SECOND FRONT PAGE
Senior center director retires after 28 years with township
BY NICK POWERS npowers@candgnews.com
CLINTON TOWNSHIP — After 28 years with the township, Matt Makowski feels he’s accomplished his goals for the Clinton Township Senior Adult Life Center.
“Many other communities only
have recreation departments and seniors are just one portion of the recreation department,” Makowski said. “Our department was exclusively set up specifically for seniors and it’s served the community well.”
Makowski has been the center’s director for 20 years. Prior to that, he was appointed as the center’s assistant
director in 1997. The senior center was opened in 1982, and a gym and fitness center were added in 1987.
Acting Senior Center Director Debbie Travis highlighted Makowski’s hands-on approach. She said he was compassionate, connecting with the seniors and the center’s staff.
“We’ve learned a lot from him
and are strong and ready to take on the new era of leadership the township board chooses for us,” Travis said. “We will continue to be champions for our senior population and deliver the same level of exceptionalism that our seniors have come to expect from us. However, Matt’s comforting presence and joyful
Clinton Township Board of Trustees set deadline for ITC cooperation
BY DEAN VAGLIA dvaglia@candgnews.com
CLINTON TOWNSHIP — After months of delays and investigations, an end is in sight.
On April 28, the Clinton Township Board of Trustees set Monday, June 2 as the latest day for a definitive vote on ITC’s Henry Ford Macomb Hospital power line project.
The board’s patience with the electrical transmission firm appears to be running thin after its continued instance on running lines along 19 Mile Road despite complaints from residents and evidence of a viable alternative route along Dalcoma Drive. ITC’s project is meant to provide power to the hospital’s expansion, which opened in May 2023.
“I was presented with a number of reasons why Dalcoma wasn’t possible,” Clinton Township Supervisor Paul Gieleghem said. “I went about removing all of them. (Michigan Department of Environment, Great Lakes and Energy) agreed to consider wetland mitigation if it was even necessary but they didn’t think it was. I hired a helicopter company to look at the issue of the helipad
Makowski
Photo by Dean Vaglia
Clinton Township Supervisor Paul Gieleghem, left, speaks at the April 28
Clinton Township Board of Trustees meeting as Trustee Dan Kress watches.
New ordinance language, amendments added for driveways
BY ALYSSA OCHSS aochss@candgnews.com
FRASER — At its meeting on May 8, the Fraser City Council approved new ordinance language and amendments pertaining to driveways in the city in a 6-0 vote.
Councilwoman Sherry Stein was excused at this point in the meeting.
Items attached to the agenda state that these are a few of the specified changes:
• Parking shall be restricted to asphalt or concrete surfacing. The city engineer may approve alternative improved surfaces.
• All driveways shall be designed and constructed to prevent stormwater runoff from flowing onto adjacent properties. Driveways must be graded to direct runoff toward appropriate drainage infrastructure, such as swales, culverts, or stormwater management systems.
• Driveways must adhere to the impervious surface maximums specified in Sec. 32-122(4).
• Horseshoe drives may be permitted so long as the maximum impervious surface is not exceeded. Horseshoe drives do not need to adhere to the provisions in Section 32-
92(10)(a) but must not exceed a width of 12 feet at the property line.
• Replacing up to 25% of the existing driveway area does not require building or zoning permits.
Fraser City Manager Elaine Leven said planning worked diligently on these changes. Lauren Sayre, Fraser city planner, agreed they’d been working on this for months. She said the ordinance as it was was written over 30 years ago and did not meet the needs of current residents.
The updated ordinance also adds a definition for driveways, specifies the maximum width of the property lines and other things. They separated the ordinance out by garage type: detached garages, attached garages and no garages.
They also proposed impervious surface maximums to, Sayre said, prevent people from completely paving their front yards.
Councilwoman Patrice Schornak said this is well overdue and that a lot of residents have already expanded their driveways.
“Many families now are becoming multifamily homes because of the expensive living in general and so when, especially when we have snow incidences and we’re not al-
lowed to park on the streets, where are we supposed to put all these cars?” Schornak said.
Councilwoman Amy Baranski told council members and those watching that the reason for the restrictions is to address environmental concerns. She asked Sayre if she thinks they are adequately protected. Sayre said she consulted with city engineers, and they are comfortable with it as well.
Sayre said she thinks the ordinance changes address a lot of resident concerns.
Editor: Brian Louwers | (586) 498-1089 | brianlouwers@candgnews.com
Reporters: Dean Vaglia | (586) 498-1043 | dvaglia@candgnews.com
Alyssa Ochss | (586) 498-1103 | aochss@candgnews.com
Sports: Scott Bentley | (586) 498-1090 | sports@candgnews.com
Artroom: (586) 498-1036 | ads@candgnews.com
“We heard that in the public hearing at Planning Commission from residents as well that a lot of them, this ordinance does accomplish what they need to do,” Sayre said. She went on to say that it does reduce the number of cases that require a variance.
Councilman Patrick O’Dell asked if the cement in backyards counts with the limitations.
The goal is to keep impervious surfaces on a lot under 50%. Sayre said the ordiSee DRIVEWAYS on page 18A
(586) 498-1032 | kboz@candgnews.com
is full of ups and downs. But together, we can overcome any obstacle. Rise to any challenge. And fght any battle.
SPOTLIGHT ON HEALTH
FBY K. MICHELLE MORAN kmoran@candgnews.com
rom the contentious political climate to the economy to the rapid pace of modern life, stressors are everywhere and impact people of all ages. A 2022 survey by the American Psychological Association reported that 76% of respondents experienced at least one stress symptom in the past month.
Prolonged periods of stress can put people at risk for many medical conditions, including digestive problems, weight gain, headaches, sleeplessness, anxiety, depression, high blood pressure, stroke, heart disease and problems with memory and concentration, according to the American Heart Association.
All of this means that stress management is vital for overall health and well-being. Fortunately, there are tools people can acquire to reduce stress and improve their quality of life.
Kristina Mansour is a therapist and part owner of Reflective Therapy Center in Troy and Northville. She said anxiety “is a fictional land” the mind creates, so focusing on the senses — what you see, smell and hear around you — can ground a person.
Challenging automatic negative thoughts is another tool.
“We don’t even recognize that it’s happening,” Mansour said of these intrusive thoughts.
She said it can take a lot of effort — and
Build a toOlkit to adDresS stresS
sometimes time — to do this, but the benefits are worth it.
Mansour said they use the ABC method to counter negative thinking. “A” is for the activating thought, such as being on a plane. “B” is for the belief, such as the fear the plane will crash. “C” stands for the consequence, or the emotion that comes from this thread.
She said patients keep the same “A” — so they’re still that person on the plane — but they’re asked to come up with a different “B” and “C,” such as thinking that they’re going to be seeing loved ones when they land, which would result in a happy emotional outcome. Mansour said she recommends that people journal an ABC once a night for the day to come, coming up with one negative and one positive scenario. It’s all about reframing.
“It’s just about redefining what the ‘A’ leads to,” Mansour said. “You have control (over that).”
Cognitive behavioral therapy is something she said she does with many patients.
“It just allows you to recognize you really have more control than you think you do,” Mansour said.
The ABCs can be recorded in a journal. Mansour said journaling is useful for many people, as they can refer back to previous entries and see the progress they’ve made.
A deep breathing exercise is something Dr. Jayanti Mischra, a psychologist at Mind Empowerment in Troy, recommends
Whitmer celebrates Selfridge gains in Macomb address
Bipartisanship, collaboration core of governor’s speech
BY DEAN VAGLIA dvaglia@candgnews.com
SHELBY TOWNSHIP — Nearly a week removed from the announcement of new fighter jets destined for Selfridge Air National Guard Base, neither state nor county executives have recorked the champagne.
Around noon on May 5, Gov. Gretchen Whitmer gave an address to Macomb County business leaders at The Palazzo Grande banquet hall during a luncheon for the Macomb County Chamber and Connect Macomb. The governor’s remarks to the Macomb audience would ultimately revolve around bipartisan cooperation to solve mutual problems, and no example fit the subject and audience better than the idea of factoryfresh F-15EX fighter jets replacing an aging and retiring fleet of A-10s at Selfridge.
“This is a really important moment in our state and our country,” Whitmer said. “We know that there’s a lot of uncertainty for a lot of different reasons, but for us to be able to say we know what the future of Selfridge is a big (deal).”
Whitmer described the fighter mission as not only a lifeline for the base but for the numerous defense manufacturing jobs located around the county and state, claiming the continued mission would support 30,000 jobs, 5,000 military families and $180 million in annual economic impact.
In a room of people that included the 127th Wing’s Brig. Gen. Matthew Brancato, Macomb County Executive Mark Hackel may have been the most excited about the Selfridge news. Hackel, who wore a custom Selfridge baseball jersey and recalled getting “choked up” watching the April 29 announcement, was not shy about praising Whitmer’s role in the effort, particularly in light of criticism she has received for working and appearing with President Donald Trump several times.
“This did not go without some criticism, that she may have gotten on one extreme within the party, or the president getting criticism on extremes within his party,” Hackel said. “Yet the two realized the importance of this, and that announcement that was made was an incredible asset to Macomb County and Macomb County’s future.”
Whitmer, who is term-limited as governor, addressed her intraparty critics from
the lectern with a defense of bipartisanship.
“I was in the minority all 14 years I was in the Michigan Legislature,” Whitmer said.
“As governor, I’ve signed over 1,500 bills that are bipartisan — and 1,000 of them came out of a completely Republican-controlled legislature. It’s the same approach that led me to the White House a few weeks back. I am committed to working with the Trump administration on any priority we can find common ground on. I am not going to pretend that that’s always going to be possible — I know that’s the case — but Michiganders elected both of us twice, just two years apart, and I know from looking at this room that you all expect us to get things done.”
Speaking to reporters after the speech, Whitmer said her primary goals when meeting Trump were to secure jets for Selfridge and federal aid or funding for northern Michigan communities ravaged by a lateMarch ice storm. She had not yet received word from Washington on the aid from the Federal Emergency Management Agency.
Bipartisan collaboration was the theme through the rest of the governor’s speech, which moved from the Selfridge runways to Macomb County’s roadways. As part of her pledge to “fix the damn roads,” Whitmer highlighted the completion of the Innovate Mound project and the ongoing Restore the Reuther work. Now in its final phase, sections of Interstate 696 will be closed between Lahser Road, Dequindre Road and the in-
Photo by Dean Vaglia
Governor Gretchen Whitmer speaks at a luncheon in Shelby Township on May 5.
Emerging and veteran artists feature in double show
BY DEAN VAGLIA dvaglia@candgnews.com
MOUNT CLEMENS — Experience and youth share the stage at the Anton Art Center’s first-ever double exhibition.
From now through Saturday, June 14, the Anton Art Center in Mount Clemens is hosting two exhibitions on behalf of the Detroit Society of Women Painters and Sculptors.
“This exhibition focuses on two different spaces in our gallery,” Anton Art Center Exhibitions Manager Stephanie Hazzard said. “We’ve got two floors, so each floor is dedicated to an exhibit presented by the same group, which is the (DSWPS). They come together often to hold a member’s exhibition at various locations, so we are hosting their 2025 member’s exhibition on our first floor, which is a juried show that comprises of members of this group.”
On the art center’s second floor is where the DSWPS’ Emerging Women Artists of Metro Detroit exhibition is being showcased.
“This is the first time that this group has done this project,” Hazzard said. “They hosted an open call for women artists between the ages of 18 and 35 to submit their artwork for jurying and the results would be part of the exhibit.”
While this is not the first time the art center has worked with the DSWPS or held shows that span both of its gallery-space floors, the ongoing DSWPS exhibitions are the first time a single outside organization has held two exhibits at the same time. Around 90 works of art from over 70 regional artists span the center’s two floors, with the works ranging from paintings to sculpture to jewelry to even video work.
According to Hazzard, the goal of the DSWPS’ membership with the emerging
artists show was to promote the work of upand-coming artists, which is reflected in the backgrounds of much of the works on display. A number of the works on display were made prior to the announcement of the show and some of the works, like Pontiac-based sculptor Taylor Knight-Turner’s bronzed raccoon fur “Pelt” and second-place-winning Royal Oakbased painter Madison Forbes’ “The Swan” and “Les Fleurs,” were created initially for art schools.
The featured artists have a mix of experience in the world of juried exhibitions. Thy Hoang, a painter from Sterling Heights, had been in four of the Anton Art Center’s secondary student shows before she saw her works “What Had I Wanted?” and “Things Left Unsaid” featured in the emerging artists show. Knight-Turner currently has another work on display at a show in California. Sterling Heights-based painter Catherine Haggerty, a first-place winner for her work, “Fishbowl,” had never been featured in a juried show until now. She plans on being in many more in the future.
“I’m an emerging artist now. I feel like I have a duty,” Haggerty said. “Part of the first place was winning membership in the (DSWPS) and so I’m really excited about that, because it means I get to have more resources, more connections and can be further involved.”
The Detroit Society of Women Painters and Sculptors 2025 Members Exhibition and the Emerging Women Artists of Metro Detroit exhibit run at the Anton Art Center until Saturday, June 14.
The Anton Art Center is located at 125 Macomb Place in downtown Mount Clemens. Admission to the art center is free and it is open from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Tuesday through Saturday. For more information visit theartcenter. org.
Catherine Haggerty’s painting “Fishbowl,” top left, Madison Forbes’ painting “The Swan,” top right, Thy Hoang’s painting “What Had I Wanted,” left, and Taylor Knight-Turner’s sculpture “Pelt,” right and are on display at the Anton Art Center as part of the Detroit Society of Women Painters and Sculptors’ Emerging Women Artists of Metro Detroit exhibition.
Images provided by the Anton Art Center
Trustees
from page 3A
and we have definitive proof that those lines are not an impediment. Then there’s a drain easement from the (county) public works commissioner’s office. We met with the public works commissioner’s office and (Candice Miller) said co-locating is not going to be a problem … The only impediment is ITC’s willingness to actually submit the Dalcoma route, and the community college.”
With a smaller board than usual, trustees voted 4-1 to set the June 2 meeting as the final date for the township to exercise its approval for the project — though board attitudes appear set to reject the current ITC plan — using the meantime to secure formal support from Macomb Community College for the Dalcoma Drive route.
Township Attorney Jack Dolan encouraged the board to force the issue with the Macomb Community College Board of Trustees, either by going to one of its meetings or bringing the board to a Clinton Township meeting, after the school released a statement to WXYZ-TV stating they had not been approached by ITC about a Dalcoma Drive route.
“Right now, it’s clear to me that, by their statement that they constructed and put into the press, that (Macomb Community College) want(s) to fall back on the position that nobody has formally approached them, which is inconsistent with the evidence that we have and basically gives them a route to save face and say … ‘Nobody ever came to us,’” Dolan said remotely during the meeting. “I don’t want to give them that escape route and I don’t think this board does either … None of us should be in a situation where the community college isn’t pinned down on what their position is.”
Gieleghem said he had spoken with the president of the college and sent a letter to the college board. On May 7, Macomb Community College Executive Director of Communications and Public Relations Jeanne Nicol told C & G Newspapers that ITC had still not approached the college about Dalcoma Drive and that the college “has received a request from Clinton Township to be added to the May 21 Macomb Community College Board of Trustees meeting.”
Research by the township revealed a Dalcoma Drive route was present in earlier stages of the project but was replaced in favor of the 19 Mile Road route. Residents along the proposed 19 Mile Road route have been against the project citing health concerns as lines could be as close as 50 feet away from residences.
The township is able to approve or deny the project due to township ordinances, though a denial could lead to ITC pursuing state approval for the 19 Mile route via the Michigan Public Service Commission.
“We’ve maintained from November (2024) that we are very concerned about putting these lines 50 feet from the balconies of residential condo owners and this process to condemn, and it’s almost like (ITC is saying), ‘Hey, yeah, we’ll consider it, but no, we haven’t really considered it,’” Gieleghem said. “So, what’s it going to take? Do you want a denial so you can just go to the Public Service Commission and force it, or do you want to work with this community to come up with a route that works? That’s where we’re at.”
Trustee Dan Kress was the sole “no” vote. Kress has indicated a desire to expedite the denial of the project. Trustee Bruce Wade suggested holding a vote to approve a Dalcoma Drive route, but as a formal Dalcoma route does not exist, the vote would not resolve the issue.
East Town Village
Trustees approved several items related to the East Town Village mixed-use development, located near the corner of Elizabeth Road and North Groesbeck Highway. Trustees approved rezoning the site from “B-2 Community Business” to a planned unit development district.
Trustees then approved the final site plan which calls for 29 single-family units, 107 multifamily units across 13 buildings, 6,000 square feet of commercial space, a 112-unit senior living facility and a community center, all on a 21.5-acre site.
Liquor License Approval
Trustees narrowly approved awarding its final Class C quota liquor license to Mr. Miguel’s Mexican Grille & Cantina.
Approved by a 3-2 margin with Trustees Kress and Shannon King voting “no,” the census-based license will allow the restaurant to open its fifth and “flagship” location in The Mall at Partridge Creek. Should Mr. Miguel’s cease operations within the township, the license will be returned to the township.
Call Staff Writer Dean Vaglia at (586) 498-1043.
BEHIND THE WHEEL
Pontiac Transportation Museum gears up for its ‘Phase II Fanfare’ event
MUSEUM PAYS TRIBUTE TO PONTIAC’S CONTRIBUTION TO THE AUTO INDUSTRY
BY MARIA ALLARD allard@candgnews.com
Walking into the Pontiac Transportation Museum is like spending time in your grandfather’s pristine garage as a kid.
The museum is a leisurely walk back in time that pays tribute to the car manufacturers and assembly line workers who made everything from 19th century carriages to late ’60s GTOs in Pontiac-based automobile plants. That includes the Oakland Motor Car Co., Pontiac Assembly, the Pontiac Tractor Co. and GMC.
Memorabilia tells the city’s auto history, vehicles from different decades are on display, there’s a section dedicated to 50 years of Pontiac coach buses, visitors can view interactive videos, and much more. Volunteer docents are available to answer questions and take guests on museum tours. There’s also a gift shop that sells T-shirts, baseball caps, glassware and stickers.
“Our scope is basically wheel vehicles in Pontiac, either engineered here or manufactured here and or both. Forty-seven companies were here over time. We live in southeastern Michigan. Everybody is related to somebody that worked in the auto business,” said Pontiac Transportation Museum Board Chair Terry Connolly, a Rochester Hills resident. “The nice thing about opening the museum is people walk up almost every day with a box of stuff. You find some
See MUSEUM on page 15A
through Saturdays and from noon to 5 p.m. Sundays. The public is welcome to attend.
LEFT: Pontiac Transportation Museum Board Chair Terry Connolly, of Rochester Hills, reads a map that shows the location of the former Pontiac auto plants.
Photos by Patrica O’Blenes
ABOVE AND LEFT: The Pontiac Transportation Museum, located at 250 W. Pike St., opened in May 2024. Its hours are 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Thursdays
Trump
ment and feels if people want to move to the U.S., they need to do it legally.
“We escaped communism. We lost South Vietnam 50 years ago. When you came here then you had to be vetted, you had to learn English and you learned how to adapt,” he said. “You came here to support yourself. The government doesn’t support you.”
Trump was scheduled to speak at 6 p.m., and attendees needed a ticket to get inside the Sports and Expo Center. Doors to his rally opened at 1:45 p.m. Many supporters — wearing Trump T-shirt, hats and buttons — lined up early in the day. Merchandisers sold everything from flags to bumper stickers, media lined up to speak to supporters, and there was a police presence.
Cheri Veradi, 56, of Adrian, stood in line in the early afternoon waiting for her sister and cousin.
“I want him to know he has a lot of support. I love how strong he is,” she said. “He makes the United States strong.”
On March 20, Trump signed an executive order to dismantle the U.S. Department of Education. The department has not
closed; by law, that would still have to go before Congress for a vote.
“I’m fine with that,” Veradi said of it possibly closing.
She commended the Republican president for working to secure the borders and deport known criminals.
“That needed to happen because of crime,” she said.
Veradi has attended about five Trump rallies.
“The camaraderie is what I love about them,” she said.
When asked why Trump supporters are viewed in a negative light, Veradi said “They think we’re bullies. I think it’s because we’re strong-minded people. But we welcome everybody.”
Nathaniel Baker drove from Lansing April 29 to attend his first Trump rally.
“He is a great person. Everyone here is nice, and they’re great people. They let you say what you mean. None of that fake news,” Baker, 27, said. “We just want what is best for the United States. It’s nice to see our president on TV every day.”
For Baker, a former Democrat, one of the biggest issues for him is the Mexico border, which he said is now “very secure.”
“He’s doing a good job getting rid of the people coming here illegally. Those
people are gang leaders and violent people,” Baker said. “As long as you (come here) the right way, there’s no problem.”
Shah Mehdi, of Prentice, Wisconsin, and Norma Holm, of Hammond, Indiana, met a few years ago at a Trump rally. They keep in touch, and both made it to Macomb for the rally.
“I’m here to speak for my nine grandchildren,” Holm, 55, said. “I want them to have the same freedoms I had growing up. Liberalism is confusing to them. The woke agenda has affected the kids.”
Holm remembers seeing Trump appear on talk shows in the 1980s, including “The Oprah Winfrey Show” about what he would do “to help our country get stronger” if he ever ran for president.
“He’s executing that plan,” Holm said. “These tariffs aren’t going to be fine overnight, but it’s going to benefit us in the long run.”
Rob Cortis, of Livonia, brought the “Trump Unity Bridge” to the college campus. He drives the patriotic float across the country in an effort to unite it.
“It’s to spread the message of unity through Donald Trump. Since 2015, his campaign is to put America first,” Cortis said. “There are more people that like him that don’t, and the mainstream media doesn’t
get the word out. They don’t tell the good side of the story. They don’t tell how good the tariffs work, how good the economy works.”
Hundreds gather to protest Trump
Hundreds of protestors fanned out on the corner of Hayes and 12 Mile roads to show their dissatisfaction with Trump. There was the persistent sound of car horns honking. There were also occasionally people who drove by to yell their support for Trump or yell obscenities at the crowd.
While many held up signs with the phrase “I Dissent,” there were a variety of messages displayed from Ukrainian solidarity to warnings of creeping authoritarianism. Some attendees wore black to symbolize loss.
Jon Halock, a Roseville resident, said Trump and his supporters have prioritized an earlier ideal of the American family, crowding out the LGBTQIA+ community. He ties this narrow vision of a preferred American into authoritarian movements of the past.
“I think trans people are under attack,” Halock said. “If we don’t have people out here doing this type of stuff, trans people are going to be the number one target. They can’t be. We have to put all Americans first, even conservatives. They deserve a right to See TRUMP on page 19A
GREEN MICHIGANCLEAN MICHIGAN
Museum
artifacts in there that are just amazing that people kept.”
The museum, located at 250 W. Pike St., opened in May 2024 with phase I of its installation. Just a year later, organizers will open the second phase of the museum on May 17, and the public is cordially invited to the “Phase II Fanfare” event.
The day will begin at 9 a.m. with a car cafe kickoff that will include free coffee, doughnuts and cider. Car buffs who drive classic Pontiac, Oakland and GMC brands are welcome to showcase their models on the museum grounds as space allows.
The museum will open at 10 a.m. with “Phase I” admittance prices. At noon, the event will switch gears with guest speakers and a ribbon-cutting to officially open phase II of the museum. From 1 to 5 p.m., the public can enjoy live music outside, and food will be for sale.
“We want people to be proud of what happened in Pontiac. We want to attract heritage tourism to Pontiac,” said Connolly, a retired automobile engineer. “There was a lot of wealth accumulation in Pontiac at one point in time. It happened because of manufacturing prowess and science and technology.”
There are bits of history throughout the museum that highlight all kinds of vehicles made in the city: carriages, sedans, station wagons, sports cars, convertibles, 18-wheeler trailers, medium-duty trucks, pickup trucks, and buses. Inside the museum is a 1908 Pontiac High Wheel Runabout, a 1912 Flanders Colonial Electric, 1968 Pontiac Firebird Ram Air II, 1940 GMC pickup truck, the very last Pontiac 2010 G6 sedan and more.
“Pontiac had 80% of the transit market in the whole United States for about 40 years,” Connolly said. “The Department of
Justice didn’t take kindly to that and took GM to court for about 10 years and said, ‘It’s a monopoly, you’ve got to break it all off.’ So GM sold it all off, but most of the transit buses in the United States were built in Pontiac.”
Also on display are Whizzer motorbikes, which ran on gasoline and became popular during World War II.
“Gas was rationed, and women began working at plants,” Connolly said. “They all bought Whizzers” to get to work. The Pontiac manufacturing plants also supplied vehicles during World War II, including DUKWs, antiaircraft guns, armored cars, torpedoes, parts for tanks and landing craft and artillery ammunition.
In another site, volunteers placed two cars next to each other that represent the beginning and end of manufacturing in the city: a 1927 Landau sedan and a 1982 Grand Prix. Guests might also spot the 21-foot 1986 Vixen recreational vehicle on exhibit. Only 587 models were produced in 19861987 at the Vixen Motor Co.; they really didn’t generate much interest.
“My assessment is it was too expensive for its market in the mid-’80s because you could buy a bigger motorhome for the same amount of money,” Connolly said. “These were built right next door to where the Silverdome used to stand.”
The Pontiac Transportation Museum was built inside the former Crofoot Elementary School. Private donors have funded the museum along with support from the city of Pontiac’s Arts and Culture American Rescue Plan Act grant of $250,000. Since opening last year, the PTM has welcomed about 5,000 guests from 16 countries and nearly every U.S. state.
A list of admission prices is on the PTM website at pontiactransportationmuseum. org/visit. Information regarding donation opportunities also is available on the website. School groups are welcome for tours.
from page 12A
Through car displays and artifacts, the Pontiac Transportation Museum tells the story of the city’s contributions to the automobile industry.
Photo by Patrica O’Blenes
Stress
from page 8A
for people of all ages. It involves inhaling for four seconds, holding your breath for four seconds and exhaling for four seconds, which can be done several times in a row.
“It helps a lot with people who are feeling stressed,” Mischra said. “It helps you to focus in that moment on the task that you are doing.”
Getting up from the chair or couch can help, too.
“I also recommend moving around,” Mischra said. “If you are at a workplace and you feel that tension in your back and your head, walk around the building for 10 minutes. If it’s possible to be outside, that’s the best thing to do.”
While walking, she said a person can also practice deep breathing for an additional calming effect.
Mischra said positive affirmations, such as, “I’m going to have a good day,” and having a positive conversation with yourself — speaking to yourself in a positive way, instead of a negative or critical way — can be helpful as well, whether these conversations and affirmations are said aloud or silently.
Mischra advises people to spend at least
10 minutes each day practicing mindfulness and meditation; she said guided meditation is especially good for people who aren’t used to meditating and there are guided meditation videos on YouTube and apps like Headspace and Calm that can assist newcomers.
We are often our own harshest critics, so Mischra said she asks patients to list three positive things from their day.
“It helps to be gentle to yourself and reflect on your day,” she said.
The mind-body connection is powerful. Mischra and Mansour both said they ask patients about their diet and sleep habits.
Sugar, caffeine and water intake, for example, “can contribute to emotional stressors,” Mansour said.
For better sleep, Mischra said people should turn off their TV and avoid looking at devices like their phone or laptop at least 45 minutes to an hour before they go to bed. Limiting stimulants like caffeine and sugar before bed is critical as well.
“Following good sleep hygiene habits helps to combat stress,” Mischra said.
Stress might seem like an insurmountable mountain to climb, but it can be done.
“If you put in the work, you will see that success,” Mansour said.
Call Staff Writer K. Michelle Moran at (586) 498-1047.
NEIGHBORS IN THE NEWS
Birth — Jeff and Ashley Gonsler, of Clinton Township, are happy to announce the Feb. 28 birth of their son, Maxam Stephen Gonsler. Proud grandparents are Steve and Patti Lenard, of Fraser, and Jack and Debbie Peterman, of Clinton Township.
Retire
from page 3A
energy will be sorely missed by seniors and staff alike.”
One accomplishment that particularly stands out to Makowski is the center’s expansion in 2008 with a wellness wing. He said this was done with a patchwork of fundraising, private donations and grant funds. Since last November, the wing’s Club 55 Fitness Center extended its hours from 4:30 p.m. to 8 p.m.
“We never thought we’d get there but, with perseverance and the seniors wanting to do this, we were able to expand the facility to meet their needs,” he said.
During his time as director, Makowski has accomplished goals like updating technology and implementing programming that works for all different aging residents. There’s been added programming, ranging from summer concerts to wellness programs. He’s also headed up things like blood drives, grief support and a food pantry.
Makowski grew up in Livonia and graduated from Madonna University with
Driveways
from page 6A
nance does pertain to any impervious surface residents put on their lot. If residents had a permit before for their lots, things such as a patio or a pool, it would be allowed.
“That’s what I’m trying to get, that if somebody already had an existing amount covered that’s over this new limit, that they’re not going to be able to fix it the way they had it,” O’Dell said. “That’s all I’m saying is, I want citizens being prepared to know that.”
Call Staff Writer Alyssa Ochss at (586) 498-1103.
a degree in gerontology in long-term care administration. He found himself working in the township when he was transferred by his former employer, Presbyterian Villages of Michigan. He was part of establishing what’s now called The Village of Peace Manor.
He and his wife, Valerie, a kindergarten teacher in the Fraser Public Schools district for 30 years, bought a camper. They plan to tour the United States, visiting national parks along the way.
“There are all kinds of things we’ve wanted to do but just haven’t had the time,” Makowski said.
Makowski’s last day was April 30, with Travis now serving as the acting director. The Clinton Township Board of Trustees will have to appoint a new permanent director.
“For 28 years, Matt has been working with seniors throughout our community, helping to develop a thriving and a very active senior center,” Clinton Township Supervisor Paul Gieleghem said. “Matt is a guy with a big heart and strong commitment to public service.”
Call Staff Writer Nick Powers at (586) 498-1059.
Whitmer
from page 9A
terchange with Interstate 75 from 20252027.
Whitmer mentioned the need to find new revenue sources and make cuts in order to fund roads in the future, and called upon the audience to help find a solution to this issue.
“We can’t put all of this on the backs of hardworking Michiganders. Businesses also benefit from strong, reliable roads and we all need to be part of the solution,” Whitmer said. “It’s a simple equation: Fewer potholes means fewer delays, means safer roads, means more predictability and certainty in a world that feels very uncertain in many ways. So, when it comes to fixing our roads and bringing Michigan manufacturing back, every voice in this room matters.”
Whitmer ended her remarks by telling businesses that the state had their backs in creating an easier, less-uncertain economic environment and asked them to help “build a future of this state that we can all be proud of, we can all drive in and we can all brag about.”
Call Staff Writer Dean Vaglia at (586) 498-1043.
Photo by Dean Vaglia Macomb County Executive Mark Hackel speaks at a luncheon in Shelby Township on May 5.
Gonsler
be here and they need to understand so do we.”
Lisa Hile, who dressed in a cloak seen on the television show “The Handmaid’s Tale,” held up a sign that said “Unity is the Only Way.” Hile is from Lapeer and is a member of the Rural Caucus of the Michigan Democratic Party. She came to stand against the politics of division and to “wake up” people.
“The reality is unity is the only way,” she said. “We need to lift up the we people and we need to take out the me people. We don’t care what side of the aisle that is at this point, but I’m looking to uplift the we people.”
Harrison Township resident Janet Ste-
phens started an organization called Macomb Resistance, which gives women a place to talk politics in an often conservative county. She came out to the protest because she was concerned about education, women’s rights, LGBTQIA+ rights and voting rights. Across the political divide, Stephens hopes there are some issues that can unite women.
“There’s a lot of things we have in common, especially women,” Stephens said. “Even though we aren’t on the same side, we still are women and now your children cannot have an abortion in certain states.”
Randy and Linda Priest traveled from Belleville to protest. They helped start a local chapter of Indivisible, a nonprofit that advocates for progressive causes. Linda is on Belleville’s library board and Randy is on the city council. The pair helped organize a recent protest in Canton along similar lines. Randy lamented the division in the country.
“The truth will set you free, but don’t block access to the truth,” Randy said. “A coin has two sides for a reason. Turn it over, talk to people in a civil way. Let them talk for a minute or two without interrupting then give your point of view.”
Linda wishes more young people would get involved.
“Be with your grandparents out there fighting for this country because we love it and we know you love it, but you don’t know how at risk it really is,” Linda said Lindsay White, 50501 Michigan’s East Side Captain, is one of the event’s organizers. White said she felt alone after Trump’s 2024 election, but when she attended a 50501 protest in Lansing, she realized there were other people who felt the same way.
“I got hungry for that immediately and started organizing more,” the Madison Heights resident said.
White said one issue that motivates her to activism is the dismantling of the Department of Education. Her daughter is autistic and attends a school funded by the department.
“I don’t think a lot of people understand that what the DOE did was take care of children with special needs,” she said.
White said face-to-face interactions are more constructive than online discourse.
“Even when I meet a counterprotestor, we’re able to have a conversation with each other on a human level,” she said. “Protests like this are just a jumping off point for action. I’ve been able to reach out into the mutual aid sphere through protesting like this. It doesn’t have to all be about holding signs, it can be so much more if you want it to be.”
Call Staff Writer Maria Allard at (586) 498-1045. Call Staff Writer Nick Powers at (586) 498-1059.
Supporters of President Donald Trump and his policies mixed with protesters outside of his rally at Macomb Community College’s South Campus in Warren April 29.
Photos by Patricia O’Blenes
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OF THE WEEK • CRIME OF THE WEEK • CRIME OF THE WEEK
Shoe thrown during altercation
SHELBY TOWNSHIP — At 8:50 p.m. April 9, police officers from Shelby Township were dispatched to the 45000 block of Utica Green West, near M-59 and Mound Road, for a domestic assault. The caller stated she got home after getting food and her girlfriend became upset because she did not get her food. An argument started and the woman reportedly stated that she was struck with a shoe that was thrown at her. The officers spoke with both parties. The officers arrested the woman who allegedly threw the shoe for domestic assault. The woman was lodged at the Shelby Township Police Department. The case was sent for review for possible charges by the Macomb County Prosecutor’s Office.
Driver arrested, turned over to ICE
SHELBY TOWNSHIP — At 9:18 p.m. April 6, police officers from Shelby Township were dispatched to the area of 23 Mile and Shelby roads for a possible drunken driver in the area.
An officer located the vehicle in question and observed the driver drinking alcohol while in the driver’s seat. The officer was able to make contact with the driver and asked him to step out of the vehicle for sobriety tests. After the sobriety tests and a preliminary breath test, the driver was placed under arrest for operating while intoxicated. The man was lodged at the Shelby Township Police Department but was eventually turned over to Immigration and Customs Enforcement due to his immigration status.
Police called for shots fired, altercation occurs
SHELBY TOWNSHIP — Police officers from Shelby Township were dispatched to the 8000 block of East Pearson Road, near Van Dyke Avenue and 26 Mile Road, for possible shots fired at 12:58 a.m. April 6. Upon officers’ arrival they met with a man at an address that the possible shots fired call came from. The man reportedly advised that he believed his girlfriend had left. The officers located the woman inside the garage. Both the man and woman were interviewed. The woman reportedly said the man became upset after an argument and it soon became physical. The woman reportedly stated she was struck in the head with a closed fist and strangled. The man was arrested and lodged at the Shelby Township Police Department.
Larcenies reported
ST. CLAIR SHORES — At 12:12 p.m. on April 23, a theft was reported in the 21000 block of Greater Mack Avenue.
The officer met with a 23-year-old man who
stated he was a crew manager for the business. He stated they arrived at the location with three trimmers in their truck at around 10 a.m. When they went back to the truck, they saw a black vehicle driving erratically. One of the trimmers was missing and the strap securing it was tampered with. The man contacted the building owner who said they have a camera pointed at the area it was stolen from. The trimmer was worth approximately $450.
At 8:23 p.m. on April 21, a theft was reported in the 21000 block of Walton Street.
An officer met with the victim, a 57-year-old man, who stated three kids stole bikes from his unlocked garage. Video surveillance footage shows the three juveniles entering the garage and taking the bicycles. All three of them attempt to ride away, but one of them falls from the bike’s flat tire and leaves it there. Officers responded to another larceny where a man said his daughter’s bike was stolen. Another bike was left and matched the description of one of the bikes taken from the man’s garage.
Park aids in apprehension of suspects
GROSSE POINTE PARK — Three male suspects who were being pursued in a vehicle by the Eastpointe Police Department were arrested in the area of Mack Avenue and Marlborough Street in Detroit at around 2 p.m. April 18 by police from Detroit and Grosse Pointe Park. A report states that Eastpointe police followed the suspects’ vehicle as it made its way into the Park and Detroit. The suspects’ vehicle crashed, and the three suspects are then said by police to have gotten into another vehicle, which then also crashed. The suspects were fleeing on foot when Detroit and Park officers caught up with them and apprehended them. The suspects were turned over to Eastpointe police.
Wallet taken
GROSSE POINTE CITY — An unknown suspect is said to have stolen a wallet after its owner set it down temporarily on the Western Union service desk at The Village Kroger store at around 3:30 p.m. April 15. The victim told police he left the wallet to get his cart and when he returned, it was gone. The wallet contained an estimated $430 in cash, along with credit cards and other items. Police said they were able to recover the wallet and all its contents.
Larceny from auto reported
GROSSE POINTE WOODS — Around 11:50 p.m. April 21, a resident in the 1800 block of Fleetwood Drive contacted police to report that his cellphone had been stolen from his unlocked vehicle. The resident told police the phone had been in the center console.
ACROSS
1. Potato chip, in U.K.
6. ____ capita
9. “____ the night before Christmas...” 13. Popular garden perennial 14. George Gershwin’s brother 15. *”Follow the Yellow ____ Road”
16. Brickowski of “The LEGO Movie”
17. Pick up a perpetrator
18. Hindu sage 19. *”Flashdance... What a ____” 21. *”Stayin’ Alive” band
23. Actress Gasteyer
24. Windshield option
25. Undergarment
28. Teenager’s woe
30. *SolfËge-themed “The Sound of Music” song
35. Capital of Latvia
37. Pilgrimage to Mecca
39. India bigwig
40. Fusses or stirs
41. Belted starman
43. Charged particles
44. Binturong’s cousin
46. Type of salmon
47. Sol, or la, or ti
48. *Eponymous 1978 Franki Valli song
50. To, archaic
52. *Ryan Gosling’s 2023 “I’m Just ____”
53. Part of a jousting outfit
55. Tax pro, acr.
57. *”I Will Always Love You” of “The Bodyguard” singer
61. *”(I’ve Had) ____ ____ of My Life” of “Dirty Dancing”
65.
