12/19/24 Southfield Sun by C & G Newspapers

Detroit Goodfellows doll program turns 100 years old

BY KATHRYN PENTIUK kpentiuk@candgnews.com

SOUTHFIELD — “Christmas would not have been Christmas for me without the Goodfellows.”

Brightmoor Lights Holiday Festival presents giant nutcracker garden

BY KATHRYN PENTIUK kpentiuk@candgnews.com

DETROIT — The nonprofit Williams Park Alliance Inc. will host the second Brightmoor Lights Holiday Festival from Dec. 18 to Jan. 3, featuring life-sized illuminated holiday displays, including symbols of Hanukkah, Kwanzaa, Christmas and more.

Darcy Street and the Etheldra Mae Williams Park will be transformed into a winter wonderland drive-thru experience, with holiday movies on a 21-foot screen,

See NUTCRACKERS on page 7A

That is the conclusion of Loretta DeLoach, a Lathrup Village resident of 40 years.

Growing up in Highland Park as the youngest of four children, she was raised by a single mother after her father passed away when she was only 5 years old.

SOUTHFIELD GETS IN ON THE GIVING

Through the Detroit Goodfellows, a nonprofit organization, she remembers getting dolls for Christmas, regular dentist appointments and attending camp for two weeks out of the year.

“We were also allowed to go to camp because we got the Goodfellows. Yes, we got to go to camp two weeks every single year,” she said.

DeLoach explained that sending children to camp every year for two weeks wasn’t

LEFT: From left, Southfield Police Chief Elvin Barren, Fire Chief Johnny Menifee and Southfield Mayor Ken Siver spread holiday cheer at the fifth annual Holiday Sleigh of Giving gift giveaway on Dec. 14. Lois Jones and her grandchildren joined in on the festivities.

ABOVE: Santa and Mrs. Claus ditched the sleigh to

Habitat for Humanity ReStore celebrates move to Southfield

BY KATHRYN PENTIUK kpentiuk@candgnews.com

SOUTHFIELD — The city of Southfield recently welcomed a new neighbor into the community.

On Dec. 4, the Southfield Area Chamber of Commerce, city officials, support-

ers, volunteers and shoppers gathered to celebrate the grand opening of Habitat for Humanity of Oakland County’s newest ReStore location at 22110 Telegraph Road. The ReStore had previously been located in Farmington Hills.

Habitat’s ReStores serve as home improvement and resale stores that sell do-

SANTA CLAUS COMES TO TOWN

nated furniture, decor, building materials and appliances at a low cost to customers. The funds raised by ReStore locations help further Habitat’s mission of helping families achieve homeownership.

“Today, we’re celebrating a home of a different kind. It’s our new home. It’s Habitat’s new home in our ReStore,” said Michele

Hodges, executive director and CEO of Habitat Oakland after she asked the DJ to play “Our House” by Crosby, Stills, Nash & Young. “But this is the place that will empower us to continue to build homes, community and hope for those who are dear to us. We might not sleep here, but we certainly

FAR LEFT: Four-year-old Brooke Irby visits Santa during the Soulful Santa Celebration inside the Southfield Pavilion on Dec. 14. NEAR LEFT: Eight-year-old Madisyn Blocker waits in line to meet Santa with her grandmother, Elaine Blocker. ABOVE: The vendor marketplace at the Soulful Santa Celebration provided attendees with the perfect opportunity to do some holiday shopping.

Photos by Liz Carnegie

MLK task force seeks nominations for service award

SOUTHFIELD — The Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Task Force of Southfield is currently seeking nominations for the 2025 MLK Community Service Award.

Each year, the award honors one individual who exemplifies King’s qualities. Nominees must be committed to the advancement of human and civil rights, be active in community service, reside or work in Southfield or Lathrup Village, and be at least 18 years of age. Past recipients and current elected officials are not eligible.

All submissions must include the name, address and phone number of both the person nominating and the person being nominated. To nominate someone, you must include the reasons or qualities of why you believe they deserve the award.

Nominations may be mailed to Dorothy Dean, Community Service Award Committee Chair, 26677 W. Twelve Mile Road, Southfield, MI 48034, or emailed to deanlaw@sbcglobal.net. All nominations are due Dec. 30.

For more information, call Dorothy Dean, MLK Community Service Award Chair, at (248) 790-0531 or visit mlktaskforcemi.org.

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 lowincome 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/guestview/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.”

Student honored at council meeting for heroism in stopping fire

SOUTHFIELD — At the Nov. 18 City Council Meeting, 10-year-old Southfield resident Eris Carter was awarded the Good Samaritan Award by Southfield Fire Chief Johnny Menifee.

“Eris’s quick thinking and bravery are truly commendable,” commented Menifee. “Her actions not only saved her own home but also protected the lives and properties of her neighbors.”

Eris was recognized for her courage and swift action in averting a potentially devastating fire at her home earlier this year. Around 7 p.m. on Jan. 1, while using her iPad, Eris detected the smell of smoke in their Spring Haven condo. She woke her mother, Lauryne Wheeler, to report the odor.

Upon further investigation, they heard the downstairs smoke detectors sounding, although no visible signs of fire were initially present. They promptly called 911 for assistance and evacuated the premises. Upon leaving, they noticed that the neighboring condo was engulfed in flames.

The attached seven condos posed a significant fire hazard, but thanks to Eris’ alertness and quick thinking, she was able to notify the Fire Department and help residents safely evacuate the premises.

According to the Southfield Fire Department, Carter spared six units from damage, potentially saving many lives. The neighboring condo suffered $200,000 in damages, but thanks to Eris, there was no further destruction.

“Eris Carter’s presence of mind and swift response in the face of danger exemplify the best of our community values,” stated Southfield Mayor Ken Siver.

“It is a privilege to recognize her today and celebrate the difference she made. Her exemplary behavior sets a high standard for all citizens, demonstrating the impact one person can make in ensuring the safety and well-being of their community.”

Welcome (same day by appointment)

Attractive Partials/Dentures • Removable/Fixed Implant Dentures Single/multiple teeth (Day of extraction in most cases)

Photo provided by the city of Southfield

Photo provided by Jacob Shorkey

The real ‘Karate Kid’ is in Metro Detroit

BY JONATHAN SZCZEPANIAK jszczepaniak@candgnews.com

ROSEVILLE — One of Michigan’s own would like to introduce himself to Ralph Macchio and Jaden Smith as the new “Karate Kid.”

Thirteen-year-old Malachi Randalle, of Roseville, has not only watched “The Karate Kid” countless times, he’s practically living it day in and day out.

“Even growing up, I was always told I looked like the Karate Kid before I even did karate, so once I actually started karate, it almost became a coincidence, because people didn’t know I did karate and they’re like, ‘You look like the Karate Kid,’ and I’d say, ‘Well, I can relate because I do karate,’” Randalle said.

“Seeing how he was before and how karate transformed him into a different kind of person where he was more respectful, just his personality and how it changed throughout the movie was something I really catered to and enjoyed,” Randalle said.

Randalle is fresh off a trip to Portugal where he represented Team USA against 15 other countries in the 2024 World Karate & Kickboxing Commission World Championships and not only became a two-time world champion and added a silver and three bronze medals, but also celebrated his

birthday and then Halloween in style with a blow-up dinosaur costume as he walked the streets.

But Randalle’s medal-winning trip overseas was nothing abnormal for the martial arts prodigy, for he has countless gold medals that showcase his extensive knowlSee KARATE on page 9A

SPORTS SHORT

Southfield Christian 4th/5th grade girls basketball

goes unbeaten

SOUTHFIELD — An unbeaten record is always something to be proud of.

Southfield Christian’s fourth- and fifth-grade girls basketball team, a combination of both grade levels, posted an impressive 9-0 record this season under head coach Eric LaFata.

The Eagles were led by point guard Delsea Hall, who averaged 15 points per game after transferring from Bingham Farms Elementary.

Southfield Christian’s fast-paced offense dominated in transition and countered with a stout defensive effort all season, leading to numerous double-digit wins.

— JONATHAN SZCZEPANIAK

Photo provided by Janae Randalle Malachi Randalle shows some intensity on the mat.

Dolls

from page 1A

something that single parents could typically do when she was growing up.

“Now, my mom, she really handled the money well. She did,” DeLoach said. “I didn’t know I was poor until I was grown. I really didn’t. Because we had regular dental appointments, and this is something normal for the average person, but back in Highland Park, it wasn’t that way back then.”

The Detroit Goodfellows was founded in 1914 by James J. Brady with the motto “No Kiddie Without a Christmas.” In 1924, the J.L. Hudson department store partnered up with Brady and announced via a radio ad that they were looking for people to dress dolls for children to receive for Christmas.

It was a full-circle moment for DeLoach when she became a doll dresser for the Goodfellows in the 1960s after the opportunity was introduced to her a few years after she began working at Michigan Bell Telephone Co.

“So when I was able to do it at the phone company, it was just a natural thing to do, and I was so happy to be able to give back because I had many years of happiness

See DOLLS on page 8A

Photo provided by F.J. Brady

F.J. Brady’s father, Frank J. Brady, is pictured in 1958 delivering dolls to a little girl in a Detroit hospital, a tradition that Detroit Goodfellows founder James Brady started.

The Detroit Goodfellows commemorated 100 years of its doll dressing program this year. Pictured is the annual display of the bestdressed dolls of 2024 in the lobby of Comerica Bank in downtown Detroit, 411 W. Lafayette.

Photo by Patricia O’Blenes

Nutcrackers

from page 1A

songs by carolers and a “Living Nativity” of residents volunteering as the inhabitants of Bethlehem. The event is free and open to the public. Cars may enter at 12191 West Outer Drive.

“We wanted to continue to add on to it,” said Williams Park Alliance parks manager Michael Williams. “So last year when we did this, we had a large fireplace that we created. We had, like, a 16-foot menorah. We had a 20-foot-wide (Kwanzaa) kinara. We had a star of Bethlehem, that was about maybe 10 to 12 feet tall. So we made these large ornaments to go into this light festival, and we wanted to add on each year. And this year, we were looking to come up with something that was large and creative. And myself and one of the artists, Chris, we came

up with the idea of the Nutcracker, and these tubes that we have were perfect to actually make these creations.”

Twenty 12-foot-tall nutcrackers made by local artists from recycled materials will be on display and auctioned off starting at $500 to raise funds for the nonprofit’s mission of revitalizing blighted properties in Detroit. Williams explained that the first-place winner would win $500, the second-place winner would win $250, and the third-place winner would take home $100.

With total creative freedom, artists aged 23 to 73 years old have been working hard for the last two weeks to create unique masterpieces — from Naomi Sharp’s Plum Fairy Nutcracker made from purple carpet, silver duct tape and painted chicken wire to Dione Tripp’s “Mama Jwuanna,” which Williams described as a “whimsical mixture of Keith Haring, Andy Warhol, Pablo Picasso and Jackson Pollock.”

NOTICE OF BIDS

The City of Southfeld will receive proposals for the following item(s) until the time and date indicated: Beech Woods Retaining Wall Replacement, File # 24-066, December 19, 2024, at 12:30 PM Local Time. Specifcations are available on www.mitn.info . NIGP codes are 90924, 90975, 90974, 90945, 91240, 91200, 91300, 90638 and 54531. Questions, contact the Purchasing Department at purchasingdept@cityofsouthfeld.com.

Published: Southfeld Sun 12/19/2024

Janet Jackson, City Clerk

NOTICE OF BIDS

0354-2451

The City of Southfeld will receive proposals for the following item(s) until the time and date indicated: #25-001, Thermal Imaging Cameras, Bullard Only, January 7, 2025 at 11:00 AM Local Time. Specifcations are available on www.mitn.info NIGP codes are 34016 and 34020. For questions, contact the Purchasing Department at 248-796-5250.

Published: Southfeld Sun 12/19/2024

Janet Jackson, City Clerk

LEGAL NOTICE

CITY OF SOUTHFIELD ZONING BOARD OF APPEALS

APPEAL NOTICE REGARDING ZONING BOARD OF APPEALS CASE #24-34

The City of Southfeld Zoning Board of Appeals will hold a public hearing regarding:

0162-2451

The appellant, Donna Holke from Intercity Neon, representing the owner, Southfeld Industrial Park, LLC/ Jamal Garmo, Member, is requesting the following waiver from the Board:

1. A waiver of wall sign area (210.5 sq. ft. proposed, 100 sq. ft. permitted, a variance of 110.5 sq. ft.).

The property is located on the West side of Telegraph Road between 8 Mile Road and 9 Mile Road at 21321 Telegraph Road, Sidwell Parcel # 76-24-32-400-033, zoned (I-1) Industrial District.

This appeal is to Chapter 99, Article XII, Section 8.61, 1(b) more commonly known as the Sign Ordinance. This is a public hearing. If interested, you are encouraged to appear in person. You may have a representative (attorney or agent) appear in your presence to make the Board aware of your opinion. When appearing before the Board, please speak slowly and distinctly so that your testimony may be accurately recorded.

Documents regarding this appeal are available for review prior to the public hearing. Written comments, questions and requests to review these materials must be received prior to 4:00 p.m. on the date of the hearing and should be directed to the Zoning Board of Appeals, Department of Building & Safety Engineering, 1st Floor Public Works Building, 26000 Evergreen Road, Southfeld, Michigan, Telephone 248-796-4100.

The meeting will be held Tuesday January 7, 2025 at 7:00 p.m. in the City Council Chambers, 26000 Evergreen Road, Southfeld.

City of Southfeld Zoning Board of Appeals

Individuals with special needs who plan to attend this meeting should contact the City Clerk’s Offce at 248-796-5150 (voice) or 354-4831 (TDD) if auxiliary aids or services are needed. Reasonable advance notice is required.

Janet Jackson City Clerk

Using vinyl, PVC pipes and pet food bags, Southfield artist Malia Alford drew inspiration from her childhood favorite board game, Candy Land, and the king of hearts card to create King Choco.

“His name is King Choco, and he’s the gigantic chocolate king of hearts,” she said. “And there’s actually a little storyline that I’m still working on, but it will be debuted at the show.”

Alford mentioned that the storyline will focus on promoting themes of love and kindness.

Another participating nutcracker artist is Amanda Koss, from Macomb Township.

“A lot of this piece has found objects from Macomb County,” Koss said. “It’s like

a Buy Nothing group. So I source specific objects from them to kind of infuse that part of Macomb County into this project.”

Koss added that she is all about using found items that would normally be discarded to create works of art. To create her nutcracker, she cut up an 8-by-10-foot shag rug that she obtained from a Buy Nothing group, a drum she found in a pile of her kids’ stuff in the basement, and woodchips used for a barbecue smoker.

“Everything has a story and I just thought I’d bring Macomb Township to Detroit to Brightmoor,” she said.

Sister duo Gail Parks Alexander, of Farmington Hills, and Karen Robinson, of See NUTCRACKERS on page 15A

PUBLIC NOTICE ZONING BOARD OF APPEALS MEETING SCHEDULE UPDATE 2025-2026

In accordance with Act 267 of the Public Acts of 1976, of the State of Michigan, Sections 5 (2), the following PUBLIC NOTICE is hereby given:

Regular meetings of the Zoning Board of Appeals, for the City of Southfeld, shall normally be held on the frst and third Tuesdays of each month. Said meetings shall begin at 7:00 p.m., and shall be held at the Municipal Complex, 26000 Evergreen Road, Southfeld, Michigan 48076 subject to the following date schedule.

January 7th Council Chambers

February 4th & 18th Council Chambers

March 4th & 18th Council Chambers

April 1st & 15th Council Chambers

May 6th & 20th Council Chambers

June 3rd & 17th Council Chambers

July 1st & 15th Council Chambers

August 19th Council Chambers

September 2nd & 16th Council Chambers

October 7th & 21st Council Chambers

November 18th Council Chambers

December 2nd & 16th Council Chambers

January 6th , 2026 Council Chambers

City of Southfeld, Zoning Board of Appeals

Published: Southfeld Sun 12/19/2024

LEGAL NOTICE

CITY OF SOUTHFIELD

ZONING BOARD OF APPEALS

APPEAL NOTICE REGARDING ZONING BOARD OF APPEALS CASE #24-32

The City of Southfeld Zoning Board of Appeals will hold a public hearing regarding:

0379-2451

The appellant, Uri Freimark, representing the owner, Larry Freimark, is requesting the following waiver from the Board:

1. To construct a new attached garage to an existing single-family residence and convert the existing, attached garage to living space with a non-conforming front yard setback (35.5 ft. proposed, 40 ft. required) and a non-conforming side yard setback abutting a street (20 ft. proposed, 25 ft. required).

The property is located on the southeast corner of Lathrup Boulevard and Lincoln Drive between Greenfeld Road and Southfeld Road at 25874 Lathrup Boulevard, Section 24, Sidwell Parcel #76-24-24-326-001, zoned (R-2) Single Family Residential.

This appeal is to Section 5.64, Article 5 and Section 5.193, Article 22, Chapter 45 of the Southfeld City Code, more commonly known as the Zoning Ordinance.

This is a public hearing. If interested, you are encouraged to appear in person. You may have a representative (attorney or agent) appear in your presence to make the Board aware of your opinion. When appearing before the Board, please speak slowly and distinctly so that your testimony may be accurately recorded.

The meeting will be held Tuesday January 7, 2025 at 7:00 p.m. in the City Council Chambers, 26000 Evergreen Road, Southfeld.

City of Southfeld Zoning Board of Appeals

Janet Jackson City Clerk

Published: Southfeld Sun 12/19/2024

0382-2451

because of that. And I’m sure that other kids will feel the same way that I did,” DeLoach said. “I think God has left me here so that I can volunteer.”

DeLoach explained that Lathrup Village was unfamiliar with the Goodfellows doll dressing program. When she introduced the idea to the Lathrup Village Women’s Club in the 1990s, it gained popularity, allowing the 24 members of the 85-year-old club to express their creativity through doll dressing.

DeLoach added that some women sew intricate outfits for the dolls to don, including her friend Alice, who is a seamstress.

“Now we have a lady in Lathrup village. Her name is Alice. She doesn’t live too far here, and so she dresses 10 dolls,” DeLoach said. “She said she can’t do all 40. … She’s my friend, and she does a beautiful job.”

Annie Nickert, vice president of Detroit Goodfellows and the doll committee chair, mentioned how impressive the doll dressers’ work is, adding that the dolls are clothed in everything from Detroit Lions gear to the likeness of Motown icon Aretha Franklin.

“I want to say 80% of our doll dressers still handmake the outfits for the dolls,” Nickert said.

Each year, the dolls, which range in size from the classic Goodfellows doll at around 14 inches to the newer 17-inch dolls with soft sides, are distributed in April. The doll

dressers have through the summer until midAugust to return the dressed dolls so that they can be packed and distributed.

Nickert shared that in the first year of the doll dressing program, 1,000 dolls were dressed. This year, over 9,000 dolls were dressed and packed in Christmas boxes based on age group and gender.

The Detroit Goodfellows serve the communities of Detroit, Highland Park, Redford, River Rouge, Hamtramck, Harper Woods and Ecorse, providing boxes containing items such as toys, books and clothing for children ages 4-13.

“When I go to distribute the boxes and help out doing that at the 10th Precinct, sometimes, when things are quiet, I’ll open a couple of boxes up and display the dolls that are in there because they’re always fun to look at because you never know what’s going to be in the box,” said F.J. Brady, the greatnephew of James J. Brady. “It’s always a surprise because they’re all so different. So that’s another joy that you have with doing this.”

F.J. Brady shared the impact that the Goodfellows have had on his family through the generations.

“It keeps us all so focused on each other and on our mission,” F.J. Brady said. “The mission here is to give back to the city. The city of Detroit has given the Bradys so much over these last 100 years, and to be able to pay that back and to honor the city in that way, to me, is what we’re all about.”

F.J. Brady added that Detroit has played a significant role in his life and in the lives of his family members.

LEGAL NOTICE

CITY OF SOUTHFIELD ZONING BOARD OF APPEALS

APPEAL NOTICE REGARDING ZONING BOARD OF APPEALS CASE #24-33

The City of Southfeld Zoning Board of Appeals will hold a public hearing regarding:

The appellant, Metro Signs & Lighting, representing Brian Najor, Manager of Solo Co. LLC, is requesting the following waiver from the Board:

1. A waiver of wall sign area (266.06 sq. ft. proposed, 141 sq. ft. permitted, a variance of 125.06 sq. ft.).

The property is located on the West side of Greenfeld Road between Providence Drive and Mount Vernon Street at 23659 Greenfeld Road, Sidwell Parcel # 76-24-25-401-018, zoned (B-3) General Business District.

This appeal is to Chapter 99, Article XI, Section 8.59, (1)(c) more commonly known as the Sign Ordinance.

The meeting will be held Tuesday January 7, 2025 at 7:00 p.m. in the City Council Chambers, 26000 Evergreen Road, Southfeld.

“Because without Detroit I wouldn’t be who I am today,” he said. “I really feel that, and I think Jim Brady felt the same way when he was growing up, that his network of friends there were critical to him and his success.

“I think that’s what life is all about, is to be able to give it back. And there’s not a better way to do that than with rewarding the kids every year on Christmastime,” he added.

F.J. Brady said that in addition to giving Christmas gift boxes to local children, the Goodfellows are hard at work all year-round helping children attend summer camps and dentist appointments, and making sure they have shoes to wear.

The Detroit Goodfellows also offers a scholarship program with Wayne State Uni-

versity’s journalism school. F.J. Brady shared that fundraising events help make these programs possible, such as the Annual Tribute Breakfast, which honors a Goodfellow of the Year.

This year, Sheila and Steve Hamp were honored with the 2024 Edward H. McNamara Goodfellow of the Year Award. Sheila is the principal owner and chair of the Detroit Lions, and Steve, former president of The Henry Ford, is chair of the Michigan Education Foundation and sits on the board of the Detroit Riverfront Conservancy.

For more information about the Detroit Goodfellows, visit detroitgoodfellows. org.

Call Staff Writer Kathryn Pentiuk at (586) 498-1070.

SUMMARY OF THE REGULAR MEETING OF THE COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF SOUTHFIELD HELD ON MONDAY, DECEMBER 16, 2024 AT 6:10 P.M., LOCAL TIME, 26000 EVERGREEN ROAD, SOUTHFIELD, MICHIGAN.

PRESENT: Councilmembers: Nancy Banks, Daniel Brightwell, Yolanda C. Haynes, Charles Hicks, Coretta Houge, and Michael Ari Mandelbaum. EXCUSED: Councilmember Lloyd Crews. ALSO PRESENT: Mayor Kenson Siver, Administrator Fred Zorn, Clerk Janet Jackson, Attorney Dawn King, and Planner Terry Croad.

Approve Oakland County Human Traffcking Task Force Agreement between Oakland County and the City of Southfeld

Approve Purchase of New and Replacement Turnout Gear for the Fire Department

Approve Purchase and Upft of Replacement Enclosed Trench Rescue Trailer for Fire Department

Approve Purchase of Westlaw Online and Print Legal Research Products for the City Attorney’s Offce

Approve Extension of the Lead Service Verifcation & Replacement Contract

Approve Agreement for Beech Road Pathway from Nine Mile Road to Shiawassee Road (Job No. 2379SFLD) (MDOT Job No. 219051CON; Contract No. 24-5475)

Approve Rutland Avenue Reconstruction and Water Main Improvements between Northwestern Hwy. and 9 Mile Road (2495SFLD)

Approve Annual Adoption of 2025 Poverty Exemption Guidelines under MCL211.7U

Approve Annual Update of Depository Resolution

Approve Annual Update of City’s Investment Policy

Approve PSLU24-0020, the Special Use Request by American Mulch Producers, to modify and expand its existing operations at 21101 & 28801 Boening Dr to adjacent parcels at 20932 Boening Dr, 20905 Mapleridge Ave, 20921 Mapleridge Ave, and 20954 Mapleridge Ave, Southfeld, Michigan (Parcels 24-35-351-026, 027 & 028 and 24-35-352-013, -014 & -026)

Approve PSV24-0001, the Street Vacation Request of Randall Blackman, American Mulch Producers, to vacate the portion of the Mapleridge Avenue right-of-way that extends into and is surrounded by their property located at 21101 Boening Dr (Parcel 24-35-351-038, platted lots 19-24 of the Supervisors Plant of Home Gardens)

Approve PZR24-0012, the request to rezone 1.10 acres of land at the north end Bush Street on the eastern side of the street, Southfeld, Michigan (Parcel# 24-28-301-072; -073; -074) from R1 Single Family to RT Attached Single Family

Introduce Ordinance No. 1802

Approve PZRODD24-0003, the request to amend the approved ODD rezoning for 29777 Telegraph - Onyx Overlay Development District (PZRODD24-0001) to update the Master Development Plan to permit the development of the northeastern out lot for a Culver’s Restaurant

Introduce Ordinance No. 1803

Approve PZRRUDD24-0002, the request of John Grace Arms LDHA LLC, to amend the approved Residential Unit Development District rezoning and agreement for the 21030 Indian St (Parcel 24-31-376-033) – John Grace Arms (PZRRUDD22-0001) to update the Master Development Plan to modify the provision related to the public park, building confguration and elevations, stormwater management, parking and landscaping

Introduce Ordinance No. 1804

Approve Travel Expense Report: Charles Hicks, 2024 NLC Convention, Tampa, FL, November 12-16, 2024

Approve Brownfeld Plan Amendment #2 Southfeld Neighborhood Revitalization Initiative Project 2017, as SNRI Plan #2, Brownfeld Plan Multiple Addresses, Southfeld, Michigan, 48076

Approve Brownfeld Plan Amendment #1 Southfeld Neighborhood Revitalization Initiative Project 2018, as SNRI Plan #3, Brownfeld Plan Multiple Addresses, Southfeld, Michigan, 48076

Approve Request to Retain McKenna & Associates for Construction Plan Reviews

The meeting adjourned at 8:27p.m.

Approved minutes are available on the City’s website at www.cityofsouthfeld.com.

Janet Jackson City Clerk

City of Southfeld Zoning Board of Appeals

Janet Jackson City Clerk

Published: Southfeld Sun 12/19/2024

CALENDAR

DEC. 19

Blood drive: Noon-6 p.m., Southfield Public Library, 26300 Evergreen Road, appointments prioritized over walkins, redcrossblood.org

DEC. 22

Kids Only Winter Wonderland: Holiday shopping for ages 5-11, also photos with Santa photos and arts and crafts, 2-5 p.m., Hope United Methodist Church, 26275 Northwestern Highway in Southfield, hopeumc. org/2024-Winter-Wonderland

ONGOING

‘Indulgence: Inspired Images:’ Exhibit featuring 11 Michigan artists, on display until Jan. 31, 2025, Southfield City Hall, 26000 Evergreen Road, www.cityofsouthfield.com

Karate

page 5A

edge and talent in point fighting, Japanese style, Korean style, and CMX (creative, musical, extreme).

Randalle’s training truly shows just how hardworking he is, training six days a week — four days in dojo and two on his own — while competing in 20-30 tournaments a year, which is made possible because of homeschooling.

He’s also part of Team Competitive Edge, a martial arts team composed of children all throughout the United States who compete together and practice virtually.

It’s been nonstop since he first started at 6 years old and began competing at 7, earning his first black belt in Tang Soo Do, but his ability to embrace adversity and overcome obstacles is what his coach, Ty Saint, said sets him apart.

“I think Malachi is a riser,” Saint said. “Every time that I’ve been there and seen Malachi faced with a challenge, he’s left it all out there win, lose or draw. I think that intangible will take him a long way with anything he decides to do other than just kickboxing.”

Saint, 23, is one of the top martial artists in the world and currently is an instructor at Binns Victory Martial Arts in New York, but Saint also trains Randalle virtually and in-person on occasion.

Randalle is your average teenager out-

it right

side of martial arts, watching “How to Train

Your Dragon,” playing video games, and even coding games such as Roblox, but on

C & G Newspapers strives for accuracy and fairness to its readers. If you think we got it wrong, please let us know. Call Gregg Demers at (586) 498-1042, email gdemers@candgnews.com or write us at 13650 11 Mile Road, Warren, MI 48089.

CORRECTION: The story “When shopping at home, be alert for grinches trying to steal gifts and info” in the Dec. 12 issue should have stated that the St. Clair Shores police detective lieutenant’s last name is Brueckman.

Photo provided by Janae Randalle

Malachi Randalle is locked in during his warmups at the 2024 World Karate & Kickboxing Commission World Championships in Portugal.

HOLIDAY EXTRA

10A/ SOUTHFIELD SUN • DECEMBER 19, 2024

TRAVEL SAFELY THIS HOLIDAY SEASON WITH THESE TIPS

BY ALYSSA OCHSS aochss@candgnews.com

Holidays bring joy and laughter to many gatherings, but it’s important to arrive safely by reducing risky driving behaviors and planning ahead.

Michigan State Police Public Information Officer Section Commander Michael Shaw said during the holidays, troopers look for “risky driving behaviors.”

“Those are the same behaviors we see constantly when people are driving around metro Detroit,” Shaw said. “That’s excessive speed, following too closely, driving impaired and also driving while distracted.”

These behaviors and crashes are seen all throughout the year. Shaw said inclement weather conditions with snow or rain makes these behaviors stand out.

“There’s a lot of people going to parties and things like that so maybe they won’t have a plan in place to get them-

See TRAVEL on page 11A

Experts anticipate that a

Southﬁeld Athletics baseball is already preparing for their season

With four travel teams for boys from ages 8 to 14, plus t-ball, the Southﬁeld Athletics youth baseball travel team has been a staple of the local community for more than 20 years.

Teams practice and play their home games at the baseball ﬁeld at 21900 Middlebelt Road at the intersection of 9 Mile Road and Middlebelt. Athletics teams are involved in local baseball tournaments and league play from April through the end of summer, and even plan on a couple of outof-town tournaments each year, said Head Coach Marlin Gilliam.

The travel baseball club draws players from Southfield and neighboring communities like Detroit, Farmington, Farmington Hills, West Bloomfield and more, Gilliam said. This past year, Southfield Athletics even hosted a fall ball league in September and early October, something that the club plans to run again in 2025.

focus on player development in a welcoming, positive environment. The team welcomes players at all levels to try out for its elite travel program, establishing a positive, family friendly program. Gilliam and his fellow coaches John Horton (10U team), Aaron Richard (11U team) and John Bidden (14U team) also work with corporate and individual sponsors, who can help support the purchase of equipment and team fees.

Eventually Gilliam would love to add some fastpitch softball travel teams as well if he can get coaches and sponsors to help support it, so that the A’s can ﬁeld teams for girls as well.

Winter workouts start in January each Saturday at the Total Sports location at the TOCA Sports Center in Farmington from 3:00 to 5:00 p.m. The indoor workouts and drills will be held through March with the hope that the teams can start practicing outside by the ﬁrst week of April.

• 2025 Winter Baseball Practice Schedule

• Southﬁeld Athletics and Dawg Pound Tradition

• Baseball Skills Development

• Home Field Location: Spring Hill Baptist Church Field 21900 Middlebelt Rd., Farmington Hills, MI 48336 • Fund Raising • Southﬁeld A’s Travel Team • Equipment Needed

“We’re one of the few teams in this community that compete on the travel baseball circuit,” Gilliam said. “We’ll play in some really good tournaments as well a league.”

The Athletics, or “A’s” as they are known,

Learn more about the Southﬁeld Athletics program by visiting southﬁeldathletics.com or search for the club’s page on Facebook for timely updates. Or, call Gilliam at 248-2525987 for questions.

Coaches Marlin Gilliam and Aaron Richard

Photo by Patricia O’Blenes

record high number of people will be traveling this holiday season.

selves back home and end up driving impaired when they shouldn’t,” Shaw said.

Shaw recommends residents have a plan in place before going to a gathering. This could be designating a driver, using ride share services such as Uber or Lyft, or other things. Designated drivers should honor their duties and not consume alcohol during parties.

“Trying to figure something out like that after you’re already intoxicated is pretty tough,” Shaw said.

Adrienne Woodland, public relations program consultant for AAA - The Auto Club Group, said the company is forecasting around 3.8 million Michigan residents are going to travel 50 miles or more away from home this holiday season.

“That’s actually a record and that’s about 98,000 more travelers than the previous record high which was set last year,” Woodland said.

She said it’s going to be busy on roadways, at airports and at other transit terminals.

AAA is also expecting a new air travel record this holiday season as well. Woodland said they’re expecting nationally 7.9 million Americans to take at least one domestic flight.

She said those planning to fly should plan ahead by checking in online and confirming the flight’s status.

“You want to arrive to the airport a minimum of two to three hours before your scheduled departure time and we also suggest (to) those that are flying that you pack your medications and an extra change of clothes in your carry-on bag just in case your flight is canceled or delayed,” Woodland said.

Around 3.4 million Michigan residents will take a road trip this holiday season, Woodland said. Nationally, they’re expecting that around 107 million Americans will be driving to their destinations. Woodland recommends drivers follow the posted speed limits and drive only when alert.

“Driving only on four to five hours of sleep is as dangerous as driving with a blood alcohol level of 0.08,” Woodland said.

She went on to say it is best to drive at times when normally awake, avoiding overnight drives and any intoxicants, and that drivers should take breaks every two hours.

“And you want to use these breaks to maybe switch drivers if possible or park at a safe location and maybe nap for about 20 to 30 minutes to recharge,” Woodland said.

Shaw recommends drivers stop every hour to stretch, grab a coffee, use the restroom and other things.

“Just to kind of keep your mind focused on the road for the rest of your trip,” Shaw said.

The last tip Woodland would give drivers is to slow down and move over for roadside workers and others stopped on the side of the road. Woodland said a roadside worker is killed every other week in the United States.

“When you see an emergency responder on the side of the road assisting a stranded driver, you want to reduce your speed. If possible, you want to change lanes to give those crews more room to do their job safely,” Woodland said.

Shaw said the MSP responds to around 10 to 20 crashes a day on Michigan roads.

“If you add weather to it and people don’t heed our advice about those risky driving behaviors, that will naturally cause an uptick in crashes,” Shaw said.

Shaw said getting snow tires wouldn’t hurt and that tire performance depends on the manufacturer.

“A lot of vehicles have all weather tires on them now, so it’s often good to just take a look at your owner’s manual and see what they suggest,” Shaw said.

Fines for driving under the influence or crashing a vehicle are up to the courts, Shaw said.

“Know that along with those fines if you have to hire an attorney, (it’s) at least $10,000 just for the attorney costs,” Shaw said.

Call Staff Writer Alyssa Ochss at (586) 498-1103.

& G Newspapers publishes 21 papers in Macomb, Oakland and Wayne counties:

(Oakland

Reporter: Kathryn Pentiuk| (586) 498-1070 | kpentiuk@candgnews.com

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

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

(586) 498-8100

Automotive Advertising: Louise Millar | (586) 498-1054 | lmillar@candgnews.com Real Estate Advertising: Paula Kaspor | (586) 498-1055 | pkaspor@candgnews.com Birmingham-Bloomfield Eagle • Farmington Press • Fraser-Clinton Township Chronicle • Grosse Pointe Times • Macomb Township Chronicle Madison-Park News • Mount Clemens-Clinton-Harrison Township Journal • Novi Note • Rochester Post Roseville-Eastpointe Eastsider Royal Oak Review • Shelby-Utica

| (586) 498-1050 | mreitenga@candgnews.com Karen Bozimowski | (586) 498-1032 | kboz@candgnews.com

Legals and Obits: (586) 498-1099

ReStore

from page 3A

live here, and we will love here, and we will thrive here just like home. And most importantly, we will prosper here, and I don’t even think we can imagine to what extent we’re going to be able to share that prosperity with the community that we serve.

“ReStore. It’s a moniker I certainly love because it simply states what we’re charged with doing every day, and we can’t do any of that without you, and that’s what we’re here to celebrate today, is the partnership that we have with each and every one of you,” Hodges said.

Southfield Mayor Ken Siver explained that the Habitat for Humanity Oakland County team and volunteers have become familiar faces through the years through initiatives such as Rock the Block.

Rock the Block has taken place in Southfield neighborhoods every year since 2016 to help residents with yard cleanup, which includes leaf removal from yards, trash removal, limited branch trimming, hedge trimming, lawn mowing and edging.

Siver also shared that the Southfield Neighborhood Revitalization Initiative, a group with the mission of restoring Southfield homes to improve and maintain property values for residents, has worked with Habitat For Humanity Oakland County on over one hundred home rehabs with more in the works and have built new homes.

“And why we did all this is because Southfield had more foreclosures following the mortgage crisis than any other community in Oakland County; we were hit very, very hard,” Siver said. “Our neighborhoods were in danger with bank foreclosures and then tax foreclosures. It was very, very bad. And these homes were being stripped, they were being vandalized, and we had to do something.

“So we jumped in with our partnership

with Habitat, and began really, not only rescuing homes, but rescuing neighborhoods. The reinvestment of millions of dollars in Southfield neighborhoods turned things around,” Siver said.

He shared that he used to donate items he had lying around to a charity in Livonia, but now he is excited to do that in his neighborhood.

“This has been a great, great partnership going on nine years, and it all started because I was nosy one day, but I am very pleased to be here, and I’m so glad the ReStore’s in Southfield,” Siver said. “Now, as I look around here and, I hope you’re doing the same thing that I’m doing. I’m thinking about that stuff in the garage. I’m thinking of this stuff in my basement. You save stuff and think someday, ‘I might use it,’ but you probably won’t.”

Southfield city officials, the Southfield Area Chamber of Commerce and the Habitat for Humanity Oakland County team of employees, volunteers, supporters and shoppers came together on Dec. 4 for the ribbon-cutting at the new ReStore location.

Photos by Liz Carnegie

Southfield Councilwoman

Yolanda Haynes enjoys some shopping at the new ReStore shop.

CRIME WATCH

Victim robbed

SOUTHFIELD — At 12:16 p.m. Dec. 5, two unknown suspects reportedly robbed an individual of his wallet and cash in the 27000 block of Northwestern Highway.

Two catalytic converters stolen

SOUTHFIELD — There were two instances of catalytic converters being stolen between 5 p.m. Dec. 5 and 4:04 p.m. Dec. 6 in the 26000 block of Shiawassee Road, police said.

Suspect in possession of firearm arrested for intoxicated driving

SOUTHFIELD — A suspect was pulled over during a routine traffic stop at 2:46 a.m. Dec. 7 between Northwestern Highway and West 12 Mile Road, police said. The suspect was reportedly arrested for operating under the influence of liquor and carrying a concealed weapon without a concealed pistol license.

— Kathryn Pentiuk

ORDINANCE NO. 1800

Karate

from page 9A

the mat he’s versatile and dangerous no matter what style of fighting he competes in.

It’s the main reason why he has numerous national and world titles to his name, along with several tournament wins, but it’s not just the success that keeps him going.

“I like the competition and the competitiveness, and I really like the people,” Randalle said. “I know once people think about karate, they think about respect and discipline. You can really see it when you get into the environment.”

Respect and discipline are two traits Randalle prides himself on — characteristics he remembers from watching his favorite movie on repeat and has incorporated into his own life.

“When you meet people that know Malachi, one of the first things they say is, ‘Oh my gosh, he’s so respectful,’” Janae Randalle, Malachi’s mother, said. “I can say I really saw that in him. The ‘yes, ma’am’ and ‘yes, sir’ is something that goes with him everywhere he goes. He’s very disciplined in other aspects of life too, and I can credit that to martial arts training. It makes him more self-motivated.”

The City of Southfeld has amended An Ordinance to amend Title V, Zoning and Planning, Chapter 45, Zoning, of the Code of the City of Southfeld by revising Article 4, General Provisions, Zoning, of Title V of the Southfeld City Code. A true copy of Ordinance No. 1800, in its complete content, may be inspected and obtained at the Southfeld City Clerk’s Offce, 26000 Evergreen Road, Southfeld, MI 48076.

A summary of Ordinance No. 1800 is as follows:

SECTION 1.

THE CODE OF THE CITY OF SOUTHFIELD IS HEREBY AMENDED BY REVISING SUBSECTION 5.31, ARTICLE 4, GENERAL PROVISIONS, OF CHAPTER 45, ZONING, OF TITLE V, ZONING AND PLANNING, WHICH SHALL BE SUMMARIZED AS FOLLOWS:

5.31 Off-Street Parking Space Layout, Standards, Construction, and Maintenance

Subsection (3) provides clarity by separating the drive aisle width requirements from curb cut width requirements in subsection (10) and provides updated table; adds a provision authorizing the Fire Marshal or City Planner to require wider drive aisles as needed to ensure proper access to emergency vehicles, loading vehicles and garbage trucks servicing the site if determined to be needed.

Subsection (4), (5), (6), (8)(b), (8)(c), (9), (17), and (18) removes references to metric conversions.

Subsection (10) eliminates verbiage pertaining to drive aisle width requirements (in conjunction with Subsection (3)).

SECTION 2.

Every person, frm, or corporation who shall violate any of the provisions of this Ordinance shall be guilty of a misdemeanor and upon conviction thereof shall be punished by a fne of not more than fve hundred dollars ($500.00) and cost of prosecution or by imprisonment for not more than ninety (90) days, or both such fne and imprisonment. The City, in addition to other remedies, may institute any appropriate action or proceeding to prevent, abate, or restrain the violation. Each day’s continuance of a violation shall be deemed a separate and distinct offense. Any person violating the provisions of this Ordinance shall in addition become liable to the City for any expense or loss or damage occasioned by the City by reason of such violation.

SECTION 3.

Should any section, clause, or paragraph of this Ordinance be declared by a court of competent jurisdiction to be invalid, the same will not affect the validity of the Ordinance as a whole or part thereof other than the part declared to be invalid.

SECTION 4.

All Ordinances in confict with the provisions of this Ordinance are, to the extent of such confict, hereby repealed.

SECTION 5.

This summary is provided, pursuant to Section 117.3(k) of the Home Rule Cities Act, 1909 PA279, as amended [MCL117.3(k)].

KENSON J. SIVER, Mayor JANET JACKSON, City Clerk

In addition to his extensive list of accolades and medals he can barely hold with both hands, Randalle has been a role model in not just his own community, but around the world as well.

When he was in India for a competition, Randalle spent time teaching local children and women self-defense techniques.

In metro Detroit, Randalle has volunteered with Enjoy Detroit, a nonprofit founded by David Woods, to help local youth by supplying them with backpacks filled with supplies and shoes before the school year.

“I grew up with Enjoy Detroit; the owner and the founder is Dave (Woods), and he’s like an older brother to me, so I look up to him,” Malachi Randalle said. “He gives back to the community a lot, so when those events happen, I always like to go out.”

Just recently for Thanksgiving, Randalle volunteered with Enjoy Detroit to provide a full dinner, shoes, haircuts. toys, bingo and a dance party to local children and families in need.

“I’ve just watched how he interacts with other people,” said Richard Plowden, one of Randalle’s coaches and owner of Plowden’s Championship Martial Arts in Southfield.

See KARATE on page 14A

ORDINANCE NO. 1801

The City of Southfeld has amended An Ordinance to amend Title V, Zoning and Planning, Chapter 45, Zoning, of the Code of the City of Southfeld by revising Article 14, Regional Shopping District (RS) and Article 18, General Business District (B-3), of Title V of the Southfeld City Code.

THE CITY OF SOUTHFIELD ORDAINS:

SECTION 1.

THE CODE OF THE CITY OF SOUTHFIELD IS HEREBY AMENDED BY REVISING SUBSECTION 5.134, ARTICLE 14, REGIONAL SHOPPING DISTRICT (RS), OF CHAPTER 45, ZONING, OF TITLE V, ZONING AND PLANNING, WHICH SHALL BE DESIGNATED AS FOLLOWS:

5.134 Uses Permitted Subject to Special Approval (2) Uses (d) Drive-in, any restaurant with a drive-thru, and any restaurant open 24 hours.

SECTION 2.

THE CODE OF THE CITY OF SOUTHFIELD IS HEREBY AMENDED BY REVISING SUBSECTION 5.169, ARTICLE 18, GENERAL BUSINESS DISTRICT (B-3), OF CHAPTER 45, ZONING, OF TITLE V, ZONING AND PLANNING, WHICH SHALL BE DESIGNATED AS FOLLOWS:

5.169 Uses Permitted Subject to Special Approval (f) Drive-in and fast food restaurants, any restaurant with a drive-thru, any restaurant with a bar/lounge and any restaurant open 24 hours

SECTION 3.

SECTION 4.

SECTION 5.

All Ordinances in confict with the provisions of this Ordinance are, to the extent of such confict, hereby repealed.

SECTION 6.

This Ordinance shall become effective upon passage and publication.

KENSON

J. SIVER, Mayor JANET JACKSON, City Clerk

PZTA24-0005

Introduced: 11/18/2024

Enacted: 12/09/2024

Published: 12/19/2024

A COPY OF THIS ORDINANCE MAY BE PURCHASED OR INSPECTED AT THE SOUTHFIELD CITY CLERK’S OFFICE

LOCATED AT 26000 EVERGREEN ROAD, MONDAY THROUGH FRIDAY, FROM 8:00 A.M. TO 5:00 P.M.

Published: Southfeld Sun 12/19/2024

0363-2451

PZTA24-0006

Introduced: 11/18/2024

Enacted: 12/09/2024

Published: 12/19/2024

A COPY OF THIS ORDINANCE MAY BE PURCHASED OR INSPECTED AT THE

OFFICE LOCATED AT 26000 EVERGREEN ROAD, MONDAY THROUGH FRIDAY, FROM 8:00 A.M. TO 5:00 P.M.

Published: Southfeld Sun 12/19/2024

ReStore

from page 12A

Shoppers can browse the ReStore inventory in person Monday-Saturday from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. and on Sundays from noon to 5 p.m. Inventory and more information can be found anytime online at habitatoakland. org/restore.

Donations are tax-deductible, and drop-offs are welcome seven days a week during store hours. Free donation pickups can be made by calling the Donation Call Center at (248) 365-4090 or by emailing callcenter@habitatoakland.org with your first and last name, phone number, ZIP code and photos of your item(s).

For more information about ReStore Southfield, visit its website, habitatoakland. org/restore, or its Facebook page, “Habitat Oakland ReStore Southfield.”

Call Staff Writer Kathryn Pentiuk at (586) 498-1070.

Karate

from page 13A

“Because of his skill set and the certain aura that’s around him, he draws young kids to him. To see him interact and inspire young kids as well as the level of respect he has for the seniors in the martial arts worlds, he fits right in because he’s so humble.”

Plowden has known Randalle for three years and been a mentor in his life.

One of seven family members to be a black belt, Plowden first opened his school in 1988, and he’s seen all types of personalities walk through his door, but the way Randalle carried himself early on with Plowden made an immediate impact.

“It was obvious that he was a hardworking kid with a ton of potential, and his attitude was correct,” Plowden said.

“A lot of young kids, when they’ve had the level of success he’s had early, they

SUMMARY OF THE REGULAR MEETING OF THE COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF SOUTHFIELD HELD ON MONDAY, DECEMBER 9, 2024 AT 6:00 P.M., LOCAL TIME, 26000 EVERGREEN ROAD, SOUTHFIELD, MICHIGAN.

PRESENT: Councilmembers: Nancy Banks, Daniel Brightwell, Lloyd Crews, Yolanda C. Haynes, Charles Hicks, Coretta Houge, and Michael Ari Mandelbaum. EXCUSED: None. ALSO PRESENT: Mayor Kenson Siver, Administrator Fred Zorn, Clerk Janet Jackson, Attorney Dawn King, and Planner Terry Croad.

Approve Reappointment to the Downtown Development Authority of Elizabeth Rae, the Parks and Recreation Board of Simon Rivers, and the appointment to the Southfeld Library Board of Darrell Joyce.

Approve Detroit Regional Partnership Membership for 10/1/24 to 9/30/25

Approve Purchase of High Speed Copier

Approve Recommendation to Renew High Speed Internet Contract with 123.NET

Approve Purchase of Vehicles for the Police Department

Approve Purchase of Cold Patch for Streets & Highway Division

Approve Lease Renewal of Simmons House, 26022 Berg Road

Approve Lease Renewal for 24433 W. 9 Mile Road

Approve Lease Renewal for Code House

Approve Garage Door Maintenance and Repair Proposals

Approve Bid for Evergreen Hills Golf Course Cart Paths to T&M Asphalt Paving, Inc.

Approve Public Engagement Consultant Services Contract for Sustainability Action Plan to JFM Consulting Group

Approve Lawrence Technical University Easement Agreement for Public Art Sculpture Installation (New Park Area at 21255 Civic Center Drive)

Approve Redico Easement Agreement for Public Art Sculpture Installation (In Front of Greenbelt Area along NB NW Hwy SD at 2 Towne Square)

Approve 2023-2024 Year-End Actions; Fund Balance Allocations

Approve Brownfeld Redevelopment Plan & Tax Increment Financing Plan and Development & Reimbursement Agreement for RYCACO Inc for 29410 Northwestern Highway Redevelopment Project

Enact Ordinance No. 1800, Zoning Ordinance Text Amendment to amend Title V, Zoning and Planning, Chapter 45, Zoning, of the Code of the City of Southfeld by amending Article 4 – Section 5.31 to modify the minimum requirements for parking lot drive aisle widths (PTZA24-0005)

Enact Ordinance No. 1801, Zoning Ordinance Text Amendment to amend Title V, Zoning and Planning, Chapter 45, Zoning, of the Code of the City of Southfeld by amending Article 14 – Section 5.134 and Article 18 – Section 5.169 to modify the site development standards for drive-in, drive-thru and 24-hour restaurants in the RS and B-3 zoning districts (PZTA24-0006)

Approve Sale of Bertoia Sculpture to General Motors with Proceeds to be Placed in the Care of the Community Foundation for Southeastern Michigan

Approve Defense of City in case of Anderson v. City of Southfeld et al. United States District Court Eastern District of Michigan Case No. 2:24-cv-11518-NGE-DR; in case of The Lakeland Neurocare Center, LLC, et al v. City of Southfeld Oakland County Circuit Court Case 2024-210571-NZ; in case of Colin Pearce v City of Southfeld, (Battalion Chief) Kenneth Wheaton and (Lieutenant) James Tack Oakland County Circuit Court Case No: 24-209849-CZ; in case of Kenneth Wheaton and Thomas Rosenbergh v City of Southfeld United States District Court Eastern District Case No. 2:24-cv-12859-SFCKGA

The meeting adjourned at 9:08 p.m.

Approved minutes are available on the City’s website at www.cityofsouthfeld.com. Janet Jackson City Clerk

have a little bit of an attitude and believe in the hype a little too much. He’s not that kind of kid at all.”

A lot of Randalle’s humbleness comes from his older brother, Josiah,, and sister Angelnae, who both competed in martial arts as well. Josiah runs track for Fraser High School

They’re close-knit siblings who support each other through and through, and you’ll always catch Randalle with a fan section at competitions.

“It’s really special,” Randalle said. “My sister is busy with college, but when she wasn’t as busy, she was able to come to each tournament. My brother comes to each tournament no matter what state or what country. Every single video, I see him cheering me on in the background, which is really special.”

“In the beginning, I didn’t think I was going to come as far as I did,” Randalle said. “I was posting for the fun of it because I really enjoy making content and I really enjoy karate, so I figured I might as well make my face known for doing something I love, like the Karate Kid, and it grew into a big following.”

Randalle, who also does modeling, is hoping his journey turns into acting in a movie or television show similar to “The Karate Kid,” but his focus is on the World Karate Commission World Championships in Niagara Falls next year.

“The grind never stops,” Randalle said. Call Staff Writer Jonathan Szczepaniak at (586) 498-1090.

Follow along with Randalle’s journey on Instagram at iam_malachi_ and join a group of 45.1K followers he’s already amassed by showcasing his personality and world in martial arts.

PUBLISHED LEGAL NOTICE

OF PUBLIC HEARINGS

NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that a meeting will be held on Tuesday, January 21, 2025, at 6:00 P.M., Local Time, in the Council Chambers of the Municipal Building, 26000 Evergreen Road, Southfeld, Michigan, at which time and place the Southfeld City Council will consider the following requests pursuant to Title V, Zoning and Planning, Chapter 45, Zoning, of the Code of the City of Southfeld, to wit:

PZR24-0008 (REZONING) is a request of Ali Merhi, IMI Ventures, to rezone a vacant parcel at 24412 Southfeld Road, Southfeld, Michigan (Parcel 24-25-151-020) from OS Offce Service to B-3 General Business.

PSLU24-0014 (SPECIAL USE) is a request of Ali Merhi, IMI Ventures, to construct and operate a new oil change business at 24412 Southfeld Road, Southfeld, Michigan (Parcel 24-25-151-020).

PZR24-0013 (REZONING) is a request of Deborah and Ron Eagle, Eagle Landscaping and Supply Co., to rezone 22106 & 22108 W 8 Mile Road, Southfeld, Michigan (Parcels 24-33-476-036 and 24-33-476-059) from B-3 General Business & I-L Light Industrial to I-1 Industrial.

PSLU24-0021 (SPECIAL USE) is a request of Deborah and Ron Eagle, Eagle Landscaping and Supply Co., to expand the operations Eagle Landscaping and Supply Co. located at 20779 Lahser, onto the abutting properties at 22106 & 22108 W 8 Mile Road, Southfeld, Michigan (Parcels 24-33-476-036 and 24-33-476-059).

Written comments may be mailed to the City Clerk’s Offce, 26000 Evergreen Road, P.O. Box 2055, Southfeld, MI 480372055, prior to the meeting.

Questions regarding this matter should be directed to the Planning Department at (248) 796-4150 or tpaison@cityofsouthfeld.com

JANET JACKSON – CITY CLERK

Individuals with special needs who plan to attend this meeting should contact the City Clerk’s Offce at 248796-5150 (voice) or 248-354-4831 (TDD). If auxiliary aids or services are needed, reasonable advance notice is required.

Published: Southfeld Sun 12/19/2024

Nutcrackers

from page 7A

Detroit, teamed up to create a nutcracker adorned in pink and green inspired by Robinson’s sorority, Alpha Kappa Alpha.

Robinson explained that she and Williams go way back; the two have known each other since they were 11 years old and graduated from Mumford High School together. She added that her sister was Williams’ elementary school teacher.

While Robinson typically does acrylic pours and incense bottles, when her lifelong friend approached her with the 12-foot nutcracker design, she couldn’t say no, so she enlisted the help of her sister and got to work.

Parks Alexander said that she’s all about the details.

“I helped my dear sister with my opinions,” she said.

Of collaborating with her sister, Robinson said, “I was happy she was able to because her little critiques, I must admit, worked well, but don’t tell her.”

Robinson added about Williams, “We’ve been out of school 45 years, but he always keeps in touch to let me know the things that are going on in Brightmoor, and

See NUTCRACKERS on page 16A

Photo by Patricia O’Blenes

Taylor resident Anna Coleman drew inspiration from the beauty and strength that her late mother, Judith, displayed. Coleman named her nutcracker “Beautiful Endurance” in her mother’s honor.

Nutcrackers

from page 15A

I try to support him because I think it’s a really, really fantastic job what he’s doing for Detroit, and making sure that it’s not ignored.

“It’s a little spot that has been ignored for too long, and he’s bringing the light back to it, and the community is so receptive,” Robinson said.

Williams explained that since the founding of Williams Park Alliance Inc. in 2019, its mission has been to breathe new life into deteriorated properties by repurposing them.

The first property they repurposed is now Etheldra Mae Williams Park, named after his late mother.

“There’s a lot of properties throughout Detroit that the city were selling as side lots, and we through Wayne County Auction through the Detroit Land Bank, the Michigan Land Bank, and some through the city of Detroit were able to acquire quite a few lots,” he said, “And we’re doing what we can to repurpose those lots and to get those lots back in into shape and make them into something that’s useful, as opposed to something that’s not useful.”

He added that in addition to the nonprofit’s work in the community, outreach events like the Brightmoor Lights Holiday Festival are just one of the many free community outreach offerings meant to unite people.

“We do a minimum of eight free concerts throughout the summer,” he said.

“Every Tuesday, we have a free concert, live music, and we showcase local talent. We have two classic car shows, one in the spring and one in the fall. We have a food festival. We have a senior activities event, and we do health festivals, and then we partner with other nonprofits. We do things for children and youth.”

To learn more about the Williams Park Alliance Inc. or to donate, visit www.williamspark.org.

Call Staff Writer Kathryn Pentiuk at (586) 498-1070.

Malia Alford, of Southfield, aims to promote a message of love and kindness through her nutcracker, “King Choco,” the giant chocolate king of hearts.

Photo by Patricia O’Blenes

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MATTRESSES

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MISCELLANEOUS

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Published: December 18, 2024

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Brick Work

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Carpentry

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Cleaning Service

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Electrical

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Gutters

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Gutters

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Handyman Services

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Heating & Cooling

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Painting

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PEAKPAINTING

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Painting

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AT THE RESTAURANT

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Painting

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Plumbing

MASTER PLUMBER

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Plumbing

APEX

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Licensed/Insured Since1965

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Tree Service

DAVE'STREE&SHRUB

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ELITETREE SERVICE

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