St. Clair Shores Sentinel

05/31/2022

Fun for the family returns with June Fest
By Kristyne E. Demske

Accompanied by musical performances, local dancers, a craft fair and more, summer fun arrives in downtown St. Clair Shores with June Fest, coming June 4.

The 9-Mack Merchants Association is presenting the annual event on Greater Mack Avenue between Nine Mile Road and 9-Mack Drive, which has been held since the mid-1990s, for the first time since 2019. The 2022 June Fest will be held from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. June 4.

“We’re so thankful to have it back after two years,” said Gloria Kinne, the association’s secretary, chairperson of June Fest and the owner of Circare, 23024 Greater Mack Ave. “We’ve had to reinvent it a little bit ... during the interim.”

Greater Mack Avenue is closed for the event in the downtown area to make room for stages, a craft fair, a petting zoo and more. A Battle of the Bands will be on the stage near Nine Mile Road, where local bands will compete throughout the day for the chance to perform at Rockin’ the Shores in September.

Kinne said the public will be able to vote for their favorite bands throughout the day. A full lineup and voting instructions will be posted on the Downtown St. Clair Shores page.

Near the southern end of the district by the U.S. Post Office will be a stage where local dancers from Casali School of Dance and Mary Ellen Studio of Dance will perform. The Row House, a rowing fitness studio that is set to open soon in the former Harper Sport Shop building at 23208 Greater Mack Ave., will also have demonstrations throughout the day.

“It started in the mid-’90s. Of course, it’s grown immensely since then,” Kinne said of June Fest. “It’s a fun day for all. It’s definitely family-oriented, so bring the kids and plan on having a fun summer day.”

A craft fair will connect the two ends of the street, and there will be trackless train rides, Tootsie the Clown and Animal Oasis petting zoo to entertain the children. Businesses in the downtown area will be having sidewalk sales and offering promotions, as well.

“We are happy to be back because it’s two years of us postponing it due to the pandemic,” said Anna Casali, a member of the 9-Mack Merchants Association and the owner of Casali School of Dance. “We really wanted to bring a day for families. We know that June Fest, in the past, has always attracted a lot of families.”

She said they’re trying to plan as many fun activities as they can to attract visitors to the area.

“There’s so many businesses coming into the area, and the businesses that have been a staple in the downtown area ... (it’s a great time) just to familiarize everyone with what we have down there.”

Her dancers are always excited for the opportunity to perform for the community, she added.

Amy O’Brien-Kravitz, president of the 9-Mack Merchants Association, said it’s a free, fun event for all ages in a convenient location.

“When you’re driving, you can’t always see the array of charming shops and businesses that we have in our backyard,” she said. June Fest is a great time to “take a stroll and take notice of the quaint shops and the variety of restaurants right here in your backyard.”

For more information, visit the Downtown St. Clair Shores page.

05/27/2022

Go Greek this weekend!
By Kristyne E. Demske
ST. CLAIR SHORES/GROSSE POINTE WOODS — Assumption Church and Cultural Center, 21800 Marter Road, is hosting a three-day MiniFest May 27-29 for the community to enjoy Greek food, with drive-thru and carryout service available.

The kitchen is open daily from 11 a.m. to 8 p.m., and call-ahead orders are accepted at (586) 596-6326 or (586) 779-8071. The full menu and online ordering options are available at assumptionfestival.com.

Tom Thomas, George Dallas, Bob De Waele and Nick Moschouris, the event’s chairs, said MiniFest is a way to offer the community “A Taste of Greece,” with proceeds going toward the organization’s community outreach programs and the Assumption Nursery School and Toddler Center. A portion of the proceeds will also benefit the Children of Ukraine IOCC Drive and Cass Community Social Services.

Assumption will also host a raffle with prizes of up to $5,000. Tickets are $10 each and can be ordered by calling Assumption’s office at (586) 779-6111, visiting the festival website or purchasing them at the office. The drawing is at 6 p.m. May 29.

For more information on MiniFest or other Assumption programs, visit assumptionculturalcenter.org.

05/26/2022

69th annual parade to roll through St. Clair Shores May 29
By Kristyne E. Demske
ST. CLAIR SHORES — “Don’t miss the beginning of the parade.”

That’s the advice coming from Dave Rubello, entrants chair of the St. Clair Shores Memorial Day Parade Committee, who is calling the start of the 2022 parade one of the greatest in the history of the event.

“We’ve got people dropping from the skies, we’ve got a flyover. We have one of the greatest openings on the ground. I’ve got five different motorcycle groups,” he said. “It’s going to be shaking. The ground’s going to be rumbling.”

A flyover by World War II-era C-47s from Willow Run Airport’s Yankee Air Museum and a drop-in from Pegasus Skydiving’s Mike Peltzer will get things started, and the parade officially steps off at 1 p.m. May 29. This year’s route is along Harper Avenue from Ridgeway Street north to 11 Mile Road.

Rubello urges spectators to be in place before the official start time, though.

“(At) 1 p.m. — that’s the actual start of the parade, but we’re going to roll out this rolling thunder between 12:40 (p.m.) and 1 (p.m.),” he said.

The 69th annual Memorial Day Parade has plenty of new entries, he said, from the Daughters of the American Revolution to the Mayflower Society of Michigan, the Sons of Union Veterans of the Civil War, and the Willow Run Rosie the Riveters with a woman who was an actual Rosie the Riveter. There will even be a 3-foot piece of Tower Two of the World Trade Center traveling up the avenue.

Brig. Gen. Rolf Mammen, the commander of the 127th Wing at Selfridge Air National Guard Base; James P. Hoffa, of the International Brotherhood of Teamsters; and plenty of other military veterans and groups will march in the parade, as will sports greats like Danny Dekeyser, of the Detroit Red Wings, and 1984 Detroit Tigers World Series Champion Dave Rozema.

Musical acts include the Great Lakes Navy Band and the 338th Army Marching Band, along with local marching bands from Harper Woods, South Lake and Lake Shore high schools, plus the Orbitsuns and other Detroit-area musicians. Specialty vehicles include a Corvette club, movie vehicles and a “real live working Pinocchio,” Rubello added.

This year’s Grand Marshal is Robert Stewart of Stewart Photography. The 86-year-old resident served in the U.S. Army from 1955-1957 at Fort Kobbe in the Panama Canal Zone. As a public information officer, he took photos for the Army newspaper, as well as local publications.

The St. Clair Shores photography studio that is now Stewart Portraits was begun in 1942 by Roland Bertrand. Stewart and his wife, Mary, joined Bertrand in 1966 and worked with him for four years before taking it over in 1970. Although Stewart still owns the studio, his son, Cliff, and daughter-in-law, Donna, now run the business.

He said he was amazed and humbled when he was asked to be the Grand Marshal.

“I photographed the parade for the Parade Committee from 1970 till 2000,” he said. “By 2000, the city had their own videographers, and there was no need for me to do that.”

He’s looking forward to seeing former employees and lots of friends sitting in front of Stewart Portraits when he rides by in the parade. His 23-year-old granddaughter, Evelyn Brady, is going to ride with him.

“She’s the only other person in the family that’s ever been in the Army,” Stewart said. “She was a combat medic. She got out last summer.

“I’m very proud, and I was very humbled when they asked me, and it’s a real nice honor.”

Rubello said, depending on the weather, they’re expecting 60,000 to 80,000 people to line Harper Avenue for the parade. This year, there will be food trucks parked along the parade route for visitors to enjoy, as well.

This year’s parade was put together by new members of the Parade Committee, which include a new chairman, Robert Muha, and vice chair Kyle Nicholson.

“This year’s parade is to honor all of our veterans for their sacrifice that they made for serving our country,” Nicholson said. “It would just be nice for the community and the surrounding cities to come out and support them. I hope to see as many people out there as possible.”

“People have always been very supportive of the 69th annual St. Clair Shores Memorial Day Parade,” Rubello said. “It’s an exciting family experience and atmosphere.”

Linda Bertges, fundraiser chair of the parade committee, said the community has been generous with their donations to this year’s event. More than 250 people came to support a fundraiser spaghetti dinner, and many people have joined the $100 or more club.

“I think it’s a great way to get our community together,” she said. “Enjoying something fun and putting away your smartphones and TVs. Watching people honor our vets — that’s always amazing to me.”

She said she’s enjoyed being a part of the parade committee, as well.

“Everybody is reaching in and doing their part. It’s been a wonderful experience,” she said. “The parade is such a marvelous opportunity to get the community involved, whether as participants or spectators.”

05/25/2022

Enjoy the YA'SSOO GREEK FESTIVAL this weekend at St. George Greek Orthodox Church in Bloomfield Hills. Get all the details at https://www.yassoogreekfestival.com?utm_medium=social&utm_source=facebook_St._Clair_Shores_Sentinel

05/20/2022

St. Clair Shore's fiscal year 2022-23 budget includes planned capital purchases

ICYMI: “When this goes back to council in June, we’re confident we’re going to have a balanced budget.” — interim City Manager Mike Greene

ST. CLAIR SHORES — Between April and June, city administrators have been tasked with finding savings to present a balanced budget to City Council for the 2022-23 fiscal year.

05/19/2022

St. Clair Shores couple celebrates 75 years together

Andy Leja, of St. Clair Shores, said he feels lucky.
“It’s so unique just because I’ve watched so many of my friends’ parents pass ... the family home that they grew up in being out of the family and not being able to go home,” he said. “Just recognizing the fact that I’m the youngest and I still have that ... it’s remarkable. I feel lucky.”

ST. CLAIR SHORES — Verna Leja jokes that she should write a book entitled, “For a happy marriage, learn to make chicken soup.

05/19/2022

The Friday 5 is here. Find fun things to do this weekend at https://www.candgnews.com/news/the-friday-five-5-20-22?utm_medium=social&utm_source=facebook_St._Clair_Shores_Sentinel

05/18/2022

Annual cleanup event coming May 22 to St. Clair Shores

“We’re back at it in full force,” said Michael Droogleever, the Nautical Coast Cleanup event chair. Volunteers should be prepared to get dirty, and they should bring rakes, gloves, boots and waders if they have them.

ST. CLAIR SHORES — Each year, hundreds of volunteers head to the shoreline, determined to protect Lake St. Clair from the hazards of trash and the buildup of debris.

05/17/2022

Contract approved for new St. Clair Shores city manager

The Southgate City Administrator, Dustin Lent, will be the new City Manager of St. Clair Shores this summer.

ST. CLAIR SHORES — The St. Clair Shores City Council has voted unanimously to approve a contract with Dustin Lent, now set to become the new city manager on July 5. The contract with Lent, who is Southgate’s city administrator, was approved at the May 2 meeting.

05/16/2022

Motor City Comic Con hits Novi this weekend

Did you make it to #MotorCityComicCon this weekend? Check out our recap!

NOVI — Dressed in an elaborate costume portraying Captain Barbossa from the “Pirates of the Caribbean” movies, Shane Pawenski wandered aisles of vendors and displays, a plastic sword hanging in his hand.

05/14/2022

Looking Back: Shell Gas Station

Looking Back: Shell Gas Station

ST. CLAIR SHORES — On April 18, 1978, the price for one gallon of gas, when the customer pumped the gas, was 59 cents.

05/13/2022

Fiscal year 2022-23 budget includes planned capital purchases

“We know there are some areas we can cut,” interim City Manager Mike Greene said. “It’s going to be going through each budget to see if we’ve missed anything. When this goes back to council in June, we’re confident we’re going to have a balanced budget.”

ST. CLAIR SHORES — Between April and June, city administrators have been tasked with finding savings to present a balanced budget to City Council for the 2022-23 fiscal year.

05/12/2022

A local boy is learning more about Malcolm X as he portrays his young self on stage.
“I’ve wanted to learn more now that I’ve seen the story,” Charles said. “It’s a really interesting opera, too."
https://www.candgnews.com/news/st-clair-shores-boy-dances-his-way-to-the-opera-house-123300

05/12/2022

It's SPECTACULAR! It's AMAZING! It's this week's Friday 5. See them all and more at https://www.candgnews.com/news/the-friday-five-5-13-22?utm_medium=social&utm_source=facebook_St._Clair_Shores_Sentinel

05/11/2022

Soroptimists walking to support St. Clair Shores woman with kidney disease

“I am in the process now of trying to get back on the transplant list. That’s a process. I have to start back over from the beginning. It’s like a seven-year wait in Michigan unless you have a living donor,” Jeritha Brown, of St. Clair Shores, said.

ST. CLAIR SHORES — In 2018, Jeritha Brown got a new lease on life.

05/10/2022

Counting the votes in St. Clair Shores

St. Clair Shores Clerk Abrial Barrett said many people don’t know that poll workers have an important and rewarding role that is also paid.

“A lot of people think it’s a volunteer thing, but they do get paid,” she said. “We also provide training and pay $20 for each training class they attend. Pay varies depending on what position and role they take. You just need to be age 16 or older.”

ST. CLAIR SHORES — The May 3 election has come and gone, yet many people vote without ever thinking about what it takes for such elections to happen and what those who work at polling stations do to ensure that these elections are performed accurately and properly.

05/09/2022

Governor signs 'Wyatt’s Law'

“The most credit goes to Erica Hammel and Christyne Kadlitz ... They are the real champions here, the most tenacious individuals I think I’ve ever worked with,” state Rep. Kevin Hertel said. “They did this because they really wanted to bring change.”

LANSING — Years after she experienced a mother’s worst nightmare, Erica Hammel is breathing a sigh of relief. “The biggest thing, for me, is just the relief, knowing this is going to save children’s lives,” said Hammel, of St.

05/07/2022

Recreational marijuana retail thrives

“What’s unique about cannabis recently, at least here in Michigan, is that while prices of most everything else...is on the rise, cannabis prices have been declining because there’s a surplus,” Mike Bahoura, of Pure New Baltimore Provisioning Center, said.

METRO DETROIT — New Baltimore resident Danny Collins recently said that he thought the day would “never” come that he would be able to walk into a legal business establishment and purchase marijuana.

05/06/2022

Alternatives to traditional turfgrass lawns abound

“We get a lot of questions on lawn alternatives,” said Lori Imboden, a consumer horticulture educator with the Michigan State University Extension in Oakland County. “I find it really exciting that people are considering different options for the lawn."

METRO DETROIT — The grass isn’t always greener on the other side. Sometimes, it isn’t even grass.