The Shores June July 2024

The Shores

St. Clair Shores

Volume Three • Issue Three

PUBLISHER

Kimbriel Towar

EDITORIAL

Editor: Anna Swartz

Contributers: Lina Bowman, Anna Swartz, Mary Warr

DESIGN

Creative Director: Stephanie Zeoli

Multi-Media Designer: Brooke Lady

CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHERS

Dante Dasaro Photography, Madi Ellis Photography, Tyler Leipprandt, Anna Swartz, Dale Verhaeghe and Scott Whiteman

SALES

Account Executives: LeighAnn Hildinger, Rebecca Reyes

DISTRIBUTION MANAGER

Dave Colton

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

SCS FINDS INSPIRATION IN LANDSCAPES photographer

St. Clair Shores resident Dale Verhaeghe inherited his parents’ love of travel, and he’s grateful to live within driving distance to so many beautiful Michigan destinations. Leeland, Petoskey and Charlevoix are standouts for Dale, but they didn’t quite make the list when he chose his top cities. He picked Mackinaw Island, Houghton Lake and then, “a tossup between Frankfort and Manistee.” An avid photographer, Dale captures the uniqueness of each place with his camera. He’s visited Mackinac Island at least a dozen times, finding appeal in the quiet, laid-back atmosphere with no cars. Houghton Lake is nostalgic to Dale and his wife Karen, as Karen’s family has owned a cottage near the lake since the 1950s. “When you go during the middle of the week, it’s kind of like a small-town feel,” Dale says. He admires Frankfort for the gorgeous sunsets and lighthouses, the latter of which makes a good foreground for the many photos he takes on each trip. As for Manistee, Dale enjoys the town itself. Visiting the local movie theatre, he says, is “like stepping back in time.”

Dale began taking photos about five years ago, when received news that he was going to be a grandfather. He told himself: “I gotta be prepared and start taking pictures of my grandson. And I have, but not as much as I really wanted to, because, you know, it’s hard to get him to pose.” With landscape photography, he doesn’t have to fight for the perfect shot.

Cover photo: St. Clair Shores resident Dale Verhaeghe snapped this photo of Point Betsie Lighthouse on the northeastern shore of Lake Michigan near Frankfort, Michigan.

NEIGHBORnotable

Kevin Backus

SCS resident for 47 years

KFavorite Spots in SCS: Lake St. Clair, city parks and Civic Arena

Occupation: Owner of Mr. Muskie Charters

Hobbies: Walking, biking, scuba diving, snorkeling

Pet Peeve: Those who lose patience with the elderly or children

Guilty Pleasure: Ice cream or cookies

Last Book You Read: “Pirate Latitudes” by Michael Crichton

Brings Me Joy: Spending time with my kids

Three Words That Describe Me: Professional, loyal and reliable

Personal Motto: Do the best you can every day and help others where you are able.

Someone I Admire and Why: My grandfather Homer LeBlanc, who spent four decades of his life teaching people his passion — fishing. He always seemed to have a smile on his face and treated people kindly.

You’re Most Likely to Find Me: On the water

I Can’t Live Without: My Kids

I Will Never Forget: The people and experiences in my life that made me who I am today.

evin Backus feels especially at home out on, or in, the water. Lake St. Clair and the Caribbean Sea, in particular, have played integral roles in his life. The first provides his livelihood as the owner of Mr. Muskie Charters and nostalgia when he recalls learning how to fish from his grandfather Homer LeBlanc. The second is a place he has visited for close to 40 years, primarily the U.S. and British Virgin Islands, where his mother and close friends nurtured his love for boats, scuba diving and marine life.

Kevin’s 23-year-old fishing charter business is named after his grandfather, who was nicknamed Mr. Muskie due to his numerous contributions to the fishing community. “(He) redefined how trolling for muskies was done, was a lure inventor and a tackle manufacturer,” Kevin says. One of the three lures he produced, Swim Whizz, is still on the market today. He also authored two books and taught seminars at local schools.

Kevin holds onto some of the memories, literally, by living in his grandparents’ former canal-front home with his son and daughter. Despite undergoing renovation, the house retains reminders of the past such as the wood door where Kevin’s height was etched as he grew up. Or, when Kevin is in the backyard teaching his son how to fish, he can recall doing the same activity in the same spot with his grandfather decades earlier.

“I'm passing on the traditions and techniques that I learned when I was a kid,” Kevin says.

Kevin’s introduction to deeper waters took place at age 10 when his mother moved to St. Thomas, USVI, after his parent’s divorce. He enjoyed many summer breaks and holidays there and worked at a dive shop. “Oddly enough, my friends that I met, when they were in their 20s and I was just 10, ended up becoming lifelong friends.”

One of these friends, the late Andre’ Webber, influenced Kevin’s love and knowledge of boats, the ocean and everything below its surface. “He helped anybody that needed it, gave you the shirt off his back, taught people about marine life and how to scuba dive. I spent a lot of time with those two people — my grandfather and my buddy Andre’.”

Lending Library of Fishing Gear, Free Lessons Available for Youth

BY ANNA SWARTZ PHOTOGRAPHY BY SCOTT WHITEMAN

Borrow Fishing Gear at Lakefront Parks

Jefferson Masonic Lodge #553 F&AM presented a $900 check to St. Clair Shores Parks & Recreation on April 15 at Blossom Heath Pier. Clinton Rice, junior deacon at the Lodge, says the purpose for the donation is to “purchase fishing poles and tackle for the kids of the city so they can experience the beautiful lake we have accessible to us.”

St. Clair Shores Parks and Recreation Event Director Henry Bowman hopes the fishing equipment will be available in June for children to borrow while at the parks. The poles and tackle will be stored at the guard shacks at all the city’s lakefront parks — Blossom Heath, Lac Sainte Clair and Veterans Memorial.

“I’m just so excited that we’re going to set up this lending library where St. Clair Shores kids can go fishing,” says Bowman, who grew up in the city and has fond childhood memories of fishing in Lake St. Clair. The donation is extra special for Bowman, as his father was a Lodge member for many years.

“We're looking for more funders, because I’d like to see the lending library expanded to seniors,” Bowman says.

For any questions regarding borrowing fishing equipment at the parks, call the SCS Parks and Recreation Department at (586) 445-5353.

Free Fishing Lessons

Well over two years ago, Bowman began advocating for the city’s Parks and Recreation Department to provide access to fishing equipment to children. His dream is for all children to know how to fish. So, he and other members of Lac Ste Claire Kiwanis took classes through an MSU extension program called Project F.I.S.H. (Friends Involved in Sportfishing Heritage). “They go out and they teach adults how to teach kids how to fish,” Bowman says.

In 2023, Lac Ste Claire Kiwanis began offering free youth fishing lessons at select St. Clair Shores Farmers Markets. The nonprofit is once again eager to teach young people the sport on each of the Sunday farmers markets at Blossom Heath through August: June 23, July 28 and August 25. Lessons begin at 9:30 a.m. (no official end time) at Blossom Heath pier. All equipment and bait are provided.

L-R: Past Master Douglas Gettleson, Junior Deacon Clinton Rice, Junior Warden Larry Greiner, Henry Bowman, Past Master and Senior Deacon Ray Talley, and Michigan Masons Boards of General Purposes Derek Sale

REMEMBERING OURroots

Bench Dedicated in Honor of SCS Baseball Legend Kyte Monroe & Family

BY ANNA SWARTZ PHOTOGRAPHY BY SCOTT WHITEMAN

During the festivities before the official Opening Day Ceremony of St. Clair Shores Baseball/ Softball Association (SCSBSA) on May 18, a special bench dedication proved the importance that athletics can play in everyone's life. Roger Yank, a St. Clair Shores native who played for the Monroe Lions from 19571959, spearheaded the bench project along with St. Clair Shore Lions Club President Charles Bellestri.

Yank considers himself fortunate to have played for Kyte Monroe's team. Kyte (the namesake of Kyte Monroe Memorial Park) was a remarkably talented teenager who passed away just before his 19th birthday. His impressive knowledge of baseball left a great impact. Decades later, eight of Kyte's former players gathered for the unveiling of a bench in honor of Kyte Monroe and the Monroe family. The St. Clair Shores Lions Club and Jerry Seay, one of Kyte’s former players, are the major contributors who made the bench possible.

"This was a real labor of love,” says Yank, who is appreciative of Bellestri’s help in making his vision of the bench come to life. “I’m hoping that for generations to come they’ll see this bench and know who Kyte Monroe was.”

Bellestri says that the bench project falls under the part of the nonprofit’s mission that supports community action and civic pride. Since the Lions sponsored the original 1959 championship teams, it seemed only fitting to help with the bench project when Yank approached Bellestri in December 2023.

Bellstri also notes that Yank and his teammates organized the production of a new plaque that displays photos, captions and

descriptions of the 1959 championship teams led by Kyte. The plaque is on the exterior wall of the storage/equipment building at Kyte Monroe Memorial Park, easily visible from the sidewalk.

“I tell ya, (Kyte) had good players,” said Terry Marchand, one of the players featured on the championship plaque, while former teammates gathered around reminiscing. Yank, also featured on the plaque, added: “His insight was unbelievable.”

Ellen Monroe, the wife of Kyte’s younger brother Greg who passed away in 2022, attended the dedication ceremony. "Greg loved his brother, I know that,” she says, also recalling that he referred to Kyte as “a really hard coach.” Ellen was impressed with the SCSBSA: “They’re really committed to doing this for these kids, and I think that’s wonderful. I really do."

Top, L-R: Tom Loppiccolo, Terry Marchand, Sam Loppiccolo, Roger Yank, Jim Lewis, Joe Consiglio and Jerry Seay. Front: Jim Loppiccolo. Many of these men played on one of Kyte Monroe’s two 1959 Champion Teams, the SCS Pony League or SCS Midget League.

COMMUNITY CONNECTION&

City Wide Garage Sale Returns August 17 & 18

BY ANNA SWARTZ

Stopping by local garage and rummage sales is a favorite pastime of St. Clair Shores residents John Cilluffo and Cheri Carrothers. The couple spends about two to three days per month on the hunt for the perfect items to fix, refinish and/or keep, and they host about two garage sales per year. It’s not just about accumulating or decluttering, though. It’s about human connection, too.

“We would go to garage sales, not buy a thing, but spend a half hour with the people,” Cilluffo says. “And next thing you know, we’re coming back with seeds, or we’re coming back later to get this or that. So, we’ve made some friends that way too. It’s about interacting. It’s like a different way to socialize.”

Given Cilluffo’s fondness for garage sales, his interest was piqued at the news of the St. Clair Shores Cool City Committee planning a City Wide Garage Sale in 2023. He attended a committee meeting as an audience member and, before he knew it, he became a member and quickly found himself volunteering to spearhead the first annual event.

The interest in last year’s event surpassed everyone’s expectations with more than 800 residences, businesses and even city buildings such as the Selinsky-Green Farmhouse Museum and St. Clair Shores Senior Activity Center participating. Multiple large media outlets picked up the story, including a televised segment on Local 4 News Morning.

According to St. Clair Shores resident Sidonie Brooks, eliminating the hassle of paying $5 to host a sale as well as the need for a permit played a major factor in her decision. (The same perks apply this year.) “I really think the city had such a great turn out because they made it so easy to get involved,” she says. Brooks, who plans to participate again this year, found the event to be a great way to connect with others as well. “We met so many other people from neighboring cities and even met a couple from Jackson, Mich.”

Sue Sommers, who lives in the south end of the city, also hosted a sale last year. “Not only did we make some money, but we had great conversations with people in our city. We are looking forward to hosting another one this year.”

JacquelynBlockparticipatedinthesalelastyearandturned it into a family event. “My boys had a lemonade stand, and I set up a table with my original artwork and pottery,” she says. “It was great meeting all the people who stopped by to chat

and look at the art. We are excited to do it again this summer.” According to Cilluffo, the average garage sale during the city wide sale yielded $400. He estimates that the total money made by sellers, restaurants and businesses was just under $500,000.

This year’s City Wide Garage Sale will be held on Saturday, August 17 and Sunday, August 18, from 10 a.m.-4 p.m. both days. Those hosting sales can begin their sales on Friday.

For those who would like to sign up to host a garage sale, registration begins the weekend of July 4th and ends August 7. Sellers can sign up online, via a Google Form that will be posted on facebook.com/scscoolcitycommittee, and in person at the St. Clair Shores Parks and Recreation Department at 20000 Stephens Road. Just like last year, Cool City Committee will promote the sales by posting both a digital map with pins for each location and a PDF with locations organized by zip code online – again at facebook.com/scscoolcitycommittee.

For more information, go to facebook.com/ scscoolcitycommittee. If you are interested in events like this and would like to join Cool City Committee, direct message them on Facebook.

City Wide Garage Sale Chairperson John Cilluffo (Photo/Anna Swartz)

MUSIC ON THElake

A Family Tradition in More Ways Than One for St. Clair Shores Native Kyle Palermino

BY ANNA SWARTZ

Growing up a few streets from Veterans Memorial Park in St. Clair Shores has its advantages — the most enviable, perhaps, being the easy access to the city’s Music on the Lake concert series. With a childhood home on Port Street, Kyle Palermino enjoyed this luxury and recalls thinking the annual summertime tradition was “always the best entertainment in Macomb County.”

Palermino first performed at Music on the Lake at the age of 19 with his father's classic rock and blues band, The Killer B’s, 20 years ago. These days, he’s performing with The Family Tradition Band (FTB), which he founded in 2015. Kyle remembers performing at Music on the Lake as a teen: “I was just wowed at the crowd and the community and the setup, and I still get that same feeling now.” Now a Macomb Township resident, he experiences a full circle moment every summer he takes the stage at Veterans.

“It's just cool to be able to go back to my roots and see so many people that I know from back in the day — friends and family, people that I haven't seen in a long time,” Kyle says. “It's almost like a little reunion.”

FTB is a six-piece country band that features Kyle (lead vocals/electric guitar), Randy Badour (lead vocals/ acoustic guitar) and other rotating musicians. In the early years of the band, gigs included Kyle’s father, Randy Palermino, as the bass player. The long-time connection of father and son playing music together was the essence of “Family Tradition” in the band’s name.

In 2019, FTB gained steady momentum and noticed an uptick in requests for bookings. A highlight of that year, Kyle says, was opening up for The Oak Ridge Boys at the St. Clare County Fair. Fast forward to 2024, and the band now plays 60 to 70 shows annually, primarily outdoor fairs and festivals in Michigan but also in nearby states such as Ohio, Illinois and Pennsylvania.

The upbeat tune’s chorus goes like this:

I start walking your way

You start walking mine

After a long hard work week when we ain’t feeling right

Now let’s get turned around til we ain’t feelin’ no pain

You always leave here better Feeling better than you came“

“I THINK MUSIC IS HEALING FOR A LOT OF PEOPLE. ... IT IS FOR US, TOO. WE TRY TO MAKE OUR SHOWS FUN, POSITIVE AND UPLIFTING. ... JUST PUT ON A SHOW AND TRY TO GET EVERYONE TO FORGET ABOUT THEIR PROBLEMS FOR A COUPLE HOURS.”

According to Kyle, the band’s music is “country-based” with a “rock edge to it,” allowing their songs to appeal to a broad audience. “It's for all ages,” he says.

FTB’s motto is “Better Than You Came,” the name of their newest song audience members will hear at each show’s closing and a modern take on the ’90s Diamond Rio hit “Meet in the Middle.” “I think music is healing for a lot of people. And, you know, it is for us, too. We try to make our shows fun, positive and uplifting. We try to be very interactive and just put on a show and try to get everyone to forget about their problems for a couple hours.”

If we all did that, and left everything and everybody better than we came, then we'd all be in a much better place,” Kyle says.

The Family Tradition Band will perform at Music on the Lake on Wednesday, July 31, from 7-8:30 p.m.

For more information about the band, go to thefamilytraditionband.com

(Photo

L-R: Randy Badour (lead vocals/acoustic guitar) and Kyle Palermino (lead vocals/electric guitar) (Photo/Dante Dasaro Photography)

Kyle Palermino with his father Randy Palermino ––Kyle played for his father’s band, The Killer B’s, years ago, and his father previously played bass for Family Tradition Band.

courtesy of Kyle Palermino)

music

ON THE LAKE

A Cherished City Tradition Rocks On at Veterans

Memorial Park

On Wednesdays from June through mid-August, 7-8:30 p.m., both residents and non-residents can gather for Music on the Lake, a free concert series. This cherished annual tradition at Veterans Memorial Park at 32400 Jefferson Ave. in St. Clair Shores brings in beloved bands playing a wide variety of music sure to please a wide variety of audiences. For more information about each band on the bill this season, check out what they’re all about below.

Bluewater Kings Band - June 5

“We’re live music experts, wedding enthusiasts, and party starters, specializing in high-energy music for festivals, weddings, corporate events, and private functions. Bluewater Kings Band is composed of some of the top musicians in the northern Midwest, with a fresh and not-tired song list. We infuse every event with energy and fun, and pride ourselves on filling dance floors.” - bluewaterkingsband.com

American Ages - June 8

“American Ages Band, 'The little band with a big sound,' plays a variety of classic rock, new rock and new country music hits. The four-piece band focuses their effort on musicianship, vocals and vocal harmonies. Formed in 2009, American Ages entertains audiences all over Michigan and was voted among the Top Five Cover Bands by Vote 4 The Best / clickonDetroit." - americanagesband.com

Stone Blossoms - June 19

“Four-piece deep cuts, cover outfit hailing from the Motor City. Emphasis lies in the Classic Rock genre but has been known to intermittently detour. Live shows take on a life of their own as a result of many improvisational jam sessions infused into the classical tunes you’ve come to love.” - thestoneblossoms.com

Devin Scillian and Arizona Son - June 26

“Devin Scillian is equally at home on your television, on your bookshelf, and on your iTunes. ...Music lovers know him as the winner of the prestigious Detroit Music Award for Best Country Performer. An accomplished musician and songwriter, Devin has released four albums of his original songs. He and his band Arizona Son make frequent appearances on the summer concert circuit. He’s opened for the likes of Toby Keith, Reba McEntire and LeAnn Rimes.” - devinscillian.com

RockStar - July 10

“RockStar is 10 Tributes in one, complete with choreography, lights, effects, costumes and 10 different iconic rock characters such as Freddie Mercury, Dee Snyder, Steve Perry, Alice Cooper, Billy Idol, Brian Johnson and Ozzy. You'll love RockStar's spot-on performances from Queen, Guns N' Roses, Def Leppard, Motley Crew, Van Halen, ACDC, Bon Jovi, Journey and Aerosmith.”

- facebook.com/RockStar80sBand

(Photo/Madi Ellis Photography)

Kathleen Murray and The Groove Council - July 17

“The band has become known for delivering dance-inducing soul music with an infectious groove. When you put Kathleen’s powerful vocals over a cookin’ rhythm section and layer on those tasty horns, you get a delicious blend of soul, blues, R&B, and funk that keeps audiences coming back for more. There’s a genuine excitement that radiates from the stage and embraces the crowd.” - groovecouncil.com

Family Tradition Band - July 31

Captain Fantastic DetroitJuly 24

“The Elton John Tribute Act, Captain Fantastic Detroit, starring multi-talented singer and pianist Ron Foss is an authentic Elton tribute act with a five-piece band. After strangers kept approaching Ron stating he looks like Elton John, and Ron being an Elton fan since the ’70s and sounding much like Elton himself, he decided to venture into the world of an Elton John Tribute act.” - captainfantasticdetroit.com

Randy Brock Group - August 7

"The Randy Brock Group was formed in 1996 as a power trio with Randy Brock on guitar, Mike Rowe on bass, and Brian Deming on the drums. The line-up now features Felice Bernardara on drums and Karl Goebel on keys. For the past 25 years, the band has been a staple of the Detroit live music scene developing their style and talent and have gained a reputation as one of the hardest working bands in Detroit. In addition to local venues, Randy and the band have played all over the country and opened for some of the most legendary names in music such as Journey, Ted Nugent, Eddie Money and CCR." - therandybrockgroup.com

Sunset BLVD - August 14

“Sunset BLVD will transport you back to 1987, with a show that celebrates the fun, loud guitars, big hair and the hits of all things 80s-rock (with a touch of pop) that made the 1980s the best decade for music...EVER! Sunset BLVD delivers an arena style show, equipped with an LED video wall, state-of-the-art sound and lighting and wardrobe straight out of your favorite hair band's closet! With both a male & female lead vocalist, there is no territory from the ’80s left untouched - from Motley Crue, Poison, Bon Jovi and GNR, to Michael Jackson, Heart & Joan Jett, this band delivers the best of the Good-Time Era.” - sunsetblvd1987.com

Founded in 2015, FTB is a six-piece country band that features Kyle (lead vocals/electric guitar), Randy Badour (lead vocals/acoustic guitarist) and other rotating musicians. See the article on page 10 for more details. - thefamilytraditionband.com

The 2024 Music on the Lake sponsors are Petitpren, BAS Security Systems, Genesis Chevrolet and Amaze Transportation. All photos are courtesy of the bands, unless stated otherwise.

book

BY MARY WARR

One of my favorite newly discovered children’s books, “Little Pea” tells the relatable story of a spunky little pea who is told if he doesn’t eat his much-bemoaned nightly meal of sweat treats, he won’t be allowed to enjoy a bowl of his favorite dessert — spinach! Written by Amy Krouse Rosenthal and illustrated by Jen Corace, “Little Pea” is fun to read aloud with its vibrant, stand-out illustrations and “pea-lightfully” punny dialogue.

A second “must-have” for all budding bookworms, “Wolfie the Bunny” tells the story of the eccentric Bunny family, who one day returns home to find a mysterious bundle on their doorstep — a baby WOLF! Mama and Papa are all too smitten with little Wolfie, ignoring daughter Dot’s warnings that the family’s new addition very well may “eatus-all-up”! Adjusting to a new sibling can be a challenge, and this playful yet poignant story is a must for all soon-to-be big brothers and sisters. “Wolfie the Bunny” is written by Amy Dyckman and illustrated by the great Zachariah O’Hora.

A beloved classic and a staple on my bookshelf since childhood, “Corduroy,” written and illustrated by Don Freeman, tells the story of a well-worn teddy bear displayed on a department store toy shelf and a young shopper named Lisa. Despite a missing button on Corduroy’s overalls, Lisa is eager to take him home. The missing button leads Corduroy on an elaborate after-hours heist through the department store in search of a replacement, only to learn both he and the young girl were simply in need of a friend.

Mary Warr is an Adult Services Librarian at the St. Clair Shores Public Library. Some of her favorite childhood memories include visiting the public library with her family and checking out way too many books.

WHAT’S YOUR FAVORITE SUMMER IN MICHIGAN? vacation spot

“SOME OF MY FAVORITE UP NORTH MICHIGAN MEMORIES ARE FROM WINTER AND SUMMER TRIPS TO CADILLAC. I AM FORTUNATE ENOUGH TO HAVE VERY GOOD FAMILY FRIENDS THAT LIVE ON LAKE MITCHELL. I HAVE HAD AMAZING TIMES, WITH A COMBINATION OF BOATING, SNOWMOBILING AND WALKING. EACH SEASON HAS BEEN FILLED WITH TAKING IN THE BEAUTIFUL UP NORTH VIEWS, WHICH ARE BOTH RELAXING AND BREATHTAKINGLY BEAUTIFUL.”

St. Clair Shores resident Melissa Michels (far right) with cousins (l-r) Shannon, Lauren, Anni and Chrissy

“EVERY JULY MY FAMILY AND I VACATION IN OSCODA, MI. THIS HAS BEEN A FAMILY TRADITION FOR OVER 40 YEARS.”

- Melissa Michels, St. Clair Shores Resident

Annette Cyburt and her daughter Rose Cyburt at Bronners in Frankenmuth

"WE LOVE MICHIGAN FROM OUR GREAT CITY OF ST. CLAIR SHORES TO SEEING MUSICALS AT THE FISHER THEATER TO BIRTHDAY DINNERS IN FRANKENMUTH TO OUR FAVORITE GETAWAY, GRAND HOTEL ON MACKINAC ISLAND!"

- Annette Cyburt, St. Clair Shores Resident and Owner of WOW! Women’s Only Workout

“MY WIFE GABBY, OUR FRIENDS AND I LOVE SPENDING TIME IN OSCODA AND EAST TAWAS. WE’VE SPENT MANY SUMMERS ON LAKE HURON SWIMMING AND SOAKING UP THE SUN DURING THE DAY. AT NIGHT, WE’D ALL MAKE DINNER, HAVE THE MOST RELAXING FIRES, AND TALK ABOUT LIFE. WALKING THE BEACH AT NIGHT WAS ONE OF OUR FAVORITE THINGS TO DO TOO. GABBY AND I ARE TAKING (OUR DAUGHTER) NORAH TO OSCODA THIS SUMMER! CAN’T WAIT TO SEE HER PLAY IN THE SAND. THIS WILL BE HER FIRST VACATION.”

- Matt Hubinsky, St. Clair Shores Resident and Senior Activity Center Coordinator

The Hubinsky’s dog Mason

A bonfire pit at the Hubinsky family’s favorite place

- Brad Kress, St. Clair Shores Resident

Lake Mitchell

A STATE PARK

staycation

Hit the Beach, Connect to Nature in One Hour’s Drive or Less

Lakeport State Park

7605 Lakeshore Rd, Lakeport, MI

Distance from SCS: 1 hour

Located in St. Clair County along the shores of Lake Huron, this state park spreads across 565 acres and includes a dayuse area with access to swimming, a picnic shelter, barbecues, horseshoe pits and volleyball nets.

Maybury State Park

49601 Eight Mile Road, Northville MI

Distance from SCS: 45 min.

This 1,000-acre park offers everything from open meadows to mature forests. Opportunities for outdoor adventures abound with a fishing pond, trails for hiking, mountain biking and horseback riding. Maybury Stables opened at the park this year, and trail rides can be booked at mayburystables.com.

Photos by Tyler Leipprandt for the Michigan DNR

Left: Photo courtesy of Trisha Roeske Right: Photo courtesy of the Michigan DNR

Algonac State Park

8732 River Road, Algonac, MI

Distance from SCS: 45 min.

Situated along Lake St. Clair, highlights of this park include a half-mile stretch of riverfront and over 1,200 acres of dedicated natural area. An unstaffed shooting range is available for archery, handtrap and rifle/handgun practice. Hikers, runners and bikers can enjoy the 54-mile Bridge to Bay Trail, which goes through the park.

William C. Sterling State Park

2800 State Park Rd, Monroe, MI

Distance from SCS: 1 hour

Belle Isle State Park 99 Pleasure Drive, Detroit, MI

Distance from SCS: 30 min.

Nature and fun abound at this 985-acre island in the Detroit River. Popular spots include James Scott Memorial Fountain, the Anna Scripps Whitcomb Conservatory, Belle Isle Nature Center, Belle Isle Aquarium and Dossin Great Lakes Museum. A beach, plenty of areas to fish, and bike lane allow for more opportunities for adventure.

As the only Michigan state park along Lake Erie, this park is just a few miles from the Ohio border. Amenities for a day visit include enjoying one mile of a sandy shoreline, a boating access site, trails, and fishing both on and offshore.

Photos by Tyler Leipprandt for the Michigan DNR

Photo by Tyler Leipprandt for the Michigan DNR

Photo courtesy of the Michigan DNR the shores 17

MEET VETERAN OF THE JOHN ATKINSON year

From the 71st SCS

Memorial Day Parade

“You looking for the old geezer?” joked John Atkinson when he opened the front door of his quaint brick ranch nestled in the Eagle Pointe on the Lake community in St. Clair Shores. At 98, Atkinson is spry, bright and full of wit.

His dining table was carefully stacked with memorabilia from his days in the United States Navy. His sailor hat from the 1940s, his official portrait in his Navy uniform (taken at the downtown Detroit Hudson’s store), a binder filled with daily itineraries when he was aboard his ship, black and white photographs of the bombing aftermath in Hiroshima, and a group picture from bootcamp in Illinois. (He couldn’t quite find himself within the rows of young recruits, who all looked strikingly similar.)

Atkinson joined the military at the age of 17 with parental permission. He served as a petty officer second class in both WWII and the Korean War. His service in World War II took him to various parts of the globe, including the Atlantic, North Africa, the Mediterranean, the Pacific to support the Allied Forces' "Island Hopping" campaign and Japan.

He served as an Opticalman (O.M.) on the USS Vulcan, a repair ship in the United States Navy that accommodated about 1,200 people, Atkinson recalls. It provided maintenance for other naval ships and physical help for officers aboard them. Healthcare and dental care were provided, as well as countless other services such as a typewriter shop, watch repair and a foundry. As an OM, Atkinson fixed items such as binoculars and rangefinders.

BY ANNA SWARTZ PHOTOGRAPHY BY SCOTT WHITEMAN

“These ships would come alongside and maybe turn over six to 10 binoculars in various conditions –even a bit soaked in water or left out or dropped,” Atkinson says. “We would repair those. But you might have five ships alongside – if each one of them brought five binoculars, that’s 25 to fix. It's very involved to repair binoculars.”

Atkinson recalls repairing 12-foot rangefinders while working on rickety 30-foot-high scaffolding.

“That was a rough job,” he says.

Two weeks after World War II ended, Atkinson found himself stationed 20 to 30 miles from Hiroshima – they stayed for six months assisting ships damaged during wartime. He was able to leave the ship and take in the landscape. Atkinson describes it as “devastation.”

“Looking out, the highest thing I could see was a barber's chair and the seat next to it. They didn’t burn up. Everything else was totally incinerated, right down to nothing.”

After his time in World War II, Atkinson joined the Reserves and was stationed in Newport, Rhode Island with the Navy as a pantograph operator from 1950-1951 during the Korean War. At that point, Atkinson was married to his late wife Katherine and one of his five children had been born.

Eventually, the Atkinson family settled in St. Clair Shores in 1968. Moving from Detroit to the Shores, Atkinson remembers thinking: "I must be in heaven. This is so quiet and peaceful.” Careerwise, he worked for 35 years as a clay modeler at GM, retiring in 1986.

He is a loyal attendee of the city’s Memorial Day Parade, and each grandchild and great grandchild has taken turns catching candy from the sidelines. But this year, Atkinson didn’t follow his typical routine of joining friends and family in a prime spot after attending a service at St. Isaac Jogues Catholic Church, where many know him as “Pa.” He rode in the parade as a guest of honor as Veteran of the Year.

“I just really think it's that (generation) that really pushed us forward,” says Doug Atkinson about his father. “We basically take over the world at that point, we controlled it. We're all safe. We all did well, thanks to that group. All the veterans took care of that."

W... the untold story

By John Minnis

BOGART’Z: A LABOR OF LOVE

hen Jason VanBiervliet graduated from Grosse Pointe North in 2002, it was natural for him to work in the family’s longtime collision shop, Van & Son, on Mack at Neff. But when his parents bought the former Captain’s bar next door in 2005, his career trajectory changed.

“I’ve been working here since I was 21,” recalls Jason, now 39.

SReal Food, Real Heart on Mack Ave.

shop in the afternoon and in the kitchen at night.

ituated on the edge of Grosse Pointe along Mack Avenue, Bogart’z Food & Spirits serves up dishes from scratch in a comfortable and family-friendly pub atmosphere. Owner and St. Clair Shores resident Jason Van Biervliet refers to the vibe as “old Hollywood,” referencing the exposed brick, Edison-style lights giving off a soft amber glow, the L-shaped dark wood bar, and decades-old pews that cozy up to tables as booths.

Along the way, he tore off the dated dark paneling on the front of the building and inside, exposing the classic loft-style brick, built the patio out back (which was a godsend years later during the pandemic) and expanded the arcade area for families.

17441 Mack Ave. Detroit, MI

Jason VanBiervliet

“I would work in the shop during the day and in the bar at night. I was dropping fries one day and the next thing I knew they threw me on the grill. People started asking me to cook their food, because I liked to do a good job. I take a lot of pride in my presentation.”

313-885-3995

Individual customer service remains a tradition at Bogart’z to this day.

New Hours:

Tuesday - Saturday 3pm to 11pm

Sunday 4pm to 9 pm

Jason bought the restaurant from his father Gary Van Biervliet in 2013, and his quest for perfection has reached every aspect of the establishment.

He did this all with the help of friends — and a patio tent from Allemon’s up the street.

“I'm not going to stand behind something I wouldn't be proud of,” he says.

Since taking ownership, added amenities include a cozy outdoor patio behind the restaurant, an updated exterior, and new landscaping to create a more inviting space. He also doubled the craft beer handles from six to 12 and recently upgraded the wine list. Diners can also catch a Tigers game via Direct TV on one of the five new screens. As for the menu, Jason insists that all meats are fresh, never frozen, and that each meal is authentic to Bogart’z.

Originally called “Bogart’z Sports & Music Café,” Jason changed it to “Bogart’z Food & Spirits” when he bought the business in 2013. While customers still watch sports on new (bigger) TVs added this year, and spirits remain a big part of the Bogart’z lineup along with craft beers and their own Bogey’s Blonde Ale, food became a major emphasis with Jason. His made-in-house “bar food” — burgers, wings, onion rings, hand-cut fries, etc. — became “upscale,” a cut above typical gin joints.

The business was doing well ... until the pandemic hit. “2020 was probably our best year,” Jason recalls, “until everything shut down.” But, with his mother Leslee’s help, Bogart’z survived. Leslee was an old hand in the bar back in the day, and since Jason worked his way from the bottom up, he knew all the jobs required to run the business and was not afraid to where many hats.

“I put every ounce of my energy, blood, sweat and tears into this place,” says Jason, recalling helping his father with initial demolition of the restaurant, long nights perfecting recipes in the kitchen, and attending culinary school to hone his craft.

(Jason is grateful for his friend’s Cyber Tooth Media promotional work for helping get through the tough times.)

True to the restaurant’s namesake, various menu items are a nod to Golden Age of Hollywood movie stars circa the early to mid-1950s — Bergman, Tracy and Jimmies Salmon sandwiches, for example, as well as the Karloff and Dean burgers. Customer favorites include house made items such as Mozzie Sticks, Stone-Fired Pizzas, Cajun Chicken Pasta and the Bogart’z Burger.

While the return of lunch service depends (for now) on getting the right team in place, Bogart’z night crowd is back, especially on Wednesday night with 1/2 off wine and trivia presented by Quizzo Detroit. Bogart’z also offers 1/2 off pizza on Tuesday and happy hour from 3-6 p.m. Tuesday-Saturday.

Bogart’z frequently hosts gatherings, often for grad parties, birthdays and sports teams, with a prior reservation. Eight arcade games, which are rotated out by the company DK Arcade, serve as a big attraction for these occasions or for local families stopping in, Jason says. While dining in, many also enjoy half off wine on Wednesdays and half off pizza on Tuesdays.

“I remember my father calling me into his office when I was working at the shop,” Jason says. “A customer was telling him how he doesn’t go to Bogart’z because it was the same as all the bars. Those words still ring in my ears. He expected me to fix that.”

He did that by attending culinary

“I like visually appealing food,” Jason says. “I’m not just serving you a burger or whatever, I’m giving you a piece of my art. The beauty is being the owner and the chef and the creative force, I can do whatever I want. So if I see something I’m inspired by, I’ll create it.”

“I'm the kind of owner who knows when people's birthdays are, or I’ll ask them about how their kids are doing,” Jason says. “I take a lot of pride in making sure they're having a good experience and giving them more of a Cheers atmosphere.”

ADVERTISEMENT

That is what makes Bogart’z a destination and the beginning of a

HAPPENINGS shores

A CURATED LIST OF SPECIAL EVENTS

IN AND AROUND ST. CLAIR SHORES

ST. CLAIR SHORES COMMUNITY GARDEN

The garden is located at 20000 Stephens. YOGA AT THE GARDEN

Sundays: June 2 and July 14 at 9 a.m

45-minute sessions with Hippie Yoga, $5 donation suggested THE UNBEELIEVABLE WORLD OF BEES

Saturday, June 8, Noon-2 p.m

A honeybee learning event featuring Mike Lawler of Unbeelievable Honey MUSIC ON THE LAKE

Wednesdays from June through mid-August, 7-8:30 p.m.

Veterans Memorial Park

June 5 – Bluewater Kings

June 12 – American Ages

June 19 – Stone Blossoms

June 26 – Devin Scillian and Arizona Son

July 10 – RockStar

July 17 – Kathleen Murrary and The Groove Council

July 24 – Captain Fantastic Detroit

July 31 – Family Tradition Band

August 7 – Randy Brock Group

August 14 – Sunset BLVD

A BRIEF HISTORY OF SWIMWEAR

Saturday, June 8, 2-2:30 p.m.

Selinsky-Green Farmhouse Museum

Stockings, belts, high necklines and long wool skirts with lead weights were typical features of early 20th century swimwear for women. People, especially women, could be ticketed or even arrested for wearing swimwear that was too revealing. Join us to learn about how swimwear would drastically change over the 20th century. Attendees will receive a dollar off admission to St. Clair Shores pools. The discounted pass for the pool is valid from 05/27/24 -09/02/24. Registration is not required. The event is suitable for all ages.

ST. CLAIR SHORES SOCIAL DISTRICT

Second and fourth Saturdays, Now-October

Downtown St. Clair Shores

Greater Mack, from Nine Mack Drive to 9 Mile Road will be closed to traffic from 5 p.m. until Midnight during each social district event. Enjoy vendors, food trucks, street games, a kid zone, walk-up bars and entertainment. The band on the main stage plays from 7-11 p.m.

June 8 - Jody Raffoul (Classic Rock)

June 22 - Miranda & The M80s (80s Music)

July 13 - Mainstream Drive (High Energy Mainstream Dance)

July 27 - Joey Vee (New Hits/Country Music)

ST. CLAIR SHORES FARMERS MARKET

Blossom Heath Park, 24800 Jefferson Ave.

Upcoming dates include:

The Cultural Committee is again partnering with The Art Shack to host free children’s art and craft activities, likely in the Bath House, at the Farmers Market from 10 a.m. - Noon on the following dates: July 28 and August 25

Farmers Market Dates:

Thursday, June 13, 5-9 p.m.

Sunday, June 23, 8 a.m. – 2 p.m.

Thursday, July 11, 5-9 p.m.

Sunday, July 28, 8 a.m.-2 p.m.

Thursday, August 8, 5-9 p.m.

Sunday, August 25, 8 a.m.-2 p.m.

Sunday, September 22, 8 a.m.-2 p.m.

Sunday, October 6, 8 a.m.-2 p.m.

ST. CLAIR SHORES PUBLIC LIBRARY

The library is located at 22500 Eleven Mile Road.

YOUTH AND ADULT SUMMER READING PROGRAM

Tuesday, June 18 – Friday, August 2

Register at the library beginning June 18. Adult and Youth Services will have multiple events coinciding with the Summer Reading Program — find them at www.scslibrary.org by clicking on Calendar of Upcoming Events.

SILENT BOOK GROUP

Third Wednesday of each month: June 19, July 17 & August 21, 6:30 p.m.

Join fellow readers in the Library’s Reading Lounge for a new, patron-led group devoted to reading exactly what you choose. Meet at 6:30 p.m., grab a seat, socialize (or not) with other readers, possibly share what you’re reading. It’s BYOB (Bring Your Own Book), e-reader, graphic novel, or you can check what’s on the shelves here at the library. Silent Reading will take place from 7 to 8 p.m. This is your time to relax, to read silently in company with fellow book lovers, minus the pressures of assigned books or discussion. 18+ only. No registration required.

FREE YOUTH FISHING LESSONS

Sundays: June 23, July 28 & August 25 starting at 9 a.m. Blossom Heath Park, 24800 Jefferson Ave.

Lac Ste Claire Kiwanis is once again eager to teach young people how to fish on each of the Sunday farmers markets at Blossom Heath now through August. Lessons begin at 9:30 a.m. (no official end time) at Blossom Heath pier. All equipment and bait are provided.

FIREWORKS EXTRAVAGANZA

Friday, June 28, 10 p.m. approx. start time

Veterans Memorial Park, 32400 Jefferson Ave.

Gates will open at 3 p.m. The pre-sale of wristbands and pre-paid parking is happening now. Parking passes: $10 each. Wristbands: $3 in advance (residents) $5 in advance (non-residents), $5 at the gate the day of (residents and non-residents). Wristbands and passes are only available at the St. Clair Shores Parks and Recreation Office, 2000 Stephens Road.

CHAMBER CONCERTS

Mondays, July 8-August 28, 7 p.m.

Wahby Park, 24800 Jefferson Ave.

July 8 - The Swing Shift Orchestra

July 15 - The Soundz of Music Band

July 22 - Planet D Nonet

July 29 - Lakeshore Ukelele Strummers

August 5 - Belgian American Association Band

August 12 - Jeff Cavataio

August 19 - Anchor Bay Jazz Ensemble

August 26 - Lakeshore High School Jazz Ensemble and Jazz Combo

CONEY FOR KIDS

Wednesday, July 24, 5-7 p.m.

Veterans Memorial Park, 24800 Jefferson Ave

Support the city’s Adaptive Playground Program – a summer day camp for individuals ages 5-26 with disabilities – by purchasing coney dogs, chips and pop. The event will also include a bounce house and petting zoo. Music on the Lake kicks off directly afterward at 7 p.m. (verifying info)

AQUAFEST

Sunday, August 4

For more information, go to facebook.com/st.clairshoresparksandrecreation YARDENERS 30th ANNUAL GARDEN TOUR

Saturday, August 5, 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.

This event offers the opportunity to view some of the loveliest yards in St. Clair Shores and obtain gardening ideas from the homeowners. Members of the Yardeners of St. Clair Shores and master gardeners will be available to answer questions. This is a self-guided driving tour with some walking. Registration, ticket sales and map distribution start at 9 a.m. at the SelinskyGreen Farmhouse Museum located behind the St. Clair Shores Library at the corner of 11 Mile and Jefferson. The cost is $5 for each adult (children 12 and under are free). Cash or check only. No advance ticket sales.

CITY WIDE GARAGE SALE

August 17 and 18, 10 a.m.-4 p.m. both days

For those who would like to sign up to host a garage sale, registration begins the weekend of July 4 and ends August 7. Sellers can sign up online, via a Google Form that will be posted on facebook.com/ scscoolcitycommittee, and in person at the St. Clair Shores Parks and Recreation Department at 20000 Stephens Road. Just like last year, Cool City Committee will promote the sales by posting both a digital map with pins for each location and a PDF with locations organized by zip code online

PLANNING financial

BY LINA BOWMAN

Now that summer's here, it's time to take out the boat and hoist the sails high to catch favorable winds. But winds will inevitably shift or fade. The deft sailor has many tactics they can employ to keep the momentum going through potential lulls.

Like the experienced sailor, the experienced wealth manager has many strategies they can utilize to help keep financial momentum going for their clients. Adapting to your financial life's changing tides requires some extensive expertise. A strategic view of your overall situation is necessary.

Comprehensive planning includes analysis beyond simple investment choices, such as how much to invest in stocks, bonds or cash. It's more than whether mutual funds, CDs, money market funds or annuities are best. These are financial tools. The comprehensive wealth manager should have every tool available to navigate the many challenges, such as interest rates or market and volatility risks, to help best meet your needs.

An independent advisor is vital when preparing for the "Seasons of Your Life" — creating and growing wealth; protecting and preserving wealth; creating a retirement income plan; and finally, creating a legacy plan. Implementation should be tax-efficient wherever possible because what counts is not what you make but what you keep!

Are you prepared for every Season of Your Life? Talk to your financial advisor to discuss how you’re positioned and prepared to navigate the changing winds. Do you have a comprehensive plan? If not, it may be time for a second opinion.

Bowman Asset Management, Inc. is located at 25801 Harper Avenue, Suite 3 in St. Clair Shores. For more information, contact Lina Bowman at (313) 343-0800 or Lina@BowmanAsset.com. You can visit the company’s website at www.BowmanAsset. com.

BOAT? PROBLEM

Two Ways to Discover Lake St. Clair Without One of Your Own no

One of the greatest amenities of St. Clair Shores is the proximity to Lake St. Clair, yet for those without boats, their experience can seem limited to a view from the shore (although the city’s 390-foot extension of Blossom Heath Pier that opened in 2023 showcases a gorgeous panorama.) For those who want to dip their toes in the water, or bask in the sun in the middle of the lake, what are their options? Let’s explore a few of them.

SUP, St. Clair Shores?

A magical experience on Lady Bird Lake in Austin, Texas in 2022 changed the trajectory of St. Clair Shores resident Adrian Reetz’s life. While canoeing in the lake with friends with the city skyline in the background, she saw hundreds in stand up paddle boards (called SUPs), with some kayaks and canoes. Music drifted from a boat in the center. Some were sitting on their boards and chatting, others jumping in and out. “It was a vibe, it was so cool,” says Reetz, “...I literally stopped and had this epiphany: ‘Oh my God, I want that, and I need to have that.’”

Reetz bought her first board after returning from the trip, and that same year many of her friends joined her out on Lake St. Clair. “If I can inspire people to purchase stand up paddle boards or rent them and come out with me or just be on them by themselves enjoying it, I could probably make a business out of this.” She applied for an LLC for her new business, Bucket List Experience, on National Women’s Day, March 8, 2023.

Now going into her second season, Reetz is working out of a permanent space at Trader Todd’s Marina. SUP users will follow the signs to her boat slip, and then enter the water off the back of the boat. Bucket List Experience offers a variety of options: board rentals, a “Sunrise Glide” class, “Love Afloat: Couples Paddle and Therapy Experience,” “1:1 SUP Instruction,” and more. All options are available at bucketlistexp.as.me/schedule.

php

Reetz notes that, despite the name, “you don't have to stand.” Sitting, kneeling, paddling like

BY ANNA SWARTZ

a surfer and more are all acceptable options. Reetz likes that SUPs allow people to be creative and do what feels right to them.

Catch the Spirit of Lake St.

Clair

If you’ve walked along the Blossom Activity Heath Pier, you may have spotted Spirit of Lake St. Clair – a boat previously utilized by Detroit Yacht Club as a shuttle service from the mid’80s until the mid-2000s. Captain John LJ Fanti now owns the vessel and, after some much-needed repairs, the Coast Guard certified it for passengers again.

Visible from the pier, the vessel is in its third season of taking passengers on fun excursions on Lake St. Clair. Fanti offers both private and public cruises for up to 35 people. The standard private BYOB cruise costs $990 for a 2 ½-hour excursion – that’s around $30 per person. “We get out on the lake, and we show everybody Ford Cove,” Shanti says. “We show you the Grosse Pointe Yacht Club, and we go out into open water and look for ships.”

Private cruises can be booked at any time of day, such as at lunchtime or sunset. “We're also teamed up with some of the restaurants on Nautical Mile here too,” says Fanti, adding that passengers can opt to pay extra to stop for a meal during the cruise.

Public cruise tickets start at $20. Special public themed cruises are planned throughout the season. Depending on the event, cruises may include food at a local restaurant, dockside drinks and appetizers, and children’s activities. Upcoming themed cruises include Michigan Beer Exchange on Sunday, June 16 (Father’s Day) and BBQ, Brews, Blues, Sunset Cruise on July 4.

For more details and to purchase tickets, visit SpiritCruiseBoat.com.

Adrian Reetz, owner of Bucket List Experience (Photo/@reetzspieces)

ON BOOKS hooked

Kick Your Summer Off Right with These Top 12 Picks for Both Youth & Adults

The St. Clair Shores Public Library Summer Youth and Adult Reading Program, with a theme of “Adventure Begins at Your Library,” begins Tuesday, June 18 and runs through Friday, August 2. Register at the library beginning June 18. Adult and Youth Services will have multiple events coinciding with the Summer Reading Program find them at www.scslibrary.org by clicking on Calendar of Upcoming Events. Questions? Call the library at (586) 771-9020.

Top Picks for Young Readers

FROM ELIZABETH DREWEK YOUTH SERVICES LIBRARIAN

“That’s the thing about books. They let you travel without moving your feet.”

- Author Jhumpa Lahiri

Top Picks for Adults

FROM KATHLEEN HARVILLE ADULT SERVICES LIBRARIAN