The Shores Magazine by towar

April/May

2022

St. Clair Shores Living A MUST-DO

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the

shores

CONTENT 7 8 9 10 11 12 15 16 17 18 20 22 24 26 28 30 32 34 35 36 38 40 42 44 46

Around Town Memorial Day Parade Meet Your Grand Marshal Healthy Soil, Healthy Plants Notable Neighbor Mike Porzondek Business Spotlight Gifts Afloat Smart Legal Tips Farmers Market Community Garden All in a Day's Work Karl Paulson Financial Planning Hook, Line & Sinker Safety First Business Spotlight Soulliere Landscaping Health & Fitness Mental Health Matters Family Life Home Improvement Real Estate Shores Happenings Notable Neighbor Gina Burris Eats & Treats Stepping Back in Time Say What? Enter to Win Dining Guide

17 22

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2019

2018

The Shores St. Clair Shores Volume One • Issue One

EDITOR’S

Letter

PUBLISHER Kimbriel Towar EDITORIAL Editor: Anna Swartz Copy Editor: Patricia Austin Assistant: Mary Ann Simmerer Contributers: Flo Abke, GRI, George Arsenault, Jeffrey Brayton, Ken Gross, Sandra Kravitz, Bob Krieg, Jimmy Mazzola, Christopher Redziniak, Jeff Rice, Kimberly Soulliere DESIGN Creative Director: Stephanie Lortt Designer/Web Coordinator: Elaine Nesom SALES Associate Publisher: Sharon McMillan Account Executives: LeighAnn Hildinger, Jessica Zachara DISTRIBUTION Manager: Dave Colton The Shores Magazine (313) 882-0702 getshores.com editor@getshores.com The Shores Magazine is published six times per year by Towar Productions, 19803 Mack Ave., Grosse Pointe Woods, MI 48236. All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced without written permission from the Publisher and Editor. The Shores Magazine reserves the right to reject any advertising.

Welcome to the ϐirst issue of the Shores – a bimonthly magazine focusing on what makes St. Clair Shores a oneof-a-kind community. We are absolutely thrilled that this publication has ϐinally reached SCS residents. While this publication is new to most of you, we’ve been counting down the months, then ϐinally days, until we could place it in your homes and your hands. After countless meetings, brainstorming sessions, interviews, articles and a deep dive into the city of St. Clair Shores, we know that we have barely scratched the surface of the many wonderful happenings in the community. What we are most excited about is this – to truly get to know the residents, volunteers, schools, businesses and treasured annual traditions that weave together the fabric of this beloved city. If you are involved in something cool happening in St. Clair Shores, please reach out and let us know. The magazine includes various features that can be the perfect ϐit for all kinds of stories. For instance, did your child or grandchild’s Cub Scout pack participate in a food drive? Snap a photo and submit it for our Shores Happenings news brief section. Is there a special resident who deserves to be nominated for one of our Notable Neighbor proϐiles? We encourage you to explore our website, www.getshores.com, for more information about editorial and much more. As you read through this ϐirst magazine, take note of the features that you will see in each issue, including: All in a Day’s Work (with SCS Leaders), Notable Neighbors, Shores Business Spotlights, Stepping Back in Time, Shores Happenings and various columns. Seven of the columns are written by local businesses and feature universally important topics such as ϐinancial planning, health and ϐitness, legal, real estate, home improvement and gardening/landscaping. Please reach out and let us know what you think of the magazine. Happy Spring!

Photograph by: Todd Eberle

Editor Anna Swartz

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When You Need the Right Solution • Estate Planning • Tax Problems • Business & Financial Matterss Our 40th Year Serving the Metro Community

(888) 235-4357 (HELP) 30150 Telegraph Road, Suite 444 Bingham Farms, MI 48025

A NOTE FROM THE

Publisher

Congratulations… It’s a Magazine! Nine months in the making, and here she is – our baby. Yes, we know having a baby is a bit more involved than creating a magazine – but this IS our baby. One we look forward to sharing with you and watching together as she grows. The idea was born during a routine Monday morning meeting, when Ofϐice Manager Extraordinaire Sharon McMillan said, “Hey, why don’t we start a magazine in St. Clair Shores?” After some lengthy discussion, it just felt right. So, we jumped in headϐirst. We’ve been publishing the St. Clair Shores "little Blue Book" for more than 30 years. We love the community, and we adore you – the residents, so it seemed like a natural progression. We couldn’t have been more accurate. We are so grateful to all the writers, community members and leaders who have helped to shape this ϐirst issue. And our staff is truly delighted by the reception we have received from our advertisers. Following two seriously crazy years of challenges, we hope to shine a spotlight on the people, places and events that make St. Clair Shores such a special community. yo will enjoy reading the Shores. Please share your ideas with us. After all, this is your baby, too. We hope you

blisher Publisher Kimbriell Towar

Happy Mother’s Day

to all the moms out there! pick up an extra copy of

the

Towar P T Productions d ti 19803 M Mackk Caffè Far Bella 23415 Gr Mack • Great Lakes Ace Hardware 23245 Gr Mack Great Lakes Ace Hardware 31001 Harper • St. Clair Shores Library 22500 11 Mile St Clair Shores Civic Arena 20000 Stephens • St. Clair Shores Senior Center 20100 Stephens

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around

TOWN

Lake Shore Schools Art Inspires Photorama Saturday, April 23, 1-3 p.m. To register a team (vehicle) or to find out more information, go to tinyurl.com/LSPSPhotorama

Photo courtesy of St. Clair Shores Memorial Day Parade

Lakeside Palette Club Spring Art Show April 29-May 27 North Lake High School (when the building is open) 23340 Elmira St., St. Clair Shores Most of the art is for sale. Awards Ceremony is Friday, April 29 at 7 p.m., also at North Lake A Call for entry and show info: lakesidepaletteclub.org St. Clair Shores Community Chorus 6th Annual Cabaret Dinner Show Thursday, May 5 For more info, visit scscommunitychorus.org or call (586) 296-1160. Drive-in Movie Friday, May 13 at 8 p.m. Veterans Memorial Park Parking Lot Weather permitting For the most up-to-date details, go to facebook.com/stclairshoresparksandrecreation

Mary Palazzola, left, with her piece “Let’s Paint” and Lakeside Palette Club First Vice President Michelle Callow at the fall 2021 art exhibition. Photo courtesy of Lakeside Palette Club

Historical Cooking Demonstration Saturday, May 21, 1-4 p.m. Selinsky-Green Farmhouse Museum The museum is located behind the St. Clair Shores Public Library, 22500 Eleven Mile Road. Historical cooking demonstration featuring springtime recipes. This event is open to the public. 69th Annual Memorial Day Parade Sunday, May 29 at 1 p.m. Harper Ave. between Ridgeway and 11 Mile Road www.facebook.com/scsmemorialdayparade

Selinsky-Green Farmhouse Museum Photo courtesy of St. Clair Shores Historical Commission

Yardeners Native Plant Sale Friday, June 10, 3-6 p.m. Saturday, June 11, 9-Noon Selinsky-Green Farmhouse Museum No pre-orders will be taken this year. Inventory depends on weather and germination success. Check the Facebook page for plant list updates: www.facebook.com/Yardeners-of-St-ClairShores-103343206416175

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MEMORIAL DAY PARADE

Celebrates 69th Year

lifelong resident of St. Clair Shores, Mayor Kip Walby does not remember missing a single Memorial Day Parade. His favorite memories include the whole neighborhood sitting on the curb in the late ’60s and early ’70s. “I lived in the heyday,” Walby says. “We would always have a cookout in the neighborhood.” 2022 marks the 69th year of the St. Clair Shores Memorial Day Parade. It will be held on Harper Avenue, between Ridgeway and 11 Mile Road, on Sunday, May 29 at 1 p.m. Each year, the parade boasts about 160 entries, making it one of the largest parades of its kind in the area. “It’s the pride of St. Clair Shores,” Walby says. “It’s a large parade celebrating veterans, and we should be very proud of it. It’s our signature event. So many people remember being in the parade, and then they’re marching with their kids because of band and sports... it’s very generational.” While estimates vary on the size of the crowds that the parade draws, Walby prefers a conservative guess of “50,000 to 60,000 people, if it’s a sunny day.” Sometimes, he says, the sidelines are eight people deep. His best advice for those who want a good spot? “Get there early, the earlier the better.” The closer to the curb, the better chance the kids have of collecting a stash of candy. To stay up to date on details about the parade, go to www.facebook.com/scsmemorialdayparade Bottom Left: United States Air Force Honor Guard Photo by Tracy Jarrett Photography Top Left: Vehicles from the Detroit Arsenal of Democracy Museum in Warren, Mich. Photo by Tracy Jarrett Photography Middle Left: Mayor Kip Walby with his wife Michele Walby Photo courtesy of St. Clair Shores Memorial Day Parade Middle Right: Lakeview High School Marching Band Photo by Tracy Jarrett Photography Bottom Right: Announcers Robert Ihrie and Deborah O’Brien Photo courtesy of St. Clair Shores Memorial Day Parade

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BY ANNA SWARTZ

meet marshal BY ANNA SWARTZ Photo courtesy of Robert Stewart

he grand marshal in this year’s St. Clair Shores Memorial Day Parade, Robert Stewart, is known throughout the community as an accomplished photographer and the owner of a long-standing business, Stewart Fine Portraiture & Gallery, on Harper Avenue. Yet, many may not realize that his start as a photographer began in the United States Army.

Stewart served in the Army from 1955-1957. He spent 20 months in the Panama Canal as an Army photographer in the Public Information Ofϐice. “When I was a boy, I was very artistic,” Stewart says. “I was a student at the commercial art program at Cass Technical High School – my art training started there.” His experience in high school, along with the Argus 75 camera that his parents gave him for his 15th birthday, was on his resume. The Army took note, and that was the start of his photography career. While working in the Army’s Public Information Ofϐice, they published a newspaper, the Buccaneer. The staff included three writers and one photographer – Stewart. “So, I

photographed everything,” Stewart says. “My ϐirst assignment was to photograph a Memorial Day Parade for Fort Kobbe. It was a great big deal. I was 19 years old. I discovered the power of the camera while I was doing that work.” Stewart’s photos were also published other newspapers such as Army Times, Panama American and Panamanian Herald. After Stewart completed his time in the Army, he worked at O’Connor Studio located at J.L. Hudson Company downtown, Northland and Eastland. Stewart met his wife-to-beMary at Eastland. The couple became co-owners of a local photography business in 1966 (the business was started by the original owner in 1942); the Stewarts became sole proprietors in 1970. Both Richard and Mary are master photographers, and Mary is a master artist, too. Richard Stewart has also earned the titles of photographic craftsman, fellow of the American Society of Photographers and honorary fellow of the American Society of Photographers. He is the ϐirst photographer in Michigan to receive the fellow recognition. (Since

then, ϐive others have earned the honorary fellow title.) Son Clifford Stewart, a master photographer, and his wife Donna, a photographer, work alongside Richard and Mary. The Stewarts also have three daughters – Kristine Hass, Allison Brady and Mary Beth Willette – and 11 grandchildren. Riding in a convertible in this year’s parade will be a different experience for Stewart, who is always the one behind the camera. “I photographed the parade from 1970 to 2000,” he says. “I put together a slide presentation, and we would go around to VFW halls to recruit them for the parade.” Stewart says he has always been visible in the community, taking pictures of countless community events. “I was always involved in everything.” “It’s such an honor,” Stewart says of being selected as grand marshal. “It’s amazing to me.” His granddaughter Evelyn Brady, now a veteran like her grandfather, will be riding in the parade alongside him. She was trained as a combat medic, Stewart says, and served from 2018-2021.

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GARDENING LANDSCAPING

HEALTHY SOIL, HEALTHY PLANTS

he key to successful gardening is a healthy soil. This basic principle of organic gardening applies to all plants. When you feed the soil with the proper nutrients, you let the soil feed the plants. Generally, soil in our area tends to be clayey. This condition can be improved by adding a soil conditioner (kiln-ϐired mineral blend), gypsum, compost or vermiculite. For sandy soils, compost and peat moss should be added to help retain moisture and macro and micronutrients. Next, you must evaluate the soil structure. Soil structure is affected by soil pH, the amount of humus (the dark organic material formed when plant and animal matter decay) and the combination of minerals in the soil. Ideal soils allow soil particles to clump together with air spaces for water drainage as well as oxygen consumption and carbon dioxide release from plant roots. The best way to improve soil structure is to add high amounts of organic matter like composted manure, dehydrated manure, peat moss or earthworm castings. You will also need to take a soil sample to measure pH and amounts of nitrogen, phosphorus and potassium in the soil as well as other nutrients. This will help determine what the soil needs. There are convenient ways to test your soil to ϐigure out what to add to your soil and how much. Generally, a pH of 6.0 to 7.0 is acceptable. If your pH is lower than this, your soil is too acidic and requires adding lime. If your soil is low in organic matter, it will often have a high pH level. All plants require a proper balance of nutrients nitrogen (N), phosphorus (P) and potassium (K). Soils lacking any one of these elements will not produce healthy plants. When dealing with poor, or improperly balanced soils, obtaining healthy soil may take two to ϐive years to acquire. The best thing you can do to supplement your soil program is use various organic fertilizers to meet

12 the shores

B Y K I M B E R LY S O U L L I E R E your plants needs and regularly add organic matter. This will continue to help the soil as well as create biological activity that is also a vital part to healthy plant lives. Kimberly Soulliere is a co-owner of Soulliere Landscaping Garden Center in St. Clair Shores. She is a member of Michigan Nursery and Landscape Association. Kim loves spending time outdoors, gardening, cooking and baking.

notable

NEIGHBOR Mike Porzondek

SCS Resident for 25 Years Favorite Spot in SCS: My backyard Occupation: Printing sales advisor Hobbies: Fishing, unusual boats, vintage race cars, fixing things Pet Peeve: People who are late Mike says you are most likely to ϐind him “tinkering with something.” He estimates that he has ϐixed and sold 150 to 160 cars – everything from off roading vehicles to vintage. He currently owns vintage vehicles such as a 1930 Ford Model A race car and a 1903 curved-dash Oldsmobile with tiller steering. Mike has participated in local shows at the VFW Bruce Post, the Ford Estate and more, as well as the Harper Cruise.

Guilty Pleasure: Dark chocolate Last Book You Read: “Rogue Warrior” by Richard Marcinko Brings Me Joy: My five grandchildren Proudest Moment: Birth of my two children

Mike’s love of vintage cars and hot rods has taken him and his wife Carol to the Race of Gentlemen in Wildwood, New Jersey. The event, which began in 2008, is a mix of motorcycle and hot rod racing on the beach. “It’s a ϐive- to six-day event and people come from all over the world – Japan, England, Australia,” he says. “You’re always seeing something new and different, it’s like a rolling museum.” While Mike does not race his own cars, he’s worked at the event in the pits on a friend’s car. “Everyone is involved in the race,” he says. The town, he describes as “Atlantic City without the gambling.”

Personal Motto: Hold fast

In addition to a love for unique cars, Mike enjoys collecting unusual boats as well. His most recent purchase, a tugboat named Bay Monitor, is proof. He bought it from The Grand Traverse Bay Watershed Center. “It was built in Ann Arbor, Michigan by Fair Metal Boats in the early 2000s. They would rent it out for scientiϐic work on the bay, to monitor the water quality and to take people on boat rides.” They were decommissioning it from its work in the Grand Traverse Bay, and Mike could not pass up the opportunity.

I Can’t Live Without: My family

Words that Describe Me: Faithful friend, honest, conservative A Typical Day for Me Includes: Up with the sun, working with clients, facetiming with grandchildren, searching for more unusual boats and vintage race cars Someone I Admire: People who do the right thing, no matter what I Will Never Forget: Where I was when the plane hit the second tower of the World Trade Center Obstacle I Overcame: Learned to walk again Interesting Facts About Me: Went to a trade school, 2011 commodore of the Jefferson Yacht Club on the Nautical Mile, printing business for 42 years, love to cook, former homeowner’s association president, know how to milk a cow.

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BUSINESS

spotlight

BY ANNA SWARTZ

onna Flaherty, owner of Gifts Aϐloat, has a passion for the Great Lakes that is evident in her store’s variety of nautical décor, gifts, collectibles and more. Each item is carefully handpicked for uniqueness and quality, and her focus on customer service has not wavered since she and her late husband Paul Flaherty opened the store in 1976. “It’s always been my mission to provide a nautical gift for every occasion: birthday, anniversary, retirement, Christmas and more,” Flaherty says. Her inventory includes items such as custom apparel, Great Lakes-themed plush blankets and throw pillows, model sailboats, hand-painted ornaments, and unbreakable polycarbonate glasses (popular as housewarming gifts for new vessels). To see the full scope of Gifts Aϐloat offerings, she invites customers to come in for an up-close look. With no online store (although there is a website and Facebook page), Gifts Aϐloat relies on foot trafϐic. “We have a tremendous amount of repeat customers,” she says, noting that word-ofmouth is also key to her success. Flaherty’s love for the water was instilled in her as a young child who was raised on Lake Superior, and that theme has continued throughout her entire life. “My father worked on the Great Lakes freighters,” she said. “And when I met my late husband, he loved the water. He was a harbor master at Jefferson Beach Marina, and I was a journalism teacher at South Lake High School. We married, and Paul wanted to have his own business, which was marine surveying/boat appraising.” Flaherty left teaching to help her husband with his successful business, and that is when she had the concept of Gifts Aϐloat. During this time, the

couple raised their three sons, Bill, Kevin and Patrick. All three were active in local sports, Flaherty says. A resident of St. Clair Shores since 1966, Flaherty is passionate not just about Gifts Aϐloat, but about the success of all local businesses. She is involved in several nonproϐits that focus on creating economic development in the area – the Nautical Mile Merchants Association (NMMA) and Tax Increment Finance Authority (TIFA). The NMMA was organized in 1993. Donna has served as president since 2006. In her work with TIFA, Flaherty has been on the board since the ’90s. TIFA’s current project is the extension of the ϐishing pier at Blossom Heath. Flaherty is also on the board the Great Lakes Maritime Institute, which promotes the history of the Great Lakes.

“MY HEART AND SOUL HAS BEEN IN THIS AREA. I LOVE THE COMMUNITY; I LOVE THE PEOPLE.”

14 the shores

“My heart and soul has been in this area,” says Flaherty of St. Clair Shores. “I love the community; I love the people.” Gifts Aϔloat is located on the Nautical Mile at 25020 Jefferson Ave in St. Clair Shores, just south of 10 Mile Road. For more information, go to www.giftsaϔloat.com or www.facebook.com/GiftsAϔloat.

Gifts Afloat

on the Nautical Mile

Passion for the Great Lakes

Eric Goosen

Associate Broker, GRI

586-899-3659 goosenrealty@aol.com A member of the franchise system of BHH Affiliates, LLC

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Smart

LEGAL TIPS The Truth About Tax Problems BY KEN GROSS

ax problems are no different than the myriad of problems we face. Some problems cannot be managed; health problems, when there are no solutions, are far worse. Tax problems present a manageable problem. Solving a problem requires you to face it, identify the plan and then execute. Do this, and the problem and anxiety it causes vanishes.

The most common tax problems are (1) Unϐiled Returns and (2) Collection Actions for unpaid taxes. Unϐiled Returns are the easiest to ϐix. Many times, several years are unϐiled because paralysis arises over concerns as to how to pay and gather the records. A reputable tax advisor will obtain transcripts from IRS as to the information they already have on you and then prepare the returns. If there are valid deductions, but you don’t have the records – they will estimate. They make reasonable assumptions. For example, we know a trucker has fuel and maintenance expenses, so we will not forego the deduction for lack of records –we will estimate and get the returns ϐiled. Failing to ϐile a return on time boosts the tax bill by 25%. Even if you can’t pay – you should always ϐile by the extension deadline. Income taxes can also be discharged in bankruptcy (something few professionals know) but to do so – you must have ϐiled your

own return. The IRS will ϐile a substitute return (called an SFR) for a taxpayer when the return has not been ϐiled. SFR tax bills, however, cannot be discharged in bankruptcy. Here is the great news. There are several solutions when you can’t afford to pay the tax bill – including an Offer in Compromise to settle for pennies on the dollar (if you qualify), discharge of the taxes in bankruptcy, payment plans based on what you can afford and even payment plans that require no payment at all (IRS calls this “currently not collectable”). The key is to know the rules. There is an anomaly with IRS. There are many laws and rules that protect you as the taxpayer, but IRS collection staff will not help you – you must have a professional who knows the rules and how to make them work to your advantage. Do this, and the tax problem is no more. Ken Gross is the founder and managing shareholder of THAV GROSS PC. Formed in 1982, the Metro Detroit Firm has been assisting Metro Detroiters with tax, ϔinancial and business problems for 40 years. Watch Ken and his co-host Brian Small host the Law and Reality TV Show – Sundays at 10:30 on TV 20. You can contact them at 888.235.HELP (4357).

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FLOWERS & FOOD TRUCKS KICKS OFF

2022 Farmers Market Season Flowers & Food Trucks, which promises a variety of fun activities for all ages, will commence the city’s 2022 Farmers Market season on Sunday, May 22, from 8 a.m.-2 p.m. The open-air market is held at Blossom Heath Park on Jefferson, just south of 10 Mile Road. This event will include extra ϐlower vendors, as well as more than 60 vendors selling items such as candles, jellies, soap, jerky, salsa, wreaths, yard and home décor. Residents will also ϐind fresh locally grown Michigan produce. In addition, the event will feature a variety of food trucks, live entertainment and kids’ entertainment. Details about entertainment and food trucks will be ϐinalized closer to the event date and will be added to the St. Clair Shores Parks & Recreation Facebook page. Additional activities will include a petting zoo and a ReJoyceful Animal Rescue Adoption Event (featuring cats and dogs looking for loving homes). A free outdoor yoga class, open to all ages, will also be held at the event. The St. Clair Shores Farmers Market is held on the fourth Sunday, 8 a.m.-2 p.m., and the second Thursday of the month, 5-9 p.m., from May through October, always at Blossom Heath. Additional food truck rallies will be held on July 24 and October 2. “It’s great to see so many families enjoying our parks and events in St. Clair Shores,” says Donna Hill, market coordinator/event staff for St. Clair Shores Parks and Recreation. “We take pride in our events and farmers markets, providing a safe, fun-ϐilled atmosphere for the whole community.”

Bottom: Island Noodles Food Truck Photos courtesy of SCS Parks & Recreation Dept.

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COMMUNITY GARDEN Cultivating More Than Plants BY ANNA SWARTZ

ucked behind St. Clair Shores Civic Arena, a transformed space has literally bloomed into a unique place for gardeners and gatherings. In its fourth year, the St. Clair Shores Community Garden offers engagement for residents with not just communal gardening, but also social events throughout the season. “The garden has evolved since it was ϐirst conceived,” said Paul Bjorngaard, St. Clair Shores Community Garden Committee co-chair. “It started mostly as a place to just grow things and evolved into a place that allows for even more community engagement than we originally imagined.” The garden was the brainchild of Bjorngaard and a friend who were both serving on the St. Clair Shores Cool City Committee at the time. The garden has since been spun off into its own separate committee. The garden sits on a roughly halfacre plot of land and boasts a total of 54 raised beds (2,250 square feet of gardening space). Twenty of these beds are rented to residents, and the rest are Plans for 2022 events include yoga in the garden to increase pollination, in the garden, arts and crafts, plant- will be doing a presentation on the community beds. a-seed for kids, as well as story time basics of beekeeping. To stay up to The garden also includes three large events with community leaders and date on upcoming events, follow the ϐlower beds and will soon have ADA- ϐirst responders. The Fall into Fun garden online at www.facebook.com/ compliant beds that are wheelchair Festival, which was a hit last year, will SCSCommunityGarden be back again with pumpkin painting, accessible, Bjorngaard says. story time, costumes, cider and The garden is located behind Civic Volunteers are always welcome in the donuts. In addition, local beekeeper Arena, 2000 Stephens St. in St. Clair garden to help with weeding, watering, Mike Lawler from Unbeelievable Shores. harvesting and general maintenance. Honey, who will be installing two hives A “harvest payment” will be given to The St. Clair Shores Community Garden offers a total of 54 raised beds. Aerial Photo by Ron Warren / www.RonWarrenPhotography.com volunteers, says Bjorngaard. To inquire about volunteering, send an email to (L-R) St. Clair Shores Community Garden Committee Members: Secretary Tracy Hayden, Joe Babula, Co-chairs Cyndi George and Paul Bjorngaard scscommunitygarden@gmail.com. Bottom and background photos courtesy of Cyndi George

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ALL IN A DAY’S

work

Lakeview Superintendent

Karl Paulson BY ANNA SWARTZ

n a mild, grey January morning, Karl Paulson – donning a bright blue Lakeview Huskies zip-up ϐleece – sat in his spacious ofϐice in the Wheat Administration Building, leaned forward and described his path to becoming superintendent and his 19year career in the district. He graduated from Central Michigan with a mathematics and political science degree, then served in various districts as a math and social studies teacher, assistant principal and principal, until he came to Lakeview as assistant superintendent in 2003. Five years later, he was appointed superintendent. Spending almost two decades in one district in this high-level leadership role, he says, is “a bit unusual.” So is the way he begins each workday – visiting one, two or three of the seven schools in his district. “The idea of visiting schools isn’t typical of what [most] superintendents would be doing,” Paulson says. “I can name every teacher walking down the hallway – 220 professional staff. I probably know 85 percent of the support staff.” Longevity in the district, as well as spending a lot of time at each school weekly, develops strong bonds and trusting relationships between him and the staff. Paulson mentions a

20 the shores

“IT’S A LIFESTYLE. IF YOU DON’T LOVE WHAT YOU DO, YOU WON’T LAST. IT’S A 24/7 WORLD.” teacher he’s known for the past 19 years; they’ve always swapped stories about their kids growing up. “That doesn’t come with me sitting here, because she has 30 kids in front of her,” he says. “I have to go where the action is to do that relationship building.” Paulson enjoys hanging in hallways, talking over loud groups of students to catch up with a colleague. It is common for him to wander, he says, checking and responding to emails on his phone. Another reason Paulson ϐinds himself in the classroom is to spend an hour observing all new-to-Lakeview teachers – most, he says, come in with 10, 12, 15 years of experience. “I observe them in the ϐirst semester typically. It’s not an evaluation – I take some notes and give them feedback.

They’re surprised that I would take the time to do that and that I’m as thorough as I am. I’m a teacher, that’s what I did. I know what should be happening. I’m reading the latest literature and understanding that with our leadership groups.” Another advantage of observing these classes, Paulson says, is that the students know him because of it. “If there are 185 classroom teachers right now, I have been in 150 of their rooms for a full session at some time.” He adds that teachers also invite him to observe special presentations or projects “because they know I have an interest in seeing kids do good work.” The most unique aspect of being a student at Lakeview High School is the option to take college classes right at the high school or Wheat building. This program began in the fall of 2011. The key was to remove the transportation barrier, Paulson says, and to bring the professors to Lakeview. Currently students

can take classes through Wayne State or Baker College without leaving the Lakeview campus. Despite much effort, Paulson has been unable to convince Macomb Community College to provide onsite classes for Lakeview, so some students will attend Macomb classes during the school day. The option for a 90-minute, four-class block schedule makes this possible. It also allows students to move through their classes faster, since they can complete eight credits per year. According to Paulson, about 150 students dual enroll every semester. “There isn’t anywhere else in Michigan where that happens with these kinds of [enrollment] numbers – a few sophomores, quite a few juniors and a lot of seniors,” Paulson says. “These classes are electives; they aren’t replacing anything.” “When you’re a junior and senior, it’s a rite of passage now,” Paulson says, “they don’t have to show up until 9:15 in the morning and they’re taking two college classes in the afternoon. We’ve built a system to allow them to get there and take full advantage of that. A lot of kids have two years of college walking out the door.” Every year, Lakeview pays over $400,000 in tuition. In addition, Paulson says, dual enrollment eases the transition to college “because they know they can do it.” Even though they are taking college classes, “they’re with a cohort of peers,” a less intimidating environment. The beneϐits of this dual enrollment set-up surpassed even what Paulson could have imagined. Paulson shared this example: in a 2014 strategic planning meeting, one parent told the group that his son was a Lakeview graduate and had received a four-year scholarship to Wayne State. Because of the dual enrollment option offered at Lakeview, he completed his bachelor’s degree in two years and now his master’s degree was paid for with his scholarship.

Paulson knows that Lakeview’s teachers are the backbone of the district and is quick to praise the quality of the staff. There may be stafϐing shortages across the country, but that is not an issue in the Lakeview District. Paulson says that’s because Lakeview is a desirable place to work. Very few of the new hires are ϐirst-year teachers, he says, noting that teachers come to Lakeview from other districts such as Warren Woods or Grosse Pointe. “We pay the most,” he says. “The environment is positive. There are a lot of good things about Lakeview that are not well known outside of the area.” When selecting teachers and principals, Paulson says the rigorous selection process allows them to ϐind the best available candidates. “When you do that, you get everything else you’re looking for – good scores, a positive environment, collegial relationships with your colleagues. And that all comes by hiring and making that such a high priority and doing it right.” Just like the teachers in the district, Paulson knows that his profession is not your typical 9-to-5. “It’s a lifestyle. If you don’t love what you do, you won’t last. It’s a 24/7 world.” While he may be greeting students at various schools in the morning, he often checks emails and responds to important text messages early in the morning while he’s still in bed. He tends to be at the ofϐice late at night, too. It’s not all work and no play for Paulson, though. His sense of humor is clear in the stories he shares, and even in the clutter of keepsakes on the top of his ϐile cabinets. A pair of sunglasses? Part of his Elton John outϐit for an all-staff meeting. A coffee mug featuring his face with a royal crown? A gift from a parent with an image that had been circulating on students’ social media accounts, crowning him “king” for getting them out of school for a snow day.

Throughout his ofϐice, three young smiling faces are on repeat. These are his children, although they are much older now. Hailey (22) is a U of M senior; Connor (20) is an MSU sophomore; and Andrew (16) is a high school junior. He and his wife Kathy have been married for 26 years. Paulson mentions the names of his dogs when he was teaching mathematics: Quadratic and Ellipse. “My wife said that she would be naming the children,” he laughs.

PAULSON’S

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Music: Classic rock & Classical Book You’ve Read Recently: “His Excellency: George Washington” by Joseph J. Ellis Movie: Star Wars series Place You’ve Traveled: Captiva Island, Florida Snack: Doritos Season: Summer Weekend Activity: Attending College Football Games Hobby: Home Improvement/ Maintenance

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Towar Productions 19803 Mack Caffè Far Bella 23415 Gr Mack Great Lakes Ace Hardware 23245 Gr Mack Great Lakes Ace Hardware 31001 Harper St Clair Shores Library 22500 11 Mile St Clair Shores Civic Arena 20000 Stephens St Clair Shores Senior Center 20100 Stephens

the shores 21

Financial PLANNING

Four Forces Preventing a Return to 1970s Inflation B Y J E F F R E Y B R AY TO N

y ofϐice is near the intersection of Jefferson and Marter, giving me easy access to Kroger where I spend a fair amount of time walking the aisles in search of lunch or just getting some exercise during the winter. It’s impossible not to notice the prices increasing on everything from fruit to frozen pizza. We are all experiencing inϐlation together (more the frozen pizza than fruit for me). Inϐlation has become a real concern.

Spending Power Lost with Inflation ANNUAL INFLATION YEARS

10%

3.10%

18% 32%

44%

54%

61%

26%

33% 54%

69%

79%

85%

46%

45% 69%

83%

90%

94%

60%

55% 79%

90%

95%

98%

71%

Source: Analysis by Wealth Logic

This chart illustrates exactly how devastating inϐlation can be to our purchasing power. An annual inϐlation rate of just 2% will erode your purchasing power by 18% over 10 years and 55% over 40 years. The question has changed from “will inϐlation increase?” to “how high it will it run and for how long?” There are “experts” warning us we are in for 1970s hyper-inϐlation. In addition to questionable fashion choices, the 1970s are remembered as a decade of high inϐlation. The truth is that we have no idea how high and for how long inϐlation will run. What we do know is that inϐlation has been low for several decades. Fortunately, the longer-term forces which have kept inϐlation low are still in place. These four forces should help to contain inϐlation in the years ahead. 1) Demographics. Many regions of our world, including the U.S., China, Japan and Europe have aging populations. Economies with older citizens tend to grow at slower rates with higher savings. This is antiinϐlationary. 2) Globalization. The economic law of comparative advantage is not always favorable, but it does a good job of keeping overall prices low with capital ϐlowing to low cost producing nations.

22 the shores

3) Technology & Innovation. Increasing prices create incentives for competition. Technology speeds the development of competing products and services and their delivery. You may be familiar with Amazon? 4) Decline of Organized Labor. Private sector union membership has declined from a peak of 34.8% in 1954 to just over 6% today (Source: WST). Labor unions were once a signiϐicant driver of higher wages, and thus inϐlation. I hope this list helps to calm your nerves the next time you hear someone hysterically telling you that we are going to experience the hyper-inϐlation of the 1970s all over again. I’ve been in this business long enough to never say never, but frankly I think there’s a better chance of Pet Rocks and disco coming back. Groovy, huh? Jeffrey Brayton is a graduate of the University of Michigan and has an MBA from Wayne State University. He is the co-owner of Lakeshore Financial Planning in St. Clair Shores and has spent the last 29 years helping individuals and families clarify and work toward achieving their unique ϔinancial goals.

june/july issue Here’s a Sneak Peek at What’ss in in Store for the eN Next ext Issu Issue sue su e of The Shores Also, We Welcome Submissions for “Around Town” (Upcoming Events Listing) and “Shores Happenings” (News Briefs on Past Events). Questions? Editor@Getshores.com Mackinac Race Veteran Shares Tales from 50+ Years of Sailing Blossom Heath Pier Project Nears Completion Battling Summer Boredom: Fun, Local Activities for All Ages Day Trippin’: the Shores Staff’s Favorite Destinations SCS Sail & Power Squadron: Fostering Community Through Boating Safety Free Outdoor Concerts: Music on the Lake and More Business Spotlight: LaBelle Antiques Etc.

the shores 23

HOOK Line

& SINKER

BY ANNA SWARTZ

Lake St. Clair is a Hot Destination for Fishing Enthusiasts

ne would be hard-pressed to ϐind a St. Clair Shores resident without at least one ϐishing experience – and it likely took place close to home. Whether it was spending a sunny afternoon at the edge of a pier waiting for a tug on the line or anchoring the boat to try their luck in deeper waters, many locals have fond memories ϐishing in the waters of Lake St. Clair and the connecting waterways.

What Makes Lake St. Clair Unique

“The beauty of Lake St. Clair is that you can enjoy it all year long,” says Kevin Backus, owner of Mr. Muskie Charters in St. Clair Shores. Backus refers to Lake St. Clair as the premier muskie lake in the world, and as number one in the country for small mouth bass. There’s also no other place in the world with over six million walleye, he says, which spawn in the Detroit River each spring. Why are there so many ϐish in Lake St. Clair exactly? “It’s a very shallow basin lake that is sand- and clay-based,” Backus says. “It’s shallow, clear and holds bait, and it’s ideal for spawning.”

St. Clair Shores resident Matt Trombley, who rediscovered his love of ϐishing seven years ago, takes his boat out on Lake St. Clair to ϐish three to four times per week “as soon as the ice is gone.”

In fact, Michigan.gov states: “At only 430 square miles in surface area with an average depth of 11 feet, Lake St. Clair is far smaller and shallower than the Great Lakes, but is incredibly productive, hosting one of the largest sport ϐisheries in the world. Nearly a third of the entire annual Great Lakes sport ϐish catch is pulled from the waters of the lake.”

“April/May is prime walleye season in the Detroit River and St. Clair River,” Trombley says. “That’s when the water temperature is just right. They are biting like crazy. Then you get a lot of bass ϐisherman in May and June. There are three kinds of bass in these lakes – small mouth, large mouth and white bass.” According to Trombley, the time to catch white bass is short. We call it ‘the white bass window’ – it’s right around Memorial Day. They are in a big school, and they are spawning. You can catch them on a bare hook. The best place to catch them is in the Trenton Channel. Look for the birds feeding on the minnows, and the ϐish will be there.”

Best Fishing Spots on the Lake

The best places to ϐish, Backus says, all depends on the time of year and the species you’d like to ϐish. “Even though it’s shallow, it’s not a consistent depth,” he says. “So, the best ϐishing spots will change depending on the time of year. Anchor Bay is great for bass, perch or muskie in the spring. But when the water warms up, the ϐish move out to bigger waters.” The shipping channel (the main vessel route across Lake St. Clair) and the “Dumping Grounds” (located on the border in U.S. waters, near the southern end of the lake) are also good spots, according to Backus.

24 the shores

For those who want to target ϐish in deeper waters, techniques such as vertical jigging and bottom bouncing (also called trolling) can be used. For those who may not own a boat or want to gain experience, hiring an expert such as Backus is an option for entertaining clients or hanging out with family and friends.

St. Clair Shores resident Matt Trombley, with a Tiger Muskie. Photo courtesy of Matt Trombley Kevin Backus’ boat on Lake St. Clair. Photo courtesy of Kevin Backus/Mr. Muskie Charters

Best Shore Fishing Spots

“May and June are the best time to catch ϐish near the shore,” Trombley says. “That’s when they are spawning in the shallow area.” For the beginner, Trombley simply recommends a hook, worm and bobber. “You’ll catch a blue gill, perch, littler ϐish. You can catch the red-headed stepchild, the largemouth bass, in rocky shallows of places like Veterans Memorial Park. There are tons of them.” For those who may not be familiar with the various ϐishing spots in St. Clair Shores, the city has four parks accessible to residents. (Don’t forget to purchase a park pass from the Parks & Recreation Department for a nominal fee). First, the 9 Mile Pier, which is also open to non-residents, is located at Jefferson and Nine Mile, behind the Chapaton Pumping Station. “That’s a fun peninsula, it gets you way out into the water,” Trombley says. “It’s about eight to 10 feet of water. You can cast far out there and catch pike and bass.” Next, the ϐishing pier at Blossom Heath Park, just south of Ten Mile, is currently under construction and inaccessible to residents currently. “Due to the pier expansion project, there is currently no access to ϐishing at Blossom Heath,” says St. Clair Shores Parks and Recreation Director Henry

Bowman. “We hope for the project to be done by July.” Bowman also noted that while resident passes are required to enter the park, the Blossom Heath ϐishing pier is open to the public. Lastly, Lac Saint Claire Park at 11 Mile Road/Jefferson and Veterans Memorial Park at Masonic/Jefferson are great ϐishing spots and both require park passes. For those looking to venture a little further from home, Trombley recommends Lake St. Clair MetroPark, DNR Selfridge Public Boat Launch and DNR Harley Ensign Launch – all in Harrison Township. The Detroit RiverWalk downtown and Belle Isle are also go-to spots.

Why Fishing?

“For most people, they just enjoy the peacefulness of the water,” Trombley says. “In the summer, I’m out there from 6-10 a.m. “My greatest memories are not the biggest ϐish on Lake St. Clair but the sunrises...For some people, they just want that Facebook picture. It’s a great memory. And some people are very serious ϐishermen – they want 50 ϐish. I fall in all those categories. Some days I’m like – I’m going for the muskie. [There are] a lot of different ways to approach it. I also enjoy taking beginners out on the water on my boat. That is one thing that I enjoy the most.”

the shores 25

safety FIRST

As Suggested by Past Commander Bob Krieg, St. Clair Shores Sail & Power Squadron / America’s Boating Club

Before launching your boat, be ready! I put together this checklist to put you in the right mind of boating safety. This may not be everything you need to do; every boat is a little different. I could write at least a page on each of these items, but this is the short of it. If you are not able or do not understand these items, please make some phone calls, or go online to ϔind help. – Bob Krieg

A Spring Launch Must-Do List Before Uncovering Your Boat If you have not taken a boating class, do so. To ϐind a schedule of in-person and online classes, go to www.americasboatingclub.org

Get out all those manuals. Refresh your mind. Find

out what materials are needed for a spring startup (oils, spark plugs, impellers and so on). Review how to turn on your GPS and the rest of those things on the helm.

Make sure registration and insurance are up to date. After the Boat is Uncovered Walk around your boat and check for any damage

from the trailer or the cradle. Look for cracks, chips, dry rot that could be a problem later. Check out the trailer tires, lights, crank and cable.

Inside Your Boat Charge up your batteries. Have them checked with a voltmeter. Make sure the cables are clean and tight.

Turn on your navigation and anchor lights. Check all interior lighting.

Check all wiring for discoloring and tightness. A boat has a lot of wires that could cause a ϐire. Make sure you also check your shore power cord.

Check blowers, horns, bilge pumps, wipers. Check out all hoses and tanks (fuel, water, exhaust,

Check all the thru-hull ϐittings. They may need to be

reseated or replaced (water intakes, transducers, trim tabs, etc).

venting) for leaks, cracks, stiffness, ageing. All water hoses below the water line should have two hose clamps along with all fuel hoses above and below the water line. Make sure all hand valves operate freely.

Check the out drive or outboard. Change the oil,

Change the engine oil every season. Look for water

check the impeller (water pump), hydraulic hoses, the boot (large hose connected to the outdrive and transom). Clean off all those sharp zebra mussels – it is easier to clean them off in the spring when they are dead. Check the props for bending or chipping.

in the oil when changed (light in color or separated).

Check all ϐluids – power steering, power trim, lifts. Change out or clean all ϐilters and strainers (fuel,

Inboard engines - Check the props, shafts and struts

oil, fresh water and sea water). The air ϐilter (ϐlame arrester) for the engines should be cleaned a few times a year.

Check the anodes/zincs. They are sacriϐiced metals

PUT IN THE DRAIN PLUG IN THE BOTTOM OR

Wash and wax your boat. Besides looking good, it

Check all sailboat rigging for wear and tightness.

for wear.

that can be replaced.

will last longer and have better resale.

26 the shores

BACK OF THE BOAT.

Safety, Safety, Safety f Check expiration dates on ϐlares, ϐire extinguishers

(systems). Change batteries in USCG Visual Distress Signal and ϐlashlights.

Check all life jackets – those kids have grown, make

sure they ϐit properly. Test the life jackets, everyone should go in the water this summer to see how they work and ϐit. Get one for the dog also!

Finally ll in the h Water, But Not Done Checking Yet Take a trial run with a friend (not the whole family)

to make sure everything is in working condition and that you are well prepared.

Fill your fuel tank, but not 100% full because you

will spill excess fuel in the water from the vent. (Make sure they ϐill the fuel tank, not the water or waste tank.)

Check all your tie lines and anchor lines for wear. Make sure you have a throwable life ring with a line

Run the vent blower at least ϐive minutes before

Update your ϐirst aid kit. Make sure charts are up to date. Check smoke and carbon monoxide, ϐlue fume, and

Open hatches to make sure there are no fuel leaks. Once you start the engines, check for water leaks. Check oil pressure and water temperature.

tied to it.

bilge alarms are all in working order.

Check

your VHF radio and antenna. Remember Channel for emergencies. You should maintain 16 for emergencies from other boaters and Coast Guard.

starting.

Schedule a free vessel safety check from the United States Power Squadron or Coast Guard Auxiliary: www.SafetySeal.net W Wow, that was a lot to do! Now you know your boat and h how to operate it. Be Safe and remember: be calm and in control.

the shores 27

BUSINESS

BY ANNA SWARTZ

ince 1952 Soulliere Landscaping Garden Center has been a family business serving the community – at ϐirst as a small shop offering sod and annuals, and now as a multi-faceted business offering everything from home décor and patio furniture to landscape design and essentials like stones, pavers, perennials, annuals and topsoil. “People don’t realize that we have all of this to offer in our garden center,” says Kimberly Soulliere. The expansive store is ϐilled with hand painted pottery, bird houses, a large assortment of bereavement statues and benches, unique lawn ornaments, decorative outdoor ϐlags, wreaths, lamps, wind chimes, ϐirepits, vases and more. Kimberly Soulliere co-owns the store with her siblings Michelle Zatorski and Ron Soulliere. Their grandparents, David and Margaret Soulliere, established the business as a small store across the street from its current location. Their parents, Gordon and Mary Soulliere, were the previous owners of the business. “My Dad took architectural classes and started designing patios,” Kimberely Soulliere said. “This subdivision [by the store] started after we were here and pretty much everyone had us do their landscaping...and then it evolved from there.” Kimberly Soulliere said that although her father Gordon Soulliere passed away in 2004, many people have stopped in over the years “to say what a good man he was.” An important lesson she learned from her father was to focus on quality products. For instance, the store sells Telescope brand patio furniture, which comes with a 15year warranty. Less than 1% of these items are returned, she says, and even those are simply ϐixed. Soulliere Landscaping Garden Center also strives to get the best available plants from across the country. “We buy from the West Coast, East Coast, all over Tennesse, California, Oregon,” Kimberly Soulliere says. “We’ve been buying for 40 to 50 years from different growers. We have high-quality nursery stock that’s balled and burlapped. We have stuff that you can use for nice landscape jobs and unique items too that they may not have everywhere. We sell wholesale and retail. Even small landscapers come in here for their materials.”

28 the shores

Kimberly Soulliere

spotlight

Soulliere Landscaping Garden Center is located at 23919 Little Mack Ave. In St. Clair Shores. Photo courtesy of Soulliere

Photo Courtesy of Soulliere Landscaping Garden Center

What else makes the business unique? “Our customer service, quality and pricing,” Kimberly Soulliere says. They also have plenty of parking spaces and are happy to load items into customers’ vehicles. They offer a delivery service for all bulk materials – such as mulch, stone, topsoil and ϐirewood. Their range of products is vast and includes retaining walls, pond supplies, as well as salt and deicers. Services include a fertilization program and landscape design and build. “You can get everything you need for any do-ityourself project, or we’ll do everything for you,” Kimberly Soulliere says. Soulliere Landscaping Garden Center is located at 23919 Little Mack Ave. in St. Clair Shores.

Soulliere Landscaping Garden Center

Rooted

in the Shores

Hand painted pots from Spain are a popular item at Soulliere.

for 70 Years

the shores 29

HEALTH & FITNESS No Deposit, No Return

BY JEFF RICE

ow can one make a small deposit daily that will yield a large return? Exercise each day for at least 30 minutes. You do not have to exhaust yourself with high intensity workouts, but you should have some moderate physical activity incorporated in your daily routine. If you happen to be on a weight loss journey, do a more vigorous workout. For example, go on a fast walk or light jog rather than at a normal pace. Or you can simply walk uphill on a treadmill (remember, your body has already mastered the walking movement since childhood) to make it more challenging. Make sure you listen to your body; you should not be feeling extreme soreness or pain. Just a heads up, it is normal to have some light muscle aches following a higher intensity workout. It may be inconvenient, but that means your body is changing for the better. Eat a light nutritious meal or snack one to three hours prior to activity. Some examples are a peanut butter and jelly sandwich or a bowl of oatmeal. These are great fuel for your workout and easy on the stomach. Be sure to drink plenty of water and/or electrolytes, as these regulate your body temperature and lubricate your joints. It helps transfer nutrients which give you energy. If you are not hydrated, your body cannot perform at its full potential. Be sure to stretch lightly before, and more vigorously after, the workout. Stretching keeps the muscles ϐlexible, strong and healthy. Keep in mind proper ϐlexibility allows for mobility in the movement of muscles and joints. Without it, the muscles shorten and become tight. This results in risk for joint pain, tears and damage. Eat a more protein-based diet following your workout. Protein is the building block of your muscles. Therefore, eating proper amounts of protein leads to muscle mass and growth when incorporated with exercise. Keep your protein intake high, and you will prevent muscle loss during the weight loss cycle. The protein will help condone muscle growth, which also reduces fat. Jeff Rice is the owner of MAC GYM in St. Clair Shores and Mt. Clemens. He is an International Sports Science Association certiϔied personal trainer and a 22-year industry veteran. You can contact Jeff at (586) 457-4788 or Thegymjt@gmail.com.

30 the shores

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mental health MATTERS WEEK Photos courtesy of Lake Shore Schools

Celebrating Positivity and Resilience in Lake Shore Schools BY ANNA SWARTZ

he mental health needs of students, families and the community are signiϐicant – now more than ever. That’s the message that Lake Shore Schools received from the district’s social workers at the beginning of the 2020-2021 school year. As a result, Mental Health Matters Week (MHMW) was born. The second annual MHMW, a week-long campaign to spread awareness about the importance of mental health and celebrate resilience, was held January 31 through February 4 at all Lake Shore Schools. Throughout the week staff utilized a districtwide initiative, the Positivity Project (P2), to help students focus on the character strengths of mental health and wellness. According to Kayla Glombowski, social worker at Kennedy Middle School, P2 is a newer program that focuses on one of 24 character strengths per week. P2 is taught to all K-12 students. At the middle school level, daily advisory periods serve as a time to set aside academics and focus on these important traits and build relationships between students and staff. “It helps kids open up and connect with other kids who maybe they wouldn’t normally bond with,” Glombowski says. For MHMW, each Lake Shore school participated in an activity that displayed not just P2 character strength, but a #maddymatters random act of kindness. Maddy Matters is a Pay It Forward movement to honor Madisyn Renee Baldwin, one of the Oxford High School victims. For example, Masonic Heights Elementary students randomly paid for

32 the shores

coffees and treats at Eos Café & Coffee House in St. Clair Shores. This taught the character strength of kindness. On February 4, Violet Elementary students partnered with Harmon Elementary of Lakeview Schools to pen pal with their “rival.” This exercise encouraged the character strength of teamwork. Other activities throughout MHMW included Lake Shore and North Lake High School students writing the answer to the questions: “Who is your person?” and “Why?” on a paper heart cut-out. The activity focused on the character strengths of love and gratitude, which increase feelings of happiness and reduce stress, anxiety and depression. Later in the week, Rodgers Elementary students looked at themselves in the mirror and were asked: “What do you see?” They were asked to share one positive afϐirmation to recognize their inner beauty. According Glombowski, while each child’s stressors may vary, all are struggling to cope with tough feelings. “With how things keep changing in the world, it's been difϐicult to adapt and take care of one’s mental health,” she said. When other challenges such as ϐinancial worries or family stress are added in, she says, the emotional toll is even greater. So, what can parents do if they notice that their child is struggling? “Keep communication open and be available to listen so they feel comfortable and supported,” Glombowski says. And, if needed, she adds: “Don’t be afraid to ask for help. Start with your child’s school counselor or pediatrician.”

Alayna Irwin, left, and Addison Hosking

Glombowski noted the difϐiculty many parents face when ϐinding a therapist who sees children, or the long wait lists. “Don’t feel discouraged,” she said. “Be persistent and keep calling. You will ϐind someone to help.” Glombowski did help organize parts of MHMW but praised the efforts of Lake Shore Schools Digital Media Manager Tasha Candela as the main organizer. “Tasha is fabulous, she did so much of the planning.” MHMW was also made possible by its sponsors — Michigan Insurance and Financial Services for donating $500, Eos Café & Coffee House for donating hot chocolate and $100 bonus cash and ACE Hardware for providing hand sanitizer. Inspirational Mental Health Matters posters created by Student Council students across the district

(L-R) James Jackson, Emma Dobbs and Zoey Brocker

Addison Hill

Rylee Mott Brandon Davis

Early Childhood Center students: (L-R) Kruze Dixon, Lily Pomerson, Bristol Biondo, Annabelle Roper, Evelyn Bross Brooklyn Berry

Christian Ringo

Riley Newell

the shoress 33

FAMILY

life

1+1=19

A Man Who is Not Average B Y G E O R G E A R S E N A U LT

hen I was much younger, in my teens, I didn’t want to set the world on ϐire. I just wanted to be average and, as Professor Higgins said in My Fair Lady, “Just an ordinary man who likes to live his life...free of strife...doing whatever he thinks is best for him” …just an average kind of guy. I now tell everyone: “don’t be average, be above average.”

As personal events presented themselves throughout the years, I found that I was not average, as I had planned. Having seven children is not average. Widowed at the age of 36 with seven children, that’s not average either. I determined, after my ϐirst wife died of a brain tumor in 1964, that I was not average. So, I said to myself, “If I cannot be average, I will pursue above average.” What came next in my life – my marriage to my second wife Delores – would more than double the size of my already large family. I should explain what rationale would persuade a widow and a widower, a single man with seven children and a single woman with ten children, to marry and have a family of 19. Here we have 17 children, ages 2 to 16, who will have to grow up the rest of the way with only half a parent. Either the mother or the father would be missing. Delores and I felt that if we could manage this union, we would be giving these children a better future and start in life. It would be a joint venture well worth the effort. How we did it and how we managed the success of having a family of 19 is the story of “1+1=19.” Recalling a song from the ϐirst night that Delores and I met, on June 10, 1965: the ending lyrics of “Strangers in the Night” … “And ever since that night, they’ve been together, lovers at ϐirst sight, in love forever. It turned out so right for Strangers in the Night.” George Arsenault has been a St. Clair Shores resident for over 26 years. He worked for GM, retiring after 36 years, and then retired from Chrysler Motor in 1996 after eight years. He worked as a ϔinancial analyst, computer programmer and systems director. He raised a family of 19 in Grosse Pointe Park for 18 years.

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home IMPROVEMENT TOP THREE AREAS OF YOUR HOME TO INSPECT EACH SPRING BY CHRISTOPHER REDZINIAK

pril is the perfect time to take a walk around your home to identify damage caused by ice, snow and cold temperatures from Michigan winters. Take a moment this spring to protect your investment and make small repairs now that will prevent larger more costly problems. Take a look at these top three exterior inspections in preparation for summer projects, starting from the top down.

Keep an (Undamaged) Roof Above Your Head Roofs can suffer a lot of damage over the winter months from ice, rain and wind. Stand away from the home by the sidewalk to get a view of your roof line. Look for any obvious signs of age, moss or missing shingles blown away over the winter months. Curling edges and popped nail heads that need to be repaired can be seen from the ground without using a ladder.

April Showers Bring Sagging Gutters Now is the perfect time to inspect your gutters. Pull out your ladder and clear away leaves and sticks. Look for gutters pulling away from the home. Popping nails make your gutters loose and allows water to seep between the fascia (the transition trim between the home and the rooϐline) and the gutter. This can cause thousands of dollars in repairs due to rotten wood.

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Downspouts, Extensions and Grading Wet weather conditions and freezing temperatures expand and contract materials, even the soil in your yard. Look for pooling water, low areas that slope toward your home, as well as cracks in the brick work and joints. Seasonal inspections will keep your home well maintained for the year and prevent small repairs from becoming an unexpected ϐinancial surprise.

Christopher Redziniak is a co-owner of Red Baron Enterprises, LLC, serving Southeastern Michigan, and is a second-generation handyman. He is active in working within our community, encouraging, and supporting other family-owned businesses in the area.

REAL ESTATE

Think You’re Ready to Sell? Consider These Key Home Updates BY FLO ABKE, GRI

hether it’s a strong seller’s market or a strong buyer’s market, homes that look good and are well maintained will always sell faster and for more money. Homes that are not clean and/or not properly maintained are never as popular with buyers.

Neutral paint colors and updated clean ϐloors, including reϐinished hardwood, pre-cut vinyl plank ϐlooring or new carpet, are very important features to most buyers. Many buyers want to move into their new home on the day of closing. If they buy a home that has been recently painted and includes attractive clean ϐlooring, they can move right in. Buyers who have children, work long hours or are pursuing advanced college degrees, for example, are among those who are looking for the simplest move possible. For these buyers, move-in condition is a must because they often do not have the time or resources to remodel a home.

Clean homes that include neutrally painted walls, attractive ϐlooring and a nicely manicured exterior will grab the potential buyer’s attention much faster than an unattractive, unmaintained home. A St. Clair Shores native, Broker/Realtor Flo Abke, GRI, is part of the Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices Kee Realty team in St. Clair Shores. She is a member of Grosse Pointe Board of Realtors, Women’s Council of Realtors, Michigan Association of Realtors and National Association of Realtors. Flo has achieved a multi-million-dollar yearly sales level since 1994. She is also a junior sectional judge for United States Figure Skating.

Depending on the season, the exterior of your home may need attention as well. If it’s fall or winter, it’s a little easier to get away with a less attractive exterior. However, if it’s spring or summer, you need to make sure the bushes are trimmed, and the lawn is edged. Homes with attractive ϐlowers pop nicely in pictures. Online photos are very important. If potential buyers like what they see online, they are more likely to come and view the home with a positive attitude.

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shores

HAPPENINGS

Wigs 4 Kids Receives $25,000 from NASCAR Foundation

aggie’s Wigs 4 Kids of Michigan nominated Jaeleen Davis, a wig recipient as one of four ϐinalists for The NASCAR Foundation’s Betty Jane France Humanitarian Award out of over 700 charities that competed nationwide. As one of the ϐinalists, her charity of choice Maggie’s Wigs 4 Kids of Michigan received $25,000. These funds allow the St. Clair Shores-based charity to provide 25 children with wigs and support services through their Adopt-a-Kid program. The organization has been providing wigs and support services to children ages 3 to 18 at no charge throughout the state of Michigan since 2003 and has serviced over 5,000 Michigan children and families. Davis was diagnosed with alopecia at 8 years old. She was introduced to Maggie’s Wigs 4 Kids of Michigan at the age of 10 and received a custom-made wig which gave her back a sense of identity and self-esteem. Her wig provided conϐidence to join the Miss America organization and she uses it as a platform to reach multitudes of people and encourage them to support children experiencing hair loss.

SCS Community Chorus Awards Scholarship to Lakeview Senior

he St. Clair Shores Community Chorus recently awarded its 2022 scholarships to local high school students. Lakeview High School Senior Emily Lingerfelt tied for second place. Lingerfelt’s goal is to become a lawyer. All scholarship recipients will be featured in the “Singing and Dancing Through the Decades” Cabaret Dinner Show of the St. Clair Shores Community Chorus at The Carpathia Club on Utica Road in Sterling Heights on May 5.

Bottom Left: Wigs 4 Kids Founder & CEO Maggie Varney, center, with Jaeleen Davis Photo courtesy of Wigs 4 Kids Top Right: Emily Lingerfelt Photo courtesy of St. Clair Shores Community Chorus

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Lake Shore Schools Recognizes Community Favorites

ocal businesses and friends of Lake Shore Schools were recognized as winners of the Community Favorites Survey by receiving the delivery of a certiϐicate, Lake Shore window decal and a handwritten card from a student. Lake Shore Parents, students and staff were all able to participate in the survey that selected the winners. The favorites are as follows: Bakery • Hodell’s Bowling Alley • Shores Lanes Breakfast • Palmer’s Inn Budget-Friendly Meal • Jimmy’s Coney Island Coffee Shop • EOS Dental Ofϐice • Whole Dental Wellness Dessert • Wally’s Grocery Store • Guastello’s Village Market Florist • Viviano Flower Shop Park • Veterans Memorial Park Pediatrician • Dr. McGahey at Lakeview Pediatrics Photographer • Stewart Portaits Pizza • Johnny Z’s Pizzeria Veterinarian • Thomson Animal Clinic Car Dealership • Roy O’Brien Ford Bagels • Eastside Bagel Meat Shop • Frank’s Jefferson Prime Meat & Deli Jeweler • Michael Agnello Jewelers Diner • Frank’s on the Avenue In addition, the following were recognized as Friends of Lake Shore: Candice Rusie, Robert Stark, Conlon Installations, My Deal Graphics, B-A-S Security, St. Clair Shores Police Department and St. Clair Shores Fire Department. Bottom Left: Ronald Warren’s first place winning photo Photo courtesy of St. Clair Shores Cultural Committee Top Right: (L-R) Adalyn Allison, SCS Parks and Recreation Director Henry Bowman, Isabelle Taylor Photo courtesy of Lake Shore Schools

Cultural Committee Photo Contest Reveals Local Talent

he St. Clair Shores Cultural Committee recently announced the winners of the 2021 Online Photography Contest. Three St. Clair Shores-based judges, Sara-rose Melby, Tom Sherry and Robert Stark, selected photos to receive awards. The winners were presented with awards at the February 22, 2022 St. Clair Shores City Council meeting. First place was awarded to Ronald Warren, second to Michelle Mormul and third to Cassandra Rusie. Ten photos were selected by the Judges to receive an honorable mention: Alexandra Hichel (two photos), Edward Clements Jr., Jennifer Perry (two photos), Cassandra Rusie, Ronald Warren, Peggy Grover, Angela Sciriha and Nicholas K. Relich. The judges also selected Layla Dupont as the winner of the Youth Photography Award in the 13 and under category. See all the winning photos at facebook.com/stclairshoresculturalcommittee

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notable

NEIGHBOR Gina Burris

SCS Resident for 32 Years Favorite Spot in SCS: Lake St. Clair, Butter Run, Cold Cow, Home Occupation: Orthopedic Technician at Associated Orthopedists of Detroit in SCS Hobbies: Traveling, shopping, cooking, working out, DIY projects, socializing Brings Me Joy: Work, concerts, boating, family & friends, volunteer work, crafting, working on my house, food Proudest Moment: Buying my own home Personal Motto: Treat others as you want to be treated Words that Describe Me: Hardworking, funny, kind-hearted I Can’t Live Without: Dry shampoo, makeup, country music, internet, my cats Ashton and Pandora Interesting Facts About Me: Met country singer Luke Bryan twice; afraid of heights, spiders and death; never eaten a Big Mac Pet Peeve: People who have to one up every story and aggressive interrupting Guilty Pleasure: Chocolate and sweets, sleeping in late on weekends, Netflix, fried food and pizza, online shopping

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ina moved to St. Clair Shores when she was in fourth grade and has called the city home ever since. “I love the small-town feeling.” One way that she connects with her neighbors is by serving as the sole administrator of the Buy Nothing Saint Clair Shores, MI Facebook group, which she started in November 2020. “Buy Nothing is the world’s biggest gift economy and is being used in communities around the world. It allows neighbors to share freely with each other...no money, no barter, no strings attached. Our mission is to build community by connecting people through hyperlocal gifting and reducing our impact on the environment.” The Saint Clair Shores group has grown to 1,800 members as of early March, and Gina says it is common to receive up to 100 or more requests to join in a single day. Anyone in St. Clair Shores can be part of the group, and the members help each other by posting either a “gift” (when you have something to give away) or a “wish” (when you are in need or an item or help.) According to Gina, generous residents have given away everything from Michael Kors and Coach purses to a 1960s desk from Japan to an iRobot Roomba vacuum cleaner. Wishes, says Gina, are often people checking to see if anyone has a needed item before they purchase it. Other wishes are requests for gifts of time. “People who are elderly have asked if anyone can help with falling leaves in their yard, or people who are sick have asked for food or drinks to be brought to their porch.”

While Gina is intrenched in hyperlocal gifting daily with the Buy Nothing group, the holidays are perhaps where her love of gifting is most cherished. For the last 22 years, Gina has helped ensure that struggling local families receive help. For the last decade, Gina has used a nonproϐit called Volunteers of America and their “Adopt a Family” program. “I read tons of stories of families and ϐind ones to adopt.” Gina says the families are from Macomb County. She raised about $2,500 to help seven families during the 2021 Christmas season. During November, the “Adopt a Family” program becomes a second full-time job for Gina, one that she is more than happy to take on. “It’s heartwarming and so worth it.”

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EATS TREATS

CHEESECAKE IS THE NEW WEDDING CAKE BY SANDRA KRAVITZ AND JIMMY MAZZOLA

f you love cheesecake, cheesecake wedding cakes are a dream come true. This recent trend has become an alternative to the traditional wedding cake. While cheesecake is a classic dessert, serving it at weddings has only become more common in the last couple years. See some pointers below for consideration when choosing your menu: • Choose a special ϐlavor or decorations for the bridal cake with a personalized cake topper. Add chocolate or caramel for extra drama. • Dessert bars are a popular choice for couples who want variety and novelty. The dessert table could end up being the most frequented spot of the night. This could be an option alongside the traditional cake or stand all on its own. There is no limit to what kind of treats you can serve. • Cupcakes and tartlets are bite-size portions that complement the wedding cake. These are easier to serve and can be made into many different ϐlavors. Cheesecake pops, bar and cheesecake parfaits are great individual dessert options. These treats can be displayed on tiers and pretty trays to add elegance to your special day. • Take the season into account when considering ϐlavors and decor. Getting married in the spring? Incorporate bright fruits and light citrus ϐlavors and decorate with fresh blooms. Planning for a fall wedding? Consider adding pumpkin and apple ϐlavors to the menu.

There are options for everyone, and it’s a great way to make your wedding unique. Siblings Sandra Kravitz and Jimmy Mazzola recently purchased the popular Cheesecake Shoppe in St. Clair Shores. Sandra and Jimmy, along with master baker Kim Knuth, have been collaborating their business and baking efforts to perfect the community’s favorite desserts and coffee drinks. The Cheesecake Shoppe specializes in custom cakes, cupcakes and tartlets for all of life’s special occasions.

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(L-R) Master Baker Kim Knuth with Co-owners Jimmy Mazzola and Sandra Kravitz

Auto No-Fault Insurance Update t was announced in early December 2021 that the Michigan Catastrophic Claims Association {MCCA} will refund $3 billion of its $5 billion projected surplus resulting in refunds of $400 per vehicle to Michigan drivers.

All vehicles that were insured as of 11:59 p.m. on October 31, 2021 are eligible to receive a refund if the vehicle was covered by a policy that meets the minimum insurance requirements for operating a vehicle on Michigan roads. Under the 2019 no-fault law changes, the MCCA was to analyze the need for a refund to motorists by September of 2022. The surplus funds will be turned over by the MCCA to the insurance companies in March, 2022. The MCCA has announced that the refund will be $400 per eligible car or motorcycle. For example, if you had auto insurance policies for two cars as of 11:59 p.m. on October 31, 2021, you will receive a refund of $800. The refund is $80 per historical vehicle. A refund check or an ACH deposit will be issued to eligible Michigan policyholders. If you are eligible to receive a refund, it will be sent to you by your insurance company, and you will not have to do anything to receive it. Aitken & Ormond Insurance will keep you updated and additional information and answers to any questions can be found at: www.michigan.gov

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STEPPING BACK IN TIME Selinsky-Green Farmhouse Museum Learning About Our City’s Past from One Immigrant Family’s Story

he Selinsky-Green Farmhouse Museum, which sits behind the St. Clair Shores Public Library, serves the community as a prime example of what life was like in this area over 150 years ago. Learning about the family that once resided in this home provides great insight into the evolving history of St. Clair Shores. Their story begins with John and Mary Selinsky who came from a village called Chaliszka, which today is near the Polish-German border. At that time, it was under the control of Prussia but the Selinksys considered themselves to be Polish. In 1868 the Selinskys purchased 20 acres of land in Erin Township for $1,000. Prior to 1875, they had built a farmhouse on their property. According to family stories, John and Mary gave the home to their daughter Ernestine when she married German immigrant John Green in 1874. In 1888, the Greens paid the Selinskys $3,000 for the property and an additional 20 acres.

The one-and-a-half story saltbox house was built of handhewn, solid log construction and covered with clapboard to make it weather tight and more sophisticated in style. Clay and straw mixture daubed in between the logs also helped weatherproof the structure. Solid log construction was not the norm at the time; however, it may have been a construction technique of which John Selinkski was knowledgeable. Timber was plentiful and likely came from the property. John and Ernestine raised ϐive boys and one girl born between the years 1875 and 1892 in the home. Two bedrooms on the ground ϐloor and a large room upstairs provided sleeping accommodations for the whole family. The home had no running water, gas or electricity. The family grew wheat, oats and potatoes for cash crops and a kitchen garden for their own meals. In addition to their chores, the children went to Burton School, located at Gratiot and Town Hall Road (now Eleven Mile Road), to learn to read, write and master simple arithmetic.

The Greens and their house, circa 1898. John and Ernestine Green are seated with Walter in front of them and Mary in back. William and Charles are standing. Photo Courtesy of St. Clair Shores Historical Commission

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Meet Kim Parr Museum Curator

The house being moved to its new site in 1975. Photo Courtesy of St. Clair Shores Historical Commission

The lives of the Green children reveal how they adjusted to the changes happening within the township. In 1900, the two oldest boys, William and John Jr., were working as farm laborers and living with families for whom they were working. John Jr. married Ida Belle Smith in 1907 and was working as a lineman for the Detroit United Railway. Not long afterward, John Jr. purchased a saloon and grocery store on Jefferson – what became the Blue Goose Inn. It was around this time, in 1911, that the eastern half of Erin Township (present-day St. Clair Shores) was renamed Lake Township. Unfortunately, Prohibition forced John Jr. to give up his venture because the grocery store did not provide enough income without the sale of liquor. John Jr. returned to farming and bought the land next to his parents’ homestead. In 1925 he built a house next to his parents’ farmhouse. Sadly, by this time, his father had died, but his mother and at least one brother were still living in the family home. Ernestine started to sell the farmland in 1924. Ernestine lived in the farmhouse until her death in 1937. The changes to the house during her lifetime were an addition to the back of the house

that contained a bathroom and new kitchen, as well as a new porch and the installation of electricity. These modiϐications were completed in the mid to late 1920s. Green relatives continued to live in the home until 1974. At that time, the State Highway Commission purchased the home and land from Ernestine’s grandson Austin so they could pave the way for the I-696 and I-94 interchange. Local citizens convinced the city of St. Clair Shores to rescue the home from demolition, and it was moved to its current location in 1975. To stay up to date on happenings at the Selinsky-Green Farmhouse Museum, go to www.scslibrary.org/sgfm.html. To get in touch with the St. Clair Shores Historical Commission, send an email to historicalcommission@scsmi.net

Courtesy of St. Clair Shores Historical Commission

Kim Parr recently stepped into the role of curator at the Selinsky-Green Farmhouse Museum and, with 28 years of experience in the ϐield, she comes with a wealth of knowledge. “I am happy and honored to become the new curator for the Selinsky-Green Farmhouse,” said Parr, who was born and raised on Detroit’s East side. “The farmhouse allows me to enter back into the era and domestic history that I greatly love and appreciate. I’m excited to greet our locals and those visiting the area to this wonderful farmhouse that has wonderful stories to tell.” Parr’s experience includes working as a lead of living history programs for Henry Ford Museum & Greenϐield Village in Dearborn and marketing manager of the Automotive Hall of Fame when it ϐirst opened. For the past 19 years, she directed the Macomb County Historical Society and Crocker House Museum. Parr has also had the honor to start and teach the Museum Studies program now offered at the University of Detroit Mercy. Throughout all these years, one constant thread has remained – that people are truly the gem of each community. “It’s sad that often these gems are not truly seen for their value while they are alive and with us,” Parr said. “So, it is my hope that I can help people realize that they have their own story that is worth preserving and telling.”

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what?

The Shores Magazine

Articles inside

Say What? Enter to Win

Stepping Back in Time

Notable Neighbor

Family Life

Mental Health Matters

Shores Happenings

Business Spotlight

Safety First

Healthy Soil, Healthy Plants

Around Town

Hook, Line & Sinker

Financial Planning

All in a Day's Work

Notable Neighbor

Meet Your Grand Marshal

Community Garden