson and Bell Biv DeVoe, and dozens of restaurants on the streets, plus food drive, zumba, kids zone and more, 11 a.m.-11 p.m. Sept. 1-3 and 11 a.m.-9 p.m. Sept. 4, downtown Royal Oak, artsbeatseats.com
SEPT. 7-9
music, food, and art vendors on banks of Clinton River, must be 21 or older, 6:30-9:30 p.m., Dodge Park, 40620 Utica Road in Sterling Heights, crwc.org
SEPT. 16
Mom-to-mom sale: May also include food vendors and local small businesses, 10 a.m.-2 p.m., Cairns Community Center, 58 Orchard St. in Mount Clemens, greatinreallife22@gmail.com
USPBL Championship Weekend: Playoffs for professional baseball league at 7:05 p.m. Sept. 7-8 and 6:05 p.m. Sept. 9, Jimmy John’s Field, 7171 Auburn Road in Utica, uspbl.com
Vaccination/microchip clinic for cats/dogs: 9 a.m.2 p.m., Public Works Department, 12801 Stephens Road in Warren, WarrenAnimalWelfare@gmail.com, (586) 275-5181
SEPT. 8-10
SEPT. 17
Art & Apples Festival: Featuring 250 artists and artisans, live music and dance groups, food trucks and restaurant pop-ups, kids art activities and more, 2-7 p.m. Sept. 8, 10 a.m.-7 p.m. Sept. 9 and 10 a.m.4 p.m. Sept. 10, Rochester Municipal Park, 400 6th Street in Rochester, pccart.org/festival
SEPT. 9
Michigan Celebrate Recovery Walk & Rally: 9 a.m. registration, 11 a.m. walk, 11:45 a.m. program and 1-3 p.m. food and activities, Michigan Lottery Ampitheatre at Freedom Hill, 14900 Metropolitan Parkway in Sterling Heights, michigancelebraterecovery.com Bow Wow Luau: 10-11:30 a.m. (for dogs 30 pounds and heavier) and 11 a.m.-1 p.m. (under 30), Splash Pad at Chief Gene Shepherd Park, 2452 23 Mile Road in Shelby Township, register.shelbytwp.org Tunnel To Towers 5K Run & Walk: Event honors those who died on 9/11, 9:30 a.m., Lake St. Clair Metropark, 31300 Metro Parkway in Harrison Township, t2t.org, facebook.com/Tunnel2Towers Cars and Coffee: 10 a.m.-noon, Michigan Military Technical & Historical Society Museum, 16600 Stephens Road in Eastpointe, mimths.org
SEPT. 9-10
Utica Antiques Market: 8-5 p.m. Sept. 9 and 8-4 p.m. Sept. 10, Knights of Columbus Grounds, 11541 21 Mile Road in Shelby Township, uticaantiques.com
Battle of the Bands: Fundraiser for Live Rite Structured Recovery Corp., 1-7 p.m., Veterans Memorial Park, 27325 Barkman St. in Roseville, www.liverite structuredcorp.com/botb
SEPT. 18
Focus on Life Dinner: Benefit for Right to Life of Michigan North and Northwest Macomb affiliates, doors at 5:30 p.m. and dinner at 7 p.m., also guest speaker and silent auction, The Mirage, 16980 18 Mile Road in Clinton Township, register at www. nwmacomb4life.org
SEPT. 19
Movies in the parks: “Willy Wonka & The Chocolate Factory” (1971), also free admission, popcorn and lemonade, 7:30 p.m., Dooley Park in Roseville, roseville-mi.gov
SEPT. 23
Jammin’ at the Junction: Car show, live music and DJ, food, vendors and more, 8 a.m.-5 p.m., Utica Road between 12 Mile Road and Gratiot Avenue, rosevillemi.gov
SEPT. 25
Music at 7 p.m. at Memorial Park, adjacent to Utica Public Library, 7530 Auburn Road Sept. 1: The Geri’s Sept. 8: Detroit Social Club screenings, refreshments and admission, connect with experts, win prizes and more, 10 a.m.-1 p.m., Century Banquet Center, 33204 Maple Lane in Sterling Heights, seniorexpousa.com
SCAMS presentation: For seniors in Macomb County, 10 a.m., Shelby Township Senior Center, 144975 21 Mile Road, prosecutor.macombgov.org, (586) 469-5642
OCT. 19
Sterling Heights/Warren Senior Expo : Free health
FARMERS MARKETS Mount Clemens 7 a.m.-1 p.m. Saturdays until Nov. 18, City Park & Ride Lot, 141 N. River Road, (586) 493-7600, mountclemensfarmersmarket.com St. Clair Shores 5-9 p.m. Sept. 14 and Oct. 12, and 8 a.m.-2 p.m. Sept. 24, Blossom Heath Park, south of 10 Mile Road on Jefferson Avenue, scsmi.net/877/ Farmers-Market Shelby Township 9 a.m.-2 p.m. Saturdays until Oct. 14, Packard Proving Grounds, 49965 Van Dyke Ave., www. ShelbyFarmersMarket.org Sterling Heights Also live music, 3-8 p.m. Thursdays until Sept. 28, Dodge Park, 40620 Utica Road, www.sterlingheights.net/1236/Dodge-Park-Thursdays
OCT. 22
Chic & Unique Vintage Market: 11 a.m.-4 p.m., Packard Proving Grounds, 49965 Van Dyke Ave. in Shelby Township, chicanduniquemi.com
23, Lorenzo Cultural Center on Macomb Community College - Center Campus, 44575 Garfield Road in Clinton Township, lorenzoculturalcenter.com
ONGOING
Rockin’ Roll In Cruise Nights: 4-7:30 p.m. select Thursdays until Sept. 7, Stahl’s Auto Museum, 56516 North Bay Drive in Chesterfield Township, stahlsauto. com
Splash pads: Noon-8 p.m. Mondays and 10 a.m.-8 p.m. Tuesdays-Sundays, 40620 Utica Road in Sterling Heights, (586) 446-2700, sterling-heights.net/1631/ Splash-Pad • 11 a.m.-7 p.m. daily (11 a.m.-3 p.m. Sept. 4), Chief Gene Shepherd Park, 2452 23 Mile Road in Shelby Township
Summer yard art sale: 10 a.m.-6 p.m. Mondays-Saturdays and 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Sundays until Labor Day, Schramm’s Farm, 21701 24 Mile Road in Macomb Township, www.facebook.com/MacombCharitable Foundation
OCT. 5
Crafts on the Clinton: Beer and wine tasting, live
7-9 p.m. at The Alley at Erin Commons, 28349 Gratiot Ave. in Roseville Sept. 7: Svnth Son Oct. 5: Mojo Filter Band
SEPT. 29
SEPT. 14
SEPT. 15
7-9 p.m. at Fountain Stage on Macomb Place in downtown Mount Clemens Sept. 8: Olivia Van Goor Sept. 15: Soul Commission f/ Kathleen Murray
Artist Choice Show: Featuring works by groups from Mount Clemens, St. Clair Shores, Shelby Township, Warren and Romeo, opening reception at 2 p.m. Sept. 9, on display until Oct. 10, Anton Art Center, 125 Macomb Place in Mount Clemens, theartcenter.org
SCAMS presentation: For seniors in Macomb County, 11 a.m.-noon, Chesterfield Township Senior Center, 47275 Sugarbush Road, prosecutor.macombgov.org, (586) 469-5642 SCAMS presentation: For seniors in Macomb County, 1-2 p.m., Harrison Township Library, 38255 L’Anse Creuse St., Suite A, prosecutor.macombgov.org, (586) 469-5642
6:30–9 p.m. at Lake St. Clair Metropark, 31300 Metro Parkway in Harrison Township Sept. 3: Dave Hamilton Band
Macomb Fall Senior Expo: Free health screenings, refreshments and admission, connect with experts, win prizes and more, 10 a.m.-1 p.m., The Palazzo Grande, 54660 Van Dyke Ave. in Shelby Township, seniorexpousa.com Senior Fun Festival: Free safety and preparedness event with Macomb County prosecutor and experts, 9 a.m.-noon, Lorenzo Cultural Center on Macomb Community College - Center Campus, 44575 Garfield Road in Clinton Township, seniors.macombgov.org/ Seniors-SeniorFunFest
SEPT. 11
SUMMER CONCERTS
Downtown Social District: Live music, food trucks, street games, vendors, dancing and more, 5 p.m.midnight Sept. 9 and 23, and Oct. 14 and 28, along Greater Mack Avenue between Nine Mile Road and Nine Mack/Cavalier drives in St. Clair Shores, scsmi. net/social-district Front Row Center: Icons of Rock, Blues and Soul: Photo exhibit by Larry Hulst, 10 a.m.-4 p.m. weekdays until Sept. 27, also select Saturdays Sept. 9, 16 and
‘The Addams Family: A New Musical’: Sept. 8-10 and 13-17, Grosse Pointe Theatre, 315 Fisher Road in Grosse Pointe, gpt.org, (313) 881-4004 Live music: Every Tuesday-Thursday, Octopus’s Beer Garden, 152 N. River Road in Mount Clemens, (586) 221-1531 ‘Black and White’: Exhibit hosted by Grosse Pointe Artists Association, on display Sept. 21-Nov. 9, gallery talk at 6:30 p.m. Sept. 21, The War Memorial, 32 Lake Shore Drive in Grosse Pointe Farms, www.grossepointe artcenter.org Fish Fries: 4-7p.m. every first Friday of month, dine in or carryout, VFW Post # 4659, 8311 Wilson St. in Shelby Township, (586) 781-9109
CLASS REUNIONS
Mount Clemens High School - All Alumni: 5 p.m. Sept. 8, Rec Bowl, 40 Crocker Blvd. in Mount Clemens, (586) 463-6386, drron82@yahoo.com Warren Cousino Class of 1978: 6 p.m. Oct. 14, Maple Lane Golf Club, 33203 Maple Lane Drive in Sterling Heights, (586) 795-4000, Warren Cousino Class of 1978 on Facebook
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C & G NEWSPAPERS GROSSE POINTE/MACOMB COUNTY SPECIAL EDITION • AUGUST 30, 2023
Airplane from page 7A
“The Jenny stayed around at Selfridge as a liaison aircraft who flied to different bases,” Kaminski said. “It was a do-all aircraft.” Curtiss produced around 4,000 JN aircraft, many of which went on to influence aviation after the war. Planes were sold on the surplus market for about $400 (about $6,110 today) and many were bought by barnstormer pilots, flown around on the exhibition circuit before infamously meeting their end being crashed into barns. Curtiss JN planes found a more productive civilian use after the war, serving as the first airmail couriers. According to Kaminski, only seven Curtiss JN planes have survived to see a second century. The latest Curtiss JN-4 to swing by Selfridge was found by Kentucky-based aviator and documentarian Dorian Walker in 2011. Originally owned by an Ohio engineer trying to make it airworthy by Federal Aviation Administration standards, Walker and an aircraft mechanic bought the plane from him after a failed FAA inspection. Planning to get the plane back in flying order, Walker and the mechanic built the plane up from scratch using oldgrowth Sitka spruce wood for the frame and fabric for the biplane’s wings. Once finished, Walker flew the plane and leased it for $1 a year to the Friends of Jenny nonprofit. Walker and the Friends flew the Curtiss JN in military colors from airshow to airshow wearing the tail number 38262. The same numbers appear on a Curtiss JN shown upside down on a famously misprinted airmail stamp.
“It’s a grand old dame to fly, but you’re constantly flying it,” Walker said. “There’s no dynamic stability. You’ve constantly got your hand on the stick, and of course it vibrates. The seats are wooden. It’s 100% authentic.” Unfortunately, the rare flying JN-4 met its end on May 15, 2023. While flying back from an airshow near St. Louis, the plane suffered an engine failure in the highlands surrounding its home base of Bowling Green, Kentucky. Unable to find a suitable place to land, Walker and copilot Craig O’Mara had to put the Curtiss down in an abandoned strip mine. “When it settled on its final settling down, suddenly the gear caught what must’ve been mud because it just ripped the gear off and the plane went off on its belly and then slid to a stop,” Walker said. While the aircrew was unharmed, the JN-4 was split in two. Walker’s time flying the plane was over, but a great relationship formed at the 2022 Selfridge Air Show turned into a $65,000 opportunity for the on-base museum. After a period of fundraising, FreeStar Financial Credit Union bought the plane on the museum’s behalf and donated it to their collection. Arriving by truck bed much like the first JN to fly from Selfridge, Kaminski says the museum plans to restore the plane to be back on static display by April 2024, with repairs to the wings and fuselage. It’s not impossible to fly the plane
again, but neither Walker nor the museum are interested in doing so. “The plane can be airworthy, but we’ve made a promise that it will not fly,” Kaminski said. “It’s too valuable.” Once fixed, the Curtiss JN-4 will join the museum’s French-made SPAD S.XIII biplane. Together, the planes represent the early years of military aviation as the first trainer and fighters assigned to Selfridge. “If you’ve been out there you know they’ve got a great collection of aircraft that go from D-Z,” Walker said. “Now they’re going to go from A-Z. … It’s such a rare and beautiful airplane. It’s so large with all the cabling and structure of the airplane. It’s going to be such an amazing asset for you all in that part of the world.” Located on the Selfridge base, identification and a background check are required to access the Selfridge Military Air Museum. Pre-registration and valid identification information can be found at selfridgeairmuseum.org/base-access-pre-registration. The museum is open on Saturdays and Sundays from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Adults get in for $10, seniors and military for $8, and children 4-17 for $5. Children younger than 3 and active duty military members in uniform enter for free. The museum’s season ends Oct. 29. Call (586) 239-5035 for more information.
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C & G NEWSPAPERS GROSSE POINTE/MACOMB COUNTY SPECIAL EDITION • AUGUST 30, 2023
MCC from page 4A
the campus of Macomb Community College. I do think Macomb has a particular identity that this project really illustrates,” Gilchrist said. “The state of Michigan is proud to be a partner in bringing something like this to fruition. The reason we are so invested is because we recognize that everyone who comes through this expanded and stronger and more vibrant facility, they’ll learn something about themselves. “You come to learn a trade, you come to learn a particular set of techniques or a particular set of skills to get specific certifications that are very important to you and the community,” Gilchrist said. “What you will learn is that if you can imagine something and you can create something, that you can create anything. The students that walk through these halls, who use these machines, who learn from these very talented, skilled and experienced instructors, these are the kind of people who inspire the creative minds of Macomb and Michigan. “When we invest in that, we are not only investing in the present vitality of this institution, but the future vitality of our economy,” Gilchrist said. “This was designed for Industry 4.0. I know this is the team that can make that happen.”
Pool from page 3A
Heitmann, 30, of Washington Township, is the owner of Exigent Design. On July 28, Heitmann was arraigned on charges of false pretenses of $50,000 or more but less than $100,000 and fraudulent use of a building contract fund. His bond was set at $30,000 cash or surety and it was posted. Sergeant Mark Benedettini form the Shelby Township Police Department said the department asks that anyone who may have had this happen to them reach out to police to file a complaint. “Our Detective in charge of the case is currently investigating additional complaints about this same individual. I expect additional charges to be filed soon. Anyone who feels they may have been scammed by this individual/company, is urged to file a police report with their local police department,” he said. On Aug. 15, the Macomb County Prosecutor’s Office filed a charge of false pretenses of $50,000 or more but less than $100,000 against Heitmann in a separate case. In both cases against him, Heitmann pleaded not guilty at his arraignments.
Congressman John James, R-Shelby Township, presented a certificate to Sawyer to recognize the completion of the renovated facility. “I want to congratulate the college on their grand opening of the tech center. It’s wonderful to be here taking a big step toward building the workforce of the future,” James said. James, a veteran who served in Iraq, alluded to the importance of providing skilled trades training to military veterans. “The veterans’ entry into apprenticeship is just one way we can integrate with Macomb Community College and get our veterans back into our workforce,” James said. “Not just a profession, but a purpose to help reduce veterans suicide and increase our ability to serve and grow our nation and our economy.” Macomb Community College Board of Trustees Chair Katherine Lorenzo and Macomb County Executive Mark Hackel also spoke during the event. After the ceremony, guests enjoyed a reception and toured the new building, which included classroom demonstrations. The project’s architects were Hobbs+ Black Architects, based in Ann Arbor. Barton Marlow, which has several offices including Detroit and Southfield, was the construction manager. The new semester began Aug. 21.
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Heitmann has a preliminary exam scheduled for Oct. 2 in the first case and a probable cause hearing scheduled for Sept. 7 in the other. His attorney, Glenn Phillip Franklin, provided a statement on his client’s behalf. “On August 7, 2023, Exigent Landscaping, filed for Chapter 11, bankruptcy protection. Chapter 11, bankruptcy allows a business to continue operating while it restructures its debt. This bankruptcy filing has allowed Exigent Landscaping to continue operations and work on its customer’s pools and projects. “Regarding the two (2) criminal matters currently pending in the 41-A Judicial District Court, Shelby Division, against Brandon Heitmann (the principal of Exigent Landscaping), both of these matters are related to former clients of Exigent Landscaping that unilaterally canceled projects and breached their respective contracts with Exigent Landscaping, after work on the project had begun. We are confident that Brandon Heitmann will be (fully) exonerated of any wrongdoing in these matters. “Finally, I can confirm for you that Brandon Heitmann is in fact a licensed builder; I personally have a copy of his Builder’s License, that is current and in good standing,” the statement reads.
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C & G NEWSPAPERS GROSSE POINTE/MACOMB COUNTY SPECIAL EDITION • AUGUST 30, 2023
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from page 6A
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Nakija Mills shows chocolate covered strawberries that she will offer at Lekker Choco Treats during this year’s event. “It’s going to start breaking the ground for the presence of the cannabis industry at major events,” he said. The festival also revealed the participating eateries and information on its juried art show at the press conference. For more information and tickets, visit www.artsbeatseats. com.
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cussion-based music, but primarily plays the marimba. Okada, 19, said most of the group is from middle and high school, though it is not school-based and is a private ensemble. They formed in 2020 and have performed throughout Michigan — mainly at local events — making Arts, Beats & Eats the first big stage they will be playing. “It’s the first time coming to Arts, Beats & Eats and it’s the first time playing at such a big event,” he said. “We’re very excited.” At a previous press conference in June, it was mentioned that the event was working on getting approval for the sales and consumption of cannabis at an area on the festival grounds. Chief Corporate Operations and General Counsel for House of Dank Mike DiLaura officially announced the approval was obtained and cannabis will be available at Arts, Beats & Eats. “This is going to be the single largest festival in the history of the world to introduce legalized cannabis,” he said. DiLaura stated that people will be able to purchase and consume cannabis products at DankLand, which will be located near Seventh Street. “We’re going to have one discrete place where you’re going to be able to do this,” he said. “We understand that we’re pioneers right now in bringing cannabis use in a legal way to festivals like this, and we’re respectful of that. So we’re gonna do it the right way.” Witz said cannabis will not be at every corner of the festival and that it will be understated.
C & G NEWSPAPERS GROSSE POINTE/MACOMB COUNTY SPECIAL EDITION • AUGUST 30, 2023
12A
K
EE W E H T F O E CRIM
K E E W E H T F O RIME C • K E E W E H • CRIME OF T
NEWSWORTHY INCIDENTS REPORTED TO LOCAL POLICE, AS COMPILED BY C & G REPORTERS
Man badly injures self by punching window
Property damage reported
ST. CLAIR SHORES — At 3:37 p.m. on Aug. 8, a report was made about destruction of property that SHELBY TOWNSHIP — Shelby Township police occurred the same day in the 23000 block of Harper officers were dispatched to the 8000 block of Mary Ann Avenue, near 22 Mile Road and Van Dyke Avenue, Avenue. Upon arrival, the officer spoke to the complainfor a domestic violence report at 8:55 a.m. July 28. Upon arrival, officers spoke to the caller, who stated ant, who stated a man came into the location to order food, was unhappy with the customer service that her ex-boyfriend had arrived at the residence and punched the kiosk touch screen on the way out. while she was visiting with her friend. The ex-boyfriend reportedly began to pound on the garage door, The kiosk appeared to be cracked and went blank. and he then ripped the handle off a storm door and The complainant was able to provide a plate number, which when checked came up with the vehicle and punched a hole in a glass door after she refused to come outside to talk to him, according to the police address of the suspect. The complainant was also able to pull footage of the incident. report. The officer followed up at the listed address The ex-boyfriend received a large cut on his and made contact with the suspect, a 26-year-old hand from punching the glass door. Police officers man. He said he walked into the business and was placed a tourniquet on the man due to excessive unhappy he was not being served. He admitted bleeding, and the Shelby Township Fire Department to punching the kiosk when he was leaving. At the transported him to the hospital. A warrant request was submitted against him for malicious destruction time of the report, the actual cost of the kiosk was undetermined, and no enforcement action had been of property. taken.
Check stolen from drop box
SHELBY TOWNSHIP — At 3:23 p.m. July 28, Shelby Township police officers were dispatched to a business in the 47000 block of Van Dyke Avenue regarding a larceny report. Officers then spoke to an employee who stated that she had placed a check earlier in the day in the drop box in front of the business. Upon looking in the drop box a short time later, she noticed that the check, a pay stub and cash had been stolen from the drop box. The check was written for more than $900. The detective bureau was investigating.
Package stolen off porch
SHELBY TOWNSHIP — At 7 p.m. July 27, officers were dispatched to the 45000 block of Union Park Drive, near Hall and Schoenherr roads, for a larceny report. The caller reported that a package had been stolen off her porch. The package contained clothing items valued at $120. Police were investigating.
Resident scammed out of $57,000
SHELBY TOWNSHIP — A resident came to the Police Department to file a fraud report at 11:03 a.m. Aug. 9. The resident came to the department with her financial adviser, who reported that the resident had been scammed out of $57,000 via someone on Facebook messenger. The scammer made the victim believe she was sending money to receive a social service block grant, and the scam became more and more elaborate, to the point that the victim sent a total of $57,000 to the scammer. The detective bureau was investigating this case.
Lawn equipment stolen from city park
ST. CLAIR SHORES — At 9:16 a.m. on Aug. 7, a report was made about an act of larceny that occurred between Aug. 5 and Aug. 6 in the 32000 block of Harper Avenue. Upon arrival, the officer spoke with the complainant, a 41-year-old man who works for the city of St. Clair Shores. He stated that lawn equipment was missing from a fenced-in area attached to an out building at Kyte Monroe Park. The fence had a lock on it, which was also missing. There are no cameras in the area and the building is quite far from Harper and surrounded by the city park. The items were last seen on Aug. 5 at approximately 3 p.m. They were reported missing on Aug. 6 at around 6 p.m. The items missing were two blowers, one trimmer and one sod cutter. There was no suspect information.
Man arrested for indecency outside Fuddruckers
STERLING HEIGHTS — Police arrested a man Aug. 5 for indecent exposure outside Fuddruckers, 40955 Van Dyke Ave. According to police, the man was seen in a silver Ford Focus holding an iPhone, his seat reclined. Police said the man froze and “started apologizing” when an officer knocked on the window. Police reportedly told the man to put down the phone, pull up his pants and exit the Focus. Then they arrested the man, impounded the vehicle and took the phone as evidence.
Woman arrested for self-checkout shoplifting
STERLING HEIGHTS — Police went to Meijer, 36600 Van Dyke Ave., Aug. 6 after hearing that staff had detained a female suspect for shoplifting. The woman allegedly tried to swipe $171.91 worth of items described as “household goods” without paying for them at the self-checkout area. Police arrested the suspect on suspicion of second-degree retail fraud.
Car window broken outside SHAP
STERLING HEIGHTS — Someone reportedly tried to steal a Dodge Challenger outside the Stellantis Sterling Heights Assembly Plant, 38111 Van Dyke Ave., Aug. 5. The vehicle owner was reportedly alerted via a phone app about an attempted break-in and found the vehicle with a broken front passenger window. Nothing was reportedly taken during the incident, police said. Police investigated surveillance footage and reportedly found out that a white vehicle resembling a Chevrolet Malibu parked by the Challenger, and a man got out and allegedly tampered with the Challenger’s window.
Jeep stolen from SHAP lot
STERLING HEIGHTS — A man told police that his gray 2014 Jeep Grand Cherokee was stolen Aug. 5 from the parking lot of the Stellantis Sterling Heights Assembly Plant, 38111 Van Dyke Ave. The Jeep reportedly had a steering wheel club lock and an activated security system prior to being stolen. Before the system was deactivated, the app reportedly showed that the vehicle was last pinpointed in Detroit. Police sent out a be-on-the-lookout message about the vehicle.
man is facing charges after police said he attempted to break into homes in the 1300 block of Berkshire Road and the 1100 block of Maryland Street between noon and 1 p.m. Aug. 15. Residents at both homes told police that it appeared that someone had tried to get into their homes through locked windows but was unsuccessful. Police said local surveillance cameras helped them identify and apprehend the suspect, who was found in the area.
Brawl broken up in median
GROSSE POINTE FARMS — An officer on patrol intervened when he came upon two men fighting each other in a median in the 18000 block of Mack Avenue at 4:24 p.m. Aug. 11. The two men — a 51-year-old from Palmetto, Georgia, and a 20-yearold from Harrison Township — had gotten into a verbal confrontation after the Georgia man claimed the Harrison Township man cut him off in traffic, nearly causing an accident. While the vehicles were stopped at a red light at Calvin Road, the Harrison Township man is said to have gotten out of his vehicle to approach the Georgia man. Both men told police the other man started the physical attack. A crowd of outdoor diners nearby had witnessed the entire scene but only one agreed to share what they had seen with police. The witness told police both drivers got out of their vehicles simultaneously and began yelling and cursing at each other, saying things like, “You want some of this?” and “I’ll beat your a--.” Both suspects were arrested and issued citations for disorderly conduct. The Harrison Township man needed to be taken to a nearby hospital for a shoulder injury sustained during the brawl.
Teen prowler arrested
GROSSE POINTE FARMS — Police on the lookout for suspects involved in recent larcenies from autos and auto thefts arrested a 15-year-old from Grosse Pointe Park in the area of Webster and Touraine Teens smoke weed at Starbucks roads at around 1:46 a.m. Aug. 16 after they reportSTERLING HEIGHTS — Police went to Starbucks, edly saw him pulling on vehicle door handles, enter2148 Metropolitan Parkway, Aug. 6 upon hearing that ing a 2023 Jeep Cherokee and rummaging through two males and two females, all between 16 and 17 the interior, apparently looking for items to steal. years old, were occupying the bathroom and smoking Police said the teen started running when he heard in it. the engines from nearby patrol vehicles. The teens reportedly had left by the time police The suspect — who police said smelled of alcoarrived. The bathroom stank like cannabis but was hol — had reportedly been drinking at the home of a undamaged, police said. The store reportedly wanted teenaged friend in the Farms earlier in the evening, the teens to never come back. Police said they something the teenaged friend’s mother wasn’t ended up finding one of the male teens, and they aware of. The suspect also admitted he had been passed along the store’s message. smoking marijuana. Police said they found a vape pen and lighter in the suspect’s pocket. The suspect Home invasion suspect arrested said he was trying to get back to his friend’s home GROSSE POINTE PARK — A 56-year-old Detroit when he was arrested.
C & G NEWSPAPERS GROSSE POINTE/MACOMB COUNTY SPECIAL EDITION • AUGUST 30, 2023
13A
Art
from page 1A
Artwork by Lucy Synk will be on display during Art Takeover in The Village.
Photo provided by Michelle Boggess-Nunley
the first ever Art Takeover of The Village. We’ve got lots of fun activities planned for that evening to go along with all the wonderful art. With the self-guided tour and the art remaining up all month long, it’s a great opportunity for families to spend time together, exploring all of the art, learning about the artists and having conversations. The quality of artists and works they are displaying is so extraordinary that you can see something new every single time you look at a piece.” Parking this summer has been challenging in The Village, with construction going on in a couple of parking areas, but Willcock said plenty of parking remains for Art Takeover visitors. “Although construction on Kercheval Place has taken away some spots there, all other lots and the parking deck are open,” Willcock said. “And, until DTE (Energy) completes their work so that the new lights, parking kiosks and electric vehicle charging stations can be installed, parking is FREE in lot #4 (behind CVS). For visitors from the City and around the Pointes, of course you can walk or bike in or catch the K-Line Trolley on Fridays and Saturdays!” Willcock is thrilled about Art Takeover, the first in a string of events planned for this fall in The Village.
“This event is such a great opportunity to connect our businesses and residents with artists, art and their community in a really special way,” Willcock said. “Main Street Grosse Pointe is excited to bring more art into our downtown because we understand the importance (of ) accessible art. And we’re so very fortunate to have Michelle Boggess helping us lead the charge. Her commitment to art, artists and our community is unparalleled. As cool as the Art Takeover Project is, it’s just the beginning of what we have planned!” A total of about 65 artists were selected for the event, out of 130 submissions, Boggess-Nunley said. She said they were only able to choose 65 because of space. “We had a record-breaking (number) of artist entries,” Boggess-Nunley said, comparing the number to other art exhibits with which she has been involved. She said she plans to make this an annual event and would consider expanding it to the other Kercheval business districts in Grosse Pointe Farms and Grosse Pointe Park. “Hopefully next year we can accommodate much more,” Boggess-Nunley said. Posterity is located at 17005 Kercheval Ave. in The Village. For more about Art Takeover, visit posterityartgallery. com or call (313) 884-8105.
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will remain on display through Sept. 30. Art Takeover is the brainchild of Michelle BoggessNunley, an artist and art educator who purchased longtime Village fixture Posterity Art & Framing Gallery last fall. Boggess-Nunley — who has done other art collaborations at different venues — said the idea behind this is to unite artists, local businesses and community residents as they engage with a walking art exhibition. She said she partnered with the Main Street Grosse Pointe Downtown Development Authority to bring Art Takeover to The Village. “It’s kind of a way to bring communities together,” Boggess-Nunley said. “It’s a way to bring people to The Village who wouldn’t normally come here.” Main Street Grosse Pointe, which promotes The Village and organizes events for the downtown shopping district, recognizes the importance of something like Art Takeover. “Anything that brings people into our businesses is great,” Main Street Grosse Pointe Executive Director Cindy Willcock said in an email interview. “With such a wide range of artists from all over, the event is sure to attract people to The Village — and our businesses — that have never been here before. One of the unique aspects of the Art Takeover is it really pairs the businesses with the artists, and they work together and get to know each other and build relationships.” The Sept. 7 kickoff will include a scavenger hunt that visitors can take part in for a chance to win prizes for themselves or the artists. There will also be live entertainment by people including The Amazing Flec — a circus performer — and musician Andrew Buhr, among others. “We’ll have them spread throughout The Village,” Boggess-Nunley said of the entertainers. Artists will also be on hand Sept. 7 for anyone wishing to talk to them about their work. A map in the Aug. 24 Grosse Pointe Times and on the Posterity website will show the participating locations, so that visitors can make sure they don’t miss any. BoggessNunley said that through Sept. 30, visitors can vote for their favorite artwork, with the winning artist receiving a prize at the end of Art Takeover. Willcock hopes people will come for the opening event and then return to see the art again while it’s on display. “First of all, The Village is a great place to visit, shop, grab a bite to eat and just hang out!” Willcock said. “September 7th will be extra special because it will be the kick-off of
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C & G NEWSPAPERS GROSSE POINTE/MACOMB COUNTY SPECIAL EDITION • AUGUST 30, 2023
from page 1A
stories during an Elvis Presley themed event held at the Recreational Authority of Roseville and Eastpointe’s Senior Center. “The first time I saw Elvis was at the firing range. Everybody said, ‘Hey, Johnny, there’s Elvis Presley.’ I said, ‘I ain’t bothering him. No way,’” said Lang, a 1955 graduate of St. Mary’s High School in Royal Oak. “He was about 100 yards away from me and that was it. But the second time I saw him, I’m on the train going from Fort Hood, Texas, to New Jersey because we’re shipping out to Germany.” It was fellow soldier Charlie Hodge, a musician himself who later became part of Presley’s “Memphis Mafia” entourage, who insisted Lang say hello. He did and spent about 15 minutes talking to the music icon. Lang and Presley met a third time while sailing the Atlantic Ocean aboard the USS Randall. That’s when they became pals. “We spent 10 days on the boat,” Lang said. “That’s when I really got to know him. I got to know him as a person, not a movie star.” One favorite memory on the ship was an impromptu performance from Presley after Lang found a piano “in this great big room.” At first, the place was empty. But as soon as Presley began belting out songs and tickling the ivories, the other soldiers packed the room for the mini concert. “He started out really slow. Then in a flash, man, he got into it. The performer took over and he started banging the hell out of that piano,” Lang wrote in his memoir. “Everybody was clapping and cheering.”
G.I. Blues
According to Lang, Presley didn’t ask for any special treatment because of his fame. “Elvis was in a tank outfit. He went in as a regular army soldier and stayed that way
until he got discharged,” Lang said. “I was in the scout platoon. I babysat a 30-caliber machine gun. My job was to find the enemy and go back and report it.” Lang lived in the barracks with his comrades, but Presley rented a house. Lang spent a lot of time there. There were dances and billiards. Presley’s charisma always stood out. “With blue eyes and pitch-black hair, he had a God-like face,” Lang said. “He was beautiful.” And there was a silly side to the megastar. “We did a lot of clowning around and kidding around. A lot of people don’t realize he was funny as hell,” Lang said. “He had a sense of humor that wouldn’t quit. He had the greatest laugh.” Sports were another pastime. When off duty, the group tossed around the football. Lang usually took on the position of halfback. Presley was the quarterback. “He had a great arm,” Lang remembered. The football games always drew a crowd. Followers of Presley would hang out on the sidelines for autographs, and the music idol always obliged. “Without my fans, I’d have nothing,” Presley told Lang. “Sometimes on Saturday afternoons, he’d have fans come over. He’d sit and sign autographs. He loved his fans, and they loved him.” The Grammy winner also had a reputation for being generous with his friends. One way he showed his love was buying them presents. Lang still has two gifts he received from Presley: a Ronson lighter and a watch engraved with the words “To Johnny From Elvis.” At the time the entertainer was overseas, there was talk that his popularity would wane. But judging by the 10,000 letters he received every week, the legend with the swiveling hips from Tupelo, Mississippi, was still the King. He received so much fan mail, it filled an entire room in the house.
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Elvis
‘All the memories came flooding back.’
Lang’s home is decorated with Presley memorabilia, including old photos, plates, statues, ornaments and posters. “They call this Graceland II,” Lang said, referring to Presley’s Memphis estate. Lang didn’t see Presley after leaving the service. He got married at age 26, had five children and worked 30 years as a steelworker for J&L Steel in Warren. He was at a union meeting on Aug. 16, 1977, when he heard the news that Presley died. “My ex-wife called me. She said you might want to sit down,” Lang recalled. “I cried like a baby. It hit me like a ton of bricks. All the memories came flooding back.” Lang periodically thought about writing a book about Presley over the years. He got serious about it after the release of the 2022 film “Elvis,” starring Austin Butler as Presley and Tom Hanks as his manager, Col. Tom Parker. “I saw the movie with my children and grandkids,” he said. “Austin Butler was unbelievable. I had tears in my eyes.” Lang has four daughters, Lisa, Nicole, Monique, and Vanessa, and one son, Jeffrey. At the encouragement of Jeffrey, Lang wrote “My Army Days with Elvis: Friendship, Football, & Follies.” “I’m proud of all my children,” said Lang, who dedicated the book to Nicole, who has special needs.
Photo provided by Johnny Lang
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“This project was wonderfully cathartic for my father. It allowed him to lace together many short, anecdotal stories, blanketed in warmth and humor,” Jeffrey Lang wrote in the book’s foreword. “I’m pleased that folks all over can now get a glimpse into that brief but memorable time in my dad’s life.” “My Army Days with Elvis: Friendship, Football, & Follies” is available on amazon.com. To contact Johnny Lang, email MyArmyDaysWithElvis@gmail.com or call (248) 830-8811.
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Editors: Brian Louwers | (586) 498-1089 | brianlouwers@candgnews.com Annie Bates | (586) 498-1071 | abates@candgnews.com David Wallace | (586) 498-1053 | dwallace@candgnews.com Sports: Jonathan Szczepaniak | (586) 498-1090 | jszczepaniak@candgnews.com Artroom: (586) 498-1036 | ads@candgnews.com Classifieds: For ad rates (586) 498-8100
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For retail ad rates: Karen Bozimowski | (586) 498-1034 | kboz@candgnews.com Legals and Obits: (586) 498-1099 Automotive Advertising: Louise Millar | (586) 498-1054 | lmillar@candgnews.com Real Estate Advertising: Paula Kaspor | (586) 498-1055 | pkaspor@candgnews.com
Opinions expressed in this newspaper are the opinions of the individual sources and advertisers and do not necessarily reflect the views of C & G Publishing Inc., its ownership or management. Copyright © 2023 C & G Publishing Inc. All rights reserved.
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C & G NEWSPAPERS GROSSE POINTE/MACOMB COUNTY SPECIAL EDITION • AUGUST 30, 2023
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C & G NEWSPAPERS GROSSE POINTE/MACOMB COUNTY SPECIAL EDITION • AUGUST 30, 2023
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