MDOT contractor crash results in gravel spill and freeway closure
BY CHARITY MEIER cmeier@candgnews.com
A section of Interstate 96 was closed for nearly five hours Oct. 10 after a truck hauling gravel hit a large freeway sign and spilled gravel across the highway.
According to Diane Cross, of the Michigan Department of Transportation, the truck was being driven by an MDOT contractor. She said the contractor was driving a gravel hauler when he hit the overhead sign on the gantry.
“One of our contractors driving a gravel hauler hit the overhead sign on the gantry, which is the three new 96 Flex signs, and the freeway had to be closed to remove the very large sign using cranes,” said Cross.
A gravel hauler tractor has a large piston that can be raised and lowered to transport and empty out the gravel. According to Michigan State Police 1st Lt. Michael Shaw, public information officer for the Michigan State Police, the driver had his truck tipped upward when he hit the sign.
“A semi driver had his trailer up and struck one of the electrical signs,” Shaw said.
Cross said that no other vehicles were involved in the incident. According to Shaw and Cross, nobody was hurt as a result of the accident.
See SPILL on page 11A
Novi Middle School to bring fantasy to life with presentation of ‘The Hobbit’
BY CHARITY MEIER cmeier@candgnews.com
ABOVE:
“I chose to do ‘The Hobbit’ because it is a classic story from many years ago, but with the film adaptations a few
See HOBBIT on page 5A
Children in the Novi Middle School theater department will bring the classic fantasy world of J.R.R. Tolkien to life with a presentation of “The Hobbit” on Oct.18.
Novi Middle School theater director Joseph Green helps Aarav Chakravartti with his costume, as other students watch, during a dress rehearsal of “The Hobbit” Oct. 12.
Photo by Patricia O’Blenes
OPTIONS MEDICAL WEIGHT LOSS: TRANSFORM YOUR BODY, TRANSFORM YOUR LIFE
Options Medical Weight Loss offers tailored solutions to tackling obesity, a condition increasingly recognized as necessitating medical intervention. Since its inception in 2014 by a team of doctors, this medically backed practice has focused on providing non-surgical weight loss solutions that emphasize lifestyle changes and targeted treatments.
“Everyone’s journey is unique, and our treatments reflect that diversity,” said Communications Manager Stephanie Wright. “We are in a prime location in Novi, ideally situated to make our services accessible to a wide demographic.”
The practice stands out by offering comprehensive care that goes beyond mere weight reduction. Their approach integrates health coaching and detailed bloodwork to help gain deeper insights into the patient’s health, ensuring that the focus is not just on losing weight but also on building muscle to improve skin elasticity.
“By focusing on lifestyle changes supplemented by medical treatments— including the latest in GLP-1 medications like Semaglutide, the base formula in Ozempic and Wegovy, and Tirzepatide, the base formula in Mounjaro and Zepbound—we provide a toolbox of options to facilitate weight loss,” Wright added. “Our goal is to equip individuals with the tools they need for not only long-term success in managing their weight but also enhancing overall health and well-being.”
A notable feature of their methodology is the use of advanced biometric scales that measure more than just weight.
Wright explained, “These scales provide a comprehensive body composition analysis, including muscle mass, fat content and hydration levels. By sending small electric impulses through the body, the scales help our health coaches ensure that patients lose fat without losing muscle mass—a common issue with calorie restriction.”
Individuals don’t have to be severely overweight to benefit from the programs. “Whether you’re looking to drop 10 pounds for an event or aiming for a more significant weight loss, we tailor our support to meet a wide range of goals,” Wright said.
From working with a health coach and following the program’s Options Diet System to choosing the right supplements, the staff helps guide patients at every step.
“Our programs are an investment in your health, yet they remain affordable and accessible to the majority of people,” Wright concluded.
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Options Medical Weight Loss is located at 26156 Ingersol Dr. in Novi. To schedule your free consultation and body composition analysis, call (248) 246-1673 or visit optionsmedicalweightloss.com.
in a better mental state, happy with my refection in the mirror, and focused on my progress.
SECOND FRONT PAGE
Pumpkinfest at Tollgate Farm
LEFT: Ella Terry, 10, and Evelyn Jennings, 10, both of Walled Lake, look for a pumpkin during the annual Pumpkinfest at Michigan State University’s Tollgate Farm and Education Center in Novi.
ABOVE: William Gholston, 7, of Southfield, takes a break from picking out pumpkins. For more photos, visit candgnews.com/ galleries.
Photos by Patricia O’Blenes
Novi doctor held 2 highest positions for family medicine in Navy Reserve
BY CHARITY MEIER cmeier@candgnews.com
The need for college funding resulted in one local doctor joining the U.S. Navy Reserve, but it was the love for country that he developed while serving that caused him to stay in the Reserve for 34 years, during which time he was deployed in two wars, Operation Desert Storm and Operation Iraqi Freedom, and he held two of the highest offices that a family medical physician can hold in the Reserve.
Capt. Ron Kuzdak grew up in the Castle Rouge neighborhood of Detroit and said that he knew from an early age that he wanted to be a doctor. He said that he has always been interested in math and science and excelled in those subjects to the point where people would say, “Wow, you’re going to be a doctor one day.” He said the more they said that, the more it became ingrained in his head that he wanted to go into medicine.
So, after graduating from Detroit Catholic Central High School in 1987, he went on to Michigan State University but was struggling to pay for his education, as although he had good grades, he was not offered a lot of financial aid. He said that a friend of his had joined the Reserve and encouraged him to do so as well. He did so and discovered that they offered a full-ride scholarship to medical school. So, at the suggestion of his recruiter, Kuzdak joined the Navy Reserve and went to hospital corpsman school in 1988.
“Turned out to be, obviously, a very good thing for me because it was a very interesting experience to feel what the military was like, to serve our country and have all that happen to me,” Kuzdak said. “I enjoyed my training so much I came back to school and I kind of knew what I wanted. I knew that I was doing the right thing. I wasn’t just saying I was going to be a doctor because someone told me I was smart. It was applied application and real-life experience.”
Kuzdak took a longer path to completing his undergraduate degree, as he took about a year and a half off from school to complete boot camp and hospital corpsman school and was also called upon to serve in Desert Storm.
He served for three months on the USNS Comfort hospital ship, which was deployed to Bahrain, from January to April of 1990.
He said his college experience was a lot different than most young adults; when he wasn’t drilling with the reserves, he was working one of two jobs or participating in the MSU equestrian team.
“It was not the relaxed college life that a lot of people experience. I was kind of a hard worker from the get-go,” he said.
Kuzdak
Children’s Miracle Network spotlights local families during celebrity golf fundraiser
BY CHARITY MEIER cmeier@candgnews.com
DETROIT — Celebrities converged upon the Detroit Golf Club for the fourth annual Feldman Automotive Children’s Miracle Network Celebrity Invitational Aug. 26.
The fundraising event, started by Jay Feldman, of Feldman Automotive, and his business partner, actor Mark Wahlberg, raised approximately $1.5 million for Children’s Miracle Network programming at Corewell Health Children’s and the Mark Wahlberg Youth Foundation.
“For me, the best part is just the thrill of giving back,” said Feldman. “The fact that over 200,000 kids are being affected in southeast Michigan by our cause is mind-blowing.”
During the event, a few select children and their families who have been aided by the Children’s Miracle Network got a taste of the limelight and a chance to hang out with celebrities. The children, known as “Miracle Kids,” are ambassadors for what the Children’s Miracle Network and the fundraiser do in southeast Michigan.
Siblings Braylen, 12, and Rylee Watson, 10, of Southfield, are two such Miracle Kids, who truly exemplify what the program does for children. Braylen was diagnosed with expressive language disorder in 2016, and Rylee was diagnosed with both receptive and expressive language disorder in 2018. The disorders caused the siblings to have difficulty with everyday communication and resulted in them having difficulty making friends and often being teased by other children. Their mother, Fran Watson, said she didn’t hear Braylen say “Mom” until he was almost 3 1/2 years old. However, through years of speech therapy and communicative preschool, provided by Children’s Miracle Network, both children now have greatly improved communication and coping skills.
See MIRACLE on page 13A
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Photo by Patricia O’Blenes
Fran Watson, of Southfield, is brought to tears as she is presented with the Alma Wahlberg award by the Wahlberg family at the Feldman Automotive Children’s Miracle Network Celebrity Invitational on Aug. 26 at the Detroit Golf Club.
Hobbit
page 1A
years back, I thought it would be a great way to introduce the kids to this sprawling world and give them a book to fall back on if they had any questions,” said Joseph Green, Novi Middle School theater director.
The play, which is based on the classic 1937 novel, tells the story of the adventures of Bilbo Baggins, a hobbit, which are small humanlike creatures, with the wizard Gandalf, along with 13 dwarves of Thorin’s Company as they go on a quest to reclaim the dwarves’ treasures and home from a dragon.
“It’s a lot of fun,” said Sakeena Ehtesham, 12. “It has a lot of entertaining things about it. It has some funny moments. It has some serious moments and it’s really a good, well-written play.”
Aarav Chakravartti, 13, portrays Thorin in the production. He said he decided to join the play because he really likes fantasy novels, but his favorite thing about the play is seeing the results of all their hard work.
“It’s awesome to see everything come together,” he said.
including 18 actors and 11 stage and technical crew members.
Middle school plays offer a setting for some experienced youth to continue to find their niche in the field and others to experience the art for the first time.
“I’ve recently been interested in theater and wanted to try it out,” Ehtesham said.
The middle school production company this year utilizes the skills of 29 students, See HOBBIT on page 14A
Photo by Patricia O’Blenes
Abi Breen, left, as Bifur, and Rachel Kashyap, as Bombur, take the stage during dress rehearsal.
BEHIND THE WHEEL
HEARSE COLLECTION ADDS MEANING FOR FAMILIES AS IT SERVES THE DEPARTED
BY MARIA ALLARD allard@candgnews.com
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 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
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
LEFT: 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
CITY TO HOST ANNUAL VETERANS DAY CELEBRATION
The city of Novi will host its annual Veterans Day celebration from 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. Nov. 7 at the Novi Civic Center. Veterans will be treated to lunch from Mission BBQ and a performance by the band Oil Can Larry who will perform music from the 1960s, ’70, and ’80s. The event is free to veterans. Veterans are welcome to bring their families and friends to the event for the cost of $10 for residents and $12 for nonresidents. Registration is required for the event and will end Nov. 4 or when sold out.
For more information, call (248) 347-0414 or visit cityofnovi.org/veteransday.
LEARN ABOUT PEOPLE’S EXPRESS
The city of Novi will host an overview detailing how residents can best utilize the People’s Express transportation services that are now available in the city from 6:30 to 7:30 p.m. Oct 28 at the Novi Civic Center, 45175 10 Mile Road. Residents will learn how to register for the service, schedule rides and more. Registration is required by Oct. 24 for the free session, which is open to residents ages 18 and older. To register, go to cityofnovi.org or call (248) 347-0414.
MEDICAL EQUIPMENT LOAN CLOSET
The city of Novi has a durable medical equipment loan closet for seniors in need. Equipment offered includes: canes, wheelchairs, walkers, bathing aides, and commodes. Equipment availability varies as it is donation-based. Seniors are asked to call first to make sure the equipment they need is available. The closet is open 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Mondays through Fridays. Donations are welcomed based on need. All donations must be clean, in good condition and ready to be loaned. For more information, call (248) 347-0414.
TRICK-OR-TREATING AT WEST OAKS II SHOPPING CENTER
Select businesses at West Oaks II Shopping Center near 12 Mile and Novi roads in Novi will be participating in a special trick-or-treating event from 4 to 8 p.m. Oct. 25. People are encouraged to dress in costume and bring their families. Participating stores will include: American Mattress, UPS, Clear Fortress Window Solutions Custom Blinds and Shades Showroom, Milan Laser Hair Removal, Lady Jane’s Haircuts for Men, Pita Way, Byrd’s Hot Chicken, Red Wing Shoes, @Batteriesandbulbs, FIT Theorem, Bob’s Discount Furniture, Burlington, Marshalls, Five Below, Scrubs and Beyond, Joann Fabric and Craft Stores, Watson Furniture, and Plato’s Closet. For more information, find the event on facebook.
TIKTOK GHOST PAINTINGS
A session on how to convert classic art replicas and old pictures into “fun and whimsical” ghost paintings, as is done with the popular TikTok trend, will be held at the Novi Public Library, 45255 10 Mile Road, from 7 to 8:30 p.m. Oct. 24 in the Youth Activity Room. There is no charge for the event, but participants must be age 16 and older.
LIBRARY TO HAND OUT TWEEN DAY OF THE DEAD GRAB AND GO KITS
Students in grades 4-8 are invited to pick up a tween Day of the Dead grab and go kit at the Novi Public Library, 45255 10 Mile Road, Oct. 18. Kits will be available starting at 10 a.m. and while supplies last. There is a limit of one kit per child.
LADIES NIGHT AT THE NOVI LIBRARY
The Friends of the Novi Public Library will be hosting a ladies night event at 7 p.m. Nov. 1 at the library, 45255 10 Mile Road. Women over the age of 21 are invited to enjoy a wine-tasting and make dessert charcuterie boards. The event will include a live concert and feature DJ Thornstryker, the first female NBA team DJ. Ladies will learn how to make fancy mocktails, be able to shop from a selection of vendors, receive some self-care, and possibly receive prizes. Tickets for the event cost $29 and can be purchased online at novilibrary.org or by phone between 10 a.m. and 5 p.m. Mondays through Fridays at (248) 869-7204.
File photo provided by People’s Express
— Compiled by Charity Meier
During his senior year of college, 19921993, Kuzdak found out that he had been admitted into the medical school program and was given a full-ride scholarship from the U.S. Navy. Upon accepting the scholarship, Kuzdak became a commissioned officer. This meant he no longer had to do two weeks of active duty in the Reserve while he completed his education.
He went on to complete his residency at Botsford Hospital in Farmington. Shortly after completing his residency, Kuzdak was deployed to serve in Operation Iraqi Freedom. There he helped build and was stationed in one of the first tent hospitals that the military set up in northern Kuwait for six months.
“It was very austere,” Kuzdak said. “Basically, we were the only working hospital in Kuwait when the war broke out, so all the casualties came to me — to our hospital — so it was quite an experience.”
After the war, Kuzdak chose to continue with the Reserve. From 2012 to 2016, he was the officer in charge for the Navy Reserve Training Center, Detroit, at Selfridge Air National Guard Base. In 2013, he was named the Officer of the Year for the U.S. Navy Reserve Medical Corps. He was also the first family medicine reservist to be selected to serve at Guantanamo
Bay in Cuba.
During his lengthy career he held the two highest family medicine positions in the Reserve — family medicine specialty leader from 2013 to 2017 and family medicine executive from 2018 until he retired from the military in 2022. Both positions are held for two years, but he was asked each time to serve an additional term.
Despite his high-ranking positions, Kuzdak remains very humble about his military career. He said he was motivated by the people whom he met along the way.
“The highlight for me is I think the relationships that I made with patients and colleagues. I have just lifelong friends and memories,” he said.
Kuzdak is thought of fondly by both his former superior officers as well as those who were ranked below him.
Lt. Cmdr. Justin Peters, an active reservist and a medical service officer at the Veterans Affairs hospital in Detroit, said that Kuzdak was one of the “better leaders” that he has ever worked with and served under. He said he believed that was because he can find a way to lighten the mood of some otherwise serious situations with his humorous outlook.
“He was really able to kind of help us relax a little bit and do some problem-solving together. Honestly, I think he was just a good guy. He was just easy to talk to,” Peters said.
“He is one of the best people I’ve ever met and really an inspiration for all the other enlisted members who had aspirations to either go to nursing school or medical school,” said Angelo Vivio, a hospital corpsman who served under Kuzdak for eight years at Selfridge. “I mean, he did it. He did what every corpsman or medical assistant aspires to do. He started out with very humble beginnings as a E1 or E2 and was
promoted all the way through the ranks and went to medical school. Not that it is everyone’s inspiration to go that route, but that is by far — if you want to talk about a success story, that’s Ron.”
Vivio retired after 20 years in the military in May, and Kuzdak donned a uniform once more to come out of retirement briefly and pre-
See DOCTOR on page 16A
SPOTLIGHT ON HEALTH
CLEARING THE AIR ON VAPING RISKS
BY ALYSSA OCHSS aochss@candgnews.com
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.
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Veterans Ride Free
Frank Withers’ world has opened up a bit with the help of a transportation program for veterans ofered 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.”
Te “Tis Ride’s on Us” program, which ofers Oakland County military veterans and their caregivers free, doorto-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.
Tey can get out and socialize. Tey can go to a senior center and interact with other seniors,” said Garth Wooten, Division Manager of the county Veterans Services ofce. “Tis is a quality-of-life program not only for the veteran but also for their family, who may have had to take time of from work to take their loved one to appointments.”
Spill
from page 1A
Immediately following the incident, eastbound I-96 near Beck Road was closed down to one lane. Then from 10 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. both eastbound and westbound traffic had to be detoured in order for the large sign near Beck Road to be removed.
vices ofce through a grant from the Michigan Veterans Afairs 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.
“Tis 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 sacrifced so much in service to us all.”
Te Veterans ofce had ofered free rides to county ofces for several years so that former service members could meet with counselors about the benefts 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.
All the local public transit providers in Oakland County – North Oakland Transportation and Western Oakland Transportation authorities, People’s Express and OPC Social and Activity Center along with the SMART system – participate in the Veterans Ride Free initiative.
Administered by the Oakland County Veterans Ser-
Tat was the genesis of the “Veterans Ride Free” concept and the pilot project was of the ground.
“Tey’re not so stuckin their house anymore.”
“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 248-419-7984 and provide proof of their military service through their DD214 discharge papers.
Eastbound I-96 traffic was detoured from Beck Road to Novi Road. Westbound I-96 was closed from Interstate 275 and Interstate 696 to Wixom Road. The southbound M-5 ramp and the northbound I-275 ramps to I-96 were closed as well.
“The decision on the replacement is still being determined,” Cross said.
Call Staff Writer Charity Meier at (586) 498-1092.
Frank Withers (retired veteran)
“This Ride’s on Us” program
Photos provided by Diane Cross
Crews work to reopen Interstate 96 near Beck Road in Novi after a gravel hauler struck a gantry and signage over the freeway Oct. 10.
CRIME WATCH
Graffiti found on Novi Road bridge underpass
Novi police officers discovered graffiti at 8:43 p.m. Oct. 6 on the Novi Road Bridge underpass located between Gen Mar and Trans X roads while conducting an extra patrol on foot of the railroad that runs under Novi Road.
The graffiti was located on the north and south support beams under Novi Road, the report said. According to the report, officers indicated that they believed the people who did it had moved the blockade that the Department of Public Works had put up to prevent people from accessing the railway from the northeast section of the underpass near the racetrack for radio-controlled cars. Police took photos of the graffiti and then informed the DPW, who put an order in to remove the graffiti.
Woman caught skip-scanning at Walmart
Police were dispatched to the Novi
from page 4A
“That’s why I’m so appreciative of the foundation and their services, because as a mom, we’re solely able to just focus on our kid without the stresses of, like, ‘How am I going to pay for this?’” Fran Watson said.
The Watson siblings, along with their mom, have been ambassadors for the program for the last three years and have even established a friendship with Mark Wahlberg, whom they refer to as their “Bestie.”
“It’s fun,” Rylee said of the event. “It’s fun and I get to see my best friend there.”
When asked who her best friend is, she promptly replied, “Mark.”
Braylen said the best part of the event is the breakfast. He said he really liked the bacon and eggs.
Fran Watson said she is very appreciative of the foundation, because it meant so much to hear her son speak her name.
“I think a lot of people don’t really take in how important the voice is, so just to hear him say, ‘Mom,’ and to hear her now speak so freely and be so outgoing, it means a lot,” Fran Watson said.
“Now that I can speak clearly, I’m having conversations with my parents and talk to friends and cousins and people that are related to me,” Rylee said. “Now I can speak
Walmart at 4:20 p.m. Oct. 3 after a woman wearing a blue dress was caught skip-scanning at the self-checkout by the store’s loss prevention team. The woman had failed to scan a bottle of Frank’s RedHot, a bottle of tajin, a bag of parmesan cheese, Brussels sprouts, a spice kit and lemons for a total of $16.72.
The loss prevention team had stopped the woman as she tried to exit at the general merchandise side of the store. Upon being cornered by loss prevention, the woman was given the choice of going with them or having the police contacted, and she opted for the latter, according to the report. The woman was arrested for third-degree retail fraud
During booking, the woman claimed she did not intentionally avoid scanning the items. She also told the officers that the loss prevention team was very aggressive toward her, according to the report. She said she felt that way because the workers refused to show her the footage of her skip-scanning, the report said. The woman was later released with a citation for the offense and scheduled for a court date.
Bag stolen from car
A woman’s work bag was stolen from
clearly, and now I can speak words like I’m doing now.”
“It made me feel good, strong and they was helping me,” Braylen said of his experience with Children’s Miracle Network.
Fran Watson has attended the event for three years and says she just enjoys being able to walk around and tell their story in an effort to help raise funds for the foundation.
“To me, this event is a powerful steppingstone to helping families in need,” she said. “You never know who may need the help or what child is going through what. So it’s a very good opportunity just to create awareness to other families who may need that help. That help is there if needed.”
One-year-old Everett LaBrash, of Sterling Heights, was also named a Miracle Kid. Everett was born premature and began his life on a CPAP machine to regulate his oxygen and help with breathing. Later he developed pneumothorax, which led to him being placed on a ventilator to assist with breathing. In spite of a long respiratory journey ahead of him, Everatt was able to come home with his parents, Alex and Marianne LaBrash, thanks to the staff at Troy Beaumont and the assistance of the Children’s Miracle Network.
According to his father, Everett’s biggest setback was not so much his lungs but rather the delays in development as a result of being a preemie.
“He’s quite normal now. He’s caught up
her vehicle on Wellington Drive sometime between 10 p.m. Oct. 3 and 6 p.m. Oct. 5. The woman discovered the bag and its contents missing Oct. 5 and went to the Novi Police Department to report it. She said that the $30 bag, which contained Apple AirPods valued at $100, a battery pack and another item worth $120, was stolen. According to the report, there was no damage to her car, which had been locked. The woman did not know if there were cameras in the area, the report said. There were no witnesses to the incident. The case was closed pending more information.
Ax stolen and later returned to shed
A woman contacted police at 6:15 p.m. Oct. 2 after she discovered that someone had broken into her shed and taken her ax at her home on Nine Mile Road. According to the police report, the woman said that no one has permission to go into her shed or use her gardening tools.
When police went to look at the shed, they discovered that that door to the shed was ajar and that the woman’s ax was present. Officers noted that the shed handle is operated by a turning mechanism and that it doesn’t have a lock. The report also said
in a lot of ways,” Alex LaBrash said. “He’s pretty much where he should be, where his real age is verses his adjusted age. The only thing he is not doing is walking, but he is completely in line with what his adjusted age should be.”
The LaBrashes chose to be a Miracle Family with the encouragement of the staff at the hospital.
“We’ve been really grateful to kind of share his story and see how his story can benefit future families,” said Marianne LaBrash.
She said it was really cool to meet the Wahlberg family. She said she told Donnie Wahlberg, of New Kids on the Block, that her mom was a big fan, and Donnie Wahlberg actually took her phone and recorded a
that there were no pry markings on it. The woman told police that she didn’t hear her dog bark at any time during the night of the incident. Responding officers gave the woman back her ax. The woman told police that she would like to press charges for entering her shed if police could find the culprit. A neighbor told officers that she did not have any camera footage of the incident. The case was closed with no further leads.
Suspicious circumstance of a lost ladder
A man filed an online police report after his ladder went missing from his home on Mandalay Circle. According to the report, the ladder went missing sometime between 10 p.m. Oct 4 and 10 a,m Oct. 5. The man filed a report that day but did not respond when a police cadet attempted to contact him. The incident was labeled as a “suspicious circumstance” and sent to detectives.
On Oct. 9, a detective spoke with the man’s wife, who indicated that the report was made for “extra patrol purposes,” according to the report. She said her husband did not see the ladder and purchased a new one. She said she didn’t need additional assistance from the police.
— Charity Meier
video for her mom. Paul Wahlberg gave Alex a hug, she said.
“It was just really cool to be able to meet them,” Marianne LaBrash said.
Donnie Wahlburg said he drove in on a “bumpy” tour bus immediately following his last performance on the “Magic Summer Tour” with NKOTB in Indianapolis Aug. 25. He said the golf fundraiser is a great event, so when his brother — who was not able to attend the event this year, as he was filming in Australia — asked him to fill in for him, he said he couldn’t say no. He said his goal was to have a good time and raise money for the kids of southeast Michigan.
“I don’t know what better I could be See MIRACLE on page 16A
from page 5A
Ehtesham said she participated in a theater camp over the summer and really liked it. She said she especially likes the thrill of acting on stage.
“It’s kind of scary being on stage, but that’s kind of what I’m here for,” Ehtesham said. “It’s just a really overwhelming feeling and I enjoy that.”
Ehtesham portrays the male character Balin in the production. She said she doesn’t mind playing a male role.
“It’s not really holding me back as I never really cared about gender,” she said.
“I’m grateful that they let it happen, because other places probably wouldn’t let females act out male characters,” she said. “I think it is really cool that they let us do that here.”
She said the biggest challenge in portraying the opposite gender is knowing the differences between males and females in the way that they talk and react to things.
“My favorite part of this play was working with the actors on their characters,” Green said. “The students would come up with such great ideas and stories about their characters and hopefully use that to help their performance.”
Ehtesham said she took inspiration to formulate her character from the characters she read about in other fantasy books, such as “Keeper of the Lost Cities,” by Shannon Messenger. Ehtesham said she perceives her character to be a kind of authority figure, such as a parent and a mentor.
Chakravartti on the other hand said he drew inspiration from his character’s portrayal in the films.
“I hope these students will learn to think creatively and abstractly,” Green said. “My goal was to provide the students with all the tools and guidance necessary and let them tackle each project how they saw fit.”
Along with acting, the students were able to choose, design and create their character’s weapon for the show. Each weapon in the production was made for the presentation by the individual actor.
Landon Stevenson, 12, operates the soundboard during the show. He said that he has been acting for “many” years and wanted to give the techni-
See HOBBIT on page 15A
Vaping
from page 10A
“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 under-
age 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,” Daniels 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.
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.
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.
“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 es-
say. 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.
from page 14A
cal side a try. He decided this would be the perfect stage for him to do so, as the middle school has a “great” tech program. Stevenson said he prefers acting but still enjoys working behind the scenes.
“I get to be helpful backstage and I kind of like being with the audience instead of being in front of the audience,” Stevenson said of his experience on tech crew.
Stage manager Shivani Thurman, 13, said that her greatest challenge with the show is knowing when to give the appropriate cues for the various sounds to Stevenson. She said she has been involved in both sides of theater for years, but unlike Stevenson, she prefers to work behind the scenes.
“I decided to try being stage manager because it’s always been one of my dreams to have, like, a big tech role,” she said.
She said the technical roles offer kids who might get stage fright a role within the theater. The tech department allows her to have more free-flowing creativity with sound effects and other things, Thurman said.
Stevenson and Thurman said that prop making took up most of the tech crew’s time. They said they really loved making the dragon tail for the production. The tail is nearly the length of the stage and is made from spray-painted cardboard. It features hand-carved and hand-painted wood pieces for the scales.
The actors and the tech crew members said they enjoy the improvisational sections of the production. They emphasized that there is a fair amount of humor in the show.
“In the middle of a scene, the people in the audience will have a little chuckle,” Stevenson said.
Green spoke about the benefits of theater.
“Theater is such a unique experience to any other extracurricular. Our students learn
to think and problem-solve creatively, express themselves both as performers but also as young adults,” he said. “Most importantly, these students develop a sense of confidence in themselves and their team, and ownership of their work.”
Green also mentioned the quality of the production that the students have made.
“I believe the audience will be truly surprised and captivated by the level of authenticity that our crew has put into the set and costume design as well as the level of character depth and understanding I believe our actors bring to the show. The level of talent these students possess is mind-boggling,” he said.
The one-hour play will be held in the school auditorium. Tickets cost $10 cash or check and are available at the door or can be purchased at the NMS Welcome Center or front office.
0045-2442 0055-2442
Photo by Patricia O’Blenes Diego Mendoza raises his homemade sword.
Doctor
from page 9A
side over Vivio’s retirement ceremony. He said Kuzdak had a big impact on his career and that he was a very good leader who looked out for the unit.
“He set me ashore for the final time,” said Vivio. “That was a big deal. That meant a lot to me, because a lot of times, retirees, they don’t forget about their service, but they put it behind them and they move on, and it was an honor that he did that for me. It really meant a lot and he has had a big impact on me as well.”
Capt. Linda Jacobson, a Nurse Corps officer, was Kuzdak’s superior officer and selected Kuzdak to fill in as family medicine specialty leader prior to him being officially named to the position. She said she selected Kuzdak because she knew him to be extremely reliable, funny, outgoing and a good team player.
“If you were working on anything like a team project, Ron just made it better,” she said. “He had good ideas. He is a good communicator.”
Jacobson said Kuzdak was a really good senior medical executive because he was in charge of all the senior Medical Corps officers in terms of being a mentor and had to oversee their performance reviews. She said he was very engaging and would not hesitate to pick up the phone and call someone.
“Of all the people that are in the Navy Reserves, the medical people struggle sometimes because they are balancing a busy medical practice, crazy hours and sometimes it’s a struggle to maintain your professional life and have enough hours in the day to participate in the Navy Reserves,” said Jacobson. “So Ron was really good at reaching out and providing guidance, potential solutions.”
Kuzdak left the military to focus on his family and to practice medicine the way he wanted to practice it. He lives in Milford with his wife, Nancy, and sons Mitchell, 17, and Noah, 16. He also has two prized horses, Cup A Joe and Dakota. Approximately a year ago, he opened his practice, Gem Health and Wellness, 25500 Meadowbrook Road, Suite 260, in Novi, which is patient centered and focused.
“I think sometimes people feel like a cog in the wheel when they go to different organizations that offer health care, and this one is definitely more personalized,” said Jacobson. “You are not one of many, many thousands of people who are coming to an office.”
After being open nearly a year, Kuzdak will celebrate being able to practice medicine his way with a ribbon-cutting ceremony from 4 to 7 p.m. Oct. 18. The event will include a performance by Dave Gondaly, lead singer and guitarist for the Killer Flamingos.
Call Staff Writer Charity Meier at (586) 498-1092.
Miracle
from page 13A
associated with than people that give back and care about their community. That speaks to my heart. That’s how I try to live my life. Detroit’s a city of fighters and who never give up and keep fighting back, and again that speaks to me and my childhood and my life,” Donnie Wahlberg said. “When you got people who love this community and are willing to do what they can, sacrifice their time and their resources to it, that’s something I want to be part of.”
During the event, the Miracle Kids got to participate in a putt-off with Donnie Wahlberg, which Braylen Watson won. Everett was able to show off his skills by hanging onto and eventually tossing the ball into the hole.
The Wahlberg family then surprised Fran Watson with the Alma Wahlberg Award. The award is presented annually during the event to a parent of a Miracle Kid honoring them for all their support.
“That award caught me completely off guard. I was beyond surprised. It meant a lot because I knew how much they cared about their mom,” Fran Watson said. “So, to be presented with an award that is named after her, it means a lot. It lets you know that all your hard work is not going unnoticed as a mother.”
She said the award sits on a shelf in her dining room area where she can see it every day when she walks past it.
Following the award presentation, the celebrities and other participants took to the course. The event also included a raffle for various prizes, and other activities.
Call Staff Writer Charity Meier at (586) 498-1092.
Spotlight on business...
G&S Property Services celebrates 25 years of making properties shine
Celebrating 25 years in business, G&S Property Services has solidifed its reputation as a trusted provider of “Exceptional Service from an Exceptional Team” in Metro Detroit.
With its headquarters in Troy and a second location in Brighton, G&S Property Services ofers a wide range of essential cleaning services, including window washing, gutter cleaning, soft pressure washing, roof washing, solar panel washing and underground drain cleaning. G&S proudly serves homes and businesses across Oakland, Washtenaw and Livingston counties, plus surrounding areas.
“Te journey began 25 years ago with a simple mission: to ofer top-quality window cleaning services with a focus on customer satisfaction,” says Geof Shaule, founder and president of G&S Property Services. “As we celebrate our 25th anniversary, we refect on our commitment to excellence and our passion for our customers.”
G&S Property Services stands out for its meticulous attention to detail and professional, courteous staf. Te company uses eco-friendly cleaning products and stateof-the-art technology to achieve streak-free, crystal-clear results. Te team is not only highly skilled but also deeply committed to treating each property with the utmost respect and care, with exceptional consideration.
What truly sets G&S Property Services apart is its dedication to customer service. Te company prioritizes clear communication and prompt responses, with a commitment to answering every call with friendly, in-ofce
staf. Tis ensures that questions are addressed quickly and efciently, and scheduling needs are met without delay.
G&S Property Services also ofers scheduled maintenance plans, ensuring windows remain spotless, gutters stay clear and properties look their best all year-round. With free estimates, customers can make informed decisions about their property maintenance needs without any pressure.
“Te purpose, ‘Exceptional Service from an Exceptional Team,’ truly refects our ethos,” Shaule said. “We are committed to delivering exceptional service and ensuring our customers are completely satisfed.”
Join G&S Property Services in celebrating 25 years of service excellence. Whether you’re a long-time customer or new to their services, they’re here to make your property shine. Contact them at (248 )593-8277 or visit gswindowwashing.com for quotes, scheduling, questions and more.
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PEAKPAINTING
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Gutters
Painting
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Plumbing MASTER PLUMBER
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Tree Service
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