9/27/23 C & G Special Edition — Macomb/GP

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SEPTEMBER 27, 2023

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Grosse Pointe and Macomb County papers

Ex-congressman Bonior honored with trail and sculpture

BY DEAN VAGLIA dvaglia@candgnews.com

CLINTON TOWNSHIP — For 26 years of his life, David Bonior served Macomb County in the U.S. House of Representatives. From labor rights to veterans’ support to environmental issues, the effects of Bonior’s legislative days have gone on to touch countless Americans.

Now 20 years away from working in the Capitol, Bonior’s years of service are memorialized in two separate

ways across Clinton Township. The first was the renaming of the Freedom Trail to the David Bonior Trail at a ceremony held on the morning of Sept. 9.

“A lot of people don’t realize how much work it is to be in a job like he had for all those years, how much time away from home he spent,” Clinton Township Supervisor Robert Cannon said.

The trail runs along Metropolitan Parkway in Clinton Township, terminating at Lake St. Clair Metropark in

David Bonior speaks at a dedication ceremony for the David Bonior Trail in Clinton Township on the morning of Sept 9.

Photo by Dean Vaglia

See BONIOR on page 5A

Church mini pantry opens to help the homeless

BY ERIC CZARNIK eczarnik@candgnews.com

STERLING HEIGHTS — A new church food pantry is ready to reach out to the three H’s: the hungry, the hurting and the homeless.

Martha Powers and her husband, Ron, have just finished the installation of a Mini Food and Hygiene Pantry this month at Utica United Methodist Church. Martha Powers said the new mini pantry is accessible from outside the church building to give food and hygiene kits to people in need.

“Our church is trying to become more connected to our neighborhood and the needs of our neighbors,” she explained.

Powers explained that Utica United already has a pantry inside the church that collaborates with a food bank. But Powers said beneficiaries of that program are required to present documentation of residency in Macomb County.

“For the homeless, that then narrows the field,” she said. “We decided that doing a mini See PANTRY on page 13A

Ron Powers stands beside the new Mini Food and Hygiene Pantry outside Utica United Methodist Church Sept 13. Powers and his wife, Martha, organized the new mini pantry project to help the homeless. They also received help from the nonprofit Wave Project.

Photos by Patricia O’Blenes

C & G NEWSPAPERS GROSSE POINTE/MACOMB COUNTY SPECIAL EDITION • SEPTEMBER 27, 2023

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3A/ C & G NEWSPAPERS GROSSE POINTE/MACOMB COUNTY SPECIAL EDITION • SEPTEMBER 27, 2023

Photographer’s work captures African diaspora and societal changes in Ghana

BY K. MICHELLE MORAN kmoran@candgnews.com

The third annual American Speed Festival will be held from Sept. 28 through Oct. 1 at the M1 Concourse in Pontiac.

The American Speed Festival will have several events throughout the four-day event and will celebrate three significant automotive anniversaries: 100 years of Americans at Le Mans, 70 years of Corvette, and 50 years of the International Race of Champions (IROC) Series.

DETROIT — He might not be a household name in America, but Ghanian photographer James Barnor is one of the most famous and influential photographers of the last 50 years.

Metro Detroiters have an opportunity to see a wide swath of his work in “James Barnor: Accra/London — A Retrospective,” which is on display through Oct. 15 at the Detroit Institute of Arts. The DIA is the only museum in the United States that will be hosting this exhibition, and it also is the final museum where it is being displayed.

DIA Director Salvador Salort-Pons, who called Barnor “a pioneering photographer,” said this “comprehensive survey … offers amazing views on the artist’s native Ghana,” as well as the African diaspora during a time of major social change.

The exhibition features about 170 works from Barnor’s archive of more than 30,000 images, dating from the 1950s through the 1980s.

The original exhibition was organized in 2021 by London’s Serpentine galleries, where it was curated by Serpentine Chief Curator Lizzie CareyThomas and Awa Konaté, of Culture Art Society.

“This is the first major retrospective of his work,” Carey-Thomas said. “Nevertheless, he has a huge following.”

The Detroit retrospective was co-curated by DIA James Pearson Duffy Curator of Photography Nancy Barr, head of the Prints, Drawings and Photography Department, and African Art Curator Nii Quarcoopome.

“When I first saw photographs by James Bar-

Photo provided by American Speed Festival representatives

THE RACE IS ON AT THE AMERICAN SPEED FESTIVAL

BY MARIA ALLARD

allard@candgnews.com

ABOVE: Drum magazine cover model Erlin Ilbreck is photographed by James Barnor in London in 1966.

LEFT: Fans surround famed boxer Muhammad Ali after he won the Earls Court fight against Brian London in London in this 1966 photo by Barnor.

PONTIAC — Fasten your seat belts — it’s time for the third annual American Speed Festival.

The event will race into town from Sept. 28 through Oct. 1 at the M1 Concourse, located at 1 Concourse Drive, which is situated at the northwest corner of Woodward Avenue and South Boulevard.

“The American Speed Festival offers more than just static displays; it provides an engaging and captivating experience for people of all ages,” an American Speed Festival press release states.

“Attendees can fully immerse themselves in the event, hearing the thunderous roar of a NASCAR as it enters the pit lane, catching the scent of burning rubber around the track, and witnessing the thrilling spectacle of time attacks. It’s an interac-

Photos by James Barnor, provided by the Detroit Institute of Arts

See JAMES BARNOR on page 14A

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C & G NEWSPAPERS GROSSE POINTE/MACOMB COUNTY SPECIAL EDITION • SEPTEMBER 27, 2023

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WORKING THROUGH THEIR GOLDEN YEARS

‘WHEN I’M WITH YOU, I’M YOUR AGE,’ SAYS WORKING CENTENARIAN

BY CHARITY MEIER cmeier@candgnews.com

METRO DETROIT — The majority of people look forward to retirement somewhere around the age of 65. However, for some, retirement is simply a boring separation from a career they love, and thus they choose to forgo it. “(Working) wants you to stay alive,” said Dick McLauglin, of Macomb Township. “You have that feeling of, ‘Oh, I’ve done enough. I can sleep in this morning.’

But you get up, you know, and get going, and that’s what I like.”

At the ripe young age of 100, McLaughlin works an average 20 hours a week over five days as a funeral director and pre arrangement counselor at Wm Sullivan & Son Funeral Directors in Royal Oak, where he has worked since 1953. McLaughlin said he retired for two weeks in 1988 but was so bored that he jumped at the chance to return to his job after the owner asked him to return.

“You burn your duff off sitting at the house,” said McLaughlin.

“I stood out there on my deck and said to my wife, ‘I wonder what I can do. I can’t play golf every day,’ and honest to God, John (Sullivan) called me the next day and says, ‘Dick, you want to come back to work?’ I says, ‘Yeah,’” McLaughlin recalled with a chuckle.

He said he loves his job as it allows him the opportunity to take care of people in their hour of need.

“Just taking care of people when they are in so much trouble mentally, usually, and just taking care of them … it just catches you when you did something satisfactory.

You want to stay,” said McLaughlin. “You’re helping people get through a bad time, you know, and it’s just really a good thing.”

According to McLaughlin, his job also helps him retain a youthful mentality, and he enjoys the company of “young” people. He said he is only as old as the person he is with.

“When I’m with you, I’m your age.

When I’m with her, I’m her age. I don’t get any older than what you are, you know,” said McLaughlin. “And there’s a lot of young people working here.”

“Love what you’re doing,” McLaughlin said he would advise others. “If you love

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TOP: Dick McLaughlin, 100, has worked as a funeral director at Wm. Sullivan & Son Funeral Directors in Royal Oak for the last 70 years and has no plans to quit. BOTTOM: James Huntley Sr., 80, said he loves his job as a machinist at Avon Machining in Shelby Township, where he posed for a photo above the machine shop floor Sept. 11.

Photos by Patricia O’Blenes

what you’re doing and helping people, it’s a big thing, you know. And they always remember you.”

Mclaughlin attributes his longevity to “the Good Lord.” He said he has survived World War II, when he served in the U.S. Army for three years as a court reporter from 1943-1945 in Japan and the South Pacific.

He left with the rank of corporal. He said he has also survived cancer, a heart attack, and a stroke.

McLaughlin said his family thinks he has worked enough. However, he said See WORKING on page 8A

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C & G NEWSPAPERS GROSSE POINTE/MACOMB COUNTY SPECIAL EDITION • SEPTEMBER 27, 2023

Bonior from page 1A

Harrison Township and at Schoenherr Road in Sterling Heights, where it connects to the Clinton River Trail.

Bonior said he was an active user of the trail.

“Judy and I lived near the paths and used them often,” Bonior said. “First running, then taking long walks to the lake five miles from where we live all the way and back.

It was wonderful to see the variety of bird life. Red-wing blackbirds were my favorite along the spillway, and today if you walk there, you’ll see swans of all sorts in the water.

These pathways are graced with native flora species and other treats for the walkers and runners who take advantage of them. Those walks gave us a pretty good workout — as you can imagine, five miles — but more importantly, they refreshed our minds and spirits, and they reminded us of the beautiful place in the community that we lived in.”

Bonior worked in Congress and with local officials to get the trail made throughout the 1990s, and two plaques thanking Bonior for his efforts are located along the trail.

The second memorial to Bonior’s service is a large metal and glasswork tree located at the corner of northbound Gratiot Avenue and Wellington Crescent, just outside of Mount Clemens on the banks of the Clinton River. Designed by Sterling Heights sculptors Erik and Israel Norden, the tree-shaped sculpture will turn brown as it ages and represents Bonior’s dedication to environmental causes.

One cause that was formative to his federal legislative career was the preservation of the Clinton River’s natural banks. In 1977, federal funds were allocated to lining the river with concrete, but Bonior took the step to have the $345 million removed from a bill.

“It was a bad idea, and it would’ve been a terrible waste of money,” Bonior said. “As a commitment to the environment … we passed out pine seedlings throughout the district — a million trees in over a 30-year period. Legislatively, we banned PCBs, we removed arsenic from our drinking water and we stopped oil drilling in our Great Lakes.”

Numerous county politicians current and past came out to take part in the dedications ranging from former staffers to local officials from as far away as New Baltimore and Eastpointe.

Despite being out of office for 20 years, concerns about partisan cooperation were present at both ceremonies. Bonior spoke of his time finding cooperation with politicians of opposing ideologies at the trail dedication, making reference to working with Macomb County Republicans and members of Canada’s Conservative Party on Lake St. Clair issues. At the sculpture dedication, Bonior spoke of his concerns about the future of the environment and civil political discourse.

“I see as the two top priorities, the environment, saving the planet, and the second one is saving our democracy,” Bonior said. “We have to work at it and we have to think about it consciously, so with your help and with all of these great leaders that are here … together, working together, we can keep it all going.”

Erik and Israel Norden built a treeshaped sculpture in Clinton Township memorializing David Bonior’s legislative and personal passion for environmental causes.

Photo by Dean Vaglia

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6A/ C & G NEWSPAPERS GROSSE POINTE/MACOMB COUNTY SPECIAL EDITION • SEPTEMBER 20, 2023

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CAPTIVATED BY CONVERTIBLES

BY MARIA ALLARD allard@candgnews.com

ABOVE: Seymour Markowitz, of West Bloomfield, here with his yellow 2009 Pontiac Solstice, has owned convertibles since he was a teenager.

RIGHT: Markowitz gets a lot of compliments on his 2009 Pontiac Solstice convertible, which he drives to work every day.

Photos by Patricia O’Blenes

LEFT: The divorce attorney keeps photos in his office of his many adventures: mountain climbing, riding elephants, and flying helicopters and gliders.

Along with his Pontiac Solstice, Markowitz has owned many convertibles, including a Chrysler Crossfire, an Audi, a BMW, a 1963 XKE Jaguar and an Excalibur.

METRO DETROIT — “Not a week goes by that someone doesn’t say, ‘I love your car,’” Seymour Markowitz said about his 2009 Pontiac Solstice convertible.

The West Bloomfield resident feels the same way about his sunshinecolored sports car.

“There’s something special about this car. It’s such a cute car. It’s a fun car,” Markowitz, 86, said. “I put the top down the whole summer. With the top down, it’s gorgeous. It has beautiful lines on it. It’s in great shape.

There’s no rust or anything on it.”

The Pontiac Solstice was in production from 2005 to 2010, but in that short period of time it made an impression on Markowitz. Every day, he drives his yellow model to his law office in Bingham Farms, where he has been a divorce lawyer for 60 years.

Markowitz drives the two-seater in style by keeping a collection of baseball caps in the car to wear when driving. While he’s fashionable, there’s also a practical reason for the headwear.

“I have to wear hats because the hair flies in your face,” he said.

Every car Markowitz has owned has been a convertible with the exception of a Lincoln he drove in 1972. His passion for convertibles began as a teenager.

“It’s like a motorcycle. It’s open. I like the idea of the openness,” he said. “When you love something, you love something. We each have our own things that bring us pleasure.”

When he had his bar mitzvah at age 13, the teen received gifts of money he put away for safekeeping. A few years later, he used the savings to buy his first set of wheels. He attended Central High School in Detroit at the time.

“It was a ’47 Pontiac convertible. It was candy-apple red. I bought it at night. It was $265. I was 16, and that was in 1953,” he said. “I drove it home. The first day me and three guys pushed it to school so I could show my car at school. That was my first convertible. How exciting it was.”

With help from family members, he purchased his next convertible two years later with money he earned while working nonstop over the See CONVERTIBLES on page 11A

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C & G NEWSPAPERS GROSSE POINTE/MACOMB COUNTY SPECIAL EDITION • SEPTEMBER 27, 2023

UNWLA BRANCH 53 CELEBRATES ‘GOLDEN JUBILEE’

BY MARIA ALLARD allard@candgnews.com

WARREN — In February 1973, a group of Ukrainian women with the desire to help others gathered for their first meeting.

With founder Lydia Kolodchin at the helm, they formed the Ukrainian National Women’s League of America Branch 53, which is part of the Ukrainian National Women’s League of America based in New York City.

Kolodchin died last year at age 96, but her legacy and that of Branch 53 continues.

Currently, there are 21 active members in the charitable and cultural organization.

Branch 53 will celebrate its 50-year “Golden Jubilee” at 1:30 p.m. Oct. 8 at the Ukrainian Cultural Center, 26601 Ryan Road. The event, open to the public, will include a luncheon and a fashion show featuring clothing made by Maryana Priymak, who designs clothing from her studio in Lviv, Ukraine.

Priymak uses the hand-looming cloth technique to make men’s, women’s and children’s clothing, purses, wallets, belts and shawls. She will not be at the luncheon, but is sending the clothing, which will be available for purchase.

The Golden Jubilee gives the members a chance to celebrate the group’s history and share Ukrainian culture with others. Golden Jubilee tickets are $65 each and must be purchased by Sept. 27. A portion of the proceeds will benefit the UNWLA humanitarian and scholarship funds. Over the years, Branch 53 members have held countless fundraisers, Easter raffles and other events that have raised money to provide scholarships, medical care, food, financial assistance and care packages to local residents and people living in Ukraine.

They’ve also been known to help widows in need, support summer camps for orphans and lend a hand to injured soldiers undergoing rehabilitation.

“The big emphasis now is to help those people impacted by the war,” said Ola Movchan Novak, of Warren, who has been a Branch 53 member for 50 years and is the Golden Jubilee chairperson. “There are millions of people that had to leave their homes in the east. During the winter, the water supply was damaged and compromised, and now there are more medical needs. We feel good to be able to help the community.”

When the Golden Jubilee Committee met Sept. 7, the members reflected on Branch 53’s traditions, describing the Ukrainian people as “friendly, generous, musical, artistic.” Many still have family in Ukraine. Two

Branch 53 members were born in Ukraine, while several were born in Germany where their families lived in displacement camps after World War II. Some members were born in the U.S. Through a sponsor, Helen Palmer, born in Germany, came to Cleveland as a young girl with her parents and brother.

“My dad had $12 in his pocket,” Palmer remembered.

The family toughed it out to start a new life in America.

“Ukrainians are survivors. We have survived all these years. People have tried to dominate us for a very long time. We survived,” said Palmer, of Rochester Hills. “Our parents and our grandparents want us to remember the history. We remember the love of country. We remember the country. It means a lot to us. It’s in our hearts.”

The group’s social/welfare chairperson, Janet Tymczenko-Zuyus, a Warren resident who was born in Germany, came to the U.S. on a Navy ship at age 10.

“I remember when I was young, my dad would show me a picture of the Statue of Liberty. When you see that, you’re in heaven,” he often told her. “To him, America was heaven.”

So when her family left Europe — her father stayed behind for three years — Tymczenko-Zuyus’ eyes teared up when the ship approached the Statue of Liberty in New York harbor.

“I was crying because my dad wasn’t with us,” she said, although she adjusted “very well” to American life and eventually reunited with her dad.

Many of the Branch 53 members have visited Ukraine. Vice President Martha Jovanovic, of Sterling Heights, toured parts of the country with her mom and brother in the early 1970s, which she said was the Ukrainian Soviet Socialist Republic at the time.

Recording Secretary Luba LePage and President Sophie Koshiw — both original members of Branch 53 — also traveled to Ukraine prior to the recent war. They still carry the memories of those trips with them.

“It was fantastic,” said LePage, of Clinton Township, who visited Lviv, Kiev and the Black Sea. “I went to the village where my mother is from.”

“I stayed in the villages on my family’s property. I was also in Lviv,” said Koshiw, of Bloomfield Hills. “Going through the villages, it’s very nice.”

All the members are looking forward to the Golden Jubilee next month.

For tickets to the Golden Jubilee, contact Vice President Martha Jovanovic at (586) 939-8166.

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C & G NEWSPAPERS GROSSE POINTE/MACOMB COUNTY SPECIAL EDITION • SEPTEMBER 27, 2023

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Working from page 4A

he completely disagrees. He said he doesn’t know what he’d do without his job. He says having a job allows seniors such as himself to stay busy and keep out of trouble.

Mike Lope, the co-owner of Wm Sullivan & Son Funeral Directors, describes McLaughlin as “unbelievable.” Lope said McLaughlin has worked with every funeral director and owner of Sullivan & Son — including his great-grandfather, who founded the business in 1906 — and is well known in the industry.

“It starts with his character,” said Lope.

“He has always put families first. So, in this line of work you have to be good with the rest of the staff, but he’d always put the families and the community first. When you have that person, you don’t want to lose them. Around the building, it’s his sense of humor, embracing the rest of the staff sort of like family. …

He’s just a special guy. He always has been.

He’s been a mentor to all the younger people.

He’s always been good at what he does from the funeral director side, but also management and making sure that the staff understands what they’re doing. It’s always good to have him around, and we’ll keep him around as long as he wants to be here.”

According to Lope, McLaughlin has always said that without the job, he doesn’t know if he’d still be alive. Lope said he believes that having the job keeps McLaughlin alive and keeps him going as it gives him something to do.

“It’s kept him really sharp. Coming in to work and putting a suit on and being with individuals out in the community on funerals, meeting with them for their needs. And he’s just sort of like a perfect example of the fact that you don’t have to stop working. You can keep working and do it on your terms,” said Lope.

Mclaughlin is not the only one working well into his golden years. James Huntley Sr., 80, of Roseville, continues to work as a machine repairman at Avon Machining in Shelby Township, even after suffering a heart attack on the job in November.

“I just love working. I love the people I work with, work for. They treat me fine. …

I just love coming to work,” Huntley said. “I was home for them 10 weeks. I could tell you every car and what time of day that was coming up and down the street, because I couldn’t do nothing. It was crazy. I can’t shovel snow.

I can’t cut grass. I can’t cut branches down. I can’t do anything. So, in 79 years I have been working with these hands. Still got all 10 fingers. But I can’t stop working.”

Huntley recalled that his doctor had

wanted him to retire after the heart attack, but Huntley told him no. They compromised on 24 hours a week, but after working four weeks at part-time hours, he insisted that his doctor let him return to full-time duties, and he now works 40 hours a week.

Huntley’s advice to workers is to find a career they enjoy.

According to Melissa Brown, of Avon Machining, the company offers phased retirement. Phased retirement allows retirement-age employees the opportunity to create a schedule that they want to adhere to.

She said this enables the employees to work while technically retired, allowing them to earn extra money while mentoring younger employees. However, she said those who partake in the program don’t typically work 40 hours a week.

Brown described Huntely as the hardest working person at the company.

“Oh my gosh, he never ever stops moving from the time he gets here,” she said. “He is always working. He is always finding something to do.”

“Jimmy outworks anybody in this place.

Anybody,” said John Binkowski, a machinist who works on Huntely’s team.

“He outworks our 20-year-olds,” added Brown.

“Except me. He busts my tail, let me tell you. And I love it, cause the days go by fast, but he doesn’t stop. He’s a go-getter, and he loves this job. He’s ornery, funny and very hard working,” said Binkowski.

Both Huntley and McLaughlin still drive themselves to and from work, which for both men is an approximately 45-minute commute. They both joked that they continued to work because they are/were married, as they spoke of their wives with found regard.

According to Lope, it is quite common in the funeral industry to hire seniors for positions such as funeral assistant. In fact, he said, they actually solicit seniors for the positions, because of their experience and connections in the community, and willingness to be flexible with schedules. He said the assistants usually work 10 to 20 hours per week. Lope said that it has proved to be beneficial for both the seniors and the funeral home because of the flexibility offered and needed by the positions.

“We do get some seniors coming to work with us because of the flexibility, the hours,” said Lope. “We’re very flexible as far as when people want to be here and how much time they want to spend here. … It is something that I think has worked out well.

It is one of those things that people say is mutually beneficial.”

He said that between the two Sullivan & Son locations, in Royal Oak and Utica,

they currently have close to a dozen employees over the age of 65, and while a few — including his father, his uncle and McLaughlin — are actually funeral directors, many have come into the industry as a second career.

Often, the seniors are retired firefighters, police officers, nurses, pastors, etc. Lope said they often find their senior employees through their community connections with schools, churches and events. He said that, generally, someone will simply tell them they are interested in some extra work, and they don’t typically have to advertise for the positions.

According to Lope, funeral assistants are critical to their organization, doing things such as helping to direct people to where they need to go, and assisting families during visitations and other tasks during funeral services, such as bringing flowers or caskets into

the parlor, church or cemetery.

“We always look for folks that are good in the community and understand what we’re doing and trying to do,” said Lope. “Most of them are, I would guess, late 60s to mid 70s.

So, somewhere between 65 and 80, but still super useful in the fact that they’re all very sharp communicators and able to do what they need to do. … Over the years they’ve been a group of people we look to hire.

They’ve been very helpful. … They become very polished and very understanding of what families need and what their expectations are and what funeral service is all about. It’s been a great fit for us. … It’s really kind of a cool gig for a lot of the seniors that work with us.”

Binkowski summed up some of the admiration: “Just that they’re that age and they’re still sharp, when I forgot my keys coming in.”

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NEWS & NOTES

9A/ SEPTEMBER 27, 2023 C & G NEWSPAPERS GROSSE POINTE/MACOMB COUNTY SPECIAL EDITION

PETER LUCIDO TO WARN SENIORS ABOUT SCAMS

Macomb County Prosecutor Peter Lucido will talk about preventing fraud that targets seniors 9 a.m.noon Oct. 19 at a senior expo at the Century Banquet Center, 33204 Maple Lane Drive. He will also pass out booklets called “S.C.A.M.S. Stopping Crimes Against Macomb Seniors” that discuss identity theft, caregiver fraud, online and telemarketing scams, and more.

“Protecting our seniors is not just a duty but is our responsibility. I want to make sure Macomb County seniors thrive and are armed with the knowledge to avoid scams,” Lucido said in a statement.

Learn more by calling Heather Esposito at (586) 469-5642 or by sending email to heather.esposito@ macombgov.org.

Fall and Halloween history to be shared GROSSE POINTE FARMS — The Grosse Pointe Historical Society is celebrating Halloween with a historical twist. Through the end of October, visitors to the GPHS History Center will find a panel exhibition with custom artwork and scary local history tales.

From 6 to 8 p.m. Oct. 6, Grosse Pointe Theatre will bring short historical plays and songs by Jef Fisk to life during Legends of the Fall at the Grosse Pointe History Center, 375 Kercheval Ave. in Grosse Pointe Farms. This event is free and open to the public.

Cider and doughnuts will be served. Attendees are invited to bring a lawn chair or blanket as well as any additional refreshments they might want to consume during the performance, which will enlighten attendees on early settlers of the Pointes and important landmarks. In the event of inclement weather, the event will be moved indoors.

The GPHS will host the Halloween party, A Night at the Museum, Oct. 28 at the Provencal-Weir House, 376 Kercheval Ave. in Grosse Pointe Farms. Attendees are encouraged to dress as their favorite historical characters for this event, which is open to those ages 21 and older and will feature music, dancing, refreshments and more. Tickets — which went on sale Sept. 6 to GPHS members and will go on sale to the general public Oct. 1 — cost $25 per person or $45 per couple. For tickets or more information, call (313) 884-7010 or visit gphistorical.org.

“We are thrilled to invite everyone to the ‘Legends of the Fall’ series of events,” GPHS Board President Stuart Grigg said in a press release. “These celebrations reflect our commitment to preserving Grosse Pointe’s history while providing an interactive and enjoyable experience for the entire community.

Whether you’re captivated by history, excited about Halloween, or simply looking for a memorable time, our events have something for everyone.”

Save the Manatees run returns to Metropark

HARRISON TOWNSHIP — After a three-year pandemic hiatus, the Save the Manatees 5k race returns to Lake St. Clair Metropark on Saturday, Oct. 7. “(The route) is very scenic and flat,” said race founder Lesley Argiri. “You run by the water, you go out by the marina and it’s just one lap. And it’s an official registered course, so if anyone were to break any records it would be official.”

Coming into its 20th year, the fundraising run is offering both in-person and virtual participation options this year. All funds from either option will be donated to the Save the Manatee Club to support its efforts in

David Phelps Oct. 6

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manatee conservation in the United States and abroad. The event has raised about $400,000 for the Save the Manatees Club. The Save the Manatees 5k began when Argiri noticed that, after becoming a runner with her husband, many of the events they took part in were fundraisers.

“I was a biology teacher at L’Anse Creuse High School, and we teach about environmental issues, and I’ve always liked manatees,” Argiri said. “My parents would take us on trips to Florida all the time, and that’s where I learned about them and got intrigued by them. So I figured why not try a save the manatees race and see what happens.”

Runners can register at savethemanatee5k.com. Entry options start at $27.

Tony Orlando Oct. 7

The Sicilian Tenors Oct. 13

Celebrating Meat Loaf Oct. 14

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C & G NEWSPAPERS WILL BE FEATURING STORIES ABOUT NORTHERN MICHIGAN DESTINATIONS FOR OUR READERS TO EXPLORE.

ROAD TRIPS

C & G NEWSPAPERS GROSSE POINTE/MACOMB COUNTY SPECIAL EDITION • SEPTEMBER 20, 2023 • 10A

BY GREG TASKER Tunnel of Trees, Harbor Springs/Shutterstock image

NORTHERN MICHIGAN — What better way to truly explore the beauty of autumn than a road trip, especially in northern Michigan. While there are plenty of scenic rural stretches across the state, the upper stretch of the mitten offers countless panoramas of forested ridges, dunes and lakeshores ablaze in fiery reds, oranges and yellows.

Fall officially starts Saturday, Sept. 23, but colors across the northern lower peninsula are expected to reach partial to peak displays the first two weeks of October, according to various sites tracking fall foliage. If you’re thinking about a road trip north, here are a few scenic drives to consider.

RIGHT AND BELOW: Photos provided by Traverse City Tourism

Tunnel of Trees, M-119

This 20-mile scenic stretch along Lake Michigan, from Harbor Springs to Cross Village, is by no means a road less traveled (expect heavy traffic on weekends and other times), but there’s a reason why it’s so popular and a must-visit in the fall. Officially a state highway, M-119, this shoreline road is thick with trees, their canopies reaching over the roadway. In the fall, the trees create a tunnel of colors.

Adding to the magic are glimpses of Lake Michigan, nature preserves and small villages. Just outside Harbor Springs, Pond Hill Farm offers a one-stop fall extravaganza, with pumpkin patches, hay rides, u-pick fruit, hot cider, donuts and more. There’s a playground for kids and farm animals to feed. Farther north, stop at the Good Hart General Store, in the village of Good Hart, home to a few hundred people. The general store is a rare find and serves as the village’s grocery, bakery, deli and post office. You can pick up homemade pies, cookies and other treats. If you’re looking for a diversion to a local beach or picnic spot, the store staff will guide you. At the end of the sometimes twisting route lies Legs Inn in Cross Village. It’s as kitschy and rustic as you might imagine but the inn is well-known for serving some of the best Polish fare around — including pierogi, smoked whitefish and stuffed cabbage.

LEFT: Legs Inn/Photo by Brian Louwers

M-22, Manistee to Glen Arbor

It’s a long and winding road from Manistee to Glen Arbor, but one far lesstraveled than the popular Tunnel of Trees. Pick up Route 22 just north of Manistee and follow along the Lake Michigan coastline, past orchards and vineyards and farm stands selling apples and other seasonal produce. The two-lane highway passes through small communities like Onekama, Arcadia, Elberta and around picturesque inland lakes. There are spots along the way to pause and take in views of Lake Michigan. Stop in Frankfort for a cold brew at Stormcloud Brewing Co. or shop along its tidy main street. Farther north, the road passes through Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore. Learn more about the nearly 72,000-acre park at the Philip A. Hart Visitor Center in Empire or detour along Pierce Stocking Scenic Drive for even more impressive views of Lake Michigan. Empire is also home to one of the best chocolatiers around, the Grocer’s Daughter Chocolate Shop. Always busy, Glen Arbor boasts See TRIPS on page 11A

Photo provided by Traverse City Tourism

11A

C & G NEWSPAPERS GROSSE POINTE/MACOMB COUNTY SPECIAL EDITION • SEPTEMBER 27, 2023

Convertibles from page 6A

course of approximately two months.

“In ’55, I was 18 years old. I worked for 70 days straight. I earned $10 a day at a gas station. I’d pump gas and check the oil. I took that money, my brother took the same amount, $700, and my dad put $700 and we got a brand-new Ford convertible. It was kind of our car. It was so nice looking. It was black and yellow. It’s not the color I ordered, but it was the only one they had on the lot, and I took it,” he said.

That was the vehicle he drove to the military base in Virginia when he began his stint in the U.S. Army. Stationed in the U.S., Markowitz served from 1956-58. A few years later, he got another convertible.

“I got a Lincoln, the same as the one (President John) Kennedy was in when he was shot. Not the same car, but the same style, the four-door,” he said. “It was huge, gold in color, suicide doors.”

The next convertible that captivated him was a 1966 Excalibur he said he bought from movie star Steve McQueen, known for his films including “Bullitt” and “The Great Escape.” Markowitz, who lived in Southfield at the time of the sale, still has the vehicle title for the car, which he purchased in December 1968.

“I saw an ad for it in the paper,” Markowitz said. “He had two of them.”

He didn’t get a chance to meet McQueen. However, in exchange for her legal fees, a client went to New York to drive the

Trips from page 10A

several restaurants, gift shops, wine tastings, bike rentals and paddling adventures. M-22 continues along the perimeter of the Leelanau Peninsula, with easy access to about two dozen wineries, busy with harvest in the fall, and other small towns — Leland, Northport and Suttons Bay.

River Road, River Road National Scenic Byway

The River Road parallels the winding Au Sable River in northeastern lower Michigan, from Oscoda to Huron-Manistee National Forest. The 22-mile stretch, known as the River Road National Scenic Byway, offers wonderful views of the famous river from high vantage points and stops at wellknown landmarks. One of the best viewing spots is the Foote Pond Overlook, where you can see the river from high sand bluffs. It’s also a great location to see eagles that nest

car back to Michigan for Markowitz. McQueen died in 1980.

“The Excalibur looks like a ’29 Mercedes-Benz convertible. I drove the car for the next four years. It had a Corvette engine and pipes coming out the side. It’s a soft top,” Markowitz said. “Some had four seats.

Mine had two seats; just a roadster. It was so classic. Wherever you would go, people would be looking at it.”

Other convertibles in his garage over the years included a Chrysler Crossfire, an Audi, a BMW, a 1963 XKE Jaguar, a “big” Buick Wildcat and an MG. He also spent 12 years driving Wrangler Jeeps without doors.

Along with the convertibles, Markowitz used other vehicles in which to travel.

“When I went to law school, I had a moped,” the Detroit College of Law graduate said. “It was cheap as far as the fuel goes.

I remember gas was 19 cents a gallon. I knew where every gas station was.”

There was a time, too, in which Markowitz flew commercial helicopters just for fun, often to Ann Arbor or Flint. He said he learned how to operate helicopters by using the G.I. Bill he received for his years in the service. But being up in the air wasn’t his forte.

“I was a bad pilot,” he said. “I got lost many times.”

Along with his love for convertibles, Markowitz has traveled all over the world. In his office hangs a photo of him standing in front of the Taj Mahal. Through his travels, Markowitz rode on camels and elephants, climbed Mount Sinai in Egypt and also went on an archeological dig in the Holy Land. nearby. The river, which empties into Lake Huron, was once a major transportation route for floating giant white pines from the surrounding forests. The Lumberman’s Monument Visitor Center pays homage to that past and shares the stories of lumberjacks through videos and displays. A 14-foot bronze Lumberman’s Monument stands high on a bank overlooking the river, a sure-bet photo opp for Instagramers. Along the way, stop at Iargo Springs and descend the 300 or so stairs to the clear springs. The stairs were built by the Civilian Conservation Corps in the 1930s, but the springs were first discovered and used by Native Americans. The surrounding forest is abundant with outdoor activities, everything from camping and hiking to trails for off-road vehicles. Cap your road trip with a ride on the AuSable River Queen, the only paddlewheel boat operating in northern Michigan. It’s a wonderful way to enjoy views of exploding colors along the river, from the river.

Greg Tasker is a Traverse City-based freelance writer.

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COMMUNITY CALENDAR

12A/ C & G NEWSPAPERS GROSSE POINTE/MACOMB COUNTY SPECIAL EDITION • SEPTEMBER 27, 2023

SEPT. 29

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. 30

Shorestoberfest: Fundraiser featuring beer, food trucks and contests, 6-11 p.m., Veterans Memorial Park, 32400 Jefferson Ave. in St. Clair Shores, (586) 445-5350

OCT. 7

SEPT. 30

Shorestoberfest: Fundraiser featuring beer, food trucks and contests, 6-11 p.m., Veterans Memorial Park, 32400 Jefferson Ave. in St. Clair Shores, (586) 445-5350

OCT. 1

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

Concert of hymns: Featuring The Motor City Brass Quintet accompanying Grosse Pointe Memorial Church Choir, 3 p.m., Grosse Pointe Memorial Church, 16 Lake Shore Road in Grosse Pointe Farms, (313) 882-5330

St. Clair Shores 5-9 p.m. Oct. 12, Blossom Heath Park, south of 10 Mile Road on Jefferson Avenue, scsmi.net/877/ Farmers-Market

Barn Sale: Everything half off, 9 a.m.-4 p.m., Baumgartner House, 18577 Masonic Blvd. in Fraser, martivani3@yahoo.com

Shelby Township 9 a.m.-2 p.m. Saturdays until Oct. 14, Packard Proving Grounds, 49965 Van Dyke Ave., ShelbyFarmers Market.org

OCT. 5

Senior Expo 2023: Free luncheon, exhibits, seminars, health screenings, interactive experiences, resources, giveaways and more, also keynote speech and musical performance by WDIV’s Devin Scillian, 8:30 a.m.-1:30 p.m., Assumption Cultural Center, 21800 Marter Road in St. Clair Shores/Grosse Pointe Woods, (586) 779-6111 SCAMS presentation: For seniors in Macomb County, 10 a.m., Shelby Township Senior Center, 144975 21 Mile Road, prosecutor.macombgov.org, (586) 469-5642 Thursday Nights Under the Lights: Live music from Mojo Filter Band, 7-9 p.m. (venue open 5-9:30 p.m.), The Alley at Erin Commons, 28349 Gratiot Ave. in Roseville, roseville-mi.gov

OCT. 6-7

Fall Market: Shop for bouquets during benefit for The Children’s Center of Detroit and other Tau Beta charities, 9:30 a.m.-7 p.m. (martinis and cocktails 4-7 p.m.) Oct. 6 and 9:30 a.m.-3:30 p.m. Oct. 7, The Grosse Pointe Club, 6 Berkshire Place in Grosse Pointe Farms, taubeta.org

OCT. 7

Tony Orlando: 7:30 p.m., Macomb Center for the Perfoming Arts on Macomb Community College - Center Campus, 44575 Garfield Road in Clinton Township, macombcenter.com Save the Manatee 5K: Mini mile at 9 a.m., 5K and 2-mile walk at 9:30 a.m., virtual and in person, Lake St. Clair Metropark, 31300 Metro Parkway in Harrison Township, savethemanatee5k.com

Nightmare on Auburn Road: Trick or treating, family fun zone, cider and doughnuts, crafters and vendors, zombie walk, Michigan craft beer tent, live music, find Bigfoot contest, and more, noon-8 p.m., downtown Utica Trunk or Treat: 2-5 p.m., Fraser Lions Club, 34540 Utica Road, (586) 293-8560 Pumpkin Party Palooza: Paint pumpkins, decorate cookies, watch “It’s The Great Pumpkin, Charlie Brown” and more, costumes encouraged, 2 p.m., Harrison Township Public Library, 38255 L’Anse Creuse, Suite A, registration required, (586) 329-1261

Great Lakes Comic Expo: 11 a.m.-3:30 p.m. (10 a.m. early birds), Trinity Lutheran Church/School, 38900 Harper Ave. in Clinton Township, free for ages 10 and younger, greatlakescomicexpo.com/fallexpo.html

OCT. 8

Walk ‘n Roll for ALS: 3-mile walk at 11 a.m. (10 a.m. registration), Eastwood Beach at Stony Creek Metropark, 4300 Main Park Road in Shelby Township, alsofmichigan. org

OCT. 19

Sterling Heights/Warren Senior Expo: Free health 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

OCT. 20

Comedy and Cocktails: Benefit from 5:30-10 p.m., local comedian Dan Turco and headliner Kevin Nealon at 8 p.m., Macomb Center for the Perfoming Arts on Macomb Community College - Center Campus, 44575 Garfield Road in Clinton Township, macombcenter.com

OCT. 22 To view more events and to submit your own, use the QR code or visit candgnews.com/calendar. To advertise, call (586) 498-8000.

OCT. 20

Friday Night Movie: Free viewing of “Hotel Transylvania,” 8-10 p.m., Fraser Public Library’s temporary location, 15240 15 Mile Road, fraserpubliclibrary.org Halloween Hoopla: Costume carnival and more, 6-8:30 p.m., Macomb Township Recreation Center, 20699 Macomb St., RSVP to (586) 992-2900 Trunk or treat: 6-8 p.m., Lake Shore Presbyterian Church, 27801 Jefferson Ave. in St. Clair Shores, also pumpkins for sale Oct. 14-31, (586) 777-8533

OCT. 21-22

Sugar Skull! A Día de los Muertos Musical Adventure: 9:30 a.m. and noon, Macomb Center for the Perfoming Arts on Macomb Community College - Center Campus, 44575 Garfield Road in Clinton Township, macombcenter.com

Macomb County Harvest Fest: Trick-or-treat stations, hayrides, reptile and birds of prey shows, pumpkin patch, professional pumpkin carvers and more, costumes encouraged, noon-5 p.m. both days, Freedom Hill County Park, 14900 Metro Parkway in Sterling Heights, www.macomb countyharvestfest.com

OCT. 12

OCT. 21

OCT. 10 Motorcycle show fundraiser: Also lunch, 50-50 and raffles, noon, Fraser VFW Post #6691, 17075 Anita Ave., (248) 294-1450

desserts, and raffles and prizes, 1-3:30 p.m., St. Thecla Catholic Church, 20762 S. Nunneley Road in Clinton Township, (586) 791-6177 or (586) 791-9012

BeWitched & BeDazzled: Boutique shopping, lunch, costume judging and raffles, 9:30 a.m.-2 p.m., The Palazzo Grande, 54660 Van Dyke Ave. in Shelby Township, meadowbrooktheatreguild. com/bewitched-bedazzled

OCT. 13

Halloween Spooktacular: Trick or treating at 6, 6:30 and 7 p.m., then “Hotel Transylvania” at 7:30 p.m., Heritage Lake, 52700 Van Dyke Ave. in Shelby Township, register.shelbytwp.org Murder-Mystery Dinner: 1950s sock-hop theme, 5:30-9 p.m., Recreation Authority of Roseville & Eastpointe, 18185 Sycamore St. in Roseville, register by Oct. 4, rare-mi.org ‘Beetlejuice’: Free outdoor movie and popcorn, bring chairs/blankets, 7:30 p.m., Live Rite Structured Recovery Corp., 27700 Gratiot Ave. in Roseville

OCT. 14

HallowPalooza: Trunk or treating and free cider and doughnuts, noon-2 p.m., Tucker Park, 27100 Ballard St. in Harrison Township, register at harrisontownshipmi.gov Halloween-themed card party: Also lunch and

Halloween Bash 2023: Fundraiser for Guardian Angels Medical Service Dogs includes food stations and open bar, DJ, raffle and 50-50, 7 p.m.-midnight, Premier Events Center, 20400 S. Nunneley Road in Clinton Township, www. halloweenparty2023.com Halloween Spooktacular: Trick or treating at city businesses, haunted hallway and more, Macomb Place in downtown Mount Clemens, noon-3 p.m.

Trunk or treats: 4-5:30 p.m., Christ Lutheran Church, 32300 Schoenherr Road in Warren, (586) 453-3281 • 1-3 p.m., English Gardens, 44850 Garfield Road in Clinton Township, (586) 286-6100

OCT. 25

Monsters and Mayhem: Treats, crafts, stories and more, costumes encouraged, 5:30 p.m., Clinton-Macomb Public Library - Main Branch, 40900 Romeo Plank Road in Clinton Township, cmpl.org

OCT. 27

A RARE Nightmare: Variety/magic show, dance, pumpkin patch and decorating, games and crafts, and indoor scavenger hunt, 6-8 p.m.,

13A

C & G NEWSPAPERS GROSSE POINTE/MACOMB COUNTY SPECIAL EDITION • SEPTEMBER 27, 2023

Pantry from page 1A

Lions spotted in Shelby Township

ABOVE: Former Detroit Lions tight end Rob Rubick, left, and offensive tackle Rick Strenger, right, took part in a panel discussion with former Detroit Lions teammate and offensive tackle Keith Dorney to discuss Dorney’s book, “Black and Honolulu Blue: In the Trenches of the NFL.” BELOW: The panel discussion for Dorney’s book took place Sept. 5 at Barnes & Noble in Shelby Township as attendees received signed copies of the book and were able to ask questions during the discussion.

Photos by Erin Sanchez

pantry on the property of our church would allow the homeless to find some food that they would need and could use.”

Powers said she and her husband have contributed funds toward the mini pantry project, and friends and neighbors have helped stock it with food. But the pantry has also had support from several organizations.

She said the Wave Project, a mobile shower unit that helps the local homeless population, offered Powers the blueprints to build a pantry, since it has experience assisting pantries at other churches. Home Depot in Madison Heights offered some funding, she added.

In addition, the nonprofit Blessing Bags Brigade of Michigan will supply the hygiene supplies. Co-founder Gregg Monbleau said his ministry makes hygiene kits for people in need who live within the tri-county area. Kit bags may contain soap, deodorant, bandages, cotton swabs, lotion and other basics, he said.

Monbleau said the bags can help ease the problem of hygiene poverty, in which people have to choose between paying for food or hygiene products. He was happy to partner with the new Utica United Methodist pantry.

“I think what it does is that it truly expands the reach of what we’re doing throughout southeast Michigan,” he said.

Powers said Utica United’s congregation has been “very excited and welcoming” about the new mini pantry. She also said the pantry is accepting donations of certain supplies.

“We’re looking for nonperishable food items, so breakfast bars; small fruit cups; granola bars; small microwavable mac and cheese for those who do have access to a microwave; peanut butter mini cups with crackers,” she said. “Those are the types of nonperishable food that we will be able to keep it stocked with.”

Utica United Methodist Church is located at 8650 Canal Road in Sterling Heights. Learn more by visiting uticaumc.org or by calling (586) 731-7667. Learn more about the Blessing Bags Brigade by visiting blessingbagsbrigade.com.

Call Staff Writer Eric Czarnik at (586) 498-1058.

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14A

James Barnor from page 3A

nor … I was struck by their quality and power,” Quarcoopome said.

Barr said Barnor’s work included fashion photography, photojournalism and editorial work. She noted that his images demonstrate his “passion for Ghanian music” and the fact that he is a “gifted storyteller and artist.” She said he also collaborated with Black models to showcase Black beauty.

Quarcoopome said Barnor’s photos showed how African society balanced modernity and tradition during this period.

“No history book can offer the kind of insights his photography provides. … Hopefully this exhibition succeeds in changing perceptions and misconceptions about Africa,” Quarcoopome said.

His subjects have included notable figures such as boxing legend Muhammad Ali and a former Ghanaian president, but Barnor didn’t elevate them above the ordinary

Speed from page 3A

tive event that truly brings the excitement to life.”

The M1 Concourse is a playground for any car buff. The 87-acre property features a 1.5-mile road course, an events center, and indoor and outdoor spaces that overlook the racetrack. Also built on-site are private car condominiums that feature living rooms, kitchenettes and personal garages, which will open for a fee on late Friday afternoon.

The four-day American Speed Festival is a chance for car owners and spectators to mingle in an automotive setting. There will be race car drivers and sports car owners onsite. Everything from vintage Indy cars to historic stock vehicles to classic cars will spin their wheels. Some of the cars were built for speed, while others became popular because of their unique style.

“It will be a mix of early classic cars, Packards from the 1930s, cars from the ’50s, ’60s, Oldsmobiles, Buicks,” M1 Concourse CEO Timothy McGrane said.

Festival officials have set up the event so onlookers “can get up close and personal and talk to the drivers,” McGrane added.

In addition, the American Speed Festival will celebrate three significant automotive anniversaries: 100 years of Americans at Le Mans, 70 years of Corvette, and 50 years of International Race of Champions (IROC) Series.

The “vroom vroom” fun begins on Thursday with the “speed ring” circuit laps for competitors from noon to 5 p.m., followed by the Motor Grille driver reception from 6-9 p.m. The speed ring is a rare op-

people who populate most of his work.

“For James, there is no hierarchy among the images,” Carey-Thomas said. “They are all equally important and he often says people are more important than places.”

Even his advertising work is human-centric, with people dominating the image, not products.

Now in his 90s, Barnor lives in London.

“Each picture has a story,” Barnor said in a video message to Detroit audiences. “I hope you enjoy it.”

A historical timeline is included at the end of the exhibition, where visitors can write out a card about a moment they find significant.

Admission to this exhibition is free with regular museum admission, which means it’s free to residents of Wayne, Oakland and Macomb counties. The DIA is located at 5200 Woodward Ave. in midtown. For more information, call (313) 833-7900 or visit dia.org.

Photo by James Barnor, provided by the Detroit Institute of Arts

Beatrice Okaijah poses with a figurine at James Barnor’s Ever Young Studio in Accra, Ghana, circa 1953.

portunity to see race cars from every era perform on the Concourse track.

The momentum continues on Friday with on-track activities featuring various classifications of supercars, endurance race cars, vintage Indy race cars and Le Mans race cars. Corvette fans will want to stay for the Corvette parade laps at 12:50 p.m., along with the Reeves Callaway tribute, set for 12:25 p.m. Callaway founded Callaway Cars and was well known in the Corvette community.

“He passed away suddenly earlier this year,” McGrane said. “We’ll have six of his race cars from when he raced on display.”

Among the many activities on Saturday will be a parade lap featuring Ford GTs and GT40 sports cars, among more speed ring events. The festival will finish out Sunday with an awards ceremony, an art expo, an Americans at Le Mans seminar, a vintage Indy seminar and more.

“There are so many great cars out there,” said McGrane. But if he had to pick his favorite model, he said it would be “the 1959 Aston Martin DBR1.”

McGrane, who grew up in Kent, England, in the southeastern part of the country, remembers the look of the luxury sports car, which gained fame for the James Bond movies.

“It was sort of a brand I was fond of when I was a young boy,” McGrane said. “I grew up very close to a racetrack. Cars were something that made an impression on me very early in my life.”

For more information about the American Speed Festival — including admission fees to the various events, off-site parking and shuttles — visit m1concourse.com or call (248) 326-9999.

- In Loving Memory of REX LUX

Rex Lux, age 89, of Shelby Township, Michigan, died on September 7, 2023. He was born in Detroit, MI to the late Roland and Marion Lux. Beloved husband of Patricia for almost 68 years. Loving father of Debra Lux Roland (late Thomas), Sheri Kenny, late Rex Roland Lux (Sharon), and Donald Lux (Ellen). Awesome grandfather of 12 grandchildren: Danielle Roland Sherman (Mark), Ashley Roland Hull (Joshua), Kevin Roland (Sarah), Melanie Roland, Patrick Kenny (Gina), Staci Kempisty (Paul), Adam Lux, Christopher “Butch” Lux, Jason Lux (Aryana), Christian Lux, Ryan Lux and Brennan Lux. Also survived by 11 great-grandchildren: Breanne, Adeline, Skylar, Kendall, Reagan, Chase, Brycen, Levi, Lyla, Charlie, and Liam. Brother of Kay Smuczynski (Carl), brother-in-law of the late Gene Modrycki (Chi Chi), and Donald Modrycki (Margie). Always by his side, his beloved canine companion, Bella.

Rex’s love for his wife, family and friends is undeniable. He enjoyed family gatherings and celebrations and was consistently the “life of the party”. Always welcoming, he truly enjoyed spending time with his many friends, relatives, and cherished family. His inspiration and impact will live on.

Throughout his career, Rex worked as a Design Engineering Leader at various companies in the automotive industry and retired from Volkswagen of America. A lover of water and everything nautical, Rex loved sailing, built several boats, was a ship model maker, an author, an artist specializing in boat pictures, and loved being anywhere around the Great Lakes. Growing up, he spent many summers on Harsens Island enjoying the many freighters passing by.

Rex was a paratrooper in the U.S. Army – 82nd Airbourne Division – and was a Korean War Veteran. He also served as an active Post Commander of Fraser VFW Post #6691 from 1992-1994. Rex’s patriotism, pride, and love for this country was unwavering.

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