2/22/23 Woodward Talk

FERNDALE DDA LAUNCHES DOWNTOWN MURAL PROGRAM

BY MIKE KOURY mkoury@candgnews.com

FERNDALE — Ferndale’s Downtown Development Authority has begun accepting applications to install new murals in the city.

The DDA announced this month that it was launching the Downtown Mural Program, which aims to “enhance the city’s character and personality through the creation of outdoor murals,” a press release states. The DDA will be looking to add up to three murals for this submission period.

Though many murals have been created and placed in downtown Ferndale, this will be the first program like this under the DDA, said Engagement Manager Sommer Realy, and it will be an ongoing program.

“The overall program is to create these murals on public and private property,” she said. “There will be an advisory committee that makes this selection. We feel strongly that murals are a great way to add the character and personality to any urban environment, and it’s something that exists here already in Ferndale, and we’re just happy to be able to get to a position to support it with funds.”

After the application process ends, the submissions will be reviewed and scored by the Downtown Ferndale Mural Program Advisory Committee, which includes representatives from the DDA, the city and the Ferndale Arts and Cultural Commission.

See MURALS on page 14A

FERNDALE, ROYAL OAK RESIDENTS EXCITED FOR 70TH ANNUAL AUTORAMA

BY MIKE KOURY mkoury@candgnews.com

FERNDALE/ROYAL OAK — Autorama is back for another year in Detroit, and vehicles owned by residents of Ferndale and Royal Oak will be featured.

The 70th annual Meguiar’s Detroit Autorama will be held Feb. 24-26 at Huntington Place, 1 Washington Blvd. in Detroit. Autorama expects to show 800 vintage vehicles, motorcycles and custom cars of all varieties.

Murray Pfaff, of Royal Oak, will be bringing his

2021 Ford Explorer ST with him to the show. Pfaff called the vehicle “dual purpose,” in that while it attracts attention, the car also acts as his daily driver. “It’s a lot of fun, and it’s got purpose,” he said.

“The Ford Explorer ST is a potent package from the factory, and then we’ve just taken the performance dial and turned it up from nine to 11.” He elaborated that the suspension, brakes, exhaust and other features were upgraded.

Pfaff’s Ford will be part of his own showcase called The D Lot, which will act as a fundraiser for

See AUTORAMA on page 6A

Ferndale resident Dennis Schwartz owns a 1960s-style Harley Davidson chopper, which will be on display at this year’s Detroit Autorama.

Photo by Patricia O’Blenes

COMMUNITY PARTNERSHIPS

Police arrest man for allegedly robbing White Castle, sideswiping vehicle

BY MIKE KOURY mkoury@candgnews.com

FERNDALE — A 64-year-old Detroit man was arrested last week for allegedly robbing a fast food restaurant earlier this month in Ferndale.

CLAWSON REMEMBERS ‘KIND,’ ‘LOVING,’ ‘ROLE MODEL,’ MSU STUDENT ALEXANDRIA VERNER

BY MIKE KOURY mkoury@candgnews.com

Alexandria Verner was a loving daughter, a dedicated student, a competitive athlete and, from everyone who met her, a caring friend.

She now can be an angel to them all. Verner, 20, was one of three people killed in the mass shooting at Michigan State University on Feb. 13, along with Arielle Anderson, of Harper Woods, and Brian Fraser, of Grosse Pointe Park. A junior at the college, Verner was studying biology.

Before becoming a Spartan, Verner was a native of the city of Clawson, where she grew up with her parents, Ted and Nancy, her sister, Charlotte, and brother TJ. Alexandria Verner graduated from Clawson High School in 2020.

The school district honored and remembered Verner with candlelight vigils over the course of two nights, Feb. 14-15, at the high school football field at Clawson City Park.

Billy Shellenbarger, the superintendent of Clawson Public Schools, had gotten to

know Verner and her family during the last 15 years. He first met them while he was running a youth basketball program in the city. From then on he remained close with the family. He also credits Ted Verner for reaching out to him about becoming the principal at Clawson High School in 2018.

Shellenbarger remembered Verner as a sweet kid who was strong and character-driven.

“She was absolutely, all cliches aside, every single thing that you would want if you were to raise a daughter,” he said. “If you could write a script, if you could write a chapter on it, that was Al Verner, and you know to see that was pretty amazing. And to watch her follow her dreams to Michigan State was pretty incredible, with the support of her family along the way. Just an amazing girl who doesn’t come around that often. I mean, she’s just one of the rare ones.”

Because he’s been so focused on helping the district and community through the mourning process, Shellenbarger said he hasn’t been able to process Verner’s death, though it

See VERNER on page 4A

Police said Ricky Crowder was arrested Feb. 15 for allegedly stealing hundreds of dollars from a White Castle.

According to the Ferndale Police Department, it received a report at approximately 1:31 p.m. Feb. 7 of an armed robbery at the establishment, located at 21400 Woodward Ave.

Ferndale Police Department Public Information Officer Jill Mahlmeister stated that Crowder allegedly entered the restaurant and threatened the cashier with a weapon, though one was never shown or presented.

“He had threatened that he possessed a weapon as he held his right hand in his coat pocket,” Mahlmeister said. “(Approximately) $200 was turned over to the suspect, who fled the restaurant on foot. No one was injured during that robbery. Additional witnesses observed the suspect enter a silver SUV that was parked in the lot, and they obtained a partial license plate and observed the vehicle fleeing northbound on Woodward Avenue.”

After the robber fled the scene, police were called and began canvassing the area. During the search, police discovered a hit-and-run crash had occurred at Eight Mile Road and Woodward Avenue.

Mahlmeister said a vehicle, described as a silver SUV, had sideswiped another vehicle and fled the scene westbound on Eight Mile from Woodward. No one was injured in the crash,

See ARREST on page 6A

More than 1,000 people gather Feb. 14 at a candlelight vigil at Clawson City Park to honor and remember Alexandria Verner.

Photo by Patricia O’Blenes

Clawson native and Michigan State University student Alexandria Verner was one of three students killed in a shooting at the college Feb. 13.

Photo provided by the Verner family

Verner

from page 3A

was something he said he was going to try to do after the funeral, which took place this past weekend.

“I’m gonna have a second to take a breath and really think about it,” he said. “A lot of my focus and energy will go to that family, the Verners, who have been so tremendous to me and my family and just continue to pray for them.”

Verner also was an excellent athlete, participating in basketball, volleyball and softball during her time as a Clawson Trojan. She was memorialized during a speech to the community at the Feb. 15 vigil by Kelly Horne, the high school’s assistant principal and athletic director and Verner’s former basketball coach.

“Al embodies everything that was great about humanity,” she said. “She was kind, giving, humble, selfless, so positive and smiled hard every time you saw her. Al was a person we surrounded ourselves with when we wanted to feel good, because that’s what she did. She lifted us up.”

Horne said Verner shined a light on everyone, and they were honoring what made her a tremendous asset to the world.

“We honor the path she walked in

strength, passion and compassion,” she said. “As we celebrate her, let us be reminded that

we don’t honor the narrative this week, but we honor the narrative of 20 years of beautiful, amazing life. And we do that by embodying what she did. We do that by exuding kindness like she did. We do that by looking out for those around us like she did. We do that by being a positive role model, an influence on others like she was, and we do that by making an impact like she did. I challenge you to do that, as I will be challenging myself in her honor.”

Thousands of people attended both vigils remembering Verner. The Feb. 15 vigil included a 24-second moment of silence — as it was Verner’s number in high school — and a listening of her favorite song, “As the World Caves In,” by Matt Maltese.

One of those in attendance was Anne Pancost, whose sons and daughter had gotten to know Verner during her time in the district.

“She’s just the epitome of a caring person,” she said. “My sons have special needs and she never treated them any different. And they went places, they were part of this, like a social group, where they would go bowling and go for ice cream and … she was just the most kindest person. … And then my daughter, she played softball with her and she said she was the best teammate ever.”

Pancost said Verner’s treatment of her

sons meant a lot to her.

“She always had a smile on her face and she never treated anybody different, even if you were different,” she said. “She never treated you like you were different. She was just a sweetheart.”

Scott Sarvello, the retired Clawson police chief, has known the family for around 19 years and knew Verner when she was a little girl playing in a children’s basketball league.

“She always did the right thing. Played hard, great person, great sportsmanship, but if you played against her, you better be competitive,” he said. “(They’re) just a great Clawson family. They raised three tremendous children who were very, very much assets to this community and she grew up into just a beautiful young lady, treated everybody with kindness and she had a big heart. She cared for everybody and everything.”

As the community moves forward, Sarvello said what will continue is its support of the Verner family.

“The outpouring of support this community will give this family will not stop,” he said. “Whether it’d be gift cards, stopping by the family to check on them, this family deserves the love they’re getting and this community will keep on that and we’ll continuously support them. They deserve it.”

Photo provided by the Verner family Verner poses for a picture with her parents, Ted and Nancy, during her senior night for volleyball.

NEWS & NOTES

FERNDALE PRIDE ACCEPTING ARTIST APPLICATIONS

FERNDALE — Ferndale Pride is seeking artists and performers for its festival later this year. According to its website, Ferndale Pride is accepting applications for performers and artists to be a part of the festival’s lineup June 3.

“We primarily focus on creating a platform for artists and performers who identify as part of the gender and sexually diverse spectrum in order to help them gain visibility and recognition,” the website states. “Ferndale Pride recognizes performance and art as an important part of our culture and society and we believe in paying our artists. We have established a minimum fee for all artists, performers, and groups to ensure that we compensate our artists for their work.”

The website states that filing an application does not guarantee a callback or performance during Pride. Applications will close at 11 p.m. Feb. 28. For more information, visit www.ferndalepride.com/ performer-artist-application.

Shrine students raise money for veterans

BERKLEY/ROYAL OAK — Students from Shrine Catholic Grade School recently raised money to support local veterans.

According to a press release, students held a fundraising drive to support veterans of the U.S. military. The money, a total of $2,200, was given to the Berkley American Legion Post 374 during a pep rally on Feb. 3.

The funds then were given to the American Legion Department of Michigan for use by the Michigan American Legion Foundation in support of wounded and returning veterans in the state.

“We are incredibly proud of our students for their hard work and dedication to support our veterans,” John LaCroix, a teacher at the grade school, said in the release. “Their efforts have made a significant impact on the lives of those who have bravely served our country. We would like to thank the Berkley American Legion for their support and guidance throughout this initiative.”

Stagecrafters Youth Theatre to perform ‘The Jungle Book’

ROYAL OAK — Stagecrafters Youth Theatre will be presenting its production of “The Jungle Book” March 2-5 at the Baldwin Theatre, located at 415 S. Lafayette Ave.

The Stagecrafters Youth Theatre features youth members ages 8–18 in live theater, including the ability to act, direct and manage all aspects of the production. “The Jungle Book” will be directed by Emilie Florkowski, who is directing her first Youth Theatre production.

“The story of ‘The Jungle Book’ focuses deeply on acceptance, protection, learning, and growing. Mowgli is a curious young child that finds herself in the middle of a pack of wolves. This pack recognizes this being, unlike their own kind, as being helpless and in need of nurture. They immediately welcome the child into their pack, raise her as one of their own, teaching the ways of life in the jungle, and protecting her from dangers lurking,” Florkowski said in a news release. For more information and to purchase tickets, visit www. stagecrafters.org.

SCHOLARSHIP OPPORTUNITY

PLEASANT RIDGE — The Pleasant Ridge Woman’s Club is offering college scholarships to graduating seniors in the Class of 2023. According to Pleasant Ridge’s website, any student who lives in the Ferndale Public Schools district, and who attends either public

or private school, can apply for the scholarship. The deadline to file an application is April 7.The application can be found at www.cityofpleasantridge.org/ womans-club-scholarships. They must be turned in to Kathi Snow, 35 Oakland Park, in Pleasant Ridge. For more information, call Snow at (586) 506-7059.

0239-2308

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To learn more about Paws With A Cause and to find out how you can help, just download this simple app and watch this story come to life:

Autorama

from page 1A

Make-A-Wish Michigan. Last year’s event saw the show raise $27,000 for the charity, and this year, they’ll be giving away prizes in an effort to raise even more.

“Autorama is essentially an annual gathering of everything that’s cool — hot rod, performance — and this being a brand-new vehicle just shows some of the range that the new vehicles (have) to hot rods that go back to the ’30s,” he said. “It’s kind of one of the widest variety of automotive enthusiast vehicles in one building. So that’s what’s really cool about the show and going down to it every year and seeing what’s new and different.”

This year’s Autorama will have a showcase called The Rat Fink Reunion, which will feature five iconic vehicles designed by custom designer Ed “Big Daddy” Roth. They are the Mysterion, Orbitron, Tweedy Pie, the Fink Surfboard and Ed’s Unique Honda Civic.

There will be a showcase called the Cars of George Barris, “The King of the Kustomizers.” Barris is known for creating famous vehicles for Hollywood, including the 1960s Batmobile and the Munster Koach from “The Munsters.” There also will be a display of famous vehicle designs by Detroit builders the Alexander Brothers.

Celebrities whom attendees will be able to meet include Henry Winkler of “Happy Days” and “Barry” fame, and Flavor Flav of Public Enemy.

While not the first Autorama he’ll be attending, this

will be the first event in which Dennis Schwartz will be bringing his own vehicle, a 1960s-style Harley-Davidson chopper.

A Ferndale resident, Schwartz’s Harley motorcycle is customized with the engine and transmission from a 1968 police special and the frame from a 1947 wishbone.

“To me, it’s just my motorcycle, but everybody looks at it and says, ‘You don’t see them anymore,’” he said. “You used to see them in the ’60s and ’70s, but then the guys got older and grew up and the frames — it’s on what they call a hardtail frame — there’s no springs on it, no suspension, and the older you get, the harder them roads are to ride with no springs and suspension.”

Schwartz said he’s excited to be participating in his first Autorama, an event he’s been attending since 1960.

“I was with my son when he had his car in there. I mean, being on the other side of the stanchions and the ropes are different from walking up and down the aisle and looking at the cars,” he said. “You’ve actually got something in it. It’s just a totally different atmosphere, you know, from show person to a spectator.”

Autorama will be held from noon to 10 p.m. Feb. 24, 9 a.m. to 10 p.m. Feb. 25 and 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. Feb 26. Tickets cost $25 for general admission and $10 for children ages 6-12. Discounted tickets of $23 and $9, respectively, are available at O’Reilly Auto Parts stores.

For more information on the event, visit www.autora ma.com/attend/detroit.

Call Staff Writer Mike Koury at (586) 498-1077.

Arrest

from page 3A

according to police.

A press release from Ferndale police stated that investigators utilized several law enforcement databases, including Flock Safety from the city of Detroit, to assist with identifying Crowder’s vehicle. Police had the partial plate to go on, and more.

“We also had surveillance footage from the restaurant as well,” Mahlmeister said. “Then they started utilizing different law enforcement databases to find a vehicle that matched that description.”

The case was presented to the Oakland County Prosecutor’s Office, which authorized an arrest warrant for Crowder. The Detroit Fugitive Apprehension Team from the U.S. Marshals Fugitive Task Force reportedly arrested Crowder without incident at his home Feb. 15. Police did not recover a weapon during the investigation. Crowder was arraigned in the 43rd District Court Feb. 16. He was charged with one count of felony armed robbery. He was given a $250,000 cash bond. His next scheduled court date is 1 p.m. Thursday, Feb. 23.

It was unclear at press time if Crowder had an attorney.

Call Staff Writer Mike Koury at (586) 498-1077.

Crowder

CRIME WATCH

Police arrest 2 suspects in catalytic converter theft

FERNDALE — Two people were arrested after they were caught allegedly stealing a catalytic converter in Ferndale.

According to a press release, Ferndale police responded at 3:52 a.m. Feb. 16 to the 2400 block of Burdette Street, near Wood-

ward Heights and Hilton Road, for a report of a larceny. The person who called the police heard a saw cutting in a nearby parking lot.

Officers found a man underneath a van with a catalytic converter next to him. The suspect ran and entered a Ford F-150 parked in the lot, driven by a second man.

“The driver quickly reversed, nearly hitting an officer and striking another parked vehicle,” the release states. “Officers shouted commands to stop. The driver disregarded commands and drove forward, nearly striking a second officer. The suspects fled in the

F-150 southbound on Burdette St.”

Officers pursued the vehicle, and the pursuit ended when the F-150 crashed into a lane divider at the John C. Lodge service drive and Hubbell Street in Detroit. Both suspects reportedly fled on foot, but police said they were arrested without incident. An investigation revealed that the sus-

pects cut a catalytic converter from a Ferndale business van using a Sawzall, according to Ferndale police. Officers recovered two additional catalytic converters, burglary tools and a police scanner inside the suspects’ vehicle.

— Mike Koury

CHECK OUT NEWS, FEATURES, SPORTS AND MORE FROM ALL 19 OF OUR C & G NEWSPAPERS

SPOTLIGHT ON WOMEN IN BUSINESS

WOMEN BETTER THEIR BUSINESSES BY NETWORKING

BY MARY GENSON mgenson@candgnews.com

METRO DETROIT — For business owners, networking is a great way to build connections and grow professional contacts. As the number of female entrepreneurs rises, networking can be particularly beneficial, as it often creates a culture of women supporting one another in business.

In Oakland and Macomb counties, there are many women who have started their own businesses. In one village, the downtown retail area is entirely made up of women-owned businesses.

Retail shops in downtown Franklin are 100% woman owned, including many shops and eateries. Madeleine’s French Patisserie is one of the newer additions to downtown Franklin. They have been in business for about a year.

“In general, I have found that the town has been very supportive,” Madeleine’s French Patisserie owner and head pastry chef Holly Kaiser said.

Since Franklin is a small village, Kaiser said she has had to be creative to attract people to her business. However, collaborating with surrounding businesses has helped bring awareness to Madeleine’s French Patisserie.

Hilton Progressive Dental Creates e Smile You

receive a $25 gi card or credit toward a future visit,” Dr. Behdin said. “I have been a dentist since 2009 and I love the art of dentistry. Getting to know my patients is important to me.

“I am a gum specialist and o er services such as gum procedures for those patients with gum disease and infection, or gum recession. I can also help patients who have bad teeth that need to come out and provide dental implant options as a replacement,” Dr. Behdin added.

Dr. Shabnam Behdin, DDS, MS is the owner of Hilton Progressive Dental in Ferndale and as a specialized periodontist, her mission is to work with anyone desiring dental treatment and give them the smile they deserve.

“Our professional team aims to create a pleasant, individualized experience for our patients, whether it be through cosmetic procedures, dentures and orthodontics or general dentistry, including preventative care, root canals, cleanings, extractions and TMJ treatment,” she said.

e team includes associate dentist Dr. Nazanin Tanha and two hygienists who create a positive experience for patients beginning with their rst call to the o ce.

Dr. Behdin noted, “Our quote is ‘Dentistry for Everyone’ and we aim to establish long-term relationships with our patients. We make a sincere e ort to grow our community and dental family.”

What makes Hilton Progressive Dental stand out is their wide range of services and the ability to accommodate most dental situations, including emergency appointments.

“We accept CareCredit and new patient referrals

As general dentist, Dr.Tanha provides services in all di erent aspects of dentistry, including dental emergency appointments.

e two hygienists on sta at Hilton Progressive Dental provide regular dental cleanings to all patients, from small children to the elderly. ey play an important role in educating patients on how to stay on top of their oral hygiene.

“I love my job. e most enjoyable part is interacting with patients, listening to their desires and creating the smile they deserve,” Dr. Behdin said. “We took over Hilton Progressive Dental in June 2022. Ever since, we have been making an e ort to ensure our patients receive excellent care and services.”

Available care and services at Hilton Progressive Dental include: gum and implant dentistry, teeth whitening, dentures, extractions, dental emergency appointments, invisible clear aligners, night guard and TMJ treatment, gum recession treatment, and disease and infection treatment.

Hilton Progressive Dental is located at 2115 Hilton Road, in Ferndale.

To schedule an appointment or for more information, call the o ce at (248) 209-3702 or email at smile@ hiltonprogressivedental.com.

Rachel Devries, the membership engagement manager for the Birmingham Bloomfield Chamber of Commerce, pictured right, helps the community network.

Photo provided by Denise Grace

from page 10A

For instance, the business provides charcuterie orders for Tangerine Wine, which in turn provides the wine-tasting portion for special events held by Madeleine’s French Patisserie.

Denise Grace, the founder and president of Grace Financial Group and Women Empowered by Grace, does educational workshops to benefit women and their finances.

Networking through the Greater Farmington Area Chamber of Commerce has widened Grace’s outreach and has helped her find clients who are interested in becoming more confident in their finances, she said.

Some of Grace’s clients are small-business owners. She said she would encourage these clients to network, beginning with the chamber of commerce.

While she understands that networking can be intimidating — entering a room full of new people — she emphasizes the importance of taking a step outside of one’s comfort zone to make valuable connections.

“People are there to network. People are there to meet new people, so don’t think that they don’t want to meet you, because that is what they are there for,” Grace said.

Grace is the chair of the Women’s+ Business Committee through the Greater Farmington Area Chamber of Commerce. Within this committee, Grace said, she focuses on nurturing camaraderie and personal connections in addition to professional contacts.

“In our chamber and in our women’s group, we are about supporting each other’s businesses, because the more those businesses grow, the better it is for our whole community,” Grace said.

Kelly Finley, a broker and the owner of New Century Realtors in Troy, said her favorite part about networking is meeting new people and having “just the right person” to introduce others to.

In addition to her work, Finley networks through being a member of the Troy Chamber of Commerce and the Detroit Athletic Club.

Finley said going out of her comfort zone and meeting people has helped her make connections she would otherwise not have made, which has ultimately benefited her career.

“ Women in business are a force, and I think that the more people that you meet, the more opportunities you have,” Finley said.

Rachel Devries, the membership engagement manager for the Birmingham Bloomfield Chamber of Commerce, said her job is to help introduce people to one another at the chamber’s many networking events.

Expect Something More at Olga P & Associates

Olga Pajarillaga is an EA (Entrepreneurial Agent) with AAA and is the owner of Olga P & Associates, LLC, which is a small insurance agency in Ferndale, and her mission is to ease the perplexity of insurance decision-making while providing great service.

This agency, located near the thriving Downtown Ferndale, employs agents who have been working in the insurance industry for 20+ years. They are offering AAA insurance products as well as brokered products to provide solutions to meet the member’s insurance needs through life’s journey.

The professional team includes licensed agents Marc Garrett, Tammy Ross, and front desk clerk, Andrea Pernell who truly enjoy their jobs. Their combined team is the most important asset who makes the agency a respected and a successful insurance office.

The agents aim to provide competitive rates and personal service to help you get the coverage that fits your needs and budget. There is a wide range of services from insurance, roadside assistance, travel, credit cards, discounts and more. They will even help you switch companies.

Olga stated, “As your insurance agent, we will

While she helps people network as her job now, she said all of her jobs have been found through networks.

“I think it (networking) is really important for all genders, but especially for women who are having a slower time getting back into the workforce from COVID. I think it is so

important that we are out and about and meeting people. The more you can get to know someone, the more you can build that trust,” Devries said.

She said she finds networking one of the best ways to not only get a job but also to grow a business and make new friends.

advise you on a multitude of products and services in Auto, Home, Commercial, and Life insurance. It is our goal to help our clients understand what insurance policies make sense for them and work with them to find a plan that meets all their needs.”

Our mission is to ease the perplexity of insurance decision-making while providing great service to the best of our abilities. Our commitment to our core values of leadership, partnerships, relationships, and stewardship is critical for our mutual success in our mission.

“There’s no better way to raise brand awareness than meeting new people, telling them who we are and what we do.” That is why they are members of a local chamber of commerce and networking organization. Being proactive in social events nearby and participating in local gatherings in, nearby, and around the community of Ferndale is important to these agents in order to grow their relationship with others.

You will be pleased with the office’s convenient business hours of Monday-Friday from 9-6, and on Saturday by appointment, to ensure that clients receive reliable coverage, great rates, and excellent personal services. Stop by and get a complimentary insurance quote today!

HOMES

‘PAYMENT SHOCK’

SOME HOMEOWNERS ARE HIT WITH UNEXPECTED MORTGAGE PAYMENT INCREASES

BY MARK VEST mvest@candgnews.com

METRO DETROIT — For those in the market to purchase a home, one of the most important parts of the process is determining what they can afford to pay as a monthly mortgage payment.

After crunching the numbers, real estate professionals and mortgage loan officers can help potential buyers figure out what price range they should stay in when making a purchase offer so they avoid a monthly mortgage payment that doesn’t fit their budget.

However, despite doing what they thought was their due diligence, many homeowners get an unpleasant surprise after purchasing a home when they learn, months later, that their mortgage payment has been increased.

What many homeowners don’t realize is that the taxable value the previous homeowner was paying was based on the year they purchased the home. However, at some point after a home is sold, municipalities conduct a property reassessment to determine the current taxable value, and that can lead to a significant increase in monthly mortgage payments.

In 1994, Michigan voters approved Proposal “A,” a constitutional amendment that established taxable value as the basis for the calculation of property taxes.

Increases in taxable value are limited to the percent of change in the rate of inflation or 5%, whichever is less, as long as there were no losses or additions to the property.

The limit on taxable value does not apply to a property in the year following a transfer of ownership. At that time, the taxable value increases to the assessed value.

Jake Slobin is a senior loan officer with Supreme Lending in Farmington Hills. He explained why new homeowners can expect to see a jump in their monthly mortgage payments after purchasing a property.

“People who bought houses 10, 15 years ago … pretty much get grandfathered into that taxable rate,” Slobin said. “Now, you fast forward 10, 15 years that person’s owned the

home, and now they’re selling. Well, the new person coming in is gonna have to pay taxes on what the new sales price is. … Say someone bought a house in 2021 and someone comes in there and buys it now, in 2023. Those aren’t the people that are gonna see a big tax jump; the big tax jump comes when someone bought a house five, 10, 15, 20 years ago, and now someone new is coming in and buying it.”

A significant period of time can pass before new homeowners learn that their monthly mortgage payments have jumped.

“Each year, your mortgage servicer does what’s called an escrow analysis, and when they do the escrow analysis, they go back and say, ‘OK, well, you’ve only been paying $2,000 for the year for your taxes — well, in actuality, your taxes have jumped to four grand.’ So, not only are they going to, obviously, make that increase and make you start paying going forward (to) what the taxes are now, there’s also been a shortage for the past year — you’ve only been paying $200 a month in taxes, when really you should’ve been paying $350 a month,” Slobin said. “So they get hit with that combo of, ‘OK, not only do we have to pay back the shortage, we’re also now paying what the taxes have jumped to.’ So that’s something that I’d say, over the past two years, I get calls about constantly, and what I like to do is remind the buyer that, ‘Hey, mortgage companies have zero control of what the city is gonna do with your taxes; when (the previous owner bought) a house for a hundred grand and the taxable value was significantly lower, well, now you’re buying it for 250 (thousand dollars), five, 10 years later — that’s exactly what’s gonna happen; your taxes are gonna make a significant increase.’”

Larry Campbell is the owner of Century 21 Campbell Realty in Madison Heights and has been in the real estate business for approximately 50 years.

“The assessors, based on laws, are looking at tax sales 12 months backwards,” he said. “That’s gonna be sort of the guidepost or the benchmark, where all these properties are going to increase as a direct result of past sales.”

See MORTGAGE on page 13A

Supreme Lending Senior Loan Officer Jake Slobin, seen here at his office in Farmington Hills, and mortgage professionals like him can help alert potential homebuyers about properties for which the mortgage payment is likely to increase significantly approximately a year after purchase.

Photo by Patricia O’Blenes

Real estate professionals such as Larry Campbell, of Century 21 Campbell Realty in Madison Heights, can help potential homebuyers become aware of whether properties could incur a significant mortgage payment increase.

Photo provided by Larry Campbell

Photo by Patricia O’Blenes Atlantis Mortgage Executive Loan Officer Thomas Naughton, left, and Atlantis Mortgage Vice President Jeremy Stybel stand with some of their awards at their Farmington Hills office.

Mortgage

from page 12A

The homeowners who are most likely to be affected by increased monthly mortgage payments are homeowners who bought a property that the previous owner inhabited for a long time.

“If the people have been there for a long time, it is not unusual to consider the property taxes almost double. By doubling, I tell you, it’s within one year. That’s profound, isn’t it?” Campbell said.

Thomas Naughton is an executive loan officer with Atlantis Mortgage in Farmington Hills. Given that there is often no warning to homeowners, he said that, in most cases, an increase in mortgage payments comes as a shock.

“Most of the time, they’ll call their mortgage broker, the lender directly and say, ‘Hey, what is this? My taxable value’s going up; why is it so high? What happened?’ … There’s no real way to get out of it at that point, in a sense,” Naughton said. “Once the tax bill hits, that’s money owed, and (it’s) in your name. … In certain situations, I’m sure people have had to sell the home because they weren’t anticipating the taxes rising so much and the lender … neglected to tell them that, or it was just something that was out of sight for both the lender and the people purchasing the property, so it was never thought of at the time.”

When Livonia resident Ami Sardesai purchased his first home in 2005, he figured that his mortgage payment was locked in for 30 years and was surprised to learn later that it had increased by approximately $30 or $40 per month.

In that case, the previous homeowner had lived there for around two years.

In 2019, Sardesai purchased another home, and although — based on his first experience — he was expecting an increase in his mortgage payment, he wasn’t quite prepared for it to go up as much as it did, which was approximately $300 per month. The previous homeowners lived in the home that he and his wife now occupy for more than 30 years.

“No one alerted me, ‘Hey, remember this will happen,’ or anything like that,” Sardesai said. “When we came in the first year, we were paying, basically, the taxes that they would’ve paid, but then, in the second year in the house, now they transferred the ownership — we’re brand new owners — so now we have to pay the actual value.”

Slobin, Campbell and Naughton all agree that potential homebuyers should be informed in advance about taxable values before agreeing to purchase a property.

“We do preemptively warn our clients, and we think most mortgage people should be doing this,” Naughton said. “We try to tee it up and let them know, ‘Hey, you’re buy-

ing a house that hasn’t been sold in 15 years, so they’re going to reassess the value on your home when the appraisal is done, and whatever you’re funding into your escrow account or whatever the previous taxes were, it’s going to look much different.’”

Jeremy Stybel is the vice president of Atlantis Mortgage. He shared one possible reason why some lenders don’t inform potential buyers that their mortgage payments are likely to increase.

“They don’t (want to) get yelled at by a real estate agent or whatever else for possibly losing a sale because they told the truth,” Stybel said. “Ninety percent of the time, nobody tells them that, and it is a very big problem. I think a lot of them are scared that they’re gonna lose buyers because of that reason.”

Campbell said that homeowners are in disbelief when they realize that their taxes have gone up “way, way, way” more than they expected.

“A good buyer agent will tell you, ‘These are some of the things that we could expect as we move forward.’ … My recommendation, if you’re going to buy a house, buy from a Realtor that’s full-time, that makes a living helping people, not that’s doing it as a part-time gig, working two to three jobs,” Campbell said.

Slobin discussed when new homeowners can expect to see an increase in their mortgage payments.

“The tax jump happens typically within a year, and then after that initial jump takes place, you’re pretty much steady the rest of the way in your home, unless the city is doing some major project where everyone votes and passes a proposal for that project that the taxpayers are now responsible for,” he said. “After that initial jump, you don’t really see (many) more significant jumps going forward.”

Slobin shed further light on the role assessors play for municipalities.

“Each city assessor’s office, they go out and do tax assessments on the home each year, typically. And what they do is go out, determine the taxable value of the home and, once that determination is made, that’s how they generate the summer and winter tax bills,” he said. “There are people who pay their taxes and insurance separate of their mortgage payment and just make a one-time payment to the city, but most people have escrow accounts in which their taxes and insurance are paid out of, that is part of their monthly payment. … The payment shock that’s happening is for those customers.”

Although nobody is going to get excited about a mortgage payment increase, from Slobin’s perspective, it’s not all bad.

“There’s also the positive,” he said. “The city’s coming out and assessing the value of your property and determining that the value of the property is significantly more than, a lot (of) times, even when you bought it.”

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How Can I Help YOU this Year?

Murals

from page 1A

The DDA will be looking to add up to three murals for this submission period, but the number of murals funded each year will vary based on budget availability and the size and scope of the proposals received.

Once completed, the murals would be unveiled in September. The locations of the murals will be within the DDA District.

The theme for the murals that will be created this year is “You Belong Here,” which “highlights the importance of inclusivity and diversity, with a focus on welcoming artists of all backgrounds and skill levels,” the release stated.

“What it means to (the applicant) about belonging here,” Realy said. “Ferndale is known as this diverse, equality, allinclusive location, but we’re looking for the perspective of what ‘You Belong Here’ really means to that artist. It’s more of those three words being a prompt of what it is. It can be as abstract as a creator (wants).”

The application process is open to artists, who don’t need to be residents, though some preference might be given to local artists and property owners.

One of the last murals to be created in Ferndale is the one located on The dot,

Spotlight on business...

Royal Oak Welcomes Student Reps To The Board Of Education

which was made by Pleasant Ridge artist Mike Ross.

Ross said downtown art and murals add a lot to the character of a city. He stated that most cities have a similar program to what Ferndale has, as they’ve come around to the idea that murals or street art enhances a city or building rather than detracts from it.

“Murals are for everybody to see,” he said. “You don’t have to go into a fancy art gallery. You don’t have to walk into a museum. You can be walking down the street or driving down the street even, and you see a mural and you’re looking at art. So I like that kind of democratic sort of aspect of murals, because I think art in general, it just makes people feel better. No matter what it is, whether it’s just something pretty to look at or if it’s something very thought provoking, social commentary, you know, it makes you think.”

“In doing that thinking, I think that sort of massages your brain a little bit,” he continued. “I think kind of leaning your brain in that direction, it helps you feel better. So I think the fact that cities are doing that and I think that Ferndale in particular is doing (that), I think it’s fantastic.”

The deadline to submit an application is midnight Friday, March 10. For more information and how to submit, visit www. downtownferndale.com/mural.

Members of the Royal Oak Schools Board of Education now have an ongoing opportunity to learn what plans, policies and programs matter most to the district’s high school students. They’ll hear it from the students themselves, through their own representatives to the Board of Education.

“The Board of Education had discussed a way to involve students and to let student voices be heard about the work that they do for the district,” Royal Oak Schools Superintendent Mary Beth Fitzpatrick said. “We started out in the fall, just looking at what other districts do to get their students involved with their board, and then we proceeded with an application process for our high school students, to see what their interest might be.

“We were able to interview several students and brought five juniors and seniors from Royal Oak High School on as formal liaisons to the board,” Fitzpatrick said.

When Judge Derek Meinecke of the 44th District Court in Royal Oak swore Michelle Cook and Lauren Jasinski in as the board’s newly elected trustees in January, the five student representatives — seniors Bridget Simonsen and Carina Lopiccolo, and juniors Ava Burke, Megan Haun and Cecilia Irwin — took an oath as well.

Fitzpatrick said Board Treasurer Tim Ciechorski was instrumental in implementing the student representative program.

“I firmly believe that every voice deserves a platform,” Ciechorski said. “As far as student voices, this will be invaluable. We now have a first-hand account of how the students see our decisions impacting their dayto-day experience in the schools. It will also provide great insight into how the students view our decisions.”

Fitzpatrick said the students selected to serve as representatives on the board are impressive.

“They all have an interest in learning more about how the district’s business runs, but also in having their peers’ voices and their own voices heard regarding some decisions in the district,” Fitzpatrick said. “All of the students on the board are very active, but they want to make sure they represent all students, and not just students they know from their own clubs and groups and classes.”

Royal Oak High School Principal Sharida Lewis said the participating teens are “students of excellence.”

“The opportunity to participate as a student board member will allow them to continue to build their leadership capacity, be a voice for their peers, and be influential guides for future student leaders in our school,” Lewis said.

Fitzpatrick said bringing student representatives to the Board of Education will add insight for board members making decisions that affect district finances, operations, safety and overall student experience. “We’re definitely excited about having the students there and I know their parents and the recommending staff are very proud to have them there as well,” Fitzpatrick said.

0326-2308

CHARTER TOWNSHIP OF CLINTON SENIOR STAFF SECRETARY – SUPERVISOR’S OFFICE

Permanent full-time Senior Staff Secretary position $40,316 - $49,817 (40 Hours per week) includes benefit package. Successful completion of Civil Service Examination is required, and applicants 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 application to the Clinton Township Employees Civil Service Commission, 40700 Romeo Plank Rd., Clinton Township, MI 48038 on or before the close of business, Monday, March 6, 2023. 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. 0319-2308

Student Representatives (left) Carina Lopiccolo and Bridget Simonsen

One of the last Ferndale Downtown Development Authority-funded murals was this piece by Mike Ross inside The dot parking structure. The DDA is accepting applications from artists for new murals.

Photo by Patricia O’Blenes

CHARTER TOWNSHIP OF CLINTON

SENIOR STAFF SECRETARY – SUPERVISOR’S OFFICE

Permanent full-time Senior Staff Secretary position $40,316 - $49,817 (40 Hours per week) includes benefit package. Successful completion of Civil Service Examination is required, and applicants 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 application to the Clinton Township Employees Civil Service Commission, 40700 Romeo Plank Rd., Clinton Township, MI 48038 on or before the close of business, Monday, March 6, 2023. 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. 0319-2308

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BOARD GAMES

OF THE WEEK • CRIME OF THE WEEK • CRIME OF THE WEEK

NEWSWORTHY INCIDENTS REPORTED TO LOCAL POLICE, AS COMPILED BY C & G REPORTERS

Customer allegedly threatens staff over sold-out menu items

WEST BLOOMFIELD — At approximately 8:25 p.m. Jan. 14, a customer at a restaurant on Orchard Lake Road reportedly became verbally abusive when he was told that several menu items were sold out.

The customer made verbal threats about physically assaulting an employee, according to a police report.

The customer was gone by the time police arrived.

The case was turned over to detectives.

Fraudster pretends to be police detective

WEST BLOOMFIELD — In a report dated Jan. 17, someone called a resident on Horseshoe Drive from a spoofed telephone number to make it look like it was from the West Bloomfield Police Department.

The suspect reportedly stated that he was a West Bloomfield Police Department detective who worked for the Department of Treasury.

The suspect demanded that the resident withdraw money from her bank account and send it in bitcoin.

The resident suspected fraud and went to the West Bloomfield Police Department, where her suspicion was confirmed.

Intoxicated driver strikes bus twice

BIRMINGHAM — On Jan. 28 at approximately 9:11 p.m., a patrol officer observed a vehicle hit a bus from the rear twice along Woodward Avenue before proceeding onto Humphrey.

The officer observed the vehicle’s driver, a 59-year-old man from Berkley, walking away from the damaged vehicle along Humphrey. The driver failed a field sobriety evaluation, and a preliminary breath test showed a blood alcohol content of twice the legal limit.

The driver was arrested.

Money stolen from ‘off limits’ closet during estate sale

BIRMINGHAM — At approximately 4:12 p.m. on Jan. 27, an officer was dispatched to the 600 block of Ann Street on a report of a larceny.

A woman said money was stolen from her purse while it was stored in an “off limits” closet during an estate sale she was hosting. Witnesses reported seeing two female suspects rummaging through something in the corner of the closet before hurrying down the stairs and out the door.

There were no additional witnesses or suspects.

Theft spotted during neighborhood patrol

BIRMINGHAM — On Jan. 27 at approximately 4:23 a.m., an officer was conducting a neighborhood patrol due to recent larceny from auto activity. The officer saw a vehicle stopped, with its doors open, blocking a driveway in the 800 block of Oakland Avenue. Two individuals in ski masks entered the vehicle and sped away.

A vehicle that was observed across the street also sped away following the first vehicle. The driver of the second vehicle was also wearing a ski mask. Both vehicles had their headlights and taillights off.

Because of their high rates of speed, officers were unable to get close enough to the suspect vehicles to attempt a traffic stop. The patrol officer made contact with the victim in the 800 block of Oakland Avenue, who reported that his wallet was stolen from his vehicle and his credit cards were used at several locations before they were reported stolen. There were no additional suspects or witnesses.

Suspects arrested for retail fraud

BEVERLY HILLS — At approximately 8:51 a.m. on Jan. 23, a Birmingham officer was dispatched to Market Square on a report of suspects involved in a retail fraud that had occurred the day prior returning to the store.

A witness reported seeing two suspects take several unpaid items from the store Jan. 22. The suspects were also allegedly involved in a retail fraud at a nearby store in Beverly Hills Jan. 23, prior to returning to Market Square. The suspects were identified and arrested for retail fraud by the Beverly Hills Police Department.

Shoplifting at sports store

MADISON HEIGHTS — According to a police report, an unknown man and woman shoplifted nearly $600 worth of goods from Dunham’s Sports in the 32100 block of John R Road at around 4 p.m. Jan. 29. Police were investigating.

Whipped cream taken

ROYAL OAK — A complainant reported to police that at 6:06 p.m. Jan. 28, someone stole two cases of whipped cream canisters from a Mobil gas station located at 1624 E. 11 Mile Road.

Teens allegedly steal pickup truck

BERKLEY — A stolen vehicle was reported to police at 5:46 p.m. Jan. 29 in the 3900 block of Catalpa Drive.

According to the report, the pickup truck of a

AND NOTES NEWS

MEALS ON WHEELS VOLUNTEERS SOUGHT IN WEST BLOOMFIELD

WEST BLOOMFIELD — Volunteer Meals on Wheels drivers are needed in West Bloomfield, according to the township’s website.

Pickup is at the West Bloomfield Parks and Recreation office, located at 4640 Walnut Lake Road.

Pickups are scheduled for 9:30 a.m., with routes typically taking between an hour and an hour and a half, according to the website.

Volunteers are the backbone of the program, the site states. “Not only do our volunteers deliver meals to our homebound seniors, they also deliver a warm smile and a friendly greeting. … Our seniors are able to remain in their homes due to the generosity and kindness of our many volunteers.”

For more information, call Lucy at (810) 632-2155 or send an email to info@lwmow.org.

OAKLAND COUNTY PARKS SEEKS SEASONAL STAFF

OAKLAND COUNTY — The Oakland County Parks and Recreation Department is seeking seasonal staff as it prepares for its spring and summer seasons. The department stated that it has “hundreds” of jobs that need to be filled at its various campgrounds, aquatic facilities, golf courses and parks within the next few months.

The jobs come with perks such as a $500 cash bonus, annual vehicle permits and a limited number of passes to use the facilities. There are positions available for ages 16 and older starting at $13.52 an hour. For job descriptions, salary ranges, application requirements and qualifications, visit OakGov.com/jobs. For more information, visit OaklandCounty Parks.com.

told police that she had parked her Chevrolet Silverado outside her mother’s house to drop off groceries. While there, she noticed a black vehicle drive by, but she disregarded it.

At some point, she saw her pickup truck leave with a black Chrysler. While speaking to police, she was able to track her vehicle to the area of a TGI

Fridays in Southfield. Southfield police were notified of the stolen vehicle.

At approximately 6:17 p.m., Berkley police were notified by Southfield police that they had the stolen Silverado and the Chrysler. Both vehicles had rammed Southfield police, but two juveniles, a 16-year-old and a 17-year-old, were in custody. Berkley police went to the location of the pickup truck, where they saw that it was wrecked. The vehicle was towed from the location.

Man allegedly tries to pass fake bill

BERKLEY — A 26-year-old Detroit man was arrested for possession of counterfeit money, passing counterfeit money and possession of dangerous drugs at 1:16 p.m. Jan. 26 at an A&W restaurant at 4100 W. 12 Mile Road. According to Berkley police, they received a report of a subject passing fake currency. When public safety officers arrived, they saw the suspect sitting in a black Chrysler 200. Police met with an employee of the restaurant, who stated that the suspect tried using a fake $100 bill.

The suspect reportedly told police that he didn’t know the bill was fake. He was placed in handcuffs and in the back of a patrol vehicle while his car was searched. Police reportedly were able to locate two $50 bills, one $20 bill and two $1 bills that were all fake.

Police said they also located three white pills, which tested positive for oxycodone, in the pocket of the man’s jacket.

Six A&T High School students taken into custody after physical altercation

SOUTHFIELD — School resource officers and security personnel responded to a large physical altercation that broke out in the cafeteria of Southfield High School for the Arts and Technology at 1:15 p.m.

Feb. 1.

Officers intervened to stop the large fight, and in the process of doing so, two students were tased, and a total of six students were detained and transported to the police station.

The students were released into the custody of their parents or guardian. The fight resulted in one student sustaining a minor hand injury.

While the investigation was ongoing, Superin-

press release.

“We take these incidents very seriously. According to Board of Education policy, students involved in physical altercations will face disciplinary actions.”

Driver charged with driving drunk after crash

TROY — Troy officers responded to a two-vehicle crash at 6:46 p.m. Jan. 16 near the intersection of Crooks Road and West Big Beaver Road.

While speaking with one of the involved drivers, a 65-year-old Royal Oak man, officers noted he had bloodshot eyes, was slurring his speech, and there was an odor of intoxicants coming from his vehicle. Police said that the driver admitted to having a few drinks at a friend’s house prior to driving. The driver was asked to perform several sobriety evaluations, which he performed poorly. He submitted to a preliminary breath test with a result of 0.099% blood alcohol content.

The suspect was arrested and transported to the Troy police station, where he agreed to submit to a chemical breath test, with results of 0.15% and 0.14%. The driver was charged with one count of operating while intoxicated – third offense.

Car window broken at dealership

NOVI — Police were sent to Marty Feldman

Chevrolet, 42355 Grand River Ave. in Novi, at the intersection of Town Center Drive and Crescent Boulevard, on Jan. 24 after an employee found that the driver’s side window had been broken out of one of the dealership’s cars.

According to the report, all of the vehicles in the satellite parking area were checked and found to be in proper condition at approximately 10 a.m. Jan. 23. However, when the employee came to the satellite parking lot at approximately 9:30 a.m. Jan. 24, he found a white 2023 Chevrolet Malibu with the driver’s side window broken out. Officers provided the dealership representative with a report number.

Man arrested at hospital for domestic violence

NOVI — A man brought his girlfriend to Ascension Providence Hospital’s Novi Campus at 12:25 a.m. Jan. 27, after he allegedly physically assaulted her during an argument in their Novi home. Medical staff contacted police regarding the domestic assault and informed police that the alleged assailant was waiting in the lobby. Police arrived and arrested the boyfriend, who has since been arraigned on a charge of assault with intent to do great bodily harm less than murder. He reportedly was given a $10,000 cash or surety bond and is out on bail.

GRIEF AND LOSS SUPPORT GROUP OFFERS SESSION DATES

METRO DETROIT — Jewish Family Service is scheduled to offer sessions of a grief and loss support group for women 60 and older.

The group is set to be led by JFS licensed master social workers and clinicians Mayim Meyers and Cici Syms, and it will focus on providing a supportive space to begin to process grief. Participants will learn coping skills, the non-linear process of grief, increased understanding of typical and complex grief, and connections with others in a similar place, according to a press release.

The session dates are scheduled to take place 10-11:30 a.m. Fridays March 10 and 24, April 14 and 28, May 5, and June 2.

According to the release, group size is limited.

For more information, contact Mayim Meyers at (248) 592-2694 or mmeyers@jfsdetroit.org.

Community Choice Foundation plans to award $100,000 in scholarships

METRO DETROIT — Community Choice Foundation announced that applications are now open for its college, continuing education and skilled trades scholarships.

The foundation has awarded more than $1.4 million in scholarships to almost 300 students since 2009. A total of $100,000 will be awarded to students in 2023, with 15 $5,000 college scholarships, six $2,500 continuing education scholarships and four $2,500 skilled trades scholarships.

Applying students must be Michigan residents and attend a Michigan-based institution, academy or training program following high school graduation. Applicants will be judged by their academic achievements, community involvement and extracurricular activities, along with completion of an essay.

“We look for students who have a passion for the future and who are very goal-oriented and motivated both with their careers and in support of their communities,” Community Choice Foundation Executive Director Kevin McAlpine said in a prepared statement.

The scholarship program is funded by Community Choice Credit Union and the generous support of its members, team members and local businesses. Applications are due Feb. 28 and may be filled out online by visiting CommunityChoiceFoundation.org. Scholarship winners will be announced in April.

Community Choice Foundation is the charitable arm of Community Choice Credit Union and is a registered 501(c)(3) organization. For more information, visit CommunityChoiceFoundation.org or call (877) 243-2528, ext. 2460.

MSGCU to award more than $100,000 in scholarships this year

METRO DETROIT — Michigan Schools and Government Credit Union announced today that applications are being accepted for its annual scholarship program through Feb. 28. The Credit Union has awarded more than $1 million in scholarships to more than 500 students and educators since the inception of its program.

MSGCU is offering various scholarships to 33 recipients. Nonmembers are welcome to apply and must become members if selected as scholarship recipients. The credit union welcomes everyone in Michigan to bank with it. Online applications can be submitted at msgcu.org/ scholarships.

The following scholarships are available:

The Educational Solutions Scholarship helps high school seniors with plans to attend college with 18 scholarships of $2,500 each.

The Rudolph Heino High School Scholarship is for high school seniors heading to college with a demonstrated commitment to helping others. Five scholarships of $2,500 are available.

The Larry Swantek Educational Studies Scholarship is for high school seniors and current college students planning to become teachers. There are four scholarships of $2,500.

The Milo Perreault Educator Advantage Scholarship helps certified educators and administrators continue their educations. They can apply for one of four scholarships of $2,500.

The William Cayen Skilled Trades Scholarship is available to two individuals pursuing certification in electrical, HVAC, automotive or other skilled trades programs. Each scholarship is for $2,500.

• The Credit Union also funds the Stephen Thomas First Responder Scholarship, which supports first responders enrolled in police and/ or fire academies at local colleges with 14 scholarships of $2,000 each. Applications occur directly with Macomb Community College, Oakland Community College, Washtenaw Community College and Schoolcraft Community College. Students can apply for this scholarship throughout the year and more information is available through the program directors of each academy.

Visit msgcu.org/scholarships for details and to learn more about the application process.