12/11/24 West Bloomfield Beacon by C & G Newspapers

GOLD COIN GETS DROPPED IN RED KETTLE ONE

The process has begun

WB looks to develop a new master plan for the township

BY MARK VEST mvest@candgnews.com

WEST BLOOMFIELD — West Bloomfield is in the midst of a process that helps shape the identity of communities.

State law requires that each municipality review its master plan every five years, and the township has begun the process of adopting a new plan that would go from 2025 to 2030.

The township’s current master plan was adopted in 2010.

“This year, we decided it was time to take a look at everything again in detail and start, essentially, building a new plan for the next time period going forward,” said Wade Burkholder, who is the deputy director of the township’s Planning and Development Services Department.

According to the township’s website, a master plan serves as a “roadmap” for guiding the future growth, development and sustainability of a community by establishing clear goals, strategies and policies.

Some of the categories for master plans include housing and neighborhoods, transportation and mobility, natural systems and resiliency, infrastructure, environmental is-

WBSD employee recognized with distinction

BY MARK VEST mvest@candgnews.com

WEST BLOOMFIELD — West Bloomfield High School Assistant Principal Susan Aisner recently was in for a surprise when she walked into the West Bloomfield High School auditorium.

After arriving, Michigan Association of Secondary School Principals Executive Director Wendy Zdeb announced that Aisner had been selected as the Michigan 2025 High School Assistant Principal of the Year.

According to a press release, students, staff, board members,

family members and individuals from the school community were in attendance, and after the announcement was made, the auditorium erupted in celebration.

“Susie Aisner is a shining example of what it means to lead with vision, empathy and determination,” Zdeb stated via the release. “Her work has elevated West Bloomfield High School, enhancing student achievement and fostering an inclusive, supportive culture for staff and students alike.”

Aisner’s distinction comes as a result of recognition for assistant principals who foster a supportive culture for staff and students and excel in collaborative leadership, as well as curriculum and instruction innovation.

Photo provided by the Michigan Association of Secondary School Principals Communication Team

West Bloomfield High School Assistant Principal Susan Aisner has been named as the Michigan 2025 High School Assistant Principal of the Year.

OLSM grad McKay named among top defenders in Northwoods Baseball League

BY JONATHAN SZCZEPANIAK jszczepaniak@candgnews.com

ROYAL OAK/ORCHARD LAKE —

He was one of the toughest players to strike out in the National Collegiate Athletics Association this past season, and now he’s one of the top second basemen in the Northwoods League.

The NWL, one of the largest organized baseball leagues in the world with more than 340 players advancing to the Major League Baseball level, released its list of 2024 recipients for the Rawlings “Finest in the Field” award for baseball and softball, recognizing the top defensive players at each position.

Posting 85 putouts, 122 assists, and only three errors in 374 innings, the Royal Oak Leprechauns’ Ryan McKay, who tallied a .986 fielding percentage in the NWL, was awarded the honor for his standout performance at second base.

“I’ve literally played second base since I was 6 years old,” McKay said. “Here and there I would pitch when I was younger, but I stopped pitching freshman year of high school. I never was a full-time shortstop or third baseman. I was always playing second base every single game. I think just knowing

that position like the back of my hand has helped me so much, and obviously the work ethic helps. Just being so comfortable there is the reason I can perform the way I do, and I have a great fielding coach at Michigan State with Andrew Stone.”

While the glove was hot for the incoming sophomore at Michigan State University, McKay also provided a spark at the plate with 10 doubles, 23 RBIs, 14 stolen bases, and an offensive slash line of .302/.420/.413.

McKay’s success on the field was a continuation of his successful freshman year with the Spartans, where he posted a .958 fielding percentage and hit .287 with seven doubles and 30 RBIs.

With only 14 strikeouts in 189 at-bats, McKay was ranked the 14th toughest player to strike out in Division 1 baseball, striking out once in every 13.5 at-bats.

“He’s got incredible hands,” said Jonathan Vance, head coach of the Royal Oak Leprechauns. “His hand-eye coordination is really good, so the swing-and-miss really isn’t there. It’s really good bat-to-ball, but at the same time he understands counts and count leverage. He still runs into baseballs and gets his extra base hits. He hit a couple (home runs) this year, and same thing in college.

He’s not a one-dimensional hitter because he can do it all. He was a pleasure to watch this summer.”

A 2023 Orchard Lake St. Mary’s graduate and Clarkston native, McKay was a twotime state champion for the Eaglets before packing his bags for East Lansing.

For any player who competes in the NWL, they’re automatically part of a distinguished group. In terms of defense, NWL alumni Matt Chapman (San Francisco Giants), Marcus Semien (Texas Rangers) and Nico Hoerner (Chicago Cubs) are all current MLB infielders who went on to win a Rawlings Gold Glove Award.

McKay has already put together strong seasons in his first year with both the Leprechauns and the Spartans, so it will be exciting to see how he progresses in his sophomore year at MSU.

“We faced this kid from Gonzaga, and I think he was throwing 94 to 96 (mph), and I think I was lucky enough to go 3-for-3 off of him,” McKay said. “If I’m seeing guys like that in the summer, that’s the most ready I’ll ever be. Then it leads right into fall ball. The Northwoods League is the best.”

Call Staff Writer Jonathan Szczepaniak at (586) 498-1090.

Photo provided by Mark Stowers Royal Oak Leprechauns second baseman Ryan McKay was honored with the Rawlings “Finest in the Field” award for his standout defense this season.

Jones and Williams run wild as

OLSM is back on top in D2 football

BY JONATHAN SZCZEPANIAK jszczepaniak@candgnews.com

DETROIT — Orchard Lake St. Mary’s senior running back Bryson Williams has shown many times this season why he is a high school football player of the year candidate.

Unfortunately, when you have a player of the caliber of Williams, a Michigan State University commit, sometimes another star-studded talent may be overshadowed in certain games.

When it mattered most in the Michigan High School Athletic Association Division 2 state finals Nov. 29 at Ford Field, OLSM senior running back Darrin Jones Jr. felt he should reintroduce himself.

Jones, who holds multiple Division 2 college offers, was the Eaglets’ bell cow Friday night as he exploded with 21 rushes for 181 yards rushing and two touchdowns as OLSM handled Byron Center 35-19. It was a matchup of size and physicality, especially in the trenches, which both favored OLSM. As the

See FOOTBALL on page 12A

ABOVE: Orchard Lake St. Mary’s celebrates after winning the MHSAA Division 2 state championship 35-19 over Byron Center Nov. 29 at Ford Field.

Holiday spirit takes over Glenlore Trails

BY CHARITY MEIER cmeier@candgnews.com

COMMERCE TOWNSHIP — Glenlore Trails in Commerce Township has undergone a transformation and is now filled with the holiday spirit.

The annual “Aurora Winter Wonderland” interactive light show opened Nov. 15 and will be open on Thursday and Friday nights through Dec. 29.

The trails were transformed from spooky for Halloween to festive for Christmas in a mere 14 days by 25-30 people. The work involved swapping out all the scenery, moving things around on-site and reprogramming a lot of lights.

According to a press release, “Aurora, commonly known as the northern lights or southern lights, is a natural light display in the Earth’s sky, and that is the experience that will captivate guests under a shimmering sky of brilliant lights, as they venture into the forest of Glenlore Trails.”

“The Aurora theme just felt right for the original concept. It wasn’t necessarily a holidaythemed show the first year, but a wintry display of lights,” said show founder Scott Schoeneberg-

Are you hearing the crackle of a ﬁre or the crunching of snow beneath your feet?

Our comprehensive hearing evaluation is always no charge.

Photo by Erin Sanchez

A tunnel of lights helps set the “Winter Wanderland” mood.

See GLENLORE TRAILS on page 11A

Gold coin gets dropped in red kettle one last time

BY NICK POWERS npowers@candgnews.com

METRO DETROIT — Lots of coins get dropped in the Salvation Army’s red kettles, but for 12 years one donation has stood out. On Dec. 2, a mysterious deep-pocketed donor dropped off a final gold Krugerrand coin at a Kroger in St. Clair Shores.

This year’s coin came with a note: “Merry Christmas to all and to all a good night! I am sorry to say — this is my last (Krugerrand). Hoping there are others who have (Krugerrands) that can help keep up this tradition in the future to help so many in need during the holidays. God Bless!”

The donor’s identity has been kept secret throughout the years. The coin has been dropped at the Kroger near the intersection of Marter Road and Jefferson Avenue each year. According to Monex last week, the value of the coin is $2,642. Last year’s coin was valued at $2,031 when it was donated.

“(It was) very generous that someone was able to do that every year,” said Salvation Army Maj. Charlotte Hall, who oversees the organization’s Great Lakes Division.

When a coin is received by the organization, it is cashed in, and funds are distributed back to the unit that received the coin, according to Hall.

Hall said she has been stationed at Salvation Army locations throughout the country during her career and has seen gold Krugerrands donated.

“It’s amazing,” Hall said. “I was in Aurora, Illinois, and we had one donated while I was there.”

The donation came a day before Giving Tuesday, when all statewide donations to the Salvation Army Great Lakes Division, up to $25,000, were doubled. This match also comes from an anonymous donor, according to a press release.

The Krugerrand started being produced in South Africa in 1967. It’s named after Paul Kruger, who was the president of the South African Republic from 1883 to 1900.

article states that $600 million worth of Krugerrands were marketed in the United States in 1984. A Seattle Times article states that the ban on importing the coins into the U.S. was lifted in 1991.

How are people giving?

This year, the Salvation Army is pushing its “Tap to Give” option. This allows donations to be made with a cash app, credit card and debit card at locations throughout metro Detroit. When giving, donors will be prompted with different amounts they can contribute.

“You can use your phone or any of your chipped cards,” Hall said.

Donations are down nationwide 40%, according to Hall, though she said the Detroit area holds its own in comparison to the rest of the country.

According to a Los Angeles Times article, President Ronald Reagan banned imports of the currency in 1985 following pressure from Democrats to crack down on South Africa’s apartheid government. The

“Detroiters are known for supporting the Army,” Hall said. “They always come through for us and we really appreciate that.”

Galina Roehl, who does public relations

Photos by Patricia O’Blenes

From left, Warren Woods Christian School students Fisher McLeigh, 12, and Leo Duncan, 9, volunteer as bell ringers for the Salvation Army. The pair are joined by Leo’s mom, Suzi, to get donations at the Kroger near the intersection of 13 Mile and Schoenherr roads.

COMMUNITY CALENDAR

5A/ WEST BLOOMFIELD BEACON • DECEMBER 11, 2024

DEC. 13

Happy Birthday, Taylor! Party: Celebrate “T Swift” turning 35 with crafts, karaoke and more, 4-5:30 p.m., West Bloomfield Township Public Library - Main Branch, 4600 Walnut Lake Road, (248) 682-2120, wblib.org

DEC. 13-15

Holiday Novi Pet Expo: Includes rescues and adoptable pets, 2-8 p.m. Dec. 13, 10 a.m.-7 p.m. Dec. 14 and 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Dec. 15, Suburban Collection Showplace, 46100 Grand River Ave. in Novi, www. suburbancollectionshowplace.com

DEC. 14

Michigan Makers Winter Craft Market: 400 crafters expected, 10 a.m.-5 p.m., Suburban Collection Showplace, 46100 Grand River Ave. in Novi, www. suburbancollectionshowplace.com

DEC. 15

Talkin’ Broadway discusses ‘Wicked’: Monthly play discussion group featuring performances and expertise from visiting Broadway veterans, 2-4 p.m., West Bloomfield Township Public Library - Main Branch, 4600 Walnut Lake Road, (248) 682-2120

DEC. 17

Holiday concert: Hear traditional Christmas songs

and harp solos, 7 p.m., Holy Spirit Lutheran Church, 4800 Orchard Lake Road in West Bloomfield, (248) 682-5441, facebook.com/spiritdrivenchurch

DEC. 19

Winter Solstice Celebration: Self-guided half-mile walk along lantern-lit trail, view darkest night of year with Oakland Astronomy Club, glowing craft and ice carving, marshmallow toasting, and more, 5-8 p.m., Recreation Activities Center, 4640 Walnut Lake Road in West Bloomfield, (248) 451-1900, wbparks.org/ event/winter-solstice

DEC. 20

Orchard Lake Museum open house: Tour home of Greater West Bloomfield Historical Society, 1-4 p.m., 3951 Orchard Lake Road, free but donations encouraged, gwbhs.org/events

ONGOING

Powerful Tools for Caregivers: Virtual workshop hosted by AgeWays, learn to communicate with family and healthcare providers, reduce stress, guilt, anger and depression, and make difficult decisions, 6-7:30 p.m. Dec. 11 and 18, free but donations accepted, (833) 262-2200, wellnessprograms@ageways.org, tinyurl.com/ageways workshops

Oakland County Farmers Market: 7 a.m.-1:30 p.m.

Tuesdays, Thursdays and Saturdays through Dec. 21, 2350 Pontiac Lake Road in Waterford, (248) 8585495, ocmarket@oakgov.com

Live music: 8 p.m. Fridays-Saturdays, Fork n’ Pint, 4000 Cass-Elizabeth Road in Waterford, (248) 7913256, forknpintcasslake.com

Game nights: For Sylan Lake residents only, 6:30 p.m. Wednesdays, Sylvan Lake Community Center, 2456 Pontiac Drive, (248) 682-1440, sylvanlake.org/ community_center

• 5-6:30 p.m. every first and third Wednesday of month, Commerce Township Community Library, 180 E. Commerce Road, (248) 669-8108, commercetwp. com/library

Reporter: Mark Vest | (586) 498-1052 | mvest@candgnews.com

Sports: Jonathan Szczepaniak | (586) 498-1090 | sports@candgnews.com

Artroom: (586) 498-1036 | ads@candgnews.com

Classifieds: For ad rates (586) 498-8100

‘Humbug’: Modern-day take on “A Christmas Carol” with female lead as Eleanor Scrooge, 8 p.m. Thursdays-Saturdays and 2 p.m. Sundays Dec. 13-15 and 19-21, also 2 p.m. Dec. 14, Farmington Players Barn, 32332 W. 12 Mile Road in Farmington Hills, (248) 553-2955, facebook.com/thefarmingtonplayers

Health workshops: Hosted by Corewell Health, free and virtual, beaumonthealth.digitalsignup.com

Lupus support groups: 10 a.m. every second Tuesday of month and 7 p.m. every last Wednesday, Zoom, (248) 901-7299, milupus.org/support-groups

To view more Community Calendar and to submit your own, visit candgnews.com/calendar. To advertise an event, call (586) 498-8000.

| (586) 498-1054 | lmillar@candgnews.com

Compiled by Mark Vest and Mary Beth Almond

Kaplan steps down from role as supervisor

WEST BLOOMFIELD — In a letter dated Dec. 4 to West Bloomfield Township Board of Trustees members, the township’s supervisor, Steven Kaplan, announced that he is stepping down from his role, effective 12:01 a.m. Dec. 5.

Kaplan

“I have enjoyed more than 20 years of service as a member of the township board,” Kaplan stated in the letter. “West Bloomfield, in my estimation, is the best municipality in the State. Our township board members are exemplary, and the board members deserve credit for the township’s employment decisions, both in hiring and promoting the staff.”

Look for a future edition of the Beacon for further details.

English language conversation group scheduled

WEST BLOOMFIELD — The West Bloomfield Township Public Library is scheduled to host “Let’s Talk: An English Language Conversation Group” from 10 to 11:30 a.m. Dec. 12.

“Anyone learning English or looking to improve their skills is welcome to join our friendly conversation group,” the library’s website states.

Volunteer tutors are set to help lead the discussions.

According to the site, visitors can drop in at any time during the session.

For more information, call (248) 682-2120.

The West Bloomfield Township Public Library is located at 4600 Walnut Lake Road.

Nurse practitioner scheduled to address the benefits of sleep

WEST BLOOMFIELD — A “Sleep for Brain Health and Overall Wellness” event is scheduled to take place at Jewish Family Service from 1 to 2:30 p.m. Dec. 18.

According to the National Council on Aging, it is estimated that 75% of older adults in the United States experience the effects of poor sleep. Ashley Houghteling, a nurse practitioner with Henry Ford Health, is scheduled to speak at the event.

According to a press release, she will be discussing the science and stages of sleep, the benefits of sleep for brain health and overall wellness, and good sleep hygiene practices with tips for improving sleep.

According to the release, Houghteling is certified by the American College of Lifestyle Medicine and has experience in critical care and hospitalist medicine.

The event is free to attend. To register, send an email to MindU@jfsdetroit.org.

FARMINGTON HILLS — The Judson Center, a human services agency based in Farmington Hills, raised more than $500,000 at its “A Night to Embrace” centennial gala on Nov. 1 at The Henry hotel in Dearborn, according to a press release.

The funds benefit the human service agency’s programs in autism, behavioral and primary healthcare, disability services, foster care, adoption, and mentoring, the release states.

“This was a milestone anniversary for Judson Center, and we had an extraordinary evening,” Judson Center President and CEO Lenora Hardy-Foster stated via the release.

“We are very excited about raising more than a half million dollars to help us continue to provide unwavering care for children, adults and families. It means a lot to me to lead an organization that has sustained itself for 100 years. Now our focus shifts to the next 100 years and positioning Judson Center for the future.”

Three awards conveying the Judson Center’s “Where Care Is An Art” centennial awareness campaign were presented at the event.

Elizabeth Hertel, director of the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services, received the agency’s Art of Care Award in recognition of her longtime efforts to improve the health and lives of Michigan residents. Judson Center Board Chair Kevin Johns was presented with the agency’s Art of Service Award, and former Judson Center CEO Mounir “Monty” Sharobeem received the Art of Compassion Award.

Sandra Ali, an anchor for CBS News Detroit, and Huel Perkins, a former anchor for FOX 2 Detroit, were the emcees for the evening.

Judson Center’s Centennial Gala was presented by PNC Bank and chaired by Michael Bickers, who is the executive vice president and regional president for PNC Bank in Detroit and southeast Michigan.

For more information about the Judson Center, visit judsoncenter.org.

FREE WEBINAR ABOUT VAPING OFFERED

OAKLAND COUNTY — The Oakland County Health Division is offering a free webinar about the dangers of vaping, titled “Vape 101,” online at noon Dec. 17.

Learn more about how e-cigarettes operate and identify commonly used products; the health consequences, safety and other concerns; why youth are using these products; and vaping prevention resources. Organizers say this training is ideal for parents, community members and organizations, as well as middle school, high school and college students.

To register, contact Nadli Arabo at arabon@oakgov.com or Melanie Stone at stonem@oakgov.com.

Houghteling

Master plan

from page 1A

sues, and economic development and business support.

The township’s website states that a community survey will be open until the end of the year to get public feedback about a master plan.

The West Bloomfield Township Planning Commission is set to have a master plan draft review next spring, followed by an adoption of the plan next fall.

Community open house dates are slated for early next year, with the dates not yet determined, according to the township’s website.

Burkholder expects the Planning Commission master plan draft review to occur around next May.

He explained how the process works after the Planning Commission is comfortable moving forward with a master plan.

“Once the Planning Commission makes that recommendation, the recommendation goes to the Township Board,” Burkholder said. “The Township Board would then release it to the public, and then there’s an additional 63-day review, per state law, after

See MASTER PLAN on page 8A

•

Photo by Patricia O’Blenes

West Bloomfield has begun a process that is slated to lead to the adoption of a new master plan for the township next fall. The plan is set to cover the period of 2025-2030.

Master plan

from page 7A

the board releases it. That puts us into like October, November, for final adoption.”

According to Steven Kaplan, who was the township supervisor until recently stepping down, the Township Board gives “great credence” to the Planning Commission’s recommendations.

“The reason for that is they deal with planning issues, so they have expertise that perhaps a typical Township Board member does not have,” Kaplan said.

Kaplan provided an example of a scenario in which a master plan could play a key role for a municipality.

“Let’s say a community determines that it needs an industrial area; maybe there’s some industrial business that wants to move into the township or city,” he said. “We don’t have an industrial area, but let’s say we wanted to implement one. If it’s not part of the master plan, then the master plan would have to be amended.”

After getting public outreach and survey information about the upcoming master plan, the feedback gets broken up into various categories.

That process can help guide a municipality’s direction.

“So we’ll sort of place these comments we receive into those overarching buckets of categories, and from there we’ll start looking at specific goals and policies (for) the township,” Burkholder said.

“So it’ll set actions, which are either immediate actions, intermediate actions or long-range actions. So that’s how we sort of track the implementation of the master plan — take what we hear from the public and focus groups and folks like that.”

Burkholder expects housing goals to be one of the major highlights of the plan.

While, according to him, there are a lot of single-family homes being built around lakes in the township, another segment of the population needs more affordable housing.

“We call it the missing middle — the duplexes, the multifamily apartment units, that sort of thing,” Burkholder said. “We see that type of housing missing in the township. … We’re trying to develop policies around that, and how we can stimulate that sort of development.”

Sustainability and the environment are also expected to be part of the plan, and given that there are more than 20 lakes in West Bloomfield, Burkholder anticipates that part of the master plan will focus on protecting and regulating the wetlands around the lakes.

He also expects some attention to be paid to the township’s “center district,” located along Orchard Lake Road from 14 Mile Road to Maple Road, as that is where he said redevelopment is “really occurring.”

“I think you’ll see some discussion about Orchard Lake Road and the boulevard area,” Burkholder said. “Is the town center district zoning working? Are we short on restaurants or are we short on medical care? So, we’ll look at it sector-wise to see if we’re missing something that we can develop policies to attract.”

Burkholder shared his perspective as to the importance of master plans and the community’s role in helping to develop them.

“It’s really the guidebook for the community for what the residents want, so it’s really important that we hear from them and they’re a part of this process,” he said. “It really does help the decision-making of the elected officials on the Township Board and helps the decisions of the Planning Commission, so that’s kind of the benefit of this process. We want to make sure we’re doing what the community wants us to do.”

Kaplan also weighed in on the significance of master plans.

“A good master plan can enhance livability and business opportunities,” he said. “A good master plan might encourage people to move into the township, or even businesses to operate here.”

Aside from getting feedback from community stakeholders, such as residents, the Greater West Bloomfield Chamber of Commerce and the West Bloomfield School District, the township has also turned to McKenna, a planning association based in Northville, for assistance in developing a master plan. According to Burkholder, McKenna’s contract is for $112,000, which is supplemented by a $50,000 grant from the Michigan State Housing Development Authority.

Burkholder shared what it is like being part of the process of helping to put together a master plan.

“I don’t think this personally, but a lot of people say, ‘You could leave a legacy with a master plan because future planners and future employees will still have that document carried through,’” he said.

“We’re (going to) leave this document and hopefully make the community better than when we found it. Just kind of looking at those trends and looking at how things could make life easier for the residents is really exciting. It is a lot of work, but it’s exciting work.”

For more information or to take a survey, visit westbloomfieldplans.com.

Call Staff Writer Mark Vest at (586) 498-1052.

Receive And Share The Blessing In The Manger!

Christmas Eve Worship Service

Tuesday, December 24, 2024 ~ 7:00 pm Instrumental and Vocal Music by Michael McPherson and Rev. Dave Welcome

Carols ~ Candlelighting ~ Christ’s Birth Retold

Pine Hill Congregational Church Plymouth-Bradford Room 36520 West 12 Mile Road, Farmington Hills, Michigan 48331

“Blessed is the one who believed that there would be...fulﬁllment...by the Lord.” -Luke 1:45

Red kettle

from page 4A

for the Salvation Army, said donations are up from last year. Though, she said, donations to the red kettles themselves are down.

“They’re getting more money from mail and social media,” Roehl said, who added

that these alternative sources include the “Tap to Give” option.

Hall said volunteer hours have been down this year. The organization is looking for those who can help to meet its goal.

“It really just takes an army of volunteers to raise $7 million,” Hall said.

Those interested in volunteering can sign up at registertoring.com.

CITY OF ORCHARD LAKE VILLAGE

SUMMARY OF AN ORGANIZATIONAL & SPECIAL COUNCIL MEETING

November 25, 2024

At the November 25, 2024 Organizational & Special City Council Meeting, Council took the following action:

o Elected the Mayor and Mayor Pro Tern;

o Approved a Variance to Install a Natural Fence/Barrier on the Lakeside of the Property at 3418 Wards Point Drive;

o Approved a Planned Development Proposal for the Orchard Shoppes at 4196 & 4200 Orchard Lake Road;

Norm Finkelstein, Mayor Rhonda R. McClellan, City Clerk

Publish: West Bloomfeld Beacon 12/11/2024 0249-2450

Felix Cruz, BC-HIS

Educator

from page 1A

“Susie is the quintessential 21st century educator, leaning on relationships, culture and learner-forward thinking in all of her work,” West Bloomfield High Principal Eric Pace stated via the release. “She has proven to be intuitive and thoughtful in her work, fostering an environment of respect and positivity with staff, students and parents alike.”

Aisner has been in the field of education for more than 29 years, including 11 years as an administrator.

“Mrs. Aisner is a natural leader, adept at building strong relationships with both students and faculty,” West Bloomfield High student Ashlee Frankford stated via the release. “Her approachable demeanor and willingness to listen make her a trusted advocate for all members of our school community.”

According to the release, during her nine years at West Bloomfield High, Aisner has spearheaded numerous initiatives, including a comprehensive audit of grading and scheduling systems to improve efficiency and equity.

“Her hands-on involvement in key school-wide initiatives and her ability to collaborate effectively with staff, students and families make her an indispensable member

of our leadership team,” Johanna Mracna, the assistant superintendent of school administration and innovation for the West Bloomfield School District, stated via the release. “Simply put, Susie is a visionary leader who makes a lasting, positive impact in every area she touches.”

Aisner has also led the development of an advisory leadership team at the school, according to the release.

“She is a thoughtful and supportive leader, a systems thinker, and a strong advocate for our kids,” Scott Long, the assistant superintendent of learning services for the West Bloomfield School District, stated via the release.

According to the release, Aisner was recommended for the award by Sonja James, who is the district’s executive director of educational equity and inclusion.

“Through her leadership, we are seeing a change in our school culture: Students feel safe, supported, and truly seen,” James stated via the release.

As Michigan’s High School Assistant Principal of the Year, Aisner is set to represent the state in the National Association of Secondary School Principals’ 2025 High School National Assistant Principal of the Year program.

Finalists and the national winner are slated to be announced in the spring.

It takes about two weeks and 25-30 people to transform Glenlore Trails from its “Enchanted Forest” for Halloween into its “Aurora Winter Wanderland” for the holidays. For more photos, visit candgnews.com/galleries.

Glenlore Trails

from page 3A

er, managing partner of Bluewater Technologies, which operates the trails.

Although the theme is the same every year, subtle changes are made to the show. This year wand activations were incorporated.

“In short, we’re finding what works best for each show, but the intent is still to have a new show each season and year over year,” Schoeneberger said.

The show will feature a special guest appearance by Santa Claus on Dec. 13-15. The Santa shows require a special ticket.

“It’s definitely a labor of love. We originally started Glenlore as a way to keep our staff at Bluewater working during the (CO-

VID-19) shutdown,” said Schoeneberger. “We produce large corporate events and brand activations across the country, so it wasn’t a stretch to design this concept. We didn’t know what kind of reaction from the community we would receive, but it’s been incredible. With people often referring to us as a “favorite family tradition,” it makes it easier to continue pushing forward.”

The show reportedly sees around

100,000 people each year. The show allows additional attendees onto the trail every 15 minutes to “keep a comfortable crowd on the trail.”

Tickets start at $20 for adults, $18 for group deals, $15 for seniors, $12 for kids ages 4-12 and can be purchased online at glenloretrails.com. Glenlore Trails is located at 3860 Newton Road in Commerce Township.

Photo by Erin Sanchez

from page 3A

game progressed, it was evident the Eaglets were testing the Bulldogs’ stamina on the defensive side.

“I definitely felt like the other team (Byron Center) was wearing down,” Jones said. “I feel like we were definitely wearing them out. We do a lot of conditioning and a lot of stuff to prepare for games, like plate pushes and things like that, to prepare us for fourth-quarter-long games. We were definitely prepared.”

Jones got the Eaglets on the board late in the first quarter with a 6-yard score to match Byron Center’s opening drive touchdown.

Then came Williams, who tacked on two touchdowns of his own to give OLSM a 21-13 lead early in the third quarter.

“This (Bryson Williams) is my ride or die right here,” Jones said. “We do a lot of things together. I always allow him to make plays and he allows me to make plays.”

The OLSM running back room as a whole deserves its flowers as Jones, Williams, senior Richard Goike and sophomore Lo-

renzo Barber all contributed to OLSM’s 397 yards on the ground.

Williams’ second touchdown of the day, a 3-yard run, was set up courtesy of a strip sack by junior defensive lineman Ryan Harrington and 12-yard recovery by junior lineman Kyrie Williams, giving OLSM field possession at the Byron Center 3-yard line.

“They were in spread and I thought I could beat their tackle with speed,” Harrington said. “I just came flying off the edge and punched the ball right when I got there.”

Williams added 13 rushes for 109 yards and two touchdowns while Goike tallied 71 yards in the win.

The Eaglets extended their lead to two scores late in the third quarter as senior quarterback Axel Newell, who’s been as steady as they come all season under center, delivered a beautiful pass down the middle of the field to a wide-open Angelo Chapman for a 33yard touchdown connection.

“I thought he (Newell) managed the offense and made plays when it presented itself,” OLSM head coach Jermaine Gonzales said. “I thought he had a great game. He kept everybody even-keeled. He was a great leader tonight.”

Byron Center answered on the back of

senior quarterback Landon Tungate, who broke a 32-yard run and cashed in on a 10-yard rushing touchdown. The Bulldogs elected to go for the two-point conversion but came up short on a pass swarmed by OLSM defenders at the 3-yard line.

Holding onto a 28-19 lead in the fourth, Jones put the final stamp on a storybook season for the Eaglets, punching in a 4-yard touchdown to bring the state title home.

Byron Center sophomore Cameron Payne led the way offensively with eight rushes for 122 yards and a score, while his older brother, senior Kellen Payne, added a

touchdown as well.

The Eaglets have now won eight state championships and their first since 2016, when OLSM won three consecutive titles.

“This is where Orchard Lake belongs,” Gonzales said.

“We’re used to playing after Thanksgiving. We wanted to bring that tradition and pride back to the school and the football program. I told them from day one that this is a state championship team, and they bought into it and believed in it.”

Call Staff Writer Jonathan Szczepaniak at (586) 498-1090.

Photos by Erin Sanchez

Orchard Lake St. Mary’s senior running backs Darrin Jones, above, and Bryson Williams, right, carry the ball during the championship game. For more photos, visit candgnews.com/galleries.

West Bloomfeld Beacon

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