GOLD COIN GETS DROPPED IN RED KETTLE ONE LAST TIME/12A
Community names new ice resurfacer after city employee
BY MARY GENSON mgenson@candgnews.com
BIRMINGHAM — When Connie Folk was a teenager, she spent much of her time at the Birmingham Ice Arena as a competitive figure skater. At the time, little did she know that she would one day have an ice resurfacer named after her.
Since her days as a figure skater, Folk has worked at the Birmingham Ice Arena for over 34 years. She is currently the ice arena and facilities superintendent, and her responsibilities include supervising three ice resurfacer drivers.
The Birmingham Ice Arena recently received its new, custom-built ice resurfacer. When an ice resur-
Bloomfield Township Senior Center drops chlorine for saltwater pool system
BY MARY BETH ALMOND malmond@candgnews.com
BLOOMFIELD TOWNSHIP — Users of the Bloomfield Township Senior Center will soon be able to enjoy the indoor pool without the harmful side effects of chlorine.
On Nov. 25, the Bloomfield Township Board of Trustees voted 6-0 to hire TMI Sustainable Aquatics to convert the senior center pool to a saltwater system. Township Treasurer Michael Schostak was absent from the meeting.
Christine Tvaroha, director of senior services, said the move would improve water quality, enhance user comfort and reduce maintenance and chemical use.
“There’s actually two very good health benefits. The primary one is when you have chlorine, it creates chloramines in the air and that’s because it mixes with the ammonia, so we’re all breathing that in
The pool at the Bloomfield Township Senior Center will soon be converted to a saltwater system.
Photo provided by the Bloomfield Township Senior Center
The community recently voted to name the Birmingham Ice Arena’s new ice resurfacer after Ice Arena and Facilities Superintendent Connie Folk.
Photo provided by the city of Birmingham
“A CHRISTMAS GIFT FOR MRS. H.” by Pat Hardy
My mother-in-law, the illustrious Betty Harp, would be ecstatic to know that the beloved store she and her husband, Elouis Harp, established in 1947, is now co- owned by her Great-Granddaughter, Jacqueline Foxgrover Hamill.
After Mrs. Harp’s death in 2010, ownership automatically passed to her three sons, Tom Hardy, Doug Hardy and Lou Harp. Since that time, the store has continued to thrive, despite its share of economic downturns, including the Covid years, remaining one of Michigan’s longest family–run businesses.
Due to a staff of loyal, expert saleswomen, two actively involved Granddaughters, Kim Hardy Hickson and Lisa Hardy Hamill, plus two super In-House Administrators, Harp’s has continued to serve cross-generational customers during its long history, from its beginning on Chene Street in Detroit, to Joseph Campau in Hamtramck, Nine Mile in Ferndale, Universal Mall in Warren, Chudik’s on Brown Street to its present location on South Old Woodward Avenue in Birmingham.
As her daughter-in law, blessed to be married to her rstborn son, Tom Hardy, for 63 years, I watched my inimitable, takecharge mother-in-law equip the store with the nest of lingerie, tting women of all ages and sizes perfectly, from rst-time bra wearers and, in many cases, throughout their lifetimes.
Jacqueline Hamill Pat Hardy
Betty cherished her store almost as much as she loved her boys. A master saleswoman, she entertained customers with her
acerbic wit, words of wisdom and desire to assist everyone in looking their best. Unquestionably, she was legendary in the bra business, totally unforgettable once you met her.
We never discussed what would become of Harp’s once she was no longer able to run it. It was just assumed it would go on, and that is exactly what has happened, although with some recent unpredictable twists and turns.
This year, I made an exceedingly important decision--one I believe my husband, the family attorney, would have supported. By co-owning the store with my young 26 -year old granddaughter, Jacqueline, I could take a major step in cementing that “Family-run Legacy.”
With a Masters in Advertising/Marketing, amazing creativity plus an innate “knowing” of how to learn from and work with people, Jacqueline is uniquely quali ed to lead Harp’s into the future and, most importantly, keep it open for other members of Betty and Lou’s progeny who might one day wish to become involved.
I once read these words, rmly entrenched in my mind: “Those who love us never really leave us,” so with that thought, “Merry Christmas, Mom! A third- generation granddaughter leading Harp’s into the future is undoubtedly a gift you had a hand in designing!”
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Expert Fitters: Top Row (L-R) Gina Hanna – 16 years Margot Gilbert – 18 years Celeste Makowski – 25 years Jan Karcho – 53 years
Bottom Row (L-R) Jan Wright – 25 years Jacqueline Hamill Pat Hardy
Photos by Leslie Hardy
Bloomfield Township
Police Department names new community relations officer
BY MARY BETH ALMOND malmond@candgnews.com
BLOOMFIELD TOWNSHIP — Bloomfield Township police Officer Heather Glowacz was recently named the Bloomfield Township Police Department’s new community relations officer. Glowacz said she feels honored to take on the role, which was previously held by Officer Nick Soley.
“My whole career I’ve really enjoyed being with people out in the community and knowing this department had a dedicated role was very exciting when I applied,” she said in a statement.
Local filmmakers make ‘MAD’ passion project into a reality
BY SARAH WRIGHT swright@candgnews.com
TROY — A documentary film made by some Michigan locals promises to give viewers insight into Mad Magazine’s history and its impact on the culture through its satirical influences.
The idea for this “When We Went MAD!” documentary came from its Director Alan Bernstein from Pleasant Ridge, who has been a fan of Mad Magazine since he was 7 years old. Bernstein said he was waiting for someone to make this film but decided to take on this challenge himself when no one else did.
“I’ve been interested in this since I was a kid and I’d have loved to write for MAD or make movies and I chose film making,” Bernstein said.
Mad Magazine is an American humor magazine that was started
Heather Glowacz is the new community relations officer for the Bloomfield Township Police Department. Photo provided by Bloomfield Township
Alan Bernstein is the director of the “When We Went MAD!” documentary film.
Photo provided by Alan Bernstein
See MAD on page 9A
Bloomfield Community Television celebrates Community Media Day
CABLE STUDIO TO HOST DEC. 18 OPEN HOUSE
BY MARY BETH ALMOND malmond@candgnews.com
BLOOMFIELD TOWNSHIP — Bloomfield Township Director of Cable and Community Relations Carrie LeZotte participated in the Oct. 28 Board of Trustees meeting to seek a proclamation that allowed the township to recognize Oct. 20 as Community Media
“Storytelling is the heart of our community. It is a great privilege to do this work and a great responsibility,” LeZotte said during her presentation.
The approved proclamation was followed by a ceremony, with community partners and producers being bestowed the inaugural Heart of the Community Awards.
Dr. Niru Prasad, host of “Health Talk,” was honored as Community Producer of the Year.
Prasad, who has produced programs with BCTV for over 20 years, said the award means a lot to her.
“With my background in pediatric and emergency medicine, I’ve accumulated lots of experiences about how to raise a healthy child, as well as emphasizing health education for adolescents, adults, and senior citizens and keeping them drug-free,” Prasad said in a statement.
“I have had a wonderful experience working at our TV station, which is like my second home.”
Bloomfield Township Public Library Director Tera Moon accepted the Community Partner of the Year Award on behalf of the library.
Maggie Barclay, fitness coordinator for Bloomfield Township Senior Services, was honored as Employee Partner of the Year.
Township Cable Operations Manager
Steve Rota was honored for his over 25 years of service to the department and community.
Started in 2017, Community Media Day is an annual celebration of voices that bring awareness to the importance of free speech and accessible media for all individuals to have
Winners of the inaugural Heart of the Community Awards were recently recognized by Bloomfield Township Community Television.
Photo provided by Bloomfield Township Community Television
their voices heard, according to officials.
Bloomfield Community Television provides government and community access programming via local cable providers — Comcast, AT&T and WOW — for residents of Bloomfield Township and nearby municipalities. Established in 1985, officials said BCTV facilitates the production and cablecast of television programs
that reflect the interests and activities of the community and inform and enrich the lives of the people in its viewing area.
The year will culminate with an orientation and open house from 3 to 5:30 p.m. Dec. 18 at the Bloomfield Community Television Cable Studio at 4190 Dublin Road. Join BCTV staff and community producers for cookies and light refreshments. RSVP by sending an email to jguzman@bloom fieldtwp.org.
Call Staff Writer Mary Beth Almond at (586) 498-1060.
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NEWS & NOTES
Architecture and interior design firm collects food for local nonprofits
BIRMINGHAM — For the second year, DesignTeam Plus helped collect food for the nonprofit organizations Yad Ezra and St. Joseph Family Food Bank. The food drive on Nov. 21 was located in DesignTeam Plus’ parking lot at 975 E. Maple Road in Birmingham.
Through this year’s drive, DesignTeam Plus was able to collect 300 pounds of nonperishable food. They also provided cash donations to the local organizations.
“We are so grateful to DesignTeam Plus for coming through for the second year for Yad Ezra clients, with kosher food during the holidays,” said David Jaffee, director of operations for Yad Ezra, in a press release.
Senior Men’s Club of Birmingham announces January speakers
BIRMINGHAM — In January, there will be four Friday luncheons held by the Senior Men’s Club of Birmingham. The meetings are held at the Iroquois Club, 43248 Woodward Ave., in Bloomfield Township.
There will be no meeting on Jan. 3. The first meeting of the month will feature Joel S. Milinsky, producer/director and education committee chair for iHemp Michigan, who will present “The Art of Industrialization.”
On Jan. 17, Robert Gibbs of Gibbs Planning Group will present “The Economic and Social Influences of City Planning.”
On Jan. 24, Dr. Doug Thompson of Integrative Oral Medicine will present “Wellness Dentistry: The Dentist’s Role in Whole Body Health.”
To close out the month, on Jan. 31, Dr. Boris Pasche from the Karmanos Cancer Institute will present “Combatting Cancer in 2025.” Visit seniormensclub birmingham.com for more information.
CRANBROOK WELCOMES
NEW FELLOWS
BLOOMFIELD HILLS — Cranbrook Academy of Art recently announced the third and fourth classes of the Gilbert Fellows program. Each year, selected students receive full-tuition fellowships.
The Cranbrook Academy of Art Gilbert Fellows program is made up of 21 students. Of these students, 11 will graduate in 2025, and 10 will graduate in 2026.
“Cranbrook, with the generous help of the Gilbert Family Foundation, continues to make an intentional and long-term commitment to support artists, architects, and designers of color,” Interim Academy Director Chris Whittey said in a press release.
“Now in its fourth year, this program has increased the diverse makeup of the student body on campus, and the fellows have brought engaging perspectives into each departmental studio. Their voices are critically important as we navigate the future cultural landscape, and we look forward to watching them make a profound and lasting impact on culture.”
Prospective candidates for the Cranbrook Academy of Art Gilbert Fellows program can apply now for the 2025-2026 academic year at cranbrookart.edu/ admissions/how-to-apply.
Biographies of the fellows and more information on the program can be found at cranbrookart.edu/admissions/ financial-aid/scholarships-fellowships/ gilbert-fellows.
Photos provided by Karen Couf Cohen
Photo provided by Cranbrook Academy of Art
Detroit Auto Show to feature ‘Racing Day’ Jan. 17
BY JONATHAN SZCZEPANIAK jszczepaniak@candgnews.com
DETROIT — The Motor City has added a thrilling experience to the 2025 Detroit Auto Show.
The Detroit Auto Show, slated to be open to the public Jan. 11-20 at Huntington Place in Detroit, and the Detroit Grand Prix have worked in collaboration to provide auto show attendees with the return of Racing Day on Jan. 17.
The two brands that pride themselves on embodying the automotive culture of Detroit will offer an array of interactive experiences for attendees, providing two Detroit Grand Prix interactive display areas on the concourse area at Huntington Place, which is free and open to the public, and the floor of the Detroit Auto Show. The floor display area will be located “trackside.”
A brand-new feature to the show will be the addition of two indoor tracks. One track will feature signature characteristics of the Detroit Grand Prix that is set to gear up for May 30-June 1.
The track will be accessible throughout
the entirety of the Detroit Auto Show, but Jan. 17 will be dedicated to the Racing Day festivities where the Detroit Auto Show said in a press release that attendees will have the opportunity to “witness the intersection of automotive innovation and competitive motorsports.”
“The Detroit Grand Prix embodies innovation and the spirit of Detroit,” Sam Klemet, co-executive director of the Detroit Auto Show, said in a press release. “We are thrilled to have a partnership with the Detroit Grand Prix and bring this amazing experience of Racing Day to the 2025 Detroit Auto Show.”
Attendees will also have the opportunity to interact with some of the Detroit Grand Prix’s very own racers from NTT IndyCar Series and Indy NXT by Firestone. Two-time Indianapolis 500 winner Josef Newgarden is slated to make an appearance. Several cars will also be on display as well.
“We’re excited to partner with the Detroit Auto Show and bring together two great Detroit traditions,” Michael Montri, president of the Chevrolet Detroit Grand Prix presented by Lear, said in a press release.
“For many years, Racing Day was a popular attraction at the Detroit Auto Show and we look forward to bringing this tradition back to the Motor City with some of the highpowered stars and cool race cars that take center stage every summer at the Detroit Grand Prix.”
The Detroit Auto Show will make additional announcements about Racing Day as the show nears.
For more information, visit detroitautoshow.com.
Call Staff Writer Jonathan Szczepaniak at (586) 498-1090.
Santino Ferrucci drives a Chevrolet-engined IndyCar during the 2024 Detroit Grand Prix weekend on June 1.
Photo by Dean Vaglia
Glowacz
from page 3A
“I look forward to continue strengthening the bonds between police, public, media, and community organizations that my predecessor Officer Nick Soley developed.”
Glowacz graduated from Wayne State University with a degree in kinesiology before acquiring her Post-Bachelor Forensic Investigation certificate. She graduated from the police academy in 2013 and joined the Bloomfield Township Police Department in 2021.
“My job is to bridge the gap between the police department and the community,” Officer Glowacz said in a statement.
In a statement, Chief James Gallagher
said the department is excited for Glowacz to become the next community relations officer.
“She was selected for this role because of her ability to build and foster relationships within our community, her communication skills, and positive attitude,” he said in a statement.
“Her skillset as a Field Training Officer, Defensive Tactic Instructor, Drug Recognition Expert, and veteran patrol officer will benefit our community programs. Heather puts a friendly, approachable face to the uniform and we are confident she will be successful in her new role.”
To request a visit from the community relations officer to your homeowners association meeting or community event, contact cro@bloomfieldtwp.org.
page 3A
by Harvey Kurtzman
and William Gaines in 1952. Much of its comedic content comes from poking fun at different aspects of pop culture and politics, and it would reach 2.5 million issue sales in the 1970s.
“For generations, MAD Magazine shaped and warped its readers’ senses of humor and their very outlook on the world around them. From the McCarthy hearings and the Cold War to Taylor Swift and social media, MAD Magazine was there to poke fun at all of it,” said a press release from the “When We Went MAD!” team.
In 2019, the magazine would cease to publish new content, though previous editions can be mailed to subscribers or found at comic book shops.
For this film, Bernstein, documentary editor Erich Wiemer and cinematographer Scott West have been working with former magazine staff members and celebrity guests for around 16 years to tell a compelling story about Mad Magazine’s history and impact. Through a Kickstarter, the filmmakers were able to raise $40,000-$50,000 for the project.
“We’re not trying to make a History channel piece,” said Wiemer, who is from Troy. “We want to look at Mad from a sa-
tirical standpoint of how the culture feels about presidents and hippies, and make sure people know about the cultural impact that led to its demise by making (‘Saturday Night Live’) or ‘The Simpsons.’”
The film initially started with interviews from the Mad staff. Through the connections of production company Chassy Media, the film was able to include interviews with well-known names like Quentin Tarantino, Judd Apatow, Bryan Cranston, Gilbert Gottfried, Howie Mandel, and Weird Al Yankovic.
“We interviewed Weird Al at the Cherry Festival in Traverse City before his performance,” Wiemer said. “We were brought into the makeup trailer and hung out for 45 minutes to an hour. We’re all Weird Al fans.”
The film had its world premiere in New York in October and recently held a Midwest premiere at the Redford Theatre in Detroit in November. “When We Went MAD” will likely have another premiere in Los Angeles in the near future, and the filmmakers are currently exploring streaming service options with Amazon Prime and Apple.
“We hope to expand to other screenings,” Bernstein said. “We’re looking at film festivals and figuring out what our distributor will let us do.”
For more information, visit the “When We Went MAD” Facebook page or www. whenwewent mad.com.
CANDGNEWS.COM
HOMES
WHEN SHOPPING AT HOME, BE ALERT FOR GRINCHES TRYING TO STEAL GIFTS AND INFO
BY MIKE KOURY mkoury@candgnews.com
METRO DETROIT — The holiday season, while very much a joyous time of year, also is a time when criminals try to take advantage of others.
As many people will look to be charitable or purchase Christmas gifts for loved ones, a local bank and local police departments are offering advice to avoid package thefts and fraud.
Brian Dowgiallo, vice president of risk management at Genisys Credit Union, said the holidays tend to be their busiest time, as reports of fraud usually ramp up.
According to the banking institution, financial fraud can come in a variety of forms including identity theft, phone call and text scams, phishing scams, and fraudulent investment schemes.
People should be wary of unsolicited emails, phone calls or text messages requesting personal or financial information. They should also verify the legitimacy of any organization or person before making financial transactions.
Dowgiallo has been aware of scammers who use Facebook groups or community pages to take advantage of others looking for deals.
Detective Lt. James Breuckman, of the St. Clair Shores Police Department, has seen this too, specifically with people trying to buy Detroit Lions tickets.
“People trying to buy tickets and it’s somebody’s Facebook account that’s been hacked, and then the hacked Facebook account is saying they got four tickets for sale or six tickets for $1,000 or $1,200,” he said. “They don’t find out until after they’ve already paid.”
Breuckman said common scams his office has been seeing target older people by stating that they owe money to the Internal Revenue Service. The scam artists convince their victims to pay through bitcoin or financial cards so they can’t be traced.
Breuckman also said there have been issues with people stealing delivery packages.
iPhone products and different stuff like that, and people are pretty
another. That’s been a scam in the last, like, two weeks that’s been
“People somehow or some way, they’re finding out deliveries of iPhone products and different stuff like that, and people are pretty much waiting to come steal them off the porch as soon as they get delivered,” he said. “They know where they’re going somehow or another. That’s been a scam in the last, like, two weeks that’s been going on.”
On the subject of package delivery, Ferndale Police Chief Dennis Emmi said people should take measures to make sure that porch pirates don’t have easy access to the delivered goods. He suggested networking with neighbors or installing doorbell cameras and other security cameras to help, or having packages delivered to one’s place of work.
pirates don’t have easy access to the delivered goods. He suggested report
not just doing it to one person, they’re doing it to several. So it’ll
“There’s a lot of things you can do as we enter the holiday season, but if you do find yourself a victim of package theft or the victim of a porch pirate, make sure you report it to the police department so we can follow up on it,” he said. “There may be an opportunity for us to actually catch the offenders, because they’re not just doing it to one person, they’re doing it to several. So it’ll help us track these incidents and maybe help us build a case and hopefully lead to an arrest.”
Emmi said fraudulent charities can pop up during the holiday to take advantage of people in the giving spirit.
is reaching out to you, this could be a flag. I would be the one to
“Just make sure that you vet the source,” he said. “If someone is reaching out to you, this could be a flag. I would be the one to initiate it if you do truly want to donate to a worthy cause. As a donor, I would initiate that contact and not go with a blind text or blind email. A lot of these emails, they look very similar to the official email of a charity, and they can be just a little bit off and you’re donating to a scam or a criminal.”
blind email. A lot of these emails, they look very similar to the of-
Dowgiallo
Dowgiallo also has seen scams where people have received calls from a number that showed it was a bank or credit union calling, but then the callers use scare tactics to get personal information.
“The member thinks that they’re talking to the credit union, and they think it’s a trusted source, and they start giving away all the information, and then just giving it to the scammer,” he said.
but then the callers use scare tactics to get personal information. information,
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
See COIN on page 13A
ABOVE: A final gold Krugerrand was dropped into one of the Salvation Army’s red kettles at a Kroger near the intersection of Marter Road and Jefferson Avenue on Dec. 2.
Photo provided by Galina Roehl
LEFT: From left, Warren Woods Christian School students Fisher McLeigh, 12, and Leo Duncan, 9, volunteer as bell ringers to bring in donations for the Salvation Army at the Kroger near the intersection of 13 Mile and Schoenherr roads.
Photo by Patricia O’Blenes
Coin
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.
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 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 do-
Shopping
page 10A
“That turns into the scammer going in and taking over an account through an online account takeover, or they’ll just end up giving their debit card information and then they just start making a fake debit card or they potentially could try to use an Apple wallet or Android wallet to create a card on their phone. And then they start using their card and money without their knowledge.”
Dowgiallo’s biggest recommendation is that people set up alerts with their financial institution to notify them if someone is logging into their account or if there is a transaction with their card.
“If you have those alerts, and you’re a little bit more on top of your account, you’re going to quickly know when something’s not right,” he said. “Have those alerts in place so that when you feel confident or you think that maybe you clicked on something that you weren’t sure of, that you’re at least in the know on your accounts at all times.”
“No financial institution, including Genisys, will ever ask for your personal information,” he added. “They have that information, but we try to educate our members all the time. You know, you send these
nations 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.
“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 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.
one-time codes, and it’ll say do not give this out, and Genisys would never ask for this information, but even if you think it’s a trusted source, just know that they shouldn’t be asking for that. They should have that information and to never give it out to anybody.”
Breuckman stated people need to be diligent and double check what they think they know.
“Don’t just immediately trust everybody,” he said. “You have to actually do your own diligence and figure out if you feel like something isn’t right, it probably isn’t. Never be ashamed to actually ask another person if they think it’s OK or not before you buy something.”
Emmi stated that many of these crimes go unreported, and that’s the message he wants to send people: They need to report to police when these thefts or frauds occur. Many of the culprits reside outside the United States.
“So they originate from outside the country or from another side of the country, and really it’s near impossible to track down the suspects in a lot of these cases, but if you report it, at least we can share the means in which they are committing their crimes, and maybe we could … through (public service announcements), we can inform the residents to what to look for going forward,” he said.
CHRISTMAS EVE SERVICES: 5:00 pm Family Worship with Children’s Choir 8:00 pm Worship with Chancel Choir and Candlelight At Everybody’s Church, we strive to be a faithful, open, and inclusive community. We welcome people of any ability, race, gender identity, ethnicity, sexual orientation or any other life circumstance.
LIGHT IN THE MIDST OF
YOU SOON AT EVERYBODY’S CHURCH! 8:30 am Worship with Communion Weekly 10:00 am Worship with Sunday School
DARKNESS Sunday, December 22 ~ 3:00pm A service for those who nd celebrating di cult... Gather with us for this quiet meditative service as we remember and share our hurting places with God. Join us for this candle-lit time of music, scripture, stories silent re ection and prayer.
Recap of the MHSAA Girls swim and dive state finals
EICHBRECHT CONTINUES HISTORIC CAREER FOR LAKERS, BLUE DEVILS SHOOT UP LEADERBOARDS
BY JONATHAN SZCZEPANIAK jszczepaniak@candgnews.com
It’s difficult to find a sport where teams can carry over success more consistently than swim and dive.
This year’s edition of the Michigan High School Athletic Association girls swim and dive state finals showcased Ann Arbor Pioneer winning its fifth straight Division 1 championship while Farmington Hills Mercy (D2) and East Grand Rapids (D3) both earned back-to-back titles in their respective divisions. East Grand Rapids has currently won four consecutive titles, winning two apiece in Division 2 and 3.
It’s about strength in numbers and who can put the most swimmers in the pool on the brightest stage, and it’s ultimately what separates teams from being state champions to being state runners-up each year.
The average point differential between first and second place over the weekend slate was 172.83 points with the highest coming
in at 234 points in Division 3.
Something doesn’t necessarily sit right with that type of distance, but it’s a numbers game at the end of the day.
Local teams in the C & G Newspapers coverage area put their best foot forward at the state finals with a large group of individual state champions, a team state champion, and a team runner-up as well.
Below is a recap of the MHSAA girls swim and dive state finals (in order of division).
Division 1
Bloomfield Hills Placement: 10th
Bloomfield Hills just keeps on improving.
After placing 12th last season, a massive progression from 17th in 2022, the Black Hawks finished 10th overall Nov. 23 at the Holland Aquatic Center.
Sophomore sensation Bailey Robinson led the way with a pair of individual all-State finishes in the 50 (2nd) and 100 (2nd) free-
style while sophomore Kailey Bachmann added one in the 100 butterfly (3rd), where she finished 17th at the 2023 state finals.
It was the sophomores again shining for Bloomfield Hills in the relay side as Robinson and Bachmann teamed up with sophomore Violet Keiper and senior Livia Baker to earn all-State in the 200 freestyle relay by placing seventh.
Robinson, Bachmann, and Keiper put the finishing touches on an incredible state showing by tallying another all-State finish in the 400 freestyle relay alongside junior Sophia Hawkins.
The Black Hawks have an extremely talented and youthful squad who is ready to take the next step at states, especially with Robinson, now a four-time individual all-Stater, within arm’s reach of a state title to her name.
West Bloomfield Placement: 12th
It’s Elizabeth Eichbrecht’s world, and
she just allows other people to swim in it.
One of the top swimmers – if not the top swimmer – in the state, the junior phenom already had four individual state titles, but when has two more ever hurt anyone?
Eichbrecht reestablished her dominance in the 200 and 500 freestyle Nov. 23 at the Holland Aquatic Center, taking first place in both events including an eight-second victory in the 500 freestyle.
Currently committed to Indiana University Bloomington, Eichbrecht will have a shot at a clean state title sweep her senior season.
West Bloomfield head coach Ronson Webster said there’s two things he feels separates her from the competition.
“I think it’s her true grit and determination,” Webster said. “That’s the thing that really makes her stand out above everybody else.
“She’s not only going to be someone who is the first person at practice and the last
Finals
from page 14A
one to leave, but she’s one of those people that’s just a competitor. Whenever she knows she’s gotta race, she goes out there and she goes for it.”
Eichbrecht also teamed up with junior Bryn Cusack, sophomore Jessica Conkey, and freshman Piper Smith to tally an allState finish in the 200 medley relay by placing eighth.
The 200 medley relay was the award winner for most improved event for the Lakers after finishing 22nd in 2023, and Webster said the all-State finish was largely due to their first-year swimmer, Smith.
“Throughout the season last year, we didn’t have a breaststroker,” Webster said. “Elizabeth (Eichbrecht) had to form into a breaststroker and fill that spot, but this year we had a freshman come in that is a breaststroker in Piper Smith. That was a huge contributing factor to us being able to bring that relay to all-State this year.”
On top of the Lakers’ incredible state finals performance, Webster’s squad also brought home the Oakland Activities Association White league title due to contributions from Eichbrecht, Cusack, Conkey, Smith, senior Olivia Johnson, senior Natalie Weissman, senior diver Jamie Vincent, sophomore Alexandra Moga, and many more.
“Honestly, the girls did fantastic the entire season,” Webster said. “They continued to improve the whole way through. A lot of the underclassmen girls stepped it up and played a big role in us winning the league meet. I’m very proud of them.”
Division 2
Birmingham Seaholm Placement: 3rd
It was the final lap for a generational Maples senior class.
individual all-State honors as Jansen earned it in the 200 (5th) and 500 freestyle (5th) while Anderson cleaned up in the 100 freestyle (3rd) and 100 backstroke (2nd). Cavaliere (7th/breaststroke) and Stanley (3rd/200 freestyle) each added an individual all-State finish as well.
They were impressive apart, but when they came together, they were dominant in the water, earning third in the 200 medley relay while Stanley, Jansen, and Anderson teamed up with freshman Noelle Schneider to finish second in the 400 freestyle.
It was almost like a passing of the torch with the three seniors and the freshman sensation all in a relay, for Schneider put on a show at the state finals.
Schneider posted a pair of all-State finishes in the 100 (8th) and 200 freestyle (4th).
“As a freshman coming in and doing what she did, it was remarkable,” Hodgson said. “I knew of her, and I coached her sister for four years, but they (swam) in our summer league. I didn’t anticipate her to be as big of an asset as she was to the team. She really stepped it up.”
firepower of East Grand Rapids.
Falling behind East Grand Rapids by 234 points, the Mustangs still put on an impressive performance to earn state runner-up Nov. 23 at Eastern Michigan University.
“Butch Briggs (East Grand Rapids head coach) is incredible,” Marian head coach David Eichenhorn said.
“He’s won 27 state titles in 50 years. That’s basically one every other year. Yes, they have more people, but I’d be more than willing to say Butch Briggs can outcoach me. He’s the best. They have the most talent, but they also have one of the best coaches in MHSAA history.”
Marian was able to secure second courtesy of all-State performances from sophomore Stella Glorio (7th/200 freestyle & 2nd/500 freestyle), freshman Catherine Howe (6th/50 freestyle & 6th/100 freestyle), junior Grace Dery (7th/200 IM), and senior Marianna Becharas (7th/100 butterfly).
With seniors Abby Stanley, Avery Anderson, Skyler Jansen and Valentina Cavaliere at the helm, Seaholm has been consistently in the top four with a state championship to their name in 2021.
Stanley and Anderson were both state qualifiers for the championship-winning squad, but now all four called it a career Nov. 23 at the Oakland University Aquatic Center.
“They’ve been such a huge part over the years because they’re all impact swimmers coming in as freshmen,” Seaholm head coach Karl Hodgson said.
“They’ve been the core of our success the last four years. Those four seniors, I call them the big four. Everybody knows we’re nothing without those girls.”
Jansen and Anderson both tallied two
The Maples also took care of business in the OAA Red with a first-place finish.
It’s a proper farewell for a senior class that has devoted so much to the Seaholm program, but don’t count them out just yet for next season, even if they’re losing a certain swimmer Hodgson had extremely high praise for.
“Avery (Anderson) is going down as one of the all-time greats at Seaholm,” Hodgson said.
Division 3
Bloomfield Hills Marian Placement: 2nd
Similar to what Division 1 and 2 teams are facing with Ann Arbor Pioneer and Farmington Hills Mercy, Bloomfield Hills Marian simply couldn’t keep up with the
The Mustangs also had two all-State relays with Becharas teaming up with junior Peyton Rehbine, freshman Malin Murphey, and freshman Cecelia Grace to earn sixth in the 200 medley relay while Becharas, Rehbine, Grace, and Howe earned fourth in the 200 freestyle relay.
Eichenhorn said Becharas’ leadership was a key factor in the team’s success, especially on the relays, and said he was also happy to see one of his swimmers finally get her flowers.
“Peyton (Rehbine) finally got the shine she deserves,” Eichenhorn said.
“For two years in a row – her freshman and sophomore year – she swam at prelims on our 200 free relay knowing I was going to take her off of it for finals. She really should’ve been all-State in relays the last couple years. Her first day was awesome, but for her to drop even more time the second day was huge.”
Marian is only two seasons removed from its last state championship, and See FINALS on page 17A
Photo provided by Ronson Webster West Bloomfield junior Elizabeth Eichbrecht is all smiles after winning the state championship in the 200 freestyle.
Finals
from page 16A
Eichenhorn said he expects his returning state qualifiers to make an impact next season and hopefully close the gap on East Grand Rapids.
“Next year, we have not just depth of talent with the current juniors but depth in leadership as well,” Eichenhorn said.
“Honestly, it’s going to be spread out over six or seven girls, which is great. They’re doing a great job. That junior class is culture builders. They came in with me, so they have a special place in my heart.”
Other all-State honorees:
Division 2
• Birmingham Groves sophomore Olivia Kamp (2nd/100 breaststroke)
• Birmingham Groves 200 medley relay (5th) – team consisted of senior Ally O’Brien, junior Ashley Glime, junior Maya Shelton, and sophomore Olivia Kamp
• Birmingham Groves 400 freestyle relay
– team consisted of junior Ashley Glime, junior Maya Shelton, senior Delaney Miller, and sophomore Mallory Gerken
Division 3
• Bloomfield Hills Cranbrook Kingswood senior Hazel Strain (4th/100 freestyle & 2nd/100 backstroke)
• Bloomfield Hills Cranbrook Kingswood Elle Brooks (5th/100 backstroke)
• Bloomfield Hills Cranbrook Kingswood sophomore Elizabeth Kurz (7th/100 breaststroke)
• Bloomfield Hills Cranbrook Kingswood
200 medley relay (3rd) – team consisted of Hazel Strain, Elle Brooks, Elizabeth Kurz, and freshman Lily Elder
• Bloomfield Hills Cranbrook Kingswood
400 freestyle relay (4th) – team consisted of
Hazel Strain, Elle Brooks, sophomore Juliana Puro, and sophomore Stella Rocchini
• Detroit Country Day sophomore Quinn Norlander (3rd/200 IM & 3rd/100 backstroke)
• Detroit Country Day 200 medley relay (4th) – team consisted of sophomore Quinn Norlander, senior Anna Ryan, freshman Allie Schwartz, and sophomore Jill Heller
• Detroit Country Day 200 freestyle relay (2nd) – team consisted of freshman Allie Schwartz, sophomore Jill Heller, sophomore Quinn Norlander, and freshman Lauren Clark
DETROIT SAILOR KILLED AT PEARL HARBOR LAID TO REST
JOHN CUTHBERT AULD’S REMAINS IDENTIFIED THROUGH DNA
BY MARIA ALLARD allard@candgnews.com
DETROIT — While growing up, Richard Auld remembers his grandmother, Lillian, and his dad, Edwin, sharing memories about a family member named Jack.
But he wasn’t sure who Jack was, until one day he realized the stories were about his uncle, John Cuthbert Auld, who was nicknamed Jack. The U.S. Navy man, who grew up in Detroit, was killed during the bombing of Pearl Harbor on Dec. 7, 1941.
This year marks the 83rd anniversary of the Pearl Harbor attack, which killed approximately 2,400 American service members and civilians.
In time, Auld learned more about his uncle, a 23-year-old seaman 2nd class who was aboard the USS Oklahoma when naval and air forces of the Japanese empire attacked the American base on Hawaii’s island of Oahu. On the following day, Dec. 8, President Franklin Delano Roosevelt addressed Congress and asked for a declaration of war with Japan, which drove the United States into World War II.
“They rescued several sailors that day after the attack,” Auld said. “Everyone else was presumed dead. They didn’t have much hope. They always told me he died on the Oklahoma.”
While the family knew John didn’t survive, his remains were only officially identified after Auld provided a DNA sample in 2017. At press time, John was set to be laid to rest at 10 a.m. Dec. 6 with full military honors at Fairview Memorial Park in Albuquerque, New Mexico. Auld, who resides in Albuquerque, said the cemetery was chosen because that is where Lillian and Edwin are buried.
“It will be an honor to have him with his mom and his brother,” Auld said.
Family members and friends were expected to attend the burial. John also was expected to receive military honors at the airport when his remains arrived.
For his service, John was awarded the following medals and decorations: Purple Heart medal, Combat Action Ribbon, Good Conduct Medal, American Defense Service Medal with fleet clasp, Asiatic-Pacific Cam-
paign Medal with bronze star, World War II Victory Medal, and American Campaign Medal.
‘It’s definitely a huge loss.’
John was born in Newcastle upon Tyne, England, on June 15, 1918. The family moved to the U.S. and settled in Detroit. On Nov. 6, 1940, John enlisted in the Navy and underwent basic training at Naval Station Great Lakes, in Illinois.
John’s seaman duties included painting, cleaning and polishing the vessel’s brightwork, equipment repair, storing and securing items, and assisting with cargo. The young man also stood watches as a lookout, telephone talker and messenger, and he was a member of a gun crew.
Richard Auld’s dad, Edwin, four years younger than John, served in the U.S. Air Force from 1942-46.
“They were normal kids in a good family. It’s definitely a huge loss. I never got to meet him,” said Auld, who was born in 1960. “Every Dec. 7, we talked about him. I feel like I know him now after the Navy’s recovery efforts.”
Auld’s dad moved the family, including wife, Esther, to New Mexico to work in the grocery business. Auld has some photos of his uncle and has been told there is a family resemblance.
A few years ago, Auld and his wife Karen traveled to Honolulu, Hawaii for a ceremony at the National Memorial Cemetery
Photos provided by the Public Affairs Office, Navy Personnel Command
LEFT: While serving in the U.S. Navy, John Cuthbert Auld, of Detroit, was killed during the attack on Pearl Harbor on Dec. 7, 1941. At press time, he was expected to be laid to rest on Dec. 6 with full military honors at Fairview Memorial Park in Albuquerque, New Mexico. ABOVE: Sailors aboard the USS Oklahoma pose for a group photo.
Pearl Harbor artifacts link back to day of infamy 83 years ago
BY DEAN VAGLIA dvaglia@candgnews.com
METRO DETROIT — The belongings, material and personal, of Michiganders who were at Pearl Harbor on and around that infamous day continue to make their way home.
John Lind, director of the Detroit Arsenal of Democracy Museum, has been able to secure several items from the USS Oklahoma and USS Arizona: a prayer book from either ship and four envelopes from the Arizona postdated Dec. 7, 1941.
The Arizona items come from the estate of a Michigan man, who Lind did not name, who was on his way out of the Navy on Dec. 6.
“This person went to the mail section on the ship and got these envelopes in advance,” Lind said. “The story is this gentleman here was transferred on Dec. 6, the Saturday before, because they conducted no
See ARTIFACTS on page 20A
Auld
from page 18A
of the Pacific to pay tribute to the 33 unaccounted for sailors from the USS Oklahoma buried with full military honors.
“Very emotional,” Auld said. “It was very moving.”
According to the Navy, since the ceremony, one more sailor, radioman 3rd class Frank Hoag Jr., has been identified.
Project Oklahoma
On Dec. 2, the Navy Personnel Command Public Affairs Office issued a press release that included information about Project Oklahoma, a disinterment and identification project through the Defense POW/MIA Accounting Agency.
During Project Oklahoma, the Navy’s POW/MIA Office contacted family members to ask for their participation in the Family Reference Sample Program. That is where surviving family members of a veteran killed on duty offer DNA samples that are used to determine if there is a match.
That is exactly what Auld did to confirm his uncle’s remains. Through the process, 356 of the 388 service members from the USS Oklahoma who were originally unaccounted for have now been identified, according to Capt. Jeff Draude, director, Navy Casualty Office.
Scientists with the DPAA, in Joint Base Pearl Harbor-Hickam, Hawaii and Offutt Air Force Base in Omaha, Nebraska, are responsible for identifying unaccounted for service members by matching the DNA reference samples from surviving family members. Other documents, including available medical and dental records, are also used.
Photo by Dean Vaglia
An envelope from the USS Arizona postdated for Dec. 7, 1941, leans against prayer books from the Arizona and USS Oklahoma.
CRIME WATCH
Car batteries stolen
BLOOMFIELD TOWNSHIP — Police took a report of a breaking and entering and larceny from a building from Uncle Ed’s Oil, located at 1995 S. Telegraph Road, Nov. 21.
The store manager reported that when he arrived at work on Nov. 20, he noticed one of the windowpanes on the garage door was missing. On Nov. 21, the store manager was checking their inventory and discovered that three car batteries had been stolen.
The batteries are valued at $902.84. Police are investigating.
Car stolen
BLOOMFIELD TOWNSHIP — Police took a report of a stolen car from the Fox Hills condominium complex Nov. 21.
The victim stated her white 2022 Jeep Grand Cherokee, with a Michigan State Spartan license plate, was stolen. The Jeep was last seen at 7 p.m. Nov. 19 and was discovered stolen at 5 a.m. Nov. 21.
Police said the victim had both sets of keys for the vehicle and no signs of forced entry were noted on scene. Police are investigating.
Hunting equipment stolen from trunk
BLOOMFIELD TOWNSHIP — Police took a report of a larceny from an auto-
Artifacts
from page 19A
business on Sunday. … He was going back stateside. He was done, his hitch was over, and he reached California and he said, ‘You know what? I’m going back in.’”
The unnamed Arizona sailor joined over 300,000 Americans who showed up to recruitment offices on Dec. 8, 1941. Lind says about 30,000 people volunteered at the Detroit office.
The Oklahoma prayer book, which is in a more fragile state than the Arizona book, was acquired from a separate sailor who reached out to Lind.
“He was on (the USS) Oklahoma,” Lind said. “He came back to the United States, was retrained and then he got on other ships throughout the war.”
Prayer books were commonly taken from ships while the envelopes were post-
mobile Nov. 26.
On Nov. 23, at approximately 10 a.m., the victim stated he parked his 2015 Chrysler 200 outside of a residence on the 300 block of Concord Place and did not lock it. The victim had just finished hunting and stored his hunting rifle, knife and padlocks in the trunk of the vehicle.
On Nov. 24, at approximately 4 p.m., the victim discovered all his hunting equipment in the trunk had been stolen. The stolen items are valued at $1,610.
The case was turned over to the Bloomfield Township police investigations unit and is currently under investigation. Anyone with information should call Bloomfield Township police at (248) 433-7755.
Car window broken
BLOOMFIELD TOWNSHIP — A resident reported that someone tried to break into his car, which was parked in the driveway of a residence in the 1000 block of Marie Circle, sometime Nov. 24-26.
The man told police he parked and locked his burgundy 2020 Dodge Challenger in his driveway on Nov. 24. On Nov. 26, he discovered the driver’s side window shattered, but unentered because of tinted window film.
The case is under investigation. Anyone with information should call Bloomfield Township police at (248) 433-7755.
Cars damaged in Fox Hills condominium complex
BLOOMFIELD TOWNSHIP — On
dated sometime before Dec. 7.
The attack on Pearl Harbor is as much a story of what was not lost as it is about what was. While the battleships USS Arizona, USS Oklahoma and USS Utah were scrapped and the aircraft carriers assigned to the base were saved by virtue of being out of port, the lightly attacked support facilities — dry docks, maintenance shops and oil yards — allowed for the other damaged ships to be repaired and returned to service. Lind says that Michiganders were sought out to repair and retrofit the fleet.
“The Navy came to Detroit and took as many skilled trades (as possible) to go to Pearl Harbor to get Pearl Harbor back in shape,” Lind said. “If the Japanese would have concentrated on the rebuilding centers, the fuel farms, the maintenance shops, Pearl Harbor would have come back but it would have been years later. Instead, within six weeks basically, all the dry docks and maintenance shops at Pearl Harbor were back online.”
Nov. 27, the Bloomfield Township Police Department took two reports of car damage from the Fox Hills condominium complex.
Both victims reported that their vehicles were locked and parked at 10 p.m. Nov. 26, and they reportedly discovered that the vehicles had been broken into the morning of Nov. 27.
One vehicle was a black 2020 Jeep Grand Cherokee that had its sunroof smashed out. Another vehicle was a black 2021 Jeep Grand Cherokee that had its rear driver’s side hatch window smashed out. Police said nothing was taken from either vehicle.
Police are investigating. Anyone with information should call Bloomfield Township police at (248) 433-7755.
Commerce Township man strikes resident
BIRMINGHAM — On Nov. 28, at approximately 1 a.m., officers on foot patrol near the 200 block of South Old Woodward heard an altercation nearby. Upon approaching the scene, they spoke with the victim, a 64-year-old male resident.
According to police, the victim explained that a man was walking backward on the sidewalk. To avoid a collision, the victim
extended his arms, which reportedly led to an argument, the report said.
During the confrontation, a 24-yearold male suspect from Commerce Township allegedly struck the victim in the stomach. The suspect was subsequently arrested for disorderly conduct, police said.
Intoxicated driver in possession of firearm arrested
BIRMINGHAM — At approximately 5 a.m. Nov. 24, a patrolling officer reportedly observed a vehicle with its headlights off fail to stop at a stop sign while turning right from northbound Pierce onto eastbound Maple.
After initiating a traffic stop, the officer reportedly detected signs of intoxication in the driver and conducted field sobriety evaluations.
The driver, a 27-year-old Dearborn Heights man, said he had a firearm under the driver’s seat and said he had a valid Michigan concealed pistol license, according to the report. He was arrested and charged with operating while intoxicated and possession of a firearm while under the influence, police said.
CRIME WATCH
Police find drugs in vehicle of Sterling Heights man
BIRMINGHAM — On Nov. 15 at approximately 1 a.m., officers on patrol reportedly identified a vehicle driving recklessly at the intersection of South Old Woodward Avenue and Daines Street and initiated a traffic stop.
Officers made contact with the suspect driver, a 42-year-old man from Sterling Heights. Police said they later learned that he was previously arrested for narcotics activity.
Police said officers searched the suspect’s vehicle and discovered methamphet-
amine, as well as marijuana. The suspect was placed under arrest. An investigation is ongoing.
Witnesses report seeing man steal neighbor’s package
BIRMINGHAM — Officers were dispatched to the Birmingham Police Department’s front desk for a report of a larceny at approximately 11 a.m. Nov. 27.
The victim, a 40-year-old male resident, reported that a package had been stolen from his front porch. He stated that the day before, around noon, he was notified that his package had been delivered, but it was stolen shortly afterward.
Witnesses reported seeing the suspect, an unknown male, approach the victim’s front porch and steal his package, as well
as a neighbor’s package. An investigation is ongoing.
Resident
reports stolen package
BIRMINGHAM — At approximately 4 p.m. Dec. 2, officers were dispatched to the 1000 block of Haynes Street for a report of larceny.
The victim, a 51-year-old male resident, reported that a package had been stolen from his front porch.
Witnesses stated that the suspect, an unknown male in a white sedan parked near the victim’s home, was seen exiting the vehicle and stealing the package. An investigation is ongoing.
Troy woman reports stolen wallet
BIRMINGHAM — On Dec. 1 at ap-
proximately 1 p.m., officers were dispatched to a local grocery store in the 2000 block of East Maple Road in response to a report of larceny. The victim, a 79-year-old woman from Troy, was shopping at a grocery store when her wallet was stolen.
She said that while she was shopping, an unknown male suspect approached her and asked if she needed assistance. After helping her, the suspect suspiciously followed her around the store. An investigation is ongoing.
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13650 E. Eleven Mile Rd. Warren, MI 48089
COMMUNITY CALENDAR
22A/ BIRMINGHAM-BLOOMFIELD EAGLE • DECEMBER 11, 2024
DEC. 11
Author dicusses Cranbrook architect: Michael Hodges previews forthcoming biography about Eliel Saarinen, 7 p.m., Bloomfield Township Public Library, Bloomfield Township Public Library, 1099 Lone Pine Road, (248) 642-5800, btpl.org
DEC. 11 & 18
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., free but donations accepted, (833) 262-2200, wellnessprograms@ageways.org, tinyurl.com/ageways workshops
DEC. 12
Author discusses perseverance in writing: Presentation and book signing by Stacy McAnulty, 7 p.m., Baldwin Public Library, 300 W. Merrill St. in Birmingham, register at baldwinlib.org/calendar
DEC. 12-15
‘Disney’s Beauty and the Beast’: Performance by Stagecrafters Main Stage, 7:30 p.m. Dec. 12-14 and 2 p.m. Dec. 15, Baldwin Theatre, 415 S. Lafayette in Royal Oak, stagecrafters.org
‘Present Laughter’: Performance by Birmingham Village Players, 8 p.m. Dec. 12-14 and 2 p.m. Dec. 15, 34660 Woodward Ave., birminghamvillageplayers.com
DEC. 13
Spectrum Orchestra: Hear performance and bring used instruments for donation to Detroit Harmony, 7:30 p.m., Bloomfield Hills High School, 4200 Andover Road in Bloomfield Township, spectrumorchestra.org/ concerts/2024-2025-perseverance
DEC. 14
National Wreaths Across America Day: Local ceremony followed by laying of wreaths on graves of veterans, noon, Oakview Cemetery, 1032 N. Main St. in Royal Oak
DEC. 15
Baroque holiday music: Performance by The Sebas-
tians, 4-5:30 p.m., Seligman Performing Arts Center, 22305 W. 13 Mile Road in Beverly Hills, chambermusicdetroit.org/2024-25/sebastians
Holiday concert: Performance by Birmingham Concert Band, 3-4:30 p.m., Lutheran Church of the Redeemer, 1800 W. Maple Road in Birmingham, birminghamconcertband.com
DEC. 18
Bloomfield Community Television open house: Learn about mission of BCTV and how it serves community, plus go behind the scenes and meet staff and producers, 3:30p.m., 4190 Dublin Road in Bloomfield Township, bloomfieldtwp.org/cable/upcoming-events
Community Music Jam Session: Session open to violin, viola, cello, bass, guitar, clarinet, flute, mandolin, oboe, bassoon and more, music books available, 6-7:30 p.m., Blair Memorial Library, 416 N. Main St. in Clawson, (248) 588-5500
DEC. 21
Winter Solstice Celebration: Includes crafts and activities focusing on light and dark, hear medieval Christmas carols and wassails, gaze into night sky with observatory telescope, try seasonal snacks and specialty drinks, and more, 1-7 p.m. at Cranbrook Institute of Science and 1-5 p.m. at Cranbrook Art Museum, 39221 Woodward Ave. in Bloomfield Hills, also create lantern for evening parade at 6 p.m., science. cranbrook.edu
ONGOING
‘The E(Xmas)ist’: 8 p.m. Fridays, Saturdays and Mondays and 3 p.m. Sundays until Dec. 22, Ringwald Theatre at Affirmations LGBTQIA+ Community Center, 290 W. Nine Mile Road in Ferndale, theringwald.com
Wild Lights: Millions of lights,500-plus displays, interactive wishing tree, seasonal drinks, food and treats, warming stations with live entertainment, and more, select dates and times until Jan. 5, Detroit Zoo, 8450 W. 10 Mile Road in Royal Oak, dzoo.org/ wildlights
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 Men’s Club of Birmingham: Speakers and luncheons at 10:30 a.m. most Fridays, The Iroquois Club, 43248 Woodward Ave. in Bloomfield Township, also on Zoom, RSVP for lunch by previous Mondays, seniormensclub@gmail.com, seniormensclubbirmingham.com
Birmingham Metropolitan Women’s Club: Speakers and luncheons at 10 a.m. every second Tuesday of month, The Iroquois Club, 43248 Woodward Ave. in Bloomfield Township, RSVP to Chris at (248) 3037339 two weeks prior to each event, thebirminghammetropolitanwomensclub.weebly.com
‘The Science of Archimedes’: Traveling exhibition celebrating Greek scientist and mathematician, on display noon-4 p.m. Sundays, 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Wednesdays, Thursdays and Saturdays, and 10 a.m.-10 p.m. Fridays until June 1, 2025, Cranbrook Institute of Science, 39221 Woodward Ave. in Bloomfield Hills, science.cranbrook.edu
Deck the Halls with Ologies!: Exhibits and interactive workshops focus on entomology, microbiology, paleontology, geology, anthropology, biology, cosmology, zoology and more, 11 a.m.-3 p.m. (noon-3 p.m. Sundays) Dec. 26-29 and Jan. 2-5, Cranbrook Institute of Science, 39221 Woodward Ave. in Bloomfield Hills, science.cranbrook.edu
Second Saturday Sales: Monthly shopping for books, DVDs, CDs and more, 11 a.m.-3 p.m. (10 a.m. for Friends of the Bloomfield Township Public Library members), 1099 Lone Pine Road, (248) 642-5800, btpl.org
Monthly meetups: Find clubs for books, movies and fiber arts (meets bimonthly), Bloomfield Township Public Library, 1099 Lone Pine Road, (248) 6425800, btpl.org
Birmingham & Ferndale Stamp Club: Meets 6-8 p.m. every first and third Tuesday of month, fellowship at 5:30 p.m., NEXT Senior Center, 2121 Midvale St. in Birmingham, birminghamstamp.club
Health workshops: For ovarian cancer support, diabetes prevention, nutrition education and more, 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
ADHD meetings: Hosted by CHADD of Eastern Oakland County, for adults and parents, 7:30-8:30 p.m., Zoom, see schedule on chadd.net/chapterevents/527
Pool
that enclosed space. When you’re in an outdoor pool, it doesn’t have as much impact, but we’re indoors, so that’s going to improve the air quality — especially for anyone who might have asthma,” she said.
“The other thing is it’s much easier on people’s skin, some people have a reaction to both chlorine and bromine, so it’s much gentler on skin, which is a really big important thing for our customer base.”
The project — which is slated to cost around $57,995 — is fully funded via an Oakland County grant of $150,000 in American Rescue Plan Act funds, which have already been received by the Bloomfield Township Senior Center.
“Thus far, the Board of Trustees has approved a surfacing project for our pool and also replacement of pneumatic strength training equipment that is actually 24 years old — it’s really good stuff, but it’s time,” Tvaroha said.
The remainder of the ARPA grant funding will pay for the conversion of the senior center pool to saltwater.
“The impacts will be better air quality, and a better user — or customer — experi-
ence. It will also simplify maintenance, and reduce costs, avoiding some of the high costs of bromine that we are experiencing now,” Tvaroha explained.
Trustee Neal Barnett said he thinks the move to saltwater is “great.”
“You don’t have all the chemicals and it’s really the trend. Most of my neighbors have saltwater and they really enjoy it. In addition, you don’t have the expense of all the chemicals,” he said.
Trustee Valerie Murray said she can’t wait to check it out.
“I think it will be awesome,” she said.
“There are just so many benefits to it and the fact that (they) got the ARPA grant money, I think it’s a great use,” she said.
Tvaroha believes the switch might increase participation in the pool.
“We might be the only saltwater pool open to the public in Oakland County, but we can’t verify that quite yet,” she said.
At press time, installation was scheduled for the week of Dec. 16, closing the pool for the remainder of the month. Senior Center staff said the pool will reopen in January, but the saltwater conversion won’t occur until Jan. 30.
Call Staff Writer Mary Beth Almond at (586) 498-1060.
Folk
from page 1A
facer is ordered, it takes one to two years to be finished, according to Folk. The new ice resurfacer uses a lithium battery. This is a more sustainable approach than the propane-powered ice resurfacer the arena previously used. The arena is keeping the old ice resurfacer for backup.
When the time came to pick a name for the new ice resurfacer, the city asked the community for input. During the voting portion of the process, “Connie” received twice as many votes as the second-place name. It was clear that the community wanted to honor Folk for all her hard work by naming an ice resurfacer after her.
When Parks and Recreation Manager Carrie Laird began working for the city 23 years ago, she met Folk on her first day, and the two have been working together ever since. Laird has been Folk’s supervisor since 2010.
“I can say that she is probably the most dedicated employee that I have ever met,” Laird said.
“She is so loyal. She gives everything that she has to the ice arena and the organizations that utilize it. She really puts her heart into everything that she does, and she really cares so much for the community that comes and visits our ice arena and our park system.”
Naming machinery is not a tradition Birmingham has had for long. The city has only recently begun involving the community in the naming of new machinery that is purchased. Prior to the new ice resurfacer, the city named three sweepers: Sweep Caroline, Meryl Sweep and Sweeping Beauty.
Laird said they always receive a lot of responses on the Engage Birmingham website when they launch a new initiative to choose a name for a city resource.
“I consider the ice rink my second home, so I really appreciate that they honored me by naming the Zamboni after me,” Folk said.
Call Staff Writer Mary Genson at (586) 498-1095.
Pilgrim Church Needs You!!!
Sunday Service 11am
• Anyone welcome, especially those from nearby Royal Oak, Troy, Birmingham & Bloomfield Hills-anyone who wants to get back to church, especially before Christmas.
• There is no collection & no dress code-we want you, not your money.
• Bring your spouse & loved ones.
SUNDAY
SCHEDULE
Sunday School
10:00 AM - 11:00 AM
Sunday Service
11:00 AM - 12:00 PM (Child care is available in Fellowship Hall)
Coffee Hour & Fellowship
Following the Service
WARNING: We are serious about Jesus, but welcome Catholics, Jews, Muslims and all peoples, since we all were born without knowing Jesus of the Bible.
Coffee-hour after the service to “meet & greet” & make life-long friends.
Mortgage Loan Officer
Job Description: This is a full-time on-site role for a Mortgage Loan Officer at Lit Financial located in Troy, MI. The Mortgage Loan Officer will be responsible for day-to-day tasks including loan origination, mortgage underwriting, providing exceptional customer service, and ensuring compliance with industry regulations. Key Responsibilities: Client Consultation, Application Processing, Product Knowledge, Compliance, Relationship Building, and Pipeline Management. For more information go to linkedin. com/company/lit-financial/
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Driver arrested for possession of a stolen vehicle
BLOOMFIELD TOWNSHIP — The Bloomfield Township Police Department responded to the area of Telegraph Road and Maple Road on the report of a stolen vehicle from a license plate reader Nov. 10.
Officers arrived in the area and located a stolen silver Chevrolet Malibu in the parking lot of the Bloomfield Plaza. The driver was arrested for being in possession of a stolen vehicle, police said.
Television stolen from storage unit
BLOOMFIELD TOWNSHIP — A burglarized storage unit at an apartment near south Opdyke and east Square Lake roads was reported Nov. 10.
The owner told police that at approximately 1:30 p.m. they went down to their storage unit to put something away and discovered damage to the door. Upon further investigation, the owner discovered their 24-inch television missing. The television was valued at $100.
Police recover stolen car mirrors following road rage incident
BLOOMFIELD TOWNSHIP — Police took a report of two stolen side mirrors on a black 2021 Alfa Romeo Stelvio in the parking lot at Costco, 2343 S. Telegraph Road, at approximately 10 a.m. Nov. 24.
According to police, the officer who took the report was able to successfully identify and get a confession from the suspect. The suspect allegedly admitted to stealing the mirrors because he was upset over a road rage incident and “did not have the balls” to confront the victim.
Police said the suspect brought the stolen mirrors into the police station and turned them over. Charges were pending.
Rock thrown through home window
BLOOMFIELD TOWNSHIP — Police took a report for malicious destruction of property Nov. 24.
The female victim stated that at approximately 3:30 a.m., she heard a loud crashing noise and discovered that a grapefruit-sized rock was thrown through a front window on a home in the 1500 block of Old Chatham Drive. An additional large landscaping rock was found on the driveway.
The victim’s granddaughter, who lives with her, reportedly got into an altercation the previous night with a group of girls in Pontiac, police said. The granddaughter showed the officer a series of threatening Facebook messages that were sent around the same time the rock was thrown through the window.
The case was turned over to the Bloomfield Township Police Investigation Division.
BIRMINGHAM — At approximately 1 p.m. on Nov. 8, officers were dispatched to the 2000 block of Dorchester for a report of vehicle theft.
The victim, a 48-year-old male resident, stated that he had hired a moving company the day before to help him pack up his home, and during that time he learned that his car keys had gone missing. The following day, he learned that his truck was missing. Upon investigation, the vehicle was found in Detroit and returned to the owner.
Reckless driver with expired CPL gets arrested
BIRMINGHAM — On Nov. 18 at approximately 8 p.m., officers on patrol identified a vehicle driving recklessly northbound on Woodward Avenue.
Officers performed a traffic stop and upon making contact with the driver and suspect, a 31-year-old man from Dearborn, he reportedly informed officers that he had a firearm in his vehicle, as well as a concealed pistol license to carry the firearm.
Upon investigation, the suspect’s CPL had expired the previous year, police said. The suspect was placed under arrest for possession of a firearm without a CPL. An investigation was ongoing.
Fight over bar seat results in arrest
BIRMINGHAM — At approximately 8 p.m. Nov. 22, officers on the street were waved into a restaurant in the 200 block of South Old Woodward Avenue to help stop a fight.
Police said employees had separated two men, who reportedly fought after arguing over a seat at the bar. The suspect, a 45-year-old Farmington Hills man, allegedly picked up the other man, a 44-year-old from Bloomfield Hills, by the throat and slammed him to the ground. The suspect was arrested for assault.
Southfield police apprehend car thief
SOUTHFIELD — At 3:45 a.m. Nov. 15, Southfield officers located an unoccupied running vehicle near the 25000 block of Shiawassee Road.
Upon further investigation, a nearby vehicle’s car alarm went off, and officers observed an unknown individual running from the car. The suspect was apprehended.
Resident reports social media hack and scam
BERKLEY — A 38-year-old Berkley woman reported a case of identity theft to the Public Safety Department at 1:23 p.m. Nov. 6.
According to the report, the woman told police
potentially used to scam a friend of hers.
The woman said the hacker posted on her account approximately 50 items for sale. One of her friends sent $300 to the hacker in exchange for an item listed for sale. She also stated that she was in the process of getting her account fixed with Facebook.
Vehicle almost stolen
BERKLEY — Police were called to an attempted stolen vehicle at 7:20 p.m. Nov. 6 in the 2300 block of Oxford Road.
According to the report, police were informed of two suspicious individuals around a white 2020 Kia Niro in the parking lot of Oxford Park Towers.
Witnesses told police that the alarm for the vehicle was going off and that two people were visibly fleeing the scene, jumping over the retaining wall separating the parking lot from The Wedding Shoppe and Taco Bell.
The two individuals both are believed to be males and possibly juveniles.
Police found that the Kia was running, the rear right window was broken out, the steering column was damaged and it was offset from the other vehicles in the lot, as it possibly was rolled backward a couple of feet.
License plate stolen off car
ROYAL OAK — A complainant reported that between 6 p.m. Nov. 11 and 9 a.m. Nov. 12, an unknown person stole the license plate from the complainant’s car near North Stephenson Highway and 12 Mile Road.
Intoxicated driver gives thumbs-up, then hits street sign
TROY — Officers were dispatched to the Lanergan Drive and Newgate Road area for a welfare check at 1:51 p.m. Nov. 22.
The witness reported observing a vehicle stopped in the intersection of Wendover and Paddington for over 20 minutes. He went to check on the driver, who reportedly gave him a thumbs-up before driving away slowly. The witness then reportedly saw the vehicle travel off the road onto multiple yards and hit a street sign.
Upon speaking with the driver, a 59-year-old woman from Troy, officers immediately noted she was in an altered state. The driver allegedly admitted to drinking Champagne before driving. She submitted to a preliminary breath test with a result of 0.219%, police said. She was arrested and transported to the Troy
to submit to a chemical breath test with results of 0.266% and 0.279%, police said. The driver was issued a citation for operating with a blood alcohol content of 0.17% or more.
Intoxicated driver apprehended during traffic stop TROY — On Nov. 23 at 1:02 a.m., officers initiated a traffic stop on the driver of a 2009 Ford Flex for speeding around southbound Interstate 75 and Rochester Road.
Upon speaking with the driver, a 22-year-old man from Grosse Pointe, officers noted he had glassy eyes and there was an odor of alcohol and marijuana coming from the vehicle. When asked, the driver reportedly admitted to consuming two beers and smoking marijuana from a vape pen earlier in the evening.
The driver was asked to perform several sobriety evaluations, which he did, but the officers noted he performed poorly. He submitted to a preliminary breath test with a result of 0.02% blood alcohol content.
Police said the driver was arrested for operating under the influence of drugs and was transported to the Troy Police Department’s lockup facility, where he was read his chemical test rights and reportedly agreed to submit to a blood draw. His blood was drawn by medical personnel.
The case was turned over to the Detective Bureau for appropriate warrants once the blood results were returned.
Police investigate report of child sexual abuse material
ROCHESTER HILLS — A 31-year-old man walked into the Rochester Hills substation at 7:29 a.m. Nov. 1 and explained to deputies that he had met a 46-year-old man from Vancouver, Canada, via an internet site.
According to the report, the two men rendezvoused at a motel in the 1900 block of Star Batt Drive, and during their encounter, the 46-year-old man allegedly showed the 31-year-old man videos of him engaging in sexual acts with a child. Sometime later, the 31-year-old collected the electronics used to
EISENHOWER SHOW CHOIR IS TOPS AT FESTIVAL
SHELBY TOWNSHIP — The Eisenhower Show Choir was chosen as the top ensemble at the Michigan School Vocal Music Association Musical Theatre Solo and Ensemble Festival Nov. 9.
The group received a perfect score for its performance of “Something About This Night” from “Finding Neverland” and “Louder Than Words” from “tick...tick... BOOM!” At the end of the festival, the show choir was chosen as the group that will represent the east site at the MSVMA All-State Festival in May. The group will sing at the Gala Concert at 7 p.m. May 8 at Fairchild Theatre on the campus of Michigan State University.
File photo by Erin Sanchez
DOWNTOWN UTICA TO HOLD CHRISTMAS TREE LIGHTING
UTICA — The city of Utica will host its 2024 Downtown Utica Christmas Tree Lighting Celebration at 7 p.m. Dec. 14 at Utica’s Memorial Park. The event will include Lori Barczyk, from the Reptarium and LegaSea Aquarium, as the special guest. There will be visits and photos with Santa Claus, Jack Skellington and Sally from “The Nightmare Before Christmas,” a fireworks spectacular, Vanessa Carr performing Christmas songs, the Utica High School Marching Band, a performance by The Dance Class Youth Troupe and the Utica Fire Department’s “Stuff an Ambulance” to benefit Toys for Tots.
BIRMINGHAM COLLECTS
DONATIONS FOR TOYS FOR TOTS
BIRMINGHAM — New and unwrapped toys
be donated to the Birmingham Fire Department for the annual
for
Foundation toy drive. The drive will run through Dec. 20, and donations
brought to Fire Station 1 at 572 S. Adams Road, Fire Station 2 at 1600 W. Maple Road, the Baldwin Public Library at 300 W. Merrill St., or Birmingham City Hall at 151 Martin St. The Birmingham Fire Department has partnered with Toys for Tots, run by the United States Marine Corps Reserve, for the last 25 years to collect new toys for kids from families who cannot afford to buy Christmas presents. More information on Toys for Tots can be found at toysfortots.org. Questions for the Birmingham Fire Department about this program can be directed to Station 1 at (248) 530-1906.
