Happy holidays from C & G Newspapers
Hills to purchase 9.38-acre green space with help of state grant
BY MARY BETH ALMOND malmond@candgnews.com
ROCHESTER HILLS — Over 9 acres of undeveloped property at 694 S. Rochester Road will soon bring more green space to the city of Rochester Hills.
“I think it’s (been about) two years we’ve been working on this,” Rochester Hills City Councilwoman Theresa Mungioli said. “Our council planned for this.”
On Dec. 2, the council accepted the terms of a Michigan Natural Resources Trust Fund Acquisition Grant for the purchase of the property in October and unanimously approved the proposed purchase agreement to buy the land for $2.753 million — with $1.328 million in state grant funds and a 51% financial match, or $1.425 million, from the city.
“We earmarked the money — we knew we were going to put it aside so we could make this possible,” Mungioli said during the meeting.
“So when the residents see that we are spending a lot of money today, it’s because we are using your
See PROPERTY on page 10A
Meadow Brook Hall was recognized in USA Today’s 2024 10 Best Readers’ Choice awards in the “Best Historic Home Tour” category for its “The Holidays at Meadow Brook” events — Holiday Walk and Winter Wonder Lights.
HOLIDAY BEST
MEADOW BROOK HALL RECEIVES ACCOLADES AS ONE OF THE BEST HOLIDAY HOME TOURS IN THE NATION
BY MARY BETH ALMOND malmond@candgnews.com
ROCHESTER — Meadow Brook Hall was recently named one of the best holiday historic home tours in the nation via USA Today’s 2024 10 Best Readers’ Choice awards.
Meadow Brook Hall placed second in the “Best Historic Home Tour” category from a pool of nearly two dozen historic house museums across the country.
The award recognizes the Holidays at Meadow Brook events — Holiday Walk and Winter Wonder Lights. The events offer two ways to experience the estate. By day, the
Photo provided by Meadow Brook Hall
See MEADOW BROOK on page 12A
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Public invited to give feedback on park plans this January
BY MARY BETH ALMOND malmond@candgnews.com
OAKLAND TOWNSHIP — Residents of Oakland Township can weigh in on the latest Parks, Recreation and Land Preservation Master Plan during an upcoming public hearing.
The hearing will be held during a regularly scheduled Parks and Recreation Commission meeting at 7 p.m. Jan. 8 at Oakland Township Hall, 4393 Collins Road. At press time, the Board of Trustees was slated to consider the plan at its Jan. 14 meeting.
The Township’s current parks and recreation master plan provided a vision for the township from 2020 to 2024.
The plan — which is renewed every five years
— serves as a guideline for future park acquisition, planning, facility development, programming, operation and maintenance. It is also a requirement to be eligible for grant funding from the Michigan Department of Natural Resources.
“We really try to gather a lot of extra data, both from our residents as well as our park usage, to really inform the capital improvements and other projects that we are working on with the other three divisions,” said Parks and Recreation Director Ben McLoskey.
“It’s just helpful having a real vision, or objectives, that we can layer into our thinking and a lot of the projects we’re looking to do.”
Since 1995, Oakland Township has pursued and successfully obtained 14 grants through the
Rochester Christian University launches new tuition-free scholarship
BY MARY BETH ALMOND malmond@candgnews.com
ROCHESTER — Rochester Christian University is introducing a need-based Tuition-Free Scholarship available to students starting in fall 2025.
The Tuition-Free Scholarship aligns with the university’s mission to provide affordable, quality Christian education by breaking down financial barriers for deserving
students, according to university officials.
“We understand the dilemma that many students have about being able to afford a college education,” Mary Sauger, senior director of admissions, said in a statement.
“In addition to the new Tuition-Free Scholarship, RCU has increased the overall amount of scholarships awarded to students and continues to implement its Loan Repayment Assistance Program.”
The RCU Tuition-Free Scholarship will cover the re-
maining cost of tuition for qualified students after other scholarships and grants have been applied.
To qualify for a Tuition-Free Scholarship, students must be admitted to RCU, be a freshman or new transfer student, qualify for a full Pell Grant, qualify for a full Michigan Achievement Scholarship and list RCU as the first choice on their FAFSA federal student aid form.
Parks
from page 3A
MDNR totaling nearly $10.8 million.
The 2025-29 plan contains community demographics; an inventory of parks, recreation facilities, and natural areas; an overview of the planning and public input process; parks system goals and objectives; and a five-year action program.
“A lot of its pending grant work for Stony Creek Ravine (Nature Park) and Marsh View Park as well. We’re looking to bolster our past recreation trails, as well (as) our active recreation at Marsh View Park,” McLoskey said.
City officials said residents continue to want the township to retain its rustic ambi-
Scholarship
from page 3A
The Tuition-Free Scholarship is available to full-time students who commute or reside on campus. The scholarship is renewable every year for up to five years. Students are responsible for room and board and fees.
ance and feel that preservation of open space, particularly high-quality natural areas, helps to achieve that goal. They would also like to see development of trails and paths within parks, making it a top priority in the plan, as well as pathway connections between parks.
A draft copy of the plan has been available for review since Sept. 11 and will remain available through the date of the hearings.
The plan can be viewed in person at the parks and recreation offices inside the Paint Creek Cider Mill, 4480 Orion Road, and at Township Hall. The draft plan is also available online on the Township’s website at oaklandtownship.org.
For questions or comments, contact Parks and Recreation Director Ben McLoskey at (248) 651-7810, ext. 402, or via email at bmcloskey@oaklandtownship.org.
RCU’s Loan Repayment Assistance Program offers support to graduates earning less than $45,000 annually, providing assistance with repayment of student and Parent PLUS loans.
To learn more about RCU’s TuitionFree Scholarship and other financial aid opportunities, visit www.rcu.edu or contact the admissions team at (248) 218-2222.
Old-Fashioned Christmas
ROCHESTER HILLS — Join the Rochester Hills Museum at Van Hoosen Farm for holiday fun during OldFashioned Christmas from noon to 4 p.m. Dec. 21.
Farm wagons transport guests to all museum buildings for musical entertainment, crafts, snacks, theater groups, live music, and even chestnuts roasting over an open fire. Guests can also visit the All Aboard! Model Train display that will fill the Calf Barn.
The Rochester Hills Museum is located at 1005 Van Hoosen Road, off Tienken Road between Rochester and Dequindre roads. Admission costs $5 for adults, $3 for seniors and students and museum members can attend for free. No registration is required.
For more information, visit rochesterhills.org/ musprograms.
Adopt A Senior program aims to provide low-income seniors with Christmas gifts
METRO DETROIT — For the third year, Jacob Shorkey, sales specialist of American House Senior Living Communities, is organizing the Adopt A Senior program to spread joy and holiday cheer to low-income seniors, especially seniors in memory care in Oakland, Macomb and Wayne counties.
Shorkey explained that the first year of the program collected 80 gifts for seniors, but last year, the number rose to 400 gifts.
“Especially during the holidays, it’s difficult; we all fall into some sort of depression,” Shorkey said.
“There’s been stuffed animals and little teddy bears that have brought so much joy. There’s a YouTube video of a memory care that we delivered to last year, and it might make you cry, but I dressed up as Santa, delivered these gifts into a memory care, and what I saw was their eyes just lit up.”
Shorkey explained that it truly is the thought that counts.
“I mean, they were like, ‘You’re here for me?’” Shorkey said.
“But also just the sense of Santa. I gave a woman a handmade, handknitted hat and she was just so excited. And she said, ‘I don’t have family, I don’t have many visitors.’ This makes a difference, and as somebody with dementia, she started crying, and she wanted a hug, and she said, ‘Thank you, Santa.’ And so it’s just something so simple, but it brings out such a sense of youth.”
Even though the gifts are meant as Christmas gifts, Shorkey said that the deadline for adopting a senior is flexible, and last year, they even did a giveaway on New Year’s Day.
To adopt a senior, you can purchase a gift from the wish list on amazon.com/registries/gl/guest-view/231HKW5XLI74B or gift handmade knits, puzzles, slippers or other items by dropping them off or delivering them to American House in Rochester, 3617 South Adams Road.
For more information, contact Jacob Shorkey at jshorkey@americanhouse.com. To watch the YouTube video, visit YouTube.com and search “CarePlanners Adopt A Senior Program Santa Givebacks At Shelby Crossing.”
The Next Steps 4 Seniors Foundation transforms the holidays for local seniors
ROCHESTER HILLS — The holidays can be a lonely time for many seniors, but the Next Steps 4 Seniors Foundation is changing that. This December, the foundation’s annual gift drop will touch the lives of nearly 700 seniors.
As part of this year’s initiative, the foundation is engaging local middle school students to lend a hand in the experience. Through pen pal cards and personal notes, students are bridging generations, creating connections in the hopes of making each senior feel cherished this holiday season. Every gift bag includes essentials like grocery gift cards, warm blankets and puzzle books, along with personalized, handwritten notes. Throughout December, staff and volunteers will visit local senior communities to personally deliver the bags, providing not only gifts but also quality time, conversation and engagement.
This year, the Next Steps 4 Seniors Foundation plans to reach nearly 700 seniors across the region, including communities in Auburn Hills, Detroit, Mount Clemens and Sterling Heights.
“Our mission is to ensure that seniors who may be facing isolation or financial hardship are reminded that they are cared for and celebrated,” Wendy Jones, founder of the Next Steps 4 Seniors Foundation, said in a statement.
“This isn’t just about delivering gifts — it’s about delivering hope and connection to seniors who need it most. We are so grateful for the volunteers, local schools, and community members who make this initiative possible.”
The Next Steps 4 Seniors Foundation supports lowincome and isolated seniors in the local community through a variety of outreach programs. For more information or to get involved, contact (248) 651-5010.
Municipal offices closed for the holidays
OAKLAND TOWNSHIP/ROCHESTER HILLS/ROCHESTER — Oakland Township offices will be closed in observance of the upcoming holidays: Dec. 24-25 and Dec. 31 through Jan. 1. Rochester Hills City Hall will be closed for the holidays Dec. 24-27 and Dec. 31-Jan. 1. Rochester City Hall will be closed Dec. 24-25 and Dec. 31 through Jan. 1.
COMMUNITY CALENDAR
8A/ ROCHESTER POST • DECEMBER 19, 2024
DEC. 19
Candlelight Walking Tours: Features historic vignettes and campfire cooking, a capella carols, and decorated 1840s farmhouse, guided tours includes inside and outside stations, hour times slots available 6-9 p.m., Rochester Hills Museum at Van Hoosen Farm, 1005 Van Hoosen Road, registration required, (248) 656-4663, rochesterhills.org/musprograms
DEC. 20
Holiday concert: Performance by Motor City Chorale, 7:30 p.m., First Congregational Church of Rochester, 1315 N. Pine St., motorcitychorale.com/home, fccrochester.org
DEC. 21
Old-Fashioned Christmas: Take wagon to all buildings for theater groups, live music, crafts, snacks and more, noon-4 p.m., Rochester Hills Museum at Van Hoosen Farm, 1005 Van Hoosen Road, (248) 6564663, rochesterhills.org/musprograms
DEC. 23
Blood drive: 7 a.m.-2 p.m., Corewell Health Beaumont Troy Hospital, 44201 Dequindre Road, donate. michigan.versiti.org
ONGOING
The Big, Bright Light Show: See downtown Rochester
buildings illuminated, 5 p.m.-midnight until Jan. 19, www.downtownrochestermi.com/the-big-bright-lightshow
‘A Christmas Carol’: Select dates and times until Dec. 22, Meadow Brook Theatre on campus of Oakland University, 378 Meadow Brook Road in Rochester, (248) 377-3300, mbtheatre.com/achristmas-carol-24-25
Holidays at Meadow Brook: Holiday Walk on select dates until Dec. 23, Winter Wonder Lights on select dates until Dec. 30, and Santa Saturdays 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Dec. 21, Meadow Brook Hall, 350 Estate Drive in Rochester, meadowbrookhall.org/holidays
Santa visits: Take own photos at Santa’s Snug and drop off wish lists in Magical Mailbox, weekends through mid-December, then daily Dec. 19-24, Festival Park at The Village of Rochester Hills, 104 N. Adams Road, free and walk-up only, see times and special dates with reindeer at Fountain Park at thevorh.com/events
All Aboard! Model Railroad Exhibit: Presented by Stoney Creek Model Railroad Club, noon-4 p.m. Dec. 21-22 and 26-29, and Jan. 2-4, Rochester Hills Museum at Van Hoosen Farm, 1005 Van Hoosen Road, (248) 656-4663, rochesterhills.org/musprograms
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.
Dinosaur Hill Nature Preserve activities: Owl Hoot (6-7:30 p.m. Dec. 21), plus ongoing Story & STEAM (ages 3-5, 10-11 a.m. every second and fourth Friday of month) and Nature Tales Classic (story, snack and craft, ages 3-5, 10-11 a.m. every third Thursday of month), 333 N. Hill Circle in Rochester, dinosaurhill.org
Widowed Friends Movie Club: Meets every second Tuesday of month, Emagine Rochester Hills, 200 Barkley Circle, shows and times TBD, contact Valerie at (248) 701-9567 or widowedfriends9@gmail.com
Live entertainment: Upcoming shows include Journey Tribute featuring Captured Detroit (8 p.m. Dec. 20), Dueling Pianos (8 p.m. Dec. 21 and 27), Toby Keith tribute/Christmas Show (7:30 p.m. Dec. 22), Sponge (8 p.m. Dec. 28), comedian Billy Ray Bauer (7 p.m. Dec. 31), Killer Flamingo (9:30 p.m. Dec. 31) and Motown tribute featuring The Profilics (8 p.m. Jan. 3), The Roxy, 401 Walton Blvd. in Rochester Hills, (248) 453-5285, theroxyrochester.com/events
• 7-10 p.m. Fridays and Saturdays, Fork n’ Pint, 51 N. Broadway in Lake Orion, forknpintlakeorion.com, (248) 845-4476
Rochester Toastmasters: Meets 6:30 p.m. every first and third Thursday of month, Pixley Memorial Hall, 322 W. University Drive in Rochester, (248) 828-5649, www.4890.toastmastersclubs.org
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
Line dancing and contra dancing: Sponsored by Oakland County Traditional Dance Society, line dancing from 7:30-9:30 p.m. every second Saturday of month and contra dancing from 7:30-10 p.m. every fourth Saturday of month, also lessons for beginners at 7 p.m., First United Methodist Church of Troy, 6363 Livernois Road, (248) 642-3306, info@octds.org, facebook.com/OCTDS
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
Property
from page 1A
money conservatively, efficiently, effectively, preserving green space, seeing a vision come forward by residents, as well as the previous owner of the property, and making sure that we have a wonderful heritage in our community with dollars that we budgeted (for) without passing any expenses on to any other organization to make that possible.”
The property is owned by Claire and Bob Levy. A week prior to the Dec. 2 council meeting, the Levys said they were given a purchase offer of $1 million per acre.
“We did not accept, and we are so happy to be able to do this,” Claire Levey said.
Claire Levy said she grew up in a neighborhood a half-mile from Rochester Hills City Hall.
“The neighbor boy knew that this property here, our nature classroom, was going to probably become a subdivision,” she said.
“He did not have the money, but he had wit — he had written all of the proper paperwork from the fauna, the plants, everything, to prove that this was a wildlife sanctuary and he’s in his 70s now. He was a role model for me. He helped me believe that one person can make a difference.
“So, for a little girl that ran around and made these trees her home, who inherited 10 beautiful acres, I’d like to say I want to pay it forward and I’m so proud to do this. Bob and I wanted to do something to show the community that they’re our bigger family.”
Claire Levy added: “I just wanted to say those words, because a person does make a difference. It was Tim Smart in the 1970s and I’m going to call him after the sale goes through and thank him for inspiring me.”
See PROPERTY on page 12A
Map courtesy of the agenda packet for the Dec. 2 Rochester Hills City Council meeting
The city of Rochester Hills is in the process of purchasing undeveloped property at 694 S. Rochester Road (on the map pictured as the red box) just south of Cloverport Avenue.
Meadow Brook
from page 1A
annual Holiday Walk transports visitors through the historic mansion “decked in shimmering splendor,” while Winter Wonder Lights transforms the estate at night into “a breathtaking light show featuring music, seasonal treats and holiday magic.” Each event is its own self-guided experience.
“We are filled with pride at this tremendous national recognition for the Holidays at Meadow Brook,” Shannon O’Berski, director of external relations at Meadow Brook Hall, said in a statement.
“Standing at a grand 88,000 square feet and 110 rooms, Meadow Brook is the largest historic house in the Midwest and it is an incredible undertaking to fill this estate with holiday cheer — inside and out — each year. We are thrilled to see our efforts recognized and look forward to welcoming the community to our holiday attractions — running through Dec. 30.”
Nominees for all categories are chosen by a panel of experts, who include a combination of editors from USA Today; editors from 10Best.com; expert contributors; and sources for both these media and other Gannett properties.
A National Historic Landmark, Meadow Brook was built by Matilda Dodge Wilson, widow of auto pioneer John Dodge. Constructed in Rochester between 1926 and 1929, the 110room Tudor mansion is renowned for its “superb craftsmanship, architectural detailing and grand scale,” according to officials.
For more information, visit meadowbrookholidays.com.
Call Staff Writer Mary Beth Almond at (586) 498-1060.
Property
from page 10A
The property is one of a few remaining undeveloped parcels with Rochester Road frontage and pedestrian connections to both Rochester Hills and downtown Rochester.
The land itself currently includes forests and slopes that are located directly adjacent to an existing 12.7 acres of city green space bordering the Clinton River. The agreement requires the city to keep the property for the sole purpose of outdoor recreation in perpetuity.
Additional trail connections are one of Rochester Hills residents’ high priority requests from the Parks and Recreation Master Plan.
“One thing we hear repeatedly from our residents is that they want to see the green areas preserved as much as possible. And here is a rather unique opportunity to keep a piece of property on a very high traffic road — that would very likely become, I don’t know, a strip mall or something else — that now will
CORRECTION:
be continued for public enjoyment or public use,” said Council President Ryan Deel. “This is a really, really cool project.”
The city hopes to transform the property — which was once an old bee farm — into a trailhead of sorts, with access to the city’s Cloverport Green Space and the Clinton River Trail. The combination of mature trees, the topography and the surrounding green space on the property will provide the public with scenic views and valuable passive recreational opportunities, according to city officials.
Ken Elwert, the director of parks and natural resources, said the intention is to set up a small arbor structure or other items in the front part of the property to honor the history of the beekeeper.
Mungioli said the property, regardless of what it becomes known as in the future, will “always be the beekeeper property.”
For more information, visit rochesterhills.org or call the city at (248) 656-4600.
Call Staff Writer Mary Beth Almond at (586) 4981060.
The story “When shopping at home, be alert for grinches trying to steal gifts and info” in the Dec. 11 issue should have stated that the St. Clair Shores police detective lieutenant’s last name is Brueckman.
Enjoy a carefree lifestyle with Waltonwood!
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INCIDENTS REPORTED TO LOCAL POLICE, AS COMPILED BY C & G REPORTERS
Women quarrel outside Police Department
NOVI — Two women got into a physical confrontation outside the Novi Police Department after they both came to bail out the same man at 11:45 p.m. Nov. 21. According to a police report, a cadet notified two police officers of the situation and the women were separated when officers came outside. One officer spoke with one of the women inside the Police Department lobby while the other officer spoke with a woman by her car. Following the interviews, police said, both women were arrested for assault and battery and later released with a citation.
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 were investigating.
Hunting equipment stolen from trunk
BLOOMFIELD TOWNSHIP — Police took a report of a larceny from an automobile 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 was under investigation.
Commerce Township man strikes Birmingham 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
During the confrontation, a 24-year-old male suspect from Commerce Township allegedly struck the victim in the stomach. The suspect was subsequently arrested for disorderly conduct, police said.
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 was ongoing.
Fraud reported
FARMINGTON — At approximately 5:30 p.m. Nov. 15, officers were dispatched to the 34000 block of Oakland Street for a reported fraud.
Officers met with a 76-year-old man who reported being the victim of fraudulent charges on his credit card over the past 10 years.
The charges total approximately $8,000, according to the report.
The reporting party requested a police report that he could provide to his insurance company, but was not seeking to press charges.
No suspects were reported, and the case was closed by responding officers.
Clothing stolen from residence
ROYAL OAK — A complainant reported that between 7:20 a.m. and 6:40 p.m. Dec. 3, an unknown person entered the complainant’s residence near West Thirteen Mile Road and Edgar Avenue and stole clothing.
Bike stolen from inside entrance to CVS
ROYAL OAK — A complainant reported that between 12:25 and 12:30 p.m. Dec. 4, an unknown person stole an unlocked bicycle from the store vestibule at the CVS Pharmacy at 30900 Woodward Ave. 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.
driver 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.
Political sign taken
MADISON HEIGHTS — According to a police report, a 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. Police were investigating.
Man allegedly attempts bank fraud
BERKLEY — A 44-year-old Oak Park man was arrested for identity theft, fraud and possession of cocaine at 4:50 p.m. Nov. 27 in the 28000 block of Woodward Avenue.
According to the report, police were called to Credit Union One for a potential fraud. Authorities were told the suspect was attempting to withdraw money from a member’s account. Bank personnel were able to coerce the suspect into the bank to complete the transaction.
Officers entered the bank and asked the man for an identification, to which he presented a fraudulent Michigan driver’s license. When the man was told that the bank had informed the officers that he was attempting to take money out of an account that wasn’t his, he offered to surrender to police. Another bank in Detroit informed police that the suspect had attempted the same fraudulent activity there as well, trying to withdraw $8,000.
The suspect’s vehicle was impounded and,
that had a white powdery substance believed to be cocaine on it.
Intoxicated man arrested for disrupting condo residents
ROCHESTER — Officers were dispatched to a condominium building on a report of a male subject being disruptive and banging on doors at approximately 11:55 p.m. Dec. 2.
Officers arrived on scene and reportedly observed the suspect inside the building stumbling around. The officers also observed the subject kick the elevator doors multiple times, police said. The officers were able to gain access to the building and placed the subject under arrest. A preliminary breath test resulted in a blood alcohol content of 0.17%, police said. The subject was reportedly lodged until sober and released.
California lotto tickets, prescription drugs stolen SOUTHFIELD — A vehicle owner reportedly had her vehicle broken into between 9 p.m. Nov. 30 and 3:50 p.m. Dec. 2 while it was located at 21794 W. Eight Mile Road.
The following items were reportedly taken from the vehicle: prescription drugs, California lotto tickets, $5 in coins, a sweater and headphones.
Suspect extorts victim for money with explicit Instagram messages
TROY — On Nov. 27, a victim from Troy reported that he was messaging with someone on Instagram when they began to send explicit photos. The victim sent photos back and after sending the pictures, the person he was messaging began demanding money or they would post the photos online. The victim sent an initial payment of $500 via Zelle, however, after sending the payment, the suspect demanded an additional $400.
The victim did not make the second payment and contacted police.
Multiple items stolen from residential home
TROY — Victims from Forest View Drive reported that an unknown suspect forced entry to the home by prying open a locked window at the back of the house on Nov. 27 at 2:41 p.m.
The suspect then ransacked the master bedroom, stealing jewelry, cash, high-end purses and personal documents.
Museum hosts candlelight walking tours Dec. 19
ROCHESTER HILLS — The Rochester Hills Museum at Van Hoosen Farm is hosting hourlong candlelight walking tours from 6 to 9 p.m. Dec. 19. Spread across the museum grounds, guests will visit historical vignettes, observe historic campfire cooking, listen to a cappella Christmas carols, and explore the decorated 1840s Van Hoosen Farmhouse. Dress for the weather, as stations are both inside and outside. Tickets cost $8 for museum members and $10 for nonmembers. To register, visit rochesterhills.org/musprograms. The Rochester Hills Museum is located at 1005 Van Hoosen Road, off Tienken Road between Rochester and Dequindre roads.
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/howto-apply.
Biographies of the fellows and more information on the program can be found at cranbrookart.edu/admissions/financial-aid/scholar ships-fellowships/gilbert-fellows.
Student scores perfectly on M-STEP
“M-STEP is a very difficult assessment and Andrian is always willing to stretch his brain to the highest heights,” Gorski said. “I believe that this outstanding achievement is only one of many to come for him.”
Judson Center gala raises more than $500,000
FARMINGTON HILLS — The Judson Center, a human services agency based in Farmington Hills, raised more than $500,000 at its “A Night to Embrace” centennial gala on Nov. 1 at The Henry hotel in Dearborn, according to a press release.
The funds benefit the human service agency’s programs in autism, behavioral and primary healthcare, disability services, foster care, adoption, and mentoring, the release states.
“This was a milestone anniversary for Judson Center, and we had an extraordinary evening,” Judson Center President and CEO Lenora Hardy-Foster stated via the release.
“We are very excited about raising more than a half million dollars to help us continue to provide unwavering care for children, adults and families. It means a lot to me to lead an organization that has sustained itself for 100 years. Now our focus shifts to the next 100 years and positioning Judson Center for the future.”
Three awards conveying the Judson Center’s “Where Care Is An Art” centennial awareness campaign were presented at the event.
Elizabeth Hertel, director of the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services, received the agency’s Art of Care Award in recognition of her longtime efforts to improve the health and lives of Michigan residents.
Judson Center Board Chair Kevin Johns was presented with the agency’s Art of Service Award, and former Judson Center CEO Mounir “Monty” Sharobeem
of
by
Centennial
Photo provided by Cranbrook Academy of Art
received the Art
Compassion Award. Sandra Ali, an anchor for CBS News Detroit, and Huel Perkins, a former anchor for FOX 2 Detroit, were the
emcees for the evening. Judson Center’s
Gala was presented
PNC Bank and chaired by Michael Bickers, who is the executive vice president and regional president for PNC Bank in Detroit and southeast Michigan. For more information about the Judson Center, visit judsoncenter.org.
Photo provided by Utica Community Schools
