2/19/25 Farmington Press by C & G Newspapers

SPOTLIGHT ON WOMEN IN BUSINESS

DEI addressed at Farmington Hills City Council meeting

BY GENA JOHNSON gjohnson@candgnews.com

FARMINGTON HILLS — In the wake of major corporations, organizations and academic institutions ridding themselves of diversity, equity and inclusion practices, Farmington Hills City Councilwoman Jackie Boleware gave a presentation on DEI at a City Council meeting Feb. 10.

After receiving numerous calls and emails about DEI, as well as being stopped on the street by residents with questions about it, Boleware was inspired to do a public presentation on the subject.

According to her, there are more than 82,000 people in Farmington Hills, with 60 languages spoken.

“It is the most diverse city in Oakland County,” said Boleware, who is a former human resources professional.

‘The entire community mourns’

HOUSE FIRE IN WEST BLOOMFIELD CLAIMS THE LIVES OF FARMINGTON PUBLIC SCHOOLS STUDENTS

BY GENA JOHNSON gjohnson@candgnews.com

WEST BLOOMFIELD — The lives of three siblings were celebrated at a funeral service at the O.H. Pye III Funeral Home in Detroit Feb. 7.

The Oliora children — Hannah, 16, Jeremiah, 14, and Jacob, 12 — were killed from injuries they sustained from a house fire in the 5000 block of Pembury Lane in West Bloomfield Feb. 2.

“The entire community mourns the loss of the three young people who perished in the fire,” West Bloomfield Township Supervisor Jonathan Warshay said. “We have great sympathy for their parents. The township is doing all it can to investigate the

See FIRE on page 6A

Boleware explained what each letter in the abbreviation stands for.

The “D” is for diversity, which includes gender, ethnicity, sexual orientation, disability, age, culture, class, religion, and opinions.

The “E” is for equity, which is a concept of fairness and justice.

A fire in the 5000 block of Pembury Lane in West Bloomfield killed three children Feb. 2. According to the West Bloomfield Fire Department, the case is still under investigation.

Photo by Patricia O’Blenes

First suspect charged by OC Human Trafficking Task Force

BY ANDY KOZLOWSKI akozlowski@candgnews.com

OAKLAND COUNTY — Oakland County Sheriff Michael Bouchard has announced the first person arrested and charged by the newly formed Oakland County Human Trafficking Task Force.

Wayne County resident Damon Napier, 61, has been charged with human trafficking enterprise resulting in injury, third-degree criminal sexual conduct, prostitution — accepting earnings, prostitution — pandering, and prostitution — transporting, with a conviction for any of the prosti-

tution charges punishable by up to 20 years in prison.

He faces charges in both Hazel Park 43rd District Court and Southfield 46th District Court. Napier was arraigned in Hazel Park Jan. 21 and in Southfield Jan. 18, with his bond in each case set at $500,000 at cash/surety. At press time, he was being held in Oakland County Jail.

Court records list Napier’s attorney as Melissa Sue Krauskopf. At press time, she had not returned a request for comment.

According to the Oakland County Sheriff’s Office, Napier has a decades-long rap sheet that includes convictions in Michi-

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gan, Indiana and California. Prior crimes include kidnapping, assault with a deadly weapon and assorted drug charges.

His most recent arrest was the result of an investigation started by the Sheriff’s Office in collaboration with the Madison Heights Police, along with the Oakland County Prosecutor’s Office.

The victims in the case are two women, both age 31, who were residents of Oakland and Macomb counties. What began with a missing person report filed in 2023 ended with Napier’s arrest in Dearborn on Jan. 17 by members of the Fugitive Apprehensive Team, part of the Sheriff’s Office.

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According to the Sheriff’s Office, Napier allegedly used tactics such as controlling his victims’ ability to use a phone, moving them to different places to engage in prostitution, providing them illegal narcotics to create a drug dependency, and assaulting them physically and sexually — all common tactics employed by human traffickers.

“We know human trafficking is one of the most insidious and terrible crimes through its ongoing victimizing of those that are being trafficked,” Bouchard said in a statement. “We will do all in our power to hold these disgusting criminal individu-

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Costick Center or The Hawk? Seniors weigh in

BY GENA JOHNSON gjohnson@candgnews.com

FARMINGTON HILLS — The results of the Farmington Area Commission on Aging’s listening sessions were presented to the Farmington Hills City Council at a meeting Feb. 10. The commission listened to seniors who use the Costick Activities Center and noted their concerns.

Commissioners on Aging members Katherine Marshall and Julieene Villani made the presentation.

The findings were based on the more than 200 people who attended two listening sessions that were held Dec. 3. One session was in the morning and the other was held in the afternoon. According to Marshall, the event was well-attended, considering participants had little notice about it.

According to Marshall, 83% of the individuals who attended use the Costick Center more than three times a week.

The Costick Center is located at 28600 W. 11 Mile Road in Farmington Hills.

“People have structured their lives and their retirement around their activities and socialization there,” Marshall said.

One of the primary takeaways from the presentation was that seniors who use the Costick Center do not want their activities moved to The Hawk because of The Hawk’s location, limited parking, smaller size and increased cost.

The Hawk is located at 29995 W. 12 Mile Road, which is a “very difficult traffic area,” according to Marshall.

“You have older folks navigating that area to get into their community space,” she said. “That’s not a good idea.”

It was pointed out at the presentation that there is limited parking at The Hawk, particularly in the summer when kids’ pro-

See SENIORS on page 14A

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Brother Rice basketball prepared for playoff run

BY SCOTT BENTLEY sbentley@candgnews.com

BLOOMFIELD HILLS — Brother Rice has put together a phenomenal season up to this point, and now another test looms in the form of playoff basketball.

At press time, Rice was an outstanding 18-2 on the year, with its only regular-season loss coming via a Detroit U of D Jesuit team that went 7-0 in the Catholic High School League.

“First and foremost we have a great group of kids,” Brother Rice head coach Rick Palmer said. “I think this is a group that maybe other people didn’t see being this good. But we kinda felt like we had the right mix.”

In the CHSL playoffs, Brother Rice lost to Orchard Lake St. Mary’s 72-41 in a semifinal contest.

Despite the disappointing CHSL playoff result, Rice had won 16 straight games before the loss, had a 66-64 win over OLSM earlier in the season, and ended the regular-season in second-place in the league.

“I think we walk into every game now confident that we’re going to win,” Palmer said. “Not in a cocky way, but they really believe in each other. It’s been fun to be around.”

The team is fun to be around and fun to watch. Rice’s offensive style revolves around finding the open man and shooting 3-pointers. The roster has produced one of the more impressive passing and shooting seasons in recent memory.

“Numbers wise, the percentage of our baskets that are created off an assist is the highest I’ve ever had in seven years here,” Palmer explained. “We’re shoot-

See BASKETBALL on page 12A

Brother Rice Junior guard Greg Grays Jr. finishes a layup against Toledo St Francis De La Sales Feb. 8 at Marian High School. The Warriors are hoping to have a long playoff run.

Photo by Erin Sanchez

from page 1A

The “I” for inclusion, “Is what we all feel when our voices are heard,” Boleware said.

She referred to DEI as an organizational framework that is systematic and wellthought-out. It promotes the fair treatment and full participation of all people while fostering an environment where everyone has the opportunity to succeed.

“But what DEI is not — it’s not a code word for Black people,” Boleware said.

“According to the Department of Labor, the No. 1 recipient of DEI is white women, followed by Latinos and Hispanics, Asian Americans, those with disabilities, veterans, LGBTQ+, and in last place are African Americans,” she said.

Boleware said she reached out to some of her friends who work as human resource directors at Ford Motor Company, General Motors, Visteon, and Blue Cross and Blue

Shield.

According to her, ramps so people in wheelchairs can enter a building and navigate sidewalks, subtitles and captions for people who are visually and hearing impaired, changing tables in men’s restrooms, and seatbelt extenders on airplanes are examples of DEI initiatives.

Boleware emphasized that DEI is neither a quota system nor a system to hire unqualified people.

To help make her point, Boleware recalled a time when she made a decision to hire someone.

“Her skill set and work samples were impeccable,” Boleware said. “She was a graduate of the University of Michigan with a 3.8 grade-point average. She was female, African American and blind.”

According to Boleware, the company purchased a braille keyboard to accommodate the employee’s visual impairment, but other than that she did not receive any special treatment.

“She was the most qualified of all the

individuals. We were able to get the necessary equipment so she could do the job,” Boleware said. “She turned out to be one (of) the best employees I ever hired.”

Farmington Hills Mayor Pro Tem William Dwyer said that he goes “way back” with DEI. According to him, it has been around since Lyndon Johnson was president.

“They just renamed it,” Dwyer said. “In the old days it was part of affirmative action.”

Dwyer pointed out that in a previous role, he was in charge of the narcotics division at the Detroit Police Department.

“I had 29 street crews of five people,” Dwyer said. “Every crew had an African American male and every crew had a female.”

Although Dwyer was ahead of his time with diversity, equity and inclusion, which according to him made his departments more cohesive and compatible, he sees some shortcomings with the DEI of today.

“There are a lot of different problems with it (DEI) as I see it. The efforts often fail due to the lack of leadership and commit-

ment of the organization,” Dwyer said. Colleges and universities, as well as automotive companies and many large cor-

See DEI on page 5A

Photo provided by Jackie Boleware

Farmington Hills Councilwoman Jackie Boleware discussed DEI initiatives at a recent City Council meeting.

DEI

from page 4A

porations are not going forward with DEI, according to Dwyer.

“There has always been the perception (with some people) that it’s reverse discrimination, where individuals are promoted or hired based on their ethnicity or (gender), and the perception they’re not qualified,” he said.

According to Dwyer, there are people who don’t want to see diversity and they resent it.

“One of the problems with DEI is it lacks data. There is no data out there that can prove or support DEI,” Dwyer said. “Sometimes the material — the way it’s presented in the workshop — the presenters do a poor job in the messaging they are trying to send across.”

Dwyer shared some thoughts about the perception that DEI is reverse discrimination.

“That perception leads to dissatisfaction among employees,” he said. “They feel they are being blamed for something that has been around forever — and that’s discrimination.”

Dwyer said that Boleware did a “great job” with her presentation.

There are some changes he would like to see in how DEI and training workshops are presented to employees.

His suggestions include changing the name of DEI to something else, having a collaborative approach among all the stakeholders as to the training and the workshops that employees undergo, and for officials in city government, such as mayors and city council members, to weigh in on the material and how it is presented before it is presented to employees.

Collecting data on the effectiveness and impact of DEI initiatives was another of Dwyer’s suggestions.

According to Boleware, the city has had a DEI director on staff for two years. Some residents think that Farmington Hills should follow the national example and get rid of DEI, while others support it and want it to remain.

“Most of our residents embrace it, and they think it is very well needed,” Boleware said. “Progress has been made in the last couple of years, where people feel that as a city, it is really beginning to embrace its diversity.”

Call Staff Writer Gena Johnson at (586) 498-1069.

cause of the fire.”

According to attendees, the funeral service was beautiful, although it was overwhelming to see the children’s caskets.

At around 8 p.m. Feb. 2, West Bloomfield Township Police Department dispatch received a 911 call from one of the children in the home saying their house was on fire and they could not get out, according to a press release from the West Bloomfield Police Department.

After entering the home, the West Bloomfield Fire Department removed the children and gave them emergency medical assistance. They were then transported to a local hospital, where they died from their injuries, according to the release.

“No one is staying in the home now,” West Bloomfield Fire Marshal Byron Turnquist said. “The case is still under investigation.”

Hannah Oliora was a junior at West Bloomfield High School. Messages on the funeral home website described her as a beautiful person who was committed to her faith. She was also described as a brilliant student, a loving sister, a loyal friend and an accomplished musician who always wore pretty dresses.

Residents purchased flowers and lit candles for the children, according to the funeral home’s website.

Jeremiah and Jacob Oliora were both students in the Farmington Public Schools system.

The West Bloomfield School District and Farmington Public Schools sent letters to families who reside within their respective districts to inform them that the siblings had died. West Bloomfield Superintendent Dania Bazzi and Eric Pace, the principal at West Bloomfield High, signed the letter on behalf of the West Bloomfield School District, with Kelly Coffin, the superintendent for Farmington Public Schools, signing on

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behalf of her district.

Both letters expressed heavy hearts for the loss of the students.

Grief support resources were also provided.

“During this difficult time, it is important that we come together as a community and support the family involved and one another,” the letters from both districts stated. “The most important thing we can do is love our kids and one another. Hug your loved ones and let them know you are there for them.”

Turnquist recommends that residents walk through their homes and check to make sure that all smoke alarms are in working order. Smoke alarms that are more than 10 years old should be replaced and there should be an alarm on every level of the home, with one outside of sleeping areas and one in each bedroom, according to Turnquist.

He also suggests having at least two ways of exiting a home and having a designated meeting place outside the home.

“If you have a two-story house and there is an upstairs hallway with all of the bedrooms (off of the hallway), there should be one in that hallway,” Turnquist said. “Then there should be one in all of the bedrooms.”

According to Turnquist, new smoke alarms are self-contained units that have a 10year battery.

“So when you install it you don’t have to worry about it for about 10 years and then that smoke detector will start to chirp and let you know that the battery is dying at the end of its lifetime,” Turnquist said.

Although most newer homes have interconnected smoke alarms, meaning that when one smoke alarm goes off all of the other smoke alarms in the home go off as well, according to Turnquist, any working smoking alarm will do.

“Most importantly, you just need some type of smoke detection that will give you early notification, forewarns you of a fire, and (gives) you the most time possible to get out of your home safely,” Turnquist said.

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JEWISH FAMILY SERVICE RECEIVES ‘GENEROUS’ GRANT

WEST BLOOMFIELD — Jewish Family Service of Metro Detroit was recently the recipient of some positive news.

DETROIT AUTORAMA CELEBRATES 72 YEARS

“Jewish Family Service of Metro Detroit has been awarded a generous grant for its Family Caregiver Support Program from Exhale – the Family Caregiver Initiative,” according to a press release. “Exhale – The Family Caregiver Initiative has announced $2.2 million in grants supporting the collaboration of 50 organizations across the region that have developed these innovative programs.”

METRO DETROIT — Detroit Autorama, considered to be America’s greatest hot rod show, is set to celebrate its 72nd anniversary.

The beloved hot rod and custom car show roars into downtown Detroit’s Huntington Place Feb. 28-March 2. Whether your tastes run more toward the pink Barbie convertible or a giant mega transformer car, there is something for everyone, according to a press release. WWE wrestlers and Alex Anzelone, a linebacker for the Detroit Lions, are set to be at the event.

Farmington Hills residents John Leonard and Alex Della Torre are also slated to be there to show off their prized cars. Leonard will have his red 2005 Ford Mustang on display and Della Torre will display his red and white 1992 Mazda Miata.

According to the release, the cost to attend is $28 for adults and $10 for children between the ages of 6 and 12 years old. Children 5 and under are admitted for free, according to the release. For more information, call (248) 373-1700 or visit autorama.com.

Farmington-Farmington Hills Optimist Club recognized

FARMINGTON HILLS — Farmington Hills Mayor Theresa Rich issued a proclamation to the Farmington - Farmington Hills Optimist Club at a City Council meeting. Feb. 10.

The club’s president, Donald Munter, accepted the award.

“The Optimist Club is the largest organization in the world devoted strictly to improving the lives of children,” Munter said.

Mayor Pro Tem William Dwyer, who has been an Optimist for 40 years, shared some words at the meeting.

“Optimist Day is celebrated and recognized on the first Thursday in February annually to celebrate local ‘Optimist’ (organizations) and encourage citizens to do something that brings out optimism in themselves or others,” Dwyer said.

The release states that caregivers of older adults in southeast Michigan will “soon” benefit from newly developed respite programs, offering opportunities for rest, social connection, education, and other resources that allow caregivers to “breathe a little easier,” with the grant providing support for community members who need guidance, assistance and respite in caring for a loved one.

According to the release, Jewish Family Service will work with several partner organizations to create a Neighborhood Services Hub at The J, designed to help family caregivers receive respite and personalized, tailored support based on individual needs, and gain access to a “host” of resources.

The project is also set to add a new Memory Café program.

“The services JFS provides help prevent caregiver burnout and feel supported on their caregiving journey,” Yuliya Gaydayenko, chief program officer, older adult services, for JFS, stated in a press release. “We could not do this critical work without the dedication of our funders in strengthening our community members.”

To learn more, visit exhaleforcaregivers.org.

Councilman accepts National League of Cities appointment

FARMINGTON HILLS —Farmington Hills City Councilman Randy Bruce was appointed to the National League of Cities 2025 Human Development Federal Advocacy Committee.

Bruce

The National League of Cities shapes policy and advocates on behalf of America’s cities, towns and villages before Congress, according to a press release.

“This is a great honor to be re-appointed back to this committee, to help shape Federal Policy, and to bring our local voice to what is happening in Washington DC to benefit our City,” Bruce stated in a press release.

Bruce was elected to a one-year term. He will provide strategic direction and guidance for the National League of Cities federal advocacy agenda and policy priorities on workforce development, education, early childhood, public health, mental health, substance use, veterans, seniors, immigration and more, according to the release.

“NLC’s federal advocacy committees are vital for uplifting the voices and needs of America’s 19,000 cities, towns, and villages to decision-makers in Washington,” National League of Cities President Steve Patterson stated via the release. “I am excited to work with Council Member Bruce and look forward to supporting their vision and leadership as they serve on the Human Development Federal Advocacy Committee this year and help grow the partnership between local and federal leaders.”

SPOTLIGHT ON WOMEN IN BUSINESS

“I think it’s very important to have that work/family life balance but at the same time I would tell all women entrepreneurs to just don’t give up,” said Shivani Sharma, owner of Right Food Choice in Troy. “Start wherever you can and if it requires you to work only part time, don’t give up hope, don’t give up on your dreams.”

Local women in business offer insight into success and struggles

BY SARAH WRIGHT swright@candgnews.com

According to a report from the U.S. Small Business Administration’s Office of Advocacy citing business ownership statistics for 2024, more than 12 million small businesses in the U.S. are owned by women, with a total of $2.1 trillion in sales.

The metro Detroit area is home to a wide variety of women-owned businesses offering a diverse array of merchandise and services.

At the request of C & G Newspapers, a group of owners recently reflected on their achievements and stresses and also provided insight for other potential entrepreneurs.

Follow the dream

Terri Cooper owns the Village Boutique at 6457 Inkster Road, which was recently moved from its previous location in Franklin to Bloomfield Hills. Cooper took over ownership of the business in June 2015

“I walked into a little shop in Franklin to return something my sister had bought me, and I looked around and I thought, ‘Oh, I’d love to have this,’ and I somehow got around to asking the nice ladies who owned it if they were interested in selling and they were eventually,” Cooper said.

The boutique sells different contempo-

rary fashions, accessories and gifts for shoppers of all ages.

“When we first got it, it was in Franklin,” Cooper said. “It was maybe geared toward a slightly older crowd, much more conservative crowd, and we slowly started changing things so that it could appeal to a broader mass of people.”

“We switched it all around. It’s nothing like when the ladies had it, and they’ve been in support of our changes, too,” she added.

Lissa Pietrykowski owns Peak Physique Fitness Training at 1071 E. Long Lake Road in Troy with her husband Nick. They currently have around 140 clients.

“My husband bought Peak Physique Fitness in 2008 and then I came on board in 2014, and in June of this year I started kind of a sister business called Peak Women,” Pietrykowski said. “We’re a personal training studio only.”

The studios provide a wide range of personal training services online and in their studio space that can be open for one-on-one and shared training sessions. This includes prenatal and postpartum training, sport-specific training, corporate training, and senior training among other services with personal trainers.

“I think that women suffer from mental

Photo by Patricia O’Blenes

Trafficking

from page 2A

als accountable for their acts, and to remove trafficked individuals from this torture. Sadly, we have another example of a career criminal out on the street in a position to hurt more people.”

Madison Heights Police Chief Brent LeMerise said in an email that human trafficking takes place all around us, and people must be vigilant to root it out.

“Human trafficking, in this case forced sex labor, is not a problem that only exists in distant lands or on a movie set, but it’s a serious problem right here in metro Detroit,” LeMerise said.

He noted that most trafficking operations center around hotels, with traffickers abusing their victims and limiting their access to ID cards, money, transportation and any form of communication with the outside world, as well as providing them with narcotics.

He said certain circumstances and behaviors might be red flags of a potential victim.

“Some signs you may see are someone who has an unstable living situation, is the victim of violence or abuse, has run away

from home, or is addicted to drugs or alcohol,” LeMerise said.

He noted that tips on human trafficking can be reported by calling the National Human Trafficking Hotline at (888) 3737888, or by texting 233733.

“It takes vigilance from the community to help law enforcement intervene on human trafficking,” LeMerise said.

While an arrest has been completed, the Sheriff’s Office believes that other victims of Napier’s alleged human trafficking ring are still out there and have not yet come forward. Some have already been identified by investigators.

Any victims or individuals with more information about this human trafficking case or others are urged to call the Sheriff’s Office at (248) 858-4950, Madison Heights Police Det. Arnela Dizdarevic at (248) 8372762, or their local police department.

Call Staff Writer Andy Kozlowski at (586) 498-1046.

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health (issues) as men do. However, I think sometimes women are a little bit more intimidated to go to a gym, and exercise is good for mental health in so many different ways,” Pietrykowski said. “Just getting out of the house, releasing endorphins or just accomplishing something, all those different things. But sometimes I think that when you’re in that state or even for other reasons, you just feel intimidated going to the gym.”

“Our gym is very welcoming and loving. If you were there, you would never feel (intimidated) that way. However, just getting some people to walk through the door is the first step. So I wanted to open up an opportunity for people to benefit from exercise that wouldn’t normally do something like that,” Pietrykowski added.

On top of being a nutritionist, a registered dietitian and certified Lifestyle Eating and Performance therapist, Shivani Sharma is the owner of Right Food Choice at 1380 Coolidge Hwy. in Troy.

Right Food Choice provides patients with one-on-one nutrition consultation, group coaching and nutrition-related courses.

“I had been practicing dietetics for over two decades now,” Sharma said. “I studied here in Wayne State and then I moved to Texas for some time and that’s where I started the company Right Food Choice.”

“Right Food Choice is nutrition and wellness consulting for kids and adults where we provide nutritional counseling or medical nutrition therapy for diabetes, chronic kidney disease, heart disease, high cholesterol,” Sharma said. “So we serve wherever the nutritional need is, and we are a team of three dietitians right now.”

Weight management, gut health treatment, food allergies and gluten free options, metabolic disorders, gastrointestinal disorders, sports nutrition, nutritional options for female-related health concerns, and meal and diet plans are among the services offered.

“We have a weight loss program running right now which is a 12-week transformation program,” Sharma said.

She said the program focuses on “improving gut health, reducing inflammation and feeding your gut microbiome good bacteria really while balancing your blood sugar, balancing your hormones, focusing on how to improve your stress and sleep and how to conquer your sugar cravings, and how to have a total behavior modification.”

“We provide ongoing coaching calls for medication, exercise, and behavior modification,” Sharma said.

Living the dream

All three women discussed their personal and professional struggles as business owners.

“I’m one of those people who prefer to work 24 hours a day and when you have your own business that’s exactly what you do,” Cooper said. “This is not my first business. I owned a cheerleading camp for 20 years and I was a teacher and a coach and a counsellor before this, so I knew what I was in for, and I make the sacrifices really happily.”

She added, “I have one son, and he is graduated from school and is off to Chicago, so I don’t have those responsibilities like I once did. I have five animals at home, so that’s the only thing, and my husband’s really helpful. So it’s a balance but it’s a really fun balance and I’m in the age group I can do this.”

Pietrykowski said running a business, and a household, is both rewarding and a lot of work.

“I think that if you don’t own a business or work for yourself that sometimes people don’t understand we work every day,” Pietrykowski said. “I train during the day. I’ve got four kids as well and then I get home, pick everybody up and make dinner, and then usually sit down and work for another couple hours. Then I take one day on the weekend, work for a couple hours but I love it. It’s not necessarily a hard thing to do but it does require some sacrifice.”

Sharma said she never worked full time until she started her own business.

“This is the first time that I am like all in right now,” Sharma said. “I have two kids. I have one son who is working, and I have a daughter who will be going to college this year. So right now, I feel now is the right time for me to go full in because I personally never worked full time before for the last 20 years.”

She said the biggest struggle she has encountered professionally is the lack of dietician credentialing in Michigan.

“Michigan is one of the only states that does not credential dieticians,” Sharma said. “So it is very hard for me to accept insurance in Michigan and because you have to pay for the service out of pocket. I think sometimes it becomes less reachable for people who just want to go through their insurance, who don’t want to pay up front.”

She said that Right Food Choice does accept Medicare, which covers nutrition counseling for diabetes and chronic kidney disease but not for weight loss.

Growing the dream

All of these local business owners are

Women

considering their goals as their work continues.

“We’re always looking to grow it,” Cooper said. “It was hard to grow it in such a little village like Franklin where a lot wasn’t going on, so we’re just looking to grow it as much as we can, and I think our customers are hoping to help us in that process.”

“Our goal right now is to make Peak Women have its own space near Peak Physique and have that running separately,” Pietrykowski said. “We also are hoping, longterm, to be able to start our own certification process and train trainers to do our type of training.”

“I think what I see as a practice, because now we have three dietitians, I really want to be able to see more and more people who we can help change their life with food, especially diabetes and chronic kidney disease and high cholesterol because those are the things that can be easily fixed by a diet,” Sharma said. “Also (to) see if we can reach more kids and moms who are stressed out if the child cannot have gluten for some reason, if (the child) cannot have dairy, or what

if you are a vegetarian or a vegan, if you need help with a high protein diet. So we would like to cater to a big area of (the) population with nutrition and the best thing is we are in house as much as we are virtual.”

Advice for other entrepreneurs

Cooper, Pietrykowski and Sharma also shared a few tips for potential entrepreneurs looking to pursue their own endeavors

“My first thing is I don’t consider myself a woman business owner. I’m just a business owner,” Cooper said. “I don’t take stock in any of that stuff. I want to be successful as anyone could be in this business and I would say if you are willing to think about it and work for it 24/7, then it’s for you. If that doesn’t appeal to you, being an entrepreneur probably isn’t your thing.

“I would say just do it, I mean absolutely give it a shot,” Pietrykowski said. “I had this idea for a while but kind of went back and forth about even bringing it up because I was scared, I didn’t want it not to work and then it got to the point where the worst thing that can happen is that it doesn’t work and if it doesn’t work, that’s okay.”

Call Staff Writer Sarah Wright at (586) 498-1068.

Ask the Low Vision Doctor

Macular Degeneration and Seeing Faces

Dr. Jacobi, I have advanced macular degeneration that was diagnosed approximately ten years ago. I no longer receive shots in my eyes. My sight is limited to the point that I can no longer recognize friends or family. I am 82 years old. Can you do something for me so I can see faces and watch TV?

Rita

Dear Rita,

Good news Rita, I prescribe low vision devices for patients in your predicament! My ability to help you see faces is almost certain. The devices are used to magnify so the enlarged image falls on to the remaining healthy portions of your retina.

Doctors tell patients that they will never go blind from macular degeneration. However, the sight can become so compromised that these patients feel as if they are sightless. If these patients do not receive low vision care they can feel isolated and depressed. Many of these patients lose their independence.

The devices we use are telescope mounted devices that allow a patient to see further away. The way they are designed is to keep people “hands-free” and therefore, enjoy a more natural way of seeing. Also, I can make sure to prescribe them in such away as to make it easier for you to get around.

Johnnette Eggert, President/CEO

The frst step is do have you in for a low vision evaluation. During the visit I will assess your remaining sight and prescribe just what you need to improve your quality of life. Be rest assured you will certainly leave much better than when you came in!

John P. Jacobi, OD, FCOVD, FIALVS

Basketball

from page 3A

ing 42% from three (as of Feb. 4)... which I think would put us fifth or sixth in Division 1 out of 355 teams.”

One of the biggest reasons why Brother Rice is a threat this postseason is the team’s depth. This is undoubtedly one of the deepest teams in the state, which immediately gives it an advantage against almost any opponent.

“We’ve had really good teams here and never been this deep,” Palmer said. “I’m playing four [players off the bench] a bunch, but there’s three or four more that probably should be playing more.”

Depth, along with passing and shooting are the focal points of the program, and perhaps no one personifies those attributes more than senior Dave Williams and junior Greg Grays Jr.

“We just go as he goes,” Palmer said of Williams and his impact on the team. With an average of 12 points per game, Williams is the second leading scorer on Rice’s roster. He also averages five assists per game and is shooting a whopping 48% from the 3-point line.

“We shoot (3-pointers) at a high clip,” Williams said. “We really play together as a team. No one tries to outshine anyone. We do what we have to do and get a win.

Having a team-first mentality from the program’s point guard causes an important trickle-down effect, as Brother Rice’s roster has completely bought into that mentality.

“As a team, you’re going to accomplish more than one person trying to do everything,” Williams said. “In life, basketball, on and off the court… That’s how we get it done, as a team.”

Brother Rice’s leading scorer is Farmington transfer Greg Grays Jr., who averages 18 points per game and is an impact player on both sides of the floor. Having a talented transfer like Grays Jr. has both increased the team’s top-end talent and helped add depth to the roster.

“We know we have great players,” Grays Jr. said. “We have some of the top players in the state. But we know it’s going to take the whole team.”

up court against Toledo St Francis De La Sales Feb. 8 at Marian High School. The Warriors have had their way with most of their opponents this season.

Although Brother Rice has proven that it is capable of putting points on the board, the Warriors’ defense can also cause problems for opponents, which can make a big difference come playoff time.

“We pride ourselves on our defense,” Grays Jr. said. “We feel like we’re one of the best defensive teams. We feel like we’re the best team in the state and we just want to show it every time we step on the court.”

The goal for Brother Rice? To avenge the CHSL loss to Orchard Lake St. Mary’s in the form of a state title.

“We feel like we’ve got what it takes to win it all and that’s what we want to go do,”Grays Jr. said.

District tournament play begins Feb. 24, which is followed by regionals March 4. The state finals are set for March 15 at the Breslin Center in East Lansing.

Call Sports Writer Scott Bentley at (586) 498-1090.

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Testimony Christian Center Church celebrates sixth anniversary

Testimony Christian Center Church is thrilled to announce its sixth anniversary. Testimony Christian Center Church opened back in February of 2019. It is located at 32920 W. 13 Mile Road in Farmington Hills.

Dr. Steven and Stacey Jones, who are husband and wife, are pastors at TC3 and offer Bible teaching with applications to real life. Services take place at 10 a.m. Sunday and at 6 p.m. Wednesday. Spiritual counseling is available.

TC3 is a Christian nondenominational/Pentecostal church with Bible studies and question-and-answer sessions. TC3 also offers a pantry providing food, clothing and toiletries to the community by appointment weekly.

TC3 is open for membership: call (248) 327-6495, visit TestimonyC3.com or Follow TC3 on YouTube and “DrSteven A Jones” on Facebook. For the food pantry, call (248) 254-3381.

0318-2508

Photo by Erin Sanchez Brother Rice senior point guard David Williams dribbles

BUSINESS CLIP

“The Costick Center has just deteriorated to the point where it’s really not able to be maintained in a costefficient way,” Councilman Randy Bruce said at a recent Farmington Hills City Council meeting. Some seniors are concerned that services will be moved from the Costick Center to The Hawk.

Seniors

grams are in full swing.

Another concern is small children running through the handicapped parking spaces as they go into or leave the building. Marshall pointed out that seniors have slower reaction times behind the wheel.

“That is an accident waiting to happen,” she said.

The senior programs are outgrowing their current facility at the Costick Center, according to the report, and similar facilities at The Hawk are in smaller areas and cost more money.

Seniors described the pool at The Hawk as too small and too cold. According to Marshall, it does not facilitate the water exercise classes that take place at the Costick Center.

Some seniors are on a fixed income, and according to the report, the classes and programs at The Hawk are more expensive, while the fees at the Costick Center are subsidized and based on income.

Seniors wanted a larger gym, more space, a bigger kitchen and a food preparation area, according to the report.

“Many of the classes are closed before the flyer even comes out announcing them. That’s how much participation we have,” Marshall said.

Marshall recalled what a volunteer driver for Meals on Wheels driver said during one of the listening sessions.

“‘We have a great Meals on Wheels program with hot meals being delivered five days a week, and I don’t want to see this service diminished to a facility that can’t handle food prep.’”

Reportedly, seniors also want larger,

safer locker rooms with chairs so they can safely change their clothes.

It was also pointed out that exercise and engagement is integral to seniors’ lives.

“For seniors, it is literally the difference between life and death,” said Marshall, who cited the comments of a senior at a listening session.

Although Marshall acknowledged that consultants have been hired to advise Farmington Hills City Council members, she pleaded with them to come to the Costick Center to see how people love the center and the activities they are involved in there.

“Your decision will affect many people for many years,” Marshall said.

Marshall noted that other communities in the area are building new senior centers.

“The elderly population in Farmington Hills is growing,” Councilman Michael Bridges said.

He referred to a projection from the Southeast Michigan Council of Governments, which reported that the number of people between the ages of 80-85 is expected to increase in the next five to 10 years.

From the perspective of Councilman Randy Bruce, neither The Hawk or Costick Center are viable options.

“That Costick Center has just deteriorated to the point where it’s really not able to be maintained in a cost-efficient way,’ Bruce said. “And I understand the Hawk is not really a good option, either.”

Bruce shared what he thinks will happen.

“I think eventually we’ll have to build a new senior center,” Bruce said. “For me, I don’t need consultants to tell me what is going to be best for the terms of that center and for what we need to do.”

Call Staff Writer Gena Johnson at (586) 498-1069.

Photo provided by the city of Farmington Hills

COMMUNITY CALENDAR

FEB. 19

Family movie night: Watch “Wish” (2023), bring blanket and snacks, 6:30-8:30 p.m., Farmington Community Library, 23500 Liberty St. in Farmington, (248) 553-0321, farmlib.org

FEB. 20-22

‘Exit Laughing’: Show about three women who “borrow” ashes from funeral home to give deceased friend one final — and unexpectedly wild — time out with the girls, 8 p.m., Farmington Players Barn, 32332 W. 12 Mile Road in Farmington Hills, (248) 553-2955, farmingtonplayers.org

FEB. 22

Urban Art Orchestra: Hear classical elegance meet contemporary groove, beer and wine available, 8 p.m., The Hawk - Farmington Hills Community Center, 29995 W. 12 Mile Road, thehawktheatre.com

FCL Game Day: Learn from and play with Oakland County Gamers, can bring own board games, 11 a.m.5:30 p.m., Farmington Community Library, 32737 W. 12 Mile Road in Farmington Hills, farmlib.org

FEB. 26

Stories of Black Brilliance: Watch screening of Spike Lee’s semi-autobiographical film “Crooklyn” (1994), for ages 18 and older, 6-8:30 p.m., Farmington

Community Library, 23500 Liberty St. in Farmington, registration preferred, (248) 553-0321, farmlib.org

MARCH 1

Detroit Opera: Hear members of Resident Artist Program, beer and wine available, 8 p.m., The HawkFarmington Hills Community Center, 29995 W. 12 Mile Road, thehawktheatre.com

MARCH 2

Michigan Psychic Fair: Readings, guidance, energy healings, connections with deceased and more, noon-6 p.m., Comfort Inn, 30715 W. 12 Mile Road in Farmington Hills, mipsychicfair.com/events

MARCH 7

Rock Around the Hawk: Free mini music festival for ages 18 months-5 years, 10-11:30 a.m., The Hawk - Farmington Hills Community Center, 29995 W. 12 Mile Road, also held April 4, May 9 and June 6, (248) 699-6700, thehawktheatre.com

ONGOING

Fish fries: 4:30-7:30 p.m. March 7 and April 11, Our Lady of Sorrows, 23815 Power Road in Farmington, (248) 474-5720, olsorrows.com

Ice skating: 10 a.m.-10 p.m. daily, Riley Park, 33113 Grand River Ave. in Farmington, free but donations

encouraged, facebook.com/rileyparkicerink, (248) 474-5500

‘Drawings of Birds in Southeast Michigan and Beyond’: Exhibit by Karri Bloemer, on display 8:30 a.m.-4:30 p.m. Mondays-Fridays until March 14, Farmington Hills City Hall, 31555 W. 11 Mile Road, (248) 699-6709

Oakland County Farmers Market: 7 a.m.-1:30 p.m. Saturdays, 2350 Pontiac Lake Road in Waterford, (248) 858-5495, ocmarket@oakgov.com

Small Business Lunch & Learn Series: Network and hear guest speakers from 11:45 a.m.-1:30 p.m. Feb. 25 (“Free Business Assistance”), March 4 (“Local Small Business Owners Panel”), March 11 (“Speed Networking”), March 18 (“Financing Your Business”) and March 25 (“Social Media Essentials”), also free lunch, for ages 18 and older, Farmington Community Library, 32737 W. 12 Mile Road in Farmington Hills, register for each session at farmlib.org

Grief and loss support group: 4:30-5:45 p.m. every second Tuesday of month through April, Adat Shalom Synagogue, 29901 Middlebelt Road in Farmington Hills, jfsdetroit.org/upcoming

Senior Social Hour: For adults 60 and older and

FEB. 28-MARCH 2

Detroit Autorama: 72nd annual event includes more than 800 customs, trucks and motorcycles, Megamorph Transforming Robot Car, Barbie Pink Cadillac Convertible, appearances by Danny Koker and Kevin Mack from “Counting Cars,” Miss Autorama Pinup Girl contest, and more, noon-10 p.m. Feb. 28, 9 a.m.-10 p.m. March 1 and 10 a.m.-7 p.m. March 2, Huntington Place, 1 Washington Blvd. in Detroit, autorama.com, read about local gearheads at candgnews.com/news/auto

caregivers, includes crafts, music, games, puzzles, coffee and light refreshments, 10:30 a.m.-noon every fourth Friday of month, Farmington Community Library, 32737 W. 12 Mile Road in Farmington Hills, (248) 553-0300, farmlib.org

Novi Choralaires: Open rehearsals from 7:30-9:30 p.m. Tuesdays, Novi Middle School, 49000 W. 11 Mile Road, novi.choralaires@gmail.com, novichoralaires.org

Health workshops: For hypertension, diabetes, pre-diabetes and more, hosted by Corewell Health, free and virtual, corewellhealth.org/classes-events/ southeast-michigan

Autos Wanted

Property & Time

VACATIONRENTAL TAMPA,FL Cozy,PrivateGuesthouseForRentIncluding Kitchenettew/Essentials, FurnishedBedroom, Bathroom,Patio,Private Entrance,FreeParking onPremisesandWi-Fi. *NoPets/PartiesPlease* Call/Text 313-461-8485

Special Events & Announcements

The Village of Royal Oak Senior Living

*** NOTICE OF OPEN WAIT LIST***

1-Bedroom and 2-Bedroom Apartments

For Affordable Housing & Market Rents

WHEN: 9am-4pm - Monday through Friday

Weeks of Feb 17th-21st and Feb 24th-28th, 2025

WHERE: Lobby - 3442 Devon Road Royal Oak, MI 48073

TELE: (248) 629-7392; FAX: (248) 556-5526

Applications must be completed & accepted during the open Wait List period to be valid Persons applying must submit application in person. At the time of application, applicants must be at least 55 years of age, bring valid photo ID, Social Security card & bring a non-refundable $50 application fee (per person) - money order only. (No cash, credit cards or personal checks accepted ) Alternative methods of accepting applications for those with special needs will be provided by contacting the property. Applications will be processed and placed on the wait list on a first-come-first-serve basis in accordance with the current rental criteria

IT, Multiple Positions (Farmington Hills, MI)

Software Developer, II – Develop interface; design/develop/modify software/ system applications; design/implement/maintain programs/operating systems; perform database design for system conformance/optimization; provide technical analysis/coding; perform analysis/database reengineering (Salary: $97,032 per yr.). Travel to various unanticipated project worksites throughout the US. Req.’s Master’s degree (or foreign equi. degree) in Computer Science, Information Systems Engineering & Management, Electrical & Comp. Engg., Elec. Engg, Engg. (any feld) or related with knowledge of at least 7 technologies from the following list: Core Java, HTML5, CSS3, JavaScript, jQuery, NodeJS, Oracle JET, ExtJS, VueJS, Ajax, Bootstrap, AngularJS, Angular 4/6, Java, Apex, XML, MySQL, SQL Server, Agile, PL/SQL, J2EE, Web Services, Waterfall, Salesforce CRM, SSIS, SSRS, Python, C, C#, UNIX/LINUX, Windows.

Software Developer, II – Design/develop/modify software/system applications; design/ implement/maintain programs/operating systems; perform database design for system conformance/optimization; provide technical analysis/coding; perform analysis/database reengineering (Salary: $114,691 per yr.). Travel to various unanticipated project worksites throughout the US. Req.’s Master’s degree (or foreign equi. degree) in Computer Science, Information Systems Engineering & Management, Electrical & Comp. Engg., Elec. Engg, Engg. (any feld) or related with knowledge of at least 7 technologies from the following list: Java, Apex, HTML, JavaScript, CSS, XML, MySQL, SQL Server, Agile, PL/SQL, Oracle, J2EE, Web Services, Waterfall, Salesforce CRM, SSIS, SSRS, Python, C, C#, UNIX/LINUX, Windows.

Auctions

OFFERINGS AROUND MICHIGAN

AUCTION

Great online auctions! Long guns, ammo, GM pickup, sideby-side, John Deere lawn mower, collectibles, power tools, Craftsman rolling toolbox, much, much more! To bid, see catalogs visit Bid.SherwoodAuctionServiceLLC.com. Questions? Call 1-800-835-0495.

Militaria & Antique Firearm Estate. Bidding open. 400+ firearms, daggers, swords, bayonets, helmets, medals, meerschaum pipes. Bid anywhere anytime. Shipping available. @JohnPeckAuctions.com. Selling? Call John Peck 989-3454866. Ofices Gladwin & Charlotte.

BUILDINGS

POLE BARNS 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 Michigan Call for QUOTES License/ Insured 989-205-2534

BUILT RITE POLE BUILDINGS Statewide. Prices starting at - 24x40x10 - $18,300.00. 30x40x10 -$20,400.00. Erected on your site. Call for price not shown on any size building or go to www.builtritepolebuildingsmi. com. Or call 989-259-2015 or 989600-1010 or 989-324-0035.

builders for 40 years. AMISH CREW. 517-575-3695.

MATTRESSES

Adjustable Bed Brand New with mattress. Made in U.S.A, in plastic, with warranty. Retail Cost $3,995.00 sacrifice for $875.00 Call for showing or delivery: DanDanTheMattressMan. com. 989-923-1278

MISCELLANEOUS

Amish-built mini-cabins starting at $5,295. Made in Michigan! We deliver statewide. Call 989-8321866. MyNextBarn.com.

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 Ofer – 50% of installation + Additional 10% of install (for military, health workers & 1st responders.) Call Erie Metal Roofs: 1-888-718-1856

Acculevel. Your foundation repair and basement waterproofing experts. Whether basement, crawl space or concrete slab we’ll guide you on the right path to a healthy home. Act now! Up to $600 of. Restrictions apply. Call for a free consultation. 1-844-700-4986

Donate your car, truck, boat, RV and more to support our veterans! Schedule a FAST, FREE vehicle pickup and receive a top tax deduction! Call Veteran Car Donations at 1-877-691-4117 today!

Published: February 19, 2025

Data Engineer – Work with WebSphere MQ/IIB and involved in confguring MDB listeners, JMS resources, and queues, Execution Groups and fows and integrating with the WebSphere Application Server (WAS).; design/develop/modify ETL applications; analyze the security incident and provide solution; collaborate with data scientists and analysts (Salary: $114,691 per yr.). Travel to various unanticipated project worksites throughout the US. Req.’s Master’s degree (or foreign equi. degree) in Data Science, Computer Science, Information Systems Engineering & Management, Electrical & Comp. Engg., Elec. Engg, Engg. (any feld) or related with knowledge of at least 7 technologies from the following list: WebSphere, J2EE, JBoss, Tomcat, WebLogic, LINUX, UNIX, Jenkins, Oracle, Azure & SQL Server.

Automation Test Engineer – Develop Selenium, Java Automation Frameworks (BDD/TDD, Keyword Driven, Data Driven, and Hybrid); integrate Automation scripts (Selenium WebDriver API) on Continuous Integration tools Jenkins for nightly batch run of the Script; as well as work on Web Services SOAP and REST Testing using SOAP UI/Postman (Salary: $89,045 per yr.). Travel to various unanticipated project worksites throughout the US. Req.’s Master’s degree (or foreign equi. degree) in Electrical Engineer, Computer Science, Engg. (any feld) or related with knowledge of at least 7 technologies from the following list: Java, Web Services, SOAP, REST, Junit, Test NG, Eclipse, XSD, XML, SQL Server, Oracle, Azure & Selenium. For all, Apply HR, IB Systems, Inc. 38345 W 10 Mile Road, Suite 366, Farmington Hills, MI 48335.

Help Wanted General

STAFFINGAGENCY inFarmingtonHills NeedsaOfficeAssistant, Full/Part-Time, $18.00/hr.Health Insurance,401K,Must HaveComputerSkills. 734-637-8143 248-471-9168 AskforTina

Help Wanted/Engineering

Robert Bosch LLC seeks Sr. SW Engineer (MULT POS) (Farmington Hills, MI). REQS: Bach deg or for equiv in Auto Eng, Elec Eng, Comp Eng, Mech Eng or rel fd +5 yrs exp as SW Architect, Sys Eng or occ inv SW lang & OS (real time OS, C, or emb’d C). Telecomm: Hybrid-2 days/week WFH. Trv: 10% dom & intl. Apply online at https://www.bosch.us/careers/, search [Sr. Software Engineer / REF249755U]

A Caregiver Companion, Experienced,Also willprovide transportationto doctorappointments, groceryshopping. ExcellentReferences. 248-270-1226 Bathrooms

BasicBathrooms

Startingat:$10,995.00 Experienceofover 500-bathroomsacross Metro-Detroit, Lookatourworkat: andyscarpentryllc.com 248-376-0988

Lic/Insured/References Carpentry

BARRY'S CARPENTRY

•Decks•Additions

Electrical

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Hauling & Waste Removal

***AAA HAULING*** JUNKREMOVAL Wehaulitall!Demolition Big&Small,Residential/ Commercial,Rubber WheelDumpsters-10,15, 20-Yards,Clean-outs, ConstructionMaterial, Small-Moving,Appliances,Furniture&More! Free-Est.Sen/Mil/Disc. 586-360-0681 ucallwehauljunk.com

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Painting

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Cleaning Service

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Gutters GUTTERS &WINDOW CLEANING INSURED TOMMICOLI 313-656-9402

Handyman Services

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Home Repairs EXTERIOR REPAIRSLLC. Since1999 Roofing,Siding, Gutters,LEAFGUARDS, HandymanRepairs& More!Reliable Ask,WeMightDoIt! FREEESTIMATES 248-242-1511

Kitchens/ Cabinets/ Countertops

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AmericanPainting •Residential/Commercial •Interior/25YearsExp. •PowerWashing •Insurance•Drywall •PlasterRepair•Cleanouts•HomeRepairs •SeniorDiscounts •Guaranteed-Work.

PEAKPAINTING

Custom-Painting, Commercial/Residential, Interior/Exterior. Drywall-Repair,Paper Removal,Carpentry. *WillBeatAnyOther ReasonableEstimate! 35yrsexp.Sen.Disc.Ins. CC-Accepted/References. 586-722-8381

ANDERSON

Painting&Carpentry

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Interior/ExteriorPainting Commerical/Residential PressureWashing, DrywallRepairs, DeckStaining, FreeEstimates Call586-921-3654

FARR'SPAINTING

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Plumbing

MASTER PLUMBER

Sewer&DrainService. Remodeling,Repairs, NewInstallations. FreeEstimates SeniorRates. 35+yrsexp.CallPaul 248-904-5822 Lic.#8109852

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Plumbing

APEX

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Professional Services

TMEDIAIMPACT SOLUTIONS

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Tree Service

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JCSTREECARE

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ACROSS

1. Unit of electrical capacity F

6. Knicks’ org.

9. Herring’s cousin

13. City in Belgium

14. *The Beatles hit “Drive My ____”

15. Monument to Buddha

16. Like beer at a kegger (2 words)

17. Affrmative to captain

18. Like a beaver?

19. *Che’s last name

21. *Stonewall riots location

23. Division of time

24. West African country

25. Refuse to comply

28. *The Jackson 5 co-founder

30. *Don ____ of Barney Fife fame

35. Soon, to a bard

37. Hyperbolic tangent

39. Sunlight’s interference

40. *Apollo Moon Landing org.

41. Operatic solos

43. Alexander Hamilton/Aaron Burr incident

44. Deposit the ashes

46. Related to ear

47. Meat in a can

48. Transport onward, as in letter (2 words)

50. Not written

52. Pilot’s estimate, acr. 53. Ill-mannered one

55. Hawaiian welcome wreath

57. *Ford’s pony car

61. *Assassinated president

65. “____ death do us part”

66. Down Under runner

68. Hindu caste

69. Moonshine maker

70. *Spock’s was pointy

71. Comforter stuffng

72. Ruptured

73. Ground cover

74. Coach-and-four

DOWN

1. Use a cat o’ nine tails

2. Hokkaido language

3. Network of nerves

4. Mojave plant

5. Go away

6. March Madness org.

7. *____ of Pigs, failed military operation

THE 1960S

8. Madison Square Garden, e.g. 9. Command to Fido

10. Designer Boss 11. Copycat

12. Sinister side in “Star Wars”

15. Garment-making

20. Yogurt-based dip 22. Benevolent one 24. Hall order keeper

25. *Joplin of “Summertime” fame

26. Foolish

27. Same as boatswain

29. Tropical tuber

31. Auto pioneer

32. Brownish gray

33. Something yummy

34. *Certain march starting point

36. Backgammon predecessor

38. *Place for a fower

42. Part of mermaid’s tale

45. Cricket umpire’s call (2 words)

49. Not, prefx

51. Optical devices

54. S-shaped moldings

56. Arctic people

57. Necessary thing

58. Archaic preposition

59. *Bob Marley’s hit “____ It Up”

60. Fresco piece

61. Kurdistan native

62. Cocoyam

63. Fortune-telling coffee remnants

64. Ready and eager

67. *Zedong of Cultural Revolution

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