S.S. DOWNTOWN INC.
ABOUT S.S. DOWNTOWN INC.
Turning Interest into Action
Here at S.S. DOWNTOWN INC., we see the value in our community. We want to be a catalyst for positive change, and since our beginnings in 2022, we’ve been driven by the same ideas we initially founded our Non-Profit Organization upon: support, empowerment and progress.
Dealing with the challenges of today requires problem-solvers who bring different perspectives.
S.S. DOWNTOWN INC. emerged out of a pursuit to inspire and support the community, and a desire for actions to speak louder than words.
ABOUT OUR MEMBERS
Get to Know the Faces behind
S.S. DOWNTOWN INC.
Susan Prior
President
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Born, raised, and currently residing in the St. Clair Flats. Attended Harsens Island Elementary, Algonac Junior/Senior High School and Grand Valley State University. Susie grew up working for local island businesses including the Schoolhouse Grille and Sans Souci Bar. She currently works in accounting/finance and is involved in many team based extracurricular activities and community organizations.
Cindy Plato
Treasurer
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Cindy and her husband have been island homeowners since 2001, becoming full-time residents since her retirement in 2017. Over the years she has been actively involved with the Harsens Island St. Clair Flats Association (HISCFA), currently Senior Club director and President of the HI Garden Club. Cindy lives by the rule that if you want to make a difference, be involved
Christine Holcomb
Secretary
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Chris and her husband have been full-time residents since 1992. She retired from Macomb County after 25 years and is currently a Planning Commissioner for Clay Township with 16 years of experience, and holding the position of Vice Chairperson for 7 years. Her love of Harsens Island and its community sparks her passion for the preservation and enhancement of “island life.” Through volunteering and community collaboration, she is hopeful we will see visions become reality.
Patty Bain
Director
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Patty and her husband Harold are the owners of the local coffee shop right in downtown Sans Souci, The Island Grind. She has been a full-time resident since the early 1980’s where she met and married her husband. They reside on the North Channel and have raised their daughter Kathryn. Patty is a true advocate for the Harsens Island community and is passionate about the connections and positive changes in a sustainable downtown
Ashleigh Palescuk
Director
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Ashleigh has been employed on Harsens Island for over 14 years at The Schoolhouse Grille and is a full-time Island resident with her two cattle dogs. Graduated from Eastern Michigan in Finance. Living on the island has been one of her biggest accomplishments and gratitude for this island is expressed with her every day. She is dedicated to improving Harsens Island, volunteering within local HI organizations to give back to the community that has given her so much.
Kathie Schwiekart
Director
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Full-time resident since 1975 and together with her husband, she raised her two daughters on Harsens Island. Kathie is an active member of the community, volunteering many hours for the HI Fire Department and Lions Organization. She retired from St. Clair County after 38 years and has served on the Clay Township Planning Commission since 2006, currently as Chairperson. Kathie, her husband and several partners bought, restored, and reopened Sans Souci bar in late 2023.