MADISON HEIGHTS FOOD PANTRY
SEEKS DONATIONS, VOLUNTEERS
BY ANDY KOZLOWSKI akozlowski@candgnews.com
MADISON HEIGHTS — Organizers with the Madison Heights Food Pantry say that donations have been decreasing while recipients have been increasing, putting the group in a difficult situation where if the trend holds, they will be forced to reduce aid.
“There are so many families living paycheck to paycheck, and then when something goes wrong in their lives, they’re on the brink of being homeless,” said Kathy Trastevere, a retiree who volunteers with the pantry. “We want to make sure we get them through those hard times.”
The pantry originally opened in the spring of 2020 as a direct response to the COVID pandemic and business shutdown. It currently operates out of borrowed space at Central Church, located at 1529 12 Mile Road in Madison Heights.
The pantry usually distributes boxes of food on the first and third Saturdays of each month, from 10:30 a.m. to noon. Distribu-
WARREN MAN CREATES VIDEO GAME INSPIRED BY ANXIETY STRUGGLES
INDIE TITLE ‘AHRO’ AVAILABLE NOW ON NINTENDO SWITCH AND STEAM
BY ANDY KOZLOWSKI akozlowski@candgnews.com
WARREN — Inspired by his own journey overcoming panic attacks, and wishing to help others do the same, a Warren resident has released a video game with no combat or “game over” screen. It’s a game where players guide a man on a contemplative journey seeking a cure for the darkness that ails him.
The game is “Ahro,” available now on Nintendo Switch and the PC games platform Steam. Developed by Joel Vile, of Warren, and his company Oeh Interactive, the title is published by Nakana. io, an indie label focused on art house games. It launched Sept. 27.
“Ahro” follows a man of the same name through a setting inspired by premodern Asia, with highly stylized land-
During a distribution Oct. 19 at the Madison Heights Food Pantry, located inside borrowed space at Central Church, volunteer Kathy Trastevere places fresh strawberries into boxes.
Photo by Liz Carnegie
Connections Club ships truckload of aid to hurricane victims
HAZEL PARK HIGH SCHOOL GROUP NOW ORGANIZING DONATION DRIVES FOR OTHERS IN NEED
BY ANDY KOZLOWSKI akozlowski@candgnews.com
HAZEL PARK — What started this year as a way for students at Hazel Park High School to improve their experience there has quickly turned into something more.
Members of the new Connections Club recently mobilized a truckload of aid for victims of hurricanes Helene and Milton.
Dennis Dixon, a teacher of history and civics at the high school, said that school administration came to
him pitching the formation of the Connections Club. He supervises the student-led group with fellow history teacher Shawn Smith.
“They asked if we could create a club to find out what kids want to make their four years at the high school even better. We started having meetings an hour each day with students of all grades. We’ve been talking about possible weekly trips, and maybe even one big trip. We’ve been talking about ideas for new electives, like bringing back the debate club. We’ve been talking about ways to increase school spirit, like maybe a school
See HURRICANE on page 19A
HAZEL PARK WOMAN RAISES AWARENESS FOR EARLY IN-PERSON VOTING
BY ANDY KOZLOWSKI akozlowski@candgnews.com
HAZEL PARK — In November 2022, Michigan voters approved an amendment to the state constitution that gives them the right to vote early and in person for statewide and federal elections, a law that first went into effect this year with the presidential primary.
It was just before the August election when Kathryn Ellywicz, of Hazel Park, was driving past the Hazel Park Recreation Center and saw a sign out front reminding her of this fact. She decided to seize the opportunity.
“I’m so busy — as a mom, with work, all my activities. I was just out doing errands when I saw the sign and thought to myself, ‘Oh, my gosh, that’s right — I can vote right here and now,’” she said. “I have voted absentee before, when I was at college or at work. I know it’s legitimate. But I still like casting my ballot and seeing it go into the tabulator.
“So I went inside and did it that day,” she said. “I got to chatting with the volunteers and asked how many people were coming in. They said not many know about (early in-person
Volunteers with the Connections Club at Hazel Park High School loaded up a truck Oct. 16 with goods collected for victims of the recent hurricanes.
Photo provided by Monica Rattee
Photo by Patricia O’Blenes
Kathryn Ellywicz, seen here at Hazel Perk Cafe Oct. 23, has been distributing yard signs and flyers raising awareness for early in-person voting at the Hazel Park Recreation Center.
See VOTING on page 16A
NEWS & NOTES
4A/ MADISON-PARK NEWS • OCTOBER 30, 2024
FALL LEAF PICKUP UNDERWAY
MADISON HEIGHTS — The city of Madison Heights has begun fall leaf pickup, a service that began Oct. 21 and will continue until all leaves are picked up or the first significant snowfall.
Residents with curbs and gutters are asked to rake leaves into the street in a neat row while leaving 6 inches from the curb to provide for water flow. The city will send vacuum trucks or a loader crew on garbage day to collect the leaves.
Residents on corners, at dead ends or in cul-de-sacs should rake their leaves the same way. However, the vacuum trucks cannot maneuver in such tight spaces. As such, specialized equipment will be by either before or after the rest of the street is cleaned to collect the leaves.
Residents on sealcoated roads with ditches should not rake their leaves into the street. Instead, leaves should be raked into the ditch line, as close to the street as possible. Specialized equipment will collect these leaves on garbage day.
Residents on major roads should keep their leaves off the streets and instead rake them into a neat row on the grass right-of-way, about 1 foot back from the curb. Major roads include all of the mile roads, Dequindre, John R, Stephenson and Campbell. Roads such as Lincoln, Gardenia, Couzens and West Whitcomb are considered local roads, and leaves should be raked into the street.
CHAMBER ANNOUNCES SPECIAL EVENTS
MADISON HEIGHTS — The Madison Heights/Hazel Park Chamber of Commerce is planning a celebration for Dia De Los Muertos — Day of the Dead — as well as a Mad Hatterthemed auction.
The Dia De Los Muertos celebration will take place from 4:30 p.m. to 9 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 2 at Cocoyito Snacks, located at 615 E. 11 Mile Road in Madison Heights. Entry is free, with food and drinks available to purchase from local businesses, craft vendors and more.
The chamber will also hold a Mad Hatter-themed auction, starting at 5:30 p.m. Friday, Nov. 8 inside Madison Place, 876 Horace Brown Drive in Madison Heights. There will be networking, dinner, a silent auction and raffles, and draw-down cash prizes.
For more information, including sponsorship opportunities, call (248) 542-5010.
HAZEL PARK LIBRARY PARTNERS WITH CATFÉ LOUNGE
HAZEL PARK — The Hazel Park District Library is partnering with Creative Kids Market for a fundraiser at Catfé Lounge, located at 668 Livernois Road in Ferndale.
The event will take place starting at 6:30 p.m. on Tuesday, Nov. 12 at the lounge, which doubles as an animal shelter. Guests will make clay figures for themselves that Creative Kids can sell, with all proceeds benefiting the animal shelter at Catfé Lounge.
For more information, call the Hazel Park District Library at (248) 546-4095.
GHOULISHLY GOOD TIMES
ABOVE: True to the event’s name, skeletons could be seen throughout the venue, some dressed for the occasion. The Skelebration Trail was formerly known as the Trail of Treats, and before that, the Pumpkin Walk. The event was held at Civic Center Park Oct. 19, organized by the Madison Heights Arts Board.
ABOVE: Tarelie Williams Jr., 3, dressed as Sparky the Fire Dog, receives candy from Jacquelyn Chapman, a firefighter/paramedic with the Madison Heights Fire Department, while her colleagues Eric Bissinger — also a firefighter/paramedic — and Fire Capt. Ray Gilson look on. RIGHT: Sisters Harper Kirk, right, and Hayden Kirk, center, are joined by their friend Lilyana Lurie as they spin the wheel for treats on the Skelebration Trail.
Photos by Liz Carnegie
CRIME WATCH
Dirt bikes disappear
MADISON HEIGHTS — Two unknown male subjects reportedly entered the garage of a residence in the 26000 block of Palmer Avenue and stole two dirt bikes sometime between 1:40 a.m. Oct. 18 and 1:45 a.m. Oct. 19.
According to a police report, a 2019 KTM 4505X and a 2017 KTM 4505 X were taken. Both bikes are owned by a Madison Heights resident, 27.
Police were investigating.
Trailblazer taken
MADISON HEIGHTS — According to a police report, an unknown suspect stole a white 2007 Chevrolet Trailblazer from a home in the 100 block of West Kalama Avenue sometime between 8 p.m. Oct. 17 and 1:25 p.m. Oct. 18.
The vehicle belongs to a Madison Heights resident, 66.
An investigation was ongoing.
Schwinn stolen
MADISON HEIGHTS — According to a police report, an unknown suspect stole a black Schwinn mountain bicycle belonging to a juvenile Madison Heights resident sometime between 10:11 a.m. and 2:56 p.m. Oct. 16.
The bike was reportedly parked in the 900 block of East 11 Mile Road when the theft occurred. Police were investigating.
If you know more about these crimes or others, call Madison Heights Police at (248) 5852100.
31st, 8pm
The video game “Ahro” features a minimalist art style and simple mechanics where the player explores the world both by walking and releasing their spirit to fly nimbly across the sky.
scapes depicted from a 2D side-scrolling view. The protagonist has been experiencing panic attacks, called “breakdowns” in the game. When herbal remedies bring him only mild relief, he sets off on a journey seeking a miracle cure spoken of in legend.
There is no combat in “Ahro.” Instead, there is a strong focus on environmental storytelling — a hallmark of a video game genre often called “walking simulators.” It uses atmosphere and intrigue to draw players into its world, encouraging players to thoroughly explore their surroundings and find key items that open the way forward, advancing the narrative. The largely wordless tale is expressed primarily with subtle audiovisual cues.
The man also has a special power: he can release his spirit from his body when standing at certain platforms, at which point players control a wisp of light that soars freely through the sky above. In spirit form, players can access areas that would otherwise be out of reach, finding new items and story beats, as well as secrets.
“While in many ways it’s very simple, there’s a light strategy or puzzle-type mechanic to the gameplay loop that often surprises people once they start to understand it,” Vile said. “Part of the challenge is un-
derstanding the mechanics of the game, especially at first. That’s in addition to understanding the symbolism and the story. Players who are naturally curious will get the most out of the experience.”
Vile said that his game places a strong emphasis on what he describes as “collectible lore” — fragments of information, with three hidden in each level. Once acquired, these can be read as a summary in the pause menu, providing more insight into the game’s world and mythos.
Players can also use their phone to scan an included QR code that will link them to an expanded “lore page” in a printable PDF format. If the player collects all 15 fragments in the game, a new code becomes available that links to a complete booklet with the full story. Vile teases there is a larger puzzle to be solved within the booklet, and the solution unlocks more secrets in the game.
The saying goes that you can’t truly understand another person’s experiences until you’ve walked a mile in their shoes, and games like “Ahro” embody that concept by allowing players to accompany their character on a deeply personal journey. While the premise of “Ahro” is fantastical, the message at the heart of the tale is down to earth, drawing upon Vile’s own struggles with a condition called panic disorder.
He explained that the protagonist, Ahro, is not a warrior trying to save the
Images provided by Joel Vile
Game
world. Rather, he is someone who has experienced trauma and loss, and who is trying to make sense of his past in order to overcome anxiety in the present.
“I started dealing with pretty frequent and intense panic attacks in my late 20s, rather suddenly and without an immediate understanding of why. I was later diagnosed with panic disorder, and spent years learning how to deal with it,” Vile said. “Dealing with panic attacks has been, without a doubt, the most difficult thing in my life. Thankfully, while I still have some difficulty with it, I’m better than I was before, by orders of magnitude.”
He said he followed the adage of “write what you know” in crafting the scenario for “Ahro.”
“I really wanted to feel like I could make something positive out of such a difficult experience,” Vile said. “It turned out to be kind of unpleasant at first — publicly dealing with it and needing to think about it all in the form of a game. But looking back, it was actually a vital part of me coming to terms with anxiety and panic disorder. For me, facing and accepting the issue, rather
than trying to solve it or run from it, was the biggest key.”
“Ahro” is Vile’s debut game, unless you count a fan mod he made for the seminal first-person shooter “Doom” back in the 1990s. He graduated from the College for Creative Studies with a degree in graphic design and has worked for more than 20 years in advertising, digital marketing, web and print design. He has long wanted to create his own work of art, purely for himself and not for a client. He feels that with “Ahro,” he has been able to accomplish just that.
The idea to create an indie title first came about 10 years ago. In the end, the team consisted of his brother Kevin as lead programmer, and Joel himself for nearly everything else: game director, art director, sound director, character designer, scenario writer, and more. “Ahro” is set in a world he has dreamt of since his early 20s.
A friend, Rich Geyer, assisted with programming early on, while another friend, Julie Craft, helped with brainstorming ideas for the game in general. A mix of people worked on the soundtrack. Andrzej Jezierski provided additional programming for the port from PC to Switch.
Development sped up in the spring of 2020 when Vile was laid off from a job in
FINANCIAL CHAMPION FOR
With market-leading loan rates and personalized guidance, we’ll get you behind the wheel faster this fall. Whether you’re upgrading or buying your frst car, our team is here to steer you in the right direction. Apply today.
Open to all Michiganders.
advertising due to the pandemic. At first, he looked for other jobs, but then he decided to take a break from his normal career and focus 100% on finishing the game. He also redoubled his efforts to contact publishers around the world, catching the attention of a few who didn’t think it would fit for their companies, but who provided pitching tips and helped spread the word.
Eventually, Vile discovered Nakana. io through a list of independent publishers shared on the indie gaming scene. While Nakana.io isn’t funding the game, the publisher provided access to the Nintendo eShop for distribution on the Switch — a platform with more than 141 million units sold as of August 2024. Nakana.io also provided marketing assistance and other resources.
“The game likely would not have crossed the finish line without Nakana,” Vile said. “I can’t say enough good things about them.”
In a statement, Mikaël Bourget, the Polish-based founder of Nakana.io, said he decided to publish the game based on its vibes, message and approach to storytelling. He described the game as both “relaxing” and “strangely thrilling.”
“With a stylish visual and audio atmosphere, no violence and just a few words, its
storytelling is unique and universal,” Bourget said.
For those aspiring to make their own indie title, Vile had some words of advice.
“My tips would be to have something unique, or a unique take on a specific genre, so it’ll be less likely to be overlooked,” Vile said.
He cautioned against oversaturated genres such as “roguelikes,” where players explore randomized levels acquiring upgrades that are lost upon defeat, or “Metroidvanias,” a genre where players search for abilities that allow them to reach new places.
“Create a good pitch deck, and then contact every publisher you can,” Vile said. “If they respond saying they aren’t interested, politely ask for advice or if they could refer you to anyone else. Always be super flexible and polite, and try to keep your emails as short and succinct as possible.
“Additionally, I will say I was surprised to find the indie dev and publisher scene is a pretty small world,” Vile said. “And overall, everyone is really kind and helpful.”
For more information and to watch the trailer, visit the game’s website, ahro-game. com.
Call Staff Writer Andy Kozlowski at (586) 498-1046.
tion is done curbside. Most recipients stay in their cars while volunteers load up their vehicles, many lined up early for a wait that can take one or two hours. Others walk in with carts, where the staff tries to accommodate them.
The remaining dates for 2024 are Nov. 9, Nov. 23, Dec. 7 and Dec. 21. Cars enter the lot on the west side of the church.
The distributions this year have averaged about 130 families.
There are currently no eligibility requirements. Those seeking donations simply tell the pantry volunteers that they are in need, providing their name, telephone number and number of family members.
Each box contains a variety of food including cereal, bread, beans, a limited amount of fresh fruits and vegetables, packaged or canned meat, and dessert. The pantry also sometimes includes recipes for nutritious meals. If someone needs pet food, the pantry will try to include that as well.
But what the pantry can provide depends on the generosity of the community. According to the pantry’s operations supervisor, Kathy Anderson, in an email, the pantry once offered cleaning products and hygiene items, including feminine products, during the first distribution of each month, but those are no longer available. However, the pantry does still manage to provide small amounts of baby diapers and wipes, as well as most sizes of adult diapers.
“We have been proud to serve this community, and we hope to continue. But we do need more monetary and food donations from those willing to give,” Anderson said.
She noted that donations of boxed and canned food are always welcome, if they’re unexpired. The pantry always checks the dates on each item.
“I know it seems like a small point, but we tend to get a lot of expired food donated. Not to be too blunt, but we end up disposing of that bad food people have brought us,” Trastevere said. “So we really appreciate people going to the store and actually buying new food that we can distribute.”
Some desired goods include canned diced tomatoes, cooking oil, tuna fish, cereal, cake mixes, soups and boxed side dishes.
The pantry also needs shampoo, toothpaste and other toiletry items; feminine products such as maxi pads and tampons; paper products such as toilet paper and paper towels; and cleaning products such as bleach, dish soap, dishwasher pods and laundry pods.
Donations of pet food are also appreciated. The pantry recently received some from the Michigan Humane Society, but more is always needed.
Nonperishable and unexpired items can be placed at several drop-off sites in Madison Heights, including a bin at the top of the east entrance ramp at Central Church; inside the building at Pharmacy Shop, 28411 Dequindre Road; at St. Patrick’s Episcopal Church, 1434 E. 13 Mile Road; and in the south entrance vestibule at City Hall, 300 W. 13 Mile Road, during business hours.
Monetary donations can be mailed to Madison Heights Food Pantry, P.O. Box 71202, Madison Heights, MI 48071.
One recommended way to donate is to buy “Simply Give” cards at the Meijer store at 1005 E. 13 Mile Road in Madison Heights. Each card is a $10 donation to the pantry, which Meijer
See PANTRY on page 9A
Win Detroit Lions Thanksgiving Day
Tickets from NOXX Cannabis and Jeeter
Pleasant Ridge-based cannabis dispensary NOXX (noxx.com) and leading pre-roll brand Jeeter are teaming up for an epic sock drive that ends this Sunday, Nov. 3. The campaign features two weeks of experiential prizes from local businesses. This includes a massive grand prize, donated by Jeeter, including two lower-level Detroit Lions tickets for the Thanksgiving Day game and free joints for a year.
The socks will beneft the local charity Heart 2 Hart Detroit (h2hd.org) which works to address homelessness in the community. Participants can donate a pair of new or gently used socks at NOXX’s WoodwardPleasant Ridge location by placing them in donation boxes next to the dispensary’s DCLEATED giant cleat sculpture. No purchase is necessary to be entered to win. The idea was derived from the fact that socks are one of the most requested items at area shelters.
to its customers. As a result, NOXX focuses on low prices and a huge selection, offering up to 50 special deals per week available at noxx.com.
To enter its epic sock drive contest, participants should post a picture of the giant cleat and their sock donation on their Instagram feed, using the hashtag #NOXXMySoxxOff and tagging @noxxmichigan. They can make unlimited donations, with each donation counting as a new entry, increasing their chances of winning. Prizes will be announced daily on NOXX’s Instagram page. Situated less than a mile from the Detroit Zoo on Woodward within a stone’s throw of the Ferndale border, NOXX provides the best brands at the best prices, through innovation, quality and inclusivity. It offers over 50 strains of deli fower and allows customers to build their own ounce with delistyle service.
NOXX opened its frst Detroit-area retail location in August, but it has been one of the largest west Michigan retailers for a few years with three locations in Grand Rapids. This reach allows NOXX to leverage its buying power for better deals from suppliers, passing those savings
NOXX is open from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. daily and is the only dispensary in the immediate area that is located directly on Woodward Avenue. Free and discreet delivery is available. Learn more by calling (248) 206-7134.
TOP: Nolan Knapp, a senior at Lamphere High School and a member of the National Honor Society, volunteers with the pantry. He is seen here carrying a box of groceries to a recipient’s car. ABOVE: Paula Chetoski, a volunteer with the pantry, lines up items for distribution.
Photos by Liz Carnegie
matches. The pantry then receives gift cards to buy food for distribution.
The group also maintains an Amazon wish list that can be found at amazon.com/ hz/wishlist/ls/1GH4V6MTKDOIZ.
The pantry can also always use more helping hands for the hectic distribution days, as well as the Fridays before and the Tuesdays after. Volunteers package items, store them and retrieve them, direct traffic and more.
To see how you can help, email hello@ madisonheightsfoodpantry.org.
Trastevere said she has seen many single-parent families barely making ends meet,
individuals struggling with health conditions or unexpected injuries, or elderly residents living on a fixed income. The pantry has also assisted Ukrainian refugee families with young children, who are temporarily living in the U.S. due to the war in Ukraine.
She said the pantry has seen about a 20% increase in demand in recent years, due to factors ranging from the economy to increased awareness of the pantry itself. She said volunteering there is a great way to make a difference.
“It’s a labor of love,” Trastevere said of the operation. “We do the very best we can to provide food and dignity to those receiving it, and we wish we could do even more. But we can only do so much with what we have.”
Call Staff Writer Andy Kozlowski at (586) 498-1046.
Tree Problems? FREE QUOTES
a Jump on Dormancy Pruning!
Set up your appointment today!
SPOTLIGHT ON SENIOR LIVING
ESTATE SALE COMPANIES PROVIDE HELPFUL SERVICE FOR DIVERSE HOME SITUATIONS
BY SARAH WRIGHT swright@candgnews.com
METRO DETROIT — For those looking to move or for those who have lost someone and are interested in downsizing their possessions, estate sales professionals can provide assistance as individuals and families navigate through these issues.
Mara Topper, CEO and mediator for Senior Counseling Services, has worked with many people interested in scoping out estate sales professionals as they look to move and consider selling their houses.
“There’s a couple of people I refer clients to,” Topper said. “I also suggest they go with someone with good reviews that are clear about what they do.”
Potential clients are advised to consider how companies deal with cleaning out the home as well as donations and any other items that don’t sell. Clients should also consider what they want to take with them or give to family
members, and if there are items they can’t take, they should consider taking smaller pieces or photos of the items.
Clients may also need emotional support through the process of these sales and may consider reaching out to friends, family members, or mental health professionals for emotional support. On the day of the sale, they should also consider doing something special with their loved ones and letting the estate sale companies handle the sales.
“This can be a very emotional event for seniors, children and families,” Topper said. “If you hire an estate company, let them run it.”
Clearview Estate Sales & Auctions provides support to interested parties throughout the metro Detroit area as well as in other parts of the country.
Chris Deneau, owner of Clearview Estate Sales & Auctions, has been interested in collecting and selling household items and antiques for around 25 years. He held his first estate These items were available during an estate sale in Troy that took place in July 2024. The estate sale was put together with the help of Clearview Estate Sales & Auctions.
See ESTATE SALES on page 13A
NEW HORIZONS CO-OP
31101 Edward, Madison Heights
Call 248-585-0999 to schedule a tour!
On November 15th we are closing the waitlist for one-bedroom apartments.
Waitlists will remain open for studio and accessible units. Waitlist is ordered by date & time of initial application.
Amenities Include
· Heat & water included
· Individual heating & cooling
· Rent subsidized
· On-site service coordinator
· On-site laundry
· Near Oakland Mall and Meijer
AFFORDABLE RENTAL COMMUNITIES FOR SENIORS
For over 75 years as a mission-driven non-profit, CSI exists solely to provide the highest quality, affordable housing communities possible for seniors.
500 E. Irving, Madison Heights Call 248-585-2336 to schedule a tour!
Waitlists are open for one -bedroom and one -bedroom accessible units. MADISON HEIGHTS CO-OP
Amenities Include
· All utilities included
· Individual heating & cooling
· Rent subsidized
· On-site service coordinator
· Laundry room on every floor
· Near Oakland Mall and Meijer
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, door-todoor 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.”
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 Services
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
here and relax with my friends,” he said. “And
Frank Withers (retired veteran)
Estate sales
sale when he was 19 years old and, through his business, aims to provide clients with a stress-free experience as Clearview Estate Sales & Auctions provides assistance with valuation, research, advertising and sales for each of their planned sales events.
“The industry standard (commission) is typically between 35-45%,” Deneau said in an email. “We however tailor each estate to the client’s needs. In estates that are higher dollar we lower the percentage to be fair to the client and ourselves. We also do not play the ‘first $5,000 is ours and then 45% after that’ like many companies do.”
On top of estate sales, another service that this business provides includes buy out and clean out services which allows for Clearview to quickly purchase and clean out items or residences so that the estate may be prepared for its next plans. Consignment sales are also available through their website, which features a variety of coins, antiques, jewelry, boats, motorcycles, vehicles and art among other items. Some items may be shipped to buyers, though most items are sold in person.
“We have a heavy online presence but we don’t specifically sell online,” Deneau said.
Through Clearview’s clients, Deneau and his staff have also found some unexpected items like homemade drug-related board games from the 1970s, tiny vials of cocaine, bricks of silver, and gold coins among other antiques and odd items. Deneau and his team will dispose of or hand over any concerning items like drugs and firearms to the proper authorities.
“You never know what you’re going to find,” Deneau said. “We’ve found all kinds of valuable crazy items.”
A lot of cleaning and preparation goes into each sale. If personal items are found, they will generally be hidden away in order to check with the clients.
“We scour the houses before the estate sale,” Deneau said. “We also reduce commission on high end items.”
These estate sales will generally run from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. at the different addresses listed and each sale may take a few days depending on the client’s preferences. Once the sale ends, clients can expect to receive their check after a week.
“Everything is beautifully displayed,” Deneau said. “We get an eclectic mix of peo-
ple and have gathered such a following. Our clients do very well.”
In July 2024, Deneau’s company worked with a retired 91-year-old resident of Long Lake Road in Troy, with the assistance of the resident’s friend and neighbor Karol Szymula, for a large estate sale that featured a large collection of different art pieces and antiquities.
“We already tried to help him sell some things,” Szymula said. “Clearview is the best and really tries to give the best bang.”
This Troy sale saw a long line of people come through, with over 130 people signed in for this event.
“When we started on Thursday, the first guy in line came from Seattle,” Szymula said. “The line never stopped.”
According to Szymula, it took roughly around 15 months to get the house prepared for the sale with over 2,500 boxes full of stuff. The sale likely brought in over $100,000.
“The sale was unbelievably successful,” Szymula said. “We couldn’t do what Chris has done. It’s amazing.”
For more information, visit seniorcoun seling.info or clearviewestatesales.com.
Call Staff Writer Sarah Wright at (586) 498-1068.
Pictured are a variety items that were part of a Troy estate sale.
Photo provided by Clearview Estate Sales & Auctions
Man allegedly shoots girlfriend after sneaking into her home
BY ANDY KOZLOWSKI akozlowski@candgnews.com
MADISON HEIGHTS — An exboyfriend and girlfriend are recovering after injuring each other in an altercation where police believe the man held the woman at gunpoint, prompting her to stab him in selfdefense before he shot her and fled the scene.
Madison Heights police were notified of the incident around 10:30 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 12. Officers responded to a home in the 27000 block of Delton Avenue where the boyfriend had reportedly called 911, saying his ex had stabbed him in the neck. The suspect was identified as Jonah Matthew Lowe, 27, of Royal Oak.
Dispatchers also received a second 911 call shortly thereafter, from the ex-girlfriend, 25, of Madison Heights. She said she had been shot by Lowe at the same location.
According to police, officers found the woman with a gunshot wound to her leg. Lowe had already left the home. She told police she had stabbed him in self-defense. She was transported to Corewell Health
William Beaumont University Hospital in Royal Oak for treatment. At press time, her condition was stable.
Further investigation revealed that Lowe reportedly snuck inside the house while his ex was away. Lowe allegedly hid there, waiting for her, and when she returned with her 2-year-old child, Lowe confronted her, approaching with a handgun.
The victim told police that Lowe refused to let her leave the home. At some point, the woman was reportedly able to obtain a kitchen knife. While Lowe was distracted, she stabbed him.
She then tried to flee the house with her daughter, but not before Lowe fired a single round, striking the woman’s leg. She fled to a neighbor’s house and called for help.
Lowe, meanwhile, called 911 and alleg-
edly returned to his home on Blair Street in Royal Oak. Police from Madison Heights, Royal Oak, Berkley, Clawson and Ferndale worked together to locate Lowe and took him into custody at his house without incident. He was also transported to the hospital for treatment and is in stable condition.
Lowe was arraigned by Magistrate Michael Mitchell in the 43rd District Court in Madison Heights on Oct. 14. He was charged with first-degree home invasion, a 20-year felony; discharging a firearm at or in a building causing injury, a 15-year felony; unlawful imprisonment, a 15-year felony; assault with intent to do great bodily harm, a 10-year felony; assault with a dangerous weapon, a four-year felony; and five felony weapons counts. His bond was set at $1 million.
Lowe’s attorney, Kenneth Burger, did not return a request for comment by press time.
Madison Heights Police Lt. David Koehler said the victim’s child was unharmed in the incident. When asked what the suspect may have been planning, Koehler de-
clined to speculate.
“We don’t really have any insight into that,” Koehler said. “His intentions that day obviously appear to be with criminal intent, but I can’t assume what the end result would’ve been. We’re just thankful for the assistance of our partner (police) departments — they were very helpful when we had multiple crime scenes and areas to investigate. We also want to encourage any potential victims of domestic violence to reach out and seek help before the situation gets too bad.”
One group that assists victims of domestic violence is HAVEN, in Pontiac. HAVEN can be reached by calling (248) 3341284.
Call Staff Writer Andy Kozlowski at (586) 498-1046.
Lowe
voting). So I left thinking to myself that maybe I can speed up that process and help spread the word.”
Since then, Ellywicz, along with friends and family, have been handing out yard signs advertising the right to vote early and in person, placing them at municipal sites with city approval and at participating businesses. They have also been disseminating flyers with more information.
All voters in the state of Michigan can cast their ballots early and in person for at least nine consecutive days ending on the Sunday before Election Day, Nov. 5, at early voting centers. The sites must be open at least eight hours on each of those days.
In Hazel Park, early in-person voting started Oct. 26 and runs through Nov. 3 at the Hazel Park Recreation Center, 620 W. Woodward Heights Blvd., where ballots can now be cast in person from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. each day except Oct. 31, when the time is noon to 8 p.m. instead.
The same dates and times apply to voters in Madison Heights, but their early voting site is the Royal Oak Senior Center at 35000 Marais Ave., north of 13 Mile Road and east of Crooks Road in Royal Oak.
Ellywicz said she understands when people say they don’t feel like voting, but she still encourages them to see the good it can accomplish.
“Sometimes people find it hard to see how the result of the election affects their everyday life. And we’re just so busy now — as Americans, we have a lot going on. And there’s so much noise with the nonstop ads and news — it’s easy to feel numb and apathetic. So I empathize with people who don’t feel like voting, because it can be hard when you already have so many things to think about, and now you’re adding that one extra thing to your plate,” Ellywicz said.
“I understand it, emotionally, but still, voting does make a difference,” she said. “It’s a civil right that we shouldn’t take for granted. No matter what issue is important to you, it’s important you make your voice heard. And with so many ways to vote this year, there are less barriers than ever before.”
Voting absentee is another option. To submit an application, visit mvic.sos.state. mi.us/AVApplication/Index. The application will be submitted to your local city
clerk’s office. The ballot will be mailed out the same day the application is received, with a self-addressed stamped return envelope that the clerk must receive by 8 p.m. on Election Day.
The deadline for applications requesting an absentee ballot in the mail is 5 p.m. Nov. 1. Voters have until 4 p.m. Nov. 4 to request an absentee ballot in person at the city clerk’s office at City Hall, 111 E. Nine Mile Road in Hazel Park or 300 W. 13 Mile Road in Madison Heights.
Voting hours on Election Day are 7 a.m. to 8 p.m. Precinct maps for voters in Hazel Park and Madison Heights are available at hazelpark.org and madison-heights. org, respectively.
The city clerks say no matter which option you choose, you can rest assured your ballot will be counted.
Lisa Mayo, the city clerk of Hazel Park, explained that all absentee ballots are verified through signatures on file with the Michigan Department of State, while early in-person voting and Election Day voting are verified by state-issued ID or signed affidavits of identity.
Cheryl Rottmann, the city clerk and deputy city manager of Madison Heights, added via email, “We have many processes that are in place for security and accuracy, including the use of paper ballots so that if necessary, results can be replicated; testing of voting equipment prior to Election Day; public testing of voting equipment to show the results are being accurately tabulated; signature verification of absentee applications and ballots to ensure validity of ballots; as well as many redundancies built into the process.
“We also have video surveillance of our drop box, clerk’s office, and where our tabulation equipment and returned ballots are stored for transparency,” she said. “Voters, please remember to be patient on Election Day or at the early voting site, since this election is typically a high turnout election and lines can be expected. Your fellow citizens and neighbors are working the precincts, so be gracious and appreciative of their service in helping to administer the election and ensure your right in the democratic process.”
For more information on how to vote, call the Hazel Park city clerk’s office at (248) 546-4064, or the Madison Heights city clerk’s office at (248) 583-0826.
Call Staff Writer Andy Kozlowski at (586) 498-1046.
LOCAL CHILDREN ASK
NFL HALL OF FAMER CALVIN JOHNSON HARD-HITTING QUESTIONS
BY JONATHAN SZCZEPANIAK jszczepaniak@candgnews.com
WARREN — Detroit Lions legend and National Football League Hall of Famer Calvin Johnson Jr. made his way through the Warren community the past two days.
On Oct. 8, Johnson visited Warren Cousino High School to speak with the freshman, junior varsity and varsity football teams as part of the Pro Football Hall of Fame’s Heart of a Hall of Famer series. The visit also validated almost decadelong rumors of Johnson potentially going to the Patriots.
The 2024 “Pride of the Lions” inductee then took to an even younger audience Oct. 9 at Gardner White’s Warren location, 6500 E. 14 Mile Road, hosting his “Bedtime Stories” event. Gardner White was named the official furniture and mattress store of the Detroit Lions and hosted the event in conjunction with the Calvin Johnson Jr. Foundation and American Cancer Society.
Johnson was greeted by a lively crowd of children and their parents and kicked right into gear, reading “Bunnies on the Go: Getting from Place to Place” and “All Through the Night: Important Jobs That Get Done at Night.”
Johnson took a crowd vote on which book should kick off the night, and the bunnies were victorious.
After the readings, Johnson took a few minutes to conduct a Q&A with his youthful audience, who came prepared to ask the six-time Pro Bowler some questions:
November 9 • 10am-4pm
3131 Twelve Mile Rd. Warren, 48092
FREE SHUTTLE from Beer Middle School
Photo by Erin Sanchez
Calvin Johnson Jr.. the 2024 “Pride of the Lions” inductee, visited Gardner White’s Warren location Oct. 9 to host his “Bedtime Stories” event. Gardner White was named the official furniture and mattress store of the Detroit Lions and hosted the event in conjunction with the Calvin Johnson Jr. Foundation and the American Cancer Society.
Q. Do you know how many touchdowns you scored in your whole career?
A. Eighty-three. I got robbed of a couple, but 83.
Q. Who is the toughest cornerback you ever went up against?
A. I’ll give you two names. Al Harris, he was the first one. Patrick Peterson was the second.
Q. Who is the toughest team you ever went against?
A. That’s tough. You know what’s tough? It’s really tough playing when it’s really cold outside because your fingers and feet hurt. When we’re playing in Green Bay and it’s zero degrees outside, that’s pretty tough.
Q. How hard does Jared Goff throw the ball?
A. Quarterbacks can throw the ball really hard. You see my finger here? See how that finger here is messed up and a little
shorter, that’s how hard they throw. They mess up your fingers.
Q. How many receiving yards did you have in your career?
A. Eleven thousand and something, I forget exactly how much it was (11,619).
Q. How fast could you run?
A. When I was running at my peak, I was running a 4.35 if that means anything to you.
Q. Why do they call you “Megatron”?
A. They call me “Megatron” because when I was first playing football in 2007, that’s when the “Transformers” movie came out. Everybody just started calling me “Megatron” and it caught on.
Q. How many points did you have?
A. I guess you would have to multiply 83 by six. I can’t do that off the top of my head. (According to the Pro Football Hall of Fame and pro-football-reference.com, Johnson had 508 career points. He had one rushing touchdown and two two-point conversions in addition to his 83 receiving touchdowns.)
Q. That call you got when they put you in the (Pro Football) Hall of Fame, what was that feeling like? (A father asked this question.)
A. That was a rush of emotions. You think about all the things you did in your career. It was just a rush of all my teammates, all the experiences, and all the different emotions I had from 0-16 to when we made the playoffs. It was all that in one moment. It was a happy moment to say the least.
Q. Did you play with Barry Sanders?
A. I did not play with Barry Sanders. I really wish I did, but he was a little bit older than me. It would’ve been very cool to play with Barry.
Q. Who is your favorite Lions player right now?
A. That’s tough. I love Jared (Goff). He’s a solid dude. I love Amon-Ra (St. Brown). There’s so many guys on the team, but those are my top-two.
Call Staff Writer Jonathan Szczepaniak at (586) 498-1090.
Hurricane
store where people can buy merchandise,” Dixon said. “We put out schoolwide surveys, too, so it’s not just kids in the club sharing input. But there are all kinds in the club — kids in sports, drama, cheerleading, you name it. Also kids in no particular group. Just good kids, and all sorts, meeting each other, making friends, working together.”
But their goals quickly became something grander than the school itself.
“The kids in my civics class, we have weekly discussions about current events. We watch CNN and stuff like that. And they saw the hurricanes happening across the country and asked if we could do something,” Dixon said. “When they suggested collecting donations to send there, I said, ‘Absolutely!’ And it worked out perfectly, because a colleague of mine knows Rob Durham from the nonprofit Juggernaut’s Kids Foundation. He was already loading up U-Haul (trucks) to ship items to the hurricane victims in North Carolina and Florida.”
The call for donations was put out, and students, their families, school staff and others responded with countless goods, among them toiletry items, diapers, cleaning supplies, filtered water, shampoo, conditioner, soaps, razors, sheets, blankets, towels, laundry detergent, medicine and more.
While the individual items were small, there were so many that they quickly filled up a truck that arrived at the high school Oct. 16. Thus, within mere months of forming, the Connections Club had already impacted the lives of others — and Dixon said they have no plans to stop there. Already, the club is planning two drives for the upcoming holidays. For the “Turkey Challenge,” members of the community are invited to visit any of the schools in the Hazel Park district and make a monetary donation at the front office. The money will be used to buy everything needed for complete Thanksgiving dinners, which will go to fam-
ilies in need as determined by counselors in the district.
Then, in the coming weeks, the Connections Club will be promoting a Christmas toy drive and winter clothing drive within the school, collecting items for distribution later in December. Dixon said that the current plan is to once again work with the Juggernaut’s Kids Foundation for this effort.
“The members of the club, they’re not only making connections within their school but also across the community,” Dixon said. “They’re finding ways to give back and help others. It’s about becoming good members of society, which is what we all want to see them be.”
Monica Rattee serves on the Hazel Park Public Schools Board of Education, both as a trustee and as its treasurer. Her daughter participates in the club. The family also has a personal connection to the hurricane relief project: Rattee’s sister lives in St. Petersburg, Florida. The sister brought her daughter and two dogs to Hazel Park to wait out the storm. During her stay, she even visited the Connections Club and spoke to the students, so that they could better appreciate the impact they were making.
“And this idea (to help victims of the hurricane) was truly brought forward by the kids. The fact that they saw others in need and wanted to step up is really heartwarming,” Rattee said. “These kids are 14 to 17 years old. They could have sat back at home, played on their phones, did other things. But they really got out there in the community, five to seven days a week, putting in hours of hard work asking people for donations, sometimes getting told ‘no’ but sucking it up and trying again at other places. Again, it was just amazing to see.”
She also marveled at the diversity of students within the group.
“Sometimes, you start a club and it’s all boys or all girls, or all one interest or all another,” Rattee said. “But this Connections Club, well, it’s just the perfect mix of all of them. They’re truly just a great group of kids.”
C & G Newspapers publishes 21 papers in Macomb, Oakland and Wayne counties:
Main Office: 13650 E. 11 Mile Road Warren, MI 48089 (586) 498-8000 facebook.com/MadisonParkNews @candgnews candgnews.com
Editor: Brian Louwers | (586) 498-1089 | brianlouwers@candgnews.com
Reporter: Andy Kozlowski | (586) 498-1046 | akozlowski@candgnews.com
Sports: Jonathan Szczepaniak | (586) 498-1090 | sports@candgnews.com
(586) 498-1036 | ads@candgnews.com
Michigan Eye Consultants opens in Madison Heights
Michigan Eye Consultants, led by Dr. Kenneth Wong, is committed to keeping people’s vision sharp and their eyes healthy. Their approach is all about taking the time to truly understand patients’ needs and making them feel like part of the family. Whether one needs a routine eye exam, the perfect pair of glasses or expert care for more complex eye conditions, they’re here to help with a friendly smile and personalized attention. Michigan Eye Consultants is located between 12 Mile and 13 Mile roads at 29273 Dequindre Road in Madison Heights. Call today at (586) 745-0863 or visit michiganeyeconsultants.com.
BUSINESS CLIP
COMMUNITY CALENDAR
20A/ MADISON-PARK NEWS • OCTOBER 30, 2024
NOV. 1
The Great Pumpkin Roll Down: Send carved or uncarved pumpkins down sledding hill over jumps and bumps, 6-7 p.m., Civic Center Park, 360 W. 13 Mile Road in Madison Heights, register at madison-heights. org/302/recreation
NOV. 1-3
‘The Addams Family - Young@Part’: Performance by Warren Civic Theatre, musical features two casts of youth and teens (ages 7-18), 7 p.m. Nov. 1, 3 and 7 p.m. Nov. 2, and 3 p.m. Nov. 3, Warren Community Center, 5460 Arden Ave., warrencivic.org
NOV. 3
Purplelight: Raises awareness for pancreatic cancer, includes reading of names of loved ones, 6:30 p.m. (registration at 6 p.m.), Gilda’s Club Detroit – Garden, 3517 Rochester Road in Royal Oak, facebook.com/ groups/pancanmichigan
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
NOV. 8-10
Motor City Comic Con: Scheduled guests include Robert Englund, Andy Serkis, Kiefer Sutherland, Barry Bostwick, “Hacksaw” Jim Duggan, Wayne Knight, Joel McHale, Christopher Mintz-Plasse, Ron Perlman, Priscilla Presley, Alan Ruck, George Takei and more, noon7 p.m. Nov. 8, 10 a.m.-7 p.m. Nov. 9 and 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Nov. 10, Suburban Collection Showplace, 46100 Grand River Ave. in Novi, motorcitycomiccon.com
NOTICE TO BIDDERS
NOV. 10
Detroit Area Auto Modelers Toy Show: 9 a.m.-3 p.m., Sports & Expo Center, Building P on Macomb Community College - South Campus, 14500 E. 12 Mile Road in Warren, (586) 344-9496, daambear@gmail. com, facebook.com/detroitareaautomodelers
Detroit Chamber Winds & Strings: Concert featuring Grammy-winning saxophonist Tim McAllister and guitarist Jason Vieaux, 3-5 p.m., Royal Oak First United Methodist Church, 320 W. Seventh St., detroitcham berwinds.org
NOV. 16
Chic and Unique Vintage Market: 10 a.m.-4 p.m., Sports & Expo Center, Building P on Macomb Community College - South Campus, 14500 E. 12 Mile Road in Warren, (734) 250-2328, chicanduniquemi.com
NOV. 17
Michigan Psychic Fair: Tarot card readings, mediumship, pet psychics, palmistry, angel card readings, spiritual intuitive readings, psychometry readings and energy readings, also holistic healers, crystals, jewelry and energy healing products, noon-6 p.m., Crimson Commuter, 28736 John R Road in Madison Heights, mipsychicfair.com/events, michiganpsychicfair@ gmail.com
ONGOING
Social clubs: Ham Radio (7:30-9 p.m. every second Wednesday of month), Stitch & Knit (4-6 p.m. every first Thursday of Month), Lego/Pokémon (6:30-7:30 p.m. every first Tuesday of month) and various book groups, Hazel Park District Library, 123 E. Nine Mile Road, (248) 546-4095, hpmlibrary@gmail.com, hazel-park.lib.mi.us
The City of Hazel Parks seeks to renovate space in the Community Center. The project scope comprises renovation of approximately 300 square feet to create a new offce suite, exterior door and window replacements and includes:
1. Demolition of interior partitions and casework.
2. Installation of new HVAC split system.
3. Installation of new partitions, fooring, ceilings and fnishes.
4. Installation of new aluminum storefront entryway and windows.
5. New service counter
6. Prevailing Wage Rates are required for this project.
Sealed Bids for the City of Hazel Park Community Center Renovation will be received by the Hazel Park City Clerk, at 111 East 9 Mile Road, Hazel Park, Michigan 48030 on November 27, 2024 until 2:00 p.m., local time. Bids received after that time will be returned unopened.
Bid will be opened publicly and read aloud at the Hazel Park City Clerk, at 111 East 9 Mile Road, Hazel Park, Michigan 48030 at 2:05 PM on November 27, 2024.
Bids shall be executed on the Bid Form provided. Each proposal must be accompanied by a satisfactory certifed check or bid bond payable to City of Hazel Park for not less than fve (5%) percent of the amount of the bid and delivered in a sealed envelope bearing the bidder’s name, address, and project identifcation.
All bids submitted shall be from a prime bidder only and shall include all subcontractor costs for scopes identifed in the contract documents.
Owner is exempt from Michigan use and sales tax. Contractors are not exempt from Michigan use and sales tax. Successful bidder(s) will be awarded by AIA A101-2017, Standard Form of Agreement Between Owner and Contractor, issued by the Owner following action by the Hazel Park at a meeting of the next City Council meeting.
Bidding and Contract Documents will be available from Auger Klein Aller Architects, Inc. on October 30, 2024. Please contact Sarah Burgess s.burgess@aka-architects.net for digital access to the bid package. No print sets of contract documents will be issued; however, the electronic fles may be reproduced for bidding purposes by the bidder and at the bidder’s expense.
Pre-Bid Meeting: November 13, 2024 at 2:00 p.m. For all contractors interested in submitting a bid, a meeting will begin at the Main Entrance of Hazel Park Community Center, 620 W. Woodward Heights, Hazel Park, MI 48030. The Owner reserves the right to accept or reject any or all bids, to waive any irregularities in biding and to refrain from accepting or rejecting any bids for a period of thirty (30) days after the bid opening.
Published: Madison-Park News 10/30/2024
0188-2444
To view more Community Calendar and to submit your own, use the QR code or visit candgnews.com/calendar. To advertise an event, call (586) 498-8000.
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
Fun Fridays: Games, crafts, snacks and movies, 3 p.m. every Friday (except day after Thanksgiving), Hazel Park District Library, 123 E. Nine Mile Road, (248) 546-4095, hpmlibrary@gmail.com, hazel-park. lib.mi.us
Senior card playing: Noon-3 p.m. every Monday and Thursday, Hazel Park Community Center, 620 W. Woodward Heights, (248) 547-5535, facebook.com/ CityofHP
Hazel Park Garden Club: Workshops and events include 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
Book clubs: Mind Readers (discussions of selfimprovement through self-help books and narrative nonfiction), LitWits (general club for avid readers), Novels & Neighbors (focuses on range of viewpoints and life experiences) and Golden Bookworms (for ages 50 and older), Madison Heights Public Library, 240 W. 13 Mile Road, find times, dates and more at madison-heights.org/1907/Book-Clubs
Speaker Series: Hear from bestselling authors and thought leaders, topics are “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
‘The Grown-Ups’: 8 p.m. Nov. 1-2, 3 p.m. Nov. 3 and 8 p.m. Nov. 4, Ringwald Theatre at Affirmations LGBTQIA+ Community Center, 290 W. Nine Mile Road in Ferndale, theringwald.com
‘Next to Normal’: 8-10:30 p.m. Thursdays-Saturdays and 2-4:30 p.m. Sundays Nov. 1-3 and 7-10, Birmingham Village Players, 34660 Woodward Ave., birminghamvillageplayers.com
‘Guess Who’s Coming to Dinner’: 8 p.m. Nov. 1 and 8-9, and 2 p.m. Nov. 3 and 9, Rosedale Community Players inside Peace Lutheran Church, 17029 W. 13 Mile Road in Southfield, rosedalecommunityplayers. com
‘Disney’s Beauty and the Beast’: Performance by Stagecrafters Main Stage, 7:30 p.m. ThursdaysSaturdays and 2 p.m. Sundays Nov. 22-24 and 29-30 and Dec. 1, 5-8 and 12-15, Baldwin Theatre, 415 S. Lafayette in Royal Oak, stagecrafters.org
‘Fun Home’: 8 p.m. Fridays and Saturdays and 2 p.m. Sundays Nov. 1-3 and Nov. 8-10, Ridgedale Players, 205 W. Long Lake Road in Troy, ridgedaleplayers.com
Warren Tri-County Fine Arts: Meets every first Tuesday of month until June, 5:30 p.m., Warren Community Center, 5460 Arden Ave., warrenfinearts.net, facebook.net/WTCFA
NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING
Notice is hereby given that the Planning Commission for the City of Madison Heights will hold a public hearing on Tuesday, November 19th, 2024 at 5:30 p.m. in the City Hall Council Chambers, 300 West Thirteen Mile Road, Madison Heights, Michigan 48071, to consider the following rezoning requests:
Rezoning Request No. PRZN 24-01 by Ahmad Nassar d/b/a Detroit 75 Kitchen, 4800 West Fort Street, Detroit, MI 48209 on behalf of property owner Raghunath Singh, to rezone one (1) parcel of land located at 32275 Stephenson Highway (TM# 44-25-02-101-36) from M-1, Light Industrial district, to MUI-2, Mixed-Use Innovation 2 district.
The application and any supporting documents can be viewed during regular business hours at the Community and Economic Development Department. In addition, the agenda item can be viewed online after 4:00 p.m. on the Friday prior to the meeting at www.madison-heights.org in the Agenda Center.
For further information, please contact the Community and Economic Development Department at (248) 583-0831.
Cheryl Rottmann, CMC City Clerk (248) 583-0826
Published: Madison-Park News 10/30/2024 0340-2444
City of Hazel Park
PUBLIC HEARING FOR DRAFT RECREATION PLAN
The Parks & Recreation Advisory Board will hold a public hearing on December 11 at 5:15 p.m. at Hazel Park City Hall for the purpose of receiving comments on the draft 2025-2029 Recreation Plan prior to its consideration and adoption by the City Council.
A complete draft of the 2025-2029 Hazel Park 5-Year Recreation Plan is available for public review and comment from November 11, 2024 – December 11, 2024. Copies of the draft can be viewed at the Hazel Park Community Center during regular business hours (Monday – Thursday, 9:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.) or online by following the link at Hazel Park Parks & Recreation.
Written comments will be accepted at the Hazel Park Community Center, 620 W Woodward Heights Blvd, Hazel Park, MI, 48030, or at hprecreation@hazelpark.org. Oral comments will be heard during the meeting. For additional information, contact the Parks & Recreation Department at (248) 547-5535.
Published: Madison-Park News 10/30/2024
OFFERINGS AROUND MICHIGAN
AUCTION
Greta VanFleet Online Auction. Bid through 11-4-24. Wood working power tools, Coleman, Igloo coolers, carnival glass, Christmas decorations, antiques, more! To bid, see other great auctions visit Bid. SherwoodAuctionServiceLLC.com. Questions, call 1-800-835-0495.
Huron Clinton Metro Parks Surplus Online Auction, 11-16-24. Prior years included golf carts, vehicles, plow trucks, loaders, backhoe, gator, trailers, lawn maintenance equipment and more! CrydermanAuctions.com for photos, to bid. 586-784-8890.
Multiple Quality Auctions bidding open now. Commercial woodworking, machinist’s tools, reloading equipment, ammo, tools, farm, household. Bid @ JohnPeckAuctions.com Selling? Call John Peck 989-426-8061. Ofices Charlotte & Gladwin. Statewide auctions since 1979. BUILDINGS
BUILT RITE POLE BUILDINGS State-wide. Prices starting at24x40x10 - $18,300.00. 30x40x10 -$20,400.00. Erected on your site. Call for price not shown on any size building or go to www. builtritepolebuildingsmi.com. Or call 989-259-2015 or 989-600-1010.
POLE BARNS We build ALL year long! BUILT BEST BARNS IN A RUSH? CALL US!!!! Best Quality, Best Service, Now In Our 25TH Year! Over 4,000 Buildings In Michigan Call for QUOTES License/Insured 989-205-2534
Published: October 30, 2024
BUSINESS SERVICES
METAL ROOFING regular and shingle style, HALF OFF SPECIAL COLORS! Lifetime hail asphalt shingles. Vinyl siding. Licensed and insured builders for 40 years. AMISH CREW. 800-983-0462.
MATTRESSES
Adjustable Bed Brand New with mattress. Made is U.S.A., in plastic, with warranty. Retail cost $3,995.00, sacrifice for $875.00. Call for showing or delivery: DanDanTheMattressMan.com 989832-1866
MISCELLANEOUS
AMISH BUILT storage sheds and mini cabins delivered to your site anywhere in Michigan! Starting at $2,500.00 mynextbarn.com 989832-1866
IF YOU HAD KNEE OR BACK SURGERY, SUFFERING AN INFECTION POST- OPERATIVELY and a Bair Hugger (BLUE BLANKET) was used during the surgery, between 2020present, you may be entitled to compensation. Attorney Charles H. Johnson 1-800-535-5727
Prepare for power outages today with a Generac Home Standby Generator. Act now to receive a FREE 7-Year warranty with qualifying purchase* Call 1-855922-0420 today to schedule a free quote. It’s not just a generator. It’s a power move.
Donate your car, truck, boat, RV and more to support our veterans! Schedule a FAST, FREE vehicle pickup and receive a top tax deduction! Call Veteran Car Donations at 1-877-691-4117 today!
0239-2444 Vacation Property & Time Shares
VACATIONRENTAL TAMPA,FL Cozy,PrivateGuesthouseForRentIncluding Kitchenettew/Essentials, FurnishedBedroom, Bathroom,Patio,Private Entrance,FreeParking onPremisesandWi-Fi.
*NoPets/PartiesPlease* Call/Text 313-461-8485
&
veterinarycareis unavailableorunaffordable,askforHappyJack® animalhealthcarefor cats,dogs,&horses.At TractorSupply® (www.happyjackinc.com)
SAFE Step.NorthAmerica's#1Walk-InTub. Comprehensivelifetime warranty.Top-of-the-line installationandservice. NowfeaturingourFREE showerpackageand $1600Offforalimited time!Calltoday!Financingavailable.CallSafe Step1-855-861-4501
, 12VoltAutomotive Experiencerequired. Troyarea. Sendresume/SALARY Requirements Email:Dennis@ cynergyproducts.net 248-298-3855
Bathrooms
BATHROOM REMODELING
BasicBathrooms
Startingat:$10,995.00 Experienceofover 500-bathroomsacross Metro-Detroit, Lookatourworkat: andyscarpentryllc.com 248-376-0988
Licensed/Insured References
Brick Work
AA4DABLE MASONRY
586-822-5100
Chimneys,Porches, Steps,Flat-Work, Residential/Commercial Tuck-Pointing,CulturedStone,AllBrick&MasonryRepairs/Needs. SPRINGSPECIALS
Upto30%-OFF Free-Est./SeniorDisc.
MOUTON'S MASONRY
Any&allmasonryrepairs. Brick,block,steps, chimneys,porches-tuckpointing,Cementwork, mortar-matching. 25-yrsexperience Free-estimates. References/Insured. 248-252-5331
Brick Work PREFERRED
BROTHERSMASONRY
•Tuckpointing•Brickwork
•ChimneyRepair/Rebuild •ChimneyCaps •CementFlatwork•Steps •PorchRebuild/Porch Caps•CultureStone Senior/MilitaryDiscount Upto20%off! 586-944-8898
586-944-3669
AAABROOKSIDE Porches,Steps, Chimney's,Tuck-pointing, CulturedStone,PreventativeMaintenance, Concrete,Custom MortarMatching, Free-Estimates,Senior Discounts,37yearsexp.
A-DMASONRYLLC. AllMasonryWork Bricks,Stones,Pavers, Blocks,Porches, Chimneys.Tuckpointing. 26-yrsexperience Insured,FreeEstimates. 586-873-8210 Filip
Building & Remodeling
CUSTOMBUILDER
Additions,Renovations, CustomDesignService, Decks,Financing, CallForYourPersonal ConsultationAppt. 248-760-0043 J&WPropertiesLTD. FullyLicensed/Insured 37YearsinBusiness
Carpentry
GOTROT?
RottenWood ReplacementSpecialist AllTypesofWoodRepair Fascia,Soffit&Siding PaintedtoMatch AMGAppliedServices 248-828-7998 www.amgapplied services.com
Carpet Cleaning
CARPET
WAVY-n-LOOSE?
WePower Re-stretch and Steam-clean ForOneLowPrice MultipleRoomDiscount CallNow 586-754-9222
Cement ALLEN CEMENT a.k.a "TheDrivewayGuy" Established1999 Driveways/Garage Floors/Patios,etc. Licensed/Insured CheckoutAllen CementonFacebook! VernAllen 586-457-1300
810-523-9200
CEMENT-IT
Residential/Commercial ConcreteSpecialist DecorativeStamped •Driveways•Patios •ParkingLots •Foundations •StampedConcrete •ExposedAggregate •Demolition •Excavating•Insured
POBLETECEMENT
BrickPavers,LLC. •Driveways•Patios •Porches•Steps •Stamp•Color •Exposed•Floors•Walks •Licensed/Insured 30+years!Troy,MI 248-743-1220 248-496-4964(Cell)
Chimney Service
CHIMNEYS,INC
$139/Sweep& SafetyInspection •Repairs•Dampers •Caps•CrownRepair Senior/MilitaryDisc. NextDay Appointment Available 586-431-0591
Cleaning Service
CLEANINGLADY with10-yrexperienceis lookingforwork.Weekly, bi-weekly,monthly Excellentreferences. Flexiblehours. Bonded&insured. 248-890-8830
Decks/Patios
2024SPECIALS
CustomDeck Building/Repair, Power-Washing, DecksRemoved, Composite,Treated &CedarMaterials, CustomRailingMaterials, CustomFence Installation. 586-260-5218
Drywall
LAKESHORE
DRYWALL &PAINTING Over30Years Experience InteriorPainting Wall/CeilingRepairs DrywallFinishing Shon- 586-801-6190
Electrical
BEST-Price-Period Licensed/Insured. Additions,Remodels, Basements,Kitchens, CarChargerInstalled, 30-yrs.-experience. Callforfree-estimates. Open7-daysaweek 24/hrs-day. HotchkissElectric 586-291-3143 Lic.#6211028
Electrical
586-755-3636
Dr.Electric AffordablePrices! Father&Son MasterElectricians Same-Day-Service! All-Residential-Wiring, ChangeFuseBoxto CircuitBreakerPanel, Troubleshooting,Backup GeneratorTransfer Switch, License#6109094 Senior/Discounts! Visa/MC/Lic./Insured
CASTLEELECTRIC
586-634-1152 (directcellphone#) Panelupgrades, generators,hottubs, 220lines.ALLSERVICE Licensed&Insured Dependable,quality work! License#-6111359
PREPARE forpower outagestodaywithaGeneracHomeStandbyGenerator.Actnowtoreceive aFREE7-Yearwarranty withqualifyingpurchase. Call1-855-773-8191 todaytoscheduleafree quote.Itʼsnotjustagenerator.Itʼsapowermove.
Gutters
A.M.G. Gutters&Downspouts.Owneroperated. Seamlessgutter installationandrepair specialist.Builders License#2101202369 www.amgapplied services.com FullyInsured 248-828-7998
*”STEVE'S SEAMLESSGUTTERS” Made&installedonthe spot.5”&6”Gutter Cleaning.Treetrimming, exteriorpainting, powerwashing. 586-778-3393 586-531-2111
ELIMINATE gutter cleaningforever!LeafFilter,themostadvanced debris-blockinggutter protection.Schedulea FREELeafFilterestimate today.20%offEntire Purchase.Plus10%Senior&MilitaryDiscounts. Call1-866-495-1709
Gutters
GUTTERCLEANING, WINDOW/POWERWASHING Veteran/Firefighter Owned/Operated championwindow cleaning.net 248-765-0613
GUTTERS &WINDOW CLEANING INSURED TOMMICOLI 313-656-9402
Handyman Services
AA4DABLE HANDYMAN HomeImprovement, Tile,Hardwood-Floors, Kitchen/Bath-Remodeling, Plumbing,Electrical, Painting,Hauling,Cleanouts,AnyHomeRepairs, FreeEst.30%Disc. AllMajorCredit CardsAccepted 586-822-5100
Hauling & Waste Removal
***AAA HAULING*** JUNKREMOVAL Wehaulitall! DemolitionBig&Small Residential/Commercial RubberWheelDumpsters-10,15,20-Yards, Clean-outs,Construction Material,Small-Moving, Appliances,Furniture& More!LowestRates!!! Free-Estimates Senior/MilitaryDiscounts 586-360-0681 ucallwehauljunk.com
Hauling & Waste Removal
AAHAULING JUNKREMOVAL 40YearsExperience RubberWheelDumpsters AllSizes,EstateClean OutBigandSmall, Available24/7 586-872-0498 586-778-4417
**CLUTTERGUY'S** Removal-Experts Residential/Commercial Houses/Offices Garage/Storage-Areas EfficientCourteous Workers Reasonable-Rates Free-Estimates NEEDCLUTTER REMOVED? LETUSDOTHEWORK! 586-258-6672
Heating & Cooling
AFFORDABLE HEATING&COOLING Family-ownedBusiness Greg'sHeatingLLC Servicecalls89.00 FurnaceTuneup79.00 SeniorandVeteran Discounts 586-422-8528 Home Improvement ROZE REMODELINGLLC. •InteriorRenovations
•Kitchens •Bathrooms •TileWork •Basements •Painting •VinylFloors •Fireplaces •CustomDesigns Free-Estimates Andre-586-354-7791
Home Repairs
EXTERIOR REPAIRSLLC.
Since1999
Roofing,Siding, Gutters,LEAFGUARDS andMore!Reliable
Ask,WeMightDoIt! FREEESTIMATES 248-242-1511
Kitchens/ Cabinets/ Countertops
MR.BACKSPLASH
·CUSTOM BACKSPLASHES
·CUSTOMKITCHENS
·COUNTERTOPS
*Granite*Quartz*
·CustomBathrooms
·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
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
Landscaping & Water Gardens
SUPREMEOUTDOOR SPECIALISTS
FallClean-ups,Lawncare, Landscaping,Shrub/Tree Trimming/Removal, SprinklerBlow-out, GutterCleaning, 35YearsExperience FreeEstimates Christmaslight install/leasing. 586-727-3924 supremeoutdoor@ gmail.com
TOTALBRICKPAVING LANDSCAPINGPROS
586-420-3531
Brickpaving,Patio, Walkways,Driveways, Porches,Repairs, Powerwash,Rock Installation,Mulch,Sod, CompleteLandscape Design.
Lawn Maintenance
2024Fall 586-260-5218
Commercial/Residential *SnowRemoval *FullSaltingServices *FullLandscaping/Design *FallClean-up &DebrisRemoval *Aerating&Thatching. brighthorizonservices.biz
Painting
586-792-3117
PETE'SPAINTING FALLSPECIALS! 20%OFF Specializing inVacantHomes, Great-Rooms,Deck Staining&WoodenFence Repair,Interior/Exterior, Residential/Commercial. SeniorDiscount, Free-Estimates,Insured.
Painting
PAINTINGby-GPC MASTER Plaster/Drywall
CompleteRestoration &InsuranceProjects Wallpaper Removal/Hanging PAINTING!PAINTING! A+BBB-Rating/20yrs 30-yrs,BuilderLicense SeniorDisc/FreeEst. 586.899.3555(Cell) 248.566.6460(Office)
(586)229-4267
American Painting
•Residential/Commercial
•Interior/25YearsExp.
•PowerWashing
•Insurance•Drywall
•PlasterRepair •Clean-outs •HomeRepairs •SeniorDiscounts •Guaranteed-Work.
PEAKPAINTING
Custom-Painting, Commercial/Residential, Interior/Exterior. Drywall-Repair,Paper Removal,Carpentry. 30-yr.-exp.*WillBeat AnyOtherReasonable Estimate! Senior-Disc. Insured.Credit-Cards Accepted.References. 586-722-8381
PROTOUCH PAINTINGLLC
Interior/Exterior 30-yrs-experience, Power-washing, Drywallrepairs, Staining, Free-Estimates. AllWorkGuaranteed. AffordablePrices. SeniorDiscount/Insured. 248-495-3512
Painting
ANYONE'S PAINTER
Interior/ExteriorPainting Commerical/Residential PressureWashing, DrywallRepairs, DeckStaining, FreeEstimates Call586-921-3654
FARR'SPAINTING
Interior/Exterior Wood&DrywallRepairs MoldRemediation FreeEstimates CertifiedMoldInspector 248-345-3308 farrsmoldremoval.com
ANDERSON
Painting&Carpentry
CompleteInterior/Exterior Services.Plaster/Drywall &WaterDamageRepairs. Wood-Staining.Wallpaper Removal.Kitchen/Cabinet Refinishing,Insured/References.Free-Estimates 586-354-3032 248-974-4012
VKPERFECTPAINTING
Interior/Exterior SpecializesinKitchen &Bathroom CabinetPainting. Drywall/Plaster/Repair Free-Estimates 26YearsExperience CallBill 313-433-9400 586-746-9846 vkperfectpainting.com
MASTER PLUMBER
Sewer&DrainService. Remodeling,Repairs, NewInstallations. FreeEstimates SeniorRates. 35+yrsexp.CallPaul 248-904-5822 Lic.#8109852
Plumbing
586.421.5520
586.524.6752 ANDY'S PLUMBING
25-YearsExperience Licensed/Insured CallUsToday ForAllYour PlumbingNeeds!! ServingThe Tri-County-Area 10%/Senior/Military/ Discounts Lic#-8004254
APEX
PLUMBERSCORP 586-210-0903
35-YearsExperience Seniors/Military/ Multi-TaskDiscounts Free-Estimates •DrainCleaning •PlumbingRepairs/ Fixtures •SumpPumps/ WaterHeaters Licensed/Insured apexplumbers corporation.com Lic#8111771
WATERWORK Plumbing.com
•DrainCleaning
•SewerCamera •WaterHeaters •SumpPumps •BackflowTesting 248-542-8022
SameDayEmergency ServiceAvailable Reliable/Experienced License#8003885
Plumbing
EAPLUMBING ANDDRAIN
FullServicePlumbing. DrainCleaning,Sump Pumps,WaterHeaters, Leaks,Disposals, CameraInspections, BackflowTesting andMore. 586-477-7777 License#803020312
Roofng
Remodeling,Decks& AllYourHome ImprovementNeeds.
AA4DABLE ROOFING Hurry&SaveBig-$$$! SPRING-SPECIALS Upto30%-Off!!!
Roofing/Siding/Gutters, All-Leaks/Repairs, Residential/Shingles/ Commercial-FlatRoofs/Torch-downs 30yrs-exp.Allmajor creditcardsaccepted. 586-822-5100
Roofng
SILVERSMITHROOF MAINTENANCE
$225•MinorShingle ReplacementSpecial $88*GutterCleaning Residential/Commercial WeAcceptAll MajorCreditCards 30-yrsexp. FamilyOwned 248-707-4851
PREFERRED
BROTHERSROOFING
•FullTear-off•Recover •ShingleRepair
•Leak's•AllRepair
•Flat-Roof•TourchDown
•SeamlessGutters& GutterGuards Senior/Military-Discount Upto20%Off 586-944-8898
Tree Service
BERGBROS.LLC. “Fullyinsured, highlyreferred.” Seniordiscounts. Tree-removal,stump grinding,tree-trimming, hedging,shaping, Emergency-Service Residential/Commercial Freeestimates! (586)262-3060
DAVE'S TREE&SHRUB
40%-FALLDisc.Insured, EmergencyStorm Damage,LeafClean-up, Large-TreeRemovals, Trimming,StumpGrinding,Gutters, Season-Firewood (100acord)Free-Estimates/10%Senior-Disc. (586)216-0904 davestreeandshrub.com
ELITETREE SERVICE
"Bringing30yearsof experiencetoyourdoor!" Treetrimming, removals&stump grinding.Insured&FREE estimateswithfairprices! FirewoodForSale 586-756-0757
EXTRA CHEESE
EXTRA
EXTRA
EXTRA
EXTRA CHEESE EXTRA CHARGE • WITH COUPON • EXPIRES 11-25-24 • ZINO’S