Home » Archive » June 2009

Woods recall misguided, short-sighted

In May, the Grosse Pointe Woods City Council voted by an overwhelming majority to adopt the proposed 2009-10 budget and the millage resolution funding the adopted budget. Six members voted to maintain city services, and one voted to put at risk the city’s ability to maintain current levels of service. Since the council previously voted to hold a public hearing and recommend adoption, the outcome was never in doubt. The sole dissenting vote was simply a political statement. read more...

Cadieux parking ban upsets residents
as road project nears completion

It wasn't exactly a fine-print issue, but some residents of Cadieux Road are just now realizing the price they'll pay for their nice new roadway—a ban on all parking on Cadieux between Kercheval and Jefferson.

Cadieux as it exists is 2.5 feet too narrow to allow one-side parking with two-way traffic, under Michigan Department of Transportation rules, said Paul Weitzel, director of public service for the City of Grosse Pointe. Newly resurfaced streets are supposed to be even wider, leaving the city no choice but to bring it into compliance. Because the $500,000 reconstruction project, begun this spring and nearing completion in July, was 80 percent financed by MDOT, it is "probably not" open to negotiation with the state, Weitzel said.

This upsets residents, said Greg Jakub, who is leading a campaign by residents to fight the change. 

"I can't believe this didn't occur to the city planners and leaders (when the project was approved)," he said. "I can only speculate on how or why they ignored it."  read more...

Chris and Diane Foster enjoy dinner at the President's Party at Indian Village Tennis Club. Photo by the Party Crashers.

Mortar boards and mixed doubles–
a lovely night for party-crashing

It was a beautiful summer weekend (June 27 and 28), and the Party Crashers couldn’t resist stopping in at a couple of lively gatherings.

The Indian Village Tennis Club held its annual President’s Party at the club in Detroit’s historic Indian Village. This is one of the oldest private tennis clubs in the country and probably the least pretentious. Many members live in the Pointes so it seemed like a natural stop for the Crashers. Members were looking spiffy as they danced the night away after honoring past president Diane Foster, a Grosse Pointer, for her many years of service to the club. The warm summer evening also brought guests out on the porch to enjoy cocktails and interesting conversation.

Presidents 1

President's Party guests at the Indian Village Tennis Club included, L-R, Hope Hoffman, Clarke Scholes and Eileen and John Dixon.

This being the heart of graduation season, we were drawn to a lovely house on Balfour in the Park, where roughly 40 cars lined the block. Recent South graduate Roseanne Atsalakis was the guest of honor, and her proud parents Jean and Tony, along with brothers George and Steven, graciously welcomed us and even posed for a few photos.

The swimming pool looked inviting (we love backyard pool parties), but we resisted jumping in since no one else had taken the plunge. Guests focused on the food, drink and socializing. In addition to friends and relatives, Roseanne’s former classmates were eating heartily under the tent, sharing their future plans with us. We especially liked the kids going to Michigan State. We can’t help it–it’s our alma mater.

Graduation 2

Fellow South graduates, L-R, Stephen Hollidge, Hannah Reimer, Julia Schneider, Libby Strachan, Roseanne Atsalakis, Jacob St. Louis and Kathryn Ourlian take a break from eating to smile for the Party Crashers.

Graduation 1 Tony, Steven, Roseanne, Jean and George Atsalakis pose for a family photo at the graduation party. read more...

Sailors postponed for fireworks,
but got some, plus a rainbow


Grosse Pointe Boat Club sailors moved their Wednesday race to Thursday (June 25) to avoid the Freedom Festival fireworks, only to end up being treated to Mother Nature’s own fireworks–and a shower. With lighting flashing a few miles away, the dock committee raised the red-and-white-striped postponement flag, expecting to wait 15 minutes and hoping they would not have to fly the blue-and-white-checked “race abandoned” flag. As is typical, the squall blew through and the racers were left with a fabulous rainbow and a pleasant evening for racing. read more...

Pyrotechnics fans can drink their fill in the days ahead. Photo by Larry Peplin

Pack your oohs and ahhs–
fireworks season gets underway

The late arrival of summer temperatures comes just in time–fireworks season is upon us. Fans of colorful explosions will have a rich banquet of choices in coming days.

The biggest, Grosse Pointe Woods' show, gets the Pointes off with a bang. The show is set for Sunday (June 28) at Parcells Middle School, starting at dusk. Monday, June 29 is the rain date. Veterans advise arriving early to stake a spot for both your body and car; the latter in particular are scarce. read more...

Woods recall campaign back on

A campaign to recall the two newest members of the Grosse Pointe Woods City Council is back on, after the Wayne County Elections Commission approved the petition's language yesterday (June 24).

Woods resident Nancy Hames refiled her petition earlier this month, after an earlier version was rejected by the commission. read more...

Whether you take bridge or tunnel, new border-crossing restrictions apply to all travelers between the U.S. and Canada. Photos by Larry Peplin

Tightened border-crossing rules
shouldn't slow smart travelers

Grosse Pointe Park residents Al LeChard and his wife, Sid, have been driving to their cottage in Canada for the last 40 years.

And like many Grosse Pointe residents who own Canadian cottages or boats, the LeChards have become adept at crossing the border between the United States and its neighbor.

Changes effective June 1 require U.S. residents to provide a passport upon re-entry into the country by land or sea. The newest federal law, a result of the Intelligence Reform and Terrorism Prevention Act of 2004, is part of the Western Hemisphere Travel Initiative. read more...

Park resident Kathryn Jones takes the division win at Le Tour de Mont Pleasant

Park cyclist wins first road-race outing

Cyclist Kathryn Jones, 31, made her first foray into road racing earlier this month and set an impressive standard, winning the women's Category 4 division at Le Tour de Mont Pleasant earlier this month in Mount Pleasant.

Jones, who lives in the Park, said Category 4 is a novice division, and competitors must accrue points before advancing. All her previous cycling has been in triathlons; this was her first cycling-only competition. 

Jones trains with two different groups that cycle around the Pointes throughout the week. Her next race will be in Kalamazoo in July.

Summer school keeps the learning alive

With the end of the school year comes the beginning of summer school. But while summer school was once a synonym for student prison, today's courses are far more likely to be about personal enrichment and warm-weather fun.

The elementary Summer Learning Program offers a variety of five-week courses for students in grades K-8, covering math, reading, writing and science enrichment classes. read more...

New salon offers one-to-one service

 It's hard to find an unexplored niche in the crowded field of Grosse Pointe salons, but Shannan McEachern-Martinez and 
Barbara Costante think they've found one for their new salon, The Worx–one-on-one pampering for you and only you.

McEachern-Martinez does hair and Costante does nails, and the customers they're working on are the only ones they work on, at least until the next one arrives. "It's very relaxing," said Costante. "Very laid-back." read more...

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