The Shores Magazine Oct/Nov 2022

Photo courtesy of Cyndi George

Molly Schelosky

SCS Resident for 21 Years

Family: Parents David and Dianne Schelosky, brothers Jeremy and William

Favorite Spot in SCS: The Civic Arena

School and Occupation: Elementary Education major at Wayne State University, as well as figure skating coach and lifeguard at Lac Ste Clair Municipal Pool

Hobbies: Art, baking, boating, kayaking, outdoor activities and animals

Guilty Pleasure: Desserts

Last Book You Read: Where the Crawdads Sing by Delia Owens

Brings Me Joy: Teaching children how to skate and sharing my love for the sport

A Typical Day for Me Includes: Walking my big hound dog Roscoe P. Coltrane around the city, figure skating and coaching

You’re Most Likely to Find Me: At the ice rink

Obstacle I Overcame: An injury during competition resulting in torn ligaments, but still being able to travel and compete in Dallas, Texas a few months later

NEIGHBORnotable the shores2

people ask lifelong St. Clair Shores resident Molly Schelosky about herself, the topic quickly turns to figure skating. She and her brother Jeremy both took a Learn to Skate class at the Civic Arena –he (along with big brother William) ended up playing hockey. Molly joined the St. Clair Shores Figure Skating Club and never left.

Anytime

“I started figure skating at age 8. I’ve skated six to seven days per week since age 11,” Molly says.

Now, at the age of 21 she keeps up the rigorous six- to seven-day schedule, with most days including two hours of coaching for the St. Clair Shores Figuring Skating Club and the other two practicing with her coaches. Molly teaches skating to children as young as 3 through to their late teens. Interestingly, Molly’s coaches are also her co-workers. She loves this.

Molly refers to Coach Claire LaDue, who has been coaching her for 11 years, as “a second mom." She continues: "The whole rink is like a second family, and I know so many who would say the same thing.”

In addition to her busy schedule with the St. Clair Shores Figure Skating Club, Molly is a full-time student at Wayne State and joined the university’s first-ever figure skating team. During 2021-2022 season the team of 11 participated in two competitions and performed between periods at two Red Wings games. In her junior year this fall, Molly is with the team for a second season.

But Molly’s most memorable experience as an athlete was in 2019 when she was invited by the U.S. Figure Skating Association to train at the Olympic Training Center in Colorado Springs. She was able to train with different coaches who work with Olympians on and off the ice. (She was invited again in 2020, but the training was canceled due to the pandemic.)

“Skating alongside skaters I had seen on TV was jaw-dropping. It’s the coolest thing I have ever done.”

The Shores

St. Clair Shores

Volume One • Issue Four

PUBLISHER

Kimbriel Towar

EDITORIAL

Editor: Anna Swartz

Copy Editor: Patricia Austin

Assistant: Mary Ann Simmerer

Contributers: Flo Abke, GRI, George Arsenault, Dr. Jason Banaszak, Bill Boyer, Jeffrey Brayton, Sandra Kravitz, Jimmy Mazzola, Christopher Redziniak, Jeff Rice, Kimberly Soulliere

DESIGN

Creative Director: Stephanie Lortt

Designer/Web Coordinator: Elaine Nesom

CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHERS

Jessica Krutell, Sara-rose Melby and Scott Whiteman

SALES

Associate Publisher: Sharon McMillan

Account Executives: LeighAnn Hildinger, Jessica Zachara, Rebecca Reyes

DISTRIBUTION Manager

Dave Colton

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 and Editor. The Shores Magazine reserves the right to reject any advertising.

Follow us: Facebook.com/shoresmag @shoresmag

PLANNING Financial

What Kind of Soccer Goalie Are You?

BY JEFFREY BRAYTON

Ourculture values action. When the going gets tough, the tough get going, and Nike tells us to Just Do it. I have yet to read a motivational book or see a sign that tells us to Just Stay Put. We are by nature biased toward activity, and afraid to give even the appearance of doing nothing, even when it might just be our best course of action.

My favorite example of activity bias is the soccer goalie dilemma. Many soccer matches are determined by penalty kick shoot-outs where the goalie must decide to stop the ball by diving right, diving left or staying in the middle. Research confirms the goalie’s best strategy is to stay put, and yet in matches they dive to the left 49.3% of the time, to the right 44.4% of the time and stay in the center just 6.3% of the time. Goalies are much more likely to stop the penalty kick if they just stay put. So why don’t they?

When a sample of goalies was asked about their strategy, the most common response was that they would regret allowing a goal more if they stayed in the center than if they dived. In other words, they wanted to be seen doing something even if it cost their team the match!

Why am I writing a sports column? I’m not. Investors face a very similar dilemma to soccer goalies, especially during periods like the first half of 2022. This year has been a shoot-out, and the fund flow numbers tell us that many investors made the decision to take action and dive out of stocks and into cash. Stock market history tells us this action is a huge mistake, and yet investors repeat this behavior time and again in down markets.

One question we hear frequently is, “Should we get out of the market now and then back in when things start to look better?” Tempting right? Unfortunately, it never works. By the time things start to look better, the stock market train has left the station, and you will have missed out on most, if not all, of the market recovery.

None of this means you should never take any action managing your portfolio. Down markets often present opportunities for rebalancing, tactical reallocations and tax loss harvesting. These are planning-driven activities and not based on market timing or forecasts.

The bottom line is this: investors who care less about looking active generally end up with better returns. Don’t be a diving goalie.

Quinn Strzelecki at multidisciplinary camp at Kids on the Go, a St. Clair Shores-based nonprofit Photo courtesy of Kids on the Go

Jeffrey Brayton is a graduate of the University of Michigan and has an MBA from Wayne State University. He is the co-owner of Lakeshore Financial Planning in St. Clair Shores and has spent the last 29 years helping individuals and families clarify and work toward achieving their unique financial goals. For more information about Lakeshore Financial Planning, go to www.lakeshorefinancialplanning.com

Real

ESTATE

Should You Waive the Home Inspection?

BY FLO ABKE, GRI

Whetherit's a buyer's market or seller's market, sometimes in order to get the house you really want, you must pull out all the stops. One way to become a more attractive buyer is to waive the home inspection and buy "as is.” Waiving an inspection on a condo isn't as risky as waiving one on a house. While waiving the inspection may be a good idea for some buyers, it could be a very expensive mistake for starter home buyers.

If you have your heart set on a certain house and have the resources to correct anything that is old, not working well, or totally broken, waiving the home inspection will strengthen your offer. Unlike a second- or third-time buyer who has owned a few homes, it may be dangerous for buyers with limited funds to pass on an inspection. A new roof can run anywhere from $5,000 to $20,000 depending on the size of the home. A new furnace and central air can easily cost $10,000. Basement waterproofing and/or foundation issues can range from $5,000 to $30,000. If you don't have a reasonable nest egg, don't waive the inspection – even if it means losing the house you like best.

FHA has loans specifically designed for homes that need major repairs. If you're not in a multiple bid situation, you could look into this type of loan if you find a home that needs expensive repairs. In most instances, they take a little longer to close but are an option for buyers who want a specific home, that needs work, located in a specific neighborhood.

It's safer for most home buyers to have an inspection before they finalize their purchase. Don't be pressured into doing what really doesn't work for you.

A St. Clair Shores native, Broker/Realtor Flo Abke, GRI, is part of the Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices Kee Realty team in St. Clair Shores. She is a member of Grosse Pointe Board of Realtors, Women's Council of Realtors, Michigan Association of Realtors and National Association of Realtors. Flo has achieved a multi-million-dollar yearly sales level since 1994. She is also a junior sectional judge for United States Figure Skating.

VETPet

Be Prepared for Emergencies with a First Aid Kit

BY DR. JASON BANASZAK

Dueto the nationwide shortage in veterinary professionals, it’s necessary to be prepared in case your furry friend has an emergency. It could make all the difference in keeping your pet stable until they can be seen.

Create a first aid kit so that you are well-equipped at home:

• Rolls of two and/or threeinch gauze

• Gauze pads in a variety of sizes

• Adhesive tape for bandages

• Non-stick bandages

• Self-clinging wrap

• Triple antibiotic ointment

• Hydrogen peroxide

• Alcohol or alcohol wipes

• Tweezers

• Scissors

• Benadryl (Diphenhydramine)

• Eye wash or sterile water

• Eyedropper

• Cotton balls

• Paper towels

• Bath towels

• Plastic garbage bags

• Muzzle

• Veterinarian contact information, including emergency clinics

Before and after you or anyone else administers first aid to a pet, wash your hands in hot water to avoid infection. Be very careful, even the most gentle of pets may try to bite or scratch when in pain. Consider using a muzzle with wounded pets.

Not all emergencies are created equal. A pet that is actively bleeding or experiencing uncontrolled vomiting is in far more critical shape than a pet that is sneezing or a dog with an ear infection. In the next issue, I will discuss common illnesses seen in pets and the urgency in which a pet should be seen by the veterinarian. Stay tuned.

Dr. Jason Banaszak is the medical director at VCA St. Clair Shores. He earned a B.S. in Biology at the University of Findlay in 2000 and graduated from Oklahoma State University College of Veterinary Medicine in 2005. 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. Dr. Banaszak is an avid baseball fan, enjoys coaching youth baseball and football, as well as mentoring new veterinarians.

HEALTH

&

FITNESS

Hormonal Imbalance? Fitness Can be a Key Component to Recovery

BY JEFF RICE

When it comes to exercise, most people focus on how their hard work and commitment to an exercise program will result in an ideal appearance. But exercise is critical to avoiding and addressing many health problems. Arguably the most notable is the often-unspoken benefit of restoring hormonal balance and function.

According to Dr. Yasmin Akhunji, an endocrinologist with Paloma Health, High Intensity Interval Training (HIIT) exercise has been shown to burn fat more effectively than aerobic exercise alone. She explains on endocrineweb. com that HIIT has been demonstrated to increase human growth hormone (HGH), which can help us feel healthy and strong. That’s because HGH

promotes recovery, metabolism and muscle growth.

In fact, endocrineweb.com states that “If you have diabetes, metabolic disorder, or other conditions caused by your hormones not working as effectively as they should, getting into a regular fitness habit can be one of the main ways to start feeling better.”

Specific exercise programming can be prescribed when addressing specific hormonal issues. I encourage all adults to have a hormonal check (blood work) to ensure your hormonal output is in an optimal state. If your testing reveals that your hormones are imbalanced, an exercise program may help correct the problem. The type of movements and intensity of exercise are critical to which hormones you are

impacting, such as growth hormone and testosterone.

We all have an idea of why exercise is important. Aside from building strength and burning fat, daily exercise and activity of any kind has huge benefits for health. But no matter how hard you work at it, if your hormones are imbalanced, you may be working tirelessly towards a result that is not possible.

Jeff Rice is the owner of MAC GYM in St. Clair Shores, Fraser and Mt. Clemens. He is an International Sports Science Association certified personal trainer and a 22-year industry veteran. You can contact Jeff at (586) 218-7933 or Thegymjt@gmail.com

ALL IN A DAY’S

work

Battalion Chief Ryan Koepp

BY ANNA SWARTZ

It’s Noon at the St. Clair Shores

Central Fire Station in mid-August, and fish tacos are on the menu.

Battalion Chief Ryan Koepp is on lunch duty, but others pitch in to get the meal on the table. At each seat is an individual serving of guacamole, sour cream, sliced red cabbage, grated cheese, a wedge of lime. A large dining table and chairs are situated inside the kitchen, and, just like each day during every 24-hour shift, the men of the station pause to eat their lunches and, later, dinners together. If they aren’t called out on a run, that is.

A Second Home

It would be strange to call them coworkers, because there is no chit-chat at the water cooler before heading back to a cubicle. The fire station is truly a second home, and the bond formed between those serving as firefighters and paramedics is strong. Family meals, check. Shared bedroom, check. Chores like cleaning the bathroom, grocery shopping and dishes, check. Earned mutual respect, check.

“We really are like siblings when we are here, and we love that,” says Koepp, as he is standing in the barracks-style dorm where most of the firefighters sleep. “It's not like we have pillow fights or tell ghost stories. There’s just something [about the arrangement] that contributes to the community family atmosphere that we have cultivated in St. Clair Shores, and we’re really proud of that.”

Career in a Nutshell

Koepp is in his 24th year with the St. Clair Shores Fire Department, and he’s worn most of the available hats including a six-month stint as interim fire chief. One of his most cherished roles was training chief.

Koepp is also part of the Macomb County Technical Rescue Team and Macomb County Hazmat Team. These specialty teams go beyond the capabilities of most individual departments, Koepp says, and require extra training. He, along with two other St. Clair Shores firefighters, are also members of the State of Michigan Urban Search and Rescue Task Force. This group of 110 first responders help with out-of-state disasters like hurricanes.

A Connecticut native, Koepp’s initial career plans didn’t involve firefighting. He was studying to become a teacher

at Arizona State University. In 1993, he was working on campus at the athletic complex when a player was injured on the basketball court. Watching the Tempe Fire Department rush to the scene and help, Koepp realized, “That’s what I want to do.”

Life Force

Eventually family and work took him to Michigan, where he met his wife Terri in 1997: “I knew I would marry her on our first date...I think the sun rises and sets with her; She’s the smartest, most caring person. She’s a hospice nurse.”

The Koepps live in St. Clair Shores and have four children, Bella (20), Tucker (18), Mira (17) and Oliver (15). Koepp gets a far-off look in his eyes as he talks about them, as if their preciousness is too hard to put into words.

“My kids are my life force,” he says. “They're really good people, and it the shores10

feels like it’s in spite of me, not because of me...They provide me with a lot of motivation to be a better person. None of them belong to me. They belong to God. I want to take care of them as much as possible...What did I do to be so lucky to be their dad and to be Terri’s husband? I’m so incredibly proud of all of them.”

Juggling Both Worlds Koepp and the others at Central Station agree that it can be hard to juggle their at-work and at-home responsibilities. The need to decompress from a stressful 24-hour shift and then switch into “fun dad” or to-do list mode can be challenging.

“Firefighters do so much more than we used to; we are busier than we’ve ever been” says Koepp, who tries to shrug off any ill-informed stereotypes of firefighters napping while waiting for alarm bells to ring. The city’s population was at its peak around the 1970s with 90,000 residents, Koepp estimates, and the fire department handled 3,000 runs per year. Now, with a smaller population, the average is 7,000 runs per year. He attributes it to the strong senior population and

the fact that people call for a large variety of reasons “when they just don’t know what to do.” This could be anything from someone’s washer hose breaking and leaking all over the floor, the classic cat-stuck-in-a-tree call, or a lot of serious EMS runs. They respond to every call that comes their way from the dispatch center.

Every time an engine or vehicle leaves the fire station, the run falls under these categories: firefighting, hazardous materials response, EMS, and rescue/major rescue. According to Koepp, they participate in a lot of training for low frequency, high risk situations. Training of some kind takes place every day from 9:30 a.m. to Noon. In between runs, the men at Central Station check and fix equipment, hit the workout facility, debrief, handle meal prep and more.

“We want to provide the assurance to people that when we aren’t on a run, we are spending our time getting ready for the run,” Koepp says. “And that takes a lot of time and energy.”

Full Circle

In 2023, Koepp will retire after 25 years of service to the St. Clair Shores Fire Department. Ironically, he’s planning a second career as a teacher, the profession he decided against in college. He’s completing his master’s degree.

“I’m not looking to be a high school teacher. I want to help working adults achieve another level of education or gain skills and knowledge that will help advance them in their careers.”

As for leaving the fire department next year, he’s ready to finish strong.

“When I take a second to look back at my career here, I feel satisfied that I was able to make the impact that I wanted to make. When I finally do leave, I’ll go with my head held high.”

RYAN KOEPP'SFavorites

Music Genre: Americana and Blue Grass Movie: Inception Books: Getting Things Done: The Art of Stress-Free Productivity by David Allen, The Fine Art of Cabinet Making by James Krenov, to name a few

Hobby: Day Hiking and Traditional Woodworking Place You’ve Traveled: Ethiopia Spot in SCS: Veterans Memorial Park

(L-R) Battalion Chief Ryan Koepp, Battalion Chief Adam Walleman, Driver/Engineer Michael Haddad, Firefighter Aaron Piper and Firefighter Jamie Maier

McWarm

Volunteers Provide Shelter, Food & Clothing for Those in Need

BY ANNA SWARTZ

McWarm exists because a deacon saw a newspaper article about a person found frozen and dead in a dumpster, says Father Ron DeHondt of St. Margaret of Scotland Church. The news bothered the deacon so much that he asked if the church could open the gym as a warming center. Father Ron agreed. That was 20 years ago.

Since then, the program has expanded its operations to serve two hot meals, offer shower facilities, provide an extensive supply of clothing items/footwear and laundry services. Guests always leave with an additional bagged meal and, if needed, a bus ticket. People travel from as far as Pontiac to utilize McWarm’s services.

In addition, Macomb County Health Department and Macomb County Mental Health and other organizations are often onsite to offer free vaccinations, health screenings and assistance with finding a job or housing. This is a oneof-a-kind local ministry that offers necessities for anyone in need, not just the homeless. Preparation is year-round for the approximately 100 to 130 people who will enter their doors every Monday, Wednesday and Friday from November 1 through March 31.

Keeping McWarm operational is no easy task. According to McWarm Director Carolyn Johnson, 40 volunteers are needed each time St. Margaret’s opens its doors at 7 a.m. and closes them at 1 p.m. Volunteers come early and stay late. Local schools such as De La Salle Collegiate and Regina High School have volunteered. Some former clients, now back on their feet, have come to McWarm to return the favor.

Johnson was approached recently by someone who previously benefitted from McWarm: “I was going into mass on a Friday, and a woman was shouting – ‘Carolyn, I love you! I got a job now; I got a car.’ I said - on your days off, just come back and help us.”

Karen Hutchcraft, who co-chairs the Clothing Closet with Gene Downey, estimates that McWarm went through about $53,000 worth of items during the 2021-2022 season. This included a bit more than clothing, as they also provide essentials such as backpacks, sheets, sleeping bags and blankets.

Abby Doppke is in her first year helping with McWarm. She helped raise $2,500 at the Tunnel of Lights in 2021 at Blossom Heath by selling hot chocolate. Michael O’Keefe, another McWarm volunteer, organizes an annual golf outing in his late wife’s honor. Money raised from last years outing allowed them to purchase commercial washing machines. As the program requires a great deal of financial support,

they are brainstorming other fundraising ideas. Father Ron also said that some local parishes give a portion of their tithe money to McWarm on a regular basis.

In the end, McWarm is about putting faith into action. Father Ron describes McWarm as relational – “That’s really part of the program, to let them tell their story, where they have come from, how they have sometimes been successful in a job and because of illness or even mental illness, they lost their positions. It doesn’t take much to lose your house and to be on the street. So, I think getting to know people as human beings, as brothers and sisters, and getting them the help...with the limited resources that we have. Mostly it’s a place where they can be safe.”

How You Can Help McWarm

Volunteer

Help is needed in the kitchen, clothing closet, laundry.

Host a Food Drive Needed Items Include: Nonperishables, specifically soups and veggies. Gift cards for grocery stores to buy meat and produce (Meijer, Kroger, Gordon Food Service)

Host a Clothing Drive (new or gently used)

Needed Items Include:

Winter hats and gloves, long john underwear (all sizes), winter coats (men and womens), zip-up sweatshirts (mens and womens)

Give Winter Boots (new or gently used)

In need of mens size 9-12 and womens size 6-10

If you buy a new pair at Chester Boot Shop, 28037 Gratiot in Roseville, give them your old pair to repair and give to McWarm.

If you are interested in volunteering, message McWarm at facebook.com/McWarm-107623891732235. If that is not possible, contact Abby Doppke at (586) 612-9045. Any food or clothing donations can be dropped off at St. Margaret’s between 7 a.m. and 1 p.m., Monday, Wednesday and Friday.

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THE

CENTER AT pare

Housing a Lot of Love, Support for SCS and Beyond

“Pare is my happy place,” says Tom Cleaver of We Are Here Foundation. “I pop in every day around lunchtime.”

It’s a good thing Cleaver enjoys coming to Pare. If it weren’t for him, it’s likely that the former elementary school would have remained empty. Cleaver said he was contacted about seven years ago about overhauling the building. At the time, it had been sitting unoccupied for six years.

Cleaver forms his work crew from those in Macomb County with minor offenses looking for community service hours. This is how the We Are Here Foundation turned Pare Elementary into a thriving nonprofit center.

“It went from an eyesore to a very, very valuable resource to the community,” Cleaver said.

We Are Here Foundation continues to keep Pare running smoothly, by taking care of to-do lists left by the nonprofits, doing security sweeps around the building and throwing out trash. They also rearrange the former gymnasium for special events such as blood drives. All of this is done on Sundays with a crew of about six to nine guys.

So, thanks to Cleaver and his crew, The Nonprofit Center at Pare is thriving. It’s home to Big Family of Michigan, Gilda’s Club, Shorewood Kiwanis, Kids on the Go and Ribbons of Hope. We Are Here utilizes it too. Let’s dig in and find out about these valuable resources nestled in the heart of St. Clair Shores.

We Are Here Foundation

We are Here is one of the six organizations that occupies what is now called The Nonprofit Center at Pare. Headquartered in Mt. Clemens, it utilizes Pare as a storage facility – and as Cleaver’s favorite lunch spot.

We Are Here is a fitting name for a foundation that helps in such a wide variety of ways. They have donated $1.8 Million in school furniture to financially strapped districts. In addition, they have removed over 10.2 million pounds of debris from the Great Lakes since 1998. They’ve sponsored the Nautical Coast Cleanups for 27 years.

Shorewood Kiwanis

One of the two Kiwanis groups based in St. Clair Shores, Shorewood follows the mission of Kiwanis International: “improving the world one child and one community at a time.”

Much of their work is childcentric, such as Christmas in July which allows underprivileged children to go shopping for back-to-school clothes. Their Dictionary Program provides every third grader with a premium dictionary – equipped with extra facts about U.S. states and presidents, world maps and information about each country, planets, multiplication facts and more. Supporting four children's hospitals, scholarship programs for graduating seniors and giving diapers for Gianna House in Eastpointe are other examples. The group also coordinates a special outing for developmentally

Over the last 25 years, Cleaver estimates that the city of St. Clair Shores has benefited from millions of dollars of the foundation’s help. This includes lake cleanup, the gifting of both furniture and laptops to South Lake and Lake Shore Schools, and labor for local organizations such as the Pare nonprofits and Wigs 4 Kids. It also fully furnished the rooms at Pare. Staples is a kind partner to We Are Here, donating loads of new furniture or like-new items such as desks and cubicles that can be repurposed.

Donated boats, cars and motorcycles fund the organization’s expenses.

To get in touch with We Are Here, go to weareherefoundation.org or call (586) 463-9400.

disabled children from Macomb County at Reflections on Ice, put on by the St. Clair Shores Figure Skating Club at Civic Arena.

Other heartwarming examples of Shorewood volunteer service falls under the umbrella of general kindness to humanity, which often indirectly or directly affects kids too. For example, they purchased a Lucas 3 Chest Compression Device for the St. Clair Shores Fire Department (that is not cheap, folks). Shorewood’s fundraisers make their philanthropic work possible. The Harper Charity Cruise in August is their biggest opportunity to raise money for their important work.

For more information about shorewood, go to k05139.site.kiwanis.org

BY ANNA SWARTZ (L-R): Erine Buchler, Lori Grimsley, Paul Grosshans, Dianne Deyonker, Mike Deneweth and Rosanne Minne

Photo courtesy of Shorewood Kiwanis

Gilda’s Club

Perhaps no one understands better than Christina Lombardo just exactly how important a role Gilda’s Club can play in someone’s cancer journey. She first came to The Lake House (which merged to become Gilda’s in 2019) for support as a breast cancer patient. She found the work so helpful that she wanted to give back, so she signed up as a volunteer. Now she is employed at the St. Clair Shores location as a program coordinator.

“It really is a community, so no one faces cancer alone,” Lombardo says. Anyone affected by cancer – from the person diagnosed to their family and friends or those who have lost a loved one – has a safe space at Gilda’s. Since 1998, more than 10,000 individuals and families have visited the St. Clair Shores, Royal Oak or Detroit locations. Many are also

Big Family of Michigan

Big Family’s founder Jeanne Fowler endured the nightmare of growing up in an abusive home, even losing her three-year-old brother Peter at the hands of their mother. Such tragedy fueled a desire in Fowler to provide support and love to children who need it most. And so, Big Family of Michigan was born in 2002. It services foster children (over 13,000 live in the state), institutionalized children and grandchildren raised by grandparents (142,000 live in Michigan). Forty-five of Michigan’s 83 counties, including the Upper Penninsula, have utilized Big Family’s services.

Twenty years later, and seven years after Fowler’s death, Big Family continues the mission of helping some of the state’s most vulnerable youth. At The Nonprofit Center at Pare, President Sharon McCaughrin walks among the high stacks of shelving in what was formerly Pare Elementary School’s gymnasium. The first row is overflowing with backpacks followed by school supplies. She points out the aisle that stores “Birthdays in a Bag” – including everything from invites, favors, decorations and cake mixes.

Multiple rows are dedicated to their Aging Out Program, which provides household items such as dishes, flatware, coffee pots, toasters, pots/pans, bedding, bath towels and cleaning supplies.

The greatest need filled by Big Family is their Christmas Program. Based on a child’s wish list, they are given seven new, wrapped gifts including clothes, winter coats, toys, games, books, personal care items, blankets and more. Multiple rooms at Pare are dedicated to Big Family’s

part of Gilda’s virtual community. All services are completely free. Programs include support and networking groups, diagnosis-specific groups, healthy lifestyle groups such as chair yoga or karma-yoga meditation, social programs and more.

Rachelle Felty, LMSW, program manager at the St. Clair Shores location, is thrilled to be at Gilda’s after working as a clinical social worker in a Kentucky hospital’s oncology unit. At her previous job, she would often refer families to Gilda’s.

“It’s really rewarding for me that we wrap people in a community of support,” Felty says.

The organization’s namesake, Detroiter Gilda Radner, was an original cast member of “Saturday Night Live” who passed away from ovarian cancer in 1989. Her legacy lived on when her husband Gene Wilder opened the first Gilda’s Club in New York City. Gilda’s Club Metro Detroit is part of the Cancer Support Community. Together, they are part of a network that has 175 locations worldwide, including 52 licensed affiliates and health care partnerships.

New member meetings at Gilda’s in St. Clair Shores are held on Wednesdays at 10 a.m. in St. Clair Shores. These meetings can also be attended virtually upon request. (Membership gives you access to services, but all services are free.)

For more information about Gilda’s, go to gildaclubdetroit. org or call the St. Clair Shores location at (586) 777-7761.

Christmas Program alone, as donations come in year-round, and volunteers begin wrapping gifts in October.

In 2021, Big Family provided Christmas to almost 1,700 children, and the goal is to help 2,000 this year. Last year, backpacks/school supplies went to just under 1,500 children, Birthdays in a Bag to 70, Aging Out Program supplies to 26. They also provided a $5,000 scholarship to a foster child in her senior year at Wayne State University.

To learn more about Big Family, go to bigfamilyofmi.org or call (586) 415-6968.

(L-R)

Judith Claus, Diana Clark, Janet Clark, (behind Janet) Judy Wendler, Judy Molitor and Sharon Steen

Photo courtesy of Big Family

Christina Lombardo, left, and Rachelle Felty

Pare continued

Kids on the Go

During the early years of her work as a speech pathologist, Kristy Schena discovered that most insurance companies did not have benefits for children with special needs, and the out-of-pocket costs were often too expensive for these families. She decided to do something about it. Her solution was the creation of Kids on the Go (KOTG) in 1999.

Since its inception, it has provided special needs children (3-17) with free physical, occupational, speech and recreational therapies both over the summer months and during the school year. The organization has awarded 4,000 scholarships to date, thanks to the generosity of countless donors, charitable organizations and grants.

An entire hallway at Pare is dedicated to KOTG. Activities in each room range from “Teens to Work” (career readiness skills), “Better Letters” handwriting, social skills, adaptive theater, robotics, bucket drumming and multidisciplinary summer camp. These are a handful of the more than 50 classes offered. Movement- or athletic-themed classes tend to take place off-site. These include bike riding, adaptive dance, youth boxing, Little Sluggers, Friendship Cheer and dance. Check the website to see what classes are offered in the fall/winter months: kidsonthegocamp.com

“When I reflect on the growth of KOTG, I am humbled and honored to have worked with so many children and their families and to see their growth and celebrate some special milestones – first words, learning to ride a bike or read a book, making friends, and even high school and college graduations. I continue to be inspired by these

stories and have been blessed to work with an incredible therapy team/staff, board of directors, and our donors who keep us “going” and growing.”

KOTG is available to children in Macomb, Wayne and Oakland counties. A newer branch of KOTG is in Traverse City and services those in Grand Traverse County.

For more information about KOTG, go to kidsonthegocamp.com or call (313) 332-1026.

Ribbons of Hope

Sisters Mj Gaspar and Jennie Spring’s mission is to provide comfort items for those touched by cancer, Alzheimer's and autism. Their goal hits close to home. Gaspar beat breast cancer twice. Spring’s husband is a colon cancer survivor. Their mother and aunt both died of Alzheimer's. These hardships brought about a sense of purpose to help others.

Today, one primary focus of Ribbons of Hope is to donate two special items, a Box of Hope and a Hope Tote, to cancer patients. The tote contains a journal and a heart-shaped pillow for women receiving lumpectomies. A great deal of thought and care goes into these items, all handmade by Michigan artisans. They’re designed to solve problems and ease pain for patients.

The box consists of two drain pouch pockets, a journal, a heart-shaped pillow and candle. Both the box tote and box include a pillow specifically designed to be worn under the

arm to provide a cushion for an incision, port or to provide relief from discomfort. In the box are the two pockets, one to wear around the neck to hold a drain tube under clothes and one made of quick-dry netting to wear in the shower. “Because I’ve gone through [breast cancer treatment] personally, to help anyone in any way, to make others more comfortable, it means a lot,” Gaspar says. In total, eight hospitals and doctor offices utilize Ribbon of Hope’s donated boxes and totes for patients. In 2021, the nonprofit donated close to 400 boxes and about 100 totes.

Funding for the boxes and totes comes from the sale of apparel, jewelry and gifts – all of which are comfort items of their own. In fact, bracelets made by Gaspar for Spring and some fellow friends/cancer patients were what started it all. Cancer ribbons of various colors, as well as purple and forgetme-not flowers for Alzheimer’s, are incorporated into designs. A portion of sales are donated to cancer, Alzheimer’s and autism programs.

Autism is incorporated into their mission because of Gaspar’s work as a paraprofessional with autistic children in the Grosse Pointe School District. Ribbons of Hope has helped spread awareness for the local nonprofit Jack’s Place for Autism. Spring originally designed t-shirts for the organization.

To learn more about Ribbons of Hope, go to ribbonshope.org or call (313) 977-0103.

Box of Hope Photo courtesy of Ribbons of Hope

Recreational Therapist Cris Belanger with Caden Wettstein and Tommy Haggerty Photo courtesy of Kids on The Go

FAMILYlife

ThisseriesfollowsSt.ClairShoresresidentGeorge Arsenault’sjourney.Now95yearsyoung,George looksbackatwhatitwasliketoraiseafamilyof19.

A Trio of Holidays

BY GEORGE ARSENAULT

EATS TREATS&

BY SANDRA KRAVITZ AND JIMMY MAZZOLA

With the arrival of autumn, much-cherished holidays began to occupy the minds of our 17 children.

“The best costumes are right from your imagination,” my wife Delores said each October. The children and Delores created disguises for the special night. The previous Easter, Delores had designed a rabbit costume. This became a coveted item during Halloween and, year after year, different people found their way inside it. Delores was the first.

Thanksgiving quickly followed Halloween, giving us another memorable event. The entire family would participate in the Thanksgiving Day decorations including a large Christmas tree we cut from a tree farm up north. It was fully decorated in preparation for the big family turkey dinner. Delores’ famous apple and pumpkin pies were always staples, along with a large ham sliced by my salvaged butcher slicer I had bought from GM, where I worked, when they redid the Fleetwood plant cafeteria.

And then, suddenly, Christmas was right around the corner. Delores would say to the children: “Santa Claus has put a list with your names on the bulletin board. So, after your name, add one or two things you might want from Santa for Christmas." “I don’t believe in Santa Claus,” someone said. “Neither do I,” another chimed in. “Well,” Delores said, “Only those who believe...receive.” They all became believers right then and there.

95-year-old George Arsenault has been a St. Clair Shores resident for over 26 years. He worked for GM, retiring after 36 years, and then retired from Chrysler Motor in 1996 after eight years. He worked as a financial analyst, computer programmer and systems director. He raised a family of 19 in the Grosse Pointes before moving to St. Clair Shores.

When

the leaves start changing this fall, it's time to cozy up with a cup of fresh brewed coffee and a heart-warming fall dessert like this pie from our baker Michele Campbell.

Cider Bourbon Apple Pie with Oatmeal Cookie Crumble

One pie crust (homemade or store bought)

Filling

6 large apples, peeled and thinly sliced

2 ½ tablespoons flour

½ teaspoon cinnamon

½ cup bourbon

½ cup apple cider

½ cup loosely packed brown sugar

3 tablespoons unsalted butter

1 teaspoons vanilla extract

Oatmeal Cookie Crumble

1 ½ cup old-fashioned oats

¾ cup loosely packed brown sugar

¼ cup all-purpose flour

¼ teaspoon cinnamon

¼ teaspoon salt

6 tablespoon unsalted butter, softened

Preheat oven to 375 degrees. Add the apples to a large bowl, toss with flour and cinnamon. In a small saucepan, combine the bourbon, cider, sugar, butter and vanilla extract. Bring to a boil, then reduce to a simmer and cook for 5-6 minutes, until slightly thickened. Pour it over the apples and toss.

Roll the pie crust into a 12-inch circle and place in a 9-inch pie plate. Trim any excess off the edge. Add the apples over the crust.

Combine oats, sugar, flour, cinnamon and salt in a large bowl. Add butter and use your hands or fork to crumble and toss into the mixture. Combine for up to 5 minutes until incorporated and crumbly. Sprinkle over the apples.

Bake the pie for 45-50 minutes – until the crust and crumble topping are golden. Check the pie halfway through and if browning too quickly, cover edges with foil. Let the pie cool for up to an hour before serving.

Siblings Sandra Kravitz and Jimmy Mazzola recently purchased the popular Cheesecake Shoppe in St. Clair Shores. Sandra and Jimmy, along with master baker Kim Knuth, have been collaborating their business and baking efforts to perfect the community’s favorite desserts and coffee drinks. The Cheesecake Shoppe specializes in custom cakes, cupcakes and tartlets for all of life’s special occasions.

(L-R) Master Baker Kim Knuth with Co-owners Jimmy Mazzola and Sandra Kravitz the shores

FROMpageant platformTO

Miss SCS & Miss SCS Outstanding Teen Are Ready to Make an Impact

BY ANNA SWARTZ

Residents

have likely seen Miss St. Clair Shores and Miss St. Clair Shores Outstanding Teen singing the national anthem at a community event or waving from a vehicle in the Memorial Day Parade. But some may not be aware of the service-oriented passion and world-changing mindset that these young women must exude to win their titles. On July 30, these qualities and more are exactly why Izzy Wallace was crowned Miss St. Clair Shores, and why Grace Hanke was named Miss St. Clair Shores Outstanding Teen.

Social Impact Initiatives

Proof of these qualities is evident in their thoughtful social impact initiatives, which will play an important role in what Wallace and Hanke do with their platforms over the next year.

Wallace's initiative, "Success by Professional Development," focuses on helping those with disabilities succeed in the professional world. She writes about “a significant gap in understanding the capabilities of this population by businesses and adversely, those with disabilities are led to believe they are incapable of working at a large company. By educating business professionals to eradicate the stigma, on top of providing young adults with disabilities with resources to secure a job, I can bridge the gap between the two.”

Wallace has put her initiative into practice by creating a program to prepare young adults for the professional world and hosting a “Success by Professional Development” event. Thus far, five young adults have gained employment due to her work. She also plans to host programs in both St. Clair Shores and Grand Rapids (where she currently works as a sales manager at Pepsi). She would also like to speak in classrooms. It was Wallace’s younger brother with autism spectrum disorder who inspired her to create this initiative.

Hanke chose a social impact initiative relatable for all teens, “Social Media vs. Reality: The Impact on SelfPerception." She wants to bring attention to “the issue of unrealistic expectations presented on social media...where teens compare their bodies and lives.” Hanke plans to use her platform to promote authenticity with unedited images and a combination of the good and the bad in daily life.

“We should stop worrying about what others think and express a more genuine view of our lives,” Hanke wrote in

her social impact initiative essay. Hanke hopes to establish events at local middle schools to speak with young teens about the impact of authentic expression on social media and its positive influence on mental health.

A Beloved Local Tradition

Wallace and Hanke’s tiaras and sashes were won in the Miss St. Clair Shores Scholarship program, which is Michigan’s longest consecutive running Miss America preliminary. Both completed a personal interview, on-stage question and talent segment of the competition. Wallace was also required to pitch her social impact initiative onstage and compete in red carpet/evening wear. Hanke also completed a fitness portion which was “more about energy and drive,” she says.

The Miss St. Clair Shores Scholarship Program started in 1954. Those with the Miss St. Clair Shores title go on to compete in the Miss Michigan pageant. Two women crowned Miss Michigan—Sherry Agnello in 1973 and Angela Venditti in 2012 – began their journey as Miss St. Clair Shores. The Outstanding Teen program began in 1993. Pageant participants must live, work or go to school in Macomb County and be 18-26 (Miss SCS) or 13-18 (Teen). The program is in good hands, as Executive Director Elizabeth Munger has been at the helm for 20 years. She has been part of the program since the early 1990s.

Left: Miss St. Clair Shores Izzy Wallace Right: Miss St. Clair Shores Outstanding Teen Grace Hanke

Photos courtesy of Sara-rose Melby

“I’ve been to every Miss Michigan since 1994,” Munger says. “I fell in love with it and have had a great time with the girls. It’s a wonderful program to work with. My part-time job is my paying job. My full-time job is all the volunteer work that I do.”

In addition to working with the pageant each year, Munger helps the scholarship program raise funds through the Lac Sainte Clair Art Fair. She is also on the Lake Shore Schools Board and the St. Clair Shores Activities Committee.

Support for Each Other

Wallace, a recent Michigan State graduate, hails from Washington Township. She received a $1,500 educational scholarship and $1,250 to fund her competition wardrobe for the Miss Michigan pageant next June. Hanke is a St. Clair Shores native and Lake Shore High student. She was awarded $350, which covers the pageant entry fee, and a wardrobe prep fund of $500 for Miss Michigan Outstanding Teen Pageant.

Wallace and Hanke will be spending a lot of time together over the coming year, as they attend community and pageant-related events. You’ll likely bump into them at the Farmers Market, Halloween in the Park, Tree Lighting and more.

LEGAL TIPSSmart

Are No-Fault Auto Insurance Companies Helping Michigan Motorists?

BY BILL BOYER

In 2019, the Michigan legislature passed a law to limit no-fault benefits for those injured in car accidents. Even while motorists enjoyed $400 refunds from their insurance companies, the law resulted in unintended consequences for those who were catastrophically injured in car accidents.

Even if an accident happened years ago, insurance companies reduced no-fault benefits for those who require 24/7 care to survive. They can now only receive up to 56 hours per week/ eight hours per day, even if the original policy states otherwise. In addition, care providers for those with catastrophic injuries have seen their fees cut by 45%, making it impossible to continue caring for these patients.

University of Michigan studies show the law has not met what the legislature intended. An auto insurance comparison marketplace that collects rate information shows that reforms have lowered some costs but also created major problems. They include:

• Average insurance rates fell 18%, still leaving Michigan with the highest average insurance costs in the country.

• Detroit rates account for 18% of the median household income, while the Department of Transportation defines auto insurance as affordable when it costs no more than 2% of a household’s income.

• Insurance costs are still highly correlated with race, more so than geography.

• Capped medical fees are stringent compared with national peers, causing a crisis in access to care for victims of catastrophic accidents that occurred prior to reform.

Shortly after the pageant, the two girls met up at a coffee shop.

“It was so good getting to know Grace,” Wallace said. “We didn’t know each other til we were both crowned. She is such a sweetheart. I know we are going to have the best year together.”

Follow Along with Izzy and Grace

Facebook: MissStClairShores

Instagram:

The good news: on August 25, 2022, the Michigan Court of Appeals held that the above attendant care restrictions are unconstitutional as applied to those who bought their auto insurance policies prior to the 2019 amendments. It remains to be seen if this opinion will be appealed to the Michigan Supreme Court or even if the Michigan Supreme Court will hear the case. Stayed tuned.

Bill Boyer is the founding member of The Boyer Law Group PLLC and has over 26 years of experience as a personal injury attorney. Bill has obtained some of the largest verdicts and settlements in Michigan against insurance companies and those who have caused the injuries to others. Boyer Law Group is located at 43805 Van Dyke Ave., Ste. A in Sterling Heights. You can reach Bill at (586) 7317400 or Billjr@BoyerLawPLLC.com

GARDENING LANDSCAPING&

FALL MUST-DOS TO PROTECT YOUR PLANTS, LAWN

BY KIMBERLY SOULLIERE

IMPROVEMENThome

NOW’S THE TIME TO WINTER PROOF YOUR HOME

BY CHRISTOPHER REDZINIAK

Inspect

your landscape beds and prepare your plants and lawn for the arrival of the colder months. Pay special attention to your lawn and especially the soil, the unsung hero. It’s a good idea to test the soil now for PH, micro and macro nutrient levels so you can amend any imbalances before spring. Fertilize the lawn and plant grass seed if needed.

Next, trim any dead foliage and add compost to the landscape beds. Dig up bulbs that will not winter over like dahlias, cannas and caladium. After drying the bulbs and dusting off the dirt, store them in a bag or box with peat moss in a cool, dark place.

Also, keep in mind that fall is the ideal time to plant trees, shrubs and perennials (new or divided). It gives them time to establish a strong root system for the spring.

Rake and fluff up the existing mulch in beds, allowing water to get in and around your plants. It also aerates the soil to prevent disease from harboring. If you need to add mulch, a two- to three-inch cover around trees and plants is good. Refresh your planters and planting boxes, taking out tired annuals. Plant some fall mums, asters and kale that will last far into late fall and early winter. If we do not get much rain in the fall, water everything before turning the water off for the year. Go into the winter with moist soil.

My favorite part: place a bird feeder in a location you can easily see while in the house. You will be amazed at all the beautiful birds you can attract during even the coldest months.

Kimberly Soulliere is a co-owner of Soulliere Landscaping Garden Center in St. Clair Shores. She is a member of Michigan Nursery and Landscape Association. Kim loves spending time outdoors, gardening, cooking and baking.

Before you hang up the holiday decorations, finish your fall cleanup and rest easy for the harsh late fall and winter months. Here’s a checklist to make sure your home is winter proofed.

1. Pick up those loose branches, sticks and yard rubbish around your home, garage and any other structures on your property. Look for any nesting sites that critters have started and remove them from your yard. Open holes, gaps in your foundation, dryer and air vent openings are perfect spots for mice to nest during the upcoming winter months.

2. Crawl into your attic and inspect for any moisture or soft areas of concern that may indicate the start of a roof leak. Check your insulation levels, any gable vents and exhaust venting connected to your bathroom and kitchen appliances. Take photos of any areas of concern and check back in a few days or weeks for comparison. Act right away if you notice a drastic change.

3. Remove your window screens once you are ready to lock up and secure the house for winter heat. Your screening material holds the water, ice and dirt all winter, causing drooping, snags and moisture damage.

4. Concrete and salt are not friends, and most concrete pours are not warrantied when salt is used and damage occurs. Be prepared for the early snow that comes in November by purchasing calcium chloride for new concrete pours that are less than 12 months old. Salt in general should be avoided on concrete to prevent pitting, cracks and weakening the slab, step or decorative concrete you have installed this year. Start looking for calcium chloride now and stock up.

Christopher Redziniak is a co-owner of Red Baron Enterprises, LLC, serving Southeastern Michigan, and is a second-generation handyman. He is active in working within our community, encouraging, and supporting other family-owned businesses in the area.

ST. CLAIR SHORES

halloween tour

Check Out the Top 20 Best Displays in the City

BY ANNA SWARTZ

Looking for a fun, free, spooky activity in your city this Halloween season? St. Clair Shores resident Jessica Krutell has the perfect idea. In 2019, she co-founded the city’s popular St. Clair Shores Halloween Tour, a curated list of the best Halloween displays in the city. The top 20 homes are selected by the organization’s board based on criteria such as originality, store bought vs. homemade mix, lights and attention to detail. (Last year, 50 hopefuls submitted applications.) This year, the tour will be held on Sunday, October 23 and Saturday, October 29 (with Sunday, October 30 as a rain date). Kid-friendly hours are 6-7 p.m., and the monsters will be out from 7-9 p.m.

“Year over year the tour has grown in popularity, resulting in an estimated 2,000 attendees in 2021,” Krutell said. “We provide the addresses and a map. A lot of the houses feature fog, lighting and sound effects and some even have live actors!” This is primarily a driving tour, although some prefer to bike. Residents can also park and get out for a closer look at the displays.

Krutell was originally inspired to start the tour because of a dollhouse-themed Halloween display she and her late mother Carolyn set up for a decade on Erben Street. Krutell always made sure she took Halloween night off work so that she could be at her mother’s on Halloween. It was a hot spot for trick-or-treaters, attracting around 300 each year. Bonus: Krutell got to scare all of them. Carolyn Krutell passed away from Covid-19 in April of 2021, and they keep the tour alive in her honor.

For Krutell, the Halloween Tour is a win-win she says, because she is doing something she loves. Even the way she was introduced to her husband Mike Miller correlates.

“We like to say we met in the middle of the woods covered in blood (fake, of course) – it just sounds better that way,” she says. “I met my husband while working at Scarefest Scream Park over a decade ago.” Krutell has worked in the haunted

house industry for over 15 years as an actor, manager and designer. She also acted at Haunted Hollows and Sinister Haunted House over the years. Krutell and Miller have also worked for Rotten Manor located in Holly, Michigan for the past four years.

“Outside of the haunt industry, I am also a paranormal investigator for Mystic Mitten Paranormal,” Krutell says. “We are a female-led paranormal group that provides our services and consultations free of charge. Halloween is more than just a holiday for me, it’s my lifestyle.”

To find out which houses made it on the list of this year’s Top 20 Halloween displays, look for updates on St. Clair Shores Halloween Tour at facebook.com/scshalloween. You can also check the tour out on Instagram @scshalloweentour.

Previously featured homes on the St. Clair Shores Halloween Tour Photos by Jessica Krutell

HAPPENINGS shores YOUR COMMUNITY CALENDAR

ST. CLAIR SHORES PUBLIC LIBRARY

The library is located at 22500 Eleven Mile Road. Take & Make Craft Mondays in October and November

Children ages two and up can have fun with a Take & Make craft activity every Monday. Bags containing supplies and instructions can be picked up during library hours from the bin outside the library, while supplies last.

SOCIAL DISTRICT SATURDAY

Second and fourth Saturday thru October

Greater Mack between 9 Mile and 9 Mack Drive

Downtown SCS will be closed from 5 p.m.-Midnight. Residents can enjoy games, vendors, food trucks and live entertainment. Entry is free. Bands will play starting at 7 p.m.

October 8 – Jody Raffoul Band

October 22 – Mainstream Drive

YARDENERS

St. Clair Shores Public Library, 22500 Eleven Mile Road Monday, October 10 at 7 p.m.

This is my favorite garden tool! Presentation

Join this local gardening-focused group as they share their favorite tools for playing in the dirt. They will take a few minutes to share their story as to why a certain tool is their go to choice in the garden. Be ready to share your own story to help everyone grow in their knowledge of different tools and their uses.

FARMERS MARKET

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

Blossom Heath Park, 24800 Jefferson (south of 10 Mile Road)

Live music, food trucks and traveling beer garden

COMMUNITY GARDEN

The garden is located behind the Civic Arena, 20000 Stephens. Fall Into Fun Fest

Sunday, October 16, 2-4 p.m.

This free event will include pumpkin painting, story time, costumes, cider and donuts. It is open to both residents and non-residents. SKELEBRATION

Saturday, October 22, Noon-5 p.m.

Greater Mack between 9 Mile and 9 Mack Drive

In Downtown St. Clair Shores, enjoy a Halloween Dance Party, trick-ortreating and dance performances. For more details, go to facebook.com/ DowntownStClairShores. After Skelebration, join in the last Social District Saturday (also downtown) starting at 5 p.m.

HALLOWEEN IN THE PARK

Sunday, October 23, 1-4 p.m.

Veterans Memorial Park

300 children per half hour are allowed. You must buy wristbands in advance at the Civic Arena, 2000 Stephens. This is open to Shores residents and their guests. For more information, call St. Clair Shores Parks and Recreation at (586) 445-5350.

MEET LOCAL CHILDREN’S AUTHOR LINDSAY GIZICKI

The Art Shack, 23707 Jefferson, SCS Sunday, October 23, Noon-2 p.m. St. Clair Shores resident Lindsay Gizicki is the author of “The Pirate Doctor” and “To the Moon and Back.” At this special event, she will be reading and selling books, and guests can enjoy free pirate-themed arts and crafts. No RSVP necessary.

SCS HALLOWEEN TOUR

Sunday, October 23, 6-7 p.m. (kid-friendly) & 7-9 p.m. Saturday, October 29, 6-7 p.m. (kid-friendly) & 7-9 p.m. (Sunday, October 30 is the rain date.)

The city’s popular St. Clair Shores Halloween Tour is a curated list of the 20 best Halloween displays in the city. To find out which houses made it on the list of this year’s Top 20 Halloween displays, look for updates on St. Clair Shores Halloween Tour at facebook.com/scshalloween

SELINSKY-GREEN HISTORICAL MUSEUM

The museum is located behind the St. Clair Shores Public Library, 22500 Eleven Mile Road.

Museum Tours

October & November, every Wednesday and Saturday from 1-4 p.m. All Hallow’s Eve

Saturday, October 29, 1-4 p.m.

Registration opened September 26 and ends October 24. This is a children’s Halloween event by donation. It will include a dangling donuts contest, fortune telling games and storytelling. Open to residents and non-residents. Costumes are encouraged. Registration is required: call (586) 771-9020 or stop by the library’s front desk.

Marzipan Candy Making Class

Saturday, November 5, 1-4 p.m.

Registration begins October 10. Museum Curator Kim Parr will teach the class how to create traditional marzipan candy shapes while giving a history of this historical treat. The class includes instruction and supplies. This event is open to St. Clair Shores residents only. The cost is $15 per student with a limit of 12 students. Tickets are non-refundable. To register, call (586) 7719020 or stop by the library’s front desk.

Historical Mincemeat Cooking Demonstration

Saturday, November 19, 1 – 4 p.m

Learn how mincemeat was historically prepared for the holiday season. The recipe will be cooked by historically dressed reenactors using the farmhouse’s wood/coal-fired cookstove. No food can be given to the public to eat, due to food handling laws. This is only a demonstration. This event is free to the public, but donations are welcomed. No registration is required, and it is open to residents and non-residents.

TUNNEL OF LIGHTS

Late November through Mid-January Blossom Heath Park, 24800 Jefferson

For details, stay tuned to facebook.com/st.clairshoresparksandrecreation

ST. CLAIR SHORES TREE LIGHTING

December TBD St. Clair Shores City Hall, 27600 Jefferson

For the date and details, stay tuned to facebook.com/ st.clairshoresparksandrecreation

AROUND TOWNsnapshots

CRUISIN' AT THE BRUCE POST

Joe Ramsey with his 1932 Ford. The ’32 Ford took seven years to build.

Renee Ratterman with her B6 Mustang

Alan La Haise with his 1938 Ford. The build of the car was based on The Women Air Force Service Pilots (WASP), the logo for WASP is under neath the hood of the car.

Bob Woonton, left, and Ron Pleva barbecued free corn at the market

Jordan Harrison

Photos by Scott Whiteman

MARKET

STEPPING BACK IN TIME

Bennett’s Market & Baffin Brewing Company

Continuing the Legacy of a Community Gathering Spot

While almost a century separates the opening of Bennett’s Market and Baffin Brewing Company – these two businesses share a few notable similarities, including the address of 25113 Jefferson Avenue. Baffin, which opened in 2015, was the first of multiple successful breweries to stake a claim in St. Clair Shores in recent years. Bennett’s Market was the go-to local grocery with a full-time butcher, produce, frozen foods, soft drinks, candy, groceries and, yes, beer. Baffin is a local gathering spot, just like Bennett’s was the corner shop where you ran into neighbors or met up with friends to buy penny candy. This is the tale of two businesses and one brick structure that holds the stories of both.

The young couple had moved to Michigan soon after their wedding. Their son John Jr., who everyone called Jack, was born in 1919 in Detroit.

They rented the first farmhouse store from Nelson and Theresa Marack Labadie, who had decided to get out of the grocery business. At the time, John Bennett was an employee of the A&P grocery store chain in Detroit but felt that he could make a better living by opening his own store. Later, when Theresa Labadie died, the Labadie’s son Peter wanted the store back. So, in 1923, Bennett’s Market moved to a second location next door to their final address, where Baffin Brewing Company is located today.

In 1934, the Bennetts began construction on the building at 25113 Jefferson. There was one problem with the Jefferson lot, O’Brien recalls. A home was situated on it. The original plan was to tear down the home, but their friend Alex Harris purchased it for $1 and had it moved to Madison, where it remains today. Harris was a long-time employee of Bennett’s Market.

Generous, Kind and Fair

During the Great Depression and World War II, O’Brien says his great grandfather John was known for his generosity. He would give groceries to people with no jobs or barter with a mason or carpenter, for example.

“He forgave a lot of debt after the Depression,” O’Brien says. “The community rallied behind him because of that generosity and said, ‘There’s a good operator, let’s patronize him instead of going to the big stores.’ Sometimes we would see three generations coming into the store. The Bennetts were known as very kind, fair people and pillars of the community. They were very well respected.”

Three Generations

The Origin of Bennett’s Market

Mark O’Brien may be the chairman of Roy O’Brien Ford in St. Clair Shores, but Bennett’s Market was the first family business to steal his heart. Sweeping floors starting at the age of 9 and working there on weekends, holidays and summers while he studied at Michigan State University, he eventually returned as a partner in the business.

O’Brien’s great grandparents John and Helen Bennett, both Connecticut natives with Irish roots, opened their first market in the early 1920s on Jefferson in St. Clair Shores.

O’Brien had the privilege of working with both his great grandparents and his grandpa Jack Bennett. Jack married Ruth and adopted Beverly Lauffer, O’Brien’s mother. When John Bennett was semi-retired, he and his wife Helen would come to the market for four to five hours every day.

Digging up stories of his family’s past is joyful for O’Brien. How only his great grandmother Helen had adequate patience to stand behind the penny candy counter while children had trouble making up their minds. Or how, as a child, his mother would go to the market with friends from

Bennett’s Market circa the 1940s

Photo Courtesy of the St. Clair Shores Historical Commission

St. Gertrude School and Jack would promptly give them all oversized three-scoop ice cream cones.

Those years working closely with his Grandpa Jack is something that O’Brien cherishes: “Jack could have been a movie star, an actor, the mayor. I never heard my Grandpa Jack say a foul word about anybody... He always was respectful. He was a religious man...He was admired and revered by anyone who came into that little grocery store. He was the best tutor you could ask for, and the thing is, he didn’t even know he was mentoring me. I was just picking it up by osmosis. Just being around him made me realize how important being kind and friendly to people is... Nobody was a stranger to him.”

John Bennett died in 1979; Helen Bennett lived another six years. Bennett’s Market remained open until the mid1990s. O’Brien left Bennett’s Market in 1992, several years before his Grandpa Jack, who passed away around 1997.

Those In-Between Years

The roughly 20-year gap between the closing of Bennett’s Market and the opening of Baffin Brewing was when Mike’s Marine Supply used the building as a retail space. According to Joe VanderMarliere, co-owner of Baffin, Mike's expanded on the existing Bennett’s Market structure space for storage and customers that he’s still enjoying to this day. Mike’s eventually moved close by to 24910 Jefferson Avenue, leaving the building vacant again. Baffin eventually began leasing it and then bought the building about two years ago.

The Renovation Process

“I’m told it’s one of the oldest operating buildings in St. Clair Shores,” says VanderMarliere of his business. Walking through Baffin, an easy-to-spot relic of Bennett’s Market is an awkwardly placed window near the rear seating area. It was formerly a back window of the market. Now it’s a reminder of the past.

Ray Sesko of Sesko Construction, the contractor who handled the renovation of Baffin, describes other parts of the structure that are still intact. The structural elements are all still original, he says, including much of the brickwork,

Sesko recalls the layers of flooring – carpet, two layers of plywood, hardwood, tar paper, joists and then dirt –and how they gutted it all the way down to the joists. The hardwood floors, however, were repurposed and utilized for the wall under the large windows of the distillery room and on the pole barn-like doors.

Baffin Brewing Co.

While 34-year-old VanderMarliere may not have memories of Bennett’s Market, his father – a Lake Shore High graduate – certainly does. General Manager Sean Robertson and VanderMarliere say that it’s common for customers to come in and reminisce about their days visiting the market.

“You can start pinning down people’s age when they say 'I got penny candy here,' " Robertson says.'"

Since opening seven years ago, VanderMarliere says the reception from the community has been phenomenal. The bonus of having three additional breweries open in the city since then has been a welcome change too. Because of that, he says, St. Clair Shores has become more of a destination. It’s even allowed the breweries to sponsor events like AquaFest and ShoresToberFest, the last of which didn’t even exist before breweries showed up in town.

St. Clair Shores over the last 10 years has really evolved. We’ve become a much younger community... It’s been cool, especially growing up here and watching it all happen.”

To get in touch with the St. Clair Shores Historical Commission, send an email to historicalcommission@scsmi.net

In Collaboration with the St. Clair Shores Historical Commission

ceilings beams and the concrete floors in the back of the brewery.

Baffin General Manager Sean Robertson, left, and Baffin Co-Owner Joe VanderMarliere

Bennett’s Market circa 1985: (L-R) employee Alex Harris, Jack Bennett and customer Joe Courtesy of Mark O’Brien

A COMMUNITY OFgiving

Local nonprofits and volunteer organizations abound to support the SCS community. Whether you’re ready to push up your sleeves and get to work, make a monetary donation, or are looking for support – we hope that you hold onto this list. Consider this a sign to get involved or to find that family member or friend some much-needed help. While this list is by no means exhaustive, it is a great sampling of the good that surrounds us right here in the Shores.

BERNADETTE’S FAITH IN ACTION

20880 10 Mile Road, SCS

Barry Brockert & Dale Brockert

(586) 623-9371 (Barry) & (248) 214-2732 (Dale)

info@bfaithinaction.org bfaithinaction.org

Mission: A community outreach offering many programs: AA, NA, Embrace Grace, Food Pantry, Clothes Pantry, Baby Love Pantry, special needs group and classes for job seekers and budgeting.

Current Needs: 1) Embrace Grace: Looking for single moms to join. Need volunteers for different roles.

2) Baby Pantry: In need of diapers, wipes, powdered formula and volunteers for phones, etc.

Upcoming Events: Painting with a Verse monthly fundraiser. Various events throughout the year and daily classes, visit the website for details.

across the state of Michigan.

Current Needs: Donations for their Christmas Program. They served 1,691 kids in 2021, providing over 12,000 allnew and wrapped presents. They need volunteers to wrap, monetary donations, in-kind donations of new clothing and jackets (all sizes), kid gloves (boys), games, toys, dolls, puzzles, art supplies for kids and teens, education toys, crafts, legos, remote control toys, building models, blankets, stuffed animals and more.

Upcoming Event: Dueling Pianos Fundraiser in January 2023 (look for info on their website)

COPS FOR KIDS

27665 Jefferson, SCS

Sergeant Stephen Stindt

(586) 445-5300, ext. 1 (Front desk) stindt@scsmi.net

Facebook: St. Clair Shores Cops for Kids

Mission: Raises money and accepts new toy donations for a Christmas/holiday program that provides St. Clair Shores children in need a Christmas they might not normally have. The program is not strictly for the Christmas season. When police officers come across a situation where a child and/or family needs assistance, they attempt to help where they can.

Current Needs: They are always accepting cash and toy donations throughout the year. Current volunteers mainly consist of current police officers and their families.

DETROIT REGIONAL YACHT-RACING ASSOCATION

23915 Jefferson, Ste. 1, SCS

in the US and Canada, yachting and sail racing by amateur sailors (including junior and collegiate sailors) by all appropriate means, including the following: Establishing a high level of seamanship, boat handling and navigation of yachts; Encouraging ownership of boats and yachts and development of suitable seaworthy yachts for racing and cruising; Encouraging and improving the quality of standard racing instructions, coordinating racing schedules among clubs, advising member clubs, and providing judges on and off the water.

Current Needs: Volunteers are welcome to serve on Race Committee for the DRYA Regattas hosted by member clubs on Lake St. Clair. Volunteers are also welcome to support the Junior Sailing Regattas hosted by member clubs by working on Race Committee and serve as support safety boats.

Upcoming Events: Schedule can be found on drya.org

EDISON BOAT CLUB

23915 Jefferson, Ste. 1, SCS John Loftus, commodore (734) 358-3817

edisonboatclub@gmail.com edisonboatclub.org facebook.com/edison. boatclub

Instagram: @edisonboatclub

Mission: Teaching sailing, camaraderie on water and land

Current Needs: Looking for sailing instructors

Upcoming Event: Commodore’s Ball on October 15, 2022

4 PAWS 1 HEART P.O. Box 84, SCS 48080

BIG FAMILY OF MICHIGAN

23500 Pare, SCS

Sharon McCaughrin, president (586) 260-6700 sharon@bigfamilyofmi.org bigfamilyofmi.org

Mission: Serves foster children, abused children, institutionalized children and children being raised by grandparents

Barbara Seski, administrator & Tom Fraser, 2022 commodore

(586) 778-1000 thedrya@gmail.com or tmcfraser@comcast.net www.drya.org facebook.com/groups/DRYASailing Mission: To encourage and promote,

Diana Rascano, president Diana.4Paws1Heart@ gmail.com 4Paws1Heart.org facebook.com/4Paws1Heart

Mission: Find medical treatment for stray, abandoned and abused companion animals

Current Needs: Monetary donations through PayPal: 4Paws1Heart.org/Donations

Upcoming Events: Working on two events at the Firehouse Pub in SCS

NONPROFITS IN YOUR NEIGHBORHOOD

FRIENDS OF THE ST. CLAIR SHORES LIBRARY

22500 E. Eleven Mile Road, SCS

Amanda Brantley, marketing/PR chair scsfriendsofthelibrary@ outlook.com scslibrary.org/friends. html

facebook.com/SCSlibraryfriends

Instagram: @SCSlibraryfriends

Mission: A 501c3 organization run by a voluntary Board of Directors that supports a variety of activities designed to enrich your library experience. The Friends sponsor monthly book discussions, periodic book sales and fundraising events including accessories, tote bags and puzzles. In addition, the group maintains the Used Book Store located inside the Reading Lounge of the SCS Library.

Current Needs: The easiest way to help is to become a member. To join, fill out an application at the library (hope to have online signup soon). The Friends are always looking for volunteers to help at book sales and events, and we have several positions open on our board. You must be a Friend to serve on the Board. At this time, book donations cannot be accepted.

Upcoming Events: For updates, follow the Friends on social media.

GILDA’S CLUB

METRO DETROIT

23500 Pare Street, SCS

Christina Lombardo, program coordinator (586) 777-7761

clombardo@gildasclubdetroit.org

gildasclubdetroit.org

facebook.com/GildasClubMetroDetroit,

YouTube: GildasClubMetroDetroit

Mission: Ensures that all people impacted by cancer are empowered by knowledge, strengthened by action and sustained by community. Our organization creates welcoming communities of free support for everyone living with cancer or bereaved – men, women, teens and children – along with their families and friends.

Current Needs: All of Gilda’s classes, lectures, educational seminars and social activities are offered free of charge through donations and grants. We welcome any donations to aid in supporting those on their cancer journey.

Upcoming Events: Bras for a Cause on Saturday, October 8, 2022 (brasforacausemichigan.org), Gilda’s Big Night Out each spring.

KIDS ON THE GO

23500 Pare Street, #10, SCS

Kristy Schena, founder executive director (586) 899-1825 kristyschena@kidsonthegocamp.com kidsonthegocamp.com facebook.com/kidsonthegocamp, Instagram: @kidsonthegocamp Mission: To recognize and facilitate the goals of children with special needs and to further develop their current skills through therapeutic and wellness programs for the children and their families.

Current Needs: Donations to keep the programs going, as well as volunteers interested in being a greeter at the nonprofit center, photographer, assist with grant writing.

Upcoming Events: Kids on the Go Night at the Disco on November 5, 2022 & Gilda’s Big Night Out in spring 2023.

LAC STE CLAIRE KIWANIS Dawn Van Gampelaere, secretary/treasurer kidsneedkiwanis@ lacsteclairekiwanis. com

Mission: Kiwanis is a global organization of volunteers dedicated to improving the world one child and one community at a time. Current Needs: Be the change! Become a new member.

Upcoming Events: SCS Halloween in the Park, Turkey dinners for families in need, 1st Annual Kiwanis in the Shores Christmas Display Contest, Christmas for children in need, Holiday Market at Blossom Heath

LAKESIDE PALETTE CLUB

29236 Grant Street, SCS Jackie Black, president (586) 855-4465

lpcofscs@gmail.com

lakesidepaletteclub.org

Facebook: Search for Lakeside Palette Club of St. Clair Shores (group)

Mission: To study and paint together, and to stimulate and promote interest in creative art

Current Needs: Donations (financial, art supplies) always welcome

Upcoming Events: Monthly meetings at SCS library with artist demonstration, two juried art shows annually (spring and fall), studio time for members twice per week.

MAGGIE’S WIGS 4 KIDS OF MICHIGAN

30130 Harper Ave., SCS

Maggie Varney, founder and CEO (586) 772-6656

maggie@wigs4kids.org wigs4kids.org

facebook.com/ MaggiesWigs4KidsofMichigan

Mission: A local, grassroots 501c3 organization that provides wigs and support services to children ages 3 to 18 at no charge throughout the state of Michigan.

Current Needs: Volunteers to assist in preparing for the annual children’s holiday party. They also need donations of gift cards such as gas cards, food cards to Panera Bread, Jersey Mike’s for healthy eating; Claire’s, Five Below & Game Stop for presents to include in welcome bags (full of comfort items they receive on their first visit) and in stockings & holiday bags given out at the party.

Upcoming Event: The annual children’s holiday party is held during the first weekend of December and is a wonderful celebration for our wig recipients & families to enjoy. Some of the families in our program cannot afford to host parties

for the holiday season and this gives them a great opportunity to build camaraderie with other children and heal together.

MCREST

215 South Main Street, Mt. Clemens

April Fidler, executive director (586) 415-5101

aprilf@mcrest.org

mcrest.org

facebook.com/MCRESTShelter

Mission: To provide homeless and displaced individuals the opportunity for successful transition to independence.

Current Needs: MCREST is looking for volunteers for various areas at the MCREST facility in Mt. Clemens making lunches, dinner, serving dinner to guests. Looking for donations such as bottled water, individually wrapped snack items for lunches, juice boxes, towels, washcloths, sunscreen, rain ponchos and bug spray.

Upcoming Event: MCREST’s Good Samaritan Award Dinner is Friday, October 14, 2022 at 6 p.m. at Mirage Banquet Hall in Clinton Twp. Tickets are $65 and include dinner, coffee, water, pop and tea.

*MOTOR CITY MITTEN MISSION 24623 Harper, SCS (313) 854-5566 motorcitymittenmission@gmail.com motorcitymittenmission.org

Mission: Dedicated to helping the homeless, the needy, the sick, and those striving for a better way of life while educating, partnering, and collaborating with a number of other organizations, schools, churches, clubs, and businesses

OPTIMIST CLUB OF ST. CLAIR SHORES 22705 Pallister, SCS Debbie DePape, president (586) 291-1271 deb216@aol.com or optimistsscs@yahoo.com

Facebook: Optimist Club of St. Clair Shores Mission: By providing hope and positive vision, the members of the Optimist Club will bring out the best in youth, our communities, and ourselves.

RIBBONS OF HOPE

23500 Pare, SCS Jennie Spring, co-founder (313) 977-0103 theribbonsofhope@aol.com ribbonshope.org facebook.com/theribbonsofhope

Mission: To design “comfort items” and provide “comfort services” to those touched by cancer, Alzheimer’s and autism, and promote awareness through their products, apparel, jewelry, gifts, which are available for purchase on their website.

Current Needs: Volunteers to assist with major events throughout the year. Donations are always welcome.

Upcoming Event: Making Strides Against Breast Cancer in Hart Plaza in Detroit on October 8, 2022

MCWARM

21201 E. Thirteen Mile Road, SCS

Abby Doppke, volunteer (586) 612-9045

amdoppke@me.com

Facebook: McWarm-107623891732235

Mission: McWarm is a warming center offering food, shelter, showers, laundry services, and necessities for those in need.

Open Monday, Wednesday and Friday from 7 a.m.-1 p.m., November through March

Current Needs: McWarm is preparing for the 2022-2023 season, which begins in November. They are always looking for volunteers to help in the kitchen, clothing room, or with set up and take down. They also always accept clothing, food and monetary donations.

Current Needs: Always seeking new members who want to participate in projects centered on the children and families in the Shores. They participate their own signature events as well as in some city events. Donations are applied to student scholarships presented each June.

Upcoming Events: Participate with SCS Halloween in the Park, Thanksgiving food delivery for 12 Shores families (food for the week & holiday dinner), Santa Station and Santa Bike Delivery, hot chocolate at city tree lighting, Foster Closet of Macomb No-Sew Blanket Parties, Recognition and Appreciation Breakfast for SCS Police & Fire Departments. Also sponsor Junior Optimist Clubs at Lakeview Public Schools (students working on their own projects).

SCOTS BOARD

SENIOR CENTER OF THE SHORES

20100 Stephens, SCS

Pat Binge, president or Matt Hubinsky, Senior Center coordinator (586) 567-8861 (Pat) or (586) 445-0996 (Matt) ptbinge@yahoo.com or hubinskym@scsmi.net scsmi.net/286/Senior-Activity-Center facebook.com/StClairShoresSenior

Mission: Offering older adults a means to remain informed and engaged, improving their quality of life.

Current Needs: Always looking for member volunteers to help with fundraising events, front desk assistance and other occasions. Cash donations are always appreciated, and new items for fundraising events. Looking for speakers, musicians, artists, authors and entertaining acts to enrich senior center members' lives.

Upcoming Events: Halloween Party (October 28), Bingo Party in November, Thanksgiving Party, Christmas Party

SHOREWOOD KIWANIS CLUB

P.O. Box 87, SCS 48080

Sharon Gwizdowski, past president (586) 246-6317 sgwizdowski35@gmail.com k05139.site.kiwanis.org

Mission: Serving the children of St. Clair Shores since 1959, one child at a time. They incorporate many projects to

enrich their lives physically, mentally and spiritually.

Current Needs: New members/volunteers Upcoming Events: Halloween in the Park (October), Turkey dinner for families in need (November), 1st Annual Kiwanis in the Shores Christmas Display Contest, Christmas for kids in need (December), Holiday Market at Blossom Heath (December)

ST. CLAIR SHORES COMMUNITY CHORUS 22943 Violet Street, SCS Heidi McInnes, publicity (586) 980-5844

scscommunitychorus@ gmail.com scscommunitychorus.org Facebook, Instagram, YouTube

Mission: To engage and inspire participants and audiences through musical performances featuring choral, solo and ensemble singing within the city of St. Clair Shores and surrounding communities. The group performs two major concerts each year as well as charitable and community performances. The Chorus annually offers three scholarships to any high school senior with an interest and demonstrated singing talent $1,200 for 1st, $1,000 for 2nd, $800 for 3rd (recipients do not need to be SCS residents).

Current Needs: People who have a love of music, like to sing and are 14 years of age and older are invited to join this fun group. Needs include donations to their scholarship program, advertisers for Christmas and Spring Concert Programs, raffle basket donations for these concerts, volunteers to work behind the scenes in preparation for and during concerts, and participation in fundraising such as Amazon Smile and Kroger Community Rewards.

Upcoming Events: Christmas Concert on Sunday, December 4, 3 p.m. at St. Margaret of Scotland Catholic Church in SCS; Meet and Greet/Rehearsal for next session on Monday, January 2 at 7 p.m at Triumphant Cross Lutheran Church in SCS; Auditions for scholarships on Thursday, February 16, 2023 at 7 p.m. at Triumphant Cross Lutheran Church in SCS (applicants must apply on website by February 6, 2023); 7th Annual Spring Concert on May 4, 2023.

SCS LIONS CLUB

20218 Elizabeth, SCS

Charles Bellestri, president (586) 663-5037 cbellest.cb@gmail.com or scslions11a2@gmail.com Facebook.com/scslions11A2

Mission: “We Serve” the SCS community and empower members to serve their community through successful execution of our Lions Club Charitable programs which are Vision/Hearing Services, Humanitarian Outreach, Community Action/Civic Pride and Environmental Action.

Current Needs: "A few good men and women with that volunteer spirit to serve their community” and tax-deductible donations that can be sent to: Saint Clair Shores Lions Charities, Inc., 20218 Elizabeth, SCS, MI 48080

Upcoming Events: Next meeting is the fourth Tuesday in October at Dragon’s Landing on Jefferson. (All meetings are held on the fourth Tuesday of every month.)

motorcycles.

Upcoming Events: 27th Annual Nautical Coast Cleanup, weekly Sunday cleanups and constantly shipping furniture to schools.

*Information was not directly given to us by the organization and was taken from website.

*ST. CLAIR SHORES SAIL & POWER SQUADRON (AMERICA’S BOATING CLUB)

scssps.org

Mission: Promote recreational boating safety through education and civic activities while providing fellowship for members

WE ARE HERE FOUNDATION

23500 Pare, SCS

Tom Cleaver, manager (586) 463-9400 cleave@aol.com

WeAreHereFoundation.org

Mission: Cleaning SE Michigan Waterways while providing new and gently used student and office furniture to SE Michigan school districts

Current Needs: The organization is 100% funded by donated boats, cars and

St. Clair Shores Council Member Candice Rusie, left, and Cassandra Rusie participate in a No-Sew Blanket Making Party with the St. Clair Shores Optimist Club. Photo Courtesy of Debbie DePape

St. Clair Shores resident Wyatt Barr Photo Courtesy of Kids on the Go

Wigs 4 Kids Founder Maggie Varney with wig recipient Gaoleena Photo Courtesy of Maggie Varney