1/28/26 Eastsider

‘SHE WAS JUST A KIND, LOVING TYPE OF PERSON’

Eastpointe community remembers longtime volunteer

BY MARIA ALLARD allard@candgnews.com

EASTPOINTE — Diane Reece-Seger was the type of person who could always be counted on to help others.

Whether it was assisting customers with

her husband, Michael Seger, at Clovers Collision & Mechanical Repair or volunteering for a local charity, Reece-Seger’s kind heart led the way.

The community is mourning her loss. The Clinton Township resident died from medical complications Jan. 8. She was 76.

“I’m very sad that she has passed away. She was an incredible person,” said Eastpointe City Council member Harvey Curley, who served with Reece-Seger on the Eastpointe Cruisin’

Gratiot Committee. “I’ve known her for a long time. She was treasurer of our committee for a number of years. I’ve known her quite well. I

See REECE-SEGER on page 8A

Photo provided by Kaul Funeral Home Diane Reece-Seger, who died from medical complications Jan. 8, is being remembered for her kind spirit. Along with working side-by-side with her husband, Mike Seger, at Clovers Collision & Mechanical Repair in Eastpointe, Reece-Seger volunteered for many organizations in the community.

Art collection travels to RARE

BY MARIA ALLARD allard@candgnews.com

ROSEVILLE — Next time you stop by the Recreation Authority of Roseville & Eastpointe, make sure to check out the artwork displayed on the walls.

RARE and the Anton Art Center, in Mount Clemens, have partnered in a program called “The Traveling Art Collection.”

Beginning in January 2026, RARE will host four quarterly displays on loan from the Anton Art Center’s permanent collection. The artwork is not for sale but for the public to view and enjoy.

“It’s to promote local artists,” RARE Executive Director Tony Lipinski said. “Some of our walls could use a little bit of color throughout the building. Why not spotlight some of the paintings here?”

Lipinski said the RARE board approved the program and will

See ART on page 15A

Recreation Authority of Roseville & Eastpointe and the Anton

in a

SCHOOL BRIEFS

Winter Gala to take place March 7

ROSEVILLE/FRASER — The Roseville Community Schools Scholarship Foundation annual Winter Gala will be held from 6 p.m. to midnight March 7 at Vintage House, 31816 Utica Road in Fraser.

Dinner will be served at 7 p.m. The Roseville Community Schools Scholarship Foundation raises money to provide scholarships to graduating Roseville High School seniors. The cost to attend the Winter Gala is $55 per person and includes dinner, an open bar and a disc jockey. No tickets will be sold at the door.

Prior to the event, school officials will sell gift basket raffle tickets virtually from Feb. 16 through March 2. Pictures of the baskets and how to purchase tickets will be shown on the district’s Facebook page and website at rosevillepride.org. The baskets will be displayed at the gala, and tickets can be purchased at the event.

Gala ticket orders, including the purchaser’s name and full payment, should be sent to Roseville Community Schools, 18975 Church St., Roseville, MI 48066, to the attention of Erin Zimmer. Checks can be made to R.C.S.S.F. Reservations for tables of eight will close Feb. 27. Ticket sales close

March 5. Sponsorships and ads are available for purchase.

To purchase tickets, visit the district’s website at rosevillepride.org. Through the schools and programs menu, under programs, click on RCS Scholarship Foundation. If interested in donating raffle items, door prizes or a themed basket, call (586) 445-5518.

MSGCU educational scholarships available

CLINTON TOWNSHIP — Michigan Schools and Government Credit Union is accepting applications for its annual scholarship programs.

The William Cayen Skilled Trades Scholarship will award two $2,500 scholarships for students pursuing certification in various skilled trades.

Fifteen $2,500 Rudolph Heino People Helping People Scholarship awards will be distributed to high school seniors heading to college with a demonstrated commitment to helping others. New this year, one recipient will be designated “In Memory of Taylor Jade DeRosa.”

MSGCU will offer four Larry Swantek Educational Studies Scholarships in the amount of $2,500 to high school seniors and current college students planning to become teachers.

There will be four $2,500 Milo Per-

reault Educator Advancement Scholarships to help certified teachers and administrators continue their educations.

MSGCU will present 18 $2,500 awards through the High School Excellence Scholarship for high school seniors with plans to attend college.

A total of 22 Stephen Thomas First Responder Scholarships will be awarded at

$2,000 each to benefit first responders enrolled in police, fire and/or paramedic academies at local colleges.

Nonmembers are welcome to apply for an MSGCU scholarship and must become a member if selected as a scholarship recipient. The deadline to apply is Feb. 27. Visit msgcu.org/scholarships to apply.

— Maria Allard

Local organizations highlighted during MLK Day event

BY MARIA ALLARD allard@candgnews.com

ROSEVILLE — In honor of Martin Luther King Jr. Day, observed on Jan. 19, the Recreation Authority of Roseville and Eastpointe and Live Rite Structured Recovery Corp. joined together for “Feed the

Dream: A Family Food Drive & Craft Day.”

Throughout the month of January, community members have donated nonperishable food items to support the Live Rite Recovery Center’s food pantry. A drop box will be available until Jan. 31 in RARE’s main lobby, located at 18185 Sycamore St. in Roseville.

Residents also were welcomed to a Craft & Snack Day Jan. 22 at the RARE building to make a vision board with Destiny Mahone, of RARE’s monthly Create and Connect Social Club. Mahone brought supplies, and RARE community engagement assistant Chelsea Radimaker also brought out stickers, construction paper, crayons, markers

and activity sheets to learn more about King.

Juanita M. Waltower, community engagement manager for Eastpointe, attended the “Feed the Dream: A Family Food Drive & Craft Day” activity, as did Kai Hayes, Pamela Russell and Wanda Moody, of the Eastpointe Arts and Cultural Diversity Commission.

Suspect in disappearance of Warren mother arraigned in circuit court

BY BRIAN WELLS bwells@candgnews.com

ROSEVILLE — The suspect in the disappearance of a Warren mother has been arraigned in circuit court.

Deandre Booker, 33, of Roseville, was arraigned Jan. 22 in the Macomb County Circuit Court by Judge Joseph Toia.

Booker, the ex-boyfriend of Ashley Elkins, is facing a first-degree murder charge, as well as several other charges, following the disappearance of Elkins, a mother of two and Warren hairstylist, who has been missing since Jan. 2, 2025.

Booker was ordered to the Macomb County Circuit Court following a preliminary exam hearing that lasted several days. During the exam, attorneys heard testimony from multiple witnesses, including family members of Elkins.

Roseville police officers also presented evidence, including a bullet, clump of hair

NEWS & NOTES

Upcoming programs at the Eastpointe Memorial Library

EASTPOINTE — The following programs are scheduled this month at the Eastpointe Memorial Library, located at 15875 Oak Ave.

Representatives from the IRS Volunteer Income Tax Assistance program will be on-site to help people file taxes from 9:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. Feb. 2, 9 and 23. Tax preparation is free and available for individuals and families that bring in less than $67,000 a year. Appointments are required by calling (586) 463-2537.

Simple Video Studio Part 1 will be held at 6 p.m. Feb. 4, and Simple Video Studio Part 2 will be held at 6 p.m. Feb. 11. Simple Video Studio Parts 1 and 2 are instructional sessions about creating videos. Session 1 will teach attendees how to create a successful YouTube Channel, and session 2 will teach attendees how to shoot, edit and upload videos.

For more information, call (586) 445-5096.

Make a splash at open swim

EASTPOINTE/ROSEVILLE — Open swim is available from 6 to 9 p.m. Mondays and Wednesdays at Roseville High School, 17855 Common Road in Roseville. Enter through the south parking lot and door No. 13.

Open swim also is available from 6 to 9 p.m. Tuesdays and Thursdays at Eastpointe High School, 15501 Couzens Ave. in Eastpointe. Enter through the Nine Mile Road parking lot and door No. 27. Children 12 and younger must be accompanied by a parent or guardian. Teenagers ages 13-17 must bring a student ID card or driver’s license. Locker rooms will be made available. The cost is $3 for children and teenagers; $5 for adults; and $4 for senior citizens 55 and older. Cash only. Bills greater than $10 are not accepted.

Young Modelers Club is up and running

EASTPOINTE — The Young Modelers Club will meet from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. every Saturday until April 11 at the Michigan Military Technical and Historical Society, 16600 Stephens Road.

There is no charge to join, and the club is open to children ages 8 to 16. Parents are welcome to join. First-time visitors receive a snap-together kit to build and take home. All supplies, including tools, paint and glue, will be provided for those who bring their own model to build. Members of the International Plastic Modelers’ Society Warren model club will be there to help and teach modeling techniques.

For more information, contact Jim Ashford, (248) 574-3487 (cell) or (248) 399-2386 (home), or at jimandkatie17@att.net.

RARE hosting event to celebrate Black History Month

ROSEVILLE/EASTPOINTE — The Recreation Authority of Roseville and Eastpointe is hosting an event honoring the contributions, culture and achievements of African Americans through handson activities, music and community connections.

The free event will have make-and-take crafts, community poetry and free digital family portraits. Attendees can also add their personal touches to a painted mural that will be on display throughout the month at the Recreation Authority Center.

The event is scheduled to kick off at 6 p.m. Feb. 4 at the Recreation Authority Center, 18185 Sycamore St. in Roseville. Anyone wishing to participate in the community poetry readings can email sfrederick@rare-mi.org to sign up for a time slot.

Eastpointe DDA receives award

EASTPOINTE — The Michigan Downtown Association recently gave its Best Promotional Event Award to the Eastpointe Downtown Development Authority for its summer concert series.

Dana Walker, executive director of the MDA, said the city’s execution of the event illustrates the importance of a downtown management organization to an event’s success and a community’s economic vitality.

“The Eastpointe DDA deserves recognition because of their level of investment in the event — but more importantly, their emphasis on creating a downtown focused on community and small businesses,” Walker said in a prepared statement.

Each year, the MDA recognizes communities for marketing, economic development and placemaking activities.

at the Emerald Theatre, 31 N. Walnut St. Doors will open at 6 p.m. The show will begin at 7 p.m. The show will feature comedians Justin Pedick, Justin Divozzo and Sparkle Network Founder Moe Lietz. Proceeds from the comedy night will benefit several local charities. For tickets, sponsorship opportunities or more information, visit sparkle network.org. The deadline to purchase tickets is Feb. 16.

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The ACDC helped to collect food donations through the Eastpointe Memorial Library. The ACDC works to promote arts and cultural diversity through programs and events.

“It’s to get the community to realize there is so much talent and so much history in Eastpointe,” Moody said.

“We just want to bring art, culture and diversity to the city,” Russell said.

Last fall, for instance, the commission held its annual adult/youth art show and plans to bring it back this fall.

“So many different artists came and collaborated together,” said Russell, vice chair. “It was a joy for us.”

Moody, commission chair, added that the ACDC participates in the annual Eastpointe Memorial Day parade and organized Eastpointe’s second annual Juneteenth Freedom Day Celebration in 2025. The commission also has discussed organizing an international event to celebrate different cultures and highlight food, dance and history.

The ACDC meets at 7 p.m. the second Monday of each month at Eastpointe City Hall, 23200 Gratiot Ave. The public is welcome to attend.

In the meantime, the group invites the public to the Eastpointe Memorial Library Feb. 5 for a presentation on the purpose of headwrapping, a cultural practice that originated in sub-Saharan Africa symbolizing identity, strength and resilience. The event will begin at 6 p.m. The library is located at 15875 Oak Ave. For more information on the Arts and Cultural Diversity Commission, visit its Facebook page.

Live Rite Director of Outreach Jordan McIlroy and Carol Fellinger, also of the outreach program, were on-site for the “Feed the Dream: A Family Food Drive & Craft Day” last Thursday. The nonprofit organization partners with RARE on occasion, including the recent food drive and the annual Battle of the Bands fundraiser.

Live Rite offers several services for individuals recovering from substance and/or alcohol use disorder, gambling addiction, grief, and depression. One of Fellinger’s responsibilities is operating the center’s boutique that is stocked with clothing for adults and babies, and random small household items. Shoppers receive a voucher for six free items every three to four months. Everything after that costs $2 each. Live Rite accepts donations for the boutique from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Mondays through Fridays. It’s recommended to call ahead of time at (586) 217-5899 when making a donation.

One of Live Rite’s newest programs is Juvenile Pre-Arrest Jail Diversion. The program is designed to intervene early by offering education, counseling and support to youth who are at risk of entering the criminal justice system. JPAD offers life skills and coping, job skills, peer mentors, family support and community projects. For more

information, email jpad@liveritecorp.org or call (586) 217-5899.

Live Rite Recovery Resource Center is located at 27700 Gratiot Ave. in Roseville. For more information, visit liveritestructured corp.com.

Call Staff Writer Maria Allard at (586) 498-1045.

Reece-Seger

loved her. She was a generous person; always spoke positively and kindly about everybody.”

Curley also spent a lot of time with Reece-Seger and Seger at Clovers Collision & Mechanical Repair, located on Stephens Road.

“I would go there every Wednesday for a number of years. I brought ice cream. That was kind of our dessert after lunch,” Curley said. “We chatted and talked about everything. She worked hard at the auto repair company.”

Her husband, Mike Seger, said the couple met approximately 30 years ago, and according to Seger “she won me in a pool game.” He nicknamed her “Curly Sue” after a Shirley Temple movie called “Curly Top.” They opened the collision shop in 2003, where she was the vice president and bookkeeper.

They tied the knot about 15 years ago at Eastpointe City Hall with former Mayor Suzanne Pixley officiating. Their wedding ceremony was held on the same day as the Eastpointe Lions Club’s steak and shrimp dinner held at the Lutheran Fraternities of America No. 57 hall located across the street. Seger said the couple attended the dinner and joked, “We had 300 people at our wedding and it didn’t cost us a penny.”

“She was just a kind, loving type of person. She just had a friendly personality,” Seger said. “She did everything here. She was always doing something with paperwork. She liked to help people.”

Outside of the collision shop, ReeceSeger remained active in various Eastpointe organizations. She donated her time to the Eastpointe Lions Club, where she received the Melvin Jones Fellowship, which is the highest honor in Lions Clubs International.

Reece-Seger belonged to the Fraternal Order of Eagles East Detroit No. 2495, was involved in the Eastside Community Chamber, and every year supported the Eastpointe Cops Care Christmas toy drive.

When she wasn’t designing an artificial floral arrangement or baking cakes, the motorcycle enthusiast went full throttle on her teal and silver 1995 Harley Davidson Low Rider.

“She loved to be on it and out in the air,” Seger said.

She enjoyed being an officer in the Great Lakes Southeast Michigan Harley Owner Group. One memory for Seger was the time the pair rode to the Harley Davidson 100-year anniversary in Milwaukee.

“We rode back all the way in the rain,” Seger said.

According to www.dignitymemorial. com, Reece-Seger, in addition to her hus-

band, is survived by her son, James (Hollie) Reece; stepsons Todd M. (Erica) Seger, Bradley A. (Kem) Seger; grandsons Maxxis and Mason; stepgrandchildren Austin, Jax, Quinn, Ashtyn and Jake; and several nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her parents George Jay and Elise Louise (Tistle) Powelson; and brothers George Jay “Stretch” Powelson Jr. and Paul Robert “Butch” Powelson.

James Friedman, senior pastor at First Baptist Church of Eastpointe, officiated Reece-Seger’s funeral Jan. 19 at Kaul Funeral Home in Clinton Township. Friedman, the director of chaplain services for the Eastpointe Police Department, got to know Reece-Seger and her husband through many Eastpointe events. She also attended online Sunday services and Bible studies at the church and knew Friedman’s wife, Lee Friedman.

“Diane basically never met a stranger. She was extremely community minded. She was open heartened when it came to helping people,” Friedman said. “She was a great supporter of the Fire Department and the Police Department. We really appreciated her support. She was committed to many organizations. She worked tirelessly to fulfill the visions of the organizations she was a part of.”

They also had a running joke in which Freidman and others referred to her as “Princess Diane.”

“That’s what she told us to call her,” he said with a laugh. “We were happy to call her that.”

Eastside Community Chamber Executive Director Linda Weishaupt began working with Reece-Seger in 2013 at the chamber, previously known as the Eastpointe-Roseville Chamber of Commerce. Reece-Seger served in many office positions, including secretary and acting president. At one point, Weishaupt said, she “was running the day-to-day operations” when the chamber was without a director.

“Her passion was police and fire. She would do anything for them,” Weishaupt said. “She cared about Eastpointe and was the person who was always in charge of events back in the day. She was very involved until her health started to slow her down.”

Weishaupt said the chamber members purchased a memorial tree in Reece-Seger’s honor. The idea is to plant it in front of the Eastpointe Police Department on Nine Mile Road.

“It’s in the works. That will be a great tribute to her,” Weishaupt said. “She will truly be missed.”

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Leader Dogs for the Blind at give. leaderdog.org or Cops Care For Kids at copscareforkids.org/donate.

Call Staff Writer Maria Allard at (586) 498-1045.

Arraignment

from page 3A

and earring found in the drain of Booker’s apartment’s shower, and blood in a nearby dumpster. A Roseville police detective also described several Google searches Booker made on his iPhone, including searches for a 9 mm silencer in Roseville, shooting a gun through a pillow, whether or not a phone can be tracked when it is off, what happens to trash, and “telling God I want to kill someone.”

During his Jan. 22 arraignment, Booker stood mute and the court entered a not guilty plea on his behalf, according to a press release from the Macomb County Prosecutor’s Office. He is facing one count of first-degree premeditated murder, a felony punishable by life without parole; tampering with evidence and disinterment or mutilation of a dead body, both 10-year felonies; concealing the death of an individual, a five-year felony; and, from a related case, lying to a police officer in a violent crime investigation, a four-year felony.

“With today’s circuit court arraignment, the case is now moving forward to trial,” Macomb County Prosecutor Peter Lucido said in a prepared statement. “We remain committed to pursuing the facts and holding the defendant accountable through

the legal process, as we continue working toward justice for the victim and her family.”

Booker’s attorney, Robbie Lang, could not be reached for comment before press time.

Call Staff Writer Brian Wells at (248) 291-7637.

Eastsider Editor: David Wallace | (586) 498-1053 | dwallace@candgnews.com

Reporters: Maria Allard | (586) 498-1045 | allard@candgnews.com

Brian Wells | (248) 291-7637 | bwells@candgnews.com

Andy Kozlowski | (586) 498-1046 | akozlowski@candgnews.com

Sports: Scott Bentley | (586) 498-1090 | sports@candgnews.com

Classifieds: (586) 498-8100 Legals and Obits: (586) 498-1099

Retail Advertising: Mike Low (586) 498-1079 | mlow@candgnews.com

Karen Bozimowski | (586) 498-1032 kboz@candgnews.com

Automotive Advertising: Jeannine Bender (586) 246-8114 | jbender@candgnews.com

SPOTLIGHT ON LEARNING

Multiple choice:

EDUCATION OPTIONS ABOUND FOR FAMILIES

BY MARY BETH ALMOND malmond@candgnews.com

When it comes to educating your children, there are a multitude of options to consider before choosing the right fit.

The key, experts say, is finding a suitable learning environment for your child — whether it be at a traditional public, charter, private, home, virtual or other school.

Schools of Choice

According to a Bridge Michigan analysis of the state’s latest enrollment data, one in four Michigan K-12 students attend school at a charter or in a Schools of Choice district.

Michigan’s Schools of Choice provisions in Section 105 and 105c of the State School Aid Act allow local school districts to enroll nonresident students and count them in membership without having to obtain approval from the district of residence.

While a few dozen public school districts in the state — including Rochester Community Schools and Grosse Pointe — do not accept most students from other districts, the majority of Michigan’s 532 public school districts welcome choice.

The Troy School District, for example, offers a limited School of Choice program, allowing

SCHOOLS on page 16A

THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 19TH 6:00-7:00PM

• FIVE-DAY-A-WEEK INSTRUCTION

• TRANSPORATION PROVIDED FOR ROSEVILLE RESIDENTS

• THREE LOCATIONS AVAILABLE

• FREE DAILY BREAKFAST & LUNCH

• CHILDREN SHOULD BE POTTY TRAINED HIGHLIGHTS:

CURRICULUM:

• TAUGHT BY A CERTIFIED TEACHER & A CERTIFIED ASSOCIATE TEACHER

• 16 STUDENTS IN A CLASS

• LISTENING AND TELLING STORIES

• RECOGNIZING AND WRITING NUMBERS

• PHYSICAL MOVEMENT

• SINGING SONGS AND MAKING MUSIC

• COOPERATIVE PLAY

• SORTING, COUNTING AND MATCHING

• LEARNING LETTERS AND SOUNDS

• PROBLEM SOLVING

• PERSONAL CARE AND HEALTHY BEHAVIORS

• BUILDING RELATIONSHIPS

• SCIENCE & SOCIAL STUDIES

(586) 445-5688

Let Your Child’s Learning Begin with Us

Families across St. Claire Shores and Macomb County will soon have a new opportunity to give their youngest children the strongest start possible. Lake Shore Public Schools is preparing to open its new Early Childhood Center, a warm, student-centered space designed to support infants through preschool age learners. The program is open to Lake Shore residents as well as all families from surrounding communities, and enrollment is oficially underway.

The Lake Shore Early Childhood Center will welcome children ages two months to four years old and provide year-round care and learning. Families can choose from infant, toddler, or preschool options, each grounded in age-appropriate experiences that encourage curiosity, independence, and early skill development. The center emphasizes play as the foundation of learning, helping students build confidence, communication, and readiness for kindergarten and beyond.

Conveniently located on Harper Avenue between 11 and 12 Mile, the new center ofers quick access to the I-94 corridor and sits within minutes of nearby communities — a

benefit for busy parents and caregivers. The modern facility features 18 classrooms, flexible indoor spaces, and outdoor areas designed for exploration, movement, and imaginative play.

Lisa Bonett, Director of the Early Childhood Education for Lake Shore Public Schools and Child Care Coordinator Kelly Biondo to lead the opening of an 18-classroom, state-ofthe-art facility later this year. Bonett praised the Lake Shore Early Childhood Center team, saying, “Every day, they bring laughter, energy, and expertise to provide high-quality childcare and exceptional early childhood programs,” and shared her excitement to support creative, play-based learning while partnering with families and the community to prepare Lake Shore’s youngest learners for success.

The Lake Shore Early Childhood Center participates in PreK for All and accepts DHS and other subsidies, ensuring early childhood programs remain accessible and afordable for families.

To learn more or register, contact  Mrs. Lisa Bonett, at 586-285-8570 or visit https://lakeshoreecc.lakeshoreschools.org/

Subsidies

pay $500 per year to the Anton Art Center for expenses associated with exhibiting the artwork. RARE also provided a picture-hanging system for the pieces.

“That allows us a lot of flexibility with different sizes. The height can be adjusted without drilling into the walls,” he said. “If we were going to do this, I want to make sure we are properly doing it.”

Launching the new program is local artist Jessie Krause Edwards. Several paintings of hers are currently hanging inside the RARE building, including “Pink Spring” and “Pink Relief.”

According to her biography, Jessie Krause Edwards had an interest in art from a young age and attended art classes locally. When she lived and worked in Mount Clemens, she was regularly commissioned to paint portraits and landscapes, continued taking art classes, sold much of her work and received many awards.

The artwork will be changed on a quarterly basis to feature local artists from January through March; April through June; July through September; and October through December.

“We see it as part of our missions to reach the community and bring art to as many people as we can,” Anton Art Center Exhibition Manager Stephanie Hazzard said. “We participate with RARE’s help by bringing arts and culture to their space.”

Along with others appreciating the art, organizers hope that it will inspire residents to visit the Anton Art Center in person. The goal is to bring “The Traveling Art Collection” to other communities as well.

“Tony and his team also implemented hardware so we can make this artwork possible. We were pleased with their enthusiasm,” Hazzard said. “Tony was a great help in getting everything.”

The Anton Art Center, located at 125 Macomb Place in Mount Clemens, is a nonprofit organization that offers exhibits, classes and events. Matt Matthews is the director. For more information, including gallery hours, call (586) 469-8666 or visit theartcenter.org.

The RARE building is located at 18185 Sycamore St. in Roseville. For more information, visit rare-mi.org or call (586) 445-5480.

Call Staff Writer Maria Allard at (586) 498-1045.

Schools

students from specific areas to enroll, with priority for siblings of current Schools of Choice students.

“Troy is really known for its strong academics, enrichment, athletics, and performing arts and has always been in the top three in the state for many things. Because of that reputation, that helps Troy immensely,” said Kendra Montante, director of communications and strategic initiatives for the Troy School District. “We also have a very diverse community, which is amazing, so that is a draw as well.”

Schools of Choice, Montante explained, helps maintain district enrollment while providing educational opportunities, with specific seat numbers announced annually.

“Over the years, School of Choice programs have changed based on things like enrollment needs, so for the last eight or nine years, we have not done a significant amount of Schools of Choice. We have done a little bit of it because our goal was to right size the district a little bit and determine where we were at with our student population and our schools. That’s not uncommon. Many districts do that.”

More recently, as many districts across the state face declining student enrollment, Montante said the Troy School District polled families and received feedback supporting further opening up its Schools of Choice program rather than potentially closing schools with lower student enrollment.

“For the 2026-27 school year, we opened it up a little bit more for grades kindergarten, first grade, sixth, seventh and eighth grade,” Montante said.

The Montessori method

A popular educational approach that differs from traditional public and private schools’ teacher-led, age-segregated, curriculum-focused option is the Montessori method.

Tanya Dallo, who owns Country Hills Montessori in Farmington Hills, said the Montessori method — established by Dr. Maria Montessori in the 1890s — is based on the philosophy that students learn best by self-directed activities and observing the world around them.

Country Hills Montessori, which serves children ages 14 months to 9 years in mixedage classes, offers a more individual approach to education, Dallo says, with different selfdirected experiences for every child.

“A Montessori education is designed to develop the full child, so it’s not just the

academics, we focus on their social and emotional growth, too, to set them up to be lifelong learners,” she said.

To foster independence, children can choose the subjects they want to study, depending on their interests — things like art, music, foreign language, gardening, science, math, geography, and reading skills — and they are encouraged to reason, cooperate, negotiate and understand along the way.

Dallo, who has been providing Montessori education for 32 years, says the method works.

“I’ve seen kids graduate, go through med school to become doctors, we have lawyers, we have a student who is a sheriff,” she said. “It’s so rewarding and it’s wonderful to see.”

GATE programs an option for some

The Avondale School District launched its GATE, or Gifted And Talented Education program during the 2017-2018 school year, enrolling approximately 31 students in two multiage third and fourth grade classrooms at Woodland Elementary School.

At that time, Superintendent James Schwarz said the idea was that it would be a self-contained magnet program to service truly gifted students, being that there was not one in this area — a public school that services students to that end, in a program specific for that ability.

In 2019, the program more than doubled — with 74 students enrolled in four multiage classrooms: two second-and thirdgrade split classes, and two fourth-and fifthgrade split classes.

To meet the increasing demand for enrollment, the GATE program moved into a dedicated building, the Avondale Meadows Learning Center in Rochester Hills, with students in second through eighth grades eligible to be part of the program. Today, the school has grown to serve over 400 students.

Upon reaching eighth grade, Schwarz said GATE students then go to high school, where they can differentiate into a wide variety of honors choices, Advanced Placement, dual enrollment and early college. GATE students can complete their high school requirements in half the time, which allows them to take AP or dual enrollment courses.

The GATE program is open to students in second through eighth grades within the Avondale School District and those outside the district through Schools of Choice, as space allows. Applications for students within the district are typically due in the fall, and Schools of Choice applications are typically due in February.

Call Staff Writer Mary Beth Almond at (586) 498-1060.

CRIME WATCH

Hit-and-run hospitalizes woman

EASTPOINTE — Police in Eastpointe are investigating a hit-and-run that resulted in a pedestrian being taken to the hospital.

The incident occurred the night of Tuesday, Jan. 13, near the intersection of Eight Mile Road and Gratiot Avenue in Eastpointe.

According to Eastpointe Police Lt. Alexander Holish, the victim — an 18-year-old woman from Detroit — was struck by a vehicle described as a white pickup truck at around 9:15 p.m.

“I cannot confirm the victim’s injuries at this time,” Holish said. “We are still waiting on medical records from the hospital.”

He said he is also uncertain whether anyone assisted the victim prior to the arrival of police.

“There was a witness who did not wait to speak with police,” Holish said. “We are narrowing our search down for the suspect, and I hope we will be able to obtain the warrant soon. However, much more work needs to be done on this.”

The lieutenant wanted to remind the public to take responsibility in the event of an accident.

“Everyone who is involved in an accident is supposed to stop, make contact with the other party and call police,” Holish said.

If you know more about this incident, call Eastpointe police at (586) 445-5100. — Andy Kozlowski

CITY OF ROSEVILLE ZONING BOARD OF APPEALS

Notice is hereby given that the City of Roseville Zoning Board of Appeals will hold a Public Hearing on Tuesday, February, 2026 at 6:30 PM, or thereafter, at the City of Roseville, Council Chambers, 29777 Gratiot, Roseville MI 48066. The Public Hearing will consider:

Variance #0326- PP# 08-14-08-401-006 & 007 vacant Common RdPermission to combine two lots to create a buildable lot with less than 55 ft frontage and less than a total of 5500 sq ft.

Variance #0426 – PP# 08-14-04-127-001 through 08-14-04-127-032 –Mandrin

Place Condominiums- Permission to modify property boundaries resulting in one-family cluster development exceeding maximum allowable density (6units per acre allowable, 6.56 units per acre proposed).

Variance applications can be reviewed and written comments received prior to the meeting at the City of Roseville, Building Department, 29777 Gratiot Roseville MI 48066, Attention: James Osterhout. The public may appear at the Public Hearing in person or by Counsel.

Respectfully submitted, Jennifer Zelmanski

Roseville City Clerk

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Published: January 28, 2026

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