Snapshots Around Town

AROUND TOWNsnapshots Photos by Scott Whiteman

CRUISIN' AT THE BRUCE POST

SCS FARMERS MARKET

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

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

Renee Ratterman with her B6 Mustang

Jordan Harrison

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.

Bennett’s Market circa the 1940s Photo Courtesy of the St. Clair Shores Historical Commission

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.”

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. 24 the shores

Three Generations

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

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, ceilings beams and the concrete floors in the back of the brewery. 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 General Manager Sean Robertson, left, and Baffin Co-Owner Joe VanderMarliere

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

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. 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

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

DETROIT REGIONAL YACHT-RACING ASSOCATION

23915 Jefferson, Ste. 1, SCS 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,

4 PAWS 1 HEART

P.O. Box 84, SCS 48080 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

nonprofits continued 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.

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. 28 the shores

*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.

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).

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

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.)

*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 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 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

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ST CLAIR SHORES DEMOGRAPHICS 58,874 population 22.6% have children under the age of 18 80.9% Owner-occupied housing units $135,800 Housing average market price (US Census)