11/29/23 C & G Special Edition - Macomb/GP

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NOVEMBER 29, 2023 candgnews.com

Macomb County and Grosse Pointe papers

Sterling Heights resident Reni Stephan is the city of Sterling Heights’ latest Featured Artist.

Photo by Patricia O’Blenes

Oakland University and other Michigan colleges have felt the enrollment effects of the pandemic.

File photo provided by OU

Sterling Heights artist inspired

by Mesopotamian roots

BY ERIC CZARNIK eczarnik@candgnews.com

STERLING HEIGHTS — The city of Sterling Heights’ new Featured Artist is an Assyrian Iraqi American who aspires to carry on a millennia-long legacy of Middle Eastern art.

Sterling Heights resident Reni Stephan is a sculptor and painter who owns the Studio Lamassu art studio along 15 Mile Road, near Ryan Road. As the latest Featured Artist, his work will be on display at the Sterling Heights Community Center, 40250 Dodge Park Road, during November and December.

Stephan said he was picked for the honor after he applied a few months ago for the Featured Artist program, which is run by the Sterling Heights Arts Commission.

“It’s really great,” he said. “I’ve been living in Sterling

ENROLLMENT DOWN IN MICHIGAN, TUITION GOING UP

BY KATHRYN PENTIUK AND MARK VEST kpentiuk@candgnews.com, mvest@candgnews.com

Heights for a long time, so it’s great to be part of this.”

Stephan, 42, was born in Baghdad in 1981, and he said he moved to the U.S. when he was 11. He said his family has plenty of musical talent, and while he shares a love of music, his artistry is more visual in nature.

He said he started drawing while he was in middle school and continued to develop his craft throughout his high school years. He then went on to get an art degree at what is now the College for Creative Studies in Detroit.

Stephan said his work on display at the Community Center is mainly portraits.

“I like doing portraits because a lot of times; it’s a way of capturing a person’s emotions and the way I see them,” he said.

But Stephan’s artistic interests extend further yet. When

METRO DETROIT — It’s no secret that college enrollment rates have declined since the COVID-19 pandemic.

But while enrollment has been down, costs have been up, and local universities and community colleges have reported tuition increases.

Oakland Community College has five campuses, which are located in Southfield, Royal Oak, Auburn Hills, Waterford and Farmington Hills.

OCC Chancellor Peter Provenzano said there are currently about 21,900 students enrolled for the year, compared to approximately 24,400 five years ago.

“Tuition costs have increased about 13% over the last five years, and then enrollment has decreased by about 10% over the last five years,” Provenzano said.

Provenzano shared how OCC approaches tuition costs.

“What we believe in is steady increases,” he said.

See STEPHAN on page 7A

See COLLEGE on page 9A

C & G NEWSPAPERS MACOMB COUNTY/GROSSE POINTE SPECIAL EDITION • NOVEMBER 29, 2023

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Comic Con gives fans invaluable celebrity encounters

BY CHARITY MEIER

Mark Martell, of Farmington, cosplays as a Viking Predator during the 2023 fall Motor City Comic Con on Sunday, Nov. 12.

cmeier@candgnews.com

Photo by Patricia O’Blenes

ON THE WEB: ‘NOSFERATU’ REMAKE PREMIERES IN NOVI candgnews.com

NOVI — Thousands of people, from all over the country, converged at the Suburban Collection Showplace for a chance to meet their celebrity heroes at the Motor City Comic Con’s fall show.

The show offered people the chance to meet celebrities who are part of pop culture and purchase autographs, photographs and selfies for a fee of anywhere from $40 to as much as $250 depending on the celebrity.

Missy Merchant made the journey to Novi from Petoskey, as Motor City Comic Con is the largest show in the area and offered her a chance to meet up with friends, show off cool cosplay and get the opportunity to meet and interact with Harvey Guillen and Doug Jones. She said it is worth the expense to meet the celebrities, as it offers her evidence of the interaction, which she proudly displays at her home and work. She said her entire living room is decorated with autograph memorabilia “When I look at (celebrity autographs and pictures) it kind of takes me back to the fun of the moment of being with that celebrity or sharing those moments together. So, it’s a nice visual reminder to que up those memories,” Merchant said. “For me it’s definitely

worth it.”

Merchant works as a counselor to those afflicted by addiction and other mental health issues. She said the autographs and memorabilia she has displayed at her office also act as a form of icebreaker and help ease tension with her clients.

“It makes it so they feel more homey and not like they’re in, like, a doctor’s office,” she said.

Merchant said that she feels the time she got with the celebrities she met at MC3 is “pretty adequate” for the amount of money she spends to have time with them. According to Merchant, Guillen and Jones both strive to make sure their fans leave feeling good about the experience. She said that at the May show, Jason Isaacs took approximately five to 10 minutes per fan to make sure they had a “quality” interaction. She said there are usually at least one to two celebrities she wants to see at each show.

“All of the (celebrities) I have met here have (taken time with fans),” Merchant said. “There have been some at other conventions that have been a lot more standoffish, where it is a lot harder to justify (paying to meet them).”

Some attendees, such as Jedidiah Mann, of Warren, and his friend, Keven Schuster, of Roseville, said that the cost of the celebrity interactions deterred them See COMIC CON on page 11A

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GARDNER WHITE TO ‘TWINKLE’ IN WARREN

BY MARIA ALLARD allard@candgnews.com

WARREN — It’s Christmastime in the city.

On the evening of Nov. 9, Gardner White Furniture, 6500 E. 14 Mile Road, officially ushered in the holidays by unveiling its annual “Twinkle Town with Gardner White” display.

With tunes from the Cousino High School Marching Band, a visit from the Parade Company Big Heads, fireworks and a welcome from Gardner White President Rachel Stewart, the store was officially lit for Christmas. Even Santa Claus made the scene.

For the next several weeks, holiday shoppers can see the lights sparkle from 14 Mile Road. They also can vote to pick their favorite tree in Twinkle Town’s Parade of Trees. The Parade of Trees features 14 holiday trees decorated by local celebrities and influencers to benefit Detroit-based charities.

The public can vote online at gardner-white.com for their favorite tree now through Dec. 13. The winning participant’s charity of choice will win a $10,000 donation. All charities will receive a donation from Gardner White for their cause.

See TWINKLE TOWN on page 12A

Members of the Detroit Academy of Arts and Sciences Choir perform during the event.

Photo by Patricia O’Blenes

Elementary principal, dean of students spend day on the roof

BY ALYSSA OCHSS aochss@candgnews.com

ST. CLAIR SHORES — Princeton Elementary School Principal Justin Cabe and Dean of Students Jen Donnelly spent a day up on the roof Nov. 3, much to the excitement of the students and parents.

The two were up on the roof as a reward for the students at Princeton.

They surpassed their initial fundraising goal of $35,000 at their Fun Run Oct. 6. This is their main fundraiser for the year and the money stays at Princeton Elementary School.

“If they hit the goal of $35,000, they get to pick one of three choices,” Cabe said.

Cabe said later on they also have sponsors for the Fun Run. “The money raised through the annual Fun Run event goes towards things for the students that are not paid for through the general fund, including transportation for field trips, supplies and technology upgrades,” Donnelly said in an email. “Many local businesses provided sponsorships and were represented on banners posted on the day of the (Fun Run).”

The three reward choices the students were given were Donnelly and Cabe’s banishment to the roof for the day and into the evening, the students could try to dump water on them in a modified dunk tank, or Cabe and Donnelly would get taped to the wall inside the school.

“At the PTO meeting, there was a challenge of if we doubled our goal would Mr. Cabe and Mrs. Donnelly do all three and we said yes,” Cabe said.

“Obviously, we more than doubled. We ended up coming in at just under $84,000.”

The total amount of money raised during the Fun Run was $83,226.

Dean of Students Jen Donnelly and Principal Justin Cabe smile down from the roof of Princeton Elementary School.

Photo provided by Justin Cabe

While on the roof, they greeted the students as they came into school and played with the students at recess. They also had a desk up on the roof and were still working throughout the day.

At the end of the day, they dropped around 30 pounds of candy to the children, Cabe said.

“And we stayed on the roof into the evening and then at 7 o’clock that night we read a bedtime See ROOF on page 11A

C & G NEWSPAPERS MACOMB COUNTY/GROSSE POINTE SPECIAL EDITION • NOVEMBER 29, 2023

City celebrates being state’s ‘safest big city’ CONCLUSION BASED ON LATEST FBI CRIME DATA

BY ERIC CZARNK eczarnik@candgnews.com

STERLING HEIGHTS — Sterling Heights city officials are counting the latest statistics from the FBI as evidence of success in keeping crime in check.

On Oct. 26, Sterling Heights city officials announced that the city has repeated its status as Michigan’s “safest big city” last year, based on data from the FBI’s National Incident-Based Reporting System 2022 Crime Data Explorer.

Sterling Heights’ definition of “big city” is one with a population exceeding 100,000.

Last year, the seven cities that had over 100,000 people were Sterling Heights, Ann Arbor, Dearborn, Detroit, Grand Rapids, Lansing and Warren, the city said.

Sterling Heights officials also provided comparisons between Sterling Heights and other big cities in southeastern Michigan.

When compared against Dearborn, Sterling Heights’ violent crimes are 17% fewer, while the property crimes are 18% fewer. And Sterling Heights said its violent and property crimes are respectively 41% and 22% lower compared to Ann Arbor, and 161% and 50% lower compared to Warren.

In more detail, Sterling Heights reportedly had 254 documented violent crimes in 2022, including two murders or non-negligent manslaughters, 20 rapes, 22 robberies and 210 aggravated assaults. Ann Arbor had one fewer homicide than Sterling Heights, and Dearborn had the same number. Dearborn also had the same reported number of rapes. In all other categories, Sterling Heights had the lowest number of violent crimes among the big cities.

In terms of property crimes, Sterling Heights reportedly had 2,616 recorded incidents, including 84 burglaries, 1,265 larcenies, 219 motor vehicle thefts and one arson. Among the big cities, Sterling Heights had the lowest number of recorded incidents in all categories except auto thefts, since Ann Arbor had 159.

In a statement, Sterling Heights police Chief Dale Dwojakowski said he is proud of the department’s officers, and he credited patrols and the community services bureau for their roles in safeguarding the city.

Collaborating with residents, he said, sends the message “that we don’t tolerate crime in our community. We’re all working together to create a safe and welcoming environment for everyone.”

In an interview with the Sentry, Dwojakowski gave additional context behind the latest figures, particularly in terms of crime levels year over year.

“We are very pleased that violent crime has kind of stayed level for the last few years, which is a very promising sign,” he said. “And our property crimes have went up a little bit over the past couple of years, but that has been a nationwide trend.”

Dwojakowski said property and violent crimes were “flat and lower” in 2019 and 2020.

But he said crime did see an uptick in 2021 and 2022, adding that “pretty much every municipality in Michigan” saw something similar. He attributed the increase to the easing of COVID-19 pandemic restrictions and a return to socialization.

“Maybe people started working again, started driving again, getting out of that hibernation of the lockdown,” he said. “2022 was really the first full year that we were done with the COVID hangover.”

Mayor Michael Taylor said he hears from colleagues across the state who reach out and give kudos and congratulations over Sterling Heights’ low crime levels and reputation for safety.

“I give all the credit to the Police Department and our residents,” Taylor said. “It’s great to get that designation again. We’re proud of it, and we don’t want to give that up.”

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C & G NEWSPAPERS MACOMB COUNTY/GROSSE POINTE SPECIAL EDITION • NOVEMBER 29, 2023

Have strategies if you want to avoid conflict, anxiety during the holidays Shutterstock photo

BY MARIA ALLARD allard@candgnews.com

METRO DETROIT — The turkey is fresh out of the oven, the mashed potatoes are ready and the Christmas tree lights are twinkling.

It’s time to eat, but tension is also on the menu.

That’s because, in many cases, the conversation around the dinner table has turned into a political debate, with family members in opposite camps. When someone shares an opinion on the current state of the country, it turns into a heated argument. The hearts are racing, the fists are clenched and the voices become louder. It’s like Archie Bunker and Michael Stivic in the 1970s sitcom “All in the Family.”

But this isn’t a comedy show, and holiday conflict with family is something that could arise. One offhand remark could set off another guest. Add alcohol into the mix, and tempers flare. Some people thrive on debating hot topics — religion, politics, sports, the COVID-19 pandemic — while others want to hide inside their Christmas stock-

ings and wait for the holiday hostility to end.

If you want to avoid tension during the holidays, there are some strategies you can try, said Carrie Krawiec, a licensed marriage counselor and family therapist from the Birmingham Maple Clinic.

“There are people who are conflict

prone and some who are conflict avoidance,” Krawiec said. “You can only control your behavior.”

One way to cut down on the disharmony is to ask your guests to wait until after dinner to hold a heated discussion or tell them politely not to debate around the chil-

dren present. Going into the garage to continue a tense conversation is another option.

Also, think about the way your comments might come across to others, and remember that people have their own beliefs, values and opinions that might not align with yours.

During holiday visits, there are different family roles, too, that play into the dynamics of the get-together.

“There’s the class clown, the people pleaser, the black sheep and the know-it-all,” Krawiec said. “They invoke different reactions for different reasons.”

Bringing up the past can be a pleasant experience for some, but it also can bring up bad memories.

“Memories and traditions may be different,” said Krawiec. “One family member might remember something fondly, and others not so much. That could cause us to question ourselves.”

However, conflict is not always “a bad thing,” Krawiec said. It can sometimes make the conversation more interesting or get people to look at situations in a different way.

“Sometimes I like to hear people’s See CONFLICT on page 6A

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C & G NEWSPAPERS MACOMB COUNTY/GROSSE POINTE SPECIAL EDITION • NOVEMBER 29, 2023

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Conflict

from page 5A

thoughts,” she said. “It can be very invigorating.”

But if the atmosphere gets too heated, take a few minutes for yourself, Krawiec suggested, such as a visit to the bathroom, moving into another room or taking a walk around the block “to let the moment pass.”

Deep breathing can also calm a person’s nerves.

If you feel like you might need to leave altogether, should tension arise, figure out a code word ahead of time with family. Say the code word to your spouse and children in an unassuming way so they know it’s time to leave.

There are also individuals who feel social anxiety when invited to parties. Krawiec said that “it’s very common” to feel anxious when going to someone’s house where you don’t know anyone. One suggestion is to try to meet someone who will be at the gathering beforehand. Or plan on just staying for a while and not all night if you feel uncomfortable.

“You can stay if it’s pleasant enough,” Krawiec said. “It’s an opportunity for you to get out if you’re alone for the holidays.

Someone cared about you enough to include you.”

Pontus Leander, associate professor of social psychology and director of Center for Peace and Conflict Studies at Wayne State University, said that while “it’s not always possible,” the party host can provide a gentle reminder of the norms and expectations.

“They can do it in a light and fun way,” Leander said. “You don’t want people to feel controlled. If the host is not able to set

norms and expectations, recognize your own boundaries and limits. Just because someone says something does not mean we need to react. Don’t take the bait. You can only control your responses. Sometimes silence is the right response.”

Other guests not involved in a tense conversation also could take on the role of peacemaker.

“Bystanders have the power to disrupt the flow of the conversation,” Leander said.

“If you see it getting uncomfortable, ask, ‘Can you guys talk after dinner or at another time?’ This signals to them this is not the time or place. Other people might be relieved as well.”

Leander pointed out that holiday gettogethers are different now because people can keep in touch all year via social media.

“We are living in a very modern communication environment. People have a way of interacting all year round. Everyone already knows what everyone is doing. It’s not how it was 20 or 30 years ago when we used to see each other once a year,” he said.

“People say harmful things online and you see them at the holidays. They feel this is their chance to push back.”

If you find yourself getting worked up, take a 10-second break.

“Your mind and body will coordinate and be OK again,” Leander said.

Leander suggested writing down ideas of what to talk about when visiting with family and friends.

“Make a list of what would be nice to know about them and what people are excited about. That will let them speak,” Leander said. “They’ll find the conversation more meaningful. It does take effort from everyone. If a conflict occurs, ask a new question.”

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C & G NEWSPAPERS MACOMB COUNTY/GROSSE POINTE SPECIAL EDITION • NOVEMBER 29, 2023

Stephan from page 1A

he researched ancient art from Assyria and Babylon in his teens, he was amazed by the detailed sculptures and the level of craftsmanship from thousands of years ago, despite the limited technology of that era. He said that motivated him to delve into clay sculptures and reliefs to carry on that legacy.

Ancient Mesopotamian culture even influenced the name of his art studio, Lamassu. A lamassu is an Assyrian supernatural being, often depicted as part animal, like a winged bull, with a human head.

Stephan explained that Ishtar Restaurant in Sterling Heights offered him a big opportunity to showcase his work when it commissioned him around eight years ago to make a rendition of the famous blue Ishtar Gate, as well as wall art of lions, a chariot, lamassu and more. Multiple pieces of Stephan’s work are also on display at the Chaldean Community Foundation’s headquarters along 15 Mile Road, near Ryan Road, he said.

Stephan added that his work was noticed by the Assyrian Cultural Foundation in Illinois and that the foundation approached him around three years ago to sponsor his work. While the Mesopotamian art style isn’t prevalent in his Featured Artist display at the Community Center, he said he might show more of that art style if he ever becomes a Featured Artist again.

“The ancient Mespotamian art, that’s our ancestors,” he said.

“Our artifacts are being sent all over the world in museums. A lot of our people never got to see those artifacts in real life. … I try to mimic that a little bit in some of my work and show the new generation what we used to have and what we still have.”

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FAR LEFT: Stephan’s self-portrait is on display in his art studio, Studio Lamassu.

NEAR LEFT: Stephan says he enjoys making portraits as well as artwork with religious or Mesopotamian themes.

Photos by Patricia O’Blenes

Stephan added that he also has created Christian art for churches and other religious institutions, adding that he made bronze statues of Jesus and his disciples for the Manresa Jesuit Retreat House on Quarton Road in Bloomfield Hills.

Jeanne Schabath-Lewis, from the Sterling Heights Arts Commission, said she has wanted Stephan to be a Featured Artist for years.

“His work, the detailing, is absolutely phenomenal,” she said. “He’s really, really great at doing formal portraits of people. … His work is just so amazing. He is really down-to-earth; he is really passionate; he’s a great artist and a great human being.”

Learn more about Studio Lamassu and Stephan by visiting www.lamassuart.com.

Learn more about Sterling Heights by visiting sterlingheights.gov or by calling (586) 446-2489.

0287-2347

C & G NEWSPAPERS MACOMB COUNTY/GROSSE POINTE SPECIAL EDITION • NOVEMBER 29, 2023

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VETERANS GATHER FOR ‘I THANK YOU’ LUNCHEON

BY MARIA ALLARD allard@candgnews.com

WARREN — Every military veteran has a story to tell.

Whether it’s painful memories of the sounds of war or battle scars that never healed, veterans share a common bond.

Approximately 100 of those veterans gathered Nov. 9 at Andiamo Warren for the annual “I Thank You” Veterans Day luncheon, hosted by 94.7 WCSX-FM disc jockeys Big Jim O’Brien and Ryan Logan of the “Big Jim’s House” morning show, which airs from 5 a.m. to 10 a.m.

The radio station staff accepted nominations from family members and friends of veterans to attend the luncheon. Veterans also could put in their own names for consideration.

Veterans Day, held annually Nov. 11, is a federal holiday in the U.S. observed to honor veterans of the armed forces.

The service members enjoyed lunch courtesy of the classic rock radio station and the restaurant. There also were several guest speakers, and O’Brien stopped at each table to speak to the veterans personally. As a bonus, WCSX provided veterans tickets to see the Trans-Siberian Orchestra on Dec. 23 at Little Caesars Arena in Detroit.

“It’s an honor to be here with all of you. In this room, we’re all brothers and sisters,” said O’Brien, who served eight years in the U.S. Navy. “My dad was a (U.S. Army) Ranger in Korea. I had uncles that served in Germany in the ’50s as well. God bless the men and women who serve and the families as well who stay behind as we go and do some pretty crazy stuff for our country.”

Along with O’Brien and Logan, several other WCSX staff members attended to show their appreciation to the veterans. Among them was Marketing Director Ben Perez, whose two children have served in the military.

This was the sixth “I Thank You” luncheon.

“We started this at the radio station when Ryan was interning,” O’Brien said. “It continues to grow.”

Matthew Antieau was among the many luncheon guests. The New Boston resident served in the U.S. Navy from 1986 to 1990 in Virginia Beach, Virginia.

See VETERANS on page 13A

TOP: At least 100 military veterans attended the “I Thank You” luncheon Nov. 9 at Andiamo Warren Restaurant.

ABOVE: Disc jockeys Big Jim O’Brien, left, and Ryan Logan of 94.7 WCSX-FM honored veterans with their “I Thank You” luncheon.

LEFT: On a video screen, Poison’s Bret Michaels wished the military service members a happy Veterans Day. Photos by Patricia O’Blenes

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C & G NEWSPAPERS MACOMB COUNTY/GROSSE POINTE SPECIAL EDITION • NOVEMBER 29, 2023

College

Enrollment has dropped at Oakland Community College and other colleges since the pandemic.

from page 1A

“Oftentimes what you’ll see is, an institution will, they may not raise their tuition, or they’ll raise it 7%, 10%. We really believe in just small increases to kinda keep up with inflation. Right now, we’re not even keeping up with inflation, but we look at the longterm, so 2.5%, 3%, 4% increases per year allows us to keep up with inflation, but also allows us to keep the costs down for students.”

Provenzano said that OCC tries to keep its tuition costs as low as the college possibly can. Aside from estimating what the college’s revenue is going to be, Provenzano provided details about other factors that go into making decisions about tuition fees.

“Our three primary revenues are property taxes, state revenue, as well as tuition,” he said. “And then we try to estimate what we think enrollment might be. We marry that up with our projected costs for the year. … And then we determine what our tuition rate needs to be. We also take a look at our peers — what their tuition rates are.”

From Provenzano’s perspective, when it comes to educational institutions in Michigan, OCC offers a solid bargain for students.

“We are the largest transfer institution in the state of Michigan, and many students take advantage of our low cost and small class sizes,” he said. “They choose OCC and then transfer to the university of their choice, and they save a ton of money. … It brings the total cost of education way down.”

Brian Bierley, the director of media relations for Oakland University in Rochester, stated that he “would agree that the pandemic has negatively impacted enrollment for the past few years at almost every col-

File photo by Patricia O’Blenes

lege and university and there has also been a decrease in the overall number of Michigan high school students graduating each year.

So, we are working to rebuild enrollment to pre-pandemic levels and working to increase the number of current students who stay in school and complete their studies.”

OU’s enrollment peaked in 2015 at 16,793 and has gradually declined to 12,719 in 2023, representing a 24% drop in overall enrollment. However, this fall shows promise as freshmen enrollment is the highest since fall 2019.

In June, the Board of Trustees of OU approved a tuition increase for incoming freshmen. The full-time resident undergraduate tuition for the academic year 2023-24 is $15,225, an increase of $21.75 per credit hour. The 2023-24 budget includes a 4.5% tuition increase, the Michigan Legislature’s recommended tuition restraint. Additionally, the 2023-24 university housing budget included no increase in room and board rates. The housing budget also consists of a $500 reduction in cost for standard residence double occupancy rooms, a 4.6% reduction in cost, available to both incoming and re-

turning students in OU’s residence halls.

OU offers scholarships and grants to help cover some or all of students’ tuition, with 75% of students receiving some form of financial aid, thus reducing OU’s full-time resident undergraduate students’ average net tuition cost by an estimated one-third.

For Lawrence Technological University, a private institution in Southfield, the outcome has been the opposite, with an increase in enrollment, according to Lisa Kujawa, the vice president for enrollment management.

Kujawa explained that, since the pandemic started, LTU has increased its class of students enrolled as their “first time in any college” for the fall semester from a class of 350 to a class of 489.

“Our goal is always to bring in 500 first-time students, and we are getting very close,” Kujawa said. “We have grown our dual enrollment or early middle college from 300 in one semester to 600. This fall semester, we will reach over 1,200, and that is a direct result of students in high school wanting to find ways to lessen their debt.”

She added that LTU’s full-time (30 credit hours per year) tuition and fees, on

average, are $41,000 for a commuter student and $52,000 for a residential student per year. LTU gives $28 million annually in scholarships and grants, both merit and need-based. She explained that this funding is not covered by federal or state money each year.

Kujawa shared a heartwarming story of a student who was maxed out on his student loans, with only seven classes left to complete before graduation. She shared that, after evaluating his options, it was decided that he would finish his last seven classes without paying LTU because “it’s the right thing to do,” Kujawa said. “The Lawrence brothers, in their founding documents, said, ‘Every student deserves an education, and finances should never get in the way.’ Ninety years later, we stand by that notion, and we will always work with our students.”

This fall, undergraduate enrollment grew for the first time since the pandemic’s start, with a 2.1% increase nationally. Community college enrollment is also rising nationally, with a 4.4% increase this fall.

Gov. Gretchen Whitmer highlighted the Michigan Achievement Scholarship program for 2023 high school grads, which awards up to $2,000 for career training programs per year for up to two years, $2,750 for community college for three years, $4,000 for up to five years of private college or university, and $5,500 for up to five years for a Michigan public university or a baccalaureate degree program at a Michigan community college.

The Michigan Achievement Scholarship and the Michigan Reconnect program aim to get Michigan to meet the “Sixty by 30” goal, in which 60% of Michiganders will have a skill certificate or college degree by 2030.

0311-2345

H LIDAY CALENDAR

To view more Community Calendar and to submit your own, use the QR code or visit candgnews.com/calendar. To advertise an event, call (586) 498-8000.

10A/ C & G NEWSPAPERS GROSSE POINTE/MACOMB COUNTY SPECIAL EDITION • NOVEMBER 29, 2023

NOV. 30

Warren Toy Drive: Bring at least one new unwrapped toy or make donation to Salvation Army Red Kettle, complimentary appetizers served, 6 p.m., Limelight Bar and Grill, 30200 Van Dyke Ave. in Warren Christmas Aglow: Lighting of 34-foot tree, Santa visit, horse-drawn carriage rides, “Holiday Express” train display, live reindeer and more, 6:30 p.m., Shelby Township municipal campus, 52700 Van Dyke Ave., shelbytwp.org/christmas Tree-lightings: Also Santa visit, holiday music, ornament-making, hot cocoa and more, 5:30-7:30 p.m., Harrison Township Public Library, 38255 L’Anse Creuse, Suite A, (586) 329-1261 • Also singalongs, refreshments, visits with Santa and crafts, 6:30-9 p.m., Eastpointe City Hall, 23200 Gratiot Ave., cityofeastpointe.net Light Up the Night: 7 p.m., all Gratiot businesses in Eastpointe, facebook.com/erchamber Santa’s parade: Face painting, balloon twisting and visits from Santa and “Frozen” characters, 4:30-6 p.m., Macomb Mall, 32233 Gratiot Ave. in Roseville, shopmacombmall.com

DEC. 1

Jack Frost Jubilee luncheon: Also live entertainment, 11 a.m., Palazzo Grande, 54660 Van Dyke Ave. in Shelby Township, registration required, shelbytwp.org/ christmas

band, and more, 5:30-8:30 p.m., Fraser City Hall, 33000 Garfield Road, (586) 293-3100 Tree-lighting: Also music, parade, Santa photos, wagon rides and more, 5-8 p.m., Warren City Hall, One City Square, cityofwarren.org Christmas on the Frontier: Historically accurate games and activities, reenactors, Santa visit and more, 1-5 p.m., Burgess-Shadbush Nature Center, 4101 River Bends Drive in Shelby Township, register. shelbytwp.org Craft show: Also music by LCN bands, raffles and more, 10 a.m.-4 p.m., L’Anse Creuse High School North, 23700 21 Mile Road in Macomb Township

DEC. 6

History and Folklore of Santa Claus: Presentation for adults only, hosted by Clinton-Macomb Public Library, 6:30 p.m., Zoom, register at (586) 226-5040 Tree-lighting: Also appearances by Santa, Barbie and Spider-Man, s’mores station, hayrides, doughnuts and more, 6 p.m., plus singalong at 7 p.m., Roseville City Hall, 29777 Gratiot Ave., (586) 445-5440 Christmas workshop: Make-and-take crafts, cotton candy and popcorn, book set raffles, live Elves on the Shelf photos, magic tricks and more, 4-8 p.m., Roseville Public Library, 29777 Gratiot Ave., (586) 445-5407

DEC. 8

Sounds of the Season: Performances by Grosse Pointe South Choir, 7 p.m. Dec. 1 and 2 p.m. Dec. 2, Christian A. Fenton Performing Arts Center, 707 Vernier Road in Grosse Pointe Woods, gpsouthchoir.org

DEC. 2

DEC. 9

Jingle Mingle: Sales, crafts and more, noon-5 p.m. (tree-lighting at 4:45 p.m. outside Greater Chiropractic), 23230 Greater Mack Ave., facebook.com/ DowntownStClairShores SCS Holiday Lights Parade: Featuring nearly 200 vehicles traversing streets of St. Clair Shores, 5:306:30 p.m., starts at South Lake High School, 21900 E. Nine Mile Road, and ends at Dragons Landing, 24409 Jefferson Ave., see full route at www.facebook.com/ DowntownStClairShores A Sterling Christmas: Tree-lighting, holiday music with caroling, Santa visit, petting farm and pony rides, horse-drawn wagon and train rides, ice skating (opens Dec. 1), warming fires and more, 5:30- 8:30 p.m., Dodge Park, 40620 Utica Road in Sterling Heights, facebook.com/myshpr Christmas in Fraser: Santa visit, petting zoo, s’mores, cookies and hot cocoa, live music by Fraser High

‘The Nutcracker’: Performed by Macomb Ballet Company, 7 p.m. Dec. 1, 1 and 7 p.m. Dec. 2, and noon and 5 p.m. Dec. 3, Macomb Center for the Perfoming Arts on Macomb Community College - Center Campus, 44575 Garfield Road in Clinton Township, www.macombcenter.com

DEC. 7

Celtic Angels Christmas: Featuring vocal and instrumental holiday and Irish music, 7:30 p.m., Macomb Center for the Perfoming Arts on Macomb Community College - Center Campus, 44575 Garfield Road in Clinton Township, macombcenter.com

DEC. 1-2

DEC. 1-3

Breakfast with Santa: 10 a.m., Shelby Township Activities Center, 14975 21 Mile Road, register. shelbytwp.org Tree-lighting: Also fireworks and visit from Santa and Mrs. Claus, 7 p.m., Memorial Park next to Utica Public Library, 7530 Auburn Road

DEC. 9-10

FreeStore Holiday Pop-Up Shop: Gently used toys and clothing, 10 a.m.-4 p.m., 21339 Gratiot Ave. in Eastpointe, facebook.com/EPFreeStore

DEC. 10

Christmas concerts: “Then Sings My Soul” featuring Alexander Abaté, 6 p.m., The Emerald Theatre, 31 N. Walnut St. in Mount Clemens, TheEmeraldTheatre.com

DEC. 16

PRISM Men’s Chorus holiday concert: 8 p.m., Macomb Center for the Perfoming Arts on Macomb

Community College - Center Campus, 44575 Garfield Road in Clinton Township, macombcenter.com

ONGOING

Christmas exhibit: Opens Dec. 2, also showing of “The Polar Express” Dec. 9 and Santa visit Dec. 16, Royal Oak Historical Society and Museum, 1411 Webster Road, facebook.com/RoyalOakHistoricalSociety Ice skating: 5-8 p.m. Fridays, noon-8 p.m. Saturdays and noon-7 p.m. Sundays (except Dec. 24 and 31) Dec. 2 to end of February, Warren City Square, One City Square, facebook.com/Warrenparks • Sundays 11 a.m.-8 p.m., noon-9 p.m. MondaysThursdays, noon-10 p.m. Fridays and 11 a.m.-10 p.m. Saturdays Dec. 1 through February, Dodge Park, 40620 Utica Road in Sterling Heights, see adjusted hours, closures and theme nights at sterlingheights. gov/1650/Dodge-Park-Ice-Rink Santa visits: 9 a.m.-noon Dec. 2, 9 and 16, Kercheval Place building, 17000 Kercheval St. in Grosse Pointe, facebook.com/thevillagegrossepointe Holiday market: Shop for gifts and décor by more than 100 Michigan fine artists and crafters, daily (except Mondays) until Dec. 23, Anton Art Center, 125 Macomb Place in Mount Clemens, theartcenter.org Tunnel of Lights: Open daily starting Dec. 2, 5-9 p.m., select dates include live entertainment, holiday market, food trucks and Santa visit, Blossom Heath Park, 24800 Jefferson Ave. in St. Clair Shores, see full schedule at www.facebook.com/stclairshoresparks andrecreation Expo Michigan Holiday and Crafters Marketplace: 11 a.m.-6 p.m. Saturdays and noon-6 p.m. Sundays until Dec. 24, Lakeside Mall, 14000 Lakeside Circle

DEC. 1

Holiday Lighting Fest: Also Caroling, Santa and live reindeer, crafts, music, giveaways and more, Macomb Township Hall, 54111 Broughton Road, macomb-mi.gov/475/Holiday-Lighting-Fest in Sterling Heights, free but nonperishable food donations for Gleaners Community Food Bank encouraged, EXPOMichigan.com Home for the Holidays: Self-guided tour of Edsel and Eleanor Ford House, also free hot cocoa, weekends until Dec. 30 (except Dec. 24), 1100 Lake Shore Road in Grosse Pointe Shores, fordhouse.org/events

C & G NEWSPAPERS MACOMB COUNTY/GROSSE POINTE SPECIAL EDITION • NOVEMBER 29, 2023

Comic Con from page 2A

from the opportunity to meet a celebrity.

“They do tend to be more on the expensive side if you do get autographs, so that’s why I didn’t,” said Mann.

Some families, such as the Boughton family, of Livonia, deliberated on what would be the best value for their money.

They said that they were fans of Billy Dee Williams, who played Lando Calrissian in the “Star Wars” universe, but the cost of an autograph and photo was too pricey. Therefore, they said they were leaning toward just getting the professional photo with Williams, as the whole family could get in one photo and share the expense. Christian Boughton explained that most of the celebrities allow up to four people in a photo.

“It’s expensive — especially for individuals; like, his is like $250 for an autograph,” Christian Boughton said. “So we’re wondering if we want to spend the money on that or go buy some of this mom and pop stuff.”

Roof from page 3A

story through Facebook live,” Cabe said.

“And we each read a bedtime story, and told all the kids to have a good weekend, and that was kind of the end of the day.”

Donnelly said in an email they tried to get work done, but the wind made it difficult. Both said it was a bit chilly as well.

“In fact, a stack of papers that Mr. Cabe took up ended up blowing off the roof!”

11A

“It’s just being able to say that I did it,” Christian Boughton said of his reason to buy the celebrity encounters.

Christian Boughton said the high cost to meet the celebrities is understandable, because they are high-profile names.

“The first time I came here they had William Shatner. His prices were very expensive, but for him to be incentivised to come here, they kind of let him charge what he charges,” Christian Boughton said.

“This is how they make their money,” added Jennifer Boughton.

“Just like anything, if we decide that it’s too much to get an autograph, then we just won’t get the autograph. We’re fine with that because we already got the photograph,” said Christian Boughton. “I think it just comes down to, ‘What does it mean to you?’

I don’t really have any attachment to Billy Dee, but for me, going and getting that autograph from Matthew Lillard, who I grew up watching him as Shaggy in the live action (‘Scooby-Doo’) series, so I’ve been a fan of his for years, so that meant a lot more to me than the hundred bucks I spent. For my dad,

$250 for this photo (with Williams) — well worth it.”

Jennifer Irwin, of Wilmington, Delaware, said that the experiences of meeting her celebrity heroes at conventions across the country, such as MC3, are well worth it to her. Irwin said that her joy in meeting celebrities has also given her the opportunity to meet some good friends from various other states. She met up with her friend Janel Gatten, of Morganfield, Kentucky, at the Motor City Comic Con, whom she met through a convention Facebook group.

“For us, it’s a friendship thing too, because, obviously, we live far apart,” Irwin said.

“It’s, like, really common for attendees of cons to make friends with other congoers,” Gatten said. “For me, it’s the whole experience. I mean, I wouldn’t go for just an autograph or just a photograph.”

Irwin said that she will only travel to attend a convention if there is somebody that she wants to meet there. She said she will not go just for the atmosphere, or to see the people in cosplay, or for the artists.

“I only go if there is an actor that I want to meet,” Irwin said.

She said that her husband paid around $1,000 to give her the “Outlander” experience package at another convention for her birthday, and it was really worth it to her, but that is the most she said she would pay to meet a celebrity. She said it included a threeday admission, an autograph and photo with Sam Heughan and two other cast members, and two panels. Irwin explained that because she has watched “Outlander” so many times, it was well worth it to meet some of the cast.

“To me, yes. It was absolutely worth it.

Meeting him was like a dream come true,” Irwin said. “Just interacting with someone who helped to bring that show to life, I was over the moon and I’ll probably never meet him again. It was a once-in-a-lifetime experience.”

Irwin said she has never been disappointed after she met any of her heroes from the acting world, but she admitted that she has been disappointed after meeting some musicians she admired.

“It’s something that you would otherwise likely never experience,” Gatten said.

Donnelly said in the email. “One of our visitors happily collected all of them!”

Donnelly said in an email that the parents were very supportive during their time on the roof.

“Some offered snacks and hot beverages. Many waved and chatted with us when dropping off and picking up their students,” Donnelly said in the email.

Cabe said and Donnelly said in an email the students and the parents had fun fundraising for the school. Cabe said there were incentives for the students to raise more

money, including a pizza party for the top class, drawings and others. The day of the Fun Run, the students received class shirts, the parents could buy fence panels and also tailgate outside with coffee and doughnuts.

“Parents decorated the fence panels, and they were able to sit there, and the students ran for about an hour around our baseball diamond,” Cabe said.

Parents who did not buy a fence panel could still watch their students, Cabe said.

The first time they implemented the single fundraiser was about eight years ago.

Over the years, the fundraising goal has increased. Cabe said they’ve always hit their goal every year and then some. The first goal was $20,000 and they raised around $40,000.

Cabe said he is taken aback by the support and generosity.

“My teachers and staff and I, we work hard every day to build the Princeton community to what is and to support our students and families and the whole child,” Cabe said. “It makes me happy to know that parents recognize that and they support us.”

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C & G NEWSPAPERS MACOMB COUNTY/GROSSE POINTE SPECIAL EDITION • NOVEMBER 29, 2023

12A

Twinkle Town

from page 3A

Here is a list of participating influencers and their charities: • Keith Bynum and Evan Thomas, HGTV Bargain Block — Humble Design • Kimberly Dobine, digital creator and lifestyle influencer — Money Matters for Youth • Mike Duffy, WXYZ-TV Channel 7 — Forgotten Harvest • Mr. Fluffypants, Michigan Humane Ambassador — Michigan Humane • Calvin Johnson Jr., former Detroit Lions wide receiver — Calvin Johnson Jr. Foundation, Inc. • Local 4 News WDIV-TV morning team — Sparky Anderson’s CATCH Charity for Children • Rick Mahorn and family, former NBA player and radio analyst — Gleaners Community Food Bank of Southeastern Michigan • Amyre Makupson, CBS News Detroit — Alzheimer’s Association of Greater Michigan • Haneen Matt, designer — ChadTough Defeat DIPG Foundation • Tatianna and Jonathan Merritt, life and beauty influencers — Give Merit • George Nikollaj, stylist and founding member, 6 Salon & Dynfly — C.S. Mott Children’s Hospital • Brandon Hudson, Roop Raj and Taryn Asher, Fox 2 Detroit — Kids-TALK Children’s Advocacy Center • Sarah Schneider, designer and lifestyle influencer —

SCAMP • Ben Sharkey, Detroit-based singer and artist — Michigan Foster Care Closet Call Staff Writer Maria Allard at (586) 498-1045.

ABOVE: “Twinkle Town with Gardner White” will light up the city during the holiday season.

FAR LEFT: Attendees record the fireworks on their phones during the “Twinkle Town with Gardner White” kickoff Nov. 9.

NEAR LEFT: Ben Sharkey’s tree, “Birdland,” hopes to raise money for Michigan Foster Care Closet in the Parade of Trees competition.

Photos by Patricia O’Blenes

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C & G NEWSPAPERS MACOMB COUNTY/GROSSE POINTE SPECIAL EDITION • NOVEMBER 29, 2023

Veterans from page 8A

“It’s outstanding that they’re doing this,” he said. “It shows appreciation.”

Antieau, 54, enlisted in the service because he felt like it was his duty. He said the military taught him discipline and it “pointed me in the right direction.” After the service, Antieau became a firefighter for the Flat Rock Fire Department. Presently, he volunteers his time at the Freedom Center Detroit Metro Airport in Romulus, which provides a respite to traveling military members, veterans and their families.

During the “I Thank You” luncheon, there was a special message played on a video screen from Bret Michaels, frontman of the band Poison.

“Thank you for everything you do for us. Happy Veterans Day,” the famed singer said. “I come from a military family. You rock our world.”

Attendees also got to see Michigan’s Traveling Memorial of Fallen Heroes, which is a patriotic wall made by local resident Bill Lynn. The display tells stories of the veterans who paid the ultimate price for our nation’s freedoms. It honors those killed in

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combat and from accidental deaths and suicides.

“The public needs to be reminded and our children need to be taught about the price our vets pay,” Lynn said.

The luncheon gave Karen Straffon the opportunity to invite everyone to Wreaths Across America to be held at noon Dec. 16 at Resurrection Ceremony, 18201 Clinton River Road in Clinton Township. Volunteers will place wreaths at gravesites of veterans. A wreath costs $17. Those interested in participating or sponsoring a wreath can contact Straffon at kcstraffon@comcast.net or (810) 278-0415.

Macomb County Executive Mark Hackel stopped by to wish all a happy Veterans Day. During his visit, he encouraged the lunch guests to seek out veterans services offered in Macomb County at the website vets.macombgov.org.

Amy Persyn, Marketing Director/1st Vice President of First State Bank, shared her thoughts with the veterans. Her grandfather, William Hope, was a medic in the Korean War. He died this past August at the age of 95. First State Bank has helped a handful of veterans acquire homes.

Vets Returning Home Founder and Director Sandy Bower also addressed the

School children remember veterans

In honor of Veterans Day, students at Pinewood Elementary in the Warren Woods Public Schools district made it a priority to

honor veterans this month. Some classes wrote letters and made cards for students’ parents and family members who served in the military.

Throughout the month, they also displayed a bulletin board in the hallway that included the names of veterans in their families and friendship circles. Faculty members who are veterans were also recognized.

The school’s speech language pathologist, Lorrie Garrity, had a large star on the wall. Garrity is married to a veteran, and the couple celebrated their 29-year wedding anniversary on Veterans Day.

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crowd, reminding them of the nonprofit organization’s thrift store, located at 29523 Gratiot Ave., in Roseville. The store helps support the veterans who utilize services at the Vets Returning Home shelter located at 17955 E. 11 Mile Road in Roseville. For more information about Vets Returning Home, visit vetsreturninghome.org or call (586) 285-5606.

2/13/23 2:10 PM

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C & G NEWSPAPERS MACOMB COUNTY/GROSSE POINTE SPECIAL EDITION • NOVEMBER 29, 2023

14A

DYSTONIA AWARENESS CHAMPION HAS STREET NAMED IN HIS HONOR

BY GENA JOHNSON gjohnson@candgnews.com

WARREN — Before leaving office as Warren’s mayor, James Fouts renamed a street in honor of a longtime Warren resident who advocates for dystonia awareness and supports efforts to find a cure.

Jason Dunn has dystonia, a chronic movement disorder affecting the brain and nervous system, for which, according to doctors, there is currently no cure. Dystonia causes excessive, uncontrollable muscle spasms that twist the body and limbs into involuntary movements and contorted postures.

“Jason Dunn Way” now runs along a stretch of Campbell Avenue at 10 Mile Road.

“Jason has been an inspiration to me and to many people who may not be suffering from dystonia, but many other people who have an unusual disease in which there is little notification by the media and little understanding. They’re kind of alone in this battle,” Fouts said. “If I can help him in whatever way, I have.

A final good tribute, which was lobbied to me by Mike Delise, would be to have a street named after Jason.”

Delise and Dunn work in tandem to shed light on dystonia, which affects 250,000 in the United States and millions around the world. It is the third most common movement disorder behind essential tremor See DYSTONIA on page 15A

Photo provided by the Warren mayor’s office

Former Warren Mayor James Fouts dedicated a street in honor of Jason Dunn, center, photographed with dystonia awareness advocate Mike Delise and his 8-year-old granddaughter, Sylvia Spadafore.

0322-2347

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C & G NEWSPAPERS MACOMB COUNTY/GROSSE POINTE SPECIAL EDITION • NOVEMBER 29, 2023

Dystonia from page 14A

disorder and Parkinson’s disease.

“Very few people know about dystonia.

It is a muscle wasting disease, a very challenging disease,” Fouts said. “It is something we need to put more money and effort into and hopefully in Jason’s lifetime we’ll be able to find a cure. And not only can we celebrate the street being named after him, but we can celebrate a cure for Jason and many others with this disease or something of this nature.”

Delise met Dunn more than 20 years ago, when Dunn was a high school classmate of Delise’s daughters and attended one of their graduation parties.

“I couldn’t believe that I never heard the word dystonia in the condition that he’s in,” said Delise. “He was pretty twisted up. He was better back then.”

When the two met, Delise said Dunn could speak and be understood. Dunn has lost the ability to speak and uses a Lightwriter, which is a text-to-speech device where typed words are transmitted audibly.

“He actually seems like he has gotten a little worse. He has had five brain operations, DBS (deep brain stimulation) and all that stuff, to see if it would help, but it hasn’t,” Delise said.

Delise liked Dunn’s magnetic personality.

“He is a very witty guy. Got a great attitude. I think that’s what really inspired me was his attitude,” said Delise. “Always had a smile on his face. That’s probably what got me wanting to help him.”

In 2007, according to Delise, Dunn’s house was falling apart, and he was living on his own. It was then they started to bring awareness to dystonia. They could not get any help until Delise contacted the now-former mayor.

“I met Jason several years ago in my first term as mayor,” Fouts said. “We were able to get a new home built for him that would accommodate his needs through Habitat for Humanity.

“I have been happy working with Jason Dunn. Mike Delise, who has been an inspiration in helping Jason, I really want to commend him. He has done a good job,” said Fouts.

According to Delise, they received donations to tear down the old house, materials for the new house, as well as a $20,000 donation from the Warren Lions Club and a $20,000 matching donation from Habitat for Humanity. Delise and Dunn teamed up and raised the balance of the $100,000 cost of the house.

“We built the house right on the same lot that he grew up on,” Delise said. “So it’s basically like he has been in that house his whole life.”

The two continued to spread awareness about dystonia.

“We’ve been all over,” Delise said. “My job was to always try to make connections for him.”

Dunn is a sports lover and Delise took him to Lions, Tigers, Pistons, Red Wings and Michigan games and practices. Delise also got Dunn involved with other activities he enjoys, including bowling.

“I was always trying to get somebody who could take my place, who could do more for him than I thought that I could, but we’ve never been able to make that connection, so I’ve just continued on. And here we are,” said Delise.

According to Fouts, Delise has been a mentor and an advocate for Dunn.

Dystonia can attack at any time, according to Delise.

“Anyone can get dystonia, at any age, regardless of ethnicity or gender,” said Delise.

Dunn has generalized dystonia, which affects the entire body. He has had dystonia since he was 6 years old and is now 43, said Delise. In Dunn’s case, doctors do not know what caused it, Delise said.

“Hope is good. Hope is great. We can hope for a cure. But we all know that the only way you’re going to find a cure is through research and research takes money,” said Delise.

Delise encouraged giving to dystoniafoundation.org whether it is $5, $10 or whatever someone can give.

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