12/20/23 Farmington Press by C & G Newspapers

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DECEMBER 20, 2023 • Vol. 16, No. 27

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One of the Road Commission’s 140 plow trucks is loaded with salt.

‘We are very much in the crosshairs’

SHERIFF CREATES TASK FORCE TO COMBAT RISE IN OC HOME BURGLARIES OAKLAND COUNTY — An increase in thieves breaking into multimillion-dollar homes across northern Oakland County and stealing valuables has prompted Oakland County Sheriff Michael Bouchard to create a new task force targeting what he believes is a transnational crime ring. The Southeast Michigan Collaborate Arrest and Prosecute team, or SEMCAP, is a multi-jurisdictional task force made up of over a dozen police departments throughout southeast Michigan, the Michigan State Police, the FBI and others.

The task force is working together to combat organized and trained thieves who have been targeting certain areas of the United States — including Michigan — breaking into affluent homes in search of cash, jewelry, high-end clothing, purses and other products that can be easily shipped and sold. “All of the agencies involved have committed to do all they can to partner and share resources and information,” Bouchard said. “The reason it’s so important is because this group is so highly functional, they are well-trained, and they are targeting our region and other places across the country. We are very much in the crosshairs.” See BURGLARIES on page 8A

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Nonprofit group tests for road salt in the Rouge BY KATHRYN PENTIUK kpentiuk@candgnews.com

METRO DETROIT — A local environmental group will be testing four different data collection methods to assess chloride contamination in the Rouge River this winter. Starting Jan. 20 at its stonefly search to assess river health, the Friends of the Rouge will also focus on chloride contamination in the Rouge River, See SALT on page 5A

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ABOVE: Oakland County Sheriff Michael Bouchard announces a new task force, called Southeast Michigan Collaborate Arrest and Prosecute, or SEMCAP, to investigate the rise in high-end home burglaries.

‘When you put salt on the road, a lot of it flows right into the river’

FARMINGTON PRESS • DECEMBER 20, 2023

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SECOND FRONT PAGE Suspicious bus stop incident investigated

Look for Community Calendar in Section B

3A/ FARMINGTON PRESS • DECEMBER 20, 2023

Our next edition will come to homes Jan. 10

BY MARK VEST mvest@candgnews.com

FARMINGTON HILLS — According to a press release, the Farmington Hills Police Department is investigating a delayed report of a suspicious incident at a bus stop that occurred on Monday, Dec. 4, between 3 and 3:05 p.m. According to the complainant, a 16-year-old student was approached by a stranger in a vehicle near a school bus stop in a subdivision located near the southwest corner of 12 Mile and Inkster roads. As the child walked away from the bus stop, located at the corner of 12 Mile Road and Herndonwood Drive, a female driver reportedly pulled alongside the student and stated, “I’m one of your neighbors. Do you want a ride home?” When the student declined the ride, the unknown woman drove off, the release states. The suspect was described as possibly being a Hispanic woman, with no further information about her appearance provided. The make and model of the vehicle the suspect was driving was reported to be unknown. However, it was described as a dark gray sport utility vehicle. “Detectives are actively investigating See INVESTIGATION on page 14A

The ninth annual Forever Home Run Oct. 7 was presented by The KSG Group at Morgan Stanley at Beautiful Savior Lutheran Church in Bloomfield Hills. Photo by Erin Sanchez

A HOME FOR THE HOLIDAYS Need for more foster families grows BY MARY GENSON mgenson@candgnews.com

METRO DETROIT — The holidays bring to mind memories of home and family, and for some local youth, that is what they need most. Especially following the pandemic, there is a need for foster parents in Michigan. There are approximately 10,000 children in foster care in the state, and nearly 200 children who still need an adoptive family. Sarah Bacheller is a foster parent who said that in some ways,

foster care became harder during the pandemic, but it also had some hidden benefits. “What COVID did in our situation is it opened up doors for alternate ways of receiving education that don’t normally open for foster kids because they have to be in a brick-and-mortar school,” she said. Bacheller said some students did better with the online format, without the social pressures that come along with school. However, she said it required her to fill in the gaps that were not being provided by face-to-face education at the time. She said that is not a realistic situation for most families. When both parents are working, it is more difficult to hold kids accountable for their schoolwork. See HOME on page 6A

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ICE DANCE TEAM WINS NATIONAL CHAMPIONSHIP BY CHARITY MEIER cmeier@candgnews.com

Cooper Cornwell and Jasmine Robertson, novice ice dancers who train in Novi, maintain a rigorous practice schedule to be able to compete at an elite level. Photos by Patricia O’Blenes

wo teenagers from Novi are taking the world of competitive figure skating by storm as they chase after their dream of Olympic gold. After being paired together for only six months, Cooper Cornwell, 15, and his partner, Jasmine Robertson, 14, have won every competition that they have competed in this year and are the 2023-24 U.S. national novice ice dance champions. The team won the title after winning the national novice competition Nov. 14-15 in Minneapolis. “It’s incredible, really, with See ICE DANCERS on page 12A

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FARMINGTON PRESS • DECEMBER 20, 2023

Salt

Clinton River Watershed Council gives advice on ice

from page 1A

See SALT on page 18A

According to the Clinton River Watershed Council, the most important step in de-icing is to physically remove as much ice as possible before applying salt. They recommend using a shovel to break up the ice before adding another layer of salt to sidewalks — applying more salt without removing what melted could result in using more salt than needed, which will end up in the river. They also said people can reduce salt use by limiting home access to one entrance. The group said choosing calcium magnesium acetate as a de-icer results in fewer adverse environmental impacts than salt and doesn’t cause erosion. They recommend checking the air temperature before applying de-icer, reading the label and using as little product as possible and applying carefully. • For dry, powdery snow: Shovel or sweep snow immediately to avoid using de-icer. • For wet, heavy snow: Apply de-icer product as soon as snow beings falling in order to prevent it from bonding. • For sleet and freezing rain: Apply de-icer product early on during these conditions to prevent ice from building up. • For significant snowfall: When more than 2 inches of snow falls, plow or shovel first and then use a de-icing product to melt any underlying layers of ice that have built up due to packed down snow. Source: “A Citizen’s Guide to Cold Weather Practices,” from the The Clinton River Watershed Council. For more information, visit wbtownship.org.

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thanks to a Rouge River Watershed Council grant of around $40,000 from the Michigan Department of Environment, Great Lakes and Energy. “As an urban watershed, when you put salt on the road, a lot of it flows right into the river. So we’ve kind of known that this is a problem,” said Lauren Eaton, the monitoring manager for Friends of the Rouge. Eaton explained that the Friends of the Rouge has been monitoring road salt in the river since 2020 using free salt watch strips from the Izaak Walton League of America. These test strips have been used at the bug hunts and stonefly searches to collect data to determine how toxic the salt levels are to the aquatic life in the Rouge. EGLE has set water quality values to protect surface water from chloride based on parts per million concentrations. These are 150 ppm and above, which causes long-term effects to aquatic life called “chronic” effects, and 320 ppm and above, which causes acute effects to aquatic life, called “toxic” effects. According to the 2022 Fall Bug Hunt Report, seven sites had toxic levels of chloride. “This is particularly concerning as one would expect road salt applied last winter to be washed out of the system by October,” the report states. “EGLE has already listed Bishop Creek (Novi) as ‘impaired’ due to high salt levels. Tonquish Creek (Plymouth) , Bell Creek (Livonia) and Evans Creek (Southfield) also need further examination due to elevated concentrations.” Eaton stated that the four different testing methods that will be used are the salt tabs, two different sensor readings, and then a physical “water grab,” which is a cup of water taken from the river that will be taken to an EGLE-approved laboratory that will analyze that water. “The end goal is to kind of test these different

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Home from page 3A

“It did allow for more opportunities to connect and build that trust and relationship, because I wasn’t competing with a school schedule and a sports schedule and a work schedule and everything, so we had no other choice but to find ways to connect and get them feeling connected,” Bacheller said. Lara Bouse, the executive director of Fostering Forward Michigan, said that, “in a nutshell, COVID made foster care harder.” Throughout this time, Bouse said, many children who were previously in foster care were adopted, but that also meant foster parents were no longer able to take in other children. “COVID really created some new challenges and forced foster parents to look at their own capacity and what they could and couldn’t do, and so we lost quite a few foster homes during COVID and after, and at this point, we need to replace those homes,” Bouse said. It was especially challenging for some parents during the time period when kids were not able to go to schools or daycare, and parents had to work from home. “We have children in care that really need to have some individualized and specialized care, and so we need to find homes and families that we can train, who will care for these children and help get them on a

path to reunification with their birth family,” Bouse said. Melissa Jenovai, the president and CEO of Spaulding for Children, said that, after COVID, they experienced an increase in the need for foster homes because many of their caregivers suffered from health concerns and deaths as a result of the pandemic. Jenovai said this especially impacted the Black, Indigenous and people of color community. “There’s certainly a need nationwide and locally in our area to have people who are interested in either supporting families and volunteering with agencies or coming to learn about foster care and adoption,” Jenovai said. Jenovai said they have a high number of teens, as well as children who are part of a sibling set. “Fostering teens has been a nationwide campaign and call to action, but we still have a need for that in our area,” Jenovail said. “Families who are willing and interested in parenting teens is a big need.” Bacheller said foster parents are trained to provide normalcy for their foster kids. However, it can get expensive for teenagers to live normal lives. For example, Bacheller said her car insurance goes up every time a kid finishes driver’s education. “We want to provide normalcy, but then normalcy comes at the expense of dollars,” Bacheller said. She added that she likes to provide kids See HOME on page 11A

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Getting it right

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.

Independent Living, Assisted Living and Memory Care 28800 West Eleven Mile Road • Farmington Hills, MI 48336 FarmingtonHills.RoseSeniorLiving.com

CORRECTION: The Dec. 6 issue of the Farmington Press mistakenly reported that Karen Mondora was the first female to serve Farmington Hills as an assistant city manager, following a promotion. The city of Farmington Hills has since reported that the information that was originally sent in a press release was a mistake. 0255-2351

NEWS & NOTES 7A/ FARMINGTON PRESS • DECEMBER 20, 2023

Students encouraged to consider dual enrollment

FARMINGTON — Farmington Public Schools is promoting an early middle college program with Oakland Community College. The Accelerated College Experience gives the opportunity to graduate with an associate degree and up to 60 college credits, according to a press release. Graduated students then may transfer to a four-year college or other postsecondary program. The money for the taxpayer-funded program comes from a school district’s state aid foundation grant, so there is no cost to the student, but transportation is not provided. Students can apply for admission in the 10th grade and, if selected, begin the three-year program in 11th grade. To learn more, visit farmington.k12.mi.us/ace.

PONTIAC OPENS NEW SKATEPARK

Civic Theater offers memberships

PONTIAC — Skateboarders and other extreme sports fans are invited to try out Pontiac’s new skatepark. The new skatepark is located in Oakland Park, 500 E. Montcalm St. A grand opening ceremony is expected to take place in May 2024. The new facility was born of a collaboration between the city of Pontiac, the Pontiac Skatepark Project, local activists and skate enthusiasts, the Ralph C. Wilson Jr. Foundation, the Oakland County Commission, and The Skatepark Project — formerly known as the Tony Hawk Foundation. Through this collaborative funding partnership, $568,000 was established in support of this project. Pontiac’s newly constructed skatepark is an estimated 10,000 square feet and features several ramps of various sizes, handrails, flat rails, ledges and other amenities to accommodate skaters of all skill levels. “Skate enthusiasts have long waited for an exciting state-of-the-art amenity,” Jacob Jefferson, the public relations and social media specialist for Pontiac, said in a press release. “And it’s another great development for the youth, which creates more recreational opportunities in the City of Pontiac.” Skatepark hours are 8 a.m.-6 p.m. Nov. 16-March 14, 2024; and 7 a.m.-8 p.m. March 15, 2024, to Nov. 14, 2024. Photo provided by Jacob Jefferson No motorized or electric vehicles are allowed on the skatepark, skaters must wear protective equipment, and there is no skating during inclement weather such as snow, rain or fog.

FARMINGTON — The city-owned Farmington Civic Theatre offers memberships for theater fans to see unlimited movies. According to the city, the “Unlimited” membership “provides a budget-friendly way to enjoy fresh, new movies at the Farmington Civic Theater. It’s also a way to support independent cinema. See as many movies as you want each month, on our two screens, for one low price. See a movie multiple times, if you wish. With the Unlimited Plus membership, you also get free popcorn and pop while attending each movie.” Special events and some special screenings may be unavailable to members, and membership is not required to see movies. For more information, visit thefct.com/ membership.

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FARMINGTON PRESS • DECEMBER 20, 2023

Burglaries from page 1A

Since September, there have been at least 30-40 home burglaries across various communities in Oakland County, according to Bouchard. “We are trying to get a handle on it,” he said. “All of us getting together starts to put the picture on how big this is and how long it’s been going on.” Crews targeting homes in Oakland County are of Chilean origin, Bouchard said, based on recent arrests. “Transnational gangs, specifically in our area, are Chilean, primarily, coming from Chile, typically in teams of four (to) six,” he said. “Our area has been very much hammered by the very high-end burglaries, but we also have been hit, and, thankfully — with the assistance of the Violent Crime Task Force, the FBI, Auburn Hills, Troy, Bloomfield Township and a bunch of folks gathering together — we ended up catching a team that was doing the jewelry store robberies in Oakland County. They’re in my jail. They’re all from Chile.” Michigan Attorney General Dana Nessel announced three more arrests stemming from an investigation into criminal rings op-

erating in the metro-Detroit area. The three suspects, arrested in Indiana, have been tied to eight break-ins that took place between Feb. 3 and 11 in Ada Township, Bloomfield Township, Bloomfield Hills, Grosse Pointe Farms, Rochester and Rochester Hills. The Federal Bureau of Investigation has identified each, all Chilean nationals, as being members of the formally designated South American Theft Group. But as criminals are apprehended by police, new crews are sent to the United States from overseas to replace them, resulting in what seems like a never-ending cycle of crime. “We applaud the charging of three suspects accused in high-end break-ins at homes in our county, but we want to be clear that these suspects have been in custody for months,” Bouchard said in a statement. “These suspects — while connected to the same transnational network that has committed countless burglaries across the country — are not the criminals responsible for the rash of break-ins in southeast Michigan that have risen dramatically since September. These are completely different teams who continue to traumatize residents in our area, and I urge residents to remain vigilant.” Bouchard said those in the crime ring are believed to have entered the country in

Photo provided by the Oakland County Sheriff’s Office

Two suspects are caught on video surveillance breaking into a home via a glass door. one of two ways: either illegally across the southern border or through the Visa Waiver Program. “We’d love to trace them back to where they are trained. It’s hard to find out where they are living because they use different places to stay,” he explained. “This isn’t a typical investigation. That’s why we need so many partners — state, federal and local — to share information.” This particular crime ring, he explained,

targets multimillion-dollar homes in affluent neighborhoods, breaking in through glass doors or second-story windows when homes are vacant, typically between 5 and 9 p.m. Their preferred targets are large homes that are isolated and back up to wooded areas, trails and golf courses. “A lot of people ask what neighborhoods or what communities, but it’s the target home. If you have a very high-end home — See BURGLARIES on page 14A

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The gift of swim lessons, which are offered year-round at the Troy Community Center, can create lifelong skills, water safety and a love for the water.

10A/FARMINGTON PRESS • DECEMBER 20, 2023

HOLIDAY GIFTS TO KEEP YOU MOVING IN THE NEW YEAR BY MARY BETH ALMOND

malmond@candgnews.com

hile toys and other physical gifts can be quickly forgotten, the sense of pride from learning a new skill is the gift that keeps on giving. So rather than adding to a loved one’s overwhelming stack of belongings, why not consider giving an experience? Sports lessons and classes are a great way to keep a family member active and engaged in the new year. Ice skating, skiing and snowboarding are the perfect ways to escape cabin fever and take advantage of the snowy winter weather. The Birmingham Sports Ice Arena offers ice skating classes for ages 3 to adult of all levels year-round. “A lot of kids get skates for the holidays, and they don’t know how to skate, so they come here and want to take skating lessons,” said Ice Arena Facilities Superintendent Connie Folk. Gift givers can register a loved one for the next eight-week course, which begins the week of Jan. 15, or wait for additional ice skating lessons, which are offered in five sessions throughout the year. Ice skating classes meet once a week for eight weeks and are lim-

ited to 12 students. Classes with more than seven students will have two instructors. “If you know how to skate, you will have a better experience when you go to birthday parties, open skates or even down to the city of Detroit to skate on the outdoor rink,” Folk said. “It just makes it a great gift, because it gives them the opportunity to come out, exercise and learn how to skate so they can skate with their friends.” The Birmingham Ice Sports Arena is located at 2300 E. Lincoln. To register, visit play.bhamgov.org. There are also many ski areas in southeast Michigan, including Alpine Valley, Mount Brighton, Mount Holly and Pine Knob. Pine Knob Ski Resort — 7778 Sashabaw Road in Clarkston — offers ski and snowboard rentals, with private or group lessons for all ages, led by certified instructors. Pine Knob has 17 runs, six chairlifts, four tow ropes, two wonder carpets and some terrain parks. Many intermediate and avid skiers hope a season ski pass will be under the tree, allowing them to ski or snowboard as many days as they want, all season. Another fun gift-giving option that can be personalized to fit a variety of interests is a gift card to the Troy Community Center.

See GIFTS on page 17A

Photo provided by the Troy Community Center

The Birmingham Sports Ice Arena offers ice skating classes for ages 3 to adult of all levels year-round. Shutterstock image

0346-2351

11A

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“As long as your home is safe and secure and you are willing to do the work to help a child, you don’t have to have any special skills. We’re going to help people learn what they need to learn in order to do it,” Bouse said. The licensing process provides training and resources to help foster parents with what they need to know. “Foster care is incredibly rewarding, especially when you get to watch the system work well and provide great outcomes for children and families,” Bouse said. For more information on becoming a foster parent in Michigan, visit fcnp.org. Call Staff Writer Mary Genson at (586) 498-1095.

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Becoming a foster parent

with as many experiences as she can, but those can get expensive as well. Recently, Gov. Gretchen Whitmer announced an increase in financial support for foster parents. The increased allocation of funds is part of the bipartisan budget that was recently signed by Whitmer, part of the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services’ effort to address Michigan’s shortage in foster parents. Bouse said the calculations for the foster care daily rate reimbursement do automatically account for inflation. “The increases we’ve seen recently, in the past couple of years, have just barely begun to get that daily rate up to where inflation should have taken it if it had increased at the same inflation rate that everything else had,” Bouse said. “While goods and services and groceries are becoming more and more expensive, there hasn’t been an increase to that reimbursement rate for what foster parents end up spending out of their own pocket.” Bouse said that, even with these reimbursement increases, Michigan offers less

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from page 6A

than other states in the country. “It still hasn’t gotten us to the point where foster parents are receiving a realistic daily reimbursement for the care and safety and wellbeing of a child,” Bouse said. “But the dollars allow for foster parents to have a little more flexibility in helping youth participate in extracurricular activities and to be able to replace clothing or weather-appropriate attire as the seasons change. So, every little bit helps.”

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FARMINGTON PRESS • DECEMBER 20, 2023

Ice dancers from page 4A

what (they) pulled off with getting together late in the season and then going up against teams that have been together for three or four years,” said Cornwell’s mother, Lisa Waishes-Cornwell. The two have devoted themselves entirely to perfecting their craft from a young age. Robertson, who moved to Novi from Nashville, fell in love with the sport at the age of 4 while living in Idaho. “She’s the type of kid where you’ve gotta constantly be having her do something,” said Heather Norton, Robertson’s mom. “So, I decided to put her in skating, and she just loved it. I offered. I’m like, ‘Do you want to do skiing, do you want to play hockey, or do you want to be on the ice?’ and she’s like, ‘I want to dance on the ice.’ And I said, ‘OK.’” Cornwell fell in love with the sport at age 8 after attending a friend’s birthday party in his hometown of Los Angeles. He said he knew instantly that he had found his “passion” and told his parents. “When I was about 8, Mom took me to a birthday skating party at the Toyota Center in Los Angeles, where the Kings (practice), and I really enjoyed myself,” Cornwell said. “I had been doing lots of other sports at the time and didn’t really like any of them, like lacrosse, baseball, soccer, basketball, and none of them were really my thing, and then I went ice skating and it was. I loved it.” He said he started taking “learn to skate” classes immediately after talking to his parents about his desire to be a skater. He excelled quickly in the classes and said a coach asked him if he was interested in doing ice dancing. He quickly fell in love with it. “I love performing. I like partnering, more dance. Not that freestyle is not impressive. Also, I’m much too tall for freestyle,” said Cornwell, who towers above the ice at 6 feet, 3 inches tall. Robertson said she used to do both freestyle and ice dance but has chosen to strictly pursue ice dance. “I always really had a passion for dancing and the expression part of figure skating, and I also really enjoyed skating with a partner and having someone there, and so I just made the decision to skate ice dance,” Robertson said. “I love the performance aspect of it.” Cornwell and Robertson met in 2021 during an ice dance skater development camp. The two had been selected individually to attend, as they had both placed in the top nine in the country that year. Both of them had other partners at the time but became fast friends. The two kept in touch

and then independently decided to move to Novi, where some of the best coaches in the world teach. Then at the start of the skating season last May, the two found themselves without partners and decided to join forces. They had only four weeks to put together their routines before their first competition, but they managed to skate away with gold medals. “They’ve only been together for about six months, but to see them, you think they’ve been together for years,” WaishesCornwell said. Cornwell said that they have a good energy together and that he is the more “chill” of the two. “We balance each other out, and it works really well, I think,” said Cornwell. Robertson agreed, saying she likes how well they mesh together. She credited this to the fact that they were friends before they became partners and said that helps to give them the edge on the ice. Norton agreed with Cornwell’s description of his and Robertson’s relationship on the ice. She said her daughter gets hyper focused on the job of the sport, while Cornwell’s mindset is, “We’re going to do this and it’s going to be good,” and agreed that they balance each other out. In order to achieve success, the teens maintain a rigorous practice schedule and follow specific diets. The two practice for approximately eight hours a day, often starting at 7:45 a.m. and not ending until 5 p.m. Practice includes on-ice training and off-ice instruction in various forms of dance and lifts, and workouts at local gyms. Their schedule is so intense that both of them participate in virtual school programs. After practice, Cornwell spends his weekday evenings working to complete his high school education through Novi High School’s virtual program. He said he spends about three to four hours each night working on his schoolwork. In order to have less stress during the skating season, Cornwell takes classes year-round. Both Cornwell and his mom praised the school district for helping him to succeed academically while working to achieve his ice dance dreams. Waishes-Cornwell said that Novi High School counselor Rebecca Chinn has really “jumped through hoops” to ensure that Cornwell can complete his high school education while competing in ice dance, and the virtual program still offers him the opportunity to attend school functions such as football games, homecoming and prom. Tammy Raffle, Novi Virtual success coach, said that the Novi Virtual program serves a population of students who are unSee ICE DANCERS on page 15A

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COMMUNITY

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State organ donations break yearly record

Gift of Life Michigan announced Nov. 20 that it broke its record for lifesaving organ donations in a single year after the 500th organ was donated through Gift of Life. Donors in 2023 have so far resulted in more than 1,200 organs transplanted, saving

the lives of hundreds of critically ill patients in Michigan and beyond. Gift of Life Michigan helped a record 463 organ donors and their families give their final gifts in 2022. In 2021, the number stood at 429. “Michigan’s latest milestone is incredibly meaningful. I’m in awe of those 500 donors and their families who decided that helping others was important to them,” Dorrie Dils, the president and CEO of Gift of Life, said in a press release. “They have given their recipients the best gift — new life. As we approach Thanksgiving, we know

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how grateful they must be.” Gift of Life is the country’s 11th-largest federally designated organ procurement organization. Those saved by a donated organ included Sherry Johnson, of Farmington, who received a heart and kidney transplant at Michigan Medicine in late October. She went home this month after 96 days waiting for and recovering from her double transplant from a single donor. “I am home,” she said. “I am healthy and happy, and there won’t be an empty seat at my

family’s Thanksgiving dinner table this week,” she said in a press release. “I’m thinking about and thanking my donor, my unknown hero. How does one honor someone who would do that for me? Together, we will do great things.” More than 4.5 million adults in this state have joined the Michigan Organ Donor Registry and have a red heart on their driver’s license or state ID, indicating their decision to donate organs and tissue. To register as an organ donor, visit a Secretary of State branch office or go to golm.org/ register.

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Peek Inside Your Health: Full Body MRI Screenings Unveil Silent Issues Before Symptoms Arise SOUTHFIELD- Full body MRI clinics have gained national attention lately, as TV personalities publicly share their personal full body scan experiences. One actress credits the scan for saving her life after doctors dismissed her unexplained pain for months. After various tests, including a CT scan, had “unremarkable” results, the pregnant actress became her own advocate, searched out a full body MRI clinic and discovered she had pancreatic cancer. Thanks to early detection the tumor was removed successfully. As a general rule, when symptoms occur related to cancer, it usually has progressed to stage three or four. Even with annual physicals, there are limitations. Most screenings only

cover about 29% of cancers with 71% occurring outside of where doctors are able to screen. However, full body MRI scans can detect cancer in every organ from the top of the head through the genitals and can detect it very early. For a long time, full body MRI scans were available only in select areas outside of Michigan, requiring expensive flights like in Vancouver or California. However, this changed when a clinic opened in Southfield, making these scans available to Metro Detroit residents. “Our advanced MRI screening can detect cancers very early when they are as small as a pencil eraser and are more easily treatable. If cancer goes undetected, however, it can grow into stage three or stage four with difficult

treatments. We can also identify conditions such as brain, abdominal, chest, and groin aneurysms,” stated the founder of the Southfield clinic called Bionicc Body Screening. The primary focus of Bionicc Body Screening is to deliver peace of mind, offering a comprehensive and detailed imaging of the body’s internal structures. The ultimate hope is for excellent health. However, in the event that something is detected, the advanced screening aims to catch any potential issues at their earliest stages. This approach offers the best opportunity for successful treatment outcomes, should the need arise. Robert B., age 50, opted for a full body scan from Bionicc Body Screening and a very small tumor

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Burglaries from page 8A

probably a multimillion-dollar home — with any kind of approach, and there are valuables inside, you are probably that kind of target that they are looking for, regardless of what community or neighborhood you’re in,” Bouchard said. “One of the burglaries was in a home where the rest of the neighborhood probably wouldn’t have fit the bill, but that one did — that’s something to be aware of.” The thieves use jamming equipment to disrupt frequencies used by wireless security systems, preventing alarms from going off as they break into a home. “They’re very methodical,” Bouchard explained. “They come in, they’re very well trained — they are all in black, with backpacks, face masks and gloves — and they utilize a jammer that shuts down wireless, so if you have a wireless alarm system, a wireless glass break, wireless contacts, it will jam those frequencies and it won’t communicate with the alarm or get an alarm system out. So if you are in a neighborhood and your wireless seems to be going down and it never has happened before and you’re in one of these neighborhoods, it may be a good time to call your local police department.”

Losses from recent break-ins measure in the millions of dollars, officials say, as money, jewelry, luxury purses, other high-value items and safes have been stolen from affected properties. “They keep getting in houses without an alarm on and getting out with hundreds of thousands or even millions — we’ve seen homes with $3 million to $4 million in cash and jewelry — that’s a big payday anywhere in the world,” Bouchard noted. Bloomfield Township Police Public Information Officer Nick Soley said the township alone has experienced roughly eight to 10 home break-ins since September. “I can say confidently that none of our homes have been occupied during these home invasions in Bloomfield Township. They are going after that high-end jewelry, cash and some of the high-end purses and designer-named stuff like that,” he said. The Bloomfield Township Police Department has been communicating with residents and homeowner associations to keep them apprised of the criminal activity. Many township residents are scared, according to Solely. “Our residents are nervous, and rightfully so. They should feel protected in their homes,” he said. “Things are kind of changing. I don’t typically tell homeowners they need to move

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things to a safety deposit box, but those are the kinds of tips we are giving. If you have highend jewelry, it needs to be moved somewhere more secure, or maybe off site.” Most of the homes burglarized in the township have video surveillance, which Soley said is a big help to investigators. Police have also stepped up patrols throughout the township. “We are putting a lot of extra patrols out there, so even if you don’t see us in a marked patrol car, we are out there,” he said. As home invasions connected to this crime ring continue throughout southwest Michigan, the investigation remains ongoing. Bouchard encourages homeowners to invest in redundant alarm systems — with an emphasis on those that are hard-wired and can communicate via radio, cellular and internet — and keep an eye out for anything unusual. “Watch out for each other. Look for suspicious cars or people,” he said. “People coming through backyards and neighborhoods like that is a phone call to your local police. … We’d rather check on 100 nothings than miss the one real deal. Calling us is not a bother.” Call Staff Writer Mary Beth Almond at (586) 498-1060.

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from page 3A

this incident,” the release states. “The Farmington Hills Police Department has increased patrols at all bus stops and is working cooperatively with the Farmington Public School District to address safety concerns.” Anyone with information can contact the Farmington Hills Police Department Command Desk at (248) 8712610. Call Staff Writer Mark Vest at (586) 498-1052.

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FARMINGTON PRESS • DECEMBER 20, 2023

from page 12A

able to attend traditional in-person classes. She said Novi High School virtual students are able to take a variety of electives, including AP courses, in addition to the core courses, and they are provided with live daily instruction on Zoom by Novi teachers. “Cooper is a perfect example of how we are able to provide options for families who still want a Novi education but need flexibility due to extenuating factors like elite athletic training, overseas travel, illness and many other variables,” said Raffle. However, it’s not just the skaters who have to sacrifice in order to achieve their dreams, but their parents and families as well. Waishes-Cornwell and Norton estimate that they spend approximately $100,000 a year on skating-related expenses, including multiple different types of coaches, choreographers, travel expenses, costumes, skates, weekly massages, etc. However, along with the pocketbook, it also puts a strain on family unity. Cornwell’s parents purchased a condo in Novi in order for him to be trained at the Novi Ice Arena by world-renowned coach Igor Shpilband. His sister remains in LA, and his parents rotate between the two households every six weeks, sacrificing time with each other, as when one parent is here, the other parent is in LA. Norton made a similar sacrifice so that Robertson can train in Novi. Norton only goes home to see her husband in Nashville once a month. According to Robertson, the willpower and determination and dedication to her sport came naturally to her. However, Cornwell said that it is difficult sometimes. He

said it is challenging to balance schoolwork with skating and a social life, and he often misses his family and friends. Still, both of them say that the sacrifices are worth it to achieve their dream. “It’s OK. It will be worth the gold medal,” Robertson said. The couple aspires to compete together in the Olympics one day, but said that is still several years off, as they are only competing at the novice level right now. They will compete in Columbus, Ohio, Jan. 22-26 against other couples who placed in the top five at the national event last month. They hope to find success in that event and be invited to compete in an international competition in Italy come February. Call Staff Writer Charity Meier at (586) 498-1092.

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16A/DECEMBER 20, 2023 FARMINGTON PRESS

Put safety at the top of your holiday list

t’s easy to forget about safety when dealing with the hustle and bustle of the holiday season. But experts say this is a bad time to let your guard down, whether in regard to fire or crime at home.

Take a bite out of holiday crime

According to the National Crime Victimization Survey, larcenies and robberies rise by roughly 20% each December. A 2020 report on the website Alarms.org showed that Michigan had the highest holiday crime rate among Midwestern states and ranked 31st nationwide in terms of having the most crime during this time; Florida had the highest holiday crime rate. “It starts with keeping your doors and windows locked,” said A.J. Tononi, a sales representative for Guardian Alarm, a national provider based in Southfield. “Having a relationship with your neighbors helps.” He said outdoor lighting deters crooks, particularly at night, and motion-activated lights are also great. “The biggest and best recommendation is (to have) a home security system and cameras,” Tononi said. Public safety professionals concur. “Statistics prove alarms deter crime,” Grosse Pointe Shores Public Safety Director Kenneth Werenski said. “Activate your alarm. Make sure your cameras are working.” Werenski said leaving a light on when you’re gone also helps, as it leaves the impression that someone is home. While crime doesn’t spike in Grosse Pointe Shores over the holidays, that’s due to the nature of the city,

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which is small and has no commercial businesses. “My experience is, crime goes up between Nov. 1 and Jan. 1,” Werenski said of regional trends. “People are desperate this time of year. They need to keep warm. They need to feed their addictions.” Grosse Pointe Woods Public Safety Director John Kosanke said package theft and scams are up at this time of year. Don’t answer calls from unknown callers and independently verify calls that seem to come from legitimate sources, like a utility company or the Internal Revenue Service, as scammers use spoofing to make it appear that a call is coming from a real agency when it isn’t. “With the holidays, it brings about opportunities for criminals,” Kosanke said. “We have the porch pirates this time of year. People are taking a lot of packages.” Having packages sent to a secured post office box or a person’s workplace are a couple of ways to protect these items from being stolen. Werenski said identity theft “is huge this time of year,” so people should routinely monitor their credit reports, credit card transactions and bank accounts for unauthorized activity. With so many shopping online these days, Kosanke warned residents to not click on pop-up ads when browsing the internet, as their devices could get infected with malware or the companies might not be legitimate. Kosanke and Werenski both remind people to be aware of their surroundings, including when unloading gifts and food from their vehicles. “Crime doesn’t take that long,” Kosanke said. “Crime can take seconds.” Regular safety precautions like keeping vehicles locked, not leaving the fobs inside and taking valuables like purses and briefcases inside or putting them out of

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FARMINGTON PRESS • DECEMBER 20, 2023

Safety

Gifts

sight in the trunk are also especially vital around the holidays, as criminals know people might be more prone to neglect these steps because they’re frazzled. “All the thieves are looking for is an opportunity, and you’ve got to not give them that,” Kosanke said. Neighbors can also help by calling police immediately if they spot unusual activity. “You know the habits of your neighbors,” Werenski said. “If you see something, call us. We all work together.”

“People can use it however they want to,” said Troy Community Center Recreation Director Brian Goul. “A lot of people give gift cards that people like to use for our outdoor pool in the summertime or for a fitness pass during the year at the community center.” The 127,000-square-foot building offers everything from year-round swim lessons, pickleball lessons and basketball leagues to karate, yoga and intro to sports classes. “In the new year, people usually want to get physically fit and get in better shape, so giving them a gift card to come and get a fitness pass and work out or be able to learn pickleball is a great way for

from page 16A

from page 10A

Prevent holiday fires from happening

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Candles — which seem to be more popular during the holidays — were responsible for 7,900 residential fires that resulted in more than 720 injuries, dozens of deaths and almost $270 million in property damage between 2013 and 2017 alone, according to the National Fire Protection Agency. “You want to make sure you’re not leaving them unsupervised,” Kosanke said. Experts recommend using flameless alternatives, but if only the real thing will do, exercise caution with pets and children, keep them away from flammable material like curtains, place them on a flat and stable surface, and use a candle snuffer to extinguish them. Werenski said all families should have a fire safety plan in place that includes escape routes and a meeting spot outside. Anyone with a wood-burning fireplace should have it professionally cleaned as well, he said. Replace worn or broken holiday lights, don’t use outdoor lights inside, follow the manufacturer’s directions and only use lights labeled by a qualified testing laboratory, Kosanke said. Kosanke said people should turn off holiday lights before they go to bed or when they’re going to be gone, keep real Christmas trees adequately watered and keep the tree at least 3 feet away from heat sources. He said people should also make sure the tree isn’t blocking any exits. “Christmas is a great time of year,” Kosanke said. “Unfortunately, we do see tragedies this time of year that could have been avoided.”

people to do something that they might not normally do for themselves,” Goul said. A popular option is the “Pickleball 101: Intro for Beginners” class, which teaches participants the basic rules, strokes, scoring and strategies of the game. The center also offers indoor swim lessons year-round for preschoolers to adults, with the next six-week session starting in January, followed by another in late March. To expose kids to a variety of sports — including soccer, football, volleyball, T-ball, lacrosse, hockey and more — the Coach Dave Intro to Sports classes are offered for ages 3-6. “Participating in sports is a great way for kids to meet other kids, get the social skills they need, learn how to be a good teammate and have fun,” he said. For more information about the Troy Community Center, visit rec.troymi.gov.

Celebrate the Season of Giving at JARS Cannabis Whether it’s through fundraising, volunteer work, educating customers about the industry and the benefits of cannabis, or simply putting the right products in the hands of the right people, it’s always the season of giving at JARS Cannabis. But the holidays are certainly special, and JARS is celebrating customers and the season with its Photo by Carlito Clips. “12 Days of Giveaways” promotion from Dec. 22 through Jan. 2. The first 50 customers at each store will receive different product gifts each day, from brands including Jeeter, Stiiizy, Breeze, Wana, Wyld and more. Customers will also be entered into a daily raffle for a chance to win great gifts including a PlayStation5, Apple Watch, TV, MacBook Pro, and more, and cash prizes of $5,000, $10,000 and $15,000. “Giving back fuels our purpose at JARS. From volunteer work to fundraising and customer initiatives like our ‘12 Days of Giveaways,’ we aim to make an impact in every community we serve,” said JARS Cannabis COO Raymond Abro. Founded in 2020, JARS opened its first location as a medical-only retailer on Eight Mile at Hoover on Detroit’s east side. Through industry-leading business practices, community outreach, and an emphasis on customer service, JARS has grown to operate 37 recreational stores in the U.S., including 18 in Michigan. The company employs more than 1,000 people and remains laser-focused on providing extensive training that translates into high-quality customer service. “Our customers deserve the best, and that’s precisely what we provide by training our staff to be experts,” Abro said. “Whether you are a beginner or connoisseur, we offer a tailored experience for every visitor.” JARS offers a full range of products from flower, edibles, topicals and patches to all the accessories customers prefer. To learn more about JARS’ 18 locations, products, and promotions, visit shopJARS.com and follow @JARS_life on Instagram.

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FARMINGTON PRESS • DECEMBER 20, 2023

Salt

from page 5A

methods, but then also to provide our data to EGLE at the end of it so that they can dial in and pinpoint source of chloride to the river, and then go in and assess further and potentially remediate the problem,” Eaton said. Eaton said it’s a delicate balance when it comes to adding just the right amount of salt to the roads to ensure that drivers are safe and that watersheds aren’t contaminated. According to Jocelyn Garza, a communications specialist for the Michigan Department of Transportation, Michigan spends $100 million statewide on winter road maintenance. Garza explained that the only salt alternative currently in use is a deicing agent called calcium magnesium acetate, or CMA, which is only used on the Zilwaukee Bridge in Saginaw County. “CMA is a low corrosive deicer, but it is only used on the Z Bridge,” Garza stated. “While it does work as a deicing agent, it’s difficult to determine if it is more effective than salt or works faster than salt.” CMA is more expensive than regular road salt, with road salt costing $50-$60 per ton and CMA costing $2,000 per ton and not sold in bulk supply. Garza added that CMA requires a dif-

ferent application process, so the truck used to treat the Zilwaukee Bridge is specially outfitted. “There are other measures the department has taken to improve salt application, thereby reducing the amount of salt we use, but these are not alternatives to salt. There seems to be a misconception that different products can replace salt. To date, we have not found one that does, but when using an agricultural bi-product as a boosting agent, it can improve the productivity of salt by lowering the freezing point and staying in place long enough for salt to do its job.” Garza said. MDOT said it has reduced salt usage by adjusting its practices for more than 20 years by prewetting the salt and lowering the speed of a salt truck. MDOT is in year one of a fiveyear pilot to review liquid-only treatments, which are widely used in Wisconsin. The pilot is being completed in three locations across Michigan and uses a salt brine to treat the roads. If it is found to be effective, the state’s salt trucks will be reworked to include a liquid tank and sprayers. MDOT facilities would also need large storage tanks to hold the solutions, and “immense changes would have to be made statewide in all our facilities if this method is found to be more effective than our current methods,” Garza said. According to the Road Commission for Oakland County’s winter road maintenance document, the Road Commission maintains

Michigan’s largest county road system, with only the state highway system being larger. The Road Commission oversees 2,700 miles of county roads, including 750-plus miles of gravel roads, 116 bridges, 1,500 traffic signals, 150,000 traffic signs and more than 230 miles of state highway. The Road Commission spends about $12 million annually, depending on the winter, on winter maintenance, with $4 million or more on road salt alone. Craig Bryson, the senior communications manager of the Road Commission, said that applying just the right amount of salt to the roads without harming people or the environment is a constant challenge. “There’s a lot that goes into this,” he said. “And it’s a very challenging thing for our supervision staff who have to make those calls. The danger is, you say, ‘OK, I want to conserve salt. I’m not gonna salt. This snowfall isn’t going to accumulate too much.’ And if you’re wrong on that, and the roads ice up, and people die, that’s horrific.” Bryson explained that the Road Commission has been working for decades to address this issue. Its regulations now call for about 400 pounds of salt per mile, which is half the amount that used to be applied. They have shifted away from using gravityreliant salt trucks that tilt for application because there is less control over how much salt comes out.

“What we do now is we actually spray the salt with liquid brine, which is naturally occurring saltwater. As it’s coming out of the truck, there are little jets on either side that spray the brine right onto the salt. That means the salt is activating from the moment it leaves the spreader till it hits the road. It’s already becoming active when it actually hits the pavement. That’s allowed us also to reduce the amount of salt we use because the salt is more efficient.” In addition to this method, the Road Commission also measures pavement temperature gauges across Oakland County. Bryon explained that this has been a critical factor, because sometimes the air is colder than the pavement, which helps determine whether to salt immediately or wait. There are six garages located around Oakland County with around 140 snow plows/salt trucks. For those interested in testing the Rouge for chloride, the Friends of the Rouge encourages people to register for the stonefly search. The deadline to register is Jan. 6. Registration can be completed at therouge.org/ bug-hunts/. For more information on the Road Commission, visit www.rcocweb.org. For more information on MDOT, visit www.michigan.gov/mdot. Call Staff Writer Kathryn Pentiuk at (586) 498-1070.

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HURRY! OFFER ENDS SOON! LIMITED QUANTITIES ONLY, CALL NOW TO ORDER

FARMINGTON HILLS | 248-907-1130 31215 W 14 Mile Road • SE Corner of 14 mile & Orchard Lake Rd • Next to Orange Theory Fitness and Starbucks

39713 Traditions Drive • SW Corner Haggerty Rd. & 7 Mile • Next to Granite City & Trader Joe’s

NORTHVILLE | 248-550-0004

ROCHESTER HILLS | 248-710-0120 2747 Rochester Road • NE corner of Rochester & Auburn Rd. • Same plaza as Target and next to TJ Maxx

1365 N. Coolidge Highway On Coolidge Hwy • South of Maple Rd Outlot of Target & Kohl’s

handandstonefarmingtonhills.com

handandstonenorthville.com

handandstonerochesterhills.com

handandstonetroy.com

BRIGHTON | 810-229-9095

CLINTON TWP | 586-846-4981 36740 Garfield Rd SE Corner or Garfield & 16 Mile Next door to Randazzo

LIVONIA | 248-987-7334

29466 W Seven Mile Rd NW Corner of 7 Mile & Middlebelt Outlot of Walmart & Kohl's

WATERFORD | 248-724-2670

handandstonebrighton.com

handandstoneclintontownship.com

handandstonelivonia.com

handandstonewaterford.com

8377 Grand River Ave On Grand River & I96 intersection Close to Mobil gas station

TROY | 248-609-9772

5134 Highland Rd NW Corner of Highland Rd and Crescent Lake Rd

0296-2351

HUGE CHRYSLER • DODGE • JEEP & RAM SELECTION! • HUGE CHRYSLER • DODGE • JEEP & RAM SELECTION!

December 20, 2023

EMPLOYEE BUY

FRIENDS & FAMILY BUY

EMPLOYEE LEASE

FRIENDS & FAMILY LEASE

27 MO.

FRIENDS & FAMILY LEASE

EMPLOYEE BUY

FRIENDS & FAMILY BUY

LEASE FOR

EMPLOYEE BUY

24 MO.

FRIENDS & FAMILY BUY

EMPLOYEE BUY

FRIENDS & FAMILY BUY

EMPLOYEE LEASE

DEMO

27 MO.

36 MO.

LEASE FOR

FRIENDS & FAMILY BUY

EMPLOYEE LEASE

FRIENDS & FAMILY BUY

42 MO.

EMPLOYEE BUY

42 MO.

EMPLOYEE BUY

42 MO.

EMPLOYEE LEASE

FRIENDS & FAMILY LEASE

FRIENDS & FAMILY BUY

EMPLOYEE LEASE

EMPLOYEE BUY

FRIENDS & FAMILY BUY

EMPLOYEE BUY

27 MO.

FRIENDS & FAMILY LEASE

36 MO.

EMPLOYEE BUY

FRIENDS & FAMILY BUY

HUGE CHRYSLER • DODGE • JEEP & RAM SELECTION! • HUGE CHRYSLER • DODGE • JEEP & RAM SELECTION!

Farmington Press

SALES HOURS: MONDAY & THURSDAY 8:30AM–9PM • TUES/WED/FRI 9AM–6PM • SERVICE HOURS: MONDAY & THURSDAY 7AM–9PM • TUES/WED/FRI 7AM–6PM

855.336.4595 Van Dyke & 171⁄2 Mile • www.sterlingheightsdodge.net *Lease payments add tax, due at signing add ﬁrst payment,tax,documentary fee, title, licensing fees. Lease mileage allowance is 10,000 miles per year. Overmileage is .25 cents per mile. Purchase and lease prices include Stellantis consumer rebates including return lease rebates and Chrysler Capital ﬁnance rebates where applicable. Purchase prices, add for tax, title, doc, plates, and destination. Leases include destination. Pictures may not represent actual vehicle, prices and payments are accurate at time of printing and subject to change,Residency and lender restrictions apply, see dealer for details. Exp January 2nd 2024. 0175-2351

2B - FARMINGTON PRESS, December 20, 2023

Autos Wanted

Auctions

POLICE PUBLIC AUCTION

OFFERINGS AROUND MICHIGAN

DECEMBER 21ST at 8AM • 248-349-5550

MAGNUM TOWING 1997 DODGE

WBABD33405PL08617

2002 BMW

2014 CHEVROLET

5UXFA53572LP47218

2003 FORD

1FTRX18W63NA96032

2003 DODGE

1D4HS58N13F563136

2006 HYUNDAI

2008 FORD

4T1BG22K7YU011964

2006 TOYOTA

1FAHP3F25CL118689

2014 BMW

WMWSU3C53BT093181

2013 BMW

2004 CHEVROLET

5UXWX9C57E0D41549 5UXZV4C50D0B06074

2000 TOYOTA

Call 248-540-0250

2012 FORD

Paige & Company

2011 MINI COOPER

0321-2351

1NXBR32E56Z717645

CPA Firm at Telegraph/13 Mile Window Office Includes Receptionist, Conference Room, Kitchen, Copier/Scan/Mail Meter Available.

1998 TOYOTA

4T1BG22KXWU240846 KM8SC13D46U058324

1FMEU74E78UA93947

BINGHAM FARMS

1G1PC5SB1E7443735

1988 CADILLAC

1G6CD5152J4279277

Office/Commercial For Rent

2005 BMW

1B7GG23Y1VS267585

1GNDT13S942438366

29420 South Wixom Road WIXOM, MI 48393

Antiques & Collectibles BUYING

Coins, Sport Cards & Stamps Collections

Top $$$ Call 248-471-4451

AUCTION

MATTRESSES

Online Estate Auction. Firearms, WWII collectibles, Schuetzen items, Scopes, Antiques! Shipping available. Selling guns? Call John 989345-4866. Gun Auction 1/2/24 +Military Arms/Collector Auction Coming Soon! johnpeckauctions. com Michigan’s Premier Gun Auctioneers.

Adjustable Bed Brand New with mattress. Made is U.S.A., in plastic, with warranty. Retail cost $3,995.00, sacrifice for $875.00. Call for showing or delivery: DanDanTheMattressMan.com 989832-1866

BUSINESS SERVICES

POLE BARNS

MEDICAL

VIAGRA and CIALIS USERS! 50 Generic Pills SPECIAL $99.00! 100% guaranteed. Firearms; Ammo; Reloading 24/7 CALL NOW! 888-835-7273 supplies, Model trains, Jon Hablamos Espano boat, Canoe, Household. MISCELLANEOUS Online bidding open at: Bid. AMISH BUILT storage sheds and SherwoodAuctionServiceLLC. mini cabins delivered to your site com 1-800-835-0495. Merry Christmas anywhere in Michigan! Starting at and Happy New Year from all of us at $2,500.00 Sherwood Auction Service! mynextbarn.com 989-832-1866 METAL ROOFING regular and shingle style, HALF OFF SPECIAL COLORS! Lifetime asphalt shingles. Steel and vinyl siding. Hail damage. Licensed and insured builders. Pole Buildings. Quality work for 40 years! AMISH CREW. 517-575-3695.

We build all year long! BUILT BEST BARNS IN A RUSH? CALL US!!!! Best Quality, Best Service. Now in our 25TH Year! Over 4,000 Buildings in Mid Michigan Call for QUOTES License/ Insured 989-205-2534

Published: December 18, 2023

0297-2351

Help Wanted General

Job Training/Education

SUBWAY NOW HIRING

CONSTRUCTION APPRENTICESHIP

Crew Members, Managers & Assistant Managers. Restaurant & Management Experience Preferred. •Sign on Bonus •Competitive Pay •Advancement Opportunities •Flexible Scheduling •Friendly Work Environment

CALL TODAY!

586-216-2124 Job Opportunities Employment Opportunities CITY OF EASTPOINTE

Administrative Services Specialist Crossing Guard (part-time) Laborer (part-time) Police Service Aide (part-time) Reserve Police Officer (part-time) Laborer (full-time) Clerk (part-time)

The JATC for the Pipefitting Industry and Pipefitters, Steamfitters, Refrigeration and Air Conditioning Service Local Union #636 of the United Association will be accepting applications for our Construction Apprenticeship beginning Monday, November 20,2023, through December 20, 2023. Then again starting Tuesday, January 2, 2024 through January 25, 2024. Application days and times will be as followed: Monday, Tuesdays & Thursdays from 7:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m., Wednesdays from 9:00 a.m. – 6:00 p.m. Saturdays: December 9th & 16th, also January 6, 2024, from 9:00 a.m. – 11:00 a.m. Qualifications necessary for an applicant to be considered are: 1. Must be 18 years of age or older. 2. Complete the application and return to the Pipefitting Industry Training Center with: a. A valid driver’s license. b. High School diploma or high school equivalency (GED) certificate. c. There is a $45.00 testing fee that will be collected when turning in the application. This is a drug free Program. An individual tentatively selected for entrance into the Program after testing and interview will be required to submit to a drug test, which will include testing for marijuana. The Pipefitting Industry Training Center is located at 636 Executive Drive in Troy, MI between John R and Dequindre, north of E. 14 Mile Road. PH: 248-585-0636 No resumes please. For more information, please visit our website at : www.pipefitters636tc.org

0330-2347

Auto Auctions

www.candgnews.com

To review the minimum qualifications, details on the position and to apply, please visit our Employment Opportunities web page at governmentjobs.com/careers/ eastpointemi 0159-2351

Help Wanted Office/Clerical

CHARTER TOWNSHIP OF CLINTON CLERK CASHIER Permanent full-time Clerk Cashier position $40,511 - $53,945 annually (40 Hours per week) includes benefit package. Successful completion of Civil Service Examination is required and applicant must meet all requirements set forth in the Employees Civil Service Ordinance. Pre-employment background investigation and substance abuse testing is required. Interested, applicants must submit an application to the Clinton Township Employees Civil Service Commission, 40700 Romeo Plank Rd., Clinton Township, MI 48038 on or before the close of business, Friday, January 5, 2024. The Charter Township of Clinton is an Equal Opportunity Employer, applicants are considered for all positions without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, marital status or disability. For further information pertaining to this position or to download employment application please refer to www.clintontownship. com, click on Employment. 0277-2351

FARMINGTON PRESS, December 20, 2023 - 3B

www.candgnews.com

Painting

BATHROOM REMODELING

586-755-3636

2 BROTHERS PAINTING

Licensed/Insured References

THE bathroom of your dreams for as little as $149/month! BCI Bath & Shower. Many options available. Quality materials & professional installation. Senior & Military Discounts Available. Limited Time Offer - FREE virtual in-home consultation now and SAVE 15%! Call Today! 1-877-957-1264

Brick Work NEXT LEVEL CONCRETE LLC.

All Masonry Work Steps, Tuck-pointing Porch & Chimney Repair/Rebuilds. We Specialize in all Exterior Renovations and Repairs. Free Estimates

248-383-3480 Carpentry BARRY'S CARPENTRY

•Decks •Additions •Bathrooms •Kitchens •Renovations •Plumbing Family Owned. 35 yrs experience www.Barryscarpentry.com Free Estimates

248-563-1733 GOT ROT?

Rotten Wood Replacement Specialist All Types of Wood Repair Fascia, Soffit & Siding Painted to Match AMG Applied Services

248-828-7998

Carpet Cleaning

CARPET

WAVY-n-LOOSE?

We Power Re-stretch and Steam-clean For One Low Price Multiple Room Discount

Call Now

586-754-9222

ccarpetrepair.com Chimney Service

CHIMNEYS, INC $99 Now Until The New Year! Sweep & Safety Inspection

•Repairs •Dampers •Caps •Crown Repair Next Day Appointment Available

586-431-0591

Cleaning Service

Dr. Electric

Same-Day-Service! All-Residential-Wiring, Change Fuse Box to Circuit Breaker Panel, Troubleshooting, Electric Vehicle Chargers, Backup Generator Transfer Switch, License# 6109094 Senior/Discounts! Visa/MC /Lic./Insured

CASTLE ELECTRIC

586-634-1152

(direct cell phone #) Panel upgrades, generators, hot tubs, 220 lines. ALL SERVICE Licensed & Insured Dependable, quality work! License#-6111359

Gutters A.M.G. Gutters & Downspouts. Owner operated. Seamless gutter installation and repair specialist. Builders License #2101202369 www.amgapplied services.com Fully Insured

248-828-7998

ELIMINATE gutter cleaning forever! LeafFilter, the most advanced debris-blocking gutter protection. Schedule a FREE LeafFilter estimate today. 15% off Entire Purchase. 10% Senior & Military Discounts. Call 1-866-495-1709

GUTTERS & WINDOW CLEANING INSURED TOM MICOLI

313-656-9402 Handyman Services A#1 REPAIR SERVICES: GUTTERS Remove Ice Dams Install Guards SIDING Vinyl-Siding/Alum-Trim Gable/SoffitVents/Shutters ROOF Snow Removal Leaks/Shingles Vents/Caps

248-892-1927 AA4DABLE HANDYMAN

Home Improvement, Tile, Hardwood-Floors, Kitchen/Bath Remodeling, Plumbing, Electrical, Painting, Hauling, Clean-outs, Any Home Repairs, Free Estimates, 30% Discount, Accept All Major Credit Cards

586-822-5100

CLEANING LADY

with 10-yr experience is looking for work. Weekly, bi-weekly, monthly Excellent references. Flexible hours. Bonded & insured.

248-890-8830

removes ANYTHING! Appliances, furniture, basement cleanouts, hoarders all welcome! Call or Text

248-224-2188

**CLUTTER GUY'S**

Removal-Experts Residential/Commercial Houses/Offices Garage/Storage-Areas Efficient Courteous Workers Reasonable-Rates Free-Estimates NEED CLUTTER REMOVED? LET US DO THE WORK!

586-258-6672

Home Improvement A-1 PETROLERE CONSTRUCTION

Kitchen, Bath, Basement, Remodeling, Decks, Interior/Exterior Painting And Repairs. We Also Offer Handyman Services

Licensed/Insured

586-954-2708 ROZE REMODELING LLC.

586-360-0681

Financing Available

PAINTING by-GPC

MASTER-PAINTER PAINTING! PAINTING! •Interior/Exterior •Drywall/Plaster •Restoration/Repairs •Wallpaper Hanging •Wallpaper Removal Senior-Rates We-Do-It-All! B.B.B/A+Rating 30-yrs, Licensed/Insured Free-Estimates Owner-Robert

586.899.3555 (Direct) 248.566.6460 (Office)

(586)229-4267 American Painting

•Residential/Commercial •Interior •Power Washing •Insurance •Drywall •Plaster Repair •Clean-outs •Home Repairs •Senior-Discounts. •Guaranteed-Work. •25-yrs Experience.

ANDERSON Painting & Carpentry Complete Interior/Exterior Services Plaster/Drywall & Water Damage Repairs. Wood-Staining. Wallpaper-Removal. Kitchen/Cabinet Refinishing Insured/References. Free-Estimates

586-354-3032 248-974-4012

Interior/Exterior Wood & Drywall Repairs Mold Remediation Free Estimates Certified Mold Inspector

Home Repairs

586-343-4005

EXTERIOR REPAIRS LLC.

Since 1999 Roofing, Siding, Gutters and More! Reliable Ask, We Might Do It! FREE ESTIMATES

248-242-1511 Kitchens/ Cabinets/ Countertops

MR. BACKSPLASH ·CUSTOM BACKSPLASHES ·CUSTOM KITCHENS ·COUNTERTOPS *Granite*Quartz* ·Custom Bathrooms ·FIREPLACE TILE *FREE ESTIMATES*

586-552-5416

586-792-3117

PETE'S PAINTING HOLIDAY SPECIALS! 10% OFF Specializing in Great Rooms, Special Pricing For Decks, Interior/Exterior, Residential/Commercial. Special pricing for vacant homes. Senior Discount, Free-Estimates, Insured.

FREE Camera with Drain Cleaning

Restriction May Apply

$50 OFF Sump Pump Installation * $30 OFF Any Plumbing Service

888.572.0928 586.585.1862

Painting

•Interior Renovations •Kitchens •Bathrooms •Basements •Painting •Vinyl Floors •Fireplaces Free-Estimates Requests: roze cementllc@gmail.com Andre-586-354-7791

Painting

ucallwehauljunk.com

586-291-3143

BURLY GUYS JUNK REMOVAL

***AAA HAULING*** JUNK REMOVAL

Lic.#6211028

Licensed/Insured. 30-yrs.-experience. Call for free-estimates. Open 7-days a week 24/hrs-day. 10%-Off For Cash Now Accepting All Major Credit Cards.

Hauling & Waste Removal

mrbacksplash.com

Hotchkiss Electric

BEST-Price-Period

Call Frank 248-303-5897

Hauling & Waste Removal Professional- We Wear Masks! We haul it all! Demolition Big & Small Residential/Commercial Rubber Wheel Dumpsters10, 15, 20-Yards, Clean-outs, Construction Material, Small-Moving, Appliances, Furniture & More! Lowest Rates!!! Free-Estimates Senior/Military Discounts

Electrical

• Wood Repair • Power Wash • Free-Estimates

REFERENCES AVAILABLE

MICHAEL NORTON BUILDER

Family Owned & Operated

Repairs & Installation Master Plumber • Fully Licensed & Insured Senior Citizen & Military Discounts 100% Guarantee

Complete Interior/Exterior

www.MotorCityPlumber.com

CAPITAL PLUMBING

Plumbing

CAPITAL PLUMBING

586.421.5520 586.524.6752 ANDY'S PLUMBING

MASTER PLUMBER, LICENCED AND INSURED FOR ALL YOUR PLUMBING NEEDS DRAIN CLEANING SEWER CAMERA COMMERCIAL

WATER HEATERS SUMP PUMPS RESIDENTIAL

CALL US TODAY FOR YOUR FREE ESTIMATE SERVICING THE TRI- COUNTY AREA FOR OVER 30 YEARS *SENIOR/MILITARY DISCOUNTS AVAILABLE

248-740-7643 1(800)441-0525 248-740-7643 1(800)441-0525 CAPITALPLUMBINGMI.COM CAPITALPLUMBINGMI.COM

Painting

TIMELESS PAINTING L.L.C.

WOW PAINTING

CIAL

RESIDENTIAL & COMMER

• Interior & Exterior • Drywall Patching & Repair • Carpentry & Remodels We Accept Venmo, Cash, Check

Residential/Commercial

Interior/Exterior Quality Painting Drywall Repairs, Remove Wallpaper, Exterior Wood Replacement, Epoxy Flooring, Insured Free-Estimates

248-990-5388

wowpaintingmi.com 0075-2332

248-376-0988

Father & Son

Master Electricians

Motor City Plumbing & Drain

0325-2302

Basic Bathrooms Starting at: $10,995.00 Experience of over 500-bathrooms across Metro-Detroit, Look at our work at: andyscarpentryllc.com

Roofing

Plumbing

0355-2235

Electrical

0133-2345

Bathrooms

Call or Text Us Today!

FREE ESTIMATES

Ask for Tony!

248-894-5804

FARR'S PAINTING

25-Years Experience Licensed/Insured Call Us Today For All Your Plumbing Needs!! Serving The Tri-County-Area

10%/Senior/Military/Discounts

Lic#-8004254

MASTER PLUMBER

Sewer & Drain Service. Remodeling, repairs, new installations. Free estimates, senior rates. 35+yrs exp. Call Paul

248-904-5822 Lic.#8109852

586-436-9600 586-443-8671

REPLACE your roof with the best looking and longest lasting material steel from Erie Metal Roofs! Three styles and multiple colors available. Guaranteed to last a lifetime! Limited Time Offer 50% off installation + Additional 10% off install (for military, health workers & 1st responders.) Call Erie Metal Roofs: 1-866-718-3124 AAA all star repairs as low as $225.00* Gutter repairs, Flat-roofs, Reroof, New-roof, Residential /Commercial Call Silversmith Maintenance

248-707-4851

WATERWORK Plumbing.com •Drain Cleaning •Sewer Camera •Water Heaters •Sump Pumps •Backflow Testing

248-542-8022

Same Day Emergency Service Available Reliable/Experienced License#8003885

Roofing Plumbing

Family Owned/Operated Since 1965 Licensed/Insured Specializing in all home improvement needs and insurance claims. One call does it all! Free-Estimates

AA4DABLE ROOFING

Hurry-up & Save Big-$$$$! WINTER-SPECIALSClean-up, Up to 30%-Off!!! Roofing/Siding/Gutters, All-Leaks/Repairs, Residential/Shingles/ Commercial-FlatRoofs/Torch-downs We accept major credit-cards. 30yrs-Experience

586-822-5100

Accept credit cards Family-owned Over 30 years exp.

Tree Service DAVE'S

TREE & SHRUB 30%-FALL-DISCOUNT INSURED, Emergency Storm Damage, Large-Tree-Removals, Trimming, StumpGrinding, Gutters, Leaf Clean-up, Season-Firewood (stacking-wood/extra charge), Free-Estimates. 10% Senior-Discounts.

(586)216-0904

davestreeandshrub.com

ELITE TREE SERVICE

"Bringing 30 years of experience to your door!" Tree trimming, removals & stump grinding. Insured & FREE estimates with fair prices! Firewood For Sale

586-756-0757

248-345-3308

farrsmoldremoval.com

KELLY'S KITCHEN DESIGN

Cabinet Painting Custom Cabinets Counter Tops & Everything in Between. Call/Text Us For Your Kitchen Transformation.

586-343-4005

PEAK PAINTING Custom-Painting, Commercial/Residential, interior/exterior. Drywall-repair, paper removal, carpentry. 30-yr.-exp. Free estimates, senior discounts, insured. Credit-cards accepted.

586-722-8381 Now Hiring!!!

YEAR-IN-REVIEW ACROSS 1. *Herald, Idalia or Ophelia 6. Do this in the bud 9. Parts of play 13. Cocoon dwellers 14. Paleozoic or mesozoic, e.g. 15. Alexandre Duma’s “The Black ____” 16. Concerning, archaic 17. Talking Heads’ “And She ____” 18. Give a speech 19. *2023 World Series winners 21. *Imploded submersible’s destination 23. *Kali Uchis’ “I Wish ____ Roses” 24. Don’t step on it twice! 25. *Ryan Gosling’s #48 Across role 28. Winter window picture 30. Imprisons 35. Aphrodite’s son 37. Hindu serpent deity 39. Toughness 40. Angler’s hope 41. Stephen Curry, e.g. 43. Opposed to 44. Tastes like lemon 46. Seven-year desire 47. Turf alternative 48. *Highest-grossing 2023 movie to-date 50. Chris Hemsworth’s repeating role 52. Auction batch 53. Cheese on Peloponnese 55. Kombucha, e.g. 57. *Retired media magnate 61. *King Charles III’s Royal House 65. On the radio (2 words) 66. *Ryder Cup 2023 runner-up 68. 1000 kilograms 69. “Beat it!” 70. Lake, in France 71. Manila hemp 72. Foot digits 73. Freudian topic 74. Runner DOWN 1. Joust verbally 2. Cat food flavor 3. Word before sesame 4. Gangly 5. Type of shower 6. *Company from which #57 Across retired, ____ Corp 7. Nest egg, acr. 8. Trattoria staple 9. Sign of a saint 10. Kin group

11. South American monkey 12. Design detail, for short 15. Sacred objects on a pole 20. Bitterly regretting 22. Dwight D. Eisenhower 24. Boat race 25. Meat on a stick 26. “Fear of Flying” author Jong 27. Post-it user 29. *Site of tragic wildfires 31. Objectivity preventer 32. Declare invalid 33. Like 1950s style, today 34. *”The Eras Tour” star 36. Balkan native 38. St. Louis attraction 42. Hindu garment 45. Combining two forms 49. What kneecap and leech have in

common 51. Airbnb offering 54. Northernmost land, to the ancients 56. a.k.a. adobar or carne de vinha d’alhos 57. Lion’s share 58. Beyond natural, in U.K. 59. Steak preference

60. Days, in Havana 61. *Showtime’s “____: The Aftermath” 62. Certain social media message 63. A third of thrice 64. Infantry’s last rows 67. *____-AFTRA

www.candgnews.com

4B - FARMINGTON PRESS, December 20, 2023

COMMUNITY CALENDAR

To view more events and to submit your own, use the QR code or visit candgnews.com/calendar. To advertise, call (586) 498-8000.

DEC. 20-21

Holiday shop: Handmade gifts from more than 200 juried artists, 10 a.m.-6 p.m. both days, Birmingham Bloomfield Art Center, 1516 S. Cranbrook in Birmingham, BBArtCenter.org

DEC. 21

Walking group: 5 p.m., meet for warm drink and cookie at Niles-Barnard House at Troy Historic Village, 60 W. Wattles Road, then stroll to Jeanne M. Stine Park, (248) 524-3570

DEC. 21-24

‘A Christmas Carol’: 7 p.m. Dec. 21, 8 p.m. Dec. 22, 6:30 p.m. Dec. 23 and 2 p.m. Dec. 24, Meadow Brook Theatre on campus of Oakland University, 378 Meadow Brook Road in Rochester, mbtheatre.com

Ice skating: 11 a.m.-9 p.m. Sundays, noon-9 p.m. Mondays-Thursdays, noon-11 p.m. Fridays and 11 a.m.-11 p.m. Saturdays until Dec. 31, then new hours until Feb. 19, The Rink at Royal Oak in Centennial Commons, 221 E. Third St., therinkatroyaloak.com

Visit Santa: 4-8 p.m. Dec. 21-22, 10 a.m.-8 p.m. Dec. 23 and 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Dec. 24, also visit reindeer 11a.m.-8 p.m. Dec. 23, Festival Park and Fountain Park in The Village of Rochester Hills, 104 N. Adams Road, thevorh.com/events

Seniors, 2-3 p.m., Solberg Tower Senior Community - Activity Center, 27787 Dequindre Road in Madison Heights, (586) 469-5642

DEC. 23 & 27-30

JAN. 11-14

Holiday House Tour & All Aboard! Model Railroad Exhibit: Noon-3 p.m., Rochester Hills Museum at Van Hoosen Farm, 1005 Van Hoosen Road, rochesterhills. org/mus programs

Ultimate Fishing Show: 1-8 p.m. Jan. 11, noon-8 p.m. Jan. 12, 10 a.m.-8 p.m. Jan. 13 and 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Jan. 14, Suburban Collection Showplace, 46100 Grand River Ave., suburbancollectionshowplace.com

DEC. 28

JAN. 20

Winter Weather Fun: Explore science of snow, slush and ice with games, crafts and outdoor activities, 10 a.m.-3 p.m., Dinosaur Hill Nature Preserve, 333 North Hill Circle in Rochester, dinosaurhill.org

‘Girls’ Weekend’: Performance by Stagecrafters, 2 and 8 p.m. (only date with tickets left), Baldwin Theatre, 415 S. Lafayette in Royal Oak, stagecrafters.org

DEC. 30

Frozen Paw 5K: Benefit for Leaders Dogs for the Blind, run/walk begins at 9 a.m., starts and finishes near Rochester Mills Beer Company, 400 Water St. in Rochester, leaderdogs.enmotive.com

Comfy Cozy New Year’s Party: Open gym and swimming, plus goodie bags, for ages 3-12, 6-8 p.m., Troy Community Center, 3179 Livernois, register by Dec. 27, rec. troymi.gov

JAN. 4

Walking group: Stroll nature parks in Rochester Hills, 5 p.m., park in back lot at Von Maur, 400 N. Adams Road, (248) 524-3570

JAN. 6-7

Novi Bridal Expo: Noon-5 p.m., Suburban Collection Showplace, 46100 Grand River Ave., www.suburban collectionshowplace.com

JAN. 11

Ring in the New Year: Featuring local singer Vanessa Carr, 2:30-4 p.m., OPC Social and Activity Center, 650 Letica Drive in Rochester, OPCcenter.org SCAMS presentation: Stopping Crimes Against Michigan

JAN. 21

ONGOING

Santa photos: Daily until Dec. 24, Twelve Oaks Mall in Novi, 27500 Novi Road, shoptwelveoaks.com Santa House: Visit with Kris Kringle, also horse-drawn carriage rides, character visits and free roasted chestnuts and hot cocoa, select times and dates until Dec. 24, Shain Park in Birmingham, RSVP at www. allinbirmingham.com Wild Lights: Featuring millions of LED lights and about 500 sculptures, select nights until Jan. 7, Detroit Zoo, 8450 W. 10 Mile Road in Royal Oak, wildlights. detroitzoo.org Holidays at Meadow Brook: Holiday Walk select dates until Dec. 23, Winter Wonder Lights select dates until Dec. 30, Santa Dec. 23, and more, Meadow Brook Hall,

350 Estate Drive in Rochester, meadowbrookhall.org/ holidays Big, Bright Light Show: See downtown Rochester buildings illuminated, 5 p.m.-midnight until Jan. 21, downtownrochestermi.com Holiday lights: 5-7 p.m. Mondays-Thursdays and 5-8 p.m. Fridays-Sundays until Jan. 15, Innovation Hills Park, 2800 W. Hamlin Road in Rochester Hills, (248) 656-4673 Science Will Always Be Here!: Grow a Grinch heart, build a snowball catapult, learn about snowflakes and more, 11 a.m.-3 p.m. Dec. 27-30 and Jan. 3-6, Cranbrook Institute of Science, both 39221 Woodward Ave. in Bloomfield Hills, science.cranbrook.edu ‘The Mousetrap’: Performance by Birmingham Village Players, 8 p.m. Fridays and Saturdays, and 2 p.m. Sundays, Jan. 12-14, 19-21 and 26-28, 34660 Woodward Ave., birminghamvillageplayers.com ‘The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-time’: Murder-mystery presented by Avon Players, 8 p.m. Fridays and Saturdays, and 2 p.m. Sundays, Jan. 19-20 and 26-27, and Feb. 2-3, 1185 Washington Road in Rochester Hills, avonplayers.org ‘Father of the Bride’: Select dates Jan. 10-Feb. 4, Meadow Brook Theatre on campus of Oakland University, 378 Meadow Brook Road in Rochester, mbtheatre. com ‘The Bucket List of Booze Club’: Presented by Rosedale Community Players, 8 p.m. Jan. 26-27 and Feb. 2-3 and 9-10, and 2 p.m. Jan. 28 and Feb. 4 and 10, Peace Lutheran Church, 17029 W. 13 Mile Road in Southfield, rosedalecommunityplayers.com

NEWSAND

NEWS AND NOTE ITEMS TAKEN FROM AROUND OUR COVERAGE AREAS

Museum hosts holiday drop-in hours

ROCHESTER HILLS — Daisy Scout Troop 77820, which includes 20 first-graders at Long Meadow Elementary, recently partnered with North Oakland County Toys for Tots to host a multi-neighborhood toy drive after reading about how donations to the organization had declined the last few years. Organizers said they hoped the collection would make it convenient for those in the neighborhood to donate, give the Daisies a chance to help other kids, and introduce community service as part of earning their “be a sister to every Girl Scout” petal. The Daisies distributed flyers about the toy drive to their neighbors by going door to door with physical copies and working with their parents to post on neighborhood social media pages. When a neighbor had an item to donate, the girls would go pick it up. Altogether, they collected 565 items from their neighbors to donate to Toys for Tots.

‘The Miracle Worker’: Performance by Ridgedale Players, 8 p.m. Jan. 19-20 and 26-27, and 2 p.m. Jan. 21 and 27-28, 205 W. Long Lake Road in Troy, ridgedaleplayers.com Rock Around the Hawk: Free mini music festivals for ages 18 months to 5 years, 10-11:30 a.m. Jan. 5, Feb. 2, March 1, April 5, May 10 and June 7, The Hawk Farmington Hills Community Center, 29995 W. 12 Mile Road, (248) 699-6700 Royal Oak Farmers Market: 7 a.m.-1 p.m. Saturdays, also antiques and collectibles 8 a.m.-3 p.m. Sundays, 316 E. 11 Mile Road in Royal Oak, Royal Oak Farmers Market on Facebook ‘Think Small’: Exhibit featuring more than 60 pieces no bigger than 12 inches by more than 30 artists, open Wednesdays-Sundays until Jan. 14 (reception 2-5 p.m. Jan. 7), Lawrence Street Gallery, 2260 Woodward Ave. in Ferndale, lawrencestreetgallery.com Food pantries: 11 a.m.-1 p.m. every third Saturday of month, Tawheed Center of Farmington Hills/Muslim Family Services, 29707 W. 10 Mile Road, (248) 2526962 • 9:30 a.m.-2:30 p.m. Tuesdays and Wednesdays by appointment, CARES in Farmington Hills, 27835 Shiawassee Road, (248) 474-8231, caresfh.org Holly Dazzle: Renaissance Christmas featuring half-million lights along walking path and more, 5-10 p.m. Dec. 29-30 and 5-9 p.m. Dec. 31, 12600 Dixie Highway in Holly, hollydazzles.com

Karmanos Cancer Institute shares lung cancer facts

NOTES

DAISY SCOUTS COLLECTS TOYS FOR TOTS

‘Brighton Beach Memoirs’: 8 p.m. Jan 12-13, 19-20 and 26-27, and 2 p.m. Jan 14 and 21, St. Dunstan’s Theatre, 400 Lone Pine Road in Bloomfield Hills, StDunstansTheatre.com

ROCHESTER HILLS — The Rochester Hills Museum at Van Hoosen Farm is open for drop-in hours noon-3 p.m., with a guided tour of the Van Hoosen farmhouse at 1 p.m., Dec. 23, and 27-30. The 1840 Van Hoosen farmhouse is decorated with boughs of holly, old Christmas cards, family gifts, community cookbooks and a 10-foot Christmas tree. People will also find the seasonal interactive “All Aboard: Model Railroad Exhibit!” on display in the calf barn. Included with admission is a guided tour of the farmhouse and Red House, access to all exhibits, and a self-guided tour of the bull barn, the milk house, the equipment barn and Stoney Creek Cemetery. The event is free for museum members, $5 for adults, and $3 for seniors and students. No registration is required.

STATEWIDE — The Barbara Ann Karmanos Cancer Institute, along with cancer centers and other organizations nationwide, recognized November as Lung Cancer Awareness Month. Lung cancer is the second-most common cancer, not including skin cancer. For women, breast cancer is more common, while prostate cancer is the most common cancer for men. The institute shared the following statistics about lung cancer. • About 238,340 new cases of lung cancer will be diagnosed in 2023. • About 127,070 deaths will result from lung cancer in 2023. • Lung cancer is the leading cause of cancer deaths among both men and women. • Lung cancer is responsible for about 1 in 5 of all cancer deaths. • Each year, more people die of lung cancer than of colon, breast and prostate cancers combined. • The yearly number of lung cancer deaths is declining. The estimated number of deaths in 2022 was 130,180. • The chance that a man will develop lung cancer in his lifetime is about 1 in 16. A woman’s lifetime chance of developing lung cancer is about 1 in 17. • Around 80% of lung cancer deaths are thought to be a result of smoking. To learn more about lung cancer screening at Karmanos, visit karmanos.org/lungcancerscreening.

UTICA DEDICATES PURPLE HEART TRAIL

UTICA — On Veterans Day, the city of Utica honored Purple Heart recipients and dedicated the Utica Purple Heart Trail at the American Legion Post 351, 46146 Cass Ave. The Purple Heart Trail is a nationwide effort to pay tribute to those who have been awarded the Purple Heart medal with sections of roads dedicated to them. Signs are placed along the roads where elected leaders have designated part of the trail. Find more information at purpleheart.org/purplehearttrail. Mayor Gus Calandrino on his Facebook page called the dedication one of his “proudest moments” as mayor. Many local elected officials were present for the ceremony.

Troy High class raises money for nonprofit

Photo provided by Patrice Rowbal

TROY — The Troy High personal communications class recently held its annual dodgeball tournament for charity supporting Oakland County Sheriff Michael Bouchard’s Police Athletic League program, which builds positive relationships through recreation, mentoring and sports. Competition was fierce, with the senior team declaring victory, and the event raised $14,500 for the kids at PAL. “Sports helps with competition, etiquette, confidence, teamwork, and gives them an opportunity to come here and just be kids and play,” Bouchard said in a press release. “The volunteers at PAL deeply believe that opportunities for relationship-building and high-quality sports should be available to everyone. No fine print, no asterisk, no exceptions; that’s what they stand by, and that’s why Troy High School’s Personal Communications class chose them this year as the recipient.” PAL’s goals are to provide more opportunities for young women in sports, to double the number of children served, to develop young athletes so they develop a lifelong love of being active, and to be sure every child has access to a caring coach, and the chance to belong.