Project Blue Light remembers fallen first responders
EVENT ALSO SUPPORTS THOSE STILL SERVING
BY ANDY KOZLOWSKI akozlowski@candgnews.com
HAZEL PARK — Deputy Bradley Reckling, of the Oakland County Sheriff’s Office, was killed this past summer confronting alleged car thieves he had tracked from Madison Heights to Detroit. He was among the fallen heroes honored at the 2024 Southeast Michigan Project Blue Light ceremony, which recognizes those who died in the line of duty.
BY ANDY KOZLOWSKI akozlowski@candgnews.com
MADISON HEIGHTS — “No child without a Christmas” is the motto of the Madison Heights Goodfellows, a nonprofit that dates back at least to the 1960s, by one volunteer’s count.
toys,
Working with local businesses, as well as police officers and firefighters, the Goodfellows provide all-new toys, clothing and other gifts for families in need, creating happy childhood memories during the holidays.
With Christmas coming up quickly, the volunteers are busy shopping. They continue to accept new and unopened gifts at the Madison Heights Police Department. One can
also send or drop off checks at the police station made out to “Madison Heights Goodfellows.” The full mailing address is the Madison Heights Police Department, 280 W. 13 Mile Road, Madison Heights, MI 48071.
Karen Berardi, the Goodfellows’ business coordinator who has volunteered with the group for 26 years, said that
The Detroit Police Department Honor Guard presents a wreath in honor of fallen first responders during the Project Blue Light ceremony at St. Justin Church in Hazel Park Dec. 3.
Photo by Erin Sanchez
Madison Heights aces annual audit
CITY EXCELS AT PENSION LIABILITIES, NEW FINANCIAL AUDITOR SAYS
BY ANDY KOZLOWSKI akozlowski@candgnews.com
MADISON HEIGHTS — The city of Madison Heights received top marks in its annual audit, which examined the city’s finances for the fiscal year that ended June 30, 2024.
The analysis was conducted by the auditing firm Rehmann. The city had previously contracted with another firm for more than 30 years.
Madison Heights City Manager Melissa Marsh explained that changing firms reduced the cost of the annual audit services by $26,165 for this fiscal year. She also said that the city wanted a fresh perspective on its policies and operations.
Daniel Clark, principal at Rehmann, shared his findings during the City Council meeting on Nov. 25, giving Madison Heights an “unmodified opinion.”
“That’s exactly what you’re looking for,” Clark told the council. “(An unmodified opinion is) the highest level of opinion that an auditor can give an organization such as yourself.”
One sign of good fiscal health was found in the general fund, where revenues exceeded expenditures for FY 2024 by $2.18 million. Clark pointed to rising property values — and the taxes collected from them — as one contributing factor. Investment returns were another.
“The market has seen a lot of positive increases — interest rates have risen — so as a result, the city’s general fund dollars are now earning on that interest, and you’ve seen a significant increase in investment gains,” Clark said, noting returns of about $1 million during FY 2024.
Revenues in the water and sewer fund also increased over the prior fiscal year, which Marsh said can be attributed to rate increases passed onto the city from the Great Lakes Water Authority and Oakland County.
ABOVE: The holiday displays at Madison Heights Civic Center Plaza switched on Nov. 25, brightening the corner of 13 Mile and John R roads for the dark winter nights. LEFT: During his visit, Santa posed for pictures with children such as Naomi Gravier, 4, and her younger brother, Issac, 6 months. Photos by Liz Carnegie
Goodfellows
from page 1A
every penny goes toward families in need. Any funds left over at the end of the season are used by volunteers to shop for gift items during sales throughout the following year.
The items are collected, stored and sorted inside the Madison Heights Police Department. Recipient families then collect them during a distribution inside the large garage at Fire Station No. 1, located right next door. Berardi noted that both the police officers and firefighters graciously accommodate the event, assisting with setup and takedown, and even providing coffee. She thanked them all, as well as the city for allowing it in the first place.
She also said the business community is crucial in sponsoring many families.
“Let me tell you, Madison Heights businesses are just the best,” Berardi said. “They tell me how many kids they’d like to adopt, and how big their company is, which gives me an idea of what would be a good match. I have a database of families in need, many referred to us by the schools. And when I contact the families, I ask if they still need help, and what they want. Like maybe Brandon is into Hot Wheels, or could use certain
size clothes.
“Then I share that with businesses, but I don’t give away any personal information,” she said. “Just the first names, ages, and what they want — no addresses to deliver. And often, the company comes back to me and asks if the parents want anything, too. So I go back to the families and ask, and sometimes they could use household items, like a comforter for the bed, or maybe dad needs warm clothes for work. And so we provide those, too.”
Madison Heights Police Lt. Alan Fecteau has volunteered with the group for about 34 years. He said that the group’s approach has changed over time, but its mission has remained the same.
In 2019, during the last newspaper sale the Madison Heights Goodfellows had prior to COVID, Zack Barnett, a volunteer with the group, looked for donations at the John R and 13 Mile Road intersection. His brother Evan Barnett was working the opposite side of the crossing. While the Goodfellows’ activities are less publicly visible today, their work continues each year to fulfill their mission motto of “No child without a Christmas.”
“In past years, we used to sell newspapers to generate some money. This was viewed as potentially dangerous with people standing in the roadway, but we managed,” Fecteau said via email. “COVID sort of put a stop to that, but we have not felt the need to sell papers recently. We have many businesses that donate and also sponsor specific families. We’ve also had a drop in the number of families who need help, so we’ve done well pairing the families we do have with sponsors. So this has worked out for us these past few years.”
Brent LeMerise, the police chief of Madison Heights, praised both the Goodfellows and Fecteau’s involvement with them.
“Over the course of his entire career,
(Fecteau) has participated in every event he was able to,” LeMerise said. “His selflessness is a true representation of the qualities we strive for in an officer.”
Berardi said that a special debt of gratitude is owed to the late Robert Corbett, who served on the Madison Heights City Council and was a lifelong supporter of the Goodfellows along with his wife Linda Corbett.
“Bob had a giving spirit all year-round. He never wanted to see someone not have something,” Berardi said. “He always wanted to share, and he was always giving — to the city with all his time on the council, and for who knows how long with the Goodfellows. You called on him in your time of need and he got it done. And his family has carried on the spirit of his work.”
Sean Fleming, a current member of the Madison Heights City Council, agreed about Corbett.
“I knew Bob before I was on the council. He was always a supporter of the community and especially kids with the accessible playgrounds and the library — the children’s room there is named after him,” Fleming said. “He always wanted to make sure that through the Goodfellows, the kids would be able to have a memorable holiday and feel joy.”
Call Staff Writer Andy Kozlowski at (586) 498-1046.
File photo by Patricia O’Blenes
Local teachers receive grants for classroom projects
BY ANDY KOZLOWSKI akozlowski@candgnews.com
MADISON HEIGHTS — A teacher in the Madison District Public Schools and three teachers in the Lamphere Public Schools are among those receiving competitive grants for classroom projects.
The Classroom Cash Grants program is administered by the Michigan Schools and Government Credit Union. More than $45,000 is being awarded this year to 62 educators from 51 schools across Michigan.
Each grant is worth up to $750. The program has funded more than 1,200 unique projects since it launched nearly 20 years ago, totaling more than $700,000.
One of the 2024 recipients is Laura Shultz, a special education teacher at Wilkinson Middle School in the Madison District Public Schools.
“Many of my students, they learn more effectively in a nontraditional way,” Shultz said. “I am trying to approach things by en-
gaging different parts of the brain, finding ways to help my students retain the information they need at this point in their education, like being more successful in reading. So all of the items I put down to purchase had kinesthetic qualities, like manipulating tiles with letters on them to sound out words. Everything I was looking for had that tactile quality of movement, which I think helps my students to learn.”
Lamphere Public Schools had several teachers who received Classroom Cash Grants. They described their projects in a series of emails.
Sarah Vrabel teaches third grade at Edmonson Elementary School. She received the full $750 and will be buying books to stock the classroom library.
“I applied for this grant because it was a great opportunity to get new and engaging books into my students’ hands,” Vrabel said. “I want my students to be able to pick books
See GRANTS on page 15A
GOLD COIN GETS DROPPED IN RED KETTLE ONE
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
LAST TIME
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 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.
“Detroiters are known for supporting the Army,” Hall said. “They always come through for us and we really appreciate that.”
Photo provided by Galina Roehl
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.
OWLS, STARGAZING TAKE CENTER STAGE AT NATURE CENTER
MADISON HEIGHTS — The Red Oaks Nature Center at Suarez Friendship Woods, located at 30300 Hales St. in Madison Heights, will host a program about how owls are connected to other animals in the food web — and even plants. The session will focus on what we can learn about this by dissecting an owl pellet. The program will take place from 10:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. Thursday, Dec. 12, split into two groups: ages 6-9 and ages 10-13. The cost is $10 per child, per session.
The nature center will hold a program titled “Gemini Meteors Astro Evening,” from 6-7 p.m. Friday, Dec. 13. Attendees will study constellations in the night sky via StarLab — an indoor, portable, inflatable planetarium. The program is suitable for patrons 6 and older. The cost is $5 per person.
Payment with preregistration for either program is required by calling (248) 858-0916 weekdays or (248) 585-0100 during nature center hours.
A release form must be completed with registration for the owl program. will either program is required by calling
ACRYLIC PAINTING
Santa Claus is coming to town
NORTH POLE — The North American Aerospace Defense Command (NORAD) will again track Santa Claus on Christmas Eve Dec. 24. The program, based in Peterson Space Force Base, Colorado, is in its 69th year.
NORAD monitors and defends North American airspace 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, 365 days a year. On Dec. 24, NORAD takes on an additional mission of tracking Santa Claus as he makes his way across the globe.
The NORAD Tracks Santa website, noradsanta.org, launched on Dec. 1. It features Santa’s North Pole Village, a holiday countdown, games, a movie theater, holiday music, web store and more.
The website is available in nine languages: English, French, Spanish, German, Italian, Japanese, Portuguese, Chinese and Korean. Children awaiting Santa can count the days on mobile devices with the official NORAD Tracks Santa app, via social media and on Amazon Alexa, SiriusXM, and OnStar.
Santa coming to Hazel Park
HAZEL PARK — Santa Claus will be making two appearances in Hazel Park on Saturday, Dec. 14. The first is at 12:30 p.m. at Hazel Park Recreation, 620 W. Woodward Heights Blvd., for a lunch featuring crafts, pizza, gifts from Santa and more. The cost is $10 per child, and Santa’s visitors must register in advance. For more details, including how to register, call (248) 547-5535.
Santa Claus will also appear the same day at 1 p.m. at the Hazel Park District Library, 123 E. Nine Mile Road. He will read a story and pose for pictures. There will also be crafts. This event is free. For more information, and to register, call (248) 546-4095.
MADISON HEIGHTS — Madison Heights Recreation will host acrylic painting lessons for artists of all skill levels from 6-8:30 p.m. Friday, Dec. 13 in the meeting room at Fire Station No. 1, located at 31313 Brush Street, in the Civic Center plaza.
The class will follow the painting process from start to finish on canvases measuring 11-by-14 inches or 12-by-12 inches. For more information, including the cost and how to register for the class, contact Madison Heights Recreation at (248) 589-2294.
PAINTING FOR THE HOLIDAYS
MADISON HEIGHTS — Madison Heights Recreation will host a painting lesson for a holiday-themed portrait from 6-7
Dec. 17 in the
room of the Active Adult Center, located at 260 W. 13 Mile Road between Madison Heights City Hall and the Madison Heights Public Library. Contact Madison Heights Recreation for more information.
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.
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.
Call Staff Writer Nick Powers at (586) 498-1059. Coin from page 6A
“It really just takes an army of volunteers to raise $7 million,” Hall said.
Those interested in volunteering can sign up at registertoring.com.
Editor: Brian Louwers | (586) 498-1089 | brianlouwers@candgnews.com
Reporter: Andy Kozlowski | (586) 498-1046 | akozlowski@candgnews.com
Sports:
Jonathan Szczepaniak | (586) 498-1090 | sports@candgnews.com
Artroom: (586) 498-1036 | ads@candgnews.com
Photo by Patricia O’Blenes
Blue Light
Police officers, firefighters and paramedics from across the region descended upon St. Justin Church in Hazel Park Dec. 3 for the somber occasion. The initiative’s name is derived from the practice of placing a blue light in the front window of one’s home to show solidarity with police, or a red light to show support for firefighters and paramedics.
David Soltis, a member of the Madison Heights City Council who once worked in an EMT crew, and whose son is a paramedic, said such a gesture means a lot for families of first responders.
“It lets them know that the public are thinking about them and support what they’re doing and appreciate them,” Soltis said. “Because if they didn’t do what they do, then where would we be?”
Debbie Swofford organizes the event, which is now in its 21st year. Each ceremony includes a “Roll Call of Heroes” recounting those who died in the line of duty since the last ceremony.
For 2024, the Roll Call of Heroes includes:
• Court officer Robert Silver, with the St. Clair County Court, who died Dec. 28, 2023.
• Trooper Joel Popp, with the Michigan State Police, who died Jan. 24, 2024.
• Deputy Bradley Reckling, of the Oakland County Sheriff’s Office, who died June 22, 2024.
• Deputy William Butler Jr., of the Hillsdale County Sheriff’s Office, who died June 27, 2024.
• Cpl. Mohamed Said, with the Melvindale Police Department, who died July 21, 2024.
• Motor carrier officer Daniel Kerstet-
ter, of the Michigan State Police, who died Sept. 15, 2024.
Silver was shot and killed while serving an eviction notice in Clay Township. He was found dead after court staff were unable to reach him for hours. His body was found on the property with gunshot wounds. The tenant at the home had barricaded himself there for a short time before being taken into custody, and he was subsequently charged with murder. Silver’s death marked the end of a 35-year career with the St. Clair County Court.
Popp was struck and killed by a vehicle while investigating an individual who had been driving under the influence on northbound Interstate 75 near Birch Run. He was standing outside his vehicle when another motorist struck him and two patrol cars. He was transported to Hurley Medical Center where he died from his injuries. The 81-year-old driver also sustained serious injuries. Popp had served with the Michigan State Police for four years and was assigned to the Tri-City Post.
Reckling was shot and killed while conducting surveillance on a vehicle in Detroit that had been stolen at the Red Oaks Waterpark in Madison Heights. Reckling reached the car before other members of the Oakland County Sheriff’s Auto Theft Unit and was waiting for backup when the three suspects allegedly ambushed him. He was taken to a local hospital where he died. One of the suspects has since been charged with murder, among other charges, while the other two face charges including accessory after the fact to a felony. Reckling had served with the Oakland County Sheriff’s Office for nine years and had only recently been assigned to the Auto Theft Unit.
Butler was shot and killed while assisting with a traffic stop in Jefferson Township. The suspect did not cooperate, instead pulling a gun during a struggle with deputies
and striking Butler before fleeing on foot. The suspect died in a shootout with police several hours later and 2 miles from the scene of the original incident. Butler died from his wounds at the hospital.
Said was shot and killed in Melvindale while pursuing a subject who was paroled in June and who fled the scene on a stolen bicycle. A manhunt by local, county and federal agencies led to his arrest the next day, with Said’s handcuffs used to secure the suspect, who has since been charged with murder and other charges. Said had served with the Melvindale Police Department for 14 months.
Kerstetter was struck by a vehicle on I-75 and died from his injuries. He had been conducting a traffic stop at around 8:30 a.m. on northbound I-75 near Dix Road in Lincoln Park. He was sitting in his patrol car when a Ford Explorer crashed into the back of the vehicle, pushing him into the rear of a semi-truck. He was removed from his vehicle using the Jaws of Life and transported to a hospital where he remained on life support until his organs could be donated. The driver of the Explorer was killed in the crash, while the semi-truck driver was uninjured. Kerstetter had served with the Michigan State Police for more than a year.
Eastpointe Police Lt. Alexander Holish said such cases show the risks facing first responders. He also described the other sacrifices they make.
“Unfortunately, many of us have to miss family events because the job is 24/7. It could be Thanksgiving, Christmas, any number of days. That’s a sacrifice in itself, and takes a toll on families. Kids miss their fathers, wives miss their husbands. And there’s the uncertainty that comes with it all. One second, you’re eating lunch, and then two seconds later, you’re responding to a triple shooting,” Holish said.
“We respond to all sorts of horrible
things — abuse cases, even sexual assaults on children — and we have to live with those traumas. We all put on a stoic face and investigate crimes without showing emotions, but when we get home and crash, those feelings come up, thinking about the people who got hurt, the tragedies we saw throughout the day. It leads to PTSD, anxiety, depression. It’s the exposure to traumatic experiences, over and over again. Nobody calls us on their good day to say hello; they call because they’re distressed.”
The Project Blue Light ceremony at St. Justin Church was a chance to reflect on that sacrifice. William Hamel, the police chief of Hazel Park, said via email that the venue is especially appropriate given its history of support for the law enforcement community.
The late Rev. Robert Hayes Williams II — also known as “Father Bob” — was once a pastor at St. Justin Church. He died from an illness at age 69 on Oct. 28. He had served with the Hazel Park Police Department as both a reserve officer and police chaplain.
“Continuing this tradition (of Project Blue Light) at St. Justin also honors Father Bob for his work in supporting first responders,” Hamel said.
Soltis said it’s important to show police and firefighters that their work isn’t thankless and that the community has their backs.
“Without a doubt, these are challenging occasions where police and fire work long hours away from home, during the holidays and in all kinds of weather. Their work is necessary, but we have to remember they’re still human beings, and they need all the support we can give them. No matter what comes up, no matter how minor or horrendous, they do their job. And we’re so very thankful for them,” Soltis said.
Call Staff Writer Andy Kozlowski at (586) 498-1046.
CRIME WATCH
Truck theft attempted
HAZEL PARK — According to a police report, an unknown suspect attempted to steal a Ford F-150 pickup truck while it was parked at a home on Melville Avenue between 3 p.m. and 10 p.m. Dec. 2.
The owner returned home to find a screwdriver near the vehicle and damage to the steering column indicating an attempt to steal it. The victim’s Milwaukee cordless drill was also missing. Police were investigating.
Stolen vehicle recovered
HAZEL PARK — According to a police report, Hazel Park officers were on patrol at 3:30 a.m. Nov. 30 when they found a black Hyundai at the Tri-County Commerce Center, 1400 E. 10 Mile Road, with a towel covering the driver’s side rear window. Upon further inspection, officers noted the ignition was damaged and there was no license plate on the vehicle.
A computer check showed it was reported stolen out of Detroit on Nov. 27. Investigations were ongoing.
If you know more about these crimes or others, call Hazel Park police at (248) 5426161.
Political sign taken
MADISON HEIGHTS — According to a police report, a white male resident of Madison Heights stole a political sign from the front yard of a 52-year-old Madison Heights resident in the 800 block of West Gardenia Avenue around noon Nov. 28. The suspect was located via surveillance video and issued a citation.
Mirror broken
MADISON HEIGHTS — According to a police report, an unknown man was observed breaking a mirror off a vehicle in a parking lot in the 32000 block of Stephenson Highway around 11:05 p.m. Nov. 29.
The victim is a 78-year-old resident of Warren. The suspect is described as about 5 feet 10 inches tall and Black. He was wearing a black hoodie, blue cargo pants and tan boots. Police were investigating.
iPhone taken
MADISON HEIGHTS — According to a police report, an unknown woman stole
an iPhone 13 from the counter of a business in the 32000 block of John R Road.
The theft occurred around 9:45 p.m. Nov. 27. The victim is 35 years old. The suspect was described only as white. An investigation was ongoing.
Phone fraud
MADISON HEIGHTS — According to a police report, an unknown suspect threatened a 22-year-old Madison Heights resident with deportation during a phone call at 3 p.m. Nov. 27.
The call took place while the victim was in the 1000 block of E. 13 Mile Road. The resident was threatened with deportation unless they paid $1,600 in gift card money. The victim complied.
Police were investigating.
Ford Explorer disappears
MADISON HEIGHTS — According to a police report, unknown suspects entered a 2024 Ford Explorer that had been left unlocked near East Barrett Avenue east of Battelle Avenue, and used keys left inside to start the vehicle and steal it.
The incident occurred around 3:25 a.m. Nov. 27. The victim is a 30-year-old resident. An investigation was ongoing.
Stolen vehicle recovered
MADISON HEIGHTS — According to a police report, unknown suspects abandoned a 2020 Hyundai Elantra in the middle of the intersection at Battelle and Hudson avenues around 3:25 a.m. Nov. 27.
The vehicle had been reported stolen out of Madison Heights between 11 p.m. Nov. 22 and 8:45 a.m. Nov. 23. The recovered vehicle had a broken rear passenger window and ignition damage.
Police were investigating.
Three bicycles taken
MADISON HEIGHTS — According to a police report, an unknown suspect stole three bicycles belonging to a 41-yearold Clawson resident. The three bikes, taken from the 25000 block of John R Road between noon and 1:30 p.m. Nov. 25, were described as a yellow mountain bicycle, a red and black children’s BMX bicycle, and a white and blue children’s bicycle. Investigations were ongoing.
If you know more about these crimes or others, call Madison Heights police at (248) 585-2100.
— Andy Kozlowski
Audit
from page 3A
Clark reserved his strongest praise for the city’s handling of pension liabilities, with 84% funded for general employees, and 61% funded for police and fire employees. Most impressively, Clark said, was the fact that other post-employment benefits were completely funded.
“It’s rare for cities to have positive fund balance for OPEB funding … often because it’s not something that’s strategically planned,” Clark said. “It’s rare (to have OPEB fully funded), not only across the state but throughout the country, as well.”
The general fund balance closed out the fiscal year at $15 million. Of this total, Marsh said about $4.4 million is being used for carry-forward projects — items that cross fiscal years or that are being set aside for future projects once additional funds are secure.
Clark said the city also impressed his firm with its professionalism. He said that first-year audits with a new client are often complicated, as the two sides learn to work together. That wasn’t an issue with Madison Heights. He thanked Marsh and Finance Di-
of the city’s audit, the highest mark a city can receive for its financial reports.
rector Linda Kunath.
“I’m happy to state that we encountered no difficulties while performing the audit,” Clark said. “Not only were all of the questions answered, and all the documentation provided, but … I really appreciate (the administration) for providing a good environment to perform this audit.”
Members of the City Council echoed that sentiment, with Councilman Quinn Wright saying he “salutes” Marsh and Ku-
nath for their efforts. Councilman David Soltis said following the meeting that “Melissa Marsh has done a great job staying on top of the pension obligations for our employees. She’s always shown leadership on this front.”
Mark Bliss, the mayor pro tem, said that pension liabilities can be a “ticking time bomb” leading to financial disaster, so he’s relieved to see the city stay on top of it.
“Much of the problem with unfunded pension liabilities is tied into overly optimistic assumptions being used to calculate those liabilities,” Bliss said. “In the past, cities like Detroit and Flint were pushed into economic crisis in large part because of the financial burden paying out retirees while at the same time trying to keep their operations running.
“A substantial portion of every tax dollar is specifically paying for current retirees,”
he added. “When we talk budgets, residents want to hear about roads we’re going to repair, or the police and firemen we’re going to invest in, but these pension liabilities are such an issue that if not done right, they will stop us from being able to spend money on all those other things.”
Bliss, who joined the council in 2013 and is now among its most veteran members, noted how the city’s long-term strategic planning changed in recent years with Marsh as the city manager.
“You see a lot of communities prioritizing short-term wins and not funding longterm liabilities because it becomes a future council’s problem. But that’s not how we do it here,” Bliss said. “We want to make sure that future councils can not only avoid financial catastrophe, but also serve their people from a position of financial strength.”
At the Madison Heights City Council meeting Nov. 25, Daniel Clark, with auditing firm Rehmann, delivered an “unmodified opinion”
Screen capture taken from Madison Heights City Council meeting broadcast
COMMUNITY CALENDAR
14A/ MADISON-PARK NEWS • DECEMBER 11, 2024
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. 12-15
‘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. 14
Santa visit: Crafts, snacks and photos, 1-3 p.m., Hazel Park District Library, 123 E. Nine Mile Road, (248) 546-4095, hpmlibrary@gmail.com, hazel-park. lib.mi.us
Santa photos: Also holiday refreshements and festive activities, plus Kris Kringle arrives on fire truck, 1-4 p.m., Royal Oak Historical Society and Museum, 1411 Webster Road, (248) 439-1501, curator@royaloakhistoricalsociety.org, royaloakhistoricalsociety.org
Soulful Santa Celebration: Professional photos with Black Santa, holiday karaoke and trivia, Black-owned vendors, appearance by Jazzy the Clown, and more, noon-5 p.m., Southfield Pavilion, 26000 Evergreen Road in Southfield, (248) 796-4620
DEC. 16 & 18
Holiday concerts: Performances by Hazel Park Strummers, 7 p.m. Dec. 16, Baldwin House, 777 E. Woodward Heights Blvd. in Hazel Park, and 7 p.m. Dec. 18, Hazel Park District Library, 123 E. Nine Mile Road
DEC. 17
Winter Wonderland Painting with a Kids Twist: For ages 5-12, 6-7 p.m., Madison Heights Active Adult Center, 260 W. 13 Mile Road, (248) 545-3464, facebook.com/madisonheightsrecreation
ONGOING
Social clubs: Ham Radio (7:30-9 p.m. every second Wednesday of month), Stitch & Knit (4-6 p.m. every first Thursday of Month), Lego/Pokémon (6:30-7:30 p.m. every first Tuesday of month) and various book groups, Hazel Park District Library, 123 E. Nine Mile Road, (248) 546-4095, hpmlibrary@gmail.com, hazel-park.lib.mi.us
Fun Fridays: Games, crafts, snacks and movies, 3 p.m. every Friday, Hazel Park District Library, 123 E.
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.
Nine Mile Road, (248) 546-4095, hpmlibrary@gmail. com, hazel-park.lib.mi.us
Senior card playing: Noon-3 p.m. every Monday and Thursday, Hazel Park Community Center, 620 W. Woodward Heights, (248) 547-5535, facebook.com/ cityofhp
Book clubs: Mind Readers (discussions of selfimprovement through self-help books and narrative nonfiction), LitWits (general club for avid readers), Novels & Neighbors (focuses on range of viewpoints and life experiences) and Golden Bookworms (for ages 50 and older), Madison Heights Public Library, 240 W. 13 Mile Road, find times, dates and more at madison-heights.org/1907/book-clubs
Speaker Series: Hear from bestselling authors and thought leaders, topics include “On Pulse-Pounding, Family Driven Mysteries” (2 p.m. Dec. 11), “The Magic of Found Family” (7 p.m. Jan. 15), “Notes on Modern Irrationality” (2 p.m. Jan. 23) and “An Inside Look at Working with a Literary Agent” (1 p.m. Jan. 28), Madison Heights Public Library, 240 W. 13 Mile Road, registration required, (248) 588-7763, libraryc.org/ mhlibrary/upcoming
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
Ice skating: 11 a.m.-9 p.m. Sundays, noon-9 p.m. Mondays-Thursdays, noon-11 p.m. Fridays and 11 a.m.-11 p.m. Saturdays until Dec. 31, then new hours in 2025, The Rink at Royal Oak in Centennial Commons, 221 E. Third St., therinkatroyaloak.com
‘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
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
Grants
that they are interested in and that will keep their attention.”
She said the long-term goal is to find books that foster their love of reading.
“Having as many options as possible and keeping up with trends and new books is difficult, so getting extra funding to keep up the library is important,” Vrabel said, noting that she has received MSGCU grants for “quite a few years now,” and adding that MSGCU “makes the application process super easy, and it is very beneficial to our students and our school.”
Michelle Cassidy teaches kindergarten at Lessenger Elementary School. She will use
her grant funds to purchase “purposeful play toys” for the classroom.
“We have a handful of timeless toys, like a great play kitchen and dollhouse. Toys for building, like blocks and magnetic tiles. There is much research that outlines the importance of dramatic play in early childhood, and the positive impact it has on children’s social and emotional development,” Cassidy said. “With the funds, we will be purchasing things like puppets and items for a play veterinary clinic, grocery store and pizzeria.”
Her colleague Cindy Woodrow teaches fifth grade at Lessenger Elementary and was another grant recipient. She used a similar grant the previous year to purchase ErgoErgo stools, which offer flexible seating options so that students have the freedom to choose how they want to sit and move while
learning, leading to improved focus and engagement.
“This year, I was thrilled to use the grant for a cozy new couch and a colorful classroom rug,” Woodrow said. “These additions make the classroom feel more inviting, providing a comfortable area for group activities, reading time, and a welcoming space where students feel at home.”
Outside of the Madison and Lamphere school districts, some examples of projects using the grants include solar-powered robots for a class at Armada Middle School; photography equipment for student journalists at West Middle School in Rochester; and a fleet of bicycles for an outdoor exercise program at Walled Lake Northern High School.
“Educators have a strong influence on
their students’ academic achievement, and MSGCU is proud to help them bring handson learning to their classrooms to support student success,” said Steve Brewer, MSGCU president and CEO, in a statement. “Teachers are a critical part of our community, and we truly value their commitment to enhancing curriculum to leave a lasting impact on their students.”
Call Staff Writer Andy Kozlowski at (586) 498-1046.
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HOMES
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.
“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.
“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.
WHEN SHOPPING AT HOME, BE ALERT FOR GRINCHES TRYING TO STEAL GIFTS AND INFO
“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.”
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. “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 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.
Madison-Park News
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67. *The Grinch’s Max
