3/20/24 West Bloomfield Beacon

Back to Beechmont

Former mayor returns to Keego City Council

BY MARK VEST mvest@candgnews.com

KEEGO HARBOR — A familiar face has returned to Keego Harbor City Hall.

John Fletcher previously served 12 years on Keego’s City Council, prior to opting not to seek reelection in 2022.

However, circumstances have led to Fletcher making an unexpected return to 2025 Beechmont St., which is the address for City Hall and the site of City Council meetings.

After Brian Lampl resigned his council seat in November, the other four members of Keego’s City Council were assigned the task of appointing someone to take his spot, with Fletcher being the unanimous choice.

Lampl’s three-year term was set to run through November.

He shared his reasoning for relinquishing his position at a City Council meeting late last year.

“To my fellow residents, I come before you with a heart filled with mixed emotions to announce my upcoming resignation from City Council of Keego Harbor,” Lampl said. “The decision comes in light of a new career opportunity that requires frequent out-of-state travel, combined with my increasing family commitments. … For the past five years, serving on City Council has been a journey of immense learning, growth and fulfillment. Representing and advocating for the residents of Keego Harbor has been a privilege that I have cherished deeply.”

Keego City Councilman Michael Karson said he was shocked and

Tough as nails

BY JONATHAN SZCZEPANIAK jszczepaniak@candgnews.com

WEST BLOOMFIELD — Don’t let the smell of perfume or the bright smiles fool you when you step into the gymnasium.

Girls across the state of Michigan have displayed fierceness and competitiveness in wrestling, whether it’s facing the boys in a co-ed match or going head-to-head with another girl.

Trio of Lakers make school history at girls wrestling state finals

Since the Michigan High School Athletic Association added a girls-only wrestling division for the 2021-2022 season, numbers have grown exponentially for numerous high schools across the state.

Girls have been wrestling for decades at the high school level, in small numbers, but this was the first opportunity where girls were prioritized in the sport of wrestling.

In its first year, nearly 400 girls wrestled in the

File photo by Patricia O’Blenes Former Keego Harbor Mayor John Fletcher recently made a return to City Council after he was unanimously appointed to the position.

Photo by Patricia O’Blenes

Members of the West Bloomfield girls wrestling team have a conversation before the Birmingham Groves Tri-County girls wrestling meet Jan. 7 at Groves High School.

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SECOND FRONT PAGE

3A/WEST

Road salt use dips 37% in Michigan warm winter, saving millions, easing pollution

BY KELLY HOUSE Bridge Michigan

METRO

DETROIT

— Michigan’s lost winter has been measured in innumerable ways: Nationwide, it’s the hottest winter on record. The Great Lakes had historically low ice cover. Detroit had the second-least amount of snow in December, with 0.1 inch.

Now, there’s one more superlative: Road salt usage is down 37% this winter among Michigan’s 9,700 miles of trunkline highways. Barring a late season snowstorm, the state expects to use 175,000 tons less salt than usual (heavier than an average blue whale), which would save the state about $10 million.

“Purchasing salt is probably our most expensive single-item purchase,” said Tim Croze, MDOT’s statewide maintenance and operations manager.

County road agencies, responsible for 90,500 miles of roads throughout the state, report similar declines.

BY MARK VEST mvest@candgnews.com

WEST BLOOMFIELD — More than 20 years ago, Dale Young had a conversation with his father that changed the course of his life.

Young’s grandfather was a police officer, and his dad was a security police officer. In his junior year of college, Young spoke with his dad about the profession.

Following that conversation, Young said, he was sold on the idea of dedicating his life to law enforcement.

Can you hear your grandchild asking you to read a story or the pitter patter of rain on the roof?

Our comprehensive hearing evaluation is always no charge.

That decision eventually led to him earning a job as a cadet with the West Bloomfield Police Department in 2004.

Since then Young has risen in the ranks of the department, including as a police officer, a detective, a defensive tactics instructor, a crisis negotiator team leader, a patrol sergeant, an administrative sergeant and an administrative lieutenant.

His most recent promotion came in January, when he learned that he had been selected to be the department’s deputy chief of police after Curt Law-

In Marquette County, salt use is down about 25%, said Ross Olsen, operations director for the local road commission. Usage is 66% of normal in Oakland County, which maintains Michigan’s largest county road system.

“We’re not counting our chickens just yet,” said Craig Bryson, spokesperson for the Road Commission for Oakland County, but the near-term forecast doesn’t look snowy.

Photo by Brian Wells

West Bloomfield Police Department Deputy Chief Dale Young, left, is pictured with Jennifer Schuler, who works as a dispatch leader at the department. Young was recently promoted to the position of deputy chief.

Jewish Family Service receives over $30,000 grant to address hoarding in the community

BY SARAH WRIGHT

C & G Contributing Writer

METRO DETROIT — Jewish Family Service of Metro Detroit has been awarded a grant of around $35,000 from the Natan Fund’s Confronting Poverty Initiative, in partnership with The Harry and Jeanette Weinberg Foundation, to support community members from low-income households who are struggling with hoarding disorders.

The non-sectarian, nonprofit social service agency has offices in Oak Park and West Bloomfield, and supports members of the community in need through an array of programs that cover older adult services, mental health and wellness, and safety net services, among many other services, including aiding those who need support due to potential hoarding disorders.

A hoarding disorder refers to those who may find difficulty parting with or getting rid of possessions out of a need to save the items, which can cause the items to pile up in a way that affects how people are able to use their living spaces. Hoarding can be associated with mental health issues that po-

Bipartisan

tentially can come from loss or some sort of trauma that has happened in their lives.

“Some may have a fear of coming forward and asking for help or might be afraid of someone throwing away their stuff while they are away from home,” Director of Geriatric Care Management Barb Haddad said. “They don’t want others to judge them.”

JFS has resources available for those in need once they are ready to address their respective issues.

“Hoarding is a multifaceted issue, and we want to provide wraparound treatment that respects the dignity of the person being served,” said Dini Peterson, a licensed master social worker and the chief program officer for mental health and safety net services.

“This generous grant will allow us to equip our team with the necessary tools to support this growing issue, as well as improve quality of life for those community members who couldn’t otherwise afford to get help.”

After seeing an increase in clients, JFS applied for the grant in order to continue to help clients through assessing the safety and stability of their homes and providing finan-

See HOARDING on page 14A

bills seek FOIA reform, increased transparency in state government

BY KATHRYN PENTIUK

kpentiuk@candgnews.com

SOUTHFIELD — Michigan is one of two states where the governor’s office and lawmakers are exempt from the Freedom of Information Act.

The law, established in 1976, states that people “are entitled to full and complete information regarding the affairs of government and the official acts of those who represent them as public officials and public employees, consistent with this act. The people shall be informed so that they may fully participate in the democratic process.”

Sens. Jeremy Moss, D-Southfield, and Ed McBroom, R-Vulcan, said they are striving for more.

They said they want to increase transparency in Michigan’s government with the introduction of Senate Bills 669 and 670.

Moss and McBroom have served together in the Michigan House since 2015. They said the proposed bills aim to provide residents and journalists with improved state government

transparency by allowing the public to request records from Michigan lawmakers and the governor’s office.

According to a press release by the Michigan Senate, SB 669 and 670 differ from past efforts. This new approach includes the Legislature in FOIA, instead of creating a separate open records act for the state House and Senate. The bill sponsors have reformed SBs 669 and 670 with newly added input from the office of the majority leader and the Senate Business Office.

On Feb. 7, the Senate Oversight Committee held a meeting for Moss and McBroom to share their testimonies on the bills. During the meeting, concerns were expressed that the bills contain special exemptions for the Legislature and governor’s office that are too broad and should be amended before moving forward.

The same day, House Bills 5422-5427 were introduced by House Republicans. This bill package would implement a set time frame for governments to produce records. It would increase fines and penalties for public bodies

See FOIA on page 15A

Local nonprofit to host fundraising event

WATERFORD — Open Door Outreach Center, a nonprofit that provides food, clothing and referral information to families in need, according to its website, is scheduled to host a spring tea and luncheon event 11 a.m.-3 p.m. May 6 at Beacon Hill Golf Club, located at 6011 Majestic Oaks in Commerce Township.

Tickets for the event cost $50.

According to a release about the event, net proceeds “go to feeding, clothing, and emergency support in our community.”

Tickets can be purchased at the Open Door Thrift Store, located at 7140 Cooley Lake Road in Waterford, or online at opendooroutreachcenter.com.

Open Door will hold a public board meeting 5-6 p.m. March 27 at Open Door’s administrative offices, located at 7170 Colley Lake Road in Waterford.

Corewell highlights colon health

METRO DETROIT — Corewell Health recently displayed an inflatable colon that was scheduled to travel to some of its hospitals to bring awareness to colon cancer and encourage people to get screened.

A colorectal cancer nurse specialist is available near the display for information.

The display is scheduled to appear at Corewell Health’s Beaumont Hospital in Dearborn in the main atrium 7:30 a.m.-3 p.m. March 26.

The address is 18101 Oakwood Blvd.

OCC announces deadline for Chancellor’s Scholarship

METRO DETROIT — According to a press release, Oakland Community College is set to award $200,000 in tuition and fees to select Oakland County 2024 high school seniors and graduates of adult and alternative education programs via its Chancellor’s Scholarship.

“The scholarship covers full tuition and fees for the first academic year at OCC,” the release states. Individual awards equal $4,000–$2,000 for the fall semester and $2,000 for the winter semester. “A total of $200,000 in scholarships are available for Oakland County high school seniors.”

The deadline to apply is March 31.

Scholarships are nonrenewable and limited to the first academic year following a student’s high school graduation.

Recipients must attend OCC full time, which is 12 credit hours minimum, for both the fall and winter semesters, according to the release.

“As a former college scholarship recipient, I know firsthand the difference these awards can make,” OCC Chancellor Peter Provenzano stated via the release. “We know it helps ease some of the financial burden for incoming college students as they pursue their dreams through higher education.”

For more information, visit oaklandcc.edu/finaid/ chancellors-scholarships.

REMINDER ISSUED ABOUT CARBON MONOXIDE DETECTORS

METRO DETROIT — First Alert, which provides products such as carbon monoxide detectors and smoke alarms, recently issued a reminder to residents about the importance of replacing carbon monoxide alarms.

According to a press release, in 2009, Michigan’s Uniform Construction Code, which implemented CO protection measures statewide for new construction, was enacted.

“While alarm lifespans may vary by model and

manufacturer, when Michigan enacted these CO alarm requirements, a properly maintained CO alarm had a lifespan of approximately five to seven years,” the release states. “Therefore, CO alarms installed when Michigan enacted these requirements may again be due for replacement.”

According to the release, alarms must be placed on every floor with a sleeping level and/or fuel-burning appliance, such as a stove, fireplace, heater or furnace, as well as attached garages.

The alarms must be battery powered, plug in with or without battery backup, wired into a dwelling’s electricity with secondary battery backup, or connected to a system by means of a control panel.

The release states that all CO alarms should be listed and labeled as complying with ANSI/UL 2034 or ANSI/UL 2075 and be installed in accordance with the manufacturer’s installation instructions.

CO poisoning is the leading cause of accidental poisoning deaths in the country, according to the release.

Wrestling

from page 1A

regional meet, which was split up into just two regions prior to the state meet.

Now holding four regions consisting of nearly 800 wrestlers, and over 1,000 who competed this year in meets across the state, there’s hopes of potentially holding district meets, like the boys side does, next year because of the numbers increasing.

“It’s (numbers) almost tripled since last year,” Birmingham Groves wrestling coach Joseph Jones said. “It’s growing really, really fast.”

Jones and Groves were the host of the first-ever tri-county all-girls wrestling meet as schools from Wayne, Macomb and Oakland counties went head-to-head. Local allgirls tournaments are becoming more and more popular in the surrounding counties, whereas past years saw teams traveling twothree hours in order to compete.

A majority are learning the sport in high school, and some have seen siblings compete, but the one thing they all share in common is the love and passion for it.

As all-girls tournaments become more common, longtime coaches such as Warren Mott’s Paul Salyers, an assistant coach on the boys side and girls head coach this past year,

are still getting used to the environment.

“You go into a wrestling gym where a boys tournament is being held, and oh my God does it stink,” Salyers said. “There’s BO (body odor) everywhere. You go into a girls tournament and it’s a cacophony of perfume. It’s hilarious to me. The girls will get down after beating the crap out of another girl, and with boys, they’ll get done and they’re strutting around like they’re the king, but the girls will get done, get their hand raised and go over and hug the girl they just beat up on and go, ‘Honey, this is what you need to do next time, because I was able to do this because you were doing this wrong.’ It’s just funny. You don’t see that with the boys.”

As more girls continue to join, local teams are wishing upon a star that the popularity of wrestling and the success of their current girl wrestlers is only a sign of more wrestlers to come.

West Bloomfield

The Lakers were one of many teams to witness a historic season as freshman Eva Zimnicki, junior Tamari Khizanishvili and junior team captain Alexa Hampton all punched their state finals ticket this season, becoming the most female state finals qualifiers in West Bloomfield history.

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Photo by Patricia O’Blenes West Bloomfield junior team captain Alexa Hampton wrestled during the Tri-County meet at Groves High School.

from page 3A

son, who previously held that role, accepted a position with the Franklin-Bingham Farms Police Department.

Young said he was elated to learn that he had been promoted to the position.

He discussed what his duties entail.

“To run the day-to-day operations within the Police Department, under the umbrella of the chief of police, Mike Patton,” Young said. “So that is overseeing the administration, patrol and investigation divisions, and then also, as collateral duties, I am the head of the public information officer team, and pretty much any other duties as needed.”

Young has a bachelor’s degree in interdisciplinary studies with a minor in communications from Oakland University.

He is also a graduate of the Northwestern Center for Public Safety Police Staff and Command, the Michigan Association of Chiefs of Police Executive and New Chief’s School, and the Michigan Police Executive Development Seminar.

Young is an active member of the Michigan Association of Chiefs of Police, the International Association of Chiefs of Police, the Police Executive Research Forum and the National Tactical Officers Association.

He is also the current secretary for the Michigan Association of Hostage Negotiators.

Although Patton said that there were other very good choices for the position of deputy chief and it was a difficult

decision to make, he expressed confidence in the decision that was ultimately made to promote Young.

“Very confident in the selection of Dale Young as deputy chief and look forward to continuing great things in his many years of service at the Police Department,” Patton said. “The deputy chief would serve in place of the chief for most things in the absence of the chief. … I like to think that he’s one of the people that the township will consider for future leadership in the Police Department, including the chief of police position.”

Steven Kaplan, the township’s supervisor, has taken notice of Young’s career trajectory.

“He’s had a meteoric rise in the Police Department,” Kaplan said. “He was elevated to the position of sergeant about five years ago, and then two years later to lieutenant and now to deputy chief. … There are three main divisions within the Police Department – patrol, and then detective bureau, and then administration. Well, Deputy Chief Young has performed well in each of those divisions.”

As an added perk of being a part of the law enforcement profession, Young, who graduated from Brother Rice High School in Bloomfield Hills, has had the opportunity to do so in his hometown.

“My family moved to the township in the late ’70s, so I grew up here,” he said. “So essentially, I have either lived or worked in West Bloomfield my entire life, and to see the way that the township has changed over the years, to be a part of keeping people safe and providing services to the community, it’s nice to kinda see the return on that investment within the community.”

While a dream job can lose its luster after a while for

many people, for Young, even after all these years of working in law enforcement, said he still has a lofty opinion of the profession.

“This is a noble profession and one that is going to outlive me, as it should,” he said. “I really feel like there is no other profession that can offer the types of variety in your life, and what I mean by that is that you’re out there helping the community, and because (you’re) dealing with people, maybe you have similar situations that happen on a daily basis. However, because we are dealing with people, there are gonna be different nuances all the time, so it’s very rewarding.”

Growing up in West Bloomfield and having the opportunity to spend his entire career in the township has given Young a unique perspective as to the relationship between law enforcement personnel and civilians.

“Our connection to the community, we are fortunate,” he said. “I can’t tell you how often it is that the officers are driving through neighborhoods or engaging with citizens, and they are happy to see us. They give us a lot of positive feedback. I would say that, right now, especially, that our relationship with our community is very strong.”

Aside from wanting residents to be aware that the department has a Facebook page where they can learn more information, and that job openings can be found at wbtownship.org on the Human Resources page, Young also relayed another message.

“I feel … fortunate to be serving the community in this position,” he said.

Call Staff Writer Mark Vest at (586) 498-1052.

CRIME WATCH

Resident reports harassment

WEST BLOOMFIELD — On Feb.

29, an officer took a report from a resident about having received communications that were considered to be harassment.

The resident reportedly received several unwanted text messages and phone calls from a multitude of different phone numbers from an unknown person or persons.

No further information was provided.

Home invasion reported

WEST BLOOMFIELD — On March

1, officers were reportedly dispatched to a home in the 5700 block of Springwater Lane to take a home invasion report.

After a fire caused significant damage to the home, a Fire Department representative who was investigating the damage reported that a rear entry door appeared to have been forced open by an unknown person or persons.

No further information was provided.

Suspicious circumstance reported

WEST BLOOMFIELD — On March 1, officers were reportedly dispatched to the 5300 block of Pond Bluff Drive to take a suspicious circumstance report about water coming from a residence and flowing directly into a street drain.

After speaking with officers, the homeowner reportedly stopped letting water from the residence flow into the street drain.

Physical altercation reported

WEST BLOOMFIELD — On March 6, officers were dispatched to an address on 14 Mile Road to take an assault and battery report.

Two coworkers reportedly got into an argument that turned into a physical confrontation.

The altercation was quickly broken up by other coworkers.

Vehicle reportedly stolen from restaurant

WEST BLOOMFIELD — On March 7, officers took a report that a vehicle had been stolen from a restaurant on Orchard Lake Road.

The reporting party informed officers that after the vehicle was parked and the

owner went into the restaurant to eat, the vehicle was later discovered to be missing. No suspects were reported.

Wallet reportedly swiped from restaurant

WEST BLOOMFIELD — On March 7, an officer was dispatched to a restaurant on West Maple Road to take a report of a stolen wallet.

The reporting party informed an officer that the wallet was taken by an unknown person or persons while in the restaurant.

No further information was provided.

Anyone who has information about these crimes or others is asked to call the West Bloomfield Police Department at (248) 975-9200.

— Mark Vest

Road salt

from page 3A

The decline bucks long-term trends: U.S. road salt usage has tripled since the 1970s.

Applying salt dramatically reduces the risk of winter collisions, but safety comes at a cost.

The briny runoff seeps into the soil and harms plants, or trickles into underground aquifers, rivers and lakes, polluting the water.

Lake Michigan’s chloride concentrations have increased dramatically since the 1800s and continue to rise by a milligram every couple of years. Some rivers absorb so much salt during the spring melt, they briefly have the chemistry of ocean water. That harms fish and wildlife, and can free heavy metals from the riverbed.

Salt pollution has fundamentally altered some inland lakes, creating deepwater dead zones that are toxic to fish.

In recognition of those harms, “we’ve been trying to make a conscious effort to reduce our salt use,” said MDOT’s Croze.

Road officials said they don’t anticipate making any big changes to next year’s salt budget as a result of this year. Salt purchases are based on five-year averages, and Michigan’s recent history has included some high-salt years.

But long-term, climate experts say, the average winter will become too warm to warrant much salt spreading in many parts of the state.

“Winter is becoming compressed into a few weeks in January,” said Richard Rood, a professor emeritus of climate and space sciences and engineering at the University of Michigan.

His message to city planners: Don’t eliminate salting and plowing from the budget just yet, but “it’s reasonable to start planning for winters with less.”

In addition to reducing pollution, that would save taxpayers money.

This year, Bryson said, Oakland County will save more than a million dollars on salt, plus additional savings from reduced overtime costs and wear-and-tear on vehicles.

Olsen, of Marquette County, said his agency so far saved $80,000 on fuel, because less snow has meant fewer trips for plow trucks.

“Twenty-six years I’ve been here, and I don’t remember a winter anything like this,” Olsen said.

Rood noted that any potential reduction in salt pollution will pale in comparison to the “huge changes” climate change will bring for Michigan’s environment and culture.

And even for road agencies, there are downsides to milder winters.

Rainfall on frozen ground increases flood risks, while shoreline erosion is worse when the Great Lakes fail to freeze over. Meanwhile, repeated midwinter thaws are hard on roads.

That means road crews may spend less time operating salt trucks and snow plows, but more time filling potholes and rebuilding roads washed out by storms.

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SPOTLIGHT ON HEALTH

JUST KEEP SWIMMING: A SPORT FOR ALL AGES

BY MARY BETH ALMOND malmond@candgnews.com

METRO DETROIT — Jumping into a pool or lake for a swim isn’t only fun, it offers many health benefits and is great for people of all ages.

With so many opportunities for water recreation in Michigan, the most important step is learning how to swim.

“Swim and water safety are really important topics because we all live in Michigan, so we all live really close to water recreation opportunities — whether that be pools or lakes or rivers. There’s lots of opportunities for residents to get in the water and recreate, but for a lot of people, if they don’t know how to swim, that can be a dangerous situation,” said Danielle Mauter, the chief of marketing and communications for the Huron-Clinton Metroparks.

Although formal swim lessons may reduce the likelihood of drowning by 88%, studies show one of the biggest barriers to more people in the region learning to swim is the fees.

The Huron-Clinton Metroparks is working

with partners to save lives by increasing access to free swim lessons and lifesaving water skills in underserved communities through the expansion of its Everyone in the Pool swim initiative. Through this five-year plan, the metroparks have committed to providing 6,000 free swim lessons each year for adults and children with support from existing and future partners and expand opportunities for lifeguard certification and staffing infrastructure. A fundraising goal of $1.5 million has been set to make this expansion possible.

Over the past three years, the metroparks have partnered with public and nonprofit organizations in Wayne, Oakland, Macomb, Washtenaw and Livingston counties to collaborate on free water safety and swim lessons for more than 4,600 students at various recreation centers and facilities. Most lessons start in early June, and registration is already open for some, with additional registration opportunities continuing to open over the next few weeks on the metroparks website, www.metroparks.com.

After learning how to swim, it’s important to

Huron-Clinton Metroparks is working with multiple partners throughout the year to offer free swim lessons at locations throughout southeast Michigan.

Photo provided by the Huron-Clinton Metroparks

Precision Foot & Ankle Clinic: Now Accepting New Patients!

Podiatry has experienced signifcant advancements over the last two decades, particularly in the areas of bone reconstruction and joint replacement, with innovations such as 3D printing revolutionizing the way doctors treat complex foot and ankle conditions.

Board-certifed foot and ankle reconstructive surgeon Dr. Angela Jacob, DPM, D.ABFAS, FACFAS opened her own practice in October 2022, to bring these advancements to patients of all ages in Southeast Michigan.

Gone are the days when individuals sufering from painful ankle arthritis had to accept the limitations of an ankle fusion, which often resulted in restricted mobility.

“Tere are very few surgeons in metro Detroit who do ankle replacements, but thanks to technology, we’re able to 3D print tailor-made implants that restore the full range of motion and ofer patients a new lease on life,” said Dr. Jacob. She once treated a patient whose second metatarsal head, the part at the base of the toe, had deteriorated. A previous replacement failed because the bone had already died.

Runners can suddenly face this problem, but by designing and 3D printing a new metatarsal head with a long stem, she was able to restore the toe’s proper length. Tis innovation allowed her patient to run two miles for the frst time in years after her recovery.

“It’s rewarding to see the outcomes and watch

patients improve, especially the kids,” she said. “I treat many pediatric patients who come in with signifcant deformities in their foot and ankle, whether congenital or due to injury. Seeing them able to wear normal shoes for the frst time or play sports brings me joy.”

Dr. Jacob emphasized the need for proactive foot care: “If your feet feel cold and numb, get them checked out to ensure you don’t have conditions that could cause issues later in life.”

She also works closely with vascular surgeons to prevent amputations in diabetes patients by improving blood fow and preserving their limbs. “Neuropathy often creeps in silently, mistaken for temporary numbness,” she said. “However, these symptoms are crucial signals from the body and should not be ignored. It’s easy to take our feet for granted until we’re unable to use them.”

Precision Foot & Ankle Center is located at 6900 Orchard Lake Rd., Suite 207, West Bloomfeld Township. As soon as patients walk in, they’ll feel like they’re stepping into a relaxing med spa, complete with a friendly hello from Dr. Jacob’s two therapy dogs, Cocoa and Pepper. “Sometimes I wonder if my patients are here to see my dogs and not me,” she joked.

To make an appointment, call (248) 778-8187 or visit precision-podiatry.com. Follow Precision Foot & Ankle Center, PLLC on Facebook and @ dr.cocoabean on Instagram.

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Swimming

keep practicing your skills in the water as you grow.

Michigan is known for its Great Lakes, but our state is also home to over 11,000 small inland lakes — and a host of private and public pools.

The Troy Community Center provides many opportunities for people of all ages to enjoy the water year round — with both indoor and seasonal outdoor pools — including parent and tot classes, kiddie swim, swim lessons, open swim for all ages, water slides, lap swimming, water aerobics, a therapy pool and more.

From boosted heart health to muscle toning, experts say swimming and other water workouts offer many health benefits for children and adults.

“Research shows that swimming is good for your lungs,” said Troy Community Center Recreation Supervisor Morgan Thrasher. “You can swim, you can walk, you can move — there’s a bunch of different things that the water provides that you wouldn’t necessarily get on land.”

Swimming requires you to control your breathing, so it can strengthen your respiratory muscles, improve lung capacity and help build breath endurance. In fact, it’s often recommended that people with asthma pursue swimming to build their lung strength.

Swimming can also alleviate stress, boost your mood, improve flexibility, and even improve coordination, balance and posture.

The low-impact exercise offers resistance, providing muscle strengthening and toning to keep you strong and fit as you age.

The OPC Social and Activity Center in Rochester allows its members, ages 50 and older, to use a therapy pool for water exercise classes, relaxing and massaging achy muscles

and joints, and a lap pool for water exercise and lap swimming.

Mandy Mullins, the fitness and aquatics manager at the OPC Social and Activity Center, said a wide range of seniors use the aquatic facility, including the center’s oldest active swimmer, age 92.

“Some are just coming out of a therapy or a surgery and they are using the therapy pool to continue their rehab, all the way up to our folks who are still practicing for swim competitions,” she said.

Competitive senior swimmers — including one who is 79 year old — use the OPC’s lap pool to train for Michigan Senior Olympics and U.S. Masters swim meets.

“Some have been swimming all their lives and have continued on with all their competitions, and some of them are just getting into it now as seniors — they found swimming and found a group of people who were athletes in some capacity before, and this has been a way for them to compete that’s not as hard on their bodies,” said Mullins.

“For the competitive swimmers, it’s kind of like having a club,” added Delaney Zaloga, a fitness and aquatics supervisor. “They all like swimming, and they all like pushing each other at their swim practice and getting better and better at all the meets.”

But not everybody has to swim to get the benefits of the water, Mullins explained.

“There are some doctors that will recommend the therapy and warm water pool type of class to just get started, especially if there are any balance issues involved. It’s a lot harder to fall over in the pool, so it’s a really great starting point,” she said. “We also have Aqua Zumba or other types of cardio classes that are in the pool where they aren’t necessarily swimming, but they are using that water resistance and the buoyancy and really getting their heart rate going in there without really having to do traditional swimming.”

Wrestling

from page 6A

“Their confidence is growing,” West Bloomfield coach Greg Alessi said. “To wrestle girls and compete against girls and actually place in tournaments is a big confidence booster for them.”

Hampton was the regional runner-up in the 145-pound weight class after compiling an impressive 16-5 regular season record, but would put a final stamp on her junior campaign with a fifth-place finish at the state championship meet March 2 at Ford Field. Hampton, who’s been wrestling since seventh grade, placed fourth as a freshman and fifth as a sophomore at the state finals.

Hampton’s twin brother, Alexander Hampton, was a league champion on the boys side for the Lakers.

“She’s (Hampton) really smart and she has a good mat sense,” Alessi said. “She’s learning the sport, and what I mean by learning the sport, I mean learning as time goes by to do things reactionary instead of thinking about it. As you get more comfortable, you react to certain situations and things like that. That’s where she’s getting better at.”

The Lakers trio dominated throughout the season as Zimnicki and Khizanishvili

both took first at the Macomb County Invitational and Zimnicki earned first at the TriCounty Tournament at Groves High School, while Hampton took runner-up.

The development of more all-girls tournaments allowed the female wrestlers for the Lakers to compete in more girls-only matches, and Alessi said it’s only going to keep growing.

“As the years go by, even in the short three years, it’s becoming more popular, so it’s becoming more competitive,” Alessi said. “There’s more girls out and more competition. You can see the development of the sport. It’s coming.”

Hampton will headline the senior leadership next season as a three-time state qualifier alongside Khizanishvili, a two-time state qualifier, while Zimnicki will look to build on a sensational freshman season. Tarra Long and Janay Beardon were also key contributors for West Bloomfield this season.

As the sport continues to grow, the Lakers are hoping the team’s success and sisterlike bond attracts more girls in the school to wrestle.

“All of our girls are really close-knit,” Hampton said. “It doesn’t really matter if you’re, like, a freshman or a junior like me. We had a few new girls come out this year, and they’re kind of like sisters to me.”

Fletcher

from page 1A

saddened by the news of Lampl’s resignation.

“I appreciate everything that you’ve done (and) how much I’ve learned from you,” Karson said at the meeting. “I thank you for that, and you will be missed.”

Keego Council member Theresa Shimansky also thanked Lampl for his service.

“Your leaving us is going to be a great loss for the city,” she said. “Your insights are always welcome. To say that they bring new light to many subjects would be an understatement. You’re very thoughtful and concise with your thoughts, and it has been a significant contribution to our city, no matter what position you have served.”

In an interview with the Beacon, Keego Mayor Rob Kalman also shared some thoughts about Lampl.

“He was a real strong asset to the city,” Kalman said. “He had a really good financial background and dug in deep on the issues, understood them and asked really good, pointed questions.”

Following Lampl’s resignation, Kalman said that Keego City Manager Tammy Neeb was asked to put out a notice to residents that the city was going to accept letters of interest about filling the vacant council seat.

He said four people applied and were given an opportunity to speak to City Council members, including Fletcher, who is now set to complete Lampl’s term.

If Fletcher wants to remain on council beyond that term, he will be required to run for a spot during the general election in November.

Although Kalman said that he liked all four of the people who expressed an interest in completing Lampl’s term, he explained the rationale for ultimately deciding on Fletcher.

“He’s experienced. He’s talented,” Kalman said. “At least for me, I wanted somebody who would be able to jump right in and be able to help out, explore the issues with me, bounce ideas off of me and other council members, and come with a different perspective. He’s had years of experience on our City Council. … For the remainder of the year, before there’s an election, I really wanted to have somebody who had some experience.”

Prior to opting to not run in 2022, Fletcher was serving as Keego’s mayor.

Fletcher said that he received phone calls from “quite a few people” about returning to council following Lampl’s resignation. He discussed what led him to making himself available for the appointment.

“I care about my community,” Fletcher said. “I’m a firm believer in fresh blood

and letting other people have their chances, and that’s why I didn’t run for reelection, but when duty calls, you have to step up, and that’s why I do it: for my community, (and to) show my family that’s part of your responsibility as a good citizen — step up when you’re needed and do what you need to do.”

However, that doesn’t mean the decision was an easy one.

“I had to think about it,” Fletcher said. “I’m very busy with my businesses, and I travel a lot. … When you put it all together it can be, minimum, a 20-hour-a-week parttime job to be effective, so it was very difficult. I have grandkids now.”

Fletcher worked on City Council with Lampl and said that the two of them had many of the same goals and shared the same mentality.

He cited implementing a road restoration program, adopting a wetlands ordinance and getting a public safety millage passed as his goals for council.

“In Keego, we walk a fine line on the budget,” Fletcher said. “Every dollar counts. There’s a lot (of) work that goes into this and, hopefully, we can get everybody up to speed and onboard and make it all work.”

Fletcher was officially appointed to his position last month. He said that it is “way too early” to know if he is going to run for an elected spot in November.

What he doesn’t need to take time to think about is his fondness for the city of Keego.

“Keego really is a great place to live and walk around,” Fletcher said. “It’s beautiful. … I’m privileged to be able to serve it.”

Call Staff Writer Mark Vest at (586) 4981052.

Hoarding

from page 4A

cial assistance to cover counseling services as well as professional cleaners and organizers.

“Last year, we worked with around 10 clients who were dealing with hoarding issues, which is an uptick from the previous year,” JFS Communications Manager Debbie Feit said. “It was enough of a jump that we felt a need to respond.”

The grant would also cover training for 40 staff members in the agency’s geriatric care management, behavioral health, and family support services in order to rec-

ognize hoarding behaviors.

“We want our staff to have a basic understanding of what hoarding is and what could be causing this, and be able to look for the symptoms, engage with people and help with potential financial barriers,” Haddad said. “We’re hoping that by building clients’ comfort and educating them, we can help clients begin the process of therapy or joining a group for support.”

For more information, visit jfsdetroit. org or call (248) 592-2300 for the JFS West Bloomfield Office or the Oak Park Office. Those in need of assistance or who know someone who may need assistance can call (248) 592-2313.

CITY OF ORCHARD LAKE VILLAGE

NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING MASTER PLAN

NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that the City of Orchard Lake Village Planning Commission will hold a Public Hearing on Tuesday, April 2, 2024 at 7:00 p.m. in the Orchard Lake City Hall, 3955 Orchard Lake Road, Orchard Lake, MI. The purpose of the Hearing is to receive comments from the public regarding the City of Orchard Lake Master Plan.

A complete copy of the Master Plan is available from the offce of the City Clerk, 3955 Orchard Lake Road, Orchard Lake, MI between the hours of 8:00 a.m. and 4:00 p.m. Monday through Friday, excluding legal holidays. Written comments will be received in the offce of the City Clerk and may be submitted electronically to CityClerk@CityofOrchardLake.com. You are invited to attend the hearing.

Rhonda McClellan

CityClerk@CityofOrchardLake.com

Publish: West Bloomfeld Beacon 03/20/2024 0419-2412

NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING

Keego Harbor Zoning Board of Appeals

Notice is hereby given that the Keego Harbor Zoning Board of Appeals will hold a public hearing on Thursday April 18, 2024, beginning at 6:00 PM, or as soon thereafter as the agenda allows, at the Keego Harbor City Hall, 2025 Beechmont St., Keego Harbor, MI 48320.

The purpose of the hearing is to receive public comments on a request for a variance submitted by Gjergji Prendi. The property in question is a vacant lot on the east side of Cass Lake Front Road between Glenbroke Street and Grove Street (parcel # 36-18-02-278-025). The applicant is seeking variances from the required side yard setbacks on an L-shaped lot. The required setbacks of the Neighborhood Residential district are 30% of the lot width (26.75 ft on this lot), with the smallest side being a minimum of 10% (8.9 ft on this lot). The applicant is proposing side setbacks of 8.9 feet and 3.1 feet on the narrow portion of the lot, resulting in a variance of 14.75 feet from the required side setback on one side.

A complete copy of the application may be examined at the Keego Harbor City Hall, 2025 Beechmont St., Keego Harbor, MI 48320, prior to the public hearing, during the City’s regular business hours, Monday through Thursday, 8:00 AM through 4:00 PM. Written comments may be addressed to the Zoning Board of Appeals at the City Hall address. Oral comments will be taken during the hearing on April 18, 2024.

This notice is published pursuant to the requirements of the Michigan Zoning Enabling Act, PA 110 of 2006, as amended.

Tammy Neeb

Keego Harbor Clerk

Published: West Bloomfeld Beacon 03/20/2024 0115-2412

FOIA

from page 4A

that

with FOIA requests and support individuals’ ability to take civil action when the government withholds information. It aims to hold government officials accountable by creating an open government commission of mixed political parties and media entities to review FOIA requests regarding the state Legislature and governor’s office. The commission would investigate complaints, issue binding opinions and impose penalties.

“The reality is that there is a Michigan problem here because of the lack of disclosure and transparency from the Legislature and governor’s office in this law. And so it’s elevated through the Flint water crisis and other successive issues that were unique to Michigan,” Moss said. “I am proud to have raised these early alarms on this to the point where people know what you’re talking about when you say ‘FOIA’ in Lansing and ‘FOIA reform.’ And so we’re, hopefully, on the last leg of a very long journey of getting this done.”

“The growth and persistence of support for more transparency in our state government shows how much the public expects and demands us to pass this legislation now,” said McBroom in a statement. “Having laws requiring openness of our government actions and records is a statement of our values in this gov-

ernment of, by, and for the people: it is their government and they must have the right and tools to hold it accountable. In these times of skepticism and cynicism toward our government and elected leaders it is imperative we seek real reforms to empower the citizens and show our faithful execution of our oaths to them.”

State Rep. Tom Kuhn, R-Troy, was joined by Republican Reps. Jaime Greene, Donni Steele, Mark Tisdel, David Martin, and Alicia St. Germaine in introducing their plan, which would create the Open Government Commission to oversee FOIA requests and appeals.

“All of our state government needs to be subject to FOIA requests, plain and simple,” said Kuhn. He said a “lack of transparency and accountability is completely unacceptable. Our plan allows for added public oversight of all government and increases penalties for noncompliant public bodies.”

Stacey LaRouche, the press secretary for the governor’s office, said Gov. Gretchen Whitmer “believes that state government must be open, transparent, and accountable to taxpayers. She is the first governor in state history to voluntarily disclose personal financial information, income tax returns, travel records, and public calendars online.”

For more information on SBs 669 and 670, visit legislature.mi.gov and search ‘669’ and ‘670’. For more information on House Bills 5422-5427, visit legislature.mi.gov and search ‘5422’ and ‘5427.’

SERVICES

PARK MAINTENANCE PERSONNEL

Permanent part-time Park Maintenance Personnel position, $17.66 - $22.92 hourly (32 hours per week) includes benefit package. Successful completion of Civil Service Examination(s) is required, and applicants must meet all requirements set forth in the Employees Civil Service Ordinance, as well as possession of a valid Michigan driver’s license and a good driving record. Pre-employment background investigation and substance abuse testing is required. Interested, applicants must submit application to the Clinton Township Employees Civil Service Commission, 40700 Romeo Plank Rd., Clinton Twp., MI 48038 on or before the close of business, Monday, April 1, 2024. The Charter Township of Clinton is an Equal Opportunity Employer, applicants are considered for all positions without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, marital status, or disability. For further information pertaining to this position or to download employment application please refer to www.clintontownship.com, click on employment. 0295-2412

LOVELL

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29-year-old woman had obtained a box cutter and swung it at the man in an attempt to injure him. She was arrested for felonious assault and was lodged for arraignment. The man did not suffer any injuries. The case was forwarded on to the Oakland County Prosecutor’s Officer for a warrant request.

Drunken driver crashes

HAZEL PARK — According to a police report, a 50-year-old Warren man drove a gray 2013 Chevy Traverse off the roadway at John R and Sonoma roads at 7:15 p.m. Feb. 27, striking a building. The driver had a blood alcohol content level of 0.157. He was taken to a hospital and issued citations for operating while intoxicated. The investigation was ongoing.

Man’s boss arrested after reportedly breaking into employee’s home, assaulting him

Man

who was already on foot patrol, saw the suspect and shared his path of travel with other officers. Officers found the suspect in the bushes along the brick wall on the east side of the Flagstar Bank parking lot. After obstructing and resisting officers, he was taken into custody.

An airsoft pistol and the stolen cellphone were found in the bushes where he had been hiding. He was to remain in custody until his arraignment.

Woman accused of threatening man with boxcutter in road rage incident

FARMINGTON — Around 11 a.m. Feb. 13, officers were dispatched to the area of Grand River Avenue and Halsted Road for a fight in progress.

Officers arrived and found a man and a woman in a verbal argument that had stemmed from a road rage argument on M-5. Officers learned that the

ROCHESTER HILLS — Deputies responded to the 100 block of Fontainbleau Court for an assault and home invasion at 7:47 a.m. Feb. 4. A man told police he had texted his boss, who pays a portion of his rent directly out of his landscaping paycheck, to let the boss know there was a text about owing the rent. The boss then allegedly went to the man’s home, kicked in the front door and assaulted him. Deputies located the suspect, a 53-year-old man from Rochester Hills, a few houses away from the victim’s house, and he was arrested for home invasion and assault and battery. He was lodged at the Oakland County Jail.

Suspect charged with stealing tires off disabled vehicle

TROY — A 37-year-old Detroit man was charged with larceny from a motor vehicle and driving with a suspended license after he was found stealing the wheels and tires off a disabled vehicle on Interstate 75, police said.

The incident took place at 1:41 p.m. Feb. 21 near the I-75 northbound offramp to Crooks Road. The owner of the disabled vehicle said he had left the vehicle on the side of the road that morning because it was overheating, and when he returned, he found the suspect removing the wheels and tires. According to the police, the suspect claimed he was removing the wheels and tires because he worked for a tire shop. When the police arrived, the suspect was unable to provide any documentation to prove he owned or worked for such a business, nor did he have any personal identification, including for the vehicle he was driving. Police said both passenger side wheels/tires of the victim’s car were found in the subject’s vehicle, along with numerous other used tires.

4700 Pontiac Trail, free but donations appreciated, gwbhs.org, (248) 757-2451

ONGOING

‘The Imaginative, Profound, & Magical World of Dr. Seuss’: See drawings, paintings and sculptures, some from his private collection, 10 a.m.-6 p.m. daily (except Sundays) until March 31, open house 3-6 p.m. March 23, Art Leaders Gallery, 33086 Northwestern Highway in West Bloomfield, artleaders.com/featured-artists/art-of-dr-seuss, (248) 539-0262

‘The (Curious Case of the) Watson Intelligence’: 8 p.m. Fridays and Saturdays and 2 p.m. Sundays April 5-21, The Inspired Acting Company, 1124 E. West Maple Drive in Walled Lake, inspiredacting.org, (248) 863-9953, info@inspiredacting.org

Game nights: 6:30 p.m. Wednesdays, Sylvan Lake Community Center, 2456 Pontiac Drive, (248) 682-1440

• 5-6:30 p.m.

section after Imus

said Jeremy Yagoda, who owns Marvin’s. Yagoda took over the business after his father, Marvin, died in 2017. He said that the business has been at its current location since 1980.

“It’s a sensory overload,” Yagoda said. “It’s one man’s passion gone wild. My father built this, not about a business. Not everything was about, ‘will this pay for itself?’ It was about him buying things that he loved and sharing them with other people.”

Marvin’s is over 5,000 square feet and has features such as coin-operated machines, model airplanes, movie posters, collector’s items and antique memorabilia.

Yagoda’s hope is to remain in the same shopping center, but in a space that is approximately 10,000 square feet, with the extra space allowing for perks such as dedicated party rooms. If things don’t work out for Marvin’s to remain in Farmington Hills, Yagoda may not have to worry about having other suitors, as, according to him, multiple municipalities have reached out to him about moving the business to their community.