Five-year forecast assesses possible challenges for Madison Heights
BY ANDY KOZLOWSKI akozlowski@candgnews.com
MADISON HEIGHTS — Officials in Madison Heights are sounding a note of fiscal caution — but not alarm bells — after a report forecasting challenges with inflation, state revenue sharing and other policies that continue to strain Michigan cities.
The city manager and finance director prepare the five-year forecast, watching indicators such as housing sales, building permits, taxable value estimates, county budget proposals and estimates, mortgage interest rates and more. This year’s forecast also included the Michigan Economic Outlook, a report published by the University of Michigan in November 2024.
That report highlighted Michigan’s economic deceleration at the end of last year, with moderate job growth now expected in 2025 and 2026, and inflation stabilization around 2.1-3% during that time.
“Inflation impacts both our taxable value growth and operational costs,” said Melissa Marsh, the city manager of Madison Heights, via email.
In addition to affecting the costs of goods and services,
Board members of the Hazel Park Community Coalition meet with Shana Williams, left, its new executive director. Clockwise from Williams are Robin May, representing the media sector; Richard Shunnarah, representing the business sector; Autumn Jackson, a senior Hazel Park High School student representing the youth sector; Karla Graessley, representing the school sector; and Benjamin Ervin, board president. Also present was Hazel Park Police Det. Qani Toro, representing law enforcement.
Photo by Patricia O’Blenes
BY ANDY KOZLOWSKI akozlowski@candgnews.com
HAZEL PARK — A Hazel Park nonprofit is lining up multiple initiatives this year aimed at reducing substance use among youth.
The Hazel Park Community Coalition is a licensed 501(c)(3) nonprofit closely aligned with the Hazel Park Public Schools. The district serves as its fiscal agent, while the HPCC itself coordinates youth and community-based preven-
Photo by Patricia O’Blenes
Taco Tequila Y Mas, located at 31660 John R Road, opened in December in Madison Heights. Businesses continue to open in the city, which researchers at iLabs recently recognized for having business-friendly practices.
Study gives Madison Heights top marks for business climate
BY ANDY KOZLOWSKI akozlowski@candgnews.com
MADISON HEIGHTS — Madison Heights is one of the most accommodating cities for starting and redeveloping a business, according to a report by researchers studying best business practices in Michigan.
The eCities study is conducted by iLabs researchers at University of Michigan Dearborn, covering a five-year period — in this case 2019
See STUDY on page 10A
FRESH SNOW, FRESH START
TOP: A snow-blanketed Suarez Friendship Woods, located at 30300 Hales St. in Madison Heights, offers a quiet escape Jan. 14.
TOP LEFT: An icy pond reflects overcast skies near the Red Oaks Nature Center.
BOTTOM LEFT: A visitor enjoys the trails in the woods.
ABOVE RIGHT: A house finch perches in the trees near the bird feeders.
Photos by Patricia O’Blenes
Officials seek feedback for recreational offerings in Madison Heights
BY ANDY KOZLOWSKI akozlowski@candgnews.com
MADISON HEIGHTS — The mayor and mayor pro tem of Madison Heights want to know what kinds of programs and amenities are desired by residents — and they’re thinking outside the box about how to deliver them.
Feedback can be emailed to Mayor Roslyn Grafstein at roslyngrafstein@madisonheights.org, and to Mayor Pro Tem Mark Bliss at markbliss@madison-heights.org.
“It’s table stakes to have public safety and our roads covered, but where the taxpayers think the city is really delivering for them is in the little things, like being able to swim in a pool or rent out a room for a party,” Bliss said. “Those things seem intangible until the time you want to do them.”
Grafstein and Bliss have been talking with Melissa Marsh, the city manager, about ways to expand the city’s quality-of-life offerings in a cost-effective way. The city of Madison Heights does not have a dedicated community center, and building one would be very expensive. As such, they have turned
their attention to others in the area that could deliver the same types of services.
For example, the Lamphere and Madison school districts each have pools, tracks and courts that would be suitable for partnership programs with the city. There are gyms in the area that could work with Madison Heights to provide deals for residents. There’s even the possibility of collaborating with community centers in neighboring cities such as Warren or Troy.
“I’m often asked why don’t we have a community center, and why don’t we have relations with other (entities) where we can do something to provide these sorts of things,’” Grafstein said. “It all comes down to the details. Some things sound great on paper, but when you try to actually put a plan into action, it gets more difficult.”
Bliss said that decades ago, a proposal for the construction of a community center went before Madison Heights voters, but the initiative was defeated at the ballot box.
Bliss said he was inspired, in part, by his own childhood growing up in the city, when the Lamphere Schools provided lowcost pool access to residents, supervised by a city-funded lifeguard.
“There was a small cost to get in and use (the pool), but it was super beneficial for the city to be able to offer swimming to our residents at a very affordable price,” Bliss said. “So the three of us — the mayor, city manager and myself — we’ve been talking about how to bring those kinds of things back to the community. Things like discounted gym memberships, or access to school facilities like tracks and tennis courts. The city and schools have the same taxpayers, after all.”
Added Grafstein: “It doesn’t make sense to invest money building new facilities when they are duplicates of what the schools and others already have in the community. We’re talking facilities that are perfectly good and
“So we’ve been without (a community center) for the entirety of the city’s existence,” Bliss said. “And yet, it’s a very common request in the city, especially as access to things dwindle and prices get more expensive. So, in lieu of spending that astronomical sum to build a recreation center, the idea is what can we do through partnerships to provide those same services.”
do the same thing, but that may be underutilized. The idea is we can reduce duplication and maximize taxpayer dollars, saving on cost.”
Bliss said he’s eager to see feedback from residents.
“They might have ideas that we haven’t thought about but that are really awesome,” he said. “There’s no one clear path, but I’m confident that having so many clever and creative people working on it, we will get it done. And I think perspective-wise, we’re at a point as a city where we can solve things like this, because we have solved so many other big issues. The fact this can be one of the top items we discuss in strategic planning shows how much progress we’ve made in recent years.”
Call Staff Writer Andy Kozlowski at (586) 498-1046.
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Forecast
including contractors with the city, inflation also factors into the Headlee Amendment and Proposal A — two state policies that together limit what a city can collect from its tax base to 5% or the rate of inflation, whichever is less.
“Despite the improved economy, given the cap on rolled-back mills means that when the taxable values drop, or when inflation exceeds the amount approved by the state, the city has no mechanism for financing that gap without additional millages,” Marsh said.
As a result, levying the full amount of Proposal MH — a general charter increase narrowly approved by voters in 2019 — may be necessary as early as fiscal year 2026 or 2027, when before it wasn’t anticipated to occur until fiscal year 2028. This is due to expenditure inflation exceeding the city’s revenue inflation that was capped at 5% for the past two years. At present, Madison Heights levies 13.4674 mills; the full limit is 13.9483 mills.
Not helping matters is the state’s revenue sharing model, which city officials say has not kept pace with the costs of operation. Back in 2003, the city of Madison Heights received
$3.55 million in state shared revenue, but in 2025, more than 20 years later, the city will receive only $3.73 million — an increase of only $180,000. There was recently a proposal in the state Legislature for a trust fund to help improve state shared revenues, but it died in the state Senate during a lame duck session.
Marsh said it’s unfortunate, and unfair.
“Michigan’s municipalities play a crucial role in the state’s economy,” Marsh said. “We rely on revenue sharing, a system set forth by the state constitution and statute, to fund essential services like police and fire protection, roads, water and sewer systems, and waste collection. The formula for distributing this revenue sharing was designed to compensate communities for their contributions and the higher costs they bear.
“When this system is underfunded, the entire Michigan economy suffers,” Marsh concluded. “As signs of an approaching recession begin to surface, it’s vital to understand the financial struggles facing Michigan’s communities. If the revenue sharing system is not addressed before the next downturn, local governments could face severe consequences.”
The city manager also said it’s important to note that of the taxes paid by residents in the city, only 44% are for city services. She described her administration’s approach as “financially conservative” with the No. 1 pri-
ority of long-term financial stability. Under this approach, the city has adopted a balanced budget annually, striving to keep the city portion of the millage as low as possible while keeping a healthy amount in cash reserves — an anticipated $11.4 million by June 30.
The city’s fund balance policy requires 16% of operating expenditures plus one year of debt payment to be held in reserve, an amount that ranges around $7.5 million and is factored into each budget proposal.
In terms of the city’s spending habits, the forecast projects more than $40 million in capital assets and infrastructure projects between now and the end of 2030. This includes planned road maintenance and road projects totaling about $17.3 million, water and sewer maintenance and improvements totaling about $8 million, investments in public safety totaling about $9 million, and park investments totaling about $4 million, which is separate from a $7 million investment being made by Oakland County at Ambassador Park.
Inflation, combined with shortages, have driven up the cost of replacing pieces of equipment for public safety, as much as 39%-56%, Marsh said. Police body cameras and Tasers, for example, have a subscription model and storage costs approaching nearly $700,000 for five years. The same goes for the
city’s software after they switched over to new computers, with a paid subscription to Microsoft 365 now required for all users.
Mark Bliss, the mayor pro tem, said it’s the same pressure felt by residents in their daily lives.
“The eggs at Meijer and the concrete used for roads are different things, obviously, but the cost increases are the same,” Bliss said. “The inflationary pressures are hitting both eggs and concrete. Much like when you go to the store and find it harder to afford eggs, if they’re even in stock, it’s the same with everything the city buys. And so we are aware that if things don’t change and improve, we’re going to have to make tough decisions in three to five years. But there is still time, and we’re still very much ahead of the curve, precisely because we plan ahead, and because we troubleshoot possible issues with our five-year forecast.
“These are not warning bells or alarms or anything,” Bliss added. “We just see the inflation and the state not increasing revenue sharing, and the economic landscape and how it could impact us if nothing changes, and we’re thinking of ways to survive it. There are many ways to respond to whatever comes our way. If you know it might rain, you bring an umbrella — and residents should know that we’ll continue to be ready for rain.”
NEWS & NOTES
BLOOD DRIVE
Daddy Daughter Dance
HAZEL PARK — Hazel Park Recreation will host a Daddy Daughter Dance at 6 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 8 at the Hazel Park Community Center, located at 620 W. Woodward Heights Blvd. The cost is $35 per couple, plus $15 for each additional child. A pizza dinner will be served between 6:15 p.m. and 6:45 p.m. There will also be refreshments, a professional photographer, and of course dancing. Tickets must be purchased in advance for the event — no tickets will be sold at the door. For more information, including how to purchase tickets, contact Hazel Park Recreation by calling (248) 547-5535.
LEARN ABOUT SQUIRRELS
MADISON HEIGHTS — The Red Oaks Nature Center at Suarez Friendship Woods, located at 30300 Hales St. in Madison Heights, will hold a program titled “Sly Sneaky Squirrels” at noon on Saturday, Feb. 1. Attendees will build their own squirrel feeder and learn about the nine species that call Michigan home. The program is suitable for all ages and costs $5 per person. Preregistration with payment is required by calling (248) 858-0916 weekdays or (248) 585-0100 during nature center hours.
HAZEL PARK — The Hazel Park Public Schools will host a blood drive, 8 a.m. to 2:45 p.m. Friday, Jan. 24 at Hazel Park High School, 23400 Hughes Ave. To sign up, visit redcrossblood.org/ give and type in zip code 48030, and then scroll down to the date to select the school. For more information, call Hazel Park High School at (248) 658-5100. 13650 E. 11 Mile Road Warren, MI 48089 • (586) 498-8000
HELP WITH BULLIES
MADISON HEIGHTS — The Madison District Public Schools has free parent coaching for students struggling with bullying available online at https://cookcenter.info/coaching. The service includes confidential support, biweekly calls, messaging with your coach, tools and tips, and guides with step-by-step resources.
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Yoga at Hazel Park Recreation
HAZEL PARK — A six-week yoga session will begin at 7 p.m. Jan. 23 and continue Thursdays on Jan. 30, Feb. 6, Feb. 13, Feb. 20 and Feb. 27 at the Hazel Park Community Center, located at 620 W. Woodward Heights Blvd. The cost is $40 per session or $10 per drop-in.
The course will provide a welcoming, supportive environment perfect for beginners and those looking to refine their foundational poses, improve flexibility and build strength. The course achieves this through guided movements, breathing techniques and relaxation exercises meant to connect your mind and body.
No prior experience is necessary — just bring a mat. For more information, call Hazel Park Recreation at (248) 547-5535.
Barre toning
MADISON HEIGHTS — Madison Heights Recreation is hosting Barre toning classes every Tuesday from Jan. 28 through March 4, from 7:15 p.m. to 8:15 p.m. at the Civic Center Park building, 360 W. 13 Mile Road. Barre is a workout described as combining the fat-burning format of interval training with the muscle-shaping techniques of isometrics, the elongating principles of dance conditioning and the science of physical therapy to safely reshape the entire body. For more information and to register, call Madison Heights Recreation at (248) 589-2294.
HPCC
from page 1A
tion initiatives directed at students and their families.
The HPCC formed in the fall of 2016, after a 24-year-old resident relapsed and died from a heroin overdose. A neighbor reached out to then-Congressman Sander Levin, who facilitated a partnership with the Alliance of Coalitions for Healthy Communities. This, in turn, led to the HPCC.
“I’ve had the opportunity to be with this from the beginning — I was president for some time, but in recent years I’ve taken a bit of a step back so it’s more community-driven, which is key,” said Amy Kruppe, HPPS superintendent. “(The HPCC) has found more ways to invest within the schools and help facilitate knowledge on the harms of vaping, whether it’s just regular vapes or THC vapes. Really, education is key to changing how we look at what we’re doing.”
Currently, the group is led by Shana Williams, its full-time executive director, as well as a board comprising 16 members, among them representatives from the media, businesses, law enforcement, faith-based groups and more.
The HPCC also closely follows guidance from the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration, which emphasizes community-wide collaboration on prevention efforts.
Williams said the primary focus is substance misuse prevention, mental health wellness and community advocacy, taking a data-driven approach to decision-making.
“By continuously gathering and analyzing data, we ensure that our initiatives address the unique challenges of our community,” Williams said in an email. “Our mission is to work with the community to create programs and support that help youth and families live healthy, drug-free lives.”
She described a vision of students attending “fun, educational workshops” teaching them about the risks of substance use and the benefits of healthy choices, and families attending community events where they receive resources like drug lock bags and prevention kits, as well as guidance on talking to their kids about staying drug-free.
“Imagine a community where schools, parents and local organizations work handin-hand to provide opportunities for youth to stay engaged — through technology and art programs, sports or leadership activities,” Williams said. “Families have access to resources and support networks that help them navigate challenges and build strong, connected relationships.”
Most recently, the HPCC has been involved in initiatives such as running compli-
ance checks on local smoke shops to ensure responsible sale of tobacco products; distributing hundreds of free lock bags and drug deactivation kits to families at the Hazel Park Schools’ annual Hometown Huddle; and stocking a drug deactivation kit station at the Hazel Park Police Department, with free supplies available to the community.
Other recent efforts included moderating a 2024 school board forum; providing games, giveaways and prevention resources at events such as Hazel Park Recreation’s Lunch with Santa, enrollment nights at the Hazel Park Schools and a Red Cross blood drive; coordinating a student focus group regarding their perceptions of marijuana use; and distributing lock bags to school administrators for families with students who incurred vape or marijuana-related offenses.
Even more initiatives are already in the planning stages for the new year, including five-minute walk-up trainings at the Hazel Park Resource Fair from 11 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. on Saturday, Feb. 8 at Hazel Park Junior High School — a free event open to the public where attendees can learn how to use Narcan, which reverses the effects of a drug overdose, in just five minutes.
The HPCC is also planning marijuana and vape prevention workshops to educate families on the true risks of substance use, including vaping pens; a Youth Dialogue Day on April 11 that will engage students on topics of race, ethnicity and social justice, in collaboration with the University of Michigan’s School of Social Work; the “Photo Voice Project,” where students will identify a theme and use phone photography to capture risk and protective factors in their community, leading to a collage exhibit reflecting their perspectives; and efforts with the local Chamber of Commerce including narcan training and data sharing.
In 2023, the HPCC received a major boost when it was awarded $625,000 for a five-year period through the Drug-Free Communities Support Program, administered by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, with eligibility to seek another five years of funding totaling $1.25 million over 10 years. The HPCC entered the second year of the grant last September.
To qualify for the grant, the HPCC studied the use of tobacco, nicotine and marijuana products among youth in Hazel Park, presenting its findings to the CDC. Students in grades 6-12 were surveyed on their perceptions of harm, parental disapproval and friend disapproval. What the HPCC found at the time is that students generally don’t understand the health impacts of substance use.
“Many students believed that marijuana, for example, is ‘natural,’ and therefore harmless, especially when compared to substances like cigarettes,” Williams said. “Some
students thought vaping was safer than smoking cigarettes because it doesn’t ‘smell bad,’ or because they’ve seen it marketed as a ‘healthier’ alternative. Others underestimated the addictive potential of nicotine in e-cigarettes and didn’t realize how quickly dependency could develop.”
She said these misconceptions by students are fueled by a number of modern influences, including family members at home who normalize drugs by openly using them, as well as discarded drugs in public spaces, marketing that targets youth with bright packaging and candy-like flavors, social media glorifying drugs as trendy, depictions of substance use as casual and consequence-free fun in movies and music, and a general lack of conversation from adults about the risks.
“Many students have reported that these products are available in their own homes, either intentionally left unsecured or overlooked by adults,” Williams said. “For example, vape pens and marijuana are often left within reach, creating an environment where access feels effortless and risk seems minimal.”
It’s a daunting problem, she said, but there are ways residents can help the HPCC’s mission.
Donations to the nonprofit HPCC are tax-deductible and help support its initia-
tives. There are also volunteer opportunities, with youth and parent representatives needed, as well as helping hands at the Hazel Park Resource Fair on Feb. 8. In addition, the HPCC is currently hiring, in need of a project coordinator.
“We’re looking for motivated individuals who are passionate about youth engagement and community advocacy,” Williams said.
To make a donation to the HPCC, or to apply as a volunteer or as the paid project coordinator, visit online at https://www.hazelparkschools.org/communtiy/hazel-parkcommunity-coalition-new.
Williams also said that everyone can do their part by simply talking with youths about the risks associated with substance use including vaping and marijuana, as well as how to handle situations where they may feel peer pressure to try substances.
“By donating, volunteering or attending events, (residents) can help HPCC create a safer, healthier community for Hazel Park youth and families,” Williams said.
Added Kruppe: “The more we educate and inform our kids, the more likely it is that they will refrain from doing harmful activities.”
Call Staff Writer Andy Kozlowski at (586) 498-1046.
CRIME WATCH
Package pilfered
MADISON HEIGHTS — According to a police report, an unknown suspect stole a package belonging to a 31-year-old Madison Heights resident from a home in the 32000 block of Concord Drive sometime between 4:50 a.m. and 12:30 p.m. Dec. 22. Police were investigating.
Check fraud
MADISON HEIGHTS — According to a police report, an unknown suspect fraudulently cashed checks written by a business in the 1000 block of West 13 Mile Road sometime between midnight Sept. 10, 2024 and 3 p.m. Oct. 2., 2024. Investigations were ongoing.
TV stolen
MADISON HEIGHTS — According to a police report, an unknown suspect stole an assortment of items including a TV, patio chairs, a vacuum, mirror and table from a location in the 1000 block of West 13 Mile Road. The incident occurred between noon May 1, 2024 and noon Dec. 28, 2024, and the items belonged to a 62-year-old resident of Royal Oak. Police were investigating.
Suspicious incident
MADISON HEIGHTS — According to a police report, a 29-year-old Madison Heights resident found spent shotgun shell casings in the road in front of their residence in the 1600 block of Beaupre Avenue around 3:30 p.m. Dec. 27. There were no signs or reports of gunshots fired in the area. Investigations were ongoing.
If you know more about these cases or others, call Madison Heights Police at (248) 585-2100. — Andy Kozlowski
Study
through 2023. The results were published at the end of last year, and awarded Madison Heights the highest rating of five stars. In all, 277 communities across 54 counties were considered.
“Our city has a business-friendly process and zoning ordinances that are bringing in new businesses to our city,” said Sean Fleming, a member of the Madison Heights City Council. “We are also working out the details of a streetscaping project on 11 Mile that I’m optimistic could be the catalyst for even more growth, revitalizing our downtown district.”
Melissa Marsh, the city manager, noted that Madison Heights has been recognized by the study since 2009 for best practices focused on business development and fostering entrepreneurship.
She said the study relies upon publicly available data points relating to community growth and investment metrics, including changes in property values, property taxes and governmental assets.
“Madison Heights has proven to have
a solid, fiscally responsible city government and an attractive local environment for business investment,” Marsh said in an email.
She said that during the five-year period of the most recent study, Madison Heights saw an increase in real commercial property values, real industrial property values, total personal property values and assets, as well as an overall decrease in taxes, all of which contributed to the rating.
But also highlighted in the report was the city’s streamlined development approval process, with quick turnarounds for administrative development plans and building permits.
Marsh explained that in Madison Heights, the zoning ordinance has uses permitted “by right,” meaning the proposed use is called for in that zoning district without restriction. In other communities, the same plan might need to be reviewed by a planning commission in addition to the city planner, adding time to the development process, but for these clear-cut cases, the city can approve them administratively, saving valuable time for the developers.
The researchers were also impressed by the user-friendly language of the zoning ordinance and associated easy-to-read hand-
outs and development applications. The report highlighted how the city has in-house planning, zoning and building services with a friendly permit counter that is accessible to developers in-person, over the phone and through email.
Marsh said this was partially the result of the updates the city made to its zoning ordinance, which simplified the language, used tables instead of lengthy paragraphs to describe uses, and even hyperlinked the document.
“This allows staff to easily find and print out a few pages for a potential business owner, and makes meeting our ordinance requirements clearer,” Marsh said.
She said the city is fortunate to have its own in-house planner, Matt Lonnerstater, which allows the city to review plans faster than if an outside contractor were being used.
“A potential business owner can call City Hall, set up a meeting, and get answers that help them move their project forward,” Marsh said.
The city also offers weekly pre-application meetings so property owners, business owners and developers can obtain input from city departments before spending a
single dime on architectural and engineering plans. Marsh said that these meetings save even more time and money, allowing the development team to troubleshoot concepts with the same staff that will review it in person.
“It helps business owners establish a timeline from application to approval, and to identify any additional zoning approvals or required site improvements that an architect or engineer may forget,” Marsh said.
During the last five years, Madison Heights has invested more than $1.8 million in park maintenance and improvements, in addition to $15 million in road improvements and $4.8 million in water and sewer maintenance. These facts also registered with researchers, painting the picture of a city with a stable environment for both residents and businesses.
However, Madison Heights, like most suburban communities in metro Detroit, is fully built out, which means most development opportunities will be redevelopments.
“While much of our commercial and industrial spaces are in good shape, some older facilities may need significant reinvestment, or to be reconfigured to suit more
See STUDY on page 11A
modern uses,” Marsh said.
The city has its geographical advantages for prospective businesses, connected to the greater region with direct access to two major interstate highways — I-696 at the southern border and I-75 running through a portion of town.
The population within a 10-minute drive time of Madison Heights is nearly 218,000 people, and a wide variety of businesses cater to them, from large retailers, wholesale clubs and grocery stores to midsize industrial uses and unique restaurants and independent retailers.
“Our new mixed use innovation district allows for a wider range of business uses, such as artisan manufacturing, maker spaces, and more commercial and retail uses,” Marsh said. “There are also facade and sign grants for businesses that are located within our downtown development area.”
Mark Bliss, the mayor pro tem, said the city is also seeing new types of businesses thanks to restrictions lifted or eased in the most recent zoning rewrite.
“We’re opening things like tattoo parlors and spas that weren’t allowed before, trying to make it as easy as possible for business to come in. It’s great to get that external validation from this report, showing all the hard work over the past five years is paying off, with (iLabs) congratulating us on it,” Bliss said. “It’s a great sign we’re on the right track, but there’s no ‘mission accomplished’ sign here — we still have a lot of work to do, particularly in our (downtown district) and other parts of the city.”
Roslyn Grafstein, the mayor of Madison Heights, said in the email that part of that effort will be improving access and walkability around town.
“It’s something we’re looking at with businesses coming in, asking what can we do to make them more pedestrian-friendly or biking-friendly, making sure there are bike racks and that the sidewalks around them are well-kept, and the roads too. We don’t have much (mass transit) here, so for people who don’t drive or want to drive, it’s very important to have amenities they want close by and walkable,” Grafstein said. “I think we’re slowly making our way towards that goal.”
Call Staff Writer Andy Kozlowski at (586) 498-1046.
at the Hazel Park City Hall, 111 E. Nine Mile Road, Hazel Park, MI 48030. Check in at the Building Department located on the frst foor of City Hall.
Published: Madison-Park News 01/22/2025
COMMUNITY CALENDAR
12A/ MADISON-PARK NEWS • JANUARY 22, 2025
JAN. 23-26
‘The Color Purple’: Musical adaptation of Alice Walker’s Pulitzer Prize-winning novel and 1985 film, presented by Stagecrafters Main Stage, 7:30 p.m. Jan. 23-25 and 2 p.m. Jan. 26, Baldwin Theatre, 415 S. Lafayette Ave. in Royal Oak, stagecrafters.org
JAN. 26
Winterfest 2025: Featuring free horse-and-carriage rides, reindeer petting, ice carving, skating, crafts, face painting, and chili, hot cocoa and s’mores, 1-4 p.m., Oak Park Community Center, 14300 Oak Park Blvd., (248) 691-7555, oakparkmi.gov
FEB. 8
Daddy-daughter dance: Includes pizza, drinks, dancing and professional photographer, 6 p.m., Hazel Park Community Center, 620 W. Woodward Heights, (248) 547-5535, facebook.com/cityofhp
FEB. 12
‘Super Seniors: How to Live Better, Longer’ series: Free presentation from 10:30-11:30 a.m., refreshments provided, Madison Heights Active Adult Center, 260 W. 13 Mile Road, also March 12 and April 9, (248) 545-3464
FEB. 22
Stop, Drop and Bowl: Supports Hazel Park Youth
Assistance and Hazel Park Firefighters Charity Fund, includes two games and shoe rental, also 50-50, raffle and T-shirts for sale, 4 p.m. (check-in at 3 p.m.), Madison Park Bowl, 25023 John R Road, facebook. com/cityofhp
ONGOING
Yoga series: All levels welcome, bring mat, 7 p.m. Thursdays Jan. 23-Feb. 27, Hazel Park Community Center, 620 W. Woodward Heights Blvd., (248) 5475535
Social clubs: Ham Radio (7:30-9 p.m. every second Wednesday of month), Stitch & Knit (4-6 p.m. every first Thursday of Month), Lego/Pokémon (6:30-7:30 p.m. every first Tuesday of month) and various book groups, Hazel Park District Library, 123 E. Nine Mile Road, (248) 546-4095, hpmlibrary@gmail.com, hazel-park.lib.mi.us
Fun Fridays: Games, crafts, snacks and movies, 3 p.m. every Friday, Hazel Park District Library, 123 E. Nine Mile Road, (248) 546-4095, hpmlibrary@gmail. com, hazel-park.lib.mi.us
Senior card playing: Noon-3 p.m. every Monday and Thursday, Hazel Park Community Center, 620 W. Woodward Heights, (248) 547-5535, facebook.com/ cityofhp
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.
Book clubs: Mind Readers (discussions of selfimprovement through self-help books and narrative nonfiction), LitWits (general club for avid readers), Novels & Neighbors (focuses on range of viewpoints and life experiences) and Golden Bookworms (for ages 50 and older), Madison Heights Public Library, 240 W. 13 Mile Road, find times, dates and more at madison-heights.org/1907/book-clubs
Speaker Series: “Notes on Modern Irrationality” with author Amanda Montell (2 p.m. Jan. 23), “An Inside Look at Working with a Literary Agent” with Seth Fishman from The Gernert Company (1 p.m. Jan. 28), “How We Create Pandemics, From Our Bodies to Our Beliefs” with Sabrina Sholts from Smithsonian (2 p.m. Feb. 4), “Dystopian Tropes from an Indigenous Perspective” with author Waubgeshig Rice (7 p.m. Feb. 11) and “I Am Nobody’s Slave” with author and podcaster Lee Hawkins (2 p.m. Feb. 18), Madison Heights Public Library, 240 W. 13 Mile Road, registration required, (248) 588-7763, libraryc.org/mhlibrary/ upcoming
Fireside yoga: Classes held in relaxing setting from 5-6 p.m. Thursdays until Feb. 6, bring own mat, Civic Center Shelter Building, 360 W. 13 Mile Road in Madison Heights, registration required, recreation@ madison-heights.org
‘Knock the Ball Loose’: Show about empty nest couple holding big secrets, presented by Rosedale Community Players, 8 p.m. Fridays-Saturdays and 2 p.m. Sundays Jan. 24-Feb. 7, and 2 and 8 p.m. Feb. 8, Peace Lutheran Church, 17029 W. 13 Mile Road in Southfield, (313) 532-4010, rcptickets@gmail.com, rosedalecommunityplayers.com
Ice skating: 11 a.m.-9 p.m. Sundays, 3-9 p.m. Tuesdays-Thursdays, 1-10 p.m. Fridays and 11 a.m.11 p.m. Saturdays until Feb. 17, The Rink at Royal Oak in Centennial Commons, 221 E. Third St., (248) 5417550, info@winterblast.com, therinkatroyaloak.com
• 5-8 p.m. Fridays, noon-8 p.m. Saturdays and noon-7 p.m. Sundays, Warren City Square outside City Hall, 1 City Square, facebook.com/warrenparks, (586) 268-8400
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
Madison-Park News
OFFERINGS AROUND MICHIGAN
AUCTION
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To review the minimum quali cations, details on the position and to apply, please visit our Employment Opportunities web page at https://www. governmentjobs.com/
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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
Plumbing
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23. Drum roll sound
26. Front of building, pl.
30. Get it wrong
31. Upholstery choice
34. Refect deeply
35. Raccoon’s cousin
37. “____ the felds we go”
38. Binary digits code
39. Capital on a fjord
40. Isaac of science fction fame
42. Consumed
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43. Within shortest distance
45. *100-year-old Grammy Award nominee
47. Beer faucet
48. Corpulent
50. Self-satisfed
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
61. *2003 Lifetime Achievement Award recipient ____ Puente
62. Like some wines
63. ____ it or lose it
64. Formerly, formerly
DOWN
1. Acronym, abbr.
2. Discarded cards in cribbage
3. Tear down
4. Enclose in a cyst
5. Orthodontic appliance
6. Motion Picture Association of America, e.g. 7. Certain tray content
8. *Former multiple time Grammy host Andy ____
9. Related to ear 10. RPMs
11.Before, in verse 13. Predatory fsh 14. Gin’s partner
19. Giraffe’s striped-leg cousin
22. *1995 “Have I Told Your Lately That I Love You” winner ____ Morrison 23. Scout’s mission 24. What phoenix did
25. ____-____-la
26. Non-negotiable
27. Old European coin
28. Last 8 in college basketball
29. More than sly
32. *Nominated artist Post Malone’s actual last name
33. Hula dancer’s necklace
36. *Taylor Swift’s “The ____ Poets Department”
38. Nautical “Stop!”
40. Nile viper
41. *Grammy winners
Frank and Billy
44. Top scout
46. Make a connection
48. Double-reed instruments
49. Famous Memphis street
50. Unforeseen obstacle
51. Foal’s mother
53. Chieftain in Arabia
54. Tennis amount
55. General Services Administration
56. Romanian money
58. *Kendrick Lamar’s “____ Like Us”
EXTRA
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