3/6/24 Eagle

Birmingham seeks input on a historic reservation master plan

BY MARY GENSON mgenson@candgnews.com

BIRMINGHAM — As they prepare to develop a historic preservation master plan, the city of Birmingham’s Historic District Commission is seeking public feedback.

The city of Birmingham has been doing historic preservation work since the 1970s; however, they have never established a historic preservation master plan. They recently posted a survey on Engage Birmingham to collect community input and get a feel for where the public stands.

“We are trying to get some feedback on what really matters to people, what types of resources they want to protect, their understanding of the historic resources that we have and how important it is to them,” Historic District Commission Vice Chair Dustin Kolo said.

Kolo said that Birmingham’s historic resources played a factor when he moved to Michigan.

See HISTORIC on page 30A

Students get excited about reading during Battle of the Books

BY MARY GENSON mgenson@candgnews.com

BIRMINGHAM — On March 9, Birmingham Public School fourth and fifth graders will compete in the Baldwin Public Library’s Battle of the Books at 10 a.m. at Groves High School.

The Battle of the Books has taken place for several years and averages at about 375 students each year.

Participating students form teams and read from a selected list of five books. On competition day, teams compete by answering trivia questions about the books they read.

Each year, the battle encourages reading habits for both students who love books as well as students who are not typi-

cally big readers. The competition is beneficial to their reading skills and puts the students in a team scenario where they get to socialize and work together towards a common goal, the district said.

“It’s just so much fun to see the creativity, and the kids get so excited about reading, answering questions, spend-

See BOOKS on page 18A

The Hewitt House Historic District is pictured on Townsend Street in Birmingham, a city that is home to many historical residential and commercial buildings.

‘DEFEND THE TITLE’

CRANBROOK SWIM AND DIVE VIES FOR TOP SPOT IN DIVISION 3 AS STATE FINALS NEARS

BY JONATHAN SZCZEPANIAK jszczepaniak@candgnews.com

BLOOMFIELD HILLS — Everyone wants to be a part of a successful team.

The environment is electric, the team atmosphere is exciting, and everyone has their sights set on the same thing – winning.

It’s a special feeling that not everyone gets to experience in their high school athletic career. So when Bloomfield Hills Cranbrook Kingswood swim and dive brought home a Michigan High School Athletic Association Division 3 State Championship last year for

the first time since their four-peat from 2014-2017, the Cranes became a hot commodity.

“It was a huge part, because the biggest thing was guys that weren’t on the team wanted to be on the team, so they did a lot of offseason work to become a part of it,” senior Will Farner said. “That’s what’s really (contributed) to our success this year.”

While Cranbrook expected the swimming team’s success to gain some attraction, there probably wasn’t the thought of reeling in two big-time senior swimmers in the process.

Racing for each other BIRMINGHAM SKI CONCLUDES ADVERSITYFILLED SEASON AT STATE FINALS

BY JONATHAN SZCZEPANIAK jszczepaniak@candgnews.com

BIRMINGHAM — There’s a reason the Birmingham ski team is consistently a part of the Michigan High School Athletic Association Division 1 State Finals each year.

Prior to missing states last year, the girls side had made sixconsecutive appearances while the boys are currently riding a four-year streak.

Concluding their season Feb. 26 at the MHSAA Division 1 State Finals meet at Boyne Highlands, Birmingham finished sixth on the boys side and fifth on the girls, closing the chapter on another impressive season forefronted by a family-like atmosphere.

Birmingham, a co-op of Birmingham Seaholm and Birmingham Groves High School, may feature two separate schools, but it’s their ability to come together as one that continues to lay the groundwork for success.

See SKI on page 28A

Photo provided by Cranbrook Kingswood Swim and Dive Bloomfield Hills Cranbrook Kingswood celebrates its first place finish at the Catholic League Championships March 2 at Waterford Kettering High School.

Junior Wills McAlear races in slalom. Photo provided by Caroline Appleford

TIME TO GET OUTDOOR SPACES READY FOR SPRING AND SUMMER

BY GENA JOHNSON gjohnson@candgnews.com

METRO DETROIT — Outside living spaces have grown in popularity over the years. As spring approaches, this is the time to start preparing lawns and gardens for “backyarding” fun.

“‘Backyarding,’ I think we came up with the term during COVID. It was the first time I heard it,” said Kris Kiser, president and CEO of the TurfMutt Foundation, which advocates for the care of outdoor spaces from yards to parks. “It’s a verb meaning to champion the outdoors and creating the spaces for your particular needs.”

According to Kiser, lawns and backyards are no longer meant just to look pretty and provide curb appeal.

“We’ve worked with Realtors who have said, ‘Young people want outdoor living spaces,’” Kiser said. These spaces are determined with a purpose in mind and tailored to the owner’s needs and desires: a Zen space, a cooking space or outdoor fun. When planning these spaces, one must factor in kids, dogs, deer and flowering plants.

Matching the right plant to the right place is the mantra of many gardeners and growers. To find the right match, homeowners must know their climate zone, Kiser said.

“The U.S. Department of Agriculture recently updated their plant hardiness map,” said David Lowenstein, consumer horticulture supervising extension educator at the Michigan State University Macomb County Extension Office. “Now everyone is in zone 6 in the Detroit metro area.”

“What the zone information describes is the average minimum winter temperature. Zone 6A, the average temperature is minus 10 degrees Fahrenheit to minus 5 degrees Fahrenheit,” Lowenstein said. “That means the plants can survive if temperatures get to minus 10 degrees.”

Combining the right plant with the right soil can yield thriving results. Common types of soil are clay, sand and loam, according to Lowenstein.

“We do tend to have a lot of clay soil in our area,” Lowenstein said about the soil in Macomb and Oakland counties.

The soil types can vary in this area depending on how close you are to a body of water, according to Lowenstein.

“Streams have been channeled, and they’re now underground,” Lowenstein said. “Where your house is now could have once been a wetland or had a stream nearby, and that can impact the soil type.”

The right plant for the right place is as simple as a couple of clicks of the mouse, according to Kiser. Homeowners can do research on the internet into the kind of soil they have and what plants are optimal in that environment. The MSU Extension Office also has soil testers that give the nutrient composition of the soil. The testers are available in the office or online for purchase. For more information, see homesoiltest. msu.edu.

Kiser created an outdoor office during the COVID-19 pandemic and continues to enjoy it today as

Outdoor living spaces are growing in popularity. Spending time outdoors can decrease stress and anxiety.

Photo by Rebecca Finneran

Outdoor

from page 4A

it draws colorful migrating birds, butterflies and a fox.

“The office has turned into a bit of an interaction with nature,” Kiser said. “It’s a disturbance I like.”

“Whatever you have, work with it.” Kiser said. That can include everything from a potted plant on a terrace to sprawling acres with plants, bushes, flowers, fruit trees and vegetables.

A beautiful outdoor garden can attract unwanted visitors. Deer love tender young plants and flowers. According to Lowenstein, it is difficult to keep the deer away completely unless there is a high fence or other barrier.

Deer typically avoid holly and orna-

mental grasses, according to Lowenstein. Catmint also deters deer with its fragrant scent and fuzzy leaves. Deer usually do not eat plants with hairy leaves like lamb’s ear.

Lowenstein suggests covering new plants and flowers with a cage to keep the deer away, at least until the new plants have been in the ground a month or two.

A lush green lawn can be a highlight of a beautiful outdoor space.

“Lawns look green when their fertility needs are met,” Lowenstein said. “What I mean by that is, when there is a sufficient amount of nitrogen available to them.”

Fertilizer can add nitrogen to the lawn, but err on the side of caution and do not over-fertilize, Lowenstein said. Slow-release fertilizer can be used less frequently than the fast-release variety, because slow-release continues to release nutrients.

Although metro Detroit had some unseasonably warm days in February, according to Lowenstein, the time to seed and plant will be in April.

“We could still have days that could bring us freezes, frosts or even snow,” Lowenstein said. “You don’t want to be fooled by Mother Nature and plant too early.”

Now the lawn can be mowed and any debris cleared. In a few weeks, the lawn will be ready to aerate, which involves punching holes into the ground, and to scarify, which creates grooves in the soil for grass seed to penetrate, protecting it from birds, according to Kiser. Kiser said to order plants, hardscapes and pools and arrange for labor now, because they may be more difficult to come by later in the season.

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

Financial Advisor

325 N Old

assures the holder of par value redemption. CDs are redeemable at par upon death of beneficial holder. For detailed overview of these and other risks refer to the Certificate of Deposit Disclosure Statement at raymondjames.com/liquid.htm. Additional information is also available on the SEC Certificates of Deposit: Tips for Investors website at sec.gov/answers/cds.htm. © 2023 Raymond James & Associates, Inc., member New York Stock Exchange/SIPC. 23-MFI Retail -0187 BS 6/23

0367-2408

CRANBROOK HOLDS FIRST SPRING BREAK CAMPS

BY MARY GENSON mgenson@candgnews.com

BLOOMFIELD HILLS — For the first time, Cranbrook Institute of Science is holding a spring break STEAM camp March 26, 27 and 28.

Students will get to explore the subjects of physics, astronomy or innovation science through fun and engaging workshops, the institute said. Students in grades one-six are encouraged to participate, especially if they are passionate about science.

Each day will bring new activities, and students can sign up for one day or all three days. Danielle DiFalco, the Cranbrook Institute of Science education manager, described the spring break camps as a “taste of one of our summer camp days.” However, she added that there will not be any repeat activities between the spring and summer camps.

On March 26, the theme is physics; on March 27, the theme is astronomy; and on March 28, the theme is innovation.

“All three days will include hands-on workshops, design thinking and an engineering problem-solving and building-type interactive,” DiFalco said.

Students will be combined into three groups, depending on grade level.

Cameron Wood is one of the camp staff helping coordinate the fifth-sixth grade camp. Wood provided examples of activities the age group will be doing on each themed day.

On astronomy day, students will create a solar system mobile. On physics day, they will make a homemade Newton’s cradle. On innovation day, they will be asked to design an exoplanet and a lifeform that could hypothetically live on that planet. These activities are among many the students will have the opportunity to do during camp, according to the institute.

“We hope that it’s something that would appeal to quite a broad variety of kids, but certainly those with an interest in science,” Wood said.

In addition to the hands-on learning at camp, students will explore the museum’s interactive exhibits, view a planetarium show and watch an energetic stage science performance.

Camps run 9 a.m.-3 p.m., and campers are asked to bring a packed lunch. No before or after care is available. Each day costs $110 for members and $125 for non-members. Registration for each day is separate.

For more information on the Cranbrook Institute of Science’s STEAM camp, visit sc ience.cranbrook.edu.

Call Staff Writer Mary Genson at (586) 498-1095.

Nowthere’shopefor hormonalhealthrecovery formenandwomen

Nowthere’shopefor hormonalhealthrecovery formenandwomen

Dr. Rona Wadle, D.O.

Dr. Rona Wadle, D.O.

Dr. Rona Wadle, D.O., doesn’t hold back when talking about the life-changing bioidentical hormone replacement therapy that she received - and now offers to others at RenewMyWellness in downtown Birmingham.

“After suffering through severe menopausal symptoms myself, this therapy has given me my life back,” Dr. Wadle said.

Dr. Rona Wadle, D.O., doesn’t hold back when talking about the life-changing bioidentical hormone replacement therapy that she received - and now offers to others at RenewMyWellness in downtown Birmingham.

Dr. Rona Wadle, D.O., doesn’t hold back when talking about the life-changing bioidentical hormone replacement therapy that she received - and now ofers to others at Renew My Wellness located in Birmingham.

Since the 1930’s patients throughout Europe, Japan and the United States have successfully used bio-identical hormones. Many studies show that when prescribed and administered correctly, bio-identical hormone pellets can help a variety of conditions and symptoms. They don’t present the potential hazards that many synthetic medications do.

“Afer sufering through severe menopausal symptoms myself, this therapy has given me my life back,” Dr. Wadle said.

As a registered nurse who later went to medical school and became board certified in emergency medicine, Dr. Wadle owned and operated an urgent care center in Birmingham. Based on her own medical journey and personal experience with hormone depletion, she founded RenewMyWellness.

“After suffering through severe menopausal symptoms myself, this therapy has given me my life back,” Dr. Wadle said.

As a registered nurse who later went to medical school and became board certified in emergency medicine, Dr. Wadle owned and operated an urgent care center in Birmingham. Based on her own medical journey and personal experience with hormone depletion, she founded RenewMyWellness.

As a registered nurse who later went to medical school and became board certifed in emergency medicine, Dr. Wadle owned and operated an urgent care center in Birmingham. Based on her own medical journey and personal experience with hormone depletion, she founded Renew My Wellness.

For men and women dealing with fatigue, depression, apathy, anxiety, weight gain, decreased libido, decreased exercise endurance and muscle mass there is a bioidentical way to improve these symptoms. “What we’re offering is hormone replacement therapy in the form of testosterone and estradiol pellets for both women and men,” Dr. Wadle explains.“Pellets provide a delivery system that mimics the human body so that even improved physiologic levels can be achieved.”

For men and women dealing with fatigue, depression, apathy, anxiety, weight gain, decreased libido, decreased exercise endurance and muscle mass there is a bioidentical way to improve these symptoms. “What we’re offering is hormone replacement therapy in the form of testosterone and estradiol pellets for both women and men,” Dr. Wadle explains.“Pellets provide a delivery system that mimics the human body so that even improved physiologic levels can be achieved.”

For men and women dealing with fatigue, depression, apathy, anxiety, weight gain, decreased libido, decreased exercise endurance and muscle mass there is a bioidentical way to improve these symptoms. “What we’re ofering is hormone replacement therapy in the form of testosterone and estradiol pellets for both women and men,” Dr. Wadle explains. “Pellets provide a delivery system that mimics the human body so that even improved physiologic levels can be achieved.”

Since the 1930’s patients throughout Europe, Japan and

the United States have successfully used bio-identical hormones. Many studies show that when prescribed and administered correctly, bio-identical hormone pellets can help a variety of conditions and symptoms. They don’t present the potential hazards that many synthetic medications do.

RenewMyWellness also offers testosterone injections for men and a prescription weight loss program for both men and women that is monitored to ensure it is safe and effective.

Since the 1930’s patients throughout Europe, Japan and the United States have successfully used bio-identical hormones. Many studies show that when prescribed and administered correctly, bio-identical hormone pellets can help a variety of conditions and symptoms. They don’t present the potential hazards that many synthetic medications do.

RenewMyWellness also offers testosterone injections for men and a prescription weight loss program for both men and women that is monitored to ensure it is safe and effective.

Dr. Wadle said she founded RenewMyWellness to promote wellness through a holistically-integrative approach to patient care that combines conventional and functional medicine. The results leave patients with improved confidence and a whole-body sense of well-being.

Renew My Wellness also ofers testosterone injections for men and a prescription weight loss program for both men and women that is monitored to ensure it is safe and efective.

RenewMyWellness

is located at 33466 Woodward Ave., in downtown Birmingham.

Dr. Wadle said she founded RenewMyWellness to promote wellness through a holistically-integrative approach to patient care that combines conventional and functional medicine. The results leave patients with improved confidence and a whole-body sense of well-being.

To schedule a consultation or for more information, call 248-602-3177.

RenewMyWellness is located at 33466 Woodward Ave., in downtown Birmingham.

To schedule a consultation or for more information, call 248-602-3177.

Scan to receive more information & monthly newsletters.

Scan to receive more information & monthly newsletters.

Dr. Wadle said she founded Renew My Wellness to promote wellness through a holistically-integrative approach to patient care that combines conventional and functional medicine. The results leave patients with improved confdence and a whole-body sense of well-being.

Renew My Wellness is located at 33466 Woodward Ave., in Birmingham.

To schedule a consultation or for more information, call 248602-3177. Or visit www.renewmywellness.com.

Photo provided by Cranbrook Institute of Science Students with a love for science are encouraged to participate in the spring break camps at Cranbrook Institute of Science.

CRIME WATCH

Man threatens Kroger employees during robbery

BIRMINGHAM — On Feb. 24 at 9:47 p.m., a Kroger employee called police about an armed robbery at their Maple and Woodward location. It was reported that a 35-year-old male suspect had stolen a prepaid cellphone and pulled a pistol from his waistband, threatening to harm employees when he was confronted.

According to a press release, he exited the store and walked toward Woodward through the rear parking lot.

A Birmingham sergeant, 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 will remain in custody

until his arraignment.

In a press release, the city of Birmingham thanked the Kroger employees for their immediate response to call 911 and communicate with officers. They also commend the officers involved for their efforts in protecting the local area.

Movement alert notifies victim of larceny attempts

BIRMINGHAM — At approximately 3 a.m. Feb. 25, officers were dispatched to the 1000 block of Forest Avenue regarding a report of a larceny.

A 28-year-old man stated that he had received a movement alert from his front door camera’s mobile app. The front door camera was able to identify two unknown suspects attempting to open car door handles on multiple vehicles on the street. An investigation is ongoing.

Front door camera captures break-in

BIRMINGHAM — Officers were dispatched to the 1300 block of Dorchester Road regarding a report of a larceny at 7 a.m. Feb. 25. The victim, a 45-year-old man, said

that his car was broken into overnight.

His front door camera recorded three unknown suspects opening the unlocked vehicle and rummaging through it. An investigation is ongoing.

Wallet stolen from Grand Blanc woman

BIRMINGHAM — On Feb. 20 at approximately 1 p.m., officers were dispatched to the 2000 block of East Maple regarding a report of larceny.

A 69-year-old Grand Blanc woman stated that while she was shopping she was approached by a man, and she learned that her wallet had been stolen after their conversation.

Witnesses were able to identify a female stealing the victim’s wallet while the suspect’s accomplice was speaking to the victim. The victim’s credit cards were used at multiple locations, but all transactions were declined. An investigation is ongoing.

Vehicle stolen from North Foxhills Drive

BLOOMFIELD TOWNSHIP — The Bloomfield Township Police Department

took a report of a stolen Kia Sportage from a parking lot in the 400 block of North Foxhills Drive Feb. 25. The vehicle was stolen at approximately 7:20 a.m. The victim, who was in possession of the keys, had last seen the vehicle at approximately 6 p.m. the day prior. Officers processed the scene and found broken glass on the ground. During their initial investigation, officers also noticed a different Kia in the parking lot, running, with all of its windows rolled down and the rear passenger window broken. Police discovered that the vehicle had been stolen in Grosse Pointe Woods. Anyone with information should contact the Bloomfield Township Police Department at (248) 4337755.

Stolen vehicle recovered damaged in Detroit

BLOOMFIELD TOWNSHIP — The Bloomfield Township Police Department took a report for a stolen Chrysler 300 in the 2500 block of Maple Road Feb. 23.

The vehicle was parked in a business parking lot when it was stolen at approximately 7 a.m. The passenger-side window

Continued on page 11A

AREA RUG CLEARANCE

CRIME WATCH

was broken.

On Feb. 24, the Chrysler 300 was recovered in Detroit. The Chrysler was missing both bumpers, all of its exterior lights, the hood, the trunk hatch, the dash entertainment center, dash trim above the steering column, and the seatbelts. Evidence technicians processed the vehicle, and police are investigating.

Anyone with information should contact the Bloomfield Township Police Department at (248) 433-7755.

Berkley man attempts to steal from retailer

BIRMINGHAM — At approximately 3 p.m. Feb. 23, officers were dispatched to the 600 block of South Adams Road regarding a report of retail fraud.

A local clothing retailer stated that a suspect, a 38-year-old man from Berkley, was attempting to steal $380 worth of clothing from the store. The suspect admitted to the theft, according to a police report.

Officers identified odors of intoxication on the suspect. The suspect refused a preliminary breath test. The suspect had an outstanding warrant from the Birmingham Police Department for parking violations, and he was placed under arrest and was given a citation for retail fraud. The suspect paid the bond for his arrest warrant.

Officers investigate possible fight

BIRMINGHAM — On Feb. 16 at approximately 8 p.m., officers were dispatched to the 30000 block of Woodward Avenue regarding a possible fight. Officers made contact with both parties involved and received witness statements. An investigation is ongoing.

— Mary Genson and Mary Beth Almond

BLOOMFIELD HILLS HIGH SCHOOL PERFORMS KLEZMER

BY MARY GENSON mgenson@candgnews.com

BLOOMFIELD HILLS — Klezmer music is now represented within the Bloomfield Hills High School music department, through the BHHS klezmer ensemble.

Klezmer music comes from the Eastern European Ashkenazi Jewish tradition.

BHHS Band Director Alan Posner said it has been a big part of his life since he was a kid and that he has always done some klezmer music with students during his time as band director.

He decided to form the BHHS klezmer ensemble in spring 2023, when they got an invitation from the Michigan Music Education Association to perform in the first-ever small ensembles concert during the Michigan Music Conference in Grand Rapids. Posner asked a group of students to create an audition video, which ended up being accepted.

The ensemble rehearsed throughout the fall to prepare for the annual Michigan Music Conference in January.

The BHHS klezmer ensemble consists of 12 musicians: sophomore Kathryn Ho on flute/piccolo, sophomore Giulia Guglielmini on flute, senior Molly Socha on violin, senior Talia Reddy on clarinet, junior Jessica Stillwell on alto saxophone, junior Emi Vallejo Rodrigo on trumpet, senior Danny Stern on trumpet, senior Lucy Dickson on trombone, senior Reid Smith on accordion, senior Fiona Rudy on bass, senior Henry Hutchison on percussion and junior Nicolas Kravetz on drums.

Posner said klezmer does not require specific instrumentation,

but there are certain instruments that are more historically klezmer instruments, such as violin, clarinet, trumpet, saxophone, bass and percussion.

“Really, you can play klezmer on any instrument,” Posner said. “Everything is really made to imitate the human voice.”

Rudy said she did not know anything about klezmer music prior to joining the ensemble, and it was exciting to experience a different kind of cultural music than what she is used to playing.

“I would probably say that the most interesting part about klezmer music, when compared to the classical

music I play, is its element of improvisation,” Rudy said. Rudy added that with klezmer music, she has had the opportunity to make choices while playing her instrument to reflect the emotion of the scenario.

“It really just kind of opened my eyes to that new realm. As an experience, it was exciting and new and inspired me to think differently about how I play music,” Rudy said.

Posner is thinking about ways to continue to spread the klezmer tradition around the school and local community, and he is considering expanding into a club next year.

The Bloomfield Hills High School klezmer ensemble is led by band director Alan Posner.

Photo provided by Alan Posner

At the Longevity Health Institute in Bingham Farms, doctors offer patients a path to an improved quality of life and an increased “healthspan” through personalized, functional medicine.

“Functional medicine is kind of an overview of the thought process that allows us to find the root cause of people’s problems,” said Ryan Abboud, D.O., a leading practitioner in this preventive approach to wellness. “We optimize their environment and use therapies — state of the art therapies that aren’t typically offered in conventional medicine. We try to prevent heart attacks and strokes, keeping people well and preventing dementia.”

Through the work of its doctors — Abboud and James Lewerenz, D.O. — the Longevity Health Institute offers a path to peak wellness through weight loss, optimized gut health and hormone therapy. It’s not just about staying alive. An improved healthspan means staying healthy in mind, body and spirit, to actually live your life longer.

“We look at genetics.We can assess someone’s biological age versus someone’s chronological age and see the rate of

aging,” Abboud said. “We look at hormones and optimized hormone balance, optimized gut health and nutrition, and the detox of toxins.”

Doctor Abboud will present a “Holistic Approach to Longevity” at Birmingham located at 2121 Midvale Street, from 1 p.m. to 2 p.m. on Wednesday, March 20. The session is free for members.

“It’s never too late to start on your health journey,” Abboud said. “I look forward to the opportunity to work together to prevent heart attacks and strokes, and to help you feel your best.”

Longevity Health Institute is located at 32270 Telegraph Road, Suite 240, in Bingham Farms. To schedule a consultation or for more information, call (248) 878-0061.

Library millage renewal paves way for strategic plan goals

BY MARY BETH ALMOND malmond@candgnews.com

BLOOMFIELD TOWNSHIP — Voters in Bloomfield Township hit the polls Feb. 27 to decide a millage renewal for the Bloomfield Township Library, with the measure passing by over 72%, according to unofficial election results from the Oakland County Elections Division.

Bloomfield Township residents were asked to consider renewing the library’s existing millage rate — of 0.5047 mill for 10 years — which Library Director Tera Moon said would allow the library to maintain its current level of funding and help keep the library on solid financial footing.

The millage renewal ultimately passed with 9,319 yes votes to 3,538 no votes, according to unofficial election results.

“I’m grateful to the community for their support,” Moon said in an email. “The strong show of support validates the work we do and compels us to continue to find new ways to connect to the community through books and reading.”

The library — which serves the 44,235 residents of Bloomfield Township with resources, technology, and support for all ages — is supported by three separate millage rates, two that are levied in perpetuity and one that expires at the end of 2023.

The Feb. 27 proposal asked Bloomfield Township voters to consider renewing the 2023 expiring millage at the current rate of 0.5047 mill for 10 years.

“I am grateful for the Bloomfield Township voters’ support of the millage renewal proposal and the value they place on the library,” Assistant Library Director Katherine Bryant said in a statement. “I am also so appreciative of our library staff for the hard work they put in each day to make this library a wonderful place and forge connections with the community – their knowledge, dedication, and creativity are unmatched. We look forward to continuing to provide vital services and resources to Township residents.”

The renewal will not increase current tax payments and will continue to cost the average taxpayer approximately $151

per year on a home with a taxable value of $300,000.

Taxpayers, Moon added, will see a lower tax bill from the library in 2024 as a 20-year bond payment for a 2008 building improvements project is now paid off.

The total mills levied for the library in 2023-2024 was 1.8653. The library can legally levy up to 2 mills. There are three individual millage rates for the 2023-2024 fiscal year: 1 mill voted in perpetuity in 1982 rolled back to 0.6578; 0.7874 mill voted in perpetuity in 2003 rolled back to 0.7028, and 0.541 mill approved for 10 years in 2014 and rolled back to 0.5047. Library officials said the rates will remain the same for the 2024-2025 fiscal year as there was no Headlee rollback for 2024-2025.

The library now plans to work to achieve the goals of the 2023-2025 strategic plan, which Moon said all focus on making the library “as inclusive and excellent as possible” for residents.

“As for what’s next, the millage rate that was just renewed accounts for 27% of our operating budget. This renewal allows us to

maintain the level of service and staffing. We will start reimagining spaces around the library and do some needed building maintenance upgrades,” Moon explained.

The funding, she explained, will allow the library to maintain and grow up-to-date collections of books and media; expand technology and digital resources; reimagine library spaces; continue offering a variety of library programming; and repair and maintain its building and grounds, including the roof and lower level.

For more information, call the library at (248) 642-5800 or visit www.btpl.org.

Call Staff Writer Mary Beth Almond at (586) 498-1060.

SPOTLIGHT ON HOMES FURNITURE BANK PUTS UNWANTED HOUSEHOLD BASICS TO

NONPROFIT REPORTS SERIOUS SHORTAGE OF FURNISHINGS

BY K. MICHELLE MORAN kmoran@candgnews.com

METRO DETROIT — Spring — the season of renewal — is a popular time for people to remodel or redecorate their homes.

But what many may not realize is the old dresser or couch they no longer want could make life substantially better for a local family in need.

The nonprofit Furniture Bank of Southeastern Michigan, which provides household basics like beds, dining tables and chairs to vulnerable metro Detroiters who are rebuilding their lives, is facing a serious shortage of furnishings at a time when demand for these items is spiking.

“Donations are down,” said Furniture Bank Board President Wanda Van Haitsma, of Redford. “We have about 180 families waiting for beds and other furniture, and that’s a big number.”

Furniture Bank of Southeastern Michigan Executive Director Robert Boyle, of Grosse Pointe Woods, said that’s three times the number of families waiting for furniture at this time in 2021. At the same time, furniture donations have dropped; Boyle said that in 2022, they went on 4,600 pickups, but in 2023, there were only 3,800 pickups.

“At a time of high inflation, it would seem people would rather sit on their current couch than buy a new one,” Boyle said.

That same high inflation disproportionately hurts people on the lower end of the income spectrum. More than 80% of the people the Furniture Bank serves have incomes of $20,000 or less, and most are families with children.

“Now it’s even more difficult to cover basics like a bed for a child or a dining table to share a meal at,” Boyle said.

The Furniture Bank will collect essential items in good condition from homes across metro Detroit at no charge, if these items can be placed in a garage or on a porch, or they’ll charge a flat fee of $75 to collect any number of essentials from inside the home. Essential items include mattresses, box springs, dressers, end tables, nightstands, coffee tables, sofas/loveseats (excluding reclining sofas and sofa beds), dining/kitchen tables (excluding glass or heavy marble), dining/kitchen chairs (in sets of at least two)

and living room chairs. The Furniture Bank will also collect as essentials up to five bags or boxes of smaller housewares, such as towels, pots, pans, silverware, lamps, bedding and other basics; they cannot accept clothing.

Because there’s such a serious need for mattresses and box springs in good condition, the Furniture Bank is currently offering to pick up these items for free, whether they’re inside or outside the house.

For essential items that are structurally damaged, stained, torn or badly worn, they will haul these items away for $100 per item, whether they’re inside or outside of the home.

For fees ranging from $100 to $125 per item, the Furniture Bank will also pick up nonessential items from inside or outside of homes, including desks, bookshelves, armoires, china cabinets, buffets, sofa beds, reclining sofas, entertainment centers and treadmills. Proceeds from fees support the work of the Furniture Bank and enable them to hire professional movers to safely remove furniture.

“It’s such a great nonprofit,” Van Haitsma said. “We’re providing furniture and beds for people who are trying to get back on their feet.”

In some cases, the people helped by the Furniture Bank are individuals who are moving from a homeless shelter into their own apartment or home. In other cases, they’re people starting over after escaping from an abusive relationship.

Boyle said their clients are excited to leave shelters for their own dwelling — until they realize they were more comfortable in the shelter because, at least there, they had a bed.

“It’s stressful,” Boyle said of sleeping on the floor. “It’s not comfortable. It’s not good for your mental or physical health.”

Boyle said they’re trying to provide people with a stable, dignified life. Studies show there are higher rates of attention deficit disorder and obesity in children who don’t get adequate sleep.

“It’s really important that families get what they need when they need it and they don’t go through any more distress,” Boyle said.

To donate or for more information, visit www.furniture-bank.org or call (248) 332-1300.

USE

ABOVE: Families served by the Furniture Bank are happier and healthier because they have a comfortable place to sleep and have a meal together.

LEFT: Over the last year, the Furniture Bank of Southeastern Michigan has supplied more than 800 children in metro Detroit with beds, including Nehemiah, of Pontiac, who’s thrilled with his. Photos provided by the Furniture Bank of Southeastern Michigan

The Exterior Painters Celebrate 20 Years of Transforming Properties, Neighborhoods

Nothing transforms a property and makes it shine brighter than a fresh coat of paint. It’s simply the best and most cost-effective investment you can make for your home draped in the colors of yesterday.

The Exterior Painters have been revitalizing properties for 20 years.

“We specialize in just exterior painting, and the reason why we do that is we believe that repetition is the mother of all skill,” said owner Brian Scott. “For 20 years, that’s all we’ve been doing is outside work. When it comes to that, we do wood replacement and siding replacement. It makes us the perfect fit for homeowners who don’t want to re-side their whole house.”

The Exterior Painters replace damaged siding and boards as needed, but they’re not looking to push for a full siding replacement.

“It gets people by another 10 years and transforms the look of the house, bringing it to the next color trends of today,” Scott said.

“Another thing we do that makes us unique, we have a full-time color consultant,” Scott added. “For most people, that’s the hardest, most stressful part, choosing what color they want. Our consultant comes out and

meets with the homeowners and gives them an idea of what the new color trends are so they can make a good color choice that complements their landscaping, brickwork and architectural features.”

The Exterior Painters also specialize in brick staining.

“A lot of younger people are buying houses. We’re taking it from grandma’s house of the ’50s, ’60s or ’70s and bringing it to that HGTV look,” Scott said.

Power washing the siding — and for an additional charge, soft washing the roof if needed — can also make a big difference in terms of curb appeal.

charge, soft washing the roof if needed — can also transformed through fresh paint,

Scott said his crews often see their work spread from house to house in a neighborhood as the properties are transformed through fresh paint, siding repairs and much-needed washing.

you’re getting a bigger bang for your buck.”

It’s a win for everyone, from the crews The Exterior Painters employ and pay well to the homeowners who see their neighborhoods transformed. The company paints 30 houses a week on average in Macomb, Oakland, Wayne and Livingston counties, and boasts a five-star Google review average.

“With us you’re buying certainty. We don’t ask for a large deposit, and you don’t have to worry about anyone running off with your deposit,” Scott said. “We stand by our work. We provide a warranty and proven results by taking care of everybody in the community. We’re Nextdoor’s No. 1 preferred contractor in Rochester two years in a row. It’s that certainty factor. You know what you’re going

“It’s the cheapest home improvement you can do without breaking the bank,” Scott said. “Compared to other home improvements,

“It’s the cheapest home

to get.”

The Exterior Painters are located at 2365 Avon Industrial Drive in Rochester Hills. To request a quote or for more information, call (248) 844-8888.

Books

from page 1A

ing time with friends and just learning more about books, with a friendly competition, of course,” said Rebekah Craft, the director of the Baldwin Public Library.

Craft said the students usually come up with creative team names and dress up in costumes based on the characters in the books.

“The biggest thing is that they just get super excited about the book and about reading, which is the whole point of it,” said Stephanie Klimmek, the head of youth services at the Baldwin Public Library. “That’s really, really what we want. They are reading things that they might not normally have read or picked up on their own if it was just left up to them.”

Joyce Oh is a parent who will be coaching a team for Battle of the Books for the third year. Two years ago, her oldest son was in fourth grade and gathered a group of friends to build a team for the competition. He went on to compete the next year as a fifth grader. His team, called the “Dragon Readers” actually came in first place both of the years they participated.

“I love the whole battle, because it gets kids to read books they don’t normally read,” Oh said.

Oh said they spend months preparing for the competition through weekly Zoom meetings, mock battles and other fun ways to study for the big day. She said she has seen this process benefit the students by building a sense of teamwork, hard work and accountability.

Oh added that the students treat the team like a democracy and vote on every decision, including the team name. The team landed on the name “Book Beasts” this year. The Book Beasts consists of six students.

For more information on this year’s competition, visit, baldwinlib. org/battle-of-the-books.

LEFT: The Dragon Readers win first place in Battle of the Books. Photo provided by Joyce Oh

BELOW: Students participate in the 2023 Battle of the Books, hosted by the Baldwin Public Library. Photo provided by the Baldwin Public Library

Make power outages a thing of the past with a home standby generator.

Make power outages a thing of the past with a home standby generator.

Trusted Protection During Unpredictable Weather

The frequency in severe weather has led to an increase in power outages. More than ever, you need to be prepared. Without power, your everyday modern essentials are rendered useless.

Think about it, you’ll have no lights, heating or cooling, or refrigeration. You can’t even charge your cell phone. But when you have a Generac home standby generator, you will have power when you need it the most. It’s time to get serious about preparing your home.

Call or go online today for more information

Trusted Protection During Unpredictable Weather

Trusted Protection During Unpredictable Weather

The frequency in severe weather has led to an increase in power outages. More than ever, you need to be prepared. Without power, your everyday modern essentials are rendered useless. Think about it, you’ll have no lights, heating or cooling, or refrigeration. You can’t even charge your cell phone. But when you have a Generac home standby generator, you will have power when you need it the most. It’s time to get serious about preparing your home.

The frequency in severe weather has led to an increase in power outages. More than ever, you need to be prepared. Without power, your everyday modern essentials are rendered useless. Think about it, you’ll have no lights, heating or cooling, or refrigeration. You can’t even charge your cell phone. But when you have a Generac home standby generator, you will have power when you need it the most. It’s time to get serious about preparing your home.

Trusted Protection During Unpredictable Weather

Call or go online today for more information

Call or go online today for more information

The frequency in severe weather has led to an increase in power outages. More than ever, you need to be prepared. Without power, your everyday modern essentials are rendered useless. Think about it, you’ll have no lights, heating or cooling, or refrigeration. You can’t even charge your cell phone. But when you have a Generac home standby generator, you will have power when you need it the most. It’s time to get serious about preparing your home.

Call or go online today for more information

from page 3A

Both previously swimming club for OLY Swimming in Rochester Hills, seniors Andrew Delzer and Colin Zexter were the equivalent of landing two high-market players in free agency.

Zexter last swam for Cranbrook his freshman year, while Delzer, a close friend of Will Farner, probably grew tired of hearing Farner’s recruiting pitches year in and year out.

As Cranbrook currently stands as the No. 1 ranked team in Division 3 and the Oakland County Champions this year, Delzer said it’s been an unforgettable season.

“This year, I just decided that it was my senior year, so why not have some fun with the team and go do some damage?” Delzer said. “I’m really happy with the decision, because I’ve had an absolute blast. It’s a really unique thing for me being on a team as tight as these guys are. We do everything together.”

Damage would be an understatement for what Delzer and Zexter have brought to Cranbrook’s opposition this year, helping the Cranes win their first-ever Oakland County Championship title Feb. 2 at Waterford Kettering High School.

Zexter tallied first in the 100 fly and third in the 200 freestyle, while Delzer finished first in the 50 freestyle and third in the 100 freestyle.

Also a newcomer for Cranbrook, freshman Ethan Xu, a boarding student from Hong Kong, has been sensational in his first year, earning two runner-up finishes at counties in the 200 IM and 500 freestyle.

“For us, that (winning counties) was a big deal for a lot of the boys, because that’s one of those where you’re thinking that if you can do that, you got a really good squad,” Cranbrook head coach Paul Ellis said. “There was a lot of really good talent.

For a bunch of small school kids, it was a big deal for us to go in and win that meet.”

Cranbrook has their newcomers, and then they have their old reliables in Will Farner, sophomore AJ Farner — Will’s younger brother, junior Sean Lu, junior Joseph Wiater, senior Clarke Hay, senior Austin Henry, senior Michael Sawula, junior Calvin Meeker, junior Ethan VandenHaute, and many other consistent contributors.

Will Farner, a four-year varsity swimmer, has been the kind of veteran coaches dream of, providing for Cranbrook both as a swimmer and as a leader.

The leadership role isn’t just something Farner was excited to take on, but something he’s had his eye on for a while.

“It’s been a huge thing, because it’s something I always wanted since being a freshman,” Farner said. “I always wanted to be the captain and be a senior on the team. For me, the important thing was being the guy people can talk to, but I also want to hold them accountable and keep it fair across the board for everyone.”

Sidelined due to injury to start the season, AJ Farner took on a coaching role in his own right to start the season for Cranbrook.

AJ Farner was a standout freshman for Cranbrook’s state-winning team and was poised for a breakout year as a sophomore, but a broken L5 vertebrae halted his swimming activity — and gave him a new perspective of the sport.

“When you’re in the water, you’re kind of focused on yourself,” AJ Farner said. “It’s fun because when the season started in November, I got to coach lanes 1-3, which are kind of the newer guys on the team. It was really fun to teach some of the newer guys how to swim and how hard it is.”

It’s been a difficult six-month recovery, but AJ Farner has since returned to the pool and been slowly getting his feet wet the past month.

AJ Farner had a breakout performance at the Catholic League Champion-

ships March 2 at Waterford Kettering High School as AJ Farner took first in the 100 backstroke and fourth in the 200 freestyle, helping Cranbrook take first by a five-point margin over Detroit Catholic Central, the No. 3 ranked team in Division 1.

“It’s tough, because I was hoping to have a really good year,” AJ Farner said. “It’s really hard to get back in after six months and losing everything, but the team helped a lot getting back into it. It’s a slow process.”

The Cranes will look to defend their Division 3 state championship crown March 8-9 at the Holland Aquatic Center with Holland Christian, who were state champions in 2018 and 2019, and East Grand Rapids, who were back-to-back champions prior to Cranbrook’s win last year, hoping to reclaim the top spot.

Since day one of the season, the state title has been at the top of Cranbrook’s mind.

“When we started the year, coach Paul (Ellis) said the goal for this year was to defend the title,” AJ Farner said. “Everyone really rallied around that at the beginning of the year, and that was everyone’s mentality.”

Ellis said Cranbrook needed a perfect race from everyone last season to bring the title home, and the depth is looking even stronger.

From top to bottom, Cranbrook features a plethora of swimmers who can score at any given time, and Delzer said he expects that to be Cranbrook’s X-factor at the state finals.

“It’s without a doubt our depth,” Delzer said. “It’s not just our top dogs and top firepower that’s winning the meet, it’s those guys that are in the top-8 that aren’t winning events. Those guys, which we have plenty of them and most teams don’t, are pushing us forward and leading us to all of our success.”

Photo provided by Cranbrook Kingswood Swim and Dive Bloomfield Hills Cranbrook Kingswood celebrates its Division 3 state championship win last year March 11 at Oakland University.

Oakland County highlights new park projects, program expansions

BY BRENDAN LOSINSKI blosinski@candgnews.com

OAKLAND COUNTY — The Oakland County Parks and Recreation Department is announcing several projects made possible through its $20 million Healthy Communities Park and Outdoor Recreation Investment Plan.

In 2022, the department approved the plan, providing funding for Oakland County to invest in local communities by creating sustainable parks and public spaces.

The Oakland County Board of Commissioners and County Executive Dave Coulter approved $15 million from pandemic relief funds the county received as part of the American Rescue Plan Act. Combined with a $5.2 million match from the parks department, this provided the parks system with funds to revitalize and enhance parks located in or servicing residents of communities most impacted by the pandemic, officials said.

During 2023, the parks department developed agreements with local entities identified in the plan, conducted public engagement sessions to gather feedback from residents, and introduced design and engineering plans. In some cases where needs were already clearly identified, improvements began immediately.

The projects, programs and other devel-

Editor:

Annie Bates | (586) 498-1071 | abates@candgnews.com

Reporters:

Mary Genson | (586) 498-1095 | mgenson@candgnews.com

Mary Beth Almond | (586) 498-1060 | malmond@candgnews.com

Sports: Jonathan Szczepaniak | (586) 498-1090 | sports@candgnews.com

Artroom: (586) 498-1036 | ads@candgnews.com

opments are highlighted in the department’s 2023 annual report, which can be viewed at OaklandCountyParks.com.

One highlight from 2023 is Pontiac Oaks County Park, formerly Hawthorne Park in Pontiac, where a new fishing dock was constructed and new programming was launched.

Other community investments in 2023 included the approval of $658,166 in grant funds to 11 communities as part of a grant program. The money assists local municipalities with planning, preliminary engineering, design and construction costs for park improvements and trail projects. It also included an expansion of the Free Entry Day program, providing increased access to health and wellness activities in the parks.

The parks department partnered with the Huron-Clinton Metroparks to offer free swim lessons at the Waterford Oaks wave pool and to remove financial barriers to swim instruction in order to increase safe water recreation.

The parks department said the funds allowed them to expand participation in Welcoming Week, with two events that highlighted immigrant inclusion in the community and provided free recreation opportunities through the Recreation Assistance Partnership Program, which serves 117,983 participants.

For

Pam Tassoni | (248) 821-6210 | ptassoni@candgnews.com

Karen Bozimowski | (586) 498-1032 | kboz@candgnews.com

Classifieds: For ad rates (586) 498-8100

Legals and Obits: (586) 498-1099

Automotive Advertising:

Louise Millar | (586) 498-1054 | lmillar@candgnews.com

Real Estate Advertising:

Paula Kaspor | (586) 498-1055 | pkaspor@candgnews.com

Bipartisan bills seek FOIA reform,

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 Mich-

igan 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 that fail to comply 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 government 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 non-compliant 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.’

Man turns himself in after reportedly using stolen credit cards, fleeing from police

BY MARY BETH ALMOND malmond@candgnews.com

BLOOMFIELD TOWNSHIP — A man accused of stealing credit cards was later also charged with fleeing and eluding after eventually turning himself in to police.

Brayton James Groth, 38, was arraigned in 48th District Court on two felony charges of using financial transaction devices - stealing, retaining without consent Feb. 22.

The charge stems from a larceny from a vehicle in a parking lot in the 6600 block of Telegraph Road Dec. 30. The victim told police her purse was stolen from her vehicle. Her credit cards were later used at two separate locations, in Royal Oak and Troy.

The case was handed over to the Bloomfield Township investigations division, which developed Groth as the suspect.

On Feb. 13, Bloomfield Township patrol officers attempted to conduct a traffic stop on Groth to take him into custody on the felony warrants, but he fled the area. Officers did not pursue him at that time because they already had him identified.

On Feb. 22, he turned himself in to the 48th District Court to be arraigned on the felony warrants for stolen credit cards. He was given a $25,000 cash bond, which he posted, and was ordered to have his fingerprints taken by the Bloomfield Township Police Department.

When he went into the Police Department for his fingerprints, he was arrested for fleeing and eluding.

He was arraigned on that case Feb. 23 and was given a $25,000 cash surety bond, which he posted upon his arrival to Oakland County Jail.

A preliminary exam for the two charges related to the stolen credit cards was scheduled for March 7 along with a probable cause conference for the fleeing and eluding charge.

His attorney, Colin Andrew Daniels, could not be reached for comment at press time.

Groth

Cranbrook to host talk about Galileo by Vatican’s Observatory director

BLOOMFIELD HILLS — On March 17, Brother Guy J. Consolmagno, S.J., director of the Vatican’s Observatory and a Detroit native, will be visiting the Cranbrook Institute of Science.

Consolmagno will speak on his book, “A Vatican Astronomer’s View of Galileo” and his Jesuit scientist background, as well as Galileo’s work and how it was affected by the science of the day.

“We are delighted to welcome Brother Guy back to the Institute after many years to engage our guests with his perspective on Galileo’s research, and the impact it has had on modern science,” said Michael D. Stafford, Ph.D., the director of the Cranbrook Institute of Science, in a press release. “He is a compelling speaker, and attendees will walk away from this experience with a deeper understanding of how science is shaped by what is happening in today’s world, and how this concept was no different in the 17th century.”

There will be a members-exclusive brunch and lecture at 10 a.m. where members will have the opportunity to meet Consolmagno and participate in a Q&A session. Guests will then get to see a show in the Acheson Planetarium or explore the traveling exhibit, “Galileo: Scientist, Astronomer, Visionary.” At 3 p.m., the public is invited to Consolmagno’s talk, followed by an opportunity to watch a planetarium show and explore the traveling exhibit.

New location for Marvin’s Marvelous Mechanical Museum yet to be determined

FARMINGTON HILLS — For more than four decades, Marvin’s Marvelous Mechanical Museum has been synonymous with good times and a place to gather with friends and family for many local residents. While that isn’t expected to change anytime soon, the location likely will.

Marvin’s is an arcade and museum that is currently located at 31005 Orchard Lake Road in Farmington Hills. It is located at the Hunter’s Square Shopping Center, at 14 Mile and Orchard Lake roads. A new development at the shopping center has Marvin’s looking for a new location, 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

GIGI’S PLAYHOUSE DETROIT HOSTS ‘THE LUCKY HAVE A FEW BENEFIT GALA’

SOUTHFIELD — In partnership with Huntington Bank, GiGi’s Playhouse Detroit is presenting the third annual “The Lucky Have a Few Benefit Gala” from 6-10 a.m. March 9 at Plum Hollow Country Club, 21631 Lahser Road.

The event merges St. Patrick’s Day and World Down Syndrome Day and celebrates individuals with Down Syndrome.

“Those of us who love someone with Down Syndrome recognize that we truly are ‘the lucky few,’ which is a popular phrase used in our community,” said Denise Moore, GiGi’s Playhouse Detroit board president and mother to a daughter with Down Syndrome. The festivities will include a full-service dinner, an open bar with drinks from Griffin Claw Brewing Co., music and dancing, silent and live auctions, an inspiring presentation, and a live performance by the GiGi’s Playhouse participants.

Proceeds from the event will help GiGi’s provide free programs to help individuals with Down Syndrome learn how to read, improve their health and wellness, increase their communication skills through free speech therapy, develop career skills and meet their greatest potential.

For more information, visit gigisplayhouse.org/detroit/the-lucky-few.

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 coinoperated 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.

Photo provided by Cranbrook Institute of Science

Photos by Patricia O’Blenes

TOP LEFT: According to Marvin’s Marvelous Mechanical Museum owner Jeremy Yagoda, pictured with his son, Jonathan, more than 50,000 people have signed a petition in protest of a development that will likely force the business to move. BOTTOM LEFT: Marvin’s Marvelous Mechanical Museum will likely have to move from its current location on Orchard Lake Road. RIGHT: Marvin’s Marvelous Mechanical Museum features “sensory overload” and “one man’s passion gone wild,” according to the owner.

Peek Inside Your Health: Full Body MRI Screenings

Unveil Silent Issues Before

SOUTHFIELD- Full body MRI clinics have gained national attention lately, as TV personalities publicly share their personal full body scan experiences. One actress credits the scan for saving her life after doctors dismissed her unexplained pain for months. After various tests, including a CT scan, had “unremarkable” results, the pregnant actress became her own advocate, searched out a full body MRI clinic and discovered she had pancreatic cancer. Tanks to early detection the tumor was removed successfully.

As a general rule, when symptoms occur related to cancer, it usually has progressed to stage three or four. Even with annual physicals, there are limitations. Most screenings only

Symptoms

cover about 29% of cancers with 71% occurring outside of where doctors are able to screen. However, full body MRI scans can detect cancer in every organ from the top of the head through the genitals and can detect it very early.

For a long time, full body MRI scans were available only in select areas outside of Michigan, requiring expensive fights like in Vancouver or California. However, this changed when a clinic opened in Southfeld, making these scans available to Metro Detroit residents.

“Our advanced MRI screening can detect cancers very early when they are as small as a pencil eraser and are more easily treatable. If cancer goes undetected, however, it can grow into stage three or stage four with difcult

Arise

treatments. We can also identify conditions such as brain, abdominal, chest, and groin aneurysms,” stated the founder of the Southfeld clinic called Bionicc Body Screening.

Te primary focus of Bionicc Body Screening is to deliver peace of mind, ofering a comprehensive and detailed imaging of the body’s internal structures. Te ultimate hope is for excellent health. However, in the event that something is detected, the advanced screening aims to catch any potential issues at their earliest stages. Tis approach ofers the best opportunity for successful treatment outcomes, should the need arise.

Robert B., age 50, opted for a full body scan from Bionicc Body Screening and a very small tumor

your local branch

was detected. He said, “It saved my life. Teir MRI found a kidney tumor that had been missed by a recent CT scan. I cannot recommend this service more.”

Take the first step to learn more about full body scans by visiting www.BioniccBodyScreening.com and request a free, no obligation Information Kit. Request it today and you’re also guaranteed a copy of their FREE eBook, Catching Cancer Before It’s Too Late! (Tis is a limited time ofer.) Schedule today at 1-833-BIONICC

0330-2349

MRI machines use magnets and emit no radiation.

Ski

from page 3A

Head coach Larry Morris knows a thing or two about having a family atmosphere as his twin son and daughter, Mark and Marie Morris, both competed for Birmingham before graduating in 2022, and his younger daughter, junior Isabelle Morris, keeps the family tradition alive.

You could go on forever about the siblings that have graced the Birmingham uniform together, such as Dylan and Rachel Reck this year, but there’s something to be said for the bonds a group of racers create based on a love for skiing.

“We were tight because our first year was the COVID year in 2020, so the coaching that year wasn’t the best because of COVID and everything,” senior captain Sam Shady said. “We really had to group together, so we’ve had a pretty strong bond the last four years.”

While the season may have come to a close, Birmingham and its tightly-knit group showed a strong team chemistry can achieve just about anything.

Girls

Snapping a six-year state finals streak can be a tough pill to swallow, but the Birmingham girls ski team featured a young core last year still trying to find their footing.

With returning second team all-State slalom and giant slalom skier junior Blanca Srock, Birmingham was already ahead of the game with a talented group of skiers looking to take the next step.

“She’s (Srock) grown more into an un-

derstanding of her skiing with what she can and can’t do,” Morris said. “From last year, she was more inconsistent. Now, she’s a little more consistent and she understands what’s required with her role as a leader both on and off. She’s getting it and she’s welcoming it, and she’s blossomed.”

Just before regionals, Birmingham competed in the Mount Brighton league meet Feb. 9 at Mount Brighton. It’s a meet that can either have a team standing tall a week before the biggest meet of the year rolls around, or it can deflate a team’s confidence.

For Birmingham, a first-place finish was everything Morris could’ve asked for before regionals.

“It all came together,” Morris said. “We pretty much filled all our slots and all the girls did as expected if you looked at our divisional results. That was a big confidence boost going into regionals.”

Srock dominated regionals Feb. 14 at Pine Knob, finishing fourth in giant slalom and sixth in slalom to lead Birmingham to a regional runner-up finish, punching their state finals ticket.

Junior Rachel Reck (21st), junior Meredith McCarthy (22nd), junior Campbell Lyons (24th), and junior Sophie Piotrowicz (26th) all finished within close proximity of each other on slalom, but it was Morris and McCarthy who would flex their muscles on giant slalom.

Morris, who earned all-league this year, redeemed her showing on slalom with a 15th-place finish on giant slalom, while McCarthy posted the second-highest giant slalom score on the team, finishing 11th.

McCarthy, an all-league skier, would be

Photo provided by Caroline Appleford

Another successful year for the Birmingham ski team as the boys took sixth and the girls fifth at the MHSAA Division 1 State Championship Feb. 26 at Boyne Highlands.

Ski

unable to race at the state finals after tearing her ACL while training for the meet, which was a crushing blow for a Birmingham team that lost all-league junior skier Lillie Seel a week before regional due to injury.

But as Birmingham had done all season, the team rallied around their teammates.

“Our girls team is really strong,” junior captain Caroline Appleford said. “When Lillie (Seel) and one of our other top racers (Meredith) got hurt, all the girls really had their backs and were able to recover from them.”

Losing McCarthy, who really came into her own this season, and Seel was a brutal ending to a remarkable season for Birmingham, but the hope is that both will return at full strength next year as Birmingham returns the majority of their starting lineup.

With a primarily veteran-heavy group returning, Birmingham will look to make some noise in Division 1 skiing next year.

“There’s a lot of other seniors, so we definitely got our eye on states again,” Appleford said. “That’s our common goal, so we’re all going to work towards that together next year.”

Boys

The Birmingham boys ski team kept the state finals streak alive, and it was courtesy of a core group of young skiers taking the next step in their progression.

Juniors Alexander Lustig, Wills McAlear and Carson Wright broke out last year as sophomore sensations, but Birmingham’s season would depend on how the trio would elevate their skillset with another season under their belt and as the focal points of the team.

“It really was a blossoming,” Morris said. “Those kids are starting to understand, and I always called them the three amigos when they were sophomores, but they’re starting to understand that going to states is

not easy.”

Finishing second at the league meet, Wright earned all-league honors while Lustig made his money at regionals, finishing sixth in slalom and ninth in giant slalom as Birmingham took second as a team. Wright posted the top finishes at the state finals in slalom (25th) and giant slalom (34th) for Birmingham.

McAlear added an 11th-place finish in slalom, while senior Andrew Fedor tallied 16th. Wright, who took 41st in slalom, picked it up when Birmingham needed him most, finishing 13th in giant slalom while seniors Sam Shady (14th), Fedor (16th), and Liam Wise (26th) all turned in strong performances.

Guys who have both had to wait their turn in the lineup, Shady and Wise came into their own this season as both skiers and veteran leaders for Birmingham.

“I’m super proud of those boys because they never had a chance to really crack into varsity the way they did this year, and they’ve owned their spots,” Morris said. “They kept it the whole way.”

While being a mentor for his younger teammates, Shady was able to be an impact racer for Birmingham this season and take part in the state finals.

For Shady, 2024 was about being a clear-minded racer and enjoying the little moments each meet brought, and he credits his mindset for his success this year.

“I think I stopped caring as much,” Shady said. “I used to put a lot of pressure on myself to succeed, but when I took that pressure off it allowed me to race and ski more freely. I think that was definitely a key part with just being able to ski loose and being able to flow on the snow.”

While Birmingham is set to graduate a healthy number of skiers on the boys side, coach Morris will have a trio of star-studded juniors to step into the senior leadership role alongside some underclassmen and juniors looking to make a name for themselves and earn a shot at Birmingham’s fifth-straight state finals appearance.

from page 28A

Junior captain Caroline Appleford races in giant slalom.

Photo provided by Caroline Appleford

Historic

from page 1A

“Birmingham was a very obvious choice for us just based on just the sense of place and belonging that you get from all of the historic resources that we have,” Kolo said.

Through this process, Birmingham Planning Director Nicholas Dupuis hopes to draw attention to the master plan, help the public understand the Historic District Commission’s rules and bring certain data to the surface.

For example, he said, he recently reported that Birmingham is losing 102 buildings per year, which if kept consistent, would mean they could flatten out the entire city of Birmingham and rebuild it all in 78 years or so.

“We’re excited to bring out some data to help support our claims and try to protect more,” Dupuis said.

There is no set timeline for how long this survey will be available. Once this survey ends, there will be more opportunities for

community input both in person and virtually. However, this survey is in place to get an initial pulse on the topic.

“It’s too early to say what the actual bones of the plan are going to be yet,” Dupuis said. “We don’t want to formulate those goals or objectives until we get as much feedback as we can from the public.”

Dupuis said they are being aggressive with their efforts in creating the plan and are hoping to be done or nearly done by the end of the year. He said they have been doing things on an ad hoc basis: When things come up, they address them. However, they are looking to pivot from this reactive approach by forming a master plan.

“We want to get ahead of the train now and start working on that to build the support that we, frankly, need to make a program like this work,” Dupuis said.

He hopes that this process helps build a stronger culture around historic preservation in Birmingham. The survey can be found at engage.bhamgov.org.

Call Staff Writer Mary Genson at (586) 498-1095.

0257-2410

Village of Beverly Hills Planning Commission Meeting 3/27/2024

The city of Birmingham Historic District Commission recently posted a survey for the community to give feedback on historic preservation.

Public notice is hereby given that at its March 27, 2024, meeting the Village of Beverly Hills Planning Commission will hold a public hearing on PC Case 24-02-04. The applicant is requesting a recommendation of approval of a special land use request from the planning commission to the village council for the installation of new outdoor playground equipment at the Detroit Country Day Middle School located at 22400 Hillview Lane, Parcel ID 24-09-276-015.

The meeting will begin at 7:30 pm in the Council Chambers of the Village of Beverly Hills municipal offces located at 18500 W 13 Mile Rd, Beverly Hills, MI 48025.

Interested parties may comment on the request in person at the scheduled hearing. Written comments may be submitted in person or by mail to The Village of Beverly Hills, Planning Commission, 18500 W. 13 Mile Road, Beverly Hills, MI 48025. Comments may also be submitted via email to mstec@villagebeverlyhills.com by 4:00 p.m. on the date of the hearing. The application may be reviewed at the Village Hall between 8:00 a.m. and 4:30 p.m., Monday through Friday.

Published: Birmingham-Bloomfeld Eagle 03/06/2024

Charter Township of Bloomfield

0249-2410

SUMMARY OF FEBRUARY 2024 BOARD OF TRUSTEES MEETINGS

Charter Township of Bloomfield

The Bloom eld Township Board of Trustees held two regular meetings on Monday, February 12th and Wednesday, February 28th at 7:00 p.m. Members of the Board also attended a budget study session on Tuesday, February 6th at 7:00 p.m.

SUMMARY OF FEBRUARY 2024 BOARD OF TRUSTEES MEETINGS

A full synopsis of each meeting is posted and available on the Legal Notices webpage on the Township website and in the Clerk’s Of ce for public viewing. Meetings are also televised live by Bloom eld Community Television (“BCTV”) on Comcast’s channel fteen for Bloom eld Township and Bloom eld Hills residents. Recordings can be viewed on BCTV’s YouTube account.

The Bloomfield Township Board of Trustees held two regular meetings on Monday, February 12th and Wednesday, February 28th at 7:00 p.m. Members of the Board also attended a budget study session on Tuesday, February 6th at 7:00 p.m.

A full synopsis of each meeting is posted and available on the Legal Notices webpage on the Township website and in the Clerk’s Office for public viewing. Meetings are also televised live by Bloomfield Community Television (“BCTV”) on Comcast’s channel fifteenfor Bloomfield Township and Bloomfield Hills residents. Recordings can be viewed on BCTV’s YouTube account.

The Quick Response (“QR”) codes can be utilized to view the Board meetings and supporting documents, or visit the Township website at www.bloom eldtwp.org. Please call the Clerk’s Of ce at 248-433-7702 if you have any questions.

The Quick Response (“QR”) codescan be utilized to view the Board meetings and supporting documents, or visit the Township website at www.bloomfieldtwp.org Please call the Clerk’s Office at 248-433-7702 if you have any questions

Publish: March 6, 2024

Published: Birmingham-Bloom eld Eagle 03/06/24

BLOOMFIELD TOWNSHIP CLERK

0420-2410

MARTIN C. BROOK

MARTIN C. BROOK

BLOOMFIELD TOWNSHIP CLERK

Kristin Rutkowski Village Clerk

Help

SEASONAL EMPLOYEES

Seasonal general laborer positions, $15.00 - $16.00 hourly, no benefits. Successful completion of Civil Service Examination is required, and applicants must meet all requirements set forth in the Employees Civil Service Ordinance. Pre-employment background investigation is required. Interested, applicants must submit application to the Clinton Township Employees Civil Service Commission, 40700 Romeo Plank Rd., Clinton Township, MI 48038 on or before the close of business, Friday, April 12, 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.

0384-2410

• DESIGN ENGINEER- Design

•

•

Commercial/Residential *Landscaping *Decks *SpringClean-Ups *LawnCutting *LicensedFertilization *Aerating&Thatching VisitFacebook: BrightHorizonServicesInc.

SUPREMEOUTDOOR SPECIALISTS

SpringClean-up LawnMaintenance, Landscaping, Paver,Patios, RetainingWalls, CementWork, Shrub/TreeTrimming &Removal,Mulching, 35YearsinBusiness Free-Estimates 586-727-3924 Painting

BuildingValueEveryday 586-436-9600 Licensed/Insured Since1965 Servicing-Roofing, Siding,Basement, Bathroom,Kitchen Remodeling,Decks& AllYourHome ImprovementNeeds.

PREFERRED BROTHERSROOFING •FullTear-off•Recover •ShingleRepair •Leak's•AllRepair •Flat-Roof•TourchDown •SeamlessGutters& GutterGuards Senior/Military-Discount Upto20%Off 586-944-8898

586-792-3117

PETE'SPAINTING

586.899.3555(Cell) 248.566.6460(Office) (586)229-4267

American Painting •Residential/Commercial •Interior

•PowerWashing •Insurance•Drywall •PlasterRepair •Clean-outs •HomeRepairs •Senior-Discounts. •Guaranteed-Work. •25-yrsExperience.

PEAKPAINTING

Custom-Painting, Commercial/Residential, Interior/Exterior. Drywall-Repair,Paper Removal,Carpentry. 30-yr.-exp.*WillBeat AnyOtherReasonable Estimate! Senior-Disc. Insured.Credit-Cards Accepted.References.

The suspect allegedly tried to use a Social Security number, address, phone number and email for a name that was not his own. The man was arrested for identity theft, identity fraud, and resisting and obstructing police.

Drunken driver blames police car’s lights for swerving

NOVI — A Novi police officer on patrol pulled over a driver after his Honda Accord was swerving on Nine Mile Road, near Mill Road, at 12:37 a.m. Feb. 2.

The officer pulled over the vehicle on Haggerty Road, near 10 Mile Road. As the officer was attempting to stop the car, it swerved several more times, according to the report. When the officer asked the driver why he was swerving, the driver said that the lights of the patrol car were so bright that he was swerving to attempt to get the lights off his mirrors.

The officer said he noticed the driver swerving prior to initiating the stop and engaging the emergency lights. The driver said that the headlights from the patrol vehicle were what caused him to swerve.

Police noted a strong smell of intoxicants on the driver’s breath and wrote in the police report that he had glassy eyes, and slow and lethargic movements, as well as slurred speech. The driver claimed to have had two beers, the last one an hour prior to taking the wheel.

man from Hazel Park drove his vehicle into a parked car in the area of East Harry and Merrill avenues. The driver reportedly failed field sobriety tests and had a blood alcohol content of 0.198. Police said he also had a gun. The man was arrested and charged with operating a vehicle while intoxicated with a high blood alcohol content and carrying a concealed weapon while intoxicated. Police were investigating.

Police arrest man for allegedly trying to open fraudulent account

BERKLEY — A 22-year-old Detroit man was arrested for fraud at 2:20 p.m. Feb. 15 on Coolidge Highway.

According to the police report, Berkley public safety officers were dispatched to the MSU Federal Credit Union for a report of a man attempting to open an account using fraudulent identification. An employee met with police to give them a license that was thin and smooth, unlike a valid driver’s license, and there was no watermark. The suspect exited the business while police were speaking to the employee. An officer asked to speak to the man, who then fled the scene, according to the report. The man was able to get away on foot, police said, but with assistance from Huntington Woods and Oak Park police, he was found and apprehended.

During field sobriety tests, the driver was asked to rank his level of intoxication from zero to 10, with zero being sober and 10 being thoroughly intoxicated. The driver reportedly gave himself a four. The man was arrested and taken to the Novi Police Department, where he was given an Intoxilyzer test that measured his blood alcohol content at 0.122%. He was held until he was sober and then released with a court date, according to police.

Woman swindled out of $53,500

ROCHESTER HILLS — Deputies were dispatched to the 1200 block of Morley Avenue for a reported fraud at 7:05 p.m. Jan. 24.

A 74-year-old woman from Rochester Hills reported that she had received a pop-up on her computer indicating that her computer was being hacked. The pop-up provided a phone number to call for her to fix the problem. She called the number and was instructed to enter different IP addresses, and the scammers convinced her that her computer was being used in Russia to buy and sell pornography. She then received a phone call stating the caller was from the “FDC task force” and that she needed to remove money from her bank and convert it to bitcoin to protect the money. The victim ultimately converted $53,500 to bitcoin.

The money that was converted to bitcoin was ultimately transferred to a different bitcoin exchange and is unrecoverable. Police were investigating.

‘A

MARCH

Free Third Friday at Cranbrook Institute of Science: No registration 10 a.m.-5 p.m. (required afterward), 39221 Woodward Ave. in Bloomfield Hills, science.cranbrook.edu/free-third-thursday, (248) 645-3200

Senior Men’s Club of Birmingham: Speakers and luncheon 10:30 a.m. every Friday, Iroquois Club, 43248 Woodward Ave. in Bloomfield Township, also on Zoom, RSVP by previous Monday, www.seniormens clubbirmingham.com, seniormensclub@gmail.com

Movie discussion club: Meets 7 p.m. every first Thursday of month, Bloomfield Township Public Library, 1099 Lone Pine Road, (248) 642-5800, btpl.org

Second Saturday Book sales: 11 a.m.-3 p.m., Bloomfield Township Public Library, 1099 Lone Pine Road, (248) 642-5800, btpl.org Birmingham & Ferndale Stamp Club: Meets 6-8 p.m. every first and third Tuesday of month, fellowship at 5:30 p.m., NEXT Senior Center, 2121 Midvale St. in Birmingham, birminghamstamp.club

Book club: Meets 10 a.m. every fourth Thursday of month, Bloomfield Township Public Library, 1099 Lone Pine Road, (248) 642-5800, btpl. org

Health workshops: For chronic pain, high blood pressure and more, hosted by Corewell Health, free and virtual, beaumonthealth. digitalsignup.com

• For high blood pressure (6-7:30 p.m. Mondays until March 11), diabetes (6-8 p.m. Mondays until March 11) and kidney disease (1-3 p.m. Wednesdays until March 20), free and virtual, nkfm.org/PATH, mihealthyprograms.org

ADHD meetings: Hosted by CHADD of Eastern Oakland County, for adults and parents, 7:30-8:30 p.m., Zoom, see schedule on chadd. net/chapter-events/527

Lupus support groups: 10 a.m. every second Tuesday of month and 7 p.m. every last Wednesday, Zoom, (248) 901-7299, milupus.org/ support-groups