1/22/25 Eagle by C & G Newspapers

Retired teachers maintain friendship

Birmingham seeks feedback to guide design for new facility

MARY GENSON mgenson@candgnews.com

BY MARY GENSON mgenson@candgnews.com

BIRMINGHAM — Jason Emerine was appointed to the City Commission last November.

His knowledge of the city, school districts and civil engineering are expected to be an asset to the commission.

In July 2023, the city of Birmingham bought the YMCA property for $1.5 million, with Birmingham Next contributing $500,000.

BIRMINGHAM — The city of Birmingham, Birmingham Next and the YMCA recently issued a survey seeking community input on what residents want to see in the new building that will sit on 400 E. Lincoln, the current YMCA property.

Emerine has been a Birmingham resident since 2017, after he and his wife moved to the city to be closer to family. Since the move, Emerine has become a father to two young children, Ruby, age 7, and Mabel, age 3. For work, he is the president at Seiber Keast Lehner,

Pictured is Jason Emerine, the newest City Commissioner for the city of Birmingham. Photo by Liz Carnegie

John Novik from Beverly Hills plays pickleball at Birmingham Next. The city of Birmingham, Birmingham Next and the YMCA recently issued a survey seeking community input on what they want to see in the new building that will sit on

E. Lincoln St., the current YMCA property.

Photo by Patricia O’Blenes

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Former NFL player set to speak at ‘Circle of Friends’ event

BY MARY GENSON mgenson@candgnews.com

OAKLAND COUNTY — For 28 years, CARE House of Oakland County has hosted its annual Circle of Friends Luncheon as a way to raise awareness of the nonprofit’s mission to protect children by preventing, intervening and treating child abuse and neglect.

This year, Gaelin Elmore, a former NFL and Big Ten football player and abuse survivor, will share his story and educate the public on ways they can help local children in need.

“I think it’s important for the community to know and understand that abuse of children occurs regardless of your socioeconomic status, your geography, your race, your ethnicity; none of those are real factors in abuse,” Blythe Tyler, the president and CEO of CARE House of Oakland County, said. “I think it’s important to bring to light that there are people from all walks of life that experience abuse and can come out the other side like Gaelin has.”

Elmore grew up in a struggling household as the youngest of five children. He spent 10 years in the foster care system and experienced abuse.

When Elmore’s father was arrested in 2012, his life was changed when his high school football coach opened up his home to him and provided a sense of acceptance and belonging.

He went on to graduate high school and accepted a football scholarship with the University of Minnesota.

Three years later, he graduated with a degree in communications.

After a year of grad school, Elmore signed to play with the Cincinnati Bengals. Now, Elmore

is a husband and father and works to create environments of belonging for vulnerable populations.

At the Circle of Friends Luncheon, Elmore plans to emphasize the importance of community members “doing the things that are available to them in the roles that they play.”

See ELMORE on page 6A

BY MARY GENSON mgenson@candgnews.com

Birmingham Village Players present ‘Crossing Delancey’

BIRMINGHAM — The Birmingham Village Players are combining elements of comedy and romance in their production of “Crossing Delancey.”

The show’s run began on Jan. 17 and will go through Feb. 2.

“It’s a delightful, warmhearted, romantic comedy about looking for one’s dreams and finding them in your own backyard,” the show’s director, Steve Sussman, said.

Set in New York City in the 1980s, “Crossing Delancey” follows the story of Isabelle Grossman (Izzy) and her family dynamic as she finds love.

It is a character-driven show that references Jewish culture throughout.

“My goal has been to capture the charm, humor, humanity and

Pictured, from left, are local actors Joe Danz, Kelley Rawls and Greg Ruvelo. Each has a part in the Birmingham Village Players’ production of “Crossing Delancey.”

Photo provided by Joseph Lease Photography

Photo provided by Matt Friedman

Gaelin Elmore, a former NFL and Big Ten football player, is set to speak about being an abuse survivor at a scheduled CARE House of Oakland County Circle of Friends event.

SPOTLIGHT ON LEARNING

MSGCU ACCEPTING SCHOLARSHIP PROGRAM APPLICATIONS

BY MARIA ALLARD allard@candgnews.com

METRO DETROIT — Michigan Schools and Government Credit Union is accepting applications for its annual scholarship program. The credit union will award over $130,000 in scholarships, including 43 scholarships of $2,500 each to help students and educators reach career goals, and 14 scholarships of $2,000 each to support future first responders.

According to a press release, 10 additional scholarships will be awarded in 2025, representing an increase of $25,000.

MSGCU will award scholarships in various categories to teachers and administrators.

Nonmembers are welcome to apply for an MSGCU scholarship and must become a member if selected as a scholarship recipient.

“Earning a degree or certification requires a great deal of determination and hard work, along with a significant financial investment,” said Steve Brewer, president and CEO of MSGCU, in a release announcing

the 2025 scholarship program. “MSGCU is increasing our scholarship awards this year to support more students in the communities we serve. We have provided over $1.25 million in scholarships since our program started 20 years ago, helping more than 600 recipients complete their education.”

The MSGCU High School Excellence Scholarship, formerly the Educational Solu-

Clients Find Peace Among Horses at Terapy Ranch

Nonprofit currently accepting new clients, looking to grow its board of diverse individuals

From the earliest times, there has always been something special about the bond between humans and horses. For those struggling with traditional talk therapy as a method of treatment for anxiety and depression, trauma and abuse, substance abuse disorders or sexual assault, that bond provides a pathway to peace and healing.

“Te problem with mental health isn’t that we aren’t doing enough as parents and caregivers,” said Lindsay Drouillard, a certifed pediatric nurse practitioner and the Eagala-certifed executive director of Terapy Ranch. “It is the disconnection and feelings of social isolation that people are sufering from. With equine-assisted psychotherapy (EAP), we support our clients to reconnect with themselves and the horses. After just 3-6 sessions, they take these skills along with emotional regulation, increase in self-esteem and self-actualization into their everyday lives.”

relationships with connection, to healing trauma with connection, it works well for a variety of diagnoses.”

Tis approach accelerates progress, as it removes barriers and challenges often faced by individuals who may be frustrated with their progress in talk therapy.

“Our clients have a decrease in symptoms of depression and anxiety,” Drouillard said. “Kids absolutely love this method of therapy.” Te team of providers is certifed in the Eagala model, which is recognized internationally and is more than 25 years old. It is suitable for adults and children.

Terapy Ranch is a 501(c)(3) nonproft. Founded in 2019, it is now starting its ffth year of operations providing mental health intervention and EAP. Terapy sessions occur not in the saddle but outside with feet on the ground and include the client and a horse, a therapist and an equine specialist.

“It’s a unique approach to therapy where the focus is on the horse and it’s led by the client,” Drouillard said. “Te client will externalize what’s happening for them and whatever they’re working through. From

Terapy Ranch partners with Stillwater Stables & Stays, 2370 Granger Road in Ortonville, for individual and group sessions available by appointment only.

A “Holding Space Retreat” is planned for April 25 and is open to anyone. It will include a full day of intervention and learning about animal-assisted therapy, sound bowl healing, yoga, sylvotherapy (also known as forest bathing) and equine assisted work.

Te retreat will provide six continuing education credits for nurses and social workers. A June 7 hike and ride fundraiser is also planned at the equestrian campground at Pontiac Lake to support Terapy Ranch scholarships for children and adults.

For more information about sessions, the retreat or other programs, send email to info@therapyranch.org, call (313) 269-2174, go to therapyranch.org or fnd Terapy Ranch on social media.

ry Swantek Educational Studies Scholarship benefits high school seniors and current college students planning to become teachers. The Milo Perreault Educator Advancement Scholarship helps certified teachers and administrators continue their education. Four $2,500 scholarships will be offered.

William Cayen Skilled Trades Scholarship supports students pursuing certification in electrical, heating/air conditioning, automotive, or other industrial and advanced technologies or skilled trades programs. Two $2,500 awards are offered to current skilled trades students or graduating high school seniors pursuing a skilled trades certificate.

tions Scholarship, helps high school seniors who attend college. There are 18 scholarships in the amount of $2,500 each.

The Rudolph Heino People Helping People Scholarship supports college-bound high school seniors with a commitment to helping others. A total of 15 scholarships of $2,500 are being offered.

With four $2,500 scholarships, the Lar-

The credit union also funds the Stephen Thomas First Responder Scholarship, which supports first responders enrolled in police and/or fire academies at local colleges with 14 scholarships of $2,000 each. Applications occur directly with Macomb Community College, Oakland Community College, Washtenaw Community College, and Schoolcraft College.Scholarship applications can be submitted online at msgcu.org/scholarships. The deadline to apply is Feb. 25.

MSGCU will award scholarships in various categories to teachers and administrators.

Photo provided by Michigan Schools and Government Credit Union

Elmore

from page 3A

While opening up a home to a child in need is one way to help, he said that it is not the only way.

“The reality is, kids and families don’t need all of those things from everybody,” Elmore said. “They need that from a select few, but they also need people who are just going to be a caring neighbor, a caring lunch lady or janitor. From my story, there’s so many different people who just did what was asked of them in the moment, and it made such a big difference.”.

The fundamental human need of belonging is a topic that Elmore feels very passionate about, based on his own experiences.

While he agrees that it is important for safety to be a priority when thinking about the care of a child who has experienced abuse and neglect, he said, “It is not the entire solution.”

Elmore shared that it is important to seek a safe environment and address other

needs with connection and relationship in mind. In his situation, he said when his relational needs were met, he was able to accept the support he was getting in other areas.

More of Elmore’s story, perspective and mission will be shared during his speech at the CARE House of Oakland County’s Circle of Friends event.

“We want to make sure that people know and understand that building resilience and providing coping mechanisms to kids when they do experience abuse is a positive thing, is something that’s really important, and can be shown through all the work and all the things that Gaelin has accomplished in his life,” Tyler said.

Tickets start at $125 to attend the event. It will take place at The Townsend Hotel, located at 100 Townsend St. in Birmingham on Thursday, Jan. 23 from 11 a.m.-1:30 p.m.

For more information and sponsorship opportunities, call CARE House at 248332-7173 ext. 206 or visit carehouse.org.

Call Staff Writer Mary Genson at (586) 498-1095.

Nowthere’shopefor hormonalhealthrecovery formenandwomen

Dr. Rona Wadle, D.O., doesn’t hold back when talking about the life-changing bioidentical hormone replacement therapy that she received - and now offers to others at RenewMyWellness in downtown Birmingham.

“After suffering through severe menopausal symptoms myself, this therapy has given me my life back,” Dr. Wadle said.

Dr. Rona Wadle, D.O., doesn’t hold back when talking about the life-changing bioidentical hormone replacement therapy that she received - and now ofers to others at Renew My Wellness located in Birmingham.

Since the 1930’s patients throughout Europe, Japan and the United States have successfully used bio-identical hormones. Many studies show that when prescribed and administered correctly, bio-identical hormone pellets can help a variety of conditions and symptoms. They don’t present the potential hazards that many synthetic medications do.

“Afer sufering through severe menopausal symptoms myself, this therapy has given me my life back,” Dr. Wadle said.

As a registered nurse who later went to medical school and became board certiﬁed in emergency medicine, Dr. Wadle owned and operated an urgent care center in Birmingham. Based on her own medical journey and personal experience with hormone depletion, she founded RenewMyWellness.

“After suffering through severe menopausal symptoms myself, this therapy has given me my life back,” Dr. Wadle said.

As a registered nurse who later went to medical school and became board certifed in emergency medicine, Dr. Wadle owned and operated an urgent care center in Birmingham. Based on her own medical journey and personal experience with hormone depletion, she founded Renew My Wellness.

For men and women dealing with fatigue, depression, apathy, anxiety, weight gain, decreased libido, decreased exercise endurance and muscle mass there is a bioidentical way to improve these symptoms. “What we’re offering is hormone replacement therapy in the form of testosterone and estradiol pellets for both women and men,” Dr. Wadle explains.“Pellets provide a delivery system that mimics the human body so that even improved physiologic levels can be achieved.”

For men and women dealing with fatigue, depression, apathy, anxiety, weight gain, decreased libido, decreased exercise endurance and muscle mass there is a bioidentical way to improve these symptoms. “What we’re ofering is hormone replacement therapy in the form of testosterone and estradiol pellets for both women and men,” Dr. Wadle explains. “Pellets provide a delivery system that mimics the human body so that even improved physiologic levels can be achieved.”

Since the 1930’s patients throughout Europe, Japan and

the United States have successfully used bio-identical hormones. Many studies show that when prescribed and administered correctly, bio-identical hormone pellets can help a variety of conditions and symptoms. They don’t present the potential hazards that many synthetic medications do.

RenewMyWellness also offers testosterone injections for men and a prescription weight loss program for both men and women that is monitored to ensure it is safe and effective.

RenewMyWellness also offers testosterone injections for men and a prescription weight loss program for both men and women that is monitored to ensure it is safe and effective. Dr. Wadle said she founded RenewMyWellness to promote wellness through a holistically-integrative approach to patient care that combines conventional and functional medicine. The results leave patients with improved conﬁdence and a whole-body sense of well-being.

Renew My Wellness also ofers testosterone injections for men and a prescription weight loss program for both men and women that is monitored to ensure it is safe and efective.

Dr. Wadle said she founded RenewMyWellness to promote wellness through a holistically-integrative approach to patient care that combines conventional and functional medicine. The results leave patients with improved conﬁdence and a whole-body sense of well-being.

RenewMyWellness is located at 33466 Woodward Ave., in downtown Birmingham. To schedule a consultation or for more information, call 248-602-3177.

Scan to receive more information & monthly newsletters.

Dr. Wadle said she founded Renew My Wellness to promote wellness through a holistically-integrative approach to patient care that combines conventional and functional medicine. The results leave patients with improved confdence and a whole-body sense of well-being.

Scan to receive more information & monthly newsletters.

Renew My Wellness is located at 33466 Woodward Ave., in Birmingham.

To schedule a consultation or for more information, call 248602-3177. Or visit www.renewmywellness.com.

Dr. Rona Wadle, D.O.

NEWS & NOTES

7A/ BIRMINGHAM-BLOOMFIELD EAGLE • JANUARY 22, 2025

St. Dunstan’s Theatre set to host ‘Five Women Wearing the Same Dress’

BLOOMFIELD HILLS/ BIRMINGHAM — St. Dunstan’s Theatre Guild is putting on the production of “Five Women Wearing the Same Dress” by Alan Ball from Jan. 24-Feb. 8 at St. Dunstan’s Theatre, located at 400 Lone Pine Road in Birmingham.

“Five Women Wearing the Same Dress” follows five bridesmaids who bond once they realize all that they have in common.

The show stars Kori Bielaniec as Trisha, Angela VanKempen as Georgeann, Brittany Lauren as Meredith, Lauren Neuwirth as Mindy, Sara Shook as Frances, and Wyatt Setty-Robinson as Tripp.

Shows on Fridays and Saturdays during the run will begin at 8 p.m. and Sunday matinees will begin at 2 p.m.

The comedy is rated PG-16 and recommended for older teens and adults. Tickets can be purchased at stdunstanstheatre.com. The cost is $22 for adults, $20 for seniors ages 62 and up, and $20 for youth ages 18 and under. There is also a $3 service fee per ticket.

DETROIT SYMPHONY ORCHESTRA SPEAKER JOINS LUNCHEON

BIRMINGHAM —The Birmingham Metropolitan Women’s Club meets on the second Tuesday of every month at 10:30 a.m. at the Iroquois Club, located at 43248 Woodward Ave. in Bloomfield Township.

On Feb. 11, Jim Sabatella, group and tourism sales manager for the Detroit Symphony Orchestra, will present at the luncheon. To join a luncheon and program, reserve your place for $34 by calling Chris at 248-303-7339. For more information, visit tbmwc.com.

Mosaic Youth Theatre of Detroit to perform at library BLOOMFIELD TOWNSHIP — The Bloomfield Township Public Library will host the Mosaic Youth Theatre of Detroit at 2 p.m. Jan. 25. The choir will perform “Songs for the People,” a concert that celebrates the power of Black music with heart-calling melodies, infectious rhythms, and soul-

Chill with the community at BRRmingham Blast

BIRMINGHAM — The second annual BRRmingham Blast event will take place on Jan. 25 from 10am-6pm. The community is invited to downtown Birmingham to enjoy free thrilling attractions, including the longest mobile zip line in Michigan.

In order to participate, individuals ages 6 and up must weigh at least 40 pounds and no more than 225 pounds. The line for the zip line will close at 5 p.m. Other exciting activities include magic shows and marshmallow roasting.

Food trucks will be present with a range of options, such as, Cousins Maine Lobster, The Little Donut Factory, Chimney Cakes, s’mores, coffee, and more. There will be a warming tent for guests to enjoy meals, magic shows and storytimes. The event will take place downtown along South Old Woodward Avenue from Maple Road to Brown Street.

SENIOR MEN’S CLUB ANNOUNCES FEBRUARY SPEAKERS

BIRMINGHAM — In February, the Senior Men’s Club of Birmingham will hold four Friday luncheon meetings at the Iroquois Club, located at 43248 Woodward Ave. in Bloomfield Township.

On Feb. 7, freelance journalist Doron Levin will present, “The Middle East from a Proud Zionist’s Point-of-View.”

On Feb. 14, Thomas Kimble, president emeritus of AARP Michigan, will present “Black History Month.”

On Feb. 21, Carla Reeb, executive director of the Troy Nature Society, will present, “Stage Nature Center, Where People and Nature Meet.”

Lastly, on Feb. 28, Bill Morris, a staff writer for the online literary magazine “The Millions,” will present “What turned the Detroit Lions from pussycats into the beasts of the NFL?”

ful voices, library officials said. Inspired by Frances Ellen Watkins’ poem, organizers say the fully developed concert, complete with costumes and sound, honors the resilience, triumph, and cultural impact of Black artistry, past and present, and is suitable for all ages. Founded by Rick Sperling in 1992 to address gaps in metro Detroit arts education,

Mosaic Youth Theatre of Detroit served 25 young artists in its inaugural year. Today, hundreds of youth from more than 50 metro Detroit schools participate in Mosaic’s First, Second, and Main Stage programs every year. Registration for the program is required. For more information, call the library at (248) 642-5800 or visit www.btpl.org.

Photo provided by St. Dunstan’s Theatre Guild

Photo

HOMES

COLORS OF THE YEAR DESIGNED TO ADD WARMTH, LUXURY TO YOUR HOME IN 2025

BY MARY BETH ALMOND malmond@candgnews.com

METRO DETROIT — A new year is a great time to update the spaces in your home with fresh color.

Trend forecasters from global color authorities, like Pantone, along with various major paint brands, have announced their colors of the year — which industry leaders predict will dominate interiors in 2025.

Whether you decide to add hints of trending colors in home decor or update the paint on your walls for a bolder look, experts say these are the colors to select.

Pantone’s 2025 Color of the Year, Mocha Mousse, is a warm, rich brown “infused with subtle elegance and earthy refinement,” according to the company’s website.

“Mocha Mousse expresses a level of thoughtful indulgence,” Leatrice Eiseman, executive director of the Pantone Color Institute, said in a prepared statement.

The soft brown is a versatile shade that “evokes the feeling of comfort in a home,” according to Pantone — whether on flooring, a painted wall, within home decor, or in more natural materials like wood and stone, rattan and wicker or leather and linen.

Benjamin Moore’s Color of the Year is Cinnamon Slate, “a delicate mix of heathered plum and velvety brown,” according to Arianna Barone, color marketing manager at Benjamin Moore. The hue, she continued, offers “enduring style and modern sensibility.”

“Adaptable, yet distinct, it brings a soothing familiarity and balance to any design,” Barone noted. “The nuances in its undertones are what make it unique, but still versatile.”

For the past couple of years, Pantone officials said, they have seen a reach for more saturated and colorful hues.

See COLORS on page 13A

TOP: Benjamin Moore selected Cinnamon Slate, a mix of heathered plum and velvety brown, as its 2025 Color of the Year.

Photo provided by Benjamin Moore

ABOVE: Rumors, a deep ruby red, is Behr’s Color of the Year for 2025.

Photo provided by Behr

LEFT: Pantone’s 2025 Color of the Year is Mocha Mousse.

Photo provided by Pantone

Retired teachers maintain friendship at assisted living facility

BY KATHRYN PENTIUK kpentiuk@candgnews.com

BIRMINGHAM/ROCHESTER HILLS — Carol Schraeger, 81, and Carol Petersen, 92, are affectionately known as “the Carols” at American House Village of Rochester.

From working together at Pembroke Elementary School in Birmingham Public Schools in the ‘80s to living in the same assisted living facility, the two women are nearly inseparable.

“We met at the point in time when I had received a principalship at Pembroke Elementary in Birmingham Schools, and I had the pleasure of being able to hire. Carol was working elsewhere in the district, but she had been sent over for the interview, and it was sort of obvious. I mean, we just clicked right at the beginning, and I had the good fortune to be able to hire her,” Schraeger remarked.

Petersen said, “I had five children of my own, and then I had four stepchildren, so I was used to having children around, and I have wonderful children. I’m a very lucky person and I loved the kids at school. It was just like I was plunked down in the perfect spot for me.”

Although the pair didn’t meet until the 1980s, Petersen shared that when she was new to Birmingham, she couldn’t send her children to school because the teachers were on strike. Schraeger laughed and shared that she was a new teacher that year, in 1966.

Schraeger reflected on her career in the Birmingham Public School District.

“I was in Birmingham for a total of 37 years, but going all the way back, I’m

See TEACHERS on page 15A

Photo by Patricia O’Blenes

Carol Schraeger, left, and Carol Petersen, are colleagues turned lifelong friends from working together at Pembroke Elementary in Birmingham Public Schools in the 1980s. The two now reside at the same assisted living facility.

Eastbound I-696 to close between I-75 and Lahser for 2 years

BY KATHRYN PENTIUK kpentiuk@candgnews.com

OAKLAND COUNTY — On March 1, the third and final phase of the “Restore the Reuther” project will commence, as eastbound and westbound Interstate 696 between Lahser Road and Interstate 75 will be rebuilt in 2025-2026.

In 2027, I-696 between I-75 and Dequindre Road will see improvements such as the rebuilding of the roadway, bridge work and drainage structures.

Additionally, 60 bridges will be repaired, including the rebuilding of the Church Street Plaza bridge that contains Victoria Park. During that construction, a walkway detour will be available.

The project is expected to be completed by fall 2027.

Diane Cross, spokesperson for the Michigan Department of Transportation, clarified that westbound traffic will be maintained while eastbound and westbound I-696 will be rebuilt between Lahser Road and I-75.

“We’re reconstructing all of the free-

way, but one year we will reconstruct the eastbound side and one year the westbound side, but we’re going to always let westbound traffic use the freeway, and we’ll just move them around. We’ll either keep them on the original west while we rebuild east, or we’ll move them to the eastbound side while we rebuild west. West will always have two lanes open,” she explained.

Eastbound traffic will be detoured via southbound M-10 (Lodge Freeway/Northwestern Highway), eastbound M-8 (Davison Highway) and northbound I-75 back to eastbound I-696.

“But of course, not everybody’s going to use that detour. So therefore, a side effect, unfortunately, for the project, is we’re going to have a lot of eastbound, heavier traffic on the mile roads,” Cross said. “If somebody’s only going to Royal Oak, they are not going to take that detour, they’re going to just jump on a mile road, whether it’s Eight Mile, anywhere up to M-59, depending on where they’re going. Eastbound is going to be the one that’s going to see heavier traffic on local roads for two years and will be detoured for two years,” Cross said.

She added that this is the first time since the highway was constructed nearly 40 years ago that it has seen a total rehab, and with the exception of Interstate 94, it will be another 20 years before this part of the state has another major freeway reconstruction project.

“It’s a huge investment for Oakland County,” Cross said. “Yeah, it’s a pain in the neck; we totally get that. We all drive the same roads. We drive them, our families drive them, and we hear about it all the time, but what an investment to Oakland County — another $250 million into the local economy of jobs and services, and that kind of thing says what we value, I think, as a state.”

The total investment for I-696’s three phases of construction is $655 million, with this last phase totaling $250 million, which MDOT is funding through the “Rebuilding Michigan” bond program and the federal “Reconnecting Communities” grant program.

This last stretch of the project supports 2,385 jobs, directly or indirectly, according to an MDOT press release.

The communities of Ferndale, Hazel Park, Huntington Woods, Lathrup Village, Madison Heights, Oak Park, Pleasant Ridge, Royal Oak, Southfield and Warren will be directly impacted by the project.

Southfield, known as the “center of it all,” drew roughly 150,000 commuters to the city before the COVID-19 pandemic, according to the city’s mayor, Kenson Siver.

“It’s going to be a major inconvenience for our businesspeople and our residents, but it’s beyond our control and some needed repairs are necessary for the highway,” Silver said. “Road construction is always inconvenient, but we have to live with the reality of it because we need safe roads, and we need roads that are in good repair.”

Siver added that as a Southfield resident for more than 50 years, he remembers using the mile roads before I-696 was constructed.

“We went east to west on mile roads, and that’s what we’ll be doing again,” he said. “And I remember after 696 opened, that the amount of traffic, particularly on 10 and 11 Mile roads, decreased significantly

“We also continue to notice a growing sentiment of creating unique and personalized spaces that also have a sense of ease,” Barone shared. “As people gain a better understanding and overall appreciation for color and how it’s used in design, we now see them opting for more nuanced hues that are adaptable, yet distinct. Certainly not neutral, but not quite primary, these colors encourage curiosity and invite you to think of all ends of the color spectrum.”

When designing a room with Cinnamon Slate, Pantone officials said bringing in warmer accents in golds and ambers can make the violet undertone more distinguishable. On the other hand, by using cooler colors and lighting, and plum hues, Cinnamon Slate can take on more of a neutral look.

“We love it color-drenched in a living room, especially when paired with leather, warm woods and brushed gold metallic accents for a moody vibe,” Barone said. “It is also beautiful in a bedroom with layered neutrals for a truly enveloping respite.”

Behr announced Rumors, a deep ruby red, as its Color of the Year for 2025. The color, Behr officials say, is poised to add warmth and a touch of luxury throughout the home. “Rumors is a universal color that transcends design styles and embraces selfexpression,” the company’s website says, “from eye-catching curb appeal on a front door to a four-wall drench in a bedroom.”

“We’re seeing people embrace color like never before,” Erika Woelfel, vice president of color and creative services at Behr Paint

Co., said in a prepared statement. “Rumors is a modern take on the timeless red that creates an energetic appeal to make a lasting statement in a stunning way.”

After a decade and a half of annual Color of the Year announcements, SherwinWilliams decided to celebrate color in a new way — combining its collections to curate the Sherwin-Williams 2025 Color Capsule of the Year.

“It’s very special to commemorate our 15th Color of the Year anniversary by expanding to an entire capsule that is a modern, fresh take on color, with a balanced and usable assortment of shades,” Sue Wadden, director of color marketing at SherwinWilliams, said in a prepared statement. “Together — as a complete palette or in expertly picked pairings — the capsule’s alchemy creates something to be treasured in any style or setting.”

The 2025 Color Capsule of the Year, the company says, includes “a mix of forever favorites, beautiful hues of the moment and future classics that encapsulate a variety of eras and aesthetics,” comprising the following shades: Grounded, a “versatile and captivating brown”; Sunbleached, “an adaptable and airy light neutral that is somewhere deeper than white, not quite gray, and ventures beyond a basic beige or taupe”; Chartreuse, a “vibrant yellow-green”; Rain Cloud, a “stormy and deep gray-blue hue”; Clove, an “entrancing brown”; Malabar, a “sandy beige neutral”; Bosc Pear, a “cinnamon-dusted golden hue”; White Snow, a beautiful, pure white; and Mauve Finery, a “sophisticated” true mauve.

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

Feedback

from page 1A

At the time, the intent was to renovate the building and use it for senior services and some community services.

However, after a thorough inspection of the building, the City Commission decided that it was not worth renovating due to an excess of aged and outdated systems. Instead, they decided to demolish the existing building and build a new facility.

Since that decision was made, the new leadership at the YMCA and the community have spoken out to the Commission about their interest in the YMCA having a bigger presence in Birmingham — specifically the pool.

This led the Commission to include the YMCA in plans moving forward.

Christine Braun, the executive director of Birmingham Next, shared details.

“The building now will be a city asset that will have a few tenants in the building. The YMCA will be one tenant, we (Next) will be another tenant, and then there will be time and space for community members to use it for a variety of activities,” Braun said.

It is yet to be determined if there will be city offices in

Roadwork

from page 12A

because people switched to the freeway. And so I would expect that they’ll all continue to get around, and it’ll just take us longer and be less convenient.”

Pleasant Ridge City Manager James Breuckman said the closure is going to “definitely” change the regional travel patterns for the city’s residents.

“Obviously, you close down 696 eastbound and it’s going to have a major impact,” he said. “We don’t know what the exact local impact on us is going to be. … We’re going to wait and see how travel patterns change because, beforehand, we can predict but we don’t know what the actual impact on traffic is going to be. And if we find that we have problems, we’ll address them and we’ll react and do all those as best we can. But it’s going to be an inconvenience to everybody.”

Aside from the traffic disruption and the inconveniences it will cause, Breuckman does see positives in the construction with the investment and improvement in infrastructure.

As for how the project will affect local businesses, Breuckman stated that Pleasant Ridge has a business mix of professional offices and services, but not many retail stores.

“I believe that our businesses will likely be OK,” he said. “They’re serving, generally, a clientele who is either already close by and won’t be coming from regional destinations, or they’re service providers whose clients

the building.

In December, the City Commission hired Neumann Smith, an architecture firm, to work out the design of the building.

“It is a limited land that we’re on, so you have to be very conscientious of how you design the building and how you

may not even need to come to their offices because they can do things remotely. So, I think our business community should be relatively unaffected by this other than that baseline level of inconvenience that we’ll all be living through.”

Ryan Ringold, the chief marketing officer at Bionicc Body Screening, said that the two-year closure is going to be an inconvenience to the clients visiting the MRI clinic, which is located at the northeast corner of Northwestern Highway and Lahser Road in Southfield.

“The thought for a lot of people of going into an MRI machine is already overwhelming and can make them feel anxious, some a lot more than others. But when they’re coming and already feeling a little anxious about having the service done, adding to that by taking longer, fighting traffic, I mean, that itself can be overwhelming for people, so I think it’s kind of a double whammy for them,” Ringold said.

Cross highlighted the importance of drivers staying alert to ensure the safety of construction workers.

“We are working on the side of the road in a hard hat, a vest, a cone, a barrel, maybe a barrier wall, trying to get home to our families the same way you’re trying to get home to your family,” she said. “You got to slow down. You can’t be distracted. Whatever it is that you think is more important is not more important than killing someone or killing yourself in order to get somewhere or read a text or something.”

MDOT is planning a public meeting

meet the needs of three different groups there — seniors, the YMCA members, as well as the community,” Braun said. With this in mind, Smith wanted to reissue a survey to the community to receive feedback.

Due to the shift in plans, a previous survey is no longer deemed to be practical.

Braun said that Next acts as a comprehensive and safe gathering space for seniors.

In the new building, there will be dedicated spaces for both Next and the YMCA, but with shared spaces as well. Next’s current lease ends in May of 2027, so the plan is to be in the new building after that.

Next Board President Marcia Wilkinson said that the priority is to “continue to be involved in the process and to continue our advocacy for area seniors.”

“With the new facility and expanded square footage for Next, we will be able to provide even more services to area seniors,” Wilkinson said. “We do quite a bit of outreach, along with our regular programming, and it’s critical that we have adequate space to provide those important services.

Although the Engage Birmingham survey has closed, public members still have opportunities to share their opinions via City Commission meetings and meetings held by the Ad Hoc Senior/Recreation Center Committee.

Call Staff Writer Mary Genson at (586) 498-1095.

for early February, with the date expected to be announced soon.

To stay updated on MDOT’s Oakland County projects, visit drivingoakland.com.

Staff Writer Mike Koury contributed to this report.

Call Staff Writer Kathryn Pentiuk at (586) 498-1070.

Birmingham Next provides a place for seniors in the community to socialize.

Photo by Patricia O’Blenes

Teachers

from Ohio,” she said. “I got my degree at Bowling Green State University, crossed the border, came up here to work, and was fortunate enough to land in Birmingham. It was a great career ladder because not only was I a classroom teacher — a first grade teacher for 20 years, which was my absolute favorite — I then went into teaching the gifted and talented students. Then I worked with training of teachers, and then I went into administration in that 37 years.”

Schraeger said that she was a principal for 17 years, but added that, “I always wanted to be a teacher and always played teacher as a child.”

Petersen reflected on her time teaching at Pembroke and living in the neighborhood where many of her students also lived.

“It was Halloween, and I lived in a neighborhood of small houses, and a lot of children in the neighborhood, and a bunch of kids came to the door, banged on the door, and I opened it,” she said. “It was so quiet. They stood there, and they said, ‘She looks just like the lady that works at Pembroke.’ I said, ‘I am the lady that works at Pembroke.’”

She added that since they were new to the school, and so was she, she had an “open door” policy with her students and the parents if they saw her outside and ever wanted to talk.

Petersen retired in 1993, which was followed by Schraeger’s retirment in 2001.

“Our lives came back together in 2016 when I moved in here. I had come to visit her, and I said, ‘Oh, this place could work.’ My husband was entering into some health conditions, and it would be a good place that I could get some assistance,” Schraeger said.

SYNOPSIS

SOUTHFIELD TOWNSHIP BOARD OF TRUSTEES MEETING ON JANUARY 14, 2025

Board meeting was held from 7:00 p.m. to 7:44 p.m.

Supervisor Mooney Chaired the Meeting.

Petersen has a 16-year history at American House Village of Rochester. She explained that she first moved there in 2008 with her husband, who was 10 years older than her.

“He needed to be here, and I didn’t, but he died six months after we moved, so I moved back to my house in Birmingham and lived there for five years,” she said. “I got sick and went to Mayo Clinic and couldn’t be in my house anymore at first, so I came out here again and I looked at six places before I moved back here.”

After her two daughter moved to Florida, Petersen followed suit before eventually deciding to move back to American House.

“I couldn’t breathe there, and so I moved back here,” she said.

“And I was so glad when she returned,” Schraeger exclaimed.

Schraeger added that living in assisted living has been freeing, with a range of community activities to enjoy.

Both Schraeger and Petersen have a pet to keep them company. Schraeger has a Yorkie named Toby and Petersen has a cat named Owen.

Schraeger shared that her dog is the only thing that limits her because she is still active and enjoys traveling, especially going on cruises with her family.

Petersen said that she still has a car.

“My car is as old as my cat,” she said. “That’s no joke. My husband had died, and he didn’t like cats, so I got a new car and a cat,” Petersen said.

Petersen and Schraeger are so close that they even park right next to each other in the parking lot.

“I recently said, ‘We are now seniors living in a dormitory,’” Schraeger said.

Call Staff Writer Kathryn Pentiuk at (586) 498-1070.

Following members Present: Harryvan, Chalifoux, Mooney, Borowski, Clark, Fayz, Ross.

Board approved Agenda, as amended.

Board approved, December 10, 2024 regular board meeting minutes.

Board approved appointment of Paul Newitt to Planning Commission, expiring 12/31/2026.

Board approved resolution ending tax collection agreement with Village of Beverely Hills.

Board approved resolution to set Poverty Exemption Guidelines.

Board approved Budget Study Session, February 11, 2025, 7pm, @ Southfeld Township Hall.

Board approved fling Compensation Committee Report.

Board approved salary of Township Supervisor, Clerk, Treasurer.

Board approved December General Fund expenditures in the amount of $61,499.85.

Eileen Harryvan

Southfeld Township Clerk

Published: Birmingham-Bloomfeld Eagle 01/22/2025

0370-2504

CRIME WATCH

Man arrested for embezzling

BLOOMFIELD TOWNSHIP — A 25-year-old man was arrested for reportedly embezzling nearly $30,000 from a smoothie shop in Bloomfield Township last year.

Nathaniel Christian Jones was arraigned Jan. 9 at the 48th District Court and issued a $10,000, 10% bond.

Between April 30, 2024, and September 18, 2024, the Bloomfield Township Police Department says Jones, the general manager of the store, embezzled $29,745 worth of cash deposits from Tropical Smoothie Café, 2510 S. Telegraph Road.

Jones was due back at the 48th District Court on Jan. 21, which was after press time. His attorney, Gregory J. Rohl, could not be reached for comment at press time.

Nike items stolen from sporting goods store

BLOOMFIELD TOWNSHIP — The Bloomfield Township Police Department responded to a retail fraud at a sporting goods store in the 2100 block of S. Telegraph Road Jan. 6. The suspect was described by police as a tall Black male, medium build, late 20s to 30s, and was clean shaven. He was wearing a gray/green durag,a blue hooded sweatshirt with white drawstring, blue pants and black shoes with white soles. The suspect stole eight Nike clothing items and one Nike duffel bag valued at $962. The suspect left the area in a light-colored, older model Chevrolet sedan. Police are investigating.

Package stolen from home

BLOOMFIELD TOWNSHIP — The Bloomfield Township Police Department took a larceny report from a residence on the 4600 block of Chelsea Lane Jan. 8. The victim stated a Black male wearing camouflage pants, camouflage vest, black undershirt and black baseball hat with a “Detroit D” walked up to her porch with a Trader Joe’s paper bag. The suspect left the Trader Joe’s bag, containing potato chips and water, and stole a package containing a Verizon Wi-Fi booster. The suspect fled the scene in a small burgundy four-door SUV. Police are investigating.

Mail reported stolen

BLOOMFIELD TOWNSHIP — The Bloomfield Township Police Department took a report of larceny from mail over two days, Jan .1 and Jan. 10. It was reported that a black older model Jeep Cherokee with a loud muffler was driving around stealing mail from multiple residences. The case was turned over to the Bloomfield Township Investigations Unit and is currently under investigation. Anyone with information is urged to call the Bloomfield Township Police Department at (248) 433-7755.

Drunk driver caught after hit-and-run

BIRMINGHAM — Officers were dispatched to the area of Pierce Street. and E. Merrill on Jan. 11 at approximately 11 p.m. for a hit-and-run incident. Shortly after speaking with the victim of a hit-andrun incident, officers identified the suspect’s vehicle, driven by a 62-year-old male from Missouri.

Upon approaching the vehicle, officers immediately observed signs of intoxication. The suspect admitted to consuming alcohol an hour prior to driving, and officers also noticed a cocktail in the passenger seat of the vehicle.

After being placed under arrest, the suspect admitted to hitting a road sign and a tree a couple of hours before his arrest. The suspect was issued a citation for driving under the influence of alcohol.

Resident reports Facebook Marketplace theft

BIRMINGHAM — On Jan. 9 at 8 p.m., a 53-year-old female resident stated that she was selling a jacket on Facebook Marketplace. After negotiating the price with the suspect, the buyer of the jacket, she informed him that she had placed the jacket on her front porch and instructed him to leave the payment under the front door mat.

The suspect, an unknown male, agreed to the arrangement. However, when the suspect arrived, he showed the money to the doorbell camera but subsequently left with both the money and the jacket.

An investigation is ongoing.

Welfare check results in arrest

BIRMINGHAM — On Jan. 9 at approximately 7 p.m., officers were dispatched to the 100 block of S. Old Woodward Avenue for a welfare check.

Staff at a local restaurant informed officers that the suspect, a 42-year-old female from Grosse Pointe Woods, was being belligerent, and they were concerned for her welfare.

Upon speaking with the suspect, officers observed signs of intoxication. They also

your insurance company

discovered a pill bottle containing prescription drugs.

The suspect was placed under arrest for possession of a controlled substance.

Nail customer leaves without paying for services

BIRMINGHAM — On Jan. 5 at approximately 1 p.m., officers were dispatched to the 500 block of S. Old Woodward Avenue for a report of fraud.

The suspect, an unidentified female, visited a local nail shop, received services, and attempted to pay with a debit card that was declined. The suspect told the staff she had another card in her vehicle but never returned.

An investigation is ongoing.

Work bag reported stolen from vehicle

BIRMINGHAM — At approximately 11 a.m. on Jan. 8, officers were dispatched to the front desk of the Birmingham Police Department lobby for a report of larceny. The victim, a 32-year-old male from Clarkston, stated that his work bag was stolen from the passenger side of his vehicle while he was at a nearby gym.

The victim was unsure whether his vehicle door was locked at the time. Officers did not observe any signs of forced entry.

An investigation is ongoing.

— Mary Beth Almond and Mary Genson

Jones

Production

from page 3A

underlying message of family and community in this entertaining and very relatable show,” Sussman said. “It’s got lots of colorful characters, and I think the audience will have a really wonderful time getting to meet and know these characters and what their goals are, what their aspirations are, and how that all unfolds.”

In the show, Izzy is a young woman who works at a bookstore in the Upper West Side.

She spends a lot of time with her grandmother who is worried that Izzy is not going to get married.

One of the characters in the production, “Bubbie,” hires a marriage broker to fix Izzy up with a man who owns a pickle stand on the Lower East Side.

Emerine

from page 1A

Inc., a civil engineering and land surveying firm.

He also has affiliations with the Association of State Floodplain Managers, Michigan Stormwater Floodplain Association and Home Builders Association of Southeast Michigan.

“His background as a civil engineer is going to be really helpful as we review infrastructure projects and plans for improving parks,” Birmingham Mayor Therese Longe said.

At his first meeting, Longe said he used his knowledge as a civil engineer to share valuable insights on the plans for Booth Park.

Although Emerine is new to the City Commission, he is not new to working with Birmingham.

Emerine has worked on various boards in the city for years.

He was an alternate member of the Planning Board from 2018-2024 and on the Ad Hoc Unimproved Street Committee from 2018-2020.

He has also served on the Ad Hoc Senior/Recreation Center Committee.

“Once the vacancy became available on the City Commission, I was interested in it because I’ve been involved in Birmingham government now for six years, and there wasn’t a member of the Planning Board on the City Commission, so I thought my six years of knowledge with the Planning Board and my involvement with the Planning

Meanwhile, Izzy is infatuated with an author who is more sophisticated and a little self-centered.

Audiences will get to experience Izzy’s journey and see which man she ultimately chooses.

Beverly Hills resident Kelley Rawls plays Izzy, Joe Danz of Rochester plays Sam Posner, Sandra Deering of Clarkston plays Bubbie Kantor, Greg Ruvolo of Lathrup Village plays Tyler Moss, and Pam Martin of Birmingham plays Hannah Mandelbaum.

Deering, who plays Bubbie, is playing a character that is about 30 years older than she actually is.

As a woman in her early 50s, Deering said it is challenging to play a character who is in her 80s because it affects how she walks, talks and dresses.

“I’m trying to portray an older person who, you know, is starting to fail a little bit in their walk and in their aches and pains,

Board might be advantageous to the City Commission,” Emerine said.

Emerine said that Birmingham Plan 2040 is the primary document that’s going to drive what he hopes to do on the City Commission.

“He is very up-to-speed about projects that are going on in the city and about how the city does business,” Longe said. “His deep knowledge of the 2040 plan is going to be enormously helpful, as the Commission gets parts of that to start working our way through to review and look at how and when we want to implement recommendations.”

At the conclusion of his 11-month appointment, Emerine intends to run for a City Commission seat in November.

Call Staff Writer Mary Genson at (586) 498-1095.

but still in a respectful manner and not being caricaturist or looking like we’re making fun of people in the natural process of aging,” Deering said.

She said her favorite scene of the play is the opening scene because it is a good representation of Izzy and Bubbie’s relationship. She added that it also is one of the scenes of the show that shines light on the importance of respecting older generations.

Aiding Sussman with the production is Royal Oak resident Diane D’Agostino, the assistant director, Rochester resident Diana McClain, the producer, and Bloomfield

Township resident Felicia Felton, the assistant producer.

Shows take place on Thursdays, Fridays and Saturdays at 8 p.m. and Sundays at 2 p.m. Individual reserved tickets cost $30. Audience members can also opt to purchase a flex package for $250 to receive 10 tickets that can be used for any combination of shows.

To purchase tickets, call the box office at 248-644-2075, or place an order online at birminghamvillageplayers.com.

Call Staff Writer Mary Genson at (586) 498-1095.

Photo provided by Kelly Brolley Photography Birmingham City Commissioner Jason Emerine is pictured with his wife, Mary, and daughters, Ruby and Mabel.

COMMUNITY CALENDAR

18A/ BIRMINGHAM-BLOOMFIELD EAGLE • JANUARY 22, 2025

JAN. 25

Fire & Ice Show: Featuring fire dancers, ice carver, and hot cocoa and tea, 2-4 p.m., Franklin Public Library, 32455 Franklin Road, franklin.lib.mi.us

Frosty Farm Fun: Meet new animals, design themed craft, hear winter story, warm up with hot cocoa and more, for ages 5-7, 9:30-11:30 a.m., Bowers School Farm, 1219 E. Square Lake Road in Bloomfield Hills, schoolfarm.org

Planetary Alignment Party: Hosted by Cranbrook Institute of Science astronomers with help from Warren Astronomical Society, see Venus, Saturn, Jupiter, Mars, Neptune and Uranus appear close together, also other activities about celestial phenomenon, 6-10 p.m., 39221 Woodward Ave. in Bloomfield Hills, registration encouraged, (248) 645-3200, science.cranbrook.edu

JAN. 26

Bach’s Coffeehouse: Concert series featuring Detroit Symphony Orchestra musicians, 3 p.m., Seligman Performing Arts Center, 22305 W. 13 Mile Road in Beverly Hills, (313) 576-5111, dso.org

JAN. 28

Art lecture: Hear from Elena Kanagy-Loux about lacemaking, presented by Cranbrook Academy of Art, 6-7:30 p.m., deSalle Auditorium at Cranbrook Art Museum, 39221 Woodward Ave. in Bloomfield Hills, cranbrookart.edu/events, cranbrookartmuseum.org

JAN. 31

Senior Men’s Club of Birmingham: Meets 10:30 a.m. most Fridays, hear from guest speaker Dr. Boris Pasche (Karmanos Cancer Institute), also luncheon, The Iroquois Club, 43248 Woodward Ave. in Bloomfield Township, also on Zoom, RSVP for lunches by previous Mondays, seniormensclub@gmail.com, seniormen sclubbirmingham.com

FEB. 2

Kids’ Dog Show: See ages 4-14 and their pups compete for Best Costume, Best Trick, Waggiest Tail, Best Looking and Musical Sit, also meet comfort dogs and Southern Michigan Obedience Training Club, 1-3

p.m., Berkshire Middle School, 21707 W. 14 Mile Road in Beverly Hills, birminghamyouthassistance. org/kids-dog-show

FEB. 7

Learn history of Super Bowl: Presented by Detroit Country Day High School coach Dan MacLean, 10-11 a.m., Bloomfield Township Senior Services, 4315 Andover Road, RSVP to (248) 723-3500

Detroit Chamber Winds & Strings: Show featuring DCWS and Detroit Symphony Orchestra flutist Amanda Blaikie, part of recurring Nightnotes Series, 7:30-9:30 p.m., Hagopian World of Rugs, 850 S. Old Woodward Ave. in Birmingham, detroitchamberwinds.org

FEB. 7-8

Winter houseplant sale: Open to public from 10 a.m.-3 p.m. Feb. 7 and 10 a.m.-2 p.m. Feb. 8, Cranbrook House & Gardens, 380 Lone Pine Road in Bloomfield Hills, (248) 645-3149, houseandgardens@ cranbrook.edu, housegardens.cranbrook.edu/events/ winter-houseplant-sale

FEB. 11

The Birmingham Metropolitan Women’s Club: Meets 10:30 a.m. every second Tuesday of month, hear from guest speaker Jim Sabatella (Detroit Symphony Orchestra group and tourism sales manager), also luncheon, The Iroquois Club, 43248 Woodward Ave. in Bloomfield Township, RSVP to Chris at (248) 3037339, tbmwc.com

FEB. 13

The Birmingham Musicale: Hear love songs and lullabies during “Music from the Heart” concert, 1 p.m., Lutheran Church of the Redeemer, 1800 W. Maple Road in Birmingham, thebirminghammusicale.org

FEB. 15

After Dark at Cranbrook Institute of Science: Explore love, sex and attraction through science, history and nature demonstrations, presentations and interactive activities, also cocktails and bites, for ages 21 and older, 7-10 p.m., 39221 Woodward Ave. in Bloomfield Hills, science.cranbrook.edu

To view more Community Calendar and to submit your own, use the QR code or visit candgnews.com/calendar. To advertise an event, call (586) 498-8000.

FEB. 16

Dinner dance: Music by Birmingham Concert Band and Downriver Community Band, also cash bar, doors at 4 p.m., Ukrainian Cultural Center, 26601 Ryan Road in Warren, bcbinfo@birminghamconcertband. com, (313) 737-7662, birminghamconcertband.com

ONGOING

‘Crossing Delancey’: Romantic comedy set in Manhattan about young woman torn between roots and aspirations, 8 p.m. Thurdays-Saturdays and 2 p.m. Sundays until Feb. 2, Birmingham Village Players, 34660 Woodward Ave., birminghamvillageplayers.com, (248) 644-2075

‘Five Women Wearing the Same Dress’: Show about bridesmaids avoiding wedding and their discovery of common interests, 8 p.m. Fridays-Saturdays and 2 p.m. Sundays until Feb. 8, St. Dunstan’s Theatre, 400 Lone Pine Road in Bloomfield Hills, (844) 386-7826, stdunstanstheatre.com

Art exhibit: Featuring works by Birmingham Bloomfield Art Center students, on display from 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Mondays-Thursdays and 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Fridays-Saturdays Jan. 31-March 13, BBAC, 1516 S. Cranbrook Road in Birmingham, bbartcenter.org

Oakland Choral Society: Open rehearsals for “A German Requiem” by Johannes Brahms from 7-9 p.m. Tuesdays until Feb. 25, Birmingham Unitarian Church, 38304 Woodward Ave. in Bloomfield Hills, then concert with Macomb Symphony Orchestra at 3 p.m. March 2, Macomb Center for the Performing Arts on Macomb Community College - Center Campus, 44575 Garﬁeld Road in Clinton Township, andrew.neer@ oaklandchoralsociety.org

Birmingham-Bloomfield Newcomers and Neighbors Club: Nonprofit comprising 270-plus women around world, group hosts monthly Welcome Coffee events to connect, share cultures and build friendships, also local activities including card games and sports, bbnc. membership@gmail.com, bbnewcomers.com

‘The Science of Archimedes’: Traveling exhibition celebrating Greek scientist and mathematician, on

display from noon-4 p.m. Sundays, 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Wednesdays, Thursdays and Saturdays, and 10 a.m.10 p.m. Fridays until June 1, Cranbrook Institute of Science, 39221 Woodward Ave. in Bloomfield Hills, science.cranbrook.edu

‘Transitions’ art exhibit: Works by Birmingham Society of Women Painters, on display from 1-5 p.m. Sundays, 10 a.m.-8 p.m. Mondays-Thursdays, and 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Fridays-Saturdays through February, Woods Gallery inside Huntington Woods Library, 26415 Scotia Road, woodsgallery.org

Second Saturday Sales: Monthly shopping for books, DVDs, CDs and more, 11 a.m.-3 p.m. (10 a.m. for Friends of the Bloomfield Township Public Library members), 1099 Lone Pine Road, (248) 642-5800, btpl.org

Monthly meetups: Find clubs for books and movies, also fiber arts (meets bimonthly), Bloomfield Township Public Library, 1099 Lone Pine Road, (248) 6425800, btpl.org

Birmingham & Ferndale Stamp Club: Meets 6-8 p.m. every first and third Tuesday of month, fellowship at 5:30 p.m., NEXT Senior Center, 2121 Midvale St. in Birmingham, birminghamstamp.club

Winter Park: Glow tubing, bonfires, animal experiences and more, 4-10 p.m. Fridays, noon-10 p.m. Saturdays and noon-9 p.m. Sundays until Feb. 23, Bowers School Farm, 1219 E. Square Lake Road in Bloomfield Township, (248) 341-6475, bowersfarm@ bloomfield.org, schoolfarm.org/winter-activities

Powerful Tools for Caregivers: Virtual workshops hosted by AgeWays, learn to communicate with family and healthcare providers, reduce stress, guilt, anger and depression, and make difficult decisions, 1-2:30 p.m. Tuesdays through Feb. 18, free but donations accepted, register at wellnessprograms@ageways.org, tinyurl.com/agewaysworkshops or (833) 262-2200

Health workshops: For hypertension, diabetes, pre-diabetes and more, hosted by Corewell Health, free and virtual, corewellhealth.org/classes-events/ southeast-michigan

Marie Dowler

Kaitlin Dowler

Ends1/31

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THE WEEK • CRIME OF THE WEEK • CRIME OF THE WEEK

Vehicle crashes into courtyard

HAZEL PARK — According to a police report, around 8:13 p.m. Dec. 15, officers were sent to the Country Boy Restaurant at 821 E. Nine Mile Road on report of a vehicle crashing into the courtyard where the restaurant’s outdoor seating area is located.

Officers arrived and spoke to a witness who had observed a gray Chevrolet Trailblazer that had been traveling west on Nine Mile Road before jumping the curb and crashing through the fence around the courtyard. The witness had called 911 and remained on scene to point out the driver. No injuries were reported.

Upon speaking with the female driver of the suspect vehicle, police learned that she had been driving home from work prior to the accident. Officers allegedly smelled a heavy odor of intoxicants from the driver. She reportedly admitted to having two beers and one shot of liquor earlier that night. She failed roadside sobriety tests and was arrested for operating while intoxicated.

Vehicle stolen and recovered

WEST BLOOMFIELD — On Dec. 11, an officer was dispatched to the 5400 block of South Piccadilly Circle to take a report about a stolen vehicle.

The reporting party told the officer that their unlocked vehicle was parked overnight Dec. 10-11 in front of their home with the keys in the ignition.

Once they discovered the vehicle missing, they called the police.

The vehicle was recovered in Detroit Dec. 21.

According to a report, police were investigating.

Physical fight breaks out after crash

BIRMINGHAM — At approximately 8:30 a.m. Dec. 20, an officer was dispatched to Frank and Pierce streets for a report of two women fighting after their vehicles collided near Barnum Park.

One of the drivers, a 25-year-old Clawson resident, said that the road was icy and her vehicle slid into the back of another vehicle, driven by a 36-year-old Detroit woman. The two exited their cars and began fighting in the street.

The 36-year-old woman said that the 25-yearold spit at her and bit her finger. The 25-year-old said the 36-year-old grabbed her hair and punched her.

Both were issued citations for disorderly conduct, with the 25-year-old receiving an additional ticket for failure to stop within an assured clear distance ahead.

Unlocked car, valuables stolen

BLOOMFIELD TOWNSHIP — A woman reported that her white 2024 Jeep Wrangler Sahara was parked in the circle driveway of her home in the

5000 block of Provincial Drive when it was stolen Dec. 19.

The car was unlocked with the key fob inside. Inside of the vehicle was a white Louis Vuitton purse, work laptop and black Gucci sunglasses.

The total estimated value is $4,400. On Dec. 19, the vehicle was recovered.

Police were investigating.

Fraudulent contractor

MADISON HEIGHTS — According to a police report, an unknown suspect was hired by a Rochester Hills resident, 46, to transport a vehicle from California to a location in the 31000 block of Stephenson Highway in Madison Heights. The suspect, however, never brought the vehicle or answered follow-up phone calls.

The arrangement was reportedly made in mid-December.

Unattended firearm stolen from McDonald’s bathroom

ROYAL OAK — A complainant reported that at 8:51 a.m. Dec. 19, an unknown person stole the complainant’s firearm after leaving it unattended in the bathroom of a McDonald’s at 423 W. 11 Mile Road.

Individual arrested after waving a gun in local business

SOUTHFIELD — A business called Southfield police after an altercation ensued at 5:06 p.m. on Dec. 16 in the 24000 block of Northwestern Highway, with one individual reportedly waving a gun in the air.

The individual responsible was located a short time later and taken into custody.

Methamphetamine found on suspect with an arrest warrant

TROY — Officers responded to a report of a suspicious person at a McDonald’s at 36895 Dequindre Road on Dec. 8 at 12:18 a.m.

Upon arrival, officers identified a 37-year-old male from Mount Clemens, and found he had a warrant for his arrest in Warren. The warrant was confirmed and the male was placed under arrest.

During a search of his person, officers located a small container in his hoodie pocket that contained a rock of suspected crystal meth. A small baggie containing additional suspected crystal meth was also found in the suspect’s wallet.

The substance in the baggie later tested positive for methamphetamine.

The male was arrested and transported to the Troy Police Department, where he was charged with possession of methamphetamine.

AND NOTES NEWS

NEWS BRIEFS TAKEN FROM AROUND OUR COVERAGE AREAS

Time to check hemlock trees for invasive species

METRO DETROIT — The Michigan Department of Natural Resources and the Department of Agriculture and Rural Development are asking for help protecting eastern hemlock trees from an invasive species.

The pests are hemlock woolly adelgid and the best time to catch them feeding is in the winter months. Robert Miller, an MDARD invasive species prevention and response specialist, said this climate triggers feeding activity, making the adelgids easier to spot.

“As hemlock woolly adelgid feeds, it secretes a white, waxy material that creates ovisacs,” he is quoted as saying in a DNR press release. “The presence of these small, round, white masses makes it possible to identify infested trees.”

The insects, which aren’t native to Michigan, drain the nutrients out of the hemlocks. Infestations have been confirmed in Allegan, Antrim, Benzie, Leelanau, Mason, Muskegon, Oceana, Ottawa and Washtenaw counties. Hemlock trees have the following characteristics: Cone- or egg-shaped trees up to 75 feet tall; drooping or feathery branches; flat needles growing individually from the sides of twigs; needles that are dark green on top with two parallel, white stripes underneath; and papery cones about three-quarters of an inch long that hang downward from branches.

You can report an infestation to the Midwest Invasive Species Information Network, at MISIN.MSU.edu or available as a downloadable smartphone app. Reports can also be submitted by email to MDA-Info@ Michigan.gov or by phone to MDARD at (800) 292-3939.

ACROSS

1. 43,560 square feet

5. Undergarment

8. “She ____ a Yellow Ribbon”

12. Ocean Spray

____-Apple juice

13. #5 Across, pl.

14. Concentration of solution, in chemistry

15. CISC alternative

16. Swearing-in words

17. Goodwill branch

18. *Artist with most

Grammy nominations

20. ALCS counterpart

21. Winter Olympics participant

22. IX minus II

23. Drum roll sound

26. Front of building, pl.

30. Get it wrong

31. Upholstery choice

34. Reflect deeply

35. Raccoon’s cousin

37. “____ the fields we go”

38. Binary digits code

39. Capital on a fjord

40. Isaac of science fiction fame

42. Consumed

43. Within shortest distance

45. *100-year-old Grammy Award nominee

47. Beer faucet

48. Corpulent

50. Self-satisfied

52. *2025 Grammy nominated former band, with The 55. Twist and distort

56. Bank’s provision 57. Flock’s response

59. Ranee’s wrap 60. Elvers

*2003 Lifetime Achievement Award

____

GET A SLICE OF THIS

METRO DETROIT — Michigan has good taste when it comes to pizza.

Recently, the McNair Center at Northwood University partnered with the Michigan Chamber of Commerce to conduct an analysis of who serves the best pizza. According to their report released Dec. 16, Michigan is the pizza capital of the United States and maybe even the world.

The study, “Michigan: The Unlikely Pizza Capital of the United States (and the World?),” analyzed the size and scope of the U.S. and global pizza industry and the economic role Michigan plays. The study also looked at the history and economic role in growing the U.S. and global pizza markets, and what role eight entrepreneurs from Michigan had in influencing the size, scope, and quality of the growth.

“We found that across the U.S. and around the world, millions of people speaking different languages were brought together by the common pleasure of consuming pizza, whose origins emanated from entrepreneurial activity within a 60mile radius of downtown Detroit, Michigan,” stated Dr. Timothy G. Nash, one of the study’s authors who led the McNair Center for Free Enterprise and Entrepreneurship at Northwood.

The study determined Michigan is home to four of the top 10 U.S. pizza chains by sales in 2023: Domino’s Pizza at No. 1; Little Caesars Pizza at No. 3; Hungry Howie’s Pizza at No. 8; and Jet’s Pizza at No. 9. Those four institutions accounted for 30.5% of the U.S. pizza sales in 2023, recording a combined $14.36 billion of the $46.98 billion industry total.

According to the results, the four Michigan pizzerias recorded nearly 15% of global pizza sales with $23.6 billion of the $159 billion total. The headquarters for the “Michigan Four” are all located within less than 60 miles of each other in southeast Michigan in Madison Heights, Detroit, Sterling Heights and Ann Arbor.

SCHOLARSHIPS AVAILABLE FOR FUTURE FIRST RESPONDERS AND THOSE SEEKING CAREERS IN SKILLED TRADES

METRO DETROIT — Now through Feb. 25, Michigan Schools and Government Credit Union is inviting students

to apply for any of the 57 scholarships it’s offering. Scholarships include those designed to help students and educators achieve their career goals and scholarships for future first responders and those seeking careers in skilled trades. The credit union plans to award a total of $130,000 in scholarships this year.

“Earning a degree or certification requires a great deal of determination and hard work, along with a signifi-

cant financial investment,” MSGCU President/CEO Steve Brewer said in a press release. “MSGCU is increasing our scholarship awards this year to support more students in the communities we serve. We have provided over $1.25 million in scholarships since our program started 20 years ago, helping more than 600 recipients complete their education.”

For a scholarship application or more information, visit msgcu.org/scholarships.

Pups compete in annual dog show

BIRMINGHAM/BEVERLY HILLS — The Birmingham Youth Assistance’s 42nd Annual Kids’ Dog Show will take place from 1-3 p.m. on Sunday, Feb. 2 in the Berkshire Middle School gymnasium, located at 21707 W. 14 Mile Road in Beverly Hills.

All participants are required to be checked into the show by 12:30 p.m. Registration to participate has passed. Each year, kids ages 4-14 bring their dogs to compete in a fun competition for prizes. The categories are designed to be low stress and include, Best Costume for dog and child, Best Trick, Waggiest Tail, Best Looking, and Musical Sit, which is a game similar to musical chairs.

Comfort dogs will be at the event, courtesy of the Oakland County Sheriff’s Department. Kids will also get a chance to learn an easy obedience command from an instructor from the Southern Michigan Obedience Training Club.

“We are thrilled that this fun event has become such a popular tradition in our community,” BYA Chair Ann Nazareth Manning stated in a press release. “The enthusiastic kids who participate each year and the generosity of our sponsors make this show possible and help further the work of Birmingham Youth Assistance.”

Visit birminghamyouthassistance.org/kids-dog-show, for more information.

COREWELL HEALTH CHILDREN’S RECEIVES $1.6 MILLION IN GRANTS

ROYAL OAK — Corewell Health Children’s has recently received $1.6 million in Children’s Miracle Network Grants.

The grants will be used to enhance pediatric programs at Corewell Health Children’s locations, and more than 60 programs received funding.

“The success of the Corewell Health’s Children’s/CMN partnership relies upon the generosity of the entire community,” Matthey Denenberg, M.D., chief of pediatrics for Corewell Health, said in a press release. “Individuals, corporate partners and hospital team members all contribute to provide our pediatric team the opportunity for ongoing advancement in medical care for our youngest patients. Together, we can give children exceptional care that positively impacts their lives.”

The grants included funding for the pediatric social work program, pediatric epilepsy research support, child life therapist program, Corewell Health’s Teen Safe Driving Initiative, more than 480 bike safety helmets for the annual Bike Day event and the purchase of neonatal intensive care unit equipment including ventilators and pediatric vision screeners. For more information on Corewell Health Children’s, visit corewellhealth.org/SEchildrens.

Photo provided by Birmingham Youth Assistance