Jingle and Mingle: A Festive Evening with the Sterling Heights Rotary!

Determining who enjoys the occasion more—the Rotary Club of Sterling Heights or the children from the Physically or Otherwise Health Impaired program of the Macomb Intermediate Schools District—proves challenging when they unite for their yearly Christmas celebration.

For over three decades, a festivity has taken place just prior to the holiday season. This year, the Christmas gathering concluded at the MISD main office in Clinton Township.

“We catered a meal for roughly 300 individuals including the POHI children, their siblings and parents, educators, along with our Rotary Club members and additional assisting volunteers,” stated longtime Rotarian Marty Brown. He mentioned being unaware of the names of many of the helpers who arrived to lend a hand.

“We ‘intercepted’ the gift requests from the kids through their parents and wrapped the presents. Special letters were dispatched to educators and parents requesting the top three gift selections for the children. We operated online to fulfill very particular requests.

“We were extremely meticulous about affixing the correct name tags. Upon reaching Santa Claus, everyone, including siblings, received something they desired — to hold or to unbox. Each child possesses distinct needs and abilities. Parents must bring extra items like diapers and other supplies. It creates significant extra work for them, thus providing them with at least one extraordinary day is meaningful,” Brown articulated.

“Santa distributed gifts to every well-behaved child — all of them. Additionally, dinner, snacks, and desserts were provided. Christmas carols were sung, sunglasses were worn, crafts were engaged in, balloon animals were sculpted, faces were painted, delightful skits were performed, music was played, and fun was had. It was a remarkable celebration. Special appreciation goes to event lead Clark Andrews, local Boy Scouts, Rotarians, their families, and numerous volunteers, particularly the POHI educators, for turning this cheerful event into something extraordinary,” expressed Brown, a retired chiropractor.

Boy Scout Troop 1402 contributed volunteers.

“A restaurant named Lettuce in Utica generously donated salads. That was genuinely kind. I believe they have a relative with special needs and expressed their desire to contribute. They realized it would be significant. We sponsor a few boy scout troops, and they joined to assist.

This decades-spanning party revived memories for Brown.

“During the 1980s, there was a Chinese takeout place near my former office where two kids essentially remained in a back room while their parents worked. I would take them on outings to Greenfield Village, to the zoo and various parks, trick-or-treating on Halloween, and to play with my cousin’s children. The boy — now an adult, of course — just contacted me for my birthday. He’s currently in California working in medical research and we reminisced about the POHI celebration. He and his sister once accompanied me to the event.

“It used to be a smaller gathering, now it accommodates hundreds of individuals. I shared pictures with him and he recalled attending as a child. It was enjoyable to reflect on those times with him.”

The club plans to host another celebration for MISD students around Valentine’s Day. For further details regarding the Rotary Club of Sterling Heights, reach out to Brown at 586-907-5003.

Veterans’ posts deliver holiday hams and turkeys

The Veterans of Foreign Wars Wood-Reid Post 6691 located in Fraser, along with the Associates of Vietnam Veterans of America (AVVA) from VVA Chapter 9, recently distributed 200 meals featuring turkeys and hams to families in

need.

VFW Post 6691’s quartermaster is Steven Meakings.

“We receive turkeys during Thanksgiving,” Meakings mentioned. “Then Mike Sand and Bruce Collins, our chaplain, obtained hams for the Christmas distribution. We donated them to a mission. Mike Sand collects names beforehand and the food goes directly to them. It primarily goes to Brother Joe’s and residents in the Fraser vicinity, mainly veterans, but not exclusively. It could be anyone facing hardship.”

Numerous meals were distributed by Pastor Robert Brannon, Fraser Goodfellows; Lisa Petteys, Fraser Public Schools Community Outreach Program Coordinator; Beverly Wakeford, Roseville Public Schools Homeless Liaison; Kyle “Brother Joe” Hicks, Street Missionary and director of Outcry Ministry; and Wally Papciak, John F. Kennedy Knights of Columbus Council 5460 from Clinton Township.

The Chapter 9, which convenes in Detroit, has been a long-time advocate for Brother Joe’s Youth and Street Ministry, which benefited from some of the food. Kyle “Joe” Hicks and his spouse Lisa have been at the helm of that ministry in Detroit’s “Cass Corridor” for many years — engaging in street preaching, providing meals and clothing for the homeless, and spreading awareness to individuals struggling with substance dependency.

Kiwanis Club also incorporates foster care children in their gift donations.

The Clinton Township Kiwanis Club commemorated the Christmas season with numerous families, including 300 children who are part of the county’s foster care system.

“We had some toys remaining, so we contributed them to Toys for Tots,” Kiwanis Club president Lori Stilwell stated. “A big thank you to Chippewa Valley High School and especially to all the Key Clubbers and AKtion Club members who helped make this day truly special.”

Submit news regarding service clubs and veterans organizations to Linda May at lindamay@ameritech.net or call the landline at 586-791-8116.