Sterling Heights Sentry | Published November 8, 2023
City prepares for Veterans Day event
STERLING HEIGHTS — Sterling Heights is inviting local veterans and their supporters to a Veterans Day ceremony at 11 a.m. Nov. 11 at the Sterling Heights Community Center, 40250 Dodge Park Road.
The event’s keynote speaker will be retired Brig. Gen. Doug “Odie” Slocum, who previously was the 127th Wing and Selfridge Air National Guard Base’s commanding general.
Other veterans will speak at the event too, and the Sterling Heights Police Honor Guard will give a 21-gun salute. The Stevenson High School choir will perform, and the event will end with lunch and cupcakes.
In a statement, Sterling Heights Mayor Michael Taylor said the event gives the city a chance to show its thankfulness for local veterans.
“Their sacrifices inspire us, and we stand united to show our support for these heroes, past and present, who have fought for our freedom,” Taylor said.
Learn more about Sterling Heights by visiting sterlingheights.gov or by calling (586) 446-2489.
Library bookstore holds Veterans Day sale
STERLING HEIGHTS — The Used, But Sterling Bookstore at the Sterling Heights Public Library, 40255 Dodge Park Road, will have a Veterans Day Sale Nov. 6-11. During the sale, veterans may pick 10 free items, though organizers say this doesn’t apply to certain merchandise with price tags. The bookstore’s operating hours are 10 a.m.-7 p.m. Monday-Thursday and 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Saturday. Learn more by visiting shpl.net or by calling (586) 446-2665.
Bocce Barn winds down season
STERLING HEIGHTS — According to the Sterling Heights Parks and Recreation Department, the Bocce Barn behind the Sterling Heights Senior Center, 40200 Utica Road, will close for the season Nov. 19, until it reopens in spring 2024.
Bocce court usage is free for residents with valid ID and $5 for everyone else. Reservations may be made by visiting registration.sterling-heights.net.
Learn more about the facility by visiting sterlingheights.gov/2060/Bocce-Barn.
Two-way Plumbrook traffic resumes
STERLING HEIGHTS — The city of Sterling Heights announced Oct. 24 on Facebook that bidirectional traffic on Plumbrook Road has resumed from Utica Road to Van Dyke Avenue. Roadwork and other fixes have been taking place along Plumbrook since last spring.
And there is still more work to be done. Officials said crews will plant roadside trees and set up a new mast arm traffic signal at the Plumbrook-17 Mile Road intersection this fall, and more streetlights will be installed in the winter. The city also plans to paint defined bike lanes along Plumbrook in time for spring 2024.
Keep updated on road construction news by visiting Sterling Heights’ Cone Zone page at sterlingheights.gov/1039/Road-Projects or by calling (586) 446-2720.
MCC president to be honored at ‘Ritz’ gala
STERLING HEIGHTS — The Sterling Heights Area Community Foundation will present an 11th annual “Puttin’ on the Ritz” event 6-11 p.m. Nov. 17 at Villa Penna, 43985 Hayes Road, in Sterling Heights.
“Puttin’ on the Ritz” is a black-tie-optional dinner and gala that honors leaders in Sterling Heights and Macomb County. Guests may look forward to live music, a bar, auction bidding and additional fun.
This year, the honoree who will accept the Mayor Richard J. Notte Civic Service Leadership Award is Macomb Community College President James Sawyer IV. In a statement, Community Foundation Executive Director and President Emeritus Karl Oskoian praised Sawyer.
“We are honored to recognize Dr. Sawyer for his exemplary leadership of a remarkable community college that continually strengthens Macomb County with tens of thousands of well-prepared graduates who provide the skills and capabilities area employers seek to grow and succeed,” Oskoian said.
Tickets cost $150 per attendee. According to Oskoian, event proceeds will support the Community Foundation’s “cultural, educational and recreational mission areas.”
Learn more about the event by visiting sterlingheights.gov/1839/Puttin-on-the-Ritz.