Swim finals relocated
Because of strong storms and widespread power outages in parts of the Grosse Pointes, including Grosse Pointe Park, the final championship meet of the Lakefront Swimming Association — which had been slated to take place July 26 at Windmill Pointe Park in the Park — had to be moved to Grosse Pointe Woods’ Lake Front Park in St. Clair Shores and rescheduled to July 27.
During an Aug. 7 Woods City Council meeting, City Councilwoman Vicki Granger recognized the work done by Woods employees — including Recreation Supervisor Nicole Gerhart and Director of Public Services Jim Kowalski — as they scrambled to make arrangements to host the finals, which are always well attended and popular community events.
“They are to be commended for getting that done in such a short period of time,” Granger said.
Students earn scholarships
This month, the St. Paul Educational Trust announced the winners of its annual scholarships, which were given to students from St. Paul on the Lake Parish in Grosse Pointe Farms for academic excellence.
The recipient of the Monsignor Francis S. Canfield Scholarship — given to a graduating eighth grader who plans to attend a Catholic high school in the fall — is Campbell Shore, who will be going to Mercy High School.
The Couzens Family Scholarship — awarded to a graduating eighth grader who plans to attend a Catholic high school in the fall — is Joseph Bartoletti, who will be attending the University of Detroit Jesuit.
The William A. Cardinal Scholarship — a full-tuition scholarship at St. Paul on the Lake Catholic School that’s given to a student based on leadership, academic performance and character — is Preston Simmons.
The Joseph and Alice Wright Scholarship — awarded to a deserving parishioner entering sixth grade at St. Paul — is David Hindelang.
New this year is the Lewis H. Echlin III Scholarship, which is awarded every four years to a graduating eighth grader who will be attending University of Detroit Jesuit High School. The winner is Joseph Bartoletti.
Also new is the Brian Fraser Memorial Scholarship, named for Fraser, one of the victims of the mass shooting on the Michigan State University campus in February. Fraser attended St. Paul School from Young 5s until his eighth grade graduation in 2017. The recipient of the Brian Fraser Memorial Scholarship — which will be awarded annually to a returning St. Paul student who demonstrates remarkable leadership, character and academic excellence — is Lea Abdul-Nour.
A committee of St. Paul School parents and parishioners select the scholarship recipients.
“We are so proud of each of these students for their outstanding achievements and contributions that they have made to the St. Paul on the Lake parish community,” said Kathleen Conway, chair of the St. Paul Educational Trust, in a press release. “We look forward to following their progress as they begin the next school year.”
Learn about local nonprofits
The Grosse Pointe Chamber of Commerce and the Edsel and Eleanor Ford House are teaming up to host a nonprofit fair from 5 to 8 p.m. Aug. 23 at the Ford House, 1100 Lake Shore Road in Grosse Pointe Shores. The event is free and open to the public, although registration is recommended and can be made by visiting fordhouse.org/events/nonprofit-fair. This event will be an opportunity for people to learn more about some of the many nonprofit groups in the area. For more information, visit the Ford House website or call (313) 884-4222.
Talk will look at osteoarthritis
The Helm at the Boll Life Center, 158 Ridge Road in Grosse Pointe Farms, will host a free presentation on hip and knee osteoarthritis from 1 to 2 p.m. Sept. 14. Dr. Michael Wagner, an orthopedic surgeon, will discuss this condition, treatments, surgical options and misconceptions, as well as ways to manage and reduce pain. Although there’s no cost, attendees need to register in advance. To register or for more information, visit helmlife.org or call (313) 882-9600.
30th Annual Greekfest starts Aug. 17
ST. CLAIR SHORES — Come join in the festivities as the Assumption Cultural Center hosts the 30th Annual Greekfest Aug. 17 to Aug. 20.
According to a press release, the event draws around 10,000 people from all around the metro Detroit area. The grand opening ceremony starts at 5 p.m. Aug. 17, where community leaders will be recognized.
The fest is open 4 p.m. to 10 p.m. Aug. 17, 4 p.m. to 11 p.m. Aug. 18, 11 a.m. to 11 p.m. Aug. 19, and 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. Aug. 20. General admission is $3, and children younger than 12 are admitted free. Free parking, shuttle service and valet service are available.
This year there will be a plethora of Greek food, entertainment from the Assumption Dancers as well as Polish, Irish and Ukrainian dancers, and an indoor Marketplace. There will also be exhibits displaying costumes and artifacts from Greece, Ukraine, Ireland and Poland.
A grand raffle will be held on Aug. 20 at 6 p.m. According to the press release, the prizes are: $10,000 (first prize), a Meira T gold diamond necklace donated by Ahee Jewelers (second prize), $500 (third prize) and $200 (fourth, fifth and sixth prizes). Tickets are $10 each and are available for purchase online at assumptionfestival.com or at the Assumption Cultural Center’s office at 21800 Marter Road in St. Clair Shores.
Joan DeRonne, church administrator, said Greekfest is almost like a giant class reunion and people look forward to seeing each other there.
“It becomes a place for everyone to gather,” DeRonne said.