CLEARING THE AIR ON VAPING RISKS
SPOTLIGHT ON HEALTH
STARTS ON 10A
There will be a
Public School tax proposal for voters to consider in the general election Nov. 5, one aimed at funding ongoing maintenance and improvements to the district’s infrastructure, which includes Madison Elementary School.
Photo by Patricia O’Blenes
Madison Schools seeks voter approval for sinking fund
BY ANDY KOZLOWSKI akozlowski@candgnews.com
MADISON HEIGHTS — When voters in the Madison District Public Schools open their ballots for the Nov. 5 election, they will see a proposal for a building and site sinking fund that would raise their taxes by 3 mills for a period of 10 years.
It’s a commitment that school officials say will help repair existing infrastructure, so that additional bonds aren’t needed any time soon.
If approved, the district will levy an additional $3 per $1,000 of taxable valuation on homes in the district
from Dec. 1, 2024, through Dec. 1, 2034. The millage would provide estimated revenues of $1,005,508 during the first year. The funds cannot be used for the salaries of teachers, administrators or other district employees.
If residents feel déjà vu hearing about the new proposal, it’s because during the primary election Aug. 6, there was a separate proposal for a millage renewal that voters narrowly approved — 872 “yes,” 613 “no” — that adjusted the millage rate to offset automatic rollbacks caused by the Headlee Amendment.
However, the millage renewal approved in August will have no impact on the tax rate paid by homeown-
See SINKING FUND on page 2A
BY ANDY KOZLOWSKI akozlowski@candgnews.com
MADISON HEIGHTS — A dance party, the skeleton family of “Dee Ceased” and more await those who venture down this year’s Skelebration Trail.
Taking place from 6 p.m. to 8:15 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 19 at Civic Center Park, 360 W. 13 Mile Road, the Skelebration Trail is the new name for the Trail of Treats, formerly the Pumpkin Walk.
The family-friendly event is free, and once again organized by the Madison Heights Arts Board. Preregistration is required by emailing event chair Laurie Geralds at lbgeralds@yahoo.com. There are three time slots of 125 people each. In the event of inclement weather, the rain date is Sunday, Oct. 20. Parking and entry are from the fire station parking lot, behind City Hall near the courthouse in Civic Center Plaza.
Attendees will follow a one-way trail, in order to keep people spread out as they visit the different stations featuring treats and activities, Geralds explained.
The path will wind between the pavilion near the fire station and the painted shelter building — the mural of which was another project by the Arts
See SKELEBRATION on page 18A
Madison District
Sinking fund
ers in the district. That measure only affects non-homestead properties such as businesses. The district can levy the statutory rate of up to 18 mills on all properties except principal residences.
The new proposal, on the other hand, would in fact be a tax on homeowners. Officials say that it’s vital for maintaining the costly renovations and repairs that the district has nearly completed using a previous bond issue, which voters approved in November 2021. That particular bond levied 1.8 mills its first year, and represented a zero mill increase over the prior debt millage.
In the three years since, the district has fully replaced the roof at Madison High School, installed air conditioning throughout the building, replaced its boiler, increased lighting throughout to enhance security, and upgraded the bells, surveillance cameras and public announcement system.
In addition, the district has been replacing roofing at the Madison Early Childhood Center, Madison Elementary School and Wilkinson Middle School, resulting in
increased efficiency, comfort and safety for students and staff.
In recent weeks, the district has been working with Plante Moran Realpoint to prepare for the remaining bond-funded projects, which include replacing flooring at Madison High School and larger sections of roofing at Wilkinson Middle School.
After voters approved the bond issue in November 2021, funding was secured in 2022 when the district completed the sale of its school building and site bonds, the net proceeds of which amounted to about $11.31 million. That allowed the project to proceed.
The November 2021 bond was also structured so that taxpayers didn’t see a resulting increase in their school taxes. Even so, like the recent millage renewal in August, public reception was mixed, with nearly 900 votes cast in favor and nearly 600 against.
Now, with the proposal for another tax increase put before residents Nov. 5, the district says the money would help protect the taxpayers’ investment by paying for critical repairs in the future.
“My primary concern is concrete repair (in the parking lots), as any deterioration
could become a significant risk, especially during emergencies when medical or public safety personnel need to access the campus property,” Madison District Public Schools Superintendent Patricia Perry said in an email.
“(The proposal) encompasses essential maintenance and repairs, specifically targeting infrastructure that directly impacts the safety and functionality of our schools. The funds from this sinking fund can only be utilized for maintenance and repair projects, ensuring that they are dedicated to preserving the quality and safety of school facilities, rather than being diverted for other uses.
“In my view, this proposal is crucial for safeguarding our students and staff, particularly in emergency situations,” she continued. “By investing in necessary repairs now, we can prevent more significant costs down the road and ensure a safe learning environ-
ment. This proactive approach not only protects our community’s investment in our schools, but also demonstrates our commitment to prioritizing the health and safety of our students and staff, making it a worthwhile endeavor for taxpayers.”
Cindy Holder, president of the Madison District Public Schools Board of Education, said it would be a sound investment.
“I’d hope we’ve earned enough trust showing how we’ve worked diligently and efficiently with the money the taxpayers entrusted us with,” Holder said, referring to the many projects completed with the previous bond. “This would help cover repairs from this year for the next 10. That’s far more cost-effective than having to buy these items outright if they break down. So again, I’m hoping we’ve earned enough trust for this to pass, so that we can continue to move the district forward.”
CANDGNEWS.COM
‘Office pods’ now available at Hazel Park District Library
BY ANDY KOZLOWSKI akozlowski@candgnews.com
HAZEL PARK — Patrons of the Hazel Park District Library can now access office pods, private soundproof rooms that provide the perfect space for things like meetings, projects, podcasting and playing a musical instrument.
While the furniture in them is temporary, as the library awaits new custom-made furniture from the manufacturer, the pods themselves are largely finished and functional. Visitors to the library, located at 123 E. Nine Mile Road, were already using them at press time.
“They’re especially helpful for those who have sound aversion, and they can also be good for people who just need a break to clear their head,”
See OFFICE PODS on page 16A
Three office pods were recently installed at the Hazel Park District Library. While the pods were still awaiting new furniture Oct. 8, they were already functional and in use, providing a private space for research, meetings and more. Two are located on the first floor, and another is on the second floor.
Photos by Patricia O’Blenes
Mayor mobilizes volunteers to rake leaves in Madison Heights
OFFICIALS ENCOURAGE RESIDENTS TO VOLUNTEER WITH COMMUNITY GROUPS, BOARDS
BY ANDY KOZLOWSKI akozlowski@candgnews.com
MADISON HEIGHTS — Continuing a biannual tradition that started eight years ago under a different administration, Mayor Roslyn Grafstein is recruiting volun-
teers to help her rake leaves at homes around the city where the occupants may be in need of assistance.
“It’s a great way to get out and be with other people, and it’s something that people of all ages can do to make a difference,” Grafstein said.
The plan is to meet at 9 a.m. Saturday, Oct. 26 at the new Active Adult Center, located at 260 W. 13 Mile Road between City Hall and the library at Madison Heights Civic Center Plaza.
Registration is recommended for the event, so that the organizers can plan. Those
looking to volunteer are encouraged to email the mayor directly at roslyngrafstein@madison-heights.org.
Volunteers are encouraged to bring their own rakes, gloves, and any other supplies they may need for raking. Bags will not
See RAKING on page 4A
Raking
be necessary, since Madison Heights offers a service where leaves raked into the streets are vacuumed up by a special truck that is deployed in the fall.
The mayor will have a list of homes that are in need of help. Once the number of volunteers has been determined, the work will be divided up, with volunteers dispatched to different homes.
The event, called “Rake with the Mayor,” started eight years ago under Brian Hartwell, then the mayor of Madison Heights and now the judge of the 43rd District Court in Hazel Park. It has continued every two years, again under Hartwell in 2018 and then under his successor Grafstein in 2020 and 2022. Grafstein also volunteered alongside Hartwell during the first two outings.
“This is my third time hosting it, but my fifth time participating,” Grafstein said. “We’ve had school groups and Scout troops come out. We’ve had families and younger siblings helping out. We’ve also had seniors who want do something to give back to their community. And it’s always nice to meet
the volunteers, as well as the residents we’re helping.”
While the number of participants fluctuates from year to year, Grafstein estimates past outings have averaged around 50 volunteers reaching about as many homes. Each group typically handles four or five houses. Sometimes, the group takes on additional helpers — and homes — as other residents in the neighborhood note what’s happening.
“We’ve had situations where someone is at a house raking, and then an elderly neighbor may ask if they can rake for them, too. And, of course, we’re happy to help. They (the homeowners) always appreciate community members coming out to do this,” Grafstein said. “We’ve had chilly weather in the past where we’ve had to bundle up, but never wet weather. I can’t control the weather, of course, but as long as it’s not too wet, we should be fine.”
The higher the turnout, the more homes they will be able to reach, she added.
“How many houses we get done will depend on both the number of homes on the list and how many people show up to volunteer,” Grafstein said.
The mayor hopes the experience will in-
See RAKING on page 5A
Vote for These Hazel Park School Board Candidates
PARK SCHOOL BOARD
I am a small business owner whose company won the prestigious 2014 Restaurant Neighbor Award. I’ve connected resources to organizations like Forgotten Harvest, Feed the Need, and more. In my professional life, I've worked with school lunch contracts, organized fundraising events and pizza parties while employing parents and students. While becoming very involved in the bond election this year, I met a lot of community members who know the district can do better for us.
The people of Hazel Park Schools hold a special place in my heart. I am a life-long resident, student, employee, volunteer, and committed supporter. Throughout my career, I have always prioritized the needs of students and parents, striving to go above and beyond.
Top Priorities
I am a 3rd generation HP resident and was raised in a single parent home. I received a BBA in Accounting/Finance. I have volunteered in Hazel Park Schools with PTA, dance teams, and band programs. I have also mentored for HP Promise Zone for two years and I am a current volunteer of the HP Athletic Boosters.
Top Priorities
• Safe
for by CTE Darrin Fox 87 E Garfeld, Hazel Park, MI 48030
Madison Heights Mayor Roslyn Grafstein, far right, shares a moment with two Lamphere High School students and a senior whose yard they helped tidy up during the Rake with the Mayor event in 2022. Volunteers for this year’s event will meet at 9 a.m. Saturday, Oct. 26, at the Active Adult Center, located at 260 W. 13 Mile Road. All are invited.
Photo provided by Roslyn Grafstein
Raking
spire people to volunteer for other causes in the city such as the GFWC Madison Heights Women’s Club, the Madison Heights Goodfellows, the Madison Heights Lions Club and the Madison Heights Food Pantry.
“Both of my daughters are gone to college now, but the last few years they volunteered at the food pantry, getting their honors hours, and they enjoyed it so much that they continued volunteering after reaching their hours,” Grafstein said. “They knew it made a difference, giving back to others.”
She also noted that volunteerism can provide valuable real-world skills such as
managing the logistics of an operation — something that can be marketable when applying for a job.
The mayor also encourages people to keep an eye on local boards and commissions in Madison Heights. In recent years, the city has streamlined the process so that the council only makes appointments to the boards in February and August. But the city still accepts applications year-round.
“So if someone has a specific interest or skill that they think would work well with one of our boards or commissions, I encourage them to take a look,” Grafstein said.
“For example, if you’re interested in the history of our city, you could be a good fit for the Historical Commission. Right now, I’m currently looking for residents who are civil
engineers or architects or who work in real estate who may be interested in volunteering on our Planning Commission. Their expertise could be helpful.”
Sean Fleming, a member of the Madison Heights City Council, is the council representative for the Crime Commission, which advises council on police practices, community outreach and crime prevention policies. He also serves on the Zoning Board of Appeals, and as the council alternate on the Historical Commission, which oversees the city’s museum, known as the Heritage Rooms.
He said that serving on a citizen board is a way to have a real impact.
“The city staff cannot do everything by itself. We need volunteers, and we look for them on boards such as the Historical
Commission, which needs people to open the Heritage Rooms,” Fleming said. “Lately, many volunteer organizations in the area have seen their numbers going down as their helpers get older. And the replenishment of new members has been a challenge. So, I really encourage everyone to step up and do their part, if they can. We really appreciate the work that the volunteers do. And in the future, I’d even like to devise some sort of recognition program for the volunteers who volunteer with the city itself.”
Call Staff Writer Andy Kozlowski at (586) 498-1046.
13650 E. Eleven Mile Rd. Warren, MI 48089
HEARSE COLLECTION ADDS MEANING FOR FAMILIES AS IT SERVES THE DEPARTED
BY MARIA ALLARD allard@candgnews.com
WARREN/STERLING HEIGHTS — As a licensed funeral director, Jeff Mandziuk’s intent is to always treat the departed with the utmost respect and dignity.
It is one of the many aspects he learned from his father, Eugene Mandziuk, who in 1956 built his first funeral home, which became Mandziuk & Son Funeral Directors Inc. Currently, there are two locations: one in Sterling Heights and a second funeral home in Warren.
Eugene Mandziuk, who died in 2017 at age 91, not only passed down the business to the younger Mandziuk, but also his love for antique automobiles, particularly the Packard. Over the years, the father and son purchased seven antique Packards, most of them hearses.
The fleet includes a 1921 Henney hearse; hearses from 1939, ’40, ’42 and ’48; an 1851 horse-drawn carriage hearse and a 1949 Packard limousine. The first hearse Eugene Mandziuk owned was the horse-drawn model, which he purchased at an auction in Texas.
“A funeral home donated a hearse to a Catholic church to auction off to remodel the church,” Mandziuk said.
Eugene Mandziuk, a military veteran who lost part of his hearing during World War II, misheard the highest bid of $1,000. When he mistook it for $2,000, he bid $2,100 to outbid the highest bidder. He got the horse-drawn hearse, and grew his classic car collection from there. Some of the best times Mandziuk and his dad had were taking vacations to the East Coast. They’d attend car shows or hunt through junkyards “looking for other hearses to restore.”
By the mid-1980s, the Mandziuks began offering to drive the vintage
See HEARSE on page 17A
ABOVE: Mandziuk & Son Funeral Directors Inc. uses vintage Packard hearses during funeral processions as one way to provide comfort to grieving families.
Photo by John Cicotte
RIGHT: Jeff Mandziuk, owner of Mandziuk & Son Funeral Directors Inc., left, and his son, Mitchell, have continued taking care of the Packard hearse collection that Eugene Mandziuk started in the 1980s.
Photo by Julian Orlikowski
For the Love of Louie helps families find beloved pets
BY ALYSSA OCHSS aochss@candgnews.com
METRO DETROIT — The Facebook page “For the Love of Louie” helps find lost pets and returns them to their families in happy and sometimes sad reunions.
Cathy Ludwig, an administrator for the page, said it was started around 2010 by Leah Doslea. She lost her dog, Louie, and requested help on social media.
“And there was such an overwhelming amount of responses and care in the community that she decided to start up the page,” Ludwig said.
She said that since 2010 they’ve started using spreadsheets and adopted a process to keep everything as organized and consistent as they can. Using capital letters helps the posts on the site stand out, Ludwig said. They crop photos and post the relevant information.
The page is not affiliated with anyone outside of Michigan. When they started cataloging the posted pets around 2013, they found out they reunite around 10,000 animals a year. The longest time she’s seen an animal lost was 10 years.
“We have 306,000 followers on the page,” Ludwig said. “It’s the largest displaced pets page for Michigan out there.”
The page runs from 7:30 a.m. to 11 p.m. all year-round including holidays. Ludwig said they have around 18 volunteers who run the page and take shifts during the day. Volunteers reside all over the state. Ludwig has a home in Michigan and also has a home on the East Coast.
“We all take time slots and keep the page going,” Ludwig said.
Ludwig personally has been involved since 2018. She’s always followed the page and at one point she became obsessed with
trying to help find a dog.
“Unfortunately, it never got found,” Ludwig said. “But that’s what really prompted me to get involved and become a volunteer.”
Melissa Hurn, another admin for the page, said the farthest she’s seen a pet go is across state lines into Ohio. She found the For the Love of Louie group around 10 or 11 years ago when she lost her cat.
“Back then they only did like a brief paragraph to tell people to keep a lookout,” Hurn said. “I never found my cat, but the amount of resources I guess, like, positive help that she gave me made me want to give back.”
She said even that though she never found her cat, helping others find their pets motivates her to check out the page every day.
Hurn said the general public loves the page.
“Because we’re such a small group, we would be much better off if we had more help,” Hurn said.
Not all on the page are “happy tails” and smiles. Sometimes, Hurn said, they have the hard task of notifying a family that their pet has died. Hurn said she will personally call the family when that occurs.
“It’s heart wrenching to tell somebody that their pet’s dead and where to find it,” Hurn said. “And some people can’t handle that, either. Everybody assumes it’s just all happy tails. It’s not. It’s people, very emotionally like, begging you to help find their pet.”
She said she comes across deceased pets every day.
“Luckily, we’re matching up more people (to) alive pets,” Hurn said. “So the good definitely outweighs the sad.”
Most of the animals posted are usually
let out by accident. A gate could be left open, a car accident could frighten a pet, or there could be a slew of other explanations.
“It’s usually something (that) happened, an incident happened, and the animal is afraid, bolted, (the) door left open, garage left open,” Ludwig said.
The page helps families reunite with their beloved pets throughout the state including the Upper Peninsula. It’s not just limited to dogs and cats, either. The page helps find lost cows, goats, horses and, in one instance, an alligator.
The quickest way Michigan residents
can get in contact with the page is through Facebook Messenger.
To find the page, just search for “For the Love of Louie” on Facebook.
Ludwig said the public usually directs worried pet owners to the page when they post elsewhere.
“We have quite a few regular people in the public that will just look at our photos and try to make matches,” Ludwig said.
She said residents can post a picture of their animal on the page along with the pertinent information such as breed, name and other features.
Photo taken with permission from the For the Love of Louie Facebook page Louie, the namesake of the Facebook group For the Love of Louie, is featured in this photo.
TRUNK OR TREAT
MADISON HEIGHTS — Kids and their families are invited to put on Halloween costumes for Trunk or Treat, 1 p.m. to 3 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 26 at Civic Center Park, 360 W. 13 Mile Road.
The event will feature an array of municipal vehicles, ranging from DPS trucks to fire engines and police cruisers, for guests to see up close. There will also be free goodies, and food options courtesy of Sucrée Mobile Dessert Parlor, The Grilled Wrap and BBQ Daddy.
PAINT THE FRIENDLY LITTLE TREES
MADISON HEIGHTS — A certified Bob Ross instructor will lead a three-hour-long oil painting class from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m. Monday, Oct. 21 at the Red Oaks Youth Soccer Complex, 29601 John R Road.
By the end of class, participants will have painted a full Rossinspired painting, with the instructor using the same step-by-step teaching method Ross did on his “Joy of Painting” show.
The cost is $70 per resident and $72 for nonresidents. To register, go to madison-heights.org/302/recreation.
THE GREAT PUMPKIN ROLL DOWN
MADISON HEIGHTS — Madison Heights Recreation will host a Halloween event called The Great Pumpkin Roll Down from 6 p.m. to 7 p.m. Friday, Nov. 1, by the painted shelter building at Civic Center Park, 360 W. 13 Mile Road. Participants can use carved or uncarved pumpkins for the event, sending them rolling down the sled hill, with jumps and bumps along the way. The cost is $10 per resident and $12 for nonresidents. To register, visit madison-heights.org/302/ recreation.
Sweetheart Stroll & Bonfire
MADISON HEIGHTS — The Red Oaks Nature Center at Suarez Friendship Woods, located at 30300 Hales Street in Madison Heights, will celebrate Sweetest Day on Friday, Oct. 18 with a special adults-only program from 6 p.m. to 7:30 p.m.
Titled “Sweetheart Stroll & Bonfire,” the event will feature a presentation by nature center staff around the bonfire discussing animal mating and courtship rituals, followed by a nature walk around the woods.
The program is suitable for ages 16 and older, and the cost is $5 per person. Preregistration with payment is required by calling (248) 858-0916 weekdays or (248) 585-0100 during nature center hours. OUR
File photo by Patricia O’Blenes
SPOTLIGHT ON HEALTH
CLEARING THE AIR ON VAPING RISKS
BY ALYSSA OCHSS aochss@candgnews.com
METRO DETROIT — While vaping was originally marketed to replace cigarettes and some teens say it helps them with stress, health officials say the opposite is true.
Alliance for Coalitions for Community Health Prevention Outreach Specialist Justen Daniels said a lot of health complications come with vaping, including damage to the lungs, heart problems, gastrointestinal issues and more.
He said vape cartridges are filled with hundreds of cancer-causing chemicals.
“The majority of vape pens or vape products are going to contain nicotine, and they’re going to contain a lot of it — a lot of potency,” Daniels said.
He said Stanford’s Reach Lab shared a study that one type of vape pen, which has around 5,000 puffs, has the nicotine equivalent of around 590 cigarettes.
“I don’t think folks are realizing how much nicotine is in there and how addictive that nicotine is,” Daniels said.
Youth are more susceptible to nicotine or THC — a cannabinoid found in marijuana — dependence because their bodies and brains are still developing, Daniels said. The youngest he’s seen or heard of a person having a vape pen is around 8-years-old.
He said that though he doesn’t have a definitive answer of whether cigarettes or vape pens are more harmful, they are both very addictive.
Megan Phillips, Oakland Community Health Network’s director of substance use and disorder services, gathered information about the dangers of vaping.
A document from the organization states that nicotine addiction can cause harm to a person’s mental health, but more research is needed to understand the connection between vaping and mental health. It also states that studies show those who quit smoking experience lower anxiety, stress and depression, and experience a better mood and quality of life.
Veterans Ride Free
Frank Withers’ world has opened up a bit with the help of a transportation program for veterans o ered by Oakland County in partnership with the state and local public transit providers.
“I use this for all my traveling,” Withers, a retired Army Sergeant from Waterford, said during a recent trip to the Waterford Senior Center. “It brings me to places like this here and makes my problems non-existent for a little while.”
e “ is Ride’s on Us” program, which offers Oakland County military veterans and their caregivers free, door-to-door public transportation rides for medical appointments, chores like grocery shopping and visits to senior centers, began in June and has provided more than 2,750 rides.
Administered by the Oakland County Veterans Services o ce through a grant from the Michigan Veterans A airs Agency, the free ride service was supposed to end on Sept. 30, but a $530,000 additional grant from the state will allow the program to continue through September of 2025.
“ is has already helped so many Oakland County veterans and I’m thrilled that we can continue this vital service,” said Oakland County Executive Dave Coulter. “Our goal is to eliminate any barriers to transportation for our veterans who have sacri ced so much in service to us all.”
e Veterans o ce had o ered free rides to county o ces for several years so that former service members could meet with counselors about the bene ts they earned through their active duty. However, they consistently heard that transportation for day-to-day tasks was a challenge for many of the 53,000 veterans in the county, more than half of whom are older than 65 and many of them with disabilities. at was the genesis of the “Veterans Ride Free” concept and the pilot project was o the ground.
“ ey’re not so stuck in their house anymore.
“This Ride’s on Us” program
ey can get out and socialize. ey can go to a senior center and interact with other seniors,” said Garth Wooten, Division Manager of the county Veterans Services o ce. “ is is a quality-of-life program not only for the veteran but also for their family, who may have had to take time o from work to take their loved one to appointments.”
All the local public transit providers in Oakland County – North Oakland Transportation and Western Oakland Transportation authorities, People’s Express and OPC Social and Activ-
ity Center along with the SMART system – participate in the Veterans Ride Free initiative.
“Our veterans don’t have to rely on other individuals to get them around anymore,” Wooten said. “It allows them to be more independent.”
And that’s priceless, said Withers.
“I can come here and relax with my friends,” he said. “And that’s good for my mental health.”
To book a ride, veterans can call 248-4197984 and provide proof of their military service through their DD214 discharge papers.
FREE TRANSPORTATION
Between now and September 30, 2025, veterans residing in Oakland County will receive free rides to any location withing Oakland County. Available Monday through Friday, from 6 a.m. to 9 p.m., with weekend availability varying by provider. To schedule your trip, contact SMART.
Rides must be scheduled 72 hours in advance.
Rides must be scheduled 72 hours in advance. Oakland County Veterans: This Ride’s On Us. When scheduling your trip, ensure you have one of the following documents verifying your veteran status ready:
When scheduling your trip, ensure you have on of the following documents verifying your veteran status ready: • DD Form
Frank Withers (retired veteran)
“Oakland Community Health Network, alongside our prevention partners, The Alliance, and Oakland County Health Division, work tirelessly to educate community members on the dangers of vaping,” Phillips said in email.
Vaping products can affect brain development, memory, attention, learning, mood and mental health, the Health Division states.
“Additionally, vaping devices may produce vapor containing lead, which can cause brain damage,” the Health Division states.
The age to purchase vape products is 21 years old in both Michigan and nationally, though kids still manage to get these products by employees not age checking IDs, connections with older friends and sharing or by fake IDs Daniels said.
“Because technology has gotten so sophisticated, so a lot of times it’s easy to pick up on a fake ID, so a lot of times they will take an older sibling’s ID,” Daniels said.
“The most common reason middle and high school students give for currently using e-cigarettes is, ‘I am feeling anxious, stressed,
or depressed,’” the document from OCHN said.
The document went on to say, though, that vaping can actually increase these feelings.
Daniels said that if an underage person looks enough like their older sibling, a quick glance will not give away that they are underage. These IDs will not trip the scanners because they are legal IDs.
Underage people who are caught with vaping can face consequences.
Daniels said in the worst case scenario underage people could face a misdemeanor. They can also face detention, suspension and expulsion at school.
“We are seeing so many of our schools take an interest in restorative programming and alternatives to suspension programming,” Daniels said.
He went on to say that if a child is kicked out of school for vaping, they are going to go home and vape.
“It defeats the purpose,” Daniels said. “And so we have a lot of folks who are doing friends of the court programs.”
Vaping products like Juul became popular around the late 2010s, and Daniels said he still considers it very new.
“Especially within the grand scheme of, you know, how long it took the cigarette and
everything to come out,” Daneils said. “It took around 100 years for a lot of that information about cigarettes and some of its potential impacts, some of its potential harmful health implications to come out.”
Vape products were originally marketed as a product to help adults stop smoking tobacco, and they were marketed for adults. Daniels said now it’s really hard to identify vape products due to their evolution and how they are made to blend in as electronic cigarettes. Daniels said there are vapes that look like smart watches, key fobs, straws and more.
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Parents should educate themselves through education programs and presentations so they can recognize vape products.
“Sometimes you don’t know what you don’t know,” Daniels said. “And that’s one of the good things about our organizations with the alliance.”
He went on to say they have programs to educate parents and community members about what vapes look like, the health implications and much more.
Call Staff Writer Alyssa Ochss at (586) 498-1103.
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Main Office: 13650 E. 11 Mile Road Warren, MI 48089 (586) 498-8000
Booming apple crops this year add to fall fun at local orchards, cider mills
BY MARY BETH ALMOND malmond@candgnews.com
METRO DETROIT — As the weather begins to cool in Michigan, there’s no better way to warm yourself up than with a cup of hot apple cider and mouth-watering doughnuts this fall. According to the Michigan Apple Committee, there’s plenty of apples to choose from this year.
Michigan is now in its third consecutive season of large apple crops, estimating a harvest of 30.5 million bushels in 2024 — well above Michigan’s average of approximately 25.9 million bushels.
“Apples are the largest and most valuable fruit crop in Michigan – not to mention a big part of Michigan’s culture,” Diane Smith, the executive director of the Michigan Apple Committee, said in a statement. “Ask any Michigander about their fall traditions, and you’ll hear about apple picking, apple cider and more. Apples are the flavor of fall in Michigan, naturally.”
Warmer than normal temperatures in late winter and early spring caused buds to form, leading to an earlier bloom in May. Growers, Smith said, were fortunate this year not to experience significant frost and freeze events after that early bloom, allowing a plentiful crop to be harvested 10 days earlier than usual.
Although the Michigan Apple Committee’s estimated harvest of 30.5 million
bushels this year is slightly down from 31.9 million last year, Smith said that’s still above average. Michigan harvested around a record 32.38 million bushels of apples in 2022, according to the United States Department of Agriculture.
“It is unusual to have three large crops in a row,” Smith explained. “However, as growers continue to plant high-density orchards and adopt other innovative growing practices, Michigan’s apple crop sizes will increase, and we will continue to see these larger crops.”
There are more than 14.9 million apple trees in commercial production, covering 34,500 acres on 775 family-run farms in Michigan, which means plenty of apples to taste this fall.
Visiting orchards and cider mills for freshly picked apples, or sipping apple cider with fresh doughnuts is part of the culture of Michigan.
“It’s definitely a southeast Michigan tradition for people to have a pilgrimage to a cider mill in the fall,” said Katie Titus, who owns Yates Cider Mill in Rochester Hills.
Yates Cider Mill, touted as one of the oldest cider mills in Michigan, has been in operation for over 160-years, bringing families and friends together each year for fall flavors and fun.
“Some folks have actually been coming for decades. I’ve spoken to so many of them
See CIDER MILLS on page 19A
CRIME WATCH
Steering column damaged
MADISON HEIGHTS — According to a police report, an unknown person entered a 2017 Hyundai Elantra parked in the 1000 block of East 13 Mile Road between midnight Sept. 21 and 7 a.m. Oct. 4.
The vehicle belongs to a 24-year-old Madison Heights resident. The steering column was damaged. Police were investigating.
Bicycle stolen
MADISON HEIGHTS — According to a police report, a bike left unlocked outside a business in the 32000 block of John R Road was stolen sometime between 8:30 p.m. and 8:50 p.m. Oct. 3.
The suspect was described as a white man with a beard and blonde hair. The stolen bike was described as a gray Huffy belonging to a 9-year-old Madison Heights resident. An investigation was ongoing.
If you know more about these cases or others, call Madison Heights Police at (248) 585-2100.
— Andy Kozlowski
NOTICE OF ELECTION
MADISON HEIGHTS, MICHIGAN NOVEMBER 5, 2024 ELECTION
To the Qualifed Electors of Madison Heights:
Notice is hereby given that a General Election will be held in Madison Heights on Tuesday, November 5, 2024. The polls will be open from 7:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m.
At the following locations:
Precinct Nos. 1 Madison Elementary School, 27107 Hales
Precinct Nos. 2, 3 & 4 Wilkinson Middle School, 26524 John R Road
Precinct No. 5 Public Library, 240 W. 13 Mile Road
Precinct No. 6 Simmonds Elementary School, 30000 Rose
Precinct No. 7 James McCann Administration Center, 31201 Dorchester
Precinct No. 8 John Page Middle School, 29615 Tawas St.
Precinct No. 9 Edmonson School, 621 E. Katherine
In addition, Early Voting will be available for registered Madison Heights voters at the following locations at the dates and time listed below:
Royal Oak Community Center Waterford Oaks Activity Center 3500 Marais Ave. 2800 Watkins Lake Rd.
Royal Oak, MI 48073 Waterford, MI 48328
Saturday, 10/26
8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
Sunday, 10/27 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
Monday, 10/28
Tuesday, 10/29
Wednesday, 10/30
Thursday, 10/31
Friday, 11/1
Saturday, 11/2
Sunday, 11/3
8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
12:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m.
8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
PLEASE TAKE NOTICE that the City of Madison Heights will be ELECTING CANDIDATES FOR THE FOLLOWING OFFICES:
PRESIDENT AND VICE PRESIDENT, UNITED STATES SENATOR, REPRESENTATIVE IN CONGRESS, REPRESENTATIVE IN STATE LEGISLATURE, MEMBERS OF THE STATE BOARD OF EDUCATION, REGENTS OF THE UNIVERSITY OF MICHIGAN, TRUSTEES OF MICHIGAN STATE UNIVERISITY, GOVERNORS OF WAYNE STATE UNIVERSITY, COUNTY EXECUTIVE, PROSECUTING ATTORNEY, SHERIFF, CLERK AND REGISTER OF DEEDS, TREASURER, WATER RESOURCE COMMISSIONER, COUNTY COMMISSIONER, JUDGES OF THE SUPREME COURT; JUDGES OF THE COURT OF APPEALS; JUDGES OF THE CIRCUIT COURT, JUDGES OF THE PROBATE COURT, JUDGE OF THE DISTRICT COURT; BOARD OF TRUSTEES MEMBERS OF OAKLAND COMMUNITY COLLEGE, BOARD MEMBERS OF THE FOLLOWING SCHOOL DISTRICTS: MADISON DISTRICT PUBLIC SCHOOLS, THE LAMPHERE SCHOOLS, ROYAL OAK SCHOOLS And to vote on the following PROPOSALS:
OAKLAND COUNTY PARKS AND RECREATION MILLAGE
The Oakland County Parks System includes 17 park locations with nearly 7,200 acres of public park and recreational lands, 80 miles of trails, campgrounds, dog parks, golf courses, aquatic recreation facilities, and nature education centers. To continue to provide revenue to the Oakland County Parks and Recreation Commission, shall the current millage, which has been reduced by required rollback, be replaced, and increased to .65 mills for 20 years from 2024 to 2043. The .65 mills is equal to 65 cents per $1,000.00 of taxable value. The millage, if approved and levied, shall generate approximately $52,191,139 in 2024. The purpose of the millage is to expand, improve, operate, maintain, and acquire parks, recreational facilities, open spaces, lakes, rivers, water areas, and trailways; to support nature education, recreational, and outdoor educational and health programming; to support partnerships for access to and awareness of recreational lands and facilities; to promote the conservation and restoration of high-quality natural and wildlife habitats; and to allow free general park admission to all county parks for residents. Revenue from this millage shall be disbursed only to the County of Oakland to be used solely for the purpose of funding the Oakland County Parks and Recreation Commission and shall be subject to oversight by the Oakland County Board of Commissioners and to an independent audit.
Should this proposal be adopted?
[ ] Yes
[ ] No
BUILDING AND SITE SINKING FUND PROPOSAL MADISON DISTRICT SCHOOLS
This proposal, if approved by the electors, will allow the Madison District Public Schools to levy a building and site sinking fund millage, the proceeds of which will be used to pay the cost of infrastructure improvements and repairs to the School District’s facilities and for all other purposes authorized under Michigan law. Pursuant to State Law, the expenditure of the building and site sinking fund millage proceeds must be audited, and the proceeds cannot be used for teacher, administrator or employee salaries, maintenance or other operating expenses.
Shall the Madison District Public Schools, County of Oakland, State of Michigan, be authorized to levy 3.0 mills ($3.00 per $1,000 of taxable valuation), for a period of ten (10) years, from December 1, 2024 through December 1, 2034, to create a building and site sinking fund for the purpose of the construction or repair of school buildings or any other purpose
Authorized under Michigan law? This millage would provide estimated revenues to the Madison District Public Schools of approximately $1,005,508 Dollars during the 2024 calendar year, if approved and levied.
[ ] Yes
[ ] No
A sample ballot may be viewed at mi.gov/vote.
Absentee ballots are available for all elections; registered voters may contact the Clerk’s offce to obtain an application for an absentee ballot.
To comply with the Help America Vote Act (HAVA), voting instructions will be available in audio format and in braille. Arrangements for obtaining instructions in these alternative formats can be made by contacting the City Clerk in advance of the election. All polling locations are accessible for voters with disabilities.
Cheryl E. Rottmann, MMC, City Clerk City of Madison Heights
Cowabunga! Fall Motor City Comic Con to be a frightfully fun event
BY CHARITY MEIER cmeier@candgnews.com
NOVI — The Motor City Comic Con, which is set to take over the Suburban Collection Showplace in Novi Nov. 8-10, has a reputation for bringing in phenomenal celebrity guests, and the lineup for the third annual fall convention does not cease to amaze.
This year’s lineup includes: Freddy Krueger himself, Robert Englund; Wayne Knight, better known as Newman from the TV sitcom “Seinfeld”; Priscilla Presley; the voice actors behind the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: Cam Clarke, Townsend Coleman, Barry Gordon and Rob Paulsen; Star Trek’s George Takei; and Alan Ruck, who is known for his role as Cameron Frye in the cult classic “Ferris Bueller’s Day Off.”
“A lot of the times we will try and look at anniversaries that are happening,” Sam Yankee, show manager of MC3, said of the guest selection process. “We have Ray Park, and it’s the 25th anniversary, I believe, of (‘Star Wars: Episode I — The) Phantom Menace’ coming up, and then, I believe, we also have the anniversary of the Ninja Turtles. But that is a really good indicator. … Yeah, people like to celebrate those big events.”
Yankee said that original actors for the various fandoms are always going to be popular because they started it all.
“I also think that with some of the original actors and the original voice actors from movies, you are hitting different generations,” said Beth Burland, MC3 show manager. “So, maybe you watched it with your parents and now you’re showing that to
your children. So it just carries on.”
Yankee said they also like to ‘gear a little bit more towards horror” for the fall show and bring in guests who are known for their roles in horror films, such as Englund.
“Horror icons are what we try to get as well,” she said.
This year the show will be presenting two off-site movie events at the Emagine Theatre in Novi with celebrity guest Q&A sessions. Knight will host a screening of “Jurassic Park” on Nov. 8, and Englund will host a presentation of “Nightmare on Elm Street” on Nov. 9. Tickets for Englund’s presentation have already sold out, but there are still some seats available for Knight’s. Tickets run $40, which is in addition to the cost of MC3 admission. Both tickets must be purchased to attend the screening.
There is also a lot of crossover between the various fandoms and other fields, such as with the multiplatinum rapper Logic, who will also be a celebrity guest this fall. The rapper’s music has been featured in several comic movies and he has recently worked on a movie with cult favorite director Kevin Smith.
“I don’t think we want to limit ourselves in any way,” said Burland. “If we can get a different or interesting celebrity in, then we’re going to do it.”
“A lot of people think comic cons are just comics, and while that is definitely where we started and where the heart of our show is, our slogan is, ‘Pop culture, it’s what we do!’ and we really cover anything that falls into pop culture,” said Yankee.
Aside from the celebrities there are numerous other activities for guests to partake in.
“One of the things we are doing different this year is that we are having a tabletop gaming room,” Burland said. “Throughout the whole entire show, every hour you can go and learn how to play a different game, or you and your friends can just go in and pick a different game. There are over 75 different games to choose from.”
A schedule for the games, and slots to sign up is posted on the show’s website. The games include Magic: The Gathering, Dungeons & Dragons, Catan and more.
There will also be a Magic: The Gathering tournament from 5 to 8 p.m. on Friday and Saturday. The cost to participate in the tournament is $5, and prizes will be given to the winners. Guests will also have the opportunity to paint figurines from games and make friendship bracelets for no additional cost.
There will also be traditions such as adult and kids cosplay contests, numerous celebrity panels, an escape room, and iCon tournaments featuring Super Smash Bros. Ultimate. Cosplay groups Ghostbusters De-
troit and the 501st Legion from “Star Wars” will once again be in attendance, along with many other activities.
“When people come, they don’t just stay for an hour or two. They come and they stay the whole day,” said Burland. “A lot of people buy a whole weekend pass because it’s just a fun place to be.”
MC3 will be held from noon to 7 pm. Nov. 8, 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. Nov. 9, and 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Nov. 10.
Tickets for the event, movie screenings and celebrity autographs can be purchased online at motorcitycomiccon.com. Admission prices range depending on where and when tickets are purchased, as well as the day of the event, and the age of the person. Adult tickets cost $30-$45 or $90 for a weekend pass. Tickets for kids ages 6-12 cost $10 per day or $20 for the weekend pass. Children 5 and under are free. All kids 12 and under are free on Sunday.
Call Staff Writer Charity Meier at (586) 498-1092.
NOTICE OF EARLY VOTING SITE FOR THE GENERAL ELECTION TO BE HELD ON TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 5, 2024 FOR THE CITY OF HAZEL PARK
To the Qualifed Electors of Hazel Park, Oakland County, Michigan
PLEASE TAKE NOTICE THE EARLY VOTING SITE FOR THE CITY OF HAZEL PARK ELECTORS IS: Hazel Park Community Center 620 W. Woodward Heights Blvd. Hazel Park, MI 48030
EARLY VOTING WILL BE HELD:
Saturday, 10/26 8:30 am to 4:30 pm Thursday, 10/31 12:00 pm to 8:00 pm
Sunday, 10/27 8:30 am to 4:30 pm Friday, 11/01 8:30 am to 4:30 pm
Monday, 10/28 8:30 am to 4:30 pm Saturday, 11/02 8:30 am to 4:30 pm
Tuesday, 10/29 8:30 am to 4:30 pm Sunday, 11/03 8:30 am to 4:30 pm
Wednesday, 10/30 8:30 am to 4:30 pm
Lisa K. Mayo, City Clerk, (248)546-4064
Published: Madison-Park News 10/16/2024
NOTICE OF GENERAL ELECTION CITY OF HAZEL PARK
To the Qualifed Electors of Hazel Park - Oakland County:
0024-2442
Notice is hereby given that a General Election will be held in the City of Hazel Park 111 E. Nine Mile Road, Oakland County, Michigan on Tuesday, November 5, 2024. The polls will be open 7:00 a.m. until 8:00 p.m. at the polling places listed below:
Precinct 1 Tabernacle Baptist Church, 22323 S. Chrysler Drive
Precinct 2 Community Center, 620 W. Woodward Heights
Precinct 3 Hazel Park Jr. High School, 22750 Highland
Precinct 4 Church of the Nazarene, 696 E. Mahan
Precinct 5 Hazel Park High School, 23400 Hughes
Precinct 6 St. Justin’s Church, 1600 E. Evelyn
For the purpose of nominating candidates for the participating political parties for the following offces: Federal – President, U.S. Senator and Representative in Congress. State – Representative in State Legislature, State Board of Education, Regent of the University of Michigan, Trustee of Michigan State University, Governor of Wayne State University. County - County Executive, Prosecuting Attorney, Sheriff, Clerk and Register of Deeds, Treasurer, Water Resources Commissioner and County Commissioner 3rd District. Judicial – Justice of Supreme Court, Judge of Court of Appeals 2nd District, Judge of Circuit Court 6th Circuit, Judge of Probate Court and Judge of District Court 43rd District. Board of Trustees Member Oakland Community College, Board Member School District of the City of Hazel Park and Board Member Hazel Park District Library. Proposal(s): A Proposal for Oakland County Parks and Recreation Millage, Millage replacement and increase to Expand, Improve, Operate, Maintain and Acquire Parks, Recreational Facilities, Open Spaces, Lakes, Rivers, Water Areas, and Trailways in Oakland County, Michigan. Full text of the ballot proposal(s) may be obtained at the City Clerk’s Offce. The City Clerk’s Offce will be open on Saturday, November 2, 2024, from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. for all qualifed voters that wish to vote by absentee ballot. All polling locations are handicapped accessible, audio and braille versions of the voting instructions are available upon request. Any questions contact the City Clerk’s offce at 248-546-4064. Lisa K. Mayo, City of Hazel Park
Published: Madison-Park News 10/16/2024
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Office pods
said Alissa Sullivan, Hazel Park’s mayor pro tem. “We’re pretty excited for them.”
Randy Ernst-Meyer, the adult and teen librarian, said in an email that one pod is on the second floor near the western staircase, another is near the eastern window in the adult fiction section on the first floor, and yet another is in the reading nook near the magazine section, also on the first floor.
The pods are designed to reduce sound coming in and out of the space by 60-70%. Each features a desk, table, four chairs and a variety of electrical outlets and USB ports.
They were made possible with a $100,000 appropriation in the state budget, which described them as “learning pods.”
“We are very grateful for the work of our library board representative, Barbara Winter, and our state representative, Mike McFall,” Ernst-Meyer said.
He described some of the uses that patrons have found so far.
“Students have used them for collaborative homework assignments, singing, and to read. Adults have used the pods to
work on projects, and we have had a number of them ask about using the pods for vlogs (short online videos) and other YouTube/ TikTok things,” Ernst-Meyer said.
He noted the pods are equipped with professional microphones, lighting setups and holders for laptops, tablets and phones. Patrons can also request headphones, as well as blue screens and green screens for digitally altering the background in their videos.
Amy Beem, the youth librarian, said she has seen the pods used in a variety of ways.
“We’ve been having teens use them to study and practice for (theater) tryouts. Today, a patron used one for a Zoom call for a hearing,” Beem said in an email.
While libraries have a reputation as a quiet place for reading and research, some people may still find it difficult to concentrate in a public environment where they feel out in the open. The more private nature of the pods can make a difference for them.
And with the library located next door to both Hazel Park City Hall and the 43rd District Court, the pods could also benefit municipal employees and lawyers meeting with clients.
“They (the pods) are so nice for patrons to use when they need quiet or privacy,”
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Beem said.
Sullivan commended McFall for his work securing funds for the pods in the state budget during last year’s appropriations process. McFall served on the Hazel Park City Council prior to joining the Michigan House of Representatives.
She said the pods are yet another example of the diverse offerings at the library, and of how the library has become a hub for the community.
“I think libraries, ours included, are often thought of as spaces for kids and fami-
lies, but they’re just as much spaces for adults researching careers, filling out job applications, making photo copies, completing tax information and more. They’re great educational resources, and offer fun events like ladies’ nights and craft nights,” Sullivan said. “These pods will enhance those resources even further. They’re another way that our library is able to give back to the community.”
For more information, call the Hazel Park District Library at (248) 546-4095.
Call Staff Writer Andy Kozlowski at (586) 498-1046.
Hearse
from page 6A
hearses during funeral processions. However, families weren’t interested and usually declined the offer.
“When we had the hearse, nobody wanted to use it,” Mandziuk said. “Everyone wanted a modern-day car.”
That all changed in the mid-1990s when the Woodward Dream Cruise in Oakland County started. Soon, people became nostalgic for classic cars. Grieving families saying goodbye to their loved ones began asking if the antique Packards could be utilized during funeral processions. The vintage models provided some comfort, reminding them of their moms and dads.
“It just took off from there. I credit everything to the Woodward Cruise for starting it. All of a sudden people wanted to use the old cars,” Mandziuk said. “They are not just a hobby, but a labor of love to provide extra meaning for families. Sometimes the Packard hearse will go on two, three runs in one day. People have come in making arrangements. They’ll see the old hearse out there and say, ‘Is that just for show or do you actually use it?’”
From Mandziuk’s viewpoint, the Packards were built to last.
“I use them year-round. If it’s raining outside, it don’t bother me. They were built back in those days for that type of service. They never get stuck in the snow,” Mandziuk said.
Whether it’s rebuilding the engine or conducting maintenance, Mandziuk doesn’t shy away from working on the cars when needed. He learned by watching his dad.
Families sometimes ask for a Packard hearse to transport their loved ones to their final resting places.
“He would always talk about the class the hearse used to have,” Mandziuk said. “As the years went by, they just got boxy looking.”
During an interment, the Packards can be en route to a number of cemeteries, including Guardian Angel in Rochester, Resurrection in Clinton Township and White Chapel Memorial Park Cemetery in Troy. Veterans buried at Great Lakes National Cemetery in Holly are often transported by a Mandziuk hearse. Since funeral assistant Larry Pokrywka is the only member on staff who knows how to maneuver a stickshift, he drives the hearses during processions.
Keeping it in the family, Mandziuk’s niece, Ashley J. Cicotte, wrote a history on the hearses. One recollection that stands out was when a local family laid their son to rest. He loved the color purple, so the family went to several funeral homes “searching for the perfect element for the service,” according to Cicotte’s essay. When they came upon a black hearse with purple interior in the Mandziuks’ fleet, they made the proper arrangements with the funeral home to honor their son.
Another highlight was the time a 102-year-old World War II veteran went to his final resting place in a Packard. When his daughter found out, she “was driven to the point of grateful tears” during her time of grief, Cicotte wrote, because her dad had once owned a Packard.
There also was the time in which Mandziuk got himself in a bit of trouble with the Packards. He “bought” his first 1941 Packard Sedan in exchange for one family’s funeral expenses. Dad wasn’t too happy with the method of payment, but eventually got over it. Mandziuk still has that Packard and drives it around at times.
Photo by John Cicotte
Skelebration
from page 1A
Board, one of several in the city.
Geralds noted that many kids up to age 10 enjoy the event, as do older kids. She said she encourages people to leave the earlier two time slots open for younger families, if possible.
In addition to different stations featuring games and dispensing candy, there will also be a dance party called “Rock the Heights,” at the new bandshell that was built with grant funding from the Consumers Energy Foundation. The bandshell recently made its debut as the stage for the climactic Battle of the Bands during last month’s fifth annual Trail Tunes, also organized by the Arts Board.
Among those in attendance will be the skeleton family of “Dee Ceased,” which first appeared at the home of Holly and Michael Hayter on Gardenia Avenue in the fall of 2020.
The skeletons — one of them 12 feet tall — have entertained passersby over the years with ever-changing displays for each holiday and season. The Skelebration Trail will mark their first public appearance outside of the Hayters’ yard.
“We’ll have a few of the skeletons there, at least three of them,” Holly Hayer said. “Right now, we have seven skeletons — and three skeleton dogs — out in the yard. Two of them are hanging off our tree, and we change them up every three to four days, just depending, so people like to drive by the house to see what’s new and how they moved around.”
She said the skeletons provide some
much-needed levity at a time when people feel stressed by world events, an election and the economy.
“They just put a smile on people’s faces. They make people smile,” Holly Hayter said. “When I was asked by Laurie (Geralds) to make them a part of the Skelebration (Trail), I thought it was a great idea not only for the city of Madison Heights, but also for Mike and I and the kids, seeing our little display out there for everyone to enjoy. These guys are just so much fun.”
Geralds said that the Skelebration Trail is made possible with generous donations from community groups such as the Madison Heights Food Pantry, Madison Heights Friends of the Library, the GFWC Madison Heights Women’s Club, Hopcroft Funeral Home, Joyful Jungle, and the city’s police and fire departments.
Individuals can drop off donations at the city manager’s office, located inside City Hall at 360 W. 13 Mile Road, with checks made payable to “City of Madison Heights,”
and “Skelebration Trail” on the memo line. Volunteers are also needed to help along the trail and work at the stations. Those interested can email Geralds at lbgeralds@yahoo. com for more information.
Roslyn Grafstein, the mayor of Madison Heights, said the event is always a fun experience.
“It’s something free that brings the community together and that everyone can enjoy regardless of their financial situation. Anyone can bring their family and kids, in costume or not. It’s also a great way to meet our police and fire departments, and it’s al-
The skeleton family of “Dee Ceased,” seen here in 2021, have taken different forms over the years at the Hayter home on Gardenia Avenue, changing with the seasons and even day to day. They will make their first appearance outside the home at this year’s Skelebration Trail event Oct. 19.
ways fun to see the kids dressed as firefighters or police officers, standing alongside real-life police officers or firefighters,” Grafstein said.
“Not everyone can go out Halloween night, and not everyone wants to go to a stranger’s door trick-or-treating, or to feel scared,” she added. “This takes place in our park — a familiar place that feels safe. I always enjoy going and seeing the different decorations, and the different groups that come out to support the kids. And the kids, they just have a great time.”
Call Staff Writer Andy Kozlowski at (586) 498-1046.
Photo provided by Holly Hayter
who’ve said they started coming when they were little, they brought their kids, and now, their grandkids,” Titus said. “We even have that within our own employee base, where we have third generations of kids working whose parents and grandparents have worked here — so it’s not just the customers, it’s also our employees that keep coming back year after year.”
Fresh-pressed cider, warm doughnuts, farm animals and scenic trails are a few of highlights at Yates that keep guests coming back.
“Our focus is really good cider and really good doughnuts, and that’s what we do really well,” Titus explained.
The mill’s press can produce 300 gallons of apple cider each hour, and guests can even watch cider being made on-site. The cider recipe, Titus said, changes a bit as the season goes on and different apples become ripe, adding new flavors as the weeks pass by.
“We also aim to have fresh doughnuts all day long — we don’t just make them in the morning. We make them all day, so everybody gets fresh doughnuts,” she added.
Fudge, ice cream, hot dogs and more are available for purchase.
“We aim to have an environment that is park-like, where people can take a walk on the trail with their cider and doughnuts, enjoy some hotdogs for lunch and grab some fudge from the Frankenmuth Fudge Shoppe here,” Titus said. “We just want our customers to come enjoy time with their friends and family, and enjoy the fall weather, because Michigan is having amazing fall weather so far.”
Blake’s, a family-owned and operated orchard and cider mill in Armada that has been serving generations since 1946, is reporting a robust crop this year leading into the busy fall season.
CIDER MILLS IN OAKLAND AND MACOMB COUNTIES
Armada
• Blake’s Orchard & Cider Mill, 17985 Armada Center Road, blakefarms.com/orchard-cider-mill
• Blake’s Big Apple, 71485 North Ave., blakefarms.com/big-apple
Bloomfield Hills
• Franklin Cider Mill, 7450 Franklin Road, franklincidermill.com
Commerce Township
• Long Family Orchard and Farm, 1540 E. Commerce Road, longsorchard.com
Highland Township
• Bonadeo Farms, 1215 White Lake Road, bonadeofarms.com
Holly
• Diehl’s Orchard & Cider Mill, 1479 Ranch Road, diehlsorchard.com
• Mitchell Farm, 3500 Mitchell Road, mitchellfarm.biz/index.html
Lake Orion
“The harvest of the crop is two to three weeks earlier this year than it has been in past years because it’s been so hot this summer — and because of that too, we are seeing a bumper crop,” said Jacqlyn Bradford, director of marketing at Blake’s Orchard and Cider Mill.
The Blake’s Family of Companies has a harvest of fun-filled events and attractions at its four locations — Blake’s Orchard & Cider Mill in Armada, Blake’s Big Apple in Armada, Blake’s Backyard in Almont and Blake’s Lyon Township in South Lyon.
The farm and apple orchards started it all in 1946, and they expanded over the years to include year-round attractions, experiences and events. This fall, the crowds are
• Yates Cider Mill at Canterbury Village, 2375 Joslyn Ct., yatescidermill.com/canterbury-village
Northville
• Parmenter’s Northville Cider Mill, 714 Baseline Road, northvillecider.com
already rolling in.
“It’s a tradition that’s passed down,” Bradford said. “It’s a simple activity, but one that has been around for so long.”
Depending on the Blake’s site, guests can enjoy u-pick apples and pumpkins, cider and doughnuts, corn mazes, a haunted house, hayrides, a hard cider bar, farm stand
Ortonville
• Ashton Orchards, 3925 Seymour Lake Road, michigan.org/property/ashton-orchards
Rochester
• Rochester Cider Mill, 5125 N. Rochester Road, rochestercidermill. com
Rochester Hills
• Yates Cider Mill, 1950 E. Avon Road, yatescidermill.com
Romeo
• Hy’s Cider Mill, 6350 37 Mile Road, hyscidermill.com
• Stony Creek Orchard and Cider Mill, 2961 W. 32 Mile Road, stonycreekorchard.com
• Westview Orchards & Cider Mill, 65075 Van Dyke Ave., westvieworchards.com
South Lyon
• Blake’s Lyon Township, 61475 Silver Lake Road, blakefarms.com/blakes-south-lyon
Washington Township
• Big Red Orchard and Cider Mill, 4900 32 Mile Road, bigredorchard.com
• Verellen Orchards, 63260 Van Dyke Ave., verellenorchards.com
produce and more.
“We really try to create experiences for our customers and innovate all the time. We really try to get people out and create memories that you wouldn’t be able to do at your typical cider mill,” Bradford added.
Call Staff Writer Mary Beth Almond at (586) 498-1060.
Yates Cider Mills staff member
Ava Ramales, 17, of Shelby Township, takes out dozens of freshly baked doughnuts.
Photo by Erin Sanchez
Discover Exceptional Eye Care at Michigan Eye Consultants in Madison Heights
Are you looking for top-tier eye care with a personal touch? Michigan Eye Consultants, now conveniently located at 29273 Dequindre Road in Madison Heights, is your goto destination for comprehensive eye care, backed by cutting-edge technology and a dedicated team of experienced optometrists. With over 60 years of combined expertise, Dr. Kenneth Wong, Dr. Lisa Barry, and Dr. Ryan Chahine are leading the way in providing high-quality care for patients of all ages.
At Michigan Eye Consultants, innovation meets comfort. The clinic is equipped with state-of-the-art tools like a retinal camera offering a 200-degree view of the eye—without the need for dilation! Advanced diagnostic technology such as optical coherence tomography and electroretinography helps detect and
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But it’s not just about the technology—it’s about the people. Whether you’re dealing with dry eyes, glaucoma, or need a routine check-up,
Michigan Eye Consultants is here to provide compassionate care. The clinic offers specialized services, including amniotic membrane insertions for corneal issues and punctal plugs for dry eye treatment. They even have a dedicated dry eye treatment room, ensuring focused care for those with persistent symptoms.
Need stylish new glasses or contact lenses? Michigan Eye Consultants carries a curated selection of eyewear, blending fashion with function to suit your unique lifestyle and preferences. What sets Michigan Eye Consultants apart is their commitment to inclusivity and accessibility. They proudly offer multilingual services in Chinese and Arabic, ensuring everyone feels at home. With a stellar reputation in the community and glowing 5-star reviews, you can trust you’re in great hands.
“DR WONG IS KNOWLEDGEABLE AND POLITE. HE DID A THOROUGH EXAMINATION OF MY EYE HEALTH AND OF MY PRESCRIPTION NEEDS. HE CAREFULLY EXPLAINED THE VARIOUS ASPECTS OF HIS FINDINGS. I COULDN’T BE HAPPIER WITH THE RESULTS OF THE OFFICE VISIT. I HIGHLY RECOMMEND DR. WONG FOR ALL YOUR VISION CARE.” ~ C.S.
To accommodate busy schedules, Michigan Eye Consultants is open six days a week, with extended hours on Thursdays and Saturdays. Don’t wait—your eyes deserve the best! To book an appointment, visit www.michiganeyeconsultants.com or call (586) 745-0863 today!
AROUND MICHIGAN
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·TILEREPAIRS *FREEESTIMATES* 586-552-5416 mrbacksplash.com Landscaping & Water Gardens DOLL'S LANDSCAPING FALLCLEAN-UPS! Shrub&Tree-Trimming, Planting,Removal.Mulch, SodInstallation,Pavers, Garden/RetainerWalls, PorchSteps,Raise Backyards/DrainTiles, Powerwashing/Sealing, Powerrake,Aeration, Seeding,DebrisRemoval 586-634-0033
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ALLTIMATE OUTDOOR SERVICES DrainageSystem Professionals New-Construction, Yard-Drainage,Grading, Sod/Seed,Retaining Walls/Walkways/Patios, Senior/Military-Discounts Credit-Cards-Accepted Free-Estimates 586-719-1202
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OF
to random assault
TROY — Officers were dispatched to Crooks Road for a report of an assault that just occurred at 11:01 a.m. Sept. 27.
Upon arrival, officers spoke to a man who said he was walking his dog when an unknown male suspect came up to him, yelled in his face, punched the top of his head, and ripped his shirt.
Officers located the suspect in the area of Crooks and Wattles, and he was taken into custody. The suspect stated he had just quit his job and had gotten into an argument with his family, so he walked up to the first person he saw and assaulted them.
The suspect, a 27-year-old man from Troy, was arrested and was issued a citation for assault and battery and a petition for a mental health evaluation.
Break-in occurs at cleaners
TROY — Officers were dispatched to Golden Gate Cleaners, at 2997 E. Big Beaver Road, for a possible break-in Sept. 23.
Upon arrival, officers saw heavy damage to the front of the business caused by a vehicle driving through the front entry to gain access. Officers contacted the business owner, who said the only thing stolen was the cash register.
Child left in vehicle
HAZEL PARK — According to a police report, Hazel Park police officers were dispatched to the 22000 block of South Chrysler Drive on Sept. 19 to investigate a report about a child left unattended in a vehicle.
Officers found a 3-year-old child in the back of a gold Buick. The windows were rolled down and the vehicle was left running. The temperature exceeded 81 degrees.
Officers located the child’s father inside the business. He allegedly admitted he had been in the business for 10 minutes in order to purchase marijuana.
The father reportedly stated that the car’s air conditioner did not work, and he believed it was a safe area to leave the child in the car alone.
The child’s grandmother was contacted, and she was given custody of the child. The father was issued a violation: abandonment of children — failure to supervise, a 90-day misdemeanor.
Child Protective Services was also notified.
Police arrest cellphone theft suspect
FARMINGTON — On Sept. 24 at approximately 5 a.m., Farmington Public Safety officers were dispatched to the area of Grand River and Drake for a man in his mid 20s who stole a cellphone from a convenience
they saw the man walking on Drake Road. The subject ran from the officers but was ultimately apprehended and taken into custody. The case was presented to the Oakland County Prosecutor’s Office for warrant consideration.
Woman loses more than $9K to scammer
FARMINGTON — A 74-year-old woman told police Sept. 20 that she had been contacted by a suspect who claimed to work for her bank. The suspect was able to convince the woman to withdraw $9,500 from her bank account and place it onto a credit card provided by the suspect. The woman was working with her bank, and the case was forwarded to the detective bureau for investigation.
Cash register taken from cleaners
ROYAL OAK — A complainant reported that between 5:30 and 6 p.m. Sept. 19, an unknown person stole a cash register from the Best Cleaners at 32974 Woodward Ave.
Bar fight suspect arrested after fleeing
BIRMINGHAM — On Sept. 28 at approximately 11 p.m., officers were dispatched to a bar near the 200 block of South Old Woodward Avenue for a report of assault. The bar’s security staff stated that multiple individuals involved in the incident had fled the scene on foot.
Officers were able to identify one of the suspects, a 25-year-old Washington Township man. While fleeing, the suspect repeatedly ignored the officer’s request to stop, and upon being caught he was placed under arrest for obstruction of police.
A 32-year-old Clarkston man and a 33-year-old Birmingham man stated that while at the bar, they got into a physical altercation with the suspect and that they were both punched multiple times in the face by the suspect. An investigation was ongoing.
Former family friend attempts to light empty gasoline cans on porch
BIRMINGHAM — At approximately 7 p.m. Sept. 25, officers were dispatched to Oak Street after a 56-year-old woman and a 57-year-old man reported that a man was attempting to light two gasoline cans on fire on their porch. Shortly after, it was discovered that the gasoline cans were empty and that the suspect, a 27-year-old Troy man, is a former family friend. Charges against the suspect were being sought. An investigation was ongoing.
Speeding motorcyclist arrested BERKLEY — A 20-year-old Waterford man was
11:29 p.m. Sept. 21 near Woodward and West Lincoln avenues. According to the report, police observed two motorcycles, one red and one black, moving at speeds of around 100 miles per hour on Woodward. Police attempted a traffic stop, but both bikes sped off, leaving the officer to terminate the pursuit. Police did keep following the motorcyclists at a safe distance.
An officer was able to follow the black motorcycle, overtake the driver and position the patrol car to force the motorcyclist to slow down.
Police were able to get the driver to stop and handcuffed him.
Wanted man arrested by police
ROCHESTER HILLS — Deputies responded to the area of Adams Road and Auburn Road for a Flock camera hit that identified a gray Ford Edge wanted by the Fraser Police Department for fleeing and eluding at 6:23 a.m. Sept. 3.
The vehicle was in the Walmart parking lot and was unoccupied. Deputies established a perimeter, and the man was observed loading items into the vehicle. Deputies conducted a felony stop, and the vehicle and the suspect, a 43-year-old man from Lexington, was taken into custody without incident. The man had several felony warrants from Macomb County.
During the inventory search of the vehicle, a Glock 19 BB gun and drug paraphernalia were located inside the vehicle.
The man was transported and lodged at the Oakland County Jail, to be picked up by Macomb County on the outstanding warrants. While at the jail, possible drugs were located on him during a search.
Police investigate incident at school
ROCHESTER HILLS — A female student at Avondale Middle School reportedly had a previous incident involving a male student texting her late at night. The school resource officer spoke to the male student during a follow-up interview and advised him not to have contact with her. Both students were in the same class Sept. 10, and she said he kept looking at her. She told her mother about the incident, and her mother later filed a complaint with the school. The female student wrote out a statement and mentioned a text message that was concerning, which was a previous text that he’d sent late at night. He reportedly stated he thinks about killing people. The male student’s parents were requested to come to the school for an interview along with their child. The father advised there is a firearm in the home due to his occupation, adding that it’s locked in a safe when he returns home. Both parents were aware of their son’s
COMMUNITY CALENDAR
OCT. 17
Book signings: Meet and hear passages from Ferndale author Donald Levin and Bloomfield Hills-based author Rick Bailey during release of new novels, 6:30-8:30 p.m., Color | Ink Studio & Gallery, 20919 John R Road in Hazel Park, donaldlevin.com, rick-bailey.com
OCT. 18
Sweetheart Stroll & Bonfire: Adults-only program about animal mating and courtship rituals, also nature walk, 6-7:30 p.m., Red Oaks Nature Center at Suarez Friendship Woods, 30300 Hales St. in Madison Heights, RSVP to (248) 858-0916 or (248) 585-0100
OCT. 19
Skelebration Trail: Formerly known as Pumpkin Walk, features treat stations and activities, time slots available at 6 p.m., 6:45 p.m. and 7:30 p.m., enter by Madison Heights Fire Department Station #1, 31313 Brush St., registration required, facebook.com/cityofmadisonheights
OCT. 20
Hazel Park Fire Department open house: Cider and doughnuts, bounce house, hose spraying, wear firefighter gear, demonstrations and more, 11 a.m.-1 p.m., 22830 Russell Ave., facebook.com/CityofHP
OCT. 22
Trick or treat: Also crafts and mini pumpkin painting, 6 p.m. for kids with sensory issues, other time slots include 6:15 p.m., 6:30 p.m., 6:45 p.m. and 7 p.m., Hazel Park District Library, 123 E. Nine Mile Road, facebook.com/ hpdlibrary Medicare changes webinar: Hosted by Michigan Medicare Assistance Program and AgeWays, live on facebook.com/agewaysmi from 10-11:30 a.m., call (800) 803-7147
tables, bounce house, face painting and
Park, 300 W. 13 Mile Road in Madison Heights
Rake with the Mayor: Join Roslyn Grafstein at homes in need of help, 9 a.m.-noon, meet at parking lot of Madison Heights Active Adult Center, Madison Heights Active Adult Center, 260 W. 13 Mile Road, RSVP by Oct. 19, roslyngrafstein@madison-heights-org
Trunk or treat: Also hot cocoa, hot dogs and hayrides, 1-3 p.m., Scout Park, 901 E. Otis Park Ave. in Hazel Park, facebook.com/CityofHP
NOV. 8
Disco Prom: 6:30-11:30 p.m., Club Venetian, 29310 John R Road in Madison Heights, (248) 583-0826, artsboard@madison-heights.org, facebook. com/MHArtsBoard
ONGOING
‘Pokémon Go’: 6:30 p.m. Sept. 23 (Scout Park, 901 E. Otis Park Ave. in Hazel Park) and Oct. 7 (Green Acres Park, 620 W. Woodward Heights Blvd. in Hazel Park), facebook.com/hpdlibrary
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 (6:307:30 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
Hazel Park Garden Club: Workshops and events include Vermicomposting (Oct. 23), Putting the Garden to Bed (Nov. 13), and Bug and Bat Houses (Nov. 27), noon, Hazel Park Community Center, 620 W. Woodward Heights, (248) 546-7000, facebook.com/HPBeautification
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school threat assessment was completed.
Business footage catches package thief
SOUTHFIELD — At 3:30 p.m.
Senior Storytelling: Discuss topics with others, 1:30-2:30 p.m. Wednesdays until Nov. 27, Hazel Park Recreation Center, 620 W. Woodward Heights Blvd., (248) 547-5535
Book clubs: Mind Readers (discussions of self-improvement through selfhelp 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
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
Speaker Series: Hear from bestselling authors and thought leaders, topics are “Maybe You Should Talk To Someone: Examining the Truths and Fictions we Tell Ourselves” (2 p.m. Oct. 22), “A Navajo Investigator’s Search for the Unexplained” (7 p.m. Nov. 7), “On Childhood Migration from Central America” (4 p.m. Nov. 14) and “Native Rights and Culture in Fiction” (7 p.m. Nov. 20), Madison Heights Public Library, 240 W. 13 Mile Road, registration required, (248) 588-7763, libraryc.org/mhlibrary/upcoming Downtown BOO!kley: Fall-themed events include Ghost Chase (Oct. 18), Trick-or-Treat Stroll & Monster Mash (Oct. 26) and Vampire Blood Drive (Oct. 29), various locations in Berkley, facebook.com/DowntownBerkley
‘The Woman in Black’: Performance by Stagecrafters, 7:30 p.m. Thursdays-Saturdays and 2 p.m. Sundays Oct. 18-27, Baldwin Theatre, 415 S. Lafayette in Royal Oak, stagecrafters.org
