Aug/Sept 2023 Shores Magazine

HONORING OUR FIRST RESPONDERS Pg. 22

CONTENTS

“TheShoresMagazine is THE BEST LOCAL MAGAZINE IN METRO DETROIT.Period.” -JessicaY.

NEIGHBORnotable

Alex Salerno

SCS resident for 23 years

Favorite Spot in SCS: MyDeal Graphics (my father’s business)

Occupation: Actor/Theatre Professional and Superior Shine Car Wash in SCS

Hobbies: Reading, Writing, Drawing, Sleeping, Eating

Pet Peeve: It’s definitely an odd ball, but calling a musical a “play.” They’re not the same! OH! When people don’t know the difference between theatre (practice of acting) and theater (building). That’s a really small and odd one, but it’s important to me.

Last Book You Read: “Shogun”

by James Clavell

Brings Me Joy: Theatre – there is rarely a theatrical thing that does not bring me joy in some way.

Three Words That Describe Me: Creative, Hungry, Determined

A Typical Day for Me Includes: Waking up, letting the dog outside, getting ready for work, working, coming home, showering, eating dinner, watching TV with my mom, and going to bed. Nothing exciting.

You’re Likely to Find Me: At work

I Can’t Live Without: Music – it really is my biggest survival tool.

Lifelong St. Clair Shores resident Alex Salerno recalls his introduction to the stage in early elementary when he excitedly played a stink bug while wearing a homemade costume and a little hat with antennae.

Since then, the 2018 Lake Shore High School graduate was cast in countless roles as a child and later as a student at both Lake Shore and Central Michigan University, where he received his bachelor’s degree in Theatre and Interpretation in 2022.

Acting, Alex says, is “different than a movie or TV show, where there's a screen between you and actors. …Emotions are higher, because you're actually there physically. You're connecting with these strangers.”

A highlight from Alex’s time at Lake Shore includes his first lead role as Ponyboy in “The Outsiders” as a sophomore. “It was a great show,” Alex says. “I really loved the book and the movie.” Ironically, Alex read the book in his seventh-grade English class, which was taught by Patrick Akerley, who later directed Alex in this role.

An active member of Lake Shore’s Drama Club, Alex also has fond memories of the once-a-year “Drama Bomb” – when he and friend Julia (Munger) Puma burst into freshmen English classes to perform the balcony scene from “Romeo and Juliet.” This tied in with those students reading the play for their classes.

At Central Michigan, Alex especially enjoyed his role of the history teacher in “The Thanksgiving Play." “It's about a group of four woke white people trying to do a politically correct play about the first Thanksgiving,” Alex says. “It was written by a Native American.”

Alex also spent the summers of 2021 and 2022 at Rocky Mountain Dance Theatre in Wyoming. Other performances have included “Evil Dead” in Midland in 2022 and Chad in “All Shook Up” in 2023 at RWB Theatre Company in Shelby Township. Alex’s future plans include moving to New York City to pursue an acting career.

The Shores

St. Clair Shores

Volume Two • Issue Four

PUBLISHER

Kimbriel Towar

EDITORIAL

Editor: Anna Swartz

Copy Editor: Patricia Austin

Assistant: Mary Ann Simmerer

Contributers: Dr. Jason Banaszak, Judy Eggly

DESIGN

Creative Director: Stephanie Zeoli

Multi-Media Designer: Brooke Lady

CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHERS

Steve Foulkrod, Sara-rose Melby, Scott Whiteman

SALES

Account Executives: LeighAnn Hildinger, Rebecca Reyes, Jessica Zachara

DISTRIBUTION MANAGERS

Dave Colton, Mary Ann Simmerer

Office Manager: Mary Fitch

The Shores Magazine (313) 882-0702 getshores.com editor@getshores.com

The Shores Magazine is published six times per year by Towar Productions, 19803 Mack Ave., Grosse Pointe Woods, MI 48236. All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced without written permission from the Publisher. The Shores Magazine reserves the right to reject any advertising.

Follow us: Facebook.com/shoresmag @shoresmag

Cover Photo by Steve Foulkrod City of St. Clair Shores Communications

SOUTH LAKE

At Student-Run Restaurant, Kitchen and Life Skills Go Hand in Hand

It’s mid-May at South Lake High School, and the occupants of the commercial kitchen within South Lake Bistro — the student-run restaurant attached to South Lake High School — are wrapping up the 2022-2023 school year. As one of the district’s Career and Technical Education Programs, the Bistro trains students in the culinary arts and is open for lunch three to four days per week for the majority of the school year. It’s a special place, not just because it allows for a unique hands-on learning experience. It also prepares young people with life skills that are useful regardless of whether or not they eventually work in the field.

Superhero Cape

“When they put on their chef whites, I tell them it's like your superhero cape,” says St. Clair Shores native Chef Darrel Shepherd, who finished up his last year teaching at South Lake in June 2023 before he moved to Summerville, South Carolina. “You can deal with anything. You smile, you stand up. And then you deal with the public in a clean and caring manner. It really gives them as much as it gives our customers.”

The Bistro is open for lunch service from approximately mid-October through mid-May. Each week, students prepare one entrée, a sandwich, two soups, a salad and dessert. A vegan option is also available. Besides prepping meals, the students serve the food and gain customer service skills by greeting guests.

“It’s just an amazing opportunity for me to become a bridge to the community that shows the people exactly how wonderful our high school kids are,” Shepherd says.

bistro

BY ANNA SWARTZ PHOTOGRAPHY BY SCOTT WHITEMAN

Student Reviews of the Bistro Experience

Students have flocked to the popular culinary program for all sorts of reasons – a (long-lasting or newfound) passion for cooking and baking, a sense of belonging and a desire to develop important skills.

“I have found my muse here through baking,” says Vinny Hamill, who will be a senior at Lakeview High School this fall. “I've made cakes and cookies, brownies, brookies. This is my safe haven.”

Vann Squier, a 2023 Lakeview graduate, appreciates how the class begins with everyone working on the same food item and, as the year progresses, “we separate a bit more and get into our own projects.”

Niccolas Buczynski, also a 2023 Lakeview graduate, adds: “I like how creative you can be.” His future plans include working in a kitchen at a retirement home or hospital or going to a trade school.

Stephanie Gabriel, who will be a senior at Lakeview in the fall, has grown up with home cooked meals by her father, a chef, but was uncertain about what she wanted to do. However, being part of South Lake Bistro has solidified her future goals. “That's why I joined the course, so I can slowly learn what I like, what I don't like. I can try new things. I've made a lot of international dishes.” Gabriel is already brainstorming small business plans and hoping to get a job in the culinary field soon.

Another incoming Lakeview senior Michael Herubin is working at Guadino’s, an Italian restaurant in St. Clair Shores. “I started out there a couple years ago as a busser,” Herubin says. “I saw the guys working in the kitchen. And I was like, yeah, I want part of that. ... Over time, I started learning more things in the kitchen — dishes, pizza station, things like that. And now I'm a line cook.”

As for whether Herubin will continue in the culinary field long term, he’s not sure. But he likes the stability of knowing he possesses that skill set. “I’ve got that path always open,” he says. “For me, I was thinking about joining the Navy or something like that and doing science related things there. But I always have this option open for me now after working so long in a restaurant in the kitchen.”

A Fond Farewell to Chef Shepherd

Without a doubt, the students of South Lake Bistro appreciate Shepherd’s leadership and will miss his presence when the new school year begins in the fall of 2023. “He is very open to new ideas,” Gabriel says. “He's very willing to help you move on in your career.” She cited experiences such as Continental Catering coming out to

talk to the class about their programs, as well as the ability to participate in local competitions.

Squier describes Shepherd, who taught at South Lake for 12 years, as “one of the best teachers I've had all of high school and even middle school.”

Shepherd says: “I will miss my kids/students and the incredible community that has supported our program throughout the years. And the beautiful sunrises from the Bistro windows!”

The community can inquire about students catering for their next event: (586) 435-1400. South Lake Bistro will be opening around mid-October for lunch service. For more information, go to facebook.com/SouthLakeBistro

Natalie Garcia

L-R: Stephanie Gabriel, Vann Squier and Alina Bifora

Chef Darrel Shepherd, left, and Nick Boots

BUILDING RENOVATIONS program

Preparing Youth for a Variety of Trades in the Lake Shore District

BY ANNA SWARTZ PHOTOGRAPHY BY SCOTT WHITEMAN

“We do hire licensed contractors for certain things – like specialty heating and cooling and floor sanding,” Mazzola says. These contractors came to the job knowing that the students would be helping them, so students still absorbed information from engaging with the contractors.

180 Students in Program

The Building Renovations class consists of about 16 students who are primarily juniors and seniors with a handful of sophomores. All of these students completed the popular Intro class first. Mazzola says three Intro classes are offered each semester, including one all-girls class. In total, about 180 students take Building Renovations classes each year.

For 12 years, a 1,400-square-foot house on Parkway Street in St. Clair Shores has been recipient of a drastic makeover by the students in the Building Renovations program at Lake Shore High School. The home needed a lot of work, which was a bonus for the district because it provided plenty of real-life learning experiences. The fixer-upper also came at an amazing price, $1 to be exact, according to Construction Trades Instructor Chris Mazzola.

Virtually Gutted

At the end of the 2022-2023 school year, students in the Building Renovations Career and Technical Education (CTE) program placed the final touches on the home while Mazzola discussed how it was “virtually gutted” with “just studs almost all around.” During the process, the whole layout was changed. “There are no houses in the neighborhood like this,” says Mazzola, referring to the open floor plan that allows one to see directly from the front door, through the kitchen/dining area and into the spacious family room in the rear of the home.

Throughout the years, students replaced windows, put up new drywall and joists, built the surround for the fireplace, completed electrical and tile work, and finished the basement. Their work wasn’t just limited to inside the home. Students laid brickwork for the driveway, bent the aluminum trim along the top of the garage and more.

Mazzola estimates that about 20 percent of those who participate in the CTE program enter construction or a similar trade (plumbing, electrical, etc.).

Hands-On Learning

“I just learn a lot, and I just have fun with everybody here,” says Building Renovation student Sam Maniaci, who will be a senior at Lake Shore in the fall. “So yeah, it’s kind of like a win-win, you know?”

Maniaci also appreciates how the class is a break from the norm: “From what I've learned throughout everything, I feel like, it stays with me the most. Right? It’s hands-on work, and it's just a different class. That's really cool. Because throughout high school, every math class, you know, you're always sitting at a desk doing paperwork. It's not like you're outside actually putting it to work.”

Preparing for the Future

Incoming Junior Noah Bain, another member of the 2023 CTE program, appreciates that the class offers “something new every day.” He is considering the possibility of one of the trades such as a plumber or electrician.

Matthew Charrette, who will be a senior in the fall, enjoys the class because he works a construction job in the summertime. Highlights of the class that help prepare him for his job include electrical, learning measurement and

L-R: Sam Maniaci, Noah Bain, Ermal Hodo, Matthew Charrette, Daniel Gibson and Lake Shore High School Construction Trades Instructor Chris Mazzola

how wide or how long you need to cut, Charrette says. “Honestly, I think I might go into construction later, because I've been working it already. And I might just do it as a side job. But also, I do it for fun.”

A bonus to being enrolled in a full year of the Building Renovations CTE program as a senior, according to incoming senior Ermal Hodo, is that the class counts as a math credit. Mazzola, who retired from Lake Shore at the end of the 2022-2023 school year, agrees that the Intro class, where skills such as hanging and mudding drywall are taught, is beneficial for all. In about six months, Mazzola plans to offer construction-themed classes through Lake Shore Adult and Community Education.

Matthew Charrette

Daniel Gibson

BOOKMARKED

BY JUDY EGGLY

Ihighly recommend “When We Had Wings” by Ariel Lawhon, Kristina McMorris and Susan Meissner. It is a fictional novel based on true events experienced by the nurses stationed in the Pacific during World War II. The authors skillfully captured the dramatic change in women’s jobs during the war and demonstrated how their relationships still gave them strength to overcome difficulties even when separated. Though the three main characters’ personalities seem interchangeable, the authors pull off a fascinating and seamless narrative.

In “We Band of Angels,” author Elizabeth Norman reveals the untold tale of the American nurses who endured life as the first female prisoners of war in Bataan. The parallel similarities to characters in “When We Had Wings” are easily recognizable. Norman begins her work of narrative nonfiction by discussing the general peacefulness of a U.S. military base in the Philippines before December 7, 1941. As American bases were being attacked, the nurses set up field hospitals in the jungles of Bataan, where the least of their concerns were poisonous snakes, oversized rats, and monkeys who would steal their equipment. Because the enemy had total disregard for the articles of

the Geneva Convention, the nurses endured approximately three years of squalid and life-threatening conditions during their captivity. Through all the perils they faced, the nurses continued their jobs and responsibilities of caring for the sick and wounded. The book goes on to explain how some of the "Angels" were refused honor for their service after liberation.

These books and more on this topic are available at the St. Clair Shores Public Library.

Judy Eggly has served on the St. Clair Shores Public Library Board as a trustee for over 10 years. She is also a retired Detroit Public School teacher and St. Clair Shores resident.

Bertges Bertges

A V TE for Linda is a vote for:

Keeping our community safe

Linda is a big supporter of our police and fire departments and will make sure they have the resources they need to continue protecting our community, After years working with B A S Security Systems, Inc , she knows the importance of keeping your family, business, and community safe, and this will always be a priority to Linda.

Keeeping our community moving forward

For years, Linda has supported and will continue to support organizations, programs, and causes that improve our community, making it a better place to live, work, and play. Her extensive volunteer work with premiere city events has kept her working hand in hand with community leaders. With special focus on our natural resources such as our parks and Lake St. Clair, Linda will be a force for making sure our city is the best that it can be

Keeping our community fiscally sound

With 37 years of experience in running a business, Linda knows how to balance a budget to ensure top priorities are taken care of and important details don't fall through the cracks. She will give our city budget the same care and attention to detail, making sure that City Council remains a good steward of our resources.

AUTOMOTIVE TECHNOLOGYprogram

Lakeview Auto Shop Sets Up Students for Success in the Real World

BY ANNA SWARTZ

PHOTOGRAPHY BY SCOTT WHITEMAN

Lakeview Superintendent Karl Paulson is fond of a particular local auto shop, known for its friendly customer service, hard-working staff and dedicated manager. It also happens to be a short walk from his office in the administration building to Lakeview High School’s Auto Shop, where Automotive Instructor Jim Schneider has been teaching for 25 years.

“I’ve probably owned 15 cars in the last 8 years, and they’ve worked on every one of them,” says Paulson, one of the lucky ones with access to this shop that services the vehicles of students in the class and district staff members.

A Staple at Lakeview High

The Automotive Technology program, comprised of an introduction class called Auto Systems and increasingly advanced classes (Auto I, II and III), has been a staple at Lakeview High School in St. Clair Shores for decades. In fact, the classes are in such high demand that Schneider scarcely remembers a time when he had a prep hour.

Auto Systems covers topics including tools, equipment, fuel systems, ignition systems, heating and cooling, and the four-cycle engine. In the higher-level classes, students do much more hands-on work. According to Schneider, Auto I curriculum includes safety, automotive tools, maintenance, basic electrical, brakes, steering and suspension. Auto II goes over safety, electrical, engine repair and engine performance. Auto III students learn about advanced electrical, drivetrain, heating and air conditioning. Safety is covered in each Automotive Technology class.

According to Lakeview High School Principal Scott Kapla, about 280 students per year are enrolled in the program. This includes all classes, as well a small handful of externships (students who earn a credit while working automotive-related jobs). A father of two daughters, Schneider is delighted that a number of females enroll in the Automotive Technology classes. Students can begin taking an automotive class as early as freshman year, which is unusual for most Career and Technical Education programs.

Preparing Kids for Life

One of the goals of the Automotive Technology program, says Lakeview High School Counselor Laura Arnold, is

for a student to receive Industry Credentials to enter the workforce. Lakeview offers both the Michigan Auto Mechanics Certification Exam and the Automobile Service Excellence (ASE) Student Certification. The former allows a student “to go right to work” according to Arnold, while the other “can be used to demonstrate to an employer their current skills to get hired” with the need to still take exams for full certification.

As a counselor, Arnold says she and other colleagues are “not just pushing college but also encouraging students to go into these other fields that are very, very lucrative.” She adds that: “A lot of parents have stepped back from, ‘what are you doing to prepare my kid for college?’ And now they're a little bit more of ‘wait, what are you doing to prepare my kid for life?' ”

When it comes to the Automotive Technology Program, Schneider estimates that 30% or more of his former students end up in an automotive or related trade. “I think a large percentage are doing something hands-on," he says. "...I think this program kind of gets them set up for the tools, equipment, welding, and just learning how to problem solve.”

Schneider grew up around the auto shop business, with his family owning a collision shop in St. Clair, Mich. This likely comes in handy when teaching students about customer service skills.

Kapla describes Schneider’s teaching: “He always gives that example of; how do we reverse the stigma of everyone feeling like they're getting ripped off when they take their car in? And that's what we're gonna do, right? Just be honest with them from the get-go and you'll have a customer for life – and their kids and then their kids for life.”

Some students enjoy the Automotive Technology class so much that they show up for Auto Club, which is held after school once per week. Also run by Schneider, the club attracts about 10 to 12 kids each week. “We usually have some special projects that we don't normally work on during their class time,” Schneider says.

Arnold notes that the auto shop is a happy place for many students: “I think every kid that's in there, that's their niche. They wouldn't take it beyond Auto Systems, if they didn’t enjoy it.”

L-R: Dominic Mackensen,

Jim Schneider, Lakeview Substitute

Jim Peterka, Dylin Castle, Auto Co-op Assistant Ryan Spencer and Jaydyn Lenhausen with the school’s 1986 Pontiac Trans Am

VETPet

7 Ways to Protect Your Pet from Extreme Heat

BY DR. JASON BANASZAK

1. Hydration is Key: Always have access to plenty of fresh, clean water. Dehydration can quickly set in, so refill water bowls regularly and consider adding ice cubes to keep the water cool.

2. Limit Outdoor Activities: When temperatures soar, it's best to reduce outdoor activities to a minimum. Walk your dogs during cooler times of the day, such as early morning or late evening.

3. Provide Shade and Ventilation: Create a comfortable environment for your pets by ensuring they have access to shady areas in your yard. Set up a canopy or umbrella or designate a shady spot where they can seek refuge from the sun's rays. Additionally, make sure there is proper ventilation in their living spaces, as stagnant hot air can be detrimental to their health.

4. Protect Their Paws: Asphalt, concrete and sand can become scorching hot under the sun, leading to painful burns on your pet's paw pads. Walk your pets on grassy areas or use protective booties to shield their paws from the heat.

5. Never Leave Pets in Vehicles: Even with windows cracked open, the temperature inside a parked car can rise to dangerous levels within minutes. Never leave your pets unattended in a vehicle, as it can quickly lead to heatstroke and even death.

6. Provide Cooling Options: Help your pets stay cool by placing wet towels or cooling mats for them to lie on or use fans to circulate air in their living areas.

7. Recognize Signs of Heat Stress: Be aware of the signs of heat stress in pets, including excessive panting, drooling, rapid heartbeat, weakness and vomiting. If you notice any of these symptoms, move your pet to a cooler area, offer water and contact your veterinarian immediately.

Dr. Jason Banaszak is the Medical Director at VCA St. Clair Shores. He enjoys spending time with his wife Cindy, and three children Abby, Owen and Jackson, as well as their two dogs – Violet, a Pitbull, Penny, a Great Dane and a guinea pig named Peanut Butter.

CRUISIN’ HARPER FOR A cause

Shorewood Kiwanis’ Largest Fundraiser is Only 100% Charity Cruise in Michigan

BY ANNA SWARTZ

PHOTOGRAPHY BY STEVE FOULKROD–CITY OF ST. CLAIR SHORES COMMUNICATIONS

“Ittakes me back to when I was a kid, cruising Gratiot back in the ’60s and ’70s,” says 69-yearold Rick Murray of the Harper Cruise. A Grosse Pointe Shores resident, Murray is a self-described “extreme car enthusiast” who plans to participate in the cruise with his 1965 Corvette convertible, which sports a shiny red exterior and black interior. He has been participating in the cruise for more than 10-12 years.

Murray isn’t the only one who is nostalgic for the classic cars and other unique vehicles that the cruise attracts, as about 40,000 people attend each year. This year’s event will be held on Wednesday, August 30 from 5-9 p.m., although “cars are out there all day long” says Harper Cruise Chair Rosanne Minne. The route on Harper starts at 8 ½ Mile and extends to 12 Mile Road. Any cars/drivers are welcome, with no registration or fees required.

While spectators and participants enjoy the event one day each August, the Harper Cruise is an almost year-long effort by volunteers from Shorewood Kiwanis. It is the only 100% charity cruise in Michigan. The event is made possible by donations from businesses and individuals, as well as the sale of cruise t-shirts which features a logo created by a Macomb Community College student. This year’s logo of a Ford Woody Wagon was created by Emily Cooper of Macomb Township. She received $1,000 donated by long-time corporate cruise sponsor Roy O’Brien Ford and Shorewood Kiwanis, with a matching award provided by the Foren Family Foundation through Macomb Community College Foundation.

Open Parties

Minne also notes that cruisers who need a break are welcome at numerous parties along the route that evening. Watch for “open party” signs. About 20 to 30 businesses

host these parties each year. Party guests pay for food, drink or entertainment, and all collected donations are given to Shorewood Kiwanis. These funds help the nonprofit service the community throughout the year.

All for a Good Cause

Proceeds of the car cruise benefit past and ongoing projects such as:

•Christmas in August (clothes shopping at Meijer for underprivileged approx. 60 children 5-12 years old)

•Holiday gift certificates to families in need

•Coordinating/welcoming approx. 400 individuals with developmental disabilities at annual Reflections on Ice Show

•High school senior scholarship program

•Dictionary Program (delivered to all 3rd graders)

•Salvation Army bell ringing

•Gianna House diaper program

• Purchased a Lucas 3 Chest Compression Device (approx. $15,000) for SCS Fire Department in 2019.

•Jonathan Weaver, BS Troop 273, built two picnic tables with wheelchair access from funds donated by Shorewood Kiwanis. These tables are at Veterans Memorial Park.

Shorewood Kiwanis also supports many charities throughout St. Clair Shores and surrounding communities.

“We’re celebrating the 29th year of this special event,” says Amy O’Brien, sales manager at Roy O’Brien Ford. "There’s a true spirit of community and family, thanks to the Shorewood Kiwanis and the residents of St. Clair Shores. Roy O’Brien Ford has been a proud supporter since the cruise’s inception. Come out, enjoy yourself and feel good, knowing it’s all for charity!"

For more information about the event, go to facebook. com/HarperCharityCruise

HARPER CRUISE OPEN PARTIES

See page 25 for a list of parties that are open to the public.

70TH IS MEMORIAL DAY PARADE

biggest ever

Volunteer-Run Event Draws 180 Entries and Record Crowd

BY ANNA SWARTZ PHOTOGRAPHY BY SCOTT WHITEMAN

“The city of St. Clair Shores has built an appetite for a big parade,” says 2023 St. Clair Shores Memorial Day Parade Chairperson Dave Ellis, referring to the 180 entries and approximately 4,000 individuals who marched down Jefferson on Sunday, May 28. Parade participation was “bigger by far than at any point we’ve had here” according to Ellis, who says the number of entries rose about 10 percent. He also estimates that spectators surpassed the 2022 crowd of 50,000 to 55,0000. Parade highlights included V.I.P. guests Claudia Wells and Donald Fullilove from the 1985 cult classic “Back to the Future.” Wells played Marty McFly's girlfriend Jennifer Parker in the film, and Fullilove portrayed Mayor Goldie Wilson. “They just loved St. Clair Shores,” Ellis says. “We drove them down the parade route (ahead of time), and they were blown away by the idea that people could put out lawn chairs and canopies and blankets and that it was safe to do that.” Ellis and his wife Barb hosted Wells in their St. Clair Shores home while she was in town, and he describes Wells as “just a very down-to-earth person and really, really nice.”

Former Detroit Tigers Pitcher Dave Rozema, former Red Wing Kirk Maltby and Fox 2 Meteorologist Rich Luterman were among the local celebrities who excited the crowd. Local guests of honor included Grand Marshal Robert Haffner, Veteran of the Year Eva Rodriguez, Mayor Kip Walby, St. Clair Shores City Council members, Miss St. Clair Shores Izzy Wallace, Miss St. Clair Shores Teen Grace Hanke, and local police and fire departments.

Most importantly, many veterans and active-duty service members participated and were honored for their dedication to our country.

A team of 11 core parade committee members, who work year-round, coordinated the event, and an additional 24 trained volunteers stepped up to help the parade run seamlessly. Ellis also noted that the groups who participated in the parade “took care of their people” and portrayed a great attitude despite having to wait in sun.

"You can't move thousands of people in one day like that and have the kind of results we did, where it's a happy ending for everybody without a lot of people doing it. And again, it's a tribute to St. Clair Shores. ...It's kind of a smalltown American dream that most folks don't ever get to see or live anymore. St. Clair Shores is truly special.”

South Lake High School marching band

Grand Marshal Robert Haffner, left, and Duane Michno

Congrats to the 70th Annual St. Clair Shores

Memorial Day Parade Winners

Best Overall Entry: Arsenal of Democracy

Mayor's Choice: Stan Yee’s Collision Pool Party

Parade Committee

Director's Choice: Macomb Animal Welfare Rainbow Bridge

Best Special Entry: Godfather Racing

Best Patriotic Float: St. Clair Shores Eagles Aerie 3619

Best Band: Plymouth Fife and Drum

Best School Band: Lakeview High School

Best Color Guard: St. Clair Shores

Police Department

Above: 2022-2023 Miss St. Clair Shores Outstanding Teen Grace Hanke and 2022-2023 Miss St. Clair Shores Izzy Wallace

Left: Representatives from Walter F. Bruce VFW Post #1146

Below: Greta Rubello

Right: Veteran of the Year Eva Rodriguez

CITY PLAYGROUND MAKEOVERSare a hit

Fun Themes, ADA Features Just a Couple Perks of New Playscapes

BY ANNA SWARTZ

St. Clair Shores Council Member Candice Rusie’s threeyear-old nephew Logan Rudzinski’s favorite playscape in the city is currently the pirate-themed structure at Lac Sainte Clair Park behind City Hall. His second favorite is the hockey-themed one outside Civic Arena, an area where not too long ago no play structure existed at all.

“He loves physical stuff, loves climbing, and is very active,” Rusie says of her nephew. "So, he has been enjoying visiting all of the new playgrounds with Auntie.”

Rudzinski is among the young St. Clair Shores residents who cannot recall the playgrounds that existed for two or even three generations before them. Now, nine new playgrounds at St. Clair Shores parks have been installed in recent years. The latest park to receive a major improvement is Veterans Memorial, with its freighter-themed playscape with ADA-accessible components such as a ramp. Blossom Heath Park’s playground also contains ADA features. The last remaining park awaiting an updated play structure, which will include ADA-accessible components as well, is Kyte Monroe. According to St. Clair Shores Parks and Recreation Director Henry Bowman, the date of installation for Kyte Monroe’s structure is still unknown.

Rusie, along with Bowman and City Council Member Ron Frederick comprise the city’s Playground Committee. The processes for overhauling each playground in the city began with research in the winter of 2019, and their hard work is paying off.

According to the Rusie, residents’ reactions to the new playgrounds have been overwhelmingly positive. “We hear from parents and grandparents who really do appreciate having the new equipment to take their kids and grandkids to enjoy,” she says. “It's allowing people not only to enjoy the parks in the neighborhoods that they went to as kids, but to go out and explore and discover new playgrounds they may not have known ever existed.”

Most playscapes have a specific theme, such as a firefighter (Gaffke), nature (Welsh) or dinosaur (Blossom Heath). “The theming is just so much fun,” Rusie says. “I think it really makes these playgrounds more of a destination than they were before.”

Frederick stresses that each playscape is evaluated not only for its fun factor but also fulfilling the needs of the entire family. If an older child, for example, is fascinated with one aspect of the play structure, then this allows a parent to assist a younger child. Frederick also says they’ve received “super positive” feedback about the expression swings that allow adults to face a baby/young child.

Bowman is thrilled to have been part of the process of improving the city: “I’m extremely honored to have worked with the playground committee and to make improvements to so many playgrounds in the city. I invite everyone to check out all the playgrounds and let me know which one is your favorite.”

Funding for the city’s play structures came primarily from purchasing foreclosed homes and selling them. The county would get the houses back due to unpaid

taxes then sell them back to the city of St. Clair Shores. A subcommittee would either fix them up or tear them down and sell the lot. Selling these homes and lots yielded over $1 million in profit.

While the playground projects are nearing completion, that doesn’t mean more projects aren’t on the horizon. Rusie says that ideas such as a Tot Lot for younger children and a playground especially designed for individuals with autism are possible future projects. Identifying funding sources and grants would be the next step.

AROUND TOWN snapshots

NAUTICAL COAST CLEAN UP

May

Left: Veterans Memorial Park’s freighter-themed playscape was installed in June.

(Photo/Anna Swartz)

Middle: Welsh Park has a nature themed playground. (Photo/Scott Whiteman)

Right: Brys Park’s playground was installed in early 2023.

(Photo/Scott Whiteman)

Photography by Scott Whiteman

21

WALTER F. BRUCE VFW POST #1146 VETERANS MEMORIAL SERVICE

Left: St. Clair Shores Council Members John Caron and Candice Rusie

OUR FIRST RESPONDERS honoring

Stories of Bravery and Expertise Abound at 10th Optimist Club Appreciation Breakfast

BY ANNA SWARTZ

PHOTOGRAPHY BY SCOTT WHITEMAN

The Optimist Club of St. Clair Shores’ 10th Police and Fire Appreciation Breakfast on May 11 at Assumption Cultural Center provided the opportunity for Police Chief Jason Allen and Fire Chief James Piper to recognize the most exemplary moments from 2022 and 2023.

Police Department Awards

“We appreciate the Optimist Club bringing together members of the community to show support for the men and women who handle difficult situations with such professionalism,” Allen says.

Allen commended officers involved in a January 2022 vehicle pursuit during cold, icy conditions. The chase led to the suspect, who had a “lengthy criminal history,” being taken into custody and pleading guilty. Officer Garrett Washington was recognized with an Award of Valor, and numerous officers on the scene were awarded unit citations.

Another incident involved swift action from officers. When the department was alerted about a credit union robbery in Roseville, Officer Deanna Arthurs quickly located the vehicle, observed two suspects and transmitted the necessary information to other officers. The vehicle took off and ended up in a car crash in Detroit. The suspects fled on foot, but both were taken into custody – one by Officer John DeForest. Arthurs and DeForest earned Meritorious Service Awards.

Next, Allen described how, after

receiving a tip about drug activity in the city, the Narcotics Unit conducted a search warrant and found a resident who was a supplier of cocaine.

“They located a substantial amount of cocaine property and currency,” Allen says. “The suspect was arrested and charged with possession with intent to deliver cocaine." With a total seizure of over $100,000, Allen says it is the largest collection of assets in department history.

Another Meritorious Service Award was given to Officer Jonathan Mamrot for questioning a man who had parked a U-Haul in a handicap parking space at a CVS. Upon investigation, $1,000 in stolen items such as high-end liquor and clothing were found in the man’s vehicle and on his person.

Fire Department Awards

“It’s always an honor to have this breakfast, to have this opportunity where the Optimist Club lovingly makes us take a second to look at what we actually do,” says St. Clair Shores Fire Chief James Piper. “...We just show up to work and do our job...which is arguably the coolest job on the planet.”

For the Firefighter of the Year Award, Piper recognized not one individual, but the entire St. Clair Shores Honor Guard. A recent act of service for the Honor Guard was presiding at the funeral home and funeral for long-time St. Clair Shores firefighter Shawn Goldie, who passed away on April 28, 2023, from careerrelated cancer. Goldie was a battalion chief in St. Clair Shores before retiring

L-R: Officer James Johnson and Officer Mitch Morano with K-9 Ozzie receive a Unit Citation Award from Police Chief Jason Allen and Deputy Police Chief Paul Plaza

L-R: Officer Phil Ayan earned a Unit Citation Award from Police Chief Jason Allen and Deputy Police Chief Paul Plaza

in 2022 and joining the Oxford Fire Department. “Shawn lived and breathed his job,” says Honor Guard Member Scott Campbell, who had Goldie as his first partner. “Outside of his family, I don’t think anything was more important.” Campbell credits Honor Guard Founder Chad Hyvonen for his “flawless” plan for Goldie’s services.

Outstanding Medicine Awards focused on three calls, two involving children, for Station 3. “As a department that is mostly full of fathers, every call is important but when a kid is involved, you kind of take special notice and you want to make sure you do it right,” Piper says.

The two notable runs involving children included a Christmas Eve call for an unresponsive infant (not breathing and no pulse). Resuscitation efforts resulted in reviving the child. The second involved the crew delivering a breech baby who was not breathing and did not have a proper pulse. With the crew at work, Piper says, they “had a crying baby in the ambulance before they got to the hospital.”

For the last call, the two-person crew rushed to a resident with chest pain. This crew was honored for their rapid recognition of the situation, realizing that the resident needed a balloon to open an artery. They earned the fastest on-scene-to-balloon time in the Macomb-McLaren system for 2022.

Finally, Piper applauded Lakeview High School students Nathan Ampola and Jude (Owen) Ruszkiewicz, who received a Citizen Lifesaver Award, for their situational awareness on a February morning earlier this year. Upon noticing a classmate unresponsive and floating in the water, they alerted their coach and then helped remove their fellow student from the water. “Had they not been aware and decided that ‘no, that someone who needs to help is me,’ that could have had a very devastating outcome for that student,” Piper says.

To watch the Police/Fire Breakfast, go to vimeo.com/827662072

ST. CLAIR SHORES POLICE OFFICERS

Award for Valor

Officer Garrett Washington

Meritorious Service Award

Officer Deanna Arthurs

Officer John DeForest

Officer Jonathan Mamrot

Unit Citation

Sgt. Gerald Chomos

Sgt. Andrew Neate

Sgt. Stephen Stindt

Officer Phil Ayan

Officer Brandon Cawley

Officer Kevin Cynowa

Officer Daniel Hemond

Officer James Johnson

Officer Travis Kaufman

Officer Jonathan Mamrot

Officer Mitch Morano

Officer Clinton Rice

Detective Jessie Smith

Officer Norbert Zawislak

ST. CLAIR SHORES FIREFIGHTERS

Letter of Appreciation

Lt. Chad Hyvonen

Driver Engineer Michael Haddad

Outstanding Medicine Awards

Maclean Alexander

Adam Bolan

Jacob Busacca

Matthew Chambers

Jason Jenuwine

Jeffery Knudsen

Aaron Piper

Matthew Shar

Firefighter of the Year

SCSFD Honor Guard:

Scott Campbell

Chad Hyvonen

Michael Haddad

Blake Karapuz

Matt Larivee

Mark VanBaak

Andrew Somes

Matt Chambers

Sean Porter

Derek Haarala

Citizen Lifesaver Award

Nathan Ampola

Jude (Owen) Ruszkiewicz

L-R: Officer John DeForest earned a Meritorious Service Award from Police Chief Jason Allen and Deputy Police Chief Paul Plaza

Below: Incoming sophomores at Lakeview High School, Jude (Owen) Ruszkiewicz (left) and Nathan Ampola, earned Citizen Lifesaver Awards.

L-R: St. Clair Shores Fire Department Honor Guard Members Scott Campbell, Founder Chad Hyvonen, Sean Porter, Matt Larivee and Derek Haarala

LAC STE. CLAIRE ART

35th Annual Event Supports Miss St. Clair Shores Scholarship Program

BY ANNA SWARTZ PHOTOGRAPHY BY SARA-ROSE MELBY

The Lac Ste Claire Art Fair will attract around 150-200 artists and artisans to Veterans Memorial Park for the 35th annual event on September 16 and 17, from 10 a.m.-5 p.m. each day. The art fair is the largest scholarship provider for the Miss St. Clair Shores Scholarship Program, which hosts a pageant in July each year. According to Artist Entrance Chairperson Sara-rose Melby, Miss St. Clair Shores is the longest running consecutive local pageant in Michigan for the Miss America organization.

For Melby, both art and the scholarship program are close to her heart. “The art fair was something that my parents used to take me to; it's very nostalgic for me,” she says. Melby also participated in the Miss St. Clair Shores Scholarship Program from 2004-2008. “I never won, but it helped fund my college, which I appreciate. When I was competing, every contestant got scholarship money. So, it's my goal to eventually be back to where we can do that again.”

Melby, who graduated from Michigan State University with degrees in art history and museum studies, is an artist and currently teaches photography at Macomb Community College.

According to Melby, the types of art featured in the fair are vast: sculptures, paintings, textiles, fiber art, wearable art, jewelry, sand art, recycled wood furniture, pottery, oils, pastels, watercolors, pen and inks. “The cool thing is that as medias repeat, their styles are so different.”

Melby says that there is truly something for everyone, and that the art fair can accommodate any budget. “There are items from $30, maybe even less, all the way up to thousands of dollars,” she says.

The juried show draws participants from near and far. One individual will travel from as far as Costa Rica, while others will come from areas such as Florida, Ohio, the Upper Peninsula and across the state. Monetary awards and

finefair

ribbons are given out at the art fair, with prizes including Best of Show, Best in Michigan, Best of Macomb County and Best of St. Clair Shores.

Other attractions at the event include: an art tent for kids of all ages, provided by the Detroit Institute of Arts, a children’s arts and craft project on-site by the St. Clair Shores Cultural Committee, “quieter musicians” for entertainment, food trucks, and other food/drink options such as ice cream, popcorn, lemonade and nuts.

Melby wants to give a shoutout to Mary Lou and George Munger, Sr., the founders of the Lac Ste. Claire Art Fair, as well as Elizabeth and George Munger Jr. Elizabeth serves as executive director. Long-time volunteer Dave Martin –along with local Boy Scout troops – handles security for the weekend.

If interested in participating as an artist, contact Sararose Melby at sararosemelby@ymail.com by no later than mid-August. Please note that categories do fill up. For more information about the art fair, go to facebook.com/LSCFAF

Left:2022-2023 Miss St. Clair Shores Outstanding Teen Grace Hanke, Bradford Pollock and 2022-2023 Miss St. Clair Shores Izzy Wallace

Top Right: “Island Sand Sculptures” by artist Kelly-Zimmer DeMichele

Bottom Right: Stone painting work by artist Stephen Lombardi

PIE WEEK apple

Tasty Treats Raise Funds for Senior Center’s Meal Program

BY ANNA SWARTZ PHOTOGRAPHY BY SCOTT WHITEMAN

Seventy-six bushels of apples, 400 pounds of sugar, 200 to 250 pounds of flour and about seven pounds of cinnamon. That’s an estimate of how much of each ingredient the Senior Activity Center will need to meet their goal of 1,000 pies for the annual Apple Pie Week, September 12-15. Not only do these mouth-watering desserts bring the community joy each September, but all proceeds benefit the center’s meal program. Meals are served at the Senior Center at 11:30 a.m. on weekdays. A donation

Judy Wendler, a Senior Center of the Shores (SCOTS) Board member and Apple Pie Week volunteer, a maximum of two pies per vehicle are sold.

Another SCOTS Board Member and Apple Pie Week volunteer, Judy Molitor, calls the pies “community love enhanced” and thinks that tradition is one of the drives behind the high demand for the pies.

Molitor and Wendler are among the group of about 10 loyal volunteers who help mix the ingredients and roll out the pie crust. “We mix it up, so it gets nice and gooey,” Wendler says. “We then roll out the tops, and then they have to be pinched.” Molitor interjects, correcting her: “Crimped.” They laugh. They’ve been volunteering together since Molitor joined the center 15 years ago.

of $5 is suggested for those 60 and over, while a donation of $6 is suggested for those under 60. These meals are open to everyone 50+, not just Senior Activity Center members or St. Clair Shores residents.

Apple Pie Week begins with volunteers peeling and cutting apples on Sunday, and the pies go on sale Tuesday, September 12, through Friday, September 15, at 2 p.m. with a curbside purchase and pick-up set-up. Pies sell quickly, and long lines of vehicles with drivers anxious to receive a much-anticipated pie are normal. According to

The entire week’s success depends on the dedication of volunteers, and about 40 to 50 come out each day to peel and cut apples. The work begins on Sunday and continues through Thursday. New volunteers are always welcome.

Senior Center Chef Marti Marques is at the helm of the operation. She and her assistant bake the pies in their double-stacked ovens, which fit 32 pies at a time.

Marques notes that the members take pride in participating in Apple Pie Week. “I think the pride comes from being part of the big project,” she says. “We really cannot do this project without everyone’s help. Everyone is 100% necessary in making this happen.”

For more information about volunteering for Apple Pie Week or for further details about Apple Pie Week, call Assistant Coordinators Jeff or Diane at (586) 498-2413. For questions about the meal program, contact Tekla at (586) 498-2339.

MUSIC ON THE LAKE

Wednesdays through August 16, 7-8:30 p.m.

Veterans Memorial Park, 32400 Jefferson Ave.

Open to the public. No park passes are required. Parking and admission are free.

Wed., August 2 Joey Vee Band Country

Wed., August 9 Air Margaritaville Jimmy Buffett Tribute

Wed., August 16 Sunset Blvd. Classic Rock

SCS COMMUNITY GARDEN

The garden is located behind Civic Arena, 20000 Stephens

For updates or to check for cancellations due to weather, go to facebook. com/SCSCommunityGarden

Weeding Wednesdays

Every Wednesday evening during the season

Join volunteers, renters and committee members for social garden weeding and watering.

Education Series: Ask Tara, the Master Gardener

Companion and Succession Planting

Monday, August 21, 6-7 p.m.

Learn which plants live well together and how to optimize garden yield with multiple planting seasons.

Harvesting and Seed Saving

Monday, September 18, 6-7 p.m.

Learn how to collect seeds for the next season.

CHAMBER CONCERTS

7 p.m., Mondays, now through August 28 Wahby Park, 24800 Jefferson Ave.

August 7 - Belgium American Association Band

August 14 - Lakeshore Ukelele Strummers

August 21 - Festival of Flutes

August 28 - Planet D Nonet

SCS FARMERS MARKET

Second Thursday and fourth Sunday of the month, Now through October

Blossom Heath Park, 24800 Jefferson Ave.

Upcoming dates include:

Thursday, August 10, 5-9 p.m.

Entertainment by Nikki Holland and the Dirty Elizabeths

Sunday, August 27, 8 a.m.-2 p.m

Thursday, September 14, 5-9 p.m

Sunday, September 24, 8 a.m.-2 p.m

Thursday, October 12, 5-9 p.m.

The Cultural Committee is partnering with Art Shack of St. Clair Shores to host free children’s art and craft projects on August 27, from 10 a.m.-Noon.

SCS SOCIAL DISTRICT EVENTS

Second and Fourth Saturday, Now through October

HAPPENINGS shores YOUR COMMUNITY CALENDAR

Downtown St. Clair Shores

5 p.m.-Midnight

Downtown SCS will be closed to traffic on Greater Mack between 9 Mile and 9 Mack Drive. Enjoy games, vendors, food trucks and live entertainment. Acoustic performances will take place from 5-7 p.m. near Copper Hop Brewery, and the main stage entertainment (see below) will run from 7-11 p.m. Entry is free, and the events are pet friendly.

August 12 - Jennifer Westwood and the Handsome Devils, The Buffalo Knickles & One Ton Trolley

August 26 - Miranda & The M80s

September 9 - Paper Covers Rock

September 23 - Joey Vee

ST. CLAIR SHORES PUBLIC LIBRARY

The library is located at 22500 Eleven Mile Road.

Toddler Drop-In Play

Thursdays, August 17 and September 21, 10 a.m.-11:30 a.m. Children ages 12 to 36 months and their caregivers are invited to a drop-in play time at the library. Toys will be available in the Gilstorf Meeting Room. No registration is required for this event.

SCS Author/Artist/Exec. Producer Presentation:

“No Rest for the Wicked: Dead Man’s Hand”

Saturday, September 9, 2-4 p.m.

St. Clair Shores resident Kevin Minor is an executive producer and awardwinning author and artist of the graphic novel “No Rest for the Wicked: Dead Man’s Hand." The graphic novel was self-published online in 2015 and again in 2017 by Source Point. In a matter of years, it was being turned into a movie. Kevin also served as an executive producer of "Dead Man’s Hand," the adaptation of their graphic novel, which is a western. Minor will be sharing his story about writing a graphic novel and producing a movie. This program is for adults and high school students. Minor will have his graphic novel and other books available for purchase. Registration is required and starts on August 25: call (586) 771-9020, email scsadult@libcoop.net or just stop by.

Toddler Dance Party

Saturday, September 9, 10-10:30 a.m.

Children ages 12 to 36 months are invited to get their groove on. This 30-minute program will include a short story and lots of dancing. No registration is required. Adults must stay with their children.

Monthly Take & Make Crafts

First Monday of the Month* September -June, Beginning September 5

Take & Make Crafts will be available inside the Youth Services Room while supplies last. These kits for children 2 and up contain instructions and most of the supplies to create a craft. *Take & Makes are available the first Monday of the month from September through June, unless that day falls on a holiday.

Storytime

A new session will start the week of September 18 and run through the week of October 16.

Join in for these free, fun-filled programs of stories and music. Registration is required for Storytime and begins Monday, September 11. Space is limited. Registration can be done in-person, via phone at 586-771-9020 or by emailing SCSYouth@libcoop.net. Please contact the library or check the library website, www.scslibrary.org, for information about days and times.

COOL CITY COMMITTEE CITYWIDE GARAGE SALE

Saturday, August 19 & Sunday, August 20, 10 a.m.-4 p.m. both days

Many residents throughout the city have signed up to host garage sales. The sales will take place rain or shine. To view the complete list of participants, scan the QR code to the right. For more details, go to facebook.com/scscoolcitycommittee

FREE YOUTH FISHING LESSONS

Sundays, August 27 and September 24 at 10 a.m. Blossom Heath Park, 24800 Jefferson Ave.

Lac Ste Clair Kiwanis will be hosting free fishing lessons on the pier for children. Loaner equipment will be available, but bring your own if you have it. No registration is required.

SILENT BOOK CLUB

Tuesday, September 5, 6-8 p.m.

Blossom Heath Park, 24800 Jefferson Ave.

Silent Book Club is a global community of readers with 300 chapters around the world. Alcott’s Attic is hosting a chapter in St. Clair Shores. 6-6:30 p.m. – find a seat and say hello. 6:30-7:30 p.m. – silent reading hour, step away to chat. 7:30-8 p.m., share book recommendations or just keep reading. For more information, go to https://www.alcottsattic.com/scssilentbookclub

35th ANNUAL LAC STE. CLAIRE FINE ART FAIR

Saturday, September 16 and Sunday, September 17, 10 a.m.-5 p.m. both days

Veterans Memorial Park, 32400 Jefferson Ave.

The art fair, which is the largest scholarship provider for the Miss St. Clair Shores Scholarship Program, attracts around 150-200 artists and artisans. Food and beverage will also be available for purchase at the event. If interested in participating as an artist, contact Sara-rose Melby at sararosemelby@ymail.com by no later than mid-August. Please note that categories do fill up. For more information about the art fair, go to facebook.com/LSCFAF

SHORESTOBERFEST

Saturday, September 30, 5-11 p.m. Veterans Memorial Park, 32400 Jefferson Ave. For more details, stay tuned to facebook.com/st.clairshoresparksandrecreation

BUSINESS brief

Hook, a Japanese & Mediterranean Fusion Restaurant, Debuts on Nautical Mile

Lifelong friends Chef Bobby Nahra and Thomas Lauzon co-own Hook at 24214 Jefferson in St. Clair Shores, taking over the former Brownie’s on the Lake location. The restaurant officially opened on June 28. Open year round, Hook serves prime sushi, prime seafood and prime steak, as well as 162 wines, many of which are highly allocated. The open concept kitchen allows guests the opportunity to sit at the Chef’s table. Hook can also be booked for private events. Hook is Nahra’s fourth location in Macomb County. For more information, go to hookscs.com

Open Parties at the Harper Cruise

The following locations will offer food and drinks for purchase. Open to the public. Note that some parties are being held at a different address than their business. For example, corporate sponsor Roy O'Brien's summer block party-themed gathering will be held in the Kroger parking lot and 9 Mile and Harper. For any updates on cruise parties, visit facebook.com/HarperCharityCruise

Seared jumbo scallops, braised fennel, salsa verde, lemon caper salsa with house chardonnay from Celani Family Vineyards

NOTEWORTHYnews

SCS Celebrates Graduates, Lake Shore Holds 100th Commencement

Lake Shore High School held its 100th commencement ceremony on Saturday, June 3, conferring requirements on 220 graduates. This year’s keynote speaker was United States Senator Debbie Stabenow.

“For 100 years, Lake Shore has been an integral part of St. Clair Shores,” said Lake Shore High School Principal Janelle Bross. “We do not take our commitment or our families lightly. For the next 100 years we will continue to inspire students, innovate for and with our students, and celebrate our students, staff, and long-standing legacy in this community.”

Lakeview High School’s commencement took place on June 2 with 314 graduates. South Lake’s commencement was held on June 13, and 112 seniors earned their diplomas. Thirty-nine North Lake High School students and eight from Adult Education students enjoyed a graduation ceremony on June 12.

Miss St. Clair Shores is Runner-Up at Miss Michigan

After three days of competition, Miss St. Clair Shores

Izzy Wallace was named first runner-up at Miss Michigan 2023 on June 17 in Muskegon. She also received a preliminary On-Stage question award, People’s Choice award and Community Service award, resulting in over $6,000 in scholarships.

“Going into the week of Miss Michigan, I had one goal — leave my heart on the stage,” says Wallace. “Not only for myself, but for my hometown. Representing St. Clair Shores at Miss Michigan was a dream come true, and I am so honored to have had the opportunity to do so!”

Izzy Wallace

Photo/Izzy Wallace

Above: Lakeview High School graduation (Photo/Stewart Photography)

Right: L-R: Linda Russell, Jack Dick and Emelie Stover at the Lake Shore Adult and Community Education and North High School Graduation. (Photo/Stewart Photography)

L-R: Valentina Ventimiglia, Jacqueline Walsh, Alyse David, Samuel Penn and Nora Green at South Lake High School graduation (Photo/Lifetouch)

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