Veterans Park at Piquette Square takes shape News and Views

in this issue >>>
Special Thanks to our Donors - October 2012—February 2013
Donations $500 and over :
Aerostar Manufacturing
American Legion Auxiliary 17th District
Association
American Legion Post 173
American Legion Post 232
American Legion Post 372
Belfor USA Group
Bethel Baptist Church
Chase Bank
Cynthia Dietz
Foundation for American Veterans
Hill Gazette Post 143 American Legion
J. Ferrantino Charitable Foundation
Jackets for Jobs
Klein Family Foundation
Fifth Third Bank
Foley & Lardner, LLP
Susanne McMillan
Milton M. Ratner Foundation
Mariam Noland
Masco Corporation Foundation
North Macomb County Chapter of
Thrivent Financial
Quicken Loans
Sergeant Blankertz VFW Post 134
UAW Region 1-A CAP
Penny Bailer and John Van Camp
Donations under $500:
American Honor Guard
American Legion Post 86
American Legion Post 217
American Legion Post 354
American Legion Auxiliary Department
of Michigan
American Legion Riders
AmVets Post 57 Ladies Auxiliary
Andrew and Stacey Allen
Mike and Chery Allen
Peter Bielskis
Dr. Mark Bouchillon
Carol Breitmeier
Brico Welding & Fab, Inc.
Joanne Bryngelson
Mr. and Mrs. Phil Campbell
Michelle Casey
Tim and Mary Caughlin
Frank and Kathryn Cernak
City of Marysville Housing Commission
Carole Cox
James Dadswell
DHL Global Forwarding
Disabled American Veterans # 102
Disabled American Veterans # 114
Disabled American Veterans # 127
D.A.V. Ritual Team
Gregory and Kimberly Dunn
General Dynamic
Frank Flores
Theresa Fraley
Gary Gebis
Jean Gresnick
Joseph and Charmaine Guerriero
Claude and Ramona Guy
Josh and Stephanie Hachey
Douglas Halladay
Mariann Hamann
Bruce Hartung
Immanuel Lutheran School
Joe Ihle
Patricia and Geoffrey Jamieson
Dean Janceski
Angelena Jolly
K of C Pope John Paul II Assembly
Janis Kenny
Janice Stayner-Kibbe and
William Kibbe
Darren Kinkead
Laura Sacks Kohn
Corey Leon
Beverly List
Susan Lohmann
Alice MacDermott
Richelle Mahoney
Marine Corps Auxiliary-Macomb
Holiday activities at Piquette
Charles and Ida Marquis
Ron Mexicott
Kathy Milbrand
Jozef Milicaj
Military Officers Association of America
Leah Marie-Enright Miller
Charlene Mitchell
Roy Murray
Rebecca Navin
James Nazarko
Jason Nazarko
Ernest A. Nolan
Ernest I. and Flo Nolan
Bonnie Nowakowski
Rick Nowakowski
Alice Mason and Robert O'Brien
Charlene and Thomas O'Neill
Jackie Parker
David and Melanie Pauch
Linda Porter
Pickford American Legion Post #323
Steven Olinek and Rebecca Powers
Our Lady Queen of Angels
Lowell Prag
Margaret Prizeo
Sandra and Robert Prout
Nirmala and Jaswant Purohit
Patricia Pyden
Delbert and Mary Reese
Joseph Ritok
Semyon Rozenberg
Renee Schnerer
Dale Scott
Sabra Shekter
Trudy Shiemke
Soldiers' Angels
Dante and Olga Stella
Nancy and Chester Szczotka
Pam Tajak
Michelle and Bernie Tanzey
Shirley Thompson
VFW Old Settlers Post 4659
VFW Post 7310
VFW Post 9973
Wayne-Oakland Chapter Brain Injury
Association of Michigan
Bob WIlliamson
George and Darlene Wojdacki
Linda and Roy Yaple
Karen Maher and Robert Ziolkowski
We continue to receive donations in many
forms that are too numerous to list. We
thank all the organizations and individuals
who have donated goods and services;
because of you and the support of our
community, Piquette Square continues to
help our area veterans.
American Legion Garden City Post hosts Christmas Dinner
Piquette veterans spent Christmas Day like many other families, gathered
around the TV, chatting, and anticipating a delicious Christmas dinner. For
the second year in a row, the American Legion Garden City Post 396 delivered
a dinner that was nothing short of a wonderful feast. Turkey, dressing, gravy,
mashed potatoes, sweet potatoes and more decked the plates of the grateful
veterans. Dave Spiteri, Sargent-at-Arms at the Post, and his family helped
serve dinner. “We are a regular for Christmas at Piquette,” Dave said. “Put us
on the calendar for next year as well!”
Fraser VFW Post 6691 brings Christmas to Piquette Square
Months before Christmas, Debbie Scheetz, Auxiliary President for VFW
Post 6691, began planning a holiday celebration for Piquette veterans. On
September 29, Post 6691 held an event to promote the Piquette Square
Wish List. Attendees enjoyed food and snacks, and donated items on the list.
Debbie gathered more than150 gifts. The, on December 9, the Post hosted
a dinner at Piquette and distributed the presents to every veteran
residing there.
Women’s Christmas Party
The women veterans living at Piquette got some special pampering during
the holiday season. They went to the home of a Piquette staff member and
savored homemade soup, salad, and sandwiches. Each veteran received a
beautiful purse filled with fragrant body wash, nail polish, scarves, gloves, and
more. The gifts were provided by Fifth Third Bank and Allison Vaughn’s
Jackets for Jobs.
MOMMS bring holiday cookies
The holidays would not be complete without the delightful smell and taste
of homemade cookies. The Moms of Michigan Military and Supporters
(MOMMS) made sure that this essential ingredient of Christmas cheer would
not be missing at Piquette. They brought 50 dozen homemade cookies for
the veterans to enjoy. Kathy Milbrand, with MOMMS, assured the veterans:
“As long as PLAV Post 10 hosts Thanksgiving Dinner there is Piquette Square,
there will be cookies here at Christmas!”
PLAV Post 10 hosts Thanksgiving Dinner
The veterans at Piquette Square have much to be thankful for and
especially for the PLAV Post 10 who for the second year in a row provided a
traditional Thanksgiving dinner with all the trimmings. The dinner took place
on Sunday, November 18th where the Lions played, and the smells from the
kitchen brought back many fond memories. Marty Kmiecik, Commander,
said the PLAV Post 10 is honored to celebrate Thanksgiving with the Piquette
vets and we will be back!
Upcoming Activities
Every Friday is “Friday Night at the Movies” in the Masco
Community Room
March 20 Crain’s Business Luncheon
April 19 Cleanup Day at Piquette Square. Lunch is provided
by Kiwanis of Woodhaven
May 10
Gala at the MGM Grand for Piquette Square. GM is
the presenting sponsor.
May 16
American Legion Dearborn Heights Stitt Post 232
BBQ chicken luncheon
June 1
NeighborWorks Beautification Day. Contact Chery
Allen for more information
How to contact us
If you are interested in hosting an event at Piquette Square or making a
donation, please contact Chery Allen, Veterans and Volunteer Resource
Facilitator at (313) 297.1377 or by cell (313) 515-8372.
4
Veterans Park at Piquette Square takes shape
Task Force raises essential funds for Piquette
support services
Piquette Square fundraising Gala!
Two Piquette veterans graduate from
Vets to Ag program
Piquette hosts leading job developer training
Holiday activities at Piquette
Thanks to Volunteers and Donors
Upcoming events
A Quarterly Newsletter from Piquette Square for Veterans, 6221 Brush St., Detroit, MI 48202
Volume 6 April 2013
Piquette Square
News
and
Views
Veterans Park at Piquette Square takes shape
Community project gains support and momentum
Although Piquette Square has many
amenities within the state-of-the-art
building, there is limited outdoor space for
recreation and leisure.
Residents had wanted to use the North
Lot of the property to play baseball and other
games, and had even offered to clear the
area of brush and rocks. Unfortunately, the
soil is still contaminated from when the
Studebaker plant occupied the area, and the
cleanup could not proceed.
However, the veterans’ desire to improve
the lot inspired a group of business and
philanthropic leaders to step in and plan a
transformation of the space that is well
beyond the veterans’ initial dreams. In the
fall 2012, these leaders formed the Veterans
Park Committee. It is comprised of
volunteers from Masco Corporation,
JPMorgan Chase, Comerica, General Motors
and Rock Financial/Quicken Loans.
Architectural plan for the Veterans Park
The Veterans Park at Piquette Square will
be a community-supported memorial with
space for recreation, social gatherings, and
community events. It will include vegetable
gardens and green space, monuments, flag
court, art walls, horseshoe pits, basketball,
walking paths, BBQ pits, and more. The park
will be conducive to the veterans’ health and
To date, the Committee has raised
their sense of being at home. It will be a
$70,000 for the park. In addition, Wayne
County has committed $75,000 to remediate place for families, friends and community
the environmental contamination. The total members to gather for celebration and
commemoration. The monuments at the
cost of the park project is about $250,000;
park will honor veterans in general and
so, funds are still being raised.
former Piquette residents who have
passed away.
Greening of Detroit will partner with
Southwest Solutions to provide technical
expertise and support for the gardens and
greenery.
“Undoubtedly, the Veterans Park will be
an important addition to Piquette Square.”
said Reginald Best, Vice President of Fund
Development at Southwest Solutions. “We
are grateful to all those who have lead the
effort and contributed to the planning and
funding of the park.”
Two Piquette veterans graduate from job training program
Task Force raises essential funds for
Piquette support services
Piquette Square is recognized as an
exemplary model of housing and care for
formerly homeless veterans. This model
depends on the quality support services
provided or facilitated by Piquette staff to
help veterans rebuild their lives.
Continued funding for Piquette support
staff relies on private philanthropy and the
generosity of organizations, businesses and
individuals that commit resources to the
cause of ending veteran homelessness.
To address this need, the Veterans Task
Force at Piquette Square was formed in
February 2012. Over the past year, the Task
Force has raised $200,000 to support the
veterans living at Piquette. In addition, the
Task Force plans the Patriot Day event at
Piquette and ways to recognize donors.
The members of the Task Force are:
 Richard I. Chatman, American Legion,
Past State Commander
 Jan Hirth, Ladies Auxiliary Amvets,
Past President
 Marilyn Malick, Fraser VFW Ladies
Auxiliary Post 6691, Past President
Lewis Blackmon, a former Piquette Square tenant, decided to
participate in the Vets to Ag program for one primary reason.
 Ron Mexicott, Berkley VFW Post 9222,
District #5, Homeless Veterans
Coordinator
 Alan D. Opra, UAW Region 1 Veterans
Council, Chairman
 Paul Palazzolo, Vietnam Veterans
Chapter 9
 JoAnne Rosseel, Fraser VFW Ladies
Auxiliary Post 6691, Junior Vice President
 Mike Sand, Vietnam Veterans of America
Chapter 9, President
 Patty Scully, Ladies Auxiliary Amvets
Post 57, Past President
 Deborah Scheetz, Fraser VFW Ladies
Auxiliary Post 6691, President
 Craig R. Tillman, Homeless Veterans Task Piquette veteran Marcus Cobb has benefited
Force, American Legion Department of
from the support services
Michigan, Coordinator
The comprehensive support services
“Funds generated by the Task Force have
include everything from assisting with VA
made a real and significant difference for
benefits to helping veterans prepare for, find
Piquette veterans, and we are deeply
and keep work. Because of these services,
appreciative for all the Task Force has done
92% of Piquette veterans say they are
and continues to do to support Piquette,” said “significantly better off” since they moved in.
Bob O’Brien, Senior Vice President for
Also, the number of Piquette tenants who
Development & Public Affairs at
had no income has been reduced by more
Southwest Solutions.
than one-third.
Piquette Square fundraising Gala!
General Motors is the
presenting sponsor for an
elegant benefit for Piquette
Square for Veterans
Spirit. The book details his remarkable life and perseverance. In
2003, J.R. sustained life-threatening injuries when his Army vehicle
struck an explosive device in Iraq.
J.R. is a renowned inspirational speaker and the Gala is a
wonderful opportunity to see him in person, gather with others
committed to helping veterans, enjoy the MGM Grand, and
support Piquette Square.
The Gala will take place:
Friday, May 10, 2013
MGM Grand Detroit
Reception at 6PM
Dinner at 7PM
J.R. Martinez’s best-selling book
Individual tickets are $100. Sponsorship packages are available.
To learn more about the event, please contact Jeannette Holland
at 810-606-2280 or [email protected]. Jeannette is one
of the members of GM’s Customer Care and Aftersales’ Veterans
Affinity Group, which is organizing the Gala.
The keynote speaker is J.R.
Martinez, who is an Iraq War
veteran, actor, author, and
Dancing With The Stars 2011
champion. Last fall, J.R.
published his autobiography
called Full of Heart: My Story
of Survival, Strength and
“The GM Group is a dedicated supporter of Piquette in so many
ways, and we are thankful for the tremendous effort that GM is
making to put together this Gala,” said Chery Allen, Veterans
Resource Facilitator at Southwest Solutions.
2
“I knew that if I completed the program, I was assured of a job
where I could support myself,” Lewis, 44, said. “When I first
came to Piquette two years ago, I was struggling to get myself
together, but I feel that I’m ready now to be independent.”
On March 1, Lewis joined 10 other veterans at the graduation
ceremony from the six-week job-training program on meat
processing and cutting. Many of the veterans were once
homeless, like Lewis.
Lewis served three years in the Army and was a combat
medic in Desert Storm. After his service, he experienced a
number of life challenges, and spent almost a year in a shelter
for homeless veterans in Detroit before coming to Piquette.
Oliver Hargrove (left) and Lewis Blackmon (center) in Vets to Ag training
“Piquette stabilized my life and became my stepping stone to
go forward,” said Lewis.
Because of the intensive and hands-on training that Vets to Ag
provided, Lewis has already been offered a job with JBS, a meat
processing company with eight plants in the United States, including
one in Plainwell, Michigan.
the Michigan Workforce Development Agency, and others. Its
purpose is to train homeless veterans to work in a variety of
agricultural areas.
“Every one of these vets will have more than one job offer in
Oliver Hargrove also graduated with Lewis from the program and is Michigan,” said Tom Smith, Associate Director of Institute of
a Piquette resident. He arrived at Piquette in November last year, and Agricultural Technology at MSU. “We literally cannot fill the need for
workers in this industry in the state.”
now is in a position to get a good-paying, full-time job.
The recent cohort that included Lewis and Oliver was the third for
“Vets to Ag is a great opportunity and I would recommend it to any
Vets to Ag. During the program, participants are housed near the
veteran who is overcoming hard times,” Oliver said.
training facilities. In addition to instruction about meat processing, the
Vets to Ag is an innovative program that started in 2009 through a cohort learned about resume writing, interviewing, leadership, and
partnership with Michigan State University (MSU) College of
other skills.
Agriculture and Natural Resources, the Veterans Services Division of
Piquette hosts leading job developer training
About three dozen professionals involved in Theresa Paruszkiewicz, intake specialist with
the job development field attended an
Homeless Veterans’ Reintegration Program
important training held at Piquette Square
(HVRP).
during the first three months of this year.
“Because a major thrust of the BSP training
The training teaches and certifies each
is about fostering effective collaboration
participant to become a Business Solutions
across the sectors of workforce development,
Professional (BSP). The BSP program consists human services, economic development, and
of six intensive sessions designed to help job
education; it is especially appropriate that the
developers create and retain more jobs, and
training took place at Piquette,” Libby said.
strengthen the collaboration between job
“Piquette has become a model of this kind of
developers and employers.
collaboration.”
Two employees from Southwest Solutions
attended the BSP training at Piquette and
received certifications: Libby Palackdharry,
manager of Center for Working Families; and
“The training allowed me to view potential
employers from a demand-driven and
business-focused perspective,” said Theresa.
“By seeing the business as my client and
3
helping to address their needs, I will be better
able to assist all of my HVRP clients.”
The BSP course was conducted by Jim
Lautenschleger, State and Regional
Partnership Manager of Michigan’s Workforce
Development Agency; and Mike Polzin,
Associate Professor in the School of Human
Resources and Labor Relations at Michigan
State University.
“In the BSP training, professionals add to
their extensive ‘toolbox’ by understanding
what resources they have and the resources
their partners can provide to design solutions
for employers struggling in a global economy,”
Jim said.
Two Piquette veterans graduate from job training program
Task Force raises essential funds for
Piquette support services
Piquette Square is recognized as an
exemplary model of housing and care for
formerly homeless veterans. This model
depends on the quality support services
provided or facilitated by Piquette staff to
help veterans rebuild their lives.
Continued funding for Piquette support
staff relies on private philanthropy and the
generosity of organizations, businesses and
individuals that commit resources to the
cause of ending veteran homelessness.
To address this need, the Veterans Task
Force at Piquette Square was formed in
February 2012. Over the past year, the Task
Force has raised $200,000 to support the
veterans living at Piquette. In addition, the
Task Force plans the Patriot Day event at
Piquette and ways to recognize donors.
The members of the Task Force are:
 Richard I. Chatman, American Legion,
Past State Commander
 Jan Hirth, Ladies Auxiliary Amvets,
Past President
 Marilyn Malick, Fraser VFW Ladies
Auxiliary Post 6691, Past President
Lewis Blackmon, a former Piquette Square tenant, decided to
participate in the Vets to Ag program for one primary reason.
 Ron Mexicott, Berkley VFW Post 9222,
District #5, Homeless Veterans
Coordinator
 Alan D. Opra, UAW Region 1 Veterans
Council, Chairman
 Paul Palazzolo, Vietnam Veterans
Chapter 9
 JoAnne Rosseel, Fraser VFW Ladies
Auxiliary Post 6691, Junior Vice President
 Mike Sand, Vietnam Veterans of America
Chapter 9, President
 Patty Scully, Ladies Auxiliary Amvets
Post 57, Past President
 Deborah Scheetz, Fraser VFW Ladies
Auxiliary Post 6691, President
 Craig R. Tillman, Homeless Veterans Task Piquette veteran Marcus Cobb has benefited
Force, American Legion Department of
from the support services
Michigan, Coordinator
The comprehensive support services
“Funds generated by the Task Force have
include everything from assisting with VA
made a real and significant difference for
benefits to helping veterans prepare for, find
Piquette veterans, and we are deeply
and keep work. Because of these services,
appreciative for all the Task Force has done
92% of Piquette veterans say they are
and continues to do to support Piquette,” said “significantly better off” since they moved in.
Bob O’Brien, Senior Vice President for
Also, the number of Piquette tenants who
Development & Public Affairs at
had no income has been reduced by more
Southwest Solutions.
than one-third.
Piquette Square fundraising Gala!
General Motors is the
presenting sponsor for an
elegant benefit for Piquette
Square for Veterans
Spirit. The book details his remarkable life and perseverance. In
2003, J.R. sustained life-threatening injuries when his Army vehicle
struck an explosive device in Iraq.
J.R. is a renowned inspirational speaker and the Gala is a
wonderful opportunity to see him in person, gather with others
committed to helping veterans, enjoy the MGM Grand, and
support Piquette Square.
The Gala will take place:
Friday, May 10, 2013
MGM Grand Detroit
Reception at 6PM
Dinner at 7PM
J.R. Martinez’s best-selling book
Individual tickets are $100. Sponsorship packages are available.
To learn more about the event, please contact Jeannette Holland
at 810-606-2280 or [email protected]. Jeannette is one
of the members of GM’s Customer Care and Aftersales’ Veterans
Affinity Group, which is organizing the Gala.
The keynote speaker is J.R.
Martinez, who is an Iraq War
veteran, actor, author, and
Dancing With The Stars 2011
champion. Last fall, J.R.
published his autobiography
called Full of Heart: My Story
of Survival, Strength and
“The GM Group is a dedicated supporter of Piquette in so many
ways, and we are thankful for the tremendous effort that GM is
making to put together this Gala,” said Chery Allen, Veterans
Resource Facilitator at Southwest Solutions.
2
“I knew that if I completed the program, I was assured of a job
where I could support myself,” Lewis, 44, said. “When I first
came to Piquette two years ago, I was struggling to get myself
together, but I feel that I’m ready now to be independent.”
On March 1, Lewis joined 10 other veterans at the graduation
ceremony from the six-week job-training program on meat
processing and cutting. Many of the veterans were once
homeless, like Lewis.
Lewis served three years in the Army and was a combat
medic in Desert Storm. After his service, he experienced a
number of life challenges, and spent almost a year in a shelter
for homeless veterans in Detroit before coming to Piquette.
Oliver Hargrove (left) and Lewis Blackmon (center) in Vets to Ag training
“Piquette stabilized my life and became my stepping stone to
go forward,” said Lewis.
Because of the intensive and hands-on training that Vets to Ag
provided, Lewis has already been offered a job with JBS, a meat
processing company with eight plants in the United States, including
one in Plainwell, Michigan.
the Michigan Workforce Development Agency, and others. Its
purpose is to train homeless veterans to work in a variety of
agricultural areas.
“Every one of these vets will have more than one job offer in
Oliver Hargrove also graduated with Lewis from the program and is Michigan,” said Tom Smith, Associate Director of Institute of
a Piquette resident. He arrived at Piquette in November last year, and Agricultural Technology at MSU. “We literally cannot fill the need for
workers in this industry in the state.”
now is in a position to get a good-paying, full-time job.
The recent cohort that included Lewis and Oliver was the third for
“Vets to Ag is a great opportunity and I would recommend it to any
Vets to Ag. During the program, participants are housed near the
veteran who is overcoming hard times,” Oliver said.
training facilities. In addition to instruction about meat processing, the
Vets to Ag is an innovative program that started in 2009 through a cohort learned about resume writing, interviewing, leadership, and
partnership with Michigan State University (MSU) College of
other skills.
Agriculture and Natural Resources, the Veterans Services Division of
Piquette hosts leading job developer training
About three dozen professionals involved in Theresa Paruszkiewicz, intake specialist with
the job development field attended an
Homeless Veterans’ Reintegration Program
important training held at Piquette Square
(HVRP).
during the first three months of this year.
“Because a major thrust of the BSP training
The training teaches and certifies each
is about fostering effective collaboration
participant to become a Business Solutions
across the sectors of workforce development,
Professional (BSP). The BSP program consists human services, economic development, and
of six intensive sessions designed to help job
education; it is especially appropriate that the
developers create and retain more jobs, and
training took place at Piquette,” Libby said.
strengthen the collaboration between job
“Piquette has become a model of this kind of
developers and employers.
collaboration.”
Two employees from Southwest Solutions
attended the BSP training at Piquette and
received certifications: Libby Palackdharry,
manager of Center for Working Families; and
“The training allowed me to view potential
employers from a demand-driven and
business-focused perspective,” said Theresa.
“By seeing the business as my client and
3
helping to address their needs, I will be better
able to assist all of my HVRP clients.”
The BSP course was conducted by Jim
Lautenschleger, State and Regional
Partnership Manager of Michigan’s Workforce
Development Agency; and Mike Polzin,
Associate Professor in the School of Human
Resources and Labor Relations at Michigan
State University.
“In the BSP training, professionals add to
their extensive ‘toolbox’ by understanding
what resources they have and the resources
their partners can provide to design solutions
for employers struggling in a global economy,”
Jim said.
in this issue >>>
Special Thanks to our Donors - October 2012—February 2013
Donations $500 and over :
Aerostar Manufacturing
American Legion Auxiliary 17th District
Association
American Legion Post 173
American Legion Post 232
American Legion Post 372
Belfor USA Group
Bethel Baptist Church
Chase Bank
Cynthia Dietz
Foundation for American Veterans
Hill Gazette Post 143 American Legion
J. Ferrantino Charitable Foundation
Jackets for Jobs
Klein Family Foundation
Fifth Third Bank
Foley & Lardner, LLP
Susanne McMillan
Milton M. Ratner Foundation
Mariam Noland
Masco Corporation Foundation
North Macomb County Chapter of
Thrivent Financial
Quicken Loans
Sergeant Blankertz VFW Post 134
UAW Region 1-A CAP
Penny Bailer and John Van Camp
Donations under $500:
American Honor Guard
American Legion Post 86
American Legion Post 217
American Legion Post 354
American Legion Auxiliary Department
of Michigan
American Legion Riders
AmVets Post 57 Ladies Auxiliary
Andrew and Stacey Allen
Mike and Chery Allen
Peter Bielskis
Dr. Mark Bouchillon
Carol Breitmeier
Brico Welding & Fab, Inc.
Joanne Bryngelson
Mr. and Mrs. Phil Campbell
Michelle Casey
Tim and Mary Caughlin
Frank and Kathryn Cernak
City of Marysville Housing Commission
Carole Cox
James Dadswell
DHL Global Forwarding
Disabled American Veterans # 102
Disabled American Veterans # 114
Disabled American Veterans # 127
D.A.V. Ritual Team
Gregory and Kimberly Dunn
General Dynamic
Frank Flores
Theresa Fraley
Gary Gebis
Jean Gresnick
Joseph and Charmaine Guerriero
Claude and Ramona Guy
Josh and Stephanie Hachey
Douglas Halladay
Mariann Hamann
Bruce Hartung
Immanuel Lutheran School
Joe Ihle
Patricia and Geoffrey Jamieson
Dean Janceski
Angelena Jolly
K of C Pope John Paul II Assembly
Janis Kenny
Janice Stayner-Kibbe and
William Kibbe
Darren Kinkead
Laura Sacks Kohn
Corey Leon
Beverly List
Susan Lohmann
Alice MacDermott
Richelle Mahoney
Marine Corps Auxiliary-Macomb
Holiday activities at Piquette
Charles and Ida Marquis
Ron Mexicott
Kathy Milbrand
Jozef Milicaj
Military Officers Association of America
Leah Marie-Enright Miller
Charlene Mitchell
Roy Murray
Rebecca Navin
James Nazarko
Jason Nazarko
Ernest A. Nolan
Ernest I. and Flo Nolan
Bonnie Nowakowski
Rick Nowakowski
Alice Mason and Robert O'Brien
Charlene and Thomas O'Neill
Jackie Parker
David and Melanie Pauch
Linda Porter
Pickford American Legion Post #323
Steven Olinek and Rebecca Powers
Our Lady Queen of Angels
Lowell Prag
Margaret Prizeo
Sandra and Robert Prout
Nirmala and Jaswant Purohit
Patricia Pyden
Delbert and Mary Reese
Joseph Ritok
Semyon Rozenberg
Renee Schnerer
Dale Scott
Sabra Shekter
Trudy Shiemke
Soldiers' Angels
Dante and Olga Stella
Nancy and Chester Szczotka
Pam Tajak
Michelle and Bernie Tanzey
Shirley Thompson
VFW Old Settlers Post 4659
VFW Post 7310
VFW Post 9973
Wayne-Oakland Chapter Brain Injury
Association of Michigan
Bob WIlliamson
George and Darlene Wojdacki
Linda and Roy Yaple
Karen Maher and Robert Ziolkowski
We continue to receive donations in many
forms that are too numerous to list. We
thank all the organizations and individuals
who have donated goods and services;
because of you and the support of our
community, Piquette Square continues to
help our area veterans.
American Legion Garden City Post hosts Christmas Dinner
Piquette veterans spent Christmas Day like many other families, gathered
around the TV, chatting, and anticipating a delicious Christmas dinner. For
the second year in a row, the American Legion Garden City Post 396 delivered
a dinner that was nothing short of a wonderful feast. Turkey, dressing, gravy,
mashed potatoes, sweet potatoes and more decked the plates of the grateful
veterans. Dave Spiteri, Sargent-at-Arms at the Post, and his family helped
serve dinner. “We are a regular for Christmas at Piquette,” Dave said. “Put us
on the calendar for next year as well!”
Fraser VFW Post 6691 brings Christmas to Piquette Square
Months before Christmas, Debbie Scheetz, Auxiliary President for VFW
Post 6691, began planning a holiday celebration for Piquette veterans. On
September 29, Post 6691 held an event to promote the Piquette Square
Wish List. Attendees enjoyed food and snacks, and donated items on the list.
Debbie gathered more than150 gifts. The, on December 9, the Post hosted
a dinner at Piquette and distributed the presents to every veteran
residing there.
Women’s Christmas Party
The women veterans living at Piquette got some special pampering during
the holiday season. They went to the home of a Piquette staff member and
savored homemade soup, salad, and sandwiches. Each veteran received a
beautiful purse filled with fragrant body wash, nail polish, scarves, gloves, and
more. The gifts were provided by Fifth Third Bank and Allison Vaughn’s
Jackets for Jobs.
MOMMS bring holiday cookies
The holidays would not be complete without the delightful smell and taste
of homemade cookies. The Moms of Michigan Military and Supporters
(MOMMS) made sure that this essential ingredient of Christmas cheer would
not be missing at Piquette. They brought 50 dozen homemade cookies for
the veterans to enjoy. Kathy Milbrand, with MOMMS, assured the veterans:
“As long as PLAV Post 10 hosts Thanksgiving Dinner there is Piquette Square,
there will be cookies here at Christmas!”
PLAV Post 10 hosts Thanksgiving Dinner
The veterans at Piquette Square have much to be thankful for and
especially for the PLAV Post 10 who for the second year in a row provided a
traditional Thanksgiving dinner with all the trimmings. The dinner took place
on Sunday, November 18th where the Lions played, and the smells from the
kitchen brought back many fond memories. Marty Kmiecik, Commander,
said the PLAV Post 10 is honored to celebrate Thanksgiving with the Piquette
vets and we will be back!
Upcoming Activities
Every Friday is “Friday Night at the Movies” in the Masco
Community Room
March 20 Crain’s Business Luncheon
April 19 Cleanup Day at Piquette Square. Lunch is provided
by Kiwanis of Woodhaven
May 10
Gala at the MGM Grand for Piquette Square. GM is
the presenting sponsor.
May 16
American Legion Dearborn Heights Stitt Post 232
BBQ chicken luncheon
June 1
NeighborWorks Beautification Day. Contact Chery
Allen for more information
How to contact us
If you are interested in hosting an event at Piquette Square or making a
donation, please contact Chery Allen, Veterans and Volunteer Resource
Facilitator at (313) 297.1377 or by cell (313) 515-8372.
4
Veterans Park at Piquette Square takes shape
Task Force raises essential funds for Piquette
support services
Piquette Square fundraising Gala!
Two Piquette veterans graduate from
Vets to Ag program
Piquette hosts leading job developer training
Holiday activities at Piquette
Thanks to Volunteers and Donors
Upcoming events
A Quarterly Newsletter from Piquette Square for Veterans, 6221 Brush St., Detroit, MI 48202
Volume 6 April 2013
Piquette Square
News
and
Views
Veterans Park at Piquette Square takes shape
Community project gains support and momentum
Although Piquette Square has many
amenities within the state-of-the-art
building, there is limited outdoor space for
recreation and leisure.
Residents had wanted to use the North
Lot of the property to play baseball and other
games, and had even offered to clear the
area of brush and rocks. Unfortunately, the
soil is still contaminated from when the
Studebaker plant occupied the area, and the
cleanup could not proceed.
However, the veterans’ desire to improve
the lot inspired a group of business and
philanthropic leaders to step in and plan a
transformation of the space that is well
beyond the veterans’ initial dreams. In the
fall 2012, these leaders formed the Veterans
Park Committee. It is comprised of
volunteers from Masco Corporation,
JPMorgan Chase, Comerica, General Motors
and Rock Financial/Quicken Loans.
Architectural plan for the Veterans Park
The Veterans Park at Piquette Square will
be a community-supported memorial with
space for recreation, social gatherings, and
community events. It will include vegetable
gardens and green space, monuments, flag
court, art walls, horseshoe pits, basketball,
walking paths, BBQ pits, and more. The park
will be conducive to the veterans’ health and
To date, the Committee has raised
their sense of being at home. It will be a
$70,000 for the park. In addition, Wayne
County has committed $75,000 to remediate place for families, friends and community
the environmental contamination. The total members to gather for celebration and
commemoration. The monuments at the
cost of the park project is about $250,000;
park will honor veterans in general and
so, funds are still being raised.
former Piquette residents who have
passed away.
Greening of Detroit will partner with
Southwest Solutions to provide technical
expertise and support for the gardens and
greenery.
“Undoubtedly, the Veterans Park will be
an important addition to Piquette Square.”
said Reginald Best, Vice President of Fund
Development at Southwest Solutions. “We
are grateful to all those who have lead the
effort and contributed to the planning and
funding of the park.”