Winter Blast to bring the heat with new events Eastbound I-696 to close between I-75 and Lahser for 2 years
BY KATHRYN PENTIUK AND MIKE KOURY kpentiuk@candgnews.com • mkoury@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.
See I-696 on page 6A
BY TAYLOR CHRISTENSEN tchristensen@candgnews.com
ROYAL OAK — Freezing temperatures are back, which means more fun activities in downtown Royal Oak to enjoy the weather.
The annual Winter Blast event will be back Jan. 31 to Feb. 2 and will be full of fun winter activities for the whole family at Centennial Commons, near The Rink, 221 E. Third St. in Royal Oak.
“The Winter Blast is one event in town that’s free admission, or one of the only major festivals out there now that are free admission,” Jon Witz, event producer said. “It just has a lot of value. It’s a time for people to get out of the house and embrace winter and just get moving again.”
Kicking off the 2025 Winter Blast will be a special event that has never been seen before. The Royal Oak Police Department and the Royal Oak Fire Department are going to be competing in a game of broomball to raise money for two Royal Oak homeless shelters, Outreach on 7th and the Welcome Inn Day Center.
Photo by Patricia O’Blenes
File photo by Patricia O’Blenes Ellie Huerta, 8, of Novi, takes a ride on the zip line during the 2024 Winter Blast. This year, the zip line will be hovering over Centennial Commons at 34 feet high, stretching 300 feet long.
See BLAST on page 14A
Clawson Flats apartment building is a go after City Council approval
BY TAYLOR CHRISTENSEN tchristensen@candgnews.com
CLAWSON — In a unanimous vote by the City Council Jan. 7, the planned unit development to build the Clawson Flats will move forward.
The apartments will be located at 150 N. Main St. on the east side of North Main between Lincoln Avenue and Bowers street, which was previously occupied by a bank.
CSC Capital Group, the owner of the Clawson Flats, has been working with Krieger Klatt Architects to build and design the development.
The Clawson Flats proposal was presented to the Planning Commission on Dec. 12, 2023, Feb. 13, 2024, and once again on March 26, 2024.
The proposal was also seen on Dec. 3 by the City Council, where developers presented an updated list of public benefits and an analysis report on the market and traffic, according to the City Council agenda for Jan. 7.
There were four key changes to the plan addressed at the Dec. 3 meeting, including the reduced unit count of 56 units from 60, which makes the site meet the parking requirements in the zoning ordinance, and an increase in
ROHS science teacher
on a mission to find the key to happiness
4,276
miles away
BY TAYLOR CHRISTENSEN tchristensen@candgnews.com
ROYAL OAK — David Barnett, a Royal Oak High School science teacher, recently embarked on a journey of more than 4,000 miles with the hopes of learning more about students’ mental health.
Barnett arrived in Helsinki on Jan. 17. He will be there throughout the rest of the 2024-2025 academic school year teaching, studying and researching.
Barnett was awarded a Fulbright Teacher Exchange award to Finland from the U.S. Department of State and the Fulbright Foreign Scholarship Board through the Fulbright Program.
“I’ve had an interest in doing something related to edu-
FINLAND on page 14A See APARTMENT on page 11A
Rendering by Krieger Klatt Architects
This rendering shows a perspective of what the Clawson Flats will look like at the northwest corner of Main Street and Lincoln Avenue. The proposal was approved by the Clawson City Council at its Jan. 7 meeting.
Photo provided by Royal Oak Schools
David Barnett, Royal Oak High School science teacher, was awarded the opportunity to travel to Finland through the Fulbright Distinguished Awards in Teaching Research Program. See
NEWS & NOTES
4A/ ROYAL OAK REVIEW • JANUARY 22, 2025
Dance the night away with Dad
ROYAL OAK — At 6 p.m. Feb. 8, Clawson Recreation and Senior Services will be hosting the Daddy Daughter Dance of 2025 at the Hunter Community Center, 509 Fisher Court in Clawson.
The event will include an evening of fun, dancing and opportunities to create memories between a father and daughter.
To participate, the event costs $7 per person and attendees are encouraged to register in advance at recreation.cityofclawson.com or call (248) 589-0334 to reserve a spot.
Underground Railroad presentation at Royal Oak Woman’s Club
ROYAL OAK — The Royal Oak Woman’s Club will be hosting Don Drife from the Royal Oak Historical Society as he presents the stories of the Underground Railroad in Oakland County.
This presentation will be from 9:30 to 11:30 a.m. Feb. 2 at the Royal Oak Woman’s Club, 404 S. Pleasant Street, Royal Oak.
Anyone is welcome to attend this free event.
The Woman’s Club is asking attendees to bring a book if possible to donate. Books for ages 4-12 about women and science are encouraged. Colored pencils and copy paper to donate to local teachers will also be accepted.
For more information on the Royal Oak Woman’s Club, visit rowc.org.
SHRINE PREPARES FOR CATHOLIC SCHOOLS WEEK
ROYAL OAK — Catholic Schools Week is just around the corner, and Shrine Catholic Schools are prepared to celebrate with a variety of events to engage in service to others.
Catholic Schools Week runs Jan. 27 to Feb. 1.
To begin the festivities, Shrine Catholic Schools will be hosting a food drive for donations to support Gleaners Community Food Bank’s fight to end hunger. Virtual contributions can be made starting Jan. 27 at fooddrives.gcfb.org. Click “Find My Food Drive” and select Shrine Catholic Schools.
OAKLAND 40 UNDER 40 APPLICATIONS DUE JAN. 31
ROYAL OAK — Persevering, dedicated and enthusiastic individuals have the opportunity to be recognized for their success in the Oakland Together 40 Under 40 Class of 2025.
The program is now in its 13th year and recognizes individuals younger than 40 for innovation, service or professional achievement.
A committee composed of community members and county leaders will be selecting the final 40 members for the class of 2025. Winners will be announced on social media in April.
Individuals selected will have the chance to go to events such as the 2026 State of the County address, where finalists can network with other leaders in Oakland County.
To apply, a person must be self-nominated, live or work in Oakland County, and be born after Dec. 31, 1984.
The submission period runs until 5 p.m. Jan. 31. For more information or to apply, visit oakgov.com/40under40.
Royal Oak Board of Education elects new leadership
ROYAL OAK — The Royal Oak Board of Education has newly elected officers and trustees for 2025.
The board positions are as follows: Tim Ciechorski, president; Erika Alexander, vice-president; Deborah Anderson, secretary,; Michelle Cook, treasurer; Maryanne VanHaitsma, trustee; Matt Wickey, trustee; and Lauren Jasinski, trustee.
“The Board of Education plays a critical role in shaping the future of our schools and ensuring our district remains a safe, supportive, and innovative environment for all students,” said Mary Beth Fitzpatrick, superintendent of Royal Oak Schools. “We look forward to working together to achieve our shared vision.”
For information on the Royal Oak schools board of education visit royaloakschools.org/ district/board_of_education.
ROHS drama club student actors receive Sutton Foster Award nominations
ROYAL OAK — Sophomore Lucy Heiple and junior Muriel Schneider have received their golden tickets to participate in the Sutton Foster Awards competition and festival at the Wharton Center at Michigan State University in May.
The ROHS drama club’s production of “Mamma Mia!” was recently evaluated by adjudicators of the prestigious Sutton Foster Awards.
The students were judged on all aspects of the show and received helpful feedback.
“I am so proud of the incredible work our student actors, designers, and creators put into this production. The feedback we received is a reflection of their commitment to excellence,” said Abbey M. Lilly-Lacca, ROHS Drama Club director.
The Sutton Foster Awards celebrate the best in high school musical theater across the state of Michigan, with festival winners advancing to the national musical theater competition, The Jimmy Awards, in June in New York City.
For more information on the Sutton Awards, visit whartoncenter. com/sutton-foster-awards.
Photo provided by Royal Oak Schools
From left, Royal Oak High School junior Muriel Schneider and sophomore Lucy Heiple have been invited to participate in the Sutton Foster Awards competition and festival in May.
Photo provided by Royal Oak Schools
The Royal Oak Board of Education, including Tim Ciechorski, Erika Alexander, Deborah Anderson, Michelle Cook, Maryanne VanHaitsma, Matt Wickey and Lauren Jasinski, elected new officers.
Compiled by Taylor Christensen
Honoring MLK
Photo by Erin Sanchez
from page 1A
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 freeway, 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.
PARTY ROOM AVAILABLE
“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 effect on local communities
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 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 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.
“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,” he said.
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 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
CRIME WATCH
Leather jacket stolen at restaurant
ROYAL OAK — A complainant reported that at 12:30 a.m. Jan. 4, an unknown person stole the complainant’s unattended leather jacket from Pronto! at 608 S. Washington Ave.
Package theft
ROYAL OAK — A complainant reported that at 11:20 a.m. Jan. 7, an unknown person stole a package from the complainant’s front porch near Huntington Road and Wareham Drive.
Liquor stolen from Holiday Market
ROYAL OAK — A complainant reported that at 6:50 p.m. Jan. 7, an unknown person stole multiple bottles of liquor from the Holiday Market at 1203 S. Main St.
Infotainment center stolen out of vehicle
ROYAL OAK — A complainant reported that between 8 and 11 a.m. Dec. 30, an unknown person stole an infotainment center from the complainant’s vehicle at Corewell Hospital, 3601 W. 13 Mile Road.
Shoes stolen from car
ROYAL OAK — A complainant reported that between 5:04 and 5:14 p.m. Dec. 31, an unknown person stole several pairs of shoes from the complainant’s vehicle at Mulligan’s Vintage, 202 W. 11 Mile Road.
Handbag taken
ROYAL OAK — A complainant reported that between 10:40 and 11 p.m. Dec. 27, an unknown person stole the complainant’s handbag after the complainant left it behind at the CVS at 30900 Woodward Ave.
— Taylor Christensen
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.
“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
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
Colors
from page 8A
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.
SPOTLIGHT ON LEARNING
10A/ ROYAL OAK REVIEW • JANUARY 22, 2025
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 Solutions 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 Larry 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.
The credit union also funds the Stephen Thomas First Responder Scholarship, which supports first responders enrolled in
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.
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.
Call Staff Writer Maria Allard at (586) 498-1045.
MSGCU
Photo provided by Michigan Schools and Government Credit Union
Apartment
from page 3A
the building height to 37 feet from 35 feet.
Clawson Flats will have studio, onebedroom and two-bedroom apartments ranging from $1,684 to $2,778 per month, according to the proposal document.
The developers also added an increase in the commercial liner space along North Main Street, which resulted in the reduction of four units. Finally, the facade facing North Main St. will provide greater window space for the nonresidential uses, according to the agenda.
The site was also redesigned to have active uses along 65% of the building’s ground floor frontage facing Main Street, which previously took up 33% of the ground floor.
Public parking for people using the retail space or business will be able to use the eight spaces that will be added by the developer on Main Street. There is also the possibility of adding five to six spaces on the north side of Bowers.
For residential parking, there will be a total of 76 parking spaces, including two Americans with Disabilities Act-compliant spaces and six electric vehicle spaces. Parking will be controlled and monitored by the developers.
There will also be signage indicating assigned parking, according to Joe Tangari, of the engineering and planning firm Giffels Webster.
The residential parking lot can be accessed from both Lincoln and Bowers, with a single driveway onto each street, according to the site plan document.
“I just don’t want it to be a free for all, so it being private parking, that eliminates the public issue,” Council member Bruce Anderson said. “And internally to the tenants, I want to make sure they’re not all wrestling to grab a parking spot.”
Residents will have assigned spaces that will be worked out when they sign the lease contract, according to Tangari.
Michael Khalil, the chief investment officer at CSC Capital Group, said that 76 parking spaces is by code, and if there ends up being extra spaces, they would consider adding designated guest parking.
“If we have 58 or 60 (parking spaces in use, out of the 76 total spaces) after we sign our leases and we have 10 spaces extra, then we can look at, if we decide, to have a guest parking area that we can designate as well,” he said.
Khalil said there will be some kind of enforcement mechanism in place, such as financial penalties, if residents do not follow the parking rules.
Council member Susan Moffitt brought up that residents of Clawson have expressed concerns about traffic.
“When we had a public hearing, they (public) were talking a lot about traffic, I just want to know how that’s being resolved,” Moffitt said.
Tangari said the development will not have a noticeable impact on traffic.
“A residential development is going to produce a lot less of it (traffic) than a purely commercial development or a fully commercial ground floor,” Tangari said. “So you’re creating less traffic with this development than you would with more retail or restaurant square footage in the first place.”
Moffitt said that the majority of the See APARTMENT on page 12A
History in a Box: The Shoebox Legacy
Until 1965, Jim Crow laws made travel extremely di cult and dangerous for Black Americans in the south. Blacks were refused service in restaurants, rest areas and public transportation such as buses and trains.
In order to nourish themselves and loved ones while traveling in the south, women prepared meals packed in old shoeboxes.
As a way of commemorating the resolve and resourcefulness of black travel-
ers during segregated times, we created a modern-day lunch shoebox adorned with inspirational stories of trailblazing Americans.
If you’re planning an event for your company, communtiy or classroom, our shoeboxes make the perfect lunch and learn.
Please contact 248-208-1680 to order your History in a Box today!
from page 6A
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.
Huntington Woods City Manager Chris Wilson has seen the closure and detour map, and he thinks it’s a “bit unrealistic.”
“I don’t think people are going to go
Apartment
from page 11A
residents voiced concerns specifically about the traffic on Lincoln Avenue, and how this development would affect that.
Traffic problems on Lincoln Avenue already exist because it goes all the way through from North Main to North Rochester Road, according to Tangari.
To help ease this problem, traffic calming measures will be put in place, which would be happening with or without the development. Traffic calming measures are physical changes to roads that make it safer for drivers, pedestrians and cyclists.
“This is a problem that we are looking at no matter what happens with this site,” Tangari said. “We are looking at the suite of options that we could do as far as modifications to that road.”
The traffic study by Julie M. Kroll, licensed professional engineer, states, “The proposed PUD zoning will generate less trips than the potential trip generation associated with the existing CC (city center) zoning classification. Therefore, the proposed PUD is expected to have a lower impact on the adjacent roadway network, as compared to the potential uses of the project site.”
The developers brought an updated list of community benefits to share with the City
that far out of their way,” he said. “We anticipate it will increase traffic a little bit on surface streets like 11 Mile, and we’re prepared for that.”
Wilson also stated that the city has spoken with Rackham Golf Course and the Detroit Zoo to make them aware of the closures and the impacts it might have on them, though he hasn’t been able to speak with more of the businesses within Huntington Woods yet.
“Once the warmer weather gets here, people are out more, we’ll have a better feel of people going to destinations like the zoo and Rackham,” he said. “I think we’ll get a better idea of how that’s going to impact local traffic patterns.”
Wilson agreed the work needs to be done, but in the short term there will be increased traffic on major streets like Coolidge Highway and 11 Mile Road. The city will direct patrols necessary to make sure people progress through town safely.
“You always worry about if there is increased traffic that people will just avoid the area and that’ll have a negative impact on business,” he said. “I don’t think that’ll be the case. We certainly want to try to avoid that, so we’ll be able to try to make sure everybody can just progress through as safely as possible.”
See I-696 on page 13A
Council, which includes a $90,000 “public benefit donation” to be used over five years by the city. The donation is a formal part of the PUD.
The $90,000 will be divided into different uses. A total of $25,000 will be put to Downtown Development Authority beautification, $25,000 will be used to improve the citywide tree canopy, $25,0000 will be used for citywide parking system improvements and $15,000 will be put toward building a new trash enclosure located within the city’s Bowers parking lot.
“This is a big decision especially for the local people, so we have to weigh the positives and negatives,” Anderson said. “One of the positives is a significant amount of taxes you’ll be paying once your construction is complete.”
Khalil said that his team has put a lot of effort into appeasing the different requests over the multiple meetings with both the Planning Commission and City Council.
“With the help of City Council, city administration and engineers both at Giffels and our team, we put together something that gets as close as possible to code while still providing the benefit to the city and allows the building to be built from a financing perspective,” Khalil said. “We want to be active community members and we expect to be active community members.”
Building of the Clawson Flats will begin in the spring.
Ferndale is home to one of the bigger downtowns in the metro Detroit area, filled with businesses on Nine Mile Road, Woodward Avenue and the surrounding area.
In the heart of downtown is The Rust Belt Market, home to many small businesses that operate within. One of the owners, Chris Best, was bummed to hear the highway would be closed for two years, though he agrees the improvements in infrastructure are good.
Best stated that The Rust Belt is lucky that it’s more of a destination business in Ferndale that people would make the trip to, as opposed to smaller retail shops that might be more affected.
“I do feel for the other retailers in the area that don’t have the dynamic aspect of their business models like we do,” he said. “However, I’m sure we’ll feel it in our bottom line over the course of two years. How much we’ll be able to discern if the traffic closures affected us? I don’t know if we’ll be able to pull that out, but who knows what
happens with the economy in the meantime.
“We persevered through the Woodward bike lane/repaving road diet that went on, and it wasn’t as bad as everyone made it out to be,” he continued. “So that was painful, but we got through it. So, this will be the same thing.”
Best believes it will be around six months before they’ll be able to tell the effects of the freeway construction.
“Next winter will be a really big one, because the slowdowns we have are seasonal,” he said. “It’s like every other retail establishment has these seasonal slowdowns. …
This last holiday season, most shops were up over the last year, which is great, because I thought it would be a break-even or even just a slight loss because of inflation and loss of discretionary spending, but we bucked what my prediction would be, so that’s good. So, we’ll just have to maybe get creative and do more interesting events and try to counteract this traffic congestion issue and make people want to take the detour.”
Royal Oak City Manager Joe Gacioch is preparing for some big changes to traffic flow during the two years.
Gacicoch said that he attended a meeting detailing the detour plan laid out by the Michigan Department of Transportation Jan. 16.
“I can see they prioritize safety,” he said. “My chief concern will be minimizing the impact of their road closure on our local streets and neighborhoods.”
Communication is going to be the key, according to Gacioch.
“The more we can get ahead of the communications and get the messaging right for our residents and our visitors, the better. I have high expectations for MDOT to give us information,” he said.
“I would like to get some input for a local conference about how we might be able to amplify that message and make sure that Royal Oak remains as accessible as possible,” he said.
Judy Davids, community engagement specialist for Royal Oak, said that she remembers the initial opening of I-696 and the positive impact it had on Royal Oak’s downtown.
“When that road opened was when Royal Oak became popular,” she said.
Davids said that that road is the epicenter of how the majority of people get around, and the closing could cause some slowdown, but like Gacioch, she is hoping the transition can be smooth for everyone.
Construction zone safety
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 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 Taylor Christensen contributed to this report.
Finland
from page 3A
cation abroad for quite a while,” Barnett said via email. “I have had friends do it in different capacities and it always seemed like a great opportunity for me.”
Barnett is among more than 800 U.S. citizens who are going abroad through the Fulbright Program.
“Fulbrighters engage in cutting-edge research and expand their professional networks, often continuing research collaborations started abroad and laying the groundwork for forging future partnerships between institutions,” as stated in a press release sent out by Royal Oak Schools.
The working title of Barnett’s project is “The Role of Environmental Education in Promoting Student Mental Health.” It is what landed him the trip abroad and guided him to wanting to do it in Finland.
To get considered for the Fulbright program an educator has to complete an application and propose a project, along with letters of recommendation, according to Barnett.
“There are three main factors that drew me to Finland, one, studying the environment is emphasized in their national curriculum, and two, they are annually rated among the happiest populations on Earth. I hope to explore connections between environmental education and student mental health,” he said.
According to Barnett’s project draft, his goal is to “study the curriculum and pedagogy in Finland as it relates to exosystems and the environment. ... Based on this research, I will strive to develop lessons that can be used by teachers in most any natural setting to promote access to outdoor education for all students.”
To support his research, Barnett said he will be visiting various schools in Finland, interviewing teachers and reading existing research related to his project. He will be working closely with an advisor, Sirpa Tani, from the University of Helsinki.
After the completion of his research and
time in Finland, Barnett is hoping to make impacts on various levels of how educators view teaching in a natural setting, and spread the word on how that can affect students’ mental health.
“My biggest hope is that I’ll come away with some approaches that can be added to help students struggling with mental health,” he said via email. “Spending time learning about the environment, especially outdoors, seems like it can be one way to help students feel less anxious and more connected.”
Barnett said that he believes Finnish schools would have the best curriculum for learning about a subject like this.
According to an article by Johanna Järvinen-Taubert and Päivi Valtonen on otter-project. eu, Finland has a long tradition of “Education outside Classroom (EOC).”
“For decades it has been typical for Finnish education to utilize EOC in teaching,” it states. “Visits to museums, libraries, exhibitions, cultural events, and versatile workplaces have been part of schooling from early childhood education to upper secondary education for generations.”
The article goes on to state that nature can be a learning environment for not only the sciences, but math, art, geography, languages and more.
“To assume that the right type of learning can take place only in a well-structured classroom environment and according to the adult’s best thinking is to limit the power of available spaces and students’ potential,” the article states.
Barnett said he is most looking forward to spending time outdoors and bringing back the ideals of the Finnish people.
“Both in the educational context and in my free time, I’m looking forward to spending time outdoors,” he said. “I’m eager to see how teachers in a pretty cold climate do this.”
Barnett will be tracking his progress on his research and travels on an instagram account, @ mr.barnett_in_finland.
For more information on the Fulbright program, visit fulbrightprogram.org.
Call Staff Writer Taylor Christensen at (586) 498-1081.
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“We are excited, and police and firefighters are excited to get out on the ice and compete in broomball,” Witz said. “There are two celebrity coaches, Ryan Ermanni from Fox 2 Detroit and Erika Erickson from Channel 4.”
Ermanni will be coaching police and Erickson will be coaching fire. The game will take place from 4 to 4:30 p.m. Jan. 31, according to Witz, and tickets will be on sale on the Winter Blast website at winterblast. com.
“It’s an exciting community kickoff to support the unhoused in our community,” Witz said. “We are glad that it is going to be the opening event to the winter blast.”
Ice sculptures will be on display in the Ice Garden, presented by Henry Ford Health. The display will be showcasing “expertly carved, photo worthy sculptures that light up in vibrant colors at night,” according to a press release.
The sculptures will include medieval designs like a fire and ice tower, dragons and knights, and sculptures of the Detroit Lions’ logo to celebrate the team’s success.
The Winter Blast is going to be a complement to the excitement already surrounding the Lions, according to Witz.
“We are going to certainly turn the festival into the largest Lions pep rally possible,” Witz said. “We have Theo Gridiron performing, who does the Lions fight song, we have specials planned if you wear Lions merchandise, guest appearances, and more to support and celebrate the Lions.” Blast from page 1A
See BLAST on page 15A
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Another addition to the Winter Blast will be an ice carving competition between 10 different ice sculptors from Michigan and Ohio carving for cash and prizes.
In other ice-themed news, The Rink will be free for one weekend only at the Winter Blast event. Attendees can skate for free and have the option to bring their own skates or pay $5 to rent skates.
Coming back for its second year is the Rock the Mic 2025 Karaoke Competition where participants can compete for prizes.
There will be 15 karaoke singers who had to qualify for the Winter Blast performance through previous karaoke competitions, according to Julie Dilworth, owner of Fusion Entertainment, the company hosting the karaoke competition.
Karaoke singers will be covering songs at the DTE Energy Family Stage in the Cornerstone Family Tent; the competition will offer $2,000 in cash prizes to the top six performers.
“There is some amazing talent in metro Detroit, and this is a chance for a lot of these singers to get out there and perform for a huge crowd,” Dilworth said. “You will see all sorts of different styles of music, everything
from pop music to country. It appeals to an audience of all ages and demographics.”
Dilworth said that the singers are encouraged to do popular songs to relate to the crowd and get the party going.
The singers will be judged by a panel consisting of a group of professionals within the music industry. This could be singers, producers or professional theater directors. The audience will also be voting.
Last year the Winter Blast included a medieval village, which will be making another appearance this year with expanded hours and more adventures.
New to the festival will be animatronic dragons covered in lights that are intended to add to the whimsy of the medieval village. Michigan’s own Knights of the New Order, a renowned medieval jousting team, will be performing for attendees.
Returning to the medieval village experience is the quest to recover a stolen dragon egg. This activity is for kids and adults, and those who successfully complete the challenge will be entered in a drawing for a chance to win a weekend getaway at Soaring Eagle Waterpark.
Throughout the weekend there will be multiple hands-on activities for all to enjoy, including archery, ax throwing, interactive storytelling and a knighting ceremony.
Delirio del’Arte will be performing, a group of “professional idiots” that special-
ize in juggling, magic, comedic improv, fire manipulation and more, according to a press release.
At 7:30 p.m. Jan. 31 and Feb. 1 will be one of the highlights of the event, when the village ice tower will be set ablaze.
Thrill seekers can enjoy the 34-foothigh, 300-foot-long zip line that will go over Centennial Commons. Tickets for the zip line are available at $15 each or two for $25.
Local artists, bands and fan favorites will be performing in the M3 Investment Services Comfort Zone every day of the event.
Winter Blast will also have a House of Dank Comfort Zone including the House of
Dank Gallery Stage showcasing performances by bands and musical acts representing a variety of genres. They will be selling CBD, but no THC products will be sold or consumed.
“There is not much going on in February, and to be able to bring people together to embrace winter, it’s exciting to provide that opportunity to get people out and about after you have those January blues,” Witz said.
Winter Blast will have free admission to the public from 4 to 11 p.m. Jan 31, 11 a.m. to 11 p.m. Feb 1, and 11 a.m. to 8 p.m. Feb 2. For more information, visit winterblast.com. Call Staff Writer Taylor Christensen at (586) 498-1081.
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TIMELESS
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.
Vehicle reported stolen
WEST BLOOMFIELD — On Dec. 11, an officer was dispatched to the 5500 block of Beauchamp Place to take a report about a stolen vehicle.
The reporting party informed the officer that their vehicle was parked overnight in their driveway, possibly unlocked and possibly with the key fob left in it.
Once they discovered the vehicle missing, they called the police.
The vehicle was recovered in Detroit the following day.
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
and began fighting in the street.
The 36-year-old woman said that the 25-year-old 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.
Police find weapons, drugs in vehicle
BIRMINGHAM — At approximately 6 a.m. Dec. 31, officers were dispatched to a gas station in the 34700 block of Woodward Avenue for a reported family dispute.
A 51-year-old Birmingham woman said that her husband took her cellphone after they bought and snorted cocaine, the remainder of which was in his vehicle.
The 56-year-old Birmingham man confirmed his wife’s statements and told police to check his trunk. There, officers found several containers of cocaine and cocaine paraphernalia.
They handcuffed the man, who repeatedly asked officers to collect his backpack from his vehicle. They did, and in it discovered a switchblade, a stun gun and pills in an unmarked prescription bottle.
The man was arrested and taken into custody.
Drunk man headbutts woman
BIRMINGHAM — Officers were dispatched to a bar in the 400 block of North Old Woodward for an assault on Dec. 20 at approximately 7:30 p.m.
The suspect, a 24-year-old Birmingham man, had reportedly headbutted an acquaintance, a 44-year-old Bloomfield Hills woman, in the face. The victim had been trying to help the suspect, whom she and multiple witnesses believed to be highly intoxicated.
Officers also observed signs of extreme alcohol intoxication in the suspect, which was confirmed by a breathalyzer.
The suspect was charged with disturbing the peace and assault and battery.
Unlocked car, valuables
stolen from driveway
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.
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.
Car with $7,300 worth of goods inside stolen, recovered
BLOOMFIELD TOWNSHIP — A white 2020 BMW X7 was stolen from a driveway in the 2800 block of Meadowwood Lane Dec. 18.
There were no signs of forced entry. Inside the vehicle were two black Nuna car seats, one black Nuna twin stroller, one black Chanel diaper bag, and one black Moncler jacket with a fur-lined hood.
The items were valued at $7300. The vehicle was recovered on Dec. 21.
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.
Vehicle damaged in dispute
MADISON HEIGHTS — According to a police report, an unknown suspect damaged a vehicle belonging to a Madison Heights resident, 68, when the two got into an argument in the 29000 block of Tawas Avenue around 7:30 a.m. Dec. 13.
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.
Arrest made in vandalism incidents
FERNDALE — Ferndale police arrested a suspect who allegedly committed multiple acts of vandalism in late December and New Year’s Day.
Police stated that a 54-year-old Ferndale resident was arrested for allegedly vandalizing three local businesses.
The vandalism took place at 359 Fit Gym, 918 W. Nine Mile Road, at 10 p.m. Dec. 27; Red Olive Restaurant, 750 W. Nine Mile at midnight Jan. 1; and Dairy Queen, 941 W. Nine Mile, between the evening of Dec. 31 and the morning of Jan. 1.
According to a Ferndale Police Department social media post, surveillance footage showed the suspect throwing rocks at the glass windows of the businesses.
At approximately 9:30 a.m. Jan. 3, a member of the Ferndale Police Department observed an individual
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.
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 significant 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.
eastbound on Nine Mile near Paxton Street. Officers reportedly approached the individual, confirmed he was the person seen in the security footage and took him into custody without incident. He has been charged with malicious destruction of property.
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.
Intoxicated driver observed striking multiple curbs TROY — At 12:34 a.m. Dec. 13, officers responded to the area of Stephenson Highway and E. Maple Road after a caller reported observing a red Ford F-150 driving all over the road and striking multiple curbs before pulling
and transported to the Troy Police Department lock-up facility. She agreed to submit to a chemical breath test, with results of 0.313% and 0.342%. She was issued a citation for operating with a blood alcohol content of 0.17% or more.
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
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
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
Photo provided by Birmingham Youth Assistance
