Sterling Heights Sentry

Published March 6, 2015

Museum to host program on WWII paratrooper training

METRO DETROIT — Do you have what it takes to be a World War II paratrooper?

Wait, back up. Let’s not even get into the fighting they encountered. That’s a separate issue, one you’re certainly not prepared for.

The same goes for their basic training. Suffice it to say it was grueling, agonizing and spread over weeks. It wasn’t for the faint of heart, mind, body or spirit.

Published March 4, 2015

Creating a picture-perfect childhood

One of the best parts of parenthood, for many, is that for a few precious years the refrigerator will never be lacking in color.

Artwork created by little ones is not only a point of pride for caregivers and educators — it’s also an important part of a child’s early learning and development.

Pam Rush, owner of The Learning Experience daycare and preschool center in Shelby Township, has been integrating art into the curriculum for 25 years.

Published March 4, 2015

Regular maintenance key to restoring patio, deck after winter

Right now, there are likely several inches of snow piled up on at least a portion of your deck or patio.

But what will you find when it melts?

Flaking paint chips and nail pops on your wooden deck, moss and weeds starting to grow between brick pavers, or worse.

Published March 4, 2015

Sterling officials stand by logo rollout

STERLING HEIGHTS — A new shield-shaped logo representing the city of Sterling Heights continued to endure blows from some residents, while some city officials defended it at a Feb. 17 City Council meeting.

Published March 4, 2015

Blackthorn returns to March music series

STERLING HEIGHTS — Local fans of Irish music are in luck as Sterling Heights gets ready to host the music group Blackthorn this month.

The Irish group will perform two concerts worth of Celtic classics and tunes at the Recreation Center at Dodge Park in Sterling Heights March 8.

The Sterling Coffeehouse series is the first major music event of the year for the Sterling Heights Parks and Recreation Department. The next major undertaking is the Music in the Park series, which starts in June, according to Recreation Manager Kyle Langlois.

Published March 3, 2015

Clinton River watershed to benefit from $20 million EPA grant

METRO DETROIT — In an effort to help get the Clinton River watershed off the Great Lakes Area of Concern list, the Environmental Protection Agency has pledged $20 million to fund 11 projects throughout the watershed over the next three years.

“This is a big deal for the watershed,” said Jennifer Tewkesbury, of the Michigan Office of the Great Lakes.

Published March 2, 2015

Warm or cold, cars require care when traveling

While millions of Michiganders shiver through the winter, other people have temporarily fled for warmer climates down south.

But auto experts say those who choose to travel to more affable temperatures by car should pay attention to the challenges that both colder and warmer weather may bring to the road and to the vehicle.

According to AAA Michigan Public Affairs Director Susan Hiltz, Michigan has quite a few “snowbirds” who dwell in the southern states during the winter months.

Published February 27, 2015

Food standards change in school districts

METRO DETROIT — By now, schools should be putting the final topping on the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s new nutritional standards in the national school lunch and breakfast programs.

Published February 27, 2015

City Manager: Sterling leads county in rising housing values

STERLING HEIGHTS — Sterling Heights city officials are right at home with statistics showing that home prices are on the road to recovery within the city.

During a Feb. 17 City Council meeting, City Manager Mark Vanderpool said Sterling Heights property values are on the rise.

He cited statistics stating that Sterling Heights’ city assessment values have increased 15.29 percent on average, which is the highest listed on the city’s chart, beating 23 other listed communities in Macomb County. The county average is an 11.63 percent increase.

Published February 26, 2015

Little pets, big love

You know, not all beloved pets let out a woof or a purr.

Some of the very best friends have scales, tails or even eight legs. The world of small pets is vast, and it can also be pretty darn convenient for on-the-go animal owners who don’t have tons of time to devote to a little pal.

Mike Palmer, owner of Premier Pet Supply in Beverly Hills, said there can be lots of benefits to owning a smaller animal like a hamster, a gerbil or — believe it or not — a rat.

Published February 25, 2015

Making the dream happen

NOVI — Coming in on the heels of the Detroit Boat Show, the eighth annual Cottage and Lakefront Living Show taking place this week in Novi will reinforce the belief of many Michiganders that the state’s spring and summer months are the best in the country.

The Great Lakes State offers almost unending choices of outdoor recreational activities during the warmer months — though ice fishing during the winter also has a huge following — and that especially holds true for those who live or own a cottage on one of those great bodies of water.

Published February 25, 2015

UCS murals to depict seasonal art for hospital

When the Detroit Medical Center and the Children’s Hospital of Michigan envisioned adding art to the upcoming children’s hospital in Troy, they decided to employ a mix of glass and class.

Students from Utica Community Schools have been working hard on designing five mosaic glass murals that each take a different perspective on the four seasons.

Published February 25, 2015

City to celebrate multiculturalism at exchange event

An upcoming annual event will welcome guests to see, hear and taste the traditions of people from around the world.

Sterling Heights and its Ethnic Community Committee will present the 2015 Cultural Exchange event March 13 at the Sterling Heights Senior Center.

City spokeswoman Bridget Doyle said in an email that the Cultural Exchange is an annual event that “highlights the beautiful and unique facets of the many ethnicities and cultures that make up our great city.”

Published February 25, 2015

Historical exhibit will focus on what made Michigan

CLINTON TOWNSHIP — When Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. called for civil rights supporters to meet in Selma, Alabama, in March 1965 for a peaceful march, Detroit homemaker Viola Liuzzo didn’t hesitate.

The white activist felt so strongly about the Civil Rights Movement that she left her five children and husband, got in her Oldsmobile, and made the trip to demonstrate for the rights of black Americans.

It ultimately cost Liuzzo her life when she was gunned down by members of the Ku Klux Klan.

Published February 24, 2015

Frozen February puts cold-weather car tips to test

As temperatures recently fell below zero across metro Detroit, the arctic air has taken a toll on some vehicles too, according to AAA.

AAA Michigan Public Affairs Director Susan Hiltz said her association has seen an increase in service calls during a particularly cold night and morning following the Valentine’s Day weekend and culminating on Presidents’ Day, the Monday afterward.

“We had a 154 percent increase in the morning for service calls compared to the same time period last week,” Hiltz said.

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Published February 18, 2015

Eisenhower heads ‘Into the Woods’

STERLING HEIGHTS — Students at Eisenhower High School are learning that fairy tales do come true when you bring them to the stage.

Eisenhower’s Performing Arts Department will present the musical “Into the Woods” Feb. 26-March 1 at the high school.

Director David Springer said the musical, which originally came out in the 1980s, has a story that weaves together several plots from fairy tales like Cinderella, Rapunzel and Little Red Riding Hood.

Published February 18, 2015

Tips to avoid tip-overs

In the last decade, Safe Kids Worldwide Director of U.S. Programs Tareka Wheeler said that there has been a 31 percent increase in the number of children who have been killed or injured by TV tip-overs.

“We know we can prevent these things. Many families just don’t think about it. It’s an emerging issue — we call it a hidden hazard — in homes, but there are simple things families can do,” Wheeler said.

Published February 18, 2015

Don’t just think spring; taste it

Heavy layers of clothes, heavy layers of snow and heavy layers of blankets.

It’s no wonder that when it comes to food, many diners are longing for something that’s anything but heavy.

As soon as temperatures begin to take a dive in September, restaurants start pulling out their repertoire of comfort food recipes chock full of spices, rich flavors and hearty ingredients designed to keep your tummy full and your body warm.

Published February 16, 2015

Dealership gives car to long-distance walking commuter

A Detroit man’s hours-long walking work commute is over now that he can put his foot on the accelerator of a new Ford Taurus, courtesy of Suburban Ford of Sterling Heights.

James Robertson, who regularly walked more than 20 miles when he ventured out to his Rochester Hills employer and back to his Detroit home because he owned no car, recently shared his story to local media.

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Published February 9, 2015

Award-winning car and truck greeted at showrooms

The North American International Auto Show’s exhibits and displays have left Detroit’s Cobo Center until next year, but some local dealerships say the intense public interest has made an impact on selling award-winning vehicles in the showroom.

At the most recent auto show in January, the Volkswagen Golf won the award of 2015 North American Car of the Year, and the Ford F-150 took North American Truck/Utility of the Year. The announcement was made at a Jan. 12 press preview day.

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