THE NECESSARY BURDEN OF TEEN CAR INSURANCE
Shelby resident receives Oakland University’s Alfred G. Wilson Award
BY KARA SZYMANSKI kszymanski@candgnews.com
SHELBY TOWNSHIP — Shelby Township resident Dylan Pillivant was recently named the 2025 recipient of Oakland University’s Alfred G. Wilson Award.
The Alfred G. Wilson Award was established in 1965. The Alfred G. and Matilda R. Wilson Awards each recognize a senior who has made significant
contributions as a scholar, a leader, and a responsible citizen of the institution. Interest in the social issues of the community and society is of special significance in granting the award. Oakland University was founded by a donation from the Wilsons.
Nominees must have an academic record of a 3.5 GPA or higher. The award comes with $1,000.
Pillivant is a graduate of Utica High School and is soon to graduate from Oakland University with a degree in biology. Pillivant, a student in the College
of Arts and Sciences, maintained a 3.98 GPA. His accomplishments that led to him winning the award include serving as president of United 2 Heal, a student organization that works with community partners to deliver medical supplies to underserved communities abroad. As co-founder and treasurer of Oakland University’s Minority Association of Premedical Students, he supported mentorship, academic success and health care advocacy for
See PILLIVANT on page 12A Pillivant
Utica Puppy Parade to take place this weekend
BY KARA SZYMANSKI kszymanski@candgnews.com
SHELBY TOWNSHIP — The Utica Puppy Parade will return to the downtown area
with all sorts of activities and animal support groups brought together for a cause.
The event will take place at 2 p.m. April 26 and will include a parade, food trucks, vendors, bounce houses for the kids, the Eisenhower
High School marching band and special guests.
Utica Mayor Gus Calandrino said the Utica Puppy Parade continues to grow each year.
“Last year we had one guest of honor,
The Utica Puppy Parade April 26 from Grant Park to Pioneer Dog Park will have five special guests — pictured left to right — Carly, Chandler, Elsie, Faygo and Gideon — all dogs who have survived horrible abuse and are now thriving.
Photos provided by Gus Calandrino
Business and community unite to gather supplies for local animal shelter
BY KARA SZYMANSKI kszymanski@candgnews.com
SHELBY TOWNSHIP —The Shelby Township Block Advisors decided to choose a cause for the year and involved staff and the local community in gathering supplies for a local animal shelter.
The Shelby Township office, on Van Dyke Avenue south of 22 Mile Road, chose the Humane Society of Macomb County to benefit from the office’s efforts.
Stephanie Edwards, of the Shelby Township office, said most of the people who work there have pets, so it was an easy decision to accept donations for animals.
“We made flyers that were posted in our lobby area, I posted on some local Facebook pages, and tried to email clients
prior to their appointments as well. For our first year accepting donations, I think that we have done quite well. Later this month I will be delivering everything,” Edwards said.
The drive collected blankets, food, treats, toys, paper towels and more.
Jennifer Bauman at Block Advisors said she felt honored to be part of the effort to support this cause.
“The Humane Society of Macomb County is a wonderful organization that provides care for countless animals at a reduced cost. As soon as our clients heard we were supporting them, many returned the very same day to drop off donations. Their enthusiasm and generosity were incredible and we’re just as excited and proud to contribute to this effort,” she said.
The staff at Shelby Township Block Advisors recently collected items for the Humane Society of Macomb County. Both staff members and members of the community contributed.
Photos provided by Stephanie Edwards
SECOND FRONT PAGE
UCS student places in top 25 at quiz bowl national championship tournament
BY KARA SZYMANSKI kszymanski@candgnews.com
SHELBY TOWNSHIP — Sterling Heights student Benjamin Edmunds, from the Gene L. Klida Utica Academy for International Studies, tied for 22nd in the field of 251 quiz bowl players at the National Academic Quiz Tournaments’ Individual Player National Championship Tournament.
The event took place April 6 in Rosemont, Illinois. Thirty-two states, the District of Columbia, and Guatemala were represented in the seventh championship of its kind.
Quiz bowl is a competitive, academic, interscholastic activity for teams of students. Quiz bowl teams use buzzers and answer questions about science, math, history, literature, mythology, geography, social science, current events, sports and popular culture.
Quiz bowl matches feature a blend of individual competition and team collaboration, since no individual player is likely to be an expert in all subject areas.
The competition day involved seeding rounds to determine position for qualification. After five seeding rounds, the top players competed in an elimination round to determine the overall winner. In addition, players who performed well in specific academic categories were honored for their performances.
The Individual Player National Championship Tournament was first held in 2018, and the 2020 championships were not held due to the COVID-19 outbreak.
The 251 high school and middle school students from across the country came to the Hyatt Regency O’Hare to compete. The Individual Player National Championship Tournament, unlike most forms of quiz bowl, is a competition pitting players against each other without the support of their teammates.
Gene L. Klida Utica Academy for International Studies student Benjamin Edmunds finished tied for 22nd in a field of 251 competitors at the National Academic Quiz Tournaments’ Individual Player National Championship Tournament April 6 in Rosemont, Illinois.
William Dobbie, the head coach of the Gene L. Klida Utica Academy for International Studies quiz bowl team, said the academy has long had a successful quiz bowl team at UAIS; however, it has never had a player quite like Edmunds.
”While typically players focus on a particular area of study for these competitions, Ben has such a wide range of interests and the ability to learn and quickly recall so much material that he has literally taken to study all the subjects that come up in competitions. He works incredibly hard through the year, and his performance demonstrates that,” he said.
Edmunds also led his team the next weekend to a Class B state championship after an undefeated day of competition and a comeback victory against Detroit Country Day School where Edmunds grabbed the final five questions to take the victory. He was See QUIZ BOWL on page 6A
PACE
annual 5K to return to Stony Creek Metropark in Shelby Township
BY KARA SZYMANSKI kszymanski@candgnews.com
SHELBY TOWNSHIP — PACE Southeast Michigan, a nonprofit that provides all-inclusive health care services to more than 2,100 low-income older adults in the region, will host its annual Set the PACE 5K at Stony Creek Metropark in Shelby Township June 7.
The 5K is one of Program of All-Inclusive Care for the Elderly Southeast Michigan’s major fundraising events of the year.
The event will start at 9 a.m. at 4300 Main Park Drive. Runners will take off from the starting line at 9 a.m. and walkers will begin at 9:15 a.m.
Organizers are expecting about 300 runners and walkers. All proceeds from Set the PACE 5K benefit PACE Southeast Michgan’s mission to keep older adults independent in the homes and communities they love.
Thaddeus Green, PACE Southeast Michigan HR business partner and Set the PACE volunteer, said he volunteers because he believes in something bigger than himself.
“Our elderly community is filled with individuals who have given their entire lives to care for others, building families and contributing to society, yet many now find themselves in need of support, love and dignity. I’ve had the honor of volunteering multiple times and each year my heart grows fuller. Every 5K has a different vibe, but the one thing that never changes is the feeling of purpose and connection that fills the air. The Set the PACE 5K has become a tradition for me, a day I look forward to where I can give back.”
Zach Ellsworth, PACE Southeast Michigan social work intake coordinator and Set the PACE runner, said he loves to combine two of his passions; in this case, running and PACE Southeast Michigan.
“I love that I can run and fundraise for such an important mission. I run every Saturday, and now I get to do it for my true passion! The Set the PACE 5K is the most important run I will do every year,” he said.
People interested in running or walking the Set the PACE 5K can sign up by visiting RunSignUp.com. Registration costs $35, and those who sign up by Friday, May 23, will receive a T-shirt and race bib along with a medal that all finishers receive.
Call Staff Writer Kara Szymanski at (586) 498-1029.
Photo provided by Dwight Kidder
The Set the PACE 5K will be held at Stony Creek Metropark in Shelby Township June 7. Photo provided by Shelby Tankersley
Former UCS student published in Columbia University law journal
SHELBY TOWNSHIP/STERLING HEIGHTS/UTICA — Michael Stevanovich was recently published in a prestigious law journal at Columbia University, and one of the people he thought of who helped him to this achievement was his teacher at Oakbrook Elementary School, William Mader.
“Thank you for encouraging me to dream from a young age. Those dreams have opened doors I never imagined I would walk through,” Stevanovich said, according to a UCS press release. He said that he would not be the writer that he is today without Mader’s teaching.
According to the release, Stevanovich is the youngest American to address the United Nations. He has earned academic honors in his second year of law school at Columbia. Next year he will study abroad in France to earn a certificate in global governance from the Sorbonne and Sciences Po Paris. He is currently working in New York City’s legal department.
UTICA MEETINGS AT CITY HALL
• Budget planning work session, 7 p.m. April 24.
• Planning Commission, 6:30 p.m. May 7.
SHELBY TOWNSHIP MEETINGS AT TOWNSHIP HALL
Planning Commission, 7 p.m. April 28.
Zoning Board of Appeals, 6:30 p.m. May 1.
Board of Trustees, 7 p.m. May 6.
Join Clean-Up Day in Shelby Township
Students in cognitively impaired program deliver for ‘AIMazon’
SHELBY TOWNSHIP/STERLING HEIGHTS/UTICA — Jason Buyze, Crissman Elementary School Adapted, Integrated, Modified teacher, had an idea while seeing an Amazon truck making deliveries. His idea was “AIMazon” to give students in the AIM program an experience making deliveries and selling items.
AIMazon focused on selling three items for $1 each: Smencils (fragrant pencils), Super Blow Pops and Airheads candy. Orders were taken ahead of time from parents/guardians through an online form.
Once the orders were gathered, Buyze’s AIM students loaded a cart to make classroom deliveries, and the group hosted an in-person sale as well.
AIMazon was initially designed for grades four to six, because those were the students Buyze taught, but the rest of the school wanted to be involved. The next sale will take place April 30 to May 2 and will be open to the entire Crissman community.
AIM students benefited from AIMazon by working on making change, handing things out, smiling and greeting others, according to a Utica Community Schools press release.
“I truly feel the sense of responsibility this activity instills in our AIM students,” Crissman Principal Sofia Papastamatis said in the press release. “The pride the students feel when filling and delivering an order is inspiring, and it’s heartwarming to see their hard work and dedication celebrated.”
SHELBY TOWNSHIP — The Shelby Township Beautification Committee and Clerk’s Office will host Clean-Up Day from 8:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. April 26 at the Shelby Township Activities Center, 14975 21 Mile Road. Registration will run for the first hour and participants will return to the center for pizza and beverages, certificates of recognition, a flower seed packet and a contest to determine the “weirdest thing found.”
Those who would like to participate must review a safety brochure and other safety and indemnification items, and they must register online. All these things can be done through the calendar at shelbytwp.org.
For more information, call the Clerk’s Office at (586) 731-5102.
Dispose of household hazardous waste
SHELBY TOWNSHIP — For Priority Waste residential customers in Shelby Township only, there will be a household hazardous waste collection from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. April 26 at River Bends Park, 5700 22 Mile Road. Participants should enter off 22 Mile between Shelby and Ryan roads.
The following items will be accepted: pesticides: herbicides; oil; gasoline; antifreeze; paint thinner; fire extinguishers; propane cylinders; smoke detectors; cooking oil; car batteries; household batteries; cleaners; compact fluorescent, LED, and fluorescent bulbs; aerosols; mercury-containing devices; oil-based and latex paint.
Eyeglasses and pill medications will be accepted. People should have them available on the front seat. Pills should be placed in a resealable bag; do not bring empty pill bottles. Liquid medications aerosols and injectables will not be accepted.
Sharps will be accepted in a sealed coffee can or rigid plastic container.
Electronics, explosives, medical and business waste, appliances, tires, ammunition or trash will not be accepted.
For more information, call the Shelby Township Department of Public Works at (586) 731-5990.
LIBRARY TO PARTICIPATE IN FREE COMIC BOOK DAY
SHELBY TOWNSHIP — The Shelby Township Library will have an all-ages event all day May 3 for Free Comic Book Day. All ages of fans can stop by the library to choose a free comic book, draw and make crafts while supplies last. There will be balloon twists from 10 a.m. to noon. Those who wear costumes can enter to win a gift card to event sponsor Bring Your Old Books.
Photo provided by Utica Community Schools
Photo provided by Utica Community Schools
Shelby Township Fine Art Society will host art exhibit and sale in May
BY KARA SZYMANSKI kszymanski@candgnews.com
SHELBY TOWNSHIP — The Shelby Township Fine Art Society will be hosting its art exhibit and sale in May at the Municipal Building, 52700 Van Dyke Ave., for all to come out and see their masterpieces.
The Shelby Township Fine Art Society will be hosting its annual sale in the upper level of the Municipal Building during regular hours 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. Mondays to Fridays May 6-27.
Visitors can stop in and enjoy the work of the artists and maybe take home a treasure.
Sara Katsavrias, the president of the Shelby Township Fine Art Society, said the members of The Shelby Township Fine Art Society are excited to announce their annual Spring Show will soon be in bloom.
“Over 70 paintings from several club members will be on display and for sale. What a perfect Mother’s Day gift. Please come on over to view our show and to see what we’re all about. We have over 60 very creative and talented members ready to share their art with our community,” she said.
Diane Mueller, the publicity director for the Shelby Township Fine Art Society, said the society holds its meetings at the Shelby Township Activities Center at 14975 21 Mile Road, just west of Hayes Road.
“We welcome you to join us the second Wednesday of the month, September through June, at 6:30 pm.,” Mueller said.
“There are many opportunities to show your work and make new friends as well,” she said.
For more information on the society, find it on Facebook.
Call Staff Writer Kara Szymanski at (586) 498-1029.
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The Shelby Township Fine Art Society will be hosting its annual art exhibit and sale in the upper level of the Shelby Township Municipal Building during regular hours May 6-27. Photo provided by Sara Katsavrias
Quiz bowl
from page 3A
also named as the top finisher of the First Team All State.
“The team will be heading to Chicago on April 25 to compete in the NAQT Small Schools National Championship Tournament and in Atlanta over Memorial Day weekend to participate in the largest national quiz bowl tournament in the country, NAQT High School National Championship Tournament,” he said.
Dwight Kidder, an engineering software tester and member of NAQT, said there are multiple layers of competition going on during the Individual Player National Championship Tournament.
“You have the competition among the top players going down to the final question, you have the competition among players to see where they rank in subjects, and there’s also a level of self-assessment that this tournament offers every player,” he said.
Kidder said that in college he competed
Parade
from page 1A
Fritz. Fritz was in the care of the Michigan Anti-Cruelty Society. Through the generosity of the Southeast Michigan Chamber of Commerce, we awarded the Michigan AntiCruelty Society a grant of $1,000,” he said.
This year, he said, there were many inspiring stories of dogs who had survived horrible abuse and are now thriving.
“I met with the Southeast Michigan Chamber of Commerce. They agreed to give three grants! Bryan Ede, the owner of Michigan Insurance and Financial Services and the Piper Foundation chipped in for two additional grants. We will be awarding grants to five dogs and their respective rescue organizations this year,” he said.
He said the Utica Puppy Parade began as a response to several terrible cases of animal abuse in the city.
“The event grows every year. My goal is to make it the biggest gathering of animal rescue groups in the entire state of Michigan. Each year, Utica City Council proclaims April as Prevention of Cruelty Month. The Utica Puppy Parade is the premier event celebrating this special month,” he said.
Organizers of the Utica Puppy Parade hope that people will come out and have some fun. The parade will start at Grant Park and will end at Pioneer Dog Park.
April is national prevention of cruelty
in a team tournament without teammates.
“It was a very clarifying experience for me to see exactly what I didn’t know, what I didn’t know well enough, or where I wasn’t confident enough in my own knowledge. I took what I learned from that experience to be a better player and teammate. This tournament gives every player that opportunity,” he said.
Many of the competitors in the Individual Player National Championship Tournament will compete later in the school year in one of NAQT’s team championships, either the Middle School National Championship Tournament, the Small School National Championship Tournament, or the High School National Championship Tournament on Memorial Day weekend. More information about these championships and the teams competing can be found at naqt.com.
The full statistical breakdown can be found on NAQT’s website at naqt.com/stats/ tournament/standings.jsp?tournament_ id=16005.
Call Staff Writer Kara Szymanski at (586) 498-1029.
to animals month.
Genesee County Sheriff Chris Swanson will be speaking about his initiatives to prevent cruelty to animals. A Democrat, Swanson announced in February that he is running for governor of Michigan.
Teresa LaCross, executive director of the Michigan Anti-Cruelty Society, one of the Animal Rescues participating, said she extends sincere thanks to Calandrino, the Utica City Council and the Southeast Michigan Chamber of Commerce for their continued support of animal welfare efforts.
“Their partnership, along with community events like the Utica Puppy Parade, plays a vital role in saving lives like Treasure, a severely neglected dog recently rescued and now recovering thanks to the compassion of those who care. MACS relies on donations, volunteers, foster homes and adopters to continue this lifesaving work. Community support makes all the difference for Treasure and for so many others still waiting for their second chance,” she said.
For more information, visit cityofutica. org.
Call Staff Writer Kara Szymanski at (586) 498-1029.
THE NECESSARY BURDEN OF TEEN CAR INSURANCE
BY TAYLOR CHRISTENSEN tchristensen@candgnews.com
METRO DETROIT— Obtaining a driver’s license is one of the major milestones in life but also can become a liability very quickly.
“Statistics show that young drivers are involved in more car accidents, and many companies consider them a greater risk,” a fact sheet shared at michigan.gov states. “As a result, automobile insurance will be one of the most expensive costs teens will face in relation to obtaining their driver’s license and earning the privilege to drive.”
To help ensure that young drivers and their parents don’t find themselves in a sticky situation with a car accident, parents must take action to put their child on car insurance as soon as the child gets their learner’s permit.
“People are mostly nervous about the fact that their car insurance for teen drivers does rake their prices up pretty high,” said Azaila Powell, of Powell Insurance Agency. “In the event of an accident, your child needs to be listed on your own insurance, because it can cause voiding their insurance and your own.”
In terms of costs for insuring a teenager, every company is different, according to Sue Crowe, an insurance agent with State Farm in St. Clair Shores.
Crowe said that at State Farm, it is nearly impossible to predict the general cost of insurance after adding a teen because of an algorithm they use to give families coverage that makes sense based on their personal situations.
“You can’t even guestimate anymore. Thirty or 40 years ago, I could tell you ex-
actly what it would be. Now, all of us insurance companies have our secret algorithms, and for me to spit out the cost, I can’t even do that anymore,” Crowe said. “It used to be so easy. I think insurance companies are better at matching a risk to the price now… you need to find a good, reputable company with a good agent that can help guide you when you are making the choices to pick out the discounts.”
Every state is different when it comes to insurance policies. In Michigan, a teen has to be 18 or older to be able to purchase their own car insurance, according to Powell. The teen driver must be put onto their parent’s insurance policy as soon as they receive their learner’s permit.
Michigan is a no-fault state, and the law requires people to have no-fault insurance on all cars. If you have an accident, no-fault insurance will pay for the injuries to the people involved and for the damages your car does to other people’s property, according to michigan.gov.
“It is against the law to drive, or let your car be driven, without no-fault insurance. If you are caught driving without insurance, you could be fined $500, sentenced to jail time, and have your license revoked,” according to michigan.gov.
“If you don’t notify your car insurance company of a new driver and they are the cause of an accident while they are driving, the insurance may not cover your teens medical bills,” Powell said. “They also may not be able to sue the at-fault driver who caused an accident if they are not listed, even if your teenager wasn’t found guilty or at fault, even if they suffered an injury. Putting off adding your child to your car insurance policy is definitely not a good call.”
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To help parents navigate saving money on car insurance, Crowe said it is important to find a trustworthy insurance agent who can help find all of the discounts that the company has to offer.
“Take advantage of every discount that an insurance company has to offer. You need to find a good, reputable company with a good agent that can help guide you when you are making the choices to pick out the discounts.” Crowe said. “For example, we (State Farm) have a good student discount that has a very good effect on the cost… Bottom line, buy a safer car, because with a safer car, the less extreme injuries can happen, and therefore the cost of the insurance is reflective.”
Making sure that new drivers are practicing safe driving is another major suggestion that both Crowe and Powell emphasized to help avoid accidents in the first place.
“A lot of parents don’t talk to their teens about driving safety. There are times it seems that they may have left it up to the drivers training school to kind of help, but it’s important for parents to be involved in that process,” Powell said. “Distracted driving is a very serious issue that goes on within our community. It is important for teen drivers to have guidance when it comes to driving and understand the importance of not being on their phones.”
For more information about teen car insurance in Michigan, visit michigan.gov.
In terms of costs for insuring a teenager, every company is different, according to Sue Crowe, an insurance agent with State Farm in St. Clair Shores.
Shutterstock photo
Macomb Symphony Orchestra celebrates 50 years
BY DEAN VAGLIA dvaglia@candgnews.com
CLINTON TOWNSHIP — From a few strings in a side room to full concerts in a hall, a lot can change in 50 years.
For the Macomb Symphony Orchestra, a professional classical orchestra that performs at the Macomb Center for the Performing Arts as well as at other locales throughout the county, 2025 marks its golden year.
According to Thomas Cook, orchestra director from the MSO’s founding in 19742021, the orchestra formed as an outgrowth of the Macomb Community College music program at the South Campus, though it did not take long for the orchestra to become its own nonprofit organization. Many of the orchestra’s early concerts took place in the multipurpose room.
“There’s some not-so-great acoustical locations there, but we soldered through there and performed there as well as at local high schools and some summer park concerts,” Cook said.
Much like today, the initial orchestra was made up of 15 professional musicians from around the region, though unpaid at that time.
After operating out of Warren for the better part of the 1970s, the orchestra made the move north to Clinton Township in 1983 as the Macomb Center was opened. Cook attributes much of the orchestra’s growth in the decades since to the Macomb Center’s opening and using it as a venue.
“We got a lot more visibility,” Cook said. “(The Macomb Center is) really the only first-class acoustically sound facility in Macomb County, I would think. There
are some other places that are fine, too, but everybody knows if they live in Macomb County or even adjoining areas what the Macomb Center is and what they present.”
The Macomb Center became a focal point for a number of events in the county, serving both traveling acts stopping by the Detroit suburbs and local acts looking to perform within the community. The Macomb Symphony Orchestra used the Macomb Center’s presence to establish itself as, in Cook’s words, the “voice of classical music in Macomb County.” The move allowed the orchestra to expand to up to as many as 70 musicians per concert and even begin paying all of its musicians as of the 1990s.
“We wanted to tackle different pieces, more challenging pieces, and we didn’t have the bodies in the student body to accommodate that,” Cook said. “Gradually we picked up more community players and those who came from a great distance — some from Ann Arbor and Windsor and what have you — we had to compensate them for their time and their gas, so it gradually grew from that.”
Cook stepped down from directing the orchestra in 2021 with Andrew Neer taking on the role. Having grown up in Sterling Heights, Neer found out about the orchestra around 2019 and has worked to make the organization more visible.
“I’m a little bit more involved in (the business and marketing side) than maybe your average music director would be,” Neer said. “I take a big hand in helping to navigate the social media presence, design the website, all those types of forward-facing community outreach types of things, in addition to going to different events in the community to try connecting with businesses and people in the area so they know
we exist, and we can continue to grow and develop our support base.”
Having conducted orchestras across metro Detroit and guest conducted in Europe, Neer’s experience at the stand is without doubt. But the management of the business aspects of the orchestra has become very important since taking on the role, especially as the orchestra came out of the COVID-19 pandemic financial situation and into a continually uncertain economic situation.
“Coming out of COVID and the challenges that it faced, the orchestra has been struggling to bring in the same amount of money than it did (before),” Neer said. “And their expenses have expanded because of the pay changes and some of that stuff … But the board (of directors) came to make some adjustments so we can continue into the future, and we can continue to keep this alive and vibrant in the county.”
Should the orchestra navigate its finan-
cial situation, Neer believes it has a bright future. Neer would like to increase the orchestra’s involvement with Macomb County student musicians.
“To work with this organization, this group of people, the board, the legacy that Tom started, I just want it to go on in perpetuity so that we can have the continual development of our art and the curation of art right here in Macomb County,” Neer said. “My biggest hope for the organization is that we could continue to grow and continue to develop in a way that would be lasting and have an impact on the community for the good.”
The Macomb Symphony Orchestra’s 2025 schedule currently includes a concert with a “Star Wars” theme on Sunday, May 4 at the Macomb Center and a park concert as part of Shelby Township’s Summerfest on the evening of June 21. For more information visit macombsymphony.org.
underrepresented students. Through his work as a peer mentor with Oakland University’s Gender and Sexuality Center, he helped foster a sense of belonging and a supportive environment for LGBTQ+ students.
Pillivant also volunteers at the Gary Burnstein Community Health Clinic in Pontiac, helping hundreds of patients in financial need access health treatments. As a volunteer at Children’s Hospital of Michigan in Detroit, he helps children who are facing medical challenges. He also wrote a book called “Feline Physicians,” which introduces children to careers in medicine, and he is co-founder of the Feline Physicians Foundation, which aims to increase medical literacy for children.
The Wilson Awards are presented annually to two graduating seniors who have contributed as scholars, leaders and responsible citizens. A committee reviews nominations from faculty, staff and students and selects recipients of the Wilson Awards. Recommended candidates are approved as honorees by the vice president for student affairs and chief diversity officer, and the president.
Pillivant said he is honored to be recognized with this award.
“My work has always been driven by a deep commitment to service. I’m grateful to Oakland University for giving me the opportunity to grow, lead and make a difference. This recognition is not just a reflection of my efforts, but also of the many mentors and peers who have supported and inspired me along the way. I’m excited to continue this work and hope it encourages others to get involved in causes they care about,” he said.
Blake Ilan, the coordinator of Oakland University’s Gender and Sexuality Center, who nominated Pillivant for the Alfred G. Wilson Award, said Pillivant walks the walk as a leader striving toward a more equitable and inclusive world.
“He is deeply committed to making health care where more LGBTQ+ people report experiencing ongoing issues than most anywhere else as LGBTQ+ affirming as possible. He does what I hope all students learn to do — find their lane, and make waves. Dylan has been pivotal in developing the Gender and Sexuality Center’s relationship with the Oakland University William Beaumont School of Medicine and will continue to serve as a resource for us throughout his career,” he said.
COMMUNITY CALENDAR
13A/ SHELBY-UTICA NEWS • APRIL 23, 2025
APRIL 25
Stepping Out with the Stars: Benefit for Turning Point (provides free services for survivors of domestic violence, sexual violence and human trafficking), annual gala features community members performing dance routine for votes, survivor speaker, dinner, open bar, silent auction, raffles and wine pull, 6-11 p.m. (doors at 5:30 p.m.), The Palazzo Grande, 54660 Van Dyke Ave. in Shelby Township, (586) 464-0785, ewilson@ turningpointmacomb.org, cbo.io/tickets/steppingout/ turningpoint
Widowed Friends meetup: Cards, games and fellowship, bring snack to share and own beverage, also lunch/dinner TBD, noon-3 p.m., St. Therese of Lisieux, 48115 Schoenherr Road in Shelby Township, RSVP to Liz at (586) 801-4536, widowedfriends.com
APRIL 26
Puppy parade: Also food truck, vendors, bounce house, Eisenhower High School marching band and special guests, 2-4 p.m., parade starts at Grant Park, 8287 Hahn St. in Utica, and ends at Pioneer Park, 7505 Hahn St. in Utica, johnjohnson1114@gmail. com, (586) 214-9116, cityofutica.org
Clean-Up Day: Registration from 8:30-9:30 a.m., Shelby Township Activities Center, 14975 21 Mile Road, return to center from 11 a.m.-1 p.m. for pizza and drinks, “weirdest thing found” contest, certificate of recognition and flower seed packet, (586) 7315102, facebook.com/theshelbytwp
Trivia night: Doors at 6 p.m., light buffet at 6:30 p.m. and general topic games at 7:30 p.m., also 50-50, basket raffle and cash bar, American Legion Post #351, 46146 Cass Ave. in Utica, benefits Fueling Kids’ Futures program (provides nonperishable food for hunger-insecure students), (586) 566-8855, fkfutica@ yahoo.com, fuelingkidsfutures.org/events
PanCAN PurpleStride: “Ultimate walk to end pancreatic cancer” held nationally in nearly 60 cities on same day, presented locally by Michigan affiliate of Pancreatic Cancer Action Network, 8:30 a.m.-noon with opening ceremony at 9:30 a.m. and walk at 10 a.m., Troy Community Park, 3179 Livernois Road, purplestride.org/michigan
APRIL 27
Learn history of Packard Proving Grounds: Presentation by Roger Luksik also discusses Packard Motor Car Company, 1-2 p.m., 49965 Van Dyke Ave. in Shelby Township, packardprovinggrounds.org, (586) 739-4800
MAY 3
‘Integrated Pest Management and Invasive Species’: Program presented by Southern Michigan Daylily Society with guest speaker Amanda Ruffini (director of Lake St. Clair Cooperative Invasive Species Management Area), 10 a.m., Burgess-Shadbush Nature Center, 4101 River Bends Drive in Shelby Township, free but register to marietta.crabtree@gmail.com, next meetup on June 14, (586) 612-1848, read story at candgnews.com
Watch ‘Join or Die’ documentary: Film discusses America’s decline in community connections and why people should join clubs, 2-4 p.m., Shelby Township Library, 52610 Van Dyke Ave., free screening presented by Friends of the Shelby Township Library and League of Women Voters of Macomb County, joinordiefilm.com/#see
MAY 4
Ewok & Run: 5K benefits Teacher’s Pet (pairs at-risk youth with hard-to-adopt shelter dogs to teach kids character traits), 9 a.m., River Bends Park, 5700 22 Mile Road in Shelby Township, teacherspetmi.org/ ewok-and-run
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.
All Mopar Car Show and Swap Meet: Free event presented by North Oakland Mopar Muscle, food and beverages for purchase, held rain or shine, 8 a.m.-3 p.m. (awards at 2 p.m.), Packard Proving Grounds, 49965 Van Dyke Ave. in Shelby Township, northoaklandmoparmuscle.com
MAY 5, 8 & 10
‘Hairspray’ auditions: Presented by RWB Theatre Company, open casting for ages 8 and older, 6:30-9 p.m. May 5 and 8, and 10 a.m.-noon May 10, callbacks at 1 p.m. May 10, Anita’s Elite Dance Studio, 37360 Van Dyke Ave. in Sterling Heights, visit onthestage.tickets/rwb-theatre-company-llc for rehearsal and performance dates
MAY 14
Shelby Township Fine Art Society: Meets monthly from 6:30-9 p.m., Shelby Township Activities Center, 14975 21 Mile Road, next session June 11, (586) 243-2056
ONGOING
Art exhibit and sale: Presented by Shelby Township Fine Art Society, 8:30 a.m.-5 p.m. Mondays-Fridays May 6-27, upper level of Shelby Township Municipal Building, 52700 Van Dyke Ave., (586) 243-2056
Feeding Time: Learn about and see what animals eat, 1-2 p.m. Saturdays, Nature Center at Stony Creek Metropark, 4300 Main Park Road in Shelby Township, metroparks.com/events
Shelby Writers’ Group: Meets 6:30 p.m. Thursdays, Shelby Township Library, 52610 Van Dyke Ave., (586) 739-7414
Monthly book clubs: Evening Book Club (meets 6:30 p.m. every second Tuesday), Mystery Book Club (10:30
a.m. every second Saturday) and Afternoon Book Club (1 p.m. every third Thursday), Shelby Township Library, 52610 Van Dyke Ave., also Not Your Parents’ Book Club (7 p.m. every last Tuesday), 22nd Street Steakhouse, 48900 Van Dyke Ave. in Shelby Township, shelbytwp.org/government/departments/library
• 11 a.m.-noon every first Friday, Utica Public Library, 7530 Auburn Road, uticalibrary.com
Open mic: Hosted by Shelby Music Society, 7 p.m. every second Saturday of month (doors at 6:30 p.m.), Shelby Township Activities Center, 14975 21 Mile Road, shelbymusic society@yahoo.com
Widowed Friendsbreakfasts: 10:30 a.m. every third Tuesday of month, Pancake Factory, 13693 23 Mile Road in Shelby Township, text Ellen at (586) 4892569, widowedfriends.com
Shelby Farmers Market: 9 a.m.-2 p.m. Saturdays May 17-Oct. 18, Packard Proving Grounds, 49965 Van Dyke Ave. in Shelby Township, (586) 739-4800, packardprovinggrounds.org/farmersmarket, read story at candgnews.com
United Shore Professional Baseball League: Select Thursdays-Sundays May 16-Sept. 6, Jimmy John’s Field, 7171 Auburn Road in Utica, (248) 601-2400, uspbl.com
Confident Communicators Club: Virtual meetings from 8-9:30 a.m. every first and third Wednesday of month, confidentcommunicatorsclub.com
Bereaved Parents of Macomb Support Group: Also for grandparents and siblings, meets 7-9 p.m. every first Thursday of month, Washington Senior Center, 57880 Van Dyke Ave. in Washington Township, (248) 953-5970, bpmacombleader@gmail.com
Dr. Bergeron has comprehensive education, training, and experience in hospital and clinic-based patient care. She excels in all areas of foot and ankle care with specific training and interest in wound care and foot and ankle surgery (including cutting-edge minimally invasive techniques designed to minimize surgical trauma and help patients recover faster).
CONTAINER GARDENING 101:
TIPS TO HAVE THRIVING PLANTS IN SMALL SPACES
BY KATHRYN PENTIUK kpentiuk@candgnews.com
METRO DETROIT — Not all gardens need to be grown in the ground.
According to Lindsey Kerr, the Wayne County consumer horticulture educator for Michigan State University Extension, container gardening is a great option for those who want to enjoy gardening without the need to dig holes in their backyards or for aspiring gardeners who do not have backyards at all.
“Container gardening is great for people who live in smaller spaces, maybe in a condo or an apartment,” Kerr said. “But even homeowners that have maybe a deck or a patio, container gardening can be great because you might not have to bend over as much.”
Kerr advised beginner container gardeners to keep an eye out for keywords like “patio,” “baby,” “bush” or “dwarf” when purchasing fruits and vegetables.
“If you want to grow squash in a pot, then you would want a dwarf or a bush-type squash plant. It’s not going to vine. Squash, like zucchini, can get huge. They bred ones that the plant is smaller, but the produce is the same size,” Kerr said.
She added that, ultimately, one would want a bigger pot, around 18 inches across, for things like tomatoes, because they can grow tall. Wind could cause them to topple over in a smaller pot, and the plant might dry out faster in a smaller pot.
Kerr added that gardeners should also be careful not to put young, small plants in a pot that is too big to avoid rotting. Instead, she encourages container gardeners to start small with a 4- or 6-inch pot and gradually work up to the 18-inch pot as the plant grows.
“I tell people to only plant one tomato plant or one pepper plant or one eggplant in a pot. I don’t think it’s a good idea to put other things in a pot with them. It’s just too much competition,” Kerr said.
MSU Extension Greenhouse and Floriculture Extension Educator Caitlin Splawski, who is based in Oakland County, shared how to ensure success for co-inhabiting plants in a container.
“The rule of thumb is to have a thriller, a filler and a spiller in a container so that you kind of mix and match those different height levels within the container,” Splawski said.
Splawski said a thriller is the center or the tallest plant. The fillers spread out under the thriller to cover the soil, and the spillers trail over the sides of the container.
She shared that a combination of plants in a sunny spot could have a mangave as the thriller, since they have fibrous tissue with a high water-holding capacity, paired with angelonia as the filler and an ornamental oregano as the spiller.
“Those two plants (angelonia and ornamental oregano) are going to use up a little more moisture, which is fine when you’re combining it with one that doesn’t use quite as much moisture, but they can all tolerate full sunshine, and that will make them flower more,” Splawski said.
She added that most plants need attention on a weekly
basis, so tools like self-waterers can help to keep the moisture level consistent, and some pots have water reservoirs to allow the plant to access additional water if needed.
“You can use little tricks like that to kind of help keep those pots maintained, and just knowing your preferences as a gardener is important,” Splawski said.
She explained that gardeners who don’t want to have to worry about checking on their plants so much might prefer plants that require part shade since they can do well with only six hours or less of sun.
She shared an example of some partially shaded plants that could coexist in a container and combine different textures, including alocasia as the thriller, Persian shield as the spiller and euphorbia as a filler.
Splawski encouraged gardeners to combine herbs with flowers, if they’d like, but advised gardeners to be careful when using pesticides on ornamental plants that are combined with edible plants.
“You can combine all sorts of flowers with herbs. You just want to make sure that you know you’re treating them in a way that is going to be safe for you to eat. So, steer clear from putting any pesticides on those containers. If you are someone that uses those chemicals, you’re going to want to keep in mind that you’ve got edible things in the pot,” she said.
Splawski added that gardeners pulling out their containers for the new growth season might be pleasantly surprised to find some perennial herbs that survived the Michigan winter.
“When you are rehabbing your containers for the season, you might have some perennial herbs that can last in those containers for you over the winter. And all you have to do is build in some annuals around them, and it gives you a nice start,” Splawski said.
Both Kerr and Splawski warned Michigan gardeners who have a case of spring fever to hold off on planting just yet, with some exceptions for hearty plants such as kale, lettuce, snap peas and pansies. Otherwise, Kerr said to keep a watchful eye on the weather, and it is usually safe to plant around Memorial Day.
“We can plant those kinds of things in pots and have them outside, and they’ll be OK. If it’s going to get below freezing, then I would just cover those pots. You can cover them with blankets or old towels or bedsheets, and that helps hold in the heat overnight, and then you take those covers off in the morning. But I would wait till late May to plant anything like tomatoes and eggplant and peppers and cucumbers, melons, squash, beans — those things like to be hot,” Kerr said.
Gardeners are encouraged to reach out to the MSU Extension with any questions at www.canr.msu.edu/home_gardening. The MSU Extension gardening hotline, (888) 678-3464, operates from 9 a.m. to noon on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays.
“It’s a free resource that Michigan State University Extension provides to everybody in Michigan. So we just want people to know that so we can fulfill our mission of serving the people of Michigan,” Kerr said.
Lettuce can be grown around this time of year for eager gardeners who have a case of spring fever. Pictured is lettuce grown in an aluminum lasagna pan.
Photo provided by Lindsey Kerr
This mangave in the center paired with angelonia — the white flowers — and an ornamental oregano are an example of a thriller, filler and spiller that can coexist in a pot together.
Photo provided by Caitlin Splawski
When choosing a tomato or other vegetables to grow in a container, Lindsey Kerr, of MSU Extension, advises gardeners to look for keywords like “patio,” “baby,” “bush” or “dwarf.”
Photo provided by Lindsey Kerr
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Oakland Elementary student wins ‘Why Compost’ poster and essay contest
ROYAL OAK — Jose F. Aguado, a student at Oakland Elementary School, has been chosen as the winner of the district’s “Why Compost” Poster and Essay Contest.
Aguado created an entry called “Soil Doesn’t Spoil,” which detailed the purpose and benefits of composting. His work was chosen for the clear message and strong visual presentation.
Aguado will receive a composting bucket from the city of Royal Oak for winning, and will be honored April 25 with a tree planted in his name for Earth Day.
The winning poster will be displayed at Oakland Elementary, and Aguado will be recognized at the Royal Oak Schools Board of Education meeting May 10.
FESTIVAL OF THE ARTS HIGHLIGHTS STUDENT ARTWORK
WARREN — Warren Consolidated Schools is hosting its annual Festival of the Arts now through May 16 at the Warren Community Center, 5460 Arden Ave. The show is open to the public and features approximately 400 pieces of artwork created by students in early childhood through 12th grade. District officials will host a special awards ceremony May 8 at 5:30 p.m. and 6:30 p.m. for elementary students and at 7:30 p.m. for secondary students.
Spectrum Orchestra wraps up season with special performance BLOOMFIELD HILLS — Spectrum Orchestra will close the season at 7:30 p.m. on Friday, May 2, with a concert at Bloomfield Hills High School, located at 4200 Andover Road in Bloomfield Township. Jeremy Crosmer of the Detroit Symphony Orchestra will perform Antonín Dvořák’s famous Cello Concerto in B minor.
“We’re absolutely thrilled to be welcoming Jeremy back as a soloist for the fourth time — that’s how popular he’s been,” said Eszter Horváth, Spectrum Orchestra’s music director, in a press release.
“He’s a fantastic cellist and performer. The Dvořák concerto is nothing short of a masterpiece, and this is a wonderful opportunity to hear it played so beautifully by Jeremy.”
Tickets, available for purchase online or at the door, are $15 for adults, $12 for seniors 65-plus and free for those under the age of 18. For more information, visit spectrumorchestra.org.
Mayor compliments Hyatt Place in Utica remodel
UTICA
Photo provided by Spectrum Orchestra
Macomb celebrated
Photo provided by Connect Macomb
Assault reported on Greater Mack ST. CLAIR SHORES — At 2:29 p.m. on April 8, an assault report was made in the 22000 block of Greater Mack Avenue.
An officer met in a parking lot and saw the victim, a 26-year-old woman, on the ground complaining of leg pain and her sister, a 30-year-old woman, was there as well. The victim was taken to the hospital where the officer met her. She stated that she, her sister and their coworker, a 35-year-old man, were working at a house when her sister and the man got into an argument. The man allegedly bumped into the sister intentionally starting the argument and proceeded to throw a cleaning brush at her. The victim tried to intervene, but the man threw her and her sister to the ground and ran out of the house and into the vehicle there. The victim stated the man was in the driver’s seat about to leave when she jumped in as well and grabbed onto the wheel. The man allegedly drove with her holding onto the wheel, stopping in a parking lot on Greater Mack, and that he shoved her out and proceeded to run over her foot. When she cried in pain, the man said he didn’t care and drove off. The man was later located and taken into custody.
Theft reported on Little Mack
ST. CLAIR SHORES — On March 26, a report of theft was made at a business in the 25000 block of Little Mack Avenue.
After receiving a call about the theft, officers attempted to locate the suspect, but they were unsuccessful. They met with the shift manager, who stated the suspect pulled out his own bag and started putting things in it. He went to the bathroom with a cart he brought in.
The employees tried to get in the bathroom, but he had jammed it shut with the cart. The man exited and the shift manager stated they aren’t allowed to try to stop theft. She called the store manager about the footage and the value of the items. The store manager stated she’d get the information and send it to officers.
Vehicle found flipped upside-down
EASTPOINTE — According to a police report, at around 3:30 a.m. April 5, officers with the Eastpointe Police Department were dispatched to the 17000 block of Lincoln Avenue to investigate a hit-and-run complaint.
Upon their arrival, they reportedly observed a silver Chevrolet Equinox upside-down on Lincoln Avenue and deduced it had struck a parked GMC Terrain.
The driver of the Equinox had fled the scene on foot, police said. The crash was not witnessed, and
to police.
The suspect’s vehicle was impounded for further investigation.
Police say they uncovered sex acts at massage parlor
EASTPOINTE — The Eastpointe Police Department announced April 10 that it had received complaints from customers of “JC Massage Parlor” on Kelly Road, where workers were allegedly offering sexual favors to them during or after massages.
The Eastpointe Police Department’s Detective Bureau and Eastpointe Special Investigations Unit conducted an investigation and reportedly found that customers were being provided sexual acts for an extra fee.
Two workers were arrested after a search warrant was conducted, police said. In a statement April 10, Eastpointe Police Lt. Alexander Holish said that the department wishes to thank the U.S. Border Patrol for assisting the department in its investigation.
Stolen goods
HARRISON TOWNSHIP — On March 30 at around 10 a.m., Macomb County Sheriff’s Office deputies were called to an apartment in the 27000 block of Coleridge Avenue to speak with a 35-year-old Harrison Township man about stolen goods.
The man parked his Dodge SUV in an overflow parking lot of the complex the night before, later taking his work vehicle down to Detroit. Upon returning in the morning, he discovered the rear driver-side window was broken and $5,450 of luxury goods were stolen.
Slashed tire
HARRISON TOWNSHIP — On March 26 at around
6 a.m., Macomb County Sheriff’s Office deputies were dispatched to the 43000 block of West Morgan Court for a property damage report.
Deputies spoke with a 40-year-old Harrison Township man who found a flat tire on his Chevrolet sedan that, upon further inspection, appeared to be a slash.
The man told deputies he believed his neighbor — his ex-girlfriend — or her son may be responsible. Deputies spoke with her and she denied any involvement.
Lost dog
MOUNT CLEMENS — On March 29 at around
10:30 p.m., Macomb County Sheriff’s Office deputies were called to the 70 block of Grove Park Avenue by a Macomb Township resident for an animal complaint.
dog without a collar was sitting next to her car. Unsure if it was violent, deputies and animal control came to the scene and took the dog to the Mount Clemens Department of Public Services building. No microchips were found in a search of the dog and a lost dog log was sent to dispatch.
Potential vandalism
MOUNT CLEMENS — On March 27 at around 11:30 a.m., Macomb County Sheriff’s Office deputies were dispatched to the 270 block of Cass Avenue to speak with a resident about damage to his car.
At around 1 a.m. the man was informed by a neighbor about a loud crash coming from the man’s home, which turned out to be the rear window of his Ford EcoSport being shattered. The man also found part of a brick on the ground.
The man told deputies that he believed his “estranged” wife was a potential suspect, though she denied any involvement when the man called her after discovering the damage.
Police arrest driver at Taco Bell
SHELBY TOWNSHIP — Shelby Township police officers were dispatched to the drive-thru lane of Taco Bell, 47154 Van Dyke Ave., for an intoxicated man in the lane at 11:50 p.m. March 28. Upon officers making contact with the driver, they smelled an odor of intoxicants on the driver’s breath. After a field sobriety test and a preliminary breath test, the driver was arrested for operating while intoxicated, according to the police report. The man was booked and lodged at the Shelby Township Police Department. According to the report, the driver had three prior OWI arrests.
Man found with pills
SHELBY TOWNSHIP — A Shelby Township police officer observed a vehicle with the driver and passenger not wearing seatbelts at 11:47 p.m. March 28. The officer conducted a traffic stop and met with the two men. The officer advised the passenger to step from the vehicle. Upon searching the subject, the officer reportedly found prescription pills that did not belong to the subject in his pocket. The subject was placed under arrest and the rest of his belongings were searched. More prescription pills were located, police said. The man was booked and lodged at the Shelby Township Police Department for possession of analogues. The case was forwarded to the Macomb County Prosecutor’s Office to be reviewed for charges.
Teens arrested for larceny GROSSE POINTE WOODS — Two 15-year-olds from Detroit were arrested after the victim told police he
in the 19000 block of Raymond Street at around 2:40 p.m. April 1. The victim told police he saw one of the teens walking away from his vehicle and the other still standing near it, and when he confronted them, the teens ran away. Police said the center console of the victim’s vehicle was rummaged through and left open. Officers gave chase on foot and caught up with both suspects, taking them into custody.
Victim robbed of thousands in identity theft
GROSSE POINTE SHORES — A 36-year-old Grosse Pointe Shores man filed a report with police April 2 after discovering that an unknown suspect hacked into the victim’s PayPal account in May 2021 and spent an estimated $5,000 of the victim’s money. The victim told police he didn’t know about the theft until recently, when it impacted his checking account.
Stolen AirPods recovered GROSSE POINTE
Police said the AirPods were returned to the victim. The suspect could be facing possession of stolen property charges, police said.
Five arrested for larceny GROSSE POINTE FARMS/CITY — A Grosse Pointe City sergeant spotted a white sedan in the area of McKinley