PARK HONORS WINNING ARBOR WEEK POSTERS /3A
Park to test new City Hall hours this summer
BY K. MICHELLE MORAN kmoran@candgnews.com
PARK — If you’ve got business you need to do with Grosse Pointe Park officials, take heed, because their office hours will be changing, at least for the summer.
From July 7 to Aug. 28, Park City Hall will be closed on Fridays but will be open from 7:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. Mondays through Thursdays. Current business hours are 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Mondays through Fridays.
City Manager Nick Sizeland proposed the new hours on a trial basis for the summer during a June 9 City Council meeting. They could become permanent, if officials decide to make that change after the trial period.
“Staff flexibility and work-life balance is trending,” said Sizeland, adding that making sure the staff is happy and healthy will improve the odds of attracting future employees.
Sizeland said the current hours make it dif-
See HOURS on page 4A
Woods Arbor Day poster contest winners draw inspiration from nature
BY K. MICHELLE MORAN kmoran@candgnews.com
WOODS — Grosse Pointe Woods takes its trees seriously.
This year marks the city’s 47th as a Tree City USA — a designation that must be earned from the nonprofit Arbor Day Foundation. As part of that designation, city leaders recently honored children from local schools for their awardwinning Arbor Day posters in a contest that the Woods holds annually.
During a June 2 City Council meeting, members of the Community Tree Commission presented officials with the Tree City USA flag and introduced this year’s poster contest winners.
The winners were Elsie Kettel, of Mason; Ava Dehn, of University Liggett; Alex Janis, of Ferry; David Staperfenne, of Our Lady Star of the Sea; and Francesca Weidenbach, of Monteith. One winner is chosen from among the third-grade participants in each school in the Woods.
ABOVE: From left, Grosse Pointe Woods Mayor Arthur Bryant looks at the special quarters received by Arbor Day poster contest winners Ava Dehn and Elsie Kettel. RIGHT: Students in Grosse Pointe Woods used colorful designs and creativity in their winning Arbor Day poster contest entries.
Photos by K. Michelle Moran
See WOODS on page 7A
John Shippen Women’s Invitational creating more opportunities for Black women golfers
BY SCOTT BENTLEY sbentley@candgnews.com
SOUTHFIELD — Plum Hollow Country Club hosted The John Shippen Women’s Invitational presented by DOW June 2-4, which featured exhilarating golf.
According to The John Shippen website, John Shippen Jr. was the first American-born golf professional and the first Black golf professional. The goal of the John Shippen invitationals and The John Shippen Memorial Golf Foundation is to create opportunities for Black men and women in golf and to fundamentally increase diversity in golf nationally.
The annual John Shippen invitationals began in 2021. The winner of each event also receives an exemption into future PGA Tour or LPGA Tour events.
“When we first started this event, a lot of it was based off of Rocket’s commitment when they brought the PGA Tour to Detroit the first time,” The John Shippen tournament lead Sommer Woods said. “The Shippen birthed out of that … and southeastern Michigan has a significant representation of African Americans and people of color. Black golf is strong here in metro Detroit.”
That point is proven by the increase in interest year after year for the invitationals. Now, five years in, the public is making it a point to return every summer.
“They’re always excited to come out and to volunteer and to watch the players. Every year people are like, We can’t wait to come back.’ That’s pretty cool,” Woods said. “For the golfers, they (get to) play on these championship courses and compete as well.”
Bailey Davis, Anita Uwadia, Lakareber Abe and Staci Pla finished in the top four, respectively, in the event.
“It was amazing. … We had support. People came out to watch the ladies and walk around with the ladies,” Woods said. “The ladies obviously always come to play … and we were really excited to have a diverse group of women from HBCUs and SEC schools and representation from all over the country as well.”
Bailey Davis celebrates with The John Shippen trophy on June 4 at Plum Hollow Country Club in Southfield.
Photo provided by The John Shippen
Winning Park Arbor Week posters find students branching out creatively
BY K. MICHELLE MORAN kmoran@candgnews.com
PARK — Students were able to merge art and science lessons by competing in Grosse Pointe Park’s annual Arbor Week poster contest.
The winners were honored during a June 9 Park City Council meeting, but as Beautification Commission member Pat Deck, chair of the contest, pointed out, students are learning about nature as they create their designs.
“The Arbor Week poster contest is a wonderful way to educate our schoolchildren and our community on the value and benefits of trees,” Deck said.
The contest is open to fourth grade students at schools in the Park, as well as split classes. Deck said all schools had some level of participation, and the commission received 107 entries from a pool of 162 students at three schools.
“Every year, we are so impressed and amazed by what the kids come up with,” Deck said.
This year marks the Park’s 42nd year as a Tree City USA — a designation from the Arbor Day Foundation — and also the 42nd anniversary of the contest, Deck said.
All of the winning entries this year came from Defer Elementary School. The winner was Una O’Keefe.
“This joyful poster, done with brightly colored markers,
Shores honors officers for ‘outstanding service’
BY K. MICHELLE MORAN kmoran@candgnews.com
SHORES — The Grosse Pointe Shores Public Safety Department is known for the high level of service it provides residents of the small city, but some officers were recognized recently for exceeding those already high standards.
Shores Public Safety Director Kenneth Werenski presented several members of the department with awards for their work in 2024 during a March 18 Shores City Council meeting.
“It is a great opportunity for us to recognize our staff,” Werenski said.
Receiving a department citation were officers Dillon Taylor and Billy Howe.
“These two guys are a big part of the Grosse Pointe Shores future here,” Werenski said. “They’re great to work with and we’re really lucky to have them.”
A department citation is given to an officer “for outstanding performance of a difficult task involving personal risk to the officer’s safety when, because of the officer’s action, a serious crime is prevented or the perpetrator (is) apprehended, or other outstanding actions of a nature which brings unusual credit to the department and its members,” Werenski explained.
Taylor and Howe conducted a traf-
LEFT: Grosse Pointe Park City Councilman Brent Dreaver reads the Arbor Week poster contest award certificate as runner-up William Fogel displays his poster. CENTER: As Dreaver reads the award certificate, Arbor Week poster contest winner Una O’Keefe holds her prize-winning poster. RIGHT: Kolter Vellen holds his Arbor Week poster, which was one of the runners-up in Grosse Pointe Park’s annual Arbor Week poster contest.
Photos by K. Michelle Moran
CRIME WATCH
Home invasion suspect arrested
CITY — A 40-year-old Canton man was taken into custody after police said he was seen walking around a home in the 17000 block of Jefferson Avenue suspiciously at around 4:30 p.m. June 5. Police said that when an officer confronted the suspect behind the home, he fled on foot. Police caught up with the suspect a few blocks away and arrested him. The suspect is said to have dropped a gun along the way, as police said they found the weapon while pursuing him. The suspect is expected to face charges including home invasion and carrying a concealed weapon.
Illegal dumping reported
CITY — An unknown man driving a white Ford F-150 is said to have been seen dumping garbage into a commercial trash receptacle at Grosse Pointe Unitarian Church in the 17000 block of Maumee Avenue twice around the last week in May and the first week in June. Anyone with more information can call (313) 886-3200.
Vehicle stolen
WOODS — A resident of the 19000 block of East Doyle Place contacted police June 4 after his 2018 BMW was stolen from inside his closed garage. A police report states that the resident had left his key fob inside. Police said the vehicle was later recovered in Ecorse. Anyone with more information can call (313) 343-2400.
Man arrested with stolen goods
CITY — A 55-year-old Detroit man was arrested after police said he stole two Brother printers valued at $260 for both from the Staples store at 17410 Mack Ave. at around 1:15 p.m. June 5. Police said they caught the suspect with the printers still in his possession when he got into a cab to leave the area. He is expected to face charges for retail fraud, police said.
Retail fraud suspect sought
CITY — Police said an unknown woman stole dog food and other merchandise from The Village CVS store at around 3:45 p.m. June 8. Anyone with more information can call (313) 886-3200.
Jeep taken
PARK — An unknown person is said to have stolen a 2015 Jeep Grand Cherokee from the driveway of a home in the 600 block of Lakepointe Street between the hours of 11 p.m. June 4 and 8 a.m. June 5. The Jeep owner still had both key fobs, according to a police report. Anyone with more information can call (313) 822-7400.
Phones stolen
CITY — A man in his late 30s is said to have stolen two iPhone 16e’s — valued at $610 apiece — that had just been purchased from the Verizon store in The Village at around noon June 6. The phones had been involved in a data transfer, police said. Anyone with more information can call (313) 886-3200.
Speeder arrested
PARK — A 52-year-old Detroit man was pulled over after police said he was driving 70 mph in the area of Mack Avenue and Three Mile Drive — where the speed limit is 25 mph to 30 mph — at around 10:30 p.m. June 7. Police said the driver was arrested after he was found to have a suspended license.
— K. Michelle Moran
from page 1A
ficult for residents working a 9-to-5 schedule to visit City Hall before or after work. Contractors who need to pull permits would also prefer to come in as early as possible in the morning. Sizeland said traffic at City Hall drops off substantially on Fridays, with an average of 10 to 15 visitors.
“If it doesn’t work, we will go back to the old way,” Sizeland said.
Some other metro Detroit municipalities have similar schedules at their city offices, Sizeland said: Clawson and Wixon are open 7:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. Mondays through Thursdays, Ferndale is open 8 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. Mondays through Thursdays, Clarkston is open 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Mondays through Thursdays, and Utica is open 8 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. Mondays through Thursdays and 8 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. Fridays.
Officials were divided on the proposal.
Some, like City Councilman Marty McMillan, thought it was a good idea.
“I’m for it,” McMillan said. “In two months, we’re going to know (if it’s working well) … Employees need to be happy. This is something employees want.”
The earlier opening and later closing time made the proposal palatable to some officials.
“I think this is a great way to enhance our ability to serve our residents,” City Councilman Brent Dreaver said.
City Councilman Max Wiener said they could see if it works and adjust accordingly, based on the results of the trial period.
“There’s a reason more municipalities are trending this way,” Wiener said.
City Councilman Timothy Kolar said he could “live with” doing this on a trial basis.
“At the end of the day, we’re trying to find the best way to serve our staff and our (residents),” Kolar said.
Others were opposed.
“In all of the years that I’ve sat here, I’ve never received one resident complaint that they can’t get in City Hall,” City Councilwoman Christine Gallagher said. “We are in the hospitality business. We’re here to serve our residents — we’re not here to serve the staff. … I’m also not in support of no one here on Friday.”
Gallagher added that she felt the city was already “really good to the staff.”
City Councilman Thomas Caulfield said he was against being closed on Friday. As an alternate, he suggested having a skeleton crew come in on Fridays.
“I’m not a big fan of this,” Caulfield said. “We need to provide as much service as possible.”
The new schedule is also a reduction of 2.5 work hours per week from the current schedule.
The measure was approved, but by a vote of 5-2, with Mayor Michele Hodges, Dreaver, McMillan, Kolar and Wiener voting for it and Caulfield and Gallagher voting against it.
“It is a trial,” Hodges said. “It gives us an opportunity to measure and adjust.”
She said the residents would “keep us informed” about what they think of the change.
Officials encourage residents to give them feedback on the new hours so that they’ll know what they think.
Sizeland said the trial period will give them a chance to evaluate utility savings by having lights off and air conditioning use reduced on Fridays, as well as a reduction in janitorial services.
features a large tree with a rainbow in the background,” Deck said. “There are birds, butterflies and flowers around the tree, plus a young sapling beneath. They are symbolically growing from a globe of the earth. Her slogan reads, ‘To plant a tree is to plant life.’”
O’Keefe said she was originally going to draw “a ton of trees growing around the globe,” but ended up with a single tree growing out of half a globe to show that “tree giving life to other trees.”
There were also two runners-up. One of them, Kolter Vellen, drew a tree with a substantial crown and root system, a squirrel in the bark, worms in the soil and a pair of children reading under the shade of the tree.
Deck said Vellen included a quote from Theodore Roosevelt: “To exist as a nation, to prosper as a state and to live as people, we must have trees.”
“At first, I was kind of thinking of just doing the branch of the tree, but then I decided to do the whole tree so I could add animals,” Vellen said.
Mayor Michele Hodges said the poster had “a lot of heart.”
The other runner-up was William Fogel, who had to come to the council meeting late because he was in a Little League playoff game.
“It’s unique because it’s the first time we had a poster with a nighttime scene,”
Golfers
from page 2A
This was the first time the women’s event was held at Plum Hollow Country Club.
“The membership was great, the staff was great and it was a beautiful location,” Woods said. “They were willing to say, ‘Whatever you need, let us know.’ We could not have asked for a better partner with Plum Hollow.”
In this year’s invitational, University of Tennessee golfer Bailey Davis became the first amateur to win the women’s event.
“Yeah, it was awesome. You know, it’s an event I try to play in every year. … It’s around my peers and friends and so I really wanted to win it this year,” Davis said at the 2025 Meijer LPGA Classic for Simply Give press conference. “My game felt really good and so I’m super excited I was able to pull it off.”
Davis is someone who is a rising star in the sport and is vocal about how important
Deck said.
The poster also features an owl and the slogan, “Plant a tree to make a forest grow.”
Fogel said it was his mother who suggested he create a night scene.
“I decided to make this poster as it is to remind people that if you plant a tree, it spreads kindness and it might inspire someone (else) to plant a tree,” Fogel said.
The entries are judged blindly by members of the Beautification Commission.
“We don’t get to see the names (of the artists) when we judge (the posters),” said City Councilman Brent Dreaver, the council liaison to the Beautification Commission.
“We’re very serious about election integrity.”
Commission members say they enjoy this event and seeing all the entries.
“I actually think every poster is a winner,” Deck said.
This year’s contest was bittersweet for the community and the commission. It was the first to take place without the participation of longtime Park Urban Forester Brian Colter, who died suddenly in March.
“I want to say how much our Beautification Commission misses having Brian Colter … as an integral part of this project,” Deck said. “Brian was always most supportive and helpful in this event.”
Deck thanked the Park businesses who let the commission put posters on display in their establishments
Call Staff Writer K. Michelle Moran at (586) 498-1047.
The John Shippen events are to the game of golf going forward.
“I think it’s really important to see people that look like you and that you can relate to,” Davis said. “All the girls in the field look like myself. So, I think it’s just important to have that representation.”
Woods agreed that representation is one of the goals of the events so that the next generation can watch a more inclusive and diverse version of the game of golf.
“Girls that are younger can see us and see that this is a game for us as well,” Davis said.
At press time, Davis was exploring her options but could make the transition to professional golf this calendar year.
The John Shippen National Invitational presented by Rocket men’s field will compete June 21-22 at the Detroit Golf Club. The winner will receive an exemption into the PGA Tour Rocket Classic June 24-29. To learn more about The John Shippen. visit thejohnshippen.com.
Call Sports Writer Scott Bentley at (586) 498-1090.
NEWS & NOTES
PROMISING TO SERVE AND PROTECT
SENIORS INVITED FOR EXERCISE CLASSES
The Helm at the Boll Life Center, 158 Ridge Road in Grosse Pointe Farms, will offer the workout class Drums Alive for Seniors from 11:45 a.m. to 12:45 p.m. July 3, 10, 24 and 31, at a cost of $7 per class for Helm members and $10 per class for nonmembers. Participants use drumsticks to tap in rhythm against large exercise balls. The class is said to engage participants mentally and physically.
Zumba Gold will be offered from 1 to 2 p.m. on Thursdays from July 10 through Sept. 25 at a cost of $7 per class for Helm members and $10 per class for nonmembers. Zumba Gold Chair will be offered from 1 to 2 p.m. Tuesdays from July 8 to Sept. 23 at a cost of $7 per class for Helm members and $10 per class for nonmembers. Registration is required for all Helm programs and can be made by visiting HelmLife.org or calling (313) 882-9600.
APP AVAILABLE FOR PARKING IN WOODS
The Passport parking app is now live in Grosse Pointe Woods, enabling motorists to pay for parking in either the traditional way, by feeding change into the meter, or by using the app and entering the parking zone they’re in — as identified by signs — along with their license plate number.
“Patrons who choose to use the app will incur an additional $0.35
FESTIVAL RETURNS FOR SUMMER
The first After 6 on Kercheval event of the summer will be held from 6 to 10 p.m. June 28 in Grosse Pointe Park’s Kercheval Avenue business district. This year adds another block of Kercheval, from Nottingham Road to Wayburn Street.
There will be live music on two stages: One, at Red Crown, will feature the classic/new rock/country sounds of American Ages, while the second, at The Zealous Root, will feature The KufflinKs playing music from the 1800s to today with a Roaring ’20s and ragtime flair.
From 5 to 7 p.m., Pointe Hardware will host a Little Builders workshop, with free hot dogs from 5 to 6 p.m. while supplies last. Registration is needed for the class and can be made by emailing workshop@pointehardwaregroup.com.
The Grosse Pointe Park Little League will have a fundraising dunk tank, and the event will also offer a Superslide, a Sharpshooter Showdown gaming trailer, vendors, food trucks and more. The street festival is free and open to the public. Future After 6 on Kercheval events will take place July 26 and Aug. 23.
SHOW OF PRIDE
Fresh produce available
The Helm at the Boll Life Center, 158 Ridge Road in Grosse Pointe Farms, is again offering fresh produce for purchase. Eastern Market will be selling produce from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. July 1, 15 and 29, Aug. 12 and 26, and Sept. 9 and 23. Full Circle Foundation will be selling fresh vegetables, flowers and herbs from 11 a.m. to noon on Thursdays starting July 10. Produce will be sold on The Helm’s back patio. These sales are open to the public. For more information, visit HelmLife.org or call (313) 882-9600.
The ninth annual Grosse Pointe Pride Celebration, organized by the community group WeGP, will take place from noon to 2:30 p.m. June 21 in The Village at the corner of Kercheval and St. Clair avenues. The family-friendly event will include a short walk led by local youths, storytelling and interactive programs for children, family-friendly drag performances, a Pride photo booth, an interactive exhibition from the Michigan Science Center and more. Leashed, well-behaved dogs are welcome. For more information, visit wegp.org.
charge, in addition to the city’s standard rate,” Assistant City Manager Susan Como said via email earlier this year. “For instance, if the city charges $0.25 for every 30 minutes then using the app will cost $0.60 for the same duration.”
The app allows users to add money to their meter remotely if, for example, an appointment or meal goes longer than expected. The app sends an alert to users when their parking session is close to ending,
enabling them to add more money, if needed. Those who pay for their parking with coins have to return to their parking spot with change if they need more time on their meter and don’t want to risk getting a ticket for an expired meter.
“Each (parking) space will get a unique number so you can pay with the app,” Planning Commission Vice Chair Doug Hamborsky said in March.
Flanking Director Andrew Rogers are, at left, officer Joseph Maurer and, at right, officer Jack Maxwell. Maurer and Maxwell were sworn in May 13 at Farms City Hall.
Photo provided by Grosse Pointe Farms Public Safety Department
Woods
from page 1A
“I’ve always thought that it’s important,” Tree Commission Vice Chair Laura Gaskin said after the meeting of the poster contest. “The kids are learning about Arbor Day. They’re learning about what trees do for the planet. … It’s a science lesson.”
Winning students receive a commemorative T-shirt and a special proof version of a quarter that shows a child planting a seedling. Tree Commission member Ted Colborn started the quarter tradition a number of years ago. After his death Sept. 30, 2023 at the age of 83, his widow, Kate Colborn, joined the Tree Commission and began handing the coins to the poster contest winners when they were recognized at the council meeting.
“We’re continuing Ted’s legacy by having his partner, Kate, presenting these memorial coins to our students,” Community Tree Commission Chair Paul Lechner said.
Lechner said after the meeting that commission members visit the schools to talk to classes about trees and what they do for the planet.
“One of the most important aspects and missions of our commission is to educate our community about trees and to build and maintain our tree canopy,” Lechner said. “The kids get excited about the poster contest.”
Each year around Earth Day, Lechner said the third graders in Woods schools are given a seedling to plant. This year, it was an Eastern white pine. Commission members
say the kids are thrilled to get the tiny trees and watch them grow.
“Historically, the Arbor Day poster contest is one of the most important things to this city because we are a Tree City USA,” Mayor Arthur Bryant said after the meeting.
During an April 7 City Council meeting, the council unanimously approved a proclamation recognizing Arbor Day on April 25 as part of the consent agenda. The proclamation reads, in part, that trees “are a vital component of the infrastructure in our city, providing infinite environmental and economical benefits, as well as bringing beauty and nature into our daily lives.”
Call Staff Writer K. Michelle Moran at (586) 498-1047.
The Grosse Pointe Woods City Council congratulates winners of the 2025 Arbor Day poster contest at a June 2 council meeting.
Photos by K. Michelle Moran
Alex Janis, one of the 2025 Grosse Pointe Woods Arbor Day poster contest winners, receives a commemorative quarter from Community Tree Commission member Kate Colborn, who’s continuing a tradition started by her late husband, Ted.
fic stop at 10:24 p.m. Aug. 20, 2024, but when the driver was asked to exit the vehicle because of not having insurance or a valid license, as well as having an expired registration, Werenski said the driver fled, driving over lawns and sidewalks to avoid police. The driver eventually made a critical mistake by pulling onto Newberry Street in Grosse Pointe Farms — a dead-end — and Werenski said Taylor and Howe boxed in the driver. They arrested the driver and another occupant, and the driver was charged with fleeing and eluding, a felony.
“What is significant in this event is that these two officers, Taylor and Howe, have been with the department for only three years,” Werenski told the council. “This was a critical incident where seniority and experience are valuable, and these two officers conducted themselves as seasoned veterans during this stressful event. They relied upon their training, followed the department polices and procedures and demonstrated good common sense … in this critical situation.”
Sgt. Jason Cook was presented with the certificate of merit, which Werenski said is given for “outstanding performance on duty under unusual or difficult conditions.”
Cook responded to a home when a resident called to report that her elderly husband was in “an altered mental state and verbally unresponsive,” Werenski said. The Shores ambulance wasn’t available at the time, so the city sought Medstar through their mutual aid agreement with the other Pointes, which all use Medstar for emergency medical runs. Cook started providing care for the patient immediately and recognized that he was in critical condition, leading Cook to contact dispatch and tell them to advise Medstar that this call was now a priority one call for service. As Cook continued to monitor the patient, Werenski said the patient collapsed and went into cardiac arrest. Cook started to perform CPR and when the Medstar team arrived, Cook and the Medstar medics provided advanced life support, with Cook serving as the lead medic. They were able to stabilize the patient and take him to what was then Ascension St. John Hospital, where Werenski said the patient made a full recovery.
Cook, the Shores EMS coordinator, has been with the Shores for 14 years and worked on an ambulance for six years prior to that, giving him 20 years of EMS experi-
ence, Werenski said.
“His passion for EMS is incredible,” Werenski said. “He’s another officer who’s the future of the department.”
Receiving the 2024 director’s award was Lt. Ron Coste, who serves as the deputy fire chief and has been with the Shores for 25 years. Werenski said Coste received his EMS license in 1992 and worked for American Medical Response for several years before joining the Shores. He has since become the senior lieutenant in charge of two platoons; oversees fire operations including training and vehicle maintenance and purchases; serves as the department’s training officer and lead trainer, making sure all officers are compliant with state and federal training guidelines; and mentors newer officers.
“It’s a really big job, and he manages it well,” Werenski said.
During his career in the Shores, Werenski said Coste has received multiple awards, including two lifesaving awards, five unit commendations, one certificate of merit and a director’s award in 2019. He attended Michigan State University’s prestigious Train-the-Trainer program and holds numerous certificates including ones in arson investigation, grant writing, evidence technician and firearms instruction.
“One of the things that made me really think about Ron was as he was recovering from a medical procedure” in 2024 and had to take a leave of absence, Werenski said. “I realized how important he really is. I just realized how valuable he is to our operations.”
Even during Coste’s recovery, Werenski said he called him every day to discuss the schedule, training and equipment orders.
“Lt. Ron Coste deserves this award because of his professional contributions to this department over his past 25 years,” Werenski said. “More importantly, Lt. Coste deserves this award because of his dedication to the men and women he serves with, and the community he serves.”
Mayor Ted Kedzierski praised the award winners.
“Chief, this is a proud day for our department,” Kedzierski said.
Other officials also offered kudos.
“Congratulations to public safety,” City Councilman John Seago said. “We’re very proud of them. It’s great to be part of a city that has such (wonderful) officers.”
City Councilwoman Danielle Gehlert offered thanks and congratulations to the officers for “their outstanding service.”
Call Staff Writer K. Michelle Moran at (586) 498-1047.
ABOVE: From left, Grosse Pointe Shores Public Safety Lt. Ron Coste, Public Safety Director Kenneth Werenski, officers Billy Howe and Dillon Taylor, and Sgt. Jason Cook hold the awards presented to them by Werenski for outstanding service in 2024. LEFT: Grosse Pointe Shores Public Safety officers Billy Howe and Dillon Taylor are honored for their actions during a 2024 traffic stop and subsequent pursuit.
BELOW: Grosse Pointe Shores Public Safety Director Kenneth Werenski outlines the numerous critical roles Lt. Ron Coste, right, plays in the department as he gives Coste the 2024 director’s award.
Photos by K. Michelle Moran
Backlash?
CHANGE IS THE POINTE welcomes and appreciates the very hard-won racial justice improvements that have been made in the Grosse Pointe/Harper Woods community and in society at large.
Unfortunately, old systems and attitudes also persist. Gains are often reversed. Need an example? Grosse Pointe Park is now drastically less racially integrated than it was in 2012.
Our last webinar explored how the decline in the Black population of Grosse Pointe Park since the peak in 2012 might have come about. Our next webinar on June 26 will investigate how the tendency toward relapse impacts enrollment and other issues in Grosse Pointe’s public schools.
Register for our June 26th webinar on school enrollment issues. Registration and other details available at our Facebook page (scan the QR code) or email us at grossepointechange@gmail.com.
Paid for by Grosse Pointe and Harper Woods residents: Saja Barnes, Mary Anne Barnett & Frank Joyce, Joe Corrado & Sunanda Samaddar Corrado, Kathy Fulgenzi, Elisa Gurule, Jim Jacobs, Clarence Jones, Jackie Kalogerakos, John Kalogerakos, Moira KennedySimms, Elizabeth McQuillen, Donna Miller, Beth Pellegrini, Rachel Roth Tapling
The font used in this ad is from Vocal Type Co. Read their story at: vocaltype.com.
RIGHT: After a postponement due to weather, graduates of Grosse Pointe North High School’s Class of 2025 walk the stage June 5 and say goodbye to their high school days. They move their tassels to signify they’ve graduated.
North graduates toss their caps in the air at the close of the graduation ceremony.
ABOVE: Grosse Pointe South High School graduates throw their caps in the air at the end of their graduation ceremony June
Photo by Melissa Petz, provided by Rebecca Fannon
RIGHT AND BELOW: Grosse Pointe South High School seniors and their loved ones gather at the school June 2 for commencement.
Photos provided by Rebecca Fannon
ABOVE:
Photos by Patricia O’Blenes
COMMUNITY CALENDAR
11A/ GROSSE POINTE TIMES • JUNE 19, 2025
JUNE 21
Food is Medicine class: Led by cardiologist and certified lifestyle medicine physician Pooja Gupta, includes plant-based recipes, cooking demonstration, lunch and meditation, noon-3 p.m., Detroit Abloom, 248 Manistique St. in Detroit, continues July 19 and Aug. 16, detroitabloom.com
JUNE 22
Picnic on the Lawn: Bring food or buy on site, event features DJ, yard games, bounce house, caricature artist, vendors and more, , 4-7 p.m., The War Memorial, 32 Lake Shore Drive in Grosse Pointe Farms, ticket required (free for veterans and active-duty service members), warmemorial.org/eventcalendar
JULY 10
Shakespeare on the Rocks: New series includes outdoor reading of “The Tempest” and curated cocktails (or mocktails), 7-8:30 p.m., The War Memorial, 32 Lake Shore Drive in Grosse Pointe Farms, continues with “A Midsummer Night’s Dream” Aug. 14, tickets required, warmemorial.org/eventcalendar
ONGOING
Farmers markets: 9 a.m.-noon every Saturday until Sept. 13, parking lot on southeast corner of Kercheval Avenue and Lakepointe Street in Grosse Pointe Park,
parkfarmersmarket.com, read story at candgnews.com
• 6 a.m.-4 p.m. Saturdays year-round, also street markets from 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Sundays through September and scaled-down farmers markets from 9 a.m.-3 p.m. Tuesdays through September, Eastern Market, 1445 Adelaide St., easternmarket.org
Music on the Plaza: Free outdoor concert series, hear BandWagon June 19, Not 2 Nite June 26, Detroit Social Club Blues Band July 10, M-1 Jazz Collective July 17 and Mainstream Drive July 24, all 7-8:30 p.m., plaza at corner of Kercheval and St. Clair avenues in Grosse Pointe City, thevillagegrossepointe.org
SummerFest: Free outdoor concerts and movies, hear Kimmie Horne July 16, Devin Scillian & Arizona Son July 30, Persuasion Band Aug. 13 and Motown Museum presents Drey Skonie & the Klouds Aug. 27, food and drinks at 6:30 p.m. and music at 7:30 p.m., also watch “Dog Man” July 23 and sing along with “Wicked” Aug. 20, games and crafts at 6 p.m. and screenings at 7 p.m., The War Memorial, 32 Lake Shore Drive in Grosse Pointe Farms, warmemorial.org/ eventcalendar
Learn ballroom dancing and guitar: Ballroom dancing classes from 4-5 p.m. Tuesdays until Aug. 5 and
| (586) 498-1053 | dwallace@candgnews.com
Michelle Moran | (586) 498-1047 | kmoran@candgnews.com Sports: Scott Bentley | (586) 498-1090 | sports@candgnews.com
Artroom: (586) 498-1036 | ads@candgnews.com
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.
guitar for beginners from 4-5 p.m. Thursdays until Aug. 7, The Helm at the Boll Life Center, 158 Ridge Road in Grosse Pointe Farms, free for Helm members and guests 60 and older who live in Wayne County, registration required, (313) 882-9600, helmlife.org
Teen Leadership Council: Meetings for kids in grades 9-12 every first Wednesday of month, pizza and snacks provided, 6-7 p.m., Grosse Pointe Public Library - Woods Branch, 20680 Mack Ave., (313) 6404775, grossepointelibrary.org
Art exhibits: “Nature and the Imagined” features works by Grosse Pointe Artists Association members Ellen Doyle and Marcia Hales, on display until June 27 with reception from 5-7 p.m. June 19, Posterity Art & Framing Gallery, 17005 Kercheval Ave. in Grosse Pointe, posterityartgallery.com
• “Branches & Twigs: Odes to the Mother Tree” features interpretations of concept of “Tree” by 19 artists, on display 9:30 a.m.-1 p.m. Sundays or by appointment through July 13, Grosse Pointe Congregational Church Arts Ministry Gallery, 240 Chalfonte Ave. in Grosse Pointe Farms, facebook.com/gpcong.org
Indoor Walking Club: 2-4 p.m. Tuesdays and Thursdays, The Helm at the Boll Life Center, 158 Ridge
Road in Grosse Pointe Farms, helmlife.org
Book clubs: Nearly a dozen hosted by Grosse Pointe Public Library at various branches, restaurants and on Zoom, grossepointelibrary.org/book-clubs
Grosse Pointe Community Chorus: Open rehearsals from 7:30-9 p.m. Tuesdays, Grosse Pointe North High School, 707 Vernier Road in Grosse Pointe Woods, grossepointecommunitychorus.org
Exhibitions: See “Black, Queer, Proud: 30 Years of Hotter Than July,” “Heroes Vs. Villains: Detroit’s Comic Book Story,” “Come Out! In Detroit,” “Alvin’s & Ralph Rinaldi’s Letterpress Art,” “10 Years Back, 10 Years Forward: Black Bottom Archives,” “Detroit Lions: Gridiron Heroes,” “Automotive Showplace,” “Detroit Diesel Power” and more, Detroit Historical Museum, 5401 Woodward Ave., detroithistorical.org
Health workshops: For hypertension, diabetes, pre-diabetes and more, hosted by Corewell Health, free and virtual, corewellhealth.org/classes-events/ southeast-michigan
Lupus support groups: 10 a.m. every second Tuesday of month and 7 p.m. every last Wednesday of month, Zoom, (248) 901-7299, milupus.org/support-groups
FOURTH OF JULY
Suspected arsonist arrested
GROSSE POINTE WOODS — A 60-year-old Detroit man was taken into custody after police said he set fire to multiple trash cans at around 2:20 p.m. May 30. Police at first responded to the city dog park at Mack Avenue and Torrey Road about a fire in a trash can there, but while extinguishing that one, a second fire was reported in the area of Mack Avenue and Hunt Club Road.
A police report states that detectives began canvassing the area and looked at surveillance footage of foot traffic on Mack, where they spotted the suspect heading south from Oxford Road. Police said they saw the suspect reach into a garbage can in front of Henry’s Cleaners that soon began to spew smoke. Detectives raced toward the suspect as they said they witnessed him attempting to set a fire in a fourth trash can, near Ashby’s Ice Cream. The suspect was arrested and was facing possible arson charges, police said.
Tax refund stolen
GROSSE POINTE WOODS — A resident in the 1600 block of Bournemouth Road filed a report with police May 27 after discovering that an unknown suspect filed taxes using the victim’s name and personal information, and then claimed the victim’s tax refund of nearly $17,000.
The victim told police he checked on the status of his refund and saw that someone else had filed his taxes and claimed a refund in his name; the victim said his actual refund was supposed to be much lower than the amount the suspect obtained. The suspect reportedly had the refund sent to a post office box in Mount Clemens. Police said the IRS was investigating the incident.
Intoxicated driver hits
multiple vehicles
GROSSE POINTE PARK — Police responded to the area of Pemberton Road and Essex Avenue May 30 after getting a report of a vehicular crash. Police said the driver who caused the crash was a 29-yearold St. Clair Shores man. The driver, who police said was intoxicated, veered off the road and struck vehicles parked in a driveway. Police said the driver sustained non-life-threatening injuries and was taken to a local hospital for treatment. He was expected to face a charge of operating while intoxicated.
Person found in resident’s vehicle
GROSSE POINTE PARK — A 52-year-old Pontiac man was arrested after he was found living inside a Grosse Pointe Park resident’s vehicle in the 1400 block of Balfour Road. Police responded to the scene
from people about a person who appeared to be sleeping — and possibly living — inside the vehicle. Police said they found the suspect in the vehicle with an open beer, clothing and a backpack. The suspect told police he was looking for a place to “stay and rest,” according to a report. Police said the suspect had multiple warrants against him. He was arrested and was facing a possible charge of disorderly person.
Retail fraud suspects sought
GROSSE POINTE CITY — At press time, police were looking for two people who are said to have stolen merchandise from the Staples store in the 17000 block of Mack Avenue within minutes of one another at around 1:10 p.m. June 1.
According to a report, the first suspect took an HP OfficeJet printer valued at $400. The second suspect is said to have stolen two or three items, possibly ink toner. Both suspects are said to have fled northbound across Mack Avenue on foot after taking the items.
Police investigate possible animal abuse
GROSSE POINTE CITY — Police said a 23-yearold Grosse Pointe City man was under investigation for possible animal abuse after he was reportedly seen dragging a dog down the street in the area of Lorraine and Notre Dame streets at around 2:50 p.m. May 30. A witness reported that the dog didn’t seem to want to go with the suspect and was afraid of the suspect.
Packages pilfered from porch
GROSSE POINTE FARMS — An unknown person is said by police to have stolen multiple packages after they were delivered to a home in the 400 block of Maison Road between the hours of 7 p.m. May 26 and 1 a.m. May 27. Police found empty packages at a nearby home and contacted the victim, who said she had been out of town when the packages were delivered. Missing were four packages from JC Penney containing towels and chair covers, a package with designer perfume and a box containing items from Bath & Body Works. The victim estimated the total loss from all the packages to be nearly $400.
Larcenies from vehicles under investigation
GROSSE POINTE FARMS — A police report states that officers responded to a home in the 400 block of Maison Road after an unknown person is said to have rummaged through the interior of a burgundy
May 26 and 8 a.m. May 27. The victim said nothing appeared to have been taken, but the suspect left evidence behind. A similar incident happened at a neighboring house, where a resident found the rear driver’s side door left unlocked and a lotion bottle left out instead of being in the center console of the resident’s black 2010 Mercury Milan. The victim said nothing appeared to have been stolen from the vehicle.
Peddler reported
GROSSE POINTE FARMS — Police arrested a 50-year-old man from Creswell, Oregon, in the 400 block of Lake Shore Road at 4:54 p.m. June 5 after the man was allegedly soliciting door to door without a license or permit. Police said the suspect was confrontational and started recording his interaction with police on his phone. The suspect told police he had a First Amendment right to go door to door for political or religious reasons, but police said the suspect was trying to sell magazines, according to a resident who had encountered the suspect at his door. The suspect was found to have warrants for public order crimes and soliciting in California, Arizona and Missouri. The suspect was advised that soliciting in the Farms without a permit was illegal. He was given a citation for soliciting/peddling without a permit/license and released from custody on the scene.
Body in river
MOUNT CLEMENS — On May 29 at around 2:30 p.m., Macomb County Sheriff’s Office deputies were dispatched to the Clinton River for a possible body in the water beneath the southbound Gratiot Avenue bridge.
Deputies recovered the body, which was determined to belong to a 59-year-old Eastpointe man. The Macomb County Medical Examiner’s Office concluded that nothing was suspicious with the body and determined that the cause of death was drowning.
Hit-and-run
MACOMB TOWNSHIP — On May 29 at around 9 a.m., Macomb County Sheriff’s Office deputies were dispatched to the 50000 block of North Avenue for a hit-and-run crash.
Deputies spoke with a 70-year-old Emmett man who said his car was struck by a white truck that tried passing him on 23 Mile Road. After they made contact, the truck turned around and left the scene.
Bank account fraud
MACOMB TOWNSHIP — On May 29 at around 11:10 a.m., Macomb County Sheriff’s Office deputies
CHARLIE BROWN MEMORIAL GOLF OUTING
ABOVE: Macomb County Sheriff Anthony Wickerham awards