Stained glass window vandalized at historic Meadow Book Hall
PUBLIC ASKED TO HELP IDENTIFY SUSPECT
BY MARY BETH ALMOND malmond@candgnews.com
ROCHESTER HILLS — Meadow Brook Hall, a historic mansion on the campus of Oakland University, was recently vandalized and police are hoping the public can help identify the suspect.
“This is a very distressing situation for all of us at Meadow Brook Hall — from our staff and dedicated volunteers to the many members of our community who have visited, spent holidays here, gotten married here,” Meadow Brook Hall Executive Director Bill Matt said in a provided statement. “Frankly, it is upsetting to anyone who takes pride in having a remarkably beautiful National Historic Landmark in their community.”
Police were alerted after a Meadow Brook Hall employee noticed damage to a set of stained glass windows the morning of Feb. 4.
Upon checking surveillance footage, university police said the suspect — a white male wearing a dark jacket, gray mask and knit red hat with a hood over it — was captured on video approaching the hall on foot at around 1:25 a.m. Feb. 4.
“He walks by the welcome center of the hall and walks to the front of the building, walking by several other windows, where he appears to pick out this certain window,” Oakland University Police Chief Mark Gordon said.
WINDOW on page 4A
Rochester High’s cheer team is pictured at a competition at Auburn Hills Avondale High School earlier this season. After finishing in third place at the Division 1 state finals last season, Rochester is aiming for the top this year.
Rochester High cheer looks to get back to the top
BY SCOTT BENTLEY sbentley@candgnews.com
ROCHESTER — The city of Rochester has established itself as the premier spot in Michigan for competitive cheerleading and Rochester High School is at the forefront of that charge.
According to the Michigan High School Athletic Association, the top three cheer teams in Division 1 are Rochester High, Rochester Hills Stoney Creek and Rochester
Adams, respectively. In fact, the last time one of those three teams didn’t win the Division 1 state title was 2018, and the last time all three missed a top-two finish was 2014.
“We know how hard we’re working and that they’re working just as hard,” Samantha Koehler, Rochester’s coach, said. “We know that the competitions that we see — especially in our league competitions — we’re going to see the best teams in the state.”
A strong argument can be made that
Photo provided by Slobodan Grabovac
See CHEER on page 8A
Home Selling Specialist
A bit about me…
With 25 years of experience, I aim to raise the bar in our local real estate industry. Prior to becoming a Michigan realtor®, I was the Director of Marketing for a real estate multi-billionaire whose rm is often featured on the television show Million Dollar Listing.
I am also a former Vice President, Director of Marketing for Northern Trust Wealth Management and a formerly licensed investment advisor who has sat on the board of two non-pro ts including one belonging to President John F. Kennedy’s nephew.
Volunteering at Grace Centers of Hope and training to become a Court Appointed Special Advocate for Oakland County Foster Children is what lls my cup.
What a Rochester client had to say…
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The Rochester Hills Joann Fabrics store — 2105 S. Rochester Road — is one of dozens across Michigan that will be closing permanently.
Photo by Mary Beth Almond
Going-out-of-business sales begin after bankruptcy forces closure of multiple Michigan Joann stores
BY MARY BETH ALMOND AND K. MICHELLE MORAN malmond@candgnews.com, kmoran@candgnews.com
ROCHESTER HILLS — After years of supplying sewing, yarn, and a host of other art supplies to crafters across the country, Joann Fabrics will be closing over 500 of its 800 locations nationwide — including many in Michigan.
Of about 41 stores in the state, 33 are slated to close — including locations in Rochester Hills, Auburn Hills, Shelby Township, Bloomfield Hills,
Madison Heights, Roseville, Novi and Groose Pointe Farms. According to the Joann restructuring site, store closures will occur over the next few months, although officials said some stores may close within a shorter or longer time period.
The only Joann stores in metro Detroit that will remain open, officials said, will be in Livonia and White Lake Township.
The fabric and crafts retailer, which has been in business for over 80 years, has been struggling
See JOANN
Teen wounded after being stabbed at Avondale High School
BY MARY BETH ALMOND malmond@candgnews.com
SHIP/TROY — A high school student was taken into custody after reportedly stabbing another student at Avondale High School.
Police were called to the school on the report of an assault just before 8 a.m. Feb. 4. Two male students were identified in the altercation and the high school, and nearby Auburn Elementary School, were placed on soft lockdown.
Two students, authorities said, got into a fight in the school bathroom and a 16-year-old allegedly stabbed a 15-year-old. The victim was stabbed multiple times, including in the leg, according to the Oakland County Prosecutor’s Office.
According to the report, a kitchen knife was later discovered in the bathroom.
The 15-year-old sustained non-life-threatening injuries, according to authorities, and was taken to a local hospital by his parents. He was later treated and released, after initially refusing to be taken to the hospital.
His suspected assailant was caught on video surveillance cameras leaving the campus on foot just after the altercation at approximately 7:40 a.m.
“This incident is unacceptable. My top priority is ensuring kids feel safe at their school,” Oakland County Prosecutor Karen McDonald said in a statement. “I’m grateful the victim is recovering. This situation could have been much worse for all involved. The accused assailant, who is just 16, will face serious consequences that hopefully serves as a wake-up call.”
The suspect was taken into custody at approximately 9:40 a.m. and lodged at the Oakland County Children’s Village Juvenile Detention Center. The 16-year-old’s parents were contacted and police said they are cooperating with the investigation.
“This was an isolated incident between two students, no other students were injured or involved in the altercation,” Scott McGraw, the deputy chief of police for the Auburn Hills Police Department, said in a statement.
ROCHESTER HILLS/AUBURN HILLS/BLOOMFIELD TOWN-
Window
from page 1A
The suspect, he said, was captured on video kicking the lower portion of the connected stained glass windows and reportedly using his hand, or a tool in his hand, to smash the upper portion, before running away.
“We’re hoping that somebody might be able to identify the little bit of the facial features that we can see, or the unique logo on the front and back of his jacket. If anybody knows what that logo is to — maybe it’s a company, maybe it’s an organization, or a club — we’re hoping they can (let us know),” said Gordon.
The connected stained-glass windows, located toward the front of the building, are original to the historic mansion, which is 95 years old.
Located at the top of Meadow Brook’s twostory gothic-inspired ballroom, the stained glass was created specifically for the room by J. Scott Williams and depicts scenes of the arts, including music, literature and entertainment, and drama. The glass was designed to be viewed without distortion from both inside and outside, which the hall’s staff said is “slightly unusual” because stained glass is “typically viewed best from the inside.”
“I don’t have a dollar amount on what it’s going to cost to fix them,” Gordon added. “Meadow
Brook Hall was working on that, because it is such a unique, specialized window. There’s only a handful of companies that can actually do the work to fix it, I’ve been told.”
The fact that someone would damage something of historical significance is upsetting to Brian Bierley, the director of media relations for Oakland University.
“Those are windows that Matilda Dodge Wilson looked out of all those years ago,” he said. “It is not so much the dollar amount of damage, but more that it is hard to replace 90-plus year-old original windows.”
Luckily, Matt noted that Meadow Brook Hall had already secured a grant from the Institute of Museum and Library Services to restore the stained glass windows this spring, using as much of the original windows as possible.
In preparation for the work, the windows and casings were recently photographed and sketched.
At press time, the windows had already been removed and temporarily replaced with plexiglass in preparation for the restoration.
Anyone who can identify the suspect or the logo on the suspect’s jacket, should call the Oakland University Police Department at 248-370-3331 or send an email to info@oupolice.com. Officials said people have the option to remain anonymous.
Call Staff Writer Mary Beth Almond at (586) 498-1060.
Oakland University Police said the suspect pictured was caught on surveillance cameras breaking a set of connected stained glass windows at Meadow Brook Hall with an unknown tool on Feb. 4, 2025. Police are hoping the public can help identify this man, or the markings on his jacket.
Photos provided by the Oakland University Police Department
New scam tied to late trash pickup fees circulating
FORMER GFL CUSTOMERS IN BLOOMFIELD TOWNSHIP, ROCHESTER HILLS TARGETED
BY MARY BETH ALMOND malmond@candgnews.com
METRO DETROIT — A new scam demanding outstanding payment for Green For Life (GFL) trash services has been circulating around several Oakland County communities.
Thieves are reportedly contacting residents in various municipalities — including Bloomfield Township and Rochester Hills — demanding payment for services provided by GFL.
Both municipalities — which now use Priority Waste for trash services — discontinued their contracts with GFL in the summer of 2023.
“GFL isn’t doing any residential business in metro Detroit anymore,” Bloomfield Township Public Works Director Noah Mehalski said.
The scammers, according to officials, attempt to establish contact via text or email with the subject, “Avoid Late Payment.”
In Bloomfield Township, Mehalski said multiple residents have reported being contacted.
“It appears to be an email with the GFL logo on the front and then it says there’s a significant amount of money due — which is well above our (Priority Waste) charge of $55 a quarter. A couple of them that I’ve seen were like $2,000 charges,” he explained.
Residents are reportedly receiving bogus outstanding bill amounts requesting anywhere between $500-$2,000 via email.
Heather Glowacz, an officer with the Bloomfield Township Police Department, said residents should be very cautious whenever they get emails that have links and to always be suspicious of them. She said any requests for payment from GFL should immediately be flagged as suspicious. Residents are urged not to open any email correspondence from GFL, not to respond to text messages and not to click on any links, specifically, one titled “Pay My Bill.”
“If you ever get something like that, I would contact the company directly using a phone number you look up separately from the one listed on the email,” she said.
“Don’t ever use contact information from the emails you get because they could put fake numbers on there that they will make look real if you call.”
At press time, there were no reports of any Bloomfield Township residents falling victim to the scam, but some did report that they were contacted.
“The reports that I got from residents said they knew that GFL was not their waste hauler, they just wanted to just make us aware so that we could cast a wide net and let everybody else know,” Mehalski said.
“This kind of thing is probably bigger than just us, so it is determining size, scale and scope at this point. Anything that allows us to go after the people,” Mehalski said.
Residents in Rochester Hills also reported the scam, prompting the city to release an alert on social media urging residents to beware.
“Some of our residents have been reaching out, curious as to what was going on, knowing that GFL is no longer our provider,” said Rochester Hills spokesman Nathan Mueller. “We didn’t have a ton of people reach out, but truly you never know. Trash is one of those things that you hope that it gets picked up, but you don’t always necessarily know who your provider is. That’s what the scams try to prey on.”
City officials are asking Rochester Hills residents to be very vigilant when it comes to any email asking for payment.
“Typically, places are not going to ask for payment via email, and if they do, maybe you should reach out,” Mueller said. “If you have questions, reach out and call somebody, call us here at the city, call Priority Waste.”
A disclaimer on Priority Waste’s website, said the company is aware of the scam and reminded residents that official communications from Priority would come from an @PriorityWaste.com email address.
“Priority Waste is our provider, so that’s the only entity — in terms of trash service — that should be communicating with residents for any type of bill. If you get something from anyone else, ignore it and delete it,” Mueller added.
To report fraudulent activity, contact the Blomfield Township Police at (248) 433-7755, or the Rochester Hills substation of the Oakland County Sheriff’s Office at (248) 858-4950.
Call Staff Writer Mary Beth Almond at (586) 498-1060.
NEWS & NOTES
Paint Creek Center for the Arts announces new board of directors members
ROCHESTER — Paint Creek Center for the Arts has appointed two new members to their board of directors — chef and business owner, Deb Silver, and entrepreneur and film producer, Brian Katz.
Silver, who owns and operates The Silver Shamrocks Catering, is actively engaged with the greater Rochester area and has over two decades of experience in culinary arts.
The co-founder of both Umbrelic Entertainment and Anchor Bay Entertainment, Katz has over 20 years of experience as a film producer, entrepreneur, and sales professional.
PCCA Executive Director Shaun Hayes highlighted Silver and Katz’s assets to the organization.
“When it comes to inviting new members to our board, we look to the community. We like to find individuals who are both actively involved in the Rochester area and have a creative mindset. Brian and Deb both work in creative spaces, and their talents and commitment will serve as a great resource in driving our mission forward,” he said in a statement.
Paint Creek Center for the Arts is a regional nonprofit art center location in downtown Rochester. For more information, visit www.pccart.org.
State awards $5.65 million in economic support to 41 symphony orchestras
ROCHESTER — The Michigan Department of Labor and Economic Opportunity has awarded $5.65 million in need-based grants through the new, one-time Symphony Economic Recovery Program, supporting all 41 eligible symphony orchestra applicants across the state. In Rochester, the Rochester Symphony Orchestra Society, Inc. was awarded $7,680.35. Grants, according to officials, were distributed proportionally to enhance sustainability and community reach. The grant period will run through Sept. 30, 2029, and awardees will be funding a variety of needs for their symphonies, including renovation of music halls, instruments, musician staff, administrative staff, professional development and marketing and outreach to expand attendance.
Assistance League of Southeastern Michigan hosts book drive
ROCHESTER HILLS — The Assistance League of Southeastern Michigan is collecting brand new books for infants through students in 12th grade through April 18. Over the past several years, the Southeastern Michigan chapter has collected over 40,000 books. The books are distributed to children through the chapter’s philanthropic programs: Operation School Bell®, Wee Help, One-2-One Tutoring, Neighborhood House Back to School Blast-off; and to local school libraries, the Rochester Hills Public Library book sale, Children’s Center of Detroit, and Catholic Community Relief Team. New books can be dropped off at The ReSale Connection, 204 S. Main St. in Rochester. Cash donations are also accepted. For more information, call (248) 656-0414.
‘COWABUNGA’
WARREN — The Great Lakes Comic-Con is coming to the Macomb Community College Expo Center from 5-9 p.m. Feb. 21; 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Feb. 22; and 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Feb. 23. The Expo Center is located at South Campus, 14500 E. 12 Mile Road. The event is designed for comic lovers, toy collectors, and cosplay enthusiasts. There will be gaming, attractions and guest appearances from Sam J. Jones, known as Flash Gordon, and Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles co-creator Kevin Eastman. For ticket information and a list of events, visit greatlakescomicconvention.com.
City taking orders for free street tree plantings
ROCHESTER HILLS — The city of Rochester Hills is taking orders for its free street tree planting program for planting within the public right-of-way. Quantities of some varieties are limited so interested homeowners should order early. The deadline for ordering spring trees is March 7. Reserve your tree online at rochesterhills.org/trees.
Cheer
from page 1A
the three rivals from the same area also happen to be the three best teams in Michigan, and that isn’t something that’s ignored.
“Because all three of the schools are grouped together into Rochester Community Schools, we just want to be the best,” Rochester senior captain Morgan Calcagno said. “We’re friends with some of those girls and we just want to be better than them.”
Aside from being part of the sports landscape, it could be said that the city of Rochester’s cheerleading scene has become part of the city’s culture. It’s now embedded into the town and it’s the place to go when looking for the best talent in Michigan.
“There’s a really nice camaraderie among us three teams even though we’re rivals,” Rochester senior captain Isabella Gungab said. “Even if we’re not competing directly against each other we still see the
leaderboards and all the standings … So I feel like we’re using all of those to fuel our fire even more.”
In a competition that saw the three Rochester schools at the top and separated by just 1.62 points, Rochester High finished third at the Division 1 state finals last sea-
son, with Stoney Creek taking first. This year, Rochester is ranked as the top unit in the state heading into postseason play.
“We’re definitely taking it as a redemption year and a comeback year for all of us.” Gungab said. “Some of us were on the team from last year. We understand how that feel-
ing was at states, so we’re really trying to bring it back this year.”
Aside from being fueled by losing out last season, coming away with a first-place trophy two years ago has also been on Calcagno’s mind.
“Isabella and I were both on the 2023 state championship team, so we know the feeling of winning a state title,” Calcagno said. “After last year’s loss, it was kind of a wake-up call. You can’t just float through it at state finals … Working hard is not enough, we have to push ourselves every single day to be better in order to ultimately achieve the end-goal of winning states.”
Rochester’s motivation to return to the top has led to two key differences from last year’s team, as attention to detail and student-driven leadership have been huge factors in what has been a phenomenal season for Rochester thus far.
Koehler noted that risk in the team’s motions, jump technique, stunting tech-
See CHEER on page 9A
Photo provided by Slobodan Grabovac
Cheer
from page 8A
nique and “detailing out our tumbling” have been a focus this year that has been “noticed across-the-board.”
“We have really focused on the details,” Koehler said. “The senior leadership… everyone plays a role and everyone has gone above and beyond to push their teammates.”
Gungab and Calcagno have helped preach the importance of Rochester High’s cheerleaders having as much interest in winning as the coaches do.
“Something that we learned from last year is that we needed a little bit more senior leadership,” Calcagno explained. “It makes it seem that the whole team cares about how
we do… We really want it.”
What Rochester wants to accomplish this postseason is not a secret. The team, undoubtedly, is looking to return to the top.
Koehler said that losing last year was a “horrible feeling.”
“But it’s something you don’t ever forget and it really fuels us, to chase the feeling of hearing your name called for first place,” she said. “We want the honor of hearing everyone else’s name called in third and second place, and then cheering when they hear ‘Rochester’ at first.”
The cheer state finals are set to take place Feb. 28-March 1 at the McGuirk Arena on the campus of Central Michigan University.
Call Sports Writer Scott Bentley at (586) 498-1090.
In Memory of Isabel Martin Bentley
OCTOBER 25, 1934 - SEPTEMBER 25, 2024
the result is nothing we expected, and we were all in
She’s had a biopsy done of one of
masses in her brain. It actually turned into brain surgery. They were able to remove one of the
that was
near the
surface. Rose finished her Gamma-knife radiation which targets the cancer masses without damaging or radiating other parts of the brain that don’t need fixing and other organs is the hope. It keeps radiating for a few weeks. She’s battled a lot discomfort and inflammation in her face, feet and mouth. She’s able to eat and drink but it’s really uncomfortable for her. The team of doctors are keeping in close touch and have been wonderful. The gifts of food and your donations have been a blessing to her. It’s dificult to manage meals and appointments so thank you so much!
Sincerely,
Joann
for years. Joann initially filed for bankruptcy in March 2024, but stayed afloat by choosing to go private.
In January, the company again filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy — the second time in less than a year.
“Since becoming a private company in April (2024), the Board and management team have continued to execute on top- and bottom-line initiatives to manage costs and drive value,” interim Joann CEO Michael Prendergast said in a press release. “However, the last several years have presented significant and lasting challenges in the retail environment, which, coupled with our current financial position and constrained inventory levels, forced us to take this step. After carefully reviewing all available strategic paths, we have determined that initiating a court-supervised sale process is the best course of action to maximize the value of the business. We hope that this process enables us to find a path that would allow JOANN to continue operating as a going concern.”
The company received court approval to begin closing stores in February.
“This was a very difficult decision to make, given the major impact we know it will have on our Team Members, our customers and all of the communities we serve,” a Joann spokesperson said in a prepared statement issued Feb. 12. “A careful analysis of store performance and future strategic fit for the Company determined which stores should remain operating as usual at this time. Right-sizing our store footprint is a critical part of our efforts to ensure the best path forward for JOANN.”
Over the weekend, shoppers piled into the Rochester Hills Joann Fabrics to stock up on crafting supplies at the start of goingout-of-business sales. At press time, most items were discounted between 20-25% off, with deeper reductions expected in the coming weeks.
Loyal Joann customer Anna Powell, 34, of Rochester Hills, said she was upset to hear of the closing. Powell frequents the store, which is close to her home, for yarn for various knitting and crocheting projects.
“It’s sad. Obviously, there is a customer base, so I hope someone comes to sweep that up,” she said.
At the Rochester Hills store, an employee said she couldn’t comment on the closures. A store manager also declined to comment.
At American House, the health and wellbeing of our residents is our top priority. Our personalized social and wellness programming, festive events and outings enrich our residents lives every day. With all levels of care and a range of apartment styles and foor plans, our residents enjoy the opportunity to comfortably age in place.
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Cannot be combined with other ofers.
HOMES
MANY FACTORS CONTRIBUTE TO GETTING A GOOD NIGHT’S SLEEP
BY MARIA ALLARD allard@candgnews.com
METRO DETROIT — Most of us have been there.
Snuggled in bed under a favorite blanket, yet unable to fall asleep.
When counting sheep doesn’t work, we lie awake all night long. Then it’s morning. Exhaustion sets in, and you wonder how you’ll make it through the day.
For some people, a sleepless night happens on occasion. However, for others, chronic insomnia, sleep apnea and other disorders make it impossible to ever have sweet dreams.
Brenna Wyffels, a family medicine physician assistant, certified, for McLaren Macomb — Sterling Heights Pediatrics & Family Medicine, has helped many patients with sleep disorders.
“Sleep is the first priority,” Wyffels said. “If not, everything else is going to suffer.”
Sleep apnea, which causes snoring and people to sometimes wake in the middle of the night gasping for air, is the main culprit for wakefulness.
“When you have pauses in breathing and impaired breathing, the brain isn’t getting enough oxygen,” Wyffels said. “People wake up with fatigue even after eight hours of sleep.”
For patients having sleeping issues, Wyffels recommends they make an appointment with a sleep clinic “to be tested and monitored and to see what treatment would
be the best.” Sleep studies also can be done at home. CPAP (continuous positive airway pressure) machines are often recommended for sleep apnea. The machine contains a motor and a filter that turns room air into pressurized air and delivers it through a mask to help the nose and mouth keep the airway open.
“They get a bad rap as loud machines with giant hoses that (will) keep (your) partner awake,” Wyffels said, adding that the machines are now easier to handle. “Technology has come very far.”
Wyffels has witnessed patients with CPAP machines overcome their sleep issues.
“They have better mental clarity, can focus and feel rested,” she said.
Along with sleep disorders, people are always on the go and don’t give themselves a chance to wind down to transition from the stress of the day.
“Unplug at the end of the day,” Wyffels said. “Have some sort of routine. Settle into bed with a book or podcast. Sleepytime tea, magnesium supplements and calming diffusers can get them ready for bed. People also tend to sleep better if it’s cool out.”
Therefore, turning down the thermostat could help. White noise, blackout curtains and weighted blankets in the bedroom can be used as sleep aids, too. The right pillow and mattress that support you also might make a difference between tossing and turning all night or sleeping soundly.
“Some pillows and mattresses are bet-
ter for side sleepers, back sleepers or stomach sleepers,” Wyffels said.
Scandia Home, located in Birmingham, carries a large selection of fine linens, comforters, pillows, duvet sets and mattress pads that provide a cozy environment for a good night’s sleep.
“We specialize in European bedding from various European linen companies,” Danielle Schindler said of the family-owned business. “I help people solve their bedroom quandaries and do it in a way that makes the home beautiful.”
Staff at Scandia Home, which also sells specialty gifts, is always available to help customers looking for bedding that is not only stylish, but comfortable.
“We help you figure out your stature, what sleep position you prefer and if you want a firmer mattress to keep the spine straight,” Schindler said. “Comforters and pillows are really important to get a good night’s sleep. Get the right pillow that provides support. Nice linens will last a very long time, up to 25 years.”
Clients also may opt for a mattress with temperature control that can automatically adjust how cold or hot it feels.
“That’s very important for sleeping,” Schindler said. “It keeps you at a comfortable heat.”
Fibers also should be taken into consideration. Cotton percale bedsheets, for instance, are cool to the touch due to the lightweight, breathable weave that provides good
‘Sleep is a necessity, not a luxury’
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommends that adults ages 18-60 get at least seven hours of sleep per night; adults 61–64 get seven to nine hours of sleep; adults 65 and older get seven to eight hours of sleep. The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends more sleep for children from infancy to age 18 depending on the age. Yet many people aren’t getting enough shut-eye.
According to Dr. Nader Mina, medical director, Sleep Center, Corewell Health, sleep deprivation can increase the risks of cardiovascular diseases, strokes and diabetes. Lack of sleep affects mental health, job performance, academics and can lower your immune system. Sleep deficiency also can contribute to car crashes because of driver fatigue.
“Sleep is a necessity, not a luxury. Sleep apnea is the most common sleep disorder. When your breathing is closed and narrowed, there’s a drop in the oxygen level,” Mina said. “Chronic sleep disorders cause problems long term. It has consequences on the heart, increases risks of asthma and is strongly linked to iron deficiency.”
One reason for sleeplessness could be what Mina described as “bad routine habits we do every night.” That includes being on cellphones and other electronic devices, or
See SLEEP on page 13A
airflow. Cotton sateen material is warmer.
Sleep
from page 12A
watching television just before bed.
Exposure to blue light in those devices disrupts sleep patterns because it impacts when bodies create melatonin. Mina recommends shutting down electronic devices 30 to 60 minutes before bedtime. Also, if something is bothering you that could be keeping you up, journaling before bedtime could solve that issue.
“Once you engage your mind, it becomes very difficult for our brains to shut down and go to sleep,” Mina said. “It’s very essential to relax before going to bed. Our brains are not able to fall asleep very quickly.”
He also advised to stop drinking cof-
fee and other caffeinated beverages six hours before bedtime. Another tip: make sure the bedroom is quiet, dark and cool. Taking certain medicines at nighttime also could be the reason for sleeplessness. Mina encourages people to speak to their physicians about possibly taking their medications during the daytime rather than in the evening.
“This is very important to discuss with a health care provider,” Mina said.
Daylight saving time also can be an issue for some, and might take two to three weeks before the body adjusts. Mina also treats patients who sleep excessively, including those with narcolepsy.
“There are certain disorders we look for in the brain,” Mina said.
Mina and staff devise an individualized plan for each patient with pretesting and
analysis to get them on a better sleep pattern.
“It’s a gradual process,” he said. “It’s going to take some time, but there is always
hope.”
Call Staff Writer Maria Allard at (586) 498-1045.
COMMUNITY CALENDAR
14A/ ROCHESTER POST • FEBRUARY 20, 2025
FEB. 20
Recognize severe weather and stop-the-bleed instruction: Learn to stay safe during natural emergency and how to prevent loss, 7-8:30 p.m., Rochester Hills Public Library, 500 Olde Towne Road in Rochester, free but registration required, calendar. rhpl.org, (248) 656-2900
FEB. 21-23
‘Broadway & Beyond: An Evening with Blake Whyte and Friends’: Hear storytelling and original music, 7:30 p.m. Feb. 21-22 and 2:30 p.m. Feb. 23, Rochester Christian University, 800 W. Avon Road in Rochester Hills, rcu.edu/rcu-theatre-music
FEB. 25
‘From Sap to Syrup’: Presented by Dinosaur Hill Nature Preserve, learn to identify maple trees, when and how to tap them, taste different syrups, and more, 7-8:30 p.m., Rochester Hills Public Library, 500 Olde Towne Road in Rochester, free but registration required, calendar.rhpl.org, (248) 656-2900
FEB. 27
Women’s self-defense presentation: Also luncheon, 1 p.m., OPC Social & Activity Center, 650 Letica Drive in Rochester, registration required, (248) 659-1029, opccenter.org
FEB. 28
Community Outlook Breakfast: Leaders give updates and news about Rochester, Rochester Hills, Oakland Township and local schools, networking at 7:30 a.m., breakfast at 8 a.m. and program from 8:30-10 a.m., Student Center (Banquet Room) at Oakland University, 312 Meadow Brook Road in Rochester, register at rrc-mi.com
Meadow Brook Garden Club: Hear lecture about garden entertaining, 10 a.m. (coffee and refreshments at 9:15 a.m.), Meadow Brook Hall, 350 Estate Drive in Rochester, next meetings held March 28, April 25 and May 16, (248) 364-6210, mbgcmembers@gmail.com, meadowbrookhall.org/gardenclub
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
MARCH 7-8
To view more Community Calendar and to submit your own, use the QR code or visit candgnews.com/calendar. To advertise an event, call (586) 498-8000.
Take Root concert: Part of 10th-anniversary season celebrating art and movement of dance, also live music, 8 p.m. March 7 and 2 p.m. March 8 (latter show includes performance by Dance for Parkinson’s Disease program), Varner Recital Hall on campus of Oakland University, 371 Varner Drive in Rochester, takerootdance.com
MARCH 14
Harmony in the Hills concert series: Hear Tim Michling play oboe and bagpipes, noon, St. Paul’s United Methodist Church, 620 Romeo St. in Rochester, future performances held March 21 and 28, April 4 and 18, May 18, June 11, July 9 and Aug. 20, stpaulsrochester. org/index.php/harmony-in-the-hills
ONGOING
‘The Angel Next Door’: See a play within a play after a weekend getaway at a ritzy mansion in 1948 goes awry, select times and dates until March 9, Meadow Brook Theatre on campus of Oakland University, 378 Meadow Brook Road in Rochester, (248) 377-3300, mbtheatre.com
‘Little Shop of Horrors’: Horror-comedy rock musical about plant that feeds on humans, 7 p.m. March 7, 2 p.m. March 8 and 7 p.m. March 14-15, Rochester Adams Performing Arts Center, 3200 Tienken Road in Rochester Hills, (248) 726-5384, adamstheatre.
ludus.com
‘Laughter on the 23rd Floor’: Neil Simon play about writers outdoing one another while vying for attention of star of popular 1950s comedy-variety series, 8 p.m. Fridays-Saturdays and 2 p.m. Sundays March 14-29, Avon Players Community Theatre, 1185 Washington Road in Rochester Hills, avonplayers.org
‘Nightshade: The World in the Evening’: Works by 18 international contemporary artists, exhibit on display through March 30, Oakland University Art Gallery, 208 Wilson Hall in Rochester, ouartgallery.org, (248) 370-3005
February Film Festival: See “Food, Inc. 2” Feb. 21 and “The Biggest Little Farm” Feb. 28, 7-8:30 p.m., Calf Barn at Rochester Hills Museum at Van Hoosen Farm, 1005 Van Hoosen Road, (248) 656-4663, rochesterhills.org/musprograms
Cabin Fever Lecture Series: Learn about “Sunken Settlements of Lake St. Clair” (March 7), “Water Powered Mills of Avon Township” (March 14), “Stories From a World Figure Skating Champion” (March 21) and “The Transformation of the Detroit Riverfront” (March 28), 7-8 p.m., Calf Barn at Rochester Hills Museum at Van Hoosen Farm, 1005 Van Hoosen Road, (248) 656-4663, rochesterhills.org/musprograms
WILSON REAL ESTATE GROUP SINCE
Karen Wilson
SPOTLIGHT ON WOMEN IN BUSINESS
Local women in business offer insight into success, 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 contemporary 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.”
See WOMEN on page 18A
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For more INFORMATION or to REGISTER, contact Kathy Tosoian, MA, LPC Director of Educational Services & Youth Development
Phone: (248) 867-6138 kathy.tosoian@dalecarnegie.com
While Kathy Tosoian enjoys teaching people of all ages, she is especially passionate about working with teenagers. She has a bachelor's degree in education and a master's degree in counseling and has a unique, sincere, and friendly approach with her class members. She takes a personal interest in helping teens (and adults) to live up to their potential by building their con dence in all sessions of the Dale Carnegie® Course. Kathy has been teaching the Dale Carnegie Course for 30 years.
e course is taught in 8 sessions, meeting once a week for 3 ½ hours. “At rst, teens are generally resistant to take on another commitment, especially one generated by their parents,” says Kathy. “But after one or two classes, they can’t wait to come back to see what’s next!” Tosoian adds, "Teens face many serious issues today and must make many more decisions than we ever did at their age. Many of these issues are centered around peer pressure and competition. Most teens do not know how to deal with stress and worry. e results can be devastating! We teach principles they can rely on, so they're equipped to handle stressful situations. ey’re able to practice and apply principles they can use for the rest of their life."
e course focuses on ve key areas: self-con dence, people skills, communication skills, leadership, and controlling stress and worry. Participants often experience breakthroughs in these areas and the course becomes life-changing for them. “Many of my students show improvements in their grades, in the way they treat their family, their attitude becomes more positive, they start conversations with people, they are more open to opportunities, they overcome fears, and they feel good about themselves,” says Kathy. “What parent wouldn’t want this for their son or daughter?”
Tuition for teens is o ered at a reduced rate of $1495. “It’s not cheap,” Kathy says, “but for what they gain from the class, it’s priceless! It’s a life-changer and well worth the investment!” e Dale Carnegie® Course is accredited by ACCET and may be recognized for college transfer credit. It is up to each college/university to decide if they will accept the credits.
Kathy is now accepting enrollments for teens AND adults for her upcoming classes in Troy and South eld. Contact Kathy Tosoian at 248-867-6138 or Kathy.tosoian@dalecarnegie.com for more information or to register.
Lissa Pietrykowski owns Peak Physique Fitness Training 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.
Photo by Patricia O’Blenes
Tax Cuts and Jobs Act of 2017 to Sunset December 31,2025
The law known as the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act (TCJA) of 2017 made some major changes to the Tax Code, but not all of them are here to stay. A number of significant provisions are set to expire a er 2025. Although Congress may act to extend some or all of them, it is important to know which provisions are expiring so taxpayers can be prepared to maximize their tax savings in case the provisions sunset as currently scheduled. Tax planning should begin in 2025. Consult your tax professional to explain how the expiration of these provisions could a ect your personal tax situation.
Navigating the TCJA Sunset
“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-onone 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 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 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.”
“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,” Sharma said. “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.”
CRIME WATCH
Fire truck damaged in car accident
ROCHESTER HILLS — Deputies responded to the area of Walton Boulevard and Orchardale Drive for a report of a Rochester Hills fire truck being involved in an accident at 5:11 a.m. Jan. 1. According to reports, Rochester Hills Fire Department unit Alpha 24 was responding to the 400 block of Orchardale Drive to assist an individual who fell in the restroom. Deputies arrived on-scene and started performing CPR on the caller. While Alpha 24 was enroute to the residence it struck a white Toyota full-size pickup. No injuries were reported. Both vehicles had to be towed.
Items stolen from packages on front porch
ROCHESTER HILLS — Deputies were dispatched to the 1600 block of Stonecrest Drive on the report of stolen Amazon packages at 4:06 p.m. Jan. 2. The caller stated that he reviewed his Blink doorbell camera and confirmed the driver left packages that contained a motor vehicle computer scanner and a watch on the front porch. The caller stated he retrieved his packages from the front porch and noticed that both packages had been opened and the items he had ordered were missing from inside the packages. The caller stated that he checked his Blink doorbell camera and there was no activity captured on video after the Amazon delivery. The computer scanner and watch are valued at $683.69. Police are investigating.
Western Union money order machine stolen
ROCHESTER HILLS — Deputies were dispatched to a store in the 2500 block of Adams Road for a breaking and entering report at 11:55 a.m. Jan. 5. Police said the incident happened at 5 a.m. and was not discovered until 11 a.m. The in-store camera captured video of a male with a face mask arriving at 4:55 a.m. in a white SUV. The suspect forced the customer door open,went to the customer service desk, put on an employee vest and grabbed the Western Union money order machine that is loaded with approximately 350 blank checks and some FedEx customer orders. The suspect then left the building and headed southbound on Adams Road. Detectives are investigating.
Home invasion reported
ROCHESTER HILLS — Deputies responded to the 800 block of Barclay Circle on the report of a home invasion at 1 a.m. Jan. 6. Deputies were met by the homeowner, who advised he left home at 6:30 p.m. Jan. 5 to attend the Detroit Lions game with his son. Upon their return on Jan. 6 at 12:50 a.m., he observed the rear garage door pushed/rammed in. The homeowner checked the residence and observed it had been ransacked. He then called police to report the incident. Deputies responded and checked the interior of the garage and residence. Deputies cleared the residence and found no intruders inside.
Deputies did observe the homeowner’s bedroom and closets ransacked. A quick inventory of items missing included $8,000 in U.S. currency, several items of men’s name-brand clothing, jewelry, watches, and two credit cards. The homeowner will complete a thorough inventory of items missing and will add to the report later. An orange and yellow safety vest and gloves were left behind at the scene.
Amazon package tampered with
ROCHESTER HILLS — A woman living in the 2400 block of Harrison Avenue reported that her Amazon package was tampered with and that her translating earbuds were stolen at 10:15 a.m. Jan. 7. The victim stated that she went out to her front porch to collect the package, which had been delivered from Amazon and observed part of the package had already been opened.
The tape had come off the package and it was not sealed. A pair of HI Language Translating Earbuds were not inside. She took photos of the package and believes the Amazon driver is responsible for the theft. The victim did not observe any suspicious people or vehicles prior or during the incident of when her package was delivered. She stated that her neighbors have camera footage during the timeframe the package was delivered but she refused to send the video footage to deputies. The video did not show the contents of the packages being stolen. Police are investigating.
Phone stolen from unlocked locker
ROCHESTER HILLS — Deputies were dispatched to the Rochester University Warrior Center, 800 W. Avon Road in Rochester Hills on the report of a larceny at 10 a.m. Jan. 8. The caller stated that he was at the Warrior Center gym for wrestling practice from 10 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. He stated that he put his phone in his unsecured locker, and when practice was over, discovered that someone had stolen his phone. The caller stated that he used the “find my phone” app and he was able to locate his iPhone in the woods north of campus. He stated that his driver’s license, Comerica debit card, and unknown gift cards were tucked into the case of his phone, but they were missing.
Deputies responded and learned that the caller had contacted his bank, and they advised him that there were three pending transactions totaling $81.51. Comerica stated that they suspended the transactions, and he would not be charged. The first debit transaction, in the amount of $20.30, occurred at McDonalds and was made at 10:38 a.m. Jan. 8. The second transaction, for $30.49, at Smokey Broz was made at 11:23 a.m. on Jan. 8. The third transaction, for $30.72, was made at Meijer at 11:38 a.m. on Jan. 8. Police are investigating.
Home fire reported
ROCHESTER HILLS — Deputies were dispatched to the 400 block of South Boulevard for the report of a residential house fire at 9:40 a.m. Jan. 9. The residence was fully engulfed by fire and smoke when deputies arrived. Deputies quickly interviewed neighbors and determined no one was at the residence. The Rochester Hills Fire Department arrived on-scene and started extinguishing the fire. The Rochester Hills Fire
Department requested the assistance of the Sheriff’s Office Fire Investigations Unit. No injuries were reported. The incident remains under investigation.
Bomb threat investigated
ROCHESTER HILLS —Deputies were dispatched to a tool business in the 2900 Block of Waterview Drive for an employee who opened a package that was sent to them with a note that says, “Warning explosive device this will (expletive) explode I mean it” at 12:12 p.m. Jan. 9.
An explosives OCSO K-9 was sent along with the Michigan State Police Bomb Squad to investigate. It was later determined the package contained a tool sent to the manufacturer for repair.
Drunk man transported to hospital with head injury
ROCHESTER HILLS — Deputies were dispatched to a motel in the 2500 block of Crooks Road for a welfare check at 9:35 a.m. Jan. 18. Deputies met with a 50-year-old male in the lobby who had dried blood on his face and forehead. The male stated that he fell in his room and hit his head on the floor. The male smelled of alcohol and admitted to drinking a fifth of vodka. He agreed to take a preliminary breath test, which resulted in a reading of .1666% blood alcohol content. Deputies checked his room and observed blood on the floor near the foot of the bed and several empty beer cans scattered across the room. Deputies requested Rochester Hills Fire to the scene to medically evaluate the subject. Due to the head injury and extensive amount of blood loss, it was recommended the subject be transported to the hospital to check for a possible brain bleed. The Rochester Hills Fire Department transported the subject to the hospital for medical evaluation.
Woman arrested for retail fraud
ROCHESTER HILLS — Deputies were dispatched to a grocery store in the 3600 block of Marketplace Circle for a report of a person in custody for retail fraud at 3:47 p.m. Jan. 18. Deputies met with the store’s loss prevention officers, who said they
APPEAL PROCESS:
observed the suspect conceal $214.52 worth of merchandise from the store, making no effort to pay for it while exiting at 2 p.m. Jan. 18. The same person is a suspect in eight separate retail frauds from the grocery store chain, totaling over $1,500. The suspect, a 38-year-old woman from Auburn Hills, was taken into custody and released pending case review by the Oakland County Prosecutors Office.
School incident investigated
ROCHESTER HILLS — Deputies responded to the 1800 block of Windwood on the report of a school incident follow-up from Michigan State Police “ok to say” at 10:09 p.m. Jan. 22. The information advised that a new 14-year-old male student from Rochester High School apparently brings a firearm to school daily. Deputies conducted a follow-up investigation and spoke with a parent and the student. The student denied the allegation and did not know who would have provided such information. The parent did advise that her husband owns a firearm, but it is properly secured and/or with him for his employment. Both student and parent were advised that the Rochester High School school resources officer would be in contact with them to further investigate the allegation.
Weapons violation
ROCHESTER HILLS — Deputies responded to Rochester Christian University, 800 West Avon Road, as the head of security advised there was a student on campus who was thought to have a gun at 2:12 p.m. Jan. 24. Deputies met with security and stood by while they searched the student’s room and vehicle. Two firearms and two knives were found. Deputies secured the weapons. The student, a 22-year-old male from Pontiac, was taken into custody without incident. The arrestee was lodged at the Oakland County Jail pending the issuance of charges.
CITY OF ROCHESTER
2025 BOARD OF REVIEW MEETINGS
Notice is hereby given that the Board of Review of the City of Rochester, Oakland County, Michigan, will convene on the following dates, by appointment, for the purpose of reviewing and correcting the 2025 assessments of real and personal property within the City of Rochester.
CONTACT THE OAKLAND COUNTY EQUALIZATION DEPARTMENT FOR AN APPOINTMENT.
1-888-350-0900 Ext. 85584 248-285-8618
MONDAY, MARCH 10, 2025 9:00 A.M. TO 12:00 NOON 1:30 P.M. TO 5:00 P.M.
TUESDAY, MARCH 11, 2025 1:30 P.M. TO 5:00 P.M.
THURSDAY, MARCH 13, 2025 6:00 P.M. TO 9:00 P.M.
• Property owners who wish to appeal their assessment may do so in person, by letter, or by authorized representative.
• Letter appeals must be received by Treasurer, City of Rochester, 400 Sixth St., Rochester. MI 48307. (248-733-3700) no later than Wednesday, March 13, 2025, at 4:30 PM.
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION:
• To schedule an appointment, please call the City Assessor’s Of ce at (248) 555-1234.
• A property owner must provide evidence supporting their appeal.
• The City Assessor’s of ce will be available to answer questions prior to the meeting dates.
Published: 02/20/2025 Rochester Post
— Maty Beth Almond
Rochester Hills man dies in head-on crash on Rochester Road
BY MARY BETH ALMOND malmond@candgnews.com
OAKLAND TOWNSHIP – A 90-yearold man from Rochester Hills died in a headon collision Feb. 9 in Oakland Township.
The Oakland County Sheriff’s Office has identified the 90-year-old man as William Frederick Stanley Jr.
The crash happened at approximately 9:26 a.m. on Rochester Road at Lonesome Oak Drive in Oakland Township. Police said Stanley was traveling southbound on Rochester Road when his 2002 GMC Si-
erra crossed over the center line and struck a 2024 Dodge Ram heading northbound. The roadway was extremely icy at the time of the crash, according to deputies.
The 2024 Dodge Ram was driven by a 44-year-old Oakland Township man, who was not injured in the crash. Stanley was taken to a hospital, where he was pronounced dead. It was not immediately known if he was wearing a seat belt.
Police said drugs and alcohol were not factors in the crash. The Oakland County Sheriff’s Office Crash Reconstruction Unit is investigating.
from page 3A
Because the students are minors, authorities said they are not releasing the names or photographs of the victim or suspect.
The suspect is charged with assault with great bodily harm less than murder, carrying a concealed weapon, and possessing a weapon on school property, McDonald announced.
In an email to district parents and staff, Avondale School District Superintendent James Schwarz said the district’s top priority is always the safety of students and staff, and officials “remain committed to ensuring transparency and open communication throughout this process.”
“Today’s lockdown was the result of
an isolated incident between two students at the high school. The incident posed no threat to anyone else, nor do we expect any residual issues to arise from this situation,” Schwarz said in the email.
As part of standard safety protocols, he said district administration and staff have been meeting to review the incident.
“This review will help us assess our response, identify areas for improvement, and enhance our processes and protocols for the future. The district is also offering counseling and/or social-emotional support upon request, for any students that may be feeling anxious about today’s incident,” Schwarz said. “Avondale takes every threat extremely seriously, and the safety of our students is always our first and top priority.”
Anyone with information related to the incident is asked to contact the Auburn Hills Police Department at (248) 370-9460.
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shattered with a large rock.
Running vehicle stolen
SOUTHFIELD — Between 6:10 a.m. and 6:19 a.m. Jan. 24, a resident started her vehicle and left it unoccupied in the 25000 block of Greenfield Road while it was running.
Upon return, she noticed that her 2010 Toyota Corolla was gone.
Patrol car struck by stolen vehicle
SOUTHFIELD — At 7:52 p.m. Jan. 25, Southfield Police Department officers located a stolen vehicle, a 2021 BMW X3, near Paul Revere Street & Virginia Street.
bag, containing No Bull Shoes and Apple AirPods, on a locker room bench while he showered. When the victim returned to his bag, he discovered that it was stolen. The items stolen are valued at $3,350.
Resident reports scam
TROY — Sometime between Sept. 1, 2024, and Jan. 10, 2025, a resident from Ardmore Drive reported that he made a series of investments with three separate apps that he believed were legitimate.
When he inquired about withdrawing his funds, he was advised he would have to pay an exorbitant fee to recover his money.
He then realized that it was a scam.
Scammer attempts to impersonate pizza owner
TROY — At 8:57 p.m. Jan. 15, an employee at a pizzeria located on John R Road reported having a phone conversation with someone that she believed was the store owner.
The unknown male told the employee to call him from her cellphone for privacy and was then instructed to take $170 from the business and go to the nearest retail store to put the money on a MoneyPak card.
The employee followed the instruction and provided photos of the MoneyPak card and receipt to the suspect. However, the employee became suspicious when he asked for a code.
The employee contacted her boss and was advised that she was not speaking to the owner.
Door shattered at pizza shop
TROY — At 7:21 a.m. Jan. 17, the owner of the Little Caesars Pizza shop at 4973 Livernois Road
The officers apprehended the driver after the vehicle struck a patrol vehicle.
A handgun was recovered from the vehicle.
Resident discovers stolen electricity
NOVI — A Howell woman allegedly opened an account with an electric company in the name of a Novi resident. That resident found out about it and contacted police on Jan. 23. The Howell woman allegedly had racked up a bill of about $300 before the Novi resident noticed. Charges had yet to be filed against the Howell woman.
Woman arrested for shoplifting
NOVI — The loss prevention department at Walmart in Novi apprehended a woman after she allegedly tried to walk out without paying for toilet paper and paper plates Jan. 24. The items totaled $22.96. The woman was arrested and charged with shoplifting.
Vehicle stolen from Washington Blvd.
BIRMINGHAM — At approximately 7 a.m. Jan. 23, officers were dispatched to a home in the 1400 block of Washington Boulevard for a reported stolen vehicle.
The residents, a 28-year-old woman and a 31-year-old man, said their vehicle was taken from their driveway overnight. In it were belongings valued at more than $1,800 and $1,100 in cash. An investigation was ongoing.
Taxi driver chases down
fraudulent customer
BIRMINGHAM — At approximately 12:30 p.m. Jan. 21, officers were dispatched to a business in the 34500 block of Woodward Avenue for a reported fight. They found a 63-year-old Center Line man who is a taxi driver holding another man, a 25-year-old Detroit resident, up against a building.
driver’s vehicle without paying his $38 fare. The driver chased and caught the passenger and asked someone inside the building to call the police. Officers arrested the passenger for fraud and discovered a warrant for his arrest out of Detroit. The suspect was transferred to the Wayne County Jail.
Footprints in snow lead to broken-into vehicles
BIRMINGHAM — At approximately 3:30 a.m. Jan. 23, officers were dispatched to the 1400 block of Cedar Street, where a resident reported seeing a vehicle slowly driving northbound on Cedar as people got out and ran into multiple driveways and backyards.
Officers canvassed the area and found footprints in the snow leading to 15 vehicles parked outside 13 homes on Cedar, Lincoln, Henrietta and Pierce. Three of those vehicles had unlocked doors, with consoles that were open with contents in disarray. An investigation was ongoing.
Money and miscellaneous items taken from vehicles
WEST BLOOMFIELD — Items from the glove compartments and $320 were taken from a gray Lincoln Navigator and black Chevrolet Tahoe around 1:50 a.m. Jan. 13.
The vehicles were parked and unlocked in the owner’s driveway in the 6600 block of Crest Top Drive.
According to the Ring doorbell video, the suspect was dressed in a brown Carhartt jacket, dark jeans and carrying a black bag, in which he put the contents from the vehicles. The suspect used a flashlight while in the vehicles.
Wallet reportedly stolen WEST BLOOMFIELD — A resident in the 7100 block of Orchard Lake Road reported that his wallet was stolen after patronizing a bar in Ferndale Jan. 12.
The wallet contained several credit cards and other items. The West Bloomfield resident was alerted about fraudulent purchases from Best Buy and a Marathon gas station on one of his credit cards. Officers advised the victim to report the incident to the Ferndale Police Department.
Delivery driver robbed WEST BLOOMFIELD — A resident in the 5800 block of Cherry Crest Drive called West Bloomfield police around 2:24 p.m. Jan. 10 when a man in his 20s “forcefully” took the package out of the hands of a delivery driver.
Reportedly, the package had several iPhones and was intended for the Cherry Crest resident. The
vehicle where a driver was waiting. The vehicle was described as a black, newer model Jeep Grand Cherokee with tinted windows.
Items stolen from vehicle MADISON HEIGHTS — According to a police report, an unknown suspect entered a 2013 Lincoln belonging to a 26-year-old Madison Heights resident while the vehicle was parked in the 31000 block of Concord
Telephone
Truck and trailer disappear
