In a unanimous vote earlier this year, the Allen Park Downtown Development Authority approved a $550,000 investment in public art and creative programming over the next two years. It’s an ambitious commitment designed to strengthen the city’s downtown, support local businesses and position Allen Park as a growing arts destination in Metro Detroit.

The funding expands the city’s successful Paint the Park mural initiative and adds new elements, including light art activations, a large curated art fair, and a winter arts festival. At the center of the effort is a new call for mural artists and vendors, now open for the 2026 season.

Artists and creatives interested in participating can find full details at paintthepark.com/2026-call-for-murals.

“This is about more than murals,” said Ben Hughes, director of the Allen Park Downtown Development Authority. “It’s about energy, pride, and creating reasons for people to come downtown, explore, and stay awhile.”

Building on a breakout year

The expanded investment follows the success of the inaugural Paint the Park program in 2025, when eight large-scale murals were installed throughout downtown with a $150,000 allocation from the DDA’s annual budget.

“I would say it exceeded all of our optimistic expectations,” Hughes said. “It generated massive social media interest and brought people into the city who were making special trips just to see the murals.”

Visitors often turned those trips into destination outings, walking the downtown, dining at local restaurants, and shopping at small businesses. According to Hughes, the walkable layout of Allen Park made the murals feel like a self-guided art tour.

“It forced people to explore,” he said. “And that translated into real economic activity.”

Encouraged by that response, the DDA opted to expand the program rather than treat it as a one-time initiative. In January, the board approved a two-year contract totaling $550,000 ($275,000 annually for 2026 and 2027) to bring back The Mural People and broaden the scope of programming.

A ‘Living Murals’ vision

Chief creative officer Michelle Tanguay of The Mural People, who oversees the Paint the Park program, said the expansion allows Allen Park to move into more immersive and interactive experiences.

“We’re not just painting walls,” Tanguay said. “We’re creating what we call ‘living murals.’”

One of the new signature elements will be nighttime light activations, developed in collaboration with projection artist Gabriel Hall. Using digital projection and animation, Hall’s work will transform completed murals into illuminated, moving works of art.

“He projects videos onto the murals, and it makes them come to life,” Tanguay said. “It’s a beautiful process.”

These light shows will be staged twice annually, once during the summer festival and once as part of a winter light celebration, creating year-round reasons for residents and visitors to engage with downtown.

August Festival and Art Fair

The centerpiece of the 2026 season will be a week-long public art festival scheduled for Aug. 16–23, with mural painting taking place throughout the week and major public events planned for Aug. 22-23.

During that period, visitors will be able to watch artists work in real time, attend demonstrations, and experience evening light installations. The weekend will also feature a curated art fair, which organizers hope will attract more than 100 vendors.

“We’re aiming for something similar to an ArtPrize-style experience,” Tanguay said. “We want art in businesses, artwork in windows, and opportunities for artists to earn recognition and prizes.”

Allen Park Public Schools will also participate, organizing a student chalk art competition during the festival.

“It’s a huge production,” Tanguay said. “But it’s also about involving the whole community.”

Open call for artists and vendors

With planning underway, organizers have launched their 2026 call for mural artists and art fair vendors.

“We want a strong mix,” Hughes said. “Local, regional, and even international artists.”

Last year’s program included artists from across Michigan and beyond. Hughes expects that diversity to continue, noting that friendly competition often pushes artists to deliver their best work.

“When you put talented artists together, they inspire each other,” he said. “That’s how you end up with standout pieces.”

Applications and guidelines are available at paintthepark.com/2026-call-for-murals.

Shaping Allen Park’s identity

For Tanguay, the project represents more than a series of events; it’s about reshaping how people see Allen Park.

After years working on large-scale mural projects in Detroit’s Eastern Market and other communities, she first became involved Downriver through projects in Trenton.

“I had never really been Downriver before,” she said. “And I fell in love with it.”

When she first visited Allen Park, Tanguay immediately recognized its potential.

“It’s walkable. There are great restaurants, great people, great stores,” she said. “It’s creative. But a lot of people just drive through. They don’t realize what’s here.”

Public art, she believes, helps bring attention to those overlooked assets.

“It puts a spotlight on the city,” she said. “It tells people, ‘There’s something happening here.’”

Hughes agrees, describing Allen Park as a “hidden gem” in Metro Detroit.

“We’re known as the home of the Detroit Lions. We have excellent schools and strong neighborhoods,” he said. “But this investment shows we’re also committed to culture and creativity.”

Economic and community impact

Beyond aesthetics, DDA leaders see public art as a tool for long-term economic development.

The 2025 mural rollout sparked increased foot traffic and business activity. Hughes expects the expanded program to amplify that effect.

“It creates optimism,” he said. “It shows residents and business owners that the city is investing in its future.”

Tanguay points to the transformation she witnessed in Eastern Market as evidence of what sustained art investment can accomplish.

“Murals changed that neighborhood,” she said. “They helped turn it into a destination.”

While she is mindful of issues such as rising rents and displacement, she believes Allen Park is at a stage where thoughtful growth can benefit both residents and businesses.

“There’s so much potential here,” she said. “And people are ready for something to happen.”

Looking ahead

With murals, light installations, festivals, and vendor programs on the horizon, Allen Park’s public art initiative is entering a new phase—one that blends creative expression with economic strategy.

Hughes said the overwhelming public support for the first round of murals gave the DDA confidence to expand.

“We heard residents, visitors, and business owners,” he said. “They wanted more. So we’re bringing it back and doing it even better.”

For artists, vendors, and creatives, now is the time to get involved.

Applications for mural artists and art fair participants are currently open at paintthepark.com/2026-call-for-murals.

More information about The Mural People and their regional projects is available at themuralpeople.com.

More than 60 Girl Scouts and 67 adults participated in Girl Scouts of Southeastern Michigan’s Ice to Table – Ice Fishing program, a hands-on winter experience that blended outdoor recreation, environmental education and practical life skills.

Designed as part of a broader fishing and aquatic conservation curriculum, the program introduced participants not just to ice fishing, but to the knowledge and confidence needed to do it safely and responsibly.

“Our Ice to Table – Ice Fishing event is part of a multi-part fishing and aquatic conservation curriculum,” said Paige Wigren, vice president of outdoor experience. “Most fishing programs focus on the ‘try-it’ aspect only. We wanted to take our events a few steps further.”

The program was offered in partnership with the U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service – Detroit River International Wildlife Refuge in Trenton and supported by the Great Lakes Restoration Initiative through the Detroit River Youth Fishing Team grant. For nearly four years, the collaboration has worked to remove barriers that often keep families from outdoor recreation, particularly the cost of equipment and access to instruction.

Each participant began the day with a detailed ice safety demonstration. Girl Scouts were fitted with mandatory ice picks and taught what to do if they fell through the ice, emphasizing the importance of staying calm. They also learned how to “spud” their path forward using an ice spud to test ice thickness before stepping ahead.

“It is best to assume that no ice is 100% safe,” Wigren said. “Becoming too confident during high-risk activities can lead to mistakes and accidents. Safety is at the forefront of everything we do.”

For many participants, the safety lessons were among the most valuable takeaways.

“I learned it’s important to not panic if you fall through the ice, to never go on the ice alone, and to carry safety picks in case you need to pull yourself out,” said Ayla DeLuca, an eighth grader from West Bloomfield.

Cassidy Holmes, a sixth grader from Waterford, said she learned “how to judge if the ice on a lake is safe, and how to use ice picks in an emergency.”

Violet Lira, a first grader from Canton, said she was surprised that ice fishing was actually on the ice.

“I’ve only been regular fishing, like when it’s warm. Walking right on the ice surprised me! I thought we would walk next to the ice,” she said. “I learned that no ice is safe ice, and you have to check first and be really careful before you walk on it. You check how the ice feels and what color it is to see if it’s OK to go on.”

After safety fundamentals were covered, participants moved on to fishing skills. Each Girl Scout was assigned a pre-drilled ice hole and a five-gallon bucket stocked with bait, hooks, jigs, hemostats and a depth finder clip. Instructors demonstrated how to operate an ice fishing pole, bait a hook with a wax worm, gently “jig” the line, and safely remove a fish from the hook.

“They learn how to drill an ice fishing hole, scoop ice shards so they don’t cut their line, measure water depth, set the hook, reel in their catch,” Wigren explained. “And if the fish is legal and they’re interested, we teach them how to fillet and pan fry it.”

That final step, the transition from ice to table, proved especially memorable for many participants.

“I liked watching Ms. Paige filet the fish, even though it was a little gross,” Holmes said. “I had never seen that before, and it was a good learning experience.”

Lilly Brinn, a 10th grader from Troy, agreed. “I liked the fish filleting part. It was really interesting to see the knife work.”

For DeLuca, the highlight was tasting the final product. “I liked eating the fish,” she said. “Ms. Paige is very good at cooking it. Best fried fish I’ve ever had. It probably helps that it was so fresh.”

The program followed a “challenge by choice” philosophy, allowing participants to decide how involved they wanted to be in preparing their catch.

“First and foremost, we focus on the comfort level of the child,” Wigren said. “Some kids are excited to learn how to filet a fish. Others prefer just the catching part, and that’s OK.”

Even those who didn’t catch a fish found the experience rewarding.

“Even though I didn’t catch anything today, it was still interesting to learn and great to be out in nature on a sunny day,” Holmes said. “It was peaceful on the frozen lake.”

Brinn echoed that sentiment. “I didn’t catch anything, unfortunately, but I enjoyed learning how to prep fish. The hour on the ice felt more like ten minutes.”

Several participants were surprised by how quickly conditions changed on the ice.

“I was most surprised that the water in the open hole freezes so fast,” DeLuca said.

“I’d never gone before, and I was surprised how fast the ice froze,” Brinn added. “Seriously, it’s crazy.”

Winter programming comes with logistical challenges, from unpredictable weather to managing cold exposure. The Scouts addressed those risks with heated pop-up shanties, access to warming stations, and continuous monitoring of participant comfort.

While the program was first planned in 2022, inconsistent ice conditions delayed its launch. The 2025 season marked the first year it could be hosted safely, and this year’s event proved equally successful.

Despite the complexity, Wigren said the impact makes it worthwhile.

“When kids directly connect with nature in their own communities, it leads to a better understanding of conservation and sustainability,” she said. “It breaks a big concept down into something tangible.”

For many Girl Scouts, the experience sparked interest in future outdoor adventures.

“I would love to do this again,” DeLuca said. “I love fishing, and I want to try again and actually catch something.”

Holmes agreed. “It was fun, I got to see my friend, and I learned a lot.”

Wigren hopes participants walked away with more than just fishing skills.

“These events teach Girl Scouts that they can do anything they put their minds to,” she said. “They can do hard things.”

For more information on GSSEM’s Outdoor Experience Department programs, visit gssem.org/go.

The production will take place on Friday, Feb. 13, at 12:30 p.m. at River Rouge High School, 1460 W. Coolidge Highway, with free registration available through Day Vision Entertainment’s website.

Presented as part of the River Rouge School District’s annual African American Legacy Event, M25 centers on the historic 1983 television special Motown 25: Yesterday, Today, Forever. It was the night when legends reunited, careers were celebrated, and Michael Jackson introduced the moonwalk to the world.

But for Keith Day, Jr., founder of Day Vision Entertainment and Director of Performing Arts for the River Rouge School District, the goal was never to simply recreate famous performances.

“This project really grew out of tradition and purpose,” Day said. “Motown isn’t just history, it’s home. It was born in Detroit. It shaped the sound of our city, our families, and generations of artists who came after.”

Each year, the district honors Black history and achievement through a signature legacy event. This year, Day felt that Motown’s story aligned perfectly with the district’s theme of “Legacy of Excellence.”

“Motown embodied that long before the phrase existed,” he said. “They showed what it looks like when excellence is intentional, cultivated, and passed from one generation to the next.”

For many younger audience members, the original Motown 25 broadcast is something they have only seen in short clips or on social media. M25 aims to restore its deeper meaning and historical context.

“Motown 25 was the night the past, present, and future of Black music stood on the same stage,” Day said. “It was proof that a Black-owned record label from Detroit could build a global empire rooted in artistry, discipline, and pride.”

Rather than staging a traditional tribute concert, M25 takes viewers behind the scenes of that legendary night.

“I didn’t want to do a tribute show, I wanted to tell the story behind the curtain,” Day said. “The nerves. The chaos. The egos. The brilliance. The last-minute decisions that shaped history.”

The production explores the emotional and professional pressures facing artists, producers, and executives as they prepare for a once-in-a-lifetime broadcast. By focusing on the human side of the legends, the show invites audiences to connect with them not just as icons but as creatives working under immense pressure.

The idea began with a simple question.

“What if we told the story of Motown 25 like a movie on stage?” Day said.

From there, the project evolved into months of research, scriptwriting, music selection, and story mapping. Day and his team studied the original broadcast, historical accounts, and industry context, building scenes around real moments and structuring the narrative with dramatic tension.

“I treated it like a Broadway workshop,” he said. “Building scenes around real moments and using the music as narrative, not decoration.”

Students played a central role in shaping the final production. As Director of Performing Arts, Day wanted the show to be built with students, not simply performed by them.

“Our students became storytellers, researchers, performers, and cultural ambassadors,” he said.

Participants studied Motown’s business model, artist development process, and cultural influence. Many encountered this history in depth for the first time through rehearsals and research.

Beyond the stage, every school in the district contributed to the event. Each building developed interactive learning spaces featuring displays, mini-exhibits, and hands-on activities focused on Motown’s artists, entrepreneurship, and Detroit roots.

“These spaces walk guests through Motown’s history in its totality,” Day said. “It’s a district-wide experience.”

The project faced its share of challenges, including multiple snow days that disrupted rehearsal schedules. Still, students and staff remained committed.

“Losing rehearsal time could have derailed the process,” Day said. “But our students and staff stayed focused. We adjusted, doubled down, and kept pushing forward.”

Another major challenge was balancing nostalgia with originality.

“We didn’t want caricatures or imitation,” he said. “We wanted depth, dignity, and truth.”

The production also had to serve both artistic and educational goals.

“This show isn’t just about entertainment,” Day added. “It’s about learning, representation, and creating meaningful opportunities for students.”

One moment, in particular, captures the spirit of Motown’s legacy.

“In the finale, we see the entire Motown family together – artists, writers, producers, executives, and Berry Gordy – joining for one final song,” Day said. “It represents unity, resilience, and shared purpose.”

That scene has become a powerful emotional anchor for the cast.

“Every time we reach that moment in rehearsal, you can feel the weight of the legacy in the room,” he said.

For younger audiences, the production offers more than entertainment.

“I want them to understand that greatness has roots,” Day said. “That excellence is built on discipline, community, sacrifice, and vision.”

He also hopes the show inspires confidence and ambition.

“I want young artists to see that they belong in these stories,” he said. “That they are not just consumers of culture, but the next architects of it.”

M25 reflects Day’s broader mission through Day Vision Entertainment and the district’s performing arts program: expanding access, nurturing talent, and proving that world-class artistry can emerge from public schools.

“Everything I do is about access and elevation,” he said. “In River Rouge, we’re proving that the talent is right here at home. It just needs opportunity and belief.”

The group is Knots of Love Downriver, an all-volunteer organization founded by Michele Ellis. Through knitting and crocheting, members create handmade items for people facing illness, loss, homelessness, and hardship across the region.

“We knit and crochet for people in the local community who are hurting or in need,” Ellis said. “And we really try to keep it local.”

The group regularly donates to organizations including Karmanos Cancer Institute, ChristNet, Metro Detroit Share, Fish & Loaves, Friends of Metro Detroit Animal Shelter, Dearborn Cancer Treatment Center, women’s shelters, veterans’ programs, and hospital emergency rooms. Items range from chemo caps and lap blankets to baby blankets and pet bedding.

Recently, volunteers donated nearly 100 blankets to the animal shelter for use in kennels.

Knots of Love Downriver began several years ago during a difficult chapter in Ellis’ life. After becoming disabled, she found herself unable to volunteer in traditional ways.

“I was no longer able to give back physically,” she said. “And I prayed for a way to still be useful and serve others.”

Knitting and crocheting became that pathway. On days when her hands allowed, Ellis attended small crafting groups. When those groups faded, she decided to create something lasting.

“I thought, how can we keep this going? And how can we give back?” she said.

Her first donation went to the Dearborn Cancer Treatment Center, where her mother had worked for more than 30 years. The group made lap robes and chemo caps for patients undergoing treatment. From there, the idea spread.

Ellis posted in local Facebook groups and invited others to join. Volunteers began showing up. Donations followed. What started as a small gathering grew into a steady network of community members using their skills to serve others.

“We’re our own entity,” Ellis said. “It started very organically.”

Knots of Love Downriver meets every two weeks at rotating local businesses, including coffee shops, bakeries, and small restaurants throughout the Downriver area. Meetings typically last two hours and draw anywhere from five to 20 volunteers.

“We like to support local businesses,” Ellis said. “We want to keep it very Downriver-focused.”

When businesses host the group, members make a point of promoting them online, helping spread the word to the community.

“That’s how you build community,” Ellis said.

Volunteers work on projects both during meetings and at home. Many drop off finished items at Ellis’ house through porch deliveries, where donations often accumulate.

“I have a small home and a whole lot of donations,” she said. “And that’s a good problem to have.”

One of the group’s strengths is its accessibility. There are no membership fees, required schedules, or experience expectations.

“You don’t need to know how to knit or crochet,” Ellis said. “We can teach you.”

Volunteers range in age and background. Some attend regularly. Others come when their schedules allow. Many say they join for creative expression, connection, or simply a sense of belonging.

“Some people come to create. Some come for community. Some just need a place to belong,” Ellis said.

For Ellis, that sense of welcome is essential.

“Everyone has something to offer,” she said. “Even just showing up matters.”

While Knots of Love Downriver supports many organizations, Ellis says the group’s deeper purpose centers on dignity.

“When a blanket goes to a family grieving a stillborn baby, or someone going through cancer, that matters,” she said.

At Karmanos Cancer Institute, for example, patients can walk in, select a hat or lap blanket, and leave without questions or paperwork.

“Anyone can walk in and take what they need,” Ellis said. “Everyone is allowed to be warm.”

That freedom, she believes, restores a sense of humanity during difficult moments.

“The dignity aspect is really important,” she said.

How to get involved

Knots of Love Downriver operates entirely on donated time and materials. The group accepts no monetary donations. Instead, it relies on volunteers and yarn donations to sustain its work.

The greatest ongoing need is for people willing to participate.

Community members can also help by donating yarn, recommending meeting locations, or sharing information about the group.

Those interested in joining can find Knots of Love Downriver on Facebook. The private group posts meeting details, volunteer opportunities, and donation information.

“Everyone is welcome,” Ellis said.

That world came to life Jan. 20 with the publication of Lienhardt’s debut novel, “A Realm Undone,” from Rising Action Publishing, which is distributed by Simon & Schuster. She writes as J.L. Lienhardt.

“I’ve been writing as a hobby since I was a teenager,” Lienhardt said. “It was always something I did for myself, for fun. I never saw it as something I would share or anything that would lead to publication. But when I wrote this book, I connected with it so strongly that I started to head in that direction of what it would take to publish.”

A mother, her magic, and a realm on the brink

Billed as an adult, women-led fantasy perfect for fans of “The City of Brass” and “The Sword of Kaigen,” “Realm Undone” blends an engaging magic system with high court drama and themes of betrayal and sacrifice.

Centuries before the novel begins, mortals split the realm in two, severing their ties to their immortal rulers, the Tiarcons, and erecting a magical veil between worlds. Fueled by stolen magic, the mortal kingdoms flourished—until the veil begins to tear. Immortal monsters now slip through the rift, ravaging the nations and threatening everything mortals have built.

At the center of the story is Alia Meador, an exiled mage cast out of her kingdom of Mandal for her dangerous, trauma-triggered magic. For decades, she has wandered remote villages, caring only about keeping herself and her teenage daughter, Lena, alive.

Alia would be content to watch the mortal kingdoms crumble until the cure for Lena’s illness is offered in exchange for her service. Summoned back to Mandal under royal orders to defend the very realm that rejected her, Alia is drawn into a tangle of ruthless family members, a traitorous mage obsessed with her power, and the prince she once loved. With each confrontation, her magic threatens to consume her.

As the balance between mortal and immortal realms shifts, Alia must decide whether her world is worth saving at all—or whether, as the title suggests, it all needs to be undone.

Born from new-mom anxieties

For Lienhardt, the story began closer to home than magical veils and immortal rulers might suggest.

“I started thinking about the main character in this book when I was pregnant for the first time,” she said. “I started writing in the months after having my first child. This character is really what started everything off.”

In those early postpartum months, Lienhardt found herself wrestling with all the fears and self-doubt that come with new motherhood.

“I had a lot of anxieties and a lot of different things I was experiencing,” she said. “So I thought about a character who reacted to everything differently, of course, but who made just about every mistake you can as a mother and struggled in that role, but never stopped showing up for her daughter and never stopped trying.”

Writing Alia became a way to work through those feelings.

“In that way, it was a cathartic experience for me,” Lienhardt said. “To think those things through; that even if I mess everything up, but keep trying, maybe there’s still something salvageable there.”

Alia’s unstable, trauma-triggered magic is part of that exploration. Lienhardt wanted her heroine to be powerful yet deeply vulnerable.Brownstown resident debuts women-led fantasy novel ‘A Realm Undone’

On most days, Brownstown Township resident Jess Lienhardt is thinking about policy, not prophecy. As a professional who works on environmental policy focused on the Great Lakes for a nonprofit, she also channels her passion for complex systems into an intricate fantasy world of mortal kingdoms, immortal rulers, and a mother whose magic is as volatile as her past.

That world came to life Jan. 20 with the publication of Lienhardt’s debut novel, “Realm Undone,” from Rising Action Publishing, which is distributed by Simon & Schuster. She writes as J.L. Lienhardt.

“I’ve been writing as a hobby since I was a teenager,” Lienhardt said. “It was always something I did for myself, for fun. I never saw it as something I would share or anything

“I thought it was important for this character to be dealing with vulnerabilities as she moves through this process,” she said. “That’s where her magic comes in.”

From Alia, the rest of the story unfolded: the divided realms, the immortal-mortal tension, the power struggles in Mandal’s high court.

Power, betrayal, and imperfect mothers

Although “Realm Undone” is set in an invented world, Lienhardt is clear about the real-world themes she wanted to wrestle with.

“The main things I was thinking about were embracing darkness—or embracing the things one might not like about themselves in order to survive—the imperfection of motherhood, challenging abuses of power, and seeking balance as a society or a larger world,” she said.

The high court intrigue, betrayals, and sacrifices in the book became a way to examine how power operates.

“When you get to that high court drama, betrayal and sacrifice, that’s getting into how power is divvied up among members of society and how people are moving to increase their relative influence,” she said.

She hopes readers will recognize uncomfortable truths from our own world, especially when those in authority cause harm.

“We tend to see a circling of the wagons around the person who did the harm rather than protecting and supporting the person who was harmed,” she said. “That’s something I hope comes out in this book.”

At its heart, though, “Realm Undone” is about relationships: complicated daughters, imperfect mothers, and the messy, non-linear path of healing.

“It’s a story about complicated daughters, imperfect mothers, non-linear healing, and owning your own strength,” Lienhardt said. “I hope readers can find community and belonging in those themes.”

Five years, one book deal, and a small press

From those first pages written with a newborn nearby to holding the finished book has been a five-year journey.

“It took about two years of writing and editing, a year of seeking publication and representation, and then two years going through the process with my publisher,” Lienhardt said. “I actually signed my book deal more than two years ago. It’s been a long time, but it flew by.”

Rather than going through a literary agent, Lienhardt sold the book directly to Rising Action Publishing, a small press that accepts unagented submissions and is distributed by Simon & Schuster.

“A friend of mine who was familiar with Rising Action recommended reaching out to them,” she said. “So I sent a query, that standard package, directly to Alex Brown, who’s the head of Rising Action. She requested pages and then made me an offer. It was kind of the old-fashioned route of sending in that stuff and getting that deal to come through.”

Lienhardt is quick to clarify that, in a rapidly changing publishing landscape, “Realm Undone” is a traditionally published book.

“Rising Action is a fully functioning press,” she said. “It’s not a hybrid press, it’s not a vanity press or anything. It is traditional publishing through a non–Big Five company.”

Influences and a family saga to come

Lienhardt cites Australian author Juliet Marillier, known for her Celtic-influenced historical fantasies, as her biggest literary influence.

“My favorite author is Juliet Marillier,” she said. “One part of her work that was particularly influential was that her series follows a different female character within the same family in each book. That aspect of a family saga with very strong female voices was inspiring to me.”

She also loved how Marillier draws on mythology that features “that second world, the immortal–mortal tension,” something readers will find in “Realm Undone” as well.

While this first book focuses on Alia and her daughter, Lienhardt is already looking ahead. The novel is the start of a planned trilogy.

“There will be two more, and then it will be done,” she said. “Those books are in process now.”

Her hope is that readers feel both satisfied and eager to return to the world she’s created.

“I hope the ending is satisfying, but that they’re also left wanting more,” she said.

Rooted in Downriver

Though she grew up in Canton, Lienhardt now lives in Brownstown Township. Her mother grew up in Riverview, and her husband and his family are also from the Downriver area.

One local connection has been especially meaningful during the long road to publication: the adult writers group at the Trenton Veterans Memorial Library.

“I participate in and love, love, love that group,” Lienhardt said. “It’s a great opportunity for writers to interact with each other and share their work. It’s facilitated by Erin Chapman at the library, and she’s fantastic and a poet herself. I’ve found that group really inspiring.”

As she juggles an environmental policy career, parenting a 4-year-old daughter and a 6-week-old son, and launching a fantasy trilogy, Lienhardt is still getting used to seeing her private hobby become something public.

“This is my first book, and this is my first time doing any of this,” she said. “I’m very excited and grateful.”

A “Realm Undone” was released Jan. 20 and is available through Rising Action Publishing and major book retailers.

To mark the occasion, Riverview Mayor Andrew Swift visited his birthday party at Atria Kinghaven in Riverview to personally recognize Gallow’s century of life, service, and perseverance.

Gallow was born Jan. 7, 1926, in Elyria, Ohio, the oldest of four children. His son, John Gallow, shared that his father’s early years were marked by hardship, especially during the Great Depression. The family moved repeatedly between Detroit and rural farm life in search of work and stability — moves that were difficult for everyone, particularly Harry’s mother, who longed to be near her extended family.

According to John, those early struggles shaped Harry’s worldview.

“He always said the hard times influenced his decisions early in life: to work hard, save money, and make sure he could provide a comfortable life for his family,” he explained.

At 17, after graduating from high school, Harry joined the U.S. Navy in 1943. John noted that his father still remembers six classmates who lost their lives in World War II. Harry was spared frontline combat and instead was trained to work on submarines at a secret base in Australia. It was an assignment he rarely spoke about but carried pride in.

After the war, Harry began a 42-year career at Great Lakes Steel. John recalled that his father often worked double and swing shifts, sacrificing personal time to support the family.

“He gave my mom credit for raising us,” John said, “but he was still the one making the big decisions.”

Despite the seriousness of his responsibilities, Harry believed in the importance of family time. He planned weeklong vacations in Oscoda and insisted that life wasn’t all work. He loved cars, including Indy racing, dirt tracks at Flat Rock, and visits to auto museums. John remembers accompanying him to the Henry Ford Museum many times.

Another surprise talent emerged later: music.

“We hardly ever played music growing up,” John said, “but at one of his class reunions, he stood up and sang the class song a cappella.”

Harry lived a modest, steady life working, coming home, and rarely going out with friends.  He and his wife enjoyed occasional trips together, with their children happily staying with their grandparents. After retirement in 1986, Harry and his wife began taking longer road trips across the country, with AAA maps spread across the dashboard and Harry at the wheel.

When his wife’s health declined from COPD, Harry became her primary caregiver.

“He never complained,” John said. “We helped when we could, but he took care of her.”

After she passed away, Harry lived alone for three years. Concerned about his safety and loneliness, John and his brother encouraged him to move closer to family. But Harry was determined to remain in Michigan. After exploring many options, he chose Atria Riverview, which offered community, comfort, and the independence he valued.

Looking back on his life, Harry often said he was “lucky” with steady work, a devoted wife, and children who became good citizens.

As Mayor Swift visited to honor his 100th year, it was clear that the luck extends both ways. Riverview is fortunate to celebrate the life of a veteran, a dedicated worker, and a man who lives his values every day.

The event runs from 12 p.m. to 7 p.m., stretching throughout the Jefferson corridor and West Road, with activities clustered around the Roundhouse Cottages, Le Lieu and Riverside venues, and the Up Street parking lot. Visitors can expect everything from ice-carving demonstrations and fire pits to food trucks, yard games, pony rides, face painting, and artisan vendors.

“We’re super excited this year, especially about the mural mapping,” said Angelia Pusino, Director of the Trenton Downtown Development Authority. “We have 10 murals downtown, and the light show will essentially animate them, turning our artwork into a living, moving installation. It’s something fresh and new for the community, and we’ll also be expanding the mural mapping at our upcoming art festival in September.”

A festival designed to bring people together

Pusino says Winter Fest is intentionally spread across several venues to make it walkable and to encourage residents and visitors to explore different corners of the business district.

“We want people to experience all of downtown,” she said. “The idea is to stroll, stop for food or hot chocolate, watch the ice sculptors work, warm up by the fire pits, visit the vendors, and really take in everything that’s here. Winter Fest is about community connection as much as it is about celebration.”

Activities begin early in the afternoon with ice sculptures and fire pits lining West Jefferson. Vendors will be stationed at Roundhouse Cottages, Le Lieu, and the Riverside venue, while the Up Street parking lot will host a large portion of the family activities.

From 12 to 6 p.m., families will find food trucks, yard games, pony rides, a petting farm, and live entertainment. An ice-carving demonstration and face-painting station will also be set up at Up Street, giving kids hands-on, close-up views of icy creations taking shape throughout the day.

A second entertainment hub opens from 2 to 7 p.m. at the corner of West Road and West Jefferson, featuring additional food trucks, games, and another ice-carving demonstration.

The night caps off at 7 p.m. with the much-anticipated mural light show projected onto the large wall at Roundhouse Barbecue—a visual finale that Pusino says will become a signature artistic moment for the city.

“This is our first time launching the light show at Winter Fest, and we can’t wait to see how the community responds,” she said. “It adds a whole new creative dimension to downtown during the colder months. We want people to feel inspired and energized by what they see.”

Building momentum all winter long

Trenton Winter Fest is just one of a series of seasonal celebrations in the Downriver area. For families looking to make the most of the colder months, there are several other nearby events and activities to explore:

• Winter at Valade – Detroit Riverfront – Every Saturday & Sunday, Jan. 10 – Mar. 1. The Detroit Riverfront Conservancy’s popular winter series returns with oversized bonfires, curling lessons, a Fire & Ice Festival weekend, Polar Power Walks, board games, warm drinks, and a Lunar New Year celebration on Feb. 14. Free sleds are available on-site when conditions allow.

• Wayne County Winter Wonderland – Elizabeth Park, Trenton – Saturday, Feb. 7, 1–4 p.m. Elizabeth Park hosts a family-friendly celebration with ice-carving demos, hayrides, snowman-building (weather permitting), crafts, a bonfire, rock climbing, outdoor dance party, and winter hikes. It’s a relaxed and scenic event perfect for younger families.

• Sledding and Skating in Downriver

Sledding spots

• Taylor Sledding Hill – A neighborhood favorite after fresh snowfall.

• Hines Park (Westland) – Part of the Wayne County Parks system with good terrain for sliding.

• Robert C. Valade Park (Detroit) – Free sleds available during Winter at Valade weekends.

Ice skating – indoors and out

For indoor skating—weatherproof and ideal for lessons or public skate—check out:

• Kennedy Recreation Center (Trenton)

• Southgate Arena (Southgate)

• Yack Arena (Wyandotte)

• LPCC Ice Arena (Lincoln Park)

• Peak Ice Arena (Romulus)

Check websites first to ensure available and open times.

This winter, the answer isn’t a far-flung destination. It’s right on the walls.

From Allen Park to Grosse Ile, a growing collection of murals has transformed blank brick façades into vivid storytelling canvases, celebrating local history, sparking conversation, and, in some cases, testing the boundaries of how communities define public art. Together, they form an open-air gallery that’s perfect for a cold-weather drive and a fresh perspective on the places passed every day.

Allen Park: A downtown becomes a gallery

No Downriver community has embraced murals quite as visibly as Allen Park. Through the city’s “Paint The Park” initiative, eight large-scale works now line Allen Road, creating a cohesive and walkable downtown art corridor.

Among the most recognizable is a Detroit Lions–inspired mural on Alexander’s Dry Cleaners, a nod to the region’s shared sports pride. Nearby, artist Zach Curtis’ Ford Mustang tribute stretches across Nexgen Insurance, while Ouizi’s signature floral design transforms the exterior of Prestige Banquet Hall into something closer to a botanical dreamscape.

In all these artists contributed:

• NutsNow by Naomi Haverland

• Haddix Electric by Beau Stanton

• Alexander’s Dry Cleaning by Kevin Burdick

• Tuccini Orthodontic Lab by Kitsune Jolene

• Prestige Banquet Hall by Ouizi

• Metropolitan Furniture by Kelly Golden

• Comix Oasis by Rick Malt

• NextGen Insurance Advisors by Zach Curtis

The result is a downtown that feels intentional and alive, even in winter.

Trenton: Art shaped by public voice

Trenton’s mural story has unfolded more organically, tied closely to its annual art festival and downtown revitalization efforts. Murals by Naomi Haverland near the Trenton School of Dance and by Beau Stanton along the RiverTown Tavern/Mamacita’s stretch have become familiar fixtures, blending seamlessly into the city’s streetscape.

In November,  “‘Unravel Your Imagination” painted by muralist Kevin Burdickin at the Trenton Village Theater, was unveiled. In addition, The Trenton Downtown Development Authority (DDA) and Detroit Institute of Arts (DIA) have partnered on a new mural project for the Trenton Village Theater wall, with resident surveys for input conducted in August 2025, and the art expected to be installed during the 2025 calendar year.

Wyandotte: Murals as identity markers

Wyandotte’s murals lean heavily into storytelling and civic identity. The most prominent example is “Chief Hen Tah”, the striking mural at 1465 Fort Street, painted by artist Chris Devins in 2017. The work connects the city’s present to its Indigenous past and has become one of the most recognized murals in the Downriver area.

Not far away, a very different tone emerges with “The Dotte,” a postcard-style mural by FEL3000ft that celebrates Wyandotte with graphic charm and playful nostalgia. Together, the two works show how murals can honor history while still embracing contemporary visual language.

Grosse Ile: A patchwork of public art

On Grosse Ile, murals are part of a broader, long-range vision. The Downtown Development Authority’s Art on the Île Initiative features public art, including murals, sculptures, and painted crosswalks. The initiative has successfully activated downtown Macomb Street, creating a walkable, art-filled district that celebrates Grosse Ile’s unique identity for residents and visitors.

Murals by Camilo Pardo at the Hardware Store, Jesse Kassel at Lloyd’s Bar & Grill, and Beau Stanton at Zubke’s Plumbing integrate art into everyday commercial spaces. Rather than feeling like standalone attractions, the works feel woven into daily island life, meant to be encountered casually, again and again.

Southgate: When a mural becomes a conversation

Not every mural story is celebratory. In Southgate, a floral mural painted on the side of Cada’s Hair Studio sparked a citywide debate over ordinances, code enforcement, and the definition of public art.

What began as a creative enhancement quickly became a case study in how municipalities regulate murals. The controversy underscored a key reality: as murals proliferate, communities are still negotiating where art fits within zoning, signage rules, and public perception.

Walls that speak

Across Downriver, murals are doing more than adding color. They’re redefining downtowns, giving artists visibility, prompting civic dialogue, and inviting residents to slow down and really look at their surroundings.

If you go — where to park

Most of Downriver’s murals are designed to be discovered on foot once you arrive, and parking is generally easy and free. A few tips to make your mural road trip smooth:

• Downtown districts first: In Allen Park, Wyandotte, Trenton, and Flat Rock, look for municipal lots or street parking near main corridors like Allen Road, Biddle Avenue, West Jefferson, and Telegraph. Many murals are within a block or two of one another.

• Mind posted signs: Some streets have time limits during business hours, especially near restaurants and shops. A quick glance at signage can save you a ticket.

• Park once, walk often: In mural-dense areas, it’s often easiest to park centrally and walk a short loop rather than hopping back in the car between stops.

• Respect private property: Murals are meant to be enjoyed publicly, but be mindful of driveways, loading zones, and business entrances when parking or stopping for photos.

• Weekends are best: Parking is typically most relaxed evenings and weekends, when lots are less full and traffic is lighter.

Now, the familiar double-deck vessel that once departed from Wyandotte’s Portofino restaurant has embarked on a new journey, leaving the Detroit River behind and heading home to Miami, completing the storied Great Loop via the Mississippi River.

“It’s bittersweet,” said Robert Mason, who captained the Portofino for years. “But it brings me great pleasure that Portofino will continue her tours in Miami.”

The Portofino tour boat was owned and operated by Portofino restaurant for nearly 30 years. When the beloved Wyandotte eatery closed in 2023 and was sold the following year, the boat itself was not included in the sale. For almost two years, the 90-foot vessel sat in storage, spending her most recent summer docked quietly in Gibraltar, her future uncertain.

Purchased in 2016 to run alongside the restaurant’s original vessel, the Friendship, the Portofino quickly became the flagship of the operation and the most recognizable symbol of the business, even appearing in the restaurant’s logo. When the Friendship was sold in 2018, Portofino carried on alone, cementing her place in local history.

From the moment she began cruising Downriver waters, the Portofino developed a reputation for accessibility and atmosphere.

“The boat ride was a good value for the money,” Mason said. “That came from rock-bottom operating costs. The vessel was stored year-round onsite, so there were no dockage or winter storage fees, and the food was prepared on-site, unlike competitors who had food delivered.”

Those efficiencies allowed the Portofino to offer competitive on-water experiences, from Sunday brunch cruises along the Wyandotte and LaSalle, Ontario shorelines to lively evening cruises to Detroit featuring live entertainment and dancing on the upper deck.

“How most of the passengers were in good moods, that’s what I remember most vividly,” Mason said of his first season captaining the vessel. “The boat ride seemed to be a getaway from their normal lives. Like a stroll through the park.”

The Portofino could accommodate 149 passengers and featured formal dining on the lower deck, with a bar and dance floor on the upper deck. Over the years, it hosted countless birthdays, weddings, anniversaries, corporate events, and family gatherings, many of which became annual traditions.

Some of Mason’s most meaningful memories came from quieter, more reflective outings.

“I especially enjoyed the senior cruises to Amherstburg and Boblo Island shorelines,” he said. “It was nice to see the seniors reminisce about their past visits to the former Boblo Island amusement park or Duffy’s Tavern in Amherstburg, known for their famous all-you-can-eat fried perch dinners.”

At the same time, younger crowds gravitated toward the energy of nighttime Detroit cruises.

“The younger passengers enjoyed the evening cruises to Detroit – with live entertainment and dancing on the upper deck,” Mason said.

The Portofino herself had already lived an adventurous life before arriving in Wyandotte. Built in the late 1990s by Skipperliner Industries in La Crosse, Wisconsin, the vessel originally traveled nearly 3,000 miles from Miami to Wyandotte, navigating the East Coast and passing through the Erie Canal.

Mason did not pilot that initial journey, which was handled by a marine transport crew. But watching the vessel now complete the Great Loop back to Miami is deeply meaningful.

“Some felt Portofino was ready for the graveyard after sitting in storage for two years,” Mason said. “I’m proud to see the old girl strut her stuff.”

In Miami, the Portofino will resume her life as a tour boat, working alongside her sister ship, the Lady Marie. The company that purchased Portofino already operates a vessel with the same hull, pairing two boats from the same era and manufacturer.

While Downriver residents may no longer spot her cruising the Detroit River, Mason hopes the memories linger.

“That she brought a lot of happiness to many people Downriver and the metropolitan Detroit area,” he said. “Birthday parties, marriages, senior cruises, and many other events.”

For those who dined, danced, toasted, and celebrated aboard her decks, the Portofino will always be part of the river’s story: a reminder of summer evenings, milestone moments, and the simple joy of watching familiar shorelines drift past.

The exhibit — featuring joyful, layered dog portraits created by six local artists — is the first in a new long-term partnership between the library and Paint A Miracle, a nonprofit art studio serving people with disabilities and other challenges. The partnership will bring two exhibitions per year to the library, making this a new and permanent presence for the studio’s artists and their work.

For both organizations, the partnership feels like an ideal fit.

“What Paint A Miracle has done for people in our community shows in the beautiful pieces their artists create,” library director Juliane Morian said in an advance announcement of the exhibit’s debut. “RHPL is honored to support their reach in the community.”

A mission rooted in hope, and one family’s story

To understand why this partnership matters, it helps to understand the heart behind Paint A Miracle.

The organization was founded in 2002 by Dr. Dale and Annie Propson after Dale, formerly a pediatric dentist, suffered a catastrophic brain injury when he was hit by a drunken driver. The injury altered his entire life. After finishing rehabilitation and day programming, he had long stretches of unfilled time and struggled to find activities that felt meaningful.

Everything changed when an aide brought him to an art studio run by his soon-to-be artistic mentor, Helen Cuniff.

“It completely transformed his life,” said his daughter and the nonprofit’s executive director, Shelly Propson Lennon. “He told Helen: ‘I can’t see. I can’t paint,’ and she said: ‘You don’t need your eyes to paint, Dale. The image goes from your brain to your heart to your hand.’”

He flourished creatively, joining a community of artists and showing his work publicly. Seeing the power of art to rebuild joy, identity and purpose, he and Annie became determined to create a similar space for others.

“When he told my mom, ‘We need to start an art studio for people like me,’ she thought surely something like that already existed in Detroit,” Propson Lennon said. “But there wasn’t, so they created it.”

What began with four artists meeting at the Rochester Community House has grown into an organization that serves more than 400 individuals a year, with roughly 70 artists attending classes each week. Paint A Miracle also hosts outreach events, workshops and community partnerships across southeast Michigan.

Most importantly, Propson Lennon said, the studio nurtures “hope, growth and encouragement.” It is a chance for individuals who may be overlooked or underestimated to express themselves, gain confidence and build social connections.

A natural partnership with the library

Paint A Miracle has collaborated with the library in small ways over the years, such as selling note cards in RHPL’s gift shop and displaying items in windows, but this is its first official exhibition partnership.

“We are so excited,” Propson Lennon said. “Juliane and her staff came for a tour of the studio, and they just fell in love with the artists and our work. It felt like such a logical partnership.”

The library now serves as a rotating gallery, hosting two Paint A Miracle installations each year.

“It’s the perfect place to share the talents of our artists,” Propson Lennon said. “We want people to come to the library and have our exhibit make them smile. And for anyone going through something difficult like a diagnosis, an injury, learning their child may have special needs, I hope they see the resilience and gifts that all people bring to the world.”

Painting those pups

The colorful dog portraits lining RHPL’s second-floor walls may look playful, but they also reflect thoughtful artistic technique and deep engagement between instructors and artists.

Paint A Miracle instructor and exhibit lead Kathleen Binger came up with the concept.

“I was trying to think of something everyone would enjoy,” she said. “I looked for photos of dogs. They’re so popular. And I found a few paintings that looked fun and approachable. Everybody likes dogs.”

For the artists, the project unfolded step by step:

• Each artist selected a reference photo of a dog they found appealing.

• They began with large acrylic brush strokes to form the background.

• Binger created a same-size drawing of each dog, helping artists visually break it down.

• The dogs were cut into pieces like a puzzle, placed on the canvas, and traced.

• Artists painted the dogs in layers — first base colors, then details, shadows and highlights.

The technique allowed artists to focus on shapes and colors, building confidence as the portrait emerged.

But for Binger, the reward wasn’t only in the finished work.

“Someone was laughing the whole time and smiling, really excited about how their piece was turning out,” she said. “That’s the best part — seeing them proud of themselves.”

The subject matter also sparked nonstop conversation.

“Everyone was talking about their own dogs and family dogs, sharing stories and names,” she added. “It just brought out this happy energy. … Everyone in that class is really good friends,” Binger said. “It’s welcoming, calm. We play music, joke around. Even though it’s the last class of my day, it’s a good end to the day because everyone is so happy.”

Artist Spotlight: Abigail Branham

One of the artists featured in the exhibit is Abigail Branham, who has been attending Paint A Miracle for more than 20 years.

When shown the reference images, Branham, who is nonverbal and did this interview via email through her mother, immediately connected with one particular pup.

“I liked the details on this puppy,” she wrote. “It was almost like polka dots all over. He looked like a fluffy, happy dog who would be a good pet.”

Using acrylic paints, Branham created a bright, joyful portrait in green, pink, brown and gray. She described her technique step-by-step — painting the background first, outlining the dog in chalk, then layering paint “again and again” to create fur before adding final details.

Artmaking, for Branham, is not simply a pastime.

“It makes me feel very proud of myself,” she wrote. “I like being with my friends when I make art. Working with all the different types of art makes me feel relaxed and calm.”

Her mother, Debbie Branham, said the studio has become a meaningful outlet for Abigail.

“Abigail is nonverbal, but art has become another mode of communication,” Debbie said. “Her imagination and artistic skills have grown as she has been exposed to new techniques. Her friendships with other artists provide strong social connections.”

Debbie says seeing her artwork displayed and sold means the world to her daughter.

“When Abigail’s pieces are sold, it shows her that people value her hard work and vision,” she said.

What visitors will take away

For Binger, the hope is simple — conversations, connection and joy.

“I hope visitors get the chance to talk to the artists, if they’re willing,” she said. “And I hope they really look at the artwork and see the effort and excitement that went into it.”

Some pieces in the exhibition are available for purchase, though Binger notes many artists grow attached to their work and prefer to keep it.

For Propson Lennon, the exhibit is an invitation to see art — and people — differently.

“Art makes people happy,” she said. “And our artists show that no matter what challenges someone faces, there is always a reason to hope.”

Those interested in learning more about Paint A Miracle — as artists, volunteers, supporters or partners — are encouraged to connect with the organization to explore classes, outreach opportunities and ways to support scholarships for artists. Learn more at paintamiracle.org or by calling 248-652-2702.

“Painted Pups” is on view at the Rochester Hills Public Library, 500 Olde Towne Road, through April. Admission is free and open to all ages.