THE SHORES APRIL/MAY 2024

Unique Dining

The Shores

St. Clair Shores

Volume Three • Issue Two

PUBLISHER

Kimbriel Towar

EDITORIAL

Editor: Anna Swartz

Contributers: George Arsenault, Dr. Jason Banaszak, Alexandria Graham, Rebecca Palen, Kathleen Zenisek

DESIGN

Creative Director: Stephanie Zeoli

Multi-Media Designer: Brooke Lady

CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHERS

Paul Bjorngaard, Cyndi George, Maud Lyon, Jee-hak Pinsoneault, Steve Ragland Photography, Lori Smith, Anna Swartz, Scott Whiteman

SALES

Account Executives: LeighAnn Hildinger, Rebecca Reyes

DISTRIBUTION MANAGER

Dave Colton

Office Manager: Mary Fitch

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. The Shores Magazine reserves the right to reject any advertising. Follow us:

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LETTER FROM THEeditor

Happy Spring! I know that my spirit was a little lighter on the day I noticed that green shoots had popped up in small clumps in my front flower beds. It always seems that they come out of nowhere. One day it’s just soil, then poof – a good 1 to 2 inches of hope is reaching toward the sun.

In this issue, you’ll find a lot of people and places full of hope, particularly gardeners and those protecting the planet at the local level. You’ll meet Maud Lyon and Lori Smith, members of The Yardeners of St. Clair Shores, who discuss how the biodiversity crisis is more critical than climate change. They share how everyone can make a difference by strategically planting native plants in our yards to create more biodiversity.

As the St Clair Shores Community Garden launches into its seventh growing season, it showcases how gardening can be a wonderful communal experience. All are welcome to volunteer and learn more about growing produce, flowers, native plants and the bees that pollinate them. Meet one of the Community Garden Co-Chairs, Paul Bjorngaard, this issue’s Notable Neighbor.

A clean environment allows for all plants to thrive, and it keeps the city beautiful. That’s one reason St. Clair Shores residents Mike and Tammy Kelly take daily walks, weather permitting, with a mission to pick up trash along the way. They hope that when others hear their story, it will encourage them to clean up their own neighborhoods.

And let’s not forget about the health of our beloved Lake St. Clair. The St. Clair Shores Waterfront Environmental Committee will be hosting the 29th Nautical Coast Cleanup on May 19. Avid boater Mike Droogleever has been serving at the event director since 2020 and shares how St. Clair Shores is doing its part to keep the local coastline free from organic debris and trash.

Within these pages, you’ll also find a business spotlight on The Landscape Supply Yard in St. Clair Shores and learn about the dining experience at The Continental at Ford House in Grosse Pointe Shores.

As always, we welcome your feedback. You can email editor@getshores.com

Anna Swartz

Correction: On page 16 of the Feb/March issue, it was incorrectly stated that the name of Amy Florek’s husband is Brad Smith — his name is Rob Smith. Florek serves as the chair of the St. Clair Shores Cultural Committee.

Cover photo by Cyndi George Cyndi is the co-chair of the St. Clair Shores Community Garden, where this photo was taken. Find out how you can volunteer at the garden this season on page 16.

NEIGHBORnotable

Paul Bjorngaard

SCS resident for 43 years

Favorite Spot in SCS: Any of the great local breweries

Occupation: Electrical engineer — currently engineering manager at Trystar in Troy

Hobbies: Biking, hiking, kayaking, camping, anything outdoors and photography

Last Book You Read: “Cities of the Plain” by Cormac McCarthy

Brings Me Joy: Cooking for others. I love cooking. If it can be for friends or family — to celebrate the good times or helping during the hard times, I love it even more.

Proudest Moment: Starting the St. Clair Shores Community Garden! I’m so lucky to be part of this city gem. There was a great group of people and amazing support from the city, that brought this vision to life and helped grow a wonderful community space.

Personal Motto: I have two: Don’t be a jerk. Try everything twice.

Three Words That Describe Me: Humanistic, creative, outdoorsy

You’re Most Likely to Find Me: At a brewery or the Community Garden

Alifelong St. Clair Shores resident, Paul Bjorngaard‘s life is enriched by the amenities of his hometown — the city parks, social events, water access and proximity to Detroit. Serving as a former member of the St. Clair Shores Cool City Committee also allowed him to help bring events such as the St. Clair Shores Community Garden, Shores, toberfest, and Cool City pub crawls to life.

“I believe in being inclusive,” Bjorngaard says. “I believe in helping people, and that’s part of the reason I started the garden— to have a creative space where a lot of people, no matter who you are, can come together and enjoy something. It doesn’t cost you anything. There’s no requirement, you just show up and you can be part of something. I think that’s important for communities.” The garden, located behind Civic Arena, was built eight years ago, and 2024 marks the seventh growing season.

Bjorngaard’s creativity extends to other interests such as home brewing. When seeking out craft beer away from home, he cites Copper Hop in downtown St. Clair Shores as his top choice in the city. His favorite local spot is Someday Brewing in Grosse Pointe Woods. “I love the craft brewery scene in the area,” he says. “It’s fantastic, and the camaraderie is just wonderful.”

He also enjoys digital and film photography. “I like landscape photography and street photography the most, but I kind of dabble in everything, because it all interests me. And it all pushes my limits and knowledge.”

When seeking new experiences, Bjorngaard often turns to the outdoors, where he enjoys camping, hiking, backpacking and cycling. About five years ago, he decided to bike from his home to Holland, Mich. “just because it would be hard — and why not.” The trek took three days. The 43-year-old plans to bike around all the Great Lakes by the age of 50.

(Photo/Paul Bjorngaard)

SHOW FOR OUR SHORELINE

up

29th Nautical Coast Cleanup Slated for May 19

BY ANNA SWARTZ

PHOTOGRAPHY BY SCOTT WHITEMAN

Following two Afghanistan deployments, The United States Marine Corps assigned Mike Droogleever to Selfridge Air National Guard Base in 2012, and he now serves as a major in the Reserves. Not originally from Michigan, Droogleever was left to figure out the best place to settle down. He chose St. Clair Shores not only because of its vibrancy but also because of its proximity to Lake St. Clair. “The city’s lake access, recreational boating community, waterside social scene and Michigan summers (of course) were all instrumental factors in my decision,” he says. As an avid boater, he also enjoys serving on the St. Clair Shores Waterfront Environmental Committee (SCSWEC) and practicing stewardship of the lake. For the fifth year, he will showcase this stewardship in a big way by serving as the event director of the SCSWEC’s biggest event of the year, the Nautical Coast Cleanup.

In its 29th year, the Nautical Coast Cleanup will be held on Sunday, May 19, from 8 a.m.-1 p.m. The event draws 200 to 300 volunteers each year, Droogleever says. The day starts and ends at Jefferson Yacht Club in St. Clair Shores, with check-in and breakfast at 8 a.m. and culminating with a celebratory lunch. The hard work includes clean-up at Veterans Memorial Park and Beach; Blossom Heath Park, Beach and Pier; and Chapaton Retention Basin shoreline (pending access due to construction). Owners of private shorefront properties and homeowner associations, such as those with small lots/beaches at the end of canal streets, and businesses are also encouraged to join.

According to Droogleever, organic debris, seaweed, logs and branches are the primary targets for the cleanup. However, “there’s always going to be trash.” When Joe St. John, founder of both the cleanup and SCSWEC, first began this event, it yielded more unusual items. “There were a lot of underwater manmade objects, and (Joe) says there were cars, cables, carts,” Droogleever says. “Believe it or not, a long time ago, it was actually acceptable to throw things in the lake.” Divers were required to retrieve much of the debris.

The main goal of the cleanup, Droogleever says, is “to create a sense of community amongst our residents to care for our shoreline, and one

of the focuses for this event is to bring more awareness to our other programs.”

Heidi McInnes, who joined SCSWEC about 15 years ago, now serves as cochair and commends the committee of less than 10 for working hard on a variety of projects. These include the upcoming Earth Day Clean-Up at Blossom Heath Pier on Saturday, April 21, I-94 ramp clean-ups on the second Saturdays from June through September — all held from 10 a.m.Noon on their respective days.

The SCSWEC also participates in water sampling at the Cottrell Drain (part of the Clinton River watershed), which includes learning about

THE MAIN GOAL OF THE CLEANUP, IS “TO CREATE A SENSE OF COMMUNITY AMONGST OUR RESIDENTS TO CARE FOR OUR SHORELINE.”

how bugs affect the water quality. “Everybody’s always complaining about fish flies in the spring, but they actually are a very good find,” McInnes says. “The more fish flies we find, the better the water quality.”

These events just scratch the surface of many SCSWEC participates in to not only make the city and coastline beautiful, but to conserve Lake St. Clair. The mission of the committee is based on a commitment to “the conservation, protection, safe use, and enjoyment of Lake St. Clair for our current and future generations,” according to scswec.org. The SCSWEC also gives back to the community through

giving up to three annual $500 scholarships — one donated by SCSWEC Member Senator Kevin Hertel — to high school juniors or seniors who have volunteered with the committee. The deadline for this year is November 25. More information is available on scswec.org.

For more information about St. Clair Shores Waterfront Environmental Committee, go to scswec.org. For more details about this year’s Nautical Coast Cleanup, go to eventbrite.com and search for “St. Clair Shores Nautical Coast Cleanup.”

Robert and Adura Calhoun

UP CREW clean

St. Clair Shores Couple Picks Up Trash on Walks, Encourages Others

to Do the Same

BY ANNA SWARTZ

For St. Clair Shores residents Mike and Tammy Kelly, going for a walk is about more than just exercise — it’s a way for them to clean up their city by picking up one piece of trash at a time. According to Mike, a retired Detroit firefighter, he and his wife Tammy have been hitting the sidewalks for the last year with a mission to clock about three miles or more most days, weather permitting. On a typical walk, the couple fills “easily five or six of the small Kroger bags,” Mike says.

“It gives you a good feeling that you did something for your environment,” Mike says. “I know that there are good people out there that just don’t think about it. It’s kind of a fun thing to go do.” Mike hopes that hearing their story will encourage others to pitch in and clean up in their neighborhoods.

Mike even constructed a contraption out of half-inch electrical conduit, cable, lever and spring that allows him to pick up pieces of trash without breaking his stride. “It just allows me to grab things without having to bend over,” Mike says. “I got pretty good at it because I have been practicing, and I can pick stuff up on the fly.”

The couple doesn’t keep their clean-up routine to just their neighborhood. “Say we’ve been walking every day for five days, done a pretty good job around our area, you know, (we’ll) jump in the car and drive a mile and then start from there or target an area like an expressway exit or behind a row of stores.”

Plastic fast-food cups, water bottles and liquor bottles are common items strewn on lawns, near businesses and on the grass surrounding freeway entrance and exit ramps. And at least once a day, Mike says, the couple finds at least one bag of dog excrement.

“I’m just really there for support,” says Tammy, who holds the bags of trash as they walk along. “This was all his idea. Like he said, it’s a feel-good thing afterwards. And it’s nice once in a while when someone does say thank you.” Students at South Lake High School, where both Tammy and Mike attended, once shouted their thanks through an open window, Tammy says.

“I would hope to motivate others to be more careful about littering and not being afraid to pick up someone else’s garbage,” Mike says.

Tammy and Mike Kelly (Photo/ Barbara DeMaggio)

BUSINESSbriefs

Adult Day Center Helps Those with Behavioral Health Challenges

Time Together Adult Day Center, which opened in September 2020 at 21323 Harper Ave. in St. Clair Shores, offers a program dedicated to adults with behavioral health challenges such as mental health and substance abuse disorders.

“Our primary objective is to offer a fulfilling experience for all participants,” says Owner Sherry Scott. “Our overarching goal is to reduce psychiatric hospitalizations and involvement in the criminal justice system through community integration groups and educational initiatives. We intend to achieve this goal by delivering comprehensive services and creating a secure and safe environment for social interactions.”

At Time Together, members have access to various types of individual and group therapy, arts, crafts, music, games, physical activities, and healthy nutrition. These activities and services are “designed to enhance independence, self-determination, social engagement and daily living activities,” Scott says.

Time Together also offers transportation to and from the program, as well as breakfast, lunch and a snack. Clothing and a hygiene closet are available to members as well, and community donations are welcome.

For more information about Time Together Adult Day Center, go to timestogetherdaycenter.com

Dental and Orthodontic Facility Celebrates Joint Venture in Eastpointe

TDR Specialists in Orthodontics recently joined forces with Lakeshore Dental Specialists at their stateof-the-art, co-branded practice in Eastpointe. A grand opening ribbon cutting ceremony took place on March 7.

The addition of Dr. Christian Groth of TDR Specialists in Orthodontics allows for patients to see all dental specialists under one roof, including endodontics, oral surgery, periodontics, dental implants and orthodontics.

“In the last year, we have touched the lives of over 5,000 local residents, helping them chew more comfortably and smile brighter,” says Whitney D. Weiner, DDS, MS, founder and owner of Lakeshore Dental Specialists x TDR Orthodontics. “We are passionate about the oral-systemic link and educating our patients how a healthy mouth helps positively impact their overall health. We are committed to helping uplift our local community, helping with everything from treating acute pain and trauma to rebuilding smiles through surgery or braces. Our integrated care dental medicine team believes that every patient deserves the best care that dentistry has to offer, and that is what we deliver. To further promote education within our community, we started the 3D Study Club in 2020, providing a collaborative space for dentists throughout the Shores. We currently have 19 local dentist members, and our goal is simple — taking a collaborative care approach to uplift our profession and the quality of care we provide those we serve. We are proud to drive meaningful impact throughout the Shorian community.”

Weiner’s practice was originally purchased from Dr. Pat Sweeney, a renowned periodontal surgeon in February 2020.

Lakeshore Orthodontics is located at 18501 E. 8 Mile Road in Eastpointe. For more information, go to dentalimplantsdetroit.com or call (586) 777-0260.

McCarver Mechanical Heating & Cooling Offers HVAC Apprenticeship Program

McCarver Mechanical Heating & Cooling is ensuring a bright future for its business and its employees by offering an apprenticeship program that combines on-the-job training in conjunction with the Climate Control Program certification from Macomb Community College. Apprentices work during the day with the McCarver team and take two- or three-night classes per semester at Macomb — McCarver pays for tuition, books and tools. Students learn skills such as how to service furnaces, boilers, air conditioners, hot water heaters, tankless water heaters, mini splits, and more.

McCarver is currently hiring apprentices, who can begin working and then start classes in the fall of 2024. For more information or to apply, send inquiries or a resume to info@mccarvermech.com.

Chris McCarver, owner of McCarver Heating & Cooling (Photo/McCarver Mechanical Heating & Cooling)

Dr. Christian Groth of TDR Specialists in Orthodontics and Dr. Whitney D. Weiner, founder and owner of Lakeshore Dental Specialists x TDR Orthodontists (both pictured in the middle) with supporters (Photo/Steve Ragland Photography)

Yoga Instructor Rosa Hunter leads the day center’s clients in exercises twice each month.

(Photo/Time Together Adult Day Center)

THAN JUST DINING

The Continental at the Ford House Offers the Hospitality of Edsel and Eleanor Ford

BY ANNA SWARTZ PHOTOGRAPHY BY SCOTT WHITEMAN

The Continental, an intimate 80-seat restaurant on the grounds of the Edsel and Eleanor Ford Estate, reflects the hospitality this influential family once extended to each of their guests. “We want to make sure everyone feels as welcome as they did when the Fords lived here,” says Ford House Director of Visitor Experience Amanda Rutland. Set inside the gorgeous Visitor Center constructed in 2021, The Continental features mid-century modern design elements and breathtaking views of Ford Cove through walls of glass. But don’t let the space’s elegant ambiance fool you — guests can stroll in wearing shorts and flip-flops after touring the grounds or dress up in their finest attire for a celebratory night out. The space is welcoming to all, says Tommy Karr, director of communications and engagement.

According to Karr, a recent strategic planning session for Ford House discussed the organization’s core values — one is love. “That came from Eleanor and Edsel and how much love they put into the community — taking care of their staff and guests... You’re welcome. You’re included. Be here. Be comfortable.”

Open to the public, The Continental is open to diners for lunch Tuesday through Saturday, dinner Thursday through Saturday, and Sunday brunch. “Friends of Ford House,” those who purchase annual memberships, receive 20 percent off their bill (excluding alcohol) depending on their membership level (individual, family, etc.)

The brunch menu includes popular items such as omelets, chicken and waffles, and breakfast strudel, according to Rutland. Karr’s favorite is the Monte Cristo sandwich. The Maurice salad is a popular menu item available at brunch, lunch and dinner. “This is a Hudson’s classic,” Rutland says. “And of course, that’s a direct connection to Eleanor Ford (niece of J.L. Hudson).” The Continental serves them by the hundreds each year. In fact, the salad earned recognition from the Grosse Pointe News in 2022 and 2023 as the Best Salad in the Pointes. Housemade popovers served with cinnamon butter, also a beloved staple at the former restaurant inside Hudson’s department store, are available as a starter at the restaurant.

In the warmer months, outside dining is available, allowing breathtaking views of the grounds. “The property

is very unique,” says Rutland, mentioning that the National Historic Landmark designation accounts for the work of both Architect Albert Kahn and Landscape Architect Jens Jensen. “This is one of the few places you can see their work together,” Rutland says.

The Continental replaces the previous Cotswold Café, a smaller restaurant that offered limited hours and menu items, that existed in the former Activity Center.

The Continental also offers special events such as Mother’s Day Brunch, allowing guests to make reservations in both the restaurant and in a designated room on the upper floor. Two seatings are available. The restaurant also offers Easter Brunch each year. Special events such as Brunch with Santa remain separate from The Continental, to keep the space open for regular diners.

“It’s not just a dining experience, I think that’s what sets us apart from other places is that (when) you dine in, you take in the scenery, but then you go for a walk or you take a tour of the home,” Rutland says. “There’s a little bit more here that creates the whole experience.”

For more information about The Continental, go to fordhouse.org/visit/the-continental-at-ford-house. Reservations are strongly recommended.

The Maurice Salad, a Hudson's classic, is a popular menu item at The Continental.

ONmarching

71st Memorial Day Parade Fueled by Hardworking Volunteers

BY ANNA SWARTZ PHOTOGRAPHY BY SCOTT WHITEMAN

Vintage military vehicles rolling down Harper and Jefferson Avenues are an unlikely scene — unless you’re attending the St. Clair Shores Memorial Day Parade. For the last 15 years, Detroit Arsenal of Democracy, a nonprofit dedicated to educating the public about American history through its collection of military vehicles and memorabilia, has participated in the cherished Shores tradition by showcasing means of transport from its collection.

The vehicles in the parade represent a “timeline from basically the 1940s to the present,” says Detroit Arsenal of Democracy President and Founder John Lind. A retired veteran, Lind still serves in the Individual Ready Reserve as an Army jumpmaster. This year, Lind says, the community can expect to see “anywhere from 10 to 15 units” from his organization, including three to four new vehicles. “We’re going to have a tank transporter aned trailer for the first time ever,” he says.

This year’s parade will take place on Sunday, May 26 at 1 p.m., with the pre-parade starting at 12:45 p.m., heading north on Harper Avenue between Ridgeway and 11 Mile Road. The popular event attracted an estimated 55,000 people last year, according to St. Clair Shores Memorial Day Parade Chair Dave Ellis. The 2023 parade also boasted 180 entries, which was up 10 percent from the previous year. “There’s an appetite here for a large parade, and that’s why we get a draw from other communities,” Ellis says.

Putting on such a large parade requires manpower, and in the case of this event, every task is done by a dedicated volunteer. “Without hyperbole, it’s very fair to say it is one of the largest, if not the largest, purely volunteer run and organized Memorial Day weekend parades in the United States,” Ellis says.

The Volunteer Parade Committee has some vacancies — if someone is interested, email parade@scsmi.net. Those who are not interested in being part of the committee but would love to help on that day or that weekend, email Maria Galla at mariavgalla@gmail.com.

To raise funds for the parade, a pasta dinner will be held at the VFW Bruce Post #1146, 28404 Jefferson Ave. in St. Clair Shores, on April 18 from 5-7:30 p.m. Tickets sales will be capped at 300. The committee is working to make tickets available for purchase online. For updates, go to facebook.com/scsmemorialdayparade

Individuals or businesses can also support the parade in increments of $100 and become part of the $100 Club — those who are interested can email St. Clair Shores City Councilmember Dave Rubello at rubellod@scsmi.net

Groups that would like to be considered as parade entrants can email parade@scsmi.net.

HEALTHmental

10 Simple Ways Nature Enhances Your Mood

BY REBECCA PALEN, MPA, LMSW

When we think about being carefree and less stressed, we often think about walking on a beach. The feeling that nature nurtures a person is not a myth. The American Psychological Association (APA) states that psychological research is advancing our understanding of how time outside can improve our mental health and improve our cognition.

Since most of our time is spent on devices that keep us overstimulated and indoors, our culture is placing greater emphasis on finding ways to be more grounded and present... According to the APA, clinical therapists are now including nature therapy (aka horticulture therapy, green exercise) as a modality to support clients by mood modification, reducing pain and stress management.

Connecting to nature can involve gardening, farming or a simple walk in an urban park. This connection pulls us out of rumination and can stimulate feel-good endorphins. During the pandemic, I often took walks outside with clients and observed that open conversation was much more natural than when we used to sit in the office. I attribute this to the idea of grounding. Verywell.com defines grounding, also called earthing, “as a technique some people use to connect their physical bodies to the earth’s electrical energy.”

Check out some effortless ways to ground yourself or connect to nature:

1. Walk barefoot outdoors on dirt, grass or sand.

2. Press your bare hands into the grass or earth.

3. Sit on a chair or bench with bare feet set flat on the earth.

4. During a break, walk outside.

5. Grow flowers or plants that you touch regularly.

6. Buy a bird feeder and listen to them chirp.

7. Watch the sunset or go star gazing at the end of day.

8. Relax near water, add a book if you desire.

9. Picnic outside with others.

10. Play fetch with a furry friend.

Just like a little exercise is better than none, taking advantage of shorter or longer times in nature will boost your mood and increase your connection to the world around you.

Rebecca Palen, MPA, LMSW is a clinical therapist and owner of H3-Hope, Healing & Health, INC. For more information about H3, visit H3well.com or call (586) 335-2006.

book

MARKED

Brought To You By

BY KATHLEEN ZENISEK

“Nora Goes off Script” by Annabel Monaghan is a charming tale of a divorced mom who writes formulaic romantic TV scripts to pay the bills. In a bit of self-care, she writes a screenplay about her divorce which becomes a movie starring troubled A-list actor Leo Vance. Nora, her kids, her lifestyle and quaint town sooth Leo’s soul, but soon Hollywood calls and he ghosts her. How can this book have a happily ever after? In a most surprising and delightful way.

“Romantic Comedy” by Curtis Sittenfeld is the romance of Sally, a comedy writer for an SNL-like show and Noah, a popular singer/songwriter. It takes place pre-pandemic, during lockdown, and near present day. It opens with a fascinating yet frantic look into what it takes to put on a live SNL-like show with Noah as guest host. Sally and Noah get along famously — until they don’t, by week’s end. During lockdown, Noah, feeling lonely, reaches out to Sally and reconnects, but it’s not all romantic comedy. Noah is my favorite book boyfriend. Swoon.

“The Dead Romantics” by Ashley Poston is a paranormal story about family, grief, healing but mostly love. Florence is a ghost writer (who actually sees ghosts with “unfinished business”) for a popular romance writer. She is on deadline and can’t complete her book as she no longer believes in love but her “hot” new editor refuses her extension request. That night, her beloved father dies, and she heads home, a place she has avoided as her family owns a funeral home with many ghosts. While preparing for his funeral, she is visited by the ghost … of her new editor. They don’t understand what is happening but help each other through the grief. It really is a love story.

Kathleen Zenisek is a trustee of the SCS Library Board and consumes e/audio/print books, reading four books a week on average.

Summer is coming - YAY!

We’re celebrating by gathering info that will help St. Clair Shores residents enjoy the warm weather to the fullest.

What local restaurant has the best ?

Go to getshores.com/bestofshores/ for the survey or mail to the address below.

Submit your vote by May 1st 2024

Results will be printed in the June/July Issue and on social media.

Follow us at facebook.com/shoresmag and instagram.com/shoresmag

Best Outdoor Seating at a SCS Restaurant?

Your Go-To Order at the Restaurant You Selected?

Best Ice Cream in SCS?

Your Go-To Order at the Shop You Selected?

Best Place for Happy Hour in SCS?

Your Go-To Order at the Business You Selected?

Most Kid-Friendly Dining Experience in SCS?

Your Go-To Order at the Restaurant You Selected?

Best Place to See Live Music in SCS?

Your Go-To Order at the Business You Selected?

Most Dog-Friendly Restaurant/Bar in SCS?

Your Go-To Order at the Business You Selected?

YOUR GARDEN GAME up

Maud Lyon and Lori Smith of The Yardeners Discuss the Importance of Native Plants

BY ANNA SWARTZ

When it comes to springtime gardening, many think the hardest decisions might be whether to choose pink or purple flowers, tomatoes or green peppers, a rose of Sharon or a lilac bush. For Maud Lyon and Lori Smith, both members of the volunteer group The Yardeners of St. Clair Shores, their gardening is much more strategic — which native plants existed here before Europeans settlers came? What plants will benefit the most pollinators and feed the most caterpillars? Then feed the most birds, and so forth?

“We’re all very aware of climate change, but many people aren’t as aware of the acute loss of biodiversity that the world is having right now,” Lyon says. “And insects are at the very base of the food web. The biodiversity crisis is just as severe as climate change.”

“A big one is the loss of habitat,” Lyon says. “There simply are not places for insects or, for that matter, other wildlife to be. And it turns out that 90% of insects are evolved to only eat one particular type of plant or put their eggs on it or host on it. So, the famous example is monarch butterflies and milkweed. But there’s lots of other pairings like that. So, if you look around, what’s in most of our gardens are all plants that have been imported over the centuries from Europe or Asia. And insect pairings with plants evolved over millennia, not centuries. So literally, we are starving our native insects.”

Sound overwhelming?

Here’s the good news — you can make a difference. Check out these five ways you can help restore biodiversity.

1. Incorporate native plants, ones original to the region, into your yard. It helps restore habitats and benefits the food web.

According to Lyon, native plants will thrive in any type of soil. “Whether your garden bed is dry, or it’s wet, or it’s full of humus, or it’s sandy, there’s going to be a native plant for you,” she says. “Then (you) don’t have to jump through all kinds of hoops in order to try to make them grow where they’re really not suited to grow.”

The deep root systems of native plants, extending up to 20 feet into the soil, also help absorb unwanted standing water, Smith says. After having an above-ground pool removed from her backyard, the area continuously flooded — that problem stopped after adding native plants to help absorb the water.

Examples of native plants include Joe Pye weed, black-eyed Susan, blazing stars, New England asters, beardtongues, golden Alexander and sedges.

2 Avoid pesticides and fertilizers.

“If you see somebody with an absolutely perfect lawn, they have created an ecological dead zone,” Lyon says. “There’s literally nothing for anything to eat.” Interestingly, Lyon adds that pesticide use has increased, and mega agriculture isn’t to blame. It also includes tick and flea collars for dogs and cats. “A lot of those pesticides say it’s safe for people and pets, but they haven’t tested that through every part of insects’ lifecycle, and so forth,” Lyon says. This includes native bees that nest in the ground.

Smith mentioned an example of attending a talk by a bee expert from the Detroit Zoo. A woman asked why her tomatoes weren’t growing. As it turned out, she had sprayed some bees in her garage. Doing this had killed the pollinators — some bees are dedicated to pollinating certain types of plants, Smith says.

3. Avoid fall cleanup — wait till spring, allowing insects to burrow in leaves and dead plants.

Keeping leaves in flower beds and gardens is good for the soil — and for insects. Pollinators and bugs will utilize the leaves to nest in during the winter, Smith says. “A lot of butterflies especially will stay through the winter, and they nest in leaves and spin their chrysalis on trees, so we need some kind of cover to protect them from the weather and from predators,” she says. In addition to keeping leaf cover, Smith recommends leaving dead plant stems at least two- to three-feet high, as native bees will nest in the stems during winter. “If you want to cut them down, wait until it’s a consistent 50 degrees in the spring,” she says. “Don’t get anxious to clean up as soon as it’s sunny.”

4. Focus on incorporating keystone plants, as those will benefit insect life the most.

Keystone plants are those favored by the majority of insects and are therefore more important to the food web. Top keystone perennials include any kind of aster or goldenrod, black-eyed Susans, and tickseed. For more information on keystone plants

Maud Lyon

Lori Smith, master gardener

Maud Lyon, a member of The Yardeners, will be speaking at a seminar at Macomb Community College’s Center Campus in Clinton Township on Monday, April 29 from 1-3 p.m., in the MORE program for senior learning. Her talk is titled “Native Plants for Your Garden.”

for our region, go to nwf.org/Garden-for-Wildlife/ About/Native-Plants/keystone-plants-by-ecoregion 5. Have fun experimenting with new plants in your yard. You don’t need all native plants.

The Yardeners recommend the following sources for native plants: WildTypes (wildtypeplants.com), Feral Flora (feral-flora.com), New Leaf Natives (newleafnatives.com) and Detroit Abloom (detroitabloom.com). The Yardeners will also host a Native Plant Sale on Friday, June 7, 10 a.m.-4 p.m. at the Selinsky-Green Farmhouse Museum, behind the St. Clair Shores Public Library parking lot at 11 Mile Road and Jefferson.

23919 Little Mack • SCS Between 9 & 10 on Little Mack

High-Quality Outdoor Furniture Made in the USA

Cup plants grow 8 to 10 feet tall. (Photo/Maud Lyon)

Blazing star blooms July through September. (Photo/Lori Smith)

Columbine flowers are easy to grow. (Photo/Maud Lyon)

A blue flag border provides early summer flowers. (Photo/Maud Lyon)

Community Garden Welcomes Volunteers to Join in the Fun for 2024 Season

BY ALEXANDRIA GRAHAM ST. CLAIR SHORES COMMUNITY GARDEN VOLUNTEER COORDINATOR

Who: The St. Clair Shores Community Garden has been part of the community since 2018. Our mission is to engage all residents in a co-operative, educational and sustainable approach to communal gardening. We hope to provide a space for people of all ages, backgrounds and abilities to “grow” their knowledge. Not a green thumb? No problem. Feel free to participate during events or coordinated volunteer days, and the committee will help you learn.

What: We’re inviting volunteers to join us for the 2024 growing season. The SCS community garden depends on volunteers to help prepare, plant, tend and harvest. Volunteering can be as involved or as relaxed as everyone would like — help is always appreciated. Volunteers generally help with the community beds, which include vegetables, herbs, flowers and themed beds (such as stir fry veggies, chicken noodle soup ingredients, a salsa garden or cocktail herbs). Individuals of all gardening abilities and knowledge levels are also welcome to rent private beds as well.

Where: Behind the Civic Center on 20000 Stephens Road, off Pleasant Street and East Industrial Drive, in St. Clair Shores.

When: Garden Prep Day is May 4 at 9 a.m., and Planting Day is May 18 at 9 a.m. An ongoing volunteer schedule will be updated throughout the season. You’ll also be notified of other opportunities to learn and gather — from a cocktail soirée to children-focused events to talks by master gardeners.

How: To volunteer, email your name and any specific volunteering interests to scscommunitygarden@gmail. com. You can also follow the garden on Facebook at St. Clair Shores Community Garden or Instagram @scscommunity_ garden. The garden’s committee is looking to continue growing volunteer engagement this season, so those who provide their email and follow the page will receive regular updates on garden events and volunteer opportunities.

(Photo/Paul Bjorngaard)

(Photo/Cyndi George)

BUSINESSspotlight

Retired Firefighter's Second Career Off to a Good Start with The Landscape Supply Yard

BY ANNA SWARTZ

After Jeff Scheuer retired from the Eastpointe Fire Department as a battalion chief with 25 years of service — 30 overall in the field — it only took about a year before he was ready to jump into his next career. In 2019, he purchased Bob’s Landscaping, a longtime community landmark owned by the Kasom family. In the spring of 2020, Jeff officially opened The Landscape Supply Yard, Inc. at 28831 Harper Ave. in St. Clair Shores.

“I always had a liking towards lawns and landscaping,” says Jeff, president of the company. “While still a firefighter, I was allowed to have days off and would do landscaping jobs and lawn service throughout the years. I’ve always had an interest in the supply end of it.”

Both residents and landscaping companies stop by The Landscape Supply Yard for their bulk mulch, topsoil, compost, garden mix of compost and topsoil (popular for garden beds), various sands, crushed stone, pea gravel, decorative rock, grass seed, and more. The company prides itself on filtering their own topsoil, allowing them to control the quality. Suppliers provide them with decorative stone and sod as well. According to Jeff, customers “can get from a half yard all the way up to any amount they want.”

According to Justin Scheuer, Jeff’s son and manager of The Landscape Supply Yard, same-day delivery or next-day delivery is typical for bulk products. Justin defines their delivery area as roughly “from Detroit to Chesterfield and St. Clair Shores to the Warren/Centerline area.” The company is also expanding with a second location opening this spring in Macomb Township at 23 Mile and Romeo Plank.

Inside the small building in St. Clair Shores, customers will also find a small selection of bagged products such as topsoil, cow manure and potting soil. Other gardening supplies such as hand tools, pots, sprinkler parts, landscaping bags and garden statues are available.

Customers, Jeff says, get a personal touch when shopping at The Landscape Supply Yard. “We’re mostly family that work here. I think we’re all really polite... And we can spend a little bit more one-on-one time with (customers).”

“Once you kind of build a connection, you really start to get to know them, especially the contractors who are out doing the work,” Justin says. “They’re coming in once or twice a day — three, four, five, six days a week. So, you really start to build relationships with customers and everybody around the city as well.”

Jeff appreciates the city of St. Clair Shores. “The community has been great,” Jeff says. “You know, a lot of a people come in and talk about the small businesses, like ‘I’d rather shop here,’ or, you know, ‘I bought stuff from you guys a year ago and it’s time to replenish the mulch’ or whatever. It’s been really good.”

The Landscape Supply Yard also enjoys participating in community events such as the St. Clair Shores Memorial Day Parade in May and Halloween Fun Fest at Veterans Memorial Park in October.

The company is open seven days per week from April through October. The hours are Monday through Friday, 8 a.m.-5 p.m., 8 a.m.-4 p.m. on Saturday and 9 a.m.-2 p.m. on Sunday. The company plans to sell firewood in the colder months. Call (586) 775-4885 for more information.

L-R: Justin Scheuer, manager of The Landscape Supply Yard Inc., and Jeff Scheuer, president of the company

HAPPENINGS shores

A CURATED LIST OF SPECIAL EVENTS IN AND AROUND ST. CLAIR SHORES

St. Clair Shores Memorial Day Parade Pasta Dinner

Thursday, April 18 from 5-7:30 p.m.

VFW Bruce Post #1146, 28404 Jefferson Ave.

This is a fundraiser for the 71st St. Clair Shores Memorial Day Parade, which will take place on Sunday, May 26. Tickets sales will be capped at 300. The committee is working to make tickets available for purchase online. For updates, go to facebook.com/scsmemorialdayparade

Matilda the Musical by Lakeview Community Theatre Guild

Friday, April 19 at 7 p.m., Saturday, April 20 at 5 p.m. and Sunday, April 21 at 2 p.m.

Lakeview High School Schaublin Auditorium

Visit lctg.ludus.com to purchase tickets: $15 for adults, $10 for students and seniors. Any questions? Email lctg@lakeviewpublicschools.org

Civil War: Returning Soldiers Lecture

Saturday, April 20, 2-2:45 p.m.

Selinsky Green Farmhouse Museum, located behind the St. Clair Shores Public Library at 22500 E. Eleven Mile Road

This lecture and accompanying exhibit will explore the lives of soldiers after the war. It will examine the physical and emotional toll of the Civil War on veterans, the process of applying for pensions and generally adjusting to life after the war. The exhibit will remain up until June 1. This lecture is recommended for those age 13 and up. This event is free, and no registration is required.

Michigan’s Poet Laureate Nandi Comer in Conversation with Tommye Blount

Wednesday, April 24, 6:30 p.m.

St. Clair Shores Public Library, 22500 E. Eleven Mile Road

Brought to you by the St. Clair Shores Cultural Committee, this evening of poetry and conversation is free and open to the public. Please be advised that this program may contain some adult content, so it is limited to ages 13 and up. Reserve your seat by calling the library, (586) 771-9020, or registering online, scslibrary.events.mylibrary.digital

‘People of the Three Fires’ Presentation

Thursday, April 25, 7 p.m.

St. Clair Shores Public Library, 22500 E. Eleven Mile Road

Guest speaker Charlie Shelton will explore the lives of pre-statehood Ojibwa, Odawa and Potawatomi peoples. He will be using artifacts, replicas, graphics, and interactive activities to discover American Indian lifeways, tools, technologies and contributions to our modern language. Shelton’s presentation, "People of Three Fires," will follow the Friends Annual Meeting. The Annual Meeting and elections will begin at 6:30 p.m., and the speaker will begin about 7 p.m. – presented by the Metroparks. There is no charge and no need to register.

Big Brew Fest

Saturday, April 27, Noon-9 p.m.

Blossom Heath Park, 24800 Jefferson Ave.

For more information, stay tuned to facebook.com/ st.clairshoresparksandrecreation

St. Clair Shores Social District Events

Second and fourth Saturdays, May-October (kicks off May 11)

Downtown St. Clair Shores

Greater Mack, from Nine Mack Drive to 9 Mile Road will be closed to traffic from 5 p.m. until Midnight during each social district event. Enjoy vendors, food trucks, street games, a kid zone, walk-up bars and entertainment. The band on the main stage plays from 7-11 p.m.

In conjunction with Roy O’Brien Ford, a special Harper Cruise Kick-Off will be held on Saturday, June 8, from 5-9 p.m. in front of Shores Inn. For more information about all Social District news and the entertainment line-up, stay tuned to facebook.com/DowntownStClairShores

St. Clair Shores Community Chorus ‘Disney Dazzle on Stage’

Thursday, May 2, 7 p.m.

Lake Shore High School, 22980 13 Mile Road

The cost is $20 for adults pre-sale, $22 for adults at the door and $10 for children (4-12). Children 3 and under are free. For more information, call (586) 482-6056.

Drive-in Movie

Friday, May 17, 5-10 p.m.

Veteran’s Memorial Parking Lot, 32400 Jefferson Ave.

For more information, stay tuned to facebook.com/ st.clairshoresparksandrecreation

29th Annual Nautical Coast Clean Up

Sunday, May 19, 8 a.m.-1 p.m.

Jefferson Yacht Club, 24504 Jefferson Ave.

Organized by the St. Clair Shores Waterfront Environmental Committee, this event focuses on cleaning the coastlines at Veterans Memorial Park, Blossom Heath, Chapaton Retention Basin (pending access due to construction) and Homeowner Association areas. For more information, go to the article on page 6 or go to eventbrite.com and search for “St. Clair Shores Nautical Coast Clean Up.”

St. Clair Shores Farmers Market

Blossom Heath Park, 24800 Jefferson Ave.

Second Thursday and fourth Sunday of the month, May 19-October 6

Upcoming dates include:

Sunday, May 19, 11 a.m.-9 p.m. - Flowers & Food Trucks (Food truck rally with beer area)

Thursday, June 13, 5 - 9 p.m.

Sunday, June 23, 8 a.m. - 2 p.m.

Memorial Day Weekend Service

Sunday, May 26, 9 a.m.

Veterans Memorial Park, 32400 Jefferson Ave.

The service is hosted by the officers of the VFW Bruce Post #1146. The public is welcome to attend.

St. Clair Shores 71st Anniversary Memorial Day Parade

Sunday, May 26, 1 p.m. (with pre-parade starting at 12:45 p.m.) Harper Avenue, heading north between Ridgeway and 11 Mile Road

For more information, read the article on page 12 or go to facebook.com/scsmemorialdayparade

June Fest

Saturday, June 1, 10 a.m.-5 p.m.

Downtown St. Clair Shores

Greater Mack will be closed to traffic during this family-friendly event. Attractions will include a craft fair, petting zoo from Animal Oasis, dance performances, a trackless train, sidewalk sales and store promotions, and Tootsie the Clown. For more information, stay tuned to facebook.com/DowntownStClairShores

Yardeners Native Plant Sale

Friday, June 7, 10 a.m.-4 p.m.

Selinsky Green Farmhouse Museum, located behind the St. Clair Shores Public Library at 22500 E. Eleven Mile Road

The Yardeners will be working with East Michigan Native Plants, which offers a large variety of native plants of varying sizes and prices. While preorders are not available, East Michigan's website provides some ideas about which plants are best for certain garden conditions: eastmichnatives.com. Come early for the best selection. East Michigan Native Plants should be able to accept cash, checks or credit cards.

Photography

ONEstep

Relay for Life of The Eastside Raises Funds for Today’s Cancer Patients AT A TIME

BY ANNA SWARTZ

“

Ididn’t expect cancer at all, it was a shock,” says Harrison Township resident Kim Naglich. “Once you hear those words, ‘you’ve got cancer,’ your life changes.” Naglich was diagnosed with thyroid cancer in 2010, and it was her health journey — plus seeing her daughter participate on the Jefferson Middle School Relay for Life team the following year — that prompted her to participate in American Cancer Society’s fundraiser Relay for Life. Since 2017, local teams merged to form Relay for Life of The Eastside, and Naglich is now serving as the chairperson for the fourth time.

The overnight event will be held Saturday, June 8 through Sunday, June 9 at Veterans Memorial Park in St. Clair Shores drawing participants primarily from the communities of the Shores, Roseville, Eastpointe, the Grosse Pointes and Warren. The main event takes place on Saturday between Noon and 10:30 p.m. Throughout Saturday, attendees can enjoy vendors, a silent auction, entertainment, food, games and a state licensed 50-50 raffle. Highlights include a free lunch at 1 p.m. for registered survivors and caregivers and a 9:30 p.m. luminaria ceremony. The ceremony includes people sharing their cancer experiences and a moment of silence while everyone walks around the track. “It’s just a really moving moment,” Naglich says. “I’m getting chills right now talking about it.” According to Naglich, the idea of an almost 24-hour event is to have a participant from each team “walking the track at all times, because cancer never sleeps.”

Relay for Life of The Eastside attracted around 450 participants and more than 40 teams pre-pandemic versus 147 participants and 19 teams in 2023, Naglich says. According to American Cancer Society Senior Development Manager April Busch, last year’s event raised $73,000, and the 2004 goal is to reach $85,000. To boost numbers, Naglich emphasizes that it’s important for the public to know how American Cancer Society utilizes the funds beyond cancer research. The event supports practical programs such as Road to Recovery, which offered more than 870 rides to cancer patients’ appointments in Michigan last year, and Hope Lodges, which provided 3,582 free nights in 2023 for those who traveled to receive healthcare in the state. Money is also used to advocate for cancer patients’ rights,

such as the oral chemotherapy legislation approved in Michigan in 2023. It allows for both oral and intravenous chemotherapy to have similar out-of-pocket costs.

Whether donating or volunteering for the cause, stopping by to check out the event or participating in the relay itself, Relay for Life of The Eastside is a heartwarming event for all involved. Naglich calls the volunteers a close group of passionate people, her “Relay Family.” In fact, Naglich’s mother, who passed away after a two-year battle with lung cancer in December, previously volunteered for the event. “She was my caregiver,” Naglich says. “I was her caregiver. So, it’s a very important year for me to be a part of this.”

For sponsorship opportunities, email April.Busch@cancer. org (the deadline is May 6). To register for the event, go to RelayForLife.org/TheEastsideMI (registration is open until, and including, the day of the event)

(Photos/Relay for Life of The Eastside)

family

This series follows St. Clair Shores resident George Arsenault’s journey. Now 96 years young, George looks back at what it was like to raise a family of 19.

BY GEORGE ARSENAULT

Apparently claiming 17 dependents is a red flag for the IRS. That’s what led me to the U.S. Federal Building on Lafayette Avenue in downtown Detroit on a cloudy day in September of 1968. The receptionist led me to room 201, where a middle-aged man greeted me. “Have a seat,” he said, as he went behind his desk. He was strictly business.

He requested proof of my 17 children. Yet I didn’t have copies of all the birth certificates, and their Baptismal records were likely tucked away at home. However, I had an unexpected piece of evidence.

“Here is the front page of The Detroit News from the day after my wife Delores and I were married,” I said, pulling out the paper from my briefcase and hastily handing it to him.

“Hmm,” he said, as he carefully began reading the story. “So, you’re the guy with seven children who married the widow with 10 children from Grosse Pointe.” When he finished reading the whole story, he said, “I remember reading this a couple of years ago. I told my wife: Here’s a couple not afraid to raise a large family in this day and age.”

He left his office briefly, with the newspaper in his hand. “I’m giving our approval,” he said upon returning. “Anyone raising that many children shouldn’t have to pay any taxes at all. I’ll take a quick look at the rest of your records, but I’m sure that everything else is all right.”

Now, there’s a smart man, I thought, as I was leaving the building. First order of business when I get home: get birth certificates for all 17 children. Note: the IRS never asked about my dependents again.

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 financial analyst, computer programmer and systems director. He raised a family of 19 in the Grosse Pointes before moving to St. Clair Shores.

NOTEWORTHYnews

Lake Shore High Gifted $50k from JCPenney for 2024 Prom

On March 8, Lake Shore High School (LSHS) seniors were surprised with an early graduation gift — $50,000 toward this year’s prom from JCPenney. The news was delivered by LSHS Alum (1997) Johnny Wujek, an LA-based celebrity costume designer. In honor of JCPenney’s launch of the JCProm by Johnny Wujek collection, the retailer is donating $50,000 each to five deserving high schools across the country for their DREAM Prom celebration. Because of the donation, Lake Shore’s prom on May 23 will be free for all senior students and guests, in addition to other surprise upgrades at the event.

JCPenney requested associates and partners to nominate schools in their communities that embodied the company’s core values of service, passion, energy, inclusion and family. LSHS was nominated by Wujek and selected by JCPenney because of the students’ dedication to community service.

“I’m thrilled to be here on behalf of JCPenney to present this check for $50,000 to the students and staff of Lake Shore High School,” Wujek says. “I want to reinforce that this is all a result of your hard work and dedication to service, something that JCPenney values every day and is also committed to doing for all the communities it serves.”

2024 Harper Cruise Logo Revealed

The 2024 Harper Cruise logo featuring the 1964½ Ford Mustang was revealed in early February — the winning logo was designed by Macomb Community College student Nicole Renaud of Eastpointe. The logo will be featured on cruise marketing materials and T-shirts, which will be sold to benefit Shorewood Kiwanis’ philanthropic efforts in the community. Renaud received $1,000 from the cruise’s corporate sponsor Roy O’ Brien Ford and Shorewood Kiwanis, the nonprofit that puts on the state’s only 100% charity cruise each year. Second prize winner Kieontae Warren and third prize winner Dana Ecke both hail from St. Clair Shores and earned $650 and $350 respectively. The Foren Foundation through the Macomb Community College Foundation matched all three monetary prizes. This year’s Harper Cruise will take place on Wednesday, August 28. For more information, go to facebook.com/HarperCharityCruise

Cultural Committee Celebrates Creativity with Tiny Art Show

More than 160 local residents participated in The Tiny Art Show, which is being held at St. Clair Shores Public Library for the second year in a row. The artwork, displayed on tiny canvases, will be on display through February 29.

“The St. Clair Shores Cultural Committee’s sponsorship of The Tiny Art Show is an example of the committee’s dedication to providing access to cultural events for residents of all ages,” Cultural Committee Chair Amy Lockard says. “We celebrate the creativity of our community and are appreciative of the library and its staff for again hosting this engaging event.”

Johnny Wujek poses with faculty and staff of Lake Shore High School, including Principal Janelle Bross and Lake Shore Superintendent Dr. Joe DiPonio.

(Photo/Jee-hak Pinsoneault and JCPenney)

(Photo/Scott Whiteman)

Nicole Renaud created this year’s Harper Cruise logo. (Photo/Macomb Community College)

VETpet

The Causes of Urine Marking Behavior in Cats

BY DR. JASON BANASZAK

As a cat owner, you may have encountered the frustrating behavior of urine marking in your feline companion. Understanding why cats engage in this behavior and how to manage it can help foster a more harmonious relationship between you and your pet.

Urine marking is an instinct deeply ingrained in your cat’s biology. In the wild, cats use scent marking to establish and maintain their territory. By depositing small amounts of urine in strategic locations, they communicate their presence to other cats and assert ownership over their territory. In a multi-cat household, territorial disputes can arise, leading to urine marking as cats compete for space and resources.

Additionally, urine marking serves as a form of communication between cats. Through scent markings, cats convey messages about their identity, reproductive status and social rank to other felines in the area. This helps establish social hierarchies and minimize conflicts among your furry companions.

Stress and anxiety can also trigger urine marking behavior in cats. Changes in the environment, such as moving to a new home or introducing a new pet, can disrupt your cat’s sense of security and lead to marking as a coping mechanism. Medical issues like urinary tract infections or bladder stones can also cause discomfort and contribute to inappropriate elimination outside the litter box.

To address urine marking behavior, it’s essential to provide a stimulating and enriching environment for your cat. This includes offering multiple litter boxes in quiet, accessible locations and engaging in regular play and interactive activities to reduce stress. Consulting with your veterinarian to rule out any underlying medical conditions is also crucial in managing urine marking effectively.

Byunderstandingthereasonsbehindyourcat’surinemarking behavior and taking steps to address them, you can foster a happier and healthier relationship with your feline companion.

Dr. Jason Banaszak is the medical director at VCA St. Clair Shores. He enjoys spending time with his wife Cindy and children Abby, Owen and Jackson, and their dogs Violet and Penny.

V.I.P.

Very Importantpets

5 3

8

DEDICATEDTOEACH CHILDASATOTAL INDIVIDUAL–SOCIALLY, EMOTIONALLY, PHYSICALLYAND COGNITIVELYINA

SECUREANDCARING SCHOOLENVIRONMENT

DEDICATEDTOEACH CHILDASATOTAL INDIVIDUAL–SOCIALLY, EMOTIONALLY, PHYSICALLYAND COGNITIVELYINA SECUREANDCARING SCHOOLENVIRONMENT

Registration Begins January 27, 2024

ClassOfferings:

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• Recipient of Governor’s Quality Care Award

● Culturaldiversity

• Cultural exploration

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• Qualified, caring teachers

● Naturetrail

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● Playground

● Implementationofthe MichiganEarlyChildhood StandardsofQualityfor PreschoolandToddlerProgram

• Secure Playgrounds

● Implementationofthe MichiganEarlyChildhood StandardsofQualityfor PreschoolandToddlerProgram

● Playground

● Outdoorclassroom

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● ArtandScience ExplorationDay

• Curriculum based on Michigan Early Childhood Standards of Quality for Preschool and Toddlers

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• Learning centers

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Toddler1-21/2 years

ClassOfferings:

Toddler 1 - 2 1/2 years

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Transition 2 1/2 - 3 years

Toddler 1 - 2 1/2 years

Preschool3-4years

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Preschool 3 and 4 years

Transition 2 1/2 - 3 years

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ProgramOfferings:

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Flexible scheduling: Full day, half day minimum2 days/week

Openyear-round 6:30 a.m. – 6:00 p.m.

Openyear-round 6:30 a.m.– 6:00p.m.

Small class size

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Summer youth camp –

ages 1-14 years

Summer youth camp –

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ALifetimeofLearningbeginsatAssumption ALifetimeofLearningbeginsatAssumption

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● Enrichmentclasses: Foreignlanguage,Cooking, Dance,Gymnastics,Music, Makeit-TakeitLibrary, CupCakeDecorating,Yoga

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● RecipientofGovernor’s QualityCareAward